# This Is Torrevieja - Torrevieja news and events

> Torrevieja news and events, places to go and things to do

> Admin Email: mark.anthony.nolan@gmail.com


## Posts

### Socialist Youth Re-Launch in Torrevieja with Focus on Participation and Opportunities

The PSOE of Torrevieja has formally reconstituted Juventudes Socialistas in the city, marking the start of a new phase aimed at boosting youth participation, strengthening civic engagement, and defending long-term opportunities for young people.



The relaunch event, held over the weekend, signals a renewed organisational commitment to youth politics based on proximity, active listening, and practical support. The new local executive will be led by Nuria Martí as president and Julia Manzanares as secretary for organisation, alongside Fabiola Andreu as deputy secretary general and Marisol Belén Maglio as secretary for social life and education.



The event was attended by representatives from the regional PSOE, Juventudes Socialistas del País Valencià, and members of the local socialist group, who gathered to support the new leadership team at the start of this new chapter.



Youth as a Driver of Change



During the event, Bárbara Soler, secretary general of the PSOE in Torrevieja, congratulated the new executive and praised the commitment shown by its members. She highlighted the strategic importance of youth within the socialist project and the need to encourage greater involvement in public life.



Soler underlined the challenge of reconnecting young people with politics, stressing that political engagement should not be seen as distant or inaccessible. She described participation as a vital tool for improving everyday life and argued that when young people become active, society as a whole moves forward.



She also emphasised the importance of creating a city model that allows young residents to build their future locally. According to Soler, true success lies in ensuring that young talent does not feel forced to leave Torrevieja, but instead chooses to live, work, start families, or launch projects within the city.



Responding to a Lack of Opportunities



For their part, Nuria Martí and Julia Manzanares thanked party members for their support and explained that the return of Juventudes Socialistas is a direct response to the limited opportunities currently available to young people in Torrevieja.



They described the city as one of the largest in the Valencian Community, yet warned that for many young residents it has become “a desert of opportunities”. In response, the new organisation plans to combine scrutiny of municipal action with the development of its own political proposals.



Their project is structured around three core principles: proximity, active listening, and usefulness. This will include a strong presence on social media and direct advisory work to help young people understand their rights and access public grants and support schemes.



The new leadership stressed their intention to be practical from the outset, ensuring that no young person in Torrevieja misses out on opportunities due to a lack of information or overly complex administrative processes.



A New Stage for Youth Politics



The organisers also called for the creation of dedicated youth spaces and a stronger commitment to local talent, arguing that youth policy should go beyond cultural events and festivals.



With this reconstitution, Juventudes Socialistas of Torrevieja begins a new phase with the ambition of becoming a strong voice for youth demands and an active participant in shaping the city’s future.

Excerpt: Juventudes Socialistas has been reconstituted in Torrevieja, launching a new phase focused on youth participation, opportunity, and civic engagement. The PSOE says the initiative aims to ensure young people can build their future in the city rather than being forced to leave.

### Sueña Torrevieja Welcomes New Eurotaxi Licences but Criticises Lack of Transparency in the Process

Sueña Torrevieja has welcomed the approval of eight new Eurotaxi licences in the municipality, describing the move as a necessary and positive step to address what it says is a clearly insufficient taxi service for a city of Torrevieja’s size and demand.



Spokesperson Pablo Samper highlighted that the expansion of licences forms part of the budgetary agreements reached for 2026, and acknowledged that fulfilling those commitments represents tangible progress.




“We are pleased to see movement on the granting of new Eurotaxi licences,” Samper said. “It was a budgetary commitment and an obvious necessity for the city. When agreements are honoured, it is only fair to recognise it, and this measure is heading in the right direction.”




However, the local group has expressed concern over what it describes as insufficient publicity and poor dissemination of the licensing process. According to Sueña Torrevieja, several professionals who may have been interested in applying were unaware of the call until it was already closed.



Samper warned that the lack of visibility surrounding such an important procedure risks excluding qualified applicants and undermines confidence in municipal processes.




“What we regret is that a process of this importance was not adequately publicised,” he said. “That may have left out professionals who would otherwise have applied, and who in previous calls had proper access to the information.”




As a result, Sueña Torrevieja has submitted a formal question to the plenary session, requesting a detailed explanation of the timeline and communication strategy used during the procedure. The group says it expects a clear and convincing response from the governing team.



Call for Temporary Licences and Ongoing Improvements



Beyond the current call, Sueña Torrevieja reiterated its demand for the creation of temporary taxi licences, a mechanism permitted under regional regulations and one the group believes is essential given Torrevieja’s continued population growth and seasonal pressure on transport services.



The party stressed that its approach remains constructive and focused on improving municipal management rather than confrontation.




“We believe future calls must strengthen communication channels and guarantee maximum transparency, so that all potential applicants have equal opportunities,” Samper concluded.




Sueña Torrevieja reaffirmed its commitment to accessible mobility, compliance with budget agreements, and a more open, transparent and effective local administration, insisting that both permanent and temporary taxi licences are now indispensable to meet the city’s real transport needs

Excerpt: Sueña Torrevieja has welcomed the granting of eight new Eurotaxi licences as a necessary step to improve local transport, but has criticised the lack of publicity surrounding the process, warning that poor communication may have excluded potential applicants.

### PSOE Calls for Urgent Action as Torrevieja Spends Over €240,000 a Year on Rent While Municipal Buildings Lie Abandoned

The Socialist Group (PSOE) in Torrevieja has presented a motion to the Town Hall demanding the urgent rehabilitation of municipal property, better protection of the city’s historic buildings, and a gradual end to what it describes as unnecessary rental spending that now exceeds €240,000 per year.



PSOE spokesperson Bárbara Soler criticised the current management model, stating that the council has been paying more than €20,000 a month to rent private premises for municipal services, while numerous publicly owned buildings remain closed, underused, or abandoned.



According to information provided by the governing team in response to a PSOE question, the Town Hall currently holds five rental contracts totalling around €19,000 per month. However, Soler explained that this figure does not include additional premises, such as a property on Calle Clemente Gosálvez costing almost €2,700 per month, or a newly rented unit on Calle Valencia for more than €1,000 per month. “The real monthly cost already exceeds €20,000 and continues to rise,” she warned.



Municipal Buildings Left Idle



The motion highlights several municipally owned properties that have remained unused for years. Among them is a three-storey building on Calle Clemente Gosálvez, purchased for over €620,000, of which only the ground floor is currently in use. Upper floors remain closed, awaiting an undefined future project.



Also cited is the building on Calle Azorín, acquired in a land swap in 2011 and still unused more than a decade later, despite being protected for its historical value. Another example is the former Parroquia del Salvador, purchased by the Town Hall in 2024 for €251,000 to house municipal services, which remains closed.



Particular concern was raised over the old Town Hall building, which Soler described as being in a “deplorable state”, showing clear signs of deterioration and potential risk. Despite occasional public access due to its use as a storage facility, no rehabilitation work has been undertaken.



The PSOE also pointed to unused areas within the multi-purpose building, formerly promoted as the new Holy Week Museum, which remain closed despite being suitable for administrative use.



Heritage at Risk and Lack of Planning



Soler warned that several of these properties form part of Torrevieja’s limited historical and architectural heritage, and that continued neglect could lead to irreversible damage. “This is not just poor financial management,” she said, “it is a serious failure in the council’s duty to protect public heritage.”



The PSOE was also critical of the recent announcement of a future administrative city, describing it as “smoke and mirrors”. According to the motion, the announcement amounts only to a €50,000 agreement with a university for academic studies, with no executive project, no funding commitment, and any real action deferred to the next term.



“That agreement wasn’t even included in the budgets approved just a week earlier,” Soler noted, “which confirms the absence of planning and any real intention to change the current model.”



PSOE Demands Immediate Measures



Through its motion, the PSOE is calling for an updated inventory of all municipal properties, the immediate rehabilitation of the old Town Hall, the activation of underused buildings, proper conservation of historic assets, and a progressive reduction in rental expenditure.



“Enough of unnecessary rents, enough of empty announcements, and enough of letting Torrevieja’s municipal heritage decay,” Soler concluded.

Excerpt: PSOE Torrevieja has denounced annual rental spending of over €240,000 for municipal premises while publicly owned buildings remain abandoned or underused, calling for urgent rehabilitation and an end to what it describes as wasteful management.

### Sueña Torrevieja Calls for a Local Tax Office to Reflect City’s Size and Status

Sueña Torrevieja has submitted a motion to the municipal plenary session calling on the Spanish Government to establish a local office of the State Tax Agency (AEAT) in Torrevieja, arguing that the city’s population size and regional importance fully justify the move.



According to the local group, Torrevieja has now surpassed 110,000 registered residents, making it the fifth-largest city in the Valencian Community and reinforcing its role as the de facto capital of the Vega Baja. Spokesperson Pablo Samper said the figures leave no room for delay.“Torrevieja is a large city and must be treated as such by all levels of administration,” he stated.



Despite its size, Torrevieja currently has neither a Delegation nor an Administration of the AEAT, forcing residents, self-employed workers and businesses to travel to Orihuela, more than 35 kilometres away, for in-person tax procedures. Samper described the situation as illogical, noting that smaller cities such as Villena, Elda and Orihuela itself already have tax offices.



“This is about basic fairness,” Samper said. “It makes no sense that a city with over 110,000 inhabitants has to leave its own municipality to carry out essential tax procedures.”



Sueña Torrevieja stressed that the proposal is not politically partisan, but a long-standing demand shared by many residents and sectors of the city. The group argues that Torrevieja’s sustained population growth removes any remaining justification for the current lack of services.



The motion forms part of a broader call for equal treatment by the State, with Samper linking the absence of a tax office to other long-running deficiencies.“If we are serious about Torrevieja being the capital of the Vega Baja, we cannot continue without essential State services — whether that’s a properly resourced tax office, policing in line with our population, or a road network that meets modern standards,” he said.



The motion will be debated at the next municipal plenary session, with Sueña Torrevieja seeking the widest possible political consensus before formally forwarding the request to the Spanish Government.

Excerpt: Sueña Torrevieja has called for the creation of a local State Tax Agency office, arguing that a city of more than 110,000 residents should not be forced to travel outside the municipality for basic tax procedures

### Torrevieja University Hospital promotes rowing sports for patients with breast cancer

Torrevieja University Hospital has introduced a new initiative aimed at supporting patients undergoing or recovering from breast cancer, combining physical activity, teamwork and emotional wellbeing through the practice of Dragon Boat rowing.



The programme is being delivered in collaboration with the Royal Yacht Club of Torrevieja, which is offering the activity free of charge to participating patients. Dragon Boat rowing is a team-based discipline that has been widely recommended within oncology rehabilitation programmes, particularly for women who have experienced breast cancer.



Clinical experience and rehabilitation studies have shown that the activity offers a range of physical benefits, including improved upper limb mobility, increased muscle strength, enhanced cardiovascular capacity and support in the prevention of lymphoedema, a common concern following breast cancer treatment.



Beyond the physical gains, the group nature of Dragon Boat rowing plays a key role in emotional recovery. Shared participation helps to reduce stress, strengthen self-esteem and foster a sense of mutual support among patients — an important factor both during treatment and in the recovery phase.



A Holistic Approach to Care



Hospital officials have described the initiative as part of a broader, holistic approach to breast cancer care, which extends beyond clinical treatment to include healthy lifestyle promotion and emotional support.



By working alongside the Royal Yacht Club of Torrevieja, the hospital says it is reinforcing its commitment to patient-centred care and to initiatives that offer practical, lasting benefits in patients’ everyday lives.



The activity is open to interested patients and is completely free. Those wishing to take part or request further information can contact the Royal Yacht Club of Torrevieja directly by telephone on 609 43 45 93 or via email at info@rcnt.com.

### PSOE Condemns PP for Breaking Commitment to Hospital Laboratory Staff After Supreme Court Ruling

The Socialist Group of Torrevieja (PSOE) has strongly criticised the Partido Popular (PP) following a Supreme Court ruling that prevents the reinstatement of more than 30 laboratory workers at Torrevieja University Hospital, leaving the future of dozens of families uncertain.



The PSOE says the situation is the direct result of the deliberate failure of the current Regional Minister for Health, Marciano Gómez, to honour a public commitment made to the affected workers. According to the Socialists, Gómez had assured staff that if the ruling of the High Court of Justice of the Valencian Community (TSJCV) was favourable, it would not be appealed — a promise that was later broken, opening the door to the unfavourable outcome now confirmed by the Supreme Court Nota de prensa trabajadores hos….



A Missed Opportunity to Defend Workers



In May 2025, PSOE Torrevieja tabled a motion at the municipal plenary session urging the Regional Health Department to comply immediately with the TSJCV ruling, which had declared the collective dismissal of laboratory staff null and void and ordered their reinstatement.



During that debate, PSOE spokesperson Bárbara Soler reminded councillors of the minister’s public commitment not to appeal. Despite this, the PP group voted against the motion and introduced a counter-amendment that blocked any official institutional support for the workers.



At the same session, Mayor Eduardo Dolón claimed that the PSOE had been unwilling to subrogate the workers and argued that the PP had acted differently in other health departments, citing the case of Manises as an example.



“A False and Misleading Comparison”



The PSOE has rejected that argument as false and misleading. Soler explained that the Manises case was fundamentally different, as both the Regional Minister and the trade union CCOO had publicly acknowledged that the Manises health department contracts included a legal provision allowing laboratory staff to return to the concession at the end of the contract.



“That provision never existed in Torrevieja,” Soler stated. “And it didn’t exist because the tender specifications were originally drafted by the Partido Popular.”



According to the PSOE, the PP knowingly used the Manises example to confuse the public and avoid responsibility.“They were fully aware that the two cases were not comparable, yet they chose manipulation over defending Torrevieja’s workers,” Soler said.



Silence After the Ruling



The Socialists have also criticised the silence of the local PP leadership following the Supreme Court decision. Despite the serious consequences for the affected families, the mayor has made no public statement.



“They were silent when we asked them to intervene to stop the appeal, and they are silent now that the damage is done,” Soler said. “They were never on the side of these workers.”



The PSOE considers it particularly serious that the PP in Torrevieja supported the breach of the minister’s commitment, placing party loyalty and alignment with a same-colour regional government above the defence of local interests — even though the mayor himself sits as a deputy in the Valencian Parliament.



PSOE Reaffirms Its Support



The Socialist Group has reiterated its full support for the laboratory staff and their families, insisting that the outcome could have been avoided had the PP acted responsibly and honoured its word.



“This was not inevitable,” Soler concluded. “It was the result of political decisions, broken promises, and a refusal to stand up for Torrevieja’s workers when it mattered most.”

Excerpt: PSOE Torrevieja has accused the Partido Popular of breaking a public commitment to hospital laboratory staff after a Supreme Court ruling blocked their reinstatement, leaving more than 30 families facing an uncertain future.

### PSOE Accuses PP of “Fictitious” 2026 Budget Based on Non-Existent €18 Million Housing Income

The Socialist Group of Torrevieja (PSOE) has accused the Partido Popular (PP) of constructing a “fictitious and unworkable” 2026 municipal budget, after confirming that a key operation used to justify €18 million in expected revenue was never legally approved. According to the Socialists, the PP has attempted to present a land sale that does not exist, relying on income that cannot be collected under the current legal agreement.



PSOE councillor David Villanueva explained that the PP is still bound by the decision taken at the Local Government Board meeting of 8 October, which authorised a land swap (permuta) — not a cash sale. Under that agreement, the council would hand over public plots in exchange for 182 future protected homes (VPO), rather than any direct financial payment.“There is no resolution, no report, and no legal basis that converts this into a cash operation worth €18 million. That income simply does not exist,” Villanueva said.



“They attempted to sell public land without legal backing”



PSOE spokesperson Bárbara Soler said the PP had attempted to present the arrangement publicly as a direct sale of municipal land, even though the governing agreement makes no mention of money.




“They tried to sell public land without following land law, without reports and without procedure. They have backed down only because of political pressure,” she stated.




Soler said that after weeks of scrutiny from the PSOE, the PP has now stopped referring to the supposed €18 million payment and is instead suggesting that the income could come from the future sale of the protected homes themselves.




“This is effectively an admission that they cannot collect a single euro for the land. The signed agreement does not allow it,” she added.




Soler also criticised the PP’s intention to hand the management of the public housing stock to a private company, arguing that the model would result in Torrevieja losing long-term public control of its affordable homes. Under regional legislation approved by the Mazón government, VPO properties can be declassified after 15, 20, or 30 years, eventually entering the open market.“The idea that these homes would remain public is false. They would end up contributing to the same speculation that is already pricing local people out of Torrevieja,” she said.



A budget built on income that cannot be collected



Villanueva stressed that the PP’s entire investment plan for 2026 is pinned on the €18 million that cannot legally be collected, making the budget “unrealistic from the outset”.Among the projects dependent on this income are:




Reorganisation of the port surroundings (€6.7 million)



Green zone for Sector 25 (€2.2 million)



High-technology centre (€1.28 million)



Refurbishment of the La Plasa building (€4 million)



Los Locos promenade enhancements (€1 million)



Park-and-ride car parks (€1 million)



Participatory budgeting projects (€2 million)




However, under the agreement currently in force, the developer has up to 24 months, plus a 12-month extension, simply to begin construction. They must also obtain planning permission and VPO classification before the land swap is formalised.




“Even in the best-case scenario, these homes will not be ready until 2029. Only then could any sale process begin — and only then could income exist. Not in 2026,” Villanueva explained.




Public housing protected — for now



The PSOE says its intervention has prevented the PP from “disposing of” public land that should form part of Torrevieja’s long-term affordable housing stock. The group has pledged to monitor the future VPO project to ensure the homes remain protected, accessible, and genuinely available for residents who need them.




“What is clear,” the PSOE concluded, “is that the PP tried to push through an irregular operation to balance its budget. It has failed — and the numbers now fall apart. The public deserves honesty, not accounting fantasies.”

Excerpt: PSOE Torrevieja has accused the PP of presenting a “fictitious” 2026 budget based on €18 million in land-sale income that does not legally exist. The Socialists say the governing agreement is a land swap for future protected homes, not a sale, leaving major investment projects without real funding.

### Left-Wing Parties Unite in Vega Baja to Forge a Common Front Against the Far-Right

Representatives of several left-wing political parties in the Vega Baja region gathered this week in Daya Vieja to discuss the future of progressive politics in southern Alicante, emphasising the need for unity and cooperation to counter the growing influence of the right and far right.



The event, titled “A Drop of Pure Courage” (Una gota de pura valentía), brought together members of Compromís, Esquerra Unida del País Valencià (EUPV), Cambiemos Orihuela, and Los Verdes de Torrevieja for an open meeting aimed at building alliances and developing a shared roadmap for future governance.







A Call for Unity and Hopeful Politics



Compromís deputy spokesperson in Les Corts, Aitana Mas, opened the discussion by calling for collaboration and optimism:




“We must govern with people in mind, focus on what unites us, and build a hopeful future,” she said.




Her colleague, Águeda Micó, Compromís deputy in the Spanish Congress, warned of the dangers of political polarisation and hate rhetoric, urging the left to respond with constructive and empathetic solutions.




“It’s vital that the left rises to the occasion and provides what ordinary people really need — practical, hopeful answers, far removed from confrontation and fear,” she said.




The meeting was attended by around one hundred participants at the local youth centre of Daya Vieja — the smallest municipality in Vega Baja and one governed by Compromís with an absolute majority.



Among those present were representatives of EUPV Almoradí, Cambiemos Orihuela, Los Verdes de Torrevieja, and Compromís groups from Baix Vinalopó and Alacantí.







Shared Goals and Common Challenges



Alongside Mas and Micó, other key speakers included Nahuel González, EUPV deputy in the Spanish Congress, and Rosa Pérez, the party’s regional coordinator. The event was moderated by Sara Llobell, a Compromís councillor in Alicante, with contributions from Rafa Mas, Alicante’s Compromís spokesperson, and Esther Díez, councillor from Elche.



In a round-table discussion, participants outlined the challenges facing Vega Baja, the wider Valencian Community, and Spain as a whole. They denounced the influence of Vox-backed conservative governments, accusing them of undermining equality, environmental policy, and women’s rights.



They also highlighted the growing threat of xenophobia and anti-feminism, describing them as “simplistic answers from the right and far right to complex social problems.”



For the parties represented, the political agenda should prioritise:




Affordable housing



Public healthcare



A sustainable and productive economy offering secure and dignified employment




These, they said, must be central to policy-making from local councils up to regional and national administrations.







Vega Baja in Focus



A second discussion panel, focused on local governance, featured José Vicente Fernández (Compromís mayor of Daya Vieja), José Manuel Dolón (former Los Verdes mayor of Torrevieja), Carlos Bernabé (Cambiemos Orihuela), and José Manuel Sanz (EUPV Almoradí).



Speakers contrasted the 2019 DANA flood response led by the former Botànic coalition government with last year’s storm management in Valencia, praising the earlier handling as more efficient and people-centred.



The debate also touched on the region’s dependence on tourism-driven urban development, water resource management, and the urgent need for fair funding for the Vega Baja and the wider province of Alicante.



Participants called for stronger investment in public services, especially healthcare, education, social welfare, and dependency support, arguing that these are the foundation of a fair and cohesive society.




“The future must be built on cooperation, equality, and the defence of public services,” concluded one speaker. “It’s time to stop reacting to the right — and start leading with courage and conviction.”

Excerpt: Left-wing parties including Compromís, Esquerra Unida, Cambiemos Orihuela and Los Verdes de Torrevieja met in Daya Vieja to discuss a united political strategy for the Vega Baja. The gathering called for cooperation, social investment, and a renewed fight against inequality, xenophobia, and the far right’s influence.

### Therapeutic advances usher in a new era in the fight against pancreatic cancer

Early diagnosis, personalised therapies and new targeted drugs are marking a paradigm shift for one of the cancers with the poorest prognosis.



Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most complex tumours to diagnose and treat, but progress in recent years is opening up a more hopeful outlook for patients. This is explained by Dr Enrique de Madaria, a specialist in Digestive Diseases at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital and Quirónsalud Alicante, who emphasises that the combination of new imaging techniques, emerging biomarkers and targeted therapies “is beginning to change a disease that for a long time seemed immovable”.



Pancreatic cancer develops when cells in the pancreas start to grow uncontrollably, generally in the part responsible for producing digestive enzymes. The most common type is pancreatic adenocarcinoma.



One of the greatest challenges is achieving earlier diagnosis. Because the pancreas lies deep within the abdomen, early tumours rarely cause clear symptoms. “When signs such as abdominal pain, weight loss or jaundice appear, the disease is often already advanced,” Dr De Madaria points out. At present, nearly 80% of cases are detected when surgery is no longer possible — despite being the only treatment that can potentially cure the disease.



New tools for the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer



Although there is still no effective screening programme for the general population, technological progress is enabling the detection of increasingly small suspicious lesions thanks to tools such as high-resolution MRI scans, endoscopic ultrasound, and advanced image-analysis systems based on artificial intelligence. “This is where we are seeing a qualitative leap: technology is sharpening our ability to identify incipient tumours and, in some cases, to get ahead of symptoms,” the specialist explains.



At the same time, new biomarkers are being investigated that could revolutionise early detection, including fragments of circulating tumour DNA, specific metabolites, and even signals detectable in saliva and stool samples — a line of research still in the experimental phase but especially promising.



A treatment approach that requires a multidisciplinary team



Managing pancreatic cancer calls for close coordination between gastroenterologists, surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and nutritionists. Specialists review each case in tumour boards to decide on the best therapeutic plan.



Surgery remains the only potentially curative treatment, but only a small proportion of patients are eligible for it at the time of diagnosis. In some cases that are initially inoperable, new chemotherapy regimens can shrink the tumour and make later surgery possible.



Advances in the treatment of pancreatic cancer



In recent years, medical treatment for pancreatic cancer has evolved significantly, leading to clear improvements in survival.



However, the most important breakthrough comes from personalised medicine. Some tumours harbour mutations that allow the use of targeted therapies.



“We are witnessing a paradigm shift,” says Dr De Madaria. “For decades, KRAS — the main mutation in pancreatic cancer — seemed untouchable, but drugs are now starting to emerge that can act on specific mutations such as KRAS G12C or G12D. The first trials are promising.”



In addition, therapies capable of acting against several KRAS variants are already in development, which could benefit a far larger proportion of patients. Research is also exploring combinations with immunotherapy and other targeted treatments, with increasingly robust preliminary results.



Although pancreatic cancer remains a major challenge, the pace of progress is faster than ever. “For the first time, we are seeing research deliver not only knowledge but real tools that can transform prognosis,” concludes Dr Enrique de Madaria. “Collaboration between centres and participation in clinical trials have been key to opening new doors for our patients.”

Excerpt: Early diagnosis, personalised therapies and new targeted drugs are marking a paradigm shift for one of the cancers with the poorest prognosis.

### Valencian Health Ministry Recommends Face Masks in Hospitals and Clinics as Precaution Against Respiratory Viruses

The Ministry of Health has issued new recommendations to health departments across the Valencian Community regarding the use of face masks in healthcare settings as a preventative measure against respiratory virus transmission, such as COVID.



Although the region remains at a low epidemic level, with 787.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants recorded last week, authorities are urging vigilance in anticipation of a possible resurgence of respiratory infections during the winter season.



According to the new guidance, surgical masks are recommended in the following situations:




For symptomatic individuals when in shared public or healthcare spaces.



For healthcare professionals attending to symptomatic patients.



For all individuals, including patients, healthcare staff, and companions, in vulnerable environments such as chemotherapy treatment rooms, transplant units, intensive care units (ICUs), and hospital or primary care emergency departments.




Health departments and facility managers are authorised to extend these measures based on their own risk assessments and the advice of Preventive Medicine Services. Local healthcare centres may implement additional internal protocols where patients and families congregate, ensuring each site’s infection-control measures reflect its operational capacity and local circumstances.







Part of the Regional Contingency Plan



The recommendations form part of the Contingency Plan for Increases in the Incidence of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs), previously distributed to all Valencian health departments. This plan establishes strategies to guarantee continuity of care during seasonal respiratory epidemics, defining specific actions according to the level of viral transmissibility and each centre’s capacity.



The measures outlined include:




Public health recommendations to limit virus spread.



Organisational and operational protocols for both primary care and hospital settings.



Clear guidance on when to escalate or reduce protective measures depending on case numbers.




The primary aim, the Health Ministry said, is to ensure that the Valencian Health System remains “fully operational and resilient” in the face of fluctuating respiratory virus activity.







Vaccination Remains the Main Line of Defence



The plan also reinforces the importance of vaccination as the most effective tool for preventing both influenza and other acute respiratory infections.



Since 3 November, Valencian health centres have been offering free flu and COVID-19 vaccines to the general population, following an initial phase targeting high-risk groups. The Health Department has strengthened the vaccination campaign through:




Extended opening hours in primary care centres.



An online booking system and SMS reminders for priority groups.



Focused vaccination drives in nursing homes, schools, special education centres, and day centres.




Officials emphasised that widespread vaccination, combined with basic preventative measures such as mask use in sensitive environments, remains crucial for protecting both healthcare capacity and vulnerable populations during the winter months.

Excerpt: The Valencian Ministry of Health has recommended the use of face masks in hospitals and clinics as a precaution against respiratory viruses. Although the region remains at a low epidemic level, the guidance forms part of a contingency plan to protect vulnerable patients and maintain healthcare continuity this winter.

### Calls for Accountability After Fatal Palm Tree Collapse in Torrevieja

The death of a 22-year-old man after a palm tree collapsed onto his vehicle on the CV-905 in Torrevieja has prompted widespread outrage and renewed demands for accountability over the management of the city’s green zones and urban trees.



Both PSOE Torrevieja and Sueña Torrevieja have issued statements expressing condolences to the victim’s family and urging urgent reviews of safety, inspection, and maintenance procedures. The tragedy has reignited long-standing criticism of how the municipality manages its public spaces, particularly palm trees, which are vulnerable to pests and structural decay.







PSOE Questions Contract Oversight and Municipal Responsibility



PSOE spokesperson Bárbara Soler called for a full investigation into whether the obligations of the current green zone maintenance contract, awarded in March 2025, were being properly fulfilled at the time of the incident.



Soler explained that the contract required the awarded company to submit a detailed report on the conservation and phytosanitary condition of all municipal vegetation within the first months of operation, along with an annual maintenance plan and subsequent monthly reports. These documents, she said, should have been filed by June at the latest.



“The mayor’s announcement of new inspections of Torrevieja’s 5,500 palm trees is not a new safety initiative — it is a contractual obligation already being paid for with public money,” Soler said. “This company will receive €113 million from Torrevieja residents, and such inspections form part of what they are contracted to do, not a goodwill gesture.”



She also recalled that another palm tree had fallen on the Paseo Vistalegre in June, though fortunately without injury, and that no general review was ordered at the time. The PSOE argues that this pattern raises doubts about whether contractual safety requirements have been properly monitored.



Soler noted that the party has requested the full contract file to verify whether the required inspections and reports were completed, and to identify where any failures may have occurred. “The saddest part of this story,” she said, “is that this might have been preventable.”



The PSOE has repeatedly warned of declining maintenance standards across the municipality, particularly in the urbanisations, where they say the same company previously failed to meet obligations under the old contract yet continued to receive monthly payments of €260,000.




“We cannot depend on luck,” Soler said. “Torrevieja residents deserve guarantees — not empty reassurances — that safety standards are met and enforced.”








Sueña Torrevieja Calls for Permanent Prevention Plan



Local independent group Sueña Torrevieja also expressed condolences and urged that current emergency measures not remain temporary. Spokesperson Pablo Samper stressed that prevention must become a routine and verifiable process, rather than a reaction to tragedy.



“The reviews and tree removals now taking place are necessary,” Samper said, “but these cannot be isolated actions. They must be the beginning of a permanent, preventive plan to ensure the safety of all residents.”



Samper called for better coordination between the Town Hall, the contracted company, and regional authorities, as well as full public access to technical reports and inspection results. He also proposed:




A permanent and periodic inspection programme for trees in high-traffic areas.



Stronger pest control — particularly against the red palm weevil, which weakens palm structures.



Transparent publication of all maintenance and safety reports.



Technical risk assessments to guide tree management decisions.





“Our aim is not to politicise a tragedy,” Samper said, “but to make sure prevention becomes the norm — not the reaction.”








Shared Responsibility and Public Confidence



Both political groups agree that this incident highlights deeper, systemic failures in urban maintenance and oversight. With the same contractor now responsible for green zones, waste collection, and irrigation networks, critics say the lack of independent monitoring has left safety and accountability in question.



For residents, the tragedy has become a stark reminder of how years of underinvestment and fragmented planning continue to carry human costs. As investigations continue, both the PSOE and Sueña Torrevieja have vowed to pursue transparency, responsibility, and lasting preventive measures — so that such a tragedy “never happens again.”

Excerpt: Following the death of a 22-year-old man struck by a falling palm tree in Torrevieja, the PSOE has demanded an investigation into possible breaches of the city’s green zone maintenance contract, while Sueña Torrevieja calls for a permanent, transparent prevention plan to ensure such a tragedy is never repeated.

### Torrevieja Tops List of Spain’s Worst Places to Live – and the Reasons Are Hard to Ignore

The property website Idealista has ranked Torrevieja as one of the worst places to live in Spain in 2025, and for many residents, the result comes as no surprise. Once seen as a thriving seaside town, Torrevieja has become a symbol of overdevelopment, crumbling infrastructure, and political neglect that is eroding both its environment and its quality of life.



While national headlines have treated the survey as sensational, Idealista’s findings are grounded in the very issues that locals have been voicing for years: a town built faster than it can cope, with services, transport, and planning failing to keep pace with expansion.



Overdevelopment and Empty Homes



Despite tens of thousands of empty or unsold properties scattered across its urbanisations, new construction projects continue to rise across the municipality. Large swathes of former greenbelt land are being converted into concrete, while rainwater drainage systems, public transport, and waste collection remain inadequate.



Flooding has become routine after even moderate rainfall, a direct result of insufficient stormwater management and poor planning oversight. Many of the new developments have been approved without the necessary environmental protections in place.



The city’s priorities appear heavily concentrated on beautifying a small area of the town centre, while outlying neighbourhoods — where the majority of Torrevieja’s residents actually live — are left visibly neglected. Pavements crumble, street lighting fails, and access to basic amenities varies drastically from one urbanisation to another.



A Town Built on Decline



The once-strong British community, which helped shape Torrevieja’s international image, has sharply declined over the past decade, reduced by Brexit, rising living costs, and a perception that public services no longer meet even minimum standards.



In their place, a diverse mix of Ukrainians, Poles, Scandinavians, and South Americans has brought new energy — but even they are finding that the town’s infrastructure is buckling under the weight of unplanned growth. Public transport remains grossly outdated, with ageing buses and limited coverage that fails to meet the needs of a population approaching 100,000 in winter and triple that number in summer.



Social and welfare services are underfunded and understaffed, with long waiting times and limited resources for vulnerable families. Meanwhile, coastal and natural areas that once defined the town’s charm are being carved away by urban development and controversial regeneration schemes.



Environmental and Civic Breakdown



The Lagunas de La Mata and Torrevieja Natural Park, long regarded as an ecological treasure, continues to face pressure from pollution and human encroachment. Experts and residents alike warn that the lagoon ecosystem — already fragile — is nearing irreversible damage.



Flood-prone zones remain largely unprotected, despite millions of euros in regional funding offered for drainage improvements since 2021. Instead, the town has seen a succession of cosmetic projects in high-visibility locations, aimed more at political image than at long-term resilience.



Neglect Hidden Behind a Facade



While the seafront promenade, new paving and public squares may present a polished image to tourists, the reality for many residents beyond the centre is one of decay, isolation, and disconnection. The contrast between glossy central investments and the neglected outskirts has deepened frustration among long-term locals, who see the town sliding further away from sustainable urban living.



For Idealista’s analysts, Torrevieja’s position at the top of Spain’s “worst places to live” list was not arbitrary — it was earned through years of poor governance, inadequate planning, and misplaced priorities.




Torrevieja remains a city of enormous potential, but that potential is being buried under concrete, bureaucracy, and complacency.

Excerpt: Idealista has ranked Torrevieja as Spain’s worst place to live in 2025 — a verdict echoed by residents frustrated by overdevelopment, failing infrastructure, worsening floods, neglected urbanisations, and years of political inaction that have left only the town centre visibly improved.

### N332 for Kids Launches at Expo Torrevieja with Trafford’s Treasure Hunt

The team behind the award-winning N332 road safety project will officially launch N332 for Kids this weekend at Expo Torrevieja, introducing the next stage of their educational work — Trafford and Friends.



The launch features a fun and family-friendly Treasure Hunt, created to engage children while their grown-ups explore the exhibition. Each child can download a Trafford Treasure Map from the Trafford and Friends website and, with help from their grown-up, follow the clues around the Expo to find Trafford’s friends. Once at least five stamps are collected, completed maps can be returned before 12:00 to enter a prize draw for Trafford’s Goodie Bag — a bright yellow N332 backpack filled with a Colour with Trafford colouring book, crayons, and other surprises. Their grown-up will also receive a matching prize, including a Trafford and Friends mug and the first N332 - Driving in Spain Book.



The Treasure Hunt takes place on both Saturday and Sunday between 10:00 and 12:00, with winners announced live on Big Radio Spain just after the 12:00 news each day.



Concept creator Mark Nolan said: “This marks an exciting moment for us. N332 for Kids brings road safety learning to life for young audiences, making it fun, engaging, and accessible for families in Spain.”



More details, downloadable maps, and updates can be found at traffordandfriends.com, and further information about the wider road safety project is available at n332.es.




https://youtu.be/GvFrIphkxyM

### PSOE to Challenge Torrevieja Budget and Applauds Annulment of Transport Contract

The Socialist Party of Torrevieja (PSOE) has announced formal challenges against the 2026 municipal budget, accusing the Partido Popular (PP) of serious irregularities in the use of public funds, and has welcomed the recent administrative ruling that annulled the PP’s contract proposal for the city’s urban transport service.



Budget Objections



Socialist spokesperson Bárbara Soler said her group had voted against the 2026 budget “out of coherence,” arguing that it increases municipal debt while failing to address social priorities. “We will present our proposals through motions,” she said, adding that “none of our contributions have ever received PP support, while we have backed proposals from all groups.”



Soler also criticised the PP for inviting Vox to include new spending items after the deadline, presenting them as amendments. “We weren’t called, but if their aim was to make us look isolated, we’re quite comfortable being the only real opposition. We are the alternative,” she stated.



The PSOE will submit a formal legal challenge against the budget for including €18 million in revenue from the sale of land originally allocated for social housing (VPO). Soler warned that this could violate public land regulations, as such transactions require a formal sale process, valuation, and open competition. “This income may be illegal,” she said. “If confirmed, it would mean there’s not enough credit to cover the planned investments.”



The party also criticised the regional government, led by President Carlos Mazón, for approving a new law that allows the early deregulation of protected housing, enabling it to enter the free market much sooner than before. “By 2040, homes meant for young people will be private assets, even though they were built on public land with institutional support. We’ll lose the land, the homes, and the social purpose,” Soler warned.



Urban Transport Contract Annulled



The PSOE welcomed the decision by the Central Administrative Court for Contractual Appeals (TARC), which annulled the PP’s tender documents for the city’s long-delayed urban transport contract. “The court has stopped a process we’ve long considered irregular,” said Soler.



The contract has remained unresolved for six years, leaving the city dependent on outdated “Flintstones-era” buses while paying €260,000 a month to operate without a formal contract. Soler accused the PP of “years of chaos,” noting that the city has already lost €3.5 million in European funds, some of which had to be returned with interest.



Three years ago, the council awarded a €17 million contract for new buses that was never formalised because there was no money to pay for it. The PSOE claims the PP later tried to transfer this cost to the new operator—raising the figure by more than €1 million—without any legal basis. The TARC ruling supports this interpretation, confirming that the proposed increase “had no legal foundation.”




“The PP sells itself as a party of good management, but behind the marketing lies incompetence,” said Soler. “We will continue to scrutinise every step to show residents that what they call progress is really improvisation and opacity.”

Excerpt: PSOE Torrevieja will challenge the city’s 2026 budget over alleged irregularities in land sales and welcomes a ruling that annulled the PP’s transport contract, accusing the government of financial mismanagement and lack of transparency.

### PSOE: Torrevieja’s New Budget “Mortgages the City’s Future” and Abandons Social Policy

The Socialist Group (PSOE) has strongly criticised the 2026 municipal budget approved by the ruling Partido Popular (PP) during an extraordinary plenary session of Torrevieja Town Hall, describing it as “unrealistic, unbalanced and antisocial.”



Councillor David Villanueva argued that the new accounts “once again plunge the city into debt while reducing services and abandoning social policies.” According to his statement, Torrevieja’s municipal debt will rise to nearly 50 million euros, representing around 42 per cent of the city’s ordinary income, and creating a financial burden of almost five million euros per year for the next twelve years to repay loans.




“The PP is spending not only Torrevieja’s savings, but also its future. This budget is a mortgage on public services and on the well-being of our citizens,” Villanueva stated.




The socialist councillor also criticised the PP’s decision to withdraw the 182 planned municipal social housing units, calling it a clear sign of the government’s “lack of interest in the right to housing.”




“For the PSOE, housing is a basic right that must be protected. For the PP, it is simply a source of revenue,” he added.




Villanueva further revealed that the Town Hall had returned funds allocated to social services because the necessary staff had not been hired, which he described as proof of “a lack of commitment to those most in need.”



In response to government claims that the PSOE had failed to present amendments, Villanueva explained that rejecting the budget was not a matter of inaction but of principle. The party had carried out a detailed analysis of the budget and preferred to present a full amendment to the budget rather than partial ones that would inevitably be rejected.



As examples of viable alternatives, Villanueva cited:




2 million euros for the full refurbishment of the Polígono Casagrande industrial estate.



3 million euros to pave currently unpaved areas of Las Torretas.



2 million euros to create a fast, paved access road to Torrevieja Hospital parallel to the N-332.





“We wanted the debate to focus on the disastrous budget itself, not on our amendments, which the PP would have dismissed as usual,” he stated.




Politically, the PSOE said the outcome of the vote confirms that it remains the only true opposition to the Partido Popular in Torrevieja.

Excerpt: The PSOE has accused the Partido Popular of mortgaging Torrevieja’s future with a 2026 budget that increases debt to almost 50 million euros while cutting social policies. Councillor David Villanueva criticised the ruling party for abandoning housing and social services, saying the socialists remain the city’s only real opposition.

### Sueña Torrevieja Sees Its Proposals Incorporated into the 2026 Municipal Budget

Sueña Torrevieja has voted in favour of the initial approval of Torrevieja’s 2026 municipal budget, following the inclusion of several of its electoral and policy proposals. The group described its support as “responsible and vigilant”, rather than a “blank cheque”.




“We have ensured that this budget reflects real, achievable proposals from Sueña Torrevieja — ideas designed to improve our city,” said spokesperson Pablo Samper. “We will continue to scrutinise every euro spent.”




Among the key measures included are the comprehensive renovation of the Vicente García Stadium, financial support for families purchasing school materials, and improvements to accessibility, including adapted traffic lights for people with reduced mobility.



Samper explained that the positive vote was a decision made “with common sense and in the general interest”.




“Beyond political colours or party loyalties, what matters most are programme agreements that benefit people. When our proposals are incorporated and help to transform the city, the responsible action is to allow them to go forward,” he said.




The spokesperson stressed that Sueña Torrevieja remains a constructive, results-driven opposition that will “monitor the execution of the budget” and demand transparency and efficiency from the local government.



Main proposals from Sueña Torrevieja included in the 2026 budget:




Comprehensive renovation of the Vicente García Stadium, a key symbol of local sport.



Redevelopment of Parque de la Estación and the Ruta Salinera, creating a major green corridor and sustainable tourism attraction.



Urban beautification and full resurfacing of the town centre.



A study into pedestrianising the central area, to promote local commerce and sustainable mobility.



Aid for the purchase of school materials, supporting Torrevieja’s families.



Accessibility improvements and adapted traffic lights for people with disabilities.



A dedicated budget allocation for the memorial monolith honouring the victims of the 1938 bombing.



Increased subsidies for parent–teacher associations (AMPAs) to strengthen educational participation.




Samper stated that these measures are part of the group’s long-term vision for a “modern, sustainable, accessible and human Torrevieja.”




“Our support does not mean complacency,” he continued. “We will be vigilant throughout the year, monitoring implementation, reviewing the 2025 budget settlement, and ensuring compliance with spending limits. What’s approved must be delivered — not left on paper.”




The Sueña Torrevieja leader also recalled that his group remains the only local and independent political force to have representation in three consecutive legislatures, demonstrating “the public’s appreciation for serious work, coherence and the defence of local interests above partisan politics.”




“Torrevieja needs less confrontation and more serious, practical work. Sueña Torrevieja will always be ready for dialogue when it serves the common good — and will raise its voice when promises are broken or public funds are misused. Our only loyalty is to Torrevieja,” concluded Samper.

Excerpt: Sueña Torrevieja has confirmed its support for the 2026 municipal budget after securing the inclusion of key proposals from its electoral programme, including the renovation of the Vicente García Stadium, aid for families purchasing school materials, and new accessibility measures. The group has pledged to remain vigilant to ensure that all approved commitments are fulfilled.

### Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital celebrates 25 years of medical excellence, innovation and commitment to health

More than 500 people, including professionals, patients, public officials and representatives from the healthcare, business and social spheres, gathered for an emotional commemorative gala at the Torrevieja International Auditorium.













The Torrevieja International Auditorium was filled with emotion, memories and collective pride during the commemorative gala marking the 25th anniversary of Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital – an event that brought together over five hundred guests, among them healthcare professionals, patients, authorities, and prominent figures from Torrevieja’s social and business community.



A hospital that has been, and continues to be, a leading reference in healthcare across the province of Alicante and the Valencian Community – ahead of its time and pioneering in numerous treatments and medical techniques. Over these 25 years, it has consolidated a model of care based on excellence, innovation and humanity.



The gala, hosted by Toni Cabot, director of Diario Información, offered a journey through the history, innovation and values that have made the hospital a benchmark in healthcare, both within and beyond the Valencian Community.



The evening featured performances by the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra and the Paya’s Dance School, led by Lucía de España, who brought an artistic and emotional touch to a celebration that showcased local talent and cultural identity.



The ceremony was attended by Francisco Ponce, Territorial Director of Health for the province of Alicante; Agustina Esteve, Delegate of the Consell in Alicante; and Eduardo Dolón, Mayor of Torrevieja, alongside Francisco Fiestras, Territorial Director of Quirónsalud Levante and Canary Islands.Fiestras highlighted that “the true value of Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital lies in its people. Every professional, every patient and every story have shaped what we are today: a healthcare benchmark and, above all, a great family.”



During his address, Fiestras also emphasised the hospital’s forward-looking vision, centred on technological innovation, humanised care and sustainability. He announced the upcoming launch of the Citizens and Patients Advisory Council, an initiative designed to give society a voice in the hospital’s strategic decisions and to strengthen the active participation of patients in the continuous improvement of healthcare services.



Recognition and emotion in a gala celebrating 25 years of shared history



The central part of the gala paid tribute to professionals with 25 years of service, retired staff, and those who have left a lasting mark on the hospital.



Awards were also presented to patients and associations that work closely with the centre, including AFECÁNCER, represented by its president Victoria Meneses, and AFA Torrevieja, represented by its technical director Lidia Navarro, in recognition of their work in support, awareness and care for patients and their families.



In addition, the Norwegian Church, represented by Marianne Offernes, and the Swedish Church Costa Blanca, represented by Elisabeth Johansson, were honoured for their dedication, assistance and collaboration in supporting international patients and their families.



A special mention was given to Dr Antonio Brugarolas, head of the Oncology Platform, for his outstanding career and key role in the hospital’s development and in the comprehensive care of oncology patients.



The Mayor, Eduardo Dolón, closed the institutional event by stating that “Torrevieja is proud to have a hospital of reference, committed to excellence and to people. This anniversary is also a recognition of the role Quirónsalud has played in improving the quality of life of our citizens.”



A year of celebrations uniting science, community and solidarity



Throughout 2025, Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital has celebrated a particularly meaningful year, filled with initiatives that have highlighted its history, its commitment to health and its close connection with the community.



The commemorative programme began on 4 February, World Cancer Day, with the inauguration of the “Bell of Dreams”, a symbol of hope and recovery that now marks the end of treatment for many cancer patients.



In May, the hospital organised the charity run “5K Steps that Count”, a sporting and fundraising event that brought together more than 500 runners in support of AFECÁNCER, strengthening its commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting patient associations.



The celebrations continued with the unveiling of the mural “Our History, Your Health”, which highlights the hospital’s main clinical and technological milestones since its opening in 2000, and with the photo exhibition “ALTAS”, a tribute to patients who have overcome illness and to the professionals who have supported them along the way.



The hospital has also reinforced its dedication to science and medical outreach through a series of scientific conferences on general surgery, oncology and gynaecology – the latter focused on the prevention and management of human papillomavirus (HPV).



Each of these initiatives has reaffirmed the hospital’s vocation to unite knowledge, research and social commitment, the three pillars that have sustained its model of care over the past 25 years.



Upcoming milestones: launch of the podcast series and Neuroscience Conference



To conclude the anniversary year, Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital will launch the podcast series “Clinical Stories” on Friday, 7 November, featuring real-life accounts from patients and doctors at the hospital. Recorded as part of the 25th-anniversary programme, the series will explore stories of resilience and medical dedication, giving voice to the science and humanity behind every clinical case.



In addition, on 28 November, the hospital will host the 1st Quirónsalud Torrevieja Neuroscience Conference, a multidisciplinary meeting bringing together specialists from different fields to discuss advances in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of neurological diseases – reaffirming the hospital’s ongoing commitment to research and continuous medical education.

Excerpt: The 25th anniversary gala of Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital celebrated its legacy in healthcare, attended by over 500 guests. The event highlighted the hospital's pioneering role in healthcare excellence and innovation, honoring dedicated professionals and collaborating associations. Future initiatives include a podcast series and a Neuroscience Conference, furthering community connection and medical outreach.

### Nutrition, a Key Factor in the Prevention of Breast Cancer 

World Breast Cancer Day, commemorated each year on 19 October, shines a light on early detection and support for women facing an oncological diagnosis. However, Dr Pilar Hernández, nutritionist at the Oncology Platform of Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, reminds us that “there is one aspect that remains largely overlooked, yet can also help us in prevention: nutrition.” 



According to various studies, around 40 per cent of cancer cases could be prevented through healthy lifestyle habits. “It is not about assigning blame, but about becoming aware that what we eat every day influences our hormonal health, the level of inflammation in our body, and our ability to defend ourselves against cellular damage,” Dr Hernández emphasises. 



The specialist warns that the most concerning eating patterns are precisely those that have become normalised — such as excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods, the constant presence of added sugars, diets low in fibre and vegetables, and the intake of alcohol, even in small amounts. 



“All of this creates an inflammatory environment that can disrupt hormonal balance and promote the accumulation of abdominal fat — a metabolically active tissue that produces oestrogens associated with certain types of breast cancer,” Dr Hernández underlines. 



The Mediterranean Diet: A Protective Ally Against Cancer 



In contrast to these risks, the specialist points out that the Mediterranean diet remains the eating pattern most strongly supported by scientific evidence. “It is rich in fruit, vegetables, pulses, nuts, wholegrains and extra virgin olive oil, and helps to reduce inflammation and maintain stable hormonal balance,” she explains. 



Among the foods she recommends incorporating regularly are berries, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, pulses, citrus fruits, oily fish, green tea and ginger. “There are no miraculous superfoods — only consistent habits that, day by day, protect our cells and strengthen the immune system,” adds Dr Hernández. 



Weight control and regular physical activity are, according to the specialist, two other fundamental pillars. “The body doesn’t need perfection — it needs consistency. Moving every day and performing strength exercises help regulate hormones, reduce inflammation and preserve muscle mass.” 



“Preventing breast cancer does not mean living on a diet; it means eating with purpose — returning to real food, to what is cooked at home. Taking care of yourself is not a trend; it is an act of self-love and a way of living better, inside and out,” concludes Dr Hernández. 

Excerpt: World Breast Cancer Day, commemorated each year on 19 October, shines a light on early detection and support for women facing an oncological diagnosis.

### PSOE Accuses PP of Negligence Over Rainwater Drainage Projects

The Socialist Party of Torrevieja (PSOE) has criticised the Partido Popular (PP) for what it calls years of “inaction and neglect” in addressing the city’s long-standing flooding problems.



Socialist spokesperson Bárbara Soler said the effects of the recent DANA storm could have been mitigated if the council had acted earlier to use regional funding made available in 2021 under the Vega Baja Renhace Plan, launched by the former Ximo Puig government after the catastrophic floods of 2019.




“The Botànic allocated more than one million euros to Torrevieja to carry out works, purchase land or execute projects to improve the rainwater drainage system. But the PP left the money untouched for years, only moving the paperwork when the funding was about to expire,” Soler stated.




She explained that at the most recent plenary session, the council finally approved the initial paperwork to contract the project that includes drainage collectors for Avenida Roentgen. “We are not even talking about the works themselves yet—only the project documentation. These improvements could already be completed if they had been initiated on time,” she said.



Soler reminded residents that the Socialist Party had already warned about this issue in 2023, to which the PP government replied that the regional aid was “insufficient” and claimed the council had already invested more than €8.5 million in drainage infrastructure.




“What they failed to say,” Soler countered, “is that the money didn’t come from the Town Hall but from AGAMED. They cannot expect the Generalitat to pay for works they have ignored for years and that are their clear responsibility.”




The PSOE accuses the local government of having been on the verge of losing €1 million in funding “through pure negligence and lack of management.”




“The most absurd thing,” Soler added, “is that while Torrevieja continues to flood, Mr Dolón invites President Mazón to take photos in the rain—complete with safety vests and smiles—congratulating themselves on a management record that simply doesn’t exist.”




Anyone who lives in Torrevieja, or has had to put up with this situation for decades, may question how they managed to keep their shoes and clothing so clean! If they were to turn around, they would also see the Lagoons Village development, part of the building work now bwing added to the flood risk area! 



Soler concluded by saying that the city needs effective planning, not publicity:




“Torrevieja needs real solutions, not photo opportunities.”

Excerpt: The Socialist Party of Torrevieja (PSOE) has criticised the Partido Popular (PP) for what it calls years of “inaction and neglect” in addressing the city’s long-standing flooding problems.

### Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital inaugurates the exhibition “ALTAS”, a tribute to patients and to 25 years of shared trust 

To mark its 25th anniversary, Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital has inaugurated ALTAS, a photographic exhibition paying tribute to patients who have overcome illness and to the professionals who have accompanied them throughout their recovery process. 



The exhibition, located in the hospital’s main hall and open to the public until 31 December, consists of a series of portraits merging the faces of patients and healthcare professionals, symbolising their shared journey and the bond between science, humanity, and hope. 



Each image is accompanied by a QR code that provides access to the personal story behind each discharge, told in the first person by its protagonists through audiovisual testimonies available on the website: nuestrahistoriatusalud.com/altas 



On the same website, visitors can also explore the hospital’s main healthcare and technological milestones over the past 25 years, presented in a bilingual format (Spanish and English), reflecting the hospital’s development and growth since its opening. 



ALTAS reflects Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital’s commitment to people-centred medicine, combining technological innovation with a warm, humane approach. The exhibition forms part of the hospital’s 25th anniversary commemorative programme, which includes a variety of social, educational, and recognition initiatives highlighting the work and dedication of its professionals. 

Excerpt: To mark its 25th anniversary, Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital has inaugurated ALTAS, a photographic exhibition paying tribute to patients who have overcome illness and to the professionals who have accompanied them throughout their recovery process. 

### Alzheimer’s Disease Could Double in Incidence over the Coming Decades 

• In Spain, nearly 800,000 people are currently living with this neurological condition, and forecasts suggest that by 2050 the number will exceed two million. 



On the occasion of World Alzheimer’s Day, specialists from the Neurosciences Unit at Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante are drawing attention to the rising number of cases of this disease, which already affects 47 million people worldwide and could reach 132 million by 2050. 



According to Dr Erika Torres, coordinator of the Neurosciences Unit at both hospitals, “Alzheimer’s is one of the great silent pandemics of the 21st century. In Spain, nearly 800,000 people suffer from it, and it is estimated that by 2050 the figure will exceed two million, according to the Spanish Society of Neurology.” 



Regarding the causes of this neurological disease, Dr Torres explains that “its origins are multifactorial and, although there are non-modifiable risk factors such as age, sex and genetic predisposition, controlling cardiovascular risk factors can help to prevent or delay the onset of the disease.” 



The specialist advises avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, following a Mediterranean diet, taking regular physical exercise and maintaining an active social life to protect brain health. “Engaging in intellectual activities such as reading, learning a new language, playing a musical instrument or doing cognitive stimulation exercises can enhance brain plasticity and build cognitive reserve,” she suggests. 



A Multidisciplinary Approach to Alzheimer’s Treatment 



Treating Alzheimer’s disease requires the coordinated involvement of a team of specialists. At the Neurosciences Unit of Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante, neurologists, neuropsychologists, radiologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physiotherapists and nursing staff work together to provide early diagnosis and personalised treatment. 



“Our aim is to maintain the patient’s quality of life for as long as possible. That is why we have developed a comprehensive cognitive impairment programme that includes neurological nursing consultations, neuropsychological care from the moment of diagnosis, cognitive rehabilitation and psychoeducation for family members and carers,” explains Dr Torres. The programme also offers emotional support to the patient’s immediate circle, helping families to cope more effectively with the impact of the disease. 



This unit thus reinforces its commitment to research, prevention and multidisciplinary care, which are all essential to improving patients’ quality of life and slowing the progression of the disease. 

Excerpt: On the occasion of World Alzheimer’s Day, specialists from the Neurosciences Unit at Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante are drawing attention to the rising number of cases of this disease, which already affects 47 million people worldwide and could reach 132 million by 2050. 

### PSOE Condemns Lack of Classrooms for Torrevigía Students at Start of School Year

The Socialist Party of Torrevieja (PSOE) has denounced the continuing lack of classrooms for Year 11 pupils (4º ESO) at the Torrevigía Secondary School, leaving students without in-person lessons at the very start of this decisive academic year.



Spokesperson Bárbara Soler described the situation as “unacceptable”, stressing that pupils cannot afford to lose teaching time in such an important stage of their education.



Both the Department of Education and the Torrevieja Town Hall have argued that delays are due to the need to share resources with schools affected by the 2019 DANA storm. Soler countered this by pointing out that the Spanish Government has already allocated €16.6 billion for reconstruction, covering municipal and provincial infrastructure. “The Conselleria is only responsible for its own centres, and it should have taken action long ago,” she said.



Soler further criticised the stance of the Partido Popular at both local and regional level:




“On the one hand, they ask Madrid for more money, but on the other, they use their powers of self-government to forgive millions in taxes for energy companies, cut taxes for the wealthiest—which means losing hundreds of millions in revenue—and reject the cancellation of more than €11 billion of debt for the Valencian Community.”




The PSOE spokesperson also rejected claims that the teacher shortage is due to the high cost of renting in Torrevieja. Instead, she said, the real issue is overcrowding and poor working conditions in local schools: “Teachers don’t want to come here because the classrooms are completely overloaded and the conditions are not acceptable.”



Soler concluded that the absence of classrooms for Torrevigía students is the result of poor resource management and a complete lack of planning:




“The Generalitat has the money, but public education is simply not one of its priorities.”

Excerpt: PSOE Torrevieja has criticised the lack of classrooms for Year 11 pupils at IES Torrevigía, accusing the Generalitat of poor planning and neglect of public education despite having sufficient resources.

### Zenia Boulevard Marks September with Sustainable Fashion, Family Fun and 13th Anniversary Celebrations

Zenia Boulevard, the largest shopping centre in Alicante province, has unveiled a packed September schedule combining creativity, entertainment and community spirit. The highlight will be the centre’s 13th anniversary party on Saturday 27 September, under the theme “An Anniversary Like a Movie.”



Sustainable Fashion for ChildrenAn Anniversary to RememberPromotions and GiveawaysA Landmark for the Costa BlancaLet's Look Back to 2012



Sustainable Fashion for Children



On Saturday 13 September, children will have the chance to become “mini designers” at the Greenwalk Kids workshop. Running from 17:30 to 20:30, the session will teach participants how to create accessories and clothing from recycled materials collected within the centre itself. Each child will leave with a diploma recognising them as a “Sustainable Mini Designer.” The workshop is open exclusively to members of the Zenia Kids Club.



An Anniversary to Remember



Two weeks later, the centre will host a full day of free activities for its 13th anniversary. The programme begins at 10:00 with a special breakfast for Zenia Club members and new sign-ups. At 14:00, visitors can enjoy a slice from a giant pizza of over 500 portions at the Puerta del Mar Menor. Later, at 17:00, the “Cronómetro 13” challenge will test participants’ timing skills, with €150 gift cards for those who stop the clock at exactly the right moment.



The day will close in style at 19:00 with “Grease, The Musical” in the Plaza Mayor, a live show featuring music, big-screen projection and free popcorn for all attendees. Entry is open but subject to capacity.



Promotions and Giveaways



From 13 to 27 September, customers can exchange receipts totalling €50 or more for “scratch and win” cards with the chance to claim exclusive gifts. Limited-edition anniversary mugs will also be available to collect during this period.



The celebrations will include contributions from well-known local and international brands, such as Miramira, Bombon Boss, Geladeria Carte d’Or, Terraza, Café Olé, Maison Açaí, Mi Perfume, Inspiral, La Laguna and Salgado Dental Institute.



A Landmark for the Costa Blanca



Since opening in 2012, Zenia Boulevard has become a landmark shopping and leisure destination, attracting over 15 million visitors in 2024. Its recent €18 million refurbishment included improvements to façades, paving, rest areas, green spaces, restaurant zones and children’s play areas, reaffirming its position as the region’s leading retail hub.



Let's Look Back to 2012



As part of the celebrations, here at ThisIsTorrevieja, we have scanned through our archive and dug out some of the images from those first weeks when Zenia Boulevard opened. Whilst we were there, we also pulled out a few other images from around the area from September 2012. Do you remember any of these? Or can you spot some of the locations around Torrevieja?

Excerpt: Zenia Boulevard will celebrate its 13th anniversary on 27 September with a full day of free family events, from a giant pizza and prize challenges to a live performance of Grease, The Musical. A sustainable fashion workshop for children will also be held on 13 September.

### PSOE Accuses PP of “Political Fiction” Over Proposed New Desalination Plant

The Socialist Party of Torrevieja (PSOE) has criticised the Partido Popular (PP) for what it describes as “political fiction” in the ongoing debate surrounding the possible construction of a new desalination plant.



Socialist spokesperson Bárbara Soler reminded the council that the final location for such an installation has not yet been defined. According to the contract, it will be the appointed company—under the technical guidance of the Hydrographic Confederation—that will determine the most suitable site. “We are debating a hypothetical project that has not even been properly outlined, no matter how much the PP insists otherwise,” she said.



Water Security and Climate Challenges



Soler underlined the importance of strengthening water security in Spain, noting that both European institutions and climate experts warn that droughts will become increasingly frequent and severe. She emphasised that desalinated water is not a replacement for water transfers, but rather a complementary source.



“With the PP in government, far less water was transferred than under the current administration, which has guaranteed more supply for southern Alicante than any government before it. Even so, transfers alone are insufficient, as Europe continues to restrict them for environmental and sustainability reasons. Denying that reality is simply closing your eyes,” she argued.



Transparency and Accountability



The PSOE rejected accusations of a lack of transparency, noting that the PP failed to present any objections during the basin plan consultation, when Torrevieja was not listed as a location for a new plant. Soler contrasted this with what she called the PP’s “double standards”, pointing to the approval of multimillion-euro coastal development projects during the height of summer without citizen consultation.



She also addressed concerns over outstanding compensation works from the first desalination plant. While insisting that these works should be completed, she argued they cannot be used as an excuse to undermine water security. Responsibility, she said, lies with the state-owned company Acuamed, which was paralysed following the corruption scandal during the Rajoy government.



Responding to Environmental Concerns



Soler dismissed claims by Vox regarding potential brine contamination, stressing that both Spanish and European law enforce strict environmental controls. She added that modern desalination technology is “far more efficient and sustainable” than it was two decades ago and forms part of national resilience strategies across Mediterranean countries.



A Strategic Investment



The PSOE insists that a desalination plant should not be seen as a punishment but as a strategic investment that generates employment, supports a vital sector, and provides protection against climate uncertainty. In contrast, they accuse the PP of rejecting any feasible alternative “simply because it does not bear their stamp.”



Addressing suggestions that the new facility could affect the planned hospital expansion, Soler said: “We need both the materials and the staff for Torrevieja Hospital, which covers a wide area and faces significant new urban growth under the PP. We can provide new medical facilities at any suitable location within Area 22.” She reminded the public that it was the PP who removed €11 million earmarked for the hospital expansion from President Mazón’s first budget and failed to include it in the second.



Urban Growth and Supply Demands



The PSOE also referenced water supplier reports warning that current resources are insufficient to cover new urban developments promoted by the PP. “Where would that water come from if the first desalination plant—so heavily criticised at the time—had never been built? Or do they intend to urbanise without guaranteeing supply?”



Looking Ahead



For the Socialists, the issue is about planning for the future. “This project, wherever it is finally located, is not a threat but an opportunity to consolidate a model of supply that combines transfers and desalination, aligns with European standards, and protects farmers, families, and businesses.”



“Without water, there is no agriculture. Without agriculture, there is no economy or employment—here or in neighbouring Murcia. This is a matter of general interest, and we must be able to see it as such. Water is too important to be used as a political weapon. Governing is about thinking of the future and of generations to come, not just about the headlines of the day. A desalination plant is not a punishment—it is a lifeline for this land,” the PSOE concluded.

Excerpt: PSOE Torrevieja has accused the PP of “political fiction” over a proposed new desalination plant, stressing it as a strategic investment to secure water, protect agriculture, and meet future climate challenges—not a political battleground.

### Our Story, Your Health: 25 Years of Medical Innovation at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital  

25th Anniversary Commemorative Mural – Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital 



To mark its 25th anniversary, Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital has unveiled a commemorative mural that retraces, year by year, the key milestones that have shaped its history. Since its inauguration in 2000, the hospital has established itself as a benchmark in healthcare, grounded in medical excellence, clinical innovation, and personalised patient care. Under the motto “Our Story, Your Health”, the new mural – a visual timeline – offers patients, professionals, and visitors a look back at the defining moments of its leadership, development, and commitment to advanced, human-centred medicine. 



25 Years Leading Change 



The mural not only gathers together the most significant milestones since 2000, but also stands as a testimony to the pioneering spirit that has characterised Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital since its foundation. Over the past 25 years, the hospital has consistently been ahead of its time, becoming the first in Spain to implement medical techniques and approaches that transformed the way patients were treated. 



Among these achievements are: the introduction in 2001 of HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) for peritoneal tumours; in 2004, the use of intraoperative radiotherapy with a mobile accelerator (MOBETRON) – the first hospital in Spain to adopt this technology; the launch in 2007 of the first Genetic Counselling Unit in the Valencian Community; and, in 2008, the arrival of the region’s first Da Vinci surgical robot. In 2009, the hospital carried out Spain’s first series of robotic surgeries for pancreatic cancer, and in 2010 it initiated an ambitious transcriptomics programme for personalised oncology care. More recently, in 2023, the hospital obtained Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, and in 2025 began applying artificial intelligence to clinical diagnostics through tools such as the Scribe system, now implemented across all Quirónsalud centres. These are just a few examples of the many milestones that have consolidated the hospital’s reputation as a benchmark in medical innovation, technical excellence, and patient-centred care. 



Each of these milestones reflects a clear commitment to medical excellence, technology at the service of the patient, and a forward-looking approach to health based on anticipation and continuous improvement. 



12 Specialists, 12 Stories that Marked a Turning Point 



The mural features 12 QR codes linking to a series of short videos in which the very professionals who led these milestones explain their impact from a close and human perspective. Among them: 




Dr Antonio Brugarolas, Director of the Oncology Platform and Medical Oncology Specialist at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital 





Dr José Farré, Specialist in General and Digestive Surgery, Oncological and Robotic Surgery at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital 





Dr Rosa Mª Cañón, Head of Radiation Oncology at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital 





Dr Pedro Bretcha, Head of General and Digestive Surgery, Oncological and Robotic Surgery at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital 





Dr Ramón González, Specialist in Medical Oncology and Genetic Counselling at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital 





Dr Vanesa Escudero, Specialist in Hospital Pharmacy and Pharmacokinetics at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital 





Ismael Manso, International Territorial Director, Quirónsalud Levante and Canary Islands 





Dr Cristian García, Specialist in Neurosurgery at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital 





Dr Manuel Papí, Head of ENT (Otolaryngology) at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital 





Dr Erika Torres, Head of Neurology at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital 





Dr Juan Carlos Ruíz, Head of Hospital Pharmacy at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital 





Dr Juan Costell, Head of Emergency Medicine at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital 




Through these videos, visitors can gain first-hand insight into what it meant for each of them to introduce techniques that were little known within Spanish healthcare at the time, and how these decisions contributed to consolidating the hospital’s clinical excellence. 



A Story that Continues: A Present with a Vision for the Future 



The mural concludes with the most recent milestones, highlighting the integration of artificial intelligence into patient records, structured clinical pathways, and a bold Master Plan that will transform the hospital over the coming years. This plan includes expanding the ICU, operating theatres, outpatient clinics, and critical care areas, alongside the construction of a new Emergency Department building and a therapeutic procedures unit, among other initiatives. 



In addition, Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability through a progressive decarbonisation plan, while also promoting health initiatives such as a healthy eating programme for patients and staff. 



An Anniversary to Celebrate All Year Long 



This mural is part of a wide-ranging programme of commemorative activities marking the hospital’s 25th anniversary, combining scientific outreach, humanisation, the promotion of healthy habits, and meaningful engagement with both patients and professionals. Activities include: 




“Our Story, Your Health” podcast series, featuring interviews with doctors and patients 





The Dreams Campaign, an initiative collecting wishes and messages from oncology patients, their families, and staff 





Charity run in aid of patient associations in Torrevieja 





Discharges Exhibition, showcasing patients as the protagonists 





Meetings with patient associations across the hospital’s area of influence 





3 October – HPV and Gynaecology Seminar 





23 October – 25th Anniversary Institutional Event 





November – Neuroscience Seminar organised by the new comprehensive unit 




Accessing All Content 



Visitors to the hospital can view the timeline on the physical mural, scan the QR codes to watch the videos, and access all extended content on the anniversary website: 




https://nuestrahistoriatusalud.com/en/

### Sueña Torrevieja Calls for Update of Urban Plan After More Than Six Years of Administrative Blockage

Sueña Torrevieja has called for a complete reset of Torrevieja’s stalled urban planning process, demanding the closure of the current file to review the Plan General de Ordenación Urbana (PGOU) and the immediate opening of a new one.



During Tuesday’s plenary session, party spokesperson Pablo Samper highlighted that the procedure began in January 2019 but has suffered continuous delays, negative reports and technical disagreements. According to Samper, no progress has been made since February 2022.



“The bids submitted are no longer valid, and meanwhile Torrevieja continues without an updated planning tool. This creates legal uncertainty and hinders the orderly development of the city,” he explained.



A detailed timeline of the paralysis was set out by Sueña Torrevieja:




24 January 2019: The Local Government Board approved the tendering process for the PGOU review.



February 2019: Seven bids were submitted.



20 February 2020: The Contracting Committee proposed an awardee.



4 February 2021: The General Comptroller issued an unfavourable report.



16 April 2021: Clarifications were requested from the technical team.



12 February 2022: The Contracting Committee withdrew from the process and passed the matter to the Local Government Board — the last recorded action in the file.




Samper insisted that the city cannot continue relying on dozens of piecemeal modifications to solve individual issues. Instead, he urged the launch of a new procedure that resolves past mistakes and produces a PGOU aligned with today’s needs.



“Our municipality needs a General Plan that addresses present and future challenges, that provides certainty to residents and investors, and that commits to a sustainable growth model. Torrevieja cannot remain trapped in urban planning improvisation,” he stressed.



The independent local group considers the matter to go beyond party politics and insists that it must be treated as a priority for the future of the city. They call on the local government to act swiftly and responsibly.

Excerpt: Sueña Torrevieja has demanded the relaunch of the city’s PGOU, frozen for over six years. The group warns that legal uncertainty and lack of planning are holding Torrevieja back and calls for a sustainable plan that ensures orderly growth.

### Political Dispute Over Delays to IES Las Lagunas Works in Torrevieja

The long-awaited improvement and rehabilitation works at the IES Las Lagunas in Torrevieja, included within the Generalitat Valenciana’s Plan Edificant, have once again become a political battleground. Both Sueña Torrevieja and the local PSOE have criticised the handling of the project, though for different reasons.



Pablo Samper, spokesperson for Sueña Torrevieja, has denounced what he describes as “a clear deception” by the Generalitat. He argues that after more than four years of paperwork, partial updates and broken promises, the regional administration now expects Torrevieja’s council to carry out the works between 2025 and 2027 with a budget based on 2022 prices. Samper believes this makes it impossible to meet the true construction costs, warning that more than 96% of the 9.05 million euro budget depends on allocations in the 2026 and 2027 regional accounts, leaving the financing far from guaranteed.



“Our students, teachers and families do not deserve more delays or excuses. Four years have already been lost, and we cannot allow the Generalitat to continue playing with public education in Torrevieja,” Samper declared, demanding an immediate update of the economic module of the Plan Edificant and written guarantees of full funding.



From a different angle, the PSOE in Torrevieja has also strongly criticised the process, but pointed the finger at both the local and regional Partido Popular. Party spokesperson Bárbara Soler stated that the PSOE has been warning for years about delays caused by what she calls “ineptitude and neglect” at both local and regional level. She pointed to repeated errors in the submission of technical reports since 2021, which she described as a “botched job” by the local government that led to further delays and unnecessary costs.



Soler also highlighted that despite the change in regional leadership in 2023, with the PP taking control of both administrations, the matter was not properly addressed until November 2024. She stressed that it was only last month that the council was formally informed the delegation of powers had been accepted, a decision she believes came after an accident at the school when a tile fell and injured a pupil.



“The PP local government knows how to put on a suit for congresses about reinventing education, but not how to put on a work overall,” Soler remarked, insisting that both administrations have failed the city’s schools and families.



Despite their political differences, both parties agree that the students of IES Las Lagunas have waited too long for the improvements they need, and that further delay is unacceptable.

Excerpt: The long-awaited rehabilitation of IES Las Lagunas in Torrevieja has reignited political clashes. Sueña Torrevieja accuses the Generalitat of underfunding and broken promises, while the PSOE blames errors and delays by the local and regional Partido Popular. Both demand urgent action to deliver long-promised improvements for pupils and teachers.

### Back to School 2025–2026: Key Dates for the Academic Year in Torrevieja

As summer winds down, families across Torrevieja and the wider Valencian Community are preparing for the start of a new academic year. The 2025–2026 school calendar, confirmed by the Conselleria de Educación, sets out the official term dates, holidays, and special observances that will shape the months ahead.



The academic year will begin on 8 September 2025 for pupils in Infant, Primary, Secondary, and Baccalaureate, as well as for most Vocational Training (FP) students. Two exceptions apply: students in basic qualification programmes and those following “second opportunity” vocational pathways, who will start slightly later on 10 September. Classes for adult learners and for pupils enrolled in artistic studies such as music, dance, arts, and design will begin on 15 September, while sports studies commence on 22 September. The last to return will be those registered in official language schools, who will start lessons from 25 September. For all groups, the school year will conclude on 19 June 2026, with the exception of adult and artistic education, which finish on 12 June.



The holiday calendar has also been set. Christmas break will run from 23 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, while Easter holidays are scheduled from 2 to 13 April 2026. In addition, the school year includes a number of key public holidays:




9 October – Day of the Valencian Community



8 December – Constitution Day



19 March – Saint Joseph’s Day



1 May – International Workers’ Day




Individual towns and cities may also establish additional non-school days, which will be confirmed by their respective municipal education councils.



The school calendar is more than just a timetable; it structures family life, local traditions, and the rhythm of the community. For parents, it means planning holidays, childcare, and balancing work schedules. For pupils, it sets milestones of learning and leisure, with summer once again seeming both far away and right around the corner.



As September approaches, the sense of “back to school” is as much about community as it is about classrooms—an annual reminder that education is the shared heartbeat of Torrevieja and the entire Valencian Community.

Excerpt: The new school year in the Valencian Community begins on 8 September 2025, with classes running until 19 June 2026. Key holiday dates include Christmas (23 Dec–6 Jan) and Easter (2–13 Apr), alongside regional and national holidays.

### Diana Morant to Open New Political Season with Focus on Vega Baja

Diana Morant, Secretary General of the PSPV-PSOE and Minister of Science and Universities, will officially open the new political season with a series of events in Torrevieja and Guardamar del Segura this September, in what party officials are calling a clear commitment to the Vega Baja region.



The PSPV-PSOE membership will gather on 19 and 20 September for activities in both towns. Alongside Morant, former health minister Leire Pajín and provincial secretary Rubén Alfaro will join local representatives to analyse the current political landscape in the Valencian Community and set out the party’s priorities for the coming months.



On 20 September, Torrevieja will host a debate focused on climate emergency and public services. The date has been deliberately chosen as it coincides with the anniversary of the devastating DANA storm of 2019, when the Vega Baja was heavily impacted. Socialists note that their response at the time demonstrated how effective action could preserve public safety during catastrophic events.



The local socialist group has expressed gratitude for the recognition of southern municipalities in the regional political agenda. Party spokesperson Bárbara Soler commented:




“What Ximo Puig began is now being successfully continued by Diana Morant.”




Soler added that she hopes this renewed focus on the Vega Baja will result in further projects that directly benefit both the comarca and Torrevieja.



She also contrasted Morant’s commitment with remarks recently made by Torrevieja’s mayor, Eduardo Dolón, who in a media interview claimed that “Diana Morant doesn’t know where Torrevieja is.” Soler strongly rejected that view:




“Diana Morant knows perfectly well where our city is—she chose Torrevieja to close her last election campaign, and she continues to highlight its value. She can walk proudly through our municipality, unlike Carlos Mazón, who whenever invited by the mayor, leaves without notice and with his tail between his legs.”

Excerpt: Diana Morant, Secretary General of the PSPV-PSOE and Minister of Science and Universities, will launch the new political season with events in Torrevieja and Guardamar, highlighting a renewed focus on the Vega Baja and contrasting sharply with recent remarks from the mayor.

### PSOE Warns of Health and Safety Risks from Uncontrolled Chickens in Torrevieja

The Socialist Party of Torrevieja (PSOE) has raised concerns over the growing number of free-roaming chickens and roosters across the city, describing the situation as a public health and road safety risk that has been allowed to escalate for decades.



Spokesperson Bárbara Soler noted that while many residents view the presence of these birds as an amusing curiosity, their uncontrolled spread poses real dangers. The problem dates back more than 25 years, when the then Partido Popular (PP) local government released several birds into the Parque de las Naciones. “They soon left the park and have since spread to large areas of the municipality, creating issues of cleanliness, safety, and health,” she said.



Soler warned that the lack of veterinary oversight increases the risk of diseases such as salmonella or avian flu, both of which have appeared in other regions of Spain. With an estimated 700 birds now roaming freely, the cost and difficulty of removing them has grown significantly. She stressed that any action should be carried out “with the utmost respect for the animals,” but highlighted the urgent need to rehouse them in a controlled environment.



The PSOE also pointed out that the situation violates Law 8/2003 on animal health, as the birds are not officially registered and no adequate waste management system has been implemented. This has led to unsanitary conditions, particularly near businesses.



According to Soler, the council has now approved a €16,000 contract (plus VAT) for the capture and relocation of the chickens, though so far no company has shown interest in taking on the task. She concluded by blaming the PP for creating and perpetuating the problem:




“This situation was caused by the PP, both through the original release of the birds and 25 years of inaction. At the moment, the chickens are winning 1–0 against the management of the Partido Popular.”

Excerpt: PSOE Torrevieja has warned that uncontrolled chickens in the city pose serious health and safety risks, accusing the PP of decades of neglect and highlighting the €16,000 relocation plan that still lacks a contractor.

### PSOE Condemns Neglect of Altos de la Bahía Park Despite Multi-Million Euro Maintenance Contract

The Socialist Party of Torrevieja (PSOE) has strongly criticised the continued neglect of the city’s green spaces, highlighting the worsening condition of the Altos de la Bahía park as an example of what they call “systematic abandonment” under the current local government.



In a video shared on social media, PSOE councillor Margarita de Francisco recalled that her group had already denounced the poor state of the park during a municipal plenary session in September 2024. Since then, she says, the situation has deteriorated further, with extensive areas of vegetation now lost.



According to de Francisco, the council has consistently paid monthly invoices exceeding €260,000 to the joint venture responsible for the upkeep of parks and gardens, formed by Actúa and Gestión STV. Despite these payments, she argues, the service has been delivered without proper oversight from the governing Partido Popular (PP), resulting in contracts being honoured financially but not in practice.



“The lack of monitoring has allowed the contracted companies to neglect their duties,” de Francisco said. She pointed out that much of the flora has died due to water shortages, even though since April 2022 the council has held a contract—also awarded to Actúa—for the maintenance of the municipal irrigation network, along with smaller agreements for additional repairs.



The PSOE has also questioned whether the new multi-million-euro contract recently awarded to Actúa Servicios y Medio Ambiente SL will change matters. De Francisco warned that reversing the decline will not be quick or easy:




“The deterioration of our parks and the loss of vegetation have reached a critical stage. Years of inaction, tolerated by the local PP government, have left many spaces at a point of no return.”




The opposition group is demanding accountability from the city council, insisting that Torrevieja residents deserve well-maintained public spaces that reflect the scale of the investment already being paid for.

Excerpt: PSOE Torrevieja has denounced the worsening neglect of the Altos de la Bahía park, accusing the PP-led government of failing to monitor million-euro maintenance contracts and allowing the city’s green spaces to reach “a point of no return.”

### A Minimally Invasive Technique Helps Control Resistant Hypertension and Reduce the Use of Medication

Arterial hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease and mortality worldwide. Despite advances in drug therapy and the promotion of healthy lifestyle habits, many individuals fail to lower their blood pressure to safe levels. In some cases, this is only achieved through complex combinations of medications, which can increase the risk of side effects.



For these patients, renal denervation is emerging as an effective and long-lasting therapeutic alternative. It is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat resistant hypertension—meaning high blood pressure that does not respond adequately to multiple medications or lifestyle changes.



“Renal denervation allows us to intervene directly in one of the main mechanisms involved in hypertension: the sympathetic nervous system that surrounds the renal arteries,” explains Dr Mohamed Bayoumi, Head of the Haemodynamics and Interventional Cardiology Department at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja.“By reducing its activity, we can achieve stable and sustained reductions in blood pressure without the need to add more medication.”



How Renal Denervation Is Performed



Renal denervation targets the sympathetic nervous system that encircles the renal arteries, which plays a key role in regulating blood pressure. A catheter is inserted through the femoral artery, and small doses of radiofrequency energy are applied to selectively affect the surrounding nerve fibres, thereby reducing their activity.



The procedure takes between 40 and 60 minutes, is performed under conscious sedation and local anaesthesia, and typically requires only one day of hospital admission.



“It’s a safe technique, well tolerated by patients, with long-lasting benefits,” adds Dr Bayoumi.“In many cases, we are also able to reduce the medication burden, which significantly improves patients’ quality of life.”



Benefits for Patients with Hypertension



The benefits observed include a significant and sustained reduction in blood pressure, a gradual decrease in the use of antihypertensive drugs, and an overall improvement in cardiovascular risk.



Moreover, by achieving more effective blood pressure control, the technique helps prevent serious complications such as stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, progressive kidney damage, and hypertensive retinopathy.



“Untreated resistant hypertension is a major risk factor for severe cardiovascular events,” warns Dr Bayoumi.“Renal denervation not only reduces this risk, but also opens a new treatment avenue for patients who have no other effective alternatives.”



This technique therefore represents a hopeful option for many patients with difficult-to-control hypertension, offering long-term benefits and an improved cardiovascular prognosis.



You can learn more about this procedure in the video below:




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vmEPb9Gm1I&feature=youtu.be

### PSOE Condemns Long-Term Neglect of Park at Torrevieja’s Northern Entrance

Torrevieja’s Socialist Party (PSOE) has criticised the continued state of neglect at the park bordering Calle Rafael Antón Pérez, at the northern entrance to the city, running alongside the CV-905 in the Hoya Hermosa area.



Councillor Margarita de Francisco described it as “unacceptable” that the park has been left without functioning lighting for years and allowed to deteriorate to such an extent that local residents have been forced to purchase and install litter bins at their own expense.



The PSOE previously raised the matter at a full council meeting in September last year, asking whether any action had been taken to repair or replace the park’s streetlights. Many of these had been non-functional for years due to lack of maintenance. At the time, the relevant councillor claimed that a week earlier the public lighting maintenance company had been tasked with reviewing the infrastructure for installing lights “from one end of the park to the other” and promised that not only would the park be restored, but it would be “notably improved” in the near future.



Francisco says the reality is very different: “A year later, the lighting is still in the same state and the condition of the park has worsened.”



Residents have endured long-term neglect, with large sections of the grass left to die due to failed irrigation systems—despite a maintenance contract being in place—leaving barren patches across the park. The area was also made virtually unusable for more than eight months while 37 open holes awaited the replanting of trees relocated from other sites, a situation also criticised by the PSOE at the time.



Most recently, neighbours have taken matters into their own hands, organising the purchase and installation of communal litter bins to encourage responsible waste disposal. Francisco praised the residents’ initiative as “a clear display of civic responsibility and commitment to the park’s environment,” contrasting it with “the ongoing lack of responsibility shown by the Partido Popular towards both these residents and Torrevieja’s public spaces.”

















You might remember the pomp and celebration of the Parks and Gardens department launching a social media channel recently, and indeed the excellent work the team are doing... mostly in the town centre... so this clearly once again shows the oblivious neglect beyond the immediate vicinity of the town hall, much like the image we posted showing the same location 20 years apart, where nothing has ever been done to tidy the area, and although much of it is now covered with a blanket formed by mother nature herself, this latest monitoring and failure can be added to the list of a deeper rooted neglect. 



These videos has been automatically translated into English by AI for convenience




https://youtube.com/shorts/KBNY-mHwLbE?feature=share





https://youtu.be/VSF8zsGSYnI




Here are the original videos




https://youtube.com/shorts/T9jzN5okSvA





https://youtube.com/shorts/1T7ZJLCI5xs?feature=share

Excerpt: PSOE Torrevieja has condemned the continued neglect of the Hoya Hermosa park, highlighting years without lighting, deteriorating maintenance, and the need for residents to fund basic amenities such as litter bins themselves.

### Mohs Surgery Consolidates Its Position as the Most Effective Technique with Minimal Aesthetic Impact for Skin Cancer

• Particularly recommended for tumours located in areas of high aesthetic or functional importance, such as the face, neck, hands, or genitals.



Mohs surgery stands out for its meticulous ability to remove skin cancer by analysing the affected tissue layer by layer during the same procedure, using immediate microscopic control.



“This methodology,” explains Dr Laura Francés, Head of the Dermatology Department at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, “ensures the complete removal of cancerous cells while preserving the maximum amount of healthy tissue. This makes it especially suitable for lesions in sensitive areas such as the nose, eyelids, lips or ears, where preserving both functionality and appearance is essential.”



In this context, the Oncological Dermatology Unit at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, led by Dr Francés and Dr Carlos Hernández, has become a leading reference centre for Mohs surgery in Alicante. This highly specialised surgical technique allows for the removal of skin tumours with the highest cure rate and the least possible aesthetic impact.



Cure Rates and Indications for Mohs Surgery



Mohs surgery is particularly indicated for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma—the most common forms of skin cancer—offering cure rates significantly higher than conventional surgery.



“The procedure is performed in the operating theatre under sedation, and the patient can return home the same day. By analysing the tissue on the spot, we can be confident that all cancerous tissue has been removed on the same day of the intervention,” notes Dr Laura Francés.



Mohs surgery is especially recommended for tumours located in areas of high aesthetic or functional relevance, such as the face, neck, hands, or genitals. It is also advised in cases of recurrent skin cancers, tumours with poorly defined borders, or in aggressive carcinomas with a high risk of recurrence.



To ensure the best medical and cosmetic outcome, Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja has a highly specialised unit comprising expert dermatologists, pathologists, and plastic surgeons working in close coordination. “Each intervention requires not only surgical precision but also aesthetic planning. Our goal is not just to cure, but to help the patient recover their appearance and quality of life,” adds Dr Francés.



Types of Skin Cancer and Prevention



The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, accounting for around 80% of non-melanoma skin cancer cases. It develops in the deepest layer of the epidermis and typically appears in sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, or hands. It may manifest as shiny bumps, wounds that do not heal and grow slowly, reddish patches, or non-specific scar-like tissue.



It is followed in frequency by squamous cell carcinoma, also very common, and to a lesser extent, melanoma, which, although less frequent, is the most aggressive due to its ability to metastasise. Melanoma originates in the melanocytes—the melanin-producing cells—and requires early detection for effective treatment.“We could say that basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma are the most frequent types, in that order,” explains Dr Carlos Hernández, dermatologist and skin cancer specialist at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja.



An ageing population and cumulative sun exposure over the years have significantly increased the incidence of skin cancer. Specialists at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja stress the importance of paying attention to signs such as wounds that do not heal, lumps that change in shape or colour, or areas that bleed easily.“At the first sign of suspicion, it is essential to consult a specialised dermatologist. Early diagnosis remains our most powerful tool for achieving a cure,” concludes Dr Hernández.

### Torrevieja Tops National Deficit List with €16.6 Million Breach of Budget Law

SUEÑA TORREVIEJA has raised the alarm over what it describes as an “unsustainable financial situation” after Torrevieja was officially named the worst-performing municipality in Spain in terms of compliance with the Law on Budgetary Stability and Financial Sustainability.According to official data published on 30 July by the Virtual Office for the Financial Coordination of Local Authorities, Torrevieja posted a deficit of over €16.6 million in 2024—double the figure recorded by second-place Elche (€8.5 million) and well ahead of Albacete (€7.2 million).The city also recorded the highest negative balance in non-financial operations, with €13.8 million in the red, a figure that opposition group SUEÑA TORREVIEJA says is clear evidence of “inefficient and irresponsible management” by the current local government.Speaking on behalf of the group, councillor Pablo Samper expressed serious concern about the figures:> “It is absolutely unsustainable for Torrevieja to lead the national rankings in budgetary non-compliance. This level of financial mismanagement mortgages the future of our city.”The group has formally called for the withdrawal of the current 2025–2026 Economic and Financial Plan, which was presented at the plenary session on 8 April. They argue that the plan violates Articles 1.2, 21.2, and 23.4 of Organic Law 2/2012, which governs financial sustainability for public administrations.SUEÑA TORREVIEJA is demanding that the plan be replaced with a new one that includes firm corrective measures—specifically the adoption of credit unavailability agreements to the value of at least €16.6 million—to ensure the 2025 municipal budget complies with national legislation.The situation is particularly stark given that over 85% of all town halls in the Valencian Community complied with the law in 2024, including the provincial capitals of Alicante, Valencia, and Castellón. Out of 436 municipalities, only 65 breached the law—with Torrevieja leading the list.Samper concluded by warning that the numbers reflect not just technical accounting issues but a deeper lack of political foresight. “This is the result of a failure to plan responsibly. We urge the local government to act immediately, with rigour and within the law.”

Excerpt: Torrevieja has recorded the worst budget deficit in Spain, breaching national stability laws by over €16.6 million. SUEÑA TORREVIEJA is demanding the withdrawal of the current financial plan and urgent corrective action to restore fiscal responsibility.

### The Slow Ticking Clock of Climate Change Action in Torrevieja

Torrevieja Council has launched a €1.8 million public tender to implement a Low-Emission Zone (ZBE) in the municipality—years after the legal deadline set by Spain’s central government. The contract, funded through the European Union’s Next Generation recovery package, will span three years, covering technical analysis, the installation of cameras and air quality sensors, road signage, digital control systems, and ongoing maintenance.



While the move has been welcomed as a long-overdue step toward sustainable urban mobility, critics have noted that the project comes five years later than required. The ZBE framework was first drafted in 2021, approved by Royal Decree in 2022, and mandated for full implementation by 2023 across all Spanish municipalities with over 50,000 residents.



By extending implementation to 2028, Torrevieja not only misses the deadline but also stretches public confidence. Environmental campaigners argue that this delay undermines Spain’s wider obligations. In a recent legal opinion, the United Nations ruled that governments failing to implement climate change protections are in violation of international law.



Torrevieja’s track record on sustainability projects has already raised eyebrows. The city was recently forced to return €1.6 million in EU funding after failing to execute key urban mobility improvements tied to earlier environmental goals.



Adding to the frustration for residents is the sense of double cost. Not only has funding been lost, but municipal waste management fees have risen dramatically in recent years. Torrevieja now holds one of the most expensive collection contracts in the region, yet continues to suffer from limited bin infrastructure in places, a reduction in recycling, and irregular collection in several neighbourhoods, with many residents now taking to their cars to deliver the rubbish to the bins due to the locations, thus also increasing traffic pollution —contradicting the intended spirit of environmental progress.



The national government has been facing the blame for the price increase, because the entire cost of the fulfilment must now be paid by the residents, not subsidised, but the reality is that this legislation was also significantly delayed, ignored by the previous national government, for which the country was also fined, and, as opposition councillors have argued, had the measures been implemented on time, the cost to residents could have been reduced, not increased, as the aim of the legislation was to reduce waste. The original aim of the law was to incentivise sustainable mobility, reduce traffic pollution, and enable long-term savings—outcomes that now appear to be further away than ever.



One of the intended zones earmarked for the low emissions zones has recently, once again, been approved for parking, a situation which is known to increase pollution, with the excuse being given that it is to balance out the lack of parking at the port, with the town hall seemingly forgetting they were present at the opening of a new car park in April, which was also billed as offering the same improvements.



It should also be noted that the central government has agreed an extension on the ZBE implementation on two occasions, the latest extension expiring in December of this year, where it looks like Torrevieja will once again exceed the limitations, and not in a good way, considering the air quality index in the town, as recorded by the regional government, is frequently fair to moderate, the best day recorded in the last 365 days only reaching fair, but the worst day recently being 9 July 2025, when the recorded level sank to extremely poor. Statistically, Saturday is the worst day of the week, a day when schools are closed and many people are not at work.



With the formal tender now published, the city faces pressure to deliver quickly and transparently. Residents, environmental groups, and regional authorities will be watching closely to see whether this delayed promise finally leads to meaningful action—or more missed opportunities.

Excerpt: Torrevieja has opened a €1.8 million tender for its Low-Emission Zone—five years after the legal deadline—amid criticism over past delays, lost EU funds, and rising local waste fees despite ongoing environmental challenges.

### Three Arrested After Fatal Shooting in Central Torrevieja

A man has died following a shooting in the heart of Torrevieja on Sunday evening, in an incident that has left the community shocked and prompted an urgent police investigation.The shooting occurred shortly after 19:00 at the intersection of Calle Pedro Lorca and Rambla Juan Mateo García, a well-known central location. Emergency services were immediately deployed, and paramedics attempted to resuscitate the victim at the scene. Despite their efforts, the man was pronounced dead.According to reports from the Guardia Civil, three men were arrested in connection with the incident just hours later. Authorities have since confirmed that a firearm believed to have been used in the shooting has been recovered. Forensic specialists from the criminal investigations unit were quickly deployed to the scene, where officers cordoned off the area for several hours as part of their enquiries.The motive behind the killing remains unclear, but investigators have not ruled out links to organised criminal activity. The detainees are currently being held while formal charges are prepared, and further details are expected to be released following judicial authorisation.The incident has renewed local concerns about violent crime, although police continue to stress that such events remain rare in the city. Nevertheless, additional patrols are expected in the coming days as a precaution.

Excerpt: A man has died following a central Torrevieja shooting on Sunday evening. Three suspects have been arrested, and Guardia Civil investigators are probing possible criminal links.

### Foreign Driver who Failed to Exchange Licence Amongst Those Caught in Dawn Traffic Check in Torrevieja

Torrevieja’s Local Police carried out a preventive road traffic control operation this morning at 06:15, targeting the junction of Avenida Rosa Mazón Valero and Avenida Delfina Viudes. The checkpoint forms part of an ongoing campaign to improve road safety, reduce traffic-related incidents, and detect offences linked to alcohol and drug consumption.



During the operation, officers registered a number of violations:



Three criminal offences for driving under the influence, with drivers exceeding the legal alcohol limit.



Five administrative fines for driving while affected by alcohol, though below the criminal threshold.



One fine for driving a vehicle with an expired ITV (MOT).



One penalty for failing to exchange a foreign driving licence within the legal deadline.



One report for a violation of Spain’s Citizen Security Law (Ley Orgánica 4/2015) due to a lack of respect shown to police officers during the stop.



The Department for Local Police reminded residents of the importance of following road traffic regulations and cooperating with officers during such operations, which are designed exclusively to protect the safety of all road users.

Excerpt: Torrevieja’s Local Police conducted a 06:15 road safety operation today, resulting in three criminal offences for drink driving and several other violations, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce traffic incidents and promote responsible driving.

### PSOE Supports Summer Reinforcement of Guardia Civil and Police Staffing While Warning Against Misleading Talk of a National Police Takeover

Torrevieja’s PSOE councillors have voiced support for strengthening the number of Guardia Civil and National Police officers deployed in the municipality—particularly for administrative duties and seasonal reinforcements—but have also warned against creating false expectations around the potential establishment of a National Police station.



During a recent plenary session, Socialist spokesperson Bárbara Soler reminded the council that under Spanish law, responsibility for public security cannot be shared between two national forces in the same municipality. If Torrevieja were formally assigned to the Policía Nacional, the Guardia Civil would be withdrawn from public order duties, remaining only for specialised roles such as environmental protection (SEPRONA) and traffic enforcement.



Soler accused the local Partido Popular (PP) of “failing to explain this key detail,” stating that “they present the creation of a Policía Nacional station as a win, without acknowledging that it would mean losing our current Guardia Civil presence—many of whom have served here for years and are deeply rooted in our community.”



Recalling the town’s past debates on the issue, Soler noted that up until 2004, the PP supported boosting Guardia Civil staffing, only changing its position following a spike in serious crime and public outcry. A project for a Policía Nacional station was eventually drafted in 2005 but stalled due to deficiencies in the submission and was later shelved during the 2009 economic crisis. Despite governing at the local, regional and national level in subsequent years, the PP never revived the plan.



Soler also highlighted that Torrevieja currently hosts the largest Guardia Civil post in all of Spain, with continued reinforcements. She added that demands from the PP for at least 100 additional agents are politically unrealistic in the short term and serve more as a talking point than a workable proposal.



National staffing levels for both Guardia Civil and Policía Nacional reached a record 156,463 officers in December 2024, according to Interior Ministry data. This follows five consecutive years of above‑100% public sector recruitment rates and the recovery of 14,381 officer positions lost between 2012 and 2017, a period governed by the PP.



The PSOE expressed gratitude to Spain’s law enforcement personnel for their ongoing service and condemned recent violent attacks against them in the strongest terms.



Soler closed her remarks by rejecting attempts from “certain sectors” to link immigration with crime, calling it a harmful and politically motivated narrative. “Most migrants contribute far more to society than they receive,” she said.

Excerpt: PSOE Torrevieja has supported summer staffing reinforcements for police and Guardia Civil, while warning that creating a National Police station would displace the current Guardia Civil presence—a move they say is politically misrepresented.

### PSOE Slams New Social Services Contract for Torrevieja: “€1.2 Million Lost and Services Cut”

Torrevieja’s Socialist Party (PSOE) has sharply criticised the new 2025–2028 Social Services Contract Programme agreed between the Generalitat Valenciana and the City Council, warning it represents a major step backward for local welfare provision.



Socialist councillor Carol Ponce, who had previously tabled a motion urging the Generalitat to approve the contract without cuts, has denounced the final agreement as delayed and damaging. The contract arrives seven months late and contains a reduction of €300,000 per year, amounting to a loss of over €1.2 million over the full term, despite rising social demand.



While funding for staffing—such as the Primary Care Team and the Specialised Childhood and Adolescent Intervention Team (EEIIA)—has increased by €190,000 to reflect salary rises and two new posts, key services have seen drastic cuts or have been removed altogether.



One of the most affected is SASEM, the Mental Health Support and Monitoring Service, which previously received €279,000 annually. “The service was never implemented despite receiving funds for three years. The result? This year, the funding has been slashed to €84,000,” Ponce explained.



Another casualty is the Social Inclusion Pathways Programme, designed to support recipients of minimum income with training and employment access. Torrevieja received €303,000 over the previous three years but failed to implement the programme. The result for 2025: zero euros and complete removal.



Ponce also flagged that despite population growth, funding for other essential services has stagnated—or worse, quietly declined. The Home Help Service for dependent individuals remains frozen at €150,000, yet with over 700 fewer hours of care. The ‘Menjar a casa’ meals programme has seen no increase either.



In terms of equality policy, the new contract includes funding for two new professionals, but all references to gender violence have been erased. “Even the title ‘Gender Violence’ has been replaced with ‘Promotion of Equality Between Men and Women’,” Ponce noted.



To add to the concerns, during the most recent plenary session, the council acknowledged that it must return €74,000 plus interest for unspent EEIIA funds allocated in 2024.



Ponce expressed frustration that when raising these issues publicly, the mayor dismissed them and suggested she should have spoken privately to the relevant councillor. “The mayor insists I direct my questions elsewhere, but then refuses to let others respond in session. These are not doubts—I’m stating facts.”



She concluded by urging the administration to immediately request a formal addendum to rectify the situation for 2026 and minimise the impact on vulnerable residents this year.

Excerpt: Torrevieja’s PSOE has criticised the 2025–2028 Social Services Contract for cutting over €1.2 million from local services, including mental health and social inclusion programmes, blaming inaction by the local government for funding losses.

### SUEÑA TORREVIEJA Criticises Poor Execution of PP's Investment Projects: “Only 12% Underway”

The local political group SUEÑA TORREVIEJA has denounced what it describes as a "worryingly low" level of progress in investment projects announced by the Partido Popular (PP) during the current municipal term. According to spokesperson Pablo Samper, only 12% of the €153 million investment budget is currently in execution.



The figures, based on official records from the month of June 2025, reveal that just five of the eight projects classified as "underway" have any approved progress certifications. Of those, the average rate of execution is just 15.5%, far below what had been publicly claimed.



“Once again, reality has overtaken the propaganda,” Samper stated. “While the mayor publicly claimed a 30% execution rate, the actual documentation tells a very different story.”



Among the most concerning examples cited are:




The primary electrification works at the port, which after three certifications are still only 11.16% complete.



The Levante breakwater coordination project, linked to the nearby leisure centre, which stands at a mere 4.06%.



Projects such as the Mínguez dock renovation and the animal shelter remain virtually at a standstill.




Samper also noted with concern that, in June, certifications were approved with a declared value of zero euros for the Hombre del Mar pumping station, indicating that no measurable progress had been made at all.



“This isn’t about a few minor delays—it’s a clear pattern of systemic failure to deliver on promised infrastructure,” he added.



SUEÑA TORREVIEJA is demanding a full and public explanation from the PP-led administration regarding the true status of each project and the verified percentage of works completed to date. “Residents have a right to know how their money is being spent—and why the PP’s headline-grabbing investment plans are turning into empty promises,” Samper concluded.

Excerpt: SUEÑA TORREVIEJA has accused the PP government of failing to deliver on key infrastructure projects, claiming only 12% of the €153 million investment budget is in execution and warning of stalled works, zero-value certifications, and missed targets.

### PSOE Accuses PP of Abandoning Torrevieja with Major Cuts to Plan +Cerca Funding

Torrevieja’s Socialist Party (PSOE) has sharply criticised the Partido Popular (PP) for slashing financial support to the city under the Plan +Cerca programme, administered by the Alicante Provincial Council.



According to the PSOE, funding for Torrevieja in the latest round of allocations has been reduced by more than €292,000 compared to last year. This follows a previous cut of over €211,000 in 2023, meaning the municipality has lost more than half a million euros in just two years under the current PP-led provincial government.



Socialist councillors argue that these continued reductions are becoming the norm, and accuse the PP of deliberately weakening local councils through arbitrary decisions that directly impact residents. The funds in question are typically used to address essential needs and to deliver local development projects.



In a statement, the PSOE called on Mayor Eduardo Dolón to defend Torrevieja’s interests, stating: “It is time for the mayor to stand up to his own party and protect this city from yet another damaging budget cut.”



The party also condemned what it described as a broader economic model from the PP that “suffocates municipalities while favouring the few.” They pointed to a pattern of tax breaks for wealthier individuals and leniency towards large corporations, contrasting this with financial pressure on local councils.



“The people of Torrevieja deserve fair funding that allows our town to move forward, not backwards,” the statement concluded. “We say enough is enough.”

Excerpt: Torrevieja’s PSOE has denounced the PP-led Alicante Provincial Council for cutting Plan +Cerca funding to the city by over €500,000 across two years, warning the move will impact essential services and local development.

### Punta Prima Roundabout to Receive AI-Controlled Traffic Light System in €338,000 Project

A landmark project is set to transform traffic management at one of the most notorious bottlenecks on the southern Costa Blanca. The Spanish Ministry of Transport has confirmed a €338,322 investment for the installation of a cutting-edge, AI-powered traffic light system at the Punta Prima roundabout, which sits on the N‑332 coastal road at the Orihuela Costa–Torrevieja boundary.













The new system will be one of the first of its kind in the region, using artificial intelligence to monitor traffic conditions in real time and adjust the sequencing of lights accordingly. The aim is to ease congestion, especially during peak tourist seasons, when traffic at the roundabout often becomes gridlocked, causing long delays for both local commuters and visitors travelling between Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, and beyond.



The roundabout at kilometre 51.5 of the N‑332 is not only a major intersection for daily traffic but also a key access point to several residential developments, shopping areas, and tourist attractions. The intelligent traffic management system will use sensor networks and predictive algorithms to streamline vehicle movement based on live traffic density and flow, rather than relying on fixed light cycles.



This innovative infrastructure project is being positioned by transport officials as a potential model for other high-traffic areas along the Mediterranean corridor. The system will also collect long-term data to support ongoing optimisation and could incorporate pedestrian and cyclist safety measures as part of future phases.



The decision to move forward with the project comes after years of local pressure and technical studies highlighting the roundabout’s inefficiency and its impact on the surrounding urban environment.



Construction is expected to begin later this year, with implementation completed in stages to minimise disruption to daily traffic.



This development is in addition to the widening of the N-332 through Torrevieja, which is now progressing, after decades of stagnation caused by the original failings of Torrevieja town hall.

Excerpt: The Punta Prima roundabout on the N‑332 is to receive a €338,000 AI-controlled traffic light system designed to reduce congestion and streamline vehicle flow, in what officials call a pioneering move for the region.

### Torrevieja Pride 2025: A Missed Opportunity for Meaningful Representation

Julia Manzanares Ribeiro, Secretary of Equality and LGBTI of the Municipal Group of the PSOE of Torrevieja, has issued comment and opinion on the state of Pride celebrations in Torrevieja, echoing the opinion that this year’s LGTBIQ+ Pride celebrations in Torrevieja, or more to the point the lack of, have left some with a sense of disillusionment, as what was once a bold statement of protest and visibility now seems to be managed as a mere procedural formality.



And, whereas the LGTBIQ+ community are all too aware that the support of the town's mayor, Eduardo Dolon, never stretches beyond empty promises in the run up to the elections, a man not usually shy of the cameras, and who recently attended the literal opening of a handbag, yet is never present in the minimal events that Torrevieja now shows in support of the community, the community is once again seeing the reality of how little Torrevieja council actually think of them. As if last year wasn't clear enough, with the permission of a Vox rally being given, meaning the LGTBIQ+ event being abandoned for fear of the safety of those taking part, faced off by the far-right opposers, this is still seemingly the legacy from the previously homophobic mayor, Pedro Hernández Mateo, whose offensive comments against a popular Spanish singer, Miguel Bosé, resulting in the cancelation of a concert, saw national coverage, remembering that he, now a convicted criminal, was the mentor of the now mayor, Dolon.



Fast forward back to today, and Manzanares Ribeiro points out that the most striking controversy emerged over the official Pride manifesto. The local group Asociación Torrevieja Diversa withdrew from the event after the Town Hall refused to include language calling for increased resources for equality policies—not just from the national government, but also from the Generalitat Valenciana. The disagreement didn’t stop there; the group was also excluded from helping to shape the official programming and the institutional slogan. While Torrevieja Diversa had suggested “Intolerance is not therapy, freedom is,” the final slogan chosen was the more generic “Love has no gender.”



This lack of inclusion reflects a broader trend: that Pride in Torrevieja is being reduced to a token celebration—an event to tick off the municipal calendar—rather than a meaningful platform for advocacy, visibility and change. The event held along the Paseo Vistalegre lacked any visible symbols, banners, information points or speeches. To the casual observer, it may have appeared no different from any other summer party.



Such omissions speak volumes. Pride, born out of resistance and struggle, now risks losing its political and social edge. And this isn't unique to Torrevieja; it’s a shift seen in many places. What was once a powerful demand for rights and recognition is increasingly diluted into a symbolic gesture, stripped of its urgency and intent.



For many in the local LGTBIQ+ community—especially young people who remain politically engaged and expect more from their institutions—this performative approach falls far short. They are not looking for light shows or DJ booths, but for real commitment: safe spaces, inclusive policies, educational initiatives, and cultural programming that reflects the community’s history and diversity.



True Pride is not just about celebration. It is about remembering what has been fought for, acknowledging what remains to be done, and committing to real progress. When institutions simply go through the motions, people notice. But when events are rooted in respect, solidarity and purpose, the difference is unmistakable—and deeply felt.



Aside from the true meaning of Pride, it is also perhaps worth mentioning that these events carry significant financial rewards. For Dolon, who also seems intent on killing off the traditional tourist attractions in Torrevieja, such as the May Fair, the Medieval Markets, and the like, in favour of music fiestas that attract a younger crowd, and always over exaggerating the financial value to the local economy of those events, the so-called Pink Pound is worth in the region of 6 billion pound in the UK alone, in the more recent report, some 350 billion dollars in America. 



Look to the island of Gran Canaria, where some kind of Pride is celebrated almost weekly (that too is an actual exaggeration, but they are frequent), and look at the revenue those events bring in all year round. Actual real revenue on accomodation, food, local businesses, travel, rather than the music festivals where, generally, people bring their own food and drink, sleep on the site or in their cars, and, at best, do the occasional shop at the big (mostly French in this area) supermarkets, not the local economy. 



By maintaining this stance of ticking a box, Torrevieja is missing out on a considerable share of that revenue, something which Benidorm, and even Alicante, both, coincidentally, also led by mayors from the same Partido Popular party as Torrevieja, and even Santa Pola, again with a PP lead, dedicating beach space to Pride, and yet, for Torrevieja, Pride is not in either in the name of love, nor money.

Excerpt: This year’s Pride celebrations in Torrevieja have drawn criticism for lacking meaningful inclusion or political purpose, with local LGTBIQ+ voices sidelined and concerns raised over the event’s growing superficiality.

### 811 New Affordable Homes Next to Lagoons Village Set to Reignite Criticism Over Vacant Stock

Torrevieja is set to welcome 811 new affordable homes under the Generalitat Valenciana's Plan Vive, but the announcement is likely to draw sharp criticism once more, after the local socialist councillors previously raised concerns over the high number of existing vacant properties in the city, and could also ignite complaints from buyers over the juxtaposition of publicly funded social homes alongside luxury developments.



According to local socialists, more than 30,000 homes in Torrevieja currently stand empty, despite efforts to promote affordable housing. The controversy is compounded by the fact that private residences are already under construction in the nearby exclusive Lagoons Village area, with prices starting around €250,000, and some units commanding significantly higher values.



Socialist spokeswoman Bárbara Soler had labelled the government’s approach as “more than a pantomime with which they try to take credit for the construction of social housing”, pointing out that plots in La Hoya were already designated for social housing long before the Plan Vive announcement. She also highlighted that while 600 units were initially promised, the final figure has still fallen short—having decreased from earlier projections.



Further criticism was directed at the regional administration for increasing public housing rental rates to levels close to market prices in some areas, calling the pricing strategy “unacceptable” and questioning its real affordability.



Despite the tension, the Plan Vive contracts have been officially awarded, and construction is expected to begin soon on Council land in Torrevieja. However, PSOE officials could argue that the city would be better served by repurposing some of the thousands of empty private homes already on the market, rather than building new projects that border high-end developments and the natural park which led to the environmental benefits of the area, now potentially becoming another victim of over construction.

Excerpt: While Torrevieja prepares for 811 new social housing units under Plan Vive, local socialists warned the city’s 30,000+ vacant homes should be prioritised.

### Torrevieja Hosts the 71st International Habaneras and Polyphony Competition

This Sunday, 20 July, Torrevieja will once again become the focal point of the global choral community as it welcomes the 71st International Habaneras and Polyphony Competition—an event recognised as of International Tourist Interest and awarded the Medal for Cultural Merit by the Generalitat Valenciana.



The grand opening gala, set to begin at 22:30 in the Municipal Theatre, will feature renditions of the official hymns of Torrevieja, Valencia, and Spain, performed by the Unión Musical Torrevejense alongside soloists Alberto Ballesta and Conchita Pérez Boj. Spanish singer Sole Giménez, best known for her work with Presuntos Implicados, will headline the evening, bringing her renowned vocal artistry to the prestigious stage.



Over the course of the event, nearly 700 performers, including singers and instrumentalists, will take part. Nine international choirs from Europe, the Americas and Asia will compete, each required to perform the set habanera ‘Torrevieja es así’, composed by Mario Bustillo with lyrics by Mari Paz Andréu. In addition, choirs will present two free-choice habaneras and two polyphonic pieces to showcase their full vocal range and technique.



The jury for this edition includes esteemed figures from the world of choral music: Bernadette Kühne, David Colado, Julia Foruria, Josep Vila, and Javier Corcuera. A total of €49,500 in prize money will be awarded across 11 categories, with the coveted “Ricardo Lafuente” First Prize for Habaneras offering €12,000 and a commemorative trophy.



On Monday, 21 July, the spotlight will turn to Torrevieja’s own choral ensembles, with performances by the Maestro Ricardo Lafuente Choir and Orchestra, the José Hódar choral society, the Manuel Barberá choral group, the Orfeón de Torrevieja, the Maestro Casanovas choir and the Francisco Vallejos choir. Tuesday will feature a special gala led by the Sinfonía Choir from the Municipal Choral School, fresh from their prize-winning appearance at the Cork International Choral Festival, alongside a guest performance by the Madrid Male Voice Choir, celebrating its 30th anniversary.



The competition proper will run from Wednesday 23 to Friday 25 July, with the final evening on Saturday 26 dedicated to the closing gala and awards ceremony.



All seven nights will be professionally recorded for a special broadcast by Spanish National Television (TVE). In Spain, the programme will air on La2, with additional international broadcasts planned via TVE’s international channel for audiences in Europe, America, and Asia. The event will also stream live on the Patronato’s official website and will be covered locally by Televisión Torrevieja and À Punt, the regional broadcaster.



This year’s presenter will be Ana Belén Roy, a well-known journalist from TVE, who expressed personal excitement about the role, sharing her childhood memories of visiting Torrevieja. “It feels like life has come full circle,” she said. “Presenting this event is an honour I will always treasure.”



Complementing the main programme, the Patronato has organised additional concerts throughout the city, with open-air recitals in pedestrian areas near Calle Concepción, in La Mata, and at the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, bringing the spirit of the festival to the wider public.

Excerpt: Torrevieja’s 71st International Habaneras and Polyphony Competition begins on Sunday 20 July, with over 700 performers, nine international choirs, and a full week of music, culminating in a prestigious awards gala and nationwide TV coverage.

### Torrevieja PSOE Demands Mayor Address Conviction of Former Deputy Mayor for Prevarication

Torrevieja’s Socialist Party (PSOE) has called on Mayor Eduardo Dolón to take public responsibility and offer a clear explanation following the conviction of his long-time political ally and former deputy mayor for the crime of prevarication.



The former councillor, once considered the mayor’s right hand, has been sentenced to seven years of disqualification from holding public office after the court found she unlawfully awarded contracts worth €232,000 to seven companies without any legal framework in place. The ruling stated that she knowingly bypassed public procurement rules, verbally arranging services and supplies for a council employment workshop without proper procedures or documentation.



During her time in office, she oversaw key departments such as Public Contracting, Parks and Gardens, and Urban Cleaning. One of the largest contracts under her management was the municipal waste service. According to the court’s findings, her actions were deliberate, systematic, and in violation of public contracting principles.



PSOE councillor David Villanueva condemned the mayor’s silence, pointing out what he sees as hypocrisy. “Just days ago, Mayor Dolón criticised national leaders for trusting corrupt officials, yet he refuses to apply those same standards to his own administration,” Villanueva said. He referenced recent remarks made by the mayor where he called for national resignations over corruption, suggesting Dolón now holds himself to a different standard.



Villanueva also criticised the lack of transparency, noting that the former councillor only resigned in December 2022 after it became public that she was facing two separate legal cases, despite previously denying it. She still awaits a verdict in a second case of alleged prevarication, where the anti-corruption prosecutor is requesting an additional 12-year ban.



In a video posted to social media, Villanueva alleged that no trace of the unauthorised works remains, as the area was later redeveloped—specifically, the construction of the new Parque de la Siesta—implying an attempt to cover up the misconduct.



Even more concerning, he said, was testimony from contractors involved in the case. “They weren’t surprised by the irregularities. In fact, they testified that such procedures were standard at Torrevieja Town Hall,” Villanueva stated.



He concluded by urging the mayor to publicly denounce the offences committed by his former deputy, from whom he continued to speak fondly during the recent election campaign. “Mr Dolón must take responsibility, apologise to the public, and demonstrate the same ethical standards he demands of others,” Villanueva said. He also noted that the Town Hall could pursue civil liability against the former councillor to recover public funds used to cover interest on unpaid invoices that eventually led to court proceedings. “But will they?” he asked.

Excerpt: Torrevieja’s PSOE has demanded Mayor Eduardo Dolón explain and take responsibility for the prevarication conviction of his former deputy mayor, criticising what they describe as a double standard in ethical accountability and calling for potential recovery of public funds.

### Torrevieja Unveils Ambitious Cultural Programme to Close Out the Year

Torrevieja has announced its official cultural programme for the final quarter of 2025, promising a vibrant and diverse selection of performances from September through December. The schedule features high-profile national acts, acclaimed musicians, theatre productions and family-friendly events, all aimed at closing the year “in grand style.”









The programme includes standout theatrical performances such as Estado de Alarma, starring Lara Dibildos and César Lucendo, as well as the comedy Inmaduros, led by Carlos Sobera. Belinda Washington will bring her new comedy Remátame Otra Vez to the local stage, adding to the season’s strong dramatic lineup.



In terms of music, the internationally renowned violinist Ara Malikian will present Intruso, a multidisciplinary concert that combines classical performance with contemporary flair. Fans of ballet will also enjoy a production of Swan Lake, performed by a professional touring company.



Additional highlights include live magic shows, a special DJ concert by the Royal Concert Orchestra, and tribute acts dedicated to artists such as Joaquín Sabina and Michael Jackson. Family audiences can look forward to Vaiana, El Musical, while rock fans will enjoy homages to The Beatles and other classics. The schedule also reserves space for local artists and music groups, supporting home-grown talent and community participation.



The announcement reinforces Torrevieja’s position as a cultural hub on the Costa Blanca, with events scheduled across major venues including the Municipal Theatre and the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre. Tickets will be made available progressively, with updates posted via the Town Hall’s official platforms.



The local Department of Culture encourages early booking and community support to help close out the year with record attendance and a renewed appreciation for the performing arts.

Excerpt: Torrevieja has announced a packed cultural programme for September to December 2025, featuring top national artists, theatre, music, comedy and family shows, closing the year with a celebration of artistic talent across all ages.

### SUEÑA TORREVIEJA Demands Urgent Creation of National Police Station

SUEÑA TORREVIEJA has formally submitted a motion to Torrevieja City Council calling for the immediate establishment of a National Police station in the city. The proposal, presented by councillor Pablo Samper at the plenary session on 13 July, argues that Torrevieja not only meets but exceeds the legal population threshold required for such a facility under national legislation.



Samper criticised the current situation as “an unsustainable paradox,” noting that Torrevieja is the third most populated city in the province of Alicante and the fifth in the Valencian Community, yet remains without its own National Police station. “This is not simply a bureaucratic anomaly—it represents a serious failure of the State in its obligation to protect citizens,” he said.



According to Samper, other cities such as Benidorm, Orihuela and Paterna—each with smaller populations—already have dedicated police facilities and specialist units, while Torrevieja’s residents face delays in police response, overloaded local officers, and growing insecurity in both urban and tourist areas.



In the motion, SUEÑA TORREVIEJA references both the Organic Law 2/1986 and Royal Decree 991/2006, which mandate the creation of a National Police station in municipalities with more than 50,000 registered residents. Torrevieja, Samper noted, now has over 100,000 registered residents and welcomes over 300,000 visitors during the summer months—three times the legal threshold.



The councillor also condemned the local government’s decision to allocate nearly half a million euros to private security contracts instead of lobbying for State resources. “We are not asking for special treatment—we are demanding compliance with the law. A National Police station is not a luxury, it is a right based on population and a critical tool for maintaining public safety,” he stated.



SUEÑA TORREVIEJA proposes the soon-to-be vacated bus station site as a potential location and has urged the municipal government, the provincial sub-delegation, and the Ministry of the Interior to establish a negotiation committee to advance the project without delay.



“Enough of being treated like a village,” Samper concluded, calling for the support of all political groups to approve the motion unanimously and bring an end to what he described as Torrevieja’s “illegal exception” status.

Excerpt: SUEÑA TORREVIEJA has submitted a motion demanding the urgent creation of a National Police station in the city, citing population figures well above legal thresholds and criticising delays, insecurity and lack of state-level policing.

### Traditional Festivities in Honour of Virgen del Carmen Begin in Torrevieja

This weekend marks the start of Torrevieja’s annual homage to the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of fishermen, with events extending from Saturday, 12 July, through Wednesday, 16 July. Known for its maritime traditions, the celebration retains its deep-rooted religious spirit even as the usual sea procession is suspended due to ongoing harbour works.



Festivities opened in the morning with activities tailored for families at the Lonja de Pescado, including children’s entertainment and a solidarity luncheon to benefit ALPE and APANEE. That same evening, a solemn mass took place at the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, during which floral tributes were laid in memory of lost fishermen. This was followed by a musical tribute led by the local choir and the Unión Musical Torrevejense, culminating at the Monument to the Man of the Sea with the moving Salve Marinera chant.



On Tuesday, 15 July, the scene shifts to conviviality at the paella contest in the Lonja, accompanied by live music from the charanga Los Sulfamidas. Prizes will be awarded to the contest winners, blending culinary tradition with festive camaraderie.



Wednesday, the 16th, will begin with a traditional street diana—a musical wake-up call—led by local bands at 08:00. This will be followed by the exciting maritime challenge of the cucaña on the port: brave participants will attempt to walk a greased pole in pursuit of a flag flapping at its end. The evening ceremony returns to the Church of the Immaculate Conception with a high mass, again accompanied by the José Hódar choir, and culminates in a land-based procession through the city centre, including stops at significant landmarks like Paseo Vista Alegre. The day closes with a fireworks display as the procession returns the image of the Virgen to her church.



While this year’s celebration lacks the customary sea procession, organisers emphasise that safety considerations due to port construction make this necessary. Nevertheless, the event remains a deeply meaningful gathering, honouring the town’s maritime heritage and bringing together residents and visitors in shared devotion.

Excerpt: Torrevieja’s traditional Virgen del Carmen festivities began this weekend (12–16 July), featuring masses, paella contests and festive processions, with special maritime games—but no sea procession this year due to harbour works.

### Wednesday is a Holiday in Torrevieja - Virgen del Carmen

Wednesday 16th July is a local holiday in Torrevieja, as well as many other towns around the country where fishermen are key to their history, celebrating the patron saint, Virgen del Carmen.



In Torrevieja, the celebrations start this weekend and run through to the main event.



VIRGEN DEL CARMEN 2025



Saturday, July 12



12:00 p.m. Children's entertainment show.



 2:00 p.m. Lunch for the children of Alpe and Apanee. Location: Fish Market.



8:00 p.m. Mass and floral offering.



Location: Sacred Heart of Jesus Church.



MASS in memory of all deceased fishermen, sung by the "José Hódar" Choir. This will be followed by the traditional floral offering, accompanied by the Torrevieja Musical Union, to the Man of the Sea (Paseo Juan Aparicio), where the "SAILOR'S SALVE" will be performed by the José Hódar Choir.



Tuesday, July 15



Paella Competition at the Fish Market



With entertainment by the Los Sulfamidas band and, at the end, the Paella Competition awards ceremony



Wednesday, July 16



8:00 a.m. "Traditional Diana" will liven up the atmosphere with festive melodies through the city streets.



11:30h. "Cucaña Maritima"



Challenge and laughter guaranteed: Dare to conquer it!



Location: Port of Torrevieja



8:00 p.m. Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, sung by the "José Hódar" Choral Mass. At the end of the mass, the procession of the Virgen del Carmen will begin to Paseo Vista Alegre (Tribute to the Musicians).



Fireworks will then be set off and the procession will return to the Church of the Immaculate Conception.



THIS YEAR, DUE TO PORT WORKS, THE TRADITIONAL BOAT AND PROMENADE OF THE VIRGIN DEL CARMEN WILL NOT TAKE PLACE.



As a NEW FEATURE, this year's procession will pass along Paseo Vista Alegre.

### Grand Spectacle Awaits: Guardamar del Segura's Moors and Christians Festivities 2025 Unveiled

Guardamar del Segura is set to once again transform into a vibrant canvas of history and tradition with the official announcement of its Moors and Christians Festivities for 2025. These highly anticipated celebrations, a cornerstone of the town's cultural calendar, promise an unforgettable spectacle of colour, music, and dramatic re-enactments, drawing both locals and tourists to experience a profound sense of heritage.



The festivities are a deep-rooted tradition, commemorating the historical battles and coexistence between the Moorish and Christian communities in Spain. Participants, dressed in meticulously crafted period costumes, will parade through the streets, accompanied by stirring musical ensembles. The highlight of the event will be the grand re-enactment of the landing of the Moors and the subsequent Christian conquest, complete with impressive choreography and pyrotechnic displays.



Throughout the week, the town will host a series of events, including formal parades, ambush re-enactments, and traditional religious ceremonies. Food stalls will offer local delicacies, and the atmosphere will be charged with a sense of camaraderie and celebration. The preparations for this elaborate event are already underway, involving hundreds of residents who dedicate countless hours to perfecting every detail, from the intricate costume designs to the synchronised movements of the parading factions. The cultural significance of these festivities extends beyond mere entertainment; they serve as a powerful reminder of Guardamar del Segura's rich past and its enduring community spirit.



The grand spectacle of the Guardamar del Segura Moors and Christians Festivities is scheduled to run from Friday, July 18th to Sunday, July 27th, 2025. While the main events will take place during this period, some preliminary activities, including the popular Street Food market and local band performances, are set to commence a day earlier, on Thursday, July 17th, providing an extended opportunity to immerse yourself in this vibrant cultural celebration.

Excerpt: Guardamar del Segura's spectacular Moors and Christians Festivities for 2025 have been officially announced! Prepare for a week of vibrant parades, historical re-enactments, and traditional celebrations as the town brings its rich past to life. This cultural highlight promises an unforgettable experience for all.

### Children’s “Creative Exploration” Art Exhibition Opens at Virgen del Carmen Centre

Torrevieja’s Municipal School of Painting has opened a new exhibition titled “Creative Exploration”, showcasing imaginative artworks produced by primary-school pupils during the 2024–25 academic year. Held in the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, the exhibition explores themes such as emotion, memory and collective creativity, with young artists drawing inspiration from surrealism and classical art techniques.



The collection features a variety of expressive pieces—from abstract colour compositions to narrative scenes—each reflecting the students’ unique perspectives. Coordinated by their painting teacher, the project emphasises experimentation with materials and ideas, encouraging participants to explore their personal artistic voice.



The exhibition will remain on display for two weeks, offering families and the community an opportunity to celebrate the creativity of emerging local talent. Admission is free, and visitors can explore the display during the Centre’s regular hours.

Excerpt: A new exhibition by Torrevieja’s Municipal School of Painting titled “Creative Exploration” has opened at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, featuring imaginative works by primary-school pupils across themes of emotion, memory and creativity.

### Habaneras Shopping Centre Celebrates 20 Years with Weekend Festival

Torrevieja’s Habaneras Shopping Centre is preparing to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a vibrant three-day programme of activities running from 11 to 13 July. The festivities are designed to offer a mix of fashion, food, music and community engagement—all taking place within and around the shopping centre complex.



Visitors will have the opportunity to take part in an exclusive culinary workshop, with local chefs guiding guests through modern cooking techniques and tastings.



Entertainment will continue throughout the weekend with live music from popular acts including The Crooners and Ensemble Live Music. Performance areas will be set up around the centre, creating a festive open-air atmosphere for shoppers and passers-by.



To mark the occasion, Habaneras has also launched a charity initiative: a mural wall where guests can leave written messages. For every message added, the centre will donate €1 to the local family-support charity Lazos de Crianza. Organisers hope to raise significant funds for the cause over the three-day period.



Additional highlights include gift giveaways, games, and themed activities for children. Lollipops will be distributed to visitors as a cheerful gesture throughout the celebration.



Now a staple of Torrevieja’s commercial and social life, Habaneras Shopping Centre continues to serve as a hub for shopping, leisure and local culture. Its anniversary celebrations aim to reinforce the centre’s connection with the community while offering something special for everyone.

Excerpt: Torrevieja’s Habaneras Shopping Centre is marking its 20th anniversary with a three-day celebration from 11 to 13 July, featuring fashion, music, food workshops and a charitable mural in support of local families.

### PSOE Calls for Institutional Tribute to Torrevieja Victims of 1938 Bombing

The Socialist Party (PSOE) in Torrevieja has submitted a formal motion calling for official acts to honour the memory of local victims of the 1938 fascist bombing during the Spanish Civil War. The proposal, led by municipal spokesperson Bárbara Soler, will be presented at the next plenary session of the City Council.



On 25 August 1938, Torrevieja was attacked by Italian fascist aircraft allied with General Francisco Franco. The bombing claimed the lives of 19 residents—many of them children and infants—and left dozens more injured. Most victims had been queuing to buy fish at the time of the strike.



Soler highlighted the disparity in how institutions commemorate civilian victims of the war. She pointed to the city of Alicante, where the Italian bombing of the central market resulted in over 300 deaths. There, annual commemorations are held under the leadership of a mayor from the same political party as Torrevieja’s. In contrast, Torrevieja has not seen institutional tributes since the 2015–2019 term, when a progressive coalition was in office.



Since then, remembrance has been limited to events organised by local parties and historical memory associations—without the participation of the municipal government. The PSOE argues that in today’s climate of growing detachment from democratic values, it is more important than ever to recognise events that shaped the city’s modern history and to ensure they are not forgotten.



Soler also acknowledged the consistent work of community groups that have kept the memory alive over the years, despite differing political ideologies, all united in a shared goal: to honour the victims of that tragic day.



The PSOE motion proposes the following actions:




Officially designate 25 August as a municipal remembrance day in honour of the victims of the 1938 bombing.



Hold a public act with full council participation, including the reading of a statement, a five-minute silence, and a floral tribute at a designated site.



Install a commemorative monolith at Torrevieja’s port listing the names of those who lost their lives.



Include the victims’ names in future decisions on naming new streets in the city.




The motion seeks not only to restore historical memory but to ensure that Torrevieja offers institutional recognition to a chapter of its past that remains painfully under-recognised.

Excerpt: Torrevieja’s PSOE has submitted a motion urging the council to officially commemorate the victims of the 1938 fascist bombing, proposing an annual remembrance day, a public ceremony, a memorial at the port and the inclusion of victims' names in future street naming.

### Free Summer Digital Camp Announced for Torrevieja Children

Torrevieja’s Department of Education has announced a new summer initiative aimed at introducing local children to the world of digital technology. The free camp, open to children aged 9 to 13, will run from 21 to 25 July and is designed to blend learning with fun through hands-on activities in coding, robotics and digital literacy.



The sessions will be held in a dedicated learning space within the city, with a focus on interactive, game-based learning to keep young participants engaged. Activities will include basic programming, building and operating small robots, and educational games that promote safe and responsible use of technology. Children will also learn key concepts around online safety, digital ethics and the responsible use of social media.



Places on the course are limited, and families are encouraged to register early to secure a spot. The initiative is free of charge for all participants and forms part of the local council’s broader strategy to improve digital competence and technological inclusion among the younger generation.



Organisers emphasise that no prior experience in technology is needed—just curiosity and enthusiasm. The camp is intended to offer a positive and enriching experience during the school holiday period, helping children to build valuable skills while having fun with their peers.

Excerpt: Torrevieja will host a free digital summer camp from 21 to 25 July, offering children aged 9 to 13 a hands-on introduction to coding, robotics and online safety in a fun, interactive setting.

### International Festival of Musical Bands Begins in Torrevieja

Torrevieja’s celebrated International Festival of Musical Bands officially began this weekend, marking the start of a week-long celebration of live music, tradition and cultural exchange. Now in its 23rd edition, the festival brings together bands from across Europe to perform in a series of parades and concerts throughout the city, running from 6 to 12 July.



The opening day featured a lively youth parade, where young musicians marched through the city centre to enthusiastic applause from residents and visitors. The inaugural performances showcased local talent and set the tone for a packed programme of evening concerts, each taking place at the city’s main cultural venues.



This year’s festival includes a diverse lineup of ensembles representing various musical traditions and regions. Performances will include classical works, contemporary compositions and festive marches, offering audiences a rich variety of styles. The programme also includes collaborative events that promote musical education and community involvement.



The event is organised by the Department of Culture and the Union Musical Torrevejense, with support from local authorities. It has become one of the summer’s key attractions for both locals and tourists, adding to Torrevieja’s growing reputation as a regional centre for cultural excellence.



Concerts are free to attend and open to all ages, with the final gala taking place on Friday. The closing performance will include a mass ensemble concert, bringing together participating bands in a symbolic celebration of unity through music.

Excerpt: Torrevieja’s International Festival of Musical Bands began this weekend with a vibrant youth parade and evening concerts, launching a full week of music and cultural exchange across the city.

### Camilo and Rels B Confirmed as Headliners for Brilla Torrevieja Festival

Two of the most popular names in Latin and urban pop—Camilo and Rels B—have been confirmed as headline acts for this year’s Brilla Torrevieja Festival. The announcement has generated strong excitement among fans across the Costa Blanca, with tickets already selling quickly for what is expected to be one of the summer’s most memorable music events.



The festival, now in its fourth edition, has grown rapidly since its inception, placing Torrevieja firmly on the map as a major cultural and musical destination. This year’s programme will take place at a series of outdoor venues around the city, with large crowds anticipated for both headline and supporting performances.



Colombian singer-songwriter Camilo, known for his global hits and distinctive romantic style, will bring a mix of ballads and upbeat tracks to the festival stage. Rels B, the Mallorcan artist whose smooth blend of rap, trap and R&B has earned him a devoted following, will also perform in what organisers describe as a major highlight of the summer calendar.



In addition to music, the Brilla Torrevieja Festival offers a broader cultural programme with food trucks, art installations, family-friendly zones and late-night activities, making it a comprehensive celebration of creativity and entertainment.



The city council has welcomed the festival’s return, seeing it as a boost for local tourism, hospitality and business. With hotel bookings already rising ahead of the main events, this year’s edition is expected to break attendance records and attract visitors from across Spain and beyond.

Excerpt: Camilo and Rels B will headline the Brilla Torrevieja Festival later this month, promising standout performances in a summer event that positions the city as a major music and cultural hub.

### Orfeón de Torrevieja to Celebrate 18 Years with Gala Concert

This Sunday, the Orfeón de Torrevieja “Mario Bustillo” will mark its 18th anniversary with a special gala concert at the city’s Municipal Theatre. The concert, beginning at 20:00, promises a varied and emotionally rich repertoire designed to highlight both the ensemble’s musical growth and its ongoing contribution to Torrevieja’s cultural identity.



Founded in 2006, the Orfeón has steadily built a reputation for excellence in vocal performance, both within the Vega Baja and on national stages. The group’s name pays tribute to Mario Bustillo, one of the city’s most celebrated musical figures, known for his dedication to promoting local choral music and preserving the tradition of the habanera.



Sunday’s performance will include a diverse selection of works ranging from operatic arias and classical compositions to beloved zarzuelas and popular hits. Of particular note are several traditional habaneras—songs historically tied to Torrevieja’s seafaring and cultural heritage—which remain a signature of the group’s identity.



The concert is expected to draw a large audience, with strong support from residents and music lovers across the region. It forms part of the city’s ongoing summer programme of arts events and helps set the stage for later festivities, including the International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest later this month.



Admission to the performance is free, although limited seating is available. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to ensure entry and enjoy an evening celebrating one of Torrevieja’s most enduring artistic institutions.

Excerpt: The Orfeón de Torrevieja will celebrate its 18th anniversary with a gala concert this Sunday at the Municipal Theatre, featuring opera, zarzuela, and traditional habaneras in a tribute to the city’s musical heritage.

### Continued Heat Advisory in Effect for Torrevieja

Torrevieja remains under a yellow-level weather alert today as high temperatures and persistent humidity continue to affect the region. Daytime highs are expected to reach around 32 °C, but with humidity taken into account, the perceived temperature—also known as the heat index—may climb to 38 °C in the afternoon.



Local authorities are urging residents and visitors to take sensible precautions, especially between midday and early evening, when heat stress is most likely. People are advised to stay indoors or seek shade during the hottest hours, remain well hydrated throughout the day, and wear light, breathable clothing. The advice is particularly important for the elderly, young children, and anyone with existing health conditions.



Although light easterly breezes are forecast to bring slight relief, they are unlikely to reduce the overall intensity of the heat. With overnight temperatures staying around 25 °C, conditions remain uncomfortable for sleeping, prompting health services to remind the public of the importance of ventilation and rest.



No disruptions to public services have been reported, but community groups and health workers have been asked to remain vigilant for signs of heat-related illness, especially among vulnerable members of the population. The advisory is expected to stay in place for the remainder of the weekend, with a further update due if conditions intensify or extend into the week.

### La Mata Prepares for 28th Annual Futsal Tournament

La Mata is gearing up for one of its most anticipated summer sporting events as the 28th Annual Futsal Tournament returns on 7 July. Hosted at the local sports pavilion, the tournament will bring together amateur teams from across Torrevieja and the wider Vega Baja region, continuing a long-standing tradition that blends friendly competition with community celebration.



The tournament is open to various age groups and is expected to draw dozens of teams over the course of the event, which typically spans several days of fast-paced matches played under the five-a-side indoor football format. Local organisers, with support from Torrevieja’s sports department, have once again ensured that registration remains accessible to all, keeping the event inclusive and popular among residents.



Beyond the matches themselves, the tournament is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with families and spectators gathering to cheer from the stands. The event often includes music, refreshments and informal awards to recognise standout performances and sportsmanship.



As the tournament approaches, players are finalising their training and preparations, while the community looks forward to another successful edition of this summer sporting fixture. The La Mata Futsal Tournament continues to serve not only as a platform for local athletic talent, but as a spirited reminder of the town’s strong sporting culture and neighbourly camaraderie.

### Magic and Comedy Festival Opens in San Miguel de Salinas

San Miguel de Salinas has launched its first-ever Magic and Comedy series, offering a vibrant new addition to the town’s summer cultural calendar. The festival began on Saturday evening in Plaza de la Libertad, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of residents and visitors to enjoy the opening performance under the warm July skies.



The series is scheduled to run throughout the month, with performances taking place every Wednesday at 21:30. Each evening will feature a rotating lineup of professional magicians and comedians, promising a varied programme that blends sleight of hand, visual illusions, stand-up comedy and family-friendly entertainment.



Organised by the local council, the festival is part of a wider initiative to expand free, accessible cultural activities in smaller towns within the Vega Baja region. By hosting events in public squares, organisers hope to foster community spirit and encourage participation from all ages. Seating is open-air and free of charge, with no advance booking required.



With a focus on creativity, humour and spectacle, the Magic and Comedy series is expected to become a summer tradition, offering locals and tourists alike a reason to gather, laugh and experience live performance in a relaxed setting.

### Summer Sounds Set to Spark Life Along the Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca is gearing up for a season of music, with festivals of all sizes lined up to fill coastal towns with rhythm, culture, and celebration throughout July and August. From large-scale concerts to relaxed open-air performances, the region is embracing its role as a summer stage for both international acts and homegrown talent.



One of the biggest draws this season is the FIB festival in Benicàssim, just north of the region, which continues to attract festivalgoers from across Europe. Meanwhile, cities like Alicante and Elche will offer their own dynamic line-ups, with performances ranging from flamenco to indie, staged in gardens, plazas, and seaside venues.



Further along the coast, communities such as Altea, Denia, and Calpe are curating more intimate experiences, hosting live music in scenic spots where residents and tourists alike can enjoy local cuisine and handmade crafts alongside the sounds of summer.



Local councils are viewing the festival season as a key opportunity to support cultural engagement and stimulate the tourism sector. Funding has been directed toward infrastructure, safety, and promotion, with early signs suggesting a strong response from both audiences and the hospitality industry.



With its mix of coastal charm and musical variety, the Costa Blanca looks set to offer more than just sunshine this summer — it’s shaping up to be one of the liveliest cultural destinations in the country.

### Torrevieja Parks and Gardens Launch Social Media Channels

If you live in one of the urbanisations around Torrevieja, rather than the town centre, you might be surprised to hear that such a team exists, but the good news is that The Parks and Gardens Department in Torrevieja, managed by Actúa – Grupo Hozono Global, has debuted its official social media presence under the handle @jardinesdetorrevieja across Facebook, Instagram and X, and though, thanks to digital technology, those living in the outer areas will now be able to see flowers on their computer, so there is no need for them in real life where you live!



This new channel offers citizens a window into daily operations, with updates on activities such as pruning, planting, irrigation, pest control and specialised clean‑ups—even heightened efforts during heatwaves.



Alongside visual content, the profiles will feature educational posts on environmental stewardship, gardening advice, guidelines for respecting public green spaces and timely community announcements. The initiative is designed to foster a more interactive and transparent relationship between the municipality and its residents, encouraging involvement in maintaining Torrevieja’s urban biodiversity.



Under the revamped maintenance contract, the service now employs 113 professionals, up from 59, and operates a fleet of 68 vehicles and machines, replacing the previous 25-unit stock, although there is no mention of the environmental impact the increase in vehicle fleet will pose.



They currently oversee 362 public sites—including parks, plazas, playgrounds and sports areas—covering over 2 million square metres, an increase of 800,000 m² since the previous service model.



By improving both staffing and equipment, and expanding its coverage area, the service is able to deliver more timely interventions and apply modern standards of accessibility, safety and sustainability. Locals are encouraged to engage with and support this initiative by following the new channels and sharing their own experiences of the city’s green spaces, and so it could be an opportunity for those living in the urbanisations to share their pictures of brown and yellow spaces too, along with directions to help the town hall officials find their way beyond the N-332. You can also play a fun game with children, called "spot the tree", as Torrevieja currently seems to have an objection to trees, and the environmental benefits they produce, favouring concrete.



Let us Monitor Progress



Below are 2 images taken exactly TWENTY YEARS apart, in the same location, in December 2004 and 2024, respectively, in one of the urbanisations (yes, we COULD name it, but for now we will give the town hall the challenge, with the clue (now, don't get scared council people), it is over the other side of the N-332, where people live).



In fairness, it was greener in the picture than it is now, as it was December, but yes, the more observant will notice the road signs have never been changed, and whoever wrote their name or "tag" on the electric box might go down in history when future generations see it in the same way we see cave art, but the park area out of site is a mess, as is the one at the other end of the street. 



So, we will leave this picture here, and then, in December 2025, we will return and give an update, to mark the 21st anniversary, and see if anyone has been able to find it and improve it in the same way the town centre is being.

### Regulated Parking Scheme Updated on Calle Ramón Gallud

An updated regulated parking scheme has been launched on calle Ramón Gallud in central Torrevieja. Parking is now controlled from 09:00 to 17:00 on weekdays, with a maximum stay of two hours. The enforcement is being carried out using automated number plate recognition technology operated by the Local Police.



The latest evolution of this scheme has been introduced by the council to improve traffic flow and access to shops and services, aims to increase the turnover of available spaces. It follows recent changes to road layouts and the redevelopment of the port area, where approximately 400 parking spaces were lost. In the press release about this scheme they clearly forgot already that the officials from the town hall, including the mayor, were all present at the opening of the new car park at the port, where 640 parking spaces were launched in April of this year.



By regulating parking on nearby streets, they say, the city hopes to mitigate the impact of these losses, again, forgetting they have already replaced those, although it would have been more realistic to mention that Torrevieja is a town where there were always constant complaints about the lack of parking, where one of the bus stations was closed, and where the bus service is still awaiting improvements, years overdue, not to mention to lack still of the mandatory low emissions zone, which was intended to run on this street in the original, and now also forgotten plans, thus replaced by parking which is proven to be more damaging to the air and the environment, taking a backward step, therefore.



Anyway, back to this week, from Monday, 7 July, parking outside of permitted hours will no longer be allowed, and penalties will be issued for vehicles found in breach of the rules. Signage has been installed to inform drivers of the changes, and officers will begin full enforcement next week.



This measure claims to support local businesses by ensuring a regular flow of short-term parking spaces, while also reducing congestion in one of the town’s busiest zones, by removing a live lane of moving traffic and reducing it to 1 lane, and only allowing parking during the busiest time of day! 



Drivers are advised to check posted signs and adjust their parking habits accordingly, although, in reality, the best advice is just forget it, because normally cars just drive around the blocks several times trying to find a space, eventually giving up. Top tip, just try and use the actual car park instead.

### Zenia Boulevard Unveils Over 50 Free Summer Activities for July and August

Zenia Boulevard, the largest shopping centre in Alicante province, is celebrating summer with a packed calendar of over 50 free events and activities throughout July and August, offering fun for all ages and interests.



Each day of the week will feature a themed programme, ensuring there’s always something new to enjoy:




Mondays – Sports Sessions: Get active with Crosstraining, Zumba, Latin Fit and more.



Tuesdays – Water Slide Fun: Refreshing entertainment especially for children.



Wednesdays – Traditional Games: Family favourites and nostalgic classics.



Thursdays – Creative Workshops: Crafting and educational activities to inspire.



Fridays – World Music: Live themed concerts with rhythms from Spain, Mexico, Cuba and the USA.



Saturdays – Spectacular Shows: Including the energetic dance musical Kebanna, the summer hit show El Chiringuito Mix, and a lively foam party featuring DJs, games and prizes.



Sundays – Family Theatre: Performances and entertainment designed especially for young children.




In addition to the event schedule, Zenia Boulevard is launching a summer rewards promotion: customers who spend €50 or more in participating shops will receive a direct prize. Gifts include beach mats, balls, paddles and other seasonal treats.



The centre also boasts four themed children’s play zones, all with free access – La Medusa, The Zitron, the six-metre-high Flamenco, and an Interactive Fountain, providing hours of entertainment for little ones.



With over 160 shops, including major retailers such as Zara, Primark, H&M, Decathlon, MediaMarkt and Leroy Merlin, plus a wide variety of cafés, restaurants and fashion outlets, Zenia Boulevard remains the Costa Blanca’s go-to destination for summer shopping and entertainment.



Following a recent €18 million refurbishment, the centre now offers a bright, resort-like atmosphere, complete with shaded areas, rest zones, upgraded pavements, and modernised leisure and dining spaces.



Zenia Boulevard also provides over 60 free services for visitors, including baby changing facilities, free drinking water fountains, wheelchairs, child seats, dog feeding stations, a Tourist Info point, and “Find My Car” assistance. For environmentally conscious visitors, there are electric vehicle charging points and dedicated bicycle and scooter parking, as well as Benito – a self-service bicycle maintenance station, unique in the area.



Zenia Boulevard: More Than Just Shopping



First opened in 2012 and drawing more than 15 million visitors in 2024 alone, Zenia Boulevard is located in a prime position in Orihuela Costa. With its enhanced facilities, extensive retail offering, and full summer programme, it continues to offer an unmatched outdoor shopping and leisure experience on the Mediterranean coast.

### Torrevieja in Summer: Your Guide to July and August Fiestas and Celebrations

I. Introduction: Embrace the Summer Spirit in Torrevieja



I. Introduction – Summer Comes Alive on the Costa Blanca



When summer arrives in Torrevieja, it does so with flair. Nestled on the Costa Blanca, this bustling seaside town bursts into life each July and August as it welcomes thousands of visitors with open arms. With golden beaches, endless sunshine, and a palpable energy, the town transforms into a hive of celebration, colour and tradition.



These two months form the peak tourist season, and the local calendar is packed with carefully curated events designed to entertain, inspire, and immerse both residents and tourists in the heart of Spanish culture. From centuries-old maritime processions to cutting-edge music festivals, Torrevieja offers something for everyone – whether you're drawn to the solemn beauty of religious parades or the pulsing rhythm of open-air concerts.







II. July: Tradition, Music, and Community Spirit



Virgen del Carmen (16 July)



A defining moment in Torrevieja’s cultural calendar, the Virgen del Carmen festival pays homage to the patron saint of sailors and fishermen. The highlight is a moving maritime procession in which the statue of the Virgin is carried through the streets and out to sea aboard a decorated boat.



Other traditional elements include a Eucharist, a lateen sailing contest, and a comical greasy pole challenge suspended above the water. The day concludes with fireworks and the emotional “Salve Marinera” hymn, performed by a local choir. This deeply rooted celebration honours Torrevieja’s maritime heritage and continues to unite the community in a shared expression of devotion and pride.



International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest (20–26 July)



One of the most prestigious choral competitions in Spain, the Habaneras and Polyphony Contest draws vocal ensembles from across the globe. Held in the evocative open-air venue of Eras de la Sal, formerly a salt export dock, the competition celebrates the habanera – a genre that forms an essential part of Torrevieja’s cultural identity.



Additional events include junior choir performances, composition awards, and beachside concerts that make the music accessible to all. With international recognition, this contest has become a cornerstone of the city’s cultural offering, uniting history and harmony in a stunning coastal setting.



Other July Highlights



Every Friday, the lively Torrevieja Market sets up at Antonio Soria Park, offering everything from fresh produce to local crafts – a perfect slice of everyday life.



The Circus Quiros, running until 18 July, offers family-friendly entertainment under the big top. Meanwhile, the summer schedule includes exhibitions, artist showcases, and even technology talks – illustrating the town’s blend of tradition and innovation.







III. August: Music, Parades, and Local Devotion



Brilla Torrevieja (1–13 August)



A relative newcomer but now firmly established, Brilla Torrevieja is one of the town’s most high-profile summer events. Held in the spacious Parque Antonio Soria, this music festival features top Spanish and international acts across genres including pop, rock, and electronic music. The lineup is often peppered with family-friendly performances, comedy nights and more.



With artists such as Camilo, Melendi, and the Black Eyed Peas having graced its stages in recent years, Brilla attracts a wide audience and adds a contemporary flair to the city’s summer celebrations.



Assumption of the Virgin (15 August)



Though observed nationally, the Assumption of the Virgin is generally marked as a quieter public holiday in Torrevieja, with many using the day for rest, family meals, or beach visits rather than specific local festivities.



Torrevieja Summer Carnival Parade (15 August)



Coinciding with the national holiday, the Summer Carnival Parade brings a touch of winter revelry to the high season. The parade features elaborate floats, flamboyant costumes, and performances from carnival troupes including the reigning Queen and Ladies of Salt. The spectacle typically sets off from the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, with vibrant music and dancing continuing into the night.



San Emigdio Festival (Approx. 4–7 August)



Dedicated to one of Torrevieja’s co-patron saints, San Emigdio, this traditional festival honours the protector against earthquakes. Celebrations take place in Parque de las Naciones and include music, food, children’s games and a religious procession. The sense of community is palpable, with residents gathering for live music, socialising, and reflection in a more intimate setting than some of the larger-scale events.



Ongoing August Events



The Friday market continues weekly throughout August, and the town’s cultural programme remains busy. From tribute bands and local concerts to art exhibitions and community gatherings, there is rarely a quiet evening in town.







IV. Visiting Tips: Getting the Most from Summer in Torrevieja



With temperatures regularly topping 30°C, it’s best to plan activities with the heat in mind. Mornings and late evenings are ideal for sightseeing, with the afternoon siesta – typically from 2 pm to 5 pm – providing a welcome opportunity to rest. Restaurants serve dinner later than in many other countries, usually from around 8 or 9 pm, in keeping with the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.



Accommodation and event tickets can be in high demand during this season, so booking in advance is recommended. While Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken in the town, particularly in tourist areas.



For up-to-date information, event programmes, and practical advice, visitors should check the Torrevieja Town Hall website or visit one of the town’s Tourist Info Offices, where multilingual staff are on hand to assist.







V. Come to Torrevieja: A Summer of Celebration by the Sea



Torrevieja’s summer season is a heady blend of cultural richness, community pride, and sun-soaked entertainment. From traditional religious processions and sea-bound ceremonies to major music festivals and carnival parades, the town offers something truly special for every kind of visitor.



Whether you come to honour ancient traditions or to dance under the stars at Brilla, a summer in Torrevieja is not just a holiday – it’s a vibrant experience where memories are made, stories are shared, and the Mediterranean spirit comes to life.



Provisional Summer Events in Torrevieja



Event NameDate(s)Key HighlightsVirgen del CarmenJuly 16Maritime procession, "Salve Marinera" performance, fireworks, lateen sailing competitionInternational Habaneras and Polyphony ContestJuly 20-26World-renowned choral competition at "Eras de la Sal," draws international choirsTorrevieja MarketEvery FridayLocal market at Antonio Soria Park for produce and goodsCircus QuirosUntil July 18Family-friendly circus entertainmentBrilla TorreviejaAugust 1-13Major music festival at Parque Antonio Soria, featuring national and international artistsAssumption of the VirginAugust 15National public holiday (no specific Torrevieja celebrations detailed in provided information)Torrevieja Summer Carnival ParadeAugust 15Colorful summer parade with carnival groups, floats, and entertainmentSan Emigdio FestivalApprox. August 4-7Traditional festival honoring co-patron saint, includes 'Barraca Popular,' procession, Eucharist

### Major Investment Boost as Alannia Camping Resorts Acquired by European Camping Group

Spain’s largest premium camping operator, Alannia Resorts, has been officially acquired by the European Camping Group (ECG), a major player in the European outdoor holiday market. The move represents a significant shift in the Costa Blanca’s tourism and leisure infrastructure, as ECG continues its strategic expansion across Southern Europe.



Alannia, known for its large-scale family-friendly resorts in Guardamar del Segura (Alannia Guardamar), Crevillent (Alannia Costa Blanca), and Costa Dorada, is popular with both domestic holidaymakers and international visitors—particularly from Britain, Germany, and France. The resorts offer fully-equipped bungalows, swimming complexes, wellness centres, and organised entertainment programmes that blur the line between traditional camping and resort-style holidays.



The acquisition was backed by PAI Partners and a Middle Eastern sovereign wealth fund, reflecting growing investor interest in southern Spain’s year-round holiday potential. ECG already owns and operates more than 400 campsites under the Homair and Eurocamp brands across France, Italy, Croatia, and Portugal. The purchase of Alannia solidifies its foothold in Spain, one of Europe’s fastest-growing glamping and resort camping markets.



According to industry analysts, the move could lead to an expansion of services and facilities at existing Costa Blanca sites, with potential new developments under review. Local tourism officials have welcomed the investment, citing job creation, facility upgrades, and international marketing benefits.



However, some community voices are urging caution. “We welcome improvements but want to ensure that the unique environmental footprint of the Vega Baja region is respected,” said one resident near Guardamar.



The acquisition positions the Costa Blanca as a key growth zone in the evolving European camping industry, blending affordable family holidays with high-end resort amenities. Visitors to Alannia resorts this summer are unlikely to see immediate changes, but new branding and service enhancements are expected to roll out by spring 2026.

### Yellow-Level Heat Alert for Torrevieja and the Costa Blanca

A yellow weather warning has been issued for the southern Costa Blanca, including Torrevieja, from 12:00 to 20:00 on Saturday. Temperatures are forecast to climb to around 36 °C, with uncomfortable overnight lows and high humidity likely to persist into the evening. Authorities have advised residents and tourists alike to take appropriate precautions as the heat may pose a risk to health, particularly for vulnerable individuals.



Local health services have released the following guidance:




Stay well hydrated, drinking water regularly even if you don’t feel thirsty. Alcohol and caffeinated drinks should be avoided.



Remain indoors or in shaded areas during the hottest part of the day (12:00–17:00), and postpone any strenuous activity until temperatures ease.



Keep a close eye on elderly neighbours, young children, and people with chronic health conditions. Pets should also be given shade and fresh water, and never left in parked vehicles.



Be alert to signs of heat-related illness such as headaches, dizziness, muscle cramps or fainting. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should be moved to a cooler place, offered water, and monitored. In serious cases, emergency services should be contacted by dialling 112.




Other helpful tips include keeping blinds closed during the day to block out direct sunlight, using fans or taking cool showers, and ventilating rooms during the cooler hours of the evening or early morning. Residents without air conditioning are encouraged to use shaded public spaces or shopping centres to cool down.



Motorists are urged to avoid travel during peak heat hours, ensure their vehicles are well maintained, and take regular breaks on long journeys. Extra care is advised for anyone travelling with children, older adults, or pets.

### Heritage Revival of Torrevieja’s Ice Factory and Eras de la Sal in Motion

Torrevieja's landmark Ice Factory complex—dating from the late 1920s and located within the historic Eras de la Sal salt-loading site—is set to undergo a major transformation under a newly signed renovation contract worth approximately €6.4 million, the project has been awarded to the Orthem‑Abala Torrevieja partnership, set to begin in the next few weeks.



Covering a total area of around 2,436 m², the restoration will preserve key architectural elements such as the original roofline, skylight and timber structure. It comprises two floors of the existing building and extends via a newly constructed annex (ground plus three storeys), connected by a covered corridor. Purpose-built features include a rooftop viewing platform offering panoramic views of the adjacent Sea & Salt Museum and Torrevieja Bay..



Funding is structured over three years: €1.59 million for 2025, €4.78 million for 2026, and around €797,000 in 2027. Part of the finance—some €2 million—is sourced from a municipal public-works loan and supported by contributions from the Generalitat Valenciana (totaling €5 million for the broader Eras de la Sal complex), alongside upcoming funds from the regional government’s building framework.



When complete—after approximately 18 months of construction—the enhanced venue will house Torrevieja’s main Tourist Office, the visitor’s reception area for the Sea & Salt Museum, municipal Tourism Department staff, an Innovation & Tourism Management Centre, and support services such as the International Residents Assistance and Migrant Offices.

### Inaugural details of the 71st International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest

The 71st edition of Torrevieja’s famed Habaneras & Polyphony competition will run from 20 to 26 July 2025, staged at the Municipal Theatre, and is expected to bring nearly 700 choral singers from Europe, the Americas and Asia to the stage. 



The event kicks off with the traditional ceremony, featuring the Torrevieja Musical Union singing both the city anthem and the hymn of the Valencian Community, followed by an opening recital by esteemed singer Sole Giménez on 20 July.



Over the course of the first two nights (21–22 July), the spotlight will be on local talent, with gala presentations from renowned groups such as the Choral School’s Symphony Choir, Orfeón Mario Bustillo, and Coro Maestro Casanovas, among others. 



The competition phase intensifies from Wednesday to Friday (23–25 July), when nine international ensembles—including Voskresinnia from Ukraine, Guangzhou Talent Choir from China, Zebtysqua Voces Oscuras and Gioia Da Camera from Colombia, and Agados Singers from South Korea—vie for top honours in both habaneras and polyphony categories.



The event culminates on Saturday 26 July with the Grand Gala and prize-giving. Choirs selected by the jury will perform again before the announcement of winners, followed by the communal singing of the mandatory piece “Torrevieja es así” (a tribute by Mario Bustillo and Mari Paz Andréu), symbolically uniting all participants in a final celebration.



To ensure this week of culture is accessible to all, ticketing options include a full-week pass at €50 (or €25 for pensioners), while single evening tickets are priced at €8 (or €4 for retired residents), all available through the Municipal Theatre box office.

### Prolonged Heatwave Threatens Health Across the Costa Blanca

Torrevieja continues to swelter under the grip of a sustained European heatwave, which has now entered its second week and shows no signs of abating. While coastal breezes have tempered some of the more extreme inland highs, the city has nonetheless recorded daily maximums approaching 39 °C, well above the seasonal average.



Across Spain, the toll is rising. In the first official heatwave of the year, at least 166 deaths were recorded nationally over a four-day period in late June—according to the MoMo monitoring system—most of them elderly individuals. Cumulative estimates for heat-related fatalities in June alone have surpassed 380 deaths.



In Torrevieja, public health officials have issued renewed guidance, urging residents and tourists to stay indoors during peak hours (12:00 to 17:00), to hydrate regularly, and to use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Municipal workers are checking on vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly living alone, while air-conditioned public spaces remain open for general use.



Emergency services are also on high alert. Though no major wildfires have been reported locally, several inland areas of Alicante province remain under “extreme risk” classification, with vegetation bone-dry and winds contributing to a volatile situation. 



Meanwhile, lifeguards at Torrevieja’s beaches have raised yellow flags intermittently due to heat stress and increased numbers of swimmers requiring first aid.



Environmental scientists are warning that summers like this may become the new norm, especially if long-term mitigation measures are not implemented. Spain’s Minister for Ecological Transition, Teresa Ribera, called the political response to climate warnings “timid and inconsistent,” stressing the need for urgent infrastructure and energy adaptation.

### Arrest at Torrevieja Gym After Secret Shower Recordings

A man in his early thirties has been arrested in Torrevieja following allegations that he secretly filmed women while they showered in a local gym. The Guardia Civil launched an investigation after two women lodged formal complaints—one at the end of May, the other shortly thereafter—expressing serious concerns that their privacy had been violated within the gym’s private facilities.



Upon reviewing internal CCTV footage and obtaining judicial authorisation, officers executed a search warrant and confiscated the man’s mobile phone and a laptop. Early forensic analysis confirmed the existence of unauthorised recordings. The suspect, a Spanish national, was swiftly identified and detained.



He has since been released under precautionary judicial measures, including a restraining order and a ban on accessing gyms or similar public spaces. The case has sent ripples through the local community, prompting calls for enhanced safeguards and stricter supervision within private fitness and wellness centres across the Vega Baja region.



Local authorities and women's advocacy groups have praised the swift action of the Guardia Civil but have reiterated the urgent need for awareness campaigns on consent and digital privacy. The gym in question has promised to upgrade its internal policies and security protocols to restore trust among its members.

### Robotic urological surgery Quirónsalud Torrevieja

In the field of urology, the Da Vinci robot has proven to be highly effective.



Thanks to its sophisticated and innovative technology, the Da Vinci system allows minimally invasive surgeries to be performed with maximum precision and safety.



Some of the most common urological pathologies treated by the Da Vinci robot are:




Prostate cancer (prostatectomy).



Kidney cancer (total/partial nephrectomy).



Bladder cancer (radical cystectomy).



Urinary incontinence and urogenital prolapse.




The Da Vinci robot allows us to deal with highly complex uro-oncological cases with excellent results.



Dr. Sven Petry, head of Urology at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, explains the benefits of Da Vinci surgery in Urology and the most frequent pathologies where this technology is applied.




https://www.youtube.com/embed/ciwgRCED-J4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&proxia




Quirónsalud Torrevieja has a highly qualified team in robotic surgery with more than 15 years of experience



Advantages of robotic surgery in urology



- More precise removal of tumour tissue, improving the effectiveness of the treatment.



- Greater capacity to preserve neurovascular structures, favouring optimal recovery of sexual function.



- Significant improvements in the preservation and restoration of urinary continence after prostate cancer surgery.



- Improved control of defecatory function.



- Significant reduction in blood loss and the need for transfusions during surgery.



- Reduced risk of surgical wound complications and infections, ensuring a safer recovery.



- Shorter hospital stays.



- Faster recovery and earlier return to normal daily activities, improving quality of life in the short term.







>> Robotic prostate surgery



I. Robotic prostate surgery: how is it performed?



Laparoscopic surgery for prostate cancer, assisted by the Da Vinci robot, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Small incisions are made in the skin (0.5 to 1 cm in length) through which instruments are inserted to carry out the removal of the prostate.



Thanks to the high-definition camera and the high-precision system of the Da Vinci surgical robot, the surgeon can direct the instruments from the outside, thus achieving an optimal level of precision.



Some of the advantages of the Da Vinci robot prostatectomy are:



- Recovery of urinary continence with one-year continence rates of 95% for the da Vinci system and 80% for open surgery.



- Recovery of Erectile Function: Better recovery of erectile function is recorded with robotic prostatectomy, with one-year sexual potency rates of 97% for the da Vinci system and 88% for open surgery.







II. Postoperative period after robotic prostate surgery



No specific care is required after the operation. Recovery is faster than with traditional open surgery. After being discharged from hospital, the patient can return to his or her daily life, always avoiding exertion during the first 4 weeks.



III. How much does robotic prostate surgery cost?



The cost of the procedure will depend on several factors. Each case must be analysed individually.



Robotic surgery urology Torrevieja



Do you have any doubts? Contact us and we will answer you as soon as possible.

### Pain Management Unit: Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital

At Quirónsalud Torrevieja, we have a team of leading specialists in pain management, offering personalised and effective solutions.



Our Pain Management Unit (PMU) is composed of a multidisciplinary team including anaesthesiologists, surgeons, rehabilitation physicians, neurologists, nutritionists, physiotherapists… who, together with the most advanced techniques, achieve a high success rate in pain reduction.



Understanding Different Types of Pain



It is essential to distinguish between acute and chronic pain.




Acute pain: Sudden onset. It is usually caused by a specific factor (surgery, burns, fractures, falls, etc.). It lasts less than six months. Once the cause resolves, the patient can return to normal life without lasting effects.



Chronic or persistent pain: Ongoing pain that varies in intensity. It may include flare-ups that become unmanageable with usual medication. Chronic pain is not just a symptom but a disease in itself, affecting not only the physical health of the patient but also their psychological and social wellbeing.




Each type of pain requires a different treatment approach.



Treatments Offered by the Pain Management Unit



The main objective of the PMU is to improve the patient’s quality of life, allowing them to return to daily activities. In most cases, this requires a combination of different treatments:




Non-interventional: Pharmacological treatments.





Interventional: Applied when there is insufficient response to medication or intolerable side effects. These methods are often used alongside pharmacological therapy.




Pulsed vs. Thermal Radiofrequency: When to Use Each Technique?



Our team will determine the most appropriate approach based on each patient's condition, ensuring the right technique is applied for maximum benefit.



Innovative and Effective Treatments



At the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Pain Management Unit, we offer the most innovative treatments combined with minimally invasive techniques to provide a personalised and effective solution.







Techniques We Perform



A wide range of procedures are available, either independently or in conjunction with medication, to manage chronic pain more effectively, including:




Epidural blocks



Selective nerve root blocks



Peripheral nerve blocks



Catheter placement for central or continuous peripheral nerve blocks



Radiofrequency ablation of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar facet joints



Intra-articular and intradiscal radiofrequency



Pulsed radiofrequency of dorsal root ganglion, peripheral nerve, and epidural space



Epidural and subcutaneous electrode implantation for peripheral nerve stimulation



Intrathecal pump implantation for drug infusion in pain and spasticity treatment




Your First Visit to the Pain Management Unit




Initial consultation: Patients are seen in the outpatient clinic, where their case is reviewed to determine the most appropriate technique. It is recommended to bring all previous test results and medical reports.



Subsequent appointments: The specialist may order further tests or perform diagnostic procedures, followed by monitoring the treatment or interventions provided.



Administration of medications and other necessary healthcare products.



Discharge planning: Patients receive comprehensive instructions to ensure proper follow-up and continuity of care and safety.




When Should You Visit the Pain Management Unit?




Pain lasts longer than three months and interferes with daily activities.



Medication is no longer effective.



Pain has been investigated and treated but the origin remains unclear.



You are not a candidate for surgery or prefer alternative treatments.



You experience pain following surgery or an accident.








Conditions Treated at the Torrevieja Pain Management Unit



The most common conditions include:




Lower back pain: Spinal canal stenosis, degenerative spondyloarthrosis, post-surgical pain syndrome, failed back surgery, dorsolumbalgia, lumbosciatica, cervicobrachialgia, and other spinal conditions.



Joint osteoarthritis: Shoulder, knee, and hip pain not responding to medication or persisting after surgery.



Neuralgias: Pudendal neuralgia, postherpetic neuralgia (shingles), trigeminal neuralgia, entrapment neuropathies, chronic headaches, facial pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), among others.



Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (Type I and II)



Chronic ischaemic pain



Ischaemic pain in the lower limbs



Peripheral and post-surgical neuropathies (especially after thoracotomies, hernia repairs, vascular surgery)



Refractory headaches and migraines



Pain requiring opioid adjustment, rotation, or showing poor response



Joint and rheumatic pain



Chronic myofascial pain. Fibromyalgia



Piriformis syndrome



Complex regional pain syndrome / algodystrophy



Urogenital and perianal pain



Visceral pain



Oncological pain



Trochanteric bursitis



Pelvic pain




Cost of the Pain Management Service: Quirónsalud Torrevieja



The specialist will assess each individual case to determine the appropriate treatment and its associated cost.



How Can We Help?



If you have any questions about our services, please get in touch with us using the contact form. We will respond as soon as possible.

### Phantom of the Opera in Torrevieja Dominates the Weekend Schedule of Things to Do

This weekend in Torrevieja promises a delightful mix of cultural performances, sporting events, and seaside relaxation. The spotlight shines on the Municipal Theatre with its staging of The Phantom of the Opera, while nearby towns host vibrant festivals and concerts. Whether you're a fan of musicals, sports, or simply soaking up the sun, there's something for everyone to enjoy.



Friday, 6 June 2025



Kick off the weekend with the enchanting melodies of The Phantom of the Opera at the Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja. This classic musical runs from 6 to 8 June, offering a captivating experience for theatre enthusiasts.



Saturday, 7 June 2025



The musical magic continues with additional performances of The Phantom of the Opera at the Municipal Theatre. Showtimes are at 17:00 and 21:00, providing flexibility for attendees. culturatorrevieja.com+3torrevieja.com+3torrevieja.com+3



Sunday, 8 June 2025



Conclude the weekend with the final showing of The Phantom of the Opera at 18:00 in the Municipal Theatre. Alternatively, explore the Museo del Mar y de la Sal to delve into Torrevieja's rich maritime heritage. es.wikipedia.org



Monday, 9 June 2025



While Monday is a regular working day in Torrevieja, it's an excellent opportunity to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade. Take advantage of the quieter atmosphere to explore the town's shops and cafes.



Weather Outlook



Expect sunny and warm conditions throughout the weekend, with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 28°C. Ideal weather for beach outings and outdoor activities.

Excerpt: This weekend in Torrevieja offers a blend of cultural performances and seaside relaxation. Enjoy The Phantom of the Opera at the Municipal Theatre, explore maritime history at the Museo del Mar y de la Sal, and bask in the sunny weather perfect for beach activities

### Things to do This Weekend - 31 May

Torrevieja, it's shaping up to be a lovely sunny day with a high of 28°C, perfect for enjoying a mix of cultural tunes and unique workshops, such as the fascinating "Concert in homage to the copla and the pasodoble."



Saturday, 31st May 2025



Torrevieja has a varied programme for Saturday. At 7:00 PM, the International Music Auditorium will host a delightful "Concert in homage to the copla and the pasodoble" by the City of Torrevieja Musical Society "Los Saleros." This promises a wonderful evening of traditional Spanish music, a definite highlight for those interested in local culture. Earlier in the day, between 9:30 AM and continuing throughout, the 11th Provincial Meeting of COCEMFE Alicante Associations is taking place, with activities including a guided tour of the historic centre and a boat ride around the bay, which might be of interest to those wanting to explore the city's landmarks. For the younger audience, the Torrevieja Naval Modelling Association is organising a free introductory workshop to naval modelling for children (ages 8-14), a unique hands-on activity. Additionally, the World Walking Football World Nations Cup Draw is taking place at Habaneras shopping centre from 7:00 PM, a sporting event that might attract British football fans. For a lively evening, The Galaxy's “Life is live” will be performing at El Paso from 10:00 PM.



Beyond Torrevieja, other towns on the Costa Blanca also have events. In Alicante, the Spring Festival 2025 continues at Multiespacio Rabasa with a line-up of indie, pop, and electronic music. Benidorm hosts the conclusion of the III Benidorm Theatre Showcase and live music by Bai Bang + Esbarzer at Rockstar. La Nucia offers a Saturday Night Disco at the Auditori de La Nucia and various sporting events like the Autonomous Skate Championship. In Calpe, singer Abril will perform a free concert. Elche has a zarzuela performance, "Gigantes y Cabezudos," at the Gran Teatro de Elche. Santa Pola features a "Steak pie & Chicken pie Special" and the Motodesafio de Sol a Sol 2025. In Guardamar del Segura, you can find an "Ecstatic Dance" event.



Major cities across Spain also offer significant cultural and musical events. In Madrid, the Tomavistas 2025 festival continues at Caja Mágica, showcasing alternative music, and the Maudes Festival 2025 at Enrique Tierno Galván Park features electronic music. Barcelona is hosting the MEDITERRANEAN GLUTEN FREE FORUM 2025 and FESesDESIGN 2025. Meanwhile, Vejer de la Frontera in Andalucia will be celebrating its magical Candle Night 2025, with streets illuminated by thousands of candles and a concert, offering a truly unique cultural experience. In Murcia, various artists are performing, such as Shoda Monkas at Sala Rem.



Happening Soon



Looking ahead. In Valencia, Myke Towers is set to perform at Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències on Tuesday, 3rd June, followed by the Festival de les Arts 2025 on June 6th and 7th. Back on the Costa Blanca, Bryan Adams will be performing in Alicante at Multiespacio Rabasa on June 4th, and Dark City Fest 2025 is coming to Penélope Benidorm on June 7th. The Fiesta of Benejuzar 2025 kicks off on June 6th and runs until June 22nd. Circo Quirós Torrevieja is also scheduled to begin performances on June 6th and continue throughout the month.

### Robotic Surgery, Immunotherapy and Comprehensive Care Take Centre Stage at Pancreatic Cancer Conference at Quirónsalud Torrevieja

Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital hosted over 100 medical experts from across the Valencian Community to explore the latest advances in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.



Last Thursday, Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital held the scientific event titled “Update on the Management and Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer”, attended by more than one hundred healthcare professionals from various locations throughout the Valencian Community.



The event served as a key platform for updating clinical knowledge and exchanging experiences regarding one of the most complex oncological diseases, with the aim of enhancing the multidisciplinary approach to pancreatic cancer.



The conference was structured into three themed sessions followed by a round table featuring interactive clinical case discussions. It brought together top-tier specialists in fields such as surgery, medical and radiation oncology, diagnostic imaging, gastroenterology, nutrition, anaesthesiology, and mental health, representing renowned centres such as the Valencian Institute of Oncology, Dr Balmis General Hospital in Alicante, Clínico Universitario Hospital of Valencia, Quirónsalud Valencia, and Quirónsalud Torrevieja itself.



The opening address was delivered by Dr Carlos Yago, Medical Director of Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, who highlighted “the importance of creating spaces for professional exchange, where updated knowledge can be shared, clinical coordination can be strengthened, and innovative care approaches for highly complex diseases such as pancreatic cancer can be consolidated.”



Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer



The first session focused on diagnosis and surgical treatment, with contributions from leading specialists including Dr Guzmán Lopardo (radiologist, Quirónsalud Torrevieja), Dr Fernando Martínez (gastroenterologist, Quirónsalud Valencia), Darío García Calderón (CEO, Cella), Dr José Manuel Ramia (surgeon, Dr Balmis General Hospital, Alicante), and Dr Pedro Bretcha, Head of Surgical Oncology at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, who also chaired the session.



Discussions centred on cutting-edge advances in surgical practice, particularly robotic surgery and the use of 3D virtual models that enable more precise and individualised surgical planning.



Speakers emphasised the importance of high-resolution CT imaging to assess surgical eligibility with curative intent, as well as the role of endoscopic ultrasound and biopsy for genetic tumour profiling. The benefits of using 3D models to tailor surgical strategies to each patient were also examined.



From a surgical standpoint, the panel stressed the need to apply radical oncological resection criteria to improve outcomes in curative surgery.



“Pancreatic surgery is undergoing a technological transformation. Robotic approaches not only enhance precision but also allow us to perform more complex resections with greater patient safety,” said Dr Bretcha.



The future of robotic surgery was explored as it continues to position itself as a key ally in the surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer.



Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Treatment



The second session focused on neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatments, chaired by Dr Antonio Brugarolas, Head of the Oncology Platform at Quirónsalud Torrevieja. The panel included experts such as Dr Enrique de Madaria (gastroenterologist), Dr Ramón González Manzano, Dr Pascual Rebollo, Dr Manuel Sureda (oncologists at Quirónsalud Torrevieja), and Dr Rosa Cañón, Head of Radiation Oncology at the same centre.



All panellists agreed that precision oncology, together with the gradual incorporation of emerging therapies such as immunotherapy, is shaping a more personalised, molecularly guided approach to pancreatic cancer.



Key topics included risk factors, the management of premalignant lesions, and updates on molecular biology, genomics, and transcriptomics. The session also reviewed the indications for radiotherapy at various tumour stages, including metastatic disease, and discussed the immunological basis for ongoing immunotherapy trials.



In the area of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the latest protocols aimed at enhancing tumour response prior to surgery were presented.



“The current challenge in treating pancreatic cancer is precisely selecting the most effective therapies for each patient. Thanks to precision medicine and the development of new biomarkers, we are now closer than ever to achieving personalised treatments that significantly improve outcomes,” stated Dr Rosa Cañón.



Clinical Management of Real-World Patient Challenges



The third session addressed the clinical management of the real-life challenges faced by pancreatic cancer patients. Moderated by Dr Enrique de Madaria, the panel featured key professionals including Dr Pablo Pabón (anaesthetist, Quirónsalud Torrevieja), Dr Vicente Sanchiz (gastroenterologist, Quirónsalud Valencia), Dr Guzmán Lopardo (radiologist, Quirónsalud Torrevieja), Dr Pilar Hernández (nutritionist), and Dr Nuria Javaloyes (psychologist), all from Quirónsalud Torrevieja.



The panel collectively emphasised the need for comprehensive care that goes beyond oncological treatment and includes pain management, nutritional support, cutting-edge endoscopic and radiological interventions, and emotional and psychological support.



Minimally invasive endoscopic and radiological techniques now allow for more effective and less traumatic management of complications related to pancreatic cancer. The session also reinforced the value of a truly multidisciplinary approach, uniting diverse expertise to improve patients’ quality of life.



“Pancreatic cancer not only demands complex medical treatments but also a humane and holistic perspective on the patient. Integrating nutrition, pain relief, and emotional support into the care plan is just as important as chemotherapy or surgery,” said Dr de Madaria.



Interactive Clinical Case Review and Closing Remarks



The conference concluded with a live, interactive roundtable featuring two real clinical cases. Using a digital platform, attendees actively participated in the decision-making process, enriching the clinical discussion and strengthening cross-disciplinary collaboration.



Dr Ana Segura, Vice President of the Official College of Physicians of Alicante, delivered the closing address, congratulating Quirónsalud Torrevieja on the scientific excellence and organisational quality of the event.



The conference was part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital and was organised by the centre itself, with scientific endorsement from the Official College of Physicians of Alicante and support from the Spanish Society of Surgical Oncology (SEOQ).

### Robotic Surgery Against Ovarian Cancer: Greater Precision, Less Pain and Faster Recovery

Dr Rodolfo Martín Díaz, Head of the Gynaecology Department at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, outlines the most common symptoms, risk factors, and the keys to early diagnosis.



Each year, around 3,300 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Spain, making it the sixth most common gynaecological tumour. Although its incidence is lower than that of breast or cervical cancer, its mortality rate is significantly higher.



“The main challenge with ovarian cancer is that it is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, which makes treatment more complex and worsens the prognosis,” explains Dr Rodolfo Martín Díaz, Head of Gynaecology and expert in robotic gynaecological surgery at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital.



Unlike other gynaecological tumours, this cancer tends to present silently. Its early symptoms are vague and unspecific: abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, and digestive or urinary changes.



“Many women mistake it for digestive discomfort or hormonal issues. This ambiguity delays diagnosis,” warns Dr Díaz.



How is it Diagnosed?



Diagnosis typically begins with a transvaginal ultrasound and tumour marker analysis, such as CA-125. If there is reasonable suspicion, more advanced imaging techniques such as CT scans are employed. However, definitive confirmation can only be obtained through histological analysis following surgery.



Key Risk Factors



The specialist is clear:



“Age is a major factor—risk increases after the age of 50. Other factors include a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, nulliparity, endometriosis, and prolonged hormonal therapies. Genetics plays a crucial role, especially in hereditary cases,” adds the Quirónsalud specialist.



Robotic Surgery: Technology Enhancing Precision



In recent years, robotic surgery has become essential in the surgical management of early-stage ovarian cancer. Dr Díaz leads one of the pioneering teams in Spain using the Da Vinci robotic system, a device that has transformed the way complex surgical procedures are performed.



“Robotic surgery is an evolution of laparoscopy. It provides a 3D view, a broader range of motion, and millimetre-level precision in real time,” he explains.



Unlike traditional surgery, the robotic approach allows the surgeon to operate with improved ergonomics, reducing fatigue and enhancing accuracy in delicate procedures.



This technique is particularly effective in patients with stage I or II localised tumours, or those who may benefit from primary or interval cytoreductive surgery.



“Preoperative imaging assessment is crucial to select the right candidates,” notes Dr Díaz.



Patient Benefits



The benefits of this technology are numerous: reduced blood loss, fewer postoperative complications, smaller incisions, and a quicker recovery.



“In many cases, patients are discharged within two to three days and can return to their usual activities in less than a week,” the doctor confirms.



For younger women, minimally invasive surgery offers an added advantage:



“It is less aggressive on the reproductive organs, which may be crucial for patients wishing to preserve fertility,” he adds.



The impact on quality of life is also significant. Reduced postoperative pain, improved mobility, and less aesthetic damage help patients cope better with both the recovery process and the emotional aftermath.



“Less pain, better body image, and a lower risk of long-term complications such as adhesions—everything contributes to the patient's wellbeing,” says Díaz.



Surgical Planning: A Team Effort



However, this technique requires multidisciplinary planning.



“Each robotic procedure demands meticulous preparation. It’s a collaborative effort involving radiologists, anaesthetists, specialist nurses, and instrument technicians with specific training,” the gynaecologist stresses.



Before each operation, a preoperative assessment is carried out, including CT scans, tumour marker analysis, and an overall evaluation of the patient's functional status. Specific protocols are followed depending on the type of surgery and tumour location.



Looking ahead, the goal is clear: increasingly personalised, less invasive surgeries with better oncological and functional outcomes.

### A Silent Disease: The Early Signs of Parkinson’s You Shouldn’t Ignore

Currently, over 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement control. This condition, in which 10% of cases involve individuals under 50, is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain’s “substantia nigra,” leading to motor symptoms such as resting tremor, muscle rigidity, slowness of movement, and postural instability. But Parkinson’s is more than a movement disorder—it also brings lesser-known symptoms like depression, sleep disturbances, and even cognitive decline.



We spoke with Dr. Erika Torres, head of the Neurosciences Unit at Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante, to better understand the symptoms and the most effective treatments available for this condition.



Causes and Diagnosis



Although a single cause of Parkinson’s has not been identified, experts agree that it arises from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain genetic mutations are associated with the disease, but most cases are idiopathic or “sporadic.” Environmental risk factors may include exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and, in some cases, viral infections.



“Unlike other neurological disorders, Parkinson’s combines both motor and non-motor symptoms that greatly affect patients’ quality of life,” explains Dr. Torres. “It’s a multifactorial disease involving both genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.”



Diagnosing Parkinson’s is relatively straightforward for movement disorder specialists. Most diagnoses are clinical and based on a thorough patient history and neurological examination. “Early symptoms can be subtle and are often mistaken for normal aging,” Dr. Torres points out. “Parkinson’s is usually diagnosed between ages 55 and 65, but early signs may appear sooner. These include loss of smell, persistent constipation, sleep disturbances, and slight motor asymmetry.” Such signs can precede more noticeable motor symptoms by several years.



Medication as Treatment



While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, various treatments can help patients maintain a good quality of life for many years. Drug therapy is the cornerstone of Parkinson’s management and includes medications that restore dopamine levels or enhance its effect and bioavailability:




Levodopa and carbidopa: This is the foundational and most effective treatment. Levodopa converts to dopamine in the brain, while carbidopa prevents its breakdown outside the brain.



Dopamine agonists: Such as pramipexole, ropinirole, and rotigotine, which stimulate dopamine receptors and enhance its effect in the brain.



MAO-B inhibitors: These prevent the breakdown of dopamine in the brain.



COMT inhibitors: These extend the effectiveness of levodopa by prolonging dopamine activity.



Amantadine: Useful for controlling dyskinesias—uncontrolled movements caused by levodopa.




As the disease progresses and both motor and non-motor fluctuations occur, medication regimens often need to be adjusted and combined. During “off” periods—when medication effects wear off—rescue therapies (subcutaneous, sublingual, or inhaled) may be used.



When standard medications no longer provide sufficient symptom control due to complications, second-line therapies may be considered, tailored to the patient’s age and limiting symptoms. These include:




Continuous infusion pumps, either subcutaneous (dopamine agonists and levodopa) or intraduodenal via PEG (levodopa gel)



Deep brain stimulation (DBS): Surgical implantation of electrodes for neural modulation



HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound): Non-invasive ultrasound that targets specific brain regions to relieve symptoms




“It’s crucial for neurologists to time these therapies appropriately,” says Dr. Torres. “Poor timing can lead to premature severe complications or an inadequate therapeutic response.”



Surgical Therapy



When medications become less effective or cause severe fluctuations, surgical options may be considered for advanced cases. One such treatment is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), where electrodes are implanted in targeted brain areas to modulate neural activity with electrical impulses, helping control motor symptoms.



“DBS can significantly improve quality of life and reduce the need for medication,” affirms Dr. Torres.



Beyond Surgery and Medication: Physiotherapy and Psychological Support



Parkinson’s treatment doesn’t end with drugs or surgery. A comprehensive approach including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological support is equally important to enhance patients’ day-to-day life.



“Physical therapy and regular exercise improve mobility, balance, and strength, while occupational therapy helps patients manage daily activities more efficiently,” says Dr. Torres. Speech therapy is also essential to manage voice and swallowing issues, especially in later stages. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, fibre, and carefully managed protein intake can further support physical well-being.



According to Dr. Torres, psychological and social support are also vital: “Depression and anxiety are very common in Parkinson’s and may even precede motor symptoms. Psychological care improves both mood and treatment adherence.” Support for caregivers and families is also crucial, as the disease affects the entire social environment.



The Future of Parkinson’s in the Hands of Science



Although there is no cure yet, research is advancing rapidly to develop treatments that not only alleviate symptoms but modify the course of the disease. “We are closer to developing disease-modifying therapies. Several clinical trials are in advanced stages and could transform treatment in the coming years,” notes Dr. Torres.



Promising avenues include:




Gene therapy: Introducing genes to increase dopamine production in the brain



Stem cell therapy: Implanting dopamine-producing neurons derived from stem cells



New drugs: Vaccines targeting alpha-synuclein, a toxic protein that accumulates in Parkinson’s, are under trial




Quirónsalud: A Benchmark in Parkinson’s Care



Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja is one of Spain’s leading medical centres, offering an innovative roadmap for treating neurological diseases like Parkinson’s. Their comprehensive, person-cantered approach combines state-of-the-art therapies and equipment with excellence in patient care provided by a top-tier professional team.



At Quirónsalud, you are in good hands. Their healthcare model ensures patients receive rapid, personalized, and effective care with all doubts addressed—focused on improving each patient's quality of life.

### Torrevieja unveils the charity race “5K Steps That Matter by Quirónsalud” in aid of AFECÁNCER

Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital today presented the charity race “5K Steps That Matter” at Torrevieja Town Hall, as part of the hospital’s 25th anniversary celebrations. All proceeds from the event will be donated in full to AFECÁNCER, a local association supporting cancer patients and their families.



The race will take place on Sunday 25th May at 9:00 am in the Parque de las Naciones in Torrevieja. The event offers various categories suitable for all ages and fitness levels, including a 5K run, Nordic walking, children’s races, and a range of family-friendly activities.



This community event is held in collaboration with the Torrevieja Town Council, through its departments of Sports and Health, as well as the Torrevieja Athletics Club and the Brotons Group.



The event’s race packs will be prepared with the support of ADIEM Torrevieja, an organisation that promotes the social and professional inclusion of individuals with mental health conditions. Their participation adds further depth to the event’s inclusive and charitable nature, highlighting the power of community and cooperation for a common cause.



Click here to get your race number



A family-friendly sporting event



Beyond the athletic competition, the day promises to be a true celebration of solidarity, with a full schedule of complementary activities:




Zumba session with Javi Jodani, a well-known local instructor, bringing energy and movement to the morning.



Live music by Instinto Primate, performing from the heart of the park to create a festive atmosphere.



Children’s workshops and activities throughout the morning, providing a safe and engaging environment for the youngest attendees.



Café area with seating, offering refreshments and a space to relax.



“Dorsal 0” (virtual race bib) available via the registration page for those unable to attend in person but who wish to support the cause.




Race and event Schedule




09:00 – Collection of adult race numbers: Participants should collect their bibs at the designated area. Early arrival is advised to avoid queues.



10:00 – Start of the 5K race: The main event begins, with a 5-kilometre route monitored by the Torrevieja Athletics Club to ensure runners’ safety.



11:00 – Nordic walking event begins: A walking alternative open to all, promoting inclusive participation.



11:00 to 12:00 – Live performance by Instinto Primate: Enjoy music in the park during the festivities.



11:15 – Prize-giving ceremony for the 5K race winners.



11:30 – Collection of children's race numbers: Children participating in the races should collect their bibs from the designated area.



12:00 – Children’s races begin (within the park):

SUB4 (Mixed, up to age 3) – 50m



SUB6 (Mixed, ages 4–5) – 50m



SUB8 (Boys & Girls, ages 6–7) – 100m



SUB10 (Boys & Girls, ages 8–9) – 600m



SUB12 (Boys & Girls, ages 10–11) – 600m



SUB14 (Boys & Girls, ages 12–13) – 1,200mRaces are adapted by age to encourage children’s participation, held in a secure, supervised area of the park.





12:30 – Prize-giving ceremony for children’s races.



10:30 to 12:30 – Children’s activities: Fun and educational workshops and games for young attendees.



12:30 to 13:00 – Final Zumba session: A fun and energetic way to end the day, open to all participants.




A day to remember as part of Quirónsalud Torrevieja’s 25th anniversary



This charity race forms part of the activities commemorating the 25th anniversary of Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital – a milestone that celebrates the hospital’s strong ties with the local community and its ongoing commitment to health, solidarity, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Throughout the year, the hospital will be organising a series of initiatives including exhibitions, podcasts, commemorative mosaics, and a grand closing event in October.

### Magnetic Endoscopic Capsule: A Revolution in Digestive Diagnosis

Magnetic Endoscopic Capsule: A New Digestive Diagnosis Without Sedation



The magnetic endoscopic capsule enables the exploration of the digestive tract without invasive procedures. Discover its advantages, functionality, and diagnostic accuracy.



A Technological Innovation in Digestive Endoscopy



The magnetic endoscopic capsule is a cutting-edge technological innovation in digestive endoscopy, exclusively available at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital. This pill-sized device is swallowed by the patient and captures high-resolution images of the stomach and small intestine without the need for inserting a tube through the mouth or rectum.



According to Dr Gerardo Blanco, a digestive system specialist at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, “this technology allows for a targeted examination thanks to external magnetic control, which enhances the quality and accuracy of the diagnosis.”



Differences from Conventional Endoscopy and Traditional Capsule Endoscopy



Compared to conventional endoscopy, the magnetic endoscopic capsule offers a far less invasive experience, as it does not require sedation or the insertion of an endoscope.



Unlike traditional capsule endoscopy, which moves passively through the intestine with natural peristalsis, the magnetic version can be guided externally, allowing for a more precise and detailed examination of areas of interest.



Diseases That Can Be Diagnosed with This Technology



This device is essential for detecting conditions such as:



● Gastric ulcer● Gastritis● Oesophagitis● Gastric and intestinal polyps● Inflammatory bowel disease● Gastric and small intestine tumours● Digestive bleeding



According to Dr Blanco, this technology is particularly beneficial for patients at risk of digestive bleeding or those who cannot or do not wish to undergo traditional endoscopy.



Precision of the Images Obtained



The images captured by the magnetic endoscopic capsule are comparable to those of conventional endoscopy. However, the ability to control the capsule’s direction in real-time allows for a more thorough examination of specific areas, optimising the diagnosis.



Technological Advantages Over Other Methods



The main benefits of the magnetic endoscopic capsule include:



● Non-invasive exploration, ensuring patient comfort.● No need for sedation, reducing risks associated with anaesthesia.● Greater convenience, allowing patients to resume their daily routine immediately after ingestion.● Fewer complications compared to traditional endoscopy.



Dr Blanco emphasises that “this is an ideal alternative for high-risk patients or those who cannot or do not wish to undergo invasive procedures.”



Patient Process: Before, During, and After the Procedure



Before the procedure, fasting for 6 to 8 hours is required to improve the visibility of digestive structures. In some cases, medication may be administered to reduce gastric secretions.



During the procedure, the patient swallows the capsule with a glass of water. An external magnetic system allows the doctor to guide the capsule inside the stomach and capture real-time images. The patient then carries a portable recorder to store images while going about their daily activities.



After the procedure, the capsule is naturally excreted through the stool within 24 to 48 hours of ingestion.



Ideal Candidates for This Method



The magnetic endoscopic capsule is particularly suitable for:



● Individuals at high risk for invasive procedures.● Patients with contraindications for sedation.● Those who do not wish to undergo a conventional gastroscopy.● Preventive diagnosis of conditions such as tumours or polyps.



The magnetic endoscopic capsule represents a revolution in digestive diagnosis, offering a safer, more comfortable, and highly accurate option for detecting a range of gastrointestinal diseases.



Thanks to its advanced technology and non-invasive nature, it stands out as an ideal alternative for patients seeking a diagnostic solution without the discomfort of traditional endoscopy.



Find out more about the magnetic endoscopic capsule.

### Nine out of ten cases of blindness caused by glaucoma could be prevented through annual check-ups

This condition, which affects 6% of the population, is associated with other visual disorders such as high-degree myopia and hyperopia.



Those most at risk of developing the disease include individuals over 60, people with a family history of glaucoma, and individuals of Black or Asian descent.




Glaucoma is a silent disease that leads to blindness. However, 90% of blindness cases caused by glaucoma could be prevented with regular check-ups. According to Dr Alfredo Marchena, a glaucoma specialist at the Ophthalmology Unit at Quirónsalud Elche and Gran Alacant, “From the age of 40, regular eye examinations are crucial to slowing the progression of the disease, as it presents no symptoms. If there is a family history of glaucoma, early screenings become essential.”



Despite medical advances, many people remain unaware that they have glaucoma. “In most cases,” explains Dr Marchena, “patients are unaware of the disease until they have already lost a significant portion of their visual field. Furthermore, this loss of vision is irreversible, which is why early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma are vital.”



This condition, which affects 6% of the population, is linked to other visual disorders such as high-degree myopia and hyperopia. “It is also associated with metabolic disorders, such as diabetes,” adds the specialist.



People at the highest risk of developing the disease include those over 60, individuals with a family history of glaucoma, and people of Black or Asian descent. Additionally, those with high myopia or a history of other eye diseases are also at increased risk.



How to prevent glaucoma



From the age of 40, it is important to undergo a comprehensive eye examination every one to two years. If eye pressure is reduced in the early stages of glaucoma, the progression of the disease can be halted, helping to preserve vision.



The test to detect glaucoma is called tonometry, which measures intraocular pressure. “It is a quick, simple, and painless test that helps identify individuals at risk of glaucomatous damage, as elevated intraocular pressure is the most significant risk factor for developing this disease, which can lead to blindness if not treated in time,” explains the specialist at Quirónsalud Elche and Gran Alacant.



Advanced Ophthalmology Service



The Ophthalmology Service at Quirónsalud Elche and Quirónsalud Gran Alacant aims to provide the most effective and advanced medical care and surgical treatments for visual health. Equipped with the latest technology for diagnosing and treating a wide range of eye conditions, the service offers cutting-edge innovations such as multifocal and extended-range intraocular lens implants for cataract surgery, laser therapy for glaucoma, micropulse laser treatment for retinal conditions, state-of-the-art laser surgery for myopia and astigmatism, and visual therapy for both children and adults.

### St Patrick's Day in Torevieja

Although many people will no doubt attend the Orihuela Costa St Patrick's Day celebrations at the weekend, in Torevieja a more traditional recognition of the day will take place on Monday.



The day will start with a bilingual mass at 10:00, after which the celebration will continue in the main square with traditional music and Irish dancing.



Everyone is welcome to be Irish for the day in Torevieja on 17 March.

### Law to Protect Minors from Alcohol Reaches Major Milestone

The Council of Ministers approved this Tuesday the draft Law on Underage Drinking, a legislative initiative that seeks to create a comprehensive framework to protect the health of young people and promote responsible alcohol consumption in society. This text, which was previously presented to the Council of Ministers on July 30 and submitted for public hearing and information in August, establishes obligations for public administrations in the areas of education, health, culture, sports, research, road safety, and the workplace and family.



At the press conference held after the Council of Ministers, the Minister of Health, Mónica García, welcomed this new step in the passage of the Law on Alcohol and Minors, which must now begin its parliamentary process in order to achieve the political consensus necessary for its approval. "We have given the green light to a bill that is as urgent as it is necessary. Furthermore, it is groundbreaking legislation, as for the first time we have national legislation to comprehensively address the prevention of underage alcohol consumption."



"We need to banish from our imagination the deeply rooted idea that moderate consumption may have some health benefits, as there is a wealth of research that confirms this is not true."



García emphasised that the initiative stems from the concern generated by this area and is "a social demand from citizens." In this sense, the Ministry of Health bases the urgency of rethinking the current regulatory framework on scientific certainty and worrying data such as that revealed by the State Survey on Drug Use in Secondary Education in Spain (ESTUDES), which indicates that in 2023, 75.9% of school students reported having consumed alcohol at some point in their lives; 73.6% in the last year; and 56.6% in the last month. "Many of them claim to have almost unrestricted access to alcohol, despite the current restrictions," she noted.



The health official noted that this law was supported by the Health Commission of the Congress of Deputies, held in 2018, where, "with the unanimous support of all parties," an expert report was approved that served as the basis for this legislative project. "Its objectives are clear: to prevent underage alcohol consumption and protect them from its effects, create safe and healthy environments for children and adolescents, and provide effective tools for sectors that work with minors to promote healthy habits," she emphasised.



"We know that alcohol consumption affects young people's brain development and performance in school, and it also increases the risk of addiction in adulthood."



Likewise, García stated that "the scientific evidence is clear: there is no safe amount of alcohol that doesn't have a negative impact on health." "We must banish from our imagination the deeply rooted idea that moderate consumption may have some health benefits, as there is a wealth of research that confirms this is not true," the minister insisted, citing recent reports from the Carlos III Health Institute and the WHO.



Furthermore, the ministerial official emphasised, "we know that alcohol consumption affects young people's brain development and their performance in education, and it also creates a greater risk of addiction in adulthood." Along these lines, García asserted that this law has a "comprehensive, public health approach and is a commitment to families, teachers, healthcare workers, and young people themselves," she concluded.



MAIN RESTRICTIONS



The Bill prohibits the consumption of alcohol for all persons in preschool, primary, compulsory secondary, high school, vocational training, and special education centres; in child protection centres and student residences that admit minors; in other centres for minors or those intended for their use; and in sports centres, leisure centres, or spaces dedicated to public performances when there are sessions specifically designed for minors.



It regulates the sale of alcohol to protect minors, prohibiting street and unlicenced sales on public roads and in other places and circumstances established by another state or regional law or municipal ordinance. The automatic dispensing of alcoholic beverages will require vending machines to incorporate effective technical mechanisms, with direct supervision and custody, that prevent their acquisition by minors. Furthermore, they may not be installed on public roads or in places where the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.



Advertising or commercial communications may not use the image or voice of persons under 21 years of age or of legal age when they appear in the character or disguise of minors.



Limit the display and access to alcoholic beverages in self-service establishments. This must be limited to a specific space within the establishment itself, separate from spaces with products specifically intended for minors. In establishments primarily dedicated to the sale of products for minors, alcoholic beverages and other imitation products may not be sold, nor may they be displayed in shop windows or inside, even if they are empty.



It limits advertising and commercial communications, prohibiting any direct, indirect, or covert form of advertising for alcoholic beverages or products that simulate being alcoholic beverages, including the trade name, company name, symbols, or trademarks of the individuals or companies producing said beverages, directed at minors. Furthermore, the image or voice of the following may not be used in advertising or commercial communications: persons under 21 years of age; persons of legal age when presented in the character or disguise of minors; persons or characters, real or fictional, whose public relevance or popularity is linked to the minor population; pregnant women, even if they have given their consent; or the image of a foetus.



The Ministry has announced the penalties stipulated in the draft of the future law, which range from economic sanctions of 60 to 600,000 euro, administrative sanctions for companies, or closure of offending businesses.



Likewise, regarding advertising language, arguments, styles, typography, or designs associated with the culture of minors may not be used, nor may alcoholic beverages be linked to the improvement of physical performance, social, or sexual success. Misleading or ambiguous terms that could easily confuse minors may not be used. Likewise, advertising may not be placed on public roads or in places visible from them. Advertising, limited to the trade name, corporate name, and identifying brands or symbols of the producing companies, may be permitted within a perimeter 200 linear metres from access to areas frequented by minors.

### Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital Kicks Off Its 25th Anniversary with the Inauguration of the Bell of Dreams

Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital has officially launched the commemorative activities for its 25th anniversary with an emotional and meaningful event: the inauguration of the Bell of Dreams, a symbol of hope for oncology patients. This ceremony, held in the hospital’s oncology ward, serves as a prelude to World Cancer Day, observed on 4th February, and was attended by healthcare professionals, representatives of patient associations, and families.



Dr Carlos Yago, Medical Director of Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, was present at the event and emphasised the importance of these symbolic gestures in "reminding patients that it is possible to overcome the disease. The Bell of Dreams represents the strength, hope and resilience that define oncology patients."



Alongside him, Nuria Armengol, Director of Nursing, highlighted the fundamental role of the nursing team in providing emotional support throughout the oncology process. Also speaking at the event were Victoria Meneses, President of Afecáncer, and Manoli Flores, President of the Alicante Association for the Fight Against Cancer, both of whom agreed on the importance of initiatives such as this in raising awareness and providing community support for patients.



Dr Joseba Rebollo, a specialist in Medical Oncology, also underscored the significance of this moment, stating, "More and more patients are able to ring the Bell of Dreams because treatments are becoming increasingly effective, and science is advancing at a promising pace." The ceremony concluded with words from Dr Rosa Cañón, Head of Radiation Oncology at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, who reminded everyone that "cancer treatment is a collective effort involving patients, families, healthcare professionals and society as a whole. Together, we are stronger in the fight against this disease."



The most emotional moment of the day was the first ringing of the bell, led by Esther, a six-year-old girl who has overcome cancer. Her gesture filled everyone with hope and emotion, symbolising victory over the disease and sending a powerful message of strength to those still undergoing treatment.



The event was attended by members of both patient associations, professionals from the hospital’s oncology platform, and representatives of the medical teams. It marked the beginning of a year full of commemorative activities to celebrate 25 years of commitment to health and life at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital.







Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital Celebrates 25 Years of Commitment to Health



This year, Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital celebrates its 25th anniversary, consolidating its position as a leading healthcare provider in the region. To mark the occasion, the hospital has designed a year-long programme of activities, which commenced today with the inauguration of the Bell of Dreams.



Throughout the year, the hospital will launch various initiatives to highlight its history and strong connection with the community. These will include the installation of a commemorative mosaic, showcasing the hospital’s key milestones, and a photographic exhibition dedicated to patients who have overcome cancer, sharing their stories and recognising the vital role of healthcare professionals in their recovery.



Medical education and the promotion of healthy habits will also play a key role in the anniversary celebrations. As part of this effort, the hospital will launch a podcast, featuring its specialists, who will share valuable health insights with the public in a clear and accessible manner. Additionally, the hospital will host a charity run, where participants will contribute steps for a worthwhile cause.



The anniversary programme will culminate in October with a special commemorative event, bringing together patients, families, professionals and partners to celebrate this significant milestone.

### N-332 Widening Project in Torrevieja Advances to Next Stage

The PSOE in Torrevieja has advised that the national Government is progressing with the project of widening the N-332, after decades of failures by previous administrations.



The Government of Spain has announced that it has obtained a favourable environmental assessment report and that this means the possibility of continuing with the project.



In this regard, Bárbara Soler, spokesperson for the PSOE, has indicated that it is a report that studies possible effects that this work may have on human health, the atmosphere, the soil, geodiversity, flora and fauna, cultural heritage, the landscape, etc. “This procedure is obligatory and, now that it has been completed, we can continue with the project that is responsible for fitting the route into the few metres available” the spokesperson has stated.



In addition, the socialist has assured that these are procedures that, due to their technical complexity, can be extended over time and that for this reason the project has been developed in parallel to the environmental assessment “to accelerate the widening as much as possible”.



The Torrevieja Socialist Party began its campaign by maintaining that the widening was an absolute priority and the spokesperson has stated on numerous occasions that she has had several communications with personnel from the Ministry of Transport since the beginning of the mandate, to whom she has reiterated her gratitude for the attention received “despite their insistence”.



The Spanish Government is expected to invest 55 million euro to widen 4.47 km of the more than 7 that remain unwidened. “The rest will probably present an environmental impact due to the area through which the road runs but, fortunately, they are the ones with the least congestion” said Soler, who did not hesitate to conclude that the widening will become a reality “despite the PP, which is the only and exclusive culprit for the road being wedged between houses and businesses. And it will be carried out by a PSOE government”.



The socialist spokesperson has also given an answer to why it is the only stretch that has not yet been widened, something that she openly blames on the management that the PP has carried out in Torrevieja since the road was built in the 80s. “The PP chose to break the law to favour, for whatever reasons, the interests of the promoters and owners instead of those of the citizens. The PP's commitment has always been to build at the expense of everything else” says Soler.



According to the socialist, “up to 100 metres of land measured horizontally from the outside of the road should have been left unoccupied, but in Torrevieja the construction of houses was allowed just 25 metres away, despite the repeated warnings from the General Directorate of Roads, and that decision has been suffered by the citizens who are forced to drive on a single lane on a road with an enormous traffic density and very little road safety”.



Likewise, Soler has not missed the opportunity to link this news with the statements made by several PP mayors of Vega Baja last year in relation to the temporary free toll announced by the Ministry of Transport for the AP-7 toll on the Alicante ring road section. The leaders considered that it meant marginalisation and disregard for Vega Baja that the sector between Montesinos and Zenia was not included. The secretary general of the Torrevieja socialists has explained that the responsibility lies with the Partido Popular itself “which was the one who established that this and other roads were toll roads”.



The spokesperson states in her publication that the motorway concessionaire company obtained the award in 1998 for a period of 50 years “with Aznar governing in Madrid and Zaplana in Valencia” and that other tolls have already finished their concessions, so it has been possible to declare them free. However, this toll, which is one of the most expensive in Spain despite its mere 13 km, was built at the height of the real estate boom and will have a concession in force until 2048. “The company itself took legal action against socialist projects that were betting on free roads such as the widening of the N-332 between Guardamar and Torrevieja and Torrevieja Pilar de la Horadada” said the socialist.



For all this, Soler describes as “ridiculous” that the PP, “in the face of the citizens”, incessantly demands that the Spanish Government widen the national highway and declare the motorway free of charge, “when these are problems that they have caused by choosing to favour private interests”.



However, the spokesperson concluded that “while the PP is dedicated to trying to confuse the citizens, from the PSOE we will continue working for the public interest”.

### Marine Surveillance Service inspects 50,000 hectares of coastline to protect posidonia seaweed

The Valencia region´s Marine Surveillance Service is inspecting 50,000 hectares of coastline to establish a network to monitor marine species, habitats and protected areas with the aim of preserving the posidonia meadows of the Valencian Community.



This service, which depends on the General Directorate of Natural and Animal Environment, has expanded the surveillance network in 2024, so the presence of work at sea has been 810 days and the vessels have travelled more than 37,000 kilometres of the Valencian coastline, which are the best records to date.



In this regard, the Director General of Natural and Animal Environment, Luis Gomis, has highlighted that the surveillance device “is made up of a team of 19 marine professionals and eight vessels managed by the Ministry, which represents the largest deployment since the start of this program in 2022”.



Thus, the eight base ports from which the vessels depart for the work are El Perelló, Dénia, Alcossebre, Oropesa del Mar, Xàbia, Calp, El Campello and Torrevieja.



In addition, the current surveillance network will also have two new vessels since 2024 that carry out surveillance and control work on the coast of L'Albufera and in Dénia. "This network for monitoring marine species, habitats and protected areas allows us to collect all the information of interest on nautical activity and to report on the ecological and regulatory importance associated with posidonia oceanica," added Luis Gomis.



The Marine Surveillance Service has managed to reduce the number of anchors on posidonia meadows during the three years it has been active. In addition, from September 2024, environmental agents have begun to board the service's boats to report these violations.



This year, for the first time, a process of disseminating the regulations associated with seagrass meadows has been carried out in five different nautical clubs: Club Náutico Oropesa del Mar, Marina El Portet in Dénia, Club Náutico in Moraira and El Campello, as well as the Real Club Náutico in Torrevieja.



Monitoring plan



The Department of Environment, Infrastructure and Territory has brought together experts from all over Spain to analyse the status of this species in the Valencian Community, within the framework of the presentation day of the Posidonia monitoring plan, which was held in Alicante.



As the Director General of Natural and Animal Environment has pointed out, posidonia acts against “deterioration in water quality, loss of biodiversity and even the regression of our beaches”. He added that this species “provides oxygen, provides shelter and is a breeding ground for species of interest, as well as acting as a barrier against erosion”.



Posidonia is very sensitive to contamination by wastewater and hydrocarbons, as well as by coastal construction. In addition, the practice of water sports can increase direct attacks due to indiscriminate anchoring.



Protection of grasslands



Through decree 64/2022, the Consell regulates the conservation of seagrass meadows in the Valencian Community, including also Cymodocea nodosa meadows. This decree contemplates the need to implement a monitoring plan, as well as specifies that surveillance, inspection and control are the responsibility of the Generalitat.



In this sense, the monitoring plan launched in 2024, which was analysed at this conference, addresses research into the state of conservation of the meadows of the Valencian Community, and establishes a protocol of sampling points by depth ranges, from the shore to depths exceeding 25 metres.



This is a project that, together with the work of coastguards and environmental agents, has made it possible to create a network for monitoring the marine coastline and studying the nautical uses of each space in the Natura 2000 marine network, providing logistical support and technical advice to researchers, law enforcement agents and Maritime Rescue.



During this session, Gomis explained that our seagrass meadows “are currently in a good state of conservation, however, there is a wide margin for improvement in their recovery in those areas where they have been reduced or disappeared.” Therefore, “it is our duty and our responsibility to redouble our efforts and work side by side towards this common goal,” he concluded.

### Winter and Christmas: A Challenge for Emergency Services

Prevention is key to avoiding issues arising from low temperatures or dietary changes associated with Christmas celebrations.



With the arrival of winter and the festive season, emergency services experience a significant surge in medical demand. Low temperatures, combined with celebrations and shifts in daily habits, create a perfect storm for various health issues.



From respiratory, cardiovascular, and digestive illnesses to domestic accidents, this season truly tests our resilience. Specialists at the Emergency Department of Quirónsalud Torrevieja highlight the importance of "preparing adequately to minimise risks and ensure efficient care during such a demanding period."



Increase in Respiratory Diseases



Winter cold contributes to the spread of respiratory infections. Common colds, flu, and bronchitis are among the most frequent conditions treated in emergency departments. These illnesses are often more severe in older adults, young children, and people with chronic conditions. Additionally, exacerbations of illnesses like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increase during this season, partly due to sudden temperature changes and exposure to cold air.



The impact of these conditions can be mitigated with preventive strategies. According to experts, "vaccines against flu, COVID-19, and pneumococcus are key tools to protect the most vulnerable groups." They also emphasise the importance of maintaining proper hand hygiene and dressing warmly, covering the mouth and nose when outdoors.



The festive environment may pose additional challenges for individuals with respiratory allergies. Christmas decorations stored for months accumulate dust and mites, triggering allergic reactions. Artificial snow sprays and festive fragrances can also irritate airways. Cleaning decorations thoroughly and keeping indoor spaces well-ventilated are strongly recommended.



Cardiovascular Impact of Cold



The cardiovascular system is another major area affected during winter. Low temperatures can cause vasoconstriction, increasing blood pressure and the strain on the heart. This raises the risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as hypertensive emergencies, angina, or heart attacks.



Dietary changes and the emotional stress associated with family gatherings during the holidays may also contribute to complications. According to Quirónsalud Torrevieja specialists, "excessive consumption of fatty and salty foods, combined with alcohol, poses a significant risk, particularly for individuals with pre-existing conditions."



A specific type of arrhythmia, exacerbated by alcohol consumption, can affect both those with and without a history of heart disease. Although it may seem minor, it can lead to serious complications if not properly managed.



To prevent such issues, experts recommend striking a balance between enjoyment and moderation. A balanced diet, adequate hydration, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption are essential measures for cardiovascular health during winter.



Domestic Accidents



The increased use of heaters, stoves, and fireplaces in winter raises the risk of domestic accidents. Burns, fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning are common issues treated in emergency departments. "Many incidents could be avoided with basic safety measures, such as checking the condition of heating devices, keeping flammable materials (like textiles) away from heat sources, installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and ensuring proper ventilation," experts advise.



Moreover, slippery surfaces caused by rain or frost heighten the risk of falls, particularly for older adults. These falls can result in fractures, head injuries, and other serious conditions requiring immediate attention. It is crucial to wear appropriate footwear and avoid going out in adverse weather unless absolutely necessary.



Dietary Excesses



Christmas celebrations are often marked by prolonged and lavish meals, frequently leading to digestive emergencies. Indigestion, acid reflux, food poisoning, and acute pancreatitis are common issues during this period. Planning balanced menus, moderating portion sizes, and avoiding high-fat or overly spicy foods can help prevent these problems.



Food poisoning cases, caused by undercooked or improperly stored food, also tend to rise. Ensuring food is stored in optimal conditions and adhering to expiry and use-by dates are essential precautions to avoid complications.



Traffic Accidents



Alcohol consumption during festive celebrations is a major factor in traffic accidents at this time of year. These incidents not only affect those directly involved but also their families and the emergency services that manage the aftermath.



Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital has a specialised Traffic Unit designed to care for individuals involved in road accidents. This multidisciplinary service includes trauma specialists, physiotherapists, neurologists, and rehabilitation experts who work together to ensure comprehensive recovery. Additionally, no health insurance is required to access this service, making it available to all patients in need.



The Role of Prevention



While emergency services are prepared to handle any eventuality, specialists at Quirónsalud stress the importance of prevention as the first line of defence. Awareness campaigns on vaccination, dietary habits, and home safety are valuable tools to reduce the number of emergencies during winter and Christmas.



Fostering a responsible and considerate attitude among the population is also vital. This includes avoiding unnecessary excesses and proactively addressing evident risks. "Taking care of ourselves also means caring for those around us, especially during such a special time of year," conclude the experts.

### La Mata Market Moved to Tuesday

Because Christmas and New Year are on a Wednesday this year, the usual Wednesday market in La Mata has been moved a day early to Tuesday.



So, if you want your fresh fruit and veg for the big celebrations, you can visit La Mata market on Tuesday 24 December and Tuesday 31 December instead.



Not forgetting the Friday market in Torrevieja which is normal at the moment.

### Non-Resident Taxes in Spain: Your Deadlines and How IberianTax Can Help

For non-resident property owners in Spain, staying on top of your tax obligations is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with Spanish tax laws. Non-resident taxes are an unavoidable part of owning property in Spain, and with upcoming deadlines fast approaching, you need to take action now to get your taxes sorted in time. Here’s everything you need to know.



What Taxes Do Non-Residents Have to Pay?



If you’re a non-resident who owns property in Spain, there are a few key taxes you’ll need to be aware of:



1. Imputed Income Tax



Even if your property isn’t rented out and is only used for personal use (or remains empty), you’re still required to pay Imputed Income Tax. This tax is calculated based on the cadastral value of your property (a value assigned by the Spanish government for tax purposes). It’s essentially a tax on the potential income the property could generate.




Deadline: For the 2023 tax year, you’ll need to file yours by 31st December 2024.




2. Rental Income Tax



If you rent out your property, either for short-term holiday lets or long-term rentals, you’re required to pay Rental Income Tax on the income earned. The rate is 24% for non-EU/EEA residents and 19% for EU/EEA residents. You can also deduct allowable expenses, such as maintenance costs or property management fees if you qualify.




Deadline: The filing window for 2024 rental income tax is from 1st to 20th January 2025.




3. Capital Gains Tax



If you’ve sold your property in Spain, or if you’re about to sell, you’ll need to pay Capital Gains Tax if you’ve made a profit from the sale. The tax rate for Capital Gains Tax is set at 19%, regardless of your residency status (EU or non-EU). You’ll need to ensure that this is paid within 4 months of the sale date.







Upcoming Deadlines for Non-Resident Taxes



With two major deadlines looming, it’s important to act quickly to avoid penalties:




20th December 2024: Deadline for setting up a direct debit with IberianTax to pay your Imputed Income Tax.



31st December 2024: Final deadline for filing and paying your Imputed Income Tax for 2023.



1st - 20th January 2025: Filing window for Rental Income Tax for income earned in 2024.




Why Choose IberianTax?



Managing your non-resident taxes doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. At IberianTax, we specialise in making tax filing simple, secure, and affordable for non-resident property owners.




User-Friendly Online Platform: File your taxes from the comfort of your home, anywhere in the world. The platform guides you step-by-step, ensuring accuracy and compliance with Spanish tax laws.



Transparent Pricing: Our services start at just €34.95, making us a much more affordable than an accountant.



Fast and Reliable: Complete your tax return in minutes with our easy-to-navigate system. Once submitted, we’ll handle the rest, including sending your form to the Spanish tax authorities.



Secure and Approved: All your personal data is securely encrypted, and we’re certified by the Spanish tax authorities, giving you peace of mind.



Expert & Multi-Lingual Support: Got a question? Our dedicated customer service team is always on hand to assist you in English, German and French.




With IberianTax, you’ll save time, money, and avoid the hassle of dealing with complex tax forms. Whether you need to file your Imputed Income Tax, Rental Income Tax or even Capital Gains Tax, our system is built to make the process as smooth as possible.







Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late



Filing your non-resident taxes might feel like a daunting task, but with IberianTax, it’s never been easier. Whether you need help calculating your taxes, understanding allowable deductions, or simply need to ask for advice, we’ve got you covered.



Take action today:




Visit IberianTax’s website to create your free account.



Use our Tax Calculator to see exactly how much you owe.



Access our Help Desk if you have any questions or need support.




With upcoming deadlines just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get started. Avoid penalties, save money, and enjoy peace of mind with IberianTax. Click here to file your taxes today! Top of FormBottom of Form

### Sciatica: symptoms and treatments

Sciatica, also known as lumbosciatalgia, is the name by which we commonly refer to a sharp or subacute pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg.



Associated with age and very common in pregnant women, sciatica can appear at any point of the nerve pathway, from the spine to the foot, and often follows its path from the lumbar region through the buttocks and the back of the thighs to the calves.



Why does sciatica occur?



The sciatic nerve originates in the spinal cord, from the spinal nerve roots L4, L5, S1, S2, and S3, which emerge from the spine in the lumbar and sacral region and combine to form the sciatic nerve in the gluteal region.



When these nerve roots become irritated or compressed, the clinical symptoms of sciatica or lumbosciatalgia are triggered, causing pain in the lower back and in one or both legs.



Technically, sciatica is "a medical condition that involves radiculopathy caused by an injury to the lumbar nerve roots, with the most frequently affected being L5 and S1," explains Dr. Juan Fernando Henares, head of the Pain Unit at Quirónsalud Alicante.



What are its causes? Are there risk factors associated with its appearance?



One of the main causes of sciatica is herniated disc, "which occurs when an intervertebral disc herniates or ruptures, putting pressure on the nerve roots."



Age is another common cause of this type of pain.



"As we age," Dr. Henares adds, "it is possible for the spine to experience a narrowing of the spinal canal, known as stenosis. This compression can affect the origin of the sciatic nerve.  Some age-associated degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis also contribute to the development of low back sciatica."



Likewise, injuries to the spine from trauma or tumours can damage the spine and compress the sciatic nerve.



The same goes for Piriformis Syndrome: the piriformis muscle irritates the sciatic nerve if it becomes inflamed or too tight, producing what is called pseudosciatica (deep gluteal syndrome).



In this sense, the Quirónsalud Alicante specialist  adds that being overweight and lack of physical activity increase the risk of developing lumbosciatalgia, "by exerting additional pressure on the spine".



What are the symptoms of sciatica?



Although the symptoms of sciatica are different in each person, the most common are:




Stabbing, burning, or constant pain that radiates from the lower back into the leg, and is usually made worse by sitting for long periods of time.



Paresthesias. In other words, abnormal sensations in the affected leg, such as tingling, numbness or muscle weakness.



Loss of muscle strength that makes it hard to move the leg or lift heavy objects.




On the other hand, and although sciatica always affects the lower limbs (legs), there is a similar injury in the upper limbs called cervicobrachialgia. 



"This condition involves the neck and arms, being a cervical radiculopathy. Treatments usually require greater specialization due to the complexity of the cervical spine," concludes Dr. Henares.



What treatment options are available for sciatica?



The head of the Pain Unit at Quirónsalud Alicante explains that the approach to sciatica can be carried out from three different perspectives:




Conservative management. "It is recommended for most people with herniated discs, as up to 90% will be spontaneously 'reabsorbed'. It includes rest, medication for pain and inflammation, and physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve mobility."





Minimally invasive management. "Percutaneous treatments for herniated disc are minimally invasive medical procedures designed to relieve the pain and symptoms caused by a herniated disc without requiring open surgery. The procedure is performed through small incisions in the skin and generally has fewer complications and shorter recovery times than traditional surgeries."





Surgical techniques. "Among them, discectomy or laminectomy, with or without instrumentation. Although effective, they carry greater surgical and anaesthetic risk".




Regarding the techniques used in the Pain Unit of Quirónsalud Alicante to treat sciatica, the specialist lists:




Epidural injections. Medication is injected directly into the epidural space, usually corticosteroids with local anaesthetic and ozone or Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). The treatment helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain, is symptomatic and effective, and facilitates the patient's rehabilitation.





Infiltration of the nerve root or Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG). This procedure locates the nerve root causing sciatica, usually compressed by a herniated disc, and then a corticosteroid, local anaesthetic, or PRP is injected into the area. The technique is associated with neuromodulator therapies, such as pulsed radiofrequency.





Nucleoplasty. Also known as percutaneous disc decompression. It is a minimally invasive technique and indicated in patients with disc protrusions and lumbar or radicular pain. Once the needle is precisely placed on the intervertebral disc, a lesion is made with different types of energy (such as radiofrequency) to reduce pressure and relieve the patient's pain. The aim is to modify the collagen of the annulous fibrosus and ablation of the pain receptors in the area.





Intradiscal regenerative medicine. It consists of injecting stem cells (MSCs) or enriched plasma to relieve pain of disc origin. This type of therapy has been shown to improve the water content at the level of the disc and increase cell proliferation thanks to growth factors and cytokines such as PDGF, IGF-1, TGF-β and VEGF.





Intradiscal Ozone Therapy. It involves injecting a mixture of oxygen and ozone directly into the herniated disc. Ozone is thought to reduce inflammation and stimulate tissue regeneration, which can relieve pain and improve function.





Percutaneous Laser Therapy. A laser with different wavelengths (usually 980nm or 1470nm) is used to vaporize or decompress the herniated disc tissue. The procedure is performed through a small incision and has a very fast recovery time compared to surgery.




Is there a definitive treatment? What is the success rate of these interventions?



The Pain Unit at Quirónsalud Alicante focuses on minimally invasive treatments, mainly in regenerative medicine.



Some of its advantages are its anti-inflammatory power, its minimal adverse reactions or the preservation of the structure of the disc and, with it, the biomechanical stability of this anatomical segment.



"These treatments have similar success rates to open surgery (80-90%), but with fewer potential complications," explains Dr. Juan Fernando Henares.



"The literature supports the effectiveness of these techniques, which offer considerable relief and improve patients' quality of life through outpatient procedures. Each case is evaluated individually, and these approaches are prioritized before considering open surgery, which carries a higher risk and longer recovery time."



Request more information at the Quirónsalud Alicante Pain Unit

###  The Socialist Party of Torrevieja organises a day against gender violence for 25N

On Saturday 23, the local PSOE organised a day with a large influx of people against gender violence on the occasion of 25N, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.



The event was introduced by the socialist councillor, Carolina Ponce, who explained the historic advances that have been made in our country to end sexist violence. She condemned that "We are in 2024 and this year 40 women have already been murdered by their partners or ex-partners and 8 boys and girls, at the hands of those partners" and stated that "in the face of these chilling data, indifference and silence are not an option, violence against women does exist, it is increasing in recent years,  that not everything is visible or easy to identify, and that shame is about time for it to change sides."



In the first part of the day, the psychologist Raquel Lafuente, a worker at the Women's Centre of Torrevieja, gave a presentation on how centres like the one she works in help women who are victims of gender violence.



Next, Ane Rodríguez and Héctor Forés, directed by Antonio Ballester, starred in two theatre scenes that showed examples of sexist violence that are more common in the lives of adolescents than they should.



After the theatrical performance, a discussion table moderated by Carolina Ponce took place on "Social networks and gender violence". Impact on youth" with Ahlam Chtouki, Carlos Escolano, Adriana Manzanares, Alejandro Rebollo and Álvaro Tormo. The participants reflected on various topics such as whether gender violence is more common on networks than in real life, if there is a model of man and woman that is promoted on the internet, the possible age limits to create a profile on networks or the digital communities that are emerging to report crimes. Afterwards, some people from the audience gave their opinion on the topics discussed.



Finally, mona con chocolate was distributed among the attendees and donations were collected in favour of the association "Alanna, professional women against sexist violence (Valencia)" that serves "VioGén" women in areas affected by the DANA.

### Physical Exercise and a Balanced Diet Help COPD Patients Improve Their Quality of Life

COPD significantly impacts cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and arrhythmias.



The prevalence of COPD has decreased due to reduced smoking rates, yet its incidence remains high due to an ageing population.




To mark World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day, Dr Líder Espinoza Cordero, a specialist in the Pulmonology Department at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, advises COPD patients to not only avoid tobacco use but also engage in regular physical activity appropriate to their condition and maintain a balanced diet to enjoy a better quality of life.







Another crucial element is pulmonary rehabilitation, which helps alleviate symptoms. “It’s important to bear in mind,” explains Dr Espinoza, “that this therapy is indicated for any patient with chronic respiratory disease who continues to experience symptoms despite receiving appropriate pharmacological treatment.”



“COPD patients,” highlights Dr Espinoza Cordero, “often face an exacerbation of other respiratory conditions as their disease progresses, such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Moreover, cardiovascular diseases, including arrhythmias and heart failure, also have a significant impact on their health and require specialist monitoring.”



COPD affects approximately 10–15% of the adult population. While its prevalence has decreased due to the decline in smoking rates, its incidence remains high, driven by the ageing population, notes the specialist from Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital.



Treatment for COPD



The primary treatment for COPD is smoking cessation, followed by inhalation therapy, which mainly involves the use of bronchodilators. In specific cases, inhaled corticosteroids are added to reduce inflammation.



“In advanced stages of the disease with severe oxygen deprivation,” explains Dr Espinoza Cordero, “home oxygen therapy becomes necessary.”



Dr Espinoza also emphasises the importance of vaccination for COPD patients to prevent influenza and SARS-CoV infections, and, most importantly, pneumonia through pneumococcal vaccination.

### Mobile Vaccination Unit to Visit Torrevieja on 15 December

With a primary focus initially on the flood-hit areas around Valencia, the Department of Health´s mobile vaccination unit it touring the Costa Blanca offering Covid-19 and flu jabs without the need for an appointment.



This is the first time the Department has launched a mobile vaccination unit without an appointment, now visiting various points in the Valencian Community with a large influx of people. To get vaccinated, only the SIP card is required, without the need to request an appointment.



So far, 2,187 people have been vaccinated in the mobile unit. The itinerant tour began on November 9 in Alicante and Elche, and last weekend it moved to Castellón and Vila-real.



The mobile unit is scheduled to be installed this weekend in Gandia, in Plaza del Tirant s/n at the end of Passeig de Les Germanies, on Saturday 23 November and on Sunday 24 November it will be installed on the esplanade of the Plaza del Ayuntamiento de València.



Subsequently, it is planned to move on November 8 to Alcoy in Plaza Pintor Gisbert, on December 14 to Plaza SS.MM Los Reyes de España in Benidorm, and on December 15, it will move to Torrevieja and will be located at Avda. Dr. Gregorio Marañón number 7.



Finally, it is important to remember the importance of keeping the vaccination schedule up to date and continuing with the seasonal vaccination campaign against influenza and Covid-19, as pointed out by the Public Health response coordination group, made up of experts from the Department of Health and the Ministry of Health, among others.



In addition, specialists insist on the need to administer systematic vaccination, that is, the vaccination schedule, especially in the child population under 2 years of age who have not yet been immunized.

### Meniscus Injuries or Ligament Tears? Forget About Knee Pain

With arthroscopic surgery, most patients can leave hospital on the same day as their procedure and experience rapid recovery.



Over the years, joints accumulate impacts, and wear and tear can lead to pain. In fact, for some individuals over the age of 30, knee pain is part of daily life. The same applies to younger people who have suffered injuries such as ligament tears or meniscus damage. These traumas, often associated with physical activity, can be treated with simple, minimally invasive procedures like arthroscopic surgery.



From Quirónsalud Alicante, Dr. Néstor Zurita, head of the Advanced Traumatology Unit, states that the progressive advancement in arthroscopic instruments and knowledge has been one of the milestones in the history of this specialty. It has redefined anatomy, enhanced the understanding of known pathologies, and defined new types of injuries, as well as enabled the treatment of processes that previously lacked options.



What is Arthroscopy?



Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used in Orthopaedics and Traumatology to diagnose and treat various problems and diseases located within a joint. This intervention allows, through a minimal incision that leaves little to no scarring, a complete view of the joint via the arthroscope—a small, elongated tube-like instrument measuring 4.5 mm in diameter, which captures high-quality images of internal structures through optics connected to a television camera.



In addition to obtaining images, during arthroscopy, the patient is treated, allowing for the surgical procedure to be carried out with equal or greater efficacy than if the joint had to be fully opened. “As a very minimally invasive method,” notes Dr. Zurita, “it reduces hospital stay times, enabling patient discharge even on the same day as the procedure in most cases, and ensures early recovery.”



In What Cases is It Recommended?



As Dr. Fernando Jordá, head of the Knee Unit at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, points out, any injury affecting the interior of the joint that does not require large implants is generally suitable for arthroscopy. Specifically, the knee is the joint where this technique is most frequently performed.



Meniscus injuries are one of the most common pathologies in the knee, and their treatment is almost always arthroscopic. The meniscus is a cartilage that provides cushioning in the knee, and its injury often causes pain, especially during movements such as bending. “Thanks to arthroscopy, which allows for visualisation and intervention on the tissue, we have been able to define numerous patterns of rupture. The treatment for tears at the inner edge of the meniscus involves trimming it, as it has no healing capacity, but progress has led to attempts to heal and preserve as much of the meniscus as possible, with ongoing and unstoppable development of techniques to repair its various forms of rupture,” explains Dr. Jordá.



In the case of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, these tears are well-known in sports circles, typically occurring from trauma that angles the knee inward while flexed and supported, often accompanied by a body twist. Once ruptured, this ligament, except in very particular cases, cannot be repaired; instead, it is replaced with another ligament taken from the patient’s own knee, which is positioned in place of the torn ACL to perform the same stabilising function.



Other situations that require arthroscopy for diagnosis or treatment include:




Wear or degeneration of articular cartilage.



Fragments or loose bodies of bone or cartilage within the joint.



Inflammation of the synovial lining.



Malalignment or tendency to dislocate.



Rupture or degeneration of tendons.




Care After Arthroscopy



As the scar generated from this surgery is minimal, post-operative care is simpler. To achieve rapid and effective healing, it is necessary to care for the dressings, avoid dirty and dusty environments, and keep the surrounding area dry. To prevent swelling or oedema, it is advisable to sit or lie down with the foot elevated as much as possible and avoid having the operated leg in a downward position. It is also common to require the use of crutches to limit weight-bearing on the operated leg.



Rehabilitation: A Crucial Role in Recovery



Rehabilitation plays a vital role in returning to daily activities. After arthroscopy, it is essential to generate appropriate and consistent stimuli on the treated joint to restore its full capabilities. In this case, physiotherapists are responsible for overseeing this recovery process, so the greater the communication and interaction between these professionals and the surgeons, the better the final results.



The time that typically elapses from the performance of arthroscopy until the patient can resume their usual routines varies depending on the pathology being treated. For meniscal injuries, the usual recovery period is about 4 to 6 weeks, while ligament injuries may take 6 to 9 months.



The Benefits of Arthroscopy



Compared to open surgery, arthroscopy offers numerous benefits:




It minimises damage during the surgical process to access the area being treated.



It allows for visualisation of the entire joint, unlike open surgery, which is limited to the view from the incision. With arthroscopy, the rear part of the joint can be seen.



The tissues are magnified, similar to using a magnifying glass, by about 3-4 times. This, along with the high-definition images, allows for a much better assessment of the tissues, delineating injuries with far greater precision.



The risk of infection is significantly reduced, as there are no exposed fields to the environment, and the procedure is usually conducted with a constant flow of saline solution that continuously washes the surgical area.



All of this leads to a reduction in hospital stay duration, pain, complications, and an improvement in recovery speed.




Request More Information About Knee Surgery at Quirónsalud Alicante



Request More Information About Knee Surgery at Quirónsalud Torrevieja

### More than 120,000 patients treated: Quirónsalud Torrevieja, a benchmark in oncology and breast cancer treatment

With more than 20 years of experience and more than 120,000 patients treated, the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Oncology Platform has established itself as a national and international benchmark in the fight against cancer, especially in the treatment of breast cancer



The Oncology Platform of Quirónsalud Torrevieja has established a standard of excellence and avant-garde in the treatment of cancer in Spain. Over these two decades, they have developed innovative approaches, such as personalized oncology, genetic testing, and state-of-the-art therapies, that place this platform at the pinnacle of cancer healthcare.



Innovation in personalised oncology and gene therapies



Quirónsalud Torrevieja is distinguished by its focus on personalised oncology, which is supported by genetic analysis and immunotherapy. Through state-of-the-art genetic sequencing, the medical team can study not only mutations in specific genes, but also the expression of the more than 20,000 genes that code for proteins in the human body. This allows a much more detailed diagnosis of each tumor and, therefore, the design of more effective and less toxic therapies.



The use of genetics to classify tumors and select the most appropriate treatment represents a paradigm shift in cancer care. The platform offers therapeutic options even for those patients with tumors that have shown resistance to conventional treatments such as chemotherapy. Thanks to this approach, Quirónsalud Torrevieja has managed to improve the therapeutic success rate in 70% of the cases treated, compared to the 25% achieved with traditional diagnostic tools.



Immunotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer



One of the emerging treatments in the fight against breast cancer is immunotherapy, a powerful tool that uses the patient's immune system to attack cancer cells. According to Dr. Manuel Sureda, a specialist  at the Oncology Platform at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, this type of therapy has shown promising results, particularly in cases of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive variant that is usually resistant to other treatments such as chemotherapy.



How Immunotherapy Works in Breast Cancer Treatment



The basic principle of immunotherapy is to stimulate the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy tumour cells. Many times, cancer cells develop mechanisms that allow them to evade attack by the immune system, but immunotherapeutic treatments block these strategies, allowing the immune system to act more effectively.



There are different types of immunotherapies for breast cancer, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, which have been shown to be especially helpful in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. In addition, monoclonal antibodies, such as trastuzumab (Herceptin), target specific proteins on cancer cells, making them easier to kill.



Benefits of immunotherapy in breast cancer



Immunotherapy offers a more personalised and less toxic option than traditional chemotherapy, as it is designed to specifically target cancer cells without harming healthy cells as much. However, this treatment is not suitable for all types of breast cancer. Its use depends on the specific characteristics of the tumour and the patient's response to previous therapies.







The most advanced technology in radiotherapy at Quirósalud Torrevieja



Radiotherapy is another pillar in the oncological treatment of patients with breast cancer, and the Oncology Platform of Quirónsalud Torrevieja has the most advanced technology. Dr. Rosa Cañón, head of the Radiation Oncology Service, highlights the advantages of the new linear accelerators, such as the Varian TrueBeam 2.7 from Quirónsalud Torrevieja, which allows tumours to be treated with millimetric precision, improving the effectiveness of the treatment, minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy tissues and therefore reducing side effects.



Dr. S. S. adds that radiotherapy is used to treat tumours in the breast and lymph node regions (armpit) as well as in advanced cases to treat metastases in other organs, often with curative intent.



Intraoperative radiotherapy



One of the most innovative techniques available at the Oncology Platform is intraoperative radiotherapy, as it has a linear accelerator inside the operating room, with which a dose of radiation is administered during surgery. This technique is performed in patients with early breast cancer, after the resection of the tumour and sentinel lymph node, a dose of radiotherapy is administered in the operating room itself, which avoids postoperative radiotherapy sessions.



Oncological Surgery: State-of-the-Art Approaches



The multidisciplinary approach of the Oncology Platform of Quirónsalud Torrevieja also includes advanced techniques in oncological surgery. Dr. Pedro Bretcha, head of the Surgical Oncology Service, stresses that more than 95% of breast cancer cases require surgical intervention. Surgery is used for both curative and palliative purposes, depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the tumour.



Breast preservation techniques



In recent years, an effort has been made to reduce the need for radical mastectomies, preferring conservative surgeries that preserve as much breast tissue as possible. In some cases, the administration of chemotherapy or immunotherapy before surgery can reduce the size of the tumor, facilitating a less invasive intervention and, therefore, improving the patient's quality of life.



When should breast cancer surgery be used?



Surgical treatment is part of breast cancer treatment in more than 95% of cases. It generally has a curative purpose. In fewer cases it has a palliative purpose, that is, to avoid complications or unwanted effects due to tumour growth, such as bleeding, over-infections or pain in widely disseminated tumours and in which the possibility of cure is minimal, but surgery can contribute to improving the quality of life of patients. In a small number of cases we do not perform surgery, such as when the tumour has a good prognosis, in elderly women, or with associated pathology where the risk of surgery is greater than the benefit of it in the treatment of breast cancer.



Precision Medicine: A Promising Future in Cancer Treatments



Quirónsalud Torrevieja's Oncology Platform not only focuses on the current treatment of cancer, but also looks to the future with its focus on precision medicine. This concept, as defined by Dr. Manuel Sureda, involves adapting treatments to the individual genetic characteristics of each patient, creating a "tailor-made suit" for each cancer case.



Transcriptome: A New Horizon in Cancer Treatment



The analysis of the transcriptome, which studies the expression of RNA in tumour cells, has allowed the doctors at Quirónsalud Torrevieja to offer more personalised and effective therapies. In up to 70% of the cases studied, this analysis has provided valuable information on the resistance or sensitivity of tumours to certain drugs, which has allowed treatments to be adjusted in real time.



Transcriptome Analysis Increases Clinical Benefit of Breast Tumours by 70%



The transcriptome study provides personalized information on aspects relevant to the treatment of tumours, such as resistance or sensitivity to chemotherapy or other types of antitumor drugs



This approach not only improves treatment efficacy, but also offers a higher chance of tumour control and increases the patient's quality of life. The Oncology Platform of Quirónsalud Torrevieja has been a pioneer in the use of the transcriptome in Spain and continues to advance in this area to improve clinical outcomes in patients with breast cancer.

### Pulmonary nodules smaller than two centimetres can be cured if detected early

Thanks to the minimally invasive approach assisted by Da Vinci robotic surgery, lung cancer procedures can now be performed in a nearly outpatient manner.



Smokers over the age of fifty are advised to have a lung CT scan every two years.



Immunotherapy has significantly improved survival rates in lung cancer patients, even in cases of advanced disease.




As part of European Lung Cancer Week, Dr Joseba Rebollo, an oncology specialist at Quirónsalud Hospital in Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante, reminds us that lung nodules smaller than two centimetres are often curable with surgery if detected early. Therefore, he recommends that smokers over the age of fifty undergo a lung CT scan every two years in order to detect these mostly asymptomatic pulmonary nodules at an early stage.



Types of lung cancer and their treatment



Lung cancer is classified into two main types: small cell and non-small cell. Small cell lung cancer, which accounts for 30% of cases, is highly related to smoking and tends to spread quickly. “It can be treated with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy, achieving cure rates of around 20% in cases of limited disease, which is when the disease can be contained within a radiotherapy field,” states Dr Manuel Sureda, an oncologist at Quirónsalud Hospital in Torrevieja and an expert in oncological immunology.



On the other hand, non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type, and its treatments greatly benefit from genetic tumour studies. “Approximately 50% of these tumours have specific genetic alterations that allow the use of targeted therapies for that specific alteration. Moreover, immunotherapy, which has revolutionised the treatment of this type of lung cancer, has significantly improved survival rates in patients eligible for it, even in cases of advanced disease,” Dr Sureda adds.



Early lung cancer recovery thanks to Da Vinci



Thanks to the minimally invasive approach assisted by Da Vinci robotic surgery, interventions that once required open surgery and long hospital stays for lung cancer patients can now be performed in a nearly outpatient manner, with shorter hospital stays in any case.



“In addition,” notes Dr José Belda, head of the Thoracic Surgery Department at Quirónsalud Torrevieja and specialist in robotic surgery, “the great precision of Da Vinci surgeries allows us to address both benign and malignant lung conditions, including lobectomies and sublobar resections, all without compromising oncological thoroughness.” Other advantages noted by the specialist at Quirónsalud Torrevieja include less blood loss and a reduced risk of postoperative infections.



For more information about robotic lung cancer surgery, watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZ0EPpsaUE0&t=1s

### Torrevieja Mayor´s Dictatorial Delusions Highlighted

Sueña Torrevieja is warning that the mayor of Torrevieja intends to cut the political rights of the councillors and the municipal groups by modifying the municipal organic regulations.



Spokesperson Pablo Samper assures that the proposal to modify the Municipal Organic Regulations presented by the PP government is one of the “greatest democratic attacks in the history of Torrevieja”.



The reduction of the time for interventions in the plenary sessions to only 3 minutes and the limitation of the questions to the government team seeks to “silence the opposition and establish the doctrine of the party and single thought”.



Samper, spokesman for Sueña Torrevieja, has publicly expressed “his astonishment and disappointment” upon learning of the changes that the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, intends to introduce in the municipal plenary sessions “to silence the opposition political parties and avoid as much as possible the debate and the control”.



Samper says that “it is regrettable that a mayor who boasts of his great support and his character, intends to reduce the interventions in the councillors' plenary sessions to only 3 minutes, with the transcendental issues that remain ahead for the future of Torrevieja in the coming years”.



Furthermore, he criticises the limitation of the questions to the plenary session to a total of 3 questions, and 2 requests, adding that “it is evident that the mayor is annoyed by the battery of questions that we present plenary session after plenary session to audit the increasingly uncertain management based on large projects, works and infrastructures that are neither here nor expected”.



Samper concludes by stating that “the residents of Torrevieja do not deserve this. Despite the different ways of thinking and ideas, the people of Torrevieja want politicians to debate and earn the salary for which we are paid.



This is an attack on pluralism and freedom of expression, the heart of our democracy, but at Sueña Torrevieja we will continue to work, even more firmly and responsibly, not ruling out resorting to legal action if we believe that our fundamental rights are being violated, and above all we will not allow ourselves to be intimidated by dictatorial delusions”.



This is of course the latest in a wave of moves that could be more acceptable in a dictatorial society, rather than wone of coexistence and respect. We have seen such moves as threats to fine victims of crime, those who purchase goods of the so-called “lookie lookie men”, without any attempt to fine or deal with the perpetrators of those crimes, the sellers and suppliers.



We have seen threats to fine residents who want to deposit rubbish into the dustbins, if they don´t do so within a very short timeframe, without any notion of dealing with the fact that the contract to provide the service is woefully inadequate, and there is no notion of fining those responsible, just, once again, the victims of contractual incompetence.



And, we must not forget the blatant ignoring of laws and rules by the town hall when they don´t suit their own ideas of urban planning, but now, none of these matters, and many more besides, can be brought to account by the attempts to silence those who question their actions, which, incidentally, includes journalists accused of being “bought out” by opposition parties if they too dare to question their motives, whilst they themselves offer “advertising” incentives for towing the party line.

### Proposal to End Cronyism and Boost Local Business in Torrevieja

The Torrevieja Socialist Municipal Group is presenting a motion so that, if approved, any interested party can compete for minor contracts to supply works and services to Torrevieja and put an end to cronyism in contracting whilst also boosting the local businesses, and save money, all at the same time.



The motion presented to the plenary session of the council has the objective of giving maximum publicity and information to the processing of minor contracts, so that through free competition any physical or legal person can offer their services and thus reduce the prices paid in said contracts.



Minor contracts are the way in which works with an estimated value of less than 40,000 euro and supply or service contracts with an estimated value of less than 15,000 euro can be contracted.



The main problem that exists in the contracting of the Torrevieja Council, according to the socialist group, is that minor contracts are abused. In fact, the Director of the Legal Department of the Council issued a report in 2023 warning that in Torrevieja minor contracts were carried out routinely, which could lead to “unwanted legal consequences”.



According to the reports, in practice, there are multiple cases bordering on fraud. Companies with the same administrator or from distant places that show no interest in the contract are invited, and very often, people or companies in which people linked at some point to the ruling PP members.



Companies are also contracted to perform functions that should be carried out by the Council's own staff. In this last case, the appraisal of the Los Romeros property fits in, where €18,000 was paid for an appraisal whose average market price does not exceed €2,000. Right here, the very high prices paid using this type of contract also stand out, too often, close to the legal limits even though the market prices are much lower.



In short, the way the PP manages minor contracts encourages waste and cronyism, sometimes commissioning unnecessary work such as the study of solutions to the C-2 Punta la Víbora Agreement, which was practically copied by the successful bidder of internet articles.



For all these reasons and fundamentally to guarantee transparency, equal opportunities and efficient management, the Socialist Municipal Group proposes that maximum publicity and information be given to the awarding of minor contracts, by putting into operation on the municipal website of the Council a municipal register of companies and self-employed persons of Torrevieja in which all companies and self-employed persons interested in contracting with the Council can register by sector.



In many cases, one or two of the three invited to submit a bid for the contract ends up not submitting, so with this register that we now propose we would be going to physical or legal persons who are already showing interest in contracting with the Council.



Furthermore, when a contract is to be fulfilled by means of a minor contract, apart from communicating through the electronic headquarters of the Council to the registered companies and self-employed persons of the existence of the work, supply or service to be contracted, this must be advertised at the same time on the Torrevieja Council website, so that other companies and self-employed persons, although not registered, can also compete.



This way of managing minor contracts more transparently is common in other city councils and was also a formula used by the government team prior to the PP in the period 2015-2019, so it cannot be argued against this proposal that it may delay contracting. But this would not be a problem as long as there is adequate planning, being precisely what should be expected when the Council's Ethics Compliance Office is launched, whose creation, incidentally, was awarded to a former senator and former deputy of the PP.

### Protest Against Animal Abuse to Take Place in Rojales

The residents of Rojales are calling for support for a protest which will take place on Sunday 29 September, to show support to stop animal abuse.



The local animal protection group, Adda Guardales, collaborates with Rojales Council in the application of the CES/CER strategy, an ethical and effective method to control the number of cats on the street, and keep them healthy, which, other than being morally and ethically correct, are legal requirements under the Animal Welfare Law.



To this end, the council has recently installed containers adapted to feeding stations for cats. Despite the containers being legally required and having the intention of both caring for and controlling the cat colonies, they have been vandalised, broken, they have thrown dirt inside, dust, and liquid, and other waste products.



Another container has had to be moved because some aggressive neighbours shouted that they do not want it and that all the cats must be killed, those same neighbours who insult, threaten, and verbally and physically attack the volunteers.



Several cats have been poisoned in recent months in different colonies.



Therefore, a peaceful protest has been called for Sunday 29 September, starting just after 11:00, at the Plaza Malecón del Soto de Rojales, where everyone is invited and urged to attend to show support for both the animals, and those who care for them.



Wherever you live, we hope you will lend your support in Rojales.

### From the age of 60, four out of ten men develop some condition related to prostate cancer

Experts recommend regular tests such as PSA analysis and digital rectal exams, especially in men over the age of 45.



The Da Vinci robotic surgery offers the best outcomes for patients requiring radical prostatectomy.




On the occasion of Prostate Health Day, celebrated across Europe every 15th of September, Dr Sven Petry, Head of the Urology Department and expert in Robotic Surgery at Quirónsalud Hospital in Torrevieja, warns that from the age of 50, the likelihood of developing prostate disorders increases significantly. By the age of 60, 40% of men show some focus related to prostate cancer.



The most common prostate disorders



According to Dr Sven Petry, the three most common prostate conditions are prostatitis, which is an infection of the prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostate cancer.Although these conditions are unrelated, they share certain symptoms. "Hyperplasia and sometimes prostate cancer can cause difficulty in urination due to the pressure the enlarged prostate exerts on the urethra," explains Dr Petry. "In the case of prostatitis, the symptoms are different, such as high fever, pain when urinating, and pain during ejaculation due to acute inflammation of the gland."



The importance of prevention and early detection



Prostate cancer tends to grow slowly, allowing many patients to be diagnosed at early stages. "When detected early, the likelihood of a cure is extremely high," says Dr Petry. For this reason, experts recommend regular tests such as PSA analysis and digital rectal exams, particularly for men over 45.



While there are no specific preventive measures for prostate cancer, urology specialists agree that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key. "A balanced diet, rich in Mediterranean foods and low in fat, along with physical exercise, an active sex life, avoiding smoking, and moderate alcohol consumption, are universal recommendations for reducing the overall risk of cancer," advises Dr Petry.



Quirónsalud Torrevieja pioneers in robotic surgery



Quirónsalud Hospital in Torrevieja has extensive experience in robotic surgery, having been one of the pioneering hospitals at the national level to implement and train its surgeons in the use of this technology fifteen years ago.



As Dr Sven Petry explains, thanks to the Da Vinci robotic surgery system, “Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital offers the best treatment with the best outcomes for prostate cancer patients who require radical prostatectomy.”



Regarding the many advantages, the specialist highlights improved recovery of urinary continence as well as the full restoration of erectile function, with higher success rates compared to traditional surgery.“Another advantage is the quick recovery of the patient, who can return to a completely normal life within four weeks after being discharged,” concludes the urological robotic surgery specialist at Quirónsalud Torrevieja.



For more information about urological robotic surgery, watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQro4nE21Ok&t=1s

### Councillor Tries to Calm Cut School Bus Anger

According to a press release from the regional Ministry of Education, Culture, Universities and Employment, 99% of the centres that have a school transport service in the Valencian Community have functioned normally and have not reported any incidents in the first week of the school year.



The General Directorate of Teaching Centres has explained that only 5 of the 506 centres that have this service have reported incidents related to school transport to the Ministry since the beginning of the school year, a week ago, which represents 0.9% of all centres that have this service.



In total, 506 educational centres have transport in the Valencian Community (190 of which in Valencia, 204 in Alicante and 112 in Castellón), which amounts to around 1,112 daily expeditions.



Without stating where those reported problems are, the situation is causing increasing anger in Torrevieja, and is even leading to some children breaking the law in order to get to school, as some families turn to electric scooters for transport, which cannot be used by those under 16 in the town.



The PP government in Torrevieja are trying to calm the anger of the parents of hundreds of children who have been left without school transport from the now also PP-run Generalitat Valenciana at the start of the school year, who are also busy trying to blame the previous regional government for failings.



The Councillor for Education, Ricardo Recuero, announced on Monday that the service will be subsidised, but will not be covered by the regional administration. It will be provided at the expense of the municipal budget.



The town council is planning to pay for the service and users will have to justify it afterwards, according to the councillor for the area. The local government, which initially played down the issue of the cancellation of the lines at the start of the school year, was quick to meet last Wednesday with the parents' associations of affected schools in order to find solutions that would avoid having to demand the restoration of the service from their political partners at a regional level.



Amongst the many cuts that the regional Ministry of Education has implemented, in Torrevieja, six bus lines have been eliminated, four at the IES Torrevigía and two at the Instituto Libertas. The small number of beneficiaries of the service, students whose home is more than three kilometres from the centres, has allowed the regional administration to cut the number of school buses by cutting the lines that ran daily. To optimise the use of the buses that have now been eliminated, they were completed with demanding students who had initially been excluded from the aid, but who had access to transport as authorised persons. With the Ministry's cuts, one bus is filled only with beneficiaries.



In typical fashion where there is a blatant lack of realisation that municipalities cover areas beyond the urban centres, the regulations of the Generalitat do not take into account that all the secondary schools are located on the outskirts of Torrevieja. There are many students who do not meet the requirement of being more than 3 kilometres away to obtain a scholarship, but their family home is more than 2.5 km away.



The mayor and regional deputy for the PP, Eduardo Dolón, who denounced as “inexplicable” very similar decisions to eliminate buses by that previous PSOE-led regional government, demanding that the buses were restored, is happy for the same cuts to be applied by his own political partners, justifying the cuts in this academic year for economic reasons.

### 2025 Red Days and Sunday Opening Schedule for Shops Approved

The Valencian Trade Observatory, El Observatorio del Comercio Valenciano, has approved the 11 public holidays and Sundays on which commercial establishments will be allowed to open during 2025, as established by regional legislation.



At the meeting, chaired by the Regional Minister of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism, Nuria Montes, who was accompanied by the Director General of Trade, Crafts and Consumption, Maribel Sáez, the Observatory has approved by majority to propose to the Regional Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism the following 11 Sundays and public holidays where shops can open on a Sunday in 2025:




January 5, 2025 – Sunday. Accumulation of holidays and Kings' Day campaign.



January 12, 2025 – Sunday. Winter sales.



April 18, 2025 - Good Friday. Highest tourist influx.



April 20, 2025 – Easter Sunday. Highest tourist influx.



July 6, 2025 – Sunday. Summer sales.



November 1, 2025. Saturday. All Saints' Day. Accumulation of holidays.



November 30, 2025 – Sunday. Christmas campaign.



December 6, 2025 – Saturday. Constitution Day. Christmas campaign.



December 8, 2025 – Monday. Immaculate Conception. Christmas campaign



December 14, 2025 – Sunday. Christmas campaign.



December 21, 2025 – Sunday. Christmas campaign.




The Valencian Trade Observatory, attached to the Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism headed by Nuria Montes, is a collegiate, consultative and advisory body on trade matters.



Its functions include proposing, without binding force, the 11 Sundays and holidays whose opening is authorised annually by the Ministry. It is also the body responsible for receiving information on regulatory projects, declarations of areas of high tourist influx and those projects that the Ministry considers to be of interest.



The Valencian Trade Observatory is made up of representatives of business organisations in the commercial distribution sector, including SMEs; chambers of commerce; organisations that act in defence of consumers; municipal markets; trade unions; the Valencian Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FVMP) and various bodies of the Generalitat.

### Two Companies in the Running for Torrevieja Green Area Maintenance Contract

Torrevieja town hall is set to award the new macro-contract for the maintenance of green areas in Torrevieja, in yet another long-term contract, this time for 15 years, at a cost of around 114 million euro.



As is seemingly the norm for Torrevieja management, the previous contract expired in June 2022 after 10 years and another two years of extension. Until now, the invoices of both companies have been paid without a contract.



According to the State Contracting Portal, two companies have submitted bids for the tender: Actúa and OHL.



The first of them is the current service provider in a joint venture with companies in its group Hozono Global, amongst which are firms that have had the most contracts with the Council in recent years.



The Madrid-based construction company OHL, for its part, is participating in this tender in a joint venture with Explanaciones del Mediterráneo SL. The company was one of those that administratively challenged the award of the current waste collection contract to Acciona in 2022, and have now apparently become gardeners.



The governing team hopes that, if there are no setbacks, the new contractor will begin operating at the beginning of 2025.

### Torrevieja International Resident Councillor Launches Autumn Schedule

The Councillor for International Residents in Torrevieja, Gitte Lund Thomsen, has presented the programme of activities for the last quarter of 2024, as well as a new information brochure for foreign residents, published in Spanish and English, on how to register in Torrevieja, the digital signature, the SIP card, residency in Spain, as well as how citizens of the European Union can participate in municipal elections and in the European Parliament.



PROGRAMMED ACTIVITIESSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember



PROGRAMMED ACTIVITIES



The councillor has indicated that the intention of her department is to publicise the facilities and services offered by the municipality of Torrevieja so that citizens can enjoy the wide and varied sporting, cultural, festive and tourist offer that we have.



At the scheduled events there will be staff who speak English, French, German and Scandinavian and, in case information is needed in other languages, there will be people who can help with translation. For participants who do not speak Spanish, it is also an opportunity to learn Spanish phrases that help them manage their daily life in Torrevieja. It is also an opportunity to meet more people of various nationalities and nationals as well, which can be of great help in teaching foreigners about customs in Spain.



Activities in the process of being specified include: Visit to Alicante city, visit to Torrevieja and La Mata Natural Park, visit to the AGAMED wastewater treatment plant and visits to museums and cultural facilities.



The programme will be available at  www.torrevieja.es  and on Facebook: Torrevieja International Residents. To sign up or ask about the activities, you can send an email to  eu@torrevieja.eu .



September



-16/9. 11:00h guided tour at the Sports Palace



-23/9. 11:00h Bus card. Tour of the centre. Meeting point: Plaza de la Constitución



-30/9. 11:00h. Digital signature. Meeting point: La Mata peripheral town hall in Plaza Gaspar Perelló.



October



-14/10. 11:00h. Information about census and residence permit. Meeting point: Local Police office on Calle Paganini in La Siesta.



-21/10. 11:00h. Tour of the Swedish Church. Meeting point: Urbanización Jardín del Mar III, 1A.



-28/10. 11:00h. Visit to Agamed purification plant.



November



-11/11. 11:00h "Remembrance Day" or "Poppy Day". Mass at the La Inmaculada church in Plaza de la Constitución. Afterwards, ceremony in the Plaza and later in the La Siesta church.



December



-1/12. 18:00h Lighting of the Christmas tree in Plaza de la Constitución.



-13/12. 18:00h. "Carols in the Square" Carols in the Square. International Christmas activities.

### Torrevieja Police to Launch Scooter Clampdown Campaign

Coinciding with “back to school” on Monday, Torrevieja Local Police are launching an extensive campaign of awareness and sanctioning for electric scooters in the town.



It is worth remembering in relation to the school run that in Torrevieja, the minimum age for using one of these scooters is 16.



General laws also apply, such as the vehicles being for single use, not carrying passengers, can not be capable of going over 25 kilometres an hour, the use of headphones and mobile phones is prohibited, and ALL other traffic rules apply.



Although not mandatory in Torrevieja, the wearing of a helmet is always advisable.



The police have once again taken to social media to warn users of these vehicles of their intention, and shared the informative leaflet which also details some of the fines faced for illegal use.

### Torrevieja House Raffle Goes Squarely Against Problem Solving Expert Report

Following the revelation that Torrevieja town hall is spending the best part of three quarters of a million euro on a house raffle on a TV show, the PSOE of Torrevieja has questioned the strategy of the PP government, as it goes squarely against the expert report commissioned by the town hall to solve the problems in the town.



The socialists identify the actions of the government team with the attempt to comply with the Torrevieja Tourism Development Strategy carried out by experts from the University of Alicante in 2020, but warn that advertising without having previously solved the deficits that this strategy identifies can become counterproductive.



The spokeswoman for the socialist municipal group, Bárbara Soler, has stated in a video uploaded to social networks that the main objective pursued by the actions set out in this Strategy by tourism experts is to disassociate the Torrevieja brand from the association with urban speculation and second homes "and we do it by raffling houses, a very novel strategy."



As if that were not enough, "in addition to the 20,000 people who are expected to live in the area of La Hoya, the local PP is trying to negotiate the licence to allow the construction of up to 18 skyscrapers on the first line: the Baraka Towers".



Soler has taken the opportunity to firmly question these intentions "in a city that the Tourism Development Strategy identifies with the hyperdevelopment of the real estate sector and the deficit of services for the citizens who already inhabit the city today. We are doing the opposite of what has been planned in the only spaces left to build, destroying the horizontal configuration of the city and causing a screen effect."



Likewise, the spokeswoman has joked about the fact that the houses are raffled in cinemas that are not even close to Torrevieja, so they will not be able to serve, in the words of Soler, so that Torrevieja residents affected by the null housing policy of the PP of Mazón in the Generalitat and the local PP can access housing.



Bárbara Soler has opined that those 700,000 euro of propaganda only result in self-promotion for the PP: "the roadmap is to achieve a friendlier city, with more green areas, bike lanes, accessibility and cleanliness, many areas in which to invest before advertising".



For Soler, the true deseasonalisation of tourism involves investing in improving the quality of life of Torrevieja residents and, consequently, "offering tourists who visit us a rewarding experience so that they not only come once because Pablo Motos has told them so, but also enjoy our city and decide to return". To do this, she says, "we need to do some prior work to position us as a quality tourist destination, not a million-dollar advertising campaign in which we once again involve urban planning. It's 1, 2, 3 expensive. But expensive for the city."

### Torrevieja Spending More Than Half a Million Euro of Public Money in Property Development Promotion

Despite the ignored complaints by the residents over poor infrastructure, a disastrous and expensive waste management contract, buses as old as the hills, all of those criticisms will be ignored as Torrevieja is back in the spotlight nationally, giving away a 300,000 euro home.



The El Hormiguero TV show, which has a huge following nationally, is giving away "the biggest prize in its history", according to the presenter, Pablo Motos, in the first programme of the 19th season.



The presenter announced the prize of a house in Torrevieja valued at 300,000 euro, as the programme's production company, 7yacción, has teamed up with the developer MPC Group, which has given one of the houses in the Nature Views Torrevieja development so that Pablo Motos can give it away as a prize to those who go to a cinema.



The development is near to the Los Balcones area, bordering Orihuela and close to the motorway connection, known as “La Coronelita”, where approval for up to 205 homes was granted earlier this year, giving the green light to the project initially presented by the company Amay Gestión Inmobiliaria SL. These are two plots with a surface area of ​​6,156.55 m² and 12,213.00 m², respectively, which gives a total buildable surface area of ​​3,548.04 and 6,890.00 m² (t), establishing the maximum number of homes at 85 and 120 units. These are homes arranged in a free grouping with a maximum of two floors. These two blocks are among the few that remain to be built in this sector, located next to the CV-95, the road that connects Torrevieja and Orihuela, next to the lagoons.



The draw, as indicated in the program on Monday, will take place next week, after the cinema verifies that the ticket is authentic, and the one used to access the screening.



"The semi-detached villas stand out at first sight for the perfect balance conveyed by the combination of straight, pure and minimalist lines, together with other more wavy and organic parts, which give the whole an elegant appearance. On its terrace you can enjoy your evenings with your family, sunbathing, or cooling off in the 10 m2 pool included," they explain on the developer's website.



The Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, explained the project to boost the image of Torrevieja, even though there is little reference to Torrevieja, explaining more about the virtues of the property and the fact it is close to the motorway.



Dolón has not given exact information about the location of the object of the draw, but he has explained that the last details are still missing to finish it completely.



The advertising campaign promoting a business operation of new homes is costing the council 580,000 euro plus IVA, of public money that could have otherwise been used to improve the infrastructure and services frustrating the current residents.



It is worth pointing out that 700,000 could buy two modern electric buses, around 14 waste disposal trucks (second-hand but decent), or employed 40 local people for a year on a full-time salary.



So, if you own one of the 30,000 vacant properties already in Torrevieja (according to the Institute of National Statistics), or just want to sell up and move elsewhere, it might be worth you contacting the mayor’s office to financially assist you with your advertising costs.

### Torrevieja Mayor Wants Meetings to Discuss Planned N-332 Widening

Not fazed by historic facts like his own party, the PP, were in power nationally for the best part of a decade from 2011 and did nothing, not the fact that it is his own town hall who were originally responsible for the situation we find ourselves in, the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, has asked the current Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility of the Pedro Sanchez Government, who has actually started the action to fix the problem, to speed up the administrative procedures so that, once and for all, the works to widen the N-332 through Torrevieja can be put out to tender as soon as possible.



Somewhat out of character that Dolón is aware of a problem outside the town centre, he says that the current situation of this road is totally unsustainable and becomes even more so during the summer.



The mayor does acknowledge that the PSOE-led government has announced plans to fix the problem, when in November 2023 the General Subdirectorate of Environmental Assessment, dependent on the Ministry of Ecological Transition, informed the Council that the public consultation of the environmental assessment procedure for the Project to Duplicate the N-332 Variant as it passes through Torrevieja had been initiated.



Much like procedures outstanding in Torrevieja itself, such as the implementation of the mandatory low emissions zone, nothing has been heard of the progress made to unblock this situation, which is dragging on for ever.



Eduardo Dolón states that there have been several official requests made by the Torrevieja Council to hold a meeting with the heads of the State Secretariat for Transport and Sustainable Mobility, in which the Minister of Infrastructure of the Generalitat Valenciana would also be present together with the Autonomous Secretary of this Ministry, to jointly address (Ministry and Generalitat) the intersection with the CV-905, dependent on the Ministry of Infrastructure, to double the entrance section from the existing service station and the roundabout at the entrance to the city.



Finally, the mayor also reminds us that there is no actual further delay as he recalls that in May of this year he met in Alicante with the Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, who announced that the works to widen the N-332 as it passes through Torrevieja would be put out to tender next year in 2025.



The current complaint from Dolón actually apparently being that his requests for meetings have been ignored, rather than a delay in the process which, as he himself admits, is still, finally, on schedule thanks to his political opponents being in government.

### Detailed Drone Flight over Jose Carreras Road in Torrevieja

Here is a longer version video showing the renovations to the Jose Carreras road, located between Jardin del Mar and La Hoya, as part of the Lagoons Village development. 



Shortcuts 



Drone Video of Jose Carreras Road and Lagoons Village, TorreviejaContinue ReadingPlaylist of Previous Videos of Lagoons Village, Torrevieja



Most of this footage was recorded on 31 August 2024, the day the road closure notice was set to expire (following the unannounced extension). The previous 2 minute preview is tagged on the end. 



Drone Video of Jose Carreras Road and Lagoons Village, Torrevieja




https://youtu.be/0GB-j5OD0cI




Continue Reading



In this extended drone video, you can now clearly see how the residents of Jardin Del Mar will no longer be able to access or egress the urbanisation as before, only being able to turn right, then having to double back at a roundabout, and unable to turn left into the estate from the auditorium direction. 



You can also see the road laid out in preparation for parking outside the commercial centres, including the new DIY store, near the Hiberber end. You can also play a game and ask yourself “why on earth is that like that” over some elements, like the seemingly unnecessary double roundabout at the commercial centre plot, and why traffic will be directed onto the road for a very short run, a road which ,as anyone who uses it regularly will testify, gets so buy at times it will be near impossible to exit by that route.



There are also other features you might spot, but we will not spoil it for you, you can just sit back and marvel at the development. You could also wonder where the houses are, or perhaps that´s just us. 



Anyway, as roads go, it looks nice, just not as practical as we might think, but what do we know? We are not road designers or urban developers, so they must know better, and we accept that.



Playlist of Previous Videos of Lagoons Village, Torrevieja




https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs9him80uxQXQZUCjEtEvS15kD-g7-MYg

### The Jose Carreras Road Revealed!

Today, we take you on a journey along the new Calle Jose Carreras road, which has been closed for months and *might* open soon.



Jump Ahead to the Good Stuff



About Jose Carreras RoadDrone Flight Over Calle Jose Carreras in TorreviejaMap of the LocationPrevious Videos



About Jose Carreras Road



Situated between the Jardin del Mar and new Lagoons Village development, sometimes previously called the "wibbly wobbly" road, the "wibbly wobbly" bit has been taken away. Sadly, as you will notice from the video, so has most of the access and egress to Jardin Del Mar permanently.



Basically, from Jardin Del Mar you will only be able to turn RIGHT. So you will have to drive to one of the roundabouts and double back if you want to go to the CV-905.



Similarly, coming from the auditorium, you will not be allowed to turn left into Jardin Del Mar, and so will have to go to the roundabout and double back.



Obviously, somebody, somewhere thought this was a good idea to keep more vehicles on the roads for longer. Similarly, the bus route will have to be adapted.



Drone Flight Over Calle Jose Carreras in Torrevieja




https://youtu.be/LIe-2SuDDbs
Drone Video Recorded 28 August 2024



Map of the Location







Previous Videos



You can also see some of our previous videos on the YouTube playlist below.




https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs9him80uxQXQZUCjEtEvS15kD-g7-MYg

### Autumn Events in Torrevieja from September to December 2024

The Councillor for Culture in Torrevieja, Antonio Quesada, and the Culture Coordinator of the Council, Manuel Esteban Moreno, presented the Cultural Programme for September-December 2024, which has a wide and varied offer with concerts, impressive musical shows, theatre, dance, children's, comedy and much more.



Great productions such as “ABBA: The New Experience”, “Sleeping Beauty”, the “Royal Film Concert Orchestra” and “The Nutcracker”; together with the comedies of Faemino y Cansado and Ángel Martín, the long-awaited concert by Pastora Soler and other varied shows with local talent, make up the programme for the September-December 2024 season of Cultura Torrevieja.



Events in Torrevieja - September 2024Events in Torrevieja - October 2024Events in Torrevieja - November 2024Events in Torrevieja - December 2024Tickets Sales for Torrevieja Events



Events in Torrevieja - September 2024



The cultural programme for the next four months begins with the ninth edition of the “Torrevieja Audiovisual” Film Festival. The show for the whole family “Sleeping Beauty” will also be premiered, giving a twist to the classic story, focusing on memory, recollections and cultural heritage. Later, the 36th “Ciudad de Torrevieja” International Choral Meeting will be presented, which promises to be a highlight in the musical scene, organised by the Francisco Vallejos Choir.



Later that month, there will be the highly anticipated comedy “El Sentido del Humor: Dos Tontos y Yo”, starring Florentino Fernández, José Mota and Santiago Segura, who will get up on stage together to make people laugh for 90 minutes; not to mention that a couple of hours before this show, “La Previa Gourmet” will be presented as a prelude, an exclusive dinner-cocktail with wine pairing organized by Qtal Gourmet, which together with the show will make the night an unforgettable memory.



To end September, the 17th anniversary of the Orfeón de Torrevieja will be celebrated, with a tribute concert to its great director, Mario Bustillo.



Events in Torrevieja - October 2024



It will be a month full of events, starting with the International Day of Older Persons Gala, followed a few days later by the comedy “Mujeres: La Dramedia”, a fun theatre show that promises to be a macro pyjama party with the spirit of a television program.



That same weekend, the acclaimed Pastora Soler will perform to celebrate the 30th anniversary of her artistic career, and the first session of the XXI Musical Exchange Concert Campaign will also take place with performances by the Musical Society “La Paz” and the Torrevieja Musical Union.



The following weekend, Ismael Lemais and La Kiskillosa will be back with their new show “Madre Mía”, where they will talk about their new role as parents. That same night, we will have the show “ABBA: The New Experience” in the Torrevieja International Auditorium, one of the best international tributes to the legendary Swedish band; and the next day we will have the first concert of the season by the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra, with music from films, TV, and video games.



Later that month, the renowned vocal group Sette Voci will announce their first album at a concert; the following evening, the play “Animales de Companion” will be presented, which will question the value of friendship and sincerity; and also around that time, we will have the impressive operas “Maria Callas: Sfogato” and the international hit “Tosca, by Puccini”.



October will conclude with the long-awaited comedy show by Faemino and Cansado, the concert by Shani Ormiston, and, to celebrate Halloween night at the Torrevieja Teatro Municipal, the children's musical “Juan Sin Miedo & la Casa Encantada”, which is about a young man who has never felt fear.



Events in Torrevieja - November 2024



The penultimate month of the year begins with the 18th Flamenco Meeting organised by the Casa de Andalucía “Rafael Alberti”; it continues with the concert for the 20th Anniversary of the Manuel Barberá Choral Group and, also, we will have a concert by the Youth Band of the Torrevieja Musical Union.



On the 16th there will be the Coronation of the Queen of Salt 2024-2025 and in the following days, to celebrate the patron saint of Santa Cecilia, we will have the different concerts of Los Salerosos, the Torrevejense Musical Union and the Francisco Casanovas Professional Conservatory.



The month will conclude with a new concert by the Royal Film Concert Orchestra and music from 100 years of cinema, also with Diana Navarro's opera “De la Piquer a la Navarro” and finally, with the show for the whole family “Lily: A Tale of Torrevieja”.



Events in Torrevieja - December 2024



The last month of the season, and of the year, will start off strong with Ángel Martín's comedy monologue dealing with mental health; a few days later, the Comic-Musical Magazine La Sal de Torrevieja will be presented and, in a special event, the Diego Ramírez Pastor Award will also be presented.



Ars Creatio will present the entertaining comedy “Eloísa está bajo un almendro” and the Culture Gala will also take place. A few days later, a new children’s show by the successful band Pica Pica is expected, as well as a Christmas concert by the Banda Juvenil de Los Salerosos.



Later, there will be a Christmas concert by the UMT Youth Band and also the wonderful show “The Nutcracker”, performed by the Barcelona Ballet.



The programme will reach its final shows with “Navidad Rociera”, organised by the Andalusian Cultural Association; followed by the theatre play “Los Amigos de Ellos Dos” – which reflects on how we perceive the place we occupy in this society – and, finally, the UMT's “Broadway” Christmas concert will be presented.



Tickets Sales for Torrevieja Events



With a variety of shows that promise to captivate all audiences, Cultura Torrevieja continues to help maintain the city as a cultural destination, not only in summer but throughout the rest of the year. Tickets for all these events will go on sale next Friday, August 23, on the website www.culturatorrevieja.com .

### Torrevieja Once Again Remembers Bombing Victims

There is a division within some politically leaning sectors of society that history should either never be, or should be, forgotten, but for those choosing to remember and recognise the victims of an historic event, Sunday marks the anniversary of the fascist bombings of Torrevieja.



It was on 25 August 1938, that Italian fascist bombers, by order of Franco, bombarded the civilian population of Torrevieja, causing 19 deaths and numerous injuries.



It was a time during the Spanish Civil war, when the planes dropped 60 bombs onto the city, ripping through 25 homes and causing serious damage to buildings in the town centre and the port area, leaving 19 people dead and 45 injured, 25 of whom were civilians and 20 military.



Although shrouded in secrecy throughout history, like much of the Franco era, these days the horrific incident is remembered annually by those who attend to reflect on a past time and remember those involved.



On Sunday evening, at 7 p.m., a memorial gathering will take place at the Hombre del Mar monument, to mark the 86th anniversary, where information on what happened will be displayed, along with relatives of those who were killed remembering their loved ones.



As is usual, the right-leaning political groups, namely the PP and VOX, are not expected to attend.




“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” – George Santayana, The Life of Reason, 1905.

### What are the most effective therapies for the rehabilitation of brain damage after a traffic accident?

Dr. Mirko Alavena, coordinator of the neurorehabilitation service at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja explains the details of this injury and how necessary neurorehabilitation is.



Acquired brain injury (ABI) refers to any injury to the brain that occurs after birth, in contrast to congenital brain injuries, which are present from birth.



Dr. Mirko Alavena, coordinator of the neurorehabilitation service at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, warns that "ACBD can affect people of any age and can have a significant impact on an individual's physical, cognitive and emotional functioning".



This type of injury can be caused by a variety of factors including:



-Cranioencephalic trauma (CTE), which is caused by impacts to the head, which can result from traffic accidents, falls, assaults, among others.



-Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA): better known as strokes, they can be ischaemic (caused by blockage of blood vessels) or haemorrhagic (caused by rupture of blood vessels).



-Infections: Such as encephalitis or meningitis, which affect brain tissue.



-Brain anoxia or hypoxia: Lack of oxygen to the brain due to situations such as drowning, suffocation or cardiac arrest.



-Brain tumours: which can damage surrounding brain tissue.



-Degenerative diseases: such as Alzheimer's disease, although this is a particular case given its inevitably progressive nature.



-Toxins and substances: Intoxication by drugs, alcohol or chemicals.



-In road traffic accidents, injuries that can cause brain damage include brain contusions, which are direct blows to the brain that cause bruising or bruising of the brain. There are also concussions, which are "less severe injuries but can have cumulative effects, especially if they occur repeatedly," says Alavena.



Neurorehabilitation in Torrevieja



Neurorehabilitation is a therapeutic process aimed at helping people who have suffered brain damage to recover their functions and improve their quality of life. This process includes the assessment, treatment and monitoring of the patient to maximise their physical, cognitive and emotional recovery.



It involves professionals from different areas such as neurology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, neuropsychology; and other specialists may participate depending on the particular needs of the patient.



This procedure is "necessary after a traffic accident when the individual has suffered some kind of brain damage that affects their physical, cognitive or emotional abilities," says Dr Alavena. This may include loss of mobility or sensation in some part of the body, difficulties in speech or communication, or cognitive problems such as memory loss.



Other symptoms may include difficulty concentrating or problems with decision-making, emotional changes such as depression, anxiety or personality changes. All of these can lead to loss of functional skills needed for daily activities. All this boils down to the fact that "if these symptoms are detected in the medical evaluation after the accident, they should be assessed and, if possible, neurorehabilitation should be started as soon as possible," says Alavena.



The duration of neurorehabilitation treatment varies widely depending on the severity of the brain damage.



Neurorehabilitation techniques



The main neurorehabilitation techniques include:



Physiotherapy: To improve mobility, balance, strength and coordination.



Occupational therapy: To help regain skills needed for daily and work activities.



Speech therapy: To address speech and swallowing problems.



Neuropsychology: To address cognitive and emotional problems.



Cognitive stimulation: Through exercises and activities that improve memory, attention and other cognitive functions.



Technology-assisted therapies: such as virtual reality, robotics or neurofeedback.



Pharmacological therapy: When necessary to manage specific symptoms.



The duration of a neurorehabilitation treatment varies widely depending on the severity of the brain damage, the patient's response to treatment and their individual goals. It can last from a few months to several years.



In some cases, as the doctor clarifies, "rehabilitation can be a continuous process with intensive treatment phases followed by long-term maintenance and support". Regular assessment of the patient's progress is crucial to adjust the treatment plan as needed.



Multidisciplinary and personalised treatment for road traffic accident patients



The most effective therapies for the rehabilitation of brain damage after a traffic accident are based on multidisciplinary work, i.e. a team of several professionals working towards a common goal of recovery: from the rehabilitation doctor, the neurologist, neurological physiotherapists, and neuropsychologists, as well as requesting assistance from other professionals according to the particular needs of the patient.



"Each patient," explains the neurorehabilitator, "must have an intensive and individualised daily plan of an average duration of forty-five minutes each, both on an inpatient and outpatient basis, with the aim of recovering the damaged functions, strengthening those that are reserved and adapting the limitations that may derive from the brain damage".



This type of therapy is of long duration with an inpatient stay while the patient is dependent on medical care and continuing with outpatient rehabilitation. "The important thing is that families know that in the face of a brain injury there are alternatives for recovering autonomy, we have cases with 100% recovery and others in which they have managed to return to daily life with a great deal of independence. In addition, it is important to turn to patient associations and hospital centres such as Quirónsalud Torrevieja where the patient can count on support and advice without obligation," says Dr. Alavena.



Free care for traffic injuries



Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante have a Traffic Unit made up of rehabilitation experts, traumatologists, neurologists and therapists. The aim of this unit is to offer a personalised service to all victims of traffic accidents, guaranteeing their safety and peace of mind. We offer totally free assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, uninterruptedly in the emergency department of the Quirónsalud Torrevieja hospital.



The services of this Unit include first emergency visit, hospitalisation, diagnostic tests, consultations with the different experts, rehabilitation doctor and rehabilitation treatment, intensive care unit and, if necessary, urgent surgery. In addition, professionals have rapid access to support services (magnetic resonance imaging, CT, ultrasound, laboratory and operating theatre) to make an accurate diagnosis.



One of the keys to this Traffic Unit is the multidisciplinary approach to patients, as most musculoskeletal and spinal injuries require the coordination of different specialties for both healing and stabilisation of the injuries. The specialist from the Torrevieja Neurorehabilitation service adds that the recovery time after these injuries varies greatly from patient to patient, although the average is between one and three months.



Request information about the neurorehabilitation service at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja.

### Derelict Torrevieja Cigar Spa Future May Soon Be Resolved

After almost 20 years standing derelict, blocked as the town hall allowed the construction without the authorisation or concession of the Coastal Authority in the mid-2000s, a lesson they still seemingly haven’t learnt, the future of the infamous Torrevieja Cigar by the salt lakes on the Torretas urbanisation, may soon be resolved.



Most of the land on which it was built was land located in the maritime-terrestrial public domain and transit easement, affected by the Coastal Law.



Now, Torrevieja Council and the Provincial Coast Service have initiated contacts to resolve its controversial administrative situation, although at this time we do not know to what end.



Sources from the Provincial Coastal Service indicated to the Spanish press recently that they are currently awaiting regularisation of the administrative situation of this unfinished resort.



Furthermore, Costas confirmed that Torrevieja Council has made “some informal contacts with the Provincial Coastal Service in order to regularise the administrative situation, although a formal proposal has not yet been made in this regard”.



The construction of the building was halted by Costas following a complaint that the AHSA environmental protection group filed with this administration on 26 September 2003.



In its complaint, AHSA made an express request for the immediate halt of the works and the restoration of the affected land and vegetation to their original state. Costas halted the works, but neither Costas, nor the Generalitat nor the Council dismantled what was illegally built even to this day.



Renowned architect Toyo Ito was commissioned in 2000 to design the building, known as the “caracola”, though often referred to as the “cigar”, which was set to be the largest relaxation park in the country, with the intention to try and steer Torrevieja away from the cheap-beach tourism it was becoming known for.




Torrevieja Relaxation Park



Torrevieja Relaxation Park



Torrevieja Relaxation Park

### Bauhaus DIY Store Coming to Torrevieja

Torrevieja town hall has approved the construction licence of an 18,000 square metre buildable area of a 40,000 square metre plot of the La Hoya development for the construction of a DIY store for the German Bauhaus brand.



The company has 250 stores in twenty countries, almost all of them in the European Union, as well as Turkey and Iceland, with a total workforce of 17,000 people. Of these, 12 centres are in Spain, but the Torrevieja store will be the first in the Alicante province.



For comparison, the Zenia Boulevard store of the French chain Leroy Merlin occupies 7,700 square metres of commercial space.



The plot is located next to the CV-905 and what will be José Carreras Avenue – alongside the stormwater drainage project.



According to the Bauhaus requirements to establish a new store in a location in Spain, there must be “Real estate in the vicinity of cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants”, which makes Torrevieja currently borderline based on town hall figures, and once the long-term residential figures are published by the INE, removing those who should not be on the padrón, and those given temporary residency, the figure might tell a different story pending the sale of the new properties in Lagoons Village.



Although not yet available, those looking for a job can keep an eye on the vacancies on the dedicated portal here.

### Valencia Approves 2025 Regional Holiday Calendar

The Valencia regional government has approved the 2025 Regional Holiday Calendar, where workers are given an extra paid day off.



This decree includes the 2025 working holidays that will be paid and non-refundable and will be as follows: January 1 and 6, March 19, April 18 and 21, May 1, August 15, October 9, November 1 and December 6, 8, and 25.



To this schedule we must also add the National Holidays (Red Days) for 2025, and the local holidays, as municipalities also have an extra two days to take at a time of their choosing, which will be revealed later in the year.



Schools also have extra days holidays which will also affect those in education.

### Airport Security Staff Continue Strikes Through August

Staff working for the private security firm that operates at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez airport are continuing their strikes throughout August, having recommenced the industrial action this week.



The CCOO, USO, CSIF and UGT trade unions called on the more than 290 workers to a mobilisation with partial strikes planned which started on Wednesday, and will continue on 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 30th and 31st of August, due to the lack of agreement with the company that is the concessionaire of the airport security service.



Therefore, those who plan to travel by plane during these holidays should arrive at the airport with extra time to pass the control in time.



The planned hours of strikes will be one hour in the morning (from 08:30 to 09:30) and one hour in the afternoon (from 18:00 to 19:00).

### Plans to Send Torrevieja Wildlife to Bird Prison

It is a common occurrence to see unusual birds wandering through the streets of Torrevieja, namely the likes of hens, and after previously threatening to take action to eradicate them, the local government is now making plans to gather them all up and send them to bird prison, or, more truthfully, to a school farm.



This was announced during the last plenary session by the Councillor for Animal Protection, Concha Sala, after being asked about the matter by the PSOE spokesperson, Bárbara Soler.



Many of the birds originate from the Parque de las Naciones, where numerous collections of wildlife previously lived, including the likes of iguanas, but were removed amid criticism of their neglect under the care of the town hall, whom, amongst other complaints, were accused of starving the animals.



Some of the birds who remained have been known to wander onto the surrounding roads, including the N-332, sometimes with fatal consequences, but others have just taken it upon themselves to wander freely through the town, relocating in areas as far as the Aldi supermarket near the hospital, and also the Acequión health centre, amongst other places.



Sala revealed in the plenary session that the animals in the Parque de las Naciones are fed first thing in the morning and coinciding with the opening of the premises by municipal workers. These, she explained, give them specific feed for birds. A diet that, in addition and according to the councillor, is complemented by the stale bread that the workers receive in bags from the hands of neighbours. A practice that, nutritionally, is questioned by some biologists and pointed out as not very suitable for the health of these birds.



In order to stop their proliferation, Sala pointed out that, for the sake of the lives of these animals which normally do continue to live freely, the council is processing an order so that, with external means contracted by the council, they can be transferred in safe conditions to a school farm, where they can be given the proper care, although the location is yet to be revealed as there have been difficulties finding a location which can accommodate them, where, given the numbers, they would no doubt be caged, assuming of course they could all be rounded up.



For his part, the mayor, Eduardo Dolón, criticised the human residents who, in good faith, feed the birds in places other than the Parque de las Naciones. A behaviour, the mayor stressed, that helps these birds to disperse and end up in central areas of the city.



Clearly expressing his dislike of anything natural in the town, Dolón also had to point out that if he wanted to, he could cull all of these specimens through an emergency contract. He did then go on to say that killing them all is ruled out, perhaps making bird prison a better option for them.



Both killing and imprisoning the birds are in stark contrast to how they are treated in neighbouring Guardamar, where one of the main attractions in the town is a park awash with wildlife able to roam freely.

### Torrevieja Street Cleaners Not Ruling Out Strikes

Street cleaners in Torrevieja gathered in the town hall square this week, to protest the continual abuses of the multi-million-euro contractor ACCIONA.



Antonio Escamilla, representative of the UGT union, led the complaints about the company and in particular the service in Torrevieja, for the “serious breaches”, the “lack of communication”, along with the “lack of personnel and resources that they have suffered from the beginning” of this now more expensive contract that is providing a worse service to the residents than ever before.



Despite attempts to rectify the situation, there has been no progress so far, and so, on Monday, workers gathered in the Plaza de la Constitución to raise awareness of their plight, and they do not rule out strikes if the situation does not change.



ACCIONA closed the first half of 2024 with a net profit of 116 million euro.

### Torrevieja Hospital Road Widening to be Tendered

After Torrevieja town hall failed to ensure that the builder who constructed Torrevieja Hospital widened the CV-95 road which was part of the original contract demand, this bottleneck has contributed to the traffic mayhem linking to the N-332 for years, but may now soon become a reality.



The president of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, announced that the work will be put to tender whilst he was in Torrevieja presenting the Plan Vive social housing strategy.



According to the head of the Consell, the project will cost €167,585 and will consist of widening the section of the CV-95 as it passes by the Torrevieja hospital. The bill should have originally been paid by the hospital builder, rather than public funds.



He explained the aim is to achieve a double positive effect: on the one hand, to relieve congestion at the main access to the salt city and, on the other hand, to provide a preferential route for patients and other users of the Torrevieja hospital, who often suffer from traffic jams and other incidents on their way to the medical centre.



Carlos Mazón has announced that studies on the project will soon begin to determine the appropriate way to develop it.



The head of the regional executive has stressed, this fact demonstrates, once again, the commitment of the current regional government team to improve the infrastructure of the Vega Baja after years, in his opinion, of neglect by the previous Consell del Botànic. Conveniently forgetting to mention that it was the local members of his own party who, just like for the widening of the N-332, failed to ensure the work was carried out in the first place.

### Affordable Homes Plan Boasts Questioned

In a week where the President of the Government, Pedro Sanchez of the PSOE, announced more social housing and that he would give the funds and functions to the autonomous communities, the regional president, Carlos Mazón, met with his colleague from the PP, mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, to lavish praise on their plans to build social housing in the region, which, in turn, has promoted the PSOE of Torrevieja to claim that the latter pair are lying when they talk about the Plan Vive.



Sánchez chaired an event in which the Minister of Housing and Urban Agenda, Isabel Rodríguez, and the Minister of Economy, Business and Trade, Carlos Cuerpo, signed agreements by which 6 billion euro are mobilised through the Official Credit Institute (ICO) for the construction of affordable rental housing.



Meanwhile, during the regional launch event in Torrevieja, Mazón said, “The Plan Vive will develop 600 homes in Torrevieja that will benefit more than 1,600 people”.



He highlighted that the Torrevieja Council “was the first in the province of Alicante to join this initiative and will be a pioneer in moving forward with new housing, especially for young people and vulnerable groups”, then underlining the commitment of the government of change with the “housing legislation, a constitutional right that has been forgotten for years”.



However, Bárbara Soler, spokesperson for the local socialist municipal group, maintains that the plots in La Hoya were always intended and conditioned to be social housing, so “it is not the result of the management of Eduardo Dolón or Mazón, but rather they were going to be built with or without the Plan Vive”, as local residents around La Hoya, currently being developed as the Lagoons Village (typical prices between 200,000 and 500,000 euro), have known for many years.



And as for the rest of the housing units promised throughout the Valencian Community within the framework of the said plan, Soler affirms that 3,000 correspond to the management of the Botànic, the previous regional government, with European funds and help from the Ministry of Housing.



The socialist has shown herself to be in favour of social housing being built in La Mata, but has focused on the fact that fewer and fewer are being announced: “at first there were going to be around 750 in La Hoya alone and now there are 600 in total, they are being lost along the way and they are still boasting about it”.



In addition, the spokesperson states, “the most important thing when building VPO is that the price is affordable, and unfortunately the Mazón government has in some places raised the rental prices of public housing by up to 40% more”. In some cities, this price is only 2 euro per square metre difference to the free market price, which Soler describes as “intolerable” and anticipates that, foreseeably, the prices of the housing built in Torrevieja will not be better.



She also criticised Mazón for not applying the measures of the State Housing Law to declare areas under pressure and prevent some prices from remaining similar to the levels of the real estate bubble, “if he cares so much about young people being able to become independent and families being able to access affordable housing, he should go to the root of the problem and stop selling smoke”.



The general secretary of the local PSOE also took the opportunity to recall some of the measures that the regional regulations would allow to be adopted and that she considers applicable to municipalities such as Torrevieja: “there is a Decree-Law that allows the acquisition of housing by exercising the rights of first refusal and withdrawal under certain conditions and, in cities such as ours, with a huge stock of empty housing, it would be a perfect solution to not have to continue building”. Among the advantages of applying these measures, Soler points out, “we would avoid the ghettos that arise when all social housing is concentrated in a single point and we would avoid that housing being acquired for speculative purposes, as is happening, because the Generalitat would have the right to acquire it preferentially.”



According to the Cadastral register, there are around 120,000 residential properties in Torrevieja. The Institute for National Statistics (INE) estimates that there are 30,000 vacant properties in Torrevieja. The town hall recently boasted of 100,000 registered residents, from which we can also deduce the number of vacant homes.



Finally, Soler stressed that “the Partido Popular does not stop complaining about the inheritance it has received, but it is from this inheritance, from these projects and these plans, even if they change their name, that they have been living for more than a year.”

### Torrevieja Friday Market Cancelled Again

Once again, this week, the local traders, residents, and visitors to Torrevieja will have to lose out as the Friday market has been cancelled to allow for the construction of the stage for the weekend’s mini RBF music event.



This is the same situation as last year, when traders in particular were forced to miss out on what would be the busiest weekend of the year, to allow the event worth hundreds of thousands to the organisers to take place.



No doubt, also like last year, figures which are at best questionable, and at worst downright lies, will circulate after the event claiming of the success, but not for the pockets of those locals trying to earn their small living.

### Five Injured in Early Morning Car Crash

At around 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning, a serious collision occurred in the centre of Torrevieja.



The incident took place at the junction of calle Joaquín Chapaprieta and calle Vicente Blasco Ibáñez.



According to eyewitnesses, one of the vehicles failed to stop at the stop sign and collided sideways with a vehicle, which was driving correctly through the junction.



As a result of the impact, several parked cars were damaged. Several local police patrols, a team of firefighters from the Vega Sur Park in Torrevieja and three ambulances attended the scene.



Five people had to be treated in the incident, two of them seriously injured and had to be released by the firefighters, and three others with minor injuries, all of whom were transferred to the Torrevieja University Hospital, where they were admitted.

### Levante Dam Work to be Further Delayed by Torrevieja Government "Negligence"

Sueña Torrevieja warns that the invention of the framework agreements and the negligence of the PP government team will cause a new delay in the start of the works of the Levante Dam due to the lack of management of the works.



Sueña Torrevieja requested access to the file of the management of the works of the Levante dam, finding the hidden reports that demonstrate the negligence of the government team of the PP.



The PP government has not detected that the successful bidder had already been awarded two contracts and that a third would breach the law and paralyze the procedure.



Pablo Samper, spokesman for Sueña Torrevieja, explains that "the only company invited to the procedure had been awarded by agreement of the Governing Board of September 15, 2023 the contract for the management of the works of the sports pavilion of La Mata, and had also been awarded the contract for the drafting of the rehabilitation project of the La Plasa building.



Sueña Torrevieja has been able to verify on the Contracting Platform that the Governing Board of May 3, 2024, has awarded the same company the contract for the drafting of the project for the completion of the Levante Dam.



The first negligence of the government team was to initiate in November 2022 a management of such an important work, whose tender price is 235,105 euro, and which affects a work tendered for more than 8.4 million euro, through the invention of the Framework Agreement with only 2 selected companies, according to Samper "ignoring the observations of two national authorised,  the director of the legal advice and the general auditor in their respective reports".



The second negligence was to continue with the procedure after approving in July 2023 to terminate the contract with the company Vielca Ingenieros SL, which was not invited to the procedure.



The third negligence was to invite the only company left in the procedure on December 6, 2023.



The fourth negligence has been the paralysis of the file for more than 7 months, from December 22, 2024, the date on which the committee of experts assessed the objective criteria, to date.



The fifth negligence has been not to include in the file a report warning that the company had, as of May 3, 2024, three contracts awarded and in execution.



The sixth negligence has been not to leave the file void on May 3, 2024, and to initiate a new file as a matter of urgency, through an open procedure.



Pablo Samper concludes by stating that "the real reality is that the Torrevieja City Council when it awards the comprehensive repair works of the Levante Dam, it will not be able to start them because it does not have a construction manager".

### Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja: pioneers in gynaecological robotic surgery in Alicante

Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja has the first Advanced Robotic Surgery Unit of private healthcare in the province of Alicante.



The Da Vinci Surgical Robotic System is designed to offer the highest level of minimally invasive surgery in the approach to complex pathologies in the area of specialties such as urology, general surgery, oncological surgery and gynaecology.



What is gynaecological robotic surgery?



Robotic gynaecological surgery or robotic-assisted laparoscopy is a minimally invasive technique, where surgical instruments are fixed to mechanical arms.



This system consists of a console that the surgeon uses to control the surgical instruments, a vision tower with high-definition cameras that provide a three-dimensional view of the surgical area, and a series of robotic arms that manipulate the surgical instruments with precision.



Which gynaecological pathologies benefit from this technique?



Gynaecological robotic surgery is an advanced technique that offers numerous advantages for the treatment of various gynaecological pathologies. At Quirónsalud Torrevieja, we put the technology of the Da Vinci Robot at the service of the most experienced and qualified professionals.



As stated by Dr. Rodolfo Martín Díaz, head of the Gynaecology Service at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante, "gynaecological robotic surgery is especially useful for treating pathologies such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, gynaecological cancer, pelvic organ prolapse and ovarian cysts, offering significant benefits such as less invasiveness, faster recovery, and improved functional and aesthetic outcomes."




Uterine Fibroids (Fibroids)




They are benign tumours that develop in the uterus.




Benefits of robotic surgery: It allows for myomectomy (removal of fibroids) with greater precision, less blood loss, and faster recovery times compared to open surgery.





Endometriosis




It is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain and fertility problems.




Benefits of robotic surgery: It offers better visualisation of the affected areas and a more complete removal of endometriotic tissue, reducing the risk of recurrence and relieving pain.





Gynaecologic Cancer




It includes cancers such as ovarian, endometrial (uterine), cervix, and vaginal cancers.




Benefits of robotic surgery: It allows complex surgeries to be performed with greater precision, better preservation of surrounding tissues, and lower complication rates. This is especially important in cancer surgeries where precision is crucial.





Pelvic Organ Prolapse




It is the descent of the pelvic organs (uterus, bladder, rectum) due to weakness of the muscle and ligamentous support.




Benefits of robotic surgery: It facilitates the performance of pelvic reconstruction procedures with less invasiveness, less postoperative pain, and a faster recovery.





Hysterectomy




It is the removal of the uterus, indicated for several reasons such as cancer, fibroids, severe endometriosis, and abnormal uterine bleeding.




Benefits of robotic surgery: Robotic hysterectomy allows for greater precision and control, reducing the risk of complications and improving aesthetic and functional outcomes.




For procedures such as hysterectomy or myomectomy, robotic surgery may be preferable due to the ability to perform precise movements in delicate and narrow areas.



In addition, other advantages of gynaecological robotic surgery are:




Better preservation of pelvic structures (pelvic floor).



Less sexual dysfunction.



Increased recovery of urinary continence, regaining bladder control.



Better toilet training.




"Robotic surgery is recommended when seeking precision, less invasion and faster recovery, however, the decision to opt for robotic surgery should always be evaluated, considering individual needs and available treatment options," says Dr. Diaz.



Quirónsalud Torrevieja has a team of highly qualified professionals in robotic surgery. Thanks to the Da Vinci Robot's technology, patients can benefit from less invasive interventions and shorter recovery times. This advance represents a commitment to medical excellence and optimal patient care at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja.



Request more information about gynaecologic robotic surgery

### Fire Fighters Extinguish Torrevieja Boat Fire

A fire on a leisure boat moored in Torrevieja harbour sparked alarm on Wednesday, when thick black smoke could be seen for miles billowing from the craft.



Fire fighters were quick to the scene and doused the boat with foam, preventing the spread, subsequently reporting only material damage.



This is the second such incident recently in the area.

### Elderly Care in Summer: Key Tips to Protect Their Health

With the arrival of summer and rising temperatures, the care of the elderly becomes crucial. The effects of heat on the body can be devastating, especially for those with a lower capacity to adapt, such as the elderly. Experts from Quirónsalud Torrevieja offer professional insights into how heat can affect our seniors and the best practices to protect their health during the summer season.



The Effects of Heat on the Body



Extreme heat poses a significant health threat due to its impact on an individual's hydration status and haemodynamic situation. According to specialists from the Emergency Department of Quirónsalud Torrevieja, "extreme heat can pose a significant health threat due to its effect on the individual's hydration status and haemodynamic situation, which can lead to vasodilation, reduced blood pressure, and even loss of consciousness and death in extreme cases of heat stroke."



Vasodilation and reduced blood pressure are physiological responses to heat, but in elderly individuals, these reactions can trigger severe complications. Although the effects are usually mild and manageable, it is crucial to recognise particularly threatening situations to prevent serious consequences.



Vulnerability of the Elderly to Heat



The elderly are particularly vulnerable to heat due to several factors. A reduced ability to thermoregulate, diminished sensation of thirst, and consequently lower hydration levels, along with chronic illnesses and the use of multiple medications, increase the risk of heatstroke in older adults.



The reduced capacity for thermoregulation means that the elderly cannot cool their bodies as effectively as younger individuals. This, combined with a diminished sense of thirst, can lead to rapid and dangerous dehydration. Additionally, chronic illnesses such as neurodegenerative diseases and certain medications, especially those affecting blood pressure, further increase the risk.



Risk Temperatures



There is no specific temperature at which the risk increases, but clearly, the higher the temperature, the greater the danger. "It could be said that there is no specific temperature at which the risk increases, but evidently, the higher the temperature, the greater the risk," say the specialists.



Diseases Most Affected by Heat



Heat can affect the progression of any chronic illness, especially if it is severe. "Any chronic condition can be affected in its progression when exposed to the effects of heat, especially if it is severe," note the experts. Beyond the effect of heat on certain diseases, it is essential to pay attention to how some diseases predispose individuals to reduced adaptation.



Neurodegenerative diseases and medications with hypotensive or diuretic effects are particularly concerning. These factors can further hinder the body's ability to manage thermal stress, increasing the risk of severe complications.



Warning Symptoms



It is crucial to be alert to any changes or general symptoms in the elderly. Extreme signs of heatstroke include hyperthermia, but symptoms such as changes in consciousness, confusion, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and headaches should also be monitored.



Tips for Caring for the Elderly in Summer



Caring for the elderly during the summer is not substantially different from caring for the general population, but it requires greater rigour in application. Key recommendations include:



- Adequate Hydration: It is essential to maintain a good fluid intake, considering that the elderly have a lower sensation of thirst. "It is crucial to have a good fluid intake, even more so considering that the elderly have a lower physiological sensation of thirst."



- Light Meals: Meals should be light to facilitate digestion and avoid overheating the body.



- Avoiding Sun Exposure during Peak Hours**: It is crucial to avoid sun exposure during peak intensity hours, generally between 12:00 and 17:00.



- Protection from Heat: Using hats and lightweight clothing that covers most of the body can help protect from the heat. "Protecting the head with hats" is a simple yet effective measure.



- Avoiding Intense Physical Exercise: During the hottest hours of the day, intense physical exercise should be avoided.



- Cool Environments: Keep indoor spaces cool with fans, air conditioning, or by keeping windows and blinds closed during the day.



Caring for the elderly during the summer requires special attention due to their vulnerability to heat. By following the recommendations of the specialists from Quirónsalud Torrevieja, we can prevent severe complications and ensure our seniors enjoy a safe and healthy summer. The key lies in prevention, adequate hydration, and protection against extreme heat—measures that can make the difference between a pleasant summer and a medical emergency.



And remember, this summer, if any problems arise, our emergency service will take care of you.



Quirónsalud Torrevieja Emergency Service: https://www.quironsalud.com/torrevieja/en/services/accident-emergency



Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WGzZR2Xz6b554bgM8

### Torrevieja Budget Corrections and Modifications Approved Amid Controversy

In another extraordinary and urgent plenary session, the modification of credits worth 15.2 million euro was finally approved by Torrevieja government, after the correction of a material error in the sum of the items to be incorporated.



Specifically, the Councillor for Economy and Finance has reported that these almost 5 million euros will serve, firstly, to reinforce the staff of the Department of Social Welfare (4 social workers, 2 social educators, 2 psychologists, 1 equality promoter and 1 legal advisor). For the Department of Animal Protection, 1 veterinarian will be hired, and for Economic Development, 1 budget management body.



In addition to the financial allocation for the reclassification of the 50 administrative assistants to administrative staff, in compliance with the commitment made to the Staff Committee. In total, 1,058,924 euro. Likewise, 350,000 euro will be invested for the future IES nº6, and 3,500,000 euro for the works in the port of Torrevieja.



The modification of credits number 2/2024 to the Budget of the Torrevieja City Council, which amounts to 15.2 million euro, has also been definitively approved, with the votes in favour of the Municipal Group of the Popular Party and VOX and the votes against of the PSOE and Sueña Torrevieja.



Correction of material error in the sum of the items to be incorporated



It should be noted that at this point of the Agenda a material error was detected in the sum of the items that were to be incorporated, so it was left on the table and was taken to urgent approval on this same day; first, to avoid an additional cost to the municipal coffers, since it was the correction of a piece of data, and second, because this modification involved items of an urgent nature such as:



The provision of the essential basic services section of the Social Services Program for individualised financial aid and for foster care that are exhausted, and that require urgent provision to meet the large number of pending applications, as well as to continue with the works of the municipal animal shelter and, finally, to comply with judgment 172/2023 on the ordinary procedure.



Following the resumption of the plenary session, the Councillor for Economy and Finance, Domingo Paredes, has defended the errors and has announced that with this modification of credits, budget items are incorporated, among others, for:



-Electricity supply, which goes from 3,210,818 euro to 5,047,731 euro, thus increasing the budget by 1,836,912 euro.



-Lifeguard huts, with their budget increasing from 315,000 euro to 1,021,955 euro, which represents an increase of 706,955 euro.



- Animal shelter, which goes from 1,317,661 euro to 1,483,761 euro, increasing by 166,100 euro.



- Aid, creation, innovation and business development programmes, increasing from 160,256 euro to 500,000 euro, which represents a budget increase of 339,743 euro.



-Individualized financial aid and foster care program, goes from 141,297 euro to 341,297 euro, increasing the allocation by 200,000 euro.



-Agreement with the University of Alicante, which goes from 150,000 euro to 180,000 euro, increasing by 30,000 euro.



-General expenses in Social Services, which go from 10,000 to 76,805 euro, which represents an increase of 50,000 euro.



Furthermore, among the items created and constituting extraordinary credits, the following stand out:



Subsidy to productive sectors (200,000 euro), investments in buildings (778,003 euro), extraordinary repair of buildings and other constructions (1,055,000 euro), new investment in infrastructure and assets (960,000 euro), investments in land (5,000,000 euro), machinery, installations and tools (400,000 euro) or subsidy to families and non-profit institutions (100,000 euro).



Finally, the Councillor for Economy and Finance stated “surprise” of the change in the vote of the Socialist Municipal Group in the Plenary Session, with the budget item having the same origin of treasury surpluses and the budget modification having the same social and investment character.



Therefore, the Socialist Party of Torrevieja responded to the manifestations of the PP that claims to have been “surprised” with the meaning of its vote against the modification of credits in the Extraordinary Plenary Session.



They state that two credit modifications were brought to the plenary session: the second and the third since the budgets were approved at the beginning of the year. The socialists voted in favour of the third in the plenary session held at 8 in the morning and voted against the second, which was debated in a subsequent plenary session held at 1:00 p.m. due to an error in a summary that forced another plenary session to be called. The PP claimed to “not understand” the change in criteria.



Councillor David Villanueva explained in the plenary session itself that they voted in favour of the third modification using the “responsible vote” as they were necessary items and that they had been demanding from the municipal group itself, such as an increase in personnel for social services, items for educational centres or to complete the port work, a commitment by President Ximo Puig and which will constitute a key work for Torrevieja.



Likewise, the spokesperson for the municipal group, Bárbara Soler, has explained the reasons for the vote against the second modification in a video broadcast on her social networks in which she assures that in said modification "the PP has included an increase of 600,000 euro for the payment of interest that has been generated by not complying with payments that were pending.” In relation to the enormous increase in the amount for the payment of interest, Soler has described as “curious” that the PP decides to call the second plenary session on the same day “to save citizens from having to pay another plenary session.” In her opinion, it is totally contradictory to the fact that they try to justify the urgency of the plenary session by alleging as justification that it is the third payment request that he has received from a court for the payment of interest and that therefore he must comply without delay. “The people of Torrevieja would have paid much less if they had paid the first request because the interest continues to multiply until it is paid, which demonstrates once again the inaction and lack of foresight and management of the government team” she adds. "If they want to save citizens the payment of extraordinary plenary sessions, they should propose that they not be paid and the PSOE will support them."



The socialist has also highlighted the 5,000,000 euro in investments to acquire land for sports and social infrastructure - “which ones? We don't know," says the spokesperson, "as well as the almost 800,000 euro in investments to acquire real estate due, according to the PP, to the increase in the services they must provide to citizens. “Do citizens know how many empty properties the City Council has? Do you know that we pay brutal rents to locate municipal offices in properties that are not ours?”, criticized the spokesperson. “If this investment were to stop paying rent, at least we would end that expense, but no, it is to provide new services. Which is it? It is not known. Why aren't empty properties used? It is not known. Where are these properties that are going to be acquired located? Who are you going to buy them from? We do not know".



For the socialists, it is essential that the inventory of municipally owned property be updated to optimise their occupation and that the properties be dedicated to municipal offices without the need to acquire new ones. As an example, "the old Town Hall building that remains unoccupied and whose lack of maintenance will cause it to be lost like almost all of Torrevieja's heritage at the hands of the PP."



According to the socialists, to give a “facelift” to the presentation of the credit modification, the PP included an item for the ADIEM foundation, which does much-needed work in terms of social integration of people with mental health problems, another item is the Unión Musical Torrevejense and social emergency aid. “That is, the PP takes it in a pack.” Soler affirms that “in this way, if we vote against, what they are trying to convey is that we are against associations and NGOs when, in reality, these items are much smaller and what we cannot approve is the enormous unjustified spending on investments. and interests that they try to mask behind good intentions and that is proof of their lack of management and inaction.”



The spokesperson stated that the PSOE would vote in favour if it were a modification of credits for exclusive social purposes and as long as the budgetary stability of the City Council was not in danger "but they mix legitimate causes with indefensible causes."



However, as Soler has expressed, the PSOE vote does not condition the vote, since the modification went ahead with the absolute majority of the PP. “If it were up to us, these entities would receive the money they need for the stated purposes but not necessarily in charge of the remainder.”



The socialists agree that there is no contradiction in their vote, but rather a malicious interpretation of the PP.

### Torrevieja Socialists Launch City Publicity Campaign Aimed at Brits

The Socialist Party of Torrevieja comes out in defence of the city to respond to the smear campaign by various British media, in the face of the passivity of the Partido Popular government team.



Since last May, several British newspapers such as the Mirror, the Daily Star and the Express have been echoing a series of devastating comments from tourists who had visited Torrevieja and who described our city as “the most horrible place” in which they had been or claimed that it was not “a true reflection of Spain.”



The socialist municipal group has responded with the edition of a propaganda video from Torrevieja that its spokesperson, Bárbara Soler, has published on social networks and has been promoted in the United Kingdom after being translated into English.



The spokesperson stated that these smear campaigns have been common since Brexit and have the objective of preventing British people from traveling abroad during the summer season and has emphasised that they must be taken seriously, as they affect not only tourism but also to the community of British residents who live in our city and who are tempted to sell their homes. "It is a domino effect, we have been witnessing for some time the gradual decline of British people living in Torrevieja and we must take care of it because it is one of the communities that has contributed the most to our growth and development."



Soler also assures that many of the homes sold by the British are being acquired for speculative purposes and the price of housing in our city has reached unaffordable limits. For this reason, she indicates, “interested and malicious comments that are not properly counteracted can even end up contributing to our young people not being able to become independent, since the government team refuses to take measures regarding housing.”



Likewise, the socialist has pointed out that she does not share the city model defended by the Partido Popular and that she is aware of the problems that Torrevieja presents, but that they are issues that can be "redirected and solved" and that this does not prevent them from coming out in defence of the city in the face of the passivity of the government team.



In the words of Soler "the initiative of the propaganda video is absolutely necessary when it comes to press that thousands of Britons read in the middle of the tourism campaign and it should have started from the tourism department, since it does us damage that we cannot afford" and she has announced that they will present a motion in this regard. "We do not have the means or the enormous bank of images available to the Torrevieja City Council, so we have had to ask favours from people who have not hesitated to participate by contributing their images to help defend our city."



Using images provided from the archives of Todo Torrevieja and Joaquín Carrión, as well as from individuals, the socialists praise the benefits and potential of Torrevieja, highlighting the quality gastronomy, the enviable temperature all year round, the deep-rooted traditions and popular festivals, the culture and the nature of the salt city.



In short, the local PSOE launches an invitation to discover “the real Torrevieja”, a unique and wonderful city “to live and visit”.

### Lagoons Village Torrevieja - July 2024

We have taken flight over the La Hoya area of Torrevieja again, to check on the progress of the new Lagoons Village development.




https://youtu.be/11fWWPAS24E




As you can see from the footage, the progress is not fast, but then they have said it will take 25 years to complete.



The roads are taking shape though, and there is deeper digging in the water drainage, presumably after the rains recently filled the channels again, even before the properties have been built.



To see the previous flights and driving through the “wibbly wobbly” road before it closed to traffic, check out the YouTube Playlist below.




https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs9him80uxQXQZUCjEtEvS15kD-g7-MYg

### Next Tuesday is a Local Holiday - Virgin of Carmen

Tuesday 16 July is one of the most popular local holiday celebrated in many towns around the area, the feast of the Virgen del Carmen.



Amongst the towns in the province of Alicante that are celebrating this event are El Campello, Algorfa, Cox, Santa Pola, and Torrevieja. Amongst the groups who recognise the Virgen del Carmen as a patron are those who take to the sea in the hunt for fish, and of the Spanish navy, hence the day being celebrated by coastal towns where seaborne processions are commonplace.



This is not the only local holiday of significance in the area this month, as we move to Orihuela foe the following day, 17 July, for its Reconquista festivities.



For its part, Guardamar de Segura will celebrate the feast of Santiago Apóstol on the 25th, as will La Vila Joiosa with Sant Jaume.



This saint will also be commemorated in Albatera, and Benijófar on July 25.



The Vega Baja will also be celebrating a holiday on July 30 with the commemoration of the anniversary of the Segregation in the municipalities of Pilar de la Horadada and Los Montesinos.

### Torrevieja Hopes for Green Flag

Torrevieja City Council and 168 local hospitality establishments will compete this summer to obtain the Ecovidrio Green Flag for sustainability. The non-profit organisation in charge of managing the recycling of glass packaging waste in Spain is celebrating the fifth edition of #MovimientoBanderasVerdes, its renowned summer campaign that aims to highlight and recognise the commitment of local hospitality and city councils to recycling glass packaging, protecting the environment and moving towards sustainable development.



Thus, Torrevieja will compete with up to 40 Valencian municipalities with the aim of winning the Ecovidrio “Green Flag of Sustainability”, which was already achieved by l'Alfas del Pi and Finestrat during the last edition of this initiative.



This year, Ecovidrio will also recognise the two most responsible and sustainable hospitality establishments in the Valencian Community, evaluating their initiatives to improve waste recycling management, their energy and water consumption or their commitment to sustainable purchasing, among other variables. The Casa Montaña restaurant (Valencia) and the Hydra restaurant (Calpe, Alicante) were the hospitality establishments awarded in the last edition. Also, and as a novelty this year, apart from this recognition, Ecovidrio will invite two people from each winning establishment to enjoy a Master Class and a tasting of several dishes offered by a renowned chef with a Michelin Green Star.



The Green Flags Movement is a campaign in which Ecovidrio joins forces with municipalities and hoteliers every summer to respond to the high levels of glass container consumption recorded in coastal areas of our country during the summer. During the summer months, a third of the glass containers put into circulation are consumed and nearly 50% of the single-use glass container waste put on the market is generated by the hotel sector. Aware of the need to support the hotel industry, Ecovidrio will set up a team of environmental educators to provide the HORECA sector on the Spanish coast with resources, information and incentives.

### New Speed Camera on the CV-905 in Torrevieja

A new speed camera was installed on the CV-905 in Torrevieja this week, in an area notorious for speeding vehicles.



The location of the new camera is on the CV-905 which runs from Torrevieja towards Los Montesinos and Quesada, specifically near a bend approaching the Mercadona supermarket at La Siesta.



Although the camera is situated in the Quesada direction, this type of camera is capable of monitoring traffic in BOTH directions, across multiple lanes.



In addition, as well as speed, the camera is capable of monitoring seat belt and mobile phone use, according to the specification published by the N332 group.



The speed limit on the stretch of road is 50 kilometres per hour, which was reduced some time ago from 80 as the road is in a residential area. That said, there are still many drivers who ignore the limit and some even driving faster than the maximum previously set.



Being clocked at 51 kilometres per hour is a 100 euro fine, whereas being caught at 81 kilometres per hour in a 50 zone will result in a 400 euro fine and the loss of 4 points.



The site of the camera is also the location of a fatal motorcycle crash, in which inappropriate speed was considered a factor some years ago. 




https://youtu.be/OvPa8PWTT0o?si=imhHVVZc_50rqU9C

### La Hoya Roundabout Land Expropriation Approved

The covered road signs have been in place for weeks, but now Torrevieja town hall has given the go ahead for the expropriation of land in order for a new roundabout to be constructed on the CV-905 road that links Torrevieja with Quesada, to serve the new Lagoons Village urbanisation.  



The group of companies involved in the construction on the La Hoya land must pay the municipality the cost at which the expropriation has been valued. The fair price, in this sense, amounts to 28,953 euro, to which 5% must be added as an affection premium, making a total of 30,400 euro, as reported by the secretary of the Governing Board, Federico Alarcón.



The land to be expropriated occupies a small part of the total space that the roundabout will occupy. Only the southwest corner of the roundabout is on land outside the sector and public domain of the autonomously owned road. According to the project, those few metres are property of the commercial companies Salinas del Mar and Promar Vega, SL.



The expropriation project had to first go through a public exhibition period, which was published last February.

### Symptoms of a Heart Attack and How to Act

A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction, is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, usually due to a build-up of plaque in the coronary arteries.



This blockage prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching the heart muscle, causing damage or death to the tissues.



Why Does a Heart Attack Occur? Symptoms of a Heart Attack



"The primary cause of myocardial infarctions and strokes is cholesterol plaques in our arteries," confirms Dr. Silvia Silva from the Cardiology Department at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital.



"If we don't control these plaques," the specialist continues, "they grow, soften, and can rupture, causing cholesterol to come into contact with the blood. This triggers a large clot that blocks the arteries and prevents blood from reaching the heart tissues. Therefore, cholesterol is not just a risk factor but one of the main causes of myocardial infarction."



Another major trigger of heart attacks is lipoprotein A, a type of bad cholesterol that is not typically included in routine blood tests.



"The problem with lipoprotein A is that it does not respond to diet or exercise and must be controlled with medication. Moreover, it increases the likelihood of myocardial infarctions at an early age, as it is a hereditary type of cholesterol."



Are There Symptoms Days Before a Heart Attack?



There are some symptoms days before a heart attack that can alert us, such as chest discomfort or numbness in the left arm.



Regarding the symptoms of an imminent heart attack, Dr. Silvia Silva highlights:



- Chest pain or discomfort: This is the most common symptom and can manifest as a sensation of pressure, tightness, burning, or pain that can last for minutes or come and go intermittently. It can also feel like a tight band around the chest, similar to severe indigestion.



- Radiating pain: In an acute myocardial infarction, the pain can extend from the chest to the left arm, jaw, back, or neck.



- Shortness of breath: During a massive heart attack, some people feel short of breath, "as if they are out of breath" even without physical exertion.



- Profuse sweating: Another symptom of a heart attack is excessive sweating. We should be alert if it is "cold and clammy" and accompanies other symptoms.



- Nausea, vomiting, indigestion, or dizziness: Some people may feel nauseous, gag, or vomit, or experience "stomach discomfort similar to indigestion" before having a heart attack.



Additionally, Dr. Silvia Silva from Quirónsalud Torrevieja reminds us that heart attack symptoms in men are not the same as those in women or the elderly.



 How to React in an Acute Myocardial Infarction: Heart Attack Code and the Importance of Hospital Care



If we believe someone nearby is having a heart attack, we should:



- Call emergency services immediately.



- Have them sit or lie down in a comfortable position where they can rest.



- If we know they have heart attack medication, administer it.



- Try to keep their airway open and clear.



- If they stop breathing or have no pulse, perform CPR (only if we are trained to do so).



- Do not offer food or drinks.



- Keep them warm.



- Provide emotional support, talk to them calmly, and try to convey safety and tranquillity.



The medical team's reaction will depend on the type of heart attack and the organs affected, as having a myocardial infarction is different from having a stroke.



In this context, Dr. Silvia Silva from the Cardiology Department at Quirónsalud Torrevieja talks about the "Heart Attack Code," an emergency protocol at this hospital to speed up the diagnosis and treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) symptoms.



Can Acute Myocardial Infarction Be Prevented?



Dr. Alejandro Pascual, a specialist from the Cardiology Unit at Quirónsalud Alicante, explains that to prevent heart attacks, it is necessary to:



- Identify and control risk factors.



- Regularly check that cardiovascular health is in good condition.



Cardiovascular risk factors and heart attacks can be modifiable or non-modifiable.



"In the first group, we include lifestyle-related issues such as being overweight, smoking, high cholesterol, sedentary lifestyle, or stress; in the second group, we highlight age (the risk increases after 45 years in men and 55 in women), gender (men are more prone to heart attacks and strokes, although the percentage is similar in women after menopause), family history, or race."



Regarding tests to monitor cardiovascular health, "they can be requested by the specialist and depend on how we are at any given moment," although some routine medical checks can alert us to a potential heart attack risk, such as "abnormal heart sounds, high blood pressure, or concerning blood test results."



Regarding the tests we should request from the cardiologist, the specialist from Quirónsalud Alicante lists:



- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG).



- Echocardiogram.



- Stress tests.



- Holter or ambulatory monitoring.



- Laboratory tests.



- Coronary angiography.



Consequences of a Heart Attack and Post-Attack Care



After suffering a cardiac arrest, the heart muscle does not recover 100%, as some cells and tissues may "die" or lose their ability to contract.



Therefore, the risk of having another heart attack is high.



According to Dr. Silvia Silva, after rapid hospital treatment, the patient is "transferred to the UCIC for continuous monitoring and additional treatment. Normally, 48 hours after the heart attack, the patient undergoes a programme designed to improve their recovery with supervised exercise, education on lifestyle changes, and risk factor management."



Regarding post-attack care, Dr. Alejandro Pascual emphasizes the importance of care, being essential:



- Adopting a healthy diet: It is advised to limit saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium.



- Engaging in regular exercise: It is recommended to perform at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly.



- Maintaining a healthy weight.



- Quitting smoking.



- Keeping blood pressure within healthy levels (generally below 120/80 mmHg).



- Controlling "bad" cholesterol (generally below 100 mg/dL) with diet, regular exercise, or medication.



- Monitoring blood glucose levels.



- Limiting alcohol consumption.



- Scheduling regular medical check-ups to assess the risk of heart disease in a personalized way.



- Measuring lipoprotein A in routine blood tests.

### Smoke-Free Beach in Torrevieja

The mayor of the town, Eduardo Dolón, has reported that the first Smoke-Free Beaches flag will be raised on the beach of Cabo Cervera in Torrevieja.



The Smoke-Free Beaches flag is an initiative of the General Directorate of Public Health, in which the City Council participates through its Departments of Beaches and Public Health.



Dolón received the flag from the person in charge of the Public Health Centre of the Orihuela Area, José Antonio García Navarro, with the assistance of the Councillor for Public Health, Rosa Cañón, and the Councillor for Beaches and Environment, Antonio Vidal.



Dolón reported that the first Smoke-Free Beaches flag will be raised on the beach of Cabo Cervera, and another will also be raised at the Ciudad Deportiva's outdoor pool, despite the fact that smoking is prohibited in this pool. In addition, information signs will be installed at the entrances to this beach so that they can be seen by all bathers. The Council's intention is for this pilot project to be expanded to other sandy areas in Torrevieja soon.



This is an initiative that aims to raise awareness among citizens so that beaches are clean, safe, and welcoming spaces for everyone. Therefore, there will be no sanctions but all people will be informed that with the implementation of this flag the aim is to offer all users of the beaches of Torrevieja a smoke-free environment where they can enjoy fresh and clean air, play in sand, swim in the sea and participate in outdoor activities without the worry of tobacco smoke.



Furthermore, this initiative is an important message for children and young people that we are committed to their well-being and the promotion of healthy habits.



The idea of healthy habit awareness was not so prominent in a video promoting the Torrevieja Weekend event recently though, where smoking was seen as a perfectly normal and acceptable act to those watching the video, including young people. Nor was it a priority for the new regional government who withdrew the ban on smoking on terraces introduced by the previous government as a public health measure.



Cigarette butts are one of the most common forms of litter on our beaches, and their removal will not only improve the aesthetics of the shoreline but will also protect marine life from the harmful effects of this litter.

### Improve Your Quality of Life: Discover How Robotic Surgery for Prostate Cancer Works and Its Benefits

Robotic surgery for prostate cancer is generally less invasive, with faster recovery and a lower risk of complications.



In its early stages, prostate cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms. However, when more advanced, it can cause various symptoms such as urinary problems, decreased force in the urine stream, blood in the urine or semen, bone pain, unintentional weight loss, and erectile dysfunction. After detecting prostate cancer, there are various treatment options, and if surgery is required, one of the best choices is robotic surgery due to its numerous advantages.



Robotic surgery offers several benefits compared to traditional open surgery and standard laparoscopy. Thanks to robotic technology, more precise and controlled movements are achieved through smaller incisions, resulting in less postoperative pain, smaller scars, and a quicker and more comfortable recovery.



Reduced Invasiveness and Advanced Precision: The Da Vinci Robotic Surgery in Prostate Cancer Treatment



With less blood loss, robotic surgery for prostate cancer is generally less invasive, with faster recovery and a lower risk of complications due to the precision of robotic movements, which can reduce the risk of damage to surrounding tissues and nerves, crucial for erectile function and urinary continence.



The Da Vinci robot allows for handling highly complex uro-oncological cases with excellent results. One of the main benefits of surgery with the Da Vinci robot is the detailed visualisation, as the high-definition 3D camera provides a better view of the surgical area, helping to identify and preserve important structures.



In the field of urology, the Da Vinci robot has proven to be highly effective, enabling minimally invasive surgeries with maximum precision and safety, thanks to its sophisticated and innovative technology. Some of the most commonly treated urological conditions by the Da Vinci robot are:



- Prostate cancer (prostatectomy).



- Kidney cancer (total/partial nephrectomy).



- Bladder cancer (radical cystectomy).



- Urinary incontinence and urogenital prolapse.



What is a Prostatectomy?



It is the most advanced surgery for the treatment of prostate cancer (robotic radical prostatectomy) and involves removing the prostate and seminal vesicles to eliminate all tumour tissue, facilitating the individualisation of the surgical needs of each patient depending on the type of cancer they have.



What Are the Postoperative Advantages of Prostatectomy with the Da Vinci Robot?



One advantage is the recovery of urinary continence, with continence rates at one year being 95% for the Da Vinci system and 80% for open surgery. Another advantage is the recovery of erectile function, with better erectile function recovery rates with robotic prostatectomy, with one-year potency rates of 97% for the Da Vinci system and 88% for open surgery.



After the intervention, no specific care is required, and the recovery is faster than with traditional open surgery. After being discharged from the hospital, the patient can resume their daily life, avoiding exertion during the first four weeks.



“For its performance, only small skin incisions of 0.5 to 1 cm in length are necessary, through which we can perform, guided by the high-definition camera, the complete removal of the prostate with an optimal level of precision."



- Dr Sven Petry, Head of the Urology Department at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, the first to perform a robotic cystectomy in the Valencian Community.



Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital has extensive experience in robotic surgery, as it was one of the pioneering hospitals nationwide to implement and train its surgeons in the use of this technology 15 years ago.



Advantages of Robotic Surgery in Urology



Thanks to the Da Vinci robotic surgery system, Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital provides the best treatment and outcomes for prostate cancer patients needing radical prostatectomy. Some of the advantages of robotic surgery in urology are:



- More precise tumour tissue removal, improving the effectiveness of the treatment.



- Greater capacity to preserve neurovascular structures, favouring optimal recovery of sexual function.



- Significant improvements in the preservation and restoration of urinary continence after prostate cancer surgeries.



- Improved control of defecatory function.



- Notable reduction in blood loss and the need for transfusions during surgery.



- Lower risk of complications and infections in the surgical wound, ensuring safer recovery.



- Shorter hospital stays.



Quirónsalud Torrevieja, the first private hospital in Alicante to have an Advanced Robotic Surgery Unit.

### Flu vaccinations increase but not Covid

A total of 1,162,033 people were vaccinated against flu in the 2023-2024 season, according to the regional Ministry of Health, the highest number in the history of flu vaccination in the Valencian Community.



The Minister of Health, Marciano Gómez, stated that "getting sick is a failure for the health system and it is about avoiding it, both with healthy habits and health promotion."



Unfortunately, the attention to dealing with Covid has not been quite so high, even though hospitalisations have risen for seven weeks in a row and in the latest data beat that of 2021, the second year of the pandemic.



In hospitals, the percentage of positivity is 0.8% for flu (compared to 1% the previous week), 33.2% for SARS-CoV-2 (compared to 25.1% the previous week).



In total across Valencia, 863,796 people were vaccinated against Covid, of which 689,799 were 60 years old or older.



In care homes, residents have been vaccinated against flu with coverage of 92.79%, whereas for Covid, again, the figure is lower at 82.44%.

### Torrevieja Government Accused of Dragging Feet in Contract Execution

Earlier this week, the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, took to social media to praise his successes in the first year of this current administrative period, and although he acknowledged there is still much work to be done, according to the Sueña Torrevieja group, the PP government has only awarded 25% of the investments that the mayor is attributed to in the first year of his mandate.



In the Contracting Platform it is observed that in the first year of mandate the government team has only awarded 13 investments with a total amount of 11.32 million euro, 25% of the investments attributed to the mayor.



Pablo Samper assures that "the mayor has summarised the investments in execution and/or completed in more than 45 million euro, with an execution percentage as of June 17, 2024, of 45%, that is, more than 20.2 million euro, without providing any justification".



If we add the three works awarded in the month of May 2023, which belong to the previous mandate, we reach 21.2 million euro, 47% of the investments attributed to the mayor.



A detailed list was provided by Sueña Torrevieja, which can be checked on the platform anyway, and according to the settlement of the 2023 budget, they say, in the whole of 2023, with an investment budget of almost 53 million euro, only 11.2 million have been executed, just over 21%, leaving almost 42 million euro unexecuted.   



Samper concludes by stating that "the lack of execution of the PP government in investments is tremendous, since, according to the Torrevieja City Council Contracting Plan approved in February 2023 for an amount of almost 88.5 million euro, considering only the eight largest contracts planned, not even the contracting files of more than 61 million euro have been approved, which account for almost 70%".

### One Plus One Equals Seventeen… Probably… How Torrevieja Officials Seemingly Do Maths!

Here we go again… It has started earlier this year, but it looks like some political figures in Torrevieja are still lacking in basic numeracy, and some of them could well benefit from going back to school, assuming there are still schools and teachers.



According to the PP Torrevieja’s Twitter (X) feed, “more than 10,000 people were able to enjoy the fashion show on Paseo Vista Alegre with Eduardo Navarrete”.



Torrevieja Weekend 3Más de 10000 personas pudieron disfrutar del desfile de moda en el Paseo Vista Alegre con Eduardo NavarreteModelos profesionales, personajes de la sociedad torrevejense, etc¡Una fiesta del comercio y la moda! #TorreviejaWeekend3#PoryParaTorrevieja pic.twitter.com/hizLRPqwWY— Populares Torrevieja (@PPTorrevieja) June 16, 2024 



At 230 metres long by 23 metres wide, tapering off at one end, the Paseo Vista Alegre covers approximately 5,000 square metres, on which there is a fountain, garden, statues, and benches.



The internal measurements inside the benched area, and within the boundaries of the fountain and statues, are 162 metres long by 12 metres wide, thus covering 1,944 square metres, approximately.  



Depending on what space calculator for events you use, which is then determined by the type of event, the amount of space to fit 10,000 people would of course vary, such as to hold a cocktail party with people standing would require 5,500 square metres of space. To hold a concert would be in the region of 4,000 square metres of space.



To reverse the calculation, in a theatre style setup of 2,000 square metres, we could seat just under 2,500 people. Often considered a safe figure for standing crowds is 2 people per square metre, so for our (let’s round it up) 2,000 square metres of space, we can fit 4,000 people standing.



On the Paseo Vista Alegre there was a catwalk, stage, and additional seating which also reduced the space of course.



So, either the town hall has allowed a gross and dangerous overcapacity event to take place, or the figures are just made up to try to justify a costly event that would only benefit a small number of businesses rather than the majority in the municipality who pay taxes and never see any of the benefits.



Incidentally, amongst the summer events last year, the town hall was praising the RBF music festival that prevented local traders from earning money as the market had to be closed, because it was set to attract 40,000 people who would all bring their wealth to Torrevieja. Even though, generally, festival goers don’t spend locally!



The reported economic value would be more than a larger concert held in Murcia city. Plus, the event organisers were selling two-day tickets. So, the reality was only 20,000 people at best. That didn’t stop the town hall reporting that 36,000 people attended the event, even though for this year the festival organisers said that they hoped to beat their 18,000 ticket sales!



It’s a good thing these people aren’t left in charge of other important numbers like money and budgets…



So, as we start this early in the season with the questionable statistics, we can expect much of the same throughout the summer, when no doubt representative of the town hall will tell everyone that the world is perfect and expect you to continue to believe what they tell you rather than what is in front of your eyes.



“The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command”. George Orwell, 1984.

### A Brief Tale of Environmental Hypocrisy from Torrevieja’s Mayor

The Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, reportedly took advantage of his intervention in the Cortes of the Generalitat Valenciana to convey to the Valencians and Spaniards the concern of our land about the deforestation of more than 200 hectares of orange and lemon trees.



This is the same mayor who has presided over the worst environmental waste disposal contract in the country, where residents are prevented from effectively recycling and many now drive to deposit their rubbish, has destroyed one of the largest natural areas near the natural park by allowing over construction of homes, the same natural park where he wanted to build a major DIY store some years ago on one of the protected areas, he approved the destruction of an urban park for the building of illegal tower blocks that also impede on the coastal zone, sees an investigation into environmental crimes at the town’s eco park, runs some of the oldest and most polluting busses in the country, buses which were once free for some residents but they now have to pay for, removed trees from the Park of Nations and other areas, allowed animals in that same park to go starve, faces criticism from cat carers for failing to adhere to the Animal Protection Law, fails to maintain cycle paths or have an effective green transport system, and in a town where streets are overflowing with vehicles has still failed to progress the mandatory Low Emissions Zone, amongst other environmentally unfriendly policies which he is responsible for, and we haven't even mentioned flooding!



The European Union is creating laws to prevent so-called greenwashing by companies, but for politicians it has perhaps not yet been considered.

### Eight out of ten melanomas are curable if detected early

Patients who already have melanoma are more sensitive to suffering a second one, as well as the immediate relatives of these patients, who must follow strict control





Thanks to Teledermatology, Quirónsalud specialists offer a diagnosis in less than forty-eight hours




According to the Spanish Association Against Cancer, skin cancer already accounts for 8% of the total number of tumours diagnosed, a figure that is increasing and whose registration has increased by 40% in the last 4 years.



The  most common  type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma (BCC). This type of cancer accounts for about 80% of all non-melanoma skin cancers. It develops in the basal cells, which are the cells in the deepest layer of the epidermis. It usually appears as a small, shiny bump on the skin, often on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, and hands. It can also present as a non-healing sore, a red patch, or a scar. However, we can find up to more than 100 types of skin cancer. "We could say that basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma are the most frequent, in this order," explains  Dr. Lisset Sardá, head of the Dermatology Service at Quirónsalud Alicante.



Melanoma originates in melanocytes, cells that produce the pigment melanin responsible for skin colour. Although it is less common than other types of skin cancer, it is much more dangerous due to its ability to spread to other parts of the body, that is, to metastasize, although as Dr. Sardá points out, "more than 80% of this type of cancer is curable as long as it is detected in time".



Symptoms of melanoma, the most dangerous skin tumour



Among the main symptoms of melanoma are changes in the size, shape or colour of a mole, the appearance of new growth on the skin, the sensation of itching, pain or bleeding of a mole. "These symptoms should alert us and bring them to the attention of a specialist as soon as possible," advises Dr. Sardá.



Risk factors for skin cancer



In relation to the behaviours that increase the probability of developing melanoma, the head of the Dermatology Service at Quirónsalud Alicante points out that sunburns during childhood and adolescence are the most linked to melanoma. In addition, people who use ultraviolet tanning booths have a 20 times higher risk of developing this type of cancer over the course of their lifetime. "We know that the lighter the colour of the skin, hair and eyes of patients, the less ability they have to defend themselves from ultraviolet radiation and develop melanoma more easily, with red-haired individuals being the most at risk. On the other hand, patients who already have melanoma are more sensitive to suffering a second one, as well as the direct relatives of these patients, who must follow strict control," says Dr. Sardá.



To detect it, Quirónsalud specialists advise following the rules of the ABCDE, an acronym that refers to the asymmetry of this type of lesion, irregular borders, heterogeneous colour and a diameter greater than six millimetres, although the most important is E, its evolution: any change in a mole must be assessed by a dermatologist.



Early diagnosis of skin cancer in Alicante and Torrevieja thanks to Teledermatology



The main advantage offered  by the Teledermatology services of Hospital  Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante is the short period of time that elapses between the consultation and the diagnosis of the specialist, which allows it to be addressed as soon as possible in the event of suspected malignancy and to apply the necessary treatment to guarantee a higher cure rate.



The patient is seen in an initial consultation with health personnel trained in dermoscopic techniques which includes a report on the skin lesions and their evolution, as well as important data such as history, risk factors, etc. After this consultation, the specialist will take images using dermoscopic technology that are sent to the dermatologist, who will issue his diagnosis in less than forty-eight hours.



In case of doubt or suspicion of malignancy, the patient will be contacted as a priority and will be offered a face-to-face appointment in less than two days, in which the specialist will explain their case and the procedure to be followed.

### Are the Shops Open on Sunday? YES THEY ARE

Great news for the working population who find little time during the week to shop… Not so great news for those working in the retail sector who benefit from a weekend day off… SUNDAY SHOPPING STARTS AGAIN THIS WEEK.



In the Valencia region, shops can once again open on a Sunday from 16 June and open every Sunday until next year (just after the Christmas period). Of course, they may CHOOSE to close, but probably won’t.



There are one or two days between now and then when they will close for holidays, but not many to be honest, and we will tell you nearer the time, but again, as of this week, you can shop until you drop every Sunday.



Other regions, such as neighbouring Murcia, permit Sunday shopping throughout the year, but in Valencia there are restrictions.

### Torrevieja Desalination Plant Extension Gets Court Go Ahead

The Central Administrative Court has lifted the suspension of the award procedure for the expansion of the Torrevieja desalination plant thus allowing the winning bidder, Ferrovial-Sacyr, to continue with the 89.4-million-euro project.



An appeal had been launched by Acciona, the company who built the plant in the first place, after their bid was rejected for being “abnormally low”, despite the argument they made that they are best placed to provide a real quote due to their intimate knowledge of the construction.



In the resolution published by Aguamed, it points out that "on May 30, 2024, the Central Administrative Court of Contractual Resources has agreed to dismiss the appeal filed by ACCIONA AGUA SAU, against the agreement of the contracting body, dated March 21, 2024 , by which the exclusion of said bidder is agreed, in the tender called by the Board of Directors of the Company Aguas de las Cuencas Mediterráneas, SME, SA (ACUAMED), for the contracting of the execution of the expansion and service works operation and maintenance of the Torrevieja desalination plant.



The other appeal filed by the company is also rejected, in this case "against the agreement of the contracting body, dated March 21, 2024, by which the award of the contract is agreed" to the Ferrovial-Sacyr UTE.



The expansion will allow water production to double by 50%, going from the 80 hectometres of desalinated water it currently produces to 120  in 2027, when the works are expected to be completed, although it is already a few months late due to the suspension. 

### Both Main Political Parties Increase Vote Share but Lose Votes in Torrevieja

In the European elections held this weekend, both the main political parties in Torrevieja, the PP and PSOE, increased their share of the vote, although both parties suffered a reduction overall.



In the 2024 European elections, in Torrevieja, the PP secured a 41% share, with 6,935 votes, whereas the PSOE secured a 30.15% share with 5,099 votes.



In the 2019 elections, the PP had a 33.73% share of the vote, and therefore increased this time by more than 7 percentage points, but the actual vote count was 7,394, therefore losing 459 votes.



For their part, in 2019, the PSOE secured 29.88% of the share, and so this year increased slightly, and received 6,551, and therefore, this time, they lost 1,452 votes.



As for the neighbouring municipalities, in Orihuela, the PP secured a 46.69% share with 10,319 votes, whereas the PSOE had a 25,21% share with 5,573 votes, compared to the PP having 30,53% share and 8,369 votes in 2019, the PSOE having a 28,39% share with 7,783 votes.



In Guardamar del Segura, the PP obtained a 41,58% share with 2,017 votes, the PSOE obtained 32,28% with 1,566, a reversal of power from 2019 when the PSOE secured 42,56% with 2,608 votes, and the PP had 24,61% with 1,508.



Participation in the elections reached just 39.27%, showing a decrease of 10 percentage points compared to 2019 (50.49%).



It is worth noting that these European elections are the first where British nationals have not been allowed to vote for their representatives following Brexit, apart from those able to retain their EU affiliated status.



Across the country, the PP has been the leading force in 4,815 municipalities in these elections, while the PSOE has been the most voted in 2,239.

### Papa Johns the Latest Addition to Torrevieja’s Gastronomical Scene

The Papa Johns pizzeria brand continues its expansion process by opening a new location in Torrevieja, becoming the 93rd restaurant in Spain, and the 5th in the Valencian Community.



The new establishment has 200 square metres of room, both in store and for take-out or home delivery, and has a children's area so that the little ones can enjoy their visit to the pizzeria with their families.



This new Papa Johns becomes the chain's second opening this year, after a new location in Tres Cantos in Madrid in February. “We are prioritizing the expansion of the brand, to reach 110 stores in the Iberian Peninsula before the end of the year,” explains Nacho González Barrajón, general director of Papa Johns Iberia.



The company will prioritise expansion in the autonomous communities of Catalonia, Andalusia and northern Spain.



The Papa John's restaurant was founded in 1984 when "Papa" John Schnatter installed an oven inside a broom closet in the back of his father's tavern, Mick's Lounge, in Jeffersonville, Indiana. It is now the fourth largest pizza delivery restaurant chain in the United States



Papa Johns Torrevieja is located on Calle Apolo, 26.

### Torrevieja Contract Spotlight Could Reveal Crimes

Having finally been given access to the mandatory information, the Socialist Party of Torrevieja has been inspecting several contracts promoted by the majority PP local government, and on Friday, an extraordinary inspection session was held in which several files were analysed in which irregularities were revealed, some of which could constitute crimes, according to the PSOE.



Levante Dam File



This file records the withdrawal of the procedure by the Council due to having made an error in the processing that has meant the need to start again, with the damages that this entails for the completion of the remodelling works of the port area and, In addition, it has involved the payment of compensation to the companies that participated in the tender, amounting to a total of almost 30,000 euro.



The socialist spokesperson, Bárbara Soler, requested responsibilities given that general directors were present throughout the entire procedure, politically appointed positions that earn around 100,000 euro per year and that would have demonstrated a total lack of diligence. Soler assured that the mayor stated in the previous plenary session that he would assume the responsibilities, but that he only says it in words, "let him start by putting in the 30,000 euro."



Appraisal File for Rural Land



Another of the audited contracts is an appraisal of rural land that “has cost more than 16,000 euro for all Torrevieja residents.”



To verify how excessive the price is, the socialist municipal group showed three updated budgets whose amounts ranged between 600 and 1,200 euro. “We have paid 15 times above the market price, and, in addition, the appraisal does not present all the documentation that the contract requires as minimum content; There is no planimetry nor are the annexes filled out”.



The socialists insisted that, in addition, they are tasks that could be carried out by the Council's own technicians for free, rejecting the decision of the General Director of Urban Planning to put out to tender the execution of this contract, alleging that the Council did not have sufficient human resources to do a valuation of a rural land, when the truth is that processing the valuation file takes much more time for town hall officials than having to carry out a valuation of land.



Likewise, Bárbara Soler analysed what is happening with the framework agreements, which although they were initially designed to speed up contracting and be more favourable for the Council, the truth is that in Torrevieja "they must be poorly made" because they are always slower and more burdensome, "they do not contain market prices as established by law and they leave the majority of companies in Torrevieja out of the possibility of bidding". Finally, the spokesperson indicated that “it is a shame” that we have paid “€540 per page, and I am counting up to the cover, the index and the photo at the end.”



Punta La Víbora Project Files



Finally, two closely linked files were also audited. A contract whose objective was to present a study with different solutions to carry out the redevelopment in the Punta la Víbora area, of which one would have to be chosen and then carry out another contract for drafting said project.



Soler indicated that it was striking that the minor contract was classified as urgent and a two-month execution period was established to present the study, when it was finally presented to the Council a year and two months later. Furthermore, she was very critical of the fact that the solutions report “consists of 10 pages, 5 of background which is data provided by the Council and an internet article copied word for word, down to the photo. 17,000 euro.”



However, "the most serious thing," according to the spokesperson, is that all the documentation presented includes the name of the General Director of Urban Planning appointed by the mayor, who is also the one who approved the contract despite the fact that it was presented one year after the end of the term.



“Who prepared the documents? “ It is a very serious fact. ”As if that were not enough, the drafting contract for the project that was to develop the alternative chosen in the study contract was awarded and delivered before the study documentation entered the Council, so "the previous study contract would have left without cause and we could be talking about fraud, contract simulation, misappropriation of public funds and directly corruption, all with the knowledge and consent of the mayor, who is also the urban planning councillor."



It is a very curious fact that, although the first extraordinary plenary session was broadcast as usual on the Facebook platform, the second was not broadcast. "The mayor does not like criticism and even less so with all the documentation that supports the analysis of the files carried out by the socialist municipal group." Finally, Soler has questioned the fact that the mayor did not respond to practically any of the issues raised "and what he did respond to, he did so with lies."

### Regional President to Visit Torrevieja

Just a little over a year after the elections, the President of the Valencia Region, Carlos Mazón, will finally visit Torrevieja this week.



However, the visit in in connection with the European elections, rather than sorting out the problems with healthcare, schools, education, services, etc.



The president will be available with perhaps the most photographed politician in the country, Eduardo Dolón, the Torrevieja head of the PP, who was earmarked for a regional job but never made it.



The visit is scheduled for Wednesday 5 June, at 8:30 p.m., where he will attend a local business for the meeting, the Real Club Nautico, rather than one of the municipal buildings.

### The Bonfires of Alicante Schedule

June is an important month for celebrations across the Valencia region, and many of the key towns and cities hold mini versions, but second to Valencia, this month we will once again experience the “Bonfires of Alicante”, or “Hogueras de Alicante” to give the event its current name, which starts this weekend and runs until San Juan, where we also get another Monday off work.  



Alicante Bonfires 2024 ScheduleSaturday 1 June 2024Sunday 2 June 2024Friday 7 June 2024Saturday 8 June 2024Saturday 15 June 2024Sunday 16 June 2024Monday 17 June 2024Friday 21 June 2024Saturday 22 June 2024.Sunday 23 June 2024Monday 24 June 2024



Alicante Bonfires 2024 Schedule



Saturday 1 June 2024



Launch and Mascletà. ADDA Auditorium Car Park. 6:00 p.m.



Tribute to the deceased Foguerers and Barraquers. Plaza de España. 7:30 p.m.



Proclamation parade. 8:00 p.m.



Proclamation Festival. Town Hall Square. 9:30 p.m.



Proclamation Festival. Volvo zone. 11:00 p.m.



Sunday 2 June 2024



Glorieta de la Solidaritat, PAU 1. 2:00 p.m.



Friday 7 June 2024



Nocturnal mascletà. C/ Francisco Muñoz Llorens. 11.30 p.m.



Saturday 8 June 2024



Entry of bands and commissions. 6:30 p.m.



Saturday 15 June 2024



Mascletà. Avenida Pintor Xavier Soler at the roundabout of the Gran Vía shopping centre. 2:00 p.m.



Parade of the Ninot. 7:00 p.m.



Sunday 16 June 2024



Ninot Exhibition Closing. Old Fish Market. 5:00 p.m.



Monday 17 June 2024



Arrival of Foc. Facade of El Corte Inglés. 11:30 p.m.



Friday 21 June 2024



Offering of flowers to the patron saint, the Virgen del Remedio.6:00 p.m.



Saturday 22 June 2024.



Fogueres y Barraques award ceremony. 11.00 a.m.



Offering of flowers to the patron saint, the Virgen del Remedio. 6:30 p.m.



Sunday 23 June 2024



International folk parade. 8:00 p.m.



Monday 24 June 2024



Day off work to recover (Valencia regional holiday)

### Events around Torrevieja for the first Weekend in June

If you fancy a poke around an exhibition or two, in Torrevieja Manu Sanz is displaying work, “La Evanescencia de lo sólido de Manu Sanz” at the Vistalegre exhibition hall until 19 June, described as a “metaphysical exploration of the volatility of reality” it´s basically objects from a different perspective, using mirrors and shapes to present everyday objects in a different way.



There´s also the Exposición Olof Melkorka on until 7 June at the Sociedad Cultural Casino de Torrevieja on Paseo Vista Alegre.



The Alter Ego Trio perform in Torrevieja on Saturday, and we also have the crowning of the Queen of the Sacred Heart at the Virgen del Carmen.



This weekend, Guardamar del Segura is home to a yoga conference, YOGAMAR.



In Almoradi, an exhibition about the history of videogames is taking place until 19 July in the town hall exhibition room.



The Cuevas del Rodeo de Rojales will host a “handpan” music event this weekend, the provincial music meeting ' Handpanearte' on May 31, June 1 and 2.



Although somewhat outside our normal coverage area, so you would have to be quick to plane the weekend, big name music fans can enjoy Calvin Harris on Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the island of Ibiza, and you can rock out in Seville with AC/DC on Saturday.



Also a little out of our area, airshow fans could visit DIFAS 2024, taking place in Oviedo on Saturday. Even further afield it´s the Midlands Air Festival, the Duxford Summer Air Show, and Kehler Flugtage in Germany. There are actually lots of air shows taking place this weekend.

### Oesophageal cancer is thirty times more common in patients with Barrett's oesophagus

 Oesophageal cancer is thirty times more common in patients with Barrett's Oesophagus, as warned by Dr. Pedro Bretcha, head of the Digestive System Surgery and Surgical Oncology Service at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital.



Barrett's oesophagus is a little-known but potentially dangerous digestive disorder that affects the lining of the oesophagus caused by chronic gastroesophageal reflux. 



The fundamental symptom of Barrett's oesophagus is heartburn, which is colloquially known as burning. "The burning," explains Dr. Juan Antonio Casellas, head of the Digestive System and Advanced Endoscopy Service at Quirónsalud Alicante, "consists of an unpleasant, sometimes painful, burning sensation that rises and falls from the pit of the stomach to the neck behind the sternum. It is often accompanied by regurgitation of gastric contents into the mouth."



How Barrett's Oesophagus Is Diagnosed



To confirm the diagnosis of Barrett's oesophagus, an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is necessary. "This test," Dr. Casellas describes, "consists of inserting a small tube through the mouth, progressing into the oesophagus and analysing if there is a change in the cells of the distal oesophagus, right at the junction with the stomach. Usually, the appearance of the oesophagus can suggest the existence of a Barrett's oesophagus during endoscopy. However, the diagnosis can only be confirmed with small tissue samples obtained through the endoscope and sent to the pathology laboratory." The test is performed under sedation and does not require any special preparation, just fasting.



If it is positive, the specialist in the Digestive System at Quirónsalud Alicante recommends repeating it regularly in order to detect possible cancer at an early and potentially curable stage.



Anti-reflux surgery at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital



 Laparoscopic surgery is highly effective for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux and definitively eliminating the use of medications that, in the long run, cause side effects. Nine out of ten patients treated with anti-reflux surgery manage to relieve their symptoms and only 15% have a recurrence after five years.



As Dr. Bretcha explains, "The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and consists of constructing a complete or partial cuff with the stomach around the oesophagus, placing it under the diaphragm. To do this, small incisions of just a few millimetres are made to access the abdomen through the laparoscope, which is connected to a small video camera to obtain a complete view of the abdominal cavity." Among the advantages of the laparoscopic approach are the reduction of postoperative pain, brief hospital stay, minimal scarring and rapid return to work.

### Jose Carreras Road to Remain Closed for Summer

Last week we posted how a new diversion had been put in place for the Jose Carreras road in Torrevieja, the wibbly, wobbly road as it is commonly called, which now reopens the connection from the CV-905 to the schools and auditorium area in both directions.



This work is between Jardin del Mar and La Hoya, in connection with the Lagoons Village development.



So, that´s the good news! The bad news is that we went to look at the progress of the road this weekend, bearing in mind there was just a week left before it should reopen, and it is clear from the pictures it is nowhere near ready.





































Checking the latest road closure notices from Torrevieja town hall, we now see that the closure notice has been extended until 31 August. So, the road will remain closed throughout the summer, including during the music festivals.







To get from the auditorium end to the CV-905 is quite simple, just follow the signs and you will find your way through. Going from the CV-905 is a little more complicated, with the route taking you from the Carrefour roundabout, weaving through the Doña Inés urbanisation, and (please take extra care) over a junction so renowned for collisions it is especially signposted as such.

























In our opinion, it is probably easier for you to turn left at the Habaneras roundabout and go over the bridge over the N-332 towards the water park to be honest, but please allow extra time and be extra vigilant whichever way you go, and reduce your speed through the diversion routes.



In other road closure news, the road in front of the Park of Nations has also partially reopened, in the direction going northbound.

### How is Life in Torrevieja?

Torrevieja has had a bit of bad press in the UK recently, and although there are problems, the comments in the mainstream media were a little unfair, but we thought we would ask you.



What do you think about Torrevieja? What do you like? What do you not like? And what would you say to those who could actually change things for the better?



Although you can say anything, the last question is particularly important, because as a result of the media interest, we have partnered up with The Leader newspaper, who spoke with Barbara Soler, the head of the PSOE in Torrevieja, and currently opposition councillor, and she would like to know. Moreover, if your question warrants it, she would like to raise your concerns with the local government, and not only get answers, but also work towards finding solutions to any real problems that do exist.



So, it’s over to you. Send your questions, comments, criticisms, or praise, to office@theleader.info, and they will compile them over the next couple of weeks, and present them to Barbara in a conversation you will also be able to listen to as a podcast, and read about in The Leader.

### Fancy a Glass of Wine by the Lake? Things to do This Weekend in Torrevieja

If you’re looking for things to do in Torrevieja this weekend, we’ve got you covered. There’s music, water sports, magic, art, paella, and wine, so pretty much something for everyone. There are also a few events you might be interested in near Torrevieja, if you fancy venturing a little bit out of the town.



Plus, you can fill your diary with a roundup of things to do throughout the summer, with future events, or at least our choice selection.



What’s On This WeekendFuture EventsTheatre, Culture and MusicBig Name MusicAirshowsSport and FitnessOther EventsCheck with your Local Tourist Information Office



What’s On This Weekend



Friday night brings a magic and illusion show to the Torrevieja Municipal Theare in the form of Jorge Blass.



The Habaneras shopping centre in Torrevieja is holding a special event on Saturday, with free paella, live music, Zumba, dancing, and more. You do need the Habaneras Club app to register though.



The Film Symphony Orchestra are performing on Saturday night in the International Auditorium in Torrevieja, playing music from films in a symphonic, orchestral sort of way.



A wine-based theatrical tour around the vineyards of La Mata is taking place on Saturday and Sunday evening, though booking is essential, and they tend to fill up very quickly, so you´re probably too late to be honest. In that case, you can always buy a bottle of vino and go and enjoy it at one of the picnic tables overlooking the lake (pictured below), under the shade of the protected trees. Just take your rubbish home and don´t drink and drive. Definitely do that though, it’s really pleasant and offers a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life!







You might bump into the odd twitcher on Sunday (odd as in occasional, not strange!) as an ornithological event is taking place in the La Mata natural park on Sunday.



If you fancy a poke around an exhibition or two, in Torrevieja Manu Sanz is displaying work, “La Evanescencia de lo sólido de Manu Sanz” at the Vistalegre exhibition hall until 19 June, described as a “metaphysical exploration of the volatility of reality” it´s basically objects from a different perspective, using mirrors and shapes to present everyday objects in a different way.



There´s also the Exposición Olof Melkorka on until 7 June at the Sociedad Cultural Casino de Torrevieja on Paseo Vista Alegre.



An Optimist windsurf competition is taking place in the waters of Torrevieja on Saturday, and a fishing competition on Sunday.



Saturday 25 May sees Game Party Rojales taking place, where you can enjoy the likes of Fortnite and Rocket League, amongst others. If you don´t know what that means, it means it´s not for you!



If you do know what it means then you might also be interested in a trip to Almoradi, where an exhibition about the history of videogames is taking place from this weekend until 19 July in the town hall exhibition room.



The Cuevas del Rodeo de Rojales will host a “handpan” music event next weekend, the provincial music meeting ' Handpanearte' on May 31, June 1 and 2.



Swifties need to prepare for 29 and 30 May when their icon Taylor Swift will be in Madrid. Before that, on 25 May, another American favourite, Jonas Brothers, will be in Barcelona.



Future Events



Theatre, Culture and Music



Guardamar del Segura will celebrate World Environment Day on June 5, with a guided route to the San Antonio Mill, information tents from different associations in the Town Hall square, children's activities and talks in the library, are some of the events planned to celebrate and raise awareness among the population of the importance of preserving the environment.



On 15 June in the Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja, the increasingly popular Candlelight concert will take place, with a tribute to Abba in the auditorium surrounded by candlelight.



Big Name Music




Calvin Harris – 31 May and 9 and 14 June on Ibiza.



AC/DC – 1 June in Seville.



Olivia Rodrigo – 18 June in Barcelona, 20 June in Madrid.



Tom Jones – 23 June in Valencia, 23 July in Marbella, Alicante on 25 July, Chiclana de la Frontera on 28 July, Almeria on 4 August.



Alice Cooper – 28 June in Barcelona.



Pearl Jam – 6 and 8 July in Barcelona.



Garbage – 9 July in Barcelona.



Metallica – 12 and 14 July in Madrid.



James Blunt – Barcelona on 17 July, Alicante on 19 July, Chiclana de la Frontera on 20 July



Simple Minds – 26 July in Granada.




Airshows



The DIFAS 2024, taking place in Oviedo on 1 June, and on 15th June, the 50º Aniversario del ALA 14, in Albacete, where a competition is open to design a Eurofighter livery.



The Gijon Airshow is on 27 and 28 July.



Sport and Fitness



From 31 May to 2 June, the YOGAMAR conference takes place in Guardamar del Segura.



From 22 June to 14 July the Torrevieja International Cup will take place bringing together a variety of international competitors in various disciplines, including football and rugby.



Other Events



Torrevieja Habaneras – 70 Anniversary Event – 21 to 27 July.



RBF Torrevieja 2024 - Reggaeton Beach Festival – 3 and 4 August.



Brilla Torrevieja – 27 July to 12 August.



Check with your Local Tourist Information Office



As you might expect, this is not a complete list of events, as there are far too many to put in brief, but they are a hand-picked selection of the most popular or interesting.



For more events in your area, check with your local tourist information office.




https://youtu.be/zzgMjrLlUiU?si=Qci-V--SqcDDiyLg

### Jason Derulo Joins Brilla Torrevieja 2024 Lineup

The American artist Jason Derulo has joined the lineup at the Brilla Torrevieja festival and will present 'Nu King', his latest album, on Friday 2 August 2024, in a concert in which he will also sing some of his greatest hits, amongst which are the likes of Wiggle, Talk Dirty, and In My Head.







The Brilla Torrevieja festival, which will take place from 27 July to 11 August, will offer an exciting musical, gastronomic and leisure event, and has closed the line-up of its fourth edition with the confirmation of Jason Derulo, following the Black Eyed Peas headlining in 2023.



The North American star began writing songs for other artists, until a record label gave him the opportunity to make a living from his own music. In 2009, he released his first single, which he called 'Whatcha Say', which was a great success, resulting in a significant number of digital downloads, more than 2 million copies sold in the United States, and reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and other countries. Since then, the singer has had success with other singles such as 'In My Head', 'Mamacita', 'Want To Want Me' and 'Talk Dirty'.



Derulo completes the Brilla Torrevieja line-up, which will also feature other national and international artists, such as Hombres G (27 July), Camela (28 July), Ana Mena (10 August) and El Barrio (11 August).



In Brilla Torrevieja there will also be a place for humour, with monologues by Martita de Graná (30 July) and Comandante Lara (6 August).



The little ones will be able to enjoy two great performances: Cantajuego (1 August) and Luli Pampín (8 August).



Brilla Torrevieja 2024 will take place once again at the Parque Antonio Soria.




https://youtu.be/pBI3lc18k8Q?si=_QjD21k3fzo1DLQk

### Popeyes Opens in Torrevieja

The popular and trendy fast-food chain Popeyes, specialising in chicken and operated in Spain by Restaurant Brands Iberia, has expanded its presence with the opening of its first restaurant in Torrevieja.



This opening is a significant step in the company's growth strategy, reinforcing its positioning in the Valencian Community.



Since its arrival in Spain at the end of 2019, Popeyes has extended its offering of Louisiana-style crispy chicken throughout the country, now adding 129 establishments.



With the recent opening in Torrevieja, the chain operates its ninth restaurant in the Alicante province and its 20th in the Valencian Community, consolidating it as a key region for its operations, only surpassed by the Community of Madrid in number of locations.



The new opening has generated 30 new jobs in Torrevieja, contributing to local economic growth and raising the number of jobs created by the chain throughout the autonomous community to more than 600. No statement has been issued explaining what happened to the workers who used to operate in the premises which Popeyes has taken over.



The new Popeyes is located in the Torrevieja Commercial Centre (Carrefour to you and me), has modern facilities such as a drink refill system, self-ordering, free Wi-Fi, takeaway service, the option to pick up orders from the car and a home delivery service managed by the company itself to ensure quality and complete control of the process, from the kitchen to delivery to the customer.



Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes has more than 50 years of experience in the sector and operates more than 4,300 restaurants worldwide. The chain is highly valued in the quick service restaurant (QSR) sector and is a benchmark in chicken specialisation in the US.

### Regional and Local Governments Meet to Discuss More House Building in Torrevieja

The Regional Secretary of Housing, Sebastián Fernández, has met with the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, to address issues they consider of particular importance for the town in terms of housing, among which the launch of the Plan Viu Valencian Community.



During the meeting, the two administrations discussed the next actions concerning the municipality of Torrevieja within the framework of the Plan Viu.



Sebastián Fernández presented the guidelines and lines of action that are part of the Viu-CV Plan with which the Council plans to promote the construction of more than 10,000 sheltered homes through public-private collaboration throughout the legislature.



According to the Institute of National Statistics, Torrevieja currently has some 30,000 vacant homes, around a quarter of all residential properties. More than any other town in the area. The new Lagoons Village complex will add 7,000 homes, to which the developments within the town would be added, such as the controversial tower blocks. The general consensus of many of the current residents being that the infrastructure cannot cope with the number of residents now, even considering the depopulation felt in recent years.

### Jose Carreras/ Wibbly Wobbly Road Update ...

As of today, Tuesday, the road is now partially open in the direction FROM the Auditorium and schools area to Hiperber, but a new road has been built to connect a diversion route on the other side of Jardin del Mar to the CV-905.



However, the route FROM Hiperber is now closed off. 



You can go the new diversion route from Jardin del Mar, but getting to that part is trickier in that direction, so it might be better to go over the Habaneras road bridge. 



The road is set to reopen completely in about 2 weeks. We will see!!! 

### Prepare for More Sonic Booms over Torrevieja - Plus Flight Delay Warnings

Industrial action by Air Traffic Controllers could have an impact on flights to and from Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez airport all of this week, although minimum service requirements dictate that disruption should be minimal, unless something else causes additional impacts.







Alicante airport also has overnight runway closures scheduled, but the activity should not affect flights unless there are delays.



A military operation is set to take place in the south of France and includes missile firing over the Bay of Biscay.



Military operation DURANDAL 2024 will take place between now and the 14 June, but commercial flight impact is set to effect three days during the period.



Information on the first date for the live firing exercise has now been published, and it is scheduled for Wednesday 22 May 2024.



Information on the remaining two dates have not yet been published, other than they will be on weekdays.



Flights between the UK and Spain may be affected by areas over the Bay of Biscay, with some facing diversion over land, where capacity is already high, but additional flow measures may be implemented.



It is anticipated that there will be considerable delays on Tuesday on a number of flight routes, particularly in the south and towards the east of Europe.



Air Traffic Control equipment calibration on Gran Canaria may result in morning delays.  



The DIFAS Military Exercise resumes in Spain from 21 to 25th of May 2024. You might remember, in previous exercises, it has resulted in sonic booms being heard and scaring some people, so be prepared once again for the same. The exercise is not expected to affect commercial traffic but be aware if you look to the sky that you might see more activity than usual.



By the way, if you want more traffic and travel updates, or daily and weekly news before it happens, you can follow Mark Nolan's Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, or on the website, marknolanspodcast.com

### Flights Between the UK and Spain Could Suffer Delays This Week

Industrial action by Air Traffic Controllers could have an impact on flights to and from Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez airport all of this week, although minimum service requirements dictate that disruption should be minimal, unless something else causes additional impacts.




https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YXKQB0qDZiZCsQGPubjwN?si=ZqL9ZChtRNqiUKzjJpLZiQ




Alicante airport also has overnight runway closures scheduled, but the activity should not affect flights unless there are delays.



A military operation is set to take place in the south of France and includes missile firing over the Bay of Biscay.



Military operation DURANDAL 2024 will take place between now and the 14 June, but commercial flight impact is set to effect three days during the period, dates which have not yet been published, other than they will be on weekdays.



A separate military exercise, operation KRYPTON 2024, is also scheduled to take place over the Bay of Biscay.



The Russian Navy are also carrying out exercises and there are also military activities scheduled for Italy and Finland.

### Pressure Mounting to Move the Torrevieja May Fair to a Suitable Location

Having this year celebrated the Torrevieja May Fair with the smallest number of booths ever, the socialist municipal group of Torrevieja will present a motion urging the PP to move the Sevillanas fair to a more suitable location, as was called for from the start of this relocation period, namely the Antonio Soria Park.



The socialists have echoed the complaints of neighbours and some of the participants, who do not consider the current location, the Parque de la Estación, as the ideal one for the event, relocated due to the ongoing work at the harbour in the town.



Residents harshly criticise the noise until late on weekdays. For their part, the participants complain about the lack of space and that there are the same facilities in the Parque de la Estación as in the Antonio Soria.



In the Motion, the socialists state that what was conceived as a temporary location solution, which is why it was baptised "Tribute to the Sevillanas", has already been in existence for two editions and no solutions have been proposed for the coming year.



There have been complaints such as the small dimensions, no space for "tablaos", or that the stage is installed at ground level, which has prevented the public from enjoying what has been performed. It has always been one of the strong points of the May Fair; the performances of the dance academies. For their part, numerous neighbours have addressed the municipal group through social networks to express their discomfort with the location of the Sevillanas venue and the music until the early hours of the morning.



In the words of the spokesperson, Bárbara Soler, “these complaints must be taken very seriously to recover the greatness of the Sevillanas fair festival and the solution that everyone seems to agree with is the transfer to the Antonio Soria Park. Otherwise, our May Fair will end up disappearing. Let's hope this is not the intention."



The socialist municipal group rejects the arguments put forward by the government team to reject this location, such as that there are no adequate connections for the supply of water and electricity, since the current location in Parque de la Estación has less infrastructure and, In any case, the same logistics services used in this park can be put into operation in the Antonio Soria Park.



It should also be noted that no other event which has taken place at the Antonio Soria Park has had the same problems, from small paella tasting events, to large concerts and gatherings, everything has been set up without incident for all events, ridiculing the claims for the May Fair.



Precisely, the Antonio Soria Park was conceived with that purpose, thus being the ideal place for all citizens to show off and enjoy the Sevillanas fair. Not so the Station Park, which, in addition, requires adaptation to host this event that means it will be closed for several weeks.



To repeat this festival one more year in a location that does not suit its real needs would be to belittle the will and work of all the people who have made it possible for the May Fair to remain alive despite the obstacles.



For all these reasons, the socialist municipal group raises its motion to the plenary session urging that the files and actions that are necessary to provide the infrastructure due to Antonio Soria Park be initiated now, with the aim of the next Fair being held in appropriate place.

### Cat Carers Denounce Torrevieja Town Hall for Illegally Attempting to Irradicate Protected Cat Colonies

The Asociación Somos La Voz de los Gatos has denounced Torrevieja town hall for acting, they believe, illegally in attempting to irradicate feline colonies in the town, which are protected under the new Animal Welfare Law.



According to the association, the order was given to dismantle the booth, feeder and waterer of a feline colony that is within the CER (Capture, Sterilisation and Return) program of the Torrevieja City Council. No explanations or solutions have been offered, except threats of fines to the feeder of said colony.



Last year, numerous cats from the aforementioned colony were captured and sterilised thanks to the fact that it is the point where they come to eat, since it is a very large area, and it is extremely complex to locate and capture them anywhere else. Sterilisation is the only way to keep the colonies under control and is also an obligation for the council, which must protect the feline colonies located in its territory based on the provisions of the Animal Welfare Law.



Making this point disappear will lead to the failure of the CER program and more cats will begin to appear in larger areas, many of which will become ill due to poor nutrition.



This is without prejudice to the fact that the desire to eliminate feline colonies is not protected by any law. Quite the contrary, colonies must be protected. For this reason, the Association urge the Department of Animal Protection to do its job and replace this feeding point that is key for the colony or provide alternative solutions that are viable and respectful of the legally established procedures.

### Brit Arrested in Torrevieja Cannabis Club Shutdown

The Guardia Civil has shut down a cannabis club in Torrevieja, as part of the nationwide campaign to combat cannabis cultivation and trafficking.



During the investigations, two searches have been made at the premises of the association, and in addition, three individuals of English and Colombian nationalities have been arrested.



Investigations began in February, when the Guardia Civil received various complaints pointing to sales of drugs to foreign tourists by a cannabis association in Torrevieja, which motivated the start of Operation Primatum by the Guardia Civil in Torrevieja.



During the course of investigations, the officers carried out various actions that confirmed their suspicions about the true nature of the association.



The entity was found to operate under the guise of a nonprofit association but was actually involved in drug trafficking. Multiple administrative violations were committed against foreign tourists for having hashish and marijuana on the public roadway when leaving the establishment, indicating that consumption was not limited to the premises.



In addition, the documentation of the association did not accurately reflect the users who accessed or the quantities of substances that should be distributed among their partners.



Amongst many of the rules surrounding cannabis clubs, the individual user must bring their own drugs to the premises, and consume it before leaving, they are not allowed to take drugs away. In addition, strict membership records must be kept.

### Free Hot Weather Alerts from the Ministry of Health

Starting on Thursday, May 16, the Ministry of Health has once again activated the National Preventive Action Plan for the Effects of Excess Temperatures on health. The objective of the National Plan is to prevent and mitigate the negative effects that excessive heat can have on the health of citizens, especially in risk or more vulnerable groups, such as older people, pregnant women, minors, and people with chronic diseases, as well as in those groups that carry out their work or make efforts outdoors.



As part of the protocol, you can receive official alerts for your area by email and SMS, for free, by signing up on the official website (link below).



You have to give your name, email address and mobile number, the province you want to receive the alerts for (Alicante in the case of Torrevieja) and choose the dates you want to receive the alerts, from now until the end of September.



Once you submit your data you will receive an email with a link to activate the service, but DO NOT CLICK the link, until you have received an activation code by SMS, which they say could take a few hours. Once you have the code by SMS, then click the link, submit the code, and you are good to go.



Remember to only add your information to the official website linked below, and also remember that the service is completely free, so if any websites attempt to charge, do not submit your information.



Here is the link to subscribe to the free and official alerts:



https://www.sanidad.gob.es/excesoTemperaturas2024/suscripcion.do



One of the priority actions of the Plan is to alert health authorities and citizens sufficiently in advance of possible risk situations. To this end, the Ministry of Health will provide the Autonomous Communities with daily predictions of maximum temperatures prepared by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) as well as the health risk levels due to high temperatures. This information will also be available to citizens on the Ministry's website.



The Plan defines for each territorial area a temperature threshold of health impact from which a significant statistical relationship between mortality and heat has been observed.



Each day, the Ministry of Health establishes a daily risk level for each territorial area based on the difference between the temperatures predicted by AEMET for that day and the following two days and the temperature threshold for health impact. There are four risk levels (level 0 (green), no risk, level 1 (yellow), low risk, level 2 (orange), medium risk and level 3 (red), high risk.



Outdoor workers are not allowed to carry out their activities if certain alert levels are activated, but the level and threshold differs from area to area, so it is important to check where you are.



You can view the heat warning weather map here:



https://www.sanidad.gob.es/excesoTemperaturas2024/provincias.do



The main novelty of the Plan in 2024 is the introduction of the Meteoalert Zone used by AEMET as a territorial level for extreme heat warnings, which complements the provincial level used in previous plans. The calculation of the new thresholds per weather alert zone has been carried out by the Climate Change Health and Urban Environment Research Group, of the Carlos III Health Institute. Extreme heat warnings at the Meteoalert zone level will be available starting June 3.



This information is updated daily on the Ministry of Health website (www.sanidad.gob.es).



Remember also to always follow the advice of health professionals, such as avoiding the hottest part of the day, walking in the shade, wearing light clothing, avoiding alcohol, but drinking plenty of water, amongst other important measures.

### Torrevieja Among the Five Spanish Cities with the "Lowest Well-Being" in the Country

Historically famed for the microclimate that brought health benefits due to the location in a natural park area, with an ecosystem supported by the lagoons, and shadow-protected by the surrounding mountains, not to mention the benefits of the Mediterranean Sea, the benefits brought by the natural environment are now being overshadowed by the reality of human intervention, as Torrevieja has been named among the five Spanish cities with the "lowest well-being" in the country.



The Valencian Community is one of the three autonomies - along with Andalusia and the Canary Islands - where the majority of localities have well-being values ​​below average, and Torrevieja is one of those that presents "lower well-being" along with La Línea de la Concepción (Cádiz), Ceuta, Melilla, and Algeciras (Cádiz).



These are some of the conclusions of the latest Report on Inequality in Spain, which the Fundación Alternativas has prepared for the sixth year to try to analyse on this occasion the effect of the demographic, climate, and digital transitions on poverty and, more directly, on inequality.



Regarding global warming and associated climate change, the report indicates that Alicante, due to its tendency to increase water stress, is among the cities at risk of desertification and in which its potential and opportunities will significantly worsen.



At the national level, economic and social inequality is concentrated on the one hand in large cities compared, above all, to the rural world and on the other, territorially, it presents levels significantly higher than the average in Madrid, the Mediterranean coast, and the islands.



The report argues that this trend can only be corrected with political will and private collaboration, acting in the areas of access to housing and digitalisation, the improvement and extension of public services and the rationalisation of production and consumption, all of this. in a more balanced way than at present and with attention to regional and local peculiarities and competencies.



Going into detail, from the multiple data available, the study says, "clearly" emerges a notable correlation between the size of the municipality and the average net income per household in 2021 and, at the same time, greater income inequality as the number of households increases. population.



The percentage of the immigrant population, which is concentrated in large cities, also has a significant relationship with inequality, since they tend to occupy jobs with below-average qualifications and therefore raise the inequality figures of the municipalities where they are more present.



It warns that the two main threats to equality in the city of the future are the transformation of the labour market due to technological advances, and the housing problem.



The first could accentuate the socioeconomic polarisation of urban society as a consequence of the successive adjustments planned in the labour market (with the inherent risk of increased unemployment) and the increase in the segment of low-paid labour.



Regarding housing, the report maintains that, if the current tendency to put its economic dimension before its social dimension as a basic necessity continues, the aforementioned polarisation will worsen, aggravating the dynamics of urban segregation, as well as affordability problems, substandard housing and homelessness. It should be noted that according to the Institute of National Statistics, around 30,000 properties are currently vacant in Torrevieja, around a quarter of the stock, and yet there seems to be an obsession to build more and destroy the natural landscape in doing so.



Regarding global warming and associated climate change, the report points out that they generate territorial inequalities from a double perspective, both because they harm the most disadvantaged to a greater extent due to their lesser capacity to adapt and because they unequally modify opportunities for the general population of the territories most affected, forcing them in extreme cases to emigrate.



It focuses mainly on the risk of desertification and predicts that the potential and opportunities of the autonomous city of Melilla and the provinces of Granada, Almería, Ciudad Real, Seville, Badajoz, Córdoba, Huelva, Jaén, Cádiz and Málaga will significantly worsen, to which are added Murcia, Albacete, and Alicante due to their tendency to increase water stress.

### Torrevieja PP Meet for Election Strategy Plan

This week, the local PP political group met to announce and approve the appointments of the Executive Committee and the Campaign Director of ahead of the European Elections on June 9, 2024.



To the people previously named as vice-secretaries: Lola Sánchez, Federico Alarcón, José Rubio, Domingo Paredes, Mamen Mateo and Ricardo Recuero, it is worth highlighting the expansion of area secretaries and executive secretaries, increasing their number by more than 150 people. These work teams will be in charge of analysing, collecting opinions, and proposing improving Torrevieja, something they should be doing as part of the majority government team anyway of course.



The Committee approved and announced the person who will direct the electoral campaign, which will be José Rubio, as well as the calendar of events planned by the local PP for the next European Parliament Elections.



The mayor of Torrevieja and president of the local PP, Eduardo Dolón, has highlighted the continuous renewal that the party is carrying out and thanked the firm commitment of all the people who have joined the PP of Torrevieja.



Finally, Eduardo Dolón assured that this new and exciting stage that is beginning aims to promote and reactivate all the party's work teams in view of these next elections, much in the same way he did before the last local elections, although some people are questioning when the promises he made then will be realised.

### Torrevieja Socialists Remind the PP Government They Contributed to the N-332 Widening Delay

The PSOE of Torrevieja has thanked the Ministry of Transport and the Government of Spain for the announcement of the widening of much of the N-332 as it passes through Torrevieja.



Last Friday, Minister Óscar Puente finally announced the start of the procedures for the unfolding of a 4.21 km stretch of the 8 km route of the N-332, a project has appeared for years as one of the most important problems for the citizens of Torrevieja and even other municipalities.



For years, political representatives of all stripes have been demanding the unfolding of this stretch of highway, whose daily collapse in both directions causes discomfort and inconvenience among citizens.



However, the PSOE point out that the delay has been used as a weapon by the PP of Torrevieja during the years of socialist government in the nation, increasing in recent months, when the truth is that the delay has been mainly due to technical problems and even environmental impact, and the town hall themselves played a big part in that original delay.



Whereas the local PP group are critical of the PSOE in central Government, they also neglect to point out that no action was taken whilst their own party was in power in the country prior to the current administration.



Bárbara Soler, spokesperson for the PSOE of Torrevieja, has complained about the attitude of the local PP government team, “I consider that all public representatives, of any party, must be firm in our commitment and go hand in hand in these types of demands”.  Above all, says Soler, “I regret these attitudes because the technical problems derive above all from the fact that, at the time, the highway easements were not fully respected. That is to say, the Council, governed by the PP, allowed the space on the sides of the road through which the widening should now run to be occupied beyond what was due. The search for functional and viable solutions has meant a great delay in the project, together with the significant delay that occurred in the transfer of the land by the City Council."



Incorrectly and illegally encouraging building on land which does not have the necessary permissions is still apparently a lesson not learnt by the local government team.



The socialist spokesperson did clarify that “we understand that the PP government team also” wants to convey her gratitude to Minister Óscar Puente and the Government of Spain. “Several months ago, the socialists began to collect information about the status of the project and to transmit our concern to many people who have collected it and made it their own. “Everyone has worked to make this possible.” In fact, Soler has indicated that they still have a meeting pending to discuss the status of the remaining 3.2 km that must be submitted to environmental impact consultation.



In this sense, Soler wanted to express his personal gratitude to Pere Rostoll, Director of Communication at the Ministry of Transport, "for indicating the channel to address the people responsible for this matter", and to Senator Ana Martínez Zaragoza and the national deputy Alejandro Soler "for facilitating communication with the team of Marta Serrano Balbuena, General Secretary of Land Transportation."



Bárbara Soler has concluded that the PSOE will continue working for the interests of Torrevieja and all Torrevieja residents.

### Alicante Airport Long Stay Parking Must Now be Prebooked

Spanish airport operator AENA has issued a notice advising that from this week, access to the Long Stay Parking at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport will only be possible with prior reservation.



The change is active from 15 May 2024, and in the event of a booking not having been made, only the general parking facility will be available, and this costs more for a longer period of time.



You can download the AENA app, or parking.aena.es, sign up and book your parking at the airport direct, just do so in advance if you want to take advantage of the cheaper long stay facility.

### Being European Celebrated in Style in Torrevieja

Being part of the European Union was celebrated with a series of events this week, including the "Europe Day" Pétanque tournament, and various celebrations around the Eurovision Song Contest, but the highlight for many was the bringing together of all of these elements in a gala in the International Auditorium.



The free gala to commemorate Europe Day in Torrevieja, was held on May 9, and the star of the show was David Civera, who participated in Eurovision in 2001 with the song “Dile que la quiero” (Tell her that I love her), achieving a creditable 6th position.



Many of the attendees donned the traditional attire of their country, but many just went along to enjoy being part of the union that benefits everyone, this time in the company of music, song, and the occasional dance.

### Court Blocks Torrevieja Skyscraper Project

The Supreme Court has blocked the construction of a skyscraper project in Torrevieja, that would have seen the construction of a 26-storey, 80 metres high residential block on the beachfront designed by Baraka and Metrovacesa by considering "binding and mandatory" the reports from the Ministry for the Ecological Transition against the project.



Thus, the construction, where there is another project promoted by Metrovacesa, will not be allowed to go ahead after the Ministry report, on which the Supreme Court's ruling is based, points out that the towers "limit the visual field, adding an unwanted effect of verticality that bursts into the landscape".



There are two rulings against the projects, that of the Supreme Court and another issued by the Superior Court of Justice of the Valencian Community. Both point out that article 30 of the Coastal Law, which states that "the formation of architectural screens or accumulation of volumes must be avoided" is applicable to this project since it is an unconsolidated urban land. In the opinion of the courts, the construction of these towers would represent a visual screen and an architectural barrier in an area where there are no buildings of this type.



Thus, in the case of the Baraka Towers, the Valencian court annuls the resolution of the municipal plenary session issued in 2021 in which the detailed study was approved, while the Supreme Court does the same with the Metrovacesa Towers project, based to those binding Ministry reports.



According to the official figures from the Institute of National Statistics, around a quarter of the existing properties in Torrevieja are already vacant.

### N-332 Part-Widening Project to be Tendered in 2025

Now that most of the political fighting has died down, almost a year after the elections, the Spanish Government are able to get on with their work, and one project that is set to be a reality soon is the widening of the N-332 road as it passes through Torrevieja.



According to the Minister for Transport, Óscar Puente, the initial project will be put to tender in 2025, and will require various reports to be produced, in a timely manner, which was one of the causes of failure when the rest of the road surrounding Torrevieja was widened originally.



At this time, according to Puente, his area is simultaneously processing the drafting of the project and the environmental impact declaration. In this sense, he explained that, according to what he was told by Carreteras, the road management authority, it will be made public "shortly." "The intention is that the project is definitively approved this year and we put it out to tender in 2025. That is the commitment and, since I am going to fulfil what I say, count on it."



The minister elaborated further and even stated that, from Carreteras, "there are no problems with the declaration and that the project looks good." The last news that was available about this historical claim of the people of Torrevieja was that the Ministry for the Ecological Transition had initiated procedures to obtain this environmental impact declaration.



The area under study, however, does not include the entire part pending widening, the complete 8 kilometre stretch, but only that between the link of N-332 with the CV-95 at the hospital (also set for a widening project) and the link again of the national highway with the CV-905 near the Park of Nations, although this is the worst part of the stretch of the notorious road.



Thus, the section between the shopping centre area and Alto de la Casilla, both towards La Mata and Guardamar in the north (passing Quironsalud Hospital), and the brief south section from the hospital turnoff towards the Orihuela Costa, would still be a single lane in each direction.

### Drone Flight over Lagoons Village in Torrevieja

Having obtained the necessary permissions from both the civil and military authorities, our drone pilot took flight this week over the new Lagoons Village development in Torrevieja to track the progress.



With now less than a month before the road is scheduled to reopen, you can see how the “wibbly, wobbly road” is taking shape, and how the new roundabouts will provide access and egress to the new urbanisation.



Towards the end, you can even see how the runways are now mapped out for the new Torrevieja Airport… Okay, that bit isn´t real, but it does actually look like it!



The new Lagoons Village is between the Jardin del Mar urbanisations and La Siesta, in an area known as La Hoya, and is adjacent to the CV-905 road which runs from Torrevieja to Quesada.




https://youtu.be/HFOs3GgWhSY




If you would also like to take a trip at road level along the wibbly, wobbly road just before it closed down for the work, you can also do that on the video below, and see how things have changed so far.




https://youtu.be/4ltq22tW-GI




And finally, the video we posted warning of the road closure is here too.




https://youtu.be/8MBC20op7h0

### Children Injured in E-scooter Crash

Whilst Torrevieja Local Police commenced their awareness and enforcement campaign on e-scooters in the town only a couple of weeks ago, the message had not yet reached two children who were seriously injured in a collision in the town centre on Tuesday.



The emergency services received an alert that two occupants of one scooter had been involved in a crash on Avenida de Paris, and immediately sent medical assistance to the scene.



The two children, aged 13 and 15, were injured, the youngest had multiple trauma due to head injury and was stabilised by the paramedics who performed advanced life support manoeuvres on the victim before going to hospital.



The oldest child was treated for a possible broken collarbone.



Torrevieja has mandated that the minimum age to ride an e-scooter is 16, and national laws dictate that only one rider is permitted on each vehicle. In addition, Torrevieja town hall has made the decision not to make helmets mandatory, a life saving device that considerably reduces the risk to life. Other municipalities do enforce mandatory helmets, and others require compulsory insurance.



Torrevieja Local Police are continuing their awareness and enforcement campaign to try to reduce the risks to riders and other road users.

### Tribute to Torrevieja May Fair 2024 – Schedule of Events

The Torrevieja May Fair will once again be considerably smaller than previous years, and relocated into the rather small Railways Station Park, and, just like last year, will once again be billed as a Tribute to the May Fair, rather than the lavish extravaganza which attracted tourists from around the country.



Torrevieja May Fair 2024 Schedule of EventsThursday May 9Friday 10th MaySaturday May 11



The Councillor for Festivals of the Torrevieja City Council, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, reported that everything is already prepared for the Tribute to the Torrevieja May Fair, which will be held from May 9 to 12, in the Parque de la Estación, which is now closed to the public whilst the fixtures are installed.



The councillor highlights that, like last year, the Parque de la Estación will have a regulated capacity with the maximum legal capacity, and so it is possible you might get turned away, which critics of the location point out would not be the case if the event was held in a more suitable location like the Antonio Soria Park.



The station park will be conditioned to house a stage for dance schools to hold their exhibitions and 6 booths will be installed. The councillor did not point out that this too is a further reduction as last year there were 7 booths, which was already a considerable reduction on the 20 normally provided in the harbour area.



The park and the booths will have the same musical background with the performance of DJs.



The Department of Public Lighting will illuminate the tribute with traditional luminous arches, which is a bonus because on of the town hall’s arguments for not locating the venue at the Antonio Soria Park is the lack of electricity (despite the fact this has not affected a single one of the other events which have taken place there).



The venue will open on Thursday, May 9, at 7:00 p.m., with the inauguration of the Tribute to the May Fair. The venue will close its doors on Sunday, May 12, in the afternoon.



The Station Park site will have security guards, as well as volunteers from Civil Protection and Local Police. Two ambulances will also be permanently located, a drinking water point will be installed for the use of the booths and in the area of ​​cleaning, both waste collection and recycling, as well as work inside the park, will be reinforced.



Finally, it should be noted that the Local Police have planned traffic cuts and parking restrictions around the Parque de la Estación on Avenida de la Estación (between Avda. Diego Ramírez and C/Greco) and Calle Greco (between Avda. Estación and C /Portalicos) (if only there was a more suitable location with more parking (like Antonio Soria Park)!!!)



Torrevieja May Fair 2024 Schedule of Events



Thursday May 9



7:00 p.m.: Opening of doors and Inauguration of the Tribute to the May Fair



8:00 p.m.: “QK” Dance Academy and “Paya's” Dance School



9:30 p.m.: Fireworks



Friday 10th May



8:00 p.m.: “Arantxa Blanco” Dance Centre and the Municipal Dance School with its teacher, Nuria Girona.



Saturday May 11



8:30 p.m.: “Mery Dance Academy” and “Soul Dance”

### What's on in Torrevieja This Weekend - From 3 May 2024

On Saturday, a kickboxing tournament takes place in Torrevieja.



Here is the roundup of our pick of the best what's on in Torrevieja events, and the surrounding area, this weekend, and in the future, from music and culture to sports and spectacles.



If you have read this roundup previously, the newly added events are in bold.



What's On This WeekendFuture EventsTheatre, Culture and MusicBig Name MusicSpecial EventsAirshowsSport and FitnessOther EventsCheck with your Local Tourist Information Office



What's On This Weekend



Saturday is Star Wars Day and a special event will take place in the centre of Torrevieja, “May the Fourth be With You!”



The San Javier Airshow takes place from Friday to Sunday – Festival Aéreo San Javier – over the playas de Santiago de la Ribera, San Javier, Murcia.



The ninth edition 'Elx Street Food Market' will offer national and international food, a market with twenty craft and jewellery stalls, and six concerts, taking place in Elche from Friday to Sunday.



Cartagena will celebrate its “Cruzes de Mayo” from Friday to Sunday, with a program that includes concerts, the installation of more than 40 bars in the centre and activities in more than 20 neighbourhoods and councils.



Sunday is Mother’s Day in Spain, so there will be events themed around that. Guardamar del Segura has a shopping initiative taking place right now.



On Sunday, Totally Tina takes place in Torrevieja Municipal Theatre, a tribute to Tina Turner from the 2008 winner of TV’s Stars in Their Eyes.



From Monday a new swimming class course starts in the Torrevieja municipal swimming pool.



Future Events



Theatre, Culture and Music



Between the 10 and 12 May, Torrevieja will go back to the 80’s and 90’s with a musical spectacle at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre.



A fantastic Europe Day concert will take place in Torrevieja soon with free tickets available shortly.



Big Name Music




Jonas Brothers – 25 May in Barcelona.



Taylor Swift – 29 and 30 May in Madrid.



Calvin Harris – 31 May and 9 and 14 June on Ibiza.



AC/DC – 1 June in Seville.



Olivia Rodrigo – 18 June in Barcelona, 20 June in Madrid.



Tom Jones – 23 June in Valencia, 23 July in Marbella, Alicante on 25 July, Chiclana de la Frontera on 28 July, Almeria on 4 August.



Alice Cooper – 28 June in Barcelona.



Pearl Jam – 6 and 8 July in Barcelona.



Garbage – 9 July in Barcelona.



Metallica – 12 and 14 July in Madrid.



James Blunt – Barcelona on 17 July, Alicante on 19 July, Chiclana de la Frontera on 20 July



Simple Minds – 26 July in Granada.




Special Events



Torrevieja May Fair will take place from 9 to 12 May 2024, once again at the Station Park (full details next week).



Airshows



The DIFAS 2024, taking place in Oviedo on 1 June, and on 15th June, the 50º Aniversario del ALA 14, in Albacete, where a competition is open to design a Eurofighter livery.



The Gijon Airshow is on 27 and 28 July.



Sport and Fitness



On 18 May both a 10k run and walk is taking place between San Miguel de Salinas and Los Montesinos, with a focus on raising funds for charity.



On 19 May, a race will take place in the streets of Formentera de Segura.



From 31 May to 2 June, the YOGAMAR conference takes place in Guardamar del Segura.



From 22 June to 14 July the Torrevieja International Cup will take place bringing together a variety of international competitors in various disciplines, including football and rugby.



Other Events



RBF Torrevieja 2024 - Reggaeton Beach Festival – 3 and 4 August.



Brilla Torrevieja – 27 July to 12 August.



Check with your Local Tourist Information Office



As you might expect, this is not a complete list of events, as there are far too many to put in brief, but they are a hand-picked selection of the most popular or interesting.



For more events in your area, check with your local tourist information office.

### Fake Torrevieja Gas Man Thief Arrested in Madrid

The National Police arrested a man in Madrid for allegedly stealing jewellery from homes located in different parts of Spain, including Torrevieja, Getafe (Madrid), Cuenca and Valladolid, whilst posing as a technician for the home care service for elderly people, or a gas inspector, in order to gain entry.



The investigation began last October by relating several complaints about robberies in which the same procedure had been used, which led the agents to suspect that it could be the same person.



First, he contacted his potential victims by telephone - always elderly - and made an appointment with them to check for alleged technical anomalies in the operation of the home assistance service or the gas supply.



He gained their trust until they allowed him to enter their home and he conducted a survey about the operation of the assistance devices.



Then he told them that metal objects, such as jewellery and cash, caused interference in the devices, so he asked them to hand them over to him for various tests.



At times, he required them to remain still in the living room with their feet on some newspapers and to remove all jewellery to avoid interruptions in the service.



Meanwhile, as investigators have determined, he searched the home and seized any valuables he found.



As the investigations advanced, the agents carried out a device to identify and locate the suspect, who changed his address frequently.



It was at the beginning of April when he was arrested in Madrid as the alleged perpetrator of five crimes of theft and one of robbery with violence.



In addition, the man, 28 years old and of Spanish nationality, has ten legal claims for similar acts committed in different parts of the country.

### Torrevieja Court has NOT Reopened Carnival Parade Proceedings

The Court of Instruction number 2 of Torrevieja has not reopened previous proceedings in relation to a complaint from the Spanish Foundation of Christian Lawyers for a parade of minors in the carnival parade, contrary to what has been reported in recent days.



As clarified by the Valencian TSJ, this court does not currently have any case related to these events nor has it therefore summoned complainants, investigators or witnesses to testify between the 28th and 30th of this month of May, as reports indicate.



The complaint of that organisation for the parade of minors of a carnival troupe held in Torrevieja on February 5 fell at the time to another judicial body: the Court of Instruction number 1 of the city.



That Court ordered the archiving of the proceedings in an order dated March 1, understanding that the perpetration of the reported crimes had not been duly justified.



This is why any decision that is related to the same reported facts, such as a hypothetical reopening of the case, can only be adopted by the Investigative Court 1 of Torrevieja, as the judicial body with jurisdiction over the matter explain.



For their part, the Spanish Foundation of Christian Lawyers explained this they had become confused in the procedure and reopened proceedings in relation to a girls' parade, because, in reality, the case which had been reopened was in fact in relation to a robbery in a chapel, and nothing to do with Torrevieja carnival. These are two cases that also correspond to different courts.

### Calls to Implement Mandatory Low Emissions Zone in Torrevieja

The Compromís Los Verdes collaborative group in Torrevieja demand that the council immediately apply the low emissions zone (ZBE) in the municipality to comply with European regulations and undertake the obligation that Europe dictated more than a year ago.



The Los Verdes have considered that the low emissions zone (ZBE) should have been operating in Torrevieja for many months as it is one of the Spanish cities where its application is mandatory due to its population size and the high levels of pollution they suffer in certain areas of the municipality and communication routes that support a high density of traffic on a daily basis, to which we must also add the considerable aging of the public and private vehicle fleet.



The greens explained that the Climate Change Law approved in 2021 establishes that this regulation is mandatory throughout Spanish territory for all towns and cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants from January 2023. Torrevieja announced last month of October that was drafting an ordinance to regulate the ZBE, to delimit certain streets and walks with the aim of reducing traffic to unsuitable vehicles and protecting some areas of the urban centre from pollution.



Some measures that Los Verdes consider insufficient, as stated by the former mayor of Los Verdes, José Manuel Dolón, who has warned that "we are waiting to be able to appear in the administrative file and present, where appropriate, the considerations and/or allegations that "We deem appropriate to improve the proposed text."



For José Manuel Dolón, “the haste and enthusiasm with which the PP processed the acquisition of privately owned land and buildings have nothing to do with the tranquillity with which the application of measures against global warming is approached, which are not a priority for the mayor, Eduardo Dolón, nor for his government team, just as is happening throughout Spain with the climate change denialist right.”



“In addition to the special particularities that traffic mobility as a whole has in the municipality of Torrevieja given the presence of the two lagoons that make up the Las Salinas de La Mata y Torrevieja Natural Park that runs through a narrow corridor, with a massive presence of urbanisations and buildings, which greatly hinders mobility generated by the silting and even the collapse of traffic in various parts of the municipality, as well as on the most important and strategic roads,” the former mayor detailed.



As José Manuel Dolón explained, “all of this can be seen with special singularity on the national highway CN-332 and the autonomous highways CV-90 and CV-95, the three most important communication routes between Torrevieja and the municipalities of the region of the Vega Baja del Segura, in the province of Alicante and the rest of Spain. Arteries that cause part of the traffic to move to other interior streets of the municipality, thus increasing the density and frequency of traffic in neighbourhoods and urbanisations of Torrevieja that were not designed for this, but for the use and communication of its residents”.



For Los Verdes, “the consequence of the entire policy of speculation and overexploitation of land suffered in Torrevieja during the 33 years of municipal governments of the PP has caused a considerable increase in road insecurity and atmospheric and noise pollution that seriously damages health. and the tranquillity of its residents and visitors. And all this is added to the constant refusal of the PP to renew the General Urban Planning Plan (PGOU) in order to continue with the development of an à la carte urban planning in which favours for its cronies and hooliganism like those of freedom prevail. typology, hotel use or liberalisation for the implementation of large shops and stores.”



According to José Manuel Dolón, “in this context it is essential that traffic in certain areas of Torrevieja is regulated and has some limitation measure, such as the application of the ZBE, which at Los Verdes Compromís we demand be applied without further delay and that it includes in its design all the residential areas that currently suffer from the undesirable increase in traffic and pollution.”

### More Delays Reported for Levante Dam Upgrade

Sueña Torrevieja alert that the works on the Levante Dam are delayed again.



Pablo Samper, spokesperson for the group, describes as a “joke” this new delay of a promised investment by the mayor of Torrevieja who has been announcing the start of the works for nearly two years, having also spent an entire legislature without moving a single stone.



The urgent Local Government Board of March 28, 2024, approves the withdrawal of the award procedure for the repair works of the dique de Levante, Levante Dam, initiating a new contracting file by decree of the same date, and it is already the third.



On July 14, 2022, almost 22 months ago, on the occasion of the visit of the Minister of Territorial Policy and Public Works, to the works of the Customs building and the fish market, the mayor stated that the municipal works of the dam were scheduled to begin in October 2022.



The mayor said, “in all likelihood we will begin works at the municipal level sooner on the Levante dam than on the external redevelopment; In fact, it is the first thing we have to finish because it has to be perfectly connected to the (private) building.”



On February 17, 2023, more than 14 months ago, on TVT Torrevieja, the mayor stated that, “with the Framework Agreement, in 20 days we will have a successful bidder and that, throughout this summer, works will begin throughout the Levante dam”.



On September 14, 2023, more than 7 months ago, on the occasion of the visit of the General Director of Ports, the mayor promised the imminent works on the Levante dam, as follows:



“In a month, a month and a half we will have an award through the Framework Agreement", but more than 3 and a half months have passed, and not only have the works not been awarded, but on March 28, 2024, initiated a new tender file.



“The objective that we have initially established is that before the end of the year we will be in the comprehensive reform of the Levante dam”, and not only have the works not started, but they have not yet been put out to tender again.



On December 22, 2023, the Governing Board approves a second tender, changing the title of the head of works to that proposed by the company, losing more than a month in the procedure, the deadline for submitting offers has ended on February 1, 2024.



On March 28, 2024, a third contracting file was started, with the file not appearing on the contracting portal to date.

### Tickets Soon to be Released for a Fantastic Free European Celebration Gala

Tickets will soon be released for a fantastic, and free, celebration gala to commemorate Europe Day in Torrevieja, which will be held at the Torrevieja International Auditorium, on May 9.



The Department of the Presidency together with the Department of International Residents of the Torrevieja Council have organised the event in commemoration of Europe Day 2024, and this special gala will feature a performance by David Civera, who participated in Eurovision in 2001 with the song “Dile que la quiero” (Tell her that I love her), achieving a creditable 6th position.



The gala, which will be held on May 9 at 7:30 p.m., will feature several performances by local artists that will make the audience vibrate prior to David Civera's concert.



Tickets are free with invitation and can be reserved and downloaded from the culturatorrevieja.com portal starting May 3.



The Torrevieja Council will also provide a free bus service from calle Faleria to the International Auditorium, with the first departure at 6:00 p.m. and the last at 6:30 p.m.




https://youtu.be/lSodq_se5BU?si=OuTQyilPgwJmfmGW




Plus, on May 11, the "Europe Day" Pétanque tournament will take place, from 9:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., on the courts of the Rocajuna urbanisation, with the participation of several European teams, made up of settled players in Torrevieja and who will represent the following countries: Spain, United Kingdom, Sweden, France, Belgium, and the Rest of Europe.



Spain, winner of the Tournament in the last edition of 2023, will of course try to retain the title.

### Torrevieja Police Continue E-scooters Clampdown

The Local Police of Torrevieja continues with its informative, training and prevention work regarding personal mobility vehicles, such as the so-called e-scooters.In recent weeks, several interventions have been carried out through controls in different locations, in which it has been detected that many young people who are not of the legal age are driving this type of vehicle, for which they have been sanctioned, since the regulations indicate that they cannot drive them until they are 16 years old.Furthermore, among the sanctions imposed, a scooter was detected that exceeded 25 km/h, which is the limit established, and a scooter was sanctioned whose licence plate, which should be correctly marked, was tampered with and illegible.In the future, the Local Police will continue to establish controls to continue working for citizen coexistence between Personal Mobility Vehicles, automobiles and, above all, pedestrians, in order to raise awareness among everyone that coexistence prevails in everyone's mobility.




E-scooters are not permitted on pedestrian areas



The maximum permitted speed is 25 kmph



Tampered plate

### Torrevieja Socialists Raise Concerns Over Several “Questionable” Contracts

The Socialist Party of Torrevieja questions the management of the PP by revealing the content of several minor contracts that they call “questionable”.



Minor contracts, those that can be awarded “by hand” for amounts of up to 15,000 euro plus IVA in the case of supplies and services and 40,000 plus IVA in the case of works, have reached a record number of 671 in Torrevieja since the PP agreed to the mayor's office in 2019, according to data provided by Bárbara Soler at a press conference. A huge number of these contracts outsource functions that can be carried out by the Torrevieja Council's own civil servants.



The Director of the Council's legal advice already issued a report in 2023 warning that minor hiring must be exceptional and punctual, which in Torrevieja was carried out routinely, which could give rise to “unintended legal consequences.”



The spokesperson for the socialist municipal group of Torrevieja has questioned the management of the PP group by revealing the number and content of several minor contracts awarded by the Torrevieja Council. Among the examples, the creation - mandatory based on state and European regulations - of an ethical compliance office to prevent fraud in public procurement awarded by hand to a former senator and former deputy of the PP. “We are making a good start in this ethical contracting, the joke tells itself”, said Soler, who recalled that the Torrevieja Council has a legal team and a Director of the legal department who could have carried out this task.



Another aspect that draws attention, in addition to their number, is the purpose of these contracts. Sometimes, minor contracts are awarded on matters that are not the responsibility of the Council, and in others, tasks that could be carried out by municipal civil servants are outsourced. “In the category of the latter we have, for example, preparing the census of cemeteries. Here two companies from the same administrator are invited openly and both present an offer with a difference of 50 euro. So this thing that the municipal staff could do perfectly well ends up costing us 17,908 euro. With the previous government, minor contracts were published so that anyone who wanted could submit their offer, but now a budget is requested directly from the lucky ones,” Soler lamented.



The contract to initiate the necessary procedures to protect the Tintero beachside restaurant as an asset of local relevance also falls into the same category of companies that carry out functions that would be done more cheaply, efficiently and quickly by Council staff. “A task that, if carried out by municipal staff, would have arrived in time to allow us to fight for its survival, but that when outsourced meant throwing away almost 11,000 euro from the citizens of Torrevieja for reports that never arrived, since that the Tintero was demolished before the company completed its assignment," says Soler.



Another of the contracts cited by the spokesperson has been the appraisal of a rural land that the City Council is interested in acquiring “for some reason” and “since the Council has numerous architects who could carry out this appraisal, we are going to an external company”. What is striking, in Soler's words, is that “for an appraisal of a land worth 130,000 euro we have paid 18,000. Let citizens review how much the appraisal of their properties cost them because this has no explanation.”



Likewise, the spokesperson has stated that there is a minor contract for the study of solutions to be implemented in Agreement C-2 “Punta la Víbora” for the redevelopment of said area, the purpose of which is to propose solutions that will subsequently allow, after selecting the one considers more appropriate, the development of the corresponding project. “It is curious that the documentation containing these solutions, which is called memory, was delivered several months after the project that had to choose one of them was put out to tender, which turns this minor contract into smoke” and, furthermore, “the first time it was presented it was done with the name of our General Director of Services and Urban Planning on the cover, which was corrected the second time the same document was presented but already headed with the name of the successful bidder. We understand that this was a mistake, without further ado, because it could not be that this documentation was prepared in whole or in part by our General Director and was collected by a third person, that would be a scandal. It would be unthinkable, surely there is another reason.”



Above all, Bárbara Soler continues, because “this report consists of 9 pages, several of them with background information and photographs and one of them copied word for word from an internet article, including the photo of our illustrious photographer Joaquín Carrión. A document for which we in Torrevieja have paid 17,545 euro.”



The spokesperson has harshly criticised the management of the PP of Torrevieja and has expressed the desire of the Socialist Party that the ethical compliance office that is going to be created will lead to the termination of minor contracts awarded by hand to related companies and that an end to the shameful waste of public money on useless or outsourced tasks without reason. “In this Council there is no place for transparency or equal opportunities, much less efficient management.”

### Things to do in Torrevieja this Weekend - From 26 April 2024

If you´re looking for things to do in Torrevieja this weekend, we have our pick of the best, as well as a few events taking place in the surrounding areas, not too far away. Just a reminder that next weekend sees the San Javier air show taking place, so you might want to clear time in your hectic diary for that. Also, next week we have another red day, 1 May, Labour Day. Also, mums look away now... Next weekend is Mother´s Day!



Lets get back to this weekend events for now though...



On Friday there is a film music tribute concert taking place in the International Auditorium in Torrevieja, specifically a tribute to the music of Morricone, Williams, and Zimmer, three of the greatest film score composers of modern times, arguably.



Also in Torrevieja on the same day, a dance festival will celebrate International Dance Day.



El Clot de Galvany, the nature reserve situated at the foot of the Gran Alacant hill, has organised a thematic visit with the name “Butterflies in El Clot” taking place on Sunday.



There will be fireworks in Alicante this weekend, Saturday night will be illuminated with a nocturnal mascletà in Florida-Portazgo and on Sunday it will be the turn of the fifth wind-suspended launch of the 'Pólvora tot l'any' cycle.



In Catral on Saturday a magic show, Vega Magica, takes place, then moving to Rojales the next day.



From Thursday and through the weekend, in the Murcia regional exhibition centre in Torre Pacheco, the Equimur horse show takes place.



And, talking of animals, although it’s a little far but in Tarifa in Cadiz, on Sunday, an emergency services dog show is taking place to celebrate those four-legged friends who dedicate their lives to helping humans stay safer in celebration of World Canine Rescuers Day.



Not without controversy we won´t mention at this stage, the picture is from the top of that hill in Gran Alacant, where many people have taken to the sky for a better view of the Mediterranean, although on a clear day, the view from the hill is pretty special anyway.

### Road Closures in the Centre of Torrevieja

For the next two weeks, traffic flow will be disrupted due to road closures in the centre of Torrevieja in connection with the port redevelopment work.



On this occasion, traffic diversions will be in place due to the construction of the Paseo de la Libertad roundabout.







This is the first phase of the works and will result in disruption and diversions, but not affecting the traffic flow in both directions as much as possible to minimise the disruption.



That said, unless you need to, it is probably best to avoid the area to do your bit to also minimising disruption during this phase.



We have also included the latest list of road closures in Torrevieja for your convenience.

### 35 People Arrested in Drugs Operation

Two organisations dedicated to the sale of drugs that operated in the provinces of Alicante, Murcia, and Valencia have been dismantled by the Guardia Civil.



Searches were carried out in properties in Torrevieja, Bigastro, Callosa de Segura, Orihuela, San Miguel de Salinas, and Beniel, resulting in 35 people having been arrested.



The operation, called “Primoto”, began at the end of 2022, when officers from the Torrevieja Guardia Civil witnessed a retail sale on the streets of the town.



As the investigations progressed, a complex network was discovered dedicated to the sale of different types of drugs from homes, on public roads and even through the "telecoca" modality.



To improve sales, they used groups or channels on instant messaging applications. In addition, to attract more customers, they used marketing strategies such as the "Happy Hour" offer, during which they offered the drug at a lower price or gave away additional doses for larger purchases.



They guaranteed a service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They changed addresses quarterly to avoid police action and possible drug dumps.



The gang, led by its boss from a luxurious urbanisation in Moncada (Valencia), expanded its operations to Bigastro and Callosa de Segura. The leader, known for his ostentatious lifestyle, did not hesitate to boast of his high standard of economic living, even acquiring a luxury vehicle valued at approximately 250,000 euro.



Torrevieja was not long ago highlighted by the United Nations as having a particularly problematic drugs issue.

### Torrevieja´s International Residents Councillor Visits the British Embassy

Torrevieja´s Councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, has visited the British Embassy in Madrid, representing the local council in a visit organised in collaboration with the Consul in Madrid, Bernadette Gallagher, who presented the different departments of the embassy.



In Torrevieja there are approximately 4,900 British residents registered, and whereas this is considerably fewer than say a decade or so ago, during 2023 there was an increase of 2.4% in the registered British population.

























For Torrevieja Council, it was an opportunity to thank the Embassy for the good service. On a day-to-day basis, it is contact with the consulate in Alicante that is incredibly important for the municipality to provide a proper service to British residents and tourists. From the consulate in Alicante, activities are regularly carried out to strengthen coordination between town councils, associations and consular services.



Recent years have presented particular challenges in relation to Brexit. With the support of the different authorities, Torrevieja town hall, and in particular the departments led by the councillor, have tried to reduce the obstacles in this transition. Britons who were already residents before Brexit should not have many problems. Your previous ID (the EU Green ID) is still valid, but both the British and Spanish authorities strongly recommend switching to a TIE (residence card for non-EU citizens). This is to avoid administrative difficulties.



In addition to being the general embassy for all of Spain, consular services are managed not only for Madrid but for all non-coastal areas of Spain and northern Spain. Many embassies and consulates have the issuance of passports as one of their main services. However, for the UK, passports are applied for online and delivered by post, so issuing passports is not part of the work of consulates, but rather issuing emergency travel documents. If people are traveling and have suddenly lost or had their passports stolen. And from Madrid they have a branch that receives these emergency calls, not only from Spain, but they cover opening hours throughout the entire time zone. A similar service exists in Shanghai and Canada to cover all time zones in the world so that there is always an open office.



It is a very wide range of services that are managed by consular services. It is one thing when people want to get married in Spain and need documentation to get married and then register as married. British churches do not have a licence to consecrate people in Spain. Something that, for example, the Swedish and Norwegian churches have and therefore Swedish and Norwegian citizens in Torrevieja can get married in their national church, but not many nationalities have this opportunity.



Another important area for the British authorities in Spanish territory is the service to British travellers on cruise ships leaving Spanish ports. If someone becomes seriously ill or dies, possible diversion and transport to Britain must be arranged.



An area common to the consulates of all countries is visiting prisoners in the territory's prisons. This is based on international conventions.



At the end of the visit there was an interesting meeting with the welfare department. Health insurance for international residents and tourists was discussed here. And in this field, it applies not only to the British, but here there are general measures relating to international inhabitants. And from the embassy and Torrevieja Town Hall, you can agree to ensure you have adequate health insurance before traveling to Spain. Here it is very individual. If you are a tourist, it may be a good idea to take out travel insurance and make sure you read the fine print. If you are a pensioner and move to Spain, you can transfer your health insurance to Spain through an S1 form. When it comes to health, there are still agreements that give similar rights to Britons from when they were EU citizens.

Excerpt: Gitte Lund Thomsen from Torrevieja's local council visited the British Embassy in Madrid to discuss services for the 4,900 British residents. The visit highlighted the consulate's role in aiding residents and tourists, especially post-Brexit. Topics included the TIE card recommendation, consular services' range, and health insurance requirements for visitors and expatriates.

### Torrevieja Socialists Affirm PP's Social Housing Announcement is Just “Pantomime”

The PP President of the Valencia Region, Carlos Mazón, announced a few weeks ago the VIVE Plan with which he intends to build 10,000 social housing units (VPO). The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, announced that he would participate in said plan by giving up land in the La Hoya sector so that the Generalitat could build 600 social homes.



Bárbara Soler, spokesperson for the PSOE, for her part, has stated that the Partial Plan of La Hoya has always included the projection of said homes and was definitively approved in 2021, after several years of processing, so the announcement by Mazón and Dolón “is more than a pantomime with which they try to take credit for the construction of social housing." The socialist spokesperson recalled that the area where these homes will be located is already being urbanised and will be built soon, as planned, "with and without Plan VIVE" and has stated that "if all the homes that Mazón plans to build start from the "Same point as those in Torrevieja, you won't have to make much effort because they are already a reality."



Soler has taken the opportunity to remind the President of the Generalitat that there is abundant legal regulation, both regional and state, that allows “the implementation of packages of measures regarding housing that are essential so that families can have access to affordable housing and that young people can become independent.” This is particularly important in Torrevieja, in the words of the spokesperson, where the price of purchasing and renting housing has multiplied in recent years and continues to increase.



It is a reality that, in some municipalities, construction has been done “above what is advisable.” For Soler, “the supply of social housing is a necessity and we must build it where it is needed, but the priority of the Generalitat should be to manage to inhabit the enormous number of empty homes that municipalities like Torrevieja have, and even more so taking into account that there is a Decree-Law that allows the regional administration to purchase empty housing to use it for social purposes, promoting sustainable development and without having to continue building and always favouring them.”

### Another Torrevieja Park Left Abandoned

The Los Verdes–Compromís group have denounced the state of abandonment of the ILO ILO park in Torrevieja in the Los Balcones urbanisation and have asked the council to act with a shock plan in this public park, to carry out the removal of garbage and weeds, in addition to clarifying the current thick vegetation barrier to facilitate access for neighbours.



“This is a park that borders the protected area of the Salinas de Torrevieja and should have regular cleaning to prevent situations like the one reported here from occurring.” According to Los Verdes, “the PP governments have not stopped boasting in recent years about this space, which is in a deplorable state, given that almost all of the palm trees that populated it have disappeared. And it has a state of the hedges on which they were located without any type of trees or vegetation, which blurs the image of the park and leaves a good part of it without shade areas."



As the former mayor of Los Verdes, José Manuel Dolón, has denounced, “only two of the thirty-one original palm trees that populated this public park of Los Balcones remain for decades, which for many years were pruned and arranged by the residents of the area due to the negligence of the municipal authorities, but during the first years of the last decade of the last century were affected by the plague of the red weevil that almost exterminated them.



“The project for the ILO ILO park works was made public by the former PP mayor Hernández Mateo at the end of his last municipal mandate and the works were awarded by the current mayor Eduardo Dolón with an offer that in 2011 was qualified by municipal technicians as a reckless loss of 293,000 euro when its technical valuation was 420,000 euro,” recalled the former mayor of Los Verdes.



Likewise, he clarified that "the works were inaugurated in 2012, at which time the mayor assured that they were completely finished and in order, but on the contrary, two and a half years later the city council invested another 83,000 euro in improvement works with which he terminated the project.”



For the former mayor, "as is usual in the management of the PP in the Torrevieja City Council, after investments comes abandonment and good proof of this is the state of decay that this public park in the Los Balcones urbanisation suffers without the slightest attention is paid to it. At most, the council is limited to cleaning the paved part of it, the playground, the pet area and the three pine forest areas, leaving the rest full of mimosas and other bushes, as well as dirt and garbage that the municipal cleaning services and parks and gardens do not clean or remove.”



José Manuel Dolón has regretted that "the parks and gardens in the urbanisations and on the outskirts of Torrevieja, with rare exceptions, do not have the attention and care they require" and has reminded the current mayor, Eduardo Dolón, that "the neighbours of these areas of the municipality have the right to enjoy these public facilities under the same conditions as the residents of the city centre.”



"If we take into account the proportions and amounts of the new garbage collection and street cleaning contracts, we do not understand how we have so many recreation areas in this situation of abandonment given that public services could be provided sufficiently, efficiently and without any type of restriction to put an end to the decline of so many green areas in the municipality,” the former mayor concluded.

Excerpt: The Los Verdes–Compromís group criticised the neglect of the ILO ILO park, calling for urgent cleanup and clarification of thick vegetation. With only two out of thirty-one palm trees left, amid claims of mismanagement by PP governments, they demand attention to Torrevieja's green spaces, citing past misallocations of funds and current abandonment.

### Things to Do This Weekend in Torrevieja - From Friday 19 April 2024

Although there are many more things taking place, here is our pick of things to do this weekend in Torrevieja, and the surrounding area, plus a couple a little further afield, but still, hopefully, of interest.



29º Certamen Internacional Juvenil Habaneras takes place in Torrevieja on Saturday, at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre.



Fans of the music of Queen might want to take a trip down to Cartagena on Saturday, where the concert, Symphonic Rhapsody of Queen, A Kind of Magic, will be taking place.



Twenty One Pilots are performing in Madrid on Sunday. You can get a direct bus from Torrevieja to Madrid, and at a very reasonable price. You can also get the high-speed train from Alicante to Madrid, or fly, but the bus leaves Torrevieja bus station and takes you straight to the city.



In Catral, the Sevillanas fiesta takes place from Friday to Sunday, commonly referred to as a May Fair, or April Fair.



On Saturday, a special March Against Cancer takes place in Guardamar del Segura, specifically for the children.



A Mental Health conference is taking place in Torrevieja on Friday and Saturday, specifically focusing on children and adolescents.



The Los Montesinos tapas trail takes place from Friday to Sunday.



On Saturday in the IFA exhibition hall in Alicante, the main enxhibition centre of the province located near Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport, you can delve into the Japanese world of Manga, and if you are in Guardamar del Segura a special bus has been arranged to take fans to the event.



The Todo Tren 2024 tapas event is now on in Torrevieja, taking place until Sunday.




https://youtu.be/UprcpdwuwCg?si=0cIXPyQ8nTLBEdN8

Excerpt: This weekend in Torrevieja offers the 29º Certamen Internacional Juvenil Habaneras and a variety of local events. Enjoy the Symphonic Rhapsody of Queen in Cartagena, the Twenty One Pilots concert in Madrid, accessible by direct bus, and the Sevillanas fiesta in Catral. Participate in the Guardamar del Segura March Against Cancer, delve into Manga in Alicante, and sample tapas at Los Montesinos and the Todo Tren 2024 event.

### Torrevieja Socialist Party shows its support for the Official Language Schools after the drastic cuts suffered for the next academic year

The department of Education of the Valencian Government governed by right-wing PP-VOX alliance justifies the disappearance of 244 groups, 8,450 job positions and 61 teachers by stating that there are classes with a minimal student presence. However, one of the most severe cuts occurs in “Spanish for foreigners”, a language that in Torrevieja has a waiting list of 2,000 people.



Bárbara Soler, head of the area of Foreign Residents of the PSPV Executive, has supported the concentrations of teachers and students of the EOI (Official Language School). “Rovira hides behind the lack of students for the severe cuts he proposes, while the truth is that Spanish for foreigners is one of the most in-demand services. In Torrevieja, with a very large foreign population and an EOI that has been requesting more and more places in this specialty for years, the groups will go from 29 to 12. And it is not the only city where the waiting lists to learn Spanish far exceed to those who finally manage to enroll. Alicante or Valencia are not left far behind.”



The spokesperson for the socialist municipal group assures that there is a significant number of citizens who need to learn Spanish to be able to access their residence permits or even to work in the Valencian Community. “This may precisely be the problem,” says Soler, “it is evident to socialists that these cuts have an ideological background: the Spanish language since it is aimed at migrants. For their part, Arabic, Valencian or Basque have been severely affected by the cuts because they are minority languages or are considered “suspicious” languages by the centre-right Partido Popular (PP/EPP) and the far-right VOX party (ECR) ruling together in the Valencia region.



Bárbara Soler has announced that several members of the Socialist Party of Torrevieja will volunteer next year to offer language exchange and Spanish language classes to residents and migrants. “The department of Education should provide this public service to citizens who need it. We know that our volunteering is far from being sufficient for the existing demand but we are not going to allow people who need to learn the language to be left even further behind. “To the extent possible, we will find the means and the help.” The spokesperson clarified that this is not an ideological issue but “one of justice and necessity” and has encouraged citizens to join these activities, both to teach and to learn the Spanish language.

### Quirónsalud Elche and Quirónsalud Gran Alacant strengthen their services with the incorporation of a new team specialised in advanced ophthalmology

The new unit will be led by Dr. Cristian Fernández, a leader in cataract treatment with premium lens implants



Quironsalud Elche and Quirónsalud Gran Alacant strengthen their Ophthalmology service with the incorporation of a new team of ophthalmologists led by Dr. Cristian Fernández, in their commitment to offer comprehensive, quality and cutting-edge care for the visual health care of their patients.



Dr. Cristian Fernández, a leader in the province of Alicante in the treatment of ocular pathologies, has more than sixteen years of experience during which he has participated in fifteen medical research projects and is the author of more than 25 publications in books and scientific journals. Dr. Fernández is highly specialised in the surgical approach to cataracts with premium lens implantation and astigmatism, in addition to having extensive experience in the medical and surgical treatment of retinal and vitreous diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, epiretinal membrane or retinal detachment.  among others.



 Dr. Itziar Coloma, a leader in ocular plastic surgery and tear ducts; Dr. Alfredo Marchena, an expert in the medical and surgical treatment of glaucoma; and Dr. Ainhoa Fernández, a specialist in paediatric ophthalmology, strabismus, and treatment of amblyopia (lazy eye), complete the new team with which they intend to continue improving the quality of care provided to all their patients.



Technology and experience in the treatment of eye pathology



The Ophthalmology service of Quirónsalud Elche and Quirónsalud Gran Alacant aims to provide all the most effective and advanced medical care and surgical treatments for visual health care. Equipped with the latest technology for the diagnosis and treatment of multiple eye pathologies, it incorporates important innovations such as the implantation of multifocal and extended-range lenses in cataract surgery, laser therapy for glaucoma, micropulsed laser treatment for the retina, state-of-the-art laser surgery for myopia and astigmatism,  and novel vision therapy for children and adults.



Quirónsalud in the Valencian Community and the Region of Murcia



Quirónsalud has ten centres in the Valencian Community and the Region of Murcia, forming a network at the forefront of private medicine where people are the epicentre.



Quirónsalud is at the forefront of private healthcare in the Valencian Community and Murcia in terms of technological endowment, as well as comfort and benefits for both the patient and the professionals who provide their services in its centres.

### More than 700 Language School Places Eliminated

Sueña Torrevieja has raised concerns this week that the PP and VOX government will eliminate 19 groups, totalling 729 places, in the Official Language School of Torrevieja.



Pablo Samper, spokesperson for the group, states that 17 Spanish groups will disappear, one of German and another of Valencian, which puts at risk the continuity for the 2024/2025 academic year of a large number of students who are already currently studying.



Sueña Torrevieja will ask for the support of the mayor of Torrevieja and all municipal groups through a full motion to request the regional PP and Vox government to reverse its decision.



For their part, VOX are famously against any form of immigration, and against the use of the Valencian language, but as a counter argument could be that the learning of languages aids integration, the position of the PP is unclear.



Pablo Samper expresses his utmost recognition and support to the students, teachers, and staff of the Official Language School of Torrevieja in the face of this serious decision.



Pablo Samper assures that “Torrevieja, as the fifth city in the Valencian Community, once again suffers the contempt of the PP and Vox government with the elimination of up to 729 places for students studying at the Official School of Languages of our municipality.”



According to Samper, these are “historic cuts in public education that are going to increase throughout the legislature and are going to endanger the public education of our municipality and the Community.”



The information available to Sueña Torrevieja details that 729 places will disappear out of a total of 8,550 in the entire community, the Spanish groups go from 29 to 12, a German group and another Valencian group disappear.



Samper points out that “we are also extremely concerned about the situation in which a large part of the students who are already studying this year will be left and who may possibly see them cancelled next year, with the great harm that will be caused to them and with a clear violation of the fundamental right to access to public education.”



“Torrevieja, as a tourist municipality that welcomes thousands of citizens from all over the world, with a foreign population that represents more than 50% of the census, cannot be deprived of 17 Spanish groups that will disappear if no one reverses this decision, as well as another group of German and Valencian.”



Samper concludes by expressing his utmost recognition and support to the students, teachers, and staff of the Official Language School of Torrevieja.



A protest against the cuts to education has been organised for Wednesday outside the school.

Excerpt: Sueña Torrevieja argues that the cancellation of 729 language course spots by the PP and VOX government at Torrevieja's Official Language School endangers the educational continuity of many students. Pablo Samper calls for reversal of the decision that eliminates 17 Spanish, one German, and one Valencian group, emphasising the city's diverse population's needs and appealing for local support against these "historic cuts in public education." A protest is planned outside the school.

### Torrevieja Local Police Commence E-Scooter Clampdown

Following on from the start of their awareness campaign about the use of e-scooters, Torrevieja Local Police have started an enforcement campaign to clampdown on their dangerous misuse.



On Monday, several units of the Torrevieja Local Police carried out several checks on e-scooters, Personal Mobility Vehicles by classification, in different avenues and streets of the town.



This initiative is carried out to verify that these vehicles were circulating correctly, and their technical conditions have not been altered.



Likewise, drivers were informed of the recently approved regulations in Torrevieja that regulate the use of this type of vehicle.

### When is Torrevieja May Fair this Year?

The dates have changed persistently over recent years, as has the venue more recently, but if you want to know the answer to the burning question, when is Torrevieja May Fair this year? Then the answer is from 9 to 12 May 2024.



The location of Torrevieja May Fair will once again be the Railway Station Park, El parque de la Estación, the same as last year, due to the ongoing work in the harbour area in the town.



El parque de la Estación



The choice of the Station Park was criticised last year by countless people, and by some of the opposition to the government team, however the local executive justified the choice of this location in the refusal of the dance groups to have to partially cover the travel expenses out of their own pockets to the other available option, the Antonio Soria park, used for similar and much larger events throughout the year.



The other problem with the Antonio Soria Park, according to the Council, was that it required a series of expensive light installations for groups that have little income, a similar problem quoted by the fun fair move, although that was resolved, without any problems since, and, similarly, none of the other events, large or small, have experienced the same issues.



However, the Station Park will host the May Fair for the second year from the 9th and 12th of May, with a contract put to tended with a base bidding budget without taxes of 48,766.55 euro, which includes the installation of an electrical supply!



The number of booths planned for this edition corresponds to the same ones that were installed last year, just 7 as opposed to 20 or so in the traditional event, and as a result of the considerable downsizing of the traditional event, the town hall took the decision to resolve the problem by renaming the event a 'Tribute to the May Fair'.

Excerpt: The Torrevieja May Fair is scheduled from May 9 to 12, 2024, at El parque de la Estación, the same venue as last year, due to harbour construction. Despite criticisms of the location with better alternative sites available, the fair will feature seven booths like the previous year.

### Multi-million-euro Waste Disposal Contractor being Given “Favourable” Treatment

The PSOE of Torrevieja has accused the ruling PP of favourably treating the company Acciona, which is contracted to provide the majority of waste disposal services in the municipality, and yet, as many people would testify through experience, are considerably deficient in doing so.



The mayor announced in the plenary session as requested by the PSOE in 2023 that Acciona was going to be fined 319,000 euro for its breaches of contract during the month of July and that the bill for that month alone was going to be reduced by 580,000 euro, and from then on whatever was appropriate. However, the city council technicians have confirmed to the Socialist Party spokesperson, Bárbara Soler, that the sanctions are reduced to 135,000 euro and that the reduction in invoices for the entire year 2023 will be between 200,000 and 300,000 euro.



Furthermore, the company would be making exclusive use of vehicles that became municipal property at the end of the previous contract without there being, according to the technicians, documentation that formalises the regime in which said elements are available, some of which are discharged by Decree of 2020.



The Decree, signed by the then councillor responsible for the department, Gómez Candel, contemplates the need to decommission a series of vehicles and machinery at the end of their useful life, no longer being valid to provide the service. In the same document, the rental of other vehicles and machines is agreed to replace the previous ones, which represented a cost to the municipal coffers of around 100,000 euro per month.



Once Acciona is awarded the service in mid-2022, it was obliged to provide the service with machinery and vehicles with very specific characteristics. However, the company already announced in the first month of the contract that it would not be able to fulfil this contractual requirement because it could not find the necessary elements on the market to buy or rent. Thus, the Torrevieja Council authorised Acciona to use different elements for as long as they could not access the stipulated ones. However, Acciona has not only been using vehicles other than those contemplated in the contract but has also used and continues to use several municipally owned vehicles without this having led to a reduction in its invoices and without there being documentation that provide coverage for this use, according to what the technicians themselves have answered to Bárbara Soler.



Furthermore, the councillor has assured that she has photographs and videos that corroborate that there are municipally owned vehicles providing the service but that it is not a controversial fact, since this is recognised in various reports and Decrees, which even include the lists. Although not complete, there are other vehicles that we can see on our streets working, that belong to the Council and that do not appear on the lists found in the reports.



More serious is the circumstance that some of those vehicles that continue to provide service today should have been decommissioned in 2020 according to the Decree shown by Bárbara Soler. These are vehicles that are 20 years old and have more than one and a half million kilometres on the clock, double the kilometres that appeared in the reports when the end of their useful life was agreed in 2020. As an example, collection vehicles no. 2245 with registration 4770DCK and #2279 with registration 4885-DDS.



Soler has ended up asking the PP to assume political responsibilities and give explanations about the use of municipal vehicles for private purposes even outside the municipality "by a company that continues to seriously breach the contract, with the only one affected being the city of “Torrevieja”. Likewise, she has demanded that vehicles that should have been deregistered four years ago and that “are neither suitable to provide the service nor safe for the workers who are forced to use them” be removed from circulation.



It should be noted that this contract costs a quarter of the entire municipal budget, and yet it is the users, already paying for the “service”, who are threatened with fines for failing to use the dustbins correctly, despite the fact that in many places the appropriate bins don´t even exist.

### Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja expands space dedicated to Health Premium Card patients with an exclusive heated terrace

The Quirónsalud Torrevieja hospital expands the space of its Premium Lounge with the aim of offering a more personalised, preferential, and exclusive treatment to international patients of its Health Premium Card.



The new Premium Terrace is a large and bright glazed space with all the maximum amenities and comfort to enjoy a quiet environment while patients are in the hospital. This new space, fully air-conditioned to preserve its temperature in winter and summer, has an area for coffee, drinks, and healthy snacks, as well as a rest area designed for relaxation and rest during waits. This space also has a coworking area equipped with Wi-Fi, plugs and furniture for work and enjoyment with electronic devices in comfort.



Advantages of the Health Premium Card



Users of the Health Premium Card have a personal health advisor, priority access for medical appointments, a plan adapted to achieve personalised health goals that includes a check-up to know the initial condition of the patient, as well as an exclusive Premium Lounge within the hospital where they can carry out all the procedures related to their health.



In addition, the Quirónsalud Torrevieja hospital provides you with a team of free interpretation and translation of English, German, French, Dutch, Flemish, Norwegian, Swedish, and Russian, among other languages, trained in the medical terminology and cultural approaches of international patients.



Among the benefits of Health Premium Card users are:




An initial check-up.



Priority access to appointments.



Three free-choice consultations with specialists.



Six ambulance transfers.



Fourteen nursing cures at home.



Free dental cleaning.



Tests for the detection of major diseases.



10% discount on private treatments.




Quirónsalud Torrevieja, an international reference hospital on the Costa Blanca



Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja is an international hospital of excellence, with a team of highly qualified professionals and state-of-the-art technology. It offers a multitude of medical specialties, making it a prestigious multidisciplinary centre both in the field of oncology and in the rest of the medical and surgical specialties. It is the private hospital with the most cutting-edge technology in the Valencian Community. In its more than twenty years of experience, more than 400 people work daily to care for its patients. Due to its location, located in the city of Torrevieja, it is a benchmark for health tourism and for foreign citizens looking for their new residence on the Costa Blanca.



International Admission



The hospital has its own international admissions department, whose sole task is to process authorisations with national and international companies. All authorisation formalities are carried out on a daily basis with national and international insurance companies directly and immediately. The patient does not have to worry about these procedures, this department is exclusively in charge.



International Inpatient Ward



The hospital has an international inpatient ward created to ensure the maximum convenience, comfort, and well-being of the international patient. The patient feels at home throughout the stay and does not perceive the cultural differences that may arise with their idiosyncrasies. All rooms are single and spacious to ensure the comfort of the patient and companion.  The healthcare staff is fluent in multiple languages and attends to the international patient as fluently as possible.



Do you want to know more about this space? Watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8HTljgfP74




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8HTljgfP74




More information about the Health Premium Card Service  through its website: www.healthpremiumcard.com

### Monday is a Local Holiday – San Vicente de Ferrer

On the second Monday after Easter Sunday, many towns across Valencia, including the regional capital itself, celebrate the festival of San Vicente Ferrer, a martyr who was canonised by Calixtus III and whose festival, in 2024, celebrates his big day on Monday April 8th.



San Vicente Ferrer, one of the patron saints of the city of Valencia, has his feast day on April 5 of each year, although his solemnity and popular festival is always celebrated on the Monday following the second Sunday of Easter.



During the 2024 San Vicente Ferrer Festivities in Valencia, as happens every year, it is customary to visit one of the most beloved Vincentian places: the Birthplace of San Vicente Ferrer, the chapel where “El Pouet de Sant Vicent” is located. In this place, by tradition, children are given a drink “so that they speak quickly, do not suffer from sore throat, do not swear falsely or be blasphemous.”



Vicente Ferrer OP (born in Valencia, Spain, on January 23, 1350 and died in Vannes, France, on April 5, 1419), was a Valencian Dominican whose preaching trips earned him the appreciation of the population of different regions of Europe. Considered by many the most universal Valencian who has ever existed, he is recognised as the greatest source of miracles in the Church and one of the most influential theologians, intellectuals, politicians and philosophers of his time.



For the city of Valencia, San Vicente Ferrer is part of its history and, in addition, he is one of the patron saints of the capital. This is why worship, homage and devotion are paid to him every year by those who follow the stories, highlighting that he is also the main patron saint of the Valencian Community and the ancient Kingdom of Valencia.



Among the most notable events of the 2024 San Vicente Ferrer Festival are the mascletá, the processions or the so-called "milacres", performances that take place in the different altars that are erected in the different neighbourhoods of the city of Valencia, and some towns, always being presided over by his iconography.



In 2024, Monday 8 April, dia de San Vicente de Ferrer, is a local holiday in Torrevieja, as well as, locally, Albatera, Algorfa, Benijofar, Bigastro, Daya Vieja, and Elche, amongst others.

Excerpt: Valencia celebrates San Vicente Ferrer on April 8th, 2024, particularly in the regional capital, where his birthplace and a chapel are revered. A Valencian Dominican, Ferrer's preaching trips made him a beloved figure. His festival features traditional events such as mascletá, processions, and "milacres" performances, recognising him as a patron saint and historical figure.

### The Environmental Importance of Bees at Zenia Boulevard

Located just 20 minutes away from the centre of Torrevieja, the Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre on the Orihuela Costa, managed by Nhood and owned by Ceetrus and CBRE Investment Management, dedicates its April programming to bees and the important work they do for the environment.



Bees are the main pollinating agents in the world and without this process there would be no agriculture or food and, therefore, living beings would have no way to survive. "That is why at Zenia Boulevard we want to raise awareness among adults and children of the need to protect this insect in danger of extinction by launching different awareness actions such as children's workshops, exhibitions, promotions and campaigns on social networks with related topics on how to protect bees and thus take care of the environment. All of this in collaboration with the Alicante Ecocolmena association, which is responsible for restoring and creating favourable habitats for bees and wild pollinators, strengthening biodiversity,” says Cristina Ros, Director of the Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre.



Among the concrete actions that the shopping centre will launch within the framework of this initiative is the storyteller “Zimbo, Peludo y la bee Zumbona”. The Zenia Boulevard mascots will meet a bee who will teach the boys and girls who come to the shopping centre on Sunday the 7th at 6:00 p.m. about the vital role they play on planet earth. As part of this celebration, the little ones will be given a new story, with the aim of raising awareness about the crucial importance of bees in the ecosystem.



On Saturday the 13th at 5:00 p.m. the Workshop “Plant your rosemary pot” will take place in which the children will paint a small pot and plant rosemary branches. A week later, on Saturday the 20th at 5:00 p.m., the hobby workshop on the importance of bees will be held in which children will learn by playing, colouring and painting.



In this new promotion, all prizes have a positive impact on bees. From growing kits with lavender or rosemary seeds to attract these insects to natural cosmetics made with propolis, each prize contributes to your well-being. In addition, for each participation in the promotion, Zenia Boulevard will donate €0.50 to the Ecocolmena association.



Divertilandia, Women on stage, April Fair and Dance Day



The Zenia Boulevard activities program during the month of April is complemented by the celebration of different activities related to music and dance, women, and the little ones of the house.



On Saturday, April 6, at 7:00 p.m., a musical will take place starring the friends Gominola, Nube, Piruleta and Caramelo who share their home in "Divertilandia", a world full of fun, colour, fantasy, and music. This place is designed so that families can enjoy unforgettable moments together.



On Saturday, April 13, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., all those who visit Zenia Boulevard will be able to learn about the work of different associations in the area led by women: Pink Ladies Association, Mamá Elefanta, APANEE, ASOS Ucrania, Lazos de Crianza, and Donaciones Torrevieja. Throughout the event you will be able to learn about their incredible work and attend different performances by Energizer Dance, Music Harmony, Dance Like, and Musik Home.



On Saturday, April 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., a flamenco dancer show will transport visitors to the vibrant and colourful atmosphere of the Feria de Abril. After enjoying the dance, the program will continue at night with a flamenco concert.



On Saturday, April 27, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., on the occasion of International Dance Day, there will be performances by prominent dance schools in an event full of talent and emotion.







Zenia Boulevard, opened in 2012, is the largest shopping centre in the province of Alicante, registering an increase in traffic of 8.6% in 2023 with 15 million visitors. Located in Orihuela Costa, in a strategic position in the surroundings of Orihuela, it has more than 150 commercial premises. In March of this year, the renovation of the shopping centre facilities is scheduled to be completed to improve the facades, the pavement, the rest areas, the green areas and the restaurant areas, as well as the children's leisure areas, and in the that 18 million euro have been invested.

Excerpt: Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre in Orihuela Costa, with its April initiatives, focuses on bee conservation, offering educational activities like children's workshops and promoting awareness through social media in partnership with Ecocolmena. Complementing these are various activities such as plays, dance, and music events, and women's association showcases. The largest centre in Alicante, boasting a recent renovation, aims to enhance visitor experience and environmental responsibility.

### Torrevieja Mayor Accused of Consciously Lying to Citizens

The PSOE in Torrevieja has publicly accused the mayor, Eduardo Dolon, of “consciously lying” to the public, “regularly”, but that since the opposition does not have the right to respond in plenary sessions, they resort to creating videos that they have uploaded to their social networks and those of the party.



In this case, it was the socialist councillor Carolina Ponce who was in charge of denying, documentation in hand, all the false information offered by Eduardo Dolón in the plenary session held on March 25 in response to an intervention that she herself carried out.



The councillor highlighted the serious situation that Torrevieja schools are experiencing with a ratio of students much higher than what they should have according to the regulations. Furthermore, the PP and Vox government has recently voted in Les Corts against the lowering of these ratios, a fact that the socialist councillor has disfigured the government team.



To this fact, the mayor responded that the ratios were raised because of Ximo Puig's government and that the socialists should apologise. However, according to the PSOE, the reality is that Wert, minister of the PP, raised the ratios in 2012 to 30 students in primary and 36 in secondary and it was Ximo Puig, who lowered the ratios to 25 in primary and 30 in secondary.



The councillor, in her video, cites the two regulations and shows documentation requested and sent in writing by the education councillor himself, Mr. Recuero, although the mayor states that his interventions are due to the fact that "he does not ask councillors or technicians". Likewise, Ponce assures that the real culprit of this situation is the local PP, which has not had foresight and does not offer the corresponding services to a city that does not stop increasing its inhabitants and that is going to have it more complicated by having cut the budget which will affect the Torrevieja school fabric.



On the other hand, in her intervention, the councillor revealed that the Municipal Absenteeism Plan is not being carried out as it should, due to the scarcity and temporality of human resources. Given the local government's intention to outsource the school truancy prevention service, the socialists expressed their disagreement, as they believe that the solution is to provide more staff and stability to this service, and comply with the Municipal Absenteeism Plan.



The councillor added regarding the “bullying prevention program,” that they support the initiative and that, however, they will be careful to ensure that it does not end in “two talks and a promotional video.” Dolón answered that the “Labor” association is in charge of carrying out these programs and offered data as current, when the truth is that the “Labor” association ended its contract in 2022 and since then, there have been no harassment prevention or absenteeism programs in educational centres, by the Department of Education.



The councillor has also responded to Dolón that the team specialised in childhood and adolescence (EEIIA) has never consisted of 10 technicians, as the mayor assured in the plenary session itself, but has been made up of 4 workers. In fact, the Ministry has been financing the Council so that the hiring of this team was 5 people, for which the amount corresponding to the salary of one person has been returned, since all of these are subsidised actions.



Finally, Ponce wanted to respond to the statement that the mayor made in the December 2023 plenary session when the socialist councillor herself requested that he increase the social welfare personnel, which is far below what the law establishes and therefore does not provide, even remotely, all the social services it should provide.



At that time, Dolón literally said that since he has been governing “the number of officials in that department had doubled.” With the data obtained from the personnel department, the socialist councillor has done the maths since 2011, the year in which the mayor began his first term, until 2024, resulting in that we have 14 technicians, 5 administrative staff and 1 person in legal assistance when, based on to the population of the city, we should have 33 technical personnel, 20 from administration and 5 people in legal assistance, this without counting the EEIIA team, in which there should be 5 and we currently have 1.



The PP only created two positions before 2024 and on an interim basis. Already in 2024, after the insistence of the PSOE of Torrevieja, four positions have also been created on an interim basis. That is, in 9 years as mayor, Dolón has created SIX PLACES, despite the fact that Law 3/2019, on Social Services, establishes that we still lack 38 to provide the service required by a population that exceeds 100,000 inhabitants.

### Ombudsman Agrees with Torrevieja PSOE over Government Transparency Complaint

The Sindic de Greuges, ombudsman of the Valencia community, has issued a resolution that agrees with the PSOE in Torrevieja over the complaint regarding the delay in receiving files from Torrevieja’s PP government team.



Bárbara Soler, spokesperson for the PSOE Municipal Socialist Group, announced the RESOLUTION OF CONSIDERATIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF 03/14/2024 through which the SINDIC DE GREUGES DE LA COMUNITAT VALENCIANA has completely agreed with the PSOE in its complaint because the delivery of the administrative files requested from Torrevieja council to supervise the action of the PP Government, with Mayor Eduardo Dolón at the head, took longer than reasonable, reaching, sometimes, more than two months.



In extract, the operative part of the Sindic Resolution ends by ordering the Torrevieja City Council to:



- that all organisational measures are adopted so that requests for access to public information presented by councillors are resolved within a maximum period of 5 calendar days, and so that said information is effectively delivered within a maximum period of ten days.



- that the author of the complaint be allowed direct access, through the municipal computer platform, to the information contained in the record books, minutes books and resolutions of the Mayor's Office and



- that the opposition councillors be allowed to access the information contained in the computer platform in the same way as the councillors of the government team, since, without prejudice to their duty of confidentiality, all of them are members of the same Local Corporation and that access is necessary to exercise the functions of the public office for which they have been democratically elected.



The Sindic gives the Torrevieja Council a period of no more than one month from receipt of the resolution to respond, for which they request, unequivocally, the position regarding the above.



With this decision, it is also clearly confirmed that the veracity and justice of the complaint made by Bárbara Soler, in her Press Conference on January 4, 2024, where she put on the table the institutional blockade that the PSOE had been suffering, in which the receipt of administrative files with a long delay by the socialist councillors was part of that blockade.



In fact, along with the documentation sent to the Sindic de Greuges were the files mentioned in that press conference, that is, a file from the Valencian Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption Agency and another on the Cultural Management Service of the Theatre, Auditorium and International Conservatory awarded to the company ESATUR.



The importance of the Sindic Resolution is crucial for the PSOE and the rest of the opposition parties, since it opens the way for elected officials who are not part of the PP team to have access to the information required to carry out its oversight of government action.



Furthermore, with this decision they are rejecting the illegal practice used by the Mayor, Eduardo Dolón, who, knowingly, has been skipping the Laws of the Government of the Nation and the Valencian Community on transparency, access to public information and good national government, where any citizen is recognised the right of access to public information free of charge and electronically, within a maximum period of ten days, and yet, the Mayor submitted the delivery of administrative files to the opposition councillors within a maximum period of 30 business days, based on article 36 of the Municipal Organic Regulations (ROM), which is a legal norm of lower rank than the national and community laws indicated and, therefore, clearly contrary.



In short, the Sindic disgraces the Mayor of Torrevieja, that any ordinary citizen could receive the requested administrative information in a shorter period of time than the PSOE councillors, who as elected officials have among their fundamental rights that of participation and control.

### Spanish Navy Patrol Boat Open to Visitors

The Spanish Navy Surveillance Patrol Boat 'Formentor', based at the Cartagena Arsenal, plans to carry out a patrol along the Alicante coast between April 2 and 5, and commander TN Carlos Paula Diago invites you to welcome her during the tasks and take a look around.



The Formentor patrol boatThis is the Formentor patrol boat:MARCART



During this navigation, she will call at the ports of El Campello, Calpe and Torrevieja. Thus, it is planned that on the 3rd it will dock at the Real Club Náutico de Calpe, where it will hold an open day to be visited from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. At sunset, there will be a traditional solemn lowering of the National Flag, where civil and military authorities will be present. This event can also be witnessed from the pontoon of the Nautical Club.



The ship is carrying out surveillance and security tasks in the maritime spaces of sovereignty, as well as naval presence tasks along the coastline. Its tasks include the surveillance and control of maritime traffic, environmental protection, fishing surveillance and the protection of underwater archaeological heritage, as well as carrying out collaborations with other state organisations with jurisdiction in the maritime field.



During its operations, it is common to enter different national ports on the Mediterranean coast and bridge a gap between the Navy and the civilian population.



The Formentor patrol boat



The patrol boat 'Formentor', belonging to the 'TORALLA' class, was built at the Viudes Shipyards (Barcelona) and delivered to the Navy in 1989. This unit is integrated into the Command of the Maritime Action Force Units in Cartagena (MARCART), under the direct dependence of the Admiral of Maritime Action (ALMART).



This is the Formentor patrol boat:




LENGTH - 28.5 metres



DRAFT - 1.88 metres



PROPULSION - 2 MTU 8V 2,100 HP diesel engines



MAXIMUM SPEED - 20 knots



RANGE - 1,000 miles at 12 knots



ARMAMENT - 1 BROWNING 12.7 mm single machine gun



RADARS - 2 KODEN navigation radars



CREW - 12 people (1 officer, 2 non-commissioned officers, 2 first corporals and 7 corporals and sailors).




MARCART



MARCART ensures the effectiveness, preparation and readiness level of the currently assigned units. This command has its historical origin in the first torpedo boat flotilla, which was based in Cartagena and was created by the Squadron Law of 1887. Associated with this command is the Cartagena Naval Command, responsible, among other tasks, for supporting the national and foreign warships and the Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Maritime Transportation (NCAGS).

### Torrevieja Natural Park Digital Twin Asking for Your Help

Protected Natural Spaces are ecosystems with great ecological and socioeconomic value, but they are also especially vulnerable to climatic and anthropogenic pressures. Vulnerability and complexity forces the development of sustainable tourism models. To this end, the Chan-Twin project is being developed, the digital twin of the natural park of the Torrevieja and La Mata lagoons.



The project, financed with European funds, has been led by the University of Alicante and the Polytechnic University of Valencia in collaboration with Torrevieja Council and the managers of the natural park.



This digital twin allows the monitoring, analysis and sustainable management of this environment and is already giving the first results in its first year of execution.



Once finished, the application will allow you to view the sustainable tourism indicators collected thanks to a network of sensors deployed in the natural park.



This digital twin is available for viewing at the Vista Alegre Tourist Office and at the Visitor Reception Centre of the Natural Park.



The researchers responsible for the development of the project are now asking for everyone´s help by firstly visiting the digital twin viewing sites, and then participating in the project assessment surveys.

### Torrevieja Town Hall Finally Launches e-Scooter Awareness Campaign

The Councillor for Security and Emergencies in Torrevieja, Federico Alarcón, and the of the Local Police, Óscar Cartón, have presented plans for an awareness campaign of the traffic rules that apply to personal mobility vehicles (VMP), the most common of which is the e-scooter, around 5 years after they started to appear on the streets of the country.



Table of ContentsMunicipal Regulations for Electric ScootersSanctions and Fines for e-ScootersGeneral Traffic Rules for e-ScootersInformation Leaflet for e-Scooter Users



To raise awareness among citizens, as well as the users of these vehicles, talks are being held in secondary education centres, which the teachers have been calling for for months, so that the young people know the rules that apply. Aside from the many rules they are unaware of, there are many riders under the age of 16, which is not permitted. To this end, some informational brochures have been prepared that list the infractions that are punishable, as well as recommendations and traffic rules.



Municipal Regulations for Electric Scooters



The Torrevieja municipal regulation of the VMP, highlights the rules that users of electric scooters must comply with. Among them are the following:




Do not use headphones, mobile phones or manual use systems



Do not ride on pavements, pedestrian areas or parks



Helmet and insurance are highly recommended (mandatory in other municipalities)



It is prohibited to be towed by other vehicles



Only one occupant




In addition, it is prohibited to circulate with alcohol levels higher than those established or under the influence of drugs, narcotics or psychotropic substances, the alcohol level for under 18’s is zero. It is mandatory to undergo tests to detect these substances. You should not drive negligently or recklessly. You must always be in perfect condition to control the vehicle. 



At night or in low visibility conditions, you must have front lights and red rear lights, front and rear reflectors and rear brake light.



As reported by the councillor of the Local Police, specific traffic controls for scooters will be carried out, first of all, to inform about the regulations and control the VPM since, all those that have been acquired from the January 22, 2024 must be certified and comply with the DGT Technical Characteristics Manual (1/21/2022). These must have a factory marking on the back with the maximum speed, serial number, certificate number, year of construction, make and model. Those that are prior to this rule will not be able to circulate from 2027 if they do not have the identification plate. The objective of the controls is to reduce the infractions committed by users; it is a training task. If the violation continues, the sanction will be imposed.



Sanctions and Fines for e-Scooters



These personal mobility vehicles (VMP) must follow the same traffic code of the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) as motor vehicles or bicycles. That is why the sanctions that can be applied are:




Circulating through pedestrian zone: €80



Driving without lights at night or in conditions of low or reduced visibility: €200



Circulating with more than one occupant: €90



Driving towed by another vehicle: €90



Circulate if you are under 16 years old: €80



Driving with drugs in the body: €1,000



Driving with an alcohol level higher than the regulation: €500



Refusing to take breathalyser tests: €1,000



Refusing drug tests: €1,000



Failure to respect pedestrian priority: €200



Not respecting the priority of another vehicle: €90



Parking on pavements, walks and pedestrian or cyclist crossing areas: €80



Failure to obey mandatory signs (STOP, Give Way, etc.): €80



Failure to obey prohibition signs (direction prohibited, parking prohibited, etc.): €80



Failure to respect the agents' signals: €200



Failure to respect the red light of a traffic light: €200




General Traffic Rules for e-Scooters



All traffic rules apply to vehicles equally, although some are more restrictive depending on the vehicle or circumstances, but the rules to avoid some of the most common violations of traffic laws include:




Drive on the hard shoulder. If there is not one, closest to the right side and according to the direction of travel.



Bike lanes can be used as long as the VMP does not exceed 20 km/h.



You should not drive in the opposite direction, you must respect the STOP signs, give way, prohibited direction and pedestrian crossings.



Speed ​​rules, priority of passage and other traffic regulations must be respected.



Drive with the necessary diligence and caution to avoid risks and damage to yourself or others, avoiding endangering other users.



In no case will it be possible to circulate on interurban roads (such as the N-332 for example).




It should be noted that traffic rules apply to all vehicles and the requirements for riding a VMP applies whether you own or rent the vehicle.



Information Leaflet for e-Scooter Users

### Torrevieja to Lose Big Brand Store Resulting in Job Losses

The Swedish fashion clothing chain H&M has now announced that it will be closing the store located in the Habaneras Shopping Centre in Torrevieja, as part of the “organisational, productive and economic” restructuring plan it announced at the start of the year.



Collectively, the restructuring plan will affect some 588 collective layoffs and the closure of 28 brands, which in the Alicante province also includes the stores in the L'Aljub shopping centre in Elche, and the Ociopía in Orihuela, with 50 people being laid off.



It is expected that the stores will close this year, according to the general secretary of the Federation of CCOO Services in Alicante, Patricia Carrillo Sevilla, "the first of the closures will occur in the Habaneras Shopping Centre, not because of the ERE, but because they get rid of the rent." In this way, as Carrillo assures, on May 17 the blinds of this store facing the public will be lowered and on May 24 the rental contract ends so as not to reopen. The people who work in this establishment, however, have the option of being transferred to other nearby stores that are still open.



However, as stated by CCOO Services in Alicante, "the people who work in Habaneras are hesitating whether to accept the change because if they are taken for the moment to other stores affected by the ERE it will be a double agony " -in reference to some of those nearby stores which are those of Ociopía and L'Aljub. The store in Zenia Boulevard is not currently in the line of fire. The premature closure in Torrevieja has been communicated to the staff only this week, on Wednesday.



The Overall Status



Thus, the ERE may be official as of September with this collective dismissal due to the closure of almost thirty establishments in the country. Unions and companies are at a negotiating table that the multinational announced - with a margin of more than six months before making the cut measures effective. Although talks are underway to ensure that the damage is as little as possible and "with the best conditions for workers", the general secretary of CCOO Services in Alicante maintains that "they will not assume relocations of the people laid off in all stores."



The H&M group has nearly 4,000 employees in the country and more than a hundred stores. Despite the proposed ERE, H&M globally obtained an attributable net profit of 8,7 billion Swedish crowns (775 million euro) at the end of its last fiscal year, which ended in November 2023, which represents an increase of 145% regarding the result of 3,5 billion crowns (316 million euro) recorded in 2022. Furthermore, by region, the firm's sales grew by 11% in Western Europe, up to 7 billion euro, and by 9% in Southern Europe.



The reason for this decision, according to the Scandinavian company, is that they need to "adapt and perfect" the establishments in a "changing" shopping environment with respect to their customers. Furthermore, the data that the company made public months ago when it presented its 2023 financial year, showed that Spain would concentrate 17% of the brand's closures worldwide.

### Habaneras at Your Door

The fact that the Eras de la Sal outdoor concert auditorium lies derelict and neglected, it will not prevent choristers from performing, as they will now be embarking on a mini tour, thus allowing them to use the facilities in other municipalities, to bring their music to your door, almost.







The Councillor for Culture in Torrevieja, Antonio Quesada, together with Jesús García and Francisco Moreno, members of the Asociación Voces Líricas del Mediterráneo, presented the project called “Habaneras en tu puerta” that will be developed by the Municipal Habaneras Board of Trustees through this association.



This recently created choir, made up of a total of 17 choristers, singing professionals, will carry out a series of habaneras and polyphony concerts to be held in different locations in the provinces of Alicante and Murcia. Two concerts are already scheduled for this weekend to be held in the neighbouring towns of Rojales and Los Montesinos.



The concerts will be offered with a prior presentation helping to promote the habanera genre, the musical quality and importance of the International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest and, of course, our cultural heritage, in addition to its obvious important tourist projection.



The Board of Trustees of Municipal de Habaneras wants, through different channels and dissemination and distribution projects, to promote not only the dissemination of the habanera, as a popular song that must be maintained, and promoted, but also the Contest itself, which this year celebrates its 70th anniversary. In this way and with these initiatives, the Board of Trustees is confident that they will serve to take care of the future of the Contest and the singing of the habanera, whether the concert ground is left to ruin or not.

### Torrevieja Book Fair Starts Saturday

The Councillor for Culture in Torrevieja, Antonio Quesada, and the manager of the Municipal Institute of Culture “Joaquín Chapaprieta”, Miguel Fernández, presented the XXVI edition of the Torrevieja Book Fair, which will be held in the Paseo Vista Alegre from Saturday, March 23 to Monday, April 1.







Although the book fair will be considerably smaller than many of the previous events, there will be a total of 8 booths with the participation of 9 bookstores (Librería Buendía, Asociación de Escritores Alas de Papel, Librería Bukmeran, Papelería Torrevieja, Librería Trini, Librería Santos Ochoa, Librería Copy Centro, Editorial Knowmadas y Librería Rivendel) installed on the Paseo Vista Alegre, as well as a tent in which the activities scheduled for the Book Fair will take place. All those who make purchases at the fair will have a 10% discount and will be entered into a raffle for a batch of books.



Torrevieja Book Fair in 2011



In this twenty-sixth edition of the fair, the book signing on Saturday, April 1, at 12:30 p.m., by the Spanish journalist and writer Máximo Huerta stands out. Throughout the Book Fair, up to a total of 30 authors will sign works.







TORREVIEJA BOOK FAIR PROGRAM 2024



Saturday 23 March 2024



12:30 p.m. Inauguration of the XXVI Torrevieja Book Fair in the institutional tent. As host we will have the book signing carried out by Máximo Huerta, Spanish journalist and writer.



Máximo Huerta, former Minister of Culture and Sports, was winner of the 2014 Spring Prize with his fourth novel, La noche soñada, and presents us with his latest work “París despertaba tarde”, in which he tells us a love story set in the Paris in 1924, the city is preparing for the Olympic Games and where the greatest artistic talents of the time converge, such as Picasso, Stravinsky, Hemingway, Le Corbusier...



12:00 and 5:30 p.m. Knowadas Books booth. Book signing of Andrea Nusán and her novel “Encerrada en la memoria de ella”.



5:30 p.m. Pulsar Store booth. The Torrevieja neighbour Francisco Soribella with “Añoranzas del Yesterday” is a tribute to Torrevieja and its people, but above all it is dedicated to all those people who are no longer among us.”



12:00 and 5:30 p.m. Santos Ochoa bookstore booth. Signing of the books by Javier Marín, “Desafío 59, Tablero Mortal, Descenso al abismo y Enigmas para un rey”.



Sunday 24 March 2024



12:00 and 5:30 p.m. Knowadas Books booth. Book signing of Andrea Nusán and her novel “Encerrada en la memoria de ella”.



12:30 p.m. In institutional tent – ​​The magic is in the books.



Magician Iván will perform a participatory family magic show that with his illusion tricks will make young and old enjoy.



5:30 p.m. Pulsar Store booth. The Torrevieja resident Francisco Soribella with “Añoranzas del ayer” is a tribute to Torrevieja and its people, but above all it is dedicated to all those people who are no longer among us.”



10:30 and 5:30 p.m. Santos Ochoa bookstore booth. Signing of Javier Marín's books. “Desafío 59, Tablero Mortal, Descenso al abismo y Enigmas para un rey”



7:00 p.m. In institutional tent. Emotional workshop and book signing “Estás loca”, by Anaís Santos



Monday 25 March 2024



12:00 p.m. In institutional tent. Mar Carrillo book signing.



6:30 p.m. In institutional tent. Presentation of the work of Mar Carrillo, with a discussion by Victor Morata, Kress Watson and Mar Carrillo about her work: poetry and historical novel.



Tuesday 26 March 2024



5:30 p.m. In the Santos Ochoa booth. Roberto Hurtado book signing. “La última canción del verano, Días que gané y perdí, El mar que respiras”.



7:00 p.m. In institutional tent. Emotional workshop and book signing “Estás loca”, by Anaís Santos



Wednesday 27 March 2024



6:00 p.m. At Pulsar Store booth. Sandra Moniño Nutritionist specialised in inflammation accompanies us with her new book "Adiós a la inflamación". A manual to reduce inflammation, improve digestive problems, treat diseases and lose weight.



6:30 p.m. In institutional tent. Presentation of the work of Víctor Morata, with a discussion by Víctor Morata, Kress Watson and Mar Carrillo about his work: detective and fantasy novels.



5:30 p.m. In the Santos Ochoa booth. Roberto Hurtado book signing. “La última canción del verano, Días que gané y perdí, El mar que respiras”.



Thursday 28 March 2024



5:30 p.m. Pulsar Store booth. Roberto Hurtado with his new book “La última canción del verano”. New novel from the author of El mar que respiras, which enriches and expands his world with the same style that has captivated thousands of readers.



5:30 p.m. Knowadas Books booth. Book signing by Javier Marín and his novel “Desafío 59”.



10:30 and 5:30 p.m. Santos Ochoa Booth. Book signing “Napias planas”, by Eduardo Antonaya.



7:30 p.m. Institutional tent. Flamenco Poetry. Reading of poetry related to flamenco singing by the members of the Ars Creatio association.



Friday 29 March 2024



10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Santos Ochoa Booth. Book signing “Umayyads, and the Visigoth”, by Luís Barberá.



10:30 and 5:30 p.m. Knowadas Books booth. Book signing of Cristina Selva and her novel “El ensueño de la sirena” and Javier Marín with “Desafío 59”.



12:00 p.m. Institutional tent. Dramatized reading from the Raúl Ferrández Municipal Theatre School.



6:30 p.m. In institutional tent. Presentation of the work of Kress Watson, with a discussion by Victor Morata, Kress Watson and Mar Carrillo about his work: romantic novel and thriller.



Saturday 30 March 2024



12:00 p.m. Institutional tent. – Bicipinta reading edition.



We will fill the ride with colour and originality with our artistic constructions that with a built-in table that rotates to the rhythm of pedalling, participants will be able to make original and most colourful artistic productions.



10:30 and 5:30 p.m. Knowadas Books booth. Book signing of Alba Cayuelas and her novel “Hija de la Muerte” and Javier Marín with “Desafío 59”.



4:00 p.m. Institutional tent. Learn to role play. The La Esquina Amarilla association teaches you the basics so that you can have a fantastic time getting started in role-playing games.



5:30 p.m. Pulsar Store Booth. Estela Naïa accompanies us with her first novel “Monstruos Criminales”, she discovers the most terrifying and brutal real cases in the history of true crime.



6:00 p.m. Institutional tent. – Keychains with pompoms.



There will be a pompom workshop with which each participant will create a keychain that they can take with them and will accompany them on every adventure in their daily lives.



10:30 and 5:30 p.m. Santos Ochoa Booth. Book signing by Fran González Amorós, with the saga of “El reino de las calabazas, Un niño en la luna y Donde habitan las sombras”.



Sunday 31 March 2024



12:00 p.m. Institutional tent. Games studio + face painting.



12 handmade wooden games that work on strategy, skill and ingenuity. Intended especially for youth and adult audiences and which can be played in a group, as a couple or individually. In addition, it will be accompanied by a professional face painting workshop.



10:30 and 5:30 p.m. Knowadas Books booth. Book signing of Cristina Selva and her novel “El ensueño de la sirena” and Javier Marín with “Desafío 59”.



5:00 p.m. Institutional tent. Learn to role play. The La Esquina Amarilla association teaches you the basics so that you can have a fantastic time getting started in role-playing games.



5:30 p.m. Pulsar Store Booth. Do you dare to discover the Magical Plain? Meet Marta Ruiz, author of “La Vega Mágica” A book full of mysteries and popular magic, illustrations, maps, videos and even secrets that you will have to discover yourself if you decide to visit the places of the legends of our Vega Baja.



10:30 and 5:30 p.m. Santos Ochoa Booth. Book signing by Fran González Amorós.



Monday 1 April 2024



10:30 and 5:30 p.m. Santos Ochoa Booth. Book signing “¿Y la abuela? Y Rosa, la bruja desastrosa”, by Luís García.



Book Sales



Despite the perception of printed books no longer being relevant due to technological advances such as the Kindle, the figures show the opposite and printed books are for the most part stable in their demand, but actually growing in some areas.



According to a report by wordsrelated.com, in 2022, over 788.7 million copies of printed books were sold in the United States, which was the second-highest sales mark for printed books in the 21st century, trailing only a record-setting 2021 with 843 million copies sold.



Overall, print book sales have grown by almost 100 million copies compared to the pre-pandemic period. 2020 and 2021 were the biggest years for print book sales this decade when the unit sales jumped by 11.24% and 9.26% over the previous years, respectively.



Statistics platform Statista also reports 2023 revealed that the printed book market remains healthy: a total of 767.36 million units were sold that year among outlets which reported to the source. Whilst this marked a small drop from the previous year, the figure still remains higher than in the years prior to 2021.



As for the UK, Svizzeria Today reports the number of print books sold in the United Kingdom amounted to 209.1 million in 2022, down from 212 in the previous year. The 2021 figure marked the highest on record since 2012, whereas the number recorded in 2020 was the first time since 2012 that book sales in the UK surpassed 200 million.



For their part, Amazon, the biggest player in the ebook field and creator of Kindle, are selling 487 million books per year, and so despite those perceptions of replacement, both platforms are maintaining strength and neither one actually detrimental to the other.

### Quirónsalud Torrevieja, the first private hospital in Alicante to have an Advanced Robotic Surgery Unit

The goal is to offer your patients more precise surgeries, with less postoperative pain and a much faster recovery than the rest of the surgical techniques



The Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital has launched the first Advanced Robotic Surgery Unit in the private health sector in the province of Alicante, incorporating the most advanced model of Da Vinci robot. The hospital has extensive experience in robotic surgery, since 15 years ago it was one of the pioneering hospitals in Spain in implementing and training its surgeons in the use of this technology.



The Da Vinci robotic surgical system is designed to offer minimally invasive surgery of the highest level in the approach of complex pathologies in the area of specialties such as Urology, General and Digestive System Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Oncological Surgery and Gynaecological Surgery.



The robotic surgical system has a camera arm and 3 mechanical arms, and surgical instruments mounted on them that are controlled by the surgeon while sitting in front of a computer console within the operating room itself.



The system also has a vision tower that processes the image, providing a real, magnified and 3D view of the surgical field that allows the surgeon to perform more complex procedures with greater precision, flexibility and control compared to conventional techniques.



As Dr. Rosa Mª Cañón, medical director of the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, points out, "the incorporation of the Da Vinci robotic system represents a great qualitative advance in the hospital's surgical services, thanks to which we can offer the best quality of care and experience to our patients, who will benefit from less invasive surgeries with less risk of side effects such as infection, minimal scarring and shorter admissions".



Urological Robotic Surgery in Alicante



Thanks to the Da Vinci robotic surgery system, Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital offers the best treatment and results for patients with prostate cancer who require a radical prostatectomy. "To perform it," explains Dr. Sven Petry, head of the Urology Service at the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, "only small incisions in the skin of 0.5 to 1 cm in length are necessary through which we can perform, guided by the high-definition camera, the complete removal of the prostate with an optimal level of precision."



Regarding the many advantages offered by robotic urological surgery, Dr. Sven Petry highlights a greater recovery of urinary continence, whose success rates thanks to the robot reach 97% compared to 88%, as well as a complete recovery from erectile dysfunction of traditional surgery. Another benefit is the rapid recovery of the patient who, after discharge, can lead a completely normal life, four weeks after the intervention.



The specialist in urological robotic surgery at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja also recommends this technique for the treatment of bladder cancer, kidney cancer or genital prolapse due to its excellent results and postoperative advantages.



Learn more about urologic robotic surgery in this video:




https://youtu.be/ciwgRCED-J4?si=l5kjKHFMkPR17duI




Advanced Robotic Surgery for Malignant and Benign Pathologies



The Da Vinci robotic surgery system has proven to be the best instrument for the multidisciplinary treatment of benign or malignant pathologies. These surgeries include hepatobiliary surgery, oesophageal-gastric surgery, colorectal surgery, metabolic surgery for obesity and abdominal wall surgery.



Within this section of robotic surgery, Dr. Pedro Bretcha, head of the General Surgery and Digestive System Service at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, highlights the results achieved by this technique in the treatment of colorectal cancer. As Dr. Bretcha explains, "thanks to robotic surgery in the treatment of colorectal cancer,  we can perform a much more precise resection of the tumour while maintaining the principles of proper cancer surgery and preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. In addition to achieving less blood loss, a lower risk of infections due to the small size of the incisions made, as well as less postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay and a quick return to daily activities."



Learn more about robotic oncology surgery in this video:




https://youtu.be/evHfegz0CmI?si=VwnFHetbv47j_c_c




Better preservation of pelvic structures thanks to robotic surgery



Another area in which robotic surgery has proven to be the best ally is in the surgical treatment of gynaecological pathologies such as hysterectomy, myomectomy, endometriosis or genital prolapse, in which it stands out "for facilitating more precious movements in narrow and delicate areas such as those that make up the female sexual and reproductive system".  says Dr. Rodolfo Martín Díaz, head of the Gynaecology Service at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital. The benefits of gynaecologic robotic surgery include, but are not limited to, better preservation of pelvic structures, a very significant improvement in urinary incontinence and bowel and bladder control, as well as a much earlier return to daily activities.



Learn more about gynaecologic robotic surgery in this video:




https://youtu.be/fVsoZt1IakM?si=x8qYAFTEiCbTC9CV




Thoracic surgeries with less hospitalisation thanks to the Da Vinci



Thanks to the minimally invasive approach assisted with Da Vinci robotic surgery, interventions that previously required long hospitalisations for patients with pulmonary pathology can be performed on an almost outpatient basis, with hospital discharge in just 48 hours. "In addition," says Dr. José Belda, head of the Thoracic Surgery Service at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, "the great precision of the Da Vinci's interventions allows the treatment of benign and malignant pulmonary pathologies such as lung cancer, including lobectomies and sublobar resections, all without any detriment to oncological radicality". Other advantages pointed out by the Quirónsalud Torrevieja specialist are less blood loss and a lower risk of postoperative infections.

### One Million Euro Pest Control Contract Approved for Torrevieja

The councillor-secretary of the Local Government Board in Torrevieja, Federico Alarcón, has reported that the contracting file for the Comprehensive Pest Control, Deratization, and Disinfection Service of the municipality of Torrevieja was approved.



The estimated value of the contract amounts to 1,158,457 euro (IVA included), being constituted by the annual amount for the three years initially planned, plus the two-year extensions, for a total of five years of contract.



The objective of this contract is the provision of urban pest prevention and control services (deratization and disinfection) in Torrevieja, contemplating the performance of the following works:



Deratization, which includes the control and elimination of rodents, particularly rats and mice, considered harmful to public health.



Disinfestation, which includes the control and elimination of harmful or disease-spreading insects in general, and in particular, Diptera (including mosquitoes) and their larvae; It also includes population control of the pine processionary caterpillars (without explaining the realisation that the elimination of caterpillars means no butterflies, which are necessary for the propagation of plants), blatodeos (different species of cockroaches) and any insect with a possible impact on public health.



Disinfection, which includes immediate or delayed elimination, the latter through removal of infected waste, of germs harmful to health.



The councillor responsible for pest control, Diana Box Alonso, has given a very positive assessment of this new contract, which will serve to respond to possible pests that may occur over the next five years.



Among the execution of the works that will be carried out, mosquito control stands out (weekly checks and special events due to rain), deratization, and disinfection in public centres (teaching centres and markets, sports centres and other municipal offices), control processionary (teaching centres and parks and gardens) and exterior surfaces (exterior surfaces, parks and gardens and attention to notices).

### La Siesta Park Now Open Featuring Torrevieja Pump Track

It's been a long time coming, but the La Siesta park and pump track has finally opened, following the inauguration on Saturday.




https://youtu.be/fHN7Oc78Knk




Galleries




Opening Event



General Gallery



Sports and Leisure Features



Canine Agility Park



Torrevieja Pump Track



Drone Pictures of La Siesta Park



Videos of La Siesta Park




The park has many different facilities for different sports modalities, and there's seating around the entire area. There are not many trees and green areas however, and hardly any shade so summer is going to be difficult.



The park is built on a 44,000 m2 space made up of recreation and rest areas, sports court areas and pétanque courts, and the largest paved pump track area in the world.



The Pump Track is for skateboards, scooters, and BMX bicycles, which, according to the town hall, the younger people have been demanding, so no doubt a welcome addition to the skate park in the railway station grounds. The new pump track has three well-differentiated areas, Advanced Pump Track, Medium Level Pump Track and Children's Pump Track, which are colour coordinated.



The mayor of Torrevieja, and the councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, were accompanied by many of their town hall councillors and colleagues at the inauguration in an urbanisation popular with foreign residents, with hundreds accompanying them through the gates for the first time.



The town hall had invited many different local groups to use the facilities during the opening, both to show how they can use the facilities, and showcase what can take place in the park, with something pretty much for everyone on show including basketball, hockey, football, Zumba, canine agility, pétanque, and more, with plenty of children enjoying the play facilities, including a rock climbing wall, and many adults trying out the keep fit equipment, whilst those of all ages were active on the pump track.



After several years of inactivity, the work started at the beginning of last year, with an anticipated completion of 20 months, a deadline which has been brought forward to now.



As well as the sports facilities, there is space for enjoying walks for people and families, with picnic areas for recreation and rest. However, as mentioned, there is very little in the way of shade or covered areas, there are some, but not many, and even in this early spring day of March the sun was blistering, and so it will not be a particularly pleasurable experience during the hot summer season.



La Siesta Park also has an agility area for large dogs and another for small dogs, a large central area that divides the park with two circular squares, skating circuits, children's games, bio-healthy areas, mini auditorium, skating rink, hockey rink, soccer, pétanque courts, calisthenics area, bike path, as well as three paddle tennis courts, so this park will become the first in Torrevieja that will have courts to enjoy this fashionable sport, which normally takes place in the Sports City facility.



La Siesta Park Opening Event




Crowds gather for the opening of La Siesta Park and Pump Track in Torrevieja



Crowds gather for the opening of La Siesta Park and Pump Track in Torrevieja



Crowds gather for the opening of La Siesta Park and Pump Track in Torrevieja



The Mayor of Torrevieja officially opens the park



The mayor arrives at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Crowds gather, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Busy opening day at La Siesta Park Torrevieja




La Siesta Park Gallery




Zumba at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Zumba at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Children's play area, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Wild green area at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Central water fountain at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Space to stroll at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Green area, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Sports features and walkways, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Central space, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Central space, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Places to sit, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Exercise and rest area, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Rock climbing wall, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Central play fountain, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Keep fit equipment at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Walking around La Siesta Park Torrevieja



These new exclusive electric bikes are now available in Torrevieja call Yvonne on 687 66 62 62



These new exclusive electric bikes are now available in Torrevieja call Yvonne on 687 66 62 62



These new exclusive electric bikes are now available in Torrevieja call Yvonne on 687 66 62 62



La Siesta Park Torrevieja




Sports and Leisure Features at La Siesta Park




Zumba at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Zumba at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Football at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Exercise area at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Basketball court at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Playing hockey at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Playing hockey, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Handball at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Handball, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Handball at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Playing football at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Petanque, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Petanque court, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Exercise and rest area, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Keep fit equipment at La Siesta Park Torrevieja




Canine Agility Park at La Siesta Torrevieja




Canine agility course at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Dog taining at La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Dog Training at La Siesta Park Torrevieja




Torrevieja Pump Track at La Siesta Park




Torrevieja Pump Track, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Torrevieja Pump Track, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Torrevieja Pump Track, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Torrevieja Pump Track, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Torrevieja Pump Track, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Torrevieja Pump Track, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Torrevieja Pump Track, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Torrevieja Pump Track, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Torrevieja Pump Track, La Siesta Park Torrevieja



Torrevieja Pump Track, La Siesta Park Torrevieja




Drone Pictures of La Siesta Park




La Siesta Park and pump track



La Siesta Park and pump track



La Siesta Park and pump track



La Siesta Park and pump track



La Siesta Park and pump track



La Siesta Park and pump track



La Siesta Park and pump track



La Siesta Park and pump track



La Siesta Park and pump track



La Siesta Park and pump track




Videos of La Siesta Park




https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs9him80uxQXNasIH2HfKF_k9rVhK01S0&si=O1NK1Bz5WEisHs1o

### Area to Remember 1829 Torrevieja Earthquake

As every year passes, we are creeping close to the 200th anniversary of the Torrevieja earthquake, which occurred on 21 March, 1829, and although the devastation is confined to the history books, it is not beyond the possibility that it could happen again, as seismologists constantly affirm, and so the lessons and memories of those who perished must never be forgotten.



It wasn’t only Torrevieja that was devasted by the 1829 earthquake, many of the surrounding towns also suffered considerable material and human losses, including Guardamar, and Almoradí, where the memory lives on in a mini museum of tribute.



Those towns affected will hold their own memorials as is customary, including Torrevieja, where those of a religious persuasion will also pray to San Emigdio, for whom the small church in the Park of Nations in Torrevieja is dedicated, the patron saint of earthquakes.



The Torrevieja earthquake was also not unique to the area, or Spain, as records collated by the National Geographic Institute (IGN) show that 3 of the 27 major earthquakes that have occurred in the country have occurred in the province of Alicante.



Prior to the 1829 disaster, we need to go back to 1048, when the Orihuela mosque was destroyed. The second was on 19 June 1644 and had its epicentre in Muro de Alcoy, where several houses were destroyed. Both are listed as "intensity VIII", which was the old measure (before the 20th century) to assess the importance of earthquakes, although what it really reflected was the amount of destruction caused.



The registered intensity IX or X was the highest. In fact, the IGN has only documented two other earthquakes with this level in Spain: on 1 November 1755 in Cabo San Vicente, which produced a tsunami almost 15 metres high, and on 25 December 1885 in Arenas del Rey (Granada), with 4,400 buildings destroyed and more than 13,000 damaged.



The third earthquake is the one that is best documented. It happened on 21 March 1829 in the Torrevieja area, and affected three other municipalities, Almoradí, Benejúzar and Guardamar, that had to be completely rebuilt. That tragedy left 389 dead and 377 injured.



According to the chronicles, the decade between 1820 and 1830 was one of those with the greatest seismic activity in the province of Alicante. The intensity increased until, between 13 September 1828 and 21 March 1829, some 200 tremors occurred.



The last one was recorded around 6:15 p.m., with an estimated magnitude of 6.6 on the Richter scale, with the epicentre in the towns of Benejúzar, Rojales and Torrevieja. The catastrophe left hundreds dead and injured, in addition to 2,965 homes completely destroyed and 2,396 damaged. The bridges that crossed the Segura River in Almoradí, Benejúzar, Dolores and Guardamar also collapsed.



In addition to the municipalities located at its epicentre (which had to be almost completely rebuilt), the earthquake also affected the towns of Almoradí, Algorfa, Rafal, Torrelamata, Daya Vieja, Guardamar, Dolores, Redován, San Fulgencio and San Miguel de Salinas.



In fact, half of the deceased were from Almoradí, due to the narrowness of its streets. In this municipality, every year its inhabitants take San Emigdio, who is the patron saint of earthquakes, out into the streets and pray in memory of all the victims, a routine also celebrated in other towns, including Torrevieja.



Could something like this happen again? Well, in principle yes, because two areas of the province of Alicante, l'Alacantí and the southern regions, are susceptible to having earthquakes of intensity 6 on the Richter scale.



The observation was made by the professor of the Department of Seismic Engineering and Geodesy of the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), Paco García, who stressed that, of the three geological domains of the Valencian Community, "the most prone and most active" is the so-called Bético, in the south of Valencia and Alicante.



"We expect earthquakes of large magnitudes, from 6 up on the Richter scale. If the previous ones have been of great destructive quantity, why couldn't they be repeated if they are the same faults," he said. "Active quaternary faults are the ones that are of concern."



Thus, García indicated that, despite the fact that in general "seismicity in the Valencian Community is moderate or low" and the territory is "fully monitored with seismographs and accelerographs", earthquake prediction is "in its infancy" because "we do not know where they will occur, in the areas where there is more probability, yes, but not when, the day and time".



He also defended "that seismic risk studies and plans be carried out" and valued that the construction of buildings, bridges or any infrastructure "has been governed for some time now by the seismic resistance standard."



What he completely ruled out is that the Valencian coast could suffer a tsunami, because "the magnitude of that earthquake will not reach a 6 or 7 and we have a highly developed continental shelf and the depth is very small, 200 or 300 metres", unlike what occurs in the Gulf of Cádiz or the coast of Malaga, Ceuta, Melilla and the Moroccan and Algerian coast.

### Torrevieja Funfair Reopens for Easter Season

Torrevieja Funfair opens this weekend and will remain open throughout the Easter period.



The Torrevieja fair relocated last year and is no longer near the harbour in the town centre, but is situated in the Parque Antonio Soria grounds, near the water park and Friday market, a little further down the road from Habaneras Shopping Centre.



To celebrate the reopening of Torrevieja fairground, vouchers have been distributed throughout the town offering 2 for 1 tickets, and discounts.



Torrevieja fair is open from Saturday 16 March at 5:00 p.m.



You can check out our Torrevieja Events Calendar for more things to do in Torrevieja.

### World Cup Football Comes to Torrevieja

This week, the II "Ciudad de Torrevieja" Football World Cup, under the motto Integration through Sports, will be held in the Torrevieja Sports City facilities.



Following the group draw last weekend, the action will take place on Saturday and Sunday, March 16 and 17.



Teams made up of players from a total of 10 countries will participate in this edition: Spain, Paraguay, Colombia, Ecuador, Cape Verde, Romania, Ukraine, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay



The qualifying matches will be held on Saturday, March 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and on Sunday, March 17, the finals will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and, later, the presentation of trophies.



The tournament will also feature a Mundialito, played in the 7-a-side football format, and the presence of several “folclóricos” folk groups from these countries, who will perform during breaks, as well as the presence of several local associations that will support their teams at all times.

### La Siesta Park to Open This Week

It's been a long time coming, but the La Siesta park and pump track in Torrevieja is due to open this week with the inauguration set for Saturday 16 March at 11:00 a.m.



The park not has many different facilities for different sports modalities, and there's seating around the entire area. There are not many trees and green areas however, and hardly any shade so summer is going to be difficult.




La Siesta Park - Opened March 2024



La Siesta Park - Opened March 2024



La Siesta Park - Opened March 2024



La Siesta Park - Opened March 2024



La Siesta Park - Opened March 2024



La Siesta Park - Opened March 2024



La Siesta Park - Opened March 2024



La Siesta Park - Opened March 2024



La Siesta Park - Opened March 2024



La Siesta Park - Opened March 2024




The park is built on a 44,000 m2 space made up of recreation and rest areas, sports court areas and pétanque courts, and the largest paved pump track area in the world.




https://youtu.be/1P2g1dE7giE

### What We Need to Know About Ovarian Cancer

Dr. Rodolfo Martín Díaz, head of the Gynaecology Service at Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante, summarises the origin of this pathology and what surgery consists of to address it.



One of the malignant diseases that occupies the first places among female tumours is ovarian cancer. Its incidence in women is around 1.2% of the general female population, but if we take into account its age of onset, it will represent 5% of female tumours and the fourth most frequent.



In Spain, around 3,300 new cases are diagnosed annually, an incidence relatively higher than that of the world population (4%).



Despite its low incidence, it is still the leading cause of cancer death in women, with around 2,000 deaths per year. 



Rodolfo Martín Díaz, head of the Gynaecology Service at Quirónsalud Torrevieja y Alicante, explains in greater detail what this disease consists of and how it can be treated. In addition, he specifies the average age of patients who suffer from it and when studies should begin for early detection of the disease.



 



 



Ovarian cancer and the patient's age



Ovarian cancer is a disease more common in postmenopausal women, with the highest incidence between the ages of 50 and 75. In this sense, the average is around 63 years old. These purely statistical data only reflect the importance of regular check-ups after menopause.



Survival of ovarian cancer depends purely and exclusively on the stage or degree of progression that is diagnosed. The Quirónsalud professional explains that in stage I, the cure can reach 95%, while in stage II, it is 70% and in stage III, it is 30%. However, "unfortunately, most cases are diagnosed in stage III or IV.  This is mainly due to the fact that it is a silent disease, which when it manifests it does so with symptoms that are mistaken between banal anomalies of the digestive tract, urological and gynaecological problems. Added to this, the lack of an accurate diagnostic imaging method leads to the vast majority of times being discovered in advanced stages.



Faced with this scenario, specific gynaecological check-ups from the age of 40 are very important, in which a gynaecological ultrasound will be performed to detect any abnormality in the ovaries. If there is a family history of ovarian cancer, screening should begin earlier.



Regarding the causes of ovarian cancer, a specific one is currently unknown, but there are a number of factors that reduce the incidence of ovarian cancer. These include pregnancy and the use of birth control pills.



More well-known, but rare, are hereditary syndromes that predispose to ovarian cancer due to mutations in some specific genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, linked to breast and ovarian cancer and other tumours (prostate, pancreas, melanoma).



More recently, other genes are also linked to ovarian cancer such as PTEN (PTEN tumour hamartoma syndrome), STK11 (Peutz-Jeghers syndrome), MUTYH (MUTYH-associated polyposis), and many genes that can cause hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or Lynch syndrome (MLH1, MLH3, MSH2, MSH6, TGFBR2, PMS1, and PMS2).



Treatments for Ovarian Cancer



The professional Díaz, from Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante, says that ovarian cancer surgery differs in the early and advanced stages, but in all cases the objective is the same: to leave the patient without tumour remains.



In early stages I and II, minimally invasive surgery plays a fundamental role.



Minimally invasive surgery allows surgical procedures to be performed through minimal incisions in the skin, avoiding the opening of the abdomen. This is why post-surgical recovery is faster, less painful and associated with a lower risk of infection, allowing patients earlier mobility, incorporating into family, social and work life in a much shorter time than in the case of patients operated on by laparotomy.



Therefore, recovery after ovarian cancer surgery can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the extent of the surgery, the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health. If the surgical approach is minimally invasive, recovery is much faster and less painful.



For advanced stages, in which treatment of the genital tract is required, but also digestive, urinary or peritoneal, the recommended route is the open route, sometimes intraperitoneal chemotherapy with hyperthermia may be added (HIPEC).



In these cases, the exposure of the abdomen is maximum so that both the upper and lower abdomen can be addressed and thus completely eliminate all visible tumour disease. Here, there is a higher incidence of post-surgical pain, surgical wound infections, bleeding, and limitation of early mobility. In the first case, the hospital stay is usually 2 days on average, while in the second it is approximately 7 days.



Finally, the professional maintains that: When ovarian cancer is suspected or diagnosed, patients should be referred to centres with experience and capacity. To have multidisciplinary teams and the appropriate technology, because the surgical treatment of ovarian cancer has only one surgical opportunity and the survival of our patients depends on it, which in the advanced stages can range from 72 months to 30 months, depending on the type of surgery we are able to perform.



You can request more information at Quirónsalud Torrevieja hospital about this disease or any other pathology.

### Proposal to Bridge the Digital Divide in Torrevieja

Sueña Torrevieja proposes a motion to carry out courses on the management of the electronic office and reduce the digital gap in Torrevieja.



Pablo Samper assures that what this proposal seeks is to promote courses on the management of the electronic office among older residents, with less computer knowledge or who have reduced mobility and to make it easier for them to carry out different procedures.



Samper also proposes to the council that explanatory tutorial videos be created, in Spanish and several languages with the necessary instructions and the steps to follow in a procedure from start to finish.



Torrevieja is growing again, it is undergoing a transformation and modernisation, they say, and this is demonstrated by the latest census data with more than 100,000 registered inhabitants, but at the same time as the population increases, the digital divide also increases.



In Torrevieja, the age range between 60 and 100 years old is almost 29,000 inhabitants, 29% of the population, and this can generate problems due to the impact of information and communication technologies on access, processing, and in the use of the same by neighbours due to age.



Another example, the different nationalities, 49,944 inhabitants, 49.74% of the population, are of international origin from 122 countries that can generate the same problems due to the language.



They would also mainly take into account people with low knowledge of computer resources and with reduced mobility who find it more difficult to approach the organisations to carry out in-person procedures.



Sueña Torrevieja proposes to the Torrevieja council to make residents aware of the instrument of the electronic headquarters to be able to make requests and queries, in addition to informing about the type of requests that they can manage by this means in the different categories.



The main objective would be to teach citizens how to use the platform, from the beginning of searching for the procedure, instructions for the procedure, how to download, fill out the forms and how to attach the requested documentation and also how to track a file already presented and by what means they will receive the resolution.



Plus, inform about the meaning of the electronic signature instrument and digital certificate, how to request it, how to install it and how to use it. Something which the Councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, has herself, singlehandedly been trying to achieve.



The way to do this would be by teaching face-to-face courses with practical examples of the most requested procedures such as registration, certificate of responsible declaration of second occupancy, construction licences, opening licences, direct debit of taxes, etc. or through “Online” instruction videos with some procedures carried out from start to finish.



This initiative will bring the platform closer to users, decongest physical assistance to agencies and speed up the tasks of officials by receiving correctly submitted applications, concludes Samper.

### La Mata Sports Pavilion to be Completed This Year

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, accompanied by the Councillor for Sports, Diana Box, the construction director of ORTHEM, Ramón Guijalba, and residents of the area, visited the works of the municipal sports pavilion of La Mata, located just off the N-332.



During his visit, the mayor announced that the works are at a very good pace, so it is expected that before the end of this year, 2024, this sports infrastructure will be completed, and the established deadline will be brought forward, which It is 18 months of execution.



The construction director, Ramón Guijalba, has reported that the La Mata pavilion, which has an execution budget of nearly 6 million euro, is going to change the format of its main façade to a more attractive one that will allow it to protect the building from the entry of sunlight.



Among the novelties that the pavilion will have, its ground floor may have a gym of more than 100 m2, in addition to two multipurpose rooms of 95 m2 each, which could be unified, and that will allow hosting meetings and social and cultural activities, which will meet the growing demand in this Torrevieja district, as well as the changing rooms for teams and refereeing, toilets, outdoor lobby, cafeteria, access control and cloakroom.



Likewise, various facilities will be located in the basement that has been built in the pavilion and will also serve as a warehouse, so the ground floor can have more services for its users.



The La Mata pavilion will have a 44 x 23 metre sports court, enabled for the practice of sports such as indoor soccer, volleyball, handball, basketball or badminton, in accordance with the specific regulations of the Higher Sports Council (CSD). In addition, the building allows a transversal layout to combine several simultaneous events and will have capacity for 400 people with a seating area of ​​almost 200 seats.

### March is Theatre Month in Torrevieja

March has already begun and in Torrevieja the month is being recognised as Theatre Month, with two very important dates, the first on March 20, World Children's Theatre Day and the second on March 27, World Theatre Day.



As part of the celebrations leading up to those key dates, the month begins with "IV Theatre for everyone", where at least once a month children and adults can enjoy shows loaded with messages and values ​​such as: environmentalism, friendship, respect, love, art, culture and fun.



This coming Sunday, March 10, at 6:30 p.m., at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, a magnificent circus show, Circo Alas, will be performed. The recommended ages are 5/6 years and older and the price of tickets is €5.



Petite and Susane arrive at an old circus and discover a ring eager to feel the magic of the circus again. In a hurry and without knowing how to do anything in particular, they decide to start the show and become artists. The artists of Circo Alas intend to put on the best performance of your life! A story where no dreamer is small and no dream is too big.



Finally, it is worth remembering that the girls and boys of the paediatric ward of the Torrevieja Hospital will be able to watch the shows streamed thanks to the effort and support of Televisión Torrevieja (TVT), Torrevieja University Hospital, Department of Health and the Municipal Institute of Culture “Joaquín Chapaprieta Torregrosa”.

### Regional Police Get New Vehicles Local Police New People

The Valencia regional police have taken delivery of a new fleet of vehicles to replace their existing pool. The cars were shown off at the City of Arts and Science in Valencia.



The regional police vehicles are identifiable by their lighter blue colourings.





















Meanwhile, the human resources of policing in the Alicante province has been given a boost this week, as the Valencian Institute of Public Security and Emergencies (IVASPE) has started this a new basic level course for local police in Elche, which will enable 231 agents to carry out their work once they are stationed around the province.



During the inauguration, the regional secretary of Security and Emergencies, Javier Montero, addressed the new agents to inform them that “this training is designed to prepare them as proximity agents, those who are destined to be the first contact with the population, meeting the needs of a society that has evolved and presents new challenges.”



The agents who pass the training will be integrated into 48 municipalities in the province of Alicante, reinforcing police staff, a demand from the municipalities that has been attended to by the Department of Justice and Interior.



Sixteen of the new police officers will be based in Torrevieja.



The training itinerary of this course consists of 700 hours of training to which eight weeks of internships are added. The agents are trained in disciplines such as police tactics, law, criminology, personal defence, and drug detection, areas that respond to the new challenges that are being presented in society, such as crimes associated with new technologies or illegal immigration.



Upon completing the course, the new agents will be trained for the daily operations of the local police of any municipality. In addition, the course mobilises more than a hundred teachers and instructors, prestigious professionals in their various areas of specialisation.



In this regard, Javier Montero highlighted that “in this new stage at IVASPE we have put our efforts into improving the academy. So that it can once again be a training reference, a source of pride and a place of excellence.”

### Torrevieja Flamingos Seen in Zenia Boulevard

The Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre on the Orihuela Costa, managed by Nhood and owned by Ceetrus and CBRE Investment Management, continues to advance in the renovation of its facilities, and in doing so, paying tribute to the local environment.



In the latest phase of the development, the Pink Lagoon of Torrevieja and the flamingos that live there have served as inspiration for the remodelling of the leisure areas. A large flamingo will delight the little ones so they can have fun, in an area where symbols of the aquatic environment also reside.



The Lappset company, dedicated to the implementation of recreational game areas and urban furniture, has been responsible for recreating this spectacular 6.5 metre high pink bird figure located on the upper floor of the shopping centre and which will undoubtedly arouse the interest of all visitors.



Likewise, the Pink Lagoon of Torrevieja has served as inspiration for the “salineros” toilets in the Plaza Mayor, highlighting its special characteristic colour (white and pink). Likewise, the Plaza de la Lonja will have a rest area and playground set in the area's citrus trees, which has been developed by the Cabana company.



In the Plaza Mayor there will be an allusion to the sea, as mentioned, with a giant jellyfish with three slides that will connect with an interactive fountain that is being improved and that has always been highly valued by visitors to the shopping centre. The Galopín company has been in charge of creating this play area in the Plaza Mayor.



In the words of Cristina Ros, director of the shopping centre, “Zenia Boulevard is being the protagonist of a spectacular change that will not leave anyone indifferent. With the remodelling that we are carrying out in all areas of the shopping centre, reflecting the identity of Orihuela, its area of ​​influence and its people, we hope that all people who come to Zenia Boulevard enjoy a unique experience. “We are very satisfied with the progress of the project and we hope that the leisure areas will be operational by Easter.”

### IMPORTANT ROAD CLOSURE IN TORREVIEJA

A road closure notice has been issued for the road named Jose Carreras in Torrevieja, which you are more likely to know as the road behind Jardin Del Mar that goes from the CV-905 at the Hiperber roundabout towards the auditorium and schools.



This is a very busy road for traffic, including buses, to the schools, the adult college, Sports City, and market.



The closure will mean diversions and significant disruption to traffic, so allow extra time for your journey.



The road closure notice is active from 4 March to 2 June, so 3 months, and is in connection with the Lagoons Village development. Access to their sales office will be maintained from the auditorium end of the road.



Please, as we say, allow extra time for your journey and spread the word as it will likely be chaotic initially.




https://youtu.be/8MBC20op7h0?si=R0WtZRLUvgfaWSf_





Jose Carreras behind Jardin del Mar



The Hiperber roundabout on the CV-905, Jose Carreras going off to the right



Jose Carreras, the CV-905 to the left









https://youtu.be/OAwMkBaCY3s





Sign warns of the closure



Overview of the roundabout at the school end



Barriers ready



View towards the N-332 bridge



Sneaky look



One of the schools



Barrier ready



Prepared for closure

### Do You Know Thomas Anthony Gill, also known as Tony?

Thomas Anthony Gill, also known as Tony Gill, passed away earlier this year and is believed to have been a resident of Torrevieja, perhaps in the La Siesta area.



Tony, who was 84 years old, was formerly of Kenilworth Road, Coventry, was married to Chris, now deceased.



Members of his family outside of Spain are trying to ascertain details of Tony, and respective funeral or repatriation arrangements.



If you know any information regarding Thomas Anthony Gill, also known as Tony Gill, can you please contact us at info@thisistorrevieja.com so we can forward information to his family.



Thank you.

### Welcome to Torrevieja

This week, we caught up once again with Torrevieja´s Councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, who was holding one of the drop-in sessions in the La Siesta urbanisation.



Gitte and her team hold regular sessions in the outlying urbanisations like La Siesta, and La Mata, and also in the town hall itself. That said, they much prefer it if you book an appointment or make contact, as they are also more than happy to visit you, which often helps them understand the situation better, as was the case where Gitte herself was set to visit a resident that afternoon so they could explain, in detail, the problems they are experiencing.



The La Siesta, El Chapparal office is inside the building that looks like a Local Police station, which it is, and is also shared, through a generous donation from the town hall, with Age Concern.



One of the functions that can be carried out at the office, incidentally, is the application for a Vado, a licence which prohibits vehicles from parking in front of your driveway, or building (including your own vehicle incidentally), to allow egress and access to your property by a vehicle. This prohibition can only be done with the official vado and is assessed on an individual basis. Again though, the police officers who work from the La Siesta office are happy to advise you.



In terms of the International Residents Department, run by Gitte, they are on hand to assist you in many different languages, and can guide you through a whole range of administrative processes, often believed daunting, especially to foreigners, such as registration and deregistration on the padrón, residencia, obtaining medical cover and a SIP card, digital signatures, and your right to vote, amongst others. They also have a handy leaflet, entitled Welcome to Torrevieja, which you can take away to read that gives brief details of each of those functions, and, importantly, what you need for each.



Anyone living or hoping to live in Torrevieja is welcome to contact the department, which you can do by email to eu@torrevieja.es, you can also telephone them on 600 34 14 31, or 965 71 02 50, and you can book an appointment via the torrevieja.es website, looking for Cita Previa, and Residentes Internacionales, where you can choose the location as well as time.



Finally, if you are on Facebook, you can follow both the International Residents Department, and Gitte direct, on these pages:



https://www.facebook.com/TorreviejaResidentesInternacionales



https://www.facebook.com/gittelt

### Iconic Torrevieja Ice Factory Left to Ruin

After taking aim at the local government for the lack of maintenance at the historic Eras de la Sal site in Torrevieja, lay derelict and abandoned, despite the fact the area was promoted in the FITUR tourism fair as part of the Habaneras polyphonic competition, and the subsequent site of a fire, for which the condition may well have played a part, the POSE in Torrevieja are now highlighting the neglect of another historical building, purchased with public money by the town hall, and now left in a deteriorating state, the former iconic ice factory building.



According to the PSOE in Torrevieja, led by their representative, Barbara Soler, “The PP is not at all interested in preserving our scarce heritage. The ice factory is an industrial-style building with more than a century of history. The final report of the archaeological study indicates that the state of conservation of the floors and roof of the building is very poor and both in the rooms and in the lantern, the reference space of the building on its upper floor, there are collapses of roof materials throughout the floor surface. The Torrevieja City Council acquired the property at the end of 2021 for almost one million euro”.



Meanwhile, the building protected in the General Plan of Torrevieja as an element of architectural interest urban development was deteriorating without the City Council acting to avoid it. And they still don't. "The PSOE warns that two years have passed since the reports were made and that, as has happened with the Eras de la Sal, "no measure" have been adopted for the conservation of the ice factory (...) For the PSOE, when the time comes to begin rehabilitation, "it will be bad and late and everything will have been definitively ruined."



This is not a new phenomenon however, a previously “protected” cinema in the town was simply demolished to make way for a new building, which itself had a chequered development of illegality and failure of building and safety regulations, the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre.  



Of course, then, "as they did with Pascual Flores or intend to do with the old building of the Carmelite Sisters (the Nuns), a new building will be built in imitation of the existing one. "In the PP they still don't know that original and copy are not the same."

### Torrevieja La Hoya Urbanisation Development to be Awash with Roundabouts

Torrevieja Council has put on public display the expropriation project for the land affected by the access roundabout to the S-20 "La Hoya" sector of the town, where the new Lagoons Village residential area is being built, where roundabouts will be aplenty, including a new major roundabout on the CV-905 between the Hiperber supermarket and La Siesta.



The urbanisation project includes the connection of the sector with the CV-905, through two circular access roundabouts, one of which, called "Noroeste", is the one that motivates the expropriation project presented this week, limited to the lands external to the so-called Sector S. -20, which are no longer included in the public domain of the aforementioned road, on which said access roundabout is superimposed.



In order to build this roundabout, the expropriation of a plot with an area of ​​377.31 m2 is proposed. This is land owned by the commercial companies Salinas del Mar and Promar Vega, SL, according to the project that has been put on public display.



The price to pay for these lands reaches 30,400 euro. The project indicates that the fair price of the property is 28,953.16 euro, to which is added 5% as a condition premium, 1,447.66 euro, up to 30,400.82 euro in total.



The S-20 La Hoya sector is one of the largest urban projects, in terms of extension, that Torrevieja has underway. This is 1.8 million square metres, most of which will be developed by the Torrevieja group TM.



Regarding the number of homes planned, although it will depend on their size, the construction of more than 7,000 is estimated. Among the changes included in the modification of the sector is the reorganization of the teaching equipment plots. In response to the requirement of the Council and the Department of Education, the plot for the school centre, measuring 12,866 m2, initially located east of the N-332, would move to a more central location within the sector. The construction of a secondary education centre with capacity for 511 students and an investment of 6.5 million is contemplated.



The internal plans presented in the brochure provided by the developer also show roundabouts throughout the urbanisation, and along the road which connects the Hiperber roundabout with the same near the International Auditorium, where work is also anticipated throughout the month of March, according to the town hall’s road closure notices. The same plans indicate two roundabouts connecting the Jardin del Mar urbanisation.



Regarding the distribution of surfaces, the urban project includes a total of 583,407 m2 of buildable area for private use. Of them, 134,195 m2 would correspond to Official Protection Housing (VPO). The mayor and councillor of Urban Planning, Eduardo Dolón, points out that in this way his commitment to providing the city with this type of housing would be achieved, in addition, as highlighted by the 500 requests he has made to the Department to expand the living place. 

### Spring Events Planner for Things to Do

This week, Andalusia Day, Dia de Andalucia, is celebrated on Wednesday, 28 February. A special concert is taking place in Torrevieja.



International Flamenco Day is celebrated in Torrevieja with a concert on 2 March. You can then take a Trip to Oz, with the kids, on 15 March, assuming you survive Peter and the Wolf on 10 March. There is also the Magical world of Disney concert on 16.



For runners, on 10 March, Elche has both as 7.2k and half marathon, Crevillente on 6 April has a 6 k race, and the Dama de Guardamar half marathon, which takes the form of both a 10k and 21k variant (10.5 and 21.1 kilometres, respectively, to be pedantic), and will take place in Guardamar del Segura on 14 April 2024.



Aircraft fans can look forward to RACEFEST, Madrid, taking place on 16 March, where the Patrulla Aguila aerobatic team from San Javier will be taking part, before showcasing their skills locally in the San Javier Airshow, taking place from 3rd-5th May – Festival Aéreo San Javier – over the playas de Santiago de la Ribera, San Javier, Murcia. They are also at the DIFAS 2024, taking place in Oviedo on 1 June, and on 15th June, the 50º Aniversario del ALA 14, in Albacete, where a competition is open to design a Eurofighter livery.



If your love of the sky means watching people jumping out of planes, then there´s good news for you too, as on 19th March – Fiestas Patronales de Puerto de Mazarrón 2024, in Murcia, sees the Patrulla Acrobática de Paracaidismo del Ejército del Aire (PAPEA) parachutists perform, and on 31st March they are at the Conmemoración de “El Encuentro” de Alcantarilla, also in Murcia, before the team head overseas in April to attend the 5th FAI World Indoor Skydiving Championship, in Macau, China.



Musically, James Blunt is back in Alicante on 19 July, as is Tom Jones on 25. Other popular groups coming to Spain in the near future include AC/DC, Depeche Mode, and Simple Minds.



A Black Music Festival is taking place in Salt until 9 March, and the Jerez Festival of Flamenco and art is on in Jerez de la Frontera also until 9 March.



Down south, the Malaga Film Festival takes place from 1 to 10 March, followed by the Granada Tango Festival from 12 to 17 March.



Fallas season is about to start, culminating in the celebrations around the middle of March, not forgetting of course we have San Jose, Spanish Father’s Day, a big event in the Spanish cultural calendar. The main fallas event is around Valencia, where this year the calendar is from 25 February to 19 March.



We must also remember that Easter is earlier this year, and one of the big draws is Elche, and in particular Palm Sunday, on account of the history of the city in relation to palm trees. A huge Palm Sunday procession takes place in the city each year.



One of the most unusual festivals takes place in the town of Mula, with the Night of the Drums, or Noche de los Tambores, where drumming begins at midnight on Holy Tuesday until 4 in the afternoon on Wednesday. Similar drum festivals take place in a few other towns too, but Mula is known as one of the best.



Another unusual celebration takes place in Jerte, usually at the end of March and beginning of April, but it depends on the weather, and therefore could be earlier this year, but it is the Cherry Trees in Blossom festival, which beholds a beauty of colour and aroma that is definitely a feast for the senses.

### Wednesday is Andalusia Day – Free Concert in Torrevieja

Every year, on 28 February, the people of Andalusia in the south of Spain celebrate their special commemorative day. However, as the people, cultures and customs of that area have spread throughout much of the country, so do the celebrations.



This year, Andalusia Day falls on Wednesday and commemorates the referendum that gave rise to the autonomous process of the province.



It is almost unfathomable to think that so much of what is now considered historical change happened quite recently, as is the case here, as it was in 1980 that Andalusia became part of one of the 17 autonomous communities in the Spanish territory.



Like any autonomous community, it has its own parliament and management bodies. Founded in 1992, the Andalusian Parliament building houses the presidential office, the government council, the members of the parliament and the community councils.



The name Andalusia comes from the name that the Muslims gave to the region during their occupation, al-Andalus.



Although there are many “Spanish” cultures that originated in Andalusia, arguably one of the most popular and distinctive is flamenco, a fusion artform that brings music, dance, colour and costumes together in celebration, and so, on this special day, it might come as no surprise that flamenco plays a large part in the celebrations.



In Torrevieja, a concert will be held in the Palacio de la Musica, Día de Andalucía: Pasodobles de España, starting at 7 p.m., on Wednesday, a concert organised by the Andalusian association of Torrevieja for the celebration of Andalusia Day. This time with the Spanish pasodoble as the main theme.



There is more good news because admission to the event is free, but as there are only 235 seats available in the venue, you might be disappointed if you don´t get there early enough.



Otherwise, feel free to dress accordingly, in the traditional attire that makes the area so vibrant and colourful, take your castanets if you have them, and enjoy a little piece of the south of Spain spreading through the rest of the country.

### Nine out of ten patients with the most common tumours can be cured with an early diagnosis

Specialists at Quirónsalud point out that nine out of ten patients with the most common tumours can be cured if detected in their early stages, such as breast, prostate, and colon cancer.



Breast cancer is the most common tumour among the female population, accounting for almost 30% of all cancers diagnosed in women and also the most diagnosed tumour worldwide. For this reason, Dr. Marta Huertas, radiologist at the Diagnostic Imaging Service of the Quirónsalud Murcia Hospital, stresses the importance of performing a mammogram.



Dr. Huertas points to tomosynthesis mammography as the great evolution in this diagnostic field, since it allows a more advanced study by reducing the overlapping of structures and allowing the identification of lesions that could remain hidden. "Thanks to the tomosynthesis mammography we are able to diagnose lesions in earlier stages, reduce the performance of complementary tests or repetitions compared to conventional mammography, as well as improv the assessment of dense breasts," says the radiology specialist at Quirónsalud Murcia.



In the case of men, prostate cancer is, without a doubt, the most common tumour, which forces us to emphasise the importance of prevention and early diagnosis of this tumour to preserve health in men. As for its early diagnosis, Dr. Javier Pérez, urologist at the Quirónsalud Valencia Hospital, recommends "the performance of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood testing from the age of fifty and, if elevated, digital rectal examination (DRE) as the most important tools to identify possible cases of prostate cancer in early stages."



Another technique in case of suspicion will be fusion biopsy, which is considered the best diagnostic test, especially in the case of areas suspected of harbouring prostate cancer cells in an MRI. "It is especially recommended in lesions that are difficult to access, when lesions are observed in the MRI and the clinical suspicion of prostate cancer persists after a negative biopsy for a tumour, and to consider surveillance of low-risk tumours or focal therapies," says the urology specialist at Quirónsalud Valencia.



If we talk about both sexes, the most prevalent type of tumour would be colon cancer,  a tumour whose incidence, says Dr. Pedro Bretcha, head of Surgical Oncology at the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, has increased by 22% in the last decade.



Regarding the early detection of colon cancer, there is consensus that a study should be carried out from the age of fifty to all those people without risk factors, such as the annual faecal occult blood test, which has proven to be as effective as other diagnostic tests. "As for people at increased risk," says Dr. Bretcha, "they should enter a study program at a younger age and more frequently. In the case of people with a first-degree relative under the age of 60 with colon cancer or two first-degree relatives at any age, they should have a colonoscopy starting at age 40 or 10 years before the relative's diagnosis, and from that point on, repeat every five years."

### LGTBIQ+ Group Denounce Hatred After Torrevieja Carnival Fiasco

The TORREVIEJA DIVERSA association, representative of the LGTBIQ+ community in the town, has issued a statement expressing its firmest rejection of the attacks on social networks directed towards the group following the Carnival parade, in which, they say, “we did not even participate, nor did TORREVIEJA DIVERSA as an association, nor any other group representing the LGTBIQ+ collective”.



“These hate messages were intended to link the group with paedophilia and corruption of minors, in an argumentative ramble without any rigor, with the simple intention to misinform, harm and to criminalise LGTBIQ+ people”.



“The rainbow flag is our symbol, which represents us, but it is not our property, therefore which, with respect, everyone can use it. In fact, the LGTBI flag It has that meaning of inclusion, that all colours fit, and that everyone is welcome, no matter who we are”.



Secondly, in the statement, they wish to defend freedom of expression, artistic representation, criticism and satire, “necessary in a democracy and in a rule of law, and which must be present at the Carnival, and without which this festival would have no meaning”.



Finally, the group wants to express their support for the organisation of the Torrevieja Carnival and the Comparsa Osadía, who have received these and other attacks for the choice of a costume, framed in satire and artistic expression, and that twisted minds have wanted to see something dirty in what is nothing more than a Carnival parade.



It should perhaps be noted that Torrevieja has a history of homophobia which culminated in a n incident when a previous PP mayor, Pedro Hernandez Mateo, now a convicted criminal, made homophobic references so singer Miguel Bose, resulting in the cancellation of a concert planned in the town.



Similarly, it should be noted that the current mayor, Eduardo Dolon, who was mentored by Hernandez Mateo and would easily been seen photographed at the opening of an envelope, is notably absent in events organised by the LGTBIQ+ community (apart from the pre-election campaign), and even the town hall only last year agreed for a far-right VOX event to take place in the same location as a previously agreed outreach facility, resulting in the latter having to be cancelled for fear of the safety of those representative of the LGTBIQ+ community who would have come face to face with members of VOX, known for their condemnation and hatred of the community, so much that they even banned the representation of that all-inclusive rainbow flag in a manner derived from pure fascism.



It is therefore inevitable that the facilitating of these far-right and hate-filled policies result in such abuse, when those trying to deny freedom of expression, such as VOX, are facilitated by the likes of the PP, of which both mayors of Torrevieja mentioned are part.



VOX, meanwhile, now want to have full control of the representations made in Torrevieja Carnival and reserve the right to prevent anything they don´t agree with appearing, which, by any means, is straight from the fascist manual.

### Bárbara Soler New General Secretary of the PSOE of Torrevieja

The PSOE of Torrevieja held an extraordinary assembly on Saturday to elect the new Municipal Executive Commission and thus return normality to the group.



The voting day was characterised by a high participation compared to previous occasions, reaching 60% of those called to vote. The only candidacy presented, led by Bárbara Soler, achieved unanimity in the votes cast. The chosen candidacy was presented by Soler in the middle of this week along with the project that she proposed for the socialist group.



Representatives of the party were present at both the regional and provincial levels, as well as part of the militancy.



The regional general secretary, Joaquín Hernández, congratulated the newly elected general secretary and the rest of the executive. For his part, the national deputy, Alejandro Soler, highlighted the relevance of Torrevieja at the regional level and the importance of "achieving a result in the next municipal elections that allows us to govern by applying the future project that we socialists have for Torrevieja."



Likewise, the spokesperson for the municipal group and recently elected general secretary confirmed that "it is necessary for the socialist party to be attractive to the young people of the city" and that work will be done to establish the Socialist Youth of Torrevieja again, since "the youth with left-wing political concerns must be able to defend their interests first-hand.” Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of “having a cohesive party, open to all citizens and that provides solutions to the problems of our city in the face of the improvisation of the Partido Popular.”

### Things to do in March around Torrevieja

Now that Carnival is officially over things are a little quiet again events wise until Easter, but there are one or two interesting things to do around the area.



There’s a speedpainting workshop in Torrevieja on 27 February, at the Los Angeles bar, First Aid for Dogs (for performing on dogs, not dogs doing first aid, at Jessie’s Bar on 29.



Cinderella is in Torrevieja on Sunday 25 February, and International Flamenco Day is celebrated with a concert on 2 March. You can then take a Trip to Oz, with the kids, on 15 March, assuming you survive Peter and the Wolf on 10 March. There is also the Magical world of Disney concert on 16.



For sports fans, there are a couple of endurance events this weekend, including in the municipality of Elche, where Transilicitana will take place, a staggering 100-kilometre race, with slopes and flats, starting on Saturday with 24 hours to complete the race.



Then, on Sunday 25 February, we have the Torrevieja 21k half marathon, and a 5k race, starting at 9:30 a.m. Both of those events of course will lead to road closures, so check the traffic situation before you travel.



Looking ahead, James Blunt is back in Alicante on 19 July, as is Tom Jones on 25. Other popular groups coming to Spain in the near future include AC/DC, Depeche Mode, and Simple Minds.



A Black Music Festival is taking place in Salt until 9 March, and the Jerez Festival of Flamenco and art is on in Jerez de la Frontera also until 9 March.



Down south, the Malaga Film Festival takes place from 1 to 10 March, followed by the Granada Tango Festival from 12 to 17 March.



Fallas season is about to start, culminating in the celebrations around the middle of March, not forgetting of course we have San Jose, Spanish Father’s Day, a big event in the Spanish cultural calendar. The main fallas event is around Valencia, where this year the calendar is from 25 February to 19 March.



We must also remember that Easter is earlier this year, and one of the big draws is Elche, and in particular Palm Sunday, on account of the history of the city in relation to palm trees. A huge Palm Sunday procession takes place in the city each year.



One of the most unusual festivals takes place in the town of Mula, with the Night of the Drums, or Noche de los Tambores, where drumming begins at midnight on Holy Tuesday until 4 in the afternoon on Wednesday. Similar drum festivals take place in a few other towns too, but Mula is known as one of the best.



Another unusual celebration takes place in Jerte, usually at the end of March and beginning of April, but it depends on the weather, and therefore could be earlier this year, but it is the Cherry Trees in Blossom festival, which beholds a beauty of colour and aroma that is definitely a feast for the senses.

### Torrevieja Carnival Makes Hate-Filled Headlines

Although the recent wave of both anti-gay and anti-feminine hatred had started to die down, fuelled by the far-right VOX political group immediately after the elections last year, that bias and hatred has reared its ugly head once more, with children´s costumes in Torrevieja Carnival making the headlines amid accusations of exploitation and even paedophilia, whilst the children were simply parading through the streets spreading their childish joy.



The target of the hatred has been towards the Osadía troupe of the Torrevieja Carnival, sparking outrage by political and social ideologies related to feminism and LGTBI groups, based on the costumes the children were wearing, which could easily have been from musicals such as cabaret, or the Rocky Horror Picture Show, the videos of which sparked outrage from far-right groups, and in particular a Christian Lawyers group who immediately threatened legal action.



After the weather postponed the parade until Monday, the social networks of the Torrevieja Carnival Association were filled with accusations of paedophilia. They responded on their Instagram account, saying, “The Torrevieja Carnival Cultural Association will always support all the troupes and participants of our carnivals. And we will always defend freedom in our carnivals,” they write, along with the hashtag #hoysomososadia.



Somewhat ironically, some people even branded the Mayor, Eduardo Dolón, as a “queer fanatic”, “sick paedophile” and others, without realising that even within the gay community in the town, Dolon is criticised for promising to support the local community before the elections, but having regained power, is consistently strangely absent from any of their community events.



Dolón, representing the Council, issued a statement in which he supports “the great Carnival family and the board of directors” of the carnival association. “Carnival is criticism, satire, provocation, fun,” he continues, “and taking out of context and dimensioning an event like the one being criticised is totally out of place.” “I am sure,” says the mayor, “that the intention of the fathers and mothers of these children was not, at all, to hypersexualise their children with their costumes,” but rather to pour out “a criticism of the political and social situation in Spain, nothing else". Dolón is blunt in his response: “The Torrevieja City Council does not and will not come in to censor or monitor the costumes that the troupe creates each year.” In his opinion, Osadía “has complete freedom to decide what they want to represent.”



Later, in statements to the media after Pedro Sánchez's visit to the Torrevieja desalination plant, Dolón confirmed that the Council is not going to enter into the controversy. “It would be returning to the Inquisition,” he argues. “Or are we considering that we are going to go to the chirigotas at the Falla Theatre in Cádiz to say what can be done and what cannot be done?” asks the mayor of Torrevieja, who defends his city's Carnival as “ one of the most important festivals”, attended by “many people, more than 20,000 people saw it in the streets, who were not alarmed” after seeing the proposal of the Osadía troupe. “You have to be calm,” says Dolón, for whom the opinions expressed on networks “are out of place.”



Dolón is the PP mayor of Torrevieja and it was through the agreement between the PP and VOX that much of the hatred now manifesting was facilitated, including the banning of rainbow flags, painting over of benches, and a total rejection of the LGTBI community, which still continues in the areas where it was a requirement for coalitions to govern. The town hall in Torrevieja even allowed a far-right VOX rally to take place in the same place as a previously organised LGTBI outreach event, resulting in the latter being cancelled for fear of the safety of those involved.



Pablo Samper, councillor for the Sueña Torrevieja party has also received insults, after he too defended the costumes, resulting in his Twitter account being hijacked with insults and expletives.



“Almost all of them come from anonymous bot accounts,” emphasises Samper, to whom the explosion of the networks seems like a “quite serious” matter. “Osadía is a very groundbreaking troupe that always tries to use costumes that move away from the classic, from the traditional,” he explains. He maintains that the online harassment that the organisers and participants in the parade are suffering is terrible. “We must defend the freedom, transgression, satire and sarcasm that characterise all carnivals,” he says. The Osadía costumes were not the only ones that appealed to the exhibition among the thirty troupes, with more than 2,000 participants, that paraded during the festivities.



Furthermore, he adds that "the meaning of the costume and the criticism behind it have been taken completely out of context, precisely of the parties and ideologies themselves, and they have tried to use the costumes of minors in a dastardly way to tarnish freedom and satire that represents the carnival”.



Samper assures that during the last few hours, after publishing a post in support of the Carnival and the Osadía troupe on the social network serious thing is not that they insult me, the festival councillor or the mayor of Torrevieja himself, but what we cannot tolerate is that they try to intimidate, harass, insult and threaten the entire Carnival family and especially the affected troupe”.



“We must continue to extract the positive from all the bad things,” concludes Samper, “and all these facts must serve as an impetus to continue working and improving in the next carnivals in 2025.”

### Patient Platform Denounces Massive Cuts to Torrevieja Area Health Budgets

The patient led group, Plataforma por la Sanidad 100x100 Pública y de Calidad, has denounced the funding cuts to be implemented by the new PP-led government of Valencia, which, they say, will have a direct impact on the already struggling Torrevieja hospital, as well as medical centres in the surrounding area.



Planned investments in the Torrevieja health department has fallen, according to the platform, to one tenth of what was planned. The entity has indicated that this is a drastic reduction in the 2024 budget for works in the department of Torrevieja designed by the previous regional government led by the PSOE, who were also responsible for reversing the management of Torrevieja Hospital into public hands, and the disaster which has been lived out since.



Of the 17.3 million euro planned in the previous year's budgets for 2023 and 2024, which included the expansion works of the Torrevieja hospital and the Guardamar and Orihuela-Costa Health Centres, only 1.84 million will be invested. Thus, in the Torrevieja hospital, the planned 11.1 million euro have been reduced to 1.1 and in Guardamar and the Orihuela Costa health centres the 6.3 million remain at 730,000 euro.



The platform considers these numbers a comparative grievance with those handled for the Orihuela health department, since "although it is violated, there is also a drastic reduction in the investments planned in the neighbouring department of Orihuela, of the 29.6 million euro that the regional Health Department will invest this year in the Vega Baja region 27.8 will be invested in the department of Orihuela, compared to 1.8 that will be invested in Torrevieja despite this being the most populated and aging department and with a recent reversal. That is to say, for every euro invested in Torrevieja, 16.4 will be invested in Orihuela," they point out.



The citizen group insists that the Torrevieja hospital needs more beds, more operating rooms, more spaces for outpatient consultations, for the headquarters of the different medical specialties, even for issues as trivial as storage. These shortcomings have a direct and inevitable impact on users. Cases in the clinical phase are prioritised, to the detriment of prevention. Access to the health system is perpetuated, above all, for cases that are in principle non-urgent, both in primary and specialised care or on waiting lists for surgical interventions. The increase in population with the same infrastructure produces the funnel effect through the numerous and unavoidable triages in the different phases of the patients' itinerary through the health system, which delays, blocks and slows down access and transit through the system of an important percentage of the users of the department.



The platform has registered a letter addressed to the Ministry of Health so that a sufficient item is included in the 2024 budgets to face the necessary expansion works of the Torrevieja hospital and the Department's Health Centres. At the same time, it calls on the population to mobilise against the cuts and for the constitutional right to health of all citizens. In order not to have to regret tomorrow, we must act now.

### Torrevieja Budgets Face Real Opposition

The opposition PSOE of Torrevieja this week voted against the final approval of the municipal budgets, sticking to the reasons they explained before Christmas, following the interventions of their councillor, David Villanueva, which they shared through their spokesperson, Barbera Soler.



The first point they made is that half of the financing will come from the disposal of municipal land located in the Puerto de la Sal area. Since no one buys for 22 million to plant trees, they say, what it implies is a clear commitment on the part of the council to approve new skyscrapers in an area in which towers of up to 23 heights are already planned and are still awaiting final approval.



The budgets presented are not going to mean an improvement in the lives of the people of Torrevieja. There is no investment in infrastructure or services for the residents of the town, who no longer fit on the beaches, who receive a terrible solid waste collection service, a forgotten industrial estate, a worrying lack of parking, or a Torrevieja Hospital that no longer has capacity to serve all citizens of their coverage area today.



In this regard, the PSOE spokesperson took the opportunity to point out that the recently appointed head of the regional government, Carlos Mazón, has almost completely eliminated the expansion of the hospital while, curiously, private Ribera clinics are opening in the area, run by the company who once raised the public hospital to flagship status.



In short, the investments are not guaranteed, since there is talk of obtaining 22 million on account of an urban plan that is missing a good section and of a disposal file that has not even begun to be processed, and, furthermore, they are going to be at the cost of great damage to the quality of life of Torrevieja residents.



Fortunately, the local socialist group points out, the national government led by the socialist Pedro Sánchez has approved that local entities will receive the record figure of 28,5 billion euro from the financing system in 2024. According to the intervention calculation that appears in the budgets themselves, about 23 million, a little more than the zero euro that the Treasury councillor in Torrevieja calculated that we were going to receive from the State.



They conclude by describing the budget with much less social spending and investments in the air, as a real toast to the sun.



The Sueña Torrevieja group had also previously criticised the budget proposal as the financing relied on the sale of land and loans, neither of which were guaranteed.

### Torrevieja Cleaning Staff Call for Easter Strike due to Labour Abuses

The problems with Torrevieja´s disastrous multimillion euro waste disposal contract have gone beyond the poor and failing contractual obligations that have resulted in dirty streets and lack of collections, and have also caused considerable problems with the workers trying to fulfil their roles, resulting in the workers once again registering a complaint with the Labour Inspectorate and a call for strike action at Easter.



The representatives of workers union, the UGT, have detailed the information relating to the complaint filed with the Labour Inspectorate in Alicante.



Given the increase in absences of staff due to depression and anxiety at work, with almost 20% of the workforce, they explain that they are “obliged to report again to the labour inspectorate the unfavourable results for the company in more than 80%”. They continue to detail how from the “Psychosocial Risk Assessment (possible harassment at work) carried out on 12/22/2023, it is clear that, after the results of the tests completed by all workers, there is no doubt that more than 80% feel with overload in their workplace, now it is up to the labour inspection to manage and evaluate the results, which was the one that forced the company to carry out this Psychosocial Risk Assessment, waiting for the pertinent and sanctioning measures to be taken against the company in order to put an end to it. With this scourge that we have been suffering since the new management of Acciona became part of the Torrevieja contract, we must also say that the (official harassment protocol is conspicuous by its absence)”.



After four meetings of the works committee in the town hall with the mayor Eduardo Dolon and the cleaning councillor María José Ruiz, exposing these health problems and the possible workplace harassment of many workers and the neglect of cleaning in the town of Torrevieja due to lack of staff, we have not had any response, although they promised to solve it two years ago, so for our part we broke the contract with the mayor by not fulfilling it, which he committed to and signed with the workers.



The list of complaints is almost endless, and includes:



As of today, the Torrevieja workforce is at a minimum (more than 50 workers are missing).



More than 200 sanctions filed by the company in 2 years to try to intimidate and pressure the workers, the fact is that they have not won a single sanction in the courts.



Work overload in the manual sweeping sector 2 sectors (complaints made by workers to the works council), with possible pressure from middle managers forcing them to do double their work due to lack of personnel. Discontinuous permanent workers are not hired, resulting in the lack of personnel.



Minimum services do not operate on Sundays and holidays due to lack of staff.



Leaves due to IT and work accidents are not being covered, 20% of leaves are due to depression and anxiety at work (Psychosocial Risks).



We are still in unhealthy barracks, although the mayor and the councillor promised us with very nice photos and projects in May 2023 at a casino meeting that the new work centre would be finished in September 2023.



We are still working with vehicles that are more than 20 years old, although the contract has been awarded for almost 2 years.



The cleaning of lots is being a disaster without direction or order without total completions, leaving dirt, from jump to jump.



Illegal implementation of surveillance cameras in side-loading vehicles in order to punish workers.



Overload of work Goods Service according to the agreement, 2 workers should be used, a Driver and a Labourer, due to lack of personnel in the Night Goods service only one worker goes with the risk that entails.



Workers who do a higher category such as driving vehicles as labourers are not being paid the difference in salary.



For all the above:



In the situation that we find ourselves in for two years without solutions and in a meeting held with our members and workers at the UGT, it was unanimously decided to propose to all the workers and unions of the works committee to carry out a seven-day strike during Holy Week and also several gatherings at the door of the town hall, for our part it is impossible to continue working with these pressures, work overloads and, most seriously, the harassment that we are subjected to every day due to the lack of personnel in the template.

### Aviators Start Your Engines – San Javier Airshow Confirmed

The Festival Aéreo San Javier, or San Javier Air Show if you prefer, has been confirmed for the dates of 3 to 5 of May 2024, in the sky above the playas de Santiago de la Ribera. As always San Javier airfield will be the base of operations and flights, but viewing locations can be found all around the Mar Menor.



More details regarding the specific show and static exhibition will be released nearer the time, but for those with an interest in aviation, there are other air shows and events taking place around both Spain and the rest of Europe which also might tempt you, and whereas this might not be the exhaustive list, but rather our pick of some of the favourites, they are certainly worth considering, and so, without further ado, chocks away…



Motril Air Show



Festival Aéreo Internacional de Motril, on June 9, 2024. Experience an unforgettable aerial display with fighter jets, aerobatics, helicopters, and skydivers in the beautiful coastal city of Motril, in Granada.



Festival Aereo Internacional Torre del Mar



The Torre del Mar Air Show is one of the most popular in Spain, and takes place this year on 6 to 8 September 2024. Torre del Mar, again, is on the south coast of Spain, in Malaga.



Important Air Shows Across Europe



Outside of Spain, other key air shows of interest could include Aero Friedrichshafen in Germany in 17 to 20 April, AirExpo 2024 in Aérodrome de Muret-Lherm, which is in the air-famous Toulouse region of France and takes place on 11 May, staying in France, from 6 to 8 June the France Air Expo - Salon de l'Aviation Générale Lyon takes place, the Bucharest International Air Show (BIAS) is on 30 and 31 August 2024, Athens Flying Week 2024 - Tanagra Air Show on 14 and 15 September, and on 21 and 22 September, NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days are centred around Ostrava Leoš Janáček Airport, Ostrava, Czech Republic.



Air Shows in the UK 2024



Duxford Flying Days: VE Day kicks of the year on 5 May 2024, and will be followed at Duxford by Duxford Summer Air Show D-Day 80 on 1 and 2 June, Duxford Flying Evening on 17 August, Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show on 14 and 15 September, culminating with the Duxford Flying Finale on 5 October 2024.



Shuttleworth Best of British Air Show is on 12 May, and the Shuttleworth Military Air Show on 2 June 2024, the Midlands Air Festival is on from 31 May to 2 June, RAF Cosford Air Show on 9 June, Guernsey Air Display on 13 June, the Battle of Britain Air Show at Headcorn Aerodrome, Kent, takes place on 5 to 7 July 2024, and the Southport Air Show on 13 and 14 July, and staying at the seaside, Blackpool Air Show 2024 is on the 10 and 11 of August.



One of the biggest air shows in the UK is arguably the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), which will take place at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on 19 to 21 July. Adding to the Spanish connection, the Patrulla Águila have already confirmed that they will fly over from San Javier to display at RIAT.



Also a contender for the most popular air show in the UK, the Farnborough International Airshow will take place from 22 to 26 July 2024.



Further Afield



Singapore Airshow 2024 is on the 20 to 25 February 2024, Warbirds Over Wanaka 2024 in New Zealand on 29 to 31 March, FIDAE 2024 in Chile on 9 to 14 April, Central Coast Airshow in Australia on 25 and 16 May, and Airshow China 2024 on 12 to 17 November.

### Torrevieja’s Eras de la Sal left Abandoned

Having requested access to the historic Eras de la Sal in Torrevieja to assess the progress of the development, socialist councillor Margarita de Francisco has visited the site and has taken images of its shocking current state.



Bárbara Soler, head of the PSOE in Torrevieja, assures that it is a paradox that this Friday the presentation at FITUR of the 70th Habaneras and Polyphony Contest in Torrevieja will take place and, meanwhile, the PP government team has allowed the Eras de la Sal, which are the quintessential enclave of the contest, reach such a regrettable state.



De Francisco points out that a little over a week ago the second revised and expanded edition of “Las Eras de la Sal. Origin of a city” was presented at the Casino Cultural Society of Torrevieja, a book edited by the Municipal Institute of Culture, Joaquín Chapaprieta. At this event, attended by several socialist councillors, the general director of Heritage of the Department of Culture and Sports, Pilar Tébar, highlighted that this publication is “testimony of the most important architectural work in the history of Torrevieja” and the councillr praised the work of all those who have made this work possible to understand the idiosyncrasy of our city.



“Well, almost two years have passed since the archaeological excavation work in the Eras de la Sal was completed and while the remodelling works of said space are getting underway (or not), its state of abandonment and its nullity are inexplicable. maintenance” says the councillor. “They cannot go to the book launch just to take a photo knowing that their actions – or inaction – have led to the deplorable state in which they allow this emblematic place to be found.”



The socialist municipal group assures that the images, shared on their social networks, are very hard for any Torrevieja resident. The lack of adequate protection has facilitated the total degradation of historic elements. Today it is a space taken over by invasive plants and graffiti, exposed to the risk of fires and without any means of protecting the excavations or the remains found, which only constitute a nuisance for what the council has planned in this space.



Soler points out that “the million-euro rehabilitation project of the area where the Eras de la Sal are located collides head-on with reality, which shows the lack of real interest in preserving the little of us that we truly have left, as has already been happening with other spaces that were part of the identity of the city of Torrevieja and of which nothing remains today.”

### Torrevieja Celebrating Women in Photography Contest

The Department of Equality in Torrevieja has launched a photography contest “The legacy of our women”, whose objective is to promote equality between women and men, highlight the role of women, their struggle and progress made in the achievement of rights, for the benefit of an egalitarian society, promoting the social participation of citizens.



The presentation of works has already begun and will end on February 20, 2024.



The theme of the contest is the image of women in the 21st century, achievements, social advances, elimination of stereotypes, egalitarian attitudes between women and men, values ​​contributed by women to social advancement.



Anybody over 16 years of age can participate, regardless of their place of residence, but the images must be original, previously unpublished, and only a single image can be submitted, in digital format, to the email address, serviciossociales.clopez@torrevieja.eu. You must also include your personal details with the submission email, including name and surname, telephone number, e-mail, ID, date of birth, and the title of the photograph.



There are other ways in which you can submit your entry, which you can find on the official town hall website, Torrevieja.es.



Three photographs will be selected. The winning works will be presented on March 8 at the Women's Gala, at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre. The participants who are awarded must be present at the awards ceremony, or delegate to a third person.

### Important Information for This Weekend 20 January 2024

Ladies and gentlemen, beloved followers, friends, and forgivers (hopefully)…



You know that thing after a time like Christmas when you don’t know what day it is???



Well, that is the reason our esteemed and “professional” editor is giving to a monumental error…



TORREVIEJA CARNIVAL STARTS NEXT WEEKEND, not this, as we have been saying on blog posts, articles, social media, podcasts, videos!!! (What a Muppet!)



The good news is that you have the information well in advance, but anything we have told you about the carnival, delay until next week!



Pet blessings, pig eating, horse shows, all of that is still this weekend, just not the carnival bit, so PLEASE don’t dress you pet up in a fancy costume and go to La Mata on Sunday or they might feel disappointed and a bit silly if they are the only one! It’s NEXT WEEK.



Carry on!

### We Apologise But The New Torrevieja Bus Service Will be Subject to Further Delay

With much of the service still operating with antiquated, polluting and less safe vehicles then their modern-day equivalents, Sueña Torrevieja has warned that “the mistakes of the Torrevieja government team delay the tender for the new urban transport service for another year”.



In a statement, the group explains how the Governing Board of 12 January 2024 accepted Sueña Torrevieja's allegation to the cost structure of urban transport due to the errors of law committed by the local government board as a whole and the mayor himself.



According to Pablo Samper, spokesperson for Sueña Torrevieja, the chronology of events is as follows:



March 10, 2023, the Governing Board initially approved the cost structure and on August 25, 2023, 4 and a half months after the presentation of the allegations by another political formation, the government team recognises that the procedure for publishing the cost structure on the Municipal Website was omitted by mistake.



That fact means that this argument must be upheld, its publication ordered and a further period of 20 working days must be granted.



However, according to Pablo Samper, "the Governing Board of November 24, 2023, takes 3 more months to agree that it is published for a month, which is five days less than the legally established deadline in RD 55/2015 of February 3, producing a second error of law in the processing."



The mayor of Torrevieja himself, by edict dated November 28, 2023, takes 4 more days to ratify the erroneous one-month public exhibition period, producing a third error of law in the processing.



On December 5, 2023, the cost structure for the purposes of allegations is published again in the BOP for a period of one month, taking according to Samper "11 days to publish this new edict in the BOP, producing a fourth error of law in the processing".



The one-month period for allegations from publication in the BOP ended on January 5, 2024, while the period of 20 working days has ended on January 9, 2024, resulting in a violation of the fundamental rights of councillors and all citizens, by establishing a period of allegations five days shorter than the legally established.



Samper concludes by stating that finally "the Governing Board of January 12, 2024 has accepted the allegation of Sueña Torrevieja for the errors of law committed by the Board as a whole and the mayor himself”.



Therefore, the errors and negligence of the government team and the mayor himself have delayed the tender for the new urban transport service for another year and it has been 4 years and eight months for the time being, and this does not end here since, I suppose that the JGL agreement of January 12, 2023 will have agreed to a new publication for 20 more working days".



Typical of the vehicles in service, but in no way the oldest, the bus far left was registered in April 2007, the one next to it, the blue bus, was registered in March 2006, and has previously been in service in Orihuela, before joining the Torrevieja fleet.

### Children in Small Boats to Swarm Torrevieja

With 426 registered mini sailors representing more than 20 countries, forming part of the Optimist Excellence Cup, Torrevieja will be the centre of attention for sailing enthusiasts this week, as the Euromarina Optimist Torrevieja 2024 takes place between January 24 and 28, Wednesday to Sunday.



The presentation of the regatta was suitably held at the Real Club Náutico de Torrevieja (RCN), and once again has the support of Torrevieja council, with the presence of the Councillor for Sports, Diana Box.



Carlos Torrado, president of the Valencian Community Sailing Federation, highlighted the importance of the event: “It is important for the Valencian Community, and specifically for Torrevieja, that the RCN Torrevieja continues to maintain this regatta at a global level, since it not only attracts the best in the world, but all the clubs in our Community benefit from competing with the best in the world, so from the Federation we will continue to offer full support”.



Concha Esquiva, vice president, referred to one of the highlights of the regatta, the Welcome Party, within the framework of the program of social events. In this sense, the vice president wanted to highlight that "every year, when we receive all these athletes, we celebrate this party promoted by Euromarina", concluding that "for everyone, not only sailors and coaches but for everyone in general, it is a day of coexistence and fun, which ends with the flag festival. To which is added that every day we sweeten the competition with the fruit of the Valencian Community, the orange that we make available to them."



For his part, the president of the RCN German Soler has highlighted that: “This children's sailing event is one of the most important in Spain and I would say in Europe. We have been preparing with the expansion of the facilities, in this edition we have a platform with two ramps that complete the 1,100 m2 of platform, to give lightness and comfort to the sailors. We also keep in mind that 426 children from more than 20 countries will attend along with their coaches and parents, so the Club continues to invest in grassroots sport, our backbone”.

### Things to Do in Torrevieja This Weekend - 19 January 2024

Also in La Mata on Sunday, the pet blessings take place as part of the San Anton de Abad religious festivities, blessings stating at 10:15, so Sunday in La Mata is definitely a day for the pets.



On the subject of San Anton, if you venture a little way north to Alicante, a horse show is taking place in the bull ring on Sunday, starting at 10:30 and then the horses will be blessed at noon, but if you’re into horses, that is certainly something to consider doing.



Back in Torrevieja, on Sunday, the XXIV Torrevieja Sports Gala will be held at the International Auditorium, at 6:00 p.m. In the event that should have taken place at the end of last year, but was postponed, a total of 15 categories will reward athletes, entities and recognise the work and involvement in sport of different people from the great Torrevieja sports family. In total, there have been 167 athletes nominated in this edition and 4 honourable mentions and 5 special mentions will be awarded.



The Pascual Flores pilot boat is open for visitors in Torrevieja on Wednesdays through to Sundays until 29 January.



In the Casa de Cultura in Guardamar del Segura a collective exhibition of the works of young creators in different fields of plastic arts, photography, fashion design, and drawing ends on Saturday. A second collection, featuring “new perspectives” is also on in the same venue until February 4.



On Sunday in Guardamar, a beach cleaning event has been organised, with volunteers asked to congregate near the Alannia camp site before 10:30.



Slightly further north, Santa Pola will see their half marathon taking place on Sunday morning, with up to 6,000 runners taking to the streets of the town, 91 runners are from the UK.

### Torrevieja Tourism Plan Announced

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, announced that Torrevieja will once again be presented at the Madrid International Tourism Fair (FITUR), from Wednesday, January 24 to Sunday, January 28, at the Costa Blanca stand and in the Central Tourism Plaza of the Valencian Community.



This year, 2024, Torrevieja will focus attention on its natural landscapes and nature, gastronomy, culture, sport and first-class sports facilities and its events.



At the opening of the Madrid Tourism Fair, on Wednesday, January 24, Costa Blanca Day, the tourism promotion of sport and the environment will be the protagonists of the actions that will be carried out that day at FITUR. The new Tourism Torrevieja advert will be presented, which reflects the benefits and richness of the land, in a video that shows a modern Torrevieja that lives its consolidated cultural and festive events with intensity.



In addition, new ecotourism routes will be presented in the Lagunas de Torrevieja and La Mata Natural Park, and a new environmental guided route will be created to explore that great municipal natural area that is the Molino del Agua Park, very unknown to many tourists and Torrevieja residents.



Also on Wednesday, the stage of the central square of the Valencian Community at FITUR will be the place chosen to present the Women's Handball Pre-Olympic that has been awarded to Spain, and that Torrevieja will host. A pre-Olympic event that will be held at the Torrevieja Sports Palace “Tavi y Carmona”, from April 11 to 14, and will be played by large world-class teams such as the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Argentina. Only two of these four teams will qualify for the Paris Olympic Games.



The Department's sports calendar for this year 2024 will also be presented that same day, highlighting events such as the Torrevieja Half Marathon, the Spanish Taekwondo Championship or the Spanish Pump Track Championship, as well as numerous national and international championships centred around nautical sports.



On Thursday, January 25, at FITUR will be the day of the Valencian Community, where Torrevieja gastronomy will be the protagonist. On this occasion, the gastronomic calendar of the Association of Hospitality Companies of Torrevieja and Comarca will be presented, and the chef of the Las Cañas Restaurant, Mónica Andreu Pina, will prepare a showcooking to taste a typical and traditional rice with lobster.



Friday, January 26, will be the big day of Torrevieja Culture. The central square of the Generalitat Valenciana in FITUR will host the presentation of the 70th anniversary of the International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest, declared of International Tourist Interest and a medal of Cultural Merit of the Generalitat Valenciana and which will bring together the best choirs in the world in the Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja from July 21 to 27.



In the afternoon, to commemorate and celebrate this anniversary, in the heart of Madrid, still to be confirmed, an event will be held in which the Madrid Youth Choir will perform, directed by Juan Pablo de Juan, one of the youth choirs of reference in Spain and with greater European projection, as well as the Symphony Choir of the Municipal Choral School of Torrevieja. A Torrevieja group fully consolidated within the choral world, which has won important awards in national and international competitions such as, for example, Cantonigrós (Barcelona), Cocentaina, Alicante, Villena and Ejea de los Caballeros (Zaragoza), among others.



Finally, on Saturday, January 27, outside the IFEMA venue, Turismo Torrevieja has prepared a special event in Madrid's Retiro Park, where we will present the most outstanding musical events of this year 2024, among which include the RBF, the Brilla Torrevieja, as well as such notable events as the TORREVIEJA WEEKEND and the Professional Video Game League.



Staff from the tourism department will also be on hand during the event, giving away promotional gifts, including salt.

### Torrevieja PANGEA Office served a third fewer foreigners in 2023

The PANGEA Service in Torrevieja, Office of Attention to Migrant Persons, is a resource of the Department of Coexistence and Integration of the town council for reception, information and advice for the immigrant population residing in Torrevieja.



PANGEA brings information and resources closer to the immigrant population, provides advice on immigration, interculturality and cultural keys to professionals and associations, and improves the reception and integration process of immigrants. 



The Councillor for Coexistence and Integration, Óscar Urtasun, head of the PANGEA agency in Torrevieja, has announced the activities directly organised and promoted in 2023.



In 2023, a total of 1,943 people were served at the PANGEA office, 57% of whom were women and 43% men, representing a total of 60 countries, serving a total of 716 people by telephone and a total of 1,227 people in person.



The most attended countries have been Colombia with 19%, Russia 18%, Morocco 11%, the United Kingdom 6%, European Union countries 4%, and the rest of non-EU countries 41%.



The year before, the Councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, who was head of the PANGEA agency, reported that in 2022, a total of 3,157 people were served in this municipal office, around a third more than last year, 55% women and 45% men, representing a total of 68 countries, 8 more than last year.



In 2022 a total of 1,660 people were assisted by telephone, more than double the 2023 figure. The countries most attended by telephone were Colombia, with 17% of the calls, followed by Russia with 13%, Morocco with 10% and countries of the European Union with 5%.



In 2021, a total of 2,327 people were assisted to obtain information and advice at the PANGEA office, at the time, around 400 more than last year, Morocco, Colombia, and the United Kingdom were the top 3. In percentage terms, in 2021, around 13% of the people served at the office were from the UK, compared to the 6% in 2023, perhaps confirming once again the decline in interest in Torrevieja by the Brits.



Overall, the 2023 figures show a considerable decrease in the number of foreigners dealt with by the office, a decline of more than a third.



During 2023, the most discussed topics were: Residence due to roots (44%), Immigration/National Police (29%), Spanish courses (19%) and other information (8%).



During the past year, two Spanish courses were developed for foreign immigrants in the process of obtaining residency, through theoretical-practical workshops, in which the levels of the Spanish language were taught: Literacy and Basic, organised in collaboration with the ATIS association.



In addition, an Islamophobia workshop was held in collaboration with the Moroccan Association for the Integration of Immigrants, focused on hate crimes, and the First Football World Cup was held with the motto “Integration through sport”, which brought together players from 10 countries that belong to the different communities settled in our municipality.

### Animal Blessings in Torrevieja - San Anton de Abad

Wednesday is a local holiday just down the N-332 in San Fulgencio for their patron saint festivities, and talking of saints, today is the Catholic feast of San Anton de Abad.



Those of a religious or belief or persuasion may already be aware that in those circles Anthony the Great was a Christian monk from Egypt, revered since his death on this day in 365 AD as a saint.



He is buried in France. The significance of this day is that in the Catholic church you can take your pet to be blessed, although in many churches animals are not allowed inside, so the blessings take place outdoors.



As the day is Wednesday, some of the blessings took place last weekend, and some will take place this coming weekend, but many more will take place today.



In Torrevieja, the blessings take place today in the Sacred Heart church at 17:45, and the Immaculate Conception at 18:00, then on Sunday at the church in La Mata at 10:15.







Whilst you are in town, you can always visit the Pascual Flores pilot boat, open for visitors in Torrevieja on Wednesdays through to Sundays until 29 January, though they probably won't let your pet on board!.




https://youtu.be/HPE95nSD_w4?si=iZsaYmiVlm56cPT4

### Torrevieja Carnival 2024 - Full Schedule

The full schedule of events for Torrevieja Carnival 2024, or Carnaval Torrevieja, to use the correct name, has now been published, and once again the event is set to bring colour, glamour, music and fun to the streets of the town.



The Councillor for Festivities, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, accompanied by the president of the Torrevieja Carnival Association, Paco Pizana and the vice president, César Berná, presented the programming for the Torrevieja Carnival 2024 at a press conference. Activities, music, colour and more, aimed at both locals, but this time with a leaning towards tourists, will concentrate the events on weekends, so that more people will be available to visit one of the most interesting festivals at the regional level in the municipality.



Furthermore, advertising investment has been made online and offline, to publicise Torrevieja Carnival across different areas of Spain, Alicante, Valencia, provinces of Murcia, Albacete and Madrid. The audience segmentation has been carried out focusing on people interested in parties, events, concerts, festivals, culture, leisure, fun, entertainment within the social concept and carnivals, who might then be interested in giving Carnaval Torrevieja a try this year.

























Torrevieja Carnival 2024 Schedule of Events



Friday 26 January 2024



The starting signal for the festivities will take place on Friday, January 26, at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre, with the proclamation given by the famous actress and presenter, Sara Escudero. She is known for participating as a co-host and collaborator in countless national television programs, such as Zapeando, Club de la Comedio or Intermedio, and films such as “Padre no hay mas que uno” or “Actos por partes”. At this event, the documentary summary of the latest edition of the Torrevieja carnival will be premiered, where troupes and participants will be able to be a living part of this great party.



Saturday 27 January 2024



The next day, Saturday, January 27, at the Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja and, for the first time in the history of the Carnival, there will be a double session. At 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., the Coronation of the Carnival Queens and Kings will take place. This year the children's crown is held by the young Irene del Monte, the second Carnival King Damián Bear and our Senior Queen, Eva Viuda, will present us with their spectacular fantasies prepared to dazzle during these carnivals. In addition, the Golden Shield of the Carnival will be awarded to Mª Teresa Moreno, “Mari Tere la del Tiburón”, a historic comparsista and participant in numerous editions of the Torrevieja carnival.



Sunday 28 January 2024



On Sunday, January 28, the Carnival moves to La Mata (Plaza Encarnación Puchol) to celebrate the II Carnival Paella Competition.



At 12:00 p.m. the 3rd edition of the Animal Carnival will take place, where animal shelters and associations will have their space to make possible the promotion of animal adoption. The day will be completed with a giant paella, entertainment for the little ones, musical performances and a gift raffle.



Friday 2 February 2024



The second weekend begins on Friday, February 2, with the celebration of the V Quedada Carnavalera, where the carnival parades will begin.



Saturday 3 February 2024



On Saturday, February 3, the Torrevieja International Auditorium will open its doors to the XV Drag Queen Gala “Ciudad de Torrevieja”, where Drag Queens from all over Spain will perform their best show to a dedicated audience, with the aim of winning the Drag Queen crown 2024. This year, this fantastic gala, one of the most relevant in Spain, will once again be directed and presented by “La Plexy”, official presenter of Pride Madrid and will feature several top-level surprise guest artists and a jury made up of professionals from the sector and some famous people, who will surprise the attending public. Also this year, the Torrevieja Carnival Cultural Association has increased the prizes for the winners.



Tickets can be purchased, starting Friday, January 12, through the Cultura Torrevieja website ( www.culturatorrevieja.com ) and at the municipal box office, at the price of €10.



Sunday 4 February 2024 – KEY DATE



And with the Drag Queen hangover, the city will put on those costumes and fantasies that they have been working with enthusiasm for a year, to launch themselves to fill the main artery of the town, in a tide of light, colour, rhinestones, feathers, but, above all, lots of rhythm. It will be on Sunday, February 4, when the thousands of carnival participants will parade participating in the Torrevieja Grand Carnival Parade Contest. Starting at 4:00 p.m., from the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, the tide that makes up the 30 troupes of the Torrevieja carnival, will begin this parade to the rhythm of choreographies. As has been the case in recent editions, the spectacular “Exhibition Area” will culminate this magnificent parade, with the staging of each of the fantasies and costumes. A jury made up of 7 members, professionals and lovers of the world of carnival, sewing and makeup, will be in charge of evaluating and deciding the awarding of the awards.



Thursday 8 February 2024



The following week begins on Wednesday and Thursday, with several troupes performing shows and dances in various schools in our municipality. That same Thursday, February 8, the traditional Seniors Carnival will be held at the Municipal Leisure Centre (CMO), where our elders will dance in their best costumes and closing the event with the presentation of prizes for the best costume.



Friday 9 February 2024 – KEY DATE



It will be on Friday, February 9, when the carnival takes to the streets again, this time it will be the little ones who will fill calle Ramón Gallud with their costumes. The “Carnival de los Coles” is once again the moment in which the entire school community of the town parades showing those suits and costumes that they have made themselves in the educational centres. This fun parade will begin at 5:00 p.m., from the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, culminating in Paseo Vista Alegre, where there will be entertainment, dancing and chocolate for the little ones to enjoy.



And as a great novelty for 2024, for the first time in the history of the Torrevieja Carnival, starting at 8:30 p.m., calle Ramón Gallud will once again host the 1st Parade Competition of Foreign Troupes of the Torrevieja Carnival. Numerous troupes coming from different cities will show off for the first time in their own parade, with their own sound and will enjoy the warmth of the Torrevieja public. For this historic occasion, the first two prizes will be decided by the traditional jury made up of Golden Shields of the Carnival and also as a novelty, the third prize will be decided by the Torrevieja troupes with their votes. Prizes that will be awarded on Paseo Vista Alegre with music and fun.



Saturday 10 February 2024 – KEY DATE



On Saturday, February 10, the “Grand Night Parade” will be held starting at 8:00 p.m. along calle Ramón Gallud, leaving from the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre. With a more informal, fun and partying atmosphere, where troupes that did not participate in the contest parade will add magic to this spectacular and fun parade. It will end on the Paseo Vista Alegre stage, where the rhythm of the best local DJs will give way to the long-awaited awards ceremony, ending with a surprise performance.



Sunday 11 February 2024



The culmination of the festivities will be the “National Competition of Comparsas and Chirigotas” on Sunday, February 11, at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre at 6:00 p.m. Although that same morning, the brass bands will once again take to the streets of the centre in the 3rd edition of the CarnaBares.



The events will be free with invitation, which can be picked up at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre box office, starting on Tuesday, January 16.



The Drag Queen Gala will have a single price of €10 and will also be purchased at the box office or through the website: www.culturatorrevieja.com



Finally, among the activities that will be carried out, the Torrevieja Carnival Cultural Association in collaboration with the Municipal School of Photography, at its proposal and with the support of the “Joaquín Chapaprieta” Municipal Institute of Culture, will make a magazine with images of the different troupes and groups and individuals that make up the Torrevieja Carnival, photographs that will be shown, later, in a fantastic exhibition.




https://youtu.be/_8jd_cNPuKA?si=353abyWV2HmVu4gY

### Time Running Out for European Election Registration

Although the vast majority of Brits are no longer eligible to vote in the European Elections, there are a few who still retain the right, such as those with Irish passports, or Brits who have become nationals in a European country, such as Spain (Nationality being very different from residency), time is running out for those who need to make their initial right-to-vote registration, which should be done by the end of this month.



Torrevieja’s Councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, has donned the hat of another department she runs, that of European Relations, and has been touring local groups in the are to be on hand to give advice about the process and ensure that everything is administratively in place for the elections which will take place in June.



If you have any questions or doubts about the process, or your eligibility, Gitte and her team are on hand in the municipal offices, and are able to answer you in a multitude of languages, so all you have to do is contact the office, the easiest way of doing this being by email to eu@torrevieja.eu, but you can also telephone 600 341 431.



Remember though, if you are one of the many UK citizens who have retained your nationality and passport post Brexit, you are not eligible to vote.

### Missing Child Movie Begins Filming in Torrevieja

Anybody wishing to take a dip in Torrevieja’s municipal swimming pool earlier this week may have been disappointed and had to resort to the rather chilly Mediterranean Sea, as the pool was closed to the public for the recording of a scene for a feature film.



The film, Hora y veinte, is a thriller directed by Marc Romero and starring Macarena Gómez, Roberto álamo and Emma Suárez based on the unsolved disappearance since 2000 of the child Jonathan Vega.



The protagonist of the film, played by Gómez, is a brave and hard-working woman who will stop at nothing to locate her son, little Iván, when he gets lost on Christmas Eve afternoon in a shopping centre.



The cast is completed by Boré Buika, Ciro Miró and Alex Sorian Brown, among others, and represents the leap to acting on the big screen of the popular singer Álex Ubago.



In a statement from the production companies El Orgullo Producciones, La Cochera, Sorenfilms, La Raíz, Shift Dif and Corax Films, the director has highlighted the action elements of a film based on the 5 percent of cases of disappearances of minors, in which there is no happy ending.



“Cases like that of Jonathan Vega, who was kidnapped in Madrid in 2000,” continued Romero, who recalled that the little boy's mortal remains “appeared six months later” without anyone knowing “how he died or who killed him”.



The filming that began on Tuesday in the swimming pool continued in different locations around Torrevieja until Friday, including the La Mata natural park, and the lagoons, after which it moves to Martos (Jaén), where the recording will continue.

### Masks Once Again Mandatory in Health Centres and Hospitals

The Ministry of Health has sent to the health departments of the Valencian Community an instruction from the General Directorate of Public Health that establishes the mandatory use of masks in health and social health centres as a preventive measure in the face of the resurgence of respiratory virus infections.



The instruction indicates that Order SND/776/2023 of the Ministry of Health declared the end of the mandatory widespread use of masks in health centres and specifies the situations in which their use should be reinforced. In this sense, given the incidence of respiratory infections in the Valencian Community (rate 1,501 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in epidemiological week 52), it is considered pertinent to establish the mandatory use of masks in health and social health centres in the following situations:



- Symptomatic people when in shared spaces



- Professionals who care for symptomatic cases



- People who work in Intensive Care Units and Units with Vulnerable Patients



- In hospital or primary care emergencies



- In places where patients and families are concentrated (primary care waiting rooms, hospital consultations,...).



Likewise, the instruction adds that in the rest of the situations that are generally intended for the protection of people considered vulnerable, the management of the health departments, supported by their own protocols and the recommendations of the Preventive Medicine Services , may establish the mandatory use of a mask in addition to the established indications, depending on the epidemiological situation and the particular structural and functional characteristics of their dependent centres.



Vaccine without an appointment



On the other hand, the Department of Health recalls that, as Minister Marciano Gómez announced this Thursday, health centres will administer doses of flu and COVID-19 vaccines starting next Monday, January 8, without the need for by appointment, with the purpose of promoting the immunisation of the population in the face of the rebound in respiratory infections.

### Things to Do on Friday 5 January 2024

It’s market day in Torrevieja, so you can get all of your fresh ingredients to feed the Three Kings this weekend.



In Torrevieja, at 11:30 a.m. Christmas Playroom on calle Concepción will take place, then in the afternoon, at 4:30 p.m., the CAVALGATE OF THE THREE KINGS, the Three Kings Parade.



In Orihuela, at 11 a.m., Storytelling Workshop with puppets in La Matanza (in the Plaza de la Iglesia) and “Pirates Children's Theatre” in Orihuela Centro (in the Plaza El Salvador). At 12:30 p.m., “Storytelling Workshop with Puppets” in Orihuela Centro (in Plaza El Salvador). At 1:30 p.m., “Magical Goblins Children's Theatre” in Orihuela Centro (in Plaza El Salvador).



Guardamar del Segura will see the Three Kings parade through the streets from 6:00 p.m. from Plaza Jaume II to the town hall square.



It’s also important to remember that most shops will be closed on Saturday for Three Kings, many of them closing early on Friday for the same reason, but then a lot of the bigger shops are open on Sunday. That too is an important note because this Sunday is the last Sunday the shops are permitted to open this season, and so there will be no more Sunday shopping until Easter.

### Torrevieja Three Kings Parade 2024

Traditionally, the Three Kings arrive in Torrevieja by boat, and this year will be no exception, however the craft they plan to use is different to normal, travelling on the Pascual Flores, the “pailebota”, or pilot boat, which has been open to tourist visits throughout the holiday season and until the end of this month. The boat will appear at around 4:00 p.m., docking half an hour or so later.



Arriving at the port, via the fish market, the event will start from around 4:30 p.m., when their Majesties will meet with the Torrevieja dignitaries, including the Mayor, Eduardo Dolon, and councillor for fiestas, Rosario Martinez, before being whisked away to start the parade through the town.



With an entourage of around 400 people and more than half a dozen floats, the starting point will be the Levante Dam in the south of the town, continuing through the streets of Ramon y Cajal and Zoa, before they have a little taste of home at the Plaza de Oriente, before continuing along Ramon Gallud to reach the main square, where King Melchor will address the eager crowds.



The whole parade is accompanied by music, as one might expect in a town like Torrevieja, led by the Ciudad de Torrevieja-Los Salerosos Musical Society, and King Herod accompanied by Roman soldiers, some on horseback.



The Three Kings will also carry out a much smaller parade in La Mata, starting at 6:30 p.m.

### Things to Do in Torrevieja on Thursday 4 January 2024

On Playa de los Locos in Torrevieja there will be rugby on the beach on Thursday, aimed specifically at those aged between 10 and 14.



Again today in Torrevieja, the Three Wise Men of the East will collect the Three Kings Letters with the wonderful Royal Camp, at the door of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, and in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol, from the 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.



The Three Kings are also in Guardamar today on Avenida los Pinos, where they will be meeting the little ones until 8 p.m., apart from during their lunch break.



In Orihuela, at 11 a.m., “Storytelling Workshop with Puppets” in Orihuela Centro (in Plaza El Salvador), “Pirates Children's Theatre” in Molins (in Plaza de la Iglesia), “Christmas Workshop” in Hurchillo (in the Plaza de la Iglesia) and “Christmas Workshop” in San Bartolomé (in Plaza Civic Centre). Parades livening up the streets of the city of Orihuela by the Dacapo Musical Association.

### 63 Out of 68 New Year Parties Authorised Across the Region

The Department of Justice and Interior, through the General Directorate of the Interior, has received 68 requests for the celebration of parties and New Year's Eve celebrations, of which a total of 63 have been authorised, an increase above the 55 approved last year.



By province, the majority of applications submitted correspond to Valencia (28) and Alicante (26), followed by Castellón (14). By type of establishments that have submitted applications, the majority are restaurants, café-bars, and bars.



In the province of Alicante, there are 13 municipalities where these establishments are located: Alicante, Alcoy, San Fulgencio, Guardamar del Segura, Dénia, Elche, Orihuela, Hondón de las Nieves, El Campello, San Juan de Alicante, Jávea, Los Montesinos and Santa Pola, notably no authorisation has been said to have been given in Torrevieja.



Special device of the Generalitat Police



On the occasion of these celebrations, the National Police Unit assigned to the Valencian Community will carry out verification and control tasks in the corresponding premises and establishments.



For this reason, the Minister of Justice and Interior, Elisa Núñez, accompanied by the regional secretary of Security and Emergencies, Javier Montero, have held a working meeting with the responsible commanders of the National Police Unit Attached to the Generalitat where emphasis has been placed on different recent lines of action coinciding with the Christmas season, such as the increase in police presence in central and commercial areas and preventive patrols in agricultural areas and cooperatives.



The councillor explained that they have “reviewed all the places where they are going to hold parties with a lot of people, that they comply with all the security measures, that the evacuation routes are prepared, that the closing times are appropriate, that there are the means of extinction, and that the capacity is met to prevent avalanches from occurring.”



In this meeting with the Generalitat Police, the inspection campaign in leisure establishments was also discussed, with special attention to the evening, and in certain events such as festivals and markets, as well as the aforementioned New Year's Eve device.



Within the special device are the functions of checking compliance with safety conditions in places with a large influx of public and in those with long hours, such as discos, nightclubs, dance halls and pubs.



In addition, the Department of Justice and Interior also informs the Government Delegation of the actions carried out, in order to work in a coordinated manner between the different administrations and Security Bodies and Forces, particularly the Guardia Civil and the National Police.

### New Year in Torrevieja

It´s New Year weekend and a lot of attention will turn to Madrid for the chimes at midnight, but wherever we are in Spain, a fairly recent tradition is swallowing 12 grapes, one with each chime, and sipping Cava to welcome in the New Year.



Saturday 30 December 2023



The artificial ice rink is open in La Mata until Saturday. Not forgetting, the nativity scene is still open in the main square in Torrevieja.



At 11:30 a.m., the San Silvestre Infantil race will depart from Plaza Encarnación Puchol in La Mata. And, in the afternoon, at 7:30 p.m., the San Silvestre for the adult modality will take place from the urban centre of Torrevieja.



At 10:00 p.m., Lemon Tree concert on the Plaza de la Constitución stage.



The Carrera San Silvestre race or San Silvestre is the name of a popular athletic race held annually on December 31 (Saint Sylvester 's Day according to Catholic saints) in different places around the world. Occasionally, some of these races are held in the days leading up to December 31.



In Spain, more than 200 San Silvestre races are held every year. The first to be held was the Galdácano New Year's Eve Circuit in 1961. This race, however, did not continue until 1973. In 1964, the Galician sports promoter Antonio Sabugueiro created the San Silvestre Vallecana in Madrid—originally called the Vallecas Grand Prix—, which has become the largest of all the New Year's Eve races held in Spain, with 40,000 participants.



Sunday 31 December 2023



In Torrevieja, at 12:00 p.m., in the Plaza de la Constitución, the Children's New Year's Eve party will begin. And at night, at 00:00 we all eat the grapes together with the New Year's Eve celebration.



Many bigger shops are open today, but they will close early, so be prepared. They will not open on Monday, New Year's Day.

### Torrevieja Mayor Accused of Lying Over Waste Disposal Contract Fine

The PSOE of Torrevieja denounces that the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, lied in a plenary session when he assured that he had opened a disciplinary file against Acciona for the serious breaches of the company in charge of the failing, though extremely expensive waste disposal contract in the town.



Several months later, the technicians confirmed to the socialist municipal group that to date neither the sanctioning file for the amount of €319,000 nor the file to reduce by €548,000 the amount that would correspond to Acciona's billing in the month of July 2023, have taken place, both measures announced by the mayor in the extraordinary plenary session that was held on September 1 at the request of the socialist municipal group to supervise the contract.



On October 11, the socialists requested “access or copy of all the files that are being processed or have been processed in this council against the company ACCIONA for non-compliance with the contract for solid waste collection, transport to landfill, street cleaning and cleaning and maintenance of the coast of the municipality of Torrevieja" but they did not receive a response until they warned that they would go to court to request protection for violation of the right of access to information that all councillors have, affecting the fundamental right of political participation collected in the Spanish Constitution.



Thus, on December 18, 2023, the General Director of Urban Planning and Services literally answered that "after verifying the documentation on file at this City Council, there is currently no file initiated on the matters required in your application."



In the words of Bárbara Soler, spokesperson for the socialist municipal group, “that Eduardo Dolón lies full after full to all the citizens of Torrevieja is not a surprise and we have assumed that part of our role is to uncover his falsehoods, but to realise that what had been done in a matter as delicate as this was disconcerting even to us, so much so that at first we thought it was a mistake or that they did not want to give us access.” Likewise, Soler assures that to ensure the reality of the response they carried out their investigations in the areas of urban cleanliness and contracting, being informed that no file has actually been opened to impose sanctions or penalties on Acciona and that, at the moment, no contradictory file has been opened to deduct any amount from the invoices issued by the service recipient.



The lack of open files against Acciona, according to Soler, reveals the neglect of functions of the Partido Popular government team, with the mayor, Eduardo Dolón, at its head, “we maintain what was said in the audit plenary session; We are witnessing an absolute inaction that means that the City Council is paying the winning company a flat rate of 25 million euro from all Torrevieja taxpayers with a free bar of non-compliance without any consequence for the company" and ruling that "the worst of the whole thing is that, to the trademark of Eduardo Dolón's PP, which is to act badly and late, now the blatant lie is added.

### Things to do in Torrevieja - Friday 29 December 2023

Friday is market day in Torrevieja, so you can get your New Year bargains fresh from the producers.



The artificial ice rink is open in La Mata until Saturday, December 30, inclusive. In addition, we can go down with Santa Claus's Sleigh through the inflatable installed in the same square.



Not forgetting, the nativity scene is still open in the main square in Torrevieja.



At 11:00 a.m. a Youth Karaoke will be installed in the Plaza de la Constitución. At 5:00 p.m., Children's Cantajuegos, in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol de La Mata.



At 6:00 p.m., on calle Concepción, Paseo Mágico de Luz. And, later, we will enjoy the music of the group Stolen, on stage.

### Things to do in Torrevieja - Thursday 28 December 2023

The artificial ice rink is open in La Mata until Saturday, December 30, inclusive. In addition, we can go down with Santa Claus's Sleigh through the inflatable installed in the same square.



More “surprises” are promised throughout the day too in Torrevieja.



Not forgetting, the nativity scene is still open in the main square.



In the Virgen del Carmen Centre in Torrevieja the Christmas Dance will be held at 8 p.m.



On the Orihuela Costa, Winter Beach (surfing, paddle surfing and yoga) 9:00 – 12:00 H Orihuela Costa. 10-11am Surfing Cala Cerrada, 11-12am Paddleboard Playa de la Caleta, 12-1pm Pilates Playa de la Caleta.



Workshop design your board game (12 years +) 10:00 – 13:00 H (Alameda del Mar Civic Centre), skating classes (inline) (12 years +) 11:00 – 13:00 H (Explanada de Playa Flamenca), ceramic workshop (12 years +) 11:30 – 14:00 H (Alameda del Mar Civic Centre).



Film, “Canta 2” (all audiences) 6:30 p.m. (Playa Flamenca Town Hall).

### Things to Do in Torrevieja - Wednesday 27 December 2023

The artificial ice rink is open in La Mata until Saturday, December 30, inclusive. In addition, we can go down with Santa Claus's Sleigh through the inflatable installed in the same square.



On Wednesday, at 11:30 a.m., a 360º photo booth and snow cannon will be available in La Mata. Meanwhile, at the same time, the Christmas Characters will once again tour the commercial streets of the urban centre of Torrevieja.



In the afternoon, at 6:00 p.m., Magician Ortuño will do his magic on the stage of the Plaza de la Constitución.



And, at 9:30 p.m., Bervera's concert, also on the stage of the Plaza de la Constitución.



The Christmas Fiesta event also continues at the Virgen del Camen Centre in the evening.



Not forgetting, the nativity scene is still open in the main square.

### Torrevieja Credit Card Scammers Arrested

The Guardia Civil, based in Vimianzo, Galicia, arrested a man and a woman, residents of Torrevieja, over 1,000 kilometres away, as alleged perpetrators of 8 crimes of document falsification, 2 crimes against property and a crime of computer intrusion.



The investigation began following a complaint from a resident of Camariñas to the Guardia Civil in January, stating that an unknown person or persons had accessed his account on a well-known payment platform, making a purchase with the bank card linked to the account.



The Guardia Civil subsequently confirmed the existence of more related crimes, as well as the modus operandi, which consisted of obtaining copies of the DNI through various operations on the Internet with the excuse of verifying the identity of the future victim, subsequently using these copies for the contracting of telephone lines and financing the terminals associated with them.



The investigation remains open and the Guardia Civil does not rule out the existence of other crimes of the same nature carried out by those investigated.

### Things to do in Torrevieja on Boxing Day

Although it´s not known as Boxing Day, December 26 is a local holiday in Torrevieja, as well as San Miguel de Salinas, and Almoradí. Most of the larger shops are open, although many smaller businesses will be closed. In fact, quite a few will be closed throughout the season, returning after Three King´s.



In Torrevieja, specifically in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol in La Mata, the synthetic ice rink will be inaugurated at 10:00, and will be free to access and will be open to the public until Saturday, December 30 (inclusive).



There will be karaoke for youngsters in the Plaza de la Constitucion in Torrevieja from 6:00 p.m., followed by Sette Voci.



Not forgetting that you can still visit the municipal nativity scene whilst you are there, and if you´re around in the evening, the Christmas lights, although these are mostly in the centre as the surrounding urbanisations are, as usual, largely forgotten.



On the Orihuela Costa, you have a workshop – design your board game (12 years +) 10:00 – 11:30 at the Alameda del Mar Civic Centre, and a Game Show (12 years +) 11:00 – 13:00 / 17:00 – 19:00 on the Esplanade at Playa Flamenca.

### The Daily Brief - Friday 22 December 2023

The Institute of National Statistics (INE) will publish the national accountability figures for quarter 3, and, perhaps more interesting, the hotel results for November, as well as commerce for the same month. They will return to tourism though with the release of the figures that show the situation from 2010 until 2022.



Locally, it’s a big day for Torrevieja at Christmas. Not only because it’s the last Friday market before the big day, so you can go and get the freshest vegetables to accompany your overindulgence, but because Santa Claus is officially coming to town, available for visits in his house, and then taking part in a grand parade in his honour on Saturday.



At noon today there will be children's entertainment on calle Concepción and at 5:00 p.m., in the Plaza de la Constitución, there will be a magical Christmas letter workshop for Santa Claus. In La Mata, also starting at noon, there is a Children's Crafts Workshop.



This evening, at 8:30 p.m., on the Plaza de la Constitución Stage, we will enjoy the spectacular voice of Lucía España.



Every year on December 22, so Friday this year, at the Teatro Real in Madrid, the Spanish Christmas Lottery draw is held, commonly known as El Gordo. From 9:00 a.m., the drums begin to spin, and the children of San Ildefonso begin to sing the numbers and prizes that appear throughout the morning, until they end around 1:00 p.m. First prize, El Gordo, is 4 million euro, divided into 10 tickets worth 400,000 euro each, although from that prize each winner will have to pay 72,000 euro in tax.



The Guardia Civil, arrested or investigated 19 people and six legal entities belonging to an international criminal organisation dedicated to the illicit trafficking of dangerous waste of urban origin. The investigations began as a result of international collaboration, in the control of waste at the border, when an unusual transit of trucks loaded with urban waste from Europe destined for Spanish companies was detected. Rather than being correctly processed, the waste was dumped in a landfill in Zaragoza, with a false paper trail claiming it had been disposed of legally, netting the gang 16 million euro since 2020.



Normal, the Danish retail chain, continues to promote its expansion in Spain with the upcoming opening of stores in Madrid, Seville in January, and Valencia in February. In December, they already opened new stores in Almería, and the Dos Mares Shopping centre, which becomes Normal's second store in Murcia. Since opening its first store in Spain in the La Gavia shopping centre in Madrid, Normal has added eight openings in just two months.



The Spanish real estate market reflected a cooling in activity in the third quarter of the year, at a time when high financing costs and persistent inflation mark the general economic future. Between the months of July and September, a total of 140,160 operations were registered, which represents an annual drop of 16.5 % and 7.8% compared to the previous quarter. The current economic context is also reflected in the number of mortgages on registered homes, a total of 90,858, which represents a decrease of the 2.9% compared to the previous quarter, the fifth consecutive quarterly decrease.



Suicides are the first cause of external death in Spain. According to the latest figures just published by the Institute of National Statistics (INE), covering the year 2022, 4,227 people took their own lives in Spain, which represents an increase of 5.6% compared to the previous year. Moreover, this figure represents the highest number of suicides since records began. If you need help or advice, the 024 telephone number is available 24 hours a day, and has a translation service. This service, in its first month, identified nearly 15,000 calls and referred more than 650 to emergency services.



Making the news headlines in 1974, terrorists bomb the home of the Conservative leader and former Prime Minister Edward Heath.



In 2023, we had the Covid inquiry, but on this day in 1997 it was announced that an independent inquiry would be held to look into the BSE "disaster" and the devastation it wreaked on British farming.



On this day in 2014, Sheffield-born singer Joe Cocker died of lung cancer in Crawford, Colorado aged 70.



Sticking with music and if we go back to this day in 1984, Madonna scored her first American number 1 with “Like A Virgin”, a song produced by Nile Rogers, or Chic fame. The song held the top spot for six weeks.



The same day was also important at the time to Madonna in the year 2000, as on this day she married British film maker Guy Ritchie.



And finally, for our famous birthday of the day, although I have to give an honorary mention to Ricky Ross from Deacon Blue, born on this day in 1957, we are instead going to France. Slightly concerning because she’s almost as old as me, but legendary young lady singer, Vanessa Paradis, famous for the 1988 UK No.3 single, 'Joe Le Taxi', was born on this day in 1972.




https://youtu.be/Ulay2FvUEd8?si=HC4cjqRqMWH-PMjH

### Spanish News Brief - Thursday 21 December 2023

The mortgage statistics for October, the business turnover for the same month and the resident tourism survey for the third quarter will be the main macro references in Spain on a Thursday in which Metrovacesa and Prosegur pay dividends. Outside our borders, investors will be attentive to the US GDP for the third quarter and the Philadelphia survey for December.



In Spain, the Institute of National Statistics (INE) has a busy day releasing reports before Christmas, including the domestic tourism figures for September, and the combined report for quarter 3, as well as foreign tourism and spending figures for September. Environmental and health expenditure will also be amongst the reports out today.



Locally, in Torrevieja, we have the Divertijoven on Paseo Vistalegre, at 5:30 p.m., which is an event specifically for the younger people in the town, but a little later, we are all invited to join in with the Casa de Andalucía Christmas Zambomba, at 8:30 p.m., on the stage at the Plaza de la Constitution. The UMT youth band of Torrevieja will also be holding their Christmas concert in the Palacio de la Musica.



The Guardia Civil has seized 10,696 toys in the Valencian town of Manises for not meeting the safety conditions established in the European directives. There are two people investigated for an alleged crime against industrial property. Children's toys must have the 'CE' marking, a distinctive mark of the European Community but some of the seized toys did not have this marking and in some of them the acronyms appeared but referred to 'China Export' and not that of the European Community.



Spanish airline, Vueling, a company belonging to the IAG group, is the most punctual airline in the low-cost sector in Europe, second in all airlines in the continent, and third most punctual low-cost carrier in the world, according to the latest figures released this week. Vueling has a punctuality index of 86.3% in more than 15,700 operated flights, according to the global consulting firm specialised in aviation analysis Cirium.



Two men appear in court today facing four years in prison for hate crimes, after they are accused of homophobically abusing and attacking a victim in Valencia. According to the public accusation, the events occurred in the early hours of March 4 on a street in Valencia. The defendants approached the injured party and asked him to give them part of what he was eating, which he refused, and so they allegedly began to punch and kick him, while insulting him with the intention of undermining his dignity.



Decathlon has sold 90 stores in several European countries, including 30 in France, as well as in Spain, Portugal, Italy and Germany, to American investor Realty Income, according to French media. The operation, which covers approximately 400,000 square metres of commercial space, has reached an estimated value of 600 million euro. Decathlon representatives have assured that this transaction is a continuation of similar operations and have emphasised that it will have no impact on the daily activity of the stores involved.



The Supreme Court (TS) has clarified that sending a single image of intimate content to third parties is sufficient to convict them of 'sexting', as long as the objective is to "denigrate" the affected person. The ruling came about after a man was acquitted as he had only sent a single image, whereas the law refers to images in plural, as a single image could have been sent in error. However, the supreme court reinstated the conviction, as the man’s intentions were clear in the evidence.



Taking a look back in time on this day, and tragedy struck in 1988, when a Pan Am jumbo jet crashed onto the town of Lockerbie. Pan Am Flight 103 was a regularly scheduled transatlantic flight from Frankfurt to Detroit via a stopover in London and another in New York City. 243 passengers, 16 crew, and 11 locals on the ground were killed.



On this day in the world of music, in 1970, Elvis Presley met President Nixon, after he just turned up at the White House. We mentioned her yesterday as a teaser, but it was on this day in 2019 that Mariah Carey topped the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time with the now classic, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” 25 years after its original release in 1994. It topped the UK Singles Chart for the first time ever on December 11, 2020.



Sticking with music and Say, Say, Say by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson was number 1 in America 40 years ago today, that’s 1983 by the way, and Only You by the Flying Pickets was top of the charts in the UK.




https://youtu.be/aAkMkVFwAoo?si=1iZz3STZGjUaZgX-

### First Performer Confirmed for Brilla Torrevieja 2024

Following the success of this year’s event, where the Black Eyed Peas where the headline act, 'Brilla Torrevieja' will return in 2024 and has confirmed the first artist who will perform at the event, Ana Mena, who will take to the stage in the Antonio Soria park on 10 August 2024.



Tickets for the concert are now available on the festival website, where you can book to see the Andalusian singer, known for such popular songs as 'Las 12', 'Música Ligera', and 'Quiero dicete', as part of her Bellodrama Tour, thus inaugurating the line-up of artists with whom she will share the stage at the fourth edition, and which will be announced in the coming months along with the rest of the news and surprises, promise the organisers.



With a format that fuses music and culture aimed at all audiences of different styles, 'Brilla Torrevieja' continues to bet on a heterogeneous festival that makes it a diverse and accessible milestone for anyone of any age, encompassing all the demand for family, cultural and musical leisure, both in Torrevieja and the province and surrounding areas, they say.

### Spanish News Brief – Wednesday 20 December 2023 

The public administration debt for October, published by the Bank of Spain, will be the main macro reference in Spain on a Wednesday in the one in which Viscofan, Miquel y Costas and Elecnor pay dividends. In the eurozone, the balance of payments in October and the consumer confidence in December will be published. Meanwhile, in the US, investors will be watching consumer confidence, the current account balance and sales of second-hand homes. In addition, the five-year preferential loan rate will be known in China.



The Institute of National Statistics (INE) will publish the October birthrates, and disability employment figures for 2022. They will also publish the migration and change of residency figures for 2021.



In Torrevieja, The Nutcracker is the highlight of the day, with the ballet company from Barcelona taking to the stage in the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre. You can also still visit the Pascual Flores ship in the harbour until January, and the municipal nativity scene in the main square.



The President of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and the leader of the opposition party PP, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, will face each other in parliament for the first time since Sánchez was elected as President. Tensions are high between the two due to disagreements over issues like an amnesty law and the transfer of power in the city of Pamplona. This meeting comes as Sánchez has proposed arranging a separate meeting with Feijóo to discuss topics like judicial reforms and regional financing, but the PP wants more specifics on the agenda.



A man faces a year in prison, and a fine, in a trial in the Third Section of the Provincial Court of Cantabria, where he stands accused of sexually touching a minor, 14 years old, in a park where she was with some friends. According to the prosecutor's brief, the accused saw three minors, aged 14, and sat on a bench. He then spoke to them and approached one of them. Upon seeing what happened, the minor's two friends asked a couple for help, who notified the Guardia Civil, who arrested the accused.



In another court case in Cantabria, a man is accused of trying to rape a woman whom he did not previously know. According to the Prosecutor's Office brief, the accused entered to live as a tenant in an apartment in which another woman already lived. Slightly affected due to alcohol consumption, he entered the woman's bedroom, proposed sexual relations, was refused, and so he attacked the victim. The man is facing 3 years in prison which could be replaced by his deportation as he is a foreign national.



In Alicante, a man stands trial accused of trying to kill his former romantic partner and attacking their son, who was 13 months old at the time of the events. The Prosecutor's Office initially requests a prison sentence of 10 years and eight months for the accused for the crimes of threats, breach of measures, abuse in the family, in relation to the minor, and attempted murder, in relation to the woman.



Netflix is the most popular streaming platform in Spain, according to the latest report from the National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC). Among households using these platforms, Netflix accounts for four out of ten households, followed by Amazon Prime Video with 22%, and Movistar+ with 13%. 35.8% of households with access to online content payment platforms claim to use only one service, while 25.9% use two. Despite Netflix clamping down on the practice, 19.4% of people said they used the passwords of a family member or friend.



On this day in 2021, American R&B singer Paul Mitchell passed away, Paul was one of the members of The Floaters, who you might remember for their 1977 hit, ‘Float On’. Video below.



Going back slightly further, 30 years to be precise, on this day in 1993, Mariah Carey was number 1 in America, but not with the song you might think. Hero was actually number 1, and in the UK, we had an equally talented chart topper (!) in the shape of Mr Blobby!



And finally, famous for The Railway Children, Jennifer Ann Agutter OBE, better known as Jenny Agutter, was born on this day in 1952.




https://youtu.be/UnhfUbuvAaY?si=LMcUh_x6lH1wxx9Z

### Tips for Preventing Falls in Seniors

Falls are a common health problem among older people and can have serious consequences. The traumatology specialists at Quirónsalud Torrevieja explain how to deal with these incidents with our relatives.



Risk Factors for Falls in Older Adults



There are multiple factors that contribute to the high frequency of falls, including:



Intrinsic or person-related factors:




Older age: The older a person is, the greater the risk of falling.



Previous history of falls: Those who have suffered previous falls are at a higher risk of falling again.



Muscle weakness and loss of balance: Decreased muscle strength and the ability to maintain balance increase the propensity for falls.



Vision problems: Poor vision, eye disorders, and untreated eye diseases increase the risk of falls.



Hearing problems: Hearing loss can affect the ability to detect and respond to auditory warning cues in the environment.




Factors related to diseases and health conditions:




Chronic diseases.



Use of medications.



Environmental factors:




-Obstacles in the environment: Loose carpeting, loose wires, poorly placed furniture, and other obstacles in the home increase the risk of trips and falls.



Slippery floors: Slippery surfaces in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas without proper safety measures can increase the risk of falls.



Inadequate lighting: Poor or uneven lighting makes it difficult to perceive obstacles and can lead to falls.




Lifestyles & Behaviours:




Lack of physical activity: Inactivity can lead to muscle weakness, impaired balance, and decreased mobility, increasing the risk of falls.



Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can affect balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls.



It is important to note that these risk factors do not act in isolation, but often interact and enhance each other.



"Identifying and addressing these risk factors can be essential to prevent falls in older people and promote healthy aging," explain the experts at Quirónsalud Torrevieja.



How can falls be prevented in older people?



Preventing falls in seniors is a crucial approach to maintaining their health, safety, and quality of life.



Quirónsalud specialists recommend some effective strategies to prevent falls:



Regular physical activity: Promoting an active lifestyle and performing exercises that improve balance, muscle strength, and flexibility can significantly reduce the risk of falls. Activities such as walking, tai chi, yoga, or strengthening exercises are beneficial. It is recommended that seniors consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any exercise program.



Medication review and adjustment: It is important for older adults to review their medications regularly with their doctor or pharmacist, as certain medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or imbalance, increasing the risk of falls. The dose may need to be adjusted or the medication changed if necessary.



-Assessment and improvement of the home environment: It is critical that the home environment is safe and accessible.



-Regular vision and hearing tests: Maintaining good visual and hearing health is essential for spotting obstacles and warning signs in the environment. Have regular eye and hearing exams and wear appropriate glasses or hearing aids if needed.



-Proper use of mobility aids: If the use of canes, walkers, or other mobility aids is required, it is important that they are properly adjusted and used correctly.



-Proper diet and nutrition: Maintaining a balanced and adequate diet can contribute to bone and muscle health, helping to prevent falls. Make sure you have an adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients.



-Education and awareness: Providing information to seniors about fall risk factors, preventative measures, and strategies to stay safe can help increase awareness and encourage safe behaviours.



What are the consequences of falls in older adults?



Falls in older adults can have a variety of consequences that affect both physical health and quality of life, including:



-Physical injuries: Falls can lead to serious injuries, such as broken bones, especially in the hip, wrist, and spine. These injuries may require surgery, hospitalisation, and lengthy rehabilitation. Even minor injuries, such as sprains and contusions, can limit a person's mobility and functional ability.



Chronic pain: Injuries resulting from a fall can lead to chronic pain, especially in older people who already suffer from conditions such as arthritis. Chronic pain can negatively affect quality of life and limit the ability to participate in daily activities.



Fear of falling again: After a fall, many seniors develop a significant fear of falling again. This fear can lead to reduced physical activity, social isolation, and decreased quality of life. In addition, the fear of falling can increase the risk of future falls due to inactivity and the resulting muscle weakness.



Dependency and loss of autonomy: Severe injuries caused by a fall can lead to loss of independence and the need for assistance in activities of daily living. Dependency on caring for others can have a significant emotional impact on older adults, leading to frustration, sadness, and decreased self-esteem.



-Additional health complications: Falls can trigger additional health complications, such as prolonged immobility, pressure ulcers, respiratory infections, and mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.



Economic and social costs: Falls in older adults also have economic and social implications. Hospitalisations, medical treatments, and rehabilitation can lead to high health care costs. In addition, falls can lead to a decrease in social participation, affecting personal relationships and community integration.



How to Make Your Home Safer and Reduce the Risk of Falls



Removing obstacles and maintaining order



Remove loose rugs or secure them with double-sided tape.



Make sure there are no loose electrical wires or in passageways.



Avoid clutter in hallways and transit areas.



Improve lighting



Make sure there is adequate lighting in all areas of the home, especially in hallways, stairwells, and bathrooms.



Install nightlights in bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms for easy visibility at night.



Use easily accessible light switches and add additional lighting if needed.



Securing the stairs



Install secure handrails on both sides of stairs, secured firmly to the wall.



Place anti-slip strips on the steps to improve traction.



Keep stairs clear of objects or debris.



Improve bathroom safety



Install grab bars in the shower, bathtub and near the toilet to provide additional stability.



Use non-slip mats in the bathtub or shower.



Make sure bathroom floors are dry and free of water or moisture.



Making Adjustments in the Bedroom



Place a bedside lamp near the bed for easy access to lighting.



Make sure the bed is at an appropriate height to make it easier to get in and out.



Keep everyday items within easy reach and avoid the need to reach or climb on furniture to reach them.



Use mobility aids:



If necessary, use canes, walkers, or other assistive walking devices. It is important that these devices are properly adjusted and used correctly.



Keeping the floor safe



Use non-slip surfaces on slippery floors, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas.



Immediately clean up any spilled liquid or wet surface.



Avoid excessive waxing on floors, as it can make them slippery.



Maintain open communication



Encourage open communication between family members and caregivers about safety concerns and needs in the home.



Conduct regular home checks to identify potential risks and take preventative measures.

### Spanish News Brief – Tuesday 19 December 2023

Tuesday starts in Spain with the Institute of National Statistics (INE) publishing the service sector activity indicators for October, and the business and turnover figures for industry for the same month. In Europe, EU Energy Ministers will study a possible extension to the energy emergency measures. Outside the euro area, investors will be watching the Bank of Japan's inflation figures.



According to the 2023 Spanish survey on drug use among secondary school students aged 14-18 and the National Drug Plan's report on addictive behaviours, problematic internet use has decreased slightly among this age group compared to 2021 while gambling with money both online and in-person has remained stable. The report also provided data for the first time on the number of people beginning treatment for behavioural addictions. For adults aged 15-64, both in-person and online gambling with money decreased slightly compared to 2020 according to the survey data.



The Provincial Court of A Coruña will hold the trial against a man accused of indecent exposure to minors in the municipality of Culleredo, Spain. On May 5, 2022, a witness saw the accused naked from the waist down masturbating about 10 metres away from small children and teenagers. The man hid behind an electric turret but was still visible to the minors. The Prosecutor's Office requests an 18 month fine of 10 euros per day and a prohibition order for the crime of exhibitionism.



A Colombian national is on trial in Spain for allegedly possessing and attempting to sell nearly 100 grams of low-purity pink cocaine, a mixture of caffeine, ketamine, and MDMA. The Guardia Civil stopped his car in 2021 and found the drugs, a precision scale, and bags for packaging them. The prosecutor is asking for a five-year prison sentence for the man.



A man is on trial accused of sexually assaulting his wife's daughter from age 7 to 17. According to prosecutors, he would touch and penetrate her vaginally from age 9 and anally from age 11. The girl presents symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and social issues. Prosecutors are requesting 14 years in prison, then 6 years of supervised freedom, and a 16-year ban from working with minors. They are seeking €24,000 in compensation for the victim.



Hospitality venues are confused by a new Tax Office ruling stating that IVA on containers for customers to take unfinished food home as part of the new Food Waste Law should be 21%. This contradicts the typically lower 10% IVA rate in the hospitality sector, and those containers have to be provided for free under the waste law. It remains unclear if the food waste prevention law will come into effect as it is currently shown as "expired" on the Senate website, with amendments still being considered in September 2023.

### Remember to Recycle Your Bottles this Christmas

Ecovidrio, the non-profit entity in charge of managing the recycling of glass packaging waste in Spain, in collaboration with Torrevieja Council, has launched the awareness campaign “We Have Good Reasons” during the Christmas holidays, with the aim of promoting the recycling of glass containers among all citizens, especially as there the consumption of materials sold in glass might increase at the time of year!



The initiative, which will take until January 6, invites all residents and visitors to the town to recycle glass packaging waste during these days, since they are dates with a significant increase in generation of waste and in which 20% of the glass containers that are recycled in a year are consumed.



Of course, we must also hope that they remember to empty the containers more frequently, or those which are regularly overflowing in the town will be in a worse state.



For the development of the campaign, Ecovidrio has placed a container decorated with the image of the campaign next to the Plaza de la Constitución in which it will be captured as an infographic how all citizens contribute, with the gesture of recycling glass containers, in the preservation of the environment. This presentation event was attended by the Urban Cleaning Councillor of the Torrevieja Council, María José Ruiz, and the Ecovidrio Zone Manager, Roberto Fuentes.



In addition, three more containers with the campaign image have been placed in the town, in which a different message can be read about the recycling of glass containers and the preservation of the environment. Specifically, on Paseo Vista Alegre, Plaza Capdepont and Paseo Juan Aparicio. The campaign doesn´t stretch beyond the centre of the town, where most of the problems exist, as usual.



Likewise, in the vicinity of the containers, an environmental educator will inform passers-by about the environmental benefits of recycling glass containers and will distribute original bookmarks with the campaign image and with messages about sustainability and bags for glass recycling. Specifically, it will be on Tuesday the 19th, Thursday the 21st and Friday the 22nd of December.



According to the latest available data corresponding to 2022, the citizens of Torrevieja recycled a total of 2,864,250 kilograms of glass containers, which, according to the press release accompanying the campaign, means that each citizen recycled an average of 34.2 kilograms of glass. According to Ecovidrio, 19.8 kilograms per person is the average in Spain.



Despite having more glass igloos, 830, the people of neighbouring Orihuela were behind Torrevieja in the overall figure of 2.732.498 kilograms. 33.8 kilograms per person.



Regarding the containerisation rate, Torrevieja has an average of 104.7 inhabitants per container, currently having a total of 798 igloos for glass packaging waste installed in the municipality.



The glass that is deposited in the containers is 100% recycled and used to manufacture new containers, indefinitely and without losing the original properties. By recycling glass, we avoid the growth of landfills.



Recycling glass is a key element in the fight against climate change. By using calcín – recycled glass – in the manufacture of new containers, the extraction of raw materials from nature is avoided, avoiding soil erosion and deforestation of our environment. In addition, CO2 emissions in the manufacturing process are minimised and energy is saved.

### Spanish News Brief - Monday 18 December 2023

The week starts in Spain with the publication of the labour costs for the third quarter and the commercial balance for October. Other notable references of the day will be the German IFO for December and the monthly report of the Bundesbank. In addition, the ECB publishes its survey of monetary analysts.



A criminal group of 14 airport workers were arrested for theft at Tenerife's Reina Sofía Airport in Spain. They stole high value items like watches, jewellery, phones, and electronics worth over 1.9 million euros from passenger luggage. They fenced the stolen goods through jewellery stores and online marketplaces. The group had a defined hierarchy, and each member had a specific role like selecting flights, hiding items, selling goods or laundering money.



The Guardia Civil dismantled a paramilitary organisation of Nazi ideology in Spain by arresting 11 leaders and investigating another 11 members across 16 Spanish provinces. The organisation's administrator had over 2,800 followers online and encouraged them to arm themselves and create an "army". The group held regular meetings and had a headquarters in Malaga. The leaders instructed members to obtain weapons licenses and acquire rifles, shotguns, pistols, and explosive devices.



A man is on trial for the murder of his 11-year-old son in Sueca, Valencia in April 2022. He is accused of stabbing the boy multiple times, killing him, during an argument while the son was celebrating his 11th birthday with his father. The father and mother had been divorced since 2021 and shared custody of the son. However, the father had a history of verbally, physically and mentally abusing the mother over 17 years of marriage. He had previously been convicted of assaulting the mother in 2021 but still contacted her in violation of a restraining order.



A new invasive beetle species that bores into ornamental trees has been detected for the first time in Europe in Spain and Greece. Called Olenecamptus bilobus, specimens of this pest species were found in Elche, Spain and on the Greek island of Lemos. The species is considered a pest in China and normally bores into wood of trees like artocapus, ficus, and mulberry. There are currently no specific control measures for this species in Europe.

### Around Torrevieja This Christmas Week

In Torrevieja this week, there is ballet in the form of the Christmas favourite, The Nutcracker, which is in the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre on Wednesday. The UMT youth band of Torrevieja perform their Christmas Concert at the Palacio de la Musica on Thursday.



Throughout the week in Torrevieja there are activities for the kids, then on Thursday, on the Paseo Vistalege, there will be Divertijoven on Paseo Vistalegre, at 5:30 p.m., before the action moves to the main stage in the Plaza de la Constitution for the Casa de Andalucía Christmas Zambomba, at 8:30 p.m. Christmas Zambomba, in case you don´t know, involves Christmas tunes accompanied by an instrument of the same name, a Zambomba, a kind of drum-looking instrument, very popular in the flamenco scene, which (listen below) sounds a little bit like a tuneful elephant (not an insult). So, mix flamenco, singing, Christmas and elephants, and you know what to expect. A good time.







On Friday, the kids can attend a workshop to help them write to Santa in La Mata at noon, and entertainment in the Plaza de la Constitución, where Lucía España will perform in the evening.



However, with all of that so far, it is important not to peak your excitement too soon, as on Saturday, Santa Claus is coming to town, available in his house from 11:00, before joining in with the parade dedicated to the big man from 6:00 p.m. from the Virgen del Carmen Centre.



It will then hopefully be an early night for Santa as he will be back in his house on Sunday, welcoming children, for which we sincerely hope he realises he has a big night ahead of him, and he will need to allow time to get back to the North Pole, pick up all of our gifts, and return before we wake up next day.



It’s worth noting that Christmas Eve is not only an important day for Santa but is one of the most important days in the traditional Spanish celebrations, where families gather together for a late meal to celebrate. As such, shops close early and even many bars remain closed for the important time, in order to allow for that togetherness.



Santa is also appearing in Guardamar throughout the week, again with a special celebration on Friday, and the Santa Train joining in the fun on Sunday. There’s also a student party on Friday.




https://youtu.be/wu_PX2qbSyM?si=V-PEBZ-OtkdtDcdH

### Christmas in Torrevieja Schedule of Events

Christmas in Torrevieja will bring together a unique program for all audiences, as, for the first time in history, festivities, culture and commerce merge to experience a unique Christmas experience, with more than 40 activities in Torrevieja and La Mata.



The Councillor for Festivals, Commerce, Hospitality and Tourism, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, presented the extensive Christmas program that includes fun, dynamism and activities for all audiences.



The commercial element is a point to highlight in the Christmas campaign. This activity began with retail outlets being dressed for the occasion. In addition, the 20th Christmas Window Dressing Contest has been launched, where more than 30 commercial establishments have submitted their request to participate by dressing their businesses for the occasion.



Plus, 30,000 personalised Christmas bags made with recycled paper will be distributed throughout the commercial fabric of the municipality and giant illuminated bags have been placed at 3 of the main entrances to Torrevieja with the motto: “small businesses make Torrevieja great.”



An extensive program, with nearly 40 activities, that merges with educational, cultural and recreational-festive events for children, adolescents and adults has been scheduled, running until Friday, January 5, with the traditional Three Kings Parade.



Amongst the highlights will be Santa´s house, on December 22 and 23, both in Torrevieja and in La Mata. Of course, with Santa´s helpers appearing as he couldn´t possibly be in two places at once. Children will be able to deliver their letter in person, in addition to having more surprises, sweets, entertainment and... SNOW!



Also, on December 23, in the afternoon, we will have the traditional Grand Santa Claus Parade, at 6:00 p.m., which this year will bring important news with stories of fairies, elves, Mother Christmas and, of course, Santa Claus (unconfirmed as to if it will be the REAL Santa, or one of his helpers again).



On Wednesday, December 26, at 10:00 a.m., in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol in La Mata, for the first time in history, the synthetic ice rink will be inaugurated around the tree. It will be free to access and will be open to the public until Saturday, December 30 (inclusive).



On Saturday, December 30, also in La Mata, we will celebrate for the first time the popular San Silvestre Christmas race in its children's category, with prizes for all participants. And in the afternoon, in the urban centre, the adult race will take place.



The activities will be arranged in different city squares, pedestrian areas, La Mata, cultural entities and local artists.



CALENDAR OF CHRISTMAS IN TORREVIEJA EVENTS:



Friday, December 15, at 6:00 p.m., the traditional Christmas carols “Carols in the square”. And, at 8:30 p.m., Oriental Dance by Paula Rayma.



Saturday, December 16, at 6:45 p.m., we will enjoy the Motopapanoelada, accompanied by the troupe “Aqui hay Tomate” and the voice of Shani Orminston, to set the mood for the evening. In addition, they will be accompanied by the tourist train. There will be a total of 400 motorcycles that will collect gifts throughout the town with the aim of delivering them to Social Welfare and for all the children to enjoy toys this year.



The best decorated motorcycle will receive the “Tomás Ballester” award.



The departure will be from the Shannon cafeteria, at 6:00 p.m. and will end at the door of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, at 6:45 p.m.



At the end, we will enjoy the wonderful Shani Orminston on the stage of the Plaza de la Constitución.



Sunday, December 17, in the Plaza de la Constitución, we will visit the Conchi Vaquero artisan market and local associations.



On the 18th, 19th and 20th, they will be full of activities, children's workshops and singing games.



Thursday, December 21, after enjoying Divertijoven on Paseo Vistalegre, at 5:30 p.m., we will have the honour of enjoying the Casa de Andalucía Christmas Zambomba, at 8:30 p.m., on the Plaza Stage of the Constitution.



Friday, December 22, at 12:00 there will be children's entertainment on calle Concepción and at 5:00 p.m., in the Plaza de la Constitución, there will be a magical Christmas letter workshop for Santa Claus. In La Mata, at 12:00 p.m., Children's Crafts Workshop.



In the afternoon, at 8:30 p.m., on the Plaza de la Constitución Stage, we will enjoy the spectacular voice of Lucía España.



Saturday, December 23, at 11:00 a.m., in the Plaza de la Constitución, we can visit Santa Claus's House.



At 12:00 p.m., the Christmas Characters will make their way through the commercial streets of La Mata, visiting all the neighbours.



At 6:00 p.m., the GRAND SANTA CLAUS PARADE will begin.



The departure will be from the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, until its end at calle Concepción.



Additionally, at night, on the Plaza de la Constitución Stage, the surprises for young people will continue with concerts, music and fun.



Sunday, December 24, at 11:00 a.m., in the Encarnación Puchol square in La Mata, Santa Claus will let us visit his Casita.



And, meanwhile, the Christmas Characters will visit the shopping streets of Torrevieja.



Tuesday, December 26, at 10:00 a.m., there will be the GRAND INAUGURATION OF THE simulated SKATING Rink, around the tree in Plaza Encarnación Puchol de La Mata, which will be open until Saturday, December 30, inclusive. In addition, we can go down with Santa Claus's Sleigh through the inflatable installed in the same square.



In the afternoon, on the stage of the Plaza de la Constitución, at 6:00 p.m., there will be Youth Karaoke. And, at 8:30 p.m., the Sette Voci will delight us.



Wednesday, December 27, we will have a morning full of activities both in La Mata and Torrevieja.



At 11:30 a.m., 360º photo booth and snow cannon, in La Mata. Meanwhile, at the same time, the Christmas Characters will once again tour the commercial streets of the urban centre of Torrevieja.



In the afternoon, at 6:00 p.m., Magician Ortuño will do his magic on the stage of the Plaza de la Constitución.



And, at 9:30 p.m., Bervera's concert, also on the stage of the Plaza de la Constitución.



Thursday, December 28 will be a very special day, because there will be many surprises and news for young people.



Friday, December 29, at 11:00 a.m. a Youth Karaoke will be installed in the Plaza de la Constitución. At 5:00 p.m., Children's Cantajuegos, in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol de La Mata.



At 6:00 p.m., on calle Concepción, Paseo Mágico de Luz. And, later, we will enjoy the music of the group Stolen, on stage.



Saturday, December 30, at 11:30 a.m., the San Silvestre Infantil race will depart from Plaza Encarnación Puchol. And, in the afternoon, at 7:30 p.m., the San Silvestre for the adult modality will take place from the urban centre of Torrevieja.



At 10:00 p.m., Lemon Tree concert on the Plaza de la Constitución stage.



On Sunday, December 31, at 12:00 p.m., in the Plaza de la Constitución, the Children's New Year's Eve party will begin. And at night, at 00:00 we all eat the grapes together with the New Year's Eve celebration.



On Wednesday and Thursday, January 3 and 4, the Three Wise Men of the East will collect the Three Kings Letters with the wonderful Royal Camp, at the door of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Torrevieja and in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol, from the 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.



And we will finish on Friday, December 5. At 11:30 a.m. Christmas Playroom on calle Concepción. And in the afternoon, at 4:30 p.m., the CAVALGATE OF THE THREE KINGS.



Not forgetting, for classical music fans, the annual Three Kings concert in the Torrevieja International Auditorium. 



To conclude, Rosario Martínez highlighted that the Festival Department has carried out a varied program, the most extensive to date, which meets the needs of all audiences and also praises the importance of the city's commercial fabric as fundamental piece of its economic and social development.



As an objective, she concludes, we continue with our firm commitment to the destabilisation of tourism so that on these dates our neighbours feel proud of their city, and that our visitors want to come every year to celebrate Christmas with us.

### Types of Dementia in Older People: Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

Dr. Mirko Alavena, Neurologist at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, answers the most frequently asked questions about the types of dementia in the elderly and offers advice on how to live with it.



Types of dementia, what are they?



"Dementia is a loss of mental faculties due  to damage to the brain, which results in an inability to live independently," explains Dr. Alavena.



Damage to the brain can have different causes, although in the elderly the most common are neurodegenerative diseases and vascular injuries.



What are the symptoms of each type of dementia?



The specialist at Quirónsalud Torrevieja emphasizes the following types of dementia:



Alzheimer's



The most common neurodegenerative disease that causes dementia in the elderly is Alzheimer's, whose main symptom is memory loss.



Initially, short-term memory is affected; But over time, other functions of thought such as language, reasoning, manipulation of objects, etc., deteriorate.



There are many other neurodegenerative dementias in which the impairment of memory is not as marked, but other brain functions are. For example: frontotemporal dementia, which affects language and reasoning. Lewy body dementia, which presents fluctuations and hallucinations, dementia associated with Parkinson's, posterior cortical atrophy, primary progressive aphasia...



Vascular dementia



There is also vascular dementia, which is caused by heart attacks and/or haemorrhages that destroy scattered brain regions and can have very varied symptoms that generally evolve in a staggered manner.



Other less common types of dementia are those caused by normotensive hydrocephalus, tumour lesions or haemorrhages external to the brain, autoimmune diseases, prion diseases, atypical parkinsonism, Wernicke-Korsakoff, etc.



What are the causes of the different types of dementia in the elderly population?



The most common cause is neurodegenerative; at the base of diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, atypical parkinsonism, etc. Although it is known that there are abnormal protein deposits that intoxicate and destroy neurons, the origin or trigger is not clear.



The next most common cause is vascular, which is related to cerebral infarctions or haemorrhages due to the progressive accumulation of lesions in the blood vessels. They may be related to treatable vascular risk factors (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking), but there are also other non-modifiable factors.



Other less common causes are normotensive hydrocephalus in adults, brain tumours and hematomas external to the brain, prion diseases, or autoimmune diseases. Chronic syphilis infection is also seen less and less.



How are different types of dementia diagnosed and evaluated in the elderly?



Dementia can be diagnosed with a brief interview with the patient. However, incipient cases ("mild cognitive impairment") sometimes require a more complete evaluation of cognitive functions in order to be detected, confirmed, and categorized.



Once cognitive impairment is confirmed, imaging tests (CT, MRI) and laboratory tests are requested to rule out lesions such as tumours, haemorrhages, heart attacks, vitamin deficiencies, metabolic alterations, or infections.



Neurodegenerative diseases can only be verified by observing brain tissue under a microscope, which is not possible in life without injuring the patient.



Currently, there are nuclear medicine tests (SPECT and PET) and cerebrospinal fluid studies (lumbar puncture) that can detect both the loss of activity in various areas of the brain, as well as the deposit of some abnormal proteins in it. Through these tests, it is possible to have greater certainty when giving a diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease.



What is the impact of dementia on the quality of life of the elderly and their caregivers?



It depends on many factors, including things like previous personality or environment.



Some people with dementia can be very docile and kind, while others can be demanding and even aggressive. This even with the same diagnosis.



In general, in Alzheimer's, patients deny the impairment of memory, but they make mistakes, misplace things, and blame their caregivers. Sometimes they can also leave the house and wander aimlessly. They are very vulnerable to malicious deceptions. They can also get involved in domestic accidents or medication errors.



In frontotemporal dementia there may be people who are able to refute and argue with correct information, but whose behaviour is totally inappropriate and sometimes even dangerous. There are cases that wreak havoc with your assets before they are suspected of having a problem.



In Lewy body dementia, people's hallucinations can be very worrisome. There are fluctuations that confuse caregivers, as they can intersperse days of apparent lucidity with others of clear disorientation. They also tend to associate sleep disorders, to the point of sleeping during the day and being agitated at night. It's also common for them to have balance problems and fall.



Vascular dementias can have very diverse symptoms, depending on where in the brain the lesions are present, explains Dr. Alavena.

### New School Approved for Torrevieja

The Valencia regional government has authorised the creation of the Early Childhood and Primary Education school number 14 in Torrevieja, which will include eight Early Childhood Education units (two first cycle and six second cycle) and twelve Primary Education units.



The new centre is created by breaking down the CEIP Inmaculada Concepción and will have a capacity of 36 places for early childhood education and 150 places for second cycle early childhood education, as well as 300 places for primary education.



CEIP number 14 will begin its activities this year, and will have 10 teachers of Early Childhood Education, 11 of Primary Education, 2 of Primary English Education, 2 of Physical Education, 1 of Music, 1 of Pedagogy Therapeutics, 1 Hearing and Language and 1 Educational Guidance.



The commissioning and maintenance during the 2023-2024 school year of the early childhood education units of this centre will be financed by the recovery, transformation and resilience plan, component 21, modernisation and digitisation of the education system, including Early Education for 0-3 years.



It is a plan of the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, to boost schooling in the first cycle of Early Childhood Education, with new places of public ownership and in charge of the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism (MRR), funded by the European Union – Next Generation EU.



The new educational centre is located at Carrer de los Jazmines, 4, in the Torretas area of Torrevieja, not far from the Habaneras shopping centre.

### Claims that Torrevieja 2024 Budget is Not What it Seems

Following the fanfares that Torrevieja is to have a huge budget boost in 2024, the Sueña Torrevieja municipal group has warned that the investments of the budget are totally up in the air.



Pablo Samper, spokesperson for Sueña Torrevieja, assures that "the formalisation of the loans of €19.5 million will need to be authorised by the Financial Guardianship Body of the Valencian Community as the 2022 budget has been liquidated with budgetary instability".



Samper therefore claims that "the budget for 2024 is not the highest in the history of Torrevieja but the lowest in the last four years, in addition to the fact that it is the worst financed and the one that if no one remedies it, will cause the highest deficit and therefore the highest economic and financial plan for breach of budgetary stability in the history of Torrevieja".



Samper assures that "the net savings amount to €3.6 million, so a reduction in the budgetary result for current operations in the settlement of the 2023 budget greater than this amount would prevent new credit operations from being arranged, leaving investments amounting to almost 20 million euro without financing, including all the works awarded in 2023 through processing the budgetary result of the advance of the settlement as of September 30, 2023, presents a DEFICIT of €14 million, €8 million higher than  the result of the  settlement of the year 2022".



In this sense, article 53.1 of the TRLRHL establishes that "new long-term credit operations may not be entered into when negative net savings are deduced from the financial statements reflected in the settlement of the budgets".



Samper concludes by stating that "taking into account that they will have to wait for the approval of the 2023 settlement to request authorisation to formalise new loans and that if they settle with negative net savings, no loan could be formalised, they should suspend the processing of the budget in order to dedicate the possible surplus of the liquidation through the use of the RTGG to finance the most urgent investments".

### Book Tickets for the Torrevieja Three Kings Concert

Fans of classical music, and those just looking to broaden their listening repertoire, show not miss what is considered by many to be the ultimate concert of the year in Torrevieja, the annual Three Kings Concert by the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra.



The problem is that the concert is so popular it normally sells out very quickly, but the good news is that the event has been extended to allow more people the opportunity to enjoy this unique musical experience.



For New Year of 2024, the Three Kings Concert will take place on both Saturday 6 January 2024, and Sunday 7 January, at the International Auditorium in Torrevieja.



The musical director, Jose Francisco Sanchez, promises to take you on a musical journey through some of the most popular classical pieces, which can be enjoyed whatever your level of knowledge or interest in the classical music scene.



If you are interested, you should book tickets now though, to avoid disappointment, and you can book tickets for the Torrevieja Three Kings Concert via the Cultura Torrevieja website.



At the time of publication, limited seats are available, so you really need to act now if you would like to enjoy this New Year experience.

### Reggaeton Beach Festival Torrevieja Plans Return in 2024

Despite the cancellation of an event in Madrid over safety concerns, and numerous arrests in Torrevieja for drugs offences, the organisers of the Reggaeton Beach Festival (RBF) are not perturbed and have announced that they will hold the event in the same locations in 2024 and add some more venues yet to be revealed.



In 2023 the tour passed through 11 towns with more than 30 artists, for 2024 the tour brings many new features and better conditions in all its concerts to elevate the audience's experience, according to the organisers.



Last year's venues are maintained for the 2024 Reggaeton Beach Festival tour, namely Oropesa del Mar (Marina d'Or, Castellón), Tenerife, Avilés (Asturias), Marbella (Málaga), Benidorm (Alicante), Mallorca, Madrid, Barcelona (this time at the Circuit de Montmeló), Santander, Nigrán (Galicia), and Torrevieja (Alicante), with new destinations promised to be revealed in the coming months.



The tour will begin, as usual, in the resort town of Marina D'Or (Oropesa de Mar) on June 22 and will conclude on August 4 simultaneously in Torrevieja and Galicia.



The high point of the tour will be experienced again on July 20 and 21 with a double date in Madrid and Barcelona, ​​anticipating being a historic event thanks to the expectation of thousands of potential attendees during that weekend, with the promise of breaking all the records set by the festival.



RBF is not only considered a platform for international urban music artists but also offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy with friends or family, such as water parks, dance classes, workshops, markets and diverse gastronomic options, including food trucks and vegetarian and vegan options, although the event has also faced criticism for not complying with consumer laws, and in Torrevieja resulted in the Friday market having to close and the subsequent loss of earnings for local traders on what would have been their busiest weekend of the year.



The pictures below are protected by copyright, and are used with permission from https://derekintorre.info/ where more drone pictures from Torrevieja can be seen.




default



default



default



default



default

### Torrevieja’s Historic Bar Site to Open as Viewing Point

Just two weeks after the demolition of the El Tintero bar kiosk in Torrevieja, it has been revealed that the provincial coastal department intend to finish the work with a repair of the concrete pavement, which has been partially damaged during the demolition, and reopen the site as a public viewpoint before Christmas.



The El Tintero kiosk was demolished after its former owners lost the court battle to extend their stay in this place where fishermen once dyed their fishing gear. The Chazarra family had been installed there since they took the reins of the business in the 1950s and the administrative concession lasted until 2011. Costas' stated intention was always to demolish it, just as he already did with the José María kiosk on Playa del Cura.

### Torrevieja to Benefit from Budget Boost

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and the Councillor for Economy and Finance, Domingo Paredes, have presented, after the Local Government Board held yesterday, the draft budget for the next financial year 2024.



These accounts will allow 158.3 million euro to be available next year, 61.59% more than the 2023 budget (87,676,899 euro) which has been extended and does not have investment (61 million euro more).



Domingo Paredes has stated that the 2024 budget is a realistic budget, in budget balance, adjusted to the current socioeconomic context, prepared on the basis of realistic growth and supported by national economic forecasts that, once again, lowers the fiscal pressure on citizens and companies and that will allow the transformation started in the previous mandate to continue, with the promotion of projects such as the reorganisation of the port and new spaces to develop different business lines.



Furthermore, Eduardo Dolón has highlighted that these accounts will put the emphasis on social spending, by making a significant effort to increase the personnel necessary to cover the standards required by the Social Services program contract signed with the Generalitat Valenciana, going on to create new places and fill vacancies. In addition, with aid to entrepreneurs, such as consumer benefits or the freezing of rates and taxes, we hope to improve local commerce and create new job opportunities.



On the other hand, social protection and promotion actions are maintained, such as the Home Help Service, Childcare, the Children's Dining Program, Equality policies and the Energy Impoverishment Program, SEAFI and telecare.



The chapter of Personnel grows by 25.35% compared to 2023 and all the items recorded in previous modifications and updates are incorporated, such as the productivity supplement or the new positions created.



The budget maintains the tax reductions with the IBI (property tax, commonly referred to as SUMA after the name of the collection agency) at the legal minimum and without updating the main rates to the CPI. In addition, the council assumes the increase in waste disposal rates imposed by the Government of Spain, despite the contract for the service in Torrevieja being extremely expensive as it is, and still lacking in service delivery, as confirmed by the mayor himself.



The budget contemplates a disbursement of €500,000 in direct aid to face the economic crisis through aid that seeks to encourage purchases in the small and medium local businesses.



€43,042,472 are allocated to investments of which 41,585,607 will be executed directly by the Council and 1,456,865 euro through European Funds. A clear commitment to investment with growth that can become a reality during 2024.



PERSONNEL EXPENSE



With respect to personnel expenses, there is a correlation between the credits of Chapter I of Personnel Expenses included in the Budget, and the Personnel Annex of this Local Entity for this financial year, with a global amount of 39,522,269 euro, experiencing an increase of 25.35% compared to that recorded in the initial Budget of the previous year 2023, including all the modifications and updates provided for in the different LPGE approved in the year for 2021, 2022 and 2023, as well as the appropriations derived from modifications and updates to the Annex of Personnel, especially the one that occurred on the occasion of the incorporation of the productivity complement in the specific complement of the workers of this Council in execution of final judicial sentences.



This item, despite the significant and necessary increase to form the administration of the future that the municipality of Torrevieja demands, constitutes 25.04% of the Council's budget project for 2024 compared to 32.28% for fiscal year 2023. A balanced and consistent figure with the level of spending and management provided for in these future budgets.



INCREASE IN SPENDING ON SERVICES



The amount of Expenditure on goods, services and current transfers of Chapter II recorded in the Municipal Budget project for 2024 amounts to a credit in the amount of 64,349,059 euro, which represents an increase of 11.64% with respect to this same expense in the previous Municipal Budget.



The total of the budgetary credits allocated for current operations and the expenses derived from the operation of the existing services in this Council can be considered sufficient to meet the obligations required of the Corporation. This chapter represents 40.77% of the total budget project planned for the year 2024, compared to 59.01% of the previous year. Although the percentage is reduced, this chapter increases by 7 million euro.



For the first time, 100% of the Waste Collection, Street and Coastal Cleaning Service is incorporated into the budget. In addition, more than 2 million euro are included until reaching the figure of 5 million in the Parks and Gardens Area. The Local Development Agency (ADL) incorporates 140,000 euro for the business shuttle. In health, more than 110,000 euro are included for the sterilisation of cats. For Education, 100,000 euro more are included for repairs to school centres. The maintenance of sports buildings is increased by 176,000 euro. In Tourism, credits are increased and more than 550,000 euro are incorporated for the different festivals that the town hosts, especially in the summer. And in subsidies, subsidies for elite athletes are increased up to 65,000 euro.



INVESTMENTS



Real Investments for an amount of 41,585,607 euro have been recorded in the Expenditure Statement of the 2024 Budget, financed with debt (loan operations) and with the disposal of municipally owned assets and urban planning rights.



The budget credits for Real Investments represent 26.35% of the total of the Budget project for 2024 compared to 0% of the previous year due to the budget being extended from the 2021 year.



The main investments will go to:



-Repaving And Repair of The Levante Dam €8,698,288



-Realisation Works of Areas Adjacent To The Port €5,340,000



-La Mata Sports Pavilion €5,171,641



-Eras De La Sal Remodelling €5,100,000



-La Plasa Building Remodelling €4,005,000



-Animal Shelter €1,317,661



-Neighbourhoods Program €1,349,865



-Investment In Infrastructures And B.D.U.G €2,600,000



-Other Infrastructure Replacement Investments €5,707,641



-Artificial Grass Renewal at Nelson Mandela Field €985,097



-High Business Technology Centre €100,000



-Completion Of Multi-Purpose Sports Hall €41,350



-Alzheimer Centre €300,000



-Hospital Pedestrian Path €300,000



-Investment Replacement of Infrastructures €1,000,101



-San Roque Civic Centre €150,000



There is another series of investments, equally priority ones that will be included in the budget modification derived from the settlement of fiscal year 2023 and the availability of the remaining Treasury. The investments that are intended to be introduced via budget modification are:



Paseo Playa de Los Locos, which is undergoing approval of the project by the General Directorate of Coasts; the execution of the Business Innovation Centre; the Green Zone of Torretas III; new public lighting renovation actions; actions in the Sports City, which, among others, include: new paddle tennis courts, the new indoor swimming pool and other complementary actions, with a planned amount of €3,600,000.



In addition, road improvement actions, steel work and urban infrastructure are included, including here improvement actions in the Casagrande Industrial Estate.



INCOME



The income of the Torrevieja City Council for 2024 will represent a decrease in credit of -6.39% (about €3,982,806) with respect to the Municipal Budget of the previous year, mainly due to the reduction in expectations of Income from the Tax on the increase in the value of urban land. The forecast decreases by almost 5 million euro compared to the average of previous years.



The expected income from current operations from Rates, Public Prices and other income amounts to 17,589,445 euro, which represents an increase of 53.63% compared to the Municipal Budget of the previous year, representing 11.14% of the total income budget for 2024. The increase not only comes from the lifting of the suspension of the application of the Tables and Chairs and Occupation of Public Spaces Ordinances such as fixed and mobile markets, stalls, booths and kiosks, but from the increase in new registrations produced in the last 3 years of approximately 50% of the data from previous years. With this, the rates continue not to be updated to the CPI, the Government team freezing all rates and thus promoting job creation and commercial revitalisation.



Finally, the forecasts for the Complementary Financing Fund increase, which goes from 16 million euro to what the Council has been receiving in recent years, 20.2 million euro.

### Harry Potter and Christmas are Coming to Torrevieja Events This Week

The Guardia Civil will be carrying out extensive checks on alcohol and drugs consumption before driving this week, accompanied by the Local and Regional Police in many areas. This is part of a Europe-wide campaign in the runup to Christmas.



Locally, in Torrevieja, Friday is a key date for the Christmas celebrations, with the annual Carols in the Square concert, starting at 5:30 p.m. in the centre of Torrevieja, this year hoping for a more diverse and international flavour than ever.



Other than that, it is a relatively quiet week, after both the patron saint festivities and the national holidays of last week.



There are a couple of shows in the theatre and Virgen del Carmen centre at the weekend, information about which you can get at the box office. However, looking forward to Sunday, just down the road in Guardamar, there is a choral concert in the evening, which is always a welcome addition to the Christmas schedule, so that could definitely be something worth checking out.



The Christmas Concert scheduled for the Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja on Saturday 16 December has been cancelled, unfortunately. But the Harry Potter inspired concert on Sunday 17th looks interesting if you do fancy a bit of magical, musical distraction.



We now only have two weeks until Christmas day of course, so if you’re still wanting to find the perfect gift for that difficult person, which might well be yourself, then most shops are now open throughout, but Christmas Eve is a particularly special day in Spain, so early closing is inevitable, so don’t leave it too late.



If you’re looking for other things to do in Torrevieja, you can always visit the Pascual Flores in the tail end of the weeks, and the nativity scene in the main square.

### Torrevieja Carols in the Square 2023

Christmas in Torrevieja wouldn´t be the same without the annual Carols in the Square event, and this year, according to the Councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, the intention is to have amore representative reflection of the diverse nationalities and cultures that live in the town, by offering a more inclusive involvement.



Everyone is invited along to the event on Friday 15 December 2023, starting at 5:30 p.m., and everyone will be able to join in with the festive singalong.



Amongst the participants for this international fiesta are the "Francisco Casanovas" Professional Music Conservatory of Torrevieja, along with their choir, an ensemble of the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra directed by Francisco J. Garres Pérez, lending a voice from the north of the continent will be the Coro Skandinaviska Skolan Costa Blanca, and the popular Crescendo Choir, with the south of Spain represented by the Coro Rociero Blanca y Verde (Casa de Andalucia Rafael Alberti de Torrevieja), and with Sette Vocci adding their local input.



As always, the event takes place in the main square in Torrevieja, outside the town hall, the Plaza de la Constitucion, where you can also enjoy the festive lights concentration, and the municipal nativity scene.

### Health Minister Backs Down After Torrevieja Hospital Strike Threat

After initially stating that the previously agreed working conditions for Torrevieja hospital staff would be annulled, and the inevitable threat of strike action, the Minister of Health, Mariano Gómez, has now said that his regional government will respect the agreement reached by the workers with the previous administration, to reduce the annual hours of the department's health workers and increase salaries, especially with regard to on-call hours, and bring these figures closer to those of statutory staff.



The agreement comes after a meeting of more than an hour with union representatives, who had been asking for this agreement to be respected for weeks. These improvements, as agreed with the previous government following industrial action after the hospital was brought into disastrous public management, extended until 2027, with a series of annual additions.



However, the agreement now reached focuses only on what was agreed for 2023 and 2024, with the minister's commitment that, during the legislature, a law will be developed "that equalises the legal regimes of public health workers", to put an end to the differences between statutory personnel and labour personnel, which are governed by different agreements.



The announcement of the points of agreement reached was made by the committee itself, after the councillor limited himself to only pointing out, at the insistence of journalists, that "it had been a satisfactory agreement for both parties." Fran García, spokesperson for the works committee, explained that "a progressive reduction in the annual working day was agreed and the on-call hours of doctors and nursing staff were equalised. "That remains the same. Also, for 2024, Temporary Disabilities will be supplemented so that they are paid at 100%."



This agreement deactivates the protests that the workers had started a few weeks ago due to the Ministry's refusal to apply this agreement, after at the beginning of the year the PP, which now governs, participated in the protests that led to this agreement but once they arrived at the Government they refused to apply based on a negative report from the Legal Profession due to the lack of budget to face these measures.

### Torrevieja to get 40,000 euro for Tourism Promotion

Torrevieja is to be given 40,000 euro by the regional government thanks to a collaboration agreement between Turisme Comunitat Valenciana and the Torrevieja Council for the promotion the festivals of relevant tourist interest that were celebrated in the municipality this year.



Turisme Comunitat Valenciana allocates a total of 40,000 euro this year to Torrevieja Council to carry out collaborative marketing actions with the aim of promoting festivals of relevant tourist interest in the town.



The figure is of course a drop in the ocean compared to the 481,000 euro of tax-payers money that Torrevieja allocated to music festivals in the town, much of which went directly to marketing companies not even located in the region, let alone the town, 360,000 to Brilla Torrevieja and 121,000 to RBF, but none the less it is a contribution.



The 40,000 euro will go towards promoting such events as Semana Santa, Carnival, and the Torrevieja International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest.



Specifically, this year Holy Week in Torrevieja has been promoted with the design and printing of the programming, with the aim of offering information to users of tourist information services and social networks, distributing 2,000 units.



In addition, the Carnival in Madrid last January through a Street marketing campaign consisting of the development of a parade of about 100 people belonging to the carnival troupes in the surroundings of the Plaza de Callao in Madrid.



In addition, the 69th International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest that was held last July has been promoted with the edition of a promotional advertisement with audiovisual images that were broadcast on six screens in buildings in Madrid, as well as on social networks.



The objective of this campaign has been, firstly, to publicise the international nature of the Contest, and secondly, to enhance the image of Torrevieja as a destination that preserves its traditions, as well as reaching a middle-aged audience.

### Diabetes incidence increases by 42% in four years

Its increase is closely linked to the increase in obesity in the population



Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, and lower limb amputation




Dr. Giselle Girón, endocrinologist  at the Obesity Unit of the Quirónsalud Valencia Hospital,  warns that  the number of people with diabetes has increased by 42% since 2019, which means it already affects one in seven adults and places us with the second highest rate in Europe.



 Diabetes, as explained by Dr. Jorge Cid, a specialist in endocrinology  at Quirónsalud Torrevieja  and the Obesity Unit at Quirónsalud Alicante, "cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus have skyrocketed due to its close relationship with obesity which, although by itself is not   a cause of diabetes, but is an important contributing factor for its appearance". 



As specialist Georgio Kyriacos, endocrinologist at Quirónsalud Murcia, clarifies,  "the more overweight, the higher the amount of fat in the body that produces an increase in insulin resistance. As a result, muscle, fat and liver cells do not respond well to insulin and cannot absorb glucose from the blood easily and blood sugar rises. The pancreas, in an attempt to reduce this glycemia, generates more and more insulin until it is exhausted and does not produce large amounts of this hormone, causing hyperglycaemia and consequently diabetes."



Main diseases associated with diabetes



Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, and lower limb amputations. "Likewise," adds Dr. Girón, " poorly controlled diabetes increases the chances of complications and is the cause of premature death, as well as an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, especially those with poor glycaemic control."



Along these lines, Dr. Cid also warns that "diabetes  increases the risk of dementia and depression and increases the risk of bone diseases, including osteoporosis, and of skin and mouth diseases, including gum disease with the consequent loss of teeth."  



Regular check-ups for the care of the diabetic patient



Regular check-ups are essential to prevent organ complications caused by diabetes. Quirónsalud specialists recommend that diabetics undergo the following check-ups on a regular basis:




Complete foot check-up



Go to the ophthalmology specialist for a fundus study



Laboratory tests to assess glycaemic control, renal and liver function



Complete Dental Exam




And remember, if in doubt, consult a specialist.

### Torrevieja Property Fraudsters in Court

The trial has begun against two estate agents who are accused of fraud whilst selling property in Torrevieja.



The Prosecutor provisionally asked for three years in prison for a crime of fraud for the pair accused of deceiving a couple in the purchase of two homes in Torrevieja.



In July 2018, the victims decided to buy the two houses, after being advised by the defendants.



The Prosecutor's Office maintains that the real estate agents kept 187,000 euro from the buyers, and did not use the funds to pay for the homes.

### Audit Call for Torrevieja Access Vados

Sueña Torrevieja proposes a motion for the modification of the municipal ordinance of permanent vados.



Vados are most commonly known by the sign which indicates parking is prohibited outside a property or access route, and the permission to display such a sign has been approved by the town hall, thus allowing for the flow of traffic through the section.



Displaying a vado prohibits parking for all vehicles, including, which sometimes confuses those who have them, the occupants of the property, who are also prohibited from subsequently parking outside their home. A vado prohibits parking, it does not allow for a reserved space. They are used in a variety of locations, not just residential properties.



Pablo Samper, spokesperson for Sueña Torrevieja, affirms that it is necessary to carry out an urgent review of all the vados in Torrevieja to check that they are updated or up to date with payments and thus a solution can be found to part of the problem that has been going on for years regarding parking.



Proposals would be considered such as assessing if the vado is requested for a single vehicle, the amount of the fee increases and as the number of vehicles increases, the fee to pay decreases.



Samper states that “all the residents are aware of the big problem that Torrevieja has with parking throughout the year, but that in the high season it increases greatly. And this means that all the people who have to travel in private vehicles to the city centre face a continuous setback.”



For Samper, it is very important to remember that "in our city we find a high number of permanent vados, not always updated or used for the entry and exit of vehicles, which make parking difficult, and that all of this leads to different problems such as “be the blocking of ramps by vehicles, private vehicles parked in loading and unloading areas or pedestrian crossings.”



“That is why at Sueña Torrevieja we consider it very important to make some modifications to the vado ordinance of this municipality. Therefore, it would be necessary to consider changing the conditions necessary to obtain said licence. In addition, it is necessary to carry out an urgent review of all the vados in Torrevieja to check that they are up to date or up to date with payments.”



Regarding the modification of the ordinance "it would be interesting to assess new aspects such as: the presentation of the plan of the premises intended for a garage, the request for a report issued by a competent technician indicating that the premises are conditioned for use as a carport or garage, expressing its surface, vehicle capacity, sketch of the situation with respect to the property in which it is located and details of the accesses to it, minimum dimensions, checking that the use of the vado is for the entrance and exit of vehicles and not for other use or fire-fighting measures such as a minimum of one powder extinguisher for every two vehicles.”



Also, another aspect to assess would be the amount to pay to obtain a vado. “A proposal could be that if the vado is requested for a single vehicle this amount increases and as the number of vehicles increases the rate to pay decreases.”

### Torrevieja Festivities Continue

The Patron Saint festivities continue in Torrevieja. The highlight for Monday could be the dancing and chocolate in the main square, which is where the stage is once again located for many of the outdoor concerts to take place.



Tuesday sees a mini disco in the afternoon, followed by a “Super Hits” pop concert in the evening.



Wednesday is a holiday, but the festivities continue, with a major paella festival and competition.



The so-called “big heads” will also parade at a number of times throughout the week, but Thursday could be an interesting day as there is an event around noon, followed by a mascleta (noisy fireworks), then pirates, and more of the big characters throughout the afternoon.



Friday again is a national holiday, and a fairly quiet day for the fiesta, but on Saturday there is a tribute “El Canto del Loco” in the square, and Sunday sees a sports gala and theatre for children in the Virgen del Carmen.



Full details of the schedules can be obtained in the tourist information office in Torrevieja, where you can also get information about the Pascual Flores, the tall ship which is open to visitors from Wednesday to Sunday until the end of January.



Whilst you are in Torrevieja, be sure to visit the nativity scene, and the Christmas tree, but if you want a different representation of the latter, Guardamar is the place to go, as they have a tradition of producing “different” trees, and this year, it is knitted.



You can find more Torrevieja events here.

### Annual Christmas in Torrevieja Window Dressing Competition Launched

In preparation for Christmas in Torrevieja, the Councillor for Commerce in Torrevieja, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, has announced that the application period for businesses that want to participate in the XX Christmas Window Dressing Contest 2023 will be open until December 13, inclusive.



All small and medium-sized businesses in the municipality of Torrevieja that decorate a window or façade with Christmas motifs can participate for the 5,000 euro worth of prizes.



Registrations can be made through the electronic office at this link: https://torrevieja.sedelectronica.es/info.0



The call for this competition is intended to encourage investments by Torrevieja merchants in the aesthetics and image of their establishments and, therefore, the improvement of the visual quality of them and Torrevieja at Christmas.



Rosario Martínez has reported that during the week of December 12 the jury's decision will be made, which will be announced before Christmas.



The prizes, which total 5,000 euros, will consist of:



First prize of 1,000 Euro.



Second prize of 800 Euro.



Third prize 500 Euro.



Nine second prizes of 300 Euro.



As a mandatory requirement to be able to participate, you must be up to date with your tax obligations to Social Security and AEAT, as well as with Torrevieja Council.



The Commercial Council encourages all Torrevieja establishments to participate in this Christmas competition that will boost local commerce in these very difficult times.

### Torrevieja Patron Saint Festivities 2023

Although the celebrations began earlier in November, this weekend is when the patron saint festivities in honour of the Purísima Concepción 2023 really begin in Torrevieja.



The plaza stage in the main square will once again be one of the busiest spaces. On December 1, the Patron Saint Festival lighting party will take place, followed by a performance by the “Etiqueta Show” orchestra and a DJ. Also, this year you can enjoy free concerts such as the one that will take place on December 5, at 9:00 p.m., by “Super Hits” or the tribute “El Canto del Loco”, which will be on December 9, at 9:00 p.m.







The big concerts return to the “Tavi y Carmona” Sports Palace, with “Arde Bogotá” on December 5, which will begin at 9:00 p.m. with an opening performance of “Diagnosis Binario.” On December 7, starting at 10:00 p.m., the centre court will vibrate to the sound of “Camela.” “Mocedades y Los Panchos” will close the series of concerts for the Patron Saint Festivities, performing on the stages of the Municipal Theatre on Saturday, December 9, at 8:00 p.m.



On December 3, starting at 9:30 a.m., the party will begin in the Acequión “Diversequión” neighbourhood, with the collaboration of the neighbourhood group headed by Felix Martín. Framed in this celebration, the traditional “Bisiquión” Cycle Tour will take place, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Registration to participate will consist of 1 litre of milk, to benefit Solidarity Foods, thus helping the local NGO after the public call they have made.



Regarding the events programmed especially for children, Rosario Martínez, the councillor responsible for organising the events, has indicated that "they are designed to be enjoyed as a family." In this sense, she has highlighted the musical “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, with Daniel Diges as the protagonist. It will consist of three sessions at 5:30 p.m. on December 1 and 3, and one session at 7:00 p.m. on December 2.



As for the traditional events of these long-awaited festivities in honour of La Purísima, it is worth noting that the first outing of the “Charamita” with Lyly and her troupe of giants and bigheads accompanied by the dulzaina and the drum, which will be on 1 December, at 5:30 p.m., from the Old Town Hall. In total, the “Charamita” will take place 12 times and among them are the Night Out, on Saturday, December 2, the “Noche Golfa”, on day 1 and the “Charamita Inclusiva”, for children and young people with functional diversity, on Saturday, December 3 in the Plaza de Miguel Hernández, at 12:00 p.m. The “Charamita” will make two trips without a tour to the AFA centre and the “ALPE” special education centre.



The Floral Offering to La Purísima will be celebrated on Saturday, December 2, from the Plaza de Oriente and around the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, preceded by the now usual Entrance of Music Bands. The Festival Councillor has called on all local associations and groups of all kinds to participate in this massive display of Torrevieja society. Also on this day, the inauguration of the Municipal Nativity Scene will take place, which this year has a large tent, in addition to having new figures and a special design with several allegories of the Torrevieja of the past. This commitment is motivated by expanding the tourist offer that the city already offers on these festive and crowded dates.



On the other hand, Martínez Chazarra highlighted the celebration of the long-awaited Paella Contest in the Antonio Soria Park. After the organisational success of last year, the mayor has highlighted the great collaboration of all attendees by announcing that a device very similar to the previous one has been designed for this edition. Of course, he has indicated that more than 350 plots will be available.



On December 8, the day of La Purísima, the day will begin with the traditional Diana, which will leave from the doors of the Town Hall at 7:00 a.m., and the always-awaited fireworks display will be set off during the procession of the patron saint through the streets of the city.



The president of Hijos de la Inmaculada, Antonio Aniorte, has highlighted on Friday, December 1, a Vigil will be held in honour of La Purísima.



The parish priest, José Antonio Gea, has issued an invitation to the entire population to “live these festivities in peace and joy, with the Immaculate Conception as the centre of all celebrations,” and which will be the first that the priest will experience as parish priest of the Immaculate Conception.



The councillor, for her part, wanted to highlight the work behind this programming, a collaboration between the different councillors, and she hopes it will be a success as it has been in recent years.




https://youtu.be/XhzItIjdKgU

### Torrevieja to Host 2024 Pump Track Championship

The Spanish Royal Cycling Federation (RFEC) has laid out the schedule for the 2024 Pump Track Championship, which will be held in Torrevieja on 3 November 2024.



The championship will have six scoring events throughout next year, including in Barcelona and Huesca in April, Huesca in May, Pontevedra in June, and Almeria in September.



The Spanish Pump Track Cup has been gaining popularity in recent years, and the championship heading to Torrevieja will show some value to the investment the town has made in this sport modality.



default

### Full Technical Details of New Torrevieja Bus Service from December 2024

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and the Councillor for Transport, Antonio Vidal, presented the Torrevieja Urban Transport model, a service that has additional financing from the Next Generation Funds of the European Union, for an amount of 3,4 million euro. Likewise, the Service Project together with the Feasibility Study justify a concession duration of 15 years, with the cost of bidding for the service being 7,5 million.



This new urban transport service will have new line routes, new services and new frequencies. Construction of the fixed infrastructure necessary to provide these services, such as bus storage garages, bus maintenance and repair workshops, and user information offices.



In addition, the construction, improvement and maintenance, as well as the operation, of the different stops that make up the urban transport service are planned, improving them and carrying out the construction of some new ones.



Digitization of the service, providing an Operation Assistance System (SAE) that allows providing information to the user in real time, as well as optimising routes and determining possible incidents that the service may present.



As well as the acquisition of new hybrid and electric buses, which will considerably improve the comfort and safety of the vehicles, and will considerably reduce the GHGs (greenhouse gases) generated in the city.



THE SERVICE WILL HAVE 9 DAY AND 3 NIGHT LINES



The mayor has reported that the lines will increase, considering a total of 9 daytime lines and 3 nighttime lines, which will provide the service centralised in 3 interchanges. These are located on calle Ramón Gallud, in the parking lot of the Torrevieja Hospital and on calle Francisco Atienza, next to the Carrefour shopping centre. 



From these interchanges, four types of lines are designed:



Circulars, which link interchanges 1 and 3 mentioned above, feeding the main infrastructures of the urban centre of Torrevieja: health centres, schools and institutes, sports areas, market area and urban centre.



Shuttles. This line is planned as a shuttle to the Torrevieja hospital from the urban centre, so that it will feed the entire southern area of ​​Torrevieja and the cemetery.



Radial lines. These lines leave from one of the three interchanges, linking the circular lines and the shuttle with the most peripheral urbanisations of Torrevieja and with La Mata.



Nocturnal. They are lines that feed, from the most peripheral areas of Torrevieja and leaving the different interchanges, both to the nightclub area of ​​the Industrial Estate and to the port area. These lines will only provide service, initially, on weekends throughout the year and during high season periods.



Circular Line



Circular Line. It has a route of 13.37 km. It is a circular route, in one direction, that runs through the centre of Torrevieja and connects the following demand points:



Eras de la Sal/Port of Torrevieja.



Habaneras/Carrefour shopping centre.



Bus station.



Sports areas.



Market area.



CEIP Acequión, Cuba, Salvador Ruso, Virgen del Carmen, Habaneras and Inmaculada.



Patricio Pérez, La Loma and Acequión health centres.



IES Mare Nostrum, Mediterráneo and Las Lagunas.



Total travel time = 47 min



Weekday passing frequency = 15.73 min



Line 1. Hospital



This line has a route of 9.76 km. It is a linear route in both directions, acting as a shuttle from the urban centre to the Torrevieja Hospital.



Demand points:



Port.



Torrevieja Hospital.



Acequión Health Centre.



Torrevieja Cemetery (on request).



Total travel time = 34 min



Weekday passing frequency = 11.49 min



Line 2. Los Altos-Rocío del Mar



This line has a length of 9.72 km, with a linear route in both directions. It runs through the urbanisations of Los Altos and Rocío del Mar, starting at the Torrevieja Hospital.



Demand points:



Torrevieja Hospital.



CEIP Romualdo Ballester



Cala Piteras.



Total travel time = 34 min



Weekday passing frequency = 17.15 min



Line 3. Los Balcones



The length of this line is 7.76 km, being a linear line in both directions, running in the residential area of ​​the Los Balcones urbanisation.



The fundamental demand point that it feeds is the Torrevieja Hospital.



Total travel time = 27 min



Weekday passing frequency = 13.69 min



Line 4. Torretas



This line, like the previous ones, is linear in both directions. It has a length of 15.4 km.



Feeds the following demand points:



Port and Eras de la Sal.



Habaneras-Carrefour Shopping Centre.



Bus station.



CEIP Cultures and Immaculate Conception.



La Siesta Health Centre.



IES Torrevigía.



Total travel time = 54 min



Weekday passing frequency = 18.13 min



Line 5. San Luis



This line, like the others that feed the peripheral urbanisations of the city, is linear round trip. It has a length of 19.37 km, and feeds the following demand points:



Port-Eras de la Sal.



Habaneras-Carrefour Shopping Centre.



CEIP Immaculate.



IES Torrevigia.



San Luis Health Centre.



Total travel time = 68 min



Weekday passing frequency = 22.79 min



Line 6. Torreblanca – La Mata – Hospital Quirón



This line is also linear in both directions, having a length of 22.95 km. Feeds the following demand points:



Port-Eras de la Sal.



Quiron Hospital.



International Auditorium and Conservatory (on request).



CEIP Ciudad del Mar, Nuestra Señora del Rosario and Salvador Ruso.



La Loma, Patricio Pérez and La Mata Health Centres.



Sport's zone.



Market Precinct.



IES Mare Nostrum, Las Lagunas and Libertas.



Total travel time = 81 min



Frequency of passage weekday = 20.25 min



Line 7. La Mata by Interior



This 17.5 km line will connect Torrevieja and La Mata through the interior avenues of Torrevieja. It is a line in both directions, joining the following demand points:



Port-Eras de la Sal.



La Mata.



CEIP Virgen del Mar, Virgen del Carmen and Inmaculada.



La Mata Health Centre.



IES Mediterráneo and Ciudad del Mar.



Total travel time = 62 min



Frequency of passing weekday = 20.60 min



Line 8. La Mata - Beaches



This linear route has a length of 20.27 km, and connects the following demand points:



Port-Eras de la Sal.



La Mata.



Beaches in the north of the municipality.



Health Centres of La Mata and Patricio Pérez.



Bus station.



Total travel time = 72 min



Weekday passing frequency = 17.88 min



Night Line



They will be provided every Saturday of the year, as well as daily in medium and high seasons, from 0:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m.



Line N1. La Mata.



Total travel time = 51 min



Frequency of passage weekday = 60 min



Line N2. North.



Total travel time = 51 min



Frequency of passage weekday = 60 min



Line N3. South.



Total travel time = 57 min



Frequency of passage weekday = 60 min



Infrastructures. Stops



Types of stops designed:



Type 0. These are the interchanges and the stop on Calle Mayor de La Mata. The canopy will have a self-cleaning toilet integrated. The detail is similar to type 2 stops, but with the toilet.



Type 1.  These stops consist of two shelters, an infobus and a series of urban elements that allow accessibility for users as well as a living area, and include the redevelopment of the entire area around the stop itself. This stop has been implemented at those stops where many lines converge or have a lot of user demand.



Type 2. It is similar to the previous one, but with a single canopy. It also consists of an infobus and urban elements of accessibility and stay. It also includes the redevelopment of the stop area. It has been implemented in those stops located in the urban area (Torrevieja and La Mata) that are not type 1.



Type 3. These stops consist of a shelter and infobus, but do not include urban works or elements except those strictly necessary to provide them with accessibility. These types of stops have been defined in urbanization areas where it is possible or necessary to have a shelter due to user demand.



Type 4. These stops consist only of an infobus, and a bench-type element to allow users to seat. It does not include a canopy, as its implementation is not possible, and it does not include redevelopment or urban elements except those strictly necessary to make the stop accessible. This type of stop has been provided in urbanization areas with little demand and where it is not possible to install a shelter.



SERVICE RATES (1)



Types of rates to be collected in the Regulatory Fiscal Ordinance:



Ordinary ticket. It is a single ticket, valid for one trip on Torrevieja's urban transport. Its price is €1.35.



Multi-trip bus voucher. It is a fare included in a card or digital element, which can be recharged with a certain number of trips, usually 10 or 20. Its price is €9, for 10 trips, or €18 for 20 trips, that is, the price of the trip will be €0.90.



Special multi-trip bus voucher. It is a similar rate to the previous one, but where the price of the trip is €0.65. This rate is usable by those people who are in the following situations:



Young people under 26 years of age.



Large families.



Long-term unemployed (that is, more than 2 years).



GOLD Bonus. Users of this card have free trips on Torrevieja's urban transport throughout the year, unlimitedly. They are usable for the following users:



People over 65 years of age registered in Torrevieja for more than 1 year.



Pensioners or people with a degree of disability greater than 33% registered in Torrevieja for more than 1 year.



SERVICE RATES (2)



Types of rates to be collected in the Regulatory Fiscal Ordinance:



Bonus 30. This rate is valid for all users. It is a flat rate that allows unlimited trips on urban transport for 30 days on all lines. Its cost is €38.



Tourist Card. It is a rate created primarily for tourists and people passing through. It allows unlimited use of urban transport lines during the stipulated time. There are two modalities:



3 days, with a cost of €8.



7 days, with a cost of €16.



MOBILE AND PERSONAL EQUIPMENT



The vehicles to be used in the service will be a total, considering the lines considered, of 32 units, of which 3 will be reserve and reinforcement. Of the 32 units, 25 units of hybrid operation and 7 units of completely electric operation are contemplated. The Council will transfer the use of these vehicles to the commercial concessionaire during the entire period of service provision, as they are supplied.



Fixed infrastructures to be built



Garages, workshops and information office on a municipal plot, shown in the plans of this project, which will be adjacent to the future intermodal transport station and a park and ride.



The room that serves as a garage must have capacity for the 32 urban buses that will provide the urban transport service in Torrevieja.



The area planned for the garage and workshop infrastructure amounts to 5,000 m², without taking into account the urbanised perimeter part, which amounts to another 1,500 m².



Improvement in the accessibility of stops. This action is included in this project and will be part of the specifications that will govern the service. It consists of eliminating stops that will no longer be used, enabling new planned stops, and improving existing stops, enforcing current accessibility regulations at all of them.



Estimation of deadlines



Approval of Cost Structure and referral to the Generalitat Valenciana Advisory Board



January 2024



PCAP and PPTP approval and SARA contract tender 



April 2024



Tender calculation and successful bidder proposal



September 2024



Start-up of the service



December 2024

### Flu vaccine to be available for all adults

The Ministry of Health in the Valencia region will begin immunisation against the influenza virus for people between 18 and 59 years of age who request it from Monday, December 4.



With this measure, the aim is not only to avoid the contagion of all those people who decide to receive the dose of the vaccine against the virus, but to protect the most vulnerable population, which may suffer complications as a result of their personal situation and if they belong to any of risk groups.



In this regard, a total of 824,857 doses of vaccines have already been administered to people included in the prioritised risk groups since the start of the campaign, last October 16. By province, there are 423,597 immunised people in Valencia, 308,417 in Alicante and 92,843 in Castellón.



If we compare it with the same period of the previous year's vaccination campaign, 6% more vaccines have been administered.



More than 65% of the total doses administered (538,550) have been to people over 64 years of age, which means a coverage of 51%. For their part, social and health personnel have received 47,281 doses and 26,742 people resident in social and health centres have been immunised, which means coverage of 57.65% and 79.02%, respectively.



As for children under the age of five (between 6 and 59 months) without risk pathology, whose immunisation has been one of the novelties of this 2023-2024 season's campaign, 40,180 doses have already been administered. Specifically, there have been 15,101 doses inoculated to babies aged 6 months to 2 years and 25,079 doses administered with the intranasal vaccine to boys and girls aged 2 to 4 years.



In this sense, it must be remembered that minors are the main transmitters of the flu, if they suffer from it, and are a source of contagion for older people (their grandparents), another of the prioritised groups, therefore, both the vaccination of boys and girls up to the age of 5, and of older people, is essential to avoid suffering from the flu this autumn and this winter.



Experts point to the fact that the temperatures recorded in recent weeks have caused people to minimise the existence of these respiratory viruses, which can have serious consequences in risk groups. For this reason, faced with the imminent arrival of the cold, they recommend that both the risk groups who have not yet been vaccinated and the general population, who will be able to receive the dose from December 4, request an appointment to be immunised.



Regarding the vaccination against COVID-19, 582,955 doses have already been administered. By province: 63,886 in Castellón, 220,684 in Alicante and 298,385 in Valencia.



Of the total number of people vaccinated, by risk group, the immunisation of 523,485 people over the age of 60 and 32,388 doses of health and/or socio-health personnel stands out.



It should be noted that people who have recently had COVID-19 should wait the recommended time for inoculation, which is three months.



The main objective of this campaign, which started in the Valencian Community last October 16, is to reduce morbidity and mortality due to flu and COVID-19, especially in vulnerable groups. 



The risk groups defined in the current campaign are: residents in centres for the elderly and functional diversity, health and socio-health personnel, people aged 60 or over (instead of 65 or over), people under 60 with pathologies of risk and pregnant women.



This year, healthy boys and girls aged 6 to 59 months, or with risk pathology up to the age of 14, and smokers under 60 have also been included in the flu vaccine.

### You Can Visit Pascual Flores in Torrevieja from Wednesday

The paileboat (derived from the English term, 'pilot boat') Pascual Flores has returned to the Marina Salinas in Torrevieja, where from November 29 to January 29, you are invited on board this iconic vessel.



This historic ship, originally built in Torrevieja in 1917 and restored over recent years, thus returns to the place where it was born, culminating the successful tour it has made this year through European and Spanish ports, as a floating museum of the maritime and cultural heritage of Torrevieja and a symbol of classic sailboats. from the Mediterranean.



A tour in which she has travelled more than 4,000 nautical miles, has visited 22 cities in Spain, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Holland, Germany and Portugal, and has participated in important events and Maritime Festivals of tall ships in European ports such as Rouen (France), Amsterdam (Holland) and Bremerhaven (Germany).



An extraordinary tour in which the Pascual Flores has found a great media and public reception, receiving nearly 30,000 visitors, who have boarded this classic Mediterranean sailboat, and have been able to learn about its history and the fabulous maritime and of Torrevieja shipbuilding.



During its stay at the Marina Salinas, the pailebote can be visited by the public, who can walk along the wooden decks of this imposing ship, 34 metres long, 8 metres wide and 415 m² of combat surface, tour its spaces, learn about its fabulous history and what life is like on board for its crew members.



VISITOR INFORMATION:



Location: Marina Salinas



Dates: WEDNESDAY to SUNDAY – from NOVEMBER 29 to JANUARY 29



Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.



Tickets: €3 Adults / €1 Children (5-10 years) / €7 Family (2 adults + up to 3 children between 5-10 years). Free for children under 5 years old, who must be accompanied by an adult. Registered in Torrevieja: FREE



Point of sale: tickets.pascualflores.org or the boat itself

### Sueña Torrevieja Wade in on Icon Letdown

The Sueña Torrevieja group has released a statement of absolute frustration that the iconic landmark of El Tintero in Torrevieja has been allowed to be demolished, blaming the government, and in particular the mayor, Eduardo Dolon, for failing to protect the historic building, despite their promise.



Pablo Samper, spokesperson for Sueña Torrevieja, says that "late Wednesday, November 22, we received with astonishment and frustration the news of the demolition scheduled for Thursday, of the El Tintero Kiosk".



The University of Alicante attributed to the El Tintero "an unparalleled historical and iconographic value" while the mayor of Torrevieja has not fulfilled his promise to protect it to prevent its demolition, Samper assured.



Samper assures that "I do not believe how the mayor of Torrevieja, most responsible for this City Council, has let the El Tintero die despite the fact that for more than 5 years he raised the flag of its protection and affirmed that in no case would he allow its demolition".



"At the same time, from Sueña Torrevieja we do not understand the reasons that have led the General Directorate of Coasts to pursue a symbol of the history of our city, and we regret how the Torrevieja Council has taken so long to initiate the procedures for its protection as an asset of local relevance, giving rise to what is going to happen, which is unfortunately its demolition".



Samper concludes by stating that "a people that loses its roots is condemned to lose its identity. Perhaps those who beat their chests talking about Torrevieja, its customs and traditions, should consider that when it comes down to it, they have left a symbol of our history lying around, cared for and run with affection for years by a Torrevieja family".

### Torrevieja Burglars Arrested in Madrid

A joint operation of agents from the National Police of Elche and Murcia resulted in the dismantling of a traveling group specialised in robbing commercial establishments, which included premises in Torrevieja.



The investigation has been extended to Madrid where the five members of the gang have been arrested, to whom eight robberies are attributed in Elche, Torrevieja and in the municipality of San Javier in the Region of Murcia.



The loot achieved by the gang in the eight robberies with which they are accused amounts to around 65,000 euro.



The modus operandi used by the group consisted of manipulating the box at the main entrance of the stores to deactivate the entire security circuit, to hiding inside the establishments open to the public to manipulate and rob the safes during closing hours.



The detainees are four men and one woman, of Spanish, Colombian and Moroccan nationalities, who are between 19 and 42 years old.

### Torrevieja Landmark Confined to the History Books

After a 12-year battle to remain in place, a little piece of Torrevieja’s history was set for demolition on Thursday, as the El Tintero kiosk was to be resigned to the pictorial history books.



The government team and Mayor Eduardo Dolón have known about the resolution to act from the Ministry of Ecological Transition, to which the Costas area belongs, for at least two weeks, but they had not made a public statement.



Torrevieja themselves are of course known for demolishing historic buildings, such as the historic cinema which was demolished to make way for the Municipal Theatre, but on this occasion they had tried to register the building, which falls foul of the coastal demarcation, by registering it as an Asset of Local Relevance, but his failed, as it wasn’t submitted in time, much like many of the town hall’s commitments.

### Loud Explosion Heard in Torrevieja

The peace and tranquillity was shattered on Tuesday afternoon, when two loud explosions were heard in Torrevieja and the surrounding area.



The bangs were nothing to worry about and were the result of a Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon, flight code SHARK034, registration ZK331, breaking the sound barrier whilst flying on exercises over Spain.



Alarmed residents took to social media to highlight their fright and try to find out the cause of the bangs that caused windows to rattle and pets into a state of nervousness.



The flights are controlled from the Los Llanos Air Base (Albacete), thus covering the province of Alicante, and extend into other neighbouring regions.



These flights are set to continue and are currently scheduled for November 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29 and 30 from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

### 2024 Sunday Shopping Schedule Confirmed

The Official Journal of the Generalitat Valenciana (DOGV) has published the definitive schedule for the opening of commercial establishments on Sundays and public holidays for 2024 throughout the territorial scope of the Valencian Community, as set out by regional law.



These are 11 days approved unanimously last September by the Valencian Trade Observatory, a consultative and advisory body in the field of commercial activity, attached to the Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Commerce and Tourism.



Specifically, the Sundays and holidays on which Sunday shopping can take place as shops can be opened in 2024 are the following:



Sunday 7 January 2024 - Winter sales



Friday 29 March 2024 - Good Friday



Sunday 31 March 2024 - Easter Sunday



Monday 24 June 2024 – San Juan



Sunday 7 July 2024 - Summer sales



Saturday 12 October 2024 - National Day of Spain



Sunday 1 December 2024 - Christmas campaign



Friday 6 December 2024 - Constitution Day



Sunday 15 December 2024 - Christmas campaign



Sunday 22 December 2024 - Christmas campaign



Sunday 29 December 2024 - Christmas campaign



The resolution published by the DOGV also specifies that commercial establishments will freely set the schedule corresponding to each commercially enabled Sunday or holiday. In addition, they must adequately inform the public about their decision, as well as about the hours during which they will be open.

### Playa de Los Locos Project Still Paralyzed Three Years Later

Pablo Samper, spokesman for Sueña Torrevieja, says that "once again we find ourselves with yet another case of slowness and lack of efficiency in the management of the PP government team".



Samper assures that the Governing Board approved in October the modification of the contract for the drafting of the project and construction management of the urbanisation of Los Locos beach.



The PP government only has less than 80,000 euro in its 2023 budget to carry out the works, 1% of the total.



On March 6, 2020, more than 3 years and 8 months ago, the Governing Board approved the start of the file.



On December 6, 2022, the contract was formalised, after 2 years and 9 months, with the term of execution of the contract being 6 months.



On October 6, 2023, 10 months later, the contract was modified, extending the project execution period by 2 more months. 



Samper concludes by stating that "the most serious thing about this matter is that in the report of the general director of urban planning it is established that the price of material execution of the work will be more than 5.5 million euro, which means a tender price of almost 8 million euro, and the Torrevieja Council only has less than 80,000 euro in its 2023 budget, 1%, and, therefore, it is a new sale of smoke without having a budget to finance the works". 

### Men's Health Month: When should men get a checkup?

Quirónsalud joins the Movember initiative to raise awareness about prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health in men



November is Men's Health Month. This initiative, promoted by Movember, aims to address men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.



The movement began in Australia in 2003, when a group of friends decided to grow their moustaches in the month of November as a way to raise funds and awareness about prostate cancer and testicular cancer.



What started as a local initiative has grown into a global phenomenon that has raised millions of dollars for charities and inspired men around the world to get involved.



The reality is that men die, on average, 4.5 years earlier than women, from causes that are primarily preventable. For this reason, Quirónsalud has joined this movement, with the aim of focusing on the importance of prevention. Drs. Alejandro Pascual and Alexandr Zhiganov and Dr. Amparo Míguez, have provided fundamental information on prevention and check-ups of men's health.



Dr. Zhiganov, specialist in general medicine and coordinator  of check-ups at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, stresses the importance of medical check-ups at different stages of life.



According to World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, the frequency of checkups varies depending on age and individual risk factors.



Dr. Zhiganov explains that, generally speaking, it is recommended to have a check-up every four years before the age of 40, then every two years until the age of 60, and finally, one year after this age.



However, it indicates that the individual situation of each person (tobacco use, alcohol, etc.), as well as a family history of hereditary diseases, can influence the frequency of check-ups.



What does a medical check-up consist of?



The medical check-up is a process that consists of several stages, such as a personal interview with the doctor to learn about the medical history and current lifestyle habits, and a general examination to assess the state of health and detect possible pathologies or risk situations.



When to see a urologist?



For her part, Dr. Amparo Míguez, urologist at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, stresses that prevention is the best medicine "all men should have urological check-ups once a year when they pass the threshold of 45 or 50 years (if they do not have hereditary risk factors), because at this age some pathologies related to the natural aging process begin to develop".



According to the expert, these check-ups are key to early diagnosis and treatment of serious problems, some of which are asymptomatic until they are already in an advanced stage, such as prostate cancer.



The specialist in urology at Quirónsalud Torrevieja indicates that "you must go to the urologist in the event of any symptoms, pain or discomfort in the genito-urinary area, changes in the organolectic characteristics (smell, colour, appearance ,...) of urine, or suspicion of some genital expansive process that is developing and that could have been discovered/identified in the self-examination."



The doctor explains that the main urological problems in young people between 18-20 years old can arise from their adolescence and are related to the beginning of sexual life. More broadly, between the ages of 18 and 30, "it is common for the urologist to treat urinary tract infections, kidney stones, sexually transmitted diseases/infections (STDs/STIs) and, in some cases of men, erectile dysfunction (ED) issues."



In addition, Míguez specifies that "testicular cancer develops at an early age, so young people must be alerted to go to the urologist if any abnormality is discovered in the testicles". Testicular cancer is the second most common cancer among young men worldwide.



However, the specialist stresses that men go to the urologist for the first time between the ages of 45 and 50 for their general check-up if they do not have any symptoms. "They especially come if certain lower urinary tract (LUTS) symptoms have begun to appear, for example, getting up at night to urinate (nocturia) or that the urine stream has less strength and calibre. But among the most serious are prostate diseases, especially prostate cancer."



How is prostate cancer diagnosed?



There are two common tests for initial detection and, depending on the result of these tests, a biopsy will be performed.



For the diagnosis, PSA will be performed, a blood test that looks for the presence in the blood of a protein specifically produced by prostate cells. "It is the prostate marker, it is not specific for cancer, but it allows its levels to be monitored throughout the adult life of the male. If it rises, it's an indicator that further investigation is needed." Even so, according to the specialist, the digital rectal exam is still an important tool in the physical examination to complete the diagnosis.



Urological check-ups over 60 years old



At this stage of life, the most common problems are usually related to lower urinary tract symptoms due to prostatic obstruction and erectile dysfunction.



The urologist also points out Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), "a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, which becomes more prevalent after the age of 60." Prostate cancer, on the other hand, "is a cancer that affects men from the age of 50 and is uncommon in the 40s, being almost non-existent before," the doctor points out.



Cardiology check-ups



A cardiovascular check-up is a medical check-up that consists of determining the state of the heart and circulatory system in order to identify the main causes of coronary risk.



Current recommendations state that men over the age of 45 should have their cardiovascular risk assessed.



Dr. Alejandro Pascual, head  of Cardiology at Quirónsalud Alicante,  explains that in this review, an assessment should be carried out aimed at looking for cardiological symptoms or cardiovascular disease, as well as a clinical and analytical assessment in search of the presence of cardiovascular risk factors.



All this to prevent cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia or diabetes mellitus.



How often should I have a cardiovascular check-up?



According to the expert, we should assess cardiovascular risk every five years, "or sooner if we are at a risk level close to needing treatment for heart disease."



Prevention, essential to take care of your health



Prevention is fundamental to health care. "Not only does it prevent the emergence and spread of diseases, but it also reduces the need for more expensive treatments and other health care," says Dr. Zhiganov.

### Torrevieja Police Removing Rental Scooters

Torrevieja Local Police have reported that they are continuing the work of removing scooters which do not comply with the Mobility and Circulation Ordinance of the Torrevieja Council that regulates personal mobility vehicles.



On Monday they reported removing several of these scooters that were scattered throughout various locations in the town and that were not correctly complying with the Ordinance.



The removal of the vehicles found to be placed incorrectly also entails a corresponding administrative sanction.

### Christmas in Torrevieja 2023 – Key Dates Announced

Preparations are underway for the Christmas in Torrevieja celebrations.



A canopy has been erected to protect the nativity scene for the first time, the illuminations contract should soon see the lights erected, a new consumer bonus scheme for the season is about to be launched, and the first two key dates in the calendar have been announced.



The Christmas tree will be illuminated in the main square on Sunday 3 December, at 6:00 p.m., the first Sunday of Advent. The tree has once again been gifted to Torrevieja by Sweden, and so the event will take on a very Scandinavian feel, although the community extends the invitation to attend to all residents of all nationalities.



On Friday 15 December, again starting at 6:00 p.m., the now famous Carols in the Square will take place. Similar to the tree lighting, this event very much has origins in a particular nationality, namely those from the UK, but with the considerable reduction in numbers of Brits living in Torrevieja, and with a more cosmopolitan outlook, the invitation to this event is also extended to all nationalities, so much so that the town hall hope to revise the playbook to include more songs that are universally known.



There will be a cultural agenda published soon.

### The Little Mermaid in Torrevieja

A little mermaid is about to wash up on the shore of Torrevieja, or more specifically at the Municipal Theatre, when the children´s musical, La Sirenita, takes to the stage.



This stage adaptation of the famous classic tale, in which longing to see the world beyond the sea, a young mermaid, Ariel, visits the surface and falls in love with the handsome Prince Eric, comes to the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre on 24 November.



Following her heart, she makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to experience life on land. She enjoys the magic of this children's story, with a spectacular staging and where the underwater world comes to life. The little ones in the family will enjoy this incredible adventure with Ariel and all of her marine friends.



Curtain up is at 7:00 p.m., at the Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja, and tickets are now on sale at the box office.

### Torrevieja Gets Mosquito and Feral Cat Help

Torrevieja town hall has received over 20,000 euro from the Alicante Provincial Government to help deal with mosquitos and feral cats.



The Department of Animal Protection was granted the amount of 10,000 euro which is a contribution towards the castration of feral cats to control their population. It should be noted that as part of the new Animal Welfare Law, town halls are responsible for the wellbeing of these cats, and their welfare must be put first.



In addition, the Department of Health has been awarded the amount of 10,951.84 euro for the control of mosquitos, which is being used towards larvicidal and adulticidal treatments in order to control this population. Mosquitos are not awarded such protection in the Animal Welfare Law, although they do provide food for the bird and bat populations, the latter which are already protected.

### N-332 Widening Scheme Project Begins

The Ministry for the Ecological Transition has informed Torrevieja town hall of the start of public consultation on the Bypass Project, the road widening scheme for the N-332 as it passes through Torrevieja, which includes the section between the Torrevieja Hospital and the intersection with the CV-905 highway.



Torrevieja Council received communication from the General Subdirectorate of Environmental Evaluation, dependent on the Ministry of Ecological Transition, and which is the body that must process the environmental evaluation files of projects that depend on the Government of Spain, in which the Council is informed that the public consultation of the environmental evaluation procedure of the Project to Duplicate the N-332 Bypass through Torrevieja has been initiated.



The Variant Project is included within one of the assumptions of environmental processing in road projects, as stated in Law 21/2013, of December 9, on Environmental Assessment, and whose Environmental Impact Declaration must be issued before of the final approval of the construction project and, consequently, prior to the bidding of the works.



It should be noted that Torrevieja town hall were cited in failings during the original road widening campaign which ultimately left the road in the state it remains to date.

### Leading international medical specialists and personalised attention thanks to the Health Premium card

The Health Premium card includes, among other services, exclusive access to our Premium Lounge and a personal advisor who will offer you preferential treatment



This service is offered through the Health Premium Card and has exclusive assistance of excellence from the leading company in Spain and a European benchmark in the provision of health and social health services, Quirónsalud. 



The new personalised service provides the  patient with an international medical team that includes an ambulance, doctors and home nursing, as well as international health staff with languages and preferential admission service, with all the advantages of  the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, which has all the special medical services to offer comprehensive patient care and has agreement with all national and international insurance.



Patients who already have the Health Premium Card have, among other services:




Initial medical checkup



Free choice consultations with hospital specialists (3 consultations)



Ambulance transfers (6 transfers)



Home nursing cures (14 cures) 



Priority medical appointment service.



10% discount on all private medical and surgical services.



Access to the prevention campaign program.



Attention of international health personnel with languages.



Free services.



Appointment management and digital access to your clinical reports from the comfort of home through the Patient Portal.



Preferential admission service.




What do our patients with a Health Premium card think?



I heard about the Health Premium Card in December and immediately went in January and bought one. It was very nice to come to Premium Lounge. Susana Yepes, Health Advisor, explained to me what was included in the card and asked me if there was anything in particular that I had in mind and I told her that I had been waiting a long time to see a gastro specialist. She asked if I wanted to meet one now? Included in this card are consultations with 3 specialists who go over the main things that can be wrong and send people for all kinds of tests. Everyone here at the Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja has been great and everyone is ready to help and do their best for you and with a smile. I have recommended the Health Premium Card to all my friends and they say the same and are happy to be able to do it all in one place.



Brindis Jonsdottir



With the Health Premium Card I benefit from a very good and preferential service every time I visit the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital. I can get an appointment quickly and I don't have to wait long. There is always a translator available for all my questions. After my hip surgery, I received professional care at home. Everything is arranged, even my health insurance company was contacted. I am very happy to have the Health Premium Card, it saved me a lot of money and time. Thank you so much for everything!



Emma Reitmair



We were looking for an international private hospital with modern technology but who also offered a high personal service level combined with a complete “health package” and we have found it at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja.



At our first meeting we meet our personal Health Advisor (Susana Yepes) who took fantastic good care of us. We felt very comfortable and she answered all our questions. Susana booked our appointments (no waiting list at all), even walked us to where we had our various appointments, much appreciated.



Meanwhile waiting in the exclusive premium lounge for our appointments, we were offered coffee, drinks, various fruits and sandwich.



Also useful is the practical Quirónsalud App. There we can find our appointments, medical journals, documents and other useful information.



This hospital is on another level when it comes to efficiency and professional healthcare service combined with excellent personal commitment which we appreciate highly.



Robert Hellman and Maria Jose Romero Ruis

### Events in Torrevieja and Around the Area - Week Commencing 6 November 2023

You can check ou the Torrevieja events calendar for things to do in Torrevieja, but for this week, Science Week starts in Torrevieja, with a series of talks in the Vigen del Carmen Centre from Wednesday.



On Thursday, there is a concert by La Almundena in the Palacio de la Musica, and a flamenco event on Friday in the Municipal Theatre.



Jandro is in the theatre on Saturday, and a choral concert in the Palacio de la Musica.



If you´re an art fan, a new exhibition opened in Guardamar del Segura last week, Guardamar currently being the capital of culture, featuring works from contributors from around the region.



Although it´s not this week, we thought you might be interested in a bit of advanced notice, as The Nutcracker is coming to the Teatro Circo in Orihuela. The date for the performance is 26 November, but tickets are on sale now and likely to sell out.



Los Escorpiones will be performing in Orihuela on Saturday, and it is important to note that they are giving the concert in support of the AECC cancer charity. On Sunday, music from the 80´s and 90´s will be the star of the show, in an event with the same descriptive name, “Musical de los 80 a los 90”, both of these events also taking place at the Teatro Circo.

### Bikers Invited to Torrevieja Cancer Gathering

On Sunday 19 November, bikers from around the area are invited to a free event in Torrevieja, which will be held to support the Afecancer group at the Antonio Soria park.



The doors to the event will open at 9:30 in the morning, after which the day will start with a freestyle motocross show, a ride through the streets of Torrevieja, returning for more freestyle, a fireworks display and paella in the afternoon to pay tribute to fallen bikers, all accompanied by music and entertainment in the form of delights such as a mechanical bull, bouncy castles (for the little ones) and a raffle, amongst other surprises to be announced on the day.

### How to detect a stroke

Annually, between 110,000-120,000 people suffer a stroke in Spain, of which approximately half are left with disabling sequelae or die, according to data from the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN).  In Spain, it is the leading cause of death in women, the second in men; as well as the first cause of acquired disability in adults and the second of dementia.



"These are not encouraging words, although the good news is that 9 out of 10 cases of stroke can be avoided if a healthy lifestyle is followed and care is taken to the risk factors that we will detail later," says Dr. Mirko Alavena, a specialist in Neurology at the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital.



Specifically, he explains that cerebral apoplexy, also known as cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke, is a medical emergency that can have serious health consequences and is usually caused by an interruption or alteration of blood flow in a part of the brain, either by the occlusion of an artery (infarction) or its rupture (haemorrhage).



THE ONSET OF SUSPICION



If you suspect a stroke, Dr. Alavena points out that you should evaluate:



1. Face: Command the person to smile; Notice if one half of the face moves and the other doesn't.



2. Arms: Instruct the person to raise and move the arms; Observe if one is weaker or clumsier.



3. Speech: Speak to the person and ask them to speak; Observe if they can't utter language or if they don't understand what is being said.



4. Time: If any of the above is true, we must immediately call the emergency number, as time is the most important factor in the chances of recovery.



Thus, the Quirónsalud Torrevieja expert highlights that it is crucial to recognise the symptoms of stroke to seek medical attention immediately; The most common ones are listed as:




Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg; and especially on one side of the body.



Difficulty speaking or understanding language.



Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.



Severe dizziness, loss of balance, or loss of coordination.



Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.



It's important to remember the acronym F.A.S.T to recognise stroke symptoms: 'Face', 'Arms', 'Speech', and 'Time'.




"If someone shows these symptoms, it is essential to call the emergency services immediately. Once the acute event has been treated, the person should receive rehabilitation of acquired brain damage (neurorehabilitation) to recover as much as possible their functionality prior to the event," says the doctor.



Stroke is a serious condition, he continues, and requires immediate medical attention. That is why this specialist insists on the importance of recognising the symptoms and seeking help quickly: "This can make a difference in the patient's prognosis and recovery."



And, as the neurologist laments, it can be permanent if the neurological damage persists. Of course, remember that, in some cases of heart attack, blood flow can be restored spontaneously and the symptoms disappear, which is known as a transient ischemic attack or TIA, although people who suffer from them have a very high chance of suffering a permanent cerebral infarction in the following weeks if adequate preventive measures are not taken.



HOW TO PREVENT STROKE



With this, Dr. Mirko Alavena, specialist in Neurology at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, argues that, by taking measures to prevent stroke, such as maintaining healthy blood pressure, following a balanced diet and maintaining an active lifestyle, the risk of suffering a stroke can be significantly reduced.



"Although some risk factors for stroke, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of stroke," he says.



Some recommendations include, according to this expert:




Maintain healthy blood pressure: Controlling high blood pressure can help reduce the risk of stroke.



Eat a balanced diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and limiting saturated fat and sodium intake can help maintain cardiovascular health.



Maintain a healthy weight: Maintaining a body mass index (BMI) within the normal range can reduce the risk of stroke.



Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity helps keep your heart and blood vessels healthy.



Don't smoke: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of stroke.



Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of stroke.

### Police Ask for Help to Locate Hit and Run Driver

The Local Police in Torrevieja are asking for help to locate and identify a vehicle and driver that has been involved in a hit and run in the town.



The incident occurred on calle San Pascual and calle San Julián in Torrevieja.



The vehicle in question is a Peugeot 206 or 207, black, 5 doors and has a left rear door dent.



The last three characters of the number plate are FBW.



If you have seen this vehicle or know the owner, you are asked to contact the Torrevieja Local Police on 673043062, or through TorreviejaEmergencias on social networks, and in the event that you may have communication or language difficulties, you can always use the 112 emergency number.

### Local Events this Halloween Week

There are Halloween events taking place in most municipalities this week, and not all of them are only on the night of Tuesday, so it’s best to check with your local cultural departments for specific details, there will be a mini event on the Orihuela Costa, and as part of their celebrations, Torrevieja will be hosting the short film festival about the horrors of Torrevieja.



Halloween is immediately followed by All Saint’s Day, a national holiday, although many of the bigger shops are staying open, if you’re planning to go to the market however, it’s probably worthwhile checking that’s taking place before you set off, however.



In Torrevieja, a special bus has been laid on until Wednesday to take visitors to the cemetery, and a special operation will take place on Wednesday to control traffic flow, so if you don’t want to go or get stuck in traffic, particularly on Wednesday morning, you might want to avoid the area. The same can be said for most local cemeteries by the way.



Thursday is also a local holiday in Cocentaina.



For classical music fans you have Don Giovanni to look forward to in the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre on Friday, and a soloist’s concert in the Palacio de la Musica.



 In Alicante on Thursday a new gastronomic event takes place, extending almost until the end of the month, and based on the consumer bonus scheme where you can buy a voucher which will be worth double what you pay, the difference being that in this case it is to be used to sample some of the food on offer in the provincial capital.

### Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in Torrevieja

The Councillor for Festivals in Torrevieja, Rosario Martínez, together with the Councillor for Culture, Antonio Quesada, and the Councillor for Youth, Domingo Paredes, presented a preview of the upcoming events in the town throughout the Patron Saint festivities.



“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the Musical”, Arde Bogotá, Camela and Mocedades with Los Panchos, are some of the main attractions of the upcoming Torrevieja Patron Saint Festival, with tickets already on sale at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre box office.



On Friday, December 1, the Municipal Theatre will host “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the Musical” with tickets at prices of 15 and 18 euro.



This musical first premiered in London's West End in 2013, breaking box office records until 2017. After several successful seasons, the musical arrived on Broadway in 2017 and toured the United States in 2018; In 2019, they began a tour of Australia and until 2021, visiting Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. The musical was adapted into other languages ​​and, in 2019, premiered in Milan and Norway; In 2021, it arrived in Brazil, France and Denmark.



On Tuesday, December 5, the “Tavi y Carmona” Sports Palace will host the performance of one of the most fashionable groups today, Arde Bogotá, with tickets at a popular price of 10 euro.



At the end of May, Arde Bogotá began a tour of festivals and concert halls that will keep them traveling between 2023 and 2024. It is worth highlighting the presentation of “Cowboys de la A3” in the Plaza de Toros de Murcia, on June 8, with an entrance of 6,500 people, and selling out for three consecutive days in the Sala La Riviera in Madrid, in just over four and a half hours, since the sale began.



On September 19 of this year, it was reported that the group from Cartagena was a candidate for two awards at the 2023 Latin Grammys, in the categories of Best Rock Album with “Cowboys de la A3” and Best Rock Song with “Los Perros”.



On Thursday, December 7, also at the Palacio de Deportes, Camela will perform, with tickets priced at 10 euro, presenting their new album “May the music accompany you”, in which they pay tribute to the “Star Wars” universe. It is not the first time that they have used cinematographic references on their covers and, for this occasion, they not only play in the title with one of the most famous phrases from the George Lucas saga, “May the force be with you”, but, In addition, they recreate the aesthetics of the galactic series featuring the main protagonists, Dioni in the role of Qui-Gon – Jinn and Princess Leia's Angels.



Camela, icon and greatest exponent of technorumba in Spain with almost three decades of musical career behind them and more than seven million records sold, continue to develop their ingenuity and creativity, establishing themselves as a unique and unrepeatable band in constant reinvention, with an unmistakable style that only belongs to them.



Finally, on Sunday, December 10, the Municipal Theatre will host the performance of Mocedades and Los Panchos, with tickets at a single price of 5 euro. Mocedades are celebrating their more than 50 years with the Trio Los Panchos, represented by their latest lead singer, Rafael Basurto Lara. They are a world reference in bolero and romantic ballads.



The first dates they have already shared have been a total success, filling venues in Bilbao, Murcia and San Sebastián in Spanish territory or in several cities in Mexico and the United States.



The show they present is simply magical, both singing their well-known repertoires and interacting at various moments of the show and, ultimately, making the viewer experience it as a unique and unforgettable moment.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfuF49aPrn0

### Quirónsalud Torrevieja recommends performing self-examinations and consulting a specialist in the event of any abnormality, hardening or visible change in the breast

Specialists recommend having your first mammogram at age forty





Tumours smaller than two centimetres have the highest cure rate




On the occasion of International Breast Cancer Day, Dr. Joseba Rebollo, oncologist at the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Oncology Platform,  recommends that women usually perform a breast self-examination and go to the specialist doctor when they notice any abnormality, hardening, visible change, nipple-areola alterations, or axillary thickening.



As detailed by Dr. Joseba Rebollo, "the breast does not have a uniform consistency and often has irregular nodules or thickenings, but it is a proven fact that the woman who self-examines is able to discern between a known nodule and one of new appearance that appears firmer and that causes a certain startle when noticing. Like I found out that wasn't there before."



Early diagnosis, key to curing breast cancer



There are two keys to controlling the disease: improving a healthy lifestyle and detecting the tumour when it is still smaller than 1-2 cm in size.



"In tumours smaller than 2 cm, the cure of the disease is almost universally achieved", explains the oncologist from the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, "for this reason, check-ups have proven to be effective in controlling mortality. In addition to regular health check-ups using imaging techniques such as mammography, ultrasound or breast resonance, breast self-examination must also be performed frequently"



The established clinical recommendation was to perform the first mammogram/ultrasound at the age of 40 as a baseline follow-up and then every two years until the age of 50. From this moment on, it is recommended to carry out annual check-ups until the age of 75.



Although, as Dr. Rebollo adds, this recommendation is evolving and the age of initiation of controls is made earlier, at 30 years of age when there is a familial tumour burden, and continues during old age if there are risk factors and the patient is in good health.



Quirónsalud specialists in the study of the transcriptome for the treatment of cancer



Thanks to the transcriptome, the specialists at Quirónsalud Torrevieja are able to study, in real time, the molecular characteristics of greatest relevance to the tumour at each moment of its evolution, what its strengths and weaknesses are, and thus administer to the patient a personalised treatment, appropriate to the characteristics of their own tumour. "For example," explains Dr. Manuel Sureda, an oncologist at the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Oncology Platform, "it allows us to evaluate whether drugs whose activity in this tumour is doubtful continue to be active; whether it already expresses resistance pathways for drugs frequently administered in that type of tumour; It suggests the use of unusual drugs for which tumour cells show clear signs of sensitivity, etc. In short, it provides very complete information on the characteristics of the tumour and, "in Oncology, information about the tumour is anti-tumour power".



One of the main advantages of the transcriptome is the ability to obtain information in real time, since tumours frequently change their characteristics in order to "survive" in the hostile environment posed by the body's defences and the treatments administered. "For this reason, repeating the transcriptome after tumour progression has proven to be a first-rate tool to be able to offer a personalised therapy with greater probabilities of efficacy," says Dr. Sureda.



The information generated by the transcriptome can be very useful in any type of tumour, "although it may be more relevant in locally advanced or metastatic tumours, due to the genetic complexity that these tumours reach in their evolution," adds Dr. Sureda.

### Torrevieja Natural History Museum Reopens with Guided Tours

The Department of Culture in Torrevieja town hall has announced that the Natural History Museum will continue carrying out guided tours and workshops organised by the Ars Creatio Cultural Association, aimed at educational centres and the general public, with the coordination of the scientific and professor at the University of Murcia, María Luisa Molina.



Like last year, visits and workshops are included in the programming of the XV Science Week organised by Ars Creatio. This time, the reopening is extended for two months in the autumn season, from Wednesday 18 October to December 17.



The museum will open from Wednesday to Friday mornings for educational centres, which will carry out guided tours in two shifts, at 10:00 and 11:30 a.m., for up to about 30 students and lasting one hour in each shift. On Sundays and holidays, it will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with free entry, and at 11:00 a.m. there will be guided tours and workshops for the general public.



However, unlike the last season, at the moment, none of the guided tours are advertised as being in English, with registration also only available to Spanish speakers. In the Spring campaign, the last Saturday of each month was dedicated to the many English speakers who live in the town.



Guided tours require prior registration through this link http://turismodetorrevieja.com/web/?page_id=18911 or the QR code on the poster.



This is an activity financed by the Generalitat Valenciana and the Institute of Neurosciences of Alicante, and carried out with the collaboration of the Department of Culture of Torrevieja Council.

### Events in Torrevieja this Week

One of the biggest attractions this week could be in Torrevieja, where a Mariner’s Market is being held this weekend. In case you don’t know, a Mariner’s Market is similar to the popular Medieval Markets, but with a nautical theme, where artisan gifts and sea-based food items can be purchased, from stalls with an historic themed feel.



The market opens at 6 p.m. on Friday and is open from 11:00 on Saturday and Sunday, but it does close in the afternoon for a siesta. If you like Zumba, and pirates, then don’t miss Sunday when Pirate Zumba takes place in the town.



On Friday in Torrevieja in the Palacio de la Musica, a special event is being held to “care for the carers”, an event where those involved in local associations can come together for support and advice. In the evening of the same day, also in the Palacio de la Musica, a jazz concert will be taking place.



On Friday and Saturday, a fantastic concert is scheduled at the Virgen del Carmen centre in Torrevieja, Cuarentuna femenina de Alicante.



The La Mata natural park will be hosting a dramatized theatrical walk this weekend, where local actors and historians dress up to recreate times gone by, and on Sunday, a special event will take place celebrating the wines of La Mata, with a special route organised offering tasting of this local favourite.



There is quite a lot going on in neighbouring Guardamar at the moment as well, with Sunday seeing a race in support of cancer awareness through the streets of the town. The race starts at 10:00 a.m. from the main square on Sunday 22 October, and if you want to take part you have the rest of this week to register at the AACC headquarters in the town.

### Food Trucks, a Mariner´s Market and a Craft Fair in Torrevieja in October

The Councillor for Commerce, Hospitality and Tourism in Torrevieja, Rosario Martínez, along with the president of the small business association in the town, APYMECO, Jorge Almarcha, were amongst delegates who presented a series of events this week to promote commerce in Torrevieja, as part of the “Local Commerce Month”, organised by the town hall, which will take place from October 10 to 31 in different parts of the town.



A mariner´s market on Paseo Vista Alegre, a craft market in La Mata, and a street food market in the Park of Nations will see traders from outside Torrevieja coming to the town to share their wares with locals, and, they hope, boost local commerce in different parts of Torrevieja.



In addition to all the activities, during Local Commerce Month a raffle will be held to encourage the purchase in local businesses of 10 vouchers for 100 euro, for purchases over 25 euro, in the more than 100 businesses participating in this campaign.



The winners will be announced on November 3, through the official Facebook page of the Commerce Department. Likewise, on Saturday, November 4, to close Local Commerce Month, the Local Commerce Gala will be held at the Torrevieja Casino.



LOCAL TRADE MONTH EVENTS SCHEDULE 2023



STREET FOOD MARKET (PARK OF NATIONS) FROM OCTOBER 11 TO 15



Wednesday, OCTOBER 11



7:00 p.m. Opening



8:00 p.m. Show: Zancudos Inauguration



9:30 p.m. Live: Concert by the pop music group “La Guardia”



Thursday, OCTOBER 12



12:30 p.m. Children: Clown Edy



1:30 p.m. Live: The Liverpool Band



8:00 p.m. Live: Dingolondango Swing



9:30 p.m. Comedy Night with: Jesús Manzano



Friday, OCTOBER 13



8:00 p.m. Show: Stilts



9:30 p.m. Live: Radio Days



Saturday, OCTOBER 14



12:30 p.m. Children: Storytelling



1:30 p.m. Live: Control Stone Tribute to Rolling Stones



8:00 p.m. Direct: Flaco and his Songs



9:30 p.m. Live: Concert of local music group “Lobos de Mar”



Sunday, OCTOBER 15



12:30 p.m. Children: Workshops



1:30 p.m. Live: Keeng Tribute to Queen



MARINER´S MARKET (PASEO VISTA ALEGRE) OCTOBER 20, 21 and 22



Friday, October 20, from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.



Saturday, October 21, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.



Sunday, October 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.



CRAFT MARKET IN LA MATA (PLAZA ENCARNACIÓN PUCHOL) OCTOBER 27, 28 AND 29



Friday, OCTOBER 27



5:00 p.m. Opening of positions



6:00 p.m. Presentation of the unique pieces contest



6:30 p.m. Sol Redó musical parade



7:00 p.m. Workshop for children



7:30 p.m. Sol Redó musical parade



9:00 p.m. Closing of the fair



From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. pottery workshop, stone carving demonstrations and loom weaving



Saturday, OCTOBER 28 (MORNING)



11:00 Opening of stalls



11:30 Musical parade by Sol Redó



12:00 Trade demonstration



12:30 Workshop for children



13:00 Musical parade by Sol Redó



Saturday, OCTOBER 28 (AFTERNOON)



5:00 p.m. Opening of positions



5:30 p.m. Sol Redó musical parade



6:00 p.m. Trade demonstration



6:45 p.m. Sol Redó musical parade



7:00 p.m. Workshop for children



7:30 p.m. Trade demonstration



8:00 p.m. Sol Redó musical parade



9:00 p.m. Closing of the fair.



From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Pottery workshop, stone carving and loom weaving demonstrations



Sunday, OCTOBER 29



11:00 a.m. Opening of positions



11:30 a.m. Sol Redó musical parade



12:00 p.m. Trade demonstration



12:30 p.m. Workshop for children



1:00 p.m. Trade demonstration



1:30 p.m. Sol Redó musical parade



5:00 p.m. Opening of positions



5:30 p.m. Sol Redó musical parade



6:00 p.m. Trade demonstration



6:30 p.m. Counting of votes and awarding of prizes for the unique pieces contest



7:00 p.m. Sol Redó musical parade



8:00 p.m. Closing of the fair



From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. pottery workshop, stone carving demonstrations and loom weaving



SPORTS ACTIVITIES ON THE STREET



Saturday, October 14, at 11:00 a.m., Park of Nations (Food Trucks) Gluteboom



Sunday, October 15, at 11:00 a.m., Park of Nations (Food Trucks) Zumba



Sunday, October 22, at 11:30 a.m., Pedestrian Streets, Pirate Zumba



Saturday, October 28, at 9:30 a.m., (La Mata Artisan Market) Yoga



Tuesday, October 31, at 6:30 p.m., Pedestrian Streets (Halloween) Zumba Zombie + 8 p.m. Bloody Jumping (Nope, we have no idea either, but curiosity will no doubt win over!)

Excerpt: October events in Torrevieja

### Looking Back at Torrevieja in 2006

During routine investigations for an unrelated article this week, we stumbled across a letter published in the Irish Independent, from July, 2006, where two resident of Torrevieja, Bernie and Bob Cameron, took it upon themselves to defend the Costa Blanca town, and whereas the article the letter references is of some importance, it is interesting to see how the couple viewed Torrevieja at the time, and also gives a little insight into how some things have, and others have not, changed over the last 17 years.



“Sir - I live in Torrevieja, Spain. My husband and I have lived here for several years. He had lived in Birmingham and Coventry while I lived in Dublin’s inner city previously. Therefore, we know what it is like to liv in the midst of everyday crime. Both of us have been victims of personal body attacks in our respective hometowns in the past.”



“With respect to your article identifying criminals and crime committed in Alicante (July 23), we feel that while the story had to be told, it has reported a very bad and uniformed view of Torrevieja. It is not, as your article suggests. “a concrete underfoot everywhere, half-finished, appallingly planned” criminal jungle. Torrevieja is neither twee nor sanitised like other resorts, as it is a working town and port.”



“The town council supports and extensive cultural programme throughout the year in ultra-modern venues. So Irish and English expats don’t just sit in our “urbanisations” (neighbourhoods) in bars pondering the price of beer, as stated in the article. Torrevieja is home to 600,000 summer residents, mainly respectable people.”



“Having read this article, it would indicate that every second person here is a criminal. In fact there are a very small number, who keep a low profile (as reported). We never see junkies or drunks in the town streets. We never feel threatened.”



“We feel it’s a much safer place than our home cities have become.”



In 2006, now convicted criminal Pedro Hernandez Mateo was the mayor, the population stood at 92,034, the church in Plaza Oriente was little more than a hut, the private hospital was called San Jaime, whereas the public hospital opened for the first time, as did the municipal theatre, to be closed down some years later as it lacked the appropriate licences and failed safety standards, and one notable but tragic event in Torrevieja was the Centrocan pet shop fire.



To Bernie and Bob, if by some chance you are still living in Torrevieja, we would be interested in hearing how you reflect on those comments, and how you feel today, so if you read this, please get in touch.

### Events for International Residents in Torrevieja

Summer might be over, but there is little let up in the activities taking place in Torrevieja this autumn, with the publication of the cultural calendar this week, coinciding with one of the major musical events in the town, and sports in the shape of the European Police and Fire Games.  



In addition to these activities, the Department of International Residents also has their own schedule, specifically aimed at the international population of the town, with events that will ease anyone into the cultures and societies of the place many now call home.



For example, during October and November, there is a weekly activity where some of the town hall run facilities are showcased, partly so you can have a better understanding of some of the administrative procedures, but also you can visit and learn about some of the buildings and their functions. These tours, for which you don’t need to speak Spanish, are every Tuesday at 11:00, and they are completely free, although you do have to make your own way to the locations.



Whereas we have said that you don’t need to speak Spanish to enjoy those tours, there is a possibility to learn, with fellow international residents, so everyone can be eased into integration together.



The first activity on the 3rd of October is where you will be able to find out more about the very popular Spanish courses for foreigners. This activity starts at 11am in front of the Pangea office (which is the little blue house in Plaza Capdepont) next to Paseo de Libertad in the centre of Torrevieja.



As well as learning about the Spanish courses, which again are completely free, you will also be escorted on a short, guided tour through the centre of Torrevieja, over a short distance of approximately 1 kilometre, where you will be able to also learn about some of the key points in the town.



The next activity, on the 10th of October, consists of information on the increasingly necessary digital signature and a guided tour in La Mata. It starts at the La Mata town hall in Plaza Gaspar Perelló, which is located next to the large square in La Mata.



La Mata Town Hall



Then activities are organised on transport services in Torrevieja, explaining how you can obtain a bus card, and a presentation of some of the sports facilities, where disciplines such as gymnastics, swimming, and water sports can be enjoyed, amongst many other activities in the internationally renowned Sports City.



Participating in the activities is an opportunity not only to get to know Torrevieja better but also to meet more people of various nationalities and also have an introduction to the administration in Spain, and remember, all for free.



Events are led by staff who speak Spanish, English, French and German. If the need to serve in more languages is detected, the team with try to find staff or volunteers who can assist to translate.



The program is published on Facebook: Torrevieja Residentes Internacionales and on the website:  www.torrevieja.es.



To register for an activity, all you have to do is send an email to eu@torrevieja.eu, and to make an appointment with the International Residents department, go to  www.torrevieja.es  - Appointment - International Residents and then choose a place to be attended at Pangea in the centre, the town hall of La Mata or on Calle Paganini in La Siesta.

### Is there any treatment for sciatica?

Sciatica or radicular pain is one of the main causes of consultation in hospital emergencies.



This pain can be acute or become chronic becoming very annoying. It consists of an electric shock, numbness or radiating pain that is reflected by different parts of the leg and that can reach the foot or even both.



Although the most common is that it remits after a few days and that the pain is controlled, when the pain is very intense, persists and relief is not achieved with conventional analgesics, it is advisable to go to a specialist in pain treatment.



Dr. Jorge Orduña, head of the Pain Unit of Quirónsalud Torrevieja and  explains more about sciatica and its most advanced treatments.



What is Sciatica?: Why It Occurs and Symptoms



Sciatica is the "popular" name for radicular pain, which is one that occurs, in the form of electric shock and numbness, when the spinal nerves are compressed.



The spinal nerves are responsible for providing sensitivity and mobility to the legs, and can be compressed at various points in their journey from the spinal cord to the foot.



As Dr. Jorge Orduña explains, this compression "produces an initial inflammation that, over time and depending on the intensity of its cause, can cause injuries to the nerve, leaving sequelae."



The symptoms of sciatica are:




Pain running through different parts of the leg/arm/chest, or abdomen.



Sensation of numbness of a specific area of the leg / arm / chest or abdomen.



Sensations of electricity, hypersensitivity or burning in specific areas of the leg / arm / chest or abdomen.



Motor weakness of the painful area.




In addition, depending on the degree of compression, the nerve injury and whether there is one or more compressions, the symptoms will be more or less acute and will affect "only one side of the body, both or different parts".



Types of Sciatica




Protrusion / hernia. It is an alteration of one of the discs of the spine to which is added the exit of the same from its usual area.



Intervertebral foramen. It is a narrowing of the bony duct through which the nerves exit: the osteoarthritis of joints called facets causes it to narrow and hinder the exit of the nerve, causing compression.



Stenosis of the channel through which the nerves run. Usually caused by calcifications of ligaments / osteoarthritis of the joints or by alterations of the discs that compress the spinal nerves in their path.




How can sciatica be treated?



Treatment of sciatica depends on three factors:




The intensity of the pain.



If there is an associated weakness.



The period of evolution.




Once the level of nerve compression has been located and defined, specialists can opt for pharmacological or interventional treatments (by infiltrations) to treat the problem from where it is occurring.



 "These interventional treatments (infiltrations) allow immediate pain relief and with hardly any recovery periods. The prolonged duration of relief allows us to work together with rehabilitators/physiotherapists and functional recuperators in activities aimed at strengthening the structures adjacent to the injured area and thus protecting it, allowing in many cases to recover the quality of life." The specialist explains.



Treatment



Some of the techniques used in the Pain Unit of Quirónsalud Torrevieja to treat sciatica are:




Lumbar epidural. Thanks to the use of X-rays, specialists deposit medication next to the compression of the spinal nerves, improving the pain from where it is occurring.





Radiofrequency of the dorsal root ganglion of the spinal nerve. In this neuromodulator treatment, the doctor places a needle which transmits electricity to modulate the transmission of pain in the area of the central nervous system where pain information is integrated.





Neurostimulation of posterior cords. This is an advanced treatment in which an electrode is placed on the patient's spine.





Intradiscal treatments with regenerative medicine. The objective is to deposit pro-regenerative substances from the patient himself in different parts of the deteriorated disc, improving the situations of disc-osteoarthritis, protrusions and herniated discs.





Intradiscal treatments with radiofrequency / laser or substances. They are applied directly to the inside of the injured disc.




What is the success rate of these techniques?



According to Dr. Jorge Orduña, all these techniques "achieve, in a high percentage of cases, relief greater than 80% of pain with periods of pain relief above 6 months".



In addition, some of these treatments, such as intradiscal, "can be practically definitive, while neurostimulation is applied to patients already operated, allowing relief of many years."



The Pain Unit of Quirónsalud Torrevieja includes specialists in pain treatment (anaesthesiologists, rehabilitators, traumatologists), who work in close relationship with other specialists to offer a comprehensive and personalized service to each patient aimed at treating everything that concerns the pain of each patient.



If the cause that produces the pain cannot be treated or relieved or when the treatment of pain has not been insufficient, specialists will evaluate other options, such as surgery.

### Torrevieja Launches Autumn Culture Schedule

Torrevieja town hall has presented the autumn cultural schedule, with a program offering a wide and varied selection of events, with highlights including the Spanish singer Vanesa Martín; Peter, the musical; Mayumaná; Luis Zahera, in monologue; Coco, a children's musical; Jamming Sessions; Juan Dávila, and The Nutcracker.



The Councillor for Culture, Antonio Quesada, and the director of Cultura Torrevieja, Lalo Díez, presented the September-December 2023 Cultural Schedule this week, during which time the 35th International Choral Meeting was being held at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre, in which each year choirs from all over Spain came together for intense days of concerts and gatherings.



As a summary, during the month of October Torrevieja will host numerous concerts by different musical entities and local artists. For example, from the Orfeón de Torrevieja, comes their “Love Song”, the local artist Bervera will also perform with the presentation of his new album, and the Symphony Orchestra, with its concert at the Torrevieja International Auditorium under the name of “Grandes soloists.”



During the month of November, among many others, the Casa de Andalucía association will offer its traditional Flamenco Encounter. It should be noted that during this month the festivities are celebrated in honour of Santa Cecilia, patron saint of musicians, and it will be when two of the most renowned musical entities, the Unión Musical Torrevejense and Los Salerosos, will hold separate concerts, where they will perform the best of their interpretations in honour and tribute to their patron saint.



Come the month of December and on the occasion of the Christmas season, a multitude of concerts and musical events will be held in the different cultural spaces of Torrevieja. Among all of them, special mention will be made of the Christmas concerts offered by the Orfeón de Torrevieja, the Unión Musical and the one held by the Young Symphony Orchestra together with the “Sette Voci”.



In this program, in addition to great musicals, plays and big-name comedians, it is worth highlighting the concert of the season that will be performed by Vanesa Martín, one of the Spanish artists who arouses the most interest nationwide, who will present her 'PLEASURES AND SINS' tour.



The Malaga native will offer a unique show, with new scenery and new repertoire, in which there will be no shortage of hits like 'Complicidad', 'Polvo de Maripas' or 'Inventas', but also new songs from her eighth album, recently nominated in several categories in the Latin Grammys 2023 (Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album and Best Packaging Design).



It will be on Saturday, November 19, at 8:00 p.m., at the International Auditorium. Ticket sales are carried out through official channels such as the culturatorrevieja.com website and the Municipal Theatre Box Office, and will be priced from 25 euro.



In advance of the new 2024 season, in January there will be three major concerts at the International Auditorium. It will begin on January 13 with the concert of Sidecars, who arrives in Torrevieja with the best Spanish pop-rock, on the tour to present their seventh album “Trece”, where they will perform their new songs and their usual hits.



Next, on January 14, Café Quijano will perform, a group that, after 23 years of crowning charts and more than two decades exhibiting music throughout Latin America, the United States and Spain, arrives at the International Auditorium with their “Manhattan Tour”.



Finally, on February 9, 2024, the virtuoso violinist of Lebanese origin Ara Malikian will make a stop at the International Auditorium as part of another world tour.

### 35th Choral Meeting "Ciudad de Torrevieja" to Take Place at the Municipal Theatre

The Councillor for Culture in Torrevieja, Antonio Quesada, and the president of the Francisco Vallejos Choir, José Miguel Ferrández, presented details about the 35th International Choral Meeting “Ciudad de Torrevieja”, which will be held on the 28th, 29th and 30th of September at the Municipal Theatre.



The Opening Gala will take place on Thursday, September 28, at 8:30 p.m., with the participation of the Francisco Vallejos choir and the Vox Musicalis choir from Totana (Murcia).



On Friday, September 29, also at 8:30 p.m., the Incantus Women's Chamber Choir from Valencia and the Voices for Coexistence choir from Ciempozuelos (Madrid) will perform.



On Saturday the activity will begin at 11:30 a.m., at the Municipal Theatre, with the Choral Forum, where singers will meet to share work methods, experiences and repertoires, as well as rehearsal of common singing.



The Closing Gala will feature the participation of the Enchiriadis Female Vocal Group, from Zaragoza, and the Ainur Chamber Choir, from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.



Regarding the repertoire, the president of the Choir Francisco Vallejos has reported that the organisation has asked the participating choirs to be varied, “but there will be no shortage of habaneras, sacred music, polyphony, folklore or modern music ", detailed José Miguel Ferrández.



Tickets are priced at €2, per evening, and can be purchased at the Municipal Theatre box office, and online through the website https://entradasatualcance.com .



Both the host choir and the Councillor for Culture have called on all lovers of music and, especially, choral singing, so deeply rooted in Torrevieja, to attend this new edition of the "Ciudad de Torrevieja".

### Young People Urged to Tell their Horror Story in Torrevieja

Young people are being urged to tell their “horror” stories, through the medium of film, as part of the next instalment of a horror spectacle set to take place just before Halloween in Torrevieja.



The Youth Department of Torrevieja Council publicised the event, for which submissions are welcome until October 15, for short horror films for the “Torrerífico 2023” festival, organised jointly by the Department of Youth, the University Headquarters of the University of Alicante in Torrevieja, and the La Comarca Youth Association.



El Torrerífico 2023, in its sixth edition, will be held on Saturday, October 28, from 5:00 p.m. at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre.



The short films in competition must have a minimum duration of 1 minute and a maximum of 20 minutes, including the credits.



There are three prizes for the winners, the jury award for best short film, worth €1,000, second jury prize, worth €500, and the public prize, worth €200.



In the last edition of the Torrerífico in 2022, the record for the presentation of short films in competition was broken, with 17 short films in total, with directors from all over Spain, with the award for best short film being the short film “Tritop”, directed by María Antonia Martínez Tena.



For more information about the Torrerífico you can go in person to the CIAJ, located at Paseo Juan Aparicio, nº 5, or find out more through their social networks @torreviejajuventud on Instagram or Facebook, telephone 965714072, WhatsApp 606055291, emailtrabajo@torrevieja.eu and at the municipal website www.torrevieja.es.

### Keys to preventing prostate cancer: symptoms and treatments

Prostate cancer is a disease that affects millions of men worldwide, hence the importance of prevention and early diagnosis to preserve their health and well-being. For this reason, the specialists in Urology of Quirónsalud Torrevieja explain what prostate cancer is, what are the frequent symptoms and how to detect it in time.



Symptoms



"In most cases prostate cancer is asymptomatic, so the diagnosis can be detected after performing the test known as PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)," say urology specialists.



Obviously, when the disease is in a more advanced stage, it can present symptoms related to the disease, especially due to involvement of other organs outside the gland.



However, it may happen that a patient diagnosed with prostate cancer presents symptoms as a result of having a prostate that generates obstruction to the exit of urine, these symptoms do not necessarily have to correspond to prostate cancer, but are due to benign prostatic growth.



Tests



Prostate cancer is diagnosed by prostate biopsy, which consists of extracting fragments of the prostate with a fine needle in order to analyse them and establish a correct diagnosis based on each gradation of the tumour.



There are other tests that the doctor may request to help in the decision of prostate biopsy such as prostate magnetic resonance, so  it is important to consult with  the urology specialist so that he can assess the most correct action in each case.



Risk factors



Age:



Prostate cancer increases with age, especially after age 50-60. More than 80% of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men over age 65.



Race/Ethnicity:



Black men have a higher risk of prostate cancer than white men.



Family history:



The relationship between prostate cancer and heredity is known due to a combination of genes and environmental or lifestyle factors.



The hereditary component should be suspected when three or more first-degree relatives have had prostate cancer, affecting three generations on the same side of the family.



Eating habits:



Although there is no clear evidence that directly relates food with the development and prevention of cancer, we know that certain eating behaviours can be related to the appearance of cancer, so a healthy and varied diet is recommended.



Keys to preventing prostate cancer



"The fundamental thing, as in other diseases, is to be able to make an early diagnosis to be able to treat the disease at an early stage of its evolution," insist experts in urology.



Therefore, in the case of prostate cancer, periodic check-ups are essential for early diagnosis.



Revisions with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) are recommended in men at least annually.



Regarding the prevention of prostate cancer, and taking into account that there is still no clear scientific evidence regarding the relationship of cancer with diet, some rules of conduct that may be beneficial can be recommended:



- Control and reduce the consumption of foods rich in animal fat.



- A diet rich in vegetables, fruits and legumes.



- Ensure good hydration, drinking water regularly depending on physical activity or other recommendations of your doctor.



- Perform physical exercise according to their general health situation.



The prevention of both this and other pathologies is to try to lead a healthy lifestyle and, in case of new voiding symptoms or doubts, it is necessary to go to the specialist.



Prostate Cancer Treatments



For the treatment of prostate cancer there are several types of treatment, the most common are:




Expectant management:  it is indicated in the patient where it is expected that the tumour is not very aggressive. The conduct would be that of active surveillance.




This treatment option involves strict monitoring to control changes in the evolution of the tumour and thus take a different action.




Surgical treatment by radical prostatectomy. It is done with the intention of removing the prostate and its capsule, sometimes you also have to remove the lymph nodes in the area.





Radiotherapy. It uses high-energy rays for the destruction of tumour tissue.





Hormone therapy. It is used to block hormones that promote the development of cancer.




Any of these treatments has its advantages and disadvantages, so the information of the specialist is essential for a good decision by the patient as to what their expectations are to face the disease and therapeutic options.



Consult any questions with the specialists in Urology of Quirónsalud.

### All set for the Virgen del Rosario de La Mata fiesta

Torrevieja´s councillors Rosario Martínez and Antonio Vidal, and the representative of the Nuestra Señora del Rosario de La Mata Brotherhood, Cayetano Gil, have presented the schedule of events in honour of the Virgen del Rosario de La Mata, which will take place from Saturday 23 September to Sunday 8 October.



The religious events begin on Sunday, September 24, with the Pilgrimage, which will depart from the parish of Our Lady of Rosario at 10:00 a.m. to the “José Eduardo Gil Rebollo” Recreational Area, where a campaign mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m., sung by the choir of the Brotherhood of the Virgen del Rocío, and a subsequent popular giant paella. Tickets for the paella can be picked up at the Perelló Hardware Store and at the “Mari Carmen” Lottery Administration in La Mata. All people who collect their ticket will be entered into a gift draw that will take place on the same day of the pilgrimage. Once the draw is over, we will return to the parish of the Torrevieja district.



The Offering of Flowers will be celebrated on Saturday, September 30, starting at 6:30 p.m., at the end of the Holy Mass. On Sunday, October 8, at 7:15 p.m., the mass will take place in honour of the patron saint. The High Mass will be celebrated in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol with the subsequent procession through the streets of the district. At the end of the procession, a fireworks display will be launched.



The children's and festive activities will begin on Saturday the 23rd, starting at 10:00 a.m., with the Children's Chupinazo, the San Fermín running of the bulls and the Foam Festival in different streets of La Mata and in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol. On Saturday the 30th, at 11:00 a.m., the Children's Grand Prix will take place, also in Plaza Encarnación Puchol.



On September 29, starting at 8:30 p.m., the traditional “Sobaquillo” Dinner will take place in Gaspar Perelló Square, which will be entertained by a disc-jockey. The paella contest will be held on Sunday, October 1, in Plaza Encarnación Puchol. In order to participate, all interested people must register by calling 680 251 271 and 678 503 443.



The Great Multicolour Parade will begin at 6:30 p.m., on Saturday, October 7, with the following itinerary: Avenida de Soria, to Calle la Lecha, passing through Avenida de Alemania and Calle Mayor.



The popular festivals will take place on October 5, 6 and 7, in Plaza Encarnación Puchol starting at 9:00 p.m. On October 5, a comedy show “Con Risita Médica 2.0” will take place with: Kalderas, Antonio Ocaña, Eva y Qué and David Navarro. On Friday, October 6, starting at 6:00 p.m., there will be a parade with entertainment brass bands in different streets of La Mata, and at 9:00 p.m., the musical performance by “Número Uno” with Diego Martin. On October 7, at 9:00 p.m., the group “Eureka” will perform. At the end of all the performances there will be music and a disc jockey.

### Torrevieja Becomes the Setting for the Healthiest LGTBIQ+ Event of the Year

Torrevieja City Council, through the Department of Tourism and Sports, has announced their support for the eleventh edition of the Orlander Retreat.



This pioneering event, aimed especially at the LGTBIQ+ community, will offer a weekend full of healthy activities, sports and socialising. The meeting will take place in the vibrant city of Torrevieja from September 22 to 25.



The Orlander Retreat is a unique proposal that combines physical training, wellness workshops and aquatic activities, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Torrevieja and its surroundings. Among the planned excursions, a visit to the Salinera Industry, an icon of local heritage, is included. All of this in a safe and respectful environment, guided by professionals from each area.



Fabri Orlandi, organiser of the event and renowned fitness teacher, states that "Torrevieja, with its inclusive atmosphere and fascinating landscapes, is the perfect place for members of the LGTBIQ+ community to enjoy a healthy and memorable weekend."



The initiative has the invaluable help in the organisation of the Costa Blanca Tourist Board and the support of the LGTBI Association of Torrevieja "Torrevieja Diversa".



The event is seen as part of the continuous effort of the Torrevieja Council and the Departments of Tourism and Sports for promoting inclusive and healthy activities that benefit both local residents and visitors. It may go some way towards reversing the homophobic reputation Torrevieja had thanks to the previous mayor and his insults, although the current mayor, Eduardo Dolon, still failed to attend and show his support for the Pride festivities in the town this year, marred by a gathering by the far-right and blatantly homophobic VOX political group, who are supported by Dolon’s PP, who were granted permission to hold an event in Torrevieja by the town hall which resulted in an LGTBIQ+ event being cancelled out of fear by the organisers.



Registration is now open for the event and more information can be obtained via the website, https://retiro-orlander.com/retiro11/

### Parkinson’s Signs that could indicate the Onset of the Disease

Parkinson’s is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that affects the central nervous system, specifically the nerve cells that control movement. It is characterised by a gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in a region of the brain called black matter.



It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, after Alzheimer’s disease.



The symptoms of the disease, and the most recognised ones, are motor symptoms: tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia or slowness in movements, gait alteration, and postural reflexes.



There may also be changes in the voice, facial expression, and handwriting. As the disease progresses, the symptoms can worsen, and other problems may appear, such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.



Doctor Erika Torres, head of the Advanced Neuroscience Unit at Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante, explains what Parkinson’s disease symptoms consist of, the tests for its detection, and which risk factors are modifiable.



Frequent Age of Parkinson’s



The disease usually appears in the sixth decade of life, and the risk of it developing increases with age, however, it is not uncommon to be diagnosed before 50 or 40 years of age.



Parkinson’s Symptoms in Adult Patients



Motor Symptoms



Motor symptoms are an essential part of the diagnostic criteria and the key symptoms of the disease.



Motor symptoms include a tremor, although not all patients with tremors have Parkinson’s disease, and not all Parkinson’s disease patients present tremors.



There are patients that, on the other hand, show movement defects where rigidity and slowness in movements predominate, associated with diminished facial expression and gait instability.



There can also be alterations in posture and postural reflexes, responsible for the falls suffered by these patients, generally in more advanced stages of the disease.



Non-Motor Symptoms



As for the non-motor symptoms, these are related to: gastrointestinal alterations (constipation), cognitive alterations, sleep alterations, dysautonomic alterations, language alterations, pain, and emotional alterations such as anxiety and despondency.



Tests for Parkinson’s Diagnosis



The diagnosis of the disease is clinical, and is mainly based on the interview with the patient and a physical examination by a neurologist with experience in the movement disorder field. However, there are also complementary examinations that can help reach a diagnosis in questionable or somewhat more complex cases. For this, a general blood test is performed, along with a cranial CT scan or a cerebral MRI, which help rule out systemic diseases and structural cerebral pathologies that may produce similar symptoms.



“We must consider that not all patients present all symptoms or evolve in the same way, since this disease has a significant variability in its expression,” explains Dr Torres.



Parkinson’s, a Hereditary Disease?



Most Parkinson’s disease cases have an idiopathic cause; however, there is a small percentage that is related to family inheritance and, therefore, is or genetic origin. This would be approximately 15% of cases.



To be somewhat more specific, around 2-3% of cases of late onset will be caused by a mutation, and 50% of cases of early onset will also be traced to a genetic cause.



We can group risk factors into two categories: genetic and non-genetic.



As for non-genetic factors, these in turn can be divided into modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.



Non-Modifiable Risk Factors



Non-modifiable risk factors are age, gender, and race.



Getting older can increase the risk of developing the disease, but it does not seem to be the main aetiological risk factor.



It is unlikely for gender to influence the risk of suffering from the disease, but it is slightly more common in men than in women.



Additionally, the disease has been observed to be less prevalent on the African continent, compared to Europe and North America.



Modifiable Risk Factors



Modifiable risk factors include smoking and exposure to pesticides, which increase the risk of developing the disease, while physical exercise, when practised energetically in middle age, can protect us from suffering this pathology; consumption of caffeine or tea also seems to protect us from developing Parkinson’s disease.



At Quirónsalud we have specialists in Advanced Neuroscience to help you detect the symptoms of the disease. Bring your questions to the team.

### Torrevieja Art Exhibition to Help Ukraine

The Torrevieja Casino will be hosting an art exhibition for the next couple of weeks, which is intended to directly benefit the people of Ukraine.



Viktor Fridrikh, originally from Ternopil in the west of Urkaine, has been living in Spain since 1999, and studied at the Torrevieja art school. His works can be found in various exhibitions across Spain, the United States and the United Kingdom, and he previously exhibited his work in the Virgen del Carmen Centre in Torrevieja, and the Casino.



In this latest exhibition, which runs from 26 August until 8 September in the Torrevieja Casino, Viktor wants to do more with his art. He wants to help.



As Viktor explains, “My aim is not only to create art, but to do something more. Therefore, I will donate half of the revenue of the paintings sold in aid for Ukraine, to help improve the lives of those in difficult conditions. By buying my works, you are joining a humanitarian initiative aimed at supporting those in difficult circumstances”.



The exhibition can be visited any day, and if you buy one of his paintings, you will be directly helping those in need, as well as supporting a local artist in his craft.

### Chronic heartburn: Find out if you need surgery to relieve it

Heartburn, also known as acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common condition that can affect many people's quality of life.



Although there are several treatments to control the symptoms of heartburn, in some cases surgery may be necessary to get lasting relief.



Dr. Juan Antonio Casellas, specialist in Digestive System of Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante, explains what heartburn is, when to consider surgery and the surgical options available at Quirónsalud.  



What is heartburn?



Heartburn occurs when stomach acids back up into the oesophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn).



"Symptoms can include: burning, regurgitation, chest pain, chronic cough, and difficulty swallowing," explains Dr. Casellas.



While lifestyle changes and medications can control heartburn in most cases, there are situations where surgery may be an effective option.



At Quirónsalud they have an expert team in the treatment of this type of pathology of the digestive system.



Causes of heartburn



The main cause of heartburn is gastroesophageal reflux, that is, the passage of acid from the gastric cavity into the oesophagus. This can occur when the gastroesophageal junction fails, that is, the relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter or in patients with hiatal hernia.



Effective Tips to Reduce Heartburn



To prevent heartburn it is very important that we change our eating habits trying to avoid, as much as possible, those foods that favour acidity and gastro-oesophageal reflux.



1. High-fat meals: fried and sausages.



2. Very copious meals.



3. Coffee and caffeinated beverages.



4. High-proof alcoholic beverages.



5. Chocolates, citrus fruits and hot spices.



Dr. Casellas explains that "it is important to let time pass to go to bed after food intake or to perform physical exercise, thus avoiding enhancing the symptoms of heartburn."



Surgery to remove heartburn



Heartburn surgery is considered when symptoms are not adequately controlled, with lifestyle changes and medications, or when complications such as esophagitis, oesophageal stenosis, or hiatal hernia occur.



In addition, surgery may be considered in young patients who want to wean themselves off long-term medications.



At Quirónsalud, experts in the digestive system perform this type of intervention to reduce the symptoms of heartburn.



Importantly, surgery for heartburn should be evaluated and performed by a surgeon who specializes in digestive disorders. The risks and benefits of each procedure should be considered and discussed with the doctor to make an informed decision.



Dangers of Reflux for Patients



The symptoms of heartburn do not pose any vital risk to the patient per se.



The only thing that will force you to depend on drugs such as antacids and inhibitors of stomach acid secretion (omeprazole).



It is important to consult with your specialist doctor to guide you in the measures to take.



Surgery can be an effective option for those suffering from chronic heartburn and don't find relief with lifestyle changes and medications, Dr. Casellas explains.



It is essential to consult a specialized health professional to evaluate the need and feasibility of surgery in each particular case, as in the case of Quirónsalud specialists. Don't hesitate to seek medical attention and explore all available options to find the most appropriate treatment for you.

### Torrevieja Hospital will NOT be Reverted to Private Management by New Valencia Government

In the run up to the local and regional elections, there was a lot of focus on the deficiencies at Torrevieja Hospital, after the management model was reverted by the previous ruling socialists to being publicly run, rather than by the private firm, Ribera Salud.



Many people saw the reversion as a disaster, on account of how well the hospital was running in the private / public partnership, even those against privatisation could not deny how well it worked in Torrevieja, and how badly it is running now, since that change, which prompted a lot of criticism, including politically, against the then President of the region, Ximo Puig.



However, those who transferred their votes from the PSOE to the PP in the hope that the situation would be reversed will now be disappointed, as the party now in power has confirmed that they have no intention of doing so.



The Minister of Health, Mariano Gómez, has completely denied that the cancellation of the already reverted hospitals of Torrevieja and Alzira is on the table.



In this sense, the minister has indicated that he has commissioned an audit of the health system and that said report will mark his roadmap in the Community. In this regard, he has advanced that, “surely, it will be necessary to reinvent the health map and couple the portfolio of services between hospitals based on the needs of citizens. All this with the aim of making the system more efficient”.



The reason for the statement is that their new political partners, although nationally being distanced due to their controversial policies and the potential cost that has had to them leading the government, Vox, tabled a notion precisely for the reversal of the management situation.



The PSOE subsequently denounced that the PP-Vox tandem in the Valencian Community is already working to return to health privatizations. "They want clients instead of patients and to go back to doing business with the health of the Valencians," says Rafa Simó, socialist spokesman for Health in Les Corts.



Simó affirms that "the ultra-right is presenting motions in the municipalities of Vega Baja asking for the privatisation of public health and departments such as Torrevieja." In this sense, the Socialist deputy points out that "these initiatives demonstrate that the Consell PP-Vox is a government at the service of the interests of private companies" and insists that "the ultra-right has become the executing arm of the Partido Popular of Carlos Mazón”.



“What we suspected is happening: the only road map of the Government of Mazón for health is privatisation, they do not want to recover the concessions that end shortly, such as Dénia or Manises and, in addition, return to private hands the services reversed by Ximo Puig to the public,“ he emphasizes.



Likewise, Simó has valued the public investments of the Torrevieja hospital in equipment, infrastructure and personnel that were promoted by the Consell of Ximo Puig, which amount to €2,519,640 since 2019. Filing to mention the staffing problem that the situation caused, and investment in equipment is useless with nobody to operate it.



The spokespersons of the VOX political party of Torrevieja, Guardamar, Orihuela, San Miguel de Salinas and Pilar de la Horadada, far from appeasing the situation, published a statement in which they demand from their respective municipalities "the need to urge the Generalitat Valenciana and to the Ministry of Health and Consumption to promote a public tender for the management of the Torrevieja Hospital through an administrative concession as soon as possible”.



Said need, they say, arises from "the disastrous results at the level of efficiency in the provision of services to the citizen that has been occurring in recent years, since it began to be managed directly by the Ministry of Health."

### Summer Carnival Parade on Sunday

The Summer Carnival Parade in Torrevieja will begin in the vicinity of the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, and will go through calle Ramón Gallud to the junction with Patricio Pérez street, starting at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday evening.







The Department of Fiestas has programmed for Sunday, August 13 at 8:30 p.m., a new edition of the Summer Parade that is usually held in mid-August, assuming a great attraction for visitors and Torrevejenses. It will start from the “Virgen del Carmen” Cultural Centre and will go along calle Ramón Gallud to the junction with calle Patricio Pérez.



The main protagonists of the parade will be the 2022/2023 salt court that will greet all attendees from a float. Wearing their best clothes will be the Queen of Salt, Maribel López and the ladies, Minerva Sinnema and Lucyla Pérez. They will be accompanied by several troupes from the Torrevieja Carnival, declared of Autonomous Tourist Interest of the Valencian Community. With all the colours and their spectacular choreographies, the troupes will parade, "QK", "Desafío", "Osadía", "No ni ná", "Aquí hay tomate", and the Kings of Carnival 2023 with the troupe "Soul Dance", Sara Fernández (elder queen), Edurne Vera (child queen) and Óscar Torregrosa (carnival king).



There will be a representation of one of the most deeply rooted festivals in the province of Alicante, such as the Moors and Christians, with the presence of partygoers who have great ties of friendship with Torrevieja such as the Association of Moors and Christians "San Francisco de Asís” of Crevillente, festivals declared of International Tourist Interest. They will be in charge of opening the parade with two rows of Moors, accompanied by music bands and a representation of the "Molinos del Calvario" Bonfire from Torrevieja.



After them, it will be the turn of the participating carnival troupes, preceding two shows. One of them with a marine theme, thus paying homage to the origins of Torrevieja, followed by a spectacle of confetti and streamers. The Salinera Court 2022/2023 will close this summer parade.



There will be a reserved space for people with reduced mobility that is located next to the Hotel Fontana.

### Valencia Government Repeals Terrace Smoking Ban

Against the advice of experts in the health field, and contrary to the opinion of the majority of people responding to various surveys, the new Valencia regional government has decided to repeal the ban on smoking on terraces.



The Consell has decided on the move by stating that it will equate the region to state regulations on public health, as the ban was implemented as part of the Covid 19 restrictions, some of which were still in force despite the emergency being over, although Covid has not gone away and is now once again increasing at an alarming rate in the region.



The move was agreed during a meeting, held this Wednesday at the Palau de la Generalitat, between the President of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, the Minister of Health, Marciano Gómez, and the Minister of Innovation, Industry, Commerce and Tourism.



Despite the fact that smoking is still prohibited in many public places around Spain, without causing any particular hardship, Valencia has bowed to pressure from the hospitality sector, rather than public health experts, “entrusting public health to the hospitality sector”, as one commentator reflected, “a big mistake for the health of the population”, said another, and so venues will once again have full capacity to decide in its own establishments the possibility of smoking on the terraces.



Other respondents to the publication of the news responded that the hospitality sector will suffer as a result, as those who do not want to be faced with the risk and discomfort of cigarette smoke avoid those venues which permit it, whereas a lone reply stated that it was good news as “smokers also have to eat”.

### Guardia Civil Patrol Boat Added to Torrevieja Floating Museum

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and the colonel in charge of the Maritime Service of the Guardia Civil, Miguel Salom Clotet, signed the certificate of delivery of the donation of the Río Almanzora, a high-altitude patrol boat, to Torrevieja Council to be added as an exhibit in the Torrevieja floating museum.







The ship was built in 2003 in a monocoque of polyester reinforced with fiberglass, with dimensions of 30 metres in length, 5.90 metres in width, 3.40 metres in depth and 1.50 metres in draft.



The colonel in charge of the Alicante Command, José Hernández Mosquera, explained that they are especially excited that the patrol boat is located in Torrevieja due to the presence of the Guardia Civil in the town. Hernández pointed out that it is a good way to value the work that the ship has done, as well as a great visibility showcase of the work that the Guardia Civil does at sea every day. "It is a way for the citizen to recognise our work," said the colonel.



At the moment, the ship is being sealed for maintenance and provided with all the pertinent documentation, with the expectation of having everything ready before the end of the year.

### August Warning for Torrevieja Friday Market Attendees

If you are planning to go to Torrevieja´s Friday market in August, we have some bad news.



Firstly, on the first Friday of the month, Friday 4 August, the Friday market has been completely cancelled, in order to make way for the Reggaeton Beach Festival (RBF). The fun fair will also be closed for the same reason.



After that, for all other Fridays in August, parking at the market will be substantially reduced, as the ground will be taken up by the infrastructure for the Brilla Torrevieja event. This was the situation last year, and it caused chaos in the surrounding roads, as people looked to try to find a parking space in the limited capacity areas.



On account of the fact that the market traders have been prevented from earning any income during the busiest weekend of the year, to make way for a multimillion euro earning event, we encourage you not to avoid the market on the subsequent Fridays, and to continue to support those traders. Instead, consider parking some distance away, allowing extra time for the experience, and walking, or alternatively, using the limited bus service from the town centre.

### Covid Infections Double Since Last Update

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 1,549 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update on July 14. In the last update, the increase was 880, and this is the second largest spike since April. The new cases by provinces are 155 in Castellón (198,425 in total), 467 in Alicante (540,710 in total) and 927 in Valencia (862,206 in total).











Of these, 833 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 83 from Castellón, 271 from Alicante and 479 from Valencia.



12 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 14 days. They are 6 women, between 71 and 99 years old, and 6 men, between 49 and 88 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,584: 1,286 in the province of Castellón, 4,001 in Alicante and 5,297 in Valencia.

### Torrevieja Parque de las Naciones hosts the San Emigdio Festivities

The Parque de las Naciones in Torrevieja will be the scene of the program of events that will take place from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 August, on the occasion of the festivities in honour of San Emigdio, co-patron of Torrevieja and protector against earthquakes.



The Department of Festivals of Torrevieja Council has organised a program that will begin on August 3 with the inauguration of the "Barraca Popular" at 9:00 p.m., followed by a raffle of gifts and the musical performance of an orchestra.



On Friday, August 4, the events will also start at 9:00 p.m., with a raffle of gifts and a musical performance by a DJ, while on Saturday, August 5, at 7:00 p.m., there will be an event with children's entertainment and a free snack will be offered to all children attending. Then, at 9:00 p.m., there will be a new raffle for gifts and a musical performance starting at 10:30 p.m.



On Sunday, August 6, at 8:00 p.m., in the Hermitage of San Emigdio, located inside the Parque de las Naciones and also around it, a Eucharist will be officiated in honour of the co-patron of Torrevieja, followed by a solemn procession with the image of the saint accompanied by the band of the Unión Musical Torrevejense (UMT). The tour will run through calles San Policarpo, Bilbao, Santísima Trinidad, Los Molinos, Plaza del Calvario, San Emigdio, José Hurtado Romero "El Felisia" and, again, to San Policarpo to return to the Hermitage of Parque de las Nations. After the procession, a fireworks display will be set off with which these popular festivities will end.

### Details of Events in Torrevieja this Autumn and Winter

Torrevieja town hall has published the first information about events in Torrevieja during the autumn and winter of 2023.



The latest quarterly cultural program runs from September to December 2023, and will include discounts for pensioners, children and young people. There will be discounts again for retirees, and Youth Day for those under 35 years of age with a special discount on the first Friday of the month. On the other hand, infants between 3 and 8 years old have discounts on various activities, while children under 3 years old still do not have to pay the entrance fee.



Those of an adult and working age, tough look for you, you have to pay full price for everything.



In September the VIII edition of Torrevieja Audiovisual will take place, this festival aims to value the Spanish short film and be an opportunity for new cinematographic talents. Music will be very present this month, through the celebration of Rock Against Cancer, the performance of the Valencian Community Orchestra in Torrevieja, the Santina Folk Festival, the Monfortina Choir Meeting, and the Salerosos Concert, in addition to the III Cycle of Music in the Park by the Chamber Group. On the other hand, for those who prefer a great story to be told through music, comes the Aladdin the Musical. Finally, those who love humour also have their place this month with the intervention of the monologue by Miguel Lago.



Events in Torrevieja in October will include the Exhibition of the Quick Painting Contest to the Presentation of the Autumn Magazine, and a Women's Bodybuilding Competition. October is characterised by the diversity of artistic activities. In addition, on a religious level, the 50th Anniversary of the Coronation of the Sacred Heart is celebrated.



November is the month of song and opera, with performances such as Don Giovanni, the Habaneras Contest for Lyrical Soloists, the JOST Concert, and Torrevieja Sabe Cantar. In addition, Science Week will take place on the 8th of this month.



December lands more Christmassy than ever, with the classic Christmas Concert, as well as numerous theatrical performances: A Round Trip Husband, The Hidden Sound, A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker.

### Torrevieja Tourist Information Office Staff Boosted

Turisme Comunitat Valenciana has reinforced the Tourist Information Office Network for the summer tourism campaign in more than 35 offices with temporary tourist information points that bring attention to tourists in the areas with the greatest tourist flow.



These offices and information points, which will remain open until mid-September, are located in different municipalities of the three provinces.



In the province of Valencia, this service is reinforced in Alboraya, Bellreguard, Canet d'En Berenguer, Daimús, Gandia, Miramar, Piles, Puçol, Sueca, Valencia and Xeraco.



In the province of Alicante, attention to visitors is accentuated in Altea, Calp, Benissa, El Campello, Elche, Callosa d'En Sarrià, Pilar de la Horadada, Torrevieja, Alicante and Xàbia.



For its part, the province of Castellón has new services in Alcalá de Xivert, Benicàssim, Burriana, Cabanes, Castelló de la Plana, Nules, Peñíscola and Xilxes.



Turisme Comunitat Valenciana, with the collaboration of the municipalities attached to the Tourist Info Network, is expanding the hours and staff of a large number of offices, increasing the number of professionals in charge of them, to provide a better service this season. Although they will still most likely be closed on public holidays.



On the other hand, from July 1 to September 15, the 26th edition of the 'Red Tourist Info Customer Satisfaction Survey' is being launched to collect and exchange information on the profile and trends of visitors, as well as to promote excellence in communication, hospitality and tourist customer service at the destination.



The survey is available in seven languages ​​(Valencian, Spanish, English, French, German, Italian and Dutch).



The Tourist Info Network of Turisme Comunitat Valenciana currently has 230 tourist information and customer reception offices, and more than 20 information points that, under the same image and homogeneous quality criteria, provide tourist care and reception services throughout the entire autonomous territory.

### The most common diseases of summer and how to avoid them

The most frequent pathologies for which patients go to the emergency room during the holidays are usually acute-onset external otitis and gastrointestinal problems as the main cause of admission, as stated by Dr.Juan Costell, head of the emergency department of the Quirónsalud Torrevieja hospital.



As for otitis, Dr. Costell explains that “otalgia with a history of recent bathing is usually the reason that causes greater care consultation. They are usually secondary external otitis by immersion in swimming pools or in the sea, as is usual at this time of year.” This type of ear infection, caused by the action of moisture, produces an alteration in the epithelium of the external auditory canal, which in turn causes the germs that are usually in the duct to penetrate, causing the infection.



As for its symptoms, the doctor reports that “it manifests as a strong pain in the area and, if the disease progresses, suppuration and narrowness of the ear canal occurs along with a temporary hearing loss since the inflammation does not let the air through”,



Dr. Costell recommends that, after three or four days, after the visit to the emergency room and treatment with topical antibiotic therapy, the patient should visit the otolaryngrine since this pathology can give many problems a posteriori and should be controlled.



In relation to gastrointestinal problems, Dr. Costell points out that, although the care demand is lower than in cases of otitis, the severity of the pathology may even require the patient’s admission. “Acute gastroenteritis is usually accompanied by vomiting, increased number of bowel movements, diarrhoea, high fever and oral intolerance. Most of these problems in summer are due to food poisoning, the main danger being severe dehydration, especially in children and the elderly.”



To prevent a picture of gastrointestinal problems in summer, hand hygiene is essential before preparing food and consuming, preferably, freshly prepared or refrigerated food, since the heat can alter its state.



Summer pathologies, what they are and how to avoid them



Although these pathologies are present all year round, as stated by Dr. José Luis Lasaga, head of  emergencies at Quirónsalud Alicante,  “it is in summer and during the holidays when they manifest themselves in a more recurrent way”. To know what they are and how we can avoid the most common summer diseases, Dr. Lasaga indicates to pay attention to the following points:




Dermatological infections and other of these the most frequent are fungal infections and especially the so-called athlete’s foot, which occurs after stepping on wet ground and previously infected by other people. “To prevent it,” says Dr. Lasaga, “it is important to use flipflops both in swimming pools and showers and dry our feet very well. In case of infection, it will be necessary to use a topical antifungal treatment”



Diseases related to heat and prolonged exposure to high temperatures without adequate ventilation or hydration. “Its symptoms can range from muscle cramps, dizziness, loss of consciousness, to hyperthermia, hypotension, dehydration and death,” explains the specialist of Quirónsalud Torrevieja. The doctor advises avoiding peak hours of sun, proper hydration and keeping the body cool.



Sexually transmitted diseases by increasing the possibility of isolated sexual contact without the use of adequate protective measures. To avoid them, Dr. Lasaga advises the use of condoms to minimise the risk of contracting these diseases. “If this happens, go to your doctor to perform the appropriate complementary tests and establish the appropriate treatment,” says the specialist.



Bites of insects and other animals such as sea urchins, jellyfish, etc. In most cases they cause mild symptoms that are usually controlled with physical and anti-inflammatory measures, “although we must not forget that we must consult with your doctor or go to the emergency services without having symptoms such as dizziness, loss of consciousness, uncontrolled fever, dyspnoea or chest pain”, says Lasaga.




Finally, to spend a good summer without scares the specialists of Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante recommend drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding the hours of increased sun exposure, use of adequate sunscreens, a balanced diet, washing hands frequently, and if we travel do not forget the medication if you need it and health reports, and in case of doubt consult with our usual doctors or go to the emergency services.

### Alicante Province Reaches 4,000 Covid Deaths Milestone

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 880 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update on June 30, an increase since the last report. The new cases by province are 82 in Castellón (198,270 in total), 295 in Alicante (540,243 in total), a considerable increase since the last report, and 503 in Valencia (861,279 in total).











Of these, 529 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 54 from Castellón, 192 from Alicante and 283 from Valencia.



8 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 14 days. They are 4 women, between 71 and 94 years old, and 4 men, between 76 and 93 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,572: 1,284 in the province of Castellón, 4,000 in Alicante and 5,288 in Valencia.



Hospitalisation data is no longer being reported.

### Torrevieja Friday Market will NOT open on 4 August

The Torrevieja Friday Market will not open on Friday 4 August, as the space will be being used for the RBF music festival which will be taking place on the Saturday and Sunday.



Similarly, the funfair will not be open that weekend, as they too have to move to make way for the festival which will be held at the Parque Antonio Soria.



The first weekend in August is known for being one of the busiest of the year, and so hundreds of traders will be missing out on earnings this year so that the music fiesta can take place. The same music festival is happening in Benidorm.

### Virgen del Carmen festivities begin in Torrevieja

On Saturday 8 July 2023, the acts in honour of the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of sailors and fishermen, begin in Torrevieja, organised by the Fishermen's Guild and the Department of Festivals of the Torrevieja Council, with a celebration that will last until Sunday 16 July, the day of the Virgen del Carmen.



The script of events will begin on July 8 at the new Fish Market, with a day dedicated to the components of the ALPE and APANEE special education centres. The Fishermen's Guild will offer a meal to the members of these two centres, having also scheduled a children's entertainment show.



The program will continue at 8:00 p.m., with a solemn mass at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Church, in the traditional Fishermen's Quarter. The office will be applied in suffrage of all the men and women who have dedicated his life to the sea. Later, with the accompaniment of the band of the Unión Musical Torrevejense, a Floral Offering will begin before the Monument to the "Hombre del Mar", which will end with the singing of the Salve Marinera by the Choral Mass "José Hódar", directed by Miguel Guerrero, who will also sing the mass.



On Saturday, July 15, the long-awaited Paella Contest will take place at the Fish Market, organised by the Fishermen's Association and which will award prizes to the first three selected by the jury. The contest will be set by a brass band and all fishermen are invited to attend.



On the main day of Sunday, July 16, the feast of the Virgen del Carmen, at 8:00 a.m., a Musical Diana will begin and also in the morning, at 11:30 a.m., one of the classic acts and traditional of these festivities, such as the CUCAÑA MARÍTIMA, in the Fishing Port.



In the afternoon, at 8:00 p.m., the Solemn Mass will take place in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, officiated by the parish priest Manuel Martínez Rocamora and sung by the "José Hódar" Choral Mass, directed by Miguel Guerrero. At its end, the procession will begin with the image of the Virgen del Carmen to the interior of the Fishing Port, continuing with the maritime procession. At the end of the sea tour, the Salve Marinera will be interpreted and a fireworks display will be set off, in the same port facilities. Finally, the procession will resume until the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.



SATURDAY 8 JULY



12:00 p.m. Children's entertainment show. Fishermen's Market.



2:00 p.m. Lunch for the children of ALPE and APANEE. Fishermen's Market.



8:00 p.m. Mass and Floral Offering. Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.



SOLEMN MASS officiated by the parish priest Aurelio Ferrándiz García, in suffrage of all the deceased fishermen and sung by the José Hódar Choir Mass, directed by Miguel Guerrero.



Immediately afterwards, the traditional FLORAL OFFERING will take place, accompanied by the Torrevejense Musical Union, from calle Zoa to Juan Aparicio promenade, ending at the monument to the Hombre del Mar, where the Salve Marinera will be interpreted, by the José Coral Mass Hódar.



SATURDAY JULY 15



12:00 p.m. Paella contest



Enlivened by a Brass Band, with trophies for the first three winning contestants. Organised by the Fishermen's Guild. All fishermen are invited. Fishermen's Market.



SUNDAY JULY 16



8:00 a.m. Diana accompanied by Charanga. Following the usual itinerary.



10:00 a.m. Latin Candle



1st prize Antonio Juárez "El Sapatones".



11:30 a.m. Traditional Maritime Cucaña.



1st prize Francisco Mercader "El pollo". Fishing port.



7:00 p.m. Celebration of the Eucharist.



Officiated by the parish priest D. Manuel Martínez Rocamora, and sung by the José Hódar Choir Mass. Church of the Immaculate Conception.



8:00 p.m. Procession.



At the end of the maritime procession, a large fireworks display will be shot. At its end, the Salve Marinera will be sung by the José Hódar Choir Mass and the Torrevejense Musical Union.



From the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Paseo de La Libertad, Levante Dock to the Fishing Port (MARITIME PROCESSION), Levante Dock, Juan Aparicio, Zoa and ending at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish.

### Benefits of swimming for the recovery of injuries

Swimming, as explained  by the specialists of the Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology Service of Quirónsalud Torrevieja, "is one of the most complete and healthiest sports", so much so that specialists recommend it for everyone without limitation of age or physical condition, and especially for those who have back problems, for pregnant women and for the recovery of injuries.



We spoke with the traumatologists of Quirónsalud Torrevieja to talk to us about the effectiveness of swimming to relieve pain in different parts of the body.



Benefits of swimming



At the traumatological level, it allows repeated movements against resistance, while flotation reduces the problems derived from the repetitive impact to which our own weight conditions, due to the effect of gravity.



In turn, all exercise in the water requires an added effort of balance that contributes to generate a sustained stimulus of proprioception, that is, communication, at the unconscious level of the position, inertia, speed, etc. of our joints, muscles, tendons, etc.



In addition, it accelerates the medullary reflex arc, the medulla is like a second brain, largely unconscious, which receives instant information and responds to it immediately generating contraction or relaxation of the muscles, in a coordinated way, which achieves the objective established by our conscious brain.



Swimming as a recovery treatment



Any ailment that affects the musculoskeletal system can be treated, to the extent that practically any exercise that is usually performed for the recovery of injuries can be performed in the water.



Typicallyspinal injuries have been the subject of the recommendation of swimming as a treatment or as an aid to their treatment. But any injury is likely to benefit from the very special conditions that come with exercising in the water.



Swimming style according to the injury you have



Each injury presents nuances that require an adaptation of swimming or exercise in the water to their circumstance.



We can mention for example  the recovery of the shoulder, this benefits from exercises with the arms below the horizontal, or breaststroke swimming with a low stroke.



Recommendation of exercises in the water for the recovery of injuries.



Quirónsalud traumatologists recommend:



Swim in all its varieties, whether breaststroke, freestyle, backstroke or butterfly, which exercise in each case different muscle groups.



In the water you can practice sports such as: aquagym, acuafit, aquaagac, aquabalance, aquacardium, aquawater, acuaextrem, aquazumba, hydrospinning.



The possibilities are enormous considering that the benefits of any physical activity can be transferred and multiplied within the water by the effect of lack of gravity, which decreases the impact of circulations and the fact that water offers a constant resistance to movement that can be increased or reduced depending on the materials and the depth at which it is performed.



This is why spinning in water is a good option if you want to reduce that pressure of the intervertebral discs when sitting and exercising. The mere walk, if done barefoot allows to stimulate the sensory receptors of the feet when walking on the sand. Aquarunning consists of running in the water, and depending on where the water arrives, it will offer more or less resistance, which decreases the joint impact in the race and improves balance.



What is aquatic therapy?



The concept of aquatic therapy (Hydrotherapy) includes multiple aspects of our physiology and psychology. Not only those related to the musculoskeletal apparatus directly, but also those aimed at favouring its relaxing, toning, even chemical effects if done at sea, which represent an immense therapeutic arsenal, which properly used and directed can contribute in a very significant way, not only to the treatment, but to the prevention of very diverse pathologies and the improvement of our health.



Benefits of Aquatic Therapy



Among the benefits of aquatic therapy we find



The ability to produce a decrease in muscle contractures.



Relief of low back pain and tendinitis, among others.



Sedative and analgesic action.



Physical and psychic relaxation, which can help reduce stress and anxiety states.



In a very general way it can be said that hydrotherapy may be contraindicated in case of acute inflammation, active infections, fever, renal and cardiac failure and ocular, cutaneous pathologies...



In any case, the safest and most effective is to perform, at least at the beginning, these exercises in a supervised manner and directed by a specialized monitor.



At Quirónsalud our specialists in traumatology will recommend the best treatment for your injury and will accompany you in the recovery process.

### 806 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 806 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update on June 16. The new cases by province are 82 in Castellón (198,188 in total), 227 in Alicante (539,948 in total) and 497 in Valencia (860,776 in total).



Of these, 458 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 55 from Castellón, 111 from Alicante and 292 from Valencia.











Valencian hospitals currently have 126 people admitted, 6 of them in the ICU: 17 in the province of Castellón, 1 in the ICU; 42 in the province of Alicante, 2 in the UCI, and 67 in the province of Valencia, 3 in the UCI.



13 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 14 days. They are 4 women, between 73 and 91 years old, and 9 men, between 62 and 97 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,564: 1,282 in the province of Castellón, 3,997 in Alicante and 5,285 in Valencia.

### Ladies Wanted for Local Football Team

Ladies, if you are over 16, want to get fit and have fun with like-minded women, and like football, then the Quesada Ladies invite you to join their team.



They meet every Wednesday at 8 p.m. in Daya Nueva, at the Centro Deportivo.



You can find out more information on their Facebook Page, just search for “Quesada Ladies” and join their page, but don’t be put off if you’re not in Quesada, they already have and welcome more members from all around the area.

### Torrevieja Fair to Open on Friday (hopefully)

After 6 months of being unable to operate, missing the Easter season, on account of the development work at the Torrevieja harbour, and promises and let downs along the way, the Torrevieja fair is now set to open on Friday 30th July 2023, at 7 p.m. (unless anything else goes wrong between now and then).



The Torrevieja fair has moved though, and is now located in the vecinity of the Friday market at Parque Antonio Soria, near the water park and Carrefour.



It will have to close again and reduce at times to allow other events to take place, but for the 80 stall holders who rely on the income of tourists, being able to operate finally will be a blessing. 



Picture by Derek Appleton and is copyrighted

### Torrevieja Pride Schedule of Events

Torrevieja will be celebrating the first official Pride event, supporting the LGTBIQ+ community, as organised by the local "Torrevieja Diversa" association, with the support of the town hall, despite the growing collaboration between the PP and the homophobic Vox political group, making good on the promise of the Mayor, Eduardo Dolón, after Torrevieja town hall under the management of the PP was itself renowned as being homophobic, even resulting in a very famous Spanish singer refusing to perform as a result of the gay slurs and insults led by the former, and now criminal mayor, Pedro Hernandez Mateo, the mentor of Eduardo Dolón.  



Pride 2023 will take place from June 28 to July 9 in Torrevieja, at the end of Pride Month, celebrated globally.



The events will begin next Wednesday, June 28, with the institutional celebration of the International LGTBI Pride Day in the Plaza de la Constitución, at 11:00 a.m., with the placement of the flag and the reading of the manifesto.



On Saturday, July 1, at 7:30 p.m. at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, the first edition of the “Laguna Rosa” Awards Gala will take place.



The rest of the week there will be activities such as round tables, artistic workshops, literary talks and, to culminate the celebrations, on Saturday July 8 you will be able to participate in the GREAT PARTY with singers, Drag Queens, food, drink and different information stands from various associations of the town and the province.



On July 6, the celebration of Pride Day will take place in La Mata with performances, starting at 7:00 p.m., by: Soberbia Malibú, Paula Muñoz, Paca Merino, La Rubio y La Calva, Largie Lubois, Anya Rose and DJ set Bimba del Bar.



On Saturday, July 8, the Great Torrevieja Pride Party 2023 will be held on Paseo Vista Alegre, which will feature performances by: Paca Merino, Dora Helena, Goldiva, Soberbia Malibú. Lexi Legs and DJ set Bimba del Bar, starting at 7:00 p.m.







PROGRAM OF EVENTS TORREVIEJA PRIDE 2023



Wednesday, June 28 at 11:00 a.m. Citizen and institutional celebration of the International LGTBI Pride Day. Plaza de la Constitution.



Saturday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m. Laguna Rosa Awards Gala. Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre.



Sunday, July 2 at 6:00 p.m. Information booth. Paseo Juan Aparicio.



Monday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m. Presentation of LGTBIQ+ themed books. Israel Nicolás Art Workshop (C/Ulpiano 18).



Tuesday, July 4 at 7:30 p.m. LGTBI and feminism (lectures and round table). Palacio de la Musica.



Wednesday, July 5 at 7:30 p.m. Red and Pinto (artistic activity). Israel Nicolás Art Workshop (C/Ulpiano 18).



Thursday, July 6 from 5:00 p.m. La Mata Pride Celebration Party 2023. C/San Antonio (La Mata).



Friday, July 7 at 7:30 p.m. Talks on Sexual Diversity and Inclusive Language. Short "My little great samurai" and round table. Torrevieja Casino.



Saturday, July 8 from 5:00 p.m. Great Torrevieja Pride Festival 2023. Paseo Vista Alegre.



Sunday, July 9 at 6:00 p.m. Information Stand. Paseo Juan Aparicio.

### What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Skin Cancer?

The Dermatology specialists at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital warn of the increase in this type of tumour among the population, the incidence of which has tripled since the nineties.



There are more than 100 types of skin cancer. "Of these," explains Dr José Carlos Pascual, dermatologist at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, "we could say that basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma are the most common, in that order. Among these tumours, melanoma is the one associated with the highest mortality. "However," warns the dermatologist, "most deaths from skin cancer are due to squamous cell carcinoma, which, although less aggressive, is much more common than melanoma.



The fundamental treatment for this type of tumour is its removal with adequate surrounding tissue margins. "This surgery has a very good prognosis and few complications. For more aggressive cases, although infrequent, we have radiotherapy, chemotherapy and, more recently, immunotherapy," Dr Pascual points out.



The ABCDE rule for suspected melanoma



Dr Pascual advises to be alert to these risk indicators:



A. Asymmetry: one half of a mole looks different from the other, they are not symmetrical.



B. Irregular borders; irregular, poorly defined or blurred borders can be a sign of melanoma.



C. Colour: particularly dark or multi-coloured moles may carry risks.



D. Diameter: a spot larger than six millimetres in diameter is a sign to see a dermatologist.



E. Evolution: a mole that changes in size, shape or colour and becomes itchy, inflamed or bleeds should be checked by a specialist.



"A very interesting feature in our patients' skin check-ups," warns Dr Pascual, "is the sign of the ugly duckling, which means that a lesion that in a panoramic view is very different from the rest of the moles should catch our attention and make us consult a dermatologist.



Who is most prone to skin cancer?



There are various genetic mutations that predispose to melanoma and which are present in cases of familial melanoma. We also know that the lighter the skin, hair and eyes of patients, the less able they are to defend themselves against ultraviolet radiation and the easier it is for them to develop melanoma, with red-haired individuals being the most at risk.



"As for the behaviours that most predispose to melanoma," warns the dermatologist at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, "sunburns in childhood and adolescence are those most associated with melanoma. Furthermore, users of ultraviolet tanning booths have a 20 times higher risk of developing melanoma in their lifetime".



Can we prevent skin cancer?



To avoid melanoma and other cancers, the Dermatology Service at Quirónsalud Torrevieja recommends avoiding sun exposure at peak radiation times, especially in children, patients with very fair skin, or those with predisposing factors for melanoma. Always use sunscreen and repeat its use every two hours, and more frequently if we are going to go into the water or sweat profusely. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat or cap and properly approved sunglasses.

### Valencian hospitals have 138 people admitted for COVID, 5 of them in the ICU

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 1,238 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen test since the last update on June 2. The new cases by province are 164 in Castellón (198,106 in total), 460 in Alicante (539,721 in total) and 614 in Valencia (860,279 in total).  







776 of these cases are people over 60 years old. By province: 115 from Castellón, 281 from Alicante and 380 from Valencia.







Valencian hospitals currently have 138 people admitted for COVID, 5 of them in the ICU: 15 in the province of Castelló, with 1 patient in the ICU; 48 in the province of Alicante, with 2 patients in the ICU, and 75 in the province of Valencia, with 2 patients in the ICU.



15 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with dates of death within the last 14 days. These are 6 women, between 64 and 97 years old, and 9 men, between 72 and 91 years old. The total number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic amounts to 10,551, by province: 1,280 in the province of Castellón, 3,993 in that of Alicante and 5,278 in that of Valencia.

### Torrevieja Swimming Pool Opening Times – Summer 2023

On Monday 19 June 2023, the Outdoor Municipal Swimming Pool in Torrevieja will open for summer.



In addition, the Municipal Indoor Swimming Pool will continue to be available, open to the public until 31 July.



TORREVIEJA SWIMMING POOL SCHEDULES SUMMER 2023



TORREVIEJA OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL



FROM 19 JUNE TO 2 JULY 2023



Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.



Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.



FROM 3 JULY TO 31 AUGUST 2023



Monday to Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.



Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.



Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.



(Closed from Monday to Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for swimming courses)



TORREVIEJA INDOOR SWIMMING POOL



FROM 19 JUNE TO 31 JULY 2023



Monday from 9:15 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.



Tuesday to Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.



PRICES



The entrance fee to the pool will be €3 and €2 for people who belong to the so-called special group - over 60 and under 16 years of age, people with recognised disabilities of more than 33%, Carnet Jove holders, large families or single parent and victims of gender violence or terrorism.



You can also purchase a 20-swim voucher at a price of €40 and a special voucher at a price of €20.



Children under four years of age will not pay admission.

### Quirónsalud Torrevieja receives the golden seal of the Joint Commission International, the most demanding quality accreditation in the world in the health field

The Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja has been accredited with the  golden seal of the Joint Commission International, the highest distinction granted by this body, after an exhaustive audit in which more than 1,200 quality standards have been analysed, which the hospital rigorously complies with.







This accreditation of the Joint Commission International is the most demanding worldwide for the health field and analyses that all the care and processes of the hospital are focused on safety and quality, and in a process of continuous improvement.



Continuous improvement of quality and safety in care at Quirónsalud Torrevieja



The achievement of accreditation means an official recognition of the great effort to improve the safety and quality of care, guaranteeing a safe patient care environment and permanent work for the reduction of risks.



The Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja has carried out multiple actions in order to promote a safety culture established throughout the organisation, working on the improvement of the six international safety objectives recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO): unequivocal identification of the patient, effective communication between professionals, improvement of safety in the use of high-risk medicines,  safe surgery, decreasing the risk of infections and reducing the risk of falls.



The audit team has highlighted as a differentiating element of the Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja the great teamwork of the hospital, the excellence in the safety culture and the involvement and enthusiasm with the continuous improvement of the hospital.



The organisations accredited with this prestigious seal (which must be renewed every three years), respond to an international demand for evaluation in the health sector through quality levels based on evaluable standards and comparable with other countries, with the aim of stimulating constant improvement.



The Quirónsalud Group also holds this accreditation from the Teknon Medical Centre, the Dexeus University Hospital, the Quirónsalud Barcelona Hospital, the Quirónsalud Madrid University Hospital, the Quirónsalud Córdoba University Hospital, the Ricardo Palma Clinic in Lima (Peru), and the Imbanaco Clinic in Cali (Colombia).   



Last year, Quirónsalud became the first private hospital group in the world to obtain the Joint Commission International Enterprise accreditation, as well as the first health entity in Europe to do so. The fact of having this recognition is an additional guarantee for patients seeking the best health care to treat their health problems.



What is Joint Commission International?



The Joint Commission International is a non-profit organisation, which has been working since the 90s in more than 100 countries to improve patient safety and quality of care, offering health accreditation services internationally. This organisation audits hospitals, health systems and agencies, government ministries and institutions, promoting rigorous standards of care. JCI is the most prestigious health accreditation in the world for its high level of demand, for the safety it provides to the patient and for the rigorous and exhaustive evaluation of all care processes.

### Covid infections on the increase in latest figures

According to the latest now fortnightly report from the Valencia Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health, a total of 1,590 new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update on May 19. It should be noted however that only a small portion of the population are now tested.







This figure is an increase compared to the 1,258 cases notified in the last update for the two weeks leading up to 19 May 2023.



The new cases by provinces are 228 in Castellón (197,942 in total), 606 in Alicante (539,261 in total) and 756 in Valencia (859,665 in total).







Of these, 935 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 142 from Castellón, 374 from Alicante and 419 from Valencia.



Valencian hospitals currently have 165 people admitted, 8 of them in the ICU: 17 in the province of Castellón, 1 in the ICU; 55 in the province of Alicante, 2 in the UCI, and 93 in the province of Valencia, 5 in the UCI.



13 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 14 days. They are 7 women, between 73 and 98 years old, and 6 men, between 62 and 86 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,536: 1,280 in the province of Castellón, 3,987 in Alicante and 5,269 in Valencia. In the Alicante province, 6 deaths from Covid were recorded, double the figure from 2 weeks ago, and with the exception of the total on 5 May, which was the same, the highest death toll since March.



In the last update from 2 weeks ago, the death toll across Valencia was an additional 10, so this is also an increase.

### Surfer Finds Torrevieja Drugs Bundle

Whilst surfing off the coast of Torrevieja on Sunday morning, a surfer found a large, brown bundle floating in the sea.



Believing the bundle could contain drugs, the surfer contacted the emergency services who sent patrols from both the Guardia Civil and Local Police, who were able to recover the bundle thanks to the help of a local fishing boat.



Torrevieja Local Police used to have their own patrol boat, it should be noted, which could have been used instead of relying on the good nature of a private vessel.



The bundle of drugs was brought to Torrevieja port where an investigation will now be carried out to ascertain the origin of the stash, and possibly identify those responsible.







The Torrevieja Local Police boat in 2011. This is not the only vessel the police used in the town previously for activities such as this, as well as rescues and patrols.

### Municipal Art School Students Exhibit Works

This coming Thursday, June 1, at 7:00 p.m., the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, together with the Councillor for Culture, Antonio Quesada, inaugurates the exhibition ACCIÓN in the exhibition hall of the Virgen Cultural Centre, featuring works by the students at the Municipal School of Painting, guided by their teacher, Mar García.



A total of 60 Mar García students are part of this project in which each student has turned to a 10 x 0.40 metre canvas, which will be suspended from the ceiling of the Cultural Centre exhibition hall until Sunday, June 25th.



ACCIÓN is the development of a creative project after observing and admiring nature, transferred to a formal level in a contemporary approach. A simile is produced between the action of defending nature and the moment of creation-boiling, turning the painting classroom into a laboratory in which to experiment with gestures.

### Keys to a healthy heart free of risks

The specialists of the Cardiology Unit at Quirónsalud Torrevieja answer the most frequently asked questions about cardiovascular diseases.



What is cardiovascular pathology?



Cardiovascular disease refers to the pathological process that affects the entire arterial system, not only the coronary arteries, but also the brain, legs and the rest of the body.



Therefore, when we talk about cardiovascular disease we refer to stroke, transient ischaemic attack, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, intermittent claudication and arterial ischaemia as manifestations of cardiovascular disease, among others.



The pathological process involved is usually atherosclerosis, which is the accumulation of fats, cholesterol and other substances within the wall of the arteries, causing progressive narrowing and even complete obstruction, blocking the flow of blood that should reach a part of the body.



Prevention of cardiovascular diseases



In addition to exhaustively treating the classic risk factors such as arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia (hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridaemia) and tobacco consumption, there are a series of measures that help prevent the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease. The cardiology experts at Quirónsalud have drawn up the following list:



- Nutrition: is the integrating pillar for both prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.



- Exercise: most cardiovascular risk factors are improved by a combination of aerobic exercise, resistance training and stretching.



- Mind-heart interactions: A clear association between emotional state and heart health has been observed. Stress can induce ischaemia by causing both epicardial and microvascular vasoconstriction.



How to prevent heart disease



At Quirónsalud, heart health experts and cardiologists recommend the benefits of a comprehensive lifestyle intervention programme, including: nutritional changes through a low-fat, vegetable-based diet, frequent physical exercise and stress management, all of which have shown the disappearance of angina pectoris in 74% of patients included in the study by Frattaroli et al.



In addition, as shown in the 2011 study by Sattelmair et al in the scientific journal Circulation, walking 30 minutes 5 days a week reduces the risk of ischaemic heart disease (angina pectoris or myocardial infarction) by 14%.



Risk factors for heart disease



There are certain risk factors for heart disease that are not within our control, such as genetic inheritance, age, gender and environmental pollution. However, by knowing these factors in each person's specific situation, we can take appropriate measures to try to minimise the harmful effects of these risk factors.



Keeping the heart healthy



Stress is pervasive in our lives today and we need to learn how to manage it effectively. Stress can induce ischaemia by different mechanisms, but it also alters autonomic regulation and triggers the release of circulating catecholamines that can even trigger stress cardiomyopathy. In the 2012 study by Schneider et al, it was shown that meditating twice a day can reduce cardiovascular events by up to 48%.



Diet to prevent heart disease



One of the best-studied dietary approaches in cardiology is the Mediterranean diet, which consists of increasing vegetable and fruit intake, giving preference to whole grains over refined grains, reducing red meat and increasing fish consumption, with a predominant use of olive and rapeseed oil.



Sport for an active heart



The sport with the most cardiovascular benefits would be one that combines aerobic exercise, resistance training and stretching.



Walking 30 minutes a day 5 days a week has been shown to play a beneficial role in cardiovascular risk management. Thus, sports such as running, cycling, jogging, trekking or swimming would fulfil this role. A notable cardiovascular benefit has also been demonstrated with tai chi, a form of martial art from ancient China that is characterised by smooth, flowing movements.

### Torrevieja PP Wins Local Elections with More Councillors

The Partido Popular (PP) of Torrevieja, with the residing mayor Eduardo Dolón leading the list, has once again obtained an absolute majority in the local elections, but this time with more councillors elected than in 2019.







The PP obtained 12,640 votes this time, compared to 10,614 in 2019. The main opposition were the socialist PSOE group, who had lots of internal problems in the run up to the elections and obtained 4,704 votes. The PP therefore have 16 out of the 25 councillors, and the PSOE, 6. The rest of the government team made up by Vox and Sueña, with 2 and 1 seats, respectively.







The latest data from the Institute of National Statistics states the population of Torrevieja is 83,547 (2022), and therefore, despite their improved success, only around 15% of the population actually voted for the PP. This, as always, was due to the poor representation of the residents in the election process.



There were only ever around half of the population eligible and registered to vote, 43,437, and of those, only around half actually took part, 22,973, a slightly higher figure than 2019. Voter apathy is a long-term problem but is something that must be addressed in order to obtain true representation. If you were not registered to vote this time, and Brexit has changed the rules, but it is still possible, now is the time to make enquiries as to how you can ensure your voice is heard next time, although that will now not be for another 4 years.



The good news for many foreign residents is that the improved result for the PP means that the councillor for international residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, has once again made it to government, after Eduardo Dolón took a risk by moving her down the list, much to the disappointment of many residents who have been helped by both her department and her directly over the last 4 years.



The department for international residents exists to help you with anything that you might find a problem or troubling, especially focused on those foreign residents in the town, and they can also advise and help you get registered to vote for next time.



Eduardo Dolón will also be joining the regional government of Valencia, after the PP were also successful in the regional elections.







The first 16 members presented on the PP Torrevieja list are:



1. Eduardo Jorge Dolon Sanchez



2. María Rosario Martínez Chazarra



3. Ricardo Recuero Serrano



4. Rosa María Cañón Rodríguez



5. Diana Box Alonso



6. Federico Alarcón Martínez



7. I nmaculada Montesinos Pérez



8. Antonio Francisco Vidal Arévalo



9. Concepción Sala Maciá



10. María Sandra Sánchez Andreu



11. José Antonio Quesada Hurtado



12. Domingo Paredes Ibáñez



13. Maria Jose Ruiz Egea



14. María Gertrudis Páez Martínez



15. Gitte Lund Thomsen



16. Óscar Urtasun North

### The PP Rules the Valencia Region

The Partido Popular in the Valencia community (PPCV) has regained control of both the region and the city of Valencia, although the far-right group Vox has also made headway, and may be called upon to support the governing.



The socialist PSPV have been in charge of the region for the last 8 years and have presided over a disastrous change in the healthcare management, including in Torrevieja hospital.



With the new head of the PP, Carlos Mazón, the group managed to double its number of deputies compared to 2019, from 19 to 40. Meanwhile, Vox, with Carlos Flores, has risen from 10 to 13 seats. Ciudadanos, which presented Mamen Peris as head of the list, has not entered the regional Parliament and has suffered a total collapse with 1.48% of the votes and the loss of the 18 deputies it had. 



Regarding the PSPV of Ximo Puig –until now president of the Generalitat– they achieved 31 seats, which is in fact 4 more than in the last elections. Compromís, with Joan Baldoví, obtained 15 (down 3) and Unides Podem, with Héctor Illueca, disappeared from Les Corts and lost the 8 representatives it had.

### View the election results live on the official website and app

The Government has developed a specific website and mobile application to follow live the results of the local elections on May 28, in which the mayors and councillors of the municipalities throughout Spain are elected, in addition to the members of the Island Councils of the Canary Islands and the representatives of the Assemblies of Ceuta and Melilla.



Both the website, available from Sunday at the link https://resultados.locales2023.es , and the application for mobile devices “28M Elecciones Locales 2023”, now downloadable and can be changed to English in the configuration menu, in the markets of the Android and iOS platforms.



Among the novelties of the web platform and the app, a graph is incorporated for the first time that will allow to know in real time the number of votes pending to reach the last councillor in dispute in each constituency and which are the candidacies involved. In addition, a virtual majority simulation tool will be included that will make it easier for users to calculate the possible agreements that guarantee an absolute majority in the different municipalities, councils and assemblies of Ceuta and Melilla.



The polling station constitution section offers graphs on the number of polling stations constituted and the percentage they represent over the total number of existing polling stations, in addition to statistics on the census and number of voters, with the information broken down by municipalities and councils.



The web space reserved for Participation will show the graphs of participation progress at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and their comparison with the same time slots in the local elections held in 2019. The data will also be available by autonomous community, provinces and municipalities through a drop-down menu.



From 9:00 p.m., after the closure of the polling stations in the Canary Islands, the website and the mobile application will begin to receive the first results of the scrutiny in the different polling stations, which can be consulted in real time from the Provisional Results section.



The graphs will show the distribution of councillors throughout the national territory, including the comparison with the results in the last local elections, in May 2019, and will allow consulting the absolute and relative majorities obtained by each candidacy. From the search engine you can also access the results of the 8,228 municipalities, the island councils and the Assemblies of Ceuta and Melilla.



A space included in the results section will allow the user to carry out specific queries for candidacies to find out the number of votes by party or group, the councillors obtained in each case and the percentage of votes obtained out of the total number cast.



The user will also be able to find out the final participation rate at the closing of the polling stations, with the abstention data and the numbers of votes cast, valid, blank and null in each municipality, as well as its comparison with the local elections of 2019.



The platforms also have an interactive map that allows a direct search for the winning candidacy in each autonomous community and municipality.

### The Valencian Community registers 574 new cases of melanoma in one year

The Valencian Community has registered a total of 574 new cases of melanoma in the region in one year, according to the latest figures from the Cancer Information System (SIC-CV), which is in charge of the cancer surveillance system in the Community,



Of the 574 new cases of melanoma that correspond to the year 2021, 297 cases have been diagnosed in men and 277 in women, so this type of cancer is somewhat more frequent in men.



Cutaneous melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops when melanocytes (the cells that give skin a tan hue) grow out of control. The main cause of melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet radiation emitted naturally by the sun or by artificial sources, such as tanning booths and devices. On the other hand, there is a higher risk for people who have fair skin.



Of all the cancer diagnoses that were carried out in 2021 in the Valencian Community, melanoma represented 2%, without taking into account those types of non-melanoma skin cancer.



On the other hand, the incidence rate in the Valencian Community has decreased to 10.88 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2021, compared to that registered in 2019, which stood at 13.19 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.



By sex, the incidence rate stands at 12.36 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the case of men and 9.74 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in women. In both sexes, the incidence rate increases with age and the mean age at diagnosis is 65 years for men and 64 years for women. According to the figures, one in 148 men and one in 184 women, respectively, are at risk of developing melanoma before the age of 75.



Likewise, the rates in the Valencian Community are similar to the projections made for Spain by the Spanish Network of Cancer Registries in 2021 (10.5 cases per 100,000 in men and 13.8 per 100,000 in women) and lower than those of the European Cancer Information System, ECIS (26 per 100,000 men and 20.8 per 100,000 women for 2020).



Finally, the relative survival of melanoma 5 years after diagnosis during the period from 2004 to 2018 is 80.4% in men and 83.9% in women. Regarding mortality from melanoma, it represents 1.1% of all deaths from cancer in the Valencian Community.

### Brits Amongst 19 Arrestees in Torrevieja Cannabis Clampdown

Seven cannabis associations in Torrevieja have been dismantled by the Guardia Civil in an operation in which 19 people between the ages of 25 and 69 of eight nationalities have been arrested and nearly of ten kilograms of marijuana, prohibited weapons and more than 10,000 euro seized.



Operation 'Libro Registro' included ten searches in premises and homes, in addition to the arrest of people from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Lithuania and Chile, in an investigation that began when a slight increase was detected in infractions related to the consumption and possession of drugs in specific areas of Torrevieja, with minors and foreign tourists involved.



The operation took place during March and April, and it was discovered that, under the guise of non-profit associations, these organisations exceeded the amounts of marijuana allowed per member for consumption that was not limited to the interior of the premises.



Nor were records of the origin of the drug kept and four of the seven associations were not registered in the National Registry of Associations.



Likewise, it was revealed that these associations did not limit their activity to their members but also allowed sales of drugs to minors and foreign tourists, all of which revealed that the investigated associations turned out to be mere instruments designed to give an appearance of legality to the cultivation and distribution of drugs.



The operation was carried out in several phases, between March 28 and April 26, and a total of seven searches were carried out at the associations' headquarters and three more at the homes of some of those responsible, where the arrests were made.



9,338 kilos of marijuana, 1,276 of hashish, 30 grams of cocaine, 32 litres of liquid cannabis, 42 marijuana plants, 60 canisters with liquid cannabis, various prohibited weapons and more than 10,000 euro were seized, and one of the searches revealed a clandestine production of hashish, where products derived from cannabis were made, such as chocolates, cookies, resins, oils and drinks.



According to their degree of participation, those arrested have been investigated for alleged crimes against public health, illegal possession of weapons and belonging to a criminal group, and have been made available to the Torrevieja Investigating Courts, which have ordered their release, with precautionary measures for all of them.



As a result of the evidence collected, the judicial authorities have ordered the temporary closure of the seven associations involved in the investigation for a period of 5 years as a preventive measure to guarantee the safety and well-being of the community.

### Ten New Unmarked Cars for Regional Police

The Valencia Regional Police has added ten new vehicles to its fleet this Friday.



These cars, manufactured by Seat, will be added to the fleet of camouflaged cars used by some units of this body such as the operational groups for the preservation of the environment, protection of historical heritage, control of the gaming sector, traceability of fruit and vegetable products, the fight against the submerged economy and actions in matters of minors and women.



Five of these vehicles will be used in groups in the province of Valencia, three in the province of Alicante and two in the province of Castellón.

### 80 Pétanque Courts Restored in Torrevieja

The Councillor for Sports in Torrevieja, Diana Box Alonso, has announced that after being neglected, a total of 80 pétanque courts located throughout the municipal area of ​​the town have had restoration work now carried out.



Diana Box has explained that these remodelling works have been carried out through a contract of 48,400 euro (IVA included) having been the execution period of two months.



The 80 remodelled courts are in: Plaza de Las Abejas, Plaza Argólidas, Plaza de Europa, Plaza de la Marina Española, Plaza Mar Azul, Plaza Sevilla, San Roque neighbourhood and those that are installed in the Las Torretas urbanisations, Cabo Cervera, Los Balcones and La Siesta.

### Full List of Blue Flag Beaches in the Alicante Province for 2023

Torrevieja has secured the Blue Flag of quality for a number of beaches once again for the 2023 summer season, but the beaches of the town are not to the liking of everybody, as they are quite small in places and can get very busy, therefore we thought we’d give you a list of other locations you might also want to consider around the area, specifically in the Alicante province, covering much of the Costa Blanca, with the full list of Blue Flag beaches in the Alicante Province for 2023, with the closest locations first.



Orihuela




Aguamarina



Barranco Rubio



Cabo Roig -La Caleta



Cala Capitán



Cala Cerrada



Cala Estaca



Cala Mosca



Campoamor-La Glea



La Zenia- Cala Bosque



Mil Palmeras



Punta Prima




Guardamar del Segura




Centre



El Moncaio



La Roqueta



Dels Vivers




Santa Pola




Calas del Este



Calas Santiago



Bernabéu



Llevant



Varador




Elx




Arenals del Sol-Sur



Carabassí



L’Altet



La Marina



Les Pesqueres-El



Rebollo




Pilar de la Horadada




Conde



Higuericas



Jesuitas



Mil Palmeras



Puerto



Rocamar




Then, the rest of the Blue Flag beaches in the Alicante Province in alphabetical order.



Alicante




L’Albufereta



Postiguet



Saladar-Urbanova



Sant Joan



Tabarca




Altea




Cap Blanc



La Roda



L’Espigó




Benissa




Cala Baladrar



Cala Fustera




Calpe




Cantal Roig



La Fossa



L’Arenal-Bol




Denia




Les Bovetes



Les Marines



Marineta Cassiana



Molins



Punta del Raset




El Campello




Carrer de la Mar



Mutxavista




El Poble Nou de Benitatxell




Cala del Moraig




Finestrat




La Cala




En L’Alfàs del Pi




Racó de L’Albir




Teulada




El Portet



La Ampolla



Les Platgetes




Vila Joiosa




Bon Nou



Ciutat (Centro)



La Caleta



Paradís



Varadero




Xàbia




Granadella



La Grava




And finally, although we have spoken about Blue Flag beaches in Torrevieja before, here is the list again.



Torrevieja




Cabo Cervera



Cala de las Piteras



El Cura



Los Locos



Los Náufragos



Torrelamata-Sur




The Blue Flag accreditation awards beaches for such elements as water quality, accesibility, and facilities, allowing the beaches to display the flag confirming their commitment to the standards set out by the body.

### Music from the Films

On Saturday 13 May 2023, the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra will be playing the Music from the Films, in a special concert being held at the Torrevieja International Auditorium.



Tickets for the musical concert are on sale at culturaltorrevieja.com, with 15 euro being the base price, for the 90-minute concert that will take you on a journey through some of your favourite flicks.



The concert starts at 7 p.m.

### Torrevieja May Fair Tribute Plans Finalised

The final plans for the “tribute” to the annual spring festival, after the Torrevieja May Fair was cancelled due to ongoing work at the harbour, were presented this week in the Plenary Hall of the Town Hall, specially decorated for the announcement, revealing the details of the celebration to be held from May 11 to 14 in the Parque de la Estación.



The Councillor for Fiestas, Concha Sala, was accompanied by representatives of the dance academies that will offer their shows on a stage that will be set up at the park, as well as by representatives of the 7 small booths that will also open their doors on the premises.



The councillor pointed out the significant success of the May Fair in its edition last year after the pandemic and a few years in which the fair, with more than 35 years of experience, "had deteriorated in many aspects", clearly without realising that this latest incarnation is the biggest “deterioration” to date, forced largely by lack of planning on the part of the town hall who were aware of the closure of the usual area, and failed to identify other, more suitable locations in the town.



Concha Sala pointed out that this year "given the impossibility of doing it in the port area due to the works that are being undertaken and because it is impossible to move it to another location due to the lack of the necessary infrastructure, we did not want the year to go blank and we have attended the interest of both the local booths and the dance academies and schools, winking at the May Fair”.



In the event that this mini celebration will be popular, many people will not be allowed into the grounds, as the Councillor has indicated that the Parque de la Estación will have a regulated capacity with the maximum legal capacity, it will be conditioned to house a stage for dance schools to perform their exhibitions and seven small booths.



The program of events contemplates that at 8:30 p.m. the performances of Mery Dance Academy and Soul Dance begin. On Friday, the “Arantxa Blanco” Dance Centre and the Municipal School of Dance will perform at the same time with their teacher, Nuria Girona. Also, on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. the “QK” Academy and the “Paya's” Dance School will perform. The venue will open on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. and from Friday to Sunday at 12:00 p.m.



The Parque de la Estación site will have security guards, as well as volunteers from Civil Protection and the Local Police. Two ambulances will also be located permanently. Likewise, a drinking water point will be installed for the use of the booths and in the field of cleaning both waste collection and recycling will be reinforced, as well as work inside the park.



Finally, it should be noted that the Local Police have planned for those days traffic cuts around the Parque de la Estación on Avenida de la Estación (between Avda. Diego Ramírez and C/Greco) and Calle Greco (between Avda. Estación and C /Portalicos).



Meanwhile, the Parque Antonio Soria, normally used for events of a larger capacity, such as music concerts, food tasting, markets, etc, will remain vacant, as will the International Auditorium, both of which have ample parking. Many other locations are also available.

### Blue Flag Beaches in Torrevieja 2023

For the 2023 summer season, there are six Blue Flag beaches in Torrevieja who will be allowed to fly the Blue Flag quality standard.



The six Blue Flag beaches in Torrevieja in 2023 are:



Cabo Cervera



Cala Piteras



El Cura



Los Locos



Los Náufragos



Torrelamata-Sur



The Blue Flag is a quality standard offered by the FEE, which is a not-for-profit non-governmental organisation consisting of 65 organisations in 77 member countries, that ensures that beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators meets its standards.



In 2019, there were 5 Blue Flag beaches in Torrevieja. It was the same number in 2015, in 2011 Torrevieja had 3 Blue Flags having recovered the statis at Playa El Cura, which had had lost for several years.

### Walk Your Heart Healthy!

The cardiology service of the Torrevieja University Hospital has organised a heart-healthy route under the motto "keep your heart in shape", which will take place on Saturday, May 6, at 11:00 a.m., in the Las Lagunas de La Mata Natural Park in Torrevieja.



The meeting is aimed at patients from the Torrevieja health department with cardiovascular disease, family members and health personnel. The walk, organised in collaboration with the Torrevieja Council, does not require prior registration and will last an estimated forty minutes.



Moderate exercise is one of the keys to taking care of our health and preventing cardiovascular diseases. Health professionals recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week to maintain good cardiovascular health.



This route, which will take place in the surroundings of the Salinero Natural Park, is suitable for people of all ages and levels of physical condition and can be done both walking or running. During the tour, participants will be able to enjoy the natural landscape.



In addition, participants will be treated to a healthy lunch for taking part.

### Emergency Flood Warning to be Sent to Mobiles on Thursday - IT IS A TEST

On Thursday this week, mobile phones around the Vega Baja area will sound an alert of a flood. This alert IS A TEST. Do not panic, although you will have to cancel the alert on your phone.



The Agency for Security and Response to Emergencies and the General Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergencies of the Ministry of the Interior has announced the test to take place on Thursday, alerting residents in the municipalities of Vega Baja. 



The ES-Alert system, which is integrated into the National Alert Network, uses Cell Broadcast technology to deliver messages to the mobile phones of users in a specific area. In this way, the people affected by the emergency will hear a high-pitched sound on their mobile that in turn displays a warning text. The sound only stops when the user of the terminal confirms its reading.



This Thursday's test is part of the Vega Renhace Plan projects, so a notice will be sent to the population simulating a flood alert with instructions for action and self-protection that would minimise the risk in a real case. On this occasion, messages in Spanish and English will be transferred to the public.

### Drug Dealing Greengrocers Arrested in Torrevieja

Within the framework of the National Plan for the fight against the cultivation and trafficking of narcotic drugs, the Guardia Civil arrested two brothers and is investigating a third man who allegedly sold drugs from a greengrocers shop in Torrevieja, a substance that was in boxes of products displayed in an establishment that was apparently closed to the public, but where there was a large movement of people.



As reported by the armed institute in a statement, the two detainees are two residents of the town, 40 and 46 years old and Spanish nationality, while the person under investigation is a 67-year-old man. Those arrested have been placed at the disposal of the Investigating Court number 1 of Torrevieja, which has ordered his admission to prison and precautionary measures for the person under investigation.



Following a tip off from a member of the public about a "strange deal" in a local establishment, the Guardia Civil began an investigation, and they verified the existence of a group allegedly dedicated to drug trafficking.



The investigators established a tight control of the activity in the establishment, a greengrocer, run by two brothers and which was apparently closed to the general public, but there was a "constant movement" of customers. The employees "opened and closed the establishment without an apparent cause, and the clients entered and left without shopping bags," according to the Guardia Civil.



The agents made some initial identifications and confirmed that, upon leaving the premises, the clients were allegedly carrying narcotic substances. Transactions were carried out inside the premises by one of the brothers, the youngest of them, while the eldest appeared and disappeared frequently from the establishment. The investigators verified that he was the alleged leader of the gang.



Continuing with the investigation, the agents found out that this person, in addition to serving the greengrocer, frequented various gambling halls in the town, in which they also found the sale of drugs.



The Guardia Civil has also been able to verify the involvement of a third person, a Spanish man, also a resident of the town, who was allegedly in charge of surveillance of the exterior of the greengrocer's and of attracting customers in the gambling halls.



The investigators, supported by the Torrevieja Citizen Security Unit (USECIC) and the canine handler of the Alicante Command with the drug detector dog, carried out the exploitation phase of the operation, in which they carried out the searches and made the arrests of the suspects, who are accused of the crimes of belonging to a criminal group, against public health for drug trafficking and smuggling.

### What is Barrett's oesophagus? Symptoms and treatments

The specialists of the General Surgery and Digestive System service  of Quirónsalud Torrevieja answer the most frequently asked questions about Barrett's oesophagus (BE).



What is Barrett's oesophagus?



Barrett's oesophagus is a condition in which the lining of the distal oesophagus, next to the entrance to the stomach, is damaged by acid reflux, causing this lining to be replaced by a different one and causing Barrett's oesophagus.



Risk actors for Barrett's oesophagus:



Family history.



Being a man.



Being white.



Age.  It can occur at any age but is most common in adults over age 50.



Smoking or having smoked.



Overweight.



What symptoms are most common?



Patients with Barrett's oesophagus have the same symptoms as those with gastroesophageal reflux disease: heartburn and regurgitation.



In addition, symptoms such as difficulty swallowing food and chest pains also appear, although to a lesser extent.



For some people, this gastroesophageal reflux disease can trigger a change in the cells lining the lower oesophagus and cause Barrett's oesophagus.



Most people with a diagnosis of Barrett's oesophagus report few or no symptoms.



What are the dangers of this disorder?



Barrett's oesophagus is linked to an increased risk of developing oesophageal cancer.



"Although the risk of oesophageal cancer is low, it is important to have regular endoscopic check-ups and biopsies of the oesophagus to check for precancerous cells (dysplasia)."  Explain the specialists of Quirónsalud Torrevieja.



What tests are performed for its diagnosis?



The test performed is upper endoscopy.



What treatments are there?



Treatment depends on the degree of cellular alteration of the oesophageal epithelium and the patient's condition.



Periodic endoscopy, to monitor the state of the epithelium of Barrett's oesophagus by means of biopsies, should be performed periodically every 1-2 years, depending on the type of cellular alteration.



In addition, gastroesophageal reflux should be treated with medications and lifestyle change.



When to operate?



Antisecretory medication, such as omeprazole, reduces the risk of development and progression of Barrett's oesophagus, but they are not effective in facilitating complete prevention, since they do not completely prevent the passage of stomach acid into the oesophagus, which continues to injure the oesophageal mucosa.



Therefore, anti-reflux surgery is considered superior to antisecretory medication in controlling Barrett's oesophagus, and should be offered to patients as the best therapeutic option, reporting benefits as well as possible side effects.



What is the success rate of this surgery?



"The success rate of anti-reflux surgery is over 90% at 5 years," say the specialists.



Recommendations to avoid reflux



A healthy diet, we eliminate spicy products, citrus fruits, tobacco, alcohol, coffee ...



Do not make copious meals.



Do not go to bed until 2 or 3 hours after eating.



Sleep with your head held high to prevent reflux from rising.



Sleep on the left so that our stomach does not turn towards the oesophagus.



Lead a stress-free life.



Treat constipation.



Do not wear very tight garments.



Avoid taking drugs that reduce the tone of the lower oesophageal sphincter.



What is Barrett's oesophagus surgery?



The surgery is performed laparoscopically and consists of making a valve with the patient's own stomach, like a tie, that surrounds the oesophagus.



This valve prevents the acidic contents of the stomach from rising into the oesophagus and damaging the mucosa.



How is the postoperative period?



"It is an operation that in expert hands has practically no complications and 24-48 hours the patient is discharged to his home, being able to lead a normal life 7-10 days after surgery" explains the specialists of Quirónsalud.

### International Body Building Competition in Torrevieja

On 28 May, the International Auditorium in Torrevieja will be filled with men and women showing of their sculptured and toned bodies, in the AMIX Cup competition.



Registration and weigh-in will take place at the auditorium on 27 May, before the athletes take to the stage on the 28th for the main competition, with both men and women competing, and special categories for wheelchair participants.



The culmination will of course be the awards ceremony at the end of the competition.








https://youtu.be/hRg1j1CtE0I

### Torrevieja will Celebrate Europe Day in May

The Department of International Residents in Torrevieja town hall has organised a very special celebration to recognise Europe Day 2023, with a special gala at the International Auditorium that will feature a performance by Azúcar Moreno, who participated in Eurovision in 1990 with the song "Bandido", achieving a meritorious 5th position.



The gala, which will be held on May 9 at 7:30 p.m., will feature many surprises that will make the public vibrate. Tickets are free with invitation, and can be reserved and downloaded from the portal culturatorrevieja.com.



If getting to the auditorium is a concern, you don’t have to worry too much, because the town hall will also provide a free bus service from the Torrevieja interchange to the International Auditorium, with the first departure at 6:00 p.m. and the last at 6:30 p.m.



Likewise, on May 6, one day before the celebration of Europe Day, from 9:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., there will be a Petanque tournament on the slopes of the Rocajuna urbanisation, "Europe Tournament", sponsored by the EmbassyMyHome company together with the Torrevieja Council and with the participation of the following teams: Spain, United Kingdom, Sweden, France, Belgium and Rest of Europe. Spain, winner of the Tournament in the last edition of 2022, will try to defend the title.








https://youtu.be/cCBa4sety5w

### Various Street Closures on Monday for the Cycle Race in Torrevieja

On Monday 1 May, a national holiday celebrating workers, there will be various streets closed in Torrevieja for a cycle race, the time trial stage of the la Vuelta Ciclista femenina.



There will be parking restrictions and closures covering some 20 streets in the town, with parking prohibited between 10:30 and 14:30.



The test will affect the start at Avenida Monge y Bielsa (near the Ciudad Deportiva), Delfina Viudes, Ronda Ricardo Lafuente Aguado, Orihuela, Diego Ramírez Pastor, Urbano Arregui, Mar Menor, Desiderio Rodríguez, Gregorio Marañón, Ramón Gallud , Apolo, Cortes Valencianas, Baleares, Gran Canaria, Paris, La Mancha, Gabriela Mistral, Aeneas, Alfredo Nobel and Mariano Ruiz Cánovas, where the end will be.

### Covid Infections Highest Since January

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 940 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen test since the last update last Friday.



This is the highest weekly increase since 20th January, when the increase in Covid infections was 1,078.



The new cases by province are 193 in Castellón (197,296 in total), 275 in Alicante (537,671 in total) and 472 in Valencia (857,670 in total).



632 of these cases are people over 60 years old. By province: 149 in Castellón, 181 in Alicante and 302 in Valencia.



Valencian hospitals currently have 238 people admitted for COVID, 6 of them in the ICU: 26 in the province of Castelló, with 2 patients in the ICU; 54 in the province of Alicante, with 2 patients in ICU, and 158 in the province of Valencia, with 2 patients in ICU.



10 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death within the last 7 days. These are 6 women, between 78 and 92 years old, and 4 men, between 71 and 89 years old. The total number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic amounts to 10,486, by province: 1,269 in the province of Castellón, 3,972 in that of Alicante and 5,245 in that of Valencia.

### Erectile dysfunction: symptoms, causes and treatment

The specialists of the Urology Unit at Quirónsalud Torrevieja answer the most frequently asked questions about erectile dysfunction.



What is erectile dysfunction?



Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.



However, if erectile dysfunction in men is a recurring problem, it can cause stress, affect self-confidence and contribute to relationship problems.



If you are worried about erectile dysfunction, put yourself in the hands of specialists to help you treat it. Quirónsalud has a team of urologists specialised in this type of pathology.



Symptoms of erectile dysfunction



Among the symptoms that patients usually present, we can mention:



– Problems getting an erection.– Problems maintaining an erection.– Decreased sexual desire.



When should you see a specialist?



If you have the following symptoms and they are recurrent, see your doctor:



– You are concerned about your erections or have other sexual problems, such as ejaculatory dysfunction, premature or delayed ejaculation.– You have diabetes, heart disease, or another known medical condition that may be associated with erectile dysfunction.– You have other symptoms in addition to erectile dysfunction.



What causes erectile dysfunction



Male sexual arousal is a complex process involving the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction can be the result of a problem with any of these. Similarly, stress and mental health concerns can cause erectile dysfunction or make it worse.



Sometimes erectile dysfunction is due to a combination of physical and psychological issues. For example, a minor physical illness that slows down your sexual response can make you anxious about maintaining an erection. This anxiety can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.



How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?



Once the patient has presented with the symptoms mentioned above, a series of specific questionnaires are carried out to try to detect it. In addition, a physical examination and a series of analyses are carried out to determine the male’s hormonal status and possible imbalances in liver, kidney or pancreatic function.



How is erectile dysfunction treated?



Treatment should be oriented according to the patient’s expectations and wishes.



Depending on the results of the tests and once the cause of the erectile dysfunction in the male has been found, in some cases, treatment with a psychologist specialised in sexology is used.



Oral administration of a tablet containing sildenafil, vardenafil or tadalafil is sometimes effective. When sexually stimulated, these drugs work by increasing blood flow to the penis.



There are some treatments, which use drugs that the patient injects into the penile shaft himself. They have some side effects that should be avoided with a good training of the patient.



If you want to know more about erectile dysfunction or if you have some of the symptoms mentioned above on a recurring basis, we recommend that you consult a urology specialist at Quirónsalud Torrevieja.

### Pepco to Open in Torrevieja Habaneras Centre on Friday

Pepco will open in the Habaneras shopping centre in Torrevieja on Friday 21 April 2023, in the site previously housing sister store Dealz.



Dealz in Torrevieja has closed down whilst the renovation and conversion work takes place, which will see the doors open once again as Pepco.



Dealz and Pepco are part of the same chain, and whereas traditionally, Pepco, a Polish brand, focussed more on clothing, the stores have become almost identical in their stock recently.



Pepco also opened a new store in Quesada this year, and have been established in Elche for some time.

### The Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre Hosts the Catan National Qualifying Tournament

The Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre, managed by Nhood, will host this Saturday, April 22, the national qualifying tournament of Catan. This initiative is carried out in collaboration with the board game manufacturer Devir.



Participation in the tournament is free and open to all audiences from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The minimum age to participate is at least 10 years old. Each Qualifying Tournament will award between 1 and 3 places, depending on the registered participation that can be made on the official DEVIR website in the Agenda area. The Catan final will take place on July 8 in Madrid.



Catan was designed by Klaus Teuber in 1995 and winner of the Spiel des Jahres and is considered the game that modernised this playful modality. It works with a trading system, where players can trade cards from their hand to each other to build roads, towns and cities.



About Nhood



Nhood is a real estate services and solutions company that covers all areas of the real estate sector. Its purpose is to create, animate, manage and transform places for its clients for a new lifestyle.



For our clients-owners, we work in their spaces everything related to commercial, leisure, office or residential issues, in continuous consultation with all communities, to transform them into places of life that combine housing, commerce, education, health and animation.



Nhood works for the economic vitality of the territories respecting the economy of the environment, the environment and biodiversity.



In 5 years we will have already transformed and revitalized several dozen neighbourhoods and we will have returned to nature the equivalent of 36 stadiums in Europe. Our actions and actions are evaluated and measured by the most demanding systems and labels on the market (BREEAM, GRESB, ...).

### Huge spike in Covid hospitalisations across Valencia

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 745 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Thursday. The new cases by provinces are 120 in Castellón (197,103 in total), 173 in Alicante (537,396 in total) and 452 in Valencia (857,198 in total).



Of these, 450 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 72 from Castellón, 107 from Alicante and 271 from Valencia.



Valencian hospitals currently have 254 people admitted for COVID, 13 of them in the ICU. Last week, there were 168 people in hospital with Covid, and 7 in the ICU. This is the highest hospitalisation figure since 13 January when 285 people were in hospital. Currently, there are 31 in the province of Castellón, 3 in the ICU; 53 in the province of Alicante, 3 of them in the ICU, and 170 in the province of Valencia, 7 in the ICU.



9 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 5 women, between 89 and 95 years old, and 4 men between 74 and 89 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,476: 1,268 in the province of Castellón, 3,969 in Alicante and 5,239 in Valencia.

### Chinese Circus coming to Torrevieja

The Councillor for Culture in Torrevieja, Antonio Quesada, accompanied by Lalo Díez, director of Torrevieja Culture, and the coordinator of the "Joaquín Chapaprieta" Municipal Institute of Culture, Manuel Esteban Moreno, presented the Cultural Program of the next quarter, which as a novelty for a quarter-year period covers four months, May, June, July and August.



Among the new opportunities that have been presented is the launch of the Youth Day, a discount for people under 35 years of age that will be applied at the Municipal Theatre box office on the first Friday of each month. The objective of this initiative is none other than to bring the theatre closer to the younger audience.



The “Friends of Culture” program continues, as well as the discount for retirees and the subscription plan that was already launched in the first four-month period of the year. As for the children's revitalization activities on the last Sunday of the month, they will continue for the next four months, and the proceeds will go to the local NGO "ADENIS".



Regarding cultural events in May, the month will begin with humour with the Spanish comedy "Martita de Graná" at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre, on the 6th.



The previously announced "Cruz de Navajas" will take place at the Municipal Theatre from May 11 to 14. The month of May will close with the performance of Pantomime Full on the 19th, and the soprano Ainhoa ​​Arteta, on the 27th.




https://youtu.be/X7ZWxgimnHA?t=63




Looking at the cultural events in Torrevieja in June, El Mago Yunke will bring magic to the Municipal Theatre on June 16, while the laughter will be from the monologue of Ángel Martín, on the 11th. El Brujo and Estrella Morente will also be part of the program for the month of June. Two musicals have been programmed for the children, the first will take place on June 10, “Sherlock”, and the adventures of “Tadeo Jones” will hit the stage at the municipal theatre on July 1.



More than 51 events are planned for the next four months, including the arrival of the Chinese Acrobatic Circus, performances by local academies and associations and, of course, the International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest.



Induvial details of all events will be available in the fulness of time, so keep checking back or subscribe to this website, This Is Torrevieja, to keep up to date with all the events in Torrevieja.

### Comarcon kicks off Torrevieja spring youth schedule

The 2023 spring youth schedule kicked off at Easter weekend in Torrevieja, with Comarcon 2023 being the first major event aimed at younger people in the municipality.




https://youtu.be/YPKXnhdaef4




A total of 12 activities, courses and events make up the spring youth program and whose main attractions will be La Comarcon 2023, alternative leisure days, which this year celebrate their IX edition, and which will be held on April 8 and 9 at the Palacio de Deportes with an uninterrupted day from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. with the best of role-playing, board games, comics, manga, video games, cosplay, movies, etc.



In addition, a visit to the Museum of Arts and Sciences and Oceanográfic has been organised on the occasion of its 25th anniversary on Saturday, June 17. An interesting educational leisure event is also included, the I Sports and Technology Week from June 26 to 30, for adolescents from 12 to 17 years old.



Domingo Paredes, the councillor responsible for the area, has indicated that in terms of training, two interesting courses on Educational Robotics and 3D Printing are offered. Enrolment is also open for a new water lifesaving course for beaches, swimming pools and natural spaces that will begin in May, within the PICE program (Initial Employment Qualification Program) for young people enrolled in the National Youth Guarantee System.



Two calls for competitions have also been organised in this spring agenda, such as the Alicante Provincial Youth Provincial Awards, which this year celebrate their XX edition with 6 categories, and an interesting painting contest “El viaje de Kaochoa” organised by the Fauna Natura association.



As usual in the programme, the inclusive leisure outings continue twice a month, the conversations in English with volunteers and the theatre workshops "Creators' stories" organised in collaboration with the Alicante Institute of Culture (IAC) Juan Gil Albert, which will be held on May 2 at the IES Mediterráneo de Torrevieja.



Finally, the Councillor for Youth recalls that for more information and registration for any of the activities, those interested can go in person to the Centro de Información y Animación Juvenil (CIAJ), located at Paseo Juan Aparicio, nº 5, or find out through their social networks, telephone 965714072, WhatsApp 606055291, email juventud@torrevieja.eu and on the municipal website www.torrevieja.es.

### Spike in Covid Infections and Deaths in Alicante Province

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 910 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. It must be noted however that this week the figures are published on Thursday on account of the holiday, and would therefore otherwise be higher than reported. The new cases by provinces are 143 in Castellón (196,983 in total), 216 in Alicante (537,223 in total), 550 in Valencia (856,746 in total) and 1 unassigned.







Of these, 530 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 75 from Castellón, 152 from Alicante, 302 from Valencia and 1 unassigned.



Valencian hospitals currently have 168 people admitted, 7 of them in the ICU: 25 in the province of Castellón, 3 in the ICU; 32 in the province of Alicante, 1 of them in the ICU, and 111 in the province of Valencia, 3 in the ICU.



8 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days. They are 4 women, between 67 and 93 years old, and 4 men between 72 and 92 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,467: 1,268 in the province of Castellón, 3,969 in Alicante and 5,230 in Valencia.

### Rehabilitation of the old "La Química" in Las Salinas de Torrevieja

These Torrevieja redevelopment proposals are coming thick and fast, for some reason (nothing to do with elections next month, honest!).



Next is the “very special proposal” for Torrevieja, the rehabilitation of the old buildings of "La Química" of Las Salinas de Torrevieja.



The main idea of the project is to position the Torrevieja salt flats as a tourist and health resource, preserving, protecting, and caring for the set of old buildings that are in disuse.



After the project was presented, the Mayor, Eduardo Dolón, thanked “everyone involved in this ambitious and beautiful project for our city, especially the former director of Las Salinas de Torrevieja, Pedro Gómez Mateo, and David Ruiz Molina, architect who has carried out this proposed project commissioned by the Torrevieja Council”.

### Los Locos Beach Redevelopment Plans Presented in Torrevieja

Torrevieja town hall presented plans for the redevelopment of the Los Locos Beach promenade (Avenida Dr. Mariano Ruiz Cánovas), which, they say, will significantly improve accessibility to the coastline, providing it with pedestrian paths and spacious areas for citizens to enjoy, complying with regulations on accessibility in the urban environment, and turning it into a pedestrian and urban promenade, but more natural.



The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, together with the Councillor for Projects, Sandra Sánchez, presented the redevelopment project, in which Dolón explained that he has been working on this project for three years, first by meeting with residents of the area to inform them of the action that the Council intends to carry out, and in August 2021, the drafting was put out to tender of the project that was awarded in December 2022 to the Juan Ignacio Fuster Marcos Architecture Studio, for an amount of 73,221.40 euro (IVA included).



The mayor said that in February the Basic Project was sent with all the necessary documentation to the Provincial Coastal Service of Alicante and also to the General Directorate of Ports of the Generalitat Valenciana, and their response is currently now pending before the next stage can commence.



The intention is to be able to tender the works after this summer and to begin executing the redevelopment of the promenade at the end of this year.



A NEEDED REDEVELOPMENT



Eduardo Dolón has indicated that, in view of the current state of Avenida Doctor Mariano Ruiz Cánovas, which, like much of Torrevieja, has faced years of decline and neglect, a new redevelopment is necessary that significantly improves accessibility to the coastline.



The objective of the Government team is to provide the promenade with sufficient dimension to allow the circulation and relationship of people, improve accessibility to the beach, and allow a better relationship between the town and the beach that is more direct, friendlier and more suitable for the new needs of the 21st century. Generate a more natural coastal image of the municipality that is compatible with the existing urban space, providing better infrastructure, shade and nature along the entire route.



An attempt has also been made to respond to the existence of the different terraces of the hospitality services, trying to provide them with a common image, delimiting the areas and offering a unitary and integrating current image. In short, it is a more natural proposal with an urban character, which makes its renaturation as compatible as possible by introducing more green, pedestrian, wooded areas, urban furniture with children's play areas and bio-healthy areas.



CONTINUITY OF THE SEAWALKS



The project is considered as a continuity of the promenades that start from the port of Torrevieja and connect the entire urban coast of the municipality. This promenade adjoins the coastline, which is already undeveloped land and will for the moment constitute the end of the urbanised pedestrian route that connects Torrevieja on the seafront.



In addition to the peculiarities of a pedestrian promenade, it must be taken into account that it is elevated with respect to the beach at a variable height, which ranges from approximately 0.7 to 1.5 metres.



Likewise, there are two areas of the promenade that receive a very strong flow of runoff water in cases of torrential rains (Curva del Palangre and Av. Roentgen), in which they are working together with Agamed to converge in this project with the Rainwater Master Plan.



Although traffic in the area is as problematic as much of Torrevieja, where frequently more vehicles compete for an ever dwindling space, the plan involves removing traffic flow from this area to allow for pedestrianisation. The rearrangement of traffic through the adjacent streets allows pedestrianisation of Avenida Mariano Ruiz Cánovas, its continuations, and the streets that fall on it, diverting vehicle traffic to the streets behind, both private and large public transport. It has also been decided to divert the circulation of bicycles and VMP (personal mobility vehicles) by bike lanes in the back streets to avoid conflict with pedestrian circulation, since it would necessarily interrupt the transversal connection beach-promenade-terrace-business that happens continuously along the route, with the risk to security that it would entail in an area with a high population density in the summer season.



AN URBAN BUT NATURALISED WALK



The proposal focuses on creating an urban but naturalised promenade, proposing a continuous relationship between the city and the beach. It works from the unevenness to achieve a fluid relationship between the different levels of the meeting, blurring the limits, proposing a promenade on two levels, both remaining within the line of the sea that currently exists.



The first level, at the upper level, which currently corresponds to the sidewalk levels that give access to the buildings, is a continuous, wide, stony promenade, which accommodates the character of pedestrian traffic, rest and relationship areas, as well as such as complementary services of shops and hotels (particularly terraces). It is the most urban area of ​​the intervention, with an immediate relationship with the city and the building. At this level, restricted vehicle traffic for access to garages is incorporated, as well as the necessary right-of-way on a seafront promenade for emergency vehicles.



The second level is an element with a lighter character, with a wooden image, which smoothly connects the lower level (beach-sea level) with the upper level (current sidewalk level). There is a continuity of a narrower path on the lower level, and it goes up and down from the upper level, unfolding as a winding path that crosses areas of vegetation proposed at different levels. In the intermediate areas between the promenades, there are some terraces that house varied vegetation as well as rest areas, and already at the upper level, they increase in size, being able to introduce trees that provide shade to the promenade, as well as areas for staying under said trees.



In the beach area, small synthetic or equivalent wood advances, light and removable, are established, approaching the sea, as well as three children's play areas and two packages of public toilets and sanitary post, prefabricated and also removable.

### Contract for drafting Torreta III Project Awarded

Torrevieja’s Local Government Board has approved the award of the contract for the drafting of the Torreta III – Punta de la Víbora redevelopment project, based on the Framework Agreement, for an amount of 525,870 euro (IVA included). The execution period for writing this project is 4 months, but it is worth noting that this contract is for the drafting of the project, as mentioned, not the completion of the work required.



The Torreta urbanisation was created at the beginning of the 80s and is in a poor state of conservation, as has been the case for many years, and so, now, Torrevieja Council intends to complete the urbanisation of the sector and replace the degraded infrastructures that need replacement and adaptation to the conditions established by current legislation, with the aim of solving the problems that are generated in the area, improving the quality of life and the services of the neighbours who have been waiting decades for action.



The redevelopment project has three lines of action:



FORMATION OF NEW ROADS. The creation of 2,095 linear metres of new road is proposed, including the corresponding service infrastructure such as drinking water, sewerage, public lighting, furniture and gardening.



STUDY OF THE STATE OF THE CURRENT ROADS. Carrying out a study of the current state of the existing infrastructures, their deficiencies and a proposal with the improvements proposed according to current needs and current regulations on the matter. Review and completion of infrastructures for the distribution of drinking water, sanitation, electricity distribution, lighting and street furniture. All this in a total of 49,059 m2 of road surface in which all the works to be carried out to condition these roads will be defined from the point of view of urban integration, removal of architectural barriers and creation of sufficient provision of car parks and other services.



EQUIPMENT TO EXECUTE. It is proposed to develop the green zone in a surface of 75,000 m2, respecting at all times the natural condition that it may have with the Torrevieja Lagoons, in accordance with the current regional legislation. Resulting in a proposal for a green area that provides an attractive and inclusive solution in the area, in addition to establishing a connection with the greenway of Torrevieja (old railway track).

### Torrevieja Beach Maintenance Contract Put to Tender

Just as the first busy weekend of the year gets underway, Torrevieja town hall has announced that the Torrevieja Beach maintenance contract has been put to tender, for an amount of 531,132 euro per year, with a four-year contract, which represents a total investment of 2,124,530 euro. A contract that has the possibility of being extended for another year.



Antonio Vidal, the Councillor for Beaches in Torrevieja has reported that this new contract is necessary and in demand in order to “keep our beaches in perfect condition throughout the year, and thus be able to offer a higher quality service to the thousands of bathers who enjoy our sandbanks”.



Vidal has indicated that the maintenance contract includes the maintenance and cleaning of urban furniture, including benches, litter bins, signs, walkways, and bike racks, amongst others.



In addition, it includes elements that require painting or varnishing tasks such as fences, walls, metallic and wooden elements in general, civil works elements for access or delimitation of the beaches such as walls, ramps, etc., and lifeguard surveillance posts and toilets.



It will also have an on-call service for emergencies and restoration of operation in the event of serious damage or that causes danger, as well as transport of heavy or large materials at the request of municipal technicians.



Lastly, Antonio Vidal highlighted that this contract includes an aspect that is highly demanded by users of the beaches and promenades, which is the opening all year round of the 9 existing toilets on the beaches, which will also have a cleaning and daily maintenance.

### Lifeguards Return to Torrevieja Beaches for Easter

From this weekend, the new Surveillance, Rescue and Lifeguard Service began on Torrevieja beaches, which was awarded to the company EULEN for an amount of 736,920 euro per year (IVA included), the contract being four years plus one extension, which represents a total investment of 3,684,600 euro, according to the information provided by the Councillor for Beaches in Torrevieja, Antonio Vidal.



Vidal highlighted that this new contract contemplates a series of novelties that result in a wide improvement of the service and, therefore, for the safety of bathers. "The purpose of this government team is to offer residents, visitors and tourists not only the best image of our beaches, but also the peace of mind that they are on safe beaches with a consistent rescue service", were the words of the councillor.



In this way, the assisted bathing service is extended as an improvement to the contract, from June 15 to September 15, in addition to the creation of a new bathing area on La Mata beach. Likewise, the service hours of the lifeguard teams are increased, starting at 10:00 a.m. and ending at 8:00 p.m. in high season. This means two more hours of service compared to the previous year.



The provision of the service is maintained in the Easter season, this being 10 days, from Saturday, April 1, and ending on Monday, April 10, also offering service in Cabo Cervera and Cala Piteras.



Another novelty will be that, in the summer season, the service begins on June 1 (15 days earlier than usual), in addition to having 10 more days as a contract improvement on special dates such as: 1 and May 2, September 16 and 17, September 23 and 24, and October 11-14. 



Regarding the renewal of the rescue posts, Antonio Vidal explained that there are a total of 8 lifeguard posts and 5 advanced watchtowers. In high season there will be a total of 50 people who provide this surveillance, rescue and first aid service on the beaches of Torrevieja.

### Easter processions in Torrevieja

Here is the itinerary for the Easter processions in Torrevieja this week.

### Covid infections continue to increase across Valencia

Covid infections are continuing to increase across the Valencia region, with 906 new cases reported this week, in the small portion of the population still tested, compared to 795 last week, 718 the week before, 623 the week before that, and 583 in the first week of March. Last week, the infections were the highest since late January, a figure which has both been beaten and increased this week.







The combined monthly death toll for March is also higher than last month, with a total of 47 people losing their lives from Covid in March, compared to 42 in February. As we colse the first quarter of the year, 188 people have been killed by Covid in the Valencia region. In the last quarter of 2022, the total figure was 207 deaths from Covid.



We are now about to embark on one of the first busy periods of the year, the Easter holidays, when gatherings are common, and so mixing will increase considerably.



In the latest report issued on Friday, the Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 906 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. The new cases by provinces are 172 in Castellón (196,840 in total), 160 in Alicante (537,007 in total) and 574 in Valencia (856,196 in total).



Of these, 501 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 88 from Castellón, 117 from Alicante and 296 from Valencia.



Valencian hospitals currently have 187 people admitted for COVID, 5 of them in the ICU: 39 in the province of Castellón, 3 in the ICU; 40 in the province of Alicante, 0 of them in the ICU, and 108 in the province of Valencia, 2 in the ICU.



8 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days. They are 5 women, between 77 and 90 years old, and 3 men between 55 and 80 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,459: 1,267 in the province of Castellón, 3,965 in Alicante and 5,227 in Valencia.

### Black Eyed Peas Coming to Torrevieja

The well-known hit American popular music combo, the Black Eyed Peas, will be playing in Torrevieja this summer, headlining the third edition of the Brilla Torrevieja festival.



The popular beat combo, with more than 40 million monthly listeners on Spotify and six Grammy Awards, will perform on August 11 at the Parque Antonio Soria, one of only four concerts the band will perform in Spain to promote their latest album, "Elevation", which includes collaborations with other well-known artists such as Anitta, Shakira and Daddy Yankee.



Brilla Torrevieja will annoy the neighbours who don’t want to listen to music drowning out their peace and quiet from July 30 to August 20 with performances by confirmed artists such as Melendi, India Martínez and Loquillo.



For those who do want to attend, tickets for the concert will go on sale this Sunday, April 2.



Now, in case you want to learn the words to one of their most famous songs so you can sing along, get your autotune ready and join in, it starts like this…



I got a feeling



That tonight's gonna be a good night



That tonight's gonna be a good night



That tonight's gonna be a good, good night



Something about fill up my cup... Let's do it, do it, do it.... etc!

### The second edition of Torrevieja Weekend will be held in April

The Councillor for Commerce, Hospitality and Tourism, Rosario Martínez, the designer, Eduardo Navarrete, the president of Apymeco, Jorge Almarcha, and the Commerce coordinator, José Rubio, have presented the second edition of Torrevieja Weekend, which returns with the purpose of reactivating and promote local commerce in the town.



From April 21 to 23, different activities will be carried out with well-known celebrities such as Vanesa Romero, la Terremoto de Alcorcón, Arkano, Luis Miguel Seguí and Marta Belenguer. The climax will be the Varry Brava with the final performance of the singers closing the event.



In addition, the event will be publicised at a national level, in magazines specialised in fashion, tourism and gastronomy, newspapers and television, the RTVE Corazón TV program among many more media that will highlight the know-how of the flagship points of commerce of Torrevieja.



On Saturday, April 22, in the morning, there will be a route through the shops participating in the parade with all the celebrities to liven up the nerve centre of Torrevieja. In the afternoon, the parade will begin with the latest bathroom creations by Eduardo Navarrete, with his wonderful N-61 collection, inspired by Torrevieja, local shops and local designers. In addition to national designers such as Maison Mesa (Juan Carlos Mesa), creative director for 15 years of Agatha Ruiz de la Prada and Neneges, a firm from Pamplona. This year, Paseo Vista Alegre will become the setting for the event with a wonderful panoramic view of the sea, which according to the designer "comes loaded with surprises and invites everyone to attend this great parade."



On Sunday, April 23, there will be a tasting of Salazones in Las Salinas with a guided tour of the tourist train.



Jorge Almarcha added that the businesses in the area are excited and grateful, a very nice shopping experience has been created and he encourages us all to go out on the street to enjoy the event on the 22nd.



Rosario Martínez closed the press conference by thanking the coordinator, José Rubio, for all his help and attention, also thanking the participating businesses for all the activities, their participation in the parade and the involvement they always have. And, above all, thank Eduardo Navarrete for the promotion of Torrevieja that is being carried out on various national television programs in prime time, such as El Hormiguero and Pasapalabra, leaving the name of Torrevieja at the top, making all of our nautical, tourist and gastronomic offer. Rosario Martínez concluded by ensuring that "we continue working so that the name of our city is synonymous with fun, work, commerce and tourism".

### Torrevieja Natural History Museum reopens with free guided tours in English

The Department of Culture in Torrevieja town hall has announced that the Torrevieja Natural History Museum will reopen this weekend, remaining open for the next three months, offering free visits and guided tours with the collaboration of the University of Alicante Headquarters and the management of the scientist María Luisa Molina.



The museum, located on Avenida Estación s/n, will reopen from Saturday, April 1, from Friday to Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and Friday afternoon from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.



Guided tours will be free and will take place on alternate weekends. The last Saturday of each month the guided tours will be in English.



Likewise, there will be guided tours for educational centres and guided tours for families and the general public, lasting one hour and up to a maximum of 30 people/group.



Prior registration is required through this link http://turismodetorrevieja.com/web/?page_id=18911 or the QR code on the poster.



The Torrevieja Natural History Museum offers a great representation of the biodiversity of species that surround us, both marine and terrestrial, some in danger of extinction, others endemic to our area, and others so rare and admired that international experts come to Torrevieja to contemplate them.



The Torrevieja Natural History Museum contains specimens of Mammals, Ornithology, Herpetology, Ichthyology, Marine Invertebrates and Malacology. Thus, for example, we will find skeletons of bottlenose and striped dolphins, rorquals, collections of original nests (abandoned after the breeding period) and replica eggs of a total of 17 species of birds native to the area, loggerhead turtles, marine molluscs of the Mediterranean Sea collected over the years on the coast of Torrevieja, as well as donations from individuals of special relevance and others so singular and unique that they have been claimed by museums in Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Valencia and Paris.

### Presbyopia and cataracts: symptoms, operation and recovery

The specialists of the ophthalmology service at Quirónsalud Torrevieja answer the most frequently asked questions about cataracts and presbyopia.What are cataracts and presbyopia?



Cataracts and presbyopia are nowadays considered to be the most common pathologies linked to the ageing of the crystalline lens. The crystalline lens can be defined as the eye’s natural lens located between the iris and the vitreous body.



The specialists explain the concept of cataracts in a simple way, “This crystalline lens that we are talking about becomes more opaque around the age of 60, this is what cataracts are”.



On the other hand, presbyopia can be defined as the gradual loss of the eyes’ ability to focus on close objects due to the loss of elasticity of the crystalline lens.



At this point, the question of whether presbyopia can be solved without resorting to lenses or glasses may arise.



In this sense, the experts argue that there are various solutions for this without resorting to glasses from the age of 50 onwards, “At around the age of 50 the method of choice is to replace the crystalline lens with a multifocal intraocular lens”.



Cataract and presbyopia surgery



In both presbyopia and cataract surgery, the technique consists of aspirating the contents of the crystalline lens and implanting an intraocular lens inside it. It is a definitive, lifelong technique. “The results are excellent, but it is essential to carry out an exhaustive and personalised study, to know the patient’s activities in order to offer the best alternative,” explain the experts.Frequently asked questions about cataract and presbyopia operations



Price of the operation. In this regard, the amount will depend on the specialist who is in charge of the operation and the clinic.



● Postoperative period. It is quite simple, as these are painless surgeries, in addition, they have a quick recovery. It is only necessary to use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops.



Duration of the operation. It does not usually last more than 20 minutes on average.



The eyes heal completely in just 2 to 4 weeks after the operation.



Once the surgery has been performed, there are a few things to keep in mind:




Do not lift too much weight.



Do not practice risky sports.



Avoid direct water in the eyes.



Avoid wearing make-up for the first two weeks.



Do not expose to toxic agents.



Do not sunbathe.




Occasional symptoms after cataract surgery



Once the cataract operation has been performed, certain side effects may appear, which are transitory and disappear very quickly. However, if they do not disappear within an hour after surgery, it is advisable to ask your ophthalmologist for information.



Can cataracts and presbyopia be treated in the same operation?



“Yes, in fact, a patient who has had presbyopia surgery will never develop cataracts,” explain the ophthalmologists at Quirónsalud Torrevieja.This statement is due to the fact that, when a person undergoes presbyopia surgery, at the same time they can be considered to be undergoing early cataract surgery. The reverse is also true: removing a cataract also corrects presbyopia.



When should cataract surgery be performed?



The optimal time to have cataract surgery is when people begin to notice limitations in their vision. The worse the cataracts get, the more difficult it is to remove them surgically.



Quirónsalud Torrevieja Ophthalmology Service



The team of specialists at Quirónsalud Torrevieja offers comprehensive care, with the safest, most precise and innovative technology for this type of treatment.

### Amazon Smart Speaker - Echo Dot

If you are looking at getting into the world of connected homes, right now is probably the best time to start your journey, as Amazon have got some great special offers on their Alexa Dot smart speakers.
Echo Dot (3rd Gen) - Smart speaker with Alexa

Meet the Echo Dot: our most popular smart speaker. It comes in a fabric-finished design that fits perfectly in any small space.
Control music with your voice: Stream songs on Amazon Music, Spotify, TuneIn and other services.
Richer, higher-quality sound: Pair a second Echo Dot (3rd Gen) for deeper stereo sound. If you have compatible Echo devices spread across multiple rooms, you can fill your entire home with music.
Ready to help: Ask Alexa to play music, answer questions, narrate the news, check the weather, set alarms, control compatible smart home devices, and more.
Connect with those who matter to you: Call or message anyone with an Echo device, the Alexa app, or Skype without lifting a finger. Use Drop In to connect to other rooms in your home where you have a compatible Echo device.
Alexa has Skills: With hundreds of Skills, Alexa continually learns and adds new features and ways to perform tasks like helping you in the kitchen, playing games, and more.
Control your Smart Home devices with your voice: turn on lights, adjust thermostats, lock doors and more with compatible Smart Home devices.
Designed to protect your privacy: Built with multiple layers of privacy controls, including a button that electronically disconnects microphones.

For more information, and to buy direct from Amazon, click below...


Echo Dot (3rd Gen) - Smart speaker with AlexaOn special offer as part of the Amazon spring sale49.99 EURAmazon Echo Dot smart speaker with Alexa, perfect for an introduction into the connected home.
Buy Now From Amazon

### Generation D arrives in Torrevieja

“Generación D”, or Generation D to you and me, arrives in Torrevieja this weekend, as part of a tour that promotes learning in digital skills.

The nationwide tour of this informative caravan will be in Torrevieja on April 1, 3 and 4, 2023, and everyone is invited to go along, see and learn what it´s all about, and get involved in improving your digital skills and security.

Internet search engines, social networks, cybersecurity, online procedures... Digitisation is part of everyday life. For this reason, this experience offers users a multitude of resources and guidance for the simple development of their digital skills, applicable to all areas of daily life.

Who is it for?

The workshops, games and activities are designed for all citizens to participate in the experience, with special attention to the unemployed, women over 45, seniors... “We want to break the digital divide! The experience is completely FREE and lasts approximately 30 - 40 minutes”.

What activities are carried out?

The mobile unit is equipped with immersive technology that invites you to participate in a series of practical activities to promote and encourage the development of digital skills. An experience that will adjust to the needs of each user.

We will start with a self-diagnostic test that shows your level in digital skills. With the results, the experts will personalise the experience and offer you a multitude of courses, training sessions or workshops with which to develop and strengthen your knowledge.

Test yourself! With the result of the test, you will face the most varied games and activities at all levels: from learning how to perform an optimal search on the Internet to avoiding "fake news", optimising the use of your social networks, or managing your digital identity.

In addition, you can participate in the escape room. An immersive activity in which users will have to put what they have learned into practice if they want to solve the game and get out of the room.

The best of all? That all activities give points! Add your score will be added to everyone who participates in Torrevieja, which will then pitch the town against other municipalities in Spain. Whoever gets the most points... will have a prize!

One slight complication is that the activities are likely to be in Spanish, but you can always encourage the organisers to improve their own digital footprint by incorporating languages into their activities. Oh, and they haven´t actually told us WHERE in Torrevieja it will be, so even if you are able to use digital mapping applications, you probably still won´t find the exact location!

 

### Plastic Arts Exhibition at the Virgen del Carmen Torrevieja

As the current course comes to an end on Friday, March 31, the Exhibition of the students attached to the Department of Plastic Arts of the IES Mediterráneo, "Artistas en proceso", will be inaugurated at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, at 7:00 p.m.

Although most of the work presented corresponds to students of the Bachelor of Arts, works from other levels and subjects are also exhibited.

The main objective of the exhibition is to show the diversity of languages ​​that Art and Design use to communicate, express and represent; but, in addition, it highlights not only the work and the critical look of the students but also, and very importantly, the effort of the teaching staff in ensuring that year after year this sample is exceeded in quality and variety, optimising time and resources.

The exhibition thus becomes a laboratory where students and teachers interact to experience theory in practice. This year new subjects have been implemented for the Arts Baccalaureate. As a consequence of this, new languages ​​are incorporated into the exhibition that, taking advantage of the connections between the subjects related to the graphic, the plastic and the visual with subjects such as Performing Arts -and in relation to the Living Arts project that is being carried out carried out at the IES Mediterráneo- will value the relevance of HUMAN PRESENCE AND ACTION IN THE HERE AND NOW that compromises the language of performance.

The common thread of the "Artistas en proceso" this course is "the body". Materials, languages ​​and agency (philosophy) are hybridised within the classrooms in a synergy capable of procuring the look towards that without which the human being will not be what he wants to be.

The exhibition will be open until 30 April in the Virgen del Carmen exhibition centre in Torrevieja.

### The 28th Torrevieja International Youth Habaneras Contest will be held on April 22

The Councillor for Culture in Torrevieja, and vice president of the International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest of Torrevieja, Antonio Quesada, has presented the 28th International Youth Habaneras Contest, the "small" contest that was launched in 1995 as a complement to the International Contest, and that It has become an international reference for youth and children's choirs, both inside and outside our borders.

The Torrevieja International Youth Habaneras Contest enjoys magnificent choral health and is currently the showcase where new groups launched, also serving as a "thermometer" to evaluate the choral quality of the participating groups, having to assume a competition phase that has nothing to do with it. to do with other non-competitive concerts that choirs have performed.

For this new 2023 edition, the Technical Commission of the Municipal Board of Habaneras has decided that four groups will be selected out of a total of ten, highlighting for the first time, after the pandemic, the attendance of an international choir, specifically from Macedonia.

Choirs from Asturias, Madrid and Andalusia will perform among the nationals. There will be around 250 singers who will meet in Torrevieja on April 22, to which must be added the singers of the "Coro Sinfonía" of the Escuela Coral Municipal, directed by Selena Cancino Escobar and the performance of the choir "Menudos Cantantes”, the youngest members of the Coro de Jóvenes de Madrid, directed by Juan Pablo de Juan Martín.
CONCERT PROGRAM
Saturday, April 22, at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre, at 6:00 p.m., we will have the opportunity to enjoy choral and habanera singing with the following program:
Choirs in Competition Phase

 	CORO ARSIS DE LA ESCUELA DE MÚSICA DIVERTIMENTO, Oviedo (Asturias).
 	CYRIL AND METHODIUS CHOIR, Véles (Macedonia).
 	CORO ENTREOLIVOS, Dos Hermanas (Sevilla).
 	CORO ENCANTO, Griñón (Madrid).

After the competition phase, while the jury deliberates, the Coro Sinfonía from the Escuela Coral Municipal, directed by Selena Cancino Escobar, and the Coro Menudos Cantores de Madrid, directed by Juan Pablo de Juan Martín, with a repertoire mostly of habaneras. After the performances of both, the Awards Ceremony and Closing Ceremony will take place.

The sale of tickets for the concerts are already available at the price of 5 euro. They can be purchased in person at the Municipal Theatre box office, located in Plaza Miguel Hernández, from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. of the act between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., (preferably with a card), also "on line" on the website of the Municipal Board of Habaneras, ( www.habaneras.org ) and by email hola@culturatorrevieja.com. For reservations, phone: 673 931 618 at the box office.

### Torrevieja Book Fair Starts Saturday

The Councillor for Culture in Torrevieja, Antonio Quesada, and the manager of the "Joaquín Chapaprieta" Municipal Institute of Culture, Miguel Fernández, presented the XXV edition of the Torrevieja Book Fair, which will be held in Paseo Vista Alegre from Saturday 1 to Sunday 9 April, 2023.
The opening hours for the Torrevieja Book Fair will be:
Monday to Wednesday
10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Thursday to Sunday
10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

A total of 8 bookstore booths (Librería Buendía, Asociación de Escritores Alas de Papel, Las mil y una libros, Papelería Torrevieja, Librería Trini, Librería Santos Ochoa, Librería Baigorri and Librería Rivendel) will be installed on Paseo Vista Alegre, in addition to a tent next to the Coralista monument, where the activities programmed at this Book Fair will take place. All those people who make purchases at the fair will enter competition to win more books.

In this twenty-fifth edition of the Torrevieja Book Fair, the book signing on Saturday, April 1, at 12:30 p.m., by the writer Santiago Posteguillo, winner of the 2018 Planeta Prize for his novel "Yo, Julia," stands out. Posteguillo will sign copies of his new novel “Roma soy yo”.

 
TORREVIEJA BOOK FAIR SCHEDULE 2023
SATURDAY, APRIL 1
12:00 p.m. Opening of the Book Fair.

12:30 p.m.  Talk and book signing Santiago Posteguillo

All day (10:30-14:30 and 17:30-23:00)

Book signing by Avelina Chichilla and Serena Simón (Alas de Papel booth).
SUNDAY, APRIL 2
12:00 p.m. Party of Mr. Bunny, the Easter bunny

5:30 p.m.  Book signing Blas Ruiz Grau Spanish writer of contemporary black novels, a revelation author of the thriller, his work stands out for its rigor in the criminalistic and forensic fields. Author of B editions and he is on tour presenting his new book “El quebrantahuesos”. (Papelería Torrevieja booth)

All day (10:30-14:30 and 17:30-23:00)

Book signing by Gracia Román Tena and Montse González Manresa (Alas de Papel booth).
MONDAY, APRIL 3
All day (10:30-14:30 and 17:30-22:00)

Book signing by Luís David Pérez Pérez and Mavi Pastor (Alas de Papel booth).
TUESDAY, APRIL 4
6:00 p.m.  Comic presentation Diego Ramírez

7:00 p.m. Conference 3000 years of Alicante wine culture. By Eladio Martin.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5
All day (10:30-14:30 and 17:30-22:00)

Book signing by Maruja Moyano Peña and Leo Mazzola (Alas de Papel booth).

5:30 p.m. Reading of "Monologues for adolescents", from the Municipal School of Theatre.

7:00 p.m. Lecture "Gathering with the alphabet, with the literary story", by Marieta Alonso Más.
THURSDAY, APRIL 6
11:00 a.m.  Book signing Roberto Hurtado, a specialist in Internal Medicine at the Vega Baja Hospital in Orihuela with several publications, his latest historical novel "The Sea You Breathe" (Papelería Torrevieja).

5:30 p.m. Roberto Hurtado book signing. (Santos Ochoa booth).

5:30 p.m.  Book signing Stephen Nicholas Jones Torrevieja resident author of Fantasy Novel comes with his book Children of Jambheria: The Processian War. (Papelería Torrevieja).

6:00 p.m. Lecture "Women writers: a vision of the woman writer from the literary canon", by Serena Simón Vives.

All day (10:30-14:30 and 17:30-23:00)

Book signing by Cristina Peonas and Maite Rodríguez Esteban (Alas de Papel).
FRIDAY, APRIL 7
11:00 a.m. And 5:30 p.m.  Book signing Luis Barberá. (Santos Ochoa).

5:30 p.m.  Book signing Carmelo Manresa-Combines his work as a cartoonist with that of a Secondary School teacher, he comes with his latest graphic novel set in Torrevieja "Cinema de Verano" (Santos Ochoa).

All day (10:30-14:30 and 17:30-23:00)

Book signing by Avelino Martínez Granados and Marieta Alonso (Alas de Papel).
SATURDAY, APRIL 8
12:00 p.m. SDG workshop on sustainability with Mediterranean aromatic plants.

11:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.  Book signing Fran González Amorós (Santos Ochoa).

6:00 p.m. SDG-themed bookmark workshop.

All day (10:30-14:30 and 17:30-23:00).

Book signing by Luisa Ruíz Bueno and Virginia Sanz (Alas de Papel).
SUNDAY, APRIL 9
12:00 p.m.  Giant games and face painting.

7:00 p.m. Poetry recital, by Ars Creatio.

All day (10:30-14:30 and 17:30-23:00).

Book signing by Luís Amat Vidal and María Serralba (Alas de Papel).

### Herpes Zoster vaccine campaign for the elderly starting in April

The Valencia regional health ministry will begin to administer the Herpes Zoster vaccine to all people between 65 and 80 during 2023 (born in 1958 and 1943) without risk factors, as announced the Minister of Health, Miguel Mínguez. Two new cohorts are expected to be incorporated each year until the offer is complete for all people aged 65 and over.

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you've had chickenpox, the virus stays in your body for the rest of your life. Years later, the virus may reactivate as shingles.

Following what was approved by the Public Health Commission of the Interterritorial Council, the vaccine has been recommended for certain risk groups (Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT); solid organ transplantation (SOT); treatment with anti- JAK; HIV; Blood malignancies; Solid tumours being treated with chemotherapy and people with a history of recurrent herpes zoster).

Vaccination of people included in risk groups will preferably be carried out in the preventive medicine services of hospital centres, while vaccination without risk pathology will preferably be carried out in health centres. The vaccination regimen consists of 2 doses of 0.5 ml each: an initial dose followed by a 2nd dose 2 months later.

The Consellería de Sanidad Universal y Salud Pública has processed a tender for the purchase of a vaccine (adjuvanted recombinant subunits) of 125,000 annual doses for the years 2023, 2024 and 2025 for a maximum amount of 66,137,500 euro.

Last August, the Valencian Community was one of the first regions to start administering this vaccine to the adult population with risk conditions, after the Public Health Commission of the Ministry of Health agreed in September 2021 on the regional distribution and its inclusion. in vaccination recommendations. And later, vaccination is extended to other groups, such as older people with no other risk factors.

To date, a total of 13,352 doses have already been administered to a total of 9,395 patients from the above-mentioned risk groups.

By provinces, 4,804 doses have been administered to 3,356 patients in Alicante; 1,006 doses to 699 patients in Castellón and 7,542 doses to 5,340 patients in Valencia.

Incidence of Herpes Zoster

Based on the cases reported through the Epidemiological Surveillance Analysis (AVE) throughout the Valencian Community, the average incidence of HZ in the period 2018-2022 is estimated at 307.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The disease is more frequent in women than in men and increases with age, reaching 699 cases per hundred thousand people in the age group over 74 years.

It is estimated that about 2% of cases require hospital care and that the incidence of PHN exceeds 12% after 65 years of age.

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus that causes local lesions due to reactivation of the latent virus in the spinal ganglia. This reactivation occurs as a consequence of a reduction in immunity related to aging or other health problems.

Despite the fact that it has a low mortality, its complications, especially postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), produce a significant decrease in the quality of life of the people who suffer from it and cause a significant health burden for the health system and society, both direct and indirect costs.

### Covid infections highest since January but hospitalisations and deaths decrease this week

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 795 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Thursday. Last week, the increase was 718, and in fact this is the highest infection figure since 27 January when an additional 805 infections were confirmed. The new cases by province are 185 in Castellón (196,668 in total), 191 in Alicante (536,847 in total), last week the increase was 185, and 419 in Valencia (855,622 in total).



Of these, 469 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 126 from Castellón, 116 from Alicante and 227 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 164 people admitted for coronavirus, 4 of them in the ICU: 34 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 37 in the province of Alicante, 0 of them in the ICU, and 93 in the province of Valencia, 4 in the ICU.

8 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days. They are 4 women, between 89 and 100 years old, and 4 men between 82 and 93 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,451: 1,264 in the province of Castellón, 3,964 in Alicante, an increase of 2, and 5,223 in Valencia.

### Retroperitoneal Sarcoma: A silent cancer that has treatment at Quirónsalud Torrevieja

Dr. Paula Muñoz Muñoz, assistant of the General Surgery, digestive and Oncological  Surgery Service of the Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, explains what this disease consists of, what symptoms it presents and the solutions that exist.



What is retroperitoneal sarcoma?

Two groups are divided: bone sarcomas  and soft tissue sarcomas.  

The former originates in the bones; the second, in tissues such as muscles, ligaments, tendons, fatty tissue and blood vessels.

Peritoneal sarcomas are considered soft tissue sarcomas

Specifically, they are a heterogeneous group of tumours whose common characteristics are that they develop from mesenchymal cells (those that derive the supporting tissues of the body, such as fat, muscle or cartilage) and that are located in the retroperitoneum (virtual space delimited in front by the abdominal organs and behind by the spine, and which houses vital structures such as the aorta and kidneys).

Do you have symptoms?

The symptoms of retroperitoneal sarcomas are very nonspecific, since their location develops indolently, until they are usually diagnosed as giant abdominal masses.

The main symptom is the increase in abdominal circumference, although they can also produce specific symptoms such as abdominal or lumbar pain, oedema of the legs, venous thrombosis or even fever and weight loss unexplained by other causes.

What tests are performed to diagnose this tumour?

The test of choice for the diagnosis of retroperitoneal sarcoma is computed tomography (CT) with intravenous contrast. 

 

The CT will be thoraco-abdominal, with the aim of evaluating in the same study that there are no metastases in lung and liver, the most frequent locations. This study can sometimes be supplemented with an MRI.

 

In retroperitoneal sarcoma, and as a rule in all sarcomas of any location, it is essential to perform a biopsy.

 

The information obtained in the biopsy will allow us to plan the most appropriate type of surgical intervention

 

Prognosis of peritoneal sarcoma

 

Retroperitoneal sarcoma is an aggressive and complex disease because it grows around vital structures and is diagnosed in advanced stages.

 

The prognosis will also be influenced by the type of sarcoma.

 

One of the factors that most influence the survival of these patients is  that the first surgery is performed properly.

 

 

What is the key to treatment in sarcoma?

 

Surgery is the only curative treatment in retroperitoneal sarcoma, and it is essential to achieve a favourable evolution, that the surgery is adequate and manages to remove the entire tumour with a margin of healthy tissue. That is why it is recommended that these patients be treated in centres with great specialisation in cancer surgery.

 

The goal of surgery is to remove the entire tumour, without rupturing it, and with a margin of safety.

 

It is an aggressive surgery that can affect the quality of life of patients.  For this reason, the surgeon who performs this intervention must know to have a wide knowledge in oncological surgery and make a preoperative plan personalized to the type of tumour and the type of patient. 

 

What role does intraoperative radiation therapy play in the treatment of sarcoma?

Intraoperative radiation therapy is an intensive radiation therapy treatment given during surgery that allows radiation to be directed to a specific area of the body. It is performed with the patient anesthetized, once the tumour is removed.

The main advantage of this treatment is that it allows a high dose of radiation to be administered to the bed in which the tumour was located, avoiding unnecessary radiation from the uninvolved organs.

 

In Spain, less than 10 hospitals have this technology.  Our hospital was the first to have a device in the operating room, and one of the first Spanish hospitals that began treatment with IORT, and we currently have more than 20 years of experience in this type of radiotherapy.

 

This procedure allows to eliminate possible microscopic tumour residues in order to avoid the relapse of the tumour.

 

Referents in oncological surgery

The Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, and its Surgery service is a benchmark in our region in the treatment of cancer.  The General Surgery Service is integrated into a Multidisciplinary Oncology Unit, which guarantees an optimal and personalized approach to cancer patients.

### Torrevieja Funfair Moving to Parque Antonio Soria

Following reports of “ground instability” in the port area in Torrevieja, an area currently undergoing transformation work, The Torrevieja funfair will be moving to the Parque Antonio Soria.

Representative from the town hall met with the carnies to try to find a suitable location as a result of the problems in the traditional area, and the Parque Antonio Soria was decided on, with the town hall footing the bill for the electrical installations required to run the funfair.

It is normal for the “mobile” funfair to move to make way for events such as the May Fair, and whereas that event has been cancelled and instead will be run as a “tribute” in the Torrevieja railway station park, the funfair will have a much more spacious location near to the Friday market and water park.

There have been attempts to move the funfair to this area in the past, none of which came to fruition, but now it is seen as a more attractive location.

 

### How to obtain a disabled parking permit in Torrevieja

The first thing to note before we explain the procedure for obtaining one, is that Blue Disabled Parking Permits issued in the UK are no longer valid in Spain as a result of Brexit. Therefore, if you do need to take advantage of priority parking due to mobility problems, you will have to apply in the town hall.

In order to apply for a Blue Badge in Torrevieja, you first need to confirm that you are eligible.

In order to be eligible for a disabled parking badge in Torrevieja, firstly you must be a resident, and registered on the padrón. Tourists, holidaymakers, and holiday home owners are not eligible.

If you are a tourist from the UK and you have a blue badge issued there, this is no longer recognised in Spain, and so you are not allowed to take advantage of disabled parking bays. There was no agreement asked for by the UK with Spain (or other EU countries) as part of the Brexit withdrawal deal.

You must be able to prove a degree of disability, normally of at least 33%, and this must be certified by a doctor in Spain, and based on the Spanish assessment criteria. You cannot bring your confirmation from a UK based doctor, as this too is not recognised.

Once you have the necessary paperwork, the application and issuing of the disabled parking permit is done through the PROP Office in Torrevieja, Registro General y Ventanilla Única PROP, located on Pl. de la Constitucion, 2, 03181 Torrevieja, where a Local Police officer is normally on hand to check and begin the application process.

You will also need passport sized photographs and a completed application form.

Once you have your parking permit, you can park in areas designated for disabled vehicle users, but it does not allow parking in pedestrian zones, crossings, and other places where stopping or parking is prohibited.nIts improper use will be penalised.

If you have any doubts, and need assistance, the International Residents Department in the town hall can answer your questions.

The International Residents Department in Torrevieja can attend to residents in English, as well as French, German, Scandinavian, Russian, Bulgarian, and, of course, Spanish. You can email them direct, at pangea@torrevieja.eu, and you can make an appointment to visit them in person via the website, torrevieja.es, where you should look for the Residentes Internacionales Oficina Pangea, and you can visit them in La Mata town hall, or the office in La Siesta, calle Paganini, again, by appointment.

### Torrevieja Earthquake Drill on Tuesday

The Councillor for Security and Emergencies in Torrevieja, Federico Alarcón, together with the Councillor for Education, Ricardo Recuero, have explained the activities programmed for the anniversary of the earthquake that occurred in Vega Baja in 1829.

They have been accompanied by the different representatives of the State Security Corps and Forces and the Emergency services (Local Police, Guardia Civil, Firefighters, SAMU and Civil Protection) who will be part of the earthquake drill that will take place on Tuesday, March 21, starting at 9:30 a.m., at CEIP Cuba and at IES Mare Nostrum.

As the Councillor for Education, Ricardo Recuero, explained, “educational centres are obliged, once a quarter, to carry out a fire and/or earthquake drill. For this quarter, and coinciding with the commemoration of the earthquake that devastated the city in 1829, an earthquake drill will be carried out in all the educational centres of the city”, which will have the participation of all the Security Forces and Bodies of the State, as well as the Emergency Services, which will emulate a rescue at the CEIP Cuba and at the IES Mare Nostrum. It will be in this last school where a helicopter air rescue will take place.

For this drill there will be an advanced command post in the main Torrevieja fire station, from where everything that happens will be coordinated and recorded. In the two educational centres an operational control will be installed, with the rescues that would be made in the event of a catastrophe of this type. In addition, a communications failure will be simulated, with the necessary firefighters who would find themselves in a situation with similar characteristics.

 

### Health reports 718 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community an increase of almost a hundred over last week

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 718 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen test since the last update last Friday. Last week, there were 623 new cases. The new cases by province are 121 in Castellón (196,483 in total), 185 in Alicante (536,656 in total) and 412 in Valencia (855,203 in total).

430 of these cases are people over 60 years old. By province: 71 from Castellón, 126 from Alicante and 233 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 184 people admitted, 6 of them in the ICU: 33 in the province of Castelló, and no patients in the ICU; 50 in the province of Alicante, and no patients in ICU, and 101 in the province of Valencia, with 6 patients in ICU.

13 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death within the last 7 days. Lasr week, 7 deaths were reported. These are 6 women, between 85 and 93 years old, and 7 men, between 67 and 102 years old. The total number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic amounts to 10,443, by province: 1,263 in the province of Castellón, 3,962 in that of Alicante and 5,218 in that of Valencia.

### Torrevieja highlighted in UN report on drug trafficking

Torrevieja has been mentioned in a United Nations (UN) report on drugs, namely cocaine trafficking, in which it warns of the increase in violence in Europe related to the illicit trade in this drug. The report highlights Torrevieja as an example of an area where public safety has deteriorated due to drug trafficking.

The Global Report on Cocaine 2023 published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) states that murders, kidnappings and shootings related to cocaine trafficking have increased in Europe, especially in the Netherlands and Belgium, although there are also problems in Spanish regions such as the Costa del Sol.

"In recent years, an increase in serious violent incidents related to organised crime, particularly in drug markets, has been observed in some countries of the European Union (EU) and neighbouring regions," warns the Global Report on Cocaine 2023 published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The agency notes that the arrival of new criminal groups, attracted by the growing cocaine and cannabis markets, has fuelled violence, including shootings and attacks. According to UNODC, there are experts who believe that competition between gangs in the Balkans has manifested itself in murders in EU countries such as Austria, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands and Spain.

The report indicates that in southern Spain they have also detected public security problems associated with drug trafficking.

"The Costa del Sol has long been a base for different types of high-level traffickers across Europe," the report states, indicating that there may be more than a hundred groups in the area, resulting in stiff competition that sometimes it leads to targeted killings.

The UNODC refers to the fact that efforts to combat the growing violence in Algeciras, one of the largest cocaine trafficking centres in Spain, appear to have caused the routes to have shifted to the east of Gibraltar.

"In the eastern provinces of Spain, however, there have been signs of increased threats to public safety from cocaine and cannabis trafficking," the report states.

The UNODC gives Torrevieja as an example where a deterioration in public security due to drug trafficking has been detected. The report indicates that the Government had to increase judicial and police resources due to the presence of criminal organizations, many of them from Eastern Europe.

“In the eastern provinces of Spain, in turn, there have been signs of an increase of threats to public security derived from cocaine and cannabis trafficking. A Spanish prosecutor interviewed in the context of this report mentioned as an example the municipality of Torrevieja (Alicante province), of just over 80,000 inhabitants, where there was no court in 2000. Fifteen years later, the Spanish government had to focus its public security resources on the municipality (with the establishment of trial courts and resource endowments for police units) in response to public safety concerns due to the presence of OCGs. Many of the OCGs involved in cannabis and cocaine trafficking in the eastern provinces of Spain are of Eastern European origin. According to media coverage, their growing presence has been accompanied by the seizures of rifles and machine guns”.

The UN indicates that the main entry points for cocaine in Spain are Galicia, Andalusia and Valencia, followed by the Canary Islands and Catalonia.

The Netherlands, one of the largest entry points for cocaine in Europe, has seen an increase in violence due to gang rivalry, with more murders between 2014 and 2020. In fact, the violence is beginning to target not only gang members, but also judges, prosecutors, witnesses and even journalists linked to drug trafficking trials.

If you would like to download the 184 page PDF, Global Report on Cocaine 2023, published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in which Torrevieja is mentioned on page 91, click anywhere on this paragraph.

### A “Civilised” start to St Patrick’s Day in Torrevieja

Torrevieja celebrated the start of St Patrick’s Day with a special mass, held in English and Spanish, before the celebrations were taken outside to the Plaza de la Constitucion.

After the mass, the Irish flag was raised, in the presence of both the Mayor of the town, Eduardo Dolón, and the Councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, amongst others.

Traditional music was then played, accompanied by Irish dancers, starting the celebrations of the most important day in the calendar for the Irish community in the town in civilised style.

### St Patrick’s Day in Torrevieja

If you’re looking for a more civilised start to your St Patrick’s Day celebrations, Torrevieja is the place to go.

The day starts with mass in the Iglesia de la Inmaculada, in English and Spanish, starting at 10:00.

Then, from 11:00 in the Plaza de la Constitution, the Irish flag will be raised, followed by the Irish National Anthem, and traditional music.

Everyone is welcome to attend, and remember that the colour of the day is green, so feel free to dress up, for the event where everyone can be Irish for the day.

### Torrevieja May Fair Cancelled This Year (2023)

One of the main tourist attractions that brings people to the town, the Torrevieja May Fair, or Feria de Mayo, will not take place in 2023 due to construction work taking place in the port area, and will, instead, be replaced by a mini “tribute” to the event.

Quite why the council has decided not to simply move the event to one of the other more suitable locations, the most obvious being the Parque Antonio Soria, which hosts plenty of outdoor events, or even the grounds of the International Auditorium, to name but two, is a mystery, but rather the choice is to hold the “tribute” to the May Fair in the Parque de la Estación, the small park attached to the former Torrevieja Train Station, from May 11 to 14.

The Department of Festivities is finalising the details to begin organising a “Homenaje a la Feria de Mayo”, which will be held approximately coinciding with the dates on which the May Fair would have been held.

According to the Councillor for Fiestas, Concha Sala, this tribute to the May Fair will take place in the Parque de la Estación from the afternoon of Thursday, May 11, ending in the early afternoon of Sunday, May 14. Seven small booths decorated in the Andalusian style will be installed "with the local groups that usually participate in the Fair and have wanted this year not to pass by without winking at this popular festival that is so deeply rooted in Torrevieja", Concha Sala pointed out.

In this sense, the councillor highlights the importance of the local scene of dance academies and schools that will be able to offer their fair assemblies and choreographies that they prepare every year. For this, a stage will be installed that will host the performances of the schools, "QK", "Arantxa Blanco", "Paya's", "Mery Dance Academy",

The Parque de la Estación will have the same musical setting that will give sound to the entire venue, as well as decorative lighting in keeping with this tribute.

### Torrevieja to Recognise the 1829 Earthquake with a Series of Events

The Ars Creatio Cultural Association, with the collaboration of the Department of Security and Emergencies of the Torrevieja Council, are organising a series of events to mark the 1829 Torrevieja Earthquake which occurred on 21 March 1829.

The aim of the event is to bring the public closer to a part of the history of the town, around the first half of the 19th century, and everything related to the earthquake, which also affected the rest of the municipalities of La Vega Baja, and from which the population of Torrevieja recovered with enormous sacrifice.

There will be special tours, featuring actors telling the story of the devastation, which have been successful in previous years, and an expert in seismology, Nahúm Méndez Chazarra, a geologist from the University of Granada, will give a talk about what happened in that unpredictable and devastating natural phenomenon in the Vega Baja, and about how it served to improve anti-seismic protocols.

Nahúm Méndez Chazarra: What do we know about the 1829 earthquake and what have we learned from it?

Friday, March 17, at 8:00 p.m. Torrevieja Casino Cultural Society. Sponsored by the Department of Security and Emergencies of the Torrevieja Council.

Dramatized routes "1829, Torrevieja trembles"

Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Collaboration: Parish of the Immaculate Conception

 

### Covid hospitalisations and deaths increase this week

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 583 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. The new cases by province are 66 in Castellón (196,261 in total), 138 in Alicante (536,282 in total) and 379 in Valencia (854,458 in total).

Of these, 316 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 36 from Castellón, 92 from Alicante and 188 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 165 people admitted for COVID, 6 of them in the ICU: 23 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 56 in the province of Alicante, 2 of them in the ICU, and 86 in the province of Valencia, 4 in the ICU.

11 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 4 women, between 78 and 95 years old, and 7 men between 68 and 93 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,423: 1,257 in the province of Castellón, 3,955 in Alicante and 5,211 in Valencia.

### How to get a Digital Signature in Torrevieja

If you need to get a Digital Signature, you can obtain one in Torrevieja.
Torrevieja´s Councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, explained that one of the easiest places to get a Digital Signate is in one of the SUMA offices around the town.

Generally speaking, you need to book an appointment. This can be done via their website, https://www.suma.es/?idioma=en, available in English, and you can choose the office that suits you best. They may handle your request without an appointment, but that depends on how busy they are, so there is no guarantee, and if you just turn up, they may send you away, so an appointment is always better.

There is also the option to have the Digital Signature issued at the town hall offices. Next door to Torrevieja town hall (to the left of the main building in the Plaza de la Constitución, where there are large metal gates), is an administrative office that will issue the Digital Signature, and you do not need an appointment. However, this office is usually very busy, and so there may be a wait before you are dealt with. Of course, there is no harm visiting the office and assessing the queue yourself to decide if it’s worth the wait, or you may just prefer the SUMA option. Both options are free.

There are also companies available who will apply for the Digital Signature on your behalf. These companies will of course charge you for the service, and you must ensure that they are trustworthy as a Digital Signature is a secure and unique key, and will give access to a wide range of personal information.
Do I Need a Digital Signature?
There is no obligation to obtain a Digital Signature, but the need for one is becoming increasingly greater. As administrative functions are gradually turning from face-to-face remote operations, the Digital Signature provides for secure access online, via a computer or other device, such as a mobile phone.

Already, there are a number of official Spanish Government based apps, such as MiDGT, which allows access to your driving and vehicle documentation on your mobile phone. You can access you tax, employment or health status records, and communicate with your town hall, all online, and all in a secure manner, but only if you have a Digital Signature.

In Torrevieja, a new service was launched recently so that you can obtain a copy of your Padron Certificate online and automatically, without having to queue for hours at the physical office. Again, this can only be done with a Digital Signature.
Can I Get More Help on Digital Signatures?
If you do need help obtaining the Digital Signature, the International Residents Department in Torrevieja Town Hall carry our frequent meetings to provide more information, and have recently been joining members of the N332 Road Safety Group at their talks to answer any questions or doubts you might have. Keep checking their respective Facebook pages for details of future events.

### Spanish National Finswimming Competition in Torrevieja

The XXIX Campeonato de España Absoluto de Natación con Aletas y Velocidad, a finswimming and diving competition, will take place in the Torrevieja Sports City this weekend.

Taking place on March 4 and 5, competitors from around the country will take place in the competition held in the indoor municipal pool of the Palacio de Deportes de Torrevieja, organised by the Federation of Underwater Activities of the Valencian Community, by delegation of the Spanish Federation of Underwater Activities and with the collaboration of the Torrevieja Council.

180 participants will meet, including 46 athletes from the finswimming team of the Valencian Community. The rest come from the Autonomous Communities of Andalusia, Aragon, Castilla y León, Catalonia, Galicia, Madrid, Navarra and the Basque Country.

### Regional Volunteer Day 2023 in the Parque de las Naciones

The Parque de las Naciones in Torrevieja will host volunteers and associations from around the Valencia region on Saturday 4 March, as the Regional Volunteer Days 2023, organised by the Provincial Council of Alicante with the collaboration of the Torrevieja Council, comes to town.

From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., there will be almost 20 local associations and NGOs from other towns in the province of Alicante.

The objective is to raise awareness of the activities the entities and NGOs of the region are involved in, as well as to promote associationism and volunteerism as a key tool in the construction of a good society.

Tents and a family leisure area will be set up, with bouncy castles, workshops, games and exhibitions.

### Valencian hospitals have 163 people admitted for COVID, 10 of them in the ICU, and infections have increased

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 665 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. This is an increase over the 534 new cases reported last week. The new cases by provinces are 79 in Castellón (196,195 in total), 200 in Alicante, another increase over the 176 reported last week (536,144 in total), 384 in Valencia (854,079 in total) and 2 unassigned.

Of these, 360 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 47 from Castellón, 141 from Alicante and 172 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 163 people admitted, the same as last week, 10 of them in the ICU: 25 in the province of Castellón, 1 in the ICU; 56 in the province of Alicante, 1 of them in the ICU, and 82 in the province of Valencia, 8 in the ICU.

9 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 4 women, between 60 and 92 years old, and 5 men between 63 and 97 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,412: 1,255 in the province of Castellón, 3,951 in Alicante and 5,206 in Valencia.

### Andalucía Culture Week in Torrevieja

The Casa de Andalucía "Rafael Alberti" in Torrevieja has organised a series of events to celebrate the XVIII Cultural Week dedicated to Jaén, which will take place from February 25 to March 5, 2023.

There will be cultural days, wine, art, a book presentation, mass, gastronomy, and even a castanets masterclass, as well as shows and theatre to give everyone a taste of the southern region of Spain, with the participants dressing up in traditional dress to celebrate.
Saturday 25 February
12:30 p.m.: Presentation of the Cultural Week, with wine, and the opening of the painting exhibition "Por tarantos y mineras", by the painter Pedro Juan Rabal from Aguila.
Sunday 26 February
11 a.m.: Flamenco mass sung by the Coro Blanca y Verde choir at the Immaculate Conception church.

2:00 p.m.: Brotherhood lunch, delivery of cards to new members and delivery of awards.
Monday 27 February
5:00 p.m.: Agamed conference: “Water tasting and the digital gap”.

7:00 p.m.: Castanets Masterclass by Encarnación Rodríguez and presentation of the entity's castanets group, under the direction of Mª Carmen Calzada.
Tuesday 28 February, Andalusia Day
7:30 p.m.: III Membership Day, reading of the official minutes with the names of the Member of the year 2023 and action by members who so wish.

9 pm: Performance of the Chirigota “Los Sangochaos”. Costumes, contest, dinner and various surprises throughout the evening.
Wednesday 1 March
5:30 p.m.: Theatre by the Colorines group: «Allergic to work», by Juan Serena Romero.

7:00 p.m.: Tertulia rociera: «I met a Rocío» and tribute to the Choir «Alba Rociera». Reading of the minutes with the name of the positions of Rociera and Rociero 2023.
Thursday 2 March
at 7:00 p.m.: Gala «La copla a través del tiempo», with Rosa María Luján, accompanied on piano by Aníbal Cano, and a presentation by flamencologist Luis Terry. Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, free admission with invitation.
Friday 3 March
6:00 p.m.: Presentation of the book “New legends of the Holy Kingdom of Jaén”, by the writer from Jaén, Manuel Rodríguez Arévalo.

7:30 p.m.: Lecture and projection: "History and legend of the Pilgrimage of the Virgen de la Cabeza."
Saturday 4 March
1:00 p.m.: Wine of honour with authorities, queens and presidents of friendly entities.

1:30 p.m.: Gastronomic Days dedicated to the city of Jaén.
Sunday 5 March
7:00 p.m.: V International Flamenco Day, in which the “Andalusian of the Year 2023” award will be presented to the members of the Vega Sur Fire Station in Torrevieja. Torrevieja International Auditorium.

Unless otherwise stated, events are held around the association´s headquarters, C/San Pascual, 69, Torrevieja, where you can also get more information about any of the events taking place.

### The musical "Cruz de navajas" in Torrevieja

The musical "Cruz de navajas", el último Mecano, arrives in Torrevieja from May 11 to 14.

After Madrid and Barcelona, ​​Torrevieja becomes the first town in Spain to host the great Mecano musical.

A production based on the story of Mecano and an entire repertoire of hits, with a team of more than 100 people from the production company Vértigo 360 who will perform 35 of the best-known songs.

It is a unique show. A surprising and ground-breaking audiovisual format, where Mecano's great songs are heard and recreated, each one interpreted with original and amazing staging, thanks to advanced technology, and the most exquisite talent and sensitivity.

The musical will be held at the Teatro Municipal de Torrevieja.

### Is cancer inherited?

What type of cancer is hereditary? What are the probabilities of getting cancer? From Quirónsalud Torrevieja they clear up our doubts about cancer.

Cancers are predominantly genetic diseases, mostly due to the accumulation of mutations, which are also influenced by environmental and other factors, which in some cases may be the triggers.

A small proportion of these tumours are hereditary. “Hereditary cancers are the consequence of germline mutations in specific genes that increase susceptibility to cancer,” explains Dr. Ramón González Manzano, oncologist at the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Platform.

“This susceptibility is transmitted between family members according to different inheritance patterns. Susceptibility to cancer is inherited, which does not imply the certainty of developing it in all cases,” explains Dr. González.

 
Hereditary cancer
The predisposition to inherit cancer is due to the presence of mutations or other genetic alterations that alter the function of a gene that is critical for the regulation of biological processes related to the onset, development or progression of some types of cancer.

“The mutation can be inherited from parents or new-onset in a subject. Cancers of hereditary origin account for around 5% of all cancers that are diagnosed,” says Dr González.

 
What type of cancer is hereditary?
More than 160 genes related to hereditary predisposition to cancer are known.

When a genetic defect (i.e. pathological mutation) of one of these genes is inherited, the carrier of the altered gene has an increased risk of developing cancer, which is higher or lower depending on the gene in question.

Each of these genes related to hereditary predisposition to cancer can lead to one or more specific types of cancer in the carrier. For example, women with a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene may develop breast cancer at a younger age (usually before the age of 50) than breast cancers occurring in the general population. But other patients may develop ovarian cancer instead of breast cancer, or even both types of tumour in the same patient.

 
Chances of getting cancer
According to Dr González, this is one of the questions frequently asked by patients diagnosed with any type of tumour: Will my relative have the same type of cancer as me? The answer is that “it depends on the inheritance pattern of the hereditary predisposition gene under consideration”.

The most common inheritance patterns are as follows. The most common is autosomal dominant. In the case of autosomal dominant inheritance (as is the case with BRCA1 or BRCA2), there is a 50% chance that a parent carrying a pathological mutation in one of these genes will pass it on to their offspring.

Other genes, such as those causing the rare disease “xeroderma pigmentosum”, which is characterised by an extreme sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight that is associated with the development of skin cancers, follow an autosomal recessive inheritance, and in this case the probability is 25%, generally requiring both parents to be carriers. Furthermore, in these cases, half of the offspring are likely to be carriers of the genetic alteration even if they do not suffer from the disease.

It should be borne in mind that not all patients with a pathological mutation in genes with a hereditary predisposition to cancer develop it.

 
When should a hereditary cancer syndrome be suspected?
According to the expert, there are some warning signs that should alert us to the possible presence of a genetic alteration in genes with a hereditary predisposition to cancer:

– The appearance of tumours at a very early age.
– Presence of bilateral tumours in the case of double organs (e.g. breasts, kidneys, etc.) or several synchronous tumours.
– Presence of multiple cases of cancer in a family.

In these eventualities, a specialist in cancer genetics should be consulted, who will indicate the relevant genetic tests to detect the genetic alterations that cause a hereditary predisposition to cancer.
How do you know if you have a mutation in any of the hereditary cancer predisposition genes?
The diagnosis is mostly indicated in the person affected by cancer by means of a genetic test.

 
How is a genetic test carried out?
This type of study simply requires a blood or buccal mucosa sample.

From these samples, DNA is extracted for sequencing. The most common technique currently used for genetic studies of DNA sequence is next-generation sequencing using ultra-sequencing, a technique that allows simultaneous sequencing of multiple genes.

The current trend is to use multi-gene panels, confirming the presence of any positive findings with conventional DNA sequencing.

### Loop at the Virgen del Carmen

Life is an endless cycle... A rhythm that returns over and over again, like a rocking that you don't know if it's ending or just beginning.

They always told us that we are born, we grow, we reproduce, and we die, as a kind of ritual that occurs over and over again, but... How do we break with our supposed destiny?

Loop is an imaginative theatre production which will be taking place in the Virgen del Carmen Centre on 12 March 2023, at 6:30 p.m.

### Covid ICU hospitalisations increase across Valencia but other figures are down

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 534 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. The new cases by provinces are 83 in Castellón (196,116 in total), 176 in Alicante (535,944 in total) and 275 in Valencia (853,695 in total).

Of these, 325 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 66 from Castellón, 110 from Alicante and 149 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 163 people admitted for COVID, 13 of them in the ICU: 19 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 57 in the province of Alicante, 3 of them in the ICU, and 87 in the province of Valencia, 10 in the ICU.

11 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 7 women, between 77 and 95 years old, and 4 men between 63 and 94 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,403: 1,254 in the province of Castellón, 3,949 in Alicante and 5,200 in Valencia.

### Valencia will invite all women between the ages of 25 and 65 to participate in cervical cancer screening

Once the pilot study has been satisfactorily completed in autumn, the Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health in the Valencia region plans to send out mass invitations for women to participate in screening for cervical cancer, which will be extended progressively to all women between 25 and 65 years of age in the Valencian Community (an estimated 1,400,000).

Until the end of 2022, the cervical cancer detection system was based on performing Pap smears either at the request of the woman herself or taking advantage of the visit to the obstetrics service, it was an opportunistic screening.

The strategy that is planned in autumn will be a population screening, that is, extended to all women between 25 and 65 years of age, and contemplates two types of tests depending on age. Those between the ages of 25 and 34 will undergo vaginal cytology, which makes it possible to diagnose cellular alterations indicative of cancer. The first to receive the invitation to participate in the population screening in this age group will be 25,365 women born in 1991. If the result is normal, the cytology is repeated every 3 years.

On the other hand, women between the ages of 35 and 65 (initially 250,000 born in 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983 and 1988) will receive a kit to take a vaginal sample that will be used to detect the presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV).

It is a test similar to the self-sampling that is already used in colon cancer screening. The result is within a period of 7 to 10 days and, if it is positive, it does not mean that the person has cancer, since additional tests are undertaken to assess if there is any alteration. When it is not detected (HPV negative), the test is repeated every 5 years.

The different tests are because persistent infection by human papilloma is the most frequent cause of cervical cancer in women not vaccinated against this virus. In fact, the majority of sexually active people (80%) have contact with this virus but are unaware that they are carriers. The infection usually remits spontaneously, but in high-risk genotypes it can cause cancer.

After the first women will receive the invitation to participate in the population screening, the rest will be added in the coming years. The forecast is to invite each year, starting in 2024, a total of 285,000 women (35,000 from 25 to 34 years old and 250,000 from 35 to 65 years old).

With this scheme by population cohorts, it is expected to cover the invitation to the total target population in 5 years. Therefore, the objective is that, in 2029, the coverage, understood as an invitation to participate, is close to 100%. Ultimately, the aim is to reproduce in cervical cancer screening the benefits that are already being obtained with breast cancer screening, that is, to prevent and detect cervical cancer early to reduce mortality and improve quality of life.

In the words of the regional secretary for Public Health and the Public Health System, Ofelia Gimeno, this is one of the measures implemented by the Department of Universal Health and Public Health "to improve prevention and the health of women in all stages of life.

Population screening for cervical cancer, adds Gimeno, is "an effective and efficient prevention strategy to prevent the development of the tumour" that follows the breast cancer screening model, which last year celebrated its 30th anniversary since its implementation in the Valencian Community "as a symbol of progress in health and equity in health of public and universal health".

### Torrevieja Installs Intelligent Road Signs

The Councillor for Local Police, Mobility and Traffic in Torrevieja, Federico Alarcón, has announced that intelligent road signs have been installed in various parts of the town, all in a bid to improve road safety.

They are interactive, illuminated road signs that are activated through sensors, which send a signal when they detect the passage of a vehicle, either numerically or with icons, thus the driver receives information and warnings. In addition to improving road safety, these intelligent road signs are more sustainable and economical, since they work using solar panels.

Pedagogical radars are especially indicated to influence the behaviour of drivers, so they moderate their speed, by making them aware that they are exceeding the speed limits in areas that are especially sensitive to inappropriate speed such as urban environments, proximity of pedestrians, schools, etc.

Specifically, you will find the intelligent road signs on Avenida de Desiderio Rodríguez with José Hódar (playa Los Náufragos), Desiderio Rodríguez at the height of the La Veleta urbanisation, Gregorio Marañón with the entrance to the port, and they are also being installed at the exits of the ambulance units (Avenida Rosa Mazón) and the Fire Station.

### Obtaining a Padrón Certificate now Automated in Torrevieja

The Councillor for Innovation and Modernisation of the Local Administration in Torrevieja, Ricardo Recuero, along with the Councillor for Census and Statistics, Inmaculada Montesinos, have announced the automation of the Municipal Register, starting this week, which means that the issuing of Padrón certificates can be done online, and with little delay.

Ricardo Recuero has highlighted the importance of this new municipal service to expedite the procedures for applying for and obtaining the different Padrón certificates through the Electronic Headquarters of the Council, through the website, torrevieja.es, in addition to considerably reducing the pressure in person in the Department of Census and Statistics.

In this way, at this time citizens can request and obtain, in just a few minutes, the individual certificates and the collective certificates of the padrón directly through a digital device, while the historical certificate will come into operation in the month of March.

The means to request it are by electronic ID, digital certificate, pin code or permanent code. Once all the processing documents have been filled out, you will receive a communication from the town hall in your email to be able to download it and have access to the notification. Ricardo Recuero has highlighted that since last Monday 237 certificates have already been issued electronically with this new municipal digital register service.

Finally, the councillor has reported that the town hall has started a campaign so that people who do not have the digital certificate can obtain it at a special time from the PROP (next to the City Council) from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

### Reggaetón Beach Festival Comes to Torrevieja in August

The Reggaetón Beach Festival, considered one of the most important urban music events in Europe, has added Torrevieja to the venue list, and will take place at the Parque Antonio Soria on 5 and 6 August, 2023.

The pre-sale tickets sold out within a few hours, which is no surprise as this event is also known for being the one which sells the most tickets in Spain of any similar concert, bringing together the best urban music with leisure, gastronomy, learning, relaxation and fun for all ages.

This is the fifth time the event has taken place, touring 14 locations, adding Torrevieja for the first time.

Also known as “RBF”, the festival is a unique experience that combines an exceptional atmosphere with concerts by the most relevant international artists of the moment and an endless number of complementary activities. Its daytime schedule respects the neighbours and its activities are designed for the whole family: fun and refreshing water attractions with its large XXL slide, batucadas, congas and parades, dance classes, Zumba and self-defence.

In its various spaces it will also offer chill out rest areas, a swimming pool, food trucks with all kinds of gastro proposals, make-up and hairdressing workshops, stands of small local businesses and much more. All of this has made RBF in its short history the most popular and best valued festival among Spaniards and for which up to 600,000 people are expected to attend this year.



The RBF Tour, which in 2023 will also pass through Asturias, Barcelona, ​​Benidorm, Galicia, Madrid, Mallorca, Marbella, Marina D'Or, Santander, Tenerife, etc., is the European festival that features performances by the most important artists of urban music, undoubtedly the popular music of this new century. Stars such as Bad Bunny, Don Omar, Daddy Yankee, Anuel AA, Nicky Jam, Karol G, Myke Towers, Feid, Rauw Alejandro, Becky G, Farruko, Natti Natasha, Sebastián Yatra, Juan Magán and Ana Mena have passed through its stages, among dozens of other great artists of the moment.

 

### Torrevieja Intends to Protect Iconic Seafront Building

Torrevieja town hall is taking steps to protect an icon seafront building in the town, the "El Tintero" kiosk restaurant at playa del Cura, by classifying the building an Asset of Local Relevance.

The first stage, which has been approved already, is the tender for a contract worth 10,890 euro to draft and prepare the report to have the building included in the catalogue of historic buildings.

"El Tintero" is a unique and original building by the sea, which has more than 80 years of history and is part of the urban landscape of Torrevieja.

### Torrevieja Approves 180 Thousand Euro Budget for Fireworks

Torrevieja council has approved the budget for the hiring of the pyrotechnics services, broken down into two separate contrats.

The base tender budget amounts to 180,870 euro (an annual total of 74,740 euro, plus IVA) and the duration of the contract is established at two years and a possible extension of one year.

Part of the new contract will include a clause to reduce the noise level generated by the fireworks, or at least the assessment thereof.

There is also a sustainability clause to deal with the remains of the fireworks, and the successful bidder will have to process their own permits for each show.

### 191 People in Hospital with Covid

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 730 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. This is an increase in the number of infections. The new cases by province are 104 in Castellón (196,033 in total), 246 in Alicante (535,768 in total), an increase again, and 380 in Valencia (853,420 in total).

Of these, 415 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 72 from Castellón, 140 from Alicante and 203 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 191 people admitted for COVID, another increase, 11 of them in the ICU: 24 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 71 in the province of Alicante (increased), 5 of them in the ICU (increased), and 96 in the province of Valencia, 6 in the ICU.

14 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update (increased), all with a death date in the last 7 days except for two deaths from last month. They are 7 women, between 63 and 97 years old, and 7 men between 75 and 92 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,392: 1,252 in the province of Castellón, 3,944 in Alicante, an increase of 6 in a week, again, higher than last week, and 5,196 in Valencia.

From this week, masks are no longer mandatory on public transport, due to the reported postive position of Covid in Spain, despite what the figures show. Masks must still be worn in health settings, including pharmacies.

### Torrevieja Launches Latest Shopping Voucher Campaign

The Councillor for Commerce and Hospitality in Torrevieja, Rosario Martínez and the president of the APYMECO small business association, Jorge Almarcha, presented morning the seventh edition of the local shopping voucher scheme, "Bono Consumo", for which the town hall will invest another 500,000 euro of public money to encourage us all to shop more in the local establishments, with the intention of generating a million euro in revenue for those businesses.

So far, from the money residents pay to the town hall through taxes, 4,441,139 euro has been given out to businesses as part of the campaign that matches what we spend with a discount, which we have of course already paid for to the town hall.

Of course, there are hoops you will have to jump through to obtain the bonus. Firstly, you have to make an appointment to attend the Comercio y Ocupación de Vía Pública office in Torrevieja,

Once you have made your appointment, which is mandatory, there is no way around this, you will need to attend, in person, with your original, personal and non-transferable DNI/NIE.

You must also have a credit or debit card enabled by your bank for online purchases.

Then you can purchase vouchers up to the value of 100 euro, for which you will be charged 50 euro, or half of whatever value you choose.

Then, keep your vouchers in a safe place, as they only become operational from 1 March, and until 1 April.

When March comes along, you can then visit one of the participating stores in Torrevieja, along with your DNI/NIE, both mandatory, at the establishment itself, paying any difference in the price of the product you want to purchase, along with the discount voucher in printed or digital format.

The conditions also state that the same person may redeem more than one voucher in the same purchase or expense. If the purchase is made with several vouchers from several people, the different DNI associated with the vouchers must be checked. The vouchers will have a value of 10 and 20 euro, of which the client will contribute half the amount, that is, 5 and 10 euro, so each buyer will have a 50% discount on purchases.

Finally, it should be noted that a telephone number has been set up for information or any incident (865 942 361) as of February 13, as well as a technical support service through two emails ( soporteapymeco@gmail.com and bonoconsumo.torrevieja@netrotec.com ).

Good luck, and happy shopping in Torrevieja!

### Masks no longer mandatory on regional public transport as of Wednesday

From Wednesay 8 February 2023, the use of the mask will no longer be mandatory on public transport in the Valencia region, as in the rest of Spain, so that users of the metro, tram, Metrovalencia trains and buses, TRAM d'Alacant, TRAM de Castelló and Metrobus, buses and taxis, will be able to travel without the need for a face mask, which until now was essential to travel. You may of course continue to wear a mask if you choose to.

This decision has been adopted by the Council of Ministers of the Government of Spain, which considers that despite the increase in Covid infections and deaths (nationally) reported last week, the current health situation means that its use in transport is not necessary. With the publication in the Official State Gazette (BOE) of this resolution, scheduled for this Wednesday, February 8, this decision will become effective.

The mandatory use of the mask for users of transport dates back to May 4, 2020.

The public transports dependent on the Generalitat have been scrupulously complying with the successive opinions and regulations of the competent authorities to be applied at all times of the health crisis, which began in March 2020 and has experienced different stages, in each of them with different restrictions and obligations for the transport sector.

### Torrevieja to Benefit from Government Housing Rehabilitation Scheme

The Minister for Transport, Mobility and the Urban Agenda, Raquel Sánchez, has signed several agreements with the Generalitat Valenciana and town halls in the region to promote the rehabilitation of a total of 7,158 homes in 23 municipalities.

Of these more than 7,100 homes affected by this rehabilitation, 196 are publicly owned and 6,962 are privately owned, and are located in 31 residential areas in 23 municipalities in the provinces of Castellón, Valencia and Alicante.

These agreements will allow the rehabilitation of neighbourhoods that, as Sánchez has pointed out, "need improvements that will affect the quality of life of those who inhabit them", especially taking into account that improving the buildings and homes in these neighbourhoods is one of the objectives that are pursued, so that they can have better energy efficiency and greater well-being thanks to the aid they can obtain. "We are also committed to the fight against climate change, the reduction of non-renewable primary energy and the reduction of CO2 emissions in buildings and homes."

On occasions, they have suffered from the expansion of spaces for private vehicles, increasing noise and pollution, and reducing the space for neighbours. "We are committed to cohesive cities and neighbourhoods of which neighbours can feel a part", she added, also advocating "greener, more sustainable neighbourhoods, with better environments, better buildings and better homes".

The agreement with Torrevieja Council includes the actions in the scheduled rehabilitation residential environment of "Colonia San Esteban y Torresal" where the rehabilitation of an estimated number of 740 homes is planned, all privately owned, for a first performance phase. Mitma's contribution provided for in this agreement is 7,115,379.81 euro.

Mitma contributes more than 70% of the investment for the performances

These actions have a total investment of more than 186.1 million euro, of which Mitma will contribute more than 135.1 million, which represents more than 70% of the total, charged to the Rehabilitation Program for economic recovery and in residential settings of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR).

"This plan is the roadmap to modernise our economy and the fruit of rigorous work also in Europe, which is managing to respond to the crisis under principles of solidarity and protection that have nothing to do with what happened in previous crises. ", remarked the person in charge of Mitma during her speech.

Of the 26 agreements signed with town halls, Torrevieja will benefit, along with Alcoy, Alicante, Altea, Aspe, Elche, Petrer, and Sant Joan d'Alacant in the Alicante province.

The signing, which has been chaired by the Minister Raquel Sánchez, has been carried out in the presence of the Second Vice President and Minister of Housing Planning and Bioclimatic Architecture of the Generalitat, Héctor Illueca, and the General Secretary of the Urban Agenda and Housing, David Lucas. The act was also attended by the Government delegate in the territory, Pilar Bernabé; and the mayor of Valencia, Joan Ribó.

### Covid hospitalisations increase this week but all other measures decline

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 710 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. Last week, the new additions figure was 805, and it has not been this low since before last summer. The new cases by provinces are 110 in Castellón (195,929 in total), 223 in Alicante (535,522 in total), last week it was 272, and 377 in Valencia (853,040 in total).

Of these, 402 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 81 from Castellón, 128 from Alicante and 193 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 190 people admitted for COVID, 15 of them in the ICU: 19 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 63 in the province of Alicante, 4 of them in the ICU, and 108 in the province of Valencia, 11 in the ICU. Although, once again, there is positive news in the number of new infections, hospitalisations have increased this week, as last Friday there were 177 people admitted for COVID, 13 of them in the ICU.



8 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with deaths in the last 7 days, another drop from the 22 reported last week, and the lowest since 11 November last year, although still a very tragic figure. They are 3 women, between 75 and 91 years old, and 5 men between 76 and 97 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,378: 1,247 in the province of Castellón, 3,938 in Alicante, an increase of 4, falf the regional total, and 5,193 in Valencia.

### Medical check-ups: The tests you should have according to your age

When is it advisable to start checking our health? What are the essential tests? Quirónsalud Torrevieja can answer all of our questions about medical check-ups.

 

 

We all know how important it is to be aware of our health, but sometimes it is difficult to find the time or motivation to make an appointment and have a medical check-up. The day to day is full of things to attend to and it can be easy to forget the importance of making sure that everything works properly in our body, especially if we feel good.

From the early detection of serious diseases to the slightest change in our body, regular medical check-ups are vitally important, as they help us stay healthy and alert us to any potential problems to tackle them in time. In this article, we will explore with Quirónsalud Torrevieja the importance of medical check-ups, when it is necessary to have a check-up and why it is essential not to forget them for our well-being.
Why Get an Annual Check-up
 

As indicated by Quirónsalud Torrevieja, thanks to medical examinations we can make a general assessment of our state of health and detect diseases early, even before symptoms that make us feel bad appear.

If what we want is a general check-up, the specialties we must choose are Family Medicine or Internal Medicine.  However, there are also more specific check-ups such as gynaecological, urological, sports ...  and each one is the competence of a specific specialty.

"The tests depend on each patient. We must take into account, not only age and sex, but also family and personal history that can increase in some cases the probability of suffering from some diseases, "says Dr. Gemma Ramón, responsible for Medical Check-ups at Quirónsalud Torrevieja.
What diseases do medical check-ups help detect?
 

"Check-ups are very useful, for example, to detect diseases that increase cardiovascular risk (high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus...). These diseases in their beginnings are usually asymptomatic and increase the likelihood that we have heart problems, thrombosis ... They are also useful in some types  of cancer that can be detected early, considerably increasing the chances of treatment with a good prognosis," says Gemma Ramón.
At what age should you start check-ups?
 

"It's advisable at any age.  Just as during childhood periodic reviews are carried out, it must also be done during adulthood.  What changes, depending on age, are the physical exams and complementary tests recommended," explains Dr. Ramon.
What are the essential early detection tests according to our age?
 

- In the case of women, gynaecological check-ups are essential:

 	On the one hand, the realisation of a cytology that helps us detect possible malignant cells in the cervix. This test must be done from the age of 25 or three years after starting sexual intercourse.
 	On the other hand, it is necessary to monitor the breasts, performing self-examinations from the age of 20 and with complementary tests:  ultrasound from the age of 30 and mammography from the age of 40.

 

- In the case of men, an assessment of the prostate must be made from the age of 45, at least, with a blood determination of PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)

- In addition, in both sexes it is convenient to perform screening (screening) of colon cancer from the age of 45 with a faecal occult blood study.

And from the age of 50?
 

According to experts, from the age of 50 a check-up should consist of complete blood and urine tests, faecal occult blood tests, basic imaging tests (chest x-ray, abdominal ultrasound) and electrocardiogram (this for both sexes).

In addition, as we have advanced in the previous point, in men a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) and urological ultrasound will be necessary, and in women cytology, gynaecological ultrasound, mammography and breast ultrasound.
There are more diagnostic tests such as MRIs, CT scans ... What information do they provide and how do they help rule out certain diseases?
 

From Quirónsalud they detail that there are medical tests that are specifically requested when we have a specific suspicion because they help us to have more information about the area we want to study.  For example, MRI tests or computed tomography (CT) scans can provide a wealth of information about our bodies, allowing doctors to more accurately diagnose and rule out certain diseases.

These tests provide detailed images of organs, bones, muscles, and other tissues, helping to detect any abnormalities that may indicate a potential condition.  By using these tests, doctors can rule out or confirm certain suspicions and determine the best treatment for the patient. 

 

### Promising drop in Covid infections this week

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 805 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. Last week, the increase was 1,078, and this is the lowest recorded figure for some considerable time. The new cases by provinces are 120 in Castellón (195,819 in total), 272 in Alicante (535,299 in total) when last week the Alicante increase was 409, and 413 in Valencia (852,663 in total).

Of these, 449 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 70 from Castellón, 171 from Alicante and 208 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 177 people admitted for COVID, again a decline from the 223 last week, and again, the lowest figure since October, 13 of them in the ICU, last week it was 15: it breaks down to 18 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 56 in the province of Alicante, a drop of more than half campared to the 123 last week, again the lowest in some considerable time, 6 of them in the ICU, down from 9 last week, and 103 in the province of Valencia, 7 in the ICU.

22 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with deaths in the last 15 days, which is not such a positive figure, as there were 23 last week, and 22 the week before. They are 12 women, between 61 and 100 years old, and 10 men between 64 and 91 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,370: 1,247 in the province of Castellón, 3,934 in Alicante, an increase of 6 deaths, the same as last week, and 5,189 in Valencia. Of course there is always a lag in the number of deaths compared to infections of around 2 weeks, so it is hopeful that figure will reduce soon.

Overall, in January, 99 people have lost theri lives due to Covid across the Valencia region. That is a slight decline of the 101 in December, but still way above the 47 in November. In the Alicante province, 31 people died from Covid in January, 27 in December, and 13 in November.

This latest report comes as the Government announced this week that they will withdraw the mandate for masks on public transport, including planes, in about a week, although they will still remain in health settings such as hospitals, medical centres and pharmacies, amongst others.

Remember, you can get your Covid vaccine without an appointment again on Tuesday in Torrevieja hospital.

### Torrevieja Animal Shelter Extends Opening Hours

The Torrevieja Animal Shelter has extended opening hours from this week, and will now be open 365 days a year for the first time.

The Councillor for Animal Protection, Concha Sala, explained that the new schedule has been possible thanks to the configuration of the new work planning carried out by the staff of the Municipal Shelter.

The opening hours of the Torrevieja Animal Shelter, at least during the winter, is from Monday to Sunday, including holidays, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Concha Sala has highlighted the willingness of all the staff "to keep the hostel open throughout the year, something that had never happened before." The councillor for Animal Protection has thanked this demonstrated sensitivity "so that all the people who want to go to the facilities can do so on a greater number of occasions and, above all, the volunteers who will be able to carry out their work of affection more comfortably to the animals, accompaniment and walking of the pets".

 

### Vaccination Without Appointment in Torrevieja

Those adults eligible for their Covid booster, whether it is the third or fourth jab, or even those who have not yet began a course of vaccinations, can get their Covid vaccination without appointment at Torrevieja hospital.

The Covid vaccination drop-in centre will be operational at Torrevieja Hospital on Tuesday 24 January 2023, from 09:00 to 14:00, in the Salon de Actos, meeting rooms. This will also be repeated the following week, Tuesday 31 January 2023, at the same time, same place.

You can also get the flu vaccine at the same time, if eligible.



You do not need an appointment, just your SIP card and ID. If you are in any doubt as to your eligibility for the vaccine, you should check with your local clinic where you are registered.

There are other Covid vaccination drop-in clinics around the area surrounding Torrevieja, in case you don’t actually live here. Again, you can check with your local health centre, but this week you can get your vaccines at:

Tuesday 24 January 2023

CS Santa Pola: de 15h a 16h

Wednesday 25 January 2023

Consultori Gran Alacant de 13.30h a 14.30h

CS Santa Pola: de 13.30h a 16h

Hospital Vega Baja: de 15.30h a 20

### Torrevieja Carnival 2023 – Schedule of Events

Torrevieja Carnival 2023 starts this week, with the first event taking place on Friday, January 27, at the Municipal Theatre, with the proclamation that will be given by the humourist and "tiktoker - Instagramer" from the Canary Islands, Omayra Cazorla.

The first act will include a “twinning” with the Carnival of Vinaroz (Castellón) which, like that of Torrevieja, is declared of Autonomous Tourist Interest of the Valencian Community.

On Saturday, January 28, also at the Municipal Theatre, the coronation of the Reyes del Carnaval will take place. The Queen is Sara Fernández and the Child Queen, Edurne Vera. For the first time a King of the Carnival will be proclaimed, who will be Óscar Torregrosa. It so happens that the three of them belong to the troupe "Soul Dance". Also, that night, the Golden Shield of the Carnival will be delivered to María Dolores Inglada Ruíz “La Malecha”, historic co-founder of the comparsa “Blanca de sal y Morena de soles”.

On Sunday, January 29, the first Carnival Paella Contest was held in the vicinity of Pub Borneo, in the Barrio de La Punta (“La Ermita Zone”) and, on February 4, the National Drag Queen Competition will resume at the Municipal Theatre. The carnival association has increased the amount of the prizes to 1,500 euro for first place, 900 euro for second and 750 euro for the third.

Also, for the second consecutive year, the Animal Carnival will be held with a contest parade on the stage of the Jardín de las Naciones, starting at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 5, and at the same time there will be a day of coexistence for the whole carnival family in the same place.

In the build up to the Grand Carnival Parade, on Friday, February 10 the "Great Carnival meeting" will take place in the Plaza de la Constitución in the direction of the Plaza de Oriente, at 10:00 p.m. The next day, a large representation of the Torrevieja carnival will travel to Vinaroz to complete the twinning, participating in the carnival Queens and Kings gala. It will be the comparsa “Aquí hay tomate”, which represents the salt carnival with a choreography in the town of Castellón.

Sunday, February 12, is definitely a day for the diary, as it is the day of the Grand Carnival Parade which, this year, as a novelty, varies its route starting on calle Ramón Gallud from the vicinity of the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre to Dr. Gregorio Marañón, next to the CEPSA Service Station. There, the exhibition area will be installed for the third year, which will be renovated with new attractions.

Other important dates of the Torrevieja Carnival will be on February 14 and 15, with the holding of workshops and parades in the local schools.

On Thursday, February 16, there will be a Dance for the Elderly at the Municipal Leisure Centre (CMO) and on Friday, February 17, the Children's Parade "El carnaval de los coles" from the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre to the paseo Vista Alegre.

On Saturday, February 18, the Grand Night Parade and Comparsas Foráneas Contest will be held from 6:00 p.m. along calle Ramón Gallud, leaving from the Cultural Centre.

The culmination of the festivities will be the National Comparsas and Chirigotas Contest on Sunday, February 19, at the Municipal Theatre. The schedule is yet to be determined according to the number of participating groups.

All the acts will be free with an invitation that can be picked up at the Municipal Theatre Box Office.

### Brilla Torrevieja will return in summer 2023

For the third time, Brilla Torrevieja will bring popular musicians to Torrevieja in summer 2023, for the latest festival that will start on 30 July 2023.

Brilla Torrevieja will take place on various dates from 30 July to 20 August 2023, with national artists such as India Martínez (Sunday, July 30), Melendi (Thursday, August 4) and Loquillo (Saturday, August 12), the promoter of the event, Javier Riquelme, revealed at the FITUR tourism event in Madrid.

The rest of the artists who will perform at the Parque Antonio Soria concert venue have yet to be revealed, but the organisers say that they will be accompanied by sports, children's and cultural activities.

The promoter is putting special “box” tickets on sale, which will include the chance to see the artist of your choice, hotel accommodation, and an accompanying souvenir magazine, which includes information about Torrevieja.

The last edition of the festival took place over 20 days, with three stages located in three tourist areas of the city. The main stage, which was located in the Antonio Soria Park, received national and international artists such as Sebastián Yatra, Luis Fonsi, Taburete and Lola Índigo.

More than 50,000 people enjoyed a summer full of music, which had a direct and indirect economic impact on the city of almost 3 million euro, according to the press release issued this week after FITUR, which is somewhat lower than the 8 million initially reported by the town hall in their press release of August 2022.

 

### Torrevieja Weekend will return in April 2023

Torrevieja Weekend will return to reactivate and promote local commerce in Torrevieja, taking place in 2023 from April 21 to 23, with different activities, including well-known celebrities and specialised press that involve the know-how of Torrevieja's flagship points of commerce.

In addition, this year the Paseo Vistalegre will become the scene of the parade with a wonderful panoramic view of the sea, which is also available throughout the year by looking towards the wet bit that runs alongside.

Torrevieja Weekend vindicates some of the essential enclaves of Torrevieja such as the Lagunas de Torrevieja and La Mata Natural Park and the Real Club Náutico de Torrevieja (RCNT), in addition to its shops, an essential muscle loaded with history.

The latest creations by designer Eduardo Navarrete will also parade through this original and glamorous catwalk, with a wonderful collection inspired by Torrevieja, a parade that will put the final climax to the gala, animated and set by this well-known designer and with the staging of surprise performances (which probably means they don’t know yet, this early in the planning).

The announcement was made this week at the FITUR tourism event in Madrid.

### Isabella's Journey

The work tells the story of Isabela, her adventures and travels, and the duel between the true love represented in Ricadero, her young lover who shows unconditional love and who travels half the world in search of her, in opposition to another suitor whose feelings do not they are so noble.

This Spanish-language stage performance takes place in Torrevieja on 12 February 2023, starting at 6:30 p.m.

### Free Choral Concert at the Torrevieja Palacio de la Música

A free Choral Concert will take place at the Torrevieja Palacio de la Música on 5 February 2023, starting at 6:30 p.m.

The concert is by the Masa Coral Nuevo Amanecer, and although it is free, you must obtain a ticket from the Municipal Institute of Culture.

Places are limited to the 235 people capacity of the venue.

The concert itself will last for around an hour.

### Dumbo the Musical in Torrevieja

Dumbo the Musical is coming to Torrevieja in April.

To celebrate World Children's Day, we present a fun show for the whole family with a great staging and live voices that not only talks about inclusion but touches on issues such as bullying suffered by those who are different.

The musical won the National Award for Best Children's Musical Broadwayworld 2020.

You can see this superb performance at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre on 15 April 2023.

### Forever King of Pop – The Michael Jackson Tribute Show in Torrevieja

With this universal tour, Forever King Of Pop, pays tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, with a show that is a unique experience around the superstar’s universe.

This is the only show endorsed by the Jackson family.

You can see Forever King of Pop live in Torrevieja, at the Municipal Theatre, on 1 April 2023.

### Adictos – Thought provoking Spanish theatre in Torrevieja

On 26 March 2023, Adictos will be taking to the stage at the Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja

Lola Herrera, renowned actress, presents: Adictos. To what extent are we subjugated by technology? are we really free?

The event is part of Theatre Week, which is running from March 21 to 27.

### Mozart Concert in Torrevieja

The Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra presents the concert of: Mozart and ''El reloj''.

This classical music event will be held in the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre on 25 March 2023.

### The Snow Queen in Torrevieja

The Snow Queen, La Reina de las Nieves, is coming to Torrevieja in March.

Inspired by the tale of the Ice Queen... this children's musical with live voices, stars Mireia, from Operación Triunfo, who occupies the leading voice.

The musical will be performed at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre in 5 March 2023.

### Fito y Fitipaldis in Torrevieja

Fito & Fitipaldis are on tour, "Teatros y Auditorios" is a journey through their music, and they are performing in Torrevieja on 11 February 2023 at the International Auditorium.

Fito & Fitipaldis is a Spanish rock band, formed in 1998 by Fito Cabrales with the intention of publishing songs which were not in the style of his other band, mixing rock, soul, swing, and other genres.

### Jamming Sessions in Torrevieja

Jamming sessions arrive in Torrevieja, directly from Madrid, with a performance on 5 February 2023 at the Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja.

Jamming Session is a comedy show where the audience are not only involved, but become the protagonist!

Dare to improvise, interpret and suggest the artists! More than 20 seasons and 2 million viewers have already taken part.

### Reinventing Education Conference in Torrevieja

On 11 March 2023, starting at 08:30 a.m., the Auditorio Internacional de Torrevieja will host the second Reinventing Education Conference, 2º CONGRESO REINVENTAR LA EDUCACIÓN.

The event will bring together experts in the field of education, with keynote speakers and delegates from educational institutions looking at the future of the education sector.

### INTERNATIONAL FLAMENCO DAY in Torrevieja

On 5 March 2023, the fifth Celebration of the International Day of Flamenco will be held at the Torrevieja International Auditorium.

This spectacular event brings together the best performers in their field for a unique collaborative concert in Torrevieja.

### MUSIC TO DREAM – A symphony concert in Torrevieja

The Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra presents the concert: Music to dream, Música para sonar, which will take place in Torrevieja on 25 February 2023.

Tickets are on sale now for the spectacular musical event, which will be held at the Auditorio Internacional de Torrevieja, stating at 7:00 p.m.

### Covid hospitalisations increase again across Alicante but infections decline

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 1,078 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. Last week, the increase was 1,282. The new cases by provinces are 142 in Castellón (195,699 in total), 409 in Alicante (535,027 in total), whereas last week the increase in Alicante was 467, and 527 in Valencia (852,250 in total).

Of these, 614 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 82 from Castellón, 261 from Alicante and 271 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 223 people admitted for coronavirus, 15 of them in the ICU, when last week the figures were 285 and 22, respectively: Currently in hospital with Covid: 21 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 123 in the province of Alicante, 9 of them in the ICU, last week the figures were 108 and 6; and 79 in the province of Valencia, 6 in the ICU.

23 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with deaths in the last 15 days. They are 8 women, between 72 and 100 years old, and 15 men between 63 and 90 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,348: 1,243 in the province of Castellón, 3,928 in Alicante, an increase of 6, and 5,177 in Valencia.

### Alicante Covid Death Toll Continues to Climb

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 1,282 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update on Thursday, January 5. The new cases by provinces are 160 in Castellón (195,557 in total), 467 in Alicante (534,618 in total) and 655 in Valencia (851,723 in total).

Of these, 747 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 97 are from Castellón, 288 from Alicante and 362 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 285 people admitted with coronavirus, 22 of them in the ICU: 38 in the province of Castellón, 3 in the ICU; 108 in the province of Alicante, an increase over the 97 of last week, 6 of them in the ICU, and 139 in the province of Valencia, 13 in the ICU.

22 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a death date during the month of January 2023, except two in December 2022. They are 7 women between 76 and 97 years old, and 15 men between 55 and 98 years. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,325: 1,240 registered in the province of Castellón, 3,922 in Alicante, which is an increase of 12 this week, and the highest death toll since the peak of the pandemic, and 5,163 in Valencia.

### Deaths from Covid Continue to Increase

In figures which will be slightly down as they are released earlier than usual due to the holiday on Friday in Spain, deaths from Covid have continued to increase this week.

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 1,652 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday (last week, the increase was 1,557). The new cases by provinces are 242 in Castellón (195,397 in total), 530 in Alicante (534,151 in total) and 880 in Valencia (851,068 in total).

Of these, 963 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 140 from Castellón, 330 from Alicante and 493 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 335 people admitted for COVID (up from 323 last week), 22 of them in the ICU: 45 in the province of Castellón, 2 in the ICU; 97 in the province of Alicante (a decrease of 8), 9 of them in the ICU, and 193 in the province of Valencia, 11 in the ICU.





32 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 10 days. Last week, an additional 20 deaths were recorded, 22 the week before, 23 before that, and today’s death toll is the highest since the middle of August. They are 15 women between 66 and 103 years old, and 17 men between 57 and 90 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,303: 1,236 in the province of Castellón, 3,910 in Alicante (an increase of 7, and the highest weekly increase since October), and 5,157 in Valencia.

### Covid ICU admissions double in a week

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 1,557 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. The new cases by province are 257 in Castellón (195,155 in total), 411 in Alicante (533,621 in total) and 889 in Valencia (850,188 in total).

Of these, 839 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 149 from Castellón, 238 from Alicante and 452 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 323 people admitted for COVID, 22 of them in the ICU. Last week, there were 10 people in ICU, and the figure this week is the worst since the end of August, when 33 people were in intensive care for Covid treatment. Across the region, there are 40 in hospital in the province of Castellón, 3 in the ICU; 105 in the province of Alicante, 7 of them in the UCI (last week it was 4), and 178 in the province of Valencia, 12 in the UCI.

20 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 10 days. They are 8 women between 74 and 94 years old, and 12 men between 65 and 87 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,271: 1,233 in the province of Castellón, 3,903 in Alicante and 5,135 in Valencia.

In December, the total number of people who died from Covid in the Valencia region was 101, more than double the 47 who died in November, and again, the worst figure since the end of August.

### 1,972 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 1,972 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen test since the last update last Friday. The new cases by province are 316 in Castellón (194,898 in total); 503, in Alicante (533,210 in total), and 1,153, in Valencia (849,299 in total).



Of them, 992 are from people over 60 years old. By province: 207, from Castelló; 244, from Alicante, and 541, from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 326 people admitted, 10 of them in the ICU: 47, in the province of Castelló, 2 of them in the ICU; 92, in the province of Alicante, 4 in the ICU, and 187, in the province of Valencia, 4 in the ICU.

22 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with dates of death within the last 10 days, except for two people who died in November and one in October. These are 12 women between 60 and 90 years old, and 10 men between 62 and 97 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic is 10,251: 1,228 in the province of Castellón; 3,897, in Alicante, and 5,126, in Valencia.

### 12 simple guidelines to avoid extra kilos at Christmas

Christmas usually represents a "danger" when it comes to maintaining and taking care of the waistline, since excess food can mean an unwanted increase in our weight.

The answer lies in the infinity of stimuli that surround us during these festive days. More time at home, more gatherings with family and friends, supermarkets and other commercial areas full of temptations.

 

"We spend more hours in the kitchen and, without going out of our routine, television and other media are filled with advertisements for food and drinks typical of Christmas," say the specialists of the Obesity Unit of the Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja.

 

But not everything stops there, because this weight gain can imply more serious consequences for our health, such as diabetes, digestive diseases or the development of hypertension, in the most extreme cases.

 

The good news, according to the specialist, is that we can plan our nutritional numbers and avoid those extra kilos that always characterise this time of year. For this, this expert in nutrition lists the following guidelines to follow before the celebratory dates:

 

 	Sticking exclusively to holidays and special meals is essential. On December 24 and 31, January 1 and 5, two dinners, a lunch and a snack to try the Rioscón de Reyes.
 	Do not buy sweets and drinks ahead of time.
 	Opt for small quantity and high-quality products.
 	Do not sit in front of the table after eating. It is difficult to resist a table with beautiful products on the outside and rich on the inside.

 

Thus, one of the main mistakes that we usually commit at this time is to get ahead of the celebrations and buy and cook more than we need.  "Leave the table when we finish eating. Looking for other activities to do these days can help us not celebrate absolutely everything only by eating and drinking," warns the specialists.

 

IS SOMETHING WRONG IF NOT LIKE THE DAY OF CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER?

 

One of the usual questions that many people ask themselves on the designated days, such as Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve, for example, is if on those dates we should not eat or do little if, for example, we know that it is Christmas Eve dinner, where it is easy for us to fill up and even spend eating. To what extent is it good to limit the intake of that day and not eat at noon, or to do it little?

 

In this regard, this dietitian-nutritionist considers that the ideal and that can help in these cases is to get ahead and design a menu of first course, second course and dessert: "It is very useful not to exceed the quantity. Limiting wine to the main course and toast time also helps. On the table can and should also be water, vegetables and fruits. We can include low-calorie foods in the preparation of Christmas recipes."

 

WHAT ABOUT WHIMS

 

On the other hand, we ask the specialists of Quirónsalud Torrevieja about whether we can grant ourselves this Christmas, and from time to time, a whim, and coinciding with family celebrations, if this will somehow influence those kilos of more endings that we accumulate.

 

In his opinion, of course we can treat ourselves from time to time because, he maintains, prohibitions rarely work, at the same time that they are difficult to maintain over time.  "Health professionals need to promote a healthy relationship with food. Food in addition to nourishing us fulfils other functions. It helps you to relate and feel part of a group. Eating, in addition to a necessity, is a pleasure," say the specialists.

 

IT IS POSSIBLE TO KEEP TRIM WITH THESE TIPS

 

With all this, he affirms that itis possible to maintain the waistline on Christmas days and avoid those 2-3 kilos of more that we usually add at this time with the following tips:

 

 	Choose a salad, vegetable cream or light soup as a starter.
 	Accompany meat, fish or seafood with a vegetable garnish.
 	Opt for a small portion of sweet and combined with pieces of fruit.
 	Always start with water. It will help you reduce your alcohol intake.
 	Make a shopping list considering the menu and the number of guests so that you do not overeat.
 	Plan a fun, lively activity with the family on those days. Make all purchases on foot.
 	Start your day with physical activity. Don't leave it for the end of the day.
 	Eat what you like without remorse, but try to be rational with the amounts and don't sabotage yourself! Do not have within reach outside of 4 holidays what you do not want to eat or drink.

### Highest Weekly Covid Deaths Since September

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 1,777 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. The new cases by provinces are 286 in Castellón (194,582 in total), 445 in Alicante (532,707 in total) and 1,046 in Valencia (848,146 in total).

Of these, 927 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 160 from Castellón, 247 from Alicante and 520 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 372 people admitted for COVID, 18 of them in the ICU. This again is the highest figure recorded since the reporting system was changed in August. In hospital with Covid there are 48 in the province of Castellón, 2 in the ICU; 109 in the province of Alicante, 9 of them in the UCI, and 215 in the province of Valencia, 7 in the UCI.



23 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 10 days, the highest since 26 deaths were recorded in the week ending 9 September, after which the figure has shown a general increase. They are 12 women between 68 and 98 years old, and 11 men between 24 and 98 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,229: 1,224 in the province of Castellón, 3,891 in Alicante and 5,114 in Valencia.



The number of people who have died from Covid in the Valencia region so far in December, 59, has already exceeded the total number of deaths for the whole of November, 47, and matched that for the whole of October.

### Christmas in Torrevieja 2022

Torrevieja town hall has organised the biggest, and most expensive, Christmas celebration in the town’s history, to make Christmas in Torrevieja 2022 a magical experience for all.



At a cost of well over a million euro, the events will consist of concerts in the Plaza de la Constitución, on a purpose-built stage, children's entertainment, dance and magic shows, and even horse riding, although it’s not entirely clear how this fits into the Christmas messaging.
WHAT'S ON IN TORREVIEJA THIS CHRISTMAS
The Department of Fiestas has composed a calendar of activities in which the promotional actions of the Department of Commerce have also been added on these very important dates, as well as the programming provided by the Municipal Institute of Culture "Joaquín Chapaprieta". Globally, it is the largest Christmas program in the history of Torrevieja.

Local groups and singers will meet on the stage of the Plaza de la Constitución starting this Thursday, December 15, at 8:30 p.m., with Quique Montes and Candela Gómez.

At the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, on Thursday, December 15, at 8:00 p.m., a Christmas concert by the UMT Youth Band and the following day "Christmas Rociera" by the Andalusian Cultural Association starting at 7:00 p.m. -entry 5 euro-.

For its part, and on the occasion of the Jubilee Year of the 50th anniversary of the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, on Thursday, December 15, the School Christmas Carol Contest will be held in the parish itself at 6:00 p.m.

On Friday the 16th, at 8:30 p.m., Lucía España will perform and on Saturday the 17th, at 12:30 p.m., there will be a Christmas concert by the Los Salerosos Youth Band.

Also, on the central stage of the Plaza de la Constitución, on Saturday, December 17, at 6:00 p.m., the usual delivery of toys to the Department of Social Welfare of the "Moto Papanoelada" will take place, organised by Guardian Angels of Alicante and the "Dorsal Zero" Biker Brotherhood of Torrevieja.

On Sunday, December 18, at 8:30 p.m., Shani Ormiston will perform, and there will be a puppet show "Cris, little brave" from 6:30 p.m. at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, -entrance price 5 euro-.

On Monday 19 December, at 6:45 p.m., a Christmas concert by the Orchestra and Choir of the UNED of Elche with the collaboration of its headquarters in Torrevieja.

On Wednesday, December 21, a double artistic session is presented: at 6:00 p.m. the concert "El Conservatorio en Navidad" will take place with the students of the "Francisco Casanovas" Professional Conservatory of Torrevieja and from 9:30 p.m., night of music and carnival by the hand of the chirigota "Los Sangochaos" and the Comparsa "La Sal de Torrevieja".

Also on December 21, at the Palacio de la Música, the piano concert "4 hands and a violin. Conjunto Crescendo" will be held at 8:00 p.m.

On Thursday, December 22, there will be a "Christmas Flamenco Zambomba" starting at 9:00 p.m.

The "Trivox" group will pay tribute to "Il divo" with the accompaniment of the "Virtuos Mediterrani" Chamber Orchestra on the evening of Friday 23rd from 8:30 p.m.

At the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, the "Arantxa Blanco" Dance Centre will offer its "Christmas Dance" on Tuesday, December 27, at 7:00 p.m.

Also, on December 27, the UMT chamber group "Percusax" will meet in the square, with the concert "D'amore", where prominent local voices will be featured.

The following day, the 28th December, it will be the turn of the "Sette Voci" group to offer the "Nata Lux" concert.

On Thursday, December 29, the little ones will be able to enjoy the "Cantajuegos con Olaf y Elsa".

On Friday, December 30, after having celebrated the Children's Afternoon, the public will be able to enjoy the concert by the local singer-songwriter, Mariano Ferrández, starting at 8:30 p.m.

A "Tardevieja" party will be held for children on Friday, December 30, in the Plaza de la Constitución from 5:00 p.m. and, in the same place, on the 31st, a great New Year's Eve party that everyone is invited to in order to welcome the New Year 2023, with a performance by a DJ and cotillion cast from 11:30 p.m.
DANCE IN TORREVIEJA
Dance will also have its space on Tuesday, December 20, with the "Payás" Dance School at 8:30 p.m.

On the 23rd and 24th, at 12:30 p.m., the children's entertainment "La plaza de deseos" will take place, and on the 26th, on the square's stage, at 12:00 p.m., the show "Dance with the goblins Christmas". That same day "Children's Karaoke" from 6:00 p.m. On the 27th, also on the square's stage, Antonio Ortuño "El Brujo" presents the show "Magia en Navidad".
SPECIAL PROGRAMMING AT TORREVIEJA MUNICIPAL THEATRE
The Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja will also host a special program beginning this Thursday, December 15, at 8:30 p.m., with the play "Angelina o el honor de un brigadier", by Ars Creatio.

On Friday, December 16, "The best of Yllana", at 8:00 p.m. -entrance 10 euro-.

The classic ballet "The Nutcracker" will arrive on Sunday, December 18, at 7:00 p.m. -admission 10 euro-.
LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS IN TORREVIEJA
Likewise, as a climax to the Fair of Local Associations and NGOs, which will take place on Paseo Vista Alegre on the 17th and 18th, on Thursday, December 22, a gala of associations and NGOs will be held at the Municipal theatre at 6:00 p.m., when the citizen and volunteer of the year will be named.
TORREVIEJA INTERNATIONAL AUDITORIUM
The Torrevieja International Auditorium will host on Sunday, December 18, the concert of the UMT band "Christmas Rock Synphonic 2.0" at 12:00.

Also, on the 23rd, at 12:00 noon, there will be a Christmas concert by the Torrevieja Youth Symphony Orchestra and, on January 6 and 7, 2023, the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra will offer the 13th New Year's and Three Kings Concert at 7:00 p.m.
NUMEROUS ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
Various street locations and with the aim of boosting Christmas shopping in local establishments will host children's activities, starting on Monday, December 19, at the corner of calle Concepción and Fotógrafos Darblade with "Inflatable reindeer and cotton candy tasting" from 5:00 p.m.

On Tuesday, December 20, in the Plaza de Isabel II, next to the Central Market "La Plasa", from 10:00 am, inflatable Christmas tree. At the corner of calle Concepción and Canónigo Torres, there will be a workshop called "Make your Christmas ball" at 5:00 p.m.

In the same place, on Friday 23, at 6:30 p.m., the activity "Take a picture with horses and a luminous sleigh" will be held.

On December 24, Christmas Eve, the entire urban shopping area will have characters that will encourage shopping from 11:00 am. Also, on the same day, but in the Plaza de la Constitución, at 6:00 p.m., there will be a concentration of Santa Clauses distributing toys to children while supplies last.

On Tuesday, December 27, the workshop "Make your Christmas wreath" will be offered at the corner of calle Concepción and Canónigo Torres, starting at 10:30 a.m.

In the same place, on Wednesday 28, from 6:00 p.m., "Tik Tok zone".

On December 30, on the Vista Alegre promenade, starting at 11:30 a.m., a large 4-metre snow globe.

Also, in the Plaza de la Constitución, on January 5, there will be a cotton candy tasting starting at 11:00 am.

### Highest Covid Deaths Since Early September and Hospitalisations Highest Since August

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 2,039 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. The new cases by provinces are 356 in Castellón (194,296 in total), 478 in Alicante (532,262 in total) and 1,205 in Valencia (847,100 in total).

Of these, 1,150 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 238 from Castellón, 281 from Alicante and 631 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 380 people admitted for COVID, last week it was 331, and this is the highest figure reported since the method of reporting was changed in August, 15 of them in the ICU: 48 in the province of Castellón, 3 in the ICU; 104 in the province of Alicante, last week it was 91, and this again is the highest hospitalisatoin figure since the reporting method was changed in August, 6 of them in the UCI, and 228 in the province of Valencia, 6 in the UCI.





19 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 10 days. They are 12 women between 56 and 96 years old, and 7 men between 76 and 96 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,206: 1,220 in the province of Castellón, 3,885 in Alicante and 5,101 in Valencia.

### Covid hospitalisations and deaths continue to increase across Alicante and the region

The regional Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 2,018 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. The new cases by province are 285 in Castellón (193,940 in total), 485 in Alicante (531,784 in total) and 1,248 in Valencia (845,895 in total).

Of these, 1,046 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 156 from Castellón, 276 from Alicante and 614 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 331 people admitted, a jump from 276 last week, 19 of them in the ICU: 39 in the province of Castellón, 3 in the ICU; 91 in the province of Alicante, 6 of them in the ICU, up from 82 last week, and 201 in the province of Valencia, 10 in the ICU.





17 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 5 women between 75 and 95 years old, and 12 men between 53 and 91 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,187: 1,213 in the province of Castellón, 3,881 in Alicante and 5,093 in Valencia.



 

### Could the 1829 Torrevieja earthquake be repeated?

As anybody living in the area south of Alicante can testify through experience, earthquakes are not uncommon, but as Alicante is to become a high-profile centre for seismic research, as we recently reported, with the facilities at the University of Alicante being extended to provide a better study of earthquakes in this area, but just how much seismic activity is there, and should we be worried that the Torrevieja earthquake could be repeated?

In 1829, much of the Vega Baja was destroyed by an earthquake, and although that event is commonly referred to as the Torrevieja earthquake, the devastation affected other surrounding municipalities. Devastating though it was, it wasn’t the first earthquake in the area. In fact, since the National Geographic Institute (IGN) started collecting records, three of the 27 major earthquakes that have occurred in Spain have occurred in the province of Alicante.

Prior to the 1829 disaster, we need to go back to 1048, when the Orihuela mosque was destroyed. The second was on 19 June 1644 and had its epicentre in Muro de Alcoy, where several houses were destroyed. Both are listed as "intensity VIII", which was the old measure (before the 20th century) to assess the importance of earthquakes, although what it really reflected was the amount of destruction caused.

The registered intensity IX or X was the highest. In fact, the IGN has only documented two other earthquakes with this level in Spain: on 1 November 1755 in Cabo San Vicente, which produced a tsunami almost 15 metres high, and on 25 December 1885 in Arenas del Rey (Granada), with 4,400 buildings destroyed and more than 13,000 damaged.

The third earthquake is the one that is best documented. It happened on 21 March 1829 in the Torrevieja area, and affected three other municipalities, Almoradí, Benejúzar and Guardamar, that had to be completely rebuilt. That tragedy left 389 dead and 377 injured.

According to the chronicles, the decade between 1820 and 1830 was one of those with the greatest seismic activity in the province of Alicante. The intensity increased until, between 13 September 1828 and 21 March 1829, some 200 tremors occurred.

The last one was recorded around 6:15 p.m., with an estimated magnitude of 6.6 on the Richter scale, with the epicentre in the towns of Benejúzar, Rojales and Torrevieja. The catastrophe left hundreds dead and injured, in addition to 2,965 homes completely destroyed and 2,396 damaged. The bridges that crossed the Segura River in Almoradí, Benejúzar, Dolores and Guardamar also collapsed.

In addition to the municipalities located at its epicentre (which had to be almost completely rebuilt), the earthquake also affected the towns of Almoradí, Algorfa, Rafal, Torrelamata, Daya Vieja, Guardamar, Dolores, Redován, San Fulgencio and San Miguel de Salinas.

In fact, half of the deceased were from Almoradí, due to the narrowness of its streets. In this municipality, every year its inhabitants take San Emigdio, who is the patron saint of earthquakes, out into the streets and pray in memory of all the victims, a routine also celebrated in other towns, including Torrevieja.

Could something like this happen again? Well, in principle yes, because two areas of the province of Alicante, l'Alacantí and the southern regions, are susceptible to having earthquakes of intensity 6 on the Richter scale.

The observation was made a year ago by the professor of the Department of Seismic Engineering and Geodesy of the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), Paco García, who stressed that, of the three geological domains of the Valencian Community, "the most prone and most active" is the so-called Bético, in the south of Valencia and Alicante.

"We expect earthquakes of large magnitudes, from 6 up on the Richter scale. If the previous ones have been of great destructive quantity, why couldn't they be repeated if they are the same faults," he said. "Active quaternary faults are the ones that are of concern."

Thus, García indicated that, despite the fact that in general "seismicity in the Valencian Community is moderate or low" and the territory is "fully monitored with seismographs and accelerographs", earthquake prediction is "in its infancy" because "we do not know where they will occur, in the areas where there is more probability, yes, but not when, the day and time".

He also defended "that seismic risk studies and plans be carried out" and valued that the construction of buildings, bridges or any infrastructure "has been governed for some time now by the seismic resistance standard."

What he completely ruled out is that the Valencian coast could suffer a tsunami, because "the magnitude of that earthquake will not reach a 6 or 7 and we have a highly developed continental shelf and the depth is very small, 200 or 300 metres", unlike what occurs in the Gulf of Cádiz or the coast of Malaga, Ceuta, Melilla and the Moroccan and Algerian coast.

### Ten places to visit away from Torrevieja

Although there are things to do in Torrevieja, sometimes it’s nice to get away, and with that in mind, we thought we’d offer a handful of places to visit away from Torrevieja, but not too far away.



Click on the title of each listing to see the location on Google Maps.

 	The Castle of Santa Barbara:

We start in the capital of the Costa Blanca, and the administrative centre of the province, Alicante city. Here, located at the top of Mount Benacantil, you will find the Castle of Santa Bárbara, or Castillo de Santa Bárbara to give it the Spanish name.

This Muslim fortress was built in the 9th century, but its current structure dates from the 15th century.

The castle is an impressive example of military architecture, with its towers and walls, and is one of the best places to enjoy panoramic views of the city of Alicante.

 	The Archaeological Museum of Alicante:

The Archaeological Museum of Alicante, Museo Arqueológico de Alicante (MARQ), is one of the main places of historical interest in the province.

Located in the centre of the city of Alicante, the museum houses an important collection of archaeological objects from the region, from remains of Iberian culture to pieces from medieval times.

 	The walled city of Elche:

Slightly closer than Alicante is the city of Elche, one of the main tourist destinations in the province, thanks largely to it being home to the Costa Blanca’s airport hub, Alicante-Elche Airport.

This ancient walled city is characterised by its architecture and historical heritage, such as the Cathedral of Santa María, the Altamira Palace and the Basilica of Santa María.

 	Javea:

Located north of Alicante, Jávea is one of the most beautiful cities in the province.

This small town is characterised by its cobbled streets, its white houses and its fishing port, but it is also famous for its beautiful beaches and coves.

 	The Montgó Natural Park:

The Montgó Natural Park is one of the main places of ecological interest in the province of Alicante.

This natural reserve is characterised by its mountainous landscapes and its valleys, and is home to a varied and rich fauna and flora. This area is one of the best places for hiking and enjoying nature.

 	El Clot de Galvany:

On the subject of natural parks, we cannot ignore El Clot de Galvany, which is almost on the doorstep to Torrevieja, situated at the foot of the Gran Alacant urbanisation in Santa Pola.

The Clot de Galvany Municipal Natural Area is a protected space with an interesting diversity of environments that make it a first-rate centre of biodiversity in the Valencian Community. Managed by the Elche City Council, it is under the patronage of the municipal company Aigues d'Elx.

 	The Natural Park of the Salinas de Santa Pola:

Slightly further on brings us to las Salinas de Santa Pola, located south of Alicante and constitute one of the main tourist attractions in the province. This natural reserve is characterised by its salt flats, lagoons and beaches, and is one of the best places to enjoy the native fauna and flora.

 	The city of Benidorm:

It is a bit of a drive from Torrevieja but Benidorm is one of the main tourist cities in the province of Alicante. This city, located on the Mediterranean coast, is characterised by its beaches and luxury hotels, but it also has an interesting historical heritage, such as the Church of San Jaime.

Needless to say, Benidorm is a popular holiday spot for British tourists, but also attracts visitors from around the globe, as well as domestic tourists from Spain.

 	The Sierra de Mariola Natural Park:

Sierra de Mariola is a mountain range located north of Alicante. This protected area is one of the main places of natural interest in the province, and has an interesting and varied fauna and flora. This area is ideal for hiking and enjoying nature.

 	The Albufera de Valencia Natural Park:

Located south of Valencia, the Albufera de Valencia Natural Park is one of the main tourist destinations in the province. This protected area is characterised by its lakes, marshes and wetlands, and is home to a varied and rich fauna and flora. The park is also one of the best places to practice water sports, such as kayaking or sailing.

 

### Pet Expo in Alicante – EXPOMASCOTAS 2022

On Saturday 3 December, continuing into Sunday, the 10th Dog and Other Pet Show, EXPOMASCOTAS, will open its doors at the IFA Exhibition Centre near to Alicante-Elche Airport.



EXPOMASCOTAS is designed to be a single space where a whole range of articles, products, services and information related to pets and companion animals can be found. Specialised store stands, education and training schools, clubs, shelters, food for all kinds of pets... a whole sector united to offer a wide range of services and products.

The exhibition areas and stands will alternate with spaces and rings where the different activities, contests and exhibitions will take place. These exhibitions will be accompanied by agility tournaments, dog shows, conferences and other competitions.





This year, as a novelty, the 4th Adoption Hall will be held in parallel, where all the participating animal protectors will present their pets on a large catwalk for fostering or adoption.

On the occasion of the celebration of the 4th Adoption Hall, access to pets will be allowed by the visiting public. The price of access for each pet, not registered for dog shows, will be €2.00 and will be donated in full to the participating shelters.



Advance tickets for the event can be purchased on the web: Cheaper when you buy in advance by clicking here.

Ticket during the fair purchased at the physical box office: €8.

The hours of the fair are Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

There is also a Facebook with more information:  https://www.facebook.com/ExpomascotasIFA/

### Covid Infections and Hospitalisations Increasing across Alicante Province

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 2,054 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. Last week, the figure had increased by 2.013. The new cases by province are 274 in Castellón (193,655 in total), 460 in Alicante, it was 419 additional cases last week (531,299 in total) and 1,320 in Valencia (844,647 in total).



Of these, 1,096 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 170 from Castellón, 280 from Alicante and 646 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 276 people admitted for COVID, the same figure as a week ago 15 of them in the ICU: 33 in the province of Castellón, 2 in the ICU; 82 in the province of Alicante, which has increased by 10 people, 6 of them in the ICU, an increase of 1, and 161 in the province of Valencia, 7 in the ICU.

Covid Hospitalisation - Alicante Province

15 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 15 days except one in October. Last week, there were 12 deaths reported. These are 7 women between the ages of 64 and 92, and 8 men between 59 and 94. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,170: 1,212 in the province of Castellón, 3,876 in Alicante and 5,082 in that of Valencia.

### Prostate Cancer: Everything You Need to Know

Dr. Sven Petry, head of the urology service at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, explains what factors we should take into account regarding prostate cancer.


What is the prostate and what is its function?
The prostate is one of the internal sexual organs of men, it is located between the urinary bladder and the pelvic floor and surrounds the beginning of the urethra. Its function is the production of seminal fluid and ejaculation.
What are the main problems affecting the prostate?
The prostate tends to grow with age, can squeeze the urethra and cause problems passing urine.

The three most common problems are:

 	Inflammation (prostatitis)
 	Enlarged prostate (BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia)
 	Prostate cancer

Keep in mind that BPH is not related to cancer, so it does not increase your risk of prostate cancer. However, the symptoms of BPH and prostate cancer may be similar.

 
What are the symptoms of prostate disorders?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): The prostate can press on the bladder and urethra. This can block the flow of urine, and even make it difficult to start the flow of urine. They may also feel like they need to urinate all the time or wake up several times at night with a sudden urge to urinate. Rezum is an innovative, effective, safe and minimally invasive technique that is performed with water vapor to treat BPH.

Prostatitis is an acute  inflammation of the prostate gland that can result from a bacterial infection. Its symptoms are high fever, pain when urinating or ejaculating. Because of the swelling of the prostate, it may also show the same symptoms as with BPH.

Prostate cancer tends to grow more slowly compared to most cancers. Cell changes can begin many years before a tumour is large enough to cause symptoms, which are similar to BPH. The more advanced the cancer, cancer cells can spread (metastasize) and cause bone pain.

 
Diagnostic tests for prostate cancer detection

 	Digital rectal exam
 	PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test
 	Semen and urine analysis
 	Urological ultrasound, flowmetry
 	Multiparameter magnetic resonance imaging

 
How is the approach to prostate pathologies carried out using laser technology?
The most common surgery for BPH is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). An instrument is passed through the urethra and the excess prostate tissue is trimmed internally to expand the urethra. However, TURP can have side effects such as bleeding, hence the advantage of using laser surgery (laser energy destroys prostate tissue by vaporization), which causes little blood loss In addition, the recovery period from laser surgery may be shorter as well and you need a hospitalization of fewer days.
What is laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique and an alternative to conventional open surgery in which a small camera called a laparoscope is used to see inside the abdomen.

Instead of making large incisions, short, thin tubes (trocars) are inserted into the abdomen, using only small incisions (less than one centimetre).

Through these trocars, instruments are inserted that the surgeon uses to manipulate, cut and sew tissues.
Tips for taking care of the prostate
It is not possible to influence the main risk factors (age, hereditary predisposition ...), however, a healthy lifestyle: balanced diet, regular exercise, not smoking and moderate alcohol consumption, helps reduce the overall risk of cancer.

 How is prostate cancer detected?

Prostate cancer in its early stages does not produce symptoms, so  men should have regular screenings for early detection of prostate cancer from the age of 45.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by prostate cells. However, prostate cancer cells can release about 10 times the amount of PSA compared to normal prostate cells. This knowledge is used for the early detection of prostate cancer. The PSA value is determined by taking a blood sample.

Causes of prostate cancer:

 

 	 Age. Men who are age 50 or older have an increased risk of prostate cancer.
 	Race. African-American men have the highest risk of prostate cancer.
 	 Family history. Men whose fathers or brothers have had prostate cancer have a 2- or 3-fold increased risk of prostate cancer.
 	 Diet. The risk of prostate cancer may be higher for men who eat high-fat diets.

 
What treatment can be used with this type of cancer?
Active surveillance allows treatment to be postponed until the tumour is actively progressing.

As for curative treatment, it can be performed with surgery (radical prostatectomy) and radiotherapy or internal or external radiation.
What is the prostate cancer survival rate?
As long as prostate cancer is diagnosed in its early stages and has not yet metastasized, there is a very high chance that it will be curable.

Request more information in the urology service of Quirónsalud Torrevieja

 

### 2023 Red Days and Public Holidays in Torrevieja

The Spanish employment ministry has published the list of national holidays for 2023 (the equivalent to Bank Holidays in the UK), commonly known as Red Days, or the working calendar.

Red Days are national holidays, recognised throughout the country, to which we must also add the regional holidays, in our case those celebrated in the Valencian Community, and also local holidays in Torrevieja.

Here is a list of red days, regional holidays and local holidays in Torrevieja for 2023:

January 1 - Is a Sunday this year

January 6 - Epiphany of the Lord: Not a National Holiday but celebrated in the Valencian Community

April 6 - Holy Thursday: Not a National Holiday but celebrated in the Valencian Community

April 7 - Good Friday: Not a National Holiday but celebrated in the Valencian Community

April 10 - Easter Monday: Not a National Holiday but celebrated in the Valencian Community

April 25 - San Vicente Ferrer, local holiday in Torrevieja

May 1 - Labour Day

March 19 – San Jose (Father’s Day) is normally a holiday but is a Sunday this year

June 24 - San Juan: Not a National Holiday but celebrated in the Valencian Community

August 15 - Assumption of the Virgin

October 9 - Valencian Community Day: Not a National Holiday but celebrated in the Valencian Community

​October 12 - National Holiday of Spain

November 1 - All Saints

December 6 - Spanish Constitution Day

December 8 - Immaculate Conception

December 25 – Christmas day

December 26 – Local holiday in Torrevieja for the second day of Christmas

You can find out the full calendar, including for other municipalities, from your local social security office or town hall.

 

### Valencian hospitals have 267 people admitted for COVID, 13 of them in the ICU

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 2,013 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. The new cases by province are 305 in Castellón (193,381 in total), 419 in Alicante (530,839 in total) and 1,289 in Valencia (843,327 in total).



Of these, 1,107 are people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 196 from Castellón, 264 from Alicante and 647 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 267 people admitted for COVID, 13 of them in the ICU: 37 in the province of Castellón, 1 in the ICU; 72 in the province of Alicante, 5 of them in the ICU, and 158 in the province of Valencia, 7 in the ICU.

12 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. These are 5 women between the ages of 76 and 101, and 7 men between 77 and 89. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,155: 1,209 in the province of Castellón, 3,873 in Alicante and 5,073 in that of Valencia.

### Increase in Covid Infections This Week

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 2,139 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last Covid update last Friday. Last week, the figure was 1,840. The new cases by province are 301 in Castellón (193,076 in total), 500 in Alicante (530,420 in total) and 1,338 in Valencia (842,038 in total).

Of these, 1,239 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 191 from Castellón, 313 from Alicante and 735 from Valencia.



Valencian hospitals currently have 284 people admitted for COVID (last Friday is was 273), 16 of them in the ICU: 43 in the province of Castellón, 5 in the ICU; 73 in the province of Alicante, 3 of them in the ICU, and 168 in the province of Valencia, 8 in the ICU.

Covid Hospitalisations - Valencia Region

8 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. These are 5 women between 51 and 88 years old, and 3 men between 66 and 90. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,143: 1,206 in the province of Castellón, 3,868 in Alicante and 5,069 in that of Valencia.

### Covid hospitalisations increased this week, all other data more stable

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,840 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. The new cases by province are 243 in Castellón (192,775 in total), 443 in Alicante (529,920 in total) and 1,154 in Valencia (840,700 in total).

Of these, 1,144 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 166 from Castellón, 288 from Alicante and 690 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 273 people admitted for COVID, 20 of them in the ICU: 32 in the province of Castellón, 2 in the ICU; 80 in the province of Alicante, 7 of them in the ICU (last week it was 75 and the week before, 73), and 161 in the province of Valencia, 11 in the ICU.



12 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days except for one case in September. These are 3 women between 86 and 99 years old, and 9 men between 60 and 96. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,135: 1,205 in the province of Castellón, 3,865 in Alicante and 5,065 in that of Valencia.

### When should you see a doctor after a breast self-examination?

Dr. Antonio Brugarolas is one of the most well-known oncology specialists at a national level, trained in the United States, he has been leading the Oncology Platform of the Quirónsalud Torrevieja hospital for more than twenty years. On the occasion of World Breast Cancer Day, Dr. Brugarolas looks at factors that cause the appearance of tumours and explains when to go to the doctor.

 

In what situations should a doctor be consulted?

 

It is essential that women carry out a breast self-examination and go to a specialist doctor when they notice any anomaly, a hardening, a visible change, alterations of the areola-nipple, or axillary thickening.

Tumours are usually painless while benign cysts and fibroadenomas can be painful.

 

The first mammogram: when is it recommended?

There are two keys to controlling the disease: improving your lifestyle in a healthy way and detecting the tumour when it is still less than 1-2 cm in size.

In tumours smaller than 2 cm, the cure of the disease is almost universally achieved, for this reason, check-ups (health and self-examination) have proven to be effective in controlling mortality.

 

The established clinical recommendation was to perform the first mammogram/ultrasound at age 40 and then every two years until age 50. From this moment on, annual controls are recommended until the age of 75.

When there is a family history, it can be carried out even before the age of 30.

 

When is it necessary to perform a mastectomy?

 

The presence of axillary metastases indicates that chemotherapy/specific combination therapy should be indicated first before surgery. For example, a tumour of less than 1 cm is cured with a surgical intervention that allows the breast to be preserved. In these cases, it is almost never necessary to give complementary chemotherapy to prevent metastases.

During the operation, a sentinel lymph node biopsy is performed and if it does not show metastasis, the cure rate is very high. When axillary metastases are present, radiation therapy to the axilla and remaining breast is always given. If mastectomy is performed, it is not necessary to irradiate the breast, but when the breast is conserved, postoperative radiotherapy must be given.

At Quirónsalud Torrevieja, there is a portable accelerator located in the operating room that allows a single dose of radiotherapy to be administered during the operation and to avoid subsequent radiotherapy treatment, which lasts about three weeks. On the other hand, in cases where mastectomy is performed, early breast reconstruction and symmetry is considered.

 

 

Can you live with metastatic breast cancer?

 

Fortunately, there are effective treatments that can provide years of quality life. Advances in molecular biology have produced excellent treatments.

In 2021 and 2022, exceptional results have been obtained with targeted drugs targeting new tumour genes. These drugs, defined by tumour genetics, constitute the so-called precision medicine or personalized cancer treatment.

 

Immunotherapy and breast cancer: what does it consist of?

 

Immunotherapy includes drugs aimed at boosting antitumor immunity, vaccines to generate a specific antitumor response, and genetic engineering approaches that modify a patient's cells to provide a specific response. However, no vaccines or genetically engineered cells have yet been developed for breast cancer, which are emerging techniques that have already begun to be used in other tumours.

Immunotherapy with drugs that release checkpoints (PD1, PDL1 and CTLA) serve to enhance antitumor immunity and has been developed especially in adult solid tumours. It consists of the intravenous administration of drugs every 2-4 weeks, for 2 or more years, and which can already be administered as preventive in some triple negative breast tumours.

Immunotherapy in breast cancer is very effective in some triple negative tumours and in another group of tumours of the Luminal B lineage with a favourable immunological genetic profile for antitumor immunotherapy. In these cases, it is administered in preoperative guidelines in early cases because it enhances healing.

The combination of immunotherapy with conventional chemotherapy, with radiotherapy and with precision drugs enhances its efficacy and improves the response rate, as well as survival. There is still no conclusive data and more time is needed to be able to accurately specify the results obtained.

 

What is intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT)?

 

It is a high-precision irradiation technique in which a single, high dose of radiotherapy is administered to the surgical tumour bed, during a surgical intervention.

The purpose of IORT treatments is to reduce the risk of tumour recurrence, increase local tumour control and therefore patient survival. "This technique, when performed during the surgical intervention, allows direct visualization of the area to be treated, avoiding unnecessary irradiation of the surrounding healthy tissues, and therefore reducing possible side effects", explains Dr. Rosa María Cañón, Radiation Oncologist Chironsalud Torrevieja.

IORT has been used in the treatment of different malignant tumours.

In the last two decades, there has been an important development in the application of IORT for the treatment of patients with breast cancer, in which in certain cases of early breast tumours, IORT can be administered during breast tumour surgery as the total radiotherapy dose, thereby eliminating all external radiotherapy sessions.

The 'one step' therapy, for patients with early breast cancer, who meet the appropriate criteria, allows all the local treatment to be performed in the same breast tumour surgery: removal of the tumour and the sentinel node, full-dose irradiation, and, if necessary oncoplastic reconstruction. IORT treatment only prolongs surgery by about 30 minutes and eliminates all external radiotherapy sessions.

 

Mobetrón, a great revolution

 

The Oncology Platform of the Quirónsalud Torrevieja hospital has a MOBETRON® mobile accelerator (Unique in Spain), developed in the United States (Intraop Medical, California), installed in one of the operating rooms, with which to perform IORT treatments.

At Quirónsalud Torrevieja, IORT treatments have been administered since 2004, within multidisciplinary programs that include, in addition to surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, external radiotherapy. "From then until now we have treated tumours of different origin and location with IORT, with a large percentage and dedication to breast tumours," confirms Dr. Rosa Cañón.

The Radiotherapy Oncology department of the Oncology Platform, as well as the rest of the specialists mentioned and involved, have extensive experience in the indication and administration of IORT treatments in the tumours where it is applied.

 

 

### Covid ICU Admissions Still Rising

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 2,071 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. The new cases by province are 257 in Castellón (192,532 in total), 514 in Alicante (529,477 in total), 1,299 in Valencia (839,546 in total) and 1 unassigned.



Of these, 1,298 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 173 from Castellón, 346 from Alicante, 778 from Valencia and 1 unassigned.

Valencian hospitals currently have 269 people admitted for COVID, 20 of them in the ICU: 33 in the province of Castellón, 2 in the ICU; 75 in the province of Alicante, 7 of them in the ICU, and 161 in the province of Valencia, 11 in the ICU.





 

17 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days except for one case in September. These are 5 women between 71 and 87 years old, and 12 men between 65 and 96. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,123: 1,202 in the province of Castellón, 3,863 in Alicante and 5,058 in that of Valencia.

### Face Masks to Remain Mandatory Until Next Year

The Spanish Government has consistently said that decisions on public health matters will always be led by health experts, and the wearing of masks is no exception, to which the wearing of face masks is set to remain mandatory well into 2023.

In the latest meeting this week, the health experts have said that masks should remain mandatory on public transport, including planes, buses, ships, and taxis, a decision which they would not intend to review until March 2023, in other words, after the winter.

"The maintenance of the current measures was agreed until March 2023, at which time the situation will be reassessed. This proposal of the Report is the one that was submitted to the Public Health Commission", explain voices close to the Report of Alerts. The Ministry of Health, on the other hand, assures that "the Alerts Report did not recommend removing the masks from transport, but it did not set a definite date in its recommendation." From this group of specialists, on the other hand, they insist that it was agreed to maintain this preventive measure until March of next year.

Last week, in a meeting that went largely unnoticed, the Public Health Commission approved the proposal of the Alerts Conference regarding masks in transport "indefinitely". The experts argued that " it is not the right time to remove the masks due to the arrival of winter."

Public Health doctors are beginning to warn that a new wave of coronavirus is coming upon us. Moreover, in countries like Germany, the debate on the return of the mandatory mask indoors has returned to the public sphere. It is not ruled out that masks will return in more general settings, although most likely only indoors, and it is a recommendation in many areas to still wear a mask in poorly ventilated areas, or in crowded locations.

Masks are also mandatory in health settings, such as hospitals and care homes, which also includes pharmacies. This element has not been open to discussion and is likely to remain for some time.

### 2,195 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 2,195 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update last Friday. The new cases by province are 295 in Castellón (192,275 in total), 582 in Alicante (528,963 in total), and 1,318 in Valencia (838,247 in total).



 

Of these, 1,352 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 185 from Castellón, 374 from Alicante and 793 from Valencia.

 

Valencian hospitals currently have 290 people admitted for COVID, 16 of them in the ICU: 40 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 73 in the province of Alicante, 4 of them in the ICU, and 177 in the province of Valencia, 12 in the ICU.







11 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 15 days except three in July, August and September. These are 5 women between 63 and 94 years old, and 6 men between 81 and 91. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,106: 1,200 in the province of Castellón, 3,857 in Alicante and 5,049 in that of Valencia.

### Covid Infections, Hospitalisations and Deaths all Increasing

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 2,220 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or antigen test since the last update last Friday. Last Friday, the combined figure for both the Tuesday and Friday updates was 2,161. The new cases by province are 317 in Castellón (191,980 in total), 528 in Alicante (528,381 in total), whereas last week the total was 471, 1,374 in Valencia (836,929 in total) and 1 unassigned.

Of them, 1,406 are over 60 years old. By province: 220 from Castellón, 357 from Alicante, 828 from Valencia and 1 unassigned.



The Valencian hospitals currently have 290 people admitted, 14 of them in the ICU (last Friday the figures were 231 and 11, respectively): 42 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 90 in the province of Alicante, 2 of them in the ICU, last Friday the figure was 65 and 1, respectively, and 158 in the province of Valencia, 12 in the ICU.







17 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with dates of death in the last 15 days except July 3. These are 10 women between 79 and 101 years old, and 7 men between 66 and 91. The total number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic amounts to 10,095: 1,200 in the province of Castellón, 3,850 in Alicante and 5,045 in that of Valencia.





It should be noted that wearing a mask is still mandatory in Spain in healthcare settings, including pharmacies, and on public transport, including on planes to and from the country. In the Valencia region, wearing a mask is still recomended in busy or crowded areas, and indoors, especially in poorly ventilated areas, and where lots of people gather, such as supermarkets.

### Pioneering new health service for international patients from Quirónsalud Torrevieja

Hospital Quirónsalud presented a new pioneering personalised health service for international patients this week. This new service, a first of its kind in the Valencian Community, is aimed at offering personalised, preferential treatment and health advice to improve the quality of life of international patients living in the Vega Baja region. The service was launched on Friday by the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón.


			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
		


The new service, called Health Premium Card, offers a personal health advisor, priority access to medical appointments, a bespoke plan to achieve personalised health goals which includes a check-up to find out the patient's initial status, as well as an exclusive Premium Lounge inside the hospital where you can carry out all the procedures related to your health.

In addition, the service has a free translation team for English, German, French, Dutch, Flemish, Norwegian, Swedish, and Russian among other languages, trained in medical terminology and cultural approaches of international patients.

Among the advantages that Health Premium Card users can enjoy are:

 	An initial check-up
 	Three free-choice consultations with specialists.
 	Six ambulance transfers.
 	Fourteen home nursing treatments.
 	Free dental cleaning.
 	Tests for the detection of several common diseases.
 	10% discount on private treatments.

The launch event was also attended by representatives of different foreign associations and institutions, including HELP Vega Baja, the Belgian Golf Club, the Wanderfreunde Gemässigtes Wandern, the Dutch Association, the Norwegian Church, the Swiss Club, the Swedish Consulate of Alicante and the Nordic Club among others.

Quirónsalud Torrevieja, international reference hospital on the Costa Blanca

Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja is an international hospital of excellence, with a team of highly qualified professionals and cutting-edge technology. It offers a multitude of medical specialities and has developed into a prestigious multidisciplinary centre both in the field of oncology and several other medical and surgical specialities. It is the private hospital with the most advanced technology in the Valencian Community. With more than twenty years of experience, more than 400 people work there every day to care for its patients. Located in the city of Torrevieja, it is a benchmark for medical tourism and for foreign citizens looking for their new residence on the Costa Blanca.

International admission

The hospital has its own international admissions department, whose sole task is processing healthcare authorisations with national and international insurance companies. All authorisation procedures are carried out daily with national and international insurance companies directly and immediately. In this way, the patient doesn’t have to worry about these procedures, this department takes care of everything.

International hospitalisation 

The hospital boasts an international ward, created to guarantee maximum convenience, comfort and well-being of the international patient. The hospital wants the patient to feel at home throughout their stay. All rooms are individual and spacious to guarantee the comfort of the patient and a companion. Healthcare staff speak multiple languages ​​and care for international patients as fluently as possible.

For more information, click here, https://www.quironsalud.es/torrevieja/es/health-premium-card

### Uptick in Covid Infections and Deaths

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,207 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update on Tuesday, when confirmed cases were 954 more than the previous update. The new cases by province are 168 in Castellón (191,663 in total), 251 in Alicante (527,853 in total) and 788 in Valencia (835,555 in total).



Of these, 668 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 111 from Castellón, 149 from Alicante and 408 from Valencia.

 

Valencian hospitals currently have 231 people admitted, 11 of them in the ICU: 35 in the province of Castellón, 1 in the ICU; 65 in the province of Alicante, 1 of them in the ICU, and 131 in the province of Valencia, 9 in the ICU.







12 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, on Tuesday 2 deaths were reported and last Friday it was 6, all with a date of death in the last 7 days except one that was in August. These are six women between 73 and 94 years old, and six men between 47 and 88. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,078: 1,197 in the province of Castellón, 3,844 in Alicante and 5,037 in that of Valencia.

### Valencian hospitals have 230 people admitted for COVID, 12 of them in the ICU

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 954 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or antigen test since the last update. The new cases by province are 139 in Castellón (191,495 in total), 220 in Alicante (527,602 in total) and 595 in Valencia (834,767 in total).

Of them, 567 are people over 60 years old. By province: 87 from Castellón, 145 from Alicante and 335 from Valencia.



Valencian hospitals currently have 230 people admitted for COVID, 12 of them in the ICU: 28 in the province of Castellón, 1 in the ICU; 63 in the province of Alicante, 2 of them in the ICU, and 139 in the province of Valencia, 9 in the ICU.







Two deaths due to coronavirus have been reported since the last update, with the date of death in the last 7 days. They are two men, 78 and 84 years old. The total number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic amounts to 10,066: 1,195 in the province of Castellón, 3,842 in Alicante and 5,029 in Valencia.

### Mariners Market comes to Torrevieja

Between 7th and 9th October, the Paseo Vistalegre in Torrevieja will host a traditional Mariners Market, with artisan craft stall, food, games, and entertainment for the kids in the event with a seafaring theme.



The event will commence at 6:00 p.m. on Friday 7 October, followed by cannons, music and a parade. The market itself will be open until midnight.

On Saturday 8 October, the market opens at 11:00 a.m., with a parade at noon, followed by pirate songs, and music in the evening.

On Sunday 9 October, the market again opens at 11:00 a.m., with cannons at noon, a musical parade, more traditional music in the evening, until the market closes at 11:00 p.m.



Stalls will close during the siesta period, 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

### 1,086 new Covid cases and 6 deaths since Tuesday in the Valencian Community

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,086 (up since last time) new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 163 in Castellón (191,356 in total), 231 in Alicante (527,382 in total) another increase, and 692 in Valencia (834,172 in total).

Of these, 550 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 91 from Castellón, 129 from Alicante and 330 from Valencia.





Valencian hospitals currently have 233 people admitted for COVID-19 (slightly down), 15 of them in the ICU (up): 28 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 62 in the province of Alicante (slightly down), 6 of them in the ICU (a condsiderable increase), and 143 in the province of Valencia, 9 in the ICU.





6 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, 4 of them with a date of death in the last 7 days and 2 from July 2022. All are men between 72 and 92 years of age. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,064: 1,195 in the province of Castellón, 3,840 in Alicante and 5,029 in Valencia.



In view of how the situation is developing, Alicante town hall has become the first this week to give out free masks to elderly and vulnerable residents. Remember, across the Valencia region, the recommendation has remained that you should wear a mask in busy or enclosed spaces.

### Is it possible to prevent Alzheimer's?

How to detect symptoms and stop its progress.

Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease, which slowly destroys memory and cognitive abilities. It is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.

"The annual incidence of the disease in Spain is 2-4 cases per 1,000 inhabitants/year and it has been seen that the relationship between age and incidence is evident in all the epidemiological studies that have been carried out." explained Dr. Erika Torres, head of the Advanced Neurosciences Unit of the Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante.

Alzheimer's symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen over time (forgetfulness, difficulty completing familiar tasks at home or at work, misplacing things, impaired or poor judgment about financial matters, etc.

Prevention

Clear risk factors for the disease are age, sex (slightly higher incidence in women) and genetic factors. These factors are not modifiable, however, studies in recent years have shown that there are modifiable factors on which action can be taken to work on primary prevention:

 	The control of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) such as arterial hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus.
 	Improvement of lifestyle: avoid the consumption of toxins (tobacco, alcohol), follow a Mediterranean diet, and perform physical activity.
 	Having an adequate social network to carry out activities that allow us to interact with other people.
 	Cultivate our intellectual activity: reading, learning a language, doing puzzles.

Diagnosis

When a patient comes to consultation, an adequate medical history, interview and neuropsychological examination of the patient by the specialist is essential. The basic study of complementary tests requested is an analysis and a brain imaging test.

Alzheimer's treatments in Quirónsalud

The diagnostic-therapeutic approach to Alzheimer's is essential to be carried out by a group of professionals who are experts in the pathology.

For this reason, Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante have a cognitive impairment program in which they offer neurological nursing consultation. A place where you can thoroughly explain in a calm way what the pathology consists of and give personalized support to the patient and family.

In addition, an essential part of this program is the neuropsychological rehabilitation of the patient, to increase the functional capacity and improve the patient's quality of life.

Information about Alzheimer's treatment in Quirónsalud

Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante have neuropsychologists with extensive training and experience in the assessment and treatment of patients with AD and other dementias. They offer a personalized service where each case is studied and treated from an integrative and humanizing perspective.

In addition to individual attention, at Quirónsalud Torrevieja they have cognitive and memory stimulation workshops for patients diagnosed with dementia or cognitive impairment and psychoeducational support groups for family members and caregivers.

They have also launched the consultation for the prevention of cognitive deterioration by neurology nursing in which any interested person without previous pathology will be informed of the measures that we must carry out in our day-to-day lives to reduce the chances of getting a disease like this.

About Quirónsalud Torrevieja

-International medical team

-Free translation service

-We work with all national and international medical insurers

-General emergencies 24/7

-Paediatric daytime emergencies

Address:

Partida de la Loma, s/n

03184 Torrevieja, Alicante

 

 

### Torrevieja Street Cats to get Winter Shelters

Torrevieja´s Department of Animal Protection has announced that it is going to acquire 28 huts to give shelter to the cat colonies that live on the town´s streets.

Image by lutz44 from Pixabay

The huts will be distributed in the areas where these colonies are located.

The initiative is part of the capture, sterilisation, release project for cats which the Department and the associations "Alma de Gato", "CES Project" and "Animalistas Torrevieja" are part.

It is hoped that the installation of these hutches will not only improve the lives of these cats, but als improve the appearance of the areas where the colonies live, their feeding, health control and the general management of stray cats.

### Registration now open for Spanish lessons in Torrevieja

Torrevieja´s Department of International Residents, directed by the councillor Gitte Lund, has organised Spanish lessons in Torrevieja, specifically aimed at the international residents of the town.



The classes will be taught at its own headquarters by the Königin Study Centre of Torrevieja, with a duration of 10 weeks in an intensive method. For this, the Council has awarded a minor contract to this academy for a total of 8,600 euro.

In addition to the theoretical course, the students of the courses will visit emblematic places in the town and various activities will be carried out in order to interact with the public.

The registration period is now open and will remain so until October 11, allowing those interested in learning Spanish to register through the PROP Registry in the town (by appointment) or through the electronic headquarters of the Torrevieja town hall website, available via torrevieja.es.

### Covid infections and hospitalisations creep up across Alicante province

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has notified a total of 964 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or antigen test since the last update. The new cases by province are 155 in Castellón (191,193 in total), 229 in Alicante (527,151 in total), it was 217 in the last update, and 580 in Valencia (833,480 in total).





Of them, 542 are people over 60 years old. By province: 95 from Castellón, 150 from Alicante and 297 from Valencia.

 

Valencian hospitals currently have 237 people admitted with COVID-19, 12 of them in the ICU: 35 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 69 in the province of Alicante, last time it was 66, 1 of them in the ICU, and 133 in the province of Valencia, 11 in the ICU.



5 deaths due to coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days. These are 2 women aged 65 and 95, and 3 men aged 64 to 91. The total number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic amounts to 10,058: 1,195 in the province of Castellón, 3,838 in Alicante and 5,025 in Valencia.

### The Guardia Civil arrests four people for a sexual assault on a young woman in Torrevieja

The Guardia Civil arrested four people who are charged with a multiple violation of a young woman who was on vacation in the town of Torrevieja with a friend. The victim went to report the facts as soon as she could after what had happened, thus facilitating the immediate action.



The Women-Minor Team (EMUME) of the Alicante Command began the investigation after receiving a complaint from a victim on September 8, shortly after the events occurred. A young woman who was on vacation in the town went to ask for the help of the agents because she had just been the victim of three sexual assaults.

For this reason, the agents began the investigation to secure all the evidence and prevent the aggressors from fleeing since they were not identified when the victim filed the complaint and that, as suspected, they were temporarily in Torrevieja.

The rapid action of the Guardia Civil resulted in the location of the defendants and the scene of the crime just a few hours after the events were reported, managing to collect all the evidence necessary for their indictment.

After carrying out a reconstruction of what happened, the investigators have concluded that the victim had gone out to dinner and a drink in a leisure area of ​​Torrevieja with a friend. At one point, taking advantage of the fact that she had been left alone, one of the perpetrators struck up a conversation with her and tricked her into an apartment far from the area where the victim was initially with her friend. Once in the apartment she was sexually assaulted first by him, and then by two other men. When she managed to get away from the aggressors and go out into the street, she was helped by passers-by who helped her get to the Guardia Civil barracks.

For these events, four men aged between 19 and 30 who were on vacation in Torrevieja have been arrested.

Thanks to the decision of the victim, an 18-year-old girl, to report the events immediately, the work of the agents to identify the perpetrators and gather numerous evidence to prove what happened has been facilitated.

The operation, carried out by the Women-Minor Team of the Judicial Police Organic Unit of the Alicante Guardia Civil Command, has had the close collaboration of the French Authorities through the Customs Police Cooperation Centre and Europol.

The Court of Instruction number 1 of Torrevieja has decreed the imprisonment of the three alleged perpetrators of the multiple rape. The fourth is charged as an accomplice, since he was in the apartment when the events occurred. The latter has been released with precautionary measures prohibiting him from leaving the national territory and the obligation to appear before the Court every 15 days.

The Women-Minor Teams (EMUME) were created in 1995. They are Judicial Police teams of the Guardia Civil made up of agents specialised in caring for victims of special vulnerability. These civil guards are trained in dealing with crimes including sexual harassment, abuse and assault. Its action is aimed at clarifying the facts and ensuring the immediate protection of the victims with individualised and personalised treatment.

The EMUME is located at the head of the Comandancia, from where it coordinates and supervises the cases of the entire province. For the development of their functions, EMUME agents have progressive training and continuous updating.

### Major money-saving tax reforms and plans for a tram service from Alicante-Elche Airport to Torrevieja announced

The president of the Valencia Region, Ximo Puig, has announced a tax reform for the social majority made up of 97.4% of the population that lowers taxes on 1.3 million taxpayers with medium and low incomes and will report global savings of 149 million euro to families.

 

The president outlined the axes of this tax reform during his speech at the General Policy Debate at Les Corts, where he indicated that he is seeking to promote measures that directly benefit all those who earn less than 60,000 euro a year, as well as such as promoting economic activity and employment and protecting those who are most punished by inflation. In addition, he has stressed that this reform will already apply to the 2022 Income, because it will have retroactive effects to January 1 of this year.

The President began his speech advancing that the public response to inflation will be reflected in actions such as a tax deduction of 100 euro for families with a mortgage, aimed at individual incomes of up to 30,000 euro or 47,000 euro for the case of joint taxation, or the free public transport of the Generalitat metro, tram and buses for young people from 0 to 30 years of age, which will benefit this entire age group (1.5 million people) and will apply from 9 October until December 31.

Increase in the amount exempt from taxation

In addition, he stressed that these actions will be accompanied by three important fiscal measures. The first of these is that the amount exempt from taxation for all citizens increases by 10%, the maximum allowed by the rule, which will benefit all people, although those who exceed 60,000 euro in income will keep their tax effort in the reform set.

The second measure will consist of a new autonomous personal income tax rate for this year, with new sections adapted to the current situation. For this concept alone, incomes of 10,000 euro will save 94.5 euro, those of 20,000 will save 117 euro, those of 30,000 will save 67 euro and incomes over 60,000 euro will maintain their tax effort, which will improve progressivity of the tax.

The third measure expands all tax deductions and rebates and also expands the number of beneficiaries. Specifically, as he has explained, all deductions increase by 10%, and he has cited in this section those existing for son or daughter, for renting a home, for a large or single-parent family, for reconciling work with family life or for expenses in nursery or school for sons or daughters under 3 years of age.

In addition, he has remarked that more people will be able to take advantage of the deductions, because, from now on, the income that can benefit from the deduction will go from 25,000 to 30,000 euro.

Average savings of 111 euro per taxpayer

These three measures will benefit 1,344,000 taxpayers "all those who earn less than 60,000 euro, the majority of society", since "the highest incomes will pay the same as until now". “This is the progressive tax reform, the tax reform for 97.4% of the population”, with “an average saving of more than 100 euro per taxpayer and an overall saving of 149 million for families, and of these, two thirds benefit incomes of less than 30,000 euro”, he indicated.

The president has underlined that in 2015 the most regressive tax system in Spain was inherited and the fiscal shift given by the Consell has allowed the Valencian Community to be led to "the most progressive tax system". "Here, neither immobility nor tax gifts to fortunes", he said, and added: "Some lower taxes on the richest, here the majority of society is helped to make ends meet".

“That is why today we are lowering taxes on 1.3 million Valencians and that is why we are not lowering them on the highest incomes, because if the objective is social justice, the path is called fiscal justice”, added the president, who has remarked: "Here we do not touch the wealth tax, for which only 0.5% of Valencians are taxed", that is, "those who have assets of more than half a million euro".

As an example, he pointed out that, thanks to the announced measures, a young single person under the age of 35, who earns 28,000 euro, and pays off 8,000 euro mortgage, will save 530 euro on the tax return; a young couple, with two small children, who earn 30,000 and 38,000 euro, will save 845 euro in the declaration, a couple under 35, who pay 8,000 euro a year in rent, and earn 18,000 and 21,000 euro, will save 262 euro or a single-parent family with a 4-year-old child and an income of 25,000 euro will save 224 euro.

The president also alluded in his speech to the fact that the Valencian Community has received more resources from the EU in two and a half years than all the European funds in the previous 14 years (4,5 billion euro), and has made public the Valencian request that has directed the First Vice President and Minister of Economy, Nadia Calviño so that the additional 7,7 billion that Spain has received promote strategic business interests for Valencians.

In this sense, it has advanced that a new PERTE has been requested for the decarbonisation of the tile sector and proposals for the second block of the European Recovery Mechanism, which will be distributed between 2024 and 2026, and in which the Consell aspires to capture 5 billion more to invest in projects and for a business oxygen operation that includes 2,7 billion to give discounted credits to companies.

Energy transition

With regard to the energy transition, it has also advanced support measures from the Generalitat for the industrial sectors that are having the worst time and, in particular, for ceramics, since the Government's aid to the gas-intensive sector will be completed until limit set by the European Union -he will address this issue with the ceramic companies this week at Cersaie and will meet with the person in charge of the Italian region of Emilia Romagna- and, in parallel, the Government and the EU will be urged to extend the aid framework and the resources to continue supporting the sector.

Likewise, it will be requested that renewable energy projects, their connection to the network, the network itself and its assets be declared of superior public interest, which will allow large renewable energy projects to be authorized in one year, a plan will be presented Valencian for the development of the solar industry.

Ximo Puig has pointed out, on the other hand, that the map of opportunities that has made it possible to trace the "stability, solvency and confidence" generated by the Valencian Community will add to "historic operations" to attract investments such as those of Volkswagen or Ford continues to allow adding to new companies. In this sense, "the arrival of a new large multinational" has advanced, since the Japanese company Hitachi "will deploy a software development centre in Valencia in the coming weeks, and it will do so through its subsidiary Global Logic, and added that advanced talks are under way to establish a headquarters for the Centre for Digital Technology in Munich in the Community.

Puig has expressed in this section the will of the Generalitat to "invest the legal maximum in direct aid to leading companies that settle in the Community", especially those companies with a technological and innovative base.

200 million euro for job creation

The president has also advanced that the largest Employment Plan will be promoted, with more than 200 million euro, and has detailed in this sense that the hiring programs for young people will be increased by 50% (up to 57 million euro), which will be will double the support for the indefinite hiring of vulnerable groups (up to 26 million), that 12 million will be allocated to employment workshops for young people with difficulties in finding work and that the Avalem Capacitats Plan will also be created, for people with functional diversity.

In addition, another package of initiatives has been advanced to support the productive sectors, with a new free justice service for SMEs, micro-enterprises, self-employed workers and self-employed workers who face defaults, dismissals or other problems derived from inflation. and war.

Likewise, the Valencian Institute of Finance will begin to mobilise 180 million in loans to companies at 1.5%, with 20% non-reimbursable aid and to repay in 10 years, with up to 5 million euro per company to help invest now face operating expenses due to the rise in interest rates.

Valencian Forestry Cooperation Fund

Likewise, Puig has announced the creation of a Valencian Forestry Cooperation Fund for better maintenance of forests, fire prevention and greater reforestation with a budget of 50 million euro that the Generalitat will transfer to the municipalities. It will be proposed to the councils that they supplement this plan with 30 million more.

He has also announced a line of aid to compensate agricultural owners who recover or maintain crops in areas of strategic forest value, with a budget of 5 million in 2023.

Extension of non-invasive prenatal testing to all pregnant women

Regarding health initiatives, innovative measures have been advanced, such as the expansion of non-invasive prenatal testing to all pregnant women. Likewise, the Community will be a pioneer in Spain in facilitating that all chronically ill people with hospital pharmacological treatment can pick up their medication at the pharmacy or at the health centre without having to go to the hospital. Likewise, new resources will be established for diabetes: day hospitals throughout the territory and diabetic foot units for immediate assistance to people at risk of amputation. The extension of screening to detect cervical cancer in the entire target population from 2023 will also be facilitated.

Puig has also detailed that it will be implemented, as an exceptional measure for December until the normalisation of delays in surgical interventions, that those patients who have to be operated on for the most prevalent pathologies and are going to have to wait more than 60 days, can choose the option to be intervened in the concerted Health.

Awareness campaign to prevent suicides in adolescents

With regard to initiatives in the educational field, Puig has remarked that, among other measures, an adolescent awareness campaign will be launched to prevent suicidal and self-harm behaviour, 10 integrated VT centres will be set up in the coming years, in addition to 2 centres of symbolic VT of the new Valencian model: a training centre to meet the needs of the Sagunto gigafactory and a centre together in the City of Light to reinforce the audiovisual labour fabric.

Measures in social care and housing

In social care, the president has indicated that the Vice Presidency will pilot the renewal and expansion of the pact against gender violence, as well as actions such as a new advanced teleassistance system through 50,000 complementary technological supports, the implementation of the Social History Unique, to monitor the social context of the dependent person and the creation of the figure of the Child Assistant person to accompany minors with functional diversity who need therapeutic rehabilitation.

In housing, the Second Vice Presidency will undertake the approval of a public housing regulation that will meet a historical demand of the promoters. The new text, which will be published in December, will speed up public-private collaboration in order to speed up the Generalitat's public promotion plans. In addition, another important measure, scheduled for October, will be a new tender for lots to promote the construction of public housing. With this, the aim is to build 1,090 homes on public land distributed in 51 areas of the Valencian Community. Altogether, 50 million in these promotions, with which 151 million public-private collaboration will be mobilised.

In public transport, in the province of Alicante, a study will be carried out on the TRAM from the Alicante-Elche Airport to Torrevieja and between Orihuela and Torrevieja and the informative study of the Dénia-Gandia TRAM will be put out to tender imminently; in Castelló, the studies will be awarded so that FGV establishes itself with the power that Plana needs to meet the economic, labour and social needs of the metropolitan area. In Valencia, before the end of the year, the extension of the L10 to connect Nazaret with the seafront, the new L11 from the Ciutat de les Arts to the Grau and L12, which will connect the centre of the city with the Hospital La Fe.

### Torrevieja Weather Alert - Sunday and Monday

There is a Torrevieja weather alert once again, covering the Alicante province, active on both Sunday 26 September, and Monday 26 September, for heavy rain and storms.

Although nothing really happened in Torrevieja during the last warning of a few days ago, many parts of Spain, including the Canaries, are having a particularly bad time at the moment, so it´s better to be prepared.

The current warnings for Alicante south, which covers Torrevieja:

 

Sunday 25 September 2022, from 12:00 to 23:59

Rains of up to 20mm, accompanied by storms. Intensifying from noon onwards.

Monday 26 September 2022, from 00:00 to 19:59

Continued risk of heavy rain and storms.

 

This was the situation at 10:00:


			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
		


You can check the current status of the warnings from the official Spanish net office site, http://www.aemet.es/es/eltiempo/prediccion/avisos?l=770303&r=1

The other picture is from the app Rain Alarm, which can be downloaded onto your mobile.

 

 

### Confirmed Covid infections up and deaths double since last update across Valencia

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,032 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 140 in Castellón (191,038 in total), 217 in Alicante (526,922 in total) and 675 in Valencia (832,900 in total).





Of these, 530 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 82 from Castellón, 132 from Alicante and 316 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 228 people admitted, 15 of them in the ICU: 27 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 66 in the province of Alicante, 1 of them in the ICU, and 135 in the province of Valencia, 14 in the ICU.







10 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days except one in June 2022. These are 6 women between 87 and 99 years old, and 4 men between 81 and 96 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,053: 1,195 in the province of Castellón, 3,837 in Alicante and 5,021 in Valencia.



We can also look at the graphs for the current trend over the last 28 days.

### 2.6 magnitude earthquake shakes Torrevieja

An earthquake, with a reported magnitude of 2.6, shook Torrevieja and the surrounding area on Thursday morning.



The tremor had an epicentre in Guardamar del Segura, with a depth of 7 kilometres.

To see the full report, click here.

If you felt the earthquake, you can also report what you felt and observed to the official institute which deals with earthquakes, the IGN, by clicking this link.

### International Day for Older Persons in Torrevieja

Torrevieja will be celebrating the International Day for Older Persons, with a series of activities organized by the town hall department which is dedicated to the interests of the more mature residents, with the Concejalía de Gente Mayor, Inmaculada Montesinos, explaining this week what will take place.



The International Day of for Older Persons is a United Nations recognised day, observed on October 1 each year, after the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons on December 14, 1990, celebrating the first event on October 1, 1991.

In Torrevieja, on Saturday 1 October 2022, starting at 5:30 p.m. (a change to the originally published time), a gala will take place at the Municipal Theatre, with the participation of the groups "Sabor y Baile", "Rocieros de Sevilla", line dance of the Macro, Tomás Pelaéz, «Amanecer Rociero» and the special performance of the singer Mari Fé Ramírez. In addition, prizes will be awarded for the Photography Contest of the Department and awards to the greatest honourees. Admission is free with an invitation, which can be picked up at the Department for the Elderly, located at Calle Maldonado nº 5.



Before that main event however, on Friday 30 September, a coexistence day will take place in the Parque de las Naciones, which will include Zumba workshops, line dancing and the tasting of a popular paella -with prior ticket reservation at the department.

In addition, on Wednesday 5 October, from 6:00 p.m., there will be a day of activities and a musical performance in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol de La Mata.

Not only that, those of a more mature age are also invited to sign up for a number of activities organised by the town hall, including courses in dance, ceramics, yoga, and computers. Again, if you are interested, you should visit the department’s office. The courses are free and will begin on October 4.

### Yellow weather alert for rain around Torrevieja area today - UPDATED

The Spanish meteorological service, AEMET, has issued a yellow weather warning for rain, commencing at 17:00 on Wednesday 21 September 2022, expiring at 23:59 on the same day.

Source: AEMET.

Weather alerts for rain were already in place but only for inland areas. The alert has now been extended to cover the coastal areas in the south of the Alicante province, where Torrevieja is located.

The alert warns of accumulated rainfall in one hour: 20 mm, which may intensify to 30 mm/h at times. In addition, there may be storms accompanied by hail. The probability of this happening is between 40 and 70%.

The situation may cause local flooding and may affect driving conditions. Click here for tips for driving in rain.

UPDATE: As of Wednesday afternoon, the alert has been pushed back. It is now active from Midnight on Wednesday, but for a longer period, until 21:59 on Thursday evening, so all day on Thursday. Same risk applies, just later and longer.

UPDATE 2: As on Thursday morning, the alert has been pushed back again, and is now active from 14:00 on Thursday 22 September 2022, until 21:59 on the same day. the warning is still for 20 mm, but the intense downpours of 30 mm are lifted.

### 5 deaths and 945 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 945 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 130 in Castellón (190,898 in total), 225 in Alicante (526,705 in total), 589 in Valencia (832,225 in total) and 1 unassigned case.



Of these, 506 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 83 from Castellón, 127 from Alicante, 295 from Valencia and 1 unassigned.

Valencian hospitals currently have 253 people admitted, of which 18 are in the ICU: 26 in the province of Castellón, 1 in the ICU; 86 in the province of Alicante, 4 of them in the ICU, and 141 in the province of Valencia, 13 in the ICU.



5 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are two women between 92 and 94 years old, and three men between 83 and 92 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,043: 1,194 in the province of Castellón, 3,833 in Alicante and 5,016 in Valencia.



When we look at the Alicante province, we can see from the figures and graphs that ICU attendance has dropped slightly, although it has mostly been stable, and both infections and hospitalisations are maintaining similar figures, remembering that the method of recording was changed at the end of August.

### Exports from the Valencian Community grow by 26%

Exports from the Valencian Community have reached a value of 23,6 billion euro in the period January - July 2022, which represents an increase of 25.9% compared to the same period of the previous year, according to data made public by the Territorial Directorate of Commerce of the Valencian Community dependent on the Secretary of State for Commerce.

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

The Minister of Sustainable Economy, Productive Sectors, Commerce and Labour, Rafa Climent, has highlighted "the maintenance of the upward trend in exports from the Valencian Community in all geographical areas in a complex scenario at the international level".

In the January-July period, exports grew in the three provinces above 18%. In Valencia, the value exported reaches 12,7 billion euro, which represents an increase of 25.1%; Castellón registers a value of 6,7 billion euro, with an outstanding increase of 32.7% and Alicante exports products worth 4,2 billion euro, with an increase of 18.7% compared to the same period of the year 2021.

By sectors, the agri-food leads the export of the Valencian Community with a value of 4,5 billion euro and an increase of 5.4%, followed by non-chemical semi-manufactures, with 4,4 billion euro and an increase of 36%. In this category, the increase in exports of ceramic products stands out, with a rise of 36%.

In third position is the automotive chapter, with a value of 3,5 billion euro and an increase of 37.9%. Chemical products are in fourth place, with a value of 3,4 billion euro and growth of 24.8%.

They are followed by capital goods that register exports worth 2,9 billion euro and an increase of 16.7%. Consumer manufactures, with 9.5% of total exports, amounted to 2,3 billion euro, with an increase of 18.1%.

By destinations, exports from the Valencian Community to the EU in the period January - July 2022 amounted to 13, 4 billion euro, with an increase of 21.8%. In this area, France, Germany, Italy, and Portugal lead the ranking. The increase in Italy stands out, standing at 32.5% and Portugal, at 27.5%.

The countries of the rest of Europe experienced an increase of 27.2%. In this area, the United Kingdom grew by an outstanding 32.2%. Exports destined for the Americas grew by 44% with a notable increase in Latin America, standing at 50%, and a rise of 41% in North America. Exports to Asia grew by 21.9% and Africa grew by 18.8%.

### Fiestas Virgen del Rosario de Torrelamata

The Councillor for Festivities in Torrevieja, Concha Sala, accompanied by the Councillor for the Environment and Beaches, Antonio Vidal, and María Rosa Gil, representative of the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Rosario de La Mata, presented the festival program at the La Mata Town Hall to honour the Virgen del Rosario de Torrelamata that will take place from Sunday 25 September 2022 to Sunday 9 October. They are the first festivities without restrictions for the district in honour of its patron saint.



The festivities, which begin this coming Sunday, have the collaboration and participation of the Brotherhood of Our Lady of the Rosary, as well as the Board of Festive Clubs of La Mata and the Peña el Cachirulo, the latter will place a barrack, open to the public from October 4 to 9.



The religious acts begin this Sunday, October 25, with the pilgrimage, which will depart from the parish of Ntra. Señora del Rosario at 10:00 a.m. to the “José Eduardo Gil Rebollo” recreational area, where a field mass will be celebrated at 12:00 noon, sung by the choir of the Brotherhood of the Virgen del Rocío, and later a giant popular paella. Paella tickets can be picked up at the Perelló Hardware Store and at the “Mari Carmen” Lottery Administration in La Mata. All the people who collect their ticket will enter a prize draw that will take place on the same day of the pilgrimage. After the draw will proceed to the return to the parish of the Torrevieja district.

The offering of flowers will be held on Sunday, October 1, starting at 7:30 p.m., at the end of the Holy Mass, which will be sung by the choir of the Brotherhood of Rocío de Torrevieja. On Friday, October 7, at 7:30 p.m., the mass will take place in honour of the patron saint. The Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, October 9, starting at 7:30 p.m., in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol with the subsequent procession through the streets of the district. At the end of the procession, a fireworks display will be launched.

On September 30, the festive events will begin with the traditional “sobaquillo” dinner in Plaza Gaspar Perelló, which will be enlivened by a disc jockey. The paella contest will be held on Sunday, October 2 in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol. In order to participate, all interested parties must register by calling 629 860 809 and 678 503 443. At 4:30 p.m. the Foam Party will take place, which will feature a disc jockey. The Multicolour parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, with the following itinerary: Avenida de Soria, Avenida de Alemania and Calle Mayor.

The popular festivals will take place on October 7 and 8, in the Plaza Encarnación Puchol de La Mata starting at 9:30 p.m. On October 7, the musical performance will be carried out by “Los 80 Principales in concert”, and on October 8 at 9:00 p.m. “Los Flojos” will perform, followed at 10:30 p.m. by the performance of “Cocktail Tributo”. At the end of all performances there will be a disc jockey.

Various activities have been prepared for the little ones, such as the Children's Grand Prix, which will take place on Saturday, October 1, starting at 11:00 a.m., in the Encarnación Puchol square, and on October 8, starting at 11:00 a.m. confinement of San Fermín and subsequent inflatable bullfight, which will depart from the Gaspar Perelló square to the Encarnación Puchol square where a bullring will be installed for the enjoyment of the little ones.

### Double Tragedy on La Mata beach on Monday

On Monday, two people died on the beach of La Mata in Torrevieja, according to sources from the Provincial Firefighters Consortium and the Emergency Information and Coordination Centre (CICU).



At 1:45 p.m. the CICU and the firefighters were alerted that there were two people who could not get out of the water at La Mata, for which two SAMU paramedic ambulances and one basic life support, SVB, unit were mobilised.

The report indicated that there was a man and a woman, a married couple, who, before the arrival of the health services and firefighters, had been rescued by six bathers after several attempts to reach them.

The first to arrive were the firefighters from the Consortium with the Alpha 01 helicopter with the rescue group (GER) who, until the arrival of the medical facilities, have practiced CPR manoeuvres for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

The SAMU medical teams, upon arrival, followed up with advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other techniques on the two bathers, a 55-year-old woman and a 56-year-old man; but there has been no response.

### Spain Travel Health Form Completely Withdrawn

The Spanish Government has announced that from Tuesday 20 September, it will NO longer be necessary to fill out the health control form (Spain Travel Health Form) to travel to Spain, NOR to present the QR code for #SpTH at the arrival airport.



The requirement to complete the form, which acted in a similar way to the UK Passenger Locator Form, was withdrawn from some passengers already, but has now been extended to cover everyone entering the country.

As a result, as of Tuesday 20 September 2022, the Spain Travel Health #SpTH portal is no longer operational, both the website and the mobile applications.

The Spanish Ministry of Health still maintains their website offering Covid travel information, which can be visited here, https://www.sanidad.gob.es/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov/spth.htm

If you would like to read or download the Spanish document which published this change, you can do so here, https://boe.es/boe/dias/2022/09/19/pdfs/BOE-A-2022-15206.pdf

Covid travel restrictions are gradually easing in Spain, although it is still mandatory to wear a mask on the plane on flights to and from the country, a requirement which the Government has stated it will not relax until the health experts say that it is safe to do so. If you would like to read or download the Spanish rule on wearing masks on planes, you can do so here, https://boe.es/boe/dias/2022/04/20/pdfs/BOE-A-2022-6449.pdf

Once in the airport, off the plane, it is now only a recommendation to wear a mask, although this should be considered essential for protecting your health, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, according to the health experts.

### Spectacular Gala for AFE CANCER Torrevieja

There will be a Charity Gala "AFE CANCER POR TORREVIEJA" on Sunday 25 September, at the Virgen del Carmen auditorium.

The show starts at 20:30h at tickets can be purchased at the AFE Cancer Headquarters on C. Clemente Gosálvez, 72, 03181 Torrevieja, and two hours before at the Cultural Centre Virgin del Carmen.

### 8 Covid deaths and 1,102 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community

Covid infections and deaths across Valencia are both up since the last update. It is also important to note that not all infections are recorded since the methods were changed.

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,102 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 170 in Castellón (190,768 in total), 276 in Alicante (526,480 in total) and 656 in Valencia (831,636 in total).

Of these, 619 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 96 from Castellón, 180 from Alicante and 343 from Valencia.



Valencian hospitals currently have 277 people admitted for COVID-19, 18 of them in the ICU: 23 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 85 in the province of Alicante, 5 of them in the ICU, and 169 in the province of Valencia, 13 in the ICU.



Eight deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days except one in June. They are four women between 85 and 91 years old, and four men between 84 and 92 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,038: 1,194 in the province of Castellón, 3,831 in Alicante and 5,013 in Valencia.



The final graph in the series shows hospitalisations in the Alicante province only, which includes Torrevieja. The data changes significantly at the end of August, indicated by a dip, as the method of reporting hospitalisations changed. Therefore no longer reflecting a comparison figure.

### La Siesta Church to hold Commemorative Mass for Queen Elizabeth II

A special commemorative service will be held at the La Siesta church in Torrevieja, to commemorate the life of Queen Elizabeth II.

La Siesta Church, Torrevieja.

The mass will take place on Saturday 17th September, at 11:30, at La Siesta Church, located on Calle Granados, Urb La Siesta, Torrevieja.

The service is open to all and is in addition to the one organised at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in the centre of Torrevieja for Wednesday 21 September.

### Tips to prevent heart disease

The specialists of the Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja recommend a periodic monitoring of blood pressure and glycaemic index, since these are two of the main risk factors for cardiovascular health. "A hyperglycaemia maintained over time can cause damage to our blood vessels until reaching the major arteries and generate cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, a high blood pressure progressively and linearly increases the risk of death from a heart attack or stroke as blood pressure figures increase", explain the cardiology specialists of Quirónsalud Torrevieja.

At the origin of most cardiovascular diseases is arteriosclerosis, an ailment caused mainly by the obstruction of the arteries due to the deposit of cholesterol. Other risk factors are hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, as well as genetic inheritance.



Special attention to women

Cardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of death in women, especially from the age of 50, and its origin is found in the drop in oestrogen that occurs in menopause. "Oestrogens are the protective hormones against cardiovascular diseases and their fall in menopause produces an increase in weight and cholesterol, together with the appearance of hypertension and diabetes. Another of the negative aspects are the symptoms of heart attacks in women, since it can occur in a greater proportion atypically, such as a less intense pain, located at the epigastric level or that does not usually radiate to the left arm, and that can be accompanied by a lack of breath, which causes, on numerous occasions,  a delay in the diagnosis, which worsens the prognosis", point out the specialists of Quirónsalud Torrevieja.

Recommendations to take care of the heart and prevent diseases

 	Eat in a healthy and balanced way. There are studies that show that the Mediterranean diet reduces the incidence of cardiovascular complications by up to 30%.
 	Reduce the consumption of salt and animal fats and opt for fish, fruits, vegetables and legumes.
 	Do moderate exercise on a regular and controlled basis. Some people practice a physical activity that is too intense and not suitable for their age profile and physical condition. Therefore, before starting it, it would be advisable to receive medical advice, especially from the age of 35.
 	Maintaining the ideal weight is important to prevent high blood pressure and diabetes.
 	Undergo periodic check-ups, especially from the age of 50, to control the appearance of cardiovascular risk factors.
 	Promote healthy lifestyle habits from childhood.

Quirónsalud, a benchmark in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases

The Integral Cardiology Unit of Quirónsalud Torrevieja offers a quality complete care service for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular pathologies.

For this, it has a multidisciplinary team of professionals of recognised prestige and the latest medical advances.

About Quirónsalud Torrevieja

- International medical team

- Free translation service

- We work with all national and international medical insurers

- General emergencies 24/7

- Paediatric daytime emergencies

### The 34th Ciudad de Torrevieja Choral Meeting Starts 22 September

The 34th Choral Meeting, Ciudad de Torrevieja, will be held at the Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja on September 22, 23 and 24 at 20:30.

34th Ciudad de Torrevieja.

The Opening Gala will be Thursday 22nd, featuring Francisco Vallejos Choir and Casanovas Maestro Choir.

On Friday, September 23, the Symphony Choir of the Municipal Choral School of Torrevieja, the Chamber Choir Ad Libitum (Quart de Poblet) and the Camtoras Chamber Choir (Madrid) will perform.

On Saturday, September 24, the Closing Gala will be held with the participation of Alterum Cor (Valladolid) and Camerata Lacunensis (University of La Laguna).

That same Saturday, at the Palacio de Musica, at 11:00 hours, the 19th Choral Forum "Ciudad de Torrevieja" will take place, where the members of the choirs will meet to share experiences, repertories, methods of work, etc.

The sale of tickets, at a unique price of 5 euro, can be purchased through the website entradasatualcance.com and habaneras.org.

### 6th International Tapas Day to be Celebrated in Torrevieja

Not to be confused with World Tapas Day, celebrated every year on 16 June, Torrevieja is celebrating International Tapas Day this weekend on Saturday 24 September.

International Tapas Day 2022.

It is the sixth edition of Torrevieja’s International Tapas Day celebration, organised by the town hall, and in conjunction with the Association of Hospitality Companies of Torrevieja and Region, and this year will have the participation of 14 associated establishments, where you can get tapas and a drink for 3 euro.

Last year, there were 21 bars and restaurants taking part and it only cost 2.50 euro, the same price as 2020, when 23 establishments took part, in fact, the price has been constant since the event began in 2016, when 33 establishments took part, and a free bus service was organised from the urbanisations into the centre of the town so more people could take part, but like most things this year, it was inevitable the price would increase, whilst the offerings decrease.

Incidentally, it’s not quite clear where the “international” element comes into it.

This gastronomic event will be held from 12:00 to 16:30, and from 19:30 to 23:00, where participating establishments will offer their best tapas at “affordable” prices during the set schedule.

Throwback to the first edition of International Tapas Day in 2016.

### Torrevieja Fine Dining to be Showcased at Alicante Gastronómica

Torrevieja fine dining is to be showcased this weekend at a major gastronomical event, Alicante Gastronómica, which takes place at the Institución Ferial Alicantina (IFA), next to Alicante-Elche Airport, from Friday 23 September, to Monday 26 September, 2022.

Torrevieja’s Councillor for Tourism, Rosario Martínez, and the president of the Association of Hospitality Companies of Torrevieja and Comarca, José Ignacio Pastor.

Torrevieja’s Councillor for Tourism, Rosario Martínez, accompanied by the president of the Association of Hospitality Companies of Torrevieja and Comarca, José Ignacio Pastor, announced that this year they will have a new and innovative stand design, which will be representative of the tradition and essence of Torrevieja.

There will be space for a general information point, tasting area, and there will also be screens that show the presentations and tastings and the most traditional products of Torrevieja. With this, added Martínez Chazarra, "we wanted to give a more institutional package to the participation in the largest gastronomic fair in Spain".

TORREVIEJA STAND ACTIVITIES

Friday September 23

-12:00 p.m. Pigeon tasting with typical local aperitif.

-2:00 p.m. Fideua tasting. Fideuà is a seafood dish originally from the coast of Valencia that is similar to paella.

-4:00 p.m. Sweet tasting.

Saturday September 24

-12:00 p.m. Pigeon tasting with typical local aperitif.

-1:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Presentation and tasting of La Mata wines.

-2:00 p.m. Tasting of Sangochao de Cuttlefish.

-4:00 p.m. Sweet tasting.

Sunday September 25

-12:00 p.m. Pigeon tasting with typical local aperitif.

-1:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Presentation and tasting of La Mata wines.

-1:30-2:00 p.m. Tasting of salts with extra virgin olive oil with citrus touches from the low plains by Adrián Canales, manager of the Ociomar company and culinary demonstration of Bonito with salt from the Salinas de Torrevieja by Ángela Manzanaro, cook of the Isla restaurant.

-2:00 p.m. Tasting of Gazpacho Marinero.

-4:00 p.m. Sweet tasting.

-5:00 p.m. Presentation and tasting of home-made products, gluten-free and lactose-free. Raquel Bernabé, Coffee and Toffee Pastry Cafe.

Monday September 26

-12:00 p.m. Pigeon tasting with typical local aperitif.

-1:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Presentation and tasting of La Mata wines.

-2:00 p.m. Tasting of Rice with anchovies.

-4:00 p.m. Sweet tasting.

### Funeral mass to commemorate the life of Queen Elizabeth II

The Royal British Legion Association of Torrevieja, with the collaboration of Torrevieja Council, will celebrate a funeral mass to commemorate the life of Queen Elizabeth II.

Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción, Torrevieja.

The event will take place on Wednesday 21 September 2022, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Plaza of the Constitution, next to the Town Hall. The church doors will open at 10:30 a.m. and the service will begin just before 11:00 a.m.

A book of condolences will be at the entrance of the church so that attendees can pay tribute and any give condolences to the British royal family. The service is open to all who wish to attend.

### Torrevieja Partaking in Costa Blanca Cocktail Week

Along with Elche and Alicante, Torrevieja is participating in Costa Blanca Cocktail Week, with a special event being held on Thursday 15 September.

Image by Михаил Прокопенко from Pixabay

Costa Blanca Cocktail Week is an event organised by the Costa Blanca Provincial Tourist Board and the Association of Restaurants and Leisure Venues of Alicante (Alroa) that promotes cocktails with a local feel.

On Thursday, the main event will take place simultaneously in three drinking establishments, the NIC on calle Castaños in Alicante, the Saint Patrick pub on paseo Eras de Santa Lucía in Elche, and for us, in the La Plaza bar located on Av. Diego Ramírez Pastor, 235, in Torrevieja.

From 7:00 p.m. in Alicante and Torrevieja and from 10:00 p.m. in Elche, expert bartenders participating in this initiative will delight the attending public, who will be able to try the most creative cocktail recipes made with native products from Alicante or Costa Blanca origin.

Last year, the Costa Blanca Tourist Board organised a day in the gardens of the Marq in which different national and international shakers participated, who proposed different combinations, but with the native product of the province of Alicante as the protagonist.

### Torrevieja International Auditorium to Host Sports Congresses in October

Two sports congresses will be held in Torrevieja in October, the 8th Congress of Sports Management and 4th State Congress of Sports Management, which will be held at the Torrevieja International Auditorium, the October 20 and 21.

Torrevieja International Auditorium.

The Councillor for Sports in Torrevieja, Diana Box, made the announcement in a press conference, accompanied by the president of the Association of Professional Sports Managers of the Valencian Community (GEPACV), Miguel Ángel Nogueras, and the president of the Federation of Sports Management Associations of Spain (FAGDE), Fernando Paris.

The events will bring together 16 speakers of recognised prestige at the national level in sports management and that has the support of the Provincial Council of Alicante and the Generalitat Valenciana.

In addition, during the event, prizes will be awarded to the public institutions that have most promoted, disseminated and supported sport, the winner this year being the Torrevieja Council.

The organisers of the congress have reported that around 400 people from all over Spain will participate, highlighting the suitability of the Torrevieja International Auditorium for having excellent facilities.

### Torrevieja Town Hall to Invest a Million Euro in New Computer Equipment

Torrevieja town hall is allocating one million euro to renew computer equipment used my municipal employees, to facilitate better teleworking.

Torrevieja town hall.

The tender for the provision of the equipment has been published, and as the specifications point out, the objective is to "have equipment that makes teleworking and mobile work possible in a safe and reliable manner, particularly in an environment characterised by the spread of cybersecurity threats and risks."

The government team points out that the consolidation of teleworking for a large number of municipal employees makes it necessary to have new workstations that allow easy transfer to homes, operate with equipment configured and prepared by the IT department, instead of using private computers and do so safely in an environment of greater risks for cybersecurity. At this point, it should be noted that not all jobs are capable of telecommuting.

Both in these cases and in that of those who perform teleworking and for the days in which they provide service in person, it is necessary to have workstations with adequate capacities for the possibilities offered by the market and the needs of current work, which includes not only power, memory capacity, larger screens to operate with corporate applications such as the municipal electronic administration platform, updated operating systems, etc., but also built-in capabilities to interact remotely and develop collaborative work, such as webcams, microphone and speakers.

The statement also says that the widespread use of all-in-one computers in municipal workplaces will be promoted. The combination of this type of equipment with laptops will be the backbone of the new municipal equipment, so as to minimise the transfer of equipment between municipal offices and private homes, in order to reduce the risk of loss, damage to equipment, not compromising the information contained therein and ensuring the continuity of the services provided. Likewise, it seems necessary for reasons of efficiency and comfort, to have additional monitors so that certain workstations can be operated with two screens.

### 4 deaths and 964 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 964 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 200 in Castellón (190,598 in total), 196 in Alicante (526,204 in total) and 568 in Valencia (830,980 in total).



Of these, 550 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 106 from Castellón, 127 from Alicante and 317 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 298 people admitted, 19 of them in the ICU (both increased from the last update): 26 in the province of Castellón, 0 in the ICU; 96 in the province of Alicante, 6 of them in the ICU, and 176 in the province of Valencia, 13 in the ICU.



Four deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days except for one death in August 2022. These are four men between 74 and 101 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,030: 1,191 in the province of Castellón, 3,829 in Alicante and 5,010 in Valencia.

### Valencia President Urges Advancement of Renewable Energy Sources

The president of the Valencia region, Ximo Puig, has urged speeding up the process of installing renewable energies in the Valencian Community to consolidate the transition towards sustainable mobility.



The President stated that the conversion of the Valencian Community into a pole of sustainable mobility in southern Europe, strengthened by the decisions adopted by companies such as Volkswagen or Ford, will be "the strategic heart of the Valencian economy for the next 40 years”.

Puig has advocated "progress in the deep transformation underway" and has stressed that the commitment to renewables is a fundamental element when addressing decarbonisation.

In this regard, he has indicated that 452 renewable projects with power of almost 7,000 megawatts are currently being processed, triple what the current network provides, and has been in favour of moving in this direction. As he has indicated, the Valencian Community is becoming a powerful sustainable mobility 'cluster', which will result in a "great labour demand and leadership in decarbonisation".

“We are on the radar of the big mobility companies”, pointed out Puig, who recalled that the fact that Ford has chosen Almussafes to electrify its cars and that Volkswagen has chosen Parc Sagunt to produce its batteries reflects the strength of this Valencian 'cluster', which also has powerful companies such as Baleària and Stadler that complete the industrial fabric of the new mobility.

On the other hand, he pointed out that the mobility policy promoted by the Consell has set itself the objective of "social cohesion" to equalise opportunities, "territorial cohesion" to eliminate the gaps between counties and decarbonisation. As proof of the effort made in this area, he underlined that "for every euro invested in infrastructure, the Generalitat allocates 3 and a half euro to sustainable mobility actions".

Puig also indicated during his speech that the Generalitat has sought, in a pioneering way, to provide an "immediate response" to the context of inflation and rising fuel prices and also provide a "transformative vision" in its "commitment to quality and non-polluting public transport.

In this regard, he referred to the lowering of fares implemented out of necessity since the beginning of the year and also to initiatives launched such as free Sundays, and he underlined that all of this has resulted in an increase in the use of transport, with 10 million users more than 7 years ago.

 

### 94,000 Food Safety Checks Carried Out in Establishments Across Valencia

Figures released on Monday show that last year, the Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health, through the General Directorate of Public Health and Addictions, carried out 93,867 inspections and audits of food industries and establishments in the Valencian Community to control the quality and safety of food. These actions are included in the Food Safety Plan of the Valencian Community, of which the balance for the 2021 financial year was presented to the Food Safety Commission of the Valencian Community.



Specifically, the report describes and analyses the result of the execution of the Plan, "aimed at guaranteeing safe food, produced in a sustainable manner and healthy eating, within the framework of European food security and nutrition policies", as indicated by the Minister of Universal Health and Public Health, Miguel Mínguez. The event was also attended by the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, Climate Emergency and Ecological Transition, Mireia Mollà.

To achieve this objective, the Plan has a global and integrated approach throughout the entire food chain, from primary production to food consumption, in all food sectors. In the words of the head of Health, it follows the "One Health" approach because it integrates actions from different areas such as Public Health, animal health, plant health and the environment to respond jointly".

In fact, in addition to interventions in companies, in 2021 a total of 89,659,018 animals were examined in slaughterhouses in order to control zoonotic or epizootic diseases and animal welfare.

For its part, the Public Health laboratories of the Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health analysed 8,309 food samples to guarantee the quality of the food that citizens buy and consume.

From the results obtained in the different scenarios, it is concluded that the food made available to the consumer maintains a high degree of safety.

### Alicante Airport to Torrevieja bus timetable winter 2022

On 12 September 2022, the Alicante Airport to Torrevieja bus timetable has been republished.



However, the good news is it's appear to be identical to the previous schedule for the Torrevieja to Alicante airport bus timetable published in June.







The bus from Torrevieja to Alicante airport departs at 07:00, 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, and 20:00.



The bus from Alicante Airport to Torrevieja departs at 08:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00, and 21:00.
For more information, you can visit the bus operators website, https://costazul.net/en/, where you can also book tickets. It is in available mostly in English, and you can also find out more information about other routes, such as Torrevieja to Zenia Boulevard buses, and services to places like Pilar de la Horadada, Orihuela and Los Montesinos. 



 

### Powerchair football comes to Torrevieja

The Ciudad Deportiva in Torrevieja will play host the first Powerchair (motorised wheelchair) football competition.



The event will take place on Saturday 17 September, starting at 18:00, the Municipal Sports Pavilion Cecilio Gallego, the first time such an event has been held in the town.

The Sports Council gave thanks to the Xaloc team for organising the event, along with the sponsors and all the people who have collaborated, which, without a doubt, will create a unique opportunity to support adapted sports.

### Activities for the European Mobility Week

Torrevieja will host a series of events in the town to mark European Mobility Week, which will take place on Saturday, September 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in the Plaza de la Constitución in Torrevieja.



On the agenda of scheduled events, an urban route stands out (on skates, bikes, rollerblades, on foot... starting at the Plaza de la Constitución, to continue through Ramón Gallud, Apolo, Caballero de Rodas and back to the Plaza de la Constitución.

During the day a series of workshops have been organised such as:

Bicycle workshop, your sustainable vehicle:

A workshop focused on the bicycle to learn how to repair it and ride with it, to personalise it, with road safety circuits.

Participants will have to come with their own bicycle. Duration: 2 hours. Estimated attendees: 50 people.

Workshop “Create awareness”: painted some very cool t-shirts with the slogan “Move for cleaner air”, with 50 people being able to participate.

Duration: 2 hours.

Ghinkana workshop on pedestrian intervention: workshop on the training process of the pedestrian through play. Let's Play... On the move!

### International Residents invited to learn more about Torrevieja

Torrevieja’s Councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, has presented the "Weekly Activities for International Residents" initiative, which aims to give international residents of Torrevieja the opportunity to get to know different parts of the town, its new projects, visits to schools, institutes, beaches, and learn more about La Mata, amongst other places.



Every Tuesday, at 11:00 a.m., there will be a different visit to somewhere of interest in Torrevieja, starting this week, Tuesday 13 September, with a visit to the "Tavi y Carmona" Sports Palace, in which the Councillor for Sports, Diana Box, and the Councillor for International Residents will give a presentation and guided visit of the facilities.

The rest of the visits will be published on the Facebook of @torreviejaresidentesinternacionales.

If you are interested in joining in, you will need to register, which can be done via email: pangea@torrevieja.eu

### 19 deaths and 1,138 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,138 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 211 in Castellón (190,398 in total), 252 in Alicante (526,008 in total) and 674 in Valencia (830,412 in total). Also, there is 1 unassigned case.



Of these, 597 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 102 from Castellón, 132 from Alicante and 362 from Valencia and 1 unassigned case.

Valencian hospitals currently have 285 people admitted for COVID, 17 of them in the ICU: 32 in the province of Castellón, 2 in the ICU; 96 in the province of Alicante, 5 of them in the ICU, and 157 in the province of Valencia, 10 in the ICU.



19 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days, with the exception of two cases in June, one in July and three in August. They are 9 women, between 58 and 93 years old, and 10 men, between 65 and 91 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,026: 1,190 in the province of Castellón, 3,828 in Alicante and 5,008 in Valencia.

### Torrevieja hosts the return of "Handbol al Carrer" on Saturday

Torrevieja will be the first stop of the new season of 'Handbol al Carrer', the circuit organised by the Valencian Community Handball Federation (FBMCV) to bring the sport to the streets of towns and cities throughout the Valencian territory.



After the success of the first edition, which brought together more than 1,700 participants in the run-up to the celebration of the Women's Handball World Championship in the Community and in the first months of 2022, the leisure-sports circuit resumes its activity with an agenda full of events.

Paseo Vista Alegre, a spectacular enclave by the sea, will host this Saturday, September 10, the return of 'Handbol al Carrer'. The activity, open to all audiences, will begin at 10:30 a.m. in an innovative space that combines sport and new technologies thanks to a gaming area.

As was the case in the last activities prior to the summer, the 'Handbol inclusiu' athletes will participate in the circuit. Through this initiative, the FBMCV intends that the mental health users of the 'Handball we are all' program achieve full inclusion through sport.

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, has declared that "this type of sports activities in the street are a great attraction for all lovers of handball, in addition to being held in a privileged place such as Paseo Vista Alegre." Eduardo Dolón has thanked the Valencian Handball Federation for its bet again on Torrevieja to start 'Handbol al Carrer' and for having expanded this sporting offer with its 'Handbol inclusiu' program.

Diana Box, sports councillor in Torrevieja, stressed that "once again our town is full of sport to take it to the streets and appreciates the impulse of the Federation and the collaboration of the Torrevieja Handball Club to ensure that the event has gone out to perfection and be remembered by all”.

Pedro Fuertes celebrates the return "of such a participatory and attractive activity that has managed to attract very diverse audiences and allow our sport to be spread throughout the Valencian territory." The president of the Handball Federation of the Valencian Community highlights "the commitment of the Torrevieja Council with our sport, something that makes us tremendously happy and for which we are very grateful."

### Competition for Pensioners with a Camera

Torrevieja’s local councillor for the senior generation, Immaculada Montesinos, has advised that the fourth photography competition specifically aimed at the older residents of the town has been launched, with the theme of the contest in this edition, “A Feeling of the Elder. A look, a posture, a smile.”

Pensioners and those over 60 years old, registered in Torrevieja, will be able to participate, and you are able to submit a maximum of two photographs per contestant.

Photos must be submitted to terceraedad@torrevieja.eu , with submission deadline on Tuesday, September 27.

Immaculada Montesinos has also reported that the award ceremony of this 4th Photography Contest will be held on Saturday 1 October, International Day of Older Persons, in a Gala at the Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja.

In the last edition of 2021, 30 people submitted pictures to this contest, the winners were:

1º. ABUELOS EN EL MAR, by Maribel Juárez.

2º. MANOS AMIGAS, by Pedro Gallego.

3º. PALMERAS, by Purificación Cabalar.

### Torrevieja Alzheimer’s Centre Receives Donation

The AFA Alzheimer’s Association in Torrevieja (Asociación de familiares/amigos de enfermos de Alzheimer de Torrevieja) are celebrating receiving a much-needed donation from the British expat community this week.

Pat Goddard handed over a donation of 1,540 euro, which was raised by people who have collaborated as sponsors for climbing the Spinnaker Tower last August.



Among the sponsors who were thanked by AFA, along with thanking Pat of course, were the clients of Benimar Bar, Howell's Removals in Formentera and the clients of The Tavern in Quesada.

Such donations as this are always welcomed by the association, which is of great help to allow them to continue with their work.

On Sunday 2 October, there will be a race in Torrevieja, VII CARRERA/MARCHA SOLIDARIA DE AFA TORREVIEJA, with the intention of raising more funds for the association. You can get more information, and register to take part, at their dedicated website, https://www.alcanzatumeta.es/vii-carrera-y-marcha-solidaria-afa-torrevieja/

### 1,195 new cases of coronavirus and 7 deaths in the Valencian Community

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,195 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 216 in Castellón (190,187 in total), 307 in Alicante (525,756 in total) and 671 in Valencia (829,738 in total). Also, there is 1 unassigned case.

Of these, 574 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 124 from Castellón, 151 from Alicante and 299 from Valencia.



Valencian hospitals currently have 315 people admitted for COVID, 18 of them in the ICU: 42 in the province of Castellón, 1 in the ICU; 99 in the province of Alicante, 7 of them in the ICU, and 174 in the province of Valencia, 10 in the ICU.



7 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 2 women, between 87 and 90 years old, and 5 men, between 75 and 86 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,007: 1,183 in the province of Castellón, 3,822 in Alicante and 5,002 in Valencia.

### Women´s Football Competition This Weekend in Torrevieja

On Saturday 10 September, the Women´s Football Competition, Torneo Fútbol Femenino Ciudad de Torrevieja, will be taking place at the Torrevieja Sports City.

There will be two categories in the competition, senior and youth-cadet, and with 12 teams from all over the province of Alicante taking part.

The event has been organised by the Torrevieja Town Hall Sports Department, with the collaboration of SC Torrevieja CF, CFI Alicante, Torrevieja Club de Fútbol, Trofeos del  Mediterráneo,  Turismo Costa Blanca, Diputación de Alicante, and GVA Turisme.



 

### Torrevieja Swimming Pool Opening Hours

As of Monday 5 September 2022, at the end of the summer season, the outdoor swimming pool at the Torrevieja Sports City will close, and the indoor pool will OPEN.

The indoor pool, located inside the Palacio de Deportes Tavi y Carmona, will be open as follows:

Monday from 9:15 to 22:00 h.
Tuesday to Friday from 8:15 to 22:00.
Saturday from 8:15 to 19:00 h.
Sunday from 8:15 to 13:00 h.

### 1,146 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 586 of them in people over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,146 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 192 in Castellón (189,971 in total), 306 in Alicante (525,449 in total) and 648 in Valencia (829,067 in total).



Of these, 586 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 98 from Castellón, 192 from Alicante and 296 from Valencia.
Valencian hospitals currently have 321 people admitted for COVID-19, 20 of them in the ICU: 43 in the province of Castellón, 3 in the ICU; 99 in the province of Alicante, 7 of them in the ICU, and 179 in the province of Valencia, 10 in the ICU.
20 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 6 women, between 40 and 88 years old, and 14 men, between 67 and 95 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 10,000: 1,181 in the province of Castellón, 3,819 in Alicante and 5,000 in Valencia.

### Registration Open for Torrevieja Half Marathon

The registration period for Torrevieja’s half marathon, set to take place on 26 February 2023, opened today and will remain open until a few days before the event.

The price is 15 euro for the half marathon and 10 euro for the 5-kilometre race. The categories for the half marathon will be from Sub20 (+18 years) to Master 75 (+75 years), while for the 5k race it will be from Sub16 (+14 years) to Master 75 (+75). A novelty in this 35th edition will be the four special Inclusion categories: runners with physical disabilities in wheelchairs, runners with sensory disabilities (auditory and visual), runners with physical disabilities and runners with intellectual disabilities.

The Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, together with the Councillor for Sports, Diana Box, president of the Torrevieja Athletics Club, José Manuel Pizana, and Luis Manuel Corchete, Olympic athlete and organiser of the event, presented the 35th Torrevieja Half Marathon, which recovers its traditional date of celebration, on February 26, 2023.



The test circuit is approved and is part of the national calendar of the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation. Throughout the route there will be a great deployment with health care to attend to any incident and a field hospital will be installed at the finish line. In addition to Local Police and Civil Protection personnel, some 200 volunteers are expected, who will be distributed throughout the test route.

The organisers expect some 1,200/1,400 runners in this next edition in 2023.

### James Gaffigan and the OCV inaugurate the Les Arts season with concerts in Altea, Torrent and Torrevieja

James Gaffigan and the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana (OCV) inaugurate this week the new season of Les Arts with a concert tour in Altea, Torrent and Torrevieja, as part of the institution's commitment to develop a backbone program accessible to everyone.

OCV Altea i Torrevieja James Gaffigan ©Miguel lorenzo-Les Arts

The musical director of Les Arts and his main line-up visit this Thursday, September 1, the Palau Altea in the city of Marina Baixa, with a program featuring pages by Esplá, Mozart and Schumann in the lectern, which they will also present to the Torrent Auditorium, on the 2nd, and on Saturday, September 3rd at the Torrevieja International Auditorium.

On this tour, James Gaffigan conducts two unpublished works in the repertoire of the Orchestra of the Valencian Community: 'Symphony no. 3', 'Renana', by Schumann, and the first notebook of 'Lírica española, op. 54', by Óscar Esplá from Alicante, orchestrated by Pedro Salinas. The main line-up of Les Arts will also perform the 'Symphony no. 34' by Mozart.

The initiative is part of 'Les Arts amb Tu', the line of programming that develops proximity actions to bring the artistic activity of the theatre and its artistic assets closer to the diversity of municipalities in the three provinces of the Community Valencian

During the past season, 'Les Arts amb Tu' has offered lyrical recitals, staged opera, chamber music and symphonic evenings in more than 20 locations in the Valencian Community by the artists of the Centre for Perfection, the Orchestra of the Valencian Community and the stage truck of 'Les Arts Volant'. This proposal will have continuity within the 2022-2023 Season.

The Palau de les Arts makes its most ambitious bet for the symphonic repertoire in the 2022-2023 Season, with the presence of some of the main batons of the international circuit to conduct the Orchestra of the Valencian Community.

The OCV will be the protagonist of a selection of programs prepared to exhibit its excellence together with the Choir of the Generalitat Valenciana, with essential pages of the great composers of the repertoire: Berlioz, Bernstein, Brahms, Debussy, Mahler, Prokófiev , Rachmaninov and Strauss, among others.

The calendar includes a total of 16 performances and concerts in the three provinces of the Valencian Community, within the purpose of Les Arts to offer a local artistic activity.

### August Ends with 237 Covid Deaths Across Valencia

The month of August ended with 237 people losing their lives to Covid in the Valencia region. Infection rates have reduced over the last two month, but are still above 1,000 more infections recorded in each update.

According to data from the Ministry of Health, the rate is currently 190 cases per 100,000 inhabitants within 14 days among those over 60 years of age. It is true that the data is only comparable from April 1, when it was decided to carry out mandatory PCR tests only in this group, but there the Valencian Community had just suffered a great wave of infections.

This is precisely why the volume of deaths this summer and this seventh wave is explained: 237 since August 1 and 248 in July. Still, these are figures for reported deaths, not actual ones. We will have to wait to know the details of what date these deaths correspond to because there is always a gap. For example, of the 11 deaths from Tuesday, all had a death date of the last 14 days, except three from the end of July. According to the registry of "real" deaths that is being consolidated month after month, 281 people died in July, after including the deaths of the last few weeks that were reported in early August.

Whether from one month or another, the truth is that deaths this summer from the seventh wave have increased. The total number of deaths in a pandemic from the virus is already close to 10,000: 9,980 and that in this list there are only "official " deaths, those in which the person had a positive diagnosis, and their death was directly linked to the infection. Many deaths from the first months of the pandemic remain out there when rapid coronavirus tests were not yet widespread, but also now there are deaths that are related to the infection but that occur later and are not directly linked.

These four weeks of August have also served to empty hospitals of Covid patients. The increase in infections that peaked in mid-July caused hospitals to register peak admissions again, both from patients who were admitted due to complications after becoming infected and from people hospitalised for other reasons who tested positive. The peak of hospitalised for coronavirus in this wave was recorded on July 12 with 1,226 patients at the same time.

Since that date, patients have been gradually declining: August began with 993 people hospitalised (with and for covid) while on Tuesday there were 432, 133 less than last Friday. As sources from the administration pointed out, the significant drop cannot be directly related to registrations and improvements, but rather to the change in the way of accounting that the Ministry of Health has introduced and on which no detail has been provided. The ministry now makes it explicit, finally, that as of August 28, of all those admitted positive for Covid, 47.1% were there as a result of complications from the disease (50.7 of those in the ICU). The rest were diagnosed with Covid, but the coronavirus was not the cause of admission.

In this way, of the 432 admitted, 17 are in an ICU, 16 less than on Friday due to this change. However, the drop in the most serious patients this month has also been noted (August started with 54 serious patients), which has led, for example, to units such as the Hospital La Fe to declare themselves "Covid-free" for the first time in the two and a half years of pandemic.

Along with the La Fe ICU and according to Health sources, the intensive care units of other large hospitals have also been emptied of Covid, such as those of the Clinical Hospital, the Arnau and the General, all three in Valencia; the Provincial Hospital of Castelló ; the ICU of La Ribera, that of the Sagunt hospital and, in Alicante, the ICUs of Alcoi, the General of Alicante, that of Sant Joan and that of Elda.

Of course, as summer comes to a close, the health service is preparing for an increase in cases, hospitalisation, and deaths. The campaign to administer the 4th dose of vaccine will begin shortly, however still only a little over 50% of the population have actually had their third dose.

If you haven’t been vaccinated, or need your third dose, the advice is to contact your medical centre where an appointment can be made to facilitate the jab. The recommendation also continues in Valencia that you should wear a mask in enclosed or busy places.

### 1,172 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 657 of them in people over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,172 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 201 in Castellón (189,779 in total), 298 in Alicante (525,143 in total) and 673 in Valencia (828,419 in total).

Of these, 657 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 116 are registered in Castellón, 166 in Alicante and 375 in Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 432 people admitted, 17 of them in the ICU. These data correspond to the new accounting system approved by the Ministry of Health. Due to a computer problem in the change from the previous model to the current one, it has not been possible to extract the data by provinces.

11 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 14 days, except for three from the end of July. They are 5 women, between 74 and 94 years old, and 6 men, between 77 and 90 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,980: 1,178 in the province of Castellón, 3,813 in Alicante and 4,989 in Valencia.

### End of Summer Concert

Torrevieja will host a macro party to celebrate the end of summer on 17 September at the Parque Antonio Soria, the same location which hosted the Brilla Torrevieja event earlier in the season.

So far, Luis Domínguez Quevedo, better known as Quevedo, a Spanish rapper based in the Canary Islands, has been confirmed as appearing at the event, with other performers to be announced soon.



Tickets are already on sale, even though we don´t yet know who for, for what the organisers are billing as a day for history. Even the Mayor, Eduardo Dolón, has got involved in the promotion, showing off his acting skills on a video on Facebook.

### Orquesta Sinfónica de la Comunitat Valenciana to Perform in Torrevieja

The Municipal Institute of Culture "Joaquín Chapaprieta" is pleased to announce that the Orquesta Sinfónica de la Comunitat Valenciana will perform a concert in Torrevieja on Saturday 3 September, at 19:00 in the International Auditorium.

Entry to the event will be free, no invitation needed, until the capacity of 1,400 seats is filled.

The performance of this concert of the Symphony Orchestra of the Valencian Community, conducted by James Gaffigan, aims to continue the promotion of culture in general, and symphonic music in particular, to attract the best orchestras at the national level to the facilities in Torrevieja, as has been the case of the National Orchestra of Spain, the Valencian Community or the support of the program of the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra.

### Rock Against Cancer 2022

On 9 and 10 September, Parque Antonio Soria in Torrevieja will play host to the fifth edition of Rock Against Cancer, which returns after two years of hiatus due to the pandemic.

Starting at 5:30 p.m., and going on until to 2:00 a.m., there will be performances from a variety of tribute acts, such as ALMOST AC/DC, Bryan Adams Tribute, Creedence Clearwater Repeated and Volbeatz, as well as national groups such as The Hellhates (Murcia), U2 Band (Murcia), Mötorhits (Barcelona), Attitude for Destruction (Barcelona) and the stoner rock of Ricky Diamond (Torrevieja), and others, and the music will be accompanied by 25 craft stalls and 6 food trucks.

The benefits from the concert will go to AFECÁNCER and Alicante para la Lucha Contra el Cáncer.

Tickets are on sale at different physical points and online at https://entradium.com/events/rock-against-cancer-2022

### Nudist beaches around Torrevieja

The beaches of Torrevieja are popular with sun worshippers, but if you prefer to get an all over tan, then you have to go elsewhere, but the good news is, not too far.

According to the director of the Costa Blanca Tourist Board, José Mancebo, "All western consolidated destinations, such as Portugal or Greece, have this type of beach where it is accepted, both by users and non-residents", and the Alicante province is no exception, in fact some of the nudist beaches on the Costa Blanca are rated amongst the best in Spain.

So, where to go to avoid tan lines:

Playa Els Tossals

The beach at Els Tossals in Guardamar del Segura is one of the closest nudist beaches to Torrevieja, only about a 20-minute drive. It is also one of the largest sandy beaches that is included among the nudist beaches in Alicante. With 1,600 metres there is no need to worry about finding space for the umbrella. And if you want even more space, there is the adjoining playa del Rebollo, in the municipality of Elche.

El Carabassí

El Carabassí beach is also not too far away from Torrevieja either, only about a 40-minute drive away. From the rocks to the dunes and extensive sandy shores in Elche accompanied by its pine forests. It has a blue flag thanks to the services it includes, which also attracts a large public. The most nudist area is to the south, towards Santa Pola. As indicated by Costa Blanca Tourism and the Spanish Tourism Federation, it is one of the chosen ones on the coast of the province by naturist families.

Racó del Conill

One of the most outstanding for its tradition, as highlighted by Tourism Costa Blanca, is this cove that is located between Benidorm and La Vila Joiosa. Precisely because of its difficult access and secluded character, they define it as "one of the great secrets for lovers of nudism in Alicante".

Cabo de la Huerta

The set of coves in Cabo de la Huerta, also attached to one of the most visited beaches. Cala Palmera and Cala Cantalares differ from the other proposals for their large flat rocks and the calm of their waters.

Aigua Dolça

From the south of the Alicante coast, to the north. And from sand to rock. That is the contrast that leads us to Dénia, to the set of coves that make up playa de Les Rotes. Its popularity is such that, as both guides indicate, it is known in the area as La Cala. They are eighty metres long that invite you to enter the water to dive with only your diving goggles on.

Sardinera

Neighbouring Xàbia hides several coves that are difficult to access, like this one to the south of the municipality, which is recognized as one of the most valued for nudism. To get to this gravel beach, you have to follow a path between the pine trees that frame it like a small Mediterranean paradise.

Los Tiestos

This cove in Poble Nou de Benitatxell will be the one that offers the greatest challenge for those who wish to visit the nine recommended ones. In fact, the guides suggest that the entrance be made by sea, since it is very steep by land. Perhaps because of so many complications, those who enjoy it prefer to forget about carrying swimsuits.

L'Olla

Altea slips between these proposals with a cove that also slips between points with a greater public such as its two marinas. From here you can also enjoy L'Illeta and L'Illot.

Les Llomes de Reixes

The tour ends in Campello. In its extensive coastline is this area also known as Cala Cuartel. If among the others there were several that were difficult to access, this one can even boast of having a nearby TRAM stop, the so-called Cala Piteres.

As it is the closest option to Torrevieja, we do have to mention the beaches of Orihuela, where a number of people do go nude on some of the beaches, particularly those in more difficult to reach areas such as Cala Mosca, but in doing so we have to point out that these are not official nudist beaches, and so cannot be included in the guide.

### 1,343 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 767 of them in people over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,343 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 163 in Castellón (189,578 in total), 405 in Alicante (524,845 in total) and 775 in Valencia (827,746 in total).

Of these, 767 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 104 from Castellón, 243 from Alicante and 420 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 565 people admitted for COVID-19, 33 of them in the ICU: 94 in the province of Castellón, 7 in the ICU; 169 in the province of Alicante, 6 of them in the ICU, and 302 in the province of Valencia, 20 in the ICU.

20 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 14 days except for three in late July. They are 7 women, between 70 and 89 years old, and 13 men, between 71 and 92 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,969: 1,176 in the province of Castellón, 3,806 in Alicante and 4,987 in Valencia.

### Warning to take extreme caution on the roads this weekend

The Emergency Coordination Centre of the Generalitat recommends extreme caution this weekend when traveling by road in the Valencian Community as the holiday return operation coincides with episodes of heavy rains and storms forecast by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) in certain parts of the region (Torrevieja itself should not be affected by the storms).

The special traffic operation for the return of the summer holidays begins this Friday at 15:00 and will remain active until midnight on Sunday, August 28. But it will be from the afternoon of this Friday and Saturday when the most intense stormy phenomena occur, especially in the interior of the province of Valencia, where the orange level pre-emergency has been decreed due to rains and storms.

The regional secretary for Security and Emergencies, José María Ángel, has insisted on launching a message of "maximum caution before a weekend that is marked by many trips along the roads of the Valencian Community, with unfavourable weather conditions that require Much more caution at the wheel.

Ángel added that in order to provide citizens with a better service, "the '1 1 2 Comunitat Valenciana' Emergency telephone service shifts will continue with a 24% increase in personnel to offer more extensive attention to possible contingencies that may be given on the roads and in anticipation of greater attention due to the expected weather situation.

The Emergency Coordination Centre recommends, therefore, that the most appropriate time for the trip be scheduled, avoiding the most unfavourable hours and, if necessary, using the alternative itineraries proposed by the General Directorate of Traffic.

In the case of driving in the rain, it is recommended to drive on main roads and motorways and moderate your speed, as well as find out about the state of the roads of the route to follow and possible alternative itineraries; avoid underpasses and bridges that offer doubts about their resistance.

### Warning to Passengers Travelling to Alicante-Elche Airport on Tuesday

If you are flying to or from the Costa Blanca on Tuesday 30 August, you may need to consider allowing extra time for your journey by road as the La Vuelta cycle race will be taking to the streets from Elche to Alicante, passing through El Altet, where the airport is located, and so local road closures will have an impact on traffic in the area, which may cause problems for those travelling to or from Alicante-Elche Airport.

It is the tenth stage of the Cycling Tour of Spain, seen as a showcase to sell the charms of Elche throughout the world, which will be broadcast on television in 190 countries with an average of 4.5 million viewers. An individual time trial that will start from the Palacio de Altamira and will run 17.5 kilometres through the municipal district until it reaches El Altet beach, to finish at the Palacio de la Diputación de Alicante.

The Councillor for Security in Elche, Ramón Abad, has emphasised the complex itinerary, which was designed from Elche and which the organisation assumed. Specifically, the tour will take place from calle Diagonal del Palau, next to the facade of the Palacio de Altamira and Plaza del Parque, Maestro Albéniz, Luís Gonzaga Llorente de las Casas, Candalix, Plaza de Benidorm, Avenida de Alicante, Barxell, José Esquitino Sempere, Camino de Alicante, will turn to run on the road parallel to the L-20 and connect with Camino de Alicante with Carretera de El Altet, Carretera del Altet – Elche, CV-849, Avenida San Francisco de Asís, Dama de Elche, Sinus Ilicitanus, Carreteta de Urbanova a Arenales, on this road they will circulate in the opposite direction towards the municipality of Alicante.

There will be parking restrictions in various locations from Sunday, to allow the race support vehicles to park, but Tuesday is the big day to be prepared for traffic disruption in the area, with restrictions on movement in place between 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

### Flamingos in the Wild

Young flamingos who were born in the Salinas in Torrevieja are now starting to explore the big wide world. You can read more about their fledgling journey at The Leader newspaper.



However, all doesn't always go to plan in the early days of their discovery, as some of them get tired easily, disoriented and even lost.



So, the Local Police in Torrevieja are advising us what to do if we come across one, and the short story is call them.



Flamingos are a protected species and the police have an established protocol for dealing with animals like this, which may include simply relocating them, or my require the help of professional groups like the Animal Welfare Centre teams.



So, if you do see a pretty flamingo out and about, just call the police. If your Spanish isn't up to scratch, then the best way of doing this is by using the 112 number, where operators speak a variety of languages, including English.

### Health departments begins to cite risk patients for the vaccine against monkeypox in the Valencian Community

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health is going to start scheduling around 730 people who are at-risk patients for vaccination against monkeypox (monkeypox_MPX), in order to reduce the risk of infection by this virus.

In this way, according to the vaccination recommendations established at the meeting of the Public Health Commission of the National Health System on August 22, in which the priorities for vaccination were established, the Valencian Community has already begun to cite men up to 60 years of age receiving pre-exposure treatment for HIV; to men with HIV infection under follow-up in hospital consultations who meet the age criteria (up to 60 years) and risk practices (multiple partners, use of recreational drugs, participation in chemsex...). Also to people with high exchange of sexual partners (10 or more in the last 12 months or 3 partners in the last 3 months) and people who go to specific places to practice group sex (saunas, etc.).

Vaccination is carried out mainly at the AIDS Information and Prevention Centres (CIPS) in each of the three provinces, after requesting an appointment for vaccination at each centre, for which an SMS has already begun to be sent to them indicating that they can request it.

Post-exposure prophylaxis

Regarding post-exposure prophylaxis, in the Valencian Community close contacts of confirmed cases with a high risk of severe disease will continue to be vaccinated (people with immunosuppression, including HIV infection with <200 cells/ml, pregnant women and the child population). The identification is carried out through the corresponding epidemiological surveys.

Health personnel who have treated patients or taken samples without adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) or when it has failed will also continue to be vaccinated. And it will also continue in other close contacts identified through the corresponding epidemiological surveys.

So far, a total of 94 doses of the monkeypox vaccine have been administered in the Valencian Community, following the recommendations of the Public Health Commission.

### 1,447 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 770 of them in people over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,447 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 193 in Castellón (189,415 in total), 491 in Alicante (524,440 in total) and 763 in Valencia (826,971 in total).

Of these, 770 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 108 from Castellón, 256 from Alicante and 406 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 615 people admitted for COVID-19, of which 33 are in the ICU: 106 in the province of Castellón, 5 in the ICU; 184 in the province of Alicante, 8 of them in the ICU, and 325 in the province of Valencia, 20 in the ICU.

There have been 17 coronavirus deaths reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 14 days. They are 12 women, between 56 and 96 years old, and 5 men, between 72 and 90 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,949: 1,175 in the province of Castellón, 3,797 in Alicante and 4,977 in Valencia.

### Ukrainian Independence Day Celebrations in Torrevieja

On Wednesday 24 August, the Park of Nations in Torrevieja will host a celebration of Ukrainian Independence Day.

There will be concerts and activities, all organised by the Ukrainian community in the town, who encourage everyone to go along and take part.

The event starts at 6:00p.m. and will go on until 11:00p.m.

Independence Day of Ukraine is the main state holiday in modern Ukraine, celebrated on 24 August in commemoration of the Declaration of Independence of 1991.

### Molinos del Calvario Summer Festival

The Hoguera Molinos del Calvario will be holding their great summer festival on August 26 and 27, with a packed program of events taking place on calle Azorín in Torrevieja, on the corner of calle La Paz.

This year there will be raffles for gifts and the popular paella, priced at 4 euro per dish. There will be a foam party, the usual performance by Drag Imperio and the mobile disco with DJ Rafa.

The event is open to everyone to attend and enjoy.

Friday, August 26

8:00 p.m.: Opening event

9:30 p.m.: Raffle

10:30 p.m.: DJ Rafa

11:00 p.m.: Drag Imperio de verano

Saturday, August 27,

2:30 p.m.: Paella. €4

8 p.m.: Opening event

9:30 p.m.: Raffle

10:30 p.m.: DJ Rafa

11:30 p.m.: Foam party

### 84th Anniversary of the Bombing of Torrevieja

At 7:30 p.m. on Thursday 25 August, at the Hombre del Mar monument in Torrevieja, a gathering will take place to mark the 84th anniversary of the Fascist bombardment on the same day in 1938 in Torrevieja, which ended with 19 people being killed and dozens more injured.

During the concentration, the participants will throw a carnation into the sea for each of the victims, while reading their names.

In addition, as every year, a bouquet of flowers will be placed at the entrance of the port, as it is the point of the municipality that registered the highest number of civilian fatalities.

As usual, the organisers wish to “pay homage to all the victims of the fascist bombing and continue to demand the placement of a permanent monolith in their memory; but that we also hope it will serve to vindicate memory, justice and reparation for all the victims murdered and retaliated against by fascism during the Civil War and the decades of Franco's dictatorship that followed.

The groups continue to affirm that «the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) was provoked by the Francoist army after the failed coup against the legitimate democratic government of the Second Spanish Republic; a Francoist army that had the military support from the first day of both Italian fascism and German Nazism, which allowed the rebels to have the most advanced military weapons and bomb entire towns that had no military interest, for the mere fact of killing civilians, causing pain and suffering and thus undermining public moral.

«On August 25, 1938», they continue, «Torrevieja was the target of one of these attacks that caused 19 deaths and dozens of injuries, the vast majority of them civilians; an indiscriminate bombardment carried out by the Italian fascist aviation "Savoia" at the command of the revolted Francoist army».

List of fatalities from the bombing of Torrevieja on August 25, 1938:

 	Miguel García Cuello (32 years old),
 	Francisco Hernández Hernández (28 years old),
 	Francisco Desamparado Moreno (22 years old),
 	Antonio Moreno Guardiola (32 years old),
 	Joaquina Antolinos Zapata (32 years old),
 	María Antonia Moreno Antolinos (10 years old),
 	Rafael Clemares Sala (35 years old),
 	Ángeles Cerezuela Guardiola (33 years old),
 	Ángeles Andreu Cerezuela (10 years old),
 	Manuel Andreu Cerezuela (11 months old) ,
 	Anastasio Blanco Ballester (12 years old),
 	Cayetano Sánchez Sanz (9 years old),
 	Francisco Desamparado Sánchez (2 months old),
 	María Quer Piorno (13 years old),
 	Mercedes Martínez Blesa (15 years old),
 	Josefa Alar Linares (61 years old),
 	Concepción Aracil Rives (22 years old),
 	Francisca Vidal Baños (22 years old),
 	Rosario Alonso Mendiluces (age unknown).

### 913 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 478 of them in people over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 913 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 120 in Castellón (189,222 in total), 302 in Alicante (523,949 in total) and 491 in Valencia (826,208 in total).

Of these, 478 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 61 from Castellón, 159 from Alicante and 258 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 678 people admitted for COVID-19, of which 45 are in the ICU: 111 in the province of Castellón, 7 in the ICU; 217 in the province of Alicante, 9 of them in the ICU, and 350 in the province of Valencia, 29 in the ICU.

There have been 31 coronavirus deaths reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 13 women, between 63 and 97 years old, and 18 men, between 53 and 99 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,932: 1,173 in the province of Castellón, 3,790 in Alicante and 4,969 in Valencia.

### 20% of hypertensive patients fail to comply with their treatment in summer

Specialists from the Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Murcia Hospitals warn that non-compliance with cardiovascular treatments increases by 20% during the summer and can cause the patient to suffer heart and cerebrovascular problems, such as angina, infarction, heart failure and stroke. All this without forgetting the increased risk of kidney failure.

Woman measuring blood pressure with digital pressure monitor against blue background. Health care and medical concept

According to Dr. Rafael Florenciano, specialist of the Integral Cardiology Unit of Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, "all precautions are few to enjoy a few days of rest without setbacks; thus, a poor diet with a high load of fats and salt, together with other factors, such as the abuse of tobacco, alcohol and the decrease in sports practice regularly cause a lack of control of blood pressure".

In summer the blood pressure values are lower than in the winter months, which is because, with the heat, vasodilation occurs to favour the loss of body temperature, and as a consequence you have a low blood pressure.

If a hypertensive person is exposed to the sun too much in summer and does not hydrate properly, they can suffer a very serious hypotension that, in severe cases, causes loss of consciousness and fainting.  Within hypertensive people, older adults are especially sensitive to heat because the mechanism of sweating is normally impaired and in them it is very likely that heart and kidney problems will occur, so it is more difficult to get rid of excess heat in the body.  For this reason, Dr. Alfredo Vidal, specialist of the cardiology service of the  Hospital Quirónsalud Murcia, recommends, before the hot months, to go to your trusted doctor to adjust the antihypertensive treatment, as well as the diuretics.

As Dr. Florenciano adds, "not one of the drugs used to treat high blood pressure are diuretics, which, added to the high temperatures of the environment, causes the patient to lose more fluids, which is why it is vitally important that more fluids are taken than usual." What is most advisable for this type of people at this time of year is to drink plenty of water, eat fresh fruit and wear light clothing to promote the replacement of liquids that are lost with sweat and thus avoid dehydration or, in more serious cases, heat stroke.

Keys so that summer does not become an enemy of your heart

Carry the medication on you.  Breaking the routine makes us forget to take our medication, since we always associate it with concrete actions such as breakfast, dinner, etc.

 

Caution with heat. The main causes of mortality during heat waves are related to cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and respiratory diseases. It is the reason why it is not convenient that we spend a lot of time exposed to the sun in the central hours of the day.

 

Be careful with alcohol. Experts advise maintaining a healthy and balanced diet in summer as the rest of the year. Excessive intake of alcoholic beverages can lead to heart rhythm disorders and a certain degree of contractile insufficiency.

 

Caution with the chosen holiday destination. Heart patients can choose the holiday destination they prefer taking into account only that it is preferable to avoid countries with extreme temperatures and places above 2,000 metres of altitude, because, if the heart is damaged, it will have to work more.

 

Rest, important in summer. The first objective of the holidays is to rest, but it is frequent that we end up doing the opposite, getting to sleep fewer hours, so that it is not beneficial for our cardiovascular health. Lack of sleep increases blood levels of stress hormones, which increases blood pressure and heart rate.

 

About Quirónsalud Torrevieja

- International medical team

- Free translation service

-We work with all national and international medical insurers

-General emergencies 24/7

-Paediatric daytime emergencies

 

Address: 

 

Partida de la Loma, s/n

03184 Torrevieja, Alicante

 

### 1,761 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 932 of them in people over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,761 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 311 in Castellón (189,102 in total), 522 in Alicante (523,647 in total) and 928 in Valencia (825,717 in total).

Of these, 932 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 170 from Castellón, 296 from Alicante and 466 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 768 people admitted for COVID-19, 45 of them in the ICU: 125 in the province of Castellón, 4 in the ICU; 243 in the province of Alicante, 11 of them in the ICU, and 400 in the province of Valencia, 30 in the ICU.

There have been 13 coronavirus deaths reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 6 women, between 59 and 96 years old, and 7 men, between 78 and 94 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,901: 1,171 in the province of Castellón, 3,775 in Alicante and 4,955 in Valencia.

### Cancellation of Outdoor Events in Torrevieja due to the Weather - Saturday 13 August 2022

Torrevieja town hall has announced that due to the weather conditions this weekend, the urban music festival "Crazy Urban Festival", the Summer Carnival Parade and the festivals scheduled in La Mata and San Roque are cancelled.



This morning a coordination and security meeting was held with the assistance of councillors from the affected areas, as well as representatives of the Fire Department, Guardia Civil, Local Police, Civil Protection, members of the festival organisation, as well as the engineer of the event and municipal technicians.

The information provided by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) was analysed, which indicates a complex and difficult situation with the probability of new hot bursts between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., and the recommendations in the that all professionals have agreed that the safety of citizens or the event cannot be guaranteed, the decision has been made to cancel all outdoor events authorised by the Torrevieja Council scheduled for today, Saturday.

In Valencia, one person was killed and dozens injured in damage caused at a concert last night, so safety concerns are understandable.

In this way, the urban music festival "Crazy Urban Festival" is cancelled, whose structures, which were already set up, have been damaged after the thermal blowout in the early hours of Saturday morning. Tickets will be returned from Friday, August 19, through the same channel through which they were purchased. Likewise, the festivals of La Mata and San Roque have been cancelled, postponing the Summer Parade to a new date that will be communicated by the Department of Fiestas in the future.

From the Torrevieja Council, the response of all the security forces involved is appreciated, and all citizens are asked to take extreme precautions until the weather situation returns to normal.

### Summer Beach Activities in Torrevieja

The youth department of Torrevieja town hall has arranged beach-based events for later in August.

The activities are free, although registration is required.

 

PADDLE SURF

August 20 and 27 at 9:00 am

September 3 at 6:30 pm



 

ACROYOGA

August 20 and 27 at 9:00 am

September 3 at 9:00 am



 

The activities are specifically aimed at those aged between 14 to 30 years old, and places are limited, so if you are interested it is best to register early.

You can register by calling 965 714 072 or 606 055 291, or by email to juventud@torrevieja.eu

### Summer Street Parade on Saturday

The Summer Carnival Parade will start take place in Torrevieja on Saturday evening, 13 August.

The carnival-like parade will start at 20:30 from the Cultural Center Virgen del Carmen and will travel along calle Ramón Gallud to Plaza de la Constitution.

One of the highlights of the parade will be the appearance of representatives from the Moors and Christians from Crevillente and Alicante.

### 1,996 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 960 of them in people over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 1,996 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 222 in Castellón (188,791 in total), 823 in Alicante (523,125 in total), 950 in Valencia (824,789 in total) and 1 unassigned.Of these, 960 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 125 from Castellón, 360 from Alicante and 475 from Valencia.Valencian hospitals currently have 775 people admitted for COVID-19, of which 57 are in the ICU: 118 in the province of Castellón, 4 in the ICU; 256 in the province of Alicante, 11 of them in the ICU, and 401 in the province of Valencia, 42 in the ICU.25 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days except two in July. They are 13 women, between 73 and 92 years old, and 12 men, between 77 and 101 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,888: 1,167 in the province of Castellón, 3,770 in Alicante and 4,951 in Valencia.

### New Heat Wave Warning for This Weekend

The Emergency Coordination Centre has issued a statement in which it warns of a new and "significant rise in maximum and minimum temperatures over the next few days", specifically from Friday the 12th to Monday the 15th, with Saturday being the hottest day, which, according to the state meteorological office, AEMET, may be the hottest day of the year, despite July recording the hottest temperatures on record so far.

Inside the Vega Baja, maximum temperatures above 40º are expected. It will be cooler on the coast, but temperatures during the day may still easily reach 34 degrees. The trinomial composed of the entry of a mass of very warm air from North Africa, a west or west wind and a concentration of sub-Saharan dust particles will trigger the mercury to rise.

For this reason, it is recommended that you shelter in the hottest hours, between 12 and 4 p.m., avoiding physical exercise outdoors; use sunscreens; drink plenty of water, and take extreme care of the most sensitive people, including the elderly and children.

### Torrevieja Police Actively Removing Foreign Vehicles

Torrevieja Local Police have reported how every week they remove several foreign vehicles from the streets that do not comply with the regulations for driving in Spain. These vehicles are removed and deposited in the municipal vehicle pound until the legal position can be resolved.







The national traffic department, the DGT, says that if you have bought a vehicle outside of an EU country, which is of course what the UK is since BREXIT, and want to import it to circulate in our country, it will be necessary to re-register it in Spain after going through Customs.



However, they also point out that for vehicles from outside the EU, it's not a simple process. They say, the importation of a vehicle from outside the EU is complicated, so we recommend that before carrying it out you inform yourself at the  State Tax Agency of the steps to take for importation and the payments to be made at customs.



For some time, the authorities have received continual complaints about foreign registered vehicles driving in Spain without carrying out the correct procedures for importation. Sadly, for the Brits, this process is now a lot more complicated than it was, but doesn't change the fact that reregistration is a legal requirement if you import your vehicle.



Of course, tourists visiting the country for a short period are welcome to bring their cars and are allowed to drive in Spain, but this is only for a short period of time.

### The Otorhinolaryngology Service of the Torrevieja Hospital warns about the importance of taking extreme care of the ears due to high temperatures

Professionals from the Otorhinolaryngology Service of the University Hospital of Torrevieja warn about the increase in cases of external otitis as a result of the heat, especially during recent weeks, in which bathing in beaches and swimming pools joins the increase in temperature and environmental humidity and, consequently, increased sweating.

External otitis or swimmer's otitis is an infection of the external auditory canal and is more frequent in summer. Although the quality of the water in which we bathe is a factor to consider, according to the head of the Otorhinolaryngology Service, Aurora López, "the main factor for the development of external otitis is maceration of the skin of the external auditory canal”.

It is an infection that is caused by the change of conditions that occur in the external auditory canal, creating a perfect environment for the proliferation of bacteria or fungi.

During the summer period, the increase in ambient temperature, the ambient humidity in this area, prolonged bathing and excessive sweating can aggravate this type of infection. To these factors, which predispose to external otitis, are added other causes such as lesions in the skin of the duct, allergies, chronic skin problems, chronic diseases such as diabetes and other diseases that alter immunity.

Children are more prone to this type of infection, in addition to having a narrower duct and much more delicate skin, they are the family members who spend the most time in the water.

“In external otitis pain is an almost constant symptom. There is pain when the pinna is moved, when it is pressed in front of the ear, or when chewing. We can also see secretion in the external auditory canal. Itchy ears can be an early and frequent discomfort. Another symptom is the feeling of not hearing well because the duct is inflamed and with secretions. Fortunately, this hearing loss is reversible with the right treatment”, added Aurora López.

Main recommendations

The Otorhinolaryngology Service of the University Hospital of Torrevieja proposes a series of recommendations to take care of the ears in summer:

The ears should be carefully dried after bathing, either with the tip of a towel, gauze or a tissue. Tilting your head to one side or the other can help get residual water out of the duct. As far as possible, the ears should not remain too long in the water. Drying of ears with cotton buds is not recommended.

Patients should avoid repeated cleaning of earwax and even less cleaning with cotton swabs (which impact the earwax towards the eardrum) or the introduction of other instruments into the ear (forks, clips...) that can damage the skin of the canal.

Unless prescribed by a doctor, plugs should not be used. In this way, the natural ventilation of the skin of the duct will be favoured. Medical personnel may recommend the use of plugs for patients with a predisposition to summer otitis externa, chronic skin problems, or other ear conditions.

As prevention, and under medical prescription, drops of acidifying substances can be used for the skin of the duct, such as boric acid, after bathing.

### 2,664 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 1,400 of them in those over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 2,664 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 307 in Castellón (188,569 in total), 1,236 in Alicante (522,302 in total), 1,119 in Valencia (823,839 in total) and 2 unassigned.Of these, 1,400 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 186 from Castellón, 636 from Alicante, 576 from Valencia and 2 unassigned.Valencian hospitals currently have 861 people admitted with COVID-19, 54 of them in the ICU: 135 in the province of Castellón, 3 in the ICU; 287 in the province of Alicante, 18 of them in the ICU, and 439 in the province of Valencia, 33 in the ICU.17 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days except one in July. They are 8 women, between 46 and 91 years old, and 9 men, between 63 and 99 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,863: 1,164 in the province of Castellón, 3,763 in Alicante and 4,936 in Valencia.

### Quirónsalud Torrevieja Traffic Unit: Fast, efficient and free attention 365 days a year

To access this 24-hour service it is not necessary to have medical health insurance, since the unit provides free assistance to everyone who has suffered a traffic accident

Close Up Of Two Cars Damaged In Road Traffic Accident

Summer is here, and with long-awaited summer vacations, it’s the time of year for road trips. However, going on a trip can become a nightmare if we are involved in a traffic accident.

Most frequent injuries in a traffic accident

 

In Spain there are an average of 150,000 road traffic injuries per year.

Dr. Carlos Israel Puell, a specialist at the Rehabilitation Service of Quirónsalud Alicante and Torrevieja, indicates that "cervical spine sprain is the most frequent injury seen in traffic accidents, followed by back pain and lower back pain." The most frequent symptoms are "neck pain, headaches, limitation of cervical mobility, ringing in the ear and a feeling of dizziness". All of these are if the accident vehicle is a car.

On the contrary, when the vehicle is a motorcycle, the injuries that can occur are very different, due to the fact that there is no protective chassis and the type of injuries often depend on the way in which the motorcyclist falls.

If a fall occurs at low speed, injuries are usually caused by abrasions against the asphalt, but at higher speeds the most injured area will be the one that hits first. "In these cases, the most common fractures would be those of an upper limb, such as a fractured humerus, wrist or elbow," says Dr. Puell.

In falls where the rider does not dismount from the motorbike, the most frequent injuries tend to occur in the lower limbs, such as the femur, knee or tibia.

 

Most common rehabilitation treatments after an accident

 

After a traffic accident, the most important thing is to recover fully and properly from injuries in order to avoid sequelae. The main treatments in this case combine pharmacological treatment (painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs) with rehabilitation therapy. "Here, the intervention of physiotherapists is very important, with the application of massage therapy, stretching and recommendations of exercises and postural hygiene rules. In addition to other approaches such as electrotherapy, thermotherapy, ultrasound, tens, etc.," says Dr. Carlos Israel Puell from Quirónsalud.

 

Only early, professional and personalized attention helps the road accident victim recover quickly and completely.

The assessment and establishment of early treatment is essential to minimize any physical repercussions. In addition, from a medical point of view, it is essential that everyone involved in a traffic accident attend an urgent medical assessment, regardless of the severity of the damage suffered.

The Traffic Units of Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante provide care to patients who have suffered a traffic accident 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is made up of a multidisciplinary team made up of specialists in orthopaedics, neurology, rehabilitation and physiotherapy, and has all the necessary resources to offer the best service.

Your health care includes the first emergency visit, hospitalization, diagnostic tests, consultations with different specialists, rehabilitation doctor and rehabilitation treatment, intensive care unit and, if necessary, urgent surgery.

In addition, professionals have quick access to support services (MRI, CT, ultrasound, laboratory and operating theatre) for accurate diagnosis.

One of the keys to this Traffic Unit is the multidisciplinary approach to patients, as most musculoskeletal and spinal injuries require the coordination of different specialties for both healing and stabilisation of the injuries.

 

How to act in the event of a traffic accident?

 

In the event of a traffic accident, we must remain calm and act according to the instructions of the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT).

 

"The first step is to check if there are injured people and help them as far as possible, but without moving them. If the accident has had a major impact or if we are in any doubt, we should call the emergency service (112). The next recommendation is to go or be taken to a medical centre to be assessed by a specialist and start the appropriate treatment as soon as possible," concludes Dr. Puell.

 

How to avail of this service in case of an accident?

To be attended by this unit, it is only necessary to go directly to the emergency department of Quirónsalud Alicante or Torrevieja, where the administrative team will be in charge of carrying out all the procedures with the insurance company of your vehicle and will make complete medical attention available to you. You can also call the number 966 92 63 63 or write to trafico.torrevieja@quironsalud.es.



 

About Quirónsalud Torrevieja

- International medical team

- Free translation service

-We work with all national and international medical insurers

-General emergencies 24/7

-Paediatric daytime emergencies

 

Address: Partida de la Loma, s/n

03184 Torrevieja, Alicante

 

 

 

### The Torrevieja health department registers nine deaths from Covid in the last two weeks

Nine people have died from Covid-19 in the Torrevieja health department in the last two weeks, according to official data from the Ministry of Health.

Of the nine, seven died in the last week of July and two in the first week of August.

At the University Hospital of Torrevieja there are 24 patients admitted with coronavirus.

It should be noted that the health area has multiplied its population in recent weeks with the arrival of tourists, which health experts expect will result in another spike in infections, hospitalisations, and deaths.

### The patron saint festivities of the San Roque neighbourhood are celebrated from August 12 to 17

From August 12 to 17, the patron saint festivities of the San Roque neighbourhood are celebrated.

For a week there will be various events, such as children's entertainment, Zumba, gift raffles and musical performances. Paella day will take place again with a contest and a tasting of a giant paella, as well as a barbecue.

On Tuesday, August 16, the procession of San Roque and Santa Ana will return after two years without being held due to the pandemic and the subsequent fireworks display. Previously, a mass will be celebrated by the Bishop of the Diocese, José Ignacio Munilla, on his first visit to Torrevieja as prelate of Orihuela-Alicante. The festivities will culminate with children's entertainment, the awards ceremony, and a mass in memory of the deceased. The day will culminate with music by DJ Lycos and the foam party.



Friday, August 12,

7:00 p.m.: Children's entertainment with Mª José.

8:00 p.m.: Free snack for children while supplies last.

8:30 p.m.: Zumba with Javier Jordán.

10 p.m.: Raffle of gifts for the benefit of the San Roque Festival Association.

11:30 p.m.: Puro Maná, tribute orchestra.

 

Saturday, August 13,

2:00 p.m.: San Roque Barbecue. Mixed plate with bread and a drink at popular prices (member's special day 2×1).

9:30 p.m.: Raffle of gifts for the benefit of the San Roque Festival Association.

11 p.m.: Reggaeton musical group.

 

Sunday, August 14,

7:00 p.m.: Summer Carnival Contest Parade.

9:30 p.m.: Raffle of gifts for the benefit of the San Roque Festival Association.

11:30 p.m.: DJ Sergio Salinas.

 

Monday, August 15,

12 noon: Day of the paella «Contest».

2:00 p.m.: Giant paella.

7 p.m.: Children's entertainment with Mª José.

8:30 p.m.: Performance by Cristina Lucendo.

9:30 p.m.: Raffle of gifts for the benefit of the San Roque Festival Association. "6 Ham Bingo Night".

11:30 p.m.: DJ Sergio Salinas.

 

Tuesday, August 16,

8:30 p.m.: Holy Mass in the Parish of San Roque and Santa Ana. Officiated by Bishop José Ignacio Munilla. Then procession and traditional fireworks display.

10:30 p.m.: Raffle of gifts for the benefit of the San Roque Festival Association.

12:00 a.m.: DJ Sergio Salinas.

 

Wednesday, August 17,

7:00 p.m.: Children's entertainment with Mª José.

8:30 p.m.: Awards ceremony.

8:30 p.m.: Holy Mass for the deceased of the neighbourhood and the parish of San Roque and Santa Ana.

9:00 p.m.: Soul Dance Academy.

10 p.m.: Raffle of gifts for the benefit of the San Roque Festival Association.

11:30 p.m.: Resident DJ Lycos and great foam party.

 

Thursday, August 18,

8:30 p.m.: Holy Mass for the deceased of the neighbourhood and the Parish.

### Torrevieja Youth Symphony Orchestra

On Saturday, August 6, a concert by the Torrevieja Youth Symphony Orchestra will take place at the International Auditorium in Torrevieja.

Admission is free until full capacity is reached.

### Changes to the Orihuela - Torrevieja - La Zenia bus service from 8 August

From Monday 8 August 2022, the Orihuela - Torrevieja - La Zenia bus service will have a new timetable.





For more information, and details of other local bus services, visit their website, https://costazul.net/

### 2,495 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 1,264 of them in people over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 2,495 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 341 in Castellón (188,262 in total), 800 in Alicante (521,066 in total), 1,353 in Valencia (822,720 in total) and 1 unassigned.

Of these, 1,264 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 187 from Castellón, 441 from Alicante and 636 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 871 people admitted, 52 of them in the ICU: 142 in the province of Castellón, 2 in the ICU; 288 in the province of Alicante, 19 of them in the ICU; and 441 in the province of Valencia, 31 in the ICU.

44 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days except three, from July 11, 13 and 19. They are 22 women, between 29 and 103 years old, and 22 men, between 58 and 93 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,846: 1,161 in the province of Castellón, 3,757 in Alicante and 4,928 in Valencia.

### New Opening Hours for Outdoor Swimming Pool in Torrevieja

The Department of Sports in Torrevieja has published the Autumn schedules for the outdoor swimming pools of the Palacio de Deportes.

The recreational pool will be open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from Monday to Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. On Fridays it can be used in the afternoon from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. On Saturdays it will be open for use from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Finally, on Sundays it will open in the morning from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

As for the 25-metre pool, the public can go from Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and on Saturdays also from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

### Unlucky Burglars Arrested in Torrevieja

Specialised in home robberies, two thieves who had acted in several municipalities of Alicante, Murcia and Extremadura, have ended up behind bars due to carelessness and a bit of bad luck.



The Guardia Civil stopped a car at a routine checkpoint, and asked the driver for documentation, which he presented, to which the driver offered his licence and a Greek identity card. The officers were suspicious and verified that the documents were fake. In view of these facts, this person, a 33-year-old Georgian man, was arrested for the crimes of false documents and against road safety.

The detainee, once in the Torrevieja Guardia Civil station, requested that a friend bring him his true personal documentation in order to prove his identity.

On the morning of the next day, a man showed up who was carrying the detainee's Georgian passport. When the agents told this person to identify himself, he only provided incongruous information, making excuses at all times for not showing his own documentation.

After trying in every possible way to identify this individual and after learning that he had gone to the police station in a car, the agents, accompanied by this person, went to the car in order to obtain his true affiliation by through the vehicle documentation.

In a first superficial search of the vehicle, specifically inside the glove compartment, the agents found two forged Georgian driving licences, a Greek identity card that had been illegally altered, two photocopies of the aforementioned identity card, and also a precision balance.

After the discovery and the man's state of nervousness, the agents continued with a more exhaustive search of the vehicle, finding various effects hidden in various parts of the vehicle, specifically in a double bottom on the roof of the vehicle, under the ashtray and under the lever of the handbrake.

In addition to the documentation previously seized, the officers also found 14,240 euro in cash, 127 pieces of jewellery, a set of binoculars, plastic witnesses used by criminals to mark the doors of their possible victims and various tools for opening doors, like various sets of lockpicks.

Once the detainee's friend was fully and truthfully identified, it was possible to prove that he was a 40-year-old man of Georgian nationality, at which time he was arrested for the crime of forgery of a public document.

Given the discovery of the large number of jewels, officers in Torrevieja began an intense work of consultations in the police databases. They quickly linked over 70 pieces recovered in robberies inside homes in the towns of Elche, Petrer and Cartagena.

Continuing with the investigations, the same day a search was carried out at the home of both detainees, in the town of Elche, seizing various objects that were linked to a new robbery in the town of Badajoz.

The detainees, in addition to the aforementioned crimes, have been charged with a total of 5 crimes of robbery with force inside homes. Both have been placed at the disposal of the Court of Torrevieja, who has decreed their entry into prison.

The investigations are still open, and it is not ruled out that the number of those affected by these criminals will increase, since to date some 70 pieces of jewellery have been returned to their rightful owners.

### 2,922 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 1,482 of them in people over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 2,922 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 434 in Castellón (187,921 in total), 885 in Alicante (520,266 in total) and 1,603 in Valencia (821,367 in total).

Of these, 1,482 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 250 from Castellón, 457 from Alicante and 775 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 993 people admitted, 54 of them in the ICU: 163 in the province of Castellón, 3 in the ICU; 319 in the province of Alicante, 18 of them in the ICU; and 511 in the province of Valencia, 33 in the ICU.

34 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days except two: one on June 27 and one on July 7. They are 14 women between 81 and 100 years old, and 20 men, between 48 and 96 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,802: 1,156 in the province of Castellón, 3,738 in Alicante and 4,908 in Valencia.

### August starts hotter than usual

August will have temperatures up to 1.5 degrees above normal, according to climatologist Samuel Biener, and it is also a busier month than July because the nights lengthen and the first signs of instability begin. "Showers on the coast, storms in the interior," he clarifies. The forecasts, in terms of rainfall, will be, according to Biener, in the normal environment, although "complicated" by nature. «In the Valencian Community and more in August the rains are difficult to predict, because the storms are very local. There are big differences from one town to another and it is difficult to anticipate it beyond the previous hours.

Since May "we have been chaining heat waves" that are leaving extreme temperatures. The last of July has discharged extreme heat that is still noticeable in the environment. Looking ahead to August, Biener anticipates that the weather “should not be so extreme, but the great heat was not expected in July either and look how it is going. The normal thing, he adds, is that August is "a little warmer than normal and the rainfall does not have major anomalies," he adds, although there is still a risk that the heavy rains of autumn will arrive sooner this year, perhaps even in August, due to the unusually high temperature of the sea in July.

The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) ensures, for its part, that no major changes in minimum temperatures are expected. The trend will be to continue with values ​​that will not drop below 25 degrees on the coast. This is confirmed by Samuel Biener, who recalls that we are still in the heat wave, the statistically warmest period of the year that runs from July 15 to August 15 and that after a week of "suffocating" nights, we still will not get rid of tropical nights and equatorial on the coast.

 

### 3,519 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 1,711 of them in those over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 3,519 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 483 in Castellón (187,487 in total), 1,030 in Alicante (519,381 in total) and 2,006 in Valencia (819,764 in total).



Of these, 1,711 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 262 from Castellón, 548 from Alicante and 901 from Valencia.



Valencian hospitals currently have 1,006 people admitted with COVID-19, of which 60 are in the ICU: 153 in the province of Castellón, 7 in the ICU; 311 in the province of Alicante, 23 of them in the ICU; and 542 in the province of Valencia, 30 in the ICU.



38 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 15 women between 54 and 96 years old, and 23 men, between 69 and 94 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,768: 1,152 in the province of Castellón, 3,725 in Alicante and 4,891 in Valencia.

### La Mata Fiesta Starts Today

The summer fiesta in La Mata starts on Friday, with a range of events taking place in the Plaza de Encarnación Puchol.

Friday 29 July 2022

10:30p.m. Show by Miguel Alarza.

Saturday 30 July 2022

9:30 p.m. DJ Jordan.

10:30 p.m. a great tribute will begin to two great voices of Spanish music, Manolo Escobar and Nino Bravo, by Juan Manuel Punzano and Alejandro Canals.

Friday 5 August 2022

9:30 p.m. there will be entertainment for all audiences and music with DJ Jordan.

Saturday 6 August 2022

10:30 p.m., a great concert by the group “Lagarto Smith”.

Friday 12 August 2022

10:30p.m., a great tribute to the Mexican group “Maná”

Saturday 13 August 2022

9:30 p.m., an entertainment show and a Great Night Disco.

### Protest on Sunday to Save Doña Sinforosa Park

A protest has been organised for Sunday, starting at 19:00, which aims to raise the voice of concern for those wanting to save the Doña Sinforosa Park in Torrevieja, which is earmarked to be destroyed to make way for a high-rise apartment block.

The Los Verdes Green Party are behind the event, who claim that experts endorse their rescue plan, which they say is nothing more than for “the construction of monstrous towers and the ball is only endorsed by the greed and the brother-in-law of the Partido Popular of Eduardo Dolón.”

The Alicante coastal department had already raised their concerns over the locally approved plans to build the apartment, as the plans encroach onto protected land, and therefore could not be endorsed by the provincial body.

For more information on the protest, you can follow the event created with Los Verdes on Facebook, Salvemos Doña Sinforosa.

### Cádiz Carnival 2022

The Carnaval de Cádiz 2022 will be held at the Municipal Theatre on August 14, at 9:00 p.m., although the doors will open an hour before.

On stage there will be the most popular chirigotas of the Cadiz carnival, such as "Fermín and Antoñito" Los impatientes, and "Canijo" Antología. Both will offer the anthology of their most outstanding participations in the contest of the Gran Teatro Falla de Cádiz.

### Crazy Urban Festival 2022

The Crazy Urban Festival will bring together thousands of urban music fans on Saturday 13 August 2022, in Torrevieja.

The festival will also have a program of parallel activities. Among them, the market area for crafts and trends, the food truck market, the one for NGOs and citizen awareness, as well as an area where skateboarding, surfing and painting, thanks to the collaboration with different Torrevieja schools.

The venue will have an adventure area and another with fair attractions for all attendees that will be located in the Antonio Soria Park in Torrevieja.

### Pregnant in Torrevieja?

If you are expecting a baby and plan to give birth in Torrevieja, you might find it reassuring that you can now visit the maternity facilities at Torrevieja Hospital and meet the team who will be with you during the process.

The University Hospital of Torrevieja has reactivated the guided visits to the delivery room for future mothers and their partners.

The guided tours are aimed at all those pregnant women and their partners interested in meeting the professionals who will accompany them on the day they give birth.

If you are interested in the service, contact the hospital, remembering that the telephone number for Torrevieja Hospital changed in June, and is now 965 695 500.

 

### Sol Music Festival Torrevieja 2022

For three days, Torrevieja International Auditorium will host a series of concerts for classical music lovers, performed by international artists, under the title of Sol Music Festival.

Friday, August 12 at 7:30 p.m.: Opening Concert with a symphony orchestra made up of musicians from the province of Alicante and Murcia, formed especially for the festival and called “Sol Music Festival Orchestra”, conducted by Lev Gelbard (Germany) and guest soloist cello Lana Grün (Germany).

Saturday, August 13 at 7:30 p.m.: Concert entitled “Ballet, música y amor”, or “Ballet, music and love”. A unique combination of dance, voice and love created by a team of international artists. The most beautiful romantic pieces from the 18th to the 20th centuries will invite you on an exciting journey through time alongside Brahms, Tosti, Mussorgsky, Piazzola, Schreker and Schubert.

Participants of the concert will include: Edifice Dance Theatre: Carmine de Amicis (Italy) and Harriet Waghorn (UK), David Esteban, tenor (Italy), Oleg Volkov, bass-baritone (France), Sofia Poulopulou (Greece), Elise Navarro, soprano (France), Lucía España, soprano (Spain), Lana Grün, cello (Germany), Inessa Lecourt, piano (France).

Sunday, August 14 at 7:30 p.m.: Special closing concert entitled “Gala Lírica” in which all the artists of the festival will participate.

For more information, including detailed artist profiles, or to buy tickets, visit the official website: www.solmusicfest.com

### San Emigdio from August 4 To 7 in the Park of Nations

The Park of the Nations (Parque de las Naciones) in Torrevieja will be the stage of the schedule of acts that will take place from August 4 to 7, on the occasion of the holidays in honour of San Emigdio, copatron of Torrevieja and protector against earthquakes.

The event returns to the park after having been restricted due to the Covid pandemic for the last two years.

The festivities will include a popular barracks, musical performances, gift raffles and children's entertainment. As a culmination, the mass will take place in the open air and the procession with the image of the saint accompanied by "Los Salerosos" through the streets of the neighbourhood, which will end with the fireworks display.

Thursday, August 4,

9:00 p.m.: Inauguration of the popular barracks and performance by the «Soul Dance» Academy. Later, raffle of gifts and performance of a musical group.

Friday, August 5,

9:00 p.m.: Prize draw and performance by a musical group.

Saturday, August 6,

7:00 p.m.: Children's entertainment and free snack for all attending children. Raffle of gifts and musical performance.

Sunday, August 7,

8:00 p.m.: Eucharist in the Hermitage of San Emigdio and solemn procession with the image of the saint accompanied by the band of the Torrevieja City Musical Society “Los Salerosos”. Route: San Policarpo, Bilbao, Santísima Trinidad, Barrio Molinos, Plaza del Calvario, San Emigdio, José Hurtado Romero and San Policarpo streets to return to the Hermitage. At its completion, a fireworks display will take place.

A full schedule of event can be obtained from the tourist information office.

### Volver al amor

On Saturday 30 July, the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre will host Volver al amor, a concert by Santiago Sánchez and Victoria Guerrero.

The concert, which starts at 8:00p.m., will feature works of Romanticism and Spanish and Latin American musical nationalism and is free, until all tickets are assigned.

To reserve your seat, contact the box office at the Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja.

### 50 Years of Video Games

Starting on Wednesday 27 July, a new exhibition will be held in the Vista Alegre exhibition hall in Torrevieja, looking back over the last 50 years of video games and how they have influenced our lives.

The Municipal Institute of Culture "Joaquín Chapaprieta" has organised the event, “50 años de ocio digital. Historia del videojuego”.

In the last 50 years, humanity has known a new way of playing.

Since Ralph H. Baer, ​​called the father of video games, created Magnavox Odyssey in 1972, through countless electronic games that have become classic icons of pop culture, and until the mid-90s, video games have always they have been a socialising element, from arcades to games with family and friends on our consoles and microcomputers.

To understand today's world, where digital entertainment is one of the main industries, it is important to know the milestones that have brought us to the great boom that is experienced today.

In this exhibition, we will not only learn about the history from the first video games, but we will also enjoy them first-hand, just as it could be done in previous decades and as it can still be done at the Vintage Arcade Museum.

It's time to learn while playing! And, as Albert Einstein said, “Games are the highest form of research”.

The exhibition will be on until 30 September 30.

### 4,506 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 2,255 of them in people over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 4,506 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 609 in Castellón (187,004 in total), 1,142 in Alicante (518,351 in total) and 2,755 in Valencia (817,758 in total).

Of these, 2,255 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 345 from Castellón, 611 from Alicante and 1,299 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 1,110 people admitted, 62 of them in the ICU: 160 in the province of Castellón, 6 in the ICU; 354 in the province of Alicante, 22 of them in the ICU; and 596 in the province of Valencia, 34 in the ICU.

32 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days, except for two of them on July 12, one on July 13 and another on July 16. They are 19 women between 73 and 105 years old, and 13 men, between 64 and 93 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,730: 1,142 in the province of Castellón, 3,710 in Alicante and 4,878 in Valencia.

### More Vaccinations Without Appointment This Week at Torrevieja Hospital

Carrying on with the Valencian Government’s plans to encourage vaccination take up, Torrevieja Hospital will once again be offering a drop-in service, for which an appointment is not necessary, to receive your jab.

However, this week, the timing is slightly more complicated that usual, as there will be a special session for children, as well as two sessions for adults.

Here is the schedule and details for the three sessions this week:

Monday 25 July, from 15:30 to 17:30

This session is specifically for those aged from 5 years of age to 11, requiring their first or second dose.



Monday 25 July, from 18:00 to 19:30

For those aged over 12 in need of their first, second or booster dose.



Thursday 28 July, from 15:30 to 19:30

Again, for those over 12, for first, second or booster dose.



Remember, you don’t need an appointment to attend, just present your SIP card and ID.

All sessions are held in the Salon de Actos at the Torrevieja Hospital. You can find the location by clicking here, or searching for Hospital Universitario de Torrevieja on Google Maps.

If you are unable to attend these sessions and still need a dose, you should contact your health centre who will be able to make an appointment for you.

Covid is still very much present and circulating in Spain, including the Valencia region, and the advice is to make sure your vaccinations are up to date, wear a mask in busy or enclosed spaces, and wash your hands frequently.

 

### Brilla Torrevieja 2022

Torrevieja will be playing host to a series of musical concerts throughout the summer, taking place at a specifically dedicated space in the Parque Antonio Soria.

This, by the way, is the reason that parking arrangements for the Friday market have had to be changed.

The event, taking place from 24 July to 12 August, is billed as an event for shining with its own light.

Sebastián Yatra - 24 July.

Sebastián Yatra officially presents his long-awaited new album 'Dharma' that promises a show full of emotions, dances, new songs and favourite hits of Sebastián Yatra fans such as «Tacones Rojos», «Robarte Un Beso», «Traicionera», «TBT», «Chica Ideal» y «Pareja del Año».

The songs speak of shared life experiences in a mosaic way through lyrics that communicate an honest and sometimes chilling memory of moments related to emotions such as fear and joy, sexuality and sadness; performed on rhythms that transcend expectations from pop to 80's retro, including reggaeton.

There are lots of acts lined up to keep attendees entertained, highlights of which are:

Taburete - 29 July.

The band led by Guillermo Bárcenas has returned to the music scene with a new song: Roto y Elegante. After almost a year without releasing new music, the group enters 2022 stronger than ever.

The name of the song already gives us a clue about what the single is about: a sweet ballad full of emotional force thanks to the sound of the piano and the powerful voices that are heard. But that is not all! The song reaches our ears as a preview of the new album, Matadero 5″.

Luis Fonsi - 7 August.

Luis Fonsi is back with a new studio album entitled ' Ley de gravedad', released three years after his previous production ('Vida').

The artist of the most listened to Latin song in history on YouTube, 'Despacito ft. Daddy Yankee' explained that this album brings together several moments, different fusions and rhythms. Luis Fonsi has wanted to adapt to current music but without forgetting who he is and his personal hallmark. A work with mixtures and fusions that will surprise his followers.

Lola Índigo - 12 August.

Las Solteras is the new song by Lola Indigo, the artist who has swept all digital platforms with La Niña de la Escuela, the launch single for 'La Niña', her latest album, which turned out to be a global hit.

Dancing is more than guaranteed with Las Solteras, it is a song with reggaeton dembow sounds with touches of electronics, a completely urban sound that Lola wanted to dedicate to all single women, which promises to be the new hymn to singleness.

If you want to know more, including the full schedule of artists, you can visit the official website, https://brillatorrevieja.com/



 

### Free Paella at Carrefour on Saturday

If you fancy a free portion of paella, the get yourselves down to the Carrefour Commercial Centre in Torrevieja on Saturday 23 July, from 1:30 p.m., and you just might be in luck.

All you have to do to qualify is spend 20 euro in any of the stores located inside the centre, which of course includes Carrefour itself, present your receipt at the promotional stand outside, and you will be given a voucher to hand over at the cooking area to collect your food.

One word of warning though, each ticket is only valid for a single portion of paella, so if you are not on your own you might need to spend more, remembering to pay separately at the till to obtain enough 20 euro receipts for the number of people in your group. Or, you could share a portion of course.

Oh, and when it’s gone, it’s gone, so maybe get there early.

For more details, and to read the terms and conditions, visit their website, https://www.cc-carrefour-torrevieja.com/gran-paella-gratuita/

### 4,756 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 2,275 of them in people over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 4,756 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update on the 19th July. The new cases by province are 687 in Castellón (186,395 in total), 1,237 in Alicante (517,209 in total), 2,830 in Valencia (815,003 in total) and 2 unassigned.

Of these, 2,275 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 344 from Castellón, 673 from Alicante, 1,256 from Valencia and 2 unassigned.

Valencian hospitals currently have 1,139 people admitted, 58 of them in the ICU: 168 in the province of Castellón, 6 in the ICU; 358 in the province of Alicante, 22 of them in the ICU; and 613 in the province of Valencia, 30 in the ICU.

62 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days, except one from July 5 and two from July 13. They are 35 women between 55 and 99 years old, and 27 men, between 61 and 94 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,698: 1,140 in the province of Castellón, 3,694 in Alicante and 4,864 in Valencia.

### Changes to the car parking arrangements at Torrevieja Friday market

If you are planning to go to Torrevieja's Friday market, you need to be aware of a change to the parking arrangements.
As the town hall has arranged for concerts to take place this summer at the Parque Antonio Soria, the normal car parking area for the Friday market has been closed until mid-August. To solve this problem for market goers, another parking area has been set up at the Aquopolis Torrevieja site, which can be accessed through the family water park for the summer off Avenida Monge Bielsa, in front of the Nelson Mandela multi-purpose soccer field.
This change will no doubt cause a lot of confusion for market visitors at first, so you might want to allow extra time for your visit to the Friday market.

### Torrevieja Hospital Emergencies improves its facilities to offer greater accessibility and safety in the provision of care

The Emergency Service of the University Hospital of Torrevieja has begun the undertaking of a construction project that will improve the facilities to guarantee greater safety in the provision of care.
Substantial improvement in the accessibility of the service is a priority, framed in the Shock Plan launched by the Department of Health to improve care in the Emergency Service.

The objective of the work is to create an open space that improves the visibility of all patients and favours communication between all health professionals. In this way, a central area will allow the monitoring of users from an optimal position, improving the humanisation and care received by patients.

The project seeks to integrate the urgent care space, adapting the demand and ensuring accessibility and continuity in urgent care.

The remodelling works of the Emergency Service will end on July 26. This project includes, in its scope of action, both the comprehensive reform of the control box for doctors and nurses, as well as the area for dispensing medicines and receiving orders.

Currently the emergency service has a total area of ​​more than 3,400 square metres.

The shock plan launched by the Ministry of Health to improve the Emergency Department of the Torrevieja Hospital is accompanied by a reinforcement of the structure and services, in addition to the extension of hours and the provision of specialists.

### Arthroplasty or hip replacement: when and where to perform it

Dr. Maciej Was, specialist in hip surgery at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, clarifies in which cases this surgical procedure is optimal

 

Hip fracture is one of the top 10 causes of disability in adults over the age of 65 in Spain.  It is a serious injury that especially affects the elderly, being mainly associated with osteoporosis and falls.

 

However, there are other risk factors that influence the high incidence of hip fractures in older people, such as age-related decreased mobility and loss of visual and hearing ability. "The combination of these factors increases the possibility of suffering falls and trauma and presenting, therefore, a hip fracture of traumatic origin," explains Dr. Maciej Tadeusz Was, hip specialist of the traumatology service of Quirónsalud Torrevieja.

With these worrying data, the medical sector has looked for ways to recover that well-being and quality of life despite turning years or having suffered an accident.

Hip arthroplasty is the most common procedure when other treatments have not had the desired effect.

Dr. Maciej Was, specialist in surgery of Quirónsalud Torrevieja, explains what hip arthroplasty is and how the recovery process is.

 

What is arthroplasty or hip replacement?

 

Hip arthroplasty, also known as hip replacement, is a surgical procedure in which the damaged cartilage and bone of the hip joint are replaced with metal implants (prostheses).

 

The goal of this hip replacement is to relieve pain caused by deformity or fracture, improve mobility, and maintain the range of motion of the hip joint.

 

When to perform a hip arthroplasty?

 

It is important to differentiate between partial hip arthroplasty (partial hip replacement surgery or hemiarthroplasty) where only the head of the femur is replaced and total hip arthroplasty (total hip replacement surgery) where all parts of the joint are replaced with artificial prosthetic components.

Both are performed through an incision in the hip area and is therefore a surgery that requires regional anaesthesia in most situations.

In principle there are two indications for hip arthroplasty: femoral neck fracture or hip deformity.

 

In case of fracture, the implantation of hip prostheses depends on the type of femoral neck fracture and the general condition of the patient. It can be total or partial prosthesis, and on the other hand cemented or non-cemented prosthesis. Generally, the total prosthesis is reserved for patients under 75 years of age and in these patients non-cemented prostheses are put. For people over 75 years of age, if they do not have hip osteoarthritis, partial prostheses can be put on and if their bone quality is not good to resort to the cemented prosthesis.

 

In case of deformity "an arthroplasty is performed when we have a painful hip with damage to the cartilage, which does not improve with any of the different conservative therapeutic options we have", details Dr. Maciej Was, specialist in hip surgery at Quirónsalud Torrevieja.

Osteoarthritis and other hip joint deformities can lead to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Therefore, a total hip arthroplasty will be recommended to relieve pain, improve range of motion and improve quality of life.

 

Techniques used to perform a hip arthroplasty

 

The team of the Hip and Pelvis Unit of Quirónsalud Torrevieja has highly specialized surgeons capable of responding to any pathology of the musculoskeletal system, offering a personalized and quality treatment to the patient.

In addition, new technologies have allowed us to develop new minimally invasive techniques that favour the patient's recovery and shorten their stay in the hospital.

Among the many advantages of this type of techniques we find the following:

 	Less bleeding.
 	Lower risk of infection.
 	Smaller incisions.
 	Almost immediate recovery of the patient.

Depending on the patient's condition and their previous functional situation, a certain type of surgical intervention will be carried out, in order to give solidity and stability to that joint and to recover the patient's gait.

Types of hip prostheses used in hip arthroplasty

 

In general, prostheses that use the following components are usually used:

 	Stem, which is always metallic (different mixtures of metals)
 	Head, which can be metallic (Chromium-Cobalt) or ceramic.
 	Insert, which can be made of polyethylene or ceramic.
 	Acetabular component, which is always metallic (different mixtures of metals).

The choice of components depends on the age of the patient and their particular situation, among others.

How is the recovery after a hip arthroplasty?

 

"The recovery after a hip arthroplasty is a personalized process according to the characteristics of the patient (degree of loss of musculature, mobility deficit, stability of the prosthesis)", adds the specialist.

These types of operations usually have a degree of recovery with a high degree of success. That is, after the intervention the patient will be able to mobilise the leg and return to his daily life, however, depending on the stability, "he may spend some time without being able to fully support the operated leg."

In addition, depending on the needs of the patient, physiotherapy sessions may also be needed to shorten the recovery process and obtain a better result.

The recovery time from a hip replacement can be six weeks to three months, depending on the type of surgery you've had and how your body reacts.

 

You can request here more information about hip surgery or arthroplasty from this link.

Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja

 

Quirónsalud Torrevieja has been chosen as the healthcare company with the best corporate reputation in Spain in 2022.

 

About Quirónsalud Torrevieja

 

-International medical team.

- Free translation service.

-We work with all national and international medical insurers.

-Management of free traffic unit.

-General emergencies 24/7.

-Daytime paediatric emergencies.

 

Location:

 

Partida de la Loma, s/n

03184 Torrevieja Alicante

966 92 13 13 / 900 301 013

info.torrevieja@quironsalud.es

### 5,423 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 2,670 of them in those over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 5,423 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 830 in Castellón (185,708 in total), 1,354 in Alicante (515,972 in total), 3,238 in Valencia (812,173 in total) and 1 unassigned.

Of these, 2,670 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 466 from Castellón, 710 from Alicante, 1,493 from Valencia and 1 unassigned.

Valencian hospitals currently have 1,216 people admitted, 59 of them in the ICU: 175 in the province of Castellón, 5 in the ICU; 409 in the province of Alicante, 20 of them in the ICU; and 632 in the province of Valencia, 34 in the ICU.

13 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days, except one that is from July 1. They are 7 women between 78 and 105 years old, and 6 men between 78 and 90 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,636: 1,132 in the province of Castellón, 3,663 in Alicante and 4,841 in Valencia.

### Vaccination without appointment today in Torrevieja

In the most recent audit, the worrying figure was revealed that only 56% of those eligible had actually taken the opportunity to have their booster vaccine.



The benefit of the vaccine is of course amazing, but it does reduce over time.



It is important that you have your protection improved.



The President of Valencia, Ximo Puig, urges everyone who is eligible to get a booster, to wear a mask in busy or enclosed spaces, maintain social distance, and wash your hands frequently.



If you need your booster, or if you haven't yet had your first or second dose, the advice is to contact the health centre you are registered with to make an appointment.



Alternatively, you can visit one of the frequent drop-in centres around the area.



Torrevieja Hospital is hosting a drop-in centre both on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon this week. You don't need an appointment, just turn up with your SIP card and ID. They are giving first, second or booster jabs.

### 6,495 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 3,056 of them in those over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 6,495 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 1,074 in Castellón (184,878 in total), 1,648 in Alicante (514,618 in total) and 3,773 in Valencia (808,935 in total).Of these, 3,056 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 555 from Castellón, 837 from Alicante and 1,664 from Valencia.Valencian hospitals currently have 1,194 people admitted, 65 of them in the ICU: 182 in the province of Castellón, 6 in the ICU; 409 in the province of Alicante, 26 of them in the ICU; and 603 in the province of Valencia, 33 in the ICU.35 deaths from coronavirus have been reported since the last update, all with a date of death in the last 7 days, except one that is from June. They are 19 women between 60 and 103 years old, and 16 men between 70 and 92 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,623: 1,128 in the province of Castellón, 3,657 in Alicante and 4,838 in Valencia.

### Next Vaccination Without Appointment Schedule at Torrevieja Hospital

The campaign to offer vaccinations without appointments in the Valencian region is continuing to gather pace.

The next scheduled drop-in centres at Torrevieja Hospital will be on Tuesday, July 19 and Thursday, July 21.

This time, the schedule will be from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and remember that no prior appointment will be necessary.

You can attend, with your SIP card and ID, if you require your first, second or booster dose.

### Health notifies 7,640 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 3,851 of them in those over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 7,640 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 1,117 in Castellón (183,804 in total), 2,143 in Alicante (512,970 in total) and 4,380 in Valencia (805,162 in total).

Of these, 3,851 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 556 from Castellón, 1,166 from Alicante and 2,129 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 1,226 people admitted, 58 of them in the ICU: 185 in the province of Castellón, 5 in the ICU; 428 in the province of Alicante, 25 of them in the ICU; and 613 in the province of Valencia, 28 in the ICU.

There have been 17 coronavirus deaths reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 5 women between 76 and 91 years old, and 12 men between 65 and 94 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,588: 1,125 in the province of Castellón, 3,645 in Alicante and 4,818 in Valencia.

### Valencia President Rules Out More Covid Restrictions, For Now

The President of the Valencian Regional Government, Ximo Puig, has announced that this summer all the vaccination centres activated for use without prior appointment will be kept open in different parts of the Valencian Community to speed up vaccination against COVID-19, and has encouraged people who have not yet done so to complete their vaccination schedule.

This was stated after holding a meeting with experts from different areas of knowledge to assess the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Valencian Community. The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Universal Health and Public Health, Miguel Mínguez.

The president has ruled out the application of new restrictions in the face of the increase in registered infections, but has appealed to the prudence and responsibility of citizens, and especially of the infected people, as well as to "be cautious with the most vulnerable people".

Similarly, he recalled the importance of maintaining protection measures against the virus, such as the responsible use of the mask, especially in crowds and for the most vulnerable people; hand hygiene; the ventilation of interior spaces, and maintaining the safety distance.

In addition, Ximo Puig has advanced that the Generalitat will propose to the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System the planning of the fourth dose of the vaccine for this autumn, especially for those most vulnerable people, and has insisted on the "protective effect" of vaccination.

The head of the Consell has assured that at the moment the new variant is "rapidly spreading", but its severity is less in those people who are vaccinated, which demonstrates the effectiveness of immunisation.

Finally, he pointed out that Valencian hospitals are prepared to meet the needs of this wave of infections whose curve is expected to flatten at the end of July, and he insisted on the need to be vigilant "because COVID is not on vacation", has manifested.

Among the people who have participated in person at the meeting of experts are the vice president of the Health Services Research Institute Foundation, Ricard Meneu; the researcher from the Health and Biomedical Research Foundation of the Valencian Community Salvador Peiró; and the general deputy director of Epidemiology of the Ministry of Health and Public Health, Herme Vanaclocha.

It has also had the participation of the head of the Microbiology Service of the Clinical Hospital of Valencia, David Navarro; the doctorate in Chemical Sciences from the University of Valencia and from the Higher Council for Scientific Research Pilar Mateo; and the deputy director general of Evaluation of Care Management in the Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health, Ramón Limón.

Likewise, during the meeting, the professor of Psychiatry at the University of Valencia Rafael Tabarés; the head of the Cardiac Surgery service of the General Hospital of Valencia and Cardio-Vascular Surgery of the La Fe Hospital and director of the Cardio-Vascular Diseases Area, Anastasio Montero, and the General Linguistics professor at the University of Valencia Beatriz Gallardo.

Finally, the meeting was attended electronically by the Professor of Economic Analysis at the University of Valencia and director of research at the Valencian Institute of Economic Research Paco Pérez; the doctor from the Media Lab of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Principal Data Scientist at the Think-Tank Data-Pop Alliance, Nuria Oliver; the oncology researcher expert in the application of artificial intelligence methods to the fight against cancer, Aurelia Bustos, and the researcher from the Institute of Environmental Diagnosis and Water Studies of the CSIC and winner of the 2013 Rei Jaume I Prize, Xavier Querol.

### Vaccination without appointment in Torrevieja

If you haven't been vaccinated yet, you can get jabbed this week without an appointment in Torrevieja.

Because of the worrying increase in cases and hospitalisations, the regional health department has stepped up the availability of these drop-in centres around the region.

On Thursday 14 July, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., vaccination without an appointment will be available in the auditorium of the Hospital of Torrevieja.

You can attend, with your SIP card and ID, if you are waiting for the first, second or booster dose.

If you haven’t yet been vaccinated, the health department is encouraging it, as well as wearing a mask in enclosed spaces such as shops and supermarkets, and at busy events.

### 8,854 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 4,260 of them in those over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 8,854 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update in the Valencia region alone. The new cases by province are: 1,173 in Castellón (182,687 in total), 2,552 in Alicante (510,827 in total), 5,128 in Valencia (800,782 in total) and one unassigned case.

Of these, 4,260 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 598 from Castellón, 1,312 from Alicante and 2,350 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 1,164 people admitted, 56 of them in the ICU: 140 in the province of Castellón, 5 in the ICU; 409 in the province of Alicante, 23 of them in the ICU; and 615 in the province of Valencia, 28 in the ICU.

24 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 9 women between 69 and 100 years old, and 15 men between 63 and 90 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,571, of which 1,124 in the province of Castellón, 3,639 in Alicante and 4,808 in Valencia.

### What neurology services are offered at Quirónsalud to address neurological disorders?

Addressing neurological diseases in a rapid and multidisciplinary manner is already a reality in the Advanced Neurosciences Unit of the Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja and the specialty centres of the Alicante province. These centres of healthcare excellence have developed healthcare based on a people centred care model, with a comprehensive structure and the establishment of ‘fast care’ channels.

The Advanced Neuroscience Unit is based on a radically innovative concept in terms of patient care. Dr. Erika Torres, director of this unique project, has devised, together with the rest of the participants, a model where the entire structure revolves around the patient, their families, their needs and concerns, addressing neurological disorders in a comprehensive and personalized manner.

The Unit is made up of a first-class multidisciplinary team and state-of-the-art technological equipment such as Flow Dynamics Magnetic Resonance Imaging and brain CT with perfusion.

M​emory and cognitive disorders department

Dr. Erika Torres, specialist in Neurology, and neuropsychologist Miguel Sánchez Barredo, responsible for the Memory and Cognitive Disorders Programme at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, highlighted the importance of being thorough in diagnosing patients with dementia. It is estimated that 10% of people who are initially diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease have chronic adult hydrocephalus.

Quirónsalud has launched a Memory and Cognitive Disorders Programme for a more accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of patients suffering from dementia disorders and diseases, such as Alzheimer's.

The main objective of the new unit is to study the patient from the multiple angles that the disease presents in order to establish a rigorous diagnosis.

It should be noted that few centres in Spain are equipped with a multidisciplinary team as comprehensive as the one that Quirónsalud has, which works with the aim of detecting early cases of the disease to allow early intervention.

Movement disorders department

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative pathology and is second in frequency after Alzheimer's disease. The increase in life expectancy with the respective aging of the population means that its prevalence is increasing rapidly.

According to Dr. Erika Torres, head of the Movement Disorders Programme at Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante Hospitals, “it is a disease that manifests itself in most cases with tremor, and always with slow movements and stiffness. As it progresses, it ends up affecting normal abilities such as walking and in some cases dementia can develop.”

Some of the treatments for Advanced Parkinson's Disease consist of Apomorphine with pen  administration, infusion pump or Parkinson's surgery.

Minimally invasive endoscopic surgery for brain tumours and spine

Brain endoscopy or neuroendoscopy is a minimally invasive technique that allows rapid access to the cranial cavity through small cranial holes, thus avoiding the need for large openings and retractions of the brain tissue.

Interventional neuroradiology area

The Interventional Neuroradiology Department treats the following pathologies:

 	Brain aneurysms
 	Chronic Subdural Hematoma
 	Arterio-venous malformations
 	Carotid Atheromatous Stenosis
 	Vertebral Fractures

Headache department

Headache is the most frequent reason for consultation in the neurology department. Experts say it is essential to carry out early diagnosis and adequate treatment, to avoid the worsening of the condition and any subsequent decrease in the quality of life of the patient.

Treatments include botulinum toxin, infiltration with anaesthesia or the use of radiofrequency.

For episodic and chronic migraine there are new preventive treatments such as monoclonal drugs (anti-CGRP) applied monthly or quarterly by a pre-filled pen that is easy for the patient to use.

Neuroradiology

State-of-the-art neuroradiology is a key element in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological pathologies. Quirónsalud has Digital Magnetic Resonance, which facilitates a more precise and accurate diagnosis of injuries and pathologies of the spine and skull. CT scans allow studies with high resolution images of the skull and spine to be carried out.

 

 

Neuro-rehabilitation department

Neuro-rehabilitation is the process aimed at reducing the deficiency, the limitation of activity and the restriction of participation suffered by people as a result of a neurological disease, and where the professionals involved in this area have the objective of reducing the degree of functional impairment of the patient.

The neuro-rehabilitation service therefore has two units to cover the stages of evolution of the neurological patient (inpatient unit and outpatient unit).

Neuropsychology department

The role of the neuropsychologist is essential for the early detection of cognitive impairment, given that through the tools and knowledge, experts can identify those patients whose cognitive impairment is more likely to evolve into dementia or major neurocognitive disorder.

 Neurophysiology department

Neurophysiology has as its object the functional exploration of the nervous system, using techniques such as electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), polysomnography (PSG), evoked potentials and transcranial magnetic stimulation, for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic purposes.

Dr. Esteban De Vicente Álvarez-Manzaneda, head of the Neurophysiology Service at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Quirónsalud Alicante, explains that "transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain with in order to improve the symptoms of pathologies such as stroke, severe depression refractory to other treatments, tinnitus and chronic pain”.

Maxillofacial surgery department

The causes of a temporomandibular dysfunction are very varied. When the dysfunction worsens, symptoms can become very noticeable and even disabling, making it difficult to speak, chew and swallow.

Its correct diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment by the maxillofacial surgery, rehabilitation and dentistry service usually resolves the condition, avoiding surgery in most cases.

Therapeutic options

Botulinum toxin treatment, Michigan-type discharge splint treatment, rehabilitation treatment where physiotherapists apply techniques to treat TMJ dysfunctions, and TMJ surgery are used.

Neurological nursing

Nursing in the Neuroscience Unit represents a key figure for being in direct contact with the patient's needs on a daily basis. Being its highly valued role due to its proximity and the transfer of information as an intermediary with the neurologist and other specialists.

The objective of nursing is aimed at knowing the needs of the neurological patient and providing individualized advice based on direct and continuous contact, establishing bonds of support and trust between the nurse-patient.

More information on the Neuroscience Service of Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante.

 

### Health reports 8,789 new cases of coronavirus in the Valencian Community, 3,775 of them in those over 60 years of age

The Ministry of Universal Health and Public Health has reported a total of 8,789 new cases of coronavirus confirmed by PCR test or through antigen tests since the last update. The new cases by province are 756 in Castellón (180,568 in total), 2,632 in Alicante (505,653 in total) and 5,401 in Valencia (790,876 in total).

Of these, 3,775 are from people over 60 years of age. By provinces: 356 from Castellón, 1,141 from Alicante and 2,278 from Valencia.

Valencian hospitals currently have 993 people admitted, 42 of them in the ICU: 140 in the province of Castellón, 4 in the ICU; 347 in the province of Alicante, 15 of them in the ICU; and 506 in the province of Valencia, 23 in the ICU.

18 coronavirus deaths have been reported since the last update, all with a death date in the last 7 days. They are 11 women between 69 and 99 years old, and 7 men between 64 and 89 years old. The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic amounts to 9,538: 1,124 in the province of Castellón, 3,621 in Alicante and 4,793 in Valencia.

 

Meanwhile, given the now worrying increase in cases across Spain, the Ministry of Health is calling for prudence, and are recommending that everyone wears a mask in enclosed spaces or at busy events.

### New Timetable for Bus from Torrevieja to Alicante Airport

There is now an updated timetable for winter, dated 12 September, which you can see by clicking here, although it appears to be the same as this schedule.

The Torrevieja to Alicante-Elche Airport bus service has a new timetable starting from 27 June.

The bus will depart Torrevieja to Alicante-Elche Airport at: 07:00, 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00 and 20:00.

The bus will depart Alicante-Elche Airport to Torrevieja at: 08:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00 and 21:00.

The same timetable will operate every day, including Sunday.

For more information and to buy your ticket online, visit their website, https://costazul.net/.

### Valencia region eases COVID restrictions from pools for collective use and water parks

The Valencia Ministry of Justice, Interior and Public Administration has issued a circular addressed to the municipalities of the Valencian Community in which they are informed of the regulations to be applied both in publicly owned swimming pools for collective use and in water parks.

The main novelty is that practically all of the anti-COVID-19 restrictions to which these spaces were subject during 2020 and 2021 become recommendations. However, it is urged to continue maintaining criteria of prudence and common sense.

The permitted capacity of the aforementioned facilities is again considered 100% of that contemplated in its opening licence. However, in the face of a massive influx, nothing prevents assessing and reconsidering the reduction in capacity if this guarantees greater security.

In relation to masks, responsible use is recommended, especially when there is a large influx of people in the beach and rest area and the safety distance between people cannot be respected.

The document also recalls the prohibition of smoking on the terraces of bars and cafes, which continues, and continues to recommend the sale of tickets electronically to minimise transactions at the box office.

The circular also mentions some aspects related to the safety of swimming pools and water parks before the arrival of the summer period. In its fulfilment, according to the regional secretary of Security and Emergencies, Jose María Ángel, the municipalities play a fundamental role since the municipalities share with the Generalitat the sanctioning and inspection competence, and have the power to close facilities that pose a risk, or prohibit activities that do not comply with regulations.

According to Jose María Ángel, "we must be especially scrupulous in this type of space because they are usually frequented by minors, the most susceptible to drowning and accidents."

The document recalls that, in accordance with current regulations, swimming pools with a water surface area of ​​200 to 500 square metres must have a minimum of one lifeguard, while swimming pools with an area between 500 and 1,000 square metres, they must have at least two lifeguards.

Lastly, for swimming pools whose surface area exceeds 1,000 square metres, one more lifeguard is required for every 500 square metres of surface area. On the other hand, in the case of water parks, the presence of monitors will be mandatory to ensure the correct use of these facilities.

### 20th International Music Band Festival "Ciudad de Torrevieja"

The Councillor for Culture in Torrevieja, Antonio Quesada, together with the president of the musical society Ciudad de Torrevieja "Los Salerosos", Guillermo Hernández, and the organiser of the festival, Naiara Díaz de Mendivil, presented the 20th International Band Festival of Music " Ciudad de Torrevieja", which will take place from July 5 to 9, in the Municipal Theatre.

This is a very special edition, since on the last day there will be an exhibition of all the bands on the central tennis court of the Ciudad Deportiva de Torrevieja, with a final performance of all the bands together, thus recovering the tradition of the last day of the festival that is none other than the joint performance of the participating groups, but this time in a new format.

The festival opens with a performance by the host band on July 5, for which a concert is being prepared with works that are attractive to the public, such as La ruta del Cid, directed by its director Alejandro Gómez.

The second night of the festival will be the meeting between the Sax Musical and Artistic Assoc. Student Band and the Soc. Music Youth Band City of Torrevieja "Los Salerosos". Both youth bands were born from the need to create a project for young learners to support and motivate them through a more active participation in the musical society. These bands of students represent the quarry of musicians of the respective older bands.

On July 7, the band “Städtmusikkapelle” from Hötting, Austria will perform.

It is a band with almost 100 years of history that belongs to the province of Tyrol. This makes it one of the main bands in the city of Innsbruck (capital of Tyrol). There it is traditional for each band to have their own traditional costume. In the concert, they will offer a very varied repertoire that will include traditional pieces from their country. It is currently made up of non-professional musicians of all generations. As a characteristic of their traditions, every May 1, they visit the houses of their friends and patrons.

On July 8, the Associazione Musical "Brasilino Severini" of Faleria (Italy) will perform.

This musical band, born in 1900 in the small town of Faleria, currently directed by the member of L'Arma dei Carabinieri, Sergio Belardi, has participated in major events such as the Thai Festival before the Thai ambassador in Rome, and international performances such as in Prague or Spain.

On July 9 is the closing of the festival, on the central tennis court of the Ciudad Deportiva, and will feature performances by the bands "Städtmusikkapelle" from Hötting, "La Frustica" and the Folkloric Group "Los Salerosos"

Regarding La Frustica, this folkloric group was born almost at the same time as our society (Los Salerosos), because it is almost 30 years old. What is characteristic of this group is that it is only made up of men, and is led by Sergio Belardi, a member of L'Arma dei Carabinieri and also director of the Asoc. Mus. Brazilian Severini. It is a very dynamic group with very striking choreographies and has performed all over the world, from "Columbus day" in NY, to Chinese New Year in Hong Kong and Shanghai, even in parades of military bands such as Musikparade in Germany, France and Belgium. It has recently performed in Murcia, at the burial of the Sardine, and is the official group of the Rugby Team.

The closing event will begin with a welcome to the public by all the bands, and later each band will act alone with its exhibition. The end of the evening will be with the interpretation of works and hymns all the bands together.

### Health department begins the program of prevention and attention to health problems due to extreme temperatures

The regional Ministry of Health has begun the Program for Prevention and Attention to Health Problems due to extreme temperatures, whose main objective is to reduce the impact associated with excess temperature and possible heat waves during the summer season in the Valencian Community.

The program will remain active until September 30, unless the weather conditions imply its punctual modification.

Since the summer of 2004, this program includes the measures to monitor and reduce the health effects associated with high temperatures according to the level of risk foreseen throughout the territory of the Valencian Community, with the necessary specifications in each health department.

There is a meteorological surveillance system specifically developed for the territory of the Valencian Community. Currently, extreme heat forecast alerts are issued by the General Directorate of Public Health and Addictions, with daily updates and can be consulted here.

The program allows the Ministry of Health to monitor the weather situation to predict risk situations due to excess temperatures, as well as to establish a system for coordination and exchange of information between the various institutions involved.

Likewise, through the public health centres, extreme heat risk alerts are disseminated to the institutional and territorial network of health departments and information is provided to the population on declared alert levels and prevention measures, especially groups at higher risk (elderly people, children or people with a chronic disease), as well as social and health professionals.

The program also makes it possible to monitor and assess the impact of intense heat on the health of the population.

Risk levels and alert activation

Risk maps are prepared daily with temperature forecasts for all the municipalities of the Valencian Community. There are 542 municipalities and 542 predictions made by satellites that indicate heat waves to health, with the expected temperature levels. These levels are shown on the maps with four colours and each colour is associated with an intervention level: normal level (green), moderate (yellow), high (orange) and extreme (red), and they are linked to a series of performances.

To intervene, it must be fulfilled that, of the daily predictions that are for three consecutive days, two days are of the same high level, When 'TODAY' and 'TOMORROW' have a high level or orange or extreme level or red, the inter -vent alert.

In addition to the already indicated novelty of predictions by municipalities instead of by the previous thermoclimatic zones (which sometimes served several different municipalities), this year a specific prediction is also offered for night temperatures, generating warning for "tropical" nights " and "torrid".

A tropical night is considered one in which the minimum temperature does not drop below 20 °C, equatorial when the minimum does not drop below 25 °C and a torrid night when the minimum temperature is not below 28 °C. In this Mediterranean area, the night with minimum temperatures of 20º does not trigger the health alarm.

A hotter summer than usual

According to the three major weather and climate forecasting centres consulted, i.e. the European Centre for Medium-Range Forecasts (ECMWF), the United Kingdom Forecasting Centre (MetOffice), and the National Centre for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), as well as other predictions and projections consulted, in the Valencian Community, the probability of higher temperatures than usual in the months of June, July and August 2022 is high (50%-70%) or very high (>70%).

National Plan

The Ministry of Health also participates, together with the Ministry of Health, in the National Plan of Preventive Actions of the effects of excess temperatures on health 2022.

You can consult here to see forecasts at the national level and the effects on health and mortality data.

### New Telephone Number for Torrevieja Hospital

From Monday 6 June, the Hospital Universitario de Torrevieja will have a new telephone number.

In order to contact Torrevieja hospital, you Will need to call 965 695 500.

### The emergency sand recharge works begin on Los Locos beach

The special intensity of the storm that occurred in March and early April 2022, with strong winds, high rainfall and maritime storms, caused damage to the coast of the province of Alicante.

For this reason, on April 11, 2022, the Secretary of State for the Environment of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge issued a Resolution, authorising the execution of the works and actions necessary to repair the damage caused on the coast.

Among the actions proposed in the Province of Alicante is that of carrying out a recharge of sand on the Locos beach in Torrevieja, with the aim of maintaining the profile of the beach and compensating for the loss of sediment caused by the marine storm.

The emergency work planned to be carried out on this stretch of coast consists of carrying out a recharge of sand, provided on a dry beach, in order to improve the interannual maintenance of the profile on Los Locos beach in Torrevieja. More specifically, the action consists of acquiring 2,500 tons of sand with the same physical and chemical characteristics (colour, composition, granulometry, etc.) as that used in the 2019 recharge, transporting it to Los Locos beach in trucks, depositing it, extending it and levelling it, work which has now begun.

The execution of the works will be carried out with environmental monitoring that guarantees no repercussions on the terrestrial and marine environment, for which the General Directorate of the Coast and the Sea has contracted the corresponding service. This action involves an approximate investment of 63,000 euro.

### Laser Combat event will be held in the Plaza de la Constitución, on 15 July

The Councillor for Youth in Torrevieja, Domingo Paredes, has presented an activity that is outside the youth programming and that mixes leisure and video games. It is an alternative outdoor entertainment event, innovative and highly demanded by young people, similar to online video games like Fornite and Call of duty.

LASER COMBAT will be held in the Plaza de la Constitución, on July 15, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and all young people who wish to participate can do, since there will be 40 laser guns available and each session will have a duration of 10/15 minutes.

To use the laser and mobile weapons of this game, learning sessions will be held for young people who want to participate, in addition to having a QR code for registration through a form.

Domingo Paredes has announced that these types of events will continue to take place over the coming months to expand the programming offer with a greater number of attractive and innovative activities for our young people.

### On 2 July Urban Day will be held in the Antonio Soria Park

The Councillor for Youth in Torrevieja, Domingo Paredes, and the Councillor for Care and Promotion of the Urban Image, Carmen Gómez, have presented the Urban Day event, which will take place on July 2 in Antonio Park Soria.

Among the activities that will take place during Urban Day is the first edition of the national Recycle with Paint “House” contest. A graffiti contest on glass recycling containers that aims to promote the selective collection of these containers while becoming a means of expression for young people and their vision of society through graffiti and drawing. "Recently we lost a great graffiti artist Raúl Sánchez "House", and just as the mayor, Eduardo Dolón, promised, this contest will bear his name in honour of his work," said Gómez Candel.

The day will end with a Holi Party starting at 6:30 p.m. Admission will be completely free and tickets can be obtained from Friday, June 3, on the website www.entradasatualcance.com. "Each person who buys their ticket will receive instructions for the party, such as wearing white clothes so that the colours so characteristic of this party can be seen," said Domingo Paredes. At the time of entering the venue, the participants in the Holi Party will receive a bag with the coloured powders "to enjoy a day in which the young local artists will be able to present their art", said Paredes.

The day will be enlivened by local musical groups and all those artists who want to offer their music to all those present. Registrations for this must be made at the Youth Animation and Information Centre (CIAJ).

Entries for the graffiti contest must be accompanied by a design proposal to be made on the container. Among all the proposals received, a total of 35 will be selected (30 selected and 5 reserved). Registration will end on June 23, and can be submitted through the electronic office. The jury's decision will be made public on June 28 on the municipal website.

The selected designs will be made on July 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., in the Antonio Soria park. It will be there where, once the works are finished, the jury will award the prizes that are the following:

First prize: €3,000

Second prize: €2,000

Third prize: €1,000

In addition to 5 prizes of €500 each in the following categories:

Local artist

Originality

Chromatic

2 second prizes to be decided by the jury if it considers it convenient

The selected artists must go to the Antonio Soria park with their utensils to carry out the work, except for the spray cans that will be delivered by the organisation.

### Everything you need to know about haemorrhoids and other diseases of the colon, rectum and anus

Why do haemorrhoids occur?
According to some experts, haemorrhoids have an important genetic component. This does not mean that there is a gene that, by itself, translates into haemorrhoid, but that some factors that predispose to suffer from this ailment are inherited.

On the other hand, there are factors that increase the risk of suffering from hemorrhoidal syndrome, such as constipation, prolonged defecative strain or pregnancy.

Eating a balanced diet rich in fibre, with increased water intake, decreases the consistency of the faecal bolus, increasing the frequency of bowel movements and reducing the risk of haemorrhoids.

Staying at your proper weight, exercising, and avoiding some irritating foods and drinks can also help control the onset of haemorrhoids.
Treatment
Hemorrhoidal pathology occurs when the venous structures that exist naturally in the anus dilate, lose their elastic capacity and prolapse outward.

Some of the symptoms are: stinging, itching, feeling of an anal "lump" and bleeding at the end of the stool.

When not complicated, most haemorrhoids do not hurt. However, in more severe cases, they need medical treatment that may include ligation, sclerotherapy, or infrared coagulation.

In large external haemorrhoids or internal haemorrhoids that do not respond to other treatments surgery may be necessary .
What is coloproctology?
According to the team of experts in coloproctology of the general surgery service of Quirónsalud Torrevieja, coloproctology is "a specialty, within General Surgery, which is responsible for the management, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the colon, rectum and anus. It is a very important branch of medicine due to the large number of diseases it covers and its high prevalence."

Coloproctology treats pathologies such as diverticular disease, colorectal cancer, Crohn's disease and other diseases related to the anal and perianal region (haemorrhoids, anal fissures, abscesses and perianal fistulas).

In addition, in this field, pelvic floor alterations related to faecal incontinence are also treated.
Diagnostic and treatment
Due to the great variety of symptoms, the coloproctology team of Quirónsalud Torrevieja recommends us to go to the doctor as soon as possible to "get an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment".

The diagnosis of diseases of the colon, rectum and anus is based, fundamentally, on a good clinical history, with anamnesis and directed physical examination, always having a diagnosis of suspicion.

Regarding the surgical treatment of coloproctological pathologies, it has advanced in a vertiginous way, reducing the intervention and postoperative times.
 Minimally invasive anal surgery
With regard to anal pathology, it is committed to "minimally invasive surgery" thanks to treatments that do not require anaesthesia, without pain and without hospital admission.

In hospitals such as Quirónsalud Torrevieja it is possible to treat haemorrhoids, fissures or simple fistulas without going through the operating room.  "The postoperative period is simple, without the need for cures. In addition, they are as effective treatments as conventional ones."

In fact, the treatment is carried out in the same consultation, so that the patient can be diagnosed with his disease and receive the treatment "in the same visit".

### Torrevieja renews the six Blue Flags of its beaches

Torrevieja has renewed the six Blue Flags that will once again fly on the beaches of Cala Piteras, Los Náufragos, El Cura, Los Locos, Cabo Cervera and La Mata-Sur. 

The Blue Flag is an international distinction that recognises the quality of the water of a beach, and rewards the beaches for reaching the required criteria of legality, accessibility, health, environmental education, cleanliness and safety. 

In addition to the beaches, Torrevieja's marinas will also fly the flag at the Club Náutico Marina Internacional, the Real Club Náutico and, for the first time, Marina Internacional, making Torrevieja the most awarded town in the region for Blue Flag marinas.

Plus, the Torrevieja and La Mata Lagoons Natural Park Visitor Centre has also revalidated the Centro Azul 2022 award.

### Spain to maintain masks on flights and public transport

The Minister of Health, Carolina Darias, has ruled out that the elimination of the compulsory use of masks in public transport and on planes, following the European Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Centre for Prevention and Disease Control (ECDC) announcing a change in policy recommendations.

This was stated by Darias at a press conference on Wednesday at the end of the Interterritorial Health Council, in which she specified that the recommendations of the ECDC and AESA on the use of masks both in airports and on flights must be aligned with the measures and regulations on its use on public transport.

In this sense, she recalled that the decree approved by the Executive last April establishes that the use of face masks is not mandatory neither on the platforms nor in the airports themselves, but it is on public transport and on flights to, from and inside the country.

In addition, she said that the European organisations have recommended that flight operators maintain their use, before insisting that Spain "very recently" decided to extend the obligation to wear the mask on public transport.

"All the measures have to have a path and therefore we have to walk hand in hand with prudence and proportionality as until now and always with unanimity in the proposals of the experts who advise us and in this case with the practical unanimity of the Interterritorial", added Darias.

### Tai Chi day in Torrevieja

On Saturday you can participate in Tai Chi day at the Hombre del Mar statue in Torrevieja.

### Musical event on Saturday

The youth orchestra will be performing on Saturday in the municipal theatre.

### 2022/2023 School admission period announced

The Councillor for Education in Torrevieja, Ricardo Recuero, has presented this morning the School Admission period for the next academic year 2022/2023 in the schools of the town.





This year, like last year, it will be possible to apply for a school place through the website telematricula.es.

As a novelty this year, it will be possible to formalise applications electronically for the Infant, Primary, ESO and Baccalaureate levels. For Formative Cycles, the formalisation of registration will be only face-to-face.

Ricardo Recuero has recalled that students born in 2019 must attend school for 3-year-old children. In the case of request for a 2-year-old classroom, it will be the children born in 2020.

SCHOOL ADMISSION DEADLINE:

-Infant and Primary

From April 26 to May 4

Process

• Provisional listings on May 19

• Claims until May 23

• Final listings: June 3

• Online enrolment from June 3 to 21 

* Face-to-face registration from June 22 to July 6

-Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO)

From May 26 to June 3

Process

• Provisional listings July 5

• Claims until July 7

• Final listings July 18

• Formalisation of registration electronically from July 18 to 21

• Face-to-face registration from July 19 to 22

-Baccalaureate

From May 26 to June 3

Process

• Provisional listings July 12

• Claims until July 14

• Final listings July 22

• Formalisation of registration electronically: from July 22 to 27

• Face-to-face enrolment from July 25 to 28

-FP: Basic, Intermediate and Higher Degree

From May 19 to 29

Process

• Provisional list of middle and higher grade: July 11

• Provisional list of basic grade: July 6

• Complaints middle and higher grade: from July 11 to 13

• Claims basic grade: from July 6 to 8

• Definitive middle and higher grade listings: July 21

• Definitive basic grade listings: July 14

• Middle and higher grade face-to-face enrolment: from June 22 to 29

 

### Regional Government approves the Decree Law on Urgent Measures in Response to the Energy and Economic Emergency caused by the war in Ukraine

The Consell has approved the final text of the Decree Law on Urgent Measures in Response to the Energy and Economic Emergency caused by the war in Ukraine, whose main objectives are to achieve energy sovereignty and financially help the most vulnerable families and individuals, as well as support the industrial sectors and companies most affected by the current global context.

 

This new text of the Decree Law, which replaces the one approved on April 1, has been published this Friday in the Official Gazette of the Generalitat Valenciana. The standard has been promoted across the board from different areas of the Valencian Government, by including various initiatives of an administrative, economic and social nature.

 

In this sense, the decree law establishes measures to relaunch the creation of new renewable energy facilities, especially wind and photovoltaic plants, as well as social initiatives to help the most vulnerable families and people.

 

Regarding social measures, the Valencian Inclusion Income Law is modified in such a way that an increase of up to 30% of the recognised economic benefit is established to cover the rental or mortgage expenses of the habitual residence of the person receiving the the Valencian Inclusion Income (RVI), as well as to guarantee access to basic energy supplies, provided that they do not receive any amount for the same concept from any Administration.

 

For RVI recipients who do not have any expenses related to housing, the increase will be 15% to guarantee energy rights, and a minimum amount of 50 euro in those living units that have income and do not exceed the amount maximum established for each modality.

 

The objective is to guarantee the energy rights of the affected families and people.

 

Likewise, this decree law simplifies administrative procedures and eliminates bureaucratic obstacles to promote the installation of renewable energy plants. It is expected that, with this new regulation, the processing time can be reduced by one year, which represents progress towards having a greater renewable energy capacity in the Valencian Community, in accordance with the environmental, energy and climate objectives of the European Union by 2030.

 

In the field of renewable energies, an occupation is also established to implement renewable energy installations of 3% of the common non-developable land area of ​​each municipality, establishing weighting criteria with the aim of encouraging said installations to be located on land of lower agrological value.

 

Likewise, the start-up of renewable energy installations that occupy less than 10 hectares is facilitated, increasing the participation of the town councils, in charge of carrying out the pertinent reports. In addition, the implementation of photovoltaic power plants of public initiative is favoured.

 

On the other hand, the regulatory streamlining for renewable energy plants of less than 10 MW is reinforced, which will now have urgent processing and streamlining regulatory changes are also incorporated for plants with less capacity. Likewise, the installation of public green energy generation plants in the municipalities is favoured and the possibility of an energy/strategic declaration is incorporated for unique projects that may be of economic, energy or environmental interest.

 

Support for the ceramic industry

 

Likewise, the decree law includes economic support measures for the sectors most affected by the crisis caused by the war, such as ceramics. In this sense, procedures in industrial clay farms are streamlined by the emergency procedure, provided that the destination is the tile industry of the Valencian Community and for a maximum period of two years.

 

The decree includes, on the other hand, normative modifications that affect, for example, the Edificant plan for the construction and adaptation of educational infrastructures and that are related to the increase in prices of building materials. To this end, it is established that, in cases where the financing granted is insufficient to satisfy the exceptional price revision, this financing will be automatically increased with the necessary amount.

 

Regarding the actions of the Consell for the promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, it is determined that the subsidies may be released immediately, once granted, up to 100%, prior to justification in order to expedite the pay.

### Regional Government approves 10% reduction in rates and public prices to mitigate the impact of inflation

The Valencia regional government has approved the decree law that regulates the 10% discount on own rates and public prices managed by the Generalitat until December 31, 2022. It is estimated that the measure directly benefits a total of more than 1,300 ,000 Valencians and represents cost savings for Valencian families and companies close to 30 million euro.

 

This is a temporary reduction that is part of the Reactive Plan, with the aim of mitigating the impact of inflation on the economy of Valencian families and companies, preventing their purchasing power from being further affected, as well as alleviating and control the negative effects they may produce on real income and employment.

 

In fact, this bonus responds to the Consell's desire to deal with the increase in inflation that has triggered the supply problem linked to the COVID-19 stoppage, as well as the increase in the price of raw materials and energy due to of the overdemand for economic recovery and aggravated after the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

 

Taxes included

 

The approved decree law affects rates of a transversal nature and linked to a large number of benefits and services provided by public administrations, thus helping to contribute to mitigating the impact of inflation on the structure of family and business costs.

 

Specifically, the measure affects all own fees, regulated by Law 20/2017, with the exception of fees for university services and as long as they are not voluntarily requested or received by taxpayers and are not provided or made. by the private sector, whether or not its reservation is established in favor of the public sector.

 

On the other hand, the fees for Sanitary Inspections and Controls of Animals and their Products, regulated by Law 10/1997, have been considered for this purpose; port fees, regulated by Law 1/1999, with the exception of services for fresh fishing and marine aquaculture; and the fees for the use and occupation of spaces in the ports of the Generalitat by virtue of authorisation or concession, included in Law 2/2014, with the exception of the fee for the first sale of fish.

 

All public prices set by the Generalitat will also be reduced by 10%, with the same temporary limitation from the entry into force of the decree-law until December 31, 2022.

 

It must be taken into account that this measure only affects discounts in favor of the Administration of the Generalitat and its instrumental public sector that are carried out under public law. In other words, the compensation required by entities subject to private law will not be included.

 

Thus, the prices received by public law entities, public business entities, as well as commercial companies and public sector foundations, are excluded from the scope of application of the measure, insofar as they are subject to private law.

 

The consortiums of which the Generalitat forms part are not included either, insofar as their creation is due to an agreement signed between the parties, and their modification would imply a decision that should be adopted within the consortium itself, in accordance with the agreement that regulate it.

 

Exemption for 6 months

 

On the other hand, a 6-month exemption is established for port fees for services to fresh fishing and marine aquaculture, as well as for fees for use and occupation of facilities for the first sale of fresh fish, which are excluded from the overall reduction of 10%.

 

Given that in the case of the G-4 port fee, the settlement period is monthly, while in the rates for use and occupancy, the settlement period is six-monthly, in order to accrue the benefit without altering the rule of accrual and requirement of the tax, a special rule for calculating the taxable base has been introduced by which the elements for its calculation generated during the validity of the benefit will be excluded from the computation of the taxable base.

 

University fees

 

With regard to university fees, they are also excluded from the general reduction insofar as they are not included in the budgets of the Generalitat, they are managed by the universities themselves and their amount is subject to limits set in the scope of action of the corresponding collegiate bodies.

 

However, in accordance with the purpose of the decree, it establishes for the next academic year 2022/2023 a reduction of 10% in the reference rates of the different concepts included by university services in Decree 168/2021, of October 8, of the council

 

This reduction in university fees will also revert to the families of the 132,000 students of the five public universities of the Valencian Community.

### Ximo Puig announces free metro and tram transport on Sundays for the next three months

The president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, has announced that the Consell will approve the free transportation of Metrovalencia, TRAM d'Alacant and TRAM Castelló on Sundays for the next three months.



This measure has been advanced by the person in charge of the Generalitat during his intervention in the control session of Les Corts and is part of the set of actions planned to help alleviate the effects of inflation on Valencian families.

 

The action completes those that Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV) has taken in the metropolitan transport of Valencia, where rates have been reduced by up to 50% and the rate integration has become a reality, and will also be accompanied by a reduction of 50 % on the price in the TRAM d'Alacant.

 

Likewise, the free FGV service on Sundays for the next three months will benefit 110,000 Valencian men and women who regularly use public transport on that holiday, and will also help win new users of the Generalitat network.

 

1 billion for the Reactive Plan

 

These actions are added to those already presented through the Reactive Plan to provide a Valencian response to the crisis generated by the invasion of Ukraine. This program, as the president has recalled, has a global allocation of around 1 billion euro, and includes, as basic pillars, 71 million euro to fight inflation, 425 million euro in aid to companies, the self-employed and families most affected, 380 million in energy efficiency and saving measures and 68 million euro in actions to accelerate energy autonomy.

 

Ximo Puig has also recalled that the package of measures includes a 10% reduction in fees that, in some cases, will reach total exemption, as in the case of fishermen, a bonus of 300 euro for, at least 150,000 self-employed workers most affected by the energy crisis or 50 million in aid for companies that depend on gas, and that are not included in the state measures.

 

In addition, 100 million euro in IVF financial instruments are also incorporated to support companies that have suffered a drop in income, the increase of up to 30% of the energy aid bonus in the Valencian Inclusion Income for vulnerable families or 11 million in aid for families who install renewable energy for air conditioning and hot water in their homes.

 

Likewise, as the president has added, 10 million more are also provided to subsidise agricultural insurance in a supplementary way, 188 million for the improvement of urban energy efficiency and homes and 18 million in aid for the transformation of passenger transport fleets and merchandise.

 

The president has also defended that this plan will be developed in parallel with the actions to continue reinforcing health, education and social protection, and has underlined that, in health matters, with the Créixer Plan, 658 million investment are contemplated until 2023 and that Edificant will allow the barracks to end in this legislature. Likewise, in inclusive policies, he has indicated that Convivint will involve the investment of 561 million in 247 actions in social infrastructures, and has also referred to the actions for the reform and construction of judicial headquarters worth 277 million euro.

### "Semana del Mayor" of Torrevieja, from April 23 to May 1

The Councillor for the Elderly in Torrevieja, Inmaculada Montesinos, has presented the acts that are going to be carried out within the Week of the Elderly, "Semana del Mayor", which will be held from April 23 to May 1 in the Municipal Leisure Centre (CMO) and on Paseo Vista Alegre.

The events will begin on Saturday, April 23, with the "Presentation of Queens" gala ball starting at 6:00 p.m., at the Municipal Leisure Center (CMO), and will end on May 1 at Paseo Vista Alegre with the day of conviviality and lunch. The day of coexistence will begin with a session of maintenance gymnastics and line dancing. After these activities, the popular lunch will be held for which all the elderly must carry a ticket that they can collect in the different houses of the Third Age of Torrevieja. After lunch, the activities that will be the final touch to the Week of the Elder will be resumed.
On Tuesday, April 26, at 11:00 a.m., the Humorous Gymkana will take place followed by the Cake Contest at 12:00 p.m., both activities at the Municipal Leisure Centre.
On Wednesday, April 27, the inauguration of the "Ceramic Workshop" exhibition will take place at 10:30 a.m. In the afternoon, at 5:00 p.m., the performance of the group “Sabor y Baile” from La Mata will take place.
On April 28, a dance workshop will be given starting at 11:00 am, and at 5:00 pm there will be a line dance exhibition by José and Angelines.
On April 29, at 6:00 p.m., the traditional Fashion Show will be held again, and on Saturday, April 30, a sevillanas parade will be held at 5:00 p.m. At 6:30 p.m. there will be a performance by the choir of the Andalusian Cultural Association. All activities will take place in the Municipal Leisure Centre (CMO).
NEW SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ELDERLY
Inmaculada Montesinos has also announced the new Help for the Elderly service, which the council will begin to provide. It is a service in which they have been working for several months together with different municipal agencies and in collaboration with various ministries, and which consists of providing assistance in the procedures that affect the group of the Third Age, both in their leisure needs , such as the trips of the IMSERSO and the Valencian Community, such as health workers and all kinds of social aid and support.
The Department for the Elderly intends to help fill in the forms as well as make the pertinent records, request appointments, etc… This new department will begin to function from May, and will be located in the House for the Elderly of San Pascual, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. This new service will be provided with personnel provided by Torrevieja Council through the LABORA employment program. The Home for the Elderly is located at c/San Pascual nº117, and the service telephone number will be 966 701 275.

### Turisme Comunitat Valenciana presents in Torrevieja the training program in hospitality and accommodation aimed at Ukrainian refugees

The general director of Turisme, Herick Campos, has met this Wednesday with the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, to evaluate the possible means of communication that allow the new training program in hospitality and tourism aimed at Ukrainian refugees and promoted by the network of Tourism Centres (CdT), that was successfully implemented in Torrevieja.

It is a training plan that has the objective of providing Ukrainian citizens residing in the Valencian Community with the minimum professional training to join tourism jobs, in addition to facilitating the best possible integration.

The meeting held at the CdT of Torrevieja, and which was also attended by the director of the centre, Alicia Arenas, who has transferred the proposal that has previously agreed with the Ukrainian organisations in Torrevieja, has served so that both the regional and local administrations, coordinate to implement the training program in the municipality and region.

In this regard, Campos has declared that the objective is "to help channel registrations and ensure that this opportunity for tourist training reaches Ukrainian refugees immediately and adapted to their needs."

For the director of Turisme "it is very important that during all the time they are in Torrevieja and in the Valencian Community, they have the maximum comfort, assistance and coverage by the administrations".

Herick Campos, who has been in favour of "incorporating talent to Torrevieja and the region", has urged those interested in training through this cycle, which at the moment includes basic training in tourism, to also enrol in Labora, to better channel the demand and job offers from tourism companies in Torrevieja and Vega Baja.

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, for his part, has also shown himself willing to collaborate in the planning of the necessary training for the labour incorporation of this group, as well as in the dissemination and effective communication of this training plan promoted by Turisme Comunitat Valencian.

7.1 million euro in aid to tourism in Torrevieja

On the other hand, the general director of Turisme has thanked the work and effort of the tourism sector in the area for "having resisted and continuing to work to offer a diverse and quality offer".

In this line, he recalled that more than 7.1 million euro have been allocated to Torrevieja through aid from Turisme and the Generalitat, with plans for the tourism sector to alleviate the effects of the crisis caused by the covid -19.

Training Plan

This training cycle currently offers the 'Food Handling' course, which enables you to work in the hospitality industry, lasting 5 hours and which began to be taught last Friday, April 8, at the CdT in Benidorm. The plan will also offer training in 'Basic kitchen operations', 'Basic room operations' and 'Basic floor and cleaning operations', each lasting two weeks.

The courses are taught in the Ukrainian language with material in their mother tongue, they are free, face-to-face and will be organised in those CdT for which there is a minimum of necessary students.

Occupancy forecasts for Easter

After this meeting, the general director of Turisme has highlighted the occupancy forecasts for Easter in the province of Alicante. In this regard, he stated that according to the results of the survey carried out by Turisme this April, "the hotels on the Alicante coast, not including Benidorm, already register an occupancy of 75% on confirmed reservations for these holidays."

For its part, Benidorm has a forecast of 90% of its places. And with regard to inland hotels, the province of Alicante already has more than 66% reserved for these days.

Campos has stressed that "with last-minute reservations and the most favourable weather forecast, it is even possible to come close to the complete one on the coast of the Alicante province." These are "very positive figures, which reach pre-pandemic levels", he added.

Regarding air connectivity, he stated that "the current reservations of reserved seats by airlines allow us to affirm that, in terms of international tourists, it will be a good season for these days of Easter, and they even anticipate a dynamic summer in the province ".

### Fees waivered for fishermen who operate in the ports of the Generalitat

The Minister of Territorial Policy, Public Works and Mobility, Arcadi España, has announced in Torrevieja that "fishermen operating in the Valencian Community will be exempt, in the ports of the Generalitat, from the fee for the first sale of fresh fish during the next six months from the approval of the decree that regulates it".

This initiative, the minister stressed, will have an estimated cost for the Generalitat of 700,000 euro and will benefit 15 brotherhoods and 395 booths occupied by fishing boat owners.

As the person in charge of Puertos del Consell has recalled, "currently fishermen pay the G4 rate, and it represents 1 per thousand of the value of the first sale of fresh fish auctioned, with this tax exemption, from the Generalitat we want to minimise the adverse effects that the situation created by the war in Ukraine is having for the productive sectors".

This initiative is part of "the framework of the ReActiva plan, presented by President Ximo Puig, of exceptional measures to deal with the current situation, along the same lines as what was recently agreed by the Council of Ministers in state ports of general interest ", explained the Minister and announced that "it will be included in the Generalitat's 10% General Rate Reduction Decree that the Consell plans to approve in the coming weeks".

Also, Arcadi España has added that "this initiative will mean savings for a sector, that of fishing, already severely affected by the crisis and which represents the livelihood of many families, in addition to safeguarding traditions and being essential for the revitalisation of our ports.

In this sense, he stressed that from the Ministry "we are supporting our ports, in these last two legislatures we have increased investments and already during the pandemic we have taken measures to alleviate the effects of the crisis, in short, we continue working to improve, adapt and make our ports more accessible and be able to promote an ecological and digital transition".

In the port of Torrevieja, Arcadi Spain has monitored the works of the Lonja and the remodelling of the Customs building that will house the offices of Ports de la Generalitat and that are part of the complementary actions of the municipal concession to build a leisure and business.

The minister has put this action in the Port of Torrevieja as "an example of the joint work between Generalitat, city council and private businesses" and has valued "the public-private collaboration in these difficult times so that a project of 20 million euro, which It is going to change the entire maritime façade, it is a reality that is already underway".

Port of Torre de la Horadada

In addition, in the port of Pilar de la Horadada, the Minister has presented the reference conditions for the operation of the nautical-sports facility in Torre de la Horadada.

The concession for the operation of this nautical-sports facility dependent on the Generalitat will be granted for a period of 35 years and the planned investment amounts to more than six million euro. The new concession includes as obligations of the concessionaire the execution of a series of urbanisation, building and port works.

Thus, the remodelling of docks and pontoons is considered necessary, so as to guarantee an adequate provision of services and facilitate operation. Currently, in the Torre de la Horadada Dock there are 539 moorings. Similarly, the redevelopment of the port area is planned, including the renewal of service networks. The proposal must take into account the integration of the installation in its environment.

Also, a structural analysis of the breakwaters and docks will be carried out. In addition, a dredging will be carried out by zones and the rehabilitation of the main building of the yacht club is proposed and the slipway/workshop building will have to be replaced.

As for sports activities, a program to promote sailing will be designed and the improvement of the facilities is planned by grouping them together and will include a building with changing rooms, classrooms, and toilets, areas for training and a storage area for sports boats and material for the practice of water sports.

In terms of environmental management, special importance will be given to aspects related to energy efficiency, waste management, training and awareness activities, as well as the minimisation of the environmental impacts of habitual activity, in particular waste management.

### "Nos vamos de Tapas"

The Councillor for Hospitality in Torrevieja, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, and the president of the Association of Hospitality Companies of Torrevieja and Comarca, José Ignacio Pastor, have presented the 7th edition of the tapas trail, "Nos vamos de Tapas”, to which 24 restaurants have signed up.

The dates of this edition will be from April 21 to 24 and from May 28 to 1 June, with a different format, 4 tapas and 2 drinks for €10.
Rosario Martínez has congratulated the Hospitality Association for this gastronomic initiative to deseasonalise and lengthen the high season, in addition to the fact that it is a way to cover from Easter to summer, thus invigorating the local hospitality industry and, consequently, the city.

### Quirónsalud Torrevieja: 20 years as a benchmark in oncology treatment

Quirónsalud Torrevieja’s oncology department is celebrating 20 years as a benchmark in personalized oncology, offering services ranging from genetic analysis to immunotherapy.



The Oncology Platform of Quirónsalud Torrevieja celebrated two decades since its foundation by broadcasting a series of 8 talks between members of the oncology team and key people from social, business and government in the province of Alicante, such as: Eduardo Dolón, mayor of Torrevieja, Marcela Fernández, president of the Association of Entrepreneurs, Professionals and Managers of the province of Alicante (AEPA), Eva Toledo, president of the Circle-Directives of Alicante, Ángeles Serna, president of TM Real Estate Group, doctor José Manuel Ramia, head of the General Surgery and Digestive System Department of the General University Hospital of Alicante and the first Spaniard to hold the presidency of the Scientific and Research Committee of the Euro-African Society of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Victoria Meneses, president of the Association of Relatives and Cancer patients (AFECANCER), Amparo Navarro, rector of the University of Alicante and Herman Swcharz, president of the College of Physicians of Alicante.

 



 

The initiative started with a presentation video and meeting between Eduardo Dolón and Antonio Brugarolas. The rest of the meetings will be broadcast on a weekly basis and will take place throughout 2022 as Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital celebrates its 20th anniversary under the slogan "20 Years to Measure Life". The campaign highlights that Quirónsalud is always at the forefront of treatments and techniques, and celebrates the adaptability of the Quirónsalud Torrevieja oncology team, always taking into account the needs of both cancer patients and their families. The oncology department boasts a pioneering model at a healthcare, technological and organizational level due to its ability to combine technological innovation with a human approach to medicine.

Within the plans, a series of themed health podcasts have been developed that will allow specialists to analyze and reflect on the links between oncology, technology and emotional assistance. In addition, an exhibition is planned that shows the human bonds established in the context of cancer treatments, among many other initiatives.

Milestones

Since its foundation in 2001, the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital Oncology Department has distinguished itself by proposing an innovative approach in the healthcare model for cancer patients. Always putting the patient at the core of the treatment, it has been able to develop a pioneering way of working in which care integration is prioritized, aimed at the needs of the patient and supported by top of the range technological equipment.

Among the main milestones are:

 	2001. Teams began performing the technique of isolated limb perfusion in the treatment of tumours such as sarcoma, or locally advanced irrevocable melanoma.
 	2004. Incorporation of IORT or intraoperative radiotherapy in the operating room that eliminates or reduces external irradiation sessions.
 	2004. Start of the Genomic Diagnosis Unit and the Personalized Pharmacotherapy Unit for cancer patients.
 	2016. Start-up of one of the only two Clean Rooms in Spain dedicated to cancer treatment designed under international GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) quality criteria and intended for the production of advanced cell therapy drugs, such as vaccines with dendritic cells. The Clean Room is specially designed to obtain minimal or zero contamination levels where the so-called "advanced cell therapy drugs" are made.
 	2021. Quirónsalud Torrevieja acquires a new state-of-the-art linear accelerator for the treatment of all types of cancer with radiotherapy.

 

More than 120,000 patients have received treatment during the last 20 years and Quirónsalud Torrevieja is proud to have been able to help all of them, with "a paradigm shift in the field of care for cancer patients whose advantages and special characteristics have placed the platform as a pioneering project of international reference”, said to Dr. Antonio Brugarolas, director of the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Oncology Platform.

New projects at the forefront of innovation

Immunotherapy. At Quirónsalud Torrevieja, individual tumors are studied on a regular basis as a diagnostic tool, designing specific therapeutic strategies with different degrees of clinical benefit for the patient in up to 70% of the cases studied.

Genetic advice. The analysis of gene expression allows experts to take an X-ray of genes to classify the disease and plan the most effective and least toxic treatment. The Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital Oncology department offers an alternative for patients with tumors resistant to chemotherapy and for whom it was considered that there was no longer any other treatment option.

Oncological surgery. The oncology department offers the most advanced techniques for the surgical approach to tumours such as HIPEC, radiofrequency tumour ablation, limb perfusion with TNF and Melphalan, and electrochemotherapy for the approach to skin tumours.

Personalized Pharmacotherapy. Personalized Pharmacotherapy is the specialized monitoring of oncological drugs, this involves the measurement and interpretation of drug concentrations in the blood in order to identify the effective and least toxic dose for each patient

The Quirónsalud Torrevieja Oncology department is at the forefront of private healthcare, offering the most advanced technology to its patients, such as Intraoperative Radiotherapy and the Varian TrueBeam 2.7 Linear Accelerator.

### La Mata Beach will host the II Costa Blanca Beach Games in June

A total of 20 courts will be installed on the beach, where more than 250 teams will play Beach Soccer, Beach Handball, Beach Volleyball, Futvoley, Beach Rugby and Beach Tennis matches.



The Councillor for Sports in Torrevieja, Diana Box, together with the president of the Costablanca Sports Tourism Association, Francisco Fresno, and the organising committee member, Jerónimo Cartagena, presented the II Costa Blanca Beach Games 2022, which will be held on the beach de La Mata from June 16 to 19 and which will bring together almost 1,500 athletes from six different modalities (Beach Soccer, Beach Handball, Beach Volleyball, Futvoley, Beach Rugby and Beach Tennis).

In this great sporting event, 4 beach handball courts, a central court, 4 foot volleyball courts, 1 rugby court, 6 volleyball courts and 4 tennis courts will be installed. In total 20 courts on the beach in which more than 250 teams will play more than 600 games and that will also have 70 volunteers.

This event was born so that the city of Torrevieja can be a world reference in beach sports and a unique sporting event can be held in Spain on the Playa de La Mata, in addition to inviting all the participants and companions to visit the city, its beaches and hotels sharing a unique cuisine in restaurants throughout the Costa Blanca.

The originality of the event consists in the fact that the invitation to participate is addressed to all the clubs of the different beach teams of the World.

A tournament in La Mata that, in addition to the competition matches on the beach, has numerous events that usually include: tourist visits to the city and province, live radio programs, coaches' reception dinner, fellowship meal with a paella giant, performances, Fan Zone for participants, leisure areas, etc.

Both for Diana Box and for the organisers of the event, it is intended that Torrevieja become an international tournament of beach sports, coexistence and camaraderie, that around the II Costa Blanca Beach Games, a large network is developed of contacts, exchanges, relationships, that find the most emblematic moments in the city, which, with its originality, constitute a true attraction for visitors.

PARTICIPATING TEAMS

Federated and non-federated clubs from all over the world with boys and girls of all ages may participate. In each sport and modality, category and gender, there will be a maximum number of teams per category according to the sports, in the following categories:

-Beach Soccer: Men's Absolute

-Beach Handball: Children, Cadet, Youth and Senior

-Beach-Volleyball: Senior Men, Senior Women, Senior Mixed, Cadet Women, Cadet Men, Children's Women and Children's Men

-Footvoley: Initiation, Silver and Gold

-Beach Rugby: Senior Men and Senior Women

-Beach Tennis: Absolute Male Doubles, Absolute Female Doubles, Mixed Absolute Doubles, Couples Sub18 and Couples Sub14

PROGRAM

The program may vary depending on the days of competition of each sport modality. From Thursday June 16 to Sunday June 19, 2022 with the following program:

-Thursday, June 16: Arrival and Reception of teams. Team accreditations.

-Friday June 17: Preliminary matches morning and afternoon. Workshops, Hip Hop Performances, Street Dance and concerts in the Fan Zone of the participants.

-Saturday, June 18: Preliminary matches in the morning and afternoon, semi-finals and finals for children and cadets, men's and women's Beach Handball and Beach Volleyball and Rugby, Trophy delivery in the Fan Zone. Workshops, Hip Hop Performances, Break Dance Battle and concerts in the Fan Zone of the participants. Dinner Reception of delegations.

-Sunday, June 19: In the morning, semi-finals and finals matches Junior and Senior Beach Handball, Mixed Beach Volleyball, Beach Tennis and Beach Soccer. In the afternoon, semi-finals and finals Futvóley, delivery of trophies and medals in the Fan Zone.

Information and registration: www.costablancabeachgames.com

### Town hall begins the transfer to public use of the 460 niches for burials in the Torrevieja cemetery

The Councillor for Quality of Urban Services and head of the Municipal Cemetery in Torrevieja, Sandra Sánchez, has reported that, given the demand for burials in the cemetery, they have had to increase the provision of niches and has carried out expansion works.



Action area 1 has been the one referring to the curved border with the Torrevieja Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), whose floor was occupied by old niches in a state of ruin, where there were burials from the beginning of the 20th century. The new pavilion has housed 236 niches.

Action area 2 has been transformed into a straight pavilion with 80 niches, enclosed by a wall adjoining the WWTP and by a pantheon at the other end.

Action area 3 consists of an isolated pavilion with 144 two-sided niches located at the Poniente entrance.

The work has consisted of the execution of prefabricated concrete niches, mainly with double pieces with two niches per prefabricated unit, using simple pieces in cases where it was necessary to close the pavilions.

The drafting of the project and construction management has been the responsibility of Rubén Navarro Monzó. The company awarded the works was SBA Infraestructuras SL and the amount for the execution of the work amounted to 207,659.47 euro.

Starting this week, the town hall is going to begin with the transfers to public use for the adjudication of the 460 niches and, at the same time, work is already being done on the search and location of new spaces to continue with more extensions of niches in the municipal cemetery.

### Ana Barceló announces more than 2,000 diagnosis and treatment teams in Primary Care to improve the resolution capacity of health centres

The Valencia Region Minister of Health, Ana Barceló, held a meeting this Tuesday with the representatives of the entities and associations linked to Primary Care in the Valencian Community to address the objectives of the new Strategic Framework for Primary and Community Care 2022-2023, which will mean an organisational improvement, care and an increase in resources allocated to health centres.

On International Day of Primary Care, the Minister of Health wanted to highlight the importance of Primary Care within the public health system in the Valencian Community and stated that "every day we work to improve the care that citizens receive and so that health centres have more and better resources to be able to respond to the care needs of the population".

Barceló has advanced aspects related to the Action Plan for Primary and Community Care, the document that details and develops the actions contemplated in the Strategic Framework and which has been sent to the Ministry of Health to opt for co-financing with state funds of some of the initiatives included in the Strategic Framework.

Among these measures is the co-financing of the new technological equipment with which the health centres will be provided, "more than 2,000 new treatment and diagnostic equipment, which will speed up and increase the resolution capacity of the health centres ", as pointed out by Ana Barceló.

Regarding technological equipment, health centres will have new fixed and portable ultrasound machines, retinography, Doppler, cameras for teledermatology, dermatoscopes, electrocardiographs, blood pressure monitoring devices, defibrillators and complete equipment for emergency care in rural environments.

In this way, "in addition to facilitating the work carried out by health professionals in health centres, the increase in technological equipment will make it possible to speed up the performance of diagnostic tests, prevent patients from traveling to other centres and, ultimately, offer a better quality of care", highlighted Barceló.

326 million for the Strategic Framework for Primary Care

The incorporation of new technology to improve resolution capacity is one of the measures contemplated in the new Strategic Framework for Primary and Community Care 2022-2023, launched by the Ministry of Health and which has a budget of 326 million euro allocated to the improvement of infrastructures, equipment and information systems, as well as to the increase in human resources in the health centres of the Valencian Community and the implementation of a new assistance and organisational model in the centres.

According to Barceló, "the aim is to consolidate this level of care as the backbone of the health system. For this reason, in addition to the initial budget for these two years to renew Primary Care (326 million), in the coming years resources will continue to increase until reach 25% of the total health budget by 2025". In fact, the Valencian Community is already the fourth with the highest percentage allocated in Spain with 15.1%, according to data from the Ministry of Health.

1,613 new places in Primary Care

The objective of the new Primary Care model is to adapt health care to the new reality. In this way, it is intended to respond to the chronicity and aging of the population, which is why the staff will be increased and the new technologies and information systems will be promoted.

In fact, the current Primary Care staff is going to increase by 13%, and this year there will be 1,613 more places, which will allow the ratios to be reduced below the existing recommendations. For this, the Ministry of Health is going to invest 130.7 million euro.

In addition, in terms of material resources, the investment in technology and infrastructure for 2022 and 2023 amounts to 188 million euro. Of the total, more than 76 will be for the construction of new health centres; and 8 million will go to improvements in information systems.

More agile and efficient organisational system

The health centres will have three differentiated coordinations: medical; nursing and administration/admission. The goal is to achieve greater agility and efficiency in healthcare. To this end, indicators of the primary teams will be established in the management agreements in order to improve particular aspects identified in each centre.

All the actions contemplated in the Strategic Framework for Primary Care aim to optimise clinical care, and mechanisms will also be established to improve coordination between the different levels of care, from primary to specialised, with mental health, public health, as well as the socio-health areas and educational.

Finally, it should be remembered that work is being done on a decree for the implementation of mechanisms to encourage the occupation of positions that are difficult to cover.

"We are going to create a powerful primary care system that will allow it to become the main axis of Valencian health. All the measures that are going to be put in place are aimed at strengthening the system, modernising it and, above all, respond to the needs of the citizens", indicated Barceló.

### The Department of Health of Torrevieja implements a multidisciplinary unit for the management of perinatal mental health

The Department of Health of Torrevieja has launched a new perinatal mental health unit for the multidisciplinary management of mental health, both maternal and newborn.

Given its high complexity and repercussion in the medium and long term, specialists deal with the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of maternal mental disorders from the preconception period, pregnancy, lactation and puerperium, as well as the mental health of the newborn born and the quality of the mother-child bond.

The USMP team is made up of professionals from different disciplines around perinatal mental health, to respond to the needs of mothers with mental disorders and promote the cognitive, psychomotor, affective and social development of their babies. 

It involves the coordinated work of more than twenty specialists from the services and areas of Psychiatry, Gynaecology-Obstetrics, Psychology, Sexual and Reproductive Health, Family and Community Medicine, specialized nursing (midwives and mental health nurses), and Service areas. Social and early attention.

The Unit works in a coordinated manner through two parallel lines of intervention, on the one hand, actions aimed at promoting and preventing the mental health of pregnant women and/or future mothers. And, for its part, the individualised intervention of those women in whom a mental health problem and/or risk of pathology linked to the fetus has been detected. 
Nereida Bautista, Psychiatrist of the Department of Health of Torrevieja, affirms that “the perinatal period is a stage of the vital cycle of the woman of high vulnerability for the beginning, relapse or recurrence of any mental disorder. Perinatal mental disorders have a prevalence of around 25%, and are associated with complications in the course of pregnancy, in obstetric and neonatal outcomes, in the mother-child bond, and in the neurodevelopment of the newborn. Currently, only 20% of perinatal depressions receive adequate treatment”, she explains.

Perinatal Mental Disorders (PMD) have been highlighted, in recent years, as an important public health problem, due to the impact they have on the health and quality of life of women and their children in the short and long term. It is estimated that 1 in 5 women will have a mental disorder during pregnancy and/or postpartum, with depression being the most frequent complication of pregnancy.

### The GVA+Salut APP incorporates the option to download the EU Digital COVID certificate

The Valencia Ministry of Health has updated the GVA+Salut APP to incorporate new functionalities and provide users with certain telematic procedures, thus avoiding having to travel to the health centre.



In the new version of the application, the option to download the COVID Digital Certificate of the European Union from the same application has been incorporated. The certificate can be obtained in any of its variants (vaccination, recovery and diagnostic certificate), and also in the event that the diagnostic test carried out was an antigen test.

 

Keep in mind that the COVID-19 certificate is currently required for international travel, and to access certain countries, according to the established COVID-19 regulations.

 

On the other hand, a new form of access to the application has been incorporated, so that the SIP number, the date of birth of the user and the date of issue of the card, if available, are necessary. The identity of the person will be confirmed by sending an SMS to the mobile phone associated with the card. Likewise, the previous methods of access, scanning the barcode of the SIP card and cl@ve, remain in force.

 

Regarding the prescribed treatments, each patient can consult both the treatments that are in force at that time and the history of the medicines that have been dispensed in the pharmacies.

 

Until now, this new version was already available for Huawei users since December 30 and is now available for Apple and Google users.

 

The GVA+Salut APP is an application that allows, from the same mobile device, access to the medical history and carry out procedures such as requesting an appointment by phone or in person at the health centre, as well as consulting pending appointments, both in primary care and in specialised services.

 

In addition, you can consult the prescribed treatments, follow up as a patient companion during surgical interventions and access information about healthcare centres or COVID vaccination, among other advantages.

 

Until the end of March, there have been 2,430,692 downloads of the GVA+health APP. Specifically, there have been 179,830 from Huawei's app store, 687,109 from Apple's, and 1,563,753 from Google's.

### Fully vaccinated passengers no longer have to complete Spain´s travel health form

To travel to Spain if you have an EU DCC, or equivalent EU it is not necessary to complete the SpTH health control form.

On the official homepage you can find more information about the vaccination, recovery or diagnostic test DCCs that are valid for travelling to Spain.

By clicking here: here you can consult the countries that have an EU equivalent certificate.

People in transit and children under the age of 12 do not have to show DCC or SPTH QR.

You will have to show the DCC prior to boarding and when passing the health controls, please follow the indications that you will see upon arrival at the airport.

For more information on the health requirements necessary to pass health controls at the airport of arrival in Spain, please click on this link: link.

### Lighting improvements implemented

The councillor for Quality of Urban Services in Torrevieja, Sandra Sánchez, has reported that a public lighting installation has been put into operation in the park located next to calle Maese Pedro.



For this, Sandra Sánchez points out, action has been taken on the command centre that provides service to the area, repairing it and replacing the elements that were damaged, including the placement of all the magneto-thermal and differential protections of the two circuits it has and other elements such as the general switch, contactor and astronomical clock, taking advantage of the cabinet that was in optimal condition.

Likewise, work has been carried out to review the installation, replacing some points that were damaged due to disuse.

This installation is made up of 28 150 W sodium vapor light points mounted on 5-metre-high columns.

The installation has been certified by the Territorial Service for Industry and Energy of Alicante, with its corresponding Low Voltage Electrical Installation Certificate, which in turn has made it possible to contract the electricity supply with the company.

On the other hand, as in the park next to calle Maese Pedro, in the sports courts and recreational area next to calle Urbano Arregui, the earth conductor that had been stolen has been replaced.

This installation has 4 columns of 12 metres, equipped with 3 projectors of 400W each to illuminate the two sports courts and 7 28W LED luminaires for the adjoining recreational area.

The expense that has been made for the commissioning of both public lighting installations has risen to €2,724.57. The rest of the work has been carried out by the public lighting maintenance company, assuming the cost of the actions within the contract.

In addition, a new light points has been installed on Paseo Vistalegre to illuminate the Tribute Sculpture to the Musicians of Torrevejenses, having used a set with a Delphi model Iguzzini led luminaire mounted on a 6-metre cylindrical column. It is a very aesthetic set that has already been used, for example, in the Paseo Vistalegre itself to reinforce the lighting of pedestrian crossings and in other representative places of the municipality.

In this case, an 83.8W power ST1.2 optic has been used that offers a luminous flux of 9000 lm in a warm white tone, suitable for the sculptures to be illuminated. For its installation, it has been necessary to make a section of channelling to connect the new point with the surrounding lighting.

Likewise, its corresponding chest and foundations have been made within the adjoining parterre, placing the new point cantered on the set of sculptures, just in front of the band director, providing all the Musicians with lighting that enhances them and gives them prominence in its location at the beginning of Paseo Vista Alegre.

### Town Hall launches the Spring School

This municipal activity is free and will take place in the facilities of the Salvador Ruso and Gratiniano Baches schools, from Tuesday 19 to Friday 22 April, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.



The Department of Social Welfare in Torrevieja has launched the Spring School project, Escuela de Primavera, which will take place in the facilities of the Salvador Ruso and Gratiniano Baches educational centres, from Tuesday 19 to Friday 22 April, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m.

The Spring School offers a service aimed at all children, without any exclusion. It is a project that arises to respond to the need to care for children during their school vacations, where they also enjoy the opportunity to share a playful and educational space with other children. In addition, it tries to facilitate the reconciliation of family and work life for parents during their children's holidays.

Parents will have the peace and security of a reference centre, an educational program and a conscientiously chosen staff with experience and great responsibility who will work with their children with enthusiasm and full dedication. For all these reasons, the Spring School is an essential resource for children and their families.

This experience, aimed at children from three to twelve years old, will have groups that will be made up by educational stage and, in turn, by courses or cycles with an average of ten children per group.

The Spring School is a free activity limited to a maximum capacity of 300 places (150 in each school). Information and registration at the Department of Social Welfare or by Electronic Office.

URBAN CAMP FROM APRIL 19 TO 22

Likewise, also from April 19 to 22, the Youth Information and Animation Centre (CIAJ) will host an urban camp for young people aged 12 to 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Among the activities to be carried out, Flashmob recording, music, music therapy and decomposition of songs with an equality perspective, improvisation, etc. stand out.

The activity is free limited to a maximum capacity of 25 places. Information and registration at the Department of Social Welfare or by Electronic Office.

### Holy Week in Torrevieja 2022 – Procession Itineraries

Holy Week in Torrevieja, Semana Santa, has been declared of Provincial Tourist Interest.



Here are the itineraries of the processions from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, and San Vicente Ferrer.

SATURDAY APRIL 09 / Passion Saturday

4:30 p.m. From the Parroquia de San Roque y Santa Ana, to the Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción.

Processional transfer of the images of Stmo. Christ of the Flagellation and the Stma. Virgin of the Star, Queen of the Angels

6:00 p.m. From Plaza Miguel Hernández, to the Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción.

Transfer of the children's throne with the gospels of the brotherhood of San Juan Evangelista together with the band of bugles and drums of the brotherhood

8:00 p.m.  From the Parroquia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, to the Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción.

Processional transfer of the Ntro image. Padre Jesús Cautivo (Nazarene)

SUNDAY 10 APRIL/Palm Sunday

10:30 a.m.  At the gates of the Parroquia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús.

Solemn blessing of palms and branches. Next, from the Parroquia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús. Solemn procession of the palms.

9:00 p.m.  From the Parroquia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús. Solemn procession, popularly known as "Las Mantillas".

MONDAY 11 APRIL/Holy Monday

9:30 p.m.  From the Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción.

Solemn procession.

TUESDAY 12 APRIL/Holy Tuesday

9:30 p.m. From the Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción.

Solemn procession.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13/Holy Wednesday

10:00 p.m. From the Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción.

Solemn procession.

10:00 p.m. From the Parroquia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús.

Solemn procession.

ENCOUNTER ON THE VIA DOLOROSA

THURSDAY 14 APRIL/Holy Thursday

10:30 p.m.  From the Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción.

Solemn procession in silence.

00:00h. From the Plaza del Calvario - Torrevieja.

Solemn procession of the Descendimiento de Cristo del Calvario.

FRIDAY 15 APRIL/Good Friday

7:30 p.m.  From the Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción.

Solemn and Magna procession of the Holy Burial of Christ.

SUNDAY 17 APRIL/Resurrection Sunday

08:00 a.m.  From the Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción.

Solemn procession " EL ENCUENTRO"

MONDAY 25 APRIL/Monday of San Vicente Ferrer

08:30 a.m. Celebration of the Eucharist. Solemn procession of communion of San Vicente Ferrer.

### Torrevieja Book Fair will be held from April 9 to 18

The Councillor for Culture in Torrevieja, Antonio Quesada, and the manager of the Municipal Institute of Culture "Joaquín Chapaprieta", Miguel Fernández, have presented the XXIV edition of the Torrevieja Book Fair, which will be held in Paseo Vista Alegre from Saturday9 April to Monday 18 April, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.



A total of 8 bookstore booths (Librería Buendía, Asociación de Escritores Alas de Papel, Las mil y una libros, Papelería Torrevieja, Librería Trini, Librería Santos Ochoa, Librería Baigorri y Librería Rivendel) and an institutional booth will be installed on Paseo Vista Alegre, in addition to a tent next to the monumento al Coralista, in which the activities scheduled for this Book Fair will take place.

The Councillor for Culture has reported that all those who make purchases of more than 30 euro will be entered into a raffle for a batch of books. Likewise, all the books of the Fair will have a discount of 10% of their usual price.

In this twenty-fourth edition of the Fair, the book signing on Saturday, April 9, at 12:30 p.m., by the writer Espido Freire, winner of the Planeta Prize with the work Melocotones Helados in 1999 and the Azorín Prize in 2017, stands out.

TORREVIEJA BOOK FAIR PROGRAM 2022

SATURDAY APRIL 9

11:30 a.m. Institutional act of inauguration of the Torrevieja Book Fair 2022 and Dissertation " El idioma castellano", by Matías Antón.

12:00 p.m. Traveling show " Desembarco Pirata"

12:30 p.m.  Book signing of Espido Freire

6:00 p.m. Puppet theatre " Aventura Pirata"

SUNDAY, APRIL 10

12:00 p.m. giant bubble festival

6:00 p.m.  Face painting and craft workshops

TUESDAY, APRIL 12

5:30 p.m. Concert starring the students of the "Francisco Casanovas" Professional Conservatory of Music. Professors Nataliya Khomyak and Francisco J. Garres.

6:30 p.m.  Presentation of stories inspired by classic Greek novels, starring Mª Paz López.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13

5:30 p.m.  Monologues " Las mujeres del teatro", carried out by students of the Municipal Theatre School.

THURSDAY, APRIL 14

5:30 p.m. Concert starring the students of the "Francisco Casanova" Professional Conservatory of Music. Professors Nataliya Khomyak and Francisco J. Garres.

6:30 p.m.  " El Cuento de la Habanera", by Amparo Cos.

FRIDAY, APRIL 15

12:00 p.m. Tempogames role-playing games workshop.

10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Fran González book signing at the Santos Ochoa Bookstore booth.

SATURDAY APRIL 16

12:00 p.m.  Mago David magic show

12:30 p.m.  Demonstration of the illustrator Alfonso Ortuño

10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Silvia García book signing at Santos Ochoa Bookstore booth.

7:30 p.m.  Poetry recital, starring the Ars Creatio Cultural Association.

SUNDAY, APRIL 17

12:30 p.m.  Pequedisco

Afternoon - La Esquina Amarilla

MONDAY, APRIL 18

12:00 p.m. giant wooden games

### Ximo Puig announces an injection of 944 million euros to counteract the energy emergency and reactivate economic recovery

The plan contemplates 45 million euros for the self-employed most affected by the energy crisis and 50 million for companies that depend on gas and are not included in state aid

The IVF will inject 110 million in financial instruments to support companies that have suffered a drop in income

188 million will also be allocated to improving urban energy efficiency and housing, and 11 million in aid for families who install renewable energy in their homes

The reduction of at least 10% of fees, charges and public prices and the exemption of fees to fishermen for the use of ports will mean savings of 71 million for families and companies

The president of the Generalitat has assured that it is the most important aid plan launched by an autonomous community

 

The president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, has announced an injection of 944 million euro to counteract the energy emergency and reactivate economic recovery through the Reactive Plan.

 

This was stated during the presentation of the Valencian shock plan that includes 45 actions to give a "forceful public response" to the situation generated by the war in Ukraine and minimise its impact on the Valencian Community. For this, 342 million euro will be allocated for the implementation of new actions, and 602 million for the acceleration of investments.

 

The Reactive Plan will be financed with the Generalitat's own funds, as well as with European funds and the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism, and is structured into four types of measures, among which are those aimed at fighting inflation, such as the reduction of rates and public prices at the regional level that are the responsibility of the Generalitat, which will have 71 million euro.

 

In addition, the plan includes complementary aid to the measures approved by the Government of Spain to compensate energy-intensive industries, the self-employed in the affected sectors and the population groups most affected by the rise in energy costs, which are they will allocate 425 million; as well as actions to increase efficiency and energy saving, to which 380 million euro will be allocated, and measures to accelerate the energy transition and evolve towards energy autonomy in the Valencian Community, which will have a total of 68 million.

 

During the act, the head of the Consell has assessed that it is the largest aid plan launched by the Generalitat or by any other autonomy, since it exceeds the 500 million euro of the Resist Plan or the 647 of the Resist Plus, but has also assured that it is a "first emergency regulation" that is open to the incorporation of "new actors and supplementary measures".

 

fight against inflation

 

Among the main measures of the plan, the president has highlighted the reduction of at least 10% of the rates, fees and public prices of regional competition, which will mean savings for Valencian families and companies of 71 million euro.

 

Specifically, he referred to the reduction in fees for artistic, musical and language education, which will benefit nearly 100,000 students, as well as the reduction in the price of public transport, which will have a special impact on the Alicante TRAM. In the same way, he has announced the total exemption from fees for fishermen for the use of regional ports, which will benefit 700 shipowners, 1,700 sailors and 17 brotherhoods.

 

In addition, he has indicated that the Generalitat will also increase, up to 30%, the energy aid bonus for vulnerable families that receive the Valencian Inclusion Income.

 

Support for freelancers and companies

 

On the other hand, the president has announced that the Generalitat will grant 45 million euro, in bonuses of 100 euro that they can receive for 3 months, for the self-employed workers most affected by the energy crisis, as well as 50 million in aid for companies that depend on gas, and that are not included in the state measures.

 

Similarly, he explained that the Valencian Institute of Finance (IVF) will inject 110 million in financial instruments for companies that have suffered a drop in income, including service stations; and he recalled that an increase of 10 million euro has also been planned for the item destined to discount the contracting of agricultural insurance, and 18.6 million in aid for the transformation of passenger and merchandise transport fleets.

 

Improved efficiency and energy savings

 

Among the measures aimed at improving energy efficiency, the president has announced that 11 million will be allocated in aid for families who install renewable energy in their homes for air conditioning and hot water, and an item of 188 million for the improvement of energy efficiency urban and housing, of which three million will go to municipalities at risk of depopulation.

 

Finally, he referred to the decree law approved last week by the Consell to simplify administrative procedures and eliminate bureaucratic obstacles to speed up the installation of renewable energy plants. It is expected that, with this new regulation, the processing time can be reduced by one year, which represents progress towards achieving energy sovereignty for the Valencian Community.

 

Collaboration of social agents

 

During his speech, the president thanked the social agents for their joint work in drawing up the Reactive Plan, and showed his confidence in Valencian society to be able to reactivate the recovery that began after the pandemic.

 

In this sense, he has vindicated the position of the Valencian Community as a "space for agreement and public-private dialogue", the result of the Alcem-nos agreements reached during the pandemic, and has valued the "sense of coexistence" shown by the social agents, both to agree on the Valencian requests transferred to the Government of Spain and to draw up the Valencian shock plan.

 

 

### Ximo Puig announces a bonus of 100 euros per month for three months for the self-employed affected by the energy crisis

The president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, has announced in Les Corts that the Reactive Plan, the Valencian response to the crisis generated by the invasion of Ukraine, will include a bonus of 100 euro per month for three months for the self-employed and the self-employed who have been affected by the increase in energy prices.

 

It is an initiative that is part of the Reactive Plan, which will be presented this Thursday together with the social agents at the Palau de la Generalitat and for which some more measures have already been advanced, such as the increase of up to 30% of the bonus of energy aid in the Valencian Income of Inclusion or the reduction of 10% of the rates of the Generalitat.

 

The president has defended the response given by the Consell to the pandemic, which will now continue in the face of the crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, with the work to strengthen the "social shield" undertaken since 2015, an effort which has made it possible to increase investment in health, education, inclusive policies, employment and housing. As an example, he underlined that the number of beneficiaries of dependency has increased from 41,000 to 122,000 and that the Valencian inclusion income has gone from protecting 23,000 people to 75,000 today, more than three times more than with the previous government.

 

"That is why we approved the most social Budget of the Generalitat in history", said Puig, who underlined that citizens expect from their Government "decency, which it has, honesty, which it has, and management, which it has" . "That is our route, our itinerary; let's not waste a minute of time on other things," he added.

### The Ministry of Territorial Policy tenders the public transport service CV-214 Torrevieja-Alicante and CV-301 Valencia-Benidorm

The Ministry of Territorial Policy, Public Works and Mobility has put out to tender the public road passenger service CV-214 Torrevieja-Alicante and CV-301 Valencia-Benidorm, which are part of the new regional network of interurban public transport.

 

The person in charge of the Conselleria, Arcadi España, has explained that the public transport service CV-214 will serve mobility between Torrevieja and the rest of the towns on the Vega Baja coast with Elche and Alicante, and the CV-301 service, València- Benidorm, improves the connections of València and Gandia with the main municipalities of the Marina Alta and the Marina Baixa.

 

Thus, he underlined, "with these two new contracts, the Generalitat will attend to the mobility needs of a total of 28 municipalities that group a population of two million inhabitants". In addition, as he pointed out, the provision of these services will not require financial compensation from the Generalitat, since the expected expenses and income allow them to be exploited without a deficit.

 

As the minister has highlighted, "these tenders represent a further step in the reorganisation of the regional interurban public transport network by road, and give continuity to the three concessions tendered in the last quarter of 2021, the CV-302 València-Alacant/ Elx, CV-202 Les Marines-Alacant and CV-211 Elche Rodalía, and the two currently under tender, CV-008 Alto Palancia-Sagunto-València and CV-112 Xàtiva Nord". The rest of the services, which make up the new network, will continue to be tendered during this year, he added.

 

For Arcadi España, "this reorganisation aims to improve the quality of service provision, increase accessibility to the public transport system and make it easier to combine it with other modes of transport to provide a more effective response to the mobility needs of the population."

 

CV-214 Torrevieja-Alicante

 

The CV-214 Torrevieja-Alicante public road transport service will serve a population of 890,000 inhabitants of Alicante, Sant Vicent del Raspeig, Santa Pola, Elche, Crevillent, Guardamar del Segura, Torrevieja, Pilar de la Horadada, Orihuela (coast), Rojales, San Fulgencio, Catral, Dolores, Daya Nueva, Daya Vieja, Benijófar and San Miguel de Salinas.

 

The concession will have a minimum number of 19 buses that, together, will carry out nearly 1.3 million commercial kilometres and more than 26,600 shipments per year, which is equivalent to an average of 73 shipments per day.

 

In this way, through eight lines, it will maintain the level of service and functionality of current mobility relations and will strengthen direct connections with medium-long distance transport nodes, airports and AVE stations in Alicante and Elche, the health centres, especially the Hospital of Torrevieja, as well as the University of Alicante, while favoring the interconnection between the municipalities of the coastal axis Pilar de la Horadada - Orihuela costa - Torrevieja - Guardamar del Segura, and the axis Guardamar - San Fulgencio - Dolores - Catral.

 

CV-301 Valencia-Benidorm

 

The new contract will serve a population of 1.1 million inhabitants. It will have a minimum of 12 buses, which will cover nearly 1.9 million kilometres per year and more than 12,200 shipments per year, an average of 33 per day, between the four lines that make it up.

 

This service will integrate the structural relationships between Valencia and the main urban centers that make up the coastline up to Benidorm. It will also maintain the dynamics and functionality of the current lines and several improvements are incorporated, such as the connection with important tourist centers such as Altea, Dénia, Jávea, Benissa and Gandia.

### Awareness campaign on the proper use of wet wipes and other solid waste

Throwing away these elements implies a 15% increase in the cost of maintaining sewage and sanitation networks and infrastructures, which represents an additional cost of €500,000 per year in the municipality of Torrevieja.



In addition to these elements, the population throws other products down the toilet that cause serious problems in the purification processes and affect the environment, such as paints, oils, detergents, soaps, medicines or pesticides, among others.




The councillor responsible for the Integral Water Cycle in Torrevieja, Antonio Vidal, together with the deputy manager of AGAMED, Gemma Cruz, and the head of the Sewerage area of ​​the mixed company, Dina González, have presented the awareness campaign called "El monstruo de las toallitas”, on the importance of correct practices and the proper use of bathroom moist wipes and other solid waste such as masks, gloves, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, etc. that can affect the operation of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP).

Every year, tons of waste end up in sewage networks and in treatment plants. Part of this waste that citizens throw down the toilet is not biodegradable and generates obstructions in these facilities. Likewise, this problem has been joined in recent years by the massive presence of masks and gloves. In the last year, the treatment plant that collects wastewater from Torrevieja collected a total of 256 tons of waste, much of which corresponds to these elements.

Associated with these obstructions, AGAMED dealt with around 260 incidents in the pumping and in the sewage network during the last year.

Given this situation, Torrevieja council and AGAMED have decided to launch a campaign to make the population aware of the need to make proper use of the sewage network. Thus, the campaign contemplates the dissemination, through the media and social networks, of information to the population on this subject, so that it can reach all sectors.

In the case of wipes, for children's use, make-up removers or for hygiene and body care, the problems generated involve the presence of skeins of textile fibers and plastics, which, together with many other residues improperly dumped by the toilet, clog the sewers; generating what at a social level has already been called "the monster of the sewers". Because, although many of these containers indicate that they are biodegradable products, they are not really easily disintegrated, since the time they take to degrade is considerably long.

The facilities most damaged by this fact, in addition to the networks through which water circulates continuously, are the sewage pumping stations, which require constant cleaning, with the consequent nuisance of odors and noise that this causes to the residents of the area where they are located. Also damaged are the gratings and roughing sieves of the treatment station, which collapse and break due to the arrival of the accumulations of wipes.

Throwing away these elements implies a rise of approximately 15% in the cost of maintaining the sewage and sanitation networks and infrastructures, including the management of the waste generated, which represents an additional cost of around €500,000 per year in the municipality of Torrevieja.

In addition to these elements, the population throws other products down the toilet that cause serious problems in the purification processes and affect the environment, such as paints, oils, detergents, soaps, medicines or pesticides, among others.

### The mask will no longer be mandatory indoors except in health settings and public transport

The end of the mandatory use of face masks indoors looks now to have a date.

The end of the mandatory use of masks indoors will be April 19, subject to approval by the Council of Ministers, as proposed today by the Minister of Health, Carolina Darias, to the autonomous communities in Toledo, where the Interterritorial Health Council is being held.

The relaxation of the rules will come into force on 20th April.

It was clear that the decision was going to be made soon, but there were some that had hoped the move would come before Easter, but it will be just after, following the criteria of the majority of the communities and the panel of experts who preferred to wait a little longer.

But there will be exceptions. The use of masks will continue to be mandatory in spaces shared with vulnerable people, such as public transport, and in the health and socio-health fields (nursing homes, hospitals and health centres).

Ending the mask indoors was the last great measure to stop the spread of covid that remained in Spain. Since Monday, March 28, tests are no longer carried out, nor is it necessary to isolate mild positives.

One of the main doubts that hovered in making this decision was knowing what was going to happen at work. The final decision is that the masks can also be removed in the workplace, although the alert report recommends that people at risk continue to wear them if they cannot guarantee a distance of one and a half metres from colleagues.

The indoor mask has been the last non-pharmacological measure that remained in force after two years of the pandemic. President Pedro Sánchez himself already advanced weeks ago that his end was near, although he did not set a specific date. He left the announcement in the hands of the Minister of Health, Carolina Darias.

Darias, for her part, has been anticipating the withdrawal of this garment that, since last February 10, was no longer mandatory outdoors. "Sooner rather than later," the minister replied in the Congress of Deputies the last time she was asked about the matter. Precisely, this week the Lower House was scheduled to debate in full and in committee on the advisability of maintaining its use.

### Brilla Torrevieja

Sebastián Yatra, Luis Fonsi, Taburete and Lola Índigo are the stars of the poster for the second edition of the boutique music festival “Brilla Torrevieja”. The city of salt will once again enjoy performances from July 24 to August 12 spread over four stages located in different locations. The presentation by the Councillor for Culture, Antonio Quesada, and the promoters of the initiative, Pablo Pamies and Antonio Castillo, took place today.



As for the artists, Brilla Torrevieja presents a line-up with top-level performances distributed throughout the festival and aimed at all audiences:

Sebastian Yatra: July 24

Lara Taylor and Luces de Neón: July 25

Dubbi Kids: July 26

Blanca Pombo y La Hornet: July 27

Ignacio Serrano: July 28

Taburete: July 29

Cheti: July 30

Pepe Bernabé: July 31

Movida EGB: August 1

Duende Callejero: August 2

Los Brincos: August 3

Uña y Carne: August 4

Nunatak: August 5

Dlocos: August 6

Luis Fonsi: August 7

Lola Indigo: August 12

Tickets go on sale this Thursday, April 7, and can be purchased through the website brillatorrevieja.com .

A second edition full of novelties

After the first edition and its good reception, Brilla Torrevieja continues with its boutique festival essence, once again presenting a unique event full of novelties. In this second edition, the festival extends its duration from one to three weeks, from July 24 to August 12. In addition, a format is presented in which Brilla Torrevieja is made up of 100% music and 90% culture, with performances and cultural activities spread over different locations throughout Torrevieja: Antonio Soria Park; Torrevieja beaches; Plaza de Encarnación Puchol de La Mata and the Municipal Theatre. These locations surrounded by docks and piers are the ideal spaces for holding all kinds of live shows.

The Councillor for Culture, Antonio Quesada, has highlighted that "it is a different, innovative and experiential format, which not only focuses on a space but also covers different points of Torrevieja and La Mata, which will mean a large economic injection in the 15 days that the event lasts".

“The objective of this new format is based on making the entire city participate in the Brilla Torrevieja event. Distributing activities in different parts of the city may be the best way to generate economic synergies. Our goal is to ensure that the city of Torrevieja ends up feeling this festival as something of its own”, says Pablo Pamies, one of the promoters of the initiative.

As for the performances, another of the main novelties is in the location, since the concerts will take place on four different stages. The “Principal Stage” (in Parque Antonio Soria) will host performances by Colombian Sebastían Yatra, the group Taburete, Puerto Rican Luis Fonsi and Lola Índigo. "Elcura stage" where Cheti, Pepe Bernabé, Movida EGB, Duende Callejero, Los Brincos, Uña y Carne, Nunatak and Dlocos will perform.

“Materna Stage” will receive Lara Taylor and Luces de Neón, Dubbi Kids, Blanca Pombo, La Hornet and Ignacio Serrano. “Teatro Stage” will be the space in charge of hosting performances and monologues on the 9th, 10th and 11th respectively.

Antonio Castillo, another of the promoters, has stated that "all this wide range of shows and novelties will attract a greater number of visitors and tourists, which will mean a greater benefit for businesses in the town and surrounding areas."

In short, the second edition of Brilla Torrevieja promises the visitor a unique experience, with a wide range of free cultural and musical activities that will encompass all the demand for family, cultural, musical and gastronomic leisure both in the city of Torrevieja and its surroundings.

### The Department of Health of Torrevieja reinforces its Points of Continuous Attention for Holy Week

The Department of Health of Torrevieja has made a significant organisational and staffing effort to reinforce the Department's Primary Care.



The Management has enabled additional reinforcement modules in the Primary Care teams, arranged and approved according to the organisational requests of the heads of the basic zone of the area. In this way, not only Easter will be reinforced, but also the summer period, which is already optimally planned.

 

Like every year, the care strategy focuses on promoting emergencies throughout the Department with the 24-hour opening of the 6 Continuous Care Points (PAC), and also with the incorporation of new modules that allow the demands of patients to be met which, in some municipalities of the Department, even triple.

 

The integration of primary and specialised care allows PACs to be connected to the hospital, so that users can solve their health problems closer to home.

After the recovery of direct public management by the Ministry of Health, a significant shortage of professionals was observed, which has been resolved during this time.

 

The Department has incorporated 64 new professionals dependent on the Nursing Department. In addition, the centres of the Department of Health have increased their number of doctors with the incorporation of 10 medical professionals and 3 Primary Care paediatricians.

 

The Manager, Pilar Santos, has valued the "significant contractual effort that is being made, the flexibility of our professionals and their high involvement. All this will allow us to meet the health demands of the population in a Department with an important seasonal component”.

### The University Hospital of Torrevieja reinforces its Dentistry Unit

The University Hospital of Torrevieja has incorporated a new dental hygienist to the Dentistry Unit of three dentists and two hygienists.



The Unit attends to more than 12,000 patients a year, there is a specific unit for special patients and it performs a high-resolution approach that avoids unnecessary travel for users.

The centre has incorporated new state-of-the-art operating room equipment that will facilitate the work of professionals, improving technical equipment.

The Unit for Patients with Special Needs provides comprehensive care to those patients with neurological or behavioural disorders, who due to their medical or behavioural conditions prevent their management in the usual consultation. It includes conservative treatments for permanent dentition caries, preventive treatments such as dental hygiene and fluoride application, as well as surgical treatments such as extractions, when necessary. The interventions are generally performed on an outpatient basis.

Carmen Salinas, Coordinator of the Torrevieja University Hospital Dentistry Service, points out that “patients with special needs cannot always be treated with local anaesthesia in a conventional consultation, so the unit has a perfectly equipped operating room. The simplest procedures can be complex for this type of user, in this way they can opt for the same treatments as the rest of the population without any problem”.

The Department of Health of Torrevieja has a network of oral care points in the Health Centre of Guardamar del Segura, Health Centre of La Loma, as well as in the University Hospital of Torrevieja itself, it has recently incorporated this service in the centre of health of Pilar de la Horadada. In them, in addition to care for children, adult patients are treated for extractions, early detection of malignant lesions and diseases of the oral mucosa.

Attention to pregnant women will be resumed shortly, for the prevention of oral diseases during pregnancy. These infrastructures allow quality hospital dentistry to be carried out, being able to attend in the same service to patients with multiple pathologies, oncology and with pathology of the temporomandibular joint.

The team collaborates closely with maxillofacial surgery, speech therapy, paediatrics, midwives and other department services for multidisciplinary patient care.

In terms of children's oral health, the portfolio of services includes the prevention of oral diseases, attention to dental trauma, extractions, early diagnosis of dental malocclusion and conservative treatments in permanent dentition up to 14 years of age.

The promotion of oral health and prevention of caries and oral hygiene is carried out in all schools and special education centres in the department, as well as in pregnant patients who are instructed in the prevention of oral diseases, both for them as for the future baby.

Pilar Santos, Manager of the Department of Health of Torrevieja, "our Dentistry Unit is doing an exceptional job in the oral treatment of our patients, focusing its efforts on primary prevention and on the transversal approach of dental pathology".

### The Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre hosted the workshop "Ecopaisajes del Turismo"

For the fourth consecutive year, the subject of Architectural Projects of the University of Alicante (UA) returns to focus its gaze on the city of Torrevieja. Thanks to the Departments of Education and Tourism of the City Council and the University of Alicante Headquarters in the town, this year a new intergenerational team of architects, teachers and students project on the opportunities offered by the city of Torrevieja and its tourist ecosystem, in what they have titled as “Torrevieja Grand Tour”.

Last Friday, the workshop "Ecopaisajes del Turismo" was held in the exhibition hall of the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, by Deborah López and Hadin Charbel. PAREID works on a larger scale and studies the current situation of several of the municipality's toxic landscapes and the possibilities of biology in its way of projecting.

PAREID is an architecture and urban design studio founded by Déborah López and Hadin Charbel that operates through the search and approximation between interdisciplinary fields through multiple time scales. Both are architects and founders of PAREID, an interdisciplinary design and research studio currently based in London, UK. Their works take approaches from various fields and contexts, addressing issues related to climate, ecology, human perception, the sentience of machines and their ability to alter current modes of existence through imminent fictions. The group focuses on permafrost thaw in the Arctic and the ramifications and implications on a planetary scale. Using climate fiction as a vehicle.

The last workshop, to be held on May 20, proposed by the director of NAGAMI, Manuel Jiménez, will deal with "Parametric Tourism", in which robotic design, 3D printing and other multiple processes of advanced technologies will be experimented with. surround architecture.

In this fourth edition, Torrevieja Grand Tour is directed by the architects Mireia Luzárraga and María José Marcos, both professors of Architectural Projects at the University of Alicante and also professors at the Andrés Bello University of Chile and the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia. The team of recently qualified teachers who are part of this multigenerational team are Juanma López, Gemma Santo, Sara Serna, Beatriz Arranz and Jonathan Berna. All of them have just finished their Architecture degree with flying colours, which is why they have been selected to form part of this work group.

### Spring 2022 Youth Agenda

The Councillor for Youth in Torrevieja, Domingo Paredes, has reported that the new Spring Youth Agenda of the Youth Information and Animation Centre (CIAJ) corresponding to the new quarter from April to June is now available.



A total of 17 activities, including events, training courses and other initiatives aimed at young people, make up the new Spring Programming of the Youth Area of ​​the Torrevieja City Council.

The "Comarcón" Alternative Leisure Conference is back, after two years without being able to be held due to the COVID 19 pandemic, and that its eighth edition will be held on the weekend of April 30 and May 1 at the Palacio de los Deportes with a multitude of stands, activities and alternative geek leisure organised by the Department of Youth in collaboration with the Youth Association of Torrevieja La Comarca.

As a novelty this quarter, an Urban Camp will be held for Easter from April 19 to 22, aimed at young people aged 12 to 14 in collaboration with the Social Welfare Area, within the co-responsible campaign of the Department of Equality and the Ministry of equality.

There will also be another youth camp, in this technological case, which begins on June 27 at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, in this case for young people from 12 to 17 years of age and includes a preview of the leisure and free time camp for summer.

Conversations with British volunteers, inclusive leisure outings, an eco-cleaning day in the Lagunas de Torrevieja and La Mata Natural Park, and video game and wargame tournaments with AJ La Mata complete the section on educational leisure, free time and youth volunteering.

The training section includes a new PICE for trade and warehouse assistant, framed in the National Youth Guarantee System, a B1 English preparation course, 3D printing, online video game development, drones, and urban culture with graffiti, rap lyrics and music production.

The FAD, in collaboration with the Youth and the Diputación de Alicante, will develop workshops and prevention dynamics in gambling for adolescents at the IES Torrevigía.

Mention is also made of the Provincial Youth Awards "Top Creation 2022", of the Diputación de Alicante and whose term is open in its different categories and the Young Entrepreneurs Award of the Local Development Agency of the Council of Torrevieja, with important awards.

More information and registration on Youth activities on their social networks, phone 965714072, whatsapp 606055291, email youth@torrevieja.eu and on the municipal website www.torrevieja.es

Finally, Domingo Paredes recalled that tickets for the summer Crazy Urban Festival are now on sale, the largest urban festival in the area and that it will feature such important artists as Kase-O, Omar Montes, Jazz Magnetism and Axax and Prok, among others, all the info and ticket sales on the website www.crazyfestival.es

### Governing Board approves the construction of a sports court in the Plaza de Oriente

The Councillor for Quality of Urban Services in Torrevieja, Sandra Sánchez, explained that it is about equipping this central square, popularly known as "La Ermita", with a facility that allows the safe practice of games and sports in general.



The Local Government Board has approved the drafting and construction management for the construction of a sports court in the Plaza de Oriente, where the Church of the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús is located.




The Councillor for Quality of Urban Services of the City Council of Torrevieja, Sandra Sánchez, has reported that the purpose of this minor contract is the establishment of the technical requirements that have to develop the contracting of the drafting of the project, construction management and coordination of health and safety for the construction of a sports court in the Plaza de Oriente in Torrevieja.

Sandra Sánchez explained that the aim is to provide this central square, popularly known as "La Ermita", with a facility that allows the safe practice of games and sports in general, guaranteeing its functional and urban integration in this very popular public space by local youth.

With the construction of this sports court, it is also intended to value the existing square, which had become popular with homeless people, promote the use and enjoyment of the space, safeguarding the safety of the existing buildings and facilities and guaranteeing the safety of the citizens of the different spaces and uses that are developed in the East Square.

Finally, the Councillor of Urban Services Quality has reported that it is a minor service contract, which has a term of execution of two months and a total amount of 8,591 euro (IVA included).

### "Torrevieja for Equality" announces its winning works

The first prize went to Elisa Cánovas Lagueruela and the second went to Biviana Gisell Rosas Ardila.


The contest invited citizens to upload videos for equality and against gender violence to TikTok around March 8, International Women's Day.
The initiative is part of the national project " Rolling for equality ", which unites more than 30 municipalities in the country and where the winning piece will compete for the national prizes of 1,000, 500, 400, 300 and 200 euro.
"Torrevieja for equality" has revealed its winning works. The first prize, endowed with 200 euro, went to Elisa Cánovas Lagueruela for a video entitled "Matriarcado, sensibilidad e igualdad" in which she cites the definition of matriarchy formulated by the philosopher and researcher Heide Göttner-Abendroth, accompanied by the phrase "With conscience and love there is no violence, there is no machismo” and a rap sung by McCrack calling for equality between women and men.
Elisa and her creation will represent this municipality of Alicante in the national awards of the initiative "Rolling for equality", where they will choose to get one of the five that are made up, with prizes of 1,000, 500, 400, 300 and 200 euro respectively. These national awards, to which the winners of the 32 local contests that make up this edition will aspire, will be announced on March 31.
For its part, the second prize of "Torrevieja for equality", endowed with 100 euro, has been won by Biviana Gisell Rosas Ardila for a video in which she represents her own story after suffering a sexual assault in 2018 wondering "¿Por qué a mí? ¿Fue mi culpa?" and replying “It wasn't my fault. I was only 13 years old” to end with the motto “Not one more”.
The TikTok contest "Torrevieja for equality" has been held between February 22 and March 18 (both inclusive) with the hashtag #Torreviejaporlaigualdad and the national label #rodandoporlaigualdad.
32 municipalities from all over Spain have joined this second edition of the national initiative “Rolling for equality” to fight together for gender equality. The objective of the call is to stimulate the creative capacity of citizens and promote both reflection and awareness of gender equality. The TikTok platform was chosen for its high penetration in the youngest strata of society and for the ease of audiovisual creation it provides.
Web of “Rolling for equality”
Facebook of “Rolling for equality”
Instagram of “Rolling for equality”

### Spanish courses for Ukrainian citizens began this week

This week, Spanish courses for Ukrainian citizens have begun in the classroom of the UA university headquarters of the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, taught by teachers from the Association of Volunteers with Social Initiative in Torrevieja (ATIS), accompanied by volunteers Ukrainians residing in the locality.


The Councillor for International Residents, Cooperation and Immigration, Gitte Lund Thomsen, has welcomed all of them and encouraged them to integrate into Torrevieja society and learn the language to facilitate their full integration into the city. It should be noted that these Spanish classes are aimed at people of all ages, with women predominating more than men.
Due to the large number of citizens from Ukraine after the invasion of Russia, the City Council of Torrevieja, in collaboration with ATIS, have launched this educational project so that they integrate as soon as possible in the city. There are about 130 people who have started receiving these classes at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, the vast majority of them women.
These are literacy and basic Spanish courses that will be taught every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., divided into four groups of about 30 students each.

### Spring cultural program 2022

Torrevieja town hall this week launched the Spring Cultural Program 2021/2022, which includes the months of April/May, and is made up of more than 40 musical, theatre, dance, literary activities, cinema, exhibitions and events for the whole family.
If you are interested in plays, Magüi Mira: Molly Bloom will take place on April 9 at 8:00 p.m. at the Municipal Theatre. On May 7, "El Cuidador" a play that goes between comedy and suspense, with three characters played by Joaquín Climent, Paco Rivero and Juan Díaz.
And on May 28 "Los Dioses y Dios", a journey through the mythology that Rafael Álvarez "El Brujo" brings us.
In addition, there is family theatre, specifically with the "Ciclo de Teatro para Todos", with two outstanding works, on April 24 "Mari Pompas" and on May 22 "Soy una nuez".
In the same line of family events, on April 3 we will take a fun journey through the history of opera with the show entitled "Jugando a la Ópera con Mozart", a didactic and participatory work.
In terms of music, we can enjoy a wide variety of styles, ranging from the "Salinas de Oro Flamenco Festival", organised by the House of Andalusia Rafael Alberti and the Dubois Oratory Concert "Las 7 palabras de Cristo", the April 3 in the Parroquia de la Inmaculada.
We will also have choral music, by our local choirs, as well as the last concert of the season by the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra and the one offered by the City of Torrevieja Musical Society "Los Salerosos", within the Music Als Pobles campaign.
We continue with the second cycle of “Los Vidrios de Palacio”, with two new proposals: April 22 “Andrés Santos Station Band” and May 13 “Four in Orbit”.
Finally, it is worth mentioning the 27th International Youth Contest of Habaneras that will be held at the Municipal Theatre on April 30.
On April 29 we will celebrate the International Dance Day, for this there will be a series of shows both in theatre and on the street.
As for the literary field, this year we will be able to celebrate the XXIV Edition of the Book Fair again. From April 9 to 18 at Paseo Vista Alegre. We will have, in charge of Ars Creatio, the AMOR poetry recital and we will once again celebrate the 5th "Las Lagunas de Torrevieja and La Mata" Day, a conference, workshops and routes that can be enjoyed from May 6 to 29.
For the most movie buffs and art lovers, we will have "Cine Forum: del Lienzo a la Pantalla", organized by the Municipal School of Painting.

### Torrevieja to host flag oath day in May

On 21st of May, Torrevieja will once again celebrate a Jura de Bandera, the oath to the flag of Spain, which will be aimed mainly at civilians wishing to participate.





The event is organised by the Special Operations Command (MOE) and the Torrevieja Town Hall.



The act will be held at the Paseo Vista Alegre with a limited capacity. This is why it is important to sign up, before May 10, on the Ministry of Defence page, or in the Mayor's office in person.


In order to take part you must have Spanish nationality, have reached the age of 18 and have not been declared incapacitated by a final legal sentence.

You can find out more on the Ministry of Defence website here: https://www.defensa.gob.es/defensa_yo/juras-bandera/listado/2022/2105-jura-bandera-torrevieja.html?fbclid=IwAR3k9STs9lK0BfGE1GNWw2rowu-7r7KsJQH5sqblYK2PQ4VqAbtJ9lseKiE

### Easter security meeting took place this week

The Councillor for Security and Emergencies in Torrevieja, Federico Alarcón, has held a meeting this week with the Guardia Civil Lieutenant, Santiago Fernández, the Chief Commissioner of the Local Police, Vicente Gutiérrez, and the Local Police Inspector , Oscar Cartón, to focus on the road safety and citizen safety devices that will be implemented during the Easter period.

### Ximo Puig announces the end of regional restrictions due to the pandemic and the beginning of a "new stage"

The President of Valencia, Ximo Puig, advances that the Interdepartmental Table will no longer meet, if the circumstances do not change, since all the indicators show the "stabilisation" of the epidemiological situation

- The ban on smoking on terraces will be maintained, as will the general mandatory mask regulations indoors, public transport and mass events

- Underlines that the Valencian Community is "in the best conditions" to face this period with "maximum normality", but also with prudence

 

 

Valencia. The president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, has announced the end of all regional restrictions that were still in force in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the sole exception of the ban on smoking on the terraces of restaurants and leisure establishments, which will continue to be maintained.

This was explained by the president after the meeting of the Interdepartmental Table for Prevention and Action against COVID-19, the last one to be held, if the circumstances do not change, since all the indicators show the "stabilisation" of the epidemiological situation and allow us to speak of the beginning of a "new stage".

 

As the president underlined, this Thursday it was agreed to lift the limitations that still affected the hotel and restaurant, leisure and entertainment, cinemas, theatres or amphitheatres, general physical and sports activities, events with a high concentration of people and music festivals.

 

In all these spaces and activities, therefore, only the general regulations on the use of a mask that are still in force throughout Spain will be applied, so that it will continue to be mandatory indoors, in public transport and in massive outdoor events when attendees are standing or sitting less than a meter and a half.

 

Likewise, the obligation to have a COVID passport to access residences and social centers also declines.

 

Ximo Puig, has pointed out that, thanks to citizen "co-responsibility", "the Valencian Community is in the best conditions to face a new stage" that "must be lived with the maximum normality and with the maximum precaution".

 

All the Valencian indicators show that they are moving towards "normalisation", with low hospital occupancy rates and a high degree of immunisation, pointed out Puig, who has also referred to the fact that 93.7% of the elderly population is already vaccinated 12 years old.

 

However, he has asked citizens for "prudence", and has indicated that the use of the mask has saved lives, for which he has indicated that, even when it ceases to be mandatory at the time, it will be "advisable" to continue using it in certain spaces.

### Torrevieja will host the first International Rugby Tournament "Touch N' Tapas" on March 18 and 19

The Councilor for Sports of Torrevieja Council, Diana Box, informs about the celebration this coming Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19, of the International Rugby Tournament “Touch N' Tapas”. This is the first international championship of this modality, which will take place at the Nelson Mandela Rugby Stadium in Torrevieja from 09:00 to 18:00.
44 games will be played with teams from 8 nationalities (Spain, Belgium, England, Chile, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and France). More than 200 players from the three categories (men, women and mixed) will meet in Torrevieja. Admission is free, and the tournament can be followed through the live broadcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1-ujq6JZGf7yNg8BpSKlYA .
This international tournament is organised by the Torrevieja Sharks Rugby Club and the promoter "ON THE SEVEN EVENTS" in collaboration with the Department of Sports of the Torrevieja City Council and "Sports Camps Spain".

### UK passenger locator form no longer needed from Friday

The UK Government has announced the end of all remaining travel restrictions from Friday, including the requirement to complete the Passenger Locator Form.







The Transport Secretary Grant Shapps shared the news on his Twitter feed today.

### The use of the mask has prevented infections of other respiratory transmitted diseases such as the flu, chicken pox, whooping cough, mumps and measles

The use of the mask, together with the rest of the security measures adopted to avoid contagion by COVID-19 (mask, social distance, hand hygiene and ventilation), have brought with them a significant reduction in the number of cases of other types of respiratory transmitted diseases.

 

Thus, significantly, during the years 2020 and 2021, a considerable reduction can be seen in the number of diseases such as influenza, mumps, whooping cough or chicken pox, as reflected in the data from the Epidemiology service of the management General Public Health of the Ministry of Health. In addition, measles disappears and no case has been detected during the past year.

 

According to the head of the Epidemiological Surveillance and Control Service, Francisco Javier Roig, of the General Directorate of Public Health and Addictions, "this decrease is not due to COVID itself, but fundamentally to the measures that have been taken to stop it, since they are generic measures for all respiratory transmitted diseases".

 

According to the data, from 2019 to date, flu cases reported to the Epidemiological Surveillance Analysis (AVE) application have decreased by 96.94%. In fact, in 2019, 80,308 cases of flu were reported, while in 2020 the figure dropped to 37,985 cases and in 2021 2,456 cases have been registered. The data collected by AVE is annual.

 

On the other hand, chicken pox falls by 82.99%. The cases notified to the AVE in 2019 were 7,288, compared to 1,803 in 2020 and 1,240 cases registered in 2021. In the case of mumps (mumps) it has been reduced by 69.54% (from 604 cases in 2019 to 329 cases in 2020, and only 184 cases in 2021).

 

Whooping cough is another disease whose incidence has been drastically reduced. In fact, in 2019, 355 cases were reported, while in 2020 the figure decreased to 121 cases and in 2021 only 12 cases have been registered.

 

Finally, in the case of measles, which as a general rule tend to be recorded in imported cases, the fact of reducing mobility during the pandemic has had a strong influence, since the cases have disappeared. In 2019, 29 cases of measles of imported origin were detected, while in 2020 there was one case and in 2021 none. In this case, Roig points out that "in the case of measles, although the mask has contributed, 99% of the merit is due to vaccination coverage."

 

All this data is collected in the Epidemiological Surveillance Analysis application, a tool that collects notifications of Compulsory Declaration Diseases (EDO).

 

As explained by Francisco Javier Roig, "the epidemiological surveillance of all the EDOs has continued throughout the pandemic, as well as the activities aimed at the microbiological confirmation of the cases compared to the pre-pandemic years.

 

Decrease in severe cases of influenza

 

On the other hand, the confirmed cases of serious influenza, those that require hospitalization, have also decreased significantly according to the data registered in AVE and REDMIVA (Microbiological Surveillance Network of the Valencian Community).

 

In this sense, the surveillance network collects during the 2018-19 flu season (from October to May) a total of 1,054 serious flu cases, while in the 2019-20 period the cases are reduced to 578 and in the season From 2020-2021, only 5 serious cases of flu were recorded. On the other hand, during the 2021-22 period there is a slight increase in cases, since 43 serious cases of influenza have been reported to date.

 

Finally, hospital emergency services have also seen half of the cases of respiratory viruses recorded during the pandemic period. Specifically, adenoviruses, a group of viruses that can cause different types of infections and are also transmitted by the respiratory route, among others, have been reduced from 653 samples detected in the 2018-2019 period to 293 confirmed samples in 2020-2021. The same is true of respiratory syncytial virus, which has gone from 2,706 confirmed tests in 2018-19 to a total of 1,016 during the 2020-21 period.

### Quirónsalud Torrevieja Oncology Platform celebrates “20 years of Bespoke Life”

Created in 2000, it is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an innovative care model for cancer patients.

 

 	The centre will undertake several initiatives and activities throughout the year to mark its two decades of service.

 

 	Specialists from the Platform will hold various meetings with well-known personalities from Alicante, including Eduardo Dolón, Mayor of Torrevieja and President of the Costa Blanca Tourist Board, Amparo Navarro, Chancellor of the University of Alicante, Marcela Fernández, President of AEPA, Eva Toledo, President of the Alicante Directors' Circle and Ángeles Serna, President of TM Real Estate Group.



Quirónsalud Torrevieja Oncology Platform celebrates 20 years since its foundation and is set to launch on social media a series of 8 meetings between members of the cancer team and people from the social, business and institutional circles in Alicante province:

 	Eduardo Dolón, Mayor of Torrevieja and President of the Costa Blanca Tourist Board,
 	Marcela Fernández, President of the Association of Businesswomen, Professionals and Executives of Alicante province (AEPA).
 	Eva Toledo, President of the Alicante Directors' Circle,
 	Ángeles Serna, President of TM Real Estate Group,
 	 José Manuel Ramia, Head of the General and Digestive System Surgery Department at the Alicante General University Hospital and the first Spaniard to hold the presidency of the Scientific and Research Committee of the Euro-African Society of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery.
 	Victoria Meneses, President of the Cancer Patients and Family Association (AFECANCER)
 	Amparo Navarro, Chancellor of the University of Alicante,
 	Hermann Swcharz, President of the Medical Association of Alicante.

This initiative commences today, 4 February, World Cancer Day, and will run throughout 2022. Quironsalud Torrevieja Hospital plans to celebrate its 20th anniversary by launching a publicity campaign under the slogan “20 Years of Bespoke Life,” always at the forefront of treatments and techniques, highlighting the ability of the cancer team at Quirónsalud Torrevieja to adapt, considering the needs of both cancer patients and their families. A pioneering model in terms of care, technology and organisation, precisely because of its ability to combine technological advances and innovation with a human approach to medical care.

The centre also plans to develop a number of theme-based healthcare podcasts that will enable its specialists to analyse and discuss the common issues between cancer, technology and emotional care. Similarly, there are plans to set up an exhibition showing the human bonds established in the context of cancer treatment, among many other initiatives.

 

A benchmark in the treatment of cancer patients. 

Since its creation in 2000, the Oncology Platform at Quironsalud Torrevieja Hospital has stood out for proposing an innovative approach in the care model for cancer patients. Always focusing on the patient, it has been able to develop a pioneering way of working in which priority is given to integrated care, aimed at the needs of the patient with the best technological equipment.

A paradigm shift in the scope of cancer patient care whose advantages and special characteristics have made the Platform a pioneering project with international repute.

The Platform has a nationally and internationally renowned multidisciplinary team, both in the field of care and in research and innovation, integrated within a flexible, open and horizontal structure, which enables the patient to be cared for more effectively and in less time so as to provide them with a better quality of life.

Quirónsalud Torrevieja's Oncology Platform is at the forefront of private healthcare, offering the most advanced technology to its patients, such as Intraoperative Radiotherapy and Varian TrueBeam 2.7 Linear Accelerator. The hospital also offers the most advanced surgical techniques for tumours such as HIPEC, radiofrequency tumour ablation, perfusion of limbs with TNF and Melphalan and electrochemotherapy for the treatment of skin tumours. The Platform provides a range of of services, including Genetic Counselling, Pharmacotherapy, Nuclear Medicine, Immunology, Nuclear Genetics and Psycho-oncology.

 

 

Quirónsalud in the Valencian Community and Murcia region

Quirónsalud has 9 facilities in the Valencian Community and Murcia Region, a leading group at the forefront of private medicine where people are paramount.

Quirónsalud is a leader in private healthcare in the Valencian Community and Murcia in terms of technological equipment, as well as comfort and services for both patients and professionals working at its facilities.

 

### The Government relaxes the health requirements for entry to Spain for people between 12 and 17 years of age from outside the EU

The Government of Spain has modulated the health requirements for entry to Spain for people over 12 and under 18 years of age from countries outside the European Union or the Schengen area, where access to The SARS-CoV-2 vaccine for this age group is difficult or not yet possible.

Thus, from 00:00 hours on February 14, travellers between 12 and 17 years of age from these countries and who are not in possession of a valid vaccination certificate, will be able to present a molecular nucleic acid amplification test. NAAT (RT-PCR or similar) of SARS-CoV-2 with a negative result, performed 72 hours before arrival in our country.

The Ministries of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation have participated in this Order, signed by the Minister of the Interior; and Industry, Commerce and Tourism and Health.

Likewise, those under 12 years of age, traveling with an adult, will not be subject to any type of health requirement, as was the case until now.

This measure is also in line with the proposal to amend Recommendation (EU) 2020/912 on the temporary restriction of non-essential travel to the EU, which is currently being reviewed.

### The Government approves the Royal Decree that eliminates the obligation to wear masks in outdoor spaces

The Council of Ministers has today approved the Royal Decree that eliminates the use of masks in outdoor spaces, with the approval of a Royal Decree by which the wording of article 6 is modified of Law 2/2021 that regulates its use.

Thus, as of the day following the publication of this RD in the Official State Gazette (BOE), the mandatory use of the mask in outdoor spaces in general is exempted, regardless of interpersonal distance.

As exceptions, the use of a mask will be mandatory in large events that take place in outdoor spaces when attendees are standing or, if they are seated, when a safety distance of at least 1.5 metres cannot be maintained, except groups of cohabitants. In addition, the CISNS approved last Monday the recommendation to wear a mask in outdoor spaces where there are crowds. The use of the mask indoors will not be affected by this regulatory change.

This agreement, heard by the plenary session of the SNS Interterritorial Council held this Monday, is motivated by the high rates of vaccination coverage achieved in Spain and the change in the situation in relation to the pandemic caused by COVID-19 in our country.

### Regional police sanction 28 leisure establishments during the weekend

The Police of the Generalitat has imposed sanctions on 28 leisure and restaurant establishments within the specific control device activated from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 throughout the Valencian Community.

 

Of these 28 sanctions, six have been proposed for non-compliance with the COVID regulations and the other 22 for violating the Entertainment Law.

 

Within this same device, in which inspections have been carried out in 191 premises, the Police attached to the Generalitat have drawn up 22 files on people who did not comply with the COVID regulations. It has also identified 635 people and controlled 411 vehicles. Likewise, it has made 85 warnings related to the use of the mask, the safety distance and other health reasons related to COVID.

 

The actions are part of an operation carried out in collaboration with other security forces and local police, mainly to verify compliance with COVID regulations, taking into account the high number of infections. They have been developed both in establishments, as in shops or on public roads.

### Torrevieja Carnival Starts Friday

Torrevieja´s Councillor for Fiestas, Concha Sala, and the president of the Torrevieja Carnival Cultural Association, Francisco Pizana, have presented the acts that make up the Torrevieja Carnival program, recognised since last year as being of Regional Tourist Interest in the Valencian Community.



The carnival acts will begin on Friday 4 February, at the Municipal Theatre, with the proclamation act by the singer and monologist, "El Sevilla" and the premiere of the 2020 carnival film.

On Saturday 5 February, the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the election of Adult Carnival Queens will take place. The Golden Shield will also be awarded, which will be received by Manuel Torres Gómez and Carmen Ferrández Catalá, founders of the “Memories of Africa” troupe.

This carnival will have three novelties. On the one hand, on February 11, “The Animal Carnival” will be held, with a pet parade and a costume contest on the Paseo de Vista Alegre. On the other hand, on Sunday 13 February, the "Matero Carnival" will be held for the first time, in the Plaza de Encarnación Puchol in the district of La Mata. The third addition will be called "Los carnabares", a tour of participating hotel establishments with music and costumes, on March 3, 4 and 5.

On Saturday 12 February, the thirteenth National Drag Queen Contest is scheduled at the Municipal Theatre. On February 19, from 10:30 p.m., the third edition of the “Meeting Carnival” will take place, from the Plaza de la Constitución to the Plaza de Oriente.

The great parade will be on Sunday 20 February from 4:00 p.m., with an exhibition area similar to that of 2020 in the vicinity of the Plaza de la Constitución and, the night parade, with the participation of comparsas arriving from other towns, will be held on Saturday 26 February, from 6:00 p.m.

The carnival dance for the elderly will be on Thursday 24 February, at the Municipal Leisure Centre (CMO) from 6:00 p.m. On Friday, February 25, will be the II Children's Parade.

Finally, on March 5 and 6, the Municipal Theatre will host the semi-final and final of the National Comparsas and Chirigotas Contest.

The Councillor for Fiestas, Concha Sala, has expressed the full support of the Council for the carnival group, especially the mayor, Eduardo Dolón, and has guaranteed compliance with all safety and pandemic prevention regulations, both current and those that may arise.

### The Police of the Generalitat sanctions 12 leisure establishments during the weekend

The Valencia Regional Police imposed sanctions on 12 leisure and restaurant establishments within the specific control device activated from Friday 28 to Sunday, January 30, throughout the Valencian Community. Of these 12 sanctions, one has been proposed for non-compliance with the COVID regulations and the other 11 for violating the Entertainment Law.

 

Within this same device, in which inspections have been carried out in 106 premises, the Police Unit Attached to the Generalitat has drawn up 14 reports on people who did not comply with the COVID regulations and has also identified 307 people and controlled 192 vehicles. Likewise, it has made 89 warnings related to the use of the mask, the safety distance and other health reasons related to COVID.

 

The actions are part of an operation carried out in collaboration with other security forces and local police, mainly to verify compliance with COVID regulations, taking into account the increase in infections with the consequent growth in the accumulated incidence. The actions have been carried out both in establishments and in shops and on public roads.

### Covid Passports Extended Until 28 February

The Superior Court of Justice of the Valencian Community (TSJCV) has authorised the extension, until 28 February, of the requirement of the so-called 'Covid Passport' to access all establishments and spaces where it was already required, meaning all bars and restaurants, irrespective of capacity, and other leisure venues.

The court considers that the extension of the certificate requirement is justified by the evolution of the pandemic, specifically by the expansion of the Omicron variant and the accelerated increase in uncontrolled and sustained community transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which " exceeds the capacity of the health system.

The measure, according to the Chamber, is also proportionate and "gets a good fit of the two most important pieces (health and economy) of this unusual puzzle that represents the current pandemic."

In short, the court concludes that they are "balanced" measures, since they derive "more benefits for the general interest --containment of the pandemic-- than damages to other assets or values in conflict."

The order of the fourth section of the TSJCV includes a clarification to specify that, according to the wording of the administrative resolution, the requirement of the Covid Passport does not affect the exterior of hotel and restaurant establishments, where the terraces of bars and restaurants are located.

### Twelve fugitives revealed in new Most Wanted campaign

A new appeal has been launched to trace and bring to justice 12 of the UK’s most wanted fugitives believed to be hiding in Spain.

The offenders, all men, are wanted for crimes including murder, large scale drugs trafficking and supplying firearms and ammunition.

The NCA’s Most Wanted campaign is run in conjunction with independent charity CrimeStoppers, Spanish law enforcement, UK policing and comes on the back of the extremely successful Operation Captura fugitives campaign, which resulted in the arrests of 86 offenders.

Spain is one of the most popular countries for British ex-pats and the two nations have a very strong law enforcement partnership.



Today, Steve Rodhouse the NCA’s Director General of Operations was joined by the Security Minister Rafael Pérez Ruiz of Spain’s Interior Ministry, British Ambassador to Spain Hugh Elliot and Mark Hallas, CEO of CrimeStoppers, at the campaign launch in Madrid.

Steve said: “Spain is not a safe haven.

“We have a brilliant relationship with the country’s various law enforcement agencies and work together daily to protect the public.

“With 86 offenders arrested in our last fugitives campaign, criminals know we will never give up and we’re never far behind them.

“Our Spanish partners were crucial to many of those arrests, and in 2021 arrested and returned more than 25 wanted UK fugitives.

“The NCA’s International Crime Bureau and International Liaison Officers work on behalf of UK policing to exchange information and intelligence with partners abroad leading to the tracing and arrests of criminals globally.

“Fugitives usually continue offending while on the run and these men will be known in criminal circles wherever they are.

“The last thing the fugitives’ associates will want is the combined determination and capabilities of the UK and Spanish law enforcement focusing on them.

“Many of these fugitives will be trying to blend in to the large British communities who have made their homes in Spain, and if you are resident, you may know one of them from your town or village.

“Loyalties change over time and we urge anyone with information about these men to help us find them.”

All the men featured on the campaign are believed to have links to mainland Spain and the Canary Islands.

Among the Most Wanted is Nana Oppong, 41.

Oppong is wanted by Essex Police for the drive-by murder of grandfather Robert Powell, 50, who was shot eight times with a 9mm pistol on 13 June 2020. It is alleged that the victim and Powell were from rival criminal factions.

Also wanted is heavily tattooed Jack Mayle, 30, on suspicion of supplying Class A drug MDMA and other drugs.

Mayle is suspected of running a drug line in south London and allegedly worked with a dark web drugs supplier.

When he fled, Mayle, who is from Croydon in south London had a tattooed neck, a diamond tattoo under his left eye and ‘Croydon’ inked on the outside of his left forearm.

He may have tried to alter his appearance and is known to carry weapons.

The Most Wanted appeal also features Callum Halpin, 27, who is wanted by Greater Manchester Police for the murder of drug dealer Luke Graham, 31, and the attempted murder of Anton Verigotta.

Graham, a dad-of-two, was ambushed and shot dead in a drugs turf war in broad daylight on a street in Ashton-under-Lyne as children played nearby in June 2018. In July 2019, five men were jailed over the execution.

Two men from Cardiff are wanted by South Wales Police for Class A drugs offences allegedly organised by using the encrypted comms platform EncroChat.

Muscularly built Asim Naveed, 29, and 6ft 2in tall, is accused of playing a leading role in a highly organised crime group (OCG) that trafficked 46 kilos of cocaine into Wales between February and June 2020, worth up to nearly £8m.

Calvin Parris, 32, who has gold upper teeth, is accused of being a customer of Naveed’s OCG and selling cocaine on in Cardiff. Also, Scotsman James ‘Jamie’ Stevenson, 56, is wanted by the National Crime Agency and Police Scotland over the seizure of approximately one tonne of cocaine and 28 million Etizolam ‘street Valium’ tablets.

The cocaine was found in a shipment at the Port of Dover in September 2020 and the tablets were seized following a raid on a suspected pill factory in Kent in June 2020.

Stevenson, who is stocky and has a scar on the left side of his face, is also wanted in connection with two suspected arson attacks on properties in the Lanarkshire and Forth Valley areas in May 2020.

Lord Ashcroft, founder of the charity CrimeStoppers UK said: “We know it can be difficult for people to speak up about crime, which is why our charity is here to give you an option.

“We guarantee you’ll stay completely anonymous, just like the millions of people who have trusted our charity with their crime information since we were formed back in the 1980s.

“Please do the right thing by passing on what you know about these fugitives’ whereabouts and help us ensure these criminals are no longer a danger.”

Hugh Elliott, UK Ambassador to Spain, said: “The Most Wanted campaign is just one example of the successful cooperation that takes place between British and Spanish law enforcement.

“We stand united as partners against common threats and challenges, sharing not only expertise but goals and values too. In doing so, we can make both countries safer for citizens.

“I would like to thank our Spanish colleagues in the National Police and the Guardia Civil for their role in this campaign and for their ongoing collaboration in the face of common challenges more broadly. I would also like to thank the Spanish and British public for their help, as without them the Most Wanted campaign would not be possible.”

Rafael Pérez Ruiz, Minister for Security of the Spanish Ministry of Interior, said: “The campaign allows us to reinforce and strengthen police collaboration between Spain and the United Kingdom with the aim of creating a hostile environment which impedes criminal organisations from setting up in Spain and criminals from settling in our cities.

“Now more than ever it is necessary for everyone to join forces to give a coordinated and effective response to new security challenges.”

Anyone with information about one of the Most Wanted is urged to call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, and callers in Spain should call the freephone Spanish number 900 926 111, which will be answered by CrimeStoppers in the UK (using translation if required).

Alternatively, members of the public can fill out an anonymous online form at the UK charity’s website crimestoppers-uk.org/fugitives.

We encourage anyone living or visiting Spain to visit the NCA and CrimeStoppers websites and look at the Most Wanted subjects.

### Pet Blessings on Monday in Torrevieja

The Department of Animal Protection of Torrevieja council has announced that on Monday 17 January, on the occasion of the festival of San Antonio Abad (San Antón), patron saint of animals, the traditional animal blessing will take place, with safety protocols in place due to the Covid situation.



The blessings will take place at 6:00 p.m., at both the Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepción and the Parroquia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús churches, so pet owners can choose their closest to get blessed.

Due to the situation of the health pandemic, this year the concentration of animals and owners will not be held on calle Concepción at the Parroquia de la Inmaculada, but the street will be closed off in the section near the temple. In the Parroquia del Sagrado Corazón, closures will not be necessary due to the width of the Plaza de Oriente.

The department would like to remind everyone wishing to participate in the blessing it will be necessary to use a mask and the corresponding safety distance between all participating people.

Councillor Concha Sala appreciates the collaboration of both the parish priests to maintain the tradition of Saint Anthony's Day and thanks in advance the members of the Local Police and Civil Protection, who will observe that the development of this activity is carried out in complete safety.

### The Minister of Health announces that the self-diagnostic antigen tests will have a maximum price of 2.94 euro

The Minister of Health, Carolina Darias, has reported the agreement reached to limit the maximum price of the COVID-19 self-diagnostic antigen tests to 2.94 euro after the completion of the meeting of the Interministerial Commission on Drug Prices .

The Interministerial Drug Price Commission is the competent body for setting the prices of drugs that are financed in the National Health System, specifically for the sale price of the laboratory and of health products as well as other products. Minister Carolina Darias assured that "the main objective has been to set a price that is as affordable as possible, always maintaining the balance so that the product is available through the pharmaceutical channel."

Thus, the agreement, adopted unanimously, has been to set the maximum retail price of the antigen tests for self-diagnosis at 2.94 euro. This price will be applied to all antigen tests for self-diagnosis that are for sale in pharmacy offices and that have been authorised for marketing by the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products. It will take effect the day after its publication in the BOE, that is, on Saturday.

 

### Orihuela Medieval Market Cancelled

Orihuela’s Department of Festivities has made the decision this week to cancel the Medieval Market 2022, scheduled to take place between the 4th and 6th of February, due to the “exceptional situation derived from the crisis caused by the avalanche and expansion of infections by this new wave of COVID-19”.



The department considers the event to be “high risk”, due to the large number of people attending, and who may be in close contact, not being able to guarantee the distance and the security measures determined by the health authorities.

"Health and safety comes first," commented Mariola Rocamora, councillor for Festivities.

The Medieval Market in Orihuela takes place in the historic centre of the city that is made up of narrow streets, with a significant number of visitors and hundreds of artisans from all over the country, objects are shared, drinks and food are consumed, in addition to making use of bars and tables in restaurant areas, with a very high percentage of participants who are standing and in continuous movement throughout the event. To all this must be added that, although the Department of Festivities is aware of individual responsibility, it cannot be guaranteed that everyone respects the established sanitary regulations such as the correct use of the mask, distances, disinfection measures.

The department concludes, “We hope and wish that the Medieval Market of 2023 is the preamble to a new and great celebration”.

### Vaccination of 5 to 8 year olds in the Valencian Community starts Thursday

The second phase of the paediatric vaccination campaign against the coronavirus that begins this week in the Valencian Community focuses on the 186,088 boys and girls aged between 5 and 8 who study in schools in the Valencian Community.

The operation, coordinated by the Public Health and Education departments started last Monday with the request for authorisations to vaccinate and continues this Thursday with the inoculation of the first doses. This second phase of the campaign is expected to remain active until at least next week.

By educational levels, this stage covers infant students who have reached the age of 5 and those of 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade of Primary. In total, it is expected to vaccinate 22,085 students in the province of Castellón, 68,332 in Alicante and 95,671 in Valencia. Of this total, minors will be vaccinated whose families deliver the vaccination authorisation to the educational centre and who on the day they are to receive the vaccine are not confined, sick or ill, or absent for any other reason.

In this sense, during this second stage of the paediatric vaccination campaign, a new opportunity will also be offered to those who could not be vaccinated in the previous phase.

To cover this phase of the paediatric vaccination campaign, the Valencian Community already has 192,640 doses and will receive 138,000 more in the coming days. In total, 330,640 doses.

Collection of authorisations

The first thing to be able to receive the vaccine is for the family to fill out, sign and deliver to the school the authorisation and the questionnaire on the health of each minor that the centre will have sent them. Families have a deadline to complete this process until tomorrow, Wednesday 12 January.

Once the authorisations are collected, the management of the educational centre coordinates with the medical team that will travel to the school to inoculate the vaccines in order to know precisely the number of doses needed, as well as to organise the operation in advance.

The unit that attends the school is made up of medical, nursing and logistical support staff, and has the appropriate means to deal with possible eventualities.

The process takes place in the schools themselves, during school hours and by educational level to preserve the usual groups of coexistence. This means that if a boy or girl has reached the age of 7 but for any reason is still in the first year of Primary, they are vaccinated with their classmates.

As in the first phase of the campaign, with the youngest children, a family member is also allowed to access the centre at the time of vaccination to accompany them emotionally. It is very important that crowds are avoided at all times and, for this reason, the person must remain on the school grounds for as little time as possible. In fact, in many educational centres the accompanying persons wait outside the enclosure for 15 and 30 minutes after the injection, time in which the minors remain under observation.

With this second stage of the paediatric vaccination campaign, all boys and girls from 11 to 5 years old who reside in the Valencian Community, about 330,000, will be covered.

In the first phase, which developed normally before the Christmas holidays, all boys and girls from special education centres, rural centres and 4th, 5th and 6th grade primary schools were immunised whose parents or guardians authorised the vaccine and they were in a position to receive it (they were not confined or had serum contraindicated for medical reasons).

Specifically, 107,360 students received the first dose of the Pfizer paediatric vaccine, that is, seven out of ten schoolchildren at those levels.

Second dose from February

The second dose of the vaccine will be administered eight weeks after the first to increase the immune response, as established in the National Vaccination Strategy.

For this reason, if a sick child is in isolation on the day of the vaccination or cannot attend the appointment for any other reason, it is planned to provide them with new opportunities, as has been done with adults.

On the other hand, those who turn 12 years old between the first and the second dose will receive the first dose of the paediatric vaccine and the second adult dose (the one recommended from the age of 12) with the established period of eight weeks for the second dose.

### Goal of vaccinating 80 percent of the population over 60 years with booster doses met

The Ministry of Health has promoted the fulfilment of one of the objectives set in the Conference of Presidents on July 22: to ensure that 80 percent of those over 60 in Spain have their booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before the end of the year. This percentage was achieved last Tuesday and in the statistics of yesterday Wednesday it had already exceeded 81.3%.

This is clear from the 'Complying' accountability report that has been presented this week by the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, in its section corresponding to the area headed by the Minister of Health, Carolina Darias. With regard to the vaccination campaign, it should be noted that Spain has managed to reach almost 90 percent of its population over 12 years vaccinated with the full schedule and that the paediatric vaccination campaign began weeks ago, with which already on 25,8 percent of boys and girls between 5 and 11 years old.

But the objective of protecting the Spanish population against COVID-19 has not diminished that of protecting the world population, aware that we must all get out of this pandemic. For this reason, more than 45 million doses of vaccines have been donated to countries in Latin America and Africa. Thus, the commitment to reach 30 million doses donated before the end of 2021 has been exceeded and the goal of donating 50 million doses in the first quarter of 2022 is close to being met.

This same document highlights other objectives that the Ministry of Health has achieved in this last semester where it has had to reconcile its leadership at the head of the management of the pandemic and its work of coordination with the Autonomous Communities and Cities in the vaccination campaign with the impulse to important changes in health matters. Among them, in the second semester of the year, the Mental Health Strategy was updated and approved within the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System, for the first time in more than a decade, and the 2021-2024 Action Plan was presented. Mental Health and COVID-19 to address the impact caused by the pandemic.

One of the important lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic is the importance of increasing resources for public health, not only for epidemiological surveillance but also to promote healthy lifestyles. For this reason, an increase in the items for Public Health has been foreseen in the PGE-22.

In addition to this document, the Ministry of Health works under the One Health concept, that is, with an integrative perspective on the interaction of human, environmental and animal health. For this reason, it has approved, together with other public administrations, the Strategic Health and Environment Plan (PESMA) aimed at protecting the population from environmental risks, and which was approved at the Health (CISNS) and Environment sector conferences.

In this sense, the Ministry of Health has consolidated its network of collaboration with social and educational agents, such as schools or municipal administrations, to strengthen actions in the promotion of health. Several seminars have been held in collaboration with the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces to promote health promotion. The Call for aid has also been launched to the EELL belonging to the Spanish Network of Healthy Cities (RECS) for the development of actions in health matters, as well as to the EELL, belonging or not to the RECS, for the local implementation of the Health Promotion and Prevention Strategy in the National Health System.

Worthy death

The Ministry of Health, within the mandate and roadmap of this Government of Progress, has promoted one of the laws most demanded by society: the Organic Law to regulate euthanasia, in addition to including the right to a dignified death in the portfolio of services of the National Health System.

In addition, the health care guarantee funds (FOGA) and the health cohesion fund have been activated and endowed with a budget. In addition, the Draft Law on measures for equity, universality and cohesion of the National Health System (SNS) with the aim of preventing new health co-payments as established in the past, with special protection for the most vulnerable.

Among the most relevant commitments are the approval of the Oral Health Plan and expanding the portfolio of services to prioritize groups of children and adolescents, pregnant women, people with intellectual disabilities and mobility problems.

Another of the strategic lines of the Ministry of Health is the promotion of technological renewal through the INVEAT Plan with which all high-tech equipment with more than 12 years in the field of Specialized Attention will be renewed or replaced throughout Spain, with the largest investment that has been made in our country in this sector with a contribution of 800 million euros. In this sense, the Collaboration Agreement for collaboration in the implementation of proton therapy in the National Health System has been signed.

Regarding transplants, the extension has been published and the Agreement for the development of the transplantation program for hematopoietic progenitors of unrelated donors has been modified and the International Administrative agreement has been approved for the period 2021-22 to carry out activities of cooperation on donation and transplantation of human organs, cells and tissues

Sexist violence

The Ministry of Health is involved in the protection of women victims of sexist violence and, therefore, has developed a validated instrument for the early detection of cases of Gender Violence during the clinical interview. In addition, three training courses have been launched between the Women's Health Observatory and the National School of Health, to train health professionals in the use of the early detection instrument-questionnaire. The agreement for the implementation of the Sanitary Measures of the Catalogue of Urgent Measures of the Improvement and Modernization Plan against Gender Violence has also been approved.

### Torrevieja Closes 2021 with 8,361 People Unemployed

A total of 8,361 people were unemployed in Torrevieja at the end of 2021, which translates into a decrease of 17.75% compared to the end of 2020, according to data from Labora.

The services sector experienced a decrease of 16.93% and the construction sector fell 14.55%. Compared to the month of November, unemployment decreased by 5.51%, with a decrease of 5.35% in services and 2.73% in construction.

The figures improve in all age groups.

### Ximo Puig has met with experts to analyse the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Valencian Community

The president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, has held a telematic meeting with experts from different areas of knowledge to discuss the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Valencian Community. The meeting was also attended by the Minister for Universal Health and Public Health, Ana Barceló.

 

Among the people who have participated are the deputy director general of Epidemiology of the Conselleria de Sanidad Universal, Hermelinda Vanaclocha; the specialist from the Department of Public Health of the Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Idelfonso Hernández; the researcher of the Institute of Environmental Diagnosis and Studies of the Water of the CSI and Rey Jaime I Prize 2013 Xavier Querol; and the researcher and expert in the application of artificial intelligence methods in the fight against cancer, Aurelia Bustos.

 

Likewise, during the meeting the researcher from the Fundación de Investigación Sanitaria Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana, Salvador Peiró; the head of the Microbiology Service of the Hospital Clínico de València, David Navarro; the Director of Research of the Valencian Institute of Economic Research (IVIE), Francisco Pérez, and the vice president of the Foundation Institute for Health Services Research, Ricard Menéu.

 

The Autonomous Secretary for Communication, Beatriz Gallardo, as well as the Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Valencia, Rafael Tabarés, and the Professor of Human Geography at the University of Valencia and member of the Interuniversity Institute of Development have also participated. Local, Joan Romero.

 

Finally, the telematic meeting was also attended by the scientist Pilar Mateo, internationally recognised in the field of Chemistry; the biologist Gloria Sánchez, research scientist at the Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC); the general director of Analysis and Public Policies, Ana Berenguer, and the general deputy director of Healthcare Management Evaluation at the Conselleria de Sanidad Universal, Ramón Limón.

### Ximo Puig guarantees hotel and leisure establishments all the support to enforce the COVID passport requirement

The president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, has guaranteed the hotel and leisure sector all the support of the Valencian Government to enforce the COVID passport requirement. In this sense, he has advanced the possibility of collaborating with the Prosecutor's Office in the face of coercion and threats from denialists or groups has been opened.

 

This was explained after the COVID-19 measures security coordination meeting that was held this Wednesday at the Palau de la Generalitat, in which the Minister of Justice, Interior and Public Administration, Gabriela Bravo, also participated.

 

The Generalitat is going to defend those who defend legality, "said the president, who added that people" have the right to think the way they want, but not hinder compliance with the law. "

 

"From the Generalitat we want to recognize the effort of the hoteliers with the implementation of the COVID certificate throughout the pandemic," said the president, who also highlighted that the sector "has shown great responsibility by complying with and enforcing the health measures that are they have adopted to protect citizens. "

 

In this sense, he stressed that the Generalitat condemns any threat or coercion that is carried out against those responsible for the establishments, "who do nothing but comply with the law for the benefit of the health of Valencians." In fact, he recalled that the regulations that provide for the request for the COVID certificate by leisure and restaurant establishments is in force until January 31.

 

"We want to send a very clear message to the hoteliers: if they have a problem with citizens who reproach them or try to threaten them for requesting the COVID certificate, immediately notify the security forces and bodies, because they are complying with measures that have the endorsement Justice and the Generalitat will always be by your side ", he remarked.

 

As you recalled, at this time vaccination continues to be the main asset in the fight against COVID-19.

 

Specifically, the risk of hospitalisation, ICU and death from COVID-19 is lower in vaccinated versus unvaccinated people, in all age groups. Unvaccinated people under 60 years of age have 9 times the risk of hospitalisation and 25 times the risk in the ICU than vaccinated people. Unvaccinated women over 59 years of age have 7 times the risk of death from COVID-19 than vaccinated women. In the 12 to 29-year-old group, unvaccinated women have a 9 times greater risk of hospitalisation and 28 times greater risk of entering the ICU.

 

The Government delegate, Gloria Calero; also participated in the meeting of the COVID-19 security measures commission; the regional secretary for Tourism, Francesc Colomer; the regional secretary for Security and Emergencies, José María Ángel; the president of Conhostur, Manuel Espinar, and the president of Fotur, Víctor Pérez; the secretary general of the same entity, Juanjo Carbonell; the general of the VI Zone of the Guardia Civil, Arturo Prieto; the regional head of Operations of the National Police of the Valencian Community, José Domingo Piris, and the commissioner of the Unit of the National Police Corps Attached to the Community, Marisol Conde.

### Ximo Puig announces an agreement so that pharmacies can notify the health department of positive antigen tests

The president of the Valencia region, Ximo Puig, has announced an agreement so that the pharmacies of the Valencian Community can notify positive cases of COVID-19 face-to-face antigen tests and register them in the database of the Conselleria de Sanidad Universal y Salud Public with the consent of the people who have made them.

 

This has been explained by the president after the working meeting that he has held at the Palau de la Generalitat with the Minister of Universal Health, Ana Barceló, in which the details of the agreement that this department has reached with the official pharmacy colleges.

 

The person in charge of the Consell has thanked the will of collaboration shown by the professional associations in this "common cause" of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Pharmacies that wish to do so may voluntarily join this initiative, which seeks to reduce the current healthcare pressure in Primary Care.

 

The test must be done in person and, if it is positive, the establishment will notify Health. The registration of personal data by the pharmacy office will be done whenever the person who undergoes the test wishes.

 

The procedure will be activated in the next few days, as the last technical details for connecting computer systems are currently being finalised.

### Reminder of the rights of consumers during sales

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has recalled that the rights of consumers in this period are also applicable to purchases made over the Internet.










The department headed by Minister Alberto Garzón makes this warning after decreeing the new measures related to capacity and indoor establishments as a result of the pandemic caused by Covid-19 and due to the foreseeable increase in online purchases for this reason.

According to the latest survey by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) on the use of ICT in Spanish households, almost 20 million people have purchased products and services online in the last three months, with clothing, footwear and accessories being the products that were purchased the most (7.2 points higher than in 2020).

Given this, the department warns that both payment policies, such as return and guarantees, must be maintained in both channels during this sales period under the same conditions as the rest of the year.

This means that physical and digital establishments, among other obligations, have to accept the means of payment that they habitually use (card, cash or financed) and maintain the same repayment terms.

In the case of online purchases, there is also the right of withdrawal: a period of 14 days in which the product can be returned without having to state any reason or assume cost.

In addition, the ministry warns that, when purchasing products or services online, there are other aspects that consumers must take into account in case of possible claims.

Not surprisingly, according to the INE, delays in delivery (in 28.7% of cases of online purchases), technical failures of the websites and their lack of usability (16.4%) and the difficulty of finding information on guarantees or other legal rights (15.1%), have been the most frequent problems that Internet users have faced in the last quarter.

Regarding guarantees, the ministry recalls that, since 1 January, there are already three years during which companies are obliged to repair or replace the product or service purchased by the customer in case of disagreement.
Important aspects in case of conflict
During sales, the start and end dates of which must be prominently advertised at all times, establishments have the following obligations:

 	Label the discounted products clearly and differently from the rest, including the original price plus the reduced or the discount percentage.
 	Do not offer as discounted products those that have defects or are defective.
 	Have sufficient stock of discounted products or services, depending on the importance of the advertising carried out.

For their part, consumers must keep the purchase receipt or invoice, since it will be the necessary documentation to exercise any right of return or guarantee execution.

In the event of conflicts, the ministry recommends going to the Consumer Services of the different autonomous communities, the Municipal Consumer Information Offices (OMIC) of the town councils or the Consumer arbitration boards that exist throughout the territory both regionally as well as local.

The arbitration system is an extrajudicial conflict resolution mechanism, of a binding and executive nature for consumers and companies, which facilitates and expedites the protection of the rights of consumers and, especially, of the most vulnerable, since it is about a free system.

### The marsh harrier comes out of danger of extinction

The protection program of the Ministry of Climate Emergency and Ecological Transition allows the consolidation of the marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) population, which in 2021 reached a total of 33 pairs distributed in the three provinces of the Valencian Community.

 

In this way, the species, considered in Danger of Extinction in the Valencian Catalogue of Threatened Fauna Species, moves away from the highest level of risk, which justifies its reclassification as Vulnerable in the revision of the Catalogue.

 

"This confirms that the continued monitoring and protection of all nesting sites has been successful in the recovery of the species," commented the general director of Medio Natural, Julio Gómez Vivo.

 

The marsh harrier has had a growing trend in the last 20 years. After its reappearance as a nesting site in the Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca in 2000, it colonised the Embarcaderos reservoir (Cofrentes) in 2008, where it has remained ever since.

 

In 2012 it appeared in the Albufera, where its reproduction had not been recorded for more than 40 years. As of 2013, towns have been added where their reproduction is verified, and it is in 2021 the first time that their nesting is detected in inland towns such as Camporrobles and Villena.

 

However, the most important population continues to be that of El Prat, which reaches the highest number of couples ever registered, with a total of nine.

 

The lagunero, relatively common as a wintering in humid areas, became extinct as a nesting ground in the 80s, after the last reproductions recorded in the Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca. It was precisely in this same space that it nested again in 2000, doing so regularly from 2003, initiating a slow recolonisation process.

 

The department has monitored this species with staff from its own wildlife recovery centres, natural parks, environmental agents and SEO-BirdLife.

### Magic Show Cancelled

The magic show scheduled to take place on Sunday at the municipal theatre has been cancelled.

### Face-to-face return to the classrooms and a reinforcement of prevention and communication measures

The Government of Spain and the autonomous communities and cities are committed to maximum attendance at the return of the classrooms on the 10th when the school year is resumed.








This was agreed at the extraordinary meeting of the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System (CISNS) together with the Education Sector Conference and the General Conference on University Policy, as explained in the press conference after this meeting by the Minister of Health, Carolina Darias; the Minister of Education and Professional Training, Pilar Alegría; and the Minister of Universities, Joan Subirats.

All of them remarked that, in this time of pandemic, presence in the classroom has been a success at all educational levels. Both the ministries involved and the regional councils have valued that the classrooms have been safe places throughout the pandemic where control measures have been optimally maintained.



Photo: Pool Moncloa / Fernando Calvo

"That we have maintained presence in all educational stages is a success for the country," remarked the Minister of Health, Carolina Darias, who explained that today's meeting fulfilled the mandate of the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, after the Conference of Presidents to "guarantee presence in classrooms so that our children and young people can fully develop".

It should be remembered that the data on infections in the classrooms in the non-university educational system have been maintained throughout the school year with a number of classrooms in quarantine below 0.5%.

With the growth of the Omicron variant, a maximum peak was reached on December 22, the day the school holidays begin, with 1.3% of classrooms in quarantine; which means 5,433 classes out of the slightly more than 417,000 classrooms. Also, only 12 schools were closed due to outbreaks, 0.04% of all schools in the country.

The Minister of Health insisted that "the best measure against COVID-19 is vaccination." Therefore, she stressed the importance of promoting vaccination in all age groups.

The Minister of Education, Pilar Alegría, stressed the importance of betting on presence. "Despite the epidemiological situation caused by the Omicron variant of the coronavirus and the logical concern that it raises, the return to class on the scheduled date and with strict compliance with the prevention protocols already known (both inside and outside the classrooms) It is the best option for schoolchildren, for families and for the educational community as a whole, "she said and recalled that" it is the best option, because closing schools - we already know after 21 months of pandemic - implies a huge loss in learning and puts the psychological well-being and emotional health of children and adolescents at risk, as confirmed by recent studies by the World Bank, UNESCO and UNICEF ".



Photo: Pool Moncloa / Fernando Calvo

Also in the university field, the Ministry of Universities stressed the need to maintain presence in the return to classes at this beginning of the course.

Regarding the call for exams, Minister Joan Subirats sent a message of calm in this regard: "It is a general decision of the university system that no one lose the call due to contagion or confinement."

The Minister of Universities, Joan Subirats, pointed out the importance of influencing the need to intensify the implementation of existing protocols, as well as communication channels with the university community. In addition, "as the experts have indicated, the infections that occur in the age group corresponding to the university community are not occurring in the university environment itself if it were not within it, thus reaffirming the certainty that the classrooms are, in general terms, safe spaces, "he said.

### Back to School on Monday

Students of all educational stages will return to class in person from Monday 10 January throughout Spain, as agreed on Tuesday by the Government and autonomous communities.

The meeting was held in Moncloa eight months after the last meeting in which changes were agreed for the 2021-22 academic year: face-to-face at all levels and the possibility of reducing interpersonal distance from 1.5 to 1.2 metres.

"Presence is an absolute priority and has been decided unanimously in the meeting that we have held", assured the Minister of Health, Carolina Darias. "It is very important to continue with vaccination, vaccines protect us and save lives. It is also important to strengthen protocols, " she says.

Darias has appeared with the Ministers of Education and Universities to give a more detailed account of what was agreed and stressed that Spanish schools are "safe" and has insisted on the importance of vaccination.

She has also asked to "reinforce" the use of masks, ventilation and hygiene.

There had been calls to delay the return to school due to the increase in Omicron cases during the Christmas period.

As stated by the Minister of Health, ventilation will be guaranteed; the use of masks; the opening of all educational centres and maximum attendance from 10 January; communication and dissemination to the entire educational community about prevention measures will be intensified; child vaccination will be reinforced; and compliance with all protocols in university centres and residences will be reinforced.

### Bus Service Changes due to the Three Kings Parade

Due to the Three Kings Parade in Torrevieja on Wednesday evening, a number of bus stops will be closed.



The following alterations have been published...

### Turisme Comunitat Valenciana promotes a new plan to promote MICE tourism in 2022

Turisme Comunitat Valenciana will continue to promote one of the tourism products with the "best" forecast for 2022, MICE tourism aimed at business trips, congresses and incentives.

 

In this way, the department plans to carry out in 2022 a plan to promote the Valencian Community as a MICE tourism destination, which includes 15 different actions to be developed at the national level and in the main European markets.

 

The objective, according to the regional secretary for Tourism, Francesc Colomer, is to "promote this product as a sector that has a notable drag effect, both in other products and in numerous destinations in the Valencian Community".

 

Likewise, he has indicated that the plan will contribute "notably to the seasonal adjustment and to the increase in the average expenditure per tourist", two of the strategic objectives of the Community's tourism policy.

 

Colomer has commented that the Region has "the best equipment for all kinds of calls and professional events."

 

He has also made reference to the offer that this product encompasses, "from a balanced network of fairgrounds, auditoriums and conference centres, to a wide range of hotels and complementary services, which make it the ideal place to host congresses and national and international fairs ".

 

The head of Turisme has commented on the support provided by the development of the business tourism plan for this sector, which continues to be "highly affected by the consequences of the pandemic and by the characteristics of its activity."

 

However, it has stated that, according to the latest data recorded, the demand for MICE tourism is also recovering relatively quickly. In fact, in the first quarter of 2021, the meetings segment has increased by close to 70% year-on-year in the Valencian Community, while it still decreases by 34% compared to 2019.

 

The figures prior to the pandemic, place the Valencian Community as the fourth national destination in congress trips, fairs and conventions with 1.7 million annual tourists in 2019, the year in which foreign demand was at the maximum of the series .

 

Characteristics of the MICE tourism plan

 

The MICE plan promoted by Turisme Comunitat Valenciana and agreed with the Convention Bureaux and the main associations in the sector, includes a total of 15 promotional actions specifically aimed at MICE and aimed at the national market and the main European markets.

 

It also includes the preparation of a MICE guide for the Valencian Community that will collect and jointly present the sector's offer, as well as updating the section for MICE tourism within the Turisme promotional website, among other actions.

 

On the other hand, the plan also includes a series of measures for the promotion of the Valencian Community as a MICE destination, both with the participation with its own spaces in some of the main MICE fairs and events of 2022, as well as the IMEX fairs that are planned to held in Frankfurt at the end of next April or IBTM WORLD, which will take place in Barcelona next November.

 

Finally, highlight the upcoming celebration of events such as the Iberian Mice Forum that will take place in Benidorm or the meeting with French MICE operators in Valencia that will take place at the end of spring next year.

 

This roadmap incorporates, in collaboration with Turespaña and the various convention bureaux, the realisation of familiarisation trips for MICE operators in markets such as the Dutch, British or French, as well as participation in roadshows and meetings with MICE operators in markets such as the German or Italian.

### Torrevieja presents a Three Kings Parade that reinforces security and prevention measures

After a year of absence, Torrevieja will once again celebrate the traditional Three Kings Parade on Wednesday 5 January, applying a series of restrictions and security and prevention measures that exceed current recommendations. The Councillor for Festivities, Concha Sala and the Councillor for Security and Emergencies, Federico Alarcón, have released the details of the arrival of Their Majesties The Three Wise Men from the East, as well as the security device that has been planned.




One of the main novelties of the parade that will begin in the fishing port enclosure on 5 January at 5:30 p.m., is the extension of the route with the aim of allowing the public to have more space to avoid accumulations . In this way, as the parade passes through the La Punta neighbourhood, the parade will run through calle Ramón y Cajal to calle Patricio Zammit and not to Zoa as planned. In this way, it will connect with calle Ramón Gallud and an extension of around 800 linear metres is achieved, which could accommodate almost a thousand people.

The Kings will arrive aboard the boat "Espejo de Torrevieja" from the local company "Marítimas Torrevieja". The councillor, Concha Sala has thanked "once again the predisposition of the Juárez family to transfer the Kings." The reception at the port, as well as the passage of the parade, will be faster than on previous occasions. Physical contact between the participants and the public will be avoided at all times and this year the usual delivery of sweets will be dispensed with.

The parade will be made up of six floats, the train of illusion, animals that have proven their good care and sanitary status, two dance groups, a recreation of real postmen, a musical group and a representation of the security forces and bodies that they will lead the cavalcade.

The mayor of Fiestas has thanked the participation of the 130 volunteers who will form the royal entourages, of the nearly 300 people who will make up the delegation. All participants will present their Covid certificate and parade with a greater safety distance. Throughout the tour there will be staff who will advise compliance with security measures.
Both councillors have requested the maximum citizen collaboration in the fulfilment of the security measures.

The entire route will be fenced, as will the doors of the Church of the Immaculate where the traditional adoration will take place. A small camp has been installed there with the collaboration of the Parish of the Immaculate. The Kings will later be received at the Town Hall, although the usual greeting from the balcony will not take place, nor will the toast inside the Town Hall. The royal entourage will not go this year to the University Hospital or to the nursing homes.

On the other hand, both today and tomorrow, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., a small camp will be opened at the gates of the Church of the Immaculate on the occasion of the arrival of the Royal Pages who will collect the letters of the kids. In Torrelamata it will be tomorrow, in the Plaza de Encarnación Puchol, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

For his part, the Security Councillor, Federico Alarcón, has encrypted around 70 people who will make up the security device between Local Police, Civil Guard, Civil Protection, Volunteers and Security Guards. Also during the tour, several security and evacuation zones will be set up, which will be located on Calle Zoa with Calle Ulpiano and on Calle Ramón Gallud on the corner of Calle Joaquín Chapaprieta. An ambulance will also be located on calle Apolo and an accessible area will be set up on calle Ramón Gallud at the height of Rambla de Juan Mateo.

### Vaccination in the Community accelerates in December with almost 1 million doses administered

The Conselleria de Sanidad Universal y Salud Pública has administered a total of 990,004 doses of the coronavirus vaccine during the month of December, of which 158,465 have been first doses for the population still pending the vaccine, 128,289 second doses to complete the immunisation and 703,250 have been booster doses to those over 60 years of age and indicated population groups.

 

Of the total doses administered, by provinces, during this month 117,465 doses have been administered in the province of Castellón, 381,555 in Alicante and 490,984 in Valencia, as reported by Health in a statement.

 

For the Department, these figures "show the impulse" that the department headed by Ana Barceló has given to the vaccination process this December with the aim of immunising "as soon as possible" the entire Valencian population, as well as inoculating doses of reinforcement of vulnerable population groups.

 

The Minister of Health stressed that the vaccination teams have developed "intense work with the aim of continuing to protect citizens." "In fact, December has been the month that more vaccines have been administered after the summer, which was when the population was inoculated massively," she highlighted.

 

In fact, according to Health data, the figures reached in December are at the same level as those reached last summer with the start-up of the 133 mass vaccination points. Thus, while 1,652,994 of administered doses were reached in June, as of September this figure began to decrease to 516,831 in September, 143,535 in October and 567,257 in November. And it was in December when, again, the immunisation process was "accelerated" taking into account that the vast majority have been to inoculate booster doses.

 

Minister Ana Barceló has considered that with these figures "it is clear the responsibility that citizens are showing, as well as the tireless work of the vaccination teams." Barceló has shown its gratitude to the professionals who are part of these teams "for their daily dedication and their effort to continue protecting us day by day with the administration of the vaccine."

### The Generalitat transfers 16 million euros for rainwater drainage and retention systems to all municipalities in the Vega Baja

The Minister of Territorial Policy, Public Works and Mobility, Arcadi España, has announced in Rafal that the Generalitat has already transferred 16 million euro aid for rainwater drainage and retention systems to the municipalities of the Vega Baja, framed in the Vega Renhace Plan.

 

"Today an important step is taken, the investment of 16 million euro by the Generalitat in the Vega Baja begins to materialise, which has already been transferred to all city councils, to carry out actions that protect the area against future episodes of rain, such as rainwater drainage and retention systems ", explained Arcadi España.

 

Likewise, the Public Works spokesperson stressed during his visit to Rafal the importance of continuing to act "in two fundamental areas for the economic development of the Vega Baja; more investment is necessary and, in addition, ordering the territory in a dialogue manner, to be stronger in the face of torrential episodes that may occur in the region. "

 

"La Vega Baja is a fundamental region for the Valencian Community, which for many years has not received the necessary investments," said the Minister who, in turn, has highlighted the investment effort of the Generalitat in the area. "After DANA, the residents of the area and the administrations have learned that it is necessary to invest in a forceful way to prevent, as far as possible, the effects of torrential rains, while boosting the economy and it contributes to generating employment ".

 

This was the opinion of the head of Territorial Policy, Public Works and Mobility after holding a working meeting with the mayor of Rafal, Manuel Pineda, the commissioner of the Vega Baja and director of Vega Renhace, Antonio Alonso and the undersecretary of the Department of Territorial Policy, Public Works and Mobility, Rafa Briet, in which he has detailed the project in which the aid received by this city council will be invested, which will amount to 400,000 euro.

 

With the set of aid of 16 million euro, the regional Executive makes available to the municipalities of the Vega Baja an additional instrument to, in addition to improving their response capacity to new episodes of torrential rains, promoting the generation of employment and the economic and social recovery of the region. In total, 27 municipalities in the region will benefit with a set of 46 different actions.

### More than 380 Valencian municipalities add cases of coronavirus in the last update of the year

The last coronavirus data update of the year leaves new infections in 382 Valencian municipalities, and two of them, Valencia and Alicante, exceed a thousand infections.
Specifically, in Valencia there are 3,781 new positives, and in Alicante, 1,204. Elche has registered 899 new cases; Castelló de la Plana, 709; Gandia, 607; Sagunt, 407; Torrent, 384; Alcoi, 361; Elda, 313; Benidorm, 289; Sant Vicent del Raspeig, 287; Vila-real, 272; Dénia, 257; Paiporta, 237; Mislata, 229; Paterna, 213 and Torrevieja, 206.
Below 200 cases are Burriana (197), Alaquàs (194), Petrer and Villena (192); Xirivella (187), Ontinyent (174), Almassora (173), Orihuela (172), Aldaia (169), Xàbia (167), Manises and Oliva (162); Picassent (157), Quart de Poblet (153) and Santa Pola (151).
In addition, there are 146 new infections in Requena; 144 in Benicàssim and Ibi; 143 in Tavernes de la Valldigna, 139 in Sueca, 135 in Vinaròs, 133 in Algemesí and Novelda; 129 in Xàtiva, 126 in Vila Joiosa, 123 in Alzira, 122 in Riba-roja de Túria, 118 in Burjassot, 116 in Utiel, 115 in Godella, 113 in Mutxamel, 111 in Catarroja, 109 in Alboraia, 104 in Bétera and the Vall d'Uixó, 103 in Onda and 101 in Carcaixent and Monòver.
Cullera has detected 92 cases; la Nucia, 87; Ayora and Nules, 86; Benicarló, 84; Moncada, 83; Altea, 82; Eliana, 79; Alcora, 78; Crevillent, 77; Pego, 75; Massamagrell and Sant Joan d'Alacant, 74; Alginet, el Campello y Puçol, 73 and Alfafar, 72.
Albal, Banyeres de Mariola, Calp, La Pobla de Vallbona and Pilar de la Horadada have added 67 infections; Channels, 64; Aspe, 63; Almoradí, Benifaió, Buñol, l'Alfàs del Pi and Teulada, 62; Llíria and Montserrat, 58; Pinós and Meliana, 57; Ondara, 55; Bellreguard, 54; l'Alcúdia, 53; Chiva, 52 and Turís, 51.
There are 49 new positives in Cocentaina, Guardamar del Segura, La Pobla de Farnals and Pedreguer; 47 in Benaguasil; 46 in Carlet and Muro de Alcoy; 45 in Alberic and Picanya; 44 in Alcàsser and Benetússer; 43 in Castelló de Rugat and Rafelbunyol; 42 in Almussafes and Castalla; 41 in the Olleria; 40 in Jijona; 39 in Benissa, Onil, San Miguel de Salinas and Silla; 38 in the Verger and Tavernes Blanques; 37 in Albalat dels Sorells, Almenara and Vall d'Alba; Almàssera, Orba and Segorbe; 35 in Ador, Oropesa and Vilamarxant; 34 in Sedaví; 32 in Albatera, the Puig de Santa Maria, Faura and Foios; 31 in Betxí and 30 in Albaida, Callosa d'en Sarrià, Castellón and Cheste.
Rocafort has detected 29 positives; Peñíscola, 28; Callosa de Segura and Sax, 26; l'Alcúdia de Crespins, Moncofa y Xeraco, 25; Gata de Gorgos y Redován, 23; Canet d'en Berenguer y Massanassa, 22; Dolores y Rojales, 21 and Benigànim, Borriol and Enguera, 20.
In Biar, Llutxent, Polop, Sant Mateu and Villar del Arzobispo there are 19 cases; in Daimús, Monforte del Cid and Navarrés, 18; in Albuixech, Catadau, la Vilavella and Traiguera, 17; in August, Artana, Chella, Cox, Finestrat, the Font d'En Carròs and Nàquera, 16 and in Aielo de Malferit, Alcalà de Xivert, Benirredrà, Museros, Torreblanca and Vallada.
Anna, Cañada, Guadassuar, les Alqueries, Miramar, Moixent and San Fulgencio have had 14 positives; Altura, Rafal and San Antonio de Benagéber, 13; the Genovés, the Pobla Llarga, Morella and Vilallonga, 12; Bocairent, Bonrepòs and Mirambell, Montroi and Vinalesa, 11 and Barx and Càrcer, 10.
Bigastro, Catral and Forcall have detected 9 cases; Benifairó de les Valls, Chelva, el Real de Gandia, Favara, Gilet, la Llosa de Ranes, Llombai, Massalfassar, Pedralba, Quartell y Xeresa, ocho y Agullent, Albalat de la Ribera, Barxeta, Benifairó de la Valldigna, Benijófar, Caudete de las Fuentes, Piles, Quatretonda and Vilafranca, seven.
There are 6 positives in Beniarjó, Benilloba, Benimodo, Fortaleny, la Romana, the Caves of Vinromà, Rafelcofer, Real, Ribesalbes, Sollana, Venta del Moro and Xilxes and 5 in Alfara del Patriarca, Alfondeguilla, Algueña, Almoines, Benejúzar, Beniarbeig, Benidoleig, Estivella, Jacarilla, Jérica, l'Orxa, la Pobla Tornesa, la Vall de Laguar, Riola, Salinas.
Albalat dels Tarongers, Alcalalí, Algorfa, Antella, Benicull de Júcar, Cabanes, Càlig, Formentera del Segura, Gavarda, Godelleta, l'Alqueria de la Comtessa, la Font de la Figuera, Llanera de Ranes, Loriguilla, Macastre, Novetlè, Potries , Sant Joan de Moró and Simat de la Valldigna have 4 more cases.
There are 3 more positives in Albocàsser, Alborache, Alfarrasí, Atzeneta del Maestrat, Benillup, Bicorp, Bugarra, Catí, Cofrentes, el Poble Nou de Benitatxell, Granja de Rocamora, Jarafuel, la Granja de la Costera, Llíber, Manuel, Marines, Montitxelvo , Petrés, Quart de les Valls, Rossell, Rotglà i Corberà, Salem, Suera, Titaguas, Vall de Almonacid, Vilafamés and Vilanova d'Alcolea.
Ademuz, Alfara de la Baronia, Alfarp, Algar de Palancia, Algímia d'Alfara, Benavites, Benferri, Beniparrell, Benlloc, Busot, Camporrobles, Casinos, Corbera, Cortes de Arenoso, el Ràfol d'Almúnia, Emperador, Fontanars dels Alforins, Atzúbia, Ènova, La Jana, La Pobla del Duc, La Salzadella, Llaurí, Los Montesinos, Montanejos, Montaverner, Palmera, Planes, Sant Jordi, Serra, Sumacàrcer, Tàrbena, Teresa, Tormos, Tuéjar, Vistabella del Maestrat , Xaló and Yátova have detected 2 cases.
There is 1 more positive in Aigües, Alcàntera de Júquer, Alcublas, Alcudia de Veo, Almedíjar, Aras de los Olmos, Atzeneta d'Albaida, Barracas, Bèlgida, Bellús, Benasau, Benassal, Benigembla, Benimantell, Benimeli, Benissanó, Benissoda, Castell de Castells, Chera, Chóvar, Cinctorres, Daya Nueva, Dos Aguas, el Camp de Mirra, el Fondó de les Neus, el Palomar, els Poblets, Figueroles, Gátova, l'Alqueria d'Asnar, la Llosa, la Mata de Morella , Torre d'En Besora, les Useres, Llocnou de Sant Jeroni, Llucena, Millares, Murla, Olocau, Quesa, Ráfol de Salem, Sagra, San Rafael del Río, Sanet y Negrals, Sant Joanet, Santa Magdalena de Pulpis, Teresa de Cofrentes, Tibi, Torres Torres, Tous, Vall de Gallinera and Villanueva de Viver.

### Health Ministry Clarifies Covid Contact Tracing Procedure

The Conselleria de Sanidad Universal has detailed the main changes in the coronavirus detection strategy in the Valencian Community, which include that, when carrying out the traces, the census of contacts of confirmed cases will include only cohabitants and intimate contacts who are especially vulnerable.
In close contacts, both vaccinated and not vaccinated, priority will be given to performing a diagnostic test on vulnerable people, the people who care for them, health or social health personnel and people in residences, as reported by the department headed by Ana Barceló.
As agreed by the Public Health Commission on Wednesday, the isolation period for asymptomatic positive cases or with mild symptoms is reduced to seven days, but "as long as the person shows no symptoms in the last three days." In contrast, for those with severe disease or immunosuppression, the minimum isolation period of 21 days is maintained.
Likewise, after the seven-day isolation period and up to ten days after the onset of symptoms or the date of diagnosis in asymptomatic cases, positive people "should exercise extreme caution and reduce social interactions as much as possible by constantly using the mask", indicated the Ministry of Health, which points out that "you should especially avoid contact with vulnerable people."
Confirmed cases should inform their close contacts of their positive status. In the event of symptoms, they should call 900 300 555.
In addition, the Ministry has detailed that the census of contacts of confirmed cases will include only cohabitants and intimate contacts who are especially vulnerable and the rest of the close contacts must be quarantined for seven days if they are not vaccinated with a complete schedule or are immunosuppressed
Although they are exempt from quarantine, during the 10 days after the last exposure, they should take extreme precautions and reduce social interactions as much as possible by using the mask constantly. They should avoid contact with vulnerable people.
In close contacts, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, priority will be given to performing a diagnostic test on vulnerable people (over 70 years of age, immunosuppression or pregnant women) and on people who care for them (professionals or family members) as well as health or social health personnel already people who are admitted to a health or social health centre.

### Unvaccinated should "Stay at Home" this New Year´s Eve

The vice president of the Valencian Government, Mónica Oltra , has recommended that those who are over 12 years old and are not vaccinated against the coronavirus should "stay at home."


Oltra made the statement in a press conference after the plenary session of the Consell, saying that this year there is "a very very different panorama" from that of last New Year's Eve, since then we had only been vaccinating against Covid for four days and currently more than 90% of the Valencians have already been inoculated, a "substantial difference."




She has insisted that the recommendations for the last night of the year are prudence and the safety measures set by the health authorities: hand hygiene, mask, social distance and ventilation.




Se also pointed out that the majority of premature deaths due to Covid correspond to unvaccinated people who do not have another pathology and are physically well - she explained that in the last ten days a 25-year-old person and one of 27 who had not been vaccinated both died-, so has insisted that the unvaccinated go to a mobile vaccination point to receive the jab.
Asked about the extraordinary New Year's Eve parties that the Generalitat has authorised in the Veles e Vents building in Valencia, with a capacity of 772 people, and in a restaurant in Castellón, with capacity for 400, she has indicated that it assumes that they will have the obligation to demand the Covid passport and that they will be "within what the health authorities allow."

### Oltra: "I am proud of the response of the population to the vaccine"

The vice president and spokesperson of the Consell, Mónica Oltra, said today that she is "proud of the Valencian people for the response to the vaccine, satisfied with the work carried out since the beginning of the pandemic and hopeful, because we not only have a vaccine that will end the pandemic but also because in the Valencian Community we have opted for a social vaccine that makes us feel proud and proud of a people that walks together and leaves no one behind. "

 

For the vice president, the summary of the year can be explained with three concepts: firstly, "the pride of the Valencian men and women in the response to both vaccination and the measures that have had to be taken during the pandemic."

 

Secondly, he highlighted the "seriousness" and "responsibility of the Consell with the measures adopted to overcome the crisis generated and the fact of having approved" since March 2020 "agreements worth 1,6 billion euro."

 

Third, he referred to the "social vaccine, which is the concept of how we want to get out of this crisis, which is in a totally opposite way to 2008, of cuts, inequality and selfish corruption. Right now clearly no one can be left behind. "

 

Oltra made these statements after the press conference of the last plenary session of the Consell of the year, in which she took stock of the time elapsed since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020 and specifically in the year 2021.

 

In the first place, the vice president stressed that this time Valencian society "has understood that the vaccine is a symbol of solidarity and hope to end the pandemic."

 

Thus, "in the face of the messages of those who have tried to lead us down the path of selfishness and noise -she pointed out- the Valencians have responded responsibly; choosing the path of the community, we have gone from thinking about the self to caring of us all".

 

In this sense, she stressed that the citizens of the Community have received the vaccine to "protect ourselves from the virus and also because it is a way of caring for those around us", which has led us to be "one of the regions in Europe with the highest vaccination rate, over 90%. "

 

She also recalled that the Valencian Government "already asked in February that the patents for vaccines be released", I understand that "only universal vaccination will allow a global solution to the pandemic" and that "we can only get out together" from this situation.

 

Measures promoted by the Consell

 

On the other hand, Oltra has highlighted that in these almost two years of pandemic the Consell "has acted with responsibility and seriousness", deploying a series of measures aimed, "above all, to save lives, but also accompanied by policies to help the sectors most affected by the crisis ".

 

Specifically, she stressed that the Plenary of the Consell has approved agreements and decrees "worth 1,622,910,227.42 euro", a figure that is "a response to having listened to what the Valencians have asked us and needed" .

 

Among these investments to fight the pandemic and its consequences in these almost two years, the purchase of sanitary materials has stood out; aid companies and workers in ERTE "to compensate for the anguish and the bad situation generated by the economic crisis" or to compensate "the effort of professionals on the front line".

 

Also to "start schools safely; to reinforce hospital services with one of the best health care in the world; to support social services that protect the most vulnerable people in our society; to create a successful vaccination system, that they already wanted in most countries, or to sustain the lives of thousands of families who are having a very bad time. "

 

Support for the most vulnerable groups

 

Finally, she wanted to highlight the aid and measures for the most vulnerable groups promoted by the Consell since March 2020 through the Department of Equality and Inclusive Policies and the city councils to reinforce social services, which have become "a social shield" so that no one is left behind.

 

Among them, she has referred to the more than 100 million euro destined to reinforce municipal social services and primary care, to which is added the reinforcement of mental health units and Xarxa Jove with teams of psychologists to attend to the consequences of this pandemic or the expansion of the Valencian Inclusion Income to 230 million euro that have already been paid since the start of the pandemic.

### Health extends the validity of more than a million chronic treatments

The Valencian Ministry of Health extends the validity of chronic treatments for a period of two months, the expiration of which was to occur in January and February.

 

In this way, all those patients with chronic treatments planned for periods of 180 or more days, whose completion was to occur before February 28, 2022, will have two additional months of validity and, therefore, may Pick up your medications at a pharmacy without having to go to your health centre to renew them.

 

Currently, in the Valencian Community there are 571,667 patients with this type of chronic treatments, which during January and February would end the validity of their treatments. With this measure, they will have two more months of validity, which will be counted from the date on which they were to expire.

 

Thus, for example, the treatments that had to be renewed during the month of January will not need to be renewed until March, and those in February until April. In total, there are 1,086,874 chronic treatments planned for periods of 180 or more days whose validity ended in the next two months. It must be borne in mind that the same patient may have prescribed several chronic treatments.

 

This measure was launched by the Ministry of Health during the start of the coronavirus pandemic. It is an initiative that aims to protect the health of the patient, since it avoids their travel to a health centre, especially at times when the incidence is on the rise due to the increase in the number of infections, as is the current case in the middle of the sixth pandemic wave. In addition, it favours the continuity of established chronic treatments, preventing the health of patients from being compromised by the completion of prescriptions for drugs already established.

 

On the other hand, the purpose of the measure is to facilitate the work of reviewing and carrying out administrative procedures by the medical staff of the Primary Care centres. All this, without prejudice to the necessary control and responsibility of the doctors to start, continue or suspend pharmacological treatments and generate their respective prescriptions.

 

Likewise, the extension of the validity will not be applicable to temporary or limited treatments of less than 180 days or to acute treatments, magisterial formulas, narcotic drugs, or treatments with a single quarterly or semi-annual administration. Nor does it affect treatments that require an inspection visa for their financed dispensation, nor does it affect those medicines whose maximum allowed duration is established in their technical sheet.

 

Finally, to make this measure effective, the Ministry of Health has published a Resolution, which will take effect from the day of its publication and will remain effective for a period of three months.

### Bus Changes in Torrevieja on Thursday

Due to a sporting event taking place in the town today, a number of bus stops will be out of service. 



In the image you can see the bus stops affected and the closest alternative.

### 20 military immunisation teams will reinforce 8 departments and 13 stable vaccination points

The Valencia Department of Universal Health has incorporated 20 mobile military vaccination teams, provided by the Ministry of Defence, in order to speed up and reinforce the immunisation process of the Valencian population in eight health departments, and specifically, the administration of booster doses.

 

The Minister of Health, Ana Barceló, has indicated that "these 20 military teams are going to be added to the 149 of the Ministry of Health, which are already immunising with booster doses at the permanent vaccination points. Therefore, we are going to to be able to considerably speed up the vaccination process ".

 

That is, it is about accelerating the vaccination of the booster dose in people over 60 years of age, people who have previously received the Janssen vaccine (both in their final stage) and the population group that has been immunized with the AstraZeneca's double guideline.

 

Thus, once these priority groups have been completed, the vaccination campaign will continue with the population group of people over 50 years of age, and subsequently, in those over 40 years of age.

 

In this sense, the minister insisted on the importance of going to the vaccination point in case of receiving an SMS appointment or phone call. "It is very important to receive the booster dose and continue to protect the population. As we know, the vaccine is our main ally against the coronavirus, in addition to protective measures. If you are summoned, please go," insisted the head of health.

 

Military vaccinators in 8 health departments

 

The 8 health departments to be strengthened are: Vinaròs, València-Hospital Clínico, València-Arnau, València-Hospital Peset, Xàtiva. Alcoi, Orihuela and Torrevieja.

 

Specifically, the locations where the military mobile vaccination teams will be present are: Vinarós (Home for the pensioner), Peñíscola (Health Centre), Benicarló (Health Centre), Valencia-Hospital Clínico, Lliria (Multipurpose Pavilion ), Paterna (Health Centre), Valencia-CIPS Hospital Peset, Xàtiva (Health Centre), Ontinyent (Health Centre), Alcoi Hospital, Orihuela. (Escorratel senior centre), Callosa (Town Hall) and Torrevieja Hospital.

### Torrevieja Cancels New Year's Eve Party in the Main Square

The festivities department of Torrevieja town hall has reported that "due to the high-risk situation of the Covid-19 health pandemic" and, by transferring the responsibility for the authorisation of activities to the municipalities, it has finally decided not to cancel the New Year's Eve celebrations which were due to take place in the town.



The cancellation also affects the children's party due to take place on 30 December, both of which were scheduled to be held in the Plaza de la Constitución.

In a statement, the department has expressed its regret at having to adopt this decision, especially since it is not possible to guarantee the permanent use of the mask, since it is about events that celebrate the traditional farewell and welcome of the year with grapes and a toast.

Other events will still be going ahead in the town, including the delivery of the letters of Their Majesties The Three Kings on 3 and 4 January, from 16:30 to 19:30.

The parade of The Three Kings is also planned , on 5 January, from 17:30 p.m., departing from the fishing port. 

The council appeals to the responsibility of citizens in general when it comes to complying with all prevention and safety measures, as well as social distancing between all people.

### Jewel thieves arrested in Torrevieja

Officers from the Guardia Civil in Torrevieja arrested two young people, aged 20 and 22 and of Albanian nationality, who are attributed to the alleged commission of four robberies with force in towns of Valencia and Murcia, a crime of documentary falsification and another of resistance and disobedience for trying to flee when discovered.

The courts have remanded the two men in custody whilst the Guardia Civil recovered various pieces of jewellery valued at 116,040 euro.



The officers from the Guardia Civil were carrying out a crime prevention device in a residential area when they observed a car approaching. Upon noticing the presence of the patrol, the car abruptly diverted its trajectory. Several patrol vehicles began a pursuit of the suspect vehicle that was trying to flee at full speed, managing to catch up shortly after.

The two men who were traveling in the car got out and tried to continue their escape on foot but were caught. The officers proceeded to identify them and search the interior of the vehicle to try to find out what they were hiding, finding among the effects they were carrying, several items of jewellery and 500 euro in cash.

An investigation they found that the jewels had been stolen from a home in Caravaca de la Cruz, in the Region of Murcia. In addition, the same men are believed to have robbed three other homes in the towns of Eliana and San Antonio de Benagéber (Valencia).

The investigators found out that the men were monitoring the chosen homes, waiting for the residents to leave, from inside a vehicle with a false number plate. Later, by jumping the perimeter walls, and fracturing the main door or the window, they accessed the interior of the houses, where they stole the jewels and the cash they found.

### The Torrevieja winter cultural program 2021/2022

Tickets to all the shows will go on sale next week through the digital platform www.entradasatualcance.com and at www.bacantix.com, see below.






The Councillor for Culture of the Torrevieja City Council, Antonio Quesada, together with the Manager of the Municipal Institute of Culture "Joaquín Chapaprieta", Miguel Fernández, and the coordinator of culture, Manuel Esteban Moreno, have presented the Cultural Program of Winter 2021/2022, which includes the months of January, February and March, and is made up of approximately 40 musical and theatrical events. The schedule was approved in the last session of the Governing Board of the "Joaquín Chapaprieta" Municipal Institute of Culture.

In the month of January we have a total of 6 music shows, of which in addition to the traditional New Year and Three Kings concerts of the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra, we have the privilege of having, on January 15, the "National Orchestra of Spain" at the International Auditorium.

It will be a quarter full of magic, of dance by the Soul Dance Academy. We will also have humour, with a theatrical circus show called “Parüa”, which will be on January 22 at the Municipal Theatre, and which this year has received the award for the best circus show from the 2021 Valencia Performing Arts Awards.

We continue with the II Cycle of Music with organ: Organ Metal, which will be at the Arciprestal Temple of the Immaculate Conception, on January 29, February 6 and March 6, which is a cycle directed by Jorge Carrasco and that we will have the possibility to enjoy the best classical music.  

We also have operatic shows, the first one entitled "Operámida" which will be held on January 30, at the Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja. It is an opera for children, where they take an active part in the work and define it as: “a non-traditional show, since each performance becomes a unique and different experience”.

For adults, we will have the opera "Nabucco" by Guiseppe Verdi, on March 17th.

In this quarter we will continue with the works of "Theatre for everyone", we will have the works: For +, on February 13 and Faboo on March 13. As stated by the councillor: "we want to continue in the wake of gaining interest in the theatre and instilling it in the little ones."

We are also going to recover the Jazz and Swing cycle of “Palacio Fridays” on February 18 we have Randy Greer and on March 4 with the Swing group “O sister” recreating the golden age of vocal Jazz of the 20s and 30s of North America. 

On March 11 we will have a classical dance show by "The Russian estate Academy Ballet" called "Gisele", which will also feature a live symphony orchestra.

The II National Amateur Theatre Competition "Raúl Ferrández" will start again from March 21 to 25, and the awards ceremony will be held on World Theatre Day, March 27, that same day the play "La Mama ”, Written and directed by Jesús García Gallera.

The program also includes events by local entities such as the Torrevieja Carnival, the concerts of the Unión Musical Torrevejense band, the Ricardo Lafuente recital and many other works.  

Tickets to all the shows will go on sale next week through the digital platform www.entradasatualcance.com and at www.bacantix.com

### 260 tons of rubbish have been removed by the Urban Cleaning team during the last week

The Urban Cleanliness councillor of the Torrevieja City Council, Carmen Gómez, reports the removal of 260 tons of rubble and garbage in waste ground located in the vicinity of the Torrevieja International Auditorium during this last week.

Gómez has requested “neighbourhood collaboration to report to the Local Police the facts at the time of occurrence to arrest the perpetrators of these acts that carry a fine and that may constitute an environmental crime ”.
She also wanted to state that "all the points are being cleaned, waiting for the Environment Unit of the Local Police to find the perpetrators." At the same time, she recalled that individuals can deposit small amounts of rubble in the ECOPARQUE for free.
From the Department of Urban Cleaning they continue with the constant fight to avoid the proliferation of rubbish dumps on the outskirts of the city, with precise instructions to the Local Police units to "try to combat this scourge that affects the municipal coffers producing an expense of thousands of euro”, she pointed out. In addition to the police action that is being carried out, citizen collaboration is necessary by alerting at the moment in which the unlawful act is taking place, so that the authorities can intervene and take the appropriate measures in this regard.
Carmen Gómez has indicated that a map of illegal dumps is being carried out to carry out specific surveillance actions, but she remembers that the participation of neighbours is essential to be able to put an end to this type of illegal practices.

### Valencia authorises extraordinary New Year's Eve parties

The Service of Shows and Public Establishments of the Department of Justice, Interior and Public Administration inthe Valencia region has authorised the celebration of two extraordinary parties on the occasion of New Year's Eve in Valencia and Castelló.

 

In addition, it has received 27 other requests for parties and celebrations in 18 towns of the Valencian Community that do not require a specific administrative authorisation since they do not imply an increase in the usual capacity, the installation of stages or the modification of the technical conditions. In these cases, only a responsible declaration is necessary.

 

The establishments that have communicated said responsible statements to celebrate New Year's Eve parties and cotillions are located in 18 municipalities. Of them, nine belong to the province of Alicante (Alicante, Alcoi, Calp, Guardamar del Segura, Los Montesinos, Orihuela, Santa Pola, San Fulgencio and Xàbia); five to Castellón (Benicàssim, Castelló de la Plana, Torreblanca, Vall d'Uixò and Vila-real); and four to Valencia (Alfafar, Museros, Torrent and València).

 

To these celebrations must be added the two authorisations for extraordinary parties in Valencia, which will take place in the Veles e Vents building with a capacity of 772 people, and in the Julieta de Castelló Restaurant, with capacity for 400 people.

 

However, all the premises must comply with the measures decreed by the Generalitat to stop the Coronavirus. Thus, the request for the Covid-19 passport will be required in all catering establishments; the use of the mask whenever you are not eating or drinking; and a safety distance of at least 1.5 meters if sitting.

 

Finally, the Minister of Justice, Interior and Public Administration, Gabriel Bravo, has made a "call for the responsibility of citizens to celebrate the end of the year with prudence and prioritise their health and that of their families." He also thanked the effort of the leisure business "to adapt quickly and collaborate in the fight against the pandemic, generally complying with the preventive measures decreed by the Generalitat."

### Ximo Puig advocates creating training and employment opportunities for young people

The president of the Generalitat Valenciana, Ximo Puig, has made it a priority of the Consell to strengthen the competitiveness of the productive fabric by creating training and employment opportunities for young people, a path that he has also indicated, strengthens in the face of future crises.

 

This was expressed during the award ceremony of the Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness (Ivace) scholarships to the young beneficiaries of the latest edition of the Ivace Exterior and Ivace Exportation + Employment programs. The minister for Sustainable Economy, Productive Sectors, Trade and Labour, Rafa Climent, also participated in the event.

 

The head of the Consell has highlighted the high rate of labour insertion of these scholarships, which have doubled since 2014 and which, as announced, will be expanded next year. "You are the hope of this Community", said the president, addressing the new scholarship holders, who highlighted the importance of training to consolidate the creation of quality employment and a more competitive production model.

 

In this sense, the president has been in favour of making all the tools available to the young people of the Community to favour their labour insertion at the end of their studies, and has underlined the usefulness of the Ivace scholarships, which have allowed the 90% of the young people who benefit from them have obtained a job linked to foreign trade. In addition, the number of scholarships awarded under these programs has doubled since 2014, from 29 to 70.

 

"That is the objective: to strengthen companies and facilitate a life project for our young people," said the president.

 

New Ivace I + I scholarships

 

For his part, in his speech, Rafa Climent has announced the publication of a new scholarship program in 2022. "These are the Ivace Internationalisation + Innovation (I + I) scholarships, with which we seek to provide companies and entities in the Community Valencian of qualified personnel specialised in digital strategies to increase competitiveness and international sales ", he indicated.

 

From the Department of Sustainable Economy, Climent pointed out, "we keep our attention on the economic recovery after a complex time and our commitment to creating new opportunities for young people who are starting their career path".

 

"It is necessary to offer new job opportunities and specialisation to our young people," he also stressed during the event.

### Puig confirms the restrictions for New Year's Eve in the Region

The Generalitat Valenciana announced that it will maintain the current restrictive measures that it has implemented for this New Year's Eve but has also asked people to avoid crowds on the last night of the year, as well as to use the mask in all areas.

 

The statements were made by the president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, during a ceremony in Alicante where he also explained that another meeting of the Interdepartmental group will not be held this week, although there will be a meeting of the Interterritorial Commission. However, he has advocated "not to generate more uncertainty."

As Puig explained, the possibility of forcing to request the Covid Passport on the terraces, which the Generalitat was considering a few days ago, is also paused for now. The president of the Generalitat has indicated that there are venues that already request it at a preventive level, and has insisted on maintaining the utmost prudence.

With regard to the Cabalgatas de Reyes Three Kings Parades, Puig has stressed that "each municipality and town has its characteristics" and a certain incidence, which is why it has opened the door for these celebrations to be authorised if they are "well organised and control can be maintained”.

After these assertions, all the restrictions and measures for New Year's Eve and Three Kings in the Valencian Community are maintained, as well as the highlights of other important aspects in the current pandemic situation.

 

 

Masks

It is the measure applied by the national Government in the face of the Christmas holidays. The regulations now state that the mask is mandatory at any time on the public highway, although there are exceptions, and it is important to remember that the mandatory mask should be worn when alone on the street.

Pedro Sánchez imposed the mandatory nature of the mask and this is the only norm at the national level that is decreed in the face of the increase in infections caused by the omicron variant.

 

Valencian Covid Certificate

Since before the December bridge, it is mandatory to present the Covid certificate at various points in the Valencian Community, although as infections have risen, the Generalitat increased the list of places affected by this new measure.

The Valencian Covid certificate can be downloaded to the mobile phone and must be accompanied by the DNI or photo identity when accessing all the places where it is requested for access. Despite the beginning of childhood vaccination, those under 12 years of age are not required to present it.

### Valencia launches a new GVA QR reader application to validate the COVID certificate

The Valencia Department of Public Health has launched a new GVA QR reader application that allows, in a simple and agile way, to validate the COVID Digital certificate of the European Union.

 

To date, the validations of the COVID certificates were carried out with an App developed in Luxembourg, which can be downloaded in the App Store or Play Store markets. Now, the health department has created a new application, which is downloaded by accessing the web, and offers the possibility of installing it on a mobile device and using it without having to be connected to the Internet.

 

The purpose is to facilitate the quick and safe reading of the EU COVID-19 certificates, and thus meet the needs of personnel in the hospitality sector and in other places where the certificate is required to access (party venues, cinemas, theatres, etc.).

 

In this way, the user only has to download this application on their mobile device, and once they have the QR reader, they no longer need to connect to the Internet to validate the COVID certificates. The connection will only be necessary to update to new versions.

 

For this, the department has prepared the Quick Guide on validation of the COVID certificate, which it has made available to users on the website: see here .

 

This guide explains in a simple way how the application should be downloaded, both on an Android device and on Apple, as well as the importance of configuring the camera and what data the reading of the QR code offers. In this sense, for its implementation, the Data Protection Law has been taken into account, so the system does not store the data but only performs the reading.

 

On the other hand, the new application, which is available in Valencian and Spanish (the App developed in Luxembourg is also available in English, although the Valencia version is relatively simple to use with even the most basic knowledge of Spanish), also has the advantage that it allows healthcare greater flexibility and agility when it comes to controlling vaccination parameters. In this way, the application can be adjusted so that it detects the validity dates of the three types of certificates, or so that there is no invalid result in the case of having received the booster dose and that 14 days have not yet passed since inoculation of this dose.

 

Finally, the new GVA QR validator allows the scanning camera to be changed, thus providing more options to facilitate reading, allowing the selection of the one with the highest resolution.

### Concierto de Año Nuevo - Reyes - Orquesta Sinfónica de Torrevieja - 8 January 2022

Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra - 8 January 2022 | 19: 00h


















Event type: Concert




Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes approximately.




Price: 


 	Sector B and E: € 25
 	Sector F: 20 €
 	Sector D: 15 €
 	Sector C: 10 €






Capacity: 1386 seats









Saturday 8 January, at 7:00 p.m. at the International Auditorium.

Tickets from € 10 at www.bacantix.com

### Language Learning Diplomas Presented

Torrevieja’s councillor for International Residents, Gitte Lund Thomsen, has presented diplomas to participants in the II Castellano Course organised by the town hall, in collaboration with the That's it Academia Königin Torrevieja.



The 60 students received their diploma crediting the completion of the course that this year incorporated, as a novelty, the conduct of internships in different places of the town.

### Spanish National Orchestra Concert - 15 January 2022

Spanish National Orchestra Concert






15 January, 2022 | 20: 00h








Event type: Concert




Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes approximately




Location: Torrevieja International Auditorium




Price:


 	Sector B: € 25
 	Sector C: € 17
 	Sector D: € 15
 	Sector E: € 20
 	Sector F: € 10






Capacity: 1386 seats









The National Orchestra of Spain was founded in 1937, during the Spanish Civil War, and was definitively relaunched in 1942. Since then it has carried out an uninterrupted and intense concert work, with an extended season in Madrid - since 1988 it has been based in the Auditorium Nacional de Música-, participates in the main Spanish festivals and tours Spain as well as various countries in Europe, America and Asia.

At present David Afkham assumes the positions of titular and artistic director, and Félix Palomero that of technical director of the National Orchestra and Choir of Spain.

Saturday, January 15, at 7:00 p.m. in the Concert Hall of the International Auditorium

Tickets from € 10 at www.entradasatualcance.com





Requirements


It will be MANDATORY compliance

• The use of a mask (except for those exempted by current legislation).

• Wash hands with hydro alcoholic gel at the entrance and exit of the building.

• The use of the seat assigned by staff, displacement not allowed, unless authorized.

• Maintain a safe distance, especially at the entrance and exit to avoid crowds.

• Respect the signs.

• Follow the instructions of staff at all times.

• Everyone who accesses the room where the performance will take place must do so with a ticket.

• Once the performance has started, you will not be able to access the auditorium.

 IT IS RECOMMENDED

• Limit the use of toilets as much as possible.

• Act responsibly

















Organised by: Municipal Institute of Culture

### Spanish and Contemporary Music Recital - 23 January, 2022

Trío Georgia - 23 January, 2022 | 19: 00h








Event type: Concert




Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes approximately




Location: Torrevieja International Auditorium




Price: 5 euro









Classical music concert starring Trío Georgia, three virtuosos of the violin, cello and piano.

Sunday, January 23, at 7:00 p.m. in the Chamber Hall of the International Auditorium of Torrevieja.

Tickets at € 5 at www.entradasatualcance.com





Requirements


It will be MANDATORY compliance

• The use of a mask (except for those exempted by current legislation).

• Wash hands with hydro alcoholic gel at the entrance and exit of the building.

• The use of the seat assigned by staff, displacement not allowed, unless authorized.

• Maintain a safe distance, especially at the entrance and exit to avoid crowds.

• Respect the signs.

• Follow the instructions of staff at all times.

• Everyone who accesses the room where the performance will take place must do so with a ticket.

• Once the performance has started, you will not be able to access the auditorium.

 IT IS RECOMMENDED

• Limit the use of toilets as much as possible.

• Act responsibly

















Organised by: Municipal Institute of Culture

### Ximo Puig highlights that 95% of the Valencian population is already immunised on the first anniversary of the vaccination against COVID-19

The president of the Valencia Region, Ximo Puig, has highlighted that 94.53% of the Valencian population has already received the complete vaccination schedule, which means having immunised 4,242,773 people, with the first anniversary of the start of vaccination against COVID-19 in the Valencian Community.

 

This was stated after holding a meeting with experts from the Valencian COVID-19 Vaccine Research Program (ProVaVac), in which the Minister of Universal Health and Public Health, Ana Barceló, has also participated.

 

During the press conference after the meeting, the president assured that all scientific studies show the effectiveness of vaccines against the coronavirus, "which have saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of people."

 

Likewise, it has announced that the Valencian COVID-19 Vaccine Research Program has agreed to carry out three new studies on seroprevalence in the Valencian Community, the chronic impact of the infection and on the duration of the efficacy of the vaccine in the child population to be able to decide when a new dose would be necessary.

 

Specifically, the head of the Consell has referred to the need to study the chronic impact of the infection in order to be able to develop care strategies to reduce the loss of permanent chronic health and optimise well-being.

 

The president has also announced the change of name of the General Hospital of Alicante to be renamed Doctor Balmis-General Hospital of Alicante in order to "symbolically signify the value of vaccines to overcome the pandemic," he explained.

 

In addition, he has valued the launch this Monday of the new application of the Ministry of Health on the COVID certificate that will facilitate compliance with this measure that, as indicated, "is serving to increase vaccination" of the population that has not yet she had been immunised.

 

Revaccination to maintain protection

 

During his speech, he highlighted the need to get vaccinated again since, as he stated, "the third vaccination is decisive to maintain protection." In this sense, it has pointed out that all the studies carried out guarantee the efficacy of vaccination in the same way that they reflect a gradual decrease in its effectiveness from the fourth month, falling to 36% in the case of Pfizer from the eighth month.

 

The president explained that a study is being carried out on the protection generated by the vaccine against contagion with a group of 9,000 health workers out of the 70,000 that exist in the Valencian Community in which it is shown that after the third dose and after 10 days "the contagion clearly declines."

 

As he has indicated, the objective of the Generalitat is that by the end of the year all those over 60 years of age have received the third dose and that before January 10 all education professionals also have the booster dose. In addition, he pointed out that in parallel the Ministry of Health is citing all the people vaccinated with Janssen and AstraZeneca, "so the vaccination of essential professions and age cohorts will continue to be combined", he stated.

 

Vaccination balance

 

During the event, the president took stock of the first year of vaccination in which a total of 9,433,334 doses have been administered, of which 3,462,071 in the province of Alicante, 1,115,540 in Castellón and 4,855. 723 in Valencia.

 

He has also ensured that if all the needles used to administer the 9.4 million doses were lined up, they would reach 415 kilometres, the distance by car between Morella or Vinaroz and Pilar de la Horadada, and that the total volume of administered doses amounts to 3,600 litres of vaccine approximately.

 

For the president, these data demonstrate "the magnitude of the operation" that has taken place in the Valencian Community "thanks to health professionals and the joint responsibility of citizens", which has meant reaching "record vaccination figures around the world ".

 

Regarding the distribution of doses by laboratories, it has been pointed out that 6.6 million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech have been administered, that is, 70.7% of the total; 1.5 from Moderna-Lonza, representing 16.3% of the total; one million AstraZeneca, representing 10.6%, and more than 221,000 doses of Janssen, or 2.4%.

 

It should be noted that of the total vaccines, 1,304,747 have been booster doses and have been administered to people over 60 years of age, immunised with Janssen, people at risk or essential services.

 

Finally, regarding the vaccination of minors between 9 and 11 years old that is being carried out in schools, the president has highlighted that a total of 105,898 boys and girls, that is, 70% of the population of this age , has already received between December 15 and 22 the first paediatric dose.

### Alicante Based Bank Scamming Gang Dismantled

The Guardia Civil, within the framework of the Operation Chrimata, has dismantled in Alicante a network dedicated to committing bank scams at an international level and on a massive scale through the method of phishing, in its form of smishing. They invested the money stolen from the accounts of the injured in cryptocurrencies, in order to be able to launder it without leaving a trace.
8 people have been arrested for the alleged crimes of fraud, forgery of identity documents, money laundering and the establishment of a criminal organisation.

The operation began in April 2020, after the perpetrators carried out, for three consecutive days, a massive attack on a large number of clients of a Spanish bank, by smishing the mobile phones of those affected. They managed to defraud 600,000 euro from a total of 106 injured people throughout the national territory.

The gang collected the data necessary to access the accounts of the injured by sending a text message to the victims posing as their bank. Once the injured parties bite, the authors took control of their accounts from the entity's online platform, and modified the form of access. The injured parties are all clients of the same bank, with national headquarters.

After having control of the accounts, they made massive transfers of about 5,000 euro each, from those of the injured to accounts of people used as mules, registered with online financial companies.

These people, known as money mules, transfer money of illegal origin received into your account, and in return give you a commission. The investigators located up to 28 of these mules, verifying that 462,000 euro of the total money scammed were passed through their accounts to the injured. The remaining 128,000 euro were scammed by similar methodology and means, to different businesses in Paris (France).
Investing in virtual currencies or cryptocurrencies
After transferring the money to the mules' accounts, they invested it in the acquisition of virtual currencies or cryptocurrencies, thus achieving, in addition to laundering the black money, to avoid tracking by researchers, since the main characteristic of cryptocurrency, is that the source and destination data are encrypted making it very difficult to track. Once the virtual currencies were acquired, they were transferred to the accounts of the main members of the gang, who thus managed to remain anonymous.

The use of digital media also makes it easier for criminals to operate from or to any geographic location, a feature that adds to the work of police investigation.
After studying the information obtained, the agents have been able to identify a complex criminal network made up of 90 people of Latvian, Russian, Czech, Kazakh, Belarusian, French, German, Cameroonian and Ukrainian nationalities.

In Spain, eight people, between 40 and 59 years old and of Spanish, Romanian and Ukrainian nationalities, have been arrested; in the towns of Malaga, Seville, Murcia, La Coruña, Zaragoza, Gerona, Valencia and Elche. In addition, a total of 25 bank accounts have been blocked and brought to justice.

On the other hand, 43 international arrest warrants corresponding to the main members of the criminal group have been requested from the competent judicial authority. The proceedings, which were made available to the Alicante Investigating Court, have been transferred to the National Court.

The operation has been carried out by agents belonging to the Investigation Area of ​​the Guardia Civil of San Juan (Alicante), who have had the collaboration of agents of the Technical Unit of the Judicial Police of the Guardia Civil of Madrid, of the Units Organics of the Judicial Police of Gerona, Malaga, Seville, Zaragoza and La Coruña, as well as members of Interpol, Europol, and different police forces from Latvia, Russia, France, Kazakhstan, Germany, Canada, United States, Liechtenstein, Cameroon , Czech Republic, Ukraine, Poland, Belarus and the United Kingdom.

The investigation remains open, so new arrests are not ruled out.

### The Valencian Community is the first Spanish destination in number of tourist services distinguished by their quality

The Valencian Community is at the top of the national ranking of tourism services distinguished by its commitment to tourism quality, following the results of the Annual Committee of Distinction of the Integral System of Tourist Quality in Destination (Sicted).

With a total of 1,281 tourist services distributed in 31 urban, coastal and inland destinations, which is 25.27% more than in 2020, the Valencian Community surpasses Andalusia for the first time, which has 1,188 distinguished services .

The regional secretary of Tourism, Francesc Colomer, wanted to congratulate all the management teams, destinations and distinguished tourist services of the three provinces, as well as the Qualitur department of Turisme Comunitat Valenciana, "for the effort and joint work with the different actors from the destinations involved in the project to build a quality global tourism offer ", he stated.

Along these lines, Colomer has pointed out that "with these results the Valencian Community demonstrates, once again, the commitment, resilience and effort of all public and private agents to work towards quality and excellence in the tourism sector ".

The Regional Secretary continued, "despite the fact that recent times have not been easy for the tourism sector, in the Valencian Community many tourist services have opted to improve their relationship with the destination of which they are part, in addition to their internal management".

"This has allowed - Colomer continued - that according to the last Sicted annual balance, the Valencian Community represents more than 19% of the total tourist services distinguished with the Tourist Quality Commitment seal in our country".

In the same way, he stressed that "the Valencian Community also leads the national ranking of the distinctive 'Preparado COVID-19'', which certify the implementation of good practices in socio-health security, thus contributing to establish that in addition to being a destination of quality, we are a safe and accredited destination ", concluded the boss of Turisme.

Distinguished tourist services

Among the distinguished tourist services, the main hotels and tourist apartments stand out, by trade, with 224 distinguished with the Sicted seal, followed by restaurants and tourist catering companies, with 200 tourist quality labels.

For their part, the bars and cafes of the Valencian Community have 109 Sicted stamps and the shops with 102 distinctions. A special mention deserves the Homes for Tourist Use, a trade recently added to the project and whose number of distinguished in the Valencian Community is 62, representing 77.5% of the national total.

### The Valencian Community has increased its population by almost 2 million in the last 50 years

The Valencian Community has increased its population by almost two million in the last 50 years, especially the province of Alicante, where the number of residents has doubled in half a century, with an increase of 103.52%.

Historical data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), which began in 1971 and which have just included the first half of this year, make it possible to draw a map of depopulation in Spain within the framework of the constant demographic growth of the country as a whole.

Thus, while the Valencian Community had 3,203,696 inhabitants in 1971, at present the figure is 5,051,252, which represents an increase of 1,947,555 residents, a percentage increase of 65.47 percent.

The increase registered in the province of Alicante stands out, where in 1971 there were 932,507 inhabitants and fifty years later there are 1,897,849, which means an increase of 965,341 residents, 103.52 percent more.

In the province of Valencia, the population has grown by 794,528 inhabitants in half a century, since there are currently 2,577,506 and in 1971 the figure amounted to 1,782,978, representing an increase of 44.56 percent.

With regard to the province of Castellón, in 1971 there were 388,211 residents and currently the figure is 575,897, so the increase has been 187,686 inhabitants (48.35 percent).

At the national level, seventeen Spanish provinces of seven autonomous communities, almost all of the interior and the north, have lost close to one million inhabitants in the last 50 years, half a century in which another 10 provinces, most of them coastal, have seen an increase its population in more than 10 million people.

Those 17 provinces, which account for 43.7 percent of the surface of Spain, but only 12.68% of the residents, are Jaén in Andalusia; Teruel in Aragon; Asturias; Ávila, Burgos, León, Palencia, Salamanca, Segovia, Soria and Zamora in Castilla y León; Ciudad Real and Cuenca in Castilla-La Mancha; the two provinces of Extremadura, Badajoz and Cáceres; and Lugo and Ourense in Galicia.

### Valencia clarifies that the Covid Passport will not be requested on terraces of bars

The vice president of the Valencia region, Mónica Oltra, clarified this Thursday that the obligation to present the Covid Passport will not be extended terraces of bars, only to access the open spaces of wedding rooms or similar venues.

The DOGV has published this Thursday the resolution of the Ministry of Health, which will come into force at 00:00 this Friday, and which extends the mandatory nature of the Covid Passport to all hospitality establishments, regardless of their capacity.

The new regulation, as it has been published, contemplates "expanding the spaces of demand for the presentation of the vaccination certificate to closed and open places where food or drink services are provided, by business company (catering, self-service ... .) or by a hotel and restaurant company that provides this type of service".

Asked about whether or not the Covid Passport is compulsory on the terraces, Oltra initially explained that "a question was asked to the TSJCV in case it was necessary at some point to apply this measure", for having the endorsement of the high court "and not going every time to the TSJCV, out of respect for the institution".

"A broader consultation was made in case it was necessary to extend the request for the covid certificate also to the terraces. Nothing is ruled out and everything is contemplated, it was done out of prudence, in case this decision had to be made before the Three Kings day", she explained.

During the press conference, the publication of the text in the DOGV in the aforementioned terms was known, and when asked again by Oltra himself, she indicated: "I think this is more related to places of events, for example a wedding hall that has an attached terrace."

Oltra has subsequently admitted that perhaps the wording of that point may give rise to confusion, and has stressed that "in principle it was not intended for the terraces of an ordinary bar, those that are located on the sidewalks", and that perhaps "it should make a correction ", because" the spirit of the rule is that it applies to event rooms, not bars".

In this same sense, she has indicated that no further restrictions have been planned but that the interdepartmental table could meet at any time, depending on the evolution of the pandemic, infections and saturation of hospitals.

### Masks Mandatory Outdoors again from Friday

Despite having about 90% of the population vaccinated, masks will be mandatory again from tomorrow, 24 December. The only exceptions to this decree will be when playing sports or in natural areas.

The move comes six months after the last change where masks were no longer required outdoors so long as a distance of 1.5 metres could be maintained between people. This latest change eliminates that exception.

The president of the Valencian Generalitat, Ximo Puig, has defended the implementation of "non-invasive" measures to contain the pandemic and to facilitate access to antigen tests. He has also asked the Government for support in order to finance the response to the pandemic. The opposition considers that this measure does not correspond to a scientific recommendation.

Spain continues to beat the record of infections and Wednesday's session has reported more than 60,000 cases in 24 hours, the highest number of daily infections reported in the pandemic.

### The City Council congratulates Ascensión Jara Aparicio, who turned 100 this week

Ascensión Jara Aparicio is originally from the neighbouring town of Orihuela, although he has lived all her life in front of the Torrevieja sea and this week turned 100 years old.

The Councillor for the Elderly, Inmaculada Montesinos and the vice mayor, Rosario Martínez Chazarra wanted to accompany her on this special and significant anniversary and congratulate her on her birthday with a bouquet of flowers.
Ascensión has three children and five grandchildren, and with all of them she is going to celebrate her birthday at her home, located in front of the Juan Aparicio promenade. Ascensión, who is in a great state of health, assures that one of the things that has made it so long lived is "the sun, the sea and living here, in Torrevieja", in addition to leading a healthy lifestyle.

### Alicante hospitals offer special menus to make the stay of patients more pleasant at Christmas

During the most significant days of the Christmas holidays, the hospitals of the public health network of the Valencian Community will serve special menus prepared with typical dishes of these holidays in order to make the stay of patients who remain hospitalised more pleasant.

 

The menus have been prepared following nutritionist recommendations and taking into account the medical needs of patients, maintaining the proper diet for proper recovery. This is one more measure within the Humanization Plan developed by the Department of Universal Health and Public Health, in order to facilitate the stay of patients in hospitals during these days.

 

Specifically, these special menus will be offered to patients whose pathology allows it on Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year's Eve, New Year and Three Kings Day, made with typical products such as nougat or Christmas sweets.

 

Christmas menus of the hospitals of the province of Alicante

 

At the Sant Joan de Alacant hospital, the Christmas Eve dinner will consist of aubergine millefeuille with Edam cheese, Serrano ham over roasted tomato sauce, sirloin medallion with diced apple and sesame with Parisian potato and tiramisu and Christmas sweets for dessert. And the Christmas meal the patients will taste bouillon, Christmas stew and black forest cake and Christmas sweets for dessert.

 

For their part, on New Year's Eve, hospitalized patients will dine on shrimp salad with scolds, salmon with seafood sauce with green asparagus and natural pineapple for dessert, Christmas sweets and lucky grapes.

 

On New Year's Day, the meal will consist of spinach Vol-au-vent with cod brandade, secret with piquillo muslin and assorted mushrooms and for dessert, whiskey cake and Christmas sweets.

 

Finally, on Three Kings Day, patients will have chocolate with roscón de Reyes for breakfast and lunch will consist of Christmas salad, rice "from the senyoret" and whiskey cake.

 

The General University Hospital of Alicante has prepared for Christmas Eve dinner mimosa eggs and cream of corn with chicken shavings and croutons, monkfish a la marinera and for dessert cheese flan and Christmas sweets. On Christmas Day, the meal will consist of Christmas broth with balls and a special salad with salmon, Christmas stew and a fruit cocktail.

 

On New Year's Eve, patients will taste a seafood cocktail and vichyssoise, Pedro Ximénez cheek with Parisian potato, and for dessert rice pudding and Christmas sweets and lucky grapes.

 

The New Year's meal will consist of a tub of pate with jam and Cádiz soup, cod in sauce or baked cod with baby carrot, and profiteroles with chocolate, compote or flavored yogurt.

 

The afternoon snack on January 5, patients will taste a typical roscón de Reyes with chocolate. And on Three Kings Day, the menu will be brandade of cod with sesame and black olive oil and covered soup, oven-baked pork tenderloin with apple compote and fruit in syrup, compote or yogurt.

 

At the Marina Baixa hospital, the Christmas Eve dinner will consist of a seafood cocktail, pork cheek, San Marcos cake and Christmas sweets.

 

During the Christmas meal, patients will taste broth with ball and turkey thighs in salt and a three-chocolate tart. And on New Year's Eve, the dinner menu will consist of seafood soup, pork tenderloin in sauce and profiteroles with hot chocolate for dessert.

 

The New Years meal will consist of goat cheese and walnut salad, baked leg of lamb and Black Forest tart.

 

And finally, the meal of the Kings day, the admitted patients will taste Iberian hors d'oeuvres, monkfish tails in sauce and fruit tart. For a snack, they will have hot chocolate and roscón de Reyes.

 

At the Elda hospital, the Christmas Eve dinner will consist of roasted pumpkin cream with cinnamon and clove oil, medallions of pork tenderloin with confit apple cubes and sesame, Café flan with cream and a Christmas assortment.

 

On Christmas Day, the menu prepared for hospitalized patients will consist of Christmas consommé with filling, donostiarra-style hake belly with a bouquet of aromatic tomato and pods, and for dessert, natural pineapple and Christmas assortment.

 

The New Year's Eve dinner will consist of a prawn salad with its "regañás", cod with gluttony and seafood sauce, chocolate cream arm, Christmas assortment and lucky grapes.

 

For the New Year's meal, it is planned to serve cream of mushroom with ham shavings, grilled pork secret with piquillo muslin and parmentier and whiskey tart and Christmas assortment.

 

The afternoon snack on January 5 will consist of chocolate and roscón de Reyes and the meal on Three Kings Day will be composed of a salad of nuts and cherry tomato, rice a banda and tiramisu cake.

 

The General University Hospital of Elche on Christmas Eve has planned a menu consisting of seafood cream, browned on the back with a garnish of wild asparagus buds, cheese cake and typical Christmas sweets. On Christmas the meal will consist of bouillon with balls and Christmas stew, turkey breast with Parisian carrot and natural pineapple.

 

For New Year's Eve dinner they have prepared queen bird cream, pork tenderloin with caramelized apple sauce accompanied by Parisian potato and chocolate cake. And the New Year's meal will consist of wild asparagus, endive salad with orange walnuts and pomegranate, rice from "senyoret" and hake loins with clams and prawns, and for dessert profiteroles with chocolate.

 

The breakfast on Three Kings Day will also be special and will be made up of hot chocolate and the traditional Three Kings cake.

 

At the Vega Baja hospital in Orihuela, the Christmas Eve dinner will consist of a Russian salad with prawns, cod with piquillo pepper sauce and a garnish of turned potatoes, a chocolate drink. And for the meal on Christmas Day, patients will taste consommé with balls, chicken ham with pineapple sauce and broccoli in its juice, Brazilian cake.

 

For its part, the New Year's Eve dinner will be made up of winter cream with tarragon, hake supreme with shrimp sauce and braised vegetables and San Marcos cake. On New Year's Day, patients will taste Dubarry cream with croutons, sirloin with red berry sauce and profiteroles with chocolate. On Three Kings Day, there will be no shortage of chocolate and the typical roscón de Reyes.

 

At the Alcoy hospital, patients will be able to taste egg delights at Christmas Eve dinner, vichysoisse with shavings of polo and croutons, monkfish a la marinera, curd with honey and Christmas sweets. And on Christmas Day, the planned menu will consist of a special green salad, Christmas soup with ball and Christmas stew, and fruit salad in syrup or pineapple in its own juice for dessert.

 

For New Year's Eve dinner, they have prepared a seafood cocktail, Parmentier cream, Pedro Ximénez cheek with Parisian potato and yogurt mousse. And on New Year's Day the food will consist of toast with pate and jam, Cádiz soup, baked pork secret with honey and rosemary, profiteroles with chololate.

 

The afternoon snack on January 5 is planned to serve chocolate and roscón de Reyes and the next day's meal will consist of Kings salad, soup covered with croutons, baked pork tenderloin with applesauce and Calatrava bread with caramel.

 

Finally, the patients admitted to the Torrevieja hospital, will taste Russian salad with prawns, cod with piquillo pepper sauce and turned potatoes and for dessert a glass of chocolate and cream.

### Valencia will complete the vaccination of over 60s before the end of the year and teaching staff before 10 January

The Department of Universal Health and Public Health has established a new vaccination strategy against the coronavirus to accelerate the rate of immunisation of the population pending receipt of the booster dose or that still do not have the complete schedule.

 

On the one hand, a priority objective is to offer vaccination with the booster doses to the population over 60 years of age or vaccinated with Janssen who have not yet received it before the end of the year.

 

On the other hand, people vaccinated at the time with the exclusive AstraZeneca regimen (double or single dose, in the case of having passed the disease), will be summoned to receive the booster dose before the end of the Christmas holidays, including the teaching staff and other essential staff. In total, 277,581 people have been inoculated with the AstraZeneca vaccine. The goal is that teachers can return to school with the full dose.

 

However, the rate of citation will depend on the particularities of each department (population profile, vaccination, geographic dispersion). In any case, the immunisation criterion will be the one that has always been applied in the Valencian Community, that is, the prioritisation of groups agreed by the Inter-territorial Council of the National Health System, which corresponds to first serve the population with the highest risk.

 

According to the Minister of Health, Ana Barceló, "our objective is to speed up vaccination as much as possible in the Valencian Community. For this reason, we have installed 47 stable vaccination points distributed throughout the Valencian Community and 149 vaccination teams, made up of health professionals, will take charge of immunising the population. "

 

To carry out this vaccination process, the Ministry of Health will summon by SMS or telephone call all the people who are part of any of these population groups (over 60 years of age, if they have received only the Janssen dose or the complete guideline with AstraZeneca).

 

Therefore, the user of any of these groups will receive a scheduled appointment and will have to go to the place indicated. In this case, you will be cited at one of the 47 permanent vaccination points or at a health centre, depending on the health department.

 

Once these groups have been vaccinated, Health will begin to appoint people over 50 years of age, and subsequently, people over 40 years of age (as the minimum interval for the booster dose is met) to administer to this population the booster dose.

 

Mobile drop-in vaccination points

 

On the other hand, in addition to the vaccination strategy with a scheduled appointment, the Ministry of Health continues to facilitate the possibility of vaccination without a previous appointment, but only to people pending a first dose or a second dose of the vaccine.

 

In this case, any person who is in this situation can go to any of the mobile vaccination points that are located in strategic places of population influx, and that have been installed to bring the vaccine to those citizens who by any reason they have not been able to be immunized against COVID-19.

 

These mobile points can be consulted on the social networks of the Ministry of Health, Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

 

48 vaccination points with scheduled appointment

VINARÓS

· Hogar del Pensionista de Vinaròs

CASTELLÓN

· Hospital de Campaña de Castellón

· Pérgola de Castellón

LA PLANA

· Polideportivo Municipal La Vall d'Uixó

SAGUNTO

· Centro Cívico - Puerto de Sagunto

VALENCIA - CLíNICO

· Hospital de la Malvarrosa

· Hospital Clínico - Consultas Externas

VALENCIA ARNAU LLIRIA

· Centre Jove de Benaguacil

· Casa Nebot de Bétera

· Escuela de Adultos de L'Eliana

· Pabellón Multiusos de Llíria

· Espai Jove de La Pobla de Vallbona

VALÈNCIA - LA FE

· Hall Consultas Externas - Ricardo Trenor - Calle Alboraia

· Hall Laboratorio La Fe - Torre B

REQUENA

· Centro Salud de Requena

· Centro Salud de Utiel

VALENCIA HOSPITAL GENERAL

· Escuela de Adultos de Xirivella

· Centro de Mayores Benagéber-Alaquàs

· Centro de Salud Torrent II

VALENCIA - DR. PESET

· CIPS (Centro de Información y prevención del SIDA) - Valencia

· Centro Municipal de Mayores de Benetusser

LA RIBERA

· Sala de Exposiciones de Algemesí

GANDIA

· Centre Social Marcel.li Pérez del Grao de Gandia

· Carpa junto al Centro de Salud de Oliva

· Frontó Municipal de Ador

DENIA

· Hospital de Denia - Consultas Externas

ALCOI

· Hospital de Alcoi

VILA JOIOSA

· Auditori La Vila de La Vila Joiosa

· La Torreta de Benidorm

ALICANTE - SAN JUAN

· Lucernario Hospital de Sant Joan

· Centro Comunitario Entreplayas

ELDA

· Centro Polivalente las 300 de Elda

· Comparsa Piratas de Novelda

· La Pirámide de la Plaza de Toros de Villena

· Centro Municipal Clara Campoamor de Petrer

· Comparsa Estudiantes de Biar

ALICANTE

· Hospital General de Alicante - Lucernario

· Centro de Salud San Vicente II - gimnasio matrona

ELX

· Polideportivo El Toscar de Elche

ORIHUELA

· Centro Social de Mayores El Escorratel de Orihuela

· Bajos propiedad del Ayuntamiento de Callosa de Segura

· Palacio de Música de Almoradí

TORREVIEJA

· Pilar de la Horadada: Carpa Municipal recinto Ferial Raimundo Benedicto

· Rojales: Antiguo Centro de Rehabilitación sito en C/ san Isidro

· Guardamar: Escuela de Música, usado la vez anterior, Mercat, 2

· Torrevieja: Carpa de Biblioteca Pública Carmen Jalon, entrada por Vicente Blasco Ibañez

MANISES

· Polideportivo Albert Arnal de Manises

ELX-CREVILLENT

· Polideportivo El Toscar de Elche

### Quirónsalud specialists recommend extreme precaution and safety measures at Christmas family gatherings

Specialists recommend avoiding meetings if any of the guests has symptoms, not bringing more than two groups together and prioritizing outdoor meetings, among other measures



The specialists of Quirónsalud Murcia and Torrevieja recommend taking extreme precautions especially if you are going to be in contact with people at risk such as elderly people, heart patients, respiratory patients or those with neurodegenerative issues, cancer or immune issues to ensure that they are not placed at risk. Experts also advise that we avoid going to Christmas gatherings if we have symptoms of a respiratory infection.
When asked about PCR tests carried out on the day of the gathering or the day before, the specialists warned that, although it can greatly reduce the risk of contagion, it is not an absolute guarantee.
Among the most important preventive measures, the specialist in internal medicine at the Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, Dr. Francisco Mora, recommends “avoiding meetings if any of the guests have symptoms, more than two cohabiting groups should not gather, opt for outdoor meetings where possible, keep a safety distance at the table, clean and ventilate common areas, have hydroalcoholic gel in key places in the house, wash hands frequently, remove the mask only when eating or drinking, and avoid sharing food with other diners ”.
In line with lunch and dinner presentations, Dr. María José Carpes, specialist at the Quirónsalud Murcia Hospital, advises “always avoid sharing dishes, present everything individually and avoid picking up food with your hands. Avoid appetizers that are put on shared plates and taken with the hands such as chips, nuts, olives, canapés, etc. ”
Regarding the number of recommended diners, the specialists ask that we all adhere to those allowed by the health authorities and avoid having more than two family groups to reduce contagion.

Family gatherings and children, how to avoid contagion?
Children tend to have less serious infections than adults and are mostly asymptomatic, although as Dr. Carpes from the Quirónsalud Murcia Hospital points out, “the fact that they do not present symptoms means that they cannot present a high viral load, although this is not synonymous with high infectivity. The infectivity will be determined by other factors such as the strength and frequency of the cough, which is usually less intense in children, as well as the proximity of the contacts or the ventilation of the environment ”.
“The measures” indicates Dr. Mora from the Quirónsalud Hospital in Torrevieja, “would be similar to the recommendations for the general population. Among them is the recommended use of a mask in children over 3 years of age, being mandatory from 6 years.”

PCR or antigen, what is the most recommended?
The antigen test is characterized by being faster, but also by offering less sensitivity. “In theory,” explains Dr. Mora, “it is a good option to detect cases during the first week of symptoms, because it only tests positive when there is a high viral load. The problem is that if the infection is incipient, it is possible that hours later the viral load increases and that individual who has tested negative may be contagious. Therefore, it is not reliable enough in asymptomatic people. In this sense, PCR is a more sensitive test and offers more reliable results, so it would be the most convenient test. ”

### Christmas Changes to the Airport Bus Service (also shows changes to the Zenia Boulevard service)

Costa Azul have published changes to the timetable for the Torrevieja to Alicante-Elche Airport service for Christmas and New Year.



The timetable also covers the Zenia Boulevard service.

### Valencia Gets Green Light to Covid Passport Extension

The Fourth Section of the Contentious-Administrative Chamber of the Superior Court of Justice of the Valencian Community (TSJCV) has authorised the extension of the requirement of the so-called Covid Passport to include all hospitality venues, irrespective of capacity, as well as other establishments such as gyms or cinemas, circuses, sports facilities, and party venues where drinks or food are consumed.

These provisions are contained in the resolution of the Conselleria de Sanidad Universal dated December 21 and will come into effect at 00:00 hours on the day following their publication in the Official Gazette of the Generalitat Valenciana (DOGV).

The Court considers that the extension of the measure in those spaces where it was already mandatory to present the Covid certificate is justified by the evolution of the pandemic.

Likewise, its expansion to new establishments and spaces is "suitable, necessary and weighted or balanced, insofar as it derives more benefits or advantages for the general interest than damages to other goods or values ​​in conflict," the Chamber states.

Said weighting of conflicting interests has already been examined by the Supreme Court, which has described the requirement of the Covid Passport as a "tenuous" limitation of certain fundamental rights that, when faced with the "powerful presence" of others such as life or health protection "provides an objective and reasonable justification for its adoption."

### Orihuela to Close Beaches on Christmas Day

If you're thinking of popping along to the annual Christmas Day gathering on the beach at La Zenia, think again, as Orihuela town hall has made the decision to close all the beaches of the municipality on Christmas day in the interest of safety, amid rising Covid infections.

The councillor for citizen security and beaches, Antonio Sánchez, says that “given the situation in which we find ourselves due to the pandemic and with the cases of positives on the rise, we must exercise extreme precautions and avoid situations that have negative effects,” whilst acknowledging the decision as regrettable, but responsibility forces the action.

This decision was adopted after a meeting chaired by Mayor Emilio Bascuñana and attended by councillors from different areas of the local government and will mean that the Christmas Day gathering frequented by the British population at La Zenia will have to be cancelled this year.

### Empty Hampers Wanted

If you're lucky enough to receive a Christmas hamper this year, you don't have to worry about what to do with the empty basket once you've inspected the contents.

The Parque Natural La Mata in Torrevieja has launched a special campaign asking for the donation of empty hampers, which they will then convert into nests for long-eared owls.

If you want to collaborate in this great initiative, you can take your empty Christmas baskets to the Interpretation Centre at the Natural Park in La Mata.

Once collected, the organisers will launch a further campaign to provide more information as to how they intend to transform the baskets into nests and their subsequent placement.

### Awards of the XII Young Entrepreneurs Contest

Councillor for Employment, Domingo Paredes, together with the Deputy Mayor, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, have presented the prizes to the winners of the XII Young Entrepreneurs Award:



 	1st prize 7,000 euro, awarded to: Alejandro Ramón Plaza Marcos, for the project: The Clothing Plan. Solidarity fashion.
 	2nd prize 3,500 euro, awarded to: José Cases Gabín, for the project: Level Up Academia.
 	3rd prize 1,500 euro, awarded to: David Ruiz Molina, for the project: Taller de Arquitectura

This initiative has been created by the Department of Employment and the Local Development Agency (ADL) to promote and support young entrepreneurs.
The objective of this municipal initiative is to create an adequate framework for the creation of new companies, at the same time as reducing youth unemployment rates and encouraging our young entrepreneurs.
In its twelve years of existence, it has sought to reward people with entrepreneurial initiative who have started a new business, providing support and backing for their new business activity, so that it serves as a stimulus for the creation of new companies and new jobs. in the field of the economy of the municipality of Torrevieja.
The announcement of the awards has a specific purpose: to promote entrepreneurship among Torrevieja society, promote social recognition of entrepreneurs, promote a positive image of the employer as a generator of wealth and employment, as well as the creation of companies and services related to the tourism sector, local commerce, new technologies, conservation and rehabilitation of buildings, environment, sports, leisure and free time.

### Prizes awarded to the winners of the XVIII Christmas Window Dressing Contest

On Tuesday, in the auditorium of the Torrevieja town hall, the Councillor for Hospitality, Commerce and Tourism, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, together with the Councillor for the Treasury, Domingo Paredes, presented the prizes to the winners of the XVIII Christmas Window Dressing Contest 2021:

1st prize 1000 euro, Joyería Hernández
2nd prize 800 euro, Óptica Mar
3rd prize 500 euro, Óptica Chantal
And the 5 second prize, valued at 200 euro each, have been for:
Farmacia Fragata
Farmacia Mª Carmen Cayuelas Sanchis
Covertoldo
La Media de Seda
Domti
The jury was made up of: Noelia Lozano, member of the Asociación de Comerciantes del Acequión; Fernando Guardiola, member of Apymeco and Enrique Pacheco, member of the Asociación de Comerciantes de la calle Zoa.

### Torrevieja Burglars Arrested

Three men have been arrested by the National Police in Torrevieja, suspected of being part of a criminal group dedicated to theft from inside homes.



The alleged members of the organisation are reported to have carried out their offences throughout the province of Alicante, carefully selecting their target homes. Officers recovered items stolen from homes in Orihuela, Santa Pola and Sant Vicent del Raspeig.

In the homes of those arrested, officers found a large amount of jewellery, tools for breaking into homes such as lock picks, and about 3,500 euro in cash.

The police have so far attributed a total of six robberies with force in homes to the gang.

The three detainees were placed at the disposal of the court which remanded them in custody.

 

### The Valencian Community is studying requesting the Covid passport on terraces

The Generalitat Valenciana is studying the requirement of the Covid passport on the terraces of the restaurants and bars, as well as the interior, according to the president, Ximo Puig.
This has been indicated by the president in statements to the media in Bétera, a day after the Interdepartmental Meeting that approved expanding the passport requirement in interiors and premises such as gyms. These measures still require the approval of the Superior Court of Justice of the Valencian Community.
The president has defended the move when asked about the possibility of further expanding the restrictions due to the pandemic before Christmas, he has indicated that decision-making "has always been directly attached to the protection of health" and has highlighted "co-responsibility", which it has been "fundamental" throughout the crisis.
The president has indicated that they are working on "what issues could help overcome the pandemic": the acceleration of vaccination in all population segments, and the widespread use of the mask. In fact, he has recommended its use "at all times". 

### The Generalitat launches a campaign to help citizens prevent cyberattacks on home computers during Christmas

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Model has launched, through the Information Technology and Communication Security Centre of the Valencian Community (CSIRT-CV), an information campaign to raise public awareness of the importance of security in devices digital home and especially for the next few weeks.

 

Under the name 'Ten cybersecurity recommendations for home computers', the entity's experts will inform users of home devices for two weeks on how to avoid cyber risks that citizens face daily with the use of portable and mobile devices in which they store a large amount of personal and confidential information such as data on bank accounts or access to their personal emails.

 

The general director of ICT, José Manuel García Duarte, has stressed that this campaign is "vital, due to the significant increase in the consumption of portable electronic equipment since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, when its use has become widespread. among the population, even in sectors that were not familiar with them. " In addition, Duarte has warned about the "increasing frequency and effectiveness with which cybercriminals are trying to access personal data not only of companies and institutions, but also of domestic computers, in which practically all the information of our homes. "

 

This campaign, which can be followed through the CSIRT and the Generalitat's social networks on Facebook and Twitter, will provide valuable and practical advice to consumers. In fact, the information capsules will be aimed, for example, at users who check their email in open network cafeterias while having a coffee, watching movies while waiting at the airport, connecting to a free Wi-Fi network or sharing their equipment with all the members of the family "given that they are potential targets of cyberattacks due to the vulnerabilities that affect these networks."

 

As Duarte explained, "the CSIRT-CV seeks to educate users about the dangers they run, so that they can take the appropriate measures to protect their equipment, the valuable information they have on them and even their own privacy".

 

Protect our digital information and privacy

 

The campaign will include the publication of a series of ten logical and physical protection measures that anyone can apply to protect their laptops and that "on many occasions, are not put into practice due to ignorance or simply, because they are not aware of the information. so valuable that we keep in them "have pointed out from CSIRT-CV.

 

Among these tips, CSIRT-CV explains how to promote security and our privacy in the use of applications and social networks, how to generate backup copies so as not to lose relevant information, or how to update the software of these devices, to navigate safely to through public Wi-Fi networks.

 

Another aspect in which the campaign will deepen is the importance of having quality and reliable antivirus or delving into encryption systems and secure passwords as a system to protect access to our electronic devices.

 

"This is a campaign of maximum utility and relevance at a time when a large part of the population is interconnected through these devices, which can make life much easier, but also pose a high risk to our personal and private information," he said. insisted by the ICT director. For this reason, Duarte asks citizens to take note of these tips, which will allow citizens to protect themselves against these risks.

### The Valencian Community assumes the commitment to lead the process to abolish prostitution in Spain

The Minister of Justice, Interior and Public Administration, Gabriela Bravo, assured this Tuesday that the Valencian Community "has assumed the commitment to lead the process to abolish prostitution in Spain" and for this "we will shortly present the proposals made from the Forum for the Abolition of Prostitution to adopt changes in state, regional and local legislation that sanctions the consumption of paid sex and guarantees comprehensive care for prostituted women."

 

This was expressed in his intervention at the presentation of the studies carried out by the University of Valencia (UV) and the Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH) on the situation of prostitution in the Valencian Community and on the perception of the phenomenon who have citizenship, respectively. The first was carried out by the professor of Sociology at the UV, Antonio Ariño, and the second by the professor of Criminal Law and director of the 'Crímina' Institute of the UMH, Fernando Miró.

 

"From the Valencian Community we want to be the first to work to reverse the situation and that, in the near future, we form part of the Corridor of decency of abolitionist countries", said Gabriela Bravo.

 

The UV report reveals that 1 in 5 Valencian men, over 18 years of age, (19.5%) claim to have paid for sex at some point in their lives and that the number of prostituted women among the three provinces ranges between 10,000 and 13,000.

 

The profile of these victims "of gender violence", according to the councillor, corresponds to a young woman, with little educational training, from a low social class and humble and vulnerable family environments and mostly foreigners. For Bravo, "this is a better understanding that 95% of prostitution victims are women and 99.7% of paid sex consumers are men."

 

The report has also drawn up a profile of the prostitution consumer that corresponds to a man, a habitual consumer of pornography and who meets "all the requirements to be considered a macho in his perception of the world" according to the minister, who also highlighted the fact that lesbian prostitution is non-existent "is proof that we are facing an institution where all injustices and violence against women converge. Prostitution supposes a mechanism of social control over women and the domination of a male sexuality that is especially aggressive and humiliating against her. "

 

The study has also detected that the Valencian Community is part of what Professor Ariño has defined as "the Mediterranean Corridor of Prostitution 2.0". This type of prostitution is defined as the one that is advertised in more than 52,000 advertisements on only six web portals that refer to more than 1,700 floors that are added to the 164 brothels that the State Security Forces and Bodies have identified as such among the three provinces.

 

For its part, the survey carried out by the team led by the UMH professor of Criminal Law, Fernando Miró, reveals that 37.2% of the 1,480 interviewed for the survey accept prostitution, although 7 out of 10 understand that, if they could choose, women would not choose to exercise it and that 8 out of 10 assume that prostitution victims suffer abuse and have no control over the activity they carry out.

 

By age group, the one that expresses the most rejection towards prostitution is that of those over 65 years of age and the one that congregates the most acceptance is that of adults between 35 and 44, in which only 36% are against it. On the other hand, despite the fact that prostitution in the street or in public spaces is the one that attracts the most general rejection, (81%) the percentage falls significantly when talking about prostitution in flats or on the Internet where it is not visible. As explained by the councillor Bravo, these data reveal that "The prostitution system has made an important part of society believe that making the problem invisible is equivalent to solving the problem".

 

For Bravo, these two field studies "are not an end in themselves, but rather the tools with which we are building an ambitious proposal to generate debate and build the legal and political framework that helped abolish prostitution and for which we need the commitment of all public powers and, of course, of civil society ".

 

According to the Minister of Justice, "we cannot accept being a democratic society in which there are women who are forced to sell their bodies in order to survive." For this reason "we must end the regulationist and denialist positions from the constructive argument and with the data contrasted by rigorous studies such as the ones we have presented."

 

For all this, the councillor has demanded "to join countries such as Sweden and France where the results of the abolitionist laws have given very positive results" while warning that we must work "to change mentalities" and, especially, "with young people to avoid that they can consider prostitution as another element of fun and leisure and go to brothels like someone who goes to the supermarket," she concluded.

### Education begins the construction works of the new CEIP Amanecer de Torrevieja with an investment of more than 6 million euro

The general director of Educational Infrastructures in Valencia, Víctor Garcia, and the representatives of the company Acciona Construcciones SA have today signed the act of commencement of works of the new CEIP Amanecer de Torrevieja in which the department of the minister Vicent Marzà will invest more than six million euro.



The event, which took place on the same municipal site of almost 9,000 m2 on Avenida de los Nenúfares, where the new school will be built, was also attended by the territorial director of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports in the regions of Alicante, David Vento, the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, the Councillor for Education, Ricardo Recuero, and the educational community of CEIP Amanecer.

The general director of Educational Infrastructures, Víctor Garcia, stressed that "the signing is a key milestone because it opens the 14-month period of works that will make it possible for the investment of more than 6 million euro by the Department in Torrevieja to become a new school with which we not only take a leap in the educational quality of the municipality by ending the structural barracks, but we are also generating more than 150 jobs in the construction sector ".

The department of Minister Vicent Marzà put out to tender the construction of the new CEIP Amanecer for more than 6.8 million euro and an execution period of 14 months. 18 companies participated in a public tender won by Acciona Construcción SA, which has promised to do the work for just over 6 million euro.

The new CEIP Amanecer is the first stage of a plan to modernize the educational centres of Torrevieja in which the Department will invest more than 22 million euro. The second stage will be the demolition and construction again on the same plot of the CEIP Inmaculada Concepción, works worth 7 million euro that Educación de la Generalitat plans to put out to public tender during the first quarter of 2022.

In this sense, the general director has advanced that the Department has just awarded the contract for the rental and assembly of the temporary facilities that will house the 425 students of the CEIP Inmaculada Concepción while the works last: "We are going to invest more than one million euro in modern and comfortable temporary facilities so that the students and teachers of this school are in the best possible conditions until the construction of the new school is completed ".

The Regional Ministry and the City Council will coordinate the planning of the assembly of said provisional facilities on municipal land prepared by the council. "We are working so that the provisional school is ready before the summer with the aim that the transfer can be carried out as soon as the current course is finished and that the students begin the 2022-2023 course already in these state-of-the-art prefabricated classrooms", specifies the general director.

The forecast of the Ministry is that the construction works of the new Inmaculada Concepción CEIP will begin at the end of 2022. The construction period of the new school is 14 months, so if there are no unforeseen events, the centre would be finished in March 2023.

The rest of the investment will come via the 'Edificant' plan through an initial investment of the Ministry of 8.8 million euro in five actions that will be managed by the council and that will allow to reform and expand the institutes Las Lagunas, Torrevigía and Libertas, as well as the Virgen del Carmen and Cuba schools.

The general director of Educational Infrastructures has explained that the processing of these five delegations of powers is already in its final phase: "In the coming months, Education will program the investment annuities and will send the five proposals for the delegation of works to the Torrevieja City Council for its approval by the municipal plenary session ".

The new CEIP Amanecer will be a low energy consumption centre

The new CEIP Amanecer will be a two-line school (6 Infant classrooms and 12 Primary classrooms) that will have two free classrooms for Infant 2 years and a gym and dining room for 360 people in two shifts with its own kitchen.

The constructed area will be 4,311 m2 and the student will enjoy 5,904.33 m2 of outdoor spaces that include differentiated play areas between Infant and Primary, interior courtyards and landscaping, sports court, vegetable garden and porches.

It will be a completely accessible centre, since it will have an elevator that will connect the ground floor with the first floor, and it is already planned to install sustainable solar panels to generate energy for the centre’s consumption.

In this way, the new school will have a 35,200Wp photovoltaic generator, using a 33kVA inverter, with a 400V three-phase connection, connected to the internal supply network associated with the school, located on the roof of the Primary building. The total surface of the plates will be 176 m2.

The solar panels together with the high efficiency air conditioning systems, in addition to the fact that the entire lighting installation will be by low consumption LED lights, with sensors that turn off the lights in the common areas when they do not detect movement and regulate the intensity of the light. The interior light of the classrooms according to the input of sunlight, will make the new CEIP Amanecer an energy efficient centre (Category A) since its consumption of non-renewable primary energy will be 24.77 kWh / m2 per year and its emissions of carbon dioxide carbon of 3.71 kg of CO2 per m2 per year.

These standards of sustainable construction and low energy consumption will also be applied to the new CEIP Inmaculada Concepción, which will also have an electrical energy generation system through a photovoltaic installation and aerothermal equipment for the supply of sanitary hot water.

Like the CEIP Amanecer, the new Inmaculada Concepción will also be equipped with air conditioning by means of Air Treatment Units (AHU) for all teaching rooms with hot-cold capacity and ventilation, guaranteeing a correct renewal of the air in the classrooms.

The current school will be demolished and a new two-line school will be built on the same municipal plot of 6,092 m2 (6 nursery classrooms, 12 Primary classrooms), which will also have 2 free 2-year-old infant classrooms. The new school will have a gym and a dining room for 400 people in two shifts with its own kitchen.

In total, the constructed area will be 4,536.74 m2 and the surface area of the free spaces available to students will be 3,216.29 m2, which will include children's and primary school play areas, landscaping, sports court and porches.

### The surgical waiting list drops 13 days in a month and 26 in a year, and is the lowest since the pandemic began

The delay time to undergo surgery in a public hospital in the Valencian Community continues to decrease. Specifically, during the month of November, the total average delay to undergo surgery in Valencian hospitals is 94 days, 13 less than in October (107) and 26 less than in November of last year (120) . This is the shortest delay since the start of the pandemic, in March 2020.

 

This reduction in the average wait to undergo surgery is reflected in all health departments and is especially significant in Elda (-30%), La Ribera (-21%) and Gandia (-21%).

 

Regarding the specialties, the average delays have been reduced in all, including those with the most surgical requests: traumatology (21 days less), ophthalmology (-8) and general surgery (-11). The decrease in waiting days is considerable, in addition, in paediatric surgery, with a reduction in the delay of 14 days, maxillofacial surgery (-13), and plastic surgery, neurosurgery and thoracic surgery (12 days less waiting in each specialty ).

 

On the other hand, in November, the total number of people who were no longer on the waiting list was 28,013, that is, 2,022 more than in October.

 

In line with this improvement, in the last month, there has been an increase of 10% in the number of interventions programmed in the hospitals of the public health system, which have gone from 11,160 in the month of October to 12,254 in November.

 

Finally, the activity due to self-concert has increased by 15.3%, when health and non-health personnel, voluntarily and paid, lengthen their working hours to perform surgical activities. Specifically, the interventions by self-concert have gone from 2,819 in the month of October to 3,250 in November.

 

"These good data - warns the regional secretary for Health Efficiency and Technology, Concha Andrés - must be evaluated with prudence, since it is necessary to be very attentive to the epidemiological situation, which can condition the care activity, although in any case, they are always Urgent and non-delayed operations guaranteed.

 

In addition, an immense effort has been made to care for all people with non-COVID pathologies. Now, we face an unprecedented collective challenge and we will only overcome it together, all rowing in the same direction. "

### "A decent society has to banish machismo and violence against women"

The vice president and councillor for Equality and Inclusive Policies, Mónica Oltra, has stated that a decent society "has to banish machismo and violence against women, which is the most grotesque expression of machismo."

 

Oltra has made these statements on behalf of the Consell after the three minutes of silence held today before the Palau de la Generalitat in rejection of the murder in Torrevieja of María Elia.

 

"We are here - she has had an impact - because it is already difficult to contain the anger of women who will not be able to grow, live their dreams and of children who are orphans and, sometimes, orphans of hope."

 

The vice president recalled that María Elia was "35 years old and her whole life ahead of her to fulfil her dreams to be happy, to suffer, to dance, to cry. And she will not be able to do all that because sexist terrorism has taken her away from us." .

 

Likewise, she pointed out that with this silent concentration they also want to show solidarity with the daughter of María Elia, "aged three, who has been left without a mother. That girl had the right to grow up with a mother, to go through the stages of her life, life with her mother by her side, to spend her adolescence, to ask her and share the things that distressed her or that made her happy ".

 

"This girl also had the right to have a father who would not mistreat her and who would not inflict the greatest harm that can be done to a boy or a girl, which is to take away her mother," she added.

 

As Oltra has expressed, "it is worth it that we are here showing the unity of an entire decent society in the face of machismo, in the face of people who deny violence against women, in the face of that fascism that denies the evidence":

 

"It is worth getting together to tell each other that we are a decent society that is with the victims and confronts machismo and its violence," she reaffirmed.

### Torrevieja town hall has hired 156 unemployed people in 2021 through the different employment and training programs

The Local Development Agency (ADL) has received a total of 2,650,770 euro in grants for the hiring of 156 people in the field of employment and training.


The Councillor for the Economy and Finance and head of the Local Development Agency (ADL), Domingo Paredes, states that throughout the current year 2021, Torrevieja Council has received  a total of 2,650,770 euro in subsidies granted in terms of employment and training through different programs for unemployed people such as EMCORP, ECOVID, EMPUJU, EPLAYAS, FOTAE, ET FORMEN and FOTAV. Specifically, it has been possible to hire and offer dual training to a total of 156 unemployed people.
Through the EMCORP program, with a subsidy of 266,512 euro, 13 unemployed people of at least 30 years of age were hired for a period of six months.
Likewise, through the ECOVID program, of social initiative grants aimed at hiring people of at least 30 years of age, unemployed as a result of the situation caused by COVID 19, the council was able to hire 38 people for 12 months in 2021, with an investment of 752,138 euro. In addition, 38 more unemployed people under 30 have also been hired for 12 months through EMPUJU, with a subsidy that has amounted to 769,789 euro.
The Councillor for the Economy and Finance has also reported that in support of the Service for the Management and Control of Access to the Beaches of Torrevieja due to the health measures derived from COVID-19, it was also contracted through the EPLAYAS 2021 program, with a grant of 138,256 euro, 31 unemployed young people during the three summer months.
Finally, it is worth highlighting the hiring of 12 people from vulnerable groups who suffer greater difficulty or discrimination in access to employment (10 students, a director and a teacher) for a period of one year, through the Employment Workshop "Vides de La Mata ”with a grant of 241,358 euro. Likewise, through the T´AVALEM FOTAV Employment Workshop "Maestro Ricardo Lafuente", 12 people have also been hired thanks to the grant of 241,358 euro, also through LABORA.

### Ximo Puig announces a plan to accelerate vaccination with booster doses and plans to extend the COVID passport to all restaurants, cinemas and gyms

The president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, has announced a plan to accelerate vaccination with 42 new stable points to administer booster doses to citizens and has also advanced that he will request authorisation from the Superior Court of Justice of the Valencian Community (TSJCV) to require the mandatory COVID passport to enter the interior of all types of hospitality and restaurant establishments, regardless of their capacity, as well as to access cinemas, gyms and sports centres of various kinds.

 

This has been explained by the head of the Valencian Government during his appearance, together with the Minister of Universal Health and Public Health, Ana Barceló, to explain the agreements adopted at the Interdepartmental Table for Prevention and Action against COVID-19.

 

The new stable vaccination points will enable 147 teams to administer the booster doses and will work by appointment, so that people will be notified by SMS or by phone. These points will be located in places such as sports centres, retirement homes or spaces integrated into hospitals, all with the aim of decongesting Primary Care and speeding up immunization.

 

The Conselleria de Sanidad Universal will make an appointment first to administer the booster doses to people aged 60 to 69 who still do not have it, those vaccinated with AstraZeneca and those immunised with Janssen. Later, it will continue with the age group of 50 to 59 years and, later, with that of 40 to 49 years.

 

In parallel, the drop-in vaccination points for the first and second doses will continue to operate. In fact, this week there will be 23 mobile points in operation.

 

COVID passport extension

 

On the other hand, as the president has emphasised, the endorsement of the TSJCV will be requested to demand the COVID certificate until next January 31 in all hotel and restaurant establishments, for which it is proposed to eliminate the exemption for premises that have a capacity of less than 50 people, and the requirement of this is also extended to all public places where people eat or drink, such as cinemas, multipurpose rooms, circuses and party venues.

 

In addition, the COVID passport will be necessary to access spaces with catering services in tourist accommodation, as well as sports facilities, indoor swimming pools and recreational centres for the elderly. In gyms, not only this certificate will be required, but also the permanent use of the mask.

 

"This is the response of the Valencian Government" to the evolution of the pandemic, awaiting the Conference of Presidents and Presidents convened for this Wednesday, in which the president will defend the need to adopt measures such as those implemented in the Valencian Community and it will listen to those raised in this forum for governance, within the objective of "generating credibility" in the public and in order to give a "joint impulse" to overcoming the pandemic.

 

"Safer spaces" and "more protected people"

 

With the reinforcement of vaccination and the extension of the COVID passport, the aim is to guarantee "safer spaces" and "more protected people", said the president, who has justified the need for these measures in which, in a month, infections and hospitalized people have tripled and ICU admissions are also almost triple.

 

"We have to adapt to the new scenario and change our mentality," said Puig, who has asked citizens for "prudence" to face these holidays, because, as he said, "we did not get to Christmas as we expected."

 

For this reason, he has asked for "common sense" and to celebrate Christmas avoiding crowds and massive family gatherings and fulfilling quarantines before contacts with positives.

 

The president has advocated, however, for "fleeing from scaremongering." "We are on alert, but not in a state of alarm," he said, and recalled that "at the worst moment of the pandemic - still without vaccines - we had 4,800 hospitalised, that is, seven times more than today, and 670 people in critical condition, that is to say, five times more than today ".

 

Confidence in vaccination

 

In this sense, he also wanted to convey a message of confidence in the effectiveness of vaccination, and stressed that, at the moment, 93.7% of Valencian men and women are already vaccinated. "On January 14, with the same incidence as now, we had 3,000 hospitalised," he recalled.

 

Given this, he considers it "crucial" to intensify vaccination with the reinforcement of the third doses, childhood vaccination, and the first doses to the most reluctant, and in this regard, he has reported that the 9 million doses administered have already been exceeded. "This means that we have 4.2 million Valencians protected with the complete guideline, and today we will exceed 1.3 million third doses in the most vulnerable population," he said.

 

He also pointed out that "in just 3 days, 50,000 Valencian children from 9 to 11 years old have already been vaccinated" and that this first phase will conclude on Wednesday and will resume after the holidays.

 

On the other hand, Puig has remarked that the entry into force of the COVID passport meant multiplying by five the number of people who have received the first dose, with 28,000 new people vaccinated in a week.

### Winners of the XVIII Christmas Window Dressing Contest 2021

The Councillor for Commerce in Torrevieja, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, reports that the jury's decision for the XVIII Torrevieja Christmas Window Dressing Contest has been made.



The jury was made up of: Noelia Lozano, member of the Acequión Merchants Association; Fernando Guardiola, member of Apymeco and Enrique Pacheco, member of the Association of Merchants of Zoa Street.

The jury's deliberation has resulted in the following winners:
-1st prize: 1000€ Joyería Hernández
-2nd prize: 800€ Óptica Mar
-3rd prize: 500€ Óptica Chantal

And the 5 second prize, valued at 200€ each, have been for:
-Farmacia Fragata
-Farmacia Mª Carmen Cayuelas Sanchis
-La Media de Seda
-Domti
-Covertoldo

The awards ceremony took place this morning in the Plenary Hall of the townhall.

### The incidence of paediatric cancer remains stable and survival improves in the Valencian Community

Every year there are registered, on average, around a hundred cases of cancer in children under 19 years of age in the Valencian Community, in accordance with the Spanish registry of childhood tumours Reti-Sehop, which monitors the Haematology and Haematology units from Valencia. The incidence rate is maintained and survival, in general terms, improves thanks to advances in diagnosis and treatments. To make the cause visible, every December 21 the National Day of Children with Cancer is commemorated.

 

Specifically, the Reti-Sehop database has registered, between 1980 and 2020, a total of 3,095 cases of cancer in childhood and adolescence. The annual average, then, is around one hundred cases.

 

The incidence of cancer in childhood and adolescence (a name that includes numerous types of tumours that develop in children and adolescents from 0 to 19 years of age) has remained stable since 2000 and the medical staff of the Conselleria de Sanidad Universal y Salud Pública which analyses, among other variables, the frequency of this disease, does not observe an increase in diagnoses in children under 15 years of age since that year.

 

Experts relate this data to scientific advances that have occurred in diagnostic methods, with early detection and early initiation of treatments. This poses a promising challenge for research. In this sense, the main objective is now to try to reduce the physical and psychological side effects associated with them.

 

First cause of death between the ages of 5 and 14

 

Cancer in childhood and adolescence, in view of the data from the RETI-SEHOP registry, is a rare disease, but it has a significant impact on mortality. In fact, it is the leading cause of death between the ages of 5 and 14; and the second from 15 to 19 years (behind accidents).

 

On the other hand, the observed survival for all tumours is 91% at one year and 81% at five years, and there are no differences by age group or gender, but by type of cancer.

 

In this sense, the tumour groups with the best prognosis are thyroid, germ cell and gonadal carcinomas, Hodgkin's lymphoma and retinoblastoma.

 

However, in children, the most common cancer is leukaemia, followed by tumours in the central nervous system (tissues of the brain and spinal cord) and lymphomas (immune system).

 

Paediatric Oncology Network and Coordination Committee

 

The Valencian public health system has a Paediatric Oncology Assistance Network made up of the three hospitals with referral units in childhood and adolescent cancer: the General Hospital of Alicante, the Hospital Clínico Universitario de València and the Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe de Valencia.

 

This healthcare network guarantees rapid and coordinated access to diagnosis and appropriate treatment, while ensuring fair medical practice regardless of the patient's place of residence.

 

In addition, the Valencian Community also has a Coordination Committee for the Management of Assistance Care for Childhood and Adolescent Cancer Cases, the purpose of which is to agree on specific measures to be implemented in order to improve the survival results of childhood cancer. and in adolescence, and an Interdisciplinary Commission for the Assessment of Proton Therapy Requests.

 

Proton therapy is a special and sophisticated form of external radiation therapy that uses heavy particles (protons) instead of X-rays or electrons, which are generated in conventional linear accelerators. It allows a more localized release of radiation, enabling better dose distribution and unnecessary irradiation to surrounding healthy tissue. It is indicated above all in certain childhood tumours and in some brain tumours of adults.

### Culture allocates more than 1 million euro to remodel and build premises of musical societies

The Department of Education, Culture and Sports has announced grants to finance remodelling and construction of social premises of the musical societies of the Valencian Community in 2022. This call is made through the advance processing formula.

 

For this purpose, 1,100,000 euro are allocated, which will be distributed as follows: 750,000 euro for remodelling and rehabilitation works, reform, improvement, adaptation and modernisation of social premises in existing spaces and their facilities, and 350,000 euro for construction, expansion and fitting out of new spaces for social venues.

 

Applications will only be accepted that include investment projects whose material execution budget does not exceed 85,000.00 euro, and whose investments are executed as of January 1, 2022.

 

The aid is intended for private non-profit entities that, being legally constituted, have among their social purposes the dissemination, promotion or dissemination and teaching of music, and carry out at least the following artistic and training activities on a permanent basis: support of a non-professional instrumental group, either band or orchestra; support of a music school or school for students directly or through supra-municipal groups, or, failing that, actively collaborate in the integration of young musicians into their instrumental ensemble as an activity aimed at their musical training.

 

The deadline for submitting applications will be one month from the day following the publication of this call resolution in the 'Official Gazette of the Generalitat Valenciana'.

### New Railway Museum will be installed in the city of Alicante

The Valencian Government, through the Department of Territorial Policy, Public Works and Mobility, will sign an agreement with the Alicante City Council and the Fundación de Ferrocarriles Españoles (FFE) to collaborate in the Project of the Railway Museum in the Valencian Community, which will have its headquarters in the city of Alicante.

 

With the aim of articulating this collaboration, the general director of Public Works, Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Roser Obrer, has met with the Councillor for Urban Planning and Heritage of the City Council, Adrián Santos, and the managing director of the Fundación de Ferrocarriles Españoles, José Carlos Domínguez Curiel.

 

This meeting was also attended by the Regional Minister for Territorial Policy, Arcadi España, highlighting that, "coinciding with the celebration of the European Year of the Railroad, it is undoubtedly the time to value a more sustainable mobility both for the transportation of goods and people ".

 

For the head of Transport of the Consell, "this initiative of a Railway Museum is the clear commitment of the Generalitat to claim this mode of transport that is part of our history, but that must be an essential element of the mobility of our present and future". In addition, he added, "it is not only a commitment of the Generalitat for the railroad and in this case, also, for Alicante, which, for the first time, the city will be the headquarters of a national museum".

 

The new Railway Museum in the Valencian Community, promoted by these three entities, will be installed in warehouses annexed to the Casa del Mediterráneo in Alicante and will have as its objective "the preservation and dissemination of railway memory and historical railway material, and, in particular, in relation to the one that will be part of the project to create the Museum at the headquarters of the town of Alicante.

 

Through this collaboration agreement, the Generalitat, the Alicante City Council, and the FFE express their interest in collaborating in all the activities and events that are necessary for the restoration, exhibition and use of historical railway material, in particular, of which use will be made of an endowment of historical railway material.

 

For the beginning of this collection, the FFE will give in favour of the Alicante City Council, the use and temporary storage of a historical vehicle, the Mikado locomotive. 141F-2401. This locomotive belongs to a series built for Renfe by various manufacturers between 1953 and 1960, which provided service throughout the Spanish network until 1975, the date of the official closure of steam in Spain, and is representative of the last series of steam locomotives built in our country, which was also the last series to serve in the steam era.

 

Likewise, to expand the provision of the future Railway Museum in Alicante, the three parties involved express their willingness to cede the temporary use and storage of other historical railway vehicles.

### The Generalitat activates the winter system with 664 staff and 176 vehicles for snowfall

The Generalitat has organised a total of 664 personnel and 176 vehicles that will be in charge of facilitating road accessibility and providing assistance to the 204 municipalities of the Valencian territory with medium or high risk of being cut off by the snow.

 

The regional secretary for Security and Emergencies, José María Ángel, and the general director of Public Works, Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Roser Obrer, have presented the Generalitat's device to deal with the snowfalls that may occur this winter.

 

Thus, José María Ángel has valued the role of the Valencian Agency for Security and Emergency Response "in coordinating the media of all the administrations present in the Valencian Community to reduce the problems that snow may cause in many municipalities of the Valencian Community ".

 

In fact, he stressed that "from the Emergency Coordination Centre the Snowfall Campaign Circular has already been sent to all municipalities, which includes the procedure for action, the campaign media and alternative communication systems to avoid isolation of people, especially those who may have relief difficulties ".

 

For its part, the general director of Public Works has explained that each zone of conservation of roads with risk of snowfall has the traditional operating means made up of a total of 16 snow ploughs in the Community and around 250 tons of flux, as well as a scalable add-on operation that allows you to add additional media. In addition, equipment for the production of brine to preventively treat the roads.

 

It has also indicated that the teams of the Department have cleaning schedules established in coordination with local administrations and firefighters consortiums so that the entire network can be enabled in a few hours, with special attention to low traffic interior roads where the plates of ice produce greater risk. The official meteorological monitoring is completed with other networks, such as that of the Ministry itself, which allows obtaining information closer to the road environment, as well as with the network of cameras in sensitive areas.

 

For this campaign there are, among all the administrations, 176 vehicles of which 99 are snow ploughs. This year the Generalitat will acquire three new shovels that will cover the areas of Sinarcas, Chelva and Titaguas, with which the figure will increase throughout the campaign to 102. In addition, another 77 auxiliary vehicles have been activated that were already deployed in a preventive manner ago a few weeks to act before the first episode of snowfall.

 

A total of 664 professionals will act preventively and to clear the roads and accesses of the municipalities with the highest risk of being isolated. Of these, 365 personnel belong to the Generalitat's Forest Fire Service; 84 to the Department of Territorial Policy and Public Works and 215 to the different services of the provincial councils - the highway brigades in the case of Alicante and Valencia and the fire brigades in Castellón. If extraordinary storms were to be faced, they would also be reinforced with resources from other areas.

 

Of the 204 municipalities likely to be isolated by snow, 82 present a high risk and 122 a medium risk. Most of them belong to the province of Castellón, which includes 42 towns that are located at an elevation higher than 800 meters above sea level, 42 are in Castellón, 26 are in Valencia and 14 are in Alicante.

 

The intervention protocols and the resources assigned are regulated in the Procedure for Action against Snowfalls, which is updated every winter and which specifies what corresponds to each administration and its coordination.

 

It also establishes the constitution of the Roads Coordination Centre, which is the body in charge of managing the different road cleaning tasks. It includes representatives of the different administrations with road competencies (General State Administration, Autonomous Administration and county councils) and provides for the integration of other basic units (Intervention, Sanitary, Supply) if the emergency requires it.

 

One of the most important actions of essential resources during snowfalls is to avoid isolation, which is why the Action Procedure for this risk establishes cleaning routes and storage points for salt and brine. 56 cleaning routes have been planned for the entire Valencian Community (17 in Alicante, 14 in Valencia and 25 in Castellón) and 42 storage points for salt and brine (8, 8 and 26 respectively).

 

At an organizational level, the Generalitat's Mobility Services Management Centre continuously monitors and the snow ploughs are equipped with a real-time communication system of their positioning. Likewise, the protocol is updated every year to establish certain traffic cuts at the accesses to the most severe winter spots, even before the onset of precipitation, when a red-level pre-emergency is planned. In this way, an attempt is made to minimize the problems of blocking the roads.

 

Another tool so that all people with relief needs can be attended to is the supply, by the Valencian Agency for Safety and Emergency Response, of portable radio stations from the Comdes Network. This equipment has been sent to all municipalities that do not have a Local Police to ensure communications with the 1 · 1 · 2 of the Valencian Community.

 

The road brigades in the case of the Alicante and València councils and the Castellón Firefighters Consortium in this province are responsible for cleaning the roads.

 

The Generalitat Fire and Forest Fire Service are also involved in the operation of cleaning roads and signalling roadblocks. In the case of the province of Castellón, they take charge of 9 of the 25 cleaning itineraries established throughout the province, dedicating themselves to the secondary network highways, roads and rural tracks.

### 98.9% of the groups of students end the third week of December without incident

During the third week of December, 98.9% of the groups have followed the face-to-face classes without any incidence having occurred. The health authorities have determined the confinement of 444 groups of 225 educational centres. This means that 88.5% of schools have concluded the week without any confined classroom.

 

The confinement of 292 groups of 125 educational centres has been determined. In addition, 139 groups from 63 educational centres have been misled and 152 groups from 100 centres remain confined from previous weeks. Therefore, the cumulative total of confined groups is 444 classrooms in 225 educational centres.

 

Among the school population of Early Childhood Education, Primary, Secondary, Baccalaureate and FP, 0.2% of active positives of the total number of students have been detected. With the application of protocols and security measures, Public Health has established preventive isolation, due to having been close contact with positives, of 1.1% of students.

 

Regarding the teaching staff, 0.4% of active positives of the total teaching staff have been confirmed. With the application of the prevention and protection measures of close contacts with positive assets, the preventive isolation of 0.3% of the teaching staff has been determined.

 

By regions, 86.3% of the educational centres in the regions of Alicante do not have any confined groups. 98.7% of the groups of students in these regions receive face-to-face classes with total normality.

 

During the past week, in the regions of Alicante, 130 groups from 58 centres have been confined, 60 groups from 23 educational centres have been confined and 51 groups from 35 educational centres remain confined for other weeks. Therefore, the accumulated total of confined groups in the Alicante regions is 181 classrooms in 93 educational centres.

 

In the regions of Alicante, 0.2% of positive cases have been registered in students. With the establishment of protocols and security measures, the preventive isolation has been determined, due to having been close contact with positives, of 1.2% of students.

 

Regarding teachers, in the regions of Alicante, 0.5% of positive active teachers have been registered. With the application of prevention and protection measures for close contacts with positive assets, the preventive isolation of 0.4% of the teaching staff has been determined.

 

In the Castellón regions, 87.4% of the educational centres do not have any confined groups. 98.4% of the groups of students in these regions do face-to-face classes without problems.

 

Over the past week, in the regions of Castellón, the confinement of 46 groups of 15 educational centres has been determined, 23 groups of 10 centres have been unconfined and 31 groups of 18 educational centres remain confined for other weeks. Therefore, the cumulative total of confined groups in the Castellón regions is 77 classrooms in 33 educational centres.

 

Among the students of the Castellón regions, there is 0.2% of positive active of the total of the students. With the establishment of protocols and security measures, the preventive isolation has been determined, due to having been close contact with positives, of 1.6% of students.

 

With regard to teachers in the Castellón regions, 0.4% of positive assets have been registered. With the application of the prevention and protection measures of close contacts with positive assets, the preventive isolation of 0.3% of the teaching staff has been determined.

 

In the regions of Valencia, 90.3% of the educational centres do not have any confined school group. 99.1% of the groups carry out face-to-face classes with total normality.

 

During the past week, in the regions of Valencia, the confinement of 116 groups of 52 educational centres has been determined, 56 groups of 30 educational centres have been unconfined and 70 groups of 47 educational centres remain confined, from other weeks. Therefore, the accumulated total of confined groups in the regions of Valencia is 186 classrooms in 99 educational centres.

 

Among the students of the regions of Valencia, there is 0.1% of active positives. With the establishment of protocols and security measures, the preventive isolation has been determined, due to having been close contact with positives, of 0.8% of students.

 

Regarding teachers, in the regions of Valencia, 0.3% of positive assets have been registered. With the application of the prevention and protection measures of close contacts with positive assets, the preventive isolation of 0.2% of the teaching staff has been determined.

 

It should be remembered that families can find out about the security measures established in educational centres through the website ' aulasegura.es '. The portal includes the safety, hygiene, protection and case management protocols established in educational centres to deal with COVID-19 and answers frequently asked questions that are generated. In addition, it has a call centre 900 300 555.

### Christmas entertainment in Torrevieja

This is the schedule of events organised by the town hall this Christmas in Torrevieja.

### "No child without a toy"

The Councilor for Security and Emergencies of the Torrevieja City Council, Federico Alarcón, together with the Councilor for Social Welfare, Tomás Ballester, and the vice-presidents of the APM Ángeles Guardianes (Alicante delegation) and the Brotherhood Motera “Dorsal Zero”, Juan Antonio Rodríguez and Andrés Cebrián respectively, have presented the campaign "No child without a toy", a Moto Papanoelada that will take place on December 18, starting at 6:30 pm.

The departure of this motorcycle caravan will depart from calle José Lorca García (Irish Pub Shanon) and will cross the main streets of the city following the itinerary: CV-95, c / San Policarpo, Av./Desiderio Rodríguez, Av./Doctor Gregorio Marañón, c / Ramón Gallud, c / María Parodi, Av./Libertad, c / Ramón y Cajal, Av./ de la Purísima, Curve del Palangre, Av./ de las Habaneras, c / María Parodi, c / Caballero de Rhodes. In the Plaza de la Constitución they will make a stop in front of the stage located in the square where they will deliver a present to the local authorities and will continue their route back to c / José Lorca García where they will perform a farewell act.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, toys must be new and in their original packaging. Toy collection points are: Irish Pub Shanon, Ciclos Acequión and Almadrava cafeteria (next to Carrefour Torrevieja). All proceeds will be delivered to the Department of Social Welfare, which, in collaboration with the local Civil Protection group, will deliver to the boys and girls from underprivileged families.
The vice president of the Ángeles Guardianes association has requested "maximum collaboration from all the residents of Torrevieja and businessmen for this charitable collection of toys for children in vulnerable situations." Finally, Juan Antonio Rodríguez also wanted to thank the Torrevieja City Council for its collaboration "which once again participates in this Christmas solidarity campaign".

### Ice Rink Open for Christmas

A covered ice rink opened in Torrevieja this week and will remain open right through the Christmas period.







Open from 11:00 in the morning until 2:00 pm, and again from 4:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., the cost is 6 euro for 40 minutes.



You will find the ice rink near the port in the town where it will be located until 9 January

### Another Local Earthquake

At 02:36  this morning, another earthquake was registered by the IGN, Instituto Geografico National, although many residents also felt it.



The quake was only small, at 2.2 magnitude, just South West of Torrevieja and is the fourth in the area just this week.

### 5 ways to spot diabetes early

Early detection is key for managing diabetes and preventing complications caused by the disease. Experts at Quirónsalud advise that anyone with symptoms or risk factors should be screened.



Dr. Jorge Cid, endocrinologist Quirónsalud Hospital in Torrevieja and Alicante said, “one of the main drawbacks of this disease is that the initial symptoms are hardly noticeable, specifically in the case of type 2 diabetes, so when they occur they are ignored or attributed to other health problems”.

 

Dr. Cid stressed how important it is to carry out routine medical checks to detect the disease, since undiagnosed diabetes can cause various health problems (kidney disease, vision disorders, heart problems and more).

Diabetes may due to the lack of insulin secretion by the pancreas and /or the decrease in its effect, according to Dr. Cid and, given that this hormone has the job of transforming carbohydrates in food into energy, its defect causes an increase in blood sugar.

 

Symptoms of diabetes

 

The specialist advises that there are five main symptoms to look for out:

 	Increased urge to urinate and feeling thirsty.
 	Weight loss. This symptom is more typical of type I diabetes and is usually accompanied by a continuous feeling of hunger.
 	Blurred vision. Excess glucose in the blood induces an increase in the loss of fluids from the body, including those that maintain the humidity of the lens of the eye, thus producing a sensation of dry eye.
 	Due to insulin deficiency cells cannot absorb glucose and are left without an adequate source of energy to carry out their normal functions.
 	Frequent infections. Diabetes reduces the body’s ability to eliminate pathogens.
 	

Rule out diabetes through a simple blood test

 

The Quirónsalud Torrevieja y Alicante expert explained that a simple blood test performed in the laboratory measuring the fasting glucose level, is sufficient for a diagnosis and with this the existence of diabetes in the patient can be either confirmed or ruled out.

 

“In the event that the diseases exists, the team of professionals work to find the most appropriate treatment to control it, in order to improve the health of the patient and avoid complications”, said Dr. Cid.

 

He added that, “a patient diagnosed with diabetes must lead a healthy life - diet and exercise being the first steps in the treatment of type 2 diabetes”.

Ultimately, the Dr. Cid was keen to stress that diabetes is a very common disease. According to the di@abetes.es study, 13,8% of Spaniards have type 2 diabetes mellitus, which represent around 5.3 million people. “Of them, almost 47% of total were initially unaware that they were suffering from the disease”, warned the doctor.

### Most Important Check-Ups for Women according to Age

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends undergoing at least one full check-up every four years before the age of 40. In the case of women, it is also necessary to consider that your body goes through significant changes as you age, so we advise applying preventive measures that could be essential for your health.



Stages of Women’s Health

 

During each stage, different factors need to be considered. Firstly, during their adolescence and twenties, “for women in this age group, it is important to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), as well as unwanted pregnancies, because most women are already sexually active,” explains Judith Catalá Serrat, a physician specialised in General Medicine at Hospital Quirónsalud Alicante. Doctor Catalá notes that during this stage, “it is also important to assess the consumption of toxic substances and eating habits, as well as undergoing to gynaecological controls and early detection tests such as cytology.”

 

 

Between 30 and 40 Years of Age

 

“At this age, programmed cytologies should continue, and women should get sonograms and mammograms if there is any finding during a physical examination,” states Doctor Yaquelin Popa, a Family Medicine Specialist at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja. At this age, women should also undergo blood tests to assess whether they have anaemia, or alterations to the kidneys, liver, thyroid or cholesterol.”

 

Between 40 and 50: Taking Greater Precautions

 

Between the ages of 40 and 50, the age at which women can contract diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, pre-menopause and cervical or breast cancer, among others, so women should enter a new preventive phase, warn physicians. To do this, “they must undergo an adequate examination that includes measuring blood pressure, weight, and body mass index, as well as a skin analysis, in order to rule out possible pathologies or melanomas,” explains Doctor Catalá. This is the age range at which we start screening programmes for breast pathologies with yearly mammograms, and we start to perform colorectal cancer prevention tests, taking a faecal occult blood test (FOBT) every two years.

 

After 60

 

Hearing and eyesight problems are two of the issues to consider after women turn 60. In this case, the specialists at Quirónsalud hospitals recommend annual check-ups with the ophthalmologist and the ear, nose, and throat specialist. At the same time, women over 60 are in a risk group for contracting the flu, due to which vaccinating the patient every winter should be considered. This age range is also when women should undergo control tests to check for the existence of osteoporosis, and measure calcium and kidney function; likewise, gynaecological sonograms and mammary examinations are recommended in order to rule out diseases in areas such as the ovaries or the uterus.

 

 

 

### Essential medical check-ups in men over 45 years of age

Medical check-ups are critical to health. This type of check-ups not only serve to know the state of our body, but also allow early detection of diseases that do not present symptoms.

A Generic Photo of a man and make doctor discussing a report. See PA Feature HEALTH Prostate. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/iStock. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature HEALTH Protstate.

Another benefit  of having regular check-ups is to prevent some diseases from becoming chronic, as well as increasing the chances of treatment and cure.

Cardiovascular diseases, cancer and respiratory pathologies are the three main causes of mortality of Spanish men. In many cases, death could have been prevented if preventive care had been performed.

While in adolescence the revisions related to sexual health (sexually transmitted diseases, infections ...), in the elderly we focus more on bone, cardiovascular, digestive and urological problems. In this case, the specialists of Quirónsalud Torrevieja explain which revisions are essential from the age of 45.

Medical check-ups for men from the age of 45

 	Prostate antigen test (prostate cancer) or PSA test. "Recommended every 2 years, except if there is a family history of prostate cancer, in these cases a check-up is advised more frequently," explain from the urology service of Quirónsalud Torrevieja.
 	Gastroesophageal endoscopy. An annual test is recommended for those men who have reflux or other gastrointestinal
 	Recommended every 10 years, unless there is a family history of colon cancer.

On the other hand, the cardiology experts of Quirónsalud Torrevieja  advise greater cardiovascular control and recommend performing a stress test and an echocardiogram. "Another point to watch from the age of 45," the specialists emphasize, "is type 2 diabetes, since it is in this period when this disease begins to manifest itself."

5 tips to improve your health and quality of life

Taking into account that cardiological pathologies are the main cause of death in men in Spain, experts insist that “hypertension and cholesterol controls should also be more exhaustive from the age of 45, since the risk is higher".

To avoid cardiological pathologies, the key is to lead a healthy lifestyle. From  Quirónsalud Torrevieja they offer us some simple tips to avoid this type of pathologies.

 	No smoking.
 	Avoid alcoholic beverages.
 	Exercise regularly.
 	Maintain a healthy weight.
 	Eat a balanced diet. Avoid processed meats and sugary drinks in favour of legumes, fruits, and vegetables.

Applying these simple tips will improve your overall health.

Finally, experts recall the importance of other types of check-ups or check-ups once a year, such as ophthalmological, auditory and dental. So how to get vaccinated against the flu, from the age of 65, to avoid any type of complication.

 

### Another Torrevieja Earthquake

At 06:49 a.m. this morning a magnitude 2.0 earthquake strook Torrevieja.

The epicenter was in the area separating the lagoons of La Mata and Torrevieja and with hypocenter about 5 kilometers deep.







The earthquake was been felt by many but no damage to buildings or property has been reported.

### Quirónsalud presents the campaign "Our best faces to take care of you" to value the role of health workers in the care of our health

More than 400 health workers from Quirónsalud hospitals and medical centres in Valencia, Alicante, Torrevieja and Murcia participate in the campaign.
 	The soundtrack has been recorded by the Orchestra of Young Musicians of Torrevieja

 



Health has many faces: that of humanity, that of involvement, that of teamwork, that of innovation and many more. In the hospitals and medical centres  Quirónsalud of Valencia,  Alicante,  Torrevieja  and  Murcia you can see them all when dealing with our professionals.

How can we help you?

Thus begins the campaign that Quirónsalud, has launched under the name "Our best faces to take care of you"  with the aim of valuing and making visible the health personnel of Quirónsalud after a year of pandemic raising awareness in society about the importance of promoting the values that they consider fundamental in the profession and that are part of the Quirónsalud hospital group.  The campaign highlights the loyalty of our patients and the generation of trust from the human and emotional point of view.

The medical directorates of the Hospitals Quirónsalud Murcia, Alicante, Torrevieja  and  Valencia  explain that, "a very important part of health is the human factor, people. Therefore, in Quirónsalud we want to highlight the close, empathetic and, ultimately, human treatment of our professionals. They are the ones who, with their vocation, make patients feel in the best hands. Because we understand person-to-person health."

With this campaign Quirónsalud gives visibility to the faces of all those professionals, nurses, doctors, auxiliaries, technicians or guards who take care of patients. Because in his face and in his work all the values of Quirónsalud are reflected:

 

 	Humanity
 	Implication
 	Commitment
 	Passion
 	Innovation vocation
 	Teamwork
 	The effort 
 	Professionalism

 

More than 400 toilets and the collaboration of the Orchestra of Young Musicians of Torrevieja

The campaign has had the participation of more than 400 health workers from Quirónsalud  and consists of an exhibition of posters in hospitals and medical centres of the Valencian Community and Region of Murcia, a video piece in several languages that will be distributed in RRSS and issued in the facilities of the hospitals whose original soundtrack has been in charge of Adolfo Arronis  and has been recorded exclusively by the  Orquesta Joven de Torrevieja

 



 

 

Quirónsalud in the Valencian Community and the Region of Murcia

 

Quirónsalud has eight centres in the Valencian Community and the Region of Murcia, forming a leading group that is at the forefront of medicine where people are the epicentre.

 

Quirónsalud is positioned at the forefront of private health in the Valencian Community and Murcia in terms of technological endowment, as well as in comfort and benefits for both the patient and the professionals who provide their services in their centres.

 

### PCR Tests Set To Be Scrapped For Returning Vaccinated Travellers To The UK

The UK government is reportedly set to end the need for fully vaccinated travellers to take expensive PCR Covid tests on return to the UK.



According to discussions by government officials, PCR tests could soon be scrapped for fully-jabbed inbound travellers coming from green and amber list countries.

It could take effect by next month, according to the Daily Mail.

PCR tests currently required on the second day after arrival will likely be replaced by lateral flow tests, which are much cheaper.

It is expected to be discussed at the Covid-Q committee which is made up of the PM, Chancellor, Heath Secretary and Cabinet Office Minister.

'I'm not going to make that decision right now, but I've already asked the officials that the moment we can, let's get rid of these kinds of intrusions. The cost that generates for families, particularly families just trying to go out and holiday, we shouldn't be keeping anything like that in place for a second longer than is absolutely necessary," Health Secretary Sajid Javid told Sky News.

Travellers would still be required to comply with testing rules of the country they are travelling to, although some popular holiday destinations in Europe do not require PCR test for fully vaccinated arrivals.

"This would be a significant vote-winner with consumers and the industry. It's exactly what we've been calling for because these tests have been expensive and too confusing," said Paul Charles, chief of The PC Agency.

"It's a significant move that would boost confidence and help the travel sector recover substantially. It would help airlines, tour operators, and hoteliers, and crucially, it would help the inbound travel industry which is in turmoil."

It comes amid closer scrutiny on PCR test firms, many of which are being looked at closely for price gouging and substandard service delivery.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has called for stricter oversight on test providers and 'wider sanctions.'

It issued a number of recommendations and the Health Secretary announced fixed fines of up to £10,000 for violations.

### Road closures this Saturday for La Vuelta cycle race

The La Vuelta Cycling Tour of Spain passes through Torrevieja this Saturday, August 21, so roads will be closed to accommodate the race.



 	Access to the municipal area from N-332.
 	Avda. José Samper García.
 	Carretera del Torrejón.
 	Avda. Alfredo Nobel.
 	Avda. Mariano Ruiz Cánovas.
 	Avda. De las Habaneras.
 	Calle Antonio Machado.
 	Calle Apolo (in opposite direction)
 	Calle Ramón Gallud (in opposite direction)
 	Avda. Gregorio Marañón.
 	Avda. Desiderio Rodríguez.
 	CV-95.
 	Roundabout of the Desalination Plant.
 	Exit to the N-332.

These streets will be closed on August 21 at the following times:

From 12:15 to 12:45.

From 1.30 p.m. to 2.15 p.m.

A tow truck will begin to remove the cars from the route at 10:00 p.m. Friday, August 20.

### The most common diseases of summer and how to avoid them

The most frequent pathologies for which patients go to the emergency room during the holidays are usually acute-onset external otitis and gastrointestinal problems as the main cause of admission, as stated by Dr. Juan Costell, head of the emergency department of the Quirónsalud Torrevieja hospital.

Side view caucasian tired overheated woman in t-shirt using wave fan suffer from heat sweating, cools herself, closed eyes feels sluggish due problem no air conditioner at home at summer weather.

As for otitis, Dr. Costell explains that "otalgia with a history of recent bathing is usually the reason that causes greater care consultation. They are usually secondary external otitis by immersion in swimming pools or in the sea, as is usual at this time of year." This type of ear infection, caused by the action of moisture, produces an alteration in the epithelium of the external auditory canal, which in turn causes the germs that are usually in the duct to penetrate, causing the infection.

 

As for its symptoms, the doctor reports that "it manifests as a strong pain in the area and, if the disease progresses, suppuration and narrowness of the ear canal occurs along with a temporary hearing loss since the inflammation does not let the air through",

 

Dr. Costell recommends that, after three or four days, after the visit to the emergency room and treatment with topical antibiotic therapy, the patient should visit the otolaryngrine since this pathology can give many problems a posteriori and should be controlled.

 

In relation to gastrointestinal problems, Dr. Costell points out that, although the care demand is lower than in cases of otitis, the severity of the pathology may even require the patient's admission. "Acute gastroenteritis is usually accompanied by vomiting, increased number of bowel movements, diarrhoea, high fever and oral intolerance. Most of these problems in summer are due to food poisoning, the main danger being severe dehydration, especially in children and the elderly."

 

To prevent a picture of gastrointestinal problems in summer, hand hygiene is essential before preparing food and consuming, preferably, freshly prepared or refrigerated food, since the heat can alter its state.

 

 

Summer pathologies, what they are and how to avoid them

 

Although these pathologies are present all year round, as stated by Dr. José Luis Lasaga, head of  emergencies at Quirónsalud Alicante,  "it is in summer and during the holidays when they manifest themselves in a more recurrent way". To know what they are and how we can avoid the most common summer diseases, Dr. Lasaga indicates to pay attention to the following points:

 

 	Dermatological infections and other of these the most frequent are fungal infections and especially the so-called athlete's foot, which occurs after stepping on wet ground and previously infected by other people. "To prevent it," says Dr. Lasaga, "it is important to use flipflops both in swimming pools and showers and dry our feet very well. In case of infection, it will be necessary to use a topical antifungal treatment"
 	Diseases related to heat and prolonged exposure to high temperatures without adequate ventilation or hydration. "Its symptoms can range from muscle cramps, dizziness, loss of consciousness, to hyperthermia, hypotension, dehydration and death," explains the specialist of Quirónsalud Torrevieja. The doctor advises avoiding peak hours of sun, proper hydration and keeping the body cool.
 	Sexually transmitted diseases by increasing the possibility of isolated sexual contact without the use of adequate protective measures. To avoid them, Dr. Lasaga advises the use of condoms to minimise the risk of contracting these diseases. "If this happens, go to your doctor to perform the appropriate complementary tests and establish the appropriate treatment," says the specialist.
 	Bites of insects and other animals such as sea urchins, jellyfish, etc. In most cases they cause mild symptoms that are usually controlled with physical and anti-inflammatory measures, “although we must not forget that we must consult with your doctor or go to the emergency services without having symptoms such as dizziness, loss of consciousness, uncontrolled fever, dyspnoea or chest pain",  says Lasaga.

 

Finally, to spend a good summer without scares the specialists of Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante recommend drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding the hours of increased sun exposure, use of adequate sunscreens, a balanced diet, washing hands frequently, and if we travel do not forget the medication if you need it and health reports, and in case of doubt consult with our usual doctors or go to the emergency services.

 

### Walking among birds

The lagoons of La Mata and Torrevieja are an exceptional place for bird watching, but to begin to discover them it is necessary to open our eyes and ears, focus all our attention and, if we have the opportunity, be guided by an expert.

We are in luck! On Sunday August 22 we will have the activity " Walking among birds ", in which Faunatura's friends will accompany us to show us the enormous biodiversity that surrounds us.

Will we be able to discover the nightjar with its incredible camouflage? What animal “laughs” among the eucalyptus trees?

Do you want to come and discover it? Enter this link to receive more information and register for the activity .

### Opera returns to the Torrevieja Auditorium with 'Carmen'

Opera will return to the Torrevieja International Auditorium on October 21, at 9:00 p.m., with 'Carmen' , the work composed by Georges Bizet.



Considered one of the most popular operas in history. His narration and musical staging is vibrant and passionate. Its premiere was not without a certain scandal, it was not usual for the heroine of an opera to die on stage or have such impudence as the protagonist of Carmen.

The Opera 2001 company will stage this four-act tragedy in its original French version with Spanish subtitles. Tickets are already on sale on the website auditoriotorrevieja.com and in person on Wednesdays at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre , in Torrevieja, (11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), and at the auditorium box office for two hours before the performance.

### Rezum: Pioneering prostate treatment technology at Quirónsalud Alicante

Quirónsalud Alicante has employed the pioneering Rezum technique for treating benign prostate hyperplasia.  Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) — also called prostate gland enlargement — is a common condition as men get older. An enlarged prostate gland can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder. It can also cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems.



The Rezum technique is a minimally invasive, fast and safe procedure that does not require hospital admission.

The revolutionary treatment is now available in Quirónsalud Alicante Hospital’s Urology Department, allowing the treatment of BPH without impacting the patient’s urinary system or sexual function.

The technique lasts approximately 10 minutes, and is performed through the urethra under controlled sedation. The treatment consists of the injection of water vapour into the prostate, which causes tissue necrosis (cell death), solving the problems caused by the growth of the prostate in the patient and eradicating related symptoms.

The goal of the medical team of urology professionals at Quirónsalud Alicante and Quirónsalud Torrevieja hospitals is to treat BPH in the least invasive way possible.  Thus, the Rezum and green laser techniques employed by Quirónsalud are both effective and efficient.

What is benign prostate hyperplasia?

Prostate hyperplasia is benign (non-cancerous) enlargement of the prostate gland, and it is a common disorder in men. So much so that it affects more than 50% of the male population between 50 and 60 years of age, and up to 90% of men over 80 years of age.

Who is the Rezum system suitable for?

Treatment with the Rezum technique is indicated for patients with Benign Obstructive Hyperplasia who do not want to continue with the drug treatment and the secondary effects caused by the medication (impotence, decreased libido, hypertension…). It is also suitable for young patients; patients at high risk of bleeding; and with other illnesses or undergoing treatment for other conditions.

This technique represents a great advance in the treatment for benign prostate hyperplasia and a hope for men with this condition who are concerned about the preservation of the functions of their prostate.

Advantages of the Rezum technique

The benefits of the Rezum technique, as it is a minimally invasive technique, are many:

 

- Safe and effective procedure, reducing side effects.

- Low risk of bleeding and complications.

- Alternative to strong oral medication and traditional surgery.

- Administered under sedation.

- Short surgical time.

- It does not require hospitalization (outpatient regime).

- Progressive improvement of urinary symptoms with rapid recovery and

return to normal daily life.

- It does not produce sexual impotence or definitive urinary incontinence.

- Preservation of ejaculation in 95% cases.

To determine if a patient is a suitable candidate for the Rezum technique, they must first have a consultation with the urology specialist.

It is advisable for men over 40 years of age who feel discomfort, even minimal, to carry out an annual check-up with the urologist to rule out any type of problem.

Quirónsalud Alicante Urology Service

The Urology Service of the Hospital Quirónsalud Alicante has the team and the necessary technology to address diseases of the urinary and retroperitoneal system in men and women.

More information at info.alicante@quironsalud.es or by phone: 966 972 900.

### Five tips to take care of your heart in summer

Failure to comply with cardiovascular treatments increases by 20% during the summer and can cause the patient to suffer heart and cerebrovascular problems, a case of angina, infarction, heart failure and stroke. All this without forgetting the increased risk of kidney failure.



According to Dr. Luís González, specialist of the Integral Cardiology Unit of Quirónsalud Alicante, "all the precautions are few to enjoy a few days of rest without setbacks; thus, a poor  diet  with a lot of fats and salt, together with other factors such as tobacco abuse,     alcohol, decreased exercise on a regular basis, cause a lack of control of blood pressure".

In summer, the blood pressure values are lower than in the winter months, this is because in the heat there is a vasodilation to favour the loss of body temperature and as a result you have a lower blood pressure. Therefore, if a hypertensive person is exposed too much to the sun in summer and does not hydrate properly, they can suffer severe hypotension that in severe cases causes loss of consciousness and fainting.

According to Dr. González, "One of the medications used for the treatment of high blood pressure are diuretics and if you add the high temperatures of the environment, you lose more fluids, which is why it is vitally important that you take more fluids than is usual." What is most advised for this type of person during the heat is to drink plenty of water, eat fresh fruit and wear light clothing to favour the replacement of liquids that are lost with sweat and thus avoid dehydration or in more serious cases heat stroke.

Five keys to take care of your heart in summer

The holidays are the perfect time to do everything we cannot do the rest of the year, but our cardiovascular health does not have to suffer. However, it is advisable to take some precautions so that forgetting the routine of the rest of the year does not take its toll.

 

Carry on with medication.  Breaking the routine make us forget to take our medication, we always associate it with concrete actions such as breakfast, dinner, etc.

 

Caution with heat. The main causes of mortality during heat waves are related to cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and respiratory diseases. That is why it is not appropriate for us to spend a lot of time exposed to the sun in the central hours of the day.

 

Watch out for alcohol. Experts advise to maintain a healthy and balanced diet in summer just like the rest of the year. Excessive intake of alcoholic beverages can lead to heart rhythm disorders and a certain degree of contractionary insufficiency.

 

Caution with the chosen holiday destination. Cardiac patients can choose the holiday destination they prefer considering only that it is preferable to avoid countries with extreme temperatures and countries with height above 2,000 metres because if the heart is damaged you will have to work more.

As for the means of transport, we can travel in any form, but always considering that long journeys by plane increase the risk of suffering the syndrome of a deep vein thrombosis in the veins of the legs when we remain immobile for a long time.

 

Rest, important in summer. The first objective of the holidays is to rest, but it is common that we end up doing the opposite by sleeping fewer hours. Something that is not beneficial for our cardiovascular health. Lack of sleep increases blood levels of stress hormones, which increases blood pressure and heartrate.

 

 

 

### Quirónsalud consolidates its healthcare offering in the Alicante province with the opening of a new medical centre in Gran Alacant (Santa Pola)

Quirónsalud consolidates its healthcare offering in the Alicante province with the opening of a new medical centre in Gran Alacant (Santa Pola).

 

 	This is the fourth Quirónsalud centre in the province, joining existing locations in Torrevieja, Orihuela and Alicante city.

 

 	Quirónsalud is the leading hospital group in Spain and, together with its parent company Fresenius-Helios, also leads in Europe. It boasts more than 40,000 professionals in more than 125 health centres.

 



 

On July 1, the new Quirónsalud Gran Alacant (Santa Pola) medical centre was officially inaugurated. With this newest health facility, Quirónsalud continues to grow its offering in the province of Alicante, this being the fourth centre that the hospital group now has in the province in addition to its existing facilities in Alicante, Torrevieja and Orihuela. The group now offers the widest healthcare options to Alicante residents, international residents and tourists alike.

 

The opening of the new clinic in Gran Alacant is part of a strategic collaboration with the company NouMediterrani SA, owner of the Hotel AJ, on whose ground floor the new health centre is located, next to the Gran Alacant Shopping Centre, owned by Grupo ASA and Josman.

 

The Quirónsalud Gran Alacant medical centre is designed to offer comprehensive patient care for which it will have the main medical-surgical specialties, among which are: Pediatrics, general and family medicine, clinical and sports cardiology, general surgery and proctology, dentistry, gynaecology, traumatology, angelology and vascular surgery, neurology, otorhinolaryngology (ear, nose, throat), dermatology and urology.

 

In terms of facilities, the health centre has a conventional radiology room, a rehabilitation and physiotherapy gym, a nursing office for medicines and injectables, a clinical analysis laboratory and a vaccination centre.

 

In the specialist Pediatrics Unit, Quirónsalud has a team of paediatricians from the Centro Creciendo, where a comprehensive approach is taken to physical and emotional health from birth onwards, led by Juanjo Saval (child psychologist) and Lucía Galán Bertrand (paediatrician).

 

The medical centre will be supported surgically at the hospitals that the group already has in the province, Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Alicante.

 

Covid-19 tests in less than 12 hours near Alicante-Elche airport

 

The Quirónsalud medical centre has also launched its rapid detection point for COVID-19 (PCR, antigens, serologies, vaccination quantification, etc.), where it offers all diagnostic tests and results in less than 12 hours in a location that is It is only 15 minutes from Alicante-Elche airport. Opening hours from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. without the need for an appointment.

 

Quirónsalud Gran Alacant is a great choice for Covid-19 tests for residents and international tourists alike. Located on Avenida Finlandia 15 in Gran Alacant, just 15 minutes from the airport, it offers a personalised and no-wait service for all.

 

Quirónsalud in the Valencian Community and the Region of Murcia

 

Quirónsalud currently has eight centres in the Valencian Community and the Region of Murcia and will open a new facility in the city of Elche this coming September, consolidating its position at the forefront of medicine where people are the epicentre.

Currently, Quirónsalud is developing a multitude of research projects throughout Spain and many of its centres carry out cutting-edge work in this area, considered pioneers in a variety of specialties such as oncology, cardiology, endocrinology, gynaecology and neurology, among others.

 

### Amber list quarantine-free travel could start in late-July

Quarantine-free travel for fully vaccinated travellers could be approved before the end of the month.



The Times reports it could be given the green light to start by 26 July., citing a government official.

This is at the start of the busy school holiday period.

A decision with the EU about recognising the NHS app for travel is close.

It means EU member states would recognise the NHS app as a vaccine passport for travel, as well as additional Covid test status for countries that require it.

The agreement would exempt fully vaccinated people from quarantine when returning from a holiday in amber-list countries.

"No final decision has been made on timing yet. There are various issues that need to be worked through and we are waiting for public health advice," a government spokesperson said.

It would initially only apply to UK residents registered with the NHS but would later be extended to all EU citizens.

### Turtle Awareness Campaign Launched

In recent years, loggerhead turtles have chosen the beaches of the Valencian Community up to 8 times to lay their eggs, one of them, in the summer of 2015, in Torrevieja. But the attempts have been many more. For example, only in the Maritime District of Torrevieja that ranges from the mouth of the Segura river to El Mojón (municipalities of Guardamar del Segura, Torrevieja, Orihuela and Pilar de la Horadada), the attempts have been a total of 6, having reached to locate, in the summer of 2018, a new born turtle. Two of these attempts occurred last year 2020 on the Orihuela coast, although neither of them were successful.



From this month of June begins the peak period in which loggerhead turtles can eventually go out to the beaches at night to spawn. This period ends throughout the month of October, where occasionally it is possible to find baby turtles from possible nests that had not been located during the previous months.

Torrevieja City Council has been carrying out specific information campaigns every year for all beach users (citizens in general, walkers, beach bars), for services such as beach cleaning services that operate at night and for Local Police and Guardia Civil. All this with the intention that, given the possibility of observing a turtle laying eggs on the beach, or its trace left in the sand when it returns to the sea, it is known to act correctly so that everything goes well.

Antonio Vidal, Councillor for the Environment and Beaches, has indicated that this year, in addition, they will be installed in the main accesses to the beaches, some posters alluding to the general protocol to follow, which begins by calling 112, and in the that includes a series of recommendations to avoid disturbing the animal while it spawns or attempts to do so, being essential not to approach, not make noise or dazzle the animal and avoid photographing it with flash.

By calling 112, a team of professionals is set up to attend the event, and in which the Ministry of the Environment, the University of Valencia and the Oceanogràfic of Valencia participate, as well as Torrevieja Council in its territorial area. Quick action is essential for the location of the nests and the protection of the eggs, in highly touristy beaches that the next day will be full of users. It also allows the collection of an important series of biological data on sea turtles (such as their genetic characterization or their tagging with satellite emitters) that ultimately contribute to a better understanding of the process of recolonisation and consolidation of new breeding beaches that is taking place during the last years on the shores of the Spanish Mediterranean.

Everyone's involvement and knowing how to act correctly can help consolidate Spanish beaches as a laying and breeding area for sea turtles.

### Major summer festival to take place

From June 31 to August 14, Torrevieja will host the first urban culture festival of the summer, for 14 uninterrupted days and in different spaces and outdoor venues of the city to bring live music, sports, gastronomy or street painting in its most current artistic manifestations. An event that aspires to become a benchmark with a multidisciplinary format in accordance with the needs to reactivate tourism, musical entertainment, culture and the need for socialisation that citizens are currently experiencing.



In addition, this first edition begins in a summer that is moving towards normality, with the progressive lifting of restrictions such as the possible goodbye to the mask in outdoor spaces or expansion of capacity at events.

With the name of Crazy Urban Festival, it has been presented this morning at the Ambigú Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja, in a press conference in which its programming and all the security measures that will involve the festival by the hand of the Councillor for Youth, Domingo Paredes, the head of organization for the production company SHIROTEN, José Ten, and for the technological platform expert in capacity control and traceability Safety Global, Ricard Sanz.

The festival will start with an 'Opening Party' on the 31st in the hands of prestigious DJs and which will be followed by different urban music actions in different parts of the city. In addition, the festival will also exploit its sports side with a week dedicated to the practice of water sports for beginners and lovers of surfing, or skateboarding: and another week in which the public will be made a participant in urban art, introducing them to the exciting and expressive pictorial language of graffiti or the skyline, which they will be able to practice in situ, and exhibitions that will fill murals and spaces in the city with this discipline of artistic expression.

Gastronomy will also be present to promote and activate sectors so affected by the crisis such as hospitality and commerce, through markets and traditional stalls and the performance of Carros de Foc, the innovative and avant-garde theatre company that makes sculpture works giant mobiles roam open-air spaces with choreography, balancing act, cloth and hoop acrobatics or rhythmic choreography with a fire fan and music.

The finishing touch will be the live performances at the Paseo de las Eras de la Sal in Torrevieja by 4 of the most prestigious and renowned artists of urban music, such as Prok, Locoplaya, on August 13, and Bad Gyal and Recycled J, on August 14.

The Councillor for Youth, Domingo Paredes, stressed that "the festival is a commitment that the Government team acquired in 2019 to carry out this type of concerts in summer and, in this unusual year, we wanted to carry it out, adapting it to health regulations ". Paredes added that the City Council's intention is for this high-class festival to take hold and become a project for the future that can attract all kinds of young people to our city. In addition, he concluded, "we intend with this type of events to energize the city and that for 15 days urban and youth culture is present in a large part of Torrevieja".

The safety device designed by the Crazy Urban Festival aims to guarantee the adoption of sanitary measures for the proper development of the festival, avoiding any type of sanitary risk.

During the entire festival, the technological platform, specialised in large events, Safety Global, will carry out an access control system that through QR systems allows to guarantee the traceability and identification of all the holders who buy their tickets to attend the events. scheduled with the largest number of attendees, especially the four announced live music concerts.

In the same way, it will apply the sectorisation of its spaces to guarantee safety distances in the public and the access control personnel and specialised personnel will be in charge of the correct use of gels, masks and temperature measurements by the attendees. Regarding the use of the bars or the public flows in the concerts, the device will be designed according to the news that may occur during the months of June and July.

On the other hand, and taking into account the favourable evolution of the pandemic and the magnificent data of the vaccination campaign, the operations and logistics of all the Crazy Urban Festival production intends to be considered in a dynamic way, in such a way that it is capable of adapt to the evolution of the health situation and the changes and new measures that the health administration can adopt.

In this context, it should be able to adapt to the elimination of the mandatory nature of outdoor masks, as well as to the distribution of spaces or the recalculation of the occupation of the surface and the facilities in which it is going to be developed. in accordance with the criteria that can be established on safety distances.

### Torrevieja launches new branding

The Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, accompanied by the councillor for innovation and modernisation, Ricardo Recuero, and the head of Grupo Antón Comunicación, Susana Antón, presented the new corporate image of the Torrevieja Council.



The mayor has assured that it is an important step for the entire local administration, which modernises its image in each and every one of its municipal areas. Eduardo Dolón highlighted that we are facing a new corporate visual identity that will be implemented as of today and has congratulated the work done by the winning company, which managed to win this contract to which 15 more merchants were presented, as well as the team of the Department of Innovation and the communication department of the Torrevieja City Council, which for several months have been working on this project.

After viewing a video, the mayor highlighted that with this new image they have tried to "enter the heart of Torrevieja", with all the symbolism that this entails for our city: modern, contemporary and entrepreneurial.

Susana Antón explained that the new corporate identity is an iconic textual set that is made up of a graphic element and a textual element. The graphic element encompasses the origin of the municipality with the representation of the watchtower (Torre-Vieja) that at its base forms a wave referring to the Mediterranean Sea that bathes the bay of Torrevieja, the lagoons of La Mata, and in its part ascending the salt mountains, iconic symbol of the city of Torrevieja.

The tower is composed in its upper part by three battlements, and in its upper central part a "square" that represents a window open to the world. This openness refers to the multiculturalism and welcoming that characterizes Torrevieja. The textual element is none other than the name "Torrevieja Town Hall".

The main colours of this new identity are blue (referring to the sea, a symbol of Levantine cities) and white, referring to salt. As a complementary colour, and as an addition when communicating, there is the colour pink, a clear reference to the peculiarity of the Torrevieja and La Mata lagoons, the salty lagoons.

### Torrevieja and Local News on Monday 31 May 2021

The councillor for urban services in Torrevieja, Sandra Sánchez, has announced that, due to the high exposure to the marine environment of the Hombre del Mar monument, located on the Juan Aparicio seafront, and after inspection by the department of works and services, rehabilitation work has commenced. The work will see cracks repaired and subsequent filling with structural mortar of the pedestal that supports the figure, made up of pieces of reinforced concrete coated with mortar. Likewise, for the figure and the decorative pieces of the monument, a deep cleaning will be carried out with pressurised water, which will eliminate any aggressive deposition on the surfaces. Finally, a protective layer will be applied to the entire complex, thus providing greater resistance and durability to this historic Torrevieja monument.



Torrevieja council has awarded the Alicante Fair Institution (IFA) a contract to adapt the facilities of the International Auditorium as the venue for selectivity tests. This space is one of the few in which all the students who are going to take the test in Torrevieja can meet. The cost necessary to carry out the adaptation 17,000 euro. In the facilities around four hundred students from the five public institutes and the concerted centre will be examined on June 8 and 9.

Neighbours of the Los Balcones urbanisation have begun a campaign to collect signatures to demand Torrevieja council improves road safety on the CV-95 between the residential area and the urban area of ​​the town. The trigger for the petition was the death of a cyclist run over at the roundabout at the University Hospital and Los Altos on March 25, although the safety problems on the road, which can withstand the passage of up to 20,000 vehicles a day, has been dragging on for two decades.

The councillor for culture in Torrevieja, Antonio Quesada, has announced that given the success of the Festival Música y Sal in September last year at the Eras de la Sal, the Municipal Institute of Culture "Joaquín Chapaprieta" has launched a new event to take place in the same location in August. Artists performing will be Dúo Dinámico on August 22, Sidonie on August 27, La Pegatina on August 28 and Camela on August 29.

Torrevieja council has started the public notification period of its new ordinance regulating mobility and circulation. The text specifies for the first time in which conditions personal mobility vehicles -electric scooters and the like- can circulate; it leaves the way to authorise and regulate parking, although still in a very generic way; and includes innovations in the management of car parks for people with reduced mobility.

The women's youth team of the Torrevieja Salud-Mare Nostrum Handball Club has been proclaimed champion of Spain this Sunday, after beating Soliss Pozuelo in the final, by a resounding 22-14.

Part of the wall of the Punta Prima beach promenade has collapsed after the episodes of rain in recent days. It adds to the previous landslides in the access to La Caleta beach, with a sinkhole that has not been fixed for more than a year and a half, and the landslide on the cliff of Aguamarina beach.

Residents of the Jesuítas beach in La Torre del Pilar de la Horadada staged a protest on Saturday against the installation of a beach bar in the upper part of this coastal area.

A group of thieves has targeted three establishments of the Óptica Óptima group in Rojales, San Fulgencio and Santa Pola and seized glasses worth close to 100,000 euro, in addition to causing material damage, according to company.

The President of the Valencia Region, Ximo Puig, has announced a new weekly record for vaccinations with 351,000 administered. The objective is to finish the first week of June with 3 million doses given. Meanwhile more vaccines have arrived in Valencia. At 06:15 this morning a plane from Cologne landed at Manises Airport carrying 143,910 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. A second plane is expected on Wednesday.



The Valencia regional health authority has hired more psychiatrists and psychologists to fight depression which has seen an increase in younger people. The mental health department has increased by 16% to deal with the “avalanche” of problems derived from the pandemic.

### Summer School Registration Open

The councillor for social welfare in Torrevieja, Tomás Ballester, has announced the Municipal Summer School 2021, which will take place from July 1 to July 31 August in schools CEIP Salvador Russo (primary school students), CEIP Gratiniano Baches (kindergarten students) and CEIP Acequión (kindergarten and primary school students), for all children who in the 2020/2021 academic year have been enrolled in Infant or Primary Education, registered in Torrevieja or whose father / mother / guardian is registered in the municipality.



The Summer School returns to its original format, since the 2020 edition had to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic situation. It will run from July 1 to August 31 with a schedule from 09:00 to 14:00 hours and the entrance time for the "Early Bird" service will be 08:30 hours, and the exit for the dining room service It will be at 3:30 p.m. You can choose the monthly or biweekly.

As a complementary activity, there will be an excursion to the Parque de Lo Albentosa or Parque de las Naciones or Municipal Pool, every month.

A total of 315 places for recreational and sports activities and 270 places for dining have been offered. The registration period is until June 11, and must be done through the Electronic Office Electronic Office or at the Registry office (PROP) by appointment.

### Torrevieja and local news for Tuesday 25 May 2021

A woman allegedly stabbed her partner after an argument in Torrevieja. The incident occurred at around 6.30 p.m. yesterday in a building located on Avenida Diego Ramírez. The victim was taken to the University Hospital of Torrevieja by a paramedic ambulance.

The councillor for urban services in Torrevieja, Sandra Sánchez, reports that the repair works of the seafront on Avenida de los Marineros (Playa del Cura) have been completed and that they have been carried out as a result of the gap that was opened under the promenade seafront in front of the "El Timonel" building, after various storms in February 2020 and the continuous exposure of the wall that supports the promenade. The works, which have had the prior authorisation of the Provincial Coastal Directorate, have had a duration of one month and an investment of 10,000 euro.



The Municipal Institute of Culture "Joaquín Chapaprieta" in Torrevieja has advised that the times of the beginning of the events scheduled for Friday, May 28, "Infarct, Do not go to light" by the humourist Santi Rodríguez, and the concert of Pasión Vega, on Saturday, May 29, will be at 9:30 p.m., not the times previously advertised.

Mass vaccination has started in the nine centres set up in the Orihuela Health Department, in Albatera, Almoradí, Bigastro, Callosa de Segura, Catral, Cox, Dolores, Orihuela and Redován. At these vaccination points, it is planned to administer the vaccine to the population between 51 and 59 years old and people over 66 and groups under 60 who have not yet received it, as well as the second dose in those over 70 years. They will then be the "vaccinadromes" chosen for the remaining ages to be vaccinated. The centre at Pilar de la Horadada also opened today, with 800 residents of Pilar and the Orihuela Costa summoned to attend.

The legal services of the Unified Association of Guardia Civil (AUGC) have achieved compensation of 3,655 euro for an officer who was attacked by a minor when he was caught during the theft of a home in Guardamar del Segura. AUGC took out a private prosecution in the juvenile court at the request of one of the two agents who intervened. Both were injured. One mild and the other required hospitalisation and medical follow-up.

The mayor of Almoradí, María Gómez, has presented the new 'Water Route', an 18-kilometre route that can be travelled on foot, although it can also be done by bicycle. It is a circular route, which can be done in different sections and for this, intermediate parking areas have even been planned. This way, you can plan the route over several days and take the opportunity to eat in any of the excellent restaurants in the municipality, or if it takes place on Saturday, the weekly market.

The Community Prevention Unit for Addictive Behaviours in Crevillente joins the celebration of the "Smoke-free Week", from 25 to 30 May, with the dissemination on municipal social networks of messages and billboards designed by the UPCCA's team, promoting World No Tobacco Day.

The Local Police in Elche arrested a 43-year-old man for injuring the person in charge of a tobacconist. According to information provided by the Local Police, the detainee managed to get hold of products from the establishment, located in Carrús, and then fled, causing injuries with a cutter to the person in charge of the premises after trying to recover the stolen goods. The man was transferred to the police station after his arrest.

 

### Torrevieja and local news for Monday evening 24 May 2021

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, accompanied by the Agamed manager, Jorge Ballesta, visited the works being carried out to the sanitation network on calle María Parodi this morning. The work, being carried out by Agamed, is part of the 2021 infrastructure plan.



The average waiting time for an operation in the University Hospitals of Torrevieja and Vinalopó, is 42 and 46 days respectively, "a figure considerably lower than the average of public hospitals in the Community Valenciana", according to the latest data published by the Ministry of Health. The surgical waiting list to be operated on in the hospitals of the Valencian Community stands at 127 days in April, which represents a reduction of 15 days compared to March, while the number of patients waiting to be operated is 61,387, which is 1,260 less than the previous month.

Parts of Torrevieja will experience power cuts on Thursday as routine maintenance work is carried out. The cuts will also affect parts of the Orihuela Costa on Wednesday. The disruption normally lasts no more than a couple of hours.

Torrevieja will have 16 new defibrillators installed in municipal buildings thanks to the acquisition of the semiautomatic units at the cost of 17,695 euro.

The Calibán Teatro company has started its 2021 tour in which its fourth stop will be the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre on June 19 at 8:00 p.m. The Strange Couple is the story of Flora Ugarte, a middle-aged woman who has just broken up with her husband. Completely dejected and with nowhere to go, the idea of ​​suicide begins to haunt her head. Her lifelong friends are aware of the depression she has fallen into and one of them, Olga Martínez, offers to take her into her home until she is better. The only problem is that the two are like night and day. Olga is romantic, outgoing, and a complete mess. Flora is shy, homey and a complete obsessive-compulsive maniac. Conflict is served.

The senior team of Halcones de Torrevieja hockey team are champions of the Autonomous League after beating Alas de Sagunto 8-0 at the Cecilio Gallego pavilion, where the players Led by Christian Mader and Nacho del Rey were able to celebrate the title with the fans.

The Spanish Llaüt-Banco Fijo del Mediterráneo Championship, held at the Real Club Náutico de Denia, has proclaimed the team of veterans from the Torrevieja Rowing Club, Champions of Spain. The men's youth team also came away with bronze.

The province of Alicante has 30 new classrooms for two-year-olds born in 2019 for this next academic year, totalling 300 classrooms and a total of 5,800 places in all schools and nursery schools.

Nine people belonging to two criminal groups dedicated, allegedly, to the production and distribution of narcotic substances have been arrested by the National Police after a confrontation with knives on the beach of San Juan, when the participants started the brawl after a failed sale of marijuana.

A fire declared on Sunday in the Museum of Holy Week in Orihuela affected walls and ceilings, as reported by the Provincial Firefighters Consortium of Alicante. It is thought an electrical fault caused the fire. A similar event occurred in January.

Albatera fig producers started this year's campaign with great optimism, after the drop in production in 2020, which barely reached 600 tons. The current outlook is excellent, as it is expected to double last season's harvest to 1,500 tons.

During his meeting with the United Kingdom ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliot, the President of the Valencia Region, Ximo Puig, raised the possibility of territorialising the country for tourists who choose to travel to Spain, in order to facilitate their mobility to the Valencian Community. The President conveyed to the ambassador the good epidemiological situation of the Valencian Community.

The Regional Government has put out to tender the drafting of the project for the expansion and adaptation of the large esplanade of the Mirador del Moncaio, next to the N-332 and the roundabout connecting with the CV-895 del Campico. Among other actions, the regional administration contemplates the future use of this large space as motorhome parking, a type of public facility that does not yet exist on the Vega Baja coastline.

### Torrevieja and local news for Friday evening 21 May 2021

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, accompanied by the president of the Alicante Provincial Council, Carlos Mazón, announced this morning at the Madrid International Tourism Fair (FITUR) that the Regional Government has declared the Torrevieja Carnival a FIESTA OF AUTONOMOUS TOURIST INTEREST. The mayor has shown his satisfaction and thanked the heads of tourism of the region and congratulated the great family of the Carnival of Torrevieja, led by the president of the Association of Friends of Carnival, Francisco Pizana, and the councillor for festivities, Concha Sala, for the great work done to achieve this important achievement. The Torrevieja Carnival has become one of the most popular, participatory, and prestigious events on the wide festive calendar of Torrevieja.



The state meteorological agency (AEMET) has activated a weather warning for rain on Sunday 23 May. In our area, a yellow warning will be activated at 08:00 on Sunday due to the risk of accumulations of 60 litres per square metre in twelve hours. The notice extends throughout the extreme southeast of the peninsula.

Torrevieja council has put out to tender the drafting of the basic project for the expansion and fencing of the Local Police station. With a budget is 64,000 euro, it is the first step to carry out the work, which would have a subsequent allocation of more than two million euro. Only the drafting of the project at the time it is approved and will last for five months.

Orihuela council continues with the repair of roads affected by the torrential rains that occurred in September 2019 in Molins. The total cost of the action amounts to 1,485,797.99 euro, an amount subsidised at 50% by the Secretary of State for Territorial Policy and Public Function.

A motorcyclist was admitted to the General University Hospital of Elche after colliding with a container in the rural area of ​​Altabix, as reported this morning by the Emergency Coordination Centre. A paramedic ambulance assisted the rider before transferring him to hospital.

Local Police in Elche arrested a 45-year-old woman for robbing a food establishment with a pair of scissors. The detainee took advantage of the fact that the person responsible for the shop was alone to threaten her for almost 300 euro when they were closing. After the incident, the victim immediately alerted the police to what had happened. While a patrol was heading to the scene, the rest of the employees and the victim went out to search for the robber, catching up and holding her. The person implicated was arrested, acknowledging the facts before those present and was transferred to the police station.

Elche´s local government has awarded the contract for the installation of new traffic lights in five conflictive points in the urban area. The objective is to improve road safety in the municipality and the investment amounts to about 200,000 euro.

Two students from the El Palmeral school in Elche have discovered a fossil dating back several million years. They were watering the classroom garden when they found an unusual stone and reported it to their teacher. The fossil now remains in the paleontological museum, where it will be examined.

The councillor for social services in Pilar de la Horadada, Marina Sáez Martínez, has closed the "Introduction to the Spanish Language" course, organised by the PANGEA Office, in which 33 students have participated. This training has been carried out since March in municipal facilities, and due to demand, another session will start after the summer.

The President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, confirmed today that UK nationals will be allowed to enter Spain from Monday. Speaking at the FITUR tourism event, the President also announced that the digital green certificate will enter into force in the EU from July, once it is definitively approved on June 7. The digital green certificate is "a mechanism or instrument for travel", free, universal, safe and reliable, which will operate through a QR code.

### Torrevieja and local news for Thursday 20 May 2021

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and the president of the Alfonso X el Sabio University, Jesús Núñez Velázquez, have signed this morning in the meeting room of the Madrid university, a collaboration agreement to develop projects of cultural interest, training of professional activities and social innovation. For the mayor, the signing of this collaboration agreement has been an honour for what it means for a city with a great musical tradition and, especially, for its International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest.



The Torrevieja Health Department, part of the Ribera health group, has organised for the second consecutive year a virtual meeting for future resident doctors who must choose the postgraduate teaching centre in which they will take their residency. The objective of this initiative, which will have a reduced face-to-face capacity, is to publicise first-hand the characteristics of the health department, its facilities, existing specialties and the teaching on offer.

The Banco Obrero de Torrevieja organisation has announced that their next food distribution event will take place on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. on Calle Concordia number 22, five minutes from the Plaza de la Constitución. The organisation offers support to working families of the municipality and highlights the lack of support offered by the council to these families. The act is public, it will be the fourth open distribution they have made since it was founded in the town last December, since then they have managed to weave a neighbourhood network of support and work with which they manage to carry out weekly collections and food distributions to the beneficiary families registered in the organisation.

The Capella and the Escolanía meet again this Saturday, after more than a year, to offer the 'Concert of the Festa' or 'Misteri d'Elx'. The performance will be at the Torrevieja International Auditorium on May 22, at 8:00 p.m. Tickets on sale at www.auditoriotorrevieja.com.

From Friday to Sunday, radio-controlled sailors with their radio-controlled models will meet at the RCNT in Torrevieja for a mini regatta field at the IV Torrevieja International Meeting IOM. The event will bring together about 40 participants from 15 different Clubs, including sailors from France. The organisation is run by the Real Club Náutico Torrevieja, with the collaboration of the Sailing Federation of the Valencian Community and the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation.

Almoradí will allocate the largest investment in its history to the development and improvement of the municipality. The works total 12 million euro and will affect a large part of the municipality, including districts and industrial estates, and focus on infrastructures, public spaces and roads.

The Guardia Civil, together with the Local Police, arrested two people on suspicion of the theft of jewellery, watches and other valuables committed under the well-known "hugging method", in the town of Crevillente.

Elche council has declared all its beaches “smoke-free” in order to protect the environment and human health. Esther Díez, councillor for the environment, stated that “with this action we are making a contribution to the natural space that our beaches make up”.

The President of the Valencia region, Ximo Puig, has announced a meeting with the British ambassador, Hugh Elliot, at the embassy in Madrid on Monday to “find an agreement that allows British tourists to return to the Valencian Community”. The president also announced that the vaccination of people over 30 years of age will begin in the month of July and that the immunisation process will continue without any interruption during the summer period.

### Torrevieja and local news on Wednesday 19 May 2021

The councillor for culture in Torrevieja, Antonio Quesada, and the manager of the Municipal Institute of Culture "Joaquín Chapaprieta", Miguel Fernández, have presented two important events that will be held this coming summer at the Eras de la Sal. On Sunday, August 8, the Spanish singer Antonio Orozco will perform at 10:00 p.m., presenting his new work Aviónica. Tickets, which will have a price of 25 to 32 euro, will go on sale tomorrow. Also, on Thursday, August 12, at 9:00 p.m., the children's group Pica-Pica will perform. Tickets, at a single price of 12 euro, also go out at the sale tomorrow, Thursday.



The knee unit of the Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology Service of the Torrevieja University Hospital has performed a total of 531 total knee replacement surgeries in the last five years. Doctors Hugo Marquina and Antonio Sánchez are part of this unit and in this period, they have applied and improved a “Fast-Track” protocol for total knee replacement that optimizes and integrates patient care, obtaining an improvement in the quality of the procedure and its recovery and the therapeutic results.

The Tourism Department of Torrevieja council has launched a promotional campaign which runs until the end of June, which will be distributed in various media: local and regional television, digital media and especially on Social Networks, with special emphasis on national outbound destinations that show greater loyalty, such as the autonomous communities of Madrid, the Basque Country, Castilla-La Mancha and Castilla-León. The campaign has various 30-second spots appealing to the senses and emotions that the tourist resources of Torrevieja can awaken, showing them in an innovative and current way in colours: with impressive images of the pink lagoon in Las Salinas, a sunrise surfing in the coves, the green of the Natural Park to enjoy with the family and the blue of the sea.

The natural pools of the Juan Aparicio de Torrevieja promenade in Torrevieja will host the 8th SUP Open “Costa Invest” competition on Sunday, May 23, between 9:00 and 14:00.

Two seventeenth-century canvases from the Cathedral of Orihuela have been restored. The canvases The Immaculate Conception and Portrait of Bishop Esteve, both from the 17th century, will be presented tomorrow Thursday in the Orihuela Episcopal Cloister.

i-DE, Iberdrola's electricity distribution company, and Rojales council have agreed to bury the section of overhead power line that runs over the urbanisation and Ciudad Quesada golf course. The company will invest more than 1.3 million euro in the project, which will consist of the elimination of a 3.8-kilometre section of the 66-kilovolt (kV) overhead line and the elimination of the 18 supports, as well as the construction of a new underground line of more than 5.7 kilometres that will run through an area agreed with the council. The work will begin during the last quarter of the year, and will last approximately six months.

The Miguel Hernández University (UMH) in Elche is positioned as the leader of the Valencian Community in the creation of spin offs or technology-based companies arising on campus, according to the eighth edition of the Knowledge and Development Foundation (CyD) ranking. The UMH is the only one to position itself with the high-performance index in this area, among the Valencian public universities. The CyD Ranking analyses the results of 27 fields of knowledge and 2,998 degrees for 77 universities.

The president of the Alicante Provincial Council, Carlos Mazón, attended the inauguration of the International Tourism Fair -FITUR 2021- in Madrid today, to present the different proposals with which the Costa Blanca Board of Trustees promotes the sector. The Provincial Tourist Board sets itself to recover the national tourism, to rediscover the most emblematic corners and landscapes of the Alicante municipalities, as well as its gastronomy, its culture, or its sports. The strategy is to attract, in the short term, national tourists, although without ceasing to focus on attracting international travellers, through safe anticovid corridors.

The Regional Government is set to ask the courts to allow the curfew times to change in the next stage of relaxation of the rules, starting at 01:00, to allow bars to close at 00:30.

### Torrevieja and local news for Tuesday 18 May 2021

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and the councillor for works and services, Sandra Sánchez, have visited the resurfacing works on various streets and avenues of the municipality, which began on April 5, and are currently in their last phase of execution. The total resurfacing action in this plan amounts to almost 50,000 square metres and its execution cost is 327,398 euro. The councillors have verified in situ the works that are being carried out in the Avenida de la Purísima (Playa del Cura) and adjacent streets. Sandra Sánchez highlighted the improvement in accessibility of the roads that are being resurfaced, whose works have consisted of milling the tread layer of the existing road surface, the resurfacing of the layer with hot bituminous mixture, and horizontal traffic signalling, as well as the elimination of elevated pedestrian crossings.



The AGAMED Board of Directors, chaired by the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, has approved a solution to end the problems in the drainage and sanitation network of the Torreta Florida urbanisation in the town. Specifically, the action seeks to resolve the lack of capacity of the drainage network in the area, which in episodes of torrential rains, also collects rainwater, and therefore makes it difficult for the network to perform its function correctly, with the problems that this also brings to the residents of the area. To carry out the work, the Board has approved the advance of the funds of the Investment Plan for a value of 2,447,851 euro.

Torrevieja council is planning the celebration of a series of activities that will mark, on the one hand, the memory of all the people who died of the Covid-19 pandemic and, on the other, the tribute to all the people who in one way or another have worked to mitigate the effects of this tragedy from the moment the safety regulations and restrictions came into effect in March 2020. The most relevant act will see the creation of an iron sculpture, symbolizing the embrace that society in general has been deprived of for so long. This monolith will be erected in a prominent space in Torrevieja as a point of remembrance both for the memory of the deceased, as well as a recognition of the effort that has been developed by so many essential and voluntary groups.

A 51-year-old man died in a workplace accident at the fairground near Torrevieja harbour on Tuesday. The incident occurred at around 09:30 when the emergency services were called to the scene where the man was dismantling one of the attractions. The Guardia Civil is investigating the circumstances which led to the tragedy.

A man said to be in his seventies died when his vehicle crashed into a workshop in the El Limonar urbanisation in Torrevieja on Tuesday morning. That incident occurred at around 10:00 in the morning.

Officers from the Guardia Civil arrested a resident of the town of Rafal for the alleged crime of theft, for stealing a total of 70 Yucca plants from the farm in Callosa de Segura that he has leased, in order to sell them for a price much lower than the market value. The recovered plants reach a height of between 90 and 190 centimetres, and a market value of between 540 and 1,140 euro each.

Two men, aged 24 and 34, have been injured, one of them by a knife, in a brawl that occurred in the urban area of ​​Almoradí.

On 29 May, the Department of Tourism in Almoradí has organised the 1st Plogging 'Ruta del Agua', which will take place in different sections of the newly designed walking route. It is a day of cleaning the trails along which this route is travelled, for which gloves and garbage bags will be given to its participants.

The Ministry of Education has proposed Wednesday 8 September as the start date for the next school year, 2021-2022. The date will be discussed this Thursday with union representatives.

The first weekend without a State of Alarm leaves 551 new coronavirus infections in the Valencian Community in 130 municipalities. The province of Alicante is the one that has registered the most cases since last Friday. In total, the Department of Health has added 269 infections in 53 Alicante municipalities.

### Torrevieja and local news for Monday evening

Fire fighters from Torrevieja, supported by colleagues from Almoradí, battled a fire on the first floor of a six-story residential building on Calle Los Molinos in Torrevieja on Sunday morning. The alarm was raised at around 05:30 on Sunday morning with Local Police and Guardia Civil officers carrying out an evacuation with several of the officers having to be treated for smoke inhalation. The fire was extinguished at about 06:30.



The Coral Bella Torrevieja choir, after two years of inactivity because of covid19, returns to the stage with new songs and a new musical director, Luis Aníbal Cano Pettersen, for a concert scheduled for Saturday, June 5 at 7:00 p.m. at the Palacio de la Música. Admission is free until all capacity is reached.

Hundreds of flamingos have arrived in the Torrevieja lagoon and now, hidden from view, are setting up nesting on the central butte of the wetland, just as they did last year for the first time. According to Amigos de los Humedales del Sur de Alicante (AHSA), the rains this spring and the drop in salinity have allowed an increase in brine shrimp, an arthropod that is the basis for feeding birds associated with hypersaline environments.

A warning was issued to sailors on Sunday to be on the look out for a lost grey whale which had been tracked from the Strait of Gibraltar. The whale, estimated to be about 8 metres in length, was expected to pass the Torrevieja coastline on either Sunday or Monday.

The Fishermen's Association, together with the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, have asked for help for the fishing sector. The EU's Multi-annual Mediterranean Plan limits their fishing days, leading to the loss of revenue. Pedro Carmona, president of the Fishermen's Association, commented to the mayor about the serious consequences of this plan, and that they need all the support to raise complaints to the EU so that they can carry out their work.

The Association of Hospitality Entrepreneurs of Torrevieja y Comarca (AEHTC) have launched the annual gastronomic event, Croquetting for Torrevieja, in which the main protagonist is the Spanish tapas as characteristic as the croquette, served by the bars and restaurants participating in this activity that will be held on May 21, 22 and 23 for the price of 3 euro with drink included, you can taste this tapa in the establishments that are involved in the event in order to promote consumption in the participating venues.

The councillor for sports in Torrevieja, Diana Box Alonso, together with representatives of the Torrevieja Cycling Club, announced the first City of Torrevieja Trophy "Chantal Optical Grand Prize" - XXVI Interclub Vega Baja, which will take place on Sunday May 23, at 10:00 hours. It is a relevant event within the cycling calendar of the Valencian Community, which in addition to promoting this sport also highlights Torrevieja to participating cyclists.

The regional government has highlighted the “absolute normality” with which the first weekend passed in the Valencian Community without a state of alarm. The tourist areas of the entire territory, both on the coast and inland, were busy after six months of restrictions and with spectacular weather, with temperatures more typical of midsummer. On the nights from Friday to Saturday and from Saturday to Sunday, 1,597 proposals for sanctions related to breaches of health regulations in the region were counted, with 735 in Alicante, 773 in Valencia and 89 in Castellón.

There will be 133 vaccination points across Valencia from May 24. Specifically, 101 municipal vaccination spaces will open their doors, joining the 32 points that are currently in operation. The Minister of Health stated, "these 133 vaccination points will allow speeding up the vaccination process in the Valencian Community. In fact, with this deployment of healthcare resources it will be possible to administer the vaccine to more than 400 people every three minutes”. Some 46 of the centres will be in the Alicante province.

The National Police arrested a 66-year-old man of Italian nationality in Formentera del Segura, who had a European Order of Detention and Surrender for extradition purposes issued by the Italian authorities, for an alleged crime of extortion and blackmail.

Orihuela will have a network of bike lanes that will connect several districts with the urban area. The City Council has already awarded one of the sections of the bike path that goes from Orihuela to Montepinar, which reaches the roundabout of the old CV-870. From that roundabout to the entrance to the urbanisation, the Alicante Provincial Council will take over, which has already contracted the project to execute more than 3.5 kilometres of bike lane.

The Department of the Environment in Orihuela has published the third edition of the book 'Flora Silvestre del Termino Municipal de Orihuela', the work of the Orihuela biologist Gonzalo Escudero Galante, featuring field guides to Cala de La Glea, Monte de San Miguel and Cerro del Agudo, in which the plant richness present in these natural areas is collected.

Orihuela´s Department of Culture has scheduled "safe activities, inside the museums with capacity control, and among which visits the theatrical, concerts and exhibitions stand out." Mar Ezcurra, councillor for culture, presented the schedule drawn up to celebrate Museum Day, which will run from Tuesday to Sunday.

A female soldier died in a tragic accident during exercise in Santa Pola on Friday. Artillery Sergeant Débora Grau, 33-years-old, was fatally injured in a freak accident while connecting an artillery shell to a lorry during a practice exercise.

Fire fighters attended a fire in the kitchen of the Hospital del Vinalopó in Elche on Saturday evening. The flames originated in a plastic waste container, affecting a room for washing. There were no injuries, and the situation was controlled at around 10:20 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

### Torrevieja and local news for Friday evening

In order to prevent speeding and reduce accidents, Torrevieja Local Police will be carrying out speed controls during this weekend of May 15 and 16, 2021. The main focus of their activities will be on calle Torrejón, Avda. Desiderio Rodríguez, Avda. Gregorio Marañón, Avda. Cortes Valencianas, Avda. París between Avda. Baleares and Avda. De la Mancha, Avda. De la Mancha and Avda. Alfredo Nóbel.



A man in his seventies has lost his life after being knocked down by a vehicle in the Urbanization El Chaparral on Thursday evening. The Emergency Coordination Centre received notice of the accident at around 17:15, indicating that the pedestrian was unconscious. Ambulance crews carried out cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the man but there was no response, so they have only been able to certify his death.

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, announced this morning that the Local Government Board has approved the budget which will enable various investment projects to happen. The mayor reported that, taking advantage of this opportunity and with the serious economic, social and health crisis that we are experiencing worldwide, it has been decided to create the ambitious Plan By and For Torrevieja in order to reactivate our economy, respond to the needs emerging at this time and make Torrevieja more attractive. The Plan By and for Torrevieja has a real investment of 79.3 million euro, from the remaining Treasury of 2020, which is incorporated into the current municipal budget, which will allow a deployment of very important investments. Among the items that have been incorporated, those concerning the creation and improvement of infrastructures stand out, including repaving and repair of the Levante Dam, repaving and repair of the Paseo de La Mata, drafting of the project and remodelling of Paseo de la Libertad, Polígono Industrial Casa Grande I and II and the remodelling of different green areas, amongst other projects.



The councillor for urban services in Torrevieja, Sandra Sánchez, has advised that in the next few days construction works of the pedestrian route between the cul-de-sac near calle Joaquín García Sánchez, at the confluence with the Jardín del Mar III urbanisation, an area known as Doña Inés, will begin, due to the obvious need for transit through an area with a significant drop of 1.5 metres. The duration of the work will be one month and valued at 9,707.08 euro.

A young woman fell about 5 metres down the cliffs at Punta Prima on the Orihuela Costa on Thursday evening. The incident occurred at around 18:00 with the emergency services attending to rescue the woman on a nest stretcher. After recovering the woman, she was taken by ambulance to Torrevieja University Hospital about an hour after the fall.

Due to the popularity of the tribute concert that the band of the Musical Society "Ciudad de Torrevieja Los Saleroso" will carry out on May 22, in tribute to the great Italian composer, Ennio Morricone, a second performance will now take place. Tickets for the concert scheduled for 8:00 p.m. have sold out and so a second performance will take place earlier at 6:00 p.m., also at the Municipal Theatre. Tickets are free and can be collected at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre and at the Municipal Theatre box office one hour before this second concert.

Officers from the National Police have arrested a 53-year-old man in Crevillente, accused of trying to shoot another 53-year-old man in November 2019 in a rural area of ​​Orihuela, where he left him badly injured. The suspect was identified thanks to the DNA obtained by the Scientific Police and until now he had managed to evade capture. The victim was admitted to the ICU for several days because, in addition to being shot in each leg, was hit in the head.



A 44-year-old man was hospitalised after being stabbed on Thursday in the centre of Orihuela. The events took place after 5.15 pm in the vicinity of Avenida de la Vega. The National Police are investigating the incident.

The water cycle management company in Rojales, in collaboration with the Faunatura Association, has installed shelters for insectivorous fauna in the municipal area of ​​El Recorral Park. They are boxes for birds that feed on insects that affect pines, and the installation of shelters for bats that feed on mosquitoes.

### Torrevieja and local news for Thursday evening

The mayors of Torrevieja and Orihuela, Eduardo Dolón and Emilio Bascuñana respectively, held a telematic meeting with the Minister of Territorial Policy, Public Works and Mobility, Arcadi España, to promote the project of the 'Orihuela-Torrevieja / Orihuela Costa Railway Route', prepared by the Department of Civil Engineering of the UA. At the meeting, the mayors of the two main towns in the region have expressed the importance for the economic and tourist development of this project, which will link the Intermodal and high-speed station of Orihuela with the area from the coast with Torrevieja / Orihuela Costa and that will serve not only these two municipalities but also the entire coastline of Guardamar, Pilar de la Horadada and even the north of the Murcia region such as San Pedro del Pinatar and San Javier. The cost of the project is estimated at 277.6 million euro, the amount of which is divided into infrastructure, superstructure, expropriations and Bigastro-Jacarilla, San Miguel and Torrevieja-Orihuela Costa stations.

The Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja will host the play “La Fiesta del Chivo” tomorrow, Friday, May 14 at 8:30 p.m., a masterpiece by the Nobel Prize in Literature, Mario Vargas Llosa, starring Juan Echanovea. The ticket price is 15 euro.



The mayor of Orihuela, Emilio Bascuñana, accompanied by the councillors of Tourism and Agriculture, Mariola Rocamora and Víctor Valverde respectively, announced the campaign that has been prepared for the 'International Flower Expo' to be held in Shanghai, from 21 from May to July 2, and where Orihuela will represent Spain. Valverde explained that the final touches are already being made to what will be both the Orihuela pavilion and the marketing and dissemination campaign. “We will have 500m² in a pavilion, designed by the Oriolana company 'Disena Studio', where we will see what Orihuela is surrounded by gardens because there is always flower in our fruit, vegetable and vegetable crops. We know that Chinese tourists are 'fanatics' of heritage and just as they go from Madrid to Segovia, Salamanca or Toledo they can come to our city to take advantage of the heritage potential that Orihuela has. It must be remembered that the cost of the stand construction and assembly is borne by the organisation and Orihuela does not spend a single euro”.

The Minister of Education, Culture and Sports, Vicent Marzà, has visited the Vega Baja to see first-hand various projects related to the areas managed by his department, such as the consolidation and enhancement of the remains of the Phoenician site of La Fonteta and the Rábita Califal de Guardamar del Segura, the construction works of educational centers in Pilar de la Horadada and the social integration initiatives of the Orihuela Deportiva Popular Soccer Club.

Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport has launched a new intelligent system to save energy in one of the most unique facilities in the airport complex: the Automated Baggage Handling System (SATE). The installation of new software, with more advanced technology and greater benefits, will allow a saving of close to 1 million Kwh per year according to the estimates, the equivalent to the average energy consumption of 293 Spanish homes a year.

Local, national, regional police and the Guardia Civil will form the reinforcement team that will monitor the coast of the province this weekend, the first without a state of alarm and in which the arrival of some 200,000 tourists from other areas of Spain is expected.

The Generalitat Valenciana has conveyed its congratulations to Pilar de la Horadada council after the FEE has decided to grant the distinctive Blue Flag once again to six beaches in the municipality: Mil Palmeras, Jesuitas, del Conde, Puerto, Calas de Rocamar and Higuericas.

The city of Valencia registered a maximum temperature of 27ºC on Wednesday, the highest so far in 2021 and exceeding the 26ºC that the capital of Turia reached on January 29, as highlighted by the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet).

The Guardia Civil of Alicante has dismantled a criminal group of Lithuanian origin made up of six people dedicated to the cultivation and trafficking of marijuana. Settled on the Valencian coast, they had three large plantations in the towns of El Campello, la Nucia and Benidorm.

The twenty-fifth edition of the Vuelta Ciclista starts from May 28 to 30 in the province of Alicante. The competition is made up, for yet another year, of three stages that will cover a large part of the provincial geography. The cycle race begins on May 28 in the town of San Vicente del Raspeig and will conclude on May 30 in El Campello.

### Torrevieja and local news for Wednesday evening

After the successful nesting of the Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) in the Molino del Agua natural park last year, the Department of the Environment of Torrevieja council has redoubled the measures that had already been adopted by trying to make the use of the beaches compatible with the nesting of this species. The council has cordoned off areas to provide extra protection for the birds with visitors asked not to disturb them. With this latest intervention, the council  maintains its ongoing strategy of environmental conservation actions in urban or semi-urban areas.

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and the councillor for Culture, José Antonio Quesada, visited the Nao Victoria Foundation shipyard in Huelva where the Pascual Flores schooner is being restored. The ship, a symbol of Torrevieja's maritime heritage, is being restored to enable it to become an itinerant “ambassador” for the tourist and cultural promotion of the town, through different tours that it will carry out through different national and international ports starting in June.

Torrevieja has once again obtained six Blue Flags for the town´s beaches, which this summer will fly on playas de Cabo Cervera, Cala de las Piteras, Playa El Cura, Los Locos, Los Naúfragos and Torrelamata-Sur.

The Aquopolis water park in Torrevieja has begun a recruitment campaign for the summer season, looking to fill a variety of roles from lifeguards to shop assistants. Anyone interested can send their CV to rrhhaquopolistorrevieja@grpr.com

The president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, has announced that next June will be the key month in the vaccination calendar in Alicante, Valencia and Castellón. The president stated that on 17 June the vaccination of the age group between 40 and 50 years will begin, and that during the first fortnight of the month, all those over 50 years old will have received at least one dose or they will already be fully immunised. Vaccination of people over 60 years of age is progressing at a good pace, with the aim that at the end of this month the entire population of this group is protected with at least one dose.

Turespaña has launched a new service within the Travelsafe microsite of the official tourism portal of Spain, www.spain.info, through which foreign tourists can consult the travel restrictions due to covid, as well as the entry requirements and departures to their respective countries. Travelsafe includes an information system, updated in real time, on travel restrictions due to the pandemic, which gives the information necessary to make a trip from 50 foreign countries to Spain.

The town of Los Montesinos registered an earthquake of 1.8 magnitude on the Richter scale on Wednesday morning, as reported by the National Geographic Institute. The earthquake occurred at 6:52 am this morning in the southeast of the town and at a depth of 2,000 metres.



The councillor for the environment in Orihuela council, Dámaso Aparicio, travelled to Valencia on Tuesday to demand the regional government find an urgent solution to eradicate "the invasion" of the Arizona cactus in the Sierra de Orihuela, which has also spread to Monte de San Miguel and the town centre.

The Crevillente department of the environment has joined the fight against climate change by subscribing to "A tree for Europe" action plan with the planting of sixteen native trees in educational centres in the municipality,

A 50-year-old man has committed suicide by jumping from the terrace of a building in Onda after he had stabbed and killed his mother who was suffering from Alzheimer’s.

The emergency services assisted an 85-year-old man and an 83-year-old woman, who have been affected by smoke inhalation during a fire that occurred inside their house in the Ensanche neighbourhood of Cartagena. The couple were transferred to the Santa Lucía hospital.

### Celebrating the Torrevieja May Fair

For the second consecutive year, one of the most popular events on the city's festive calendar, the May Fair, will not be able to take place. The situation of the COVID-19 pandemic dictates this, but despite everything, the Department of Festivities of the Torrevieja Council, has scheduled a souvenir gala and also as an announcement of its celebration for next year.



Councillor Concha Sala has indicated that the intention is that "next May 2022, if everything goes according to plan, we can celebrate our May Fair with many new features and as an unbeatable opportunity to enjoy Torrevieja and its fair atmosphere ". Sala has indicated that "so that we keep in mind these days that should be full of the joy and fun of our fair, we have programmed a symbolic gala with which we are going to pay tribute to our May Fair."

The councillor says this gala will take place next Thursday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Municipal Theatre. In it, the Municipal Dance School will participate, with its teacher, Nuria Girona, representing the dance academies that are the protagonists of the fair each year. The "Blanca y Verde" Choir of the Casa de Andalucía "Rafael Alberti" of Torrevieja and the Choir of the Andalusian Cultural Association of Torrevieja will also perform on the stage of the theatre.

Tickets to attend the gala will be free until full capacity is reached and may be collected from Monday, May 17 to Wednesday, 19, at the Municipal Theatre box office from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on the 20th, two hours before the start of the gala.

### Torrevieja and local news for Tuesday evening

The month of April ended in Torrevieja with 10,412 people unemployed, 0.8% less than in March, which ended with 10,498 people without work, according to data from Labora. This increase has benefited the service sector, caused to a certain extent by the opening of establishments, as well as the extension of hours in the hotel and commercial sector that registered a decrease of 1.6%, which translates into 140 fewer people in unemployment. In the construction sector, unemployment rose 6.7%, representing 75 more people without work. The figures improve in those under 25 and the middle-aged population, while they increase in those over 45.

On 18 May, the Department of Education in Torrevieja will announce the School Admission Campaign for the academic year 2021 - 2022, a campaign entitled: "Torrevieja, a lot to choose from." You can apply for a place in the Infant and Primary Education schools from May 25 to June 2. Regarding Secondary Education and Baccalaureate, you can request a place from June 3 to 14.

The Association of Madrileños in Torrevieja, will offer a concert in the Auditorium of the Palacio de la Música next Sunday 16 May, at 7 in the afternoon, under the title "Madrid sings to San Isidro".

Almoradí council has given several talks to the students of the municipality's institutes on how to deal with flooding such as during the major floods of 2019. Among other things, they have explained the different causes of flood risk that exist, how to interpret the different maps contained in the Flood Action Plan and, most importantly, how students and their families should act in the event of a flood.

Caja Rural Central has convened the IV Rapid Painting Contest in the Historic Centre of Orihuela to be held on Saturday 29 May in the old part of the city. The contest has a great following, despite the last edition being cancelled due to the pandemic. Those interested in participating can register at contestpinturacrc@cajarural.com . The first prize will receive 1,500 euro, the second, 1,000, and the third, 600 euro.

The Valencian Community is the leader in Spain in the number of beaches and ports with Blue Flag this year, with a total of 153. This figure represents an increase compared to the last edition of the report, when there were 148. Orihuela continues to lead the ranking of beaches with the most blue flags in the Valencian Community. The municipality has revalidated its eleven badges, for the fourth consecutive year.

Elche town hall has received confirmation through the courts that their requirement for VTC (private hire vehicles with driver) vehicles must be booked an hour in advance is in fact legal. The confirmation is seen as a positive move by the licenced taxi drivers of the municipality.

Elche´s Vinalopó Hospital took delivery of a new MRI machine which had to be lifted by crane and passed through a window to reach the room where the service will be operating from.

The Local Police in Elche has been investigating the fraudulent use of parking spaces for the disabled. The most recent event was on 5 May when officers found a vehicle displaying a false blue disability badge.

The Guardia Civil has arrested a resident of Formentera del Segura for two robberies from homes with the residents inside. In one of them, the thief was surprised by the owner, who was attacked with the same tool that the suspect used to force entry. The 47-year-old man of Spanish nationality has been released on charges.



The Local Police in Valencia arrested an ONCE coupon seller after surprising him in the middle of a drug deal. The officers seized 30 grams of cocaine from the ticket seller.

In celebration of International Museum Day on 18 May, the Department of Tourism and Culture of Rafal council has organised various activities for this weekend with the aim of publicising the historic enclaves of Rafal and its origins, as well as the various artistic and cultural aspects of the municipality.

### Torrevieja and local news for Monday evening

Torrevieja felt a minor earthquake during Sunday night. The 1.7 magnitude tremor had an epicentre to the southwest of Torrevieja, near the salt lakes, and took place at 01:31 on Monday morning.



The Department of Innovation, Modernization and Transparency has launched, in the form of a minor contract with a duration of six months, a pilot service for monitoring co2 levels in the Town Hall and in its Registry offices (PROP). The CO2 levels and historical data in the facilities can be consulted at the address https://calidadaire.torrevieja.es/map . Likewise, through the screens and monitors installed for this purpose in the facilities.



Torrevieja council and i-DE, the distribution company of the Iberdrola group, have carried out a joint action to remove the medium voltage overhead line that crossed the parking lot of the University Hospital in the town. The company dismantled the installation, consisting of a 250-metre-long power line, as well as the two supports, which will free up space in the car park.

The contract for the drafting of the project, construction management and health and safety coordination of the Museo del Mar y de la Sal, a multipurpose venue, has been approved by the Local Government Board, with the main focus being the celebration of the International Habaneras Contest, as well as its complementary infrastructures and the surrounding urbanisation. The base budget for the tender for the drafting of the project of the plan amounts to 726,000 euro, comprising two annual payments.

The spokesperson for Ciudadanos (Cs) in Torrevieja, Pilar Gómez Magán, has proposed the creation of a municipally owned cemetery forest as a resting place for pets and its progressive expansion. "The planting of commemorative trees has environmental benefits, it is also a form of awareness to promote respect for animals and can even have benefits for tourism and the local economy," she said.

Torrevieja council has awarded a minor contract to buy computer equipment to all the members of the government board so that they can follow the telematic meetings. The contract is for 36 tablets at a cost of 17,785 euro and was approved more than three months ago, at the beginning of February, but the details of the agreement have only been made public in recent days.

The Orihuela Mountaineering Group (GOM), in collaboration with the Department of the Environment, has organised a cleaning day of the mountains that will be held on Sunday 16 May and to which all nature lovers over 12 years old can take part. The initiative will begin at eight in the morning and will end at twelve noon and will have, depending on the group, three meeting points: Pinar de Bonanza recreational area, Nuestra Señora del Pilar hermitage and the Montepinar Urbanisation to take a tour linear to the Cruz de la Muela. The aim is to carry out a cleaning day in the vicinity of the trails using gloves and rubbish bags, which the organisation will provide free of charge.

Members of the Alicante Provincial Firefighters Consortium carried out a total of six rescues this Sunday, none of which were particularly serious. However, as reported by the body, it is a record number of interventions in a single day, which coincides with the first day after the end of the State of Alarm.

The level of vaccination that will be reached in September will allow the celebration of regional and patron saint festivals. This was announced by the president of the Generalitat Valenciana, Ximo Puig.

The president of the Generalitat Valenciana, Ximo Puig, has described it as "very negative" that the United Kingdom has left Spain out of the list of safe destinations to travel, at the same time that he has announced a meeting with the British ambassador to try to change this position.

 

 

### Dealz Torrevieja opens tomorrow

The much anticipated Dealz Torrevieja store opens tomorrow, Tuesday.

Located in the Habaneras shopping centre, the store offers thousands of items, including some British favourites, at bargain prices.

### Torrevieja and local news for Friday evening

This week´s Friday market in Torrevieja was considered a success after the councillor for markets, Antonio Vidal, explained that with the gradual relaxation of Covid rules the Antonio Soria Park was back to 100% capacity. Vidal reported that there were previously 220 stalls (50% of the market capacity), but from this week there is now more than 480 stalls available. Some 6,000 people are permitted to attend, 75% capacity.

In the Local Government Board (JGL) held this morning, the contracting the acquisition, renting and maintenance of various vehicles for different municipal areas has been approved. Federico Alarcón, secretary of the JGL, has reported that there have been four lots that have been approved for the acquisition of these 41 vehicles, which includes cars, vans with roof rack, van adapted for transporting animals, large transport vans for goods, large van with roof rack and rear ladder, box trucks, box truck with boom, 9-seater vans for transporting people and 13 motorcycles. The cost of the acquisition of these vehicles through the renting procedure amounts to 694,340'85 euro (VAT included).

Wednesday 12 May is International Fibromyalgia Day. For this reason, a banner with the slogan "Our visibility depends on all of you" has been hung on one of the balconies of the Torrevieja council building by the NGO councillor, Concha Sala, the president of ASIMEPP (Integral Health Association, Mejoras Psychophysics and Psychosocials in Torrevieja), Maite Miralles, and representatives of the association and collaborating entities. International Fibromyalgia Day is commemorated every 12 May to give visibility to a disease that more and more people suffer, and which is classified as a "silent disease". The ASIMEPP association has prepared, to commemorate this day, a whole week of activities and conferences, as well as the reading of a manifesto on 12 May.



The councillor for justice in Torrevieja, Gabriela Bravo, has highlighted that, since it opened its doors in 2018, the Office of Assistance to Victims of Crime in Torrevieja has served more than 3,000 people, of which 68 percent were victims of gender violence. In this sense, the councillor has stressed that in the first quarter of 2021 the office has attended, on average, three people a day (268 cases) of which "two were victims of gender violence."

Yesterday morning, several neighbours of a building located on calle Ramón y Cajal in Torrevieja reported several pieces of material fall, detached from the cornice of the building. The residents informed the Local Police, who advised the fire service who attended to make the building safe with a hydraulic platform.

Some 120 students of the first year of the Degree in Architecture at the University of Alicante (UA) and their tutors (15 architects) participated in the workshop "Tupi or not tupi, that is the architecture" in Torrevieja on Friday. The workshop is included within the cycle of activities "Cooking Torrevieja" launched by the UA Headquarters and the Department of Education of the Torrevieja Council together with the UA Mediterranean Gastronomy Centre.

On Saturday 8 May, the fourth concert of the 2020-21 season of the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra will take place at the Torrevieja Auditorium. The concert starts at 7:00 p.m. where The 8 stations will be performed, a joint interpretation of "The Four Seasons" by Antonio Vivaldi and the Porteñas Stations by the Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla . As solo violin there will be the participation of the Austrian violinist of Russian descent Elena Denisova.

The Torrevieja Auditorium will host the recital 'De Bach a Falla', with the mezzo-soprano Carolina Alcaide and Sylvia Torán on piano. The concert will take place on 15 May at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale at auditoriotorrevieja.com for 18 euro.

Orihuela joins the increasingly growing list of municipalities that decide to allocate a space on its coast for the enjoyment of pets. The wild and natural cala Cabo Peñas (known as Cala Mosca II), in Alameda del Mar, is now officially the first dog beach in the municipality after signing on Wednesday the file that authorises the access and stay of dogs, together with their owners, without time limits and throughout the year.

The president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, visited the Vega Renhace office in Orihuela this Friday, accompanied by its director Antonio Alonso, and by the Commissioner for the Vega Baja, Jorge Olcina, among other dignitaries.

Two people, a 58-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman, were injured yesterday in a traffic accident in which a truck and several vehicles were involved on the A-7 motorway in Orihuela, as reported by the Information and Coordination Centre Emergency Department (CICU).

Two weeks after its official ceremony, and following a delay, the first submarine of the 80 series, the S-81 Isaac Peral Peral, was launched into the water on Friday. In the exceptional manoeuvre that lasted more than six hours and in which more than fifty technicians, engineers and workers from the shipyard in Cartagena participated, the ship's crew, made up of 32 sailors were involved.

 

### Torrevieja and local area news for Thursday evening

A spectacular fire occurred in a home on Avenida de Torreblanca in Torrevieja on Thursday afternoon, resulting in considerable damage to the house. The alarm was raised at 2:45 p.m. but thanks to the quick intervention of the fire fighters, it didn´t spread to the surrounding houses.



In recent weeks, a breeding colony of Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis) has formed in the salt flats of Torrevieja, it is a species of seabird present throughout most of the year in the south of Alicante, although it does not normally reproduce. The Association of Friends of the Southern Wetlands of Alicante (AHSA) values ​​the colony positively, which according to AHSA could exceed 300 breeding pairs, since the only localities where it breeds in the Valencian Community: Albufera de Valencia and the Marjal del Moro, have suffered a significant setback in the last two years, losing half of the more than 1,000 breeding pairs that nested until 2019.

On May 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre will host a Special Mother's Day Concert by the Youth Band of the Torrevejense Musical Union, under the direction of Adrián Vallejos. Admission will be free by invitation, which can be picked up at the UMT Headquarters in the Palacio de la Música - First floor.

From today, the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre will host the exhibition “Todos somos Uno” by the Municipal School of Painting of Torrevieja. The exhibition is made up of works by 37 students from the school under the supervision of their teacher and artist Mar García Torregrosa. Inside the exhibition are some 1,300 pieces, all different, including recycling cardboard that has been donated by a water factory in the manufacture of boxes for distribution. This exhibition stands out for working with recyclable elements, giving the idea of ​​taking care of our environment, our spaces, of seeing what we step on, of looking beyond what we have in front of our eyes, and of observing every corner.

A motorcyclist has been injured after suffering an accident in the Cabo Roig area of Orihuela, as reported by the Emergency Information and Coordination Centre (CICU). The incident occurred yesterday at around 7:30 p.m. A paramedic ambulance assisted the motorcyclist before he was transferred to the Torrevieja Hospital due to multiple injuries.

The Local Police of Crevillente now has a drone unit with the acquisition of two state-of-the-art devices. They will serve to support tasks such as the search and rescue of people in the natural environment, control large concentrations and implement new possibilities in terms of security in the face of any persecution or intervention in a neighbourhood, they say.

Guardia Civil officers attached to Alicante-Elche Airport have intercepted a package from Mexico in which there were 41 grams of the drug known as 'molecule of God' , which is a psychoactive compound Hallucinogen that can be found naturally in the skin of a specific type of toad and whose consumption is very dangerous since it causes alterations in the heart rhythm that can lead to the death of the person who consumes it. The substance was hidden inside some decorative objects to burn aromatic substances. It was in several small transparent plastic wrappers, pretending that it was crystallized incense. In an investigation carried out with the collaboration of the Tax Agency of the Customs area, it was determined that the recipient of the package was a resident of the Alicante town of Monóvar, who has been arrested.

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

The ninth edition of the International Open-Spanish Spring Youth, Junior and Absolute Championship of Rescue and Lifeguard that will take place this weekend in the municipal swimming pool in Torrevieja has broken the attendance record with 41 Spanish clubs and 238 participants. By Autonomous Communities, Valencia is the one that contributes the most participants, with 62 athletes.

Dehesa de Campoamor will host the VIII Triathlon 'Playas de Orihuela' this Sunday. The maximum number of participants will be limited to 200 triathletes for the federated test and 100 for the Autonomous University Championship. The route consists of a first 750-metre swimming segment, continuing with a second 20-kilometre bicycle race segment and ends with a 5-kilometre run.

 

### Torrevieja and local news for Wednesday evening

The councillor for Social Welfare, Housing, Accessibility, Equality, Dependency and Women of the Torrevieja City Council, Tomás Ballester, has met with the director of the ONCE in the Vega Baja region, Vicente J. Vázquez, to discuss the different routes of understanding in favour of the blind or those with other disabilities. The representative of ONCE has commented on various issues related to people with disabilities, such as accessibility in streets, highlighting the importance of acoustic traffic lights for blind people and the adaptation of the pavement to the needs of people with disabilities. Accessibility to information, education and leisure has also been addressed; so that people with disabilities can enjoy attending concerts, exhibitions, as well as inclusive education.



Torrevieja council will authorise the occupation of complete sections of street and the closure to traffic for terraces of hospitality establishments for the high season. Last summer the municipality authorised several street blockages in the town centre. Those included Calle Zoa in the Plaza de Oriente, by an establishment that already occupies part of the public space of the square itself with chairs and tables -which prevents direct access to the underground car park and has caused neighbourhood complaints. – along with a section of calle Bazán in the Plaza de la Constitución, among others.

The spokesperson for Ciudadanos (Cs) in Torrevieja council, Pilar Gómez Magán, has proposed a new method of controlling pigeon populations, which is "ethical and in accordance with protectionist laws based on feeding them with corn grains impregnated with hormonal substances that inhibit the fertilization". According to the councillor, "this method has a favourable effect on the progressive and non-aggressive reduction of these birds." She explained that after the second year of application of the treatment, effects can already be observed, although it must be prolonged until the desired population is reached, "at which time the campaigns are reduced to only an annual control to keep the population stable," she said.

Torrevieja will once again celebrate "Europe Day", an annual celebration on 9 May, with the European Petanque Tournament, where a selection of European players will represent their respective countries, on May 8, from 10:00 am, on the petanque courts of the San Luis Urbanisation. The prizes will be delivered on May 15 at the "Gala of Europe 2021", where numerous artists from Europe will perform song and dance. The event will be on 15 May, at 7:00 p.m., at the Municipal Theatre.

Sunday 8 May is Global Bird Day. For the celebration, the Faunatura association has organised a series of activities in different environments of the province related to the visualisation of different birds. One of the events will be held at Cabo Cervera in Torrevieja, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. To attend you need to register through the email: Asociacionfaunatura@gmail.com.

Unión Comarcal Muntanya-Vinalopo-Vega Baja- has offered an assessment of the data on unemployment registered in the Vega Baja in the month of April, which has shown a decrease in unemployment by 189 people, which places the total number of unemployed in 33,279. The decline has partly been attributed to the Easter period.

Orihuela council, through the Department of the Environment, has joined the initiative "#UnArbolPorEuropa" which aims to ensure that each municipality plant at least one tree per year. The campaign is supported by the Office of the European Parliament, which supports this type of initiative that aims to achieve major sustainable development objectives.

Zenia Boulevard shopping centre is now the host of a machine that gives rewards for recycling. The Ecoembes Refund and Reward System (SDR), which reward the commitment to recycling cans and plastic beverage bottles, is the first in the entire Valencian Community, taking a step in its commitment to the circular economy and positive impact on the environment through recycling.

A 53-year-old motorcyclist has lost his life in a collision that occurred in Crevillente. Six other people, including an eight-month-old baby, have been injured in three traffic accidents that occurred on the A-70 as it passed through the municipality of Alicante and Elche, as reported by the Emergency Information and Coordination Centre (CICU).

### Torrevieja and local news on Tuesday evening

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and the president of the Association of Southeast Naturalists (ANSE), Pedro García, have signed an agreement by which Torrevieja becomes part of the Network of municipalities for the adaptation of pollinators for change climate. The signing of the agreement was attended by the Councillor for the Environment, Antonio Vidal, and the municipal biologist, Juan Antonio Pujol. By joining this project, the Torrevieja Council complies with one of the sustainable development objectives and addresses the protection of wild bees.

Repairs have been carried out after a sinkhole appeared on Avenida de los Marineros, on Playa del Cura in Torrevieja after the 2020 storm. This storm caused a huge sinkhole in a section of the retaining wall. The detached sections of the seafront were demolished to stabilise it, filling it from the beach with stones and its subsequent shotcrete, until the wall was closed, in order to fill the gap with concrete from above. This work was the subject of a minor contract by the Local Government Board on April 1 at a cost of 10,000 euro.

Mar Ezcurra, Councillor for Culture and Youth in Orihuela council, has presented the children's programming that will take place every Saturday, until July, at the La Lonja de Orihuela Cultural Centre and at the Alameda Civic Centre del Mar, on the Orihuela Costa. All activities are free and with reduced capacity, strictly complying with sanitary averages. The program begins this Saturday and will run until June 26 and includes theatres, puppets and storytelling.



Orihuela will participate in the Shanghai Flower Expo 2021. From May 21 to July 2, the International Flower Expo will be held on Chongming Island, Shanghai, and Orihuela has been chosen to attend the event. Victor Valverde, Orihuela Councillor for Agriculture, has been a promoter of this project, so that the “Oriolan blooms can also shine in the Asian country”.

The mayor of Elche, Carlos González, has shown his satisfaction with the start-up of the new Advanced Life Support ambulance that has been incorporated in El Altet since January. "An absolutely essential service, promoted by the Government Team, which improves health care in this district where more than 5,000 residents live", highlighted the councillor, who attended the social centre of El Altet where said ambulance is located.

Guardamar del Segura has been preselected in two of the seven categories that recognize the SICTED (Integral System of Tourist Quality in Destinations) awards, promoted by the Secretary of State for Tourism and that value the improvement of the quality of the destinations. Specifically, the 'Best SICTED Destination 2020' and the 'Best SICTED Destination Improvement Project 2020'.

Two men have been arrested for attacking two officers from the Local Police in Elche. One of the detainees was causing problems in a hotel business when it closed, and the other is a minor who, under the influence of alcohol, punched one of the officers.

The Alicante Book Fair will take place in the Seneca square from May 21 to 30. The booths will be located outdoors and the program is complemented with workshops inside the old station and online activities.

The end of the state of alarm, this weekend, will not mean the end of all restrictions in the Valencian Community. This was the warning on Monday from the president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, who has opted to maintain the curfew, although he is willing, if the data and the advice of the experts advise, to delay the time at which the population must be at home. "All these issues will be subjected to analysis based on epidemiological reports," said Puig at a ceremony in Valencia. Meanwhile, representatives from the hospitality sector are asking for an extension of their closing time until midnight to allow for diners to eat in two sittings.

The month of May begins with a record arrival of coronavirus vaccines that has invited the optimism of the President of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, who this Monday took another step in the immunisation forecasts in the Valencian Community. In June, everyone over 50 will be vaccinated, said Puig after a meeting in Valencia on the criteria for the aid of the Resistir Plus plan.

### Torrevieja and local news for Monday evening

The secretary of the Torrevieja Local Government Board, Federico Alarcón, reported this morning that last Friday the start of the contract file was approved for the "drafting of the project and construction management, management of work execution and coordination of health and safety of the completion works of the “Pabellón Blanco” of the Torrevieja Sports City. The tender budget for this contract amounts to 42,350 euro. Federico Alarcón has indicated that the works of this multipurpose sports hall have been paralysed since 2015. The work, which could begin from July to end in November, includes closing the ceiling of the two rooms on the upper floor, the installation of safety railings on the stairs and the ascent areas to the upper floor. Likewise, the floor will be replaced with a cushioning material throughout the installation except in the entrance hall, in the changing room area and in the toilets, which will be done with another material to be determined.



The Councillor for Quality of Urban Services of the Torrevieja City Council, Sandra Sánchez, states that through the inspection work of the Public Highway carried out by the personnel of the Department of Works and Services, the repair project of numerous streets and avenues of the municipality of Torrevieja, in the 2021/22 annuity, in which different streets requested by citizens and that require repair have also been included. As a novelty in this new Resurfacing Plan, it should be noted that numerous specific repairs to the road have been included, some of them due to the simple deterioration of the asphalt layer and other sections are those affected by tree roots. In both cases, these are actions on small surfaces without the need to resurface streets in their entirety. Sandra Sánchez has announced that once this project was approved last Friday by the Local Government Board (JGL), the contract for the bidding of these resurfacing and repair works of streets and avenues throughout the municipality of Torrevieja will begin shortly. The base bidding budget amounts to 2,400,686 euro (including taxes) and the total resurfacing area is 276,800 square metres.



Fire fighters from around the area battled a wildfire on Saturday, close to the pink lake in Torrevieja, which resulted in homes having to be evacuated. The Guardia Civil is now investigating if the fire was started deliberately. Some 20 hectares of land was destroyed in the blaze.



The Guardia Civil located the body of a man who disappeared on Saturday in the bay of Torrevieja while practicing paddle surfing. The man was located at 11:55 a.m. on Sunday morning following a search in the area.

An octogenarian from the Orihuela town of Desamparados, who killed her husband in 2019 by hitting him with a ceramic plate on the head, faces 15 years in prison for a crime of murder. The woman, who was 83 at the time, is accused of killing her 84-year-old husband by hitting him on the head with a ceramic plate. The man was left lying on the ground with a bone fracture, several bruises, and a wound from which he was bleeding profusely.

The company awarded the maintenance, conservation and repair of roads and public spaces in Orihuela Costa has sent a letter, addressed to the contracting body of the council, in which it communicates its intention to suspend compliance with the contract if the debt of 255,378 euro isn´t paid. There are already four invoices outstanding, those for December, January, February and March, to which the fifth invoice, the one for April, will be added this week, so the municipal debt will exceed the 319,000 euro, plus the corresponding compensation for collection costs.

Mar Ezcurra, Orihuela´s councillor for culture, has presented "Música en primavera", a wide and varied program of concerts in which bands and musical associations from the municipality of Orihuela will participate. The festival includes 14 concerts that will be held on weekends, at 8 p.m., in the Teatro Circo Atanasio Die and in the Auditorium of La Lonja, in the Auditorium of San Bartolomé and on the Esplanade of Playa Flamenca in Orihuela Costa. All performances will be free to enter until full capacity is reached and will comply with all pertinent sanitary measures.

The Department of Agriculture of Orihuela Council has published 300 posters that will be distributed by the schools, institutes and supermarkets of the municipality to promote the consumption of fruit and vegetables, coinciding with the celebration in 2021 of the 'International Year of Fruit and Vegetables'.

This week´s there will be disruption to the power supply for maintenance work with the following scheduled: Tuesday - Elche, Gran Alacant, Orihuela and Santa Pola, Wednesday – Elche and Orihuela Costa, Thursday - Santa Pola and Torrevieja, and Friday - Alicante, Almoradí and Daya Nueva, as well as other areas throughout the week. The power cuts are scheduled to last for about 30 minutes.

### Torrevieja and local news for Friday evening

The councillor for NGOs and Volunteering of the Torrevieja Council, Concha Sala, together with the president of the ASIMEPP Torrevieja association, Maite Miralles, has presented the activities that will take place to commemorate the day of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, to be held on May 12. The activities will begin on Monday, May 10, and end on Saturday, May 15, with the most relevant day being Wednesday 12, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day, where the reading of the manifesto will take place.

Through their YouTube culture channel, the University of Alicante has released the short documentary “Artesanos de la Sal”. The documentary, available with English subtitles, describes the process of making the salinera crafts of Torrevieja, a tradition among the workers of the salinas, at risk of disappearance.

Orihuela will have three skate parks. This was announced by the councillors for Sports, Víctor Bernabéu, and Infrastructures, Ángel Noguera. La Aparecida, Orihuela Costa and the town of Orihuela will be the three sites that will host the tracks, of which "the first will be a reality in two months."

The Ministry of Health plans to begin vaccinating people between the ages of 69 and 66 (born between 1952 and 1955, included) from Monday. As with all groups that have already started the process, these people will receive an invitation by SMS or a phone call with information on when and where they should be vaccinated.

The Guardia Civil has detained four people in Alicante and Callosa d'en Sarrià, who were allegedly dedicated to sending large quantities of drugs, by parcel, worldwide. Officers intercepted a package at Alicante-Elche airport. The alleged perpetrators, of British and Argentine nationality, operated from homes in Callosa d'en Sarrià and Altea. Three of the four have been remanded in custody.



At a meeting held at the Town Hall, the problem of Gran Alacant´s postal service was discussed point by point to improve the service in the area. An agreement has been reached to submit to the Valencia Post Office a proposal agreed with the Santa Pola office regarding the adaptation and improvement of the facilities and the possibility of increasing the opening hours. It was also agreed by all parties work together to achieve a more efficient distribution, which is sometimes hampered by the numbering, signage and location of the urbanisations.

The Clot de Galvany natural park near Gran Alacant has introduced a species of white-water lily for its conservation. The white-water lily is a species that requires a lot of water for its conservation, and therefore is in danger of extinction.

A reminder that Saturday is a red day in Spain, Labour Day, with most shops and businesses closing for the day. Many of them will open their doors on Sunday however, a day when Mother´s Day is celebrated.

The nature and animal park Terra Natura Benidorm is going to pay tribute to the mother figure in the animal world and the role that females play in the care of the offspring on the occasion of the celebration of Mother's Day. This complex, dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity and its dissemination, has prepared a special program of enrichment activities to commemorate the day.

The fishing sector of Santa Pola sees jobs in danger with the European restrictions of the Multi-year Mediterranean Plan that affects trawlers. The management plan for the conservation of demersal fishery resources (area in the sea where aquatic animals live, are deep waters or near the bottom of littoral areas) in the Mediterranean, continues its course and with it the ruin of the fishing sector in the Mediterranean, the fishermen declare.

MasterChef has entrusted the Mediterranean Sea salt brand Polasal, located in Santa Pola, to launch an exclusive range of salts. The new edition of the most famous culinary talent in the world has already started its broadcast on La 1 and its success is proof that cooking is in fashion. That is why Polasal from Alicante has launched a unique sea salt in the world, the MasterChef Polasal sea salt foam.

### Torrevieja and local news for Thursday

A thief entered the Farmacia de la Licendiada Mónica Córcoles Muñoz on calle San Policarpo in Torrevieja on Wednesday evening, robbing the shop of takings from the till. The Guardia Civil is currently checking CCTV footage to try to identify the culprit.

Belter Souls will be performing their 'Joyful!' show this Saturday 1 May, at 7:30 p.m., at the Torrevieja International Auditorium. A concert that will be the last performance of a national tour that has brought the young company many joys and with which it has achieved great success. Tickets are on sale for 20 euro.

Joyful - Belter Souls

After 17 years being taught in portacabins, the work to build Torrevieja´s Amanecer Public School has been put to tender. The specifications include an execution budget of 6.8 million euro and an execution period of 14 months.

The Councillor for Quality of Urban Services in Torrevieja, Sandra Sánchez, reports that the public lighting of the Plaza de Oriente has been reinforced by replacing two existing light points with two towers, 8 meters high, of galvanized steel with four projectors each tower, adding a total of 8 adjustable projector lights to illuminate the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús church.

The International Residents department of Orihuela town hall has organised a POST BREXIT WEBINAR for all the British nationals who live in Orihuela. The Zoom talk will take place on Monday 3rd May at 11:30 am, where you will be given useful information about living in Spain post Brexit and you will be able to clarify all the myths and rumours. The following day, Tuesday 4th May at 11:30 am, there will be a WEBINAR ABOUT TAXES for non-national residents in the municipality. It will be held in both English and Spanish and will include information about local taxes, which are paid through SUMA, such as contribution, road tax, income tax for residents, taxes to be paid as a non-resident and apartments for tourist rental. At the end of both talks there will be an opportunity to ask questions. If you are interested, you will have to send an email to residents@orihuela.es with your full name, phone number and email. They will send you the information on how to join the Zoom webinars.

Orihuela´s Department of Tourism has scheduled new tourist routes for the month of May, including the Miguel Hernández route: Life and Work, where the most emblematic places linked to the poet will be visited. During the tour, verses will be recited by members of the Orihuela Social Forum. There´s also the Andalusian Legacy Route, where the link between the  Palm Grove and North Africa will be explained. All tourist routes are completely free, complying with all health measures, directed by Official Guides of the Valencian Community. As of May, visitors who want to participate in tourist routes can reserve their place through orihuelaturistica.es from the "Reservations" section.

The Guardia Civil in Almería has arrested an Almoradí businessman accused of defrauding at least 50,000 euro by buying nuts and cashews from two companies in Huesca and Tarragona. The orders were made on behalf of a supermarket in the Almeria town of Pulpí that was oblivious to the deception concocted by the suspect. The person in charge of the Almeria supermarket denounced the scam because they had never made such orders.

The Guardia Civil has detained a 20-year-old male in San Pedro del Pinatar, a resident of Pilar de la Horadada, as the alleged perpetrator of four crimes of robbery with force. The man, who has a long criminal record, has been placed in preventive detention after being brought to justice.

Local Police in Elche have arrested five graffiti artists for causing damage to half a kilometre of Renfe train wagons. The police state the damages are of an economic amount that exceeded 215,000 euro.

Officers from the National Police have detained three people in the Madrid town of Alcobendas who are members of a criminal group dedicated to carrying out robberies in game rooms in Madrid and Benidorm, as reported this Thursday by the Higher Headquarters of the Madrid Police.

The Guardia Civil arrested a man accused of kidnapping and illegally detaining a prostitute in Valencia. The victim managed to flee when she jumped out of the car while driving on the V-30 and A-7, taking advantage of the fact that the alleged perpetrator reduced the speed of the vehicle.

The president of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, has announced that the Valencian Community will receive 401,400 doses of vaccines against COVID-19 next week, the highest weekly shipment since the immunisation process began four months ago.

The Navantia shipyard in Cartagena has decided to postpone the launching of the S-81 Isaac Peral submarine, scheduled for tomorrow, until next week due to the forecast of wind and the probability of rain for this Friday in the municipality.

Repair and improvement work has begun at the squash court in the Municipal Sports Centre in Torrevieja. The work consists of plastering and painting all the surfaces, varnishing the floor and conditioning the spotlights for perfect lighting.

The 50 best Windsurf & IQFoil sailors in the Valencian Community have an appointment this weekend at the Santa Pola Yacht Club. After the success obtained during the Spanish Youth Championship of these classes, which was held at Easter, the Santa Polero club has become a benchmark venue for high-competition windsurfing. That is why on May 1 and 2, it will once again become the epicentre of dinghy sailing, celebrating the Autonomous Windsurf & IQFoil Championship of the Valencian Community.

### THE LOCAL POLICE MODERNISES ITS OPERATING ROOM

The renovation is made up of a total of 12 monitors and three state-of-the-art equipment focused on emergency tasks, which are complemented by the 112 system.



The councillor for Security and Emergencies of the Torrevieja City Council, Federico Alarcón, reports that the Local Police of Torrevieja is modernising to adapt to new methodologies in the field of Citizen Security. In this way, the IT systems have recently been renewed in their OPERATING ROOM 092/112, with the adaptation of the operator positions and with a new position, called Room Manager.

After the adaptation of the TETRA radio systems (special mobile network for emergency services), the configuration of the room was completely renewed, creating independent positions for each operator and all this coordinated with the officer / coordinator of the room, where the ROMA system will take be introduced, which will be merged with the VYRIATO system, making the Operating Room the nucleus of security surveillance in public places in and around Torrevieja.



The renovation is made up of a total of 12 monitors and three state-of-the-art equipment focused on emergency tasks, which are complemented by the 112 system. Work is also being done on the incorporation of a video wall in the next few months, where all Information can be displayed on a multiscreen of about three-square metres.



It should be noted that the adaptation of the operating room has been carried out by the municipal services, using their own resources, more specifically with the departments of Police, Innovation and Services, all coordinated by one of our agents, both in its configuration and effectiveness, and in its economic costs, saving more than 5,000 euro to the public purse.

 

### Local news for Wednesday evening

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, participated in the Alicante Plaza forum on the Real Estate Market together with leading experts and companies from the Alicante province. Among the topics addressed were the market situation after a year of the pandemic and the future that arises, such as the need to digitize the sector, bet on new, more sustainable materials, and what will be the trends in the coming years.

The "Joaquín Chapaprieta" Municipal Institute of Culture will celebrate International Day of Dance tomorrow, Thursday 29 April, with two shows programmed that have been awarded at various festivals and contemporary dance awards: "Mulïer", on April 30 at 8:00 p.m., and "Vigor Mortis" on May 1, also at 8:00 p.m., at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre.

The Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja will be the place chosen by the voices of Orfeón for its next performance, a Spring concert. The performance will be on May 30 at 8:00 p.m. The price of tickets is 10 euro.

The Orihuela Health Department has launched its new website orihuela.san.gva.es as an "agile and accessible communication tool aimed at users and patients as well as professionals." This means, according to the Generalitat Valenciana, the creation of a new information source for the department that provides health coverage to more than 168,000 inhabitants in the Vega Baja region.

After 22 years, the IES Tháder de Orihuela school will have a remodelled centre, without portacabins, for the next school year 2021/2022. The Local Government Board of the Orihuela City Council yesterday announced the award of the expansion works for 2,694,961 euro.

After rejecting an appeal, the Superior Court of Justice of Andalusia (TSJA) has confirmed the penalties of 14 and 18 years in prison for the couple who stoned a neighbour of Orihuela to death in mid-July 2017. The incident took place near the mouth of the Andarax river in Almería, in the El Bobar area.

As well as opening a new dog park, Bigastro Council begins an intense campaign regarding the possession of pets to combat faeces on public roads. A strict ordinance has come into force with significant penalties that can reach up to 3,000 euro to those who fail to clean up after their pets.

Crevillente town hall has launched the campaign "Què bonico és Crevillent, quan està net" to sensitise and educate citizens about the importance of their collaboration in maintaining the cleanliness and care of the streets, squares, garden areas and other public spaces in the municipality with the star of the campaign being a resident in the town.

A 41-year-old man was injured this morning when he fell from a scaffold in Elche. Emergency services were called at about 8:50 am to the construction site on calle Barrio de Sarabia. A paramedic ambulance attended and treated the man for multiple trauma before transferring him to the Vinalopó de Elche hospital.

Passengers on flights from the Republic of India to any airport located in Spain, must be quarantined for the ten days following their arrival, or during their entire stay in Spain if it is less than that period. This period may end earlier, if on the seventh day the person undergoes a diagnostic test for acute infection with a negative result. The Ministerial Order will take effect from 00:00 hours on May 1, 2021 for an initial period of fourteen calendar days, and may be extended if the circumstances that motivate it are maintained.

In the regional kickboxing championships held in Gandía, the Torrevieja kickboxing Club participated with 7 athletes and obtained 4 bronze, 2 silver and 1 gold medal.

Alicante Provincial Council will subsidise the Women's World Handball Championship to the tune of 720,000 euro, which will have one of its main venues in Torrevieja.

### Torrevieja news and local stories for Tuesday evening

The National Geographic Institute (IGN) registered an earthquake off the coast of Torrevieja last night. The seismic movement had a magnitude of 2.5 and a depth of 2 kilometres and occurred, according to the IGN notice, at 1:20 am.



The Department of Health and Pest Control of the Torrevieja City Council continues with the disinfection work around the municipality, this time in the areas of CEIP Culturas, in the Torreta III and Torreta urbanisations and in calles Jorge Manrique and Las Urracas. It should be noted that larval development work has been carried out in Los Balcones, on the margins of the CV-95 at the N-332. The department thanks all citizens for the information provided on different enclaves in which there is a massive amount of these insects and invite everyone to continue doing so.

A car driver was arrested on Monday night after crashing on a roundabout on the Orihuela Costa. The driver refused to undergo a drugs test and was subsequently arrested.

The Valencian cooperative supermarket chain Consum has begun to replace the handles of its shopping trolleys with special versions treated to combat covid-19. The company will change about 47,000 units in the coming months, with more than 91 percent units changed by July. The firm will also be replacing its shopping baskets with others that have been treated with a coating on the handle itself that kills COVID-19 to reduce its spread. In total, more than 14,300 baskets will be replaced.

The Guardia Civil, in two different operations carried out during February and March, has arrested two men, one of them in Santa Pola, and another in Benejúzar, as alleged perpetrators of several robberies with force committed, mainly in hotel and restaurant establishments in Gran Alacant, Santa Pola and Almoradí.

Redován Local Police arrested the alleged perpetrator of several robberies with force from vehicles in the municipality on Sunday afternoon. Some of these criminal acts had occurred in the vicinity of the Via Ferrata de Redován, which "had generated alert among people who go to practice sports in this unique space in Vega Baja," as reported by the town council.

The hospitality industry has joined in the pressure being put on the regional government to extend the curfew until 10:30 p.m. SOS Hostelería collective ask for a 30-minute margin so that customers can return to their homes without fear of being denounced for exceeding the curfew after the extension of the hours of bars and restaurants since Monday.

King Felipe VI will be in Cartagena on 5 May to inaugurate the Museo del Barrio del Foro Romano. It is the second official visit of the King in less than two weeks, after the Royal Family visited last Thursday for the launch of the submarine S-81 Isaac Peral.

Crevillente town hall has launched a grant scheme to improve accessibility inside homes. The Department of Social Rights and Human Development will offer subsidies of up to 7,000 euro to help with the installation of ramps and mechanical elements or the change from the bathroom from a bathtub to shower tray.

The Guardia Civil has arrested a man who is accused of a crime against public health for the cultivation of marijuana. The officers found 1,846 marijuana plants in their last flowering phase inside a warehouse in an industrial estate in Crevillente.

A cyclist has died after swallowing a bee. The 59-year-old man, who was traveling in a group, entered cardiorespiratory arrest as a result of the incident. Medics tried to revive him but could not save his life. The man was a resident of the Valencia town of Algemesí and ran a business in Alzira.

There will be disruption to the electricity supply in various areas this week with power being cut in Los Arenales del Sol and Santa Pola on Wednesday, Gran Alacant, Guardamar del Segura and Santa Pola on Thursday, as well as other local areas throughout the week.

 

### Local news from around the area for Monday evening

Four people, three men of 20, 33 and 45 years old along with a 40-year-old woman, have been injured on Monday in a traffic accident in which three cars and a van have been involved in Cox (Alicante), according to information from the Centre for Information and Emergency Coordination (CICU).

Work on new bike lanes in Almoradí began on Monday. It is an initiative that will unite pedestrians and bicycle users in the urban area with the districts of El Raiguero and Lomas de la Juliana, passing through the 'Las Maromas' Industrial Park, the town of Algorfa and the Tennis Club, and connecting with the ground zero of the river, part of the itinerary of the new Water Route also promoted by the Almoradí City Council.

The PP of the Province of Alicante has asked the regional government to delay the curfew until 10:30 pm to prevent citizens from having to leave the nightlife and hospitality venues earlier and so that the closure of 10 pm be more realistic. "This proposal would allow consumption in bars and restaurants until the last minute and then be able to leave with peace of mind, especially if you live in a nearby municipality"; they point out.

The president of the Alicante Provincial Council, Carlos Mazón, announced this morning the 'Aid Plan for the tourism sector of the Costa Blanca', an investment program that starts with 10 million euros and which becomes the largest contribution of the history of the Costa Blanca Board of Trustees to entities, associations, and municipalities of the province.

Petrer Local Police warn of an outbreak of robberies on public roads using the false hug method. In recent days, two robberies have been reported but, apparently by different people. The modus operandi consists of approaching older men with some excuse and seeking physical contact, reaching out to caress them, flattering them, to steal watches, jewellery and chains.

There´s a prewarning that many shops and businesses will be closed on Saturday to celebrate Labour Day, although many of them will open on Sunday instead, a day when mother´s day is celebrated in Spain.

The Real Club Náutico Torrevieja has obtained two silvers and a bronze medal in the international rowing open of Catalonia, which this weekend reached its fifteenth edition.

The municipality of Torrevieja continues to be a benchmark in hosting sporting events, not only at the autonomous level but also at the national level. This time the Municipal Swimming Pool located in the Palacio de los Deportes de Torrevieja will host the IX International and VIII Spanish Spring Youth Championship, Junior and Absolute Rescue and Lifeguard. The competition will take place on May 8 and 9.

### Torrevieja and local news for your Sunday evening

Local Police and Guardia Civil officers were called to break up a mass brawl that have broken out between a group of young people who, according to eyewitnesses, were of Algerian and Colombian origin. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon on the Paseo Juan Aparicio promenade.

Some 27 municipalities of the Vega Baja have been included in an aid plan to deal with the proliferation of insects. The Alicante Provincial Council will allocate 380,000 euro this year to collaborate with the municipalities of the province in carrying out treatments for the control of diptera-flies and mosquitoes. A total of 123 municipalities and smaller local entities will benefit from the grant.

Amended restrictions come into force across Valencia from Monday with 10p.m. being the closing time for practically everything in the Valencian Community. This is the next stage in what has been called "prudent de-escalation" by the President Ximo Puig. The curfew remains in place and it has been clarified that, despite calls for an extension, you must be at home by 10p.m. even though the time coincides with the opening of bars and shops.

The Ministry of Health plans to administer 249,743 doses of the four vaccines that are already authorised in the European market (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Janssen) in the next seven days, a figure with which the department led by Ana Barceló would break a new record of inoculations in a week. The pace will therefore pick up again after slowing down slightly to 185,000 a week last week.

Fishermen in the area are reporting major problems with their catch due to a plague of Bluefin tuna in the area. The overpopulation of the tuna is resulting in other fish such as hake being significantly reduced as the tuna eats smaller fish. The tuna itself is subject to strict quota controls meaning the abundance of this type of fish is largely worthless to the trawlers.

The residents' association of Tabarca, the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community, have complained that for the sixth year they have no regular public transport to Santa Pola that allows them to live normally and "like anywhere else" in the Valencian territory. The president of the Isla Plana de Tabarca association, Carmen Martí, states that the lack of public transport "makes it difficult to inhabit" the island because it prevents daily activities such as going to work, going to the doctor, shopping and even children going to school.

The Port of Cartagena is preparing to receive the so-called cabotage cruises, whose itineraries will be limited to national ports, due to the prohibition in Spain, which for now does not allow the arrival of passenger ships that carry cover international routes. Sources from the Port Authority stated that although "these cabotage cruises include both national and European tourists, they will only be able to embark in Spanish ports."

A Belgian fugitive accused of defrauding thousands of people, has been arrested in Alfaz del Pi. He was hiding in the province of Alicante after having fled from his country after an alleged deception in which he would have obtained more than 18 million euro.

A lucky resident of Crevillente is considerably better off this weekend after winning 61,700 euro in Saturday´s Bonoloto competition.

 

 

 

### Dealz set to open in Torrevieja Habaneras Centre

The Habaneras shopping centre in Torrevieja has announced that Dealz are set to open a branch in their centre soon.



As Habaneras themselves say, “Can you imagine a place where you can find millions of flavours and incredible products?”

Dealz will be offering a wide selection of products, including British favourites, all at discount prices when the Habaneras shop opens in May.

Dealz is one of the PepCo Group brands together with Poundland in the UK and PepCo in Central Europe. Dealz currently has more than 110 stores in the Republic of Ireland, Spain and Poland. The first store in Spain was opened in 2014 in Torremolinos, Malaga. Today they have more than 20 stores and in the coming years we will be many more.

Dealz's offering is designed to help families save money every day. Providing the great brands they love at the price they can afford, when and where they want.

### Some Torrevieja and local stories for your Friday evening

The seventh section of the Provincial Court based in Elche has shelved the case against the former mayor of Torrevieja, Pedro Hernández Mateo for the multimillion-euro sale of properties in Almoradí. The investigation was opened by the Anticorruption prosecutor, Felipe Briones, in May 2005, 16 years ago.

The Guardia Civil has arrested six people (three men and three women) as alleged perpetrators of a multitude of crimes against property, belonging to a criminal group and falsifying documents committed throughout the entire national geography and other European countries. Part of the group was specialised in the theft of ATMs, which started from their location using trucks with a platform - Those arrested were located in several illegally occupied homes in Orihuela Costa.



San Fulgencio Local Police have prevented two robberies in the municipality in recent days. The first took place last Wednesday when, after being alerted by a neighbour the officers found three men trying to break into a safe in the La Marina urbanisation. The officers prevented the theft, but the three men ran away leaving behind a backpack which has been handed to the Guardia Civil for investigation. The second incident was on Friday a commercial establishment in the area of Sector VIII of San Fulgencio, with the arrest of two individuals for an alleged crime of robbery with violence and intimidation.

The municipal group Sueña Torrevieja has presented a motion to the plenary session of the City Council, motivated by the fact that due to the situation generated by the pandemic, it has caused an increase in sedentary lifestyle in society, proposing the creation of urban hiking routes that link with different enclaves of the town, making the use of bicycles compatible with hiking. The aim is to promote the routes and their information corresponding to each one of them (distance, time, altitude, etc.), with the proposal for Torrevieja to join the Spanish Network of Healthy Cities.

The Palmeral de Orihuela will have a new area for visitors on a plot located next to the Interpretation Centre. The initiative has been presented this morning by the Councillor for the Environment, Dámaso Aparicio, who has announced that next Monday they will proceed to the signing of the reconsideration act and, from that moment, the execution period will be one month.

An agricultural worker died on Thursday when he was struck by lightning on a farm in Murcia. A colleague at Fuente Alamo alerted medics who attended the scene but could do nothing to save the 45-year-old man´s life.

A Loggerhead turtle was rescued from shallow waters of Tabarca Island after if got into difficulties. The animal has suffered an injury to one of its fins and was transferred to the municipal aquarium for monitoring.

Elche town hall is renewing the fleet of vehicles used by the Local Police through a half-a-million-euro tender to provide 12 hybrid vehicles.

Alicante town hall will be closing parts of Avenida Villajoyosa on Sundays throughout May and June to allow pedestrians and sports people space to move freely with social distancing without being affected by traffic.

World Taichi and Chi Kung Day will be celebrated in Torrevieja on Sunday with a class being held at the natural pool of Paseo Juan Aparicio opposite the Vela Centro Restaurant, at 10.30 am on Sunday, April 25.

 

### A few local stories from Torrevieja and around the area on Thursday

Fire fighters rescued a man from the wreckage of his car after he´d crashed on a roundabout on the CV-905 main road at Los Montisinos on Wednesday night. The incident happened at around 10 p.m.

Acciona workers have carried out maintenance work and repainting of the balustrades of the Los Locos beach promenade in Torrevieja. The painting has given a touch of colour to this dilapidated public space in Torrevieja, which has been waiting for years for a comprehensive remodelling scheme.

Many shops in Torrevieja are participating in a mother´s day promotion. Between now and May 2 you can take part in participating shops and win part a raffle for 1,000 euro in prizes. The shops are part of the association of small and medium merchants (APYMECO) in the town and will be displaying a poster in their window giving more details.



The Association of Hospitality Companies of Torrevieja y Comarca (AEHTC) in its desire to encourage consumption in the establishments that belong to the association, is launching a new gastronomic event in May, a competition called Croqueteando por Torrevieja, taking place from May 20 to 23. In this contest, the participants must make a traditional, signature or innovative artisan croquette, the ingredients being freely chosen by the different participating establishments.

The indoor swimming pool of the Palacio de los Deportes, hosts the FEDDI Spanish Swimming Championship from yesterday until tomorrow, Friday 23 April. Before the start of the Competition Day, the Deputy Mayor of the City, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, together with the Councillor for Sports, Diana Box, thanked the organisation for its efforts to choose the city of Torrevieja and its sports facilities, for the celebration of this championship, one of the most important sports competitions in Spain.

Elche council has resumed aquatic activities for adults, with all sanitary measures. Registrations are made through the website of the City Council (elche.es) and the registration period is now open.

Ecologists are warning of damage to the environment caused by car rental firms at Alicante-Elche airport. The AHSA claim that more than one million square metres of land in the area is occupied by car rental businesses in the vicinity of the airport, pending legalisation, where there are more than 80,000 vehicles parked. The vast majority of those "rent a car" that serve tourists arriving at the Elche-Alicante airport are invading the Agua Amarga salt marsh hydrological basin. The group is asking that the cars be moved to a more suitable location in order to protect the delicate environment.

The fourth vaccine against the coronavirus finally arrives in the Valencian Community. A total of 14,600 doses of Janssen vaccine will begin to be administered on Friday after the unlocking on Tuesday by health authorities. This vaccine, which will be aimed at people between 70 and 79 years old, gives hope to accelerate the vaccination campaign, since it is only necessary to administer one dose for the person to be fully immunised. The 14,600 doses will double the number of people between 70 and 79 years old who are protected according to data provided by the Ministry of Health.

The Valencia regional secretary of Tourism, Francesc Colomer, held a telematic meeting with the consul of the United Kingdom in Spain, Sarah Jane Morris, asking that the Costa Blanca receive special treatment, as is the case with the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, when setting the prevention requirements against covid and the opening of safe corridors between the area and the UK when international travel is expected to resume as of May 17.

### Bench restoration work commences

The Councillor for Quality of Urban Services of the Torrevieja City Council, Sandra Sánchez, has advised that given the current state of deterioration of the existing benches on the Juan Aparicio and Avenida de los Marineros (Playa del Cura) beach walkways, conservation works have been contracted for these urban furniture elements that required urgent action, due to the fact that no maintenance work has been carried out in recent years.



The work takes in a stretch some 600 metres long and consists of the benches located on the edge of both promenades and 20 isolated benches on the Paseo Juan Aparicio. The duration of these works is one month and at a cost of 22,385 euro.

The works are mainly consisting of sanding and subsequent painting with a first coat of epoxy paint and a second coat of polyurethane paint on the metal bases. Sanding and subsequent painting in two layers with wood protection paint on the wooden seats and backs. Likewise, small repairs to metal bases or woods in poor condition are also included.

### Let´s go for tapas

The Councillor for Commerce and Hospitality of the Torrevieja City Council, Rosario Martínez, together with the president of the Association of Hospitality Companies of Torrevieja and Comarca (AEHTC), Joaquín Guillamó, and the member of the Board of Directors of the association and Ignacio Pastor, have presented the 6th Edition "Nos vamos de tapas", which will take place from April 15 to 18 and from April 22 to 25.



"Nos vamos de tapas" is an initiative that aims to promote associated establishments through a wide selection of tapas. A total of 23 establishments participate in this sixth edition and, due to the restrictive measures affecting the sector, the traditional format has been changed, adapting it to the current situation and avoiding crowds at all times. That is why this new format will present the tapas on the table, accompanied by two drinks, at a single price of 10 euro.

Customers, as in previous editions, will taste the elaborations and will be able to participate in a raffle by depositing the ballot that will be delivered to them at the establishment.

The raffle prizes, for the participating public are the following:

- Prize A: An experience box! A tasting menu dinner for the amount of 50 for two people offered by AEHTC.

- Prize B : An experience box! A tasting menu dinner for the amount of 50 for two people offered by AEHTC.

- Prize C : Android Smartphone offered by Torrevieja.com. A tasting menu dinner for the amount of 50 for two people offered by AEHTC.

- Prize D : Gift of a wine case. A tasting menu dinner for the amount of 50 for two people offered by AEHTC.

 

In the words of Rosario Martínez, this initiative is a strong commitment to the hospitality sector that has been so punished this last year, due to sanitary restrictions, and that needs a strong boost. "The association, and the establishments, are being very brave in launching this initiative, and I want to invite all Torrevieja residents, and the public who visit us, to enjoy our excellent gastronomy".

For his part, the president of the association, Joaquín Guillamó, thanked the Torrevieja City Council, through its Hospitality Department, as well as the Costa Blanca Tourism Board, for their support to celebrate this sixth edition, and the sponsor official, Vera Mañogil Hermanos, official distributor of Mahou.

The 6th edition is within the gastronomic calendar of the Association of Hospitality Companies of Torrevieja y Comarca (AEHTC) that in previous years had been presented at the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) in Madrid, and that this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the delay in the celebration of FITUR, it has not been able to appear.

### Warning from the National Police´

The National Police is warning of a new method practised by thieves to detect if a property is vacant before breaking in.



The thieves are placing glue strings between the frame and the door to locate possible empty houses.

If several days pass and they have not been broken, it means that no one has opened the door and the house is uninhabited, they warm.

This new method is more difficult to detect since they do not fall to the ground like the plastic devices previously used in this practice.

The police are advising vigilance and attention and if you see them glue strips similar to those in the image, then call the police on 091.

### New App for Booking Sports Facilities

The Councillor for Sports, Diana Box, announces that from today, April 9, 2021, a new mobile application for the reservation of sports facilities is available.



It is a pioneering application as it is available in 11 languages ​​(English, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, French, Italian, German, Valencian, Catalan, Basque and Galician), and is fully accessible.

The Torrevieja Sports City app is available for free for all mobile devices with iOS and Android operating systems. The main objective of this application is to make it easier for the user to manage reservations for facilities such as the swimming pool or the municipal gym, through a private space where you can view your reservations and receive notifications. In addition, users will have the latest news about the council, access the Accessible Guide, and even the weather conditions in real time.

Developed with an easy and intuitive interface, the user can choose the language you want and change it at any time. From the app you can also access the website (www.torreviejasportscity.com), consult and follow the council on their official profiles on social networks or even download documents. The app has a contact space with an interactive map with the location of the sports city, with information, characteristics and history of each of the facilities that make up the complex, as well as their hours of use.

The development of the mobile application has been carried out by the company CIE Informática, through a contract for the amount of 2,904 (VAT included) which includes the development, creation, publication on the official download platforms, the training of the team of the council, as well as 2 physical qrcode devices for the daily management of user reservations.

### Local Police Officer Amongst Drug Arrestees

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a number of members of an organisation that was dedicated to the planting and sale of marijuana, as well as the sale of cocaine.



In the arrests, which took place last month, one of the detainees is an agent of the Torrevieja Local Police, who is alleged to have used his position to facilitate the distribution of the drug.

Operation “Sanillo” began in September and ended successfully in which the Pilar de la Horadada Judicial Police Team arrested 12 members of a criminal organisation dedicated to the cultivation and trafficking of marijuana in occupied chalets in the region of the Vega Baja.

Due to the numerous investigations carried out in this operation, the agents were aware that, apart from the dismantled criminal group, a member of the Torrevieja Local Police could be involved.

Due to these indications, a new line of investigation was opened and with it the “Sanillo II” operation. The investigations immediately led to a neighbour of the aforementioned agent, with whom he had direct contact, and it was discovered that this person was engaged in the "retail" of cocaine and marijuana, selling the substances both at his home located in the town of Orihuela Costa, such as its distribution in the towns of Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja. These shipments were sometimes made by the Local Police agent, who, to get hold of the narcotics, went directly to pick them up at this house, even accessing the interior of the home when the resident was away, since they had the keys.

At the same time, the agent took advantage of being in a position of awareness of police controls, in order to give security to the movements of the neighbour when she went out to distribute the drug to her “clients”. On one of the occasions, while providing service and while the perimeter closure remained on weekends between some towns in the Valencian Community, dressed in the uniform and in an official vehicle, she came to travel to Orihuela Costa, to go to the home of her neighbour and transfer one of the detainees to his home in the town of Torrevieja, in order to avoid police controls and be reported.

As a result of numerous police investigations, the Guardia Civil was aware that in this address there was an important marijuana plantation grown "indoors", whose care and maintenance was in charge, in addition to the resident, of two more people. It was also possible to verify how on weekends the confinement rules were skipped, holding parties inside it, there being a constant drip of people entering and exiting, until the early hours of the morning.

Therefore, on March 18, the operation was exploited, for which the investigating agents also had the support of personnel from the Cynological Service (canine unit), and Citizen Security agents belonging to Torrevieja. This action has resulted in four people arrested, all males between 34 and 45 years of Spanish, Ukrainian and Italian nationalities, in addition to the 126 marijuana plants that existed in cultivation, numerous materials for their maintenance has been seized, 100 grams of marijuana leaves, 33 grams of marijuana buds, 20 grams of cocaine and another 247 grams of caustic soda used to "cut" it. In the same way, two vehicles have been requisitioned, 375 euro in cash, a compressed air pistol and a muzzleloader.

In the search, the agents were able to verify that the illegal plantation was in the basement of the house. In order to have access as little as possible and thus avoid the exit of odours to the public highway, the residents had mobile applications and surveillance cameras to control that the cultivation parameters were ideal.

Three of these detainees are charged with drug trafficking and belonging to a criminal group. The Spanish detainee, considered the leader of the organisation, in addition to these crimes, is accused of fraud of electricity. After being brought to justice, prison without bail is decreed for the Spaniard and freedom with charges for the rest. The fourth detainee was released after the investigation of the police proceedings.

Days later, specifically on March 22, the agent of the Local Police was arrested, to whom the crimes of drug trafficking, belonging to a criminal group and the omission of the duty to prosecute crimes were charged. After being brought to justice, release is decreed with charges and the prohibition of leaving the national territory.

### Drugs Busts in Torrevieja

Members from the local police special operations group, the G.R.O., have been conducting surveillance in the parks and gardens of the town.



In particular, the G.R.O. have been carrying out preventive work on the consumption and possession of narcotic substances. The officers have been carrying out searches and tests using their dedicated equipment, assisted by a specialised dog who is an expert in the detection of substances, resulting in a large cache of narcotics being taken off the streets.

### CMO Vaccination Centre Success

Monday saw the Torrevieja CMO social centre take on a different role as a mass vaccination centre.



Proteccion Civil volunteers were on hand with the local police to ensure the flow of people into and out of the centre was carried out in the safest way possible, as queues worked their way outside the centre.

According to preliminary reports, on the first day, everything has happened as planned and without incident.

### Torrevieja Apartment Fire

Fire fighters from Torrevieja attended a blaze at an apartment block on calle Ulpiano in the town on Tuesday afternoon.



The fire broke out in an abandoned building that has been occupied by squatters for some time. It is believed the fire was caused by a mattress being burned.

Neighbours raised the alarm and fire fighters quickly attended, extinguishing the blaze which affected several rooms in the apartment although no injuries were reported.

### Major Road Resurfacing Works in Torrevieja

The Councillor for Works and Services of the Torrevieja City Council, Sandra Sánchez, has advised that on Monday, April 5, 2021, the resurfacing work of various roads in the municipality will begin, with a total budget for the work coming to 327,398.17 euro (VAT included). The execution period will be two months.



Sandra Sánchez explained that the work plan has been coordinated from the Department of Works and Services with Local Police and Traffic, as well as with the Department of Transportation so that the condition has been minimal. It should be noted that all horizontal signalling works will be carried out at night so that the effect on pedestrians and road traffic is minimal.

The works will consist of milling the existing road surface to a maximum depth of 5 cm, resurfacing the layer with hot bituminous mix, horizontal traffic signalling, leaving the manholes and shafts at the level of the new grade. Registration of the services affected by the works, and the elimination of elevated pedestrian crossings in the different sections of action.

The work will take place as follows:

April 5, 2021: Start of repair work on the brazier in the roundabout at the Torrevieja University Hospital, which will consist of removing the pavement, filling with artificial gravel, compacting and resurfacing.

April 5 and 6, 2021: milling and resurfacing of Avenida Delfina Viudes coinciding with the Easter holiday period so as not to affect the entry and exit of CEIP Habaneras.

April 6 to 9, 2021: milling and resurfacing of calle Apolo, calle Zoa and calle Antonio Machado, which will involve detours in Public Transport.

April 19-20, 2021: milling and resurfacing of Avenida del Pacífico.

April 19 to 23, 2021: the milling and resurfacing of Ronda José Samper García will take place interspersed.

April 22, 2021: the milling of calle Camilo José Cela will be carried out, and on April 23, 2021 the resurfacing.

May 5, 2021: at night the milling and resurfacing of the CV-905 roundabout will be carried out, linking the Cartagena direction with the N-332 road.

May 6 and 7, 2021 : Milling and resurfacing work will be completed on Avenida de la Purísima.

### Castles Expo Opens in Torrevieja

The MARQ exhibition "Guardianes de Piedra. Los Castillos de Alicante" has been inaugurated in Torrevieja where, following its spirit of itinerancy, it will remain open to the public until June.



The Vistalegre Municipal Hall hosted the presentation of the sample that includes a selection of 84 fortifications in the province.

The inauguration was chaired by the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and by the first vice president of the Provincial Council and deputy for Culture, Julia Parra. In addition, the event was attended by the director of MARQ, Manuel Olcina, the managing director of the CV-MARQ Foundation, José Alberto Cortés, the curator of the exhibition, José Luis Menéndez, and Manuel Villalgordo, representative of the Fundación Banco Sabadell, sponsor of the exhibition.

The proposal is structured in five routes that roughly coincide with the delimitations of the great Alicante regions: the Castles of the Inner Border centreed on the Vinalopó Valley, where Villena and the Castles of la Atalaya and Salvatierra have a special role; the Castles of the Mountain, which includes the regions of L'Alcoià-Comtat; the Castles of the Border of Fear that focuses on the defences of Las Marinas de Alicante; the Clau del Regne, which is located in L'Alacantí; and Los Castillos de Tudemir, which refers to the Vega Baja.

In addition, the project includes explanations of each of the 84 fortifications with small details and elements that can be found in them, as well as brief historical references.

 

### New Telephone Number for Urban Cleaning Department

The Department of Urban Cleaning of the Torrevieja City Council is open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., on Mondays and Tuesdays, at the municipal offices located at Avda. Dr. Gregorio Marañón, nº 3.



Those who wish to contact the department by phone can do so by calling the new phone number 673 004 814, where they can report all kinds of incidents that have to do with glass containers, (yellow) recycling containers, organic matter containers, request for new containers or transfer or removal of existing ones, communication of all kinds of incidents with the cleaning of sidewalks, cleaning of roads, street cleaning, cleaning of beaches, incidents on furniture and belongings abandoned on public roads.

Finally, the mayor of Urban Cleaning, Carmen Gómez, recalls that the telephone number for the free collection of furniture and appliances is 966 70 23 90.

### Police Carrying out Speed Checks over Easter

Torrevieja local police will be conducting speed checks in various locations during the Easter period, using the latest Velolaser speed detecting equipment,



The speed checks will be conducted throughout the day at various times and will concentrate on the following locations:

Road next to Torrealmendros direction Torreta III.

Calle Efrén Gutiérrez Mateo in both directions.

Carretera del Torrejón road in both directions.

Avda. Desiderio Rodríguez in both directions.

Calle Gabriela Mistral in both directions.

Avda. Gregorio Marañón in both directions.

Avda. Cortes Valencianas in both directions.

Avda. París between Avda. Baleares and Avda. De la Mancha in both directions.

Avda. De la Mancha in both directions.

Avda. Alfredo Nóbel in both directions.

### 8 Seasons by Vivaldi

Torrevieja´s auditorium will host a concert by the symphony orchestra on 8 May, playing 8 Seasons by Vivaldi.



Ticket can be purchased at the OST office at 23 Blasco Ibáñez Street, every Monday from 10 am to 1 pm, on Wednesday at the Virgen del Carmen from 11.00 to 14.00, on the Auditorium website https://auditoriotorrevieja.com/ or two hours before the Concert at the Auditorium Box Office.

### Fun Fair Open For Business

Torrevieja´s fun fair, located in the harbour area of the town, has reopened this Thursday and will remain open until Sunday 18 April 2021.



The fair has reopened with special measures in place to protect against Covid and will close at 21:30 each night due to the curfew in place across Valencia.

### CMO Becoming Vaccination Centre

The CMO leisure centre in Torrevieja, the municipal building located next door to the Carrefour supermarket, is to me turned into a mass vaccination centre for the next stage in the battle against Covid.



An emergency contract was awarded by the town hall to install the required fittings in the centre to allow the vaccinations to commence from Tuesday, 6 April.

Some 4,000 doses are destined to be shot in arms of the next group of people called forward to receive their jab.

### Spain To Lift Entry Ban From UK On March 30th

Spain will on March 30th lift restrictions on arrivals from Britain that have been in place since December to prevent the spread of new coronavirus strains, government spokeswoman Maria Jesus Montero said today, Tuesday.



Passengers traveling to Spain from the UK will have to show a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before travel.

Restrictions on arrivals from Brazil and South Africa will be extended until April 13th but “not those with Britain” because the country’s vaccination campaign is very advanced, she told a news conference.

Since December 22th only legal residents or nationals of Spain and the neighbouring micro-state of Andorra have been allowed in by air and sea from Britain.

A similar restriction on arrivals from Brazil and South Africa came into effect on February 3th.

The only exception is passengers in transit, who cannot leave the airport nor remain there longer than 24 hours.

The British government on Saturday hailed its coronavirus vaccination program as “a huge success” after announcing half of the adult population had now received a jab.

The end of restrictions on arrivals from Britain will come into effect in the run-up to Easter Sunday, which this year falls on April 4th, traditionally a peak travel period.

### American Airlines Restarting Multiple Transatlantic Routes Including Madrid And Barcelona

In encouraging news for international travel, American Airlines is increasing its Summer schedule by restarting ten routes to the US from airports in the UK and Europe.

These include flights from major travel hubs including Barcelona El Prat, Dublin, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Madrid Barajas, Milan Malpensa, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Rome Fiumicino.

As part of American’s alliance with Alaska Airlines, the carrier will also launch a new service from Heathrow to Seattle-Tacaoma International, commencing on 30 March.

 

The service will initially operate three times weekly, until 3 June, when the frequency will increase to daily.

American Airlines said it is committed to reopening travel safely and has been working directly with local and international government officials to establish acceptable travel protocols.

The carrier was the first in the US to introduce VeriFLY, a mobile health passport which helps customers understand and verify their travel requirements.

Customers can use the free VeriFLY app when travelling on American from all international destinations to the US and on all direct and connecting flights from the US to the UK.

American’s joint business partner, British Airways, is also trialling VeriFLY on flights from London to the US.

American Airlines Vice President EMEA Sales Tom Lattig said: “We will be here for when our customers are ready to fly. With cleanliness and safety top of mind, we have taken extensive steps to ensure it’s safe to travel including earning STAR certification from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council for our entire fleet of aircraft, and all of our Admirals Club lounges.”

### Spain Approves Euthanasia Law

Yesterday Spain became the fifth country in Europe to legalise assisted suicide and euthanasia for long-suffering patients of incurable diseases and people with unbearable permanent conditions.



The Spanish parliament's lower house voted 202-140 with two abstentions on the final passage of the euthanasia bill.

MPs from Spain's left-wing governing coalition and other parties supported it, while conservative and far-right lawmakers voted against the legislation, vowing to overturn it in the future.



Spain became on Thursday the fifth country in Europe to legalise assisted suicide and euthanasia for long-suffering patients of incurable diseases and people with unbearable permanent conditions.

The Spanish parliament's lower house voted 202-140 with two abstentions on the final passage of the euthanasia bill.

MPs from Spain's left-wing governing coalition and other parties supported it, while conservative and far-right lawmakers voted against the legislation, vowing to overturn it in the future.

"Today we are a more human, fairer and freer country," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez tweeted on Thursday.

"Thank you to all those who fought tirelessly for the recognition of the right to die with dignity in Spain."

The adoption of the bill marked the culmination of a long legislative journey that began three years ago and underwent several rounds of revision in parliamentary committees and in the Senate.

The law is expected to enter into force in mid-June. It comes after several emblematic cases in the country struck a deep chord in public opinion.

One of them was that of Ramon Sampedro, a quadriplegic man played by Javier Bardem in the Oscar-winning film "Mar adentro".

It is a victory "for the people who will be able to benefit from it" and also "for Ramon", said Ramona Maneiro, the friend of Sampedro who helped him to die in 1998.
'Homicide'
The Spanish Catholic Church has vehemently condemned the reform, comparing euthanasia to "a form of homicide".

Far-right Vox party said it would launch an appeal to the Constitutional Court.

About a hundred people protested against the legislation outside Parliament on Thursday, with some disguised as grim reapers and deploying a banner against the "government of death" to the sound of funeral drums.

The conditions for Spain's public health system to provide life-ending assistance will be strict under the new legislation.

The person - a Spanish citizen or resident in the country - must be "capable and conscious" when making the request, which has to be formulated "without external pressure" and renewed fifteen days later.

Doctors may reject the request if they deem the criteria are not met. They may also use a "conscientious objection" motive to refuse to perform the act.

In addition, the decision must be approved by another doctor and receive the green light from an evaluation committee.

### Iceland Opens Borders To All Vaccinated Tourists

Iceland has now swung open its doors to welcome all vaccinated travellers.



Beginning 18 March, all arrivals with proof of vaccination will be admitted, extending the policy worldwide from the previous rule allowing in only vaccinated travellers from the European Schengen zone.

It now allows citizens from major source markets the UK and US..

"Our experience and data so far indicate very strongly that there is very little risk of infection stemming from individuals who have acquired immunity against the disease, either by vaccination or by prior infection," said Iceland's Chief Epidemiologist Thórólfur Gudnason.

"When people are protected against the same disease, with the same vaccines that are produced by the same companies, there is no medical reason to discriminate on the basis of the location where the jab is administered."

Entry will be granted for those who have received vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency, which includes the AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines.

Until now, a five-day quarantine period and a test at the border are required, except for EU vaccinated residents.

"The world has been through a lot in the past 12 months, and we are all hoping for a slow and safe return to normalcy. This also includes the resumption of the opportunity to travel," said Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir.

### New Analysis Of Lateral Flow Tests Shows Specificity Of At Least 99.9%

New analysis reinforces that lateral flow tests are accurate and reliable and have extremely low false positive rates.



 	New analysis of community testing data shows lateral flow tests to have a specificity of at least 99.9%
 	This means fewer than one false positive in every 1,000 lateral flow tests carried out

New analysis published today shows lateral flow tests (LFD) to have a specificity of at least 99.9% when used to test in the community and could be as high as 99.97%.

Following the roll-out of millions of LFD tests in the community which has provided real world data, NHS Test and Trace has been able to conduct further analysis of rapid testing using LFDs. New findings on their specificity, which is a measure of how good the test is at detecting true negative cases, show that for every 1,000 lateral flow tests carried out, there is less than one false positive result.

The analysis of LFD tests used data from community testing, rapid testing in educational settings and asymptomatic test sites. Rapid testing in these locations uses the supervised testing model. Supervised testing is where the individual being tested swabs themselves under supervision of a trained operator, and the trained operator processes the test and reads the result.

Around one in 3 people with coronavirus do not have symptoms, which means they could be spreading the virus without knowing. Rapid testing using LFDs detects cases quickly – in under 30 minutes – meaning positive cases can isolate immediately, breaking chains of transmission.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said:
"This new data further confirms what we know – these rapid tests are extremely accurate and are helping dramatically curb COVID cases. On Monday alone, we conducted over 1.5 million tests.

Around one in 3 people who have coronavirus never show any symptoms but may still be infectious. This means they could be spreading the virus without realising it.
Rapid testing can help detect asymptomatic cases quickly, preventing the virus from entering schools, colleges or workplaces, and stopping outbreaks before they occur."

Dr Susan Hopkins, COVID-19 Strategic Response Director to Public Health England and Chief Medical Adviser to NHS Test and Trace, said:
"We know that up to one in 3 people who have coronavirus never show any symptoms but that does not mean they are not infectious. Using LFDs enables us to rapidly identify people in the population who are asymptomatic, with results produced in 30 minutes.

Lateral flow devices are effective at finding people with high viral loads who are most infectious and most likely to transmit the virus to others.
We’ve looked very carefully at the evidence that’s emerging from LFD tests that have been delivered at home and in testing sites over recent weeks, and real-life scenarios suggests they are at least 99.9% specific which means that the risk of false positives is extremely low – less than one in a thousand – which is a very good test."

Alongside the roll-out of the vaccination programme and following the ‘Hands, Face, Space’, regular testing is a vital tool to stop transmission as sections of society are reopened.

Regular, rapid testing is already well established for NHS and care home staff. The government has also confirmed twice-weekly testing using LFDs for free to all adults in households with primary, secondary school and college aged children and young people, including childcare and support bubbles. This is in addition to the 2 tests for all secondary and college students, secondary school and college staff per week.

So far over 3,500 businesses are signed up to offer workplace testing programmes, and over 14,000 have registered their interest in offering rapid testing, with many already rolling LFD tests out. As well as workplace testing programmes, adults can access rapid testing through community testing, which is now offered by all local authorities in England.

Testing using LFDs should be a regular habit. Clinical advice is to be tested twice a week every week, which is the same policy for NHS and care home staff.

### Heathrow Faces 23 days Of Strikes From Easter

Heathrow faces the threat of 41 strikes over 23 days starting over the Easter long weekend.



The series of spring walkouts by members of the Unite union as part of a long-running dispute are due to start on Good Friday (April 2) and continue until April 25.

The industrial strike action will involve engineering, airside operations, landside operations, fire service, security and central terminal operations.

Each sector will be taking seven days of strikes. At least one of the sectors will be on strike on most days, the union warned.

Heathrow has contingency plans in place and does not expect significant disruption due to limits on international travel in place until at least May 15.

The ongoing row has been triggered by the union arguing that London hub has “fired and rehired” its 4,000 strong workforce – an accusation denied by Heathrow.

Workers took their ninth day of strike action last week.

Unite tabled proposals in February in an effort to resolve the dispute but claimed the airport has failed to “fully respond”.

Unite regional co-ordinating officer Wayne King said: “These strike days are avoidable, yet Heathrow is not listening.

“There is a fortnight before Unite’s spring strike offensive begins and HAL (Heathrow Airport Limited) management could still resolve this dispute if it has the will to do so.”

A Heathrow spokesperson said: “Every frontline colleague has accepted the new offer which pays above the market rate and London Living wage.

“Nobody has been fired and re-hired and indeed 48% saw no change or experienced a pay increase.

“In addition, we have also launched a business recovery incentive payment to all colleagues which offers a renumeration reward if the airport has recovered sufficiently in two years’ time.

“Despite losses of over £2 billion since the start of the pandemic, our approach has protected jobs and avoided huge swathes of compulsory redundancies.

“These strikes unnecessarily threaten further damage to the business, but nevertheless, we have activated extensive contingency plans which will keep the airport open and operating safely over strike days.”

### European Commission Lays Out Health Certificate Proposals

The European Commission has laid out proposals to create a Digital Green Certificate to facilitate “safe free movement” within the EU during the Covid-19 pandemic.



The Digital Green Certificate will act as proof a person has been vaccinated against Covid-19, received a negative test result or recovered from having had the virus.

It will record if a person has received a Covid-19 vaccine, and their results of PCR, NAAT and antigen tests. The EC said it was “non-discriminatory” because it was available both to those who are vaccinated and those who are not.

 

It will be available free, and in English, in digital or paper format and include a QR code to authenticate the certificate. It will be valid in all EU member states and open for Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, as well as non-EU citizens living in the bloc.

The EC insisted the measure was temporary and will be suspended once the World Health Organization (WHO) declares the end of the COVID-19 international health emergency.

It said it will build a “gateway” to ensure all certificates can be verified across the EU, and support member states in implementing certificates – but insisted “no personal data” will pass through or be held by member states.

Member states will remain responsible for deciding which public health restrictions can be waived for travellers in their countries, but will have to apply waivers in the same way to travellers holding a Digital Green Certificate.

Vice-President for values and transparency, Věra Jourová, said: “The Digital Green Certificate offers an EU-wide solution to ensure that EU citizens benefit from a harmonised digital tool to support free movement in the EU.

“This is a good message in support of recovery. Our key objectives are to offer an easy to use, non-discriminatory and secure tool that fully respects data protection. And we continue working towards international convergence with other partners.”

Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, added: “With the Digital Green Certificate, we are taking a European approach to ensure EU citizens and their family members can travel safely and with minimum restrictions this summer.

“The Digital Green Certificate will not be a pre-condition to free movement and it will not discriminate in any way.

“A common EU-approach will not only help us to gradually restore free movement within the EU and avoid fragmentation. It is also a chance to influence global standards and lead by example based on our European values like data protection.”

A statement from the EC noted that: “To be ready before the summer, this proposal needs a swift adoption by the European Parliament and the Council.”

The Digital Green Certificate was at the centre of a separate statement on the European Union’s plan to reopen the continent this year laid out ahead of a meeting of EU leaders on March 25.

In the tourism and hospitality sector, the commission proposes a voluntary ‘sanitary seal’ to be used by establishments and says this will also be “deliverable will be available” by the summer.

The EC also vowed to promote EU cultural heritage sites and cultural routes, as well as cultural events and festivals, through a social media campaign on sustainable cultural tourism and promote travel by rail, particularly to young people.

### Virgin Atlantic Makes Transatlantic Reopening Plea A Year After US Borders Shut

Virgin Atlantic is urging the reopening of UK and US borders to enable vital transatlantic flights to resume.



The call came exactly a year since the US closed its borders to UK and Irish citizens and the week that the airline secured £160 million in additional funding in the face of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

North Atlantic routes represented around 70% of the airline’s pre-pandemic network with 4.2 million passengers flown between the two countries in 2019.

The UK accounted for more than half of all transatlantic bookings in 2019 and the US point about a quarter with further demand made up from Europe and rest of world, supported by connectivity from South Africa, Nigeria, Tel Aviv and India.

The top three US destinations were New York, Orlando and Los Angeles with the carrier averaging 23 transtalantic passenger flights a day.

Virgin Atlantic and rival British Airways accounted for 54% of all transatlantic capacity.

However, only seven Virgin Atlantic flights a day now operate to the US, five of which are cargo only, after all passenger flying was paused at the peak of the pandemic between April 19 and July 20 last year.

Virgin Atlantic chief commercial officer Juha Jarvinen said: “Safely reopening borders between the UK and the US is essential for the economic recovery and future success of Global Britain, boosting trade and tourism with our most important economic partner.

“One year on since US restrictions came into effect, the rapid roll-out of vaccinations in both countries is bolstering future bookings, further illustrating the pent-up demand for transatlantic travel.”

He reported an uptick in US bookings in recent weeks, as customers look to reunite with family and friends, reconnect with colleagues or consider holidays in the sun.

“Favourite destinations like Florida and iconic cities like New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco are performing well, particularly in the latter part of the year and into 2022,” Jarvinen added.

“Having served the US for over 36 years, we’re looking forward to flying our customers from Heathrow and Manchester as soon as soon as we’re able to, with one of the youngest fleets in the skies and an extensive network with our partners, Delta.

“Public health must always come first and we recognise the importance of protecting both the UK and USA from new strains of Covid-19.

“Therefore we’re working together across industry and government to develop a risk-based framework, based on science and data, to allow the safe restart of international travel at scale, providing customers with the confidence to book ahead and plan for the summer and beyond.”

### Jet2 Predicts ‘Sunnier Skies’ Ahead As Customer Confidence Rises

Customer confidence in travelling overseas this summer has returned strongly, according to Jet2 and Jet2holidays.



The UK’s second largest travel and airline group predicted “sunnier skies” ahead as it marked a year since the government first advised against all non-essential travel overseas in response to the Covid crisis.

Travel confidence has returned strongly over the past several weeks on the back of positive developments, according to the company.

“Our regular polling of thousands of customers shows that confidence has risen across all age groups. The number of customers booking flights and package holidays tells us that many people want nothing more than to get away this summer,” chief executive Steve Heapy said.

“The demand is there, and as ever we have been quick to respond to that, adding flights and holidays where necessary, to make sure we can take customers from our rainy islands to their favourite holiday choices to have the summer they deserve.

“The UK is the most advanced country in Europe when it comes to successfully rolling out a vaccine, and our destinations are very keen to welcome British holidaymakers back this summer.

“Ministers in destinations such as Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Portugal and Spain have shown how much they want to reopen to holidaymakers this summer, and this is great news for our customers.

“On top of that, the UK government has shown a clear ambition to reopen international travel in the coming months.

“We will assist the government in any way that we can to help achieve this, with safety as our number one priority. We, like everyone, look forward to April 12 when further detail is published.”

Heapy added: “The past year has been extraordinarily difficult for everyone. Although it has been a year since the first restrictions on international travel were introduced, we know that this means those well-deserved holidays will feel even more special when they return.”

The company refunded more than £1 billion in the past year to customers affected by travel changes during the pandemic.

Jet2 was recognised by the Civil Aviation Authority as the only UK airline to promptly provide refunds.

“It is no exaggeration to say that the pandemic represents the biggest crisis that the travel industry has ever faced,” Heapy said.

“Despite the events of the past year, some things have not changed. Since the first reports of Covid-19, every decision we have taken during this unprecedented period has been taken with our usual guiding principal in mind – putting our customers first.

“Our industry has been under the spotlight like never before, but our approach has resulted in praise from customers, consumer organisations, media and independent travel agents for our industry-leading and prompt refunding of over £1 billion to customers whose travel plans have been affected by programme changes during the pandemic.”

### Brussels Weighs Up Plan For Covid-19 Vaccine Certificates

Travel to and within the European Union this summer could be opened up if Brussels agrees plans today (Wednesday) for Covid-19 vaccine certificates.

The European Commission’s plan for a ‘digital green certificate’ will be a proof of vaccination, immunity and test results, preventing the need for quarantines or travel bans.
Spain, Greece, Italy and other Mediterranean countries will be able to agree bilateral deals with the UK or other countries after agreement with Brussels, based on vaccination and low infection rates.
The certificate would be granted to citizens who had either proof of vaccination, a negative Covid-19 test, or proof of recovery from the virus for those who had contracted it previously, according to a leaked draft seen by the Financial Times.
Meanwhile, a global poll of more than 9,000 people by poll Amadeus revealed a “significant appetite” for digital health passports if they help to open up international travel.
Brussels officials have stressed the certificate would not be a ‘passport’ but a common system to help governments co-ordinate travel measures as vaccination programmes are rolled out across the bloc.
Tourism-reliant countries such as Greece have led the push for a common framework to facilitate travel ahead of the summer season.
EU health commissioner Stella Kyriakides said: “As summer is approaching, citizens need clarity on travel and tourism.
“That is why we need to quickly take a decision on the use of vaccine certificates also for non-medical purposes.”
If agreed, the digital document will show details of vaccination, a negative test or proof of recovery from the virus confirming immunity.
But EU governments are divided over the proposals which countries such France or Germany fear will discriminate against people who through no fault of their own have not yet been vaccinated.
Vaccination programmes are slow across Europe, with the EU some two months behind the UK.
Many Europeans will not have their first dose until the end of July, August or even later, The Times reported.
Mediterranean destinations, led by Spain and Greece, have told other countries that tourism is needed this year to save their economies and have threatened to open their borders to travellers unilaterally.
The EU’s proposal is subject to agreement from a majority of member states and the European Parliament.
Iata is one of several groups to have launched its own travel pass app.
President and chief executive Alexandre de Juniac told the FT he was worried European governments would struggle to co-ordinate reopening their borders in time for the summer season.
“In Europe some – let’s say, to be polite – weaknesses in the EU approach of the vaccination strategy have not strengthened the confidence of states,” he reportedly said.
The Amadeus study across France, Germany,  Spain, India, Russia, Singapore, UAE,  UK and US, found that 91% would be comfortable using a digital health passport  for future trips.

Around three quarters  (74%) of travellers would be willing to store their travel health data electronically if it enabled them to pass through the airport with fewer face-to-face interactions

Although receptiveness is high, the survey provides advice for both policy makers and the travel industry, that

However, travellers expressed  three main concerns including:

 	Security risks with personal information being hacked (38%)
 	Privacy concerns around what health information needs to be shared (25%)
 	Lack of transparency and control over where data is shared (30%)

When thinking about solutions that could help to alleviate concerns,  41% of travellers agreed a travel app would reduce their stress around travel  and 62% would be more likely to use an app to store their health data if a travel company partnered with a trusted healthcare company.

### Portugal And Mauritius Removed From UK’s ‘Red List’ For Travel

Portugal, including the islands of Madeira and the Azores, is to be removed from the ‘red list’ of countries from where visitors are subject to hotel quarantine restrictions from Friday.



Indian ocean nation Mauritius is also to be moved as of 4am on March 19 in rules that apply only to England.

While arrivals from these countries no longer have to quarantine in government-approved facilities, they do have to self-isolate at home for 10 days, taking Covid tests on day two and day eight after arrival. They can end their quarantine early through the government’s ‘test to release’ policy.

Those who arrive before 4am on Friday will have to complete the 10-day hotel quarantine.

A blanket ban on all non-essential travel from the UK remains in place as part of wider national lockdown rules.

The Department for Transport said the removals come “following evidence that shows the risk of importing a variant of concern from these destinations has reduced”.

Portugal was one of 16 destinations to which travel was banned in January in response to concerns over a new Covid variant originating in Brazil.

The DfT said that Portugal has now “put steps in place to mitigate the risk from its links with countries where variants have become a concern, and now has genomic surveillance in place”.

Four countries, meanwhile, have been added to the ‘red list’, which means travel bans are now in place for visitors from Ethiopia, Oman, Somalia and Qatar from 4am Friday March 19.

British, Irish and third-country nationals with residence rights (including long-term visa holders) arriving from these countries will be subject to hotel quarantine restrictions – and must take a test on days two and eight.

The DfT said the addition of these destinations “follows new data showing an increased risk of importation of variants of concern”, referring to those in South Africa and Brazil.

Visitors who have departed from or transited through these countries in the previous 10 days will be refused entry into England, the DfT confirmed.

A ban on commercial and private aircraft travelling from Oman, Ethiopia and Qatar will also be imposed from 4am Friday, excluding cargo planes.

The government said the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) produces risk assessments of the spread of variants of concern internationally, which include assessment of surveillance and sequencing capability, available surveillance and genome sequencing data, evidence of in-country community transmission of COVID-19 variants, evidence of exportation of new variants to the UK or other countries

More than 58,000 rooms on standby for the government’s hotel quarantine policy.

João Fernandes, president of Algarve Tourism Bureau, said: “We are delighted with the decision to take Portugal off the ‘red list’.

“We have been able to overcome a second wave of coronavirus, to reduce the infections levels to some of the lowest in Europe.

“The Algarve has always been a favourite holiday destination with British holiday makers and this announcement is a hopeful sign that we will soon be able to welcome them back in early summer.”

### Ryanair Extends Free Flight Change Policy

Ryanair is extending its zero flight change fee for all customers who book before June 30.



Passengers can move their travel dates twice at no cost until the end of October.

The move comes as the budget carrier looks to encourage summer flight bookings in the expectation of travel restrictions starting to relax as vaccination programmes accelerate throughout Europe.

Marketing director Dara Brady said: “The acceleration of the vaccine rollout programmes will see the high-risk/elderly groups vaccinated by the start of summer, which we believe will lead to an easing of travel restrictions and an increase of travel demand to the beaches of Greece, Spain, Italy and Portugal.

“Many Ryanair customers will be taking their first holiday in over a year this summer, and to continue to provide as much flexibility and assurance as possible, we have extended our zero flight change fee for all bookings made before 30th June.

“Customers can now book flights for well-earned summer holidays knowing that if they need to postpone or change their travel dates, they can do so with a zero change fee until the end of October 2021.”

### Turkey To Welcome British Holidaymakers Without Vaccinations

Turkey is ready to welcome British travellers as soon as international travel from the UK is allowed.

Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said the country is prepared to accept Britons as Turkey will have all the necessary protocols in place to keep everyone safe.

"We are working with the British authorities to ensure these necessary processes are world-class and as up-to-date as possible," he said.

Proof of vaccination will not be required.

"After 15 April, we will look at the number of cases again, we will re-evaluate the situation and then decide if we will continue to require negative PCR test results from British citizens entering the country."

"I expect there will be no such requirement from British visitors as the UK Government is rapidly and impressively rolling out the vaccination programme for the whole nation, and a significant portion of the population will be vaccinated by early summer," Ersoy added.

Overseas leisure travel is currently banned until May 17.

Ersoy said Turkey will undergo a vaccination drive before the summer season which prioritises workers at hotels and other tourism operators.

Hotels and other accommodation providers in Turkey are required to meet compulsory Covid-safe standards.

There were more than 2.5 million visits by British nationals to Turkey in 2019.

### Ryanair Adds New Greece Routes

With UK travellers welcome in Greece from mid-May, demand for summer holidays has spiked.


Ryanair hopes to meet that demand, and announced three new Greece routes set to begin on 1 July, as well as extra frequencies on other sunshine routes to Greece.

The budget airline is launching flights from Stansted Airport to Santorini, Zakynthos and Preveza

It has also added five extra flights each week from Birmingham, East Midlands, Manchester, Southend and Stansted to Corfu and Rhodes.

To mark the expansion Ryanair has a seat sale with fares available from £24.99 for travel until the end of October 2021, which must be booked by midnight Saturday, 13 March only on the Ryanair.com website.

"We are delighted to offer even greater choice, more routes and extra flights to Greece for our UK customers this summer. The UK Government's highly successful vaccination programme gives customers the confidence that travel will be possible this summer," said Ryanair's Director of Commercial, Jason McGuinness.

"UK consumers can now choose from over 20 routes and five extra weekly flights at low fares."

The airline is now allowing up to two free flight date changes on all bookings should plans change.

The 'Zero Change Fee' is valid until the end of October 2021.

### France Eases Travel Restrictions From The UK And Six Other Countries

France is easing restrictions on travel to and from seven non-EU countries, including the UK. France placed restrictions on non-essential travel outside the EU at the end of January due to the emergence of Covid-19 variants.



Now travel is allowed to and from Australia, Israel, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, New Zealand, as well as the UK. France said it is 'no longer necessary to prove a compelling reason for travel' to and from the countries.

Arrivals are still required to provide a negative Covid-19 test result issued less than 72 hours before travel. Tourism Minister Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne said the UK was included as the UK variant of Covid-19 is already widespread in France. Still, it will have little immediate impact on UK residents as no travel for leisure purposes is permitted from the UK until mid-May.

### Changes In Covid19 Measures In The Valencian Community

New measures were announced yesterday for more Covid19 relaxations  by the President of  the Valencian regional government Ximo Puig. The measures come into effect on Monday 15th March 2021 and last until the next announcement in 2 weeks time.



The new restrictions include




Bars and restaurants: These can now open indoor but only to 30% capacity, but outdoor terraces have been increased to 100% capacity. They must though still close at 6pm.

Sports facilities, gyms and swimming pools: These can open again but with only a 30% capacity.

Educational leisure: These can restart but with only 30% capacity and a maximum of 10 people.

Ceremonies: These have increased capacity of 30%, though with a maximum of 15 people indoors and 20 outdoors.

Public space and homes: This remains at a maximum of four people meeting in public and people meeting inside homes must be from the same household.

Shops: None essential shops  must close at 8pm. This excludes food, pharmacies, pet shops which can close at their normal times.

Perimeter closure: People can still not longer enter or leave the Valencian Community.

Night time limitations (curfew): This remains unchanged and people can´t leave their homes between 10pm and 6am except for work for to return to their home.






There measures therefore apply over Easter week and overrule the other general measures announced for Spain.

### Heathrow Airport Boss Bemoans 'Unacceptable' Hours-Long Border Queues

Heathrow Airport CEO Emma Gilthorpe told MPs the wait for processing at border points is at an 'unacceptable level' with waits of up to six hours. Gilthorpe told the Home Affairs Select Committee 'the level of complexity of the processes' is causing huge bottlenecks.



Due to specific protocols, all of Heathrow's self-service e-gates at passport control are currently closed. International arrivals must provide proof of a negative Covid test taken 72 hours before departure and a passenger form which contains details a hotel quarantine stay, or two test kits for at home quarantine.



Unions representing Border Force officials said the delays were partly caused by Covid restrictions requiring immigration officials to work in a bubble of 10.






They said this prevented more staff being deployed if the border was particularly busy.






But Nick Jariwalla, director of Border Force at Heathrow, said: "We are in a global health pandemic - it is illegal to go on holiday and people should only be travelling for very limited reasons.






"Unfortunately, a large number of passengers are continuing to arrive without having purchased their mandatory testing packages for the second and eighth days of quarantine in the UK.






"This causes delays as passengers may receive a fine or be subject to other enforcement action."






Mr Jariwalla said all arriving passengers had to purchase the testing package before leaving the airport.






"We make absolutely no apologies for this," he added. "Every essential check stops the spread of coronavirus in the UK.






"These people should not have been allowed to travel without their testing packages and we are following up with regulators and carriers to ensure the law is enforced."




'Unacceptable queues'




Speaking to the Home Affairs Select Committee, Ms Gilthorpe said that pre-Covid, the queues for EU arrivals were supposed to be 25 minutes, and 45 minutes for non-EU arrivals.






While she said she expected the length of waiting to go up during the pandemic, Ms Gilthorpe said the levels the airport was currently seeing were "unacceptable".







 	Passengers say seven-hour Heathrow queues inhumane
 	Some UK arrivals waiting nine days for Covid tests
 	What are the rules about travelling abroad?







While Ms Gilthorpe said the measures in place for quarantine hotels were running relatively smoothly, with a small number of passengers, she said the same could not be said for the border.



"We are seeing significant pressure on the border and we are seeing very long queues, and that is a worry," she said.






Although Ms Gilthorpe said she knew additional resources had been introduced, the issues were caused by "the level of complexity of the processes and the way resource is being deployed".






International arrivals must now provide proof of a negative Covid test taken 72 hours before departure to England and a passenger locator form which contains details of either a purchased hotel quarantine stay, or two test kits for at home quarantine.






She told the committee: "It is deeply frustrating as the operator of the airport when you have a queue full of people and you only have two desks open.






"It is rare to see all the desks manned and we have to find our way to how we make that happen so we can get that flow."






Heathrow's self-service e-gates at passport control are currently closed.






Airport rivals






Ms Gilthorpe said she hoped that by the summer, the gates would also be able to scan passenger locator forms and pre-departure testing results, but that had not yet been integrated into the system.






The Heathrow executive also warned that if the long queues continued after international travel is permitted. it could risk the country's economic resurgence.






"Heathrow is Britain's hub airport, it is the front door. We have to get our economy moving and we have to make sure we are capable of receiving people," she said.






"If you have a poor experience at the border, there's a risk you won't come back again. That traffic will go to Charles De Gaulle [airport in Paris], it will go to Frankfurt and we will miss out on that economic resurgence," she said.




Union action




The queue delays come as staff in the PCS union served notice of industrial action over rosters they describe as "unworkable".






This will involve a month of action short of a strike by hundreds of staff, including working to rule and an overtime ban.






The roster changes include ending the ability of staff to swap and request certain shifts, the union said.






In February, staff voted for strike action over the changes, the union said.





 

### Ministers Urged To Stick To May 17 Deadline For Restarting International Travel

Ministers are being urged to maintain the May 17 deadline for the resumption of international travel as laid out in the government’s Covid-19 roadmap.



A delay to the restart date will see airlines and airports continue to suffer, the government has been warned.

MPs on the Commons transport committee said that the initial target date of May 17 for restarting international travel should be confirmed to provide certainty for consumers and businesses.

“If the 17 May restart is delayed, airlines and airports will experience an extended period when people are not travelling, which will exacerbate the financial challenges that those businesses have faced over the past year, perhaps to critical levels,” the committee’s report said.

“The 17 May date for restarting international travel should be maintained provided that the four reopening tests that the government set out on 22 February are met.”

The call came as Spain joined other countries such as Greece, Cyprus and Portugal in indicating that it would reopen to vaccinated tourists from May.

Spain is considering the introduction of a health passport that would open the doors to those vaccinated.

Tourism minister Reyes Maroto said the country might start using the system to coincide with an international tourism fair due to take place in Madrid on May 19.

The transport committee’s report follows the new Global Travel Taskforce holding its first meeting on March 2.

“We have since heard that the taskforce will provide a report to the prime minister on 12 April 2021, rather than publishing a report to provide clarity for the aviation industry and the public,” the committee added.

It said: “The aviation industry thrives on certainty. In order to return passenger aircraft to the skies and to connect the UK to the world, a road map to restart international travel is urgently needed.

“The Department (for Transport) has not yet specified the standards that destination countries must meet on vaccine and testing capabilities in order to reopen for travel with the UK.

“In addition, it has not clarified whether such criteria will be flexible if the risk of transmission of new variants between vaccinated individuals is found to be minimal.

”The government must commit to publishing the Global Travel Taskforce report on 12 April to give consumers and industry the certainty that they need to plan for a summer 2021 restart for international travel.

“The publication of the road map should be accompanied by a statement to the House of Commons setting out next steps.”

The transport committee urged the Global Travel Taskforce report to clarify:

 	The criteria that destination countries must meet on vaccine and testing capabilities in order to reopen for travel with the UK, as well as the requirements that passengers will need to fulfil in order to travel abroad, including any relating to digital health certification;
 	when and how the current quarantine schemes will be phased out; and
 	how the government plans to support industry should variants or high levels of Covid-19 transmission affect the reopening schedule.

“It is disappointing that the timetable on the recovery plan for the aviation sector has slipped,” the transport committee added.

“The focus on the Global Travel Taskforce report for travel in summer 2021 should be the first priority. That said, the recovery plan should not slip further, and we will seek an update from the government on progress in early autumn.”
Transport secretary Grant Shapps told Times Radio on Wednesday that there were no “cast-iron guarantees” of overseas travel by a particular date, adding: “I would say that it makes sense to see how the course of the pandemic unlock proceeds. I am hopeful but, as with everything to do with this virus, you can’t say for certain.”
Asked on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme if it was too early to book a summer holiday, Shapps replied: “Yes.”

### Ryanair Rolls Out Covid-19 Travel Wallet

Ryanair has officially launched its Covid-19 Travel Wallet, where customers can upload details of Covid documents such as negative PCR tests, vaccination certificates.



The budget carrier, which has already said it would roll out such a system, said the wallet is only available in the Ryanair app.

The UK government’s Global Travel Taskforce is discussing whether a form of health certification will be implemented as travel resumes this summer, and EU leaders have also discussed the proposal of so-called ‘vaccine passports’.

Ryanair said it is “confident” the EU’s vaccine rollout programme will see the removal of current travel restrictions in time for the school summer holidays between June and September. It said its Covid-19 Wallet can be used “in the interim”.

The airline said: “Since EU governments won’t have a vaccine passport in place for this summer, Ryanair is mindful that additional Covid travel documents may be required by certain EU countries and Ryanair’s new C-19 Travel Wallet ensures passengers have all their Covid-19 travel documents saved and secure in one place to present at airports on their next getaway.”

Director of marketing, Dara Brady, added: “Many Ryanair customers will be taking their first holiday in over a year, adhering to new travel guidelines and this C-19 Travel Wallet allows customers to store all of their Covid documents such as PCR test results, passenger locator forms and vaccine certificates in the one location with zero fuss or paperwork to worry about.”

“We believe that once the high-risk/elderly population of Europe is vaccinated by the end of May or June, travel restrictions will be relaxed and air travel will experience a bounce back from pent-up customer demand that will see European families travelling again for well-earned Summer holidays to the beaches of Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece this summer.”

### Spain To Open Tourism When 30-40% Of Nation Immunized

Spain's tourism minister said Tuesday that the government plans to start reopening the country's tourism sector when 30-40% of the Spanish population is vaccinated against the coronavirus.



Speaking to local broadcaster Canal Sur, Maria Reyes Maroto said the government expects this could be achieved by spring and that she was "optimistic" about the summer tourism season.

"In April, we'll receive 5 million doses from Pfizer alone. Add that to the doses of Moderna, AstraZeneca and Jansen, which is just one dose and should be approved in the next few days," she said.

Within the EU, Spain is strongly advocating for "health passports" that would show whether or not a traveller has been vaccinated against COVID-19, taken a test or been infected in the past.

Last summer, Spain launched an aggressive international tourism campaign but the industry has been devastated by the pandemic.

At the moment, 1.4 million people in Spain have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and the country has administered 4.8 million doses.

According to calculations by local daily El Espanol, if all the doses arrive as planned, everyone in Spain older than 45 years of age should be fully immunized by July.

Meanwhile, new infections in Spain remained low despite reopenings and the increasing dominance of the UK variant.

Spain's Health Ministry reported just over 4,000 new cases, although technical issues meant it did not include data from Catalonia.

Fatalities remained high, however, with nearly 300 more people reported dead from COVID-19. In total, 71,727 people have officially lost their lives to the disease in Spain.

### Spain Extends Restrictions On Travel From UK Until March 30th

Spain has extended travel restrictions from the United Kingdom, Brazil and South Africa until 6pm on March 30th.

The Cabinet on Tuesday agreed to keep the measures in place on air and sea arrivals from Britain, as well as on flights from Brazil and South Africa, due to concerns about coronavirus strains first detected in those countries.
At a press conference after the Cabinet meeting, government spokesperson María Jesús Montero said that the only goal of this measure is to extend the restrictions for two more weeks in a bid to contain transmission of the new variants.
Restrictions on passenger travel from the UK by air and sea have been in place since December 22nd, following alarm over the B.1.1.7 strain of the coronavirus that was first detected in the English county of Kent. Spain introduced further restrictions on travel from Brazil and South Africa on February 2nd after more infectious variants of the virus were also identified in those countries. The measures were due to end on March 16th.
Under the rules, the only flights from these countries allowed into Spanish territory are those “transporting exclusively Spanish citizens and residents of Spain, as well as nationals and residents of Andorra, and passengers in international transit to a non-Schengen country with a stopover of under 24 hours and who may not leave the Spanish airport’s transit area.”

### UK Domestic Cruises ‘Given May 17th Green Light’

UK cruise lines will be able to restart domestic sailings on May 17, maritime minister Robert Courts has told a group of MPs.



The disclosure came as he appeared at a virtual meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Maritime and Ports Group (APPMPG).

The group tweeted: **NEWS** Maritime Minister @robertcourts announces the reopening of the domestic #cruise market in England on 17 May at tonight’s @APPMPG meeting.”

It then followed up by tweeting: “From repatriation procedures and risk mitigations to CV-19 protocols and the domestic vaccination programme, a great @APPMPG session w/ @robertcourts who delivered some much appreciated news. A pathway to the domestic cruise market re-opening on 17 May.”

A Department of Transport spokesperson subsequently told The Independent that the return of domestic cruises would be aligned to the reopening of domestic tourism and indoor hospitality, and confirmed the earliest date for that step was May 17.

The Independent said Courts told MPs that the government is working with the home nations to ensure the return of UK-wide domestic cruising, and believed the move will help the cruise industry restore confidence and showcase protocols designed to protect passengers and crew.

The Foreign Office continues to warn against international cruise travel due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, domestic cruises were outlined as the first step in the sector’s reopening by the Global Travel Taskforce last autumn.

The DfT spokesperson said: “We are committed to restarting cruise travel when it is safe to do so, and we are working closely with the sector to prepare for a safe and successful restart.

“The restart of domestic cruises in England will be aligned with the wider resumption of the domestic tourism and indoor hospitality sectors.

“As set out in the prime minister’s roadmap, the earliest possible date for this step is 17 May.”

Clia UK and Ireland director Andy Harmer said: “We strongly welcome the announcement that cruise will be included alongside the restart of other domestic tourism in the UK.

“The industry has been working with the government over the last year on health protocols which put the safety of our passengers and crew first. Many of these protocols have already been tested successfully where cruise has been able to operate elsewhere in Europe.

“The industry has long planned a phased restart for cruise, with domestic cruises representing the first stage of this plan.

“We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the government, including through the Global Travel Taskforce, in order to ensure the safe restart of international cruise in time for the summer season.”

P&O Cruises last week revealed plans to offer a series of short break and week-long UK sailings out of Southampton this summer.

The ‘ultimate escape’ programme, due to go on sale later this month, has been arranged “following recent government announcements”, the line said.

A number of other lines have also bolstered their domestic schedules, with Royal Caribbean saying it hoped the move would be a precursor to the swift return of international sailings.

P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “We are delighted that the government has acknowledged that UK domestic cruise holidays can begin from May 17.

“Whilst it will take some weeks for us to restart our operations, we are very much lookng forward to welcoming guests on board this summer for our series of ‘Ultimate Escape’ staycations – UK coastal cruises. Details of these, with ships, dates and itineraries, will be announced later this month.”

### Melia Hotels Boss Backs UK-Spain ‘Safe Travel’ Corridors

The boss of Melia Hotels International has backed plans to create safe travel corridors between the UK and Spain.



Gabriel Escarrer, executive vice chairman and chief executive of Spain’s largest hotel company, called for destinations and source markets share “consistently thorough” security standards and controls.

He argued that travel restrictions have been enforced without any scientific basis, adding: “We know that transmission of Covid-19 takes place mainly internally and not through travel.

“Although the vaccination process is progressing steadily, especially in the UK, which is way ahead of the European Union, we all need to learn to live with Covid-19, as it is likely here to stay.”

The call came as Trailfinders founder Mike Gooley called on the UK government to state that when travel re-opens, those who have been vaccinated will be able to return to the UK, without test or quarantine, from all but high-risk countries.

In a company blog, he said: “Cyprus has joined the list of countries recognising that, for those who have been vaccinated, liberty should return. Cyprus will welcome vaccinated people as soon as the UK government frees us to travel.

“Greece and Spain have also put up a sign stating they will very soon be open for tourists and other countries will follow suit rapidly.

“This week the Thai tourist industry have lobbied their government to allow UK tourists from 1 July, along with people from other countries who are on top of their vaccine programmes.

“The fact the UK has done so well with our vaccine strategy is something to be applauded and an easing of restrictions for the travel industry, both here and abroad, is the dividend.”

Escarrer said: “We believe that the only way to enable safe travel is to create and share a cross-border Digital Health Pass, that certifies not only whether a traveller is vaccinated, but whether he/she has undergone the correct testing and at the same time, we must be able to audit and certify the destinations’ tourism value chain in its integrity, to make sure that destinations and source markets share consistently thorough security standards and controls.

“The United Kingdom is the most important feeder market for Spain, and for millions of British travellers, holidays to Spain are more than a just tradition, but part of their lives.

“What’s more, during this crisis we have fully realised that there is a contained demand among travellers, eager to travel as soon as restrictions are removed. Immediately after the Boris Johnson’s announcement to lift borders closure in May, the bookings skyrocketed for mainland Spain and its islands.

“The Spanish tourism sector has demonstrated that it is extremely safe and responsible – as far as we know, there have been no Covid outbreaks reported in Spanish tourism facilities whatsoever – and we truly believe that we’ll be able to progressively restore travel before this summer.

“Moreover, I am convinced that this summer, visiting Spanish holiday destinations will be a unique and a quite exclusive experience.

“With this in mind, we could not agree more with the proposal to create safe travel corridors between Spain and the UK and are hopeful that this will be implemented soon.”

He added: “Following one year of international lockdowns due to the pandemic, it has too often been the tourism sector that has suffered due to indiscriminate restrictions whether through border closures, quarantines etc., that have cause unparalleled damage to our industry and our economies as a whole.

“Therefore, we don’t only aim to restore the travel industry’s activity, but the freedom of individual travel, too.”

### Abta Chief ‘Optimistic’ Of May 17 Restart For Travel

The industry can be optimistic travel will restart from May 17 and travel agents and operators confident to take bookings on that basis so long as arrangements are protected.



That is the view of Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer, who suggested the caution of ministers and health officials about booking overseas summer holidays need not mean the earliest date for a resumption of travel won’t be met.

The government set May 17 as the earliest date for a restart in its roadmap announced on February 22.

Aviation minister Robert Courts said last week that the government aims for travel to resume “as soon as possible after May 17”, and deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam insisted there remains “great uncertainty” about overseas holidays this summer.

However, asked how confident he is of a May 17 restart, Tanzer said: “I’m optimistic and hopeful.”

He insisted: “If you take what the roadmap is built on, which is the vaccine roll-out, the evidence now is that it is cutting infection rates and taking pressure off hospitals, and those are the preconditions for that May 17 date.

“If we carry that on, [May 17] could be the time international travel reopens.”

Tanzer said: “The challenge for us is how we convert the success of the vaccine roll-out into meaningful change for the industry. That is where the [government’s] Global Travel Taskforce comes in.

“A number of different strands of work have to happen urgently for us to be able to convert large vaccination numbers into travel.”

In the meantime, he suggested “there are reasons why the government would be cautious”.

Tanzer argued: “They don’t want to give undertakings or assurances that they have to reverse because that would be embarrassing.

“They also don’t want people to change their behaviour at the moment. If they say ‘Yes, you will be fine to travel on May 17’ that would encourage a wider change in social behaviour that could put the tests [for reopening] at risk.

“So they will continue to be circumspect about dates and about reopening.

“But the bedrock on which that [May 17 date] is based – lower infection rates, lower pressure on the NHS, lower hospitalisations – is moving in the right direction.

“Nothing that has happened since the roadmap was announced has jeopardised that date.”

Some businesses are reluctant to take bookings for holidays soon after the earliest possible restart.

But Tanzer said: “If people are booking protected travel arrangements then there are protections in place in the event there are cancellations or you can’t deliver a holiday.

“A lot of members are giving flexible booking conditions anyway, recognising there is uncertainty, and the ability to move a holiday to later in the year if necessary is much easier than previously.”

He insisted: “We want the industry to get back on its feet quickly [and] customers want to travel.”

### Saga Cruises' Restart Delayed Until Late June

Saga Cruises has announced that it is pushing back its restart date from early May to 27 June.


In addition, the debut of the line's newest ship has been delayed again until late July.

Saga holiday operations will resume in mid-May.

"The health and safety of our guests and crew has been our number one priority and throughout the pandemic we have made all decisions with their wellbeing in mind," a statement from Saga said.

"Following the release of the government's roadmap out of lockdown, we have taken the decision to delay the resumption of our holiday and cruise operations until May 17 and June 27, respectively."

"As part of this decision, the inaugural cruise of Spirit of Adventure has been moved to 26 July. We have contacted all our guests who have been impacted by these changes and are discussing their options with them."

The enhanced health and safety protocols implemented for cruise operations remain on track and the line's policy of only accepting guests who have been vaccinated remain the same.

Saga became the first cruise line to mandate vaccinations for all passengers.

### Ryanair Returns To Belfast City Airport After 11 Years

Low-cost airline Ryanair will return to Belfast City Airport this summer after an absence of 11 years.



It has launched eight routes for summer 2021 connecting Belfast to popular summer destinations in Spain, Portugal and Italy.

Travellers can book flights to Malaga, Mallorca, Faro, Alicante, Barcelona, Ibiza, Milan, Bergamo and Valencia.

The airline said: “The UK’s highly successful rollout of their vaccination programme, which has seen almost 35% of the adult population of Northern Ireland already vaccinated, gives NI consumers’ confidence that summer travel will be possible.”

It has unveiled a seat sale, with fares from £14.99 for travel from June to October 2021, which must be booked by midnight on March 6.

Brian Ambrose, chief executive of Belfast City Airport, said: “The choice of routes offered by Ryanair will facilitate both city breaks and relaxing beach holidays for our passengers.

“Travel has been significantly restricted over the last 12 months and as the vaccine rollout continues at pace and the restrictions ease, we expect there will be considerable demand for these routes.”

### Transport Firms Made To Provide UK Travel Restrictions To  All Passengers

Transport operators will be required to provide passengers travelling to and from England with details of the government’s stay-at-home restrictions from Monday (8th March).



Passengers travelling by sea, air or rail to or from outside the Common Travel Area (including the UK and Ireland) will face a £200 fine if they do not provide evidence of their exemption from current blanket restrictions on non-essential travel.

Exemptions to the travel ban include some work, volunteering, education, medical or compassionate grounds and some weddings and funerals.

Transport companies such as airlines, ferry companies and rail operators must ensure passengers are given this government guidance, the Department for Transport confirmed this afternoon.

Operators must send a text or push notification to passengers travelling from England to tell them: “International travel from England is restricted – only travel if you have a legally permitted reason. You must carry a declaration form. Penalties apply.”

They must also ensure passengers receive government guidance that non-essential travel, such as for holidays, is not allowed; and that travel declaration forms must be carried by anyone travelling for essential reasons as these may be required at airports and ports. This can be done via email or over the phone.

Where passengers are checked-in online, operators are asked to include a check box for them to acknowledge everyone being checked-in has completed a travel declaration form.

Operators must keep records of the steps taken to provide the information in the required manner to passengers. These records can be requested by the Civil Aviation Authority, the Office for Rail and Road or the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

For those travelling to England, operators must update passengers on the guidance at the booking stage, at check-in, send a further notification 24 to 48 hours prior to departure to UK, and remind passengers on board the vessel, aircraft or train.

This include notification of UK entry requirements, including 10-day quarantine and proof of a negative Covid test taken within three days of departure to the UK, and a requirement to take a Covid test after two and eight days in the UK. The legal requirement to wear face coverings on transport must also be communicated.

The DfT confirmed that where travel sales are managed by a third party, such as a travel agent, the operator must show that they have taken reasonable steps to ensure the information is provided by the third party to the passenger.

If a booking is made by someone other than the passenger, it is sufficient that information is handed to the person making the booking.

Those travelling to the UK from 33 ‘red list’ countries remain subject to hotel quarantine restrictions for 10 days.

### Cyprus Tipped To Open Borders To Vaccinated Brits From 1st May

Cyprus will open its borders to vaccinated Britons from the start of May, say reports.



However, the UK government will not allow non-essential overseas travel until May 17 at the earliest.

The BBC reported that the Cypriot government said those who had received both Covid jabs could travel to the Mediterranean islands without restrictions from May 1.

The country’s deputy tourism minister, Savvas Perdios, said Cyprus would allow Britons who had been given vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency the right to enter without the need for a negative test or to quarantine.

Tourists would be required to have had their second dose at least seven days before travelling, the minister added.

The Times understands that Cypriot officials are examining ways to check that Britons are vaccinated, possibly including an app or letters from GPs.

Cyprus has already agreed a similar deal allowing Israeli tourists to enter the country from April 1.

### Andalucía Introduces Covid-19 Insurance For Tourists

Andalucía is to offer Covid-19 travel insurance to international visitors staying in regulated accommodation this year.



The region, one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations among Brits, has introduced its International Travel Insurance for non-resident travellers, which will be in place until December 31, 2021.

Cover includes medical, surgical and hospital expenses related to Covid, up to 4,000€, additional transportation and repatriation costs, plus the cost of an extended stay at regulated accommodation.

It comes as part of the Government of Andalucía’s tourism recovery strategy. The tourist reported a “surge in bookings” from the UK since prime minister Boris Johnson’s roadmap announcement last week.

Juan Marín, vice president of the regional government of Andalucía and minister of tourism, said: “The introduction of the International Travel Insurance for Andalucía has consolidated our preparedness to once again begin receiving tourists.

“Hospitality and tourism are vital to the local economy of Andalucía and the UK is an important source market for us; so it is with pleasure that we can confidently say we are in a position to welcome back our British visitors.

“The diversity of our tourist proposition coupled with the assurances that the International Travel Insurance brings to prospective tourists makes Andalucía a top choice for Brits planning their well-earned overseas holiday.”

### All Brits To Get Covid Vaccine In The Region

The Generalitat Valenciana will vaccinate all British residents in Alicante even if they are not registered on the Social Security system.




You MUST have a SIP card in order to be included on the list. If you don't have the "permanent" plastic SIP card you can still get the vaccine with the temporary SIP card. You can get a temporary SIP card by taking either the EHIC (European Health Insurance) or GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) to the medical centre along with your passport.



If you have changed your mobile phone number and email recently, make sure you update your contact information on the official website below. The mobile number MUST be Spanish and you can´t use the same one as someone else that´s registered there. Your health centre will contact you regarding your vaccination appointment.



http://www.san.gva.es/web/dgcal/formulario-de-contacto



You will need to enter your SIP number, date of when your SIP card was issued (if applicable) and date of birth. Once you validate the information, it will allow you to enter your contact details (mobile, house phone and email).

### British Airways Offers Covid-19 Tests For Just £33

British Airways is offering discounted test kits from government-approved Covid-19 testing provider Qured, at an ‘exclusive’ price of £33.



Qured will deliver rapid antigen tests to travellers, who can take the kits with them to be used anywhere in the world.

Following a video consultation with a health advisor, results are available in 20 minutes.

The health advisor will guide the customer through taking a nose and throat swab and processing the sample.

Verified results are available after 20 minutes, and the customer can download a ‘fit to fly’ certificate if the test is negative.

Qured said its test kits “remove uncertainty for customers who may be unsure how to source a pre-departure test while in a foreign country”.

BA customers have access to preferential rates with several Covid-19 testing providers offering a range of PCR, lamp, antibody and antigen testing options.

Before they fly, passengers due to fly on selected routes can upload their test results to the VeriFLY app – a mobile travel health passport. This will certify their test certificates before departure.

Sean Doyle, British Airways’ chief executive, said: “Our teams were pleased to discover Qured, a unique new option which removes uncertainty and unnecessary expense for customers who may be concerned about sourcing a pre-departure test while away from home.”

Alex Templeton, Qured’s chief executive, added: “Our accessible rapid testing service takes the hassle out of finding a test abroad.”

The new travel health app VeriFLY is currently available to those who are eligible to travel between London and the US and Canada. It is also available on all inbound routes to the UK with BA.

The airline is in talks with all test providers to find ways to have test results automatically sent to the VeriFLY app, to make the process even easier.

The airline also continues to work on the development of the Iata Travel Pass.

### Spain Considers Offering Restriction-Free Entry for Vaccinated Brits

Spain’s government has unfolded its plans to create a “green corridor” for all citizens of the United Kingdom who have been vaccinated against the Coronavirus if the European Union fails to reach an agreement on vaccination documents.



Spain’s Tourism Minister Fernando Valdés has confirmed that the country is seeking to reach a mutual agreement with Britain in a bid to facilitate the travel process for the summer season.

Valdés stressed that he hopes its country would find an agreement with the European Union to start reopening its doors for tourists as soon as possible.

“For us, the British market is our main market. But obviously, since we are a member of the European Union, the solutions have first to be part of the discussions in the EU,” he pointed out, emphasizing that if such a deal could not be reached, the country’s government will start to find other solutions, such as green corridors with third countries in order to revive the country’s tourism sector.

The tourism minister also stressed that the reopening of the country to the United Kingdom’s tourists depends on the evolving vaccination programs; however, he highlighted that Spain might start to regain British tourists during this summer.

In this regard, the United Kingdom’s health secretary, Matt Hancock, said that British authorities are working on the need for a document in terms of “having had a vaccine to be able to travel to another country”.

Hancock said that if other countries urge the citizens to take a recognized vaccine to travel there, Britain is seeking to enable its citizens to be eligible to take that journey.

The United Kingdom’s health secretary added that the UK’s government is continuously working with international partners, including the EU  and other countries around the world, and according to him, “it’s obviously important to work.”

Last April, an European Union official confirmed for SchengenVisaInfo.com that the testing process would be the first requirement for persons who wish to travel to the Schengen Area, highlighting that once recognized vaccines start to rollout, they would become mandatory for all passengers.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism in Spain, Reyes Maroto, has also called on the European Commission to accelerate the launching of such documents in order to help the countries gradually get back to the pre-pandemic situation.

In January, Spain’s government announced that it supports some European countries’ initiative to impose vaccination certificates to make the travel process easier for persons who have been vaccinated against the Coronavirus disease.

President of the Tourism Board Juan Molas previously stressed that among the key points that would help Spain’s tourism industry recover from COVID-19 hard hit would be talent, personalization and digitalization.

Last year, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimated that Spain’ tourism industry could lose over 40 billion during the summer due to the COVID-19 situation, despite govt’s attempt to support businesses in this sector by allocating 14,445.4 million financial support to 111,080 companies in the tourism, culture and leisure sector, in August 2020.

### Travel To Resume Only ‘As Soon As Possible After May 17’

The government insists it is “leading” the way on the restart of travel in Europe and dismissed a suggestion that its Global Travel Taskforce is “a talking shop”.



But aviation minister Robert Courts confirmed travel will only resume “as soon as possible after” May 17.

Courts told MPs: “I can’t give you a blow by blow account of where we are, but we are driving forward on this.”

Appearing before the Transport Select Committee of MPs, Courts said: “I would push back on the suggestion we are in any way behind our international partners. We are leading on this.”

He also insisted: “I would reject suggestions that the Global Travel Taskforce is a talking shop. It’s about making this [restart] work as quickly as we can in a sustainable way.”

The taskforce, which is due to report to Prime Minister Boris Johnson with recommendations to restart international travel, held a first meeting with industry representatives yesterday (March 2).

The government has set March 17 as the earliest date from which international travel could resume.

Courts referred to travel restarting “at some point after May 17”. Asked by the committee to explain, he said: “I understand the requirement for as much certainty as possible. At this stage it would be premature to be too precise. We do need to work through some really quite complicated issues.

“We have said there won’t be any travel before May 17 and we’ll look at travel restarting as soon as possible after that.”

He insisted: “We don’t yet understand the extent to which vaccinations reduce transmission and every country will need to be happy with any system used.

“The second point is new variants. We have to guard against these. The science is still catching up.”

Courts argued: “We had the earlier Global Travel Taskforce but a number of things have changed. It’s critical we take stock and work closely with all our sector colleagues to make progress.

“All you are hearing from other countries is an intention to so something.”

He told MPs: “We’re looking at a suite of factors, building on the suite of measures already in place. We would like to see travel facilitated in way that is smoother, in a way that uses technology. I expect to see a suite of measures.”

Asked whether people can be confident to book summer holidays, Courts said: “We’ve seen this is an unpredictable virus. It is not possible to predict. It isn’t possible to tell individuals or families what to do.

“I suggest what people have to do is give themselves options, give themselves flexibility, look at booking terms, look at insurance.”

He confirmed the taskforce report would go to the Prime Minister for consideration before its recommendations are made public.

Courts said: “We will be laying out a plan in April and then looking to operationalise that. April 12 will be the date we report back to the Prime Minister. We then have a process of looking at the recommendations.”

He argued: “The date we should be concerned about is the date people are due to travel.

“The evidence looks promising but we want to make sure what is in place is sustainable. We have to be slightly cautious at the moment. This has to be robust.”

### TUI Cancels All Holidays From UK

Travel and tourism firm TUI has announced it is cancelling all holidays from the UK until mid-May amid ongoing coronavirus restriction across the country.


The news comes as leaders of the devolved nations begin plans to lead the UK out of lockdown.


Under current plans, 17 May is being targeted as the earliest possible date for foreign travel to resume, subject to a review in April.

In response to the roadmap announcement, TUI has now cancelled all of its holidays, including flight-only and accommodation-only bookings, from the UK TUI has cancelled all of its holidays from the UK due to depart on or before 16 May.

While the date for the resumption of foreign travel only applies to England, TUI’s cancellations will also apply to any departures from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The travel firm is also cancelling all holidays from the Republic of Ireland up to 5 April.

Additionally, holidays, including flight-only and accommodation-only bookings, to the following destinations due to depart on or before 31 October will not be operating:

 	Los Cabos, Mexico
 	Kvarner Bay, Croatia
 	Marella Cruises sailings due to depart on or before 16 May
 	TUI River Cruises sailings due to depart on or before 30 May
 	TUI River Cruises sailings on TUI Isla due to depart on or before 31 October

Customers who have been affected by the cancellations will be contacted by TUI regarding their holiday.

TUI has said it will be prioritising customers in departure date order over the next two weeks, and has advised those who have a booking to wait until they receive an email before contacting the company.

Anyone whose holiday has been disrupted will be offered the chance to move their trip to a later date, receive a credit note with an incentive, or cancel the booking completely in exchange for a full refund.

If you have booked a package holiday, you are entitled to your money back within 14 days in the event it is cancelled.

### Consumers ‘In Favour’ Of Flights Just For Vaccinated Passengers

Most Brits (61%) are in favour of flights which only accept passengers who have been vaccinated, according to a new survey.



The poll also found 74% of respondents felt it would be reasonable to be expected to wear a facemask on a plane, even after having had the vaccine.

And 79% also say they are happy for their vaccine details to be passed on to digital health apps, according to the survey by travel think tank Thrive.

Sania Haq, Thrive’s research director, said: “These findings suggest consumers are now conditioned to ongoing social distancing measures which reduce transmission and prevent the spreading of Covid-19.

“It is also clear that few are worried about any privacy issues regarding their vaccination details if it means they can seamlessly access other countries and travel for business or leisure.”

In Thrive’s survey of 2,105 adults, 90% said they intend to fly abroad at some point in the future, with 69% saying they would fly abroad this year if the vaccination programme is fully rolled out. This is up from 53% when last surveyed in December 2020.

The poll was conducted on February 23-24, shortly after the prime minister’s roadmap out of lockdown was announced.

Thrive is jointly owned by market intelligence company AudienceNet and communications consultancy The PC Agency.

It was established in 2020 to analyse data about the Covid-19 pandemic.

• Thrive’s findings are similar to a Skyscanner poll which found that 59% of respondents said they would be happy to carry digital health information, including testing results and vaccine information in the form of a digital pass, if it allowed them to travel again.

Only 8% of respondents said they wouldn’t carry digital health information for travel.

Hugh Aitken, flights vice-president at Skyscanner, said: “Since the beginning of the pandemic, travellers have shown they are willing to react and adapt to changing requirements in order to be able to travel safely.

“Contactless technology, like digital health passes, which promotes safety first, is clearly something travellers would be ready to embrace.”

### Spain Contemplates Bilateral Deals If EU Can´t Agree On Vaccine Certificates

Spain will consider a “green corridor” for vaccinated British tourists if there is no EU agreement on vaccination passports, the country’s tourism minister has said, as the European commission prepared to table a proposal for leaders this month.



Fernando Valdés said his government would seek to find agreement on a common system among the 27 member states to allow tourism to restart, but Madrid would probably open bilateral talks with non-EU countries if that failed.

“Right now we have discussions with our colleagues in the UK,” Valdés told Bloomberg TV. “For us the British market is our main market. But obviously since we are a member of the European Union, the solutions have first to be part of the discussions in the EU.

“And obviously if that cannot be reached, we will be thinking of other corridors like green corridors with third countries that can help us restart tourism flows.”

British tourists spent around £18bn a year in Spain in 2019, making it the most popular holiday destination for UK travellers, but numbers were down by more than 80% in the summer of 2020.

The UK’s health secretary, Matt Hancock, confirmed that discussions were under way with governments and the EU. “We are absolutely working with our international partners on the need for certification in terms of having had a vaccine to be able to travel to another country,” he said during a Downing Street press conference.

“If another country wants to say that you need to have been vaccinated with a recognised vaccine to travel there we want to enable Brits to be able to take that journey. So we are working with international partners, and the EU is part of those discussions, as are several other countries around the world, and it’s obviously important work.”

Hancock said it was crucial to ensure the scheme allows people to travel who have been unable to have a jab in time. “As I understand it from the details set out, the EU proposal is that certification includes both whether you’ve had the vaccine and also whether you’ve recently had a test so those who can’t get vaccinated yet, which is particularly important,” he said. “It matters that we get the details of this right for international travel.”

The European commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said earlier that she intended to publish draft legislation on 17 March over a “pass” that vaccinated EU citizens could use to travel for work or tourism. Leaders will discuss the issue at a summit eight days later.

“The aim is to gradually enable them to move safely in the EU or abroad – for work or tourism,” Von der Leyen had told a meeting of German conservative politicians on Monday.

She later tweeted: “The aim is to provide: proof that a person has been vaccinated; results of tests for those who couldn’t get a vaccine yet; info on Covid-19 recovery. It will respect data protection, security & privacy.”

The move was welcomed by Spain, Portugal and Greece, and a spokesperson for Boris Johnson said the UK would be interested in discussing the concept with Brussels. The prime minister has said non-essential international travel could be permitted from 17 May if the infection rates continue to fall.

But the proposal for what Von der Leyen described as a “digital green pass” was described as “confusing” by Belgian’s deputy prime minister, who insisted that free movement was a right for all EU citizens.

Sophie Wilmès, who also acts as Belgium’s foreign minister, tweeted: “The idea of a standardised European system that allows each individual to gather pieces of information about one’s vaccination, Covid tests, etc, on a single digital document (certificate) is a good one.

### TUI Boss In 'No Doubt' About Merits Of Vaccine Passports

TUI is 'preparing intensively' for holidays to resume, with the European giant in talks with the key destinations of Greece, Spain and Cyprus.


Chief Executive Fritz Joussen predicted customers will be able to travel this summer, and declared there was 'no doubt' a vaccination passport would 'restore freedom to travel'.

"Travelling in Europe will be possible in summer 2021 - safely and responsibly," he insisted.

Joussen said TUI was working in 'close coordination' with Greece, Spain and Cyprus over how travel will resume, with discussions to be extended to western and eastern Mediterranean destinations in the coming weeks.

"The desire for holidays has been high throughout the pandemic," he said in a statement. "Demand and bookings are picking up after the UK government unveiled a timetable for an end to the Covid restrictions.

"Germany is also preparing to restart and exit the lockdown. It is clear that interest in holidays is turning into bookings and revenues again. "

He said southern European governments in particular have developed 'good concepts for the restart' of travel.

"The core of these plans are rapid tests, vaccinations and uniform proof of immunity,"  Joussen said.

"A European vaccination passport can help restore freedom to travel. There is no doubt about that.

"With a uniform EU certificate, politicians can now create an important basis for summer travel.

"As long as not everyone can be vaccinated, rapid tests are the second important building block for safe holidays.

"They are reliable and are now available in sufficient numbers."

### Airfares To Summer Hotspots Tumble By Up To A Third

Airfares to the UK's favourite holiday hotspots are up to a third cheaper than the last two summers, data from Skyscanner has found.




In the days after Boris Johnson announced the roadmap plan, Skyscanner said it witnessed a 'surge in bookings', with Spain, Greece and Turkey among the most sough-after destinations.

Research found current prices are up to 34% cheaper compared to summer 2020 and up to 31% lower than 2019 bookings.

Skyscanner Vice President, Flights, Hugh Aitken said: "Flight prices are historically affected by capacity, demand and seasonality, especially in the run up to peak summer holiday season in Europe.

"After a difficult 12 months for the aviation sector, airlines appear to be balancing capacity with future demand by pricing tickets attractively in order to entice people back to the skies.

"It is good news for UK travellers as our latest analysis shows that average prices on Skyscanner over the summer months are currently up to 31% lower compared to the same period in 2019."

The analysis is based on a return economy flights booked in February for travel in June, July and August.

Aitken said he expects prices to 'evolve' in the coming weeks as 'more clearer paths to recovery are charted out and network planners build in capacity and schedules to allow airlines to fly at scale'.

"We may see some price increases as demand returns," he said. "However airlines will likely continue to offer good value in order to meet this demand.

"We anticipate that airlines and online travel agencies will continue to offer flexibility with tickets as the market recovers and there remains a degree of uncertainty for those planning travel."

According to the Skyscanner data, Portugal is the best value destination with airfares 34% cheaper than summer 2020, and 23% lower than 2019.

Fares to Spain are currently up to 25% lower during summer than 2020, and up to 11% lower compared to summer 2019.

Average airfares to Greece are up to 30% cheaper than summer 2020, and 11% lower than in 2019, while Turkey is up to 27% lower compared to 2020, and 31% lower than 2019.

### Spain Extends Travel Ban

Spain has announced that the current travel restrictions on passenger travel by air and sea from the UK will be extended until 6pm (GMT+1) on 16 March 2021 (5pm / GMT in the Canary Islands), with the exception of Spanish nationals and those legally resident in Spain.




International transit through Spanish airports by passengers on flights departing from the UK is permitted on presentation of a negative PCR, TNA or LAMP test taken within no more than 72 hours prior to arrival into Spain. See: https://www.gov.uk/foreign.../spain/entry-requirements...



If you are resident in Spain, you should carry your residence document (the green paper EU residence certificate or the new TIE), as well as your valid passport when you travel. If you are not in possession of a residence document, the Spanish government has formally confirmed to the UK government that UK nationals who were legally residing in Spain before 1 January 2021, and as such are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement, can present other documents to prove their residence status when entering Spain. See: https://www.gov.uk/foreign.../spain/entry-requirements



For full details please see our travel advice for Spain here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain

### Surge in holiday bookings following road map to end lockdown

Airlines and travel firms are experiencing a surge in demand following Boris Johnson’s road map for how coronavirus restrictions will be eased.



The Prime Minister said on Monday that a Government taskforce will produce a report by April 12 recommending how international trips can resume for people in England.

Foreign holidays could be permitted from May 17.

In the hours after the announcement, easyJet said bookings by UK customers for the summer season were more than four times higher compared with the same period during the previous week.

The Luton-based firm’s holiday division saw an even larger rise, with demand up seven-fold.

The most popular destinations for this summer are beach resorts including Malaga, Alicante and Palma in Spain, Faro in Portugal and the Greek island of Crete.

August is the most booked month, followed by July and September.

### Don't book flights until travel picture becomes clear, Which? warns

Consumer watchdog Which? has warned travellers not to book flights until clarity emerges over international travel after revealing more than two million passengers lost money during Covid.


The warning came amid research which found people were left out of pocket after missing flights that continued to operate during the pandemic.

The watchdog said local Covid lockdowns or restrictions at destinations prevented many passengers from travelling.

But because the flights continued to operate they were not entitled to a refund.

Which? said 2.3 million people across the UK lost out, despite circumstances which meant they could not reasonably - or even legally - travel to their destination.

Anyone considering booking flights for this summer should hold fire, it said.

"Wait until the situation around international travel becomes clearer," Which? said. "And when the time comes, book a package holiday rather than a flight-only booking for stronger passenger protections, and only with a trusted provider that offers a generous and flexible booking policy."

Which? Travel Editor Rory Boland said: "For almost a year now, Which? has been hearing from frustrated passengers who've been left out of pocket for flights they were unable to take, often through no fault of their own, because the flight went ahead as scheduled.

"While some have successfully been able to claim on their travel insurance or through their bank, others have been left high and dry.

"With non-essential travel currently illegal, airlines must play their part in protecting public health by ensuring no one is left out of pocket for abiding by the law and not travelling.

"All airlines should allow passengers the option to cancel for a full refund, as well as fee-free rebooking options, while these restrictions remain in place."

Almost half of those who lost money said they could not travel because of national or regional lockdown rules which instructed them to stay at home.

Others were only given the choice of rebooking their flight or losing their money.

Which? said rebooking may have meant paying a significant fare difference if the new flight was more expensive.

Customers also faced the dilemma of 'trying to choose new dates without knowing when international travel is likely to resume again'.

Just over a quarter (27%) of those left out of pocket said they were unable to fly because of restrictions in place at their destination that would prevent them from entering the country.

Nearly four in 10 said they could not travel because the FCDO had advised against all non-essential travel to their destination.

"While those with package holidays would have had their bookings cancelled by the provider in these circumstances, entitling them to a full refund, many airlines continued to operate flights to countries with an FCDO warning against non-essential travel, on the basis that they needed to operate them as scheduled in order to facilitate essential travel," Which? said.

### Greece hopeful of 'semi-normal' summer as travel talks begin with UK

Greece Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis has spoken of his hopes of a 'semi normal' summer after confirming talks are underway between Greek and UK officials over ways to reopen travel.



He said 'technical discussions' have begun, with vaccination passports understood to be among the topics under discussion.

While at a preliminary stage, Theoharis said he was hopeful an agreement could be reached over how travel can resume between Greece and the UK.

"We certainly hope that by summer, with the vaccination programme underway and the UK one of the leading countries in that respect, the situation will be much better than now," he said.

"Hopefully, with the vaccination programme going forward and the summer limiting the spread of the disease we can have a semi-normal summer."


Speaking on BBC Radio 4, the Tourism Minister said Greece was in 'very preliminary' talks with UK officials over how travel could re-start.

He described the talks as 'technical discussions', adding he was 'very hopeful that we can reach some kind of solution'.

Asked about the introduction of vaccination passports, he said : "The logic is that we don't want to limit travel only to those who are vaccinated.

"But since we are currently mandating that before travelling somebody has to have a negative test result, obviously that is a waste of resources if people are vaccinated

"The need for this testing could be limited by the vaccination certificate."

For those people who have chosen to receive a jab, there may be no need for them to be tested 'again and again', he added.
He rejected fears that even vaccinated tourists can transmit the disease, suggesting the same risk applied for those who has tested negative.

"They are allowed to travel, and of course, a few minutes later or a few days later they could catch the disease and spread it. So the vaccination certificate is a step forward, not a step backward.

"We have to follow developments and we have to listen to the health experts and adjust our strategy as events unfold.

"Of course we can't set things in stone yet. It's a dynamic situation and we will continue monitoring.

"For the time being I will say things are not getting worse, but that could change, I recognise that."

### Nicola Sturgeon says overseas holidays are unlikely this summer

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says Scots are unlikely to be able to travel abroad this summer. She says they might not even be able to take domestic holidays this Easter. While school children will return to the classroom this month, there will be no wider relaxing of lockdown rules she says.




In an update to the Scottish parliament, Ms Sturgeon said there will be no wider relaxation of coronavirus restrictions north of the border before the start of March.




And she said that exit from social and economic restrictions will be “more cautious” than it was last summer, to ward off the risk of a new flare-up of Covid-19 and a return to lockdown.


“Getting children back to education may mean the rest of us living with some restrictions for longer,” she told MSPs.




The Scottish government is due next week to publish a strategic framework for the gradual lifting of lockdown restrictions north of the border.




And Ms Sturgeon warned that it will not give the all-clear for families to book holidays.


“We are very likely to advise against booking Easter holidays either overseas or within Scotland, as it is highly unlikely that we will have been able to fully open hotels or self-catering accommodation by then,” she said.




“However, for the summer, while it’s still highly unlikely that overseas holidays will be possible or advisable, staycations might be. But this will depend on the data nearer the time.”

The first minister told the Holyrood assembly that her cabinet had agreed at a meeting this morning to make schools the priority for a cautious easing of restrictions.

### Booking and staying in a quarantine hotel when you arrive in England

How to book a place in a quarantine hotel and arrange coronavirus (COVID-19) tests if you're travelling to England from a country on the banned travel list.



This guidance is for people arriving in England who have visited or passed through a country where travel to the UK is banned (sometimes called the ‘red list’) in the 10 days before their arrival.

You should follow separate guidance if you’re travelling from a country that is not on the list where travel to the UK is banned.

You cannot travel to the UK if you’ve visited or passed through a country where travel to the UK is banned in the last 10 days, unless you’re:

 	a British national
 	an Irish national
 	anyone with residence rights in the UK

From 15 February onwards, everyone allowed to enter England who has visited or passed through a country where travel to the UK is banned in the last 10 days must:

 	quarantine for 10 days in a managed quarantine hotel
 	take a coronavirus (COVID-19) test on or before day 2 and on or after day 8 of quarantining
 	follow the national lockdown rules

Providing false or deliberately misleading information when filling out your passenger locator form is an offence punishable by imprisonment. You could be fined up to £10,000, imprisoned for up to 10 years, or both, if you do not provide accurate details about the countries you have visited in the 10 days before you arrived in the UK.

If you break the quarantine rules you may face a penalty of up to £10,000.

You should follow separate advice if you arrive in:

 	Scotland
 	Wales
 	Northern Ireland

Hotel quarantine: what it is
Everyone who arrives into England must quarantine for 10 days from the point of their arrival. The day of arrival in England will be treated as day zero.

To stop the spread of potentially harmful variants into the UK, more stringent measures are in place for people who have travelled from or passed through a country on the list where travel to the UK is banned (the ‘red list’) in the last 10 days before arrival.

From 15 February, you must quarantine in a managed quarantine hotel if you’ve travelled from or passed through a country on the list where travel to the UK is banned.
Who has to go into hotel quarantine
If you are a British or Irish national, or third country national with residence rights in the UK and you have been in or passed through a red-list country in the 10 days before your arrival, you will need to quarantine in a managed quarantine hotel, unless you’re exempt.

Travellers from countries not on the ‘red list’ must follow the guidance set out here.
What you need to do before you arrive in England
Before you travel you must:

 	take a coronavirus (COVID-19) test and get a negative result during the 3 days before you travel. You must take the test in the 3 days before the service on which you will arrive in England departs. For example, if you travel directly to England on Friday, you must take the test on the Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday
 	book a managed quarantine hotel where you will quarantine. Your quarantine package will include your managed quarantine hotel, quarantine transport and your travel test package for COVID-19 tests on day 2 and day 8 of quarantine
 	complete a passenger locator form with details of where you will quarantine when you arrive. You must provide a quarantine package booking reference number to complete your passenger locator form



Due to a minor technical issue, the link to the booking portal in this guidance will not be available until later today. Please return to this page later if you wish to make a booking.


You will need to agree to pay for, and book, a quarantine package before you complete your passenger locator form (PLF) and board your return journey to the UK.

The package includes the costs of transport from the port of arrival to the designated hotel, food, accommodation, security, other essential services and testing.




Rate




Rate for 1 adult in 1 room for 10 days (11 nights)
£1750


Additional rate for 1 adult (or child over 12)
£650


Additional rate for a child aged 5–12
£325



For those facing significant financial hardship as a result of this charge, there will be an opportunity to apply for a deferred repayment plan when booking. This is only available for individuals who already receive income-related benefits, and you will be required to pay back your debt to the government in 12 monthly installments.

All package prices will be reviewed before the end of March and may change. While hotels normally set a zero fee for children aged under 3, we are setting this for children under 5 years old because they will not be tested. The proposed zero fee for children under 5 years old will mean that for the present the government will bear the costs of additional food and drinks consumed by arrivals aged between 3 and 5 years old.

You must not apply for deferred payment if you are not eligible. If you provide false information, or omit key information that has been asked for in your application, you will be committing fraud and liable for conviction.

If you have not arranged a quarantine package prior to your arrival in England, you face a penalty of up to £4,000 and will still have to pay for your quarantine package on arrival.
Where you can arrive
If you’re required to quarantine in a quarantine hotel you can only arrive in England at certain ports of entry. Currently these are:

 	Heathrow Airport
 	Gatwick Airport
 	London City Airport
 	Birmingham Airport
 	Farnborough Airfield

Other ports of entry may be added in the future.

If you have a pre-existing booking to a different port of entry on or after the 15 February it’s your responsibility to change it to one of the ports of entry specified above. After 15 February carriers will not be permitted to carry anyone who has been in a red list country in the previous 10 days to any other port of entry other than those specified.

If you’re required to quarantine in a managed quarantine hotel and do not arrive in England at one of the designated ports of entry, you may face a penalty of up to £10,000 and will be charged for the cost of transportation to the nearest designated port or entry.
Arriving and transporting to a managed quarantine hotel
When you arrive in England you will need to provide your completed passenger locator form to Border Force officers alongside your passport and negative COVID-19 test result.

You will be escorted through the airport with other passengers who need to quarantine at a managed quarantine hotel. Your ‘quarantine package’ includes transport to your quarantine hotel (and back to the airport at the end of your quarantine).

You must only travel to your managed quarantine hotel by the transport specified in your quarantine package and not by public or private transport.

At the end of the quarantine period you will be transported to the airport you were collected from when you arrived in England.
Quarantining in a managed quarantine hotel
When you arrive at the managed quarantine hotel you will be required to quarantine in your room for 10 days. The managed quarantine hotel will provide your meals.

It is not possible to select a particular room at the managed quarantine hotel or to seek a higher standard room upon arrival.

You can quarantine with the people you travelled with and hotels will prioritise allocating larger or connecting rooms to families.

If you’re the parent or guardian of an unaccompanied child arriving in England, you can join your child in quarantine.

You cannot have visitors in quarantine, including friends or family, unless they are providing:

 	emergency assistance
 	care or assistance, including personal care
 	medical assistance
 	veterinary services
 	certain critical public services

If you have items delivered to you during the quarantine period, they will be brought to the door of your room by the managed quarantine hotel staff. Staff will try to bring the items to you in a timely manner. However, given the need to maintain compliance with COVID guidelines, deliveries may not be able to be brought to your door immediately when they arrive at the hotel.

The hotels selected for managed quarantine are able to meet the vast majority of requirements.

You will be able to seek medical attention, including for repeat prescriptions and/or if you need to fill a prescription

You will only be allowed to leave your room in very limited circumstances including:

 	to travel directly to leave the Common Travel Area
 	to fulfil a legal obligation including attending court or satisfying bail conditions or to participate in legal proceedings
 	to exercise but only with special permission from hotel staff or security. This is not guaranteed
 	in exceptional circumstances, such as:

 	seeking medical assistance where this is required urgently or on the advice of a registered medical practitioner
 	to avoid injury, illness or escape a risk of harm (for example situations such as fire or flooding, or cases where domestic abuse occurs within a group quarantining together)
 	to access critical public services including social services or services provided to victims (for example critical access such as for a child to see their social worker)
 	to access veterinary services where required urgently or on the advice of a veterinary surgeon (no animals other than guide dogs would be in a hotel quarantine)



Testing
You will need to take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2. This first test is designed to help identify any potentially harmful variants of COVID-19 at the earliest opportunity. You will not be allowed to shorten your quarantine period if you receive a negative test result, as you may still develop COVID-19. Tests will be taken in your own accommodation.

If you receive a positive test result on day 2, you must quarantine until day 12. If you are in quarantine with people you have travelled with, they will also need to quarantine until day 12.

If you receive a positive result for your day 2 test, you will not be required to take any further tests.

You will also need to take a COVID-19 test on or after day 8. If you receive a positive test result on day 8 you will be required to quarantine until day 18.

You will not be able to end your managed quarantine early through the Test to Release scheme.

Children under 5 will not be required to take the day 2 or day 8 test

You should order a test here if you develop at least one of these 3 coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms at any point:

 	a high temperature
 	a new, continuous cough
 	you’ve lost your sense of smell or taste or it’s changed

If you’re in quarantine with people you have travelled with you will need to quarantine when you receive a positive test for 10 days. In a group quarantining together this could mean:

 	person A: receives a positive test result on day 2 so must quarantine to day 12 (no day 8 test)
 	person B: needs to quarantine until day 12 also as a close contact of person A. If they are negative on day 2 they are still required to take a day-8 test. Person B receives a positive test result on day 8 so they will need to quarantine to day 18
 	person C: Needs to quarantine until day 12 also as a close contact of person A. If negative on day-2 test, they are still required to take a day-8 test. They receive a negative day-8 test result. Person C still needs to quarantine to day 18 as they are a contact of person B as well as of person A

If someone tests positive other people in the same room should be moved into another room if there is space available in the hotel.

If you do not take the tests you may face a penalty of up to £2,000.
Leaving managed quarantine
You will be able to leave quarantine when you have received a negative result from your day 8 test and have quarantined for 10 full days.

If you receive a positive result from either of your tests, you will not be able to leave managed quarantine until 10 days have passed from the date of the test.

If, despite a negative test on day 8, you develop new coronavirus symptoms on day 9 or day 10, this would trigger a further test and extended quarantine for 10 days, if the new test is positive.
Exemptions
A very small proportion of people arriving in England who have visited or passed through a red-list country will not need to quarantine in a managed quarantine hotel or in private accommodation.

The full list of exemptions to managed quarantine is set out below.
Hauliers travelling from Portugal
Hauliers travelling from Portugal are permitted to travel to England and are exempt from managed quarantine.

You need to complete the passenger locator form before you travel to England.

You do not need to take a coronavirus test before you travel to England.

You’ll need to show that your travel is part of your job, for example a letter from your employer, a consignment note or your operator’s licence.

This applies to:

Drivers of goods vehicles and other employees of community licence holders for the international carriage of goods who have been in Portugal in the 10 days prior to their arrival in England.
Defence personnel, visiting forces and government contractors
You do not need to complete the passenger locator form or to quarantine – either in a managed quarantine hotel or in private accommodation. You will be exempt from the need to present a negative COVID-19 result test prior to departure, where it is impractical to get a test.

You’ll need to apply for a letter from the Ministry of Defence confirming you are exempt. You’ll need to show this letter to officials at border control on entry to England.

Applies to:

Defence personnel, visiting forces and government contractors who the Ministry of Defence has confirmed are required to deliver essential defence activities.

You’re required to follow all requirements when not conducting defence duties.
Border security duties – UK officials and contractors
You do not need to present a negative COVID-19 result test prior to departure.

You do not need to complete the passenger locator form or quarantine – either in a managed quarantine hotel or in private accommodation – if you’re either:

 	required to undertake essential government work related to the UK border in the UK during the period which, but for this exemption, you would need to self-isolate
 	undertaking essential government work related to the UK border outside of the UK but required to come back to England temporarily before departing the UK to again undertake essential government work related to the border

You should use your official photo identification to demonstrate your status.

Applies to:

UK officials and contractors required to work on essential border security duties.
Border security duties – non-UK officials and contractors
You do not need to present a negative COVID-19 result test prior to departure.

You do not need to complete the passenger locator form or quarantine – either in a managed quarantine hotel or in private accommodation – if you’re either:

 	an official or contractor of a foreign government, required to travel to England to undertake essential border security duties
 	in possession of a written notice signed by a senior member of your government confirming that you’re required to undertake essential border security duties in the UK during the period which, but for this exemption, you would need to self-isolate, and that that work cannot be undertaken while the person is complying with regulation 4
 	your deployment is pursuant to a standing bilateral or multilateral agreement with the UK government on the operation of the border controls within the UK

You should use your official photo identification to demonstrate your status.

Applies to:

Non-UK officials and contractors required to work on essential border security duties.
International escorts undertaking extradition work
You need to complete the passenger locator form before you travel to England.

You need to take a coronavirus test before you travel to England.

You do not need to quarantine – either in a managed quarantine hotel or in private accommodation.

Applies to:

Foreign police officers entering England in order to escort a surrendered person out of England.
Crown servants or government contractors
This exemption only applies to those certified by a department of the UK government as meeting the criteria set out below.

You’ll need to complete the passenger locator form before you travel to England.

You will not need to quarantine – either in a managed quarantine hotel or in private accommodation – if a relevant department of the UK government has certified that you are:

 	a crown servant or government contractor travelling to England for essential government work, or
 	returning from conducting essential state business outside of the England, or
 	returning to England where this is necessary to facilitate the functioning of a diplomatic mission or consular post of Her Majesty or of a military/other official posting on behalf of Her Majesty

The relevant department of the UK government will issue you with a letter certifying that you fall within one of the categories above and are not required to comply with the quarantine requirements. You should contact them directly for this and bring it with you to England.

If you’re working as part of a UK embassy, high commission, consulate or mission, the letter will normally be issued by the ambassador, high commissioner or their equivalent in the country you are travelling from (i.e. where you are working at post). You should contact them directly for this and bring it with you to England.

If you’re directly employed by the Ministry of Defence the letter will be issued through your chain of command in the country you are travelling from. You should contact them directly for this and bring it with you to England.
Exemption from coronavirus testing before entering England
You will be exempt from the need to present a negative COVID-19 result test prior to departure where you have been certified by a department of the UK government department as meeting the criteria set out below:

 	a crown servant or government contractor travelling to England for essential government work in the UK or is returning from conducting such work outside the UK
 	a person returning from conducting essential state business outside of the UK
 	a person returning from undertaking essential or emergency work outside of the UK, which has been certified by the relevant department as necessary to facilitate essential government work, or essential state business

The relevant department of the UK government will issue you with a letter certifying that you fall within one of the categories above and that you are not required to comply with the requirement. You should contact them directly for this before you depart and bring it with you to England. You may be refused boarding without this.

Possession of letters confirming exemption from the requirement to self-isolate for 10 days does not exempt the holder from presenting a negative COVID-19 result test prior to departure.
Diplomatic missions, international organisations and conferences
You need to take a coronavirus test before you travel to the UK.

Neither you nor your family members or others dependants need to complete the passenger locator form.

Neither you nor your family members or other dependants need to quarantine in a managed quarantine hotel.

You, your family members and other dependants will need to quarantine in private accommodation

Before you travel, your mission, international organisation or conference will need to notify the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), who will issue a letter confirming exemption from the requirement to fill in the passenger locator form to show at the border.

Applies to:

Members of diplomatic missions and consular posts in the UK, officers, servants or representatives of international organisations, representatives at an international or UK conference granted privileges and immunities, and their families or dependants.
Representatives of a foreign country or territory or British overseas territories
You do not need to complete the passenger locator form.

You do not need to quarantine – either in a managed quarantine hotel or in private accommodation – if it’s confirmed that you are travelling to England for official business that cannot be undertaken while in quarantine.

If your family members or other dependants travel with you, they will need to quarantine in private accommodation after they arrive in England.

Before you travel, your mission or a representative of your country or territory will need to notify the FCDO who will issue an exemption letter to show at the border.
Exemption from coronavirus testing before entering England
An exemption from the need to present a negative COVID-19 result test prior to departure applies, in exceptional circumstances, to:

Representatives of a foreign country or territory and representatives of the British overseas territories, travelling to England to undertake official business with the UK.

Before you travel, your mission or a relevant representative of your country or territory will need to notify the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The FCDO will assess your circumstances on a case by case basis. If applicable, the FCDO will issue you an exemption letter to confirm it has received the necessary confirmation, that you are travelling to the UK to conduct official business with the UK and that you are not required to present a negative COVID-19 result test prior to departure.

Possession of letters confirming exemption from the requirement to complete the passenger locator form or the requirement to quarantine does not exempt the holder from presenting a negative COVID-19 test result prior to departure.
Circumstances not covered by this guidance
If you’re intending to travel to the UK in the next 7 days and facing a set of circumstances that are not covered by this guidance, please email you enquiry to dhsctesttrace.customerfeedbackteam@nhs.net.

### Travel from the UK to Spain Update

Spain has announced that the current travel restrictions on passenger travel by air and sea from the UK will be extended until 6pm (GMT+1) on 2 March 2021 (5pm / GMT in the Canary Islands), with the exception of Spanish nationals and those legally resident in Spain.





International transit through Spanish airports by passengers on flights departing from the UK is permitted on presentation of a negative PCR, TNA or LAMP test taken within no more than 72 hours prior to arrival into Spain.



If you are resident in Spain, you should carry your residence document (the green paper EU residence certificate or the new TIE), as well as your valid passport when you travel.

The Spanish authorities have not confirmed whether other documents are being accepted as sufficient proof of residence to enable entry to Spain.



You are strongly advised to contact your airline before travelling to confirm your proof of residency meets the requirements of your airline.



For details of the restrictions and requirements for entry to Spain please see: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain

### Grant Shapps deals MASSIVE double blow to travel

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps urged radio listeners this morning not to book summer holidays, adding that they were 'illegal'.



Speaking on BBC Radio 4, he said: "Please don't go ahead and book a holiday for something which at this stage is illegal."

Some listeners might have been confused by what he said and misled into thinking that even booking a holiday is illegal.

The Transport Secretary went on to say that it was too early to know whether we'll be able to travel this summer.

"You want to wait until that is clear before booking. Do nothing at this stage."

Vaccine passports

In what appears to be a Government u-turn, Mr Shapps also confirmed reports that he is discussing with other countries around the world the introduction of vaccine passports.

Last week, the vaccine minister Nadhim Zahawi said vaccine passports would be 'discriminatory'. In a BBC interview he said that if people needed proof of their Covid vaccination to travel they would need to contact their GP.

However, it has since emerged that a technology company has been hired by the Government to develop an app to store personal vaccination details.

When questioned by the BBC this morning, Mr Shapps said that the Government had never ruled out vaccination passports for travel, he said it had only dismissed the idea of a 'passport' to enter venues in the UK.

He said he was talking to other countries, including Singapore about creating an 'internationally recognised system' for vaccination passports.

"When it comes to international travel, just like you have the yellow fever card I imagine in the future countries will want to know that you have had the [Covid] vaccine or a test."

His comments will could further dent bookings for future travel since customers will be reluctant to book until they know when and how they'll be able to get proof of their vaccination.

At the moment, people who receive their Covid inoculation aren't given any proof they've been jabbed.

His comments will also cause concern for younger travellers who won't be eligible for vaccines until beyond the summer, if at all. It seems possible they will have to continue to pay for multiple Covid tests, as will families with children, who won't be vaccinated.

### Britons returning from 30 countries likely to be forced into quarantine hotels

Britons returning from up to 30 countries are expected to be forced quarantine in designated hotels in plans to be announced by the Home Secretary later today.



Included will be those flying in from countries in southern Africa and south America, where new variants of Covid-19 have been detected.

The list is also thought to include Portugal due to its links with Brazil, which has a particularly high rate of Covid infections and where a new variant of the virus was first detected.

There is already a ban on international arrivals from these countries but returning Brits will have to isolate in hotels for up to 10 days before being allowed home. It is also understood they will have to pick up the bill, which is likely to be around £1,000 to £1,500 per person.

Details of the policy are due to be announced in the House of Commons later today by Priti Patel.

But airlines are warning that extending the UK's border controls to hotel quarantines will 'plunge the aviation and travel industry deeper into crisis'.

British Airways, easyJet and Virgin Atlantic have written to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson demanding 'an urgent roadmap for the reopening of air travel'.

"It is essential that a clear set of conditions are agreed allowing for the easing of all travel restrictions. This roadmap is vital for retaining consumer confidence and securing the future of UK aviation as we approach the critical summer trading period," they wrote.

"UK airlines cannot survive a second summer season without meaningful revenue."

International airline body IATA questioned if the quarantine was necessary. A spokesperson told the Independent: "Coming only two weeks after the government announced further restrictions at the border, new rules on hotel quarantine will plunge the aviation and travel industry deeper into crisis.

"There are several vital questions that need to be answered.

"What is the scientific assessment of the further advantage to public health to be achieved from mandatory hotel quarantine given a flight ban is already in place?

"What economic impact assessment has been drawn up, especially for the UK's global connectivity, the aviation industry, and vital air cargo arrivals such as vaccines?

"If ministers cannot answer these key questions, it damages public confidence that there is a coherent strategy for suppressing Covid-19 and a roadmap in place for returning to normal life."

### Shops to Close Early

The Generalitat announces the total closure of the hotel industry in the Valencian Community and the closure of commerce (including gyms and with the exception of essential services such as food, pharmacies) at 6:00 p.m., measures that will come into force this Thursday at 00.00 and for 14 days.

Ximo Puig has announced these new restrictions for Alicante, Valencia and Castellón and has also advanced that he will ask the Government to advance the curfew at 8:00 p.m.

### Valencia Decrees Total Closure of Hospitality

The Generalitat has decided to decree the total closure of the hospitality industry due to the expansion of the coronavirus pandemic in the Valencian Community, as confirmed by sources from the Presidency.

The 'President' of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, will appear to explain the new anti-Covid measures after the meeting of the interdepartmental commission for the prevention and updating of Covid-19 that was held this morning to analyse the latest data and Study the possibility of applying new measures, according to sources from the Presidency.

### UK rules on pre-departure Covid tests delayed until Monday

New rules requiring international travellers to take a pre-departure Covid test before arriving in England will be delayed until the early hours of Monday.



Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said last night the delay will give passengers more time to prepare.

The rules were originally due to be introduced at 4am tomorrow.

"To give international arrivals more times to prepare, passengers will be required to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test before departure to England from Monday 18 January at 4am," he said on Twitter.

"Passengers must remember to complete a Passenger Locator Form before arriving back into England. Anyone without proof of a negative test face fines of £500."

The Department for Transport also published more details of the test requirements, setting out that they must meet performance standards of ≥97% specificity, ≥80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml.

Assuming the test meets those specifications, travellers can take a PCR, LAMP or antigen test, the DfT said.

People returning from St Lucia, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda will be exempt from the new rules until 21 January due to a lack of testing facilities on the Caribbean islands.

The regulations also apply to returning UK nationals, but not to those entering from Ireland, any other part of the UK, the Falkland Islands, Ascension and St Helena.

### BANNED FROM EU: APPLES, BEEF, CHEESE AND OTHER ITEMS YOU CANNOT TAKE IN BAGGAGE

The UK’s decision to leave the European Union means travellers face bans on a wide range of goods.






As a Dutch television report showed, border officials have been confiscating sandwiches from motorists arriving in the Netherlands from the UK – with one frontier guard telling a driver: “Welcome to the Brexit, sir.”




Many items are now prohibited from travellers’ baggage. These are the most significant rules.


What foods are banned?


“POAO” – products of animal origin –  and most fruit.




The ban on meat and dairy extends to items such as cakes that contain fresh cream and confectionery “made with high levels of unprocessed dairy ingredients”.




There is an exemption for powdered infant milk, infant food, and special foods required for medical reasons; they must weigh less than 2kg and be packaged, proprietary brand products.

Other specific exemptions are "olives stuffed with fish” and “pasta and noodles, if processed or cooked (but not if mixed or filled with meat or meat products)”.


Vegetables and most fruit are also banned – though bananas, coconuts, dates, pineapples and durians are permitted.




Fish weighing up to 20kg are permitted, though for the specific case of sturgeon caviar the limit is 125g.




“Products other than those described above which do not contain meat or milk (eg honey)” are limited to 2kg.



What about duty-free?
The prices of alcohol and tobacco for UK travellers outbound to the European Union have fallen, because all sales are now duty free. But there are now strict rules on what you can bring in to the EU: one litre of spirits and 200 cigarettes (though only 40 to Estonia and Romania).


“Other goods” are limited to a total of €430 (£390) for travellers by air and sea.



Fuel?



You can carry up to 10 litres in a portable container, in addition to the fuel contained in your vehicle’s tank.



What is the effect on trips to Northern Ireland?



The rules above apply for journeys from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.




The duty-free regulations only affect goods bought free of duty elsewhere – for example if you buy in Dubai, fly to Manchester and transfer for a domestic flight to Belfast, you will be limited to a litre of spirits, 200 cigarettes and £390 in other goods.



What does the government say?



On 1 January the Northern Ireland secretary, Brandon Lewis, tweeted: “There is no ‘Irish Sea Border’.




"As we have seen today, the important preparations the Govt and businesses have taken to prepare for the end of the Transition Period are keeping goods flowing freely around the country, including between GB and NI.”

### Pre-departure Covid tests to be mandatory in England from Friday

Mandatory Covid testing will be introduced for everyone arriving in England from 4am on Friday, the Government has confirmed today.



All visitors and all residents travelling back to England will need proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken no more than three days before departure.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said the test must be 'of a diagnostic-standard test' such as a PCR, but it said it could 'in some cases' include LAMP and lateral flow tests. Further details will be included in legislation to be published later this week.

Children under 11 are exempt, as are a limited number of other travellers including flight and international rail crew.

Those returning from St Lucia, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda will also be exempt until 21 January due to a lack of testing facilities on the Caribbean islands.

The Government said the mandatory Covid screening is likely to remain in place until the end of the current lockdown, but it will be reviewed.

It said the measure was being introduced due to increasing instances of Covid-19 around the world, including the emergence of new variants.

Anyone arriving in England from a country not on the travel corridor list will also have to self-isolate for up to 10 days, even if they have proof of a negative Covid test, said the DfT. However, they can end their quarantine early if they have a second negative Covid test taken after five days of quarantine.

Airlines, train and ferry operators will be required to check that a passenger has proof of a negative test result before boarding and may ban any customers without a negative test, said the DfT.

Border Force will also conduct further checks upon arrival and there will be minimum fines of £500 for anyone caught entering England without a negative Covid test result.

Operators will also be fined for transporting non-compliant passengers.

Passengers travelling to England from Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey will be exempt.


Travel industry reaction

Airlines said the industry has been lobbying from pre-departure testing, but called for this to be a time-limited measure.

Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said: "This is a national health emergency and Ministers need to act to keep the country safe.

"It is true that much of the sector has been lobbying for pre-departure testing - but this was always predicated on the Government removing or reducing the quarantine period at the same time.

"Now we have both quarantine and pre-departure testing. That's why this new policy needs to be a time-limited, emergency measure only, in place not a second longer than necessary, and with a proper review mechanism once lockdown comes to an end. We cannot afford for this to be baked in over the whole summer.

"The focus must be on returning travel to normal as quickly as possible and removing the need to quarantine or take a test as the UK population is vaccinated. Ideally, as the vaccination roll-out gathers pace and the most at-risk parts of the country are inoculated, we can start to see the economy, and travel, open up, which would enable the sector to have what will be a critical summer season for aviation."

### Ryanair and British Airways continue to refuse refunds for customers who can’t legally travel

National lockdowns in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland make it illegal for anybody to undertake non-essential travel. Yet, British Airways and Ryanair continue to refuse to offer refunds for passengers who would have to break the law to take their flight.



When asked the UK’s five biggest airlines if passengers in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can claim a cash refund if prevented from travelling by lockdown law. Jet2, Tui and easyJet confirmed they could, even if the flight is still operating. British Airways, however,  are not refunding customers for flights that are still operating. Ryanair didn’t respond to our requests for information, but its website says passengers can only rebook rather than claim a refund.

In December, the competition regulator launched an investigation into the refusal of airlines to offer customers cash refunds for flights they could not take because national, regional or local lockdown laws in the UK prevented them from travelling.

What you should do if your airline refuses a cash refund?

Make sure you ask for a cash refund, ideally by email. If the airline refuses or doesn’t communicate with you, then act before your flight takes place by accepting the voucher or rebooking that is offered. The fact that you have asked for a cash refund on record may put you in a better position to retrospectively claim your money, if the Competition and Markets Authority later acts and tells airlines to pay cash refunds.  You should also submit a complaint to the CMA.

 What easyJet, Jet2, TUI, British Airways and Ryanair say about refunds?

 EasyJet lockdown refunds.

EasyJet will offer refunds to all customers. It said: ‘We will be operating flights over the coming days focused on repatriating any customers who need to return to the UK. We urge customers needing to return to transfer onto these flights as soon as possible as options to travel after this date will be reduced. ‘We are contacting customers whose flights are cancelled with their options and all customers unable to travel as a result of the lockdown restrictions, whether their flights are cancelled or scheduled to operate, can transfer their flights to a later date for free, or receive a voucher or a refund. ‘Given the ongoing impact of the pandemic on travel, we continue to call for sector specific support such as has been provided to hospitality, where decisions have directly affected their ability to trade.  The same principle should be applied to aviation.’

 Jet2 lockdown refunds.

Jet2 has cancelled all holidays and flights until 11 February, with customers getting a full refund. It said:  ‘We have taken the decision to extend the suspension of flights and holidays up to and including 11 February 2021. Where customers yet to travel are affected by any programme changes, we have been repeatedly recognised for how we have been looking after them, and we will be automatically cancelling these bookings with a full refund. ‘For customers due to travel from 12 February onwards, we will provide another update closer to the time.’

 TUI lockdown refunds.

Tui too says flight and holiday customers can claim a full refund. It said: ‘As a result of the latest national lockdown measures announced on 4 January 2021 all TUI holidays will be cancelled. Customers due to travel from an English airport before mid-February will be contacted in departure date in order to discuss their options, which will include amending to another holiday with an incentive, receiving an ATOL-protected refund credit note with incentive, or cancelling and receiving a full refund. ‘All holidays from Scotland and Wales have been cancelled until 31 January with the same options. We will constantly review holiday cancellations in line with updated travel advice.’

 British Airways lockdown refunds.

British Airways is refunding customers whose flights are cancelled but not those where the flight is still operating. They must rebook or accept a voucher. It said:  ‘We are reviewing our flight schedule​ following the announcement of new national lockdown restrictions. Our focus is on keeping crucial air links open – transporting vital goods and ensuring people who are permitted to travel can continue to do so safely. ​As always, if a customer’s flight is cancelled we offer a range of options including a full refund.​‘We have issued more than 2.9m refunds, 1.9m vouchers for future travel and we continue to offer highly flexible booking policies to our customers during this unprecedented pandemic.’ For British Airways Holidays customers the policy is better. It says:  ‘Customers due to depart by 12 February 2021 will be offered a refund for their holiday. Our teams continue to monitor the situation and update our policy accordingly.’

 Ryanair lockdown refunds.

Ryanair didn’t respond to requests for comment.  The Ryanair website says customers whose flights have been cancelled can claim a refund, but not for customers whose flights are operating. Passengers can change the date of their flight, but will have to pay any fare difference, and only up to 30 April – when we may well still be in lockdown. It said:  ‘A small number of flights will operate to/from the UK primarily to facilitate UK passengers stranded abroad and to support passengers who need to travel for essential reasons. For passengers (booked on these operating flights) who do not wish to travel prior to 31st Jan 2021, Ryanair will facilitate a flight change, where no change fee will apply (any difference in fare will be charged), to any new date up to 30th April 2021. Any passenger whose flight has been cancelled can also move to these operating flights, subject to availability.‘

### Arrivals to England - including Brits - will need to show a negative test before entry

Passengers arriving from all international destinations will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test result before departing for England to help protect against new strains of coronavirus circulating internationally.



Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced that from next week inbound passengers arriving by boat, plane or train will have to take a test up to than 72 hours before departing the country they are in, to help protect against the new strains of coronavirus such as those seen in Denmark and South Africa.

Today’s (8 January 2021) decisive action is in response to the changes seen in the transmission of the virus both domestically and across the globe. Pre-departure testing will protect travel and will provide an additional layer of safety from imported cases of coronavirus on top of the mandatory 10 day self-isolation for arrivals, helping identify people who may currently be infectious and preventing them from travelling to England.

A negative pre-departure test reduces the risk of someone travelling whilst infectious, acting as another safeguard to prevent imported infections. Passengers arriving from countries not on the government’s travel corridor list must self-isolate for 10 days regardless of their pre-departure test result to provide further robust protection from those travelling from high-risk countries.

Prior to departure passengers will need to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test result to carriers, as well as their passenger locator form. The UK Border Force will conduct spot checks on arrival into England to ensure that passengers are fully compliant.

The move further bolsters existing protective measures which helped to safely enable international travel last year, with self-isolation for new arrivals and travel corridors remaining critical in reducing the risk of imported cases from high-risk countries.

Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps said:
"We already have significant measures in place to prevent imported cases of COVID-19, but with new strains of the virus developing internationally we must take further precautions.
Taken together with the existing mandatory self-isolation period for passengers returning from high-risk countries, pre-departure tests will provide a further line of defence - helping us control the virus as we roll out the vaccine at pace over the coming weeks."

National lockdown restrictions which came into force on 6 January 2021 remain in place meaning everyone must stay at home unless travelling for a very limited set of reasons, including for work.

Permitted travellers will need to take their test up to 72 hours before departure, and this will apply irrespective of whether a country is on the travel corridor list. The government will set out the standards that these tests will need to meet and what proof passengers will need to present.

Passengers arriving into England who have successfully demonstrated a negative result prior to departure from a country not on the travel corridor list will still have the option to reduce the self-isolation period from 10 to as little as 5 days by paying for a test through the Test to Release scheme. The scheme requires a test to be taken on or after the fifth full day since leaving a country not on the travel corridor list.

Passengers will be required to show their negative test result before boarding, and transport operators will deny boarding if necessary. On arrival back into the UK, Border Force will check passengers test results through the current spot check regime, to ensure that individuals are compliant with the new rules, and passengers will be subject to an immediate fine of £500.

There will be a limited number of exemptions, including for hauliers, children under 11, crews and for those who travelling from countries without the infrastructure available to deliver the tests. Further exemptions will be set out on GOV.UK.

This follows the recent decision to temporarily suspend direct travel from South Africa to England after new evidence emerged from health authorities reporting an outbreak of a variant strain of coronavirus spreading to some local communities.

Those who travel indirectly from South Africa must self-isolate for 10 days.

All travellers will still be required to complete a passenger locator form before arrival into England. This is critical in being able to track the virus in case of any local outbreaks, and those who fail to complete a passenger locator form will be subject to an increased fine of £500.

### Ryanair warns it may axe all UK flights from the end of January

Ryanair may cut all flights from the UK and Ireland from the end of January as it blasted governments in both countries for their 'draconian' approach to Covid.




The drastic warning came as the budget carrier said the new lockdowns will see January traffic fall to under 1.25 million passengers, and plummet further to 500,000 in February and March.

The airline said it will 'significantly' cut its number of flights from 21 January and will operate 'few, if any flights to/from Ireland or the UK from the end of January until such time as these draconian travel restrictions are removed'.

Ryanair called on the UK and Ireland governments to accelerate the pace of the vaccine roll out.

It cited the example of Denmark which it said had vaccinated 40,000 people by 6 January while Ireland had vaccinated just 4,000.

The fresh cuts in flights will reduce traffic forecasts from 'below 35m' to between 26m and 30m passengers.

Ryanair said in a statement that vaccinations, rather than lockdowns, were the way out of the crisis.

"The WHO have previously confirmed that Governments should do everything possible to avoid brutal lockdowns, because lockdowns "do not get rid of the virus"," a spokesperson said.

"Ireland's Covid-19 travel restrictions are already the most stringent in Europe, and so these new flight restrictions are inexplicable and ineffective when Ireland continues to operate an open border between the Republic and the North of Ireland.

NPHET (Ireland's Public Health Team), which we believe has mismanaged many aspects of Ireland's Covid response (face masks, test & trace, international travel, care homes and meat factories), should now release a daily report of the number of vaccines administered in Ireland, and explain why they continue to run behind the vaccination rates of other similar sized EU countries.

Vaccinations rather than lockdowns is the way out of this Covid-19 crisis, and the sooner NPHET takes action to accelerate Ireland's vaccine rollout speed, the better."

### Fighting Crime Through WhatsApp

The Local Police and Guardia Civil are combining resources through a WhatsApp chat group, where retailers, hoteliers, taxi drivers and others with business interests can share information about suspicious or criminal behaviour in order to create a network of watchful eyes across the town.



Torrevieja already has one of the most advanced CCTV systems in the country, but nothing is more useful than people on the ground keeping watch, and that is what the group aims to achieve.

Known as the Prevecom system, which was presented by the councillor for Police and Commerce, Federico Alarcón and Rosario Martínez, along with representatives of the Guardia Civil and the Local Police, the system is intended to create several groups segmented by areas where participants can alert of risky situations and provide descriptions of suspects.

 

### Environmental Boost for Municipalities

The Alicante provincial government has launched a half-a-million-euro funding package to help municipalities turn back the tide of global warming.



Respect, care and protection of the environment is the message being prioritised by the Diputación and are calling on local councils to use the funding for investing in green areas around the municipalities.

The Committee on the Environment and Energy Saving has approved the distribution of the funds and locally we will see towns such as Albatera, Bigastro, Dolores, Guardamar del Segura, and San Miguel de Salinas all benefit, amongst others.

The money is aimed at the replenishment of existing green areas, as well as creating new ones, so that nature can then take over and feed from the environmentally rich areas around the otherwise urban zones.

There are also other grants available for those municipalities who would like to investigate ways of reducing pollution and dangerous emissions into the environment, with details about that element being prepared now, ready for publication in the next few weeks.

### Quirónsalud will perform free mammography tests for the early detection of breast cancer

Quirónsalud Alicante and Torrevieja Hospitals have launched a breast cancer prevention campaign by conducting free mammography tests to mark the world breast cancer day to be held on 19 October. Early diagnosis of the disease through mammography screening reduces the mortality rate by 15% to 20%. Mammography screening will be done from 21 to 25 October for women aged 40 and over who have not had a mammogram in 2019.
 
Additionally, the Quirónsalud Torrevieja hospital centre is participating in the organisation of an information stand for the International Day against Breast Cancer, where we will offer advice on preventing this illness and the importance of early diagnosis. The forum will include the participation of members of the Asociación de Familiares y Enfermos de Cáncer de Torrevieja (AFECÁNCER, Spanish acronym for the Torrevieja Association of Cancer Patients and Family Members). In addition, in order to promote self-examination, Quirónsalud has created a guide, which will be printed and handed out at the stand.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the female population in Spain, making up 29% of all cancers; it is estimated that one out of every eight women will suffer breast cancer. The increase in cases is due to the aging of the population, since its highest incidence is in women over fifty, although the incidence in women under forty has risen by 10% in the last few years. The reason for this increase in cases may be due to lifestyle changes, a tendency to have less children, the increased age women have their first pregnancy, and a history of the disease in direct family members.

How to access the tests in each hospital centre:
 
The mammogram period will be October 21-25
 
Quirónsalud Alicante

Women interested to undergo the screening may request information at Quirónsalud Alicante Hospital from Friday, 18 October onwards from Monday to Friday. To book your appointment via phone, call 650 828 163 from 10 am to 2 pm, or send an email to info.alicante@quironsalud.es or visit the website http://www.quironsalud.es/alicante/es. Appointments are allocated until all slots assigned by the department are full through a medical prescription.

Quirónsalud Torrevieja
 
Women who are interested to undergo the screening at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital may request information from the hospital via phone, call 966 90 95 06 from 10 am to 2 pm, or send an email to prevencion.trv@quironsalud.es or visit the website http://www.quironsalud.es/torrevieja/es. Appointments are allocated until all slots assigned by the department are full through a medical prescription.

### Fifteen Hundred Fatalities around Dolores

Whilst insurance companies are still calculating the material costs of the damage caused by the recent flooding across the region, and friends and families still mourning those who lost their lives, the department of justice has already counted 1,450 animals that perished in the waters caused by the DANA.



The regional minister for justice, Gabriela Bravo, presented the startling account during a meeting at the Municipal Emergency Coordination Centre in Dolores. The centre, known as Cecopal, is tasked with coordinating the repair and recovery operation following the downpour which occurred between the 11th and 14th of this month.

Even though weeks have passed since the incident, a team of experts is still working in the area of Dolores, Almoradí, San Fulgencio and Daya Vieja, with 45 forest firefighters with two pumps, 8 veterinarians and 42 Protección Civil volunteers amongst them, with part of their role being the recovery of the dead animals.

The animals so far recovered have mainly been poultry, sheep and pigs, although there are domestic animals who were also caught in the catastrophe.

The next meeting of Cecopal in Dolores will be on Monday, when the decision to scale down the operation is expected to be made, although water has still not completely drained from many areas, most of which are being monitored by drones.

The organic matter is also being monitored to make sure that any public health risk is kept to a minimum, as there is a risk of the spread of disease, as well as ensuring insecticidal treatments that are being applied to ponds of stagnant water to prevent the proliferation of mosquito larvae.

Of course, the account and figures are only representative of the area around Dolores and the municipalities the emergency workers there are serving. The figure will be much higher across the entire region where animals have been seen in some places decaying for over a week, unable to be recovered.

### The King and Queen Set to Visit

The King and Queen of Spain are planning a visit to the area next week, set to see first-hand the devastation caused by the recent flooding.

Don Felipe and Doña Letizia visited the Canary Islands last week so see the damage caused by fires which swept through the forest areas, affecting more than 10,000 hectares of land.



The Royal couple flew by helicopter over the islands before meeting with the people on the ground, both those who had dealt with the firefighting, and those affected by the impact.

Next week, the King and Queen are planning a trip to this area, visiting Orihuela and Los Alcázares, to see the progress being made after the flooding, whilst the cleaning operation continues.

### Buzzing Around the Environment

Although the occasional rains of summer may have been a brief but welcome break to the continual hot and dry spells of previous years, the rain has brought an unpleasant legacy along with it.

The extra rain through August has added water to the ground, feeding plants and animals, it has added to the dwindling supplies in the reservoirs, and it has topped up the local lakes, a naturally beautiful site in the area, but the home to what many people consider to be one of the worst insects ever created by evolution or a god, the annoying little creature called the mosquito.

Nobody likes them, but they do perform a function in nature, as food if nothing else.

Last weekend, the beaches near Gran Alacant were as popular as we might expect at the end of summer, but the beaches soon emptied when a crown of unruly and uncaring blood-suckers turned up, as clouds of mosquitoes descended on the sandy area and scared the bathers away, with some people reporting receiving up to 60 bites.

The problem on the beaches of Arenales del Sol originated in the natural parkland at Clot de Galvany, home to many protected birds, where mosquitoes proliferate.

According to local neighbours, they have been denouncing the situation for years and asked to council to fumigate the area before the rains.

However, we must also remember that fumigation is poison. So the requests the human residents make to fumigate are as much a request to poison the land and the air that they breathe.

Not only that, the environmental impact of disturbing the ecosystem is potentially disastrous. A walk through the bird-rich area may reveal purple martins, swallows, geese, terns, ducks and migratory songbirds, but as all of these birds eat mosquitoes, the question of what would happen to them as their food source is killed off is of vital and potentially fatal importance.

How far does the impact of pesticides reach?

Bats too eat mosquitoes, and with bats being protected in Spain as they face extinction, we have to question the same, what impact removing or poisoning a food might have on them.

It is also important to remember that areas such as Gran Alacant were built around the natural environment of Clot de Galvany, that environment was there first, and is no doubt a selling point for property in the area, but when the natural lands are destroyed or the ecosystem disturbed, the chances of it becoming a desolate wasteland increases.

Torrevieja faces a similar dilema. As the homes and businesses were constructed around the natural park land, the human inhabitants took over. Those living closer to the lakes have again complained for years, and the town hall have contracted a private company to spread poison to control the annoyance, but environmentalists have already noticed a reduction in some species of birds visiting the area.

It will perhaps come as a surprise however that in Torrevieja it is the supposedly environmentally focussed Los Verdes who are kicking up a stink demanding fumigation, seemingly ignorant to any potential damage that pesticides can cause to the environment, other insects, animals, the food chain, and even humans.

In a press release, the “greens” have denounced the “dereliction of duties” of the now ruling Partido Popular government, and their lack of action dealing with the “pests”.

A “dereliction of duties” that the government hasn´t subjected residents to this, according to the GREEN party, Los Verdes!

Residents of most of the city are suffering from the proliferation of mosquitoes and cockroaches both in their homes and on the streets, they say, and have recorded complaints from La Torreta, Los Balcones, Via Verde, Acequión, amongst others, and they, “do not understand that in other populations, such as Alicante, there has been emergency fumigations to prevent the proliferation of these insects, especially after rains of recent weeks, while in our city has not taken action.”

There is a fear of mosquitoes within humankind, a trip to places such as Gandía will show huge publicity campaigns along the street warning of the dangers of the Tiger Mosquito for example, but for the majority, they are an often uncomfortable, sometimes painful annoyance.

Perhaps the solution is not a quick fix killing spree of poisoning the environment with chemicals, but a conscious approach to dealing with the problem might offer a more sustainable and equally effective solution.

Many towns who are concerned with ecology and sustainability are installing bat boxes near areas where mosquitoes live. In addition to mozzies, bats can help control the populations of beetles, moths and leafhoppers. Even the very presence of bats in an area can reduce insect populations as many insects can hear bats up to 100 feet away and will keep their distance from areas occupied by bats.

Moreover, this solution does not have to be in the hands of the authorities, you too can do your bit. For between as little as 10 to 30 euro, you could purchase your own bat box and install it at your home. Of course you will have to do a little bit of research to find the best location and method of operation, and it might not prove an instant success, especially as we must also remember that mosquitoes only form a small portion of a bat´s diet, but if more of these bat boxes were installed rather than spreading poison, even a small initial improvement is a bonus, not only as it provides a potential home for an endangered species, but it may well help to control the human´s intolerance of insects without the potentially poisoning consequences.

An environmentally sound method adopted by some administrations which help to preserve endangered species at the same time as controlling pests.

### Body Found in Torrevieja Home

A woman's body was found on Thursday in a house in Torrevieja. There were no apparent signs of violence or a disturbance and an autopsy is being carried out.



The woman was found in an apartment located on Calle San Pascual after the Local Police asked fire fighters to access the premises on account of a "strong odour" coming from inside.

After gaining access, firefighters found the body of the woman, aged 71 and of Spanish nationality, who apparently lived alone.

As is usual in these cases, the Guardia Civil has opened an investigation into the death, although they are expecting natural causes to be the outcome.

### Pedestrian Killed near Park of Nations

A woman, said by emergency services to be 68-years-of-age, was knocked down and killed on Tuesday near Torrevieja´s Park of Nations.



The woman was crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing when an articulated truck collided with her as it was leaving the N-332 main road on the slip road that leads to the main entry and exit route to Torrevieja.

A paramedic ambulance was sent to the scene but medics could do nothing to save the life of the woman who received fatal injuries in the incident.

The road was closed for around 3 hours whist the initial investigation was carried out, until the coroner approved the release of the scene.

The Guardia Civil have taken over the investigation and they subjected the Portuguese truck driver to a breathalyser test, which proved negative.

### Quesada in Fiesta

Although the event has already begun, this weekend marks the climax of the annual fiestas in Quesada, just down the road from Torrevieja, in honour of San Justo.



The mayor of Rojales, Antonio Pérez Garcia, has welcomed everybody to the event, which he describes as being for all the family and friends. That notion sums up the general mood, as everyone is indeed welcome to the party.

You can pick up the full schedule from the tourist information office, but on Friday night there is an international music group playing, “The New Wave”, with rock and pop music starting at 10:30 p.m., followed by a disco until 05:30 a.m.



Saturday is the most important day however, with bouncy castles set up in the main area on Plaza Blanca, before the carnival parade sets off at 10:00 p.m., with prizes on offer for the best groups taking part. Again, a disco will take over until 05:30 in the morning.

On Sunday there is a performance from the “Sofía Sánchez” school of dance, and rumba from “Arte Pallá”, fireworks at midnight, and the disco through the night once more.

 

### Mama Mia! Here we go AGAIN

If you´re a fan of the music of ABBA, then Torrevieja´s International Auditorium is the place to go for a spectacular event on 9 August.



Tickets are already on sale for Abba Live TV, a dramatized concert that honours the Swedish quartet, with discounts available for the “Friends” of the auditorium.

This show is billed as “not a simple tribute”, but an “unforgettable show”, as Abba Live TV creates a montage that begins the moment you enter the doors of the auditorium, where you are immersed into the feeling of being part of the recording of a television show, turning the stage into a set full of cameras, technical equipment and with a presenter, a charismatic showman, all ready to play their part in the magical illusion.

Abba Live TV is an unforgettable show, with a visually stunning staging, and dramatically fun, with incredible voices, impressive choreographies, comic moments and, above all, good live music.

The show starts at 10 p.m. on August 9, and with the show likely to sell out quickly, especially when word starts to spread, like jungle drums - Can you hear the drums - It´s a good idea to get your tickets early.

### This Week’s English Film at the Cinema in Torrevieja

The IMF cinema in Torrevieja shows one film in English (Original Version) every day of the week. Occasionally, there might be two on. The film in English is always scheduled for 18.00h.

 

This week, from Friday 19 July, the film shown in English is The Lion King (2019), with Donald Glover, Beyoncé and Seth Rogen.

 

Original title: The Lion King (2019)

 

Cast: Donald Glover, Beyoncé and Seth Rogen

 

Director: Jon Favreau

Running Time: 1hr 58 min

Release day: 19 July 2019

Genre: Animation, Drama, Adventure

Country: USA

 

Produced by: Walt Disney Pictures

Synopsis: Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny on the plains of Africa. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub's arrival. Scar, Mufasa's brother -- and former heir to the throne -- has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is soon ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba's exile. Now, with help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba must figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.

 

Date: Friday 19 July – Thursday 25 July 2019

 

Time: 18.00h

 

Place: IMF cinema

 

Address: Polígono San José 10, Calle Francisco Alonso Lorenzo, 2, 03184 Torrevieja

 

Entrance: 7€ every day except Monday and Wednesday (spectators’ day) when it’s 5€. Tickets can be purchased online at entradas.com.

 

### Quirónsalud participates in the Euromelanoma Campaign

Hospital Quirónsalud Valencia and Centro Médico Quirónsalud Alicante are collaborating with the Euromelanoma Campaign, providing free mole examinations from June 25 to 28 in Valencia, and June 26 to 28 in Alicante. Those interested in undergoing these examinations must request a prior appointment at 960 019 852 in the case of the Valencia hospital centre, and on the website www.euromelanoma.org or at 915434535 in the case of Centro Médico de Alicante.

Every year, 5 thousand new cases of melanoma are diagnosed in Spain, together with 75 thousand non-melanoma skin cancer cases. “Melanoma is the skin cancer with the worst prognosis. However, if it is detected early, there is an 80% probability of curing it,” assures Doctor José María Ricart, Head of the Dermatology Service at Quirónsalud Valencia and the Instituto Médico Ricart, “additionally,” he adds, “complete information about melanoma is the most important prevention measure, since anticipating diagnosis reduced the possibility of it becoming mortal by almost 90%.” The dermatologist insists on the importance of having annual check-ups, since estimates show that four out of every ten Spaniards will get skin cancer at some point in their lives.
The symptoms presented by this type of skin cancer appear as an alteration in a pigmented lesion, which experiences a change in size, colour or shape. As Doctor José Carlos Pascual, Coordinator of the Dermatology Service at Centro Médico de Quirónsalud Alicante explains, “we use the “ABCDE” rule to detect possible skin cancer: A is a reference to asymmetry of the mole, B stands for irregular borders, C means several colours in the same lesion, D is a diameter above 6 mm, and E, perhaps the most relevant characteristic, evolution, in other words, the presence of changes in the mole over the course of weeks or months.” Doctor Pascual recommends performing self-examinations periodically, and in case of any doubts, consulting a specialist.
The physical examination performed by specialist physicians is currently the best mechanism for early detection of melanoma. As Doctor Ricart states, “a dermatologist has tools that increase diagnostic precision, such as dermatoscopy, which allows us to observe the microscopic structures of moles. In addition, in patients with multiple atypical moles, it is essential to have body photographs, due to which following up in the long term is essential, as it enables very close and careful control of the moles each person presents.”
The specialists at Quirónsalud recommend avoiding sun exposure during the hours of highest radiation, and alert about the consequences of sunburns, “because skin may forgive, but it doesn’t forget.” This is why they recommend always using an adequate sunscreen for each skin type, re-applying it every two or three hours, drinking lots of water, and wearing certified sunglasses and adequate clothing. The sun is the main risk factor for developing the disease. Doctor Pascual explains that having suffered more than three sunburns during childhood multiples the risk of melanoma appearing.” People with multiple moles or with a family history of melanoma are also at greater risk.
Spanish dermatologists have participated in this European campaign for the detection and awareness of skin cancer since the year 2000. At a European level, at least 33 countries intervene in Euromelanoma, and so far, over 450,000 free examinations have been provided.
 
High Effectiveness of Mohs’ Surgery in the Treatment of Skin Cancer
 
The Dermatology Service at Hospital Quirónsalud Valencia is part of the small number of centres that remove skin tumours using Mohs’ Micrographic Surgery, which allows for an immediate examination of the scope of the lesion. “For the performance of this surgical technique,” explains Doctor Ricart, “the dermatologist extracts the tumour tissue and reconstructs the area; the pathologist analyses it through the microscope in order to identify all the cancer’s roots, and detect possible residual tumours that require further resection.” This surgery achieves a high percentage of healing, while also avoiding the destruction of healthy tissue.

### Cycle Tour on Pre-Tour Tour

Champion cyclists are working their way around the country at the moment, stopping off far and wide for photo calls, all as part of a promotional campaign to make sure everybody knows the importance of this year´s cycling tour of Spain, La Vuelta.



This year, the race is even more important for the local area of Torrevieja, as the event starts from the Salinas de Torrevieja on 24 August, before meandering through over three-thousand kilometres of terrain to finish in Madrid on 15 September.

"Cycling is a sport that stands and falls by its closeness", says Javier Guillén, CEO of La Vuelta. "That is why we seek to immerse our partners in the best experience they can have. Our intention is to retain our customers by conveying the emotion and passion we feel whilst doing the Vuelta," he adds.

### Beach Handball Returns to La Zenia

La Zenia beach will be taken over by a major sporting competition next month, as the beach handball competition, 'Arena 1000 Playas de Orihuela', takes place.



The event will run between the 5th and 7th of July on playa Cala Bosque in La Zenia in Orihuela.

According to the councillor who launched the event this week, Víctor Valverde, "This tournament is of major importance at the national level and is held in our city for the second year in a row which demonstrates the ability of Orihuela to organise events of great relevance. It places us on the national map for something positive and healthy, like a municipality that bets on sports. Beach handball is great fun, and I invite everyone to attend the championship because you will have a great time."

This national tournament, which is part of the Arena Handball Tour, will have 110 teams and the categories will be divided into infant, cadet, juvenile and senior, all with male and female competitors. In addition, the final will be broadcast live on TV, on the Teledeporte channel.

Last year, the 2018 competition saw 20 hours of live streaming through Teledeporte, with more than 200,000 viewers seeing the beauty of Orihuela´s beaches, and over 1,235,000 interactions on social networks.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Stargazing From the Heart of Nature

On Saturday, 22 June, the first Astronomical Encounter Experience will be held at the Lagunas de La Mata and Torrevieja.



A full day of activities has been organised, coinciding with the Summer Solstice, with the whole family welcome to take part.

Starting at 10:00 in the morning, workshops will be held at the visitor´s centre at the park, and then at 5:00 p.m. there will be a conference about asteroids, artificial satellites and solar storms.

Finally, starting at 7:30 p.m. and running through the night, telescopes will be available in the car park near to the cemetery so that visitors can observe the various planets, stars and astronomical activities.

As always at the events held in the natural park, you are invited to bring along a picnic to enjoy during the break. You are also advised to wear appropriate clothing and be conscious that mosquitoes will be active, and so a repellent might be an important choice on the day.

### Submariners Visit Delfin

Submariners currently assigned to the “Mistral” vessel visited Torrevieja this week, in order to take a guided tour of the Delfin submarine which forms part of the museum exhibits in the town.



The current acting mayor, José Manuel Dolòn, and councillor Domingo Pérez Domingo Soler, welcomed the commander of the Mistral, Jorge Garrido Maestre, and the crew to the town hall, where gifts were exchanged before visiting the submarine which is located in the harbour.

For some of the crew it was more of a welcome home, as they had previously served on the Delfin before it was decommissioned and donated to Torrevieja to be part of the Sea and Salt museum.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

### Future Master Chefs from Torrevieja

Torrevieja town hall is to give two scholarships to students to study the Master of Rice and Mediterranean Cuisine at the University of Alicante, to develop works based on the culture of salt and fishing and use of blue fish, products which feature in traditional Torrevieja gastronomy.



The councillor for Tourism, Fanny Serrano, announced the initiative, accompanied by the coordinator of the headquarters of the University of Alicante in Torrevieja, José Norberto, and the director of Gasterra, Josep Bernabéu, explaining that, "gastronomy is a fundamental part of tourism promotion, which is why we consider it very important to value the two star products of our gastronomy by rewarding work related to salt and blue fish from Torrevieja".

The main objective of the awards is to promote academic excellence and the talent of the students, as well as to generate knowledge about issues that are deeply rooted in the gastronomic culture of the territory and generate interest for the municipality of Torrevieja.

Eligible students will have to have developed their Master's Thesis at the University of Alicante and meet the requirement of being enrolled in the Master of Rice Mediterranean cuisine of the University of Alicante.

This master's degree, which soon opens its registration period for next year, has been supported by prestigious professionals related to the world of gastronomy, oenology, gastronomy journalism and nutrition. Likewise, the students have made training visits to spaces related to the Mediterranean food culture and have carried out their practices in restaurants that have Michelin stars in the province of Alicante.

Thanks to the agreement between the University of Alicante and the City of Torrevieja which has seen the establishment of the university offices in Torrevieja, several promotional activities are being carried out in the field of tourism together with the town hall, which promote the gastronomic, historical, patrimonial and cultural resources of the municipality.

The coordinator of the university headquarters in Torrevieja, José Norberto, has expressed his "gratitude" to the municipality of Torrevieja for having carried out the initiative. He also said that "this type of event show that collaborative work between different administrations always ends up paying off".

For his part, the director of Gasterra, Josep Bernábeu, said that "the future of gastronomy is training, so we would like to continue counting on Torrevieja and give continuity to this collaborative project in the future".

### Live from the Opera House

On Tuesday, the IMF Cinema in Torrevieja will be screening a very special performance, Romeo and Juliet - Live From The Royal Opera House In London.



Shakespeare's everlasting love story is known throughout the world. Since its premiere in 1965 with The Royal Ballet, Romeo and Juliet by Kenneth MacMillan has become a modern classical ballet.

The choreography captures the emotions of the young couple when they fall in love, despite the barriers that finally trigger the tragic end of the story.

Each replenishment provides opportunities for new dancers to interpret the ill-fated lovers.

The whole company brings the colour and action of the Renaissance Verona, where a busy market leads too quickly in a fight with swords and a family dispute gives way to a tragedy for both the mountains and the capulets.

With music by SERGUÉI PROKÓFIEV and choreography by KENNETH MACMILLAN, this unique experience in the plush cinema is one for all the family to enjoy, although it is over 3 hours long, so might not be suitable for the littlest ones.

The show starts at 20:15 and tickets are available from the cinema.

 





[codepeople-post-map]

### Cleaning the Sea

The Habaneras shopping centre in Torrevieja has launched a poignant display, coinciding with World Environment Day, of a shark ingesting plastic litter.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Using the hashtag #YoSoyTorrevieja, the campaign aims at raising awareness of waste, particularly plastic, and the harm it does to the marine environment.

The Habaneras shark is made from wire mesh and is doubling us as a receptacle for plastic bottles, and once full, will seek to highlight the amount of deadly plastic marine creatures are investing, mostly thanks to poor disposal techniques of the planet´s human inhabitants.

The display has gone a step further and is promoting cycling as a more eco-friendly means of transport, and the use of bags for life, rather than disposable plastic. In addition, the centre is launching “Shark Patrol”, a group of volunteers who will take to the beaches and the sea and collect litter, although you don´t have to be a part of a group to do that, each and every one of us can do our bit by picking up or taking away just a single piece of litter each day, as well as our own of course.

The effects on the marine eco system may not seem to be on our doorstep, but the human destruction is going far deeper than plastic waste disposal, for an environment that needs to be so delicately balanced.

At the moment, chemists in the area are stocking up on jellyfish sting treatments in preparation for another invasion of the coastline this year. These creatures would not normally come so close to the beach, but as overfishing is reducing their natural food supply they are forced to move to different areas, and inevitably find themselves increasingly close to the shore.

We might feel that there is nothing we can do to help Mother Nature, but just the simplest f tasks can make a difference. Picking up litter, checking before you plant any new species that they are not invasive, shopping local to reduce our transport-based carbon footprint, using reusable bags, or not using any bags at times. Ask yourself, for example, do I really need a plastic bag for those bananas which already come with their own, natural, biodegradable packaging.

Every little helps and we can all play our part, meanwhile, go and visit the shark in Habaneras, ad remember that these beautiful creatures also live on our coastline, we don´t want to interfere with their home, any more than you would probably want them to interfere with ours.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Promoting Shopping in Torrevieja

Despite many local retailers suffering from the domination of the likes of the Habaneras and the Zenia Boulevard shopping centres in recent years, there has been a new revival of local stores in Torrevieja, and now, a major bank is getting behind small businesses with a campaign to promote their use.



“We believe in Torrevieja”, is the reassuring slogan of the campaign promoted by the Sabadell bank chain, an institution that took over the local favourite CAM bank, and others, following the financial crisis.

Now, through this campaign, they are offering prizes to shoppers just for using the local stores in the town.

For the whole of June, if you shop in any of the participating stores, you get the chance to enter a prize draw where you can win 3,000 euro to spend in the local shops. This campaign benefits everyone, the local businesses who get the chance to promote their local goods, and the shoppers who could win big, which in turn then helps the businesses again.

The shops participating in the event will display a sticker near the door, so keep a sharp eye out for them. Once you make your purchase or purchases you need to keep the receipt, as that is what entitles you to enter. You then have until the end of September to submit as many receipts gathered during June for the chance to win big.

It´s also a competition where no one leaves empty handed, as you get a specially commissioned shopping bag, featuring iconic imagery of Torrevieja, just for taking part, so long as you´re one of the first 1,000 to enter.

You can get more information from one of the participating stores, of on the dedicated website, creemosen.com/torrevieja

### Torrevieja is Best for Tapas

A recipe deeply rooted in the Vega Baja, prepared by a restaurant in Torrevieja, is the best tapas in the entire Valencia region, according to the judges ot the regional competition, Mejor Tapa MadeinCV.



The dish consists of gallo pedro, otherwise known as Zeus faber, from the Zeidae family, a deep sea pelagic fish with a laterally compressed body, served in a pot-based creamy stew and Jaime Rosell extra virgin olive oil, and was prepared by chef José Luis Cases from the Rincón de Capis de Torrevieja.

The competition, which officially closes on Sunday, is intended to “promote the culture of the Valencian region through gourmet products made with local produce.”

A total of 32 small bars and restaurants took part in the final of the competition, from a total of 60 that were shortlisted.

Second place went to a restaurant in Alicante, thanks to chef Carlos Quintillán from Restaurante El Suquet de Castaños, and third place went to Valencia, with a dish prepared by Rocío Landete from Bar Jera.

It is only the second time the competition as been held and with many of the finalists coming from the cities of Valencia and Alicante, for Torrevieja to place was credit to the skills of the chef alone, but to win puts the chef in the same league as last year´s champion, Alejandro Platero, from restaurante Saor in the regional capital.

The jury featured a combination of Michelin star-rated chefs, and gastronomy and tourism experts.

If you fancy sampling the dish from the winning chef José Luis Cases then you might have to book, as he will shortly be leaving for The Hague to participate in the World Tapas Competition, which will be held on June 27.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Come along to the May Fair This Weekend

Although nicknamed the “May Fair”, the FERIA DE SEVILLANAS 2019 started this week and runs right through the weekend in the port area of Torrevieja.

The area is set out with temporary bars serving local food and drink, where dancing and singing is the norm, accompanied by spectacular horse displays.

Throughout the weekend, there will be special performances taking place, but you are free to wander at any time throughout the day and enjoy this spectacular event.



Friday 31 May, 2019

20:30 - Performance by the Lola y Arancha Blanco dance centre.

21:30 - Performance by the Municipal School of Dance (director Nuria Girona).

23:00 - Performance by: LA HUNGARA.

 

Saturday 1 June, 2019

12:00 – Mass will be celebrated at theChurch of the Immaculate Conception, the MISA ROCIERA DE LA FERIA DE MAYO 2019, which will be accompanied by the choir from the Casa de Andalucía de Torrevieja.

13:00 - Parade to the fairground area, with horses, musicians, choirs and all attendees moving to the rhythm of Sevillanas.

The horses will remain in the fairground area until 17:00, with displays and carriages on show throughout the afternoon.

20:30 - Performance by the Soul Dance Studio Dance Academy.

21:30 – Performance from the PAYA, S school.

23:00 - Performance by: MANU TENORIO.

 

Sunday 2 June, 2019

12:00 - Horse and carriage displays will be showcased at the parade area throughout the afternoon.

20:30 - Performance by the EMBRUJO dance group from the casa de Andalucía.

21:30 – Performance by the Dharma dance school.

22:40 - Closing of the event.

23:00 - Performance of RAYA REAL

 

The whole event will be presented by Pepe Ruiz, a journalist and broadcaster with ONDA CERO VEGA Baja.

Dress to impress. See you there!

### Provisional 2020 Regional Fiesta Calendar Released

The labour and works committee of the Valencia government has approved the submission of the working calendar for 2020, which includes 12 public holidays to be celebrated across the region.



The final draft, which has been approved unanimously by the unions representing workers, as well as representatives of companies and business confederations, will now be submitted to the government for final approval before the end of the year.

The first holiday of the year, perhaps not surprisingly, will be New Year´s Day, 1 January, followed by 6 January for the Epiphany, or “Three Kings”.

In March, father´s day will be recognised once more on the 19th, with the celebration of the feast of San José. We move into Easter in April with the 10th being Good Friday, and Easter Monday, the 13th, also a holiday.

On the 1 May we recognise the rights of the workers with Labour Day, and then in June, the regional fiesta of San Juan will be celebrated on 24th.

Jumping forward through the summer we have the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on August 15, then we have to wait until October for the Valencia regional holiday on the 9th, and then Spain´s national day, celebrated on 12th.

In December, we have the Day of the Immaculate Conception on the 8th, followed by Christmas day on the 25th.

There are of course the local holidays to add to this calendar, but as a basis for the Valencia regional holidays it seems likely that this will go through without any objection, as it follows an already established pattern.

### Torrevieja Brits Arrested in Drugs Find

Officers from the Guardia Civil working at Alicante-Elche Airport have arrested two people on the suspicion of offences against public health, after intercepting a massive amount of drugs.



The officers became aware of a shipment in January which was sent from Ireland to Torrevieja, via the airport. This shipment contained 5,640 zopiclone tablets; a medicine used lately to hypnotise and commit sexual crimes, as the drug causes psychrotrophic, hypnotic sedative effects, and is known to override the will of the consumer. The packages was intercepted at a control point at the airport, and so failed to reach its destination, but alerted the officers to people of interest.

The two people arrested as a result of the find are an Irish citizen, aged 62, and a British citizen, aged 47, both residents of Torrevieja, the latter arrested at airport security whilst trying to leave the country with a cargo of 9,150 tablets.

### Quirónsalud Opens New Centre in Alicante

From Monday, May 20, you may book an appointment at the Alicante healthcare centre.
The centre will open its doors on Monday, May 27, offering almost all medical specialisations, diagnostic tests, laboratory, and general, paediatric and gynaecological accident and emergency service.

The new Centro Médico Quirónsalud Alicante [Quirónsalud Alicante Medical Centre] will open its doors on Monday, May 27, and you are already able to book an appointment for practically all of its medical specialisations, diagnostic tests, laboratory and general, paediatric and gynaecological accident and emergency service. Quirónsalud Alicante is a high-resolution private medical healthcare centre that is part of Grupo Quirónsalud, which is present in 13 autonomous communities with over 100 centres. Quirónsalud is the leader in private healthcare, approaching people through experience and innovation, to offer each patient the most personalised care.
Centro Médico Quirónsalud Alicante is focused on health understood as prevention, diagnosis, treatment and healthcare education for the patient. A state-of-the-art digital hospital centre, associated with the main insurance companies, and with the vocation of offering integral, personalised and quality care, seeking the wellbeing of the patient and his or her family members.
They offer an image diagnosis service with the latest technology, to provide the best care for the patient, including x-ray equipment, 5D diagnostic gynaecological sonogram, echocardiogram (trans-oesophageal and trans-thoracic), heart rehabilitation and home monitoring for patients with cardiac devices, sports stress tests with oxygen consumption, Holter EKG, up to 72-hour early arrhythmia detection, 3D dental CT scanning and 2 endoscopy theatres. In addition, the centre will have a magnetic resonance machine (available in 2020), which will offer exceptional image quality of the human body thanks to cutting-edge software.
The centre is a building planned around the patient, with a lot of light and large spaces in all its areas, equipped with the latest technology. Additionally, the centre has a digital directory integrated into its system, which is automatically updated to include all the doctors available for consultation at any given time, and a shift management system to avoid long waiting times.
Quirónsalud Alicante is at the forefront of private healthcare in Alicante in terms of technological equipment, as well as comfort and benefits for both the patient and the processionals providing their services at the centre. We bet on a healthcare model in which the main goal is to care for people’s health, putting them at the epicentre of our activities. We offer a full service portfolio with the capacity to provide integral attention for the patient in all the different medical-surgical specialisations and diagnostic and therapeutic tests.

Incorporation of Professionals
Their policy is focused on having the professionals with the highest qualifications and prestige as allies, offering state-of-the-art technology, paying special attention to quality of care in an environment with a high level of comfort for our patients and their family members.
Over one hundred professionals in different department and areas have already come on board with Quirónsalud Alicante. The new personnel, which will grow before the end of the year, have received training about Grupo Hospitalario Quirónsalud, and have participated in group activities to help them quickly adapt to the culture and quality of care and services that Quirónsalud provides its patients.

Quirónsalud in the Valencian Community and Region of Murcia
Centro Médico Quirónsalud Alicante joins 7 centres in the Valencian Community and Region of Murcia, to be part of a leading group at the forefront of medicine. We believe in a healthcare attention model in which people are at the epicentre, and which Quirónsalud now places at the disposal of all the people of Alicante, to offer them the best care for their health.
Further information at www.enlasmejoresmanos.com

### Orihuela and Montesinos to get Free EU WiFi Grant

The municipalities of Orihuela and Los Montesinos are amongst fifty towns across Valencia set to benefit from a European Union grant to allow the installation of free public WiFi.



The European Commission announced the results of the second wave of proposals under the WiFi4EU project, from which a total of 51 municipalities in the Valencia region will receive 15,000 euro towards creating free WiFi hotspots in public spaces such as town halls, libraries, museums, parks, squares and other places of public interest.

During the course of the next couple of weeks each municipality will be notified of the requirements of the grant, and invited to sign up to the project and provide the hotspots.

The full list of municipalities in Valencia set to benefit are:

Albalat dels Sorells, Alberic, Alborache, Alcora, Alcoy, Alginet, Altea, Andilla, Aras de los Olmos, Beniarbeig, Benicasim, Benifaió, Beniflá, Buñol, Burjassot, Canet d'En Berenguer, Carcaixent, Carlet, Castellón de la Plana, Chilches, Finestrat, Gandia, Gata de Gorgos, Gátova, Gestalgar, Herbés, Manises, Marines, Massalfassar, Los Montesinos, Mutxamel, Nules, Onil, Orihuela, El Palomar, Paterna, Peniscola, Quartell, Rafelbunyol, Real de Gandía, San Antonio de Benagéber, San Vicente del Raspeig, Sant Mateu, Senyera, Serra, Tales, Utiel, Valencia, Villar del Arzobispo, Villena and Xirivella.

### Surfing Torrevieja

Torrevieja´s councillor for beaches, Javier Manzanares, has begun the process of amending the municipal ordinance to allow surfing in an area of the town.



An area of the beach at La Mata is destined to be allocated as a surfing zone following an agreement reached with local surfers and the surf school.

The location is in the Avenida del Agua area, opposite a rocky area, and therefore not frequented by bathers, thus reducing any risks.

Manzanares said, "I have always shown that I am a man of my word and that I comply with my commitments, and this in particular was of great importance, since the practice of surfing is emerging in many places and is an impetus for the tourism that will have a very positive impact on our city".

[codepeople-post-map]

### Summer School Registration Open

Registration is now open for Torrevieja´s summer school with 300 places available in July and 163 in August, but if you want to sign your kids up you´d better hurry as the registration period closes next week.



The councillor for Social Welfare, Fabiana Ibarra, announced the opening of the registration period for Summer School 2019, explaining that the deadline is 31 May.

The activities themselves will commence on 1 July and registration can be done now though and should be carried out through the PROP office in the town.

Registration is open to all children who, during the 2018-2019 academic year, have been enrolled in Pre-school or Primary Education, who are registered in Torrevieja or whose parents or legal guardians are registered in the municipality.

Pricing depends on whether the family is entitles to a subsidy, and whether the child requires dining services, and can be broken down into a fortnight of monthly subscription, with 100% subsidy available in some cases.

Ibarra explained that "the participants will enjoy a vacation where educational aspects prevail, developed in a natural and relaxed environment that prioritises the creativity and spontaneity of the children".

Any information related to summer schools can be obtained through the Department of Social Welfare, located in Calle Torrevejenses Ausentes, number 39, or by telephoning 96 670 66 66.

### Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre Licence Granted

The Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre in Torrevieja has finally been granted an opening licence, after all relevant compliances have been satisfied.



The centre, which opened in 2005, had been operating without the necessary licence, which ensures safety and security protocols are in place, amongst other things, and suffered a closure to the public as a precautionary measure.

The councillor responsible for licence activities, Fanny Serrano, announced the signing of the document which allows the building to open as both an auditorium and training centre.

The PSOE councillor, who is part of the coalition government who took over the municipal administration in the last elections, ousting the then stronghold of the PP, also pointed out that “most” municipal buildings had been allowed to operate without the mandatory licences by the previous governments.

After discovering the fact through the municipal technicians, the current government restarted the procedures in mid-2016 to be able to grant the necessary opening licence.

In 2017, the local government approved the projects related to the management certification and completion of the facilities for the opening licence, as well as the emergency action plan and the acoustic audit, which were commissioned to adapt to the current urban regulations and enable the granting of the licence.

In November 2018, deficiencies were detected in the fire system which resulted in the temporary and precautionary closure of the property.

After its reopening, the processing of the opening licence continued and has finally been concluded.

Serrano noted that "it is much easier to grant the opening license to a building before its inauguration occurs than when you have to grant it when it has been in operation for many years where, in addition, the building itself has suffered wear and had been undergoing maintenance work throughout all this time."

 

### Alicante Beats April Airport Record

The number of passengers travelling Alicante-Elche Airport grew by 9.7% to over 1.3 million people in April, coinciding with the Easter holidays, while the regional´s capital, Valencia Airport registered an increase of 12.9%, with 752,055 passengers. During the first 4 months of the year, 3.9 million passengers travelled through Alicante airport compared to 2.4 million at the Valencia hub.



In total, 1,341,713 passengers used Alicante-Elche Airport in April, according to the state agency AENA, an increase of 9.7% compared to last year, with the majority being international travellers, 1,188,803 passengers, an increase of 9.1%, while domestic travel increased by 15.9% to 152,438 passengers.

Of the international traffic, the countries with the highest passenger demand in April were the United Kingdom, with 528,737 passengers; followed by Germany with 91,725; The Netherlands with 84,476; Belgium with 71,742; Norway with 70,789 and Sweden with 58,529 passengers.

In terms of operations, the Alicante-Elche Airport managed a total of 9,073 flights in April, 7.3% more than during the same month of the previous year, although we must remember that Easter week fell mostly into the March figures in 2018, whilst this year it was entirely in April.

The Alicante installation was one of the four that in 2018 once again surpassed the 10 million passenger mark, although in all cases with annual growth rates were well below that of the busiest airports. Thus, Málaga-Costa del Sol saw more than 19 million people (2.1%), Alicante-Elche almost 14 million (2%), Gran Canaria 13.5 million (3.7%) and Tenerife South more than 11 million (-1.8%).

[codepeople-post-map]

### Could You Run a Marathon?

Torrevieja town hall has issued notice of a tender which is open for the management of the half marathon sporting race in the town.



The councillor for Sports, Víctor Ferrández, stated that after spending the last two years preparing the requirements for the tender, in order to satisfy the necessary legal requirements, prospective bidders have until 5 June to submit their tender, with the documents and full information available on the town hall website, torrevieja.es.

However, it won´t be an easy race for the bidders to win, as the requirements are now stricter than ever for the company who will be awarded the almost 300,000 euro contract, as they will also have to provide four ambulances, two of them for patient transfer and two of providing life support, which is double the previous requirement, as well as the installation of a small field hospital with a doctor and medical support staff, in addition to the one physiotherapist required in the previous tender.

### Elche Firm Creates Employee Time Record System

All companies in Spain must comply with new legislation that forces records of employee working hours to be kept and audited.



In order to try to make this easier for everyone, a company from Elche has created a system which enables staff to book on and off duty with a phone call.

The system is designed to assist companies having to deal with new laws which force them to record the working hours of their staff. Workers can sign on and off duty from any device, whether it is a computer, tablet or mobile phone.

The company, Siptize, which is part of the Miguel Hernández University in Elche, created the system to allow companies to adhere to the new laws aimed at protecting the rights of workers with ease, whilst also making it simple for those workers to have their times monitored.

The worker makes a call at both the start and end of their shift, which is then recorded by the system that can provide a detailed report on the hours worked by each member of staff.

The spokesperson for the company, José Vicente Manresa, explained how the system cannot be distorted, “We ensure that calls are made from the workplace and the person who corresponds in each case,” and so the data is completely secure and in the hands of the worker who is recording their hours.

“Our aim is effective and simple solutions that comply with the new legislation,” Manresa concluded.

[codepeople-post-map]

### New Exhibition Opens This Weekend

A new exhibition opens this weekend, on until July in Torrevieja.



A new exhibition at the Vista Alegre hall in Torrevieja will showcase the work of Alejandro Carpintero.

Entitled, "El verano precintado", the inauguration takes place on Friday 10 May, 2019, at 8 p.m. and will be a feature at the centre until 7 July.

Alejandro Carpintero (Madrid 1981), holds a degree in Fine Arts from the Complutense University of Madrid. In 2006 he was awarded a scholarship by the University of Leeds Metropolitan Arts (Yorkshire, UK) and two of his works are permanently at the museum MEAM (European Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona) and the Frida Kahlo Foundation.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Quirónsalud is the leader in patient care for international tourists and residents

Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Valencia Hospitals are benchmarks in the Valencian Community offering an international approach with “in house” translators, international admission and bilingual medical staff
 
Healthcare industry is one of the sectors with the most promising future in the economy of the Valencian Community. The rapid growth in recent decades in terms of training of human talent and infrastructure investments have made it to excel in the country and there is an ever increasing influx of Spanish and foreign patients seeking healthcare at our hospitals. The wonderful personal care, cutting-edge technologies and qualified healthcare personnel at hand stand out.
 
Quirónsalud hospitals are international hospitals of excellence, equipped with a team of highly qualified professionals and cutting-edge technology. We provide you a wide range of medical specialities, hence making us an internationally recognised multidisciplinary centre both in the field of oncology surgery as well as in the other medical and surgical specialities. Having cutting-edge technology, at present, we are the best equiped private hospitals in the Valencian Community. With over 25 years of experience, around 800 people have worked and are working every day to provide care to its patients. Given their location; Valencia located in the city centre and Torrevieja in the tourist town par excellence, they have become a benchmark for health tourism and foreign citizens who seek to settle in these places.

Total international guidance, a key feature for internationalisation
Hyperspecialisation, be it terms of treatments or in specific countries, as well as "Total guidance" of the entire hospital for the international patient, are the keys to the success to attract citizens from other nationalities who wish to undergo any kind of medical treatment outside their home country.
As pointed out by Francisco Fiestras, the managing director of Quirónsalud Levante Region, “Any hospital that wants to be an international facility must be oriented and set this way right from the beginning, what necessarily happens at an international admissions department that respects the culture of those patients, as “it does not make sense to treat a Russian or a French patient exactly in the same fashion.”
Fiestras, emphasises that we are dealing with international patients who travel, who seek excellent care, involving least bureaucracy; patients who have to find all the facilities for their transfer and treatment, which includes, for example, translation services, or the presence of a prior free flow of communication with them so that on the same day or arrival they may be able to undergo the necessary tests, their case may be assessed by the medical team, and if possible, to begin treatment on that same day.
This requires that care is absolutely oriented towards that type of patient, “all diagnostic tests are done based on a protocol so that everything is done on time, undergo clinical session with professionals to determine the treatment to be applied, and start it.”
At Quirónsalud, we can proudly emphasise that we have an international department open 24 hours a day to cater to patients in any language at any time of the day, our hospitals also have specific wards for international patients and offer a translation service with eight interpreters at Quirónsalud Torrevieja and five interpreters at Quirónsalud Valencia besides many other languages.



[codepeople-post-map]

### Gala Animalista in Torrevieja

On Tuesday, 30 April, the Virgen del Carmen centre in Torrevieja will host the first ever, “Gala Animalista”, paying tribute to the work of volunteers, collaborators and the security services and the work they do for animal welfare.



Torrevieja´s councillor for animal protection, Carmen Morate, launched the event, explaining how the aim is to recognise those who dedicate their time to animal welfare, "I invite all citizens, lovers and defenders of animals, all the followers of our social networks, the shelters, the adopters, the walkers, and especially the volunteers who in their day to day lives guarantee the welfare of the animals in the Municipal Shelter, to the first Gala Animalista”.

It might seem surprising but a dedicated department for animal welfare in Torrevieja was only set up n 2015, and so the event pays tribute to those who have been involved from the start and through the current administration.

The event starts at 8 p.m. at the Virgen del Carmen centre on Tuesday evening and everyone is welcome to take part.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Urban Painting Competition on Now

Until Saturday, 27 April, Torrevieja will be hosting its first ever “Urban Beauty Contest”.



The artists 'Jacobo Palos Way', 'Chakan', 'M33', 'Kike', 'Eneko', 'Max501', 'Nego' and 'Dheser', will participate in the contest by showing their works of urban art in a total of 10 facades

A total of 13 facades entered the contest, so 3 have been eliminated.

All work must be completed by noon on Saturday when the jury will deliberate and determine the winners, announcing their decision during a workshop arranged by the University Headquarters of the UA in Torrevieja for the same day, from 10 am to 1 pm.

The jury is made up of professors from the municipal school of painting, local painters, specialists from the University of Alicante and technicians from the Youth Council. The artistic quality and the originality reflected in the work will be valued mainly.

The councillor for youth, Víctor Ferrández, explained how prizes of 1000 euro for first place, a second of 600 euro and a third of 400 euro, are all up for grabs by the remaining competitors. The workshop has been arranged by the Department of Youth together with the Headquarters of the University of Alicante in Torrevieja on Saturday to introduce urban art to young people aged between 12 and 17, and will take place on Paseo Juan Aparicio, in front of the CIAJ, from 10:00 a.m. until 13:00.

Those interested and interested should register for free on the website http://torreviejaua.eventbrite.es/.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Guardia Civil Exhibition at Zenia Boulevard

On 4th May, the Guardia Civil are holding an exhibition featuring some of their departments on the municipal car park next to the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre on the Orihuela Costa.



The event is part of the celebrations commemorating the 175th anniversary of the Guardia Civil, and will feature live displays from the dog section, a helicopter, and static displays from Tadex explosive specialists, mountain rescue teams, the fiscal and judicial police, divers, security services, and the traffic department, amongst others.

The event starts at 10:00 in the morning with the first dog show (Cinológico) at 11:00, and runs through the afternoon, finishing at 18:00 with the final display.



A similar exhibition was held in Torrevieja recently, although this location on the Orihuela Costa allows for more people to visit as there is ample parking at the shopping centre across the way.

 



[codepeople-post-map]

### School Damage Inspected Following Easter Storms

Torrevieja´s councillor for Education, José Hurtado, accompanied by technicians from the Department of Works and Services, visited the CEIP Romualdo Ballester school in order to assess damage caused by the heavy rain over the Easter weekend.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
The team checked the worst affected areas and, according to their initial assessment, are due to faulty performance by the company that was awarded maintenance of schools, rather than the reported worst rain in over 70 years being to blame.
However, Hurtado did say that the council are awaiting official reports from the architect at the Department of Works and Services and, once it is complete, will consider action against the company responsible for the maintenance.
The mayor of the city, José Manuel Dolón, reported that the rain this weekend had been the worst in 73 years, with over 200 litres per square metre falling in some areas, resulting in severe flooding, as seen in the video below.

### Mayor Meets New Hospital Director

In an informal meeting this week, the mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolon, met with the new Managing Director of the University Hospital of Torrevieja, Eva Baró, and the medical director of Primary Care, Hipólito Caro.



The purpose of the meeting was for the mayor to meet the new management team of the hospital, after Dr. Baró replaced Dr. José Antonio Velasco.

During the relaxed meeting the team discussed various topics, such as the recruitment of medical personnel and the problems expected in the future as many of the current medical staff are heading towards retirement age.

 

### Easter Saturday Flooding - In Pictures

Many people in Torrevieja woke on Easter Saturday to find themselves isolated, as overnight rain brought extensive flooding to parts of the town, blocking off roads and resulting in emergency protocols to be launched.

Public transport was shut down, Easter parades cancelled, and emergency workers struggled to free people who had found themselves in difficulties in their vehicles, whilst many homes and businesses suffered flooding.

Some 200 litres per square metre of rain was recorded, resulting in some of the worse flooding in recent years, despite extensive work to try to minimise damage caused by the weather.


			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
		







[codepeople-post-map]

### International Cup 2019 Football Tournament in Torrevieja

Torrevieja has been chosen again for the celebration of the 'International Cup 2019' football tournament, where sport, coexistence, fun and training will be the order of proceedings in an event that takes place until Sunday, April 2.



On the local side, CF Torrevieja and the Promesas de Torrevieja CD will participate in the tournament with a total of 18 teams. The Councillor for Sports of the City of Torrevieja, Víctor Ferrández, has indicated that "about 1000 participants and about 2500 companions are expected, so the total number can be around 4,000 people, which will have a considerable economic impact and ensure great hotel occupation during these vacation days."

The schedules of all the participating categories and all the information related to the tournament can be found at the web portal http://torreviejacuplive.com.

### Mobile Phone Dangers Escalating

This week, we recognised the now global event to raise awareness of the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving, but still the message isn´t getting through to some people who are risking their own lives, and the lives of others, just to get noticed on social media, and it´s not just the drivers who are creating the risk.

The latest occurrence of social media madness has been recorded on a road in Fuerteventura, where footage shows a young man with his mobile phone in hand, opening the door on the passenger side of a moving vehicle, bringing his body halfway out, and recording the passing landscape as the background for his #selfie.
It was the passenger in a car that was following the vehicle that recorded the footage, as the vehicles travelled at speeds in excess of 70 kilometres per hour.
After recording his ultimate selfie, the man was seen struggling to get back into the vehicle in a situation that could so easily have had a very different outcome.


            codepeople-post-map require JavaScript

Excerpt: This week, we recognised the now global event to raise awareness of the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving, but still the message isn´t getting through to some people who are risking their own lives, and the lives of others, just to get noticed on social media, and it´s not just the drivers …

### More Information for Tourists this Easter

The Valencia tourism department has increased coverage for the Easter period, by opening new temporary centres across the region, and ensuring the existing Tourist Information Centres are open at key times during the holiday.



This Easter, there are 26 additional, albeit temporary, tourist information offices, with 13 of them in the Alicante province, including in Torrevieja.

The new information points are located in the municipalities of Altea, Callosa d'En Sarrià, Calp (with two information points), Dénia, Elx (with two offices), Finestrat (two information points) , Santa Pola Gran Alacant, Teulada-Moraira, Xàbia and Torrevieja.

In addition, the existing offices will remain open throughout the holiday season, from Thursday through to Easter Monday in most cases.

Many shops will also be open throughout the holiday, as laws prevent them from opening on Sundays and fiestas don´t apply at key times of touristic value, such as Easter and the summer period.

[codepeople-post-map]

 

### Busy Roads This Weekend

You might think that the roads around Torevieja have been particularly busy over the last week or so, and they  have, but not as busy as they are about to become!



The second phase of the special Easter roads operation will begin on Wednesday across most of Spain, except in the communities of Valencia and Catalonia, when it will begin on the Thursday.

The second phase will end at midnight on Monday, April 22 with the return operation, that will take place from Saturday afternoon and will continue throughout the whole of Sunday and Easter Monday as the Balearic Islands, Catalonia, Valencian Community, Cantabria, Navarra, Basque Country, Castilla la Mancha and La Rioja all recognise Monday as a holiday.

For those areas where the Monday is not a holiday, many of them still give children and students a day off, and so the dynamic of traffic flow is significantly changed in many places.

The good news is that once the weekend is over, the roads will be quieter once again, at least until the summer season begins.

Easter is also seen as a benchmark for summer, in so much as if this period is busy, then it follows that the summer will be too, and as this year appears already to have seen a lot more tourists than last year, the summer of 2019 looks set to be a bumper one.

For more information on the Easter operation, and to see what the Guardia Civil will be up to to control the flow of traffic, or just for general information and advice about driving in Spain, visit the N332 website at n332.es, and for live traffic information, visit the DGT website at dgt.es.

### Torrevieja Arrests in VAT Fraud

Seven people have been arrested in Torrevieja, Benidorm and Alicante, alleged to be part of a group who defrauded 48,000 euro in VAT by importing German vehicles into Spain through their business located in Guardamar, but not paying the tax in either country.



 

The investigation began when officers from the traffic department became aware of a company based in Guardamar del Seguara registering two vehicles to the same person, and two days later transferred them again to third parties.

Following three months analysing documentation, officers from the GIAT group of the Guardia Civil identified seven people involved in what appeared to be a network of vehicle transfer and sale without the VAT being paid.

As well as manipulating documents to show that VAT had been paid, they also used names of other individuals who were not aware of the alleged scam, and falsified their signatures.

Upon becoming aware of suspicion, the company shut down in February, but commenced the same practice under another name, initially delaying the investigation, but not for long.

A total of 12 vehicles have been identified as having been imported without VAT being paid, resulting in the arrest of seven people, five men aged between 38 and 52, and two women aged 26 and 47, arrested in Alicante, Torrevieja and Benidorm.

All have been released on bail with charges pending. Of the 12 vehicles, 3 have been recovered, as they were in the possession of the arrestees, meanwhile, the other 9 have been identified and located and are pending instruction from the tax office as to whether these vehicles should be seized.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Talks to Explain Suma Tax Collection Services

The Suma tax management agency, who operate on behalf of the Provincial Council of Alicante, has launched an outreach program with the aim of explaining their services to foreign residents.



The agency collect municipal taxes such as those for waste disposal and vehicles, and issue bills which have to be paid preferably during the initial “voluntary” period, or afterwards when a supplement is added to the bill.

The first set of information sessions will take place this week, starting on Monday, 8 April in Rojales (10:00 a.m. at the Municipal Centre in Ciudad Quesada), Tuesday 9 in Alfaz del Pi (10:00 a.m. at the Casa de Cultura), Thursday 11 in Denia (10:00 a.m. at the Agencia Comarcal Marina Alta) and Friday 12 in Orihuela (10:00 at the Orihuela Costa town hall.

The talks, which will be in English, are intended to inform foreign taxpayers about their municipal tax obligations, and explain what Suma Tax Management does.

In addition, the talks will showcase the new Suma website, the content of which encompasses access requirements and utilities offered as well as the procedures that can be performed online.

The Suma website, www.suma.es, has an English version and also hosts content in different languages ​​(French, German, Russian) for helping as many people as possible with their bill payments.

Attendees will also be told about the telephone service, also in English, and what to do if you are struggling with your bills.

### Half Naked Body of Woman Found in Torrevieja

Officers from the Guardia Civil are investigating the circumstances which led to the body of a woman being found in Torrevieja on Sunday morning.

The woman, believed to be around 30-years-of-age, was found dead and naked from the waist down on the steps of a building located in an industrial estate where numerous clubs are located on the outskirts of Torrevieja.

The town hall have condemned the death of the woman, and confirmed that a neighbour found the body on Sunday morning and alerted the local police, who in turn contacted the Guardia Civil who are now leading the investigation, although no further details are being released.

[codepeople-post-map]

### New Torrevieja Lidl Store Opens Today

Lidl is set to reopen its Torrevieja store on Thursday, after the shop closed in September for refurbishment, was raised to the ground, and is now a brand new building costing in the region of 3 million euro.

The new store has also created an additional 9 jobs and is part of a major investment strategy in the Valencia region.

Another new store at Burjassot opens on the same day, that one costing 5 million euro, but both investments are dwarfed by the 55 million being spent on a new logistics centre in Cheste, a location famous for its motorcycle race, amongst other things.

Lidl has been operating across Valencia for the last 25 years, creating 1,200 jobs and 70 stores.



[codepeople-post-map]

### Specialists recommend consuming traditional dishes albeit with controlled use of fat

Not eating food at home or excess protein in diets jeopardise the very basis of the Mediterranean diet

Spain has become the healthiest country in the world, as showcased in the Bloomberg Healthiest Country index, and much of the success is due to the Mediterranean diet, according to this organisation. “The reason why our diet is considered to be the healthiest worldwide”, according to Rocío Práxedes, dietitian-nutritionist from the Obesity Unit of Quirónsalud Valencia Hospital, “lies in the fat which we are renowned for, such as fat obtained from olive oil, fatty fish and nuts, as well as the proportions of food items we use to make our most traditional dishes where vegetables and legumes prevail over meat and fish.”

Although introducing traditional dishes in our menu such as gazpacho, paella, escalivada or bullit help to prevent cardiovascular diseases, cancer or diabetes, the dietitian-nutritionist suggests adjusting the amount of fat that we add to each of these recipes to make them really healthy. “For example,” says the nutritionist, “when we cook a paella or any other dish that needs sofrito (sauté), we must remove fat from other meals of the day so as not to exceed the daily recommended use of four tablespoons of oil. The same applies if we prepare a Spanish omelette. We must also be careful while dressing salads and boiled dishes not to exceed that amount. More fat in the diet means more calories, and if we don't have a very active life, it will lead to body weight gain.” A tip, the specialist suggests to place that daily amount in a glass to administer it better and if any day we need more oil in the food to sauté, choose dinner based on the oil that is still left.

 

Pitfalls of the Mediterranean diet

Although the Mediterranean diet is considered the healthiest in the world, we make many mistakes every day while cooking, shopping or eating itself.  “One of the top principles of the Mediterranean diet,” says Carolina Pérez,  the nutritionist at the Obesity Unit of Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Murcia hospitals “is that the family eats together and without television, to encourage talking and exchange experiences and knowledge. However, the reality is that there are no kitchens without television and routines and schedules allow sharing few family moments.”

Another mainstay of its basis lies in the consumption of fruits, vegetables and greens rich in minerals, fibre, carotenoids, antioxidants and vitamins. According to the specialist, we should daily eat three pieces of fruit, a salad preferably at midday for lunch and heat-processed vegetables at night. “But unfortunately there are already many young people and children who do not meet these health standards for lack of example in their homes,” remarks the nutritionist.

The excessive consumption of protein is another mistake. “It seems that if we do not eat meat every day, we are not well fed,” cautions the specialist, “while it is nutritionally recommended to have twice weekly. We must remember that excess animal protein acidifies our body and promotes the occurrence of diseases, especially if they are processed meat products.”

Finally, the nutritionist advises healthy hydration throughout the day with a minimum daily intake of one and a half litres of water. “But increasingly we drink less water, or what is worse, we replace it with sugar-rich juices or carbonated soft drinks,” she concludes.

 

About Quirónsalud

Quirónsalud is the largest hospital group in Spain and the third largest in Europe. The group has more than 35,000 employees in 120 plus healthcare facilities, including 45 hospitals with 6,800 hospital beds. It employs the most advanced technology and a large team of highly specialised and internationally renowned professionals. Some of its facilities include Teknon Medical Centre, Ruber International, Quirónsalud Madrid University Hospital, Jiménez Díaz Foundation, Quirónsalud Barcelona Hospital, Dexeus University Hospital, Gipuzkoa Policlinic, etc.

The Group strives for the promotion of teaching (eight of its hospitals are university hospitals) and medical and scientific research (it has a Healthcare Research Institute under FJD, the only private research centre accredited by the State Secretariat for Research, Development and Innovation).

Likewise, its care service is organised in transversal units and networks that allows optimising the experience gained at various facilities and translating its research into clinical practice. Currently, Quirónsalud is developing more than 1,600 research projects across Spain, and many of its facilities play a leading role in this area and are pioneers in different specialities such as oncology, cardiology, endocrinology, gynaecology, and neurology, among others.

### N332 Needs Your Help

Once again, the N332 Road Safety Project has been nominated and shortlisted in a national award that recognises contributions to road safety.

The “Ponle Freno Citizen 2019” is awarded public vote, and so we need your help to support us.

Representing N332 once again is Francisco Javier Morales Herrera, the original founder of the project group, a serving Guardia Civil traffic officer based in Torrevieja.

The nomination this year has been given thanks to the volunteers and supporters who helped to translate the Spanish Traffic Law eBook, which, as the nomination itself describes, aims to help foreign driver better understand our traffic regulations, hoping to reduce accidents and traffic infractions.

The three finalists are Aura Anahi Chávez López, Francisco Javier Morales Herrera, and José María Gracia.

Everyone at N332 acknowledges the tireless work the other candidates have undertaken.

Whilst travelling on a bus on the Llanes-Oviedo line, Aura Anahi noticed that the driver was in trouble and took control of the bus to bring it to a safe stop, avoiding serious injury, or worse, for the 16 passengers on board.

José María Gracia was a municipal worker who died in 2018, known locally as el ‘hombre semáforo’, he regulated traffic for 20 years in the Zaragoza town of Quinto, as the school crossing patrol, “lollipop man”.

Finally, we have Francisco Javier Morales Herrera, a Guardia Civil traffic officer who first devised and set up the N332 project, which developed into a Facebook page, a website cataloguing news and articles, outreach work within the community, and this latest major project, the translation of the Spanish Traffic Law into English.

Much as we do recognise the work of the others, and we respect the work that they do tremendously, we are asking now for your help to vote for Francisco, who is representing everyone behind the project who have taken it to where we are today.

Winning the award, which is nationally recognised, will help raise awareness of the need for such documents as the traffic law to be available in multiple languages, or at least English, as it is vital, in fact life-essential, that these safety-critical laws are understood.

The nomination alone adds strength to the project and our ability to lobby for important change like this, whilst still continuing to develop, whereas winning would prove our argument for the need of this to be done, across all platforms.

Voting is easy. All you have to do is visit the page of the organisers, at https://compromiso.atresmedia.com/ponlefreno/premios/2019/vota-ciudadano-ponle-freno-2019_201903205c923ea80cf24e4f1c6643ad.html (or visit n332.es where we have put a direct link to make it easier to remember). Then scroll down to where you see Francisco, dressed in the N332 red polo shirt, and click the fifth, the right-hand star in the row of five BELOW the paragraph that describes him.

Click to view slideshow.

You may of course read more about the other finalists and what they have achieved, and you may prefer to vote for them, but you only get one vote, so we ask that you use it to vote for N332, through Francisco, and help raise our profile even further.

Having already been nominated last year, N332 has already become recognised by the four main road safety charity groups in Spain, and the European Commission for Road Safety, but as this is a public vote, it is one of the most important that can be awarded.

We would like to thank you in advance for taking the time to vote, and again, we would like to take this opportunity to extend those thanks to everyone who worked on the eBook project, the translators, and the companies who continue to support our development, all of which the volunteers at N332 would not be able to do without. So thank you.

Excerpt: Once again, the N332 Road Safety Project has been nominated and shortlisted in a national award that recognises contributions to road safety. The “Ponle Freno Citizen 2019” is awarded public vote, and so we need your help to support us. Representing N332 once again is Francisco Javier Morales Herrera, the original founder of the project …

### Five Arrested in Fake Licence Scam

Officers from the National Police have arrested four people for being part of a group who would help people obtain a driving licence by fraudulent means.

The officers also charged a fifth person as alleged perpetrators of criminal offences including the disclosure of secrets, document forgery and crimes against the State Administration.



The arrests were made in Palma de Mallorca, following an investigation into the group who would assist foreign citizens who couldn´t understand Spanish in passing their theoretical test. The group would use technical and electrical devices to achieve this.

The investigators discovered that the examinees entered the examination room with a mobile phone camera, hidden under their clothes and with the camera at an angle to view the exam, so that another person located in the exterior of the Provincial Traffic Headquarters and expert in traffic matters, answered the questions through a headset.

After analysing all the data obtained, the officers arrested an examiner in situ at the time of the test and the expert who was reporting the answers. In addition, they detained two other people, the person in charge and another who was in charge of looking for people with problems in the comprehension and reading of Spanish, for which they would charge between 1,500 and 3,000 euro for the privilege.

So far, the detainees were all of Indian origin, but the officers then arrested a 61-year-old Spaniard whose job was to help them to pass the practical examination.

With the five people already charged, the operation remains open and new arrests are not ruled out.

http://n332.es/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/carné-conducir-palma-editado.mp4

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested four people for being part of a group who would help people obtain a driving licence by fraudulent means. The officers also charged a fifth person as alleged perpetrators of criminal offences including the disclosure of secrets, document forgery and crimes against the State Administration. The arrests were …

### Seat Belts Save Lives – But there is still a reluctance to use them

“…almost a quarter of vehicle occupants choose not to use a seat belt”

“…almost a quarter of the people aged 12 or over who lost their lives were not wearing a seat belt”
All this week, and through the weekend, the DGT is running an intensified surveillance campaign focussing on the use of seat belts, child restraint systems and crash helmets.



The campaign is running across much of Europe, overseen by the international traffic police network, TISPOL.

In Spain, all occupants in a vehicle must wear a seat belt, and this seat belt must be worn properly to be effective, and legal. If there isn´t a seat belt available, then a passenger cannot be carried. Children under 135cm tall must sit in the rear seats and in an approved child restraint system suitable for them. Crash helmets are mandatory on motorbikes and scooters for all riders.

The seat belt is the most effective passive safety element in vehicles and the one that has saved the most lives. According to the data of the ESRA project (Survey of Attitudes of Road Users), carried out in 38 countries, only 80% of people in Spain declared that they have used the seat belt as a driver during driving in the last year, 81% admit having used it as a passenger in the front seat of the car and just 70% as a passenger in the rear seats of the car.

The data shows that although its use is mandatory for all vehicle occupants, there remains a reluctance, with the data showing that almost a quarter of vehicle occupants choose not to use a seat belt.

Given that data, we can then compare that to road traffic incident figures, and we see that in 2017, the last complete year for which data is available, almost a quarter of the people aged 12 or over who lost their lives were not wearing a seat belt, the actual percentage being 24%, a remarkable comparison.

For its part, the World Health Organisation (WHO), also includes in its reports, the importance of the use of the seat belt and calls for countries to include the mandatory use of seat belts in legislation. Approximately 105 countries of the world population have laws that require the use of the seat belt by all occupants of a vehicle, but that is still only 67%.

If it is important that adults use seat belts, and is crucial in the case of children. Adults can make the choice; children learn by example and follow the instructions of the adult when it comes to such matters. In 2017, 5 of the 17 children under 12 years of age who were travelling in cars or vans were not wearing a seat belt, a fact for which the adults were ultimately responsible.

Spanish legislation requires that children under 135 cm in height who travel by vehicle, in addition to travelling with the child restraint system appropriate to their size and weight as required, must be seated in the rear seats of vehicles, except:

 	When the vehicle does not have rear seats
 	When all the rear seats are already occupied by other children of the same characteristics.
 	When it is not possible to install all the child restraint systems in said rear seats.

Only in these cases can children occupy the front seat of the vehicle, but always using the restraint system approved to their size and weight.

Child restraint systems must always be installed in the vehicle in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Excerpt: “…almost a quarter of vehicle occupants choose not to use a seat belt” “…almost a quarter of the people aged 12 or over who lost their lives were not wearing a seat belt” All this week, and through the weekend, the DGT is running an intensified surveillance campaign focussing on the use of seat belts, …

### Women and Constitution: the constitutional reform from gender-sensitive analysis

Tonight (Thursday), at 7:00 pm, you are invited by the Torrevieja Casino Cultural Society to a presentation on women and the constitution, organised by the University of Alicante in Torrevieja and the City Council, through the Department of Equality.



The conference will take place at the Casino Cultural Society of Torrevieja at 19:00 hours, and the presenter will be the Constitutional Law professor at the University of Alicante, María Concepción Torres Díaz.

Admission is free until full capacity.

The paper 'Women and Constitution: the constitutional reform from a gender-sensitive analysis' takes as reference on December 6, 2018, when the Spanish Constitution turned 40 years, and uses this emblematic date as a basis to make a disquisition about the need of a revision of the Fundamental Standard from the perspective of women as a constituent subject. In this way, it is intended to offer a reflection on how the law in general, and the constitutional law in particular, has thought (and thinks) of women.

Torres Díaz is also a professor of the Master in Ill-treatment and Gender Violence at UNED. She also teaches in the University Master's Degree in Law at the University of Alicante and is a practicing lawyer at the Murcia Bar Association. She is currently Secretary of the Feminist Network of Constitutional Law and Coordinator of the Teacher Network of Gender and Equality in Constitutional Law and Freedom of Beliefs. Among her many initiatives, she highlights her appearance in the Congress of Deputies before the Subcommittee on Social Network Studies integrated in the Internal Affairs Commission or her participation in the Working Groups and Commissions of the State Council for the Participation of Women for the preparation of the report. of the Strategic Plan for Equality of Opportunities 2013-2016 and 2018-2021.

### Update 1 to eBook – Spanish Traffic Law

As of January, 2019, the maximum permitted speed on secondary roads of Spain changed, and was reduced.

The idea was to simplify the understanding of the speed limits and, primarily, slow down vehicles on these roads where the most injury and fatal incidents occur.

You can read more about the change in the law by clicking here.

This table is a brief overview of the maximum permitted speeds on the roads of Spain.



If you have already downloaded the Spanish Traffic Law eBook, then this has changed in view of this amendment.

The principle change is ARTICLE 48 – Maximum Permitted Speeds on Roads Out of Town. In the eBook, these are pages 133 to 139.

You can click this link to go to the page where you can download the full eBook, either as a single file, or as different parts. Part 3 is the amended one.

Or, you can download the altered parts directly below, right click and choose SAVE FILE AS, or the equivalent, depending on your browser setting.

 	Spanish Traffic Law – Part 03 – Updated for January 2019 amendments
 	Spanish Traffic Law – Part 03 – Replacement pages 133 to 139 only of January 2019 update

Excerpt: As of January, 2019, the maximum permitted speed on secondary roads of Spain changed, and was reduced. The idea was to simplify the understanding of the speed limits and, primarily, slow down vehicles on these roads where the most injury and fatal incidents occur. You can read more about the change in the law by …

### Tiredness and Driving – A Deadly Combination

Tiredness, or fatigue, resulted in 177 deaths and 4,063 injuries, of which 589 were serious enough to require hospitalisation, in a total of 2,722 road traffic incidents in 2017, the last year for which complete data is currently available.



Of the total number of incidents, 2,722, the majority were on the secondary road network, the location where more serious incidents occur than any other road type. Of that total, 2,351 incidents with victims were on secondary roads, where there were 165 deaths and 3,574 people injured, of which 523 were serious.

July, August and September were the months of the year in which there more injury incidents due to fatigue than any other, whereas November, March, February and January respectively saw fewer incidents.

In terms of fatalities, the figure recorded month by month is very similar, although August and November stand out, both with 19 deaths. Similar to the number of incidents per month, February and March saw the least fatalities with 6 and 8 respectively.

Although the majority of fatigue related incidents occur during daylight hours of the working day, between Monday and Friday from 07:00 to 20:00, when there were 1,695 injury incidents which resulted in 105 deaths and 2,471 injuries the days with the highest number in a 24-hour period corresponds to weekends, and in particular Sundays, where there were 556 incidents, then Saturdays with 471 accidents, totalling 1,027, compared to 1,695 incidents between Monday to Friday.

The riskiest time of day is between 07:00 and 14:00, when 852 incidents and 70 fatalities were recorded.

Aside from the statistical data, fatigue is one of the most dangerous and common contributing factors to road traffic incidents, mostly because it is impossible to react to the situation until it is too late, resulting in very serious consequences.

Despite the risks, 55% of drivers in Spain admit to continue driving despite feeling drowsy behind the wheel, according to a study by Linea Directa which reveals 17 million drivers have suffered drowsiness behind the wheel and 8 million have experienced micro dreams.

Some of the habitual recommendations to fight drowsiness include resting well before undertaking a trip, and planning to avoid the most dangerous hours or long trips, especially at night. Make sure that you take a break every 2 hours or 200 kilometres travelled, do not tilt the seat too far back, ventilate the interior well, do not eat a large meal before driving, talk to your passengers and stay properly hydrated during driving. It is also important to try to avoid long and boring stretches, or take more frequent breaks, always respecting the rules of the road.

Excerpt: Tiredness, or fatigue, resulted in 177 deaths and 4,063 injuries, of which 589 were serious enough to require hospitalisation, in a total of 2,722 road traffic incidents in 2017, the last year for which complete data is currently available. Of the total number of incidents, 2,722, the majority were on the secondary road network, the …

### Volvo to Limit Car Speed

Volvo Cars has announced that the manufacturer will limit the maximum speed of all its vehicles to 180 kilometres per hour from 2020 to highlight the dangers excessive speed.



In addition to global, European and national initiatives, Volvo themselves have pledged to do whatever it can to ensure that nobody dies or is seriously injured in one of its vehicles. That pledge is not too futuristic, as the company has set 2020 as the deadline for achieving this.

However, it´s not only people inside the vehicles that the company is concerned about. They are also investigating how a combination of intelligent speed control and so-called “geofencing” technology could automatically limit speeds in areas where there are schools or hospitals for example.

“We want to start a conversation about whether vehicle manufacturers have the right and even the obligation to install technology in cars that changes the behaviour of their drivers, to address speeding, intoxication due to alcohol and drug use, or distractions,” said Volvo president and CEO Hakan Samuelsson.

The problem with speeding is that, above certain speeds, the safety technology in the vehicle and the design of intelligent infrastructure are not enough to prevent serious injuries and deaths in the event of a collision. For that reason speed limits are in force in most Western countries, although speeding is still “ubiquitous” and one of the “most common” reasons for deaths.

Volvo will present ideas to address the problem areas of intoxication and distraction at a security event in Göteborg (Sweden), which will take place on March 20.

This measure comes at a good time for Volvo. The Swedish manufacturer registered an increase in its global sales of 11.3% during the first two months of the year, reaching 93,863 units sold, compared to 84,369 units registered in the same period of the previous year, according to data published by the company.

The automotive firm explained that the sales growth was led by the “solid” performance of the Volvo SUV range, especially by the XC60, followed by the XC40 and the XC90. For its part, the new V60 and the S60 sedan, manufactured in the United States, also contributed to the increase in sales.

Technical stuff:

In the month of February, the company sold a total of 43,184 units, which translates into an increase of 5.5% compared to the 40,930 sold in the same month last year.

By region, the company’s European sales grew by 12.9% in the first two months of 2019, with 49,195 units sold, compared to the same period last year, when it posted sales of 43,571 units. The double-digit growth, as the company argues, was due to the “strong” demand for the XC60 and XC40 SUVs and the new V60.

In China, the company sold 2.2% more in the first two months of the year, up to 18,473 units, compared to the same period last year, when it posted a volume of sales of 18,489 units. In the month of February, however, sales in this region fell by 0.2%.

In the United States, sales reached 12,489 units in the months of January and February, 5.4% more than in the same period of the previous year, when it accounted for 11,850 units sold.

By models, the XC60 was the most sold in February, with sales reaching 12,630 units (in February 2018 they sold 10,308 units), followed by the XC40, with total sales of 8,176 units (in February 2018, 1,580 units were sold) , and of the XC90, with 5,752 units (in February of 2018 6,607 units were sold). The V40 and V40 Cross Country models registered sales of 4,196 units (in February 2018 they sold 6,109 units) and the new V60 Estate sold 3,849 units in February.

Excerpt: Volvo Cars has announced that the manufacturer will limit the maximum speed of all its vehicles to 180 kilometres per hour from 2020 to highlight the dangers excessive speed. In addition to global, European and national initiatives, Volvo themselves have pledged to do whatever it can to ensure that nobody dies or is seriously injured …

### Towing a UK Trailer Abroad – The rules are changing

From 28 March 2019, it is mandatory for certain trailers taken out of the UK to be registered with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).



Trailers with a gross weight of over 750kg used for commercial purposes, and those with a gross weight over 3,500kg which are used towed by private vehicles, must be registered and have the registration documents with the vehicle towing them.

The change is a long awaited compliance by the UK with the requirements of the UN 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which the UK has ratified. Although much of the UK´s traffic law already complies with the convention, the registration of trailers is one element which was outstanding. This will come into force on 28 March 2019.

In order to comply with the agreement, trailers that are used internationally in countries also covered by the convention must be registered, if they fall into the required categories. A full list of countries is available, along with more information, on the UK government website gov.uk/guidance/trailer-registration, where you will see that you do not need to register trailers used in Spain, but you must register if you drive through France, and other countries, if you travel between the UK and Spain.

In order to try to make the process easier, and because there is expected to be a large number of trailers that fall into the categories, the DVLA has launched a new website, where the information on the trailer can be submitted, before the registration certificate is sent to you through the post, and an email confirmation, which will allow you to then have the number plate made which must be displayed on the trailer.

You can register your trailer, and find out more, here: gov.uk/register-trailer-to-take-abroad

Excerpt: From 28 March 2019, it is mandatory for certain trailers taken out of the UK to be registered with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). Trailers with a gross weight of over 750kg used for commercial purposes, and those with a gross weight over 3,500kg which are used towed by private vehicles, must be …

### School Council Approved

Torrevieja´s Municipal School Council, chaired by the town´s Mayor José Manuel Dolón, met last week in an extraordinary session with the aim of renewing the board and welcoming new members who will oversee the educational needs of the municipal´s children.



The first point agreed was that the presidency of the Municipal School Council will remain the same, a post held by the Los Verdes, green party mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón. In addition, the school board member representing the town council will be the councilor for education, José Hurtado.

In addition to the political members, the rest of the school council is made up of experts and interested parties in the field of local education, including six representatives of the teaching and educational services fraternity from within the municipality, six parents of students who are schooled in the institutions, plus an additional four representatives of parents of students of other public centres (one of the FAPA Gabriel Miró of Alicante and three of the FAMPA Enric Valor of Alicante), as well as other parents from other local schools, public and private, and neighbourhood, trade union and administrative representatives.

Once the inauguration of the new members of the Municipal School Council took place, the secretary was appointed, a position that falls to María Victoria López, of the STEPV-Intersindical Valenciana, representative of the teaching staff.

The session concluded with the approval of the calendar of ordinary sessions for the 2019 calendar year, which in principle were scheduled for every third Monday of the month, every two months.

### Torrevieja in World First For Mobility Access

As the annual tourism exposition takes place, FITUR, promoting the values of Spain to the sector, Torrevieja has stood out by offering what they consider to be a world first, a chance for people with reduced mobility or physical restrictions to experience life on board a submarine.



The S-61 Delfin submarine was donated to the town´s Sea and Salt Museum by the Spanish navy when it was decommissioned in 2004. The submarine is one if the static displays of historic and replica artefacts within the museum network, which has already been visited by thousands of people wanting a taste of life aboard a narrow metal tube underwater.

With very limited space and cramped conditions, the sailors in service had to endure proximity clashes that could make life very difficult, especially in the event of some of them not getting along. Now, as a museum piece, friction and a life of weeks or months at sea are no longer a challenge, but getting visitors into and out of the ship is still no easy task, especially as the average tourist perhaps lacks the physical sleekness of the highly trained sailing personnel.

That challenge of opening the limited space to as many people as possible was one taken up by the town council, and now, S-61 Delfin has been adapted so that those with reduced mobility can also enjoy the tours.

It was during the recent FITUR event that Torrevieja´s councillor for tourism, Fanny Serrano, announced that the submarine had become the first of the world to be adapted to people with “functional diversity”. Serrano made the announcement accompanied by the Vice President and Minister for Equality and Inclusive Policies, Mónica Oltra, and the Regional Secretary of Tourism and President of Turisme Comunitat Valenciana, Francesc Colomer, excitedly explaining the achievements of the collective group.

Although the full details of the adaptations were kept for another day, Serrano confessed that “the idea of ​​turning our submarine into an accessible showcase was developed in FITUR two years ago. When we saw the inclusive routes for the first time we thought that Torrevieja had to be there in some way, since we are a city that has always stood out for our hospitality, accepting and helping all kinds of people”.

The councillor wanted to emphasise that “the technical work has been extremely complex, but we believe it has been worthwhile and it is an action that places Torrevieja as a reference in terms of accessible tourism”, pointing out that “our submarine received more than 20,000 visits a year and thanks to this now it will receive many more”.

Serrano also reported that the town hall has received congratulations from the Navy and the Defence Staff, who have also asked that the details be shared in order to use the project as an example to other municipalities.

For its part, the vice president of the Generalitat Valenciana, Monica Oltra, stressed that the regional government aims to achieve “accessible tourism for each and every one of the people, without exception or exclusion”, understanding “accessibility as a right” of all, including sectors that have not been sufficiently taken into account, such as people with some type of disability, but also others such as childre or the elderly.

In this context, it was pointed out that through Turisme Comunitat Valenciana, the 'Strategic Plan for Accessible Tourism 2017-2019' has already been developed, which has a total of five strategic lines and 33 specific actions. The purpose of these new routes is “to implement true inclusive tourism in our territory and guarantee the enjoyment of tourism elements for people with disabilities on an equal footing”.

### Bowls Championships in May

Los Montesinos will become the bowls capital of Spain in May, as the town plays host to a championship tournament.



Some 2,000 people are expected to descend on the town to participate in the competition, which will take place between the 11th and 25th of May.

The councillor for Tourism and Sports in Los Montesinos, Ana Belén Juárez, launched the competition at the FITUR tourism event, explaining how, “Los Montesinos will become the centre of this sport because for two weeks we expect the attendance of the best players in Spain of this very peculiar sport that is English bowls. A sport, which is not well known in Spain but little by little it is becoming more so, especially in our area due to the large number of foreigners who choose our territory to have a house as a second home,”

As far as the competition is concerned, the 200 expected players will compete in different disciplines: singles, doubles, triples and quadruples, in categories of women, men and mixed. And they will have their finale on the 25th, which will be when the semi finals and finals of all the categories will be played, along with a final championship ceremony at the Greenlands Bowls Club in Los Montesinos.

The host club, which already hosted the Valencian Community Championship last September, covers an area of 40,000 square metres on which there is an 8-rink English bowling alley, and is already well known by local bowlers.

### Free TV in fro Hospital Patients

From 15 February, getting sick will now come with at least one bonus, patients in the province´s hospitals will be able to enjoy free TV in their rooms.



For the past 9 years patients have had to subscribe to use the service, although a few free channels were available, but from February the service will be free.

The benefits are that patients will, on average, save 24 euro on their stay, based on a six-day period of televisual entertainment.

Some of the money paid to the service went towards the maintenance, but the regional health body is in the process of drafting a document to renew and modernise the older televisions.

Major hospitals like Alicante General have around 450 televisions in use.

However, not all the local hospitals will offer the free service as those run by private entities will be free to change their rules as they are now.

According to the department of health, converting the service free of charge will cost more than 1.2 million euro per year in the twenty directly managed health departments of the Community, totalling 7,400 beds. The calculation is made from a unit price per team of 300 euro between the costs of replacement, amortization and the necessary maintenance.

Patients have considered it unfair that they had to pay for TV in the past, and don´t understand how or why the hospitals should be making money, especially as many of the patients are elderly and it is the only form of distraction they get whilst in hospital.

Patient groups point out that even prisoners get free TV.

### Collect your Extra Saving Cheques

Regular shoppers at one of Spain´s biggest grocery stores, the French owned Carrefour, are in for a treat this year, as the company has announced that saving cheques will be paid out six times this year, instead of the normal four.



What that means is that shoppers who have been accumulating points since the last payout can now collect what they have accrued.

However, you have to act quick, because you must use your savings before 7 March, 2019. If you don´t use them, you lose them!

The cheques available now are for savings accrued for the period between 22 November, 2018, and 3 January, 2019, so all of your Christmas spending bonuses, if you made any, are available for you to enjoy right now.

So don´t miss out, go and get your cheque and spend it before it expires, and if you´re looking for inspiration, chocolates are always nice. Our address is printed at the front.

### Seven Rescued from Torrevieja Inferno

A total of seven people were injured on Thursday in a house fire in Torrevieja, which had apparently been started intentionally.



According to the reports from the Provincial Fire Consortium, the fire was started by a man who had intended to commit suicide.

Amongst those injured are two fire fighters who attended the incident, and two young girls, said to be aged 5 and 9.

During the blaze, some fifteen people and five pets were evacuated from the building whilst the flames were brought under control.

The Guardia Civil received an urgent call on Thursday morning and two officers attended the building on Calle Dr. Mariano Ruiz Cánovas. The report started that a man had started the fire intentionally, and that he was suffering mental health issues, resulting in his intention to take his own life.

The officers broke into the building, for fear of the safety of the occupants, but were fought back by the flames, despite using several fire extinguishers in their heroic attempt.

The rescue involved creating safe passages trough the flames, and helping victim off the balconies and into the street.

The man who allegedly started the fire was also rescued and was subsequently arrested, although he was placed into the care of medical staff for psychological assistance.

In total, three fire tenders and sixteen fire fighters attended the scene from Torrevieja, along with three ambulances, one of which was a paramedic unit, and they treated a 43-year-old fire fighter who suffered a leg injury, another fire fighter who was also make an 42-years-of-age, suffering from arrhythmia, and the two girls were treated for the effects of smoke inhalation.

The other people treated by medics, all suffering from smoke inhalation, were two women of 31 and 46-years-of-ag, and a man of 76. All those who were treated at the scene were taken to Torrevieja hospital for further care.

As back up, units were also sent to assist from Orihuela and Almoradí. Everyone in the building, human and animals, were rescued by the collective effort.

 

### Carnival Time is Coming

This weekend, visitors to the FITUR tourism event have been treated to a preview of the parade, and now it´s time to get your feathers ready, your colourful frocks prepared, your drums and maracas tuned, and your scary costumes exhumed, because carnival is about to begin in Torrevieja.



The schedule begins on Saturday 2 February, with the proclamation and the coronation of both the Children and Senior Queens, and will finish on 2 March with the famous Night Parade and awards ceremony.

The mayor of Fiestas, Domingo Perez, Perez, who has described these festivities as "one of the great events held by his Council," wanted to highlight the great reception and participation of ensuring that "many people will attend all the planned events" both in the closed sites and, above all, on the street, "since the character of the Mediterranean makes us especially enjoy outdoor parties," he said.

and the new Board of Directors of the Cultural Association Carnival of Torrevieja, with its president at the head, Francisco Pizana Cutillas, announced today the details of the Carnival 2019 in Torrevieja, which will begin next Saturday 2 of February,

Francisco Pizana, the president of the Carnival Board, detailed the program, which begins on Saturday 2 February 2, at 9 p.m. at the International Auditorium, with the opening speech by the Cádiz-born Pepe Moreno Rodríguez, known as 'Pepe el Caja' and the coronation of Ángela Ferrándiz Gómez as Reina Infantil and Paola Fernández Saura as Reina Mayor, both of the comparsa 'Puerto Rico'.

The president of the Association, also reported the importance of the drag queen competition, which has now gained national recognition, and will take place on Saturday 9 February, at 9:30 p.m.

In the same way, between 4 and 5 groups will participate in the National Contest of Chirigotas "Ciudad de Torrevieja", on Saturday 16 February, among which the participation of the Chirigota de Beniajan stand out.

In reference to the parades of the Carnival, the Grand Carnival Parade Contest, which will take place on Sunday 24 February, along its usual route through the town centre, and is expected to see some 31 local comparsas take part.

The main night parade will be on Saturday 2 March, which as a novelty this year, will also be the Contest of Comparsas Foráneas, which will open this parade and which will start this year start at 7:00p.m. Likewise, there will be a grand finale to the Carnival with a party at the Plaza de la Constitución, where all the prizes will be awarded.

There will also be a special carnival day on Sunday 17 February, with bouncy castles and fun for all those taking part, with the hope of bringing everyone together as one, to support coexistence. There will also be a giant paella for 120 people in the Plaza del Sagrado Corazón (La Ermita). The Dance of the Third Age organised by the association will be held on Thursday, February 28 at the Municipal Leisure Centre.

Also as a novelty this year, although it was already foreseen some time ago, there will be a children's parade "The carnival of the cabbages", a small tour with sound-making vehicles, in which the opportunity will be given to the youngest of the cabbages, to wear their costumes. The parade will be on Friday 1 March, and will begin at around 5:00 pm from the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, ending in the Plaza de la Constitución, where chocolate will be offered and there will even by monkeys and entertainment for the little ones.

More information, including the full schedule, will be available from the tourist information office and the town hall, where information on tickets can also be obtained.

### Portable Warning Lights May Become Compulsory

In the event of an incident or breakdown on the roads, we hopefully know the procedure to follow, donning our high visibility vest and placing one or two warning triangles protecting the vehicle, and then summoning help, but it is becoming increasingly apparent that this procedure is not enough.

Whether it´s because the rules are not being followed correctly, or if they are not being followed at all, the number of fatalities and serious injuries in the early part of an incident is of deep concern.

In 2018, two out of every ten people who lost their lives on the high capacity roads of Spain did so outside their vehicle. In total, some 60 people were killed whilst involved in some kind of emergency which they were dealing with, whether that involved placing the triangles or just because they hadn´t been seen, it is a figure that must be reduced.

So, the Ministry of the Interior wants to find out why the signalling of incidents and breakdowns is a problem, especially on motorways where 303 people died in 2018, 23 more than in the previous year. As we have seen already, 20% of these fatalities were “pedestrians”, who are not normally permitted on these roads, except to deal with an emergency, and is the only “negative” data provided by the Minister responsible for the department, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, along with the Director General of Traffic, Pere Navarro, when taking stock of the road incident rate of 2018.

The conclusion that these departments have come up with is that the 60 people who were killed had left their vehicles, equipped with the mandatory high visibility vest, and were in the process of placing the warning triangles, or were already fixing the damage or waiting for roadside assistance.

One of the plausible measures being considered to reduce these surprised deaths is to make the stricken vehicle even more visible, by means of a flashing orange light placed outside the vehicle, on a stable and flat surface, magnetised and with its own power, which would serve as a beacon which would be highly visible on vehicles where are at the roadside.



Such devices are voluntary at the moment, to be used in addition to the hazard warning lights on the vehicle and the mandatory warning triangles and high visibility vests, but the proposal would see them as mandatory for all vehicles to carry and use in the event of an emergency.



Of course, anything which has the potential to reduce road fatalities should be welcomed, but this is not without flaws in itself, as we have seen numerous police and Guardia Civil vehicles completely destroyed when they had stopped on the hard shoulder to assist other road users, these vehicles festooned with flashing lights and reflectors, and yet still a target for the distracted.

Although we know from historic data that the majority of serious incidents occur on the secondary road network, which is being targeted through such improvements as a reduction in the maximum permitted speed in some places, motorways are traditionally safer roads, partly due to their almost sterile environments, and their long stretches of straight sections and smooth curves. That said, complacency may be creeping in, as some 26% of the fatalities that occurred in 2018 were on these high capacity roads. It is worrisome that this figure continues to grow, with a 3% increase over 2017 last year, and 5% more than in 2011.

The orange beacon use would be consistent with the Ministerial Order PCI / 810/2018, published in the BOE on July 31, which ordered the homogenization of the blue colour as a warning indicator for all emergency vehicles and gave a period of two years for that change, and also introduced permission for different types of emergency warning lights being voluntary, from the traditional beacon style, to revolving LED equivalents.

Excerpt: In the event of an incident or breakdown on the roads, we hopefully know the procedure to follow, donning our high visibility vest and placing one or two warning triangles protecting the vehicle, and then summoning help, but it is becoming increasingly apparent that this procedure is not enough. Whether it´s because the rules are …

### Pedestrian Knocked down in Torrevieja

A man, said to be 73-years-old, was knocked down and killed in Torrevieja on Wednesday evening.



The incident occurred at around 19:45 on Wednesday evening.

An emergency medical crew attended the incident but could do nothing to save the life of the pedestrian.

An incident is underway to ascertain the details.

 

Excerpt: A man, said to be 73-years-old, was knocked down and killed in Torrevieja on Wednesday evening.

The incident occurred at around 19:45 on Wednesday evening.
An emergency medical crew attended the incident but could do nothing to save the life of the pe...

### Three Kings Parade on Saturday

This Saturday, the Three Kings will once again arrive in Torrevieja by boat, a scene which has become a tradition in the town, landing at 5:30 p.m. in the fishing port.



The Councillor for fiestas, Domingo Pérez, confirmed the arrangements in a press conference, explaining that their Majesties will spend about 30 minutes at the port greeting the well-wishers, before setting of to prepare for their usual tour of th town centre area.

The planned route is the same as previous years, travelling along calles Ramón y Cajal, Zoa and Ramón Gallud, with the expectation of arriving at the Plaza de la Constitución at around 8 p.m. where the children will be greeted by the kings, finally ending with a special reception at the Town Hall.

The entire route will be fenced off for security, after tragedy has struck too many times in the past, and the giving of sweets will be done by hand, rather than throwing them to the crowd. Grownups are asked to play their part by keeping a watch on children to make sure they don’t pass the security cordons.

The coumcillor also explained that this year there will be a number of side shows available to compliment the parade, and that one of the six has been provided by the Municipal School of Dance.

Before the Kings set sail for their evening parade they will have a busy Saturday before them as they will spend the morning visiting the residents of the residential care homes in the town, as well as the children in Torrevieja hospital.

For the technically minded, you might be interested to know that this year some 240 people will take part in the parade, distributing a ton of sweets, at a total cost of 80,860 euro.

Also, La Mata will have the Cabalgata de Reyes that will begin its journey from the Las Jarras Restaurant at 6 p.m. and end at the Plaza de Encarnación Puchol.

### Torrevieja Fire Station Opens its Doors on Saturday

We all hope that we never need to experience it for real, but have you ever wondered how fire fighters are able to cut victims from car crashes, or how dogs are used in rescue activities? These questions, and many more, will be answered in Torrevieja on Saturday when the fire station opens its doors to visitors and fire fighters perform a number of public displays.

Click to view slideshow.

In addition to showing some of the routines the fire fighters train for, the day is also being used to collect toys and gifts which will then be distributed to the less fortunate, in conjunction with the social welfare department of Torrevieja, the Cruz Roja and the University Hospital of Torrevieja.

The councillor for social welfare in Torrevieja, Fabiana Ibarra, explained that “the fire fighters had this wonderful idea and contacted Social Welfare to help them in the organisation, something we accepted immediately.” The councillor said that “the only thing we ask is that, as far as possible, the toys that are provided are neutral and are not gender stereotypes.”

The presentation this week also involved Borja Guirao, the fire fighter who devised the activity, and José Miguel Robles, sergeant of the fire station of Torrevieja.

Robles explained that “in addition to the solidarity initiative we want to take advantage of the event to offer an open day where different activities will be carried out so that people get to know us and what we do”. Among these activities, there will be an exhibition of extraction at 11:00 and another one by the canine rescue group at 12:00. There will also be a fire fighters uniform on hand for you to have your photograph taken dressed as a fire fighter.

The event takes place on Saturday, 22 December, at the Torrevieja fire station, starting at 11:00 and ending at 1:30 p.m., with toy collections throughout, although everyone is invited along to see the work of the teams who are on hand every day of the year for when we might need them, even though we all hope that we never will.



codepeople-post-map require JavaScript

Excerpt: We all hope that we never need to experience it for real, but have you ever wondered how fire fighters are able to cut victims from car crashes, or how dogs are used in rescue activities? These questions, and many more, will be answered in Torrevieja on Saturday when the fire station opens its doors …

### 2019 Red days and Local Holiday list

For the 2019 working calendar in Spain, there are eight working days which will be considered national holidays, including two which will form a “bridge” around a weekend, as both November 1, All Saints Day , and December 6, Constitution Day, fall on a Friday,

These are the national holidays of course, known as “red days”, and therefore we also have to add regional holidays, such as Valencia day, and local holidays which affect just the town which celebrates them.

The eight national holidays for 2019 are: Año Nuevo (New Year) on Tuesday 1 January, Viernes Santo (Good Friday) on Friday 19 April, Fiesta del Trabajo  (Labour Day) on Wednesday 1 May, la Asunción de la Virgen (the Assumption of the Virgin Mary) on Thursday 15 August, la Fiesta Nacional (Spain’s National Day) on Saturday 12 October, Todos los Santos (All Saints) on Friday 1 November, Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day) on Friday 6 December, and Navidad (Christmas Day) on Wednesday 25 December.

In addition to these eight holidays, all the autonomous communities, with the exception of Valencia and Catalonia, celebrate Holy Thursday on 18 April, but Valencia does recognise Easter Monday on 22 April, as does the Balearic Islands, Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha, Catalonia, Navarra, Basque Country and La Rioja.

As on January 6, the Epiphany of the Lord, falls on Sunday, the communities of Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, Canary Islands, Castilla y León, Extremadura, Madrid, Murcia and Navarra and the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla will move the holiday to Monday 7 January.

Plus, Sunday 8 December, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, will move to Monday 9 December in Aragon, Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla y León, Extremadura, Madrid, La Rioja, Ceuta and Melilla.

Despite missing out on the extension of those two holidays, the Valencia region does celebrate the día de San José on 19 March, also recognised in Galicia, Murcia, Navarra and the Basque Country, but not the day of Santiago Apóstol on 25 July, which will be celebrated in Cantabria, Galicia and the Basque Country.

Castilla-La Mancha will be the only community that celebrates the day of Corpus Christi on 20 June, while San Esteban on 26 December will be a holiday in the Balearic Islands and Catalonia.

In addition to the national and regional holidays, local holidays are also recognised. These can be checked with your local social security office, or the town hall. In Torrevieja, for example, in 2019, in addition to the list above, San Vicente Ferrer is celebrated on Monday 29 April, and Thursday 26 December is also a local holiday.

2019 Holidays in Torrevieja

 	Tuesday 1 January - Año Nuevo (New Year)
 	Tuesday 19 March - Día de San José
 	Friday 19 April - Viernes Santo (Good Friday)
 	Monday 22 April – Lunes de Pascua (Easter Monday) (Valencia Region)
 	Monday 29 April – San Vicente Ferrer (Torrevieja holiday)
 	Wednesday 1 May - Fiesta del Trabajo  (Labour Day)
 	Monday 24 June – Día de San Juan (Valencia Region)
 	Thursday 15 August - la Asunción de la Virgen (the Assumption of the Virgin Mary)
 	Wednesday 9 October - Día de Comunidad Valenciana (Valencia Region)
 	Saturday 12 October - la Fiesta Nacional (Spain’s National Day)
 	Friday 1 November - Todos los Santos (All Saints)
 	Friday 6 December - Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day)
 	Wednesday 25 December - Navidad (Christmas Day)
 	Thursday 26 December – Torrevieja local holiday

### Court Locks up Brits for Drug Distribution Network

Officers from the Guardia Civil have dismantled a criminal organisation which distributed marijuana to an exclusively English speaking patronage.



The arrests took place in Guardamar del Segura, Los Montesinos and Rojales, with four men, all said to be British national, arrested during the search of the homes.

The men have been remanded in custody pending a trial, as well as another one who was the subject of an international arrest warrant.

During the operation, 250 marijuana plants have been seized, along with 6 bottles of liquid cannabis, 250 grams of a substance known as ‘tucibi’ or pink cocaine, a pistol with ammunition, 10,000 euro in cash, 2 vehicles and a boat.

The investigation began in September when officers became aware of the distribution of ‘suspicious’ bags of compost from a house in Los Montesinos. The officers believed the items to be related to the cultivation of marijuana and set up observations.

The investigating officers then discovered that a number of smaller parcels were being sent from the property to Benidorm for distribution, these packages being identified as containing a substance known as the ‘monster’ type.

The four detainees, all British nationals aged between 31 and 64, and the fifth, wanted on the international warrant, have been remanded in custody by the courts in Torrevieja.

### J16 CD Torrevieja vs CD Thader. Our Time!

This coming Saturday 15 December at 18.30h at Torrevieja’s Nelson Mandela Stadium, CD Torrevieja faces CD Thader in the sixteenth match of the season.



The team managed to achieve an important victory in Villena by 0-1, not only for the three points they racked up, but also for the much-needed boost in moral to the team, who had been putting in 110% in their efforts to score goals and add winning points to their total. Our players now return to their home ground this Saturday to play against CD Thader, in a derby, in which CD Torrevieja will be looking to gain a second consecutive win.

We hope that you can all make it for this match on Saturday, when we aim to end the year at home with those three coveted winning points.

### Early Treatment and the Collaboration of Patients and their Environment are Key for Brain Damage Rehabilitation after an Accident

40% of the success in recovery from brain damage lies in the collaboration of patients and their family environments
Quirónsalud Torrevieja has been named a reference centre for the care of traffic accident victims in the province of Alicante
 
One of the most severe lesions that derive from traffic accidents is cranial trauma; it can cause cerebral haemorrhages in different areas and, therefore, functional and cognitive alterations in people. The key to success in the treatment of this type of lesion is found in earliness and intensity when submitting to treatment, in addition to having a multidisciplinary team and the collaboration of patients and their family environments, states Mirko Alavena, Neurology specialist and Coordinator of the Quirónsalud Torrevieja Neurorehabilitation Unit.
As Doctor Alavena explains, “experience has shown us that it is important to start treatment as soon as possible, with intensive therapy in which the whole professional team works towards one recovery objective. The collaboration of patients and families also plays an essential role. In our experience, almost half of the success of rehabilitation from acquired brain damage depends on their active participation in the therapy.”
Personalised, Multidisciplinary Treatment
The most effective therapies for brain damage rehabilitation after a traffic accident are based on multidisciplinary work, in other words, a team of several professionals working with a common recovery objective: including a rehabilitation physician, a neurologist, a psychiatrist, neurological physiotherapists, occupational therapists, neuropsychologists, speech therapists and social workers. “Each patient,” explains the neurorehabilitation specialist, “must have an intensive, personalised daily plan, with an average duration of forty-five minutes each, for hospitalised patients as well as outpatients, with the goal of recovering the damaged functions, increase those that are preserved, and adapt to the limitations that may derive from the brain damage.”
This type of therapy lasts a long time, with an average hospital stay of 2 to 3 months, and continues with outpatient rehabilitation. “The important thing is that families know that, when facing a brain damage lesion, there are alternatives for recovering autonomy; we have cases with 100% recovery, and others in which the patients managed to return to their daily lives with significant independence. It is also important to seek out patient associations and hospital centres, such as Quirónsalud Torrevieja, where the patient can find support and counselling with no obligations,” says Doctor Alavena.
Quirónsalud Torrevieja, Reference Centre in Alicante
Healthcare for traumatic brain injuries caused by a traffic accident is not included in the Public Healthcare service catalogue, since there is a third party that is forced to pay for it (the insurance company or the owner of the vehicle to blame for the accident, if he or she is not insured). This circumstance gives people the right to choose the hospital centre and physicians that will treat the accident victim.
Its recent entry into a covenant with UNESPA [Spanish acronym, Association of Spanish Insurance and Reinsurance Institutions] has turned Hospital Quirónsalud de Torrevieja into the only reference centre for insurance companies in the province of Alicante. In addition to dealing with all the administrative paperwork, the centre has one of the most cutting-edge neurorehabilitation Services for the attention of patient with brain damage in the province.

### Twenty Thousands Alcohol and Drugs Tests Per Day This Week

The DGT launched a special awareness campaign on Monday, aimed at alerting drivers to the dangers of having consumed alcohol or drugs before driving.



As part of the campaign, every day this week, including the weekend, the Guardia Civil Trafico will be conducting 20,000 tests on drivers, to ensure that they are safe behind the wheel.

The campaign coincides with the annual Christmas party week, when many office workers celebrate the festive season, some forgetting the dangers of having consumed alcohol or drugs, and taking to the road as a driver.

The campaign runs in conjunction with TISPOL, the European Traffic Police Organisation, and will see 25 countries across Europe enforcing the law through their own means.

In Spain, the campaign will also be supported by the local and regional police, many of whom will also be out carrying out enforcement checks with equipment provided by the DGT.

According to the Director General of Traffic, Pere Navarro, “the objective of this type of campaign is to make citizens aware that it´s not only alcohol that is incompatible with driving , but other drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, are psychoactive substances that have effects, in many cases lethal, when driving”.

In addition, he added that “the realisation of these preventive controls on the road is along with road safety education, one of the most effective instruments to dissuade the driver from getting behind the wheel if they have consumed any psychoactive substance.”

According to data from the DGT, in 2017 26% of the deceased drivers gave positive results in the tests of alcohol, and of these, 74% presented a rate higher than three times the maximum rate allowed, that is according to the post-mortem data from the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, as well as by the Institutes of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences of Murcia and Galicia,

Although data regarding drug use is relatively young, in terms of the number of years it has been collated, it is now clear that, according to the known data, more than 10% of all drivers have consumed more than the maximum permitted amounts of some form of illegal drug.

Drug use is taken very seriously by the DGT, which is why the penalties are so severe, in line with the penalties for habitual drinkers, or those with dangerously excessive levels of alcohol.

The presence of drugs that can affect driving is punished by a 1,000 euro fine and 6 points, however, it soon becomes a criminal matter rather than an administrative one when, “Driving under the influence of toxic drugs, narcotics or psychotropic substances”, can be punished by, “Prison of three to six months or a fine of six to twelve months or work for the benefit of the community from 30 to 90 days, and deprivation of the right to drive from one to four years.”

Excerpt: The DGT launched a special awareness campaign on Monday, aimed at alerting drivers to the dangers of having consumed alcohol or drugs before driving. As part of the campaign, every day this week, including the weekend, the Guardia Civil Trafico will be conducting 20,000 tests on drivers, to ensure that they are safe behind the …

### Has Your Bike Been Stolen from Around the Torrevieja Area?

If you’ve suffered the theft or loss of a bicycle in the Torrevieja and surrounding area, you could be in luck, as officers from the Guardia Civil have recovered more than 80 in the arrest of four thieves.



Officers from the Guardia Civil in Torrevieja have arrested four men, three of Moroccan nationality, aged 20,38 and 42, and a fourth, aged 20, of Romanian nationality, who are under suspicion of being involved in the theft of almost a hundred bicycles.

A report from the Guardia Civil alleges that the men are involved in a series of crimes, some including robbery with force, as well as thefts, and belonging to a criminal group.

In total, it is believed that the men entered 62 buildings, including storage rooms, garages and homes. The officers have recovered 79 bicycles, 5 frames, and 3 helmets, with a value of around 40,000 euro.

During one robbery, the men stole so many bicycles they discarded some of lesser value to make space for more expensive models.

The Guardia Civil in Torrevieja has now assembled a catalogue of photographs of the bicycles they have recovered, which is available to view by anybody who has recently lost or had their bike stolen.

 

Excerpt: If you’ve suffered the theft or loss of a bicycle in the Torrevieja and surrounding area, you could be in luck, as officers from the Guardia Civil have recovered more than 80 in the arrest of four thieves. Officers from the Guardia Civil in Torrevieja have arrested four men, three of Moroccan nationality, aged 20,38 …

### Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre Reopens Today

The mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón, has signed the decrees which will allow the reopening of both the training and cultural centres, and the auditorium, at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre in Torrevieja.



The Virgen del Carmen Centre reopens, 7 December, 2018



The centre will be able to reopen on Friday, after being closed down amid safety concerns last month, and will open its doors to the public at 4p.m., resuming its cultural schedule.



On November 30, it was necessary to temporarily close all the dependencies of the centre when two serious faults were detected in the fire system. Today, after completing the file on the works that have been necessary to guarantee the security of the fire system, the mayor has proceeded to sign the decrees that left the activities suspended. 



In order to rectify the faults, the work required a series of replacements and corrections to the fire fighting system. The engineer who drafted the activity project of the cultural centre has issued a report certifying that after its repair, fire measures are now effective for the normal development of the activity. Once this certificate has been received, a municipal technician has issued a second report confirming that it is possible to carry out the activity in safe conditions, which is why they have proceeded to issue the corresponding legal report and the signing of the decrees that allow the reopening of the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre from this afternoon.



The mayor's office apologises for the closure, and the inconvenience caused, but must also be praised for acting with the safety of those who attend as their primary concern.

### More than 20 Rescued from Boats off the Coast

The Maritime Rescue Service, supported by the Cruz Roja, have rescued at least 22 people who were travelling in boats off the coast of Torrevieja, intending to reach Spain from Africa.

 

At least 4 of the people rescued are women, plucked from two boats by the Salvamar Mirfak rescue boat, before being transferred to Torrevieja where they will receive humanitarian help from the Cruz Roja.

According to the medical staff on the scene, many of those rescued were displaying symptoms of hypothermia and had to be treated for the condition.

The boats were initially spotted at around 8:30 this morning by a fishing boat, who alerted the authorities of their presence, some 30 miles south of Torrevieja.

### Costa Blanca Tourism Up Again

The Valencia region welcomed 8,278,401 foreign tourists between January and October, 2.5% more than in the same period of the previous year, with the United Kingdom and the Nordic countries as the main origin of those tourists.



The figures are recorded by the National Institute of Statistics in their latest report, released today, which also shows that in October alone there were 5.3% more than last year, with a total 855,849 people visiting the area.

Nationally, Spain received almost 73.9 million foreign tourists in the first ten months of the year, which represents an increase of 0.5% compared to the same period in 2017, after a year-on-year increase of 5% in October, with 7.6 millions of visitors, showing how the Valencia region, and the Costa Blanca in particular, is of great importance.

The origin of the tourists lies firstly with the United Kingdom, with 16.7 million, although that is actually 2.2% fewer; France, with 10.3 million, 1.3% more, and Germany, with a similar number to the French market, although, in this case, it is a decrease of 4.8%.

However, in October, the evolution of the British market was positive, with a rise of 4.6% (1.7 million tourists) and the German market, with an increase of 0.1% (1.2 million), while that France grew by 8.6% (912,542).

In the first ten months, the market that grows the most is the U.S., with an increase of 10.2% (2.6 million tourists) and 23.4% in October, followed by Portuguese, with increases of 9, 7% (2 million) and 21.5%, respectively, and Russia.

Catalonia remains the main autonomous community destination, with 17.1 million international arrivals, despite a fall of 1.2%, followed by the Balearic Islands, with 13.5 million, 0.2% less, and the Canary Islands, which recorded the largest decrease, from 3.5%, to 11.3 million.

The Region of Valencia registered 2.5% more tourists this year (8.3 million), after a rise of 5.3% in October, and Andalusia, 0.9% more (10.5%). million) in the accumulated and 2% more, in the tenth month.

### Cruz Roja Flag Day

If you’re out and about in Torrevieja on Friday, be sure to keep an eye out for Cruz Roja members, who will be offering flags for those who support them with a little donation.



The teams will have information tables set up, one at the Plaza de la Constitución and one near the Hombre del Mar on the sea front promenade, open from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

If you give them any money, they will give you a little flag sticker to wear, showing that you have supported them, and the money will go towards projects supporting children in the community.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Arrest in Major Drug Investigation

Three people have so far been arrested, with other detentions looming, after an investigation by the National Police led to the breakup of a major drug supply network.



The arrests have followed weeks of investigations, resulting in a van being intercepted in Torrevieja, and sixteen thousand euro in cash being found, along with half a kilo of cocaine.

The arrest in Torrevieja was in addition to a raid in Elda, coordinated by the National Police, based in Elche, who had become aware of the network that would distribute narcotics throughout the Alicante province.

Those involved in the network had “perfectly defined” roles within the organisation, with one responsible for purchasing, another for distribution to the street-level network, and the thirs for transporting the drugs.

The vehicle used in the distribution had a special compartment created, hidden in the glove box, so as to avoid detection through routine, basic checks. The hidden compartment was cleverly created and spring loaded, so as to conceal the drugs.

After the first arrest, the other members of the group became “more cautious” with their distribution, but still continues the operation, and so the police added more resources to the investigation, resulting in the further arrests.

The three people are facing charges of being part of a drug trafficking and distribution network, whereas the investigation remains open as other people are also being investigated for the same.

### Mayor calls for Political Unity

In Thursday’s commemorative events recognising 40 years since the birth of Spain as a constitution, the mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón, advocated "working not only to maintain the constitutional consensus, but to expand and improve it."



The head of Torrevieja council stands experienced in supporting unity, as he himself is from a lesser supported group, and stands at the top of a council run through consensus and collaboration, mostly.

The politicians were joined in a flag raising ceremony by members of other political groups, the security services and representatives from schools, public offices and residents who were celebrating the annual act.

In his speech, possibly his last one as leader of the government as elections in May are likely to mean a change to the political canvas, Dolón spoke of values in that "the Constitution was the integrating result of a consensus very difficult to reach at that historical moment". That is why "it was the result of the agreement between the different political and social forces of an era in which we decided to win and succeed together, leaving aside our differences for the good of all, and making political and personal renouncement to find that great common denominator that is called coexisting in freedom ".

 

### Torrevieja on Tourism Barometer of Social Media

The Valencia regional tourism department has published the results of this year’s social media barometer, which shows Torrevieja amongst the most talked about destinations throughout the first six months of this year.



It’s the eleventh time the results have been published, a system which trolls through the likes of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube looking for mentions of areas in the region.

Valencia city is top of the list, followed by Benidorm and Alicante. The regional capital scored 55,141, whereas Torrevieja had 27,298, a figure which is the number of followers on Facebook alone.

Santa Pola also scored well amongst the mid-range sector, and if you’re thinking that maybe Orihuela didn’t do so well because nobody could spell it, the likes of Benicàssim and Berenguer were in the same group.

On Twitter, Valencia is tops once again with 32,360 followers, Alicante is second with 20,469 and Elche is in third place with 12,503. Benidorm is still hanging in just over the 10k group with 10,008, and in the below 10,000 sector Torrevieja and Santa Pola feature once again (still no Orihuela).

As for Instagram, guess who’s top? Yes, Valencia, with 16,916 folllowers, Benidorm in second with 15,607, and Alicante in third with 14,789. In the below 10,000 sector, Torrevieja and Santa Pola are there again, along with Elche. We’ll not even mention Orihuela (oh, too late).

YouTube, the video platform taking over the visual lives of younger people, has offered a surprise, no not that Orihuela features, but in that Valencia is not top. On the video platform, Peñíscola is the leader with 2,403,852 viewers, way ahead of Valencia with 640,265, and Alicante which has 471,205. Torrevieja is somewhere in the list with 189,991, and Santa Pola with 114,061, whereas Orihuela, oh, we did it again!

Anyway, these results were for the first half of the year, you can change it by taking pictures, videos, or just writing about how wonderful the local area is, using hashtags, such as #Orihuela, and sharing your experiences with the rest of the social media world.

### Eleven Arrests in Drug Network Break Up

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested eleven people, one of them a minor, believed to be part of a criminal network which distributed drugs through a tapas bar.



Those arrested are accused of crimes against public health and drug trafficking, and have been remanded in custody, with the exception of the minor who has been placed in the care of a family member.

Nine raids were made across Torrevieja, including three outlets, two bars and a booth, with 183 grams of cocaine, 200 grams of hashish, hashish acorns and uncut substances, and more than six thousand euro in cash seized.

The officers were fist aware of a woman in her sixties who opened her bar every day at 7 and, despite her innocent appearance, performed a key role in the network. The woman is amongst those arrested, along with a 34-year-old woman and four men, aged, 17, 22, 33 and 40. The other arrests were made as part of the group outside the immediate area.

### Legal Action Against Torrevieja Municipal Theatre Designer

The local government of Torrevieja has approved a proposal to initiate legal action against the architect who directed the work of the Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja, Antonio Marquerie.



The spokesperson for the government, Fanny Serrano, said that, "we have approved the filing of legal action that corresponds to the interests of the City Council to understand that the architect who designed the works of the Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja he has broken his obligations."

The problem lies in the refusal on the part of said architect to present the end-of-works certificate of the actions carried out in the Municipal Theatre, which has caused it to remain closed to the public since 2015, as it does not have the report which is mandatory for obtaining the necessary opening license.

"The property meets all the requirements regarding safety, but we lack that end of work certificate that prevents us from granting the opening license," explained Serrano.

In this regard, the deputy mayor also pointed out that, "the OCA hired by the Popular Party, regardless of municipal technicians, clearly stipulates that without this certificate will not issue a favourable report, so the theatre cannot be opened".

In addition, since June 11 of this year, the head of the urban planning service reported, after recapitulating the background, that there was no other solution than to take legal action.

[codepeople-post-map]

### A Shopping Trip Back in Time

Do you ever wander down the local high street and think that you are walking in the footsteps of many who have moved in the same direction, to the same location, but across years, decades and even centuries before? If you have, and you’re in Torrevieja, you will love a new exhibition that starts today in the Palacio de la Musica.



“Comercios antiguos de Torrevieja y su publicidad” is the title of the exhibition that opens on Friday, 23 November, at 8:00 p.m., offering a glimpse into the past through commerce, shopping and retail.

This exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the past and is definitely worth a look, comparing a world before mobile phones, contactless payment, automatic tills, when retail was all about the humans, those who served and those who loyally shopped, creating a community within a small space and time.

### Gender Violence Awareness Events

Councillor for Social Services, Women and Equality, Fabiana Ibarra, has launched an awareness campaign which will run from today until November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.



"We do not want this date to be just a commemoration, and that is how we transmit it throughout the year, developing intense work from the Department for prevention and information to the citizens," explained Ibarra, continuing, "the program we have designed for this year aims for us to be aware of the road to be followed to end this scourge, which is education and prevention."

Talks, debates, theatre, dance, sports activities, concerts, workshops, exhibitions are all lined up in the awareness schedule, including a workshop 'For the right to a life free of gender violence', carried out in collaboration with the University of Alicante.

There are also two exhibitions that will host the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre. The first one will be an exhibition of murals made by students from the different schools of Torrevieja and will be open between November 23 and 27. The other, entitled 'I have no owner' will take place between November 28 and December 11 and will be the work of the artist Diana Raznovich.

The full program will be updated daily from the Facebook of the Department of Social Welfare, Women and Equality, but here are a selection of planned events:

NOVEMBER 21, 2018

Presentation of the SCAN project.

 	Attention, information and awareness of gender violence, together with the presentation of the project of assisted therapy with animals for women victims of gender violence.

NOVEMBER 22, 2018

Yoga workshop aimed at women.

 	Yoga to reduce stress and improve the quality of life.

Self defence for women.

 	Basic seminar where the general concepts of self defence are explained.

NOVEMBER 23, 2018

Roundtable discussion and information on gender violence.

 	Presentation of the 24H Women's Centre of Torrevieja, operation and resources available to them.

NOVEMBER 24, 2018

Concert by Ana Martí.

 	Memorial commemoration day for the elimination of gender violence.

NOVEMBER 25, 2018

Guided sports activity

 	Sports physical exercise guided by professionals of the Club Náutico de Torrevieja.

Dance dramatized.

 	Dynamic dance memorial day for the elimination of gender violence. Representation of the musical theme "Una Puerta Violeta", Rozalén

Theater on the street "Féminas. Women move the world. "

 	Commemorative theatre day for the elimination of gender violence.

NOVEMBER 30, 2018

Workshop "For the right to a life free of gender violence: concept, identification and guidelines for its approach ", by Mª Concepción Torres Díaz.

 	Conceptual and normative approach to gender violence.

FROM 23 TO 27 NOVEMBER OF 2018

 	Exhibition of murals made by students of schools in the municipality on gender violence.

FROM NOVEMBER 28 TO DECEMBER 11, 2018

 	Exhibition "I have no owner" by Diana Raznovich.

### Fatal Collision at Santa Pola

A woman, said to be 56-years-old, died on Tuesday after the vehicle she was in was involved in a collision with a bus on the N-332 near Santa Pola.

The incident occurred at 15:46 at kilometre point 93.4 near to the Gran Alacant urbanisation in the Alicante direction towards El Altet. Another three vehicles were said to be involved, along with the bus which was marked up as for school transport, but no other injuries were recorded.

Fire fighters initially managed to rescue the woman alive from the wreckage, but she is said to have lost her life during the transfer from the scene to Elche general hospital.
The N-332 remained closed for some time and vehicles were diverted as the incident was being dealt with by the emergency services.

            codepeople-post-map require JavaScript
        
        
 

Excerpt: A woman, said to be 56-years-old, died on Tuesday after the vehicle she was in was involved in a collision with a bus on the N-332 near Santa Pola. The incident occurred at 15:46 at kilometre point 93.4 near to the Gran Alacant urbanisation in the Alicante direction towards El Altet. Another three vehicles were …

### Major Fuel Stations to be Forced to Offer Electric

As the government advances plans to make motoring more energy efficient, it is now set to accelerate plans that will force over a thousand filling stations to offer electricity charging points.

The plans are already in place to ban the sale of cars that emit CO2 by 2040, however it has now been revealed that in order to remain on emission reducing target, some 220,000 charging points will be required a decade sooner, by 2030.
The draft law is now being written which speeds up those plans, with a target of 27 months for initial compliance, which will mean some 1,200 filling stations having to have electric points installed, thus becoming ‘electrolineras’, almost immediately.
It is filling stations considered to be ‘super- gas stations’, in other words, those that sell more than 10 million litres of fuel and therefore have a turnover of around 15 million euro. They tend to be in the best areas of cities or on busy highways. Therefore the Government wants to install electric chargers with a minimum power of 22 kW , so that cars can access a fast charge.
If the fuel companies fail to comply, they face fines of up to 30 million euro, sanctioned with a very serious infraction of the Hydrocarbons Law. Repsol and Cepsa have a 30% and 13% share of the market respectively.
In the nine months after the approval of the law they will have to have the plan ready. From there, they would have to have operational services with the capacity to supply renewable electricity, which will require them to make agreements with the electricity companies.

Excerpt: As the government advances plans to make motoring more energy efficient, it is now set to accelerate plans that will force over a thousand filling stations to offer electricity charging points. The plans are already in place to ban the sale of cars that emit CO2 by 2040, however it has now been revealed that …

### Worrying Trend will See More Pedestrians, Cyclists and Bikers Killed

Analysis of data from recent years suggests that since the birth of the automobile, in 2020, more vulnerable road users will be killed on Spain’s roads than the occupants of four-wheeled vehicles.

The information comes from the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), which suggests that by following the current evolution, there will be more pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists killed than those less vulnerable.
,The Director General, Pere Navarro, shared the information during the launch of the latest campaign, “Nothing is worth more than a life”, focused on addressing and finding solutions to the problem.
Coinciding with the weekend’s commemoration of World Traffic Victims Day, Navarro pointed out that in 2008 the vulnerable users who died were 40 percent of the total and last year they had already accounted for 46 percent.

Excerpt: Analysis of data from recent years suggests that since the birth of the automobile, in 2020, more vulnerable road users will be killed on Spain’s roads than the occupants of four-wheeled vehicles. The information comes from the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), which suggests that by following the current evolution, there will be more pedestrians, …

### Obesity-Related Diabetes raises the Likelihood of dying from a Cardiovascular Disease

Obesity-related diabetes can raise the likelihood of dying from a cardiovascular disease six fold, states Doctor Carlos Sala, Head of the Obesity Unit and Specialist in Metabolic Surgery at Hospital Quirónsalud Valencia.

The origin of type-2 diabetes, the most common type of the disease, is found in multiple factors, with the most significant ones being excess weight, physical inactivity and poor nutrition. Lifestyle changes, a sedentary life and a movement away from the Mediterranean diet have caused an increase in excess weight and obesity in the population. This disease does not usually have any symptoms during the initial phases, “which often causes diabetes to be diagnosed years later, when it has already affected the organism and caused complications,” explains Doctor Guillermo Negueruela, Endocrinology Specialist at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, “because if glucose levels remain high, diabetes-related illnesses begin to appear.”
Obesity increases the risk not only of type-2 diabetes, but also of severe illnesses such as dyslipidaemia, high blood pressure, coronary disease, stroke, sleep apnoea, etc., which create a very high cardiovascular risk, multiplying the risk of dying from a cardiovascular disease times six. “All this evidence leads us to consider type-2 diabetes and obesity a single disease, and to teat them jointly,” declares Doctor Sala.
In the world, it is estimated that 400 million people suffer from diabetes, of which 90% have type 2, “a number that has increased four-fold in the last 25 years, and will reach 600 million people by 2035. The 55 million diabetics living in Europe will become 70 million in just over fifteen years,” forecasts the specialist.
A Possible Cure for Diabetes
 
People with obesity have a risk of suffering from diabetes three times greater than those who are not obese. Diabetes, like obesity, can be cured with surgery, and the data are clear: over 70% of patients with obesity that undergo a metabolic or bariatric surgery intervention cease to be diabetic. “The effectiveness is immediate in patients with type-2 diabetes, who usually stop using insulin and medication in the weeks after the intervention,” explains Doctor Juan Luján, Head of the Digestive System Surgery Service and the Obesity Unit at Hospital Quirónsalud de Murcia.
Metabolic surgery for weight loss is indicated for obese patient with a body mass index over 40, or over 35 if there are related comorbidities. However, “due tot he world diabetes and obesity epidemic, which has started to be known as diabesity, for the past decade, we have been focusing interventions on the resolution of type-2 diabetes, even in patients with excess weight or grade I obesity, who are not yet morbidly obese, but suffer from type-2 diabetes,” clarifiesDoctor Carlos Sala.
Quirónsalud Torrevieja with Prevention
 
The Torrevieja Diabetics Association [Asociación de Diabéticos de Torrevieja] and the hospital centre will host an informative table on diabetes prevention next Wednesday, November 14, from 10 to 14 hours. The appointment will be on Paseo de Vista Alegre (in front of the Torrevieja Casino).
Additionally, Doctor Guillermo Negueruela, Endocrinologist at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, together with the Torrevieja Diabetics Association, will offer a talk on Wednesday, November 21, about diabetes prevention and control titled “Advances in Diabetes Treatment.” The talk will be held at the city’s Casino at 19:30 hours, and entry will be free.

### Category F Tyres Banned from Sale

In a bid to further reduce the environmental impact of vehicles on the roads, the sale of poorly performing tyres has been outlawed.



All tyres for sale in Spain follow the European Standards for safety rating. As of November 1, the sale of tyres which are in the “F” category for roll resistance, and which are intended for use on passenger cars and vans, have been prohibited.

Roll resistance directly influences fuel consumption of the vehicle, and therefore, its pollutant emissions, especially that of greenhouse gases. The lower the resistance, the lower the consumption and, according to the Tyre Manufacturers Commission, “up to 20% of fuel consumption is related to this factor.”

According to Jose Luis Rodriguez, president of the Commission, “the prohibition to sell these less efficient tyres in the European market highlights again the informative work and the protection of the consumer interests of the tyre Label”.

The special tyre labelling system came into force on July 1, 2012. Its objective was to inform the consumer by means of colours, symbols and letters, of the roll resistance, the braking grip on wet roads and the sound level of the tyre, helping consumers to choose the tyres that provide the best performance for their vehicle, but that are also safe, durable, efficient and respectful to the environment.

The sale of “G” rated tyres, in other words the least efficient, was already outlawed in 2014.

The Professional Organization of Tire Specialists (OPEN) insists that tyres are the vehicle’s only contact with the road. They ensure that the adherence and direction that the vehicle travels in is the one desired by the user and also cushions imperfections of the road. At the same time, they insist on the need for adequate maintenance of the tyre, including pressure and depth.

According to a study by the University of Edinburgh on vehicle gases, it was stated that 2/3 of the particles emitted by a vehicle are due to tyres, vehicle maintenance and roads. OPEN underlines that “the use of efficient tyres could represent a decrease of 50 litres per 10,000 kilometres in the use of fuel.

There is a transitional period for garages which have stock of these Class “F” tyres, in that those manufactured before November 1, 2018, may still be sold for a period of 30 months, i.e. up until May 1, 2021.

Excerpt: In a bid to further reduce the environmental impact of vehicles on the roads, the sale of poorly performing tyres has been outlawed. All tyres for sale in Spain follow the European Standards for safety rating. As of November 1, the sale of tyres which are in the “F” category for roll resistance, and which …

### Speed Limits Look Set to Reduce Soon

When the new Director General of the DGT took over, Pere Navarro vowed to turn around the increase in road traffic injuries and fatalities, as he had done whilst previously in the post.



Recently, the DGT has reverted back to hard-hitting advertising campaigns on TV and in print, showing the reality of what is left behind after a serious incident, and what those who have to deal with the aftermath have to put up with.

Practical improvements were also on the cards, as was the intention to rush through legislation as quickly as possible.

It is now believed that the first such change is set to be rushed through for January, which would see the maximum permitted speed limit on some 7,000 kilometres of secondary roads reduced from 100 kilometres per hour to 90 kilometres per hour.



In the final draft of a document prepared by the Ministry of the Interior and Traffic, it is stated that “this Royal Decree will come into force on January 2, 2019”.

However, it is important to note that the time specified is subject to change as, no matter the intention, there is still a minimum time for legislation to work its way through the system and become law, and so, unless something changes, the specified date is unrealistic.

That said, the point is that the DGT, under the management of Pere Navarro, is set to implement significant change to the laws that should make the roads safer for all, so long as those laws are adhered to.

However, also on the cards are more radars, fixed and portable, stricter penalties for such things as mobile phone use, and more resources to allow the Guardia Civil, police and the DGT to enforce the laws and penalise those who still choose to ignore the dangers on the roads.

Excerpt: When the new Director General of the DGT took over, Pere Navarro vowed to turn around the increase in road traffic injuries and fatalities, as he had done whilst previously in the post. Recently, the DGT has reverted back to hard-hitting advertising campaigns on TV and in print, showing the reality of what is left …

### Major Earthquake Drill in Torrevieja on Wednesday

On Wednesday, 14 November, an earthquake will hit the area with its epicentre in Torrevieja. Luckily, it is only a drill, part of continual operations that ensure the emergency services are trained and equipped should such an event occur, as was the case in 1829 when much of the area, including Torrevieja, was destroyed by a major earthquake.



Public buildings, including schools and colleges, will also be taking part in the drill, so that children are also well prepared should anything like this ever occur again.

The local emergency services will be first to attend the scene, closing roads as necessary and implementing the first protocol for such an event, which is of special importance as Torrevieja and the surrounding area is in the centre of a seismic zone.

As the simulation continues, additional support will be called upon, which will include the UME, the military emergency and rescue services, who will also be on hand to assist.

A total of 775 emergency workers will be involved in the scenario, more than ever before, from 25 agencies who will train for the emergency, including municipal groups, consortiums of fire fighters, forest fire fighters, security services, civil protection volunteers, Cruz Roja UME, and students, amongst others.

The 6 secondary schools and the 13 elementary and junior high schools of Torrevieja will be involved, with self-protection activities being practiced by 4,840 students and 452 secondary school teachers; and 7,061 children and 388 nursery and primary school teachers.



The areas which will be hit hardest by the quake will be Colonia San Esteban, Archivo Municipal, Sociedad Cultural Casino de Torrevieja and the Recinto de Ferias y Mercados, with the purpose of putting into practice the damage assessment protocols in buildings and infrastructures, transfer of works of art, and problems with the supply of water, roads, electricity, gas and telephony, as well as the care of people who lose their homes.

For this purpose, a total of 170 “extras” (students of the Leonardo da Vinci Intitutes of Alicante, IES of Elda and Les Alfàbegues de Bétera) will simulate the groups of affected family members, who will be assisted in a temporary shelter camp.

As for the implementation of rescue protocols for people trapped and buried in the rubble, it will be held in a practice field in the town of Algemesí, where one of the neighbourhoods of Torrevieja most affected by the earthquake will be simulated.

If you see any of this activity, like in a real emergency, remain calm, listen to the instructions given by those in authority, and act on their instructions immediately. Although this is a simulation, the necessity for acting as if it is a real emergency is crucial, therefore, please avoid standing around and just watching, if you are not told to leave the area, just move on as normal and let the emergency services do their job.

Similarly, the roads around the area may be affected by closures and emergency diversions. Again, take notice and act on the instructions given, leaving the area immediately if told to do so, and, if you are not planning to be in the area as normal, please avoid the area. If you see emergency service vehicles approaching, try to make a clear path for them to proceed, if you can do so safely.

If you do want to follow the activities, rather than standing around and getting in the way, there is a hashtag set up for social media, so you can monitor pictures and videos from home as the emergency unfolds. Just follow #gransimularco2018 to do this.


codepeople-post-map require JavaScript

Excerpt: On Wednesday, 14 November, an earthquake will hit the area with its epicentre in Torrevieja. Luckily, it is only a drill, part of continual operations that ensure the emergency services are trained and equipped should such an event occur, as was the case in 1829 when much of the area, including Torrevieja, was destroyed by …

### Health Advice at the Zenia Boulevard

Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja will install a space dedicated to health in La Zenia Boulevard shopping centre from November 12 to 17, at which, in addition to offering information, visitors may actively participate in different workshops focused on the prevention of different diseases.



Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja will install a space dedicated to offering healthcare information, from November 12 to 17 between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. in La Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre. Visitors who come to this space from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.will also be able to participate in the prevention workshops led by prestigious specialists from Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja.

On November 12 and 13, visitors can take part in the breast self-examination, key for early diagnosis of breast cancer workshop; on November 14 and 15, there will be workshops on dermatology to follow up on the spots on our skin and distinguish them from possible melanomas or skin cancers; finally, on November 16 and 17, we will have a cardiology workshop with advice to care for and monitor cardiovascular health, one of the main causes of death in Western countries.

### Trucks May be used to Fight Mobile Phone Use

This week, the DGT is running a special campaign on secondary roads, the location of the majority of fatal and serious incidents in Spain, which focussed on the main contributing factor to road traffic collisions, inappropriate speed, driving too close, alcohol and drugs, and not wearing a seat belt or using a mobile phone.

It is the latter two problems that the new director general of the DGT, Pere Navarro, is increasingly concerned about, as both factors seem to be spiralling out of control. At the  Forum for Sustainable Urban Mobility in Bilbao, he said, “We must avoid the feeling of impunity and the laws must be complied with.”

To try to turn the social acceptance of using a mobile or not wearing a seat belt, the DGT has reverted back to harder hitting advertising campaigns, showing the reality of how grave incidents can be, and the aftermath that the families and friends of those who have been killed or seriously injured have to cope with, all innocent victims of the phenomena.

An extra piece of equipment being considered by the DGT to try and combat the problem takes a leaf out of the book of the UK traffic police, with the introduction of trucks and unmarked vans travelling on the road network looking out, particularly, for drivers using a mobile or vehicle occupants not wearing a seat belt.

The elevated position of the driver in these vehicles offers a point of view not available in a car, as it is much easier to see what is happening when looking down, a situation proven by the Pegasus equipped helicopters and the newly tested drones. Moreover, these vehicles often go unnoticed by those drivers committing the offences, and so enforcement can be easier, thus halting the menace.

In the UK, this form of surveillance has been active for two years and has already shown its effectiveness, with more than 4,000 sanctions being imposed on distracted drivers. The majority of those sanctions, two thirds of the total, are for mobile phone use, but other behaviours have also been detected, such as applying makeup, eating or rolling cigarettes.



As revealed by the balance from the DGT for 2017, distracted driving accounted for 32% of the causes of fatal incidents, ranking first over inadequate speed (26%) or alcohol consumption (12%).

It is believed that two vehicles are currently operating on the roads of Spain, and a currently under test conditions in order to evaluate the possibility of mass introduction, but if the success of the UK is anything to go by, this will prove to be a valuable addition to the arsenal of weapons which are constantly increasing to try to keep us all a little safer on the roads.

Excerpt: This week, the DGT is running a special campaign on secondary roads, the location of the majority of fatal and serious incidents in Spain, which focussed on the main contributing factor to road traffic collisions, inappropriate speed, driving too close, alcohol and drugs, and not wearing a seat belt or using a mobile phone. It …

### Exclusive promotion, advance sale 2X1 for the CD Torrevieja – Elda Industrial CF match

Club Deportivo Torrevieja is launching a special promotion to tie in with the next match against Elda Industrial CF, which takes place this Sunday 11 November at 17.00h in Torrevieja at the Nelson Mandela grounds.



From Thursday, you can obtain two tickets for the price of one for Sunday’s match, which is an extremely important one, as another win will mean CD Torrevieja are back in the running for the play-offs at the end of the season.

This special offer only applies to tickets sold in advance and will not be available on the day of the game.

To purchase your special promotion tickets for the game on Sunday (8€ in total), you must visit the Club’s head office located at Calle Caballero de Rodas, 56 bajo, during opening times, which are as follows:

 	Thursday: 10.00h to 13.30h and 17.00h to 20.00h
 	Friday: 10.00h to 13.30h

On Sunday, the ticket office at the Nelson Mandela stadium will be open, however, tickets purchased there will be at the usual price of 8€ each.

So, with such a good offer and the team now on a winning streak, they need your support more than ever! Come on, let’s get behind them!

### J11 CD Torrevieja vs Elda Industrial CF. May the path of success and triumph continue!

This coming Sunday, 11 November at 17.00h at Torrevieja’s Nelson Mandela Stadium, CD Torrevieja faces Elda Industrial CF in the eleventh match of the season.



After the resounding and brilliant victory in Alicante against Hércules CF B, CD Torrevieja return to their home ground this week with more confidence than ever as they try to secure another win. If they beat their opponents on Sunday, that will be the third victory in the last three games.

And, another victory would also put Kiko López’s students back in the running once again for the play-offs at the end of the season.

Salineros, we hope to see you at the Nelson Mandela on Sunday, your team needs you more than ever now!

### Dramatised Walks through the Salt Lakes

This weekend, there will be two dramatised walks through the salt lakes of Torrevieja, with theatrical performers taking guests on a tour of the historic and beautifully natural area of the Costa Blanca.



The walking talks will take place on both Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 November, departing at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., under the title, "A walk through the salty history of the lagoons", and having been organised by the headquarters of the UA in Torrevieja.

Hand in hand with the cultural association Ars Creatio, the participants will travel in time to discover the key moments and personalities that place the lagoons of Torrevieja and La Mata into the history books.

Booking is essential as places are limited and more information can be obtained from the tourist information office or the visitor’s centre at La Mata.

### Another Gang of Highway Robbers Locked Up

Officers from the Catalan police, the Mossos d’Esquadra, have arrested four alleged members of a group who would pose as police officers on the AP-7 motorway between the French border and the Valencia region, in order to stop and then rob vehicles, mostly targeting tourists, in service areas and lay-bys.



The report states how the arrests were made last week and those arrested are charged with two crimes of robbery with violence, two with force, one of causing injuries, three of usurpation of public functions and three counts of crimes against road safety.

The officers had investigated reports since August of this year, but are keeping the file open for other reported incidents for which this group may be responsible.

The group would cover up to 700 kilometres per night during their raids, moving along the motorway network until they could identify their victims.

The thieves, of Bosnian origin, falsely identified themselves as police to gain the trust of the victims, but if they did not follow the orders or resist, they resorted to force and violently attacked them.

The victims of the group were mostly foreign tourists who could be in possession of large amounts of cash when on vacation. During the investigation, the officers found evidence that the group were involved in seven events that occurred between August 18 and October 12, and also discovered that they were using a warehouse in an industrial area of ​​the metropolitan area of ​​Barcelona as a temporary residence and to hide their booty.

After a surveillance and monitoring operation, the officers detained the four members of the group in Barcelona. During the raid of the warehouse the officers located more than 3,000 euro in cash in different currencies and denominations.

The officers later thanked the diligence of the motorway operator, Abertis Autopistas , which has collaborated in the investigation through their video surveillance systems.

The detainees, who have different backgrounds, were brought before the courts in Girona.

Remember, if you have any doubt as to whether a vehicle trying to stop you on the motorway is genuine, you can call the emergency coordination centre on 112, reporting the vehicle’s registration number, and they can confirm if it is real and, if not, summon help. There is also a video on the N332.es website which explains how to identify unmarked police vehicles in the hope of reducing this kind of crime where unscrupulous criminals prey on innocent victims.

 

Excerpt: Officers from the Catalan police, the Mossos d’Esquadra, have arrested four alleged members of a group who would pose as police officers on the AP-7 motorway between the French border and the Valencia region, in order to stop and then rob vehicles, mostly targeting tourists, in service areas and lay-bys. The report states how the …

### New Buses take to the Streets

Torrevieja’s councillor for transport, Javier Manzanares, showed off the two new buses that will be carrying passengers around the town, as he was taken around the vehicles by the operations manager of the Avanza Group, Luis Gonzalez.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

"These new vehicles will allow us to offer a better urban transport service to users," said Manzanares. Each bus has 49 seats, as well as a double ramp, with the aim of facilitating access for people with reduced mobility, "a crucial aspect for this government team that we wanted to promote," said Manzanares.

The new vehicles will also have a real-time locator via GPS, which will allow information about the next stop inside the bus to be included, and also have internal LED lighting as well as WIFI.

The investment of the two new vehicles exceeds 500,000 euro and are in operation from today.

Javier Manzanares thanked the company in charge of offering the service, and "the willingness they have shown to this City Council to work hand in hand to improve the service provided in Torrevieja." In this regard, he announced that the new buses "are just part of a package of improvements that will come in the short term and that will further enhance the urban transport of the city, and, "the important thing here is the users, so they should be focused on each and every one of our efforts".

For his part, the operations manager of the Avanza Group, Luis González, stressed that "these new buses are the result of our commitment to the city." In this sense, he assures that "it is just one more step in the process of improving the service that we want to be developed progressively".

### Special Campaign to Focus on Secondary Road Dangers

Oncde again, all this week, and through the weekend, an intensified campaign is running focussing on one of the areas of the Spanish road network where more fatalities and serious injuries take place, conventional roads.



In 2015, there were 23,729 injury incidents on conventional roads, in which 971 people lost their lives, almost 3 people for every day of the year, a figure which saw 14 more people die than the year before. In addition to the deaths, 3,780 people were injured to such a degree that they required hospital attention. Sadly, this figure isn’t declining, but has seen an increase according to the more recent data which is being collated.

As a result, the DGT looks at these roads with a watchful eye, hoping to educate drivers of the risks associated with these roads, and how driving attitude must change in order to reduce the number of incidents.

During the week-long campaign, which runs through to Sunday, officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by colleagues from the local and regional police, will be monitoring the road network, paying close attention to three of the most common contributing factors to road traffic incidents.

The campaign will focus specifically on inappropriate or excessive speed, consumption of alcohol and drugs, and distractions such as using a mobile phone. In addition, the officers will be monitoring for incorrect overtaking, driving too close, the wearing of seat belts, child restraint systems and crash helmets, and that the driver´s and vehicle´s documentation are correct and valid.

In addition to an increase in roadside checks, the DGT´s helicopters will be in the air monitoring traffic, including those fitted with the Pegasus detection equipment, capable of monitoring speed, incorrect driving practices and the wearing of safety systems, all from a distance far beyond detection by the driver, and the new drones will also take to the sky to keep a watchful eye. The DGT has once again given fully equipped traffic monitoring vehicles to some local police forces, including Torrevieja, allowing for local police to be better equipped to monitor the roads under their jurisdiction.

 



Of the 165,000 kilometres of major roads, some 149,500 kilometres are on sections classed as conventional. They pose a significant risk for a number of reasons including hills and bends, the necessity to invade the opposite on-coming lane in order to overtake, and junctions which pose a major risk when traffic joins or leaves the main carriageway.

Some of the most dangerous sections of roads have been identified by the DGT and carry additional warnings, many of the most dangerous sections are already focussed on by patrols, in addition to this intensified campaign.

 

Excerpt: Oncde again, all this week, and through the weekend, an intensified campaign is running focussing on one of the areas of the Spanish road network where more fatalities and serious injuries take place, conventional roads. In 2015, there were 23,729 injury incidents on conventional roads, in which 971 people lost their lives, almost 3 people …

### Grand Christmas Fayre for ECCH

Next Saturday, 10 November, Casa Ventura in Torrevieja will be the location of a Grand Christmas Fayre where the organisers hope to raise money that will go towards providing a better festive season for the children at the Elche Children's Care Home.



There will be plenty of stalls selling lots of lovely goodies to kick start your Christmas shopping, they say, and the Elche Children's Care Home volunteers will be there with a tombola, selling charity Christmas calendars and also brand new children's clothing up to 12 years for only 1 euro each.

It is all set to be a great event for a great cause, so get your Santa hat at the ready and pop down to Casa Ventura, San Luis, on Saturday.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Volunteers Needed to Help Recover Wine Route

Thanks to a collaboration with the AKI diy shops, there will be two days dedicated to environmental volunteering at the La Mata natural park, with the hope of preserving one of the most emblematic routes of the Park, "La Ruta del Vino", or Wine Route.



The route has become particularly special to those who have experienced it as it showcases the importance of the vineyards and how they contribute to the biodiversity of this natural space.

Sadly, because of constant acts of vandalism that this route suffers during the summer, it has become necessary to organise a volunteering day, which has then been extended to two days over two weekends, in order to repair the damage and prepare the route for more visitors to enjoy, whilst allowing those who take part time to enjoy the wonder of the landscape that these vines provide.

The days set aside are Saturday the 17 and 24 of November, starting at 10:30 from the visitor’s centre at the La Mata park, but if you want to help out registration is a must.

To register for this free and rewarding activity, you must email parque_lamata@gva.es giving your full name, and the number of people in your group, as well as indicating if they are adults or children, as even the little ones can get involved, although probably not too young as they might get bored easily. You must also indicate which of the days you would like to attend, and a contact telephone number.

By the way, if you are not planning to take part but are considering visiting the park on the day, you need to be aware that the visitor’s centre will be closed during the activity as everyone will be out helping out.

### Life Guards Help Thousands this Summer

The company operating the life guard service on the beaches of Torrevieja has reported that their teams assisted thousands of people throughout the season.



Life guards are contracted to a private company in Torrevieja, and operate from June 15 to September 15, with two periods, “average” and “high” season.

During the summer period, a total of 3,173 interventions were conducted, mostly of a minor nature and the affected party not requiring further assistance.

In June, 196 people were assisted, mostly being due to jellyfish stings or minor injuries, but there were also 4 resuscitations which required a transfer to hospital. In addition, there were 9 rescues with assistance at sea.

July was busier than June with a total of 1,044 people assisted on land, 10 people resuscitated and taken to hospital, and 25 rescues at sea.

In August, the figure continued to increase with 1,627 people assisted on the beaches, 16 resuscitations and a total of 54 rescues at sea.

Finally, in September, 89 people were treated on the shore, 8 people were revived and 17 bathers had to be taken care of at sea.

These were not the only activities the life guards conducted, as they were also involved in what is known as "social assistance", involving such activities as assisting to locate lost children and some elderly people.

The staff on the beach also assisted those with reduced mobility use the facilities, with a total of 512 people being helped into the sea and 200 being transported in a specially adapted vehicle.

 

### Third Year for Cat Castration Campaign

Torrevieja’s councillor for Animal Protection, Carmen Morate, has reported that the provincial government of Alicante has offered a grant on more than ten thousand euro to Torrevieja to help control cat colonies in the town.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

In total, 10,252.50 euro has bene awarded, and so, "During the past week and this, the feeders that deal with the cat colonies - organized by the association Project CES (Capture, Sterilization, Drops of Torrevieja) - have worked together with the 8 veterinary clinics that requested the College of Veterinarians of Alicante participation in this simple but effective project. The castration of street cats is the only ethical solution that also gives long-term results ", explained the councillor.

It is the third consecutive year that Torrevieja has been awarded the grant and launched the initiative to deal with environmental problems caused by overpopulation.

With this grant 150 cats can be castrated, and identified by a small cut on the tip of the ear - the females on the right and the males on the left. A number that adds to the 59 cats were castrated at the beginning of the year, so that by the end of 2018 more than 200 cats will have been neutered in Torrevieja, with a grand total exceeding 1,500 cats.

### Sunday Zumbathon - Beat Cancer Dancing

On Sunday, the sports city n Torrevieja will host an energetic event with a serious result, as participants are invited to “Beat Cancer Dancing”, at a charity Zumbathon.



The event will be held on Sunday, November 4, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Sports City, with all proceeds going to benefit the association of relatives of those who have cancer, AFECÁNCER.

If you would like to participate, the cost is just ten euro and you get a welcome pack that includes a t-shirt, backpack, flannel and water.

Plus, there will be a raffle with some fantastic prizes available to those who take part.

Registration can be made at the AFECÁNCER offices, located at Calle Molinos nº9, calle San Luis.

### Spoon Week Begins on Monday

If you haven’t heard of Spoon Week yet, you have missed out on one of the most popular gastronomic events in Torrevieja, now set to celebrate for the sixth time from Monday 5 to Sunday 11 November, 2018.



Think beans, pulses, stews, think winter-warmers, think those perfect dishes granny (or the male equivalent) used to make, that’s what Spoon Week, or Semana de la Cuchara 2018, to give it it’s slightly more romantic sounding name, is all about, as traditional dishes are served by participating venues belonging to the hospitality association.

Spoons are provided, all you have to do is tuck in and enjoy the traditional local and national dishes on offer.

### Check Your Keys!

As cars get more advanced, the technology sometimes replaces manual tasks normally performed by the driver, which sometimes takes away the element of apparent responsibility and the need for vigilance.
Although the keys to the vehicle may not fall into that risk category, there are other problems associated with them that we have to be aware of.
In recent weeks, we have seen a number of occasions where children have been locked inside vehicles. On each occasion, the child had to be rescued by fire-fighters and was uninjured by the ordeal. However, particularly in the summer months, each of these incidents could have had a much more serious outcome.
The woman said that it was the little girl, just one year old, who took the keys from inside her mother’s purse. As the mother was about to take her out of the car, the girl pressed the button on the remote control key, closing the doors, becoming trapped inside.
In a second incident, the vehicle automatically locked the doors with a child inside, leaving the adult on the outside.
Some modern vehicles warn the driver to remove the key from the ignition before leaving. This includes carrying seemingly simple operations such as fuelling the vehicle.
There is also another risk associated with newer cars which has been identified by security experts.
Some cars no longer have a traditional key to allow access and to start the vehicle, but rather a remote control ‘fob’. This simplifies the operation for owners, but has been identified as a potential risk as some technologically savvy thieves have been able to clone them and then take the car unhindered.
This cloning has sometimes been carried out at the owner’s home, when the fob has been left near to a door for example, and the thieves have been able to use equipment to scan whilst outside the property, copy the information from the fob and take a vehicle without alerting the property occupants.
The thief’s transmitter pings the car’s locking system, impersonating the vehicle’s key. The locking system responds, sending a signal which the key fob is supposed to pick up. The thief who sent the original ping forwards the response to a second thief who is near the house. The second thief then forwards the response to the key fob which then relays back the correct response, which then works its way through the mini network back to the first thief’s equipment and onto the car, which then unlocks the doors and allows the engine to start.

In order to avoid this, much like traditional key warnings, the advice is to always keep the fob far away from doors, windows or other easily accessible locations, storing it well out of reach of prying equipment. Traditional keys were often kept in bowls or on hooks near a front door, with the thieves able to fish them out by hooks through the letterbox. The same warnings still apply, but the fishing technique has evolved.
Keep your keys safe at all times, away from thieves and children, they are your responsibility and they are literally the ‘key’ to your possession that nobody should be allowed to access.

Excerpt: As cars get more advanced, the technology sometimes replaces manual tasks normally performed by the driver, which sometimes takes away the element of apparent responsibility and the need for vigilance. Although the keys to the vehicle may not fall into that risk category, there are other problems associated with them that we have to be …

### J9 CD Torrevieja vs Aspe UD

This coming Sunday, 28 October at 11.45h at Torrevieja’s Nelson Mandela Stadium, CD Torrevieja faces Aspe UD in the ninth match of the season.



This is an important match for the Salineros as it will be the first match the team plays led by the new coaching staff and Kiko López at the reins. And with renewed hopes, the team are determined to win so they do not lose their place in the top half of the league table.

The Club would also like to remind everyone that the period in which you can acquire your 2018/19 season ticket is still open, and all you have to do is come to the head office located at Calle Caballero de Rodas, nº56. Alternatively, you can purchase them online through the Club’s website at www.clubdeportivotorrevieja.com. Season tickets cannot be acquired from the stadium ticket office.

We hope to see you at the Nelson Mandela on Sunday, Let’s go Torrevieja!

### Kiko López and Paco Guillén will lead the CD Torrevieja first team

Club Deportivo Torrevieja has reached an agreement with Joaquín López Martínez (Montpellier, 1971) better known as Kiko López, to become the new coach of the first team. López has strong ties with the neighbouring municipality of Los Montesinos as well as with our city, and he comes highly recommended by the Club’s sports director Juanjo Fernández.



As a UEFA PRO football coach, Kiko López posesses the highest coaching qualification obtainable from the footballing sphere, above that of the Licencia UEFA A and Licencia UEFA B titles. Kiko López has an outstanding professional career, working with Real Madrid CF for 10 years and training top teams in countries such as China, Tunisia, Kuwait and the Under-17 and Under-19 teams for Bahrain.

Working alongside Kiko, the Club has appointed Francisco José Guillén Llamusi (Elche, 1976) “Paco Guillén”, who will work as assistant coach. His most recent success was ensuring the promotion of CD Almoradí into the 3º División in the 2015-2016 season.

CD Torrevieja welcomes both coaches to the Club and wishes them the greatest success in their work.

### Carnival 2019 Plans Revealed

The councillor for fiestas in Torrevieja, Domingo Pérez, accompanied by the vice president of the Cultural Carnival Association of Torrevieja, César Berná, and the creator of the 2019 poster, Ana Cutillas, presented the provisional Carnival 2019 program in a press conference, announcing the start date on 2 February, presentation of Queens between dawn on March 2 and the early hours of March 3, when the infamous night parade will take place.



The councillor began the conference by congratulating the new leadership of Carnival 2019 and talked about the collaboration of the council with the association. "The carnival is one of the most important and admired festivities in the city of Torrevieja. Last year, a member of the jury told me 'keep in mind that you have a jewel in your hands'. I'm going to listen to him. From the council, we will do everything possible to make Carnival 2019 even better than the previous one," he said.

César Berna explained that a new website dedicated to the Carnival 2019 festivities has been created. "The page is a window to the world of the Carnival of Torrevieja. An opportunity to be known," he said, specifying some of its contents such as the programming schedule, registration instructions and the rules of the contests.

The vice president has also highlighted the most important acts of the new programming. The Carnival parties will begin on February 2 with the proclamation and the presentation of the Queens in the International Auditorium of Torrevieja at 21:00. They will continue on Saturday, February 9, with the National Drag Queen Contest. Bern has explained that, "this year women will be able to participate in the contest responding to the many requests of torrevejenses who have asked that they can do so," he said.

The carnivals will continue with the National Chirigotas Contest on Saturday, February 16 in the Auditorium. The next day, Sunday February 17, the III edition of the Carnavalera Day will take place. On Sunday, February 24, there will be the Grand Parade of the 2019 Carnival Contest, a tour from the Plaza de María Asunción to calle Clemente Gosálvez. In addition, two specific activities will be organised, such as the Carnival Party for the Elderly People on February 27, and the Children's Parade "El Carnaval de los Coles" on Friday, March 1.

On Saturday March 2 there will be a great parade from the Plaza de María Asunción to calle Clemente Gosálvez and the great carnival night parade 2019.

During the press conference, the artist Ana Cutillas, who designed the poster for this year, was grateful to be a participant in the Carnival. "The 2019 Carnival poster is related to the one from the previous year. It is painted in acrylic. For me it was a challenge to design it, especially because it is for the carnival parties in which I have always participated a lot," she concluded.

By the way, on the subject of Halloween, the vice president of the Carnival association added that there will be a makeup contest that will be rewarded with cash prizes this year.

### Paella and T-Shirt Competitions Launched

The councillor for fiestas, Domingo Perez, has launched a series of contests, including one for paella and another for t-shirt designs.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Participants will have to submit their application in the PROP office, and only the first 80 entries will be allowed to participate in the contest, the rest will be able to share their works of paella art at the fairgrounds and markets at the Parque Antonio Soria, but will not be eligible to enter the contest.

The councillor explained that registration will open on November 6, and that participation is expected to be huge, as last year there were 185 registered, remembering that this year there are only 80 places, there could be more than double the participants.

If paella isn’t your thing, but you fancy entering the t-shirt competition, then you could participate with, preferably, a witty or even shocking slogan.

The shirts must contain some allegory or allusion to Torrevieja, such as the city's coat of arms, city monument, etc. The rest of the design will be up to you.

The competition is open to all, including previously registered groups, and you can enter by email to fiestas@torrevieja.eu, or by phone on 670 501 100, detailing the group's name and contact information.

You still have some time to work on your ideas, as the registration period for this from November 20 to 27, so get thinking and designing.

[codepeople-post-map]

### The Day of the Library

Torrevieja’s councillor for culture, Domingo Pérez, has announced the program dedicated to the Day of the Library, 2018.



The Carmen Jalón Municipal Library will receive attendees in its courtyard on October 24 with activities aimed at all audiences.

Starting at 6 p.m., the program begins with a musical opening by the Conservatorio Profesional de Música de Torrevieja, with works by M. Mangani, Tchaikovsky and Stamitz interpreted by the musicians J. Garres Pérez and Natalia Khomyak.

At 6:30 p.m., the new publication by the writer Hugo Valero Muñoz will be presented, "Pajarito". Coming from San Miguel de Salinas, he is also a bassist in several Spanish orchestras and will speak about his psychological thriller with Pelayo Mellado.

Finally, there will be a dramatization by La Cueva de Melpomene of the work of R.L. Stevenson, "The strange case of Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde", one of the most successful works by the writer.

Torrevieja, which has three public libraries, the Carmen Jalón Municipal Public Library, the Diego Ramírez Library and another one in Torrelamata, has been celebrating this cultural day every year.

### World Day Against Breast Cancer

The association of relatives and cancer patients of Torrevieja (AFECÁNCER) has commemorated World Day Against Breast Cancer by reading a manifesto and displaying a panel with messages of solidarity in support of the many women, and some men, who have overcome or are surpassing this disease.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The rally, held in the Plaza de la Constitución, had municipal support and assistance from the mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón, the councillor for Social Welfare, Fabiana Ibarra, and the councillor for Hospitality and Commerce, Manuela Osuna.

The mayor thanked family members, volunteers and all those who "care that people suffering from the disease feel supported" and acknowledging that "Science and medicine are doing everything possible to alleviate and eradicate the disease, meanwhile, we have to make an effort to be more supportive of the women who suffer so that they feel accompanied and loved in their struggle," he added .

Manuela Osuna, who was operated on for breast cancer a few years ago, wanted to give encouragement to women suffering from this disease. "Life goes on. Do not be afraid, there are many associations that help us, protect us and encourage us to move forward. If I could overcome it, you can too," said the councillor.

A manifesto has been presented to support patients suffering from affliction. "In this fight you are not alone. The cancer can be overcome. Fighting against cancer has taught us that any embrace can be much more powerful than any drug against depression ", was read in the square.

In addition, there was an information table with support services on offer: information, wigs and breast prosthesis bank, financial aid for patients at risk of exclusion, home and respite support, group therapy, psychological support for patients and family, among other things.

The Plaza de la Constitución has also had a panel, run by the hospital Chiron, in which messages of support have been placed - dedicated to the sick - as "Force and a lot of energy" or "You are not alone. Count on us".

### Autumn Cultural Schedule Published

Torrevieja’s councillor for culture, Domingo Perez, has presented the schedule for the autumn cultural calendar, offering a range of events which includes concerts, exhibitions and cultural and leisure events for the months of October , November and December.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

More events will be added to the calendar as the season progresses, but the schedule already includes such anticipated concerts like the one to be held this weekend, the saxophonist of worldwide prestige Ray Gelato, who will perform on Sunday, October 21, at the Palacio de la Música, performing what the councillor himself described as "extraordinary" jazz music.

During the season, the Vista Alegre exhibition hall will host the exhibition "Painters from Alicante" with works by artists such as Manuel Balaguer, Manuel More Calabuig and Vicente Rubio, among others. "The painters from Alicante will meet in a show. Whenever outside artists come, they congratulate us for the facilities in the room. It is appreciated by everyone," said the councillor.

Pérez also detailed the schedule of the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra, and has paid special attention to the concert by Rosario Mohedano and Felipe Garpe, who will perform at the International Auditorium on November 17, at 9:00 p.m.

Also during November, he mentioned the X Science Week with the participation of women scientists and the programming entitled "New materials for the generation of energy", which will run from November 12 to 16. "Whenever scientists and professors come to our city to give lectures, we admire their knowledge and the ease they have to communicate," said the councillor.

In addition, the councillor highlighted the theatrical visit "A walk through the salty history of the lagoons of the Natural Park of Lagunas de Torrevieja and La Mata", by Ars Creatio, which was scheduled for this Sunday and that has been postponed, due to the rain forecast, until a new date to be set later.

You can pick up your full schedule at the tourist information office, or from the town hall, and get involved in the events which are making Torrevieja the cultural envy of many a neighbouring municipality.

### Calls for Young Entrepreneurs

The Department of Employment and Local Development in Torrevieja has launched a competition aimed at young entrepreneurs, “Premios Jóvenes Emprendedores 2018”.



The contest is aimed at young people under 35, which aims to "reward people with entrepreneurial initiative, linked to the city, who have developed or launched a business project," said Víctor Ferrández, the councillor responsible for launching the event.

For those eligible to enter, there is a prize fund of 12,000 euro, divided into three prizes: a first prize of 7,000 euro, a second prize of 3,500 euro, and a third 1,500 euro.

More details can be obtained at the Agencia de Desarrollo Local, the ADL office in Torrevieja.

Ferrández stressed that this contest is "intended to facilitate support for entrepreneurs who start their business, so that it serves as a stimulus for the creation of new businesses and new jobs in the field of the economy of the municipality of Torrevieja, as well as promoting entrepreneurship among the society of Torrevieja, and promote the cooperative and social economy, among others. The deadline for submission of applications ends on October 29, 2018 at 2:30 p.m.

 

### Get your Midriff Out and Belly Dance!

This weekend in Torrevieja, the “Festival Orient el Hob” begins. What is it? It’s the International Belly Dance Competition.



Launching in the Hotel Fontana on Friday (19th) evening, the Festival Orient el Hob will see dancers from around the world descend on Torrevieja, all hoping to be crowned the best in their field.

On Saturday, the event moves to the Virgen del Carmen centre, where guest performers such as Teodora Boncheva from Bulgaria, Aruna Nalini from the Netherlands, and other international belly dance stars will be gyrating.

After the weekend spectacle, the event will close with a special gala on Sunday at Las Columnas restaurant in Torrevieja.

For more information, including ticket details, pop into the tourist information office in Torrevieja.

[codepeople-post-map]

 

### Bird Spotting in Torrevieja

Towards the end of this month, Torrevieja will be a haven for bird spotters, as the Birding Festival Humedales del Sur de Alicante returns to the Parque Natural de la Mata.



The dates for your diary are the 26, 27 and 28 October, for an event dedicated to the world of birds and ornithological tourism organised by Turisme Comunitat Valenciana, Parcs Naturals of the Valencian Community and the town Council of Torrevieja, with the ornithological and the conservationist tourism sector and in which guided routes, children's workshops and specific talks will be offered.

The councillor for tourism, Fanny Serrano, presented the event this week, accompanied by the Mayor of neighbouring Los Montesinos, José Manuel Butrón, the Mayor of Guardamar del Segura, José Luis Sáez, the councillor for Tourism in Rojales, Edelmira Andréu, from Pilar de la Horadada, Pilar María Samper, and Javier Blasco on behalf of the company awarded the contract for the organisation of the event.



The festival will begin the afternoon of the 26th at the Torrevieja Casino with a lecture by Odile Rodríguez de la Fuente, Carlos de Hita and Beltrán Ceballos, people of recognised prestige in their respective fields.

On Saturday October 27, the esplanade of the Interpretation Centre of the Natural Park of the Mata will be the place to go as a variety of tents and stands will be set up, offering all kinds of activities, workshops and information about the world of birds and the natural parks of the south of the Comunitat Valenciana.

On Sunday 28, guided tours of the three wetlands will be offered: La Mata, El Hondo and Salinas de Santa Pola, all arranged by the respective experts from the Parcs Naturals and the ornithological tourism guide companies.

At the presentation ceremony, Fanny Serrano said that this type of tourism has enormous potential with some 10 million ornithological tourists in Europe, "a very specialized tourism, concerned about environmental and quality values", seemingly despite travelling across the continent and adding to the environmental burden by doing so, but continuing to point out the importance of the "seasonality" offered by this type of tourism because you can see birds all year round.

Alicia Arenas, on behalf of Turisme Comunitat Valenciana, was in charge of presenting the II Ornithological Tourism Conference of the Valencian Community that will take place on October 26th at the CdT. Arenas pointed out that the objectives of this day are to debate and value the development of ornithological tourism in the Region, by sharing experiences of ornithological tourism promotion from the point of view of administrations and private companies in national, autonomic, provincial and local levels; as well as for contributing the vision from the tourist and environmental scopes of the administration of the tourist sector and of the conservationist organizations. These days are aimed at professionals and prior registration is necessary. (alicantebirdingfestival@espaisimbiosi.com).

For his part, the mayor of Los Montesinos, José Manuel Butrón, has shown his satisfaction at the fact that an initiative of this type is developed with the boost of Turisme Comunitat Valenciana. The Mayor explained that his municipality is working on the creation of hiking trails in collaboration with Torrevieja and has also advocated value actions related to the flora of the Park.

In his speech, José Luis Sáez, said in relation to bird watching tourism that it is "doing a good job in Torrevieja and the region," with municipalities that have already been at important fairs and is already beginning to see the fruits. For Sáez this event will also serve to "put in the showcase the ornithological potential of the region".

Javier Blasco indicated that the Natural Park of Torrevieja and La Mata is "a privileged place for bird watching for international tourism, but we must add a value. You have the resource, and that tourism must be a conservation tool. "

The full schedule, in Spanish, is available here:

https://birding.comunitatvalenciana.com/birding-festival-comunitat-valenciana

### Eleven Births in One Day

The University Hospital of Torrevieja has broken its own record for baby births, with a total of eleven little-ones making an appearance in 24 hours.



Of the eleven babies born, eight were boys and the other three were girls, obviously. All babies and mothers are reported to be doing well and receiving the best possible care.

Torrevieja has become a centre of attention for mothers with the hospital’s website being a reference for new parents across the country, but for those locally registered it offers more advice and even interactive elements that allows for everything from appointment reminders to workshops and seminars available to future parents.

The maternity unit offers private rooms and a midwife service for aftercare that continues the quality service offered by the hospital to the homes of those new parents who take up their care from the experts at the hospital, who now have their work cut out with this batch of new arrivals.

### The Night of the Moon

Find a dark spot, away from light pollution, and look up to the stars, for they tell a story of long ago, a time before you and I, a time when mankind could never dream of what we have today, and a time we seldom reflect to, as the modern pace of life takes over and we sometimes forget the beauty of the canvas that surrounds us, as nature paints the landscape before us.

Or, just join in this Saturday, 20 October, celebrating the Night of the Moon, an annual event organised every year by NASA, that aims to bring observation with telescopes of the Moon to the whole world.



Weather permitting, Torrevieja will play a part in this lunar spectacle, through a collaboration between the council’s Department of Environment with the headquarters of the Alicante University in the municipality, the Proyecto Mastral y Astroingeo de Alicante.

Torrevieja, specifically the Eras de la Sal, itself a site steeped in history, will be one of the more than 500 observation points that will be located in different parts of the world to observe our satellite in a growing phase with a telescope.

Starting at 8 p.m., two telescopes will be available, completely free to use, to allow observers to look directly at the moon, an image which will also be projected onto a screen, whilst experts talk about some of the curiosities of its surface, with its seas and craters.

Who knows, there may even be a yet unidentified surprise that pops up during the three-hour event, which will conclude at 11 p.m.

### World Mental Health Day in Torrevieja

In recognition of World Mental Health Day, Torrevieja’s Centre for Rehabilitation and Social Integration, CRIS, or Centro de Rehabilitación e Integración Social, was the location for the reading of the proclamation, "Inclusive education, positive mental health", in collaboration with ADIEM, in which the mayor of the town, José Manuel Dolón and the councilor of the Presidency and Government, Domingo Soler took part.



The Mayor began by thanking the associations, relatives and patients who took part and encouraged all attendees to continue fighting to address the problem. "We have to assume that mental illness is part of our society. It is not a question of health but of coexistence and acceptance. We have to shake hands with everyone and make an effort for the people who suffer from it," he said.

The mayor has also indicated that it is necessary to change the pace of life to which society is subjected, "increasingly hasty and stressed in which there is no place for reflection," in his words.

The centre also hosted various recreational activities, which included the reading of the proclamation in Spanish, English, French and Lithuanian. "The commemoration of World Mental Health Day celebrates 26 years. We believe that mental health is an integral part of health. All people can suffer some type of disorder throughout our lives," they read.

World Mental Health Day is celebrated on October 10 each year, and for the 2018 campaign, the World Health Organisation focused on young people and mental health in a changing world.
“Adolescence and the early years of adulthood are a time of life when many changes occur, for example changing schools, leaving home, and starting university or a new job. For many, these are exciting times. They can also be times of stress and apprehension however. In some cases, if not recognized and managed, these feelings can lead to mental illness. The expanding use of online technologies, while undoubtedly bringing many benefits, can also bring additional pressures, as connectivity to virtual networks at any time of the day and night grows. Many adolescents are also living in areas affected by humanitarian emergencies such as conflicts, natural disasters and epidemics. Young people living in situations such as these are particularly vulnerable to mental distress and illness.”

### Semana Santa Museum Nearing Completion

The mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón, along with the councillor for culture, Domingo Pérez, and the President of the Board of the Brotherhoods, Ignacio Suárez, visited the Semana Santa Museum in Torrevieja this week, to see for themselves how the installation is progressing.


			
				
			
			
				
			
		


The attendees toured the different floors of the museum, including the basements, and inspected the spaces intended for the exhibition.

Whilst there, Ignacio Suárez has been making measurements in order to determine if the dimensions of the different rooms are adapted to the needs of the Brotherhoods.

After the visit, the mayor said that the meeting has taken place in a "cordial and relaxed" atmosphere in which a fluid dialogue has been maintained on the different issues that have been raised by the board of the entity.

Both parties have agreed that they will maintain contact in order to ensure an adequate collaboration.

### Renewal Work for Street Lights and Cobbles Approved

The Local Government Board has approved the report, appointed the technician and started the dossiers corresponding to two of the subsidy lines granted by the Diputación to the town to make financially sustainable investments in infrastructure.



The first project put in motion is the renovation of public lighting of partial plan 22 "Casa Grande", for which 63,286.50 euro will be allocated.

The second project is somewhat more controversial, as it includes the ripping up of cobbled streets and resurfacing them. This might not seem like it is a particular project of note, but the streets are those which were cobbled in 2010 by the then government of the Partido Popular, which immediately caused problems due to the poor quality of the work, having to be redone numerous times, and causing the streets to look like war zones in places.

The work will see junctions between calle Caballero de Rodas and Ramón Gallud from Patricio Pérez to Rambla Juan Mateo and Chapaprieta, and calle Azorín from calle Ramón Gallud and Avda. de la Libertad, including resurfacing of Ramon Gallud from Gregorio Marañón to calle Apolo. For this repair work, a subsidy of 226,954.57 euro has been received.

The work will begin as soon as possible as the financial structure is already in place.

### J7 CD Torrevieja vs Benferri CF. Return to the path of victory!

This coming Sunday, 14 October at 17:30h in the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Torrevieja, CD Torrevieja faces Benferri CF in the fifth match of the season.



The squad return to their home ground this week, and while they remain undefeated, their main intention is to return to the path of victory after three games without a definitive win. A victory would therefore help them move closer towards a chance of ending the season in one of the top qualifying positions with a chance of ascending at the end for next year.

The Club would also like to remind everyone that the period in which you can acquire your 2018/19 season ticket is still open, and all you have to do is come to the head office located at Calle Caballero de Rodas, nº56. Alternatively, you can purchase them online through the Club’s website at www.clubdeportivotorrevieja.com. Season tickets cannot be acquired from the stadium ticket office.

We hope to see you at the Nelson Mandela on Sunday, Let’s go Torrevieja!

### Autumn Workshops and Events for Young People

The councillor for young people in Torrevieja, Víctor Ferrández, has presented the 2018 autumn youth activity schedule, aimed at young people from 12 to 35,  and held mostly in the Centro de información y animación juvenil (CIAJ).



The councilor explained that there are more than 25 activities available, which include leisure events, employment and training courses and workshops.

The councillor said that the program "is very complete and varied" and highlighted the most important activities. "We continue to work to respond to the demands and concerns of the youths in our city and we believe that with this new programming we respond to these demands, both in youth leisure as well as in training, education and employment," he said.

Among the activities, which also include a special focus for Halloween as requested by a large number of young people, there will be the II "Terrerífico" horror short film contest, a trip to Port Aventura, which according to Ferrández, has sold out already, horror cinemas and other workshops.

In addition, another event has been added to the celebration is a party, in collaboration with the Asociación Esquina Amarilla, named, 'Torrevieja Nocturna', on the 26th - at the CIAJ - and on October 27 - at the Parque del Molino del Agua - from midnight.

This year, World Smile Day will be commemorated for the first time with the Instagram contest "Smiling Moments" and the screening of the comedy "Lord give me patience" on October 11 at 5:30 pm at the CIAJ. Ferrández also listed activities that repeat from previous years, such as the Junior Gymkanica of Fiestas Patronales, which will be held on December 1.

Apart from these entertainment events, the mayor has also expressed the importance of training courses and job placement, such as the PICE program of guidance and training for employment, in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce of Alicante, aimed at young people enrolled in the Youth Guarantee scheme.

The autumn program is completed with an awareness campaign against gender violence for young people, training courses for the unemployed of the ADL, free legal advice for young people - thanks to the lawyer who was incorporated through the employment program - courses of the IVAJ and the collaboration with the university headquarters of the UA in Torrevieja, of which stand out a "Course of cómic" and the Hackaton 2018, a marathon of programming and tourist destinies, that were already a success last year and that generates a lot of networking between young IT workers and engineers. In addition, this season the meetings of the youth participation group "La Hora Joven y Universitaria" continue.

Finally, the mayor has encouraged all young people to participate in the activities of the CIAJ, located on Paseo Juan Aparicio 5. The registration period is now open. Those interested can go to the social networks of Concejalía de Juventud or through the telephone number 965 714 072 or via WhatsApp 606 055 291.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Public Lottery for Training Courses Today

On Wednesday morning, a public lottery will be held to choose 30 students who will be added to two training courses, one to learn Russian, the other looking into installing solar power systems.



The courses, organised by the ADL employment agency will offer 40 hours in the basics of the Russian language, and a 25-hour course for installing photovoltaic systems.

Each course has places for 15 students, with anyone welcome to apply for the draw, which will be made at 9 a.m. at the office of the ADL in Torrevieja.

### Vehicle Thefts Out of Control

The theft of a motor vehicle is one of the most distressing and costly losses that an owner can suffer, not only because of the fact it can affect anybody, but because it can happen at any time and at any place.

Like most countries, the theft of a vehicle is not considered a priority by the security services, not because of a lack of desire to investigate and penalise those involved, but largely because of a lack of resources available and other priorities taking over, and the number of incidents taking place on a regular basis.
According to sources at the Ministry of the Interior, in 2017 more than 42,000 vehicles were stolen in Spain, a total which translates to 116 every day.
Statistically, some 28 percent of vehicle thefts are detected, the vehicles returned to their lawful owners and suspects dealt with, but that sadly leaves 72 percent undetected. Most of the offences are by organised groups, who then ship and sell the vehicles abroad with false registration and documentation.
Despite the majority of crimes being organised, it is not only high end vehicles which are the subject of theft. In fact, all types of vehicles and models are affected, and, despite those stolen to order, the thieves usually do not have too many objections to stealing any vehicle they have at their disposal regardless of the model or brand.
Cars and vans are not the only vehicles at risk. Motorbikes are too. As a result, more owners are opting to purchase modern anti-theft systems for their motorcycles. These anti-theft devices are often in the form of an anchor device that guarantees the motorcycle will not move from the place where it is left and, therefore, effectively prevents the theft by a third party .
That said, it is often victims of this type of theft who later turn to devices for their subsequent replacement vehicle, as they don’t want to go through a similar experience ever again, a situation which could have been avoided if the devices were installed in the first place.
Despite the concerning figures that only one out of every four stolen vehicles are recovered, it is still a necessity to report vehicle theft to the authorities. Reporting is essential for an investigation to begin and to prevent traffic infractions or even crimes committed with the vehicle from pointing to the lawful and innocent owner.
The only advice is to always ensure that your vehicle is locked with nothing on value on show. If you have one, always keep vehicles in garages or install anti-theft systems. As well as traditional alarms and anti-theft devices, there are also more modern devices such as those which monitor the vehicle’s location by GPS, and link to smartphones apps. The app can be alerted to such movements as the vehicle being taken at certain times or from certain places, and even if the vehicle travels to different areas or above a certain speed, thus also allowing monitoring of driving of family members for example.
Keep your vehicle locked and secure, and if the worst case does happen, report it as soon as possible.

Excerpt: The theft of a motor vehicle is one of the most distressing and costly losses that an owner can suffer, not only because of the fact it can affect anybody, but because it can happen at any time and at any place. Like most countries, the theft of a vehicle is not considered a priority …

### Reduced Speed Limits and More Radars Promised

Following a tragic summer on the roads of Spain, another disappointing buck to the trend of reducing fatalities, it is becoming increasingly clear to the DGT that a lack or responsible action by drivers can only be combated through further enforcement.
Spain’s newest anti-speeding tool, VELOLASER
The Director General of Traffic, Pere Navarro, is making it very clear, that the only way of dealing with the growing problem is by forcing more responsible driving and, for those still not prepared to slow down, more chance of them being hit in the pocket through fines.
During the latest meeting of the Road Safety Commission of the Congress, Pere Navarro has proposed to unify at 90 kilometres per hour maximum speed limit on all secondary or conventional roads, as these roads are the location for the majority of serious and fatal incidents, in  fact some 76% of all fatalities are on this type of road. Currently, on roads with a hard shoulder of 1.5 metres or more, the limit is currently 100 kilometres per hour.
Slowing down secondary roads is not a new project, Pere Navarro himself acknowledged that his predecessors had tried without success. We are one of the few countries in Europe (along with Romania, Poland, Ireland, Germany, and Austria) with the highest limit is 100 kilometres per hour. In most European countries, the maximum limit is 90, and some it is 80 kilometres per hour.
However, to demonstrate that this measure works, Pere Navarro gave France as an example, where after three consecutive years of increase in deaths, after the lowering of the maximum limit to 80 kilometres per hour, the number of incidents was reduced by 8.4 percent in May, 9.3 in June, and 5.5 in July.
However, reducing maximum permitted speed limits is only successful if drivers then abide by the change. Still, one of the leading contributing factors to road traffic incidents, one of the #Fatal4, is inappropriate speed. Therefore, along with a reduction in limits, additional enforcement is also promised.
Whilst still feeling the need to apologise, Pere Navarro suggested increasing the number of radars for speed control. “Sorry, but it is the only way we have,” he said, before comparing the 7,200 devices in the United Kingdom and 4,000 in France, with just 1,000 in Spain. He already promised this action upon resuming his duties at the DGT, “if we want to advance in road safety we have to increase the number of radars”.
Such increases require investment of course, which is one of the benefits of those already caught, who may not be aware that such devices as radars are self funding, with money raised through fines in Spain being invested in such devices and other road safety initiatives.

As for the quantity, as Pere Navarro used France as an example, to match the number of radars per capita, Spain would need over a thousand more radars, to being the total up to 2,800. Using the UK as a comparison, Spain would have to increase the number of radars to 5,200.

The country with the highest rate of radars per million inhabitants is Belgium with 206, Finland with 169 and Sweden with 135. Currently, Spain with just 19 per million inhabitants is way down that list, although the figure doesn’t include the mobile units operated by the DGT and local and regional police.

Excerpt: Following a tragic summer on the roads of Spain, another disappointing buck to the trend of reducing fatalities, it is becoming increasingly clear to the DGT that a lack or responsible action by drivers can only be combated through further enforcement. The Director General of Traffic, Pere Navarro, is making it very clear, that the …

### Eleven Men Rescued from Small Boat

Eleven people have been rescued from a small boat which was located some 400 metres off the coast of Torrevieja,



The Cruz Roja attended the small boat and brought the eleven men to safety. With this latest boat, it brings the total of 20 people who have arrived in the south of Alicante this week.

The men, all seeking a better life than in their home country, risking their lives in doing so.

 

### Flooding Could have been Avoided with Proper Plans

For year, residents on one area of Torrevieja have had to put up with severe flooding, whilst the rest of the municipality has foot the bill through taxes. Now, it looks like both of the problems could have been avoided if the previous government had ensured that proper plans were in place, or at least listened to the opposition (now in government), who voted against it.

Flooding in 2012

The Directorate General of Roads has reported that they must "Suspend and paralyze all the construction works of Sector S-6" (Villa Amalia) because "it does not have a favourable sector authorisation from the Ministry of Development", as reported by the Mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón,  at a press conference, who has described this situation as "very serious and unacceptable" and derives from the approval in full of the Partial Plan in 2011 with the votes of the absolute majority of the Partido Popular, with the of both Los Verdes (whom the current Mayor represents) and the PSOE (now ruling in coalition) being against the plan. Meanwhile, the APTCe abstained.

The mayor explained that in 2011 the Popular Party should not have approved this Partial Plan that lacks the mentioned sectorial report, which is both binding and obligatory, and the reason why the Directorate of Roads indicates that "they must suspend and paralyze all construction works within Sector S-6, so long as there is no authorisation for the Urbanisation Project by the Ministry of Development on the matters of its competence".

The report on which this stoppage is based also points out that "The whole of Sector S-6 Villa Amalia is flooded, given that the lack of a network of stormwater sanitation and all the runoff from it is concentrated in the area of ​​public domain of the National Highway N-332, generating a serious drainage problem in it."

At this point, José Manuel Dolón stopped to explain a political point, in that the Partido Popular "has used falsehood and deception to attack the Municipal Government" in reference to which the PP was denying that the plot of this sector qualified as school ground in which the parents of CEIP Amanecer students wanted the new school to be built, after the Ministry rejected it for that reason (due to its nature of flooding). Dolón has insisted that it has been a way to "manipulate and deceive people".

The residential area that is affected by this request to cessation does not have "any corrective acoustic media" and, in addition, is affected by the "design project and construction project of the duplication of the Torrevieja variant on the N-332 road, currently in drafting".

The mayor explained that he requested a report from the municipal technicians once they had been aware of "this very serious issue" that is going to suppose "brutal damage to the City Council, but moreover, could seriously affect innocent people who have bought properties in the area, trusting that the town hall would play their part in ensuring the correct procedures and plans are applied, actions which the Mayor has described as, “almost criminal.”

The Mayor is now waiting for the municipal report to "see what measures we have to take", whilst Dolón clarified  that, "the Direcotate of Roads have competence to act and to paralyze the works" and he went on to explain how the City Council will communicate the current situation of this sector "with an urbanisation that in some areas is already fully consolidated and that they act within their skills, they can paralyze the construction".

For years, residents have had to endure flooding in their homes, a situation which has not only affected them, but every resident of the municipality who have shared the burden of cost. "The lack of rainwater infrastructure in that urbanisation and It has cost the tax payers 301,000 euro, costs  assumed by the City Council, through the Agamed joint venture, the channelling and storm water evacuation that as a consequence of the execution of the infrastructures of the urbanisation were accumulated in the avenida de Desiderio Rodríguez, in front of the urbanization la Veleta and the connection with the CV95, works that were executed in 2017”.

 

### Quirónsalud Torrevieja Introduces Virtual Reality Headsets to reduce Pain Perception in Paediatric Emergencies

Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja has introduced virtual reality headsets in the care provided to children by its paediatric emergency service. The use of these devices, personalised for each child, plays a role in the reduction of their perception of pain and anxiety when undergoing procedures such as taking blood samples or reducing fractures and luxations, among others.



These devices work by keeping the child’s attention on something other than the procedure applied during their care. As Doctor María Mínguez Head of the Paediatric Service at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, explains, “with the introduction of this medium, we hope to see multiple benefits for the patient. Among the advantages of virtual reality headsets, we can include quicker sample extraction, a lower number of failed attempts at sample extraction due to better patient collaboration, a lower need for anaesthetics, and the effect of retrograde amnesia in the child’s memory, who will not remember this as a traumatic episode, favouring a positive predisposition for future visits to a healthcare centre.”

Among the procedures initiated by the Paediatric Service at Quirónsalud Torrevieja, we can highlight the training of all personnel to improve empathy with parents and family members, an improvement in communication and information regarding the technique to be performed, adapted to the patient’s age and comprehension level, the active participation of parents and children during procedures, the use of pain scales and their registration in the case history so we can observe their evolution, and the use of a positive reinforcement after each of the interventions, among other measures.

All these actions are extremely beneficial, both for the minors and their families, and for healthcare personnel. “Children do not suffer needlessly, so their memory of their stay in the hospital is no longer painful; we improve their level of anxiety and, with this, that of their parents and family members,” explains Doctor Mínguez. “Additionally, different studies have shown that the implementation of these techniques reduces the length of hospital stays and increases patient’s perception regarding quality of care,” she adds.

### Local Police had a Busy Summer this Year

The special operation group of Torrevieja’s local police, El Grupo de Refuerzo Operativo (G.R.O.), have had a busy summer dealing with a variety of interventions from forgeries to possession.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The unit, which operates as a unique and dedicated team, have planned and executed a total of 17 special operations, in addition to their routine duties, including dealing with illegal street vending resulting in 12 detainees for crimes against industrial property with a total of 11,047 counterfeit items seized, which would have a street value of 220,860 euro on the black market. These products will be destroyed in the upcoming weeks.

In addition, the G.R.O. conducted 24 traffic and security verification points, resulting in a total of 7 arrests, 48 ​recorded offences for possession or consumption of banned substances, and almost a 100 other individual offences, with a total of 39 people arrested by the group for crimes related to documentary falsehood, hatred, industrial and intellectual property, vehicle thefts, road safety, threats with weapons, gender violence and attempted homicide as well as a pirate taxi operating in the area.

In addition, the group collaborated directly with the Guardia Civil in the investigation, location and subsequent arrest of a driver who was driving at 230 kilometres per hour. 

The group also collaborated with Civil Protection of Torrevieja, Guardia Civil, fire service, courts, and other units of the Local Police of Torrevieja, and with the University of Murcia, given that a student of the Degree in Criminology, the first of its promotion with diploma, invested 80 hours of work in which he verified and accompanied the Group in a multitude of services. The experience was qualified by the inspector Juan Carlos García, responsible for the G.R.O., as "incredible to have been a reciprocal teaching experience".

### CONFIRMED - CD Torrevieja has sacked the first team’s coaching staff

The Club has decided not to continue employing the services of the coaching staff for the first team and will immediately relinquish the current contract, which would have seen them training the team until the end of the 2018-2019 season.

Taking over the coaching role provisionally will be sports director Joaquín Badimón Aymerich, who will sit on the bench this coming Sunday in La Murada for the match against Orihuela CF B.

### Twelve Immigrants land in Torrevieja

Medical staff from the Cruz Roja have met a boat carrying twelve immigrants which landed at Cala del Moro in Torrevieja on Tuesday.



The Guardia Civil report that the twelve are all male and of legal age, all saying that they are from Algeria.

A local resident alerted the Guardia Civil at around 10:30 of the boat, with both the Guardia Civil and border patrol teams being sent to assist in the arrival.

This is the fifth boat which has arrived off the Alicante cost since Sunday, with arrivals intercepted at Orihuela, Pilar de la Horadada, Calpe, and Benidorm, amongst other sightings and landings.

[codepeople-post-map]

### October is Tyre Safety Month

Once again, as the winter is fast approaching, N332 RoadWatch are supporting what was a U.K. based campaign focusing on one of the most crucial elements of a car, one which is so easy to check, and yet one which is so often neglected, as we join in with recognising that October is TYRE SAFETY MONTH.

TyreSafe’s latest campaign reveals it’s actually the summer months when Britain’s motorists are more likely to be involved in a tyre-related incident.
As well as on our websites, n332.es and RoadWatch.eu, you can get a whole wealth of information from the official website, tyresafe.org.
The key message for this year’s campaign, taken from tyresafe.org, is:
The need for the annual tyre safety campaign in October has once again been underlined by the research carried out by the TyreSafe team and the evidence collated. TyreSafe and tyre safety awareness depend on support to drive the change in attitudes needed to help reduce the number of tyre-related incidents on our roads.
Checking your own tyres is not as difficult as you might think, and we have created a short video that shows you how to perform some basic checks, recorded at the Bosch Service Centre at Autos Direct in San Miguel de Salinas.
You should perform these checks at least one per month, maintaining the tyre pressure when you do, and with just a few minutes of dedicated time, you could be saving a lifetime of worry, or worse.
Take a look at the video, which, as well as being on our websites, n332.es and RoadWatch.eu, is on YouTube where you can also subscribe to our channel, and see how easy it is. Of course, if you don’t want to check them yourself, it does mean getting your hands a little dirty, then pop along to Autos Direct in San Miguel and let one of the mechanics there check for you.



Autos Direct will also be bringing us some special offers right through this month, exclusive to N332 followers, so keep checking the website, n332.es, for those, or visit their website, autosdirect.es, and be sure to follow them on Facebook for their latest vehicles and news.

            codepeople-post-map require JavaScript

Excerpt: Once again, as the winter is fast approaching, N332 RoadWatch are supporting what was a U.K. based campaign focusing on one of the most crucial elements of a car, one which is so easy to check, and yet one which is so often neglected, as we join in with recognising that October is TYRE SAFETY …

### Earthquake Drill Preparations Underway

Initial plans and preparations are underway for an earthquake emergency drill, which is set to take place on November 14.



Last week, the local coordination centre, CECOPAL, was the location where the first working meeting took place in order to start the formal preparations for the drill.

The meeting, chaired by the mayor, José Manuel Dolón, is part of the plan which began some time ago, and included other council departments, such as the councillor for education, Jose Hurtado, as schools will play a large part in the event, as all children will be taught how to react to an emergency, in the hope that a real one never takes place.

The security services were also involved, including the councillor for security, Javier Manzanares, the Local Police, Provincial Fire Department, Proteccion Civil, Department of Health, Agamed, local radio amateurs and others. 

During the meeting, a first review of the working documents were presented, and an exchange of opinions was made, all aimed at organising the response at the local level to a serious seismic event.

The denominated #GranSimulacro2018, proposes to activate the Special Plan of the Seismic Risk to evaluate certain resources, capacities and practices of response to a simulated earthquake that will take place on Wednesday 14 November, in Torrevieja, under the direction of the Valencian Security Agency and Emergency Response (AVSRE). Torrevieja, which has a Municipal Territorial Plan (P.T.M.), has also been chosen because it is a municipality with a high seismic risk and history and has a size that allows circumscribing the action to its municipal area.

The simulation aims to help achieve a medium-term municipal objective: the drafting of the Municipal Action Plan against Seismic Risk (PAM-SIS), while the AVSRE has incorporated the proposal made by the City Council into the design of the simulation exercise: where the schools of the municipality are involved. The approach has two main objectives: evacuation to the playground of students and teachers as a measure of self-protection; and the notification after the event to the school community.

The mayor, explained that the council, "is working on the preparation of the drill and, beyond that, the construction of a community more resilient to a severe earthquake. The general objectives of the #GranSimulacro2018 is to include the activation of the response to the emergency at the municipal level and the activation of the self-protection plans in the schools and educational centres," he said. 

During the drill, the 'Horizontal Communications Procedure' will be activated and preferential use will be made of the COMDES Radio Network. In addition, the dissemination of the response to the emergency among the population will be exercised. Given the type of event - immediate damage after the earthquake - local practice is considered vital.

The mayor has acknowledged that "the scope of the exercise for the City Council is very ambitious. The AVSRE proposes the council do a complete exercise with the 'Recognition Groups' and participate in the rest of the exercises providing human resources, and facilities," he concluded.

This is not the first time such an exercise has taken place in Torrevieja, and history has already recorded devastation in the area from a real seismic event, and so the importance of this drill being credited with the respect it deserves is paramount.

### World Tourism Day Conference - Making the most of new technology

Professor at the University of Alicante, Marco A. Celdrán, chaired the conference "New Scenarios for the Planning of Tourism", which was held in the casino of Torrevieja, an initiative of the Department of Tourism in Torrevieja, in recognition of World Tourism Day.



The coordinator of the University Headquarters of the UA in Torrevieja, José Norberto Mazón, intervened at the beginning of the conference to present the professor to the public and thank the council for organising the event.

Professor Marco A. Celdrán, the first to defend a doctoral thesis in Torrevieja, has made a synthesis of his research work, explaining what has been the evolution of tourism according to the technologies of different stages. To summarise his thesis, he highlighted four sections: Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and their influence on tourism; What the academic world says about this Smart Tourism scenario, that is, intelligent tourism; ICT with the greatest impact on destinations; and The focus of the intelligent tourist destination, its strengths and weaknesses. Finally, he gave some examples of strategies to benefit from this innovative type of tourism.



"Mass tourism began in 1950, at the same time as some economic and technological improvements," said Celdrán, adding that currently, Spain is one of the leading countries in the development of smart tourist destinations.

The professor explained, tourism has gone through different stages, the first, with the use of servers that did not offer an effective interaction between tourists and destinations, the later stage, which has been characterised by the appearance of the Internet and the first navigators that improved that interactivity, since they allowed tourists to consult each other on the destinations offered.

Current tourism is closely related to new technologies. "We can know tourist products and opinions through different technological platforms in real time," said Celdran, listing various channels, such as social networks, web pages, mobile applications, other sites of interest such as TripAdvisor or Booking.com. "These new sites offer numerous forms of data, like the accumulation of tourists in a certain place. For example, in the summer season of Torrevieja the agglutination of people occurs on the promenade or on the beaches," he added.

New technologies allows personalised records of the experiences of tourists and travelers who become prosumer tourists, that is, tourists who consume experiences, but also produce them through their opinions. Subsequently, these reviews are taken advantage of by tourist destinations to offer better services, according to the professor.

Finally, Celdrán mentioned some limitations and solutions to improve the application of these technologies in a tourist destination, which above all, falls on the governance that should be responsible for intelligent strategies to take advantage of these new possibilities. In fact, some locations in the Valencian Community already use these, such as Torrevieja, Denia, Benidorm or Valencia.

After the conference there was an excursion to the Salinas on the tourist train and a guided tour of the town.

### A Fashion Festival for the Home and Body in Alicante

With an ambiance to rival fashion-focused locations such as Paris, Milan or Rome, Alicante will play host to the most beautiful designs of the moment for the next couple of weeks, starting off with the Mercado Diseno Alicante.

The old bus station on Plaza Seneca is the location, the 5th, 6th and 7th of October the dates, for a range of items for the home, from lighting to fabrics, as well as workshops and free concerts throughout the event.
Then, from the 9th to the 14th, the activity moves to the harbour area, when a fashion market takes over the boardwalk to the north side.
In the shadow of the Santa Barbera castle, in la Plaza del Puerto (Opposite the Hotel Meliá), a wider range of good will be on offer in areas dedicated to fashion, footwear, accessories, home, sports, optics, and a gourmet area.
The best stores in town will offer their best deals, all in one place, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with free activities planned for every day.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a bit of gastronomic diversity, on Saturday, 6 October 2018, from 09:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., there is also a specialist Vegan Sweet market, offering samples of goods from small organic farmers and artisans of Alicante.
The location for that event is calle Jacinto Maltes on the corner of calle Julio Antonio.
If it’s a liquid diet you prefer, then we also have the III Oktobeerfest, which is on from the 6th to the 9th of October, on avenida Del Doctor Rico.
By the way, a little advanced notice, the 5 Vegan Fest Alicante, 2018, is scheduled to take place on the 20th and 21st of October. More details on that nearer the time.

            codepeople-post-map require JavaScript

Excerpt: With an ambiance to rival fashion-focused locations such as Paris, Milan or Rome, Alicante will play host to the most beautiful designs of the moment for the next couple of weeks, starting off with the Mercado Diseno Alicante. The old bus station on Plaza Seneca is the location, the 5th, 6th and 7th of October …

### Belt Up! Seat Belt Campaign Starts Monday

Starting on Monday, the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by their colleagues in the police, will be out in force to ensure the correct use and operation of seat belts and child restraint systems in vehicles.

In 2014 (the last year of consolidated data), the number of unbelted deaths accounted for 24% of the total, with some 194 of the 822 people in cars and vans who lost their lives, not wearing a seat belt, despite knowing the importance of doing so.
The object of the campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of the use of seat belts and child restraint systems, to prevent injuries caused during a serious incident. The use of seat belts and the SRI reduces the chances of death by almost 50 percent in the case of an incident. The seat belt is both useful and mandatory for any journey, long or short, urban or interurban, and in both the front seats as in the rear.
Statistically, approximately 25 percent of fatalities on roads do not use seat belts. This percentage exceeds 30 percent when it comes to urban roads.
In addition to the officers on patrol during the campaign, the new cameras and detectors are in place across the country watching for seat belt use, and the Pegasus equipped helicopters will be watching form the sky..
The latest roadside cameras take a series of pictures. The images are electronically sent to a control centre which then processes them and sends a sanction to the vehicle owner who then faces a 200 euro fine and the loss of 3 points.

It is the aim of the DGT to reduce this figure to zero by making the use of seat belts and appropriate child restraint systems 100% for all vehicle occupants.
The focus of the campaign will not only be those who should know better about looking out for their own safety, but also those who should be looking out for those more vulnerable, namely adults who carry children in the vehicles.
In 2014, 2 out of the 14 children under 12 years who died in cars or vans were not wearing any safety device at the time of the incident. In addition, 9 out of 82 seriously injured, and 107 of those who suffered minor injuries were not correctly restrained. From that data, 118 children suffered unnecessary injury or death as a result of the supposedly responsible adults not showing due care.
On account of the seriousness that the DGT takes such actions, traffic officers can immobilise a vehicle if a child is found to be travelling without the correct restraint system in use.
It is also important to remember that children under 135 centimetres in height are not allowed to travel in the front seats of vehicles and must be properly restrained by a device appropriate to their height and weight.
The proper wearing of seat belts and restraint systems is also vital to their correct use. All occupants in a vehicle must wear a seat belt, whether they are in the front or the back, although some people incorrectly believe that wearing a seat belt in the back is not necessary, it is, and it is also mandatory. If a person in a rear seat is not wearing a seat belt they are 8 times more likely to kill the person in a seat in front of them.
Wearing a seat belt is statistically proven to half the risk of death if involved in a collision as it also helps to distribute the force of the impact across the body and not directly at more vulnerable parts of the body. A seat belt prevents the occupant being ejected from a vehicle, saving them from more serious injury.
 

Excerpt: Starting on Monday, the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by their colleagues in the police, will be out in force to ensure the correct use and operation of seat belts and child restraint systems in vehicles. In 2014 (the last year of consolidated data), the number of unbelted deaths accounted for 24% of the total, …

### Russian player Bezhonov brings new level of competitiveness to the squad

CD Torrevieja has signed a deal to bring Andrey Bezhonov (Moscú, 1995) to the Club, after an agreement was reached by both parties. Bezhonov will play in the left mid-field position although he can also play on the right side of the pitch as well. He stands out as a quality player, for his speed and his superb attacking ability.



The Russian player comes to Torrevieja from the Catalan Preferente league, where last season his team, Can Vidalet CF, finished in third position. Before that he played with Anzhi, Dinamo Bryansk and Khimik Koryazhma in Russia, Shakhtjor Soligorsk in Belarus and Ilukstes NSS in Lithuania.

This player is without a doubt one that will considerably strengthen the team and increase its competitiveness.

Welcome Bezhonov!

### Ángel is the New Coach for the CD Torrevieja Youth Team

CD Torrevieja have appointed a coach for the youth team for the forthcoming season, which is about to start. The new coach is Ángel Rubió Manzanaro, better known as “Angel” (Torrevieja 1985).



The young trainer from Torrevieja, has a Level 1 Coaching certificate and already has extensive experience after training other youth teams including CDM Orihuela Costa, CD Montesinos and Torrevieja CF.

The Club wishes him and his new team all the luck and success in this new and exciting joint venture.

### How Much is Too Much?

Local Police in Seville sanctioned a driver for a number of offences, a driver who had originally thought that the angels-of-bargains were shining down!

The officers observed the driver of a light passenger van talking on their mobile and so decided to stop the vehicle.
They then noticed that the vehicle, which was displaying novice driver identification plates, as well as a Baby on Board sign, appeared overloaded.
The driver said that they had been taking advantage of the IVA free day (tax free day) at the local supermarket, and so stocked up with 442 litres of beer.
The offences were reported and it would appear that the angels-of-bargains had now moved on.




            codepeople-post-map require JavaScript

Excerpt: Local Police in Seville sanctioned a driver for a number of offences, a driver who had originally thought that the angels-of-bargains were shining down! The officers observed the driver of a light passenger van talking on their mobile and so decided to stop the vehicle. They then noticed that the vehicle, which was displaying novice …

### J5 CD Torrevieja vs Benidorm CD

This coming Sunday 30 September at 17:30h, the fifth game of the season will be disputed between CD Torrevieja and Benidorm CD at the Nelson Mandela grounds in Torrevieja.



After the setback that took place at the José Díez Iborra stadium for the final match of the season, which prevented our team from gaining the leading position, this Sunday’s match in our home ground is all about getting even! At least in sport, each weekend gives you a new opportunity to turn things around.

The Club would also like to remind everyone that the period in which you can acquire your 2018/19 season ticket is still open, and all you have to do is come to the head office located at Calle Caballero de Rodas, nº56. Season tickets cannot be acquired from the stadium ticket office.

We hope to see you at the Nelson Mandela on Sunday, Let’s go Torrevieja!

[codepeople-post-map]

### Water Firm Buys Electric Cars

The Mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón of the Los Verdes green party , whose position also sees him sit as Chairman of the Board of the joint-owned water supply company Agamed, accompanied by the company's manager, José Manuel Nadal, visited the new fleet of electric vehicles that the company has acquired, with the aim of reducing pollution.



The company has presented the three vehicles that it will replace throughout this year, and with which it is expected to reduce 8.9 tons of CO2 per year. Although the forecast has been marked for the next five years, during which they expect to replace a total of 12 vehicles in 2019 and, in subsequent years, the goal is to eventually replace the entire fleet of diesel with electric.

The Mayor stated that the move is "great news" that will contribute to make "our environment cleaner and healthier" and stressed that "Agamed has a serious commitment to the environment that not only becomes visible with the acquisition of these vehicles but also throughout the year at the hands of the City Council, with the help of different councils, with initiatives to disseminate the values ​​required for the care and recovery of our planet."

Nadal explained that the new vans are equipped for the work of maintenance operations in the water networks and facilities, and "have been selected according to criteria such as autonomy, load and technical performance. They have a range of up to 200 kilometres and a power of 60 hp. In addition, although the economic cost at present is significantly higher than the cost of a conventional diesel engine, the environmental and sustainable benefit is much higher, since they produce zero CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. "

Nadal also detailed other actions that reinforce the environmental commitment of Agamed and that each year it is increased, in addition, support for numerous activities throughout the municipality shows their commitment to Torrevieja, such as, for example, the annual concert will be held in the Lagunas de la Mata and Torrevieja on Friday.

In addition, the company organises workshops and awareness sessions for schoolchildren and the general public on the responsible use of water, carries out numerous annual repopulation of trees in the municipality of Torrevieja, and collaborates with associations and local entities in initiatives related to environmental awareness.

### Which is the Cheapest Supermarket where You Live?

A consumer association, the Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios, or OCU, has released its annual study that looks at the prices of everyday products sold in supermarkets and hypermarkets across Spain.

The aim of the report is to compare prices, partly to show an unfair balance towards the consumer, but more importantly perhaps for us, it shows us where our money goes furthest.
One of the general trends observed through the national study is that Mercadona is a favourable grocery store, and given the company´s ethos for looking after staff through profit share and bonus schemes, it looks like everyone´s a winner in the chain that forms one of the largest companies in the country.
Locally for us, for the Alicante province, top of the shops is relative newcomer Supeco, on Carrús Av Novelda in Elche, whereas in Murcia it´s Alcampo, located in the Thader shopping centre, across the way from Ikea.
If you´re not local to us, have no fear, we have the full list below. All that remains now is for us to dust down our Dale Winton costume and prepare you for action, because, let us not forget, next time you´re shopping and you hear the beep, think of the fun you can be having on Supermarket Sweep (other TV game shows are available).

– Albacete : Alcampo, Av Illustration 51
– Alicante : Supeco, Carrús Av Novelda (Elche)
– Almería : Mercadona, Ingenio s / n
– Ávila : Mercadona, San Nicolás 2
– Badajoz : Carrefour, JM Alcaraz and Alenda s / n
– Barcelona : Consum, Av d’Icària 160-170
– Bilbao : Mercadona, Doctor Espinosa Oribe, 2A
– Burgos : Tifer, Vitoria, 264 – PI Gamonal
– Cáceres : Maxcoop, La Roche Sur Yon, 8
– Cádiz : Cash Fresh, Luis Milena, 19 (San Fernando)
– Castellón de la Plana : Alcampo, N-340 km. 64.5
– Ciudad Real : Carrefour, Av de Europa, 45
– Córdoba : Cash Fresh, Malante Island – Bº Arroyo del Moro
– Cuenca : Alcampo, N-400, km 178.5
– Gerona : Consum, Ultoria 11
– Granada : Dani, Plaza Doctor López Neyra 2 (the cheapest in Spain)
– Guadalajara : Mercadona, Captain Arenas, 15
– Huelva : Cash Fresh, San Sebastián 4
– Huesca : Mercadona, Ramón and Caja 90
– Jaén : Dani, Twelve Apostles 8
– La Coruña : Family, San Vicente 46
– Las Palmas de Gran Canaria : Alcampo, GC-1, km 8 (Telde-La Mareta)
– León : More and More, Covadonga 5-7
– Lérida : Mercadona, Baró de Maials 6
– Logroño : Alcampo, Camino de las Tejeras 4
– Lugo : Mercadona, Av de A Coruña 189
– Madrid : Alcampo City, Antonio López 109-111
– Malaga : Mercadona, Algarrobo s / n
– Murcia : Alcampo, Juan de Borbón s / n (Churra)
– Orense : Carrefour, Aira de Fonsillón s / n
– Oviedo : Alcampo, AS-17 km 47 (S Martín del Rey Au.)
– Palencia : Mercadona, Av de Madrid 24
– Palma de Mallorca : Mercadona, Aragó 26
– Pamplona : Alcampo SUP, J. Beubza 13 Bº Rotxapea
– Pontevedra : Carrefour, San Blas s / n
– Vigo : Alcampo, Grove 1
– Salamanca : Carrefour, Augustinian Recollects 1-35
– San Sebastián : Alcampo, Atigarrako Bidea 4A (Oiartzun)
– Santa Cruz de Tenerife : Alcampo, Sta Cruz-La Laguna, 7B (S Cristobal)
– Santander : Mercadona, Julio Jaurena s / n
– Segovia : Mercadona, B. Gracian 12
– Sevilla : Cash Fresh, Médicos Mundi s / n
– Soria: Mercadona, Eduardo Saavedra 54
– Tarragona : Mercadona, S Pedro and V. of Hungary 44
– Teruel : Mercadona, Pza de la Guardia Civil s / n
– Toledo : Alcampo, CM-4003 Toledo- Bargas
– Valencia : Consum, Av del Puerto 79-81
– Valladolid : Mercadona, Av de Burgos 25
– Vitoria: Alcampo Supermarket, Arana 27-29
– Zamora : Tifer, Av de Galicia 147
– Zaragoza : Alcampo, Pza de Utrillas 6


            codepeople-post-map require JavaScript

Excerpt: A consumer association, the Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios, or OCU, has released its annual study that looks at the prices of everyday products sold in supermarkets and hypermarkets across Spain. The aim of the report is to compare prices, partly to show an unfair balance towards the consumer, but more importantly perhaps for us, …

### Free Winter Beach Activities

Torrevieja’s councillor for Employment, Víctor Ferrández, held a press conference this week, in which he explained a series of free activities taking place on the beaches during the winter months.



The reason why it was the employment councillor presenting these activities, rather than sports or tourism, is that these event are also an opportunity for local people to secure work, as they are all run by a a group who are involved in an employment workshop, where they are learning the skills and qualifications to point them on to a new career in the tourism sector.

The councillor explained that the project will provide numerous benefits to those interested in taking part. "It is an offer of sports and leisure activities that promotes health, the enjoyment of the outdoors, which takes advantage of the natural resources of the municipality, in this case the beaches, and encourages socialisation," he said. In addition, it encourages healthy life habits and promotes teamwork, he explained.

This initiative will be developed during the months of October, November and December, at Playa de los Náufragos. With its Blue Flag and ISO quality certificate, both very important factors for tourism, it is the ideal location for the activities. "It is wide, easily accessible and is equipped with sports elements," said the councillor.

Registration is completely free and you can even sign up for more than one activity. This can be done at either the ADL or in the main tourist office in the town centre. The activities are open to anyone over the age of 18, but there is a planned limit of 750 people in total, so early registration is advised, as always.

The activities will be offered for each month during two days a week, Monday and Wednesday (with the exception of holidays), from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. divided into two sessions: from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 p.m. the first and from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. the second.

So, what's on offer? In October there will be salsa from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 p.m. and yoga from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 a.m. In November, pilates in the first shift and Zumba in the second shift, and in December, functional training and maintenance gymnastics, respectively. The councillor has clarified what functional training consists of: "machine-less exercises that promotes strength and endurance to perform daily load activities or different postures in a correct manner and without harming the body."

[codepeople-post-map]

### Free Friday Concert in La Mata

There is hardly a more picturesque place, nor a more romantic setting, than watching the sun go down as the birdsong in the Natural Park of La Mata is echoed by classical music on Friday, 28 September, as the latest edition of “Música en el Parque” takes place.



It´s the fourth time the musicians have gathered to perform their scores, including, this year, a special playlist created by the chamber group of Torrevieja´s symphony orchestra, the Grupo de Cámara de la Orquesta Sinfónica de Torrevieja.

The councillor for the environment, Fanny Serrano, accompanied by the manager of Agamed, José Manuel Nadal, launched the event in a press conference, explaining how the fourth edition of this free event, which takes place at the picnic area facing the lagoon, is likely to be busier than ever, but, “we can only have 100 chairs”, on account of it being a protected area, however, since it is an open place, many more people can come to listen to it. Likewise, because of both space and environmental concerns, care sharing is encouraged or even walking or cycling to the event.

The councillor pointed out that the concert time has been set at 6:30 p.m. so that the end coincides with the sunset over the lagoon, which will allow attendees to take some extraordinary images and memories whilst they listen to the music.

The manager of Agamed presented the line-up prepared by the OST: Rondeau from the suite "Abdelazer" and Lascia ch'io Pianga from Handel; Air from the Suite for Bach Orchestra No. 3; Divertimento K 136Mozart -I. Allegro and II. Walking-; Largo (Winter) by Vivaldi, Palladio by Karl Jenkins -I. Allegro-; Life is a beautiful adaptation of Adolfo Arronis; Moon River by Mancini, Oh Sole Mine by E. di Capua (Adapt Iryna Lazaryeva); Oblivion of Piazzolla; and El Choclo (tango) by A. Villoldo. He will act as violin first, Stanislav Tkach, as second violinist, Víctor Manuel Antón Ferrández, as Viola Leticia Cámara Merino and violoncello Iván Pérez Izquierdo.

### New Booklet to Promote Tourist Routes

The councillor for tourism, Fanny Serrano, showed off a new booklet at a press conference this week, a guide that offers information about the various guided routes that can be enjoyed throughout the winter season.



The guided routes have been more popular than ever this summer, resulting in an extension to their contract, and now, throughout the winter, Torrevieja is being highlighted as a location for tourists to visit and enjoy during the cooler months.

This initiative continues to offer free guided visits at both in the centre of the town, delving into its traditions and customs, as well as the beautifully scenic Natural Park of Lagunas de La Mata and Torrevieja, providing information on ecotourism and urban routes.

Amongst the ecotourism visits, visitors can enjoy a general stroll through the natural park of the lagoons of La Mata and Torrevieja, an ornithological route that teaches visitors to recognise the fascinating birds that take refuge in the Natural Park, as well as the route through the vineyards and salt lakes to learn more about the history of the generations of winegrowers or the tradition of the salt lakes, the crafts and industrial history.

As for the town centre, there are visits to the Museum of the Sea and Salt; to the monumental setting of Eras de la Sal, where salt was stored and transported; to the Casino, one of the most representative buildings in the city; and finally, to the floating museums that show the life of the sailors aboard the submarine S-61 Dolphin and the Albatros customs patrol boat.

The new informative material also contains the schedule of the routes for the 2018-2019 season, the way in which you can register, and the itinerary of the urban routes.

The leaflets are available at the tourist information offices in the town, but if you want to jump ahead and register, you can visit the website: www.turismodetorrevieja.com/ecorutas.

### Support Project Planned to Reduce Truancy

Torrevieja´s Municipal Commission of School Absenteeism, chaired by the mayor, José Manuel Dolón, held a meeting this week in which final approval was given for an innovative project which aims to reduce school truancy.



The councillor for education, José Hurtado, explained that October 30 is the date when the project will begin, and will, hopefully, reduce absenteeism rates.

The councillor explained that, “it has been possible to urgently propose the approval of an innovative educational project, determined by schools, which manages to motivate absentee students.”

The Mayor, José Manuel Dolón, has been pushing for the go ahead for the scheme, which also includes a monthly review to monitor the effectiveness, and offer suggestions for improvements.

Hurtado pointed out that, “the fundamental objective is to diagnose, as best as possible, the causes of absenteeism in order to propose solutions”.

The first phase of the project has already begun, which looks at those children of school age who have not enrolled in education, the age for compulsory education being from 6 to 16.

### Tourists Continue to Enjoy Torrevieja

The councillor for tourism, Fanny Serrano, detailed various aspects relating to the data collection in a press conference, which, amongst other things, show how the tourist information offices have received a total of 11,265 visitors, and water consumption indicates a population equivalent to almost half a million people during the summer months.



Serrano said that the number of inquiries that are made in the tourist offices mark “a change of trend” in the way in which tourists demand information, a consolidation of the French market and an increasing use of apartments and homes for tourists offered through collaborative economy platforms.

In terms of occupancy levels, taking into account the objective data on water consumption and rubbish collection, the visitor numbers remain very similar to last summer with a “slight decrease in solid waste but with an increase in water consumption”.

The councillor stressed that they have “noted a change in the way in which tourists demand information”. The request are now reducing in person, and in fact there is a decrease in personal requests in the offices, which is compensated by the information that is offered by alternative channels such as the touch screens that can be used 24 hours a day. During the months of July and August, they were used by 7,558 people.

Despite this change, the tourist information offices of Torrevieja have welcomed a total of 11,265 visitors in July and August, with 65.23% of them being international tourists, and 34.77% domestic. The busiest day was the 17 August, when the main office on Paseo de Vista Alegre received 366 visitors.

Looking at visitors to the offices, in domestic terms, Madrid is still the lead source of tourists, 32.2%, followed by local visitors with 18.4%, País Vasco with 8.7% and Castilla y León with 8.3%. In terms of international consultations, the British top the list this year with 24.8%, but followed closely by the French with 23.4%. The rest of the tourists come from Sweden, Belgium, Germany, among other countries. The tourist office has generally been able to communicate in Spanish and to a lesser extent, in English, French and German.

During his conference, Serrano has also highlighted the success of the various guided tours that have been organised in the city, such as the ecology of the Natural Park of Lagunas de Torrevieja and La Mata, 17 night routes, all of which were fully booked. In addition to guided tours of the city that have received a great reception from both the native and foreign tourists. Since March 16, 34 visits have been made in Spanish and English with a total of 927 people.

The councillor also explained that the hotels of Torrevieja, those of a three and four star rating, have reached an occupation level of 85 percent in July and August, a figure that drops to 63 percent in hotels of a lower rating. The hotel data compares to that of official tourist apartments, which also received 85 percent occupancy, although no data can be given for those apartments not registered.

Despite the figures collated through the tourism officers, Serrano points out that the statistical data that really confirms the number of visitors, whether residential or temporary, are those for water consumption and waste production.

In June, over 4.1 billion kilos of waste were produced, with a slight decrease compared to the previous year of -0.22%, in the month of July, a total of 5.7 billion was collected, a drop of -0.67 from the previous year, and finally, the month of August,  of 6.2 billion kilos of waste was taken away, a difference of -3.77% on the previous year. Although each month saw a decline on last year, the councillor states that the drop is so insignificant it should be considered that Torrevieja has experienced, “hardly any change”, compared to 2017.

In terms of water consumption, 29,174 cubic metres were consumed in June, 38,215 cubic metres in July, 42,304 cubic metres in August, and 29,711 cubic metres estimated for September. Thanks to these figures, it could be estimated that Torrevieja has had a population equivalent to 291,741 inhabitants in June, 382,154 inhabitants in July, 423,045 in August and 297,115 in the first weeks of September.

“This year, there has been about half a million tourists and visitors”, the councillor said, beginning to sum up the season, also applauding such developments as the visits to the salt works, a novelty which began this year and will continue until October due to demand. In fact, the tourist train which visited the salt works had 3,013 passengers in July, in August there were 8,814 people on board, including members of the team here, and so far in September, 3,005 visits, a grand total, so far, of 14,832 people who have been given the opportunity to walk where few were allowed before, to the top of the salt piles which are already an icon of Torrevieja, and can now be referenced by those visitors, who can say with pride, I have walked on that!”

[codepeople-post-map]

### Quick Fix for Rain Damaged Beaches

The councillor of beaches in Torrevieja, Javier Manzanares, has highlighted “the speed and solvency with which the beaches in the town have been fixed”, after heavy rain, “caused serious damage, both in the loss of sand and the furniture on the beaches,” he said.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The councillor also wanted to highlight that the main reason for such prompt action was that the town hall were prepared and, thanks to the foresight from the Department of Beaches, some 14,000 cubic metres of pure beach sand that was stored for years was moved into place thus bringing the beaches back to a quality standard within just 24 hours.

“I have always said that for the City Council the beaches should be a priority, their care and maintenance throughout the year are important for citizens and the tourists that visits us. I want to thank the workers of our beaches for the enormous work they do and have done, especially in the last 48 hours,” re reiterated.

In total, some 600 cubic meters of sand have been supplied to the beaches of El Cura, Los Locos and Los Náufragos in the last 48 hours. Water pipes have also been fixed, furniture has been replaced on the beaches and the environment has been conditioned to them. “On Saturday we had the beaches destroyed and today they are in perfect conditions to enjoy”, whereas the workers are continuing to repair the rest of the municipality´s beaches, which should be back to full working order today.

### Autumn Equinox at La Mata Natural Park

For many, the equinoxes are just a passing of time, when one season turns to another, but for many others, they are a spiritual time, one where a higher state of consciousness brushes the past away and clears a route for the next chapter in the story of life. Whatever your feelings on this shifting time, where better a place to experience it than surrounded by the very fabric that make up our literal world, the beauty and awe that is nature herself.



On the 22 of September, from early evening until late, the natural park of La Mata is the location for a guided talk that sees in the autumn equinox.

Local associations Projecte Mastral and Astroingeo are collaborating to create an activity aimed at participants knowing the meaning of the autumn equinox, where day and night have the same duration.

Unfortunately, the official tour is already fully booked, although you can join the waiting list by emailing parque_lamata@gva.es, but as many of our readers may struggle to understand the talk given in Spanish, it is an occasion that you could set up your own evening of spiritual or enlightened relaxation.

Get the family together, although the very little ones may find it a little boring, pack a picnic blanket, some food and drink, anti-mosquito spray and park in the car park next to the visitor centre, then take a short stroll along the public footpaths until you reach the picnic area. But don´t sit here unless you really need to. Keep to the paths, but go just a little bit further. Put your blanket on the ground, set out your places and lay under the stars knowing that the night and day or of equal lengths, and the nights will start to get longer, the days shorter, and bid farewell to summer.

With not even so much as a book to distract you, certainly no television, no newspapers, and certainly no telephones, just you and those you care about, stop, look at each other and talk. Remember events together, laugh, enjoy, think about a good time, a better time, just be together.

Those on the guided walk will be able to look through a telescope to see Jupiter, Mars, the Moon and Saturn, but in an area where there is no light pollution, just look up, see for yourself, a view that has travelled from a time long before you were born, the stars we see today are from the past, and so we look to the future, and enjoy this moment together.

At the end, remember to take all of your rubbish away with you, and maybe walk hand in hand back to the car, because you have just experienced something very few make the effort for in this modern world, quality time together.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Daniel Plaza welcomed as new chief executive of CD Torrevieja

CD Torrevieja, as part of the restructure of its management and organisation system, has welcomed Daniel Plaza Montero to the management team as the new chief executive of the Club. The Catalán athlete, who made Torrevieja his home many years ago, was officially welcomed to the Club earlier on today in a presentation that was filmed and attended by members of the local press. The ceremony took place at the Club’s head office in Calle Caballero de Rodas, nº56, bajo in Torrevieja.



Also present, and officially introducing Dani Plaza to the media, was sports manager Juanjo Fernández Nova, the main advocate and supporter of the former councillor for Sport’s addition to the club.

During the press conference, Daniel Plaza Montero talked about the Club’s short-term objectives, and how excited he was at becoming a part of the new venture and carrying out his varied roles that this new position entails.

Without a doubt, CD Torrevieja has found the support of an excellent sports manager with years of experience, commitment, high standards and huge passion for sport.

### Police Rammed by Drug Traffickers

Officers from the National Police were forced to give chase to a fugitive vehicle through the streets of Elche (Alicante), after the car rammed them at a checkpoint in an attempt to evade detection.
 

 
The officers were involved in a routine checkpoint when a vehicle was seen acting suspiciously on approach. Apparently noting the presence of the police, the vehicle accelerated towards them at high speed and rammed through the barricades.
Officers, who are specially trained to deal with such an incident, immediately gave chase through the streets, where the suspect vehicle “zigzagged” at high speed through any obstacle in its path, ignored red lights and traffic signs, and failed to stop when requested by the officers in pursuit.
However, it wasn´t long before the vehicle led the officers into a dead end, and so the suspects became hemmed in by their own navigational failures.
The officers approached the suspect vehicle, when the two occupants made one final bin for freedom, this time on foot, attempting to kick and stamp the officers and kick their vehicles, which were blocking the escape route, before the police successfully restrained and detained them.
The two people detained, both male and of Algerian and Spanish nationality, aged 25 and 32 respectively, were arrested by the officers who then carried out a search of the vehicle. The officers seized a bag containing more than half a kilo of marijuana hidden on the underside of the front passenger seat.
The detainees have been made available to the courts in Elche, the passenger charged with a crime against public health and driver for two crimes against public health, traffic safety and damage to the police vehicle.
“Nothing to Hide, Nothing to Fear” – This incident is a reminder that sharing the location of police checkpoints only helps to serve those who are not acting within the law. Had this vehicle´s occupants been warned, they might never have been caught. Never warn about checkpoints.

            codepeople-post-map require JavaScript

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police were forced to give chase to a fugitive vehicle through the streets of Elche (Alicante), after the car rammed them at a checkpoint in an attempt to evade detection.     The officers were involved in a routine checkpoint when a vehicle was seen acting suspiciously on approach. Apparently noting …

### Family Drug Supply Business Shut Down

A family-run drug supply business has been shut down in Torrrevieja, with a 61-year-old grandmother being the eldest, along with her 16-year-old grandson and her daughter (mother of the 16-year-old boy).



The boy was the face of the operation, first selling drugs to his classmates, then expanding his sales network to other young people in the town.

The investigation began in April when officers from the Guardia Civil were made aware of the drugs being sold to students in the local school. The substances that the minors bought were marijuana, hashish and, sometimes, cocaine, so the officers instigated an investigation with the support of the Office of the Children's Prosecutor of Alicante.

The principal suspect was a young man, 15-years-old at the time, who was studying at the same institute, although as the investigation progressed he was expelled for disciplinary reasons, unrelated to drug trafficking.

At the start of the investigation, the sales circle the boy operated in was “quite small”, according to the investigators, however, once he was expelled his entrepreneurial skills developed and he started to expand to other young people in the town.

In the four months that the investigation lasted, the officers discovered that the boy was no longer alone in his business, and had also started to employ the skills of other family members, as he got his mother and grandmother involved, selling from the family home, which then became the centre of the operation.

Like all good businesses, a structure had to be put in place, and so mother became the purchasing manager, in charge of buying the narcotic substances, storing them and hiding them at the home. In addition, she was the one who monitored the market and fixed the sale price, so that her son could be left to focus on sales, most of which were to minors.

In general, he made sales by order, travelling to deliver the goods to the buyer, having made contact via phone or message.

Granny was apparently “aware” of all of the activities, and collaborated on some occasions to make certain sales.

Once the investigators had sufficient evidence to accredit the accusations, they decided to detain these three people, and made a search of the home. Inside they found more than 160 grams of marijuana, arranged in doses for sale, several grams of cocaine, cash and five mobile phones used to contact customers.

The granny and mum were brought before the courts where they were remanded in custody, whereas the child, now aged 16, was placed under the protection of the Office of Minors in Alicante.

### Get Off Your Phone!!!

The DGT will launch a special campaign this week, aimed at clamping down on one of the primary contributing factors to road traffic collisions, using a mobile phone whilst driving.

The campaign will start on Monday 17 September, running all week and through the weekend, with officers from the Guardia Civil, supported by colleagues in the regional and local police, launcing special checkpoints around the road network, as well as monitoring from the air, fron both helicopters and drones.
During the campaign, a charitable organisation will be lending their support to officers trying to raise awareness of the dangers of mobile phone use whilst driving, which is the ASPAYM federation who deal with people with spinal cord injuries and physical disabilities, a real risk in road traffic incidents.
Mobile phone use has become one of the major contributing factors to road traffic incidents, one of the infamous “Fatal Four”, which still remains a problem, mostly due to the development of smart phones and a need to stay connected to our social media.
Spain already has a network of smart cameras aimed at combating the plague which haunts road users. These cameras look for things like vehicle occupants not wearing seatbelts, and those using a mobile.
The action of “using a mobile phone” is also seemingly confusing for some, including here in Spain. Just because it is not near your ear, or you are holding in on “speaker” does not constitute safe practice, you are still using your mobile. The same applies to updating social media or using WhatsApp, the actions still cause distractions and are not allowed.
We must also remember that in Spain, the use of Bluetooth earpieces and headsets is also banned whilst driving. The only safe way of using a mobile is by having a true hands-free device in the vehicle, although still can still be a distraction.
Currently, if you´re caught using your mobile phone in Spain you face a 200 euro fine and the loss of 3 points.

Excerpt: The DGT will launch a special campaign this week, aimed at clamping down on one of the primary contributing factors to road traffic collisions, using a mobile phone whilst driving. The campaign will start on Monday 17 September, running all week and through the weekend, with officers from the Guardia Civil, supported by colleagues in …

### Five Rescued from Trapped Vehicles

Overnight storms that continued into the morning caused significant surface water, which peaked at its problematic stage a little before 8:00 in the morning.

Five vehicles became trapped on the road between the Carrefour supermarket and Aquopolis water park in Torrevieja, all rescued by fire fighters based just down the road.

Across the region, there were 30 rain-related incidents that the rescuers were called to, although only another three resulted in their intervention.

A van carrying two people became trapped in a tunnel in the Valencia town of Catarroja, a family travelling in their car became trapped as their vehicle sunk into the ground, wheels spinning in the mud, in Alfafar, and in Manises, fire fighters assisted in a house rescue.

In addition to the rescues, lightning struck a tree in Cox which caused a fire, this took Orihuela fire fighters two hours to extinguish.

[codepeople-post-map]

### COMARCON18 is This Weekend

Now in its sixth year, the ‘Conference of Alternative Leisure of Torrevieja, ComarCON18’, will be held on September 15 and 16 at the Palacio de los Deportes in the town.



Torrevieja´s councillor for youths, Víctor Ferrández, presented details of the event at a press conference this week attended by the coordinator of the university headquarters of the UA in Torrevieja, José Norberto Mazón, and the vice president of the region, Alejandro Sesma.



ComarCON is considered to be amongst the top three alternative leisure events in the country, and it’s free to get in, a fact that Ferrández has said is a “reason for pride”. The councillor highlighted the three basic principles of this event are, “free admission, the large number of activities on offer, which are very wide and varied, and the promotion of associationism”.

Ferrández explained that, “you can enjoy more than 150 different activities and more than 120 table games in 23 hours of fun, without interruption, and, this year, you are even welcomed to camp overnight.


			
				
			
				
				Saturday
				
			
				
			
				
				Sunday
				
		


The doors open at 10 a.m. on Saturday, staying open until 9 p.m., and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the varied activities taking place at the Sports Palace, the outdoor area and in the parking lot, as well as in one of the artificial turf pitches.

Ferrández said that this year the space available has increased, as has the capacity within the Palace of Sports “for which security has increased and we will have ambulances, among other improvements”.

Ferrández has also reported that the costs are very similar to those of last year, when it was possible to reduce them by 50 percent, thanks to the collaboration of the association La Comarca and the headquarters of the UA.

José Norberto Mazón explained that for several years the University of Alicante has organised Unicómic, a conference on comics, that this year will celebrate its 20th edition. Through Unicómic we will have references in the world of comic fans, and with ComarCON, the aim is to organise talks, workshops and other events, including celebrity appearances.

“We will have Joan Tretze, renowned cartoonist and scriptwriter of the role-playing webcómic ‘El sistema D13’, Román López Cabrera, who has published several comic books about local author Miguel Hernández, and won comic awards, also working for Marvel, Ulises Ponce (UPL), who has published his works in several magazines and newspapers throughout Spain, arriving at the international level to design the covers of ‘Angry Birds’, a global phenomenon”, explained Mazón.

There is also an educational element to the event, where establishments and courses are highlighted to those interested in developing through the graphic or storytelling medium, such as the Higher Polytechnic School of the University of Alicante, who offer a degree course in Multimedia Engineering where, among other things, there is training in the development of video games. In fact, many of its graduates have created their own companies and are working successfully in this field. “This is the case of Inverge Studios, which will join us in the ComarCON, winners of the Sony PlayStation Talents Game Camp project through the Lanzadera business accelerator, where they are developing the video game ‘Effie’ under the PlayStation brand,” said Mazón .

The vice president of the association La Comarca, Alejandro Sesma, said that ComarCON is already among the three largest free entry events in Spain, with figures that place it as a fully consolidated event. “In the last edition, we had more than 6,000 attendees and in this edition we think we will reach 8,000”, Sesma said, as the most important element of this event is “living together, participating, laughing and having fun”.

Sesma also stressed that this macro event serves to give support and visibility to local artists, such as is the case of Daniel Cabezas, author of the poster announcing this year's event.

The event takes place on 15th and 16th September, 2018, from 10:00 to 20:30 at the Palacio de los deportes in Torrevieja.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Do You Know the Latest Changes to Traffic Law?

In a world in which we have to adapt to technological advances which are developing at an alarming rate, traffic laws also have to change constantly to keep up with many of these advances.
Not only that, roads appear to be becoming more deadly, with a once declining trend in deaths and serious injuries, these now seem to be on the increase again, and so governments must act, as if education hasn´t worked, enforcement is the only option.
What changes have been implemented this year so far? What can we expect soon? These questions, and others are answered in the latest presentation by the N332 team, who are starting touring the local area with the Road Safety Roadshow.

Between now and the new year, we are taking bookings to visit various social and community groups and give a talk on road safety.
If you represent a group, and can get at least 50 people together (more is better) at your local venue, then get in touch if you would like us to add you to our schedule.
We already have some bookings for the season, and are talking with other group representatives, but we are always happy to visit more.
If you are interested, send us an email to news@n332.es and we can start the process and add you to our schedule.
By the way, this is a new presentation again for 2018/2019, and so if we have visited you in the past, we are happy to return, just get in touch with us again.
This season we are also pleased to be supported by Spain´s leading property sales and rental company, Casas Espania, who are providing the vehicles that enable our volunteers to visit the locations. Click the link to learn more about them.
We look forward to visiting you this autumn and winter period, and updating you on the latest changes.

Excerpt: In a world in which we have to adapt to technological advances which are developing at an alarming rate, traffic laws also have to change constantly to keep up with many of these advances. Not only that, roads appear to be becoming more deadly, with a once declining trend in deaths and serious injuries, these …

### Santa Pola Mirror Smashers Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil are investigating a trend which is starting to spread through social media, where plaudits are earned by smashing vehicle´s mirrors and posting the results of both the act and the damage on the internet.

So far, three people have been arrested in Santa Pola (Alicante), all of them male, two of them technically children, on suspicion of nine offences of causing damage to vehicles, according to a statement from the Guardia Civil.
The evidence suggests that the three young men, two of them 17 and the third 18, caused damage to vehicles by smashing the mirrors, and then disseminated videos through social networks, which of course led to a “massive disapproval from the owners”.
So far, nine vehicles have been identified as being damaged, the repair of two of them already costing more than 1,600 euro.
On Sunday, September 9, several vehicles parked in the street were damaged, mostly in the mirrors, and videos recorded on mobile phones showed what appeared to be the identified arrestees kicking the vehicles and then bragging about their actions.
Eventually, realising the backlash that spread through social media and that the Guardia Civil were investigating the offences, the suspects, “decided to voluntarily present themselves at the offices of the Guardia Civil in Santa Pola, where they were arrested on suspicion of up to nine offences of causing intentional damage.
After giving their statements, the three were released and the case referred to the courts in Elche, and, in the case of the younger two, to the Juvenile Prosecutor in Alicante.
The overall assessment of the damage is yet to be determined, and will be based on expert analysis of the damage, but so far, it is known that the figure is, “more than 1,600 euro for the repair of two of the vehicles,” according to the Guardia Civil, and will increase once the other 7 have been assessed, although the investigators have not ruled out identifying more vehicles.

            codepeople-post-map require JavaScript

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil are investigating a trend which is starting to spread through social media, where plaudits are earned by smashing vehicle´s mirrors and posting the results of both the act and the damage on the internet. So far, three people have been arrested in Santa Pola (Alicante), all of them male, two …

### Workshops for 'Third Age' Residents

Torrevieja´s councillor for older residents, Fabiana Ibarra, has presented a range of courses and workshops especially aimed at the more mature, which this year introduces a new program of free introductory swimming workshops.

Inscription already began in July, but many international residents were not aware of what was available, and so the town hall is trying to remedy that by extending the invitation through a press conference which details some of the available courses

You can subscribe to any of these workshops throughout September, with the administration office being open from 09:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., via the town hall, with the courses starting on 1 October. All of these courses are completely free, and presented by qualified professionals who give their time voluntarily.

Most of the activities will be held at the San Pascual Centre, including gymnastics, pottery workshops, crazy needlecraft, relaxation and meditation, and painting workshops For the more energetic, perhaps you might fancy dance classes, including the romantically charged tango, amongst others, which will be held at the Municipal Leisure Centre.

This year, the registration process has been simplified, and if you want to enrol for more than one class, you only need to submit your documentation once, whereas on previous occasions you had to provide the information to each and every course you wanted to enrol in.

This year, there will also be swimming workshops, which will take place at the Palacio de los Deportes twice a week, lasting between 45 and 60 minutes in class. Those interested will have to register at the sports centre for these courses, and must submit a medical report indicating that you are suitable for water activities

Other courses of interest include Self Defence, organised by the Department of Equality and Social Welfare for all audiences. “This is not for teaching people who want to learn to fight, but all those who want to know how to act in a dangerous situation," said the councillor. This workshop will be given twice a week, Monday and Thursday, in the morning and afternoon schedules.

The Department of Equality has also created workshops to tax the brains of the mature, including a series of memory games, specifically designed for those ho live alone or have difficulty socialising, and there are even courses aimed at encouraging integration, such as events organised in association with the Rumanian representative groups, and a Spanish course for foreigners, step-by-step crafts and a Sevillanas course.

For those people living in La Mata, some workshops will be held at the Polivalente de la Mata centre, such as gymnastics, dancing, etc, and there are even more courses still awaiting confirmation, which means that this year the schedule is more divers and varied than ever before, with something for everyone to challenge the body and mind, and provide a social outlet for the attendees.

For more information you can visit the individual centres mentioned, or the town hall, and if you´re on Facebook you can check out and like toe Facebook page dedicated to the “third age” residents in Torrevieja, which is concejalía tercera edad Torrevieja, as well as the official town hall website, www.torrevieja.es.

### J3 CD Torrevieja vs FB Redován CF. Haciendo equipo!

This coming Sunday 16 September at 17:30h, the next home match, the third in the season, between CD Torrevieja and FB Redován CF will take place at the Nelson Mandela grounds in Torrevieja.

This will be the second match of the season to take place at home, in what is expected to be a thrilling 90 minutes between these two rivals. As you can see, if you’ve been following the football action so far, the CD Torrevieja team is fast-becoming a stunning group of players that we know are going to bring us plenty of exciting matches that are sure to keep us thoroughly entertained for the whole of the season.

The Club would like to remind everyone that you can now get your season tickets, if you haven’t done so already, from the head office in Calle Caballero de Rodas, nº56, bajo. It is not possible to obtain them from the ticket office at the stadium.

We hope to see you at the Nelson Mandela on Sunday, Let’s Go Torrevieja!

### Tourism Academics Highlight Torrevieja

Torrevieja will host the final phase of the fourth International Congress of Residential Tourism on Saturday, with a round table of discussions to explore domestic opportunities.

The councillor for Tourism, Fanny Serrano, chaired a presentation, accompanied by the Professor of Sociology of Tourism at the University of Alicante and coordinator of the Congress, Tomás Mazón, and the coordinator of the headquarters of the UA in the city, José Norberto Mazón.

The international congress will be held from September 13 to 15, with free admission, in the Assembly Hall of the Germán Bernácer building of the University of Alicante. José Norberto said that the educational centre has always opted for research on tourism issues, despite the fact that residential tourism has been questioned by academics for years.

Tomás Mazón, who has worked in the tourism sector since he was 14, said that this fourth congress is different from the previous ones. If before the academics thought that a resident cannot be a tourist and vice versa, this concept is changing now. After several years of research, the professor assures that the economic crisis will continue to "lash out" those municipal councils that do not empower the sectors of construction and real estate.

"I think you have to keep betting on brick because it feeds you, and first you have to think about the stomachs and families, and then everything else," said Mazon. The professor explained that the area of ​​the Vega Baja is a magnet for European citizens, especially for early retirees and retirees, for many reasons, such as the weather, the safety of the streets and public services, in addition to the proximity of airports that connect directly with several European cities.

This year's international congress has an inaugural conference by Daniel Hiernaux, 2017 National Tourist Research Award from the Mexican Academy of Tourism Research (AMIT), with thematic tables and presentations on the different issues related to residential tourism, such as talks on non-labour immigrants, health as a tourism product, foreign media, residential tourism, key for territorial growth or urban planning and tourism territorial planning.

Regarding the events that will be held in Torrevieja, on September 15, international speakers will visit the city to learn about one of the main destinations of residential tourism guided by the Geography Professor Fernando Vera Rebollo. After the tour, a round table will be held at the Nautical Club with the participation of Fanny Serrano, the professors of the UA, Armando Ortuño Padilla and Tomás Mazón and the professor of the Universitat de les Illes Balears Salvà Tomàs, when they will discuss the new opportunities and at the same time the problems of residential tourism.

### Back to School for 11,000 Pupils

A total of 11,227 students continued their educational journey in Torrevieja this week, enrolled in the 2018/2019 academic year calendar.

Councillor for Education, José Hurtado, who was joined by the representative of the School Councils, Carmen Sempere, provided data on the enrolment, whilst also emphasising that classes have begun with "total normality."

In the 12 infant and primary schools, 1,842 students aged between 2 and 5, which is 15 more than last year, joined the school ranks. There was an increase of 72 pupils in the primary school group, now with 4,615 students.

Some leaving it to the last minute, Hurtado explained that there had been about 190 requests for late registration but that "practically all of them have already been assigned a school. The figure is very similar to the one that occurred last year, with 186 requests”.

As for high school students, there are 879 in the Baccalaureate -719 in the daytime and 160 in the night-; 155 in Basic Vocational Training; 469 in Professional Training of Medium Degree; and 282 in Professional Training of Higher Degree. The total number of students who have started in Secondary Education amounts to 4,770.

Hurtado also reported that, in the case of secondary education, "the number of applications that have been submitted after the deadline is 110", and all are already assigned a centre. For this reason the councillor said that "in mid-October we will be able to provide more specific and comparative data with more accuracy."

Hurtado highlighted that the current ratio of 25 students per classroom in Infant and Primary is being progressed, a figure that was implemented by the Ministry of Education last year "because when the crisis occurred and rationalisation measures were established, there was so much damage to the municipalities in many services and especially education, one of the rationalisation measures was to increase the ratio to reduce the teaching staff, among other things, and what has been done now is to establish the ratio in 25 in these levels of Infant and Primary. "

Hurtado said that in the infants group, there is even a reduction on the ration, with 23 being the established norm by the current Torrevieja council "if there is a child with special needs in a classroom”.

In Primary Education the ration has not yet been fully achieved, "but progress has been made with respect to the previous year as there is no classroom that exceeds 30 students."

### Town Hall Gives Green Light to Traffic Signal Contract

In the latest meeting of Torrevieja´s council, the tender for the contract for the maintenance of the town´s traffic lights was approved, which will see the town´s signals receive a much needed overhaul.

The four-year contract, which has an option for it to be extended, is valued at a total of 626,380 euro for the duration.

The traffic signals were not the only plan given the green light, approval has been given for the start of the project, with a technician already being appointed, for the contracting of works to for creating a museum environment at the historic Eras de la Sal enclosure.

As is always the case in the monthly meetings, urban planning irregularities were discussed, this time resulting in eleven demolition orders being approved for installations that failed to seek planning permission.

### Quirónsalud offer free early detection prostate cancer tests

The Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja   launches a new edition of the free campaign for early diagnosis of prostate cancer on the occasion of the world day of this pathology, which is celebrated on September 15. The initiative consists of carrying out free PSA tests and consultation with the urologist with prior appointment requests to males from the general population and patients from the hospital centre aged 45 and over, and from 40 years if they have a family history.

Thanks to the PSA, which is measured in a simple blood test, the specialist can establish the value of this protein synthesised by the prostate, whose value increases in the presence of a tumour. As explained by Dr. Sven Petry, head of the Urology Unit at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja. "The fact that the tumour cells produce it in greater quantity can determine in which people it is more probable to find this type of cells and decide to investigate or not the presence of these cells, by means of a prostate biopsy, depending on the potential benefits and risks that may derive from their diagnosis and treatment. " PSA levels increase with age, so that men without prostate cancer will have higher PSA values ​​as they get older: "If at forty-five years old we consider a normal index a value of less than 1.5, until sixty-five years old this index of normality moves to 2.5 and so on," explains the specialist.
 
The objective of the campaign is to raise awareness among the population about the importance of prevention and early detection for a good prognosis of this disease. The intention is "to inform and raise awareness in society about prostate cancer, since there is a low perception of the risk of suffering from it. Curing prostate cancer is possible if it is detected early, "explains Dr. Petry.

90% of cases can be cured

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in the world in men and the first in incidence in Europe. Each year about 25,000 new cases are diagnosed in Spain, of which between 20% and 30% are patients who have relapsed in the disease. "However, when detected early, this tumour can be cured in 90% of cases," cautions Dr. Petry. Prostate cancer, except for advanced stages, rarely produces any symptoms; hence the importance of PSA, which allows the early detection of this disease in asymptomatic patients.

How to book a test

It is not necessary to go on an empty stomach and it will be performed at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja. The analytical period will be from September 10 to 14th and interested persons may request information from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 2 pm. Calls will be made through telephone 966 90 95 06, in the email prevencion.trv@quironsalud.es or through the web http://www.quironsalud.es/torrevieja/es.
[codepeople-post-map]

### Summer Fatalities Increased by Fifteen Percent

During the summer months of July and August, 259 people lost their lives on the roads of Spain, 34 more deaths than in the same period last year, representing an increase of 15%.

In July, 2018, there were 127 deaths due to traffic incidents on interurban roads, which showed an increase of 6 deaths compared to July last year. In the month of August, 2018, 132 people died in a traffic related incident, 28 more than in August of last year.
In terms of those who were injured to such an extent that they required hospitalisation, 491 people were injured in July and 413 in August.







Since the beginning of the period of monitoring, the summer of 2001, the data shows how there were 845 deaths in that first year. In the summer of 2010, there were 362 deaths, and 2014 saw the record low of 220 deaths, although still far too many. Since the year 2012, the number of deaths in the summer has varied in the range of between 220 to 260, thus averaging 240, and so this year´s 259 is well over that average number of deaths.
AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITIES OF SPAIN.
With respect to comparison of this year with the summer of 2017, the autonomous communities that have seen an increase in the number of deaths have been: Comunitat Valenciana (+13), Galicia (+11), Aragón and Castilla y León (+7), Canarias (+6), Catalonia, Comunidad Foral de Navarra and Basque Country (+3) and Región de Murcia (+1).
Andalusia, Principality of Asturias, Illes Balears, Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura, Comunidad de Madrid and La Rioja presented decreases in regards to the number of deaths in traffic related incidents in the summer of 2018 in respect of 2017.

ACCUMULATION FOR THE YEAR
Since the beginning of the year until the 31 of August, 799 people have lost their lives, 24 more than in the same period of the previous year.
 
CHARACTERISTICS OF INCIDENTS

Distribution of deaths by type of road:




Deceased (24h)

2017


2018


Differences 2018/2017



Highways and motorways

51


61


10



Roads

174


198


24



Total

225


259


34




*76% of fatalities were on secondary roads.

Distribution of deaths by type of incident:




Deceased (24h)

2017


2018


Differences 2018/2017



A front-end collision

64


53


-11



Side-impact collision and frontolateral

28


40


12



Rear-end collision and multiple

22


13


-9



Leaving the road

77


108


31



Rollover

6


1


-5



Hit a pedestrian

16


24


8



Another type

12


17


5



Without specifying

0


3


3



Total

225


259


34





Distribution of incident types on interurban roads:





Distribution %


Road conventional. Year 2018



A front-end collision

29%



Side-impact collision and frontolateral

15%



Rear-end collision and multiple

2%



Leaving the road

37%



Rollover

1%



Hit a pedestrian

10%



Another type

5%



Without specifying

1%



Total

100%




• Distribution of deceased by means of displacement:



Means of displacement

2017


2018


Differences 2018/2017


Percentage distribution



Pedestrians

15


23


8


9%



Bike

7


8


1


3%



Moped

7


6


-1


2%



Motorcycle

54


52


-2


20%



Vulnerable users

68


66


-2


34%



Rest

157


193


36


66%



Total

225


259


34


100%




• Distribution of deaths according to age:




Age group


2017


2018


Dist % 2018


Differences 2018/2017



Up to 14 years

5


5


2%


0



15 to 24 years

30


35


14%


5



25 to 34 years

36


47


18%


11



35 to 44 years old

44


40


15%


-4



45 to 54 years old

43


40


15%


-3



55 to 64 years

39


40


15%


1



65 to 74 years

14


22


8%


8



75 to 84 years

8


16


6%


8



85 years and over

6


8


3%


2



Unknown

0


6


2%


6



Total

225


259


100%


34



65 and over

28


46


18%


18





Safety devices:

29 people killed in passenger cars were not using a seat belt at the time of the incident, which represents 23% of the total number of deceased in that type of vehicle.
Regarding the use of helmets, 1 moped rider and 2 other motorbike riders were not wearing a helmet at the time of the incident. In the case of the cyclists who died, all of them used a helmet.
The 5 children under the age of 12 years who died in passenger cars, or vans were using safety accessories.
DISPLACEMENT
During the months of July and August, there have been 88.5 million long-haul journeys by road, with an average of 2.8 million daily journeys, which represents an increase of 1% in respect of the journeys that were recorded last summer (87,7 million).
In July, there were 42.3 million long-distance movements, a decrease  of 1% compared to July of last year.
In August, the increase was of 3% compared to the same month of the previous year. Specifically, in August, there were 46.3 million trips compared to the 44.9 million registered in August last year.
PREVENTIVE CAMPAIGNS
During the summer months, the DGT has deployed an intense activity of supervision and control of movement through different campaigns and actions.
During the two summer months, there were four special campaigns where they have intensified the surveillance of motorcycles, vans, speed and alcohol and other drugs.
The first of these campaigns saw the intensification of the surveillance of the conditions and manner in which motorcycles move. The officers from the Guardia Civil controlled 14.680 riders, who are responsible for 393. 80% of complaints on conventional roads.
The second of these campaigns had as its goal the intensification of the surveillance of the conditions and movement of vans. In five days, traffic officers detected 136 drivers of vans with the presence of alcohol or drugs in their body, 98 of them testing positive for alcohol and 38 for different types of drugs. In total, 37,200 people in vans were checked, of which 3,151 (8.5%) of drivers were reported for violating some form of traffic law.
In August, the month in which additional displacements are produced by road, the officers intensified checks on excessive or inappropriate speed, mainly on secondary roads. During that week (6 to 12 August) more than 380,000 vehicles were monitored, and 18.312 were reported by driving at speeds higher than permitted.
During the bridging holiday of August 15, there were increased controls on alcohol and other drugs, performing more than 64,500 tests. In three days, 1.133 drivers were detected behind the wheel having consumed some form of psychoactive substance.
VULNERABLE AND INAPPROPRIATE SPEED
The Director General of Traffic has noted that the data invites us to concentrate efforts on the roads, in the control of speed and distractions, and in the protection of vulnerable users.
Before the end, the Director General of Traffic has thanked “the effort and dedication of those who work every day for a safer mobility (agents of the Traffic Group of the Guardia Civil, staff of the Traffic Management Centres and helicopter patrols, as well as all the staff of the services and maintenance of roads, and emergency services). He also wanted to thank the majority of drivers for their prudence and responsibility that they put behind the wheel”.

 

Excerpt: During the summer months of July and August, 259 people lost their lives on the roads of Spain, 34 more deaths than in the same period last year, representing an increase of 15%. In July, 2018, there were 127 deaths due to traffic incidents on interurban roads, which showed an increase of 6 deaths compared …

### Judge Awards 100k Compensation after Town Hall Failings

A judge in Elche has condemned Torrevieja town hall to pay 95,816 euro from public money to a Local Police officer for psychological and moral damages caused by the previous government, run by the Partido Popular and mayoral contestant Eduardo Dolón, failing to prevent “years” of harassment in the workplace.

The 38-year-old officer was forced to transfer to another town as a result of the abuse, and so, having not had his case dealt with by the current Vice President of the Provincial Government, Eduardo Dolón, who lost the elections in Torrevieja for his party, was forced to file a complaint with the courts.

The court upheld the complaint, stating that the town hall, then under the PP rule, failed to even recognise the existence of workplace harassment, nor the transfer of the officer, for which damages of nearly a quarter of a million were modified to just under 96 thousand, based on the confirmed medical reports accompanying the case.

The judge acknowledges that the council, at the time under the control of Eduardo Dolón, “despite being aware of the facts”, acted with “carelessness and absolute neglect" at the time. The court also acknowledges that the evidence provided by the officer, who began working for Torrevieja Local Police in 2010, proves how the town hall were warned from the beginning of “administrative irregularities” consisting of a lack of control of cash for fines or systematic inspections in certain locations.

When the officer complained about the apparent and potentially fraudulent activity that went all the way to the top of the police chain, he began to suffer “irregularities” such as shift changes without warning, denial of holidays, imposed shifts, personal insults and other abuse, none of which were dealt with by the most senior of management, Eduardo Dolón.

The public must now fund that abuse and neglect and, although the officer has been correctly compensated through the courts, this is the latest case to come to light against Eduardo Dolón, who recently tried to oust the current mayor, José Manual Dolón, and is set to try to return as the head of the PP, and obtain the post of mayor once again in the next elections in the early part of next year.

### Six Arrested in La Mata Market Clampdown

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested six people in Torrevieja, all men aged between 31 and 52, on suspicion of crimes against industrial and intellectual property, after they were involved in the sale of counterfeited goods.



The investigation began after items were identified on the weekly Wednesday market at La Mata. Officers, dressed in plain clothes, were able to move freely and undetected through the market, observing fake goods for sale on stalls, and some spread on blankets on the pathway.

Amongst the products on sale were falsely branded sports shoes, handbags and purses, shirts and underwear, as well as movies and music in CD and DVD format. On the products, the officers could clearly see the embroidery and logo characteristic of known brands, and of a high quality so as to easily pass for genuine items, although the vast majority lacked packaging and labelling.

During the seize, officers recovered items with an estimated sale value of 70,000 euro, including a thousand garments and counterfeit clothing, and more than 330 CDs (CD and DVD) containing films and music without authorisation for duplication and subsequent sale.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Truck Driver in Lucky Blaze Escape

The driver of a truck laden with vegetables is no doubt counting his blessings after surviving a major incident involving his vehicle late on Friday night.

The fire service report that they were called to a vehicle blaze off the A-7 motorway, between Alicante and Elche, at around 02:45 in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The truck, carrying vegetables, left the A-7 motorway on a bridge and ended up on the EL-20 road below, after falling several metres, then bursting into flames.
The driver managed to escape the wreck uninjured, despite the severity of the incident.
The road was closed until around 06:30 whilst the wreck was cleared and the road was cleaned.

            codepeople-post-map require JavaScript

Excerpt: The driver of a truck laden with vegetables is no doubt counting his blessings after surviving a major incident involving his vehicle late on Friday night. The fire service report that they were called to a vehicle blaze off the A-7 motorway, between Alicante and Elche, at around 02:45 in the early hours of Saturday …

### Road and Traffic Disruption Plans on Saturday Evening

Torrevieja Local Police are implementing measures of improvement and fluidity of traffic on Saturday evening, 8 September, between 20:30 and 22:00 that will be in place in the port area, for the celebration of the road-running race “II Legua Nocturna Port of Torrevieja”.



The event may depend on weather developments during Saturday, as heavy rain is forecast for the whole weekend.

-The access to the seafront and the port area will be closed by Faleria avenue and Paseo Vistalegre at approximately 8:30 p.m. Access to Vistalegre Parking and the garages will be possible through calles Ramón Gallud and Patricio Pérez.

-The road closure will affect drivers who intend to access the seafront and port area from Avenida Gregorio Marañón in the north and calle San Policarpo.

- Between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., it will not be possible to access Paseo Vistalegre or Avenida de Libertad, nor to the public car parks located in the port area, Marina Salinas, or Vista Alegre parking.

- In the same time slot, from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm, the departure of vehicles from the port area and the parking lot will be restricted to those authorised and controlled by the local police or Proteccion Civil officers. The exit of the port area by authorised vehicles can be made by avenida libertad, calle ramón y cajal or avenida libertad and calle rambla juan mateo.

- Between 8:30 p.m. and 8:55 p.m., access to the port area can be done through calles Ramón Gallud and María Parodi along Avenida la Libertad at the roundabout located in front of the Casino.

- The taxi stop on Avenida la Libertad will be affected between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on account of the closure of access, and by calles María Parodi from calle Pedro Lorca. Taxis will be available from the ranks at calles Ramón y Cajal or Rambla Juan Mateo.

- The departure of the Tourist Train at 9:00 p.m. will not be affected. The 10:00 p.m. departure also shouldn´t be affected, but this may depend on any delays in the start and end of the event.

- Bus access to the stop by the interchange on avenida Faleria will not be affected.

- Access to Miguel Hernández Plasa, Virgen del Carmen Centre and Plaza de Oriente public car parks will not be affected.

### Other Healthier Ways to School

In addition to the car or school bus there are other ways of getting to school, ways which may offer a healthier alternative such as cycling or walking.

If you are cycling, remember that when you are on the road, your bicycle is a vehicle just like any other. That means that the laws that apply to car drivers, for example, also apply to cyclists.
You are not allowed to ride through red lights and you mustn´t use a mobile phone when cycling. In addition, the use of headphones, or anything that covers or plugs into the ear like headphones, is prohibited, and so you can´t listen to music either.
It is also mandatory that your bike has a bell and always, without exception, wear a helmet.
Be courteous on your bike, be aware of your surroundings at all times, and allow plenty of room if you are passing parked vehicles, looking out for anything or anyone who may be crossing between, and for car doors opening.
Be seen. Wear high visibility clothing. This is mandatory during times of poor visibility, such as darkness or rain, as is lights, but it is also advisable at all times. Also remember that the maximum number of cycles allowed side by side is 2, and only when no other vehicles need to pass. If there are other vehicles on the road, you must be in single file.
The same applies to walking. Be seen and walk in single file if no pavement exists.
If walking in a group at night, you must also use lights at the front and back.
Always be ware, alert and careful, and your journey to school can be healthy and fun, but always trying to make it as safe as it can be.

Excerpt: In addition to the car or school bus there are other ways of getting to school, ways which may offer a healthier alternative such as cycling or walking. If you are cycling, remember that when you are on the road, your bicycle is a vehicle just like any other. That means that the laws that …

### Advice for those not on the school run

As we head into September and the great “back to school” event, we must also consider those not on the school run, or those without children who may now have a different experience on their journey than of late.

All road users must be reminded that traffic will increase at certain times of day as parents and guardians resume the school run. It is normal for traffic to increase in the mornings because of this, which in turn can result in delays. The same situation applies at the end of the school day, but at what time? Often, in Spain, schools operate a less robust timetable, adapting to such things as weather conditions and light, and so the school day often varies from season to season. All non-parents can do to prepare for this is be aware of the changing timetable and allow extra time for all journeys.
You will also now see more buses on the roads, those buses operating on the school run will display a pictogram which shows the type of service they are operating. This is not only useful for parents and guardians for spotting school buses, but acts as an indication to all road users that the service is a school bus, carrying children, and is therefore subject to a restricted speed, the maximum permitted speed must be reduced by 10 kilometres per hour, and, when it stops, children may wander into the road, so they must be given more space and attention.
If you approach a school bus which has stopped, slow down and take it easy, being extra observant and giving the bus more room than you might with other vehicles. There is a chance that some children may be late and run into the road to catch the bus, or those leaving the bus might wander around, oblivious to their surroundings, and so vigilance is crucial.
If a bus is indicating to pull out, let it. There may be a temptation to try to pass the bus, but courtesy is key, so please give way, if it´s safe to do so.
 

Excerpt: As we head into September and the great “back to school” event, we must also consider those not on the school run, or those without children who may now have a different experience on their journey than of late. All road users must be reminded that traffic will increase at certain times of day as …

### Model Boats on Night Navigation Exercise

Starting at 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 8, the 10th edition of Radio Navigation, organised by the Naval Modelling Association of Torrevieja, will take place on the lake at the park of nations.

The park is the ideal location for such an event, as the lake is a scaled down replica of Europe, including flags representing the countries, and so miniature boats sailing through the calm waters lends an air of near realism to the proceedings.

The participating model captains will show off their skill with their radio controlled boats, with prizes for the best decorated and illuminated boats.

 

### Paella in La Mata on Sunday

On Sunday 8 September, La Mata will be host to a paella competition. Taking place in the main square, just opposite the church, contestants will prepare this traditional peasant dish, with the hope of being crowned champion cook of the rice-based dish.

There will be prizes awarded for the best in each of the competition categories, with the contest set to be a fierce food fight for the right to be rice champ.

As well as the3 competition, which starts from 9 in the morning, there will also be bouncy castles, Zumba, and salsa classes (the dance, not sauce).

A fantastic, fun-filled, food-packed day waits, at the La Mata fiesta.

### On the School Run

If you are taking your children to school by car, remember that children under 1.35 metres in height are not allowed in the front seats. There are one or two exceptions, which you can read about on the website, n332.es.

All occupants must be secured in the vehicle, by means of a seatbelt, or specially designed retention system suitable for them, that includes children. Those of a younger age must have a suitable seat which must be secured.
All objects must also be secure in the vehicle. That not only means their school bags, lunchboxes and football kit, but also that school project they have to take in, nearer the end of term.
When you arrive at the school drop off point, remember that the laws still apply to you, the same as any other driver. You are still not allowed to double park, block entrances, or park in an illegal place with your hazard lights on just because you are dropping off your children for school.
You must choose a safe, convenient and legal place to drop off your children. Where possible, ensure that they exit the vehicle on the pavement side, still warning them to be aware of their surroundings before opening the door. They may hit a pedestrian, item of street furniture, or another object, so they should be taught to be aware and alert before opening the door. If they have to leave on the road side, vigilance is even more important, they must check it is totally safe before opening the door, and must move to the pavement as soon as possible.
Remember, when you are about to pull away, pay extra attention to your surroundings too, including rigorous checks of your blind spots, as there could be children or other road users appearing from anywhere.

Excerpt: If you are taking your children to school by car, remember that children under 1.35 metres in height are not allowed in the front seats. There are one or two exceptions, which you can read about on the website, n332.es. All occupants must be secured in the vehicle, by means of a seatbelt, or specially …

### Back to School on the Bus

As many parents and guardians prepare to send their little ones and not-so-little-ones off to the next stage of their educational development, it time once again to think about how to stay a little safer on that journey to and from school.

Every day, 230,000 students use buses to go to and from school, and with around 17,000 buses (some 40% of the entire private fleet) used as dedicated transport vehicles on the school run.
Generally speaking, using a bus for school transport is a safe means of travel, however, we can all consider how these vehicle occupants can become vulnerable, and hopefully, by being aware, avoid possible problems and injuries on the journey.
On the bus, if seatbelts are provided, they must be used. According to several studies, the use of a seatbelt whilst in a bus would reduce fatal injuries by 90% in the event of a head-on collision or rollover, since, correctly fastened, they prevent the passenger being projected from their seat and reduces impacts on the chest, abdomen and legs.
Since October 2007, all new buses must have seatbelts fitted, although that still leaves a lot of the fleet without seatbelts, many of those over 11 years old. The government has this year progressed a proposal to guarantee that all buses used on school runs must have seatbelts, although, as with all legislative changes, if this does become mandatory it is likely to take many years, at which time the antique fleet may also have been replaced with newer vehicles in which seatbelts are mandatory.
Trips from home to school can be a good time for the adult accompanying children to remind them of some messages about road safety, such as:

Never stop behind the bus.
Wait for the driver’s signal and always cross at least three metres ahead.
Inside the bus, stay seated and with the seatbelt on, if it is installed.
Do not run when you get to the bus, or when leaving.
Obey the driver and the monitor.

In addition, parents should check the safety of the buses in which their children are travelling, and try to lobby the school to only hire buses with seatbelts and check that a monitor accompanies the children during the journey.
During late September, there will be an awareness campaign focussing on seatbelt and child restraint use, and the use of seatbelts on school buses (where fitted). The Guardia Civil, DGT, local and regional police will all be working together to check on these vehicles and the use of seatbelts, although in fairness, they should not have to enforce any laws which are designed with one single aim, so save lives.

Excerpt: As many parents and guardians prepare to send their little ones and not-so-little-ones off to the next stage of their educational development, it time once again to think about how to stay a little safer on that journey to and from school. Every day, 230,000 students use buses to go to and from school, and …

### Orquesta Sinfónica de Torrevieja Presents the 2018-2019 Schedule

The Orquesta Sinfónica de Torrevieja, or Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra (OST), has presented its annual program for the 2018 to 2019 season.

Violinist Stanislav Tkach, President of the OST, Pelayo Mellado, Torrevieja councillor of culture, Domingo Pérez, the and OST director, José Francisco Sánchez.

The schedule was presented in the company of the councillor of culture, Domingo Pérez, the President of the OST, Pelayo Mellado, and its director, José Francisco Sánchez, along with violinist Stanislav Tkachm who, as a novelty, will direct a new series of four concerts of Chamber Music.



 

Domingo Pérez was the first to present the work of the OST, emphasising its cultural contribution to the city of Torrevieja. "Having a group that is in charge of both, as the orchestra's directors do, is an irreplaceable aid and always offers a cultural proposal of the first order," said the councillor, praising the orchestra for the great reception they have at their concerts , "We all know the amount of the people who listens to them assiduously."

 

In turn, Pelayo Mellado explained that this season is celebrating the tenth anniversary of the founding of the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra. To celebrate these ten years, the association has announced a new program consisting of six concerts with prestigious European artists. In addition, a book is being published that includes the history, which will be presented on October 24th.



Regarding the concerts, the program has been designed with the public in mind and will have a classic repertoire like the first of them, on October 27, with music by Tchaikovsky and Dvorak, and a concert for flute and orchestra by the soloist Jordi López, who will play Mozart and Schubert on December 2. There will also be two concerts to celebrate the New Year and Three Kings on the 5th and 6th of January with waltzes, polka and Spanish music. On March 2 a concert will be held in honour of the Nordic audience with the music of Grieg.

In spring, the OST has prepared a much-requested concert, taking place on April 6, with popular movie soundtracks such as Memories of Africa, Jurassic Park, Gladiator, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The program will end with a concert of Spanish music with preludes and interludes of Zarzuelas on May 11.

José Francisco Sánchez wanted to thank the board of directors, the musicians and the sponsors for the work throughout the years. "This orchestra started as a chamber group, a quartet that I had the illusion to improve, with the goal of achieving a dream and filling the Torrevieja International Auditorium. This dream has been fulfilled. We have more than twenty concerts doing it ", he said.

Pelayo Mellado and José Francisco Sánchez also wanted to thank the original resident audience, especially from countries such as Germany, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, as well as Torrevieja, who have begun to attend concerts more frequently.

Apart from the programming of the OST, the cycle of four concerts of Chamber Music has been organized in the Auditorium chamber room, which has 420 seats in total and "very good acoustics", in the words of Mellado. "We have put some very affordable prices, about eight euro per ticket and seven euro for the members." The president also reminded all concerned that this year a bus service has been launched to take attendees to the auditorium with stops at Eras de la Sal, Hotel Fontana and BP Gas Station, a very useful service for all retirees and seniors who live far from the place.

The violinist Stanislav Tkach, director of the new cycle, has detailed the dates and the programming of the four concerts, ensuring that in his trips to 22 countries he had never met such a welcoming audience. In fact, this project has been made to grant the numerous requests of the public who also asked for chamber music. The cycle opens on September 15 at 20:00 with a selection of works by Beethoven and Shostakovich. The second concert, with compositions by Mozart, will be on January 26. The third, April 20, will be held to celebrate Holy Week with music by Handel, Vivaldi and Bach, and in the last one, on June 8, there will be performances by Mozart and Haydn.

Finally, Mellado clarified that the tickets for the concerts can be purchased every Monday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and in the afternoon, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the headquarters of the entity, on calle Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, 23.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Fantastic Exhibition at the Vista Alegre

The Vista Alegre exhibition hall is hosting a beautiful exhibition of artwork which reflects life from the beauty of the environment which surrounds us, often unnoticed, but always in our paths and our past.

Manuel Menárguez has a degree in Fine Arts from the Faculty of BBAA. of San Carlos, Valencia, specialising in mural painting. He is also an interior architect and designer qualified from the Federación Internacional de Arquitectos de Interior en el Colegio Nacional de Diseñadores, and is deputy for the Escuela de Artes Aplicadas y Oficios Artísticos, Valencia.

He has had practical experience receiving mosaic training in Ravenna, Italy,restoration and stained glass in Paris, France and specialisation of works of art in Spain.

From 1986 to the today, he has created more than thirty individual exhibitions in international cities such as Tokyo, New York, Paris, Miami, and also domestic locations such as Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Granada, Orihuela, Murcia, Cartagena, Lorca, Molina de Segura and Alcantarillas, as well as participating in numerous group exhibitions.

 
In each work, I reflect on the environment and the degradation that human beings are irremissibly subjecting it to. We destroy each other, in an excessive desire for self-liquidation.

We do not realise that our time is short, it always turns, it flows and the present is so brief that we cannot grasp it, it escapes us.

"Nobody appreciates time, they use it carelessly, as if it were free"

When I create my works, I always think we should dedicate our efforts and intelligence to find our essence, but we are not cloaks of it, why do not even create the future, the end of tomorrow inexorably becomes today. We live the reflection of what we are and not of what we could be.

My work is of an ethnic, primitive contemporaneity, in which wood and stone coexist forming a whole.

I let intuition, experience, and inner silence flow in each work.

"Life will flow in silence ... .. with everything will come death, which, whether you want or not, you have to deliver"
 

www.mizar21artdesign.es

[codepeople-post-map]

### CONFIRMED - Jesús completes the goal-keeping line-up

CD Torrevieja has closed a deal to sign Jesús Dueñas Sáez (Catral, 1995) to the club. Jesús plays in the position of goalkeeper.

The goalie joins us from Atlético Catral CF where he has spent the whole of his sporting career, after training with the junior teams of Elche CF and Kelme CF.

Welcome Jesús!

### CD TORREVIEJA 18-19 SEASON TICKETS | THIS IS YOUR TEAM!

TIMETABLE AND CD TORREVIEJA 18-19 SEASON TICKET POINTS OF SALE:

 	Start date: Thursday 30 August.
 	End date: End of October.
 	Point of sale: The offices in Calle Caballero de Rodas, nº56, bajo.
 	Times: Monday from 17:00 to 20:00h, Tuesday to Thursday from 10:00 to 13:30h and from 17:00 to 20:00h and Friday from 10:00 to 13:30h.

SEASON TICKETS FROM 50€, THE PRICE INCLUDES:

 	League matches.
 	15% discount on merchandise.
 	25% discount on tickets.
 	Free entrance to friendly matches.
 	Discount on PLAY OFF matches.

In addition, the CD TORREVIEJA SEASON TICKET CAMPAIGN also has special promotions and important discounts for families, associations, over 65s, members of supporters’ clubs, disabled and the long-term unemployed. Under 14s gain FREE entry. But that’s not all, we also have a fan card for 30€ which gives a 25% discount on the price of entry tickets and 15% discount on merchandise.

You can find detailed information in the form of an informative dossier on our website in the season ticket section.

Web: www.clubdeportivotorreviejacom

#EsteEsTuEquipo!

### Diesel to be Taxed in 2019

The president of the Government, Pedro Sanchez, has advanced the preliminary draft of the state budgets for 2019, which includes a tax on diesel fuel.

During a radio interview with Cadena SER, Sánchez has said that the tax on diesel is part of the overall plan of sustainability and environmental protection, rather than a mere money making exercise. Sanchez indicated that there is an important challenge, which is climate change, for which, “Everything that has to do with the country’s energy transition and sustainability, such as private mobility, which is highly polluting, will translate into an increase in tax,” although he went on to add that this tax will not affect transport professionals.
Sánchez was also questioned about the ongoing dispute within the “hyper-regulated” taxi sector, and the problems where private hire vehicles, or “rental vehicles with driver” (VTC), in which “nothing is regulated”, to which the President commented that he wishes to find a “balance point”.
The number of VTC vehicles, those of firms such as Uber and Cabify, are increasing closer to the numbers of marked taxis, despite the officially agreed ration of one VTC to three taxis, on account of additional licences are being granted through court cases, in some areas the balance has become of huge difference.
The ministers responsible believe that this problem requires a solution, “although not definitive, that at they at least introduce rationalisation, fairness and equity in the treatment”, which happens because it is the autonomous communities, and not the central government, that regulate this sector in their respective territories.
In this sense, Sánchez said that the taxi sector was “reasonably” satisfied with the measures announced by the Executive, which will materialise from the Ministry of Development in the “next few” days.
Facing other taxation questions, the President of the Government avoided ruling on whether there are plans to create a new tax on banks, as he had initially indicated, but he did confirm that the Government’s proposal is a tax on financial transactions.
On the other hand, Sánchez insisted that there is a “great” margin to increase the revenue from Corporate Tax and for large companies to contribute more. He has reiterated that the Corporation Tax must have a minimum rate of 15%, because “this is fiscal justice”.

Excerpt: The president of the Government, Pedro Sanchez, has advanced the preliminary draft of the state budgets for 2019, which includes a tax on diesel fuel. During a radio interview with Cadena SER, Sánchez has said that the tax on diesel is part of the overall plan of sustainability and environmental protection, rather than a mere …

### Overnight Earthquake at La Mata

Measuring 2.1 on the Richter scale, a minor earthquake rumbled Torrevieja in the early hours of Monday morning, in the midst of an overnight thunder storm

With its epicentre touching on the salt lakes in La Mata, Torrevieja, an earthquake measuring 2.1 on the Richter scale rumbled through Torrevieja and the surrounding area in the early hours of Monday morning.

The earthquake was registered at 03:38 and triggered sensors in neighbouring towns as well as Torrevieja.

### Check your Card Statement if you Shopped at Carrefour

A consumer watchdog has confirmed that super-sized supermarket chain Carrefour double charged consumers for card purchases due to a computer error.

The problem occurred across their chain of store in Spain on August 6, 2018, and the company has said that the error was spotted and rectified a few days later.

However, if you did purchase anything on August 6, you are advised to check your statements and ensure that a refund has been issued.

A number of concerned shoppers have contacted FACUA, the Consumers in Action group, complaining about the glitch. One reported, "I made a purchase on August 6 for a total of 108 euro and on the 23rd I realised that I had been charged again that amount with the same concept."

Another complained, "I went to the store where I made the purchase to get the amount back but the only thing they did was fill out a document where they left a record of what had happened, I had to come back a few days later and talk to a person in charge of the centre to get my money back, in cash."

Those affected have also reported the lack of communication by the company, and have said that they only discovered that they had been charged again when checking the statements of their accounts and cards. Similarly, some have said that they have not yet been given a solution and the money has not been returned.

However, when challenged by FACUA, Carrefour assured them that they had been "punctual" in returning the money, as of Monday, August 27, they “have begun to make the returns".

### Alicante Octobeerfest – 5 to 9 October 2018

Alicante is the first local location to publicise Octoberfest, with the third incarnation of their now annual celebration of the liquid refreshment known as beer.

Playing with the words, they have named their celebration Octobeerfest, which does sum up everything about October and beer in one word, very clever (Although we think they should name the city ALEicante for the month too (hmm, maybe not).
Anyway, back to the details. The event is taking place on October 5 to 9 on Poligono de San Blas, which you probably already know is located on Avenida Del Doctor Rico, and is set to be awash with beers from around the globe.
Of course, other Octoberfests will be available, and we will seek those out for you during the rest of this month, but at least the first weekend is covered with the III Octobeerfest Alicante (click to visit Facebook event page for more details).

            codepeople-post-map require JavaScript

Excerpt: Alicante is the first local location to publicise Octoberfest, with the third incarnation of their now annual celebration of the liquid refreshment known as beer. Playing with the words, they have named their celebration Octobeerfest, which does sum up everything about October and beer in one word, very clever (Although we think they should name …

### The Last Busy Weekend of Summer 2018

As summer 2018 is about to come to a close, this weekend marks the last busy weekends on the roads.

Starting at 15:00 on Friday, the DGT is preparing for an estimated 4.2 million journeys by road this weekend, in a special operation that will run until midnight on Sunday.
Operation “Retorno del Verano” will see most of the remaining domestic tourists return from the coastal and mountainous regions to their inland homes.
The main concentrations of traffic, will follow a few basic profiles:

Tourists returning from to large urban centres, which will happen all weekend, especially on Sunday.
Typical trips for a summer weekend to beaches, and leisure and retail areas.
Displacements towards other European countries of habitual residence.

 
As always during busy weekends like this, the special operation will see a number of protocols implemented to provide a smoother flow of traffic.
This will include:

The installation of additional and reversible lanes with cones at the busiest times on the main access roads to large cities.
The restriction of the movement of vehicles of dangerous goods, special transport and trucks in general and those that transport certain goods in certain sections, dates and times.
The paralysis of road works on the roads and limitation to the holding of sports events and other events involving the occupation of the road.
The provision of recommended alternate routes according to origin and destination, to avoid the downtown area, which is the one with the highest intensity and the design of itineraries from the coastal area to Madrid with distances and travel times.
The intensification of speed controls, with special attention to large excesses carried out by foreign vehicles, with the aim of reducing the incident rate caused by driving at inadequate or excessive speeds. The controls will be made at the roadside and from the air.

 
All available staff will be on duty throughout the weekend, including:

Around 6,000 traffic officers from the Guardia Civil who will ensure safety on the road, assist drivers who need it and monitor that safe driving is carried out, according to the rules of the road.
More than 600 officials and specialised technical personnel of the DGT in the seven Traffic Management Centres.
More than 13,000 employees of conservation and exploitation companies of the Ministry of Public Works and the rest of the road’s licensees, as well as personnel from the emergency services.

 
Despite all of the measures being put in place, there is one factor still outside the direct control of the DGT, the actions and attitudes of individual drivers. It is important to be aware that the roads are shared spaces, and the responsibility for safe movement lies with every single road user.
According to the Director General of Traffic, Pere Navarro, “the device we have prepared, will have real meaning if all the different road users are aware of the responsibility we have when we get on the road… The actions we take on the road have a direct and chained impact on other road users, therefore prudence and respect for traffic regulations is essential.”
BE PREPARED
You should plan your route before leaving, allowing extra time for your journey than you might think. You can follow the DGT on Twitter for up to date travel information, @informacionDGT and @DGTes, and monitor live traffic, updated every few minutes, at www.dgt.es.
Take breaks at least every two hours, and as soon as you start to feel tired, as fatigue and sleep whilst driving are a continual cause of incidents.
Do not drink alcohol or use drugs when driving. Although alcohol limits exist, the best advice is always to consume zero if you´re driving. Alcohol and drugs both can have deadly consequences.
Respect the maximum permitted speed limits on each road and maintain the safety distance with the preceding vehicle.
Keep all the occupants of the vehicle secure, ensuring they wear a seatbelt on all journeys, remembering also that children under 135 cm in height must sit in the rear seats and with an appropriate child restraint system.
Pay special attention to motorcycles, and cycles, as they are especially vulnerable, especially on curves and on secondary roads. Motorcyclists and cyclists, remember to adhere to the rules too.
Remember that if you are going to overtake a cyclist, the law requires that you keep a minimum lateral separation of 1.5 metres as you pass, and you must not endanger or hinder the progress of cyclists.

Excerpt: As summer 2018 is about to come to a close, this weekend marks the last busy weekends on the roads. Starting at 15:00 on Friday, the DGT is preparing for an estimated 4.2 million journeys by road this weekend, in a special operation that will run until midnight on Sunday. Operation “Retorno del Verano” will …

### It’s the start of the new season! CD Torrevieja vs UD Horadada

The first match of the new football season will take place this Sunday 2 September at 19:00h at the Nelson Mandela stadium in Torrevieja between CD Torrevieja and UD Horadada.

The club face this derby with a new lease of life, renewed expectations for the 2018/19 season, and a whole new plan of action, not only for the first team but for the reserves and Under-18s as well. The management are planning not only for the short term but are thinking hard about medium and long-term measures too.

In addition, the season ticket campaign has been launched, and anyone interested in purchasing their can do so from the Club’s office located at Calle Caballero de Rodas, nº56, bajo.

We hope to see you at the Nelson Mandela. Let’s go Torrevieja!

### Los Secretos and Kiko Veneno perform in Eras de la Sal

On Friday 31 August, starting at 10:30 at night, the very popular Los Secretos music group will be performing as part of an end of summer concert line up, supported by Kiko Veneno.

This live music event will be taking place at one of the most emblematic places in Torrevieja, the Eras de la Sal outdoor concert arena, just by the main promenade.

For more information and tickets, visit https://www.horizonte-musical.com/events/los-secretos-kiko-veneno-eras-la-sal-torrevieja/ and get yourself down there for the end of summer event like no other.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Vandals desecrate RBL memorials to brave British soldiers

There was outrage amongst members of the Royal British Legion as a cross to fallen war heroes and an RBL time capsule were found to have been vandalised in recent attacks in both Torrevieja and Mil Palmeras.

In La Siesta, just outside the Parish Church, the marble base of the cross standing in the RBL Memorial Garden has been damaged by someone using a heavy object. It appears to have been dealt several heavy blows with a hammer, as a result of which the rectangular base has been smashed causing several thousands of euros worth of damage.

The vandalism was first noticed by Pastor Keith Brown, the Chaplain of the Royal British Legion in Spain North, who regularly visits the monument to pay his respects. “I was absolutely mortified” he told the Leader, “when I first saw the destruction that the vandals had caused. Although I have asked around, nobody seems to have any information about the incident so there seems to be little that we can do. I will be speaking to my fellow priests at La Siesta Church, along with the President and Chairman of the Torrevieja RBL branch to see how we can stop it from happening again”.

Branch President Gillian Burden said that the police had been informed and quotes were now being sought for its repair.

Meanwhile, in a second incident in Mil Palmeras, it was the RBL time capsule that was attacked which sits alongside the Remembrance Garden in the forecourt of the Catholic Church Capilla de las Mil Palmeras.

The thick glass cover for the plinth, which protects documents, photographs and CD’s, remembering the formation and the early history of the Orihuela and Costa District Branch, was badly damaged. That too seems to have been struck a series of heavy blows with a hammer, although the two incidents are not thought to be related.

Committee member Eddie Coleman, who first noticed the smashed capsule, was hard at work repairing the damage on Thursday, removing the glass and covering the plinth with a temporary top until such time as a new cover can be ordered.

Mr Coleman also said that when he was carrying out the repair he also found evidence of drug usage by the side of the monument.

One local resident who’s property overlooks the Remembrance Garden in Mil Palmeras, said he was aware of a large group of youths sitting around the monument earlier in the week and, although he heard glass breaking, the youngsters were running off as he was able to get to his window.

The chairman of the Orihuela and Costa Branch said “There is sense of indignation and shame against the vandals who have trampled the memory of the men and women who fought for our freedoms, but we will make good the repairs and we will move on. Local people have been so supportive and respectful to both branches over the years. I am sure they will share in our outrage.”

Yes we know that our plinth has been smashed, it was done about 6 weeks ago.  We have been in touch with the police but not expecting much from them. We are waiting for quotes to come in from various firms re repair.  I didn't know that yours was smashed as well.  It must be someone who doesn't like the British.  Let me know what you are going to do about yours.

### Catch Habaneras on TV on Saturday

The vice president of the Municipal Board of Habaneras, Domingo Soler, has announced that the Spanish national TV broadcaster, TVE, will broadcast the International Habaneras Contest on their LA2 channel on Saturday, September 1.

There had been rumour and controversy surrounding this year´s television broadcast, which Soler hoped to silence, whilst explaining that the event is “the largest tourist, social and cultural event that is made in Torrevieja, there is no other like it, it has been televised for many years and this year too.”

However, Soler also explained how it had not been easy, “We have been working in silence since May to get it televised, the difficulties we have experienced are the history that I am left with”, referring to the change of the State Government that has affected the negotiation.

The 64th edition of the International Habaneras and Polyphony Competition, which was held from July 22 to 28, was attended in the contest phase by twelve choirs from eleven countries - Spain, Ukraine, China, Serbia, Romania, Belarus, Mexico, Colombia, Indonesia, Macedonia and the Philippines.

If you don´t want to know who won, do not read on. The Philippine 'University of Philippines Singing Ambassadors' walked away with first prize, he Belarusian female choir 'The Girl's Choir Raniza' were in second place and the Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga Choir of Colombia came third, along with the vocal group 'Amitié'.

### Wednesday Market at La Mata Moving

The weekly market at La Mata will move to its new home from next week, Wednesday 5 September, as announced by the councillor for markets, Javier Manzanares, today.

Manzanares has reported that the market will be located on Avenida de Francia, between Avenida de los Daneses and Avenida de los Suecos, on Avenida de los Holandeses, between Avenida de Inglaterra and Bélgica, and on Avenida de los Suecos, between Avenida de Bélgica and Inglaterra.

According to the councillor, the new location has been studied in detail and is defined as “a central point of the district, an area that is comfortable because of its size and accessibility to all citizens and visitors, since it has two bus stops only a few metres away from the downtown area and the urbanizations”.

The Mercadillo de La Mata has an emergency action plan (PAE) for any incident that may arise and will have the same number of plots as at present, 160, each of them retaining the same amount of space, a total of 893 linear metres. The positions have been distributed by public lottery, and two areas have been distinguished: food and the rest.

The councillor explained that all salespeople know where they have to be placed next week and what is the location, as well as the plot number that corresponds to each one. In addition, he recalled that with this transfer a request that had been formulating "for years" from the State Heritage has been fulfilled, moving the market from the potentially dangerous parking lot which is located on the Acequión Canal water outlet, and feared of collapse if used by this road traffic.

### Bragging Social Media Speeder Investigated

Officers from the Guardia Civil are investigating a 19-year-old resident of Torrevieja for a crime against road safety, after he took to social media bragging about driving at 240 kilometres per hour.

The Spanish national allegedly posted a video on social media showing his BMW vehicle travelling at 230 kilometres per hour on the A-35 motorway as it passes through Vallada in the Valencia province.
The video, which was recorded by somebody else in the vehicle, went viral and was seen be officers from the Local Police in Torrevieja, who identified the male, “without a doubt”, as he had been arrested on a number of occasions for other offences.
The Local Police officers brought the facts to the attention of the Guardia Civil, who immediately began to locate the driver and vehicle.
Investigators were also able to identify the precise road where the footage was filmed, and identify elements which would allow them to calculate the exact speed and location.

            codepeople-post-map require JavaScript

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil are investigating a 19-year-old resident of Torrevieja for a crime against road safety, after he took to social media bragging about driving at 240 kilometres per hour. The Spanish national allegedly posted a video on social media showing his BMW vehicle travelling at 230 kilometres per hour on the A-35 …

### Fran Caballero to Provide Versatility at CD Torrevieja

CD Torrevieja has signed Francisco Caballero Torralbo (Elche, 1994) to the club, after both parties reached an agreement. Fran Caballero is a defender, who stands out for his versatility as he isable toplay in several positions equally well. He also brings commitment, speed and great passing skills to the game.

The Elche-born player joins CD Torrevieja from UD Ilicitana, where last season he scored two goals in 11 matches. He had joined the Elche club at the beginning of February straight from Atlético Puertollano. Before that, he spent two previous seasons at UD Ilicitana. He’s definitely a player to count on.

Welcome Fran Caballero!

### Download the Free Torrevieja Hospital App

NOTE: This is an historic article. This app no longer works for health services in Torrevieja since medical services were reverted back to public management.

The Hospital Universitario de Torrevieja has launched a mobile app which allows patients to view their data, history and results on their mobile phones, as well as booking appointments.

In addition, the app can be used to confirm you have arrived at the hospital for a pre-booked appointment, without having to queue to join the admission process. Moreover, the app is available in English.

The aim of the app, according to the hospital, is to improve the experience of patients within the hospital. In order to benefit, users must be registered with the YOsalud Portal and then download the app, Yo Salud, from the Play Store.

Once registered with your SIP details, when the patient arrives at the hospital, “you will receive an automatic notification which tells you which consultation room to go to without having to confirm your arrival”.

In addition, once in the waiting room, the application notifies the patient directly on the phone when to enter the consultation room.

You can download the app on your mobile or tablet by visiting the web pages www.torrevieja-salud.com / www.vinaloposalud.com from any computer.

Once downloaded, enter your personal information: SIP, mobile phone number, health centre and date of birth. This information is then verified in the patient database, with full security guaranteed, and you receive an SMS with a password that will allow you to access the information through the app.

 

### CD Torrevieja vs UD Horadada. The new season is about to get underway!

The first match of the new football season is set to take place on Sunday 2 September at 19:00h at the Nelson Mandela grounds in Torrevieja between CD Torrevieja and local rivals UD Horadada.

The club face this derby with a new lease of life, renewed expectations for the 2018/19 season, and a whole new plan of action not only for the first team but for the reserves and Under-18s as well.

The management is about to launch the season ticket campaign, and you will be able to purchase them from the stadium ticket office on the day.

We hope to see you at the Nelson Mandela. Let’s go Torrevieja!

### CD Torrevieja inaugurates its head office supported by fans

More than 100 people attended the inauguration of the new CD Torrevieja head office that took place on Thursday evening. Among those present were the newly crowned Queen of Salt, Cira Gualdo, and her maid, Alba García; PP councillors, Carmen Gómez, Sandra Sánchez and Inmaculada Montesinos; C’s councillor, Pilar Gómez Magán and Pablo Samper from “Sueña Torrevieja”, as well as the president of the PP’s Nuevas Generaciones, Domingo Paredes.

Unfortunately, and despite sending a personal invitation to every member of the local government, not one turned up, or even sent a reply excusing their absence. Some of the Club’s sponsors offered extra support, such as Ramón from the “Huertano” restaurant, who put on a special dinner to celebrate the event. From the various associations and groups that were invited, the vice-president of Apymeco, Tomás Viuda, was there, as was the president of the “Globus” association, Anna Semenova, who will introduce CD Torrevieja to the five thousand plus Russian residents that belong to the group, encouraging them to support the club. And, of course, the evening would not have been the same without the presence of Antonio Sala Buades, tireless CD Torrevieja chronicler, or photographer Joaquín Carrión, who attends every home game with his equipment to visually report on each match.

The event was a huge success, with the whole squad present, together with Club staff including Juanjo Fernández, Claudio Fabián, Juan Antonio, Matilde Serapio and others, who were there to welcome guests and answer any questions. Many commented on the fantastically positive atmosphere within the Club and said that they were looking forward to the start of the season so that the team could continue to show off all the hard work and excellent results that have been displayed so far during this pre-season period.

The new football kit was also on display for the first time at the event, and information about the season tickets for 2018/2019 will be posted to the website in the next few days.

One of the reasons for CD Torrevieja opening the head office in Calle Caballero de Rodas 56 was so that it could physically become a part of the city and its society. At the same time, residents can come to the office to ask for information, find out what’s going on and get to know the Club at closer proximity.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Juanmi, more power added to CD Torrevieja front line

CD Torrevieja has confirmed the signing of Juan Miguel Béjar Fernández (San Vicente del Raspeig, 1994) to the club, after both parties reached an agreement. Juanmi plays in the position of striker but can also play as a left midfielder. He plays well from behind, is clever on the pitch and has a powerful left-foot kick.

He spent last season with Atlético Puertollano in the Preferente group of Castilla La Mancha and stood out as one of the best attackers of the team. As a youngster, he trained with the FC Jove Español under-18 team, and then in the junior category with Alicante, Villajoyosa and Kelme, finally being signed by Mutxamel where in his first year as a senior, he scored a “hat-trick” in the Regional Preferente group.

Welcome Juanmi!

### Bicycle Use reduces Heart Attack Risk

Specialists at Quirónsalud Torrevieja state that the bicycle improves the immune system and prevents back and joint pain

 

Riding a bicycle reduces the risk of suffering a heart attack, according to specialists at the Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja. The use of a bicycle has several important health benefits, saysDoctor Juan Luján, a specialist in cardiology at the Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja: “it is one of the most complete activities that helps to prevent back pain, protects the joints and improves the circulatory and immunological system, as well as maintaining good mental health.”

 

According to a survey by the Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios (OCU, Spanish acronym for the Organisation for Consumers and Users), the number of people using a bicycle more than once a week has grown in the past four years, to 47%. In addition, the number of people riding a bicycle to work has doubled, going from 6.8% to 11.9%, according to the latest Barómetro de la Bicicleta [Bicycle Barometer] issued by the Dirección General de Tráfico [General Transit Department].

 

Cycling is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise, with a very low risk of injury. Doctor Juan Luján, states, “In physical medicine and rehabilitation, it has been proven that cardiovascular exercise on a bicycle lowers the risk of heart attack, since it promotes an improved resistance to insulin, lowers blood pressure, increases the contractile capacity of the thorax and promotes a significant improvement in the balance of lipids in the body, lowering bad (LDL, Lipoprotein A) and raising good cholesterol (HDL).”

 

 

When riding a bicycle, we exercise the upper and lower parts of the body, performing a very complete workout, which is particularly indicated for people with weight problems or cardiovascular diseases.

 

Below, we explain some of the benefits of switching to two wheels:

 

 

More Pedalling, Less Heart Attacks

 

Riding a bicycle lowers the risk of heart attack by 50%: cycling raises your heart rate and lowers your blood pressure, so the heart saves resources. In addition, it lowers bad cholesterol, while increasing the amount of good cholesterol, which protects our blood vessels. Therefore, blood vessel flexibility improves, plaque accumulation becomes less frequent, and the risk of artery calcification is lowered.

 

 

A Good Posture prevents Back Pain

 

Depending on the type of bicycle we use, we must choose the recommended posture. The bicycle seat is our weight-bearing point so, depending on what height we adjust the seat at, we will not only be more comfortable, but benefit our back as well. In general, we recommend adjusting the seat so our body is leaning forward, so that the back muscles are engaged and the core stabilised. Cycling strengthens the lumbar region and prevents the appearance of herniated discs.

 

 

Exercised and Protected Joints 

 

Some cardio exercises, such as running, overload the joints, especially the knees. On a bicycle, however, 70-80% of the body’s weight is supported by the seat. This way, the joints exercise, but they are protected from harsh impacts and overloading. When the joints work under low pressure, energy and nutrition can be spread to the cartilage more easily. These long-term benefits prevent arthrosis.

 

A Stronger Immune System

 

Cycling favours the mobilisation of phagocytes, the cells that devour bacteria in our body. This mobilisation also aids the destruction of bacteria and cancer cells, which makes it a good therapeutic complement for cancer and AIDS patients.

 

 

A Small Effort with a Large Reward 

 

It’s not necessary to invest too much time to feel the results of cycling on your body. With only 10 minutes of cycling a day, you can feel the results at a muscular level, in your blood flow and in your joints. With 30 minutes, you can feel heart benefits, and 50 minutes stimulate the fatty acid metabolism.

 

A Healthier Mind

 

When cycling, the brain’s oxygenation improves and it produces more endorphins, “the happiness hormones”, which are produced in greater amount during exercise. In addition, it has been proven that people who ride bicycles suffer less from depression and other psychological conditions.

 

About Quirónsalud

 

Quirónsalud is the most important hospital group in Spain, and the third largest in Europe. It can be found in 13 autonomous communities in Spain, has state-of-the-art technology and offers over 6,500 beds in more than 100 healthcare centres, such as Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Hospital Universitario Quirónsalud Madrid, Hospital UniversitarioDexeus, Ruber, Centro Médico Teknon, Hospital La Luz, Policlínica de Guipúzcoa, Hospital Quirónsalud Valencia, etc., as well as a huge team of highly qualified professionals of international prestige.

 

We promote teaching (seven of our centres are university hospitals) and medical and scientific research (we run the FJD [Spanish acronym, Jiménez Díaz Foundation] Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria [Healthcare Research Institute], the only private research centre licensed by the Secretaría de Estado de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación [Ministry for Research, Development and Innovation]).

 

Likewise, our healthcare service is organised in units and crosscutting networks that allow for the optimisation of accumulated experience at difference centres, and the clinical application of our research. Currently, Quirónsalud is developing many research projects across Spain, and many of its healthcare centres carry out cutting edge work in this field, as pioneers in different specialisations such as radiology, cardiology, endocrinology, gynaecology, neurology, oncology and sports medicine, among others.

### La Vuelta 2018 may Disrupt San Javier Airport Traffic

A stage of the La Vuelta 2019 cycle race will start at Torrevieja´s salt lakes, meanwhile, this year´s race will hit Los Alcázares and San Javier this week.

On Thursday, 30 August, a rapid stage of the race will cover much of the Murcia coast, from south to north.
The race will pass through Loa Alcázares, along the dual carriageway which passes the emergency centre, near to urbanisation Oasis, before heading to San Javier along the N-332 as it runs parallel to the AP-7 motorway.
The roads will be closed in the area, which may affect access and egress so Murcia-San Javier airport, so if you are heading for a flight, allow extra time for your journey.
Incidentally, the route will not pass through Los Narejos as was previously planned.

            codepeople-post-map require JavaScript

Excerpt: A stage of the La Vuelta 2019 cycle race will start at Torrevieja´s salt lakes, meanwhile, this year´s race will hit Los Alcázares and San Javier this week. On Thursday, 30 August, a rapid stage of the race will cover much of the Murcia coast, from south to north. The race will pass through Loa …

### Speeding Drugged Driver Caught

The provincial police of La Rioja arrested a resident of Logroño, after he was clocked travelling at 180 kilometres per hour through Estella.

According to a report from the Policía Foral, the events took place at dawn, when a routine patrol witnessed a passenger car travelling at excessive speed.
The police activated their lights and siren and followed the vehicle, which ignored them for several minutes until finally stopping at the junction with the Navarra highway, in the Merkatondoa area.
The driver, a 35-year-old resident of Logroño, said that he had not stopped earlier because he was scared, as his driving licence had already been withdrawn.
The officers then subjected the driver to a drug test, which confirmed that he had used cannabis, amphetamines and methamphetamines.
The driver was reported for a crime against road safety, and administrative offences.

            codepeople-post-map require JavaScript

Excerpt: The provincial police of La Rioja arrested a resident of Logroño, after he was clocked travelling at 180 kilometres per hour through Estella. According to a report from the Policía Foral, the events took place at dawn, when a routine patrol witnessed a passenger car travelling at excessive speed. The police activated their lights and …

### Murcia Amongst Cheapest for Holiday Rentals

Murcia is the second cheapest destination for holiday apartment rentals in September, according to wimdu.es.
The portal has calculated that the cost for an apartment in September in Murcia is just 17.26 euro per night, only slightly higher than the cheapest location, Cáceres, at 16.71 euro per night, taking into account the collaborative economy.
In third place is Merida at 18.78 euro per night. Burgos would occupy the fourth position, with an average of 19.73 euro, while in the fifth place top destination for sun and sand, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where the average rates are around 19.79 euro.
According to the data, other cheap sun and beach destinations are Torrevieja and Santa Pola, where the collaborative economy accommodation rates are between 20 and 26 euro per night.

            codepeople-post-map require JavaScript

Excerpt: Murcia is the second cheapest destination for holiday apartment rentals in September, according to wimdu.es. The portal has calculated that the cost for an apartment in September in Murcia is just 17.26 euro per night, only slightly higher than the cheapest location, Cáceres, at 16.71 euro per night, taking into account the collaborative economy. In …

### Woman Rescued after Cliff Fall

Fire fighters were called to rescue a woman who had fallen from a cliff at the coves of Torrevieja on Saturday.

The woman, said to be in her fifties, had fallen in the La Higuera cove at around 11:00 in the morning.

Three rescue units and a paramedic ambulance attended the scene with fire fighters lifting her back to the top on a stretcher, before the ambulance took her to hospital with several contusions to the knee and hand.

### Lifeguard Simulation at La Mata

The beach rescue services serving Torrevieja carried out a mock rescue on the beach at La Mata. in which a practice emergency arose where a victim had suffered the effects of drowning.

The councillor for beaches, Javier Manzanares, witnessed the event and spoke of his pride in the way the emergency services worked together, saying, “We have organised a drill, which we usually do every year, to account for the reaction time of both the rescuers and the arrival of the ambulance, the local police and the transfer to the hospital, which once again has been certified so we can be sure our beaches are safe”.

In the simulation, a victim located almost 150 metres from the shore and having suffered a heart attack in the water, showed signs of suffering the effects of drowning. The rescuers followed a series of steps to save his life, from first response to hospital transfer, ensuring that established protocols were met at every stage.

[codepeople-post-map]

### La Vuelta 2019 to Start Stage in Torrevieja

The 2019 Tour of Spain cycle race, La Vuelta, will start a time trial at the Salinas in Torrevieja, and will have three stages in the province of Alicante, according to an announcement by the spokesperson for the organisers, Javier Guillén.



“The province of Alicante is a cyclist's paradise, with sea, mountains, harbours and plains and a climate that fits perfectly with the practice of cycling,”, Guillén said in his address at a presentation on Friday in Málaga, on the Costa del Sol.

It is not just sporting enthusiasts who are said to benefit from the race, the economic impact on the tour visiting Alicante is estimated to be around 3 million euro, with around 250,000 euro per night spent accommodating and serving the teams as they stay in the various locations around the province.

There is a secondary income too, as the race is broadcast on Spanish national and international television, with 365 million viewers worldwide, not forgetting the impact on social media with the official website generating 4.4 million visitors, and so the areas the race visits are showcased on one of the biggest platforms available where the scenery and benefits of the area are represented, thus generating, according to the organisers, interest for tourism.

### Just When You Think Things Can Only Get Better!

When the driver of a delivery van was involved in a minor collision in Navarrés, the driver didn´t realise his day was about to get a whole lot worse.

As the tow truck was in the process of recovering the van, it suffered some kind of failure, resulting in the van, which had already suffered front-end damage, rolling backwards off the truck.
As the van gained speed, it headed towards a brick wall, which it then promptly destroyed before becoming embedded and stopped by the building it surrounded, the local Guardia Civil barracks.

Luckily nobody was injured in either of the incidents, other than a few explanations having to be given as to how the vehicle became so unfortunately jinxed.

            codepeople-post-map require JavaScript

Excerpt: When the driver of a delivery van was involved in a minor collision in Navarrés, the driver didn´t realise his day was about to get a whole lot worse. As the tow truck was in the process of recovering the van, it suffered some kind of failure, resulting in the van, which had already suffered …

### Police Awarded for Bravery

The Mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón, has reported that three officers o of the Operational Reinforcement Group (G.R.O.) of the Local Police of Torrevieja have been awarded the Cross of Police Merit with Blue Distinction by the Generalitat Valenciana for their intervention in a bank robbery.

The officers intervened in a bank office in Torrevieja, when a man, apparently armed with a pistol, kept the bank manager at gunpoint then tried to escape with the money in October, 2017.

The awards have been granted to the Inspector S-04, and the agents A-165 and I-085 who managed to free the manager, an action that is worthy of the aforementioned distinction awarded for "directing or executing successfully a service of extraordinary difficulty or importance in which relevant professional or civic qualities have been demonstrated".

### Daniel Plaza, new chief executive of CD Torrevieja

After a complete restructure of its management and organisation system, CD Torrevieja can now announce that Daniel Plaza Montero will join the club as its new chief executive. The Catalan athlete, who made Torrevieja his home many years ago, began his extensive sporting career by becoming the Spanish champion in every walking category that he entered. He participated in four World Championships, three European Championships and in three editions of the Olympic Games, excelling in his chosen discipline and becoming a role model for his country after achieving numerous medals during his career. It was precisely in Barcelona in 1992 that he achieved the highest accolade possible; Olympic Champion in the 20km walk. Dani Plaza thus became the first ever Spaniard to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games in this discipline and in athletics.

Dani Plaza was elected Councillor for Sport and Education by the former government of Torrevieja. During his time in office, he worked hard in creating the city’s municipal sports centre and making it what it is today. Partly thanks to him, Torrevieja now has seven tennis courts, six padel courts, a new municipal gym, three football pitches with artificial grass and a semi-Olympic outdoor swimming pool. Not only this, but he also introduced the grants that are awarded to various sports clubs and elite athletes within the municipality. But his merits don’t end there, as he also founded the city’s Municipal Sports Council.

Without a doubt, CD Torrevieja has bagged a spectacular sporting manager, which is evident from his experience, commitment, values and passion for sport.

Welcome Daniel Plaza!

### Chamber Music Concert by Symphonic Orchestra of Torrevieja

The Symphonic Orchestra of Torrevieja will be holding a chamber music concert in the International Auditorium in September.



The music of Beethoven and Shostakovich will meander through the halls as the orchestra takes to the stage on 15 September.

The concert will start at 8 p.m., when you can enjoy Stanislav Tkach and Pedro Vasylevsky on violin, Leticia Cámara on viola and Zourab Kalatouzichvilli on violoncello.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Adopt a Dog with Habaneras

The animal shelter in Torrevieja is almost always at or over capacity with abandoned or lost animals looking for a new forever home.

On August 25, two lives can change, yours and one of the animals looking for a home, as the Habaneras shopping centre hosts a special pet adoption day, in association with the municipal animal pound.

Information on the animals will be available from 10:00 in the morning, right through the day, until 9:00 p.m., and at 7:00 p.m., there will be a special parade of animals in the shopping centre.

For more information you can visit the shopping centre, or check out their website page, habaneras.es, or search Habaneras on Facebook.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Cruz Roja Making Beaches Accessible to All

According to a statement from the Cruz Roja, 14,955 people with reduced mobility have used specially adapted access points along the beaches of the Costa Blanca and Valencia region this summer.
To that figure, we must also add those who have visited beaches served by private contractors. The Cruz Roja look after a total of 28 of the 85 access points located in 46 coastal municipalities of the region, which covers 80% of the coast.
Compared to last summer, the Cruz Roja figures show a considerable increase from the 10,532 who were helped in 2017.
“The presence of the Red Cross on beaches allows us to exercise our commitment to the most vulnerable people, in this case with reduced mobility, facilitating their bathing in the sea,” according to the vice president of the organisation in the Valencian Community, Francisco Galvañ.

Excerpt: According to a statement from the Cruz Roja, 14,955 people with reduced mobility have used specially adapted access points along the beaches of the Costa Blanca and Valencia region this summer. To that figure, we must also add those who have visited beaches served by private contractors. The Cruz Roja look after a total of …

### Judge Rejects Dog Beach Appeal

A judge has dismissed a precautionary claim made by the community of owners of properties adjacent to Cala del Moro in Torrevieja, which aimed to suspend the use of the beach by dogs.

The residents had requested the precautionary measure within the contentious-administrative appeal filed against the town hall that had made two beaches, Punta Margallo and Cala del Mal Paso as useable by dogs accompanied by their owners.

The court has rejected the appeal as there is “no irreparable damage” to the community, because the permission for dogs to use the beach is only temporary, and only for this year.

In the appeal, the residents had asked the court to suspend the use of the beach by dogs, as they are being deprived of continually using the beach in a way they had been doing so far.

The beach for dogs has survived this appeal, but the courts will revisit the case after the summer.

### Free Driver Eye Checks in Torrevieja

Before the summer we reported on a network of opticians who were offering free eye tests specifically aimed at drivers. Now, thanks to their collaboration with N332, we are pleased to tell you that Clinica La Siesta in has extended the campaign, and will offer checkups at the clinic in Torrevieja.

From the results of a recent survey, it was revealed that more than two million drivers recognise that they have vision problems, and despite that, “two out of three drivers consider that their vision affects their road safety”.
The study highlights that most drivers recognise that their vision has worsened in recent years, and they notice it especially at night (30%), and when it comes to clearly seeing road signs (17%)
The test, specifically created for drivers, differs from the prescription test as it looks for the most typical problems that cause issues for drivers.
For more information, you can contact the clinic direct by phone on 966 78 41 95, WhatsApp on 692 13 41 36, or via their website, clinicalasiesta.com, and the entire team at the clinic speak English, so you don´t have to worry about the language barrier.
The clinic is located in the La Siesta urbanisation in Torrevieja, on Calle Rossini, where they have ample parking available and are just off the main road which links Torrevieja with Quesada, turning right if you are coming from Torrevieja centre at the roundabout after Hiperber supermarket where there are two Chinese restaurants.

            codepeople-post-map require JavaScript

Excerpt: Before the summer we reported on a network of opticians who were offering free eye tests specifically aimed at drivers. Now, thanks to their collaboration with N332, we are pleased to tell you that Clinica La Siesta in has extended the campaign, and will offer checkups at the clinic in Torrevieja. From the results of …

### Saturday is 80th Anniversary of Torrevieja Bombing

Although every year on August 25, Torrevieja remembers those killed by the fascist bomb attack in 1938, this year marks a special date, as it is 80 years since the attack.

On August 25, 1938, Italian fascist bombers, by order of Franco, bombarded the civilian population of Torrevieja, causing 19 deaths and numerous injuries.

It was a time during the Spanish Civil war, when the planes dropped 60 bombs onto the city, ripping through 25 homes and causing serious damage to buildings in the town centre and the port area, leaving 19 people dead and 45 injured, 25 of whom were civilians and 20 military.

Although shrouded in secrecy throughout history, like much of the Franco era, these days the horrific incident is remembered annually by those who religiously attend to reflect on a past time and remember those involved.

The fight still continues against fascism, and this memorial will never forget the event, or those affected by the past, or the future.

On Saturday at noon, a memorial gathering will take place on Paseo Marítimo Juan Aparicio, at the Hombre del Mar monument, where information on what happened will be displayed, along with relatives of those who were killed remembering their loved ones.



[codepeople-post-map]

### Airport Access Road Widening takes Step Closer

The scheme for widening the access road from the N-332 and motorway to Alicante-Elche Airport has taken a step closer to becoming a reality.

Owners of properties and businesses bordering the roads have been notified that activities to claim the land necessary for the widening will start in September.
The scheme will take land away from a number of residential properties, and some car hire companies that serve the airport.
From the signing of the contract to commence the project, the contractor has 34 months to complete the works which will double the number of lanes on the N-338 road, widening the road onto the airport side, from the N-332 to the A-70, just short of 5 kilometres, excluding around 800 metres at the airport link itself.
The works will cost 18.5 million euro, 36% lower than the contract tender target, and includes 4 viaducts, 2 overpasses, 2 underpasses and 2 cattle tracks.

            codepeople-post-map require JavaScript

Excerpt: The scheme for widening the access road from the N-332 and motorway to Alicante-Elche Airport has taken a step closer to becoming a reality. Owners of properties and businesses bordering the roads have been notified that activities to claim the land necessary for the widening will start in September. The scheme will take land away …

### Eight Injured in Kamikaze Collision

A total of eight people were injured on Saturday night after a kamikaze driver, travelling in the opposite direction, collided with other vehicles on the M-30 in Madrid.

According to the preliminary investigations, which are ongoing, the driver allegedly travelled on the M-30 from kilometre 2 as far as kilometre 21, where the vehicle collided with four others.
As a result of the impact, the 52-year-old driver was semi-trapped and needed to be extracted by fire fighters, before being taken to the Clinical Hospital of Madrid with a less than serious prognosis.
One of the victims, a 31-year-old male, was totally trapped in his vehicle due to the force of the impact, resulting in fire fighters having to use various techniques in order to extract him. He was taken to the Gregorio Marañón Hospital with various injuries.
Six other people were also injured, four of whom were members of the same family, which included a child around 14 years of age.
The M-30 was closed for a time as a result of the incident, as the vehicles involved were dispersed over several metres.

            codepeople-post-map require JavaScript
        
        
 


Imágenes de la intervención en el #accidente de #M30 @BomberosMad @SAMUR_PC @policiademadrid @MadridCalle30 pic.twitter.com/8qj4R6lBfT
— Emergencias Madrid (@EmergenciasMad) August 19, 2018

Excerpt: A total of eight people were injured on Saturday night after a kamikaze driver, travelling in the opposite direction, collided with other vehicles on the M-30 in Madrid. According to the preliminary investigations, which are ongoing, the driver allegedly travelled on the M-30 from kilometre 2 as far as kilometre 21, where the vehicle collided …

### International Festival of Bands

The International Festival of Bands will take place this week at the Eras de la Sal.

The two-day event will be held on Thursday and Friday, August 23 and 24.

Entrance is free for the concerts that start at 10 p.m., so it will also me nice and cool by the time the bands take to the stage.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Sunday 19 at 19:00, CD Torrevieja vs UCAM Murcia CF B

This Sunday 19 August at 19:00h, our team CD Torrevieja will face UCAM Murcia CF B at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Torrevieja in another pre-season friendly.

The club would like to thank UCAM Murcia CF B for their willingness to travel down to Torrevieja and take part in what will be the fifth pre-season friendly played by our club.

Below are the results from the matches played so far:

CF La Nucia 3 CD Torrevieja 1

Three-way tournament: EDM Churra 2 CD Torrevieja 0 and CD Torrevieja 0 Crevillente Deportivo 0

CD Torrevieja 1 Yeclano Deportivo 1

CD Montesinos 1 CD Torrevieja 2

Without exception, all the clubs that CD Torrevieja have played in the above pre-season friendlies are currently positioned in categories above that of our own.

The match on Sunday is set to be another important test for the team led by Manu Sánchez and will lead up to the start of the new season on 2 September and the match against UD Horadada at 19:00h at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.

### Super Nanny to the Rescue

Fancy a break from the kids whilst you do your shopping? Habaneras has the answer!

Every Sunday and from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm you can give yourself an instant injection of calm and tranquillity as Super Nanny is on hand to look after the children in the Kids Area at Habaneras shopping centre in Torrevieja.

For more information, visit their website, habaneras.es, or download their app.

### Vegan Day in San Juan

VEGAN DAY is being celebrated today in San Juan, Alicante, as part of the areas Vegan Fest promotion, aimed at raising awareness of a growing trend in Spain for an animal-free diet.
This event hopes to be a meeting for both seasoned experts and those who want to know veganism and antispecism more closely, through talks, cooking workshops and information booths, products and food.
Accompanying visitors on this adventure will be David Román, president of the Spanish Vegetarian Union UVE, Daniel Blanco and Pablo Vidal of Gente Reverde, Mónica Valenciano of Santuario Espíritu Libre, Eva Benet Graduate in history and feminist, Aitor and Andy from Vegan Roots.
Admission is free and you can find out more information on their Facebook event page.

            codepeople-post-map require JavaScript

Excerpt: VEGAN DAY is being celebrated today in San Juan, Alicante, as part of the areas Vegan Fest promotion, aimed at raising awareness of a growing trend in Spain for an animal-free diet. This event hopes to be a meeting for both seasoned experts and those who want to know veganism and antispecism more closely, through …

### Catalá brings up CD Torrevieja’s right flank

CD Torrevieja can now confirm the addition of Héctor Catalá Martínez (Elche, 1994) to the club, after reaching an agreement with the player. Héctor plays in right-back position. He stands out for due to his experience, strength and excellent aerial game.

Catalá joins CD Torrevieja straight from SF Benidorm CF where last season he was a fixed player on the pitch. After having trained in the junior categories of Elche CF, he made it into Preferente in 2013/2014, and thanks to a spectacular season, he was signed to Crevillente Deportivo where he played three consecutive years in the 3º División with the club.

Welcome Catalá!

### Juanpe, goalkeeper with a bright future

CD Torrevieja has closed the deal on signing Juan Pedro Navarro Valverde (Murcia, 1998) to the club, after both parties reached an agreement. Juanpe plays in goal. His strengths include his excellent reflexes and his ability to position himself well. He is a great prospect for the future.

The Murcian player trained in the Santomera CF youth team and comes to Torrevieja from CD Plus Ultra in the Murcian Preferente league, where last season he was on the verge of ascending into the 3º División. Despite his young age (19 years), he was named the best goalkeeper in the Preferente league for the whole of Murcia, based on his youth career with Ranero CF and ADM Lorqui in First Division.

Welcome Juanpe!

### Akapo, five-star midfielder for CD Torrevieja defence

CD Torrevieja has signed another new player in the form of Javier Akapo Martínez (Elche, 1996) to the club. Akapo is a midfield player. He stands out for his excellent long balls, good passes, speed and impressive aerial power.

The 21-year-old footballer has come from UD Ilicitana where last season he had an important role to play in the team’s successful campaign. Akapo also has experience of playing in the Third Division, after forming part of the CD Binéfar team in 2016-2017, during which he played 27 matches, 19 of them as captain.

Welcome Akapo!

### Millions Invested in Costa Blanca Beaches

The regional government has spent two million euro on improvements to the beaches of the Costa Blanca this summer.
The investment has seen the installation of a 100 changing rooms, 48 playgrounds, 12 accessible bathing areas, six technological palms and 10 kilometres of fencing.
The changing rooms have been installed across the region with 37 in the Valencia province, 31 in Castellon and 32 across Alicante.
The technological palm trees are devices that allow for recharging of mobile phones and provide publicity opportunities for the tourism department.
Some of the local beaches which have gained from the investment include Torrevieja, Santa Pola, Guardamar, Pilar de la Horadada and Orihuela, amongst others.

Excerpt: The regional government has spent two million euro on improvements to the beaches of the Costa Blanca this summer. The investment has seen the installation of a 100 changing rooms, 48 playgrounds, 12 accessible bathing areas, six technological palms and 10 kilometres of fencing. The changing rooms have been installed across the region with 37 …

### Birdwatching Around the Costa Blanca

The Tourism Department of the Valencia Regional Government are attending an ornithological event in the UK, to showcase what the region can offer specifically to birdwatchers
The event, Birdfair, is held at the Rutland Nature Reserve in Egleton, and is taking place from today, 17 August, until Sunday.
The world renowned event brings together more than 400 exhibitors and 20,000 visitors, and, therefore, is an “unbeatable scenario for any ornithological tourism initiative that seeks to make itself known to an international audience”, the Government said in a statement.
Valencia boasts 40 protected zones around the region, offering a wide diversity of birds to be observed, some of great interest for any British or European amateur, since they are absent or practically absent from their avifauna (Bonelli’s eagle, reddish-brown teal, White-headed duck, crabeater, Black wheatear , bee-eater, common calandria, montesino scribe, verderón serrano and others).

Excerpt: The Tourism Department of the Valencia Regional Government are attending an ornithological event in the UK, to showcase what the region can offer specifically to birdwatchers The event, Birdfair, is held at the Rutland Nature Reserve in Egleton, and is taking place from today, 17 August, until Sunday. The world renowned event brings together more …

### When will the roads be busy this weekend?

This weekend sees one of the busiest on the road network, as many of the domestic tourists drive back to their inland homes.

A special operation to improve traffic flow will be taking place throughout the weekend, with all available traffic officers on duty to assist. There will also be an increase in speed and alcohol and drugs checks, with officers on the ground supported by the DGT´s helicopters and drones.
Here are the anticipated hot times when it would be better to avoid driving, so as to avoid the busiest times.
Friday, August 17, 2018: being a normal working day, the time of the displacements will start at 15:00, which also coincides with the start of the special campaign, with departures from large cities starting to get busy. Traffic will also be busy from mid afternoon and until midnight in coastal areas.
Saturday, August 18, 2018: Queues are expected between 08:00 and 15:00 at the exit of the urban centres and access roads from the coastal areas.
Sunday August 19, 2018: The access roads to the coast, beaches and retail areas during the morning will be particularly busy. However, the problems will begin in the afternoon with the return of those who have enjoyed the weekend and their vacation days at the entrances to large urban centres. The most unfavourable time will be from 06:00 to 12:00.
If you do have to travel this weekend it is best to avoid the busiest times, allow plenty of time for your journey, remember to take plenty of breaks if going long distance, and obey the law, including speed, maintaining a safe distance and avoiding alcohol, drugs and distractions.
Have a safe journey.

Excerpt: This weekend sees one of the busiest on the road network, as many of the domestic tourists drive back to their inland homes. A special operation to improve traffic flow will be taking place throughout the weekend, with all available traffic officers on duty to assist. There will also be an increase in speed and …

### Loose Objects in the Car

A persistent question that often arises is about loose objects in the car, such as a whether you´re allowed to carry a shopping bag on the back seat.

All items in a vehicle must be secured, whether that be the occupants, or goods that are being transported, including shopping.
The reason for this is simple. In the event of a collision, loose items keep moving, and they keep moving at the speed you were travelling at the time of the collision, increasing in force.
Let us look at some simple examples, based on a vehicle travelling at 50 kilometres per hour.
A set of keys, which may seem insignificant, weighing say 40 grams, if they impact at 50 kilometres per hour, the equivalent weight is that of 500 grams. In other words, if a set of keys are left on the parcel shelf, when your vehicle travelling at 50 kilometres per hour is involved in a collision, if those keys hit you, it is the equivalent of being hit with a 500 gram weight.
Let´s look at a few other insignificant objects. A torch or an umbrella weighing around 400 grams would be the equivalent of a 5 kilogram weight. A tennis racket weighing 800 grams would be the equivalent of a 10 kilogram weight.
The same applies for animals. They must also be secured in transit. Not only for their safety, but yours as well. In terms of our examples, a dog which weighs 20 kilograms would convert to the equivalent of 250 kilograms at impact, the equivalent of just under 4 adult humans.
These examples show how weight and force can have an impact, in the hope that it may explain why it is important to secure all items in a vehicle. Although a shopping bag may not seem important, when the items become loose and fly around the vehicle, they act as projectiles which could so easily have a fatal impact.

Excerpt: A persistent question that often arises is about loose objects in the car, such as a whether you´re allowed to carry a shopping bag on the back seat. All items in a vehicle must be secured, whether that be the occupants, or goods that are being transported, including shopping. The reason for this is simple. …

### Putting your Feet up on the Dashboard

It´s that time of year again when many of us are filled with dread at a common sight on the roads, one which might appear to be “cool”, but one that has potentially deadly consequences, putting your feet up on the dashboard.

If you are seen then there is an offence, “Failing to maintain the proper position in the vehicle”, which can refer to passengers with their feet on the dashboard, drivers with their arms out the window, or any other situation where proper posture is not maintained.
The fine is 80 euro, the consequences, much harsher.
There are many reasons why this rule is important. For example, in the event of impact, the injuries sustained by a person with their feet on the dashboard are nothing less than horrific.
It is extremely easy for a body to be thrown forward in an impact, with the seatbelt unable to do its job, resulting in significant injuries as the legs are thrown through the windscreen. In cars with airbags, they are no saviour in this situation. Airbags deploy at speeds for higher than most vehicles travel, even up to 200 kilometres per hour. If your vehicle is involved in a relatively low speed impact and the airbags are deployed, your legs will be crushed by an object, the airbag and dashboard, travelling at up to 200 kilometres per hour.
The same goes for instances where limbs have been lost or severely injured on account of them protruding from the vehicle, let alone the reduced visibility as mirrors are obscured or false signals potentially given to other road users. Plus, the seats in a vehicle are designed to give maximum protection, and comfort, and not being correctly positions poses a risk, and can hinder visibility by the driver.

Excerpt: It´s that time of year again when many of us are filled with dread at a common sight on the roads, one which might appear to be “cool”, but one that has potentially deadly consequences, putting your feet up on the dashboard. If you are seen then there is an offence, “Failing to maintain the …

### Child Rescued from Locked Car as Dad goes for Tapas

The Police in the Madrid town of Alcorcón, rescued a child who had been left in a car during the hottest time of the day, whilst the father had gone for tapas.

 
The incident occurred on Saturday when the 15-year-old had been locked in the car, with the windows closed, and “in full sun”.
 
According to the City Council in a statement, it was the child himself who raised the alarm, banging on the windows of the car, which alerted several people who called the emergency services.
A Municipal Police patrol attended and rescued t child, with the help of staff from a local mechanical workshop.
The father of the child, who then returned to the scene, explained that he had only just gone to the bar to take a “pincho of cod”.
The now faces charges of a crime of negligence, according to the statement.
The Municipal Police have issued the reminder once again that a car in full sun can exceed 49 degrees in a period of 20 minutes, when the outside temperature does not exceed 29 degrees, and so you cannot leave people or animals locked inside vehicles.

            codepeople-post-map require JavaScript

Excerpt: The Police in the Madrid town of Alcorcón, rescued a child who had been left in a car during the hottest time of the day, whilst the father had gone for tapas.   The incident occurred on Saturday when the 15-year-old had been locked in the car, with the windows closed, and “in full sun”. …

### The CD Torrevieja reserve team will be managed by Claudio

CD Torrevieja can confirm that Claudio Fabián Arturi (Buenos Aires, 1971) will be joining the club at the start of the new season as the new coach for the CD Torrevieja reserve team.

Claudio is a National Level 3 and UEFA Pro coach, with experience in 1º Regional and 2º Regional.He has also trained Under-18 teams (Infantiles and Alevines) and also boasts a successful career as a professional footballer, having played in the 1º Division and 2º Division in Uruguay, Chile, Columbia, China and Spain.

The main objective for the reserve team will be to train the players so that they reach the standard of the A-team, and to play to their best ability.

Welcome Claudio!

### CD Torrevieja powers its midfield with Nana

CD Torrevieja has confirmed that midfielder Nana Kwaku Obeng (Ghana, 1998) has been signed to the club, after reaching an agreement. Nana has a good, well-rounded midfield game and a lot of potential.

The African player trained in several of the major clubs in this area, including Elche CF, Hércules CF and Real Murcia CF. He joins CD Torrevieja from Real Murcia CF where last season he played in the reserve team, although a great deal of his training was carried out with the first team.

Welcome Nana!

### The Benjamín team will be coached by Pablo

The youngest category of aspiring footballers within the CD Torrevieja club – the Benjamines (Under 10s) - now have their very own coach to train them when the season starts. The club will use the services of Pablo Andreu Mañogil (Torrevieja, 2001).

The young coach from Torrevieja will not only manage the Benjamín category of players, he will also form part of the junior team’s coaching staff as well.

Pablo is extremely excited to have this opportunity to form part of the coaching staff at the club.

Welcome Pablo!

### Police Collect Rubbish from Sea

The Maritime Unit of the Local Police in Torrevieja have been collecting rubbish from the sea, so far collecting half a ton of waste.


			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
		


Environmental councillor, Fanny Serrano, explained that "90% of the waste that exists in the Mediterranean Sea is plastic, especially microplastics, and in summer it increases by 40%, therefore, any initiative that is carried out to help alleviate the effects that this causes, is welcome.

Serrano also introduced Aldolfo Rodríguez and Jerónimo Manzanaro, two of the members of the Maritime Unit, who have voluntarily carried out the work

The head of the Unit, Adolfo Rodríguez, detailed the waste that had been collected up until August 5 in this summer campaign in his area of ​​work, which goes from the beach of La Mata to Punta Prima, and which represents a total of 785 units.

Among them are 375 plastic bags of various sizes; 228 bottles, cans and plastic cups; 7 drums; 4 pieces of network; 26 pieces of rope and pipes; 81 pieces of greenhouse plastics and large pieces of plastic; 64 samples of polystyrene, other containers, wrappings and non-biodegradable plastic elements; 20 cleaning cloths; and 28 objects of another type, all of which are of human origin and could have been properly disposed of.

The members of this patrol, formed by Rodríguez and Manzanaro, began this work last year because they patrolled the beach area and saw plastic in the sea and considered that it had to be collected. "We saw a foreign family that were collecting rubbish and we thought that we could do that," said Rodriguez, who commented that last year they saw plastics "entangled with the propellers of the boats." This year the initiative has been joined by another patrol formed by Rubén León and Antonio Alarcón and they have extended the collection to another type of waste that people throw into the sea.

The Maritime Unit is responsible, among other issues, for dealing with episodes of pollution, control of discharges or recovery of marine fauna, "Last year we rescued a wounded gull hooked with plastics," said the police, to which the councillor added that "the damage that is being done to the marine fauna is enormous, 80% of what the turtles eat is plastic, and also the fish eat it and that comes to us through its consumption. It is essential not to throw plastic in the sea and, in addition, if you are in the sea and see something floating, please pick it up because a tiny effort of each one of us can make a huge result", concluded Serrano.

Rodriguez has stressed the need to create this environmental awareness and has recommended that everyone who goes out to sail, should carry a bag to put inside the waste that should be discarded when they reach port in its corresponding container.

### Tragedy as Baby Dies Locked in Car

A 10-month-old girl died on Friday, after being left inside a car for eight hours, in the sun.
 
The tragic event took place in the Mallorcan town of  where the girl´s grandfather had parked the vehicle at 7 in the morning, leaving the child sleeping in the car.
It wasn´t until after three o’clock in the afternoon when the 56-year-old grandfather remembered the child and so returned to the car where he found her displaying no signs of life.
The man, of Spanish nationality, called the emergency services for help but there was nothing that could be done to save the life of the child.
According to the initial autopsy, the girl died because of the high temperatures inside the vehicle. The man was taken to Manacor hospital suffering from an anxiety attack.
With this tragedy, there are now eleven people who have died in Spain due to the summer temperatures.

            codepeople-post-map require JavaScript

Excerpt: A 10-month-old girl died on Friday, after being left inside a car for eight hours, in the sun.   The tragic event took place in the Mallorcan town of where the girl´s grandfather had parked the vehicle at 7 in the morning, leaving the child sleeping in the car. It wasn´t until after three o’clock …

### La Union Concert in Torrevieja Postponed

The concert by the pop group La Unión, which was scheduled to take place at the Eras de la Sal on Saturday night, has now been moved to Monday, according to the cultural department at the town hall.

No reason has been given for the move but those requiring a refund are told to do so through the channel where your tickets were purchased from.

The concert will start at the same time as scheduled on Monday, 13 August, 2018.

### CD Torrevieja strengthens its defence by signing Elche-born Jorge Mojica

CD Torrevieja can now confirm the signing of Jorge García Mojica (Elche, 1995) to the club, after an agreement was reached by both player and management. Jorge Mojica plays in the centre-back position. His strengths include his power, aggressiveness and great kick-offs.

The Elche-born player joins the club from SF Benidorm CD, where he was one of their best players last season. After training with Kelme Juvenil, he ascended to Preferente in 2014/2015, playing an important and successful role with CD Alcoyano B where he stayed for two seasons. From there he went to Callosa Deportiva CF in Preferente and then joined Muro CF, who play in the 3º Division.

Welcome Jorge Mojica!

### Raúl spearheads the team with quality and speed

Football club CD Torrevieja has finalised a deal to sign up Raúl Romero Jiménez (Elche, 1997), who will join the Club for the new season. Rulo can play in any of the attacking positions. His best qualities are his speed, his dribbling and his ball-kicking skills.

The Elche-born player joins the Torrevieja club from UD Ilicitana, where last season he was one of the star players in green and white and most important members of the team. He comes with the backing of coach Manu Sánchez, who has spent the last two seasons training him.

Welcome Raúl!

### Other Major Changes to Traffic Law – Summer 2018

In addition to the ruling regarding all emergency vehicles using blue flashing lights, the Ministerial Order published at the end of July, also includes other important changes to traffic laws and regulations:

Blue rear licence plate for taxis. The licence plates of taxis of up to nine seats will have the bottom of the plate of the rear license plate coloured blue, with the characters in white. The front license plate will remain white and the characters will be black.
Holders of vehicles registered prior to the entry into force of this order will have a period of one year to change the current rear registration plate to the blue one.
This change is driven by the approval in 2016 following the increase of intrusion and piracy in the public transport of passengers of vehicles of up to nine seats. In this proposal, then approved unanimously, the Government is urged, at the request of the collective of taxi drivers, to carry out the necessary actions to, in the shortest possible time, modifying the traffic regulations (Annex XVIII of the General Regulations of Vehicles) relative to the registration plates in order to provide a specific colour (blue) for the licence plates.
Some European Union states such as the Netherlands, Belgium and Greece already have this type of different licence plate.
 
Luminous device for vehicles immobilised on the road: Annex XI includes the possibility of placing on the outside of the vehicle, when it is immobilized on the road by accident or breakdown, a self-powered orange light device, with autonomous power, high visibility and that is stable on a flat surface. This new luminous device is included as an optional element, next to the existing warning triangle, which is still mandatory.
 
Shared Vehicle: The General Vehicle Regulation incorporates in its annex II the definition of a vehicle for shared use, a vehicle for rental without a driver that is dedicated to a concatenated and intensive use by an undetermined number of users within a defined service area. It must be available, at any time, to be used through the use of mobile applications.
The vehicle of shared use supposes a complement of the systems of urban public transport, introducing in addition a greater efficiency in the employment of the vehicle, reducing the congestion of the traffic, the occupation of the public road and the polluting emissions.
In addition, the distinctive “V-26 Sharing Badge” is established. A device that will allow public administrations, mainly municipalities, to identify this type of vehicle and adopt measures that favour its use as an alternative to the vehicle for private use and urban public transport.
Each public administration may establish the obligatory nature of the use of the shared use badge. It should be placed in the upper left corner of the windshield of the vehicle and, if it does not have a windshield, in a clearly visible place.
 
Environmental Distinctive: The General Directorate of Traffic has classified the vehicle fleet through strict environmental criteria, assigning each vehicle a category within the created environmental scale. Five categories of vehicles were created: 0 emissions, ECO, C, B and A. and for the first four an environmental label was designed, with the same name as the category to which it belongs, leaving category A without distinctive.
What this Ministerial Order does is to incorporate a new section in Annex II of the aforementioned Regulation, in which, in addition to the classifications of construction, use and service criteria for the vehicles registered, it is added to the Vehicle Registry the E classification corresponding to criteria due to its polluting potential.
Likewise, Annex XI “signals on vehicles” is modified to add a new signal related to the different environmental distinctions assigned to each category of vehicle according to its polluting potential, with the denomination of “V-25 Environmental Distinction”.
This distinction will allow public administrations, especially municipalities, to identify vehicles and adopt environmental measures related to traffic management. Likewise, each Public Administration may establish the obligatory nature of the use of the environmental badge.
The badge should be placed in the lower right corner of the vehicle’s windshield and, if it does not have a windshield, in a clearly visible place.
 
Pick-up vehicles: The definition of pick-up vehicles is introduced in the General Vehicle Regulations: vehicle whose maximum mass is not more than 3,500 kg, in which the seating positions and the loading area are not located in a single compartment.
These vehicles are characterised, for the most part, by having the peculiarity that the part destined for the merchandise is separated from the cabin and normally open.
Until the approval of this Ministerial Order and in the absence of a proper classification in the definitions of the General Vehicle Regulations, pick-up vehicles had been classified until now as a truck-type vehicle. From now on, and in order to facilitate their identification and control, they will be assigned the numerical code 17 in terms of their classification by construction criteria, for their annotation in the Vehicle Registry.
 

Excerpt: In addition to the ruling regarding all emergency vehicles using blue flashing lights, the Ministerial Order published at the end of July, also includes other important changes to traffic laws and regulations: Blue rear licence plate for taxis. The licence plates of taxis of up to nine seats will have the bottom of the plate …

### The Return of the 50 Euro Scam

Periodically we have to repeat warnings about scams, and then they go quiet for a while, only to return once the scammers think we´ve forgotten about them, this time it´s the return of the “50 euro scam”.

One thing, before we explain the details of this scam, remember, above all, if something seems too good to be true, it usually is.
It certainly is in the case of this scam. Let us paint a picture. Innocent victims board the vehicle, perhaps in a supermarket car park, or after a pleasant day at the beach, the occupants might be distracted, talking about the joys of the day they´ve just had. As the driver sits in the vehicle, starts the engine, secures the seat belt and carries out full observations before moving off… What´s that? A 50 euro note secured under the windscreen wiper? Can it be? Could this day get any better?
Now, as we pause our idyllic scene, of course the day can get a lot better, but not at this moment, because this is where the scammers take advantage. The 50 euro note is fake, a poorly printed copy that´s not easy to determine from a distance. But the idea is that the driver is so pleased with the potential find, they leave the vehicle, engine running, to collect their booty, at which point the scammers jump into the car and drive off, yes, often with other occupants on board initially, with even children having been taken in this way in previous robberies.
We first became aware of this scam in 2014, but it´s not the only one of this type. Prior to this, a handwritten note on the back window was a favourite, or sometimes just an innocent flyer.
The advice, as always, is to take a brief walk around your vehicle every time you return to it. Check basics such as wheels, tyres, lights, and windows, removing anything like flyers (placing them in a dustbin of course), the fuel filling cap is in place (more about that another time), and looking for any obvious signs of damage to the vehicle. This is a good habit to get into every time, no matter how briefly you may have left your vehicle.

Excerpt: Periodically we have to repeat warnings about scams, and then they go quiet for a while, only to return once the scammers think we´ve forgotten about them, this time it´s the return of the “50 euro scam”. One thing, before we explain the details of this scam, remember, above all, if something seems too good …

### II Vegan Tapas Route in Alicante

Following the success of the first event last year, between the 17 and the 24 of September, Vegan Fest Alicante will be arranging the second Vegan Tapas Route in the city.
Much like a typical taps route that many towns now host, this edition has one unique speciality, in that all of the food served is suitable for vegans.
Although attitudes are starting to change and the range of products available growing constantly, being vegan or vegetarian in Spain is not one of the easiest life choices to be made, and so events like this not only make it easier for animal conscious food lovers to eat with peace of mind, it also raises awareness of the need to offer dishes catering for an ever growing number of people who eliminate animal products from their diet.
You can follow the event on Facebook, just look for “II Ruta de la Tapa Vegana en Alicante”, and get up to date information on the bars and restaurants taking part.

Excerpt: Following the success of the first event last year, between the 17 and the 24 of September, Vegan Fest Alicante will be arranging the second Vegan Tapas Route in the city. Much like a typical taps route that many towns now host, this edition has one unique speciality, in that all of the food served …

### Alicante Tattoo Convention in November

Between November 23 and 25, Alicante will host its first ever tattoo convention.
Taking place in the IFA exhibition centre, close to Alicante-Elche airport, the weekend is expected to attract the best tattoo artists and piercers from around the globe, coming together to showcase their unique style of art, with the human body as their canvas.
Details of the event are still being put together, such is the early warning, but make a note in your diary, or ink it to your hand, because this is one event that tattoo lovers will not want to miss.
 
s,

Excerpt: Between November 23 and 25, Alicante will host its first ever tattoo convention. Taking place in the IFA exhibition centre, close to Alicante-Elche airport, the weekend is expected to attract the best tattoo artists and piercers from around the globe, coming together to showcase their unique style of art, with the human body as their …

### 27 Kilos of Drugs Found in Airport Suitcases

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a 48-year-old man at Alicante-Elche Airport, as he was about to catch a flight to Eindohven (Netherlands) with 27 kilos of marijuana hidden in two suitcases.
The Guardia Civil report that it was specialist officers from the Office of Fiscal Analysis and Research (ODAIFI) who located the drugs in the suitcases when they were checked the cargo hold of a plane to Eindhoven.
According to the ODAIFI officers, in addition to customs control tasks, they carry out investigations of risk analysis in community flights without customs control. During that test, they perceived the characteristic odour of marijuana that seemed to come from two identical suitcases, which were set apart from the rest of the luggage.
One of the officers inspected the cases and the labelling and identified the passenger who was already seated on the plane which was preparing for takeoff.
The officers removed the passenger and luggage from the aircraft and, once the cases were opened, found 24n plastic enclosures with a substance inside, later confirmed to be marijuana.
The total weight of the drug amounted to 27.32 kilograms of marijuana, the market value being in the region of 40,000 euro.
The passenger was arrested and taken to court, charged with a crime against public health, and entered in custody.

            codepeople-post-map require JavaScript

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a 48-year-old man at Alicante-Elche Airport, as he was about to catch a flight to Eindohven (Netherlands) with 27 kilos of marijuana hidden in two suitcases. The Guardia Civil report that it was specialist officers from the Office of Fiscal Analysis and Research (ODAIFI) who located the drugs …

### Suicidal Woman Saved in Last Minute Dash

Guardia Civil officers from Torrevieja managed to save the life of a suicidal woman at the weekend, reaching her with moments to spare.

The woman, a Spaniard aged 34 and living in Torrevieja, had phoned her relatives to say goodbye. They in turn called the Guardia Civil who arrived at the home, forced entry, and found the woman hanging by the neck from a ceiling fan in one of the rooms.

The officers noticed she had blue lips and bluish complexion, and immediately grabbed her to ease the pressure on her neck, whilst another attempted to untie the sheet.

After releasing the woman they practiced CPR on the ground where the woman managed to recover vital signs and was taken to hospital by medical staff.

The officers have been praised for their rapid intervention which saved the life of the woman who will now be treated at Torrevieja hospital.

### Focus on Speed Ahead

August is the summer month in which there are more road trips than any other, with a forecast of more than 45.7 million trips.
With the aim of ensuring the safety of travel, the DGT will carry out two special surveillance campaigns. The first of them against inappropriate speed: During the week of August 6 to 12, there will be an increase in checks on the compliance of speed limits. It will mainly focus on conventional roads, which is where the established limits are most violated and where more fatal incidents are registered. The controls will be done from both the air and on the road, with fixed and mobile radars
The second campaign will be monitoring the consumption of alcohol and drugs at the wheel. During the 13th, 14th and 15th of August, preventive controls will be increased, since they are days in which many towns celebrate their patron saint festivities.
Safer roads are the responsibility of everyone. Attitude, courtesy and respect are called on from all road users, irrespective of the vehicle being driven, as attitude is the number one defence against road traffic incidents.
When on the road, respect the rules of maximum permitted speed, taking into account the road, vehicles and conditions, avoid distractions completely, such as mobile phone use and even music, driving requires 100% concentration. Although there are established limits for alcohol, it is best to avoid it all together if you are going to drive, drugs should also be avoided, and you should check with your pharmacist or doctor if you are on prescribed drugs.
Vehicle maintenance is also a crucial element of road safety. Make sure your vehicle´s lights are clear and working, same with the windscreen, and that you have plenty of screen wash in the tank. Check your tyres regularly for signs of wear and for any signs of damage.
If you are on a long journey, take a break every two hours or so, more often if you do feel tired and stop until you are refreshed enough to continue, irrespective of any delay you may incur.
All vehicle occupants must wear a seatbelt and children under 1.35m must be seated in the back, and in a seat suitable to them.
As well as respecting speed limits, also remember to respect the minimum distance between you and the vehicle in front. Invading this safety distance is aggressive, unacceptable and considered most serious, as it causes so many incidents.
 

Excerpt: August is the summer month in which there are more road trips than any other, with a forecast of more than 45.7 million trips. With the aim of ensuring the safety of travel, the DGT will carry out two special surveillance campaigns. The first of them against inappropriate speed: During the week of August 6 …

### Employment Advice for Disabled People in Torrevieja

On Saturday, for the second day, an information truck trailer will be parked in Torrevieja on Saturday offering help and advice to those of reduced ability to find work, whilst also encouraging companies to hire those with disabilities.

The ONCE Foundation is responsible for the exhibition, which will be parked on the Plaza de la Constitución on Saturday, under the encouraging slogan “No te rindas nunca”, or “Don´t give up, ever”, offering advice to find work for people with disabilities.

The Mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón, called a meeting prior to the arrival of the truck with the councillor for Social Welfare, Fabiana Ibarra, and the employment technicians and associations working with disabled people in the town, as well as business owners.

Dolón believes in the need to support the disabled people of Torrevieja and especially those who are unemployed, and was therefore keen to maximise the exposure of the event, especially to associations and businesses.

Several workshops will be held on how to face job interviews, the development of the CV, acquire communication skills to interact with colleagues or enrolment in job boards. But above all it has become clear that the intention of the foundation is to maintain contact and to hold periodic meetings with the associations to maintain active information of both applicants and those offering employment.

The trailer will be installed in the Plaza de la Constitución on Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. Although the plan is focused mainly on unemployed people with disabilities aged between 16 and 29 years, the meeting has ensured that it will try to serve all people although they do not meet the age range.

The technicians, Antonio Esquiva and Jesús Ganado, have also asked for the involvement of businesses and traders and their associations to come to the truck to learn the advantages they can obtain by employing people with disabilities and to teach them the tools that allow them to publish their offers of employment on the platform www.portalento.es

### The 40th Torrevieja Tennis Tournament Starts Saturday

The Ciudad de Torrevieja Tennis Tournament, which reaches its 40th anniversary this year, starts today.

The event was first announced earlier this week by the councillor, Víctor Ferrández, and the organisers, the President of the Torrevieja Tennis Club, Antonio Tafalla, the Director of the tournament, Humberto Zuleta and the referee, David Pérez.

The councillor said that it is an "authentic joy" to present a tournament with 40 years of life, "the sporting tournament dean of Torrevieja thanks the efforts of the club itself and the sponsors." He also stressed that his career and the number of participants is a competition that puts Torrevieja on the "map" in the world of tennis, and also has a solidarity aspect with the delivery of food to the local association Solidarity Food.

David Pérez detailed various aspects of the tournament in which the participation of some 350 athletes is expected. In addition to the promising and senior categories of the tournament itself, the categories Benjamin, Fry, Child, Junior, Absolute and Veteran will also be disputed - in this case it has been established + 35, + 45, + 55, + 60, and +70 in male category and +35 and +50 in female-. As for the prizes, he has detailed that there are 3,200 euro in cash and 2,000 euro in sports material for the finalists of the promise categories.

The tournament begins today, Saturday, June 4, and the final phase is scheduled to begin as of Thursday for the 16 categories. It is expected that players from the area will travel to the town, as the championship is scoring for the official ranking of the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation.

Throughout the hearing there have been words of thanks to the sponsors by the Club president, who has cited them expressly and has also referred to the solidarity aspect of this appointment with the "generous donation of Dialprix to Food Solidarity " He also had words of thanks to the City Council of Torrevieja and the Department of Sports, for the support they receive and has expressed his desire to "not disappoint."

The Tournament Director explained how it has evolved in its 40 years of history and has cited major milestones to become "one of the most important in the Valencian Community and has become a reference for regional players," he said.

### Bus Running to Torrevieja International Auditorium for Events

Torrevieja´s councillor for transport, Javier Manzanares, announced that a bus service run to the International Auditorium on days when concerts, events and activities are taking place.

This will satisfy "many users who demand public transport to the Auditorium on days in which events take place", said the councillor, who also detailed the schedule by saying, "the frequency of the line will be 25 minutes."

This bus will make stops at the Eras de la Sal, Fontana, BP Gas Station (Cortes Valenciana) and the Auditorium. In the next few days, the full schedules will be published that will cover one hour before the start of the shows and one hour after.

"We fulfilled a request from many users who want to go to the Auditorium and did not have the means... The extensive programming and activity of this cultural space makes it necessary for urban transport to arrive at the door. This line is already included in the urban transport project of the city", clarified Manzanares, as the bus schedule had already been arranged prior to the auditorium being opened for events.

### 17% of traffic accidents can be due to excessive temperatures

Heat has consequences on the driver´s behaviour similar to that of alcohol intake

Torrevieja / Valencia. July 27, 2018. The August exit operation causes 150,000 injuries per year in Spain due to traffic accidents, with a special impact on young population. In fact, 17% of traffic accidents may be due to excessive temperatures, according to studies conducted by Prevensis, a company specialised in the analysis of driver’s behaviour. When the car temperature reaches 30 ° C, it increases by 20% the risk of making mistakes while driving and reduces the reaction time by 22%.
Experts from the hospitals Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Valencia warn that heat affects the capabilities and behaviour of the driver. According to Dr. Ignacio Garcia, Traffic Unit specialist and assistant to the medical management at Hospital Quirónsalud Valencia, “the excess of  temperature that we capture in our body surface is transmitted to an area of ​​our brain, the hypothalamus. This gland, in addition to regulating our body temperature, fulfils other functions as a control of our moods,it modulates sleep and allows the ability to react to certain unexpected circumstances.
The heat excess affects the functions of said gland and is capable of causing failures in driving, which manifest as fatigue, drowsiness, aggression and even diminishes the ability to concentrate and the attention, reducing the reaction times before a certain circumstance.
Dr. Alfredo Pérez Cortada, Traffic Unit specialist at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja warns that, “we should avoid to travel the hottest hours, it is better to do it early in the morning or at the end of the afternoon, but always with daylight. ”
In addition, an interior car temperature between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius is just as dangerous as having drunk five beers. With this heat, the driver stops perceiving between 15 and 20% of traffic signals and their mistakes increase up to 35%.
Whiplash is the main injury caused by traffic accidents
The injuries that can occur in a traffic accident are multiple and varied, mostly low and medium intensity. According to Dr. Juan Costell, Head of Emergency at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, “50% of these injuries occur in the spine by the mechanism of so-called whiplash, followed by dorsal and lumbar injuries that represent 34% of contusions produced at vertebral level “. In addition, “the musculoskeletal and spinal injuries require the involvement and coordination of different specialties that may be needed throughout the recovery process, either by cure or by stabilisation of the injury”. For this reason, the Traffic Unit houses includes a group of medical experts in this area that deals with pain and allows the patient to start recovery and mobility sooner.
Traffic accidents, due to the forces of acceleration and deceleration, can produce acute injuries or complicate pre-existing injuries. The assessment and implementation of an early treatment is essential to minimise the physical consequences that occur in traffic accidents. Dr. Costell states that “from the medical point of view, it is important that each patient involved in a traffic accident goes to an urgent medical assessment, whatever the seriousness of their injuries is.” It is advisable to go to a specialised Traffic Unit  that includes the first emergency visit, hospitalisation, diagnostic tests (CT, magnetic resonance, ultrasound or laboratory), consultations with specialists, rehabilitation treatment, intensive care and, if necessary, urgent surgery. In addition, the traffic units of the hospitals Quirónsalud Torrevieja and Valencia advise patients about their right to personalised attention for a complete rehabilitation, perform the relevant procedures with the insurance company and manage all medical reports for an adequate treatment.
Tips for safe driving

Sufficient rest: do not start the trip if you have not rested properly. It is also recommended to take a break every hour and a half to stretch. Stop as soon as you feel tired.
Eat light meals and do not drink any type of alcoholic beverage, including low alcohol.
Wheel right position: the legs should be slightly flexed and the backrest adjusted for the wrists to reach the top of the steering wheel.
Use comfortable and loose clothing as well as adequate footwear.

 

Excerpt: Heat has consequences on the driver´s behaviour similar to that of alcohol intake Torrevieja / Valencia. July 27, 2018. The August exit operation causes 150,000 injuries per year in Spain due to traffic accidents, with a special impact on young population. In fact, 17% of traffic accidents may be due to excessive temperatures, according to studies …

### All Emergency Vehicles will have Blue Lights

After many years of discussion and disagreement, on 31st of July, 2018, it entered into law in Spain that all emergency vehicles will use flashing blue lights.
The reform is published in Ministerial Order PCI / 810/2018, published in the BOE, modifying several Annexes to the General Vehicle Regulations -RD 2822/1998- among which is Annex XI, regarding the signal V-1 Priority Vehicle.
Until the publication of this reform, blue lights were restricted to the exclusive use of the security services, such as the police or Guardia Civil, with other priority vehicles, such as those used by the fire service or ambulances, would use flashing orange lights.
The flashing orange light is still used, and is carried by slow moving vehicles, those which constitute an obstacle in the road due to being stopped or parked or driving at a low speed while performing a service or work on the road. Previously, this situation generated some confusion amongst some road users by not clearly identifying the vehicles for fire fighting, health care and civil protection as priority vehicles in emergency service that also have priority.
Now, blue lights are reserved to signal all priority vehicles in emergency services and the orange for vehicles that constitute an obstacle in the road, which contributes to improving safe mobility.
The change also puts Spain on a par with the existing regulations in most of the States of the European Union, in which the luminous device of the priority vehicles is blue, in particular those of France and Portugal, which are the countries in which It is common that, in emergency situations, Spanish priority vehicles enter these countries and vice versa.
With the aim that this change can be made progressively, the Ministerial Order grants a period of two years for the owners of the affected vehicles to change the orange colour of their lighting devices to blue.

Excerpt: After many years of discussion and disagreement, on 31st of July, 2018, it entered into law in Spain that all emergency vehicles will use flashing blue lights. The reform is published in Ministerial Order PCI / 810/2018, published in the BOE, modifying several Annexes to the General Vehicle Regulations -RD 2822/1998- among which is Annex …

### Burglary Gang Arrested in Torrevieja

Officers from the national Police have arrested ten members of a gang based in Torrevieja who are believed to be responsible for burglaries in the region of Murcia, specifically in capital city, Murcia, Cartagena and Mazarrón, Cieza in Adra (Almería) in Elda (Alicante) and in the provinces of Malaga and Valladolid.

The ten members of the gang, all of Croation nationality, used their base in Torrevieja to plan and execute the raids on homes using a variety of techniques, including the so called “slip” technique, as well as forcing locks.

The gang used different vehicles, which they had parked in different streets in the town, to enable them to avoid detection.

The gang had a clearly defined structure for their operations, including women, adept at opening doors, using rudimentary tools such as cut plastic bottles, cans or cut X-rays. Previously they used a screwdriver to increase the clearance between the door and he frame, allowing them to slide pieces of plastic into the gap more easily, adopting the “slip” method.

Meanwhile, the men would carry out surveillance on the outside of buildings. The thefts were perpetrated when homeowners had not activated all security elements of the doors and gates.

The investigation began last April when there was a robbery at a home in Cartagena, after which the officers were able to identify various members of an organisation dedicated to committing burglaries throughout the Spanish geography. After analysing all the data of the alleged perpetrators, agents arrested seven members of the organisation in Torrevieja and, in parallel, in Malaga they proceeded to arrest "in flagrante" three other people, who had just committed a robbery in the city. Seven of those arrested are men and three are women.

During house searches, the officers recovered jewellery from various robberies and investigators are taking the necessary steps to ascertain the origins and to return them to their rightful owners.

[codepeople-post-map]

### There’s still time to register for the CD Torrevieja Junior football team

The period to register for the CD Torrevieja youth football team for all ages, without predetermined selection and without excluding any child is still open.

To register and get more information, there are a number of options available:  send an email to (direccionfutbolbase@clubdeportivotorrevieja.com) or alternatively, visit our main office in Calle Caballero de Rodas, nº56 in Torrevieja, during the following times:

➡ Monday from 17:00 to 20:00

➡ Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 to 13:30 and 17:00 to 20:00

➡ Friday from 10:00 to 13:30

☎| Telephone:

➡ 965 719 699

### Kids Spot Injured Turtle

Two children on board a fishing boat spotted a "clearly weak" turtle near the mouth of Torrevieja´s International Marina on Wednesday, which resulted in an adult passenger of a recreational craft calling the 112 emergency coordination centre who immediately implemented a rescue protocol.

The turtle, which are an endangered species, measured about 20 centimetres and is estimated to be around 4 year-of-age.

They were told to wrap 'Dipsy', now named by the children, in a wet towel before returning to shore where the creature was to be transferred to the ARCA rescue centre of the Oceanogràfic Sea and Environment Department to be treated as it presents "epibiontes, which generally denotes poor health".

This latest discovery serves to remind us all that if we see a loggerhead turtle to leave it alone, and summon the emergency services who will act immediately to save and protect these creatures who are becoming a more frequent visitor to the Mediterranean coast.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Harsher Penalties for Phone Use Promised

In his first major interview since taking back the role, the new Director General of Traffic, Pere Navarro, announced a variety of changes being investigated which he hopes will start to reverse the trend of road fatalities.
The first major change is for harsher penalties for talking on a mobile phone whilst driving. Navarro stated that an increase in the loss of penalty points, doubling to up to six is currently being studied.
Navarro said that “since 2016 distractions are the first cause of fatal accidents ahead of alcohol and speed,” a particular problem has become the “excessive or inappropriate use of the mobile phone.”
“It is not our problem, it is widespread throughout Europe and we must give it visibility and importance,” he said.
Whilst talking about the possibility of banning hands free systems, Navarro clarified that “it is as harmful to talk with the hands-free because of the distraction as having the phone in your hand”.
“Those of us who work in road safety say that hands-free has not been a good idea, what happens is true that the novelty, technology and the companies behind us passed over everyone,” he said.
Regarding GPS navigation, Navarro has indicated that he would like it if they detected that the vehicle was in motion and so do not permit reprogramming of an address.
“We ask, we suggest, we request it but we return to the same thing, it is such the power of the industry and the novelty that we could not achieve it,” he stressed.
He is sure that mobile manufacturers will install a “car mode” that some phones already have incorporated because “they have a certain responsibility to everyone around this business”.
“Those who make their living with mobile telephony are going to have to move, it’s what is called corporate social responsibility, you have to do something to address the problems that may have created excessive and inappropriate use of your business”, he considered.
However, there are currently no plans of reducing the rate of alcohol because in other countries in Europe where a zero limit is set, they still have a lot of problems, “major players such as Sweden, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands have the same rate as us”.
The DGT is also looking at alternatives to the warning triangle, after a spate of incidents because occupants of a vehicle have been overwhelmed following a breakdown and lack of visibility.
All of these plans are currently only open to a discussion stage, although it is clear that reforms will be implemented as the trend for road-based deaths has to decline, and with the driver seeimingly reluctant to play their part, legislation looks set to be the only way forward.

Excerpt: In his first major interview since taking back the role, the new Director General of Traffic, Pere Navarro, announced a variety of changes being investigated which he hopes will start to reverse the trend of road fatalities. The first major change is for harsher penalties for talking on a mobile phone whilst driving. Navarro stated …

### Joan Manuel Serrat Cancels Concerts

Scheduled to perform in Torrevieja on August 2, Joan Manuel Serrat has been forced to cancel part of his "Da Capo Mediterranean" tour on advice of doctors.

Dr. D. Pedro Claros, Medical Consultant otolaryngologist, made a diagnosis of acute laryngitis and dysphonia and prescribed strict professional vocal rest for two weeks after which he will be evaluated clinically.

The list of cancelled concerts is Sitges (July 31), Torrevieja (August 2), Tarragona (August 4), Porta Ferrada (August 6), Starlite (August 8) and Jerez (10 August).

Serrat is expected to resume his tour on 8 September in Palma de Mallorca, subject to the medical assessment.

 

### Prosecutors Ask Police to Investigate Mobile Use Before Traffic Incidents

Combining statistical data from the DGT and the National Institute of Toxicology, there has been a consistent growth in road traffic incidents in Spain since 2015, compared to the previous descending trend from 2005.
According to the research carried out by both institutions, the main causes are the deliberate violation, by drivers, of road traffic legislation that is in place to protect the life and physical integrity of everyone.
According to statistics, inappropriate speed is present in 30% of traffic incidents that occur on Spanish roads. It is fair to say that almost all drivers will exceed the maximum permitted speed on all journeys. But the data shows that distractions caused by the use of mobile phones are the main cause of incidents on Spanish roads.
Whereas penalties for using a mobile phone can vary depending on the severity of the resulting incident, it is still the case that many drivers underestimate how much their concentration is diverted by using a mobile, especially since their use has also undergone a stark transformation from the times of a simple conversational tool to the more frequent use of social media and messaging, through voice, text and photographs.
Such is the distraction caused by these devices, even the use of hands free is  being investigated as this too seems failing, not only as many drivers believe that simply holding the device on speaker constitutes hands free, which it does not, and the use of in-ear devices are already banned.
The special public prosecutor of Road Safety, Bartolomé Vargas has suggested de-linking the increase in the incident rate due to the increase in the number of journeys, but rather to driver attitude.
Vargas sent an official letter to the traffic police of the national territory to investigate mobile phone calls before traffic incidents, so that they can be taken into account as “serious imprudence” due to the inattention of the driver. This would entail prison sentences of between one and four years – as reckless homicide – in addition to the loss of the licence for another six; and if they are injuries, the penalty can be up to three years, with the deprivation of the licence for four years.
Vargas was questioned whether the investigation of the latest movements of the mobile could go against the Law of Data Protection, to which he replied that it required, “a legal examination… something we are working on.” He stressed that the inquiries will only be made in the event of an incident, culminating in a report that details the duration of a call, the frequency of use in the journey in which the incident occurred or even if they have used apps such as WhatsApp. At the moment there are other ways, such as the testimonies of witnesses. Vargas put the use of the mobile in a high position when it comes to analysing “the main cause of accidents” and denied that the increase in deaths in traffic incidents “is due to the improvement of the economic situation or the number of trips. “it is an excuse,.” He says, “It was one of the factors that the DGT pointed out in its 2017 accident balance, a year in which 1,830 people died, 20 more than in 2016, 141 more than in 2015.” Our country has gone from being the fifth country with the lowest road casualties in Europe to the eighth in four years (with a rate of 39 deaths per million inhabitants)”. The Public Prosecutor’s Office considers that of the 600 road deaths that occurred due to them leaving the road, “a good part” was caused by the use of mobile phones.
Last year alone, more than 88,000 complaints were made for handling these devices and 33,800 for other distractions at the wheel. The hands-free or the navigator puts in the spotlight the connected car, which requires these and other tools to operate fully, and in turn is the passport for the achievement of the autonomous vehicle.
In 2017, 81,951 convictions were issued for road traffic offences, of which one in three was serious enough to constitute a crime related to road safety.
Of all the sentences, 51,085 convictions are for driving offences under the influence of alcohol and toxic substances. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics, one third of the drivers who died in Spain during the past year, around 600 people had consumed alcohol or some type of narcotic drug. E l 75% of them had an alcohol level to 1.2 g / L and 49% exceeded 2 g / L.
Around 90% of the total sentences are dictated in accordance which allows immediate compliance with the 55,890 penalties recorded for the deprivation of the right to drive and 2,075 driving licence losses.
The commitment of society is crucial to end the “quintet” of death, that is, use of the mobile phone at the wheel, speeding or previous consumption of alcohol, drugs and psychoactive drugs.

Excerpt: Combining statistical data from the DGT and the National Institute of Toxicology, there has been a consistent growth in road traffic incidents in Spain since 2015, compared to the previous descending trend from 2005. According to the research carried out by both institutions, the main causes are the deliberate violation, by drivers, of road traffic …

### Pensioner Drowns in Torrevieja

A man, said to be 68 years of age, died on Sunday morning as an apparent result of drowning in the sea in Torrevieja.

The emergency services received the call at around 08:30 and dispatched a paramedic unit to the scene, but there was nothing that could be done to preserve the life of the man.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Cyclist Killed near Moncayo

A cyclist, said to be a 62-year-old Ukrainian, was killed on Sunday morning whilst cycling on the N-332 in the Moncayo area, between Guardamar and Torrevieja.

The man, a resident in Rojales, was hit by a vehicle said to be driven by a 24-year-old girl. A paramedic ambulance was sent to the scene but could do nothing to preserve the life of the cyclist, whereas the car driver was taken to Torrevieja hospital suffering from shock.

An investigation is underway to determine the facts which led to this latest tragedy.

[codepeople-post-map]

codepeople-post-map require JavaScript

Excerpt: A cyclist, said to be a 62-year-old Ukrainian, was killed on Sunday morning whilst cycling on the N-332 in the Moncayo area, between Guardamar and Torrevieja. The man, a resident in Rojales, was hit by a vehicle said to be driven by a 24-year-old girl. A paramedic ambulance was sent to the scene but could …

### The CD Torrevieja Club’s offices are up and running

The new CD Torrevieja headquarters located in Calle Caballero de Rodas, nº56 Bajo in Torrevieja are now up and running, and have the following opening hours to attend to members of the public:

➡ Monday from 17:00 to 20:00

➡ Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 to 13:30 and 17:00 to 20:00

➡ Friday from 10:00 to 13:30

☎ | Telephone:

➡ 965 719 699

Work is still being carried out on the club’s new offices, both in terms of the corporate image and at an organisational level, nevertheless at a good, steady pace. A few days ago, the club’s name and logo were added to the front of the new HQ.

The HQ will be used for various purposes, including the club’s offices, the shop (which we hope to inaugurate soon) and not forgetting a meeting point and information hub for all the fans and for anyone that would like any information about the club or needs to carry out any club-related paperwork etc.

[codepeople-post-map]

### This Weekend sees the next Summer Operation on the Roads

From Friday and through the weekend, the DGT will apply a series of measures to regulate and monitor traffic during the next summer period, with the Special Operation 1º of August, which will take place until August 1.
This weekend marks the first central point in the holiday period when some of those who took an early vacation return to their inland homes, whereas more who are about to begin their holidays head to the coastal and mountainous regions, mixed in with more people just set about enjoying a weekend break. In all, during the period from July 31 to August 1, there will be an estimated 3.2 million journeys made.
The main congestion will appear in the exits of the big cities, as well as in the main access roads to the coastal areas. This pattern will intensify during Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. The roads most affected will be those around Madrid, Castilla la Mancha, Comunidad Valenciana, Murcia and Andalucía. Late in the evening, the congestion problems will be transferred to the places of destination, such as the coast.
In addition to domestic tourist trips, Spain is also a transit country for millions of travellers from different European countries who return for holidays to their places of origin in Africa. This weekend is one of the most critical in terms of the Paso del Estrecho operation, so it will be frequent that the roads leading to ports will intensify.
As many of them move by road, the Government has been launching, for years, the special Paso del Estrecho operation, which has been in place since June 15. Among the measures and services included in this device are the Rest Areas of Horcajo de la Sierra (Madrid) and Valdepeñas (Ciudad Real) as well as the information areas of Oyarzun (Guipúzcoa), Loja (Granada), Villajoyosa (Alicante) and Ribera de Cabanes (Castellón). These service and information areas are enabled by the DGT so that citizens travelling through Spain from north to south can rest from driving and make a safer trip.
To minimize the possible complications that may occur, the DGT will install traffic regulation measures that will favour the circulation of vehicles in the most conflictive areas. To this end, additional lanes will be installed, through cones, on the main access roads to major cities, and the movement of dangerous goods vehicles, special transport and trucks with a maximum authorized mass of more than 7,500 kg will be restricted.
In addition, the DGT has designed routes according to destination, for those drivers who need to move from one area to another on the peninsula and who do not wish to pass through the centre, which is the area that generates the greatest quantity of vehicles.
From the air, the DGT will monitor both conventional highways and high capacity roads with the 10 helicopters available and with 5 drones that are distributed throughout the field of action of the DGT.
The material means are complemented by the human resources that the DGT has: more than 800 officials and specialised technical personnel that serve the Traffic Management Centres; all available traffic officers of the Guardia Civil, and more than 13,000 employees various road service companies, as well as the emergency services, both medical and fire fighters.

SPEED, ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
August is the summer month in which there are more road trips than any other, with a forecast of more than 45.7 million trips.
With the aim of ensuring the safety of travel, the DGT will carry out two special surveillance campaigns. The first of them against inappropriate speed: During the week of August 6 to 12, there will be an increase in checks on the compliance of speed limits. It will mainly focus on conventional roads, which is where the established limits are most violated and where more fatal incidents are registered. The controls will be done from both the air and on the road, with fixed and mobile radars
The second campaign will be monitoring the consumption of alcohol and drugs at the wheel. During the 13th, 14th and 15th of August, preventive controls will be increased, since they are days in which many towns celebrate their patron saint festivities.

Excerpt: From Friday and through the weekend, the DGT will apply a series of measures to regulate and monitor traffic during the next summer period, with the Special Operation 1º of August, which will take place until August 1. This weekend marks the first central point in the holiday period when some of those who took …

### CD Torrevieja Schedule of pre-season matches

Since starting their training programme on 23 July, the team, under the charge of Coach Manu Sánchez, now knows when their pre-season friendlies will take place, and against which teams. What lies ahead now is a month of hard work and intense training in order to get them into the best shape possible, both mentally and physically, for when they compete in the league at their highest level.

Below is the provisional calendar of friendly matches for this pre-season period for the CD Torrevieja team, which actually begins this Saturday 28 July in La Nucia.

 	CF La Nucia – CD Torrevieja, Saturday, 28 July at 19:00, Estadio Camilo Cano (La Nucia)
 	Triangular Crevillente Deportivo – EDMF Churra y CD Torrevieja, Wednesday,1 August at 19:00, Estadio Montesico Blanco (San Miguel de Salinas)
 	CD Torrevieja – Yeclano Deportivo, Wednesday, 8 August at 19:00, Estadio Nelson Mandela (Torrevieja)
 	CD Torrevieja – UCAM Murcia B, Sunday, 19 August at 19:00, Estadio Nelson Mandela (Torrevieja)
 	UD Petrelense – CD Torrevieja, Tuesday, 21 August (Time to be confirmed), Estadio El Barxell (Petrel)

The times and locations of these friendly matches might be changed by the coaching staff, sports management or others, giving prior notice of any changes that might have to be made.

### Woman Rescued from Torrevieja Crash Car

A woman has been injured after her car rolled over several times on calle Desiderio Rodríguez in Torrevieja.

The victim was trapped in the vehicle, according to the Provincial Fire Consortium of Alicante who attended the scene to enact a rescue at around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday afternoon.

The driver was taken by ambulance to Torrevieja hospital. The reason for the crash is being investigated.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Puerto Rican artist Noriel to visit Torrevieja

With a career spanning just six months, Puerto Rican artist Noriel has already positioned himself as one of the first and most successful urban-style singers and composers, and he´s coming to Spain for a tour in August, including a performance in Torrevieja.

The 24-year-old has already worked with some of the most prominent producers in the urban genre, and other great artists such as Maluma, Arcangel, BabyRasta and Almighty.

Within a few months, his song “Duro y Suave” (Hard and Soft), with American singer songwriter, Leslie Grace, has had almost a hundred million views on YouTube.

In August, the young star will be touring Spain, playing in locations such as Benidorm (August 17), San Javier (August 10), and Torrevieja (August 11), appearing at Sala Noisse, Industrial estate Casagrande, amongst others.

Tickets are available from ticketmaster.es and from Fnac, Carrefour and Halcón Viajes.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Prison Sentences a Decade after Sexual Assault

Three men have been sentenced to four years in prison for molesting, as a group, a girl in a car parked in the car park of a nightclub in Torrevieja.

The sentence confirmed each participant of a crime of sexual abuse and continued intercourse, but applies mitigation due to delays during processing.

The incident occurred during the early hours of August 24, 2008, when the defendants, who had been released on bail since the incident almost a decade ago, met the victim in a disco and persuaded her to accompany them to a vehicle, where she was stripped naked and the men took turns to have intercourse.

The court in Elche says the girl was affected by alcohol intake and other substances that could not be determined during the investigation, which “overrode her will to prevent and understand what was happening.”

According to the court reporting, while one of the accused abused her in the car, his friends invited other young people who were in the car park to join in, with expressions like “Come in, there's free beer”, and “come on, she doesn´t know anything”, amongst others.

Some acquaintances knew the victim because they were from the same village, and saw that she was not aware of what was happening and tried to intervene, later reporting as witnesses.

The next day, the victim, who did not remember anything was taken by a family member, who had also witnessed the incident, to the health centre and then the Guardia Civil to report what had happened.

The victim had to undergo treatment and contraceptives to prevent possible sexually transmitted diseases for several months and remains, “afraid to go out alone on the street,” according to the court´s finding, which provides compensation of 30,000 euro from the assailants.

### Confused Kamikaze Driver Causes Crash

A vehicle travelling in the wrong way along the AP-9 motorway near the Pontevedra town of Vilaboa on Saturday morning collided with another car resulting in three people being injured.
According to the 112 emergency coordination centre, the incident occurred at 09:54 on Saturday morning at kilometre 134,600, in the Crecente direction.
After receiving the alert, the Guardia Civil were immediately despatched from Pontevedra, along with emergency medical teams.
According to the preliminary investigation, a 74-year-old driver, who was driving in the Vigo direction, had stopped off at a rest area. However, when resuming the journey, the driver joined the AP-9 in the opposite direction, the Pontevedra direction, and ended up colliding with another vehicle.
Three people suffered minor injuries in the crash, the 74-year-old driver two people who were in the other car.

            codepeople-post-map require JavaScript
        
        
 

Excerpt: A vehicle travelling in the wrong way along the AP-9 motorway near the Pontevedra town of Vilaboa on Saturday morning collided with another car resulting in three people being injured. According to the 112 emergency coordination centre, the incident occurred at 09:54 on Saturday morning at kilometre 134,600, in the Crecente direction. After receiving the …

### RoadWatch Issue 14

The latest edition of N332 RoadWatch is out now, with all of the latest from across Spain and beyond.
You can read this issue FOR FREE by scrolling down to page. Alternatively, you can purchase and download a PDF version, which helps support the project, and means you can keep a copy with you on your computer, tablet or mobile.
To purchase the PDF, click the button below…
 
Buy Now
 
In this issue there are 60 pages of great articles, including:

Former Head of Traffic set to Return to the DGT 4
Avoiding the Safety Car Effect 6
Add yourself to our mailing list 9
Renting a Car – Your European Rights 10
Truck Drivers Getting Younger 14
Congress Agrees to Warnings of Santa Pola Black Spots 16
Fiat 500 “Spiaggina ‘58” – An Exclusive Birthday Tribute to the Fiat 500 19
When is it Okay to use the Horn? 28
Focus Aims at Motorbike Frequented Roads 30
Cyclists Advised over Responsibilities 32
My British Registered Car has an Expired MOT. Can I get an ITV done in Spain instead? 34
What happens if you have a crash and your ITV is not in order? 36
Will My Petrol Tank Explode in Hot Weather? 40
A Study Reveals that a PET Scan with Glucose Helps to Predict Tumor Behavior 46
Driving Across Europe – Maximum Permitted Speed Limits 48
Motorway Driving Lessons in the UK 50
Dogs Die in Hot Cars 51
How is your Eyesight? (FREE Eye Tests for Drivers) 52
The MOT Changed in May 54

So make sure you don´t miss out and get fully up to date with the latest traffic and travel news, and be sure to follow n332.es and roadwatch.eu for the latest from Spain and Europe respectively. 
Once again, to purchase your own PDF, click the button below, or continue past that to read it here for free.
Buy Now



 

Excerpt: The latest edition of N332 RoadWatch is out now, with all of the latest from across Spain and beyond. You can read this issue FOR FREE by scrolling down to page. Alternatively, you can purchase and download a PDF version, which helps support the project, and means you can keep a copy with you on …

### Ride the Free Zip Wire at Habaneras Shopping Centre

The Habaneras shopping centre in Torrevieja has become a regular haunt for many a shopper looking for a bargain. Situated on the outskirts of the town, nest to the Carrefour hypermarket, the centre has direct links to the main road network and has ample parking both over and underground.

Throughout the summer, from Thursdays to Sundays, visitors can take an altogether different view of the centre, flying through the air, quite literally, on their Zip Wire installation.

From one corner of the centre to the other, flying over the main plaza, you can get a view of the shoppers and stores below, over all three floors, as you zip along the high wire.

Moreover, you are not only welcome to shed your fears and take to the air, you are invited to do so for free.

So, how daring are you? Zip down to Habaneras this weekend and find out, and, remember, as it is now the summer season, the shops are also open on Sundays.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Drugged Driver Arrested after Knocking Down Five Pensioners and Fleeing the Scene

A 39-year-old man surrendered himself to police in Jaén after a search was launched to find him in connection with an incident in which 5 elderly women were knocked over by a car.
The incident occurred at around 22:30 on Avenida de Andalucía in the city of Jaén, after the 112 emergency coordination centre received numerous calls reporting several people being knocked down on a pedestrian crossing.
Emergency services were immediately sent to the scene and discovered that the driver had already fled, leaving five women, aged 65, 74, 80 and two women aged 70, suffering various traumas and injuries, being treated at the scene, before being taken to hospital for treatment. Three of the women were later discharged, leaving two admitted with multiple fractures.
The vehicle was unable to stop in time due to the high speed at which it was being driven. According to witnesses, the car attempted to stop and skidded for “a long time”, which alerted people who were in a nearby terrace, but was unable to avoid the women on the crossing.
Data collected from the scene revealed skid marks in excess of 40 metres, indicating the high speed at which the vehicle was driving and the lack of control in the attempted stop.
The man who was wanted by police in connection with the incident presented himself, accompanied by his lawyer, at Jaén Police Station, where he was charged with a crime for driving under the influence of drugs and reckless driving.

            codepeople-post-map require JavaScript

Excerpt: A 39-year-old man surrendered himself to police in Jaén after a search was launched to find him in connection with an incident in which 5 elderly women were knocked over by a car. The incident occurred at around 22:30 on Avenida de Andalucía in the city of Jaén, after the 112 emergency coordination centre received …

### Little Red Riding Hood at the International Auditorium Torrevieja

If you´re looking for something particularly entertaining that is unusual, a break from the norm, and in a great venue, then this is the perfect performance to satisfy your desires.

Little Red Riding Hood, the Crazy Version, is the latest production by the Cartagena company, La Murga Teatro. This performance is part of the national tour of the show, which reaches Torrevieja International Auditorium on Saturday, 11 August, starting at 8p.m.

The production includes Pedro Alejandro Villalba and Raquel Torres in the lead roles, with soundtrack by Miguel Ángel Marín, the technical direction of Jesús Martínez and the script and direction by Alfredo Ávila.

Little Red Riding Hood, the Crazy Version of the story, is a fun way for all the family to get to know the classic tale. Two storytellers clash when they come to the theatre to tell the same story to the children. This curious coincidence makes both characters have to share the show and its characters and the fun situations that are presented. Who will be the wolf? Who will be Little Red Riding Hood? A fun, nonsense and different version of the story plays out to the audience.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uji28H6AWKg[/embedyt]



[codepeople-post-map]

 

### Holidays are Coming!

Although the phrase "Holidays are coming" might be associated with a different time of year, there is a vehicle heading to town, not carrying a fizzy drink, but rather the keys to minds, hearts and souls, as the Language Bus is heading to Torrevieja.

Sempre Teua is a concept launched by the Valencia Ministry of Education, Research, Culture and Sports, which aims to “build bridges” through language, and will tour the beaches of Valencia during August.

As well as the bus, two planes will skim the coastline, dragging banners which promote phrases important to the campaign, whereas the bus offers a more grounded approach to the dissemination of words, with goody bags, leaflets and information to take away, and workshops for the kids.

Torrevieja is set to see the bus visit on August 26th, subject to confirmation nearer the time, with a full schedule planned before the tour finishes at the end of the month.

A total of 20,000 beach bags will be distributed from 4th to 26th of August in several beaches of the Valencian territory. On the weekend of August the 4th and 5th, it is the beaches of the Malva-rosa and Patacona of Valencia which will kick the tour off, followed by Alicante city on the 11th and the 12th of August.

On the 18th, it will be the beaches of Moncofa who will play host to the word-party, followed by Santa Pola on the 19th. Next on the tour schedule will be Alcossebre on the 25th, and Torrevieja on the 26th, all subject to confirmation however.

The website for more information is websiempreteua.gva.es and you can follow the campaign through social networks, Twitter and Facebook, searching for the user name @SempreTeua.

Tweets by sempreteua 

[codepeople-post-map]

### Edu to Boost the CD Torrevieja Team’s Attack

CD Torrevieja has finalised the deal to incorporate Eduardo José Julián Alarcón (Crevillente, 1995) to the club, after both parties reached an agreement. Edu can play in several positions including second striker, centre midfield, right midfield and even left midfield. His versatility, great technique and the fact that the opposition’s goal is always at the forefront of his individual strategy makes him stand out.

The 23-year-old originally from Crevillente trained in the junior teams of Elche CF but joins CD Torrevieja from 3º Division Crevillente Deportivo where he was the team’s Captain since joining them last season from FB Redován CF after Jornada 25, where he had spent a season and a half playing some of his best football. Prior to this, he had also spent two seasons with 3º Division Crevillente Deportivo.

Welcome Edu!

### Dogs Die in Hot Cars

Murcia police rescued a dog which had been left inside a vehicle at the Nueva Condomina shopping centre.

Luckily, the dog survived, whilst the owners will be dealt with on suspicion of offences of the mistreatment of animals.

Always, at this time of year, the warnings are the same but still not realised by some. Dogs Die in Hot Cars.

Remember, if you see a dog in this position, call the police immediately, or use the 112 emergency number.

Another myth that is shared in connection with this subject is that if you take action and break into a vehicle yourself you will not face charges. This is not true. You must call the police and they will take action. You must not intervene yourself directly.

Excerpt: Murcia police rescued a dog which had been left inside a vehicle at the Nueva Condomina shopping centre. Luckily, the dog survived, whilst the owners will be dealt with on suspicion of offences of the mistreatment of animals. Always, at this time of year, the warnings are the same but still not realised by some. …

### Lunar Eclipse Observation Day

The Asociación Astronómica de Universidad de Alicante, the astronomic group at the University of Alicante, is arranging an observation night on July 27 when the lunar eclipse can be watched from La Mata Beach.

The free event will take place from 6:30 in the evening until around 1 in the morning.

The total lunar eclipse will occur when the Moon will pass through the centre of the Earth's shadow. This will be the first central lunar eclipse since June 15, 2011. Since it will occur near apogee, this eclipse will also be the longest total lunar eclipse in the 21st century.

You can get more information from their Facebook event page, Observación Eclipse Total de Luna.

[codepeople-post-map]

### Watch the Sunset over the Blue Lagoon

August is one of the best months to enjoy the Natural Park of La Mata-Torrevieja, and get to know nature with family or friends. That's why the park offers a simple 3 kilometre walking route for the whole family to enjoy, in which you can experience a unique environment and, as a final touch, enjoy one of the images difficult to forget, both for its beauty and its uniqueness, the sunset over the lagoon of La Mata.

The walk is free, but registration is required, and it is likely to be popular. Already, some of the previously advertised guided walks are full.

The date of this short, introductory walk is August 23, 2018, setting off at 8:30 p.m. from the Information centre of the Natural Park of La Mata-Torrevieja.

To book your place, you should email parque_lamata@gva.es, giving the name and surname of all those taking part, and a contact telephone number of the party lead name.



[codepeople-post-map]

### Solidarity and the Stars

This is a great event which also offers the opportunity to help, and to observe the Tears of San Lorenzo in a very special environment, surrounded by the magic that nature can offer.

Where better to watch shooting stars than the Natural Park of La Mata, a location known for its natural beauty, but also where there is no light pollution. Plus, if that´s not enough, you can also help those in need at the same time

In collaboration with Proyecto Mastral and Astroingeo, the La Mata natural park will be the location of a nocturnal activity, "Estrellas Solidarias", a unique event where the focus leaves the beauty of the natural land, and heads skyward to light that has travelled billions of miles from a time long ago, observing shooting stars, planets and the unknown that the heavens have to offer.

The guided walk begins at the visitor´s centre at La Mata Natural Park at 8 p.m. on August 12, 2018. Here, the group will meet, perhaps enjoying a sandwich or two, which you are welcome to bring along, before the action begins at around 11 p.m. as the telescopes point to the shy and reveal the delights from the barely-known.

So, now we move onto the solidarity part. As well as having an evening of fun and education, you are also invited to help those in need. Once again, participants are asked to bring some non-perishable food, especially Magdalena muffins and juices, which will then be donated to "Alimentos Solidarios Torrevieja".



[codepeople-post-map]

### The CD Torrevieja Junior Team is Beginning to Take Shape

Earlier this week, the club’s management team headed by Juanjo Fernández and Joaquín Badimón, together with the coaching staff of the Junior team, which is made up of Moncho (Head coach), Antonio (Assistant coach) and Pablo (Tactical skills coach) met up with 75% of the squad that will make up the CD Torrevieja Junior team this coming season.

In this first big meet, the players got to find out first-hand what the short and medium-term plans are for the club, who hopes to train players to the standard at which they can then form part of the first team in the not-too-distant future.

The sport’s management and the Junior team’s coaching staff will continue to work tirelessly on a daily basis in training the youngsters. The basis of this training includes information, communication, organisation and teamwork.

### Sexual Assault Suspect Arrested in Málaga

A man wanted in connection with a sexual assault in Torrevieja has been arrested in Málaga.

Guardia Civil officers arrested the 44-year-old man in the Churriana area Málaga on suspicion of a crime of sexual assault on a child under 13 year of age.

The incident occurred in June in Torrevieja, when the man, a resident of Málaga, allegedly groomed the 13-year-old girl by befriending and chatting on a social network.

After gaining her trust, according to the reports, he began to ask her to send photographs showing her “most attractive side”, until he suggested the pictures became more explicit, which she refused.

The refusal led the man to exploit her vulnerability by threatening to publish the photos he already had on social networks, and even rape her if she didn´t do what he asked.

On a day in late June, the man came from Málaga to a nearby shopping centre, to fulfil the threats. When he was there, he called the girl and insisted that if she did not come to the shopping centre, then he would publish the photographs.

The girl submitted to the threat and attended the centre, where the man took her by bus to an apartment he had rented expressly for that day and apparently sexually assaulted her.

At the end, he left her abandoned on the floor and went back to his place of residence.

The girl asked for help at a nearby bar to get to her home, where she told her mother what had happened and together they went to the Guardia Civil in Torrevieja to report the incident.

Once the case information was collected, the Judicial Police of the Guardia Civil took charge of the case and initiated the necessary investigations. After two weeks of investigations and analysis of the events, the officers knew with certainty the identity of the alleged perpetrator of the sexual assault, and his home.

The officers moved to Churriana to proceed to arrest the man where they found sufficient evidence to confirm that the man was in Torrevieja the same day of the incident.

From the house they seized two mobile phones, which are being analysed to see if he has committed further crimes of this type, meanwhile the man was brought by the officers to the courts in Torrevieja, where he was remanded in custody.

### Two Children Arrested for Throwing Object at Guardia Civil Car

Two minors were detained by Guardia Civil officers a little after midnight on Sunday, after a patrol vehicle suffered damage caused by the impact of a “blunt object” on the windscreen as the vehicle was moving.
The smashed windscreen
The incident occurred as the vehicle drove along the N-352 towards 
                        codepeople-post-map require JavaScript
                    
                    , towards the border control point which separates Spain from Morocco.
The vehicle suffered serious damages to its front windscreen, in the area where the driver requires most visibility to proceed, although the expertise of the driver avoided a more serious incident, as the vehicle was also travelling at a moderate speed.
A second patrol vehicle, which was proceeding just behind the one that was attacked, saw, “without any doubts” the suspected authors of the criminal act, who immediately tried to flee the scene.
The officers were able to intercept the two minors after a short chase, being at all times observed and visually controlled by the officers, who then accompanied the children to their family home located on Avenida Argentina.
The parents have been duly informed of the facts committed by both children, which has also led to the identification of them and their guardians. The Guardia Civil found it evident that the attack was directed “specifically against members of the Corps during the development of the service”, since the vehicle attacked is a two-coloured SUV labelled with Guardia Civil insignia.

Excerpt: Two minors were detained by Guardia Civil officers a little after midnight on Sunday, after a patrol vehicle suffered damage caused by the impact of a “blunt object” on the windscreen as the vehicle was moving. The incident occurred as the vehicle drove along the N-352 towards , towards the border control point which separates …

### More Cyclists Charged with Drink Driving

Traffic officers from the Guardia Civil in Pontevedra have charged two cyclists, in separate incidents, for drink driving offences.

The first case was in the municipality of Portas when officers received information about a male cycling on the N-550 showing signs of being intoxicated.
Following up the reports, a patrol soon located a cyclist in the Barosa area matching the description of the one reported, making his condition more suspicious by “zigzagging” along the road in the opposite direction to the flow of traffic.
The officers stopped the cyclist who identified himself as a 29-year-old resident of Barro , who was tested for the presence of alcohol to which he failed a breathalyser with rates of 1.15 mg / l and 1.05 mg / l, when the maximum permitted limit is 0.25 mg / l.
The second incident was in the ​​Torneiros area of the municipality of Mos . On this occasion, a patrol carrying out preventative checks observed a man cycling on the EP-2402, and when the man approached the control area his behaviour became erratic he cycled with “an imprecise trajectory”.
After being intercepted and subjected to alcohol tests, suspicions were confirmed. In this case, the 49-year-old male who was riding the bicycle, a resident of the town of Mos, gave breathalyser readings of 1.18 mg / l and 1.13 mg / l in first and second test respectively.
In both cases, the facts were reported and each can face fines of 1000 euro, in addition to the immobilisation of their vehicle.
Once again, these cases serve as a reminder that not only are cyclists vulnerable road users who need protection, cyclists are also subject to the same rules and laws as any other vehicle on the road. Despite the dangers and their vulnerability, as recent report showed how one in four cyclists tested positive for alcohol.
Although the best advice is to never consume alcohol or drugs when driving, or riding a bicycle, the maximum permitted alcohol limit for normal drivers undergoing a breathalyser test is 0.25mg / l.

Excerpt: Traffic officers from the Guardia Civil in Pontevedra have charged two cyclists, in separate incidents, for drink driving offences. The first case was in the municipality of Portas when officers received information about a male cycling on the N-550 showing signs of being intoxicated. Following up the reports, a patrol soon located a cyclist in …

### Bus Driver in Dramatic Bridge Crash Rescue

Fire fighters in Madrid rescued the driver of a bus when his vehicle crashed through the safety barrier and was left suspended off a bridge.





The bus was working a shuttle service from the Mad Cool Music Festival when it crashed on the M-11 motorway in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The incident occurred when the vehicle suffered a side collision when it was heading to the festival from the Plaza de Castilla.
The fire fighters rescued the driver from the vehicle, who had suffered a minor injury to his arm, by using a crane in the rescue operation.

Excerpt: Fire fighters in Madrid rescued the driver of a bus when his vehicle crashed through the safety barrier and was left suspended off a bridge. The bus was working a shuttle service from the Mad Cool Music Festival when it crashed on the M-11 motorway in the early hours of Sunday morning. The incident occurred …

### Girl Rescued from Drowning in Torrevieja Pool

A 7-year-old girl was hospitalised on Sunday after suffering symptoms of drowning in a swimming pool in Torrevieja, as reported by the Emergency Information and Coordination Centre.

The incident occurred at around 15:30, when the centre received a call for help over the girl who had been rescued from the water but showing signs of drowning.

A paramedic unit was sent to the scene and treated the girl, who had already regained consciousness, before she was taken to Torrevieja hospital for further treatment.

### Boost to Tourism in Regional Promotion

The Valencia regional government is investing almost 100,000 euro in three groups aimed at promoting the area´s family, food and activity values.
A grant of 35,000 euro is going to the Turismo Familiar de la Comunitat Valenciana, an association which creates and promotes activities for families. Their funding will be used for the production of literature and publicity to promote the “diversity” of the region´s destinations.
In addition, the tourism board has granted 30,000 euro to promote the Valencia region as a gastronomic destination, particularly to support the third “Gastrovegabaja” fair, which will be held in September.
Finally, another 30,000 euro has been granted to the Asociación Comunitat Valenciana Activa who will promote activity tourism.

Excerpt: The Valencia regional government is investing almost 100,000 euro in three groups aimed at promoting the area´s family, food and activity values. A grant of 35,000 euro is going to the Turismo Familiar de la Comunitat Valenciana, an association which creates and promotes activities for families. Their funding will be used for the production of …

### How is your Eyesight? No, really? (FREE Eye Tests for Drivers)

It might seem like an obvious statement, but visibility is one of the most important factors when driving. This time, we are not talking about being seen however, but rather the ability to see.

Over time, our eyesight can deteriorate. It is very common, but the biggest problem often is that the deterioration is subtle, taking time to worsen. Often, when we do have an eye test and put spectacles on for the first time following a test, the difference is astounding, because we hadn´t realised how bad our eyes had got, over time.
Given the importance of being able to see well, more than 1,000 opticians all over Spain will carry out a free vision test as part of a review campaign to try and get people seeing better when driving.
From the results of a recent survey, it was revealed that more than two million drivers recognise that they have vision problems, and despite that, “two out of three drivers consider that their vision affects their road safety”.
The study highlights that most drivers recognise that their vision has worsened in recent years, and they notice it especially at night (30%), and when it comes to clearly seeing road signs (17%)
Another of the main risk factors, especially when travelling long distances, stresses Tomás Santa Cecilia, director of road safety group RACE, is the lack of rest: “You have to stop every two hours or 200 kilometres.” However, 72% of drivers admit that they never make a stop, a figure that reaches 80% in the case of those over 56 years.
Another danger is glare. About 80% of the participants in the study claim to have suffered temporary blindness due to glare, and three out of four indicate that this situation has affected their road safety. However, half of drivers do not wear polarized sunglasses when driving.
The Dean of the College of Opticians-Optometrists, Juan Carlos Martínez, states that “the advice is to conduct a review on an annual basis.” In order to remind ourselves that “vision is a key aspect in terms of road safety, at the same level as the use of the seat belt and helmet in the case of motorcycles.”
Grupo Essilor, a firm which works in the optics sector, together with the FIA ​​(International Automobile Federation), the RACE (Real Automobile Club of Spain) and CEPSA, have launched a campaign which will run during the summer months (July and August), during which drivers who stop at any of Cepsa’s service stations will have information available with recommendations to review and protect their vision.
Until July 31, more than 1,000 opticians from all over Spain will carry out a free vision test. Those interested can perform a visual test, created specifically for this campaign by the deans and coordinators of the 13 Faculties of Optics and Optometry that are in Spain.

The examination takes into account the current legislation in force regarding psychophysical aptitudes for driving and analyses all the visual aspects that directly affect driving, such as stereopsis (ability to see in 3D), the visual field, and sensitivity to contrast or intraocular pressure, in addition to checking if there is any latent pathology that may be affecting the user’s visual capacity.
This Vision and Life campaign is supported by the DGT and the DIA Association of traffic accidents. You can check online for participating opticians by visiting, visionyvida.org/conductores/, where you can also find more information about eyes, vision and driving.

Excerpt: It might seem like an obvious statement, but visibility is one of the most important factors when driving. This time, we are not talking about being seen however, but rather the ability to see. Over time, our eyesight can deteriorate. It is very common, but the biggest problem often is that the deterioration is subtle, …

### Torrevieja Man Arrested for Torching Car in Insurance Scam

A 66-year-old resident of Torrevieja has been arrested by the Guardia Civil on suspicion of fraud, after he allegedly set fire to his own vehicle in order to claim compensation for the damages on his car insurance.
The Spanish resident of the town is accused of the crimes of attempted fraud and arson, after he is said to have faked the theft and destruction of the 20,000 euro vehicle.
The investigation began after officers were made aware of the car having been burnt out on a public road. Informing the registered owner, he was surprised by what happened, claiming to have parked his car in the garage of his house, and so it must have been stolen.
After identifying and confirming that the vehicle was his, the owner accompanied officers to the Torrevieja Guardia Civil barracks where he filed a complaint of theft and damage to the vehicle.
The man then set about claiming on his insurance, and visited his insurance brokers, “several times” in the days following the incident, each time asking for the compensation for his loss.
As the days passed, the man´s demands became more agitated, with him first acting with “bad manners” and later in a “threatening tone”, even hitting the desk of the insurance agent during one of his visits.
As the vehicle was the subject on an investigation, the officers continued to gather evidence and statements of what had happened, and eventually concluded that as the evidence given by the owner “began to incur numerous contradictions” which “did nothing but endorse the evidence obtained by agents” that “he was committing insurance fraud”, and so he was subsequently arrested.

Excerpt: A 66-year-old resident of Torrevieja has been arrested by the Guardia Civil on suspicion of fraud, after he allegedly set fire to his own car in order to claim the insurance. The Spanish resident of the town is accused of the crimes of attempted fraud and arson, after he is said to have faked the …

### Torrevieja Resident Arrested on Drugs Run

A 41-year-old resident of Torrevieja has been arrested by the Guardia Civil as a suspected drug trafficker, after he was stopped in a hire car with 40.8 kilos of marijuana in his possession.

The vehicle was intercepted on the A-92N in the Granada area of Baza, when officers had been involved in a routine checkpoint arranged under a drugs prevention operation which has been investigating and controlling the trafficking routes from North Africa since 2013.

The vehicle had been stopped as it was driving towards Puerto Lumbreras (Murcia), after officers had observed the vehicle committing a traffic violation.

As the vehicle was stopped, the officers noted that the driver was alone, and there was a strong smell of marijuana coming from inside.

When the officers searched the boot of the car they found nine large bags filled with the narcotic substance.

Having then checked the documentation of the suspect, the officers found that he had been stopped in April, carrying 100 kilos of marijuana.

### Don't Panic over Frozen Veg Scare

Calls not to panic have been issued after nine people are reported to have been killed across Europe by contaminated frozen vegetables.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued an alert over the products, stating that the outbreak, which has been traced to a factory in Hungary, has affected products sold in countries such as Austria, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom, and has been attributed to a total of 47 cases of infection since 2015, nine of which have ended with the death of the person affected by this disease.

However, as the report also says, these products, which are sold through the Aldi and Lidl supermarkets, have not yet been identified as having been sold in Spain.

The products that have been marketed in some supermarkets throughout Europe have been exposed to a contagion by a bacterium called 'Listeria monocytogenes' responsible for listerioris. This disease causes fever, nausea, muscle aches and diarrhoea, but in the most serious cases can end up being deadly.

According to the EFSA, the source of the contagion has been located in a production plant located in Hungary, which was already subjected to disinfection and cleaning operations after suffering different health alerts in the past.

The EFSA analysis suggests that it is the same strain of Listeria monocytogenes that has been reproduced in the samples taken in 2016, 2017 and 2018, which indicates that the bacterium has managed to survive the efforts to eradicate it permanently. Not being able to determine specifically the chain of production that has been affected, the factory has stopped its activity.

### Calls to Ban Dogs from Approved Torrevieja Beach

As Torrevieja town hall issued notice that dogs are now officially permitted on one of the beaches in the town, pet owners rejoiced that their furry friends could finally go with them to enjoy some fun in the sun.



Torrevieja is one of the towns on the Costa Blanca which is trying to set the tone of inclusivity, whatever sector of society you represent, and dog owners have longed for an official beach, seeing their dreams realised this summer.

However, although the celebrations may have been quiet, the protests are now starting to become more vocal, with the residents of Cala del Moro starting a petition to reverse the decision, thus having dogs once again banned from the beach.

The neighbourhood group fronting the petition say that they are representing the owners of the 150 properties in the area, and have arranged protests to make their complaints visible, the first held at noon on Wednesday, the second expected at 7 p.m.

The complaint is based around the dogs being allowed to move freely, without being tied or muzzled, and as children, babies and people of all ages use the beach, they consider it inappropriate, and also complain that the owners will not be able to stop the dogs from defecating where they choose, “where we put our towels, or where children make sand castles.”

One representative claims that they have, “met many who do not collect faeces and who scold and insult us when we call them to attention,” whilst the community says that it has, “nothing against animals, but there are many kilometres of beaches where there are no homes,” and so they ask the town hall to choose one of those beaches instead.

Meanwhile, across Spain, and in fact the world, images of the mess left behind on beaches by humans are being shared through social media, many of which are used to highlight the discrimination dog owners face, as them and their animals do not make anywhere near as much mess as many of the humans who have no respect for the surroundings, the environment, or the beaches, and leave litter, food, cigarette and smoking paraphernalia, and a whole range of items cluttering up the natural areas which touch the sea already tremendously polluted by mankind’s ignorance of environmental responsibility.

### Obra De Dios with Mariano Peña

Friday, August 10 from 10pm - International Auditorium, Torrevieja

Well-known film and television actor, Mariano Peña, becomes the Lord of the Universe in the comedy that has triumphed in New York. Obra De Dios, or Work of God, written by David Javerbaum and directed by Tamzin Townsend, a co-production of Txalo Producciones and Pentación Espectáculos. Bernabé Fernández and Chema Rodríguez-Calderón complete the cast of this critically acclaimed production.

The Lord of the Universe, creator of Heaven and Earth, visits us in the theatre to rewrite his ten commandments. At last the answers arrive to all those questions that we ask ourselves from the beginning of our era. Why did God create Adam? Was Eve really a sinner? How many animals did Noah put in the ark?

The authentic story never told of the protagonists of the Bible: Jesus, Abraham, Moses and Steve Jobs. Everything you always wanted to know answered by the king of space and time and his faithful archangels. We only assure you one thing ... you will not stop laughing.

### The Saint Petersburg Ballet in Sleeping Beauty

The Saint Petersburg Ballet, directed by Andrey Batalov, will be performing the award-winning Ballet, Sleeping Beauty, in Torrevieja´s International Auditorium in August.

With music by Tchaikovsky, and original choreography by Marius Petipa, the St. Petersburg Ballet is one of the oldest schools in the world, with almost two and a half centuries of history, and characterised by the value of cleanliness and purity of the movements, with one goal, to be perfect.

The date for the event in Torrevieja is Tuesday, 7 August, 2018, starting at 10:00 p.m.

Sleeping beauty is a ballet by Piotr I. Tchaikovsky, in a prologue and three acts. It premiered in 1890 at the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg. The libretto is by Ivan Vsevolozhsky based on the story "The Sleeping Beauty of the Forest" by Charles Perrault, although Tchaikovsky and his librettist worked with the Brothers Grimm version to situate the plot of his ballet. The ballet also presents other characters from the fabulous universe of Perrault, such as Puss in Boots or Little Red Riding Hood and the wolf. The original choreography is by the great French choreographer Marius Petipa.

This ballet tells the story in which King FlorestánXXIV and the Queen have invited all the fairies to the christening of their daughter, Princess Aurora, to be their godmothers. While they arrive with gifts for the baby, they are interrupted by the presence of Carabosse, the evil fairy. She is angry at not having been invited and gives Aurora a spindle, announcing that one day the princess will prick a finger with it and die. The Fairy of the Lilacs, who has yet to offer her gift, promises that Aurora will not die, but will fall into a deep sleep from which she will be awakened by the kiss of a prince. And so it will happen on her 16th birthday.

This amazing spectacle is one not to be missed, and with the International Auditorium being the perfect place to host the stunning show, it is a must for any social diary.

Tickets can be purchased from the official auditorium website, auditoriotorrevieja.com/eventos/el-ballet-de-san-petersburgo/



[codepeople-post-map]

### Pensioner Dies at La Mata Beach

A pensioner, said by the emergency services to be a 78-year-old male, died on Tuesday morning at La Mata beach.

The man was said to have shown signs of having suffered a heart attack, and so emergency medics were sent to the scene.

Despite attempts to revive the man, there was nothing the emergency crews could do to save his life and he was confirmed dead a little after 10:30.

### Michael Jackson comes to Torrevieja

The music of Michael Jackson will fill the halls of the Auditorium of Torrevieja, when the musical, "Michael´s Legacy" comes to town.

The date for this spectacular event is Friday, August 17, when attendees will share in the passion of the King of Pop with a musical show already seen by more than 200,000 people.

Get your tickets early as the show is bound to be full, as a thriller of a night is had by all. You just can´t beat it.

### Major Earthquake Drill in November

Torrevieja has once again been selected as the location for an emergency simulation, where a major earthquake will hit the area on November 14, 2018.

The market compound will become the central point for the emergency coordination, where the police, emergency services and military staff will converge before enacting the rescue and evacuation drills required as part of the simulation.

Municipal buildings, including schools, will all take part in the simulation, with pupils being taught the correct way to act should a real earthquake ever hit the area again.

Much of Torrevieja was destroyed by a major earthquake in 1829, with many residents losing their lives. A similar evacuation exercise was held in the area recently, and although this simulation may be quite close to the last one, experts do say that there is no cause for alarm, it is however important for the emergency services to be able to deal with situations by means of training exercise like this.

This simulation will be based on an earthquake with enough intensity to collapse buildings, damaging basic services such as sewage, telephony and electricity, causing a total failure of telecommunications.

You will be able to follow the progress of the simulation through its own social media hashtag, #gransimulacro2018, which will become active on the day of the drill, November 14, and will have updates prior to the launch, once further meetings have been held.

### A Study Reveals that a PET Scan with Glucose Helps to Predict Tumor Behavior

The PET scan is a highly tried and tested imaging technique for studying the spread of cancer. It allows doctors to detect a tumor in its early stages and to discover, with great accuracy, exactly what organs are affected.  Therefore, it is an indispensable tool to be used before proceeding to the surgical removal of a tumor. Results from PET scans help with a better treatment approach and increase the chances of a cure.

Doctor Aurora Crespo, head of the Nuclear Medicine Unit of the Oncology Department at Quironsalud Torrevieja Hospital,working with a Multidisciplinary Oncology Professorship at UCAM, has presented her thesis in which she analyzes the genes that contribute most to FDG uptake in PET scans for patients with metastatic tumors. The study’s conclusions reveal that the technique of using a PET scan with glucose helps to predict a tumor’s behavior when faced with chemotherapy. To accomplish the aforementioned, microarray gene expression (MAGE) has been used in combination with PET scan imagery.

The thesis is based on the preferential consumption of glucose by cancer cells and how a glucose-based radiopharmaceutical would concentrate specifically around malignant tumors. “When a case of cancer progresses,” the doctor explains, “secondary tumors –or metastases– can crop up.” To undertake this process, the tumor cell needs more energy than the normal cell, and that energy is obtained primarily through the metabolism of glucose (glycolysis). In general, the tumor cell uses more glucose than the normal cell because it needs more energy to meet its goal.The most novel contribution of Dr. Crespo’s work has consisted of designing a genomic signature identifying the genes responsible for an increased consumption of glucose as a result of metastasis, allowing for the in-depth study and understanding of the most relevant metabolic pathways that participate in glucose uptake.

“Active tumors retain the radiopharmaceutical known as FDG, a radiolabeled glucose, which allows for distinction in the PET image from the rest of the healthy tissues. If, in the first few days of treatment, that signal turns off, it means that the treatment is affecting the tumor and is going to end up destroying it,” explains the doctor. Thus, if the treatment is not effective, it can be interrupted in order to avoid toxicity and seek another, more effective approach.

The results of Dr. Crespo’s study have shown that glucose (FDG) can mark cancer’s biological, metabolic, and proliferative activity. Thus, the PET scan can provide valuable information to determine whether a case of cancer will respond well to treatment or not. If the chemotherapy is going to be effective, it is going to be possible to see decreased FDG uptake on the PET scan and, thus, predict whether a tumor will respond well to treatment just a few days after having given the first dose.

This early response allows us to predict results and, just a few weeks after administering treatment, to see if the tumor is responding to the drug that has been used. Taking into account that, currently, the response to treatment is determined two or three months after starting chemotherapy, these results are quite encouraging.  

The Importance of the PET Scan in Cancer Treatments

Several studies have shown the great clinical impact of the PET technique in oncology, a fundamental tool in the diagnosis of cancer because it identifies where the disease is located and how widespread it is. In patients with colorectal cancer, lung neoplasm, malignant melanoma and lymphoma, this technique may change the therapeutic strategy to be followed in up to 40% of the cases. Thus, this metabolic technique helps doctors to select the optimal treatment for each case, reducing the number of aggressive diagnostic procedures and avoiding unnecessary surgeries.

Excerpt: The PET scan is a highly tried and tested imaging technique for studying the spread of cancer. It allows doctors to detect a tumor in its early stages and to discover, with great accuracy, exactly what organs are affected.  Therefore, it is an indispensable tool to be used before proceeding to the surgical removal of …

### Focus Aims at Motorbike Frequented Roads

The DGT is carrying out a special focus on roads frequented by motorbikes at weekends
The surveillance will be carried out at the roadside and from the air to verify that all drivers respect the rules
The campaign is about raising awareness to improve the coexistence between drivers of two-wheeled vehicles and other drivers


The presence of motorbikes on the roads, especially on weekends and especially in the months of spring and summer, has lead to the DGT to increase surveillance on Saturday and Sunday in order to ensure that all drivers on these roads do so in a responsible and respectful manner, especially as two-wheeled vehicles are more vulnerable.
The campaign had already begun and this weekend marks the third time the focus has taken place, and will continue through to September, during which the traffic officers of the Guardia Civil will monitor the roads from both the ground and the air, with the DGT´s helicopters watching from the sky to ensure that drivers of all vehicles, including the motorbikes themselves, respect established road safety regulations, improving their own safety and that of other users.
In order to support the campaign, the presence of traffic patrols will increase on stretches of roads where motorbikes are known to frequent.
In 2016, the last year with consolidated data, the percentage of motorcycles in the vehicle fleet was 10%, that is 3.2 million motorcycles and the number of motorbike riders amounted to almost 5 million, of which 85.5 % had obtained their driver’s licence before the regulatory amendment of 2009, and only 1.6% of the total obtained theirs after the reform.
It should also be kept in mind that holders of category B driving licences, with 3 years driving experience, can also drive motorcycles covered by the A1 permit (up to 125 cc). Although the exact number of drivers who fall into this bracket is not available, it has been found that 714,777 holders of a B licence owned a motorcycle up to 125 cc. In 2016, 57% of all motorcycle registrations were for vehicles with a displacement of less than 125 cc. Therefore, these figures need to be added to those above.
Regarding incidents, 24% of the total number of incidents with victims, that is, 25,944 incidents, involved a motorbike. Of those incidents, 343 motorcyclists died. On interurban roads there was a reduction of 5% in the number of motorcyclists killed, whilst on urban roads, 27 more bikers lost their lives than in 2015.
The risk of death from a traffic related incident is 17 times greater for motorcycles than for cars. In addition, 95% of the fatal traffic incidents involving a motorcycle, the rider is the one who died.
The most frequent infractions recorded my motorcycle users were: inadequate speed (18% of cases), invasion of the opposite lane and anti-regulation overtaking (18%). In the case of drivers of other vehicles, the most frequent infractions were those related to non-compliance with the priority rules (32% of cases).
Although the use of the helmet is mandatory in both urban and interurban roads, in 2016, 15 people who lost their lives after travelling by motorcycle did not use this safety device, an object that often avoids death.

Excerpt: The DGT is carrying out a special focus on roads frequented by motorbikes at weekends The surveillance will be carried out at the roadside and from the air to verify that all drivers respect the rules The campaign is about raising awareness to improve the coexistence between drivers of two-wheeled vehicles and other drivers The …

### Swimmer Rescued at Playa del Cura

A swimmer was rescued from the sea at the Torrevieja beach of Playa de Cura on Friday, showing signs of having suffered cardiopulmonary arrest, unconscious and with signs of drowning.

The lifeguards rescued the swimmer at around noon, who were then joined by a paramedic ambulance, with rescuers managing to revive the elderly man at the scene.

Once stable, the man was taken by ambulance to Torrevieja hospital for further treatment.

### Shopping Nights in Torrevieja

If the thought of going shopping in this sweltering summer heat fills you with dread, have no fear as Torrevieja has the perfect antidote, with their latest "shopping nights" promotion.

On Friday July 13, 2018, many of the shops in Torrevieja centre will open their doors from 8:30 p.m. until midnight, so you can shop till you drop, or drop of to sleep.

The participating stores will have special discounts to entice you and the town hall are putting on various sideshows to distract and entertain you, making this a unique and fun-packed activity for all the family to enjoy.

Plus, for the first time, in Plaza de la Constitución, there will be various stands and stalls with even more special offers and promotions, so make sure you don´t miss out on those extra bargains during this special night.

### Greatest Hits of Pop Opera

The Greatest Hits of Pop Opera will be echoing through the halls of the Torrevieja International Auditorium on Sunday, as Orfeón de Torrevieja to celebrate its XI anniversary.

The concert starts at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 8, 2018, with musical director Mario Ignacio Bustillo Martínez putting together a program that includes a musical journey that goes from the most famous arias and choirs of the operatic repertoire of Verdi, Puccini, Bizet and Gershwin to the most exciting hits of Abba, Beatles and Earth Wind and Fire, going through great successes of Ibero-American music, some brushstrokes of liturgical music, to "the beloved Havana people who identify us and accompany us wherever we go", says María Jesús García, president of the entity.

The chosen arias will be delivered by the voices of María Jesús García (soprano), Antonio García Seva (tenor), Francisco Andreu Lafuente (tenor), Jorge Pacheco Marín (tenor) and Boris Zavodov (baritone). Garcia has described the concert as "a unique opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable evening full of the best music in the world."

### Torrevieja and Valencia work Together for Soccer Summer School

Torrevieja´s councillor for Sports, Víctor Ferrández, along with the President of the Torrevieja Football Club, Manuel Antonio Ballester, and the Schools Coordinator of Valencia Football Club, Toni Navarro, presented the summer soccer school that will take place in the Sports City from the 9th to the 14th of July.

The councillor said that the collaboration on this year´s summer campus is the result of “good work being developed by the Torrevieja Club de Fútbol”, and said that it is a “great opportunity for the children of Torrevieja to learn from the best”, specifically highlighting the future benefits as they “take into account the agreement that the Valencian Club” is “going to receive children at risk of social exclusion” who have been included through the work of the Department of Social Welfare.

Navarro detailed that the campus is aimed at children between 6 and 16 years and will convey the club's objectives and values “​"such as solidarity, companionship or healthy habits, the objectives are sporting but also for personal development with education an integral part through sports, and in this case of soccer.”

The activities will take place throughout the day and there will be 5 technical-tactical training groups, socio-educational activities, nutrition talks, and another related to the responsible use of social networks.

The price will be 320 euro per child and 295 for the students of the Torrevieja School Football Club. Ballester detailed how the price includes all expenses, breakfast, meals and snacks, in addition to the tickets to the water park in which they will spend one of the days. In addition, they will receive kits to ensure that all children are equal, and they will also receive a diploma after completing the campus.

For more information, visit the website www.torreviejacf.com and send an email to campusvalencia@torrevieja.com or call 655767047.

### The 64th Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonía Event will take place from 22 July

Famed the world over, twenty choirs will participate in the 64th edition of the Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonía which will take place in Torrevieja from 22 to 28 July, 2018, in the historic Eras de la Sal enclosure.

The president of the Municipal Board of Habaneras and Mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón, accompanied by the vice president, Domingo Soler, presented details of the event which “identifies our city with culture and that makes us international, since more than a hundred choirs have asked to participate in the contest phase and these, which have been selected by the Technical Commission, are the best".

Domingo Soler highlighted that of the thirteen choirs participating in this phase, twelve countries are represented: Spain (2), Venezuela, Ukraine, China, Serbia, Romania, Belarus, Mexico, Colombia, Indonesia, Macedonia and the Philippines.

The host of the event will, once again, by Elena Sánchez, of TVE, adding another national symbol to the proceedings.

Promotional videos have been produced which will be shared through social media and a television advert campaign has also been initiated, with specific material for Instagram and Facebook being part of the overall marketing mix.


Schedule
Sunday 22 July, 2018

Opening Gala' in which six local choirs will perform (Coro y Orquesta Maestro Ricardo Lafuente, Masa coral 'José Hódar', Agrupación Coral 'Manuel Barberá', Coral Torrevejense 'Francisco Vallejos', Coro 'Maestro Casanovas' y Orfeón de Torrevieja') and the hymns will be performed along with the Unión Musical Torrevejense.

Monday 23 July, 2018

A guest choir from outside the competition group will perform.

Tuesday 24 to Friday 27 July, 2018

Contest evenings. Four nights in which thirteen choirs will participate

Tuesday 24 July, 2018

 	La Coral de Trabajadores de la Universidad de Los Andes (Venezuela),
 	Tavor Chamber Choir (Ucrania),
 	The Choir of Bieijing University of Technology (China)
 	KUD Branco Cvetkovic Belgrado (Serbia).

Wednesday 25 July, 2018

 	Corul Cantarad Arad (Rumanía),
 	The Girl's Choir "Raniza" (Bielorusia)
 	Orfeón Universitario Puebla (México).

Thursday 26 July, 2018

 	Coro de la Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga - UNAB (Colombia),
 	Xolo Voces Blancas Murcia (España)
 	Maranatha Christian University Choir (Indonesia).

Friday 27 July, 2018

 	Female Chamber Choir Sv. Zlata Meglenska (Macedonia)
 	Grupo Vocal "Amitié" Asturias (España)
 	University of Philippines Singing Ambasadors (Filipinas).

Saturday 28 July, 2018

The contest will close with the Grand Coral Gala with the participation of a selection of the participating choirs and the Awards Ceremony.

### Bats – Good or Evil?

A guided walk is offered through the La Mata Natural Park (Torrevieja, Alicante), looking at bats in their natural environment. Are they good, or are they evil?
Bats have sometimes been the victims of bad press, through films depicting them as blood-thirsty night creatures, but sometimes a symbol of good against evil, albeit with the help of a human, under the guise of Batman, but what is the truth? Are bats good, or are they really evil?
Human beings have a tendency to fear the unknown, and we subsequently assume that unknown to be bad, dangerous or harmful. That is exactly what has happened with bats and other animals that, the cinema and the false beliefs of humans, have brought them to the brink of extinction.
That is why, on this occasion, the Natural Park of La Mata-Torrevieja will host a guided walk that will dispel the false myths and legends about bats, through an activity framed within the latest evening stroll through the natural parkland.
During the walk you will get to know bats a little better, their world and their customs, as well as their “superpowers” of which, we humans, we can learn to improve our own traits and at the same time preserve this fascinating species in danger of extinction.
The activity will consist of a small talk at the Interpretation Centre, in Spanish, followed by a field trip to detect the presence of bats in the park.
Since it is an evening activity, you are also invited to bring your sandwiches to enjoy in the natural park at night, just like our friends do bats.
So, do you dare face the bats?
Here is your initial briefing:
Date:  Thursday 12 July, 2018
Place: Interpretation Centre of the Natural Park
Start time: 7:00 p.m.
Audience: Any age.
There are limited places and so registration is compulsory by emailing parque_lamata@gva.es, giving the number of people you are booking onto the talk, the names and surnames of those taking part, and how many are adults or children. You must also provide a contact telephone number for the party lead member.
Recommendations: mosquito repellent, comfortable clothes and tied shoes, torch, drink and sandwich if you want to dine at the end of the activity. Batman costumes are not required.

Excerpt: A guided walk is offered through the La Mata Natural Park (Torrevieja, Alicante), looking at bats in their natural environment. Are they good, or are they evil? Bats have sometimes been the victims of bad press, through films depicting them as blood-thirsty night creatures, but sometimes a symbol of good against evil, albeit with the …

### An Evening Stroll through La Mata Natural Park

Health is not only the absence of illness, but a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. There are many personal, social, economic and environmental factors that determine the health status of a person, and in this guided walk through the natural park of La Mata, the organisers hope to make you a little more “aware” of this.
The walk is an accompanied route in which we will not only learn about the scientific evidence of the benefits that nature offers to health and wellbeing, but we will experience it in that same natural environment.
This activity already took place in April and was well received, and so the walk has been put to offer once again, so that more people can benefit from this type of initiative.
Places are limited and so booking is essential. Chances are the places will go quickly too, so you need to move quickly if you want to reserve your spot.
At the end of the walk, you can enjoy your own supper under the natural moonlight, to refresh the inner body as the outer has been experiencing throughout.
The date: July 24, 2018
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Place: Information Centre at the Natural Park of La Mata-Torrevieja.
The walk is recommended for adults only.
To reserve your place, email:  parque_lamata@gva.es, giving number of places needed and name and surname or all those being booked on.
Recommendations: Mosquito repellent, comfortable clothes and tied shoes, drink and something to eat at the supper at the end of the walk.

Excerpt: Health is not only the absence of illness, but a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. There are many personal, social, economic and environmental factors that determine the health status of a person, and in this guided walk through the natural park of La Mata, the organisers hope to make you a little …

### Will My Petrol Tank Explode in Hot Weather?

The question over the spontaneous combustion of fuel tanks in cars in hot weather is yet another tale that goes viral through the internet, with warnings generally suggesting that if you fill your tank it might explode in the heat, or if you don´t fill your tank it might explode in the heat, yes, both are contradictory, and yes, both are nothing more than an internet myth.

The latest incarnation of t story has come about after a message went viral, through Facebook and WhatsApp, which claimed that the Pakistani State Oil Company had issued a warning, which they were quick to deny through their official social media channels.
 
Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has announced that filling fuel tank to its full capacity poses no threat of any kind to the cars or its passengers.
PSO made the statement after a Whatsapp message went viral over the past few days. The message falsely claimed that PSO had warned the public against filling fuel tanks to the full capacity in light of increasing temperatures.
Auto igniting temperature of petrol is way above the highest temperatures during summers in Pakistan. Filling your fuel tank to its full capacity poses no threat of any kind neither to the car nor to its passengers and is deemed completely safe and beneficial to the running of the car. #EveryJourneyBeginsHere #PSO #Publicservicemessage
 
As far as an internet search tells us, the fake story began in 2011, when false posts warned of the false dangers of filling your tank.
The thought of your car exploding if you put too much fuel in it (or not enough fuel in it) is terrifying, but there is no basis in science to the claims, and no evidence that suggests it is anything other than speculative scaremongering.
First of all, the science bit. If fuel were able to auto-ignite, in other words for it to combust without any kind of trigger or spark, is around 495ºF, or 257ºC. Even though we may be baking in temperatures in excess of 30 degrees in places, this is somewhat lower than the temperature required for the fuel to ignite unaided. Assuming of course we are referring to our cars being driven on this planet.
So, what about the second problem, the build up of gasses and them igniting? Well, there is a science bit to that too. Modern fuel tanks must have the ability to vent pressure. Since the early 1970´s, cars in America had to include a system called EVAP, or Evaporative emissions control. The device collects excess fuel vented from a tank and, when conditions are correct, returns it to the tank.
So, the bottom line. It´s a myth, a hoax, a rumour, your car´s fuel tank is not at risk of spontaneous combustion whether it is full, empty, or anywhere in between. Of course you must still take all precautions when refuelling and remember that there are a number of offences in Spain which can be taken into consideration if you don´t take proper care at fuel filling stations, so heed those warnings, and not he rumours of the internet.

Excerpt: The question over the spontaneous combustion of fuel tanks in cars in hot weather is yet another tale that goes viral through the internet, with warnings generally suggesting that if you fill your tank it might explode in the heat, or if you don´t fill your tank it might explode in the heat, yes, both …

### Calls to Save Water as Reserves Remain Low

Water reservoirs in the Valencian Community are at the some of the lowest levels in the whole of Spain with its reservoirs at 30% and 34% of its capacity in the Segura and Júcar basins respectively, according to the latest data from embalses.net.

Meanwhile, in the rest of the Iberian Peninsula there are places where the water volume is double that of Valencia, all above 62% of its capacity and in some cases even exceeding 80% and 90%, after a spring in which floods hit places in Aragon following the River Ebro overflowing.
In the last week, Júcar has lost 19 cubic hectometres and the Segura 7, although this is the common trend throughout the country.
In the Alicante province, the water reserve is currently 27% (03/07/2018), although that is higher than Almeria where the current reserve is just 11%. Murcia meanwhile has 21%.
The reservoir at Torremendo, officially called Embalse La Pedrera, is currently at just 23.17% of capacity, lower than the 31.3% of capacity a year ago and considerably lower than the 51.14% capacity 10 years ago.

Despite this concern, water levels are higher than the same period in 2017, collectively 52% higher and 68% higher than the same period 10 years ago. Across Valencia, the reserve is 34% higher than the same time last year and 42% higher than 10 years ago.
Transfers resumed in April with water moving throughout the country to maintain a balance where possible, although demand in the summer is high and with warmer temperatures already showing and no apparent breaks for consistent rain expected, the only option is to try to reduce and save water, before areas find themselves in a forced situation of drought.

Excerpt: Water reservoirs in the Valencian Community are at the some of the lowest levels in the whole of Spain with its reservoirs at 30% and 34% of its capacity in the Segura and Júcar basins respectively, according to the latest data from embalses.net. Meanwhile, in the rest of the Iberian Peninsula there are places where …

### Bather Drowns at Los Locos Beach

A 78-year-old bather has drowned on the beach of Los Locos in Torrevieja on Tuesday, according to the Emergency Coordination Centre.

Operators received a call at 10:45 saying that an unconscious bather had been removed from the water at the beach, and so they immediately sent a paramedic unit to assist.

Although medics attempted advanced resuscitation on the man, there was nothing they could do to save his life.

### Former Head of Traffic set to Return to the DGT

The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) is set to have a new leader at the helm, Pere Navarro, who actually returns to the role he held between 2004 and 2011.

Navarro will replace Gregorio Serrano as the head of the DGT, as the council of Ministers confirmed his appointment at the end of last week.
During his previous tenure at the DGT, working under the government led by José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, the DGT implemented such innovations as the driver’s licence for points, a measure promoted by Navarro himself, which led to a drastic reduction in the number of deaths on the road.
In particular, the points system alone is attributed having been responsible for reducing the number of traffic and road related deaths in 2011 for the first time in 50 years.
Navarro was also involved in the creation of the Road Safety Commission in the Congress of Deputies, as well as the introduction of stricter speed limits in order to save fuel during the petrol crisis, where conventional roads saw a speed limit reduction, as did motorways, where the network saw a reduction to 110 kilometres per hour, both limits being revoked was the crisis had eased.
On his return to the DGT, Navarro will find a difficult task ahead once more. After more than a decade of reductions, in 2016 the number of road traffic related fatalities grew again, a trend which has not yet shown signs of easing, but rather continues to increase. In fact, in his absence, and under the tenure of the Rajoy government, the number of deaths began and continued to rise after the continuous decade of falls.
Gregorio Serrano faced criticism over his management of the chaos caused by snowfall that isolated thousands of drivers on the AP-6 last January. His predecessor, María Seguí, left the organisation after former Minister Jorge Fernández Díaz withdrew his support and opened an urgent investigation into the financing of research projects where her husband worked, an investigation that was later shelved.
Navarro, who was born in 1952 and is originally from Barcelona, left the DGT upon Mariano Rajoy and the Partido Popular taking government. When he left the DGT, Navarro went to Rabat as employment counsellor at the Spanish Embassy in Morocco.
There is no doubt that his appointment will lead to drastic changes. Navarro has remained convinced that the number of victims can be reduced again. He believes that the maximum permitted speed on secondary roads must be reduced to 90 kilometres per hour and that a specific safety plan for motorcycles, for both riders and other road users, must be introduced.
Navarro also considers that a good road safety policy goes hand in hand with a “good mobility policy”. In a recent interview, he said how, “we have to talk about the way we move, to order to do it in a sustainable, reasonable and safe way.”
Currently, Navarro is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Pons Foundation, which is dedicated to raising awareness of road safety, social progress of business innovation, and the dissemination and defence of Intellectual Property, amongst others.

Excerpt: The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) is set to have a new leader at the helm, Pere Navarro, who actually returns to the role he held between 2004 and 2011. Navarro will replace Gregorio Serrano as the head of the DGT, as the council of Ministers confirmed his appointment at the end of last week. …

### YOUTH FOOTBALL | CD Torrevieja invests in an experienced coach for the Youth team

CD Torrevieja now has a coach for its Youth team, who will start training with the young players at the beginning of the next season. This position goes to Ramón Ordax Mayor, better known as “Moncho” (Murcia 1981), who had up until now coached the Torrevieja CF Juvenil B team. The coach, born in Murcia capital but adopted by the residents of Torrevieja, takes on his new position after achieving sixth place in the First Regional Youth League.

Moncho is a Level 2 coach with extensive knowledge about local football. He will bring a lot of experience, enthusiasm, hard-working ethics and professionalism.

The Torrevieja coach will be working with his own team, which is made up of Manolo Andreu as second coach and Pablo Andreu as strategy coach.

The Club wishes them the best of luck in this exciting stage of the CD Torrevieja Youth Team’s journey.

### Avoiding the Safety Car Effect

During special operations, as was the case this weekend with the first major road traffic movement for summer, more traffic patrols can be seen on the road. However, sometimes the sight of these patrols can cause unnecessary delays, through a phenomenon known as the ‘Safety Car’ effect.

Often, when drivers see a Guardia Civil or police patrol, they instinctively feel a reluctance to overtake, even though there may be two or more lanes, the way is clear, and there is no obvious reason not to pass, some drivers feel a fear and automatically ease back. All too often, this is unnecessary.
Of course, it is true that if you are caught breaking the law, speeding for example, then it would be natural to assume that a patrol would stop you and deal with the offence committed, but under normal driving conditions, if you are abiding by the law, there is no reason for you to be stopped.
As you go about your journey, you don´t know what the patrol is doing. Maybe they are intentionally driving below the speed limit, maybe they are making observations along the road, who knows what they are dong, and, actually, it´s none of our business.
If you see a patrol ahead and they are driving normally (remember, traffic cars have blue lights illuminated all the time, so that is not an indicator of a problem), look at you and your own actions. Are you driving within the law, within the speed limit, allowing the correct distance, etc, in other words, do what you would do with a normal car. If it is safe, legal and convenient for you to overtake, then do so. Treat the patrol vehicle like you would any other.
If the patrol does not want you to pass, they will signal you to stay back, by using flashing lights, a matrix sign, or flags. If there is not an emergency, you may pass, if it is safe, legal and convenient to do so.
Safety cars are used on race tracks to slow down racers because of a problem ahead. The roads are not race tracks, there are no safety cars. If there is a problem, you will know about it. If everything looks normal, then it is.

Excerpt: During special operations, as was the case this weekend with the first major road traffic movement for summer, more traffic patrols can be seen on the road. However, sometimes the sight of these patrols can cause unnecessary delays, through a phenomenon known as the ‘Safety Car’ effect. Often, when drivers see a Guardia Civil or …

### Do you want to play in the CD Torrevieja youth team?

JUNIOR FOOTBALL - If you are a young football star, or if you know someone who is, why not get in touch with CD Torrevieja, as they are looking for members of their youth team.

For more information, or just to apply, you can visit theirmain office in C/Caballero de Rodas, 56, in Torrevieja.
Main office opening hours: Monday from 17:00 to 20:00. Tuesday to Thursday from 10:00 to 13:30 and 17:00 to 20:00. Friday from 10 to 13:30.

Alternatively, send an email to: inscripcionfutbolbase@clubdeportivotorrevieja.com

### Local players Eneko and Lewis join the reserve team

CD Torrevieja has the first two members of their reserve team in place in the form of local under-23 players Eneko y Lewis, who both came from Torrevieja FC at the end of last season.

The reserve team for CD Torrevieja will play the forthcoming season in the Second Regional Division.

The two young players were able to gain a lot of valuable experience and training last year by playing in a demanding category, which will help them as they enter a new phase in their career (Lewis, 17 matches and 1345 minutes and Eneko, 5 games and 187 minutes).

Both players will join the reserves team with the possibility of being promoted to the first team.

No doubt, the coaches from both teams will be keeping a close eye on their progress.

### Centre midfield Álvaro Más, joins CD Torrevieja

CD Torrevieja has reached a deal to sign up new player Álvaro Más Huertas (Alicante, 1992), who will join the Club for the forthcoming season. Álvaro occupies the position of centre midfield. He is known for his leadership abilities, ball control, excellent team work and his experience.

The 26-year-old player from Alicante, comes to CD Torrevieja from UD Ilicitana, where he enjoyed a great season as one of the team’s key players. Más has previously played for Quintanar del Rey, Orihuela CF and FC Jove Español, all Third Division clubs. He went on to make his debut for Second Division Hércules CF in the 2013-2014 season.

Welcome Álvaro!

### Right-back Germán will continue to don blue and white for the next season

Germán Andrés Acuña Julio (Columbia, 1992) is all set to play another season with CD Torrevieja, after both parties agreed to renew his contract with the club. Germán plays in the position of right-back and stands out for his speed, energetic bursts across the pitch and his personality in the game.

Germán joined CD Torrevieja towards the end of last season and his good performances on the field were noted by the coaches, convincing them to keep the Columbian player on for another year.

The South-American player has former experience playing for teams such as the Boca Juniors (Columbia), Lotería de Táchira (Venezuela) and UD Ciempozuelos (Spain).

Germán stays!

### Three Arrested in Torrevieja after Crime Spree

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested three people for being part of a criminal organisation, suspected of being responsible for up to 16 thefts from shops in less than a week.
The group, who lived together in the same house in Torrevieja, targeted stores in Elche, Orihuela Costa, Sant Vicent del Raspeig and Alicante, and stole items such as cell phone chargers, hard drives, external batteries and even food.
After committing a robbery, the trio would separate so as to evade capture, although they hadn´t anticipated being caught separately. This was the case with the first detainee, a 48-year-old man, who was arrested while driving the vehicle used to commit a crime. Inside the car, officers located objects identified as stolen from up to seven different stores, and several tools to circumvent the alarms. Once he was brought to court however, he was released with charges pending.
The officers continued with the search of the other two, who in the two days after the arrest of their partner, are believed to have continued their campaign, committing thefts in nine more establishments.
The officers soon caught up with them and arrested these last two, aged 25 and 61, as alleged perpetrators of a crime of belonging to a criminal group.
After being taken to court, they too have been released with charges pending.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested three people for being part of a criminal organisation, suspected of being responsible for up to 16 thefts from shops in less than a week. The group, who lived together in the same house in Torrevieja, targeted stores in Elche, Orihuela Costa, Sant Vicent del Raspeig and Alicante, …

### Centauro Car Rental Celebrates 45 Years in Service

Spanish car rental company Centauro is celebrating 45 years serving visitors to Spain, with an expansion of their fleet to reach 20,000 vehicles.
So far this year, the company has opened six new offices at key locations, four in the main airports in Italy, one in Portugal and one in Barcelona.
In a statement, the company reveals that this is not the end of their 2018 year expansion, “We are very happy to be able to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of Centauro Rent a Car in one of the sweetest moments in the history of the company. Operating for the first time in Italy has been a milestone for and we continue working with the same enthusiasm as the first years to expand our presence in new national and European destinations throughout this year, these new operations will allow us to grow both in terms of employment and fleet,” said the company’s CEO, Erik Devesa.
The company, founded by the Devesa family, started its activity in 1973 in the Costa Blanca town of Benidorm, with a fleet of just six cars, all of the tiny Seat 600 model, and began its internationalisation in 2015. During its first 25 years it developed its business in the Valencian Community, including a base in Torrevieja where the property boom helped them serve a new wave of international investors, and in Murcia. Two decades later, in 1998, the firm extended its horizon towards new national tourist destinations, such as Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, Jerez or Seville. That same year it became the first national vehicle rental company to launch an e-commerce platform.
In 2017, David Devesa moved over as sole administrator of the company, making way for his brother Erik to take over the role as President. The other members of the board are subsidiaries of the venture capital fund, Portobello Alfa SL, Portobello Beta SL and Portobello Gamma SL were appointed directors, in addition to Burley Inversiones, which is also owned by the fund manager, and as a non-advisory secretary, Ramón Cerdeiras, a State attorney on leave of absence and one of the founding partners of Portobello.
The family are also involved in other tourism based companies in Benidorm. Amongst others, Fadesik manages the Aparthotel Levante (the first business launched by their father, Francisco Devesa), fuel filling stations in Benidorm, and a travel agency, Viajes Dinamic SL.
Centauro Rent a Car has 14 offices in Spain distributed in the main tourist destinations of the coast (Mallorca, Ibiza, Alicante, Benidorm, Torrevieja, Murcia and Malaga), urban (Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Valencia, Seville) and airports and high-speed train stations, in addition to establishments in Italy and Portugal.

Excerpt: Spanish car rental company Centauro is celebrating 45 years serving visitors to Spain, with an expansion of their fleet to reach 20,000 vehicles. So far this year, the company has opened six new offices at key locations, four in the main airports in Italy, one in Portugal and one in Barcelona. In a statement, the …

### Family Financially Compensated after Stroke Detection Failure

The health department has agree to pay 93,000 euro in compensation to the family of a woman who died from a stroke that had not been detected at Torrevieja Hospital.
The money will go to the husband and three children of the woman, as decreed by the Superior Court of Valencia (TSJCV) in a judgement dated June 15 and made public this Friday.
The woman died on January 9, 2014 because of a cerebral stroke that had not been diagnosed eight days earlier, on January 1, when she went to the emergency room of the Hospital in Torrevieja after having fallen after fainting.
The patient, aged 65 and with a history of hypertension, showed clinical signs of malaise, nausea and vomiting, intense headache and a marked weakness. Doctors discharged the patient with a diagnosis of dizziness and prescribed medication, without carrying out further tests.
Six days later, on January 7, the doctor examined the woman, because she still had headaches and her right eyelid had dropped, and so referred her to the emergency room of the Hospital Universitario de Vigo. There she was subjected to various cranial tests which uncovered a brain injury. Although it was operated on immediately, she fell into a coma and died within two days.
After analysing various expert reports contributed to the cause of death, the court concluded that there is no doubt that there was “a bad practice in the Hospital of Torrevieja”, specifically in the emergency department because no evidence that the victim “correctly anamnesis” was practised. Anamnesis is medical jargon which means to collect data of the clinical history of a patient in order to make a diagnosis. “Given the characteristics of this malpractice and evolution suffered by the patient to the fatal outcome, considering the room that we have a case of lost opportunity,” say the judges. The court cites in support of his thesis the report of an expert witness for the plaintiffs, whereby SAH (subarachnoid hemorrhage, one causing stroke) “has a 70% mortality rate if not treated early,”.

Excerpt: The health department has agree to pay 93,000 euro in compensation to the family of a woman who died from a stroke that had not been detected at Torrevieja Hospital. The money will go to the husband and three children of the woman, as decreed by the Superior Court of Valencia (TSJCV) in a judgement …

### Endangered Turtles Tracked by Technology

The appearance of turtles on the beaches of the east coast of Spain is becoming an every increasing phenomenon. Members of the Oceanogràfic foundation from the City of Arts and Science in Valencia describe how in 2014 there was a nesting in Alicante, a year later on the beach of Torrevieja (Alicante) and in 2016 in the sand of Sueca (Valencia). In all of these cases, members of the public had reported the turtles and so ensured their protection whilst they went about the natural development of this endangered species.
This week, scientists and experts from the environmental department were able to delicately intercept a turtle on a Valencia beach and fit her with a tracking device so they can monitor her progress as she tries to find a nesting ground.
Members of the public reported spotting the turtle trying to nest in the sand of Port Saplaya, in Alboraya (Valencia). They instantly alerted the 112 emergency coordination centre who dispatched a response team comprising of representatives of the University of Valencia, the Ministry of the Environment, and members of the Oceanogràfic foundation sent to investigate.
The 74-centimetre long female turtle showed intent to spawn on he beach by starting digging a nest in the sand. However, she failed due to water coming into the hole and so, before being returned to the sea, the team were able to carry out blood tests and an ultrasound to verify the mother was in good health, and then they installed their devices before she returned to the sea to find a more suitable location.
If you spot a turtle on the beach, stay away. Avoid making eye contact, stay out of its field of vision, do not walk or disturb the tracks in the sand, and call 112 to report what you can see. The emergency centre staff speak a variety of languages and are prepared for such occurrences, so don´t be worried, just call them and do your bit to help these amazing, though endangered creatures.

Excerpt: The appearance of turtles on the beaches of the east coast of Spain is becoming an every increasing phenomenon. Members of the Oceanogràfic foundation from the City of Arts and Science in Valencia describe how in 2014 there was a nesting in Alicante, a year later on the beach of Torrevieja (Alicante) and in 2016 …

### San Miguel Delays after Truck Overturns

A truck overturned on the AP-7 motorway on Friday morning, resulting in delays to the local road network.
Fortunately, the three people injured in the incident, three men aged 24, 25 and 61, suffered only minor injuries.
An emergency ambulance and a paramedic unit were sent to the scene near the Alicante town of San Miguel de Salinas where they treated the injured before transferring them to Torrevieja hospital.

Excerpt: A truck overturned on the AP-7 motorway on Friday morning, resulting in delays to the local road network. Fortunately, the three people injured in the incident, three men aged 24, 25 and 61, suffered only minor injuries. An emergency ambulance and Read Full Article...

### Renting a Car – Your European Rights

Although there are no specific EU rules on car rental, when you rent a car in another EU country you also enjoy your fundamental rights as a consumer. This includes:

right to clear information
right to a fair contract
access to alternative dispute resolution in case of conflict with the company

When renting a vehicle, you have to distinguish between rental companies and intermediaries or mediators. Intermediaries do not rent vehicles, but reserve them with the rental company on behalf of the consumer. In case of conflict, the rental company is exclusively responsible for executing the contract, unless the latter says otherwise.
Right of limited cancellation
If you have reserved a vehicle through the internet, telephone or mail in the EU, you do not automatically have the right to cancel the reservation and ask for a refund of the amount paid, although perhaps the general conditions of the contract with the rental company allow it.
The rental of vehicles is not included in the EU regulations that establish a reflection period of 14 days.
Principle of non-discrimination
Vehicle rental companies are free to set their prices and conditions in different EU countries based on their costs and other factors. Now, if you rent a vehicle – either online or by going in person to a company branch – European rules prohibit discrimination based on nationality or country of residence.
Example
Stefanie, a German citizen, wants to rent a car in Ireland. The price indicated on the company’s website is 70 euro.
But when Stefanie gives her address to the company, the price increases to 140 euro. The reason given is that he is not an Irish resident.
As it seems unfair, Stefanie goes to the European Consumer Centre, which convinces the company to comply with European standards.
Before booking, inform yourself!
Before booking a vehicle, make sure you have understood the conditions correctly. The main aspects that you should notice are:
Insurance coverage
All rental vehicles must be covered by civil liability insurance against third parties, valid in all EU countries. The insurance must be included in the rental price.
In addition, you can obtain coverage for other risks: injury to the driver, damage to the vehicle, theft of the vehicle or your personal effects, vandalism or legal defence.
Make sure you know what damage your insurance covers. This must appear in the general conditions of the rental contract.
Driving a rented vehicle in another country
If you want to drive a rented vehicle in several countries, you must inform the company when booking the vehicle. If you are authorised to take the vehicle to another country, you can ensure that you carry the documentation in order, as well as insurance and coverage in the event of a breakdown.
If you live in the EU and rent a vehicle in a non-EU country, such as Switzerland, special rules apply when driving through EU countries.
If you want to use the vehicle inside and outside the EU – for example, to travel from Switzerland to France, Germany, Austria or Italy – you must first inform the rental company. This can ensure you are provided with a vehicle registered in the EU that complies with the community customs regulations. In Switzerland, most rental companies provide EU residents with cars with EU registration that comply with EU customs regulations. Anyway, it is convenient to check if it is the case of the rental company that you have chosen.
In addition, the rental company must ensure that the vehicle complies with the customs and traffic regulations of the country for which you are going to travel. For example, in many countries winter tires are mandatory for certain months of the year.
If you drive in other EU countries, check the information on road safety.
Validity of driving licence
If you want to rent and drive a vehicle in another EU country, you should also check if your licence is valid in that country.
For more information about your rights as a European citizen, visit the official site of the European Community, europa.eu.

Excerpt: Although there are no specific EU rules on car rental, when you rent a car in another EU country you also enjoy your fundamental rights as a consumer. This includes: right to clear information right to a fair contract access Read Full Article...

### Torrevieja Celebrates New Blue Flag

Torrevieja´s councillor for Beaches, Javier Manzanares, was amongst other municipal representatives to collect the blue flags awarded to beaches across the coast of Spain.
Torrevieja has something to celebrate this year after regaining Blue Flag status at Cabo Cervera.
The town now has six Blue Flags awarded to th beaches of Los Locos, El Cura, Cala Piteras, La Mata Sur, Los Náufragos and Cabo Cervera.

Excerpt: Torrevieja´s councillor for Beaches, Javier Manzanares, was amongst other municipal representatives to collect the blue flags awarded to beaches across the coast of Spain. Torrevieja has something to celebrate this year after regaining Blue Flag status at Cabo Cervera. The town now has six Blue Flags awarded to th beaches of Los Locos, El Cura, Cala …

### Five Drones will Patrol the Roads this Summer

The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has announced that as part of this year´s special summer traffic monitoring operation, they will have five drones watching the roads from the air, in addition to the usual fleet of helicopters, planes and ground patrols.

Spain´s Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, made the announcement this week as he explained the additional plans put in place for this summer with the aim of making the roads safer for all during the summer, when 89.3 million trips are forecast, 2% more than last year.
The drones are destined to operate primarily on conventional roads, where 80% of those killed in traffic collisions occur. Strengthening support for the island communities, one of the ten helicopters will be watching over the Balearic Islands, whilst one of the five drones, will operate from the Canary Islands due, according to the minister, to the increase of displacements in both archipelagos. For the moment, the minister has pointed out that unlike the Pegasus equipped helicopters, the drones will only be dedicated to traffic monitoring, not enforcement (yet).
You can read more about the different types of drone in use in the last edition of RoadWatch eMagazine (click this link to read it for free).
During the presentation, the minister was accompanied by the undersecretary of the Ministry of the Interior, Isabel Goicoechea, and the General Director of Traffic, Gregorio Serrano, amongst others.
The governmental representatives detailed how this year they anticipate approximately 43.6 million trips in July, whilst in August, it is expected that there will be close to 45.7 million journeys by road.
As always during the summer the operation is spread over the entire period, operating in blocks of two weeks, based around the usual vacation period, with traffic initially leaving the inland and city areas to head towards coastal and mountainous regions at the beginning, returning at the end, and in the middle, a combination of both. Meanwhile, during the entire holiday period, the leisure areas will see more local journeys taking place, often by drivers a little unsure of their surroundings and facing a busier period themselves, thus making driving often a more stressful experience than it should be.
The Three Special Operations
During the period, there will be three special operations. The first one will begin this Friday, June 29 at 3:00 p.m. and will last until 12:00 p.m on Sunday, July 1. During this weekend, it is anticipated that 4.4 million trips are planned. The second operation will be from July 31 to August 1 and the third will begin on August 31, extending to September 1 and 2.
The ministerial team continued to explain that during the summer, road surveillance will be reinforced every weekend as well as on 14 and 15 August, due to the changeover of the fortnight vacation, and the celebration of numerous patron saint festivities.
In addition to the summer traffic operation, there will also be the usual, “Operation Paso del Estrecho”, which will take place from June 15 to September 15, adding another 700,000 road trips, usually with heavily laden vehicles, planned.
During the entire summer period, the minister has asked for “safety”, “confidence” and “solidarity” with other road users. “We do not only play with our own lives, but we play with the lives of others,” said Grande-Marlaska, who says he is “worried” about road traffic incident figures. “We carry a weapon when we drive, it is an extremely dangerous element,” he warned.
The advice is always the same. Allow extra time for your journey, however long or short, stay calm at all times, maintain a safe distance and adhere to the rules of the roads, such as maximum permitted speed limits. Never consume alcohol or drugs before driving. Switch off your mobile phone completely and give 100% concentration to the task of driving.

Excerpt: The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has announced that as part of this year´s special summer traffic monitoring operation, they will have five drones watching the roads from the air, in addition to the usual fleet of helicopters, planes and Read Full Article...

### Going Abroad – Be Prepared

If you are planning to drive abroad this summer, it pays to be prepared, and one of the easiest ways to be is by using the European Union´s official app.
Use the European Road Safety App to find all important road safety rules before going abroad or while on the road in Europe. Entertain your passenger(s) with two fun games about road safety.
The app features road traffic rules in the EU (as compiled by the European Commission).

You can get more information and visit country specific details here:
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/going_abroad/index_en.htm
For Spain, this is the direct link:
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/going_abroad/spain/index_en.htm
 

Excerpt: If you are planning to drive abroad this summer, it pays to be prepared, and one of the easiest ways to be is by using the European Union´s official app. Use the European Road Safety App to find all important Read Full Article...

### Two Cyclists Killed on Saturday

Investigations are underway to determine the causes of two road traffic incidents in the Valencia region which have resulted in two cyclists being killed.

The first incident occurred just after 11:00 on the N-332, between the Alicante towns of Guardamar del Segura and Santa Pola, in the La Marina area of Elche.
The 51-year old male cyclist left the road along the right hand side and fell into the embankment.
An emergency ambulance took the cyclist to hospital in Elche where he died as a result of the incident.
Meanwhile, a 50-year-old cyclist was involved in an incident at around 15:45 on Saturday on a road located within the municipality of Alcossebre in Castellón. A paramedic attended this incident by helicopter, but emergency services could only confirm the death of the rider.

Excerpt: Investigations are underway to determine the causes of two road traffic incidents in the Valencia region which have resulted in two cyclists being killed. The first incident occurred just after 11:00 on the N-332, between the Alicante towns of Guardamar Read Full Article...

### Felipe Zea - First Cornerstone of the New CD Torrevieja

In a press release issued by the club, CD Torrevieja have stated their pride in welcoming new signing Juan Felipe González Zea (Columbia, 1987) to the club after an agreement was reached by both parties.

Felipe Zea will play in the right midfielder position, although he is also able to hold an attacking midfielder position as well. Zea stands out for his speed, explosiveness and his great vision in every game.

The Columbian footballer played semi-professionally up until 2012 in his native country, but also went on to play in other countries such as Argentina in 2013, Columbia again in 2014 and Hungary in 2016. On coming to Spain in 2012, he formed part of the City of Benidorm Football Club where he progressed through various stages, two promotions to Preferente and became one of the Club’s most representative players.

As the club say, "Welcome Felipe Zea!"

### Plans for N-332 Widening Scheme Project Officially Awarded

The end of traffic chaos on the N-332 coastal road as it passes Torrevieja has taken the next step of becoming reality as this week the Ministry of Development has confirmed the road widening project with the publication in the Official State Gazette (BOE) of the draft plans.

As previously reported, the tender advanced in May, finally becoming a reality following the change in government at both the regional and local level, and has now been formalised with the publication in the BOE.
The company that will carry out the work is a consultancy specialised in transport projects, Consultrans SU, with a contracted offer of 492,000 euro, half of the initial tender price of 986,000 euro, tax included.
The execution period is 18 months, which takes us to December 2019. When the project is approved, it must pass the environmental impact assessment and, if it succeeds, the Ministry of Development must tender, if it has a budget, the award of the construction of the widening and duplication to a double-lane dual carriageway for the eight kilometres which pass Torrevieja, with an estimated investment of around 40 million euro. Thus, the actual widening work could begin in the last stretch of 2020, assuming all goes to plan.
The completion of the work will be a huge relief for the residents, businesses and visitors to the area, all of whom are tired of the matter seemingly becoming a political points scoring argument, rather than support for the resolution. Even now, the now opposition Partido Popular have criticised the current administration, keen to forget that the original delays were due to problems caused by their lack of action whilst in office.

Excerpt: The end of traffic chaos on the N-332 coastal road as it passes Torrevieja has taken the next step of becoming reality as this week the Ministry of Development has confirmed the road widening project with the publication in the Read Full Article...

### Man Arrested for Attempted Child Abduction at Alicante Bonfires

A 51-year-old man, of Spanish nationality, has been arrested for allegedly trying to abduct a 10-year-old girl during the bonfires in Alicante, the National Police have reported.
The events took place around midnight yesterday during the Hogueras fiesta, when the man, taking advantage of the fact that the city is celebrating the parties, told the child to come with him to accompany him to a private fire being held by some relatives.
According to the police, the man is a regular customer of the business run by the parents of the child, and during the journey changed the initial motive given to the victim and went on to tell the child that he was going to take her home to play with his kids.
However, the girl suspected the man’s intentions and ran away when he wasn´t looking, running to a nearby celebration room where she met several people.
She told them what was happening but, even so, the man continued his efforts and claimed that he was trying to protect the girl and he was her uncle, and that the little girl had to go with him because he was going to take her to her parents.
Following the refusal of the people of the party to believe the man, he left. Twelve hours later he was arrested as an alleged perpetrator of a crime of illegal detention, according to the police.

Excerpt: A 51-year-old man, of Spanish nationality, has been arrested for allegedly trying to abduct a 10-year-old girl during the bonfires in Alicante, the National Police have reported. The events took place around midnight yesterday during the Hogueras fiesta, when the man, taking advantage of the fact that the city is celebrating the parties, told the …

### New Flights from Alicante to London City Airport

Budget airline Ryanair has announce a more direct service from Alicante form 2019, flying direct into London City airport.
The airline will offer five links a week between Alicante and the city of London, supporting their current UK schedule with this new route. Currently, Ryanair flies to 42 cities across Europe from Alicante.
More routes are being added to their schedule, including connections with London Southend Airport and Reus (2 weekly flights), Malaga (5 weekly flights) and Palma (4 weekly flights).
Ryanair currently carries 131 million passengers a year, operating more than 2,000 daily flights from 86 bases and connecting more than 220 destinations in 37 countries. The airline has a fleet of more than 430 Boeing 737 aircraft and is adding a new order of 240 additional Boeing 737s, which will allow it to reduce its fares and increase passenger traffic to 200 million a year by 2024.

Excerpt: Budget airline Ryanair has announce a more direct service from Alicante form 2019, flying direct into London City airport. The airline will offer five links a week between Alicante and the city of London, supporting their current UK schedule with this new route. Currently, Ryanair flies to 42 cities across Europe from Alicante. More routes …

### Tragedy as Toddler Killed by Mother in Parking Incident

A 21-month-old girl has died after being run over by a vehicle driven by her mother when was carrying out a parking manoeuvre in Guadalajara.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening when the mother was parking her car on calle Constitución de Guadalajara in a car park near to the Alvar Fáñez de Minay college.
The child was initially taken to a clinic in the city and later transferred in an ICU at Niño Jesús Hospital in Madrid, where she tragically died on Sunday.
An investigation has been launched by the Local Police of Guadalajara who are reporting to the Judicial and Scientific sector of the National Police.

Excerpt: A 21-month-old girl has died after being run over by a vehicle driven by her mother when was carrying out a parking manoeuvre in Guadalajara. The incident occurred on Saturday evening when the mother was parking her car on calle Read Full Article...

### Latest Drink and Drug Driving Figures Show Alarming Results

From data collected during the latest special campaign monitoring for the misuse of alcohol or drugs behind the wheel, the DGT has revealed the alarming state of the number of drivers detected.
Portable drug testing kit
The campaign, which ran from the 4th until the 10th of June, revealed that every day 450 drivers were detected having consumed alcohol or drugs, almost 19 every hour. Of course, more alarming is the fact that to this figure we must consider those drivers who were not detected.
During the week-long period, officers from the Guardia Civil traffic police stopped 173.783 drivers and subjected them to alcohol and / or drugs tests. The progressive increase in drug controls is a consequence of the high percentage of drivers who drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol, since, according to the latest report on the Study of the Prevalence of drug and alcohol consumption of vehicles in Spain (EDAP ), 12% of randomly chosen drivers tested positive for alcohol and drugs above legal limits.
Regarding the drug tests, of the 4,469 tests that were done on drivers who had displayed signs or symptoms of having ingested a substance, committed a violation or being involved in an incident, 1,461 were positive, which is 33% of the total. Among the drugs most commonly used by these drivers are cannabis (1,047 cases), cocaine (498 cases) and amphetamines (178 cases).
With regard to alcohol, 174,689 blood alcohol control tests were carried out and 1,774 drivers tested positive. Of these, 1,547 were detected in preventive controls, 130 after having committed an offence, another 90 for being involved in an incident and 7 more for presenting obvious symptoms of alcohol intake.
Of the 1,774 drivers who tested positive for alcohol, 239 have had their cases presented to the courts for exceeding the rate of 0.60 mg / l in exhaled air. In addition, cases against 11 drivers have been brought to justice for refusing to carry out alcohol tests.
To both of these figures, once collated, we must also add the number of controls and detections carried out by local and regional police, who supported the Guardia Civil during the campaign.

Amongst the more unusual cases during this campaign occurred in Burgos when traffic officers reported an ambulance driver who had picked up patients for transfer to the University Hospital. Whilst travelling on the N-234 road, the driver tested positive for amphetamines and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the main constituent of marijuana.
In Murcia, in the ​​Santomera service station, the driver of an 18-ton articulated vehicle was driving five times the maximum rate of alcohol(remember, all maximum permitted alcohol rates are lower in Spain than the UK for example, but professional drivers have even stricter limits).

Excerpt: From data collected during the latest special campaign monitoring for the misuse of alcohol or drugs behind the wheel, the DGT has revealed the alarming state of the number of drivers detected. The campaign, which ran from the 4th until Read Full Article...

### How to Act if Another Driver Harasses you on the Road

Road rage or harassment can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences. In an ideal world, we would all drive in a safe, courteous and legal manner, maintaining a safe speed and distance, allowing other drivers to proceed if appropriate, staying calm and concentrating on the task of driving. But, in reality, we don´t live in an ideal world.
All too often we see or experience the same, the bad practices of driving too close, overtaking with hostile and insulting gestures, closing gaps to prevent vehicles from joining the traffic flow in front of us, all of which can be sanctioned with fines, the loss of points and, in the worst cases, even prison, so why does it happen?
Driving can create extreme situations that end in aggressive decisions. Even a simple delay in a car not driving off when the lights turn green can be enough to prompt an aggressive reaction, at least according to a study by Preventis, as if we didn´t know, with a survey of 1,000 drivers, that revealed that 40% of Spanish drivers are very disturbed by traffic incidents and only 17% say they remain unchanged.
Te first and most important advice to avoid being a victim of an escalating incident is to not engage in any way. Avoid eye contact, stay calm, don´t react, and, if possible, leave the road as soon as you can to escape from the situation, stopping and calming down if necessary. Having a passenger note the registration number of the vehicle may prove useful, but not to antagonise the situation, still, do not engage in any way.
You can report the behaviour later to the Guardia Civil, and, if you have dashcam footage for example, you can show that to the officers afterwards, you do not need to engage or get involved at the time, you can report it at the earliest convenience.
In the event of the situation appearing to continue, even though you have tried to escape, you can call for assistance by dialling 112 immediately, reporting your position, but still avoiding eye contact and not engaging with the other people involved.
 
The Guardia Civil will take action if they feel it necessary, but in any case will at least have a record of the incident should it happen again in the future.
 
Actions such as insulting other drivers, cutting them up, being immersed in a fight, or crashing into another vehicle and fleeing, are traffic safety infractions covered by the Penal Code.
Specifically, the act of insulting other drivers is a violation as established in article 18 of the General Circulation Regulations, “the driver of a vehicle is obliged to maintain his own freedom of movements, the necessary field of vision and the permanent attention to driving … ». The mild insults are punishable in the criminal code with a fine of 10 to 20 days taking into account the personal and economic circumstances of the defendant, and the non-payment may entail the fulfilment of prison.
Safety distance is key to avoiding most collisions that occur. In addition, according to recent studies, 21% of drivers on Spain´s roads do not respect it.
The regulations explain that the safety distance is that which allows the vehicle to be completely stopped in case of emergency and sudden braking without colliding with the preceding vehicle, taking into account the speed, braking conditions and instantaneous adherence.
The regulations state that every driver must keep a safe distance to stop the vehicle completely in case of emergency without hitting the vehicle in front.
For this space to be correct, we must be aware of traffic conditions that can change constantly and that the same references do not work if driving in dry, wet, with high traffic density, so that the minimum distance varies, without forgetting, of course, the degradation of the tires or the braking system.
In any case, safety distance results from adding two other distances or factors:

Reaction time: The time it takes from when the driver detects an obstacle until making the decision to brake. In optimal conditions it is usually 0.75 to 1 second.
Braking distance: The distance the vehicle travels from when the brake pedal is pressed until the vehicle stops. To be as low as possible, we must take the car in good condition, which includes tyres, braking system, cargo, etc. Car maintenance is basic.

In normal circumstances, the trick of ‘half a metre’ can be valid: when we drive behind a vehicle, we will multiply 0,5 for each kilometre per hour we go. This simple operation will give a safe reference in metres. For example, if we drive at 100 km / h, it would be 50 meters that we should maintain approximately.
Another trick is more complex, as we can multiply the number of tens of our speed by itself. That is to say, if we go to 120 km / h we multiply by 12 to obtain 144 metres of distance. As you can see, a slower operation to do it mentally, taking into account the other factors to pay attention to while driving.
However, by far the simplest of all tricks is the ‘two second rule’. It is still not an exact science, and may not allow for precise calculations, but the two second rule is the easiest as you simply need to identify a point of reference for the vehicle in front to pass, and then count at lest 2 seconds until you reach that same reference point. Look out for any fixed object, a tree, a lamppost, a bus stop, and ten when the vehicle in front passes it, say to yourself, “only a fool breaks the two second rule”, calmly and slowly, and if you pass the same point before you have finished the sentence, you need to back off further. Remember, in wet weather, stopping distances are at least doubled, and in icy conditions they could be up to 10 times more.
On the motorways in Spain, it is better to allow for a minimum of 3 seconds, leaving the two second rule for other roads. The simple phrase, “1101, 1102 and 1103”, spoken normally, usually takes 3 seconds to complete. Remember, the more time, the greater the distance, the better.
 

Excerpt: Road rage or harassment can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences. In an ideal world, we would all drive in a safe, courteous and legal manner, maintaining a safe speed and distance, allowing other drivers to proceed if appropriate, staying Read Full Article...

### Lions Runners Reported for Driving Offences

A number of drivers participating in the annual Lion´s Run car race have been reported for a variety of offences for speeding, and drink or drug driving offences.

The internationally renowned annual race of high-end vehicles began in Paris on the 6th of June, and is set to end in Ibiza. This non-competitive event normally lasts 8 days and is regularly checked to ensure traffic regulations are adhered to in the countries through which it runs.
During checks arranged by the Guardia Civil traffic police in both the Valencian Community and the Community of Aragon, vehicles were monitored during their Spanish leg of the route.
In the Aragon region, 9 vehicles were reported for excessive speed, with one of them detected driving at 202 kilometres per hour.
In the Valencian Community, as a consequence of the operation, 29 high-end vehicles were checked, and as a result, 9 drivers were reported for speeding, 5 of which gave a positive result due to the presence of drugs in the body, and 1 for exceeding the legally established blood alcohol levels.
Also, two complaints were made for infractions to the general driving rules, one of them for reckless driving when the driver removed half of the body of the vehicle to film it. Also a foreign driver was denounced for possession of marijuana.

Excerpt: A number of drivers participating in the annual Lion´s Run car race have been reported for a variety of offences for speeding, and drink or drug driving offences. The internationally renowned annual race of high-end vehicles began in Paris on Read Full Article...

### Road Rage Victim Dies in Hospital

The suspect believed to be responsible for stabbing a 31-year-old man in a road rage incident at the weekend was remanded in custody by the courts on Thursday.

The 31-year-old victim, Daniel F.C. from Alicante, died on Saturday at the Hospital La Fe after six days in an induced coma after an altercation during a traffic discussion in the service area of ​​the A-7 in Benifaió.
The aggressor fled with his vehicle on the motorway in the direction of Albacete, but was arrested two hours later in Algemesí by a traffic patrol of the Guardia Civil. The detainee, who has several criminal records, confessed to stabbing his victim during the incident.
The violent events occurred around 10 am on June 4, when the two drivers stopped their vehicles next to a gas station, got out of the cars and discussed why the offender had made several manoeuvres, such as braking and lane changes, which bothered the young man when they were driving on the A-7.
Daniel, who was accompanied by his girlfriend, pushed the other man without realising that he was holding a small knife. After an argument, the 55-year-old perpetrator slashed a knife in the left side of the young man when he placed his hands on his chest to push him away.
The deadly aggression was recorded by a video camera at the gas station. The victim did not realise at the time that he had been stabbed. The prick with the knife was very fast and Daniel hardly felt any pain. A nephew of the armed individual also got out off the vehicle to confront the young man, although this second man did not participate in the aggression. Daniel’s girlfriend got out of the car then to try to calm things down, and the four people calmed down after a few moments of great tension and nervousness with insults and serious threats.
The two men hurriedly climbed into a Class A Mercedes and continued on the A-7 towards Albacete. The couple also went to their vehicle to leave, and it was at that precise moment when Daniel discovered that he had a knife wound on his left side. The knife had pierced the heart of the young man, who was still walking without being aware of the fatal injury he had received.
When he entered the gas station to ask for help, Daniel lost consciousness and fell into the arms of his girlfriend. The victim was bleeding. The girl asked an employee at the service station to call 112. As Daniel’s life hung by a thread, a patrol of the Local Police of Benifaió responded to the emergency call and proceeded urgently to the scene.
After just a few minutes, the first responders arrived at the service station. After evaluating the situation and the serious state of the man, the police officers decided to get the victim into their patrol car to urgently take him to the nearest medical centre.
Shortly after, the Guardia Civil arrived and took charge of the investigation, launching an urgent operation to locate and arrest the perpetrator.
Whilst a paramedic ambulance took over the care of the victim, transferring him to the La Fe Hospital in Valencia, the description of the vehicle and suspect were disseminated to all the patrols that they were on duty in the province of Valencia.
The search operation paid off as around 12 o’clock, just 2 hours after the incident, a Guardia Civil traffic patrol spotted the suspect vehicle leaving the A-7 motorway at Algemesí, and proceeded to stop the car. The officers ordered the two men to get out of the vehicle whilst they searched and identified them. The prime suspect cooperated with the officers and acknowledged that he had stabbed the young man when he pushed him after the traffic discussions.
The officers found the bloodied knife in the pocket of the man’s pants, so they detained the individual for a crime of injuries and then they transferred him to the Guardia Civil barracks in Almussafes, where he was detained until the next day, when the judge ordered the assailant to be imprisoned when they informed him of the serious condition of the victim.
After six days in an induced coma, Daniel died at the Hospital, despite medical efforts. The man imprisoned as alleged perpetrator was informed that he will be prosecuted for a crime of homicide. The court of Carlet (Valencia) ordered this detention in prison on Thursday.

Excerpt: The suspect believed to be responsible for stabbing a 31-year-old man in a road rage incident at the weekend was remanded in custody by the courts on Thursday. The 31-year-old victim, Daniel F.C. from Alicante, died on Saturday at the Read Full Article...

### Police Intercept Drugged Driver at 128kmph

The Municipal Police of Pamplona have caught a drugged-up driver who was travelling at 128 kilometres per hour on a road where the maximum permitted limit was 50.

The incident occurred on Wednesday night at 9:00 pm, when a mobile radar was set up on Avenida de Pío XII, at the junction with the Vuelta del Castillo.
Once intercepted, the driver, a young man of 22 years of age, was subjected to a drugs test, which proved positive.
On account of the seriousness of the offences, the driver has been reported for a crime against road safety for which he must appear before the courts.

Excerpt: The Municipal Police of Pamplona have caught a drugged-up driver who was travelling at 128 kilometres per hour on a road where the maximum permitted limit was 50. The incident occurred on Wednesday night at 9:00 pm, when a mobile Read Full Article...

### Three Times Over the Limit Cyclist Reported

A cyclist has been reported by the Guardia Civil for being almost three times over the maximum permitted alcohol limit.

The cyclist was riding on the CM-4124 road near the Ciudad Real town of Bolaños de Calatrava when the officers stopped the rider and carried out the breathalyser test.
Cyclists are reminded that they are governed by the same rules as any other vehicle on the road and, therefore, are prohibited from riding with more than the prescribed limit of alcohol in their system.

Excerpt: A cyclist has been reported by the Guardia Civil for being almost three times over the maximum permitted alcohol limit. The cyclist was riding on the CM-4124 road near the Ciudad Real town of Bolaños de Calatrava when the officers Read Full Article...

### Highway Robbers Arrested

Another group of heartless robbers, who would target innocent victims on the A-7 motorway, mostly tourists, have been arrested by the Catalan police.
The group are believed to have been responsible for more than 50 highway robberies, targeting service and rest areas along the motorway network.
So far, 15 people have been arrested, all natives of Kosovo and with various backgrounds in different European countries such as France, Germany and Italy.
They used high-end vehicles to ensure a quick escape after committing the crimes or to flee from the police in the event of being discovered. So far, investigators have been able to associate this group with around 50 crimes committed in the 6 months that the investigation has taken place, although it still remains open to others.
The gang would use various techniques to rob innocent victims of valuables and money from inside parked vehicles after distracting their occupants. One of his most common tricks was to warn the victims that they had the flat tire and pretend to help them.
The arrests were made on June 6 in the towns of Castelldefels, Badalona, ​​Barcelona and Vilanova i la Geltrú. Those arrested are accused of being the perpetrators of the crimes of theft, against traffic safety, forgery and a robbery with intimidation.
One of the detainees was alerted to the police operation and escaped on the motorway in the direction of Valencia, but was followed by the police who stopped and arrested the suspect in Vilanova i la Geltrú.
Between them, the detainees have accumulated hundreds of police records, some having already been arrested in 2013 for similar offences.

The investigation, which has lasted almost six months, took place with the collaboration of the company Abertis, which manages the motorways, and began at the end of last year when the police were aware that there had been a theft of 27,000 euro at km 120 of the AP-7.
During the investigation, the officers proved that the detainees have a very high degree of specialisation, perfected over the years. The members of the organization have defined roles and choose victims mostly of foreign origin, because of the large amounts of money they often carry in cash for their vacation.
They acted in three groups, but they were coordinated and directed by four bosses. The dismantled organisation had the established base in Catalonia and was nourished by itinerant components that took advantage of such times as the summer season, in which there is a greater influx of foreigners on the highways. Subsequently, to avoid being stopped by the police, they left Spain for a while and continued to operate in other countries.
All of them used falsified documentation on a regular basis to identify themselves when they were detected by police officers, as well as renting the vehicles in which they were travelling.
Of the members of the gang investigated, only six have stable domicile in Spain, while the rest were staying temporarily in Catalonia, in several hostels and hotels of different towns during the period they intended to commit thefts. Other members of the group continuously changed the homes where they resided to make detection more difficult, while those who lived in stable homes had taken very advanced security measures to avoid being detected and followed.
The group acted in two ways to identify their victims. The main ‘modus operandi’ was the “pincharuedas”, which consists of a member of the gang puncturing a tyre on the victim’s vehicle and then following the vehicle until the victim had to stop on the hard shoulder, at which time the perpetrators also took advantage of the disabled vehicle to subtract the objects from inside.
However, in most cases, and given the degree of specialisation acquired by the band, they no longer needed to puncture the wheel of the victims’ vehicle. Simply, once having detected the vehicle they wanted to assault, they urged the driver to stop on the hard shoulder or in the same service or rest area of the highway, making the driver believe there was a problem in the vehicle. Once stopped and with the excuse of providing assistance, the authors distracted the victims while taking advantage of the objects inside the vehicle.
 
N332.es has created a helpful video explaining how to identify a real Guardia Civil unmarked vehicle to help prevent similar distractions. Remember, ig you are ever in any doubt if a vehicle trying to flag you down is real, immediately dial 062 if you speak Spanish, or 112 for other international languages, and the emergency control centres will either be able to advise you of the validity of the vehicle, or summon help straight away.

Excerpt: Another group of heartless robbers, who would target innocent victims on the A-7 motorway, mostly tourists, have been arrested by the Catalan police. The group are believed to have been responsible for more than 50 highway robberies, targeting service and Read Full Article...

### Torrevieja Killer Accepts Murder and 20 Years in Prison

Following a change of direction in the trial in Alicante, a man accused of murdering his partner and sandwiching the body in a meter room in an apartment block in Torrevieja (Alicante) in 2016 has accepted a sentence of 20 years in prison.
The agreement was announced on Tuesday by his lawyer Carlos Martin Borromeo, who said in a statement on Tuesday that the suspect, John Charlie Leiva,  had asked to modify his story, stating that he did intend killing, Johana Bertina PG, accepting, in full, the factual story formulated by the prosecution.
The suspect admitted that he strangled Johanna Bertina PG on the terrace of the family home, on calle Ramón y Cajal in Torrevieja. He did so after surprising her after cornering her and taking advantage of his greater physical build, without giving the victim any chance to defend herself, according to his new testimony.
The woman had previously told a friend of her intention to return to Chile with their two children, a girl and a boy of 14 and 8 years today, because she could no longer bear the arguments and ill-treatment.
After the crime, the confessed murderer took the body from the rooftop of the building to the meter room and hid her body by covering her with cement and bricks. The body was discovered on 17 August, over two months later, in an advanced state of decomposition, and the accused was arrested the same day by the Guardia Civil.
In exchange for his confession, the prosecution have agreed to reduce the sentence to 20 years from 25, which should be handed down later in the week following the decision by the jury and the ruling by the judge.
 

Excerpt: Following a change of direction in the trial in Alicante, a man accused of murdering his partner and sandwiching the body in a meter room in an apartment block in Torrevieja (Alicante) in 2016 has accepted a sentence of 20 years in prison. The agreement was announced on Tuesday by his lawyer Carlos Martin Borromeo, …

### My British Registered Car has an Expired MOT. Can I get an ITV done in Spain instead?

This is a very common question, and also one which has caused some confusion amongst the owners of foreign registered vehicles, but the simple answer to the question is no.

The technical inspection certificate for a vehicle is only valid when issued in the country of registration, in the case of this vehicle, the MOT certificate issued in the U.K. If your MOT has expired, you must make arrangements for the vehicle to be transported back to the U.K. for a test to be carried out, remembering that from the moment the MOT expires, you are not able to drive the vehicle on the roads in Spain.
Many people have reported taking their foreign registered cars to ITV stations and having an inspection carried out, and certified, so how is this possible? Well, the simple answer is this. You may take any vehicle to an ITV station and the inspectors will indeed conduct a test and issue a report. However, if you look closely at this report, on the top, it states that it is a “voluntary inspection”. In other words, it has no legal standing in Spain.
You may be concerned about a fault with your car, or you may just want a mechanic with superior knowledge to check your car for faults, which is why the inspectors will carry out examinations on any vehicle. But again, the point is that these examinations, on foreign registered vehicles, are voluntary and have no legal standing.
So, you may of course take your British registered car to an ITV station, assuming your MOT is valid when you drive there, and you will be inspected at your request, but this ITV certificate does not, in any way, replace the requirement for the vehicle to return to the UK in order for it to be subject to your mandatory MOT inspection.

Excerpt: This is a very common question, and also one which has caused some confusion amongst the owners of foreign registered vehicles, but the simple answer to the question is no. The technical inspection certificate for a vehicle is only valid Read Full Article...

### Brit Arrested in Torrevieja in Child Porn Network Investigation

A British resident of Spain was arrested in Torrevieja, and is amongst 24 people detained across Spain as part of a National Police investigation into the distribution of child pornography.
Arrests have taken place across Spain, including 4 in Madrid and 3 in the Alicante province, as reported by the Ministry of the Interior on Sunday.
In Granada, two detainees were a man and his stepdaughter, who would first identify their prey and then the 30-year-old girl would allegedly seduce them into sending pictures of a sexual nature.
In Guipúzcoa, a man of Pakistani origin was believed to have been hacking into the accounts of his neighbours in order to share paedophile material, which also led the investigators to uncover a network dedicated to the promotion of illegal immigration, also resulting in the arrest of three Algerians.
The investigation began after officers became aware of people sharing this type of file through social media. After identifying the people who created the profiles, they were subjected to surveillance, which subsequently resulted in their homes being searched, resulting in thousands of images of children were recovered.
The British suspect, who was arrested in Torrevieja, also had his house searched, in which the police uncovered thousands of images relating to child sexual abuse of a graphic nature.
The other two people arrested in the Alicante province were brothers, one of whom being an evangelical pastor who declared that he was in possession of the images in order to better understand the phenomenon of paedophilia and better help those with such inclinations.
In Barcelona, a Ghanaian citizen was arrested on suspicion of distributing images of black girls, and another of Pakistani origin who is accused of distributing images of children of a homosexual nature.
In Madrid, an Ecuadorian citizen, who worked as a food monitor amongst children, and a teacher of children with special needs were both detained.
In total, 24 people were arrested across Spain during the entire operation in Guipúzcoa (4), Madrid (4), Alicante (3), Barcelona (2), Granada (2), A Coruña (1), Asturias (1), Palma (1), Seville (1), Cádiz (1), Navarra (1), Pontevedra (1), Valencia (1) and Las Palmas (1).

Excerpt: A British resident of Spain was arrested in Torrevieja, and is amongst 24 people detained across Spain as part of a National Police investigation into the distribution of child pornography. Arrests have taken place across Spain, including 4 in Madrid and 3 in the Alicante province, as reported by the Ministry of the Interior on …

### Cyclists Advised over Responsibilities

The DGT has sent a message through their social media platforms trying to reach out to cyclists to be aware of their behaviour and responsibilities on public roads.

The aim was to advise cyclists of their responsibilities, but not in a manner that should allow for suspicion other than the facts that these rules are there for the safety and security of all road users, including the cyclists themselves.
Although many cyclists do of course abide by the law, there are some who ignore it on a regular basis. In Granada, for example, complaints against to cyclists have doubled in a year.
The first points raised are over visibility. Wearing a reflective vest is mandatory during times of poor visibility, and it is advisable at all times.
When a cycle is on the road, it is a vehicle just like any other, and the rider must abide by the same laws, including the maximum permitted alcohol level of 0.5 grams per litre in blood or 0.25 milligrams per litre in expelled air.
At pedestrian crossings, you must get off the bike to cross. Cyclists are not permitted to ride across pedestrian crossings any more than a car can. It is also important to remember that the pavement is for pedestrians, unless cycles are expressly permitted.
Using headphones or a mobile phone is expressly forbidden when driving a car, but the same also applies when riding a bicycle, the same rules apply remember.
We have also compiled a list of another ten of the most popular mistakes that can result in infractions, all punishable by a fine, and here in no particular order
When a circular sign notifies cyclists of the presence of a cycle lane, it is mandatory for cycles to use it, not the main carriageway of the road. The only exception being for high powered racing bikes.
Bicycles must have both front and rear brakes, and both must be working.
As mentioned, the use of headphones connected to music players or other devices is prohibited.
You must signal your intention to manoeuvre, and wear a helmet. In the city it is mandatory for children under 16 and it is compulsory for everyone on the roads outside city limits.
Any manoeuvre must be signalled in advance and performed in sufficient space.
On roundabouts, cyclists in a group have priority when on the roundabout, provided that the lead cyclist has already entered the roundabout.
Lights at the front and rear are mandatory.
When on a one-way street, cyclists must always flow in the direction of the traffic
A bell is mandatory on a bicycle.
In areas where cycling is permitted, pedestrians must be given adequate space and clearance.

Excerpt: The DGT has sent a message through their social media platforms trying to reach out to cyclists to be aware of their behaviour and responsibilities on public roads. The aim was to advise cyclists of their responsibilities, but not in Read Full Article...

### Three Arrested in Torrevieja for Property Scams

Three people have been arrested in the Alicante town of Torrevieja, suspected of conning foreigners through a scam involving real estate and documentation.
The three people, two men aged 47 and 50, and a woman aged 34, were arrested by the Guardia Civil after the investigation revealed that the trio, two of whom were domestic partners and the third a lawyer, are alleged to have earned the trust of their victims and then con them out of significant amounts of money for services never performed, or charged at a significantly higher rate for services which are either free or cost a minimal amount.
For example, the team would charge 800 euro for the processing of a foreigners identity number (NIE), 3,500 euro for a solvency certificate, and even taking up to 30,000 euro for deposits on properties for sale.
Many of the deposits were taken without the express consent of the owner, or without the deposit being transferred to them, and in some cases taking multiple deposits for the same property.
Once the money was collected, the client relationship was then disregarded and the money not returned, with many of the victims reluctant to file complaints due to the apparent complexity of doing so, and of the case.
Thanks to the intervention of the investigators, the group only managed to defraud around a dozen people on this occasion, although they have been subject to similar investigations previously.
The three people were remanded in custody, although one was released on bail, and will appear in court charged with offences of real estate fraud, falsifying documentation, fraudulent processing of official acts and of being part of a criminal gang, facing prison for their actions.
 
 

Excerpt: Three people have been arrested in the Alicante town of Torrevieja, suspected of conning foreigners through a scam involving real estate and documentation. The three people, two men aged 47 and 50, and a woman aged 34, were arrested by the Guardia Civil after the investigation revealed that the trio, two of whom were domestic …

### Flights cancelled as Italy goes on strike again

Airlines are warning of cancellations and delays tomorrow due to more strikes in Italy.
National strike action is due to take place on Friday and will affect Air Traffic Control and ground handling services.
Ryanair said it has been forced to cancel a number of flights on Friday and is also expecting delays to flights to, from and over Italy.
“Ryanair calls for immediate EU Commission action to prevent more ATC strikes and staff shortages disrupting the travel plans of Europe’s consumers this summer, and we also encourage all customers to sign A4E’s online petition, Keep Europe’s Skies Open,” it said.
EasyJet said it was expecting a number of cancellations and potential delays.
British Airways said the strike would impact flights to and from Rome, Venice and Milan Linate.
“Some flights could face disruption, which is beyond our control, and we recognise that you may not wish to travel as a result. We have therefore introduced a more flexible rebooking policy to help affected customers travel on alternative dates and avoid the strike action,” it said.
BA said it would also be using larger aircraft on other services to and from Italy to help any affected customers from cancelled services.

Excerpt: Airlines are warning of cancellations and delays tomorrow due to more strikes in Italy. National strike action is due to take place on Friday and will affect Air Traffic Control and ground handling services. Ryanair said it has been forced to cancel a number of flights on Friday and is also expecting delays to flights …

### More than 200 Subsidised Jobs Offered to Young People of Torrevieja

Thanks to subsidised funding, more than 200 unemployed young people may find jobs in Torrevieja, so long as they sign up quickly.
A grant, which exceeds one million euro, was awarded in 2017 and implies a maximum recruitment of up to 153 young people, 67 qualified people (with a degree or higher) and 86 unskilled workers (who must have at most ESO or the specific qualification in some specific cases such as the lifeguard posts).
To qualify, you must be between 16 and 29, and can find yourself working for Torrevieja town hall on a 12-month contract, at least. 
In all cases they must be registered and appear as active beneficiaries, and registered in the SERVEF of Torrevieja as unemployed. In addition, they must be enrolled in one of the occupations that are available.
However, those who are interested in finding work placements must sign up at the Local Development Agency and SERVEF before June 8, where more information is also available.

Excerpt: Thanks to subsidised funding, more than 200 unemployed young people may find jobs in Torrevieja, so long as they sign up quickly. A grant, which exceeds one million euro, was awarded in 2017 and implies a maximum recruitment of up to 153 young people, 67 qualified people (with a degree or higher) and 86 unskilled …

### Truck Crash Closes Elche Motorway

An articulated truck, loaded with melons, overturned, crashed and burst into flames, blocking the A7 motorway in the area of the Elche university.

The incident occurred at around lunchtime on Wednesday, resulting in the truck blocking the entire motorway in one direction.
Footage and images from the scene showed the cab of the truck on fire and help being rendered to injured parties by the roadside.
Despite the dramatic images, nobody was seriously injured in the crash, the two occupants of the truck escaping before the blaze took hold.
An investigation is being carried out to ascertain the cause of the crash, whilst fire fighters tackled the blaze, officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department worked through the afternoon to try to get the motorway reopened to traffic as soon as possible.

Excerpt: An articulated truck, loaded with melons, overturned, crashed and burst into flames, blocking the A7 motorway in the area of the Elche university. The incident occurred at around lunchtime on Wednesday, resulting in the truck blocking the entire motorway in Read Full Article...

### Congress Agrees to Warnings of Santa Pola Black Spots

Thanks to lobbying by the Ciudadanos political group, the government has agreed to plans to eliminate infamous black spots on N-332 at Santa Pola.

National spokesperson for the group, Pepe Cano, presented the plans to the Commission on Road Safety and Sustainable Mobility to carry out works to improve road safety on the N-332 road in the Santa Pola area, after a number of incidents over recent years.
Pepe Cano confirmed that the plan for the improvements “has been supported by all groups, except the PP”, but warned that, “these projects have been pending implementation since 2006, twelve years already. Neither the PSOE nor the PP have done anything, one more example, very typical of bipartisanship, of not executing budgets although what is at stake is security.”
The local coordinator in Santa Pola, José Antonio Aibar, justified the urgency of intervening in this way, in which 4 fatalities have been registered since 2016, “the last one a 44-year-old biker last February and in 2016 a 17-year-old boy who was hit by a truck due to the lack of hard shoulder,” he reported. Specifically, at kilometre 88 of the N-332 there have been 24 incidents since 2009, three of which have taken place in the last nine months “without the competent authorities having reacted correctly despite the danger of that point”.
Cano has specified that the proposal includes the installation of vertical signage in the sections leading to kilometre 88 of the N-332 and extend it to the rest of the black points of the national roads in order to inform drivers to exercise caution in these areas. They also requested the immediate carrying out of conservation and maintenance works on the N-332 as it passes through Santa Pola in places such as the acceleration lane of Gran Alacant towards Alicante, the incorporation of Gran Alacant to Santa Pola and the underground passage of the entrance to Santa Pola, in order to improve road safety. “From Cs we are satisfied to have obtained a majority support. Now we hope that these necessary interventions will not be delayed anymore,” the deputy pointed out.
José Antonio Aibar also celebrated the great support obtained by the proposal and added that “something that draws much attention is that the PP does not support the improvement of the N-332, although it announced in 2017 that it would include the budgets of 2018 a plan to make improvements to the black spots, which finally has not happened”.

Excerpt: Thanks to lobbying by the Ciudadanos political group, the government has agreed to plans to eliminate infamous black spots on N-332 at Santa Pola. National spokesperson for the group, Pepe Cano, presented the plans to the Commission on Road Safety Read Full Article...

### Skateboarding May Be Allowed on Pavements in Madrid

Skateboards may be permitted to be used on pavements, bicycle paths and other pedestrian areas of the city of Madrid, according to the final draft of the new Sustainable Mobility Ordinance, which will be approved on Thursday by the Government Board.

The document, whose main points were already announced last February, allows skateboards to travel under the same rules as skates and scooters without motors, since in the initial proposal of the ordinance its use was exclusively for sports, which meant it was restricted and limited to specifically designated areas. 
“They will be able to go on the pavements at the pace of the pedestrians, who will always have priority, they will not be able to do jumps or acrobatics,” municipal sources point out, however, for skateboards restrictions may be established for safety reasons on specific routes, for example, on bicycle paths that have a steep slope.

Excerpt: Skateboards may be permitted to be used on pavements, bicycle paths and other pedestrian areas of the city of Madrid, according to the final draft of the new Sustainable Mobility Ordinance, which will be approved on Thursday by the Government Read Full Article...

### Tobacco, Cause of Deathfor One in every Ten Adults

The link between tobacco and canceris direct, and the disappearance of the first would render some tumours, including lung tumours, uncommon, states Doctor Dick Pasker, pneumology specialist at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja. In addition, according to the World Health Organization, tobacco use is directly related to deadly diseases such as lung and larynx cancer, the ninth cause of death around the world.

Doctor Pasker advises both habitual smokers and former smokers to undergo periodic check-ups. As the pneumologist notes, “when lung cancer is detected in time, and the patient received immediate treatment, the cure sate rises to 92%. Without early diagnosis, most lung cancer patients end up dying. The objective of the check-ups is to detect illnesses related to tobacco use in their early stages, in order to solve the `problem before there’s no chance of a cure.”

Tobacco is linked to over 25 diseases, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as different types of cancer; additionally, nicotine is a drug with an addition rate as high as heroin. Among all these diseases that are fundamentally related to tobacco, Doctor Pasker highlights COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). “This disease,” the specialist explains, “is characterised by difficulty getting air into the bronchi, and symptoms such as suffocating while walking or increasing activity level, cough and expectoration increase as the years go by. It is important to detect it in time, because it is an irreversible progressive disease.” The pneumologist added that, “COPD cannot be cured, but there are treatments that can help control its symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life. Forecasts show that this problem will increase. This is why it is so important.”

 

Know Tobacco’s Risks

 

According to the specialist, these are some of the health risks of using tobacco:

 	The damage caused by tobacco is not restricted to the lungs; the risk of tumours affects all the organs it comes into contact with, especially the mouth, often forgotten, and it is determinant in cardiovascular diseases.
 	Cancer is not the only damage tobacco can cause to the lung. Emphysema and COPD are two irreversible processes directly linked to tobacco.
 	Tobacco negatively affects male and female fertility, as well as the conception process.
 	Women who smoke have higher risk pregnancy, and their babies also suffer negative consequences during the pregnancy and after their birth.
 	Children are the most vulnerable of passive smokers, and tobacco is the most determining preventable risk factor in childhood respiratory diseases.
 	Smokers sleep less, and their sleep quality is worse.
 	The addiction caused by nicotine is the main obstacle in the process of quitting, but once it is overcome, there are immediate visible benefits, such as skin quality.

 

 

About Quirónsalud

Quirónsalud is the most important hospital group in Spain, and the third largest in Europe. It is present in 13 autonomous communities, has the most advanced technologies, and offers over 6,500 beds in more than 100 centres, such as the Fundación Jiménez Díaz [Jiménez Díaz Foundation], Hospital Universitario Quirónsalud Madrid, Hospital Universitario Dexeus, Ruber, Centro Médico Teknon, Hospital La Luz, Policlínica de Guipúzcoa, etc., as well as a great team of highly specialised professionals of international prestige.

 

We work on teaching promotion (seven of our centres are university hospitals), and medical-scientific research (we have the Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la FJD [JDF Healthcare Research Centre], the only privateresearch centre with accreditation from the Secretaría de Estado de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación [Ministry for Research, Development and Innovation].

 

Likewise, our assistance service is organised in units and crosscutting networks, which allows us to optimise the accumulated experience of our different centres, and the clinical application of our research. Currently, Quirónsalud is developing many research projects throughout Spain, and many of its centres perform cutting edge work, and are pioneers in different specialisations, including cardiology, endocrinology, gynaecology, neurology, oncology and sports medicine, among others.

### Pets Permitted to Visit Patients in Hospital

Ina pioneering scheme in Spain, patients having to stay in hospital for treatment will at least be able to gain some comfort by their pets being allowed to visit them at their bedside.
The scheme has been devised through a collaboration between the College of Veterinarians of Alicante and Ribera Salud, and has been tested in the hospitals of Torrevieja and Vinalopó in Elche.
To qualify for a hospital visit, the patient must first obtain consent from the doctor in charge of treatment, and a certificate from a vet.
As reported by the company in a statement, this new protocol, developed as a response to the request of the patients themselves, has been under trial for some time, and is applied to the University Hospitals of Torrevieja and Vinalopó (Elche). It is the only such service in mainland Spain, with the only other being the Dogspital program at the Hospital de Ibiza.

Excerpt: Ina pioneering scheme in Spain, patients having to stay in hospital for treatment will at least be able to gain some comfort by their pets being allowed to visit them at their bedside. The scheme has been devised through a collaboration between the College of Veterinarians of Alicante and Ribera Salud, and has been tested …

### Portuguese Man O War Threat Easing

After days of beach closures, the imminent threat to bathers over the invasion of Portuguese Man O War along the Costa Blanca appears to be easing.
Councils along the coastline have started to remove prohibition notices, with the popular resort of Torrevieja being the latest to lift the ban along the La Mata stretch, which had been closed since the 19th of May, as a precaution.
Municipal sources confirmed that as from 09:00 on Tuesday morning the 2 kilometre stretch of beach had reopened.
Concerns had been raised along the entire coast after a number of these creatures were found both washed up on the beaches and swimming in the sea close to the shore. There had been instances of bathers being stung, although no serious injuries were recorded.
In a neighbouring municipality, the local police posted a picture on their social media feeds showing how small these creatures can be, highlighting one next to a car key, as many visitors wrongly believed them to be of considerable size and easily noticeable, whereas the image showed the real reason why many beaches were also closed and being patrolled, not just the sea.

The siphonophore hidrozoo secretes a toxic substance urticante and, after reaching the Mediterranean from the Atlantic through the Strait of Gibraltar, in recent weeks has been displaced by wind turning from north to south to hit the coast. 
Bathers are still advised to check and note warning on beaches, both signs and the flag colour, with red flags prohibiting bathing, yellow flags indicating caution, which could be flying for any actual reason, although the aim is simply for the protection of visitors to the beaches.

Excerpt: After days of beach closures, the imminent threat to bathers over the invasion of Portuguese Man O War along the Costa Blanca appears to be easing. Councils along the coastline have started to remove prohibition notices, with the popular resort of Torrevieja being the latest to lift the ban along the La Mata stretch, which …

### Add yourself to our mailing list

Thanks to the support from our sponsors, we are now able to open the doors to allow more members to join the N332 / RoadWatch mailing list.
Please, if you have already signed up, do not worry, your details are safe and that list has not been changed. This just allows more spots to be filled for those who missed out last time when we had to close the list once we reached the maximum permitted numbers.
If you have not yet signed up and would like to receive periodic updates from us, then fill your details in below.
We won´t spam you, we will just send you important updates and only relevant information about the site and our selected partners.
You will be the first to be updated of important notices and such things as the release of the next edition of RoadWatch eMagazine, that sort of thing, so if you want to be added (and you can unsubscribe at any time) then fill in your details here.






Subscribe to the N332 RoadWatch mailing list
* indicates required

	Email Address  *

	


	First Name 
	


	Last Name 
	





    







Alternatively, you can also sign up for more frequent updates direct from the website by using the link below.

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

 

Excerpt: Thanks to the support from our sponsors, we are now able to open the doors to allow more members to join the N332 / RoadWatch mailing list. Please, if you have already signed up, do not worry, your details are Read Full Article...

### The most common infractions committed by motorcyclists

Motorcycles are an increasingly popular form of mobility, offering a fun alternative to the car, with benefits for the environment, for increasingly difficult parking places, of economic advantage, but also often resulting in drivers suffering some of the most serious injuries of all road users.
That said, the choice is still a popular one, especially at weekends, and during holiday periods, but many riders are apparently unaware of some of the most common infractions committed, or the subsequent penalties.
The penalty for acting carelessly on a motorcycle can cost between 10 and 30,000 euro as a fine, according to the experts of Multayuda, with the most common ones being forgetting documentation and not having complied with certain administrative procedures.
To try to assist bikers in becoming more aware of their responsibilities, they should hopefully be better equipped for safer riding, at least that is the hope of the Wiquot company, who has drawn up a list of the most common motorcycle fines, including negligence such as forgetting when to renew the ITV or changing the tyres.

The most common fines on motorcycles

Forgetting to carry a driver’s licence. This oversight can result in a 10€ fine and must be submitted before 5 days to an office where the agents indicate. However, not having a driving licence can constitute a criminal offence, and so it is possible that the driver could have to spend a night in the cells until confirmation can be obtained.
Expired license. Not having renewed the licence carries a fine of 200€.
Forget passing the ITV. This procedure is obligatory and not doing so carries a fine of 200€. Not only that, once the ITV has expired, the bike cannot be ridden on the roads until the ITV is passed, and so alternative arrangements, such as with a grua, must be made to transport the vehicle to the testing station.
Not having updated address changes. The correct driver’s information must appear on the driver’s licence. If you have not notified the changes to the DGT you can be fined 80€.
Not wearing a helmet. This carries a fine of 200€ and the withdrawal of 3 points of the driver’s licence. In addition, in the case of carrying another person and it is the passenger who is not wearing a helmet, it is the driver who will be held responsible and sanctioned.
Not having renewed the insurance. The fine for this infraction can range between 601 and 3,005€. In addition, it will mean the immediate immobilisation of the motorcycle.
Chaining the motorbike to street furniture. Beware that parking next to a street lamp or a road sign, for example, as this can result in a 30€ fine.
Parking on pavements and pedestrian squares. You may only park on sidewalks that are more than 3.5 meters wide. Doing so in public places will be sanctioned with a 30€ fine and in any place that obstructs the passage of pedestrians has a fine of 200€.
Dirty number plate. As with cars, the fine can be 200€. In addition, putting stickers or other type of ornaments in the licence plate is not allowed and carries a penalty of 80€.
Washing the motorbike in the street is prohibited and may result in a fine between 30 and 3,000€.
Refuelling inadequately. Putting fuel in the motorbike whilst the lights, the engine or the radio are on, as with cars, carries a penalty, in this case, the fine is 80€.
Parking on the sand on the beach can be one of the most expensive fines. For example, a parking lot in the sand of Roquetas de Mar (Almería) resulted in a fine of 30,505€, as it is a protected area.
Turning back. Stopping when passing a detour and turning back can cost 200€ and the withdrawal of 4 points of the licence.
Spinning or skidding wheels carries a fine of 100€.
Driving with worn tires is sanctioned with a fine of 200€.
Driving on the hard shoulder without cause is fined at 200€.
Driving without an appropriate licence. Holders of a full car licence may ride a motorbike up to 125cc. But driving a motorcycle more powerful or outside the scope of that permitted by the licence may result in a fine of 500€ and 4 points withdrawn from the licence, and another 200€ for the owner of the motorcycle. In addition, driving directly without a licence, such as never having held one or when withdrawn by the courts, may result in a prison sentence. In this case, the prison sentence can be between 3 and 6 months and will be accompanied by a fine and community service 1 to 3 months.

Excerpt: Motorcycles are an increasingly popular form of mobility, offering a fun alternative to the car, with benefits for the environment, for increasingly difficult parking places, of economic advantage, but also often resulting in drivers suffering some of the most serious Read Full Article...

### Fifteen People Evacuated from Torrevieja Fire

Around fifteen people were evacuated from their homes in Torrevieja on Sunday after fears for their safety were raised following a forest fire in the naturalpark of Lagunas de la Mata.

The fire started at around 15:45 near the junction of Miguel de Unamuno and Pablo Neruda and resulted in 1,500 square metres of natural parkland being destroyed.

Eight fire tenders attended the incident, as well as medical staff who assisted in the evacuation, although the fire was successfully controlled around an hour after the fight begun.

Picture thanks to Alicante Fire Consortium

### Guardia Civil Exhibition in Torrevieja

http://youtu.be/NT9q8OvBh4w

The Guardia Civil held an exhibition of their vehicles and law enforcement tools in Torrevieja.

### Guardia Civil Exhibition in Torrevieja Today

Members of the Guardia Civil are at the marina area of Torrevieja today, displaying a range of tools and vehicles used in law enforcement.



There are static displays throughout the afternoon and demonstrations during the event.

It is free to visit and worth popping along to explore some of the hidden elements of this safety and security orientated corps.

### Red Light Jumping Cyclist has Bike Confiscated

A cyclist in Elche (Alicante) had his bike confiscated this week, after a Local Police patrol observed the cyclist riding through a red traffic light.
The officers observed the infraction on Tuesday in the city centre and proceeded to process the cyclist for committing a traffic offence. Upon speaking to the cyclist, the officers became concerned over the well being of the cyclist and proceeded with a drug test, which tested positive for cannabis.
In the interest of safety, the officers confiscated the bike and processed the cyclist for the additional offence of driving under the influence of drugs, in addition to the traffic light offence.
Cyclists are reminded that when they are on the road they are a governed by the same laws as all other vehicles, and so traffic law must be observed at all time.
Last month, officers from the Guardia Civil fined a cyclist one hundred euro for exceeding the peed limit on the CV-675 road, which links the Valencian towns of Barx and Gandia. A speed control detected the cyclist travelling at 77 kilometres per hour on the road where the maximum permitted speed was 60.

Excerpt: A cyclist in Elche (Alicante) had his bike confiscated this week, after a Local Police patrol observed the cyclist riding through a red traffic light. The officers observed the infraction on Tuesday in the city centre and proceeded to process Read Full Article...

### RoadWatch Issue 13

Welcome to the latest edition of RoadWatch eMagazine. You can read the eMagazine FOR FREE at the end of this introduction post, or just scroll to the bottom if you prefer to skip this part. You can also purchase and download the PDF to your own device by clicking the button here…

Buy PDF

 
We have got lots to talk about in this issue, but first you might have noticed our new look. We have focused more on our main name, RoadWatch, in order to allow us to expand our coverage to feature a wider range of articles, not only covering Spain, but (eventually) the rest of Europe, and to allow us to expand the rest of our features to include interesting articles from our partners, which we hope will also be of use and service to you.
We are still part of the N332 Road Safety Project, which is why we are “In Conjunction with N332” on the cover, and so we have lots of articles of interest to driving in Spain, from carrying a bike to getting older, and an in-depth look at both speed and wearing seatbelts.

As always, we also give you some more secrets from the hidden treasure trove of tools available to the Guardia Civil to help in the quest for safer roads, and a detailed look at the mini eye-in-the-sky, drones.
From the world of motoring we have some great features this month, including the amazing beauty of our cover model, and a look at classics for sale.
As always, you can find more information on the websites, n332.es, and RoadWatch.eu, where you can get the latest articles constantly updated. You can also subscribe to our newsletter by clicking the link on the site, and be the first to hear about the latest issue of RoadWatch, when we publish it.
For now, enjoy this edition and stay safe.





Buy PDF

Excerpt: Welcome to the latest edition of RoadWatch eMagazine. You can read the eMagazine FOR FREE at the end of this introduction post, or just scroll to the bottom if you prefer to skip this part. You can also purchase and Read Full Article...

### The Braking System

The vehicle´s braking system consists of a series of elements that work together to stop the vehicle.
Every time the brakes are applied, the system works together to provide effective friction in order to slow, and hopefully stop, the vehicle.
The braking system is fundamentally similar on all vehicles, however, there are significant differences in each make and model, a lightweight and less powerful vehicle does not have the same requirements to stop as a sports car capable of high performance, or a large SUV, which will exceed two and a half tons of weight in running order, for example.
The manufacturer looks for the best compromise between the effectiveness of the brakes and the price of the set at the time of its development. If we want to improve its effectiveness, brands usually have the option of more powerful equipment, which also might well increase the price to the consumer.

What it costs to brake by type of vehicle
The braking distance depends on many variables: condition and temperature of the road surface, tyres, shock absorbers, weight plus load and, above all, the speed of the vehicle. In addition, it will not be the same in a compact car as an SUV, which almost doubles in weight, or a sports car.
Types of brake: disc and drum
Currently, the automotive industry uses two main types of brakes: disc and drum. Almost all cars and motorcycles always mount discs on the front axle, while the drums are used on the rear axle of the basic versions of the lower segments, the most economical ones.
The base, in any case, is the same, with the same components in the main system through a circuit that allows the force to come by the pressure of the fluid.
The disc brakes have a disc attached to the hub of each wheel and are more effective and powerful, evacuating heat better. Its diameter depends on the weight of the car, its benefits … and what we can afford.
The drum system is more economical and, although it offers a greater friction surface, it does not have the same capacity as the discs and dissipates the heat that occurs with friction. The drum is attached to the bushing and inside it go the shoes, on which the pressure is exerted.
Prices
As in any maintenance work, the price is variable in each province or workshop.
Brake pads. The pads can be purchased from about 15 euro, but the average cost of assembly in the workshop is around 105 euroin each axis, due to the complexity of the work.
Discs. In the disks, the variations are more evident, because these are specific for each car model, and cost from about 180 euro, to which we must add the cost of changing the pads.
Brake fluid. In the case of brake fluid, the average price is around 57 euro.
Pipes. The pipes are not very expensive, from approximately 20 euro, but when replacing them you have to change the circuit fluid too.
As the braking system is one of the most important safety systems in the car, caution must be exercised before attempting to perform any work yourself, leaving it to the professionals is often the best option.

Excerpt: The vehicle´s braking system consists of a series of elements that work together to stop the vehicle. Every time the brakes are applied, the system works together to provide effective friction in order to slow, and hopefully stop, the vehicle. Read Full Article...

### Did you feel the latest earthquake?

Torrevieja and the surrounding area shook on Friday evening with an earthquake centred just off Pilar Dr la Horadada.



The 3.4 magnitude tremor (originally recorded at 3.2 but later upgraded based on reports submitted) was felt across much of the southern Costa Blanca with many people taking to Facebook to discuss the latest rumble.

If you felt it, you can report your experience to the experts which allows them to better understand and plan such incidents in the future.

You can enter your information via this link.

### The Drugs Don´t Work

“Alcohol, cannabis and cocaine, the drugs that most affect driving”

Ignacio Bayón is the President of the Fundación de Ayuda contra la Drogadicción (FAD), and well equipped to speak about the dangers of drugs and addiction.
In an interview with the DGT´s own road safety magazine, Bayón makes it clear how drugs and driving don´t work.
Is there awareness of the risk that drugs carry at the wheel?
Undoubtedly, prevention campaigns have had a positive impact on the population. Information about the risks of drug use and coping is known to the majority of the population.
How can the use of drugs be prevented at the wheel?
You have to work from the risks, the benefits and the social context that leads to that behaviour.
Are controls effective to prevent consumption?
Control measures are always necessary but not sufficient. The most important thing is to educate young people from a preventive approach and work on the motivations and individual and social attitudes that produce problematic consumption.
Social networks, new technologies … Are they more effective than traditional media?
Undoubtedly, especially for younger age groups and users of these networks, who no longer use traditional media to inform themselves. The ‘influencers’ are key to prevention.
What is the substance that is thought to affect driving the most?
I would not quote only one substance. In my opinion, alcohol, cannabis and cocaine.

Excerpt: “Alcohol, cannabis and cocaine, the drugs that most affect driving” Ignacio Bayón is the President of the Fundación de Ayuda contra la Drogadicción (FAD), and well equipped to speak about the dangers of drugs and addiction. In an interview with Read Full Article...

### The Little Eye in the Sky

During the May holiday traffic operation, the DGT set about testing another vigilance device, one small enough to fit in a briefcase, but powerful enough to monitor a larger stretch of road that ground patrols ever could, their very own unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or DRONES as we like to call them.

The DGT currently has five drones: 1 Phantom 2, 1 Phantom 4 Pro, 1 Matrice 200 and 2 S900 units, with plans to buy another seven, as announced by the Director General of Traffic in a recent state budget.

The drones which were put to the test have a range of approximately 500 metres, operate at a height of 120 metres and offer 2 hours of autonomous flight, which gives an immediacy to their mobilization, operational flexibility and multipurpose use of the services to be provided.

According to Gregorio Serrano, “The incorporation of these unmanned devices to the aerial surveillance services of the DGT will contribute to better traffic management, greater protection for vulnerable groups (cyclists) and a better service in special operations, such as competitions for motorcycling, Paso delEstrecho or the device this weekend.”
The DGT is accredited by the State Air Safety Agency as an operator of remotely piloted aircraft systems. Likewise, the Helicopter Unit of the DGT is a pilot training organization for the issuance of basic and advanced certificates for drone piloting.
 
Meet the Drone Family
The DGT currently owns two drones from the Phantom brand, the company renowned for selling the most vehicles to the professional community. The DGT has one Phantom 2 and one Phantom 4 Pro, which stands out mainly due to its integrated high definition camera, its recording mode with stabilizer and its positioning and transmission system with GPS. In addition, the WiFi connection also allows the Phantom drones to fly higher than others in the same category.
There is also a Matrice 200 in the fleet, with high performance engines, coupled with 17-inch propellers, ensuring a stable flight in winds of speeds up to 35 km / h. The new dual battery system heats the batteries automatically on flights at temperatures below zero, and offers a 7 kilometre maximum operating distance, with 38 minutes of flight. The device is well insulated, ensuring resistance to water and weather, so it can fly in all kinds of environments. The downside, it is a much more expensive device than conventional drones.
As for the S900, this is a simple flying device with much more power than the small and manageable Phantom, being the ideal option for those professionals who want to take to the air, with a camera attached, in the shortest time. It only offers 18 minutes of flight, but is ready to go in an instant.

Excerpt: During the May holiday traffic operation, the DGT set about testing another vigilance device, one small enough to fit in a briefcase, but powerful enough to monitor a larger stretch of road that ground patrols ever could, their very own Read Full Article...

### Torrevieja

http://youtu.be/M_9dccwqRB0

### Unmarked Motorbikes for the Guardia Civil

The Director General of Traffic, Gregorio Serrano,has announced plans to research adding unmarked motorbikes to the Guardia Civil’s fleet of vehicles.

The traffic department of the Guardia Civil already use unmarked cars on some speed monitoring campaigns, and during other enforcement activities such as monitoring the use of seatbelts or mobile phones whilst driving. Unmarked cars can also be used on covert surveillance.
This latest announcement would see traffic officers taking to the streets on unmarked motorbikes, which would not only allow for greater monitoring of vehicles, it would mean that deployment is both quicker and more adaptable to a variety of roads.
The unmarked bikes would not only be able to monitor cars and larger vehicles, their size and speed would also allow for better monitoring of the activities of more vulnerable road users, such as motorbikes and cyclists, both of whom have equal rights on the roads, but also equal responsibility to abide by the same laws.
Unmarked and discreet motorbikes are already deployed in countries such as the UK, where officers not only patrol on street bikes, but also off-road, tackling crime and offences in more rural areas cross-country.

The UK has also gone the opposite way in terms of covert enforcement, with a number of forces using unmarked HGV cabs to monitor and police the roads.

One of these vehicles took the head of the Highways Agency, who provided the vehicle, on a recent example drive, during which 6 drivers were seen using their mobile phones on the motorway and dealt with accordingly.

The enhancement of new equipment for the Spanish traffic law enforcement teams has seen compact speed, alcohol and drugs monitoring equipment being made available for the patrol bikes and adding these unmarked bikes to the fleet will ensure that those who choose to ignore the dangers are dealt with quicker, making the roads safer for all.

Excerpt: The Director General of Traffic, Gregorio Serrano,has announced plans to research adding unmarked motorbikes to the Guardia Civil’s fleet of vehicles. The traffic department of the Guardia Civil already use unmarked cars on some speed monitoring campaigns, and during other Read Full Article...

### Portable Drug Testing  Kits

One of the latest additions to the Guardia Civil´s road safety toolkit has been the portable drug testing kits.

Like the latest breathalysers and speed cameras, the kits are small enough to be carried in the panniers of motorbikes, as well as in the other vehicles operated by the corps.

Upon suspicion of a driver having consumed drugs, a saliva test is taken, which is then put into a secure part of the portable machine for analysis.
Within minutes, the results are presented to the officers which will either determine the all clear, or if any kind of drug has been consumed, and to what level.

A second sample of saliva is also taken and sealed into a specific unit which can then be used for evidence.
The whole process from start to finish takes just minutes, allowing innocent motorists to be on their way with little inconvenience, and for those who have consumed drugs to be dealt with immediately, thus instantly reducing the risk to other road users.

Excerpt: One of the latest additions to the Guardia Civil´s road safety toolkit has been the portable drug testing kits. Like the latest breathalysers and speed cameras, the kits are small enough to be carried in the panniers of motorbikes, as Read Full Article...

### The Integrated Patrol

In a pioneering model of road traffic policing across Europe, the Guardia Civil now operates the first vehicles under the banner name of the “Integrated Patrol”.

The Integrated Patrol is a new surveillance model which sees motorbikes equipped with all of the tools required for both surveillance and enforcement, key to reducing incidents involving some of the most fatal contributing factors to road traffic collisions and serious injuries or fatalities.
The motorbikes are equipped with portable breathalysers, evidential drug testing kits, and the new Velolaser portable speed monitoring equipment. Collectively, the officers on the bikes are able to monitor for the correct use of seatbelts, mobile phone use, alcohol and drug use, and speed, all from the equipment carried with them.
Surveillance and monitoring can be set up in the minimum of time, and on roads where other vehicles may not previously have been able to operate.

Once again to clear up a common misconception however, the equipment is carried with the motorbikes and is not fitted to it. IN other words, the motorbikes do not have radars and cameras fitted to them which can be used when they are moving. All of the equipment is carried in the panniers until it is used.

Excerpt: In a pioneering model of road traffic policing across Europe, the Guardia Civil now operates the first vehicles under the banner name of the “Integrated Patrol”. The Integrated Patrol is a new surveillance model which sees motorbikes equipped with all Read Full Article...

### Carrying a Bike Behind your Car

It is not uncommon to see cars carrying bicycles on cars, often on frames specifically designed for this purpose, but it is not always clear how the bike should be carried, and, more importantly, what additional signs or signals might be required.
There are two main points we must keep in mind when carrying a load at the rear of the vehicle, firstly, our lights and number plates must be clearly visible, and secondly, we must be conscious of whether the load, a bike in this case, protrudes from the rear and the sides of the vehicle. For other loads, we must also be conscious of whether it protrudes from the front, and the height, but on this instance, we are talking about carrying a bike at the rear of the vehicle.
So, the first thing to do is to buy a suitable carrying frame that will not only fit our bicycle, but must also securely fit to our vehicle. We must then attached additional lighting at the rear that replicates our vehicles own, rear lights, indicators, brake lights etc, and our number plate.
Once we have our frame secure, we must then consider the load itself, in this case our bike, and how it fits on the secured carrying frame.
In the case we are dealing with, which is that of passenger cars, depending on the width occupied by the load that protrudes from the rear, you may have to display one or two additional warning signs, the V-20.

The V-20 is a square panel (50 by 50 centimetres) with diagonal and alternating stripes of white and red.

If the transported object (our bicycle in this case) is less than the maximum width of the vehicle from the rear (including the rear-view mirrors), a single V-20 signal will be placed (at the end of the load and perpendicular to the axis of the vehicle).

If the transported load protrudes longitudinally occupying the entire width of the vehicle (including the rear-view mirrors), in other words, if our load is wider than the car, including the mirrors, the car will have to carry two V-20 signals in the rear, placed transversely at each end of the load in such a way that the red and white stripes form the geometry of an inverted “V”.

This provides important information to drivers approaching from the rear. If one sign is visible, drivers know that the load protrudes only to the rear. If two signs are visible, in the inverted “V” form, then approaching drivers know that not only does the load protrude from the rear but is also wider than the vehicle carrying it.
Use all the anchor points that the signal has in order to hold it in place, preferably using elastic belts or tensioners. The use of plastic clamps is not recommended. Hold the signal and the load tightly, as far from the wind as possible.
In terms of the load protruding from the rear, the regulations state that it may protrude 10% of the length of the vehicle if the load is divisible, whereas if the load is indivisible, it can exceed the length of the car by 15%.

Excerpt: It is not uncommon to see cars carrying bicycles on cars, often on frames specifically designed for this purpose, but it is not always clear how the bike should be carried, and, more importantly, what additional signs or signals might Read Full Article...

### Getting older, Staying Mobile

There´s no escaping it, we are all getting older. No matter what our current physical or mental age might be, there will come a time when our abilities start to deteriorate, often unnoticed, and we need to take steps to ensure that although we may be getting on in years, we can still be mobile and live life to the full.

Aging affects our ability to move, whether as pedestrians, drivers or on public transport. Many of these changes occur slowly, progressively and often almost imperceptibly. And not in the same way for everyone. In Spain there are currently 8.6 million people over 65, 18% of the population that, if the trend continues, by 2030 it will be 30%.
In terms of road safety statistics, the DGT registered more than 12,000 traffic collisions in 2016 where people over the age of 65 were involved, accounting for 12% of the total figure. There were 513 fatalities in the over 65 age group, over a quarter at 28% of all deaths, and more than 1,500 senior citizens were seriously injured, some 16% of the total.
Heterogeneous group
Once the retirement age is reached, we find a very diverse group of people, conditioned by the physical deterioration of their age but with very variable personal circumstances. Road safety specialists emphasise the importance of raising awareness within the senior society of their own limitations, as well as that of their environment, in which the family, the primary care physician and society play a fundamental role. “It is essential that they are aware of these deficits and compensate them. Their limitations do not incapacitate them, but they do condition them,” says Enrique Mirabet, a physician and member of the Spanish Society of Traffic Medicine (SEMT).
Restrict yes, limit no.
Currently, European policies tend not to limit the validity of the driving licence due to age, but to restrict driving at certain times of the day or in certain areas. “The assessment of the elderly must be individualised, since there is a great variability in their psychophysical conditions,” explains Elena Valdés, medical advisor of the DGT.
“We must analyse each case individually, assessing damages and benefits because it is that person who is driving, taking into account their physical limitations but also their personal circumstances, and their mobility needs,” says José Ignacio Lijarcio, researcher at the University Institute of Traffic and Road Safety (INTRAS), an entity that has recently developed the Health Road Barometer for the Elderly (SAVIMA), in which they investigated the incident rate and health of the elderly and developed a medical guide for professionals in recognition centres.
So, where do we limit to the mobility of the elderly? “We do not have an equal limitation for everyone, it depends on each person. Years ago a man of 70 was an old man. Today there are 85-year-old people who are very healthy,” says PilarCervelló, doctor and president of the Valencian Association of Recognition Centres.
Continuing with restrictions.
In 2017, 690,000 medical examinations were made of people over the age of 65 in Spain: 81% were declared fit and able to continue driving, the others presenting visual, perceptive-motor and hearing problems, for which the most frequent types of restrictions were to shorten the periods of validity of the licence and subsequent re-examination to below 5 years, and the limitations to driving in certain areas and at the daytime.
Review periods. Roadway health specialists consider that certain changes are necessary in the current drivers’ reviews: “Examinations for those over 70 should be done every two years instead of every five. The Administration should expand the protocols for them,” says Lijarcio. For Enrique Mirabet, you also have to “check the age from which a person is considered ‘older’. That point of definition was set many years ago. A 65-year-old driver 20 years ago is nothing like a current one.”

Excerpt: There´s no escaping it, we are all getting older. No matter what our current physical or mental age might be, there will come a time when our abilities start to deteriorate, often unnoticed, and we need to take steps to Read Full Article...

### eCall now Mandatory

As of the end of March, 2018, all new cars and vans must have the eCall automatic emergency call system installed.

The calls from the system is free and has coverage throughout Europe. The system is activated automatically when the airbags are deployed, establishing a voice communication with the 112 Emergency Coordination Centre.

The call carries an indicator that clearly identifies that it is an eCall call, giving it the highest priority. This is, “One of its most important characteristics,” says Ana Blanco, deputy director at the DGT and co-chair of the eCall European Implementation Platform.

This call can also be generated manually by the driver or by one of the occupants of the vehicle, by simply pressing the SOS button carried by the vehicles equipped with the system.

All data
The operator receives the information with the exact place where the incident occurred, the type of vehicle, with its license plate, make, model and type of fuel (if it is electric or petrol, for example), among others.
This is “essential data,” explains Blanco, “because they facilitate the work of the rescue services, which know from the start what equipment they should carry.”
Saves lives
According to the GMV consultancy, it is estimated that the eCall has the potential to save 2,500 lives a year in Europe when it is introduced in all vehicles, as well as reduce the severity of the consequences of those injured by traffic collisions between 10 and 15 %.
I do not have it, what do I do?
If your vehicle does not have an eCall device and you have an emergency, remember you can call 112. Calls to 112 are free, operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and allows for geo-location of the call. When you dial, the GSM network (Global System for mobile communications) passes the call to the nearest emergency centre. This service is accessible from any landline or mobile phone, even if the mobile is blocked or without entering the PIN number and without coverage. Moreover, the operators at the 112 Emergency Coordination Centre speak a variety of languages, including English.

Excerpt: As of the end of March, 2018, all new cars and vans must have the eCall automatic emergency call system installed. The calls from the system is free and has coverage throughout Europe. The system is activated automatically when the Read Full Article...

### Speed Kills!

Speed, whether excessive (above established limits) or inappropriate (within limits but not adjusted to the conditions of the road, vehicle or driver) is a problem for road safety in many countries as established by the Organization for Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the European Conference of Transport Ministers (ECMT).
According to both organisations, half of all drivers drive at an inappropriate speed and 20% in excess of the established limit by 10 kilometres per hour.
Not respecting the speed limits is a fundamental element that determines the greater or lesser incidence in road accidents, and the severity and degree of injury of the victims in the event of a traffic accident. In addition, in the case of fatal incidents, in 21% of them, speed was a concurrent factor.
In 2016 (the last year with consolidated data) more than 350 people died on the roads in incidents in which speed was one of the concurrent factors.
For this reason and because awareness to respect the speed limits is essential to reduce the incident rate, the Directorate General of Traffic collaborates with all Europe-wide campaigns of awareness and monitoring of speed on the roads, usually carried out simultaneously in almost thirty countries that make up the International Organization of Traffic Police (TISPOL), of which the Traffic Group of the Guardia Civil is a member.

In addition to the Guardia Civil, local and regional police also get involved in these campaigns, with the DGT offering equipment, such as their own marked vehicles, to police forces in order to assist them in combatting one of the riskiest road-based dangers. Particularly as on urban roads across the country, including in cities, pedestrians are the users who suffer the most deaths where speed is the main contributing factor.

SPEED REDUCTION
As a result of the reluctance for many drivers to realise the dangers of excessive speed, the DGT is investigating an overall reduction in the maximum permitted speed limit on conventional roads, which, if approved, will see many of the current limits reduced by 10 kilometres per hour on most roads.
According to Gregorio Serrano, director general of the DGT,“the idea is that all of these roads have a speed limit of 90 km / h, a limit that the owners of these roads could change to the levels they consider reasonable,”, continuing, “The scientific evidence and the accidents that occur every day on our roads lead us to conclude that reducing speed is a necessary measure if we want to reduce the accident rate and the pain of thousands of families.”
According to several studies, a decrease of 1% of the average speed of a road, produces a reduction of 4% in fatal collisions (Nilsson). On the other hand Elvik showed that reducing the speed limit by 10 km / h implies a reduction of 2.5 km / h in the average speed. Taking into account both authors, it could be affirmed that reducing the speed limit by 10 km / h would imply a decrease in mortality of around 10%.
Not respecting the speed limits is a fundamental element that determines the greater or lesser incidence in road traffic incidents, and the severity and degree of injury of the victims in the event of a traffic collision. In addition, in the case of fatal incidents, in 21% of them, speed was a concurrent factor.

ADVANCING TECHNOLOGY
Although not without the inevitable incident, given the early, yet fast development of the technology, advanced systems to assist the driver, and make the roads safer are already being implemented in vehicles, and on the road network.
Advanced driver-assistance systems, or ADAS, are systems to help the driver in the driving process. When designed with a safe human-machine interface, they should increase car safety and more generally road safety.
Most road traffic incidents occur due to the human error. Advanced driver-assistance systems are systems developed to automate, adapt and enhance vehicle systems for safety and better driving. The automated system which is provided by ADAS to the vehicle is proven to reduce road fatalities, by minimizing the human error.
Safety features are designed to avoid collisions by offering technologies that alert the driver to potential problems, or to avoid collisions by implementing safeguards and taking over control of the vehicle. Adaptive features may automate lighting, provide adaptive cruise control, automate braking, incorporate GPS/ traffic warnings, connect to smartphones, alert the driver to other cars or dangers, lane departure warning system, automatic lane guidance, or showing what is in blind spots.
According to a study by the DGT, “Report and analysis on the influence of driving support systems on road safety and its application for the classification of vehicles”, the widespread implementation of such assistance systems in national vehicles would reduce the severity of incidents by 57% and avoid a figure of 51,000 collisions, and their consequences.
Many of the ADAS available on the market have been grouped according to the different types of incident (collision, run over, exit …) and many of them automatically reduce the speed of the vehicle if they detect a collision risk such as FCW (Frontal collision Warning); AEBS (Automatic Emergency Braking); SLI (Speed Limit Indicator) or ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control).

Excerpt: Speed, whether excessive (above established limits) or inappropriate (within limits but not adjusted to the conditions of the road, vehicle or driver) is a problem for road safety in many countries as established by the Organization for Cooperation and Development Read Full Article...

### Van Related Incidents Show Startling Increase

A report conducted by Fundación Linea Directa, in collaboration with the University Institute for Traffic Research and Road Safety (INTRAS), has analysed, in depth, 445,000 road traffic incidents with victims between 2011 and 2015, in which 750,000 drivers were involved and a total of 41,000 vans, as well as more than 940,000 incidents dealt with by the Línea Directa insurance company between 2011 and 2017, involving 23,000 vans.

The startling conclusion of the report that looked into both sets of data is that there has been an increase of 41% in traffic incidents involving vans in the five-year period. These incidents resulted in the loss of 935 lives and another 4,600 people being seriously injured.
The situation is especially serious in cities, where the number of injured has increased by 94% and the risk of suffering a fatal incident is 35% higher than in cars. To the worsening of this serious problem for road safety, very little studied so far, several factorshave been contributed. In the first place, the very nature of the Spanish business fabric, in which there are more than 3.1 million freelancers. Secondly, the significant increase in the number of motorists who rent a van without preparation, generally to move or carry a load for a single journey, such as moving house, or buying furniture, and, finally, the boom of electronic commerce,
Type of incidents involving vans
The predominant type of incident in which vans are involved in are usually multiple-vehicle collisions, usually with the vans colliding with the rear of cars ahead. Typically, the driver of the most likely van involved in this sort of collision is male between the age of 35 and 45, with some considerable driving experience.
As for the most common type of road, there is still a slight predominance of highways and motorways over the cities, although this difference is narrowing in recent years. As for the time and date, incidents with vans usually occur mid-morning (between 12 and 1 pm), on Fridays and during the months of July and October.
According to data from the DGT, the vans involved in the collisions are often old and in poor condition, with 60% more faults than cars, mainly with their tyres, brakes and steering. A problem that is aggravated by the age of the van fleet on the roads, which averages 16 years of age, 20% older than the average fleet of cars. In addition, in 2 of every 3 collisions involving vehicles in the opposite direction, the responsibility is with the driver of the van. The reasons for this is thought to be due to their long working hours and, above all, in the stress generated by the need for punctuality of deliveries.
Accidentalness by Autonomous Communities
In the study carried out by the LíneaDirecta Foundation, an incident map of this type of vehicle has also been drawn up comparing the different regional van incident rates for each 1,000 vehicles of this type (whose average is 4.7 in the last analysed year of 2015). With this in mind, the Balearic Islands, Catalonia and Asturias are the territories with the highest proportion of van incidents, while Cantabria and Navarra are the regions with the least number of incidents of this type.
Regarding the evolution by territory, the regions with the worst evolution of the rates for every 1,000 vans involved in the incident are the Canary Islands, where these losses have increased by 170% since 2011 and Murcia, with a rise of 145%. On the contrary, those that have had the best behaviour have been Cantabria and the Basque Country.
What do the Spaniards think of the delivery people?
To complete the study, Fundación Línea Directa has conducted a survey of 1,202 drivers and 304 professional distributors from all over the country in order to analyse the general perception of Spaniards about this group.
According to the survey, 55% believe that delivery drivers fail to comply with road safety regulations more frequently than other drivers. In addition, 81% of motorists believe that delivery drivers “park their vans anywhere”, and 72% believe that, “they are very distracted, especially by their GPS and mobile phone”. However, the vast majority of people sympathise with the drivers, as 69% think that these behaviours have worsened with the rise of e-commerce. As for the most supported solutions: the installation of tachographs, as in trucks and coaches, improving the use of loading and unloading areas, or create a specific licence for vans are the most popular.
Occasional drivers
What also emerges from the demographic study is that Spaniards are not properly prepared to drive these vehicles. In fact, 81% of occasional vans drivers are unaware of the safest way to load cargo, 75% ignore the speed limits of these vehicles (which is lower than that of cars in many instances) and 46% never secure their load.

Excerpt: A report conducted by Fundación Linea Directa, in collaboration with the University Institute for Traffic Research and Road Safety (INTRAS), has analysed, in depth, 445,000 road traffic incidents with victims between 2011 and 2015, in which 750,000 drivers were involved Read Full Article...

### Save the Children

In the recent special surveillance campaign which monitored the use of seatbelts and child restraint systems in vehicles, the Guardia Civil identified and stopped 161 children who were at risk, as they were not secured in the vehicles by any kind of restrain system.
Of those children who could potentially owe their lives to vigilance campaigns like this, 54 were in the front seats of the vehicle, where they would not be permitted even if they were restrained, and 107 were in the back.
This data is of particular concern to the General Directorate of Traffic, as one of the objectives set out in the Road Safety Strategy approved by the Government for the years 2011-2020 is to ensure that no child loses their life by not sitting in a seat suitable to its weight and height, and so believes that further education and enforcement measures are needed.
During the week in March, the officers monitors 424,266 vehicles, in which they detected 2,631 infractions of drivers or passengers who did not use the statutory retention system.
To this data we must add the controlled vehicles in the many municipalities, whose local police had joined the monitoring campaign.
In addition to the 161 children who were traveling without any type of retention, another 2,470 adults were also found to not be wearing a seatbelt, 77% of whom did so on conventional roads, where 8 out of 10 deaths occur.
According to Gregorio Serrano, director of the DGT “this data does nothing but confirm the importance that all administrations have of continuing to monitor the use of the security device that have saved more lives and continue insisting on educating from the earliest ages on the benefits that contributes its use”.

A LIFE INSURANCE
The seatbelt is a basic and fundamental element of road safety, a life insurance. For this reason, its use is mandatory for all occupants of the vehicle and on all types of roads. In addition, the correct use of it is essential to fulfil the purpose for which it was created.
Children below 135 cm in height, in addition to traveling with the child restraint system appropriate to their size and weight as the standard requires, must be seated in the rear seats of vehicles, except:

When the vehicle does not have rear seats
When all the rear seats are already occupied by other minors of the same characteristics
When it is not possible to install all child restraint systems in said rear seats.

Only in these cases, can children occupy the front seat of the vehicle, but always using the restraint system approved to their size and weight.
In the surveillance that is made from the air with the helicopters available to the DGT, it is appreciated how many occupants of the vehicle drive without wearing or making the correct use of the seatbelt.

Excerpt: In the recent special surveillance campaign which monitored the use of seatbelts and child restraint systems in vehicles, the Guardia Civil identified and stopped 161 children who were at risk, as they were not secured in the vehicles by any Read Full Article...

### Motorbikes and Mopeds get Eco Ratings

 
Motorbikes and mopeds represent 15% of the total road fleet.
55% of all motorcycles and mopeds are classified as Zero, Eco, C or B.
The placement of the badges is voluntary and those interested can obtain them from the post offices.
If you want to know what environmental label corresponds to your vehicle, you can check the website, dgt.es.
 

Following on from a similar incentive with cars, the Dirección General de Tráficohas now classifiedmotorcycles and mopeds according to their polluting potential, thus fulfilling one of the measures of the National Plan for Air Quality and Protection of the Atmosphere (Plan Air).
Theplan states that both particles and nitrogen dioxide are the main source of emissions in large cities, and so the aim of the plan proposes the classification of vehicles based on the levels of pollution they emit.
This classification, like the one previously carried out, aims to positively discriminate vehicles that are more respectful to the environment and to be an effective instrument in municipal policies, both restrictive of traffic in episodes of high contamination, and to promote new technologies through benefits, both in fiscal terms, or relative to mobility and the environment.
The classification of vehicles is recorded in the national registry of vehicles with the DGT and can be accessed in real time by bodies with competence in terms of mobility, road safety, taxation or the environment.
The four levels of cataloguing are:
Two-wheeled or three-wheeled mopeds: Two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle, fitted with an engine with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cm3, if it is internal combustion, and with a maximum design speed not exceeding 45 km / h.
Light quadricycles: Four-wheeled vehicles with a mass under vacuum of less than 350 kg (not including the mass of the batteries in the case of electric vehicles), a maximum speed per construction not exceeding 45 km / h with an engine displacement less than or equal to 50 cm3 for combustion engines, or a maximum net power less than or equal to 4 kW for other types of engines.
Two-wheeled motorcycles: Two-wheeled vehicles, without sidecar, equipped with a motor with a cylinder capacity greater than 50 cm3, if it is internal combustion, and / or with a maximum speed per construction exceeding 45 km / h.
Motorcycles with sidecar: Three-wheeled vehicles asymmetric with respect to their longitudinal mid-axle, fitted with a motor with a displacement of more than 50 cm3, if it is internal combustion, and / or with a maximum design speed exceeding 45 km / h.
ACQUISITION OF THE DISTINCTIVE
Owners of these vehicles can acquire the environmental badge in the post offices. The placement of the badge is voluntary, as with cars, but it is recommended to stick it in a visible place to facilitate the identification of the vehicle and benefit from the advantages that the different authorities can establish for your vehicle with respect to benefits to the environment.
CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA
The less polluting light vehicles have been classified according to emission levels based on European homologation data. Likewise, the criteria of this classification are the result of the work led by the DGT and in which the Madrid City Council, the Barcelona City Council, the Royal Automobile Club of Catalonia (RACC), the National Association of Manufacturers Automobiles and Trucks (ANFAC), National Association of Companies of the Two-Wheel Sector (ANESDOR), the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourismand other organizations have participated.
 
 
 

Excerpt:   Motorbikes and mopeds represent 15% of the total road fleet. 55% of all motorcycles and mopeds are classified as Zero, Eco, C or B. The placement of the badges is voluntary and those interested can obtain them from the Read Full Article...

### Category B Licence Vehicle Permission Extension

Holders of Spanish driving licences who are qualified to drive category ‘B’ vehicles (passenger cars), and with at least two-years driving experience, will be able to drive an additional type of vehicle without extra examinations.

The DGT has announced that category ‘B’ licence holders will now also be permitted to drive goods vehicles, so long as this vehicle is of an ‘eco’ environmentally friendly type, and no more than 4,250 kilos , as reported by the Directorate General of Traffic to the Business Organization of Logistics and Transport (UNO) organisation.
Ordinarily, the regulations require a category ‘C’ licence to be held for this type of vehicle with more than 3,500 kilos of Maximum Authorized Mass (MMA), but this new exemption allows for car licence holders to drive heavier goods vehicles so long as it is an ecological vehicle that do not exceed 4,250 kilos.
The reason is that the DGT realises that this type of vehicle can often be heavier on account of the additional weight caused by batteries required to fuel the vehicle, and have reacted to calls by the logistics sector to make the change in order to compensate for this.
For the general secretary of UNO, Francisco Aranda, the move is “a fundamental decision to encourage the use of ecological vehicles in the Spanish logistics sector, to encourage the expansion of the use of this type of vehicle in the sector and eliminate the barriers that existed for it”.
This latest amendment to the regulation is in addition to the one already approved that adapts the regulations to allow alternative fuel vehicles, such as natural gas, liquefied gas, electricity or hydrogen, to increase their Maximum Authorized Mass (MMA) by up to one tonne. .
According to Aranda, this measure also moves towards regulatory harmonization within the framework of the European Union and follows in the footsteps of other countries such as Sweden and Germany.

Excerpt: Holders of Spanish driving licences who are qualified to drive category ‘B’ vehicles (passenger cars), and with at least two-years driving experience, will be able to drive an additional type of vehicle without extra examinations. The DGT has announced that Read Full Article...

### Busy Roads for May Day

The National holiday celebrated on the 1st of May, the day of the worker, this year falls on a Tuesday, which means that many workers will actually take advantage of a long weekend break, especially as Wednesday is also a holiday in the Madrid community.
A special traffic operation is in place for the period, which will see 7.4 million trips, with coastal and mountainous regions being the most popular destinations.

The main movements will take place out of the large urban centres, affecting the transit of vehicles, especially from the interior to coastal areas of the Mediterranean and the south of the Peninsula, as well as tourist mountain areas or second residences.
The most unfavourable times to travel will be between 4 pm and 10 pm on Friday, April 27 and between 9 and 2 pm on Saturday.
The return to the inland areas is likely to occur mainly during the afternoon of Tuesday in all the Autonomous Communities except in the Community of Madrid. For this reason, congestion problems can occur on the main roads that channel the return movement to the big cities.
On Wednesday, May 2, a working day in all communities except the one in Madrid, there will be the usual movements during peak hour of entry and exit to large urban centres.
In the Community of Madrid, short-haul trips will be made to leisure and recreation areas close to urban centres. In the afternoon, there will be a return of the festive period and may present problems of circulation in the main roads that flow back into Madrid.

Excerpt: The National holiday celebrated on the 1st of May, the day of the worker, this year falls on a Tuesday, which means that many workers will actually take advantage of a long weekend break, especially as Wednesday is also a Read Full Article...

### ITV Changes to Start in May

Changes to the mandatory ITV vehicle safety testing procedure will come into force in May.
Users of vehicles who suffer a failure or negative result will be able to go to a different test centre for the retest, as long as the faults have been rectified.
ITV test centres will be obliged to have diagnostic reading tools that can be connected to the on-board computers of the vehicles. This way it will be possible to detect if malicious software has been installed that alters the operation of the Airbag, the catalysts, or the particle filters.
Likewise, reviews should also be made in greater depth on the security elements. In the past, this would involve physical tests of the seat belts, but from now on the electronic elements that are accessed through the computer on board the vehicle will also be checked.
These changes will result in many improvements to the system, but this is not the end of the proposed reforms, with many more expected to be implemented soon.
The DGT announced the creation and propagation of a database of vehicle movements and history, which will then be checkable by future interested parties.
The technology behind this scheme would see cameras installed around the road network, and at the entrances and exits of towns and cities, which will record the registration number of vehicles as they pass. The infrastructure for this technology is already in place in some towns.
However, in the future, the database will also link to the ITV test reports, recording faults or issues, and will collate information from traffic incidents, crashes and repairs.
The maintenance schedule will not initially be mandatory, but will be based on a technological platform that will collect the digitized workshop sheets that record all the operations that are done on the vehicle. Because not all workshops have the appropriate computer technology, a deadline will be given for them to adapt.
In addition, to make drivers aware of the need to pass the ITV (between 1.5 and 2 million vehicles are currently believed to be on the roads without a valid certificate), the DGT will deploy intensive campaigns which will be repeated periodically.
At the moment, when speed detecting radars detect a vehicle that exceeds the speed limits, it automatically checks if the ITV has been passed and if it has mandatory insurance in place.
Now, according to Gregorio Serrano, the Director General of the DGT, it is a matter of taking one step further and will not only be controlled through the radars, but also with the licence plate readers that are installed in the vicinity of the roads and other points of the road network.
When they detect that the vehicle has not passed the ITV or if it went for an inspection and failed, the DGT will automatically send a warning. If, on the second occasion, appropriate action has not been taken, the DGT will automatically issue a fine.

Excerpt: Changes to the mandatory ITV vehicle safety testing procedure will come into force in May. Users of vehicles who suffer a failure or negative result will be able to go to a different test centre for the retest, as long Read Full Article...

### Emergency Simulation around Murcia

Between the 23rd and 25th of April, an emergency simulation will be taking place around Murcia.
The simulation will involve the evacuation of areas including schools, to ensure that emergency protocols are in place should a real situation occur.
There will be a lot of activity from the emergency services, including some from the military bodies, but this is just a drill and is nothing to be alarmed about.
The activities will be spread across the area with a focus on different locations on different days.
Roads around the area may be closed at short notice and traffic may be delayed. Extra vigilance is also advised.
If you are in the area please try not to interfere with the emergency services as their training during these events is paramount for saving lives.

Excerpt: Between the 23rd and 25th of April, an emergency simulation will be taking place around Murcia. The simulation will involve the evacuation of areas including schools, to ensure that emergency protocols are in place should a real situation occur. There Read Full Article...

### Extra Speed Control Checks Around Europe This Week

All this week, until Sunday 22 April, traffic police across Europe will be paying special attention to one of the #fatal4 contributing factors to road traffic incidents, inappropriate speed.

In Spain, the plan is for the Guardia Civil to carry out about 700,000 controls before the end of the campaign, which will, for the first time, involve the new portable radar equipment, Velolaser.

Innapriopriate speed is not only oneof the four main contributing factors in road traffic incidents, it is also present in one in every five road fatalitles.
Speed, whether excessive (above established limits) or inappropriate (within limits but not adjusted to the conditions of the road, vehicle or driver) is a problem for road safety in many countries as established by the Organisation for Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the European Conference of Transport Ministers (ECMT). According to both organisations, half of all drivers drive at an inappropriate speed and 20% in excess of the established limit by 10 kilometres per hour.



Not respecting the speed limits is a fundamental element that determines the greater or lesser incidence in road accidents, and the severity and degree of injury of the victims in the event of a traffic accident. In addition, in the case of fatal incidents, in 21% of them, speed was a concurrent factor. In 2016 (the last year with consolidated data) more than 350 people died on the roads in incidents in which speed was one of the concurrent factors.
For this reason and because awareness to respect the speed limits is essential to reduce the incident rate, the Directorate General of Traffic has joined the Europe-wide campaign of awareness and monitoring of speed on the roads that will last until Sunday 22 of April. This campaign is carried out simultaneously in almost thirty countries that make up the International Organization of Traffic Police (TISPOL), of which the Traffic Group of the Guardia Civil is a member.
In addition, as usual, local and regional police will join in the campaign on urban roads across the country, taking into account that in cities, pedestrians are the users who suffer the most deaths where speed is the main cause.
As a result of the reluctance for many drivers to realise the dangers of excessive speed, the DGT is investigating an overall reduction in the maximum permitted speed limit on conventional roads, which, if approved, will see many of the current limits reduced by 10 kilometres per hour. You will be able to read more about this, and other developments soon to be implemented in tackling speeding vehicles, soon.
On Monday, the press were invited to one of the first controls to see the new Velolaser in use, and, as if to prove how these controls are aimed at helping road users and reducing incidents, the attendees were slightly distracted at one point as the officers assisted a young mother and her children across the road.

Excerpt: All this week, until Sunday 22 April, traffic police across Europe will be paying special attention to one of the #fatal4 contributing factors to road traffic incidents, inappropriate speed. In Spain, the plan is for the Guardia Civil to carry Read Full Article...

### April 15 is the Day of the Cyclist

April 15 has been recognised as the Day of the Cyclist.

Although the origins of this day are somewhat historically disturbing (revolving around the creation and transport of hallucinogenic substances during the Second World War), and not to be confused with World Cycling Day (also known as WCD is held annually on the 17th of September internationally), it is a good day to remind ourselves of the need for vigilance, respect and responsibility surrounding some of the most vulnerable road users, cyclists.
Drivers should always remember to give plenty of room for cyclists, indeed a minimum separation of 1.5 metres is always required when overtaking.
When overtaking cyclists you are permitted to cross the lateral solid white lines, so long as no vehicles are approaching in the opposite direction. If they are, keep well back until clearance can be ensured.
Cyclists can help themselves by remembering that when you are riding a bike you are in control of a vehicle, and as such are governed by all the same traffic laws as other road users. You cannot ride the wrong way down a one way street, ride through red lights, consume alcohol above the permitted limits, or drugs, etc. You too must also respect other road users by only riding at a maximum of two abreast, moving to single file if traffic is wanting to pass, not riding on pavements unless permitted, and in that case giving pedestrians a similar wide berth.
The roads are shared environments where all vehicles (including bicycles which are a vehicle as we have reminded once again) have equal rights to be present. We must respect that and act accordingly. Space, patience and courtesy are the most important traits of good driving attitude.

Excerpt: April 15 has been recognised as the Day of the Cyclist. Although the origins of this day are somewhat historically disturbing (revolving around the creation and transport of hallucinogenic substances during the Second World War), and not to be confused Read Full Article...

### What is the Speed Limit in Spain?

All roads in Spain have a maximum permitted speed limit. However, that limit not only varies depending on the characteristics of the road, but also the type of vehicle.
As always when we talk about this subject we must offer the same reminder however, the maximum permitted is exactly that, a maximum, it is not a target and the actual safe speed may be much lower depending on the road and weather conditions.
That said, here is the overview of the generic maximum permitted speed on the roads by vehicle type, unless signs say otherwise.
PASSENGER CARS AND MOTORCYCLES
The maximum generic speed for cars and motorcycles on motorways and highways is 120 kilometres per hour. On secondary roads, the maximum permitted speed is either 100 kilometres per hour or 90 kilometres per hour depending on the width of the hard shoulder. In towns and cities the maximum permitted speed is 50 kilometres per hour.
BUSES
Buses, and other vehicle derivatives that have been adapted, must not exceed 100 kilometres per hour on motorways and highways. On conventional roads, the maximum permitted speed is reduced to 90 kilometres per hour, as long as it has a paved shoulder of 1.5 metres or more in width or more than one lane for traffic in any direction. On other conventional roads out of town they cannot exceed 80 kilometres per hour. In the event of a bus carrying standing passengers (where permitted) the maximum permitted speed, whatever the type of interurban road, is 80 kilometres per hour.
TRUCKS
On motorways and highways, trucks, articulated vehicles, tractors and vans cannot exceed 90 kilometres per hour. On conventional roads outside of towns, the maximum permitted speed is 80 kilometres per hour and 70 kilometres per hour, depending on the width of the hard shoulder.
SPECIAL TRANSPORT
Any vehicle which falls into this category, namely a bus carrying school children and displaying the yellow school bus sign, or a vehicle carrying goods classed as dangerous, the maximum permitted speed must be reduced by 10 kilometres per hour.
TOWING A TRAILER
The maximum permitted limit on motorways and highways is 90 kilometres per hour when towing a light trailer (which has a maximum mass less than or equal to 750 kg) and 80 kilometres per hour when towing a non-light trailer (greater than 750 kg). On conventional roads with a hard shoulder of 1.5 metres or more the maximum permitted speed is then 80 kilometres per hour, and on other interurban roads the limit is 70 kilometres per hour.
QUADS, TRICYCLES AND BICYCLES
Vehicles with three wheels or “quads” have their speed limited to 70 kilometres per hour on any type of road where they are permitted to drive.
Cycles, two and three wheeled mopeds and light quadricycles have a maximum speed of 45 kilometres per hour where permitted.

Excerpt: All roads in Spain have a maximum permitted speed limit. However, that limit not only varies depending on the characteristics of the road, but also the type of vehicle. As always when we talk about this subject we must offer Read Full Article...

### Which is the Best Lighting?

There are three main types of vehicle illumination available, halogen headlights, xenon headlights, automatic headlights, etc, but which offers the best option?
In recent years, new technologies have appeared that have been a major step forward in terms of illumination, improving the capacity and lighting quality. Normally, cars are equipped with a basic lighting system, which does not mean that they are insufficient. On the contrary, the evolution of lights in vehicles is already evident from the recent developments and models on the market.
However, if we do make a decision to improve our vehicle´s lighting, we not only face a potentially large bill, it may not even be possible as changing the vehicle characteristics may result in difficulties with the ITV test, so caution must be exercised before the investment. In fact, a visit to the ITV station may also be prudent to check before you proceed.
That said, we can still consider the options available in order to make an informed decision before we proceed, with the knowledge of the different types of lighting available.
The Three Main Systems
There are three main types of optics in vehicles. Halogen headlights are still the most common and, in most manufacturers, offer good lighting capacity, showing the evolution of a system with a long journey in the automotive industry. Xenon headlights have become the first alternative to give a greater field of vision, with a clearer light and greater range. But it is the LED headlights that show the greatest possibilities to apply more advanced technologies.
New vehicles already have daytime running lights, even in the lower segments, both for the front and, in many cases, the rear optics, and most of these are formed by LED lights. LED lights offer longevity in their life, are easier to handle, and offer the best options for adaptive adaptive lighting, taking us another step closer to the autonomous car.
In recent years, automatic headlights have been installed in some vehicles. These lights turn on and off autonomously in dim or light environments respectively, and more recently are able to adapt their position when crossing with other vehicles, without the driver having to operate them (they use sensors or a camera at the height of the rear-view mirror).
Another alternative is adaptive lights, which adjust the parabola that the lights emit constantly, keeping the areas that do not produce glare illuminated. This technology is only available with LED lights and the new laser headlights.
We can see that the amount of light emitted, thus illuminating our path is vital in providing safer roads, and the new technology is able to offer that without glaring or distracting other road users and thus creating an additional hazard.

Excerpt: There are three main types of vehicle illumination available, halogen headlights, xenon headlights, automatic headlights, etc, but which offers the best option? In recent years, new technologies have appeared that have been a major step forward in terms of illumination, Read Full Article...

### What is an Assisted Pedal Bike?

There has been a lot of confusion over so-called “electric” bikes, and whether they can be used without a licence, or insurance, and if they can be used on the roads.

There are characteristics which clearly define these vehicles into two different types, which we can explain here.
An Assisted Pedal Bike it is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor and a battery with an output of up to 250W whose engine only works when helped by the motion of pedalling, and in any case to a maximum speed of 25 kilometres per hour. So, in other words, if you either stop pedalling, or if you reach 25 kilometres per hour, the motor stops running.
These types of bikes are considered, for the purposes of the General Vehicle Regulations and Rules of the road, like any other bike and do not require registration or driving licence, or mandatory liability insurance. The rider is however responsible for adhering to all other rules of the road applicable to any type of vehicle.
Other models of similar design which can exceed 25 kilometres per hour when powered, or have an engine or motor which can operate by use of a throttle or accelerator without the need to pedal, are considered the same as mopeds and require registration, insurance and for the driver to have an appropriate licence.

Excerpt: There has been a lot of confusion over so-called “electric” bikes, and whether they can be used without a licence, or insurance, and if they can be used on the roads. There are characteristics which clearly define these vehicles into Read Full Article...

### Statistical Information on Sanctions now on the DGT Website

The DGT has included a new section on the website, dgt.es, which will provide statistical information on fines and sanctions.

The aim of the section, Denuncias e Ingresos, is partly aimed at ensuring transparency, as well as highlighting how dangerous driving practices and behaviours lead to these fines, and how the revenue then assists in financing road safety, incident prevention, and providing assistance to the victims of road traffic incidents.
The section provides data related to the number of complaints and their evolution, as well as the statistics on the amounts paid, excesses of speed, the phases of appeal or data on complaints that end in a contentious-administrative way.
Due to the multitude of reviews and tables to be published, the information will be uploaded and updated progressively. The information already available are:

Evolution of the number of sanctions in the 2012-2017 period.
Evolution of the number of sanctions imposed by fixed radars from 2012 to 2017.
Amounts for sanctions in general from 2012 to 2017.
Entered amounts of penalties for fixed radars in the period 2012-2017.
Fixed radars which are the least respected and with the most denunciations generated in 2017.

The data corresponding to 2017 is still considered provisional and includes the period from January to October. Subsequently, the closed data for the entire annual period will be presented once completed.
The knowledge of this and other data can serve to raise awareness that traffic incidents are not unpredictable events, but can be avoided if traffic regulations are complied with, and, despite criticism that traffic offences are purely aimed at taking money from drivers, it is only those drivers who break the law who are fined, and a consequence of this is that the money generated by fines is invested in road safety, prevention, and helping the victims of road traffic incidents.

Excerpt: The DGT has included a new section on the website, dgt.es, which will provide statistical information on fines and sanctions. The aim of the section, Denuncias e Ingresos, is partly aimed at ensuring transparency, as well as highlighting how dangerous Read Full Article...

### Obtaining a Vehicle Report

If you are interested in buying a second-hand vehicle, you can obtain a detailed report from the DGT which provides a wealth of information on the history of the car.
There are two types of report, a standard and detailed report, and then there are five types of detailed reports: complete, technical data, loads, vehicles in the name of the interested party and vehicles without registration.

The reduced report, Informe reducido, confirms the correct identification of the vehicle and if there is any type of incident recorded with it. You can apply for the reduced report online at dgt.es, and it is free.
The Detailed report, Informe detallado, includes more information about the vehicle, such as its current owner, if it is authorised to be used on the road, the expiration of the ITV and any recorded incidents.

You can request any of the five detailed reports online dgt.es, or in person at your Provincial Traffic Headquarters, with the required documents and payment.
In order to request a detailed report, you will need the completed official application form, the identification of the interested party, the reason for which the report is requested, and confirmation of the fee having been paid, which is currently 8.40€.
To request the document at the trafico office you will need to make an appointment via the website, dgt.es , or by telephoning the 060 telephone number. If you are making an appointment to request the documentation it is also worth keeping in mind tat the offices cannot accept cash and payment is only possible with a bank card.

Excerpt: If you are interested in buying a second-hand vehicle, you can obtain a detailed report from the DGT which provides a wealth of information on the history of the car. There are two types of report, a standard and detailed Read Full Article...

### New i-size Chart for Child Seats

The labelling on child seats has changed across Europe, making it theoretically easier for children to be secured in a more appropriate seat, thus making them safer. Now, the “i-size” chart is in operation, which focuses on the height, rather than the weight of the child.

We know that in Spain the height of the child is already of great importance, with children under 135cm in height not allowed in the front seats (apart from a few exceptions), now the same theory is practiced on smaller children and child restraint systems.

i-size Seats
‘i-size’ is an EU safety regulation for child car seats (ECE R129), which was introduced in July 2013 to make child car seats easier to fit, provide better protection from side impacts and keep children rearward-facing for longer. i-size only applies to Isofix seats.
UK legislation has already been amended to allow i-size seats to be used, this year the regulation has also been applied in Spain.
At the moment, the older seats are still permitted, so there is no need to change if you have these already, but those based around the new regulations offer better protection based on the tests conducted through the campaign.
i-size uses the child’s height to determine if the seat fits the child, rather than their weight. So, it’s important to check that your child’s height is within the range of the seat. Parents tend to know their child’s height better than their weight, which should make it easier for parents to judge if the seat is suitable for their child and when they should move the child into a larger seat.
Babies in i-size car seats stay rearward-facing until they are at least 15 months old. Currently, parents often move their baby to a forward-facing seat too soon.
i-size includes a side impact test to ensure that the seats provide better protection from side impact collisions.
i-size child car seats fit in cars that have Isofix fitting points, but you still need to check if the seat is approved for your car. Contact your car manufacturer and/or the child seat manufacturer, or visit our Child Car Seat Compatibility page.
i-size seats will fit any i-size approved vehicle. However, there are few such cars currently available. Their numbers will increase over the coming years.

Excerpt: The labelling on child seats has changed across Europe, making it theoretically easier for children to be secured in a more appropriate seat, thus making them safer. Now, the “i-size” chart is in operation, which focuses on the height, rather Read Full Article...

### How to Deal with Priority Vehicles

Emergency vehicle which are responding to an incident have priority over other vehicles.
During any drive we must be forever conscious of our surroundings, allowing all of our senses to combine to provide special and location awareness, so that we can constantly react to changes as they happen, or, ideally, prompting situations and proactively preparing for these changes.
The security services such as the police and Guardia Civil, and rescue services such as the fire service or ambulances are to be given a clear run when they have their lights flashing or sirens sounding, so long as this can be done safely. If we hear sirens or see emergency vehicles with flashing lights, our first reaction should be to make way, but in as safe a way as possible.
On a clear and open road, if you are aware that a priority vehicle is approaching from behind, move over to a position which will allow the emergency vehicle to pass. It may be useful to indicate so that the driver of the emergency vehicle is aware of your intention. Carry out the manoeuvre without rushing, panicking or with any sudden movements. Once the emergency vehicle has passed, you may continue on your way.
In the event of a queue of traffic of two lanes, the emergency vehicle will attempt to cut a path through the middle, so that vehicles on both sides are able to move to the side and allow for a safe passage.

At junctions or intersections, vehicles should pull over to the side to allow the emergency vehicles to pass. Do not attempt to cross the path of an oncoming priority vehicle.

If you are on a roundabout when an emergency vehicle approaches, give way to the priority vehicle where possible and safe, allowing it to pass freely.

Never attempt to follow an emergency vehicle and never pull out in front of them, always stay well clear and well back, without carrying out any sudden movements, remembering to move over where safe and possible.
In the event of approaching an emergency scene, pay close attention to those who are directing traffic, acting on their instructions and directions. Always pass the scene giving as much space as possible and always pay close attention to the traffic and the situation, never letting curiosity get the better of you and distract you when you pass.

The DGT has created a series of short videos which show the correct procedure for each of the circumstances listed, they can be viewed on the DGT website, dgt.es
Priority vehicles save lives, always allow them safe passage where possible.
 

Excerpt: Emergency vehicle which are responding to an incident have priority over other vehicles. During any drive we must be forever conscious of our surroundings, allowing all of our senses to combine to provide special and location awareness, so that we Read Full Article...

### When Will the Roads of Spain be Busiest This Easter?

Tuesday sees the start of the second and most important phase of the special operation monitoring traffic flow for the Easter holiday period.

The operation begins in all autonomous communities, with the exception of Cantabria, Catalonia and the Valencian Community, where it begins on Thursday.
This phase is considered the most important of the year because of the volume and vehicle displacement along the entire road network and in a very limited period of time.
Of the 15.5 million trips planned for the entire Semana Santa Special Operation (from March 23 to April 2), 9.07 million will occur during this second phase, so it is advisable to plan your journey and avoid most unfavourable times.
The Director General of Traffic, Gregorio Serrano, has called for prudence and respect for traffic regulations. “We have prepared all the material and human resources available to ensure the safety and fluidity of travel, but we need the commitment, not only of most drivers who have correct behaviour on the road, but of those others who are reluctant to comply with the rules and endanger the lives of others. Towards them we direct all means of control that we have to get them off the road.”
During this second operation, the main flow of traffic will be made from the urban centres to coastal tourist areas, second residences, towns with traditional religious acts or mountainous areas of touristic interest.
ROAD FORECASTS
Wednesday, March 28
In the communities of Andalucía, Aragón, Asturias, Baleares, Canarias, Castilla la Mancha, Castilla y León, Extremadura, Galicia, Madrid, Murcia, Navarra, País Vasco and La Rioja, problems of traffic and queues from the exits of the large urban centres, between 13:00 and 24:00 are expected to be busy, with the timeframe between 15:00 and 23:00 being the worst.

ANDALUCIA: Carreteras: AP-4, AP-7, A-4, A-7, A-45, A-49 y A-92
GALICIA: Carreteras: AP-9, A-6, A-52, A-55, N-550 y N-634
ARAGÓN: Carreteras: AP-2, AP-68, A-2 y A-23
MADRID: Carreteras: AP-6, A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5, A-6 y M-40
ASTURIAS: Carreteras: A-8, A-66, N-634.
MURCIA: Carreteras: A-7, A-30 y N-301-A
BALEARES: Carreteras: Ma-19 y Ma-20
NAVARRA: Carreteras: AP-15, A-1, A-10, A-12, A-15 Y A-21
CASTILLA – LA MANCHA: Carreteras: AP-36, A-3, A-4, A-5, A-30, A-31, A-40, A-41 y A-42
PAIS VASCO: Carreteras: AP-8, AP-68, A1 y A-8
CASTILLA y LEÓN: Carreteras: AP-1, AP-6, A-1, A-6, A-52, A-62, A-66, N-620 y N-630
LA RIOJA: Carreteras: AP-68, N-111 y N-232
EXTREMADURA: Carreteras: A-5 y A-66

 
Thursday, March 29
During the morning of Thursday the exits of large towns and cities will continue to produce queues, with the most unfavourable times being between 07:00 and 15:00, the worst being from 08:00 to 14:00.
In the afternoon, one day after the rest of the communities, Catalonia, Cantabria and Comunidad Valenciana, as it is not a public holiday in these regions, will begin their second phase of the operation. The main traffic problems will occur on the access roads to the coast, which connect coastal populations, as well as access to tourist rest areas. The times to try to avoid here will be between 12:00 and 23:00, with the worst times being from 13:00 to 22:00.

CANTABRIA: Carreteras: A-8, A-67, S-10 y S-30.
COMUNIDAD VALENCIANA: Carreteras: AP-7, A-3, A-7 y CV-35.
CATALUÑA: Carreteras: AP-2, AP-7, N-145, N-340, C-16, C-28, C-31, C-32 y C-35.

To mitigate possible traffic delays, during the afternoon-night of Wednesday and all of Thursday, extra measures of regulating traffic and traffic flow will be installed on the roads of greater intensity to favour the departure of vehicles from large cities.
 
Friday, March 30
During the morning of Friday, in Cantabria, Catalonia and Valencia, the flow of traffic will continue in the direction away from the big cities towards the coast.
In the rest of the communities, displacements will occur at the exit of large urban centres on short-haul routes, to leisure and recreation areas close to urban centres.
The busiest times will be between 09:00 and 14:00, but worse from 10:00 to 13:00.
In the afternoon and throughout the national territory, there will be movements of short-haul vehicles in areas where religious processions are held
 
Saturday, March 31
In the morning there may be traffic problems in the coastal and mountainous areas where the movements will be mostly local.
In the afternoon, the traffic flow will start to focus on anticipating the return to inland areas, especially those people looking to void the busiest times later in the weekend.
 
Sunday, April 1
From midmorning, an increase in traffic flow is expected, and some queues may be produced in the exits from the tourist locations back inland. Later on, as these vehicles start to arrive at their destinations, the queues will start at the entrances of the large cities. .
The Autonomous Communities affected by the return are Andalucía, Aragón, Asturias, Canarias, Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, Extremadura, Galicia, Madrid, Murcia and La Rioja.
The times which will be busiest will be between 11:00 and 24:00, with the worst times being from 12:00 to 23:00.
 
Monday, April 2
The return operation in Baleares, Cataluña, Comunidad Valenciana, Navarra and País Vasco begins, where Monday is a holiday.
Problems will central around the main road axes of these communities, as well as in the access roads of the provinces bordering on them.
In the rest of the Autonomous Communities there will also be return movements, mainly motivated by plans for the next day, the return to school and university activities.
The busiest times will be between 11:00 and 24:00, with the worst times being from 12:00 until 23:00.
 
The Plan
To provide coverage for the planned trips, the DGT has devised a special device whose objective is to facilitate the mobility and fluidity of traffic, as well as ensuring road safety on the roads.
For this purpose, more than 800 officials and specialist technical personnel will be on duty in the Traffic Management Centres, all available agents of the Guardia Civil Trafico will be on duty, and more than 13,000 employees of conservation companies, road concessioners and other staff from the roads services networks will be on duty, assisted, if needed, by teams from the other emergency services both health and fire and rescue.
At the time of the greatest number of trips, reversible and additional lanes will be installed with cones on certain roads, works affecting roadways will be suspended, sports events and other events involving the occupation of roads will be limited and restricted. The transportation of dangerous goods and vehicles that require special authorisation will be restricted.
 
Attention to short trips and integral patrols
During this holiday period there are numerous short trips that are usually made on conventional roads and that is where the greatest number of fatal accidents usually occur. In these trips, the same precautions should be taken as on long journeys.
Curves, crossings, overtaking and changes of gradient, usually predominate in this type of road where it is very important to monitor and moderate speed accordingly. Remember, the 100 or 90 kilometres per hour on conventional roads is a limit, not a target, and may not be a suitable speed depending on traffic, road characteristics and conditions, and the weather.
Following their approval this week, some of the patrols will be carrying the new Velolaser portable speed monitoring equipment, which can be transported on motorbikes, and can be used both day or night with minimum setup.
Pegasus equipped helicopters will also be monitoring the roads from the sky, along with all other means at the disposal of the DGT to make the roads safer, which can be made so much more so by drivers and driving attitude.
 
Basic rule: Prevention and Prudence
Despite being advice already known to drivers, it is necessary to remember that safe driving begins at the same time as planning the trip. In addition, the DGT recommends:

Car tuning. Check your vehicle before a long trip.
Learn about the state of the roads through the means offered by Traffic: telephone 011, Internet, twitter @informacionDGT, the DGT App or in newsletters of radio and television stations.
Follow, if desired, alternative itineraries designed by the DGT in order to avoid travelling through the centre of the Peninsula, which is the area with the highest traffic flow. These itineraries include estimated travel times based on the departure time of the trip.
On roads with more than one lane in each direction, you must drive in the right lane, the left lane should only be used to overtake.
Maintain the safety distance and adapt the speed to the circumstances, including the road and weather conditions.
Pay attention to other road users: motorcycles, cyclists and pedestrians are more vulnerable, these road users must also pay attention.
Use your lights to increase visibility.
Always wear your seatbelt, or crash helmet and remember that despite alcohol limits being in place, the best limit is always zero, and always avoid using recreational drugs before driving.

Excerpt: Tuesday sees the start of the second and most important phase of the special operation monitoring traffic flow for the Easter holiday period. The operation begins in all autonomous communities, with the exception of Cantabria, Catalonia and the Valencian Community, Read Full Article...

### New Radars Approved for Use

Velolaser – The most innovative definitive solution for speed control in urban and interurban environments.
The DGT has taken delivery of around 60 new portable speed detecting units, Velolaser, which have undergone extensive testing around the country. These devices have now been approved for use and can enter service protecting the country´s roads.
The Director General of Traffic, Gregorio Serrano, announced the certification just in time for one of the most intense road planning periods, the Easter holiday.
Small enough to fit in the panniers of a motorcycle, the units can be set up in seconds, either on a tripod, a vehicle mount, or on roadside features such as crash barriers. It should be noted, despite many speculative reports to the contrary, these devices are not mounted on the motorbikes but are carried to locations where they are set up on tripods or similar mounts.
The device manufacturers say that the units obtain the best results in sensitive urban areas (zone 30, schools, parks, children’s areas, etc., and thanks to its versatility they can work using vehicles available at any time, in any area, including those places otherwise inaccessible, and, most importantly, in a minimum time.
The simple, ingenious and innovative solution provides a new way to control speed in a wide variety of situations, on both urban and interurban roads.
The devices can monitor vehicles at speeds of up to 250 kilometres per hour, covering two lanes, monitoring both directions of travel, and can distinguish between different types of vehicles, knowing the difference between a car and a truck, for example.
The units can connect over 3G or 4G telephony, or via Wi-Fi, providing simultaneous monitoring of several devices at the same time, recording information on internal or external storage.
As well as monitoring speed, the devices are clever enough to calculate safety distances, and can operate both day and at night.
They are designed and manufactured in Spain, and come in a range of colours, although the units delivered to the DGT carry the distinctive colours and labelling of the Guardia Civil.










 

Excerpt: Velolaser – The most innovative definitive solution for speed control in urban and interurban environments. The DGT has taken delivery of around 60 new portable speed detecting units, Velolaser, which have undergone extensive testing around the country. These devices have Read Full Article...

### Quirónsalud Torrevieja will do free tests for the early detection of Colon Cancer

The Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja launches a free campaign for early diagnosis of colon cancer on the occasion of the world day of this pathology, which is celebrated on March 31. The initiative consists of practicing free fecal occult blood tests to the general population of the Alicante region of Vega Baja (national and foreign) and to patients of the hospital center, aged between 50 and 74 years, who do not present digestive symptoms (blood manifests in the stool, abdominal pain, change in intestinal rhythm, etc.). The period of delivery of kits will be from March 26 to 29 in exclusive hours from 10 to 12 hours and the collection of samples will be from April 3 to 6 at the same time, interested persons may request information at 966909506 or at the mail prevencion.trv@quironsalud.es or through the web https://www.quironsalud.es/torrevieja/es/campana-prevencion-cancer-colon
The kit necessary to carry out the analysis must be collected at the information points located at the entrance of the Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja.

The objective of the campaign is to raise awareness among the population about the importance of prevention and early detection for a good prognosis of this disease. The intention is “to inform and raise awareness in society about colon cancer since there is a low perception of the risk of suffering from it. The objective is to transfer to citizens the possibility of undergoing an effective prevention of this cancer in men and women from 50 years old. A habitual barrier for the prevention of this pathology is the ignorance of the tests that are used and, for that reason, we want to familiarize society with the fecal occult blood test. Curing colon cancer is possible if detected early, “explains Dr. José Farré, head of the Oncological Surgery and General and Digestive Surgery Unit.
90% of cases can be cured
 
The test

Colon cancer is the most frequent oncological pathology in Spain. However, when detected early, this tumor can be cured in 90% of cases. Most colorectal cancers develop on precursor lesions (polyps) and need between 10 and 15 years of evolution. Through different diagnostic tests, “not only can it be detected early when it has not yet given symptoms, but it can also be prevented by locating and removing existing polyps before they become malignant,” says Dr. Farré.
The fecal occult blood test is a non-invasive test that consists of checking, in a quick and simple way, the presence of blood not visible in the stool in order to detect the existence of a colorectal lesion. To do this, the patient must deposit a small amount of feces in the kit that will be given for this purpose and then deliver it to the collection points where the specialists will submit it to analysis.Obtaining a negative test result “indicates that it is very unlikely that the person has colon cancer, although the reliability is not 100%. Therefore, it is recommended to repeat the test every two years and consult the doctor in case you feel discomfort, “warns the specialist.If the result is positive, it is necessary to know that “the presence of blood does not imply, in most cases, that there is colon cancer, but usually is due to a lesion of a benign nature, such as be a polyp In this case, it is indicated to perform a colonoscopy to rule out the presence of lesions in the colon “, concludes Dr. Farré.
 

 

 

Excerpt: The Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja launches a free campaign for early diagnosis of colon cancer on the occasion of the world day of this pathology, which is celebrated on March 31. The initiative consists of practicing free fecal occult blood tests to the general population of the Alicante region of Vega Baja (national and foreign) and to patients of …

### Support N332 with a Simple Vote

One of the founders of the N332 Road Safety Project, Francisco Morales, a serving Guardia Civil traffic officer, has been nominated for a national Spanish award, the ‘Ciudadano Ponle Freno‘.
As in previous year, it is up to the public to now decide from the three finalists who should pick up t award in the Spanish Senate in April. Quite simply, the winner is the finalist with the most votes.
To vote, click the `picture or the link below, find the section describing Francisco, and click on the 5th star (the right hand one) as shown in the picture, it´s that simple.

CLICK HERE OR THE PICTURE TO GO TO THE PAGE TO VOTE
As the article explains…
Francisco Javier Morales is a Guardia Civil traffic officer who, three years ago, created a Facebook page and a website (which he called N332, because it is the highway that runs along the Alicante coast and the one that he patrols daily) on which he publishes information in English about the road safety law in Spain, mainly aimed at informing foreign residents in the area. It has 119,303 followers on Facebook, a very active community in its publications, and aims to publicise the most frequent infractions and explain how they could be avoided. In addition, in his free time and in an altruistic way he gives talks in English to the foreign associations of the area.
Thank you for voting.

Excerpt: One of the founders of the N332 Road Safety Project, Francisco Morales, a serving Guardia Civil traffic officer, has been nominated for a national Spanish award, the ‘Ciudadano Ponle Freno‘. As in previous year, it is up to the public Read Full Article...

### Regional Government Vote to Support Removal of Motorway Tolls

Despite the fact that the Partido Popular decided to abstain from the vote, the regional Valencia parliament has otherwise unanimously agreed to ask the National Government not to renew the concession on the AP-7 motorway, and to allow it to become a free-to-use highway.

If agreed, it will mean that once the current contract expires, which is at the end of December, 2019, the motorway will transfer to public operation, and so many of the traffic hotspots on the coastal roads will be relieved of a lot of congestion that brings them to a halt.
Areas such as Cabo Roig and Torrevieja, where the N-332 road sees standing traffic throughout summer, holiday periods and even during normal working days, should instantly see the benefits as traffic will be able to bypass the area along what is currently a motorway where tolls are applied.
Similarly, the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre will benefit, as the motorway has an exit directly at the location, again though, this is currently protected by tolls.
The National Government, which is currently dominated by the Partido Popular, are investigating the renewal of the toll licence, which has been described as a “joke” and “disturbing”, as freeing the road would be of “public interest”, and so pressure must still be put on the government not to proceed with these plans, according to those fighting for the tolls to be lifted.
The road has been used as a political bargaining tool during the last quarter of a century, and this latest show of support is hoped to liberate the concession which would indeed be of benefit to all road users, the environment, and the safety of the area.

Excerpt: Despite the fact that the Partido Popular decided to abstain from the vote, the regional Valencia parliament has otherwise unanimously agreed to ask the National Government not to renew the concession on the AP-7 motorway, and to allow it to Read Full Article...

### N332 RoadWatch – Issue 12

VELOLASER – The most innovative definitive solution for speed control in urban and interurban environments
CHILD SEAT CHANGES – BLUE LIGHTS – PRIORITY VEHICLES – SPEED LIMITS – LIGHTING – ROUNDABOUTS YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED -AND MUCH, MUCH, MORE
You can read the latest edition of N332 RoadWatch FOR FREE after the introduction below. Or, you can purchase the PDF version and download it to your computer or device.

Buy PDF Version Now

Welcome to the latest edition of N332 RoadWatch.
Easter is upon us and that means one thing in terms of road safety, one of the busiest times on the roads so far. After Christmas and the summer season, Easter is the next main holiday period, as many people choose to take advantage of the breaks from work to travel to coastal and mountainous areas, visiting family and friends, and generally enjoying the seasonal time.
Add to this the first main influx of foreign tourists into the country, we see the roads getting busy a they are mixing the normal daily traffic with both domestic and international tourists, some a little unaware of their surroundings, others embarking on a completely different driving experience than they are used to.
Patience, calmness and planning are called for, allowing extra time for whatever journey you might be making, and being aware that other road users around you may not be quite as used to the area as you are.
At the start of the holiday period we see the flow of traffic heading towards the coast. At the end of the period, they return back inland. In between we see more traffic visiting leisure and retail complexes, and, subject to weather conditions, the beaches.
In this edition we introduce you to the latest piece of equipment in the fight against unsafe driving, Velolaser, a new, portable speed detector, small enough to be carried on a motorbike, versatile enough to be set up anywhere.
We also look at the new child seat profiling system, and a look at how to deal with priority vehicles, as well as reassurances about the medical requirements for renewing your driving licence in Spain.
For now, enjoy this edition and stay safe.

Read FOR FREE Here
Click the box at the bottom right to enter full screen mode.
The buy now button is below.




Buy PDF Version Now

Excerpt: VELOLASER – The most innovative definitive solution for speed control in urban and interurban environments CHILD SEAT CHANGES – BLUE LIGHTS – PRIORITY VEHICLES – SPEED LIMITS – LIGHTING – ROUNDABOUTS YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED -AND MUCH, MUCH, MORE You can Read Full Article...

### The Medical is Not as Scary as you Might Think

One of the biggest stumbling blocks when it comes to renewing a driving licence appears to be the medical examination. However, that stumbling block is not necessarily the actual procedure itself, but the fear of the process.
In order to alleviate some of these concerns, we took a volunteer to the Clinica La Siesta and videoed the whole process from start to finish.
The video is available below, and shows our volunteer, Julie, first register her details at the clinic, then go through a variety of tests, including hearing, coordination and reflex tests, a visit to the doctor, and the psychological assessment. Some of the parts of the video are speeded up, partly to preserve confidentiality, and partly so as not to bore you, but the whole process is shown.
Towards the end, it shows how the clinic team even take your photograph, and take your signature, completing the forms on your behalf, so you don´t have to do anything.



La Siesta Clinic offers a “one-stop-shop” for your licence renewal, officially authorised by the DGT, they complete all the paperwork for you, carry out the test and medical examination in English, have ample free parking, and are open mornings and afternoons for convenient appointments, which can be booked by phone on 966 78 41 95, WhatsApp on 692 13 41 36, or via their website, clinicalasiesta.com, and, more great news, the entire team at the clinic speak English, so you don´t have to worry about the language barrier.
The clinic is located in the La Siesta urbanisation in Torrevieja, on Calle Rossini, just off the main road which links Torrevieja with Quesada, turning right if you are coming from Torrevieja centre at the roundabout where there are two Chinese restaurants, the roundabout after Hiperber supermarket.
For more details, visit their website, clinicalasiesta.com or give them a call on the numbers above.

Excerpt: One of the biggest stumbling blocks when it comes to renewing a driving licence appears to be the medical examination. However, that stumbling block is not necessarily the actual procedure itself, but the fear of the process. In order to Read Full Article...

### Going Blue in July

The Director General of Traffic, Gregorio Serrano, has stated that the reform which means that all emergency vehicles will have blue lights will become effective in July.
The DGT are currently studying possibilities of a provisional authorisation which would allow the change to start sooner, but as the entire process has taken years of work and effort, a wait until July is somewhat insignificant.
Currently, in Spain, only the security services use blue lights, with ambulances and fire service vehicles using flashing amber lights when responding to an emergency. This reform will put Spain in line with the European standard for emergency vehicles.

Excerpt: The Director General of Traffic, Gregorio Serrano, has stated that the reform which means that all emergency vehicles will have blue lights will become effective in July. The DGT are currently studying possibilities of a provisional authorisation which would allow Read Full Article...

### Special Attention to Seat Belt Wearing This Week

All this week, the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by their colleagues in the police, will be out in force to ensure the correct use and operation of seatbelts and child restraint systems in vehicles.

In 2014 (the last year of consolidated data), the number of unbelted deaths accounted for 24% of the total, with some 194 of the 822 people in cars and vans who lost their lives, not wearing a seatbelt, despite knowing the importance of doing so.
In addition to the officers on patrol during the campaign, the new cameras and detectors are in place across the country watching for seat belt use, and the Pegasus equipped helicopters will be watching form the sky..
The latest roadside cameras take a series of pictures. The images are electronically sent to a control centre which then processes them and sends a sanction to the vehicle owner who then faces a 200 euro fine and the loss of 3 points.

It is the aim of the DGT to reduce this figure to zero by making the use of seatbelts and child restraint systems 100% for all vehicle occupants.
The focus of the campaign will not only be those who should know better about looking out for their own safety, but also those who should be looking out for those more vulnerable, namely adults who carry children in the vehicles.
In 2014, 2 out of the 14 children under 12 years who died traveling in cars or vans were not wearing any safety device at the time of the incident. In addition, 9 out of 82 seriously injured, and 107 of those who suffered minor injuries were not correctly restrained. From that data, 118 children suffered unnecessary injury or death as a result of the supposedly responsible adults not showing due care.
On account of the seriousness that the DGT takes such actions, traffic officers can immobilise a vehicle if a child is found to be travelling without the correct restraint system in use.
It is also important to remember that children under 135 centimetres in height are not allowed to travel in the front seats of vehicles and must be properly restrained by a device appropriate to their height and weight.
The proper wearing of seatbelts and restraint systems is also vital to their correct use. All occupants in a vehicle must wear a seatbelt, whether they are in the front or the back, although some people incorrectly believe that wearing a seatbelt in the back is not necessary, it is, and it is also mandatory. If a person in a rear seat is not wearing a seatbelt they are 8 times more likely to kill the person in a seat in front of them.
Wearing a seat belt is statistically proven to half the risk of death if involved in a collision as it also helps to distribute the force of the impact across the body and not directly at more vulnerable parts of the body. A seat belt prevents the occupant being ejected from a vehicle, saving them from more serious injury.

Excerpt: All this week, the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by their colleagues in the police, will be out in force to ensure the correct use and operation of seatbelts and child restraint systems in vehicles. In 2014 (the last year Read Full Article...

### Five School Bus Drivers Tested Positive for Drugs

During the latest campaign checking the safety requirements of school buses, more than 3,500 vehicles were checked, with five drivers testing positive for drugs, and a further 9 drivers reported for driving in excess of the maximum permitted speed.

During the five-day campaign, a total of 3,557 vehicles were checked by officers of the Guardia Civil, supported by colleagues from local police forces, resulting in 1,416 offences being reported, mainly due to administrative irregularities. A lack of special school transport authorisation and unlimited liability insurance continue to be the most numerous irregularities amongst the controlled vehicles.
According to Gregorio Serrano, Director General of the DGT, “the habitual consumption of drugs by one part of society, has a direct reflection on drivers, many of them are behind the wheel after having consumed some type of substances as noted in the controls performed by agents on the road. From the DGT we will continue increasing these controls, putting a special emphasis on professional drivers”.
Whilst checking the vehicles, the officers found that of those vehicles with seatbelts fitted, 8 had anomalies in their operation. A total of 81 vehicles had deficiencies in the service and emergency doors, as well as in their drive devices, and another 16 were reported for not having their ITV inspection certificates and documentation.
Regarding the administrative offences, 1,024 vehicles lacked the special authorisation to operate as a school transport vehicle, and 338 did not have unlimited liability insurance, as required by law.
In addition, 104 controlled vehicles did not carry the corresponding V-10 school transport signal and another 24 lacked the luminous device with emergency signal.
Finally, as regards the excess of driving time or reduction of rest, 17 drivers were denounced for this reason and another 30 for not taking a person in charge of the care of the minors on board the coach, when this was the case.

Excerpt: During the latest campaign checking the safety requirements of school buses, more than 3,500 vehicles were checked, with five drivers testing positive for drugs, and a further 9 drivers reported for driving in excess of the maximum permitted speed. During Read Full Article...

### Mobile Phones May Improve Road Safety

A team of researchers at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid have been working on a project whereas rather than leading to potentially deadly distractions, a mobile phone can help road safety by advising drivers of safer speeds.

The technology behind intelligent speed adaptation systems (ISA) has been around since the 90s, mostly aimed at warning drivers who exceed the speed limit. In theory, the technology can also be used to block the functions of the mobile and even prevent use when driving, although this part of the system has seemingly not been welcomed by many, despite the obvious safety benefits.
Through this latest development of the system, the researchers in Madrid have been developing ways that the technology can identify other hazards which may need speed adjustment, such as bends, the camber of the road, the elevation etc, and even take into account the meteorological conditions, which may affect the adhesion to the road or visibility, for example, and the amount of traffic in each section. The technology can also identify the type of vehicle in which it is travelling, adjusting its reports accordingly.
The system obtains the information in real time and establishes the safest speed for the next section of the road contemplating and calculating the conditions reported, the stopping distance and the lateral acceleration of the vehicle as objective criteria. To the user, the mobile indicates the level of deceleration necessary. For the definition of the interface, the analysis of the impact on the level of attention required to receive the information of the system is carried out.
Although there are no plans to release the system any time soon, the prototype has been tested in a vehicle, with different drivers, analyzing their response to warnings and their degree of satisfaction and compliance with the limits set.

Excerpt: A team of researchers at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid have been working on a project whereas rather than leading to potentially deadly distractions, a mobile phone can help road safety by advising drivers of safer speeds. The technology behind Read Full Article...

### DGT Takes Delivery of Traffic Drones

Along with a wide range of new equipment set to be tested on the roads of Spain, the DGT has taken delivery of its first traffic monitoring drones.

Already ground-breaking in their method of policing the roads from the air, the DGT contracted a Spanish company to create an “Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, or “drone” to monitor traffic.
With many of their helicopters already fitted with the pinpoint accurate Pegasus radar system, the DGT already use their eyes in the sky for speed detection as well as traffic flow, this latest development could revolutionise the skies once again.
The first aircraft are now ready to fly and be tested, equipped with a camera and setting about monitoring the conventional road network.
The drone is much cheaper to fly that a conventional aircraft and offer a faster response. In addition to monitoring traffic flow, it is hoped that they could be used emergency and incident response, following exceptional loads, fault detection and (eventually) enforcement.
Drones are already in use by numerous police forces around the globe, often for monitoring purposes, and in America there was a huge outcry in 2013 when California´s highways suddenly saw warning signs about Law Enforcement by Drones, although on this occasion it was part of an art project and not real.

Excerpt: Along with a wide range of new equipment set to be tested on the roads of Spain, the DGT has taken delivery of its first traffic monitoring drones. Already ground-breaking in their method of policing the roads from the air, Read Full Article...

### Man Arrested after Rape and Robbery of Tourist in Torrevieja

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a young man in Torrevieja (Alicante), on suspicion of sexual assault on a 32-year-old Belgian tourist who took advantage of the offence and robbed her of her mobile phone and other belongings .

The attack happened a few weeks ago, when the woman, who was on holiday in the town, was walking her dog at around six o'clock, when a passerby approached her and began to speak in different languages, according to a statement.

As the tourist did not understand what he said, she went on he way, but the man grabbed her arm tightly "and assaulted her sexually".

During the struggle others "took advantage of the situation to steal her mobile and various objects from the victim, who was in a state of total helplessness", according to the report.

The woman had to be assisted in the Emergency Medical Service, after which she filed a complaint with the Guardia Civil, in which she described the perpetrator of the assault, but was unable to see those who stole from her.

In a search of the home of the key suspect the officers found a cap that the victim had described in her statement with a fairly distinctive markings and quite rare, as well as several pieces of clothing that matched clothing worn by the attacker during the incident.

The officers arrested the 27-year-old man, of Moroccan origin, and delivered him to the courts in Torrevieja, where he was remanded in custody, whilst the investigation remains open to identify others involved.

 

### Hospitals Quirónsalud Murcia and Torrevieja apply hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)

Implementing this complex technique which requires highly skilled centres, increases the survival of patients with ovarian and colon cancer
Having a personalized and multidisciplinary medical approach to cancer, and therapies such as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) – also referred to as the Sugarbaker technique – increases the survival chances of patients with widely spread neoplasms in the abdominal cavity.
According to Doctor Pedro Bretcha, president of the Spanish Surgical Oncology Society (SEOQ) and surgical oncology specialist at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, “The use of technology is important, but the primary requirement is to have a multidisciplinary vision of cancer, dealt with by a specialized team, because treatment should not be given exclusively by a surgeon, an oncologist, or a gynaecologist, but should be controlled in a consensual manner and adapted to each patient.
This treatment is currently applied in Hospitals Quirónsalud Murcia and Quirónsalud Torrevieja, on patients who are diagnosed with peritoneal carcinomatosis, a pathology which consists in the spread of a primary tumour (digestive or gynaecological) in the abdominal cavity, and affects other organs within the abdomen. Doctor Pedro Cascales, coordinator of the Spanish Surgical Peritoneal Oncology Group (GECOP), and specialist at Hospital Quirónsalud Murcia claims, “Around 70% of patients, with ovarian cancer for example, are diagnosed in advanced stages, when the carcinomatosis is already present. It is these patients who, with the correct approach, can achieve unimaginable results that depend largely on the surgical team they are treated by”.
In fact, using HIPEC can increase the chances of survival in patients with early stage epithelial ovarian cancer. What’s more, its use does not add any complications to the surgical procedure, according to a clinical study published in the prestigious scientific magazine The New England Journal of Medicine, last month.

 
The ‘Sugarbaker’ technique doubles the survival rate for colon cancer
This technique was developed by Doctor Paul H. Sugarbaker in 1982. It consists of the removal of the visible tumour, and later the infusion of HIPEC (at 43o C) in the abdominal cavity to eradicate all invisible malignant cells, as the heat enhances the effects of chemotherapy. This technique has achieved survival rates that have not been registered in any other established treatment, with a colon cancer survival rate of 50% to 5 years.
HIPEC treatment enables the combination of high doses of chemotherapy drugs which focus on the affected area, and less systemic toxicity due to the limitation in the spread of the drug from the peritoneal cavity to the blood stream thanks to the features of the drug’s own peritoneal membrane. Its use requires highly skilled centres with multidisciplinary and specialized teams in Surgical Oncology, as it is a very complex technique.
The surgical oncology team at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja run by Doctor Farré and Doctor Bretcha, was one of the first in 2001 to introduce this technique in Spain to treat peritoneal carcinomatosis. Since then they have performed hundreds of procedures on patients with this condition and varied tumour origins.

 




About Quirónsalud
Quirónsalud is the most important hospital group in Spain, and the third largest in Europe. It can be found in 13 autonomous communities in Spain, has state-of-the-art technology and offers over 6,800 beds in more than 100 healthcare centres, such as Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Hospital Universitario Quirónsalud Madrid, Hospital Universitario Dexeus, Ruber, Centro Médico Teknon, Hospital La Luz, Policlínica de Guipúzcoa, Hospital Quirónsalud Valencia, etc., as well as a huge team of highly qualified professionals of international prestige.
We promote teaching (seven of our centres are university hospitals) and medical and scientific research (we run the FJD [Spanish acronym, Jiménez Díaz Foundation] Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria [Healthcare Research Institute], the only private research centre licensed by the Secretaría de Estado de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación [Ministry for Research, Development and Innovation]).
Likewise, our healthcare service is organised in units and crosscutting networks that allow for the optimisation of accumulated experience at difference centres, and the clinical application of our research. Currently, Quirónsalud is developing many research projects across Spain, and many of its healthcare centres carry out cutting edge work in this field, as pioneers in different specialisations such as radiology, cardiology, endocrinology, gynaecology, neurology, oncology and sports medicine, among others.

Excerpt: Implementing this complex technique which requires highly skilled centres, increases the survival of patients with ovarian and colon cancer Having a personalized and multidisciplinary medical approach to cancer, and therapies such as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) – also referred to as the Sugarbaker technique – increases the survival chances of patients with widely spread neoplasms in the …

### School Bus Driver Caught Five Times Over the Limit

The driver of a school bus carrying 42 high school students was arrested by the Santomera (Murcia) Local Police on Tuesday, after he was found to be almost five-times over the permitted alcohol limit.

As part of the week-long campaign focussing on school transport, the local police are supporting the Guardia Civil in testing the legalities on school transport.
The arrest occurred just after 14:00 on Tuesday afternoon when the 58-year-old driver was carrying the students between the two educational institutions of Octavio Carpena and Poeta Julián Andúgar, where he was going to pick up more students at the end of their class.
A police patrol participating in the joint special campaign suspected the driver had been drinking when they were carrying out the routine checks. The officers believed that the driver smelt of alcohol and was exhibiting other bodily signs of having consumed alcohol.
Having conducted a breathalyzer test on the driver, the results showed an alcohol level of 0.67 milligrams per litre of exhaled air, when the limit for professional drivers is 0.15.
The driver was arrested and released later on Tuesday with a summons to appear in the Murcia courts on Wednesday facing a quick trial for a crime against road safety.

Excerpt: The driver of a school bus carrying 42 high school students was arrested by the Santomera (Murcia) Local Police on Tuesday, after he was found to be almost five-times over the permitted alcohol limit. As part of the week-long campaign Read Full Article...

### School Bus Checks This Week

From today, and all of this week, officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department will be carrying out extra checks and surveillance on school buses.

During the five-day campaign, the officers will intensify inspections on both the vehicles and the drivers, verifying that the authorisations and documents that these vehicles must have to perform in service, verify that the technical conditions and safety elements of the vehicle satisfy the minimum standards required by the regulations, as the special requirements that the drivers must meet, such as appropriate driving licences and rest times.
Safety is the highest priority for this type of transport and the annual incident figures do reflect school transport as being amongst the safest ways for children to travel to school, especially if the number of deaths per traveller is taken as a comparison by kilometre travelled.
According to Gregorio Serrano, the director of the DGT, “the safe mobility of minors is one of the priorities of the DGT. Every day there are thousands of students who use the school bus to go to school and return home, so we have to keep checking that these trips are made safely.” In addition, “with this type of campaign, we remind parents of the right to demand from schools or parent associations that buses that handle school transport meet all the regulatory requirements to carry out this type of transport.”
Inappropriate speed and distractions are the main causes of incidents in which this type of vehicle is involved, so speed controls will be carried out focusing on this type of vehicle especially, as well as other factors such as not using a mobile phone or other devices whilst driving. Alcohol and other drug controls will also be increased amongst drivers.
Statistically, 90% of incidents involving school transport take place at the time of getting in or out of the vehicle or just in the immediate moments surrounding this time. In many cases these are caused by the child being distracted, or the fact that the school bus driver or the parents are not paying full attention. To avoid this type of incident, it is recommended that parents respect bus stops, allow enough time for taking and collecting children, and not waiting for the children on the other side of the road.
Due to the importance of seat belts in saving lives in the event of an incident, special attention will be paid to the use of these in school buses that have them installed. Although all new buses that enter service must be fitted with seat belts (since October 2007, registration is denied to any bus that does not have these restraint systems installed), older vehicles are still allowed to continue without seat belts installed, until time allows for their replacement. Currently, despite their importance, only around 60% of the school bus fleet have seat belts installed.
According to several studies, the use of seat belts in buses would reduce fatal injuries by 90% in the event of a head-on collision or rollover, since correctly fastened it prevents the projection of the passenger (adult or child) and reduces impacts on the chest, abdomen and legs
As is normal in this type of campaign, the Guardia Civil will also be supported by colleagues in the municipal and local police.
 
Safety Statistics
In 2016 (the last year with consolidated data) school buses were involved in 32 incidents (20 on interurban roads and 12 in urban ones), in which no one was killed but 17 occupants were injured.
According to a study prepared by the Traffic Association of the Guardia Civil about incidents and injuries of vehicles dedicated to school transport:

The vast majority of them occur on conventional roads (65% last year).
The most frequent type of incident is the fronto-lateral collision.
Distraction and inappropriate speed appear as more frequent concurrent factors.

 
Educating on the School Bus
Trips from home to school can be a good time for the adult accompanying the children to remind them of some messages about road safety, such as:

Never stop behind the bus.
Wait for the driver’s signal and always cross at least three metres ahead.
Inside the bus, stay seated and with the seat belt on, if it is installed.
Do not run when you get to the bus, or when leaving.
Obey the driver and the monitor.

In addition, parents should check the safety of the buses and coaches in which their children are travelling, request the centre hire buses with seat belts and check that a monitor accompanies the children during the journey.
 
Other Healthier Ways to get to School
In addition to the school bus there are other means of transport in which the students go to school: private car, public transport, bicycle or simply walking.
With the intention of promoting sustainable mobility from an early age, the DGT in collaboration with the Federation of Municipalities and Provinces is encouraging safer school roads, which favour and stimulate travel on foot, by bike or public transport to and from school.
Currently there are more than 100 municipalities in 35 provinces and approximately 300 schools that are working or already have safe school roads defined by the criteria.

Excerpt: From today, and all of this week, officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department will be carrying out extra checks and surveillance on school buses. During the five-day campaign, the officers will intensify inspections on both the vehicles and the Read Full Article...

### New Motorbikes and New Equipment – All aimed at saving lives

The latest two-wheeled addition to the Guardia Civil fleet sees a return for BMW, with the acquisition of nearly 300 BMW R1200RT motorbikes, set to replace the previous R850RT model, which had already started to be phased out by the powerful Yamaha FJR 1300. As well as the move towards more powerful and purpose designed motorbikes, the latest fleet sees the addition of high-visibility colours, yellow fluorine, required by new European regulations that recommend its use in police vehicles.








BMW Motorrad, owned by the BMW consortium, delivered the new motorbikes recently to the Guardia Civil, with their specific role of improving the safety of the officers who patrol the roads and motorways in Spain, and make the roads safer for all.
The motorbikes will be used on the Iberian Peninsula, in the Balearic Islands and also in the Canary Islands and will serve to replace the previous BMW R850RT. In this regard, the R1200RT “includes all the elements of safety and comfort” and have specifications required by the Traffic Department in order to carry out the tasks for which they will be used, such as the installation of a siren and emergency lights, amongst other elements.
These 291 motorcycles have the corporate colours of the Guardia Civil, the distinctive green and white colourings, and has the addition of the yellow fluorine features, which serves to satisfy the new European legislation that recommends its use in police vehicles.
Technical characteristics
With a list price of 19,650 euro, the R1200RT measures 2,222mm in length and 983mm in width. It has a wheelbase of 1,485mm and has a seat height to the floor of 805mm. It weighs 274kg and its maximum weight capacity with load is 495kg.
As is the standard for police motorbikes, the double-seat has been removed and replaced with a single-rider seat, allowing more room for the equipment to be carried.
It has a storage capacity of 25 litres, with areas specifically designed to transport the newly acquired and necessary equipment to carry out traffic surveillance without having to rely on other types of vehicles.
Francisco Javier Molano, Chief Lieutenant Colonel Guardia Civil in Galicia explained, “The new motorcycles allow the officers to perform speed controls and alcohol and drugs checks, without having to wait for the arrival of other patrols”. The motorcycles provide greater autonomy on the roads and with the new portable radars, the officers will be able to set up checks and controls and more areas, and faster than ever before. The new radars are small enough to be carried in the motorbike´s compartments, and can be set up on a tripod or used by hand.
The new alcohol and drug testing kits are also small enough to be carried on the motorbikes, allowing for instant checks to be carried out at the roadside at any time, day or night.
The Director General of Traffic, Gregorio Serrano, explained that the bikes are also intended to avoid the influence of applications and social networks that warn of alcohol controls. With motorcycles, these monitoring devices for alcohol and drug consumption will be much more dynamic, since the motorcycle has a greater versatility of use than cars, with which the controls will be much more agile.
Returning to the characteristics of the bikes themselves, it is equipped with a bi-cylinder mixed cooling engine, with a cylinder capacity of 1,170cc. Its maximum power is 125hp at 7,750rpm. Its torque is 125Nm at 6,500 rpm.
The motorbike has six gears and has a 320mm diameter hydraulic disc double disc front brake. Its rear brake is monodisc and its diameter is 276mm. The bike can carry a front tire of 120/70 ZR with a 17-inch forged aluminium rim. The rear tire is 180/55 ZR, also with a 17-inch forged aluminium rim.
It has several optional elements such as the Start-Up Assistant, the electronic suspension adjustment, gear-changing Assistant (for more comfort and dynamism when changing gears) and LED daytime running lights.
It has two driving modes: Rain and Road, as well as an automatic control system ASC (Automatic Stability Control). The windscreen is adjustable so that it protects better against wind and rain. It has a multifunctional dashboard with TFT screen, and an on-board computer that provides the rider with a wealth of information.

Excerpt: The latest two-wheeled addition to the Guardia Civil fleet sees a return for BMW, with the acquisition of nearly 300 BMW R1200RT motorbikes, set to replace the previous R850RT model, which had already started to be phased out by the Read Full Article...

### Traffic Collisions Claim the Lives of 1,200 People Last Year

The number of people seriously injured reduced by 336 people
Distractions, inappropriate speed, tiredness or lack of sleep, and alcohol and drugs are the main contributing factors in fatal or serious incidents
The number of deaths in cars or vans of people not wearing a seat belt increased by 26, with 175 people losing their lives in 2017, compared to 149 in 2016
A total of 408.5 million long-distance journeys took place, 16.4 million more than 2016, which represents an increase of 4.2% over the previous year
At the beginning of 2017, 15 urgent road safety measures were announced, of which 90% have already been implemented
More measures will be implemented in 2018 in several blocks: More reforms, more controls, more education / training and communication, more research and more commitments between administrations and the private sector

 
 
In the latest compiled data for 2017, it was revealed that there were 1,067 fatal incidents on the interurban roads of Spain, in which 1,200 people were killed and 4,837 were hospitalised by their injuries, representing an increase of 3% in terms of fatal incidents (+28) and deaths (+39), although there has been a decrease of 6% (-336) in relation to those hospitalised.
The data has been presented by the Director General of Traffic, but is considered provisional as there is still a chance of complications from injuries sustained in incidents, which may alter the figures. Ordinarily, the fatality figures are concluded up to 24 hours after the incident, with an extension to 30 days following incidents on interurban roads.
Despite this upturn, the number of deaths remains below those recorded in 1960, the first year in which statistics are available, when there were 1,300 deaths, with an absolutely different mobility scenario (in 1960 there were one million vehicles and in 2017 the car quota is almost 33 million), but it must also be recognised that vehicle design has also played its part and vehicles today are far more safer than those of 1960, and yet the fatalities increase due, largely, to driver attitude and activity.
According to Gregorio Serrano, the Director General of Traffic, “Although Spain remains one of the safest countries on the road both in the world (8th) and in Europe (5th), we must continue making great efforts among all to reduce the accident figures”, continuing, “I am sure that with the new Traffic and Road Safety Law and with more measures of control, education, training, communication and research, we will be able to reduce the number of deaths on our roads together”, adding, that “no measure is effective if it does not have the involvement of drivers and the rest of the public administration”.
 
 
 
Evolution of the number of deaths in interurban roads (24 hours) 1960 – 2017

With the data we can conclude that the daily average of road fatalities is now 3.3 people per day, compared to 11.6 daily deaths in 2000.
A number of other factors also stand out from the data:
Mobility: An increase of 16.4 million long-distance road trips has been observed, which is 4.2% more than the previous year. In total, 408.5 million long-distance trips were registered in 2017, which represents an accumulated increase of 14.5% over the last four years.
Increase in vehicle numbers: During 2017, 1,787,242 addition vehicles have been registered, which means an automobile quota of almost 33 million vehicles on the roads.
Age of vehicles: Despite the new registrations, in 2017 the average age of the vehicles involved in fatal incidents is now 12 years for passenger cars, a percentage that increases to 13.8 years in the case of the cars involved in fatal incidents.
 
Characteristics of Incidents
By sex: A higher percentage of male deaths continue. The proportion of males over the total has been 78%, a percentage that remains consistent with respect to 2016.
By age: There is a significant decrease in deaths among people over 65 years of age. In 2017, 181 people died, compared to 240 the previous year.
The age groups in which the number of fatalities increased the most was the 25 to 34 years group, with an increase of 37%, and those aged between 55 and 64 years of age, with an increase of 16%.
With regards to children three more people were killed in 2017 compared to 2016, with a total of 21 children under 14 years of age being killed.
By Autonomous Communities: There was a decline in the number of deaths in a number of regions, including Galicia (-29), Comunidad Valenciana (-17); Basque Country (-6) Navarra (-3), La Rioja and Castilla y León (-1). The Balearic Islands maintained the same number of deaths as the previous year.  All other autonomous communities saw an increase in the number of deaths.
Regional Table

By type of route: Of the total number of fatalities, 77% occurred on conventional roads, which is why there is an increased focus in terms of surveillance and control on these routes. Specifically, last year, 792 people died on conventional roads, 30 more than in 2016.
On high capacity roads, the fatality rate decreased from 24% to 23%, from 245 in 2016 to 239 in 2017.
By incident type: On high-capacity roads, 41% of those killed in 2017 were in incidents where their vehicle left the road, 20% were in rear and multiple collisions, and 15% were pedestrian related. On conventional roads, 42% of the deaths were due to incidents where the vehicle left the road, whilst 28% were in frontal collisions.
Contributing factors: Distractions or inattentive driving (32%); inappropriate speed (26%), fatigue or sleep (12%); alcohol (12%) and other drugs (11%) are the factors that most contribute to fatalities, all of which are within the control and responsibility of the driver.
By type of road user: The data analysing the type of road user highlights differing behaviours. There was an increase in the number of fatalities involving car and van drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists, but a significant decrease in the number of pedestrians who lost their lives.
Road Users

Use of safety equipment: 24% of the drivers and passengers who died in cars and vans in 2017 were not wearing seat belts at the time of the incident. Despite continual warnings and the mandatory requirement, a total of 175 people could still be alive today if they had worn their seat belt, 26 more than in 2016.
Of the 240 people killed on motorcycles, 2 were not wearing a helmet. In the case of cyclists, of the 44 who died, 8 were not wearing a helmet, despite it being mandatory on interurban roads.
Of the 16 children under 12 years of age who died in cars or vans, 4 were not secured by and safety accessory at the time of the incident.
 
New Measures Taken

At the beginning of 2017, an urgent road safety plan was approved with 15 measures aimed at improving the worsening situation on the roads. Of the 15 urgent measures announced, 90% have already been implemented.
 
In addition to the 15-point plan, extra regulations and measures were also announced and approved, including the provision of more alcohol and drugs testing kits, 300 new motorcycles and 156 new vans with alcohol and drug testing equipment.
The Basic Plan of Road Education and the Provincial Commissions of Road Education have also been approved, which are already underway.
In addition to all these actions, during 2017, the 52 working groups created within the Superior Council of Traffic and Road Safety have met to discuss the changes and improvements that can be made in the Road Safety Act so that the DGT can subsequently develop the new traffic law to send to the Ministry in the first quarter of the year.
 
Projects for 2018
Projects set to be implemented during 2018 will be concentrated in several blocks: More reforms, more controls, more education / training and communication, more research and more commitments between administrations and the private sector.
We will look more closely at each of the proposed elements as the year progresses, but for now we can see the lists of these blocks.
 
More reforms:
New Traffic and Traffic Safety Law, General Regulation of vehicles and Regulation of roadside assistance.
Approval of the State Strategic Plan for the bicycle.
Road safety strategy 2018-2020.
Commissioning of the DGT 3.0 connected vehicle platform.
Strategic vehicle plan.
Plan of measures against the sinisterness of vulnerable people.
 
More controls:
Approval of new plan against the speed and publication of a new radar instruction.
Approval of the protocol for the application of Art. 36 of the Driver’s Regulation in the recidivists for alcohol and other drugs.
New comprehensive plan to fight against alcohol and drugs in driving.
Acquisition of drones for traffic control.
 
More education, training and communication:
Development of the basic Coordination Plans in Road Education.
Acquisition of more pedagogical materials for schools.
Acquisition of 50 mobile traffic playgrounds.
Approval call for aid to associations of victims of traffic incidents, with special attention to the road education of adolescents.
Reform of the road training model in Spain.
Admission of 100 new examiners.
Carrying out communication campaigns in all media (TV, radio, digital …) about the more vulnerable group: pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
Realisation of new communication campaigns, outdoor advertising and direct actions.
 
More research:
Investment of 1 million euro in research grants
 
More commitments:
Approval of agreements for the promotion of road safety education with the Autonomous Communities.
Approval framework agreement of collaboration with the FEMP (federation of municipalities).
Celebration of collaboration agreements on road safety with the operators of the roads.
Approval of bilateral agreements with municipalities on vulnerable road safety.
Continue to promote work-based road safety in collaboration with companies.
 

Excerpt: The number of people seriously injured reduced by 336 people Distractions, inappropriate speed, tiredness or lack of sleep, and alcohol and drugs are the main contributing factors in fatal or serious incidents The number of deaths in cars or vans Read Full Article...

### Changes to Traffic Laws in 2018

During 2017 a number of changes have been proposed and announced by the DGT, which will affect all drivers on Spain´s roads.
With the main objective of reducing road traffic incidents and, reducing the risk of serious injury or death, many of the changes are already prepared and will start to come into force from the end of January. We have already reported on some of these changes but have brought them all together here as a digest of what we can look forward to.
Gregorio Serrano, the Director General of Traffic, said that “the new traffic law will be ready by the end of January 2018”, and that there will be important changes to the” examination procedure, points system, and to ITV inspections”, all aimed at reducing the number of deaths on the roads, 1,165 in 2017bso far recorded, ultimately to zero.
Changes to Examinations
The reforms, which could take effect from 2018, will be implemented in both the theoretical and in the practical exam, improving and adapting the system to those of other European countries.
It has been proposed that examinees perform the test through electronic devices. This could also include the projection of videos in which the student must describe a manoeuvre, observe hazards and react to emergency situations.
In addition, much like the changes implemented in the UK, the practical part of the exam will include students following the instructions of a GPS over a set route, having to obey the instructions given by the device, whilst still respecting the rules of the road.
Change to the Penalty Points System
The implementation of the penalty points system was recognised as one of the most effective measures in improving road safety. In Spain, points are awarded with the licence, then withdrawn in the event of an infraction, with the ability to increase the number of points awarded for good driving behaviour over time.
Despite the success, the DGT believes that the system needs to be updated and reconsidered so that it remains as effective as it has been up to now. To do this, the catalogue of infractions which cause point loss will be reviewed. Furthermore, the plan will include the automatic loss of the licence if all points are lost, since “it is indicative that the offender lacks the proper characteristics to drive a vehicle.”
The courses for obtaining points will also be reviewed and it is planned to create a virtual card so that all members of the European Union will be sanctioned if they commit infractions in Spain.
Changes to the ITV Process
The changes to the ITV system have already been published into the legal stature, and will come into force in May.
Users of vehicles who suffer a failure or negative result will be able to go to a different test centre for the retest, as long as the faults have been rectified.
ITV test centres will be obliged to have diagnostic reading tools that can be connected to the on-board computers of the vehicles. This way it will be possible to detect if malicious software has been installed that alters the operation of the Airbag, the catalysts, or the particle filters.
Likewise, reviews should also be made in greater depth on the security elements. In the past, this would involve physical tests of the seat belts, but from now on the electronic elements that are accessed through the computer on board the vehicle will also be checked.

Excerpt: During 2017 a number of changes have been proposed and announced by the DGT, which will affect all drivers on Spain´s roads. With the main objective of reducing road traffic incidents and, reducing the risk of serious injury or death, Read Full Article...

### Quirónsalud support local music and culture by signing an agreement with the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra

On Saturday 17th of February the musical ensemble will perform their third concert of the season at the International Auditorium in Torrevieja

Hospital Quirónsalud Torreviejahas signed a collaboration agreement with the Musical and Cultural Association “ArsAetheria” (Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra) with the aim to establish a cooperative sponsorship between the medical centre and local music and culture. In accordance with this convention, Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja will appear in information leaflets and posters of the concerts it sponsors.

The Musical and Cultural Association “ArsAetheria”, based at the International Auditorium in Torrevieja, is comprised of the prestigious Symphony Orchestra which has more than 60 musicians, the Youth Orchestra, and the Music School for Adults. By working together, “ArsAetheria” and Quirónsalud Torrevieja hope to stimulate an interest in music and culture in both Spanish and international residents.

The agreement has been signed by the Managing Director of Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, Francisco Fiestras, and the president of the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra, PelayoMellado Jiménez.

This Saturday 17th of February at 19:00 pm, the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra with put on their third concert of the season at the city’s International Auditorium. The program will be entirely dedicated to the composer Ludwig van Beethoven, with a performance of his Concert for violin and orchestra Op 61.

 

### N332 RoadWatch – Issue 11

The Eyes in the Sky
2017 in Review – New 2018 Laws – UK Vehicle Checks – Are Dash Cams Legal? – Newly Equipped Motorbikes – And Much, More Inside our 66 page new-look edition…
You can read the latest edition of N332 RoadWatch FOR FREE after the introduction below. Or, you can purchase the PDF version and download it to your computer or device.

Buy PDF

Introduction by Mark Nolan…
Welcome to the latest edition of N332 RoadWatch, and welcome to a Brand new year.
Lots of changes have been implemented over the last few months, with many more set to start during the first part of this year. All of these changes have a single goal, to try to make the roads safer for all. We detail the changes that will be coming into force in this edition.
We also look back on 2017 and review the situation on the roads, with vehicles getting safer, there is still an insufficient decline in safety figures, with driver attitude and responsibility till being the main contributor.
We have also expanded this issue, and will continue to expand with each edition. We have sections on health, and travel, with more still to come, all thanks to our collaborations with quality service providers in our area.
We still have many more projects in development, some of which we will be revealing this year, others are in the early stages.
Okay, so it might be a little vague, but we don´t want to give too much away at the moment, but we are confident that you will find them extremely useful.
It´s not only us developing of course, and going back to this edition, you will see how technological advances are making road policing and monitoring a lot easier, with new motorbikes delivered this month, mobile speed radars and other new equipment all on the way, here is where you will be able to read all about them.
We also feature a section of the Guardia Civil that is often never seen, although always there if needed, the men and women of air support. This group of skilled aircrew are different from the team who fly the DGT traffic helicopters, but you will find out more inside.
For now, enjoy this edition and stay safe.




Buy PDF

Excerpt: The Eyes in the Sky 2017 in Review – New 2018 Laws – UK Vehicle Checks – Are Dash Cams Legal? – Newly Equipped Motorbikes – And Much, More Inside our 66 page new-look edition… You can read the latest Read Full Article...

### Drunk Driver Causes Ambulance Crash in Elche

Officers from Elche Local Police arrested a man on suspicion of driving under the influence of excessive alcohol and in a vehicle which did not have insurance or ITV certification, after he caused an ambulance to crash in Elche.

The sole occupant of the ambulance, the driver, was luckily unhurt in the incident which occured on calle Jacarilla in the town, near to the main retail area just before midnight.
The driver of the car fled the scene in his vehicle after carrying out a manoeuvre which caused the ambulance to take evasive action and crash, turning over onto its side.
All available resources were deployed to the area and the exit routes quickly blocked, soon after which a suspect vehicle presented itself and the officers were able to intercept the car before it fled the town.
Having carried out the necessary checks, the officers could see that the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol, and subsequently gave a positive blood alcohol test. In addition, the vehicle had been deregistered and did not have the mandatory insurance or technical ITV certificate.
The ambulance driver needed the help of the officers to exit the overturned vehicle, but only suffered minor bruises. The ambulance was taken out of service as a result of the crash.

Excerpt: Officers from Elche Local Police arrested a man on suspicion of driving under the influence of excessive alcohol and in a vehicle which did not have insurance or ITV certification, after he caused an ambulance to crash in Elche. The Read Full Article...

### Permission to Use Your Vehicle

Assuming your insurance covers multiple drivers, you may allow any qualified driver to use your vehicle. However, in order to avoid problems if the driver is stopped, it is recommended that the vehicle driver is given a document proving that they have the owner´s permission to drive the vehicle.
This may seem like an inconvenience, but it is for your protection. If the vehicle is stopped, the officers who come across a vehicle driven by somebody other than the registered keeper will question the legalities of the driver, which is in your best interest, as if it is stolen they will find out very soon. Otherwise, if a vehicle is stolen but not yet reported as such, there could be no reason for the Guardia Civil or police to doubt that the person driving the vehicle has the owner´s permission, and so it could otherwise go unchecked.
But of course there could be a genuine reason for somebody other than the registered keeper to drive the car, which is what this document would help to prove.
Simply download the document and complete it, or complete the online version and print it, and attach a copy of both the owner´s driving licence, and a copy of the licence of the person given permission to drive. It should be completed in full, including a term of validity, and then dated and signed.
Download, print and complete this document…
Download, print and complete this form.
RIGHT CLICK THIS LINE AND CHOOSE SAVE AS TO DOWNLOAD THE ABOVE DOCUMENT
OR, download and complete this one on your computer before printing it…
Or download, and complete this version on your computer before printing it
RIGHT CLICK THIS LINE AND CHOOSE SAVE AS TO DOWNLOAD THE ABOVE DOCUMENT

Excerpt: Assuming your insurance covers multiple drivers, you may allow any qualified driver to use your vehicle. However, in order to avoid problems if the driver is stopped, it is recommended that the vehicle driver is given a document proving that Read Full Article...

### The N332 Team will be in Guardamar on Monday

On Monday the 29th of January, members of the N332 team will be giving a presentation on road traffic law at the Marjal Guardamar Camping Resort in Guardamar, just off the N332 main road (location map at the bottom of this article.
The talk will cover various parts of traffic law, and will be presented by a representative of both the N332 Guardia Civil team, and the website and publication members.
The presentation is free to attend and open to all, but the organisers ask that you let them know if you plan to attend so that they can ensure there will be enough seats.
This is the first of our talks for this season, with more to follow, and we look forward to meeting with you from Monday.
To attend, please contact Ann Murray on Facebook, or you can email us and we will add your details to their list. Send your contact name, telephone number and email address, as well as the number of people in your group, to news@n332.es

Excerpt: On Monday the 29th of January, members of the N332 team will be giving a presentation on road traffic law at the Marjal Guardamar Camping Resort in Guardamar, just off the N332 main road (location map at the bottom of Read Full Article...

### Fake Ferrari Seller Arrested

A 43-year-old man has been arrested in the Torrellano area of Elche (Alicante), for allegedly modifying the body of an old Pontiac car, converting it to have the appearance of a luxury Ferrari, with the aim of selling it for financial benefit.

According to the National Police, the man had used logos officially registered by the Italian brand to give a greater appearance of truth to the scam, in a sale that was announced at a popular online sales portal.
The vehicle has been seized in a workshop in Torrellano, in an operation carried out by agents of the Specialist Crime group of the Provincial Brigade of the Judicial Police of Alicante.
The man was released with charges pending facing crimes against intellectual property and fraud, on account of manipulating the vehicle so that at first glance it had the appearance of being a Ferrari, a vehicle of much higher value.
 

Excerpt: A 43-year-old man has been arrested in the Torrellano area of Elche (Alicante), for allegedly modifying the body of an old Pontiac car, converting it to have the appearance of a luxury Ferrari, with the aim of selling it for Read Full Article...

### Hit and Run Suspect Arrested on the Brink of Fleeing the Country

Thanks to the collaboration of a witness to a conversation, the National Police managed to hunt down and capture a fugitive responsible for knocking down and killing a 17-year-old girl in Madrid, just before the suspect fled the country.
The incident occurred on Monday on the M-117 road in Madrid, when the girl was fatally knocked down at kilometre 3 of the road. The driver fled the scene.

Later that evening, a man, of Paraguayan origin, attended the police station in Pozuelo de Alarcón and explained to the officers the details of a conversation he had overheard between two men earlier that afternoon.
The witness to the conversation stated that he did not know the person allegedly responsible for the incident, but at around one o’clock on Monday afternoon he had encountered him whilst smoking a cigar in a doorway.
For about five minutes, the witness listened into the conversation where one of the men was explaining to the other how he had knocked somebody over in his car, and now plans to immediately leave the country.
The person receiving the information left shortly afterwards, whilst the suspect called another acquaintance and explained the situation again, saying, “I have run over someone and I think I have killed them”, asking for help to leave the country, “I have to leave Spain to a Latin American country”.
The witness to the conversation maintained his demeanour and continued to listen for more clues, before finishing his cigar, then returning to his home where he searched the internet for incidents which could have matched the details of what he had just heard.
Very quickly he came across news of the death of Alejandra, the 17-year-old girl which had taken place in Madrid on Monday at Fuente el Saz de Jarama on her way to school.
Unsure as to whether the information he had heard was true, and battling with his conscience, for several hours the man chose to remain silent, but then decided to go to the police station in Pozuelo de Alarcón around eight o’clock in the evening.
Once there, the Paraguayan explained to the officers what he had heard, with special emphasis on the fact that the subject planned to leave Spain that same day. At that time, the police did not have any more information other than that provided by the witness, who explained that he was a man of about 50 years of Paraguayan or Argentine origin, since the witness was able to distinguish the different nuances of Every Latin American speaker thanks to his origin.
The National Police launched an operation in which they called on the assistance of the Guardai Civil, who were in charge of the investigation into the fatal incident, confirming what they knew about the suspect and the victim.
Officers then visited the apartment block where conversations had taken place, knocking on every door in the block until one of the doors was opened by a Paraguayan girl. “Does a member of your family drive a green Mercedes?” asked the officers, to which the girl replied, “Yes, my uncle, but he just left with his bags in a hurry and I do not know why”.
The police then visited the suspect´s home, at around 10 o’clock at night, although he wasn´t there, and, remembering the threat to flee the country, set about searching flights leaving Madrid airport, and discovered a flight leaving at 23:55 to Buenos Aires.
Contacting the flight operator, the company confirmed the suspect had bought a ticket and was already on board the aircraft. Given the little time they had left, the police were forced to ask the plane’s Captain for assistance and permission to proceed with the arrest, which finally took place at 00:15 on board the plane.
According to sources, the suspect collapsed shortly after the arrest occurred and, although he did not confess the crime, he did tell them the exact place where the car with which he had run over the child was located, so is now accused of reckless homicide, omission of the duty of assistance and crimes against civil security.

Excerpt: Thanks to the collaboration of a witness to a conversation, the National Police managed to hunt down and capture a fugitive responsible for knocking down and killing a 17-year-old girl in Madrid, just before the suspect fled the country. The Read Full Article...

### Cyclists Injured and a Lucky Escape in Local Incidents

Two cyclists were injured on Wednesday afternoon after being hit by a car the Pilar de la Horadada area.
The emergency services were alerted to the incident at around 15:10 when they were telephoned for assistance on the CV-941.
A paramedic unit (SAMU) and basic life support ambulance (SVB) were sent to the scene where they found a 46 year old cyclist having suffered a trauma to one leg, and a second, aged 40, with multiple injuries.
Both were transferred to the University Hospital of Torrevieja whilst the Guardia Civil took over the scene and took a statement from the driver whilst they investigate.
Meanwhile, a Dolores resident had a lucky escape from a spectacular crash on the road between Daya Nueva and Daya Vieja on Tuesday night, when the driver lost control of the vehicle on the CV-901 after passing the Daya Nueva cemetery roundabout.
The car jumped the crash barrier and landed on its side in a ditch on a curve. The 20-year-old driver was unhurt and an investigation is being carried out into the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Picture by Marcus

Excerpt: Two cyclists were injured on Wednesday afternoon after being hit by a car the Pilar de la Horadada area. The emergency services were alerted to the incident at around 15:10 when they were telephoned for assistance on the CV-941. A Read Full Article...

### Arrested for Burglary of Homes and Garages

One minor has been arrested and another three are being investigated on suspicion of being responsible for 30 burglaries from homes and garages in the Valencia area of l’Horta Nord.
Operation ‘Canixech’ saw five people investigated, four of them minors, for crimes of robbery with force.
The officers recovered objects from robberies valued at around 16,000 euro in an operation that attributed the gang to crimes committed in Rafelbunyol, Pobla de Fanals, Museros, Massalfasar, Massamagrell and Albuixech.
The operational phase culminated in the arrest of an elderly man and the investigation of four other young people, all of Spanish nationality, as presumed authors of 30 crimes of robbery with force in several localities. The ‘modus operandi’ was the same: broken locks, perimeter fence jump or elimination of security measures. They moved mainly at night time so as not to be detected and usually on mopeds or bicycles.
In addition to recovering stolen property, the officers seized mopeds which had been disassembled into parts, ten bicycles also disassembled, and 13 moped tires, in addition to a modified compressed airgun, a revolver box, hunting cartridges, a bag of gunpowder and two mobile phones.
The value of the recovered items was put at around 16,000 euro.

 

Excerpt: One minor has been arrested and another three are being investigated on suspicion of being responsible for 30 burglaries from homes and garages in the Valencia area of l’Horta Nord. Operation ‘Canixech’ saw five people investigated, four of them minors, Read Full Article...

### Drivers Failed to Prepare for Adverse Weather

During the first weekend of January, some 3,000 vehicles became trapped on a snowbound motorway in Segovia, prompting the government to call on military forces to assist the Guardia Civil in freeing vehicles and their occupants.
However, according to the Director General of the DGT, Gregorio Serrano, many of the drivers who became trapped did not hear or head the warnings, and many others failed to take necessary precautions.
Serrano gave a press conference after the event and explained how more than 3,000 vehicles had been trapped on the AP-6 at the height of several municipalities of Segovia. Serrano said that ”many vehicles went without snow chains” which caused a serious of incidents which collapsed the road.
Although carrying snow chains is not mandatory, it is advisable during times of snow risk as it is mandatory to use them if signs are displayed saying so. Vehicles which do not carry snow chains must not proceed on roads where these signs are displayed.
Guardia Civil traffic officers worked tirelessly into a cold Saturday night to try to ease the problem and rescue stranded drivers, but the situation quickly became uncontrollable and so UME military forces were called in, staying on site well into Sunday afternoon.
Serrano compared the situation to “many European countries”, where such occurrences are not infrequent, but this situation was further aggravated by the end of the Christmas holiday period.
Serrano personally monitored the situation throughout the incident and assured the press conference that every possible resource was deployed which, despite the severity of the situation, could have ended so much worse, but could also have been so much easier should drivers have prepared and took notice of the warnings.

Excerpt: During the first weekend of January, some 3,000 vehicles became trapped on a snowbound motorway in Segovia, prompting the government to call on military forces to assist the Guardia Civil in freeing vehicles and their occupants. However, according to the Read Full Article...

### Welcome to a New You – The January Health Kick

As the festive season comes to an end, many people feel the pinch around the waistline and decide to embark on a “new you” in January, with a health kick to work of those extra added kilos.
Joining a gym, a support group, on-line diet plan all see boosts at this time of year, but so does and increase in the number of people taking to the streets in their own fitness routines, perhaps walking, running or cycling off that extra baggage.
Remember, if you are on foot, walking or running, you are a pedestrian. Always wear bright, high visible clothing, stop at pedestrian crossings, keep an eye out for hidden junctions such as garage exits or side roads, and avoid distractions such as using headphones which may prevent you being aware of your surroundings. If you have to use the road remember to always face oncoming traffic.
If you take to two wheels, remember that you are a vehicle, governed by the same laws as another other, cars, vans, etc, and you must never wear headphones or use a mobile phone, always respect traffic lights, signs, signals and one-way streets, if using pedestrian crossings remember that you must dismount and walk, as with running always wear high visibility clothing.
At night and in times of poor visibility lights must be used on bikes (a bell is also mandatory), and are advisable for running or walking. If you are running or walking in a group it is mandatory.
Vigilance and visibility is vital as a vulnerable road user. Be seen, be observant and be careful, if you are hoping to improve, good luck, but be careful.

Excerpt: As the festive season comes to an end, many people feel the pinch around the waistline and decide to embark on a “new you” in January, with a health kick to work of those extra added kilos. Joining a gym, Read Full Article...

### Are Dash Cams Legal in Spain?

A frequently reoccurring question searched for is “are dash cams legal in Spain?”
Although there are data protection issues, when referring to traffic law the simple answer is yes.
Not only are dash cams legal in Spain, they can also be extremely useful, especially in providing evidence in the event of an incident, or worse.
That said, the first thing we must take notice of is that the installation of the dash cam must not interfere with our primary field of vision. The optimum position will depend on the style of camera and vehicle, but if the camera can be hidden behind the rear view mirror, then it will not impede your view of the road ahead, and will not create an additional distraction.
Like all devices, they must also be secured and you must not touch them whilst you are driving.
In terms of them being useful, dash cams have been in use in many countries for many years, serving not only as a means of providing evidence in the event of an incident, but also protecting vehicle owners against false claims. Russia is one of the countries where dash cams have been in use for many years and in America, a move to make them mandatory gained support in recent years, on account of the value they provide.
The video below was taken from a dash cam in a car driving on the N-332 through a notorious junction in Santa Pola. The junction was the scene of numerous collisions in the past, and has since had additional safety features fitted. In this video a near head-on collision was avoided, but should the outcome have been worse, it would have been clear to see where liability could be assigned.

A second video recorded by the same vehicle also shows some of the more bizarre scenes dash cams can pick up, here we can see an absolute act of stupidity which could so easily have had a fatal outcome.

If you are looking to purchase a dash cam, the good news is that through a collaboration with one of our partners we have details of a great deal.
Movil System in Torrevieja are offering their most popular dash cam for just 69.99€, and if you mention N332 when you purchase it they will give you an 8gb memory card absolutely free.
The camera boasts Full HD 1080P with a 3″ TFT display for previewing the footage. It has a 170º wide angle lens, parking monitor, support for 32G, motion detection, looping video and G-Sensor built in which protects the footage in the event of a collision or emergency, so that it cannot be deleted.
The video quality is now far superior than the videos above, as you can see from the screen grab in the gallery below.








For more information, you can visit them in their shop in Torrevieja, located on Calle Apolo, where their English speaking staff will be happy to give you a demonstration.They also provide a wide range of computer, mobile and device services, details of which you can see on their website here.
Remember, to get your free gift, you must mention N332 when you order your dash cam.
 
 

Excerpt: A frequently reoccurring question searched for is “are dash cams legal in Spain?” Although there are data protection issues, when referring to traffic law the simple answer is yes. Not only are dash cams legal in Spain, they can also Read Full Article...

### Christmas Road Campaign Starts Friday

Friday sees the start of this year´s special operation on the roads, which runs from 15:00 on Friday until midnight on January the 7th, when 17 million journeys are expected to take place.

There will be three phases to the operation, which coincides with the three special days of the holiday, Christmas, New Year and Three Kings.
Phase 1 will begin on Friday, December the 22nd, and will end on Monday, December the 25th, during which an estimated 4,350,000 million trips will take place.
The second phase, for New Year, will start on Friday the 29th, and will and on January the 1st, 2018, when an estimated 4,000,000 journeys will take place.
The third and final phase coincides with Three Kings and begins on Friday the 5th and runs through to Monday the 7th of January, with an estimated 2,750,000 trips planned.
At the start of the campaign there will be an estimated movement from inland cities towards destinations of second homes or tourist interest, such as the coastal areas. During the period shopping centres and towns and cities will see an increase in short-haul journeys, and leisure areas will also be busier. At the end of the campaign the movement will be reversed as the tourists return home.
The principal reason for the operations is to facilitate the safe and fluid movement of vehicles, ensuring road safety, with key focuses on tourist, mountainous and large urban areas.
In order to ensure safety on the roads the Guardia Civil will be out in force on the roads, supported by colleagues from the DGT on the ground and in the air, and the local and regional police.
Surveillance will be intensified on conventional roads, especially in the sections which have been highlighted as being particularly problematic or dangerous, all of which are listed on the DGT website, dgt.es. If is more important than ever that speed limits and warnings are observed on these roads.
There will also be an increase in the number of alcohol and drugs checks on the roads, which can take place at any time, day or night. The DGT´s helicopters will also be out and about, including the eight fitted with Pegasus radar equipment.
There will be additional lanes created to improve traffic flow, with special rules in place in these areas. There will also be restrictions of goods vehicles at times, which can be checked on the DGT website, dgt.es, and all none essential road works will be put on hold.
You can also check for incidents on the road on the dgt.es website, and through the official Twitter accounts, @DGTes and @informacionDGT, as well as on Facebook, on radio and news bulletins, and on the free DGT app.
 
Christmas Facts and Figures
The Guardia Civil has another 156 new vans for drug and alcohol control, added to the 40 that were delivered in the summer.
In addition to the vans, the DGT has also invested 7.7 million euro in the purchase of 746 ethylmeters and 500 drug readers, and 23,400 multi-drug kits.
Around 6,000 traffic officers from the Guardia Civil will be on duty.
More than 800 officials and specialist technical personnel will be on duty in the various Traffic Management Centres.
More than 13,000 employees of the conservation and exploitation companies will be on the roads.
The roads will be monitored by 1,690 cameras, 2,466 data collection stations,2,310 variable message panels, and 12 helicopters that will carry out surveillance from their bases in Madrid, Valencia, Malaga, Seville, Zaragoza, Valladolid and A Coruña, (8 of them equipped with the Pegasus radar system).
 
Road safety = Prevention and Prudence
The most important thing, as always, is to always maintain safe speed and distance, allow plenty of time for your journey, never get distracted by mobile phones or other devices, and never consume alcohol or drugs before driving.
In addition, it is advised:
Preparation : Before starting a journey prepare for it and check the state of the roads and weather conditions through such means as the DGT website.
Adverse weather : Due to the time of the year we are in, rain, snow, wind, and fog may appear during the trip. In times of poor visibility remember that on conventional roads the use of headlights is mandatory, not just daytime running lights, and you must reduce speed and increase the safety distance.
Snow Chains : It is essential to carry snow chains or winter tires, especially for trips in mountainous areas. When signs indicate, these chains must be used or you must not continue. Also periodically check that the windscreen and windows are in perfect condition, for safety and economy.
Rest : During the trip, take breaks every two hours. Inattention in driving is one of the main causes of incidents.
Secondary roads : Pay special attention on short trips and secondary roads, since they tend to produce a large number of incidents due to complacency, overconfidence and a lapse in the adoption of safety measures. All precautions should be applied even on these short trips.
Restraint systems : All occupants of the vehicle must always wear a seatbelt and minors must be properly restrained with their child restraint systems, and only sat in the back (if under 135cm in height).
Alcohol and other drugs : Do not consume alcoholic beverages or any other type of drugs if you are going to drive.
Motorcyclists : Motorcycles are especially vulnerable, especially on curves and on secondary roads. All road users must remember to be alert, motorcyclists included.
Cyclists : Attention and respect for and from cyclists is also essential. It is forbidden to overtake a cyclist if this manoeuvre can endanger or hinder their progress and in any case, a minimum lateral separation of one and a half meters with the cyclist should be kept when overtaking. Cyclists too must also maintain a safe distance and comply with all traffic laws.

Excerpt: Friday sees the start of this year´s special operation on the roads, which runs from 15:00 on Friday until midnight on January the 7th, when 17 million journeys are expected to take place. There will be three phases to the Read Full Article...

### N332 – The Annual 2017 – Out Now

We have released an eBook to combine all of the traffic related articles published on the n332.es website throughout the year in an easy to read format which you can download as a PDF to keep on your device, computer, tablet or mobile. You can read the introduction below and see the contents at the bottom. Remember, these articles are all available on the website, the eBook combines them into a simple reference book.
…

This eBook combines all of the traffic law related articles published on the n332.es website throughout 2017. These articles detail many of the changes which have been implemented throughout this year, as well as some of the proposals, and some laws which will come into forcé during 2018.
We have also included a couple of other important articles, such as those which explain the facts surrounding some of the scams and fake warnings which have been shared through social media during the year.
The idea is to combine the articles into a simple reference book, which you can have at your disposal at any time, allowing you to look back on these changes and refresh yourself and your knowledge at any time.
The n332.es website has become a valuable resource for accurate information, and, as always, the articles and information has been provided, checked and verified by Franciso Morales and his team, a serving Guardia Civil traffic officer based in Torrevieja who manages the N332 / Driving Spain Facebook group with a number of his colleagues, interacting on a daily basis with the many followers who have been looking for help and advice about driving laws.
Remember to keep visiting the n332.es website for regular updates, follow the Facebook page, and download our Android app for the latest news. We also hope you will continue to enjoy Reading the N332 RoadWatch eMagazine throughout 2018, as you have done so far.
Everybody behind the Project thanks you for your continued support, remember we are all volunteers and without the help of our sponsors and supporters it would be difficult to progress with the developments we have completed so far, and others we have planned for the future. Thank you.
 








Buy Now

Excerpt: We have released an eBook to combine all of the traffic related articles published on the n332.es website throughout the year in an easy to read format which you can download as a PDF to keep on your device, computer, Read Full Article...

### Time to Check Your Lights Again

Although we are getting closer to the time when the evenings start to get lighter, the lights on our vehicles have possibly been in use more than ever, and so it´s a good time to check that all of the lights on our vehicles are fully working.
Until quite recently, all vehicles had to carry a spare set of bulbs, this is no longer the case. The Spanish government recognised that changing a bulb is no longer a simple task, and in many cases can only be done by qualified mechanics, and so carrying a spare set was pointless, if the ability to change the bulbs had been removed.
However, it is still important to check all of the lights on a regular basis, even those not used too often, such as fog lights.
It is better to have an assistant to help you do this so that one of you can be in the car operating the switches, the other on the outside monitoring the results.
Remember, check every light, headlights (including full beam), indicators and hazard lights (front and back), rear lights and brake lights, reversing and fog lights, and the lights that illuminate the number plate at the rear.
If your vehicle is a modern one you might also have Daytime Running Lights installed. Although these lights are often more reliable than traditional lights, on account of them being LED´s, they should also be checked on a regular basis.
If you don´t have anybody to help you can still carry out the checks by using reflective surfaces such as shop windows or other parked vehicles. Make sure you do this in an isolated location though as you don´t want to confuse other motorists.
If any of the lights have failed make sure you get them replaced immediately as it is an offence to drive with defective lights.

Excerpt: Although we are getting closer to the time when the evenings start to get lighter, the lights on our vehicles have possibly been in use more than ever, and so it´s a good time to check that all of the Read Full Article...

### Staying Safe this Christmas Season

Although no specific threats have been received and the threat level in Spain remains the same as it has done for some time, it is inevitable that security measures will be increased to ensure that the festive period passes as safely as possible.

Guardia Civil and police checkpoints will be in place in various locations. Although many of these will be traffic related, there will also be many others which are checking vehicles for security reasons. Once again we remind everyone of the importance of not sharing the locations of these checkpoints should you see them, such as through social media, as this often gives those who may be intent on criminal activity the opportunity to avoid detection.
If you are stopped at a checkpoint the advice remains the same too. Stay calm and act on the instructions of the officers involved. If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear and you will be on your way in a very short space of time.
It´s not only on the roads where danger lurks at Christmas time, which is why the police also offer a wealth of advice on how to stay safe, with the hope of making shoppers and traders aware of potential risks, thus hoping to reduce the number of scams, thefts and robberies that often occur in areas where large crowds gather.
A greater presence of police officers will be noticeable in key areas, as more officers are being deployed, not only on foot, but on horseback and supported by their k-9 colleagues as well.
A guide book was previously produced, and is still available, warning of the dangers, and current information can always be obtained through the three Twitter accounts, @policia, @interiorgob and @polprvalencia, which are the National Police, Interior Ministry and Valencia Police respectively.
One of the most frequent incidents the police have to deal with is lost children. The police recommend the obvious, keeping a close eye on children at all times, but also the less obvious, such as ensuring the child knows their name and a telephone number to contact in emergencies. They also recommend a wrist band or bracelet with the name and contact number of the parents printed or engraved on it.
For adults, you should avoid carrying large amounts of cash and make sure that you are not followed when you have collected cash from an ATM or a bank. If you become suspicious, contact the police immediately.
Do not accept help from strangers who supposedly want to help, they sometimes take advantage of your guard being lowered in order to grab money and valuables.
Avoid street-gamers playing such tricks as the “shell game” or “find the lady” type scams, not only will you not win, your distraction leaves you vulnerable to theft.
When you visit friends and neighbours, always lock your home securely, leave nothing of value in view, don´t fully lower your window blinds and don´t announce your intentions to vacate the premises on social media.
Similar advice also applies to the car of course, never leave valuables such as gifts on show. If you return to your vehicle with goods, be careful you are not seen if you then leave your car to continue to shop.
The Police would also like to remind party organisers and revellers that any activity, party or public celebration must have administrative approval and comply with safety standards, such as having fire extinguishers, security and emergency exits indicated. If any incident occurs: keep calm and try to stay away from that area, alerting the organiser or 091. Always follow the event security personnel or police where appropriate.
Finally, if you see anything or anybody acting suspiciously, please notify the authorities immediately. Although you might not consider it an emergency, the 112 call centre is staffed by people who speak a variety of languages and nobody will be offended if an alert turns out to be false, as that is by far a better outcome than ignoring something which later results in a tragic incident.
Stay safe this holiday period, look after yourself and your belongings, keep them out of sight at all times, keep bags and wallets secure and never unattended, and be vigilant, that way we can all hope for a safe and peaceful Christmas and New Year period.

Excerpt: Although no specific threats have been received and the threat level in Spain remains the same as it has done for some time, it is inevitable that security measures will be increased to ensure that the festive period passes as Read Full Article...

### Coming Soon – N332 The Annual 2017 – Our Latest eBook

Next week we will be launching our latest eBook, N332 The Annual 2017.
This latest virtual publication combines all of the traffic law related articles published on the n332.es website throughout 2017. These articles detail many of the changes which have been implemented throughout this year, as well as some of the proposals, and some laws which will come into force during 2018.

We have also included a couple of other important articles, such as those which explain the facts surrounding some of the scams and fake warnings which have been shared through social media during the year.
The idea is to combine the articles into a simple reference book, which you can have at your disposal at any time, allowing you to look back on these changes and refresh yourself and your knowledge at any time.
The eBook will be published in the next few days and will be priced at just 4.95€, with all of the proceeds being invested back into the project, including (we hope) purchasing a small mobile speaker and sound system that we can take to our presentations next year, which means we will no longer have to rely on the venues having a sound system, and will mean we can visit more locations, and help with our other developments we have planned with our supporters next year.
Of course you can read all of the featured articles here, where we will continue to share new content on a regular basis, but we hope that you might find an annual catalogue useful, so much so we may even consider a real printed version in the future.
The Annual 2017 will be released here soon.

Excerpt: Next week we will be launching our latest eBook, N332 The Annual 2017. This latest virtual publication combines all of the traffic law related articles published on the n332.es website throughout 2017. These articles detail many of the changes which have Read Full Article...

### Bike Parking in Torrevieja

Torrevieja town hall has installed 50 new bike parking stands in the town, and provided extra security for pedestrians near the port area.

The mayor, José Manuel Dolón of the Los Verdes green party, in his capacity as head of the Department of Traffic and Transport, has said that the creation of these fifty stands is intended "to provide facilities for people who use a bicycle as a means of regular transportation, adapting spaces in the urban area where they can leave them in the best possible conditions".

The mayor also said that these spaces are added to other car parks that are already in use in the urban area, and the 35 that are available at the Marina Salinas nautical sports complex.

In addition, the council has started to replace the bike-lane access to the port with a pedestrian lane after it has been analyzed by municipal technicians at the request made by Marina Salinas Marina. The petition noted that the bike lane had "minimum" use by cycles, whereas it is "profusely used by pedestrians of all ages in conditions that are directed to the exhibition facilities, Marina Salinas and, above all, to the rides that run parallel to the Dique de Levante". The bike lane was also one of the main roads through which pedestrians head to the lighthouse.

The Local Police gave approval to this modification that has seen "the placement of bollards to delimit the lane as one for pedestrians, instead of being used as a bicycle lane," said the mayor, who has detailed that this measure contributes to obtain "the greatest security guarantees within the port area."

### Guardia Officers in Daring Rescue from Burning Building

Brave officers from the Guardia Civil rescued four residents from a burning building in the centre of Torrevieja on Monday.

Two of the residents had to be taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation. Among those rescued was an elderly woman with impaired mobility.

The incident occurred on Monday evening when the four officers were on patrol in the town of Torrevieja and noticed a "strong" smell of smoke. 

Having searched through the local streets they discovered a home emitting large flames. 

The four officers entered the building and first located a man who was "very nervous" with an elderly female with mobility problems. The officers immediately extracted them on account of their disposition and their "confused and visibly affected" state.

The officers then heard the screams of a neighbor, who was on the third floor, who they told to go up to the terrace. The officers reentered the building and managed to reach it through an adjoining housing and rescued the victim. Then, a third time, the officers reentered and rescued a neighbour who was on the fourth floor. 

The Emergency Coordination Centre dispatched a Basic Life Support ambulance which took the injured victims, a man aged 54 and a woman of 88 years, both suffering from smoke inhalation, to the Hospital in Torrevieja.

The fire service extinguished the blaze at 22:15, around ninety minutes after the alarm was raised. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

### Alicante Province Arms Dealers Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil and the National Police have arrested four people as alleged authors of a crime of illegal possession of weapons in Torrevieja and Guardamar.

The investigation revealed replica weapons which are first manipulated, in order to qualify them for the practice of real fire and, secondly sold, within the black market or the criminal sphere, with the danger that this entails for citizen security.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil and the National Police have arrested four people as alleged authors of a crime of illegal possession of weapons in Torrevieja and Guardamar. The investigation revealed replica weapons which are first manipulated, in order to qualify them for the practice of real fire and, secondly sold, within the black market …

### Torrevieja Arms Dealers Detained

Officers from the Guardia Civil and the National Police have arrested four people as alleged authors of a crime of illegal possession of weapons in Torrevieja and Guardamar. 



The investigation revealed replica weapons which are first manipulated, in order to qualify them for the practice of real fire and, secondly sold, within the black market or the criminal sphere, with the danger that this entails for citizen security.

### Police Surprise Cathedral Drunk Driver

The Local Police have arrested a man on suspicion of drunk driving, after they found him trying to drive his car down the steps of Burgos cathedral.

According to the police they first believed the driver may have been lost, and so went to assist in his route. The driver was surprised to see them and acted in a nervous manner and so the officers suspected that the driver may have consumed alcohol and performed a breathalyser test on  the driver.
After testing positive for alcohol the driver was arrested on suspicion of a crime against road safety.
The vehicle was parked in the municipal pound until the matter was resolved.

Excerpt: The Local Police have arrested a man on suspicion of drunk driving, after they found him trying to drive his car down the steps of Burgos cathedral. According to the police they first believed the driver may have been lost, Read Full Article...

### Orihuela Costa Bike Theft Gang Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested nine youths on the Orihuela Costa (Alicante), on suspicion of being a group dedicated to stealing bicycles as part of a “game”.

Another four, who are aged between 15 and 19 and of different nationalities, are being investigated and are believed to be responsible for seven robberies and three thefts, which were carried out as part of a dare to see who could steal the most. 
The alleged members of the gang have already appeared in court and have been released with charges pending. 
The officers, based in Pilar de la Horadada, began an investigation due to an increase in domestic thefts in residential areas of the Orihuela Costa, all with similar characteristics.
The officers quickly discovered that a gang of youths were behind the thefts, all from neighboring Torrevieja (Alicante). The modus operandi was always the same: they walked or took a bus to the Orihuela Costa, in small groups of three to six people. Once there, they toured the different developments and selected homes where they were to commit robberies. Then one or two of them jumped the fence of the house and another was watching from the street. They carried cutters with them to allow them to cut chains or locks and once they had enough bikes they would return them to Torrevieja. 
The investigation concluded that the young people had committed the crimes as a “game” in which they would challenge each other to see who could steal the most, and also included burglaries committed in Halloween night, in which the alleged perpetrators, taking advantage of this festival, donned masks, as a disguise to avoid being recognised by possible security cameras. 
Due to the dispersion in small groups of this gang, the Guardia Civil had to divide the operation into five stages and performed all arrests ‘in the act’, when the alleged members were riding on newly stolen bicycles. The officers recovered a total of 17 bikes, and have not ruled out finding more. 
The operation culminated with the arrest of nine youths between 15 and 19 years (four Spaniards, two Germans, one Romanian, one Venezuelan and one Moroccan), and investigating another four (two Spaniards, a Brit and a Ukrainian, between 15 and 18 years) being the alleged perpetrators. 
After going to court, both the Courts of Orihuela and the Youth Offenders Office in Alicante, have released the gang members on bail with charges.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested nine youths on the Orihuela Costa (Alicante), on suspicion of being a group dedicated to stealing bicycles as part of a “game”. Another four, who are aged between 15 and 19 and of Read Full Article...

### Personal Mobility Vehicles (VMP) – Instruction 16 / V-124

This is a translation of an official document issued by the DGT which proposes the official definition of mobility scooters (vehículos de movilidad personal, abbreviated to VMP) in order to provide legal classification as to how and where they are permitted, and clarification of other matters such as licencing and insurance.

Subject: Personal mobility vehicles (VMP)
Instruction 16 / V-124
Traditionally urban traffic has been legally disciplined in our country, differentiating pedestrians and motor vehicles. The first was assigned to the pavements as its natural space and the second to the roads. On this separation, the main traffic regulations that govern the cities were established, such as those related to restrictions, signalling, transit priorities, prohibitions, etc.
New technologies have favoured the emergence of urban mobility solutions that favour pedestrian travel by the help of new vehicle models that break the traditional pedestrian / motor vehicle division. These vehicles in some cases have a mass greater than that of people and move at a higher speed than pedestrians (see guidance examples in Annex I).
As a result of this, and because of the lack of a dedicated space on the roads, personal mobility vehicles (vehículos de movilidad personal, abbreviated to VMP) generate risk situations when sharing the urban space with other  users.
Under these conditions, and as long as a specific regulation on the aforementioned vehicles is not drawn up, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) proposes the following criteria:
FIRST – Technical and legal cataloguing
The VMP can be defined as a vehicle capable of assisting the human being in their personal movement and that by their construction, can exceed the characteristics of cycles and be equipped with an electric motor. Town halls will establish limitations to the movement on urban roads, depending on the maximum speed by construction, mass, capacity, service or other criteria that are considered relevant.
In order to technically and legally catalogue VMPs, the following will be taken into account:

a) Personal mobility vehicles must adhere to the technical requirements established in the current legislation on industrial safety and general product safety in their design, manufacture, and commercialisation, in accordance with the provisions of Law 21/1992 of July 16.
b) From the scope of traffic legislation, personal mobility devices will be considered as “vehicles“, in accordance with the definition established by point 6 of Annex I of Royal Legislative Decree 6/2015, of 30 October, which approves the revised text of the Law on Traffic, Circulation of Motor Vehicles and Road Safety. It has the aforementioned point in which a vehicle is defined as “The apparatus suitable for driving on roads or lands referred to in article 2.”

The provisions above imply, to the contrary, two characteristics of the use of these devices:

a) The impossibility of assimilating them to the figure of the pedestrian, and which, therefore, cannot be used on the pavements and spaces reserved for them. This impossibility would only be excepted in those cases in which the Municipal Authority expressly authorises, as an arrangement of pedestrian zones, the possibility of its use in these spaces (article 7.1a a) and b) of Royal Legislative Decree 6/2015, of 30 October).
b) The impossibility of cataloguing them as motor vehicles. Its configuration and technical requirements do not allow obtaining the corresponding homologations to be considered in this way because they are not included in the field of application of the harmonized regulations, at European level, in this matter or RD 750/2010, of June 4, which regulates the procedures for homologation of motor vehicles and their trailers.

SECOND- Applicable regulations
In accordance with the provisions set forth above, VMPs may be physically located within the scope of the road, provided that they are expressly authorised by the local authority. The municipal authority, however, may authorise their movement on pavements, pedestrian areas, parks or special lanes with prohibitions and limitations that it deems necessary (related to mass, speed and service to which it is intended) to ensure the safety of users. When they are assimilated to cycles and bicycles, the provisions in the legislation of traffic, road safety and circulation of motor vehicles will be applicable. In particular, the use of the VMP must be done in accordance with the rules of the road legal system.
THIRD- Permission or licence of movement and driving
As previously described, the VMPs are not motor vehicles and therefore do not require administrative authorisation to operate. Consequently, and until it is definitively regulated, the user cannot be required to hold a licence or driving permit. The foregoing without prejudice to the technical or other requirements that the local authority determines to authorise the use of VMPs in the areas under its jurisdiction.
FOURTH – Insurance
The compulsory requirement for insurance of vehicles only takes place when they are considered as motor vehicles. This is stipulated by Royal Decree 1507/2008, of September 12, which in its 1st article indicates what is considered to be a motor vehicle, and therefore, must be subject to mandatory insurance.
“Article 1. Motor vehicles

Motor vehicles are considered, for the purposes of civil liability in the movement of motor vehicles and the obligation of insurance, all vehicles suitable for moving on the surface of the earth and driven by a motor, including mopeds, special vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers, whose mobility requires administrative authorisation in accordance with the provisions of the legislation on traffic, motor vehicle traffic and road safety. The trailers, semi-trailers and special towed machines whose maximum authorised mass does not exceed 750 kilograms are excepted from the obligation of insurance, as well as those vehicles that have been temporarily or permanently discharged from the Vehicle Registry of the General Directorate of Traffic… “

Notwithstanding the above, the user or owner of the VMP may voluntarily purchase insurance under the terms established in the general insurance legislation or shall hire it, in cases where, for its use in urban areas, the local authority shall establish.
FIFTH – Express authorisation for certain VMPs and cycles of more than two wheels
The VMP and cycles of more than two wheels that are destined to realise economic activities of a tourist type or of leisure must obtain an authorisation from the Municipal Authority in which it will appear, in any case, the route to realise, schedule and how many limitations are established to ensure the safety of road users. The Municipal Authority will collect the binding reports it deems appropriate.
SIXTH – Entry into force
This Instruction comes into force on the day following its publication.
Madrid, November 03, 2016
EL DIRECTOR GENERAL DE TRÁFICO P.V. (ART.10.2.A) R.D. 400/2012, 17 de febrero EL SECRETARIO GENERAL,
Cristóbal Cremades Rodríguez

Excerpt: This is a translation of an official document issued by the DGT which proposes the official definition of mobility scooters (vehículos de movilidad personal, abbreviated to VMP) in order to provide legal classification as to how and where they are permitted, Read Full Article...

### One Way Streets for Pedestrians

In an attempt to reduce congestion and improve the ease of movement, Madrid has been testing a new one way system, for pedestrians.

The route is around one of the busiest areas in the city, the Puerta del Sol, which is a magnet for shoppers and tourists wanting to view the Christmas lights, the tree and the area where the New Year will be celebrated.

Both the police and security officers are used to direct pedestrians in the right direction, so as they only move in one way, and avoid collisions.
Friday was the first day of the test which reportedly passed without incident, with just a small number of people protesting. Some traders however were less than happy with the plan, and in particular the lack of signs which tell pedestrians which way they should go.
The municipal authority have said that pedestrians who move the wrong way will not be fined, and signs will be installed on the streets to advise pedestrians of the direction of travel.
The controls will be put in place at weekends, fiestas and busy afternoons.

Excerpt: In an attempt to reduce congestion and improve the ease of movement, Madrid has been testing a new one way system, for pedestrians. The route is around one of the busiest areas in the city, the Puerta del Sol, which Read Full Article...

### Be Alert for Christmas Allergies

Christmas in Spain is a time of joy, happiness and family meals, where friends and loved ones often over indulge, but are also frequently oblivious to hidden dangers caused by allergies to food.
Although they are usually mild, allergic reactions to food reach 50% of those treated in the emergency room, says the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC). In the Christmas season, its prevalence does not increase, but undiagnosed cases does. “At this time, you should not lower your guard,” warns Carolina Pérez Iglesias, nutrition specialist at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, who points out that cases of allergic reactions usually increase during Christmas.
“At this time, you should not lower your guard,” warns Carolina Pérez Iglesias, nutrition specialist at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, who points out that cases of allergic reactions usually increase during Christmas due to the introduction of typical highly allergenic products in our diet. of this time, and because the consumption of these foods begins in children.
In addition, family meals and business dinners are very frequent, and seven out of every ten serious allergic reactions occur when eating out, according to the SEAIC. The Chirónsalud specialist recalls that in the vast majority of patients the effects occur within 30 minutes after food intake, and the symptoms vary between oral pruritus and anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal if not reversed.
The severity varies depending on the amount of the allergen ingested, the sensitivity of the person, and external factors such as asthma, physical exercise or consumption of painkillers or alcohol. “The only proven treatment is the elimination in the diet of the food that produces the condition,” adds Iglesias. In case of severe reactions, it is recommended that auto-injectable adrenaline is on hand, as well as oral corticosteroids and an oral antihistamine.
Dr. Sergio Negre, specialist in pediatric gastroenterology at Hospital Quirónsalud Valencia, points out that at Christmas the foods that tend to cause the most allergic reactions are nuts, fruits less common at other times of the year, crustaceans and shellfish in general.
“In children, the prevalence in order of frequency includes cow’s milk, egg, fish, vegetables, fruits and nuts, especially beware of typical Christmas sweets, such as nougat or marzipan, since they have hidden ingredients among its components, “he warns.
As a rule, meat does not usually cause allergic reactions; However, special care must be taken with fish and, above all, seafood, more specifically, Norway lobster and shrimp. Nuts, such as almonds, peanuts, walnuts, pistachios, pips and hazelnuts, also produce allergies, although in a lesser proportion. In the case of having a food allergic at home, we must be careful when making the purchase and carefully read the labels.

Excerpt: Christmas in Spain is a time of joy, happiness and family meals, where friends and loved ones often over indulge, but are also frequently oblivious to hidden dangers caused by allergies to food. Although they are usually mild, allergic reactions to food reach 50% of those treated in the emergency room, says the Spanish Society …

### Pets Deserve Security Too!

According to the latest statistics released by insurance company experts, 1 out of 4 drivers have been distracted by their pet whilst driving. The report also reveals that males in the most dangerous group, those between the ages of 18 and 24, suffer most from these distractions.

Moreover, the research also shows that up to 32% of those who travel with a pet leave in the vehicle do so without restraining the animal, leaving it loose inside the cabin, a situation which is not only extremely dangerous, it is also illegal, on account of the risk to both the animal and the other vehicle occupants.
That said, when questioned further, the research shows that only 4% admit to carrying the animal insecure at all times, whilst the remaining 28% suggest that they only do so “occasionally”, although generally speaking it is only “occasionally” that animals are carried. As for sexes, men carry their pets more often; specifically, 23% more than women.
The figures are even more important if we take into account that more than half of these drivers, specifically 59.4%, also have children. The combination of a child and loose animal in the rear seats could increase the risk of being careless while driving and, therefore, of being immersed in an incident.
Regarding those who travel the most with their companion animal, the analysis shows differences by geographic zones. In particular, it is the Andalusians who do it more frequently, 74% of the time. They are followed by Basques and Madrileños, with 73%. On the opposite side we find the pet owners of Galicia and Castilla y León, who only take them with them 51% of the time. The Catalans claim to do so on 55% of their trips.
Animals, like humans and any object carried in the vehicle, must be secured. If a frontal collision occurs, deceleration causes the weight of the item, in the case we are talking about our pet, to multiply by 20 to 30 times. For example, in a frontal collision where two vehicles are travelling at just 30 kilometres per hour, the combined collision speed therefore being the equivalent of about a 60 kilometre per hour collision, a dog weighing 10 kilos would increase its mass and weigh up to as much as 300 kilos at the point of impact, causing significant damage to the vehicle, its occupants and the dog itself.
We must also realise that generally speaking, insurance companies do not consider animals as vehicle occupants, according to Carlo Brüggeman, co-founder of Acierto. Com, and would therefor unlikely be covered by the vehicle´s policy, although there are specific policies to cover the expenses of the veterinarian and even include compensation for accident or death.
The report also reveals that more than 85% of Spaniards prefer to use the car to travel with their pet compared to other means of transport such as train or plane, whose followers are reduced to 11.4% and 3% respectively. A point in which the ignorance of the users and the restrictions of the transport companies themselves take on special relevance. In fact, train operating company Renfe itself circumscribes its service to pets weighing less than 10 kilos. In the case of long distance trains, in addition, it is necessary to buy a ticket for them. The limitations established by airlines are similar, although they vary enormously depending on the entity. However, obtaining documents and permits in accordance with the legislation of the country of destination may determine the trip.
Overall, the advice is simple. To keep everybody safe, including your pet, and to comply with the law, the animal must be secure at all times. If carried in a cage or carrying case, then that too must also be secure.

Excerpt: According to the latest statistics released by insurance company experts, 1 out of 4 drivers have been distracted by their pet whilst driving. The report also reveals that males in the most dangerous group, those between the ages of 18 Read Full Article...

### Motorbike Focus Ahead

With an apparent alarming growth in the number of serious and fatal incidents involving motorbikes, which is greater than the growth in the number of vehicles being sold, the Director General of the DGT, Gregorio Serrano, has announced several measures that will help improve the safety of motorcyclists.

Among them, the implementation of an ‘INVIVE’ plan for motorcycles in collaboration with the different owners of the roads, to identify those sections of the road network with high incident rate, where special measures to reduce incidents could be adopted.
In addition, the plan will involve the installation of new complementary information signs on some roads which will provide more information of dangers along the route for motorcyclists.
Serrano also announced the continuation of the progressive implementation of the emergency call system (‘eCall’) in motorcycles and the connectivity between vehicles and the road, with the imminent start-up of the platform DGT 3.0, which will also benefit motorcyclists.
During the conference where these plans were announced, participants highlighted the importance of making progress in road safety education, driver training and awareness. With this objective, the DGT and ANESDOR will collaborate in a plan for the training of motorcyclists.
ANESDOR has highlighted how the technological advances in motorcycle manufacturing have accelerated over the last two decades, and so the importance of renewing the fleet on the roads is crucial in order to take advantage of these developments not available in older vehicles. On average, the motorcycle fleet on the road is 15 years, and so far older than those motorbikes with the latest technology installed.
In addition, to improve the training of motorcyclists, ANESDOR proposes granting quality certificates to training centres, incentives for conducting driving courses (obtaining driving licence points for example) and has designed the ‘Viva la Moto’ initiative, to reduce the number of incidents where motorcyclists have been involved.
On the other hand, the DGT themselves have been monitoring statistics of motorcycle related incidents since 2012, where 46% of incidents occurred without the intervention of any other vehicle.
The DGT also concurs that the progressive aging of the vehicle fleet in the last decade is a factor for consideration, however, more worrying is the data regarding the consumption of substances among deceased motorcyclists: 26% of all motorcyclists killed in incidents in 2016 would have tested positive for alcohol, and 17% for drugs.
During the conclusions, patron of the Pons Foundation and former director of the DGT, Pere Navarro, said that “the bike is not a problem but a reality that must be managed” and has predicted that “2017 will be the first year in the that the number of vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists) who are victims of traffic accidents will be greater than that of the users of the four wheels”.
 
Motorcycles: 10 Measures for Greater Security
Fundación Pons and ANESDOR have developed a decalogue of proposals to increase the safety of two-wheel drivers and all users of the road.

Resources. In 2016, motorcycles account for 15.2% of the total number of vehicles, but fatalities have grown to 22%. It is recommended that the agencies involved in road safety dedicate a proportion of attention and resources equivalent to the representativeness of this percentage of its victims.
Strategic Road Safety Plan. It is recommended that, 10 years after its approval, the plan be revised and updated to adapt it to the new circumstances. In addition, we would recommend including an Urban Road Safety Plan, which facilitates practical application at the municipal level.
Regulation of the motorcycle. The development of a Vulnerable Users Law is recommended. It is also recommended that, in the agencies responsible for road safety, both on the road and in the city, an official be appointed, who is a motorcycle user, as a reference in the field of motorcycle travel and in permanent contact with associations of motorcyclists.
Extension of “zones 30”. The promotion of traffic calming policies or “zonas 30” is recommended because of its significant impact on the safety of motorcyclists, which means acting on speed and improving coexistence with other modes of travel.
Parking on public roads. It is recommended to organise and increase the availability of parking spaces for motorcycles on public roads in our cities, establishing objective criteria to ensure that a proportion of the available area equivalent to the quota of the vehicle fleet.
Training The majority of incidents are triggered by a human error (88%), either directly from the motorcyclist themselves (35%) or from another vehicle that collides with them (65%), many of which the motorcyclist´s actions may be a contributing factor, over speed for example. It is recommended that there be a comprehensive review of the training in the school year and post-permit, along with the revision of the driving licence system
Awareness, road safety education and coexistence. It is recommended to increase road safety campaigns, informing of the specific risks suffered by moped drivers and motorcycles in the city due to the actions of other users and their vulnerability in the event of an incident.
Safe driving courses. It is recommended the development of a quality certificate through which the Administration accredits the rigor of the schools and the quality of the training courses; accompanied by incentive measures for the user.
Professional drivers. The road safety of the motorcycle must be included in the occupational risk prevention plans. It is recommended to manage before the State Foundation for Employment Training the inclusion in its catalogue of continuous training subsidised by the corresponding offer of training and training for motorcycle delivery workers.
Equipment. It is recommended to open the debate with the associations of motorcyclists on the possible obligation of the use of gloves, and to transfer the message of the importance of the suitable equipment to minimise the injuries in case of an incident.

Excerpt: With an apparent alarming growth in the number of serious and fatal incidents involving motorbikes, which is greater than the growth in the number of vehicles being sold, the Director General of the DGT, Gregorio Serrano, has announced several measures Read Full Article...

### Drink and Drug Message Still Not Hitting Home

The latest data released by the DGT has revealed that 43% of the drivers who died in traffic related incidents in the last year, on urban and interurban roads, tested positive for alcohol, drugs or both.

The report by the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences (INTCF) indicates that the figures show almost identical levels as those of 2015, a trend which has stabilised and therefore not shown either an increase, or decline, since 2013.
Of the 589 samples analyzed, there is a significant indication in the differences between men and women, in that a staggering 95% of those who died with alcohol and / or drugs in their system were men. The myth that alcohol and drug use is more prolific in the younger age group has once again been dismissed as 67% of those who died were between 25 and 54 years of age, with a predominance of the group of 45 to 54 year olds, in which 25% of the cases are recorded.
When analyzing substances, about 69% had taken alcohol, while the presence of drugs reached 36% and that of psychotropic drugs 21%.
As for drug use, cocaine and cannabis are the most frequently found in 48% of tests. In case of having detected the presence of a single drug instead of an association of them, cannabis prevails.
The report also includes a study conducted on the total of 167 pedestrians who died as a result of a traffic related incident. In this case, 32% of those killed had consumed some form of substance. Also males (72%) who tested positive in these tests for alcohol, other drugs and / or psychotropic drugs far outnumbered women.

Excerpt: The latest data released by the DGT has revealed that 43% of the drivers who died in traffic related incidents in the last year, on urban and interurban roads, tested positive for alcohol, drugs or both. The report by the Read Full Article...

### Safety on the School Bus

Every day, 230,000 students use buses to go to and from school, and with around 17,000 buses (some 40% of the entire private fleet) used as dedicated transport vehicles on the school run.
Generally speaking, using a bus for school transport is a safe means of travel. Last year there were no fatalities among users of this type of vehicle, but due to the vulnerability of the passengers and the roads through which they drive, mostly conventional roads, regular focus to maintain these levels of security is required.
According to Gregorio Serrano, the Director General of the DGT, “this type of transport is vulnerable to accidents because of the importance they have and the age of those affected, and requires greater security than other means of transport in order to maintain the current level of safety, and so we continue to develop campaigns of awareness that keep users, drivers, parents and schools alert.”
For this reason, and because the safe mobility of minors is one of the priorities of the DGT as it is included in the basic lines of the Road Safety Strategy 2010-2020, an awareness campaign is running all this week to monitor this type of vehicle.
Officers from the Guardia Civil, assisted by colleagues from the local and regional police, will carry out inspections consisting of administrative controls to check the authorisations and documents that these vehicles must have for the correct provision of the service.






They will then verify that the technical conditions and safety elements of the vehicle, which are much more stringent than normal operations, as are the special requirements that must be met by the driver, such as driving licences, driving times and rest periods.
In addition, they will check that drivers drive at the speed allowed, which is slower than normal, and that they do not use a mobile phone or other devices that cause distractions since both factors, inappropriate speed and distractions, are the main causes of incidents in which this type of vehicle is involved. In addition, alcohol and drug controls will also increase.
Due to the importance of the seatbelt, special attention will be paid to their use in school buses that have them installed. Currently more than 60% of this type of vehicle have seatbelts.
According to several studies, the use of a seatbelt whilst in a bus would reduce fatal injuries by 90% in the event of a head-on collision or rollover, since, correctly fastened, they prevent the passenger being projected from their seat and reduces impacts on the chest, abdomen and legs.
Since October 2007, it has not been possible for new vehicles without seatbelts to be registered, although that still leaves 40%of the fleet without seatbelts and over 10 years old.
 
STATISTICS
In 2016, school buses were involved in 32 incident, (20 on interurban roads and 12 in urban ones), in which no one died but 17 occupants were injured.
According to a study prepared by the Traffic Association of the Guardia Civil, the majority of incidents occur on conventional roads (last year 65% occurred in this class of roads), with the most frequent type of incident being frontal-lateral collision, and distraction and inappropriate speed appear as more frequent concurrent factors.
EDUCATING IN THE SCHOOL BUS
Trips from home to school can be good times for the adult accompanying children to remind them of some messages about road safety, such as:
· Never stop behind the bus.
· Wait for the driver’s signal and always cross at least three metres ahead.
· Inside the bus, stay seated and with the seatbelt on, if it is installed.
· Do not run when you get to the bus, or when leaving.
· Obey the driver and the monitor.
In addition, parents should check the safety of the buses in which their children are traveling, request the centre to hire buses with seatbelts and check that a monitor accompanies the children during the journey.
OTHER HEALTHIER WAYS TO GO TO SCHOOL
In addition to the school bus there are other means of transport in which the students move to go to school: private car, public transport, bicycle or simply walking.
With the intention of promoting sustainable mobility from an early age, the DGT, in collaboration with the Federation of Municipalities and Provinces, is encouraging safe school roads , which favour and stimulate travel on foot, by bike or public transport in the first leg and back to school.
Currently there are more than 100 municipalities in 35 provinces and approximately 300 schools that are working or already have safe school roads.

Excerpt: Every day, 230,000 students use buses to go to and from school, and with around 17,000 buses (some 40% of the entire private fleet) used as dedicated transport vehicles on the school run. Generally speaking, using a bus for school Read Full Article...

### Changes to the ITV System

The ITV inspection is a mandatory requirement for ensuring the minimum safety standard for vehicles is maintained, so as to ensure the minimum conditions of safety and respect for the environment on the road.

However, from October of 2017, a number of changes were implemented by the government, some of which are of benefit to the motorist, aimed at making things easier for them.
Retest at another ITV station
In the event that the result of the test is unfavourable, it is now possible to have the retest carried out at another ITV station than where the first test was conducted, once the faults and failings have been rectified.
Early renewal without affecting the date
Another development which favours vehicle owners is that you can now submit your vehicle for a test in advance, without it affecting the date of the renewal. Specifically, you can now submit your vehicle for testing up to a month before the expiration date and, upon successfully passing the test, the renewal will still be valid from when your current certificate expires.
More comprehensive emission controls
Now, the monitoring and control of emissions will be much more exhaustive, so as to avoid recent problems where potential and actual fraud has been detected, some by the vehicle manufacturing sector of course. ITC stations will have more means, equipment and procedures that will allow them to contribute to the protection of the environment and ensure greater road safety. In fact, sources of the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness have indicated that these new means are “a first step towards the inspection of electronic security systems and the improvement of emission control.”
Recognition of certificates between EU countries
With the new regulations, it will be possible to recognize ITV certificates  issued by other member states of the  European Union, so if we buy a car in France, Italy or Germany, for example, we will not have to submit the vehicle for immediate inspection here in Spain in certain circumstances.

Excerpt: The ITV inspection is a mandatory requirement for ensuring the minimum safety standard for vehicles is maintained, so as to ensure the minimum conditions of safety and respect for the environment on the road. However, from October of 2017, a Read Full Article...

### Course Helps Officers Deal with Foreign Vehicles

Around 30 members of the security services have been attending a course in Guardamar, aimed at providing training in how to identify administrative and practical irregularities relating to foreign registered vehicles driving on the roads of Spain.

The three-day course was inaugurated by Guardamar´s mayor, José Luis Sáez, on Monday with officers from the Guardia Civil, National and Local Police coming together to learn how to identify and subsequently deal with identified issues.
The Mayor thanked the attendees for their interest shown in attending the course, where the officers from across this region and Murcia will work with more than a hundred foreign registrations, from EU and non-EU countries, as well as hundreds of documents, most of them fake, to enable them to recognise documentation, especially forged ones.

Excerpt: Around 30 members of the security services have been attending a course in Guardamar, aimed at providing training in how to identify administrative and practical irregularities relating to foreign registered vehicles driving on the roads of Spain. The three-day course Read Full Article...

### Blue Lights in 2018

Having followed the process from the beginning, we are now able to report that the mandatory referendum on all emergency services to display flashing blue lights has received unanimous positive support through the legislative process.

As the process will now continue to proceed and, if all still goes to plan, blue lights (Rotativos azules to give them their Spanish name) will enter into service on ambulances and fire tenders from March, 2018.
Traditionally, only the security services such as the Guardia Civil and police would use blue lights when operating as priority vehicles, with ambulances, fire and other priority vehicles using orange lights, the same as slow moving or special vehicles, which some drivers found confusing.
This is not the first time this move has been announced. The change had already been approved by previous congressional committees, in 2006, 2010 and 2011, but had not been previously implemented. More recently, in 2016, the Spanish Government voted 37 votes in favour, with 2 abstentions. Spain was the only European country which had not adopted the standard.

Excerpt: Having followed the process from the beginning, we are now able to report that the mandatory referendum on all emergency services to display flashing blue lights has received unanimous positive support through the legislative process. As the process will now Read Full Article...

### Be Seen!

The Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo (INSHT), the Spanish national health and safety at work institute, collaborating with Invassat, has launched a pilot campaign under the slogan “Hazte visible”, which translates to “Become visible”, or simply “Be seen”, with the aim of preventing accidents at work amongst home delivery drivers.

In recent years, businesses that are related to food and food delivery are booming and the enormous development of the Internet contributes to this: ordering food at home, booking restaurants through applications, etc., all of which are increasingly common activities. In 2015, the year for which the latest data is available from INSHT, 1,565 motorcyclists from the “Food and Beverage Services” sector, had a traffic incident whilst making their deliveries. Of those, 83 were hospitalised due to the seriousness of their injuries and one died. Of the total number of those injured, 61% were under 26 years old.
The activity of food and beverage services has a high incident rate during the working day, occupying the third place in index of incidence. In addition, in the last four years there has been an increase of 36.2% in this incidence rate.
Primarily, the aim of the campaign is two-fold, firstly to remind road users of the importance of checking their “blind spots” before moving off or altering speed, course or direction, and secondly to make more vulnerable road users more visible, such as moped or motorbike riders, as well as larger vehicle drivers when they leave their vehicles.
Always check fully around your vehicle, including over your shoulder, before performing any move. You never know who or what could be in your blind spot until you check.

Excerpt: The Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo (INSHT), the Spanish national health and safety at work institute, collaborating with Invassat, has launched a pilot campaign under the slogan “Hazte visible”, which translates to “Become visible”, or simply Read Full Article...

### High Visibility Policing

With a 5 million euro price tag, the Guardia Civil has taken delivery of 300 new motorbikes which will carry more equipment in the battle for safer roads than ever before.

These new motorcycles will be equipped with both the portable speed detecting equipment we have already featured, and the new portable alcohol and drug testing kits.
This new equipment will allow officers to set up checkpoints at a moment’s notice and in more locations than ever before, particularly useful in combating reports of their location through social media, which can also be monitored and those responsible dealt with.
The new motorbikes also have another new feature, in that they will be more visible than ever before, thanks to the new high visibility colour scheme the motorbikes will adopt. It’s not only the bikes that will be more visible however, the officers themselves will be too, with new high visibility helmets replacing the standard white models.

The extra highly visible markings not only serve as additional protectors for the officers, but also increases their visibility on the roads which is hoped will be a deterrent to drivers who may consider breaking the law, especially those which revolve around the highest contributing factors to fatal and serious incidents.


The colour scheme has been developed through a series of trials and will also be accompanied by a similar scheme on other traffic vehicles in the future. It will take some time for the entire fleet to be replaced but these new vehicles will start to take to the streets almost immediately, whist the portable kits can also be carried on many of the bikes already in service and will be operational soon too. During 2018 all motorbike patrols will be carrying the portable equipment.

Excerpt: With a 5 million euro price tag, the Guardia Civil has taken delivery of 300 new motorbikes which will carry more equipment in the battle for safer roads than ever before. These new motorcycles will be equipped with both the Read Full Article...

### Dogs Killed by Drunk Driver

Two dogs were killed on Sunday when a drunk driver lost control and crashed into other vehicles in the Elche municipality.

The vehicle lost control and collided with another car, shunting that vehicle into others, the end result being six people being injured and two dogs being killed.
The driver was arrested on suspicion of crimes against road safety and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Excerpt: Two dogs were killed on Sunday when a drunk driver lost control and crashed into other vehicles in the Elche municipality. The vehicle lost control and collided with another car, shunting that vehicle into others, the end result being six Read Full Article...

### N332 RoadWatch – Issue 10

Welcome to the latest edition of N332 RoadWatch eMagazine.
You can read the eMagazine FOR FREE at the end of this introduction, or you can click the button here to purchase and download your own PDF version.

Buy Now

We have had a busy couple of months, with the N332 team visiting various local associations and groups as part of our Road Safety Tour, with a couple still to do before the end of the year until we take a break from touring until the spring.
You can read more about where we have been inside, but if you are a member of a social club, association, neighbourhood, group, anybody who can muster around 50 or more interested people together, then we are able to visit you and give a presentation to your group. If you don´t have so many members, perhaps you can talk to other local groups, or contact us anyway and we may be able to put you in touch.
Thanks to the support of our sponsors, in this case Salus Health Insurance and SC Innova, and the technical support from Securitas Direct, we have been able to visit locations outside our usual catchment area. So, if you have been in touch previously, but we were unable to attend as you were too far away, we might now be in a better position to attend.
In other words, wherever you are, and irrespective of whether we have visited you previously or not, if you would like us to visit you during our 2018 schedule then get in touch by emailing news@n332.es and we can start to make arrangements now.
We also have a new collaboration with the Quiron Hospital network. You can read more about that in the next edition but we hope to hold a series of talks in their hospital facilities in Torrevieja in the New Year, which will be free for any individual or group to attend and booked through us direct. As I say, we will give you more information next time, and through the website.
Finally, before I let you read on, yet another collaboration is with the La Siesta Clinic in Torrevieja, where they will be offering you some great services such as licence renewal reminders, for free, and a complete renewal service. There will also be more information about that soon, but we hope you can see that we are working hard to get collaborations with more recognised and trusted partners to try to expand our network of services to you even further.
That´s enough for now. Until the next time, stay safe.

Excerpt: Welcome to the latest edition of N332 RoadWatch eMagazine. You can read the eMagazine FOR FREE at the end of this introduction, or you can click the button here to purchase and download your own PDF version. Buy Now We Read Full Article...

### Today is the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

Every year, on the third Sunday in November, we recognise the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, on which day countries around the globe, through institutions and groups involved in road safety, pay tribute to people who have lost their lives on the roads, and the families, relatives and friends left to deal with the aftermath.

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims was first celebrated nationally by RoadPeace in 1993. Since then it has been observed and promoted worldwide by several non-governmental organization (NGOs), including RoadPeace, the Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT) and the European Federation of Road Traffic Victims (FEVR) and its associated organizations.
In recognition of the enormous strength that NGOs possess as advocates for road safety, WHO hosted a meeting of 12 such groups in September 2003. The meeting led to the creation of an informal network of agencies that advocates for road safety, and the identification of areas for joint activities. ASIRT, FEVR and RoadPeace were invited to be members of the UN Road Safety Collaboration. They, together with other NGOs in the informal network, lobbied through the Collaboration for a day to be dedicated to victims and their families. This led to the recognition by the United Nations General Assembly of the third Sunday in November every year as a World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims “as the appropriate acknowledgment for victims of road traffic crashes and their families”.
WHO, FEVR and RoadPeace have jointly developed a book, World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims: a guide for organizers, to provide practical guidance to people or groups on how to plan and organize events on this day. The book gives a brief history of the day and provides examples of specific activities. All those concerned with road traffic crashes and their consequences are encouraged to use this guide to organize annual events in different parts of the world to ensure that the advocacy opportunity of this day is fully realized.
You can get more information from WHO by clicking here.

Excerpt: Every year, on the third Sunday in November, we recognise the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, on which day countries around the globe, through institutions and groups involved in road safety, pay tribute to people who have lost Read Full Article...

### Three Thousand Euro Fine for Painting Yellow Lines

Local Police in the Murcia town of Bullas have fined a neighbour 3,000 euro for painting his own yellow lines outside his garage to prevent other road users from parking.
Picture credit: E. BOTELLA / La Verdad
The resident claims that he has been doing this “for decades” and never before been fined, and will be basing part of his appeal on that fact.
In an interview in La Verdad newspaper, the neighbour explains that his truck is his only source of income, as he uses it to “take swimming pool covers to France and my wife takes turns with me as a driver. I do not earn 3,000 euro a month.”
The fine states that the painting of the lines is an infraction of the Reglamento General de Circulación, “installing, removing, transferring, hiding or modifying road signs without permission and without just cause”, observing the “Installation of a yellow road marking without authorization.”
As part of his defence the man claims that the fine has been raised by an officer who has a grudge against him, after an argument over illegal parking where the man had parked his vehicle in a prohibited area “where everybody parks” and the officer tried to stop him parking there. Plus, according to the neighbour, who has hired a lawyer to defend him, the police have no proof he actually painted the yellow line.
Fine aside, the simplest solution to the problem would be to do what so many other neighbours in the town have done and request permission for the yellow lines through the standard “vado” system, whereas the town hall would assess the location and, if need safe, not only paint the lines for him they would issue a no parking sign which would be enforceable by the police, preventing anybody from parking at the access and egress point.
The “vado” system is designed specifically for this and, in exchange for a very small fee, would have prevented the situation and subsequent fine. More information and application forms are available at your local town hall.

Excerpt: Local Police in the Murcia town of Bullas have fined a neighbour 3,000 euro for painting his own yellow lines outside his garage to prevent other road users from parking. The resident claims that he has been doing this “for Read Full Article...

### Officers Surprised by Thirsty Cyclist

Officers from the Guardia Civil were surprised when they stopped a 31-year-old cyclist in the Villaviciosa area, carrying an unusual load on his bicycle.
A number of concerned people had alerted the officers to the man riding dangerously on the road. The cyclist was observed cycling along the main section of the road, rather than the hard shoulder where he should have been, and was seen to be swerving as he approached.
The officers found that the man had two bottles of wine affixed to his cycle, which the man freely admitted was in order to quench his thirst on his long ride.

The officers were less surprise that an alcohol test proved positive, with a reading of 0.51 and 0.48 mg / l, in expired air in the double test, where the allowed limit is 0.25. The man was subsequently reported for exceeding the allowed alcohol rate to ride a bike on a public road.
Once again, it is important to note that a cyclist is classed as a vehicle when on the road and therefore the rider is governed by the same laws as drivers of other vehicles, such as a car, and you are not allowed to ride a bicycle having consumed excessive alcohol.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil were surprised when they stopped a 31-year-old cyclist in the Villaviciosa area, carrying an unusual load on his bicycle. A number of concerned people had alerted the officers to the man riding dangerously on the Read Full Article...

### Another 50 Traffic Eyes Watching Over Us

This week, another 50 Traffic Eye camera have entered into service, watching over the road network.

The cameras have been under test for a short time to ensure they are calibrated correctly and that they work, during which time drivers who were caught received a warning letter advising them of the infraction committed, but not issuing fines. From this week, the cameras are live and are issuing fines to drivers snapped by the system.
Traffic Eye from Tradesegur, is one of a new breed of cameras, which were promised by the DGT as part of a campaign to keep the roads safer.
TrafficEye and its cousin MultiRadar C, offer the most advanced technologies that are currently available for monitoring traffic, which not only check and report speeding motorists, but also other safety critical traffic violations such as not wearing a seatbelt, children and animals not properly restrained, using a mobile phone or electrical device whilst driving, and checking with the established databases to see if your vehicle is correctly insured.
Prior to these devices, only Pegasus equipped helicopters could monitor the roads so closely. Now, thanks to TrafficEye, the roads can be monitored around the clock because these devices also work at night.

Excerpt: This week, another 50 Traffic Eye camera have entered into service, watching over the road network. The cameras have been under test for a short time to ensure they are calibrated correctly and that they work, during which time drivers Read Full Article...

### Torrevieja N-332 Widening a Reality by 2020

The plan for finally widening the N-332 main road has taken another step forward this week, with hope that the project will be completed by 2020.

The Official State Gazette (BOE) was published on Wednesday, announcing the tender for the drafting of the project for the design and execution of the road widening scheme. Within the tender document is a requirement for the project to be delivered within 18 months, and with the 40 million euro budget allocation.
After approving the project, the contest to award the works must be opened within two years. The Ministry confirms that the planned investment in the execution will be 40 million euro and that all the procedures must prepare to “accumulate the delay generated by the rejection of the Generalitat at the time of writing the project”. What that means is that so long as the project is not paralysed by such things as the environmental impact study and, if all goes well, the contracting and execution of the widening could be a reality, with an optimistic calculation, in the first half of 2020.
Having been overdue by more than a decade, and the subject of political point scoring over actual action, the N-332 as it passes through Torrevieja is the scene of frequent traffic jams, holdups and incidents, far exceeding the amount of traffic that a road of the current state should normally carry, exceeding 50,000 vehicles per day at peak season times.
As well as widening the N-332 itself, the plan will also include improvements to the roads which lead to it so that these roads also fall within the technical requirements for road planning.

Excerpt: The plan for finally widening the N-332 main road has taken another step forward this week, with hope that the project will be completed by 2020. The Official State Gazette (BOE) was published on Wednesday, announcing the tender for the Read Full Article...

### New Radars For Motorbikes Coming Soon

The DGT has announced that they have just spent 860,130 euro on portable speed detecting equipment which can be transported on the motorbikes of the Guardia Civil.

The plan to buy the equipment had already been announced some time ago, but the budget has now been allocated which has allowed the purchase of about 60 devices which will allow more speed control check points to be set up and with greater ease for the officers.

Although the information has often been misreported as the motorbikes having radar equipment installed, these devices are used by the roadside, standing on a tripod, in much the same way as some of the existing equipment, although these are small enough to be carried in the panniers of the motorbikes.
The investment was first proposed last year, based on the fact that during 2016, 300 people were killed in incidents where inappropriate speed was a factor. Budget restrictions prevented the purchase previously but now the money has been set aside and the order made, and so delivery, training and implementation of these new devices is expected to happen as soon as possible.

This is part of the overall road safety plan that will see an increase in drug controls by 50% before 2018, and for all motorbikes to carry these new speed detectors as part of their safety arsenal.

Excerpt: The DGT has announced that they have just spent 860,130 euro on portable speed detecting equipment which can be transported on the motorbikes of the Guardia Civil. The plan to buy the equipment had already been announced some time ago, Read Full Article...

### Successful Campaign Takes Dangerous Truckers Off the Roads

During a 24 hour campaign, traffic officers from the Guardia Civil in Murcia detected 19 professional drivers who tested positive for drugs (6 for Cocaine, 12 for cannabis and 1 for both).

During the operation, which took place on the 2nd of November, officers checked the drivers of a total of 235 trucks, with the alarming statistic that 8% were positive for drugs.

All of these drivers face the consequences of their actions and a loss of livelihood, although that is a far better outcome than the potential loss of life that could have been caused by one of these vehicles being involved in a collision, a situation which could be considerably worse when we realise that one of the drivers who were taken off the roads was driving an articulated lorry loaded with propane.

Excerpt: During a 24 hour campaign, traffic officers from the Guardia Civil in Murcia detected 19 professional drivers who tested positive for drugs (6 for Cocaine, 12 for cannabis and 1 for both). During the operation, which took place on the Read Full Article...

### Emergency Simulation at Alicante-Elche Airport This Week

Confirmed information has now been released concerning this week’s aircraft crash simulation which will take place around Alicante-Elche airport on Thursday.

The Security and Emergency Response Agency will be coordinating the event on November 9th, which can also be followed on social media with the hashtag #GranSimulacre2017.
The operation will simulate a commercial aircraft accident with multiple victims outside Alicante-Elche airport, with an area of ​​intervention of 8 km around the incident scene.
In the scenario, the aircraft suffers a serious technical problem that makes it lose height abruptly. In the attempt to land, it crashes onto a street on the “Elche Parque Empresarial” industrial park, about 4 km from the airport, destroying several vehicles and coming to rest in one of the industrial buildings where several occupants were working and have become trapped. The spilled fuel catches fire and as collateral damage there is a limited forest fire.

In the crash, the aircraft split in two parts: the tail, with a large number of injured passengers, and the cabin area, with the majority of fatalities.
The General Director of the Valencian Agency for Security and Response to Emergencies, José María Ángel, stressed that this is a very complex exercise because “a large number of organisations from different administrations are involved, which are necessarily coordinated”.
In this sense, he added, “these activities are an opportunity to internalize the protocols that are not usually activate”, continuing, “we would not like to suffer an accident like this one of course, we have tried to contemplate most cases to assess the level of response”.

The activity, #GranSimulacre2017, will also involve the airport facilities, including the “family room”, where relatives will be collected and attended to.
The entire area around the airport will be affected by the incident, and so there will be numerous road closures and disruption to the normal daily operations on the road network, whilst the emergency services deal with the incident. There is not expected to be any disruption to flights, although passengers may be alarmed by the view of the scenario as they observe the activity.
The tourism offices across Alicante will be taken over as part of the scenario, becoming a central point for relatives to attend for information. This is standard practise for a major incident following an agreement with the tourism authority across the Valencia region. Help points will be set up at the tourist information offices at Alicante, Benidorm, Castellón, Denia, Valencia and Torrevieja.
The complexity of the simulation will require the participation of 444 personnel and 130 vehicles from 25 organisations from different administrations, the Generalitat, the Provincial Council, town halls, the General State Administration, private companies together with civil protection volunteers, NGOs and students.
A large number of resources will be mobilised, some extraordinary, which carry out searches, rescues, triage, health care, corpse surveys, traffic control and fire suppression.
The Plan on the Day
The operation will begin at 10:00 when preparations will be put in place.
At 11:30, the control tower at Alicante-Elche Airport will warn the 112 Emergency Coordination Centre of the disappearance of the aircraft from the radar screen and the appearance of a column of smoke a few kilometres away in the area where the aircraft went missing.
The Emergency Coordination Centre will notify the general director of the Valencian Agency for Security and Response to Emergencies, responsible for activating the Territorial Emergency Plan of the Valencian Community (CETPV).
At this point, Protocol Level 2 will be activated and an Advanced Command Post (PMA) will be set up for the coordination of information management, communications, and emergency protocols with multiple victims and contact areas for relatives will be implemented.
The airport will activate the self-protection plan and the external emergency plan. The affected municipalities, Alicante and Elche, will also activate their municipal territorial plans.

Excerpt: Confirmed information has now been released concerning this week’s aircraft crash simulation which will take place around Alicante-Elche airport on Thursday. The Security and Emergency Response Agency will be coordinating the event on November 9th, which can also be followed Read Full Article...

### Alcohol Limits and Penalties

It is often not realised that the maximum permitted alcohol limit in Spain is considerably lower than many other European countries, including the UK.

It is also worth noting that these limits are precisely that, a maximum that is permitted. Alcohol affects people differently and the only real safe limit is zero.
That said, in Spain the maximum legally permitted alcohol limit is in general 0.25 mg/l (or 0.15 mg/l if you are a learner driver / professional drivers). If the amount of alcohol exceeds this limit, the driver will be heavily fined and lose several points from their licence.

In the event such amount of the breathalyzer exceeds 0.60 mg/l, the driver becomes subject to a criminal proceeding and will be arrested.
A blood test is only available when you have finished the alcohol test and you disagree with the result.
Refusal to co-operate is also considered a criminal offence.

Excerpt: It is often not realised that the maximum permitted alcohol limit in Spain is considerably lower than many other European countries, including the UK. It is also worth noting that these limits are precisely that, a maximum that is permitted. Read Full Article...

### Meet Floki

The Guardia Civil in Alicante has been joined by a new member, aged just 3, but with double the number of legs of the usual officer recruits.
Meet Floki, a mixed German and Belgian Shepherd, who has begun patrolling the area accompanied by a human handler, Antonio.

Floki is one of the many dogs born and raised in El Pardo, the Guardia Civil´s own facilities. From the moment of his birth, Floki´s destiny was already mapped out, to serve as an agent of the Guardia Civil, assuming the young pup worked hard and managed to pass the selection tests of course.
Although there are many roles that dogs like Floki fulfil within the corps, Floki´s main role will be in detection, with specialist training in methods for sniffing out money.

Covering both the Valencia and Murcia regions, and capable of moving to other areas across the country, Floki will be based at Alicante-Elche airport.
Among his daily services, Floki will be called on to search homes and businesses where crime is suspected of having been committed, common requests being for cases of money laundering, for example.

When not involved in crime detection, Floki will be on duty at border points, including Alicante-Elche airport, checking travellers who may be carrying larger amounts of cash than permitted, or other items.
As well as active duties, Floki has a daily routine of exercises, including games where money detection is also part of the play.
No doubt, at some point, Floki will also meet with his 4-legged companions in the Alicante province, which is protected by another 4 dogs who detect drugs, 4 who search for explosives and 1 specialising in tobacco.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil in Alicante has been joined by a new member, aged just 3, but with double the number of legs of the usual officer recruits. Meet Floki, a mixed German and Belgian Shepherd, who has begun patrolling the Read Full Article...

### ITV Sticker Colours and Placement

The stickers used to indicate the validity of the ITV inspection, the Inspección Técnica de Vehículos, are colour coded on a three-colour cycle of green, yellow and red.

So long as the vehicle is displaying only one sticker in the required place, the upper right hand side of the windscreen as you look out, traffic and police officers carrying out roadside checks can have a clear idea instantly, from afar, if the vehicle is displaying a valid sticker.
Known as the V-19, “DISTINTIVO DE INSPECCIÓN TÉCNICA PERIÓDICA DEL VEHÍCULO”, the sticker indicates that the vehicle has favourably passed the periodic technical inspection and the date when the next inspection is due.
The sticker is self-adhesive, designed to stick on the glass of the windscreen, but where a vehicle doesn’t have a windscreen, it must be placed in a clearly visible place.

As well as the sticker, the ITV report is one of the mandatory documents which must be carried in the vehicle. In the event of the technician requiring repairs to be carried out, they must have been completed within the time indicated.
Remember, you must only display a single ITV sticker, not collecting them every year, only the one which indicates that the current inspection is valid.

Excerpt: The stickers used to indicate the validity of the ITV inspection, the Inspección Técnica de Vehículos, are colour coded on a three-colour cycle of green, yellow and red. So long as the vehicle is displaying only one sticker in the Read Full Article...

### Torrevieja N-332 Widening Plan Confirmed by Central Government

The submission of plans to widen the N-332 main road as it passes Torrevieja has been confirmed by the Spanish government in a meeting with the regional deputies, thus taking the plans a step closer to reality.

The confirmation came this week following a question raised by a member of the Compromis political group to the Minister of Development Iñigo de la Serna, who officially announced the start of the drafting of the project of the duplication of the N-332 as it passes through Torrevieja.
At the same time, the minister confirmed the widening of the access road to Alicante-Elche airport, and other projects through the Alicante province.
Despite many failings for over a decade, and although it will still take some time to be completed, every process stage takes Torrevieja a step further to being relieved of the usual traffic chaos at peak times when the road network is incapable of dealing with the volume of traffic that passes through.

Excerpt: The submission of plans to widen the N-332 main road as it passes Torrevieja has been confirmed by the Spanish government in a meeting with the regional deputies, thus taking the plans a step closer to reality. The confirmation came Read Full Article...

### Focus on Conventional Roads this Week

All this week, the Guardia Civil traffic department will be leading a focus campaign monitoring conventional roads for traffic infractions and dangerous activities, in an attempt to raise awareness of the fact that 7 out of every 10 traffic related deaths occur on this type of road.





The campaign will run until Sunday the 29th of October, and will be supported through social media by the hashtag #campañacontrol.
Seven out of ten deaths in 2016 in traffic related incidents occurred on interurban roads, particularly on roads that have only one lane in each direction, making them statistically the most dangerous.
For this reason, the DGT launched the campaign that will run until Sunday, with intense surveillance on these roads. According to Gregorio Serrano, the director of the DGT, “this type of intensive campaign has a main objective to draw attention to drivers of the peculiarities that have this type of roads have, including a greater number of points with reduced visibility, the limitation of a single lane to be shared by different road users (vehicles, motorcycles, cyclists, pedestrians …) making driving on these roads significantly different from when driving on motorways or freeways”.
Respect to traffic regulations
During the seven-day campaign, Guardia Civil officers will be supported by colleagues in local and regional police, paying close attention to speed limits, overtaking, driving under the influence of alcohol and / or drugs, the use of helmets, seatbelts and restraint systems, and that the vehicle and driver documentation is valid and present.
In addition to roadside surveillance, the watchful eyes of the DGT helicopters will also be taking to the air, including those equipped with Pegasus radar equipment.
You will be able to monitor the campaign through social media, including Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and Instagram, with practical help and advice throughout the week, including images, infographics and more.
Reasons for the Campaign
Some of the reasons that lead the DGT to carry out intensive periodic campaigns on conventional roads are that these roads are the location for the highest number of fatalities on the roads:
Of the 1,810 people killed in a traffic related incidents in 2016, 964 occurred on a conventional road (roads that have only one lane in each direction). To these 964 deaths, we must also add the 3,930 people who were injured and required hospital treatment.
Secondary roads are not considered as safe as those with central reservations as junctions and intersections are normally on the same route and traffic has to cross paths and intersect with the flow.
Of the more than 166,000 kilometers of interurban roads monitored by the Ministry of Development (2015), 149,000 correspond to conventional roads.
The death rate and the severely injured rate show a positive correlation with the age of the vehicle. In the event that the incident occurs on conventional roads, the vehicle age turns out to be a determining factor in the degree of harmfulness of victims.

Excerpt: All this week, the Guardia Civil traffic department will be leading a focus campaign monitoring conventional roads for traffic infractions and dangerous activities, in an attempt to raise awareness of the fact that 7 out of every 10 traffic related Read Full Article...

### Witnesses Sought Following Orihuela Arson Attack

On Friday night, two vehicles belonging to officers from Orihuela´s Local Police were destroyed by fire in a suspected arson attack.

The cars were parked outside the Orihuela Costa town hall and were completely destroyed in the incident.

Police are asking for anybody who might have information about the incident, or anubody who saw anything suspicious in the area on Friday evening to come forward.

Information can be reported at the Local Police Station at the Playa Flamenca town hall, or at any law enforcement office locally.

Excerpt: On Friday night, two vehicles belonging to officers from Orihuela´s Local Police were destroyed by fire in a suspected arson attack. The cars were parked outside the Orihuela Costa town hall and were completely destroyed in the incident. Police are Read Full Article...

### New Signs Can Warn of Cyclists Ahead

The DGT has installed the latest set of so-called intelligent road signs, this time being tested on the roads of La Rioja, aimed at trying to make the roads safer for cyclists.

Intelligent road signs are able to read the characteristics of the road and vehicles on it through means of sensors. On the N-332 passing through Torrevieja there are examples of signs which monitor for queues ahead, illuminating flashing lights to warn of the presence of danger ahead. Further north, there are signs which warn when vehicles are waiting or crossing traffic at junctions which would otherwise be blind to oncoming vehicles.
These latest signs are able to detect the presence of two-wheeled vehicles, whether solo or in groups, and illuminate the sign as a warning to other road users of the potential hazard ahead.

According to Jaime Moreno, the Deputy Director of Operations and Mobility of the DGT, “this measure is part of the Plan of Urgent Measures announced by the Minister of the Interior earlier this year to increase the prevention of accidents involving cyclists.”
At the moment, this pioneering system has been installed in several kilometres of the LR-111, LR-250, LR-254 and LR-255, where the visibility of the road is reduced, although Jaime Moreno states that “the idea is to extend this type of system to other roads where the influx of cyclists is important, so that the cyclists can move safer.”
However, it is important to remember that the placement of these signs is to offer additional protection to cyclists, and should not lead to complacency. Being constantly prepared for what´s ahead is a vital part of safer driving and proper observation is crucial, whether signs are in place or not.

Excerpt: The DGT has installed the latest set of so-called intelligent road signs, this time being tested on the roads of La Rioja, aimed at trying to make the roads safer for cyclists. Intelligent road signs are able to read the Read Full Article...

### Almost 200 Valencian Criminal Drivers Caught in September

During the month of September, a total of 196 drivers were brought before the courts on criminal charges, the highest form of sanction available, for crimes against road safety.

Of those who faced court action, 60 were for driving without the required permission or licence, 135 for doing so under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs, and 1 for travelling at such a high speed it fell into the realms of the criminal process.
However, the total number of offences recorded which were severe enough to be classified as criminal has decreased by 10.50% in relation to those recorded in the same month last year.
By province, in Alicante, 20 drivers were brought to court for lacking a permit or licence, 58 for driving so much under the influence of alcohol it required court intervention, and 1 for speeding, having been clocked travelling at 178 kilometres per hour on a section of road where the maximum permitted limit was 80.
In Valencia, 34 drivers lacked permission or licence and 68 were driving under the effects of alcohol.
In Castellón, there were 6 drivers without a permit or licence and 9 severly under the influence of alcohol.

Excerpt: During the month of September, a total of 196 drivers were brought before the courts on criminal charges, the highest form of sanction available, for crimes against road safety. Of those who faced court action, 60 were for driving without Read Full Article...

### Elche Mourns Four Members of the Same Family Killed in Murcia Pileup

Elche city council expressed their condolences to the relatives and friends of the family of four who were killed in Monday´s multi-vehicle crash in Murcia.

Killed in the crash was 56-year-old José Vicente Maciá Segarra, who was previously a footballer for such clubs as Torrellano CF, Almoradi, Santa Pola, Thader and Ilicitano. More recently he was a coach training many local youngsters in Elche CF and Torrellano CF.
The football clubs and their members extended their condolences, taking to social media to share their dismay at the tragedy.
Also killed in the crash, in the same vehicle, were his daughter Elena Maciá Belmonte, aged 14; his sister-in-law Josefa Belmonte Márque, 48; and his niece Laura Fabra Belmonte, aged 16. The wife of José Vicente Maciá was injured but survived the incident.
The fifth person killed in the crash was a resident of Murcia.
According to witnesses, there was queuing traffic on the road when the truck approached, at speed, unable to see the standing traffic ahead, colliding with the vehicles which resulted in 13 of them, two trucks, two vans and nine cars, being involved in the collision.
In addition to the five fatalities, a further ten people were treated
The driver of the truck involved in the crash, a Spanish national, was detained by the Guardia Civil and failed a drugs test, positive for cocaine. After spending the night in the cells, a judge has released the driver, “on probation, with an obligation to appear every two weeks”, and withdrawn his licence.
The courts are investigating the incident as a crime against road safety for driving under the influence of drugs, with the likely outcome being addition charges of a crime of reckless homicide and injuries.

Excerpt: Elche city council expressed their condolences to the relatives and friends of the family of four who were killed in Monday´s multi-vehicle crash in Murcia. Killed in the crash was 56-year-old José Vicente Maciá Segarra, who was previously a footballer Read Full Article...

### At Least 4 Killed in Murcia Motorway Pileup

At least four people were been killed in a multi-vehicle pileup on the A-7 motorway in Murcia on Monday.

The incident occurred at around 18:30 near the La Paz service station in Sangonera la Seca.

At least a dozen vehicles were involved, in which the four people were killed and others injured.

The emergency coordination centre immediately dispatched fire fighters, medics and the Guardia Civil to the scene, along with the local police who stressed the “seriousness” of the incident and warned other road users to find alternate routes, as the crash caused considerable delays whilst the rescue and subsequent clean-up operations took place.

Excerpt: At least four people were been killed in a multi-vehicle pileup on the A-7 motorway in Murcia on Monday. The incident occurred at around 18:30 near the La Paz service station in Sangonera la Seca. At least a dozen vehicles Read Full Article...

### Uninsured Drunk Driver Smashes Patrol Car

A drunk driver, who was in an uninsured vehicle which had an expired ITV, smashed into a Local Police patrol car in Seville on Tuesday, resulting in the vehicle overturning.

The incident occurred just before 23:00 on Tuesday night at the exit of a roundabout on
on Tuesday night against a patrolman of the Local Police of Seville who was going to intervene in a traffic accident, as reported by the City in a press release.
Thus, it was shortly before 23.00 hours on Tuesday when this accident occurred at the exit of the Ronda del Tamarguillo roundabout at the junction of calle Clemente Hidalgo), in the direction of calle Ada.
As a result of the collision, the patrol car overturned, resulting in the officers suffering minor injuries. The driver of the colliding vehicle was breathalysed at the scene and was found to be four times over the maximum permitted limit for alcohol. In addition, the vehicle lacked mandatory insurance and the ITV had expired.
Fire fighters and medics attended to clear the scene and treat the injured parties until traffic could be restored.

Un conductor ebrio colisiona con su coche con un patrullero de #PolicíaSevilla y le hace volcar. #Sevillahoy+ Info https://t.co/qjXMsVDJ5t pic.twitter.com/UQ5WwVorzU
— Emergencias Sevilla (@EmergenciasSev) October 3, 2017


Deseamos la pronta recuperación de los lesionados en este siniestro vialRecuerda; Si bebes, deja tu coche aparcado Ok?#PolicíaSevilla pic.twitter.com/aKaDxmoeUZ
— Emergencias Sevilla (@EmergenciasSev) October 3, 2017

Excerpt: A drunk driver, who was in an uninsured vehicle which had an expired ITV, smashed into a Local Police patrol car in Seville on Tuesday, resulting in the vehicle overturning. The incident occurred just before 23:00 on Tuesday night at Read Full Article...

### New Campaign Aims to Raise Awareness of the Danger of Using a Mobile Behind the Wheel

An instant of distraction can make the difference between life and death. This is why the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and Dieter Liebrech Koch, with the collaboration of RACC and RACE and other European automobile clubs, are launching the #ParkYourPhone initiative. The ambassador for this campaign is singer Pharrell Williams, who has lent his image to videos and promotional images.
European Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc said that “with smartphones integrated into our lives, it seems increasingly difficult to take our eyes off the screen. In fact, driving distracted is causing an increasing number of victims on the road.”
The message is unmistakable: the best way to prevent an accident is, first and foremost, to have our eyes on the road and not any other element that can prevent us from driving with attention. Jean Todt, president of the FIA, said that “road safety is one of my top priorities. Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians need to understand the dangers of using smartphones in traffic. To combat the 3,500 lives lost daily in traffic accidents, I call on all road users to ‘park’ their phones when they are involved in traffic in one way or another.”

MEP Dieter Liebrech Koch, representative of #AparcaTuMóvil, also explained that “Europe has done much to advance safety, whether in technical improvements of vehicles, as well as further training for road users or infrastructure. But new technologies, such as smartphones, pose new challenges. I welcome this initiative, which encourages everyone to remember that a moment of distraction can be fatal.”
Stop to distractions
#AparcaTuMóvil joins other campaigns, such as the one driven by RACE, Castrol and BP, “Stop Distractions”, in which the campaign alerts drivers of the risks using the mobile phone whilst driving. Under the hashtag #StopChatear , the action reveals that more than 13 million Spanish drivers recognise having used the mobile phone behind the wheel, many of them to use instant messaging applications. In a surprise test at the Circuit Jarama, RACE took a group of young people on a guided tour to see live, first-hand, what happens when try to attend messaging applications on our mobile phone while driving, with surprising reactions.

RACC Recommendations
The RACC , on the other hand, emphasises that talking on the phone multiplies by 4 the probability of an accident and that drivers who write a message are 23 times more likely to crash. In a study carried out by the Catalan motor club last year, 26% of drivers admitted to using their mobile “always or often” on their journeys, a percentage that increases to 47% in the case of pedestrians. This same study showed that 43% of drivers recognise dangerous practices such as writing messages in a moving car, or that one in five pedestrians continue to use the mobile whilst using pedestrian crossings.
To reduce the accidents related to mobile use, the RACC recommends: Promote the use of applications that block the mobile while driving; require certification (eg an ISO standard) to be able to standardise mobility-related apps and identify them as safe and compatible with driving and involve large Internet companies, mobile phone manufacturers and telecom operators in the improvement of mobile applications for safer integration in driving.

Excerpt: An instant of distraction can make the difference between life and death. This is why the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and Dieter Liebrech Koch, with the collaboration of RACC and RACE and other European automobile clubs, are launching the #ParkYourPhone Read Full Article...

### 198 Unprotected Children Spotted in a Week

During the last campaign focussing on seat belt and child restraint use, more than 260,000 vehicles were checked, with 2,992 people found not wearing a seat belt, and 198 children having been found to have been put in a situation of extreme danger by not being properly restrained.

During the campaign, which ran for a week until the 17th of September, coinciding with the return to school, 2,094 adults and 198 children were found not wearing any type of retention system.
Of the 2,094 adults, 1,388 were drivers and 706 passengers (382 of them in the front seats and 324 in the rear).
In the case of the children, the responsibility of which lies with the driver, 198 were not wearing a seat belt or child restraint system and 41 were travelling in the front seats.
During the seven days, traffic officers report that 73% of those detected not wearing a seat belt were on conventional roads, the location for the highest percentage of fatal and serious incidents.
The seat belt is a basic and fundamental element of road safety, a life insurance. For this reason, its use is mandatory for all occupants of the vehicle and on all types of roads. In addition, the correct use of it is essential for it to fulfil the purpose for which it was created.
Since last week, fifty seat belt control cameras have been put into official operation, having completed their testing phase, which detect if vehicle occupants are not wearing seat belts. These cameras support the activities from officers on the ground, and in the air, all aimed at ensuring safety on the roads.
Remember, children under 135cm must travel in the rear seats, and must be restrained in an approved system suitable for their height and weight.
The only exceptions to the front seat rule are when the vehicle does not have rear seats, when all the rear seats are already occupied by other smaller children of the same characteristics, and when it is not possible to install all child restraint systems in such seats.
If children must occupy the front seats, they must always have the approved appropriate restraint system for their weight and size and if the vehicle has a front airbag, only rear-facing restraint systems can be used if the airbag has been deactivated.
Child restraint systems shall always be installed in the vehicle in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer, which shall indicate the form and type of vehicles to be used safely.
In addition to monitoring the use of seatbelts, the traffic officers also monitored the use of crash helmets, the most important safety device for users on two wheels, motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles.
In the seven days, 34,000 checks were carried out, from which 75 people were found not wearing a helmet, of which 22 were motorcyclists, 22 on mopeds and 31 cyclists.

Excerpt: During the last campaign focussing on seat belt and child restraint use, more than 260,000 vehicles were checked, with 2,992 people found not wearing a seat belt, and 198 children having been found to have been put in a situation Read Full Article...

### Seatbelts Save Lives

Earlier this month, five people from the same family, French nationals travelling through the town of Pancorbo in Burgos during their vacation.
At 07:42 on the 5th of September, the vehicle they were travelling in was in collision with a truck.
Other than suffering minor physical injuries and tremendous psychological trauma, the truck driver was unhurt. However, tragically, the same was not the case for the five occupants of the car.
Two women, aged 60 and 32, a girl aged 9, and two boys aged 7 and 3, all lost their lives in the incident.
The investigation concluded that the driver of the car had fallen asleep at the wheel, invading the opposite carriageway and colliding with the truck heading in the opposite direction, then hitting the wall of the gorge..
The investigation also revealed that the vehicle was carrying six people, rather than the maximum of five is was designed to.
The driver of the car was the only occupant to survive the crash, now having to live with the consequences.
In the rear seats, his wife and children were not wearing seatbelts, or any form of restraining system, and were trapped in the wreckage. In the front seats, the driver and his mother-in-law were wearing seatbelts.
Both the driver of the truck and the car tested negative for alcohol or drugs.
Some of the scenes in this video may be distressing…

Excerpt: Earlier this month, five people from the same family, French nationals travelling through the town of Pancorbo in Burgos during their vacation. At 07:42 on the 5th of September, the vehicle they were travelling in was in collision with a Read Full Article...

### Project EDWARD – Thursday 21 September 2017

N332 are proud to support Project EDWARD, European Day Without A Road Death.

TISPOL, the European Traffic Police Network, seeks support from all road users for Project EDWARD: European Day Without A Road Death – Thursday 21 September 2017  
•    On average, 70 people still die every day on Europe’s roads
•    Every road death prevented has an estimated value of €1.94 million (£1.65 million)*
•    Spare an extra thought for safety and sign the pledge at www.projectedward.eu
THIS YEAR’S European Day Without A Road Death is taking place across Europe on Thursday 21 September. Devised in 2016 as Project EDWARD by the European Traffic Police Network (TISPOL), the initiative aims to raise awareness of road safety and reduce the number of people killed every day on the roads of Europe.
Project EDWARD has the support of senior politicians, police chiefs, policy makers and road safety professionals, many of whom have recorded short video messages for the Project EDWARD website (www.projectedward.eu).
The European Commission is also backing Project EDWARD, with Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc participating in a road safety event in Estonia on 21 September.
UK support for Project EDWARD comes in the form of video messages on the projectedward.eu website from:

Roads Minister Jesse Norman MP
PACTS Chairman Barry Sheerman MP
Scottish Transport Minister Hamza Yousaf MSP
the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)
the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC)
Road Safety GB
Road Safety Scotland
IAM RoadSmart
Highways England
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
GEM Motoring Assist

…and many more individuals and organisations.
TISPOL will be joining representatives of the European Transport Safety Council, the International Highways Association, the World Road Association and the Italian State Police at a conference to be held in Rome on Project EDWARD day. The event will be live-streamed via Facebook.
TISPOL believes it is vital to gain the support of national governments, as well as winning the hearts and minds of individual road users, in order to bring about sustained and significant reductions in death and injury on Europe’s roads.
TISPOL President Paolo Cestra comments: “The tragic toll of road deaths is seen every day by police officers and collision investigators. Every day across Europe, around 70 people will set off on road journeys, but they won’t make it home. That means 70 families will receive a knock at the door with the life-shattering news that they have lost a loved one in what was most likely an entirely preventable crash.
“With every road death, so many other lives are fractured and ruined. Quite simply we do not want that to happen to any family, and we will do everything we can to reduce the toll of road fatalities.
“But we cannot win on our own. Gaining the support of individual road users is vital, and we know that if everyone is prepared to reflect on the risks they face and the risks they may pose to others, then we can have safer drivers, safer road users and safer journeys.”
A day without a road death is of course the vision we should strive for every day, not just on 21 September, according to Paolo Cestra. “As a simple way of raising awareness, I am convinced that Project EDWARD can once again be a great success, whether or not we achieve zero deaths on the day itself.
“So we urge everyone: please think about the way you drive, ride or cross the road. Think about how you can reduce risk by always wearing a seatbelt, keeping to speeds that are both legal and appropriate for the conditions, not driving after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, and not using a mobile phone at the wheel.
“If everyone commits to making small changes, then the road safety improvements will be huge and we will achieve big reductions in the number of people who are killed or seriously injured. So please share our road safety messages on social media using #ProjectEDWARD, and sign the Project EDWARD pledge at www.projectedward.eu.”
Project EDWARD 2016: 
•    In the 48-hour period of 20 and 21 September 2016, #ProjectEDWARD achieved 19.5 million Twitter hits
•    #ProjectEDWARD was trending in the Twitter top five in the UK, Ireland and many European countries on 21 September
•    #ProjectEDWARD was trending in the top 50 Twitter topics globally on 21 September
•    ‘What is Project EDWARD?’ was a Twitter ‘moment (ie a headline story) on 21 September
•    30 days after Project EDWARD day 2016, 19 out of 31 participating countries had managed a day with no death on their roads
•    Records show that a total of 43 people died on Europe’s roads on 21 September 2016 (however, Project EDWARD takes no direct credit this, because there are so many factors that would need to be assessed and understood)

Excerpt: N332 are proud to support Project EDWARD, European Day Without A Road Death. TISPOL, the European Traffic Police Network, seeks support from all road users for Project EDWARD: European Day Without A Road Death – Thursday 21 September 2017   Read Full Article...

### Cyclist Stopped 4 Times Over Limit

The Guardia Civil in Lugo stopped a cyclist on the LU-120 main road and found that the rider was 4 times over the legal maximum permitted limit.

The incident occurred last Tuesday when the officers were involved in a routine checkpoint and observed the cyclist approaching in an “erratic and irregular” manner.
There suspicions led to a breath test, which revealed that the cyclist was 4 times over the maximum permitted limit. 
The severity of the case is classified as a “very serious” infraction, with a penalty of 1,000 euro, although on this occasion the rider’s only immediate concern after the test was to walk to the nearest bar for a drink.
Remember, when cycling, riders are governed by the same rules of the road as any other vehicle. This of course includes laws relating to the consumption of alcohol and drugs, as well as all other rules.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil in Lugo stopped a cyclist on the LU-120 main road and found that the rider was 4 times over the legal maximum permitted limit. The incident occurred last Tuesday when the officers were involved in a routine Read Full Article...

### Sixteen Thousand Euro Per Hour

The network of traffic monitoring cameras across Spain are now catching bad driving practices which is costing those responsible 16,528 euro per hour in fines.

The information has been released in response to parliamentary questions, which have revealed that the total figure collected has increased six fold in as many years.
In 2011, the total amount collected by fines was 16.1 million euro. In 2012, the figure had increased considerably to 121.3 million, and has then shown a constant increase to 124.2 in 2013, 129.6 in 2014, 119.2 up to September of 2015 and 162.3 million last year.
Thanks largely to the development and implementation of new equipment, and an increase in the location of both fixed and mobile cameras, 2016 was a milestone for road safety enforcement. The sanctions reached a rate of 18,485 euro per hour, ten times above the 1,483 of 2011, while the number of sanctions soared to 4,369,603, almost 500 per hour.
However, despite the increase in the number of cameras and active patrols, it is still impossible to watch every kilometre of road and fatality figures still continue to grow. Last year, there was a 7% increase in road deaths in Spain, with the number of fatal incidents reaching 102,362, a figure which has not been as bleak in the last quarter of a century.
On interurban roads, which is where most serious incidents occur, and, subsequently, where most of the attention is directed during traffic violation campaigns, the number of incidents has remained at similar levels, slightly below 35,878 in 2011 (35,147 in 2014) but with peaks such as 37,297 in 2013, while the total volume of incidents continues to grow (from 83,027 in 2011 to 97,756 in 2015). The number of deaths on these roads are stable below 1,700 although with a slight upward trend since 2013, and broke that barrier last year to shoot up to 1,810. The number of incidents with fatalities as well as deaths (not including those who die within 30 days after the accident, more than 600 a year) recorded a slight fall of 1% and 2% so far this year.
Excessive or inappropriate speed is the main cause of incidents on Spanish roads, and is of course one of the main factors which are completely in the control of the driver who decides to act in this manner, subsequently being the person responsible in the event of an incident, or being fined, or causing a fatal crash. Failure to maintain a safe distance, failing to observe stop signs or priorities, invading the wrong lane, overtaking incorrectly, distractions such as using a mobile phone and having consumed alcohol or drugs are also amongst the biggest causes of incidents, are amongst the biggest reasons for getting fined, and are all within the control of the driver to avoid.
As a final note, it should be pointed out that despite the increase in the number of devices monitoring and detecting road traffic violations, the increase in the number of these items is considerably less than the proportion of sanctions issued, with equipment installations only increasing by 11% since 2011, although this figure will continue to grow. The contributions from those drivers caught helping to fund the development and implementation of more equipment aimed at trying to keep everybody safer on the roads.

Excerpt: The network of traffic monitoring cameras across Spain are now catching bad driving practices which is costing those responsible 16,528 euro per hour in fines. The information has been released in response to parliamentary questions, which have revealed that the Read Full Article...

### Electronic Cars Will be Forced to Make a Noise

Not unlike the unnecessary shutter noise of a camera phone, aimed at preventing intrusive photograph-taking by mimicking the manual release of a shutter, electric cars will also be forced to make a noise in order for other road users to be aware of their presence.

The regulation forcing these vehicles to emit noise will come into force in Europe, and the USA, in 2019 and will apply to all types of electric motors: hybrid, plug-in hybrid, 100% electric, extended-range electric and those that form hydrogen fuel cells.
The main proponents of the electric car emphasise that its silent driving is a great advantage in terms of noise pollution, and brings a different experience to driving. Many manufacturers claim that the absence of combustion noises reduces some levels of stress at the wheel. It is this silence however that poses a risk, specifically for pedestrians.
Noise and road safety have traditionally gone hand in hand. According to US Department of Transportation data, there is an additional 19% chance that an electric vehicle will hit a pedestrian compared to a conventional one. With this new regulation, which in that country will be enforced as of September 1, 2019, it is estimated that some 2,400 victims related to these situations can be avoided. These statistical victims are all associated with the noise that electric cars do not emit because in all other respects, it is demonstrated that electric cars are as safe, or more so, than traditional ones.
In America, it will be mandatory for all electric motor cars weighing less than 4.5 tons to emit noise above when travelling in excess of 30 kilometres per hour, both forward and in reverse. Neither can the system be disconnected, as some vehicles currently allow.
In Europe, the legislation will advance slightly sooner, as of July 1, 2019, and although the exact requirements are still to be confirmed, the European Commission already drafted a series of recommendations in 2011 which said that 20 kilometres per hour was the optimum noise-producing speed. Another difference for Europeans is that the date, 2019, refers to the new models only, those vehicles already on the road will have until 2021 to adapt.
Of course there are still two questions still remaining. Firstly, what type of noise will the vehicles have to omit? Sci-Fi films might show vehicle floating with a gentle hum, or a futuristic beep, and for the staunch defenders of the electric car, they believe that the sound they emit must be unique, away from the noise that we are accustomed to vehicles with thermal motors.
Luckily, it is highly unlikely that the verbal commands similar to, “Caution! Vehicle Reversing” will be adapted, as the EU proposal, for its part, states that “the sound generated by electric cars must be continuous and provide sufficient information to pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. The sound must be easily identifiable from the behaviour of a vehicle and should sound similar to the sound of a vehicle of the same category as an internal combustion engine.”
This contrasts with the vision of the head of the French company Arkamys, Philippe Tour. The company is dedicated to the development of acoustic warning systems for vehicles (AVAS). Tour believes that electric trains do not have to sound like something we already know, and think that manufacturers would prefer to opt for other types of sounds.
For its part, the Guide Dogs charity in the United Kingdom has written a series of recommendations aimed at manufacturers to help them define noise with the safety of the blind:

The vehicle must be heard regardless of its location and speed.
That the noise generation system must take into account when a vehicle has to operate in quieter conditions.
That same system must inform the proximity of the car, especially if it is in a situation of temporarily stopping.
The sound generated should mimic the sound generated by an internal combustion vehicle of similar characteristics, performing similar manoeuvres.
That the system cannot be disconnected in any case.

Our final burning question on the subject also deals with a more futuristic, although increasingly modern phenomenon, the self-driving vehicle. Once the roads are flooded with vehicles driving themselves, will the noise then be necessary?
Everything seems to indicate that electric cars will end up sounding similar to those with a combustion engine, given the safety requirements that legislators have contemplated. However, this situation does not have to be permanent, at least if we look at the long term. To do this, we must introduce in the noise equation the complex variable of the autonomous vehicle.
Already, we have seen how these vehicles can operate on roads in mixed traffic with little problem. The majority of incidents involving these vehicles still being down to driver error, the human failing to do its part, and whereas the majority of incidents produce more anecdotes than cause for reconsideration, the ability of these vehicles to detect pedestrians and stop in the event of obvious risk has already been proven to be effective. This may lead us to think that in the future these benefits can restore silence to electric cars.
However, as we have been looking from the past to the future, we must remember that we are still very much in the present, and, although these developments are happening around us, at this stage there are no specific plans for the day when infallible autonomous driving becomes the norm.

Excerpt: Not unlike the unnecessary shutter noise of a camera phone, aimed at preventing intrusive photograph-taking by mimicking the manual release of a shutter, electric cars will also be forced to make a noise in order for other road users to Read Full Article...

### The DGT Sets Out Air Support Plan

The DGT has been setting out plans to offer further support for road safety from the air, by using more aircraft, including fixed-winged planes and drones, and renewing the existing fleet.

The Director General of Traffic, Gregorio Serrano, was with air operatives in Las Palmas last week, where a number of test flights have been taking place.
The objective of the strategic development is to be more efficient in the regulation and control of traffic, which will mean important improvements in road safety and rationalisation of the expenditure, since each air operation can be budgeted according to the type of operation in question.
The plan contemplates the replacement of part of the current helicopter fleet, which are nearing the end of their operational life, by others equipped with the latest technologies, as well as the incorporation of light aircraft and drones that will operate as outsourced resources.
The test flights being conducted are part of the pilot tests that the DGT is carrying out to determine in a real and concrete way the potentiality and real applicability of new air systems in relation to the observation of traffic from the air, and the detection of certain infringements of traffic regulations, motor vehicle and road safety.
The aircraft chosen to carry out these tests, called MRI, has a series of features that enable it as a potentially effective air traffic monitoring option, as it has a range of operating speeds compatible of matching road traffic speed, autonomy and high reach, as well as the possibility of carrying image capturing equipment. 
According to Gregorio Serrano, “this type of aircraft could complement the rest of the aerial and terrestrial fleet on which we count and extend the current surveillance coverage of road traffic areas for certain operations and for the control of risky behavior on the roads.” He added that “what is intended is to be more effective in terms of traffic regulation and control, which will mean important improvements in road safety”.
The choice of Las Palmas to carry out the pilot test is due to the fact that in the archipelago does not have a helicopter patrol for traffic monitoring, which is essential to preventing incidents.
The flights that are being carried out at the moment are only for testing purposes, therefore no sanctions will be issued to those drivers the aircraft capture.

Excerpt: The DGT has been setting out plans to offer further support for road safety from the air, by using more aircraft, including fixed-winged planes and drones, and renewing the existing fleet. The Director General of Traffic, Gregorio Serrano, was with Read Full Article...

### Alicante Attic Fire Threatens Building

Firefighters extinguished a fire in a third-floor Alicante apartment attic that had endangered the roof of a building in calle Castaños.

The fire service received notice at around 14:00 on Monday that the building was on fire, sending three crews to the scene.
The fire was located in the wooden attic, hampering extinction because of a thermal load wood ceiling, although the team managed to get the flames under control.
Early indications suggest that the fire could have been started by an electrical fault.

Excerpt: Firefighters extinguished a fire in a third-floor Alicante apartment attic that had endangered the roof of a building in calle Castaños. The fire service received notice at around 14:00 on Monday that the building was on fire, sending three crews to the scene. The fire was located in the wooden attic, hampering extinction because of …

### Wasp Blamed for Crash

A wasp has been blamed for a crash in which a passenger car lost control and collided head on with another car towing a caravan in the Alicante town of Benissa.

The incident occurred at around 11:50 on Monday on the road linking the towns of Benissa and Teulada (Alicante North), near to an industrial area.
A car, occupied by two foreign women, crashed because the driver saw a wasp in the saloon and lost control of the vehicle, colliding head on with the caravan towing car, also carrying two foreigners. 
When the vehicles collided, they subsequently caught fire, which had to be extinguished by fire fighers, whilst the injured parties were taken to hospital.
Although it is no help in this case, we published an article about what to do in the event of finding something like a wasp in the vehicle, which you can read by clicking here.

Excerpt: A wasp has been blamed for a crash in which a passenger car lost control and collided head on with another car towing a caravan in the Alicante town of Benissa. The incident occurred at around 11:50 on Monday on Read Full Article...

### Back to School

It´s that time of year once again when the summer is coming to a close, and attentions start to turn back to yet another annual phenomenon, back to school time.

Although it might be a relief for some parents, it might also be a disappointment for some children, in road safety terms we have to be aware that the characteristics of the road network will once again change.
Firstly, we have an increase in traffic at certain times of day as parents resume the school run. It is quite normal for traffic to increase in the mornings because of this, which in turn can result in delays. The same situation applies at the end of the school day, but at what time? Often, in Spain, schools operate a less robust timetable, adapting to such things as weather conditions and light, and so the school day often varies from season to season. All non-parents can do to prepare for this is be aware of the changing timetable and allow extra time for all journeys.
If you are taking your children to school by car, remember that children under 1.35 metres in height are not allowed in the front seats of the car. There are one or two exceptions, which you can read about on the website, n332.es.
Children must be secured in the vehicle, by means of a seatbelt, or specially designed retention system suitable for them. Any objects they are carrying must also be secure in the vehicle.
When you arrive at the school drop off point, remember that the laws still apply to you, the same as any other driver. You are still not allowed to double park, block entrances, or park in an illegal place with your hazard lights on just because you are dropping off your children for school. You must choose a safe, convenient and legal place to drop off your children. Where possible, ensure that they exit the vehicle on the pavement side, still warning them to be aware of their surroundings before opening the door. They may hit a pedestrian, item of street furniture, or another object, so they should be taught to be aware and alert before opening the door. If they have to leave on the road side, vigilance is even more important, they must check it is totally safe before opening the door, and must move to the pavement as soon as possible.
Remember, when you are about to pull away, pay extra attention to your surroundings too, including rigorous checks of your blind spots, as there could be children or other road users appearing from anywhere.
However, it´s not only car numbers that increase, other vehicles do too. Many children take the school bus, being collected near their homes, dropped off at school, and brought back once lessons are over. Buses operating on a school service must display a yellow sign in their windscreen and back window which warns other road users of their function. School buses have some restrictions over and above those of normal buses, but we don´t need to worry about those at the moment, all we want to do is be aware that the buses are carrying children. As such, they may stop at unusual places, not always at locations designated as bus stops. Similarly, there may be children in the road, in front or behind, possibly trying to cross, oblivious of the dangers. The advice, if passing a school bus, is to allow plenty of room and pass slowly, prepared for the unexpected.
Some children will chose to cycle to school. We must be prepared also for an increase in the number of bike on the road. As always, we must give them plenty of room if we are passing them, not only the mandatory 1.5 metres, but a little more, if possible, to allow for unexpected manoeuvres.
During late September, there will be an awareness campaign focussing on seatbelt and child restraint use, and the use of seatbelts on school buses (where fitted). The Guardia Civil, DGT, local and regional police will all be working together to check on these vehicles and the use of seatbelts, although in fairness, they should not have to enforce any laws which are designed with one single aim, so save lives.

Excerpt: It´s that time of year once again when the summer is coming to a close, and attentions start to turn back to yet another annual phenomenon, back to school time. Although it might be a relief for some parents, it Read Full Article...

### Santa Pola Mourns Death of 17 Year Old Knocked Down by Drunk and Drugged Driver

A 17-year-old male was killed and two girls, aged 15 and 17, injured, after being knocked down this weekend by a vehicle driven by a driver who tested positive for alcohol and drugs.
The incident happened in the Alicante town of Santa Pola, where the traditional Moors and Christians event is taking place. The town has called for three days official mourning, and has suspended some of the festivities, as a mark of respect for the victim.
Witnesses reported that the vehicle struck the first, fatal victim, at high speed, then apparently lost control and mounted the pavement. One of the victims became trapped with their leg under the car, another wedged between the vehicle and a vending machine, where the vehicle came to a stop. The driver apparently attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by the local police. 
Officers from the Guardia Civil, assisted by colleagues from the local police, are investigating the causes of the tragedy, which occurred around 04:30 on Sunday morning on Avenida de Santiago Bernabeu.
Later on Sunday morning, at around 09:30, another man, who was apparently driving under the influence of alcohol fell asleep at the wheel on the CV-500 as it passed through the Valencia town of El Saler, crashed head-on into another car after invading the opposite lane. Two people, aged 66 and 72, were injured in the crash.

Excerpt: A 17-year-old male was killed and two girls, aged 15 and 17, injured, after being knocked down this weekend by a vehicle driven by a driver who tested positive for alcohol and drugs. The incident happened in the Alicante town Read Full Article...

### Motorcyclist Killed in Alicante

A 24-year-old has died Saturday after crashing his motorcycle against a lamppost on a curve driving along Avenida de Elche in Alicante.
The crash happened at around eight o’clock with ambulances sent to the scene, but resuscitation attempts failed.
There were no visible signs on the road of the motorcycles braking before crashing into the street light which had been knocked down in the impact.

Excerpt: A 24-year-old has died Saturday after crashing his motorcycle against a lamppost on a curve driving along Avenida de Elche in Alicante. The crash happened at around eight o’clock with ambulances sent to the scene, but resuscitation attempts failed. There were no visible signs on the road of the motorcycles braking before crashing into the …

### Police Detain Brutal Gang

Four men and a woman, of Spanish, Colombia, Argentina and Ukraine nationality, one of them a minor, were arrested for a brawl in the port of Alicante where three other people were almost killed.
According to the National Police, the incident occurred during the early hours of Aug. 19 on Paseo de Gomis, by the Postiguet beach, although the arrests took place last Wednesday.
There was an argument between two groups formed of five and three people, and at one point the first group left to seize weapons to return minutes later and attack the other three. To do this, they used a large weapon, pepper spray, a kickstand and bottles, with which they attacked the other three, one of whom had to be taken to the General Hospital of Alicante for emergency surgery.
Although the suspects managed to flee, the Violent Crime Group of the Provincial Brigade of Judicial Police of Alicante began an investigation that has borne fruit with the location and arrest of the five suspects, charged with three crimes of attempted murder.

Excerpt: Four men and a woman, of Spanish, Colombia, Argentina and Ukraine nationality, one of them a minor, were arrested for a brawl in the port of Alicante where three other people were almost killed. According to the National Police, the incident occurred during the early hours of Aug. 19 on Paseo de Gomis, by the …

### Karaoke-Singing Parent Arrested for Leaving Child Alone at Home

A 35-year-old man has been arrested in Guardamar del Segura (Alicante) for allegedly leaving his 5-year-old daughter alone in the house in order for him to go to a local karaoke bar.
As reported by the Guardia Civil, at about 03:25 on Friday morning a neighbour called them to report the cries and screams of the girl, who lives alone with her father, of Spanish nationality.
The officers jumped the fence of the courtyard to the home and heard the cries of the girl and, according to the Guardia Civil, the house was inspected for the possibility that something may have happened to the father, but officers found no trace of the mam and his known vehicle was missing.
The officers began a search and located the car an hour later near a local karaoke bar, within which the father was “oblivious to everything that was happening at home”.
The officers found that the man was sober and fully capable of continuing to care for his daughter, “who had already suffered enough frights in the night”. Due to the latter and in order to cause the least harm to the child, the man was arrested on suspicion of a serious misdemeanor neglect of a minor and released with charges pending to allow him to care for the child until the court case.

Excerpt: A 35-year-old man has been arrested in Guardamar del Segura (Alicante) for allegedly leaving his 5-year-old daughter alone in the house in order for him to go to a local karaoke bar. As reported...

### Travel Update – Friday 1 September 2017

Manchester, Mykonos and Lisbon are experiencing minor flight delays due to visibility issues. Plus, today is expected to be one of the busiest days of the year, with well over 35,000 flights across Europe (current record 35,937 on 30 June).
If you are flying or meeting people, keep an eye on the flights with the airlines.
The roads too are expected to be busy as the special “operation return” is in place until Sunday (Sunday is expected to be the busiest day).
Saturday will also be busy heading north on the coastal motorway as many French tourists return home.

Excerpt: Manchester, Mykonos and Lisbon are experiencing minor flight delays due to visibility issues. Plus, today is expected to be one of the busiest days of the year, with well over 35,000 flights across Europe...

### Woman Knocked Down by Bus in Torrevieja

A 69 year old woman was seriously injured on Thursday when she was hit by a bus at the bus station in Torrevieja (Alicante), as reported by Provincial Fire Consortium.

Excerpt: A 69 year old woman was seriously injured on Thursday when she was hit by a bus at the bus station in Torrevieja (Alicante), as reported by Provincial Fire Consortium.

### N332 RoadWatch – Issue 9

Welcome to issue 9 of N332 RoadWatch eMagazine. You can read the eMagazine on this page FOR FREE, by scrolling down beyond the introduction. Alternatively, if you would like to buy and download your own PDF version, here is the buy now button.

Buy PDF

As summer comes to an end, thoughts of returning to work or school come to the forefront of many people´s minds, but for all of us, we have to be aware of the changes to the characteristics of the roads, as school and work timetables dominate the flow of traffic, more vehicles take to the roads, and, to add even more complications to the mix, the weather starts to change.
In this edition we look at some of those changes, focussing particularly on the return to school and the infamous “school run”. We also pay close attention to “operation return”, which is when we see the largest flow of domestic tourists return to their inland homes after the holidays on the coast and mountainous regions.
There´s much more to keep you interested this issue too, we hope, including more myths busted, this time about avoiding parking fines, explanations about some of the topics which have come to light over the summer, such as what the headlight sign with a question mark means, and a detailed explanation about different types of crossings.
We are also starting to build our timetable for presentations throughout the autumn, and so details about that are also included, and you can now get N332 on your Android device with the official N332 app (sorry iPhone users, but your time will come), details about that are also included inside.
That´s enough for now, we will let you get on and read all about it inside. Until the next time, stay safe.
In this issue:
4 – Back to School
6 – N332 Now Available on Android
8 – Talks and Presentations
9 – Driving in Rain
10 – Time to go Home
12 – Parking Myths Busted
14 – Headlights Question Mark
16 – Driving Classic Cars in Spain
18 – Lane Discipline Explained
20 – Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossings
23 – Drivers Urged to Tell the Truth in Medical Exams
24 – Choosing Workshops and Garages
27 – The Future Big Brother
28 – Pride of Spain Awards 2017
30- The Green L-Plate (V-13)
31 – Removing Abandoned Vehicles
32 – The Gallery
34 – Survey Results
36 – Buying and Selling a Car
Here is the online version which you can read for FREE. There is another Buy Now button at the end in case you would like to purchase and download your own PDF of thie eMagazine.





Buy PDF

Excerpt: Welcome to issue 9 of N332 RoadWatch eMagazine. You can read the eMagazine on this page FOR FREE, by scrolling down beyond the introduction. Alternatively, if you would like to buy and download your own PDF version, here is the Read Full Article...

### Time to go Home

This weekend marks the end of the summer road campaigns with “Retorno del verano”, when traffic starts to return from holiday destinations such as the coast and mountains to inland areas of Spain.

The special operation will run from Thursday 31 August to Sunday 3 September, when more than 6 million vehicle movements are anticipated, an increase on previous years, although spread over an additional day, Thursday.
There will be restrictions on the movement of some freight and none emergency road works will be suspended. There will also be additional lanes created in some areas in order to maximise the space available for traffic.
Drivers are advised to check their vehicle before a long journey, looking for any signs of potential wear, damage or risk, take frequent breaks, take your time and plan your route, allowing extra time on the way, and ensure compliance with the law at all times, including the avoidance of alcohol and drugs, ensuring that all vehicle occupants use the seatbelts, and children are seating in the correct seats, i.e. not the front, but occupying a seat suitable for them.
In order to ensure the safe flow of traffic, around 20,000 people will be on duty, including thousands of Guardia Civil traffic officers, assisted by staff employed by the DGT directly, plus specialist technical personnel, employees of conservation companies and other emergency services personnel, all of whom will work together so that drivers can make a safe trip.
Tips for a safer weekend
If you don´t have to travel this weekend, then the best advice is to avoid doing so. However, you can also plan your journey around the quieter times. Sunday afternoon is likely to be the busiest, as well as Friday evening.
Plan the trip by the safest route to avoid unforeseen events. The DGT has several channels such as the DGT free app, the twitter accounts @informacionDGT and @DGTes, and radio broadcasts, alerting the real-time traffic situation and any incidents that may exist. Of course, never use the apps or your device if you are driving, ask a passenger to check, or find a safe, convenient and legal place to stop and check.

Check the vehicle before setting off, preferable the day before and also just before you set off. Good maintenance improves road safety. If your vehicle is not in the best conditions, opt for another means of transport. In the last year, 4% of the vehicles involved in an accident did not have an ITV in order.
Respect the speed established on each road and maintain the safety distance with the vehicle in front.
Take breaks every two hours, fatigue and sleep are deadly when driving.
Do not drink alcohol or use drugs when driving.
All occupants of the vehicle must wear a seat belt. If children are less than 135 cm tall, they must sit in the rear seats with their corresponding child restraint system.
On conventional roads, take into account the increase of bicycles and pedestrians during the summer that cross roads that connect nearby towns.
Adapt your driving to the characteristics of the road (changes of gradients, curves, narrow roadways etc.), and the weather conditions.
 
 
Also remember that teams of people will be on the roads to help you. If you get into difficulty, you can call the Guardia Civil (in Spanish), on 062, or the emergency coordination centre, 112, who speak a variety of languages, including English.

Excerpt: This weekend marks the end of the summer road campaigns with “Retorno del verano”, when traffic starts to return from holiday destinations such as the coast and mountains to inland areas of Spain. The special operation will run from Thursday Read Full Article...

### Headlights Question Mark

There are many common questions about road signs and signals, this time we will explain about “headlights question mark”.

The sign, which has the code S-24, normally works in conjunction with another, R-413.

Let´s look at a common scenario, a tunnel, where there are also some other changes to rules which we discuss another time.
We now have to remember one of the basics of traffic signs, circles give us orders (things we must or must not do), whereas squares or rectangles are informative.
As we approach a tunnel, we see R-413, a blue circular sign featuring a pictogram of headlights. telling us we must switch our lights on.

As we leave the tunnel, we see sign S-24, which is a rectangular sign featuring a pictogram of headlights and a question mark.

Now, back to basics again. The approach sign, R-413, tells us we must put our headlights on. But, when we leave the tunnel, a sign cannot tell us we must switch them off, as we could be emerging during the night or in poor visibility, and so S-24, an informative sign, tells us to check if we still need our headlights on or not.
As a final note, remember that when we talk about headlights, we don´t mean Daytime Running Lights (DRL), they are not sufficient when it comes to illuminating areas such as tunnels, or at night.

Excerpt: There are many common questions about road signs and signals, this time we will explain about “headlights question mark”. The sign, which has the code S-24, normally works in conjunction with another, R-413. Let´s look at a common scenario, a Read Full Article...

### Driving in Rain

Changes in the weather provides significant risk to road users, and so our driving must be adapted at all times.

Rain is one of the biggest contributors to weather related incidents.
In Spain, long, dry periods are often followed by significant rainfall.
In the first rainfall after a dry spell, the roads are particularly hazardous, as water falls onto the dust and surface coating on the road, creating extremely poor adhesion in places.
Plus, drainage systems are not always able to cope with the immediacy of the downpour, and so roads become flooded, particularly in dips which are designed to control the flow of water.
When driving in wet weather, slow down and allow extra distance between you and the car in front. This will mean that you should allow extra time for your journey, or be prepared to arrive late. It is far better to arrive late, than not at all.
Movements should be slow and steady, not harsh, to ensure your tyres are able to maintain as much grip as possible, and if you think you or your vehicle are not prepared to drive in wet conditions, then don´t.
Windscreen wipers and headlights will allow for better visibility, not only for you, but other road users too.
Take care, take it easy and take it slow.

Excerpt: Changes in the weather provides significant risk to road users, and so our driving must be adapted at all times. Rain is one of the biggest contributors to weather related incidents. In Spain, long, dry periods are often followed by Read Full Article...

### Alicante Company Under Investigation for ‘Clocking’ Cars

Officers from the Guardia Civil Guard are investigating the managers and an employee of an Alicante company accused of alleged crimes of fraud and forgery, by manipulating the odometers of several vehicles to increase their market value.

The company was dismantled in July after 76 vehicles were found to have tampered odometers. In some cases, as much as 400,000 kilometers had been knocked off the real value.
The investigation began in February and was conducted by the research groups and Traffic Analysis subsectors of the Guardia Civil Trafico in Guadalajara (Castilla-La Mancha) and Alicante, under operation ‘Restacox’ covering 21 provinces.
Company managers allegedly acquired vehicles through another intermediary company established in Madrid. Following this, the investigators in Guadalajara detected an inordinate increase in applications from the company for the rehabilitation of industrial vehicles and therefore initiated the investigation.
These vehicles, once their odometers were manipulated, were transferred to an inspection station in Alicante, where they were issued duplicate cards, to obtain a new certificate, in which the modified kilometers were reflected .

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil Guard are investigating the managers and an employee of an Alicante company accused of alleged crimes of fraud and forgery, by manipulating the odometers of several vehicles to increase their market value. The company was Read Full Article...

### Have N332 on your Android Device

The official N332 Android App is now available on Google Play.
It features all of the information from the website, in the palm of your hand (or tablet) and will send you occasional notifications about campaigns or special notices.
The app is FREE to download and install, so have a look today.
Search N332 in Google Play, or click the button below to go straight to the Play store page.

By the way, if you are wondering about an Apple version, this MAY happen in the future, but Apple charge higher fees for submitting apps, and as the project is run by volunteers we don´t wish to pay their fees, but through the generous support of our sponsors in the future, it is on a list of future project investments.
Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

Excerpt: The official N332 Android App is now available on Google Play. It features all of the information from the website, in the palm of your hand (or tablet) and will send you occasional notifications about campaigns or special notices. The Read Full Article...

### Extra Checks on Speed This Week

All of this week, the DGT, Guardia Civil, regional and local police will be paying close attention to inappropriate speed, in an attempt to educate drivers of the risks associated with this dangerous practice.

The campaign will run throughout the week, coinciding with one of the busiest summer weekends on the roads, when many of the remaining domestic tourists return to their inland homes from the coast, before the last major operation of summer starts next weekend.
Every year more than 300 people are killed in incidents where inappropriate seed is a contributing factor. The overriding message of the campaign is that speed limits are a maximum and must never be exceeded, although the speed limit does not indicate that it is always safe to drive at that speed, as other factors such as the weather, traffic and road conditions influence this.
In Spain, secondary roads are where more speed related incidents occur, and so the Guardia Civil will be giving more of a focus to this type of road. Statistically, 4 out of 10 drivers on these types of roads are exceeding the speed limit at any one time, 25% by more than 10 kilometres per hour above the limit. These roads are also the location for 8 out of every 10 deaths.

Excerpt: All of this week, the DGT, Guardia Civil, regional and local police will be paying close attention to inappropriate speed, in an attempt to educate drivers of the risks associated with this dangerous practice. The campaign will run throughout the Read Full Article...

### Summer Begins to Come to a Close

We might be on the downward slope towards the end of summer, but the roads are still particularly busy at the moment, and will remain so for a few more weeks yet.

In order to keep the roads safer during this period, a number of special campaigns and operations have been set up, where the DGT, Guardia Civil and local and regional police, will give special focus to certain situations.
The next campaign takes place during the week of the 21st of August, where speed checks will increase. Inappropriate speed is one of the #Fatal4, the biggest groups of contributing factors to road traffic incidents. Officers will increase ground and air patrols during this week to try to reduce the number of incidents by reducing the number of speeding vehicles on the roads.
Then, the next major operation, Operation Return, takes place from Thursday 31 August to Sunday 3 September, which sees the majority of domestic tourists returning to their inland homes, ready to start work and school.
Throughout summer, teams of people will be on the roads to help you. If you get into difficulty, you can call the Guardia Civil (in Spanish), on 062, or the emergency coordination centre, 112, who speak a variety of languages. Stay safe and enjoy your holiday.

Excerpt: We might be on the downward slope towards the end of summer, but the roads are still particularly busy at the moment, and will remain so for a few more weeks yet. In order to keep the roads safer during Read Full Article...

### Dangerous Speeder Caught

A 28-year-old resident of Zumárraga, Navarro, has been charged with a crime against road safety after being recorded when driving at 219 kilometres per hour on the AP68 Navarrese motorway.

The driver was stopped by a patrol of the Foral Police at the toll of Imárcoain, where the vehicle had covered a 95 kilometer stretch between Ablitas and Imárcoain in just 32 minutes, thus averaging 180 kilometres per hour and having to stop at two toll sections to pay by card, according to the Police.

Excerpt: A 28-year-old resident of Zumárraga, Navarro, has been charged with a crime against road safety after being recorded when driving at 219 kilometres per hour on the AP68 Navarrese motorway. The driver was stopped by a patrol of the Foral Read Full Article...

### Pedestrian Killed on the Elche to Santa Pola Road

A pedestrian was killed on Wednesday night whilst walking along the CV-865 which connects Elche and Santa Pola.
The incident occurred at around half past midnight, at kilometer 3,150 of the road, in the direction of Elche.
The vehicle involved was a passenger car and an investigation has begun to ascertain the cause of the incident.

Excerpt: A pedestrian was killed on Wednesday night whilst walking along the CV-865 which connects Elche and Santa Pola. The incident occurred at around half past midnight, at kilometer 3,150 of the road, in the direction of Elche. The vehicle involved Read More ...

### Busy Holiday Weekend with Alcohol and Drugs Checks Throughout

This weekend we reach the height of the summer season and, as such, the roads of Spain will be at their busiest.
The 15th of August is a national holiday and it coincides with the busiest weekend for mid-summer parties, before the return to work begins. This year, the 15th falls on a Tuesday, which makes the weekend a particularly long one.
The DGT has launched a special operation that covers the entire period, which will commence at 15:00 on Friday and run through to midnight on Tuesday night. During this period, it is expected that some 8.1 million long-haul journeys will be made.
As such, special measures will be in place to improve the flow of traffic, initially from large cities and inland areas to the coastal and holiday areas.
In addition to the special operation on the roads, the main focus will be to try to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries caused by drivers who have consumed alcohol or drugs. To that end, there will be a considerable increase in the number of checkpoints around the network where vehicles will be stopped and the drivers tested.
In fact, the plan is to conduct more than 20,000 checks every day during the operation, with thousands of checkpoints planned for the period.
Drinking and driving, and consuming drugs are amongst the so called “fatal 4”, the contributing factor to the majority of road traffic collisions and those with fatal outcomes. Although Spain already has a much lower alcohol limit than many countries, including the UK, the best advice, if driving, is to not consume any alcohol at all. You should also avoid recreational drugs, and if you take prescription drugs, check with your doctor or pharmacist over the implications for driving.
If you are going out during the holiday season, you could nominate a designated driver who doesn´t drink for the evening, perhaps, as a group, offering to buy all the soft drinks the driver would like to consume during your night out. You can also use public transport, such as taxis or buses, or even walk.
You should also remember that using a bicycle is not an option as when riding a bike you are still governed by the same rules as all other vehicles, and riding a bicycle whilst affected by drink or drugs is also an offence.
#chooseright – Don´t Drink and Drive!

Excerpt: This weekend we reach the height of the summer season and, as such, the roads of Spain will be at their busiest. The 15th of August is a national holiday and it coincides with the busiest weekend for mid-summer parties, Read More ...

### Top 10 Tips for Driving in Spain

With so many people visiting for the first time this summer, we thought we’d share our top 10 tips for driving in Spain.

 

In Spain we drive on the right. It might seem like an obvious thing to say but many people do forget. In fact, the law says we should drive as far to the right as possible, so don’t go hogging lanes. Also, remember, we go anticlockwise on roundabouts.
Speed limits are a maximum, not a target, and remember, they are kilometres per hour. Most signs are the same as in the UK but a blue square is a recommended maximum.
All vehicle occupants must wear a seatbelt. If there are only 2 seatbelts in the back, only 2 people can sit there. Seatbelts must be worn properly too, not under the arm.
Children are not allowed to sit in the front seat. In fact, it is children under 1.35 metres, irrespective of their age, who must sit in the back. They must also be in an approved restraint suitable for them. The only exception is when there aren’t any rear seats, like a sports car, or when the seats are already occupied by smaller children.
Spain has a much lower limit than many other countries. However, the best advice if you’re driving is don’t drink at all. The same applies to drugs, but if you’re on prescription medication be careful as these can sometimes affect your driving.
Never use your mobile when driving. That goes for any device actually. You are allowed to use your phone as a GPS sat nav, but you mustn’t touch it when you’re driving. Program it before you set off and stop in a safe, convenient and legal place if you have to change it.
Some traffic lights have filter arrows. If the light is red but the filter arrow pointing right is orange, you are allowed to turn right, just remember to give way to traffic already on the main road.
When exiting a roundabout, always exit from the right-hand lane, irrespective of how many lanes there are. Unless signs or signals say otherwise.
Traffic police vehicles have blue lights illuminated all the time. If you see these blue lights it doesn’t mean pull over or stop. They use flashing red lights to stop you, or flashing white lights from the front.
If you get into difficulties or an emergency, dial 112 from any phone. The operators speak many languages, including English, and are there to help. One thing though, try to identify exactly where you are before you phone, as this will make it easier for help to find you.

 
Overall, enjoy your holiday is Spain, stay safe, drive carefully and remember these rules. For more detailed explanations, visit the website, n332.es
 
 

Excerpt: With so many people visiting for the first time this summer, we thought we’d share our top 10 tips for driving in Spain.   In Spain we drive on the right. It might seem like an obvious thing to say Read More ...

### Hero Officers Save Child

Guardia Civil officers saved the life of a two-year-old child on Wednesday, after he had been knocked down near the Murcia town of Cieza.
A patrol was alerted to the incident by a man who came out of a driveway to a farm adjoining the road and asked them to help, because he had apparently inadvertently run over his Nephew, a young child, in the farm, rendering the boy unconscious.
A young woman then appeared, in an apparent state of distress, carrying a child in her arms who was bleeding through several areas of his body and had lost consciousness.
Due to the seriousness of the situation and the proximity to the hospital of La Vega Lorenzo Guirao de Cieza, the officers decided to immediately take the child to hospital in their vehicle, along with the woman, now identified as the mother.
During the journey the child stopped breathing, so, after checking the vital signs of the child, on of the officers began cardio-respiratory resuscitation. Shortly afterwards, the child started crying and regained consciousness minutes before arriving at the hospital.
The child received further emergency care at the hospital in Cieza, before later being transferred to the University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca of Murcia, where he was put under observation.

Excerpt: Guardia Civil officers saved the life of a two-year-old child on Wednesday, after he had been knocked down near the Murcia town of Cieza. A patrol was alerted to the incident by a man who came out of a driveway Read More ...

### Father and Son Charged in Cover up

Local Police in Elche have filed a complaint to initiate proceedings against a father who allegedly attempted to cover for his son who was involved in a collision whilst drunk.

The incident occurred on Sunday morning, at around 7:30, when the younger man fled the scene of the collision in order to avoid a breathalyser test. At 08:25, the father telephoned the emergency services to report that he had been involved in an incident on Calle Bigastro, where he had crashed his vehicle into a number of protective bollards.
The father reported that the bollards, which are used to separate a bus lane, had been in the middle of the road and that he had been unable to avoid hitting them, whilst also expressing an intention to claim damages from the town hall for liability due to the items being in the road.
However, the investigation revealed the opposite of what was claimed, where tyre marks indicated that the vehicle had invaded the opposite lane, which had been protected by the bollards as it was a bus lane.
The evidence also coincided with an incident an hour earlier reported by witnesses, who saw the incident, the vehicle and the driver fleeing the scene.
After the investigation, the officers found that the father was actually trying to cover up for his son, who was the one involved in the sole incident, and had absconded for “fear” of giving a positive breathalyser test.
The young man and his father then acknowledged that after fleeing the scene, they had returned together and placed pieces of the plastic barrier in the lane and on the car so as to suggest the incident had just happened.
Despite the truth only coming out over an hour after the actual incident, the actual driver did indeed test positive for alcohol, and, by calculating backwards, would have been more than double the maximum permitted limit at the time.
The local police have subsequently filed complaints for both an alleged crime against road safety and a cover-up.

Excerpt: Local Police in Elche have filed a complaint to initiate proceedings against a father who allegedly attempted to cover for his son who was involved in a collision whilst drunk. The incident occurred on Sunday morning, at around 7:30, when Read More ...

### Operation ‘1 Agosto’ Means Another Busy Weekend

The second major operation of summer occurs this weekend, between Friday 28 July to Tuesday 2 August, when the roads of Spain will see an increase in the amount of traffic, particularly on long journeys towards the coastal and mountainous regions from inland, culminating in a higher concentration of vehicles in these areas.

The aim of the operations are to ensure the safety and fluidity of traffic on the roads. It is expected that during July and August, 89 million trips will be carried out by road, which represents 4 million more movements by road (+ 4.6%) compared to the displacements that occurred last summer. This forecast places the number of journeys similar to those recorded in 2008. Of the 89 million forecast, 43.5 million will occur in July and 45.5 million in the month of August.
As has been happening for some years, many holidaymakers choose to break up their vacations over the course of the two months and start them by making them coincide with the weekend.
In line with this criterion, the DGT has set up special traffic controls during all weekends, in order to take care of the greater number of people who start their holidays on the weekend and who opt for the vehicle as a means of transport.
During the operations, special protocols will be adopted, including:-

Installation of reversible and additional lane with cones at times greater traffic intensity on certain roads.
The suspension of all roadway maintenance, except those which are considered essential.
Restrictions on the movements of dangerous goods (vehicle owners can check these restrictions with the DGT).
Signposting of alternative routes to key destinations to reduce congestion on main roads.
Intensified surveillance campaigns which will focus on reducing incidents involving the most vulnerable and those who create a higher risk.

In order to ensure the safe flow of traffic, approximately 20,000 people will be on duty, including 6,000 Guardia Civil traffic officers, assisted by 600 staff employed by the DGT directly, plus specialist technical personnel, employees of conservation companies and 13,000 emergency services personnel, all of whom will work together so that drivers can make a safe trip.
Tips for a safer summer
Plan the trip:  by the safest route to avoid unforeseen events. The DGT has several channels such as the DGT free app, the twitter accounts @informacionDGT and @DGTes, and radio broadcasts, alerting the real-time traffic situation and any incidents that may exist.
Check the vehicle. Good maintenance improves road safety. If your vehicle is not in the best conditions, opt for another means of transport. In the last year, 4% of the vehicles involved in an accident did not have an ITV in order.
Respect the speed established in each road and maintain the safety distance with the vehicle in front.
Take breaks every two hours, fatigue and sleep are deadly when driving.
Do not drink alcohol or use drugs when driving.
All occupants of the vehicle must wear a seat belt. If children are less than 135 cm tall, they must sit in the rear seats with their corresponding child restraint system.
On conventional roads, take into account the increase of bicycles and pedestrians during the summer that cross roads that connect nearby towns.
Adapt your driving to the characteristics of the road (changes of gradients, curves, narrow roadways etc.)
If you are a bicycle user, remember that in addition to wearing a helmet, you have to ride with lights and reflective garments at night, and must have a bell.
In the case of pedestrians, if you walk on roads out of town, remember that they must do so on the left, facing oncoming traffic, and if it is at night or in meteorological or environmental conditions that significantly reduce visibility, you should wear a high visibility vest or other reflective garment .
Traffic characteristics in the summer
Traffic in the summer presents characteristics different from those that occur at other times of the year this must be taken into account.
An increase in the number of long-distance journeys both on working days and especially on weekends.
Less congestion in the accesses to the big urban nuclei during the peak hours of working days in the entrance and exit to the places of work.
Higher density of traffic on secondary roads.
Intense traffic on roads that connect coastal towns and coastal tourist areas with the beaches during all days of the week.
Greater presence of cyclists and pedestrians on the road.
Increased circulation throughout the road network of foreign registered vehicles.
Increase in the number of sports activities used by the road for its development, for which complementary traffic measures will be adopted.
Increase in drivers in unfamiliar territory, who may change speed, course or direction without warning, on account of being confused by their surroundings.
Teams of people will be on the roads to help you. If you get into difficulty, you can call the Guardia Civil (in Spanish), on 062, or the emergency coordination centre, 112, who speak a variety of languages. Stay safe and enjoy your holiday.

Excerpt: The second major operation of summer occurs this weekend, between Friday 28 July to Tuesday 2 August, when the roads of Spain will see an increase in the amount of traffic, particularly on long journeys towards the coastal and mountainous regions Read More ...

### Ten Injured in Alicante Bus Crash

Ten people suffered minor injuries on Thursday when a bus crashed into a palm tree in Alicante.

The 15:00 Linea 9 departure was driving along avenida de Jijona, heading towards the centre, when the driver lost control, hitting a tree with the vehicle´s mirror, then mounting the pavement and crashing into a large palm tree, which suffered damage, the crown of the tree breaking off and hitting the ground below.
The Local Police were the first on the scene, accompanied by a number of ambulances, who treated the wounded at the scene, all having suffered minor injuries, before taking some of them to the local hospitals in Alicante and San Juan as a precautionary measure.
The road was closed for a while until the fire service were able to secure the scene and remove the remains of the tree and the bus. An investigation is being launched to ascertain what led to the crash.

Excerpt: Ten people suffered minor injuries on Thursday when a bus crashed into a palm tree in Alicante. The 15:00 Linea 9 departure was driving along avenida de Jijona, heading towards the centre, when the driver lost control, hitting a tree Read More ...

### New Rules for Pickup Trucks

Owners of pickup vehicles may need to be aware that new rules came into force in Spain in July.

In particular, the pickup with a maximum mass not more than 3.500 kg and whose seating position and loading area are not located in a single compartment and whose total height does not exceed 2M, shall be governed by the same rules of movement as passenger vehicles.
The full text of the regulation change details how within the dynamism and evolution of the automobile market, new bodies and configurations have emerged that adapt vehicles to specific demands.
Amongst these new bodies, introduced some time ago in the market, was the configuration known commonly as a pickup. Pickup vehicles are characterised, in the main, as being a vehicle that has an area on its body where merchandise can be carried, normally in an open top area.
Due to this particularity, and in the absence of a proper classification for this type of vehicle within the definitions of the Reglamento General de Vehículos (General Regulations of Vehicles), pickup vehicles have been classified up to now as a type of commercial vehicle.
In this respect, the definition of a truck in the Reglamento General de Vehículos indicates that it is a vehicle with four wheels or more, designed and constructed for the carriage of goods, the cab is not integrated in the rest of the bodywork and with a maximum of 9 seats, including the driver.
Now, within the definition of the vehicle as a pickup, it is defined in the scope of the directive as: A vehicle whose maximum mass is not more than 3,500 kg, where the seating positions and the loading area are not located in a single compartment. From a technical point of view, the configuration, use and performance of a pickup vehicle are within the realm of those of a passenger vehicle and not those of a commercial vehicle. This circumstance brings with it certain dysfunctions derived from the direct application to vehicle types and the rules of circulation of commercial vehicles.
Therefore, from July 7, pickup vehicles with a maximum mass not exceeding 3,500 kg, where the seating positions and the loading area are not located in a single compartment and whose total height is not more than 2 metres, will be governed by the same rules of circulation applied to passenger vehicles.
To facilitate their identification and control, a specific field will be enabled in the Vehicle Register for pickup vehicles. The above does not affect in any case any other obligations (fiscal, periodicity of ITVs, etc), that can be derived from its formal classification as a commercial vehicle by criteria of construction in the Vehicle Registry.

Excerpt: Owners of pickup vehicles may need to be aware that new rules came into force in Spain in July. In particular, the pickup with a maximum mass not more than 3.500 kg and whose seating position and loading area are Read More ...

### Email Fine Scam Warning

Be aware that a new scam is starting to resurface, whereas the victim is supposedly notified of a traffic fine by email.

The scam usually claims something along the lines of a notice that the recipient has been caught speeding by the DGT, and must pay a fine, as well as losing points from the driving licence.
By means of evidence confirming the case, the email claims to include a picture taken by a traffic camera, which the recipient is encouraged to click and open.
This file is malware which infects the user´s computer once it is clicked.
Therefore, if you receive any notification like this, do not open it and delete it immediately.
If you have any concerns that the email may be genuine, rest assured that the DGT, or any other official traffic authority in Spain, never issues notifications by email, unless expressly requested by the recipient. Therefore, if you have not requested confirmation by email, then the email is guaranteed to be fake.
 

Excerpt: Be aware that a new scam is starting to resurface, whereas the victim is supposedly notified of a traffic fine by email. The scam usually claims something along the lines of a notice that the recipient has been caught speeding Read More ...

### Beware of Sheltering Animals

During the hot summer days, animals, especially cats, may find shelter under parked cars.
Occasionally, they may find their way into the engine compartment or wheel arches.
Always check your vehicle before starting the engine and before driving off. Making a noise can sometimes wake them, but be careful you don´t startle them so much they run into the road.
If you find an animal and are unable to move it, call for assistance.
That is what happened this week in Elche, where, after a lot of time and patience, the local police successfully rescued a cat which had found its way into the engine compartment.

Si encuentras un gato en el motor del coche… paciencia. Llámanos e intentaremos ayudarte, como en el caso de hoy ❤ #juntosprevenimos pic.twitter.com/wUm8wXVYxD
— Policía Local Elche (@policiaelche) July 17, 2017

Excerpt: During the hot summer days, animals, especially cats, may find shelter under parked cars. Occasionally, they may find their way into the engine compartment or wheel arches. Always check your vehicle before starting the engine and before driving off. Making Read More ...

### Checks on Vehicle Standards This Week

All this week, including through the weekend, the Guardia Civil, with the DGT are conducting a campaign focussing on vehicle safety standards.

The campaign, which will also be supported by the local and regional police, will see officers conducting checks on such safety features as tyres, lights and the windows, as well as checking on the validity of mandatory ITV tests and certificates, and excessive weight.
Within the first hour of starting the campaign on Monday officers found 4 expired ITV´s, a motorbike with inadequate tread on its tyres and a vehicle carrying an excessive load.

Always check your vehicle on a regular basis and make sure that your documentation is in order or you face a hefty fine, as the officers play their part in trying to keep you safe through the enforcement of the law.

Excerpt: All this week, including through the weekend, the Guardia Civil, with the DGT are conducting a campaign focussing on vehicle safety standards. The campaign, which will also be supported by the local and regional police, will see officers conducting checks Read More ...

### Prison for Reckless Flasher

A court in A Coruña has sentenced a man to prison for showing his genitals to the police whilst acting in a reckless manner and endangering public safety.

The incident occurred in 2015, but has only just been heard in court, when a police patrol observed a man showing signs of intoxication climbing onto a motorcycle. The officers reported that the man could barely keep his balance and so immediately attempted to stop the biker to ascertain if he was fit to drive.
The rider ignored the request to stop and fled away at high speed, ignoring traffic lights and speed limits whilst he attempted to escape. Another patrol joined the pursuit and, having reached speeds in excess of 100 kilometres per hour, the rider lost control and crashed his motorbike.
The officers attended the man and advised him that a breathalyser would soon arrive to check his condition, to which the man threatened the officers with violence, in front of gathering crowds.
The officers attempted to carry out the test, and although the man accepted the device in his mouth, he refused to blow. He was advised that if he continued it would be taken into account that he has refused the test, at which point he pulled down his trousers and told the officers to “blow on this”.
The matter was dealt with and reported, yet a month later, the same man was observed on his motorcycle, again in an apparent state of intoxication, and took it upon himself to insult the officers further.
The court sentenced him to 9 months in prison and a suspension of his licence for 15 months.

Excerpt: A court in A Coruña has sentenced a man to prison for showing his genitals to the police whilst acting in a reckless manner and endangering public safety. The incident occurred in 2015, but has only just been heard in Read More ...

### Mobile App Assesses Driver Performance

An app which records and reports on driving ability has revealed that drivers in Spain don´t perform quite as they believe.
DriveSmart, a mobile application that measures the driving style of the user and compares it with the assessment of other drivers, and, in general, despite the fact that a survey revealed that drivers in Spain believe themselves to be generally “good drivers”, after the analysis of the results, it reveals that they are… even better than they thought.

How does it work?
To run the application, you only have to activate it at the beginning of the trip, and it then automatically collects the data using the phone´s internal sensors, such as accelerometer, compass, GPS for example, without the driver having to manipulate the phone during the journey.
Before using the application, it asks the driver to create a profile and after the trip, depending on the characteristics and conditions of the road, DriveSmart evaluates the journey and shows results on how the driver performed behind the wheel and how they could it improve.
In the self-assessment, only 1 in 3 Spaniards considered themselves to be a good driver, while 12% think they are excellent. Only 1% say they are bad drivers. 23% do not know.
Despite these modest results, the application gives these drivers an average rating of 95.99 out of 100. A benchmark that has improved from the previous year, rising from 94.6.
Performance scores by local area

Excerpt: An app which records and reports on driving ability has revealed that drivers in Spain don´t perform quite as they believe. DriveSmart, a mobile application that measures the driving style of the user and compares it with the assessment of Read More ...

### N332 RoadWatch – Issue 8

Issue 8 of N332 RoadWatch is now available. You can read the eMagazine for FREE below, or you can purchase and download your own PDF version and support the N332 Road Safety Project.

Buy Now
This is what is in this edition…
 
Summer is well and truly underway now, many of the roads in coastal and mountainous regions are carrying more cars than normal, as holidaymakers travel in often unknown areas, sometimes lost, sometimes confused, and mixing with other vehicles of similar characteristics.
In this issue, we clear up a lot of questions which have arisen regarding summer driving, such as if you will get fined for wearing flip flops, or not wearing a t-shirt, will you get fined for drinking water or having your arm out of the car? What about if you have items on the parcel shelf?
As well as an in-depth interview with serving Guardia Civil traffic officer Francisco Morales, who heads the N332 Facebook team, we also include the OFFICIAL advice from the DGT, so there is no ambiguity, it´s real, and official and made clear.
Special operations will be carried out by the Guardia Civil and DGT throughout the summer. Between the 17th and 23rs of July, the attention will turn to vehicle standards, ensuring the safety and maintenance of vehicles on the roads, especially older ones.
Around the weekend of the 15th of August, attention will focus on alcohol and drugs, as this coincides with an increase in the number of summer parties being held. Finally, during the week of the 21st of August, speed checks will increase.
The second major operation of the summer, Operation “1 August”, will run from Friday 28 July to Tuesday 2 August, then Operation “15 August” will run from Friday 11 to Tuesday 15 August.
The final operation, when the majority of road-based holidaymakers return inland, known as “Operation Return”, takes place from Thursday 31 August to Sunday 3 September.
As always, wherever you are and whatever you are doing, stay safe on the roads. Keep calm, allow plenty of time for your journey, maintain a safe distance and appropriate speed, never drink and drive and never use your mobile or other electronic device.


The contents of this issue…

4 Mobile App Assesses Driver Performance
5 Combatting the Sun´s Damage
6 Leave an Animal in your Vehicle – Face Prison
6 Prison for Reckless Flasher
8 Father Arrested for Leaving Baby in Car
8 On Patrol – The Odd Ones
9 Kamikaze Driver Stopped
10 More Internet Myths Explained
14 Official Advice from the DGT
16 Translation of Advice
18 New Rules for Pickup Vehicles
20 Slow Down for Horses
23 Hire Car Equipment
24 Drinking & Driving in Spain
27 Carrying Pets in Cars
28 Overtaking Multiple Vehicles
30 Introducing the Ford Police ResponderTM Hybrid Sedan
32 The Gallery
34 How to Adjust Your Seat Belt
36 Electric Bike Insurance


Buy Now

Excerpt: Issue 8 of N332 RoadWatch is now available. You can read the eMagazine for FREE below, or you can purchase and download your own PDF version and support the N332 Road Safety Project. Buy Now This is what is in Read More ...

### Father Arrested for Leaving Baby in Car

The police in Madrid have arrested a man for apparently accidentally locking his 16-month-old baby in the car for more than 2 hours.
Officers from both the local and national police arrived at the scene having been called by witnesses who saw the baby inside the car.
The officers broke the car´s window in order to gain access and rescue the child, who had vomited and was sweating. The child was immediately taken to the hospital Niño Jesús for treatment, although in a stable condition, in a non-life-threatening condition thanks to the actions of all involved.
The officers contacted relatives of the child, who said that the man had “forgotten” to take the child to nursery.
Having been advised of the child´s location, the father attended the hospital and was promptly arrested.

Excerpt: The police in Madrid have arrested a man for apparently accidentally locking his 16-month-old baby in the car for more than 2 hours. Officers from both the local and national police arrived at the scene having been called by witnesses Read More ...

### Kamikaze Driver Stopped

Catalan police intercepted a vehicle which was being driven in the wrong direction on the A-2 main road in the Cornellá area.

Witnesses had reported the vehicle travelling in the wrong direction, and emitting sparks as it moved along.
The vehicle had travelled for 35 kilometres in the opposing direction, and was driving in the middle lane of three when the officers managed to stop the vehicle.
Not only had the vehicle been driving into oncoming traffic, it was also missing the tyre on the front wheel by the time the officers had stopped it.
The driver, a 38-year-old Spanish man, a resident of Sant Boi de Llobregat, was breathalysed at the scene and gave a test result of 1.01 mg / L of expired air.

Excerpt: Catalan police intercepted a vehicle which was being driven in the wrong direction on the A-2 main road in the Cornellá area. Witnesses had reported the vehicle travelling in the wrong direction, and emitting sparks as it moved along. The Read More ...

### Idiotic Cyclist Caught on Camera

This weekend, a passenger in a taxi videoed a scene that brought shock and horror to those who have since seen the video, a cyclist, wearing flip-flops, travelling at 100 kilometres per hour along a motorway on Mallorca.
The cyclist was not under their own power, but was clinging with one hand to the back of a van as it travelled on the MA-19 Llucmajor to Palma motorway, a reckless act that could so easily have ended in tragedy.
The Guardia Civil are looking into the video which shows both the cyclist and van driver breaking numerous traffic laws, including crimes against road safety.

Excerpt: This weekend, a passenger in a taxi videoed a scene that brought shock and horror to those who have since seen the video, a cyclist, wearing flip-flops, travelling at 100 kilometres per hour along a motorway on Mallorca. The cyclist Read More ...

### Leave an Animal in your Vehicle – Face Prison

The Canine Unit of the local police in Alicante have denounced a person for allegedly committing a crime of animal abuse, by leaving a dog locked in a vehicle, in temperatures above 36 degrees, for some time.

The incident came about when concerned local residents alerted the police of the presence of the dog in a car in a car park, showing signs of distress and severe discomfort.
The police immediately attended and were concerned that the dog was on the brink of suffocation and so broke the rear window of the vehicle to gain access, successfully rescuing the dog.
The police have opened legal proceedings and filed a formal complaint against the owner who is charged with the alleged commission of a crime of animal abuse. In addition, the officers carried out a check on the vehicle and its owner and found that the car did not have a valid ITV, and so they seized the vehicle, removing it on the back of a tow truck, with the owner facing separate charges for vehicle offences.
The police extend the warning once again about leaving dogs in vehicles, as the temperature inside quickly increase and puts the animal´s life at severe risk. Therefore, in endangering the life of an animal, the offence can carry a prison sentence, as well as hefty fines, aside from the obvious fact that the animal may well die.
If anybody witnesses an animal left in a vehicle, so not act, call the police or emergency services immediately.
In this case, the police started a campaign to find a foster family for the abandoned dog, before it is put into the care of the local animal centre.

Excerpt: The Canine Unit of the local police in Alicante have denounced a person for allegedly committing a crime of animal abuse, by leaving a dog locked in a vehicle, in temperatures above 36 degrees, for some time. The incident came Read More ...

### Guardia Civil Officer Killed Struck by Van

A 40-year-old Guardia Civil traffic officer, identified with the initials CDD, has been killed in the line of duty, after being hit by a van on the A-1 near Madrid.

The incident occurred just after 11:00 on Monday morning in the San Sebastián de los Reyes area when the officer had stopped a vehicle to ask for documentation when the van hit the officer, throwing him several metres into the road ahead.
Emergency medics immediately attended but could do nothing to save the life of the officer who was confirmed dead at the scene.
Guardia Civil colleagues also attended, with the van driver producing a negative alcohol and drugs test, the driver saying that he ”did not see” the officer.
A further investigation is being carried out to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Meanwhile, government delegates and colleagues have extended their condolences to the family of the officer.

Excerpt: A 40-year-old Guardia Civil traffic officer, identified with the initials CDD, has been killed in the line of duty, after being hit by a van on the A-1 near Madrid. The incident occurred just after 11:00 on Monday morning in Read More ...

### Road Traffic May be Affected Following Alicante-Elche Airport Crash Simulation

Luckily, the risk of serious incident involving an aircraft is extremely low, but in order for the emergency services to prepare for the worst case scenario, there is only one real option available, for them to simulate, in advance, a situation that would require them to act as if it were a real, life or death, situation.

That is what is currently being planned surrounding Alicante-Elche airport this autumn, in November, as the Emergency Response and Security Agency is preparing for a large-scale simulation of a multi-victim air crash that will take place outside the Alicante-Elche airport complex with the participation of a hundred extras and will test the protocols of the competent bodies in matters of security and emergency response.

The Director General of the Agency, José María Ángel, explained that “we are committed to the culture of the simulacrum, since it is of vital importance to test the safety and emergency protocols with the main objective of detecting faults, to calibrate the possible deficiencies and to rectify, based on the experience of the implementation of the simulacrum, both by us as coordinators, and by other agencies that can find in this exercise an opportunity to exercise their specific plans in those aspects that are considered most necessary”.

The Valencian regional agency of security and response to emergencies organises a large-scale simulacrum like this every year in each of the Valencian provinces. Last year, a metro crash simulation involving several vehicles with fatalities and injuries was carried out in the Valencian town of Paterna.

With respect to the Alicante drill, the Emergency Response and Security Agency has convened the first preparatory meeting in which a first draft of the work has been submitted to the participating agencies.
Among the attendants were representatives of the municipalities of Alicante and Elche; Subdelegation of the Government of Alicante, Guardia Civil Guard, National Police, Emergency Military Unit, Alicante-Elche Airport, Provincial Fire Consortium of Alicante, Conselleria of Sanitat Universal and Public Health, Autonomous Police of the Generalitat, Directorate of the Institute of Legal Medicine, Forest Firefighters of the Generalitat, Comunidad Valencian Red Cross, DYA Elche and Psycho-Emergencies Association Comunitat Valenciana.
According to José María Ángel, the simulacrum will recreate a serious commercial plane accident with multiple victims in the surroundings of the Alicante-Elche airport based on the following sequence of events:

The apparatus, with 100 passengers on board plus the crew, is ready to land and falls to the rugged ground about 4 kilometres from the runway. Then, after the initial impact, the plane splits in two, giving rise to two scenarios more or less close together (one in the municipal area of Santa Pola and the other in Elche). There are a large number of injured and deceased, and also numerous relatives of passengers waiting in the airport terminal.
The Emergency Coordination Centre of the Generalitat assesses the situation and activates the Territorial Emergency Plan of the Region of Valencia, Emergency Situation 2, and constitutes two Advanced Command Posts (one in each scenario), while mobilising the Basic Units. Also in the first moments, a Family Care Centre is set up at the airport, which will later be transferred to another location yet to be determined.
As it is a simulation with multiple victims, it is foreseen that it will require the participation of a hundred of extras, formed mostly of students of nursing and of the modules of emergency services, who will act like injured passengers and relatives of the wounded and deceased. Forty mannequins will also allow emergency and health agencies to test their protocols of action.
Finally, being that the incident involves a commercial aircraft with passengers of different nationalities, it is planned to contact the British and Swiss consulates in Alicante, with the aim of collaborating in the implementation of protocols of action of identification of victims and wounded, and care for family members.
Finally, as the plan draws closer, road closures and restricted zones will be planned, with diversions put in place, but as always in this sort of situation, dramatic though it might be to consider becoming an observer and watching the action unfold, the best course of action during the simulation will be to stay well clear and allow the emergency services to practice what we all hope will never happen in reality.

Excerpt: Luckily, the risk of serious incident involving an aircraft is extremely low, but in order for the emergency services to prepare for the worst case scenario, there is only one real option available, for them to simulate, in advance, a Read More ...

### Choosing a Perfect Helmet

Do you know what features are best for your helmet when driving a 2 wheel vehicle?

The Spanish national association of companies representing the industry, (Asociación Nacional de Empresas del Sector de Dos Ruedas), offer these handy tips.
You must be able to see the ECE (European Standard) label clearly.
It must cover the forehead above the eyebrows.
It must not move or fall on the driver’s eyes or apply pressure on the forehead.
It must not hinder the driver’s peripheral vision.
It must not push the glasses or reduce the vision of the bikers who wear glasses.
Most importantly: It must be comfortable.
Remember, a helmet is only worn correctly if it is secured to the head it is protecting. Always use the chin strap and always make sure your helmet is secure.

Excerpt: Do you know what features are best for your helmet when driving a 2 wheel vehicle? The Spanish national association of companies representing the industry, (Asociación Nacional de Empresas del Sector de Dos Ruedas), offer these handy tips. You must Read More ...

### Summer 2017 Special Operation Begins

This weekend sees the first of the four special operations on the roads of Spain where the network will be stretched to the limit, as summer holidaymakers move through the country´s roads.

There will be four specific operations during the summer, which coincide with two-week blocks, as well as every weekend during July and August.

The first operation – From Friday 30 of June to Sunday 2 of July.
Operation “1 August” – From Friday 28 July to Tuesday 2 August.
Operation “15 August” – From Friday 11 to Tuesday 15 August.
Operation Return – From Thursday 31 August to Sunday 3 September.
Then, as mentioned, every weekend during the period.

During the two months there will be four intensive surveillance campaigns operating, with a focus on motorcycles, inappropriate speed, vehicle conditions and alcohol and other drugs.
The aim of the operations are to ensure the safety and fluidity of traffic on the roads. It is expected that during July and August, 89 million trips will be carried out by road, which represents 4 million more movements by road (+ 4.6%) compared to the displacements that occurred last summer. This forecast places the number of journeys similar to those recorded in 2008. Of the 89 million forecast, 43.5 million will occur in July and 45.5 million in the month of August.
As has been happening for some years, many holidaymakers choose to break up their vacations over the course of the two months and start them by making them coincide with the weekend.
In line with this criterion, the DGT has set up special traffic controls during all weekends, in order to take care of the greater number of people who start their holidays on the weekend and who opt for the vehicle as a means of transport.
During the operations, special protocols will be adopted, including:-

Installation of reversible and additional lane with cones at times greater traffic intensity on certain roads.
The suspension of all roadway maintenance, except those which are considered essential.
Restrictions on the movements of dangerous goods (vehicle owners can check these restrictions with the DGT).
Signposting of alternative routes to key destinations to reduce congestion on main roads.
Intensified surveillance campaigns which will focus on reducing incidents involving the most vulnerable and those who create a higher risk.

During the first intensified campaign, motorcycles will be the main focus, this campaign will be on the 8th and 9th of July. Between the 17th and 23rs of July, the attention will turn to vehicle standards, ensuring the safety and maintenance of vehicles on the roads, especially older ones.
Around the weekend of the 15th of August, attention will focus on alcohol and drugs, as this coincides with an increase in the number of summer parties being held. Finally, during the week of the 21st of August, speed checks will increase.
In order to ensure the safe flow of traffic, approximately 20,000 people will be on duty, including 6,000 Guardia Civil traffic officers, assisted by 600 staff employed by the DGT directly, plus specialist technical personnel, employees of conservation companies and 13,000 emergency services personnel, all of whom will work together so that drivers can make a safe trip.
Tips for a safer summer

Plan the trip:  by the safest route to avoid unforeseen events. The DGT has several channels such as the DGT free app, the twitter accounts @informacionDGT and @DGTes, and radio broadcasts, alerting the real-time traffic situation and any incidents that may exist.
Check the vehicle. Good maintenance improves road safety. If your vehicle is not in the best conditions, opt for another means of transport. In the last year, 4% of the vehicles involved in an accident did not have an ITV in order.
Respect the speed established in each road and maintain the safety distance with the vehicle in front.
Take breaks every two hours, fatigue and sleep are deadly when driving.
Do not drink alcohol or use drugs when driving.
All occupants of the vehicle must wear a seat belt. If children are less than 135 cm tall, they must sit in the rear seats with their corresponding child restraint system.
On conventional roads, take into account the increase of bicycles and pedestrians during the summer that cross roads that connect nearby towns.
Adapt your driving to the characteristics of the road (changes of gradients, curves, narrow roadways etc.)
If you are a bicycle user, remember that in addition to wearing a helmet, you have to ride with lights and reflective garments at night, and must have a bell.
In the case of pedestrians, if you walk on roads out of town, remember that they must do so on the left, facing oncoming traffic, and if it is at night or in meteorological or environmental conditions that significantly reduce visibility, you should wear a high visibility vest or other reflective garment.

Traffic characteristics in the summer

Traffic in the summer presents characteristics different from those that occur at other times of the year this must be taken into account.
An increase in the number of long-distance journeys both on working days and especially on weekends.
Less congestion in the accesses to the big urban nuclei during the peak hours of working days in the entrance and exit to the places of work.
Higher density of traffic on secondary roads.
Intense traffic on roads that connect coastal towns and coastal tourist areas with the beaches during all days of the week.
Greater presence of cyclists and pedestrians on the road.
Increased circulation throughout the road network of foreign registered vehicles.
Increase in the number of sports activities used by the road for its development, for which complementary traffic measures will be adopted.
Increase in drivers in unfamiliar territory, who may change speed, course or direction without warning, on account of being confused by their surroundings.

Teams of people will be on the roads to help you. If you get into difficulty, you can call the Guardia Civil (in Spanish), on 062, or the emergency coordination centre, 112, who speak a variety of languages. Stay safe and enjoy your holiday.

Excerpt: This weekend sees the first of the four special operations on the roads of Spain where the network will be stretched to the limit, as summer holidaymakers move through the country´s roads. There will be four specific operations during the Read More ...

### Half of Spaniards would ban smoking in cars

World No Tobacco Day was celebrated in May. The global event, promoted by the World Health Organisation, aims to highlight the health risks associated with smoking, and aims to offer assistance to those wishing to quit.

However, there is not only a direct risk to health caused by smoking, in the car, there is an additional danger, that of distractions and, although we have mentioned before that there is only a hypothetical risk of being fined for being distracted by smoking, the actual risk of something going wrong is far greater.
Smoking in cars is not currently banned in Spain, however, that said, it would appear that more than half of the Spanish population would support such a ban.
The information has come about following a survey conducted recently by the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine, which was made public during this year´s campaign.
The survey shows that 51.6% of Spaniards would favour a ban in private vehicles, at least in the presence of minors, following the lead of countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Australia and South Africa, whereas another 38% believe that the ban on tobacco should be advanced even further.
Dangerous Distractions
During driving, smoking becomes a dangerous distraction. It has been estimated that lighting a cigarette causes us to withdraw our attention from the road for 4 seconds, which means that, driving on a motorway at 120 kilometres per hour, we have taken our eyes off the road for at least 132 meters.
Lighting a cigarette in the vehicle can cause the driver to drop a spark, potentially falling on the driver or the seats, causing alarm and a reaction that could turn your attention away from driving, and subsequently cause a more serious incident.
In addition, 3% of forest fires – 21,000 in the last ten years – have their ultimate origin in cigarette butts thrown or dumped from one of the millions of vehicles on the roads at this time of year. Despite declining numbers of smokers and public awareness of fires, it remains one of the gravest dangers to forests, fields and wildlife. To the extent that this behaviour (throwing objects from cars in motion, including cigarette butts) is punished with a fine of 200 euro and the withdrawal of 4 points of driving license.

Excerpt: World No Tobacco Day was celebrated in May. The global event, promoted by the World Health Organisation, aims to highlight the health risks associated with smoking, and aims to offer assistance to those wishing to quit. However, there is not Read More ...

### Naked Man Arrested for Damaging Vehicles

Local Police from Elche have arrested a man in the town of El Altet, suspected of being responsible for damaging around a dozen parked cars on Saturday night, whilst in a naked state.
Local Police were alerted by neighbours reporting a naked man in the street who had “begun to smash the windows and mirrors of several parked vehicles”.
Officers were sent to the scene and identified a number of vehicles which had suffered apparently recent damage, or varying degree.
The officers then began searching the local area and found a suspect in the vicinity of calle Goleta, matching the description of the alleged perpetrator, in so much as he was “completely naked”, according to the officers.
Once identified, the suspect admitted to “spontaneously” being responsible for the damage, and so he was arrested and taken into custody.

Excerpt: Local Police from Elche have arrested a man in the town of El Altet, suspected of being responsible for damaging around a dozen parked cars on Saturday night, whilst in a naked state. Local Police were alerted by neighbours reporting Read More ...

### If you feel unsafe driving at night, you might be suffering from night blindness

Driving at night can be a daunting concept for many people, with reduced visibility and a complete change in the special awareness required to operate a vehicle safely, many people simply choose to avoid night driving as they feel so insecure. However, many of those people who do feel uncomfortable or unsafe may actually be suffering from a condition recognised by the medical community: Night Blindness.

We must first point out that your eyes should be checked, and rectified if necessary, on a regular basis. As we get older, our eyesight can deteriorate, and the subtle changes that occur may not be noticeable, we might not actually realise that our vision is so impaired. Regular checks are the only safe way of ensuring this.
In addition, if you do feel like you might suffer from any of the symptoms we are about to mention, you must visit a qualified optician, we are simply offering an overview of one of many hidden vision problems.
We must realise that it is normal for us to feel different driving at night, and that does not mean we have night blindness. In low light conditions, the levels of visual acuity decrease in part because, on the one hand, there is a central area in the field of vision that is less clear (that is why we will see objects moving more clearly than static objects), and on the other, because the colour vision is reduced and we see practically only in white, black and grey shades.
When we talk about night blindness, we are not talking about losing the vision completely, but about the special difficulty that many people have to see at night. This difficulty is also often aggravated during alternating situations of high and low luminosity, such as driving in and out of tunnels for example. These people find it harder to adjust to light when they leave dark environments or darkness when they come from more enlightened environments. That is why one of the greatest difficulties of those who suffer when driving at night is to focus with the intermittent light of car headlights and street lamps.
Night blindness is not a disease or deficiency in itself, but may be a symptom of other ailments. One of the most frequent reasons is myopia and, to a lesser extent, farsightedness. In the human eye, those in charge of the vision in conditions of low luminosity are cells of the retina that, if there is any disease or eye problem, will have difficulty to offer a vision of quality.
At the same sense, nocturnal blindness may also occur in the presence of other eye problems such as cataracts or glaucoma; or not ocular, such as diabetes or diseases of the liver or pancreas. In these latter cases it is the inability to absorb large amounts of vitamin A which can produce night blindness, since it is the one that intervenes in the transformation of the nerve impulses in images in the retina.
How to prevent or cure night blindness
One of the most recommended methods to avoid nocturnal amblyopia is to eat foods high in vitamin A, such as carrots, melons or squash. Although it is generally highly recommended to maintain a healthy diet high in antioxidants and minerals to prevent diabetes or cataracts, other causes of night blindness.
However, once this occurs, the treatment will depend solely on the reason that causes it. In the case of eye defects, night blindness could be eliminated or mitigated by the operation of the condition (such as cataracts) with the use of spectacles with greater negative power (in the case of myopia) or positive (for hyperopia).
If you do feel like you may have a condition like this, remember, as we have said, go to your optician or doctor immediately for advice.

Excerpt: Driving at night can be a daunting concept for many people, with reduced visibility and a complete change in the special awareness required to operate a vehicle safely, many people simply choose to avoid night driving as they feel so Read More ...

### How the Driving Test has Evolved over Time

Most teenagers look forward to the day when they pass their driving test and are then able to take to the open road with mobility, but before obtaining that freedom, they first have to face the arduous task of learning to drive, and then passing the examinations.

Unlike other countries, Spain does not permit novice drivers to learn to drive with parents, or friends, all driving lessons for learners must be carried out through an approved driving school, and with approved instructors.
The method of training is often somewhat different to the UK, for example, with the instructor often taking a number of students out at once, with them sharing the driving time, whilst the rest learn through observation.
The test itself is no less daunting however, with long waiting lists due to a shortage of examiners, a recent proposal was to ask Guardia Civil traffic officers to conduct examinations in order to reduce the backlog. Although this has still not happened, the thought of a young learner having a traffic cop sat alongside them may not be the part they would look forward to most.
The test, or tests, as they comprise of theory and practical elements, have changed over time in Spain too, and they continue to evolve with changes which present themselves in this fast-growing modern, technology-driven world.
We have seen in a previous edition of N332 Roadwatch how experts believe that babies born today may never have to pass a test, as the technology is making self-driving vehicles a reality on the roads of the future. We have also seen how the driving test in the UK has changed, with less emphasis on learning manoeuvres, and more of a focus on so called “free driving”, including using the GPS. Spain, is set to embark on similar changes in the future too.
If you ask any adolescent you want to do at the age of 18, apart from many things your parents will not want to hear, they will tell you that they want to get a driver’s license. The perhaps most tedious part of the driving test, but certainly very necessary is the theoretical one, which we forget easily on the road but which is essential to maintain road safety .
In Spain, only a few years ago the system was simple, you found a driving school, obtained the books with all the necessary theoretical driving rules that you should learn, and either went to classes, or studied and practiced on your own. Once you had studied to a confident level, you sat an exam consisting of 40 questions, from which you were allowed to fail on 3. With the passage of time, the number of questions was reduced to 30 and with just 2 wrong answers allowed. The biggest problem that the concept of road safety met with was that the questions and options were considerably reduced, thus, many people managed to pass the test by simply learning these answers, without any understanding of the reasons behind them.
On the 21st of January, 2013 a new type of driving test was introduced, or rather its variation. It had a much broader database and the total number of questions were 15,500, which made it almost impossible to memorise. They were also preferably made available in computer format.
But the changes did not only arise in the theoretical part but also in the practical elements. From that moment on, before driving, the examiner would ask students to perform some basic mechanical checks, such as checking the fluid level, the correct tyre pressure, etc. Things we should all know.
In the current legislature, the DGT has proposed new changes for the driving test. One of them is to include videos in the theoretical exam that represent situations of risk in driving. In the videos, the student would be faced with having to choose such things as priorities, and thus theoretically, it will be possible to assess if that person is really prepared to go out on the road with a vehicle.
Many young people make the mistake that driving is easy and that it is their right to be allowed to do so. Just having an idea of how a vehicle moves, or even knowing the rules of the road, does not necessarily prepare you for the real-life situations that drivers face on a daily basis.
The paper-based test will be phased out, replaced by an entirely computer-based system, thus preventing cheating, which has arisen on numerous occasions, and ensures a better level of knowledge in order to understand the questions.
The practical test in Spain is also set to include more “free-driving” time, allowing the examiner to see how the student reacts to situations beyond what they may have practised by rote. Using the GPS safely is also set to be included, thus offering real driving scenarios to the driver, and adding the extra element of training and examination as to when it is safe to use devices in the car.
What do you think of these changes, would you include others? Send your comment to news@n332.es and we will publish some of your thoughts in the future.
 

Excerpt: Most teenagers look forward to the day when they pass their driving test and are then able to take to the open road with mobility, but before obtaining that freedom, they first have to face the arduous task of learning Read More ...

### Increase in Alcohol and Drugs Checkpoints

The DGT has announced an increase in alcohol and drug checkpoints this weekend, especially on conventional roads and those with a high incident rate.

The move is partly due to an increase in alcohol and drug-related driving incidents at weekend, highlighted by the 21 cyclists that have lost their lives on the roads so far this year, as a result of collisions with drivers under the influence.
This is also the first holiday weekend of the summer season and coincides with bonfire and firework parties on the beaches of the Valencia region in recognition of the Fiesta de San Juan, and midsummer night.
The increase in checkpoints will be all around the country, and the Guardia Civil will be supported by colleagues from the regional and local police, who will also have checkpoints on regional and municipal roads.
According to the general director of Traffic, Gregorio Serrano, “preventive controls are a must to try to get the message to all drivers who get behind the wheel having consumed some type of psychoactive substance, because not only is there an increased risk of incident, but also mortality and harmfulness of injuries are higher in people who have ingested alcohol and other drugs.”
The DGT points out that 25% of road deaths in Europe are related to alcohol and that 12 of every 100 drivers on the roads have consumed drugs and/or alcohol. In 2016, more than 100,000 drivers tested positive for alcohol and other drugs on intercity roads, figures which must be added to the controls by the various local and regional police forces.
According to the annual report of the National Institute of Toxicology, 43% of those who had died on the roads had alcohol or drugs present in their blood. For pedestrians, this percentage is 46%.

Excerpt: The DGT has announced an increase in alcohol and drug checkpoints this weekend, especially on conventional roads and those with a high incident rate. The move is partly due to an increase in alcohol and drug-related driving incidents at weekend, Read More ...

### Stricter ITV controls from 2018

The mandatory vehicle safety vest, the Inspección Técnica de Vehículos, or ITV, the Spanish equivalent to the MOT, will become much stricter from 2018, especially in elements relating to pollutant emissions, the devices intended to reduce them and also a large part of the security systems that are shipped and are controlled electronically.

The process started almost three years ago with the publication of the European directive 2014/45/UE, which the Spanish Government hopes to have transposed into legislation, via Royal Decree, before this summer, but it has been accelerated and reinforced as a result of the so-called “dieselgate”, the scandal surrounding Volkswagen, and the doubts that have awakened in the behaviour of other manufacturers.
It is because of the weaknesses in the approval procedures that have been demonstrated that periodic inspections such as those of the ITV are clearly insufficient. Regulated by European and national regulations in the case of diesel cars, for example, today only the opacity of smoke is measured. Also, current controls “do not allow a sufficiently efficient control of Euro 5 and Euro 6 vehicles”, as noted by CITA experts, an international working group that works on improving vehicle inspections, confirmed by the Spanish association Aeca-ITV, the DGT and industry experts.
Although the changes still have to overcome pitfalls, for example, when it was published three years ago, the 2014/45/EU directive said nothing about the control of NOx emitted by cars, now in the eye of the hurricane. Because it was the cause of the engine cracking and because, unlike CO2, it directly damages the health of people.
This has forced CITA to develop its own protocol to adequately measure the NOx, as well as detect possible fraud or manipulation. Among them, Luis Gutiérrez, president of Acea-ITV, points out cases in which, “there have been users who have emptied particle filters or manipulated the EGR valves because their maintenance is expensive and, limiting or impeding their operation, they increase the benefits of the vehicle”. In return they become much dirtier, of course.
Field tests are expected to be completed by July and at the end of the year, ready for delivery, along with a manual with the maximum NOx limits, the protocol for its measurement and the procedures to verify that the anti-pollution devices have not been manipulated.
Given that the time that the European Commission would take to incorporate these changes is difficult to estimate, in Spain the goal of Industry is to “incorporate it as soon as possible”, according to Gutiérrez, “because although high NOx limits are now set to drive out the big polluters.”
This would allow its application throughout 2018, when numerous security systems under electronic control will be reviewed, such as the stability program, the airbags or the seatbelt pre-tensioners.
Although there is also a problem. For these inspections to make sense, manufacturers must allow access to the vehicle’s switchboard and share information about those systems. Even charging an amount for it, an issue that would be discussed, but the president of Aeca-ITV qualifies it as “Kafkaesque” as they are mandatory security systems.
Would the above raise an increase in fees for passing ITV? “If we have to pay for the data, you will have to pay for the data, it depends on the model that the ITV station operates in. If it is in a liberalized environment, it is easier for the overhead to be transferred to the user. Where the Administration fixes the tariffs it is more difficult but, then, it would have to compensate the concessionaire”.

Excerpt: The mandatory vehicle safety vest, the Inspección Técnica de Vehículos, or ITV, the Spanish equivalent to the MOT, will become much stricter from 2018, especially in elements relating to pollutant emissions, the devices intended to reduce them and also a Read More ...

### Male drivers – Double the risk at the wheel than women

A combined report between the Fundación Eduardo Barreiros y la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) has concluded that men, behind the wheel, are double the risk than women.

The report presented an investigation on the differences in accidents and incidents involving men and women in Spain, and was based on comparable ratios of the proportionality of the census of drivers, and based on the total population (using DGT and INE data).
Blanca Arenas, coordinator and co-author of the study, explained that for the preparation of the report, 200,000 claims produced over ten years have been analysed, revealing very significant differences in driving between men and women.
“Women respect the norm more, do not assume as many risky behaviours as men, and that translates into fewer accidents and fewer victims,” says Arenas. They, therefore, the mortality rate per million drivers is more than twice as high in men as in women. In addition, the injury caused by an accident involving one or two male drivers is also double. Men are also attributed to 44.5% more serious injuries.
The most frequent types of accidents in males are the knocking down, rollovers and frontal collisions, caused by hasty acceleration and lack of patience, enthused by speed. In women, distraction and not allowing a safety distance are the more common. However, despite men taking more risks, they also perceive dangerous situations better.
In general, they are in breach of speed limits and often permitted alcohol and drug rates. They are the ones who incur the most in voluntary imprudence. In the case of consumption of alcohol and / or narcotics, they even increase the risk fivefold over that posed by women.
During the presentation of the report, Mariluz Barreiros, president of the Fundación Eduardo Barreiros, stressed that “our country has experienced a remarkable advance in road safety in recent years, but it is essential to continue to understand why accidents occur and how they can be prevented”.
Ana Pastor, president of the Congress of the Deputies affirmed that “it is important to put in value this study to disassemble many topics that are in our country”.

Excerpt: A combined report between the Fundación Eduardo Barreiros y la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) has concluded that men, behind the wheel, are double the risk than women. The report presented an investigation on the differences in accidents and incidents Read More ...

### Hit and Run Driver who left Cyclist for Dead Caught

A cyclist was seriously injured on Sunday morning when a car collided with the bike on the road between Guardamar and Rojales.
The driver of the car failed to stop and fled the scene, leaving the cyclist in a seriously injured state on the road.
Officers from the Guardia Civil launched a search and spent all day on Sunday trying to locate the driver and the vehicle.
On Sunday evening, that search proved successful, when officers located the driver who is currently spending the night in the cells in Torrevieja, whilst the cyclist is seriously ill in hospital.
The driver will be brought before the courts on Monday morning.

Excerpt: A cyclist was seriously injured on Sunday morning when a car collided with the bike on the road between Guardamar and Rojales. The driver of the car failed to stop and fled the scene, leaving the cyclist in a seriously Read More ...

### Getting Fined Without Moving

Excessive speed or driving whilst using a mobile phone are two of the most common causes for which you can receive a traffic sanction, but it is also possible to be fined without your vehicle moving, and not only for parking where you shouldn´t.

Many drivers seem oblivious to the fact that you can be fined for washing your car in the street, or for carrying out repairs. Although the fines are largely symbolic, depending on the municipality, they exist none the less. Water, oil, other deposits can interfere with the road surface and can become a risk. There are also environmental concerns over the disposal of waste, such as water, or other fluids. Car wash facilities have complex recycling and drainage systems so as to minimise waste of the precious commodity of water.
Not having a clean car can result in a fine. Even if the vehicle isn´t going to move, the lights and reflectors, and the number plates must be kept clear, if the vehicle is moving, so must the windows.
Having a number plate in a poor condition, whether you drive or not, can result in a fine of 80 euro. If the vehicle is permitted on the road, the number plate must be clear.
There are a number of fines possible at the fuel filling station, some of these posing a serious risk, but some less obvious than others. You must not smoke when refuelling, or light incendiaries such as matches. However, you are not permitted to refuel with your lights on, or the engine running, nor are you allowed to use your mobile phone or have the radio on. Any of these activities can lead to a 200 euro fine and the loss of 3 points. It´s also never a good idea to leave the keys in the ignition, although this is mostly for your own security.
If you have moved house and you have not notified the DGT of your new address, you can also receive a sanction. It is a simple process to perform and free, so it is worth notifying them as soon as possible.
These are just a few of the fines you can face without moving, there are many more, including not wearing a high visibility vest if you leave your vehicle in an emergency, not placing warning triangles, or in the wrong place, creating excessive noise or disturbances, using the horn inappropriately, the list goes on, but all of these fines are for one common goal, and that is to improve safety.

Excerpt: Excessive speed or driving whilst using a mobile phone are two of the most common causes for which you can receive a traffic sanction, but it is also possible to be fined without your vehicle moving, and not only for Read More ...

### Passenger Alcohol Tests – The Myth

Debunking the Myths – “Passengers will be required to pass a breath test”?
A recent story has been doing the rounds on the internet over changes to the law which will come into force in July, whereas a second person in a vehicle must be able to pass an alcohol test, not only the driver.

The article, translated from Spanish, states, “A new measure proposed by the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) will also force drivers and accompanying drivers to blow in the BAC test.
“According to the DGT it is good that even if the driver has not drunk there is another person free of alcohol inside the vehicle in case the driver could feel indisposed during the trip. For drivers traveling alone, this will not be taken into account, but those who are accompanied must pass the alcohol test so that at least one of the companions can count as an alternative driver. ‘We believe it is the safest way to drive, nobody knows if the driver can pass something during the trip and it is good that there is always a copilot available,’ explains Alberto Bermúdez, communication director of the DGT.
“The new measure will be launched starting next July 1 in order that this summer we can have safer roads in our country.
However, the actual proposal is in the event of a driver being stopped and failing an alcohol test. In the event of a group in the vehicle wishing to continue their journey, then the next appointed driver at the scene must prove their sobriety before continuing, as well as having all of the appropriate documentation and qualifications to drive the vehicle.
If a group of people are in a vehicle, only the driver must remain below the maximum permitted limit, although the passengers, however much they have consumed, are still required to act in a safe and appropriate manner in the vehicle, although they cannot be called upon to take over the role of driver.

Excerpt: Debunking the Myths – “Passengers will be required to pass a breath test”? A recent story has been doing the rounds on the internet over changes to the law which will come into force in July, whereas a second person Read More ...

### Dogs Locked in Cars – Fake Reports

The time of year is fast approaching when it is all too common for dogs to be left in cars. The warnings over the dangers of this are heard by most, but there are still the odd one or two people who seem ignorant, if not oblivious to the risk posed if dogs are left in vehicles.

However, on this occasion, we are not going to talk about the problems that the animals suffer, but rather the issues which a would-be saviour might face if they try to act to take unilateral action.
For a number of years a story has grown virally through social media reporting that if you see an animal locked inside a vehicle you are legally allowed to break a window in order to rescue it. The reports often also state that if you take pictures or videos of the incident, they will serve as evidence of your actions and will mitigate any offence you may have committed in the act. Many of the fake reports even quote the legal text which you can use as part of your evidence.

These articles and promises, in whatever form they take, are not true. The only legally permitted course of action if you see a dog in such a state is to call for assistance from the police or Guardia Civil.
Summon the nearest or fastest possible assistance, whether that be local police who may be on hand nearby, calling 091 or 062 if you speak Spanish, or the emergency coordination centre on 112, where operators speak multiple languages, but under no circumstances should you put yourself at risk of prosecution by taking the advice shared through these erroneous social media posts.

Excerpt: The time of year is fast approaching when it is all too common for dogs to be left in cars. The warnings over the dangers of this are heard by most, but there are still the odd one or two Read More ...

### Pedestrian Lights – 2017 Style

We are hopefully all aware of pedestrian crossings and the signs and signals used to indicate how we interact with these locations, red and green men, traffic lights, even belisha beacons, but as the world around us changes, so does the need to adapt signs and signals in order for them to be noticed.

The image of a sulky teen with their head bowed down reading their mobile might be an easy one for our mind to conjure up, but as social media, messaging, live news, updates and our digital assistants follow us in our pocket devices, it is becoming more common for our phones to serve as a greater distraction as we walk down the street.
In cities like Murcia, and many others, signs have been painted on the pavement warning pedestrians to be more alert, often accompanied in areas with tactile paving, ribbed tiles designed to help those with visual impairment, now helping those who choose to not look ahead.
Now, in the city of Bodegraven-Reeuwijk in the west of the Netherlands, a city with a population of 32,000 inhabitants, a new type of light alert has been installed to prevent mobile phone distractions. It is called, “+Lichtlijn”.
The new system has been located at a pedestrian crossing at an intersection near several schools. It consists of a line of light integrated into the sidewalk that changes from red to green, synchronised with the main traffic light, and is visible by pedestrians looking at their mobile phones.
“People are increasingly distracted by their mobile phones. We cannot oppose this fashion, but we can anticipate it,” said Kees Oskam, councillor for Bodebraven-Reeuwijk City Council.
The “+Lichtlijn” project is currently being tested and could be used in other Dutch municipalities in order to further prove its effectiveness.
What do you think? Is this a good development? Let us know your thoughts by emailing news@n332.es

Excerpt: We are hopefully all aware of pedestrian crossings and the signs and signals used to indicate how we interact with these locations, red and green men, traffic lights, even belisha beacons, but as the world around us changes, so does Read More ...

### Officer Injured Stopping Car Theft

An officer from Elche´s local police has been injured whilst trying to stop a thief who was apparently in the process of stealing a car in the Los Palmerales area.

Police said in a statement that the incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when officers were alerted to the presence of an individual who was apparently trying to steal a car parked on Calle Olmo.
Upon arriving at the scene, the officers identified the person and proceeded to stop him while entering a red Seat Leon car. One of the policemen stood by the car to try to stop him and prevent his escape, but ignoring the indications, the suspect ran over the officer, knocking him off his motorbike.
The individual attempted to flee and, when his career was his escape was blocked by other police units of the Territorial Support Group, he stopped and “initiated a dangerous reversing manoeuvre”.
In doing so, he collided with a parked car and other police patrols that had closed in on him and drove over the officer who was still lay on the ground injured.
Several officers ran to the vehicle and overpowered the driver, arresting him. The man, who was not a resident of Elche, is known to have “numerous criminal records”.
The car he was driving was stolen and had false number plates belonging to a different car. In addition, there was a mobile phone that was known to be stolen and other objects, apparently also as a result of theft, such as a television, foreign currency, watches, jewellery, four radio cassettes, car keys and remote controls.
The officer suffered serious bruises and cuts, although luckily no fracture occurred, and after being treated at IMED hospital in Torrellano, was discharged, although he will remain off work for a while.

Excerpt: An officer from Elche´s local police has been injured whilst trying to stop a thief who was apparently in the process of stealing a car in the Los Palmerales area. Police said in a statement that the incident occurred on Read More ...

### N332 RoadWatch – Issue 7

Issue 7 of N332 RoadWatch is now available. You can read the eMagazine for FREE below, or you can purchase and download your own PDF version and support the N332 Road Safety Project.

Buy PDF and Support the project
This is what is in this edition…
Welcome to the latest edition of N332 RoadWatch eMagazine.
As we move into June, we move into the start of summer. Children will soon be finishing school until September, which does lead to a reduction in morning and afternoon traffic, but also leads to an increased risk as children become free to explore, play and learn on their own, often finding themselves too close to the roads.
Vulnerable road users are the main topic for this issue, primarily looking at cyclists. We have had a number of tragedies recently, with cyclists killed on the roads. In one case, a drunk driver was responsible for killing three people, and seriously injuring others. In fact, two of those injured remain under medical care, only recently managing to leave intensive care, weeks after the incident.
We look at cyclists in some detail this issue, however, we must not only look at protecting them, but also at them protecting themselves, exercising respect for the laws that they not only command, but deserve.
There is lots more inside this issue which we hope you will find lots of interest, check out the contents list on the right, and remember to keep checking the website, n332.es, for more.
You can read this edition for FREE here, or look below to purchase and download your own PDF version and support the N332 Road Safety Project.


Contents
4 Male drivers – Double the risk at the wheel than women
5 A Taxi Fit for a King
6 Crime Figures Down
6 Odd Road News
8 Debunking the Myths – Drunk Passengers
9 Dogs Locked in Cars – The Truth
10 Stricter ITV Controls from 2018
12 How the Driving Test has Evolved over Time
14 If you feel unsafe driving at night, you might be suffering from night blindness
16 Obtaining a Duplicate Driving Licence and Official Guide
18 Road Traffic May be Affected Following Alicante-Elche Airport Crash Simulation
20 Light Cleaning
22 Sharing the Road, Respect and Responsibility
26 Getting Fined Without Moving
28 Choosing a Crash Helmet
30 Pedestrian Lights – 2017 Style
32 The Gallery
34 Half of Spaniards would Ban Smoking in Cars
36 Citroën C4 is May´s Top Seller

Buy PDF

Excerpt: Issue 7 of N332 RoadWatch is now available. You can read the eMagazine for FREE below, or you can purchase and download your own PDF version and support the N332 Road Safety Project. Buy PDF and Support the project This Read More ...

### Baby Killed in Alicante Balcony Fall

The National Police are investigating the death of a child of about two years of age who died after falling from the fourth floor of a house in the city of Alicante.

The tragic event occurred just after 13:00 hours on Saturday when, for unknown reasons, the child fell from the balcony on the fourth floor of a house located on avenida Maestro Alonso in the north of the city.
The police and medics attended the scene and transferred the child to the General Hospital of Alicante, located nearby. The baby was alive on arrival at the hospital, having had the fall cushioned somewhat by a parked car.
Sadly, the baby later died due to the seriousness of the injuries sustained in the fall.
The Judicial Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and taking statement s from possible witnesses as well as information relating to the scene.

Excerpt: The National Police are investigating the death of a child of about two years of age who died after falling from the fourth floor of a house in the city of Alicante. The tragic...

### Guardia Civil Officers in Distraction Near Miss

Two officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department managed to jump for their lives when a distracted articulated truck failed to see their car on the hard shoulder.

The officers were assisting another vehicle which had got into difficulty and had stopped their marked patrol car on the hard shoulder with emergency lights illuminated.
The truck driver apparently failed to see their vehicle and scraped along the side at such force that the airbags deployed.
It was as much luck as skill that the officers managed to jump out of the way from what could so easily have been a catastrophic incident.

Excerpt: Two officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department managed to jump for their lives when a distracted articulated truck failed to see their car on the hard shoulder. The officers were assisting another vehicle which had got into difficulty and Read More ...

### Rojales Pirate Taxi Seized

A driver from the Alicante town of Rojales has been issued with a 4,001 euro fine, and had his minibus seized and immobilised by the police, after a complaint that the vehicle was being used conducting the unauthorised and illegal carriage of passengers in exchange for money or goods, in other words, as a pirate taxi.
The driver has been fined for not holding a taxi licence, or a contract of work, amongst other offences, following a complaint from legal and registered taxi drivers over intrusions from the private sector which are not only damaging their income, but are also putting the lives of other road users at severe risk.
The complaint arose after a legal taxi was booked to carry out a journey from Alicante-Elche airport to the Rojales area. Two days later, the booking was cancelled, which led the official taxi driver to become suspicious. Calculating the approximate arrival of the family at the residency, the taxi driver decided to carry out surveillance on the home and await the potential arrival of his cancelled fare.
The surveillance paid off as the taxi driver witnessed a vehicle approach the property, displaying images of a suspected fake transport company owned by a private individual.
As a result of the report, the local police requested to see the documentation relating to the vehicle and the company, discovering that the vehicle was not a licenced taxi, nor does the driver have a work contract of any form, or a rental contract for the property he allegedly claimed to be renting to the passengers he was transporting.

Pursuant to Article 10.1 of the Reglamento de la Ley de Ordenación de los Transportes (ROTT), the vehicle was immobilised and transported by a tow truck to be made available to the Ministry of Transport until the owner of the vehicle can fully present the required documentation.
You don´t have to be so blatant as to pretend to pass off as a legal transport vehicle to fall foul of the law. Just doing an “airport run” in exchange for money, even if it´s just for petrol, still constitutes operating as a pirate taxi.
Legal taxis have to undergo more stringent vehicle testing than normal cars, and the drivers have to be licenced and approved and are monitored for consistency in service delivery, all of which requires them to pay a substantial fee to hold the rights to carry passengers for money.
The collaboration of the police and the taxi drivers is helping to fight against this intrusion in the sector. With the implementation of the new law that immobilises vehicles, something which until now was not possible, allows the police to ensure that all relevant safety and documentation compliances are in place before the vehicle is permitted back on the road.

Excerpt: A driver from the Alicante town of Rojales has been issued with a 4,001 euro fine, and had his minibus seized and immobilised by the police, after a complaint that the vehicle was being used conducting the unauthorised and illegal Read More ...

### Drainage Improvement Works on the N-332 at La Mata

Torrevieja´s local government has been informed that the Ministry of Public Works has begun the execution of the drainage works of the N-332 Road at La Mata, where it joins with Avenida de los Europeos, to try to avoid continual flooding in the area during heavy rains.

The work consists of excavations at the exit of the currently existing drainage works, to improve its functionality. With this work it is possible that a municipal plot will be temporarily affected in which the land extracted from the excavation will be deposited, if necessary.
This action has been considered an emergency by the State Roads Demarcation in the Valencian Community and consists of the “adequacy, repair and improvement of the drainage system at N-332 kilometre PK 63”.

Excerpt: Torrevieja´s local government has been informed that the Ministry of Public Works has begun the execution of the drainage works of the N-332 Road at La Mata, where it joins with Avenida de los Europeos, to try to avoid continual Read More ...

### Ten Times Over Limit Truck Driver Stopped

Officers from the Guardia Civil Trafico in Pontevedra intercepted a 44-year old truck driver from Redondela on the A-52 motorway, who registered at 10 times over the legal maximum permitted limit of alcohol for a professional driver of this type of vehicle.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, at around 18:00, when officers received an alert of an articulated truck driving erratically on the A-52, and so that patrols were dispatched from the Porriño based where they followed the truck before intercepting it at kilometre 292.
The driver, who showed obvious symptoms of intoxication, underwent a breath test, in which he gave a positive reading of 1.69 and 1.63 mg / l, which is ten times the limit allowed for this type of profession.
The Guardia Civil point out that this is “the highest rate detected in Galicia in recent years,” and is to inducing ethyl coma and progressive unconsciousness.
As a result, the truck, with which he intended to travel to France, was impounded, and judicial proceedings were instituted for a crime against road safety, with a prison sentence of between 3 and 6 months, a significant fine or community service being the likely outcome, plus the loss of licence for, and subsequently his profession, for between 1 and 4 years.
The man, who was disoriented, was picked up by his family at the police station.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil Trafico in Pontevedra intercepted a 44-year old truck driver from Redondela on the A-52 motorway, who registered at 10 times over the legal maximum permitted limit of alcohol for a professional driver of this type Read More ...

### Taxi Protest will Reach Orihuela Costa on Tuesday

Taxi drivers and their associations across Spain have been protesting over developments which they feel significantly harms their business, and those protest have been spreading across Spain, and will be supported by taxi drivers on the Orihuela Costa on Tuesday.

Not only are taxi drivers facing damage to their business by the number of unlicensed, private vehicles operating as taxis on frequent “airport runs”, they are also facing the impact of a growing number of private rental vehicles, vehículos con conductor or VTC.
The associations are demanding that the licencing sector comply with the agreement of 1 licenced VTC for every 30 licenced taxis, as listed in the Transportation Act of 1987. In certain locations, the ratio has increased to 1 VTC for every 7 taxis, and increasing.
In Madrid, in the most recent protest, about a thousand taxi drivers demonstrated in front of the headquarters of the Ministry of Public Works to demand that the government “complies with the law.”
The participants completed a journey between the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Public Works in about two hours, a procession which required the intervention of the National Police as the protest escalated.
In Barcelona, there was a strike for four hours, which also concluded with most of the associations of taxi drivers convening in rally in Plaza Catalunya.
There have also been protests in other places in Spain, such as San Sebastian, where 700 taxi drivers supported the strike. In Santander, about 300 taxi drivers cut off traffic by parking their vehicles on the two lanes of Calle Calvo Sotelo, which houses the headquarters of the Government Delegation in Cantabria.
The employers in the VTC sector, Unauto, have criticised the accusations of “intrusiveness” and “unfair competition”, as, unlike the pirate taxis, they are licenced by the autonomous communities and the operation is totally regulated and considered, like the taxi, as a public service by the regulations, although those regulations are the ones which dictate the 1 to 30 ratio which is being ignored.
Now, the campaign and campaign is extending even further, with the next main protest scheduled for Tuesday, the 30th of May, in most major cities around Spain, with a centralised protest once again in Madrid.

This time, the Orihuela Costa taxi association will also be joining in the protest, with a gathering outside the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre. The president of the association will drive to Madrid to join the main protest, but the rest of the association’s drivers will position themselves at the shopping centre from noon, and will not move for the next two hours.
Although the protest will mean that there will be no taxis available during the protest, the drivers have agreed that they will still respond to emergencies, if needed.
On Tuesday, there are likely to be major problems on the roads as the taxi drivers carrying out various activities to raise awareness of the message of their campaign, which is simply that they want the government to comply with the law in the same way that they must, albeit at a huge expense when it comes to their licences, vehicle maintenance and inspection regime.

Excerpt: Taxi drivers and their associations across Spain have been protesting over developments which they feel significantly harms their business, and those protest have been spreading across Spain, and will be supported by taxi drivers on the Orihuela Costa on Tuesday. Read More ...

### Do We Have to Wear a Hat?

This week, we received a question from Costa Blanca People reader, John Bevan, from Quesada.
John asked, “Is it true that drivers of open top cars must wear some sort of hat to protect them from the intense rays of the sun?”

The answer is, according to law, no, you don´t. In fact, there is a chance that wearing a hat would prove dangerous as if it is not worn correctly, the wind could catch it, and blow the hat away and this could then become a potential hazard to other road users, especially the most vulnerable such as cyclists. However, the likelihood of this happening is slim, it is still a potential risk.
Of course not talking legally, it does make sense to wear a hat in order to protect yourself from the sun and its damaging rays as you say, but it is not a legal requirement.
The question does open up other points for comment, however, regarding open top cars. As much as possible, the manufacturers of these vehicles design them to be as safe as cars with full roofs. They are often fitted with strengthened supports around the windscreen for example, and roll bars, although these are not often as clearly identifiable as those fitted in rally cars, for example, in commercially available vehicles they are often integral to the structure.
So long as we are positioned correctly, sat down, wearing our seatbelt in the correct manner, open top cars are usually perfectly safe. Like all vehicles, It is when we don´t follow the design and safety guidelines when things go wrong.
Sometimes, vehicle occupants are seen with their hands held up or out of the cars, on a rare occasion even standing. Only recently, a vehicle was observed driving along the N-332 with the passenger standing up. This was not an open top car but it had a sunroof. We don´t need to be so graphic as to describe the likely outcome if that vehicle was involved in a collision of some form. You must keep your extremities, arms, legs etc., well within the confines of the vehicle for the roll bars to provide protection.
On the subject of legs, it is an increasingly common sight to see passengers with their legs up and feet on the dashboard. This also occurs in all types of vehicles and seems to increase with the summer months. It is an extremely dangerous practice. It is also illegal. The legs and feet can obscure the driver´s view, but worse than that, in the event of a collision there are two very common injuries, both of which often result in such serious injuries, amputation is common.
In the event of a collision, the airbags are normally deployed. If a passenger´s legs are over these airbags they will feel the full force of that deployment, which normally results in fractures to the legs, sometimes pelvic damage. If airbags do not deploy it is easy for the body to be thrown forward, underneath the seatbelt, an action known as submarining. This forces the body, feet first, like a torpedo through the windscreen, resulting in severe lacerations, often accompanied by fractures.

The only safe way to sit in any vehicle is within the design of the seat, with seatbelt securely fastened. You can read more about this on the n332.es website where we have a number of articles explaining in more detail.

Excerpt: This week, we received a question from Costa Blanca People reader, John Bevan, from Quesada. John asked, “Is it true that drivers of open top cars must wear some sort of hat to protect them from the intense rays of Read More ...

### Study Called for N-332 Road to be Buried

A local councillor representing the socialist PSOE party in Orihuela, María García, has announced that her group will table a motion to the local government´s monthly meeting in May, to propose that the Ministry of Public Works studies the possibility of partially or totally diverting sections of the N-332, as it passes through eastern coast, through a series of underground tunnels.

García has noted that in recent years there have been numerous victims of road traffic incidents in the area, many of which have been fatal, “not only in Orihuela, but also Gata de Gorgos, Benissa and Santa Pola, where similar motions to improve road safety and alleviate the acoustic and traffic problems of this road have already been tabled.”
The councillor has stated that it is time to claim investments for Orihuela, “proposing the solution that has long been proposed in various forums: the total or partial burial of the N-332 as it passes through the Oriol coast”, in such a way as to, “allow transverse permeability between residential areas and mitigate the security problems that exist today.”
The N-332 as it passes through Orihuela has already undergone a major transformation, through a huge investment, to make the road two-lanes in each direction, although many areas are still lacking adequate crossing points for pedestrians. In neighbouring Torrevieja, the road is still a single lane and causes major delays at peak times due to the volume of traffic. For over a decade this section had supposed to have been widened, but largely political failings have led to that, so far, never materialising.

Excerpt: A local councillor representing the socialist PSOE party in Orihuela, María García, has announced that her group will table a motion to the local government´s monthly meeting in May, to propose that the Ministry of Public Works studies the possibility Read More ...

### Octogenarian Killed after Road Rage Incident

An elderly man from Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid) has dies following an apparent road-rage incident.

The man, an 81-year-old local resident, who walked with a stick, was said to have been preparing to cross the road at a pedestrian crossing on avenida de Los Fresnos, after collecting medication from a pharmacy.
According to witnesses, a car approached the crossing at “high speed” and the octogenarian verbally reprimanded the driver for going so fast.
The driver got out of his car and punched the pensioner in the face. The elderly man fell backwards to the ground, falling on his back and hitting his neck and head on the ground.
The attacker, said to be male and approximately 25 years of age, returned to his vehicle, in which a female passenger was waiting, and drove off.
Several witnesses recorded the vehicle registration and vehicle type, and one witness managed to video the incident.
When the emergency services arrived, the victim was still lay on the zebra crossing, where he fell, having suffered an apparent cardiac arrest. Medics attempted to revive the man but could do nothing to save his life.
The investigation into the incident was handed over to the judicial police. At 18:00 on the same day, a suspect was in custody.

Excerpt: An elderly man from Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid) has dies following an apparent road-rage incident. The man, an 81-year-old local resident, who walked with a stick, was said to have been preparing to cross the road at a pedestrian crossing Read More ...

### Dear diary… Test Passed… Licence Lost…

The eager celebrations of a young man from Valladolid were short lived on Wednesday after his near-perfect driving test concluded with him losing his licence on the same day.

Having successfully completed his driving test shortly after noon, with congratulations from the instructor over his performance in the test, the next step is to wait until the licence is issued and sent to the successful applicant, normally a few days later.
However, our excited new driver didn´t want to wait and decided to go for a celebratory drive with his friends that afternoon.
The vehicle was stopped at a routine checkpoint, where the driver was asked to produce his documents. “Listen, officer, which I approved this morning”, he said, “I behaved perfectly, they even congratulated me”, was the convincing tale he told the officer, however, driving without being in possession of your licence is an offence, and so the young man was issued a fine and had his licence withdrawn before he´s even received it.

Excerpt: The eager celebrations of a young man from Valladolid were short lived on Wednesday after his near-perfect driving test concluded with him losing his licence on the same day. Having successfully completed his driving test shortly after noon, with congratulations Read More ...

### Father and Son in Torrevieja Cliff Rescue Drama

Rescuers from the Provincial Fire Consortium have rescued a 46-year-old British man and his son, aged 13, who had become trapped in an area of ​​sea cliffs near the rising tide and waves.

The emergency services received notice at 16:00 alerting them that the man and boy had become stranded in a steep and rocky area of the beach.
Rescuers were dispatched from Torrevieja fire station and a helicopter was called to assist.
Ground troops rescued the pair, in good health, without the need of the helicopter.

Excerpt: Rescuers from the Provincial Fire Consortium have rescued a 46-year-old British man and his son, aged 13, who had become trapped in an area of ​​sea cliffs near the rising tide and waves. The...

### Cop Killing Drunk Driver Remanded in Custody

The drunk driver who knocked down and killed a police officer at an alcohol checkpoint has been remanded in custody, without bail, by the judge.

Hansjörg Rohrbach, a Swizz national, is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter for fatally hitting officer José Luis Garea, who was performing a blood alcohol test on another driver with colleagues and a Guardia Civil patrol in Carballo (A Coruña) .
Rohrbach ran over the officer early on Saturday morning in his van when he failed to stop at a checkpoint. Tests conducted after the incident revealed that he exceeded the allowed alcohol rate, with concentrations of 0.91 and 0.94 milligrams per litre of exhaled air.
Rohrbach had already lost his licence two years ago after being caught with excessive alcohol in his system whilst driving. After court, his lawyer said that he was “sorry” for how things happened and offered his condolences to the family of the officer he killed.
With an apparent increase in habitual offenders taking to the road, the DGT has already announced a strategy to deal with those involved in multiple occurrences of drink or drug driving.

Excerpt: The drunk driver who knocked down and killed a police officer at an alcohol checkpoint has been remanded in custody, without bail, by the judge. Hansjörg Rohrbach, a Swizz national, is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter for fatally hitting officer Read More ...

### Coach Driver Arrest Six Times over the Limit

Officers from the Guardia Civil in the Region of Murcia have intercepted and detained a coach driver who was carrying 40 passengers whilst sit times over the maximum permitted alcohol limit.

The incident occurred at around 17:30 on Wednesday when the Guardia Civil operations centre was alerted by a service station employee in the Jumilla municipality over suspicions that the driver was displaying signs of intoxication.
A traffic patrol was dispatched to intercept the vehicle as it headed towards Alicante. In order to minimise the risk to the passengers and other road users the officers stopped the coach in the La Paz service station on the A-7, located in Sangonera la Seca.
Once the vehicle was safely off the off the road the driver was subjected to a mandatory alcohol test in which he yielded a positive result of 1.02 and 0.99 milligrams of alcohol per litre of exhaled air, six times the maximum rate permitted in the case of professional drivers, which is 0.15 mg / litre.
The driver, who was carrying 40 Chinese tourists from Granada to Valencia, was arrested for an alleged crime of driving under the influence of alcohol and exceeding the established rates, and was brought before the courts in Murcia, where he faces a prison sentence of between 6 to 12 months, community service between 31 and 90 days, a fine and the termination of his licence for up to 4 years.
The officers praised the actions of the service station employee in reporting the suspicions to them, and appeal to all citizens to exercise a civil conscience and, without hesitation, contact the Guardia Civil on 062 (in Spanish) or the emergency coordination centre on 112 (other languages) to report suspicious drivers who may have consumed excessive alcohol or drugs.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil in the Region of Murcia have intercepted and detained a coach driver who was carrying 40 passengers whilst sit times over the maximum permitted alcohol limit. The incident occurred at around 17:30 on Wednesday when Read More ...

### Alicante Bike Thieves Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil in San Juan, Alicante, have arrested five men for allegedly stealing bicycles from local residents and delivering them to a distributor for shipment on the ferry to Algeria.

Those arrested established a surveillance network and storage rooms in garages in order to commit the thefts, as reported by the Guardia Civil in a statement. Specifically, the suspects watched several parts of the town and its surroundings, including the city of Alicante, and took note of cyclists who rode a bicycle of acceptable quality, then followed them.
When the thieves discovered where the cyclists lived, they continued their surveillance to ascertain patterns of movement in order to choose the right moment to enter the property and steal the bikes.
First they forcibly enter storage rooms or garages, and once they had the bike in their possession, passed it onto a van to move it directly to the distributor, said to be of African origin, in Alicante, who would buy them for a much lower price than the real value and ship them on the ferry directly to their customers in Algeria.
The investigations concluded that the three alleged perpetrators of the thefts were acting on behalf of the distributor, since the items were provided specifically to the requirements of the end purchaser.
In addition to the bicycles, on one occasion they stole a motorbike from Mutxamel in Alicante, which was recovered with fake number plates. In another they stole a bike using violence and pushed the owner to the ground.
Officers recovered a number of bikes and arrested five men: three Spaniards aged 32, 37 and 37, a Bulgarian aged 33 and a Moroccan aged 31, all suspected of at least 43 crimes.
As a result of this case, officers would like to raise awareness once more of the importance of recording serial numbers and identifying characteristics bicycles, as well as taking photographs, in order to make them identifiable in the case of theft.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil in San Juan, Alicante, have arrested five men for allegedly stealing bicycles from local residents and delivering them to a distributor for shipment on the ferry to Algeria. Those arrested established a surveillance network and Read More ...

### Police Officer Killed at Alcohol Check Point

An officer from the Local Police in Carballo was killed by a drunk driver on Friday night.

The incident occurred at around 05:00 on Saturday morning when the officer was involved in an alcohol and drug check point in the Labradas area of the municipality.
The officer, a resident of Cerceda in A Coruña, was carrying out a breathalyser test on a driver when the second vehicle approached and crashed into the individuals.
The policeman, José Luis Garea, was rushed to the Carballo health centre, but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The driver who ran over the officer was arrested and has tested positive for alcohol, and will now be brought before the courts.

Excerpt: An officer from the Local Police in Carballo was killed by a drunk driver on Friday night. The incident occurred at around 05:00 on Saturday morning when the officer was involved in an alcohol and drug check point in the Read More ...

### Surveillance Campaign on Secondary Roads

Each year, more than 900 people in Spain die in traffic incidents on conventional roads, roads that have a single traffic lane in each direction and do not have a physical separation between both directions. For this reason, the DGT has started a special campaign, which runs until Sunday the 21st of May, providing additional surveillance and controls on secondary roads.

The aim of the campaign, according to the Director General of the DGT, Gregorio Serrano, “is to achieve safer behaviour amongst drivers using these roads and therefore a reduction of accidents”. He said, “We are aware that on these roads are where most of the fatal accidents occur, so almost all the urgent measures that the Minister of the Interior announced at the beginning of the year are being implemented on this type of road”.
For a week, officers from the Guardia Civil Traffic department, as well as colleagues from the Local and Regional Police, will provide extra controls looking specifically at speeding drivers, as well as undue overtaking, especially involving cyclists, using the seatbelt and child restraint systems, using the mobile phone, headphones or navigation system, as well as vehicle and driver documentation or any other traffic and road safety legislation.
In addition to the observations on the ground, surveillance will also be carried out from the air with the helicopters available to the DGT, including those fitted with Pegasus radar equipment.

Long-term Measures
Due to the high number of incidents on this type of road, conventional roads are one of the DGT’s priority objectives. For this reason, the Minister of the Interior, Juan Ignacio Zoido, presented to the Commission on Road Safety and Sustainable Mobility of the Congress of Deputies a plan of urgent measures to be implemented on this type of road.
One of the most important is the installation of longitudinal rumble strips on 3,000 km of conventional roads classified as especially dangerous. These guides are a longitudinal series of milled (perforated) elements in the tread layer of pavement intended to alert distracted drivers that their vehicle is diverting from the path of the lane. Thus when the tires of the vehicles pass through the rumble strip, the driver receives warnings by means of vibration and sound.

Installation of dynamic signalling systems that warn of the presence of vehicles at dangerous crossings on conventional roads. When the system detects a vehicle at one of the branches of access to the crossing, a luminous panel is activated, alerting approaching vehicles that there is a potential hazard ahead.
Signage for 49 new safe cycle routes will be added to the 56 existing ones. The purpose of this is to facilitate and protect cyclists on conventional roads and reduce the incident rate of this vulnerable group. To this end, a warning sign shall be installed for all users of the route of periods, sections and routes with high intensity of cyclists. This signalling shall include speed limitations for specific days and time periods of a temporary nature in defined long-distance routes.
Other Measures
Safety reinforcement in overtaking areas with a higher number of incidents will aim to try to improve the safety of conventional roads with actions that give greater certainty to the driver to carry out such manoeuvre. For this, an analysis of potentially dangerous areas will be carried out and then repainting and relocation of vertical signals in the overtaking areas based on the analysis and study of the sections, as well as a reinforcement by double white lines and/or elements of beaconing or separation of certain sections where overtaking is prohibited.
In the second half of the year, new speed control points will be installed in the especially dangerous sections according to the new black point relationship obtained with the new methodology.
In addition, a new instruction will be in force in the coming months, which sets out the criteria for the implementation and management of the cinemometers, which reinforce the complementary measures prior to installation.
Conventional Road Data
In 2015, the last year of consolidated data, 971 people died on conventional roads, representing 74% of the total fatalities on interurban roads, which amounted to 1,248. In addition, another 3,780 people were injured and required hospitalisation as a result of injuries occurred on these conventional ways.
These roads account for more than 90% of the total kilometres of the road network, are the most dangerous and those that represent a higher incident rate, although the density of traffic they support is less than on roads as motorways and highways.
Four out of ten fatal incidents occurring on conventional roads are leaving the lane, whereas two out of ten are frontal collisions.

Excerpt: Each year, more than 900 people in Spain die in traffic incidents on conventional roads, roads that have a single traffic lane in each direction and do not have a physical separation between both directions. For this reason, the DGT Read More ...

### Cyclist Protection Plans Revealed

Juan Ignacio Zoido, the Minister of the Interior, chaired the Traffic Safety Committee of the General Traffic Department (DGT) meeting on Tuesday, as we reported in the Costa Blanca People, in order to study the problems facing cyclists and all road users relating to their safe movement.

The Minister stressed that some of these measures are already being implemented “as a result of the Plan of Urgent Measures” launched by the Ministry of the Interior and the General Directorate of Traffic a few months ago.
The Road Safety Committee first analysed the accident rate, both the number of casualties (7,186 accidents involving cyclists, 58 cyclists killed and 652 injured) and the type of road in which they occurred (72% In urban areas, although the most serious (-48 deaths) occurred on interurban roads), evolution (in 2015 there were 14 fewer deaths than in 2014, although it seems that in 2017 there is a rebound in the number of fatalities on the road).
Following this analysis, the Committee deepened the implementation of measures, which Minister Zoido announced, “because they are not mere figures, they are human lives, they are tragedies”, he said.
The measures include:
Signage of 49 new safe cycling routes, to be added to the 56 existing ones, with the aim of facilitating and protecting the movement of cyclists on conventional roads and reducing their accidents. This signalling will include speed limitations on specific days and times, of a temporary nature and in defined inter-urban stretches.
Communication and awareness campaigns to publicise the regulations for cyclists and, in particular, on their safety. For example, he cited the title “Almas Ciclistas” , released in April, which reproduced the last route taken by several dead cyclists and testimonies of their families. Another awareness campaign based on real testimonies of people who have suffered accidents or their relatives, whose broadcast will be produced before the summer in traditional media, especially radio and television, was also announced.
Use of variable message panels for awareness messages. On Saturdays and Sundays, the most common days of cycling on the road, these panels will remind drivers of the main rules regarding cyclists (minimum safety distance of 1.5 m, the possibility of crossing the continuous line in overtaking, riding in parallel, etc.).
Enhanced use of the Comobity application. This DGT app – which has 51,000 users and 58,000 warnings, informs the users of the presence of cyclists on the route.
A greater presence of the Guardia Civil Traffic patrols on those secondary routes with a greater presence of cyclists during the weekends.
An increasee of alcohol and drug controls on Saturdays and Sundays on conventional roads. The minister Zoido codified 100,000 controls for alcohol and 30,000 for drugs, increasing of the same.
Special Surveillance Plan, with the presence of aerial and terrestrial means for the protection of cyclists.
Improve knowledge of cycling mobility. To this end, the DGT will continue to identify the interurban routes most frequented by cyclists, distinguishing those used for sports that are used for forced mobility, and will be integrated into mobility maps.
Deepening the analysis of cyclists’ accidents, with in-depth studies of recent years, typologies, causes, highly dangerous sections, rapid follow-up reports on accidents with cyclist victims.
Proposal and evaluation of road and signalling interventions, with pilot experiences of innovative measures to improve safety and provide a safe space for cyclists (eg intelligent signals, separation marks of 1.5 meters etc.).
Actions on the causes of the accidents. The loss of validity of drivers’ licenses for alcohol and drug driving penalties and the initiation of sanctioning procedures when the judicial authority decrees the criminal record for infractions to Traffic regulations after having an accident.
Repeat Alcohol and Drug Offender Will Lose their Licence
Another measure announced by the Minister of the Interior was that drivers who repeatedly drink or use drugs and drive will lose the validity of their licence due to lack of psychophysical skills – according to articles 36 of the Regulation of General Drivers.
For this purpose, repeat offenders shall mean those drivers who have two or more alcohol and / or drug sanctions within a period of less than two years, and therefore believe that they may have a problem of abuse or dependence on those substances and should be evaluated and treated in the manner provided for in the General Drivers Regulation.

Excerpt: Juan Ignacio Zoido, the Minister of the Interior, chaired the Traffic Safety Committee of the General Traffic Department (DGT) meeting on Tuesday, as we reported in the Costa Blanca People, in order to study the problems facing cyclists and all Read More ...

### The DGT Launch New Mobility Plans

The Director General of the DGT, Gregorio Serrano, has presented the new Model of Mobility for Spain at the Connected Hub Congress during the Barcelona Motor Show.

The plan will include real-time reporting through smartphones or on board devices of all incidents occurring on the roads to reduce the risk of an accident, prevent a traffic jam or protect the most vulnerable users.
Gregorio Serrano explained that, “the traditional model of mobility management must evolve using the tools offered by new technologies and putting them at the service of the driver. For that, we are working on a model in which the DGT is the digital and personal interlocutor of each citizen, so that it becomes his virtual co-pilot.”
This new mobility model is based on connectivity, which, in the cases of vehicles, is a reality that is already present in most of them either through embedded systems or through mobile devices.
Plataforma DGT 3.0
DGT 3.0 is the technological platform that will make it possible to collate all of the information that the drivers and information providers share, anonymously and voluntarily, to communicate generic incidence alerts provided by a third party, works, information supplied by warning message panels, special driving conditions (fog, pedestrians, cyclists, special vehicles, emergencies), and a static mobility map of information (restrictions, gas stations), recommended speeds and congestion maps.
This information will be sent in real time and information providers will be able to develop services to be disseminated only to those drivers who may be directly affected by them and who voluntarily wish to be informed.
The idea, announced Gregorio Serrano, “is to facilitate the provision of a service to all road users (drivers, pedestrians or cyclists), help them make the best decisions in advance and knowing, in real time, incidents that could affect him.”
In order to carry out this platform, the General Directorate of Traffic is working with the main players in the sector (manufacturers, financial entities, mobile operators, insurers, transport companies etc.) so that the connectivity and autonomy of the vehicles helps to make safer and more sustainable mobility.
Spain, A Pioneering Country
In addition, Spain is a pioneer in the interpretation of the possibilities offered by the technologies in the framework of the connected vehicle as the DGT 3.0 platform will be the first platform that offers a response to road safety situations with a direct and positive impact on the driver.
A Single Objective
The DGT 3.0 platform is linked to the “Visión Cero” plan for secure and sustainable mobility.
According to Serrano, “totally eliminating accidents on our roads is difficult to imagine today, but if we know that thanks to the technological advances we are in the way to achieve it. The connected vehicle platform is one of the aids that go in that line and that will allow drivers to be better informed, more attentive and therefore with many more means at their disposal to avoid the accidents.”
Experts say that in the coming years vehicles will improve their ability to visualize situations, understand them and avoid accidents by helping distractions and human errors disappear as the cause of the accident.
The greater number of connected users who decide to interact on the platform, the more information will be generated in real time to make better decisions that allow us to move in a more secure mobility environment.

Excerpt: The Director General of the DGT, Gregorio Serrano, has presented the new Model of Mobility for Spain at the Connected Hub Congress during the Barcelona Motor Show. The plan will include real-time reporting through smartphones or on board devices of Read More ...

### Lucky Escape for Drunk Driver

A drunk driver had a lucky escape in Murcia, when the car he was driving crashed and burst into flames as a result of the impact.

The incident occurred on Sunday morning on the road to Beniaján in the Azacaya area. Several people were injured in the crash although all are lucky to be alive.
Murcia Local Police detained the drive, reporting that alcohol was a significant factor in the incident.

Excerpt: A drunk driver had a lucky escape in Murcia, when the car he was driving crashed and burst into flames as a result of the impact. The incident occurred on Sunday morning on the road to Beniaján in the Azacaya Read More ...

### Another House Fire in Alicante

Fire crews across the Alicante province have been utilised to capacity recently, partly due to a number of forest fires, and partly due to an increase in the number of house fires.

The latest, in Alicante city, occurred on Monday, when a fire in an apartment block resulted in 14 fire fighters battling for 90 minutes to extinguish the flames.
Luckily, in this incident, there were 4 survivors, all of which had to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Excerpt: Fire crews across the Alicante province have been utilised to capacity recently, partly due to a number of forest fires, and partly due to an increase in the number of house fires. The latest,...

### Extra Measures to Crack Down on Habitual Offenders

The Director General of the DGT, Gregorio Serrano, has announced an urgent review to further increase measure made available to clamp down on habitual drink and drug drivers.

The announcement came just before a third cyclist died in hospital from injuries sustained when a drunk and drugged driver ploughed into a group of cyclists at the weekend, killing two at the scene, and rendering three more hospitalised with serious injuries.
The driver had her licence withdrawn four years ago after testing positive for blood alcohol and failed to take the mandatory course required to revalidate the licence. Immediately prior to this incident, the driver managed to avoid three alcohol checkpoints, highlighting the importance of not sharing such information through social media, as any one of those patrols would have prevented the tragedy had they been able to stop her.
Serrano has called for an “urgent” meeting on Tuesday 16 May with the Road Safety Committee (Comité de Seguridad Vial) which will address “the growing problem of fatal accidents of the cyclist” and will detail the measures the DGT would like to implement.
Serrano has said that reforming the Penal Code is not within the competence of the DGT, but they can ensure that the tools to act against offenders are made available.
“We are seeing that the number of cyclists that die every weekend on our roads is unbearable, and we are not prepared for anyone to be in fear of not returning home alive”, Serrano said, explaining how the Strategic Plan for Bicycles has already begun to be drawn up and that the working group has been convened to prepare it.
Investment in cycle routes and their expansion must continue, he said, and constant maintenance and repair is crucial.
That said, the individual responsibility of all road users must be accepted, including cyclists, who must not only play their part by ensuring compliance with the rules and laws of the roads but also in maintaining visibility and offering mutual respect that they demand from other road users.

Excerpt: The Director General of the DGT, Gregorio Serrano, has announced an urgent review to further increase measure made available to clamp down on habitual drink and drug drivers. The announcement came just before a third cyclist died in hospital from Read More ...

### Another Drunk Driver Ploughs into Group of Cyclists

Catalan Police have arrested a 26-year-old Colombian national for crimes against road safety, after she ploughed into a group of cyclists in the Riudoms area of Tarragona.

The incident occurred at around 07:15 in the morning on the T-704 road, when the vehicle being driven by the woman invaded the opposite side of the carriageway running into the group of six cyclists, three of whom were injured in the collision, one of them seriously.
The woman, who lives in Reus, had only recently obtained her driving licence and therefore is subject to a lower maximum permitted limit of alcohol. Having helped the injured at the scene, the officers then carried out a breathalyser test which reported the woman to by four times over the prescribed limit.
This latest incident comes less than a week after a group of cyclists were hit by another car, killing three of the group.

Excerpt: Catalan Police have arrested a 26-year-old Colombian national for crimes against road safety, after she ploughed into a group of cyclists in the Riudoms area of Tarragona. The incident occurred at around 07:15 in the morning on the T-704 road, Read More ...

### Not Even Sexual Starvation is Justification!

A young man from Seville was arrested by the Guardia Civil after jumping 12 red lights and travelling at speeds in excess of 200 kilometres per hour. His excuse being sexual desperation!

The man had received a WhatsApp message from his girlfriend telling him that she was home alone for an hour as her parents had gone out, and the couple were keen to have sex.
The man quickly took to his car and raced towards his girlfriend’s house, skipping all the red lights on the way. He was spotted by a Guardia Civil patrol who gave chase, pursuing the vehicle for half an hour in an attempt to get him to stop, and at speeds in excess of 200 kilometres per hour.
The man did eventually stop and told the officers why he was acting as he did. He then began to cry and pleaded with the officers to let him go, as the couple had not had sex for some time, promising to return to them in an hour.
Whether the officers felt any compassion for his situation is unknown, however, it is known that they decline his request, taking him to the Guardia Civil headquarters where he was processed and faces court for crimes against road safety.
 

Excerpt: A young man from Seville was arrested by the Guardia Civil after jumping 12 red lights and travelling at speeds in excess of 200 kilometres per hour. His excuse being sexual desperation! The man had received a WhatsApp message from Read More ...

### Drunk Driver Kills 10 Month Old Son

On Thursday night in the Toledo town of Gerindote, a young mother killed her 10-month-old baby and injured her 7-year-old son, by, for reasons as yet unknown, choosing to get behind the wheel of her car whilst under the influence of alcohol.

The incident occurred at around dawn when the woman drove her car, without lights, along a road in the opposite direction than was allowed. After a short time, the vehicle collided with a lamppost.
Although the vehicle had a child seat fitted for the baby, the child was not strapped in and was killed in the impact. The second child was wearing a seatbelt and suffered minor injuries.
The mother tested positive for alcohol and was arrested. She was allowed to attend the funeral before being further detained.
 

Excerpt: On Thursday night in the Toledo town of Gerindote, a young mother killed her 10-month-old baby and injured her 7-year-old son, by, for reasons as yet unknown, choosing to get behind the wheel of her car whilst under the influence Read More ...

### Happy Birthday to the Guardia Civil

On the 13th of May, 1844, a Royal Decree gave the official birth of the Guardia Civil.

On the 28th of March, 1844, the historic moment change the future when, under the control of the Minister of War Manuel de Mazarredo, a “special armed forces body of Infantry and Cavalry” is created, given the name of the “Guardia Civil”, under the command of Field Marshal D. Francisco Javier Girón y Ezpeleta, II Duque de Ahumada.
The challenge facing the Duque de Ahumada was to set in motion an institution that is designed “to effectively protect people and property” and therefore the Guardia Civil would be formed.
On the 20th of April, 1844, the Duque de Ahumada produced a decisive report, for which budgets and payment plans were leaked and became a cause of controversy, before the previous decree, which had not even come into force, was repealed, thus being replaced by the definitive Real Decreto de 13 de mayo, presented by the government minister, D. Ramón María Narváez, and so giving birth to the Guardia Civil.
In etymological terms, “Guardia”, comes from the Gothic word “wardja”, and then from the Old German warten, meaning watch or guard. The word “civil” comes from the Latin civilis or citizen.
Initially The Guardia Civil was formed of 14 senior officers, 232 officers and 5769 guards, scattered in 14 Tercios, thus recovering a term of great tradition and prestige in Spanish military history because it refers to select units of the army. In each of these Tercios there would be a variable number of Infantry companies and a squadron (or Independent section) of cavalry.
In the summer of 1844, the first recruitment campaign began, with many more men applying for the positions than were available. Bearing in mind that it was the reserve of men at the time.
Today, popularly known as the Benemérita, the Guardia Civil remains a militarised body, with over 77,000 personnel, not only operating in Spain but in various military and peace keeping operations around the globe. Women are now welcomed into the corps, and also operate alongside their male counterparts with the utmost of equality.
The Guardia Civil have numerous different bodies responsible for everything from counter terrorism, Royal protection, divers, maritime and airborne patrols, mountain rescue, dogs, mounted section, bomb disposal, financial investigators, child protection and many more, not forgetting the traffic department who police the national road network of Spain.
Every day the men, women, and animals of the Guardia Civil put their lives on the line, still maintaining the original reason the corps was formed, to protect people and property, deservedly celebrating the birth of the corps on the 13th of May, and then their special day on October the 12th, Festividad de la Virgen del Pilar.

Excerpt: On the 13th of May, 1844, a Royal Decree gave the official birth of the Guardia Civil. On the 28th of March, 1844, the historic moment change the future when, under the control of the Minister of War Manuel de Read More ...

### Driver Arrested Six Times Over Alcohol Limit

A woman was detained by the police in Murcia after she registered a breathalyser reading which reported that she was six times over the maximum permitted limit.
The incident occurred on Wednesday on avenida Mariano Rojas. The officers first became suspicious when the driver reversed her car into one of the police motorbikes which was parked behind.

The officers conducted a breathalyser test which revealed the driver to be six times over the limit and so she was arrested on suspicion of a crime against road safety.

Excerpt: A woman was detained by the police in Murcia after she registered a breathalyser reading which reported that she was six times over the maximum permitted limit. The incident occurred on Wednesday on avenida Mariano Rojas. The officers first became Read More ...

### April Crime Figures Show Slight Decrease

In April, 231 drivers were arrested across the Valencia region alone and brought to justice through the courts for crimes against road safety, including driving without a licence or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and speeding, representing a decrease of 0.43% compared to the figures recorded in April 2016.

Serious road traffic infractions are treated under the penal code, with offenders facing prison. Of those who faced criminal proceedings, 53 were for driving without a permit or licence, 175 for doing so under the influence of alcohol or drugs and 3 for speeding.
In the province of Valencia, officers detected 26 drivers for lack of permit or licence, 92 for driving under the influence of alcohol and 2 for speeding, including two drivers traveling at 228 kilometres an hour in a section of road where the maximum permitted speed is 120.
In Castellon, 6 drivers went to court for driving without a licence or permit, and 17 for driving under the influence of alcohol.
In Alicante, 21 drivers were brought before the judge for lack of permit or licence, 66 for driving under the influence of alcohol and one for speeding, who was traveling at 189 kilometres per hour in a section limited to a maximum of 90.

Excerpt: In April, 231 drivers were arrested across the Valencia region alone and brought to justice through the courts for crimes against road safety, including driving without a licence or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and speeding, representing a Read More ...

### Third Cyclist Dies Following Weekend Carnage

One of the three cyclists who being treated in intensive care after being hit by a driver who tested positive for alcohol and drugs has died after four days of treatment.

José Antonio Albi, who was just 28 years of age, was operated on for head injuries to try to reduce neurological pressure. Meanwhile, two other cyclists remain in the ICU fighting for their lives.
The driver ran over five cyclists at the weekend and tested positive for alcohol and drugs. Her licence had already been withdrawn four years ago after testing positive for blood alcohol and failed to take the mandatory course required to revalidate the licence.
Raúl Ruedas, the lawyer for the defence, has said that his client was “in a state of shock” and was surprised when the Guardia Civil told her what she had done, as she didn´t remember anything.

Excerpt: One of the three cyclists who being treated in intensive care after being hit by a driver who tested positive for alcohol and drugs has died after four days of treatment. José Antonio Albi, who was just 28 years of Read More ...

### Kamikaze Drunk Driver Arrested on the AP-7

A driver was arrested this week for driving 20 kilometres in the opposite direction by the AP-7 motorway between Almussafes and Xeresa.

The incident occurred on Monday when the driver had taken the toll road in Xeresa and travelled several kilometres towards the Silla exit. However, before entering the payment area, the driver turned around and set off in the opposite direction on the same side he had just travelled, into oncoming traffic, several of which had to take evasive action to avoid a collision.
Guardia Civil officers, who were carrying out a routine patrol, pursued the vehicle for around 15 minutes before managing to block the path of the vehicle to prevent it continuing further.
Once the vehicle had stopped, the 41-year-old driver was tested for the presence of alcohol, which revealed him to be four times over the permitted maximum limit and with the presence of cocaine in his system.
The driver was arrested for crimes against road safety and transferred to Cullera, where he underwent a speedy trial in which he was sentenced to eight months in prison and withdrawal of his licence for 20 months.

Excerpt: A driver was arrested this week for driving 20 kilometres in the opposite direction by the AP-7 motorway between Almussafes and Xeresa. The incident occurred on Monday when the driver had taken the toll road in Xeresa and travelled several Read More ...

### Major Fire in Santa Pola Industrial Unit

A major fire broke out in an industrial unit in Santa Pola on Tuesday.
Fire crews from across the area attended the incident which totally destroyed one of the buildings.
Many people shared images and videos on social media as smoke could be seen from a considerable distance.
 

El espectacular incendio de #SantaPola ha dejado sin bomberos a #Crevillent y en #Elche se está llamando a efectivos que estaban librando pic.twitter.com/1fsDbbdwMk
— Onda Cero Elche (@OndaCeroElche) May 9, 2017


Todos los bomberos de servicio de #Elche y #Crevillent tratan de sofocar un incendio en una empresa de caucho del polígono de #SantaPola pic.twitter.com/QmQFOdB2HP
— Onda Cero Elche (@OndaCeroElche) May 9, 2017


Los ciudadanos de #SantaPola demandamos una solución ya y una dotación de #bomberos¿que tiene que pasar?#Alicante #Valencia #incendio pic.twitter.com/LFZ1OtAqLl
— andrea Pt (@andreapatilla) May 9, 2017

Excerpt: A major fire broke out in an industrial unit in Santa Pola on Tuesday. Fire crews from across the area attended the incident which totally destroyed one of the buildings. Many people shared images and...

### Drunk Driver Accidentally Delivers Himself to the Police

An apparent drunk driver met with a surprise end to his journey in Pamplona this weekend, by delivering himself to the police station.

The driver accidentally drove into the police station vehicle entrance, thinking it was a public multistory car park. Officers in the car park approached the alien vehicle to ascertain why it was in their private area.
The officers detected signs of alcohol use as the driver smelt like he had been drinking. They asked the driver to perform a breathalyser test, but he refused, thus automatically rendering himself under arrest, where the officers then discovered he was driving without a licence as it had been previously withdrawn.

Excerpt: An apparent drunk driver met with a surprise end to his journey in Pamplona this weekend, by delivering himself to the police station. The driver accidentally drove into the police station vehicle entrance, thinking it was a public multistory car Read More ...

### Blue Flag Beaches in the Alicante Province, 2017

This is the list of beaches across the Alicante province which obtained a Blue Flag for quality for the 2017/2018 period, in the inspections carried out last year.

Dénia
Les Bovetes
Les Marines
Molins
Punta Raset
Xàbia
La Grava
L´Arenal
La Granadella
Teulada
El Portet
L´Ampolla
Les Platgetes
Benissa
Cala Fustera
Benitatxell
Cala Moraig
Calp
La Fossa
Cantal Roig
Arenal Bol
Altea
La Roda
Cap Blanc
L´Alfàs del Pi
Racó de L´Albir
Benidorm
Llevant
Mal Pas
Ponent
Finestrat
La Cala
La Vila Joiosa
Varadero
Ciutat(Centro)
La Caleta
Bon Nou
Paradís
El Campello
Carrer de la Mar
Mutxavista
Alicante
Sant Joan
L’Albufereta
Postiguet
Saladar
Elx
El Altet
Arenales del Sol-Sur
La Marina
Carabassí
Les Pesqueres-El Rebollo
Santa Pola
Calas del Este
Varador
Llevant
Tamarit
Calas Santiago Bernabeu
Guardamar del Segura
La Roqueta
Centre
El Moncaio
Torrevieja
El Cura
Los Náufragos
Cala Piteras
Los Locos
La Mata (Sur)
Orihuela
Punta Prima
Cala Bosque (La Sénia)
La Caleta- Cabo Roig
Cala Capitán-Cabo Roig
Aguamarina
Campoamor
Barranco
Rubio
Cala Estaca
Cala Mosca
Pilar de la Horadada
Mil Palmeras
Jesuitas
Conde
Higuericas
The presentation of the flags will be made before the summer season and before the inspections for the 2018 Blue Flag.

Excerpt: This is the list of beaches across the Alicante province which obtained a Blue Flag for quality for the 2017/2018 period, in the inspections carried out last year. Dénia Les Bovetes Les Marines Molins...

### List of Blue Flag Beaches - Torrevieja - 2017

This is the list of beaches in Torrevieja which obtained a Blue Flag for quality for the 2017/2018 period, in the inspections carried out last year.

El Cura
Los Náufragos
Cala Piteras
Los Locos
La Mata (Sur)

The presentation of the flags will be made in July, just before the summer season and before the inspections for the 2018 Blue Flag.

### Work Related Traffic Fatalities Increase by 18%

In the latest figures looking at health and safety at work, road traffic incidents are the only cause of death for workers which increased in 2016, with 18% more fatalities than in 2015.

Of the 555,000 work-related incidents that occurred in 2016 in Spain, 63,400 of them were road traffic related, according to data from the National Institute of Health and Hygiene at Work (INSHT), an increase of 8% over the previous year. The data show that one in every three fatal incidents in the workplace were road traffic related, with a total of 204 people losing their lives, which means that 11.4% of occupational incidents cause 33.6% of the deaths, a very high mortality rate.
If we analyse the evolution by type of traffic incident, the deadly fatalities during the working day went from 72 in 2015 to 86 in 2016, which is 19% more. In total, 42% of fatal incidents occurred during the working day, and 58% on the way to work or back home.
Reducing occupational incidents in general, and traffic-related in particular is a task that involves the company, institutions and the workers themselves, with better training and information as the main axis of preventive policy. Currently, companies have a plan for the prevention of occupational risks for their employees, where they define their functions and the risks to which they are exposed within the performance of them. However, workers’ accidents are not only found in the workplace, but also in other areas, such as when the worker moves with his or her vehicle during the working day, and other times also linked to our professional activity,
In order to deal with these figures, RACE proposes that companies act from different fields, for example, by implementing mobility plans that take into account the state of employee mobility, workers’ itineraries and weak points on the safety of journeys.
These types of plans allow companies to know the mobility and risks of their workers, and that they implement the necessary tools for different specific corrective measures, aimed at reducing incidents.
To reduce this risk, RACE has launched a decalogue with advice for companies, workers and institutions so that, among all, we can increase prevention and reduce traffic incidents.
Decalogue to improve road safety for workers
Measures for the company

As a starting point, analyse the real mobility of its workers, their movements, travel times and major road problems.
There must be a commitment of the highest officials in the improvement of road safety for workers, including this new concept in the pillars of the corporate culture of the company.
Define the road risks of each worker according to the performance of their professional activity, with measures aimed both at the prevention of incidents during the working day and in commuting.
The company must put in place corrective measures, including a policy of continuous training, minimum levels of safety in corporate vehicles, and planning of working days involving road journeys.
Encourage respect for compliance with traffic regulations, especially on issues such as distractions, fatigue, driving times or route planning.

For employees

Employees must commit to the fulfilment of the knowledge provided by the formation of the company to prevent road risks.
They should plan their trips before starting them, consulting possible problems that may be found on long journeys as in every day (congestion, weather conditions, etc.)
Workers should be responsible for the mechanical maintenance of the vehicle they use, especially the condition of the tyres, lights and fluid levels.
A worker behind the wheel must maintain the necessary attention to traffic and traffic conditions, avoiding other non-driving activities.

For public administrations

Encourage the implementation of Mobility and Road Training Plans in companies through fiscal aid and course funding.

Excerpt: In the latest figures looking at health and safety at work, road traffic incidents are the only cause of death for workers which increased in 2016, with 18% more fatalities than in 2015. Of the 555,000 work-related incidents that occurred Read More ...

### Driver who Killed Cyclists has History of Drink Driving

The driver who ploughed into a group of cyclists this weekend has a history of drink driving offences.

The cyclists were riding in a group of six on Sunday morning in Xàbia (Alicante), when the car invaded the opposing lane, crashing into the group, which resulted in two of the cyclists being killed and three being hospitalised with serious injuries. The sixth managed to avoid being hit. Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver may have been distracted or fell asleep, most likely as a result of the cocktail of alcohol and drugs consumed.
The woman driving the car tested positive for alcohol and drugs after the incident and was remanded in custody, without bail, facing charges of two counts of reckless homicide, three of gross negligence and crimes against road safety, facing prison.
However, it was revealed that the driver had previously been found driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs in 2013, resulting in the loss of her licence at the time, later to be recovered.
Not only that, an investigation revealed that the driver managed to avoid three alcohol and drug roadblocks which were operating in the area, highlighting the importance once again of not sharing this information through social networks as if the driver was not aware of their placement, she could well have been identified as being drunk and drugged before the tragic incident which has destroyed so many lives.
 

Excerpt: The driver who ploughed into a group of cyclists this weekend has a history of drink driving offences. The cyclists were riding in a group of six on Sunday morning in Xàbia (Alicante), when the car invaded the opposing lane, Read More ...

### Torrevieja Mayor Helps the Police

The mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón (Los Verdes), hopes to finally facilitate the move of the Local Police Special Operations Group, GRO, who have been waiting to move out of their current location to a new site on the outskirts of the town for the last 7 months.

The problem was that the building, previously used as a tourist information office and even a film crew admin office as part of a campaign to launch the town as a movie location under the previous PP government, had accrued a debt of nearly 700 euro, as the town hall had never paid the mandatory IBI property tax.
The building is owned by the Ministry of Public Works, which obliged the town hall to pay off the debt for the years 2007 to 2016 when the property was used as a tourist office. 
The mayor explained that after seven months delay in trying to solve the problem, he “got tired of waiting” and therefore he “went and made the payment” out of his own pocket and therefore, “fixed the problem”, pointing out that there was “no other way”, and that summer is getting closer but the problem needed solving now.
As a pensioner, the mayor also gives up his regular salary for being a councillor, donating it to local charitable causes and associations.

Excerpt: The mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón (Los Verdes), hopes to finally facilitate the move of the Local Police Special Operations Group, GRO, who have been waiting to move out of their current location...

### Millions Admit to Criminal Activity on the Roads

More than 4.5 million motorists have admitted that they have driven on the roads of Spain and carried out a procedure that would constitute a criminal offence. That is the conclusion of a report by the Fundación Línea Directa on crimes against road safety between 2012 and 2015.

Criminal acts are the likes of driving with excessive alcohol or drugs, excessive speeding, or driving without a licence, for example, which would result in prison. The survey reveals that there is a serious lack of knowledge regarding criminal acts whilst driving and 9 million drivers are unaware that they can go to prison for this and almost 11 million do not know that, in particular, driving under the influence of drugs can lead to prison.
Beyond ignorance, these behaviours carry a much more serious problem in society, since they have a direct influence on the mortality and injury figures. In fact, it can be estimated that 14% of the total deaths in traffic incidents are due to the criminal conduct of another driver.
Crimes against traffic safety have become the most common in Spanish courts, accounting for 35% of all crimes committed in Spain. In fact, since 2008 almost 900,000 trials have been held for crimes against road safety, of which 650,000 have ended in condemnation. In this sense, the proportion of convictions has also experienced a great evolution in recent years, from 66% in 2008 to 85% in 2015.
This report analyses in depth more than 580,000 trials for road safety offences and around 450,000 convictions imposed between the years 2012 and 2015.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs accounts for more than 60% of all cases. They are followed by driving without a license (27%), causing a serious risk for driving (7%) or refusing to perform alcohol or drug tests (3.5%). With regard to actual admission to prison, the number of people detained for these crimes is currently around 1,200, with driving without a license (39%) and reckless homicide (22%) in the most common cases.
While men between the ages of 18 and 24 are the most recognised to have performed criminal practices, men between the ages of 41 and 50 are often those who have received the most convictions. In addition, potential offences such as speeding seem to be much more frequent than convictions indicate. Although 1.2 million motorists acknowledge that they have driven at more than 200 kilometres per hour, the sentences for this behaviour represent barely 0.6% of the total number of cases.
In Spain, 1.36% of drivers have been convicted of a crime against road safety in the last 4 years. Baleares, Murcia and Galicia are the regions that surpass the Spanish average, whereas on the opposite side of the scale are Cantabria, Extremadura and Aragon, with indices much lower than the Spanish average.
By type of crime, Catalonia is the Community with the highest proportion of speeding convictions and refusal to perform blood tests or drug detections. For its part, Baleares leads the ranking in driving offences under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Murcia, for driving without a licence.

Surprisingly, in spite of their high degree of ignorance, the vast majority of Spaniards (91%) are in favour of maintaining jail sentences for road safety offences, and 14% are committed to harden them even more. In addition, many people want to classify more conduct as crimes against road safety: 60% believe that taking children in the car without a child retention system should be a crime, 44% of drivers would include handling, manipulating or using a mobile phone whilst driving to be a criminal offence, and 34% of people believe that any positive rate in the breathalyser test should be a criminal act.
Also, despite the work of the prosecutors and judges, the perception of the Spanish population is that justice system is not the same for everyone. In fact, 83% believe that judgments against famous drivers are softer than they should be and 19% demand harsher penalties with celebrities than with other citizens, always with the aim of enhancing exemplarity in society.

Excerpt: More than 4.5 million motorists have admitted that they have driven on the roads of Spain and carried out a procedure that would constitute a criminal offence. That is the conclusion of a report by the Fundación Línea Directa on Read More ...

### Bank Manager Kidnapped

Officers from Alicante Local Police have arrested two people for allegedly kidnapping a bank manager.
The arrest was made in a bank branch in San Mateo, after the son of the victim reported that his father had been bundled into a car by two people.
The police launched a search, also alerting the local taxi drivers to be on the lookout, and quickly located a vehicle and occupants matching the description of that given by the son, near to the bank building.
As the officers entered the branch they located the victim accompanied by a male matching the description of one of the kidnappers. The victim then reported to the police that he had been kidnapped and threatened with death unless the ransom of 150,000 euro was released from the bank.
The police arrested the suspect, and a second man also believed to be involved. The two detainees, said to be of Belgian nationality, claim that their actions were as a result of their business becoming bankrupt and will now appear before the courts facing charges of kidnapping, threats and aggravated assault.

Excerpt: Officers from Alicante Local Police have arrested two people for allegedly kidnapping a bank manager. The arrest was made in a bank branch in San Mateo, after the son of the victim reported that...

### Prison Call for Desperate and Hungry Couple

The prosecutor has asked the courts in Alicante to sentence a couple to eight months in prison, after they were caught having entered a closed and locked supermarket grounds in order to recover out of date food from the rubbish to eat.
The incident dates back to October, 2015, when the couple, along with a third person who is considered a minor, allegedly broke the lock on a gate in order to enter the area and obtain the food from the rubbish. In doing so, they caused 28 euro damages to the lock.
The supermarket is not filing any claim against the pair, either for the dame or for the food which they consider “waste” and “worthless”, but the prosecutor is keen to ensure a custodial sentence is passed down.

Excerpt: The prosecutor has asked the courts in Alicante to sentence a couple to eight months in prison, after they were caught having entered a closed and locked supermarket grounds in order to recover out...

### N332 Goes Back to School

For our final presentation of the season, members of N332 visited the Phoenix International School in San Miguel de Salinas to give a road safety presentation to the students attending the school.

The team gave three presentations to three aged divided groups, with the younger pupils covering everything from the basics of crossing the road safely, wearing a seatbelt, riding a bike safely, and even having fun with new road safety campaigns, such as how to discourage grownups from using a mobile phone whilst driving. Meanwhile, the older attendees were given more in-depth information about the laws relating to traffic and safety, including scooters, riding bikes and their obligations under the law.
This is the last presentation before the busy summer season starts, but we have already secured a number of presentations in the autumn. If you are a local community-based group of 60 or more people and would like us to visit you, we have some timeslots available, email news@n332.es and we will see when we can arrange to visit your group and give a talk after the summer.

Excerpt: For our final presentation of the season, members of N332 visited the Phoenix International School in San Miguel de Salinas to give a road safety presentation to the students attending the school. The team gave three presentations to three aged Read More ...

### Teacher Acquitted of Sexual Assault

A court has acquitted a physical education teacher at a school in Finestrat (Alicante) who was accused of molesting five girls aged between 6 and 10 years old.

The tenth section of the Audiencia de Alicante justifies its decision on “the inadequacy of the statement of victims, excess generality and lack of specificity”.
Prosecutors asked for 30 years in prison and a ban on exercising activities related to education of children over 6 years. The prosecution argued that the defendant, who is 59 years old, had made several “attacks against sexual inviolability” of five girls attending classes during the school year of 2014. Specifically, the indictment the prosecution gathered that he had fondled and groped thighs, buttocks and breasts of some of the girls and had kissed and embraced them several times. The trial for these events was held in closed sessions to preserve the privacy of minors.
The teacher had admitted to “possible own body contact” but only to correct their movements in the practice of sport. The teacher also admitted to “some gesture of affection”, but always “within the limits acceptable socially, in the sense of  “a certain relationship of warmth and closeness between teachers and students.”
The judges believe that the testimonies of girls do not deny that version, they are very general and “may well tell absolutely standardised behaviours in the relationship between children and teachers with affection devoid of sexual connotations”. On the other hand, the judgment at the Supreme Court also highlights the lack of evidence.

Excerpt: A court has acquitted a physical education teacher at a school in Finestrat (Alicante) who was accused of molesting five girls aged between 6 and 10 years old. The tenth section of the Audiencia...

### Over 31,000 Speeders Caught

During the seven-day campaign focussing on speeding motorists, 581,294 vehicles were checked by the Guardia Civil, of which 31,086 were found breaking the law. However, the controls conducted by the various local and regional police forces need to be added to those figures.
The campaign ran between the 17th and 23rd of April, focussing mostly on the secondary road network, where the majority of serious and fatal incidents occur.
Four of the drivers caught face criminal proceedings as they exceeded the maximum permitted speed limit by more than 80 kilometres per hour.
Drivers caught speeding face fines of between 100 and 600 euro, plus the loss of between 2 and six points. Exceeding the speed limit by more than 60 kilometres per hour on urban roads, or 80 kilometres per hour on major roads, transfers the offence to criminal, with offenders facing between six to twelve months in prison, community service and the withdrawal of the licence for up to 4 years, in addition to a hefty fine.

Excerpt: During the seven-day campaign focussing on speeding motorists, 581,294 vehicles were checked by the Guardia Civil, of which 31,086 were found breaking the law. However, the controls conducted by the various local and regional police forces need to be added Read More ...

### Robbers who Preyed on Elderly Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil in Calpe (Alicante) have arrested two people accused of defrauding up to 9,000 euro for elderly victims.
Officers were conducting a routine patrol when they observed a young man with a foreign accent loitering near cash machines last Sunday. The man then spoke, in a foreign sounding accent, to an elderly person who was using the cash machine.
The young man was then observed entering the lobby of the bank, which was closed as it was a Sunday, but available for the purpose of using the cash machines, where he was seen speaking to another young man. These two then left the premises and walked in opposite directions.
The officers decided to stop the men to ascertain if anything suspicious had gone on and whilst searching the original young man found 2,000 euro in cash and a cash card which didn´t correspond to his name.
The officers then spoke to the older man who confirmed his identity, which was the same as that on the card. This man then identified the card as being his.
It is believed that the young man, now identified as being of French nationality, distracted the older man using the cash machine so as he could observe the pin being used, and then stole the card which had become trapped by a device attached to the machine.
Once detained, the two men were taken into custody and a vehicle they had been using, which was parked near the bank, was seized and searched. The officers found another 7,000 euro in 50 euro bills.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil in Calpe (Alicante) have arrested two people accused of defrauding up to 9,000 euro for elderly victims. Officers were conducting a routine patrol when they observed a young man...

### Hunt Launched for Hit and Run Scooter Rider

Officers from the Local Police in Alicante have launched a hunt for the driver of a moped involved in a hit and run incident in the city.
The incident occurred on Avenida Alfonso X el Sabio near to Calle Navas where the 51-year-old male pedestrian was knocked down whilst crossing the road at around 13:25 on Friday afternoon.

As a result of the incident, the man suffered serious injuries and was taken by a paramedic unit to Alicante hospital.
The moped fled the scene and so the officers are now scouring the extensive network of CCTV cameras in the city to locate the rider.
 

Excerpt: Officers from the Local Police in Alicante have launched a hunt for the driver of a moped involved in a hit and run incident in the city. The incident occurred on Avenida Alfonso X el Sabio near to Calle Navas where Read More ...

### Busy Weekend Ahead

The roads of Spain are expected to be particularly busy this weekend, as Monday is a national holiday, the day of the worker, and Tuesday is celebrated as a holiday in Madrid.

As such, the DGT has launched a special operation to ensure the safest flow of traffic between 15:00 on Friday and midnight on Monday night, Tuesday night in the case of Madrid. During this period, it is expected that there will be 6.5 million trips, which is 1.6 million more than the same period last year.
It is expected that the coastal and mountainous regions will be the busiest, as inland tourists leave their homes to take a long-weekend break.
Across the country, 25% of vehicle movements will focus on Madrid, 21% will be in the Murcia and Valencia regions. Friday is expected to be one of the busiest overall, as workers finish their jobs ad then head off on holiday. Saturday morning is also expected to be busy, as those unable to leave on Friday head away, and then Monday afternoon when they all return home.
In order to ease the flow of traffic, there will be a number of protocols implemented, such as restricting dangerous goods, and creating additional lanes to improve traffic movements. In addition, all unnecessary roadworks will be postponed until after the holiday.
All available resources will be utilised to monitor traffic, including all available Guardia Civil traffic officers, supported by an army of engineers and traffic experts. The DGT helicopters will be in the air monitoring the situation, and using Pegasus radar to enforce the law. There will also be an increase in surveillance on the roads, paying close attention to the most common contributing factors that result in traffic based incidents, inappropriate speed, alcohol and drugs, and distractions, as well as close monitoring of seatbelt use, and using the situation to monitor for all legal aspects of the vehicle and drivers, including carrying the correct documentation. .

Excerpt: The roads of Spain are expected to be particularly busy this weekend, as Monday is a national holiday, the day of the worker, and Tuesday is celebrated as a holiday in Madrid. As such, the DGT has launched a special Read More ...

### Dance Marathon - This Saturday

Thus Saturday you are invited to join in a spectacular dance marathon in Torrevieja.

The event is in honour of the Día Internacional de la Danza and will take place on Saturday, 29 April, between 4pm and 9pm at the Piscinas Naturales del Paseo Juan Aparicio, just by the sea at the North of the town. 

### Torrevieja Market to Finally Relocate

The local street market in Torrevieja (Alicante) will finally relocate to a new designated site away from the town centre.
The move has been pending for many years, but will finally take place on the 12th of May, relocating to a purpose-built area near to the local waterpark and hypermarket shopping centres.
Traditionally, the market, known to be one of the biggest in Europe, has been held on the streets which have had to be closed before, during and after the weekly event, and posing a risk to local residents due to lack of emergency service access.
Local buses have already had their routes redefined to take in the new location.

Excerpt: The local street market in Torrevieja (Alicante) will finally relocate to a new designated site away from the town centre. The move has been pending for many years, but will finally take place on the 12th of May, relocating to a purpose-built area near to the local waterpark and hypermarket shopping centres. Traditionally, the market, […]

### Alicante Bingo Hall Evacuated

Some 200 people were evacuated from a bingo hall in the centre of Alicante on Thursday after a fire broke out.
The city was celebrating a local holiday and so the venue was busier than normal, but luckily nobody was injured in the blaze attended by the local police and fire service.

Excerpt: Some 200 people were evacuated from a bingo hall in the centre of Alicante on Thursday after a fire broke out.
The city was celebrating a local holiday and so the venue was busier than normal, but luckily nobody was injured in the blaze attended by the...

### Callous Roadside Robbers Locked Up

Officers from the Guardia Civil have dismantled a group of robbers who would prey on innocent tourists along the A-7 motorway as it passes through Valencia, Castellón and Alicante.

Eight people have been arrested, and two others are under investigation, all aged between 25 and 32 and or Romanian nationality, accused of being involved in a criminal organisation that would commit robbery with force, violence, theft and false documentation.

Three raids were carried out in homes in Castellón where 6,635 euro, 2,550 pounds and 1,140 dirhams have been recovered, along with 11 high-end vehicles, 25 wristwatches, 15 suitcases, 17 bags, different pieces of Jewellery, 9 pairs of sunglasses, and 20 mobile phones.

Using their high-powered vehicles, the gang specialised in taking items from the interior of vehicles in service areas. Normally, they chose open, easily accessible car parks where would pick mostly elderly people and vehicles with foreign registration that were passing through.

One of the members would distract the victims by asking them for a place or an address while another member of the gang would open the door of the vehicle and remove the objects they had spotted inside.

On at least one occasion, the victim clung to a bag being stolen and was dragged several metres by the fleeing gang´s vehicle. On other occasions, they took advantage of the fact that the victim was sleeping inside the vehicle and would break the windows intending that fragments of glass would land on the victim, at which time they stole the effects.

It is also recorded that the same gang committed two robberies on the same person in a space of 20 minutes. This occurred in the service area of ​​Sagunto (Valencia), when a woman of foreign origin, along with her daughter, stopped their vehicle in order to rest, when the gang took advantage and stole the luggage from the interior of the vehicle. Whilst the victim was contacting the Guardia Civil for assistance, other members of the gang smashed the windows of the vehicle in order to remove another bag.
The gang will now appear before the courts in Valencia to be dealt with.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have dismantled a group of robbers who would prey on innocent tourists along the A-7 motorway as it passes through Valencia, Castellón and Alicante. Eight people have been arrested, and two others are under investigation, Read More ...

### Pegasus and the Bull

Rounding up bulls and herding them into areas they may not have intended to go may well feature heavily in Spanish culture, from such controversial spectacles as bull fighting or the infamous running of the bulls, but it might be that those cultural roots helped a distant “cowboy” direct a bull back to where it came from.
The unusualness of this story is that the said “cowboy”, or “bull herder” managed to direct a stray bull from danger and back into its field, despite being considerably far away… and airborne.

A DGT helicopter carrying out routine patrols with Pegasus radar equipment noticed that the bull had escaped from a nearby field and was wandering dangerously close to the road. The pilot, therefore, used the ultimate flying skills to direct the bull using the helicopter until it was safely back in its field and out of danger.
The incident occurred in the Leciñena area on the road heading towards Zaragoza, where cattle farms are common along the route.
No doubt the bull will have a story to tell to the other members of his herd, although whether they choose to believe him is another matter, but the danger was averted by the quick thinking and skilled pilot.

Excerpt: Rounding up bulls and herding them into areas they may not have intended to go may well feature heavily in Spanish culture, from such controversial spectacles as bull fighting or the infamous running of the bulls, but it might be Read More ...

### A long time ago on a road far far away!

A 24-year-old man from the Zamora area of Castile y León was arrested at the weekend, following a close encounter with unusual beings.
Officers from the Guardia Civil had set up a routine checkpoint on Saturday night, intent on carrying our checks on drivers, in particular for having consumed alcohol or drugs.
A vehicle approached the checkpoint and decided not to stop at the control, proceeding through the checkpoint and accelerating.
The officers took to their crafts and pursued the fleeing fugitive, eventually managing to bring the vehicle to a top and then approach the driver, who then duly explained to the officers, “I saw Jedis with light sabres”, and although he didn´t claim that earth had been invaded by beings from another world, he “thought I was in the middle of a film shoot so I decided to go fast.”
Despite the seemingly plausible explanation, the officers still decided to carry out the checks for alcohol and drugs and, surprisingly, found the driver to have consumed both, registering double the maximum permitted rate of alcohol, and positive for illegal drugs.
The driver was immediately detained and transported to the Death Star by shuttle craft, no, sorry, we mean he was locked in the back of a van and taken to the police station where he was to be brought before a judge for a crime for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, reckless driving, resistance to authority and for fleeing the Guardia Civil, even though he still maintains his innocence, although subsequently changing his previous excuse, as he “had no idea it was the authorities, I just saw lights following me and I thought they were Galactic Empire ships”.

Excerpt: A 24-year-old man from the Zamora area of Castile y León was arrested at the weekend, following a close encounter with unusual beings. Officers from the Guardia Civil had set up a routine checkpoint on Saturday night, intent on carrying Read More ...

### Easter Brings 29 Road Deaths

During the Easter weekend´s special traffic operation, 29 people lost their lives in as many incidents on the main road network of Spain.
Although this figure represents a decrease of 12 deaths compared to last year, it is still 29 too many people who have lost their lives.
The Director General of the DGT, Gregorio Serrano, expressed his “gratitude” to the DGT employees, officers of the Guardia Civil, the specialist technical and other operators of companies and the emergency services who worked during the special operation, which ran from Friday the 7th of April through to Monday of this week, as “their work and dedication has contributed to reducing the victims caused by traffic accidents.”
Serrano also thanked road users for their predominantly responsible behaviour during the period, an action that has undoubtedly contributed to the reduction of deaths due to traffic accidents. Despite this decline, Gregorio Serrano has stated that we cannot be complacent, and even if there is only one death on the roads, that too is too many.
During these ten and a half day period, there were 15.2 million long-distance displacements, 7.2% more than during the 2016 Easter holiday, which amounted to 14.2 million. It is the fourth consecutive year that road movements increase in this holiday period, standing at levels very similar to those recorded in Easter, 2008.
There was an increase in the number of fatal incidents than last year, but the number of deaths has been lower, 29 compared to 41, although we must take into account a fatal bus crash last year in Tarragona, in which 13 people were killed.

By area, Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla la Mancha, Castile y Leon and La Rioja all saw an increase in the number of incidents, whereas no deaths were recorded in the Canary Islands, Murcia and Navarre.

As for the type of roads, 26 people were killed on conventional roads, compared to 3 people losing their lives on motorways or highways.
The highest number of fatalities recorded by incident type was in vehicles leaving the road, with 13 people losing their lives this way, followed by head-on collisions, responsible for 5 deaths, the same as last year, and 2 people knocked over.
When we look at the vehicle type, we see that 14 people died in passenger cars, the same as last year, 7 were on motorbikes, an increase over last year, as was the case with cyclists, with 4 people being killed, 3 more than last year, although pedestrian fatalities were halved.
The majority of deaths occurred during the day, between 07:00 and 20:00, when 23 people were killed, compared to 6 who died overnight.
The age group where the majority of people died is those between 45 to 54, with 7 deaths, followed by the 55 to 64-year-old age group, with 6 deaths, and 5 deaths from the aged 35 to 44 group. During this period, nobody under the age of 14, or over 75, have lost their lives.
As we delve deeper into the incidents, we find that of the 16 deaths in passenger cars, 6 of those killed were not wearing a seatbelt. In addition, 1 of the cyclists who died was not wearing a helmet.
The tragic reality is that if we discount last year´s bus crash from the statistics, the figures are comparable, despite a widely publicised awareness campaign and an increase in surveillance. It is clear that the death toll could have been lower if seatbelts and safety devices are used, distractions are avoided, as with alcohol and drugs, and we all learn from the lessons that each of us has a responsibility on the road to zero fatalities.

Excerpt: During the Easter weekend´s special traffic operation, 29 people lost their lives in as many incidents on the main road network of Spain. Although this figure represents a decrease of 12 deaths compared to last year, it is still 29 Read More ...

### Buying a New Car – Your Rights

When you purchase a new car from a dealer, you have a certain level of peace of mind accompanying your purchase.
New cars are covered by a legal guarantee of 2 years without a mileage limit, whereas the manufacturer has to take care of the faults and breakdowns that have arisen with the car, so long as they are not caused by misuse, lack of maintenance or wear.
Factory defects are also covered by the legal guarantee, but in this case the claim must be made during the first six months from the date of delivery of the vehicle. After that time it is necessary to prove that the defect is actually caused at the manufacture stage and, for that, an expert report must be presented to prove it.
The Madrid-based Asociación Madrileña de Distribuidores de Automóviles (AMDA), also wants to advise owners that you also have consumer rights if you have to visit the workshop for these repairs. In the event that the vehicle suffers a fault covered by the warranty, the time spent in the workshop for repair will not count as part of the warranty period and that time will be added to the original date of termination of the warranty. It is necessary to request a receipt with the date of delivery and return of the vehicle, together with the repair report.
The buyer not only has rights when buying a car, but work carried out in authorised mechanic’s workshops are guaranteed, whether it is a maintenance check or a repair. It is however necessary to differentiate between two situations: when it is a repair covered by the legal guarantee, in this case the period of cover is six months; If it is a repair outside the warranty period, the workshop will be responsible for its work for three months or 2,000 kilometres.
Many manufacturers offer the option to optionally expand the warranty period. The conditions vary according to the manufacturers, the length of time, mileage, and what is covered. Therefore, the conditions must be read carefully.

Excerpt: When you purchase a new car from a dealer, you have a certain level of peace of mind accompanying your purchase. New cars are covered by a legal guarantee of 2 years without a mileage limit, whereas the manufacturer has Read More ...

### Intensified Checks on Speed Continue

Although the special traffic operation for the Easter break may be coming to a close, the intensified vigilance of the traffic police will be continuing this week, with a special focus on speed.

Between the 17th and 23rd of April, traffic officers from the Guardia Civil, assisted in other areas by officers from the local and regional police, will be carrying out intensified and random checks on speeding vehicles, predominantly on the conventional road network, where more serious incidents occur.
Inappropriate speed is one of the main contributing factors of road traffic incidents and fatalities, and as this is also one of the factors totally in the hands of drivers, education through enforcement, with fines and sanctions, often the only way of dealing with those who risk the lives of themselves and others through this action.

Some local police forces, including Torrevieja, have the use of specially equipped vehicles on loan from the DGT. These vehicles are equipped with radar and breathalyser equipment.

Officers on the ground will also be supported from the air, as the Pegasus equipped helicopters will be keeping a watchful eye, not only looking for speeding vehicles but other offences as well, and the network of traffic cameras will also be in use.
The ground officers will be operating new “dynamic controls”, which means they will be moving to different areas more frequently, so as to avoid the dissemination of information of their locations through social media and mobile apps.

Excerpt: Although the special traffic operation for the Easter break may be coming to a close, the intensified vigilance of the traffic police will be continuing this week, with a special focus on speed. Between the 17th and 23rd of April, Read More ...

### Smart Roundabouts Coming Soon?

Although roundabouts may be the cause of confusion and dread to some drivers, they provide a unique way of allowing traffic to flow freely thorough road intersections.
However, when the volume of traffic is too high for the layout of the road, congestion results in delays, which can end up with massive traffic jams.

Now, researchers from the UPV (Universidad Politécnica de Valencia) have come up with what they think is a revolutionary system to ease that congestion, by implanting sensors in the road that detect the passage of vehicles and determine when the volume of traffic is very high, which would then cause traffic lights to be activated to slow down vehicles on approach, allowing extra time for those in the area to manoeuvre through the roundabout, and, in some cases, stopping traffic on quieter roads to allow the congestion to ease.
The idea is to avoid situations in which the excessive entry of vehicles causes a general jam that prevents progress in any direction. With this system, it is possible to restore a normal traffic flow in a short time, managing the exceptional situations in a simple but effective way.
The system used, known as ramp meter, is already used successfully in some countries on access routes to motorways and main roads, restricting access when traffic on the main carriageway is too dense. Now, the system can be adapted and customised to the needs of roundabouts.

Excerpt: Although roundabouts may be the cause of confusion and dread to some drivers, they provide a unique way of allowing traffic to flow freely thorough road intersections. However, when the volume of traffic is too high for the layout of Read More ...

### Hundreds of Children Put at Risk

In the latest seven-day campaign that saw intensified surveillance for the use of seatbelts and child restraint systems, 240 children were found travelling in vehicles without any kind of safety retention system being used.

Of the 240 children found not secured in the vehicles, 64 of them were travelling in the front seats, where they are not permitted by law, although the law which dictates that they must be secured in the vehicle had already been ignored, so it is hardly surprising that the adults responsible would also be so blatant about that fact.
In the campaign which ran between the 13th and 19th of March, Guardia Civil traffic officers carried out checks on 341,845 vehicles, in which they detected 3,083 infractions, where drivers or passengers who did not make use of the regulatory retention system.
The campaign was also supported by regional and local police, who carried out their own checks, and Pegasus equipped helicopters from the DGT, monitoring from the air. These combined figures are still to be finalised and added to the total carried out by the traffic officers.
The data from the checks reveal that 99% of people who were caught not wearing a seatbelt were travelling on conventional roads, the type of road where 8 out of 10 road fatalities occur.
The seat belt is a basic and fundamental element of road safety, a life insurance. For this reason, its use is mandatory for all occupants of the vehicle and on all types of roads. In addition, the correct use of it is essential to fulfil the purpose for which it was created.
Children in Cars
Children measuring 135 cm in height or less must ride in the rear seats of a vehicle, irrespective of their age, and must sit in the correct and approved seat appropriate to their size and weight.
The Child Restraint Systems provide the best protection for a child when on board a vehicle. That is why the law dictates their use, in an attempt to enforce the maximum protection for children.
The use of child restraint systems reduces injuries by up to 75% in the event of a collision. According to data from the DGT, road traffic incidents are the leading cause of death amongst children under 14 years of age, and, tragically, 40% of those children who lose their lives wore no protection system, and, according to the statistics, could well be alive today.
The law also requires seats to be of an approved standard. Those which meet the minimum required standards carry an orange label, usually located at the rear, which guarantees that the seat has undergone a series of tests to prove safety and reliability.
The approval system is based on a European standard and EU regulation ECE-R44.03, which also ensures certain information is listed on the label.

Excerpt: In the latest seven-day campaign that saw intensified surveillance for the use of seatbelts and child restraint systems, 240 children were found travelling in vehicles without any kind of safety retention system being used. Of the 240 children found not Read More ...

### Guardia Civil Officers Beaten by Children

This week, members of the Guardia Civil faced their biggest challenge yet. Not because of the huge increase in traffic causing major headaches on the road, but because they returned to the Elche Children´s Home to try to win in their latest sports tournament.

Honour and dignity were at stake, as the officers were previously defeated by the children, and so with everything to gain or shame, they returned to the pitch.

Despite being one of the busiest times of year on the roads, the officers all took time out of their rest periods to play the game and lend their support to the home.

Thanks to the support of the sponsors of the N332 Project, the officers were able to present the children with new kit, footballs and equipment, as well as everything needed for a celebratory party afterwards, and, if the title didn´t give the result away already, the children were victors once more, beating the officers in this latest battle on the pitch.

No doubt they will return in the future, but for now, it looks like they will have to keep practicing if they have any hope of actually winning a game!

Excerpt: This week, members of the Guardia Civil faced their biggest challenge yet. Not because of the huge increase in traffic causing major headaches on the road, but because they returned to the Elche Children´s Home to try to win in Read More ...

### One in Four Cyclists Test Positive for Alcohol

Startling statistics produced by the Madrid Municipal Police have revealed that during their campaigns to test for cyclists who have consumed alcohol, one in four tested positive.
Since 2010, a total of 659 alcohol tests have been performed on cyclists, from which 166 were found to have exceeded the allowed maximum rate. The tests were carried out for various reasons, 599 were carried out in checkpoints, 43 after the cyclist was involved in a traffic accident and 17 for committing some other type of offence on the road. During the period, 4 cyclists refused to carry out the test.
The most commonly reported case is that of young people who are returning home after a night of partying, in which they have consumed alcohol and they decide to cycle home rather than drive their car. Although they may well believe they are acting responsibly by doing so, a bicycle is still a vehicle and can still have fatal consequences if involved in a collision. That said, it is also reported that some of those young people caught used the bicycle knowing it was an offence, but thought it more likely they would avoid being stopped on a bike.
The Municipal Police of Madrid perform daily breath tests on people who drive in all types of vehicles, including the bicycles, and during the last seven years, 25% of the cyclists who have submitted to them have tested positive.
The controls are performed in shifts in the morning, afternoon and evening, and take place in all districts of the capital. In addition, they are all random, so they can stop any type of vehicle and under any circumstances.

Excerpt: Startling statistics produced by the Madrid Municipal Police have revealed that during their campaigns to test for cyclists who have consumed alcohol, one in four tested positive. Since 2010, a total of 659 alcohol tests have been performed on cyclists, Read More ...

### Location of New Seatbelt-Spotting Traffic Cameras

Of the 225 new “smart” cameras, including the 200 new traffic cameras recently installed, which watch for such things as vehicle occupants wearing seatbelts, 19 are placed in the Valencia region, and of those, 5 are in the Alicante province.

Across Alicante, the cameras are located on the A-31, the N-340, the A-70 the, A-7 and the N-338. The specific locations are available on the DGT website, although we don´t feel the need to share that information as the point of the cameras is to encourage vehicle occupants to wear their seatbelt, and so we encourage seatbelt use at all times.
These cameras take a series of images which are then analysed by the computerised system. If the system believes it has identified an infraction, the images are sent to a human controller to confirm this, before automatically sending details of the offence to the vehicle owner.

Excerpt: Of the 225 new “smart” cameras, including the 200 new traffic cameras recently installed, which watch for such things as vehicle occupants wearing seatbelts, 19 are placed in the Valencia region, and of those, 5 are in the Alicante province. Read More ...

### Little Drummer Boy Caught

In a recent patrol by a Pegasus-equipped DGT helicopter, flying observers noticed a driver carrying out an unusual procedure behind the wheel, something they had never seen before, and, although the Pegasus cameras were perhaps not the fame and coverage he sought, the cameras recorded him with “two pieces of wood being used as drumsticks to beat the upper part of the steering wheel as if it were playing the drums to the rhythm of the music.”
The incident was recorded by a Lugo based officer as the vehicle was travelling along the A-6 motorway. The driver was spotted at kilometre 516 of the A-6, the motorway linking Madrid and A Coruña, as it passes through the province of Lugo.
The driver was observed beating his tune “for something more than a minute,” according to the officers, “which allowed him to travel a great distance on the motorway”, a distance where the driver was not fully in control of the vehicle.
To do this he had released both hands off the steering wheel, “to grab a stick in each of them, remaining in this attitude until he noticed that the helicopter was flying over his vehicle , at which point he ceased”, the officers reported.
However, his change of actions were too late, as he had already posed a significant risk and was subsequently reported for crimes against road safety, and was called to appear live on the stage known as court for processing.

Excerpt: In a recent patrol by a Pegasus-equipped DGT helicopter, flying observers noticed a driver carrying out an unusual procedure behind the wheel, something they had never seen before, and, although the Pegasus cameras were perhaps not the fame and coverage Read More ...

### N332 RoadWatch – Issue 6

Easter is here, and so are the countless tourists who are moving through the country, as one of the busiest times on the roads takes hold. In this issues, we look at the special operation that is taking place around the country, with advice on the busiest times to avoid.
It´s not only the Easter period, it´s also Hay Fever season, and so we look again at allergies and how they can cause problems when we are driving. We also look at other drugs too, especially how to recognise medication that we may not realise poses a risk.
The new mobile phone campaign launched by the DGT takes the lead however, as attempts are made to try and tackle an ever increasing problem, using mobiles and devices when driving, not just for making calls, but for WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and other social networks, all of which poses a significant risk.
You can read the eMagazine for free, right here, just scroll to the bottom of the article, or you can purchase the PDF to download to your own device by clicking the button below.

Buy and download

 
Here, you can read the eMagazine for free. Click to enter fullscreen mode.

Excerpt: Easter is here, and so are the countless tourists who are moving through the country, as one of the busiest times on the roads takes hold. In this issues, we look at the special operation that is taking place around Read More ...

### Warning over Breathalyser Scam

A warning has been issued over a fake notice that is being distributed through social media, warning that it is now mandatory for all vehicles in Spain to carry portable breathalysers.

Firstly, the notice regarding the mandatory requirements are totally fake. You do not have to carry any kind of alcohol detection equipment in your vehicle, and, therefore, you will not be fined if you don´t. There are also currently no plans for this rule to be implemented in Spain.
The adverts, warnings and notices are all a scam, aimed at encouraging innocent victims to visit a website, view falsified news reports, and then purchase the breathalysers direct from the supplier.

There is no evidence yet of anybody having actually been scammed, but it is only a matter of time before somebody does.
Remember, this notice is totally fake, you do not have to carry a breathalyser in Spain.

Excerpt: A warning has been issued over a fake notice that is being distributed through social media, warning that it is now mandatory for all vehicles in Spain to carry portable breathalysers. Firstly, the notice regarding the mandatory requirements are totally Read More ...

### European Road Statistics Published

The European Commission has published the latest accident figures for the whole European continent: 25,500 people died and 135,000 were seriously injured in road traffic incidents on European roads during 2016. This supposes a reduction of 2% in the number of deaths compared to the previous year, although the data is still considered provisional and so may change.

By country, Spain is the fourth country with the lowest number of deaths per million inhabitants (37), only behind Sweden (27), the United Kingdom (28) and the Netherlands (33) and well below the EU average of mortality on road (50). At the other extreme, the countries with the highest mortality are Bulgaria (99), Romania (97), Latvia (80) and Poland (79).
“After two years of immobility in the figures, 2016 has brought a return of the downward trend, in the last six years, fatalities decreased by 19%,” said community sources. However, although this trend in road accidents in the continent is described as encouraging, the same sources say that they “could be insufficient” to meet the goal set by the European Union to halve the number of fatalities between 2010 and 2020 .
“The statistics… show a significant improvement and constitute an excellent basis to continue working, but it is not a matter of numbers, but loss of lives and families affected by it. EU roadways and the number of seriously injured will be five times higher. I would like to invite all stakeholders to step up their efforts to halve the number of road fatalities between 2010 and 2020,” concluded Transport Commissioner, Violeta Bulc.

Excerpt: The European Commission has published the latest accident figures for the whole European continent: 25,500 people died and 135,000 were seriously injured in road traffic incidents on European roads during 2016. This supposes a reduction of 2% in the number Read More ...

### Crash Barriers to be Replaced

The Spanish Government has unanimously approved a motion calling for measures to improve the safety motorcycle riders, including the replacement of crash barriers with alternative deflection equipment in areas prone to high motorbike casualty figures.

The motion was presented by the Ciudadanos political group, and approved by 311 deputies from all political parties.
As well as on the national road network, instructions will be sent to local municipalities to ensure all roads comply with the new ruling.
The overall plan also calls for a further set of measures, such as identifying the most dangerous sections of roads and informing motorists of their location through all available means, improving the quality and maintenance of roads, reducing potholes, gravel and other obstacles and increasing the traction.
Finally, the proposal urged the promotion of training programs for drivers and bikers, as well as campaigns aimed at alerting all road users, including motorcyclists, of the dangers on mixed traffic, and urging everybody to drive within the confines of law, and with a more sensible attitude to all.

Excerpt: The Spanish Government has unanimously approved a motion calling for measures to improve the safety motorcycle riders, including the replacement of crash barriers with alternative deflection equipment in areas prone to high motorbike casualty figures. The motion was presented by Read More ...

### Preparing for Easter

As one of the busiest periods of the year on Spain´s roads gets underway, the DGT has launched a special operation to ensure the safest and smoothest flow of traffic, as the sharp increase in vehicles offers a potential for delays, incidents and other traffic problems.

The Plan
The special operation runs from 15:00 on Friday, April 7, until midnight on Monday the 17th, when approximately 14.8 million long-distance journeys are expected.
Unlike other vacation periods, in which the displacements are more staggered, during the Easter period a large number of movements take place in a very short period of time, with origins and similar destinations (tourist areas on the coast and mountain regions and second homes, this time areas of religious interest are also popular, thus generating a higher concentration of vehicles at designated times.
As a result, the operation is divided into two separate phases over the ten-day period. The first phase runs from 15:00 on Friday, 7 April and will end at midnight on Sunday 9 April. During Phase 1, it is anticipated that there will be 3.6 million trips.
The second phase, which is more important than the previous one due to the volume of vehicle movements along the entire road network, will start on Wednesday, April 12, except in the community of Catalonia that will begin the following day. Phase 2 will end at midnight on Monday, April 17, with the return operation that will take place from Saturday afternoon, will last throughout Sunday and Easter Monday, as some areas recognise the Monday as a holiday, such as the Balearics, Catalonia, Comunidad Valenciana, Navarra, Basque Country and La Rioja.
In the rest of the communities, although it is not a festive day, it is a non-school day for schoolchildren and university students, so it is expected that there will also be a significant amount of return movements towards the large urban centres.
As much as possible, if you do have to drive, avoid the busiest periods.

Safety Measures
In order to ensure a smoother flow of traffic, there will be a variety of procedures implemented, including the creation of temporary additional lanes in high volume areas, the cancellation of all none essential road works, restricting road closures due to sporting events, and restrictions on the movement of dangerous goods.
In addition, alternative routes will be planned and signposted, offering options to some of the most popular destinations, and ways of avoiding traffic queues. These routes can be seen on the DGT website, dgt.es, where you can also see a live overview of the national traffic situation, and adjust your route plans accordingly.
You can also use the DGT app, available from the Play Store and App Store, which also offers route and traffic information, and you can follow @informacionDGT on Twitter.
Monitoring the Flow
In order to maintain a safer network, all available officers from the Guardia Civil Traffic department will be on duty throughout the entire period, supported by more than 13,000 road workers, 800 technicians, and the support of other emergency services.
In the Spotlight
During this Easter period, traffic officers will be paying close attention to secondary roads, intensifying monitoring for some of the most dangerous practices, including speed, the wearing of seatbelts, the use of mobile phones, alcohol and drugs, illegal and dangerous overtaking, driving too close, and others. In fact, there will be a zero tolerance policy in place for alcohol and drug use, with random checkpoints in place throughout the period, day and night.
Other forces will be assisting in monitoring traffic too, with the DGT providing equipment such as radar cars to local police forces so they can monitor roads for speeding drivers, and have provided more equipment and training for alcohol and drugs checks at a local level.
Remember also that all vehicle occupants must be wearing a seatbelt. If no seatbelt is available, such as in the case of a back seat which only has two seatbelts, then a passenger cannot be carried. One seatbelt per person. Children under 1.35 metres are not allowed in the front seats, and all children must be properly restrained in a seat suitable to their height and weight. Adults must also be properly restrained, wearing the seatbelt correctly.
The officers on the ground will also be supported from the air, with all 12 of the DGT´s helicopters ready to take flight, including the 8 which are equipped with Pegasus monitoring equipment, looking for speeding and dangerous drivers, and for the use of seatbelts and mobile phones.
The new network of monitoring cameras will also be live, now issuing fines to those caught by these new watchful eyes.
Busier than Normal
It is expected that Easter this year will be even busier than previous operations, with an increase in vehicles and movements. There is also advice to consider if you actually need to use the car, and whether public transport might be a better option.
If you are going to take the car, always check the vehicle before any long journey, looking at the lights, tyres, windows and liquids. Plan your journey in advance, allowing plenty of time to reach your destination. Take plenty of breaks on long trips, take your time, stay calm, and enjoy the journey.

Excerpt: As one of the busiest periods of the year on Spain´s roads gets underway, the DGT has launched a special operation to ensure the safest and smoothest flow of traffic, as the sharp increase in vehicles offers a potential for Read More ...

### Spain Asks For Help Policing Foreign Drivers

Spain´s DGT has called for strengthened mechanisms to be implemented to simplify sanctions of foreign drivers, after Brussels denounces the lack of cooperation between countries.

DGT officials in Malta, where the EU High Level Road Safety Group meeting was held, said that “The volume of the [fines] that are processed makes the system [approved in a Community directive] insufficient in terms of efficiency and efficacy”, reporting that only 50% of the files opened end with the fine being paid, according to a Brussels report.
The request from the Spanish Government comes after a Commission report published late last year reproached the twenty-eight countries who had not “exploited the full potential” of the electronic system designed to exchange information on traffic offences. In this regard, Brussels denounced the lack of cooperation between countries. For example, Portugal, who does not exchange data.
The DGT want to take action against more dangerous foreign drivers who do not maintain the safety distance, carry out dangerous overtaking or parking, putting safety at risk. Three modalities that are not considered in the current Community directive, which only allows to provide data for speeding, failing to stop at a traffic light, riding without a helmet, the use of the mobile phones, not using the belt, driving in a prohibited lane, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“We are going to work to be the first,” said Gregorio Serrano, Director General of the DGT, after the EU published the latest data. “We are told at the meeting of the European Union that Spain is the fourth safest country in road safety. About traffic accidents. According to this report, Spain is still among the countries with the lowest rate of victims, although it has increased by 2% in 2016 compared to 2015. Last year, 37 deaths per million inhabitants were recorded, compared to 36 in the previous year – in 2010, they were 56 per million, which implies a decrease of 33%.

Excerpt: Spain´s DGT has called for strengthened mechanisms to be implemented to simplify sanctions of foreign drivers, after Brussels denounces the lack of cooperation between countries. DGT officials in Malta, where the EU High Level Road Safety Group meeting was held, Read More ...

### Torrevieja N-332 Widening Plan Faces Further Setback

Hopes for widening of the N-332 as it passes through Torrevieja have met the latest in a decade-long list of problems, this time because the project plan has been rejected by the Ministry of Public Works as it contains thirteen major deficiencies, and was submitted late.
Much of the N-332 was widened as part of a major road redevelopment plan, but the eight-kilometre stretch through Torrevieja was left without any significant changes to the road, where traffic far exceeds the capacity, especially during touristic seasons such as Easter and summer, where traffic is normally brought to a standstill, and incidents are a plenty, some with fatal consequences.
At the time, many politicians blames the ruling local PP for their lack of action in submitting the plans, a subject which then became a political battle point for the last ten years, without any actual action taking place to resolve it.
The regional government are responsible for submitting the project to central government, who will be footing the bill, on behalf of the municipality, which, in August of 2006 when this should have been done, were all run by the Partido Popular. Now, after a decade of political blame, the PP run central government have rejected the plan submitted by the socialist-led regional government on behalf of the coalition-run municipality.
The Mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón, has presented the problems to the press and explained how he has called for an urgent meeting with all levels of government involved, so that the problem can be resolved once and for all.
On this occasion, the eight-month-late project plan contains thirteen deficiencies, including “the lack of concretion of the land expropriated to carry out the works” and even the fact that the “necessary land is insufficient to execute it”.
The latest plan would see the road widened to just “a few metres from houses” in some places, which would cause “problems of acoustic impact”. Other locations are lacking any kind of adequate drainage and flood defence.
The government has set aside funds for the work, to the tune of a million euro per year, but still, without the correct project plan being in place, drivers will still face the same problems, albeit of an increasing magnitude, until the action can finally be resolved.

Excerpt: Hopes for widening of the N-332 as it passes through Torrevieja have met the latest in a decade-long list of problems, this time because the project plan has been rejected by the Ministry of Public Works as it contains thirteen Read More ...

### Facebook Live with N332 and Mas Amigos

Last week, the N332 team gave a talk to the Mas Amigos association in Torrevieja.
Mas Amigos is a group dedicated to supporting the local Nordic communities in and around the town, and had asked for a talk for their members.
Sadly, because of the size of the venue, many people were left on a waiting list, unable to attend the event in person, and so the group organisers came up with a solution to the problem, by broadcasting the entire talk live on Facebook.
That session was then not only watched by hundreds of people live, it is also recorded on Facebook for others to watch at their own convenience.

During the course of the talk, a little bit of background information on the N332 project was given, including the celebration of reaching over 90,000 likes on Facebook. However, during the course of the talk, that figure increased once more, with the Facebook page now having more than 100,000 people subscribing to regular updates.
If you would like to see the presentation yourself, we have embedded the video below.

 

Excerpt: Last week, the N332 team gave a talk to the Mas Amigos association in Torrevieja. Mas Amigos is a group dedicated to supporting the local Nordic communities in and around the town, and had asked for a talk for their Read More ...

### N332 Visits Torrevieja U3A

This week, members of N332 visited the U3A group in Torrevieja, to carry out what has become an annual talk with the members of this association.
The municipal meeting centre in Torrevieja played host to the event, with several hundred guests being treated to information about the latest changes in traffic law, and the preparations for Easter.

Excerpt: This week, members of N332 visited the U3A group in Torrevieja, to carry out what has become an annual talk with the members of this association. The municipal meeting centre in Torrevieja played host to the event, with several hundred Read More ...

### Torrevieja Has Another Minor Earthquake

Torrevieja once again felt a slight rumble on Wednesday, as a 1.7 magnitude earthquake was recorded off the coast.
According to the Spanish institute that monitors earthquakes, the tremor, with its epicentre just to the northeast in the sea, had an intensity of 2 struck at 12:48 local time, and was felt in various location in the municipality.

Excerpt: Torrevieja once again felt a slight rumble on Wednesday, as a 1.7 magnitude earthquake was recorded off the coast. According to the Spanish institute that monitors earthquakes, the tremor, with its epicentre just to the northeast in the sea, had an intensity of 2 struck at 12:48 local time, and was felt in various location

### Torrevieja Wants Businesses to be Pet Friendly

Torrevieja council wants more local businesses to welcome pets as a boost for trade and tourism, with 40 establishments already signed up for the authority’s ‘Pet Friendly’ scheme.
 
Animal welfare councillor Carmen Morate, and business councillor Manuela Osuna say that traders, including those who offer holiday accommodation, can get registered with the council and pick up more information.
 
Pet owners would then able to access participating businesses via the municipal website. 

Excerpt: Torrevieja council wants more local businesses to welcome pets as a boost for trade and tourism, with 40 establishments already signed up for the authority’s ‘Pet Friendly’ scheme.   Animal welfare councillor Carmen Morate, and business councillor Manuela Osuna say that traders, including those who offer holiday accommodation, can get registered with the council and pick up more information.

### Torrevieja Council Inherited ‘Financial disaster’ from PP

Torrevieja’s finance councillor, José Hurtado, says that the coalition authority inherited what he described as a “financial disaster” when they took over from the Partido Popular in the summer of 2015.
 
Hurtado claims that council budgets have been hamstrung by previous late payments and interest provisions, which has meant that the authority has had to cough up nine million euros over the last three years due to arrears and interest.
 
“The interest payments could have been used for the benefit of residents”, said Hurtado, who added that the figures would only get worse as he was only working on statistics up to December 2016. 

Excerpt: Torrevieja’s finance councillor, José Hurtado, says that the coalition authority inherited what he described as a “financial disaster” when they took over from the Partido Popular in the summer of 2015.   Hurtado claims that council budgets have been hamstrung by previous late payments and interest provisions, which has meant that the authority has had to cough up nine

### Driver Fined for Falsifying Disabled Permit

A court in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has condemned a 46-year-old woman to pay a fine of 540 euro, after the woman used a forged disabled parking badge to park her vehicle in places reserved for people with reduced mobility (PMR).

Officers from the local police were carrying out a check on vehicles parked at the Guanarteme Health Centre when they noticed the vehicle displaying the PMR in the windscreen, whilst parked in a reserved bay.
Having carried out routine checks, the officers concluded the card to be fake and reported the driver for the offences. The officers withdrew the card and filed the case with the courts, who issued a 200€ fine for illegally parking in a disabled bay, and a 340€ fine for falsifying the documents.

Excerpt: A court in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has condemned a 46-year-old woman to pay a fine of 540 euro, after the woman used a forged disabled parking badge to park her vehicle in places reserved for people with reduced Read More ...

### N332 Meets the No Smoking Club

Last week, members of the N332 team visited the No Smoking Club in Torrevieja, to give a presentation on road safety matters to their members.

The El Paraiso restaurant was packed out as the members attended the talk and met with the team.

This is the latest talk in the current schedule, which takes us through to Easter, before taking a break during the busy periods, to return in the autumn.

Excerpt: Last week, members of the N332 team visited the No Smoking Club in Torrevieja, to give a presentation on road safety matters to their members. The El Paraiso restaurant was packed out as the members attended the talk and met Read More ...

### New Campaign to Discourage Mobile Use

A new campaign has been launched by the DGT, aimed at attempting to raise awareness of the dangers of using a mobile phone, by using humour as their means of delivering the message.
The Minister of the Interior, Juan Ignacio Zoido, launched the campaign which is hoped will become a viral message spread through social media.
The campaign utilises the popular comedic skills of the comedy group Tricicle, formed of three actors, Joan Gracia, Paco Mir and Carles Sans, in order to deliver the very serious message of the danger of distractions during driving, especially the increasingly frequent use of the mobile phone.
 

Zoido said, “We want to universalize a simple, friendly and cordial gesture that serves to warn those drivers or pedestrians who are using their mobile phone while driving or crossing the road of the risk involved in using their phones”, and there is “no one better than Tricicle for expressing the message with a simple gesture”.
By utilising social media platforms it is hoped that the message will reach as many people as possible, especially as social media users are amongst a growing group who don’t realise that the problem is not only in talking to people on the phone, checking Facebook or Twitter on your device, for example, is equally dangerous.
A video has been released to accompany the campaign, with the simple message, “At the wheel, don’t use your mobile”, which is available on various social media accounts already.
Distractions cause 30% of all fatal incidents, so that at least 500 people die each year in traffic incidents where distraction appears as a concurrent factor. Among the most frequent distractions is the use of the mobile, an action that is classified as a very dangerous practice by 94% of drivers, according to the study of the RACC and, despite the danger 43% of all young people “WhatsApp” whilst driving, according to another survey of more than 6,000 young Europeans.
When dialling a number on a mobile phone in a vehicle travelling at 120 kilometres per hour, a distance of 429 metres is travelled, the equivalent of around 4 football fields. If we write a message, we travel 660 metres blind. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, using the mobile to send messages involves three forms of distraction: visual distraction while the eyes are reading the screen; Cognitive distraction, the mind is busy elaborating the message and manual distraction as the fingers are typing the letters or buttons. The combined result being that the actions multiply the possibility of an incident by 23 times.
“We have an important awareness ahead of the real risk of using the mobile while driving. Nothing is so urgent that I cannot wait a few minutes”, said Zoido.
Part of the campaign is encouraging anybody who witness drivers, or pedestrians crossing the road, to make a hand gesture indicating hanging up the phone, similar to a campaign from a few years ago that encourage a finger wag and the phrase “oi” to be used towards drivers.
More people have been seen making the gesture, including the Director General of the DGT, Gregorio Serrano, who posted his video on the official Facebook page.

Excerpt: A new campaign has been launched by the DGT, aimed at attempting to raise awareness of the dangers of using a mobile phone, by using humour as their means of delivering the message. The Minister of the Interior, Juan Ignacio Read More ...

### New Service Looks After the Pets of Injured Owners

It is a continual concern for many pet owners, especially those who live alone with only their beloved animal companion for company, what would happen if an incident results in the human being hospitalised because of a traffic collision or serious illness, and the animal being left home alone?

Ambulancias Lorca, a professional medical transport service based in Lorca in the Murcia Region, have answered the question with considerable reassurance, by launching this new service, called AMAR, which promises to look after the animals for free, until the owner is able to return to their home.
In the event of the animal being involved in the traffic incident, they will attend the scene and transport the animal to a safe place, such as a veterinary surgery or a designated animal hotel. In the more likely scenario of the pet being left home alone, they will arrange access to the property and provide the care needed, for as long as it’s needed, all for free.
The owner will receive daily updates to their mobile phone of the health and wellbeing of the animal, and the progress of the care being given, so as to give peace of mind to the owner that their companion is also in safe hands.
However, in the event of the owner passing away as a result of the incident which prompted their involvement, the group will also arrange for fostering and adoption of the animal.
The service, which is run by volunteers and supported by a multidisciplinary network of collaborators who will ensure the welfare of the animal at all times, is sadly only available in the area covered by this company, which is around Lorca, Águilas, Puerto Lumbreras, Totana and Aledo, known as “Área III de Salud de la Región de Murcia”.
 

Excerpt: It is a continual concern for many pet owners, especially those who live alone with only their beloved animal companion for company, what would happen if an incident results in the human being hospitalised because of a traffic collision or Read More ...

### New Cameras to keep a Watchful Eye by Easter

By Easter, road users in Spain will be more protected than ever, as an additional 200 smart cameras are activated around the country, looking for those using a mobile phone or other electronic device whilst driving, and those not wearing a seatbelt.

It was in January of this year that the Minister of the Interior, Juan Ignacio Zoido, announced before the Traffic Safety Commission of the Congress of Deputies, that the Traffic Directorate was to monitor the use of the seatbelts by installing these cameras.
The initiative is part of a plan by the DGT to reduce the number of incidents on the roads of the country, after data for 2016 revealed that the figures had risen for the first time in 13 years after a steady decline.
At that time, the Interior Minister stated that the location of these cameras would be made available to the public through the DGT website. Now, the opinion is once again changing to suggest that not making their whereabouts known would increase the number of offences recorded, and therefore would lead to more results by education through enforcement. Therefore, although the locations will be revealed publically, the exact location will be approximate, thus, hopefully, giving a wider coverage of vigilance where drivers act more responsibly over a larger distance.
The new equipment, may well also appear at locations where drivers may have become used to seeing none-enforcement cameras operating, and in other locations which have been protected by nothing more than warnings in the past, as the DGT becomes more aggressive in trying to clamp down on dangerous practices, as so many drivers themselves have failed to take action to reduce the risks themselves.
The more modern cameras take a series of images, several per second, from 500 metres away, which covers all occupants in the vehicle, automatically detecting infractions, such as the driver using a mobile phone or other device, and if all the occupants are wearing seatbelts or child restraints, in the case of children being carried.
The cameras are similar to those of speed controls but the system files seven evidential images which are then analysed by a computer. If the computer considers that an infringement is being committed, the penalty will ultimately be imposed following a human check of the images.
During the initial testing phase of these new cameras, if the cameras detect an infraction then the offender will be informed, by means of a letter, of the obligation to comply with road safety regulations. In the communication, the owner of the vehicle must identify the driver, in a process similar to that carried out with the fines.
This test phase for the new cameras will last only a short time as the DGT intends to start the official process of issuing fines in time for the Easter operations on the roads, one of the busiest times of the year.
By then, if you’re caught by a camera, the vehicle owner will automatically receive a 200 euro fine and will also entail the loss of three points.

Excerpt: By Easter, road users in Spain will be more protected than ever, as an additional 200 smart cameras are activated around the country, looking for those using a mobile phone or other electronic device whilst driving, and those not wearing Read More ...

### Always Wear your Seatbelt

All this week, including through the weekend, officers from the Guardia Civil, supported by colleagues from the National, Regional and Local Police, are keeping a watchful eye on the roads, paying particularly close attention to the wearing of seatbelts and correct child restraint systems.
The first point to make is that the statistics show how using a seatbelt reduces the risk of death by a half, a message repeated by countless authorities, experts and support organisation around the world.
It is also important to remember that children under 135 centimetres in height must sit in the rear seats, and be properly restrained in an appropriate, secured device. There are exceptions, such as if the vehicle doesn’t have rear seats, or if the rear seats are already occupied by children, but the rule is clear, children are not permitted in the front seats under normal circumstances.
In 2015, the last year of which completed data is registered, 22% (159) of those who lost their lives in cars or vans on interurban roads were not wearing a seatbelt. On urban roads, the figure was 19 out of 70 of those killed. Many of those people are most likely to still be alive today, had they been wearing a seatbelt.
The use of seatbelts and child restraints is compulsory for all occupants of a vehicle, on any route (either short or long) and on any road (urban or interurban).
It is a basic and fundamental element of road safety and its use has saved thousands of lives. According to several European Union studies, fastening the seat belt when travelling in a vehicle would save the lives of more than 7,000 people in the European Union each year.
Using the seatbelt in the front seats protects the occupants from getting thrown from the vehicle or impacting the dashboard. Using the seatbelt in the rear seats prevents the occupant impacting with the seat in front and causing further injury to other vehicle occupants. In a frontal impact, the likelihood that one occupant of the rear seats will mortally hit another passenger in the front seats is multiplied by eight
A frontal crash at 80 kilometres per hour, without wearing a seatbelt is often accompanied by death or serious injury.
The message is simple, always wear your seatbelt.

Excerpt: All this week, including through the weekend, officers from the Guardia Civil, supported by colleagues from the National, Regional and Local Police, are keeping a watchful eye on the roads, paying particularly close attention to the wearing of seatbelts and Read More ...

### And the Rain Came Down Again

Rain and high winds returned to lash the area for the third time in three months, after last week’s unseasonably mild weather broke on Sunday evening to bring another taste of misery across Alicante Province and the Mar Menor.
Alicante City saw the third highest rainfall in a single day since comprehensive records started to be kept in 1934. 137 litres of rain fell per square metre, equivalent to half of the annual total average rainfall. By comparison, levels were at around 40 litres per square metre across the Vega Baja, couple with strong winds, with gusts of up to 82 kilometres an hour recorded in Torrevieja on Monday, with localised flooding hitting parts of the region again, after similar incidents in December and January.
A 30-metre high communications mast in Pilar de la Horadada operated by Olé and Torresat collapsed(pictured), depriving thousands of people of internet, phone, and television services, with fortunately nobody being injured as the structure camer down. A identical collapse also happened to an Azuretel and TKO FM mast at Via Park on the Orihuela Costa.
Authorities in the Orihuela municipality dealt with 80 incidents in just six hours on Monday, including collapsing trees, walls, and billboards, whilst the Playas de Orihuela school on the Orihuela Costa sent students home on Monday due to flooding, with the facility closed again on Tuesday.
Avenida de Alfred Nobel in Torrevieja was closed on Monday due to the risk of an electricity pole falling on the road, and there were a stream of road closures in the city including in the Torretas area, whilst a palm tree collapsed damaging the works that were being carried on the La Mata walkway. A number of roads across the Vega Baja region remained closed well into Tuesday.
Boats were ripped away from their moorings at La Manga and Santiago de la Ribera on the Mar Menor, with a stack of rubbish containers, road signs, and even the steel door of a building on Calle Orihuela in San Javier being yanked off by the strong winds. The roof at Cartagena bus station was damaged as well as the one at Los Nietos railway station, whilst a five metre high wall collapsed at a Molina de Segura car park.

Excerpt: Rain and high winds returned to lash the area for the third time in three months, after last week’s unseasonably mild weather broke on Sunday evening to bring another taste of misery across Alicante Province and the Mar Menor. Alicante City saw the third highest rainfall in a single day since comprehensive records started to

### New Measures to Monitor ITV and Vehicle History

As part of the new wave of reforms aimed at modernising traffic monitoring and road safety, the DGT has announced the creation and propagation of a database of vehicle movements and history, which will then be checkable by future interested parties.
The technology behind this scheme will see camera installed around the road network, and at the entrances and exits of towns and cities, which will record the registration number of vehicles as they pass.
The database will also link to the ITV test reports, recording faults or issues, and will collate information from traffic incidents, crashes and repairs.
The maintenance schedule will not initially be mandatory, but will be based on a technological platform that will collect the digitized workshop sheets that record all the operations that are done on the vehicle. Because not all workshops have the appropriate computer technology, a deadline will be given for them to adapt.
In addition, to make drivers aware of the need to pass the ITV (between 1.5 and 2 million vehicles are currently believed to be on the roads without a valid certificate), the DGT will deploy intensive campaigns which will be repeated periodically.
At the moment, when speed detecting radars detect a vehicle that exceeds the speed limits, it automatically checks if the ITV has been passed and if it has mandatory insurance in place.
Now, according to Gregorio Serrano, the Director General of the DGT, it is a matter of taking one step further and will not only be controlled through the radars, but also with the licence plate readers that are installed in the vicinity of the roads and other points of the road network.
When they is detect that the vehicle has not passed the ITV or if it went for an inspection and failed, the DGT will automatically send a warning. If, on the second occasion, appropriate action has not been taken, the DGT will automatically issue a fine.

Excerpt: As part of the new wave of reforms aimed at modernising traffic monitoring and road safety, the DGT has announced the creation and propagation of a database of vehicle movements and history, which will then be checkable by future interested Read More ...

### Torrevieja Animal Shelter Expansion Plans

Torrevieja council is planning to spend 350 thousand euro on a new expanded municipal animal shelter.
Subject to approval of the authority’s 2017 budget, animal protection councillor Carmen Morate says that the current site would be redisgned and expanded with the land having an area of just over three thousand square metres.
There would be enclosures for cats and dogs, as well as facilities for horses, small animals, and birds. The shelter recently opened a new cattery, with outdoor and indoor areas, which has created by the volunteer workers at the facility.

Excerpt: Torrevieja council is planning to spend 350 thousand euro on a new expanded municipal animal shelter. Subject to approval of the authority’s 2017 budget, animal protection councillor Carmen Morate says that the current site would be redisgned and expanded with the land having an area of just over three thousand square metres. There would be

### Alicante Breaks Winter Weather Records

In the winter of 1878, on March the 2nd t be precise, Alicante city saw the hottest temperature ever recorded for the season, with thermometers registering 31 degrees.
According to the state meteorological office, AEMET, today, the 10th of March, 2017, at 12:50, temperatures peaked at 32.5 degrees, thus making today the hottest winter day in recorded history.
The only none summer day hotter than today was in 1988, during the spring, when the temperature reached 32.6 degrees, on the 25th of March.
The record temperature was brief however, dipping back down to a relatively chill 24.9 degrees half an hour later, thanks to a breeze cooling the air.

Excerpt: In the winter of 1878, on March the 2nd t be precise, Alicante city saw the hottest temperature ever recorded for the season, with thermometers registering 31 degrees. According to the state meteorological office, AEMET, today, the 10th of March, 2017, at 12:50, temperatures peaked at 32.5 degrees, thus making today the hottest winter day

### Increased Risk of Forest Fires

This week, we have seen forest fires locally at La Mata at the weekend, then at Santa Pola. The area is now on high alert for the risk of forest fires, even though it´s only March. In fact, collected data February has already revealed that, despite some downpours, the month was one degree warmer than normal, with very dry and dusty air.
It is believed that the majority of these fires are caused by human interaction, although seldom intentional, irresponsibility can lead to devastation.
In Spain, it is estimated that more than 80% of all forest fires are caused by humans. In America incidentally the figure is as many as 90%.
Through simple awareness and action we can all do something to reduce the risks of forest fires. Taking all your rubbish home and depositing it in a safe place is one easy task. You probably remember old TV public service announcements about how glass can start a fire, but any litter can be a contributing factor to fire.
Smoking paraphernalia is perhaps the worst contributor however. Throwing a smouldering match or an almost extinguished cigarette butt is a recipe for disaster. If you do smoke, make sure that you dispose of all of your smoking materials safely and correctly, not just on the ground.
There are a variety of processes implemented to try to reduce the risk of fire, including a ban during the hottest months on farmers and industrial locations starting controlled fires, and there are also fines for individuals caught risking the threat of fire, such as throwing a cigarette out the car window?
If you do throw a cigarette out of a car window, lit or otherwise, you could be risking the lives of many people as forest fires are relentless and run so easily out of control, therefore you will be fined on the spot if you are seen.
The law is quite clear, “No person in any vehicle shall throw or discharge from or upon any road or motorway or adjoining area, public or private, any lit or non lit cigarette”.
If you do get caught you face a fine of 200 euro and 4 points deducted from your license. Do it more than once and you are getting closer to a ban.
It might seem harsh and expensive, but when you consider the damage that can be caused by laziness or sometimes simple stupidity, you might soon realise that it is not expensive at all, so please don´t do it for everybody´s sake.

Excerpt: This week, we have seen forest fires locally at La Mata at the weekend, then at Santa Pola. The area is now on high alert for the risk of forest fires, even though it´s only March. In fact, collected data Read More ...

### Barcelona Bans Older Cars

In a meeting held this week, Barcelona has agreed to ban cars which are over 20 years old from driving on the road on working days in 40 municipalities.
The move is aimed at reducing pollution, as part of the government´s strategy to reduced emissions by 30% within 15 years, and by 10% in the next 5 years.
The restrictions will not come into force until 2019 however, when cars registered before 1997 and vans before 1994, will not be allowed to drive on working days.
Between now and 2019, plans will be made for the implementation of the scheme, including an awareness campaign, and strengthening public transport links in areas which may be considered deficient. The first stage of the plan will be presented before July of this year.

Excerpt: In a meeting held this week, Barcelona has agreed to ban cars which are over 20 years old from driving on the road on working days in 40 municipalities. The move is aimed at reducing pollution, as part of the Read More ...

### CCTV Shows Dramatic Petrol Station Crash

Dramatic footage from a CCTV system at a petrol station has been going viral through social networks, featuring a near catastrophic crash that ended with nothing but superficial damage.

In the video we see a Guardia Civil patrol car getting fuel at the roadside station. Some cars pass on the main road, before one car turns into the forecourt.

Immediately after we see an red car swerve into the petrol station, clip one of the pillars, and leave the shot.

At first glance, many people commented that the red car was at fault, as it was travelling too fast. Whereas inappropriate speed may have been a contributing factor, the quick reactions of the red car driver resulted in the avoidance of disaster.

On the main road, we see that a silver car is approaching in the opposite direction. This car begins a move to turn left into the petrol station, which would cross the path of the red car. The red car took evasive action to avoid this.

We also see that there is a solid white line on the road and, in the distance, the end of a no overtaking section clearly marked. The silver car should not have turned there and carried out an illegal move. It is also clear that the driver of the silver car failed to see or judge the approaching red car.

Excerpt: Dramatic footage from a CCTV system at a petrol station has been going viral through social networks, featuring a near catastrophic crash that ended with nothing but superficial damage. In the video we see a Guardia Civil patrol car getting Read More ...

### Children Found Trapped in Crashed Car with Dead Father at the Wheel

Two children, aged 5 and 6, and their 27-year old mother spent the night inside a crashed vehicle in the Valencia town of Montitxelo, trapped with their father, a 36-year old man, who had been killed in the crash.

An investigation is being carried out to determine what caused the tragedy, but the vehicle left the road and overturned in a field at night.
It wasn´t until the morning that the vehicle was located by an agricultural worker, who immediately called the emergency services.
When the rescuers arrived at the scene they found the mother trapped in the vehicle, along with the girl, with the young boy outside the car in a state of shock.
All of the survivors were transferred to hospital for treatment.

Excerpt: Two children, aged 5 and 6, and their 27-year old mother spent the night inside a crashed vehicle in the Valencia town of Montitxelo, trapped with their father, a 36-year old man, who had been killed in the crash. An Read More ...

### Notorious Santa Pola Junction to get Warning Signs

The Infrastructure Ministry of the Spanish Central Government has confirmed the installation of road signs to reinforce the warnings of the potential dangers of a notorious junction on the N-332 in Santa Pola.

The local council had requested action in January, wanting the installation of rumble strips and signs at the location near to an abandoned hotel at kilometre 88 of the N-332, where traffic crosses on a curve, with reduced visibility, in order to access and egress the town´s main through route.
The local council also wanted to divert drivers away from this junction, by recommending the use of the access road to the CV-865, which offers a much safer alternative than the current “black spot”.
The Ministry has declined the request for rumble strips as these are not compatible near residential areas, on account of the noise disturbance to residents. They have also declined the request to provide alternative route signs, as this is not possible under the technical regulations of road signage.
They will however install signs warning of the increased potential danger at the junction, so as to make more drivers aware of the need for taking extra precautions.
The location is still part of a planning proposal to revise the junction and make access safer, with a substantial budget already prepared, but the consultation has not yet taken place as other locations have been taking priority. Following the most recent incident only last week, the local council is asking for the government to give a higher priority to this project in order to prevent other serious incidents in the future.
No timescale has been given for the installation of the signs.

Excerpt: The Infrastructure Ministry of the Spanish Central Government has confirmed the installation of road signs to reinforce the warnings of the potential dangers of a notorious junction on the N-332 in Santa Pola. The local council had requested action in Read More ...

### Trailer Theft Gang Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a group allegedly responsible for a series of violent thefts of truck trailers across the Vega Baja, which they would subsequently sell in Madrid.

Two men and a woman have been arrested for the crimes, as well as allegedly being involved in drug trafficking.
The investigation began in August when the gang were thought to have been involved in the robbery of 24,000 euro from a currency exchange office on the Orihuela Costa. The offenders fled the scene on a motorbike.
Officers from Pilar de la Horadada identified the suspects in that case and related them to a series of thefts of two truck trailers from the Alicante town of Ibi, close to the A-7 motorway.
The officers then related the case to an organisation involved in trafficking drugs, including cocaine, hashish and marijuana.
During the raids in Torrevieja and Rojales, officers seized two high-end vehicles, each valued at 25,000 euro, two high-powered motorcycles, a large amount of cash, numerous electronic devices, including 12 mobile phones and a laptop. Officers also seized 640 grams of marijuana, 30 grams of cocaine and 50 grams of hashish, two indoor plantations of 130 plants, and a variety of drug related paraphernalia.
The two trucks were also recovered, before the gang had managed to take them to Madrid, with one of them already prepared with false plates and documentation, with licence plates stolen from Murcia.
Those arrested were two Spaniards, aged 30 and 28 years of age, and a 28-year-old Bulgarian from the Torrevieja and Rojales area. The two men were remanded in custody whilst the woman was released pending further investigations.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a group allegedly responsible for a series of violent thefts of truck trailers across the Vega Baja, which they would subsequently sell in Madrid. Two men and a woman have been arrested for Read More ...

### Mobile Phone Use on the Increase

Despite the warning, fines, threats and fatalities, the use of mobile phones whilst driving is on the increase. The invention of the smart phone hasn´t helped, with many people keen to constantly monitor and update their social network profiles, keep up to date with what their friends are doing, and make sure nothing is missed.
From the 1st of March in the UK, drivers using their mobile phone face even tougher fines than before, with a 200 pound fine and 6 points on their licence.
For new drivers the penalties are even tougher. If you´re caught using your mobile whilst driving in the first two-years after passing your test, it´s all over. You immediately lose your licence and face a retest.
Many people, including those who have fallen victim of drivers distracted using their mobile, may well argue that the penalties are still not severe enough. After all, despite mobile phone use fines being amongst the most popular issued, using the mobile is still not considered a problem by some.
In the UK, the awareness of the dangers of using a mobile fall under the “FATAL4”, where inappropriate speed, using mobile phones while driving, not wearing seatbelts and drinking or drug and driving are highlighted as being the four biggest contributors to fatal collisions. Of course, the point really is that the FATAL4 are all within the control of the driver, and so individual responsibility is paramount.
The action of “using a mobile phone” is also seemingly confusing for some, including here in Spain. Just because it is not near your ear, or you are holding in on “speaker” does not constitute safe practice, you are still using your mobile. The same applies to updating social media or using WhatsApp, the actions still cause distractions and are not allowed.
We must also remember that in Spain, the use of Bluetooth earpieces and headsets is also banned whilst driving. The only safe way of using a mobile is by having a true hands-free device in the vehicle, although still can still be a distraction.
Currently, if you´re caught using your mobile phone in Spain you face a 200 euro fine and the loss of 3 points.

Excerpt: Despite the warning, fines, threats and fatalities, the use of mobile phones whilst driving is on the increase. The invention of the smart phone hasn´t helped, with many people keen to constantly monitor and update their social network profiles, keep Read More ...

### The Brits are Still Coming – On Mass

Falling exchange rates and Brexit fears do not seem to be bothering UK tourists coming to the Costa Blanca, according to latest figures from the National Statistics Institute.
On the back of a record 2016 for foreign tourism, the January returns show a massive 32 percent hike in the number of British visitors coming to the Costa Blanca, compared to a year earlier.
The statistics for the first month of the year saw 401 thousand foreign visitors coming to the region, an overall rise over 12 months of 26 percent. UK tourists accounted for 128 thousand of the figure, with French visitors second at 66 thousand.
Murcia’s foreign visitors in January leapt up by 35 percent over a year, with 15 thousand British visitors accounting for 37 percent of the overall figure, some 11 percent more compared to January 2016.

Excerpt: Falling exchange rates and Brexit fears do not seem to be bothering UK tourists coming to the Costa Blanca, according to latest figures from the National Statistics Institute. On the back of a record 2016 for foreign tourism, the January returns show a massive 32 percent hike in the number of British visitors coming to

### The Cartagena Social Centre Receives a Talk from N332

Last week, Francisco Morales, a serving Guardia Civil traffic officer based in Torrevieja and the head of the N332 Facebook team, visited the Social Centre in Cartagena to give a talk on road safety to a group of young people.

The talk covered various aspects of using the road safely, including as a pedestrian, cyclist and a driver, as well as being given some background information on the Guardia Civil and their operations.

The talk was made possible through the use of equipment donated through the N332 Road Safety Project. In December, Al Andalus Car Hire and N332 joined together to provide the centre with a projector and screen along with a tripod for holding the projector, so that the children who study in the centre will have the opportunity of seeing presentations made by their teachers without the need to ask to borrow a projector from the Town Hall.
It is hoped that through such collaborations as this with the supporters of the project that the message of “Working together for safer roads” becomes embedded in people from an early age, and shows road safety, traffic policing and the Guardia Civil in a more positive light, setting them up for a brighter and safer future.

Excerpt: Last week, Francisco Morales, a serving Guardia Civil traffic officer based in Torrevieja and the head of the N332 Facebook team, visited the Social Centre in Cartagena to give a talk on road safety to a group of young people. Read More ...

### Seville Police Catch Dangerous Driver

Officers from the Local Police in Seville arrested a 34-year-old man for crimes against road safety, after he caused a car crash in which 2 women were injured on Sunday evening.
At first, the driver denied any kind of responsibility for the crash, which occurred in the Pino Montano area, and fled the scene and so the police were called to attend.
Several officers who were on duty for a special event attended, along with an ambulance, to find the man return five minutes later, having been warned by his wife to do so.
The officers first became suspicious when the wife then claimed that she was driving the vehicle, and were becoming increasingly concerned by the physical characteristics presented to them. The man was showing signs of intoxication and was becoming more and more agitated. He also had his right leg in plaster.
The officers conducted a breathalyser test and found him to be twice over the legal limit. The investigation at the scene revealed that excessive speed was the most likely initial cause of the crash, with the victim´s vehicle being shunted around 30 metres in the road. The two women in the vehicle were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
The conclusion of the investigation against the driver confirmed that excessive alcohol, having his leg in plaster and not holding a valid licence all contributed to the crash which now sees him before a judge facing criminal charges.

Excerpt: Officers from the Local Police in Seville arrested a 34-year-old man for crimes against road safety, after he caused a car crash in which 2 women were injured on Sunday evening. At first, the driver denied any kind of responsibility Read More ...

### Spanish Government Approves Blue Lights for All Emergency Vehicles

The Congressional Road Safety Commission have approved the move for all emergency service vehicles to use blue lights, rather than amber, in line with the EU.
Traditionally, only the security services such as the Guardia Civil and police would use blue lights when operating as priority vehicles, with ambulances, fire and other priority vehicles using orange lights, the same as slow moving or special vehicles, which some drivers found confusing.
The change has already been approved by previous congressional committees, in 2006, 2010 and 2011, but had not been previously implemented. Now, as the Spanish Government is in a stable position, the move received 37 votes in favour, with 2 abstentions, the intention being to improve road safety.
The committee also approved an awareness campaign for road users so that everybody is clear of the need to give way to priority vehicles displaying blue lights.
Irene Rivera, the deputy for the Ciudadanos political group, who had raised the motion, had highlighted that some emergency vehicles, such as fire tenders, had lost valuable minutes when attending emergencies, as some road users thought they were just garbage trucks or slow moving vehicles. Associations representing fire fighters and the Protección Civil had both asked for the change to be implemented.
At the same time, the committee approved an initiative proposed by the Partido Popular to raise awareness of the human responsibility factor, intending to promote self-awareness of an attitude towards zero tolerance towards risk and risky behaviour on the roads.
The PP´s deputy, Óscar Gamazo, highlighted that the biggest growing cause in road traffic incidents in Spain is distractions, mostly caused by the use of the mobile phone whilst driving. Meanwhile, alcohol and drug use also pose a significant problem, along with inappropriate speed, all of which are factors that the driver is responsible for, and the awareness should focus on the responsibility of all road users.

Excerpt: The Congressional Road Safety Commission have approved the move for all emergency service vehicles to use blue lights, rather than amber, in line with the EU. Traditionally, only the security services such as the Guardia Civil and police would use Read More ...

### Torrevieja Budget Looks Set to be Approved

Torrevieja’s coalition council seems almost certain to get the 2017 budget passed, just days after the two Ciudadanos councillors, Pilar Gómez Magán and Paqui Parra changed their minds on voting it down. The current government team would now get 14 votes, as opposed to the Partido Popular opposition only able to muster 11 votes.
 
Last week, Gómez Magán did not go into specifics as to why her party had pulled out of talks with the government team over supporting the budget, but she said that there was a “lack of confidence” in the governing coalition. She made a surprise appearance with Torrevieja mayor, José Manuel Dolon on Tuesday to sign a declaration of support, with the sole condition of the deal apparently being that the coalition council support 50 percent of proposals from Ciudadanos.
 
The two Sueña Torrevieja councillors, who quit the coalition in the autumn, had already declared that they would support the budget.

Excerpt: Torrevieja’s coalition council seems almost certain to get the 2017 budget passed, just days after the two Ciudadanos councillors, Pilar Gómez Magán and Paqui Parra changed their minds on voting it down. The current government team would now get 14 votes, as opposed to the Partido Popular opposition only able to muster 11 votes.   Last

### The Roundabout Crash Question Answered

The N332 Facebook team posted a video with a question, asking “Under the Spanish Traffic Law, who is at fault in this car accident? Why?”



Firstly, we must remember two basic rules, the first being that, in Spain, we always drive on the right, in fact as far right as possible, and we always have to leave the roundabout from the right-hand lane. We must also remember, as with all traffic rules, unless signs or signals tell us otherwise.
As we observe the road on approach to the roundabout we can see road signs and markings on the road. These signs tell us that vehicles should be in the right-hand lane, the normal driving lane, to turn right or continue straight ahead. 

The markings also tell us that vehicles should be in the left-hand lane if they want to turn left, or continue straight ahead. This layout is what UK-trained drivers would consider to be a normal practice, apart from the side of the road and the direction being reversed.

When enter the roundabout, we are in the left-hand lane still, the white car is in the right-hand lane. 

Both vehicles pass the first exit of the roundabout in those respective lanes. When we reach the second exit from the roundabout, the white car continues around the roundabout and the video-equipped car collides with it.

The white car was not indicating. Under Spanish law, there is no requirement to indicate until leaving the roundabout, therefore there is no requirement (in law) for the white car to be indicating. There is a concept known as a “courtesy indicator”, in which the white car could have indicated left to show the intention of continuing, but this is not required by law.
The white car can continue in that right-hand lane all the way around the roundabout, irrespective of which exit it intends to take. The right-hand lane is the normal driving lane.
The video-equipped vehicle is attempting to leave the roundabout from the left-hand lane. Whereas the markings on the approach to the roundabout did indicate that the vehicle should be in the left-hand lane, those markings we on the approach. We are still required to exit the roundabout from the right-hand lane (unless signs or signals tell us otherwise, in this case signs or signals on the roundabout, not on the approach).

The video-equipped car impacts the white car which is continuing in the normal driving lane.

The correct course of action should have been that once the video-equipped vehicle has passed the exit before the one the driver intends to use (or sooner), the driver should have carried out a manoeuvre to move into the right-hand lane, in this case behind the white vehicle, so as to have a clear exit route from the roundabout.
In this instance, the driver of the video-equipped vehicle was in the wrong lane.
The usual reason for determining lanes on approach to roundabouts like this is in order to improve traffic flow. The likelihood is, in this case, more traffic would be turning right, and so the right-hand approach lane could become more congested, by moving traffic intending to go left into the other lane, eases that congestion, but only on the approach. Normal roundabout rules still apply.

Excerpt: The N332 Facebook team posted a video with a question, asking “Under the Spanish Traffic Law, who is at fault in this car accident? Why?” Firstly, we must remember two basic rules, the first being that, in Spain, we always Read More ...

### New Trafico Office Opens in Elche

A new trafico office has opened in Elche, dealing with such matters as driving licence and vehicle documentation, as well as fines and sanctions, thus avoiding the previous requirement of visiting the office in Alicante.
Appointments can be booked through the DGT website, www.dgt.es, where you can choose the day and hour of your preference in the office located on Calle Fuensalida, number 5, 03293, Elche, Alicante (click the address for a link to the map).

The DGT hopes that the new office will reduce the waiting time and provide a better service to drivers, who had, in the past, often faced considerable delays in obtaining appointments.

Once you have selected the appointment section on the website (look for the button that resembles a calendar), then request an appointment (Solicitar Cita Previa en Jefaturas). You then have to choose your office (Selecciona una oficina), in this case Alicante/Alicant-Elche, and then the type of visit you are intending to carry out, office procedures (Trámites de oficina), Renewal of Drivers EU Licence (Renovación de permisos de conducción (solo UE/EEE)), Driving Licence Exchange (Canjes de permisos de conducción), or European Driving Licence Exchange (Canje de permiso de conducción europeo).
In the next stage, depending what you have selected previously, you will be given advice (in Spanish) as to what documents are required, and how to pay for your selected procedure. Once you have the information and documents, you can then click continue (Continuar) and fill in your personal details. Alternatively, you can nominate a person to represent you, in which case there is a section to add their details.
Then the computer system will then show you the available days and times of appointments, so you can choose the one that suits you best. At the beginning, appointments will be shown for the ten days following the day on which you request the appointment.
Once you have selected the day and time, the system will ask you to confirm the appointment and you can then set a reminder which shows the appointment details. In the event of having to change or cancel the appointment, you can do so through the system, or by calling 060 (in Spanish).

Excerpt: A new trafico office has opened in Elche, dealing with such matters as driving licence and vehicle documentation, as well as fines and sanctions, thus avoiding the previous requirement of visiting the office in Alicante. Appointments can be booked through Read More ...

### More Rumble Strips Being Installed

As part of the current wave of safety improvements to the roads of Spain, the DGT plans to install rumble strips along a further 3,000 kilometres of routes.
The rumble strips would be placed along the side of the road in places, so that if a vehicle begins to drift from the path, the driver would be alerted by the vibrations from the wheels.
These strips are also being installed in the centre of the carriageway in many places, so as to avoid head on collisions, similar to those already installed along the N-332 near Torrevieja.

There are a number of different ways in which these rumble strips are created. The most popular is to use a mixture of paint, plastic and glass spheres, which raises the road surface by 3 millimetres, and are highly reflective.
Other methods are cut into the tarmac or other road surface, providing a similar function to the painted strips, but easier to install in the first instance.

It is estimated that these lines would avoid more than 600 road traffic victims a year on secondary roads. In 2015, 971 people died on conventional roads and of these, 451 were on account of the vehicle straying from the lane.
However, not everybody appreciates the changes and the potential life-saving characteristics. A number of motorcycle groups have already come out in protest of the change, saying that these rumble strips pose an additional risk to motorcyclists, and, although they might save the lives of larger vehicle users, there is likely to be an increase in the number of motorbike related incidents as a result.
The plan for installing the rumble strips continues, despite the protests, with the first priority being given to roads with a higher number of incidents.

Excerpt: As part of the current wave of safety improvements to the roads of Spain, the DGT plans to install rumble strips along a further 3,000 kilometres of routes. The rumble strips would be placed along the side of the road Read More ...

### Keep Calm and Learn About your Car

In recent years, different safety devices such as blind spot detectors, autonomous emergency braking or parking sensors have been incorporated into vehicles, but the amount of information they provide and the number of systems that must be kept under control can also create an increase in the level of distraction whilst driving, especially when there is a lack of real understanding as to what each of the alerts and warnings may display.
There are many systems that help make driving safer. Most of them hide behind names and acronyms that not everyone understands. Systems like ABS, ESP, BAS, traction control or blind spot control are part of the elements that, little by little, have made their way in modern cars.
A recent study by RACE and Castrol revealed that the lack of knowledge about the operation of these technologies can have a negative effect on driving, as 6% of drivers become frightened by these systems, some 13% become stressed, and 25% report being distracted.
It is necessary to know the operation of each system to avoid that apprehensive feeling and anxiety caused by the use of technology that generates a continuous tension in the conduction known as ‘technological stress’. A cars cockpit has become less like a wheel and a few levers, and more like that of the Space Shuttle in recent years, and pilots are trained extensively in the use of their complex systems, a driver has to rely on a manual at best, assuming the driver actually bothers to read it of course.
That is the real solution however, read the manual, search You Tube, search the internet, and train yourself for every device on your vehicle. Do so before you take to the road, practice and prepare for the eventualities that might present themselves.
Also, according to RACC studies, ignorance or overconfidence in technology directly influence driving. Thus, if the system alerts the driver when exceeding the speed limit but the control is automatic, the driver can forget about the accelerator and cause excessive relaxation on fast roads.
For its part, Spanish and German researchers have developed a system that analyses the behaviour of the driver, and, based on the data collected (speed, changes of gear, acceleration, etc), makes a series of recommendations in real time, according to the Confederation National Driving School (CNAE).
What happens in the mind?
This stress caused by the technologies in the vehicle directly affects our psychophysical state. According to Luis Montoro, president of the Spanish Foundation for Road Safety, Fundación Española para la Seguridad Vial (FESVIAL), stress is a general process of adaptation to the environment whose problems appear when their level is very intense and is maintained for a long time. If the adaptation to this medium, in this case the technologies behind the wheel, is permanent, the mind cannot rest and, consequently, the body will perform negative actions.
Health and driving concentration have to be compatible to drive safely. With the changing mode of information and the constant advancement of telecommunications, it seems that you can never keep up with technological developments. According to Antonio Cano Vindel, president of the Spanish Society for the Study of Anxiety and Stress, driving stress depends on the level of knowledge. While learning to drive, a level of disturbance is generated and it has an impact on an emotion associated with stress, which is anxiety.
The amount of data that the driver can visualize and take into account while driving can fatigue you and, even worse, distract your attention by taking care of other data and taking your eyes off the road. Driving requires a level of concentration appropriate to the circumstances and any type of distraction can cause a road error with fatal consequences.

Excerpt: In recent years, different safety devices such as blind spot detectors, autonomous emergency braking or parking sensors have been incorporated into vehicles, but the amount of information they provide and the number of systems that must be kept under control Read More ...

### Keep your Number Plate Clear

The number plate on a vehicle serves as a unique visible indicator that allows for the identification of certain elements such as the vehicle´s owner, to those with access to the necessary database. For everyone else, it still serves to provide information which could be of use, such as the age of the vehicle if you are planning to purchase it, for example.
In Spain, number plates used to carry a distinction which identified where the vehicle was registered. This can still be seen on some older vehicles, such as the prefix “M” for Madrid, “A” for Alicante or “MU” for Murcia.
These days, the number plates don´t display those characteristics, but are formed by 4 numbers and 3 letters. If you check the DGT website, dgt.es, you will be able to see the current series of letters being used, which are JWP as of February, 2017. There are also apps available which will allow you to work back and show the age of a vehicle, or at least when the series in the number plate was being used. You can of course check the full vehicle history on the DGT website as well.
Normally, the number plate must be displayed, and in a fixed location such as the bumper, at both the front and rear of the vehicle. Some vehicles have special locations for the display of the rear number plate, which is also acceptable if that location is part of the original manufacturing specification and has been approved. Motorcycles and scooters (including microcars) must display their number plate at the rear.
There are very clear specifications for the number plate, in terms of the height of the characters for example, the colour, size and shape, all of which means that only certified manufacturers of number plates are allowed to make them. You are not allowed to simply take a piece of cardboard and colour it in with a crayon, for example. Tampering with the original number plate is also an offence. There have been countless occurrences of drivers attempting to mask the real number of their vehicle, sometimes using tape, sometimes using specialist sprays that claim to hide the numbers in the event of being snapped by a traffic camera. Whether these methods work or not is irrelevant, they are illegal.

These days, new acrylic number plates are replacing the old metal ones. The metal number plates soon faded in the sun, rendering them both useless and illegal, whereas the modern acrylic ones remain clear at all times. If you do have a metal number plate, especially if it is faded, you really must get them replaced immediately.

Metal number plates were also prone to damage. Sometimes an object may strike them and cause damage, and it was not unknown for children to occasionally inflict damage to them by bending them. Bending them back in shape often caused them to break. Their acrylic relatives are far more resilient to damage and bending, and last considerably longer.

The number plate must be visible at all times, day and night, and must not be obscured by anything, including dirt. At night, it must be illuminated. You are also not allowed to alter the number plate in any way, such as putting stickers or name tags on it for example. Only number plates which are certified for use in Spain can be used on vehicles registered in Spain.
That is why, if you are towing a trailer for example, you must replicate the vehicle´s number plate at the back, in addition to the unique number plate of the trailer, if applicable. If you are carrying items such as bicycles, they sometimes come with an additional holder for the number plate, as the original may not be visible when obscured by the carrying frame.
It is also why the traffic police have been able to fine a number of Catalan drivers recently, who, in their hope of independence from Spain, are installing number plated displaying the Catalan flag, and three-letter code “CAT”, which is not currently (if it ever will be) recognised in Spain, and therefore illegal.
The number plate is an essential element of the vehicle. They do allow for identification in the event of committing an offence, but also allow for identifying and locating a vehicle in the event of theft or damage. Keeping your number plates clean and clear is a must if you want to avoid being stopped and facing a fine, or worse.

Excerpt: The number plate on a vehicle serves as a unique visible indicator that allows for the identification of certain elements such as the vehicle´s owner, to those with access to the necessary database. For everyone else, it still serves to Read More ...

### New Tablets Take to the Streets

Traffic officers across Spain have been attending training courses over the past few months, to learn how to use their new tablet computers.

The new tablets replace their PDA digital assistants, and allow them to carry out even more administrative tasks at the roadside than ever before.
We have previously spoken about the actual models being issued, specifically the ZTE E8Q, which will be the standard tablet in use by traffic officers, the ZTE E9Q, which will be used by traffic officers specifically involved in such activities as testing drivers and major incidents, and the bulky but heavily protected KAZAM T-700, used by officers in mountainous regions, now the officers are getting to grips with actually using them.
They come with their own protective case, which clips the device to their belt and doubles up as a sun visor for the screen when being used outdoors, and a stylus for writing and obtaining signatures, for example.
.

The software allows them to check the details of both the vehicles and drivers, as they are linked to a central computer, and allows them to take detailed records of incidents and collisions, with photographs, in order to start the investigation process far quicker than ever before.
In addition, in the event of an officer recording an incident, that information is sent directly to the DGT traffic computer, which updates the road traffic information network, in real time, of the incident, lane closures and delays likely. That information is visible on the DGT´s own website, via dgt.es, is relayed to their own app, and, as we explained previously, is shared through the Waze and Google traffic information network, thus advising as many drivers as possible of the incident.
The device is linked via Bluetooth to a thermal printer, and so able to issue fines on the spot, and has an accompanying credit card machine which can take payment immediately, should an on-the-spot fine be appropriate.

Excerpt: Traffic officers across Spain have been attending training courses over the past few months, to learn how to use their new tablet computers. The new tablets replace their PDA digital assistants, and allow them to carry out even more administrative Read More ...

### N332 RoadWatch – Issue 05

Welcome to the latest edition of N332 RoadWatch eMagazine. Once again we have lots to tell you about in this issue, including our promised look at the new tablet computers being used by traffic officers across Spain. We have mentioned them already, but now they are in service, we have first-hand information as to what they can do. We give you the introduction in this edition, and in the future we will look at them in even more detail. The most important part for us though is that it allows for the sharing and disseminating of information far quicker than ever before.
Buy Now
We have visited a couple of associations to give talks on road safety, with more of those coming in March. As always, the talks prompt a number of questions, so we have answered those in this edition too, such as how many gas bottles can be carried, for example.
We have also got details about driving licences, in particular the benefits of changing your UK licence to a Spanish one if you are a resident, and we look at some more of the secret codes that reveal more about your driving status than you might realise.
Talking of licences, there are calls to have a similar points system for bicycles, whereas cyclists would lose points if they commit driving offences. An interesting concept perhaps, but not one of the easiest to enforce, you can read about the proposals inside.
This year might also be a significant one for the driving test, as experts predict that people born in this year may never have to take a test, as robotic and autonomous vehicle technology is already racing ahead, and so it is only a matter of time before the skill of driving is a thing of the past, perhaps.
Buy Now
Our friends at Ibex Insurance have provided us with an interesting article again this time, and we take a closer look at one of our other supporting businesses, Autos Direct, by use of a virtual tour. We even take you inside a vehicle, so long as you visit on the web that is, or in person obviously.
We have some of the most interesting news stories from around the world too, including a rather bizarre one from America where a driver is attempting to sue a mobile phone manufacturer for not preventing him from using his mobile when he crashed his car.
We also take a look at number plates, in particular the need to keep them clean and visible, how you must never tamper with them, and the benefits of new acrylic materials.
Well, we hope you enjoy this latest edition and the articles we have collated for you. Remember to keep visiting the website, n332.es, where new articles are posted regularly, and follow N332 on Facebook, if you don´t already, where almost 90,000 people are regularly kept updated.
Until next time, stay safe.
Buy Now

Excerpt: Welcome to the latest edition of N332 RoadWatch eMagazine. Once again we have lots to tell you about in this issue, including our promised look at the new tablet computers being used by traffic officers across Spain. We have mentioned Read More ...

### N332 Visits Help at Home, Orihuela Costa

This month, the N332 road safety roadshow met with the Torrevieja branch of RAFA, the Royal Air Force Association, and then last week, members of Help at Home, Orihuela Costa.

As usual, the attendees were given a wide range of advice regarding driving in Spain, including answers to some of the most popular questions which occur, such as the documents and items that must be carried, the reasons for exchanging a UK for Spanish driving licence, how a traffic patrol would stop a vehicle, and identifying unmarked police cars, amongst others.
The event concluded with a mini-presentation of crime prevention and home security from our partners, Securitas Direct.
The Help at Home charity shop is situated near Cala Mosca on the Orihuela Costa and offers a wide range of items for sale, with funds going towards helping the work that they do supporting others. Please call in the shop and browse around, if you are in the area, and ask for more information about their services.
The next N332 Road Safety Roadshow events are in March, but if you run a social or community group and can get around 50 or more people together, there are a limited number of dates available and we would be happy to attend your meeting to do the same. For more details, or to discuss this in more detail, you can send an email to news@n332.es.

Excerpt: This month, the N332 road safety roadshow met with the Torrevieja branch of RAFA, the Royal Air Force Association, and then last week, members of Help at Home, Orihuela Costa. As usual, the attendees were given a wide range of Read More ...

### Repeat Offenders have Vehicles Seized

The DGT in Ourense, a city in Galicia in north western Spain, has seized 22 vehicles from repeat offenders against road safety.
According to the public prosecutor, although seemingly extreme, the action has been taken on account of the severity of the number of repeat offences carried out. Each of the owners who have now lost their vehicles would have qualified for seizure by accumulating at least three consecutive convictions, in the two-year period, against road safety, such as high blood alcohol levels (more than 0.60 mg / litre), refusing to undergo screening tests, or driving without a valid licence, for example.
The majority of vehicles seized, 19 in total, have been scrapped, the remaining three are being stored as evidence on account of continual investigations being carried out.
The Guardia Civil in the area arrested 362 people in Ourense in 2016, all for serious offences against road safety. In the majority of cases, the offences were related to alcohol, with 204 drivers arrested for being sufficiently over the limit it constituted a criminal offence.
The offences related to driving licences, there were 146 complaints recorded, 61 of which were as a result of having lost all points, whereas in 44 cases the denunciations were for deprivation of the permit due to judicial sentences.

Excerpt: The DGT in Ourense, a city in Galicia in north western Spain, has seized 22 vehicles from repeat offenders against road safety. According to the public prosecutor, although seemingly extreme, the action has been taken on account of the severity Read More ...

### Driving Licence Codes List

On the back of your driving licence, you will see section number 12, which is where there may be a number of codes which are observations or restrictions that the driver must conform to, such as wearing spectacles for example.

Here are some of those codes. There may be minor regional differences in some cases.
01 – Eyesight correction, for example glasses or contact lenses
01.02 – Contact lenses
02 – Hearing/communication aid
03 – Prosthesis/Orthosis of the limbs
05 – Limited use due to medical reasons
05.01 – Limited to daytime journeys
05.02 – Limited to journeys within a set radius from the holder’s place of residence, or only inside a set city or region.
05.03 – Driving without passengers
05.04 – Limited to journeys with a speed not greater than a set limit
05.05 – Driving authorised only when accompanied by a holder of a driving licence
05.06 – Without a trailer
05.07 – No driving on motorways
05.08 – No alcohol
10 – Modified transmission
15 – Modified clutch
20 – Modified braking systems
25 – Modified accelerator systems
30 – Combined braking and accelerator systems (for licences issued before 28 November 2016)
31 – Pedal adaptations and pedal safeguards
32 – Combined service brake and accelerator systems
33 – Combined service brake, accelerator and steering systems
35 – Modified control layouts
40 – Modified steering
42 – Modified rear-view mirror(s)
43 – Modified driving seats
44 – Modifications to motorbikes
44.1 – Single operated brake
44.2 – Adapted front wheel brake
44.3 – Adapted rear wheel brake
44.4 – Adapted accelerator
44.5 – (Adjusted) manual transmission and manual clutch
44.6 – (Adjusted) rear-view mirror(s)
44.7 – (Adjusted) commands (direction indicators, braking light, etc)
44.8 – Seat height allowing the driver, in sitting position, to have two feet on the surface at the same time and balance the motorcycle during stopping and standing
44.11 – Adapted foot rest
44.12 – Adapted hand grip
45 – Motorbikes only with sidecar
46 – Tricycles only (for licences issued before 29 June 2014)
70 – Exchange of licence (also displaying part of your original licence number and country code)
71 – Duplicate of licence
78 – Restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission
79 – Restricted to vehicles in conformity with the specifications stated in brackets on your licence
79.2 – Restricted to category AM vehicles of the 3-wheel or light quadricycle type
79.3 – Restricted to tricycles
96 – Allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer where the trailer weighs at least 750kg, and the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer is between 3,500kg and 4,250kg
97 – Not allowed to drive category C1 vehicles which are required to have a tachograph fitted
101 – Not for hire or reward (that is, not to make a profit)
102 – Drawbar trailers only
103 – Subject to certificate of competence
105 – Vehicle not more than 5.5 metres long
106 – Restricted to vehicles with automatic transmissions
107 – Not more than 8,250 kilograms
108 – Subject to minimum age requirements
110 – Limited to transporting persons with restricted mobility
111 – Limited to 16 passenger seats
113 – Limited to 16 passenger seats except for automatics
114 – With any special controls required for safe driving
115 – Organ donor
118 – Start date is for earliest entitlement
119 – Weight limit for vehicle does not apply
121 – Restricted to conditions specified in the Secretary of State’s notice
122 – Valid on successful completion: Basic Moped Training Course 125 – tricycles only (for licences issued before 29 June 2014)
Country Codes
Country codes are used on the driving licence to indicate that the current licence has been exchanged for one previously issued in another country. You will find them as part of code 70 under section 12 on the back of the licence.
Australia – AUS
Austria – A
Barbados – BDS
Belgium – B
British Virgin Islands – VGB
Bulgaria – BG
Canada – CDN
Cyprus – CY
Czech Republic – CZ
Denmark – DK
Estonia – EST
Falkland Islands – FK
Faroe Islands – FO
Finland – FIN
France – F
Germany – D
Gibraltar – GBZ
Greece – GR
Guernsey – GBG
Hong Kong – HK
Hungary – H
Iceland- IS
Ireland – IRL
Isle of Man – GBM
Italy – I
Japan – J
Jersey – GBJ
Latvia – LV
Liechtenstein – FL
Lithuania – LT
Luxembourg – L
Malta – M
Monaco – MC
Netherlands – NL
New Zealand – NZ
Norway – N
Poland – PL
Portugal – P
Republic of Korea – ROK
Romania – RO
Singapore – SGP
Slovakia – SK
Slovenia – SLO
South Africa – ZA
Spain – E
Sweden – S
Switzerland – CH
United Kingdom – UK
Zimbabwe – ZW

Excerpt: On the back of your driving licence, you will see section number 12, which is where there may be a number of codes which are observations or restrictions that the driver must conform to, such as wearing spectacles for example. Read More ...

### New Restrictions to Improve Safety

The DGT has announced a range of measures they plan to implement this year, all aimed at reducing the number of fatalities and casualties from road traffic incidents.

One of the measures announced is expressly aimed at protecting cyclists, after figures show an increase in the number of incidents involving bicycles. The plan is to restrict the maximum permitted speed on certain roads and on certain days, at times when there is a possibility of an increase in the number of cyclists using the routes, such as Sunday mornings, for example.
Of course reducing the maximum speed limit still relies on the drivers adhering to the law and respecting the maximum speed limits, and so the risk is still an issue when drivers choose to ignore the law.
Some cyclists of course should also be made more aware of similar responsible driving methods, also respecting the road and traffic law, laws which are designed to protect life, and it is not uncommon that motorists become frustrated at the seemingly selfish attitude of a small number of cyclists who also fail to practice respect.
Stricter action against all road users will be an inevitable part of enforcing the restrictions, so whether motor-powered or leg-driven, traffic officers will be closely monitoring the roads looking for those who do offend.
Another restriction which will form part of the future model will be restricting the movement of certain trucks on conventional roads which have become “black spots”, providing alternative routes for these vehicles away from the most dangerous sections.
The information on these restrictions will be published on the DGT website, dgt.es, where new sections will be added periodically.
Overall, the measures are aimed at creating a safer environment for all vehicles to co-exist on the roads of Spain, and with the increase in the number of fatalities and injuries on the roads, these are the first steps towards reversing that trend on the “Road to Zero” fatalities.

Excerpt: The DGT has announced a range of measures they plan to implement this year, all aimed at reducing the number of fatalities and casualties from road traffic incidents. One of the measures announced is expressly aimed at protecting cyclists, after Read More ...

### Autos Direct San Miguel – One of our major partners

If you are looking to buy a car in Spain, or if you are in need of a repair and maintenance workshop, Autos Direct in San Miguel de Salinas is the only place you need.
They always have a great selection of cars available, changing constantly, and their workshop only uses the best diagnostic equipment and official parts.
They pride themselves on quality service and care, and that shows from the thousands of people they have dealt with over the years.
We have created a little virtual tour of their forecourt so you can have a browse around and see for yourself. Remember though, their stock is constantly changing, so you need to look at their website to check for vehicle availability.
Click the image below to visit the page with the virtual tour (you will find instructions on that page), and you can even brose their list of current vehicles live from within the tour window.
Please, also make sure you let them know that you are a friend of N332 when you visit them, so that they know where you found out about them.

Excerpt: If you are looking to buy a car in Spain, or if you are in need of a repair and maintenance workshop, Autos Direct in San Miguel de Salinas is the only place you need. They always have a great Read More ...

### Licence Points for Bicycles Proposed

The Spanish Royal Automobile Association, RACE, is proposing the extension of the driving licence points system to cover cyclists.
Whereas some users of other vehicles would welcome the change, often critical of cyclists they consider to act outside of the law, it is unlikely to be welcomed by the cyclist groups themselves, despite the actual motivation being the increase in the number of deaths on Spanish roads of cyclists.
Manuel Martín, spokesperson for cycling group ConBici, has already hit out at the plans, saying that is seems, “absolutely unfortunate that an entity like the RACE makes a proposal that is not valid in any country in the world”, adding that the implementation of this measure “would mean almost nobody would use a bicycle.”
RACE are also attempting to encourage a plan of coexistence on the road for both cars and bicycles, where both users are taken into account. ConBici recalled that cyclists are the victims and that cars are the most dangerous. “What you have to take action against is not in the bikes, but in the cars who are the ones that create the danger,” Martín reiterated.
RACE demands a greater commitment to reduce the incident rate of vulnerable users, with special attention to the group of motorists, who, in 2016, represented more than 40% of those killed during the weekends.
The association has pointed out that the points system has proven its usefulness in focussing efforts to reduce incidents, and that if it is extended to bicycles, the same focus and attention should be given, especially as at this moment a cyclist can take to the road with no training or awareness of the dangers they might come across, and not necessarily with an awareness of the laws which are aimed at protecting all road users.

Excerpt: The Spanish Royal Automobile Association, RACE, is proposing the extension of the driving licence points system to cover cyclists. Whereas some users of other vehicles would welcome the change, often critical of cyclists they consider to act outside of the Read More ...

### Virtual Look Around a Guardia Civil Motorbike

Would you like to try a Guardia Civil motorbike for size? Well, now you can, thanks to virtual reality.

Once loaded, click the window and move around the screen with your mouse, in a full, 360º environment. There are controls on the bottom left, if you would sooner use those, just click the little circle to open or close them, and if you have a device which is compatible, you can even view it with a virtual reality headset by clicking the link below the image.




You can also click here to enter fullscreen or VR mode on compatible devices.

Excerpt: Would you like to try a Guardia Civil motorbike for size? Well, now you can, thanks to virtual reality. Once loaded, click the window and move around the screen with your mouse, in a full, 360º environment. There are controls Read More ...

### N332 Meets RAFA

This week, the N332 road safety roadshow met with the Torrevieja branch of RAFA, the Royal Air Force Association.



The members were given a wide range of advice regarding driving in Spain, including answers to some of the most popular questions which occur, such as the documents and items that must be carried, roundabouts, how a traffic patrol would stop a vehicle, and identifying unmarked police cars, amongst others.
The event concluded with a mini-presentation of crime prevention and home security from our partners, Securitas Direct.
The next events are in March, but if you run a social or community group and can get around 50 or more people together, there are a limited number of dates available and we would be happy to attend your meeting to do the same. For more details, or to discuss this in more detail, you can send an email to news@n332.es.

Excerpt: This week, the N332 road safety roadshow met with the Torrevieja branch of RAFA, the Royal Air Force Association. The members were given a wide range of advice regarding driving in Spain, including answers to some of the most popular Read More ...

### The DGT Joins Waze

Spain has joined up with various traffic authorities around the globe to Waze, a traffic information and planning application, aimed at improving information and road safety.

Getting stuck in traffic is always frustrating, even for the calmest of drivers. Waze was designed to try to alleviate some of that pressure by asking fellow motorists to share information, thus making more people aware of issues such as delays and even obstructions in the road.
By connecting drivers to one another, they help people create local driving communities that work together to improve the quality of everyone’s daily driving. That might mean helping them avoid the frustration of sitting in traffic, or shaving five minutes off of their regular commute by showing them new routes they never even knew about.
After typing in your destination address, users just drive with the app open on their phone to passively contribute traffic and other road data, but they can also take a more active role by sharing road reports on accidents or any other hazards along the way, helping to give other users in the area a ‘heads-up’ about what’s to come.
Now, as the DGT joins Waze’s “Connected Citizens Program”, it puts Spain in line with such traffic authorities as Transport for London, ASFA (French Highways) and New York, as well as Barcelona, who were already part of the group.
The initiative sees the free exchange of traffic data between Waze and the DGT to improve traffic management and road safety.

The DGT, in its firm commitment to move towards advanced high value-added traffic management models, incorporates this new source of anonymised data from real-time users that enriches the available traffic data. Thanks to these new data sources, smarter management is possible from the Traffic Management Centres, both in detecting and transmitting incidents to improve circulation fluidity and safety.
You can download the app to your mobile device, just search for Waze in the app or play store. Remember though, when you are driving, you must not touch your device. Get your passenger to report problems, but at least you will be aware of what´s to come and have a totally free intelligent guidance system to help you to your destination safely and promptly.

Excerpt: Spain has joined up with various traffic authorities around the globe to Waze, a traffic information and planning application, aimed at improving information and road safety. Getting stuck in traffic is always frustrating, even for the calmest of drivers. Waze Read More ...

### Missing Victim in Motorway Crash

Emergency services were called to attend a traffic incident on the AP-7 motorway, and despite locating the vehicle, found nobody with it.
The incident occurred at kilometre 775 of the motorway in the Cartagena direction. Reports came to the emergency coordination centre that a foreign registered vehicle had crashed and overturned, then caught fire.
The fire and rescue service were first on the scene, having been directed from San Pedro, followed by the Guardia Civil and medics.
Upon examining the vehicle, the emergency services found nobody with it, although there was clear indications of at least one person being injured, as blood was visible inside the vehicle.
Having made the scene safe, the emergency services then spent the next few hours combing the surrounding area but still found no trace of a victim or victims.

Excerpt: Emergency services were called to attend a traffic incident on the AP-7 motorway, and despite locating the vehicle, found nobody with it. The incident occurred at kilometre 775 of the motorway in the Cartagena direction. Reports came to the emergency Read More ...

### At Last! Torrevieja Park Goes Legal!

Torrevieja council has said that 180 thousand euros of bills over materials for a suspended new park project in the El Chaparral and La Siesta area of the city have been put into the hands of a judge. The four-party coalition running the authority claim that there were improprieties over orders and contracts under the previous Partido Popular-run council.
Torrevieja’s employment councillor, Víctor Ferrández (pictured), speaking on Monday, said amongst the issues were a falsified signature on a contract and that no formal documentation had been found for the project
48 people from the Mediterraneo employment workshop had been involved with the 40 thousand square metre area which should have been finished at the end of 2015, with skateboard facilities, and water fountains, as part of the reinvigoration of a former piece of wasteland.
Before local elections in May 2015, the PP-run council claimed that the project was all running to schedule and would be finished before the end of that year, but was halted by the new coalition authority who said that invoices for materials were not produced and the project had run out of money.
Last October, PP Councillor Carmen Gómez submitted a motion calling on the council to make provision for the completion of the project to be paid for by the 2017 budget. She said that over 2,400 La Siesta and El Chaparral residents had signed a petition calling on the work to be completed. Gómez said this week that the latest developments all pointed to the “incompetence” of the coalition-run council.

Excerpt: Torrevieja council has said that 180 thousand euros of bills over materials for a suspended new park project in the El Chaparral and La Siesta area of the city have been put into the hands of a judge. The four-party coalition running the authority claim that there were improprieties over orders and contracts under the

### Foreign Visitors Hit with Number Plate Fine!

The number plates are the only tool available to allow the immediate identification of the owner and status of a vehicle.
They must be correctly fitted to the front and rear (some vehicles are exempt from displaying the front number plate), and they must be clear, clean and visible, and illuminated at night.
It is also illegal to allow anything to interfere with the visibility of the number plate.
Some of this may seem like obvious advice, but it is sometimes advice which is forgotten, apparently especially after a long journey, say from the Far East. That is perhaps the only mitigation, although it is not an excuse, why the Three Kings were fined for driving through the town of Mázarron without displaying the number plates on the back of their floats.
The officers who handed out the 1,200 euro fine needn´t worry about getting coal next year, because no doubt the Kings will realise that nobody is above the law, even visitors from a faraway land, and the police acted correctly.

Excerpt: The number plates are the only tool available to allow the immediate identification of the owner and status of a vehicle. They must be correctly fitted to the front and rear (some vehicles are exempt from displaying the front number Read More ...

### Tourist Toppers

Spain has smashed the record for visits from foreign tourists last year, with a total of 71 and a half million visitors, and that’s before figures for December are factored in early next month! In November alone, four point one million foreign visitors arrived in Spain, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE).
Up to the end of November, British tourists led the numbers with nearly 17 million visitors, representing 23.7 percent of the total and a year-on-year increase of 12.3 percent. French visitors were the second-largest national group, with 10.8 million travelling to Spain – up by seven percent on the same period in 2015 – followed by Germans, who totalled 10.7 million, up by just over six percent.
Catalunya continues to be the number one destination in Spain, accounting for 23.8 percent of the total number of foreign visitors standing at 17 million, rising by just under four per cent in a year, whilst the Valencia region, including the Costa Blanca, saw a bumper 17 percent hike, with seven point four million tourists.
In keeping with the increased foreign visitors, spending by them in the Valencia region and Costa Blanca leapt up by 30 percent in November compared to the same month in 2015, whilst the overall Spanish figure went up by eight percent, with British spending nationally accounting for over 18 percent of the total.

Excerpt: Spain has smashed the record for visits from foreign tourists last year, with a total of 71 and a half million visitors, and that’s before figures for December are factored in early next month! In November alone, four point one million foreign visitors arrived in Spain, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE). Up

### Fleeing Kamikaze Driver Rams Patrol Car

A driver who was traveling the wrong way on the A-92 motorway crashed into two Guardia Civil patrol cars who had stopped the vehicle to prevent a bigger tragedy.

The incident occurred on Saturday morning on the Almería to Fiñana road in the Guadix area.
Having brought the dangerous vehicle to a halt, the officers proceeded to try to identify the driver and ascertain the reason for the mistake.
The driver took advantage of the officers also having stopped and rammed their two patrol cars as he fled the scene.
The vehicle was stopped by the impact of this crash and the driver was taken to the hospital in Guadix, where he will be dealt with for the offences.

Excerpt: A driver who was traveling the wrong way on the A-92 motorway crashed into two Guardia Civil patrol cars who had stopped the vehicle to prevent a bigger tragedy. The incident occurred on Saturday morning on the Almería to Fiñana Read More ...

### Dangerous Monkey Search Launched

The Guardia Civil is asking for assistance in locating 42 monkeys, which may be located in the Alicante province, having been illegally smuggled into the country last year.
However, the search is now far more serious than first thought, as not only were the monkeys smuggled into the country illegally, tests have proven that one of them which was already seized is carrying the HIV virus, and so they now pose a significant risk to human health.
The original operation took place in October when officers located 25 of a shipment of 67 monkeys. Of those which they located, 20 were alive and were taken to animal rescue centres, including the AAP Primadomus de Villena, and the Arca de Noé, both in the Alicante province.
Once settled into the centres, tests were carried out on the creatures in order to analyse their health and welfare. Those checks have already found that one of the specimens is carrying the HIV virus. The results of second tests are still outstanding as they have to be done six-weeks after the first, and will be conducted in a second laboratory to ensure compliance.
Officers in charge of the operation are aware of the 42 primates which are still missing, and are urging anybody who may have come across a monkey, or may be aware of their presence, to contact them urgently.
Despite requiring licences, it is not uncommon for exotic animals to be given as gifts at this time of year, which is why the officers are becoming increasingly concerned. The risk to the public is considered severe if an infected animal manages to spread the virus.
Searches have already been carried out in a number of establishments known to trade in exotic species, including in areas such as Elche, Torrellano, and Algueña Agost in Alicante, as well as further afield such as in Seville, Almeria and Albacete.
The officers warn that a veterinary certificate does not guarantee the legality, origin or sanitary control of the animal and in some cases are known to be fakes.
If you are in possession of a prohibited animal, or know someone in that situation species, firstly use extreme caution when interacting with any type of primate, and contact the environmental department of the Guardia Civil, SEPRONA.
The Guardia Civil can be contacted by telephone on 062, or, in the event that you don´t speak Spanish, the 112 emergency coordination centre speak a variety of languages. You can also report to your nearest Guardia Civil station, or ask the local police for assistance, requesting that they contact SEPRONA.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil is asking for assistance in locating 42 monkeys, which may be located in the Alicante province, having been illegally smuggled into the country last year. However, the search is now far more serious than first thought, as not only were the monkeys smuggled into the country illegally, tests have proven that one

### Search Launched to Locate Infected Monkeys

The Guardia Civil is asking for assistance in locating 42 monkeys, which may be located in the Alicante province, having been illegally smuggled into the country last year.
However, the search is now far more serious than first thought, as not only were the monkeys smuggled into the country illegally, tests have proven that one of them which was already seized is carrying the HIV virus, and so they now pose a significant risk to human health.
The original operation took place in October when officers located 25 of a shipment of 67 monkeys. Of those which they located, 20 were alive and were taken to animal rescue centres, including the AAP Primadomus de Villena, and the Arca de Noé, both in the Alicante province.
Once settled into the centres, tests were carried out on the creatures in order to analyse their health and welfare. Those checks have already found that one of the specimens is carrying the HIV virus. The results of second tests are still outstanding as they have to be done six-weeks after the first, and will be conducted in a second laboratory to ensure compliance.
Officers in charge of the operation are aware of the 42 primates which are still missing, and are urging anybody who may have come across a monkey, or may be aware of their presence, to contact them urgently.
Despite requiring licences, it is not uncommon for exotic animals to be given as gifts at this time of year, which is why the officers are becoming increasingly concerned. The risk to the public is considered severe if an infected animal manages to spread the virus.
Searches have already been carried out in a number of establishments known to trade in exotic species, including in areas such as Elche, Torrellano, and Algueña Agost in Alicante, as well as further afield such as in Seville, Almeria and Albacete.
The officers warn that a veterinary certificate does not guarantee the legality, origin or sanitary control of the animal and in some cases are known to be fakes.
If you are in possession of a prohibited animal, or know someone in that situation species, firstly use extreme caution when interacting with any type of primate, and contact the environmental department of the Guardia Civil, SEPRONA.
The Guardia Civil can be contacted by telephone on 062, or, in the event that you don´t speak Spanish, the 112 emergency coordination centre speak a variety of languages. You can also report to your nearest Guardia Civil station, or ask the local police for assistance, requesting that they contact SEPRONA.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil is asking for assistance in locating 42 monkeys, which may be located in the Alicante province, having been illegally smuggled into the country last year. However, the search is now far more serious than first thought, as not only were the monkeys smuggled into the country illegally, tests have proven that one […]

### Three People Die Every Day on Spain’s Roads

The Director General of the DGT, Gregorio Serrano, has this week presented the statistics of road traffic incidents during 2016, a year in which, on interurban roads, there were 1,038 fatal incidents in which 1,160 people died and another 5,067 needed hospital treatment as a result of the injuries suffered. These figures represent increases of 1.4% (+15) in fatal incidents; 2.6% (+29) in the number of deaths and 4.3% (+209) in the number of injuries requiring hospital treatment.
There was also an increase in traffic last year. A total of 392 million long-haul journeys took place, 18.5 million more than in the previous year, representing an increase in mobility of 5%.
Although the figures relate to the close of the year, the data is considered provisional and refer only to fatal incidents occurring on interurban roads and with victims reported up to 24 hours after the incident occurred. The final consolidated figures, which will include victims up to 30 days following the incidents, will be released at a later date.
The death toll is still below the figure registered in 1960, the first year in which statistics began being collated, when there were 1,300 deaths, with a completely different mobility scenario of one million vehicles on the roads, compared with over 32 million today. The average number of daily fatalities was 11.6 road deaths per day in 2000, and now stands at 3.2 deaths per day in 2016.

Distractions, inappropriate speed, failure to keep the correct distance and fatigue or sleep are the main contributing factors that appear in fatal or serious incidents.
The number of fatalities where the incident involved a van has reduced from 69 in 2015 to 58 last year. There were 10 fewer cyclists killed, although 33 people still lost their lives.
In 2016, 214 motorcyclists died, 10 less than in 2015, and 21 moped riders lost their lives, 6 less than the previous year. Pedestrian fatalities increased from113 in 2015, to 118 in 2016.
Tragically, 22% of drivers and passengers killed in cars and vans in 2016 were not wearing a seatbelt. Of the 214 motorcycle fatalities, 4 did not wear a helmet at the time of the incident and in the case of 21 people killed on a moped, 1 wasn´t wearing a helmet. Among the cyclists, of the 33 who died, 6 were not wearing a helmet, despite it being obligatory on interurban routes. Of the 16 children up to 12 years of age who died in cars, 3 were not using any safety device or harness at the time of the fatal incident.
Although much more can and must be done, especially by road users ourselves, Spain continues to be one of the countries with the best road safety in the world, with 36 deaths per million inhabitants, below the EU average of 52.

Excerpt: The Director General of the DGT, Gregorio Serrano, has this week presented the statistics of road traffic incidents during 2016, a year in which, on interurban roads, there were 1,038 fatal incidents in which 1,160 people died and another 5,067 Read More ...

### If Your Truck is Stolen – Report It

Although it might seem like an obvious thing to do, the road haulage sector in Spain is being reminded of the importance of reporting vehicle theft immediately to the Guardia Civil.
The message is being reinforced following the Christmas terrorist attack in Berlin, where a truck was driven into a crowd of innocent victims.
Associations representing truckers have already started spreading the message through their social networks, advising that if a truck is stolen, report it immediately to the Guardia Civil on the emergency number, 062. In the event of you not being able to speak Spanish, then the 112 emergency coordination centre staff speak a variety of languages, including English.
Although there has been no specific threat made against Spain, in fact the terror alert level remains the same as was first implemented in 2015, vigilance is always needed.
For their part, Madrid has banned the movement of heavy goods vehicles between the 3rd and 5th of January, as a precaution in the build up to the Three King´s Parade. Other transport restrictions may well be implemented across the country as a precaution, and there will be an increase in security checks at the roadside. Remember, nothing to hide, nothing to fear, if you see one of these checkpoints, never share the location through social networks, as it could alert others of the presence of the officers, always respond to the instructions given, stay calm and you will be on your way soon.

Excerpt: Although it might seem like an obvious thing to do, the road haulage sector in Spain is being reminded of the importance of reporting vehicle theft immediately to the Guardia Civil. The message is being reinforced following the Christmas terrorist Read More ...

### Smoking in Cars

We have seen an increase in the number of people asking a recurring question, is it illegal to smoke in cars in Spain?
The short answer is no, not at the moment.
The confusion seems to stem from two sources. The first being a law which is aimed at preventing anything interfering with the driver or the act of driving. There might be a theoretical case where smoking could lead to distraction, but it is only theoretical, the law does not in any way mention smoking.
The second confusing factor comes from a law relating to smoking in a car whilst carrying children. Some countries, such as the UK for example, do have laws in place which makes this illegal. The law came into force in England and Wales in October, 2015, and in Scotland in December, 2016. However, in Spain, no such law currently exists.
Perhaps needless to say but smoking does of course pose a health risk to the occupants of a vehicle, and there are safety implications too. Anything which might be a distraction or a risk should be avoided, but within the constraints of law, you are currently free to smoke whilst driving.

Excerpt: We have seen an increase in the number of people asking a recurring question, is it illegal to smoke in cars in Spain? The short answer is no, not at the moment. The confusion seems to stem from two sources. Read More ...

### Repsol to Help Abandoned Pets

Fuel supply firm Repsol has signed an agreement with the environmental protection branch of the Guardia Civil, Seprona, to assist in cases of abandonment or loss of domestic animals through their 3,500 service stations across Spain.
This initiative coincides with the launch of Repsol’s Christmas campaign, which tells the true story of Luca, a dog that was abandoned in May 2015 at the service station in the La Panadella area of Barcelona, who was looked after by a worker at the service station, later to be adopted by a family who had stopped to refuel.

Until now, in the event of staff at the service stations becoming aware of a stray animal, they would inform the Local Police of the municipality, who are the competent authority responsible for the collection of abandoned or lost pets.
Now, with this new agreement with the Guardia Civil, Repsol provides a national solution to the problem whilst reinforcing the company´s cooperation with the corp.
The Penal Code specifies that the abandonment of a domestic animal in conditions in which its life or integrity could be endangered will be punished by a fine of one to six months in prison. The guidelines agreed between Repsol and Seprona establishes that a worker at a service station that witnesses an abandonment must gather all the possible information (make, model and registration of the vehicle, people involved, images of the security cameras, witnesses, etc.) and pass that information to the Guardia Civil.
Repsol has distributed the information to all of their staff and highlighted that there are seasonal peaks in the number of recorded abandonments, which is reportedly the biggest problem domestic animals face in Spain, although there has been a slight reduction in the data since figures began to be recorded in 2008.
In the latest recorded data, 137,831 animals found themselves in shelters and with animal protection associations, 104,501 dogs and 33,330 cats. More than 66% of dogs are found on public roads, whereas other popular places are at service stations, supermarket entrances and parking lots.

Excerpt: Fuel supply firm Repsol has signed an agreement with the environmental protection branch of the Guardia Civil, Seprona, to assist in cases of abandonment or loss of domestic animals through their 3,500 service stations across Spain. This initiative coincides with Read More ...

### Man Arrested for 56 Thefts from Vehicles

Officers from both the Guardia Civil and the Local Police have collaborated in order to successfully arrest a thief who had stolen items from at least 56 vehicles since the start of December.
The arrest was made in the Seville town of Utrera, after the investigation led officers to identify the individual who went by the nickname, “ET”.
The detainee has been remanded in custody, pending a trial, as he was considered too dangerous to release on account of him also raiding two residential properties, attacking the owners of one of them, and assaulting a police officer as the assailant tried to escape through a window.
He is accused of two counts of trespassing offences, two of illegal detention, one attack on a law enforcement officer, four threats of violence, two of damages, two of having caused injuries and 56 thefts from vehicles.

Excerpt: Officers from both the Guardia Civil and the Local Police have collaborated in order to successfully arrest a thief who had stolen items from at least 56 vehicles since the start of December. The arrest was made in the Seville Read More ...

### Product Safety Notice Issued for 5 Motorcycles

The road safety department of the Unión Internacional para la Defensa de los Motociclistas has called for a review of 29 different motorcycle models, which they feel pose a safety risk.
The associated reports have been forwarded to the manufacturers, who will then make contact with owners direct, should there be a need for a technical revision.
Reference: RAM ES 2016 035 Triumph.
Brand: Triumph
Models: STREET TWIN-BONNEVILLE T120, BONNEVILLE T100-THRUXTON 1200, THRUXTON 1200R, STREET CUP
Risk: The wiring to the fuel pump can allow leakage from the fuel tank. This leak, in the event that there is an electrical short circuit, could be a source of ignition with risk of fire of the vehicle.
DATE OF ALERT: 16 December 2016
Reference: RAM ES 2016 036
Brand: Suzuki
Model: DL-650
Risk: In some cases, the insulating material of the wiring of the generator can be damaged by heat from the engine and cause a short circuit in the internal wiring. The continued use in this situation, could cause the current generated to be reduced and provide insufficient load to the battery. In the worst cases may stop the engine whilst driving and render it impossible to start again.
DATE OF ALERT: 21 December 2016
Any necessary technical revisions will be carried out by the manufacturer, or their authorised workshops, and will be free of charge to the consumer.

Excerpt: The road safety department of the Unión Internacional para la Defensa de los Motociclistas has called for a review of 29 different motorcycle models, which they feel pose a safety risk. The associated reports have been forwarded to the manufacturers, Read More ...

### Licence Points System to be Reviewed

The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) is proposing a review of the driving licence points system, as, after being in operation for ten-years, the positive downward trend in road fatalities has been broken, with 2016 already seeing more road-related deaths than in 2015.
With still some days to go, there have been 1,138 deaths officially recorded on the main road network of the country, an increase in 7 deaths over 2015.
The recently appointed Director General, Gregorio Serrano, has recognised that the data is “not good”, and that road traffic incidents have “worsened”, and so it is considered that 2017 will be “a key year” to face the challenge of all sectors agreeing to design a “good road safety plan”.
Serrano has made it clear that after ten years, it is time to “sit down” and see “what has been positive” and “what can be changed” with the system, as “We cannot stay still, we have to evaluate the system and put on the table what measures are necessary so that the points system remains a useful system for the reduction of accidents”, he said.
Serrano added that the DGT is “aware” that the time has come to “evaluate the future” of this measure, and to do so with “objective opinions and data”, in addition to looking at the reforms that have been made in other European countries. The “road ahead” has “a lot of work to do”, insisted Serrano, who has called for the collaboration of all sectors involved so that “together” road safety can be improved.
Serrano said that the 1,138 deaths prior to the Christmas campaign represent seven more than in all of 2015 and represent 27 more than in the same period of the previous year.
For that reason and “beyond percentages”, the DGT has used the “broken lives and family tragedies” to highlight the outcome of each of the individual incidents, and focus on the contributing factors that have led to each and every one of them.
The same factors are still ever present in the majority of these incidents. Inappropriate speed, alcohol or drugs, distractions such as using a mobile phone, and the incorrect or lack of use of seatbelts. Tragically, Serrano pointed out, 80% of child deaths could have been avoided with the correct use of child safety seats, a reason alone to advocated a “greater sanction” and control.

Excerpt: The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) is proposing a review of the driving licence points system, as, after being in operation for ten-years, the positive downward trend in road fatalities has been broken, with 2016 already seeing more road-related deaths Read More ...

### Watching From the Sky

It´s not only Santa who´s been taking to the sky this Christmas, but 65 pilots flying the 12 DGT helicopters have also been keeping a watchful eye on the roads, and will continue to do so through the New Year.

During the three-week Christmas period, the special operation has been divided into 3 phases. The first phase has already taken place, over Christmas itself, the second is this coming weekend, for New Year, and then the third phase after the 3 King´s celebrations next week.
The helicopters support officers on the ground and enforce the law from afar, monitoring for speeding motorists, as well as others such as those using their mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt, and are able to issue the sanctions automatically to the home address of the vehicle owner through the DGT system, without the need to stop the driver to advise them of the infraction.
Of course, in the worst cases, the helicopters can summon assistance on the ground to intercept vehicles and deal with the situation instantly.
The helicopters not only look for infractions however, they also monitor traffic flow and feed information to controllers to assist in the direction and control of traffic.

As these helicopters can see you from afar, you might never be aware that they´re there. However, there is a way in which you can avoid detection, by adhering to the laws, wearing your seatbelt correctly, not using your mobile phone, maintaining a safe distance, keeping your speed under control, in fact by driving within the requirements of the law.

Excerpt: It´s not only Santa who´s been taking to the sky this Christmas, but 65 pilots flying the 12 DGT helicopters have also been keeping a watchful eye on the roads, and will continue to do so through the New Year. Read More ...

### Major Christmas Operation Begins Today

This weekend, the roads of Spain are expected to be particularly busy at times, thanks to the Christmas holidays.

However, this year, it is anticipated that there will be an extra three million more journeys on the country´s roads than last year, with a total number of 16,675,000 trips during the period which starts at 15:00 on Friday, 23 December, until 00:00 on Sunday, 8 January, 2017.
The main bulk of traffic movements will be split into three specific phases. The first phase of the operation will be from Friday 23rd December, until Monday 26th, although in some areas the special operation retires on the Sunday night. During this weekend, it is anticipated that 4.1 million trips will take place.
Phase two will be for the end of the year celebrations, specifically from Friday, 30th December until Sunday, 1st January, on Monday in some places such as Murcia. The third phase runs over the Three Kings celebrations from Friday 5th until Sunday 8th January, 2017.
The largest volume of movements in this period will focus on the central area of ​​the peninsula (25%), followed by the region of Murcia and Valencia where 21% of displacements will take place.
In order to ensure the safest flow of traffic during the operation, the Guardia Civil will be out in force on the roads, monitoring for the usual offences that contribute most highly to incidents, such as inappropriate speed, alcohol or drugs, and distractions, including the use of mobile phones. They will also be checking on the correct use of seatbelts and child restraints, and that all documentation is correct and valid.
Officers on the ground will be supported by the 12 DGT helicopters in the air, including those fitted with the Pegasus monitoring equipment, which will also be monitoring for speeders, as well as seatbelt and mobile phone use.
If embarking on any kind of journey during the holiday period, the advice is always the same. Allow extra time for your journey, take plenty of breaks on long trips, be patient, always drive within the speed limit and at a safe distance, and never consume alcohol or drugs before driving.

Excerpt: This weekend, the roads of Spain are expected to be particularly busy at times, thanks to the Christmas holidays. However, this year, it is anticipated that there will be an extra three million more journeys on the country´s roads than Read More ...

### Staying Safe this Christmas

Although no specific threats have been received and the threat level remains the same, security measures are being put in place to ensure that Christmas passes as safe as possible.
Numerous town halls across the country are currently installing large planters in key public areas. As well as improving the aesthetics of the location, these serve to act as a physical barrier to help prevent incidents such as the truck attack in Berlin this week. Other places are installing physical barriers, but these are not to cause alarm, they are preventative measures.

Guardia Civil and police checkpoints will be in place in various locations. Although many of these will be traffic related, there will also be many others which are checking vehicles for security reasons. Once again we remind everyone of the importance of not sharing the locations of these checkpoints should you see them, such as through social media, as this often gives those who may be intent on criminal activity the opportunity to avoid detection.
If you are stopped at a checkpoint the advice remains the same too. Stay calm and act on the instructions of the officers involved. If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear and you will be on your way in a very short space of time.
Finally, if you see anything or anybody acting suspiciously, please notify the authorities immediately. Although you might not consider it an emergency, the 112 call centre is staffed by people who speak a variety of languages and nobody will be offended if an alert turns out to be false, as that is by far a better outcome than ignoring something which later results in a tragic incident.
Stay safe this holiday period, look after yourself and your belongings, keep them out of sight at all times, keep bags and wallets secure and never unattended, and be vigilant, that way we can all hope for a safe and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

Excerpt: Although no specific threats have been received and the threat level remains the same, security measures are being put in place to ensure that Christmas passes as safe as possible. Numerous town halls across the country are currently installing large Read More ...

### Drunk and Drugged Driver Crashes into Guardia Civil Patrol

Despite intensified checks for drivers who have consumed alcohol or drugs, sometimes the officers don´t have to look far, as the offenders sometimes find them.
During the weekend storms, officers were called to an incident where a tree had fallen onto the N-301 road blocking passage between Miranda and El Albujón, near to Cartagena.
The officers immediately set up a safety exclusion zone using signs, tetrapod cones, lights and their vehicles, also displaying lights, and they proceeded to direct traffic using their hand-held illuminated devices.
For reasons which were unclear at the time, although soon to be obvious, one driver approaching the scene decided to ignore the instructions to stop from the officers and proceeded into the danger zone.
At the other end of that protected area was another Guardia Civil patrol vehicle, which our disobedient driver managed to hit with his own car, causing minor injuries to the officers and damage to the patrol car.
Having successfully stopped the vehicle following the collision, the officers identified the 35-year old driver, as resident of Fuente Álamo, who gave a positive result to an alcohol test, having given a result of 0.69 and 0.67 milligrams per litre of exhaled air in two separate tests.
The officers then tested for the presence of drugs and found that the driver had also consumed cocaine, also failing that test. Both vehicles had to be removed from the scene by a tow-truck on account of the damage suffered.
The officers subsequently arrested the driver for road traffic offences, for driving under the influence of both alcoholic and drugs, and presented him to the courts in Cartagena, where he now faces imprisonment of between 3 to 6 months, a fine of 6 to 12 months or community service for between 31 to 90 days, and in any case the deprivation of the right to drive motor vehicles and mopeds for a up to 4 years.

Excerpt: Despite intensified checks for drivers who have consumed alcohol or drugs, sometimes the officers don´t have to look far, as the offenders sometimes find them. During the weekend storms, officers were called to an incident where a tree had fallen Read More ...

### Almost Two-Thousand Drunk and Drugged Drivers Caught in a Week

During the last intensified campaign to crack down on the use of alcohol or drugs before driving, some 1,912 drivers decided not to #chooseright, and are now facing the penalties for their actions.

Between the 12th and the 18th of December, 129,309 tests were carried out on drivers, resulting in 518 being found to have consumed drugs, and 1,394 having consumed an excess amount of alcohol.
During the tests, of the 518 road users who tested positive, 514 face administrative charges, whereas 3 have been brought before the courts following their involvement in an incident where drugs were found to have been a contributing factor, and 1 person is facing court for refusing the test.
As usual, the most commonly consumed drugs are cannabis (387), cocaine (187) and amphetamines (46). It should be noted that of the 85 drivers who underwent the salivary test for committing an infraction, more than half (46) tested positive for drugs.
As for alcohol, from the 127,892 breath tests which were carried out, 1,394 drivers were found to have consumed an excess of alcohol, 1,162 detected in preventive controls, another 92 after committing a traffic infraction, whereas 131 were tested having been involved in an incident in which alcohol was found to be a contributing factor. A further 9 people were found to be positive after they displayed obvious signs of having consumed alcohol.
At 1,156 administrative proceedings were opened, while 238 were instructed to move to the judicial authority for exceeding the rate of 0.60 mg / l in exhaled air. In addition, 6 drivers were brought to court for refusing to perform breath tests.
Spain has a lower maximum limit for alcohol than other countries, such as the United Kingdom, but the only safe limit is zero. The fines and sanctions increase depending on the severity of the offence, and repeat offenders are treated to far harsher sentences.

With an increase in the use of drugs before driving, these penalties are also high, however, the ultimate price is often paid by those who are innocent in situations caused by alcohol or drug use, as countless innocent lives have been lost at the hands of those who have risked their own lives, and the lives of others.


Remember, the only safe limit is zero. Checks will continue day and night on the roads of Spain, with even more intensified checks during the Christmas period. If you are going out for the night, visiting friends, celebrating, the safest choice is public transport. Never forget the risks and always #chooseright.

Excerpt: During the last intensified campaign to crack down on the use of alcohol or drugs before driving, some 1,912 drivers decided not to #chooseright, and are now facing the penalties for their actions. Between the 12th and the 18th of Read More ...

### Latest Incident Report Still Shows Worrying Trend for Motorcycles

The latest report has been released which details the number of incidents on Spanish roads, and, specifically, the areas considered to be of risk, and the number of incidents recorded.
Nationally, there are 3,264 kilometres of road which is classes as being of “high” or “very high” risk, largely due to the number of recorded incidents in these areas, although there is a slight decrease in the figures for 2015. That said, the risk of a fatal or serious incident is still 3.5 times greater on conventional roads than on motorways of highways.
The report, which looked at a total of 24,805 kilometres of roads, examines the risk by taking into account the number of recorded incidents and injuries or fatalities during the last three-years, including the severity of the incident, which is then calculated into a “Risk Index”, based on the number of fatal and serious incidents occurring per 1,000 million vehicles per kilometre.
For the calculation of the results, a total of 4,101 incidents occurred on the national road network in the years 2013, 2014 and 2015, of which 1,036 were fatal incidents. Resulting in 1,219 deaths, and 3,065 serious incidents, with 4,077 people seriously injured. All these incidents have been assigned to 1,387 sections of road with a length of more than 24,805 kilometres.
The conclusion is that there are 77 “High Risk” sections, of which 17 are “Black-spots”. In these “High Risk” sections, there have been an average of 143 fatal and serious incidents each year, leaving an average of 36 deaths and 144 serious injuries. The average daily intensity in these sections is 4,835 vehicles per day.
The most statistically dangerous risk section of the Spanish road network is on the N-435, between km 33.4 and 45.9 in Badajoz, between the start of the ​​Almendral residential area and the beginning of Barracota. In this 12.5 kilometre stretch of road, there have been five serious incidents between 2013 and 2015, with a result of three deaths and four serious injuries, and for the third consecutive year this section is considered as “High Risk”. Of the five fatal and serious incidents, one corresponds to a motorcycle user and one to a heavy goods vehicle user. The average daily intensity of vehicles is 2,844 a day.
The other four sections that complete the five most dangerous in the country are located on the N-120, between kilometres 535.2 and 549.5 in Lugo, where there have been eight major incidents. The N-630, between kilometres 66.6 and 87.1 in Asturias, where there have been 10 serious incidents. On the N-547, between kilometres 47.3 and 54.8 in A Coruña, where there have been four major incidents. The N-260, between kilometres 193.9 and 204.4 in Lleida, where seven serious incidents have occurred.
In terms of the risk with respect to the total number of kilometres per community, Cantabria has a higher proportion of high risk roads, with 20.87% of the roads; Followed by Aragón, with 18.84%; Castilla y León, with 15.58% and the Principality of Asturias, with 15.30%.
The report also notes that the number of incidents involving motorcycles in the total of fatal and serious incidents in Spain has continued to increase. In fact, since 2003 the number of motorcyclists involved in the recorded incidents has almost tripled in the case of serious or fatal incidents from 7.8% in 2003 to 22.6% in 2015, so that one of every five fatal or serious incidents involves a motorcyclist.
The N-332 main road, between km 220.5 and 225.6 in Valencia, and the V-31, between km 0 and 5.7, also in Valencia, are the two locations where more incidents involving motorcyclists and scooters have been recorded in the latest road evaluation study.
Incidents involving heavy goods vehicles account for around 22% of the total of fatal and serious incidents. Thus, 13.5% of fatal and serious incidents involving heavy vehicles are concentrated in 20 road sections, compared to 9.7% of the overall results. As with motorcycles, the report makes it clear where these incidents are most likely to occur.
The DGT will now take the findings of the report into account, and embark on the next wave of road improvements to try to reduce these risk factors. However, it is not only the responsibility of the road authorities to make a difference, it is the responsibility of each and every driver to ensure that we all do our bit to maintain compliance with traffic law, because warnings and instructions, albeit in signs or statistics, are there to assist us to make the right choices in ensuring that the roads are safer for all.

Excerpt: The latest report has been released which details the number of incidents on Spanish roads, and, specifically, the areas considered to be of risk, and the number of incidents recorded. Nationally, there are 3,264 kilometres of road which is classes Read More ...

### Christmas Comes to Cartagena

In many places around the world it´s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and now the social centre in Cartagena is no different, thanks to the generous donations and work of the team and one of the sponsors of the N332 Road Safety Project.

Al Andalus Car Hire and N332 joined together to provide the centre with a projector and screen along with a tripod for holding the projector, so that the children who study in the centre will have the opportunity of seeing the presentations made by their teachers without the necessity of asking to borrow a projector from the Town Hall, when it might not always have been available, and during the holidays, they have the added bonus of being able to enjoy films and entertainment on their very own big screen.

The Guardia Civil traffic department in Torrevieja has been a central point for receiving decorations, and many followers and supporters of the project delivered decorations to the police station, all of which were taken to the centre to add that extra special festive feel.
Once the centre was decorated and their mini-cinema set up, the children then made a very special greeting card, thanking N332 and their followers for the donations, and also thanking The Courier newspaper who provided them with free tickets to visit the Terra Natura animal park during a day trip to Benidorm.

Francisco Morales from the Guardia Civil presented the children with the gifts and would like to extend their gratitude to everybody who got involved, making this Christmas that little extra special for those who deserve a treat.

Excerpt: In many places around the world it´s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and now the social centre in Cartagena is no different, thanks to the generous donations and work of the team and one of the sponsors of Read More ...

### #chooseright This Festive Season – Don´t Drink and Drive

The Christmas party season may well be a time of fun and joy for many, but it is also a time when we must increase our awareness of the risks on the roads, and especially the dangers of consuming alcohol or drugs.
As workers, families and friends all come together to celebrate, it is perhaps easier to become a little complacent and have a “small” tipple, but we must remember, above all, that consuming alcohol or drugs before driving greatly increases the risks, which is why the penalties are so severe, to serve as a deterrent to those who risk their own lives and the lives of others.
For that reason, all of this week, the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by National, Regional and Local police forces, will be carrying out intensified and extensive checks on alcohol and drug use on the roads of Spain, every day, around the clock.
The campaign runs until Sunday with officers out in force throughout the day, keeping a watchful eye out for those who may have been drinking, or consuming drugs.
Although it is common for the officers to seek out habitual offenders, this season also usually means an increase in those who would not normally drink and drive, and so they too pose a significant risk. The latest figures extracted from the most recent data available suggests that there may be around 12,000 drivers who met this continually dangerous criteria.
So far this year, the figure of those detected is approaching 100,000 drivers who not only risk their own but the lives of many innocent victims who all too often leave the scene of the carnage facing a life dealing with serious injuries and, on too numerous occasions, leaving the friends and families of loved ones having to deal with their death.
According to the annual report of the National Institute of Toxicology, the 39.09% of deceased drivers displayed the presence of alcohol or drugs in their blood. The figure rises to 40% when pedestrians are analysed.
Even the smallest amount of alcohol or drugs can affect driving ability and so, despite Spain having considerably lower maximum limits than countries such as the UK, the best advice is always zero consumption before getting behind the wheel.
Remember, the only safe limit is ZERO. If you are planning to join in the party celebrations, of course this is encouraged, just leave the car at home. All local towns have taxi services, with professional drivers who are happy to take you anywhere you wish to go, so you can enjoy a drink and let others drive.

The N332 project supports any campaign to reduce the number of deaths and serious injury caused by alcohol and drug use before driving. This year, officers from the Guardia Civil in Torrevieja have been collaborating with taxi drivers on the Orihuela Costa to join forces and encourage the use of taxis.

We have also created some graphics to support the campaign. Making the choice between two vehicles, the police car on the left or the taxi on the right, the N332 campaign slogan is #chooseright. You can download the Facebook ready images from the website below and share them with your friends, showing your support to #chooseright.
Banner Image
http://n332.es/chooseright/ChooseRightBanner.jpg
Profile Picture
http://n332.es/chooseright/ChooseRightProfile.jpg
Cover Picture
http://n332.es/chooseright/ChooseRightTopBanner.jpg
Of course we are based in Spain, but the advice is equally as valid wherever you might be. Enjoy the festive season, have fun, but never drink and drive, always #chooseright.
Local Taxi Numbers:
Orihuela Costa – 600 419 087 or 666 910 800
Torrevieja – 965 71 22 77
Remember, ALWAYS use official taxis.

Excerpt: The Christmas party season may well be a time of fun and joy for many, but it is also a time when we must increase our awareness of the risks on the roads, and especially the dangers of consuming alcohol Read More ...

### Santa Pola Proposes Constructing Service Road for Buses

Santa Pola town hall are investigating the possibility of constructing a service road alongside the N-332, in order to safeguard bus passengers and avoid incidents such as the fatal collision this week which killed a 16-year old boy who was crossing the main road on his way to the local skate park.

The incident on Wednesday cost the life of Yassin, who was visiting the park with some friends from Almoradí. The friends had decided to take a safer route from the bus stop to the park, but Yassin decided to cross the road instead, resulting in the collision.
The government had budgeted funds in 2016 for improvements to the road, but that work has so far not started. Now, the town hall are taking the initiative to see if they can improve access and safety through the construction of a service road.
Sadly, this is not the only area of risk along the N-332 in the area. At La Zenia, buses used to be forced to stop on a roundabout to allow passengers to alight, a practice which was already stopped for safety concerns. Across the border from Orihuela heading into Torrevieja, the bus stop is on the main road, forcing buses to stop and block one of the two lanes, which in turn poses a risk to vehicles behind.
Pedestrians also take their lives in their own hands when they cross the N-332 in various places. A number of footbridges have been constructed along the route, but many pedestrians still risk their lives by attempting to cross the road, choosing not to use the bridges.
Bridges are considered something of a luxury, as in places there are no such facilities, such as in the Cala Mosca area or the Orihuela Costa, where pedestrians have no official means of crossing the road in a site where a footbridge was destined to be built many years ago, but political and legal battles still leave pedestrians at risk due to the absence of the bridge.
It is time that politics are swept aside and the lives of innocent people are put first, which is something that the tragic death of Yassim is achieving in Santa Pola. Locally, all political groups are in support of remedial action, offering their condolences to his family, and although it is too late to save one life, many more can be protected if action is taken to solve these many risks along the N-332.

Excerpt: Santa Pola town hall are investigating the possibility of constructing a service road alongside the N-332, in order to safeguard bus passengers and avoid incidents such as the fatal collision this week which killed a 16-year old boy who was Read More ...

### Christmas Shopping Safety Tips

It´s not only on the roads where danger lurks at Christmas time, which is why the National Police have launched a campaign to keep shoppers safe during the festive season.
The “Comercio Seguro” campaign, which runs until the 9th of January, aims to make shoppers and traders aware of potential risks, thus hoping to reduce the number of scams, thefts and robberies that often occur in areas where large crowds gather.

A greater presence of police officers will be noticeable in key areas, as more officers are being deployed, not only on foot, but on horseback and supported by their k-9 colleagues as well.
A guide book has been produced warning of the dangers and current information can always be obtained through the three Twitter accounts, @policia, @interiorgob and @polprvalencia, which are the National Police, Interior Ministry and Valencia Police respectively.
One of the most frequent incidents the police have to deal with is lost children. The police recommend the obvious, keeping a close eye on children at all times, but also the less obvious, such as ensuring the child knows their name and a telephone number to contact in emergencies. They also recommend a wrist band or bracelet with the name and contact number of the parents printed or engraved on it.
For adults, you should avoid carrying large amounts of cash and make sure that you are not followed when you have collected cash from an ATM or a bank. If you become suspicious, contact the police immediately.
Do not accept help from strangers who supposedly want to help, they sometimes take advantage of your guard being lowered in order to grab money and valuables.
Avoid street-gamers playing such tricks as the “shell game” or “find the lady” type scams, not only will you not win, your distraction leaves you vulnerable to theft.
When you visit friends and neighbours, always lock your home securely, leave nothing of value in view, don´t fully lower your window blinds and don´t announce your intentions to vacate the premises on social media.
Similar advice also applies to the car of course, never leave valuables such as gifts on show. If you return to your vehicle with goods, be careful you are not seen if you then leave your car to continue to shop.
The National Police would also like to remind party organisers and revellers that any activity, party or public celebration must have administrative approval and comply with safety standards, such as having fire extinguishers, security and emergency exits indicated. If any incident occurs: keep calm and try to stay away from that area, alerting the organiser or 091. Always follow the event security personnel or police where appropriate.

Excerpt: It´s not only on the roads where danger lurks at Christmas time, which is why the National Police have launched a campaign to keep shoppers safe during the festive season. The “Comercio Seguro” campaign, which runs until the 9th of Read More ...

### Roller Blading Child Killed by Truck

A 16-year old child was killed on Wednesday, struck by a truck on the N-332 road at Santa Pola.

The incident occurred at around 16:30 near to the Rocas Blancas hotel, a notoriously dangerous location of the N-332, when the child was rollerblading along the road.
A truck,. Which was driving along the road, was unable to avoid hitting the child.
The emergency services attended but could do nothing to preserve life.
Traffic was delayed whilst the incident was dealt with.

Excerpt: A 16-year old child was killed on Wednesday, struck by a truck on the N-332 road at Santa Pola. The incident occurred at around 16:30 near to the Rocas Blancas hotel, a notoriously dangerous location of the N-332, when the Read More ...

### Traffic Jams Cost Over 140 Million Euro

According to the annual report published by navigation company TomTom, traffic in Madrid has risen by around about 23%, which has led to an increase in traffic jams and the delays caused by them.

In Madrid, every motorist loses 25 minutes of time each day, and each of the 538,591 commercial vehicles on the road are losing an addition 1.41 euro per day. Therefore, collectively, and based on the minimum wage, the loss is estimated at over 141 million euro.
However, whereas it might be obvious to pick on the nation´s capital for these statistics, where we would perhaps expect traffic to increase, Madrid is actually in sixth place in the rankings, with Barcelona in the top-spot, followed Palma de Mallorca, Las Palmas, Gijón and Sevilla.
Valencia is in eighth place with 21% congestion resulting in 66 hours lost in traffic jams, the equivalent of just under 42 million euro. Alicante is in fifteenth place, just behind Murcia, both with 17% congestion resulting in 53 and 54 lost hours and 26 and 23 million euro respectively.
Traffic jams are costing companies in Spain millions, most of those costs ultimately being handed down to the end consumer, who are those sat in and causing the increase in traffic. Overall, in Spain, traffic jams have increased by 5% over the last 8 years. Barcelona traffic has increased journey time by 28%, which makes it the 62nd most congested city in the world.
The details contained in the report also shows that overall, the worst times to travel on Spanish roads are between 08:00 and 09:00 on Tuesdays, and between 15:00 and 16:00 on a Friday, where traffic increases by up to 50%. In Alicante however, Monday morning between 08:00 and 09:00 is the worst time, where traffic increases by 30%, and there is a 21% increase everyday between 18:00 and 19:00.

Excerpt: According to the annual report published by navigation company TomTom, traffic in Madrid has risen by around about 23%, which has led to an increase in traffic jams and the delays caused by them. In Madrid, every motorist loses 25 Read More ...

### School Bus Checks Last Week

Last week, officers form the Guardia Civil traffic department, assisted by colleagues from the Local Police, have been carrying out safety checks on vehicles carrying some of the most vulnerable road users, school buses.

One of the most notable findings was a driver of a school buss, carrying children, who tested positive for cocaine.
On average, school buses in Spain carry 230,000 students to and from school every day. Although statistically there are considerably less incidents involving school buses than almost any other form of transport, they still pose a significant risk if the rules are not followed and safety systems ignored.
The inspections cover a variety of different elements, including ensuring that all documentation, including insurance for example, are up to date, that the driver is authorised and safe to drive the vehicles, and that the vehicles themselves are of an acceptably high standard, not just having satisfied the mandatory testing, but that the systems are fully functional.
Seatbelts are crucial for the safe carriage of passengers in vehicles. Whereas no new bus will be authorised if it doesn´t have seatbelts fitted, there are still a number of older vehicles on the roads in which seatbelts were never installed and are still allowed in service. In fact, the law came into force in 2007 that ensured seatbelts are fitted in all new vehicles, and yet, only around 60% of the buses in service actually have them fitted due to them entering service before that time. The use of seatbelts in these vehicles reduce fatal injuries by 90% in the event of a frontal collision or rollover because, when properly fastened, they prevent the projection of passenger and reduces impact injuries to the abdomen and legs.
In 2015, school transport vehicles were involved in 27 incidents. Fourteen of them occurred on intercity roads and thirteen on urban roads. In these incidents there were no deaths, although nine occupants were injured. The most common contributing factors to these incidents were distractions or inappropriate speed by at least one of the vehicles involved.

Excerpt: Last week, officers form the Guardia Civil traffic department, assisted by colleagues from the Local Police, have been carrying out safety checks on vehicles carrying some of the most vulnerable road users, school buses. One of the most notable findings Read More ...

### Nine Immigrants Rescued and Brought to Torrevieja

A maritime coastguard boat has rescued nine people from a boat off the coast of the Alicante province on Saturday morning, transferring them to Torrevieja to be dealt with.
Those rescued are said to have originated in Ghana and were heading to Spain to start a new life.
The Salvamento Maritimo crew delivered the rescued passengers to Torrevieja just after noon.
As Torrevieja now has a rescue boat stationed in the port, it is the natural location for rescued immigrants to be delivered.
Two other rescues took place on Saturday in the Málaga and Tarifa areas of the country.

Excerpt: A maritime coastguard boat has rescued nine people from a boat off the coast of the Alicante province on Saturday morning, transferring them to Torrevieja to be dealt with. Those rescued are said to have originated in Ghana and were heading to Spain to start a new life. The Salvamento Maritimo crew delivered the rescued

### Pirate Taxi and British Fugitive Amongst Those Caught at Airport

Elche local police have been carrying out increased surveillance around Alicante-Elche airport, with considerable success, given the number of infractions detected in the most recent campaign.
Last week, 93 drivers were reported for speeding, one vehicle was identified as being a “pirate taxi”, one driver was fined for driving under the influence of drugs, three had expired ITV´s, three more were driving on foreign licences which are no longer valid in Spain, and a fugitive on the run from the UK was arrested.
The “pirate taxi” is defined as a vehicle carrying passengers in exchange for money or goods, although lacking the mandatory authorisation, licence and insurance to operate as a public service vehicle.
The driver found to be under the influence of drugs received a fine and lost six points. Those with expired licences are still ignoring the advice of the DGT to exchange their foreign licence for a Spanish equivalent, despite warnings of their lack of validity.
During the single operation, four vehicles were seized by the police in order to prevent them continuing.

Excerpt: Elche local police have been carrying out increased surveillance around Alicante-Elche airport, with considerable success, given the number of infractions detected in the most recent campaign. Last week, 93 drivers were reported for speeding, one vehicle was identified as being Read More ...

### Green Lines to Reduce Speed

Serving as a trial before potentially being implemented across the country, Castilla y León will be one of the first places in Spain to adopt a number of new systems aimed at reducing road traffic incidents.
One of the first tests to be carried out will be on the CL-615 and CL-613, where green lines are being painted along the edge of the road. Having already been tested in parts of Sweden and the Netherlands, it has been proven that by using different colours on the road gives drivers a different special impression of the road and, in particular, induces drivers to moderate their speed accordingly, slowing down as the road appears to narrow.

The CL-615 is a 92 kilometre stretch of conventional road linking Palencia with Guardo, which is considered to be an area of high risk. Since 2011 to today, 14 people have lost their lives on the stretch of road, another 33 were seriously injured and 139 more people hospitalised due to road traffic incidents. The road has a hazard index rating of 12.37.
The CL-613 runs from Palencia to Sahagún and is a single carriageway road with traffic flowing in both directions, with long straight sections and numerous curves. This 58 kilometre stretch of road has seen 2 people killed, 30 seriously injured and 55 other people hospitalised since 2011. The hazard index rating for this road is 30.13.
Although it is believed that no explanation is necessary, the roads will also have informative signs indicating that the roads are of a special format, and that they may be subject to intensified speed checks and controls. In fact, the Guardia Civil will indeed focus more attention on these areas, not necessarily to try to catch more speeders, but to assess whether the markings do have an impact on reducing the speed of vehicles.

Excerpt: Serving as a trial before potentially being implemented across the country, Castilla y León will be one of the first places in Spain to adopt a number of new systems aimed at reducing road traffic incidents. One of the first Read More ...

### How to Lose Points

The DGT has issued a list of some the top reasons why drivers in Spain lose points from their licence, categorised by their severity.
LOSE SIX POINTS

Driving with a rate of alcohol greater than 0.50 mg per litre of exhaled air. If professional and novice drivers (qualified less than two years), the limit is reduced to 0.30 mg / l.
Driving under the influence of drugs, psychotropics, stimulants and other substances with similar effects.
Refusing to submit to a breathalyser test or drug screening.
Driving in a reckless manner (endangering other drivers), driving in the opposite direction or engaging in unauthorised races.
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 50% the maximum authorised limit and by at least 30 kilometres per hour.
Using mechanisms or instruments that inhibit traffic monitoring or radar detection systems.
Exceeding driving time by more than 50% or reducing rest times by more than 50% of those laid down in legislation on land transport.

LOSE FOUR POINTS

Driving with a blood alcohol level between 0.25 and 0.50 mg per litre of exhaled air. For professional and novice drivers, the limit is between 0.15 and 0.30 mg / l.
Throwing objects on or nearby the road that could cause fires, accidents or impede other road users.
Driving on motorways or dual carriageways with vehicles that are expressly prohibited.
Driving a vehicle with an occupation that increases by 50% or more the number of authorised seats.
Driving a vehicle without a licence for that vehicle.
Driving with a suspended licence or having been banned for driving that vehicle.
Driving negligently and putting other road users at risk.
Failure to comply with the legal provisions on the priorities and the obligation to stop at the stop sign and traffic lights.
Failure to comply with the legal provisions on overtaking, endangering or hindering those moving in the opposite direction and overtaking in places or circumstances of reduced visibility.
Overtaking, endangering or hindering cyclists.
Perform a reversing manoeuvre on motorways.
Increasing speed or performing manoeuvres that prevent or hinder overtaking by the driver of another vehicle.
Failure to observe the signs and signals of agents that regulate movement.
Failure to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

LOSE THREE POINTS

Making the change of direction in breach of the provisions in road safety laws.
Driving using a mobile phone, programming the browser, using headphones or other devices that reduce the attention.
Not using seat belts, child restraints, helmets and other protective equipment.

Excerpt: The DGT has issued a list of some the top reasons why drivers in Spain lose points from their licence, categorised by their severity. LOSE SIX POINTS Driving with a rate of alcohol greater than 0.50 mg per litre of Read More ...

### Snow Preparations

For those who live in the sunnier areas of Spain, the thought of snow may seem a long and distant memory, but the reality is, even such sun-drenched places like the Costa Blanca, are less than an hour away from mountainous regions where snow can quickly close roads shutting off towns and villages.

If there is a risk that you will be driving in snow, you really need to consider purchasing snow chains for your vehicle.
Carrying snow chains is not a mandatory requirement, but in some areas, where snow packs the road, it becomes compulsory to use them, and so having them ready is advisable.
The Guardia Civil, police or other authorities responsible for the road can impose a restriction without warning, placing signs on the roads indicating that the use of snow chains compulsory, and if you don´t have them with you, you have just one option, to wait until the road has been cleared by a snowplough or naturally, until the restriction is lifted.

Failure to adhere to the mandatory use is not only extremely dangerous, you risk a fine. If you see the “cadenas obligatorias”, or variant thereof, you must stop driving if you don´t have snow chains on your vehicle.
It might also be wise to take additional equipment with you, such as warm blankets, emergency food and drink, and always advise somebody of your journey and route, as mobile phone signals are not always as reliable as we might hope.

Excerpt: For those who live in the sunnier areas of Spain, the thought of snow may seem a long and distant memory, but the reality is, even such sun-drenched places like the Costa Blanca, are less than an hour away from Read More ...

### A Birthday Party in Quesada

On Friday, our friends at the Quesada office of Ibex Insurance will be celebrating their 6th birthday.

You are invited along to help them celebrate on Friday, 18th November, from 3pm, for drinks and nibbles and a raffle to raise money for local charities.
Members of N332 will be along during the afternoon, and we too are looking forward to meeting with you.
We hope to see you there, Ibex Insurance, Calle Turismo 4-A, Urb Ciudad Quesada, Rojales. If you need any more information, give Andrea, Carol or Michelle a call on 966 719 951, and you can also use that number for a quote for all your insurance needs.
See you there.

Excerpt: On Friday, our friends at the Quesada office of Ibex Insurance will be celebrating their 6th birthday. You are invited along to help them celebrate on Friday, 18th November, from 3pm, for drinks and nibbles and a raffle to raise Read More ...

### Red Cross and English speaking charities encourage Brits to volunteer

One year after signing an agreement with the British Embassy, the Red Cross has taken fresh steps to get English speaking charities to work more closely with their local groups and to encourage more English speakers to volunteer.
The British Consulate, along with Pedro Dominguez, newly hired by the Red Cross as European residents’ coordinator, held meetings in Calpe and Torrevieja to allow the Red Cross local groups to get to know their English speaking counterparts. They were keen to collaborate and were unanimous in what their main need was – more volunteers.
The different groups also discussed how to get more vulnerable British nationals to use teleasistencia, the Red Cross “panic alarm” service which allows at risk people to continue living independently as they can call for help whenever needed.
Many British nationals don’t realise that the Red Cross offers this service in English and that it isn’t just a case of pressing the emergency button – volunteers will also carry out regular welfare checks so the user doesn’t become isolated.
Following the meeting, British Vice Consul in Alicante, Sara Munsterhjelm said: “A year from signing the agreement to work more closely with the Red Cross, it is fantastic that they have now employed a full time English speaking member of staff to work with European residents. The benefits to the Red Cross and the English speaking charities from working together are clear – the charities can benefit from the Red Cross’ knowledge and infrastructure, and the English speaking charities can help the Red Cross reach vulnerable British nationals and give support with fundraising.”
Pedro took note of all the ideas that came up in the meeting, especially the cry for more volunteers. He said “I’m excited about this new role and can’t wait to get on the road to work with all the different associations. I would encourage anyone who is thinking about volunteering to get in touch with the Red Cross or any one of the English speaking charities. It’s a great way to get involved and to integrate into the local community”

Excerpt: One year after signing an agreement with the British Embassy, the Red Cross has taken fresh steps to get English speaking charities to work more closely with their local groups and to encourage more English speakers to volunteer. The British Consulate, along with Pedro Dominguez, newly hired by the Red Cross as European residents’ coordinator,

### Lebanese Traffic Officers Train in Spain

Members of the Guardia Civil have been sharing their knowledge of road safety and traffic policing to a group of Lebanese gendarmes and local police who attended a special course at the Miguel de Cervantes base, from where the Spanish troops are deployed on UN missions.

The program is called “Traffic Safety Joint Training” and has been presented to the local police officers based in Marjayoun and Ebel Saki, and members of the Lebanese gendarmerie.
The course lasted for five days in which the Spanish agents have shown how local forces how to conduct road blocks, traffic checks and alcohol or drug screening, including, for example, how to detect if a driver displays symptoms of having ingested alcohol or any kind of narcotic substance.
Other practical exercises included incident response and the techniques applied in Spain when collecting evidence and fingerprints, visual inspection and preserving and recording the scene.

Excerpt: Members of the Guardia Civil have been sharing their knowledge of road safety and traffic policing to a group of Lebanese gendarmes and local police who attended a special course at the Miguel de Cervantes base, from where the Spanish Read More ...

### FIVE SIMPLE MAINTENANCE TASKS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW

Proper maintenance of your vehicle is crucial to its safe and economic operation. Modern cars have become far more complex than their ancestors, and although it is vital that major work is carried out by a qualified engineer, there are some simple tasks that we should all know how to do and check them on a regular basis.


Check the engine oil level.

Oil is what keeps the mechanical parts of the engine lubricated in order for them to work properly. It is highly recommended to periodically check the oil levels, especially if your car is old or used frequently. Often, the regular maintenance schedule is not enough as even the smallest leak can cause a significant loss of oil over time.
Although the interval in which we check varies, it should always be done before a long journey, at least once per month, of if you see any signs of oil deposits on the road or your driveway. The oil levels should be checked when the engine is cold and the vehicle parked on a level place.
In order to check the levels you will need to open the bonnet and find the dipstick. The dipstick is one of the engine parts which is normally clearly visible and often labelled. It may look like a circle or ring, or have a small handle for you to grip. To check the levels, pull the dipstick from its holder, carefully, then wipe the end. Reinsert it, again carefully, and take it out again. You should now see a small deposit of oil on the end of the dipstick which should fall somewhere between markers indicating the maximum and minimum levels in the engine.
If no oil is shown, try again. If this is still the case, or if the oil level looks too high, you may wish to seek assistance from a mechanic straight away.

Check tyre pressure.

Maintaining proper tyre pressure is crucial for maintaining the maximum life and performance of the tyres, as well as avoiding serious problems that can jeopardise the safety and security of the vehicle, such as the loss of stability, an increase in braking distance, and even a high risk blowout.
Tyre pressure can be checked at most fuel filling stations, often for free, where they have calibrated equipment that can tell you the exact pressure in each of the tyres. Checking the pressure of tyres should be done when the tyres are cold and have not run far, and when the vehicle is unloaded.
You should check the vehicle´s manual for the correct tyre pressure, although more modern cars have a plate fitted to the vehicle which tells you this.

Changing a wheel.

A recent survey revealed that only 25% of drivers know how to change a wheel.
All drivers should know how to change a wheel in the event of a puncture or other damage. Although your breakdown service may cover this, knowing you to change the wheel can significantly reduce waiting times in the event of failure.
Not all cars carry fully specific road-ready spare wheels. Some have modern kits to temporarily repair damage, others have emergency wheels which can be used at a reduced speed until your vehicle reaches a place of safety where the proper tyre can be repaired.
It is important to know what type of spare your vehicle carries, and how to use the tools which accompany it. Check your vehicle´s manual for specific details.
You can practice changing your wheel away from traffic, perhaps on a driveway or private road.
Remember, if you do need to change your wheel on a live road, make sure you are safe, protected by your emergency triangles and high visibility clothing, never put yourself in a live lane, and if there is any doubt or risk, always summon assistance.

Change the wiper blades.

It is easy to identify wiper blades that are in poor condition as they leave an irregular pattern on the window when wiping water away, or they might squeak when in use. You should never let your wiper blades get to this state as they can cause damage to the windscreen.
Check them on a regular basis, using your windscreen washing system.
Different vehicles require different blades and they are not always changed in the same way. Generally, the blades connect to the arm via a simple clip, although you might want to check with your vehicle´s manual. Most large supermarkets now stock wiper blades and provide a guide to which ones fit each vehicle, including, often, their own brands which can be cheaper than main makes, although you may then want to check them more regularly.

Changing a light bulb.

We have dealt with lights in a different article, and although it is no longer mandatory to carry spare bulbs as changing them can be almost impossible, checking them is vital.
It is however important that checking our lights is part of our standard and regular checking process, which is why we have also included them in this section.
Remember, although some of these tasks might seem a little complex, you can leave the hard parts to the experts, but it is always good to know the basics to ensure safe motoring whatever the vehicle we choose to drive.

Excerpt: Proper maintenance of your vehicle is crucial to its safe and economic operation. Modern cars have become far more complex than their ancestors, and although it is vital that major work is carried out by a qualified engineer, there are Read More ...

### Orihuela Costa Emergency Centre to Open by 2019

The tender for completing the construction of the Orihuela Costa Emergency Coordination Centre will be issued before summer, 2017.
Both the PP run Orihuela Municipal Council, and the now PSOE run Valencia Government have agreed the process of funding the 1,650,000 euro project, which has been stood abandoned since 2011 when the original builder filed for bankruptcy.
With this latest news, the tender will be issued before the summer with a completion date now of the end of 2018.
The centre will house the local and National Police, Guardia Civil, ambulance, fire service and forest fire brigade, although there will be some changes to the original plan in order to adapt to the modern operations of the emergency services.
The original plans were made under the administration of Monica Lorente´s local government.

Excerpt: The tender for completing the construction of the Orihuela Costa Emergency Coordination Centre will be issued before summer, 2017. Both the PP run Orihuela Municipal Council, and the now PSOE run Valencia Government have agreed the process of funding the Read More ...

### Judge Condemns Cyclist in Pedestrian Crossing Collision

A judge in Seville has ruled that a cyclist who was hit by a car whilst riding over a pedestrian crossing must compensate the driver of the car that hit him.
The incident occurred in November, 2015, when the cyclist was crossing calle Pino de Santa Clara then joining the flow of traffic. The crossing was displaying a “green” phase for the passage of pedestrians, with a flashing amber light for vehicles on the road.
The cyclist collided with the side of a car, which was continuing along the road, over the crossing. Because the cyclist was on the crossing at the time, it was first considered that the car was at fault, but the judge has ruled otherwise, as the crossing was for the passage of pedestrians and, as the bicycle was being ridden, it is classed as a vehicle and should not have been using the crossing.
The cyclist must now pay 500.42 euro to the owner of the car by means of compensation for the damage caused. The cyclist is also condemned to pay the costs of the court.
The ruling is also a warning to other cyclists that they must understand and respect the rules and priorities of the road.

Excerpt: A judge in Seville has ruled that a cyclist who was hit by a car whilst riding over a pedestrian crossing must compensate the driver of the car that hit him. The incident occurred in November, 2015, when the cyclist Read More ...

### Drunk Driver Causes Multiple Vehicle Crash

A drunk driver caused excessive damage to a number of vehicles on Friday, having previously avoided an alcohol check-point in Seville.
Whilst trying to escape, the vehicle collided with six others, four of which were parked, on Paseo de la Palmera in Seville.
The vehicle had been seen by Guardia Civil officers trying to avoid the check-point and so they pursued the vehicle which then crashed.
The local police joined the Guardia Civil in closing the area and controlling traffic whilst the officers then spoke to the driver responsible for the crash, finding the driver not only to be under the influence of alcohol, but also under age at only 16 years of age.
One of the victims had to be cut from their own car by the fire service. The driver was arrested and presented to the child courts.

Excerpt: A drunk driver caused excessive damage to a number of vehicles on Friday, having previously avoided an alcohol check-point in Seville. Whilst trying to escape, the vehicle collided with six others, four of which were parked, on Paseo de la Read More ...

### Recall Alert – Renault Megane XFB

A product recall notice has been issued against the Renault Megane XFB models manufactured before February 2016, because of a problem with the brakes.
The company has discovered that friction from the rim or tyres on the front wheels can result in rubbing the brake pipes and a subsequent leak, potentially resulting in a loss of braking performance.
Renault Spain has stated that it is currently contacting owners of the vehicles to invite them to the workshop to have the problem resolved with reinforcements on the pipes.
If you have one of these vehicles you can contact your local Renault maintenance department for advice.

Excerpt: A product recall notice has been issued against the Renault Megane XFB models manufactured before February 2016, because of a problem with the brakes. The company has discovered that friction from the rim or tyres on the front wheels can Read More ...

### Prison for Footballer who Refused Breath Test

The Criminal Court in Las Plamas, Gran Canaria, has sentenced a professional footballer to nine months in prison, and a two-year ban, for refusing to undergo a breathalyser test.
Sergio Araujo, who plays for UD Las Palmas, had already failed a previous test in February of 2013, resulting in a fine and the withdrawal of his licence for eight months.
In September of the same year the footballer was stopped again and refused to carry out the breathalyser test, knowing that a failure so close to his previous conviction would have further consequences.
The officers had observed the driver behaving in an unusual manner and so approached him. They believed that the driver had consumed alcohol and decided to conduct a breath test. The courts acknowledge that the first indicative test was passed, but as the officers wanted to conduct a confirmatory test the footballer believed that he was being victimised on account of who he was, and so refused.
He also argued that it was not aware of the consequences of his refusal and that, at the last moment, when advised by his father, he wanted to take the test, but was told it was too late.
Judge Mónica Oliva González concluded that there were several contradictions in the testament of the footballer, “If the defendant called his father and told him that he would be arrested, it shows that he knew the consequences of a refusal to undergo the test. Hence it is illogical to assert in court that he was never informed of it”.
The judge also states it “irrelevant” that at the last moment he decided he wanted the test, after several warnings from the officers.
The judge gave full credence to the officers of the Guardia Civil, who “are presumed to be more objective and impartial” and offered a “clear, specific and persistent” version of events.

Excerpt: The Criminal Court in Las Plamas, Gran Canaria, has sentenced a professional footballer to nine months in prison, and a two-year ban, for refusing to undergo a breathalyser test. Sergio Araujo, who plays for UD Las Palmas, had already failed Read More ...

### Mobility Scooters Banned from Pavements

The DGT has published a notification in which it intends to enforce a control on small motorised vehicles on pedestrian areas and pavements, which, although intended to reduce the risk to pedestrians from collisions with such vehicles as segways, it also effectively bans mobility scooters.

The rule is intended to limit the use of vehicles such as segways, electric scooters, powered bikes and other motorised devices, but the rule will also include mobility scooters for the disabled.
The DGT states that it is impossible to assimilate the vehicles as pedestrians on account of them being motorised, and so they must only be used on the road.
There have been numerous reports of segways causing problems when mixing with pedestrians, and similar reports have also been filed following collisions with mobility scooters. Because these vehicles move faster than pedestrians, and lack their own space to move, they pose too great a risk for the DGT to be satisfied that they can be used safely on the pavement.
However, there is still some hope as the DGT has also said that local authorities themselves can issue an ordinance which authorises the use of these vehicles on pavements, and so each municipality would have to ensure that they issue local rules to permit their use.
It is also highly likely that the ruling will be heavily contested as most of the users of mobility scooters need them in order to provide the means to travel around towns and cities, and so restricting the free movement of the disabled would not be an option easily enforced.
The ruling also states that the person in control of these vehicles do not need to hold a licence and insurance is not mandatory, although it is optional and recommended.

Excerpt: The DGT has published a notification in which it intends to enforce a control on small motorised vehicles on pedestrian areas and pavements, which, although intended to reduce the risk to pedestrians from collisions with such vehicles as segways, it Read More ...

### N332 RoadWatch – Issue 4

The latest edition of N332 RoadWatch is out now with features on driving in snow, checking your lights, vision problems, priority vehicles, electric patrol cars and more.
You can purchase your own PDF of the magazine by clicking the button below.
Buy Now
Alternatively, scroll down the page, read the introduction, then you can browse through the pages on your computer, tablet or phone.
We have quite a lot to talk about in this, the latest issue of N332 RoadWatch, not least because of the dramatic seasonal change we call winter.
Snow has already started to fall in parts of Spain, cutting off many villages and towns, albeit only for a short time, it is set to get worse as the winter months move on. We have a little article about snow chains to advise you when you need to use them and why you should carry them.
Okay, for many who live in coastal zones, snow may not pose too much of a problem, but those dark nights certainly will. As the clocks went back recently we were plunged into darkness, and so it is a good time to check out lights and make sure they all work. We should do that on a regular basis of course, but especially now.
Talking of lights, we answer a question posed by a number of our followers and readers, the question about the legality of Daytime Running Lights on motorbikes. Not only do we answer the questions, we also give you the document issued by the authorities which explains to law enforcement officers the reasons, just in case you need it.
We also look again at some other constant questions we are asked, such as transferring a vehicle following a death, the eITV certificate which replaced the paper version, and licence points and how to lose them.
We also have a feature on eyesight, one of the hidden dangers on the roads, as deterioration is often slow and gradual, vision problems are not always noticed.
The Guardia Civil have some new equipment again. For routine patrols they now have some electric vehicles, and in the traffic department the trusty PDA is being replaced by tablet computers. We look at both of those in this issue.
We have also launched our newest section on the website, N332 Services, where we have sought out a number of trusted companies who will provide goods and services to you, not only with a substantial discount, but also with the assurance that we vouch for quality of their service.
One of those service providers in me, I am Mark Nolan by the way, and aside from my voluntary work on the N332 Road Safety Project, I am also a publicist who creates websites and other marketing materials for companies and individuals. I will tell you more about my services in another edition, because this time we are showcasing an alarm provider, Securitas Direct, who offer one of the most comprehensive systems, covering the whole of Spain, that can monitor your home or business whether you are in the country or if you have gone back to your homeland for the winter.
Finally, I must also mention that one of our supporters, IBEX Insurance, are celebrating a birthday. Their Quesada office are having a party this week. I hope to get along myself, and would really look forward to meeting with you there.
Until next time, stay safe.
Buy Now


Buy Now

Excerpt: The latest edition of N332 RoadWatch is out now with features on driving in snow, checking your lights, vision problems, priority vehicles, electric patrol cars and more. You can purchase your own PDF of the magazine by clicking the button Read More ...

### Product Recall – TREK Bicycles

Bicycle manufacturer TREK has issued a recall notice for some of its products after identifying a potential risk with the forks which the company believes could lead to an injury incident.
Specifically, the company reports that a poorly assembled fork can unexpectedly turn whilst the bike is being ridden, thus causing a crash.
The bicycle models are:
Farley 2014
Cuadro Farley 2014
Farley 6 2015
Cuadro Farley 6 2015
If you have one of these bicycles you should contact the manufacturer or the company themselves, using the information on your warranty documents.
Click here for the product recall notice.

Excerpt: Bicycle manufacturer TREK has issued a recall notice for some of its products after identifying a potential risk with the forks which the company believes could lead to an injury incident. Specifically, the company reports that a poorly assembled fork Read More ...

### Appeal for Information – Hit and Run Alicante

An appeal for information has been launched following a hit and run in Alicante.

The incident occurred on Thursday, 3rd November, 2016, at the junction of calle Foguerer and calle San Mateo.
A woman of 49 years of age and another of 21 were injured in the incident.
One of the victims remains in a coma in a critical condition.
The vehicle being sought is a passenger car, silver or grey in colour, which apparently failed to give way at the junction, colliding with a motorbike, and then fleeing the scene.
Anybody with information can report it to the Local Police in Alicante on 965 10 72 00, or via your own local police or Guardia Civil stations with the details of the incident.

Excerpt: An appeal for information has been launched following a hit and run in Alicante. The incident occurred on Thursday, 3rd November, 2016, at the junction of calle Foguerer and calle San Mateo. A woman of 49 years of age and Read More ...

### N332 RoadWatch Issue 4 – Coming Soon

In the next few days the N332 website team will release the latest edition of RoadWatch eMagazine.

This issue looks at driving in snow, checking your lights, licence points, simple maintenance tasks, vision problems, blue lights, priority vehicles and more, including a sneaky look at the latest equipment being issued to the Guardia Civil, tablet computers and electric cars.
On the subject of electric cars we also talk about another police force who haven´t quite grasped the concept entirely. There´s other news too, including a bike recall notice, a crazy driver who crashed her car, and special features from some of our partners, including Ibex insurance who are celebrating a birthday party soon, and our latest partner Seguritas Spain, who offer one of the best alarm systems for your home or business in Spain.
Keep checking back for more details, it will be out for you to read or download this weekend. Meanwhile, you can read or download the previous editions by clicking here.

Excerpt: In the next few days the N332 website team will release the latest edition of RoadWatch eMagazine. This issue looks at driving in snow, checking your lights, licence points, simple maintenance tasks, vision problems, blue lights, priority vehicles and more, Read More ...

### Prison for Causing Death by Reckless Riding

The Provincial Court of Valencia has been sentenced two individuals found responsible for the death of a 15-year old girl in a motorbike crash to a total of three and a half years in prison for causing her death.
The incident occurred in 2007 in the town of Cheste during the celebrations of the Grand Prix. The two people who caused the death were riding motorbikes at the time and performing moves such as “wheelies”, and driving towards each other. One of the riders, who was 23 at the time, did not hold a driving licence.
During one of these stunts, the riders collided head-on resulting in the girl, who was riding on the back, falling off the motorbike and hitting her head on the ground. This injury resulted in her death. The riders were not wearing crash helmets.
The Court confirmed the sentence passed by the judge of the Criminal Court of Valencia, Enrique Ortolá, which saw both riders responsible for crimes of reckless driving, reckless homicide and causing injuries.
One of those responsible received a two year prison sentence, the other a year and a half, and should compensate the parents of the deceased with 113,682 euro.
The town hall were also asked to give evidence that they had adequate procedures in place to prevent the tragedy, stating that performing such stunts is prohibited in the municipality and they provided more police during the event.

Excerpt: The Provincial Court of Valencia has been sentenced two individuals found responsible for the death of a 15-year old girl in a motorbike crash to a total of three and a half years in prison for causing her death. The Read More ...

### Dramatic Crash at La Manga

Two people were injured this weekend when the car they were travelling in left the road and landed in the sea off the Mar Menor coast of La Manga.

The emergency services received numerous calls about the incident on Friday evening and despatched assistance to the scene.
The occupants had already vacated the vehicle when they arrived although they were taken to a local health centre as a precaution.

Excerpt: Two people were injured this weekend when the car they were travelling in left the road and landed in the sea off the Mar Menor coast of La Manga. The emergency services received numerous calls about the incident on Friday Read More ...

### Earthquake Shakes Torrevieja

A 1.3 magnitude earthquake shook Torrevieja on Friday night, although no damage was reported.
The tremor occurred at around 02:30 with shakes and trembles reported by the residents of the Costa Blanca town.
Although the epicentre was out at sea, the rumbles were felt through a radius of around 6 kilometres.

Excerpt: A 1.3 magnitude earthquake shook Torrevieja on Friday night, although no damage was reported.
The tremor occurred at around 02:30 with shakes and trembles reported by the residents of the Costa Blanca town.
Although the epicentre was out at sea, the ru...

### N332 Launches New Services Section

As part of our development strategy, we have been working with some selected companies to try to provide our followers with some great deals and offers in order to reward your loyalty to us.
As a result of that, we are now launching N332 Services, a special section on the website where these companies can advertise their products and offer you special rates.
Over the next few weeks we will be expanding the network to provide more services, but right now we have great deals on burglar alarm systems, tow truck services, website design, document renewals and more.
You will be able to visit our directory as it grows by visiting the services page, which is available on the menu at the top of the n332.es website, or by just typing n332.es/services.
There is also a telephone you can call to leave your details with us to arrange for one of our trusted partners to contact you and explain their own services on offer. That number is also on the services page.
Remember, please mention N332 when you use any of the services or companies offered on this site, as it helps to spread the valuable message of the community we are operating in, all of us, working together for safer roads.

Excerpt: As part of our development strategy, we have been working with some selected companies to try to provide our followers with some great deals and offers in order to reward your loyalty to us. As a result of that, we Read More ...

### Keep a Watch on the Elderly

Within a space of just 48 hours, three elderly people were found dead in their homes in Torrevieja last week.
As the nights get darker and the temperature drops it is not uncommon for elderly people to feel isolated in their homes, sometimes afraid to go out, sometimes just feeling safer in the confines of their own homes, and as a tragic result of those feelings, the number of instances of people being found dead in their homes increases.
The first incident in Torrevieja last week was on Wednesday when the lifeless body of a woman was found in her bed at home. Then, on Thursday, an 82-year old man was found by a neighbour, with indications showing that he had been dead for a week. The third incident was also a man who failed to answer calls from his son who then raised the alarm and sent his brother to the property. Upon arriving at the house the brother instantly noted a bad smell but was unable to open the door with his keys as the father had left his keys in the lock on the inside, a common practice, especially amongst the elderly, fearful of their locks being picked.
Only fire fighters are allowed to enter a domestic property by force, and only if there is imminent danger. Under these circumstances, the Guardia Civil had to request permission of a judge to enter the property, thus prolonging to wait to ascertain what had happened.
Upon entering, the man was found on his bed, with his feet on the ground, showing clear signs of decomposition and surrounded by his most treasured possessions, including a photograph of his wife next to him.
In Torrevieja, more than 30% of the population is over 60, and around 10% are over 75 years of age. Many are not native in the town and move here with partners, only to be separated by death, leaving one alone to face the inevitable.
Please, if you know of an elderly neighbour living alone, check on them regularly. If they are a family member you may want to suggest an alarm and alert system, either way, it is more important than ever in the run up to Christmas that we all keep an eye out for those who may not be able to look after themselves, or may be living in fear alone.

Excerpt: Within a space of just 48 hours, three elderly people were found dead in their homes in Torrevieja last week. As the nights get darker and the temperature drops it is not uncommon for elderly people to feel isolated in their homes, sometimes afraid to go out, sometimes just feeling safer in the confines of […]

### N332 Supported by RTN

N332 has signed a new media collaboration agreement, this time with the English language newspaper, the RTN.
Each week, you will be able to read an article in the RTN which has been specially prepared for them, and which has not been published anywhere else.
We believe that it is important for us to nurture relationships like this, as we value other means of spreading this vital, potentially life-saving advice through as many different mediums as possible.
With our relationship with the RTN you will now be able to enjoy some of our articles in print, as well as those published on the n332.es website.
Many sure you pick up the RTN newspaper every Friday for the latest article in “The number one free weekly newspaper on the Costa Blanca, Costa Cálida with all the local news, sport and major stories and events”, and visit their website for up to date news at www.roundtownnews.com.
North Edition

Excerpt: N332 has signed a new media collaboration agreement, this time with the English language newspaper, the RTN. Each week, you will be able to read an article in the RTN which has been specially prepared for them, and which has Read More ...

### N332 Visits TRACS in Torrevieja

The N332 Road Safety Project Roadshow made another stop in Torrevieja recently, giving a presentation to the popular TRACS social and networking group.

Around 100 people were invited to attend the presentation, which was held in the Nautica Bar I Torrevieja´s harbour, and despite the damp day, the room was packed out by attendees.

The presentation was led by Mark Nolan from the N332 website, with Francisco Morales from the Guardia Civil making a virtual appearance by video, on account of him having to patrol the roads on that day, although he did manage to pop in during a quieter time on patrol.

The presentation took the group through some of the typical unanswered questions, such as how to spot an unmarked traffic car to avoid becoming a victim of roadside robberies, what to do in the event of being stopped by the police, licensing, fines, equipment, and more, as well as everybody´s favourite subject, driving on roundabouts.

The presentation was further supported by experts from Ibex insurance, who were on hand to answer questions relating to insurance matters, and other experts from one of the biggest alarm providers in Spain, Seguritas Direct, who gave a brief talk about the benefits of their system in the home.
More presentations are now being arranged into the New Year. If you are part of a group in the Torrevieja, Orihuela, Elche and surrounding areas who can get around 50 to 60 people together, and you would be interested in receiving a talk from a member of the N332 group and their supporting businesses, you can contact us by emailing news@n332.es.

Excerpt: The N332 Road Safety Project Roadshow made another stop in Torrevieja recently, giving a presentation to the popular TRACS social and networking group. Around 100 people were invited to attend the presentation, which was held in the Nautica Bar I Read More ...

### More than a hundred people investigated for insurance fraud

Officers from the Economic and Tax Crime investigation unit of the National Police, UDEF, in Murcia are investigating more than 100 people for fraudulent activities related to vehicle insurance.

Amongst those under investigation are supposed victims or road traffic incidents, as well as lawyers and doctors, most of whom are trauma specialists, with links to another criminal gang which was disbanded in 2014 after they falsified claims for around 400 incidents.
The officers discovered an extensive network of activity specifically aimed at defrauding insurance companies through false and exaggerated claims following incidents, and others which were intentionally caused.
The network included lawyers who specialise in traffic related matters, and doctors who also specialise in treating motor vehicle related injuries.
The 2014 investigation began following the suspicions raised by insurance companies over the severity of claims and abnormalities in the reporting. The investigation revolved predominantly around the Murcia region with the heads of the network, two residents of Molina de Segura, joining more than 60 people arrested. Despite that network being disbanded, the ringleaders continued to operate, leading to these latest findings and arrests.

Excerpt: Officers from the Economic and Tax Crime investigation unit of the National Police, UDEF, in Murcia are investigating more than 100 people for fraudulent activities related to vehicle insurance. Amongst those under investigation are supposed victims or road traffic incidents, Read More ...

### Busy Weekend for November Holiday

The road network is expected to be particularly busy this weekend, with 3.3 million journeys expected across the Valencia region alone. Of those, 1.25 million will be around the Alicante province.
A special operation will be in place throughout the weekend with traffic officers monitoring the road network, supported by workers on the ground and helicopters in the air.
The busiest times are expected to be on Friday between 16:00 and 21:00, Saturday from 08:00 to 14:00, and on Tuesday from 16:00 to 21:00.
Because of the national holiday on Tuesday (Todos los Santos), many people have taken Monday off in order to have an extended weekend. Monday of course is Halloween.
Coastal and leisure areas are expected to see the most traffic, including shopping centres. The clocks go back on Saturday night, changing the lighting dynamics of the road. On Monday evening special care should be taken to look out for children celebrating Halloween (they may be dressed as ghosts (or worse)), and on Tuesday cemeteries will be busy as families go to celebrate the special day with loved ones departed from this world. Some local towns and cities have provided bus services on Tuesday morning.
Remember, throughout the weekend, allow extra time for your journey, keep calm, maintain a proper and safe distance, watch your speed, avoid distractions and don´t consume alcohol or drugs.

Excerpt: The road network is expected to be particularly busy this weekend, with 3.3 million journeys expected across the Valencia region alone. Of those, 1.25 million will be around the Alicante province. A special operation will be in place throughout the Read More ...

### Do You Indicate?

This article was first provided to our media partners at the RTN. You can read new articles each week in your favourite English language newspaper, out every Friday…
http://www.roundtownnews.com/

One of the biggest annoyances of drivers in Spain is when other drivers fail to use their indicators. In Spain, failing to indicate is punishable by a 200 euro fine.
It is important to remember that indicators are there in order to “indicate” our intentions, and therefore must be used before any manoeuvre takes place, remember your driving school days, Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre. Indicating after you have started to slow down of change direction does not give sufficient warning. Equally, it must be remembered that they don´t give us priority over other road users.
We must indicate whenever we intend to deviate from our course or direction. In other words, if we are going to turn or change lanes for example. On a roundabout we must signal our intention to leave the roundabout immediately after passing the exit before ours.
Pulling out from a parking spot or changing lanes can allow other drivers to assess if they are able to safely alter their course, although caution must still be exercised.
Overtaking is one of the most dangerous manoeuvres we can do, especially when the move involves invading the opposing lane. It is important to indicate our intentions to warn other road users who might be considering doing the same thing, especially more vulnerable road users such as motorbikes.
Turning into or out of a minor road must always be indicated, whether left or right, in order to also advise other road users, including those we may not have seen, such as pedestrians and cyclists.
Remember though, always indicate first and always remember that indicating does not give us a right to move, or change our priority on the road, it simply indicates our intentions to other road users.

Excerpt: This article was first provided to our media partners at the RTN. You can read new articles each week in your favourite English language newspaper, out every Friday… http://www.roundtownnews.com/ One of the biggest annoyances of drivers in Spain is when Read More ...

### Alicante Flight Declares Emergency

A flight from Alicante to Cardiff today declared an emergency while in the air because of a technical issue.
137 passengers were on board the scheduled flight.
Vueling explained that the problem was detected before landing.
A Vueling spokesman said “A technical issue was detected before landing and following all safety procedures the Captain requested for a priority landing. The aircraft has landed safely and passengers have disembarked as usual. We had 137 passengers on board.”
The aeroplane landed safely at Cardiff airport

Excerpt: A flight from Alicante to Cardiff today declared an emergency while in the air because of a technical issue. 137 passengers were on board the scheduled flight. Vueling explained that the problem was detected before landing. A Vueling spokesman said “A technical issue was detected before landing and following all safety procedures the Captain requested […]

### Officers Seriously Injured in Santa Pola Crash

A serious collision occurred on Tuesday evening when an overtaking maneuver resulted in a head-on collision with a patrol car of the Guardia Civil.
The incident occurred at around 20:30 on the road between Santa Pola and Elche, just in front of the Elche Safari Park.
One of the officers was trapped in the vehicle and had to be extracted by fire fighters. Both officers suffered serious injuries, the driver now in a critical condition fighting for his life.
The occupant of the other vehicle has injuries but is otherwise okay.

Excerpt: A serious collision occurred on Tuesday evening when an overtaking maneuver resulted in a head-on collision with a patrol car of the Guardia Civil. The incident occurred at around 20:30 on the road between Santa Pola and Elche, just in Read More ...

### Results from the first European Day Without A Road Death (Project EDWARD)

Results from the first European Day Without A Road Death (Project EDWARD) have been published by TISPOL (the European Traffic Police Network) and the European Commission.
Summary of results:

On Wednesday 21 September 2016 (Project EDWARD day) there were 43 road deaths across 31 countries
This compares with 70 fatalities on the same day in 2015 and represents a like-for-like reduction of almost 39 per cent.
19 countries recorded zero fatalities on 21 September, compared with 11 countries in 2015. Eight of these countries had recorded at least one fatality on 21 September 2015
Seven other countries recorded a reduction in fatalities, compared with the same day in 2015
Three countries recorded an increase in fatalities
A full country-by-country result sheet is available here

Twitter impact:

7,923 Twitter posts on Monday 19th, Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st September
19,298,225 unique reach for #ProjectEDWARD
Project EDWARD featured in Twitter Moments Today
Trending in top 5 in UK
Trending in many other countries
At one point trending in top 50 globally

Commenting on Project EDWARD, European Commissioner Violeta Bulc said:
“Education and awareness make important contributions to road safety, and Project EDWARD sets an extremely ambitious target: to achieve a day without a single death on Europe’s roads. This year, we recorded a significant improvement compared to 2015, which shows that when all stakeholders come together we really make an impact and save lives. We are on the right path to make the aspirational goal of zero fatality a reality.”
The new TISPOL President Paolo Cestra said:
“When we launched Project EDWARD, we accepted that it would be incredibly difficult to achieve a day without road death across Europe. But we believe these results show that when everyone works together towards such a worthwhile goal, we can make a big difference. We thank everyone who signed the pledge, who shared our information messages and who made one or two small differences in the way they use the road.  Any small individual action counts in helping to recuce the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads of Europe. 
“We understand that many factors impact on fatality figures on any particular day, so we cannot state what direct impact Project EDWARD had. But we believe Project EDWARD has delivered fantastic results in terms of revitalising Europe-wide collaboration and participation, as well as sharing simple road safety messages far and wide.”
“There is an ambitious European Commission target to reduce death on Europe’s roads by the year 2020. That target has in recent times seemed out of reach. But we believe that Project EDWARD has shown that, with the right commitment and motivation, we still have time to achieve it, and I urge everyone to work towards that goal.”
About Project EDWARD:

Project EDWARD was introduced by TISPOL to run for the first time on 21 September 2016
As well as raising awareness of road safety issues, a key aim of Project EDWARD was to draw attention to the value of national and Europe-wide road safety targets
The European Commission supported Project EDWARD
31 European countries supported Project EDWARD
Financial support for Project EDWARD was provided by the GEM Motoring Assist Road Safety Charity

Excerpt: Results from the first European Day Without A Road Death (Project EDWARD) have been published by TISPOL (the European Traffic Police Network) and the European Commission. Summary of results: On Wednesday 21 September 2016 (Project EDWARD day) there were 43 Read More ...

### Appeal for Information – Missing Person

The family of JAMES DUMBRECK are becoming increasingly concerned for his safety after he went missing from the La Fuente area of the Orihuela Costa on Sunday morning.
If anybody has seen him, please contact Adam Dumbreck or Yasmin Decay on Facebook (click their names to go to Facebook) or telephone Adam on 722 108 027.
Any information regarding his whereabouts would be appreciated.
Thank you.

Excerpt: The family of JAMES DUMBRECK are becoming increasingly concerned for his safety after he went missing from the La Fuente area of the Orihuela Costa on Sunday morning. If anybody has seen him, please contact Adam Dumbreck or Yasmin Decay on Read More ...

### Emergency Response – What is P.A.S.

The P.A.S. system based on the first response to a situation, in which the primary concern should always be protection, then advising others, and then assisting those in need.

In Spanish, PAS is derived from Proteger Avisar Socorrer, which we could translate to Protect, Advise, Assist.
Let us look at the three elements. You can see how these come together on the pictogram, remembering that the first and most important stage is safety.
Protect
What to Do.
Knowing what to do if you witness a traffic accident can not only save the lives of the injured, but also your own. Never forget the three steps: Protect, Advise and Assist.
Self-protection. Park your own vehicle in a safe spot and wear your reflective vest before leaving it.
Keep away from a burning vehicle or if you notice that it is transporting dangerous goods.
Protect the accident site. Signal the area as soon as possible by placing warning triangles and switching on your hazard warning lights.
 
Advise
Call the emergency services on 112 (they speak multiple languages, including English).
Information to provide:

Location of the place of accident (street, number, kilometre point, if it is a two-way street, the address, and report any other detail that can assist in identifying your location quickly: chapel, restaurant …
The number of injured people and all the information you can provide (if unconscious, bleeding etc).
Special circumstances (the existence of trapped persons, danger of falling vehicle, if they are transporting dangerous goods, if fallen into water etc).
Characteristics and number of vehicles.
Wait from the controllers to confirm the details before hanging up.

 
Assist
Be extremely careful in order to not add or aggravate injuries.
 
You should not do.

As a general rule, do not move the injured, nor remove them from the vehicle.
If they are a biker, do not remove the helmet.
Do not give drink, food or medication.
Do not allow them to move on their own.
Do not leave until emergency services say it is okay.

 
You should do

Stay close to the injured, if possible, at their side. Try to keep them calm.
If necessary, and always if you know how to, perform first aid.

 
An English version of the poster was published in Issue 3 of N332 RoadWatch magazine. Click here to read that issue.
 

Excerpt: The P.A.S. system based on the first response to a situation, in which the primary concern should always be protection, then advising others, and then assisting those in need. In Spanish, PAS is derived from Proteger Avisar Socorrer, which we Read More ...

### New Portable Breathalysers

We have been reporting recently on the new mobile speed detectors that the Guardia Civil have in service, small and compact enough to carry with them on their motorbikes, this time we are introducing you to another invaluable tool in their arsenal for keeping the roads safer, an evidential, portable breathalyser, the SAF’IR™ Evolution.

Like many police forces across Europe, the Guardia Civil use hand-held breathalysers at the moment, but these devices only give an approximate indication of alcohol consumption and are not used in evidence. Instead, a bigger, computerised machine is used which provides more accurate results and provides a report which can then be used as evidence in subsequent prosecution. As well as having these devices available in many of the traffic police stations, the Guardia Civil have a fleet of vehicles which have these computerised units installed and are used at the roadside.

However, these units are not always immediately available to officers who suspect alcohol has been consumed, or I the event of the failure of a standard roadside test. That is where these new SAF’IR™ EVOLUTION devices come into their own.
As well as being an evidential analyser, meaning that the testing accuracy is certified and valid in court. It has a start-up time of less than one minute, a simple user interface, and a long battery life that can be extended in-vehicle with an adapter. Not only that, the entire unit is in a case about the size of a household drill, along with sterile blow tubes and a printer that can process the fine on the spot, as well as recording the evidence.
It is because of the compactness of the units that they can also be carried on the new motorbikes, ready to be used at a moment´s notice, ensuring the most accurate record and processing of offenders is carried out in the shortest time possible.
Along with the new portable speed monitoring devices, these new breathalysers mean that the motorbikes and other vehicles patrolling our streets have never been as equipped to deal with offenders and the officers have never had such a valuable set of tools on-hand to ensure that the roads are safer for all.

SAF’IR™ Evolution SAF’IR™ Evolution
SPECIFICATIONS
Size and Weight:              85mm x 255mm x 46mm – 600 grams
Measuring Principle:       Infrared spectrometry ethanol molecule-selective 9.46 µm-wavelength
Measuring Cycle:             Automatic with monitoring and diagnosis of good operation
Measurement Unit:        mg/L of alcohol in exhaled air, µg/L air, g/L blood BAC, %BAC
Measuring Range:           0 to 2,00 mg/L (0 to 450 BAC)
Measurement Display:  Function of unit chosen, accuracy maximum 1 µg/L
Measuring Frequency:  Ready to blow in less than 30 seconds
Calibration:         Dry gas / wet gas
Operating Temperature:              -5°C to +40°C
Data Transfer:   PC via USB port and ACS software
Memory:             Over 3,200 time-stamped events with Bluetooth printing
Display:                Graphic LCD
Power Supply:   Built-in rechargeable NiMH battery
Features:             Bluetooth printing and GPS applications
Battery Life:       Over 20 hours
 
 
 
 
 

Excerpt: We have been reporting recently on the new mobile speed detectors that the Guardia Civil have in service, small and compact enough to carry with them on their motorbikes, this time we are introducing you to another invaluable tool in Read More ...

### Warning Triangles

It is mandatory for all vehicles to carry two warning triangles. These triangles must be of a certified standard for Europe. Homologation certification is shown by the presence of a label, sticker or stamp, similar to that on child seats, which, amongst other codes referring to the manufacturer and other details, shows the letter “E” and a number in a circle. The code is sometimes in a box rather than a circle, but it depends on the product in question. For warning triangles, we are looking for a circle and in particular you are looking for E9. The “E” refers to a European standard and in this case, “9” refers to the item having been certified in Spain. By the way, E11 refers to the UK, but so long as your triangle carries the European certificated stamp, it is acceptable for use in Spain.
The reason two triangles must be carried is that at times we need to offer a warning and protection from vehicles approaching from the front, as well as from behind. We will look at that in some detail on the next page.
Once you have your warning triangles, the next stage is often overlooked, but it is a good idea to take them out or the packaging and assemble them a couple of times. Usually, when we need to use warning triangles we need to assemble them quickly to provide as much warning as possible. It is mandatory to carry them, but they will be of little use if you don´t know how to use them. That is why we recommend you practice, and keep practicing, so that if the time ever does arise, you know immediately how to assemble them.
If you are carrying them in your boot, although they should be in a secure place, we also suggest that you always have them at hand. It´s not a good idea to pile your shopping and other items on top of the triangles as if you do need to use them, you need to access them quickly.
Some vehicles have warning triangles installed as standard, sometime in the lid of the boot, which you can just take out at a moment’s notice. Again though, make sure you know how to take them out so that if you need them, you know exactly how to access them.
It is also a good idea to carry them in some kind of protective case and to ensure that they are kept clean so that their high visibility standards are maintained.

Where to Place Your Warning Triangles
In the event of your vehicle becoming immobilised on the road and causing a hazard, you must provide additional warnings to other road users of your presence. We deal with the entire process in another article but you must remember that the first thing you must do is switch on your vehicle´s hazard warning lights. This applies both in the day and at night.
You must then place your warning triangles in such a manner to provide sufficient warning to oncoming vehicles.
Ordinarily, you must place your triangles 50 metres away from your vehicle, so that they are visible from a distance of 100 metres.

On a normal two-way road you must place one triangle behind and one in front of your vehicle, both at a distance of 50 metres and visible from at least 100 metres.
On a one-way road, or a road which has more than 3 lanes, such as a motorway, you only need to place one triangle at the rear of your vehicle 50 metres away and visible from 100 metres.
Ensuring that your triangle is visible is crucial to offering a warning to approaching vehicles. In the event that your vehicle is after a bend or over the brow of a hill, move the triangle further away so that it is visible before vehicles reach the bend or brow.

Excerpt: It is mandatory for all vehicles to carry two warning triangles. These triangles must be of a certified standard for Europe. Homologation certification is shown by the presence of a label, sticker or stamp, similar to that on child seats, Read More ...

### New Radars around the Country

The latest range of vehicle monitoring and enforcement devices came into action on the roads of Spain.

Autumn is always a key time in road safety terms as national and regional governments invest millions into saving lives, and even with a caretaker government running the country in 2016, and a lot of major investments on hold, budgets for road safety still currently remain.
In Catalonia, where traffic policing is independent from Spain, the Servicio Catalán de Tráfico announced the installation of 10 new radars which would come into force in September.
They are located at 5 key points on the road network, where many safety incidents have been recorded, along the AP-7 in Tarragona, the N-11 Capmany-Agullana road in Girona, the C-66 in the  Corsà-Rupià-La Pera- Flaçà-Sant Joan de Mollet area of Girona, and the C-16 Sant Cugat del Vallés and Cercs, both in Barcelona.
These new radars record the average speed of vehicles over a specific stretch of road, recording the number plate as the vehicle passes one point, registering it again at another, then calculating the time taken between the two points. With these 10 new section controls Catalonia has added to the sections already monitored. You can view all of their locations on the http://transit.gencat.cat/ website.
Throughout Spain, more cameras capable of monitoring more than just speed have been installed and switched on. Now, there are 222 cameras throughout the country which take a series of images in order to determine if the vehicle occupants are wearing seatbelts, or if the driver is on their mobile phone. There are another 55 on order which will be installed and implemented soon.
More red-light cameras have been installed in the capital city, Madrid. An additional 9 cameras have been installed, on top of the 26 already existing, looking for vehicles which fail to stop at a red light. Despite the municipal government facing criticism for the cameras on account of the money they are now collecting, it must be remembered that the cameras only activate if an offence has been committed, and, moreover, the offence in question recorded by these devices is a practice which carries extreme risk, not only to the offender, but also other and more vulnerable road users. You can find the exact locations of these from the town hall website,
Valencia has also increased its allocation of red-light cameras, with an additional 2 devices joining the 3 already on duty. The new devices are awaiting activation, but that will occur soon.
Almería Council announced the launch of a new mobile radar, which has been provided in conjunction with the DGT, specifically operating in the Roquetas de Mar area. Although not a permanent acquisition it will be operating at predetermined times in the area.
The same situation occurred in Jaen, where the local council also collaborated with the DGT to provide more coverage on the roads by using mobile speed detecting equipment.
Finally, we must once again mention the new lightweight portable devices which have been issued to the Guardia Civil. Small enough to be carried on their motorbikes, these new devices can quite literally be positioned almost anywhere and at any time.
Be on the lookout for these radars, you can check the DGT.es website for the latest locations, but above all, try not to get caught. The simplest way of avoiding detection is to always drive within the constraints of the maximum permitted speed of the road and the road conditions.

Excerpt: The latest range of vehicle monitoring and enforcement devices came into action on the roads of Spain. Autumn is always a key time in road safety terms as national and regional governments invest millions into saving lives, and even with Read More ...

### Time to Check you Battery

In autumn, one of the biggest causes of breakdowns is a fault to do with the car´s electrical system or the battery.

This is actually a continuation from the summer months, although engine overheating is also a common problem in the summer, but more than half of the recorded faults dealt with by the roadside are related to the car´s battery.
Often, the problem is age related and the fact that the battery has simply discharged. This is a common consequence of high temperatures.
Between the months of June and September, there are more roadside recoveries than any other time of year, partly due to the increase in traffic, as well as the damage caused by high temperatures.
The advice is to thoroughly check your vehicle on a regular basis, keep electrical use to a minimum when the engine isn´t running, and, above all, have your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic on a regular basis.

Excerpt: In autumn, one of the biggest causes of breakdowns is a fault to do with the car´s electrical system or the battery. This is actually a continuation from the summer months, although engine overheating is also a common problem in Read More ...

### The DGT Performs the First Roadside ITV Test

This week, the first roadside ITV inspection of a vehicle took place in Spain, as part of a week-long campaign checking commercial vehicles such as buses, trucks and vans which runs until the 16th of October.

According to the DGT, 9% of vans, 4% of trucks and 1% of the buses involved in injury incidents on interurban roads last year had an expired ITV at the time of the incident. Furthermore, the European Union estimates that 6% of incidents are due to technical failures, many of which could have been avoided with proper vehicle maintenance.
The DGT has 5 inspection units which have been deployed around the country with an intention of carrying out 12,000 vehicle inspections each year.
These mobile units have all the necessary technical equipment to carry out the complete ITV inspection, including checking brakes, axle weight, lights and safety equipment, and have thermal imaging cameras to inspect the vehicle thoroughly.
The inspections are carried out by specially trained members of the Guardia Civil traffic department who are able to enforce the inspections on vehicles, as well as carry out the necessary process should a failure or fault be detected.
The plan also form part of an EU directive which states that for the purposes of road safety and environmental protection, the current periodic technical inspection of commercial vehicles is not enough, and so it is necessary to carry out these roadside inspections to monitor the proper maintenance of vehicles on the road, which, as part of the parameters of the process, ensures monitoring compliance with the ITV.
Traffic law dictates that deficiencies in the maintenance of vehicles can be considered a serious offenses, punishable by a 200 euro fine, or a very serious offence resulting in a 500 euro fine. In addition, the vehicle can be immobilised in case of serious deficiencies (brakes, tires, suspension, etc), and the subsequent obligation to submit the vehicle for inspection, once the repairs have been carried out, at a fixed ITV station.

The penalty for driving a vehicle without having passed the ITV is 200 euro, and in the event of driving a vehicle which has failed the test, a 500 euro fine.
In 2015, 25% of buses and 23% of trucks presented to the periodic technical inspection (ITV) failed the test. In the same year, trucks over 3,500 kg of maximum authorized mass and buses were involved in 5,909 injury incidents, in which 293 people were killed.
Most of the fatal incidents involving trucks took place on interurban roads, whereas those involving buses mostly occurred on urban roads. Collectively, distractions are the main causes of incidents involving this type of vehicle.
In order to improve road safety, if repeat offenders are identified, not only will the drives themselves be penalised, but the companies they work for will also find themselves under investigation, facing some liability for any offences committed, and, in the worst cases, having their operating licence withdrawn.
The campaign this week coincides with a similar one across Europe where the European Traffic Police network, TISPOL, are also focussing on trucks and buses. Speed, distractions, alcohol and drugs, seatbelts, documentation and now the technical aspects of the vehicles themselves will be held under the microscope.

Excerpt: This week, the first roadside ITV inspection of a vehicle took place in Spain, as part of a week-long campaign checking commercial vehicles such as buses, trucks and vans which runs until the 16th of October. According to the DGT, Read More ...

### Search Launched for Escaped Inmates after Riot

An overnight riot on Wednesday in the immigration detention centre at Sangonera la Verde, Murcia, resulted in five police officers being injured and dozens of inmates escaping the facility.

The riot began at around 20:30 when inmates seized fire extinguishers and hoses and used these items against the officers to force their way out. As a result, five of the officers suffered injuries, including upper extremity fractures and dislocations.
An alert was immediately raised with support and ambulances rushing to the scene. The end result is that 67 of the 130 immigrant inmates escaped.
During the course of the night 28 escapees were rounded up, mainly in the Cartagena and Alcantarilla areas, a lot of whom were found hiding in fields leaving almost 40 still at large.
All security services are now combining efforts to locate and capture those missing, which will result in intensifies roadblocks around the area and surrounding regions.
Be aware of these check points and the reason for them and, as always, if you see one please do not share the information through social networks. If you are stopped, stay calm, respond to the instructions of the officers, remember “nothing to hide, nothing to fear”, whilst all attempts are made to capture those who have absconded and return them to the justice system.

Excerpt: An overnight riot on Wednesday in the immigration detention centre at Sangonera la Verde, Murcia, resulted in five police officers being injured and dozens of inmates escaping the facility. The riot began at around 20:30 when inmates seized fire extinguishers Read More ...

### Prison Call for Drunk and Drugged Driver

The prosecutor is calling for an 18-month prison sentence for a driver caught doing 103 kilometres per hour in a section of road where the maximum permitted speed was 50 kilometres per hour.
Having been stopped for the offence of speeding, the driver also tested positive for having consumed alcohol and drugs.
The hearing is set for Thursday of this week following the incident in December, 2014, on the CV-1 (Los Campos-Trasona) road in Corvera. The vehicle was observed being driven at high speed and recklessly, hitting the crash barrier at one point.
As a result of that collision, the passenger in the vehicle suffered injuries and so the charge sheet includes a crime against road safety causing reckless injury, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and speeding.
IN addition to the prison sentence, the prosecutor has also requested the disqualification from driving for a period of 4 years.

Excerpt: The prosecutor is calling for an 18-month prison sentence for a driver caught doing 103 kilometres per hour in a section of road where the maximum permitted speed was 50 kilometres per hour. Having been stopped for the offence of Read More ...

### Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa at Risk of Tsunamis

The east coast of Spain, from Torrevieja to the Straight of Gibraltar, is at risk of Tsunamis, according to a post on the El Tiempo weather website blog.
However, it should be made clear that although there is a risk it is nothing more than a theoretical one and is very slight at best.
The article refers to the question as to whether Spain is at risk of tsunamis, and answers the question stating that although the odds of it happening are extremely low, it is indeed possible.
In 1755 a major earthquake with its epicenter in the Lisbon coast caused a tsunami that severely affected cities like Cadiz and Huelva. Several studies indicate that more than 2,000 people killed in Spain by waves of 15 meters triggered the Portuguese earthquake. Even to this day the remains deposits from the damage caused are found kilometres away from the Cadiz coast, demonstrating the lethal consequences of this tsunami. Although there was no means of testing the magnitude of that earthquake, experts have said it was likely to have been in the region of 8.5 on the Richter scale.
In 1829, Torrevieja and the surrounding area were all but destroyed by an earthquake, although no tsunami was recorded after that.
A tsunami is a series of waves from the ocean that sends great waves of water that can reach up to 30.5 metres in height. By hitting the coast, these walls of water can cause havoc. Most tsunamis originate after an earthquake.
Although strong earthquakes do not occur frequently in Spain, the fact is that there are several seismic zones due to the influence of European and African tectonic plates.
In this regard, as indicated by the director of the National Seismic Network, Emilio Carreño, it is the area mainly ranging from Torrevieja to the Strait of Gibraltar which concentrates most seismic activity, and therefore which could more be exposed to hypothetical tsunamis.
Most tsunamis occur in the Pacific Ocean, within the so – called Ring of Fire, where some of the most important areas of subduction of the world focus. It is this condition which favours the high seismic activity in the countries covered.

Excerpt: The east coast of Spain, from Torrevieja to the Straight of Gibraltar, is at risk of Tsunamis, according to a post on the El Tiempo weather website blog. However, it should be made clear that although there is a risk it is nothing more than a theoretical one and is very slight at best. The […]

### Never Warn about Checkpoints

The Guardia Civil has taken to social networks to share a French police produced videos about the risks involved in warning other motorists about the presence of check-points.

The message of “nothing to hide, nothing to fear” has never been clearer than in recent times, with both an increased threat in criminal and other serious activities, protection of law-abiding citizens has perhaps never been as important.
Let´s remember, that if you do have nothing to hide, if you are stopped at a checkpoint, the worst that will happen will be a slight delay whilst your documents and details are checked. More likely you will simply be waved on and able to go about your business.
In the video however, a very different story unfolds. A driver is seen driving through the night when he spots a police patrol. Thinking he is doing a good deed, he takes to flashing his headlights in warning to oncoming vehicles, a practice which is by the way illegal.
As the story continues we see another more nervous driver heeding the warning, stopping his vehicle and turning around to drive in the opposite direction.
Unbeknown to the original driver, the police that he had spotted originally were involved in the search for a young girl who had been abducted. The driver he is later seen to warn is revealed to be the abductor, so close to approaching capture and the subsequent liberation of the girl, the warning meant that the kidnapper was able to evade capture, the result for the victim unknown, but without the warning of the driver the story would have ended so very differently, with a positive result.
¿Avisas de los controles policiales con luces o #apps?Igual viendo este vídeo hasta el final te lo replanteaspic.twitter.com/bqDSo2Pb7r
— Guardia Civil (@guardiacivil) September 11, 2016

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil has taken to social networks to share a French police produced videos about the risks involved in warning other motorists about the presence of check-points. The message of “nothing to hide, nothing to fear” has never been Read More ...

### 83,000 Convictions

The latest figures released by the Attorney General this month show that in 2015 there were a total of 83,283 convictions for road traffic offences in Spain, 34% of all sentences handed down by the courts.

Of the 83,000 plus convictions, 57,313 entailed the deprivation of driving rights, most of which were with the agreement of the offender. In addition 2,352 sentences resulted in the loss of validity of the driving licence, 50,000 were fines and 31,634 community service orders were issued.
During 2015, there were fewer breath tests carried out by the Guardia Civil traffic officers, with 5,741,000 tests last year, compared to 6,300,000 in 2014. There were a total of 80,388 disciplinary proceedings for alcohol related offences, compared to 94,638 in 2014.
The number of reported drug detection and controls increased exponentially, from nearly 9,500 administrative files opened in 2014, to 26,000 in 2015. There was also a “dramatic increase” in the number drug tests conducted in 2015, more than 76,000, compared to 29,463 in 2014.
Generally speaking, the prosecution notes that compared to 2014 there has been a general downward trend in the number of criminal proceedings initiated, indictments and convictions for crimes against road safety. The decrease has been attributed, among other circumstances, to “the effectiveness of the criminal response to this type of crime” as well as an increased awareness amongst drivers.
The Attorney General’s Office also contends that the effective implementation of the law is “not the only prerequisite to reduce incidents”, thus the prosecution proposes the designation of a legal status of pedestrians and cyclists “for harmonious coexistence in the city” , improving the state of the roads, signage, lighting, reducing speed limits and vehicle status, and it clarifies that the aging fleet because of the economic crisis translates into “inequality before the safety of those who have no resources to pay for improvements”.
The report also stresses the need for road safety education is now more important than ever, the only safe strategy to reduce tragedies, almost all those which are preventable, occurring on public roads.

Excerpt: The latest figures released by the Attorney General this month show that in 2015 there were a total of 83,283 convictions for road traffic offences in Spain, 34% of all sentences handed down by the courts. Of the 83,000 plus Read More ...

### 253 Summer Deaths

During the summer months of July and August, a total of 253 people lost their lives on the main inter-urban roads of Spain, 27 more deaths than in the same period last year, representing an increase of 12%, based on provisional data from the DGT.

The Valencia Region and the Balearic Islands are the two places which have seen the greatest increase in the number of fatalities, with Valencia seeing an increase of 12 deaths, and the Balearic Islands increasing by 8 deaths.
Across the rest of the country, Aragón and Asturias each saw an increase of 5, Castilla-La Mancha and Comunidad de Madrid both increased by 4, Galicia and Castilla y León had an increase of 3, the Región de Murcia increased by 2 deaths, and Extremadura and La Rioja both saw an increase of 1.
Most of the fatalities occurred on the secondary road network, representing 78% of total deaths. 2015 regarding the number of fatalities among users of bicycles, motorcycles, cars and trucks.
The average age of passenger cars in which fatalities were traveling is increasing, suggested as a contributing factor to an increase in road deaths, with the 2015 average age being 13.4 years, some 2 years older than the average age of 11.4 years calculated on the average throughout the year.
A total of 31% of the fatalities have occurred in sections of roads identified as being “black spots” and therefore given the status of INVIVE ((Intensificación de la Vigilancia de la Velocidad), where closer monitoring of speed and driver practise is implemented.
During the summer this year there has also been an increase in the number of tourists visiting Spain and the number of long-haul journeys across the country, with a 9.3% and 5% increase respectively.
The figures for the UK also show an increase in the number of incidents on the roads, with data from January to March showing a 13% increase, whereas in Germany the figure from January to July showed a decrease in the number of incidents by 9%.

Excerpt: During the summer months of July and August, a total of 253 people lost their lives on the main inter-urban roads of Spain, 27 more deaths than in the same period last year, representing an increase of 12%, based on Read More ...

### Looking for Car Hire?

It comes as no surprise to anybody who knows them or have used their services, but Al Andalus Car Hire has been going from strength to strength over the last few years, so much so they are about to celebrate their 4,000th booking.
For one lucky person, the one who is that 4,000th, you will get a week’s car hire for free in celebration, although with such competitively priced hire services, everybody is already a winner.
As a supporter of the N332 project from day 1, we know all too well of owner David Baxter´s commitment. Whenever we are involved in one of our charity campaigns, it is guaranteed that David pulls out all the stops to make sure he is there supporting us in any way that he and his team can.
David started Al Andalus Car Hire in 2010 with the intention of providing a service to a number of urbanisations in the local area. However very early on one client gave such a great review on www.eyeonspain.com, the result was a rapid expansion of the business.
They are based in Vera, Almeria, but operate from all of the popular airports across Almeria, Murcia and Alicante, as well as their local area.
At Alicante-Elche and Murcia-San Javier airports they work with Seguro Parking who meet the clients just outside the terminal building with their car, so there is no running around and queuing for hours on end just to find out where to pick up a car.
All the paperwork is done before the clients arrive, so that too means less time at the airport when you get off the plane and typically you will be on your way to your holiday within 10 minutes of collecting your luggage.
All vehicles set off with a full fuel tank, they ask that you return it full too, so there is no excessive premiums to pay for filling the car and the hire includes one main and one additional driver, so you can share the holiday drive experience.
Plus, they don´t take large deposits on credit cards like some other companies and are happy to accept standalone excess waiver policies.
As for the vehicles, the fleet is made up of quality, reliable vehicles, such as Seat Ibizas, Skoda Fabias and Dacia Sanderos, but they also have Ford Focus size cars and the 7-seater Opel Zafiras.
Make sure you take a look at their website for more information but when you do keep one thing in mind. Although they will never beat the headline prices offered by the large car hire companies, the difference is that the price they quote is the price you pay, there are no hidden extras or supplements. Make the comparison with that in mind and the final price offered by other companies and you will soon see where to find value for your money, Al Andalus Car Hire.
The entire team are very friendly and approachable, and their level of service is impeccable with all emails usually answered the same day, but always within 24 hours, and everyone is personal, not a computer generated automatic reply.
By the way, they can also provide baby, child and booster seats at a small additional cost. They can also accommodate collection and delivery at different airports subject to a one way drop off fee, and of course availability.
You don´t have to take our word for it though, have a read of some of the genuine comments they have had from their clients so far.
Just a quick message to say thank you for arranging the car hire for us.  The car was fab and we met Dave in Vera Playa on Monday to settle up with him.  Everything really good and the guys were there at Murcia to return the car. Thanks very much – take care and we will certainly use you again when next in Spain. (Julie S)
Just wanted to say what a joy the car hire was. It was true how quick and easy picking up the car was with no queuing, not having to get all documents out and most of all getting out of the airport and on our way to the apartment also, no hidden extras!!!!  We would DEFINENTLY use your service again. (Dorothy R)
I just wanted to say what excellent service we received from your company when hiring the hire car in Alicante recently. The pick up and drop off couldn’t have been easier or smoother and was such a treat! The car was great, and dealing with you has been a pleasure. We will certainly be contacting you again for next year and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you. (Debbie O)
Just a quick message to say thank you very much for the car hire & information. The collection & drop off of the car was excellent, also meet Dave who was very helpful If we return to that area we will certainly use you again (Philip C)
I would just like to say how delighted we were with the car hire arrangements. It was wonderful to be able to drive away within minutes of landing and with no paperwork to complete. The return was even easier with Seguro Parking waving us down as we arrived at the airport. We will certainly be using you again on our next visit! Well done for a super service! (Allan S)

Excerpt: It comes as no surprise to anybody who knows them or have used their services, but Al Andalus Car Hire has been going from strength to strength over the last few years, so much so they are about to celebrate Read More ...

### New Radars on Motorbikes – NO! The Myths Busted

Recently, we mentioned about new radar speed detectors that can be carried on motorbikes, part of a new range of equipment purchased by the Spanish government to improve road safety. Since then, the internet has gone wild with stories about these radars with some old myths resurfacing and a lot of speculation becoming accepted as fact.

In issue 2 of N332 RoadWatch magazine we decided to clear up some of the confusion caused by these speculative articles by giving you the facts about roadside radars and speed detectors.
First of all, when we said “The DGT has spent a million euro on new mobile cameras which can be carried by traffic police on their motorcycles”, that sentence is entirely accurate. These cameras and radar detectors are not installed on the motorbikes, they are carried on them, in the panniers, allowing the officers to set up temporary detection zones in the most in just about any location. There are some places in Australia and Poland for example where radars are fitted to the motorbikes, but in Spain, the Guardia Civil do not have such a feature.
The question is how does this speculation come about? Well, this time, it has been caused by two very different source images. Firstly, as we also explained last month, the Guardia Civil officers have taken to the roads on new motorbikes. The front of these motorbikes are very different to the previous ones and there are pieces of equipment which are now more visible. We showed you one of these on the cover of this issue of N332 Roadwatch, a cylindrical protrusion. This, some people believe, is a radar camera. It is not, it is a light. In fact there are two of them and they are the lights which flash red to advise a vehicle in front to stop.

It is true that they look a little bit like a camera though, in fact they look a lot like some other images which have also been printed in some newspapers of a camera on a Guardia Civil motorbike. These images are very real, although they are now quite old. They are cameras but they have no means of detecting, monitoring or reporting speed. In fact, they were part of a pilot scheme to test what we know as ANPR, Automatic Number Plate Recognition, designed to monitor vehicles looking for those without tax or insurance for example. Some 300 bikes were fitted with the equipment, they were part of a test some years ago, and are not in service right now.
Whilst we are on the subject, another image has started doing the rounds again, that of a radar detector hidden in a roof box of a car. The first thing to point out is that the Guardia Civil do not use any kind of underhand, obscure detection equipment. They use unmarked vehicles, although there is a discussion taking place at the moment with a view to potentially stopping this practice and only using marked vehicles, but they always attempt to make road users aware of their presence by using signs warning they are there. In fact it is not the aim of the Guardia Civil to catch motorists speeding, it is their aim to slow traffic down to an acceptable and legal rate.

 
Secondly, the geodata in the image reveals that the car with the hidden equipment in the roof box is parked on the forecourt of Opel Crissier – Milliet SA, Chemin de l’Esparcette 6, 1023 Crissier, Suisse. That´s Switzerland to you and me.
So now we have cleared up the confusion, perhaps we can explain some of the actual equipment being used on the roads right now in Spain, which includes monitoring devices for speed, but also for drivers who skip trough red lights, and, more recently, such bad practices as using a mobile phone and the use of seatbelts, like Traffic Eye we looked at last month.
Here are the five types of monitoring devices currently in use.

Fixed Cameras: These devices are nicknamed “speed traps without operators” as they are located along the road network, usually at the side of the road, or sometimes on poles or across the carriageway, and monitor vehicles as they pass, recording those who exceed the maximum permitted limit. The newer versions of these cameras can also look for seatbelt use and for drivers using a mobile phone.
Mobile Radars: These operate with an operator, or usually a small team, and are often in unmarked Guardia Civil vehicles, as well as those in marked cars belonging to traffic law enforcement groups, including the DGT themselves. Depending on the type of equipment, the recording vehicle can either be static or moving. The newer models are small enough to be carried on a motorbike and so two officers can set up independent monitoring locations along the same stretch.
Fixed-Section Radars: These devices operate over a fixed distance of road and monitor the average speed between two points on that section. These devices are often considered to give a more realistic impression of recorded speed as the driver doesn´t usually react instantly when they see one, and so the average reading is a more likely speed recorded.
The camera at point “A” records the number plate as the vehicle passes, including the date and time. Using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, the car is then recorded as it passes point “B”, and the time it has taken to cover that distance recorded. If the journey has registered an average speed above the permitted limit then the details are sent to a central processing point where the fine is automatically processed and sent to the driver.
Red-Light Cameras: This type of equipment does not measure the speed of a vehicle but takes a photograph if the vehicle has failed to stop at a red light.
Pegasus Equipped Helicopters: Pegasus is the name of a recording device fitted to most of the DGT´s traffic helicopters. Distinctive by their yellow and light blue colouring, these “eyes in the sky” can catch offending motorists from a kilometre away and at a height of 300 metres, recording the average speed and vehicle characteristics, as well as monitoring for other traffic violations.
Once the infraction is recorded the data is sent immediately to a central processing point, the Centro de Tratamiento de Denuncias Automatizadas, or ESTRADA, where a fine is automatically issued. In the event of a serious offence, the helicopter crew will summon ground crews to intercept the vehicle.

There is also another monitoring device which is sometimes confusing to motorists, as these metal boxes live alongside the road network but have no visible means of taking a picture. They are identifiable by a square marking in the lane nearby, which is a monitoring sensor, sending information to the roadside box. These devices are used to monitor traffic flow statistics and are not used in enforcement, which is why they have no means of recording individual vehicle details. They are able to record the vehicle type and the number of vehicles using an area, providing essential data to road planners.
 
In total, across Spain, there are currently 800 fixed cameras, 16 Fixed-Section Radars and 6 helicopters equipped with Pegasus, as well as countless patrols from both the Guardia Civil and the police.
If you´re wondering where the most likely location to be snapped for speeding is it is on the A4 in the province of Jaén, where a Fixed-Section Radar controls the road between kilometre posts 242 and 245.
This article first appeared in issue 2 of the N332 RoadWatch magazine…
…

This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Recently, we mentioned about new radar speed detectors that can be carried on motorbikes, part of a new range of equipment purchased by the Spanish government to improve road safety. Since then, the internet has gone wild with stories about Read More ...

### Maintaining a Proper Position in the Vehicle

Maintaining a proper position in the vehicle is not only important for our comfort, it is crucial for our safety.

When used correctly, the vehicle´s seats and features offer the maximum protection in the event of a collision. If we do anything to change the characteristics of these features, we risk our safety tremendously.
The trouble is, it is easy to forget about the safety features when we are weighed down by the summer, but putting our feet on the dashboard, or the seat for that matter, arms waving out the windows, not wearing our seatbelt correctly are all an absolute NO.
Arms and legs should be kept inside the protective shell of the vehicle. Sticking your head, arms or legs out of the window is not a very good idea.
There are countless documented cases of motorists suffering serious injury when “clipped” by a passing car, as well as the more gruesome stories of the loss of limbs in the event of a crash. Having an arm out of the window also poses a risk to other road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists. Being able to put your head out of the window implies that the seatbelt is not worn correctly. If your body parts are not within the safety cage of the vehicle, then you are at risk and are risking others.
Arms extended from the vehicle may also confuse other road users who might think that you are giving hand signals, thus posing a risk that those drivers may incorrectly react to what they think you are gesturing. Visibility may also be obscured as a result, blocking the vehicle´s mirrors and making it difficult to observe the vehicle surroundings correctly.
Even within the vehicle there is a serious risk of injury if you are not sitting correctly. An all too common sight in the summer months in particular is a car passenger with their feet up on the dashboard, a practice that is not only illegal, but is extremely dangerous.
In the event of a crash, if a passenger is travelling with their feet up on the dashboard, the injuries that may occur will be very serious, partly as the deployment of the airbag can cause more serious injuries than it prevents in this situation, and, irrespective of an airbag being present, the glass from the windscreen can cause serious injury, not to mention the effects of a passenger being crushed by the impact between the dashboard and the seat.
In addition to the increase in occurrences of this sort of behaviour, there is also an increase in the number of fines issues as the traffic police try to not only advise drivers of the problem, they try and enforce remembrance through the issuing of fines. Incidentally, in the event of a passenger putting their feet on the dashboard, it is the driver who is ultimately responsible for the safety of the vehicle and, as such, it is the driver who will be fined.
Article 18, Section 1 of Royal Decree 1428/2003 of 21 November, approving the Rules of the road, states that “The driver of a vehicle must maintain their own freedom of movement, the required field of vision and permanent attention to driving, to ensure their own safety, that of other vehicle occupants and other road users. To achieve this, you must take special care to maintain the proper position and that of the passengers, and the proper placement of objects or animals transported so that there can be no interference between the driver and any of them“.
Keeping both hands on the steering wheel, not leaning with an elbow on the window, keeping your arms inside the vehicle may have been the repetitive messages our driving instructor taught us when we first took lessons, but the advice is still very much key to a safe driving experience.
Offence: Failing to maintain the proper position in the vehicle.
This can refer to passengers with their feet on the dashboard, drivers with their arms out the window, or any other situation where proper posture is not maintained.
Fine: 80 euro.
Reason: There are many reasons why this rule is important. For example, in the event of impact, the injuries sustained by a person with their feet on the dashboard are nothing less than horrific. The same goes for instances where limbs have been lost or severely injured on account of them protruding from the vehicle. Plus, the seats in a vehicle are designed to give maximum protection, and comfort, and not being correctly positions poses a risk, and can hinder visibility by the driver.
The correct wearing of the seat belt is also crucial. Not wearing it over your shoulder and across the torso is the same as not wearing it at all. That is why the fine for wearing a seat belt incorrectly is 200€, the same as if you weren´t wearing it at all.
Seatbelts are designed for one purpose only, to save lives. Statistics show that by wearing a seatbelt the probability of death when involved in a collision is halved, whereas according to the data from the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) and the Instituto Universitario de Tráfico y Seguridad Vial (INTRAS), the risk of death is cut by a staggering 77% in an overturned vehicle.
However, in order for the seatbelt to be effective, it must be worn correctly, in order for it to fulfil the function it is designed for fully.
The correct way to wear the seatbelt is for it to go across the torso diagonally, and across the waist, firmly secured in these positions. The top part must be on the hard part of the collarbone, halfway between the shoulder and the neck. The lower end sits against the hardness of the pelvis.
The three-point seatbelt, which is fitted as standard to most modern vehicles, has an upper (thoracic) and a lower band (pelvic). Both must be snugly fitting against the body. For the seatbelt to offer maximum protection it must be on the hard parts of the body, leaning against the collarbone, halfway between the shoulder and neck at the top, and the iliac crest of the pelvis, never on the abdomen.
Accessories such as cushions or other additions should not be used. Once you have pulled the seatbelt across your body and secured the strap in the locked position, make sure that the seatbelt is not twisted at any point. If it is, undo the seatbelt and remove the twists. Once secure, pull the seatbelt so that it fits snugly against the body, with any slack being taken back at the top.
If the seatbelt is not worn correctly, it can cause further problems in the event of a collision. For example, if the upper band is taken off the shoulder, it can cause a head impact with the windscreen, dashboard or seat in front. It can also produce cervical lesions.
If the belt is not firm around the body it can cause the vehicle to slide under the belt, casing lower body and spinal injuries. This is often referred to as the “submarine effect”. To prevent “submarining”, the vehicle occupants must also sit in a proper position when riding in the vehicle, with the seatbelt securely fastened as mentioned, and without having any additions such as pillows or cushions which may contribute to the reduction of effectiveness of the seatbelt.
It is also important to remember the one seatbelt – one seat rule. All vehicle occupants are obliges to wear a seatbelt, both in the front and the back seats. Some vehicles only have two seatbelts in the back for example, and so that vehicle can only carry two passengers on that seat.
There are other rules regarding children in cars. Primarily, children under 1.35 metres in height are not allowed to travel in the front seats and they most use an appropriate restraining system for their height and weight.
This article first appeared in issue 2 of the N332 RoadWatch magazine…
…

This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Maintaining a proper position in the vehicle is not only important for our comfort, it is crucial for our safety. When used correctly, the vehicle´s seats and features offer the maximum protection in the event of a collision. If we Read More ...

### Where there´s a Waze!

Getting stuck in traffic is always frustrating, even for the calmest of drivers. But what if there was a way of knowing about traffic queues in advance, perhaps live from the queue, as fellow motorists share the information with you, thus allowing you to plan a new route and avoid any congestion.

Well, that fantasy is actually a reality, thanks to Waze, a crowd-sourced information exchange application that allows motorists to share live traffic information.
According to their own promotional material, “Waze is all about contributing to the ‘common good’ out there on the road”.
By connecting drivers to one another, they help people create local driving communities that work together to improve the quality of everyone’s daily driving. That might mean helping them avoid the frustration of sitting in traffic, cluing them in to a police trap or shaving five minutes off of their regular commute by showing them new routes they never even knew about.
So, how does it work?
After typing in your destination address, users just drive with the app open on their phone to passively contribute traffic and other road data, but they can also take a more active role by sharing road reports on accidents or any other hazards along the way, helping to give other users in the area a ‘heads-up’ about what’s to come.
In addition to the local communities of drivers using the app, Waze is also home to an active community of online map editors who ensure that the data in their areas is as up-to-date as possible.
You can download the app to your mobile device, just search for Waze in the app or play store. Remember though, when you are driving, you must not touch your device. Get your passenger to report problems, but at least you will be aware of what´s to come and have a totally free intelligent guidance system to help you to your destination safely and promptly.
This article first appeared in issue 2 of the N332 RoadWatch magazine…
…

This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Getting stuck in traffic is always frustrating, even for the calmest of drivers. But what if there was a way of knowing about traffic queues in advance, perhaps live from the queue, as fellow motorists share the information with you, Read More ...

### Project EDWARD

Along with many road safety and traffic police associations around Europe, N332 is firmly behind the Project EDWARD campaign launched by the European Traffic Police Network, TISPOL.

Project EDWARD promo-HD from TISPOL Organisation on Vimeo.
EDWARD stand for European Day Without A Road Death, and will take place on the 21st of September. You can visit the TISPOL website, www.tispol.org/edward, and make you pledge to support the campaign.
As the website explains, Project EDWARD page is about supporting and pledging to reduce risk and improve safety on your road journeys, not just on 21 September but every day!
Buy Now
TISPOL has spent time reflecting on recent results which paint a very mixed picture of progress in reducing deaths and serious injuries on Europe’s roads. For the first few years of this decade, countries across the EU have been highly successful in pursuing the 2020 50% reduction target. But the arrival of a second successive year of disappointing news shows that this downward trend has stagnated.
We need to speed up our efforts, and one initiative we believe can make a big impact is our new European Day Without A Road Death – Project EDWARD for short.  EDWARD will encourage all road users to reflect on their behaviour and attitude.
After all, driver behaviour remains the most important barrier to progress as we approach 2020 and its reduction targets.
Drivers are unwittingly or sometimes knowingly putting other road users in so many ways, perhaps by speeding, drink-driving, not wearing a seat belt, using the phone while driving, using vehicles they have not kept roadworthy, parking their cars on bicycle lanes, blocking pedestrian crossings, not turning on their lights or engaging in risky manoeuvres.
But it’s not just drivers who are at fault. Many cyclists and pedestrians increase their risk levels by choosing to ignore the rules or look for risky short cuts.  In the days leading up to the Project EDWARD day, we want all road users to think – even for a few short minutes – about the risks they face, the risks they may pose to others and how they can go about reducing those risks.
TISPOL’s target is that no one should die on the roads of Europe on Wednesday 21 September. And as we pause to reflect on how we use the roads, we believe that Project EDWARD can make a significant contribution towards further sizeable and sustained reductions in road death and serious injury.
So whether you represent a national government, a private organisation, a public agency, a charity, a school, college or university, or whether you simply care as an individual, please join us and make the pledge to support Project EDWARD, and do your bit to reduce risk and improve safety for the people who use our roads.
Project EDWARD is supported by all 30 TISPOL member countries, and a growing number of road safety organisations have pledged to work with TISPOL to promote the messages of EDWARD as far and wide as possible.   We hope that, with support from colleagues and partners across Europe, Project EDWARD will be a high-profile way of reminding everyone that there is a great deal of hard work going on across Europe towards 2020 casualty reduction goals – and beyond that, too.
We want everyone to feel part of this and to know that small actions lead to big improvements.
Buy Now
This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Along with many road safety and traffic police associations around Europe, N332 is firmly behind the Project EDWARD campaign launched by the European Traffic Police Network, TISPOL. Project EDWARD promo-HD from TISPOL Organisation on Vimeo. EDWARD stand for European Day Read More ...

### N332 RoadWatch – Issue 3

The latest issue of N332 RoadWatch, featuring a focus on the secrets of the Guardia Civil motorbike´s kit, driving in rain, battery checks, PAS, Project EDWARD and a look at the history of the Guardia Civil.
For the latest news and articles about driving in Spain, visit http://www.n332.es, and for the rest of Europe, http://www.roadwatch.eu
You can browse through the pages below, or you can purchase a PDF of the eMagazine to download to your computer or tablet.
Here is the link to purchase, or continue below to browse.
Buy Now
Here is the online version of the eMagazine.


…

Here are the previous editions…

Buy Now
Buy Now

This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: The latest issue of N332 RoadWatch, featuring a focus on the secrets of the Guardia Civil motorbike´s kit, driving in rain, battery checks, PAS, Project EDWARD and a look at the history of the Guardia Civil. For the latest news Read More ...

### Torrevieja N-332 Widening Scheme a Step Closer

The Mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón of the Los Verdes green party, has this week received a response from the Ministry of Public Works regarding the long awaited proposal to widen the deadly N-332 main road as it passes Torrevieja.
The positive response states that the approval process for the construction project will begin “soon”, and the preparation for the tender process is being done “with all possible speed, because we know the importance of the project to this city”.
Whilst explaining the content of the letter to the press, Dolón said that he will closely monitor the process “working every day of the year in this case, to avoid suffering further delays”, as has been the state so far.
There is still some controversy surrounding the project however as it lacks both an adequate environmental impact study and sufficient strategies to deal with rain, storms and flooding, a problem which the area is tormented by at certain times of year. Lack of effective planning and issuing building licences has been blamed on much of the flooding problem, as no contingencies we in place to deal with the water flow during the massive growth of the town during the property boom.
This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: The Mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón of the Los Verdes green party, has this week received a response from the Ministry of Public Works regarding the long awaited proposal to widen the deadly N-332 main road as it passes Read More ...

### Making Wild Animals Safer

N332 were contacted by a Guardia Civil officer from Murcia who wanted us to share information about a device which he not only thinks is a great invention, but it is also a potential life saver.

In his own time, the officer is a motorcyclist for both everyday transportation and also pleasure. One of the biggest hazards whilst riding through the country roads of Murcia s the appearance of wild animals. Incidentally, Murcia is one of the regions of Spain where wildlife is particularly protected and there are road signs throughout much of the region advising drivers to slow down and be alert.

However, although the drivers may well heed the signs, the animals are often still complacent and wander into the road without warning.
That is where devices such as Deer Alert come in. They are small audible devices, which humans can´t hear by the way, which create a noise which increases with volume as the vehicle approaches the animals. The wildlife become aware of the approaching danger well in advance and react appropriately, usually by leaving the area.
They are humane devices and cause no harm to the animals, they simply provide an audible warning. Although Deer Alert is one of the biggest brands, it is not only dears that are protected, other animals hear the warning too.
Of course the installation of the device should not mean that the driver or rider can become complacent through a false sense of immortality, but they do help in reducing the possible impact with animals and anything which reduces risk can only be a good thing.
We have chosen some of our favourites and listed them below for you to look at, alternatively check out your local supplier and you can do your bit to not only reduce risk to yourself, but also the delicate environment and ecosystem.
 Amazon.co.uk Widgets
This article first appeared in issue 2 of the N332 RoadWatch magazine…
…

This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: N332 were contacted by a Guardia Civil officer from Murcia who wanted us to share information about a device which he not only thinks is a great invention, but it is also a potential life saver. In his own time, Read More ...

### Wear Your Seatbelt!

Once again, all this week, officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by their colleagues in the police, will be out in force to ensure the correct use and operation of seatbelts and child restraint systems in vehicles. This special operation will run from Monday through next weekend.

In 2014 (the last year of consolidated data), the number of unbelted deaths accounted for 24% of the total, with some 194 of the 822 people in cars and vans who lost their lives, not wearing a seatbelt, despite knowing the importance of doing so.
In addition to the officers on patrol during the campaign, the DGT are operating three roadside cameras which will be under test during the week, prior to a mass roll-out across the road network by 2017. The cameras are in place on the A-1, A-2 and A-3, in Madrid, but throughout this year, 270 cameras will be in use across the country able to monitor seatbelts use.
The images captured by the cameras are electronically sent to a control centre which then processes the images and sends a sanction to the vehicle owner who then faces a 200 euro fine and the loss of 3 points.

It is the aim of the DGT to reduce this figure to zero by making the use of seatbelts and child restraint systems 100% for all vehicle occupants.
The focus of the campaign will not only be those who should know better about looking out for their own safety, but also those who should be looking out for those more vulnerable, namely adults who carry children in the vehicles.
In 2014, 2 out of the 14 children under 12 years who died traveling in cars or vans were not wearing any safety device at the time of the incident. In addition, 9 out of 82 seriously injured, and 107 of those who suffered minor injuries were not correctly restrained. From that data, 118 children suffered unnecessary injury or death as a result of the supposedly responsible adults not showing due care.
On account of the seriousness that the DGT takes such actions, the law was recently approved whereas traffic officers can immobilise a vehicle if a child is found to be travelling without the correct restraint system in use.
It is also important to remember that since October, children under 135 centimetres in height are not allowed to travel in the front seats of vehicles and must be properly restrained by a device appropriate to their height and weight.
The proper wearing of seatbelts and restraint systems is also vital to their correct use. All occupants in a vehicle must wear a seatbelt, whether they are in the front or the back, although some people incorrectly believe that wearing a seatbelt in the back is not necessary, it is, and it is also mandatory. If a person in a rear seat is not wearing a seatbelt they are 8 times more likely to kill the person in a seat in front of them.
Wearing a seatbelt is statistically proven to half the risk of death if involved in a collision as it also helps to distribute the force of the impact across the body and not directly at more vulnerable parts of the body. A seatbelt prevents the occupant being ejected from a vehicle, saving them from more serious injury.
This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Once again, all this week, officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by their colleagues in the police, will be out in force to ensure the correct use and operation of seatbelts and child restraint systems in vehicles. This Read More ...

### Microcar Driver Faced Jail over Licence Misunderstanding

Our colleagues from the N332 Facebook page, serving officers form the Guardia Civil, received a question recently which they would like us to expand on.
Several years ago I suffered from heart failure and my driving licence (UK) was withdrawn. I have since made a full recovery and now I am living in Spain permanently. I know there are small cars which can be driven without a licence.
What are the requirements for being allowed to drive these cars? Do I need a medical examination/certificate? Do I need to take any form of Spanish driving test? (I held a full UK licence from Feb 1967 to 2000 and I am 75 years old).

—————————-
Francisco Morales from the Guardia Civil Trafico in Torrevieja explained that the question revolved around so-called “Microcars”. In Spain we say that you can drive these vehicles without a licence because you don´t need to have a Category B licence, which is for cars. However, to say you don´t need any licence is not true, because you must have a Category AM licence, which is the category you need to be qualified in to ride a moped. Because this type of vehicle uses a very small engine, they are classed as mopeds and can even be driven for teenagers, so long as they have the Category AM licence. It is important to note however that these vehicles must be driven on the hard shoulder where there is one, or as far to the right as possible where a hard shoulder doesn´t exist, and they are not permitted on motorways.
You must also ensure that the vehicle itself is registered and insured. It must have a logbook, ITV (if applicable) and all other requirements for driving on the road as if it were a car.
Obtaining a Category AM licence is relatively easy, all you have to do is contact your nearest driving school and they will give you all the information you need, including the requirements for a medical report. You may also have to provide details as to why your previous licence expired.
As a reminder though, in answer to the point about not needing a licence, you should now see that you do in fact need one. If you drive any vehicle without a licence, you are breaking the law. Similarly, if you don´t have your licence with you when you are driving it can only be assumed that you are driving without a licence until it can be proven otherwise. The reason this is important to highlight is that driving without a licence is covered by the penal code, it is a criminal offence, and as such you will be arrested until you can prove that you are in fact qualified to drive. So, it is a good thing the question was asked, because if you did drive a microcar without a licence, you could well have ended up behind bars.
This article first appeared in issue 2 of the N332 RoadWatch magazine…
…

This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Our colleagues from the N332 Facebook page, serving officers form the Guardia Civil, received a question recently which they would like us to expand on. Several years ago I suffered from heart failure and my driving licence (UK) was withdrawn. Read More ...

### Child Seats and Children in Cars

Recent changes to the laws in Spain state that children measuring 135 cm in height or less must ride in the rear seats of a vehicle, irrespective of their age, and must sit in the correct and approved seat appropriate to their size and weight.
The Child Restraint Systems provide the best protection for a child when on board a vehicle. That is why the law dictates their use, in an attempt to enforce the maximum protection for children.

The use of child restraint systems reduces injuries by up to 75% in the event of a collision. According to data from the DGT, road traffic incidents are the leading cause of death amongst children under 14 years of age, and, tragically, 40% of those children who lose their lives wore no protection system, and, according to the statistics, could well be alive today.
The law also requires seats to be of an approved standard. Those which meet the minimum required standards carry an orange label, usually located at the rear, which guarantees that the seat has undergone a series of tests to prove safety and reliability.
The approval system is based on a European standard and EU regulation ECE-R44.03, which also ensures certain information is listed on the label.

Classification of Child Restraint Seats
There are a number of classifications for car seats which are based on the physical characteristics of the child, the most important being weight and age.
Group 0
This category includes the baby from birth through 1 year. It can be used for children up to 10 kilos of weight. There are two elements that are typically used either a bassinet with harnesses to locate in the rear seats and which engages the seat belt or a child safety seat slightly tilted that may be placed in the front seat in the opposite direction of travel, or at the rear, in which case it is preferable to place it in the centre so as to minimize possible damage in the event of a side collision. If placed in the front, we must ensure that the airbag device for the passenger seat is disconnected. It is safest to place it in the back seat in the opposite direction of travel.
Group 0+
It is a new category that extends the weight up to 13 kg and for children up to 18 months. It is a chair that normally sits on the back seats and in the opposite direction of travel so as to better protect against any collision. Placing the chair in this way further protects the neck and spine.
Group I
Children weighing between 9 and 18 kilos, and approximately 1 to 4 years. The chairs are hooked in the seat belt of the vehicle. They are always located facing the direction of travel, using the fitted vehicle seat belt or an extension on the chair itself. The latter incorporate a harness of 4 or 5 points of anchorage.
Group II
For children 3 to 6 years, which with a weight between 15 and 25 kilos. It consists of or booster cushion with backrest provided with lateral protection for the head and is fitted at the rear in the direction of travel and, if possible, in the centre. You should include lateral guides to position the belt tight at the hips, avoiding injuries in the abdominal cavity or column.
Group III
For children between 5 and 12 years, weighing between 22 and 36 kilos. It is a booster cushion, possibly backed with side and head protection and height adjustment, so as to allow it to be vehicle seat belt to fit firmly over the child’s collarbone.

Tips for buying a seat
Before purchasing a child seat, check your vehicle manual for instructions on how to secure the seat and to ensure it is compatible.
Take your vehicle to the location where you are purchasing the chair and ask them to demonstration assembly. Do it yourself in the presence of the seller.
Take your child and try the chair in order to verify that the child can sit comfortably and safely.
This article first appeared in issue 2 of the N332 RoadWatch magazine…
…

This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Recent changes to the laws in Spain state that children measuring 135 cm in height or less must ride in the rear seats of a vehicle, irrespective of their age, and must sit in the correct and approved seat appropriate Read More ...

### Baby Killed in Head-on Crash

A 14-month baby was killed this week when the car he was travelling in was hit by another vehicle reportedly travelling in the wrong direction in the Cantoria area of Almería.

The emergency services received an alert of a three-vehicle collision at around 22:05 on Tuesday night on the A-334.
Upon arriving at the scene the emergency services could do nothing to save the lives of the two victims, but attended the baby´s parents and a 5-year old child, transferring them to hospital. The driver of the third vehicle wasn´t physically injured.
According to fire fighters, the collision occurred when the vehicle in which the baby was travelling with his family was carrying out an overtaking manoeuvre and collided with a car travelling in the opposite direction on the wrong side of the road, according to witnesses.
That vehicle was driven by a 27-year old male who was also not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. He was killed in the impact.
This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: A 14-month baby was killed this week when the car he was travelling in was hit by another vehicle reportedly travelling in the wrong direction in the Cantoria area of Almería. The emergency services received an alert of a three-vehicle Read More ...

### 100,000 more Eco Stickers Distributed

Over the last month or so, 100,000 vehicle owners across Spain will receive a letter from the DGT which details their vehicle´s eco-friendly characteristics, and provides a sticker to display in the vehicle which denotes the eco classification.
Many owners have already received theirs, especially in the Madrid and Barcelona areas, where 41,000 cars and light vans have already qualified.
Within the 100,000 vehicles listed in an ECO category are passenger cars, light vans, vehicles with over 8 seats and plug-in hybrid vehicles with range of less than 40 km, not pluggable hybrid vehicles, powered by natural gas, natural gas-powered vehicles or liquefied petroleum gas vehicles.
Placing the sticker on the vehicle is voluntary, but it is advisable as it then highlights the environmentally friendly rating of the vehicle, which will also add value if the vehicle becomes for sale. The DGT is advising that the sticker be placed in the lower right corner of the front windshield, where the ITV sticker will be at the top, or, failing that, at any visible location in the vehicle.
This latest batch of stickers is the second to be issued, since the DGT launched the campaign in April of 2015, sending the distinctive Zero Emission category sticker to more than 10,000 vehicle owners.
What is the environmental badge?
This categorization originates in the National Plan of air Quality and Protection of the Atmosphere 2013-2016 (Plan Aire) which stated that both particles and nitrogen dioxide are the main source of emissions from road traffic in large cities and proposes the classification of vehicles based on the levels of pollution they emit.
This measure aims to positively discriminate towards more environmentally respectful vehicles and be an effective tool in municipal policies, both in restricting traffic which causes high pollution, and through the promotion of new technologies through tax or relative benefits to the mobility and the environment.
The vehicle classification is entered in the national vehicle register of the DGT and the same can be accessed in real-time by those bodies dealing with mobility, traffic, security or tax on the environment.
The criteria for classifying the vehicle fleet are as a result of long and deliberate work led by the DGT which involved, amongst others, the Madrid City Council, the City of Barcelona, the Royal Automobile Club of Catalonia (RACC) the National Association of Automobile and Truck Manufacturers (ANFAC), the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism.

 
The Classifications
There are four classifications in the national vehicle register of the DGT based on environmental concerns.
ZERO EMISSIONS
Mopeds, tricycles, quadricycles and motorcycles; cars; light vans, vehicles over 8 seats and vehicles transporting goods classified in the Register of Vehicles of the DGT as battery electric vehicles (BEV), electric vehicles with extended range (REEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) with a minimum range of 40 kilometres or fuel cell vehicles.

ECO
Cars, light vans, vehicles over 8 seats and vehicles transporting goods classified in the Register of Vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles with less than 40km autonomy, none plug -in hybrid vehicles (HEV) powered by natural gas, vehicles powered by natural gas (CNG and LNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). In any case, they must meet the criteria of the label C.

C
Petrol fuelled passenger cars and light vans registered from January 2006 and diesel vehicles from 2014. Those with more than 8 seats and freight, both petrol and diesel, registered from 2014. Diesel vehicles must meet the Euro 4,5 and 6 standard.

B
Petrol passenger cars and light vans registered from January 2000 and diesel vehicles registered from January 2006. Vehicles with more than 8 seats and freight both petrol and diesel registered from 2005. Diesel vehicles must meet Euro 3 and Euro Diesel 4 and 5 standards.

 
Categorising the entire fleet
With this second batch of stickers, the DGT is well on its way to reaching its aim of classifying and labelling the 32 million vehicles on the roads of Spain.
The next wave of the campaign will commence shortly and will then allow each local authority with jurisdiction in matters relating to taxation, mobility and the environment to decide what incentives they can offer to less polluting vehicles in their area of competence.
This article first appeared in issue 2 of the N332 RoadWatch magazine…
…

This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Over the last month or so, 100,000 vehicle owners across Spain will receive a letter from the DGT which details their vehicle´s eco-friendly characteristics, and provides a sticker to display in the vehicle which denotes the eco classification. Many owners Read More ...

### Cyclists – Know the Law

It is probably safe to say that all road users have witnessed a bicycle rider going through a red light or riding on the pavement, a practice that many find frustrating, but always one that raises the same question, are cyclists allowed to do such things?

The simple answer is NO.
In terms of law, once a bicycle is being ridden it is classed as a vehicle and therefore covered by the same rules and laws as a car, a truck, a bus, in fact any other vehicle on the road. It is only when the rider dismounts and walks with the bicycle is it considered otherwise. In this instance, the situation means that the person has become a pedestrian. That is the same reason why cyclists cannot ride across zebra crossings, because we wouldn´t expect a truck to do that, and the rider must dismount before they do.
Listening to music using headphones or using a mobile phone when riding a bike are prohibited in the same way as they are for other vehicles. Consuming more than the prescribed limit of alcohol or using drugs is also not allowed, as a cyclist you are governed by the rules of the road. Just so you know what you are risking, let´s have a look at some of the most common infractions.
Not having a bell on your bicycle – 80€
Faulty or no brakes – 80€
Carrying an extra person on the bicycle – 80€
Failing to stop at a traffic light – 200€
Failing to give way at a junction – 200€
Not having lights – 200€
Having too many lights – 200€
Failing to wear high visibility clothing between sunset and sunrise and in poor visibility – 200€
Riding under the influence of alcohol – 500€
There are many other laws and infractions commonly committed by cyclists, as well as other road users of course. We will look at these in more detail in future editions, but for now, take note, you can indeed be fined on your bike and remember that one golden rule, when you are riding your bike, it is a vehicle and governed by the same rules and laws as every other vehicle.
This article first appeared in issue 2 of the N332 RoadWatch magazine…
…

This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: It is probably safe to say that all road users have witnessed a bicycle rider going through a red light or riding on the pavement, a practice that many find frustrating, but always one that raises the same question, are Read More ...

### Can I Drive Through an Orange Light?

The rules regarding traffic lights are covered by the Reglamento General de Circulación, or the general driving laws. In particular, Article 146.

In Article 146 it details how a steady red light means stop and prohibits vehicles from passing it, and, where it exists, the accompanying white stop line. Similarly, where the red light is displayed beyond a junction, the vehicle must not cross or block that junction when a red light is displayed, stopping at the stop line where it exists.
However, the question here relates to an orange light, but we have to be clear of the red light rules before we can explain this. Where a static (non-flashing) orange light is displayed at traffic lights, the same rules apply as if it were red. You must stop. The only exception being if you are unable to stop your vehicle safely in the time you are approaching, although this can be lessened by anticipating the light change sequence.
On the other hand, if that orange light is flashing, it means that drivers may proceed, with extreme caution and, if necessary, giving way to other road users who have priority. The flashing orange light does not replace any other light, and so a stop indication will always take priority.
This sort of light is common at junctions where vehicle wishing to proceed forward are stopped by a red light, whereas vehicles turning right, for example, may be permitted to proceed with caution and giving way as necessary, such as to vehicles on the main road or pedestrians.
Remember, static red or orange means stop. Flashing orange means give way but you must proceed with extreme caution.
This article first appeared in issue 2 of the N332 RoadWatch magazine…
…

This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: The rules regarding traffic lights are covered by the Reglamento General de Circulación, or the general driving laws. In particular, Article 146. In Article 146 it details how a steady red light means stop and prohibits vehicles from passing it, Read More ...

### Head Found in Recycling Plant Waste

The head of a man described as being in his 40´s and having red hair has been found in a recycling plant in Elche.
The gruesome discovery was made on Wednesday night when workers were moving items at the plant which recycles waste from various municipalities around the area.
The area where the head was located receives waste from Aspe Monóvar, Hondón de los Frailes and Torrevieja, although the origin of the head is as of yet unknown.
The local police were the first to attend the scene and then handed over the investigation to their National colleagues who created a perimeter in order to search for more clues.

Excerpt: The head of a man described as being in his 40´s and having red hair has been found in a recycling plant in Elche. The gruesome discovery was made on Wednesday night when workers were moving items at the plant which recycles waste from various municipalities around the area. The area where the head was

### Over 31,000 Speeders Reported in a Week

Following on from reports that road safety figures have worsened, in the latest campaign to reduce incidents on the roads, more than 31,000 drivers were reported for speeding in a week.
During the week-long campaign that ran from the 22nd to the 28th of August, traffic officers monitored over half  million vehicles, 502,473 to be precise, of which 31,104 offenders were reported, 65% of whom were on conventional roads, where the majority of injury incidents occur incidentally, and 35% were on high capacity roads such as motorways.
Out of those who were caught speeding, 7 were brought to court for exceeding the maximum permitted speed limit by more than 80 kilometres per hour above that maximum, thus committing a criminal offence.

The laws and limits are in place to protect all road users, including those more vulnerable. It is not always obvious to some drivers why the maximum permitted speed might reduce on some carriageways, but there is always a reason, and that reason is always to afford more protection.
Violation of these rules is classed as a very serious or serious offence, punishable by fines of between 100 and 600 euro.
Moreover, Article 379 of the Penal Code stipulates that if a vehicle exceeds the maximum permitted limit by more than 60 kilometres per hour on conventional roads, or 80 kilometres per hour on motorways, the offender shall be punished by imprisonment of between three to six months or a fine of six to twelve months or work for the benefit of the community of thirty one to ninety days, and in any case, the deprivation of the right to drive motor vehicles and motorcycles for between one and four years.

This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Following on from reports that road safety figures have worsened, in the latest campaign to reduce incidents on the roads, more than 31,000 drivers were reported for speeding in a week. During the week-long campaign that ran from the 22nd Read More ...

### Read N332 RoadWatch Issue 02 – August 2016 for FREE

Whilst we are putting together the finishing touches to the next edition of N332 Roadwatch (due out in about a week or so) you can now read issue 2 for free right here.


You can still download your own copy in PDF form if you wish (price for the August edition now reduced to just 1€ as a back issue), or read it right here on your computer, tablet or phone.

Buy NowLast month I said that I would tell you more about our exclusive members club. I will, but not yet. Remember, last month we intended to be publishing the next edition in October, not so soon, so you will have to wait a little longer for that.
The cover leads with a question regarding new radars on motorbikes. We answer that question and hopefully clear up some other misunderstandings that often come about regarding “speed traps” and radars.
We have a little bit of an American feel to this issue too, including a feature on one of the former stars of the hit television show, CHiPs, who is now living his own dream come true. In the news section we have an interesting story from America too, about a dog! We also have a couple of UK based stories too. By the way, if you are in the UK or around Europe, you can visit our sister website, roadwatch.eu, which covers a lot of information from across the continent and is the next stage of our development. More about that in a future issue too.
Buy NowWe cover child seats, traffic jams, animal safety, Eco labels, fines for cyclists, proposed changes to the UK driving test, yellow lights and more, as well as box a fun and serious quiz so you can test your knowledge, and a whole lot more.
You can click the Buy Now button to download your very own PDF version of the eMagazine. Please make sure you are able to view PDF´s before you do, although most computers, tablets and phones have PDF readers either installed or downloadable for free.
Meanwhile, if you are a business and would like to get involved by supporting us, in exchange for an advert in these pages or the website, send us an email. Remember, everybody who works on the project offers their time for free, the money collected is invested back into the next stage of the project with a portion going to charity.
To read issue 1 for FREE, click here.
We are now off to start work on the September issue where one of the subjects we will be covering is the breathalyser. Enjoy the rest of your summer and stay safe.
…

This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Whilst we are putting together the finishing touches to the next edition of N332 Roadwatch (due out in about a week or so) you can now read issue 2 for free right here. You can still download your own copy Read More ...

### Alicante Road Safety Figures Worsen

Road traffic incident statistics across the Alicante have worsened in the first 8 months of the year, according to the latest data released by the DGT.
On the inter-city road network 28 people have lost their lives so far this year, representing an increase of 27.3% over the same period last year. Approximately 40% of deaths on main roads are from the more vulnerable road user group, including motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.
The number of injury incidents recorded up until the 29th of August was 2,711, a 6.1% increase over the same period of last year when 2,555 casualties were counted. Despite the increasing protection that designers and manufacturers install in vehicles, there has been a staggering 45% increase in the number of serious injuries on the roads, whereas minor injuries have decreased by 0.2%.
One road which has carried the highest incident rate across the province is the N-332, where more people have lost their lives in the first 8 months of the year than any other road across Alicante, with 5 people losing their lives and 3 being seriously injured.
The A-31, which runs from Alicante to Madrid, is one of the high capacity routes from Alicante which has suffered twice the national average traffic intensity, mainly in the Petrer area, and has seen 4 deaths and 4 people seriously injured.
The A-7 motorway has seen 4 people lose their lives as a result of the deadly truck crash near Elche where a truck came over the central reservation and collided with two cars coming in the opposite direction. The most likely cause of that deadly crash likely to be a distracted driver.
It is believed that there is a two point solution to reducing the number of road traffic incidents. The first is through an estimated 79,000 euro per kilometre of maintenance and investment, the second being through driver awareness of the dangers of the three most popular contributors to road traffic collisions, inappropriate speed, alcohol or drugs, and distractions. Driver awareness and responsibility is key to reducing the number of incidents and thus reducing the number of fatalities and casualties.
This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Road traffic incident statistics across the Alicante have worsened in the first 8 months of the year, according to the latest data released by the DGT. On the inter-city road network 28 people have lost their lives so far this Read More ...

### Unqualified Doctor Arrested in Torrevieja

Officers from the Regional Police have arrested a man in Torrevieja who has been practising medicine despite not being registered with any Spanish school or recognised accreditation.
The arrest was made last week but made public on Tuesday after complaints were filed with the police over “dissatisfaction” with the care in his clinic, from which the investigation concluded he had no formal qualification to practice in Spain.
The doctor had his clinic in an urbanisation in Torrevieja which is popular with British residents. During an inspection, the officers found various materials for the examination and analysis of medical conditions but no formal approval to carry out procedures issued by Valencia.
Therefore, the police arrested the man for illegal economic activities.

Excerpt: Officers from the Regional Police have arrested a man in Torrevieja who has been practising medicine despite not being registered with any Spanish school or recognised accreditation. The arrest was made last week but made public on Tuesday after complaints were filed with the police over “dissatisfaction” with the care in his clinic, from which […]

### Boat Washes Ashore in Torrevieja

Officers from the Guardia Civil have recovered a boat with four people on a beach in Torrevieja.
They are not sure if more refugees arrived with the boat and fled before the arrival of the officers.
Those who have been located appear to be of a young age and have been taken to Torrevieja hospital for examination and treatment.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have recovered a boat with four people on a beach in Torrevieja. They are not sure if more refugees arrived with the boat and fled before the arrival of the officers. Those who have been located appear to be of a young age and have been taken to Torrevieja hospital […]

### Ten Deaths on the Roads This Summer Weekend

Ten people have lost their lives on Spain´s roads during the weekend, one of the busiest on the holiday calendars when many domestic tourists return home. Of the incidents which occurred on the main road network, five of them involved motorcyclists or mopeds.
On Friday there were no fatalities recorded, but on Saturday five people were killed in as many incidents, including a 42 year old biker who came off his bike on the CV800, in the La Carrasqueta area near to Xixona, Alicante. The rider was part of a group which included his wife when his motorbike collided with a short wall designed to stop vehicles falling from the road and down the steep hillside. The rider was alone on his bike and the only one involved in the incident which cost his life.

On Sunday there was a head-on collision between two cars on the A-67 towards Santander in the Barreda area whereas in a separate incident a truck crashed into a concrete wall and overturned on the A-7 motorway in Paterna, Valencia.
Although not a fatal crash, one of the most surprising images taken during the weekend was from San Javier when two elderly people were slightly injured in a crash on a roundabout on the MU-301 on Saturday. Their vehicle ended up virtually upright wedged in a ditch, supported by a crash barrier which was undamaged in the incident.

This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Ten people have lost their lives on Spain´s roads during the weekend, one of the busiest on the holiday calendars when many domestic tourists return home. Of the incidents which occurred on the main road network, five of them involved motorcyclists Read More ...

### Another Pair of Roadside Robbers Arrested

Officers from the Catalan Police have arrested two men aged 28 and 30, residents of Tarragona and Alicante, suspected of committing roadside robberies on the AP-7 motorway by posing as police officers.
At the time of their arrest the men had 8,000 euro in cash in their possession which the officers believe they had taken from tourists in a recent robbery which occurred at around 20:00 on Thursday when the victims reported being forced by a vehicle masquerading as a police car to stop on the hard shoulder in the Tarragona area.
The victims report that they believed that they had been stopped by a police patrol who told them that they were looking for drugs. During the search of the vehicle they fake police took 8,000 euro and 6,000 dirhams in cash, as well as the key to the vehicle to prevent the victims escaping.
Shortly afterwards, a patrol from the Mossos d’Esquadra managed to locate and stop a suspect vehicle which matched the description of the one involved in the robbery, carrying the two people matching the description given by the victims and carrying cash of a quantity similar to that which was taken.
The suspects were presented to the courts and subsequently released facing charges.
This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Officers from the Catalan Police have arrested two men aged 28 and 30, residents of Tarragona and Alicante, suspected of committing roadside robberies on the AP-7 motorway by posing as police officers. At the time of their arrest the men Read More ...

### Over Four Million Road Journeys This Weekend

This weekend sees one of the busiest on the roads of Spain, as the summer holiday season comes to an end and there is a mass movement of vehicles from coastal and mountainous regions back inland towards the cities and towns.

Traditionally, domestic tourists take two weeks off on holiday and so the summer season on the road is broken into fortnightly sections. This weekend is the last of those sections and so the majority of people who have stayed throughout the entire summer join those who have taken the last two weeks of the holiday period.
In order to prepare for the 4,275,000 long haul journeys expected this weekend and improve the flow of traffic, a number of standard systems have been put in place, including creating extra lanes in some of the busier areas, restricting the movement of dangerous goods and, in some places, heavy vehicles such as trucks.
There will be an increase in the number of alcohol and drugs check-points throughout the weekend, as well as the intensified campaign against speeding motorists.
In order to ensure the safety of road users there will be 10,000 Guardia Civil traffic officers on duty supported by around 13,000 road management team members and 600 controllers. The DGT will be in the air with their helicopters, including those equipped with Pegasus speed monitoring equipment.
If you are heading out on the roads this weekend make sure to allow extra time for your journey, take plenty of brakes, stay cool and calm and respect the rules of the road.
Avoid alcohol and drugs completely before driving, despite a limited allowance, zero is always the best limit.
Also, remember that children less than 135 centimetres tall must ride in the rear seats and in an approved seat relevant to them.
The campaign runs through the weekend until Sunday night.
This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: This weekend sees one of the busiest on the roads of Spain, as the summer holiday season comes to an end and there is a mass movement of vehicles from coastal and mountainous regions back inland towards the cities and Read More ...

### Barcelona Police in Tiny Rescue

At first glance it might seem that this local police officer in Barcelona may have fallen drunk into a drain, another story soon makes itself clear.

The Guardia Urbana officer was responding to a very quiet call for help after a kitten had become lost in the drains. The officer successfully rescued the kitten from a no doubt otherwise fatal fate, this time with a happy ending.

This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: At first glance it might seem that this local police officer in Barcelona may have fallen drunk into a drain, another story soon makes itself clear. The Guardia Urbana officer was responding to a very quiet call for help after Read More ...

### New Speed Detectors Warn Drivers Direct

A new method of trying to control speeding motorists has been implemented on a stretch of a road in Sevilla, hoping that by advising the drivers of speeding vehicles direct that they are breaking the law might make them more aware of their actions.
On the A-49 main road there is a new matrix display which has speed detection and ANPR equipment fitted.
If the sign identifies a vehicle speeding, it illuminates giving the registration number of the offending vehicle and a warning that you are breaking the law, as well as a reminder of the maximum permitted speed on the stretch of road.
Given the success of the initial trial, the system will now be gradually rolling out across various other parts of Spain.

This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: A new method of trying to control speeding motorists has been implemented on a stretch of a road in Sevilla, hoping that by advising the drivers of speeding vehicles direct that they are breaking the law might make them more Read More ...

### Badajoz Police Rescue Dog from Car

Although we are getting ever closer to the end of the summer season, it would appear that some drivers have still to learn the dangers of leaving animals (and humans in some cases) in closed vehicles.
On Wednesday of this week Local Police officers in Badajoz rescued a dog which had been left locked in the back of a car in a shopping centre car park.

The police were alerted to the presence of the dog, which was apparently showing signs of extreme discomfort in the back of the vehicle parked in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, locked and with doors and windows firmly closed.
The attending officers smashed the window of the car and, with the help of a vet who was close by, rescued the Dalmatian dog from within. The dog had almost lost consciousness but the vet managed to reduce the temperature from 42 degrees to 38.5, stabilizing the animal after about an hour of constant care.

The owner, a 56 year old Portuguese resident, who said that he had gone shopping and lost track of time, faces charges of a crime of animal abuse and up to six months in prison. However, in the event of the case not being strong enough, the officers also reported the driver under Extremadura animal protection laws which, through the administrative courts, which can carry a fine of up to 15,025 euro.
Meanwhile, as anxious animal lovers waited, the police took to Twitter to post a picture of Daniel in a much healthier pose than when they found him.
Aquí tenéis a Daniel, recibiendo los cuidados necesarios para que se recupere del golpe de calor pic.twitter.com/aFvXPsNkcd
— PoliciaLocal Badajoz (@policiabadajoz) August 24, 2016

This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Although we are getting ever closer to the end of the summer season, it would appear that some drivers have still to learn the dangers of leaving animals (and humans in some cases) in closed vehicles. On Wednesday of this Read More ...

### Flood Risk to 136 Valencia Municipalities

A total of 136 municipalities across the Valencia region are at risk of flooding. Of those, 48 are at high risk and 88 at medium risk. However, only 20 of those municipalities at risk of flooding have an emergency action plan in place to deal with the problem.
Those municipalities which do have a PAM (Plan de Actuación Municipal) are Alaquàs, Alboraya, l’Alfàs del Pi, Benaguasil, Benicarló, Benicàssim, Beniparrell, Borriana, Canet d’En Berenguer, Càrcer, Cotes, Massanassa, Oliva, Ondara, Orihuela, Palmera, Paterna, Riba-roja del Túria, Silla, El Verger, la Vila Joiosa, Villalonga and Xirivella.
There are also 124 municipalities which are located on flood planes or dams, to date, just 51 municipalities have a PAM in place for this.
The information was released this week by the director general of the agency responsible for public safety and response, José Maris Angel, who wanted to stress to the local governments the importance of being prepared, especially before the September wet season.

Angel says that the planning for flooding is a “fundamental tool in addressing the risk in anticipation of the negative consequences that may affect the safety of citizens”. He also said that his agency will do everything they can to assist municipal councils to achieve this.
In addition, Angel stressed the importance of social media in spreading accurate alerts and these should form part of the emergency plan. In addition, the media also play a vital role in the dissemination of information and should also be included in the activities.

Excerpt: A total of 136 municipalities across the Valencia region are at risk of flooding. Of those, 48 are at high risk and 88 at medium risk. However, only 20 of those municipalities at risk of flooding have an emergency action plan in place to deal with the problem. Those municipalities which do have a PAM […]

### Roadside Robbers Caught on Video

A group of roadside robbers have been caught on video thanks to the quick thinking of a potential victim who filmed a car with its occupants apparently pretending to be police officers and attempting to stop the target vehicle, potentially to take advantage of the situation and rob the victims.

The incident occurred on the AP7 motorway, a route popular with tourists, when a black car came alongside the potential victim and displayed what looked like an American style police badge, although easy to mistake for a real one when travelling at speed and at some distance.
Aware of situations like this, the potential victim then videoed the car, catching not only the registration number but also a view of the driver. Noticing that he was being videoed, the fake police car sped off away from the scene.

This video was then handed to the authorities who are now investigating and believe that the gang are responsible for a number of similar robberies in the area.
Specifically, the police suspect it is a gang made up of Peruvian and Chilean nationals who have been operating in Spain for months and not only target vehicles on the road but also those in rest stops and laybys.
N332.es has produced a video which helps to identify unmarked Guardia Civil cars to help prevent this kind of robbery through awareness. If you do suspect you are a victim of an attempted stop by one of these gang members, or are approached at a layby, alert the authorities immediately by calling 112 if you only speak English, or 062 for the Guardia Civil direct, who can confirm if the vehicle is a real patrol and can summon assistance to you straight away.

This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: A group of roadside robbers have been caught on video thanks to the quick thinking of a potential victim who filmed a car with its occupants apparently pretending to be police officers and attempting to stop the target vehicle, potentially Read More ...

### Serious Crash on the A7 Motorway

Emergency services are in attendance on Wednesday after noon to a vehicle collision on the A7 motorway near Elche.
According to witnesses, the truck crossed over the central reservation and collided with the cars, then bursting into flames.
The first car was carrying a man and a women and the man was killed. The second car was carrying two women who were both killed.
The incident occurred on the A-7 motorway near the Elche-Aspe junctions at kilometre 518 at around 13:30 on Wednesday.

This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Emergency services are in attendance on Wednesday after noon to a vehicle collision on the A7 motorway near Elche. According to witnesses, the truck crossed over the central reservation and collided with the cars, then bursting into flames. The first Read More ...

### Drug Dealers Arrested in Torrevieja

Officers from the National Police have arrested a Spanish couple, a male aged 43 and a female aged 25, on suspicion of dealing drugs from their Torrevieja home.

During a raid on their home the officers discovered 136 grams of cocaine, 35 grams of heroin, two sets of precision scales and 120 euro in cash.
The investigation began a month ago when the officers became aware of a network supplying drugs, enabling the investigators to identify the people at the top of a supply chain of around 20 people.
The arrests were made following searches in two properties in Torrevieja with the detainees being made available to the courts in Torrevieja.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested a Spanish couple, a male aged 43 and a female aged 25, on suspicion of dealing drugs from their Torrevieja home. During a raid on their home the officers discovered 136 grams of cocaine, 35 grams of heroin, two sets of precision scales and 120 euro in cash. […]

### Search Closing in on Hit and Run Driver

The white Land Rover Discovery involved in a fatal hit and run incident in Guardamar has been identified as being registered to a UK company.

The vehicle is currently being forensically examined and investigators have already got fingerprints which will enable them to identify the vehicle´s occupants.
Judicial authorities are also collaborating with both Interpol and the British police in order to identify anybody who may be connected to the incident.
A government delegate, Juan Carlos Moragues, made the statement on Tuesday afternoon saying that “we are in collaboration with the British authorities to see who the driver was and how they relate to the company. If they were accompanied or not and if the incident was as a result of rage, negligence or another cause”.
Moragues also said that the investigation had been “delayed” as the liaison between the international authorities is meticulous and slow, hampered by the UK´s reluctance to join the European-wide automatic sharing of vehicle and driver information.

This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: The white Land Rover Discovery involved in a fatal hit and run incident in Guardamar has been identified as being registered to a UK company. The vehicle is currently being forensically examined and investigators have already got fingerprints which will Read More ...

### Torrevieja Scam Warning

Torrevieja town hall are warning members of the public and businesses to be aware of two scams which are causing concern, targeting people in the town.
The first is related to beach safety and lifeguards whereas groups of people claiming to represent the lifeguards on the beaches are collecting money for equipment. The lifeguards and the service they provide is paid for directly by the town hall and therefore this has been identified as a scam.
The second scam revolves around a sports event at the end of the month with the scammers claiming that they are producing a magazine and guide for the event, supported by the town hall, and are therefore selling adverts for sponsorship of the event. Again, the town hall are not running such an event and do not authorize such practice as the publishing of the magazine, so businesses are warned to be aware that this too is a scam.
Anybody who has become a victim of these scams, or who is approached, is asked to notify the local police of the facts.

Excerpt: Torrevieja town hall are warning members of the public and businesses to be aware of two scams which are causing concern, targeting people in the town. The first is related to beach safety and lifeguards whereas groups of people claiming to represent the lifeguards on the beaches are collecting money for equipment. The lifeguards and […]

### Campaign Against Speeders This Week

All of this week inappropriate speed will be the focus of traffic police in Spain, in an attempt to educate drivers of the risks associated with this dangerous practice.

The campaign will run until the 28th of August, coinciding with one of the busiest summer weekends on the roads, when many of the remaining domestic tourists return to their inland homes from the coast.
Every year more than 300 people are killed in incidents where inappropriate seed is a contributing factor. The overriding message of the campaign is that speed limits are a maximum and must never be exceeded, although the speed limit does not indicate that it is always safe to drive at that speed, as other factors such as the weather, traffic and road conditions influence this.
This week, the campaign spreads beyond the borders of Spain and will be carried out throughout Europe through the International Traffic Police Association, TISPOL.
In Spain, secondary roads are where more speed related incidents occur, and so the Guardia Civil will be giving more of a focus to this type of road. Statistically, 4 out of 10 drivers on these types of roads are exceeding the speed limit at any one time, 25% by more than 10 kilometres per hour above the limit. These roads are also the location for 8 out of every 10 deaths.
This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: All of this week inappropriate speed will be the focus of traffic police in Spain, in an attempt to educate drivers of the risks associated with this dangerous practice. The campaign will run until the 28th of August, coinciding with Read More ...

### Minor Earthquake in Torrevieja

An earthquake registering 2.4 on the Richter scale shook Torrevieja on Monday morning, with neighbouring towns also feeling the tremor.

The quake occurred at 08:38 local time with its epicentre just south of the salt lakes.
Residents of Quesada, Almoradí, San Miguel and San Fulgencio, amongst others, reported feeling the effects.
Torrevieja is the site of one of the most devastating earthquakes in Spain´s history when 386 people were killed and another 375 injured, as 2,965 houses were destroyed in March, 1829.

Excerpt: An earthquake registering 2.4 on the Richter scale shook Torrevieja on Monday morning, with neighbouring towns also feeling the tremor. The quake occurred at 08:38 local time with its epicentre just south of the salt lakes. Residents of Quesada, Almoradí, San Miguel and San Fulgencio, amongst others, reported feeling the effects. Torrevieja is the site […]

### Urgent Appeal to Identify Fatal Hit and Run Driver

Officers from the Guardia Civil in Torrevieja have launched a search for the owner of a British registered Land Rover which was involved in a fatal hit and run in the Guardamar area of the Costa Blanca.

The officers are keen to locate the driver of the vehicle, a white Land Rover Discovery 4 bearing the registration SK13 MWM, and are urging anybody who can identify the driver to come forward, calling 966 70 73 01. Or reporting to the nearest Guardia Civil of Police station.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening in the town which borders popular British residency areas such as Torrevieja, Orihuela and Elche.
The officers also warn the driver that “Sooner than later we will catch you. If you present yourself voluntarily in your nearest Guardia Civil Station, things will be better for you“.

This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil in Torrevieja have launched a search for the owner of a British registered Land Rover which was involved in a fatal hit and run in the Guardamar area of the Costa Blanca. The officers are Read More ...

### Water Quality ‘Excellent’ Except in Torrevieja, Pilar and Sueca

In total, 210 of the 213 beaches that make up the Valencia coastline have received an “excellent” rating for water quality from the environment ministry.
The only three to let the side down are in Torrevieja, Pilar de la Horadada and Sueca, where the standard is “good” or “adequate” in the case of the latter.
In Torrevieja, Playa del Cura is in need of remedial work to make the grade, as is Calas de Rocamar in Pilar de la Horadada. As for Sueca, it is Mareny de Vilxes which is the worst beach in the area, only receiving the “adequate” rating.
Although it made the grade in the inspection, the quality of the water by another beach in Piar de la Horadada caused concern this week after a burst pipe caused raw sewage to spill onto the beach and the water.
Red flags and fences were erected after the incident on Thursday evening with the beaches reopening on Saturday once the spillage has dispersed and the water quality classed as “suitable for swimming”.

Excerpt: In total, 210 of the 213 beaches that make up the Valencia coastline have received an “excellent” rating for water quality from the environment ministry. The only three to let the side down are in Torrevieja, Pilar de la Horadada and Sueca, where the standard is “good” or “adequate” in the case of the latter. […]

### Is it Legal to use a Tablet as a GPS?

Yesterday, the N332 Facebook team asked the question, “Is it legal to use a tablet as a GPS?”
Here we explain the answer, with pictures.
In this example in a Mercedes car, the “tablet-sized” GPS is built into the dashboard of the vehicle and does not, in any way, obstruct the driver´s visibility and poses no other obvious risk. Here, in this instance, it is legal to use, although not to touch when you are driving.

Here is another example of a factory fitted version which is legal.

The next pictures show how a tablet can be fitted to the dashboard, either by a fitted bracket or by an attachment such as the ones which clip and fit to the air vents of the vehicle. Like the factory fitted model above. Because these are fitted to the dashboard and do not obstruct the visibility of the driver, they are therefore legal, so long as you don´t operate the device whilst driving.

This is the sort of bracket which can be used.

On this next picture, although the tablet is fitted to the dashboard, it is showing a film or a DVD. This is not permitted. You are only allowed to play films and videos displayed in the back seats, so as they do not cause a distraction to the driver. As a side note, it was revealed that during the fatal crash of the first driverless car, the driver was watching a DVD at the time of the collision.

The next photograph shows two positions for the tablet. The lower one is perfectly legal as it is fitted to the dashboard and does not obstruct the driver´s field of vision. The upper one however would be illegal.

Finally, this picture shows a tablet being used as a GPS. Based on your knowledge so far, you should now be able to answer for yourself if it is legal or not. The answer of course is that it is illegal as it obstructs the driver´s field of vision. This particular driver was also fined because not only does it pose an obstruction of visibility, it was also not secured and simply lay wedged between the dashboard and the windscreen. In the event of a collision or sudden braking the device would have become a projectile and could have caused significant damage to the vehicle and its occupants.

Here are the other rules related to devices such as GPS, tablets and mobile phones.
– You must not touch it whilst driving and it must be mounted securely.
– Only the display of maps for the use of navigation is allowed.
– It must not obstruct your view or field of vision and must be 100% hands free if operated.
 
Nowadays vehicles often come with Sat-Nav built in and so you are allowed to use a tablet used as a GPS. But they must be placed in the dashboard area, firmly fitted, not obstructing you view. They are allowed to rise above the height of the dashboard by a few centimetres, such as is the case with the Mercedes above.
Only mobiles phone and small purpose-built GPS units can be used affixed to the windscreen, so long as their screen it is not too big and they are attached in a secure place, not obscuring the field of vision.
When it is a screen too big to be placed in the windscreen? This is where common sense should prevail. If, after you have fitted it, you can´t see part of the road, find another place. The same applies when having any device, use common sense and don´t obscure your view.

This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Yesterday, the N332 Facebook team asked the question, “Is it legal to use a tablet as a GPS?” Here we explain the answer, with pictures. In this example in a Mercedes car, the “tablet-sized” GPS is built into the dashboard Read More ...

### Partner Admits to Torrevieja Killing

The partner of a 33-year old woman whose body was found in an apartment in Torrevieja has admitted to killing her in a police interview.

The victim´s body was found in a bin room in the apartment, hidden behind a wall, which the partner had allegedly built with a view to hiding the body.
The woman had lived in the town for some time and went missing two months ago with family and friends launching a search and poster campaign for information. More recently, the family had tried to raise funds for the now victim´s mother to travel from Chile to Torrevieja, where she is now.
The victim had two children.

Excerpt: The partner of a 33-year old woman whose body was found in an apartment in Torrevieja has admitted to killing her in a police interview. The victim´s body was found in a bin room in the apartment, hidden behind a wall, which the partner had allegedly built with a view to hiding the body. The […]

### Roundabout Scammers Investigated

Officers from the Guardia Civil have been investigating nine people believed to be involved in an insurance scam that centred on catching out drivers on roundabouts.

The investigation began in June when officers received several complaints from insurance companies regarding incidents recorded in the Pontevedra area.
Investigators have so far attributed ten cases to the group who would claim for damages and compensation following collisions on roundabouts, a scam that so far exceeds 92,000 euro. In the reported collisions, there was little material damage and yet personal injury claims were always recorded.
The investigation then found that the modus operandi was the same in each incident. The “victim´s” car would be driving around the roundabout correctly in the outermost lane. The driver would then notice a vehicle driving in an inner lane, signalling to leave the roundabout although not being in the correct lane to do so. The scammers would then accelerate into the path of this vehicle, forcing a collision.
As the crash was deemed the fault of the driver in the wrong lane, the scammer would fake injuries, often calling on the police to unknowingly support and witness their charade at the scene, almost guaranteeing a precautionary transfer to hospital.
The medical expenses totalled 14,500 euro whilst the healthcare and recuperation totalled 78,000 euro worth of claims.
The case has now been handed to the courts in Vigo.
Remember, unless signs or signals indicate otherwise, you should always exit a roundabout from the right-hand, or outermost lane.
This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have been investigating nine people believed to be involved in an insurance scam that centred on catching out drivers on roundabouts. The investigation began in June when officers received several complaints from insurance companies regarding Read More ...

### Guardia Civil Officers Rescue Baby Left in Car

Officers from the Guardia Civil rescued a nine-month old baby who had been left locked inside a car whilst the child´s father had gone shopping in a supermarket.

The incident occurred on Wednesday in the San Juan area of Alicante, at around 3 in the afternoon, when concerned passers-by alerted a routine Guardia Civil patrol near the N-332 of a child in the back of a car which was locked.
The patrol immediately attended the vehicle and saw the child inside, apparently unconscious, and so they smashed the windows in order to gain access.
The officers then attempted resuscitation and rehydration whilst awaiting the arrival of an ambulance.
When the child´s father returned to the vehicle, accompanied by another child of around 3-years of age, he was said to be “surprised” by the fact the patrol were in attendance and refused to have the victim transferred to hospital for treatment.
The child was therefore treated at the scene by medics whilst the Guardia Civil are now pursuing criminal charges against the father, a 33-year old German national, who is on holiday at a campsite in the area.
This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil rescued a nine-month old baby who had been left locked inside a car whilst the child´s father had gone shopping in a supermarket. The incident occurred on Wednesday in the San Juan area of Alicante, Read More ...

### Torrevieja Theatre to cost 250,000 to re-open

The costs involved in re-opening Torrevieja´s municipal theatre will be an additional 250,000 euro to the tax payer.
The news comes after the Mayor of the town, José Manuel Dolón, held a press conference detailing the work required in order to legalise the building which had been open for years without satisfying a number of basic safety requirements.
The theatre was first critisised after a listed building was demolished in order to build the flagship entertainment venture, at a cost of 6.4 million euro. However, that initial budget was proven to be so far off the mark when the final costs were in the region of 11 million, and it still lacked the mandatory operating licences.
Despite that, the previous government of the town allowed the venue to operate and it was subsequently closed on the grounds of safety following that government´s defeat in the local elections.
Now, the work required to make the building legal will add another quarter of a million on the tab, which is paid for by the municipality, and ultimately the tax payer, in order that the building can open once again.

Excerpt: The costs involved in re-opening Torrevieja´s municipal theatre will be an additional 250,000 euro to the tax payer. The news comes after the Mayor of the town, José Manuel Dolón, held a press conference detailing the work required in order to legalise the building which had been open for years without satisfying a number of […]

### Body Discovered in Torrevieja Apartment

Officers from the Guardia Civil are investigating the discovery of the body of a worm in a Torrevieja apartment block.

Initial findings reveal the body to be that of a 32 year old Chilian national who went missing two months ago. The body was in an advanced state of decomposition and is not thought to have died naturally.

The discovery was made on Wednesday during an inspection of the apartment. The woman’s husband is helping the officers with the investigation following his arrest.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil are investigating the discovery of the body of a worm in a Torrevieja apartment block. Initial findings reveal the body to be that of a 32 year old Chilian national who went missing two months ago. The body was in an advanced state of decomposition and is not thought to […]

### X Marks the Spot

The roads of Madrid will soon be getting a taste of the classic Japanese styling, with the installation of a diagonal zebra crossing.



The city council has budgeted for the installation of the crossing at the junction of Goya and Alcalá, one of the most iconic and widely visited areas in the city.

Although the design is believed to have originated in Japan, Los Angeles and London also have diagonal crossings which are designed to speed up the flow of pedestrians who would otherwise have to cross two individual streets separately.

In addition to pedestrians, the council will also provide similar crossing facilities for bicycles, thus aiming to protect two of the most vulnerable groups of road users.




This article has been brought to you with
 



 
Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: The roads of Madrid will soon be getting a taste of the classic Japanese styling, with the installation of a diagonal zebra crossing. The city council has budgeted for the installation of the crossing at the junction of Goya and Read More ...

### See the sign – Watch your speed!

If you see this sign on a conventional road in Spain it serves as a warning of a number of factors.

Firstly, it warns you that you are about to enter one of the 300 most dangerous sections of roads where an increase of speed related incidents have been recorded.
Secondly, as a result of the above reason, these sections are often locations of intensified speed checks, so as to reduce the number of casualties in the sections.
See the sign – Watch your speed!
This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: If you see this sign on a conventional road in Spain it serves as a warning of a number of factors. Firstly, it warns you that you are about to enter one of the 300 most dangerous sections of roads Read More ...

### British MP Arrested In Alicante

Simon Danczuk MP has been arrested in Spain following an alleged incident involving his estranged wife.
He reportedly threw Ms Danczuk’s phone in the swimming pool at their apartment in Alicante and shouted that to her that he wanted to talk as he was escorted away by police and spent the night in an Alicante police cell.
A witness said “Police arrived and led Simon from the house in handcuffs. He had no shirt on and was shouting.”
The Rochdale MP was suspended by the Labour Party in December after he admitted sending lewd texts to a 17-year-old female.
The Foreign Office said it was providing support to a British man detained by police in Spain.
Neither Mr Danczuk nor Ms Danczuk were available for comment.

Excerpt: Simon Danczuk MP has been arrested in Spain following an alleged incident involving his estranged wife. He reportedly threw Ms Danczuk’s phone in the swimming pool at their apartment in Alicante and shouted that to her that he wanted to talk as he was escorted away by police and spent the night in an Alicante […]

### Spanish Pop Group in Serious Crash

Members of the Spanish pop group Supersubmarina were injured on Sunday when the vehicle they were travelling in was involved in a head-on collision on the N-322 road in Ubeda.

The incident occurred at around 8 in the morning when a car and a van collided, resulting in six people being injured.
The lead Singer of the group, José Chino Marín, has been operated on twice for head injuries and remains in a serious condition in intensive care. The band´s drummer, Juan Carlos, also remains in a serious condition in the ICU.
The other three members of the group, who were all travelling in the car, were also injured, although not seriously, as was the van driver.
The group had been returning to their home town of Baeza (Jaén) after participating in the Medusa Sunbeach Festival held in Cullera (Valencia). The group have been touring the country, including performing in Torrevieja in December of last year.
An investigation has been launched to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Members of the Spanish pop group Supersubmarina were injured on Sunday when the vehicle they were travelling in was involved in a head-on collision on the N-322 road in Ubeda. The incident occurred at around 8 in the morning when Read More ...

### Why are Traffic Officers speaking to these Cyclists?

On a routine patrol in Rojales this week, a Guardia Civil traffic patrol stopped and fined a cyclist.

When a bicycle is being ridden, it is a vehicle. Therefore it is governed by the same rules of the road as cars, vans, trucks, in fact any other vehicle.
On this particular occasion, the cyclist was observed failing to stop at a stop sign and was subsequently fined 200 euro for the offence.
Stop signs and stop lines are there to provide extra protection at junctions. Often, when these signs exist, the junction may have restricted visibility or be on a faster flowing road, and so extreme caution must be exercised and your vehicle must be brought to a complete stop.
It is perhaps even more serious for a vulnerable road user to fail to stop as the risk is far greater.
Hopefully, this particular cyclist will think twice in the future before risking his own safety and the safety of other road users.
Remember, a bicycle when ridden is a vehicle and must comply with the laws and rules of the road.
This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: On a routine patrol in Rojales this week, a Guardia Civil traffic patrol stopped and fined a cyclist. When a bicycle is being ridden, it is a vehicle. Therefore it is governed by the same rules of the road as Read More ...

### An Unforgettable Day for the Children

N332 reached an agreement with the Hollywood Motor Show to help the children from Elche Children´s Home have a fun day out. The stunt drivers didn´t hesitate to help us when we explained where the tickets would go.

The three stars of the show, stunt drivers David, Patrick and Christopher, donated the tickets so that the children could come to see them perform, where they will be able to experience this amazing event first hand.

Francisco Morales from N332 said, “We must think of the children during this holiday time when those with families are enjoying their time together, many of those without a family don´t have the same opportunities and don´t even get to leave their home”.

As well as sharing news and information to encourage safer driving and hopefully save lives, N332 will keep working to help local charities, and with the recent launch of the new eMagazine will be donating some of the benefits earned to these local charities.
The Hollywood Motor Show is currently located on the car park near to the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre on the Orihuela Costa and is touring the area. Look out for the posters and show them your support for helping us.
This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: N332 reached an agreement with the Hollywood Motor Show to help the children from Elche Children´s Home have a fun day out. The stunt drivers didn´t hesitate to help us when we explained where the tickets would go. The three Read More ...

### Gas Car for Guardia Civil

Power supply company Gas Natural have collaborated with car manufacturer Seat in order to deliver the first natural gas powered vehicle to the Guardia Civil.

The vehicle is part of the current agreement between the energy group and the institution of public safety for environmental performance improvement and energy efficiency.
The vehicle was delivered at a ceremony attended by the Managing Director of Gas Natural, Manuel Gil, and the director general of the Guardia Civil, Arsenio Fernández de Mesa, after a collaboration agreement was reached between the energy supplier and the Guardia Civil last October.
Among other initiatives, the agreement includes studies to improve the efficiency of buildings and facilities for the general management of the Guardia Civil, as well as analysis incorporating the use of natural gas in the park land and maritime vehicles with the aim of improving environmental performance and efficiency.
This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Power supply company Gas Natural have collaborated with car manufacturer Seat in order to deliver the first natural gas powered vehicle to the Guardia Civil. The vehicle is part of the current agreement between the energy group and the institution Read More ...

### New Vehicles Delivered

The Guardia Civil has taken delivery of more than 100 new vehicles valued at over 3 million euro.

The vehicles were presented to the corps by Director General Arsenio Fernández de Mesa, at the Colegio de Guardias Jóvenes de Valdemoro in Madrid.

In total, 110 vehicles were delivered, at a total cost of 3,083,008.50 euro which has come from the state security budget.

These particular vehicles will join the fleet responsible for public safety and security, with over a hundred more due for delivery before the end of the year.

In 2014, the Guardia Civil took delivery of 195 new cars which were added to the fleet, and with 2.5 million euro investment being given by the European Union, 400 vehicles have been replaced or renewed in the last 2 years.
This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil has taken delivery of more than 100 new vehicles valued at over 3 million euro. The vehicles were presented to the corps by Director General Arsenio Fernández de Mesa, at the Colegio de Guardias Jóvenes de Valdemoro Read More ...

### Torrevieja to Finally Get Widened N-332

One person was killed and another four injured, two of them seriously, following a head-on collision between two cars on the N-332 main road near La Marina last week. This crash came exactly a year to the day when five vehicles collided in the area near to the desalination plant at Torrevieja.
Both these incidents, any many more besides, occurred on stretches of the road where there is one lane of traffic in each direction and no physical barrier between the two flows of traffic. For years campaigners have been fighting to have the Torrevieja section widened to two lanes in each direction, the same as the N-332 road on both sides of the town, although it has evolved more into a political Ping-Pong game than anybody actually taking responsibility and trying to enforce the change, not only in order to save lives, but also to ease the congestion that in inevitable at certain times of year, such as summer, when the road is brought to a standstill for much of the day.
In terms of the danger element, there is an argument that there is no such thing as a dangerous road, in the same way that many people argue that it´s not guns that kill people, it´s people who kill people. Those arguments carry some validity, but if anything can be done to reduce or eradicate danger, then it should be done.
There are laws on gun use which seemingly prevents a lot of intentional killings, there is also an element of morality in most civilised society that automatically prevents most people from wanting to intentionally take a life. However, there are also laws that should prevent drivers from speeding, driving too close, using their mobile phones, consuming alcohol, and many others, and although some actions are becoming socially unacceptable, it is still commonplace for the laws of the roads to be ignored, despite the fact that these laws are also intended to preserve life.
The good news is, and without pandering to any political point scoring, the widening of the road in the Torrevieja area may finally become a reality, as the mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón, announced at a press conference the “release” of the administrative and technical stoppage, thus confirming that “there are no more excuses because the ministry of Public works and has all the documentation” and that the widening works “can start as soon as it is tendered”, a situation that Dolón described as “very satisfying”.
Dolón explained how the government has been active trying to involve all agencies and entities in order to ensure the project is completed in the optimum time, quoting letters he has written and a response from the Directorate General of Traffic “sharing” the concerns of the government on account of the route between kilometre marker posts 49 and 56 being a notorious black spot.
Dolón also described it as “shameful” that it has taken 20 years to reach this point, but once complete it should not only save countless lives on the roads it will also reinvigorate Torrevieja and its businesses to the benefit of all.
The situation will not yet change on any other parts of the road such as La Marina where this latest tragic incident took place, but through awareness of the dangers of the roads we can all try to do our bit in the meantime to try to keep everybody that little bit safer by ensuring safer driving at all times.
This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: One person was killed and another four injured, two of them seriously, following a head-on collision between two cars on the N-332 main road near La Marina last week. This crash came exactly a year to the day when five Read More ...

### N332 RoadWatch Issue 02 – August 2016

Here it is, issue 2 of N332 RoadWatch, our new regular eMagazine. When we released the first issue last month, it was our intention to publish the eMagazine quarterly. Straight away the pressure was on to publish more frequently than we intended, thanks largely to you and your incredible feedback. Therefore, we decided that we had better publish every 2 months. Still your comments and feedback continued and still we felt that even every 2 months isn´t enough, at least not at the moment, and so, as you have probably gathered already, here we are with our now monthly publication.

Buy Now

Last month I said that I would tell you more about our exclusive members club. I will, but not yet. Remember, last month we intended to be publishing the next edition in October, not so soon, so you will have to wait a little longer for that.
Now, back to this issue. The cover leads with a question regarding new radars on motorbikes. We answer that question and hopefully clear up some other misunderstandings that often come about regarding “speed traps” and radars.
We have a little bit of an American feel to this issue too, including a feature on one of the former stars of the hit television show, CHiPs, who is now living his own dream come true. In the news section we have an interesting story from America too, about a dog! We also have a couple of UK based stories too. By the way, if you are in the UK or around Europe, you can visit our sister website, roadwatch.eu, which covers a lot of information from across the continent and is the next stage of our development. More about that in a future issue too.
Buy Now
We cover child seats, traffic jams, animal safety, Eco labels, fines for cyclists, proposed changes to the UK driving test, yellow lights and more, as well as box a fun and serious quiz so you can test your knowledge, and a whole lot more.
You can click the Buy Now button to download your very own PDF version of the eMagazine. Please make sure you are able to view PDF´s before you do, although most computers, tablets and phones have PDF readers either installed or downloadable for free.
Meanwhile, if you are a business and would like to get involved by supporting us, in exchange for an advert in these pages or the website, send us an email. Remember, everybody who works on the project offers their time for free, the money collected is invested back into the next stage of the project with a portion going to charity.
To read issue 1 for FREE, click here. 
We are now off to start work on the September issue where one of the subjects we will be covering is the breathalyser. Enjoy the rest of your summer and stay safe.
…

This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Here it is, issue 2 of N332 RoadWatch, our new regular eMagazine. When we released the first issue last month, it was our intention to publish the eMagazine quarterly. Straight away the pressure was on to publish more frequently than Read More ...

### Alert for Fugitive Heading to Spain

Belgian Police have alerted Spanish authorities of a “radicalised and armed” fugitive heading to Spain.

An international arrest warrant is in place for Ilias Zohrie for attempted homicide after a failed attack on a nightclub in Antwerp and the attempted murder of the Coroner for Gieselinck, France.
Zohrie, a Belgian national born in 1988, is described as “extremely dangerous” and has absconded from Belgium reported heading to Spain on Wednesday of this week. All inbound ports, airports and transit points have been put on alert, although it I believed that Zohrie will be travelling through France, possibly on Moroccan papers.
The authorities are also on the lookout for three vehicles which they believe might be used to transport the fugitive, an Opel Corsa or an Opel Astra, both of which display the number plate 1JNT244, or a Volkswagen Golf, registration number 1FKC916.
Anybody who sees a person who looks like Zohrie, or any of the vehicles mentioned, should contact the security services immediately on the multi-lingual emergency number, 112, or 062 direct to the Guardia Civil for those who speak Spanish.
This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Belgian Police have alerted Spanish authorities of a “radicalised and armed” fugitive heading to Spain. An international arrest warrant is in place for Ilias Zohrie for attempted homicide after a failed attack on a nightclub in Antwerp and the attempted Read More ...

### Fatal Crash on the N-332 near La Marina

One person was killed and another four injured, two of them seriously, following a head-on collision between two cars on the N-332 main road near La Marina.

The incident occurred at around 07:00 near kilometre 78 of the coastal road, in a section where one lane runs in each direction.

The deceased is believed to be a Ukrainian national of 41-years of age, whereas those injured are said to be a woman of 25, who suffered abdominal trauma and was taken to Vinalopó hospital, a 30-year old man who also received abdominal injuries and taken to Elche general hospital, both of whom are in a serious condition. The other two injured parties were aged 24 and 25 and were taken to Torrevieja hospital with less serious injuries.

The Guardia Civil are investigating the cause on the tragic incident although initial indications suggest that one of the vehicles invaded the opposite lane resulting in the collision.
The road was completely blocked to traffic whilst the emergency services attended the scene and then subsequently cleared the wreckage, opening at 11:00, some 4 hours later.
This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: One person was killed and another four injured, two of them seriously, following a head-on collision between two cars on the N-332 main road near La Marina. The incident occurred at around 07:00 near kilometre 78 of the coastal road, Read More ...

### N332 RoadWatch – Issue 02 – Preview

Here is a brief look at some of the topics covered in this month´s N332 RoadWatch magazine. There is lots more inside, so keep checking back and await delivery.

Some of the topics included this month…

Avoiding traffic jams
Prtecting wild animals
Positin in the vehicle
Sea tbelt use
Yellow lights
Child seats
Fines for cyclists
Number plates
Eco stickers
Changes to the UK driving test
A microcar driver avoiding prison
and Radars on motorbikes?

Plus, you can test yourself with our theory test, and view this month´s gallery, as well as reading some of the latest road traffic and policing news from around the globe.
Remember, keep checking back for the publication day (we will give you a clue… It´s this weekend)
 
This article has been brought to you with





Working together for safer roads

Excerpt: Here is a brief look at some of the topics covered in this month´s N332 RoadWatch magazine. There is lots more inside, so keep checking back and await delivery. Some of the topics included this month… Avoiding traffic jams Prtecting Read More ...

### Body of Brit Found near Torrevieja Salt Lakes

The Guardia Civil is investigating the death of a 72-year old British citizen whose body was found close to the salt lakes at around 20:30 on Tuesday evening.
The body shows no signs of violence and was in a state of decomposition and thought to have been there for several days.
Officials state that there is no missing persons report filed that matches the description of the deceased.
A couple walking in the area discovered the body and raised the alarm.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil is investigating the death of a 72-year old British citizen whose body was found close to the salt lakes at around 20:30 on Tuesday evening. The body shows no signs of violence and was in a state of decomposition and thought to have been there for several days. Officials state that there […]

### Second Phase of Summer Traffic Operation

This weekend will see the second special operation for the movement of summer traffic on the roads, as the midpoint between the summer holiday starts and finishes.
The special operation will commence at 15:00 on Friday the 29th of July, finishing at midnight on Sunday. As a result, there will be increased traffic flowing from both inland areas towards the coast and mountains, and returning from the holiday areas back inland.
The main flow of traffic is expected to be on Friday afternoon heading from the cities to the coast, and on Sunday heading back to the inland areas, although both directions will be busy throughout, as this is one of the few weekends in the traffic calendar when traffic flows in both directions.
In total, there will be an estimated 6.5 million long-haul journeys on Spanish roads, considerably more than the 4.6 million of last year. Summer tourist traffic in Spain is also mixing with the major temporary migration of families back to African nations, thus making a particularly busy time period.

The major circulatory problems will be at the outputs of large cities and major roads of access to the coastal areas, both Friday evening and during Saturday morning. The roads that may be most affected are those of Madrid, Castilla la Mancha, Valencia, Murcia and Andalusia, as well as the A-6 and A-1 from Madrid.
According to the DGT, the roads by regions with the highest traffic intensity in this operation are:

In order to minimize disruption, the DGT will be operating a special campaign on the roads, which includes restricting the movement of dangerous goods, suspending all routine road works, creating special lanes to ease the flow of traffic, and having more than 10,000 Guardia Civil traffic officers and 13,000 support staff on the roads throughout. The DGT helicopters will be monitoring the roads from the air, including those equipped with the Pegasus radar equipment, and there will be intensified checks on the main contributing factors to road traffic collisions throughout the weekend, inappropriate and excessive speed, alcohol and drugs, and distractions.
Throughout the month of August, the DGT expect 43 million trips to be made on the roads.

Excerpt: This weekend will see the second special operation for the movement of summer traffic on the roads, as the midpoint between the summer holiday starts and finishes. The special operation will commence at 15:00 on Friday the 29th of July, Read More ...

### Parking Restrictions in Torrevieja Centre

With immediate effect from Friday of this week, Torrevieja town hall has suspended parking on one of the main streets in the town centre in order to improve the flow of traffic during the busy summer period.

The previous administration had implemented the scheme on calle Ramón Gallud in an attempt to boost trade for struggling stores who had been feeling the impact of loss of trade caused firstly by the Habaneras chopping centre, and more recently since the opening of the Zenia Boulevard.
Parking was available for up to an hour a time, although there were no real systems in place to monitor this.
From day 1 congestion caused major problems in the town, which is the main arterial route through the centre, and also one frequented by buses, some of whom struggled to get through on account of the cars parked in the way.
As summer is the busiest time for Torrevieja, the town has become almost gridlocked at times, prompting the action by the town hall.
This removal of the parking permission has also happened in previous years incidentally, although this time is has not been made clear if the removal is just for the summer period or indefinitely, although it is hoped that this will have a positive impact on traffic flow as the main road will now operate as two lanes in a single direction.
As for parking, there are numerous public car parks around the town, many of which have information sign posts indicating the number of available spaces and the direction to head.

Excerpt: With immediate effect from Friday of this week, Torrevieja town hall has suspended parking on one of the main streets in the town centre in order to improve the flow of traffic during the busy summer period. The previous administration Read More ...

### When your ITV test has expired, how long can you drive without being fined?

On Wednesday, the N332 Facebook team asked you an ITV Question.
When your ITV test has expired, how long can you drive without being fined?

Here is the answer.
The deadline to drive legally without being fined, it is the date you can find on the back of your ITV card, just next to the last stamp.

The ITV test is the document you have to prove that your car is in roadworthy condition, so once it expires you can be fined.

There is a rumour that you have ONE month after the ITV expires to carry out your ITV test, but it is totally false.
Did you get it right?

Excerpt: On Wednesday, the N332 Facebook team asked you an ITV Question. When your ITV test has expired, how long can you drive without being fined? Here is the answer. The deadline to drive legally without being fined, it is the Read More ...

### YouTuber Videoed Himself Playing Pokemon at the Wheel

A popular YouTuber has been left to consider the consequences of his actions after one of his videos was reported to the Guardia Civil.

Despite the account having almost three million followers, it only took one concerned viewer to alert the authorities that they had just watched the video where a driver of an Audi car was seen to be travelling at 180 kilometres per hour trying to catch Pokemon.
Audi, who had let the video star borrow the car, immediately withdrew their support and their permission to use the vehicle, in an attempt to distance themselves from such reckless activity, posting their condemnation on their official Twitter account.
Meanwhile, the Guardia Civil are now looking into the video and the complaint to assess what action can be taken against the driver who risked lives in the pursuit of fame in playing a game and now faces a fine and the loss of points from his licence.

Excerpt: A popular YouTuber has been left to consider the consequences of his actions after one of his videos was reported to the Guardia Civil. Despite the account having almost three million followers, it only took one concerned viewer to alert Read More ...

### RADARS ON ROJALES ROADS

Following numerous complaints by local residents, the Local Police in Rojales have acquired vehicle speed detecting equipment from the DGT in order to try to control vehicles who drive at excessive speed through the municipality.

The Chief of Police, Iñaki Esparza, says that there are at least 10 areas in the municipality where neighbours have raised concerns about speeding vehicles, and it is the intention of the police to control these “dangerous places” by monitoring and sanctioning “motorists not respecting the speed limits”.
The equipment is installed within a patrol vehicle and is capable of constant monitoring of a road section, In addition, the police have also obtained a breathalyser and the associated equipment to enable them to issue fines by the roadside.

Excerpt: Following numerous complaints by local residents, the Local Police in Rojales have acquired vehicle speed detecting equipment from the DGT in order to try to control vehicles who drive at excessive speed through the municipality. The Chief of Police, Iñaki Read More ...

### Alcohol Present in 67% of Drivers Killed on the Roads

The latest statistics revealed by the National Spanish Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences (INTCF) reveals that 43% of drivers killed in road traffic incidents last year tested positive for the presence of alcohol, drugs and / or psychotropic drugs, a figure which is 4 points higher than last year.

The report includes the results of toxicological analysis of 900 deaths (638 drivers, 179 pedestrians and 83 companions) in road traffic collisions. The director of INTCF, Dolores Moreno, clarifies that the casualty figures are lower than the 1,126 reported by the DGT as some autonomous communities carry out their own toxicological analysis.
Of the drivers who tested positive for the tested substances (275 drivers in total), 67% had ingested alcohol, more than 30% were found to have some kind of drug, and over 26% had consumed psychoactive drugs.
The report indicates that the data reflects an increased consumption of alcohol and psychoactive drugs among those killed, whilst the level of drug use has been maintained. In 2014, 26% tested positive for alcohol, 10.74% psychoactive drugs and 13.35% drugs. The figures last 2015 stood at 29.3% alcohol, 11.44% in psychoactive drugs and 13.6% in drugs.
In the case of pedestrians killed, more than 46% of the 179 cases analysed were positive, of which almost 57% had consumed alcohol, 40% psychotropics and 34% some other kind of drug.
In those tested positive for drugs, the substance detected among drivers was cocaine (49% positive), followed by cannabis (44%) and opiate morphine derivatives (14%).

Excerpt: The latest statistics revealed by the National Spanish Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences (INTCF) reveals that 43% of drivers killed in road traffic incidents last year tested positive for the presence of alcohol, drugs and / or psychotropic drugs, Read More ...

### First Official Pokemon Hunter Crash Recorded

It might seem all the rage amongst an incredible number of people around the globe, but when it comes to driving, applications such as Pokemon Go can serve as nothing more than a distraction which must be avoided, or the consequences will inevitably be fatal.
The aim of the smartphone-based game is to use mapping technology to search for and “catch” virtual pocket monsters, from which the name Pokemon is derived. However, the first serious collision has now been officially attributed to a distracted driver playing the game.
The incident took place in Auburn in New York when a 28-year old driver had taken a vehicle on a hunt for Pokemons, however the driver lost control on account of being distracted and collided with a tree, destroying the vehicle.

Luckily, on this occasion, the driver was not seriously injured, nor were any other road users who could so easily have become a victim of the driver´s irresponsibility.
There have already been countless near misses recorded, not only involving vehicles, but also pedestrians who are concentrating so much on their phones they ignore the real world dangers surrounding them.
A near stampede, also in New York, almost resulted in a catastrophe. Some 2,000 Pokemon hunters were seen taking to the streets of Sydney in search of the same Pokemon.
There are even businesses popping up offering to walk your phone for you, searching for your Pokemons and the game has just gained its first major sponsor, McDonalds, who will encourage players to go to their restaurants in order to exercise their Pokemons, whilst no doubt eating at the same time.
There is no doubt that the game has been a phenomenal success, largely exploiting the memories of those who used to swap the trading cards in the 90´s now the mobile generation who still play the games of their childhood, but when it comes to driving and interacting with or near traffic it is potentially deadly.

Excerpt: It might seem all the rage amongst an incredible number of people around the globe, but when it comes to driving, applications such as Pokemon Go can serve as nothing more than a distraction which must be avoided, or the Read More ...

### Driver Fatigue Caused Deadly Coach Crash

A coach crash in the Tarragona area of Freginals in March in which 13 Erasmus students were killed and another 40 injured, was caused by driver fatigue, according to the investigation by the Catalan police.

According to the investigation, on the approach to the crash scene, the vehicle was recorded travelling at 100 kilometres per hour, then decelerating for no reason to around 74 kilometres per hour for no apparent reason, and accelerating back up to 100. Evidence from the road also indicates that the vehicle struck the rumble strips at the side of the road on a number of occasions, which would also be around the time the deceleration stopped and the vehicle accelerated once again.
The conclusion by crash investigators is that these factors are typical of a driver falling asleep at the wheel and so deceleration occurs on account of the inability to maintain pressure on the accelerator, the collision with the rumble strips then waking the driver up, prompting the acceleration, although still dazed and confused, and failing to acknowledge the severity of drowsiness at the time, and so the process continued until the catastrophic crash.
The evidence collated from the vehicle and scene is also corroborated by witnesses, as some of the passengers on the bus reported feeling like the driver was falling asleep and hitting the rumble strips.

Excerpt: A coach crash in the Tarragona area of Freginals in March in which 13 Erasmus students were killed and another 40 injured, was caused by driver fatigue, according to the investigation by the Catalan police. According to the investigation, on Read More ...

### Traffic Patrol Stunned at Rescue Scene

Officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department on the island of Formentera were left stunned at the weekend when they called upon a tow truck to assist a stranded passenger car.
The disabled vehicle had suffered an engine problem at around 4 in the morning and so the grua was called to recover the vehicle. Upon its arrival, the officers were somewhat surprised to find the driver of the tow truck showing signs of intoxication.
They decided to perform a roadside breath test and found the tow truck driver to be six times over the legal alcohol limit.
The driver was promptly arrested although that then left another problem as the closest available replacement was on the neighbouring island of Ibiza. As a result, the patrol had to remain with the stranded vehicle for four hours until it could be recovered.
The penalties for drink and drug driving in Spain are harsh and are lower than other European countries, including the UK. However, for professional drivers the limit is even lower again. Last week, another driver was arrested on the same island after being found to have been under the influence of drugs. This driver was in charge of a truck carrying dangerous goods.
Throughout the summer there are intensified checks for alcohol and drugs on the roads in an attempt to reduce the number of casualties caused by such inconsiderate actions.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department on the island of Formentera were left stunned at the weekend when they called upon a tow truck to assist a stranded passenger car. The disabled vehicle had suffered an engine problem at Read More ...

### Child Abductor Arrested by Police

A 34-year old Romanian man was arrested on Sunday accused of the attempted abduction of a child from the Valencia beach of Playa de la Malvarrosa.
Local police officers saw the man carrying a 5-year old child who was shouting for his mother. Upon questioning the man, the officers were told that the child had just been rescued from the sea where he had been having difficulty swimming and that the child´s parents were not attentive.
Noting that the child was dry the officers became more suspicious and detained the man to question his motives whilst the child identified his mother and was safely returned.
The man appeared in court charged with the illegal detention of a minor and was released pending a psychiatric assessment.
As summer is a time when beaches and play areas become busier, it is even more important than ever to be vigilant around children, keeping a close and constant watch on their activities, and reporting any suspicious behaviour to the police. Although abductions are rare in Spain they do occur, but the risk of other safety related incidents such as drowning or suffering injury is greatly increased.

Excerpt: A 34-year old Romanian man was arrested on Sunday accused of the attempted abduction of a child from the Valencia beach of Playa de la Malvarrosa. Local police officers saw the man carrying a 5-year old child who was shouting Read More ...

### Road Closures and Diversions in Torrevieja

Torrevieja town hall has announced a series of road closures in order for the police to better direct traffic hoping to attend the Electromar fiesta in the town on Saturday.
The closures will be in place from 17:00 on Saturday 16th of July, until 08:00 the following morning. The roads affected will be Avda. Delfina Viudes to the Aquópolis roundabout, Avda. Rosa Mazón Valero to the football ground on Avda. Monge y Bielsa.
Access will also be restricted crossing Avda. Delfina viudes, from Avda. Rosa Mazón near to Gros Mercat, Calle Estay and Calle trasera near to Discoteca OZ and calle Panol.
Those attending the event are recommended to park away from the epicentre and walk the remainder of the way, whereas those not attending are recommended to avoid the area through the afternoon and evening to avoid being caught in the congestion.
There will be an increase in security checks in the area to ensure that everybody is as safe as possible and of course traffic police will be out in force to ensure that drunk and drug drivers are dealt with accordingly, whilst ensuring the safe flow of traffic to and from the event.

Excerpt: Torrevieja town hall has announced a series of road closures in order for the police to better direct traffic hoping to attend the Electromar fiesta in the town on Saturday. The closures will be in place from 17:00 on Saturday Read More ...

### Injured Officer Donates Attack Compensation to the Needy

A Guardia Civil officer who received compensation after being attacked has donated the money to buy food for the needy.

It was in August of 2013 when Manuel, based in the town of Cambados, was attacked, an incident which he now wants to forget. Whilst on duty, Manuel was tasked with accompanying a woman to collect various personal belongings from a rental housing she shared with her then ex-partner. After various complications during the case, the end result was that Manuel was attacked and, along with colleagues, suffered a variety of injuries.
Having received 400 euro compensation from the offender, he wanted to take no direct pleasure from the horrific experience, and so decided to make good out of a bad situation by donating the money to those with more of a need.
As a result, three shopping trolleys full of food were delivered to be shared amongst the elderly and needy in the town.

Excerpt: A Guardia Civil officer who received compensation after being attacked has donated the money to buy food for the needy. It was in August of 2013 when Manuel, based in the town of Cambados, was attacked, an incident which he Read More ...

### Drunk Driver Crashes into Truck

A van driver was arrested in Torrevieja on Tuesday, found to be three-times over the legal alcohol limit.

The arrest occurred following a collision between two trucks which left one person injured and having to be treated at Torrevieja hospital.
The incident occurred on the main coastal road to the south of the city in the vicinity of a popular supermarket. Both vehicles were heading in the same direction.
The van being driven by the driver found to be over the limit impacted with the rear of a grua truck with some force, with the back of that vehicle becoming embedded in the cab.
The passenger in the rear vehicle was subsequently trapped and had to be freed by fire fighters before being taken to hospital, although his injuries were not thought to be serious.
The incident caused considerable delays during one of the busiest times in the city, with afternoon traffic disrupted for around an hour.

Excerpt: A van driver was arrested in Torrevieja on Tuesday, found to be three-times over the legal alcohol limit. The arrest occurred following a collision between two trucks which left one person injured and having to be treated at Torrevieja hospital. Read More ...

### European Police Patrolling in Spain Once Again

Officers from the French National Gendarmerie have joined colleagues from the Guardia Civil in Spain as part of the summer tourism operations aimed at maintaining a safer environment for international and domestic tourists in the country.
This week, French officers have been welcomed to the Alicante town of Altea, amongst some of the most popular tourist destinations for French visitors.

The Spanish Government has implemented the 2016 plan, which has proved a huge success in previous years, not only because foreign visitors feel more at ease when they see their own national police, but shared intelligence through the European-wide collaboration has been proven to lead to a reduction in organised crime across the continent.
In addition to the European assistance, Spain also strengthens the presence of its own security services in the tourist rich towns, including relocating officers from the likes of the Guardia Civil and the police, and the opening of specially adapted officers where tourists can be dealt with in their own native language. In addition, the Valencia regional police also increase controls in tourist areas, and so with the collaboration of all forces not only is security increased, the impact and risk of crime decreases.
For its part, the Guardia Civil collaborates with Europe-wide forces throughout the year, including an exchange program run through the European Police College, where information and knowledge on practices and operations are shared through the continent.

Excerpt: Officers from the French National Gendarmerie have joined colleagues from the Guardia Civil in Spain as part of the summer tourism operations aimed at maintaining a safer environment for international and domestic tourists in the country. This week, French officers Read More ...

### Guardia Officer Invents Life Saving Device

A Guardia Civil traffic officer, Jorge Torre Sarmiento, assisted by a marketing and design expert, Roberto Pérez Marijuán, have invented a device which they think will speed up the time in which other road users are advised of the presence of a disabled or broken down vehicle, thus saving lives as a result.

When a vehicle becomes disabled, perhaps due to an incident or break down, the natural reaction of the driver will often be to put hazard lights on then attempt to restart the vehicle, then call for assistance from their breakdown or insurance service, and then put on a high visibility vest, go to the boot and place warning triangles on the road advising of the presence of the disabled vehicle.
All too often, this process can take between 8 and 10 minutes, during which time the vehicle is left in a vulnerable position and presenting a potential hazard to other road users and the vehicle´s occupants.
In order to try to alleviate this problem of vulnerability, made worse in the event of low light such as night time or when the vehicle has no power for the hazard lights, the officer has invented a device called “Help-Flash” which can be used as a first indicator of a hazard whilst the correct procedure of laying out triangles is being carried out.
Jorge Torre Sarmiento describes himself as a frustrated engineer, and is well known in his local area for inventing a variety of devices and designs. The 47-year old officer, based in Vigo, graduated in criminology and joined the Guardia Civil, despite his desire to be a designer. His role has subsequently meant he could fulfil both functions.
He already has a number of successful patents to his name, such as a “girolina”, a device that allows young children and the elderly sharpen pencils without any effort, a device for Formula 1 engineering teams to change tyres in a matter of minutes by removing all of the bolts at the same time, and a set of tweezers for a specific type of clothing.
However, “Help-Flash” is his first invention that will hit the mass market, and will do so with the help of Pérez Marijuán, co-founder of a marketing company, who has been on tour with the device to secure development funding.
“Help-Flash” is a small emergency light, powered by a conventional battery, which emits a flashing light visible for up to a kilometre away. It is activated by a magnetic support and can also be used as a flashlight.
The project was conceived in collaboration with the Centro Tecnológico de Automoción de Galicia (CTAG), and a group representing the victims of road traffic incidents, the Avata Hispania.
Stored in the glove box, the device can be activated in seconds and placed on the exterior of the vehicle where the magnetic contact will keep it in place, allowing the driver to then place warning triangles and make the vehicle occupants secure.

The Kickstarter project is also looking into developing a mobile application which can alert the emergency services to your precise location at the push of a button.
Jorge is understandably passionate about the project, which is why he has taken a break from active duty to develop it. Primarily, his motivation is clear, when asked why, he simply replied, “I think it can save lives”.
For more information and to support the project, visit http://netunsolutions.com/help-flash/

help-flash english version from NETUN solutions on Vimeo.

Excerpt: A Guardia Civil traffic officer, Jorge Torre Sarmiento, assisted by a marketing and design expert, Roberto Pérez Marijuán, have invented a device which they think will speed up the time in which other road users are advised of the presence Read More ...

### Fined for Falsifying ITV Sticker

The Courts in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria have imposed a fine of 540 euro on a 33-year old woman who changed the ITV sticker on her vehicle so as to pretend that her car had successfully passed the mandatory test.

The case has taken two years to get to court and was brought about after two local police officers from Las Palmas attended an incident in the El Lasso area. A vehicle check indicated that one of the cars had not undertaken a successful ITV test, and had not been considered roadworthy for some months, despite the vehicle displaying a sticker in the windscreen.
The officers submitted a report for proceedings of a crime of forgery of public documents.
Once the case reached the courts the judge considered the evidence sufficient to prove that a fraudulent act had taken place and therefore condemned the vehicle owner to pay the 540 euro fine over a period of two months.
It is a mandatory requirement for vehicles which have reached the statutory age to display an ITV sticker in the windscreen, which is colour coded in accordance with the year of expiry and contains the expiry date.
Only one ITV sticker should be displayed at any one time and so once the next test has been passed and a new sticker issued, the previous one should be removed. The sticker should also be placed in the top right hand side of the windscreen (as you look out), so that officers looking out for it will be able to see the data quicker and are less likely to have to force you to stop whilst they check the details.
It is also mandatory to carry the ITV card and report with you in the vehicle as one of the documents you must carry in the car, along with the Permiso de Circulacion.

Excerpt: The Courts in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria have imposed a fine of 540 euro on a 33-year old woman who changed the ITV sticker on her vehicle so as to pretend that her car had successfully passed the mandatory Read More ...

### N332 RoadWatch Issue 01 – July 2016

Welcome to issue 1 of N332 RoadWatch, our new regular eMagazine. This is the next progression in the N332 road safety project, supporting the website and the articles published on Facebook, and bringing them to you in a new and easy to read format via your computer and tablet.
You can read this first edition for FREE by clicking the virtual magazine image below. Alternatively, you can purchase and download your own copy in PDF format buy clicking the BUY button at the bottom. Please make sure your computer or device is capable of reading PDF´s first though. If you downloaded our eBook you will be fine as it is the same format.
We have released this first edition as a free read but in the future it will only be available for free to our N332 Club members. I know what you´re thinking, what´s the N332 Club? Well, we will give you more information about that in the next few weeks, but let me just tell you that is is the next exciting stage for the N332 project where membership will certainly have its benefits.
For now though, back to N332 RoadWatch. Some of the articles you may have read before right here on the website, but they are seasonal, and so it is important that we remind ourselves of the importance of such things as not wearing flip-flops when driving, for example. Other articles are yet to be published here and you won´t get them anywhere else.
By the way, as always, if you do pay the small fee to download your own copy in PDF format, the money received goes back into the project, as everybody involved gives up their time for free, and we will be giving a portion of the earnings to a charity, more about that in the next edition.
Meanwhile, if you are a business and would like to get involved by supporting us, in exchange for an advert in these pages of N332 RoadWatch or the website, send us an email, admin@n332.es.
As for everybody else, we hope you enjoy this first edition. We are now off to start work on the next. Enjoy your summer and stay safe.




If you do want to purchase your own copy to download (remember to make sure you can view PDF´s first though), click the button below…
Purchase and Download your own PDF

Excerpt: Welcome to issue 1 of N332 RoadWatch, our new regular eMagazine. This is the next progression in the N332 road safety project, supporting the website and the articles published on Facebook, and bringing them to you in a new and Read More ...

### Driving Restrictions for Pensioners

Drivers over the age of 65 may face restrictions on their driving based on medical conditions.
Depending on the type and severity of medical failures, the traffic department have issued a list of guidelines on restrictions that the over 65´s may face.
The first restriction could be based on distance, with older drivers restricted to journeys not exceeding either 20 or 50 kilometres distance.
Elderly drivers may also face permanent bans from driving on motorways, or at night.
Drivers may face restrictions in the maximum permitted speed which the vehicle they are driving may travel. The actual restrictions will be assessed by the driving examiners based on the medical evidence but could restrict vehicles to a maximum of either 70 or 100 kilometres per hour.
Driving licences will have to be renewed every 5 years for the over 65´s, rather than every 10 years for those under the age bracket. However, the 5 year renewal is based on a person of optimum health, the examination may result in a forced renewal every 2, 3 or 4 years, which may alter after each renewal depending on how health has declined.
The over 65´s must also provide a certificate from the family doctor in the case of having been diagnosed with a chronic disease which may affect driving ability, if they have had cataract surgery or heart surgery, and if they are diabetic or taking medications such as Sintrom or other anticoagulant drugs.

Excerpt: Drivers over the age of 65 may face restrictions on their driving based on medical conditions. Depending on the type and severity of medical failures, the traffic department have issued a list of guidelines on restrictions that the over 65´s Read More ...

### The Hazards of Heat

High summer temperatures may be a welcome change for those looking to relax on the beach this summer, but higher temperatures pose an often hidden risk, especially to vehicles and road safety.
The most vulnerable parts of the vehicle in extreme temperatures are tyres, brakes and shock absorbers, all of which are crucial to keeping a moving vehicle under control and stopping safely.
Driving with tyres with low pressure increases the probability of a blowout by up to 60%, shortens its life by up to 15% and increases fuel consumption by up to 7%.

With the intense external heat, the engine loses up to 15% power and potentially even more as it drives the cooling and air conditioning systems.
The brakes overheat, this in turn can increase consumption of brake fluid and can cause a phenomenon known as “fading”, which reduces the ability to slow the vehicle down.
In order to reduce these factors and keep your vehicle at its optimum, frequent checks of tyres, brakes, shock absorbers, oil, brake and coolant levels, the battery, lights and air conditioning should all be checked regularly, and especially before a long journey.
If this seems like a daunting task then you can always call into your local maintenance garage and ask them to do the checks for you. Many garages already offer a comprehensive summer service, although many drivers don´t realise that this is equally as important as a winter service, and so the heightened risks continue.
Aside from the safety aspects of the vehicle, one common maintenance call during summer is for the failure of air conditioning units. Experts say that these should be checked at least once a year and before the summer, as for most of the cooler months the units lay dormant and can fail over time without being noticed. Sometimes, the presence of an unpleasant odour is an indicator of a failure of the air conditioning.
Air conditioning that is working too hard can not only increase the mechanical strain. An average air conditioning unit will cool the vehicle´s interior to around 22 degrees Celsius, whereas cooling the air to just 20 degrees will increase fuel consumption by up to 20%.
It is also important to ensure that your vehicle is correctly loaded before a summer trip. Remember not to exceed the maximum permitted load, not only for the vehicle, but also for the tyres. Weight should be evenly distributed with heavier items nearest the ground and as near to the centre of the vehicle as possible, without impeding the passenger´s mobility, but maintaining a centre of gravity wherever possible. Once loaded, remember to adjust the tyre pressure as per the manufacturer’s recommendations, and then increase the pressure once the vehicle is unloaded.
Never carry loose items in the interior of the vehicle as these could become projectiles in the event of heavy braking or a collision and can seriously injure, or worse, the occupants of the car. Finally, if carrying a protruding load, remember not to exceed the permitted dimensions, use a V20 warning sign on the rear, and make sure that lights and number plates remain unobstructed at all times.

Excerpt: High summer temperatures may be a welcome change for those looking to relax on the beach this summer, but higher temperatures pose an often hidden risk, especially to vehicles and road safety. The most vulnerable parts of the vehicle in Read More ...

### Full Timetable of Summer Operations 2016

To make it easier as a reference, here is the schedule of operations on the roads of Spain this summer:
01 July to 03 July – 1ª Operación verano
11 July to 17 July – Intensified checks on vehicle standards
29 July to 01 August – Operación 1º de agosto
12 August to 15 August – Operación 15 de agosto
15 August to 21 August – Intensified checks on alcohol and drug use.
22 August to 28 August – Intensified speed checks.
26 August to 28 August – Operación Retorno del verano
Plus special operations running on every weekend in between.

Excerpt: To make it easier as a reference, here is the schedule of operations on the roads of Spain this summer: 01 July to 03 July – 1ª Operación verano 11 July to 17 July – Intensified checks on vehicle standards 29 July Read More ...

### Summer Campaign Runs through July and August

During the course of the summer months of July and August, the roads of Spain are expected to carry some 84 million vehicles, 3.5% more than the movements that occurred last summer.
As usual, the busiest periods, and therefore the major traffic plans, are split into a number of operations around the main weekends. The first operation took place during the first weekend of July when 4,050,000 long haul journeys took place, with the main flow of traffic heading away from inland and city areas to the coast and mountainous regions.
Typically, domestic tourists take a two week break from their usual working lives, and so the busiest rimes are ordinarily based around this, starting with the first influx from inland to the coast and mountains, then they return two weeks later as the next batch arrive, and so on, with August typically the busiest month of all. Across the two months, forecasts are for 41 million trips in July and 43 million by August.
In order to keep traffic flowing, the DGT will deploy around 10,000 officers and agents on the ground, including the Guardia Civil Trafico and DGT staff, specialised technicians, conservationists and the emergency coordination teams.
In order to reduce incidents on the roads, 300 sections which have been identified as the most dangerous will be displaying signs warning drivers, and for them to be aware and alert of the factors of the road and the speed of their vehicles. These sections will also be under more surveillance by enforcement officers during the entire campaign.

The DGT has spent a million euro on new mobile cameras which can be carried by traffic police on their motorcycles. These cameras can be placed on a tripod by the side of the road and can be used to create speed check zones at some of the places where conventional radar cars my have posed problems. These new cameras also mean that speed detection zones can be set up at multiple locations along the same route, whereas conventionally the normal practice was for one radar car to cover an entire section of road.
Surveillance by the airborne monitoring Pegasus equipped helicopters will increase. In the first five months of the year 106 people have lost their lives on motorways or highways compared to 70 at the same time last year. Therefore, Pegasus will pay close attention to problems on this type of road, including speeding, maintaining a safe distance, seatbelt use and using a mobile phone.
There will also be three intensified operations during the summer period. The first one aims to monitor the condition of vehicles on our roads. The risk of dying or suffering an injury with hospitalization increases with the age of the vehicle, which is why an increased maintenance schedule is crucial. This campaign will take place from the 11th to the 17th of July.
Coinciding with the fiestas surrounding the 15th of August, and the increase in festivals throughout the country, an intensified campaign monitoring for alcohol and drug use will take place. These checks will be at any time of day and on any roads.
During the week commencing the 22nd of August there will be an increase in checks on speeding vehicles. This will be done using all available equipment and resources to try to clampdown on those who break the law by speeding.
In order to ease congestion, most major road works will be suspended and there will be restrictions on the movement of certain types of goods. Extra lanes will be created in the busiest areas and the Guardia Civil traffic police will be out in force to ensure the safe flow of vehicles.
The advice, as always, is to try to avoid the busiest times, allow extra time for your journey, stay calm and adhere to the laws of the road at all times.
Characteristics of Summer Traffic
Summer traffic has different characteristics to that at other times of year and that must be taken into account:

Increased number of long haul journeys on both business days and especially on weekends.
Less conflict in the access to large urban areas during peak hours of business days in the entrance and exit to the workplace.
Increased vehicle traffic on secondary roads.
Intense traffic on roads linking coastal towns and tourist areas of coastline with beaches every day of the week.
Increased presence of cyclists and pedestrians on the road.
Increased movement throughout the road network of foreign registered vehicles.
Increase in the number of sports that use the road for which additional supplementary measures will be in place.

In addition to domestic tourists traveling to coastal areas, keep in mind that Spain is a country of transit for millions of citizens from other European countries who return to their home countries in places such as Africa. Many of them choose Spain as a route to their destination, which is why the government also implemented a special campaign “Paso del Estrecho” from June. More than 600,000 car journeys by road will cross the peninsula.
Add to that the number of international tourists who choose Spain as their holiday destination, some of whom drive to the country, others who hire a vehicle when they arrive.
The combination of the three factors of domestic tourists, those passing through the country, and those who may not be used to driving on these roads, especially when it is one of the busiest times of year, all lead to potential problems.
Patience and planning are key, always driving within the rules and laws and allowing extra time for your journey wherever you go are all vital.

Excerpt: During the course of the summer months of July and August, the roads of Spain are expected to carry some 84 million vehicles, 3.5% more than the movements that occurred last summer. As usual, the busiest periods, and therefore the Read More ...

### How do Spanish police tell you they want you to stop your vehicle?

On their official YouTube channel, the Guardia Civil have published a video explaining the actions that patrols will take in order to stop a vehicle on the roadside. We have translated that video into English for you.
This is vital information that everybody should know so please share it amongst your friends.

Below is the transcript of the video to help you.
Amongst their duties, the Guardia Civil is tasked with controlling road traffic to ensure road safety and to prevent the commission of offenses which endanger road users, and provide assistance if necessary.
When an official vehicle wants you to stop, it will display a flashing red light in addition to the blue lights. This red light means you must stop your vehicle by manoeuvring to the right hand side of the road.
You must stop your vehicle in a place where it doen´t cause an increased risk to other road users, it this is not possible, you must continue until you can stop in a safe place.
The patrol will stop their vehicle behind yours. All the occupants of your vehicle must remain inside the vehicle.
The officer will approach you on the right side of your vehicle to notify the reason for stopping you.
Once the officers have finished dealing with you, they will assist you in joining the main flow of traffic.
When stopping a vehicle main factor is safety.
Remember
1 flashing red light indicates that must stop.
2 You must stop the vehicle in a safe area.
3 When stopping, no one should leave the vehicle.
4 When you´re finished, wait for the officers to assist you in joining the flow of traffic.
 

Excerpt: On their official YouTube channel, the Guardia Civil have published a video explaining the actions that patrols will take in order to stop a vehicle on the roadside. We have translated that video into English for you. This is vital Read More ...

### First Fatality Involving Self-Driving Car

The American National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a preliminary investigation into the death of a person in control of a self-driving vehicle.

The investigation was launched after a collision between a Tesla Model S, which was on “auto-pilot” mode at the time, and a truck, in the U.S. state of Florida in May.
The company revealed the news in a blog post stating how an articulated truck drove across the highways, perpendicular to the Tesla and neither the vehicle nor the driver noticed the approaching truck “against a brightly lit sky” and so the brakes were not applied.
The company were keen to stress that this is the first time a fatal incident has occurred in more than 209 million kilometres driven under the autopilot control. However, under normal motoring, a fatality occurs every 151 million kilometres in the United States, and the investigation is to determine whether the autopilot and the vehicle´s systems worked as expected.
“The autopilot is getting better but it is not perfect and still requires the driver to be alert”, a company spokesperson said. When the autopilot is activated “the vehicle reminds the driver to keep their hands on the wheel and be prepared to take the reins at any time”.

Excerpt: The American National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a preliminary investigation into the death of a person in control of a self-driving vehicle. The investigation was launched after a collision between a Tesla Model S, which was on Read More ...

### Things are Not Always What They Seem

When officers from the Guardia Civil thought they were about to file a typical complaint of a driver of a passenger car diving in a restricted lane, they became surprised by what they found whilst processing the complaint.
The vehicle was travelling on the A6 in the direction of Madrid in a lane which can only be occupied by vehicles carrying more than one person, an invention aimed at reducing congestion by encouraging car sharing.
However, one of the officers monitoring the lane observed what was considered an unusual sight for a summer´s evening. The passenger, apparently a child, was wearing a winter coat, hat and headphones.

Whereas the first instinct might have been to question whether the child was allowed to sit in the front seat, upon closer inspection, it soon became clear to the officer that the passenger in the car was not human, but was rather a life-sized doll which was sat in the passenger seat.
Although having dolls in the car can sometimes be used as a deterrent to give confidence to more vulnerable and nervous drivers, the only conclusion that could be drawn from this incident is that the driver was hoping to exploit the lane restrictions by pretending to have a real human passenger in the car with him.

Excerpt: When officers from the Guardia Civil thought they were about to file a typical complaint of a driver of a passenger car diving in a restricted lane, they became surprised by what they found whilst processing the complaint. The vehicle Read More ...

### The First Summer Traffic Flow Operation Starts on Friday

The Spanish road network is gearing up for the start of its busiest periods, as the first weekend of the summer holiday season starts on Friday.

As usual, the busiest periods, and therefore the major traffic operations, are split into three main weekends. The first operation runs from 15:00 on Friday the 1st of July until midnight Sunday the 3rd of July. During this period, there will be an anticipated 4,050,000 long haul journeys on the roads, with the main flow of traffic heading away from inland and city areas to the coast and mountainous regions.
The full timetable of summer operations:

1ª Operación verano – Del 1 al 3 de julio
Operación 1º de agosto – Del 29 de julio al 1 de agosto
Operación 15 de agosto – Del 12 al 15 de agosto
Operación Retorno del verano – Del 26 al 28 de agosto
Plus special operations running on every weekend in between.

This weekend (1ª Operación verano), across the Valencia region, one of the busiest for holidaymakers, there is expected to be 2,150,000 vehicle movements, 1,100,000 in the province of Valencia, 700,000 in Alicante and 350,000 across Castellón.
The busiest times this weekend are anticipated as being from 16:00 to 21:00 on Friday, between 08:00 and 14:00 on Saturday, and from 16:00 to 21:00 on Sunday.
The most problematic areas are the roads leading directly to tourism hotspots, including much of the N-332 in areas such as Santa Pola, El Altet, Altea and Torrevieja.
In order to ease congestion, most major road works will be suspended and there will be restrictions on the movement of certain types of goods. Extra lanes will be created in the busiest areas and the Guardia Civil traffic police will be out in force to ensure the safe flow of vehicles.
In addition, the road network will be supported by helicopters monitoring traffic, and the cameras situated on most roads.
The advice, as always, is to try to avoid the busiest times, allow extra time for your journey, stay calm and adhere to the laws of the road at all times.

Excerpt: The Spanish road network is gearing up for the start of its busiest periods, as the first weekend of the summer holiday season starts on Friday. As usual, the busiest periods, and therefore the major traffic operations, are split into Read More ...

### Roadside Robbers Arrested on A7 Motorway

Officers from the Guardia Civil in Murcia have arrested two people on suspicion of being involved in a spate of robberies on the A7 motorway.

The officers were involved in preventative duties in the Guadalentín area when they were notified of reports of a series of robberies having taken place from rest areas and service stations on the motorway.
Having received the information which allowed them to assess the likely movements of the offenders, officers descended on a number of rest areas and lay in wait.
The strategy soon proved fruitful as one of the patrols observed a vehicle behaving in a suspicious manner in a rest area near to Librilla, with two occupants on board who matched the descriptions of those given by witnesses to the previous crimes.
The officers stopped the vehicle in order to carry out a seemingly routine check and sought to identify the two people on board, whilst also searching their vehicle, where they found various items reported stolen in recent incidents.
The evidence found allowed the officers to arrest the two people on suspicion of robbery with violence and intimidation where they were brought into custody.
The preliminary investigation indicates that at the time of the arrest the two suspects were about to commit a robbery, which was foiled by the officers, but they are attributed as being the alleged authors of two counts of robbery with violence and intimidation, not ruling out its involvement in more crimes.
Those arrested are both male and of Romanian nationality, aged 21 and 20 years, living in the Alicante province and have a background of having committed similar offences. They were subsequently brought before the courts in Totana.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil in Murcia have arrested two people on suspicion of being involved in a spate of robberies on the A7 motorway. The officers were involved in preventative duties in the Guadalentín area when they were notified Read More ...

### Multiple ‘Casualties’ Feared after Chemical Spill

Suffering the effects of a major chemical spill is not an incident the emergency services look forward to. Luckily however, it is something they prepare for.

On Tuesday, that is exactly what will be taking place at the site of Fuentes Fertilizantes on the El Saladar industrial zone in the Murcia town of Totana.
The major emergency protocol will be implemented bringing the fire service, Guardia Civil, Police, Civil Defence, Cruz Roja and other emergency services together in a simulation of a chemical spill.
The simulated incident will see the chemical spill threaten to release a toxic cloud in the area, classifying the situation as a “level 3” emergency (leading to potential victims, serious property damage or serious disturbance of the environment over wide area), which will thus activate the external Emergency Chemical Industry Plan Level 1 (incidents which can be controlled with the means of intervention available in the Community requiring measures for the protection of persons, property or the environment).
First on the scene will be the fire service, who will then call for assistance from their colleagues in other emergency services, with the Protección Civil next to arrive. They will broadcast emergency messages through a loud speaker system warning people of the dangers and the actions to take to protect themselves.
A mobile emergency centre will be set up in Totana for measuring air quality whilst an emergency medical tent is also constructed, along with a command unit where representatives of all the attending emergency services will coordinate their activities.
Although the event is a simulation and therefore there will be no risk to the public, there may be some disruption throughout the day as the emergency services go about practising for an incident that everybody hopes will never happen, but one for which everybody will now be prepared.

Excerpt: Suffering the effects of a major chemical spill is not an incident the emergency services look forward to. Luckily however, it is something they prepare for. On Tuesday, that is exactly what will be taking place at the site of Read More ...

### Officers Stop Drugged-Up Trucker After 70km Chase

Officers from the Guardia Civil in Murcia detained the driver of an articulated lorry for reckless driving “with conscious disregard for the lives of others” and “under the influence of toxic drugs”.

The arrest didn´t come easy for the officers pursuing the 40 ton truck as the driver made no indication of his intention to stop. In fact, officers gave chase for more than 70 kilometres from Archena to Yecla.
The incident took place last Friday when the traffic officers received an alert from local police in Archena who reported the truck driving through the village of Algaida in an irregular manner, zigzagging, oscillating, and occupying the entire roadway, and having disobeyed repeated signals to stop.
A local police patrol from Archena began following the vehicle, with lights illuminated and siren sounding, but was unable to overtake safely.
The Guardia Civil were waiting at an junction of the A-30 Albacete to Cartagena road, intent on intercepting the vehicle as it slowed down to move through the road network. However, the truck driver still refused to stop and continued along the road with more patrols trying to force the vehicle to slow down and stop, whilst trying to avoid a collision.
As the chase continued, other officers were forced to close the road ahead so as to prevent risk to other road users. Further ahead, a “stinger” device had been deployed which the truck drove over, successfully bursting the tyres.

The truck still continued, albeit at a slower speed on account of the damage, which eventually allowed a daring officer to break a window and board the truck, struggling with the driver, and eventually bringing the vehicle to a standstill, some 70 kilometres after the chase began.
The officers were able to identify the driver as being a Spanish national, aged 40, and a resident of Murcia, presenting clear and obvious signs of intoxication. He was therefore subjected to mandatory alcohol and drugs tests which gave a positive result for cocaine.
The driver was therefore arrested for a number of offences, driving with reckless disregard for the lives of others and driving under the influence of drugs, as well as resistance and disobedience to law enforcement.
The driver appeared in court on Saturday and had his licence withdrawn as a precaution before awaiting a trial date where he faces a lengthy prison term and an even longer driving ban.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil in Murcia detained the driver of an articulated lorry for reckless driving “with conscious disregard for the lives of others” and “under the influence of toxic drugs”. The arrest didn´t come easy for the officers Read More ...

### One Drive – Six Distractions

Focussing on the task in hand is the only way of staying as safe as possible when driving, thus, avoiding distractions is crucial to keeping our attention on the roads.
According to a study conducted by BP, Castrol and RACE, more than 15 million drivers on the road are being distracted by manipulating devices in the vehicle.
The information obtained from the 1,145 respondents shows that, on average, a driver performs six actions involving manipulation of elements of the vehicle which can cause a distraction behind the wheel.
These six distractions include accessing the Internet from the vehicle, using a web browser, synchronising devices and searching for objects in the glove compartment. But not only that, only 42% of drivers regularly check their rear view mirror in in place and only 22% check that the driving seat is correctly positioned.
The tested drivers also report that they are unfamiliar with the more complicated controls within their own vehicles, in fact, 95% say that there should be more training on new technologies that are incorporated in their vehicles. The drivers who responded claim that this technology not only causes uncertainty and stress, but it also leads to potentially catastrophic consequences, so much so, lack of knowledge of the vehicle´s own built-in devices was a factor in distracting one in four of every driver.
The drivers were unaware of one of the biggest breakthroughs in safer motoring, ESP, which has been mandatory in all new cars since 2011. Of the drivers surveyed, 44% were aware of the concept but 20% didn´t know if it was installed in their vehicle whereas 58% do not know how it works or what it does.
ESP stands for “Electronic Stability Program”. If your vehicle has ESP® on board, it provides you with two additional active safety systems. ABS or “Antilock Braking System” and TCS, or “Traction Control System”. ABS prevents the wheels from locking during braking whereas TCS prevents the wheels from spinning when starting off and accelerating.
To try to alleviate problems of distractions BP, Castrol and RACE have launched a campaign which will be fed through social networks in Spain, using the hashtag #manosalvolante. The aim being to educate drivers about the importance of keeping attention on driving, and not be distracted by elements that can be found within the passenger compartment. The initiative aims to improve safety on all trips, whether short or long distance, through responsible behaviour.
Within its strategy, the group aims to improve the knowledge among drivers of their vehicles, and incorporating new technologies to help them better understand their operation. To do so, the campaign has the support of Roldán Rodríguez, a Spanish racing driver, who competed in the GP2 Series from 2007 to 2009, who will be offering different advice about the importance of staying focused on the road and vehicle knowledge.
There is also a website, www.manosalvolante.es, where you can find instructional videos, infographics on the main sources of distractions, interviews with personalities, knowledge games, contests on Facebook and special campaigns to be launched through social networks.
Furthermore, within the framework of the campaign, 250 drivers will have the opportunity to receive training in technology and road safety on the Circuito del Jarama racing track in order to get to know the new systems incorporated in the vehicles.

Excerpt: Focussing on the task in hand is the only way of staying as safe as possible when driving, thus, avoiding distractions is crucial to keeping our attention on the roads. According to a study conducted by BP, Castrol and RACE, Read More ...

### Keep Cool Whilst Driving

Being comfortable when driving is essential to staying safe on the roads, not because we want to feel particularly relaxed when we drive, but if we feel uncomfortable then the situation itself can lead to distractions, in much the same was as sitting on a hard or lumpy surface might take our attention away.
Similarly, if we start to feel too warm or overheat, that can lead to fatigue, which in turn can lead to a potentially deadly situation when driving.

Firstly, keeping the car cool before we enter it is the best course of initial action. Park your vehicle in the garage if you have one or in the shade, perhaps under a tree or in the shadow of a building. Remember though, the sun moves and so does the shadow, so plan the position of your parked car based on where the most effective shadows will be cast. You also need to be aware that parking directly under trees can result in deposits from birds above or even the sap of the tree itself. This can be particularly problematic if it lands on the windows, so make sure they are clear and clean before you drive.
You can use reflective screens on your windows when the vehicle is parked to reduce the build-up of heat inside. It is quite common for the interior temperature to reach 10 degrees more than the outside very quickly. This is also the problem of leaving dogs, and humans for that matter, inside vehicles. You can also buy shades for the side windows, some stick on the glass on the inside, or you can use a cloth to prevent the sun´s rays from entering. Remember to remove these from the front windows before you drive though.
Opening the windows and even the doors of the vehicle for a few minutes before you are planning to drive will reduce the internal temperature. Remember not to hinder any other road users though by leaving your doors open in the potential path of traffic or pedestrians.
Many modern vehicles are equipped with air conditioning or climate control, both of which serve to keep the inside temperature of the vehicle at a more comfortable level. This should be used to gradually reduce the temperature initially as sudden changes can pose other problems, not least whilst our body adjusts. You should also keep your air conditioning checked and gassed to ensure optimum performance, and have your filters checked on a regular basis. Our friends at Autos Direct in San Miguel can do this for you if you wish, contact them for more details.
Finally, avoiding driving at the hottest time of the day is always recommended. It is also recommended however that you should try to avoid driving during sunrise and sunset, largely because of the position of the sun which can cause extreme glare and dazzle us, which can render us temporarily blind, which is never a good situation to find yourself in when driving. If you do find yourself blinded by the sun, try to bring your vehicle to a gradual halt in a safe position. Sudden movements are very dangerous, and so gentleness is key in such a situation.
Wear comfortable and loose fitting clothing, but always wear appropriate footwear for driving, ensure you plan to stop for frequent breaks and keep yourself topped up with water.
Above all, whatever action you take, always remain calm and alert, it is easier for tempers to become frayed with the heat and incidents of “road rage” to increase. Keep cool, relaxed and alert, be patient of other drivers who may not be as used to the roads as you are, and stay safe in the summer sun.

Excerpt: Being comfortable when driving is essential to staying safe on the roads, not because we want to feel particularly relaxed when we drive, but if we feel uncomfortable then the situation itself can lead to distractions, in much the same Read More ...

### Beware of Fire Risks

Spain is currently on a heightened alert status for the risk of forest fires, a devastating phenomenon that can take lives, livelihoods and homes, and a situation which is usually caused by simple neglect.
In Spain, it is estimated that more than 80% of all forest fires are caused by human interaction. In America incidentally the figure is as many as 90%.

Whereas some of those fires are started deliberately, and the reason for those fires is usually down to the individual concerned, the vast majority are caused by accidental ignition, but accidents can be prevented.
The heightened state runs through to the end of October, although there is always the possibility of an extension depending on the weather, and it is a time when everybody is asked to be both alert and vigilant to the risks that any one of us can pose on a regular basis.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Rural and Marine Affairs, of the 21,000 forest fires in Spain last year, 3% were caused by a cigarette butt thrown from a vehicle. Despite the decline in the number of smokers and the public awareness of the risks of fire, it still remains one of the gravest dangers to forests and fields.
It is not only cigarettes however, even litter can pose a risk of fire if discarded by the roadside. In the searing heat of summer it is possible for paper based products to become so hot that the combust, glass can have a magnifying effect and can instantly cause a flame to ignite as the sun´s rays are amplified through it.
It is for that reason that throwing any object from a vehicle is considered such a serious offence. You can be fined 200 euro for doing so and lose 4 points off your license. Become a continual offender and your licence can be withdrawn, as is the case for any road traffic offence of course.
The vehicle itself also poses a risk of fire. As the engine and motor components heat up whilst driving they too become a potential threat. A hot exhaust pipe catching against dry and arid shrubbery for example could quickly become an inferno.
We have spoken before about the “fire triangle” or “combustion triangle”, a simple model for understanding the necessary ingredients for most fires, but it is also important to remind ourselves so we can fully understand the risk of fire. The triangle illustrates the three elements a fire needs to ignite: heat, fuel, and an oxidizing agent (usually oxygen). It´s sometimes simplified into the elements of heat, something to burn and oxygen. The removal of any one of the three elements of the triangle means that fire cannot take place.
Oxygen is present in the air, so there is not a lot we can do about removing that risk. Similarly, there is little that can be done to remove the fuel of forest fires, the dry trees and shrubbery themselves, but there is something we can do about the heat source, the ignition.
Taking all your rubbish home and depositing it in a safe place is one easy task. You probably remember old TV public service announcements about how glass can start a fire, but any litter can be a contributing factor to fire.
Burning embers from summer BBQ´s are a common source of ignition, so these too must be disposed of correctly. It is important therefore to only park your vehicle in authorised and official parking places, and to heed the road signs along the way.
If you do smoke, make sure that you dispose of all of your smoking materials safely and correctly, not just on the ground.
There are a variety of processes implemented to try to reduce the risk of fire, including a ban during the hottest months on farmers and industrial locations starting controlled fires.
If you do spot a fire, or smoke which could soon become a major problem, please contact the 112 emergency centres as soon as possible, where operators are able to speak a variety of languages, including English. If you do speak Spanish and the fire is by the roadside you can also contact the Guardia Civil emergency number on 062. Remember though, before you call, make sure you find out your exact location through street signs, road markers or major landmarks.
Incidentally, the DGT are also supporting the campaign at the moment and have shared a number of educational videos published in the 60´s and 70´s by the forestry directorate. Some of these videos are available on the website and although they may be in Spanish, rather old fashioned looking, and not quite the polished presentation of a Hollywood blockbuster, their message is quite clear.

Excerpt: Spain is currently on a heightened alert status for the risk of forest fires, a devastating phenomenon that can take lives, livelihoods and homes, and a situation which is usually caused by simple neglect. In Spain, it is estimated that Read More ...

### Over a Million Vehicles have Defective Tyres

Throughout June we have been focussing on tyre safety and the importance of checking your tyres on a regular basis. However, as well as the regular checks, it is always crucial to do additional checks before and after long journeys, which is why the focus has been during the month leading up to the summer holidays.

Tyres are amongst the most important elements of a vehicle, and the most abused at times, and their quality can quite literally mean the difference between life and death.
However, despite all of the risks and the importance put on tyre safety, it is still anticipated that more than a million vehicles are on the roads of Spain alone with defective tyres.
The Royal Automobile Club of Spain (RACE) in collaboration with GOODYEAR recently performed more than 380,330 technical inspections of vehicles and ITV stations throughout Spain.
Of the 380,330 inspections in 14,744 cases they found tyres with very serious defects. Using that figure as a benchmark, the figure would relate to almost 4% of all of the vehicles on the roads of Spain, some 1.1 million vehicles, the majority of which are passenger cars.
However, proportionally, light vans have a higher percentage of vehicles with a total of 4.8% of all vans on the roads having serious defects.
The most common defects found on the tyres checked were related to good tyre maintenance, normally because of excessive or uneven wear.
We have looked at checking tyres already and we will offer more advice again, but the figures highlight the need to perform regular checks.
For their part, GOODYEAR have produced 100,000 information leaflets which are being distributed through ITV centres and maintenance workshops offering further advice.
Here at N332, we have spoken to our supporters at Autos Direct in San Miguel and they have agreed to check your tyres for defects for free during July, and show you the most important elements you can check on your own. All you have to do is contact Autos Direct and say that you follow N332 and they will perform the checks for you. For more information, visit their website, autosdirect.es and get your tyres checked today.
Here are their contact details…
AutosDirect SL
San Miguel de Salinas
Calle Espliego Pol Ind Lo Quilez Parc 22-23
San Miguel de Salinas
Alicante 03193
(00 34) 966 723 718

Excerpt: Throughout June we have been focussing on tyre safety and the importance of checking your tyres on a regular basis. However, as well as the regular checks, it is always crucial to do additional checks before and after long journeys, Read More ...

### Focus on Distractions This Week

All this week and through the weekend, officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by colleagues in both the National and Local police, will be carrying out increased surveillance on the roads to try to combat one of the three main contributing factors in road traffic incidents – distractions.

Along with alcohol and speed, distractions form the third most likely contributing factor in road traffic collisions.
Using a mobile phone whilst driving quadruples the risk of being involved in an incident, largely due to the loss of ability to maintain a constant speed and safe distance from the vehicle in front, reducing the reaction time. The greatest number of distraction based incidents result in the vehicle colliding with something in front.
In addition to mobile phones, other factors also cause distractions. Everyday tasks such as lighting a cigarette, tuning the radio, changing a CD, children and even talking can all result in a loss of attention. In fact, recent studies show that smoking whilst driving increases the risk of an incident by 1.5 times, as an example.
Tiredness can also lead to distraction and loss of concentration, so ensuring plenty of rest before a drive is crucial.
In addition, other advice to avoid being a victim of distraction related incidents include not smoking or eating, maintaining a comfortable temperature in the vehicle, taking frequent rests breaks on long journeys, not using your mobile for calls, texts or browsing the internet.
Some music and entertainment systems have controls on the steering wheel, the advice with these is to be fully aware of what all the controls do and ensure you have the confidence to use them with the minimum of distraction, otherwise, just like on traditional radios and music players, the best advice is to program them before the journey.
Similarly, GPS and navigation systems should be programmed beforehand too. Although the use of navigational aids is perfectly legal in Spain, it is illegal to touch the screen whilst driving.
It is considered a serious offence to use a mobile phone, browser or other communication device whilst driving, punishable with a 200 euro fine and the loss of 3 points. The reason being that the stakes are much higher when you consider the number of deaths and serious injuries caused each year by distracted drivers, so the best advice is to focus on driving, and leave communication until you are stopped safely.

Excerpt: All this week and through the weekend, officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by colleagues in both the National and Local police, will be carrying out increased surveillance on the roads to try to combat one of the Read More ...

### Traffic Officers Injured in Pursuit Crash

Two Guardia Civil traffic officers were injured when their vehicles crashed during a pursuit.

The officers were following a Skoda through the province of Zaragoza for around an hour on Saturday after the vehicle failed to stop at three traffic control points.

The occupants of the vehicle then started to throw items from the car in an attempt to prevent the officers from catching up with them.

The fleeing vehicle eventually crashed into a truck, with one of the patrol cars and a motorbike being damaged in the collision.

Upon approaching the crashed car, officers discovered that the driver, a Polish national, was naked from the waist down and it was his clothes he had been throwing from the vehicle.
One of the officers suffered a broken leg and the other from a collapsed kneecap. The reckless actions of the driver risked the lives of many people on the roads and will be dealt with through the courts.

Excerpt: Two Guardia Civil traffic officers were injured when their vehicles crashed during a pursuit. The officers were following a Skoda through the province of Zaragoza for around an hour on Saturday after the vehicle failed to stop at three traffic Read More ...

### Three Killed in Murcia Motorway Crash

Tragedy struck in Murcia this weekend when two cars and two trucks collided on the A-7 motorway in the Monteagudo area near to Cabezo de Torres on Saturday.

The incident occurred at around 14:30 on Saturday afternoon. One of the articulated trucks crashed through the central reservation into the path of oncoming traffic. One of the trucks also burst into flames as a result of the incident.

An investigation is being carried out to ascertain what happened but initial reports suggest that the two trucks collided resulting in the fuel tanks of one of them catching fire. The two cars then collided with the trucks.

Emergency services were quick to attend the scene with a number of victims remaining trapped in the vehicles. The end result was that three people have been killed and four others injured in the tragedy.
The road was closed for most of the day with lane restrictions continuing through Sunday.

Excerpt: Tragedy struck in Murcia this weekend when two cars and two trucks collided on the A-7 motorway in the Monteagudo area near to Cabezo de Torres on Saturday. The incident occurred at around 14:30 on Saturday afternoon. One of the Read More ...

### European Tyre Safety Ratings

In 2012, the European Union made moves to implement new rules on the labelling of tyres for sale. Much like washing machines or fridges, and even properties for sale, an easy indication of the tyre´s characteristics would be displayed on the label, enabling the buyer to choose their product based on such elements as efficiency, safety rating and noise.

The information on the tyre label included roll resistance, graded from “A” which is the best performance, to a “G” rating, the lower end of the scale in tests. Tyres with a higher resistance increase the workload of the engine, in turn leading to higher fuel costs.
Adherence to wet surfaces was also a graded factor on the label, once again graded “A” to “G”, with “A” showing the best performance. Across the spectrum of the rating scale, the braking distance between a grade “A” and a grade “G” tyre may be as much as 18 metres, significantly reducing the chance of avoiding a collision in the event of having to brake in wet weather. Of course, driving skills and ability can also allow for more compensation by increasing the distance between you and the vehicle in front, for example.
Noise level is also included in the tyre rating, again, this can be determined by other factors such as the road itself. In many places, so called “quiet tarmac” has been installed to reduce noise, but the tyre noise rating is based on an average.
When buying new tyres, always check the labelling system to ensure you know the quality of the tyres to be installed on your vehicle. Poor quality may increase risk and with tyre safety, compromise if not an ideal agenda.

Excerpt: In 2012, the European Union made moves to implement new rules on the labelling of tyres for sale. Much like washing machines or fridges, and even properties for sale, an easy indication of the tyre´s characteristics would be displayed on Read More ...

### Tyre Load Capacity

Following on from our introduction to checking tyres, we are going to look at some of the elements and details of vehicle tyres and the importance of what they mean.
Knowing how to read a tyre forms part of the driving test in Spain, which is testament to how important the DGT feel the subject is. We have already said that they are arguably amongst the most important elements of a vehicle, and often the most abused, but sadly, they are often the most neglected.
It is important that the vehicle´s tyres are of a high quality, not least because of the wear and tear they suffer, investing that little bit more in a tyre could make the difference between life and death.
We have already detailed what the figures around the tyre mean but we will go over them briefly again as a reminder. If you look at the side of the tyre you will see a sequence which looks something like this sample, “195 / 55 R 16 87V”. Here, “195” refers to 195 millimetres, the nominal section width of the tyre. “55” is 55%, the aspect ratio, representing the height of the tyre sidewall as a percentage of the nominal section width, i.e., in our case, 55% of 195mm. “R” stands for radial construction. “16” is the diameter of the tyre´s inner rim, this time in inches. “87” is the load capacity of the tyre. “V” indicates the maximum permitted speed. There is also the stamp indicating the week number and the year of manufacture.
We want to look specifically at the load capacity of the tyre this time. As the summer holiday season starts, it is quite common for the family car to be loaded up for a long journey cross country, perhaps even across the continent, and the amount of cargo, as well as passengers, often increases compared to our normal daily commute.

That is why we have to ensure that the load capacity of the tyre can handle the extra weight we place in the vehicle. Overloaded vehicles quite literally weigh down on the tyres which can increase the risk of uneven wear and the dangers that poses, but also hugely increases the risk of a “blow out”, which in turn could have fatal consequences.

Sadly, for the average driver, they don´t make it too simple for us to immediately see what the load capacity is, as the number in the code needs to be converted to a weight. In our example, 87V, the tyres can carry a maximum load of 545 kilograms. Keep in mind though, this is the total maximum weight of the vehicle. It also shows why it is important that all the tyres on the vehicle match, as if they are different, the load capacity may be lower.

In our example, the letter “V” refers to a maximum speed of 240 kilometres per hour, but speed limits must be maintained by the road and conditions, rather than the maximum that the tyres can endure.

Excerpt: Following on from our introduction to checking tyres, we are going to look at some of the elements and details of vehicle tyres and the importance of what they mean. Knowing how to read a tyre forms part of the Read More ...

### Appeal for Stolen Vehicle – Mazarrón

We are asking everybody to be on the lookout for a stolen car.
It is a red Seat Ibiza, 5 doors, similar to the image below, with registration number…
8681 HKG
It was stolen from the Mazarrón Country Club on the 2nd June around 3.30 am.
If you see this vehicle, please contact the Guardia Civil / police.

Excerpt: We are asking everybody to be on the lookout for a stolen car. It is a red Seat Ibiza, 5 doors, similar to the image below, with registration number… 8681 HKG It was stolen from the Mazarrón Country Club on Read More ...

### Flying the Flag for Euro 2016

With the start of the Euro 2016 football competition, we thought it appropriate to answer one of the questions that often comes up surrounding sporting features, “Can I put a flag on my car?”
The short answer is yes, so long as it complies with certain rules, as the last thing we want is to pose a danger to either ourselves or other road users.
Whether it is of a country, a football team or just a group to which you belong, carrying a flag to show your support is something that many people may consider, but it can also lead to fines from the traffic police if your flag does not comply with the regulations, not because the flag may show support for another country, but because they can lead to danger.
Artículo 14 of the Reglamento Circulacion deals with the distribution of loads, under the heading “Disposición de la carga”. Although a flag may not be considered to be a “load”, because it is an element which is additional to the normal fixtures of the vehicle, then it qualifies as such.
As such, in the interests of safety, anything carried on a vehicle must not drag fully or partially, fall or move dangerously, interfere with vehicle stability, produce noise, dust or other problems that can be avoided and must not hide the lighting and signals, number plates or anything else which could interfere with manual warnings of the drivers.
Anything which is placed outside the vehicle when it is moving will produce drag. Cars and road vehicles are designed through extensive testing in wind tunnels in order for them to minimise this.
Quite clearly, if a flag is of a large enough size, it will produce considerable drag. It may well interfere with the view of lights, number plates and other fixtures, and could blow or fall into the path of other road users, and is a risk in terms of becoming loose or entangles in either the vehicle carrying it, or others.
Therefore, quite clearly, large flags are not allowed. However, there are smaller, purpose built flags which are permitted. These are often seen attached to the windows of vehicles, or sometimes as part of the main structure, such as one might see in a Presidential limousine.

Similarly, there are other accessories available which can be fitted to a vehicle safely, such as covers for the wing mirrors, so long as the active view of the mirror is not obscured.

A flag draped or tied across the bonnet or roof, or any part of the vehicle, would not be permitted, nor would covers to the sun visors, which could interfere with the visibility of the driver.
There are some exceptions to this rule when a road is closed to normal traffic, such as when an organised parade is taking place, at which time, larger flags are permitted.
If you do wish to display a flag on your car during normal driving conditions, take into account the size of the flag as there are no approved flags for use on the car, and small enough to not pose any kind of risk. If you do this, your patriotism can be displayed for all to see, but fall foul of the law and the consequences will be a considerable financial burden.
If you would like to practice your Spanish whilst thinking about this rule, here is the extract from the Reglamento Circulacion.
Artículo 14 Disposición de la carga
La carga transportada en un vehículo, así como los accesorios que se utilicen para su acondicionamiento o protección, deben estar dispuestos y, si fuera necesario, sujetos de tal forma que no puedan:


a) Arrastrar, caer total o parcialmente o desplazarse de manera peligrosa.


b) Comprometer la estabilidad del vehículo.


c) Producir ruido, polvo u otras molestias que puedan ser evitadas.


d) Ocultar los dispositivos de alumbrado o de señalización luminosa, las placas o distintivos obligatorios y las advertencias manuales de sus conductores.

Excerpt: With the start of the Euro 2016 football competition, we thought it appropriate to answer one of the questions that often comes up surrounding sporting features, “Can I put a flag on my car?” The short answer is yes, so Read More ...

### Intensified Alcohol and Drugs Checks This Week

All of this week, the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by National, Regional and Local police forces, will be carrying out extensive checks on alcohol and drug use on the roads of Spain.

The campaign runs until Sunday an coincides with a coordinated campaign through the European traffic police network, TISPOL, which will also see intensified tests on the roads of other countries across the continent.
For their part, the Guardia Civil intend to carry out at least 25,000 alcohol and drugs tests each day until Sunday.
The main goal is to detect and deal with habitual offenders, who get behind the wheel on a regular basis whilst having consumed alcohol or drugs. The latest figures extracted from the most recent data available suggests that there may be around 12,000 drivers who met this continually dangerous criteria.
So far this year, the figure of those detected is approaching 100,000 drivers who not only risk their own but the lives of many innocent victims who all too often leave the scene of the carnage facing a life dealing with serious injuries and, on too numerous occasions, leaving the friends and families of loved ones having to deal with their death.
According to the annual report of the National Institute of Toxicology, the 39.09% of deceased drivers displayed the presence of alcohol or drugs in their blood. The figure rises to 40% when pedestrians are analysed.
Even the smallest amount of alcohol or drugs can affect driving ability and so, despite Spain having considerably lower maximum limits than countries such as the UK, the best advice is always zero consumption before getting behind the wheel.

Excerpt: All of this week, the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by National, Regional and Local police forces, will be carrying out extensive checks on alcohol and drug use on the roads of Spain. The campaign runs until Sunday an coincides Read More ...

### Rajoy to Visit Torrevieja and Santa Pola

The President of the Spanish Government, Mariano Rajoy, will visit Torrevieja and Santa Pola during the run up to the next general elections.



Rajoy will visit the two town on Friday, June 10th, before heading down to Murcia on Saturday and then returning to Madrid to focus on the debate between the four main party leaders, Pedro Sanchez (PSOE), Pablo Iglesias (Podemos) and Albert Rivera (Ciudadanos), next Monday.

### Al Andalus Car Hire Help N332

Through their collaboration with the N332 Road Safety Project, Al Andalus Car Hire wanted to try to help the local charities we work with, and thanks to their help, the children at Elche Children´s Home face a summer of fun and excitement with their brand new PlayStation games console.
David Baker, the boss of Al Andalus Car Hire, gave up a week in one of his rental properties, offering the money he received to the project.
With that money, N332 purchased a Play Station games console, memory card and 20 of the top games so that the children can be entertained through the summer and beyond.

It is thanks to our supporters that we are able to extend that help to local needy causes and we thank Al Andalus Car Hire for their help.

If you would like to know more about their service, visit the website, alandaluscarhire.com, and we hope you will support and thank them for their contribution on our behalf.
If you run a business and would like to offer your support as a sponsor, email admin@n332.es and we will get back in touch with you.

Excerpt: Through their collaboration with the N332 Road Safety Project, Al Andalus Car Hire wanted to try to help the local charities we work with, and thanks to their help, the children at Elche Children´s Home face a summer of fun Read More ...

### Political Pressure for N-332 Widening at Torrevieja

Members of the regional socialist party, Herick Campos y Antonia Moreno, accompanied by local PSOE councillors, visited Torrevieja this week to look at one of the most problematic roads in the entire area, the N-332 as is passes through Torrevieja.

The stretch of road is one of the few sectors which was not widened under recent changes to the road network, and yet it is one of the busiest sections of the coastal road.
The seven-kilometre stretch not only serves as a bottleneck for traffic, it is also the location of a number of serious and fatal incidents in recent years.
Campos recalled that the previous national socialist government invested 28 million euro in widening schemes in the surrounding towns, and also explained how the former local mayor, Eduardo Dolón, had said that the widening work would commence in 2015, although nothing has ever begun after state investment was postponed until at least 2018.
With a new socialist led government regional government in Valencia, investment has started to be allocated to various projects around the area, such as the outstanding emergency coordination centre on the Orihuela Costa, and as such they intend to campaign for the work to widen the road to become a priority.
Moreno, facing the next general election said that “it is a firm commitment of the PSOE to ensure the widening as soon as possible”.

Excerpt: Members of the regional socialist party, Herick Campos y Antonia Moreno, accompanied by local PSOE councillors, visited Torrevieja this week to look at one of the most problematic roads in the entire area, the N-332 as is passes through Torrevieja. Read More ...

### Cyclist Knocked down in Torrevieja

A cyclist, believed to be in their 30´s, was knocked down by a car in Torrevieja on Thursday, suffering minor injuries.

The incident happened at around 14:00 on Avenida Rosa Mazón. Witnesses saw the victim lay on the tarmac following the collision and alerted the emergency services.

An ambulance arrived and took the victim to hospital as a precaution. They were discharged a short time later.

### Toll Avoider Convicted by Court

A judge has ruled in favour of a toll road operating company after a campaign was launched across Spain to encourage drivers to refuse to pay for using the payment required motorway network.
This is the first time a driver has been prosecuted through the courts for continual none payment of tolls, resulting in the driver being condemned to pay 358 euro plus interest for continually refusing to pay.

The orchestrated campaign under the slogan “no vull pagar”, encouraging drivers to refuse to pay, spread through social network sites after a number of drivers believed the fees to be unfair on account of the huge debts owed by the operators to the public purse. In the ruling, the judge has confirmed that the toll road operators are justified in charging for the use of the network in order to offset the costs of construction, management and maintenance.
In this particular case, the driver had avoided paying tolls on 60 occasions between April and August of 2012, on the C-32 and AP-7 motorway. The defendant admitted during the trial to have joined the network with “no intention of paying” but claimed to have only done so on 8 occasions. The evidence provided by the concessionaire showed that there were many more: 56 in the case of the barriers of the C-32 and 4 in the case of the AP-7.
Therefore, the man, who lives in Barcelona, must pay 358 euros plus interest to the operator, as well as paying the legal fees. Of the 358 euro, 318 corresponds to the amount of tolls not paid at the time and 40 are by way of damages for administrative expenses.

Excerpt: A judge has ruled in favour of a toll road operating company after a campaign was launched across Spain to encourage drivers to refuse to pay for using the payment required motorway network. This is the first time a driver Read More ...

### Intelligent Road Signs

A new wave of road signs in being installed across much of the main road network in Spain, all part of a multimillion euro investment scheme to make the roads safer.
On the infamous N-332 around Torrevieja we have already seen illuminated signs offering more protection at roundabouts. Arrows which flash in the direction of movement and triangular signs that flash orange to warn us of the approaching hazard are just some of the signs that drivers have been getting used to for some time.
This week, intelligent signs have been installed in one of the most problematic areas in terms of congestion, in the single-line section as the N-332 passes Torrevieja, which both monitor the flow of traffic on the roads and then communicate with each other to warn approaching drivers of queues ahead.








As you can see from the pictures, these sign groups have two units, one which is the detector, the other the receptor and warning sign. When traffic flows freely the signs look like nothing more than a black square. But, when traffic is detected, the square displays an electronic version of the triangular P-31 road sign, warning of congestion, with flashing orange lights to attract attention.

These are not the only intelligent signs being installed on the network. In other areas of Spain a number of junctions have already had warning systems installed which tell drivers on the main carriageway that there is a vehicle at a junction ahead on a minor road likely to join or cross the flow of traffic.

Sensors built into the road, similar to those used to monitor traffic flow, become aware of the presence of a vehicle at the junction. They are able to identify the size and type of vehicle, if needed, and then send the information to the warning sign located on the main carriageway, almost offering an extra set of eyes to the driver and the theoretical ability to see beyond bends and buildings ahead, thus reducing the surprise factor and, hopefully, reducing the risk.

It is known under the name of “sistema de advertencia dinámica en intersecciones”, or “dynamic junction warning system”, which uses low-cost technology to exchange information between the vehicle, infrastructure and back to the vehicle, and so commonly known as “V2V”, the aim being to warn of the proximity of vehicles at junctions.
Jaime Moreno, deputy director of Mobility at the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), explains that, “when the system detects the presence of a vehicle approaching the intersection, this situation activates the alert signal for vehicles traveling the main stem, with preference through the junction, so they can know well in advance this circumstance, adjusting their speed and taking extreme care”.
So far, there are four locations in Spain where the system has been installed, chosen because of their high incident rate. Two of them, located in the provinces of Madrid and León, are also in locations known for their concentration of a high number of incidents.
The locations are: Leon (in the N-VI, at kilometre 399); Madrid (also in the N-VI, pk 56); Navarra (N-113, pk 78) and A Coruña (N-634, pk 676). In these four locations, between 2012 and 2014, a total of 48 crashes occurred, resulting in the loss of 3 lives and injury to another 47 people.

Excerpt: A new wave of road signs in being installed across much of the main road network in Spain, all part of a multimillion euro investment scheme to make the roads safer. On the infamous N-332 around Torrevieja we have already Read More ...

### 1,688 Deaths on the Roads

The Spanish government has released the latest road fatality statistics, revealing that in 2015, a total of 1,688 people have been recorded as losing their lives on the roads of Spain, the same number as in 2014. However, there were 9,503 people seriously injured, which has dropped slightly from the 9,574 in 2015.
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, Luis Aguilera, revealed the figures at a road safety and sustainability conference, and covers the main road network throughout the country, except Catalonia and the Basque Country.
In view of these results, Luis Aguilera has expressed the need to continue working with municipalities in general and with the police and those responsible for traffic Basque Country and Catalonia to ensure that the reduction in casualties occurs across all regions.

Excerpt: The Spanish government has released the latest road fatality statistics, revealing that in 2015, a total of 1,688 people have been recorded as losing their lives on the roads of Spain, the same number as in 2014. However, there were Read More ...

### Tragedy at Gandia

A woman, believed to be in her fifties, was killed on Monday in a head-on collision on the N-332 main road in the Gandia area, north of Alicante.

The victim was the sole occupant of the vehicle which collided with an oncoming truck in a location known as the curvas de Sant Joan at around 8 in the morning.
The impact was so great that the victim´s vehicle was almost destroyed outright, killing the driver instantly.
The Guardia Civil traffic police rushed to the scene, along with fire fighters and medics, who carried out an extraction whilst the road was closed for some time.
The traffic police are now investigating the incident to ascertain which of the two vehicles invaded the opposite carriageway so as to determine the cause of the crash, and ascertain what other factors may have contributed to the tragedy.

Excerpt: A woman, believed to be in her fifties, was killed on Monday in a head-on collision on the N-332 main road in the Gandia area, north of Alicante. The victim was the sole occupant of the vehicle which collided with Read More ...

### Drunk Driver in Lane Confusion!

A drunk driver seemingly became confused over which lane to approach Torrevieja off the N-332 main road on Monday, instead choosing the cycle lane.

Unfortunately, as the cycle lane is not designed for the purpose of carrying cars, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. The Guardia Civil attended the scene and found the driver to have consumed an excessive amount of alcohol and now faces the consequences of those actions, lucky to have not killed anybody in the process.

The damaged vehicle had to be recovered from the scene by a tow truck.

Excerpt: A drunk driver seemingly became confused over which lane to approach Torrevieja off the N-332 main road on Monday, instead choosing the cycle lane. Unfortunately, as the cycle lane is not designed for the purpose of carrying cars, the vehicle Read More ...

### Tyre Safety Checks We Can All Do

Tyres are arguably one of the most important elements of a vehicle, however they are often so easily neglected, despite the abuse they can face on a regular basis.

On a daily basis they are worn down through normal use, have to withstand heat and cold and are often bashed by potholes and kerbs, it is no real surprise that they can become easily damaged.
It is for that reason that we must educate ourselves to pay more attention to our tyres, so that we can get the best out of them, and the safest driving experience possible.
It is important that our tyres have sufficient tread to enable them to maintain contact with the road surface in any weather conditions. The grooves in the tyres are used to displace surface content to ensure the tyres grip the road, and so it is only if there is enough of a gap for that surface material, water for example, to go into that the tyres remain efficient.
The minimum tread depth of a tyre is 1.6 millimetres across the central ¾ of the tread around the complete circumference of the tyre. Many vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing at 3 millimetres. At 1.6 millimetres in wet weather it takes an extra two car lengths (8 metres) to stop at 50 mph than if your tread was 3 millimetres. Over or under inflated tyres will cause uneven wear and so the tread might also be uneven, possibly deeper on one side than the other.
We can and should check the tyres on a regular basis to ensure that they are at their optimum inflation and with consistent tread. We need to get close to the tyre and look at each one of them separately. Firstly, we can feel around each tyre with our hands, including the sides, feeling for anything that doesn´t seem correct, such as bubbling or even items protruding from the tyre. It is possible for example for a tyre to contain a nail but the nail is plugging the hole it has made and so deflation can be very slow, despite this potentially dangerous situation.
As we look around each tyre we should also check the tread. If the tyre is under inflated then there may be more wear towards he edges of the tyres. If a tyre is over inflated there could be more wear in the centre. As we work our way around the tyre we should also look within the tread pattern for ridges between the tread. These are called the Principle Grooves and are indicators of tyre wear.
We should check each tyre individually, including the spare, to make sure that the tread wear is consistent and sufficient. We should also check the tyre pressure, although we may have to go to a local service station to do this. Most modern vehicles have a plate stuck to them, often on or near the door, which indicated the optimum pressure under normal driving conditions. If not, you might have to check your manual. You should always check tyre pressure when they are cold.

The tyres themselves also contain a series of numbers and letters which reveals a wealth of technical information. The tyres your vehicle is fitted with are registered on your ITV card, although you can change them for another size with a tolerance up to 3% from the size you have on your ITV card.
If you look at the side of the tyre you will see a sequence which looks something like this sample, “195 / 55 R 16 87V”. Here, “195” refers to 195 millimetres, the nominal section width of the tyre. “55” is 55%, the aspect ratio, representing the height of the tyre sidewall as a percentage of the nominal section width, i.e., in our case, 55% of 195mm. “R” stands for radial construction. “16” is the diameter of the tyre´s inner rim, this time in inches. “87” is the load capacity of the tyre. “V” indicates the maximum permitted speed.

Another code stamped onto the tyre reveals the month and year of manufacture. For example, a code “4108” indicates that the tyre was manufactured in week 41 of the year 2008. There are many cheap tyres on offer for sale which, when you look closely, might well be very old tyres. This is something to be very conscious of, especially as the recommendations are that tyres should be replaced at least every 5 years, so you might not be aware that you are replacing your tyres with those already older than the recommendation.

Because of the importance of tyres and the functions they perform, it is always worthwhile spending that little extra effort, time and even money to ensure they are correct. Garages like Autos Direct in San Miguel will be able to check your tyres for you, if you have any doubt, and can recommend any remedial action you might need to take. However, it is also crucial that we each perform the basic checks mentioned here on a regular basis, at least monthly and every time before a long journey to ensure our vehicles are safe and at optimum performance for fuel efficiency.

 

Excerpt: Tyres are arguably one of the most important elements of a vehicle, however they are often so easily neglected, despite the abuse they can face on a regular basis. On a daily basis they are worn down through normal use, Read More ...

### N332 MEET RBL

Members from the N332 project attended the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion last week to give their last presentation on road safety before the summer break.

There was yet another full house of RBL members and guests who welcomed the N332 Team, Francisco Morales and Mark Nolan as they discussed many of the common problems that expat drivers are faced with when they move to Spain.
Mark had the audience attention right from the start with his opening remark, ‘This is how you identify an unmarked police car.’ But the subject was covered for good reason, as a result of the increasing amount of car crime involving motorists being stopped by bogus Guardia Officers which is gradually spreading into the area.
The pair then covered matters including distraction theft and many of the more obvious matters such as vehicle documents, footwear, warning triangles and the necessary security of passengers, pets and loads in moving vehicles.
Accompanying the two speakers on the night were Nicolas Bradford, the occasion being used to present the former West Midland Traffic Policeman with a token of appreciation for his help with the N332 project, and Paul Piccio, the President of C.L.A.R.O. who attended the event as part of his wish to find out more about local clubs and groups operating on the Costa Blanca.
The N332 team already have a number of presentations lined up for after the summer, as well as other events they will be attending. Remember to keep checking the website, n332.es, for more information.

Excerpt: Members from the N332 project attended the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion last week to give their last presentation on road safety before the summer break. There was yet another full house of RBL members and guests Read More ...

### Officers Injured Pursuing Burglary Suspect

Two Guardia Civil officers were injured on Sunday when their vehicles crashed in the centre of Torrevieja whilst attempting to apprehend a suspect believed to have committed an act of burglary.

Several patrols were in the area following the burglary in the Los Locos area of the town. The officers were searching for the suspect who had tried to evade capture having suffered a puncture in his escape vehicle and so continued on foot.
The two injured officers were involved in a crash at the junction of Calle María Parodi and Calle Caballero de Rodas, one vehicle colliding with a tree, the second with a column.
The officers were taken to Torrevieja hospital with one having suffered a neck injury, the other with bruises.
The fleeing suspect was captured and arrested.

Excerpt: Two Guardia Civil officers were injured on Sunday when their vehicles crashed in the centre of Torrevieja whilst attempting to apprehend a suspect believed to have committed an act of burglary. Several patrols were in the area following the burglary Read More ...

### We Save Lives Reflections from Inside

This innovative awareness campaign video aims to serve as a reminder of the dangers and repercussions of drinking or using drugs and driving.

Excerpt: This innovative awareness campaign video aims to serve as a reminder of the dangers and repercussions of drinking or using drugs and driving.

### Wrong-Way Driver Had No Money For Toll

A Romanian man who drove his vehicle carrying his wife and two children in the opposite direction on the AP-7 motorway last week justified his actions by saying that he had no money to pay the toll.
The man had driven his vehicle along the AP-7 and arrived at the toll booths at La Zenia. Unable to pay the toll, he decided to turn his vehicle around and drive 8 kilometres in the opposite direction before the Guardia Civil intercepted him at kilometre 755 in the San Miguel area of the Alicante to Cartagena motorway.
The man wasted tested for alcohol and drugs, both of which were negative, and gave the explanation to the arresting officers. Despite his actions, it is believed that there was no immediate risk to other road users at the time.
There is an established protocol in place for dealing with drivers who have no immediate means of payment. In this circumstance, the toll booth operator would take a copy of the driver´s identity documents and the vehicle´s details and issue a notice to the driver with details of a bank account to pay into within a specified time. Failure to pay would then result in the driver being reported for an offence. Repeat offenders face having their vehicle immobilised until the Guardia Civil arrive to deal with the driver. However, in genuine cases, if payment is made in time, there is not likely to be any future issues.

Excerpt: A Romanian man who drove his vehicle carrying his wife and two children in the opposite direction on the AP-7 motorway last week justified his actions by saying that he had no money to pay the toll. The man had Read More ...

### Types of Hazards and How to Avoid Them – Part 2

Obstacles in the Road
There are countless items that could find themselves in the road and pose a problem to vehicles. Fallen trees, items fallen from vehicles, rocks and boulders, parked cars, the list is almost endless, but one thing we must be aware of is that if we have to invade the opposite lane in order to pass the obstruction then we must give way to oncoming vehicles and only pass when safe to do so.

Permanent Road Features
It is vital that we pay attention to our surroundings constantly. Not only reading and observing the physical signs on a road such as the maximum permitted speed limit or warnings of hazards ahead, but also of the physical characteristics of the road itself. Look for junctions, narrow streets, dangerous bends, elevation changes and dips, blind corners and merging traffic. Remember that road signs are there to help us and are indicative of a number of reasons why we must react to the conditions, but road signs are not present for every hazard on the road, we must look out for those ourselves.
Parking
When parking your vehicle, always choose a location that is safe, legal and convenient. Respect distances between vehicles, look for signs or signals that prevent or restrict parking. Be careful when opening your door, look in the mirrors and around the vehicle for approaching road users such as cyclists, motorbike, pedestrians or other cars.
Reversing Vehicles
We should always try to avoid reversing wherever possible as our field of vision is significantly reduced. Reversing into a parking bay makes it safer and more convenient for leaving, and reversing from a minor road to a major road should always be avoided. The manoeuvrability of the vehicle may be compromised as the driver becomes confused during a revering manoeuvre. Pressure and added stress can also lead inexperienced drivers to make mistakes when reversing. If you see a vehicle carrying out a reversing move allow extra space and time.
Vehicles Turning Left or Right
Be aware that the vehicle in front of you may wish to turn. Although we hope that the vehicle´s lights are working and that the driver will carry out the correct procedure for junctions, this is not always the case. Allowing sufficient space between you and the vehicle in front allows you more time to react in the event of something happening. Look out for the vehicle in front slowing down or moving to the left or right of the lane and look out for hand signals from the driver.
Novice Drivers
Remember that each and every one of us were once a learner driver, and then we became loose on the roads as a novice. Driving soon becomes habitually second nature, hopefully with good habits rather than bad, but novice drivers still lack the experience to react to situations they are not used to. Be patient and give them the time to learn in a safe manner.
Heavy Vehicles
Because of their size and weight, large vehicles are more difficult to manoeuvre. They need to make wide turns, especially in tight junctions and roads. Even, depending on its length and shape of the junction, they may invade other lanes.
They are usually slower in performing normal movements and their speed may be affected by hills and inclines. Allow extra space and time near these vehicles and pay attention to the potential blind-spot risks to the driver. If you can´t see their mirrors, they can´t see you.
Slow and Priority Vehicles
Be extremely cautious when approaching a vehicle with emergency lights. You may find construction machinery, garbage trucks, transport of dangerous goods, damaged vehicles or those performing maintenance on the road which are travelling at a much reduced speed than ours.
We must give way to priority vehicles traveling with light flashing to an emergency, slowing or even stopping to the right of the roadway if necessary, but we must never endanger other road users.
Animals
Animals in the road pose a major risk, especially in countryside areas where they be unaware of the dangers their presence might be posing to traffic. Drive slowly and always respect distance, because animals are unpredictable and can be startled. Any animal poses a risk, especially if loose. They usually run at a relatively slow speed, so they can sometimes even force us to stop.
 

Excerpt: Obstacles in the Road There are countless items that could find themselves in the road and pose a problem to vehicles. Fallen trees, items fallen from vehicles, rocks and boulders, parked cars, the list is almost endless, but one thing Read More ...

### Guardia Civil Traffic Officer Killed on Duty

An officer from the Guardia Civil traffic section based in Valladolid was killed in the line of duty on Wednesday on the A-62 near to urbanización El Montico, in Burgos.

The 112 emergency coordination centre received an urgent call at 17:17 from the Guardia Civil saying that one of their officers had been hit by a vehicle and required urgent medical assistance.
The officer, who was 56 years of age and with the initials D.A.N., was riding with his colleague behind a slow moving truck which was having difficulties.
A car driver failed to notice the hazard ahead and crashed into the motorbike, knocking the officer from his vehicle and running over him on the road.
Emergency assistance was immediately dispatched but an emergency intensive care unit was stood down after the officer had been confirmed to have lost his life at the scene.

Excerpt: An officer from the Guardia Civil traffic section based in Valladolid was killed in the line of duty on Wednesday on the A-62 near to urbanización El Montico, in Burgos. The 112 emergency coordination centre received an urgent call at Read More ...

### Traffic Patrol Bike Crushed by Truck

A Guardia Civil traffic officer had a lucky escape on Monday when a truck crashed into the motorbike patrol vehicle in Castellón.
The initial hypothesis from the scene was that the driver of the articulated lorry was distracted and crashed into the motorcycle.
Fortunately, on this occasion, neither the officer nor the truck driver were seriously injured.

Excerpt: A Guardia Civil traffic officer had a lucky escape on Monday when a truck crashed into the motorbike patrol vehicle in Castellón. The initial hypothesis from the scene was that the driver of the articulated lorry was distracted and crashed Read More ...

### Types of Hazards and How to Avoid Them – Part 1

Every time we get behind the wheel of a car we are about to embark on a journey, not just the one that takes us from A to B, just a journey where our fate may well lie in the hands of others, and the differing dynamics of the road environment.
Every journey is different and that is why we must take the same precautions every single time. Complacency can lead to a heightened risk and travelling over the same route day in, day out, can lull us into a false sense of security.
Here, we are going to look at some of those hazards we might meet when we are out for a regular drive, and what we can do to reduce the risk in the event of coming across them.
Pedestrian Crossings
When approaching a pedestrian crossing we must look to both sides to see if there is anybody waiting to cross. We must slow down on approach and stop to give way and allow them to cross. We must also be conscious of anything that might be blocking our clear view of the crossing, and the pedestrian´s view of the road, such as parked cars, adjusting our speed appropriately. Remember, if the pavement or road is wet or icy, we need more time to slow down.

Children and Young People
It is important to pay close attention to children and young road users as they may have no real awareness of the dangers of the road, and might cross without taking any precautions. Look out for tell-tale signs of being near areas where children might play, such as parks, gardens and even shops. Look out also for objects in the road or on the pavement such as bikes or balls, as these might take precedence in the mind of a child oblivious to the road dangers.
Many young people can also become hazards without realising, and countless documented accounts would testify to that. Look out for people wearing headphones, perhaps listening to music and less aware of their surroundings. Texting and using a mobile phone whilst walking also causes a distraction and might well lead to pedestrians unknowingly walking into the road. Allow extra space and slow down in areas where young people might be present.
School Zones
Roads passing near schools may display a warning sign indicating the potential presence of children. In these areas, a heightened attention is vital, not only because of the risk of children in the road but in these areas it is increasingly common to see vehicles double-parked or illegally parked, as the risks associated with such a volatile area are increased significantly by drivers choosing to ignore the laws relating to parking, and putting children at an increased risk. It is important to be very careful because a child may appear unexpectedly. Maximum permitted speed limits are also likely to be reduced in these areas.
The Elderly and Disabled
Look out for older people near to the road. These senior citizens sometimes suffer mobility problems, might be helped by walking sticks, and could be unsteady on their feet. They may suffer hearing or vision impairments and their special awareness and alertness may not be as acute as others. The same applies to those with assisted mobility, such as wheelchair users. Although they are being helped to move, their manoeuvrability may be compromised. It is also important for drivers to exercise patience and allow more time for those who need it to cross the road safely.
Adults
We have covered the young and the old but we mustn´t forget those in between. Adults walking onto the road can also be a potential hazards. Crossing at inappropriate places, between parked cars or dustbins, crossing diagonally and rushing to go about their business can all mean that adults too can enter the road without warning.
Parents with pushchairs are another problem for road users, as a pushchair is manoeuvred onto the road whilst the adults wait at what they consider to be an appropriate place with good visibility, whilst the baby is pushed closer to the danger zone in doing so.
Traffic Officers
Traffic wardens, mobility agents, police, Guardia Civil and other state forces work tirelessly to ensure our safety. Therefore, it is not uncommon for them to be in the road directing traffic or performing a special control. It is mandatory to act on the instructions given by people controlling traffic.
Cyclists
Cyclists are one of the most vulnerable groups of road users. When you go to overtake, make sure you leave the minimum 1.5 metre gap between your vehicle and the cycle, look for signs and signals given by the rider, and look at the road ahead. Make sure you can safely overtake and return to your own lane in good time, and look for any potential hazards to the cyclist such as potholes or other obstacles which may cause the rider to deviate from the bike´s course.
Motorbikes
Motorbikes are also a high risk and vulnerable group. Similar to bicycles, motorbikes may encounter obstacles on the road that cause them to lose balance. Plus, as motorbikes are likely to be travelling at a higher speed by pushbikes, the potential risk is much higher in the event of an impact as the rider´s body would absorb much of the physical shock.

Excerpt: Every time we get behind the wheel of a car we are about to embark on a journey, not just the one that takes us from A to B, just a journey where our fate may well lie in the Read More ...

### Torrevieja Superbikes Take to the Road

The Guardia Civil Trafico in Torrevieja have taken to the roads on their new superbikes this week, patrolling between San Pedro and Alicante on their brand new Yamaha FJR 1300´s.

The FJR 1300 offers 141.5 hp and a top speed of around 240 kilometres per hour, although is considered more fuel efficient under normal road speed conditions.
The vehicle is factory adapted with a single seat and panniers to carry the equipment needed on their daily patrols, and has adapted handlebars to enable the rider to sit upright, rather than in the stooped, racing position.
The bikes are equipped with sirens and lights and carry a fire extinguisher. They also have fixed holders and brackets for the PDA personal digital assistant and printers, so that nothing moves whist the bike is in motion. In addition, the officers carry documents to enable them to make reports when there is a minor incident.
There will be more of these superbikes taking to the roads across the country over the next few months so keep your eyes peeled and you just might see them patrolling in your area.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil Trafico in Torrevieja have taken to the roads on their new superbikes this week, patrolling between San Pedro and Alicante on their brand new Yamaha FJR 1300´s. The FJR 1300 offers 141.5 hp and a top speed Read More ...

### Flip-Flops Found in Manchester Fatal Crash Vehicle

One of the most common questions that is asked as the weather warms up is whether drivers are allowed to wear flip flops behind the wheel.
We have answered the question in some detail here, and although our focus is normally on the roads of Spain, we thought it might be appropriate to visit Manchester in the UK for a tragic story.

Greater Manchester Police are investigating how a car smashed into a wall, killing a girl of nine, whilst her father, 45, and sister, aged eleven, remain in a serious condition in hospital as result of the crash on Saturday.
Now, during the course of the investigation, officers have confirmed that a pair of flip-flops or sandals have been found in the driver´s foot well of the Toyota Auris, and are examining whether the shoes may have become wedged in the controls as the vehicle approached a set of traffic lights.
The officers are looking at whether the driver was wearing them, although “It’s one of a range of other possible lines of enquiry,” said the spokesman. GMP said in a statement: “The driver, due to his own serious injuries, has not yet been able to provide a full account of what happened”.
Picture credit to Steve Allen and Manchester Evening News. You can read more about this fatal incident on their website here.

Excerpt: One of the most common questions that is asked as the weather warms up is whether drivers are allowed to wear flip flops behind the wheel. We have answered the question in some detail here, and although our focus is Read More ...

### Meet TrafficEye, The New Eye on the Road

As all technology advances, so does the manner that devices can be put to good use by helping others, and, in the case of some, saving lives.
Meet Traffic Eye from Tradesegur, one of 70 new devices already installed around the Spanish road network, having their big test switch on only last month, and the first wave of an order of 200 such devices which will go live this year.

Currently under test, the system will go line on 1st of June and start to report violations recorded by the cameras.
TrafficEye and its cousin MultiRadar C, offer the most advanced technologies that are currently available for monitoring traffic, which not only check and report speeding motorists, but also other safety critical traffic violations such as not wearing a seatbelt, children and animals not properly restrained, using a mobile phone or electrical device whilst driving, and checking with the established databases to see if your vehicle is correctly insured.
Prior to these devices, only Pegasus equipped helicopters could monitor the roads so closely. Now, thanks to TrafficEye, the roads can be monitored around the clock because these devices also work at night.

Excerpt: As all technology advances, so does the manner that devices can be put to good use by helping others, and, in the case of some, saving lives. Meet Traffic Eye from Tradesegur, one of 70 new devices already installed around Read More ...

### Guardia Civil Trafico – 20th anniversary of its Traffic School



Excerpt: 

### The Hazards of Distracted Driving

Safe driving takes all our concentration. Don´t be distracted when you drive.

Excerpt: Safe driving takes all our concentration. Don´t be distracted when you drive.

### Emergency Call System for Motorcycles

BMW has developed an emergency contact system for motorbikes which, similar to the eCall system for cars, will automatically summon assistance in the event of a crash.

eCall is expected to save some 2,500 lives per year on the roads as emergency response times will be drastically cut by up to 50%, reducing the threat of delay during that all too crucial “golden hour”.
Now, BMW have developed the system for motorbikes which use a series of sensors to detect if the angle of the vehicle, if it has fallen over, the speed and sudden change, and the severity in the event of an impact.
Having already had equipment on cars for a decade, BMW are also extending the system to allow passengers or witnesses to summon assistance by means of a help button, and the equipment will be installed in all new motorbikes sold by the company from next year.
As well as the anticipated 2,500 lives expected to be saved, the roll-out of the system on all new vehicles from 2018 is also expected to save millions in damage and medical bills.

Excerpt: BMW has developed an emergency contact system for motorbikes which, similar to the eCall system for cars, will automatically summon assistance in the event of a crash. eCall is expected to save some 2,500 lives per year on the roads Read More ...

### Ibex Insurance Celebrating 5 Years in La Zenia

IBEX Insurance will be celebrating the fifth anniversary of their La Zenia store on Friday, and members of the N332 team will be going along to join in the fun.
The party will be from 4 in the afternoon until 7 and there will be special goody bags on offer for those who attend, plus a prize competition where you can win a 100 euro shopping voucher.
There will be a birthday cake by Cake Magic in San Pedro, nibbles, finger food, bubbly, wine and soft drinks, and more.
Plus, the Ibex team will be on hand to answer insurance related questions.
The N332 team will be there for about an hour from 5, so you are welcome to come along and meet us. We will also be giving away car stickers for those attending the event as part of the goody bag booty.
The La Zenia branch of Ibex Insurance is located in Res Zenia Sol II, C / Flores 1, Bajo 3, la Zenia, 03189 Orihuela Costa, Alicante. For more information, and of course if you are interested in asking for a quote, you can call 966 761 575, or visit their website, ibexinsure.com.
We look forward to meeting you on Friday afternoon.

Excerpt: IBEX Insurance will be celebrating the fifth anniversary of their La Zenia store on Friday, and members of the N332 team will be going along to join in the fun. The party will be from 4 in the afternoon until Read More ...

### ALICANTE BLUE FLAG LEADER

The Alicante province is once again the leader in terms of quality beaches, having been awarded more Blue Flags than any other area in Spain with awards for 62 beaches, 13 marinas, 4 routes and 7 schools.

Across the 19 municipalities that make up the Costa Blanca there were 71 candidates for the awards, with 62 Blue Flags being granted, whereas there are 125 Blue Flag beaches across the region and 586 in the whole of Spain.
Once again, Orihuela has the largest number of individual beaches to have been awarded Blue Flags with 8 beaches recognised, whereas Torrevieja retained their 5.
The inspections were carried out last summer.
The beaches awarded blue flags are:
Alicante

Sant Joan
L’Albufereta
El Postiguet
Saladar (Urbanova)

Altea

La Roda
Cap Blanc

Benidorm

Llevant
Mal Pas
Ponent

Benissa

Cala Fustera

Calp

La Fossa
Cantal Roig
Arenal Bol

Denia

Les Bovetes
Les Marines
Molins
Les Rotes
Punta Raset

El Campello

Carrer de la Mar
Mutxavista

Elche

El Altet
Arenales del Sol (Sur)
La Marina
Carabassí
Les Pesqueres-El Rebollo

Finestrat

La Cala

Guardamar

La Roqueta
Centre
El Moncaio

L’Alfàs del Pi

Racó de L’Albir

La Vila Joiosa

Varadero
Centro
La Caleta
Bon Nou
Paradís

Orihuela

Punta Prima
Cala Flamenca
Cala Bosque (La Zenia)
La Caleta (Cabo Roig)
Cala Capitán (Cabo Roig)
Aguamarina
Campoamor
Barranco Rubio
Cala Estaca

Pilar de la Horadada

Mil Palmeras
Jesuitas
Conde

Santa Pola

Calas del Este
Varador
Llevant
El Tamarit
Calas Santiago Bernabéu

Teulada

El Portet
L’Ampolla
Les Platgetes

Torrevieja

El Cura
Los Náufragos
Cala Piteras
Los Locos
La Mata (Sur)

Xàbia

La Grava
L’Arenal

Excerpt: The Alicante province is once again the leader in terms of quality beaches, having been awarded more Blue Flags than any other area in Spain with awards for 62 beaches, 13 marinas, 4 routes and 7 schools. Across the 19 municipalities that make up the Costa Blanca there were 71 candidates for the awards, with […]

### New Seven Point Plan for Road Safety

Spain´s Interior Minister, Jorge Fernández Díaz, has announced a seven-point action plan for the roads of the country which are aimed at significantly reducing the number of casualties on the roads.
In order to implement the plan, the government will allocate 7.2 million euro in funding towards the life saving measures.
The announcement was main when the minister attended the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Guardia Civil Traffic School in Mérida, Badajoz.
Whilst praising the work of the men and women of the Guardia Civil Trafico, the minister pointed out how more than 9,100 officers who are dedicated to the service are a “fundamental tool for road safety policies of the Government developed through the DGT”.
So far this year, there have been 295 fatal incidents on interurban roads in which 349 people died. In just 3 incidents, there have been 25 fatalities. Given those statistics, the government unveiled the package of measure to reduce these statistics.
Specifically, the plan will increase attention on three distinct area, conventional roads, motorcycles and vans.
On conventional roads last year 913 people lost their lives, many of those were involved in head-on collisions. As for motorbikes, the death count increased by 49 last year, and so the new measures are aimed at achieving better behaviour from bikers and improving coexistence with other road users. In the third group, vans, there has also been a significant increase in the number of fatal incidents which also require measures to achieve safer behaviours.
Here is the seven point plan in more detail.

Rumble Strips

Some 3,000 kilometres of roads will have “rumble strips” installed on both the hard shoulders and the central lane markings to avoid vehicles leaving the road and colliding with those coming in the opposite direction. These will be similar to those installed recently on the N-332 in Torrevieja, itself a known incident blackspot, and for which 5 million euro has been assigned. The completion of this element is expected to be within 5 months.


Limiting overtaking on certain conventional roads

As overtaking is one of the most dangerous manoeuvres that can be carried out on the open road, this will be restricted in more areas.
Again, similar to what was recently implemented on the N-332 in Torrevieja, the solid double white lines would be reinforced with wider and marked lines whenever possible.
This too will take around 5 months to complete and the 1 million euro budget will reinforce 1,000 kilometres of road, with an estimated reduction of 20 deaths per year. In 2015, 217 people died in head-on collisions.


Treatment of dangerous intersections

Junctions can be some of the most dangerous areas on the road network. Vehicles cross and interact with those already moving, which can be a significant risk to all. Last year, 20% of injury incidents occurred at intersections on conventional roads and 134 people died in side-impact collisions.
Part of this plan will involve the installation of warning signs on the approach to key junctions, specifically those where visibility might be impaired.
With another million euro set aside for this, it is also expected to save 20 lives each year.


Pedestrian crossing signals

A number of illuminated warning signs will be installed on pedestrian crossings, advising drivers to be aware. These signs will be the standard triangular (P-20) warning signs with orange lights at each point.
A total of 100,000 euro has been set aside for 100 signs in 50 areas over the next seven months. It is hoped that this measure will save 10 lives per year, reducing from the 113 people killed in 2015.


Monitoring and control of excesses of speed night, border traffic and delivery vans

The Interior Minister explained that the implementation of this action is based on the continued planning of campaigns on a monthly basis to increase controls at night, on routes frequented by such vehicles.
These controls would see vehicles stopped and their occupants identified whilst also testing for alcohol and drug use, and the correct documentation, including ITV and insurance.
The estimated budget for this action is 30,000 euro and should reduce the number of deaths each year in vans by 10. In 2015, 68 deaths were reported in vans.

Monitoring speed and safe distance between vehicles on motorways

In addition to excessive speed, maintaining a safe distance between vehicles will see a focus in a 5,000 euro campaign. As well as roadside patrols, helicopters will be used for this purpose, as well as information panels warning of the importance of maintaining a safe distance. The number of people killed last year where driving too close was an attributing factor was 54, an increase of 10 from the year before.

Motorcycles

Finally, motorcycles will be given considerably more attention with extra monitoring points on the roads and checks on ITV, insurance and other documentation, as well as speed and dangerous manoeuvres.
In recent months, 9% of motorcycles involved in injury incidents did not have an ITV. Some 15% of motorbikes were over 20 years of age.

Excerpt: Spain´s Interior Minister, Jorge Fernández Díaz, has announced a seven-point action plan for the roads of the country which are aimed at significantly reducing the number of casualties on the roads. In order to implement the plan, the government will Read More ...

### Types of Traffic Monitoring Devices

Spain operates a network of traffic monitoring devices, not only looking for drivers who are speeding and those who skip trough red lights, but the new range monitors for such bad practices as using a mobile phone and the use of seatbelts.
Here are the five types of monitoring devices currently in use.

Fixed Cameras: These devices are nicknamed “speed traps without operators” as they are located along the road network, usually at the side of the road, or sometimes on poles or across the carriageway, and monitor vehicles as they pass, recording those who exceed the maximum permitted limit.

Mobile Radars: These operate with an operator, or usually a small team, and are often in unmarked Guardia Civil vehicles, as well as those in marked cars belonging to traffic law enforcement groups, including the DGT themselves. Depending on the type of equipment, the recording vehicle can either be static or moving.

Fixed-Section Radars: These devices operate over a fixed distance of road and monitor the average speed between two points on that section. These devices are often considered to give a more realistic impression of recorded speed as the driver doesn´t usually react instantly when they see one, and so the average reading is a more likely speed recorded.
The camera at point “A” records the number plate as the vehicle passes, including the date and time. Using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, the car is then recorded as it passes point “B”, and the time it has taken to cover that distance recorded. If the journey has registered an average speed above the permitted limit then the details are sent to a central processing point where the fine is automatically processed and sent to the driver.



Red-Light Cameras: This type of equipment does not measure the speed of a vehicle but takes a photograph if the vehicle has failed to stop at a red light. In Madrid alone this year there have been an addition five of these cameras installed already this year with another four due before they become active in June. Incidentally, in France, a similar scheme has been on trial where a Stop sign has a camera attached, catching hundreds of drivers on a daily basis.

Pegasus Equipped Helicopters: Pegasus is the name of a recording device fitted to most of the DGT´s traffic helicopters. Distinctive by their yellow and light blue colouring, these “eyes in the sky” can catch offending motorists from a kilometre away and at a height of 300 metres, recording the average speed and vehicle characteristics, as well as monitoring for other traffic violations.
Once the infraction is recorded the data is sent immediately to a central processing point, the Centro de Tratamiento de Denuncias Automatizadas, or ESTRADA, where a fine is automatically issued. In the event of a serious offence, the helicopter crew will summon ground crews to intercept the vehicle.


Although we said that there are five types of monitoring devices in use, there is also the new type which monitor mobile phone and seatbelt use. The first set of these have only just been installed and will continue to roll out across the network during 2016 and 2017.
There is also another monitoring device which is sometimes confusing to motorists, as these metal boxes live alongside the road network but have no visible means of taking a picture. They are identifiable by a square marking in the lane nearby, which is a monitoring sensor, sending information to the roadside box. These devices are used to monitor traffic flow statistics and are not used in enforcement, which is why they have no means of recording individual vehicle details. They are able to record the vehicle type and the number of vehicles using an area, providing essential data to road planners.

In total, across Spain, there are currently 800 fixed cameras, 16 Fixed-Section Radars and 6 helicopters equipped with Pegasus, as well as countless patrols from both the Guardia Civil and the police.
If you´re wondering where the most likely location to be snapped for speeding is it is on the A4 in the province of Jaén, where a Fixed-Section Radar controls the road between kilometre posts 242 and 245.

Excerpt: Spain operates a network of traffic monitoring devices, not only looking for drivers who are speeding and those who skip trough red lights, but the new range monitors for such bad practices as using a mobile phone and the use Read More ...

### Alicante Seeking ANPR System Funding

Alicante City Council is applying for a 4 million euro grant from the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism, to enable them to install a real-time monitoring system for vehicles moving through the city.

The project was presented in Madrid on Monday and features the installation of more than one hundred cameras fitted with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) software, in order to read and record the number plates of around 150,000 vehicles per day.
Once the system spots a vehicle it will monitor the speed, place of registration, type, and whether or not it has insurance and ITV certification.
The system has the backing of the national traffic authority, the DGT, and would place Alicante in the forefront across Europe in traffic management terms.
The city council has also said that in the event of the grant application being unsuccessful then the town hall would look at funding its implementation.

Excerpt: Alicante City Council is applying for a 4 million euro grant from the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism, to enable them to install a real-time monitoring system for vehicles moving through the city. The project was presented in Madrid Read More ...

### New App Can Report if Mobile used by Drivers

Israeli technologists have devised an application that they hope will significantly reduce the number of incidents on the roads caused by drivers using their mobile phone.

Developed by a company called Cellebrite, the Textalyzer tool allows the authorities access to the mobile phone´s history to show if the phone was being used at the time or just before an incident took place.
Unable to immediately show any personal information relating to the call, text or phone use, Textalyzer will only be able to report on the functions being operated.
The application has yet to be adopted although the American law makers are the first to consider its use in legislation.
In Spain, the DGT started installing a new series of traffic cameras which not only watch for speeding motorists but also monitor for mobile phone and even seatbelt use. These devices act automatically and support other methods of detection such as airborne and ground patrols.
In the most recent campaign, more than 1,100 drivers were caught using their mobile whilst driving.

Excerpt: Israeli technologists have devised an application that they hope will significantly reduce the number of incidents on the roads caused by drivers using their mobile phone. Developed by a company called Cellebrite, the Textalyzer tool allows the authorities access to Read More ...

### Carrying Animals in Cars

“Can you please give me up to date Law information regarding transporting dogs in cars are they allowed on the back seat”.
Animals are permitted in private vehicles, but must be properly restrained using appropriate harnesses or equipment, and so the answer is yes, they are allowed on the back seat, but only if they are secured.

As we look at the law, it clearly says that having an animal in the vehicle that could interfere with the driver is illegal and can result in a fine, so a dog sat loose on the front seat for example is not allowed. Carrying animals which are not properly restrained is dangerous to them too. The same applies for cases, cages and boxes with the animal inside, they too must be properly secured.

Animals are unpredictable, especially in environments they are unsure of or not used to. If loose, they could interfere with the driver´s ability or visibility. In the event of a crash, the animal would suffer considerable injury and, most likely, death.

There are a wide range of security devices available for animals, from boxes and cages, which must also be secured as mentioned, to harnesses which link to the security elements of the vehicle, some adapting the existing seatbelts, others using security points designed for child seats for example. It is not just appropriate to have your dog attempt to wear the seatbelt designed for human passengers, only the appropriate device for them.

Incidentally, if you are found to have an animal loose in the vehicle, there is an 80 euro fine.

Excerpt: “Can you please give me up to date Law information regarding transporting dogs in cars are they allowed on the back seat”. Animals are permitted in private vehicles, but must be properly restrained using appropriate harnesses or equipment, and so Read More ...

### Five Killed in Lorca Motorway Crash

Five people have been killed and another three injured in a road traffic incident on the Lorca-Águilas motorway on Tuesday morning.

The 112 emergency coordination centre received a call at 07:19 reporting that a vehicle had left the road and fallen down an embankment at a bridge. The caller indicated that people were trapped inside the vehicle and suffering varying degrees of serious injuries.

Fire fighters, medics and the Guardia Civil all rushed to the scene and found the vehicle with eight occupants, five of whom having apparently lost their lives in the impact.

The occupants were extracted from the vehicles where medical staff were able to confirm the deaths and treat the remaining three, one of whom was in a serious condition, the other two having suffered minor injuries.
The injured parties were taken to Rafael Méndez hospital in Lorca for continual treatment.

Excerpt: Five people have been killed and another three injured in a road traffic incident on the Lorca-Águilas motorway on Tuesday morning. The 112 emergency coordination centre received a call at 07:19 reporting that a vehicle had left the road and Read More ...

### N332 Meets U3A

This week, members of the N332 Facebook and website teams gave a presentation in Torrevieja to the members of the ever popular U3A.

Hundreds of members attended their monthly event and were given a talk about road safety, including many changes to traffic laws, and answers to some of the most popular questions received through the websites. Afterwards, the team were on hand to answer many more personal questions.

This is the latest presentation carried out by the teams who have been reaching out to community groups to offer help and advice on a more personal level.
The next presentation will be in May and will be to the members of the Orihuela Costa Royal British Legion, before we take a break from events through the summer, returning to do more in the autumn.

The ability to attend and offer this service has been thanks to our supporters, Autos Direct in San Miguel, Mercury FM radio, Al Andalus Car Hire, Ibex Insurance, The Courier newspaper, PSI Consultants, Ricor Abogados, Euronics (Blue Lagoon & Quesada), and Coast and Casas Real Estate, who are all “Working Together for Safer Roads”.

Excerpt: This week, members of the N332 Facebook and website teams gave a presentation in Torrevieja to the members of the ever popular U3A. Hundreds of members attended their monthly event and were given a talk about road safety, including many Read More ...

### Assistance Sought in Hit and Run Case

The Guardia Civil in the Murcia region are asking for assistance to identify the driver of a Seat car that ran over a pedestrian earlier this month and failed to stop.
The incident occurred on the RM-F28 road in the Torre Pacheco area on Sunday the 10th of April.
The vehicle being sought in connection with the incident is a Seat Ibiza or Córdoba, aged around 15 years old, which could have sustained damage to the front of the vehicle, especially towards the right-hand side.
Here are SAMPLE images of the two types of vehicle. The colour of the one being sought is not known, these are samples only.
Seat Ibiza
 
Seat Córdoba
Anybody who recognises a vehicle of this type with unexplained damage consistent with a collision, is asked to contact the Guardia Civil on 968 238 562 or 062.
You can also contact the local police or the 112 emergency centre if you have language problems, explaining the details of your findings and suspicions in relation to this case.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil in the Murcia region are asking for assistance to identify the driver of a Seat car that ran over a pedestrian earlier this month and failed to stop. The incident occurred on the RM-F28 road in the Read More ...

### Hit and Run Driver Caught and Arrested

Officers from the Civil Guard in the Murcia region have arrested the driver of a hit and run incident which had resulted in a cyclist being seriously injured.
The incident took place on Tuesday, the World Day of the Bicycle, when the Guardia Civil were alerted to an incident in the El Raal area of the RM-303 main road by the 112 emergency coordination centre.
Officers attended the scene on the Santomera and Los Ramos road, where a cyclist had been hit by a vehicle which had fled the scene. The cyclist was left in a serious condition in the road by the collision and was attended by emergency medics who transported the injured party to the Murcia hospital for emergency surgery.
Evidence gathered at the scene indicated that a car had invaded the left-hand lane causing the collision, before driving through rural roads to apparently evade capture. The investigators were then able to determine the type of vehicle involved, and then set about a search to locate it.
Less than 24 hours after the incident, the traffic officers located a suspect vehicle in the Murcia town of Puente Tocinos, which had damage consistent with the incident under investigation. The vehicle had damage to a wing mirror, impact damage to its left-hand side and traces of identifying factors similar to the bicycle.

The officers then identified and located the owner, a male of 33 years of age and resident of Puente Tocinos, and presented their evidence to him. The man eventually confessed responsibility for the incident and was arrested on suspicion of crimes of dereliction of duty relief and having left the scene of a crash without providing assistance, and acting in a reckless manner which caused injury to the cyclist.
The vehicle was seized and taken away for forensic examination before its fate is decided by the courts, whereas the driver was presented to the courts in Murcia.

Excerpt: Officers from the Civil Guard in the Murcia region have arrested the driver of a hit and run incident which had resulted in a cyclist being seriously injured. The incident took place on Tuesday, the World Day of the Bicycle, Read More ...

### Watch Your Speed!

The European Traffic Police network, TISPOL, will be carrying out a special vigilance campaign against speeding motorists from this weekend, which means that the European road network will see an increase in patrols of traffic police looking for speeding motorists.

Extra mobile speed checks will be in place around Spain, especially on roads which are known to have more incidents than others, such as main roads.
According to the DGT, inappropriate speed was a factor in 10% of the 89,500 injury incidents during 2013, a figure that rises to 17% when filtering out incidents to only include those on the main roads.
In fatal incidents, excessive speed was a contributory factor in 22% of all incidents. Therefore, according to the DGT, if all vehicles were travelling at the right speed, a quarter of those killed, around 400 people, would still be alive and 1,680 incidents would have been avoided.
All roads have speed limits, generic or specific, and if this limit is exceeded then a driver, if detected, will be punished. But even if a vehicle is driving below the allowed maximum limit, external circumstances such as rain or ice, or vehicle characteristics such as using an emergency wheel can alter what is an appropriate speed to drive at.
The Road Safety Laws dictate that a driver must respect the speed limits and adapt the vehicle´s speed so as to allow it to stop in its field of view, taking into account any obstacles or hazards that might present themselves, taking into account their physical and mental conditions, characteristics and condition of the road, vehicle load, weather, traffic and other circumstances. That is the safe speed.
The faster your car is travelling, the more distance and time it will take to stop. Stopping distances consist of two parts, reaction time and braking time. The average reaction time is between 1 and 1.5 seconds, during which time the vehicle is continuing towards a potential hazard at speed. The faster the vehicle is travelling, the more distance it will cover in this time. Reaction times can be altered by other characteristics such as distraction, alcohol or drugs, or other factors.
The actual braking distance then depends on the speed of the vehicle, as well as other factors such as the road and weather conditions, condition of the vehicle and brakes, the age of the vehicle and the actions of the driver, amongst other factors. In wet conditions, the stopping distance is doubled. In icy conditions, in the case of ice, stopping distances can be up to ten times that of normal, optimum conditions.
Reducing speed not only allows for more reaction time and an increased chance of stopping, it also reduces the damage in the event of a collision, possibly even making the difference between life and death in many cases. According to the 2004 Nilsson report, a decrease of 1% of the average speed on a road produces a 4% reduction in fatal crashes. In addition, it is argued that a reduction of 10 km / h of speed limits would imply a reduction in mortality of around 10%.
Although traffic police will be out in force monitoring speed, it is in everybody´s interest to be more vigilant and respectful of the limits put in place, not only by means of the signs on the road, but also the signs that indicate the factors that may mean the need to slow down is greater.

Excerpt: The European Traffic Police network, TISPOL, will be carrying out a special vigilance campaign against speeding motorists from this weekend, which means that the European road network will see an increase in patrols of traffic police looking for speeding motorists. Read More ...

### Belgian Foreign Licence Holder Fined in Alicante

This week, a Belgian driver was fined in Alicante, as his foreign licence was no longer acceptable under the European rules now being enforced in Spain, as he had an undefined licence after being resident more than 2 years.

Many foreign residents are still of the opinion that they don´t need to change their licence to one or their country of residence, in fact this driver was of that same opinion.
There are clearly documented situations where foreigners must and should change their licences.
In fact, in order to further clarify the situation, the Spanish traffic authority, the DGT, has created their own guide, in English, detailing how you can do this yourself. This document can be downloaded from the DGT website, but we have also included it at the end of this article for your convenience.
In addition, we have found and vetted two legal firms in the Alicante province who will do the transfer on your behalf. They are PSI Consultants based on the Orihuela Costa who cover south of Alicante, and Ricor Abogados who are based in Alicante and cover the city and north.
Details of our collaboration can be found by clicking on this link, and we will forward your details to them as our partners.
Please read the document below, and also this link which answers other questions about changing your foreign driving licence. Remember also, having a Spanish licence when you live in this country makes life simpler in the event of being stopped by the police, as your licence is linked to your NIE, and so your details can be checked at the roadside quickly and easily. You also qualify for reduced rates if you are fined and no not have to pay traffic fines on the spot, which foreign licence holders do.

Excerpt: This week, a Belgian driver was fined in Alicante, as his foreign licence was no longer acceptable under the European rules now being enforced in Spain, as he had an undefined licence after being resident more than 2 years. Many Read More ...

### Potential Delays on Main Alicante-Elche Airport Road Route

Maintenance workers have been carrying out repairs to a road bridge over the N-332 at the Gran Alacant area for a number of weeks.
The route is one of the main roads that connects Alicante-Elche airport with the south Alicante towns such as Torrevieja and the Orihuela Costa, and others.
On Monday 18th April, the work enters its final stage, with minor diversions and speed restrictions in place that may cause delays to airport traffic.
This stage will be split into two segments, which will operate over the next four to five weeks.
Traffic travelling in the Alicante direction will be diverted off the main road and through what is normally a slip road allowing access to the petrol station.
For the first half of the closure this will allow workers to renovate the section of bridge directly above the Alicante-bound carriageway. Traffic in the Cartagena direction will not be affected, other than a reduction in the maximum permitted speed through the works.
Then, for the second half of the work, the same Alicante-bound diversion will remain, but Cartagena-bound traffic will be moved over onto the Alicante-bound side of the N-332 to allow the work to continue above the Cartagena-bound lane.
Main traffic will not be affected too much other than delays at peak times on account of the reduction in speed, although traffic intending to go from Gran Alacant in the Cartagena direction will face the biggest amount of disruption as the slip road onto the N-332 in that direction will be closed for the duration.

Excerpt: Maintenance workers have been carrying out repairs to a road bridge over the N-332 at the Gran Alacant area for a number of weeks. The route is one of the main roads that connects Alicante-Elche airport with the south Alicante Read More ...

### Distractions are Dangerous

Distractions whilst driving are one of the principle causes of road traffic incidents. Driving required your full attention at all times. 
Some distractions are so subtle we might not even notice. Obvious distractions whilst driving are using your mobile phone, checking for texts or Whatsapp and Facebook or Twitter messages for example, setting your GPS, even listening to music or the radio, but passengers can also distract us, adults and children. Plus, tiredness, being sleepy is another form of distraction. On long journeys, take frequent breaks, if you start to feel tired, pull over in a safe and legal place and rest.
Remember, driving requires our full and undivided attention at all times.
This video shows the consequences of one driver being distracted. Please watch it and stay safe when driving.

Excerpt: Distractions whilst driving are one of the principle causes of road traffic incidents. Driving required your full attention at all times.  Some distractions are so subtle we might not even notice. Obvious distractions whilst driving are using your mobile phone, checking Read More ...

### Traffic Officers Catch Bank Robber

Traffic officers from the Guardia Civil based in Orihuela arrested a man who had robbed a bank at gunpoint, then knocked down two women as he tried to escape.

The man made off with the bank with 12,000 euro in cash after robbing a bank in the Murcia town of Santomera, before returning to the Orihuela area.
The traffic officers noted the vehicle and were suspicious of the driver and subsequently attempted to ask the vehicle driver to stop.
The driver resisted and attempted to escape at speed, knocking down the two women who were on separate streets in the city of Orihuela.
Minutes later, the officers caught up with the vehicle and detained the driver. A subsequent inspection of the vehicle revealed a large amount of cash and a firearm, although this was later discovered to be a fake pistol.
The two women were treated at the scene with one of them being taken to hospital as a result of injuries sustained in the incident.

Excerpt: Traffic officers from the Guardia Civil based in Orihuela arrested a man who had robbed a bank at gunpoint, then knocked down two women as he tried to escape. The man made off with the bank with 12,000 euro in Read More ...

### New Motorbikes Arrive in Torrevieja

This week, the Torrevieja traffic department of the Guardia Civil took delivery of their new motorbikes, which will take to the roads within the next two months.
These new motorbikes are adapted versions of the powerful Yamaha FJR 1300, which is replacing the traditional and trusted BMW. We went along to the garage this week to check them out and show you what these new vehicles mean for the officers.

The standard BMW R1200RT was first introduced in 2005 to replace the R1150RT model and features a 1,170 cc flat-twin engine with a six-speed gearbox, with 109 hp and a top speed of around 200 kilometres per hour.
The Guardia Civil in Torrevieja currently use the BMW R850RT, an 848 cc, a four stroke, two-cylinder, horizontally-opposed Boxer engine equipped motorbike, offering 73 hp and a top speed of 186.2 kilometres per hour. From a cruising speed of 60 kilometres per hour, the bike can stop in just 14.2 metres and from standing can go from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in just 5.8 seconds.
By comparison, the FJR 1300 has a 1,298 cc inline-four liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, electronic fuel injection engine, offering 141.5 hp. The bike under normal conditions has a top speed of around 240 kilometres per hour, although is considered more fuel efficient under normal road speed conditions.
The vehicle is factory adapted with a single seat and panniers to carry the equipment needed on their daily patrols, and has adapted handlebars to enable the rider to sit upright, rather than in the stopped, racing position.

Over the next few months they will gradually be seen on the local road network, but not before a trip to Alicante, one by one, to have new windscreens and radios fitted.

The bikes are equipped with sirens and lights and carry a fire extinguisher. They also have fixed holders and brackets for the PDA personal digital assistant and printers, so that nothing moves whist the bike is in motion. In addition, the officers carry documents to enable them to make reports when there is a minor accident.
The helmets are equipped with Bluetooth which is connected to a radio in the rear of the bike so the officers can communicate with both the central control centre to enable them to request information such as number plate identification whilst riding, as well as checking the status of the ITV, insurance and driving license of the vehicle owner. The radio also allows direct communication with their colleagues.
In order to keep the bikes in premium condition, they are serviced by the official garages, BMW or Yamaha, every 5,000 or 10,000 kilometres depending on what the motorbikes need. In addition, the wheels are changed every 7,000 kilometres for safety reasons.
Some of the bike had been fitted with cameras in the past, but these were part of a testing scheme for Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), they were not hidden speed cameras or radar detectors as some people thought. Although if you think that means they can´t test your speed, think again, the Guardia Civil have a range of speed detectors, so you never know when or from where you are being watched.
Although highly trained on the machines, in fact the training scheme is one of the most highly respected across European police forces, one of the unusual characteristics of the Guardia Civil traffic police is that all of the officers ride motorbikes and drive cars as part of their routine duties, so it is quite normal for the officers to be using different modes of transport on a daily basis.
The Torrevieja department also took charge of a new Fiat multipurpose car this week, which also replaces an older version of the same model, and is fitted with a computerised breathalyser system for performing alcohol tests at the roadside anywhere on the network.
These vehicles are also fitted with a range of safety equipment to enable to officers to respond to any of the challenges they face on a regular basis whilst keeping the roads safe for us all.

Excerpt: This week, the Torrevieja traffic department of the Guardia Civil took delivery of their new motorbikes, which will take to the roads within the next two months. These new motorbikes are adapted versions of the powerful Yamaha FJR 1300, which Read More ...

### Prison for Number Plate Manipulation

The Provincial Court of Málaga has confirmed the sentence of nine months in prison and a 2,100 euro fine for a motorcyclist who manipulated his number plate with black tape.
Sample Image Only
The incident occurred in November of 2015 when the police stopped the motorbike on the N-340 in Torremolinos.
The officers found that the number plate had been manipulated using black tape so that a letter “C” was made to look like a “G”.
The officers were of the opinion that the rider himself had placed the tape on the number plate in order to avoid detection and identification.
The man appealed the sentence as he claims it was an unnamed individual, a “funny man” who had placed the tape on the number plate in his place of work.
The court didn´t believe this version of events and rather believed the evidence of the officers who state that upon stopping the vehicle, the man attempted to remove the tape and made gestures which were thought to have been as a distraction.
Therefore, the court dismissed the appeal and confirmed the sentence given in the first instance of nine months in prison and a fine for fraud.

Excerpt: The Provincial Court of Málaga has confirmed the sentence of nine months in prison and a 2,100 euro fine for a motorcyclist who manipulated his number plate with black tape. The incident occurred in November of 2015 when the police Read More ...

### First Driverless Bus Launched in Spain

The first driverless buses in Spain have taken to the roads in the Technology Park of San Sebastian.

The small, ten-seat shuttle bus is operating a pilot scheme in the park and will be running under test conditions and at a maximum speed of 12 kilometres per hour for the next three months.
The trial has been running in six other cities across Europe, including in Trikala in Greece, where it has been running for six months and carried 11,302 passengers over a total of 3500 kilometres. Significantly, during the Greek test, the bus has never been involved in a road traffic incident, other than once riding onto the pavement, although safety devices operated preventing the bus from moving further.
The first bus in Spain took to its route this week carrying a variety of dignitaries, photographers and journalists on its inaugural journey.
The cabins, which rest on four wheels, give a sense of strength and stability, and are equipped with high-precision technologies and safety systems to ensure safe driving in the environment. The three units are connected to a control centre which monitors the vehicles through WiFi, allowing real time itineraries and updates.
The bus is free to use and will run over its two kilometre route in the technology park, with 10 stop-off points, from Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 19:30 continuously. The aim is to connect the businesses in the technology park and to facilitate easier mobility, whilst operating efficiently and protecting environmental resources. In order for the test service to operate, 160 car parking spaces have been removed from the site.

Excerpt: The first driverless buses in Spain have taken to the roads in the Technology Park of San Sebastian. The small, ten-seat shuttle bus is operating a pilot scheme in the park and will be running under test conditions and at Read More ...

### Man Killed in Boat at Tabarca Island

A man, 71 years of age, was killed on Saturday in a collision between 2 boats in the waters off the coast of the island of Tabarca.
Reports stage that a sailboat with crewed by a man in his 60´s collided with a small fishing boat carrying two people, one of which was reported to be in a critical condition as a result of suffering heart problems, following the incident.
The Maritime Service of the Guardia Civil took the injured man to the Port of Santa Pola where he was transferred to a paramedic ambulance to be taken to the Hospital General Universitario de Elche, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Guardia Civil are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.

Excerpt: A man, 71 years of age, was killed on Saturday in a collision between 2 boats in the waters off the coast of the island of Tabarca. Reports stage that a sailboat with crewed by a man in his 60´s collided with a small fishing boat carrying two people, one of which was reported to […]

### Traffic Police Suggested as Driving Test Examiners

A national federation representing driving schools across Spain has come up with a proposal to help reduce the backlog of examinations caused by recent industrial action by examiners.
The CNAE say that more than a dozen provinces have not yet recovered from the action, with student drivers having to wait for between one and two months for an appointment for their driving test. In some cases, the student driver isn´t notified until 48 hours before the practical examination.
The situation seems to be getting worse, according to the federation, with attempts to fill vacancies for examiners failing and more leaving the industry on a daily basis.
The solution the CNAE have come up with and are proposing, is utilising serving officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department to conduct both the theory and practical examinations.
Although the idea of a uniformed traffic cop sitting alongside a nervous, novice driver conducting the test might well be one of the most daunting prospect that the candidates may face, the federation believe that the officers are uniquely placed in their knowledge of traffic law and procedure to conduct the tests, and would require very little additional training in order to achieve this.
The idea comes from France where the government has allowed other departments to control the theory test, and, in some cases, have used gendarmes in test situations on closed tracks.
It should be pointed out however that this is just a suggestion from the federation and has not been formally proposed, so is unlikely to become a reality any time soon, if ever.

Excerpt: A national federation representing driving schools across Spain has come up with a proposal to help reduce the backlog of examinations caused by recent industrial action by examiners. The CNAE say that more than a dozen provinces have not yet Read More ...

### Common Causes of Road Rage

For the majority of motorists, driving in a courteous manner is the most natural way to progress, however, there are occasions when a normally calm driver see red and is transformed into a monster. Road rage can affect everybody, but most of the time the most frustrating causes of an increase in stress levels are caused by other people, often unintentionally, but sometimes by those few drivers whose selfish and almost bullying attitude poses a risk to everybody on the road.

Amongst the most common bad habits is “aggressive driving”, defined as “any ways that directly or indirectly affect both pedestrians and drivers and cause, harm or damage to other people moving at the same time where traffic flows”.
In high-traffic situations, when there are many drivers who interact at the same time, there is often an increase in aggressive behaviour by some, but this is not necessarily a new phenomenon as it has been present almost as long as roads and cars themselves have existed.
Social factors largely determine this aggressiveness. Haste, noisy environments, many people in a confined space, stress that accompanies our daily lives, are all situations that increase our aggressiveness behind the wheel, according to a recent report by LegalCar.
Their report offers two main reasons why this aggressiveness increases. When driving a car without being aware of the many psychophysiological mechanisms that will be useful to strengthen the capacity to react in time to adversity when we are driving, and the increase caused by drivers being seemingly unpunished for their actions.
Many of the elements that influence the violent reactions behind the wheel have to do with stereotypes. For example, some people react aggressively on the grounds of sex against women, against novice and older drivers. In addition, racism and even a person´s clothing can cause an increase in driver aggression.
Other driver´s actions such as seeing a driver using a mobile phone or carrying out a seemingly dangerous or unnecessary manoeuvre, or speeding, can all increase the stresses of driving. Many of these factors are illegal, as they can all be extremely dangerous, and so we will look at some of the most common mistakes, in the hope that if we are aware of some of the factors that can cause road rage, we can avoid creating the situation ourselves, either unintentionally or otherwise.
Some of the most common avoidable “mistakes” that can lead to road rage include blocking junctions, such as a vehicle stopping in the middle of a crossroads when their exit wasn´t clear, thus blocking the flow of traffic across the junction when the priority changes.
Centre-lane hogging on motorways, or even, in some cases, remaining in the left-hand lane on a motorway. In Spain we drive on the right, in fact as far right as possible, according to the law, and although multiple lanes exist for overtaking, a vehicle must return to the right-hand lane once the move is complete, subject to instructions from signs and signals.
Weaving in and out of lanes in a traffic jam causes frustrations, largely as this impedes the flow of the lane that the vehicle is joining and can amplify delays for everybody waiting.
Dazzling oncoming vehicles because our headlights are not set correctly or we may have them on full beam unnecessarily. The same applies for fog lights, which should only be used in the case of a severe reduction in visibility. Having alight out is also a frustration for many, and a dangerous and illegal situation too. At night, a car with only one headlight may be confused for a motorcycle. Having a back light or brake light missing can not only cause confusion, it is extremely dangerous, which is why it is illegal.
Stealing parking spaces is high on the list of frustrations for many drivers. When you wait patiently for a vehicle to vacate, and another car sneaks in the gap before you can be one of the most frustrating conditions that drivers find.
Trying to sneak past traffic cues by using the hard shoulder or slip road is equally frustrating for many.
At these same slip roads, some drivers will actively accelerate in order to prevent a vehicle from joining the main carriageway. This increase in speed also means that your vehicle is heading faster towards a potential collision situation. It is far better to take the courteous option, if possible, and back-off to allow vehicles to join the flow of traffic with you.
The same applies for overtaking. A vehicle is only allowed to overtake if it can return to the flow of traffic safely in front of the vehicle it wants to pass. However, if that, or any other vehicle prevents its safe return by perhaps increasing speed, then the situation becomes extremely dangerous.
Failing to maintain the correct distance from the vehicle in front is a very dangerous and illegal move, and it is one of the biggest frustrations for many. Maintaining a safe distance is crucial at all times.
However, the biggest cause of aggressive behaviour and the biggest frustration for many road users is failing to use indicators. Remember, indicators are there to “indicate” our intentions to other road users. They should be used BEFORE a manoeuvre is carried out. Always remember the basics, Mirror – Signal – Manoeuvre. If you don´t indicate, or if you indicate too late, you are not telling other road users of your intention, creating a potentially dangerous situation, and for that reason you face a fine. The same applies to cancelling your indicators. Make sure they have been cancelled once the move is complete.

Excerpt: For the majority of motorists, driving in a courteous manner is the most natural way to progress, however, there are occasions when a normally calm driver see red and is transformed into a monster. Road rage can affect everybody, but Read More ...

### Proper Use of Seatbelts

Seatbelts are designed for one purpose only, to save lives. Statistics show that by wearing a seatbelt the probability of death when involved in a collision is halved, whereas according to the data from the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) and the Instituto Universitario de Tráfico y Seguridad Vial (INTRAS), the risk of death is cut by a staggering 77% in an overturned vehicle.

However, in order for the seatbelt to be effective, it must be worn correctly, in order for it to fulfil the function it is designed for fully.
The correct way to wear the seatbelt is for it to go across the torso diagonally, and across the waist, firmly secured in these positions. The top part must be on the hard part of the collarbone, halfway between the shoulder and the neck. The lower end sits against the hardness of the pelvis.
The three-point seatbelt, which is fitted as standard to most modern vehicles, has an upper (thoracic) and a lower band (pelvic). Both must be snugly fitting against the body. For the seatbelt to offer maximum protection it must be on the hard parts of the body, leaning against the collarbone, halfway between the shoulder and neck at the top, and the iliac crest of the pelvis, never on the abdomen.
Accessories such as cushions or other additions should not be used. Once you have pulled the seatbelt across your body and secured the strap in the locked position, make sure that the seatbelt is not twisted at any point. If it is, undo the seatbelt and remove the twists. Once secure, pull the seatbelt so that it fits snugly against the body, with any slack being taken back at the top.
If the seatbelt is not worn correctly, it can cause further problems in the event of a collision. For example, if the upper band is taken off the shoulder, it can cause a head impact with the windscreen, dashboard or seat in front. It can also produce cervical lesions.
If the belt is not firm around the body it can cause the vehicle to slide under the belt, casing lower body and spinal injuries. This is often referred to as the “submarine effect”. To prevent “submarining”, the vehicle occupants must also sit in a proper position when riding in the vehicle, with the seatbelt securely fastened as mentioned, and without having any additions such as pillows or cushions which may contribute to the reduction of effectiveness of the seatbelt.
It is also important to remember the one seatbelt – one seat rule. All vehicle occupants are obliges to wear a seatbelt, both in the front and the back seats. Some vehicles only have two seatbelts in the back for example, and so that vehicle can only carry two passengers on that seat.
There are other rules regarding children in cars. Primarily, children under 1.35 metres in height are not allowed to travel in the front seats and they most use an appropriate restraining system for their height and weight.

Excerpt: Seatbelts are designed for one purpose only, to save lives. Statistics show that by wearing a seatbelt the probability of death when involved in a collision is halved, whereas according to the data from the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) Read More ...

### Officers Injured in Another Serious Crash

For the second day in a row a Guardia Civil patrol car has been smashed into in a collision on the roads of Spain.

This incident occurred at kilometre 9 on the CM-41 road at La Torre de Esteban Hambrán in the province of Toledo, Castile-La Mancha.
Whereas the officers involved in yesterday´s crash were lucky not to have been in their vehicle, the officers today had to be cut from the wreckage by the fire service.
The officers were taken to hospital in a serious condition whilst the other occupants of the four vehicles in total were also treated for a variety of injuries.

Excerpt: For the second day in a row a Guardia Civil patrol car has been smashed into in a collision on the roads of Spain. This incident occurred at kilometre 9 on the CM-41 road at La Torre de Esteban Hambrán Read More ...

### Truck Smashes into Patrol Car

A truck smashed into a Guardia Civil traffic car on the A-4 near the Córdoba town of la Cuesta del Espino on Monday morning, after the patrol had stopped to assist another vehicle.

The incident occurred at around 10:30 in the morning in the Madrid bound direction, smashing the patrol car, then tipping its trailer onto its side, spilling its load of cleaning products onto the carriageway.
Luckily, because the officers were involved in the assistance of the disabled vehicle, they were not in the car at the time and the truck driver also escaped without injury.

Excerpt: A truck smashed into a Guardia Civil traffic car on the A-4 near the Córdoba town of la Cuesta del Espino on Monday morning, after the patrol had stopped to assist another vehicle. The incident occurred at around 10:30 in Read More ...

### Road Death Reductions Slowing Down

A total of 26,000 people were killed in traffic related incidents on European roads in 2015, according to the latest statistics published by the European Commission, 5,500 fewer than in 2010, but “the situation has not improved” compared to 2014.
In addition to those who lost their lives on the roads, the EC estimates that 135,000 people were seriously injured on the roads last year.
“Every person killed or seriously injured is a victim that should have been avoided”, said the European Commissioner for Transport, Violeta Bulc during the presentation of the figures. “Over the past decades we have achieved impressive results in reducing traffic accidents with fatalities, but the current stagnation is alarming. If Europe wants to reach its goal of halving road deaths by 2020, much more needs to be done”.
The average rate of road deaths in the EU in 2015 was 51 deaths per million inhabitants, the same as in the two previous years. This slowdown comes after significant reductions of down 8% in 2012 and 2013, and is mainly, according to the EC, “the greater interaction in cities among users of motorized public roads and which are not protected”. Vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, etc.) also represent a high percentage of the 135,000 people who, according to the Commission, were injured in traffic accidents.
The number of fatalities from traffic related incidents continued to vary greatly from one country to another, although these differences tend to decrease. Spain is in fifth position with 36 deaths per million inhabitants, identical to the previous year but 32% lower than 2010. The figure in the UK is 29 deaths per million inhabitants and sits in fourth place. Malta is number one with 26 deaths per million, followed by Sweden with 27 and the Netherlands with 28 deaths per million inhabitants.

Excerpt: A total of 26,000 people were killed in traffic related incidents on European roads in 2015, according to the latest statistics published by the European Commission, 5,500 fewer than in 2010, but “the situation has not improved” compared to 2014. Read More ...

### Bikers Seriously Injured on Tuesday

A motorcyclist became trapped under a car on Tuesday afternoon following a collision with the vehicle on the N-332 near the Camping La Marina holiday resort in La Marina on the coast of the Elche municipality.
The incident occurred shortly after midday when the rider was thrown from the motorbike following a collision and became trapped by the lower limbs underneath the car.
Fire fighters from Elche attended the scene and lifted the vehicle, allowing medical staff to take the biker to hospital suffering leg injuries but in a conscious state.
Later that night, medics in the Murcia region attended another motorcyclist who had been injured, this time in the Agridulce urbanisation area on the A-7 motorway.
This incident occurred at around 22:50 when calls were received by the emergency coordination centre of a motorcyclist heading in the Almería direction having collided with the crash barrier and being thrown from the vehicle.
After emergency medics had stabilised the man at the scene he was taken to the Virgen de la Arrixaca hospital in a serious condition.

Excerpt: A motorcyclist became trapped under a car on Tuesday afternoon following a collision with the vehicle on the N-332 near the Camping La Marina holiday resort in La Marina on the coast of the Elche municipality. The incident occurred shortly after Read More ...

### Man Killed in San Fulgencio Crash

A man believed to have been in his 70´s was killed on Monday afternoon, when his vehicle was involved in a head on collision between Guardamar del Segura and San Fulgencio.

The incident occurred at around 13:45 when the vehicle driving in the San Fulgencio direction collided with another vehicle heading towards Guardamar on a straight stretch of road near to an industrial estate.
The driver was killed by the impact whereas the occupants of the second vehicle, two people aged in their 60´s and a child of around 11 years of age, survived that crash, their vehicle pushed towards a fence which saved them from falling into a water ditch which runs alongside the road.

Excerpt: A man believed to have been in his 70´s was killed on Monday afternoon, when his vehicle was involved in a head on collision between Guardamar del Segura and San Fulgencio. The incident occurred at around 13:45 when the vehicle Read More ...

### The 10 Most Dangerous Sections of Secondary Roads

For the thirteenth consecutive year, the EuroRAP independent consortium has published their report on the top ten high-risk locations on Spain´s secondary road network.
The report is based around the number of fatal incidents for the period between 2012 and 2014, the length and type of the section of road, and the average daily traffic, known as the IMD, or Intensidad Media de Diaria de tráfico.
The calculations are then based on factors such as a road with a low IMD but a high number of incidents will be classed as a higher risk than a road with a higher IMD.
In total, there are 97 routes considered, of which 18 are “black-spots”, over a total of 3,506 kilometres.
The profile of the most dangerous road is a conventional single carriageway road, with junctions, and an IMD of below 10,000 vehicles per day. A section becomes extremely dangerous when there is an increase in the number of junctions, such as those adjoining properties, where vehicles join the flow of traffic but are not always able to accelerate to a safe speed. The risk factor is further increased by the mixture of road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, agricultural machinery and other vehicles with differences in speed and physical characteristics.
The condition of the road surface and the road markings also play a key role in either reducing or increasing the risk factor on these roads.
Five of the ten most dangerous sections for motorcycles and mopeds are in Andalusia; followed by Catalonia with 3 and Madrid with 2. For motorcyclists, the most dangerous section is in the A-2 in Barcelona, between kilometre markers 605 and 611. As for heavy vehicles, the stretch of the A-7 between Puzol and its junction with the A-3 in Valencia has the highest concentration of incidents.
Overall, Galicia, Cataluña and Asturias have some of the most dangerous roads in the country. The number of incidents has decreased by over 40%, but the probability of an incident is three times higher than in 2010.
The Basque Country, Murcia and Navarra, are the only regions where there are no sections of road classed as dangerous.
The most dangerous section of road is on the N-320 between Casar de Talamanca (Guadalajara) and its crossing with the M-103 in Algete (Madrid). In this section of just 11.2 kilometres, there were 10 fatalities, 6 of whom were on motorcycles or mopeds.

Here are the rest of the locations, in order, from 2 to 10.

Excerpt: For the thirteenth consecutive year, the EuroRAP independent consortium has published their report on the top ten high-risk locations on Spain´s secondary road network. The report is based around the number of fatal incidents for the period between 2012 and Read More ...

### Preparing for the Clock Change

This weekend, the clocks are once again set to change, as Daylight Saving Time comes into force at 02:00 on Sunday morning when the clocks are put forward an hour to 03:00.
However, although this change in time might seem insignificant, it can cause an imbalance in our body which in turn can cause fatigue, sleep or distractions that can have an impact on road safety.

One of the biggest changes the body will experience during the change is that whilst the pace of life remains the same, the hours we have become accustomed to will change. If our alarm clocks are set for 08:00, the reality is that we are waking at what our body has got used to as being 07:00. Similarly, at the end of the day, as we might consider settling down for bed at 11 in the evening, our body might not feel ready as it still thinks it is 10, for example.
Medically, it is known that the change in time can also lead to an increase in the chance of suffering migraines or stress related conditions as a result of the change. These episode can cause a distraction in their own right and can lead to incapacity at times, but some medications can also cause problems for drivers, so always check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are feeling symptomatic or taking any kind of medication.
Sleep experts say that the best way of overcoming the problems the body identifies is to maintain a stable sleep ad meal patter, making sure you get a good 8 hours sleep per night, and avoiding stimulants such as caffeine.
Sleep deprivation and drowsiness is a known contributing factor in many road related incidents. In fact, drowsiness is the primary cause in 30% of all daytime collisions and incidents. More than 40% of all incident son the roads are closely related to fatigue, closely related to sleep, and almost 20% of these incidents involve commercial vehicles.
Reaction times are increased when sleepy, and a person can suffer severe reductions in concentration, motor and sensory delays, resulting in mistakes in movements and decisions, as well as perceptual disturbances.
Drivers who are normally at risk of sleep related incidents include shift workers, young people, those with sleep-related illnesses and whilst driving under the influence of alcohol and / or drugs.
As for the time that most sleep related incident occur, it is on a weekday, Monday to Friday, between 08:00 and 20:00, and more often during routine drives, as well as on long-haul journeys.
Although this is a human condition which can and should be monitored by every individual driver, scientists are doing their bit to try to reduce the problem as well. In 2014 the Biomechanics institute in Valencia announced the development of a new system they were calling HARKEN.
The system was based around the development of a seatbelt which monitored a driver´s heart rate and gave an alert if the person´s body was showing signs of drowsiness, urging the driver to pull over for a rest.
However, it is important that we all do the same thing and monitor our own feelings, stopping for a rest if we are starting to feel tired, regularly on long journeys, sharing the driving and being prepared to respond to our own body´s warnings in good time.
Whilst taking these facts into consideration, one final thing to remember is to change the clock in your car to reflect the change in time, after all, there is always one clock somewhere we forget.

Excerpt: This weekend, the clocks are once again set to change, as Daylight Saving Time comes into force at 02:00 on Sunday morning when the clocks are put forward an hour to 03:00. However, although this change in time might seem Read More ...

### How to Respond to Checkpoints

The security services (Guardia Civil, Police etc) carry out regular checkpoints on the roads, sometimes these are part of routine operations such as combatting drink driving, or vehicle inspections. Sometimes these checks are part of an increase in security. Sometimes, although rarely, they are directly related to a specific threat.

Although it may seem daunting to approach and be stopped at one of these checkpoints, it is important to remember that they are being conducted for your safety. These checkpoints do catch criminals, those risking road safety, terrorists and others, but the vast majority of people are allowed to go about their business normally.
The key phrase to remember when you see one of these checkpoints is, “Nothing to Hide, Nothing to Fear”. It is only those who have done wrong, or considering it, who should in fact be concerned.
The first rule when approaching such a checkpoint is to stay calm. Respond and react to the instructions given to you by the officers conducting the check. They may usher your vehicle to a chosen place, they may ask you to exit the vehicle and they may wish you check the contents of your car, as well as your documentation. Simply let the officers get on with their duties and they will let you get on your way as soon as possible.
Secondly, although equally important, do not share this location information to others. Posting this information on social networks such as Facebook and Twitter for example can alert those who have done wrong about the presence of the checkpoint, allowing them to get away.
The point of these checkpoints is to catch bad people, so please don´t share the information. You might think you are doing others a favour, but if a criminal is allowed to avoid being caught, they will be free to carry out even more of their chosen activities.
Finally, do not be overly alarmed. The presence of additional security teams on the streets is not a direct indication of an increase in the threat level. The Spanish Interior Ministry publish the details of the current threat level on their website, www.interior.gob.es. On the right hand side is a green box marked NAA, or Nivel de Alerta Antiterrorista. If you click that you will see the current status level. The level has been at stage 4, high, for some time, since June of 2015 to be exact, which is all listed on the page for your information and peace of mind.
You can also click the button below to see the current state for yourself.

    

Remember, stay calm and act on the instructions given. “Nothing to Hide, Nothing to Fear”.

Excerpt: The security services (Guardia Civil, Police etc) carry out regular checkpoints on the roads, sometimes these are part of routine operations such as combatting drink driving, or vehicle inspections. Sometimes these checks are part of an increase in security. Sometimes, Read More ...

### Almost 3,000 Caught Not Wearing a Seatbelt

During the crackdown on the wearing of seatbelts and child restraint systems last week, a total of 2,728 people were caught risking their own lives by not wearing a seatbelt. Irresponsible adults allowed 167 children under 12 years of age to travel without the appropriate safety device, 46 of them in the front seat. Of all of those people found to be not wearing a seatbelt, 74% were on conventional roads.
All occupants within a vehicle must wear a seatbelt or restraining device appropriate to their height and weight. The rule of one seatbelt, one passenger must also be adhered to. Many modern cars for example are only fitted with two seatbelts in the back, and so, irrespective of the width, only two passengers can be carried on that seat.
During this week-long campaign, a total of 379,246 vehicles were checked, some from the air and others from the roadside or at checkpoints. The Pegasus equipped helicopters were out in force, with many road users now being aware of their power, as there was an increase in the number of vehicle occupants who decided to “buckle up” having spotted the helicopters in the air.

Statistically, the wearing of a seatbelt can reduce the risk of death in a vehicle collision by 80%, and although adults can make the decision for themselves, the importance of ensuring children comply is paramount.

Excerpt: During the crackdown on the wearing of seatbelts and child restraint systems last week, a total of 2,728 people were caught risking their own lives by not wearing a seatbelt. Irresponsible adults allowed 167 children under 12 years of age Read More ...

### Football Tournament Success

Members of the Guardia Civil traffic department and the N332 Project visited the Elche Children´s home again last week, partly in the interest of road safety and partly to get a thrashing from the children in the latest football tournament.

The children were firstly given a presentation from the team about road safety, which dealt with all kinds of different aspects including cycling safety, responsibilities of pedestrians, and an insight into how they can stay safe in future years when they too finally get behind the wheel of a car.

The Euronics stores in Quesada and Blue Lagoon have been the latest contributor to the project, paying for an advert on the main page of the n332.es website. All of the money they gave this month was put towards the football tournament with shirts being bought for the players, and a party of food and soft drinks afterwards.

The children then presented the team with their own certificate they had created to thank them for attending and for spending time with them.

For the tournament, three teams competed, the Guardia Civil, the teachers from the home and the children. No doubt through their excellent team work, it was the children who were victorious on this occasion.
We would like to thank the Euronics store, “The Electrical Shop” for their contribution. Please visit their shops in Quesada and Blue Lagoon, or their website, www.electricalteam.eu, to show your support for them.
The faces of the children have been obscured to protect their anonymity.

Excerpt: Members of the Guardia Civil traffic department and the N332 Project visited the Elche Children´s home again last week, partly in the interest of road safety and partly to get a thrashing from the children in the latest football tournament. Read More ...

### More People Learning About Road Safety

The N332 Facebook page has reached yet another milestone this week, now having over 40,000 followers.

There has been even more interest in some of the recent posts, with a growing audience of just under seven million views for the videos posted, and each article reaching tens of thousands of people.
That means that the informative message of “Working Together for Safer Roads” is spreading even further, hopefully helping to save lives and reduce the number of casualties on the roads.
As a companion to the Facebook page, the website is also growing in popularity, with some of the most searched articles this month relating to tow bar use, as well as rules relating to caravans, which would both be expected in the preparations for the Easter holidays. Other searches have included requests for information relating to out of date ITV stickers and advice about buying used cars in Spain.
Collectively, both the Facebook and website teams will continue to work together, and for the website it is thanks to the support we receive from our sponsors whose contributions allow us to invest in the next stages of the project.
Everybody involved also thanks every single person who is following the Facebook page, and who reads and shares the articles, as each and every one of you are also Working Together for Safer Roads.

Excerpt: The N332 Facebook page has reached yet another milestone this week, now having over 40,000 followers. There has been even more interest in some of the recent posts, with a growing audience of just under seven million views for the Read More ...

### Tragedy in Tarragona

At least 14 people have been killed in a collision between a bus and a car on the AP-7 in the Freginals area of Tarragona in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Some 57 people were on board the Barcelona-bound bus, mainly foreign Erasmus students, when if overturned near kilometre 323 of the motorway after being in collision with a car at around 06:00.
Most of the motorway had been closed at the time with only one lane open in the Barcelona direction.

The emergency services attended in force to try to rescue those involved, including 17 fire tenders, 7 ambulances and 5 support vehicles.
The AP-7 was closed to traffic with diversions put in place as the major emergency operation was launched.
Meanwhile, 10 people were injured in an 8-vehicle pileup in the Pinto area of Madrid. The A-4 motorway was closed to traffic as the clean-up operation took place, although there were no serious injuries in this crash.

The roads of Spain are expected to be particularly busy on account of the Easter holiday period.

Excerpt: At least 14 people have been killed in a collision between a bus and a car on the AP-7 in the Freginals area of Tarragona in the early hours of Sunday morning. Some 57 people were on board the Barcelona-bound Read More ...

### Always Monitor Your Route

Modern technology can help us with some of the most stressful and complicated areas of driving, such as route planning, but total reliability on such devices can pose problems, and so the importance of ensuring that all route characteristics are checked and correct for our journey and our vehicle are vital, as well as continual monitoring of the road along the way.
This week, six Guardia Civil vehicles stopped traffic in Cuenca this week, which might not seem like such a dramatic occurrence, until we discover that they were brand new vehicles on the back of a vehicle transporter heading to their new homes.

Luckily, the truck driver was paying attention to his route and surroundings and spotted that a bridge he was approaching was too low, although his stopping did paralyse traffic on one of the major routes for a while.

The vehicles were successfully delivered, unharmed, to the Guardia Civil, with only the minor inconvenience of delays on this occasion.

Excerpt: Modern technology can help us with some of the most stressful and complicated areas of driving, such as route planning, but total reliability on such devices can pose problems, and so the importance of ensuring that all route characteristics are Read More ...

### Dutch Man Arrested for Car Insurance Scam

Officers from the National Police have arrested a 79-year old Dutch national from Altea, after he allegedly faked the theft of his car in order to falsely claim the insurance.

Border Patrol officers from the National Police became suspicious of a vehicle parked in the car park at Alicante-Elche airport. The age of the vehicle indicated by the number plates on the car didn´t seem to match the apparent physical condition and age of the vehicle.
As such, the officers carried out a more thorough inspection and found the number plates to be fake, correctly identifying the vehicle as one reported as stolen from the Benidorm area.
The subsequent investigation led the officers to believe that the owner himself parked the vehicle at the airport, and changed the number plates, before claiming the 20,600 euro from the insurers.
The man has been arrested and charged for the crimes, whereas the vehicle has been delivered to the insurance company as the now rightful owners.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested a 79-year old Dutch national from Altea, after he allegedly faked the theft of his car in order to falsely claim the insurance. Border Patrol officers from the National Police became suspicious of Read More ...

### Police Car Crash in Alicante

A National Police patrol car, responding to an emergency, collided with a passenger car in Alicante on Friday afternoon, shunting that vehicle into a pedestrian.

The incident occurred at a junction on avenida de Alcoy at around 13:00. The collision resulted in the patrol car becoming entangled with a lamppost.
Four people were taken from the scene suffering various injuries, the two officers in the patrol car, one occupant of the passenger car, and the pedestrian. The severity of the injuries is unknown.

Excerpt: A National Police patrol car, responding to an emergency, collided with a passenger car in Alicante on Friday afternoon, shunting that vehicle into a pedestrian. The incident occurred at a junction on avenida de Alcoy at around 13:00. The collision resulted in the patrol car becoming entangled with a lamppost. Four people were taken from […]

### Special Easter Operations Begin

The special traffic monitoring operation that covers the Easter period began on Friday, with a total of 14.5 million long-distance journeys expected on the roads of Spain between now and the 28th of March.

Like many special operations, the flow of traffic intensifies from the inland and city areas at the start of the period, and just before Easter weekend, with more people travelling towards mountainous and coastal areas to enjoy their leisure time. Then after the Easter weekend, the traffic flows away from the touristic areas and back inland. In between, there will be busier periods for short journeys in localised areas with a focus on leisure and shopping activities, as well as attendance of the religious events.
In order to try to improve the flow of traffic, the DGT recommend avoiding traveling at the peak times, if possible, and planning your journey around quiet times. For this, they have provided a handy infographic indicating the busiest times from Easter Wednesday through to Easter Monday.

For this first weekend, there will be an expected 3,450,000 journeys up until Sunday evening. During the second phase, the special operation runs from Wednesday the 23rd, starting at noon, and finishing on the evening of Monday the 28th. Although Easter Monday is not recognised as a holiday in many areas, if is an autonomous holiday in the region of Valencia, and so the Costa Blanca will still see busy roads until after this day.
In order to make the roads safer, all unnecessary road works will be banned and extra “circumstantial” lanes created to improve traffic flow in the key areas. If you come across one of these special lanes, remember that there are rules regarding using your headlights during the day that drivers must adhere to.
The Guardia Civil will be carrying out extensive checks on speed, as well as the consumption of alcohol or drugs, which may require testing, and driver and vehicle documentation will be scrutinised at the roadside.
In addition, during these checks, vehicles will also be monitored through electronic devices and have their insurance details confirmed. This will also be done during roadside checks, and vehicle characteristics will also be inspected, including compliance with tyre safety laws and other safety critical defects.
From the air, the DGT will have all 12 of their helicopters monitoring traffic, 8 of which are equipped with the Pegasus airborne radar equipment which monitors speed, as well as the use of seatbelts and mobile phones. In fact, since its operation, Pegasus has monitored 75,000 vehicles and issued 18,274 fines, equating to the equipment capturing and burdening a dangerous driver with a fine every 3 minutes.

There are also additional roadside radars in place, as well as the new cameras monitoring seatbelt use, all aimed at making the roads safer by sanctioning, and hopefully educating, road users who put others at risk.

Excerpt: The special traffic monitoring operation that covers the Easter period began on Friday, with a total of 14.5 million long-distance journeys expected on the roads of Spain between now and the 28th of March. Like many special operations, the flow Read More ...

### A Great Fun Day at Cabo Roig

Thank you to everybody who came and said hello at the Cabo Roig St Patrick´s Day fiesta, we had a great time too.
We must also thank the organisers, businesses and participants for all of the effort they put in to making this event the best in Spain.
Here are some of our pictures from the day…

Excerpt: Thank you to everybody who came and said hello at the Cabo Roig St Patrick´s Day fiesta, we had a great time too. We must also thank the organisers, businesses and participants for all of the effort they put in Read More ...

### See You on St Patrick’s Day

Thursday the 17th of March is St Patrick´s day, and some of the N332 website and Facebook teams will be at the biggest and best “Paddy´s Day” party in Spain, at Cabo Roig on the Orihuela Costa.
Look out for us wearing our green shirts on the day and make sure you say hello.

We will be in the area for most of the afternoon, and mingling with our local supporters, Mercury FM, The Courier, P.S.I. Consultants and Y.O.L.O. and welcome you along to meet with us.
We also have a limited number of exclusive stickers to give away, which we hope you will display on your car, bike or even your bag, and then send us a picture to show us off.

Remember though, if you are attending, stay safe on the roads, please don´t drink and drive, and make sure you make the most of the day safely.

Excerpt: Thursday the 17th of March is St Patrick´s day, and some of the N332 website and Facebook teams will be at the biggest and best “Paddy´s Day” party in Spain, at Cabo Roig on the Orihuela Costa. Look out for Read More ...

### Seatbelt Campaign Runs This Week

All this week, the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by their colleagues in the police, will be out in force to ensure the correct use and operation of seatbelts and child restraint systems in vehicles.

In 2014 (the last year of consolidated data), the number of unbelted deaths accounted for 24% of the total, with some 194 of the 822 people in cars and vans who lost their lives, not wearing a seatbelt, despite knowing the importance of doing so.
In addition to the officers on patrol during the campaign, the DGT are operating three roadside cameras which will be under test during the week, prior to a mass roll-out across the road network by 2017. The cameras are in place on the A-1, A-2 and A-3, in Madrid, but throughout this year, 270 cameras will be in use across the country able to monitor seatbelts use.
The images captured by the cameras are electronically sent to a control centre which then processes the images and sends a sanction to the vehicle owner who then faces a 200 euro fine and the loss of 3 points.

It is the aim of the DGT to reduce this figure to zero by making the use of seatbelts and child restraint systems 100% for all vehicle occupants.
The focus of the campaign will not only be those who should know better about looking out for their own safety, but also those who should be looking out for those more vulnerable, namely adults who carry children in the vehicles.
In 2014, 2 out of the 14 children under 12 years who died traveling in cars or vans were not wearing any safety device at the time of the incident. In addition, 9 out of 82 seriously injured, and 107 of those who suffered minor injuries were not correctly restrained. From that data, 118 children suffered unnecessary injury or death as a result of the supposedly responsible adults not showing due care.
On account of the seriousness that the DGT takes such actions, the law was recently approved whereas traffic officers can immobilise a vehicle if a child is found to be travelling without the correct restraint system in use.
It is also important to remember that since October, children under 135 centimetres in height are not allowed to travel in the front seats of vehicles and must be properly restrained by a device appropriate to their height and weight.
The proper wearing of seatbelts and restraint systems is also vital to their correct use. All occupants in a vehicle must wear a seatbelt, whether they are in the front or the back, although some people incorrectly believe that wearing a seatbelt in the back is not necessary, it is, and it is also mandatory. If a person in a rear seat is not wearing a seatbelt they are 8 times more likely to kill the person in a seat in front of them.
Wearing a seatbelt is statistically proven to half the risk of death if involved in a collision as it also helps to distribute the force of the impact across the body and not directly at more vulnerable parts of the body. A seatbelt prevents the occupant being ejected from a vehicle, saving them from more serious injury.

Excerpt: All this week, the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by their colleagues in the police, will be out in force to ensure the correct use and operation of seatbelts and child restraint systems in vehicles. In 2014 (the last year Read More ...

### Serious Injury in Los Montesinos Truck Crash

During the early hours of Friday morning, an articulated truck crashed into the toll booths on the motorway near to Los Montesinos.

A person remained trapped in the vehicle and had to be extracted by the emergency services, before being taken to the Vega Baja hospital in a serious condition.

An investigation has been launched to ascertain the circumstances which led to the crash.

Excerpt: During the early hours of Friday morning, an articulated truck crashed into the toll booths on the motorway near to Los Montesinos. A person remained trapped in the vehicle and had to be extracted by the emergency services, before being Read More ...

### Questions About Driving Licence Fines Answered

We have received a number of questions regarding an article posted by the CAB (Citizen´s Advice Bureau) in Spain which states “Drivers with Valid UK Driving Licences Fined Illegally”.
In view of the number of questions received, we have visited our associates from the Guardia Civil Trafico who run the N332 Facebook page in order to help to solve the doubts that article has generated.
Question 1. Can I be fined if I have a VALID UK driving licence?
YES, if you are RESIDENT and your licence complies with one of these two cases:
The holder of a European driving licence with an INDEFINITE DURATION or GREATER than 15 YEARS (or five years in the case of group permissions 2) with legal residence in Spain acquired on January 19, 2013 or before that date – You must renew your driving licence from January 19, 2015.
The holder of a European driving licence with an INDEFINITE DURATION or GREATER than 15 YEARS (or five years in the case of group permissions 2) with legal residence in Spain obtained dated after January 19, 2013 – You must renew your driving licence from the moment two years of residence in Spain has been met.
NO, if you are a holiday maker.
In conclusion, having a Valid European Driving Licence does not mean that you cannot be fined. It sounds rare, we know, but the law changed in Spain and if you are living PERMANENTLY in Spain, your European Licence must be renewed. We have published above what conditions must be met for licences to be renewed.
Question 2. As a European citizen, can I get a 500 euro fine if I do not renew my licence?
NO, you cannot. According to the “Reglamento de Conductores” there are 2 types of fines for Residents who are driving with “Non Valid Driving Licences.”
1- When the driver is living in Spain and there is no agreement between their country and Spain to change the licence, you must get a NEW ONE in Spain, which means carrying out an exam again. Once they are resident, their licences are not valid. This is what happens with drivers from non-European Countries such as Russia, Senegal, Canada, etc. You can check the list of the countries with agreements on the DGT website.
In this case, the driver is fined 500 euro if there is not an agreement between both countries, and 200 euros if there is an agreement and the licence has not been changed.
2- European Drivers who must renew their licence under the new DGT instructions, if they do not do it, they will be fined 200 euro, because this licence can be changed.
Therefore if you have a European Licence and you receive a 500 euro fine, you must complain to the DGT because there has been a mistake with the fine.
Question 3. As a resident, can I be fined if I do not hold a Spanish driving permit?
NOT in all cases. You can hold your European Driving Licence and BE A RESIDENT IF your licence is not among those that should be changed, so you can keep driving with it until it expires (see conditions above).
Question 4. As a holiday maker, if I own a Spanish vehicle, can I be fined if I do not hold a Spanish driving permit?
NO, you can own a house or a vehicle, but this does not mean you are resident. Many foreigners have a holiday house in Spain and they have a vehicle with Spanish plates which they use on their vacations here.
To avoid being fined unfairly, please download the document EX-15 and fill it in. See the point 4.1 and make a cross in the option “CERTIFICADO DE NO RESIDENTE” and take it to the NATIONAL POLICE. Once they have legalized the document, take it with you in the car and…. PROBLEM SOLVED!
If you would like to download the EX-15 “Non Resident Certificate” document, you can do so at the end of this article.
We hope that these questions have solved all your doubts. Remember to call 060 for more enquiries.
From the N332 Facebook Team

You can download the EX-15 document by right clicking this line and choosing Save As or Download.
Please remember also that although other articles you may have read may seem drastic, you may not have been made fully aware of the situation or the facts and therefore you may not have been able to make a fully informed opinion on the situation. The points above are from law, to which there is no interpretation.
 

Excerpt: We have received a number of questions regarding an article posted by the CAB (Citizen´s Advice Bureau) in Spain which states “Drivers with Valid UK Driving Licences Fined Illegally”. In view of the number of questions received, we have visited Read More ...

### The Thirty Thousand Euro Speeding Fine

A French motorcyclist has been hit with a 31,300 euro speeding fine, after activating a radar speed detector 140 times.

The biker first started his wave of speeding offences in November, 2014, although it was seemingly impossible to catch the dangerous rider as he had altered his vehicle´s registration plate so that is was not visible on the cameras.
However, after the record 140 occasions he was caught, the police did manage to track down the biker in the town of Bastia where the courts upheld the fines after the rider submitted an appeal in an attempt to still avoid paying the price for his actions.

Excerpt: A French motorcyclist has been hit with a 31,300 euro speeding fine, after activating a radar speed detector 140 times. The biker first started his wave of speeding offences in November, 2014, although it was seemingly impossible to catch the Read More ...

### Doggy Truck Driver Wrecks Tree

Despite witnesses reporting that a Golden Retriever dog was at the wheel of an articulated truck which crashed in Minnesota, it is the absent human driver who is being held responsible.

According to the police, the dog was seen in the driver´s seat when the truck impacted with a tree and a parked car, however indications are that the actual driver left the vehicle in a parking lot with the engine running, and the dog somehow managed to “accidentally” set the vehicle in motion.
Had the incident have occurred in the UK, the dog might well be on its way to learn how to fly on the latest crazy Sunday night animal show on Sky 1, Dogs Might Fly.

Excerpt: Despite witnesses reporting that a Golden Retriever dog was at the wheel of an articulated truck which crashed in Minnesota, it is the absent human driver who is being held responsible. According to the police, the dog was seen in Read More ...

### Bank Account Seized for Not Paying Fines

The importance of ensuring that the information relating to your driving licence is correct has been highlighted to a former resident of Elche recently, who discovered that he had been clocking up traffic fines without receiving notifications.

The problem only came to light when the treasury seized his bank account, prompting an investigation as to why, which resulted in the 52 outstanding traffic tickets, valued at almost 6,000 euro, being brought to light.
The sanctions were all relating to a stretch of the A-7 motorway near Mijas in the province of Málaga, where the maximum speed limit is 80 kilometres per hour and protected by a multi-point radar system where the speed is monitored for a stretch of road, not just at the visible point of the monitoring equipment.
The driver, who moved to Benalmádena in 2013, claims to have notified the DGT of his change of address, but the sanctions were all sent to his previous Elche home. His lawyer has filed several appeals to contest the fines on his behalf, but he has already paid half of the fines through his seized bank account.
The driver also said in an interview that he had no knowledge of how the speed monitoring equipment worked and will be “more careful” in the future.
A trial date has been set to resolve the matter one way or another, but not until 2018.
Fines and sanctions can be checked by individuals on the DGT website, dgt.es, under the section Trámites y multas, which can be found on the front page. There is also information available in English (and other languages) as to what to do if you receive a fine.

Excerpt: The importance of ensuring that the information relating to your driving licence is correct has been highlighted to a former resident of Elche recently, who discovered that he had been clocking up traffic fines without receiving notifications. The problem only Read More ...

### Prison Calls in PP Corruption Case

The prosecutor has asked for significant custodial sentences for a number of alleged key players in the so called “caso Brugal”, including the former president of the Alicante government, José Joaquín Ripoll, and former mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente, both from the Partido Popular.

During the opening of the trial relating to the rezoning of areas across the Vega Baja, those facing prison are accused of the crimes of insider trading, influence peddling, fraud, breach of trust and prohibited negotiations.
The politicians were in positions of power when the alleged crimes took place, and the case also includes some well-known business people, including Angel Fenoll, already found guilty in a previous case, and Enrique Ortiz.
The prosecutor gave evidence as to how Fennoll learned about the plans for assigning land for waste use in 2007, “even before being made public”.
If found guilty, Ripoll is facing 16 years in prison and disqualification from public office for 41 years, Lorente is facing a 4-year spell inside and disqualification for 24 years.

Excerpt: The prosecutor has asked for significant custodial sentences for a number of alleged key players in the so called “caso Brugal”, including the former president of the Alicante government, José Joaquín Ripoll, and former mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente, both Read More ...

### What´s On – 5 March 2016

Mark Nolan here once again with your weekend round-up once again, looking at a few options for days out and things to do on the Costa Blanca. However, before we look at the local stuff, please remember that in the UK it´s Mother´s Day on Sunday. Card, gift, flowers, whatever, just send something now!
Talking of flowers, Pilar de la Horadada will be hosting the “Un pilar de flores” on Sunday, with a market selling cut flowers and plants on the Plaza de la iglesia between 10 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. Definitely worth a visit if only to see the vast array of colours and experience the fragrance of the flower market. Perhaps not so good for hay fever sufferers, but certainly worth a visit and perhaps even the highlight of the weekend.
Also on Sunday, on the Pilar side of Mil Palmeras beach, you can join in with a bit of Zumba on the beach, which is always good fun.
The Murals of San Isidro are taking visitors in Orihuela again and the Orihuela tourism office has arranged for a guided tour on Sunday, leaving the tourist office at 11:00. The town hall has arranged a bus from the coast and Entrenaranjos but you will need to contact the tourist office for details of that.
If you don´t know what they are, the murals are a living museum with over a hundred painted houses paying tribute to Orihuela, its culture and history and is also a must-see area to visit.

In Torrevieja on Saturday there is a synchronised swimming competition taking place in the municipal pools and a handball competition with Mare Nostrum Torrevieja against Balonmano Benidorm in the evening.
Looking slightly ahead, the IFEPA exhibition centre in Torre Pacheco will be hosting one of the most important horse fairs in the country this week, Equimur 2016, which is on from the 10th to the 13th of March.
Other dates for the diary now and the 17th is St Patrick´s day. The annual parade will be taking place in Cabo Roig with TKO Radio there as the official radio station for the event, so make sure you come along and say hello to some of your favourite presenters on the day.
The 19th of March is San José, which is celebrated as father´s day here in Spain, a very important family day. Easter weekend revolves around the 25th of March, with celebrations across the country in the run up to that important religious fiesta, and right in the middle of that weekend we have to put the clocks forward as we welcome spring.
That´s pretty much it for this week, I will be back with more next weekend, have a great one, stay safe, look out for those you care about and I will see you on the other side of this event packed weekend.

Excerpt: Mark Nolan here once again with your weekend round-up once again, looking at a few options for days out and things to do on the Costa Blanca. However, before we look at the local stuff, please remember that in the Read More ...

### Welcome to Euronics in Quesada and Blue Lagoon

This month, we welcome the Euronics shops in Quesada and Blue Lagoon to our list of businesses who are supporting the N332 project.

From their two local stores in our area, they offer just about every electrical item you need for your home, and have regular special offers.
Right now, they have a HISENSE 32” LED TV on offer, reduced from 235€ and is now just 199€.

You can find out more from their website, electricalteam.eu, including a little bit about Debbie and her team, and you can sign up for their offers newsletter. You can also click their advert on the left of these pages to go straight to their site.
More importantly though, you can visit their shops, one in Quesada and the other in Blue Lagoon, browse around at your leisure and thank them for supporting us by making them your one-stop-shop for your electrical products.

Excerpt: This month, we welcome the Euronics shops in Quesada and Blue Lagoon to our list of businesses who are supporting the N332 project. From their two local stores in our area, they offer just about every electrical item you need Read More ...

### Foreign Driver Fined for Failing to Exchange Licence

It was over a year ago that foreign resident drivers were first warned of the need to change their driving licences if they did not fall into the required criteria as set out in the countless publications detailing this.
The European Union is responsible for creating a harmonised licence model with the new rules coming into force last year. However, on account of the number of foreign drivers living in Spain, the DGT issued an amnesty in March, allowing those drivers who would be liable to a fine until the 1st of January 2016 to sort out their documentation.
There were two such instances which required action. Firstly, if your licence has an indefinite expiry date, or more than 15 years validity and you were legally resident in Spain before January 19, 2013, you should have already renewed your driving licence. If not, you must do so immediately. If you only became resident after January 19, 2013, you had 2 years from your date of residency to renew, that date has also expired.
Secondly, if your license has expired or is due to expire, you must renew it in your country of residence, in other words, if you are a resident in Spain, your current license, once it expires, must be renewed in Spain.
Despite these explanatory cases, there was still a lot of erroneous advice being spread through some outlets, including incorrect reports that you do not have to change your licence as we are all in Europe, suggestions that the whole process was illegal and even some people adamant that the Guardia Civil would not fine drivers. All of these suggestions were wrong.
This week, in the Torrevieja area, one such foreign driver has been issued with a fine as the licence, which fell into the first category of having an open expiry date, had not been changed. This licence is no longer valid and the amnesty expired in January.
You can see the details of the fine issued in the image below.

Remember, if your licence has an indefinite expiry date, or more than 15 years validity, your licence must be changed. If, or when, any licence expires, it must be renewed in your country of residence.
It may seem like a daunting process, but we can help. N332.es work with other professionals who work in the field of driving, licencing and road safety. Through our partnerships with other businesses we are able to offer an increasing range of services.
We can arrange for one of our partners to assist you in the process of exchanging your UK driving licence for a Spanish one. Remember, your driving licence must be issued in the country where you reside, so if you are a resident in Spain, you must exchange your licence. You don´t have a choice, it is not something that can be ignored as you will be fined if you are caught.
In fact though, having a Spanish issued licence also makes life on the road much easier, as your Spanish licence is linked to your NIE, and so in the event of you being stopped by the police your details can be checked and confirmed instantly. Plus, in the event of you being fined for a traffic offence, you do not have to pay on the spot if you have a Spanish licence, and can benefit from a reduced fine for prompt payment.
If you would like more information about exchanging your licence, fill in the form on the page by clicking this line of text and one of our team members will get back in touch with you shortly.
You can also search the n.332.es website by keying in the keyword “licences” at the top of the page.

Excerpt: It was over a year ago that foreign resident drivers were first warned of the need to change their driving licences if they did not fall into the required criteria as set out in the countless publications detailing this. The Read More ...

### Orihuela Council Ignoring Foreign Resident Needs

The PSOE in Orihuela have been raising concerns over seemingly forgotten areas of the municipality, namely those outside the centre perimeter, with a predominantly foreign community.
María García raised a notion on Thursday to try to resolve one of the most dangerous areas of the coastal zone, the lack of pavements in certain key areas along main roads.
In particular, concerns were raised over the La Zenia to Villamartin road, in the vicinity of the AP-7 motorway bridge, which still lacks any kind of pedestrian pathway on the Villamartin side, despite the opening of a pedestrian footbridge over the motorway during the last administration.
The motion called for the 2016 budget to provide funds to resolve this matter of public safety, and to coordinate with the police for better signs and signals to improve road safety.
García also pointed out that this is not the only area of the Orihuela Costa in need of urgent attention, and urges the coastal councillor to work with the infrastructure department to prepare a technical study of all municipal roads in the coastal area to design an emergency plan to remedy the shortcomings progressively.
Meanwhile, García has also criticised the coastal councillor, Sofía Álvarez, who also holds the competencies for urban transport in the municipality, for her lack of resolution in providing a bus service for the residents of Entrenaranjos.
Early this week, Álvarez explained that “we are waiting for response from the Ministry on the operation of the line”, as it is beyond the capabilities of the local team to make the decisions, and that the only reason that the service has not been put into operation is that the local government are waiting for ministerial approval.
However, in response to the reason for the delay, García has pointed out that “until Friday, that authorisation had not even been requested so the Ministry cannot approve something that has not been requested”, an unacceptable state considering it was in September that the route was first promised, some 5 months ago.

Excerpt: The PSOE in Orihuela have been raising concerns over seemingly forgotten areas of the municipality, namely those outside the centre perimeter, with a predominantly foreign community. María García raised a notion on Thursday to try to resolve one of the Read More ...

### Injured Owl Saved on Motorway

Officers from the Guardia Civil in Castellon rescued an owl who was found badly injured on the hard shoulder of the AP-7 motorway in the Alcalá de Xivert area.
Road maintenance workers reported finding the bird at kilometre 382 of the motorway, with officers from the SEPRONA wildlife and environmental division of the Guardia Civil responding.
On account of the severity of injuries suffered, it is believed that the animal may have impacted with a vehicle, most likely a truck.
The bird was taken to the Font del Vidre animal recovery centre in Pobla de Benifassà for treatment.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil in Castellon rescued an owl who was found badly injured on the hard shoulder of the AP-7 motorway in the Alcalá de Xivert area. Road maintenance workers reported finding the bird at kilometre 382 of Read More ...

### Torrevieja Council Close Down Retail Store

Torrevieja town hall sent the Local Police into an outlet store selling for a national chain this week, closing them down for safety and licencing reasons.
The officers entered the El Corte Inglés Outlet” store on Calle Apolo on Tuesday, asking shoppers to vacate the premises and issuing the closure notice.
The planning department sent the police into the 1,700 square metre store which apparently did not possess a licence for the purpose it was operating and lacked a number of fire safety requirements such as hydrants.
The store management argued that the premises was fitted with a sprinkler system, but this was not enough to satisfy the minimum safety requirements.
The store opened in 2008 and had been operating as a retail space, changing in 2012 to its current form as an outlet store. It would appear that this is the first time safety concerns have been raised in the 8 years of operation, although the closure is expected to be temporary, once the premises has been made safe and legal.

Excerpt: Torrevieja town hall sent the Local Police into an outlet store selling for a national chain this week, closing them down for safety and licencing reasons. The officers entered the El Corte Inglés Outlet” store on Calle Apolo on Tuesday, Read More ...

### Five Wet Weather Tips

Weather conditions pose the biggest risk to road users, partly due to the inexperience and lack of preparedness by drivers, and partly due to the changing dynamics of the road and driving environment.

However, in preparation, here are our top tips for dealing with rain.

Slow down

It might seem like the most obvious thing to say, but all too often it is advice that is ignored. It is easy to be lulled into a false sense of security within our vehicles but speed and adverse weather is a deadly combination. When the road is wet, your vehicle´s tyres cannot grip the road as much as in normal, dry conditions. Cornering and braking are all affected by water on the road, reducing grip and increasing stopping distances considerably, therefore, slowing down allows more time to adapt and deal with the situation. Ease off the accelerator a little and you will see the difference immediately.

Avoid violent movements or sharp braking

Sudden braking, acceleration or harsh movements of the steering wheel may result in loss of vehicle control. If the operations are carried out progressively, smoothly and slowly, it also gives other drivers more time to react. Remember that a smooth drive is a safer and more efficient ride under normal conditions and even more so when it rains.

Avoid driving on road markings

Road markings including lane lines, crossings and markers provide less grip that the road surface and can therefore increase braking distances. Riders on two wheels should be particularly aware of this problem.

Be seen

During rain or reduced visibility make sure that you have your lights on. Daytime Running Lights may not be sufficient, especially during reduced visibility where headlights must be used. The timely use of indicators, including brake lights, is crucial to give other road users advanced warnings of your intentions. Keeping your vehicle under control and following all the advice for a smooth ride will also allow for an improvement in your visibility to other road users.

Avoid aquaplaning risks

Keep a sharp lookout for puddles and pools of water which may reduce the grip of your tyres on the road even more, potentially creating a liquid barrier between the tyre and road surface, commonly referred to as aquaplaning. However, don´t carry out any sudden movements to avoid these puddles, simply slow down, hold the steering wheel firmly and try to keep your vehicle on a straight and level course. Whilst maintaining an adequate distance from the vehicle in front, it is often beneficial to follow vehicles through such areas as the displacement of water becomes easier.
With these five basic tips your journey through the rain should be a much safer one, but remember that it is not only about how you drive your vehicle, but about the vehicle itself. Proper maintenance is crucial, checking tyres and their pressure, lights, windows, brakes and other such features on a regular basis should also reduce the risk. If in doubt, your local garage can keep a check on these for you.

Excerpt: Weather conditions pose the biggest risk to road users, partly due to the inexperience and lack of preparedness by drivers, and partly due to the changing dynamics of the road and driving environment. However, in preparation, here are our top Read More ...

### Things to do this weekend – 27 February 2016

Hi, Mark Nolan here with your local guide of things to do this weekend here on the costa blanca. Or, actually, wherever you are, welcome to the weekend, but I happen to be on the costa blanca.
The bad news is that it´s going to get a little chilly this weekend. Not snowboots and wooly hat chilly, but according to forecasters, from Friday there is likely to be increased cloud cover and a possibility of light rain, with temperatures dropping significantly, with the minimum below 10 ° C and the maximum hovering around 15 ° C.
The chance of light rain will continue into Saturday and Sunday will be windy. However, from Monday, the cold air and instability will begin to subside.
If it´s wrong, don´t blame me. I am but the messenger. For me, my biggest concern is it might bring back that Trans-Atlantic man flu I was battling last weekend. I´m not over it yet, I would say about 60% recovered, but I don´t want a relapse. Ladies… You have no idea (I am smiling as I type that, please don´t attack me).
As for things to do if you are going to brave it into the outside world, locally we have dog shows, bike rides, running races and a more traditional Spanish fiesta, amongst others.
On Saturday, the Habaneras shopping centre are holding an event to benefit the local municipal animal shelter, home to far too many abandoned and found dogs and cats. It starts with batacuda at 11:00, which are drummers by the way. A little odd to make so much noise, but the animals won´t be near and it will instantly raise the awareness of the event. There is also a Zumba master class and a raffle, you might even win a drummer, or I may have made that bit up (I did make it up).
There will be some street closures in Torrevieja on Sunday as the XXXIII (twenty third if you can´t work it out) Half Marathon “Ciudad de Torrevieja” takes over, departing at 10:00 from opposite the casino. The 21km route takes you through the streets of the coastal area and registration is open to all, and you can register at Habaneras on Saturday when you´re at the animal event, which is nice. It costs 25 euro to enter though but there are prizes for the first three runners in each category. I don´t think there is a “far too unfit to even try” category, so that´s me out. Still, I saved 25 quid I guess.
Also on Sunday, but this time in Rojales, the Day of the Bike will be celebrated, promoting the bike as a transport and leisure tool, which can be used for sport and mobility, regardless of age or physical condition. There will be a number of road closures so that the 400 anticipated riders can move freely through the 15 km route, but it is a nice way for families, individuals and groups to spend a leisurely Sunday morning, and you get a commemorative t-shirt and refreshments for taking part. There will also be a raffle and prizes for the best costume.
If you´re into classical music then Elche might be the place to go this weekend as La Traviata is being performed in the Gran Teatro.
Back to Torrevieja now and the Casa de Andalucía “Rafael Alberti” will be holding their Andalusia Day on Sunday with an event of flamenco song. The event, scheduled at 18:30 hours at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre, will feature Marta Sevillano, guitarist Antonio Fernández “El Torero” and his son Manuel Fernandez, as well as a variety of traditional musicians, singers and dancers. Tickets cost just 4 euro.
This weekend will also see the XXX (thirtieth) Life Guard Swimming Championships held in the pools in Torrevieja, with 450 athletes from all around Spain participating in a variety of lifesaving competitions on both Saturday and Sunday.
On the subject of lifesavers, there is also a national photography competition taking place at the moment with prizes on offer for the best pictures that show the fire service in action. Please be careful if you´re going to attempt to photograph them, but there is a 1,000 euro prize up for grabs.
As for a couple of future events, the 22nd, Youth Habaneras musical competition will be held in Torrevieja on the 8th and 9th of April. In Orihuela, there will be a “food trucks” event in the city between the 11th and 13th of March, then coming to the coast shortly after, bringing the homeless soup-kitchen experience to the masses, for over inflated prices. Okay, I am joking about that bit, but it does seem a little odd that with so many restaurants and bars struggling at the moment, the tourism department would see fit to arrange an event that takes even more business away from them. I know these nomad truck holders are trying to earn a living, but so are the other small business owners. Enough of the politics though, just a small point.
St Patrick´s day is fast approaching, the 17th of March, but before then you must not, MUST NOT, forget Mother´s Day in the UK which is next Sunday. Don´t say you weren´t warned.
A final point, before I bid you a fond farewell, if you´re based in the Torrevieja or surrounding area and looking for a job, TKO Media are recruiting. They have openings for presenters on TKO Radio, and also for sales team members for their media platforms, TKO Radio and The Courier newspaper. If you´re interested, send your CV to admin@tko.media, full details in The Courier out on Friday.
Final, final bit. On TV this weekend we have Eurovision: You Decide to look forward to. Please, pick something that might actually win this time. There is a comedy about a hospital radio station, but I have to stress that it is comedy and so sends up radio presenters and their hospital station. It is not a documentary or training video, so if you are going to apply for a job as a radio presenter, keep that in mind, even though there are actually for too many people on radio who are just like that!!! Churchill´s Secret on ITV on Sunday looks like the highlight of my weekend, along with all the usual suspects of course, and Grantchester is back next week, so do not miss that. I am so looking forward to it, personally.
Our video song of the week is Teddy Pendergrass and Love TKO, because, well, why not.

Right then, that´s your lot for this week. Stay safe and happy, have a great weekend and I will see you on the other side.
M.x
 
 

Excerpt: Hi, Mark Nolan here with your local guide of things to do this weekend here on the costa blanca. Or, actually, wherever you are, welcome to the weekend, but I happen to be on the costa blanca. The bad news Read More ...

### Irish Fugitive Arrested

The National Police arrested a British citizen in Alicante this week, wanted on a European arrest warrant for alleged sexual assaults on a minor.
Four incidents of sexual abuse have been recorded, all on the same victim, between January 1991 and June 1993, when the victim was the girl, the daughter of a former partner of the aggressor, was aged from 9 to 11 years old.
The Dublin District Court issued the warrant in January who was located by the organised crime and fugitive investigation group of the judicial police.
Two Garda detectives had previously questioned the man in Alicante last year, resulting in the Irish director of public prosecutions recommending that he face four charges in connection with the victim´s more recent allegations.
The suspect, a man in his 60´s, is reported in the Irish press as being a known supporter of Sinn Féin, is also an alleged senior IRA commander who was in charge of operations to bomb England.
He was also said to have been wanted for questioning in connection with the 1996 murder of Garda Jerry McCabe during a botched armed robbery in Adare, Co Limerick, but this investigation was dropped a decade later during political and diplomatic negotiations regarding the formation of the policing arrangements in Northern Ireland.

Excerpt: The National Police arrested a British citizen in Alicante this week, wanted on a European arrest warrant for alleged sexual assaults on a minor. Four incidents of sexual abuse have been recorded, all on the same victim, between January 1991 Read More ...

### British Driver Arrested for Drug-Fueled Wrong-Way Crash

A 42-year old British resident of Orihuela was arrested by officers from the Guardia Civil after driving the wrong way along the AP-7 motorway and crashing into a vehicle driving in the correct direction.

The incident occurred last weekend when the vehicle driving in the Cartagena direction of the Alicante bound side of the motorway. The Guardia Civil had received a number of warnings over the vehicle and sped to the scene, but a collision had already occurred when they arrived at kilometre 4,700 of the CT-32 road.
The collision caused damage to both vehicles and minor injuries to the other occupant.
According to sources, the driver showed “obvious signs of impairment” and was therefore tested for alcohol and drugs, giving a positive result for cocaine and cannabis. He was arrested on suspicion of a crime against road safety, a crime of reckless driving and driving under the influence of drugs, and was made available to the courts in Cartagena.

This week, another driver was arrested after driving for around two kilometres the wrong way on the road between Yecla with the Alicante town of Villena, in a location where two other drivers were stopped last August in the space of a 24-hour period.

Excerpt: A 42-year old British resident of Orihuela was arrested by officers from the Guardia Civil after driving the wrong way along the AP-7 motorway and crashing into a vehicle driving in the correct direction. The incident occurred last weekend when Read More ...

### Guardia Civil Officers Save Baby at Roadside

Two officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department based in Córdoba have been praised for saving the life of an 18-month old baby who was unconscious and not breathing.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening on the A431 main road near to Villarrubia. The patrol was approached by a woman, clearly in distress, who asked for their help with the baby.
The officers treated the toddler at the roadside and managed to revive him before taking the baby, and his mother, to the Reina Sofía maternity hospital in their patrol car.
Although remaining in hospital and under observation, sources state that the baby is recovering well.

Excerpt: Two officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department based in Córdoba have been praised for saving the life of an 18-month old baby who was unconscious and not breathing. The incident occurred on Saturday evening on the A431 main road Read More ...

### Focus on Vans and Trucks This Week

All of this week, a special campaign to check commercial vehicles is taking place on the roads of Spain, with the Guardia Civil and local police collaborating to check safety factors relating to the operation of trucks and vans.

The campaign, which runs through until the 21st of February, will focus on such elements as driving hours, tachographs, vehicle weight and cargo security, and technical defects.
Whilst carrying out the vehicle checks the officers will also check the correct documentation of both the vehicle and the driver, whilst also monitoring for three of the main factors in road traffic collisions, the use of alcohol and drugs, distractions (such as using a mobile phone), and inappropriate speed. Finally, the officers will also monitor that the correct use of seat belts is adhered to at all times.
Trucks and vans are the second most numerous vehicle traveling on the road, and with their increase in weight, can be a dangerous combination if not operated in a safe manner. In fact, trucks and vans are involved in 16% of all injury incidents and, according to the latest data from the DGT, were the type of vehicle resulting in 127 deaths last year, 68 travelling in vans, 59 in trucks. Aside from the deaths of vehicle occupants, vans and trucks were also involved in more than 500 injury incidents on urban and intercity roads.
The reason for this focus becomes clear when the data shows such facts as distractions being a contributing factor in a third of all incidents last year. Almost a third of the people killed in vans and trucks were not wearing a seatbelt, and the age of the fleet, on average, is 12 years, which makes the vehicle components susceptible to failure.

Excerpt: All of this week, a special campaign to check commercial vehicles is taking place on the roads of Spain, with the Guardia Civil and local police collaborating to check safety factors relating to the operation of trucks and vans. The Read More ...

### Blocking Junctions

Offence: Blocking Junctions.
When you stop at a junction, if you block the passage of other vehicles, you face a fine.
Fine: 200 euro
Reason: The idea of junctions is to allow traffic to flow in different directions safely. If a junction is blocked, delays soon follow and delays can lead to a build-up of traffic and unsafe conditions. It is crucial that junctions are kept clear. Although yellow box junctions are in use in many places in Spain, you should still not enter any junction, with or without a yellow box, unless your exit is clear.

Excerpt: Offence: Blocking Junctions. When you stop at a junction, if you block the passage of other vehicles, you face a fine. Fine: 200 euro Reason: The idea of junctions is to allow traffic to flow in different directions safely. If a junction is Read More ...

### Insecure Animals in the Vehicle

Offence: Insecure Animals in the Vehicle.
Having an animal in the vehicle that could interfere with the driver can result in a fine, so a dog sat loose on the front seat for example is not allowed. Carrying animals which are not properly restrained is dangerous to them too. The same applies for cases, cages and boxes with the animal inside, they too must be properly secured.
Fine: 80 euro.
Reason: Animals are unpredictable, especially in environments they are unsure of or not used to. If loose, they could interfere with the driver´s ability or visibility. In the event of a crash, the animal would suffer considerable injury and, most likely, death.

Excerpt: Offence: Insecure Animals in the Vehicle. Having an animal in the vehicle that could interfere with the driver can result in a fine, so a dog sat loose on the front seat for example is not allowed. Carrying animals which are Read More ...

### Using Your Mobile Phone Whilst Driving

Offence: Using Your Mobile Phone Whilst Driving.
Using your mobile phone when driving also carries a fine, even if you are holding it on “speaker”, you are still holding and using your mobile. You are also not allowed to wear any kind of headphone or headset. Even the popular single-ear Bluetooth headsets are not permitted when you are driving. You cannot have any headphones or headsets which go into your ear. The police, and others besides, communicate by Bluetooth headsets when they are patrolling on their motorbikes, but the difference is that these headsets are built into the helmet and do not go into the ears. This sort of integral device is permitted, but no others.
Fine: 200 euro and the loss of 3 points
Reason: Distractions are one of the main contributing factors to road traffic collisions. Using your mobile means that the driver´s attention is distracted from the most important function, driving the car. Even the distraction for a second can be deadly, when the vehicle is moving at the same time.

Excerpt: Offence: Using Your Mobile Phone Whilst Driving. Using your mobile phone when driving also carries a fine, even if you are holding it on “speaker”, you are still holding and using your mobile. You are also not allowed to wear any Read More ...

### Failing to Carry the Correct Emergency Equipment

Offence: Failing to Carry the Correct Emergency Equipment.
Failing to carry the correct emergency equipment in the car will result in a fine. The mandatory equipment you must carry are two warning triangles, a reflective vest, and spare wheel, along with the tools to change it. It is no longer mandatory for you to carry spare bulbs or a spare set of spectacles, if you wear them, although it is advisory to do so.
Fine: 80 euro
Reason: In the event of an emergency it is important to be prepared. Warning triangles and high visibility vests save lives in the event of vehicle occupants having to leave the vehicle and move about the carriageway. Having an emergency wheel is also important to ensure you can continue with your journey in the event of one of the most common mechanical issues, a puncture.

Excerpt: Offence: Failing to Carry the Correct Emergency Equipment. Failing to carry the correct emergency equipment in the car will result in a fine. The mandatory equipment you must carry are two warning triangles, a reflective vest, and spare wheel, along with Read More ...

### Failing to Indicate

Offence: Failing to Indicate.
Turning through a junction without the appropriate signals also carries a fine.
Fine: 200 euro
Reason: Indicators are designed to tell other road users of our intentions. They indicate what we intend to do. If we fail to use our indicators then we are posing a risk as other road users will be unaware of our intentions.

Excerpt: Offence: Failing to Indicate. Turning through a junction without the appropriate signals also carries a fine. Fine: 200 euro Reason: Indicators are designed to tell other road users of our intentions. They indicate what we intend to do. If we fail to use Read More ...

### Failing to Respect the Priority of Pedestrians

Offence: Failing to Respect the Priority of Pedestrians.
Failing to respect the priority of pedestrians and the fact that pedestrians take precedence will result in a fine and, depending on the potential risk to those pedestrians, the loss of 4 points.
Fine: 200 euro
Reason: Pedestrians are the most vulnerable of all road users. Facing a potential collision with a vehicle, the pedestrian will always come worse off, and so they need the most protection.

Excerpt: Offence: Failing to Respect the Priority of Pedestrians. Failing to respect the priority of pedestrians and the fact that pedestrians take precedence will result in a fine and, depending on the potential risk to those pedestrians, the loss of 4 points. Read More ...

### Failing to Give Way

Offence: Failing to Give Way.
Failing to give way to another vehicle when that vehicle has priority and forcing them to brake or manoeuvre sharply will result in a fine and the loss of points.
Fine: 200 euro and the loss of 4 points
Reason: Junctions are very dangerous places. Vehicles which have priority and are already moving mix with other vehicles which try to join the flow but at generally lower speeds. Forcing any vehicle to deviate from its course, speed or direction creates a hazard which is dangerous.

Excerpt: Offence: Failing to Give Way. Failing to give way to another vehicle when that vehicle has priority and forcing them to brake or manoeuvre sharply will result in a fine and the loss of points. Fine: 200 euro and the loss of Read More ...

### Driving on a Motorway in a Prohibited Vehicle

Offence: Driving on a Motorway in a Prohibited Vehicle.
Driving on a motorway in a prohibited vehicle, such as a horse or hand drawn vehicle, a cycle or moped for example, will result in a fine, as will carrying an insecure load which can fall or that compromises the stability of the vehicle.
Fine: 200 euro
Reason: Motorways are designed for fast and safe traffic. Although speed can be a contributing factor to incidents on the roads, motorways are designed in such a manner that they are generally safer at higher speeds than normal roads, with long sweeping curves and flat, straight sections, free from more vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cycles, and largely free of distractions. Vehicles which are unable to reach a minimum threshold of speed are banned because as traffic is moving faster, reaction and stopping times are increased and if a slower vehicle is in the path of one moving at high speed there is less time to deal with that hazard.

Excerpt: Offence: Driving on a Motorway in a Prohibited Vehicle. Driving on a motorway in a prohibited vehicle, such as a horse or hand drawn vehicle, a cycle or moped for example, will result in a fine, as will carrying an insecure Read More ...

### Wanted Driver Killed in Reckless Crash

The local police in Marbella have identified the victim of a late-night road traffic collision after a vehicle was found to have crashed into a tree.
The investigation concluded that the driver, a 33-year old male, died as a result of injuries sustained when his vehicle collided with the tree whilst travelling at 270 kilometres per hour.
The vehicle was also carrying a young female of 18-years of age who survived the crash but was trapped inside the vehicle, upside down, suspended by her seatbelt and in a distressed state.
The identification of the victim was further complicated by the fact he was carrying five different identities, including those of a Algerian and Belgian nationalities, but with the help of family members the identity was confirmed and it transpired that there were three outstanding arrest warrants in place for the deceased.

Excerpt: The local police in Marbella have identified the victim of a late-night road traffic collision after a vehicle was found to have crashed into a tree. The investigation concluded that the driver, a 33-year old male, died as a result Read More ...

### Failing to Allow an Overtaking Vehicle to Return

Offence: Failing to Allow an Overtaking Vehicle to Return.
Driving close behind another vehicle and / or not allowing sufficient space for an overtaking vehicle to return to the lane safely carries a fine and the loss of points.
Fine: 200 euro fine and the loss of 4 points
Reason: Overtaking is one of the most dangerous manoeuvres any vehicle can carry out. Moving into the path of oncoming traffic means that the impact speed would be a calculation resulting from the total speed of each of those vehicle, and so on a stretch of road where the maximum permitted speed is 50 kilometres per hour, assuming both vehicles are travelling at that speed, in the event of an impact the overall speed would be the same as hitting a solid object at 100 kilometres per hour. Therefore, it is crucial that any overtaking manoeuvre is conducted in the shortest time possible. Preventing a vehicle from returning into the correct lane risks lives.

Excerpt: Offence: Failing to Allow an Overtaking Vehicle to Return. Driving close behind another vehicle and / or not allowing sufficient space for an overtaking vehicle to return to the lane safely carries a fine and the loss of points. Fine: 200 euro Read More ...

### Not Driving in the Right Hand Lane

Offence: Not Driving in the Right Hand Lane.
Not driving in the right-hand, normal driving lane, whether it hinders other traffic or not, and irrespective of the number of lanes available, will result in a fine.
Fine: 200 euro
Reason: The “normal” driving lane in Spain is the right-hand lane. In fact, the law not only says that we must drive on the right, it also says we must drive as far to the right as possible, subject to anything that might prevent this. Therefore, there is no reason to be in any lane other than the right-hand one, unless we are overtaking or there are other restrictions.

Excerpt: Offence: Not Driving in the Right Hand Lane. Not driving in the right-hand, normal driving lane, whether it hinders other traffic or not, and irrespective of the number of lanes available, will result in a fine. Fine: 200 euro Reason: The “normal” driving Read More ...

### Unnecessarily Lane Changing

Offence: Unnecessarily Lane Changing.
Changing lanes without respecting a vehicle already in that lane carries a 200 euro fine. Zigzagging between lanes will result in a 200 fine but may qualify as reckless driving, thus resulting in a 500 euro fine and the loss of 6 points.
Fine: 200 euro
Reason: The flow of normal traffic runs smoothly until such a time as the roads become congested, then it may be necessary for traffic to use more than one lane. Changing lanes impedes the flow of traffic, causes delays and can be dangerous, depending in the severity of your actions. Causing any other vehicle to deviate from its course speed or direction means that you have become a hazard, which is dangerous in itself.

Excerpt: Offence: Unnecessarily Lane Changing. Changing lanes without respecting a vehicle already in that lane carries a 200 euro fine. Zigzagging between lanes will result in a 200 fine but may qualify as reckless driving, thus resulting in a 500 euro fine Read More ...

### Failing to Maintain a Safe Distance

Offence: Failing to Maintain a Safe Distance.
Driving behind a vehicle without maintaining the correct and safe distance (which does vary with weather and road conditions), will result in a fine and the loss of points.
Fine: 200 euro fine and the loss of 4 points
Reason: Driving too close to the vehicle in front reduces your reaction time and your overall stopping distance, this making it more likely that you will collide with that vehicle if they have to react to something in front. Although there are mathematical calculations relating to the correct distance, always remember the 2 second rule and leave a 2 second time gap between you and the vehicle in front. To do this, find a fixed object ahead such as a sign or tree and count the time between the vehicle in front passing that point and the time you do. If you can´t time 2 seconds, at your normal speaking speed, say the phrase, “only a fool breaks the 2 second rule”, which takes about 2 seconds to say. In wet conditions, the gap should be at least doubled and considerably lengthened in the event of cold and icy conditions.

Excerpt: Offence: Failing to Maintain a Safe Distance. Driving behind a vehicle without maintaining the correct and safe distance (which does vary with weather and road conditions), will result in a fine and the loss of points. Fine: 200 euro fine and the Read More ...

### Using Radar Detectors

Offence: Using Radar Detectors.
Using radar detectors will result in a fine and the loss of points. Using radar inhibitors will see you lose 6,000 euro (with no discount by the way) and losing 6 points. Some GPS devices have information which tells you where fixed radars and cameras are located. As this information is provided freely by the DGT with the intention of slowing traffic in these areas, devices which give this sort of fixed data information are permitted.
Fine: 200 euro and the loss of 3 points
Reason: Radar speed detectors are aimed at reducing casualties through detection. Anything which inhibits the safe operating of the roads is potentially deadly. The use of information relating to incident “black spots” is acceptable as this information is designed to reduce the speeds on entire stretches of roads.

Excerpt: Offence: Using Radar Detectors. Using radar detectors will result in a fine and the loss of points. Using radar inhibitors will see you lose 6,000 euro (with no discount by the way) and losing 6 points. Some GPS devices have information Read More ...

### Programming Your GPS When Driving

Offence: Programming Your GPS When Driving.
It is perfectly legal to use GPS navigation devices in your vehicle, but you are not allowed to touch them when you are driving. Set your journey before you leave. If you go wrong, most devices will recalculate the route, so leave it alone until you are stopped safely.
Fine: 200 euro plus the loss of 3 points
Reason: Distractions are one of the main contributing factors to road traffic collisions. For a driver to reprogram a GPS, their attention is distracted from the most important function, driving the car. Even the distraction for a second can be deadly, when the vehicle is moving at the same time.

Excerpt: Offence: Programming Your GPS When Driving. It is perfectly legal to use GPS navigation devices in your vehicle, but you are not allowed to touch them when you are driving. Set your journey before you leave. If you go wrong, most Read More ...

### Failing to Maintain the Proper Position in the Vehicle

Offence: Failing to maintain the proper position in the vehicle.
This can refer to passengers with their feet on the dashboard, drivers with their arms out the window, or any other situation where proper posture is not maintained.
Fine: 80 euro.
Reason: There are many reasons why this rule is important. For example, in the event of impact, the injuries sustained by a person with their feet on the dashboard are nothing less than horrific. The same goes for instances where limbs have been lost or severely injured on account of them protruding from the vehicle. Plus, the seats in a vehicle are designed to give maximum protection, and comfort, and not being correctly positions poses a risk, and can hinder visibility by the driver.

Excerpt: Offence: Failing to maintain the proper position in the vehicle. This can refer to passengers with their feet on the dashboard, drivers with their arms out the window, or any other situation where proper posture is not maintained. Fine: 80 Read More ...

### New Section Launched – Fines and Sanctions

Being occasionally lapse with driving rules may be the scourge of the majority of road users, but when those simple one-offs become habits, you are not only risking lives, but a considerable financial outlay.
Without exception, ALL traffic rules and laws are aimed at one thing, to make the roads a safer place. The penalties associated with infractions are mostly intended to be a deterrent, which is why repeat offenders in some cases face harsher penalties, as do those who carry out the most dangerous acts.
However, because the risks associated with many of the commonest habitual offences go largely unnoticed, we are lulled into a false sense of security, that is until we get caught out, either by being involved in an incident where a contributing factor has been one of these risks, or, the better option in fact, being caught doing wrong by the traffic police.
Throughout February and beyond we will be building a new section of the website, one which details many of the most common traffic offences, and the fines and sanctions for committing them. The idea is of course to educate everybody by not only showing you the fines and sanctions faced, but also explaining a little bit about why it is a problem.
We also need to be clear about who we are referring to, because we are not only talking about drivers. When a cycle is being ridden, that bike then becomes a vehicle and is governed by the same laws as a car. If the bicycle is being pushed along then it is not classed as a vehicle, but pedestrians also have a legal responsibility when on or about the roads, as do passengers. In fact, quite simply, traffic law refers to everybody.
Keep checking back every day for the latest post and you will then be more knowledgeable in the risks surrounding these issues.

Excerpt: Being occasionally lapse with driving rules may be the scourge of the majority of road users, but when those simple one-offs become habits, you are not only risking lives, but a considerable financial outlay. Without exception, ALL traffic rules and Read More ...

### The Revenge of a Radar Speeder

Traffic police in France have finally managed to identify the cause of seemingly random vehicles being clocked by a fixed radar traveling at excessive speeds.

The investigation, carried out by the gendarmes in Marie-Ségolène Poitou, began when an off-duty police officer was caught doing 120 kilometres per hour in his Porsche. Convinced of his innocence, the officer challenged the report and found that there had been similar drivers in the same situation, although many of those had accepted their fate and paid the appropriate fines, whilst some had received bans, with some of the drivers recorded driving in excess of 200 kilometres per hour and one of those clocked at a staggering 304 kilometres per hour.
As the investigation continued, the officers inspected the evidence recorded by the cameras and noticed that on each one, there was an unusual and unexplained apparition, a shadow that appeared near to the vehicles.
As the location was near to an airfield, the officers believed that the most likely explanation for the shadow was that it was being cast by something airborne, which was a stroke of genius, a consideration that turned out to be true.
Having set a trap, it wasn´t long before the investigators caught the low flying pilot performing his manoeuvre above the road and triggering the radar. With an inflight chase then resulting in the pilot being identified, he was promptly arrested.
The conclusion of the subsequent interview was that the pilot admitted that he had taken the action “for revenge”, having himself lost his car driving licence having been caught speeding by the radar.
The pilot will be brought before the courts but emergency legislation had to be brought into force as the case is believed to be the first of its kind in Europe.

Excerpt: Traffic police in France have finally managed to identify the cause of seemingly random vehicles being clocked by a fixed radar traveling at excessive speeds. The investigation, carried out by the gendarmes in Marie-Ségolène Poitou, began when an off-duty police Read More ...

### Tunnels and Undrepasses

Traffic laws must be strictly adhered to in tunnels or underpasses on account of the increased risk factors involved in this type of road route, with attention specifically to such matters as using headlights, observing speed and safe distance requirements and not stopping, parking, changing direction or reversing.

When approaching most tunnels a blue rectangular sign provides some key information about the tunnel, such as the name and the length, as well as details about emergency help points within.

The speed limit in tunnels is controlled with the R-301 mandatory maximum speed limit sign (a red circle with the speed limit in the centre), although many also have an advisory maximum speed limit, indicated by the S-7 blue square with white numbers.

Before entering the tunnel we will also see the R-413 sign, a blue circle with a headlight pictogram in the centre, telling us that it is mandatory for us to use headlights at all times.

There may be other signs on the entry to tunnels such as the R-306 which prohibits heavy goods vehicles over 3,500 kg from overtaking.
Some tunnels have indicators above the carriageway which shows if the lane is open or closed. This is sometimes by means of a standard red or green traffic light and sometimes by means of a green arrow or red cross. These indication signs must be observed at all times. All signs, whether fixed or temporary, visual or audible, must be adhered to at all times.

In tunnels or underpasses where the traffic flows in both directions, overtaking is prohibited, unless an additional lane or lanes are provided for this.

A safe distance must always be maintained from the vehicle in front, with a minimum of 100 metres being required between each vehicle, the equivalent of a 4 second gap. Some tunnels have markings on the lanes to assist in keeping this distance. For those with no markings the four second gap can be monitored by counting the time between the vehicle in front of you passes a fixed point and the time it takes your vehicle to pass that same place.
In the case of vehicles with a maximum authorized mass exceeding 3,500 kg, the safe distance is increased to at least 150 metres or a minimum interval of at least 6 seconds.
Tunnels of some length will have pedestrian exits and help points which are for use in emergencies only. The exits are indicated by the universal emergency exit signs of a pictogram of a figure about to leave a door, and often accompanied by the words “Salida” or “Salida de Emergencia”.

The location of the closest emergency point is indicated by arrows on the wall of the tunnel. In the event of an emergency access point being in both directions, often a larger arrow will indicate the direction to the nearest emergency point or exit, which may be in front or behind.
In the event of being involved in an emergency in a tunnel, you must:
Switch off the engine, switch on emergency hazard lights and leave your vehicle lights on.
If the emergency makes it impossible for the vehicle to continue, try to steer the vehicle to the area reserved for emergencies in the direction of travel, such as the hard shoulder if available, or an emergency layby. In the absence of these features, you must try to stop your vehicle as close as possible to the right side of the edge of the roadway.
Use your emergency triangles to indicate your vehicle is creating a hazard.
All vehicle occupants must leave the vehicle and proceed to the nearest evacuation emergency exit.
In case of fire, the driver must make every effort to ensure vehicles do not block the path of the emergency vehicles attending. Turn off the ignition, leaving the key, and leaving the doors open. All vehicle occupants must leave by the nearest available exit in the opposite direction to the fire.
Hopefully our passage through the tunnel will be without incident and as we leave the tunnel, we will see more signs. As well as the S-6 sign indicating the end of the tunnel and subsequent restrictions, we sometimes a change in the speed limit but always a reminder about our headlights. This S-24 sign is different to the R-413 as it is a blue rectangle which displays a pictogram of the headlights along with a question mark. Whereas it is mandatory to switch lights on when entering a tunnel, it is not necessarily mandatory to switch them off, as it could be night time or during a period of poor visibility, so this sign is an informative version reminding us to check if we need to continue with our headlights illuminated.

Excerpt: Traffic laws must be strictly adhered to in tunnels or underpasses on account of the increased risk factors involved in this type of road route, with attention specifically to such matters as using headlights, observing speed and safe distance requirements Read More ...

### N332 Attended the first CLARO Friday Forum

On Friday of last week, members of N332 gace a presentation at the first C.L.A.R.O. Friday Forum on the Orihuela Costa.

The objective of the forum is to present local groups and associations to the residents so that they are aware of the work that they do in helping the community and also this gives the residents the opportunity to collaborate with these causes.
More than 150 people attended this first event in the Asturias Restaurant, which, according to C.L.A.R.O. President Paul Piccio, is intended to bring the residents and business owners of Orihuela together to share in the benefits of knowledge from the presentations by guest speakers which are of interest and use to all residents and visitors alike.

The presentation lasted just over an hour with Francisco Morales, a serving officer from the Guardia Civil traffic department, and former driving instructor Mark Nolan, talking about many of the most common questions that occur on the roads, and detailing some of the most common problems that the Guardia Civil come across on a daily basis, with the intention of educating and advising drivers of the correct procedures.

Recent changes to traffic laws were also covered in detail and at the end of the presentation there was an open forum for discussion and for any other questions to be answered.
The Friday Forums will occur throughout the year with a variety of guest speakers and are open to both members and non-members of C.L.A.R.O. alike.





C.L.A.R.O had a successful first FRIDAY FORUM last January 22, 2016 with the attendance of more than 150 residents. Thanks to everyone who attended and also thanks for the association N333 who were our guest speakers.C.L.A.R.O tuvo éxito en su primer FORO el 22 de Enero 2016 con la participación de más de 150 Residentes. Gracias a todos que han participado y también gracias a la asociación N332 por participar y ser nuestros invitados.
Posted by CLARO on Saturday, 23 January 2016

Excerpt: On Friday of last week, members of N332 gace a presentation at the first C.L.A.R.O. Friday Forum on the Orihuela Costa. The objective of the forum is to present local groups and associations to the residents so that they are Read More ...

### Priority Vehicles

Blue or orange flashing lights, sirens, bells, the very thought conjures up the image of an emergency vehicle, attending or dealing with a life threatening or emergency situation, but what about a car intermittently sounding its horn and waving a handkerchief? That too is a priority vehicle in certain circumstances, and other vehicles must move out of the way, if it´s safe to do so. Let us explain.

The rules relating to emergency vehicles are detailed in the text “Reglamento general de circulación sobre vehículos prioritarios”, or the general traffic regulations on priority vehicles.
Article 67 states that vehicles, either private or public, responding to an emergency situation have priority over all other road users. Under certain conditions, they are exempt from certain other rules and regulations whilst responding to emergencies, such as speed limits. They also have priority through junctions, intersections and traffic lights, so long as they take appropriate precautions to avoid collisions with other road users, such as ensuring other vehicles are topped or safe and that there are no pedestrians in their path, for example. These exemptions only apply when responding to an emergency situation.
Article 67 also states that the installation of light and sound emitting devices can only be done with specific authority from the Provincial Traffic Department, in accordance to rules governing this type of vehicle.
In Article 68, the correct procedures for drivers of emergency vehicles is detailed, including the provisions for not endangering other road users, and where vehicles responding to emergencies can, under certain circumstances, also have exemptions to other rules and regulations, including turning around on motorways and driving in the opposite direction to that permitted, and use their vehicles to block the road to assist others in dealing with emergencies.
Article 68 also explains how vehicles of law enforcement authorities such as the police and Guardia Civil, fire service, Protección Civil, rescue services and health, public or private, are all considered priority vehicles when dealing with emergencies and will warn of their presence by means of lights (as detailed in Article 173), and special acoustic signals (sirens or bells). The drivers of these vehicles also have to be considerate as to when they use their signal equipment so as not to present a hazard to other road users.
Tow trucks (gruas) attending emergencies are also considered priority vehicles when their orange lights are flashing. This is to ensure the fastest response time to clear up the debris and vehicles following road incidents and collisions, so those vehicles too are allowed to proceed in the same way as the ones already detailed.
So far, we have looked at the requirements of those operating the emergency vehicles, now we will look at the obligation of other road users regarding priority vehicles.
Article 69 explains the expected behaviour of other road users, which states that as soon as a driver notices the presence of a priority vehicle, by hearing the siren or seeing the lights for example, drivers must take appropriate measures, according to the circumstances of the time and place, to facilitate the passage of the priority vehicle, usually by moving to the right hand side, or stopping if necessary.
When a police or law enforcement vehicle positions itself behind any vehicle and also activated a red or yellow flashing, intermittent light, the driver of the vehicle must take appropriate precautions to stop their vehicle on the right-hand side of the road as soon as it is safe and practical. A police or law enforcement vehicle behind you with a flashing red or yellow light is telling you to stop.
Once stopped, you must remain in the vehicle and await instructions from the officers involved, either by means of a loud speaker, or directly.
The police and law enforcement officers also use other methods for instructing vehicles to stop, which are detailed in the article “Sings and Signals from Police Officers Controlling Traffic”.
The final section of this article deals with a seemingly very unusual situation, but one which could save a person´s life, which is why it is included in the legislation.
Article 70 explains how other vehicles can become priority vehicles dealing with an emergency, and are afforded similar rights to those official vehicles detailed already.
In certain circumstances, and only when there is a risk to life, any other vehicle can assume the role of a priority vehicle by intermittently sounding the horn, connecting an emergency light (if available) and using hazard lights, or waving a cloth, flag or even a handkerchief to raise the awareness of their presence to other road users.
Extreme caution must be exercised when driving under these circumstances, remember that the drivers of emergency vehicles are highly trained in the procedures and processes for moving through traffic and junctions at high speed, and even with their lights and sirens, there are numerous incidents recorded where drivers still fail to move over, and also numerous incidents of collisions. A normal vehicle without a livery, siren and lights may well confuse other road users, despite the use of the horn and waving a sheet.
In these situations, you must still respect the laws relating to the movement of vehicles, such as speed limits and giving way at junctions, this is not an excuse for any driver to break the law. You should also be aware that if you do take on the role of saviour with your vehicle, you are highly likely to have to explain the circumstances which prompted you drive in this manner to law enforcement officers, as the process is reserved for life-threatening situations, but one that may well mean the difference between life and death for a victim, and so is a valuable piece of information worth knowing.
Finally, remember, that if you see any vehicle displaying these characteristics, the situation they are responding to is likely to be one where a life or lives are in danger, so please respect their signals and move over to allow these priority vehicles to pass.

Excerpt: Blue or orange flashing lights, sirens, bells, the very thought conjures up the image of an emergency vehicle, attending or dealing with a life threatening or emergency situation, but what about a car intermittently sounding its horn and waving a Read More ...

### Punto Negro?

Do you know the difference between “an accident blackspot” (“Punto Negro”) and “a dangerous stretch of road”?
An accident blackspot is a stretch of road in which 3 or more accidents involving victims occur within a calendar year, within 100 metres of each other.
A dangerous stretch of road (Tramo de concentración de accidentes or “TCA” in Spanish) is a stretch of road which has a significantly higher than average number accidents when compared to similar stretches of road.
The DGT used road signs to warn drivers that they are approaching a stretch of road where accidents are known to occur, in order to avoid further accidents.

Thanks to one of our followers; Sra. Linda White, for the translation. It is good to have people willing to collaborate with us on their free time. Thank you

Excerpt: Do you know the difference between “an accident blackspot” (“Punto Negro”) and “a dangerous stretch of road”? An accident blackspot is a stretch of road in which 3 or more accidents involving victims occur within a calendar year, within 100 Read More ...

### Burning Truck Caught on Dash Cam

A driver with a dash cam captured an unnerving image in an undersea tunnel in Hong Kong, when a truck was captured driving through the tunnel with its load on fire.
Luckily, nobody was injured and the truck managed to leave the tunnel where fire fighters extinguished the blaze.

Excerpt: A driver with a dash cam captured an unnerving image in an undersea tunnel in Hong Kong, when a truck was captured driving through the tunnel with its load on fire. Luckily, nobody was injured and the truck managed to Read More ...

### New Radars Capture Seatbelt and Mobile Phone Use

A new range of radar speed detectors in stalled by the DGT not only monitor for vehicles traveling in excess of the maximum permitted speed limit, they are also able to tell if a driver is not wearing a seatbelt or is talking on a mobile phone.
The cameras, which have been installed in 70 locations across the country already, look similar to the existing devices, but can capture images at 50 frames per second, which results in higher definition still images being captured which result in more details being collected and then analysed, such as the driver´s current activities, recording the vehicle information and processing the relevant evidence to qualify a sanction or complaint.
The aim of the investment in the devices is to improve road safety, with the latest data revealing that in the most recent campaign 1,349 drivers were reported for not using seatbelts and other 1,113 to using a phone whilst driving.
With the Pegasus radar already capable of capturing this detail, and recording the necessary evidential data, these latest ground-based cameras add to the arsenal of monitoring tools.
Further data also reveals that 77% of all people killed in vehicles are not wearing a seatbelt, and so by changing attitudes through enforcement, a significant number of lives can be saved.

Excerpt: A new range of radar speed detectors in stalled by the DGT not only monitor for vehicles traveling in excess of the maximum permitted speed limit, they are also able to tell if a driver is not wearing a seatbelt Read More ...

### Insurance Fraud has Tripled Since 2013

In the latest data released this week, it has been revealed that out of every 100 insurance claims, 6 are attempted scams, resulting in an increase cost of 1,190 million euro per year, almost 20% more than in the last report from 2013, a cost which is inevitably passed on to those who choose to insure their vehicle correctly.

This data has been collated in the third such report since 2009, which reveals that 94.5% of attempted fraudulent claims are related to property damage, although the average claim is around 550 euro. Fraudulent injury claims make up 4.5% of the total, but with the average claim reaching 17,300 euro, the cost is far more than property.
Damage resulting in the total loss, or damaged beyond repair, is the most commonly occurring fraudulent claim, representing 3 out of 4 of these claims. In terms of claims of physical injury, whiplash is the most common fraudulent claim.
Most fraudulent claims are made in the summer months, between May and July, and in January, with Monday being the most likely day that fraudulent claims are made with 19% of all cases recorded. During the weekend, there are only 10% on a Saturday and 9% on a Sunday, as the fraudsters presumably enjoy their rest period.
The Murcia region is in the top three locations for insurance fraud, along with Cuenca and Jaén, whereas Soria, Salamanca and Burgos are the locations with the least fraudulent cases.
The average amount of each attempted fraud across the country is around 1,284 euros, 45% more than in 2013, although there are significant variations between some provinces. In Huesca, Lugo and Almería the average fraudulent claim is 4,800€, 3,600€ and 3,200€ respectively, whereas the fraudsters in Segovia, Zamora and Zaragoza make the smallest claims, with just 230€, 301€ and 390€ respectively on average.
The profile of the most prolific fraudster is a young male, under 26, with precarious employment or unemployed, or, surprisingly almost the opposite, middle-aged, educated and gainfully employed.
Men are more likely to boast of their fraudulent claims, even to strangers, whereas women pretend their injuries are worse than they are.
However, according to another report which surveyed of more than 1,200 drivers throughout Spain reveals that the intent to commit fraud has halved from two years ago. In addition, 73% of drivers (the equivalent of 19 million) would be willing to report someone if you got a direct economic benefit in return, a very common practice in the US or UK.
Nevertheless, more than 5 million motorists admit that they might commit fraud if they knew they would not be discovered. There is also greater awareness of the legal implications involved in these practices.

Excerpt: In the latest data released this week, it has been revealed that out of every 100 insurance claims, 6 are attempted scams, resulting in an increase cost of 1,190 million euro per year, almost 20% more than in the last Read More ...

### Breakdowns and Assistance Increase

According to a report by the RACE automobile club, mechanical failures on the road increased by 9% in 2015, and assistance following crashes or other incidents increased by 11.2%, compared to the previous year.

The data was collated from information gathered whilst attending 600,000 roadside assistance cases in 2015, with the most common problems being batteries and tyres.
There were 122,935 battery related call-outs in 2015, although this did drop by 0.4%. IN second place was tyre related incidents with 56,624 call-outs, an increase of 11.1%. The company was called out to 29,914 crashes or similar incidents, an increase of 7.2%. There were 27,266 engine faults, up 7.2%, but these did not take into account the 28,389 alternator problems which increased by a staggering 58.3% over 2014.
There was particular concern pointed towards the condition of tyres, which can seriously affect the safety of the vehicle, made worse by weather conditions. In 11% of all faults recorded in tyre call-outs, replacement was necessary. In 17.9% of all cases, the spare wheel was not usable for one reason or another.
Regular checks on key areas of the vehicle, including tyres, is crucial to road safety. Simple checks on tread depth, pressure and signs of damage or wear can make the difference between life or death.
You can read more about tyre pressure by clicking this link. If you want to know more about Spanish tyre law, click here.
 

Excerpt: According to a report by the RACE automobile club, mechanical failures on the road increased by 9% in 2015, and assistance following crashes or other incidents increased by 11.2%, compared to the previous year. The data was collated from information Read More ...

### Presentation on the Orihuela Costa on Friday

On Friday, members of the N332 group will be giving an informative talk in the Asturias Restaurant, between Torrevieja and the Orihuela Costa.
The talk has been arranged by the CLARO political party, who represent the residents of Orihuela, but everybody is welcome to attend.
The event starts at 5pm and runs through until 7pm. The talk will cover various aspects of driving in Spain, including some of the latest changes to the law.
Although everybody is welcome, we ask that you drop a quick email to news@n332.es saying how many people will be attending in your group, so that we can pass that on to CLARO and they can ensure that there are enough seats available.
After the presentation, the N332 members will be on hand to discuss any of the points raised or mentioned throughout the presentation.

Excerpt: On Friday, members of the N332 group will be giving an informative talk in the Asturias Restaurant, between Torrevieja and the Orihuela Costa. The talk has been arranged by the CLARO political party, who represent the residents of Orihuela, but Read More ...

### Alicante Bank Robber Arrested

Officers from the National Police in Alicante arrested a bank robber on Friday after he stole 1,800 euro and then fled on foot with one of the employees as a hostage.
The incident took place at around noon on Friday when the man used a simulated weapon to hold the tellers at what they thought was gun point demanding the cash.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police in Alicante arrested a bank robber on Friday after he stole 1,800 euro and then fled on foot with one of the employees as a hostage. The incident took place at around noon on Friday Read More ...

### What Types of Vehicles Can I Drive?

If you look at the back of your driving licence you will see a list of vehicle categories determined by both a letter and a pictogram indicating the type of vehicle referred to. The license also displays dates next to those categories for which you are permitted to drive, in the columns headed 10, 11 and 12, which detail validity from and to dates and any observations respectively.

The vast majority of drivers in Spain have a category “B” licence, which means they are certified as qualified to drive a normal passenger car, but being qualified in that category also allows you to drive some other vehicles.
As a category B licence holder you are permitted to drive specially designed passenger cars, for private use, ranging from a small urban car, an SUV, minivan or sports car. There is no limitation to the type of vehicle, so long as it is registered as a private car, but there are limitations to the physical characteristics. Namely, a private car must be equal to or less than 3,500 kg in weight and can have a maximum of nine seats, including the driver. The vehicle can only be driven for private and leisure use and not for any commercial gain, whether that be for business or carrying passengers in exchange for cash or goods.
In the case of vans, you can drive any van in which either passengers, goods or both can be transported, whether that vehicle is approved as a private or commercial vehicle, so long as it has a maximum weight equal to or less than 3,500 kg and no more than nine seats including the driver.
For both cars and vans you can also attach a trailer with a category B licence, provided the total combined weight of the vehicle and trailer do not exceed the maximum weight permitted by the technical specifications of the vehicle.
In the case of passenger cars, there are two options allowed under a category B licence. Firstly, a passenger vehicle of up to up to 3,500 kg and a trailer not exceeding 750 kg, representing a maximum combined weight of 4,250 kg. Or a passenger car (up to 3,500 kg) and a trailer exceeding 750 kg, provided that the combination does not exceed 3,500 kg.
If the trailer exceeds 750 kg and the joint between car and trailer exceeds 3,500 kg but not exceeding 4,250 kg, it is necessary to take two specific practical tests which covers vehicle manoeuvres and dealing with traffic.
If the trailer exceeds 750 kg and the joint between car and trailer also exceeds 4,250 kg, it is necessary to obtain a BE category certification, which enables a passenger car to tow up to 7,000 kg, spread over 3,500 kg maximum weight for the car and 3,500 kg maximum weight for the trailer. This requires both a theoretical test and two practical tests, one of manoeuvres and the other in traffic.
However, in addition to what we might consider to be the normal vehicles one would expect to be able to drive with a category B licence, but there are others.
You are permitted to drive some two-wheeled vehicles with the category B qualification. Having the “B” category automatically qualifies licence holders for the AM category. That permits drivers to ride small mopeds with engines smaller than 50cc or an electric motor, provided that the vehicle has a maximum limited speed of 45 kilometres per hour and they are only ridden on urban roads.
After holding your category B licence for a period of 3 years, you are automatically upgraded to be allowed to drive vehicles requiring the A1 category, which permits you to drive small motorcycles up to 125 cc and with a maximum power of 11 kW (15 hp). However, you must be aware that this is only the case in Spain. This automatic classification is not effective in other European countries without obtaining the A1 classification qualification separately. That is why, even if your license is issued in Spain, you will not see the validity dates filled in on the back of the licence unless you have undergone specific examinations. In the event of a category B licence holder riding a 125cc motorbike and getting stopped to have your details checked at the roadside, the Guardia Civil traffic officers will refer to the dates of your category B validation to ensure you qualify.
With the category B license you are permitted to drive three-wheeled bikes or tricycles, provided that two of the three wheels are on the same axle. There are no limitations in terms of power, the only condition is that the manufacturer has had the vehicle approved as a tricycle and not as a three-wheeled motorcycle. The difference is that the tricycle requires specific approval and must have certain standard characteristics including a parking brake, minimum track width and lighting specific to this type of vehicle. If the vehicle does not meet these characteristics then they are subject to the conditions of licencing for motorcycles. A motorcycle with a sidecar for example is not classed as a tricycle and is governed by motorcycle licencing requirements.
All microcars and vehicles which have been approved as quads can be driven with the category B licence. This includes two categories of light quadricycle (with a maximum weight of 350 kg and maximum power of 4kW) and normal quads that can reach up to 550 kg maximum and up to 15 kW (20 hp). The four-wheel buggy type vehicle of more than 15 kW can also be driven, so long as they are classed as passenger cars. You can also drive quads or ATVs, whether of leisure or agricultural type and regardless of engine size or power.
 
 

Excerpt: If you look at the back of your driving licence you will see a list of vehicle categories determined by both a letter and a pictogram indicating the type of vehicle referred to. The license also displays dates next to Read More ...

### Huge Increase in Biker Deaths

Despite positive trends to reduce the number of fatalities on the roads of Spain, 2015 ended with the worst results for four years for deaths involving one particular type of vehicle – motorbikes.

In total, there were 247 motorcycle deaths on the main road network last year, 60 more than in 2014, representing an increase of 32%. This has been the worst year since 2011 when a similar number of people lost their lives in motorbike related incidents.
According to successive annual reports issued by the Ministry of the Interior, 270 deaths were recorded in 2011; 218 in 2012; 215 in 2013; 187 in 2014; and 247 in 2015. The data shows that a downward trend had been consistent, but the massive increase last year has given considerable cause for concern.
The Director General of the DGT, Maria Segui, had already expressed her concerns over the problem as the year was nearing a close, explaining the three apparent major contributing factors to the increase in motorbike deaths, namely increased mobility, the rise in the average age of such vehicles, and an increasing number riders not wearing a helmet properly, of the deaths last year, 13 people were not wearing a helmet.
The DGT believes that the increase in deaths is also related to the increase in use of vehicles. The economic upturn in 2015 resulted in an increase in traffic on the roads, partly for leisure and partly for work, as more people also managed to secure a job. In addition, according to the Bikers Mutual Association, the improved weather conditions throughout the year, especially during holidays such a Easter, meant that motorbike use seemed a more attractive option than ever before.
María José Alonso, Vice President of the Bikers Road Safety Platform, has blamed the authorities for not doing enough, especially in rural areas, by not improving roads and for not placing proper signage in appropriate places.
Many other groups representing the riders themselves are still denouncing the poor state of the roads and the lack of investment. The Spanish Road Association released a report claiming that the situation of the roads was “the worst since 1985” and that it needs 6,500 million euro investment in order to return them to their optimal state. Moreover, according to data from the DGT, 18% of those killed in 2015 died after crashing into a crash barrier, according to the group, reinforcing their calls for improvements or the rehabilitation of the roadbed, repairing the many cracks, potholes and poorly painted pavements, whilst also demanding that all crash barriers be replaced by those specifically designed to assist motorcyclists in the event of a collision.

Excerpt: Despite positive trends to reduce the number of fatalities on the roads of Spain, 2015 ended with the worst results for four years for deaths involving one particular type of vehicle – motorbikes. In total, there were 247 motorcycle deaths Read More ...

### Police Seek Cyclist Riding at 80 Kilometres per Hour

An investigation was launched on Tuesday to identify a cyclist videoed travelling at 80 kilometres per hour behind a bus in Barcelona.

The occupants of a car videoed the cyclist on the Ronda de Litoral, using the slipstream from the bus to ease pedalling.
Despite being below the maximum speed whereas a radar detector would have caught the vehicle, cyclists, along with mopeds, pedestrians and vehicles transporting goods are not permitted on the particular stretch of road.

Meanwhile, complaints were once again raised this week over the dangerous practice of skateboarding along the steep and winding mountainous path at sa Calobra in Mallorca. A popular pastime for some years now there have yet to be any recorded serious incidents or fatalities, but motorists are urging the authorities to take action as it is only a matter of time before one of these frill seekers is killed or seriously injured at the hands of another road user innocently going about their business.

Excerpt: An investigation was launched on Tuesday to identify a cyclist videoed travelling at 80 kilometres per hour behind a bus in Barcelona. The occupants of a car videoed the cyclist on the Ronda de Litoral, using the slipstream from the Read More ...

### Massive Increase in Drug Tests This Year

The Interior Ministry has announced that on behalf of the DGT the Guardia Civil intend to carry out more than 120,000 drug tests on drivers during 2016, representing an increase of 38% over 2015.
This increase of more than 45,000 tests compared to those in 2015 is in line with the Strategic Plan for Road Safety 2010-2020 and especially with one of the five areas of activity that the agency has defined as a priority for the “zero vision” in relation to the use of drugs and alcohol before driving.
In order to perform these tests, the DGT has a budget of 12 million euro specifically for the purchase of drug testing kits and supplementary materials, as well as the recruitment of laboratory services for the analysis of samples.
In the most recent data published, 59% of the drivers who had committed an offence and tested for the use of drugs gave a positive reading. Similarly, 33% of drivers tested at preventive controls were also positive for drug use.
In addition, in the annual report from the National Institute of Toxicology, statistics revealed that 39.09% of the deceased and analysed drivers (614 in total) had alcohol, drugs or psychotropic medication present in their blood. For pedestrians analysed (173), this figure rises to 40%.
It has been found that the saliva test for detecting the presence of drugs in drivers has had a deterrent effect, as was also the case with the introduction of alcohol testing. The increase in these controls among drivers, has already represented a reduction of at least 17% in the number of traffic incident.
The ministry is also investigating further developments in training and awareness of the dangers of drug and alcohol use and is encouraging regional and municipal authorities to also increase testing and awareness on the country´s minor roads.

Excerpt: The Interior Ministry has announced that on behalf of the DGT the Guardia Civil intend to carry out more than 120,000 drug tests on drivers during 2016, representing an increase of 38% over 2015. This increase of more than 45,000 Read More ...

### Almost 700 Euro Raised for the Children

At the start of December we launched the eBook, “The New Rules of the Road”, promising that all proceeds from the sale of the eBook between the launch date and 3 King´s Day would be given to the extremely worthwhile Elche Children´s Home.
We can now tell you that we sold almost double the target number of books and, with the exception of a small processing fee for our financial service provider, and the payment of VAT / IVA in the country of purchase, almost 700 euro was raised from the sales which has directly benefited the children.
Rather than handing over the cash direct, the money was spent on things that the home had asked for. Earlier in the campaign, we showed you how a football tournament was organised using some of the funds. That involved buying every child a Spain football kit, plus a trophy each, as well as the footballs and other football related materials.
A party was then held for the winners, who fortunately were the children from the home who beat the Guardia Civil officers in the tournament and were awarded their trophies. All of the food and drinks for the party were paid for with your contributions, making the overall event something that the children will remember for a very long time.
This week, the children have been presented with a new screen for their projector, so they can enjoy films, videos and other shows together in the group.
Finally, all of the children and their teachers are being taken for a day out at the cinema, making another memorable experience, all of which has been made possible thanks to your contributions to purchasing this eBook.
The campaign is now over and the eBook is on sale normally, although we have reduced it for the January sales. Any money now received will go towards funding our next projects and campaigns, including a second eBook which is due for release at Easter, with some of the proceeds from the sale of that product also being used to benefit another charitable group.
We will tell you more about the new eBook nearer the time, as well as details of our next chosen charity. For now, all that remains is for everybody involved in the N332 project to thank you for your contributions which we feel have gone a long way to making this Christmas period an unforgettable one for the children. Thank you.

Excerpt: At the start of December we launched the eBook, “The New Rules of the Road”, promising that all proceeds from the sale of the eBook between the launch date and 3 King´s Day would be given to the extremely worthwhile Read More ...

### New record low in road fatalities

According to figures released by the Minister of the Interior, Jorge Fernández Díaz, and the Director General of Traffic, María Seguí last week, in the year just ended there have been 1,126 deaths from traffic accidents on urban roads in Spain, 6 fewer than in 2014

The minister said that Spain now has the fifth best road safety record in the EU along with Denmark and the United Kingdom and the figure represents the twelfth consecutive year that the country has achieved a reduction despite more than 14 million long-haul journeys, an increase of mobility of 4% over the previous year
During 2015, on interurban roads there have been 1,018 fatal accidents in which 1,126 people have died with an additional 4,843 requiring hospitalization for their injuries. The figures represent a 1% decrease (-6) in the number of deaths and 2% reduction (-105) in those admitted to hospital. Disappointingly, however, the number of accidents has actually increased by 3% (+34).
The death toll represents a record low since statistics first became available in 1960, when there were 1,300 deaths, however the scenario was quite different then, with just over one million vehicles on the roads, as compared to the 2015 figure in which the fleet exceeds 31 million.
The Director General said that the figures are only provisional, however, and refer only to fatal accidents on interurban roads which were recorded within 24 hours of the accident. The final and consolidated figures, which will take into consideration the victims who died within 30 days of accidents, on both urban and intercity roads, will be available in the coming months.
The figures show that Spain has a rate of 3.6 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants which is well below the average mortality rate in the EU of 5.1 per 100.000 inhabitants.
Drivers aged 65 years or over with 255 deaths accounted for 22% of the total, while in the age group 35-44 years, there were 211 deaths, 19% of the total, followed by those aged 45 to 54 years with 184 deaths 16% of the total.  Fatalities involving children up to 14 years of age were 20, 4 fewer than in 2014.
By sex there were far more male deaths than female. The proportion of males was 79%, an increase of 3% compared to 2014. For women, there was a 14% reduction over the previous year, with 38 fewer women killed.
22% of drivers and passengers killed in cars and vans in 2015 were not wearing a seatbelt.
 
Image:
The Minister iof the Interior, Jorge Fernández Díaz, with the Director General of Traffic, María Seguí, at the press conference.

Excerpt: According to figures released by the Minister of the Interior, Jorge Fernández Díaz, and the Director General of Traffic, María Seguí last week, in the year just ended there have been 1,126 deaths from traffic accidents on urban roads in Read More ...

### Plans to Extend Cycle Paths in Alicante Province

A governmental committee from the province of Alicante has submitted a project for which they hope to achieve a grant from Europe in order to extend the bicycle lane network.
The president of the group, Jaime Albero, who also holds the post of mayor of Sant Joan d’Alacant, explained that the plan is to “present a sustainable project for urban mobility”, which includes connecting the existing cycle routes through the province, improving those existing routes, and developing an inter-municipal accessibility focus in order to provide continuity throughout.
The president explained that although many of the municipalities already have cycle routes, there is no interconnectivity between those municipalities. As a result, the network is fragmented and, to an extent, contradicts the aim of sustainable mobility, as other road vehicles are required to move between some relatively close areas.
The project, with it estimated budget of 1,250,000 euro, proposes to make nine routes, all of which have already been planned and now may soon become a reality.
The first route is around the Urbanova residential area and linking that to Alicante. A second takes in the beaches and tourist routes around El Altet and Los Arenales.
In Alicante city there is a route through the El Campello area, as well as one connecting Via Parque and Gran Via, as well as the university. El Campello will also be connected with the beaches of San Juan. The route from Orgegia and Mutxamel is to be covered by the project, connecting with San Vicente, and around San Juan.

Excerpt: A governmental committee from the province of Alicante has submitted a project for which they hope to achieve a grant from Europe in order to extend the bicycle lane network. The president of the group, Jaime Albero, who also holds Read More ...

### Road Markings and Lines

Road markings are there to serve as a means of separation for traffic, but they also provide the driver with information about the type of road and potential risks ahead.
Every road paints a picture, whether marked or not, the clues are there.
Continuous White Lines
A continuous white line on the road means that no vehicle is allowed to cross that line. A longitudinal mark consisting of two continuous lines has the same meaning. You are not allowed to cross the solid white line for any reason, such as turning into another road or overtaking. The only exception is in order to pass a cyclist, giving the minimum distance, and only when no other vehicles are approaching and only when it is safe to do so.

Broken White Lines
A broken white line is intended to guide the movement of vehicles within lanes and no vehicle should cross that line unless it is necessary and the flow of traffic permits it.
You are permitted to cross the broken white line in order to carry out a manoeuvre such as overtaking, so long as the way is clear, you don´t impede the movement of other vehicles. You must avoid the manoeuvre if you will not have time to return to your lane safely and before any other markings.
Where the white line is broken and singular we are permitted to cross, if needed and if it´s safe to do so.
Broken white lines are also used to indicate the approach to hazardous areas and locations. In the event of the gap between the lines is shorter than normal, it indicates an area more hazardous than usual. These lines are also often wider.
Broken white lines are also used to indicate a special lane for certain types of vehicles, in this case the lines are significantly wider than in the general case.
Double Solid Lines
Double solid lines have the same obligation as single lines, in that no vehicle is allowed to cross that line. Double lines are also used on reversible lanes or when traffic flows in both directions.
This road has double solid white lines in the centre. No vehicle is permitted to cross that line. However, it would also have the same meaning if it was only a single, solid white line.
In the event of one side of the double line being broken, vehicles on that side of the lane are allowed to cross the line if necessary, but vehicles on the side of the lane where the line is solid are not permitted to cross. This does not prevent vehicles which have been carrying out an overtaking manoeuvre to return to their own lane however.
In this example, vehicles heading in the direction of the picture are not permitted to cross the solid white line. Vehicles coming in the opposite direction are permitted to cross as their line is broken, but only if it is safe to do so.
The lines marking the edges of the road and parking areas are not considered longitudinal markings.
Stop Line
A solid line arranged across the width of one or more lanes indicates that vehicles must not cross that line unless the obligations of the road are complied with. If there is an octagonal “Stop” sign for example, or if the words are written on the road, then the vehicle must stop and give way to traffic on the main road. In the event of the line being located at traffic lights or pedestrian crossings then the obligations of the driver to stop are as per the rules relating to those signs or signals.
In the event of your vehicle being a motorcycle, the rider must put a foot down on the ground in order to ensure that the vehicle has stopped correctly.
The Stop Line is across the road just beyond the octagonal road sign. Here the word “STOP” is also painted on the road, but that is not always the case.
Give Way Line
A broken line across one or more lanes indicates that, except in unusual circumstances that reduce visibility, no vehicle may cross that line until the way is clear and they have given way to vehicles on the main road. These marking may also be used at crossings, in which case the traffic lights and general rules of the road must also be adhered to.
The Give Way lines on this picture are in the distance at the end of the lanes on the right, protecting traffic on the roundabout. They are accompanied by an inverse triangle painted on the road, but this is not always the case.
Pedestrian Crossing
A series of wide-width lines arranged in parallel to the axis of the road and forming a transverse set to the same band, indicate a pedestrian crossing, where drivers of vehicles must allow pedestrians to cross.
Vehicles must allow pedestrians to cross. Pedestrians also have a responsibility not to endanger themselves or other road users.
Cycle Crossing
A cross consisting of two parallel dashed lines on the roadway indicates a pathway crossing for cyclists.
Cycles may be ridden over crossings designated as for their use. Cycles may NOT be ridden across pedestrian crossings.
Give Way
A triangle marked on the roadway indicates the obligation at the next intersection to give way to other vehicles. If the symbol appears within a single lane, the obligations are only for vehicles in that lane.
Vehicles moving ahead must Give Way, as indicated by the inverse triangle painted on the road towards the right of the picture.
Stop
The <stop> symbol, marked on the road, indicating the driver required to stop the vehicle at or near the stop line or, if it does not exist, just before the road to which the vehicle is approaching and give way to vehicles on that road. When the symbol is placed within a lane, the obligation only refers to vehicles in that lane.

Speed ​​Limit Sign
In the event of a speed limit being printed on the road, usually by means of numbers within a circle, no vehicle may exceed the speed in kilometres per hour. If the figure is located within a lane, the prohibition only applies to that lane.
Lane Arrow
An arrow within the confines of a lane indicates that every vehicle must follow the direction indicated by the arrow. If your intention is to continue in a direction other than where the arrow points you must instigate the necessary safe procedure to move into the correct lane.
Double arrows, such as those on motorways at junctions, indicate that the lane may be used by vehicle continuing in the direction of the main carriageway, and those preparing to exit.

An arrow at the approach to the end of a lane indicates that another move needs to be correctly initiated in order to leave the lane.
A curved arrow situated between the spaces of the central white lines moving from the left of that line to the right, indicates the approach to a section of road where a continuous white line separates traffic and therefore vehicles such as those overtaking must return to their correct lane as soon as it is safe.
Other Markings
The letters P and N indicates the proximity of a level crossing.
Other areas may be identified as being for a particular type of vehicle, such as buses or taxis, or priority lanes for vehicles with higher occupancy. Parking may be indicated in some areas by means of working on the road and may indicate restrictions such as being reserved only for use by scooters.
Chevrons
An area marked by parallel oblique stripes framed by a continuous line indicate an area where no vehicle is permitted in that zone, except when forced to do so.
An area indicated by parallel oblique stripes framed by a dashed line has the same meaning, although vehicles are permitted to use this area in the event of needing to in order to carry out a manoeuvre that does not represent any danger.

Yellow Zigzags
Locations marked with yellow zigzag markings indicate zones where parking is generally prohibited as the area is reserved for special purposes which require the area to be kept clear.
 
Continuous Yellow Lines
A solid yellow line at the curb or at the edge of the road means that the stopping and parking are prohibited or subject to any temporary restriction, as indicated by signs along the entire length of the line and on the side in which it is located.

Discontinuous Yellow Lines
A broken yellow line on the curb or at the edge of the road means that parking is prohibited or subject to any temporal restriction, as indicated by signs along the entire length of the line and on the side in which it is located.
Yellow Grids
A yellow grid indicates an area where vehicles must not stop unless the exit route from the grid is clear and the only thing preventing the vehicle from continuing is oncoming traffic. If you think that your vehicle will stop and block the area marked out by the box junction, you must not enter the area.

Blue Line
Blue lines indicate areas where parking is permitted, and indicates that, at certain times of day, a fee may be payable.

Excerpt: Road markings are there to serve as a means of separation for traffic, but they also provide the driver with information about the type of road and potential risks ahead. Continuous White Lines A continuous white line on the road Read More ...

### Couple and Baby Found Dead in Torrevieja Home

Officers from the Guardia Civil are investigating the death of a couple and their baby found in their home in Torrevieja on New Year´s Eve.
The gruesome discovery was made at around 18:00 on Thursday in their home, where it is thought they may have lay for several days.
A full investigation is being carried out although the initial hypothesis is that the man may have killed the woman and child before taking his own life.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil are investigating the death of a couple and their baby found in their home in Torrevieja on New Year´s Eve. The gruesome discovery was made at around 18:00 on Thursday in their home, where it Read More ...

### Happy New Year

Everybody at the N332 road safety project would like to wish you a very happy, peaceful and SAFE New Year for 2016.
The growth in the project in less than a year has been down to each and every one of you who have read the articles, asked questions, interacted, attended our sessions and took part in even the smallest of ways, because the aim or improving road safety is not a goal that can happen overnight, it takes a long time and will continue to, and so your continual involvement is both welcome and crucial to the success.
We thank you all.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the sponsors who have supported us this year. It is with their help that we have been able to develop to spread the message through different ways. We have other projects lined up for 2016, which we will reveal in the fullness of time, and they too are only possible through the support of these businesses, which we hope you will also support by visiting them and using their services as trusted partners of the N332 project.

Thank you all for 2015 and together we head into 2016.
Al Andalus Car Hire
Autos Direct
Ibex Insurance
Mercury FM
PSI Consultants
If you run a business and would be interested in joining these supporters, visit this link for details.

Excerpt: Everybody at the N332 road safety project would like to wish you a very happy, peaceful and SAFE New Year for 2016. The growth in the project in less than a year has been down to each and every one Read More ...

### Second Phase of Operation Christmas

Phase 2 of the special operation monitoring the roads of Spain starts on Thursday the 31st of December and runs through to Sunday the 3rd of January.
During this period, it is estimated that 3,450,000 trips will be made on the roads, of the 13.6 million journeys over the whole Christmas period.

The roads are expected to be busier around coastal and mountainous tourist destinations, as well as shopping and leisure centres.
The worst days are expected to be Thursday the 31st of December and Sunday the 3rd of January. These dates will see an increase mostly in longer journeys, as tourists move from inland and city areas to their coastal destinations. In between these dates, the increase will largely be on shorter journeys to the leisure and shopping centres, restaurants and bars.
Major cities will also see road closures in the centre for the celebrations to see in the New Year. Careful planning will be needed if you do intend to travel to the city centres to join in these celebrations.
It is also a tragic likelihood that there will be an increase in drivers consuming alcohol or drugs. As always, the best advice is to consume neither if you intend to drive and if traveling in groups assign a dedicated driver who will not consume any alcohol, or drugs, prior to driving.
Throughout the entire operation the Guardia Civil traffic police will be out in force to keep the roads safe, supported by colleagues from local, regional and national police forces.
The third and final operation coincides with the celebration of Three Kings, which will run between Tuesday the 5th and Wednesday the 6th of January.

Excerpt: Phase 2 of the special operation monitoring the roads of Spain starts on Thursday the 31st of December and runs through to Sunday the 3rd of January. During this period, it is estimated that 3,450,000 trips will be made on Read More ...

### Changes to Spanish Traffic Laws – January 2016

Whilst renewing many of the older traffic laws in order to adapt to the modern world, Spain is also undergoing changes to legislation to meet the requirements of the European Union and help create a standardised road network across the continent.
These changes are constantly being developed and adapted and, although many of them are aimed at creating safer roads, some of them are questionable, although are to become mandatory in the New Year along with others.
One of the changed that is causing most concern is that of pillion passengers on mopeds. From January, moped riders who qualify for the AM licence for mopeds are permitted to carry passengers, so long as the vehicle is adapted thereof. This new rule is regardless of the age of the rider. Prior to this change, in Spain children under 18 were not permitted to carry passengers.
The BTP category will be removed from licences and is absorbed within other categories, so there is no longer a special requirement for drivers of emergency vehicles, taxis or school bus, other than the standard requirements.
So called “Mega-Trucks” up to 60 tonnes in weight and 25.25 metres in length are now permitted on the roads of Spain. This authorises trucks with more than six axles to travel through the road network, although special authority must be obtained so that the impact on road safety can be assessed. The idea is reducing transportation costs and, subsequently, passing savings onto consumers.

Sufferers of sleep apnea will no longer be automatically banned from driving, so long as the medical condition is certifiably under control by a medical professional.
In the event of death from a road traffic incident, the costs associated with medical examinations and autopsies will be covered by the government, which is hoped to provide better investigate resources in the event of a major incident.
There are many other laws which are set to change in Spain, many of which are detailed in the eBook, The New Rules of the Road, available from the website, n332.es/ebook.

Excerpt: Whilst renewing many of the older traffic laws in order to adapt to the modern world, Spain is also undergoing changes to legislation to meet the requirements of the European Union and help create a standardised road network across the Read More ...

### A Total of 2,328 Drivers Detected Having Consumed Alcohol or Drugs

In a week-long campaign focussing on detecting drivers who had consumed alcohol or drugs, 2,328 drivers tested positive in checks conducted mostly by the Guardia Civil with collaboration from the local police forces.

A total of 154,474 tests were performed during the week between the 14th and the 20th of December and of the 2,328 drivers who failed the test, 570 proved positive for drug use and 1,758 for excessive alcohol.
There were 152,795 breathalyser tests conducted, with 1,758 drivers proving positive. In the 1,679 drug tests performed, 34% of drivers subject to testing gave positive saliva tests. Cannabis and cocaine are still the drugs most consumed by drivers who tested positive.
The focus of the DGT to eradicate drivers who get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs with the intended aim of zero tolerance.
The maximum permitted rates of alcohol consumption when driving are lower in Spain than many other countries. In providing a sample of exhaled air, the maximum reading allowed is 0.25 mg/l for normal drivers, 0.15 mg/l for professional and novice drivers.
Depending on the reading given in the breathalyser test will determine if the offence is treated as an administrative infraction or as a crime.
Producing a 0.25 mg/l and 0.50 mg/l reading in the breathalyser test will result in the loss of 4 points and a 500 euro fine. Exceeding the limit with a result more than 0.50 mg/l in exhaled breath will result in the loss of 6 points and a 1,000 euro fine. For repeat offenders, the fine is automatically 1,000 euro, plus the loss of more points, depending on the severity of the reading given.
If the reading is 0.60 mg/l in the breathalyser, then the infraction is automatically treated as a criminal offence. This reading would result in imprisonment of between three to six months or a fine of six to twelve months or community service from 30 to 90 days, as well as the deprivation of the right to drive from one to four years.
Refusal to submit to testing will also result in criminal proceedings resulting in imprisonment for six months to a year and deprivation of the right to drive from one to four years.
In the event of having consumed drugs before driving, the penalty is imprisonment of three to six months or a fine of six to twelve months or community service from 30 to 90 days, and deprivation of the right to drive from one to four years.
Refusal to submit to testing will also result in imprisonment for six months to a year and deprivation of the right to drive from one to four years.
As usual in campaigns carried out by the DGT, the collaboration with local and regional police forces has been very important, since alcohol and drug controls were performed in both urban and interurban roads. Data from these sources during this latest campaign are still being processed and will be added to the final results in due course.
Although the campaign has ended, officers of the Guardia Civil continue to control the use of alcohol and drugs by drivers at any time of day and on any road in order to discourage this extremely dangerous activity.

Excerpt: In a week-long campaign focussing on detecting drivers who had consumed alcohol or drugs, 2,328 drivers tested positive in checks conducted mostly by the Guardia Civil with collaboration from the local police forces. A total of 154,474 tests were performed Read More ...

### Torrevieja Joins Home Rent Aid Scheme

Torrevieja town hall has announced the joining of a funding scheme which will allow grants to be used to help pay the rent of residents facing eviction in the town.
The Mayor, José Manuel Dolón, has reported that evictions for not paying rent are far higher in Torrevieja than those who have defaulted on their mortgage payment, but are equally vulnerable and at risk in the event of eviction.
The Regional Government of Valencia has allocated 2.2 million euro to the scheme across the entire region, and will assess cases on an individual basis through the local social services and welfare departments.
Torrevieja has been tagged as one of the poorest areas in the whole of Spain and so social funding is a necessary aid to help those unable to secure work in a town which has lost tens of thousands of foreign residents, and seen numerous businesses fall victim to the growth of centralised commercial outlets such as Habaneras and Zenia Boulevard.

Excerpt: Torrevieja town hall has announced the joining of a funding scheme which will allow grants to be used to help pay the rent of residents facing eviction in the town. The Mayor, José Manuel Dolón, has reported that evictions for Read More ...

### Handcuffed Man Escapes Custody in Torrevieja

A handcuffed man escaped police custody on Saturday after finding out at the courts that he was to be removed from the country for not having the necessary paperwork to remain in the country.
The man, of Moroccan nationality, was set to be transported to the immigration detention centre in Zapardores, Valencia, but as the officers opened the van doors there was a moment of confusion and the man fled the scene, still handcuffed.
As of Tuesday, the fugitive was still missing.

Excerpt: A handcuffed man escaped police custody on Saturday after finding out at the courts that he was to be removed from the country for not having the necessary paperwork to remain in the country. The man, of Moroccan nationality, was Read More ...

### Roadside Licence Withdrawal

As we all get older, our body changes with us. Sometimes at a rate that is noticeable, but all too often without us realising the impact that some of these seemingly gradual changes can have.
Reduced vision, limited mobility due to aching bones, tremors and muscle spasms, general confusion and the body naturally slowing down are all problems associated with aging, but they are problems that can have fatal consequences when mixed with roads and traffic, as can the methods many of us adopt to try to reduce these symptoms, prescription medication.
In the event of being involved in an incident on the roads, the Guardia Civil traffic department can withdraw your licence at the roadside if they feel that your health and status is a contributing factor, a matter which you may need to have medical proof to resolve.
In early October in the Ourense area of Spain, an octogenarian driver was stopped by the Guardia Civil for entering the motorway on the opposite carriageway and driving towards oncoming traffic. The driver was intercepted by the Guardia Civil and, rather than admitting or accepting that he had done anything wrong, proceeded to argue with the officers that he was in fact driving correctly. His licence was withdrawn immediately.

In the Ourense area, some 45 drivers have had their licences withdrawn this year on suspicion of being unfit to drive on medical grounds. Most of those drivers have accepted fate and given up driving altogether, others have taken to obtaining a certificate through a fitness course and test. Three of those drivers failed that test.
Frequent check-ups with the doctor and optician are a must, becoming more frequent the older we get. It is crucial that you mention to your doctor that you drive, so that they can monitor the effects and consequences of treatments and conditions.

Excerpt: As we all get older, our body changes with us. Sometimes at a rate that is noticeable, but all too often without us realising the impact that some of these seemingly gradual changes can have. Reduced vision, limited mobility due Read More ...

### Man Fined For Adapting Road Markings

A court in the Extremadura town of Zafra has fined a farm owner for modifying the white lines on the road in order to seemingly allow him permission to enter his property.

The man was fined 1,440 euro, the equivalent to 6 euro per day for 8 months, and 14 days community service.
Solid white lines indicate areas where vehicles are not permitted to cross the line. In the event of a centre line being solid, it is not possible to cross that line for any reason, including overtaking or accessing or egressing junctions. The only exception is if that line is broken, or broken on one side, which indicates that you are allowed to cross.
Seemingly knowing that the markings indicated that the farm owner was not allowed to cross the line to enter his property, the man took it upon himself to break the solid line, thus giving the impression that the manoeuvre was permitted.
Prosecutors considered this to create a “serious risk” to other road users, as the solid line concept is designed to afford increased protection from vehicles crossing the path of others. In this case, the area near to a bend and a dip in the road, which made the area increasingly dangerous due to a reduction in visibility and reaction time.
Although this type of activity is relatively rare on main roads, the instances always occur in areas of heightened risk, which is why the prosecutor considers the activity to be so serious. The matter is covered by the Penal Code and is so serious that it can lead to a custodial sentence of up to two years.
The occurrence of road marking changes are more common in local authority areas where access to individual homes require licencing through the Vado scheme, although some residents ignore this requirements and create their own access routes.
Road markings and signs are there to help all road users, and in areas where additional protection is considered important, it is crucial to be alert for potential hazards.

Excerpt: A court in the Extremadura town of Zafra has fined a farm owner for modifying the white lines on the road in order to seemingly allow him permission to enter his property. The man was fined 1,440 euro, the equivalent Read More ...

### Busy Roads for Christmas

The special operation monitoring Christmas traffic begins at 15:00 on Wednesday 22 December, and runs through until Wednesday the 6th of January.

During the period, the DGT estimate some 13.5 million journeys will be made on the roads of Spain as families get together to celebrate the festive season, schools and offices close their doors and there is an increase in visitors to shopping and leisure centres.
The operation is separated into three distinct phases, divided as Christmas, New Year and Three Kings. The 1st phase runs between Thursday the 24th and Sunday the 27th of December. Phase 2 is from Thursday the 31st of December until Sunday the 3rd of January. Phase 3, the final operation, runs from Tuesday the 5th until Wednesday the 6th of January.
There will be a number of problem times when driving is only recommended if it is necessary, as the roads will be particularly busy.
During the Christmas operation, the worst times are between 18:00 and 21:00, with an hour either side also being problematic. Mornings are also expected to be busier than normal.
For the New Year period, the worst times of day are between 10:00 and 13:00, and again an hour either side. Late night over New Year itself is also a particularly dangerous time.
During the final stage for Three Kings, the worst times are between 19:00 and 21:00, and an hour either side.
There will be a temporary ban on most road works and restrictions in place for certain heavy goods vehicles in order to ease congestion. Additional lanes will be provided in some areas, especially near larger cities.
There will be an intensified campaign to identify problem drivers, especially those who consume alcohol or drugs.
In order to ensure safety on the roads, there will be around 10,000 Guardia Civil traffic officers on duty, supported by 800 monitors and 13,000 operational staff.
The traffic flow will be monitored through 1,603 cameras, 2,388 data collection stations and by use of 2,214 variable message signs.
The 12 helicopters operated by the DGT will also be in the air carrying out surveillance missions from bases in Madrid, Valencia, Malaga, Seville, Zaragoza, Valladolid and A Coruña. Of those, 8 of them are equipped with the Pegasus radar detection equipment.
Always allow extra time for your journey, take plenty or rest breaks, take your time, observe the rules and laws and try to avoid the busiest times where possible. Avoid consumption of alcohol or drugs and respect your fellow road users and you should be able to enjoy the festive season safely.

Excerpt: The special operation monitoring Christmas traffic begins at 15:00 on Wednesday 22 December, and runs through until Wednesday the 6th of January. During the period, the DGT estimate some 13.5 million journeys will be made on the roads of Spain Read More ...

### ‘Discussion’ Leads to Airport Crash

Two vehicles were involved in a serious collision near to Málaga airport on Tuesday afternoon in what is being described as a road range incident.

The incident occurred at 16:25 when the local police received an emergency call alerting them to the incident. A number of patrols attended the scene and, having found neither driver to be injured, set about investigating the circumstances.
The officers ascertained that the two drivers were employees of car hire companies operating at the airport and had been involved in a “discussion” about a manoeuvre prior to the incident. The drivers also reported their “intention” was to report the altercation to the National Police before the two vehicles had crashed.
The investigation continues, meanwhile, here are some tips and advice for avoiding road rage.

Excerpt: Two vehicles were involved in a serious collision near to Málaga airport on Tuesday afternoon in what is being described as a road range incident. The incident occurred at 16:25 when the local police received an emergency call alerting them Read More ...

### Guardia Civil Officers Injured by Insecure Load

Two Guardia Civil officers involved in a routine patrol were injured when their vehicle was in collision with logs which had fallen from a truck transporting them.

This particular incident occurred in Alconada in Soria in January of 2014, but is serves as a timely reminder that it is important to make sure that any load being carried in or on a vehicle is secure at all times. During the Christmas period there are often more trips made on the roads, sometimes carrying presents and gifts, sometimes with extra loads as families go to stay away from their homes.
Objects inside a vehicle become projectiles in the event of a collision or sudden braking and can cause damage to both the people inside the vehicle and the vehicle itself, such as smashing windows.
Loads carried outside the vehicle must be secure and fixed firmly. In this case they became loose. There are also restrictions to loads overhanging vehicles, aimed at safeguarding those outside and surrounding your car.
The result of this incident could have been considerably worse than it was for those involved.
The officers were lucky to walk away with only minor injuries whereas the truck driver was charged with driving with an insecure load and speeding.
This story contains links to some of our archived articles about carrying loads in vehicles. Please click the links to learn more.

Excerpt: Two Guardia Civil officers involved in a routine patrol were injured when their vehicle was in collision with logs which had fallen from a truck transporting them. This particular incident occurred in Alconada in Soria in January of 2014, but Read More ...

### New Windscreen Scam Warning

A warning has been issued regarding a new scam warning that is being spread through social networks around the globe.
The instigator of the scam places a cash note on the windscreen of the car, affixed by the windscreen wipers.

The idea is that once inside the vehicle, the driver will see the note and, thinking that their luck has just come in, exit the car in order to retrieve their booty.
At this point, with the engine still running, the scammer would rush into the vehicle and drive off, leaving the victim holding a note, which is actually a fake.
Although there are currently no reported cases of this happening in Spain, it is only a matter of time before somebody attempts it, and succeeds.
The advice is always to check around the vehicle before you enter it, not only looking for things placed on your windscreen or back window, but also checking for obvious damage and that your tyres are inflated.
By the way, it is highly unlikely that anybody would leave money for you in this way, so if you do see such an occurrence, don´t build your hopes up and stay alert.

Excerpt: A warning has been issued regarding a new scam warning that is being spread through social networks around the globe. The instigator of the scam places a cash note on the windscreen of the car, affixed by the windscreen wipers. Read More ...

### Merry Christmas from N332

Firstly, we would like to wish you all the compliments of the festive season, a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
We thought we would share a little bit of information with you as an overview of what has been happening this year for us, and some of our plans for next year.
The holiday season is always a worrying time on the roads, as more journeys are made, to the shops and to visit relatives for example, the days are shorter and the dark nights longer, the weather is cooler and can pose additional problems on the roads, and, unfortunately, there is often an increase in the number of drivers who have consumed alcohol or drugs.
All this week, both the Guardia Civil and Local Police have been out in force carrying out intensified checks for drivers who have got behind the wheel having consumed alcohol or drugs, with a target of 25,000 tests each day. Those checks will continue right through the holiday season. Although the permitted alcohol limit in Spain is lower than that of the UK, the best advice, as always, is if you are going to drive, don´t consume any alcohol or drugs.
We would like to thank you for your support of the N332 Road Safety project so far. Both the Facebook page and the website have grown considerably in a short space of time, proving to everybody involved that there is a need for the information we share, and your appreciation of it.
We have had an interesting year as well. We have spoken to a number of groups about road safety, such as the Royal British Legion in Spain, the Association of Retired Police Officers and the ADAPT association. We also gave two presentations to international residents in the Orihuela Costa town hall, one to an English speaking group, the other to German speakers. Only this week, to the pupils of El Limonar International School. In January we already have a talk scheduled with the CLARO group on the Orihuela Costa, and will also be giving talks to the clients of IBEX insurance, as well as others that we are scheduling now.
We also met with the new Vice Consul for the Alicante area in the British Consulate, to see how we can work together in sharing their information as well as being present in some of their talks, another positive move to spread the word of safety to others.
We published our first eBook, The New Rules of the Road, which details some of the changes to traffic laws in Spain, which we have been able to do thanks to the support of our sponsors, Al Andalus Car Hire, Mercury FM, Autos Direct, IBEX Insurance and PSI Consultants.

When the eBook was launched at the start of December, we decided that all of the proceeds, with the exception of VAT/IVA and a small credit card processing fee, would go to help those in need this Christmas, namely at the Elche Children´s Home.
This week, the proceeds donated so far were spent on creating a unique event for the children, where the officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department played a football tournament against the children.
All of the children (who beat the Guardia Civil by the way) were given a football shirt, trophy, footballs and then a celebratory party afterwards with all the food laid on as part of the day´s event.

Your generosity made that possible and made every one of those children raise a smile and enjoy a special day that will stick in their mind for a long time.
By the way, the eBook is still available and we will continue to donate ALL of the proceeds received up until the night of the Three Kings to the children´s home. You can find out more about the book, and purchase it if you haven´t already, on the website, n332.es/ebook.
By Easter, we will have another eBook available, and we are talking to other charities to see how we can offer them some support from those proceeds.
Traffic law changes all the time, there are some changes which come into force in January, which we will tell you about shortly too. Therefore, we will continue into 2016 with the positive message of safer roads for all by sharing the information with you, and these email newsletters will be a regular occurrence, as well as the videos we are producing, complimenting the information we post. It is because of your appreciation and your support that we do this, because together we can make the roads safer for all.
We have a few opportunities for businesses to support our future projects too. If you have a business and would be interested in sponsoring us in exchange for advertising on our website, future eBooks or our monthly newsletter, please get in touch by emailing admin@n332.es or visiting n332.es/about-us/advertise/
Please keep checking the website for regular updates and, if you´re on Facebook, make sure you follow the DrivingSpain page, where you can interact with the Guardia Civil traffic officers who post their articles on a regular basis.
All that is left for this newsletter to once again wish you a very happy, peaceful and safe Christmas and New Year.

Excerpt: Firstly, we would like to wish you all the compliments of the festive season, a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. We thought we would share a little bit of information with you as an overview of what has Read More ...

### Thanks for Helping the Children

Since the start of December, many of you have purchased the eBook, The New Rules of the Road, which details some of the changes to traffic laws in Spain, some already implemented and some due in the near future.
When the eBook was launched, we decided that all of the proceeds from the eBook, with the exception of VAT/IVA and a small credit card processing fee, would go to help those in need this Christmas, namely at the Elche Children´s Home.
This week, the proceeds donated so far were spent on creating a unique event for the children, where the officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department played a football tournament against the children.

All of the children (who beat the Guardia Civil by the way) were given a football shirt, trophy, footballs and then a celebratory party afterwards with all the food laid on as part of the day´s event.

Your generosity made that possible and made every one of those children raise a smile and enjoy a special day that will stick in their mind for a long time.

As a final gesture, the officers have all signed a Guardia Civil Trafico shirt which they are now auctioning, with the winning bidder being asked to donate a voucher, such as for Decathlon for example, to the children´s home.

You have until a minute to midnight on Sunday night to make you bid for this extremely precious prize, not only because of what the item is, but also because of what will come from your generosity.

You can bid by leaving a comment on the Facebook link, by clicking here. Or by filling in your details below…
[contact-form-7]
By the way, the eBook is still available and we will continue to donate ALL of the proceeds received up until the night of the Three Kings to the children´s home. You can find out more about the book, and purchase it if you haven´t already, by clicking this link to the web page http://n332.es/ebook/.
Thank you for your support so far.

Excerpt: Since the start of December, many of you have purchased the eBook, The New Rules of the Road, which details some of the changes to traffic laws in Spain, some already implemented and some due in the near future. When Read More ...

### Minor Quake in Torrevieja

Torrevieja felt a 1.8 magnitude earthquake in the middle of Monday night, with its epicentre just to the north east of the town.

Some local residents reported feeling the tremor, including in the surrounding towns, but many more didn´t even notice a rumble as the quake shook at 01:41 in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

### Light and spacious 3 bedroom apartment in Playa San Juan

Stunning and spacious 3 bedroom flat for sale
Light and spacious 3 bedroom apartment in Playa San Juan, one of the best areas of Alicante. This fantastic apartment has 122,80 sqm, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, fully equipped kitchen and a large lounge-dining room.
It has a private gated complex, with communal swimming pool in lovely residential area.
Great location also, as it is surrounded with all kinds of services, shops, restaurants, school, leisure. and transport links, as it is situated just a few metres away from a tram stop.
In essence, it is perfect for living, investing or holidays!!
Features:

Large balcony overlooking swimming pool & communal gardens
Air conditioning/central heating
Lift & parking space
Utility room & separate storage room
Furniture fixtures & fittings all included
122,80 square metres
Marble floors
Short tennis court
Built-in wardrobes in all 3 bedrooms

Full description:
ROOMS:

3 good size bedrooms
1 ensuite bathroom to master bedroom
1 family bathroom
Good size kitchen, fully equipped (inc. dishwasher)
Utility room with washing machine.
Lounge/dining room, leading out onto a large balcony overlooking the swimming pool and gardens.

EXTRAS:

All furniture, lights, curtains and other fixtures and fittings included.
Separate private storage room in basement of building.
Fully covered and secure parking space

LOCATION:

One of the best and most sought after residential locations in Alicante.
Supermarkets, shops, restaurants and bars all within walking distance.
20 minute walk to San Juan Beach (5 minute drive) with its beautiful promenade and more bars and restaurants.
Walking distance from Golf course.

TRANSPORT LINKS:

25 minute drive to Alicante-Elche Airport
Tram – 15 minutes to centre of Alicante with its pretty harbour, beach, restaurants, bars, casino and night-life.
Buses and trains also nearby.

Priced at 208.500 euro (Negotiable)














[contact-form-7]

Excerpt: Stunning and spacious 3 bedroom flat for sale Light and spacious 3 bedroom apartment in Playa San Juan, one of the best areas of Alicante. This fantastic apartment has 122,80 sqm, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, fully equipped kitchen and a Read More ...

### Alcohol and Drugs Test Focus This Week

All this week, there will be a focus on one of the main contributors to road traffic incidents, alcohol and drugs.

The Guardia Civil Traffic police will be out in force with plans to conduct at least 25,000 alcohol and drugs tests each day until Sunday.
The main goal is to detect and deal with habitual offenders, who get behind the wheel on a regular basis whilst having consumed alcohol or drugs. The latest figures extracted from the most recent data available suggests that there may be around 12,000 drivers who met this continually dangerous criteria.
So far this year, more than 84,000 drivers have tested positive, risking not only their own but the lives of many innocent victims who all too often leave the scene of the carnage facing a life dealing with serious injuries and, on too numerous occasions, leaving the friends and families of loved ones having to deal with their death.
According to the annual report of the National Institute of Toxicology, the 39.09% of deceased drivers displayed the presence of alcohol or drugs in their blood. The figure rises to 40% when pedestrians are analysed.
Even the smallest amount of alcohol or drugs can affect driving ability and so, despite Spain having considerably lower maximum limits than countries such as the UK, the best advice is always zero consumption before getting behind the wheel.

Excerpt: All this week, there will be a focus on one of the main contributors to road traffic incidents, alcohol and drugs. The Guardia Civil Traffic police will be out in force with plans to conduct at least 25,000 alcohol and Read More ...

### Guardia Civil Officers Injured in Car Ramming

The Guardia Civil in Madrid activated a search protocol on Sunday to try to locate an individual who rammed a patrol car and then absconded after the two officers attempted to stop a vehicle.
The incident took place on Sunday afternoon in the Las Rozas area of the capital when the officers tried to stop a car for a routine check. Rather than stopping the vehicle accelerated and attempted to escape.
The vehicle then rammed the patrol car and fled the scene. The officers were naturally shaken by the incident but otherwise uninjured.
The Guardia Civil subsequently launched a region-wide search to find the assailant.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil in Madrid activated a search protocol on Sunday to try to locate an individual who rammed a patrol car and then absconded after the two officers attempted to stop a vehicle. The incident took place on Sunday Read More ...

### Orihuela Motorway to be Widened

The Spanish Ministry of Development has published details of formal plans to widen the A-7 motorway to three lanes between kilometres 741 and 757 through the Alicante province.

The route runs through the mountainous region near to Orihuela on the section that links Benferri, Monteagudo and Fortuna with Orihuela.
The 14 kilometre section has a budget of 84.2 million euro and is a road which is frequently used my heavy goods vehicles and tourist traffic due to the importance of the networks linked.
The widening scheme will extend the current path of the road where most of the infrastructure is already in place.

Excerpt: The Spanish Ministry of Development has published details of formal plans to widen the A-7 motorway to three lanes between kilometres 741 and 757 through the Alicante province. The route runs through the mountainous region near to Orihuela on the Read More ...

### Different Shapes of Road Signs

Road signs provide a wealth of information that not only keeps us safer on our journeys, but also provides useful information.
Pictograms are used to allow us to absorb the subject matter quicker than if we have to read the information in text form, and the shape of the sign also tells its own story.

There are three basic shapes for road signs. There are actually another two but we will talk about those separately. The three main shapes are circles, triangles and rectangles or squares.  Each one of those shapes tells us something different.
Circular signs are mandatory, they give us orders. It´s easy to remember if we think of the “O” for orders. There are two different types of circular sign.
Circular signs with a red border tell us what we must NOT do. For example, no overtaking, no left turn, don´t go over the maximum speed indicates. Red circles tell us what we must NOT do.

Blue circles are the opposite, they tell us what we MUST do. For example, ahead only, turn right, switch on your lights, go around the roundabout in an anti- clockwise direction. Blue circles tell us what we MUST do.

Triangular signs are warnings. They give us advanced information of a hazard ahead, such as a pedestrian crossing, traffic lights, road narrows ahead. Triangles are warnings.

Rectangular or square signs are advisory or informative. They tell us something useful, such as the recommended maximum speed, no through road, or tunnel for example. Some of the signs indicate areas where mandatory rules also apply, such as signs indicating the start of a motorway, or on a one-way street or a bus lane, so it is important to know which ones are which.

By knowing these basic shapes it allows us to determine and process the information and the importance of what we are being told.
The other two shapes, which don´t fall into any of the other categories because of their uniqueness are the octagonal “Stop”, sign, an almost universal symbol, which is important because it is telling us to stop and give way, and the inverted triangle which is also unique as that sign is also telling us to give way to traffic on the major road. Both of the signs are mandatory and are two of the most important signs on the road.
Remember, circles are orders, triangles are warnings and squares and rectangles are advisory information. They are the three main shapes of road signs.
By the way, this principle is the same as in the UK, and many other countries too.

Excerpt: Road signs provide a wealth of information that not only keeps us safer on our journeys, but also provides useful information. Pictograms are used to allow us to absorb the subject matter quicker than if we have to read the Read More ...

### What is Virtual Crash Testing?

Brian Cooley from Cnet on Cars takes a look at how CAD — computer-aided design — is changing how automotive crash testing will be performed in the future.

Excerpt: Brian Cooley from Cnet on Cars takes a look at how CAD — computer-aided design — is changing how automotive crash testing will be performed in the future.

### Almost 25,000 Drivers Reported in Latest Campaign

During the latest campaign focussing on three of the most common contributors to road traffic incidents, which ran at the end of November, 480,000 vehicles were checked during the seven-day surveillance campaign, resulting in 24,543 drivers being reported.

The biggest proportion of the complaints filed were for failure to comply with the maximum permitted speed. A total of 39% of vehicles were found to be exceeding the speed limit, 13% were exceeding the maximum limit by more than 20 kilometres per hour. In total, 15,301 drivers are now financially worse off, but hopefully more aware of the dangers of inappropriate speed.
There were still far too many vehicle occupants not wearing a seatbelt. During the single week, 1,041 people were reported for seatbelt related offences, whereas 61 drivers were brought to account for not securely restraining children in the appropriate seatbelt and security system. The message that wearing a seatbelt halves the risk of death is not getting through to some people.
Similarly, the importance of wearing a crash helmet correctly is being ignored by some. A total of 39 people were reported for not wearing a crash helmet whilst riding a motorcycle or scooter. Not wearing a helmet increases the risk of head injury, the severity of the injuries, the length of hospital admission and the likelihood of death from head injuries. It is worth remembering that 3 out of 4 motorcyclists die as a result of head injuries.
Using a mobile phone earpiece or headphones whilst driving is another common occurrence, in addition to drivers using their mobile phone or programming their GPS, all of which are not permitted when driving. During the campaign, 885 drivers were reported for distractions such as these. A seemingly simple process of answering a call, send a whatsapp or holding a conversation whilst driving diverts the driver and, in far too many cases, has had lethal consequences. Of those drivers reported, 646 were for using their mobile phone while driving.
Continuing with the goal of zero tolerance on alcohol and drugs on driving, during the campaign there was an increase in the number of alcohol and drugs checks for drivers. In the seven days, 1,116 drivers tested positive, 807 for alcohol and 309 for drugs.
Because of the dangers associated with conventional roads, overtaking, crossings or passing priorities are especially controlled. For a week, 268 drivers were caught carrying out a dangerous overtaking move and 234 for failing to stop or give way at a junction.
The maintenance and physical characteristics of the vehicle can also be a contributing factor to road incidents. Within the week, 1,457 drivers were reported for driving vehicles with significant technical deficiencies, 53 of them were immobilized for technical deficiencies that made it impossible to continue the journey.
Finally, not carrying the appropriate or up to date documentation resulted in 1,123 drivers being reported, in most cases for not having last ITV. Finally, 648 drivers were reported for not carrying or having incorrect or out of date correct personal documentation.

Excerpt: During the latest campaign focussing on three of the most common contributors to road traffic incidents, which ran at the end of November, 480,000 vehicles were checked during the seven-day surveillance campaign, resulting in 24,543 drivers being reported. The biggest Read More ...

### Mariano Rajoy to Visit Orihuela

The President of the Spanish government and electoral candidate, Mariano Rajoy, will visit Orihuela on Friday as part the build up to the elections on the 20th of December.
He´s not alone in the list of ruling PP ministers visiting the Valencia region, Health Minister Alfonso Alonso will visit on Wednesday and Deputy Secretary of the PP, Fernando Martínez Maíllo, will be in the region on Thursday.

Excerpt: The President of the Spanish government and electoral candidate, Mariano Rajoy, will visit Orihuela on Friday as part the build up to the elections on the 20th of December. He´s not alone in the list of ruling PP ministers visiting Read More ...

### New Vice Consul For Alicante Appointed

The British Embassy announced that Sara Munsterhjelm has been appointed as Vice Consul for the British Consulate
in Alicante.

Sara has worked at the Alicante Consulate for more than six years, assisting vulnerable British nationals, and previously worked in the Department of Health team, also based in Alicante. Her roles have given her an insight into many of the challenges and benefits experienced by those visiting or living in Spain.
Sara said: “I am really excited about the opportunity to take a lead in the support we offer British nationals in this area of Spain. My experience means I have a good understanding of the needs of residents and tourists, and I’m looking forward to working with the local Spanish authorities and the voluntary sector to ensure Brits can access the support and information they need.”
Sara has lived in Alicante for nine years with her family, having moved to Spain shortly after completing a degree in Spanish and German at the University of Manchester.
Sarah-Jane, Consul for Alicante and Madrid said: “I’m very pleased that Sara is taking over as Vice Consul in Alicante.
Her experience puts her in a great position to make sure we continue to offer a high quality service to all our customers.”
Alicante is one of the busiest British Consulates in the world, and handled almost 450 deaths, detentions and hospitalisations in 2014/15. The team also dealt with more than 1200 cases of lost and stolen passports.
The consular region covers Alicante, Valencia, Castellón, Murcia and Albacete. The region has 120,000 Britons registered on the padrón and receives more than two million British tourists each year.
Sara Munsterhjelm replaces Lloyd Milen, who has taken over as Consul-General for north-east Spain and the Balearic Islands, based in Barcelona.

Excerpt: The British Embassy announced that Sara Munsterhjelm has been appointed as Vice Consul for the British Consulate in Alicante. Sara has worked at the Alicante Consulate for more than six years, assisting vulnerable British nationals, and previously worked in the Department of Health Read More ...

### Have you got Your eBook Yet?

The new eBook, The New Rules of the Road, is now available from the n332 website.
With 76 pages, complete with pictures, the ebook takes you through some of the latest and proposed changes to the traffic laws in Spain.
Some of the laws are already in force, such as children no longer being allowed in the front seats of vehicles, other laws will come into force soon.
For more information, visit the page, n332.es/ebook.

Excerpt: The new eBook, The New Rules of the Road, is now available from the n332 website. With 76 pages, complete with pictures, the ebook takes you through some of the latest and proposed changes to the traffic laws in Spain. Read More ...

### Bikers Injured in N-332 Crash

Three people were seriously injured on Saturday in an incident involving four motorcycles and a car on the N-332 main road between El Campello and Villajoyosa.

The incident occurred at around 16:00 at kilometre 128.
Emergency medics attended the scene along with the Guardia Civil. One of the motorcyclists reportedly tested positive for alcohol at the scene.
Traffic was backed up for some time whilst the debris was cleared from the road.

Excerpt: Three people were seriously injured on Saturday in an incident involving four motorcycles and a car on the N-332 main road between El Campello and Villajoyosa. The incident occurred at around 16:00 at kilometre 128. Emergency medics attended the scene Read More ...

### Bikers Injured in Saturday Crash

Three people were seriously injured on Saturday in an incident involving four motorcycles on the N-332 main road between El Campello and Villajoyosa. The incident occurred at around 16:00.
A second crash occurred in the Alicante province on Saturday on the A-70 motorway near Elche. The crash in the Valencia direction resulted in four kilometres of queuing traffic.

Excerpt: Three people were seriously injured on Saturday in an incident involving four motorcycles on the N-332 main road between El Campello and Villajoyosa. The incident occurred at around 16:00. A second crash occurred in the Alicante province on Saturday on Read More ...

### Drunk Driver Smashes 15 Cars

A drunk driver who was six-times over the maximum permitted limit caused damage to fifteen vehicles, as well as his own, whilst driving through the maritime district in Castellón on Sunday night.

The driver of the BMW lost control of the vehicle at around 00:45 and smashed into the other cars which were parked on the street.
A witness alerted the local police who attended the scene and found the driver conscious, though displaying signs of having consumed alcohol. The officers requested a testing unit attend the scene and breathalysed the 23 year old Spanish national who found him to be positive for alcohol.
The driver had suffered numerous, though not life threatening injuries, and the subsequent inspection of the area revealed a variety of street furniture and features had also been damaged.

Excerpt: A drunk driver who was six-times over the maximum permitted limit caused damage to fifteen vehicles, as well as his own, whilst driving through the maritime district in Castellón on Sunday night. The driver of the BMW lost control of Read More ...

### Isabel Pantoja Explores Freedom

Spanish singer Isabel Pantoja, who once performed in Torrevieja, has left prison for a six-day release, the fourth time she has been granted temporary freedom since being sentence to two years in prison in 2014 for money laundering.
This temporary license was granted by the courts in Malaga on the agreement that Pantoja reports to the police station and carried an electronic tag whilst remaining overnight in her own home.
Pantoja has already paid the 1.14 million euro fine and has already enjoyed freedom in October of this year.

Excerpt: Spanish singer Isabel Pantoja, who once performed in Torrevieja, has left prison for a six-day release, the fourth time she has been granted temporary freedom since being sentence to two years in prison in 2014 for money laundering. This temporary Read More ...

### Serving the Community, Helping the Society

Serving the Community, Helping the Society ;)All this material has been donated by the  police officers from N332,…
Posted by N332 on Saturday, 5 December 2015

Excerpt: Serving the Community, Helping the Society ;)All this material has been donated by the police officers from N332,… Posted by N332 on Saturday, 5 December 2015

### Man Killed By A Falling Woman Trying To Commit Suicide From A Balcony In Alicante

An 80 year old man died today in Alicante after being hit by a falling woman, who it’s believed was trying to commit suicide.
At 11.15 am today on Calle Enrique Madrid in Alicante the woman, a 48 year old Spaniard, fell from the balcony of her home and landed on top of the victim, also of Spanish nationality and a resident of Alicante.
The victim, a man, who was sitting on a bench with his wife, died on the spot due to the impact, whilst  his wife had to be taken to hospital de Sant Joan in a state of shock.
According to the National Police, it seems that the woman was suicidal and she was also taken to the same hospital.

Excerpt: An 80 year old man died today in Alicante after being hit by a falling woman, who it’s believed was trying to commit suicide. At 11.15 am today on Calle Enrique Madrid in Alicante the woman, a 48 year old Read More ...

### Worker Injured in Fall

A man was injured on Wednesday morning in a workplace incident in Torrevieja.

The 112 Emergency Centre received a call at around 09:00 stating that the victim had fallen between 2 and 3 metres and required an ambulance.

A paramedic unit attended and took the victim to hospital.

### Traffic Fine Options

We would like to inform you about the options you have when you receive a traffic ticket. On every traffic offence…
Posted by N332 on Tuesday, 1 December 2015

Excerpt: We would like to inform you about the options you have when you receive a traffic ticket. On every traffic offence… Posted by N332 on Tuesday, 1 December 2015

### Torrevieja Fire Brigade Calendar In Aid of The Animal Shelter

The fire-fighters of Torrevieja have participated in a charity calendar with the municipal shelter dogs, whose main purpose to raise funds to cover the veterinary services needed by animals in the shelter

This was explained at a press conference given by Councillor for Animal Protection Carmen Morate,  accompanied by the president and the vice president of the Animalist Association of Torrevieja and Guardamar, Antonio Pastor and Irene Bonales, and the chief of the Fire Station  Antonio Pastor. The photos in the calendar were all take by local photographer  ​​Joaquín Carrión.

In the calendar fire-fighters have posed in fire station with dogs from the municipal shelter. This calendar is also intended to raise awareness to these animals that need  to be adopted. Councillor Carmen Morate gave an example of the dog that features on the cover of the calendar, Miller, who "has been six years in the kennel and I think it would be nice if we could find a family for him."

The calendars can be purchased at the price of  just five euro at Peluquería Canina “Marta”, Centro Veterinarinario  el Arca , Centro Veterinario  San Esteban, Restaurante Casa Mama and Torrevieja Town Hall.

### Two Injured in Alicante Tram Collision

Two people were injured on Monday evening in a collision between a tram and a car in Alicante.
The incident occurred on avenida de Miriam Blasco when the vehicle apparently crossed the path of the tram which was unable to stop before colliding with it on a controlled crossing.
The victims in the car suffered minor injuries as a result, including neck pain and concussion.

Excerpt: Two people were injured on Monday evening in a collision between a tram and a car in Alicante. The incident occurred on avenida de Miriam Blasco when the vehicle apparently crossed the path of the tram which was unable to Read More ...

### Protest for the Completion of Emergency Centre

It was September, 2010, when history was made and the future set, with the laying of the foundation stone for the new Emergency Coordination Centre for the Orihuela Costa, which would also better serve the surrounding areas including Torrevieja.



The pomp and ceremony of the day was marked by the burying of a ”time capsule”, with a variety of local newspapers, Spanish and English, a selection of coins, a CD and certificate detailing the project signed by the two main dignitaries of the day, the Mayoress of Orihuela, Monica Lorente, and the Interior Minister of the Valencian Community, Serafín Castellano.



However, the day didn´t quite go as smoothly as planned, as a group of protestors from the CLARO political group attended to raise awareness of the failed promises of the then government, and the lack of emergency and security coverage that the coastal zone received.



The new centre was to house the Local Police, Guardia Civil, National Police, Fire, ambulance and Civil Protection services in a building with superb access to all the main road networks in the area. The centre will also act as a communications hub, where emergency and none emergency calls will be routed to the relevant bodies for a smoother and faster response.

The six thousand square metre plot featured nearly five thousand metres of floor space in order to better serve the citizens of the area from a central point. At an overall cost of over three million euro, it represented a bold but much needed investment in improving the security and safety of everyone living, working in or visiting the area.



However, since the fine times of 2010, the world quickly changed and that centre, along with many other projects, still stands in its skeletal form, a beacon many believe of the neglect of one of the fastest growing areas along the Costa Blanca, and a token that highlights how one area which brings in a third of taxable revenue, falls short to the investments lavished on the city funded by the residents on the coast.

Whereas the area has continued to thrive, even through the austere times, the population has largely been maintained, unlike neighbouring town such as Torrevieja which has seen an almost mass exodus as tens of thousands of people have left, the Orihuela Costa is just as populated as it ever was.

Part of the success in maintaining the population figures has been attributed to the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre. The largest retail space in the area, in its second year of operation, 2013, the Boulevard had already topped 11 million visitors. In fact, the Zenia Boulevard is now so popular it has almost become a city in its own right. Perhaps not housing residents within the complex, the surroundings have boomed with property, and within the workings of the centre there is a constant operation, around the clock, bringing in goods, food, people, all set to spend their money, and then return to where they came from, all of which adds to the problems of both logistics on already paralysed roads, and the security that these visitors and workers perhaps don´t demand, but certainly require.

That need for security comes in many forms. The risk of fire is amplified, as is the need for law enforcement and crime prevention, and the need for medical assistance in the event of an emergency. With so many people often concentrated into one area, the risks are greater than normal, and whereas the staff at the centre may well be trained to deal with emergency and first response, where does the assistance come from in the event of anything happening that requires the emergency services to attend?

Had the emergency coordination centre been completed, they would all have been on the doorstep, ready to respond to emergencies, not only at the Zenia Boulevard, but also to serve the tens of thousands of regular residents. Now, the nearest fire crews are in Torrevieja. If they are already dealing with an emergency then assistance is summoned from Almoradí, or Elche, sometimes even as far away as Alicante.

Ambulances are equally fragmented. There is a paramedic unit based near Cabo Roig, but it is not a full-time service. In fact, cuts to the health service have been making the headlines throughout the same period. In June 2013, further cuts were announced to the ambulance service, with the axe falling on many locations from July of that year.

The report attempted to show the cuts in a positive light, detailing how there would be 45 SAMU paramedic vehicles covering the whole of the Valencia region. Most of them, 35 in total, would operate on a 24-hour schedule, whereas the other 10 will cover additional shifts of 12 hours each day. In addition to the 45 SAMU ambulances, the remaining fleet of 465 vehicles in total is made up of 100 basic life support ambulances and 312 TNA´s, which are used for transporting patients and offer no medical assistance.

The Valencia region has an estimated population of 5.1 million people, spread over 23,255 square kilometres of land. To put those figures into context, within Greater London in the UK, London Ambulance Service, which covers the emergency response needs of the 8.1 million people of their 1,572 square kilometre area, operates around 900 ambulances and, in addition, can deploy around 100 rapid-response units in various cars, motorcycles or bicycles.

Despite warnings that those cuts would cost lives, little was actually done to reverse the decision. Tragically, there were numerous reports of people waiting for ambulances that either failed to arrive or were too late. In July 2015, a three month old baby died at the Altabix health centre in Elche, with many people blaming the 20 minute wait for an emergency ambulance as a contributing factor in the death. The ambulance service disputed the claim and said that the ambulance attended in just 12 minutes.

In December of 2013, a doctor filed an official complaint against both the emergency medical coordination service and the Ministry of Health of the Junta de Andalucía, after a delay in an ambulance arriving at the scene of a road traffic incident, citing an “excessive and unacceptable” delay in emergency crews attending the scene. After multiple and repeated calls to the emergency services, the doctor was told that the nearest ambulance was already on a call and the closest was some distance away. The victim, a motorcyclist who had suffered multiple trauma, died at the scene, having waited over 30 minutes for an ambulance, despite that incident occurring just 200 metres from a medical centre.

Earlier that year, in July, in the wake of the Santiago de Compostela train crash, a number of questions were raised regarding cuts to the healthcare service and the impact that those cuts had on this major incident. The government said that the cuts played no part but the 300 volunteer off-duty nurses, 200 fire fighters and 500 citizens who responded to calls to help argued otherwise.

One of the biggest questions at the time was why the nearest hospital to the disaster was bypassed and could not be used to treat the injured. A number of unions are now questioning why the emergency coordination teams made the decision to transfer patients to a private facility, rather than the public one which was closest. The Hospital Medico Quirurxico de Conxo was closest to the crash site, had been renovated only a few years ago, and was fully equipped with the latest technology, in its five units and operating theatres, trauma units, surgical wards and more, but the hospital had been closed, due to cuts to the health service. Effectively mothballed, it was capable of opening and operating, with empty beds and staff waiting to offer their help.

In Orihuela, it could be argued that the fact that the emergency centre is left unfinished is not part of these cuts. In fact, the money was allocated when the project started in 2010, and that money remained available. However, with the company contracted to complete the construction falling into bankruptcy, there is no question that the project was a victim of the financial crisis, but that money which was allocated could still have been spent, and the project could still have been completed, if the regional and local governments actually followed on with their promised commitments and made it happen.

More recently, on the Orihuela Costa, the lack of emergency cover has once again been highlighted with the tragic death of Keith Wightman in early November. Whilst seemingly healthy, Keith was playing football and suddenly collapsed. Although nobody who witnessed the scene would question the professionalism of the emergency crew which attended, the fact that the ambulance was not based on the Orihuela Costa at the time would at the very least add to the doubt of whether Keith is another victim of that neglect, raising the question once again as to why the centre is not finished an operating.

Now, many of those protesters who campaigned at the site in 2010 are set to return once again, as the question is brought back into the public limelight on the 12th of December.

CLARO has once again organised a peaceful protest to highlight the need for the centre´s completion. Whereas CLARO may well be a political group, they believe that this campaign should have all party support. After all, there are no politics when it comes to an individual needing lifesaving assistance.

CLARO themselves say how the empty shell stands as a symbol of the neglect of the interests of Orihuela Costa by the local government of Orihuela and the regional government of Valencia. The need for these basic services is not academic, they say. The local press report several recent cases of delays of 40 minutes in the arrival of ambulances which have contributed to the deaths of local residents. We all need an efficient ambulance service. The fire brigade responsible for Orihuela Costa is located in Torrevieja and the fire crews are not familiar with the sprawling concrete jungle of Orihuela Costa. The local police do not have an office open 24 hours because the Playa Flamenca office of the Town Hall closes when the officials finish their day at 3 p.m. The local police are located in the basement of the Playa Flamenca office of the Town Hall and they could easily place a police reception desk at the entry of the Town Hall when the local officials go home for the day. We could have a 24 hour police station immediately. They could also fight with determination the need for the Valencia government to re-tender and complete the skeleton Emergency Services Centre. But they do not take us seriously.

The protest will take place on Saturday the 12th of December at 11:00. There will be a number of guest speakers on hand, some of whom have been personally affected by the lack of the centre. The group encourages everybody to come along and make a presence felt, because a united front will really show the need for these basic services, before a tragedy befalls on the area that raises the more serious question of whether death or serious injury could have been avoided.

 

### Protest for the Completion of Orihuela Costa Emergency Centre

It was September, 2010, when history was made and the future set, with the laying of the foundation stone for the new Emergency Coordination Centre for the Orihuela Costa.
The pomp and ceremony of the day was marked by the burying of a ”time capsule”, with a variety of local newspapers, Spanish and English, a selection of coins, a CD and certificate detailing the project signed by the two main dignitaries of the day, the Mayoress of Orihuela, Monica Lorente, and the Interior Minister of the Valencian Community, Serafín Castellano.
However, the day didn´t quite go as smoothly as planned, as a group of protestors from the CLARO political group attended to raise awareness of the failed promises of the then government, and the lack of emergency and security coverage that the coastal zone received.
The new centre was to house the Local Police, Guardia Civil, National Police, Fire, ambulance and Civil Protection services in a building with superb access to all the main road networks in the area. The centre will also act as a communications hub, where emergency and none emergency calls will be routed to the relevant bodies for a smoother and faster response.
The six thousand square metre plot featured nearly five thousand metres of floor space in order to better serve the citizens of the area from a central point. At an overall cost of over three million euro, it represented a bold but much needed investment in improving the security and safety of everyone living, working in or visiting the area.
However, since the fine times of 2010, the world quickly changed and that centre, along with many other projects, still stands in its skeletal form, a beacon many believe of the neglect of one of the fastest growing areas along the Costa Blanca, and a token that highlights how one area which brings in a third of taxable revenue, falls short to the investments lavished on the city funded by the residents on the coast.
Whereas the area has continued to thrive, even through the austere times, the population has largely been maintained, unlike neighbouring town such as Torrevieja which has seen an almost mass exodus as tens of thousands of people have left, the Orihuela Costa is just as populated as it ever was.
Part of the success in maintaining the population figures has been attributed to the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre. The largest retail space in the area, in its second year of operation, 2013, the Boulevard had already topped 11 million visitors. In fact, the Zenia Boulevard is now so popular it has almost become a city in its own right. Perhaps not housing residents within the complex, the surroundings have boomed with property, and within the workings of the centre there is a constant operation, around the clock, bringing in goods, food, people, all set to spend their money, and then return to where they came from, all of which adds to the problems of both logistics on already paralysed roads, and the security that these visitors and workers perhaps don´t demand, but certainly require.
That need for security comes in many forms. The risk of fire is amplified, as is the need for law enforcement and crime prevention, and the need for medical assistance in the event of an emergency. With so many people often concentrated into one area, the risks are greater than normal, and whereas the staff at the centre may well be trained to deal with emergency and first response, where does the assistance come from in the event of anything happening that requires the emergency services to attend?
Had the emergency coordination centre been completed, they would all have been on the doorstep, ready to respond to emergencies, not only at the Zenia Boulevard, but also to serve the tens of thousands of regular residents. Now, the nearest fire crews are in Torrevieja. If they are already dealing with an emergency then assistance is summoned from Almoradí, or Elche, sometimes even as far away as Alicante.
Ambulances are equally fragmented. There is a paramedic unit based near Cabo Roig, but it is not a full-time service. In fact, cuts to the health service have been making the headlines throughout the same period. In June 2013, further cuts were announced to the ambulance service, with the axe falling on many locations from July of that year.
The report attempted to show the cuts in a positive light, detailing how there would be 45 SAMU paramedic vehicles covering the whole of the Valencia region. Most of them, 35 in total, would operate on a 24-hour schedule, whereas the other 10 will cover additional shifts of 12 hours each day. In addition to the 45 SAMU ambulances, the remaining fleet of 465 vehicles in total is made up of 100 basic life support ambulances and 312 TNA´s, which are used for transporting patients and offer no medical assistance.
The Valencia region has an estimated population of 5.1 million people, spread over 23,255 square kilometres of land. To put those figures into context, within Greater London in the UK, London Ambulance Service, which covers the emergency response needs of the 8.1 million people of their 1,572 square kilometre area, operates around 900 ambulances and, in addition, can deploy around 100 rapid-response units in various cars, motorcycles or bicycles.
Despite warnings that those cuts would cost lives, little was actually done to reverse the decision. Tragically, there were numerous reports of people waiting for ambulances that either failed to arrive or were too late. In July 2015, a three month old baby died at the Altabix health centre in Elche, with many people blaming the 20 minute wait for an emergency ambulance as a contributing factor in the death. The ambulance service disputed the claim and said that the ambulance attended in just 12 minutes.
In December of 2013, a doctor filed an official complaint against both the emergency medical coordination service and the Ministry of Health of the Junta de Andalucía, after a delay in an ambulance arriving at the scene of a road traffic incident, citing an “excessive and unacceptable” delay in emergency crews attending the scene. After multiple and repeated calls to the emergency services, the doctor was told that the nearest ambulance was already on a call and the closest was some distance away. The victim, a motorcyclist who had suffered multiple trauma, died at the scene, having waited over 30 minutes for an ambulance, despite that incident occurring just 200 metres from a medical centre.
Earlier that year, in July, in the wake of the Santiago de Compostela train crash, a number of questions were raised regarding cuts to the healthcare service and the impact that those cuts had on this major incident. The government said that the cuts played no part but the 300 volunteer off-duty nurses, 200 fire fighters and 500 citizens who responded to calls to help argued otherwise.
One of the biggest questions at the time was why the nearest hospital to the disaster was bypassed and could not be used to treat the injured. A number of unions are now questioning why the emergency coordination teams made the decision to transfer patients to a private facility, rather than the public one which was closest. The Hospital Medico Quirurxico de Conxo was closest to the crash site, had been renovated only a few years ago, and was fully equipped with the latest technology, in its five units and operating theatres, trauma units, surgical wards and more, but the hospital had been closed, due to cuts to the health service. Effectively mothballed, it was capable of opening and operating, with empty beds and staff waiting to offer their help.
In Orihuela, it could be argued that the fact that the emergency centre is left unfinished is not part of these cuts. In fact, the money was allocated when the project started in 2010, and that money remained available. However, with the company contracted to complete the construction falling into bankruptcy, there is no question that the project was a victim of the financial crisis, but that money which was allocated could still have been spent, and the project could still have been completed, if the regional and local governments actually followed on with their promised commitments and made it happen.
More recently, on the Orihuela Costa, the lack of emergency cover has once again been highlighted with the tragic death of Keith Wightman in early November. Whilst seemingly healthy, Keith was playing football and suddenly collapsed. Although nobody who witnessed the scene would question the professionalism of the emergency crew which attended, the fact that the ambulance was not based on the Orihuela Costa at the time would at the very least add to the doubt of whether Keith is another victim of that neglect, raising the question once again as to why the centre is not finished an operating.
Now, many of those protesters who campaigned at the site in 2010 are set to return once again, as the question is brought back into the public limelight on the 12th of December.
CLARO has once again organised a peaceful protest to highlight the need for the centre´s completion. Whereas CLARO may well be a political group, they believe that this campaign should have all party support. After all, there are no politics when it comes to an individual needing lifesaving assistance.
CLARO themselves say how the empty shell stands as a symbol of the neglect of the interests of Orihuela Costa by the local government of Orihuela and the regional government of Valencia. The need for these basic services is not academic, they say. The local press report several recent cases of delays of 40 minutes in the arrival of ambulances which have contributed to the deaths of local residents. We all need an efficient ambulance service. The fire brigade responsible for Orihuela Costa is located in Torrevieja and the fire crews are not familiar with the sprawling concrete jungle of Orihuela Costa. The local police do not have an office open 24 hours because the Playa Flamenca office of the Town Hall closes when the officials finish their day at 3 p.m. The local police are located in the basement of the Playa Flamenca office of the Town Hall and they could easily place a police reception desk at the entry of the Town Hall when the local officials go home for the day. We could have a 24 hour police station immediately. They could also fight with determination the need for the Valencia government to re-tender and complete the skeleton Emergency Services Centre. But they do not take us seriously.
The protest will take place on Saturday the 12th of December at 11:00. There will be a number of guest speakers on hand, some of whom have been personally affected by the lack of the centre. The group encourages everybody to come along and make a presence felt, because a united front will really show the need for these basic services, before a tragedy befalls on the area that raises the more serious question of whether death or serious injury could have been avoided.

Excerpt: It was September, 2010, when history was made and the future set, with the laying of the foundation stone for the new Emergency Coordination Centre for the Orihuela Costa. The pomp and ceremony of the day was marked by the Read More ...

### The New Rules of the Road – For Elche Children´s Home

You can now purchase the eBook “The New Rules of the Road” in PDF form by following the link below.
All the proceeds from the sale of this eBook will be donated to the Elche Children´s Home.
To purchase your copy, click the button at the bottom, which will take you to PayPal via our on-line partner, PayHip. It is totally secure and if you have a PayPal account you can simply use that, or you can pay by Credit or Debit card by looking at the symbols on the PayPal page. 
You will also be asked for your name and address. This is not for postal purposes but it to determine the country where VAT / IVA is applicable. Sadly, downloadable items such as eBooks are liable to VAT / IVA.
Thank you for taking the trouble to read this and thank you for your support. We also thank Mercury FM, Autos Direct, PSI Consultants, Al Andalus Car Hire and IBEX Insurance for their assistance. Please see their adverts inside or around these pages…
Buy Now
…


Thank you,
N332 with the Elche Children´s Care Home

Excerpt: You can now purchase the eBook “The New Rules of the Road” in PDF form by following the link below. All the proceeds from the sale of this eBook will be donated to the Elche Children´s Home. To purchase your Read More ...

### Helping Children with The New Rules of the Road eBook

The rules of the road change constantly. It is an idea that we don´t always keep abreast of, sometimes allowing our knowledge to lapse and often being surprised when we encounter the reality of what those changes mean.
Currently, the trend is about creating safer, shared spaces on the roads, where all different types of vehicles can move in a harmonious manner, whilst still maintaining safety for all, especially those more vulnerable road users.
Slowing down and adjusting to the environment is crucial to this trend, as is staying safe both within and outside the vehicles.
In Spain, some of those changes have already come into force, for example restricting children to travelling in the back seats, others will come into force in the future.
In order to help with the transition we have created an eBook, “The New Rules of the Road”, which details those changes in full, and how the future of traffic management and flow is geared more towards those shared spaces.
In addition, knowing that not everybody has access to the internet, we have also included some of the most popular articles from the n332.es website, which we hope can serve as a resource to accompany the information which we update on a regular basis.

The overall aim of the publication is to help and assist. To provide the information that may make the roads safer for all. However, because we are approaching Christmas, a time of year many people face with dread, we have decided to donate all of the proceeds from the sale of the eBook to those who are in need, facing the daunting time of Christmas without their natural family environment, by donating the profits to the Elche Children´s Care Home.
We decided to pass on the financial benefits of the sales to this registered charity because we are heading towards Christmas, which can be a very hard and difficult time for these children. So, with your help, we can all do our bit to help give them a very special Christmas, whilst you too benefit from the knowledge and information in the eBook.
We will publish a link on the website in the next few days, explaining how to purchase your own personal copy of the eBook, and at the end of the campaign we will details exactly how much your generosity has contributed towards making this a very special Christmas for the children in the Elche Children´s Care Home.
Thank you,
N332 with the Elche Children´s Care Home

Excerpt: The rules of the road change constantly. It is an idea that we don´t always keep abreast of, sometimes allowing our knowledge to lapse and often being surprised when we encounter the reality of what those changes mean. Currently, the Read More ...

### Fire Fighters Rescue Cat from Burning Building

Fire fighters in the south west Galician town of Vigo saved the life of a cat which they rescued from a burning building.
The crews were called to attend a fire in the property by neighbours and came across the cat which had suffered smoke inhalation and was barely able to breathe.
The fire fighters gave the animal oxygen and revived it, suffering no other injuries.
The owner of the home was also treated for an anxiety attack.

Excerpt: Fire fighters in the south west Galician town of Vigo saved the life of a cat which they rescued from a burning building. The crews were called to attend a fire in the property by neighbours and came across the Read More ...

### Man Dies in Torrevieja Bridge Fall

A 55 year old man, of Belgian nationality, died on Sunday falling from a bridge over the N-332 main road.

The incident happened at around 13:00 when the man, accompanied by a woman, is believed to have lost his footing on a notorious bridge where no pedestrian walkway is available, near to the musical auditorium.

The Guardia Civil are investigating the circumstances.

### Postman Fails To Deliver

The National Police have arrested a 42 year old man, a former Correos employee in Alcoy, Alicante,  on suspicion of breaching his duties of care and confidentiality. The man, who had accumulated 3,200 undelivered items, including letters, court notices, prescription pads, voting cards, Dgt and work permits in a storage room in a property in Alcoy. It’s believed he’d  had been hording the items for 10 years.
The arrest happened earlier this month,  but the man was dismissed late last year after the  detection of irregularities in his deliveries.
The investigation began when agents learned that a person had accumulated large amounts  of correspondence in a storage room of a property in Alcoy. Officers identified the owner as a former  Correos employee and managed to recover the correspondence.
After studying the correspondence, the officers found that the  letters had been accumulated since 2004 and as recent as late 2014. The illegal activity took place in the towns of Ibi, Alcoi, Muro, Alicante, Concentaina and Ontinyent.
The research was conducted by agents of the Judicial Police Station of Alcoy.

Excerpt: The National Police have arrested a 42 year old man, a former Correos employee in Alcoy, Alicante,  on suspicion of breaching his duties of care and confidentiality. The man, who had accumulated 3,200 undelivered items, including letters, court notices, prescription Read More ...

### Torrevieja Freezes Water Rates

Torrevieja water supply company AGAMED, part owned by the town hall and Hidrqua, has announced that there will be no increase in the cost of their services in 2016.

The announcement was made following the financial statement for the budget of next year, where Chairperson Jose Manuel Dolón, who is also the mayor of the town, reported a continued investment in the infrastructure of 2.7 million euro and a budget of 215,000 euro to help those with low income.

All major projects to ease flooding with continue, as will the renewal of pipes and supply developments.

### The DGT Provides 10,000 Drug Test Kits to Local Police

The DGT has invested in the provision of 10,000 drug testing kits which it will give to local police forces around the country in order for them to better monitor local roads for drivers under the influence of drugs.

The kits will be shared with 100 municipalities across 15 provinces where 450 officers have also been trained in their use. The overall goal is to reduce the consumption of drugs and narcotics at the wheel and thus improve road safety on urban roads.
Under the agreement with local authorities, the police will be required to carry out at least 20,000 drugs tests in 2016.
The latest statistics for urban and local roads, collated from data in 2014, show that 61% of all injury incidents and 26% of all deaths on the roads occurred in the areas policed by the local authorities. In addition, 4,740 people were hospitalised.
These figures show that incidents with victims in urban areas still account for a significant percentage of road incidents in Spain, and so the DGT is widening its overall enforcement campaign to take in these roads and thus reduce the number of incidents.

Excerpt: The DGT has invested in the provision of 10,000 drug testing kits which it will give to local police forces around the country in order for them to better monitor local roads for drivers under the influence of drugs. The Read More ...

### Breakdowns on the Increase

According to the Real Automóvil Club de España (RACE), breakdowns and recoveries have increased by 8.4% in the last two months, with more than 104,000 vehicles assisted during September and October.

The RACE believe that the upward trend is indicative of a worrying lack of maintenance of vehicles, stressing the importance of properly maintained vehicles at all times, but especially during the winter months.
The increase in mechanical problems, poorly maintained vehicles and poor road conditions all spell a recipe for disaster on the roads, more so in older vehicles.
During September and October the RACE attended 23,640 flat batteries, an increase of 2%, 10,276 tyre related incidents, an increase of 13.2%, and 4,889 engine problems, an increase of 2.5%.
In order to reduce potential problems a regular check of the battery, tyres, liquid levels and windscreen and lights is recommended.

Excerpt: According to the Real Automóvil Club de España (RACE), breakdowns and recoveries have increased by 8.4% in the last two months, with more than 104,000 vehicles assisted during September and October. The RACE believe that the upward trend is indicative Read More ...

### Majority of UK Drivers Support Minimum Age Rise

Six out of ten motorists in the UK back raising the driving age from 17 to18 – to save lives on Britain’s roads, according to new survey.
And 76% of drivers support the introduction of 12-month probationary licences for all teenagers who have passed their test.
A further 62% of people believe young drivers should have to display a green P – probationary – plate as a warning to other road users.
Less popular were night-time curfews for teenagers.
Just 34% supported new measures preventing young drivers from driving between 10pm and 5am unless a passengers aged over 30 was in the car.
The results were revealed in a new survey of 1,000 motorists by the road safety company SmartWitness, which makes Britain’s most popular dash-cams.

It found that 67% of motorists support tougher rules for drivers aged 17-19.
One popular measure – supported by 63% of drivers – was making the ages of 17-18 a learner year.
Young people would be able to learn to drive under supervision but could not take their test till they were 18.
A year’s probation for all drivers aged between 17 and 19 was supported by 64% of those polled.
Seven out of ten motorists (72%) support an immediate road ban for any teenager caught speeding.
Department for Transport statistics show that nearly one in eight (11.9%) of all road casualties are hurt or killed in collisions involving a car driver aged 17 to 19 – despite the fact that this age group makes up only 1.5 per cent of licensed drivers.
And a fifth of deaths on British roads involve drivers aged 17-24.
Around 20% of SmartWitness sales to private drivers are cameras for parents who want to monitor their teenage children’s driving when they are not in the car.
SmartWitness chief executive Paul Singh said: “It is sad fact that young motorists drive around 5% of all the miles driven in Britain but are involved in about 20% of the crashes where someone is killed or seriously injured.
“It is clear there is overwhelming support for tougher laws governing young drivers.
“At SmartWitness we are committed to improving safety for young drivers and helping to give parents’ peace of mind when their teenage children are behind the wheel.
“They can check on the footage when their children have been out in the car on their own to make sure they are driving responsibly.”
Sales of SmartWitness cameras have shot by 30% in the last two years as more motorists use the technology to guard against cash-for-crash fraudsters and to improve their driving standards.
Most countries in Europe have a minimum driving age of 18 but the limit has been 17 in the UK since the driving test was introduced 80 years ago in 1935.
Statistics show that road accidents remain the biggest killer of young people in the UK, higher than both alcohol and drugs.

Excerpt: Six out of ten motorists in the UK back raising the driving age from 17 to18 – to save lives on Britain’s roads, according to new survey. And 76% of drivers support the introduction of 12-month probationary licences for all Read More ...

### Plane Crash Simulation in Extremadura

On Tuesday, the Base Aérea de Talavera la Real (Badajoz) will be the location of a mock plane crash, aimed at testing the emergency services in the event of a real incident.
The training exercise will see all elements of the emergency services working together as if a real crash has happened, in order to identify both strengths and weaknesses in their operation and communication protocols.
As a result of the incidents, there will be a number of road closures around the base in Extremadura, between 10:00 and 14:00.
This sort of drill is common practice for the emergency teams. During this last month alone there have been mock rescues at sea, a training exercise at one of the nuclear power plants and even a fire evacuation exercise at Alicante-Elche airport.

It is stressed that these activities are routine aimed at preparing operatives for the stark reality of potential emergencies. They do not form any hidden agenda of an increased threat, as the government of Spain are keen to point out, the current threat level in Spain is being maintained at the same level as it was before recent atrocities.

Excerpt: On Tuesday, the Base Aérea de Talavera la Real (Badajoz) will be the location of a mock plane crash, aimed at testing the emergency services in the event of a real incident. The training exercise will see all elements of Read More ...

### Six Times Over Limit Driver Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil detained a 57 year old Spanish man at the weekend who was driving whilst six times over the maximum permitted limit of alcohol.

The incident occurred during the early hours of Saturday morning at a checkpoint set up on the N-332 as it passes through l’Alfàs del Pi.
The officers stopped the vehicle on account of the driver acting suspiciously and carried out a breath test. The first test reveals a positive result of 1.49 mg / l, and 1.62 mg / l in the second test, six times higher than the permitted maximum.
The man was arrested for crimes against road safety and brought before the courts in Benidorm.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil detained a 57 year old Spanish man at the weekend who was driving whilst six times over the maximum permitted limit of alcohol. The incident occurred during the early hours of Saturday morning at a Read More ...

### Incident Black Spot Focus This Week

The DGT has published the latest list of black posts where particular attention is required when driving due to a history of incidents at the locations.

In total, 1,314 dangerous sections have been identified, including curves, crossings, blind-spots and straight stretches of road, covering a distance of some 150,000 kilometres.
The majority of these stretches are on conventional roads, with a single lane in each direction and no separation, where over 900 people lose their lives each year.
These locations will also be where intensified checks will be carried out all this week, up until Sunday, with the aim of reducing incidents on these roads and, subsequently, saving lives.
Inappropriate speed, the use of mobile phones and headsets and improper overtaking will be the initial factor being monitored in the locations, which will then also lead to checks for alcohol and drugs, driver and vehicle documentation and other breaches or risks to road safety.
Because of their high incident rates, conventional roads are one of the primary objective of the DGT. This summer alone, 1 in 3 road fatalities occurred on this type of road.
Last year, 957 people were killed on conventional roads, representing 74% of the 1,247 fatalities that occurred on interurban roads. In addition, 3,813 people were injured and required hospitalization following incidents on these roads.
Such roads account for over 90% of the total kilometres of the road network which are the most dangerous in terms of a higher incident rate, although traffic density is less than that on motorways.
The entire list can be viewed on the DGT website by clicking this link. An example of the information is here, where locations on the N-332 have been identified (list as of 23/11/2015 and subject to change).



N-332
Alicante
Radar Móvil
42.260 – 53.89
Ambos


N-332
Alicante
Radar Fijo
46.875
Creciente


N-332
Alicante
Radar Fijo
46.925
Decreciente


N-332
Alicante
Radar Móvil
54.390 – 95.8
Ambos


N-332
Alicante
Radar Fijo
70.950
Creciente


N-332
Alicante
Radar Fijo
86.050
Creciente


N-332
Alicante
Radar Móvil
116.690 – 134.0
Ambos


N-332
Alicante
Radar Móvil
134.000 – 143.44
Ambos


N-332
Alicante
Radar Fijo
140.998
Decreciente


N-332
Alicante
Radar Fijo
141.002
Creciente


N-332
Alicante
Radar Móvil
143.440 – 147.8
Ambos


N-332
Alicante
Radar Móvil
147.800 – 204.54
Ambos


N-332
Alicante
Radar Fijo
149.775
Decreciente


N-332
Alicante
Radar Fijo
151.675
Creciente


N-332
Alicante
Radar Fijo
171.565
Decreciente


N-332
Alicante
Radar Fijo
173.200
Creciente


N-332
Alicante
Radar Fijo
203.200
Creciente


N-332
Alicante
Radar Fijo
204.450
Decreciente

Excerpt: The DGT has published the latest list of black posts where particular attention is required when driving due to a history of incidents at the locations. In total, 1,314 dangerous sections have been identified, including curves, crossings, blind-spots and straight Read More ...

### Speeding Fines on the Increase

Speeding motorists are handing over 470,000 euro to the DGT every single day, a 30% increase on last year.

In the first three quarters of 2015, 127.4 million euro has been collected from drivers caught by fixed and mobile radars. In 2014, the total was 129.6 million, increasing from 124 million in 2013 and 120 million in 2012. In the current trend continues, the end of year figure will be almost 170 million euro for 2015.
The figures show a continual increase in the trend for speeders being fined, increasing from 355,075 euro per day last year to the 470,396 euro per day currently.
The DGT believe that the increase is not caused entirely by an increase in speed by individuals, but by an increase in the number of vehicles using the roads. Similarly, the DGT also say that despite the figures for speeding fines increasing, other sanctions show a downward trend.
Another possibility is that traffic studies influenced the decision to drastically modify the plan for speed control on the roads. In February, following a 40% increase in speed related deaths in January, it was announced that more focus would be given to secondary roads, which account for 80% of all related fatalities, a figure which compares directly with the 81% increase in speeding motorists caught on this type of road.
Speeding fines have something of a unique character in so much as many people who get caught speeding fail to acknowledge or accept their own failings and many of those believe that the fines are nothing more than a way for the government to increase taxation. In fact, a recent survey states that 90% of speeding driver believe that their fine is nothing more than a hidden tax. However, the DGT point out that the taxable element of fines has reduced, despite the increase in revenue, dropping from 392 million euro in 2011 to 458 million in 2014.
Former Director General of the DGT, Pere Navarro, says that “Traffic law remains the law most violated in our country with nearly 13 million penalty proceedings a year between all administrations, which indicates that fines are necessary”, whilst also pointing out the need to raise awareness amongst drivers of the need to reduce speed, because, “If we only do surveillance, control and punishment, there will be a rejection of the citizens”, because they will not understand the real reasons behind the sanctions and the fact that inappropriate speed is one of the main contributing factors to road traffic incidents and fatalities, and, therefore, the reality of the sanctions is that they are there to save lives.

Excerpt: Speeding motorists are handing over 470,000 euro to the DGT every single day, a 30% increase on last year. In the first three quarters of 2015, 127.4 million euro has been collected from drivers caught by fixed and mobile radars. Read More ...

### Cocaine smuggler jailed after fleeing ‘most wanted’ campaign in Spain

One of the UK’s most wanted fugitives, captured after being on the run for nearly two years in Spain, has been sentenced at the Old Bailey in London to 13 years 4 months in prison for his role in a major international drug smuggling operation.

Anthony Dennis, aged 48, from Ongar, Essex, plotted with criminals in the UK and overseas to import up to three tonnes of cocaine worth hundreds of millions of euros into Europe.
Dennis and his co-conspirator Anthony Wilson, aged 38, from Harlow, Essex, who was sentenced  to 12 years in prison, were identified following an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) in cooperation with the Dutch National Police.
Dennis went on the run in Spain after his Netherlands-based associates failed to remove 67.5 kilos of cocaine from a shipping container at Antwerp in Belgium, which was later discovered and seized by the German authorities.

He was then featured in the joint Spanish–UK Operation Captura campaign, which highlights the UK’s ‘most wanted’ fugitives. After his face appeared on a mobile digital billboard that was touring Spanish beach resorts this summer, he returned to the UK and was arrested in Hertfordshire.
Dennis and Wilson were sentenced at the Old Bailey on 18 November after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit a foreign drug trafficking offence.
The men had been regulars at a café in Rotterdam that hid a global operations centre for international drug traffickers. The café could only be entered via a buzzer system and provided a meeting place where criminals negotiated with cartel members and arranged the financing and transportation of huge quantities of drugs.
Dutch police officers covertly recorded meetings that proved Dennis and Wilson were sourcing cocaine from South America and arranging its transport in shipping containers carrying legitimate cargo. Their associates were then responsible for extracting the drugs using corrupt port officials.
Brendan Foreman, the NCA’s Regional Head of Investigations, said: “Dennis and Wilson joined forces with international criminals to bring up to three tonnes of cocaine into Europe, some of which was highly likely to have ended up on UK streets.
“They thought the café in Rotterdam was a safe place to conduct their operations but by working in partnership with the Dutch National Police, the NCA was able to identify them and put a stop to their plan.”
Coordinated strikes in the Netherlands and UK resulted in multiple arrests in October 2013 but Dennis, who was in Spain at the time, evaded arrest for nearly two years.
Anthony Hill of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Organised Crime Division, said: “These men worked with criminals overseas to plan a large and complex drug-smuggling operation, plotting to bring up to three tonnes of cocaine from South America. If successful, this would have flooded the streets of Europe with drugs worth hundreds of millions of euros.
“Their criminal activity was co-ordinated overseas, but so was the response from the criminal justice system. We worked closely with Dutch authorities and the National Crime Agency and the strength of our evidence left the defendants with no choice but to plead guilty.”

Excerpt: One of the UK’s most wanted fugitives, captured after being on the run for nearly two years in Spain, has been sentenced at the Old Bailey in London to 13 years 4 months in prison for his role in a major Read More ...

### Police Arrest Driver After Orihuela Pedestrian Collision

Local police in Orihuela arrested a 40 year old van driver after his vehicle ploughed into two women on a pedestrian crossing on Avenida Teodmiro on Friday.
The incident occurred at 09:30 when the women were crossing the road and the van failed to stop in time, hitting the two women.
An emergency ambulance attended and treated both of the victims, one for a head injury. They were taken to hospital whilst the police questioned the driver, only to find that he had no licence.

Excerpt: Local police in Orihuela arrested a 40 year old van driver after his vehicle ploughed into two women on a pedestrian crossing on Avenida Teodmiro on Friday. The incident occurred at 09:30 when the women were crossing the road and Read More ...

### Drink Drive Message Still Being Ignored

The stark realities of the impact of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is still failing to reach far too many drivers who are putting their own lives, and the lives of many innocent bystanders at risk.

So far this year, officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department have found 83,978 drivers who have tested positive for excessive alcohol or drugs. This shocking figure doesn´t include those detected by various local and regional police forces across the country.
Out of this figure, 6,171 are recent reoffenders, in other words, drivers who have already been caught and penalised in the previous year, who have now received a 1,000 euro fine and the deduction of 6 points from their licences.
In addition, 30,000 drivers have been reported in the last year having produced positive tests with more than double the maximum permitted amount of alcohol in their body.

During this year, 2,975 drugs tests were carried out following an incident on the roads, from which 611 drivers tested positive, 21% of the total. There were 2,678 drugs tests following a road traffic infraction, resulting in 1,542 drivers being found over the limit, a staggering 57.6%. A total of 59,653 drugs tests were at checkpoints, where 18,868 drivers failed, a total of 32%.
When we look at alcohol test figures, we find that 81,681 tests were carried out following an incident or collision, resulting in 3,615 positive tests, 4.42% of the total. There were 510,131 alcohol tests following an infraction with 3,893 drivers testing positive, 0.76% of the total, and at checkpoints there were 3,787,746 alcohol tests conducted, which 55,450 positive results, 1.46% of the total.
As a result of these findings, the DGT has announced an intensified campaign to increase the number of controls monitoring for alcohol and drugs with road users expected to undergo tests on any roads and at any time of day.
However, special emphasis will be placed on those groups and people who get behind the wheel and regularly consuming alcohol and or drugs. The latest study of prevalence of psychoactive substances produced by the DGT in 2013 concluded that driving after consuming psychoactive substances is frequent in Spain, reaching twelve hundred drivers.
The presentation of these statistics is not just aimed at raising the awareness of the increased controls, but rather the impact that alcohol and drug use by road users has on the lives of those who so easily become their victims. In 2014, 39.09% of the drivers who died in road traffic incidents produced positive blood results revealing alcohol or drugs, or both, in their system. Similarly, 40% of all pedestrians killed last year tested positive for alcohol or drugs, highlighting that the problem is not exclusive to drivers.
It is worth remembering that the maximum permitted alcohol limit in Spain is much lower than that in the UK and other countries, however the only recognised safe limit is zero alcohol or drugs when driving.
There is no escaping the fines and sanctions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In fact, the matter is so serious that it becomes a criminal offence if the maximum rate is excessively exceeded, resulting in a prison sentence. However, fines, sanctions and imprisonment are nothing compared with knowing that you have caused death or serious injury to somebody you never met before, or somebody you claim to love or care for, because the reality is precisely that, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs wrecks lives.

Excerpt: The stark realities of the impact of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is still failing to reach far too many drivers who are putting their own lives, and the lives of many innocent bystanders at risk. So Read More ...

### Winter Tyre Sales Expected to Increase

Over the next four months, winter tyre sales in Spain are expected to reach 500,000 units, an increase of 25% over last year.
According to tyre distributor Grupo Andrés, tyres specifically designed for winter roads are becoming increasingly popular in Spain, with more than 800,000 vehicles expected to be fitted with them for next year.
The tyres are specifically designed for areas where the temperature drops below 7 degrees, and reduce the risk of incidents during rain, snow and ice by up to 38%, according to European data.
CEO of the company, Eduardo Salazar, pointed out that a car travelling at 50 kilometres per hour fitted with traditional tyres require an additional 5 metres to stop on wet ground during winter. On icy roads, a car with traditional tyres require requires an additional 8 metres, the equivalent of two cars placed one after the other.
The company also pointed out that winter tyres are between 15% and 25% cheaper than conventional tyres, and are more cost effective during the season when driven at appropriate speed and with gentle manoeuvring such as acceleration and braking.

Excerpt: Over the next four months, winter tyre sales in Spain are expected to reach 500,000 units, an increase of 25% over last year. According to tyre distributor Grupo Andrés, tyres specifically designed for winter roads are becoming increasingly popular in Read More ...

### Time Running Out for Foreign Licence Renewals

Friday the 20th of November marks just 5 weeks until Christmas day. It may be a time that many people are looking forward to, but it also marks 6 weeks until January 1st, when some drivers holding foreign licences can once again be fined.

The rules had already come into force last year, but on account of the number of foreign drivers living in Spain, the DGT issued an amnesty in March of this year, allowing those drivers who would be liable to a fine until the 1st of January to sort out their documentation. That amnesty will expire on New Year´s day.
Full details about the instructions clarifying European driving licence renewals were published when the amnesty was first announced and are available to read on the website, but it is also important to remember that as the deadline approaches, so does the holiday period, and therefore the time to act is now, as there will be zero tolerance.
If your license has an indefinite date, or more than 15 years validity and you were legally resident in Spain before January 19, 2013, you should have already renewed your driving license. If you only became resident after that date, you had until 2 years from your date of residency to renew.
If your license has expired or is due to expire, you must renew it in your country of residence, in other words, if you are a resident in Spain, your current licence, once it expires, must be renewed in Spain.
The rules only apply to foreigners who are resident in Spain but please don´t think that simply denying you live here will mean you can get away with it. You will still be fined and it would be up to you to appeal through a long and complex process. That said, there are also a number of benefits to changing your licence to a Spanish one. The Spanish issued licence is linked to your NIE, and so officers at a roadside check can see all of your relevant information immediately, thus speeding up that process. You will also not be liable to on the spot cash fines as is the case for foreign licenced drivers, you will be given a ticket with a qualifying period in which to pay at a reduced rate.
Time really is running out. Please, make the change today.

Excerpt: Friday the 20th of November marks just 5 weeks until Christmas day. It may be a time that many people are looking forward to, but it also marks 6 weeks until January 1st, when some drivers holding foreign licences can Read More ...

### Transferring a Vehicle Following Death

In the event of a vehicle owner passing away, there is a standard procedure for having the vehicle ownership transferred to a living beneficiary.

Article 609 of the Civil Code dictates the modes of acquiring ownership of property succession, and the administrative procedure set out in Article 32.6 of the Reglamento de Vehículos details the process.
PROVISIONAL TRANSFER OF A VEHICLE
Immediately after a death, the vehicle can be transferred to a new named owner who may not be the long-term benefactor, but may seek ownership on a temporary basis.
In this event, the temporary custodian of the vehicle has 90 days in which they must notify the traffic department of this temporary custody and their legal address.
The person registering the vehicle must produce the following to the traffic department:

A formal request
The payment for transfer (the prices in 2015 are 52.80€ for most vehicles, 26.40€ for mopeds)
Identity documents
Death certificate of the original owner or marriage certificate stating the death
Document proving the possession of the vehicle
Driving license
ITV card or technical status document of the vehicle
An appointment at the traffic office

The new provisional holder is deemed as the subject of any obligations corresponding to the holder of the vehicle.
FINAL TRANSFER OF THE VEHICLE
The intended permanent vehicle owner must apply for the final transfer of the vehicle within a 90 day period.
The intended permanent owner must submit the same documentation as above, but with two additions:

Certificate of liquidation or exemption from inheritance tax.
Declaration of heirs, or will, accompanied by a certificate of wills, or document stating the award of the vehicle.

You must also request a printed official form that will facilitate the transfer of the vehicle by the traffic department on behalf of the state. If the applicant is a minor or incapacitated, the documentation must also include the additional data and signature of the legal guardian or representative.
You will also have to pay the fees for the transfer.
If the applicant is an individual and a Spanish national, the National Identity Document (DNI) can be used in place of the driving license.
If the applicant is a person of foreign nationality, there are other processes to consider. If a Green Card is in force, that must also be presented, or, failing that, the official Identity of the country of origin (for citizens of other Member States of the European Union, the other States party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area and the Swiss Confederation) or Passport or Certificate of Citizenship if you are a citizen of a third country with the Foreigner Identification Number (NIE).
You may also have to produce the original document attesting to your home in Spain if you are not registered with foreign identity documents (e.g. certificate of ownership, lease, or police census card or certificate).
If the new owner is a legal entity or company, rather than an individual, you will also be required to produce the following:

Original Tax identification card (CIF).
Original ID, passport, identity card and NIE
Original document attesting to power to act on behalf of the company (available from the www.dgt.es website).

The process seems a very complicated one, especially given the time frame in which it must be completed, but the process is also a standard administrative procedure and so your advisor or lawyer will be able to advise you further. Always obtain advice from registered, legal representatives in Spain if there is any doubt.
Our associates at PSI Consultants offer legal and fiscal advice for a range of different topics including wills, power of attorney, notarial services and more. Visit their website for more details, psiconsultants.es, or telephone 966 730 104.

Excerpt: In the event of a vehicle owner passing away, there is a standard procedure for having the vehicle ownership transferred to a living beneficiary. Article 609 of the Civil Code dictates the modes of acquiring ownership of property succession, and Read More ...

### Road Fatality Statistics Decrease Slightly

Statistics revealed this week show that 83 people have lost their lives on the roads of the Valencia region so far this year.

The data represents the first ten-months of the year, and shows a 12% decrease on the same period of 2014. Last year, 94 people were killed in the same period.
The information was released as part of the World Day of Remembrance for Victims of Traffic Accidents which was held at the weekend.
Government representative for the Comunitat Valenciana, Juan Carlos Moragues, said that the trend is a positive one, although still too high as the aim is for zero deaths and injuries from traffic related incidents.
“We are facing a global problem affecting all countries and we have to do all sorts of campaigns to improve road safety in Valencia, on the roads of Spain and around the world”, he said.
Moragues also took the opportunity to point out that road traffic incidents are the main cause of death amongst the 18 to 29 year old age group, a problem that has “global significance”, from which the entire family suffers.
Moragues will be meeting with various road safety groups in order to encourage greater cooperation in achieving the road to zero.

Excerpt: Statistics revealed this week show that 83 people have lost their lives on the roads of the Valencia region so far this year. The data represents the first ten-months of the year, and shows a 12% decrease on the same Read More ...

### Women Safer Drivers – When Assisted by Men

According to a study conducted by the Fundación Línea Directa, the safest combination for a driver and co-pilot is for a woman to be the driver and the man to be the navigator.
According to the study, this combination is six times less likely to result in a collision or incident than the most popular mix on Spanish roads, two men.

The study sought to ascertain the influence on a co-driver in preventing traffic based incidents from a “gender perspective”. It is in fact the first time such a study has been conducted in Spain aimed at measuring the real impact on road safety.
The experts analysed the profiles of the passenger, based on age and gender, concluding that the “imperfect passenger” is a young male between the age of 18 and 29, as they do not cooperate with the driver, talks excessively, constantly criticises the driver or constantly manipulates devices on the dashboard.
However, on the opposite end of the scale is the “perfect passenger”, a male between the ages of 60 and 69, who usually have a more collaborative attitude, cause fewer distractions, always compliment (even if it is a lie) and will signal notices to the driver.
For drivers carrying an “imperfect passenger” there is a likely increase in irresponsible driving behaviour, such as inappropriate speed and unnecessary braking, being involved in discussions with the passenger and other distractions.
Carrying a “perfect passenger” reduces the risk of infringement, improves other factors such as seatbelt use, a reduction in alcohol and drugs, using appropriate signals and a reluctance to use a phone whilst driving.
As drivers, women are less likely to be influenced by the irresponsible encouragements of their passengers, such as breaking the speed limit or reducing the safe distance between vehicles.
Overall, the study reveals that the influence on a co-pilot or passenger is “very positive”, because being accompanied on journeys significantly reduces the risk of incidents. In fact, having a companion in the car reduces the overall risk by 35%.
In fact, that was the aim of the study, to highlight the important role which passengers and co-drivers can play in road safety, and to encourage all co-drivers to get involved in active and responsible driving attitudes.

Excerpt: According to a study conducted by the Fundación Línea Directa, the safest combination for a driver and co-pilot is for a woman to be the driver and the man to be the navigator. According to the study, this combination is Read More ...

### Most Wanted Fugitive Arrested in Spain

Another of Britain´s most wanted fugitives has been arrested by the Guardia Civil in Spain.

Michael Roden, nicknamed “Dodge” went missing after fleeing the UK whilst on prison leave. The 26 year old criminal was caught living amongst around 2,000 ex-pats in Alomartes, Illora, in the Sierra de Parapanda area of Granada.

Heavily armed officers broke into his home to enact the arrest after operation Hoya 18 was launched earlier in the year, when investigators started to follow the trail of international marijuana trafficking in the Granada, Murcia and Alicante areas.
The officers also arrested six other people in the raid, three men and three women, of English, Chilean, Romanian, Georgian and Spanish nationalities, accused of belonging to a criminal gang involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, forgery and illegal possession of weapons.

This is the seventh arrest of British fugitives so far this year as part of the collaborative efforts between the two countries to bring those who attempt to evade the law back to justice.
The first arrest came just four days after the publication of the Operation Captura list of fugitives when the Police arrested Shane Walford, a former soldier of 38 years accused of killing a firefighter. In April, Jayson McDonald was arrested in Amsterdam and Paul Monk in Jávea (Alicante), wanted for drug trafficking. In August, it was the turn of Anthony Dennis, also accused of drug trafficking, and Paul Buchanan, suspected of attempted rape. The latest arrest took place on September 28th: ​​Carlo Dawson, suspected of sexually assaulting a 12 year old girl.

Excerpt: Another of Britain´s most wanted fugitives has been arrested by the Guardia Civil in Spain. Michael Roden, nicknamed “Dodge” went missing after fleeing the UK whilst on prison leave. The 26 year old criminal was caught living amongst around 2,000 ex-pats Read More ...

### Security Threat Level in Spain

The Interior Ministry has issued a statement clarifying the current alert status in Spain, dismissing rumours being spread through social network sites over an imminent attack on the country.

The statement points out that given the unfounded information, the Interior Ministry clarifies that:
The information being disseminated through some social networks and other communication channels such as WhatsApp relating to a possible attack in Spain lack any credibility and are only meant to elicit states of fear and alarm in the population, or other malicious purposes which are totally unrelated to safety.
The Ministry of Interior has not modified the Terrorism Alert Level (Nivel de Alerta Antiterrorista – NAA) which is still Level 4 – High Risk, as established on the 26 June following the terrorist attacks in France, Tunisia, Kuwait and Somalia.
Any amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Alert Level (NAA), arrest or committing a terrorist attack is always transmitted to the media and made ​​public through the usual official channels of the Ministry of Interior (www.interior.gob) and state security forces (National Police and Guardia Civil).

Excerpt: The Interior Ministry has issued a statement clarifying the current alert status in Spain, dismissing rumours being spread through social network sites over an imminent attack on the country. The statement points out that given the unfounded information, the Interior Read More ...

### Every Twenty Five Seconds a Person Dies

The average person reads at two hundred words per minute. Around the world, a person dies on the roads every twenty five seconds. If we divide two hundred by sixty and then multiply our answer by twenty five, we reach a total of eighty three words in twenty five seconds. This paragraph has eighty three words in total. That stark reality means that in the time it has taken you to read this paragraph, another life has been lost somewhere on the roads.

Sunday the 15th of November was recognised as the World Day of Remembrance for Victims of Road Traffic Accidents, prompting the latest statistics to be revealed by the UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon.
Despite the evolution of road safety technology, the roads still claim the lives of 1.25 million people every year. Road traffic incidents are the leading cause of death for the 15 to 29 year old age group and 49% of the victims are vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists.
The UN has therefore called on the governments of member states to go further, strengthening enforcement of the main contributing factors which result in fatalities, inappropriate speed, alcohol and drugs and the use of seatbelts and crash helmets.
In its report on the global road safety situation in 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that the number of deaths from traffic incidents has stabilized since 2007, despite the increase in the number of motor vehicles between 2010 and 2013 growing by 16%, and the world population increasing by 4%.
Amongst all member countries, 17 of them have introduced legislative improvements in the last 3 years that deal with at least one of the five most common risk factors. This legislation across the countries has seen added protection to 409 million people, 5.7% of the world´s population.
Spain is named amongst countries which have seen success in the campaigns to reduce deaths on the roads, through changed legislation and enforcement, as well as education. The WHO report places Spain as the thirteenth country in the world and the fifth in the EU with the lowest mortality rate from traffic incidents, with 3.7 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants.
However, associations representing victims of road traffic incidents still see the need for even harsher penalties when dealing with road traffic offences. Despite the high number of fatal and serious injury causing incidents, the majority still find at least one person accountable for the outcome. Education is still a major contributor to raising awareness of road safety, but enforcement is the only way of ensuring compliance when vehicle design leaves those inside feeling less vulnerable and often almost invincible, when the more vulnerable are offered less protection in the event of a collision caused often by drivers breaking the law and not being held to account.

Excerpt: The average person reads at two hundred words per minute. Around the world, a person dies on the roads every twenty five seconds. If we divide two hundred by sixty and then multiply our answer by twenty five, we reach Read More ...

### WANTED!

WANTED!This person has collaborated with the terrorists in the attacks in Paris. He could have gone to a near country,…
Posted by N332 on Sunday, 15 November 2015

Excerpt: WANTED!This person has collaborated with the terrorists in the attacks in Paris. He could have gone to a near country,… Posted by N332 on Sunday, 15 November 2015

### N332 Campaign: “Nothing to hide, Nothing to fear”

N332 Campaign: "Nothing to hide, Nothing to fear"When we publish information about where the Police Check Points are…
Posted by N332 on Saturday, 14 November 2015

Excerpt: N332 Campaign: "Nothing to hide, Nothing to fear"When we publish information about where the Police Check Points are… Posted by N332 on Saturday, 14 November 2015

### Brit Freed after Year on Remand

A British man facing 11 years in prison has been acquitted by the Provincial after spending a year behind bars on remind on a charge of rape on the Orihuela Costa.

The incident occurred in November, 2012, when the man met with a woman in a bar on the Orihuela Costa. The couple then left to go to a private property to engage in a sexual act. According to the ruling, this sexual activity was consensual.

The judge said that the victim's statement was full of contradictions, having expressed different things each time. The court also noted that even the forensic experts told a different story of what happened.

The statements varied from the victim sleeping at the time of the alleged assault and the fact that the sex was consensual but led to violation when anal intercourse was attempted.

The defendant was facing 11 year in prison but contradictions from the alleged victim and the absence of evidential injuries have led to the case being dismissed.

### New Start for CLARO Orihuela

C.L.A.R.O’s 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 13 November was well attended and positive, adopting innovative plans for the future and electing a new President.

Paul Piccio Hernandez, new President of C.L.A.R.O., being congratulated by Bob Houliston and other members of Executive Committee

The first debate in the meeting was on the results of the municipal elections in May.   Although not as good as hoped for, the AGM stressed that for the third time C.L.A.R.O. had won the majority of votes cast in Orihuela Costa, nearly 50% again, and missed securing representation in the new Town Council by the narrow margin of some 30 votes.      It was acknowledged that the main reason for not doing as well as hoped for was low voter participation by non-Spanish residents.   It remains a challenge for the party to motivate residents on the coast to realise that  in return for contributing the greater part of Orihuela Town Council’s income, they receive wholly inadequate and insufficient services.

Confusion and changes in the polling stations on the coast, in particular use of the little known, isolated and badly sign posted Reading Point, affected hundreds of voters and was another important reason for falling short of the votes necessary for  continued representation.

Finally, among the adverse factors affecting the result for C.L.A.R.O.,  the AGM stressed that the official name and the description on the voting forms of C.L.A.R.O. “Party for Orihuela Costa” was used by C.L.A.R.O’s opponents to smear the party as separatist and uninterested in other parts of the municipality with a consequent loss of potential voters.

The AGM overwhelmingly affirmed that C.L.A.R.O. WAS HERE TO STAY and must continue to promote and defend the interests of Orihuela Costa.   It also agreed to change the statutes and official name of the party dropping “Party for Orihela Costa” to encourage wider support for the party outside of Orihuela Costa.

An important debate took place on the need for C.L.A.R.O. to be more proactive and better project knowledge of its aims and activities on the coast.   To achieve this objective, in addition to continuing our mainstream, essential political activities, it was agreed to launch a series of initiatives.   The weekly Friday meetings, open to all, which take place in the Asturias Restaurant and which characterise the transparent nature of the party, would, in future, also be used to enable guest speakers, hopefully once a month, to address issues of interest and concern to those living on the coast,    A programme of speakers would include representatives of local charities, campaign organisations like the Pink Ladies, a representative of the Residential Care Home in Villamartin, newspaper editors, environmental organisations and real estate agents.   The first speaker, on a date to be announced, would be a representative of the Guardia Civil Traffic Corps.    These Friday Forums will be in English and where possible also Spanish.

Also at least once a month, the Friday meetings would take place in different parts of the coast and would be informal and social in character, not political.    They would be Tapas and Chat events.

Finally, to underline C.L.A.R.O’s strong commitment to social welfare on the coast, which the local government neglects so conspicuously, it was agreed to hold an important, annual fund-raising event for the charities and social groups who do so much for those living on the coast.

This debate was also marked by resentment and indignation at the fact that Orihuela Costa with a population greater than that of Orihuela city, which increases to some 250,000 during the summer months and to which must be added the thousands of visitors daily to La Zenia Boulevard, still lacks a 24 hour local Police Station and locally based ambulance and fire service.    The skeleton building of a future Emergency Services Centre, near La Zenia roundabout, paralysed for years because of political inaction, is a testament to the neglect and lack of concern of the local government and competent authorities for the health and safety of Orihuela Costa residents and visitors.   There was outrage that at least 3 recent deaths on the coast have been associated with delays in the arrival of an ambulance.   The AGM demanded action on this major priority.

The Annual General Meeting decided important changes in the composition of the party   Executive Committee.    Paul Piccio was elected President of the party.     After holding this office for 9 years, Bob Houliston stood down but will remain a member of the Executive Committee where, with his knowledge and experience, he will continue to contribute to the party.   Paul Piccio is a well known businessman in Orihuela Costa.   He has an international background and is bilingual in English and Spanish.   Another party veteran and leading figure in local charities, Norah Bond stood down to make way for Paulina Wysokinska.    Paulina is very involved in Orihuela Costa’s social activities including the La Zenia church and Parents Association.  She is fluent in several languages including English and Spanish.

The list of members of the Executive Committee decided by the Annual General Meeting is as follows:

President   Paul Piccio

Secretary General  David Lorenzo

Antonio Cerdan

Karl Failoni

Jan Holden

Bob Houliston

Paulina Wysokinska

### Daytime Running Lights on Motorbikes

The installation of Daytime Running Lights has become the norm for more modern vehicles, where additional illumination would allow other road users to have a heightened awareness of approaching vehicles.

However, this development has not been without its own problems, sometimes caused by the lack of knowledge by the driver, but also on occasion caused by the slowness in having laws adapted to satisfy the technology.
Firstly, we must be aware that Daytime Running Lights (DRL) are not a replacement for headlights. In fact, they are completely different. Many versions of Daytime Running Lights also switch off intermittently when the turning indicators are used so as not to distract from the purpose of those lights. Again, to stress their purpose of DRL, they are to make the vehicle more visible to other road users. Unlike headlights, they are not designed to illuminate the path for the driver. That is what headlights are for.
There have been numerous instances of drivers being seen and stopped whilst their vehicle only has Daytime Running Lights illuminated when headlights are required, such as at night or whilst driving through tunnels. In these circumstances, headlights must be switched on.
More recently, motorcycles have also seen Daytime Running Lights fitted to the front. However, for bikers there was another problem, in that the law dictates that headlights must be illuminated on motorbikes during the day. The legislation did not allow for any variation on this, and so there have been numerous riders fined for riding whilst only having their Daytime Running Lights illuminated and not their headlights.
However, as of a change in the law in October of this year, Daytime Running Lights have been incorporated into the legislation and are now legally accepted as being adequate illumination for motorbikes during the normal daylight hours and suitable conditions.
Instruction number 15/S-140 /V-112 clarifies that under European Legislation, category “L” vehicles (mopeds of two or three wheels, motorcycles with or without sidecar, tricycles, light quadricycles and quadricycles) are incorporated into the laws regarding the use of Daytime Running Lights.
The legislation makes a clear distinction between Daytime Running Lights and low-beam headlights.
Low-beam lights are used to illuminate the road ahead of the vehicle without causing undue dazzle or discomfort to drivers coming in the opposite direction, or to other road users.
Daytime Running Lights face forward and are used to make the vehicle more visible in daylight.
The directive also clarifies the required colour of the Daytime Running Lights, stating that the only permitted colours are white or amber.
Motorcycles must be visible to other road users on the grounds of road safety, but as Daytime Running Lights have been developed for this purpose, manufactured specifically to meet this objective, they are acceptable under normal daytime conditions of visibility.

Excerpt: The installation of Daytime Running Lights has become the norm for more modern vehicles, where additional illumination would allow other road users to have a heightened awareness of approaching vehicles. However, this development has not been without its own problems, Read More ...

### Mileage Clocking Gang Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil in Guadalajara have dismantled a gang of criminals who would manipulate the recorded mileage of vehicles in order to increase their apparent value before selling them.

The gang would obtain vehicles through leasing companies created for the sole purpose of the deception and after purchasing the vehicles they would then manipulate the mileage and documentation to increase the market value, then sell them through internet portals where the vehicle history was less likely to be checked.
The final transaction was usually completed in car parks and shopping centres, and so the victims had no record of the real location or address of the sellers.

The gang was based in the Guadalajara and Madrid areas, but sold the vehicles across the country, conning innocent buyers into buying overpriced and potentially dangerous vehicles.
In total, the investigators have identified more than 200 victims of the scam, although they believe that more victims will be revealed as the complex investigation continues. So far, victims of these scams have been located in the provinces of Guadalajara, Toledo, Ávila, Madrid, Cáceres, Castellón, Tarragona, Tenerife, Palma de Mallorca, Bizkaia, Málaga, Jaén and Almería.

In total, six people have been arrested so far, five men and a woman, all aged between 33 and 42, all suspected of the crimes of fraud, forgery and conspiracy.
One arrestee has already entered prison having been wanted in connection with other offences. An additional eight people are also under investigation.
During the raids, the officers recovered documentation, numerous car keys, mobile phones, cash, computer equipment and business stamps for six companies.
If you are purchasing a second-hand car you can check the vehicle´s history yourself via the DGT´s website. There are a number of articles about buying and selling a used car in Spain on this website, just look at the driving in Spain FAQ list or search above, and you should always complete a sales record form and take copies of documents from the seller. It is also wise to use a reputable dealer, such as our supporters at Autos Direct, where the history of the transaction is recorded and maintained.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil in Guadalajara have dismantled a gang of criminals who would manipulate the recorded mileage of vehicles in order to increase their apparent value before selling them. The gang would obtain vehicles through leasing companies created Read More ...

### New Electronic ITV Certificates Enter Into Use

From this week, new vehicles registered in Spain will have a new, electronic version of the technical characteristics document, rather than the traditional paper or card version.

The new tarjeta electrónica de características técnicas (eITV) will automatically be issued with the vehicle for all newly registered cars, vans and trucks from Wednesday 11th November, 2015.
All previously registered vehicle will continue to use the paper and card documentation.
The DGT has already implemented a system whereas manufacturers, importers and vehicle sales companies can submit the registration information by electronic means, which can be accessed and checked by officials.
Once checked and validated, the DGT will store the information in an electronic register, the Registro de Vehículos Prematriculados, which in turn issues the vehicle identification number, the Número de Identificación del Vehículo (NIVE), which then becomes the unique identifier for that vehicle.
The DGT will then assign the registration number of the vehicle and issue the Tarjeta de Inspección Técnica, or technical inspection card, in electronic form only, which can be accessed on-line.
The vast majority of vehicle manufacturers are already integrated into the project and in October, nearly 50% of registered vehicles are already equipped with electronic tokens.
As of May 11, 2016, this type of electronic card will also be issued for mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quads.
Remember though, this is only for newly registered vehicles, those already on the roads and registered are not affected by this change. If your vehicle has the paper version, you must carry this document with you in the vehicle.

Excerpt: From this week, new vehicles registered in Spain will have a new, electronic version of the technical characteristics document, rather than the traditional paper or card version. The new tarjeta electrónica de características técnicas (eITV) will automatically be issued with Read More ...

### Seven of the Eight Weekend Fatalities were Bikers

A total of eight people have lost their lives on the main road network of Spain this weekend, six of whom were motorcyclists and one was riding a scooter, according to the preliminary data released by the DGT.
The weekend coincided with the motorcycle Grand Prix in Cheste, near Valencia, and therefore a special operation monitoring the roads was in place.
Throughout the weekend there were seven fatal incidents with Saturday being the worst day when four bikers were killed in Asturias, Cádiz, Pontevedra and León. However, the most serious crash occurred on Sunday in the Cádiz town of Arcos de Frontera where a mother and her young son were killed and another five injured.

On Sunday, a motorcyclist was killed in Alicante, whereas on Friday a moped rider was killed when in collision with a truck.

Excerpt: A total of eight people have lost their lives on the main road network of Spain this weekend, six of whom were motorcyclists and one was riding a scooter, according to the preliminary data released by the DGT. The weekend Read More ...

### Remembrance Day 2015

Representative of both the N332 Facebook page and website attended the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion Remembrance Day Parade.
 

Excerpt: Representative of both the N332 Facebook page and website attended the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion Remembrance Day Parade.
 

### Man Hunt Launched

The Guardia Civil is asking for assistance in locating a Ukrainian man wanted in connection with a murder in Torrevieja.

ANDRIY LYTVYN is described as 178 centimetres tall with short blonde hair and light blue eyes.
He is wanted for questioning in connection with a homicide in Torrevieja in May, 2011. His current whereabouts are not known.
If you see anybody matching his description, please call the Guardia Civil immediately on 062 or alert the police.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil is asking for assistance in locating a Ukrainian man wanted in connection with a murder in Torrevieja. ANDRIY LYTVYN is described as 178 centimetres tall with short blonde hair and light blue eyes. He is wanted for Read More ...

### Student Speeder Caught at 205 kmph

Officers from the Guardia Civil have charged a 25 year old male with crimes against road safety after his vehicle was recorded travelling at 205 kilometres per hour on a road where the maximum permitted limit is 100.

The man is a resident of Porto do Son in the north-western Spanish province of A Coruña, where he was studying.
A patrol car recorded the speeder but was unable to catch up with the vehicle for safety reasons and so radioed ahead for other officers to assist.
The white Volkswagen Sirocco was located at the school in Compostela where the man was a student of automotive studies.
An officer and a sergeant attended the school and identified the driver who mitigated his actions on account of him having to attend an exam.
The man will now receive a hefty fine and a ban from driving which will not help his chosen career in the automotive industry.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have charged a 25 year old male with crimes against road safety after his vehicle was recorded travelling at 205 kilometres per hour on a road where the maximum permitted limit is 100. The man Read More ...

### Identifying Ambulances

A number of people have asked what the different letters on the side of ambulances mean. Whereas there are some groups of letters which form the company´s name, there are those which indicate the role and purpose of the ambulance.

These codes may differ slightly in some areas and not all ambulances display them, but it is perhaps useful to know the difference between those ambulances we can identify.
The SAMU, or Servicio de Atención Médica de Urgencia, is an emergency ambulance, consisting of a full team of emergency personal, including a physician, nurse and support team member.
The second type of vehicle is the SVB, or Soporte Vital Básico, which is similar to the SAMU, although not usually carrying a doctor.
The third type of vehicle, perhaps most commonly seen, is the TNA, or Transporte No Asistido, which offers emergency response and ability to transport patients, but does not normally carry staff capable of rendering any medical assistance beyond basic first aid.
The difference between the three main types, SAMU, SVB and TNA, lies in the team of professionals who are on board. The SAMU are the only emergency vehicles that have a full team, consisting of physicians, nurses and orderly, therefore capable of dealing with more serious situations, and could be considered the equivalent of a paramedic unit in the U.K.
In total there are 45 SAMU vehicles that specialize in emergency services in Castellón, Valencia and Alicante. Most of those, 35 in total, operate on a 24-hour schedule, whereas the other 10 cover additional shifts of 12 hours each day. In addition to the 45 SAMU ambulances, the remaining fleet of 465 vehicles in total is made up of 100 SVB´s and 312 TNA´s, with an additional 6 support vehicles and two specifically adapted for transporting transplant organs.
Irrespective of the letters displayed, all these ambulances become priority vehicles when responding to an emergency and it should be remembered that if they are seen with lights flashing or sirens sounding then it could be quite literally a question of life or death and so we must all give way to allow them to pass safely.

Excerpt: A number of people have asked what the different letters on the side of ambulances mean. Whereas there are some groups of letters which form the company´s name, there are those which indicate the role and purpose of the ambulance. Read More ...

### Weekend Motorbike Event in Cheste

This weekend is likely to see large concentrations of motorbikes on the roads, as the Gran Premio de Motociclismo de la Comunidad Valenciana is held at the Circuito Ricardo Tormo de Cheste.
The DGT has therefore launched a special campaign on the roads to improve safety during the event which runs from Friday the 6th of November through to Sunday the 8th. During this period, it is expected that around 205,000 spectators will attend the event, with 10,000 motorbikes and 17,000 cars expected on Sunday alone.
The busiest areas are likely to be the A-3 Madrid-Valencia, the AP-7 and N-340 from Tarragona to Valencia and the A-7 and AP-7 from Valencia to Alcira.
The special operation will see Guardia Civil officers out in force in the area monitoring such activities as risky and dangerous behaviour, speeding and alcohol and drug use.
A team of 150 officers will focus on the key areas, accompanied by three helicopters, one of which will be equipped with the Pegasus radar equipment.
The roads are likely to be very busy near to the circuit and so the advice is to avoid the area is possible if you are not attending, or to use public transport, such as the train, in order to reduce congestion.
Cheste is a municipality in the comarca of Hoya de Buñol in the Valencian Community, located 26 km from Valencia.

Excerpt: This weekend is likely to see large concentrations of motorbikes on the roads, as the Gran Premio de Motociclismo de la Comunidad Valenciana is held at the Circuito Ricardo Tormo de Cheste. The DGT has therefore launched a special campaign Read More ...

### Road Safety is No Joke

Revellers in the Seville town of Tomares have found themselves considerably out of pocket, when the consequences of what they considered to be an innocent prank saw them brought before the courts.
The local police had closed off a road for a local fiesta. Cones had been placed at the access to one of these roads. At around 05:20 in the morning, the youths were returning from a night out and decided to remove a couple of these cones, not realising that their actions were being watched by the police.
The youths not only hit a number of vehicles with the cones, they were also observed using them as “trumpets”.
Considering their actions in removing the cones a risk to public safety, the police reported them contrary to Article 142 of the Reglamento General de Circulación, considering their actions of removing or damaging temporary signalling a serious infringement.
The four youths now face a 3,000 euro fine, although they have the right to appeal and can see the fine halved for prompt payment.

Excerpt: Revellers in the Seville town of Tomares have found themselves considerably out of pocket, when the consequences of what they considered to be an innocent prank saw them brought before the courts. The local police had closed off a road Read More ...

### Local Police In Increased Road Safety Drive

Local Police in the Asturian town of Gijón in the north of Spain have a new weapon at their disposal to tackle motoring offences, a laser-guided detector that does far more than monitor speed.

The TruCAM unit has a built in camera and monitors the vehicle´s movements, recording speed but in addition it is capable to monitoring if the vehicle occupants are wearing seatbelts and if the driver is talking on a mobile phone.

Not only that, the infrared laser allows the unit to operate at night, without having to use a flash or other illumination, thus rendering its use impossible to spot.

The unit price starts at 18,000 euro, although optional extras such as the night-vision capabilities will increase the cost to 24,000 euro and up to 74,000 euro for it to be installed in a vehicle. The road safety implications far outweigh the costs however, given the number of drivers who are likely to be caught by the officers using the kit.
Unlike the Guardia Civil patrols who display signs indicating their presence when monitoring speed by the roadside, there is no requirement for the local police to do the same, although the police have said that they “will not hide” when using it, as the main objective is to increase safety and not only issue fines. The police have issued a list of locations where they will rotate the use of the device in order to show their transparency.
It is believed that this is the first time this sort of equipment has been used in Spain, although the success will be tested but both the infractions identified and the reduction in road related incidents.
You can read more about the device via their website here.
TruCAM Specifications



Weight:
3.3 lbs (1.50 kg)


Size:
8.27 x 3.86 x 12.47 in (21.0 x 9.8 x 31.7 cm)


Construction:
Composite polycarbonate outer shell; Aluminum internal chassis


Maximum Range:
4,000 ft (1,200 m)






Minimum Range:



Speed Mode:
50 ft (15 m)


Weather Mode:
200 ft (60 m)


Continuous Mode:
50 ft (15 m)






Range Accuracy:
± 6 in (±15 cm) absolute accuracy







Display Resolution:



Speed:
+ 1 mph (+ 2 km/h)


Range:
± 0.1 unit of measure






Speed Range:
± 200 mph (± 320 km/h)


Speed Accuracy:
± 1 mph (± 2 km/h)


Measurement Type:
Automode and single-shot






Power:



Battery Pack:
Lithium-ion polymer rechargeable battery pack
(up to 15 hours of cordless operation)


Battery Charger:
Automatic laser jammer avoidance


   Main Charger:
110 v ac to 240 v ac


   Automobile Charger:
11 v dc to 16 v dc






Communication:
RS232, serial communications port RS485, nighttime flash signal,
USB 2.0, image data transfer, touch-panel input


Measurement Time:
0.33 second


Environment:
NEMA 4/IP55 water- and dust-Resistant


Temperature Range:
14° F to 140° F (-10° C to +60° C)


Eye Safety:
FDA Class 1 (CFR 21) IEC 60825-1


Laser Wavelength:
905 nanometers nominal


Beam Divergence:
2.5 milliradians nominal






Hardware:



Capture Data Storage:
Removable SD card (supports up to 2 GB and larger; SD and SDHC formats)


Display:
2.7 in (6.9 cm), 240 x 320 pixel, color, 18 bits per pixel (bpp)


Camera Lens:
3.1 megapixel (2048 x 1536) 75 mm


GPS Receiver:
20 channels






Firmware:



Operating System:
Linux based


Anti-Jam:
Automatic laser jammer avoidance


Video Size:
Standard format: 240 x 180 pixels,
Extended format: 480 x 360 pixels


Video Modes:
LP (long play), EP (extended play)


Still Image Sizes:
Selectable (1920 x 1440 pixels or 1440 x 1080 pixels)


Data Encryption:
AES-128, U.S. Federal Information Processing Standards,
Advanced Encryption, Standard 128 bit



 
NOTE: All specifications are subject to change without notice. (Rev. 9.12) 

Excerpt: Local Police in the Asturian town of Gijón in the north of Spain have a new weapon at their disposal to tackle motoring offences, a laser-guided detector that does far more than monitor speed. The TruCAM unit has a built in Read More ...

### Never Leave Valuables on Show

Opportunistic thieves are everywhere and they will target any vehicle where valuables are on show.
That was the stark reality discovered by an ambulance crew in Palma de Mallorca this week, when they returned to their vehicle to find the window smashed and their belongings stolen in broad daylight.

The ambulance was parked in the street whilst the crew were enjoying their lunch, but they had left a number of items on show, including both a laptop and a tablet computer.
The local police attended and have called on their colleagues in the National Police to assist in trying to obtain forensic evidence, but with the absence of witnesses or CCTV, and with fingerprints unlikely, it is doubtful that it will result in any arrests. The only hope might be if the stolen items are sold on and the police manage to trace them back to the thieves.
The thieves did not target any medical equipment or drugs, only the personal items left on show, although their actions rendered the ambulance unusable whilst evidence was gathered and repairs were carried out, leaving a shortage in medical cover for the duration for an already stretched emergency service.
The incident does serve as a reminder to all of us never to leave valuables on show, as thieves operate everywhere where opportunity exists, irrespective of morals or trust.

Excerpt: Opportunistic thieves are everywhere and they will target any vehicle where valuables are on show. That was the stark reality discovered by an ambulance crew in Palma de Mallorca this week, when they returned to their vehicle to find the Read More ...

### Lucky Escape for Banana Truck Occupants

An articulated lorry crashed on the A-7 motorway between Elche and Aspe on Wednesday, resulting in the cab hanging precariously over a 15 metre drop.

The incident occurred at around 07:30 in the morning as the truck loaded with bananas collided with the guardrail and landed wedged in a gap between the carriageways.
A fire broke out but was quickly brought under control as the two occupants of the vehicle were treated for minor cuts and bruises.
The crash resulted in delays through the area for most of the day whilst experts assessed the scent in order to work out how to recover the truck.

Excerpt: An articulated lorry crashed on the A-7 motorway between Elche and Aspe on Wednesday, resulting in the cab hanging precariously over a 15 metre drop. The incident occurred at around 07:30 in the morning as the truck loaded with bananas Read More ...

### Roadside Robbers Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested six people believed to have been involved in a gang who would target vehicles on highways and motorways, who would damage vehicles in order to pretend to offer assistance whilst then robbing their unsuspecting victims.

The investigators believe that this gang alone are responsible for 450 thefts and robberies committed mainly on the AP-7 motorway, as well as other routes across Valencia, Catalonia, Aragon, the Basque Country, Castille y Leon and Madrid.
The detainees, who are of Serbian, Romanian, Kosovar and Spanish nationality, are charged with the crimes of robbery, theft, forgery, dangerous driving, money laundering and being members of a criminal organization.

During the search of five properties in the province of Tarragona, in the towns of Montroig del Camp and Hospitalet de L’Innfat, the officers seized cash, perfumes, mobile phones, tablets, computers, handbags, watches, knives, glasses, clothing and numerous documents relevant to the investigation, as well as five vehicles.
The investigation revolved around the knowledge of several thefts and robberies committed in the service areas of the AP-7 in the province of Castellon. The gang would puncture a tyre on a target vehicles, which would then continue on its journey, followed by the gang members. As the innocent driver of the target vehicle pulled over to examine the vehicle, the gang would stop with the target vehicle and offer assistance, whilst distracting the driver and other vehicle occupants to allow a second gang member to snatch bags and goods from their target vehicle, before making off in such a short time that the victim was confused by the situation for long enough to enable their escape.
In addition to the Guardia Civil, the operation also involved officers from the Judicial and USECIC Police. The detainees have been made available to the courts in Vinaròs, Castellón.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested six people believed to have been involved in a gang who would target vehicles on highways and motorways, who would damage vehicles in order to pretend to offer assistance whilst then robbing their unsuspecting Read More ...

### Tenerife Based Traffic Officer Killed By Drunk Driver

A traffic officer from the Guardia Civil has been killed, hit by a drunk driver.

The incident took place at around 17:00 on Tuesday at kilometre 23 of the TF-5 road in the Santa Cruz direction in the La Matanza area of the island of Tenerife.
The officer, who was identified as 38 year old Félix García Rosa, who lived with his partner on the island and whose family live on the peninsula, was travelling on his private motorcycle at the time and was not on duty.

Despite being off duty, he saw a vehicle in trouble having broken down on the carriageway and stopped to assist.
The officer was about to dismount when a van collided with his motorbike, dragging the bike and the officer for several metres.

Two doctors who were passing the incident stopped to assist and rendered treatment to the officer who had suffered multiple trauma and cardiopulmonary arrest.
Further medical assistance had been dispatched by the emergency coordination centre, but the officer had gone into cardiac arrest and nothing more could be done to save his life.
The driver of the van tested positive for having consumed alcohol and gave a reading of 0.41 milligrams of alcohol per litre of exhaled air. The maximum permitted alcohol limit in Spain is 0.25 milligrams for normal car drivers and 0.15 mg for professionals.

Excerpt: A traffic officer from the Guardia Civil has been killed, hit by a drunk driver. The incident took place at around 17:00 on Tuesday at kilometre 23 of the TF-5 road in the Santa Cruz direction in the La Matanza Read More ...

### Always There to Help

Whatever the weather, come rain or shine, the man and women of the emergency services are always there to help.
During the storms of this week, they have all been pushed to the limit, and yet they are still there, ready to help.
This picture shows one such patrol from the Guardia Civil who tried to push the vehicle in front out of danger, when it had become stranded trying to pass a flooded road.

Please, monitor the weather, and in the event of a warning, only drive if absolutely necessary. Take care and stay safe, for everybody´s sake.

Excerpt: Whatever the weather, come rain or shine, the man and women of the emergency services are always there to help. During the storms of this week, they have all been pushed to the limit, and yet they are still there, Read More ...

### Blue Lights for All Priority Vehicles

From February 2016, all priority vehicles on Spain´s roads will display flashing blue lights.

Currently, fire and ambulance vehicles, and tow trucks responding to an emergency, indicate that they are priority vehicles by use of flashing orange lights, with only the police and Guardia Civil using blue.
Spain was the only European country which had not adopted the standard but a change to the law which covers this provision has been published in the official gazette this week, along with many other changes to traffic laws, which will come into force early next year.
We will detail many of those changes over the next few months to allow you time to get used to them, so make sure you bookmark this site or subscribe to our newsletter.

Excerpt: From February 2016, all priority vehicles on Spain´s roads will display flashing blue lights. Currently, fire and ambulance vehicles, and tow trucks responding to an emergency, indicate that they are priority vehicles by use of flashing orange lights, with only Read More ...

### Visibility is Important

If you have a breakdown on road, be careful. Despite of using hazard lights, two warning triangles and blue flashing lights….a truck crashed into a Guardia Civil patrol car whilst attending an accident.
Fortunately the officers were out of the car, helping the driver and their family.
Distractions are one of the three main contributing factors to road traffic incidents. Never think that all drivers have seen your vehicle on the hard shoulder. Some of them are talking with the copilot, talking on the phone, programming a gps, even…texting while driving.
This costs lives, please, be safe when you are on the road.

Excerpt: If you have a breakdown on road, be careful. Despite of using hazard lights, two warning triangles and blue flashing lights….a truck crashed into a Guardia Civil patrol car whilst attending an accident. Fortunately the officers were out of the Read More ...

### Latest Campaign Statistics Reveal Driver Attitudes

Results of the latest campaign monitoring secondary roads in Spain have revealed that excessive speed, not using seatbelts or child restraints and lack of maintenance as the top three traffic violations reported.

The campaign, which ran from the 19th to the 25th of October, saw more than half a million vehicles checked and 27,370 drivers reported, 5.15% of the total.
Of the drivers sanctioned in the campaign, 39% of them were reported for exceeding the maximum permitted speed limit, and 13% were exceeding the limit by 20 kilometres per hour over that maximum. In total, 16,564 drivers have been reported for speeding.
The second most common report was for the non-use of seat belts. In one week alone, 1,349 people were reported for not wearing a seat belt, as well as those responsible for the welfare of children in the vehicle were reported for carrying 81 children in vehicles where they were not secured in the appropriate child restraint system.
In addition, 57 people were reported for not wearing a crash helmet on a motorbike or scooter. Thus increasing the risk of becoming one of the three out of four bikers who die as a result of head injuries.
Bearing in mind that wearing any kind of device in your ear is illegal in Spain, including headphones and hands-free mobile devices, 1,113 drivers were sanctioned for distractions whilst driving, including the wearing of such devices.
Plus, 1,196 drivers tested positive in alcohol and drug tests, 308 were reported for dangerous overtaking and 292 failed to stop or give way at a junction.
Regarding vehicle maintenance standards, 1,324 drivers were reported for driving vehicles with technical defects and another 67 for major faults resulting in the vehicle being immobilised by traffic officers.
Finally, 1,447 drivers were reported for not having the correct documentation, relating to the vehicle, in most cases not having an up to date ITV, and another 750 were reported for driver documentation errors.

Excerpt: Results of the latest campaign monitoring secondary roads in Spain have revealed that excessive speed, not using seatbelts or child restraints and lack of maintenance as the top three traffic violations reported. The campaign, which ran from the 19th to Read More ...

### Be Prepared: What´s Around the Next Corner?

A truck carrying bags of concrete along Phuket’s west coast road crashed when the brakes failed between Kamala and Patong.
The load spilled across the road but the driver escaped with minor injuries.
When driving, things can happen when you least expect it. Always maintain appropriate speed and distance and stay alert.

 

Excerpt: A truck carrying bags of concrete along Phuket’s west coast road crashed when the brakes failed between Kamala and Patong. The load spilled across the road but the driver escaped with minor injuries. When driving, things can happen when you Read More ...

### Warning: Never Attempt to Bribe Your Way Out of Trouble

Officers from the Guardia Civil have charged two Moroccan nationals who they stopped in the Toledo town of Talavera de la Reina, one with road safety offences, the other with charges of bribery after he tried to convince the officers to let them go in exchange for cash.
The officers stopped the vehicle on suspicion of it being overloaded, with the rear axle collapsing. Upon stopping the vehicle they found it to be 1,225 kilos in excess of the maximum permitted weight allowed to be carried on the vehicle.
A routine check then revealed that the driver had lost his license and had not completed a mandatory education course and was subsequently banned.
The passenger in the vehicle, who was found to be carrying 2,515 euro in cash, attempted to bribe the officers to turn a blind eye and let them continue.
The officers denied the offer and promptly arrested both parties.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have charged two Moroccan nationals who they stopped in the Toledo town of Talavera de la Reina, one with road safety offences, the other with charges of bribery after he tried to convince the officers Read More ...

### Junctions

A road junction is a location where multiple roads intersect, allowing vehicular traffic to change from one road to another.
Priority
The notion of “priority” refers to the passage of vehicles and which vehicles are allowed to move through junctions and roadways first. In modern terms, we refer to priority in a similar manner to how the phrase “right of way” was once used, but in a time of shared space and multiple different uses for roads and vehicles, to which nobody has a “right” to be on the roads over any other vehicle, it is acknowledged that drivers do have to “give way” to other road users and so we not only replace the terminology but also the notion of how traffic flows.
The driver of a vehicle that has to give way to another must not initiate or continue a manoeuvre across a junction in the event of that manoeuvre causing a hazard by forcing the other vehicle to deviate from its speed, course or direction.
Unmarked Crossings

When no signs, signals or road markings indicating priority are present at a junction, drivers must give way to approaching vehicles from their right, irrespective of the type of vehicle that it is, including cycles, horse and carts, agricultural vehicles, cars, buses and trucks, except in the following cases:
In the event of movement from an unpaved road to a paved road, the vehicles on the paved road have priority.

Vehicles running on rails have priority over all other road users.

At roundabouts, vehicles on the roundabout have priority over those wishing to enter it.
Vehicles traveling on a motorway have priority over those seeking to access the highway.
Signalled Junctions
Drivers of vehicles approaching a junction controlled by an officer of official controlling traffic must stop their vehicles when ordered. The instructions of officials controlling junctions overrule the signs.
The driver of a vehicle approaching a junction controlled by traffic lights must stop their vehicle in order to give way when indicated by a red of flashing yellow light.
Road signs P-1, which are formed of pictograms enclosed in a red triangle warn of a junction ahead, indicate the priority through that junction by means of the larger, bolder arrowed line.

Road sign P-2, which is formed of an “x” type cross in a red triangle warns of a junction where the general rule offers priority to vehicles approaching from the right.

At junctions where road markings indicate the need to give way or to stop and give way, drivers passing through that junction on the major road in either direction have priority through the junction.

Irrespective of the priority through a junction, no vehicle is permitted to enter any junction or pedestrian crossing unless the exit from the junction or crossing is clear.
Some junctions are protected by yellow boxes which dictate the same, although the rule applies irrespective of the presence of such a feature that a junction must not be blocked by any vehicle unless the exit from that junction is clear and the only thing impeded the egress is the flow of traffic crossing its path.

Excerpt: A road junction is a location where multiple roads intersect, allowing vehicular traffic to change from one road to another. Priority The notion of “priority” refers to the passage of vehicles and which vehicles are allowed to move through junctions Read More ...

### Google Helping to Identify Drivers

As far too many humans are still incapable of acknowledging the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving, developers are taking to use the devices themselves to solve the problem.

Distractions whilst driving are one of the principal contributing factors to road traffic collisions and using the mobile is right at the top of the list when it comes to identifying one of the biggest causes of distraction.
Using your mobile whilst driving is illegal. Wearing a headset, even just one, is illegal. Using a hands free kit which does not go in your ear is legal. Touching your GPS device whilst driving is illegal. The only legal way of using these devices whilst driving is to stop your vehicle in a safe and legal place which doesn’t cause inconvenience to other road users.
With the explosion in the market of smartwatches, linked to your mobile phone, the possibility of distractions is increasing.
Whilst the development of driverless cars is continuing, Internet giant Google is also trying to help solve the problems caused by allowing humans behind the wheel, having patented a system, primarily for smartwatches, that detects your location in the vehicle, thus allowing the device to determine if you are located in the driver´s seat. Not only does the system identify your location, it also monitors movement, such as if you are steering the vehicle or changing gears.

If the device identifies that you are the driver, it automatically disables some of the more distracting functions, such as notifications, thus reducing the risk.
That said, so long as humans are in control of these devices, the element of risk still remains, and the system can of course be bypassed simply by removing the watch. However, the fact that a global enterprise is trying to go some way to assist in the problem should be recognised.

Excerpt: As far too many humans are still incapable of acknowledging the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving, developers are taking to use the devices themselves to solve the problem. Distractions whilst driving are one of the principal contributing Read More ...

### Mercury FM Spain – Our New Media Partner

We are pleased to announce a new media partnership with Mercury FM Spain.
As well as bringing you all of the latest traffic and road information here, we are now also able to share information through the radio, thanks to this agreement.
There will be regular updates on Mercury FM across the Costa Blanca, so make sure that your radio is tuned in to their frequencies, 91.1fm & 106.7fm on the Costa Blanca South and 107.5fm on the Costa Cálida, and bookmark their website where you can also listen on-line, mercuryradio.fm
You can also follow them on Facebook, just search for Mercury FM and on Twitter search Mercury Radio Spain.
Thanks to this latest collaboration we are able to share information to a wider audience and their assistance allows our work to continue with more projects which we will announce soon.

Excerpt: We are pleased to announce a new media partnership with Mercury FM Spain. As well as bringing you all of the latest traffic and road information here, we are now also able to share information through the radio, thanks to Read More ...

### DGT to Test Traffic Drones

Already ground-breaking in their method of policing the roads from the air, the DGT has contracted a Spanish company to create an “Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, or “drone” to monitor traffic.

With many of their helicopters already fitted with the pinpoint accurate Pegasus radar system, the DGT already use their eyes in the sky for speed detection as well as traffic flow, this latest development could revolutionise the skies once again.
However, the current legislation does not allow for the use of drone to monitor traffic, as the pilot of the drone has to be able to maintain visual contact with the aircraft, and so monitoring could only be done on a local level.
That said, it is intended that the first prototypes will take to the air in summer of 2016, equipped with a camera and setting about monitoring the conventional road network.
The drone is much cheaper to fly that a conventional aircraft and offer a faster response. In addition to monitoring traffic flow, it is hoped that they could be used emergency and incident response, following exceptional loads, fault detection and (eventually) enforcement.
Drones are already in use by numerous police forces around the globe, often for monitoring purposes, and in America there was a huge outcry in 2013 when California´s highways suddenly saw warning signs about Law Enforcement by Drones, although on this occasion it was part of an art project and not real.

Excerpt: Already ground-breaking in their method of policing the roads from the air, the DGT has contracted a Spanish company to create an “Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, or “drone” to monitor traffic. With many of their helicopters already fitted with the pinpoint Read More ...

### N332 Meet ADAPT

Representatives from both the n332.es website team and the Guardia Civil officers who run the N332 Facebook page got together this week in a presentation organised by the ADAPT association based in San Pedro del Pinatar.
After an introduction by the ADAPT President John Frame, Fransisco Morales, a serving Guardia Civil officer based in Torrevieja, then took to the stage to start the presentation. Joined by Mark Nolan from the n332.es website, the pair showed a series of videos, including the famous “How to Identify an Unmarked Guardia Civil Patrol Car” film, and the infamous “How to Drive on a Roundabout” animation, before taking the audience through a series of slides detailing the laws relating to driving in Spain.
During the 90 minute presentation, some of the most popular questions were answered, and the most popular topics covered, including everything from documents and equipment you must carry, trailers and loads, speed, alcohol and drugs, licensing and emergencies, as well as the latest changes to the laws, such as children no longer being allowed to travel in the front of vehicles.
This was the latest presentation aimed at the ex-pat community, which was kindly made available partly through the assistance of Autos Direct, who will be collaborating with the N332 project in the future to provide other information such as mechanical advice and allow us to produce a number of videos related to vehicle maintenance at their facility in San Miguel.
Together, we thank ADAPT for inviting us to give the presentation and for providing the photographs.
You can find out more about ADAPT, who aim to assist all nationalities integrate into life in Spain, by visiting their website, www.adaptsanpedro.com.

Excerpt: Representatives from both the n332.es website team and the Guardia Civil officers who run the N332 Facebook page got together this week in a presentation organised by the ADAPT association based in San Pedro del Pinatar. After an introduction by Read More ...

### BTP Being Removed from Licences

From the 1st of January, 2016, the “btp” classification on Spanish driving licences will be removed, in line with EU legislation.
The “btp” classification is already only valid in Spain and the removal of the classification is part of the Single European Driving Licence standardisation program.
The “btp” classification is a specific category for drivers of certain types of vehicles, such as those who drive priority or emergency service vehicles, taxis and school transport drivers, with a maximum permissible weight not exceeding 3,500 kg mass and the number of seats, including the driver, not exceeding nine.
Drivers of these vehicles will still be permitted to drive them as their standard licences will cover the validity, namely category “B”, so long as all other criteria is met. There is also no need to apply to change the licence as the category will automatically be removed at the next, normal renewal.
As the normal category “B” licence covers such activities in countries other than Spain, the removal is part of the standardisation and will be reflected in the driver regulations through the publication of the Official Gazette.

Excerpt: From the 1st of January, 2016, the “btp” classification on Spanish driving licences will be removed, in line with EU legislation. The “btp” classification is already only valid in Spain and the removal of the classification is part of the Read More ...

### Eight Weekend Road Deaths

Eight people have lost their lives on the roads of Spain this weekend, in the provisional balance from the DGT between 15:00 on Friday and 20:00 on Sunday.
Friday was the worst day of the weekend when five people were killed, including two pensioners who were knocked down in the Cantabrian town of Liérganes. A third pensioner was injured in the same incident.
Saturday saw the remaining three people lose their lives, whereas there were no fatalities registered on Sunday.

Excerpt: Eight people have lost their lives on the roads of Spain this weekend, in the provisional balance from the DGT between 15:00 on Friday and 20:00 on Sunday. Friday was the worst day of the weekend when five people were Read More ...

### Traffic Fine Information in English

The DGT Spanish traffic department has expanded some of the information on their website to include more details in languages other than Spanish, namely English, French and German.

On the main page of their website, http://www.dgt.es/es/, information is now available in English which tells you what to do in the event of receiving a traffic violation ticket.
Once you click on the link in English, the sections are then presented in five topics, detailing what to do if you have received a traffic violation ticket, how to identify the offending driver if it was not the vehicle owner, and details of how to appeal against and pay a fine, as well as their contact details.
Each one of the topics then explains, in detail, the procedures to follow. You can read the information at any time, whether you have received a fine or not, so it is worth visiting the site to become accustomed with the procedures in the event of receiving a fine in the future.

Excerpt: The DGT Spanish traffic department has expanded some of the information on their website to include more details in languages other than Spanish, namely English, French and German. On the main page of their website, http://www.dgt.es/es/, information is now available Read More ...

### Intensified Campaign on Secondary Roads

All this week, the DGT will be operating a special campaign monitoring the secondary road network in Spain.

The campaign will run from Monday the 19th until Sunday the 25th of October and will pay close attention to factors which contribute most to incidents on these roads.
As a result, the Guardia Civil traffic department will be out in force carrying out extensive checks on speed, as well as monitoring for seatbelts, restraining devices and helmets, alcohol and drug use, improper overtaking, use of mobile phones and wearing of headphones and earpieces, as well as vehicle and driver documentation and standards.
The local police will also be assisting in the campaign and the DGT will have their own enforcement vehicles out monitoring the network too, both on the ground and from the air.
Secondary roads are the scene for most fatal incidents on the road network and so this campaign not only serves to raise awareness of the dangers associated with additional risk factors, but also aims to reduce casualties and fatalities.

Excerpt: All this week, the DGT will be operating a special campaign monitoring the secondary road network in Spain. The campaign will run from Monday the 19th until Sunday the 25th of October and will pay close attention to factors which Read More ...

### San Javier Air Academy Open Day

Here are a few pictures from the open day at the San Javier Air Academy this weekend. You can see some of these aircraft performing in the air show on Sunday, full details here.

Excerpt: Here are a few pictures from the open day at the San Javier Air Academy this weekend. You can see some of these aircraft performing in the air show on Sunday, full details here.

### Checking Limits

La Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has upped the number of mobile radar speed traps across the Valencian region with a focus on roads which have seen an increasing number of accidents. Monitoring was increased over last weekend’s holiday period and one route that is being covered more extensively is the N-332 between Torrevieja and Santa Pola. DGT say that the expanded list of roads now sees 154 stretches that are being monitored for speeding and other infractions.
Meanwhile, new speed reading equipment has been put into the San Juan tunnel on the A-70 motorway near Alicante. The old speed detectors have been replaced by more modern gear, situated at the side near to the tunnel entrances, rather than above, which can now monitor vehicles over a longer distance than before, looking for motorists who break the 80 kilometres per hour limit.

Excerpt: La Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has upped the number of mobile radar speed traps across the Valencian region with a focus on roads which have seen an increasing number of accidents. Monitoring was increased over last weekend’s holiday period and one route that is being covered more extensively is the N-332 between Torrevieja and Santa Pola. DGT Read More ...

### Flags Raised

Valencia Day was commemorated last Friday across all of the municipalities in the Valencia region including Torrevieja and Orihuela. Every year, October 9th is the date the region celebrates the same day in 1238 when King James I officially entered the city of Valencia, freeing it from Moorish rule.
In Torrevieja, the Valencia flag was raised in the Plaza de la Constitucion by the mayor, José Manuel Dolon, who said it was a great day for celebration, but made the point that after years of “looting and pillaging” by the previous Partido Popular regional government, he was happy that the new left of centre administration was full of people that would change things.
Over in Orihuela, the PP mayor, Emilio Bascuñana pulled no punches in asking the Valencian government to respect the wishes of the area, and that people should not be discriminated against for not speaking the regional Valenciano language, adding that school children should not be forced to “use a language that isn’t heard in the street”. Bascuñana added that the traditions and history of the Orihuela area should be respected, and that meant no negativity from Valencian authorities towards people that have “only learnt and speak Spanish/Castilian”.

Excerpt: Valencia Day was commemorated last Friday across all of the municipalities in the Valencia region including Torrevieja and Orihuela. Every year, October 9th is the date the region celebrates the same day in 1238 when King James I officially entered the city of Valencia, freeing it from Moorish rule. In Torrevieja, the Valencia flag was Read More ...

### Handbrake Hell

An elderly couple had the shock of their lives last week when their car rolled from the Nautilus Restaurant car park at Rocío del Mar, Torrevieja and straight into the sea. The frightened passengers remained in their Seat Ibiza car until a young man jumped into the water to help them, releasing them through the window. The fire brigade had to be called in later as the vehicle recovery teams were unable to retrieve the car, which apparently rolled into the water due to the handbrake either not being put on or failing to work.

Excerpt: An elderly couple had the shock of their lives last week when their car rolled from the Nautilus Restaurant car park at Rocío del Mar, Torrevieja and straight into the sea. The frightened passengers remained in their Seat Ibiza car until a young man jumped into the water to help them, releasing them through the Read More ...

### Turning Turtle

20 of a batch of loggerhead turtle eggs that were found on La Mata beach in Torrevieja during the summer have hatched at La Albufera beach in Valencia. The eggs were discovered by tourists and were transferred to the safety of La Albufera. A total of 85 eggs have been monitored by volunteers since then and the little turtles that hatched have been taken to an incubator to help in their survival.

Excerpt: 20 of a batch of loggerhead turtle eggs that were found on La Mata beach in Torrevieja during the summer have hatched at La Albufera beach in Valencia. The eggs were discovered by tourists and were transferred to the safety of La Albufera. A total of 85 eggs have been monitored by volunteers since then and the Read More ...

### Warning Over Ikea Voucher Scam

The Spanish National Police have warned of the latest scam that is circulating through social network sites, offering vouchers to spend in Ikea.

The police explain that consumers are invited to complete a brief survey in exchange for a 150 euro voucher to spend at the furniture store, but this is nothing more than a scam.
Ikea themselves have become aware of the problem and have also circulated a warning through their own sites.
No rellenes esta encuesta, se trata de un #fraude que nada tiene que ver con IKEA #phishing pic.twitter.com/R3Guoiyx3H
— IKEA España (@IKEA_Spain) October 15, 2015

The aim of the scam is to extract personal information from the users which could then be used for fraudulent means.
If you come across anything like this, the advice is to not submit any data and to report the post through the social network site´s own reporting procedure.
 

Excerpt: The Spanish National Police have warned of the latest scam that is circulating through social network sites, offering vouchers to spend in Ikea. The police explain that consumers are invited to complete a brief survey in exchange for a 150 Read More ...

### San Javier Air Show This Weekend

This weekend, the air academy in San Javier will open its door to the public to visit a static display of aircraft, and offer a fantastic air show over the coastal waters of Santiago de la Ribera.

This is the first time such an event has taken place since 2006 and is in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Eagle Aerobatic Patrol, the Patrulla Acrobática Águila.

On Saturday the 17th of October the air base will be open for public visits between 10:00 and 17:00, with a static display laid out along the second runway at San Javier, where you can photograph the aircraft and even meet some of the pilots.

Aircraft on display will include transporters such as the CL-215T Apagafuegos, commonly in use as a fire-fighting water carrying plane, the C-295 twin-turboprop tactical military transport aircraft, the Transall C-160 designed and produced as a joint venture between France and Germany, and the Cessna Citation mini-jet.

There will also be a Eurofighter Typhoon and a Harrier jump-jet amongst the displays, sitting along an F-18 and others planes, plus helicopters, including the HE-25, also used in aerobatic displays, and a police patrol helicopter.

One of the highlights of the static display will be the CASA C-101 Aviojet, a low-wing single engine jet-powered advanced trainer and light attack aircraft, which is the plane used by the Eagle Patrol in their displays.

Special parking has been arranged, which will be clearly signposted, with buses provided to shuttle visitors to and from the base.

On Saturday evening there will be a special presentation with the renaming of a street in the town and a concert by the military band.

On Sunday, the action moves to the air with a display in the skies above the Santiago de la Ribera starting at 10:00 and lasting 5 hours.

First on display will be the FACV, flying classic Dornier and Bucker aircraft, taking up the first ten minutes of the show. A police helicopter display is second with the action continuing throughout the afternoon, including displays from Italian and French military teams, a helicopter aerobatic display, wing-walker Ainoha Sanchez, and culminating with the Eagles giving a 30 minute display from 14:01 until 14:31, followed by the climatic end of the parachute display team returning the show to earth.

During the air show, the beaches will be fitted with sound equipment to enable visitors to follow the schedule and it will be broadcast live on the 7RM television channel.
With much more going on throughout the weekend, for full details you can visit the San Javier official website, www.sanjavier.es.

Excerpt: This weekend, the air academy in San Javier will open its door to the public to visit a static display of aircraft, and offer a fantastic air show over the coastal waters of Santiago de la Ribera. This is the Read More ...

### Serious Crash at Los Alcazares

The emergency services attended an incident on the A-/ motorway near to Los Alcazares on Wednesday afternoon.

The alarm was raised at the emergency coordination centre at 18:41 reporting the incident on the A-7 in the Alicante direction, near to bridge number RM F-26.

A car had apparently crossed the central reservation and collided with a truck heading in the opposite direction.

The fire and rescue service was dispatched immediately, along with local police who called for assistance from the Guardia Civil.

The two injured parties, a male ages 23 and a female aged 21, were taken to the Los Arcos hospital with numerous injuries.
Pictures from @112rmurcia

Excerpt: The emergency services attended an incident on the A-/ motorway near to Los Alcazares on Wednesday afternoon. The alarm was raised at the emergency coordination centre at 18:41 reporting the incident on the A-7 in the Alicante direction, near to Read More ...

### The Blue to White Line in Orihuela

Orihuela local police have taken to Facebook to appeal for help in identifying problem roads where pedestrian crossings need repainting.

This week, they posted pictures of word being carried out on Calle José Avila in the city, advising that the work will be carried out every Wednesday.

They then asked for their followers to report any areas where pedestrian crossings are in urgent need of painting, whether in the city, the local villages or the coastal zones.
The police will then pass the information on to the municipal contractors based on the priority and urgency of the work.
You can email information about the problem areas, giving as much location information as possible, to policialocal@orihuela.es, and if you´re on Facebook you can follow the daily work of the officers, as well as receiving important advice and information, by searching for Policía Local de Orihuela.

Excerpt: Orihuela local police have taken to Facebook to appeal for help in identifying problem roads where pedestrian crossings need repainting. This week, they posted pictures of word being carried out on Calle José Avila in the city, advising that the Read More ...

### Officers Injured in Drugs Arrest

Two officers from the Guardia Civil in Málaga were injured on Wednesday when their vehicle was rammed by a car attempting to evade capture.

The suspect vehicle was found to be carrying 1,900 kg of hashish, with the actions of the officers preventing the distribution of a large quantity of drugs.

Excerpt: Two officers from the Guardia Civil in Málaga were injured on Wednesday when their vehicle was rammed by a car attempting to evade capture. The suspect vehicle was found to be carrying 1,900 kg of hashish, with the actions of Read More ...

### Signs on Approach to Bends

What do the directional panels mean?
Directional panels are placed in addition to the warning signs, and let drivers know how severe a bend is, allowing them to make the correct decision to reduce their speed.
Whether there is one, two or three signs indicates the severity of the bend and therefore how much the driver should slow down.
The directional panels have strips of dark blue and white and are located at the start of the bend.
They must be visible at least 100 meters away from the driver and are there to warn you that the next turn is very dangerous and the driver needs to be aware.
Most importantly they are there to warn the driver of the speed at which they can take the bend safely. This speed is at least 15 km / h lower than the speed at which the driver is approaching in line with the legal spend limits.
If you see one panel, you need to reduce your speed by 15-30 km/h. If you see two, you need to reduce your speed by 30-45 km/h. Finally, if you see three panels you need to reduce your speed by more than 45 km/h.

Excerpt: What do the directional panels mean? Directional panels are placed in addition to the warning signs, and let drivers know how severe a bend is, allowing them to make the correct decision to reduce their speed. Whether there is one, Read More ...

### CD Torrevieja v CD Castellón – 25 October 2015

On Sunday the 25th of October, CD Torrevieja will be playing against CD Castellón in a match that is set to be one of the most tense and exciting to be played at Torrevieja´s Vicente Garcia stadium for some time.
As the local football club where the N332 project is run from, we support CD Torrevieja and their local community initiatives, as well as during their games.
Please, make a note in your diary and come along to join in the excitement on the day.

 

Excerpt: On Sunday the 25th of October, CD Torrevieja will be playing against CD Castellón in a match that is set to be one of the most tense and exciting to be played at Torrevieja´s Vicente Garcia stadium for some time. Read More ...

### Holiday Weekend Sees 15 People Lose Their Lives

A total of 15 people lost their lives and another 12 have been injured on the main road network of Spain during the long holiday weekend, according to the preliminary figures from the DGT.
A special operation was in place between Friday and Monday, during which time an estimated 4.8 million trips were expected to take place. That operation finished at 20:00 on Monday.
Saturday was the worst day of the weekend with 8 people being killed, 3 of them motorcyclists, in 6 incidents. A collision between a truck and a car on the N-234 road in the Soria town of Casarejos resulted in 3 fatalities. A car collided with the central reservation on the A-23 in Barracas resulting in 2 deaths, and a head-on collision between 2 cars resulted in a further fatality near the Málaga town of Mijas, after a vehicle drove the wrong way down the A-7 motorway for one kilometre.
On Sunday, there were 5 incidents with 6 fatalities, and on Monday, the day when most of the domestic tourists returned home, there was 1 fatality in El Ejido, Almería.

Excerpt: A total of 15 people lost their lives and another 12 have been injured on the main road network of Spain during the long holiday weekend, according to the preliminary figures from the DGT. A special operation was in place Read More ...

### Truck Crash Blocks Motorway

A vehicle transporter carrying a variety of different cars crashed on the AP-7 motorway near La Zenia on the Orihuela Costa on Sunday, blocking both lanes of the carriageway.
The driver received medical attention at the scene but was not seriously injured.
The Alicante to Cartagena motorway had to be closed in the Alicante direction as a result of the crash, with vehicles being diverted away from the toll road and into the N-332 main coastal road.

Excerpt: A vehicle transporter carrying a variety of different cars crashed on the AP-7 motorway near La Zenia on the Orihuela Costa on Sunday, blocking both lanes of the carriageway. The driver received medical attention at the scene but was not seriously injured. Read More ...

### The Air Service of the Guardia Civil

Since the Helicopter Service was created in 1973, Guardia Civil has increased the services provided to citizens by means of its Helicopter Units, which have strengthened the operational capacity of the Institution in many senses, either working separately or in co-ordination with other units.
The Air Service is the specialized group acting when the mission entrusted requires the use of aeronautical means and equipments. Its specific mission consists in organizing, coordinating and exploiting the GC air resources. It also provides technical advice regarding the exercise of competences covered by GC as aeronautical administrative police. Besides, it cooperates with the relevant judicial authorities in issues corresponding to this field.
Since 2008, the airborne service has a fixed wing section in which operate two CESSNA CN-35 devices, that basically carry out immigration control services.

Excerpt: Since the Helicopter Service was created in 1973, Guardia Civil has increased the services provided to citizens by means of its Helicopter Units, which have strengthened the operational capacity of the Institution in many senses, either working separately or in Read More ...

### Structure and Organization of the Guardia Civil

The Civil Guard provides a public service to the Community following the main principles of their code of conduct. All the Civil Guard members are committed to these principles when performing their daily duties.
As a State Security Force and as established under article 104.1 of the Spanish Constitution, the Civil Guard are entrusted with the mission of “protecting the free exercise of rights and freedoms and ensuring public order”.
Therefore, within the Constitutional framework, the Civil Guard members perform their tasks being absolutely impartial and politically neutral, without any kind of discrimination on the grounds of race, religion or ideology. Therefore, they treat the public in a correct and tactful manner, devoting their efforts to help and protect the public based on the laws and relying on the appropriate and adequate resources.
To that end, the Civil Guard employs 80,000 police officers deployed throughout the national territory, including the Spanish national waters. Also, their active participation in international missions worldwide is to be emphasized.
As for their distribution, the Zonas, or Regional Headquarters, represent the first territorial division and normally cover an Autonomous Region. These are, in turn, divided into Comandancias, or Provincial Headquarters that comprise an entire province or the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla.
The provincial headquarters, are also divided into Companies and these are divided into Stations, these being the smallest territorial units upon which the prevention, community policing and emergency intervention tasks rely. The Station covers one or several municipalities and, according to their tasks, they are divided into Main Stations, Ordinary Stations and Auxiliary Stations.
Thanks to this distribution, the Civil Guard is the State Institution with the largest representation along the Spanish territory.

Excerpt: The Civil Guard provides a public service to the Community following the main principles of their code of conduct. All the Civil Guard members are committed to these principles when performing their daily duties. As a State Security Force and Read More ...

### AP-7 Crash Rojales

On Friday morning, officers from the Guardia Civil attended a serious traffic accident in the AP-7 (Rojales).
The driver was taken to the hospital and one lane in the Alicante direction was closed during the morning.

Excerpt: On Friday morning, officers from the Guardia Civil attended a serious traffic accident in the AP-7 (Rojales).
The driver was taken to the hospital and one lane in the Alicante direction was closed during the morning.

### Do You Know The Latest UK Traffic Law Changes?

The rules of the road change constantly, sometimes as new procedures are implemented, sometimes as a result of lessons learnt from incidents and sometimes because the world around us is constantly changing and evolving too.
When we first studied to pass our driving test, we focussed on a key set of these rules and procedures in order to pass the test, and although many of these rules are still valid today, there were many others which will have changed.
Although we focus on driving in Spain, we do know that many of our readers sometimes return to their native countries, and so we thought it might be useful to share some of the most recent changes to the U.K. Highway code.
Smoking laws have changed. In England and Wales, the driver MUST NOT smoke or allow anyone to smoke in an enclosed private vehicle carrying someone under 18, including motor caravans. This became law on 1 October 2015.
It is not just the police who have the power to stop vehicles. Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency officers have powers to stop vehicles on all roads, including motorways and trunk roads, in England and Wales. They will attract your attention by flashing amber lights either from the front requesting you to follow them to a safe place to stop, or from behind directing you to pull over to the side by pointing and/or using the left indicator. It is an offence not to comply with their directions. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency replaced the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency who previously had these powers in April 2014.

Dangerous driving now commands a much higher fine than ever before. The £5,000 limit on fines for the most serious offences was removed on 5 June 2015. These now carry an unlimited fine.
Some vehicles have been allowed to go faster. The national speed limit for lorries on single carriageways increased from 40 mph to 50 mph on 6 April 2015.
The maximum permitted alcohol limit is different in Scotland. The legal limits for breath alcohol in Scotland was lowered from 5 December 2014. The limit is 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath in England and Wales.
If you would like to be kept up to date with U.K. traffic laws, you can follow The Highway Code on Twitter (@HighwayCodeGB) or Facebook, or sign up to get a weekly email reminder about different rules and regulations.
It is always a good idea to keep up to date and be reminded of rules we may have got a bit rusty on. Driving can be a dangerous event, but we can all do our bit to try to make the roads a safer place.

Excerpt: The rules of the road change constantly, sometimes as new procedures are implemented, sometimes as a result of lessons learnt from incidents and sometimes because the world around us is constantly changing and evolving too. When we first studied to Read More ...

### Stolen Vehicle Recovered

Two detained after crashing a stolen vehicle in Nogales (Badajoz).

Excerpt: Two detained after crashing a stolen vehicle in Nogales (Badajoz).

### History of the Guardia Civil

The Guardia Civil was founded in the reign of Elizabeth II of Spain, and endorsed by Gonzalez Bravo’s Government, with a general consensus among the different political forces. The Decrees of 28 March and of 13 May 1844 gave shape to this new Corps, establishing that it was accountable to the Ministry of Governance as regards its tasks, and to the Ministry of War
as regards its structure, discipline, personnel, supplies and financing. In 1824, the Duke of Ahumada, inheritor of the first project conceived in 1824 by his father, the Marquis of Las Amarillas, put his own stamp on it (strong discipline, stamina, loyalty and a praiseworthy spirit). GC´s engagement in humanitarian activities, its tribute to honour and thoroughness in the performance of its tasks has conferred it, from the very beginning, the respect and admiration of the people, who started calling it the ‘Benemérita’ (Praiseworthy or Meritorious Corps); this has been its official denomination since 4 October 1929.
From the very beginning, Guardia Civil has devoted itself to the surveillance of roads, adapting its methods to new challenges. In fact, the generalised use of vehicles on the roads required an organizational response: the creation of the Road Traffic Group in 1959, a pioneering experience which became a model for other groups and units within the Corps. Throughout its long history, the
Guardia Civil has provided exceptional services in an effort to prevent both general and specialized crimes-remarkably succeeding in its fight against terrorism. As a result thereof, both its members and their relatives have been the target of the most extreme and coward violence, with 241 fatalities.
The Guardia Civil is one of the most appreciated values for the Spanish people and is closely linked to them, since it embodies some of the most distinguishing marks of Spaniards. Given its tradition, vocation and performance, Guardia Civil is an essential law enforcement agency for the future of Spain, since it serves citizens from a modern perspective and according to new challenges, while keeping the traditional values that have distinguished the daily work of this institution for more than one century and a half.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil was founded in the reign of Elizabeth II of Spain, and endorsed by Gonzalez Bravo’s Government, with a general consensus among the different political forces. The Decrees of 28 March and of 13 May 1844 gave shape Read More ...

### Latest Mobile Radar List Released

The DGT has published the latest list of locations where mobile and fixed radar speed detection equipment will be operating. All of the locations have been identified based on their dangerousness, by the number and severity of incidents that have occurred and the average speed detected.
This latest list now has a total of 1,314 sections of secondary roads covered by the jurisdiction of the DGT, thus excluding Catalonia and the Basque Country, but includes new sections and updates that were released in July.
This is the first update to the list since July, during which time statisticians have been monitoring the roads closely, revealing that 1 in 3 road deaths occurred in sections classed as dangerous, resulting in 86 deaths.
Although monitoring for speed is the main objective at these locations, the officers operating the check-points will also be checking for evidence of the presence of alcohol or drugs, and correct documentation and status of the driver and vehicle, including licence, insurance and ITV.
You can view the entire list, sorted by section and searchable, on the DGT website here. Alternatively, this link takes you direct to the list of radars in the Alicante province.

Excerpt: The DGT has published the latest list of locations where mobile and fixed radar speed detection equipment will be operating. All of the locations have been identified based on their dangerousness, by the number and severity of incidents that have Read More ...

### Another Major Weekend Operation

As we begin the latest holiday weekend in Spain, the road network is expected to be particularly busy once again.
Friday is a regional holiday across Valencia and Monday is a National holiday affecting the whole country.
The special operation begins at 12:00 on Friday and runs until midnight on Monday the 12th, where the Valencia region alone is expected to see 2.1 million vehicle movements.
Across the country there will be an anticipated 5,750,000 journeys made, with Valencia accounting for 20% of all traffic.
Within the Valencia region there is expected to be 1,100,000 movements in the province of Valencia, 800,000 in Alicante and 300,000 in Castellon.
Although the special operation begins on Friday, Thursday is when traffic is expected to begin to accumulate, with the late afternoon expected to be busiest. After that, Friday between 08:00 and 14:00 and Monday between 16:00 and 21:00 will be the busiest times overall.
The coastal hotspots are likely to be the busiest, including Benidorm, El Altet, Santa Pola and Torrevieja, as well as the connections from the motorway network and the N-332 main coastal road.
In order to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and the safest possible journey, the DGT will be using the “maximum” resources available, including strengthening the Guardia Civil patrols, and using their helicopters to monitor traffic. All none essential road works will be suspended and the transport of dangerous goods will be controlled.
When driving on long journeys the usual advice still stands, mainly to allow plenty of time for your journey, try to avoid the busiest times, take plenty of breaks and maintain a safe speed and distance appropriate to the conditions.
For shorter journeys, local drivers should be aware that many of the vehicles on the roads will be driven by people not as used to the roads as they are, and so patience and understanding are also important.

Excerpt: As we begin the latest holiday weekend in Spain, the road network is expected to be particularly busy once again. Friday is a regional holiday across Valencia and Monday is a National holiday affecting the whole country. The special operation Read More ...

### Specialties of the Guardia Civil

Video where images of the different specialties of the Guardia Civil are compiled extracted of the network during this year.
<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/IVjm7TAQz9M” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

Excerpt: Video where images of the different specialties of the Guardia Civil are compiled extracted of the network during this year. <iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/IVjm7TAQz9M” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

### Hero Rescues Couple in Car

An elderly couple had a shock on Wednesday when their vehicle rolled from the Nautilus Restaurant car park near Torrevieja and into the sea.
The couple remained in the vehicle until a young man who witnessed the incident jumped into the water to help them, releasing them through the window.
An ambulance attended some 30 minutes after the call for assistance and the fire brigade had to be called later as the vehicle recovery teams were unable to retrieve the Seat Ibiza car.

Excerpt: An elderly couple had a shock on Wednesday when their vehicle rolled from the Nautilus Restaurant car park near Torrevieja and into the sea. The couple remained in the vehicle until a young man who witnessed the incident jumped into Read More ...

### Stalemate Park

Over two thousand four hundred residents of the La Siesta and El Chaparral areas of Torrevieja have signed a petition which has been handed in to the council, which calls on the mayor, José Manuel Dolon, to re-start a major local park development project which was suspended in the summer by the new administration.  48 people from the Mediterraneo employment workshop had been involved with the 40 thousand square metre area being scheduled for completion by the end of the year, with skateboard facilities, and water fountains as part of the reinvigoration of a former piece of wasteland. Before May’s local elections, the previous Partido Popular-run council claimed that the project was all running to schedule and would be finished before the end of the year. The new coalition authority say invoices for materials amounting to 140 thousand euros were not produced and the project has run out of cash.
 

Excerpt: Over two thousand four hundred residents of the La Siesta and El Chaparral areas of Torrevieja have signed a petition which has been handed in to the council, which calls on the mayor, José Manuel Dolon, to re-start a major local park development project which was suspended in the summer by the new administration.  48 Read More ...

### Square Eyed

Spain is television crazy, with average figures showing that people watch TV for 226 minutes a day, putting it in one of the highest viewing brackets in the world. Figures from Kantar Media say that the Costa Blanca and the Valencia region are the hotbed for viewing, with the largest amount in Spain, clocking in at an astounding four hours and four minutes per day, per person. In contrast, the Canary Islands are the shortest watchers, but still view almost three and a half hours. In contrast with other European countries, and probably down to the high cost, satellite viewing in Spain is virtually non-existent with just three point seven percent of programming being watched via a dish.

Excerpt: Spain is television crazy, with average figures showing that people watch TV for 226 minutes a day, putting it in one of the highest viewing brackets in the world. Figures from Kantar Media say that the Costa Blanca and the Valencia region are the hotbed for viewing, with the largest amount in Spain, clocking in Read More ...

### Shark Out Of Water

The rotting corpse of a three-metre long shark washed up on a Torrevieja beach last weekend. The  bluntnose sixgill shark washed up on El Cura beach and is common in local waters but is rarely seen near the coast as they live in deep water. Fully grown, the shark can reach up to five metres in length, and so this specimen was relatively young. The body was removed and disposed of by municipal cleaners.
 
 

Excerpt: The rotting corpse of a three-metre long shark washed up on a Torrevieja beach last weekend. The  bluntnose sixgill shark washed up on El Cura beach and is common in local waters but is rarely seen near the coast as they live in deep water. Fully grown, the shark can reach up to five metres Read More ...

### All Change?

The Cruz Roja may end up being out in the cold after over 20 years of providing lifeguard cover for Torrevieja’s beaches. Beaches councillor Javier Manzanares says that finishing touches are being together for a new tender for next year, which will include an extension of hours covered by lifeguards, with an extra hour in the morning as well as the evening. That will mean ten hours of cover during the three-month contract period during the summer.  There are fears that quality of service might be sacrificed in a bid to cut costs on the tender, with the Cruz Roja unable to compete with other bidders(and perhaps not even tendering in the first place), thus ending a long seaside safety cover association with Torrevieja.  Manzanares said that price was not the sole objective when the council advertises the tender, with safety provision and what is offered absolutely vital.

Excerpt: The Cruz Roja may end up being out in the cold after over 20 years of providing lifeguard cover for Torrevieja’s beaches. Beaches councillor Javier Manzanares says that finishing touches are being together for a new tender for next year, which will include an extension of hours covered by lifeguards, with an extra hour in Read More ...

### Special Intervention Unit of the Guardia Civil

The Special Intervention Unit (established by General Order No 6, of 3rd February 1982) was conceived as an independent and specialized central Unit, designed to carry out specific missions both in the national territory and abroad. Its tasks include: handling of situations involving hostage-taking or kidnappings, and neutralizing the danger once the victims have been located; arresting exceptionally dangerous criminals (such as members of terrorist organizations or of drug trafficking networks) or insane individuals especially aggressive, as well as people under particularly dangerous circumstances (only in exceptional cases); in extraordinary cases, providing close protection to dignitaries and VIPs in imminent danger of becoming targets of a terrorist attack; and in general, conducting operations which require an early and highly specialised response or their specific intervention, due to the type of danger or threat such a situation poses.

Excerpt: The Special Intervention Unit (established by General Order No 6, of 3rd February 1982) was conceived as an independent and specialized central Unit, designed to carry out specific missions both in the national territory and abroad. Its tasks include: handling Read More ...

### Busy Day Cruising

Alicante had a particularly busy day on Tuesday as 6,100 cruise passengers and crew arrived at the same time on board two ships.
P&O´s El Ventura arrived from Italy with 3,200 passengers on board, whereas the Artania carried 1,200 passengers from Málaga.
Unlike Torrevieja there was no little train waiting to take them on a tour of the city but numerous coaches were laid on to take the passengers on a variety of excursions both in Alicante itself, and the surrounding area.

Excerpt: Alicante had a particularly busy day on Tuesday as 6,100 cruise passengers and crew arrived at the same time on board two ships. P&O´s El Ventura arrived from Italy with 3,200 passengers on board, whereas the Artania carried 1,200 passengers from Málaga. Unlike Torrevieja there was no little train waiting to take them on a Read More ...

### Wake Up Call

Residents in the Juan XXIII area of Alicante were woken with a surprise on Tuesday morning when a garbage collection truck caught fire and exploded whilst carrying out its collection rounds.
The residents took to their mobile phones and video cameras to record the smouldering mess on their doorstep, posting the results on social network sites.
The fire brigade attended and controlled the blaze whereas an investigation has been launched to ascertain the cause of the fire.

Excerpt: Residents in the Juan XXIII area of Alicante were woken with a surprise on Tuesday morning when a garbage collection truck caught fire and exploded whilst carrying out its collection rounds. The residents took to their mobile phones and video cameras to record the smouldering mess on their doorstep, posting the results on social network Read More ...

### Local Council Collaboration

Councillors involved in social welfare and employment from Torrevieja, Guardamar and Pilar de la Horadada met on Tuesday in Torrevieja to discuss the possibility of a joint strategy to create employment across the area.
The councillor for employment in Torrevieja, Victor Ferrández, explained how the intention is to create plans, both short and long term, in order to share employment opportunities across the coastal area related to tourism, the beach or the environment and conservation, thus create synergies that have more strength in obtaining aid from the central Government administration or the European Union.
Ferrández concluded saying that “The most vulnerable and the most affected by the crisis deserve special effort by government at these two joint ventures, one short term and one with a little more foresight, in order to guarantee solutions to Torrevieja, Guardamar and Pilar de la Horadada”.

Excerpt: Councillors involved in social welfare and employment from Torrevieja, Guardamar and Pilar de la Horadada met on Tuesday in Torrevieja to discuss the possibility of a joint strategy to create employment across the area. The councillor for employment in Torrevieja, Victor Ferrández, explained how the intention is to create plans, both short and long term, Read More ...

### Tunnel Speed Equipment Upgraded

Drivers who frequent the A-70 motorway near Alicante may be pleased to know that the radar speed detectors fitted to the San Juan tunnel have been removed.
However, before you get too excited, the speed detectors have been replaced by more modern equipment, situated at the side near to the tunnel entrances, rather than above, which are monitoring for vehicles over a longer distance than before, looking for vehicles exceeding the 80 kilometres per hour limit.
The other equipment installed in the tunnel and at the exit still remains and will be monitoring traffic all the way through the tunnel.
It might be worth noting that these radar speed detectors are amongst the most successful in the Alicante province for catching speeders, and so the upgrade is quite befitting to equipment that is working so tirelessly to make the roads safer.

Excerpt: Drivers who frequent the A-70 motorway near Alicante may be pleased to know that the radar speed detectors fitted to the San Juan tunnel have been removed. However, before you get too excited, the speed detectors have been replaced by Read More ...

### The Maritime Service of the Guardia Civil

Although the Royal Decree of 22nd February 1991 could be considered the Founding Act for the Guardia Civil Sea Service, it started working in 1992 (General Order No 51, of 17th March). This service originated in the requirements to provide the institution with adequate equipment and qualified human resources to cope with all the tasks assigned within Spanish territorial waters and, exceptionally, beyond them.
The functions entrusted to this service are: prevention and investigation of criminal offences; drafting of preliminary and technical reports; fighting illegal immigration; prevention and fight against fraud and smuggling; environmental protection; fishery inspection and supervision; and protection of the Spanish national sunken heritage.
 

Excerpt: Although the Royal Decree of 22nd February 1991 could be considered the Founding Act for the Guardia Civil Sea Service, it started working in 1992 (General Order No 51, of 17th March). This service originated in the requirements to provide Read More ...

### Torrevieja Lifeguard Tender

Torrevieja Town Hall has announced that the contract for providing beach rescue services in the town will be put to public tender, with the aim of improving the service.
The Cruz Roja had been the chosen provider in Torrevieja but the cost of providing the service had been increasing.
The town hall believe that by putting the work to public tender will mean that they can get more for their money, as the new contract will include additional requirements, such as extending the coverage time to be from 10:00 until 20:00, an hour longer at both the start and end of the day.
Although they will not be excluded from bidding, it is widely believed that the Cruz Roja will not be able to provide the level of service required within the financial constraints.
In summer, 2015, the life guards in Torrevieja were involved in 3,244 interventions in the sea, of which 290 were rescues, as well as 1,676 social assistances and 80 support cases.

Excerpt: Torrevieja Town Hall has announced that the contract for providing beach rescue services in the town will be put to public tender, with the aim of improving the service. The Cruz Roja had been the chosen provider in Torrevieja but the cost of providing the service had been increasing. The town hall believe that by Read More ...

### Police Silencers

The Local Police in Orihuela have embarked on a week-long campaign to control excessive noise emitted by motorcycles and scooters.
All this week the officers will be conducting random and spot checks aimed at silencing the noisier vehicles which cause disturbances to the peace and quiet of neighbourhoods, and also cause problems for the local environment and ecosystems as the noise if often caused by modifications to the vehicles which also result in excessive pollution.

Excerpt: The Local Police in Orihuela have embarked on a week-long campaign to control excessive noise emitted by motorcycles and scooters. All this week the officers will be conducting random and spot checks aimed at silencing the noisier vehicles which cause disturbances to the peace and quiet of neighbourhoods, and also cause problems for the local Read More ...

### British Police Collaboration Identifies Murder Suspect

Officers from the Guardia Civil, who were being assisted by colleagues from the British Police, arrested a man wanted in the UK on suspicion of murder.
The British Police were working as part of a collaboration which allowed them to patrol with the Guardia Civil in the Balearic Islands, which saw them patrolling the areas of Calvià and Sant Antoni de Portmany in order to boost security over the summer.
The officers were called in to deal with a suspected domestic violence case involving the man allegedly attacking a female in August in Calviá. The incident occurred on the 3rd of August with the arrest of the man, identified as A.C.J., dating back to the 10th.
The subsequent investigation which was carried out with both agencies revealed the man to be wanted in the UK and being recalled in connection with the murder whilst on probation, as well as ignoring requests for him to return.
Since he was detained the Guardia Civil, British Police and National Crime Agency have been working to complete the necessary formalities to have the man returned to the UK. He had been detained under the terms of a European Arrest Warrant.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil, who were being assisted by colleagues from the British Police, arrested a man wanted in the UK on suspicion of murder. The British Police were working as part of a collaboration which allowed them to Read More ...

### Nature Protection Service of the Guardia Civil

The Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA) is responsible for those tasks regarding protection of the environment and other nature-related issues.

Excerpt: The Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA) is responsible for those tasks regarding protection of the environment and other nature-related issues.

### Nine Fatalities this Weekend

Nine people lost their lives on the roads of Spain during the course of the weekend, according to the preliminary data provided by the DGT.
Three of those who were killed were motorcyclists.
Sunday was the most fatal day when 5 people were killed and another 3 were injured. The remaining 4 fatalities occurred on Saturday.
Although all involved were lucky to be alive, one of the biggest crashes of the weekend occurred on Sunday in the Valladolid town of Medina.
A total of 15 people were injured in a multi-vehicle collision on the A-6 main road when 40 vehicles were involved in the crash, closing the road for around 2 hours.
The initial hypothesis is that reduced visibility caused by a sandstorm was a contributing factor and the drivers failed to respond appropriately to the conditions.

Excerpt: Nine people lost their lives on the roads of Spain during the course of the weekend, according to the preliminary data provided by the DGT. Three of those who were killed were motorcyclists. Sunday was the most fatal day when Read More ...

### About the Guardia Civil

The Guardia Civil is an armed institution of military nature, whose point of reference and origin is the Spanish people. GC’s ‘raison d’être’ is the protection of citizens, their property and assets, and its core mission consists in ensuring the full exercise of rights and freedoms. Guardia Civil is not only the traditional pair of agents patrolling on foot the Spanish territory. Based on its traditions, and by means of new systems of state of the art technologies, Guardia Civil evolves to face new challenges. If something defines the past, present and future of GC, it is its ability to adapt to new realities and social needs, its permanent sense of duty and its innovative nature.
GC keeps facing challenges with confidence, transparency, sense of duty and efficiency, always in tune with modern times, treading carefully towards the future, while remaining loyal to their motto: “Honour is the token of each and every GC officer”.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil is an armed institution of military nature, whose point of reference and origin is the Spanish people. GC’s ‘raison d’être’ is the protection of citizens, their property and assets, and its core mission consists in ensuring the Read More ...

### Dog handling Unit of the Guardia Civil

In 1948, Guardia Civil was authorized to use dogs for the first time. One year later, with the intent to pursue criminals in a more organized manner and to improve the control over border areas and the coastline, Stations and Units start including the use of service dogs.
The first Dog Training Centre in Spain was established in 1951, at El Pardo (Madrid). In 1982, Guardia Civil establishes the Dog Handling Service, through General Order No 51, of 13th September, in order to support the GC Operational Units and to contribute with specialized and technical aspects in situations such as: searches for missing persons; intervention in disasters; drug and explosive detection; mountain rescues; as well as any other activity that, due to the nature of the mission and the specific training requirements of the animals to be used, are deemed necessary to achieve the goals established, while always aiming at protecting the free exercise of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and ensuring public safety.
 

Excerpt: In 1948, Guardia Civil was authorized to use dogs for the first time. One year later, with the intent to pursue criminals in a more organized manner and to improve the control over border areas and the coastline, Stations and Read More ...

### Mountain Service of the Guardia Civil

The specific mission of the Mountain Rescue Service consists in carrying out those tasks assigned to GC in mountain areas or in other locations that, due to their difficult orographic or climatological characteristics, require special physical and technical skills, and the use of appropriate technical equipments. This specific mission comprises the following basic tasks: to provide assistance to injured, lost or isolated people in mountain areas or in places difficult to access; to look after the enforcement of the environmental protection laws in high mountain areas; to carry out surveillance and prevention tasks; and to maintain law and order on ski runs and at mountain sports competitions.
 

Excerpt: The specific mission of the Mountain Rescue Service consists in carrying out those tasks assigned to GC in mountain areas or in other locations that, due to their difficult orographic or climatological characteristics, require special physical and technical skills, and Read More ...

### The Road Traffic Policing Group of the Guardia Civil

The Road Traffic Policing Group is tasked with traffic safety and traffic control on our roads. The Group patrols these roads and enforces the traffic law.

Excerpt: The Road Traffic Policing Group is tasked with traffic safety and traffic control on our roads. The Group patrols these roads and enforces the traffic law.

### The Best Of Health

New pledges on a better deal
Prescription charges are set to be scrapped for low income pensioners and the disabled on the Costa Blanca and across the Valencia region, whilst patients in the Murcia region with serious acute or chronic conditions will be guaranteed appointments, surgery and treatment within one month. These major pledges were made by the health ministers of the respective two regions.
In Valencia, anyone earning 18 thousand euros a year or more in gross pay has had to pay half of the full retail price for any medication prescribed, with a few lines of chronic-care drugs exempt. This can be anything from a couple of euros to 50 euros or more per prescription. Anyone in receipt of a State pension from any country for retirement or permanent disability has always been exempt from payment, with ‘red’ prescription documents showing they get free medicine as opposed to ‘green’ prescriptions for those who have to pay a contribution. Now everyone of any age and with any level of income has to pay towards their essential medication. But Health Minister, Carmen Montón says this is due to stop for pensioners who take home less than one thousand euros a month, or for the permanently disabled.
“Many have to choose between taking necessary medication, and paying their bills,” said health minister Montón. “In the last two months alone, seven point nine percent of people in the Valencia region have had to stop taking their medication because they cannot afford it – and that’s desperately unfair.”
As part of her department’s plan to reduce health service costs, Montón says the privatised hospitals in Elche and Torrevieja will be put back in public-sector hands, but before this takes place, her team will ‘scrupulously enforce’ the terms of contracts held with the district healthcare management companies and closely monitor their finances
In the Murcia region, the government has explained their new waiting list pledge involving people being given treatment within a month if they are suffering from a serious condition. Murcia’s health minister, Encarna Guillén says her department wants to cut waiting lists to a minimum, starting with patients classed as ‘priority one’, whose medical conditions are not an immediate emergency but are among the most serious.
 
Guillén will allow patients to be transferred to private hospitals who would then bill the Murcia health service or state hospitals will be able to pay their own doctors and nurses overtime without getting prior approval from the regional health department, Anyone who has been on a waiting list for a full year or more will be the first to be seen. Where practical, patients may be sent to hospitals in other districts for treatment or consultations.
The Murcia region sees over 50 thousand patients treated per day, with emergency departments dealing with around two thousand cases on a daily basis, with over 175 thousand operations carried out each year. Sra Guillén has pledged to ensure full job security for all healthcare employees and the best possible working conditions in order to “guarantee a quality and efficient service for patients.”  Investments totalling 58 million euros have been made in the region’s main hospitals, and an additional 24 million euros will be ploughed into the local health service over the next four years.

Excerpt: New pledges on a better deal Prescription charges are set to be scrapped for low income pensioners and the disabled on the Costa Blanca and across the Valencia region, whilst patients in the Murcia region with serious acute or chronic conditions will be guaranteed appointments, surgery and treatment within one month. These major pledges were made Read More ...

### Carry On Spending

Spain’s record-breaking tourist year is being matched by record-breaking spending according to the latest government figures. The Tourism Ministry says that up to the end of August, over 46 billion euros was spent by foreign tourists in the country, a seven percent rise on the same figure last year, with British visitors spending over nine billion euros. During August, tourist spending averaged just over 300 million euros a day.
Locally, just under four billion euros was spent up to the end of August in the Valencia and Costa Blanca regions, which was an increase of six point six percent on the same period in 2014. British tourists accounted for over 29 percent of the local spend, parting company with one point one seven billion euros.

Excerpt: Spain’s record-breaking tourist year is being matched by record-breaking spending according to the latest government figures. The Tourism Ministry says that up to the end of August, over 46 billion euros was spent by foreign tourists in the country, a seven percent rise on the same figure last year, with British visitors spending over nine Read More ...

### Bus Blast

Criticism over poor school transport was amongst the key issues raised in a meeting last Friday between recently-appointed Alicante regional education director Tudi Torró and Orihuela mayor, Emilio Bascuñana. Sports facilities at secondary schools and the funding of the adult education centre at IES Tháder were some of the other topics that were discussed. Meanwhile a fresh protest took place last week over the lack of school buses to and from the Playas de Orihuela school.

Excerpt: Criticism over poor school transport was amongst the key issues raised in a meeting last Friday between recently-appointed Alicante regional education director Tudi Torró and Orihuela mayor, Emilio Bascuñana. Sports facilities at secondary schools and the funding of the adult education centre at IES Tháder were some of the other topics that were discussed. Meanwhile Read More ...

### Children in Cars

New traffic laws come into force this week in Spain, with the main objective of protecting children in cars.
As of the 1st of October, all children measuring 135 cm in height or less must ride in the rear seats of a vehicle, irrespective of their age, and in addition to the requirements of the correct seat being provided appropriate to their size and weight.
There are a number of exceptions to the rule, for example, when the vehicle does not have rear seats, when all rear seats are already occupied by others under the same characteristics, and where it is not possible to install approved child restraints in those rear seats. These are the only occasions when children may occupy a front seat, but they must always use the restraint system approved for their height and weight.
This new provision is contained in the amendment of art. 117 Rules of the road (seat belts or other approved child restraint systems), made by Royal Decree 667/2015 of the 17th of July (BOE of July 18, 2015).
The amendment of that article also stipulates that child restraints must be installed in the vehicle in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer and the instructions that will indicate how and what kind of vehicles can be used safely. With this modification the EU Directive 2014/37 / EU on the compulsory use of safety belts and child restraints in vehicles is transposed.
The modification of the law also reflects the scientific evidence from numerous studies that demonstrate the benefit of children traveling in the rear seats of vehicles in order to strengthen their protection.
A study in the United States looked at 5,751 vehicle occupants under the age of 15 who had suffered a serious car incident. The report shows that sitting in the back seat had a protective effect with respect to serious injury or death.
A further study in Australia concluded that the risk of death in children under 4 years of age involved in an incident whilst travelling in a car was doubled if they sat in the front. The risk of death was four times higher if the person was under 1 year of age, according to the study.
Not only is the overall risk of injury higher in the front seats, but also the severity of injuries sustained, according to the CIREN institution, the Crash Injury Research Engineering Network.
The change to the law in Spain has been prompted on account of the DGT seeing growing concerns for the safety of children in vehicles. In 2014, 2 of the 14 children under 12 years of age who were killed whilst travelling in vehicles were not wearing any safety device at the time of the accident. It was the same for 9 out of the 82 children who were seriously injured, they too were not wearing any kind of restraint.
The DGT therefore made it one of their priority objectives in the 2011-2020 Road Safety Strategy, to ensure that no child loses their life as a result of not being properly restrained.
Therefore, as well as clarifying the laws and making them easier to understand, the DGT have also increased the powers of the traffic police in dealing with adults who fail to take necessary responsibility for children, including the immediate immobilisation of a vehicle where children are found to be travelling without appropriate safety restraints.
To make the matter even clearer, there are a number of Golden Rules that must be followed regarding children in vehicle.
Never carry a child in your arms or use the same seat belt that is protecting the adult.
The use of child restraint systems (CRS) reduced the risk of death by 75% and the severity of injuries by 90%.
Make sure the seat is properly installed. It should not move and ought to be properly secured, the recommended option being the Isofix anchorage system
The child’s head should never hover higher than or over the back of the seat. If this happens it must be replaced by another of a suitable size.
If the child has to ride in the front seat, because of one of the three exceptions, if the vehicle has front airbags, you must only use a rear-facing restraint if the airbag has been deactivated.
Always make sure that the restraints are well anchored, even on short journeys, where the highest number of risk behaviours accumulate.
It is recommended that you continue to use appropriate and approved child restraint system until the child reaches 150 cm in height. Once a child is taller than 150 cm, then they must use the vehicle seat belt.
It is important to note that it is the responsibility of the adults transporting children to ensure their safety, as well as their own.

Excerpt: New traffic laws come into force this week in Spain, with the main objective of protecting children in cars. As of the 1st of October, all children measuring 135 cm in height or less must ride in the rear seats Read More ...

### German Tourist Drowns of La Zenia

A German tourist died off the coast of Orihuela on Monday, whilst bathing on the beach of Cala del Bosque, in the La Zenia area.
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, just days after the lifeguards were stood down following the official end to the summer season, and just after the European Championship Lifeguard competition was held in Torrevieja.
The man´s body was spotted floating in the sea near Cala Capitán as strong currents kept the body moving. In view of the sea conditions, a helicopter had to be called in to assist a Guardia Civil boat involved in the recovery operation.

Excerpt: A German tourist died off the coast of Orihuela on Monday, whilst bathing on the beach of Cala del Bosque, in the La Zenia area. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, just days after the lifeguards were stood down following the official end to the summer season, and just after the European Championship Lifeguard competition Read More ...

### Tourist Boost

A best-ever figure of 47.2 million foreign tourists visited Spain this year up till the end of August this year, just over four percent more than the same eight months of 2014. There were nine point two million visitors last month, some one point six percent more than August last year. Last month’s figures showed that the French and British accounted for close on half of the foreign visitors, with French tourists amounting to just over 23 percent, marginally more than those from the UK.  The Asian market is showing some substantial rises, with visitors from that part of the world up by over 22 percent on last year. The Valencia region, including the Costa Blanca, had one of the biggest regional rises in Spain, with a six point three percent yearly increase over August 2014’s statistics, with British, French, and Dutch tourists fuelling the upward trend.
 

Excerpt: A best-ever figure of 47.2 million foreign tourists visited Spain this year up till the end of August this year, just over four percent more than the same eight months of 2014. There were nine point two million visitors last month, some one point six percent more than August last year. Last month’s figures showed Read More ...

### Internet Speedster Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a 25 year old male, a resident of the León town of La Robla, accused of a crime of road safety, after the man posted a video of himself speeding on the internet.
The video was posted on social network sites and clearly showed the vehicle traveling along the LE-473 Pola de Gordón to Pantano de Luna road at a speed of 200 kilometres per hour, where the maximum permitted speed is 90 kilometres per hour.

The officers were then able to identify the driver as well as the vehicle and proceeded to file a complaint against him for a serious road traffic offence.
The driver now faces a prison sentence of three to six months, or a fine of six to twelve months and community service, as well as a ban from driving for up to four years.
The fact have been presented to the Magistrate’s Court of León by the officers working in the Guardia Civil traffic department of Castilla y León.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a 25 year old male, a resident of the León town of La Robla, accused of a crime of road safety, after the man posted a video of himself speeding on the internet. Read More ...

### Summer Sizzler

With the arrival of autumn, Valencia region weather experts have been reflecting on the summer of 2015, which overall was the fourth hottest since 1950, with temperatures around one point two degrees above average figures.  July was the month when all the records tumbled, yet there were still substantial variations across the whole of the region, which meant overall that the summer of 2015 was still, in terms of figures and averages, not as hot as 2003, 2009, and 2012. In Alicante Province and the Costa Blanca though, the July temperatures were the second highest in living memory, only beaten by the recorded figures way back in 1877. In contrast it was the wettest summer since 2002, with big storms recorded in August and September. Forecasters are predicting that temperatures will be above average for the rest of the year.
 

Excerpt: With the arrival of autumn, Valencia region weather experts have been reflecting on the summer of 2015, which overall was the fourth hottest since 1950, with temperatures around one point two degrees above average figures.  July was the month when all the records tumbled, yet there were still substantial variations across the whole of the Read More ...

### Traffic Officer Killed in Segovia

An officer from the Guardia Civil traffic department was killed in the line of duty on Thursday.
The emergency coordination centre for Castilla y León received the call at around 09:10 on Thursday reporting that the officers was involved in an incident whilst riding his liveried motorcycle at kilometre 68 of the N-VI road in the Segovia town of El Espinar.
The officer was said to be unconscious. The emergency centre despatched medical assistance and a helicopter but they could do nothing other than to confirm the death of the officer at the scene.
The officer was said to be 31 years of age.

Excerpt: An officer from the Guardia Civil traffic department was killed in the line of duty on Thursday. The emergency coordination centre for Castilla y León received the call at around 09:10 on Thursday reporting that the officers was involved in Read More ...

### Detached Trailer Causes Torrevieja Crash

Officers from the Guardia Civil attended yet another major crash on the now infamous N-332 main road in the La Mata area of Torrevieja on Monday, just a short distance away from a number of other crashes this year.
A trailer being towed by a vehicle became detached and crossed to the opposing lane, smashing into the front of a car travelling in the Cartagena direction.

As a result of injuries sustained in the crash, one woman had to be taken to hospital. The road was closed for a short time whilst the debris was cleared up.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil attended yet another major crash on the now infamous N-332 main road in the La Mata area of Torrevieja on Monday, just a short distance away from a number of other crashes this year. A Read More ...

### Valencia Slows Down

Valencia council has implemented a 30 kilometre per hour limit on all roads within the city centre.
The measure, which came into force at the start of September, aims to expand the space for pedestrians, increase road safety, reduce environmental pollution and promote local businesses.
A promotional campaign called “El centro ya va a 30” was launched which detailed how the limit is enforced on all roads within the first ring-road, in the area known as the “Ciutat Vella” or “old town”.
Valencia is not the first city to implement a reduced limit and follows in the footsteps of the likes of Bilbao, Pontevedra and Vitora in Spain, as well as Paris, Copenhagen and London.
Limiting the speed is not where the story will end however, as the Mayor of the city, Joan Ribó, accompanied by the councillor for mobility, Guiseppe Grezzi, explained that this first stage of “pacification of road traffic in the city centre”, will ultimately lead to a restricted zone being created where only authorised vehicles will be allowed access. This is intended to streamline traffic in the city centre, and create a safer place for pedestrians.
The campaign message will have a heavy presence on publicity posters and street furniture in the centre, advising as many people as possible of the change, so that the city centre can become a more attractive and safer space for all.

Excerpt: Valencia council has implemented a 30 kilometre per hour limit on all roads within the city centre. The measure, which came into force at the start of September, aims to expand the space for pedestrians, increase road safety, reduce environmental Read More ...

### Over 3,000 caught not wearing a seatbelt

During the latest campaign focussing on seatbelts and child restraints, the Guardia Civil caught more than 3,000 people in vehicles who were not wearing a seatbelt.
During the seven day campaign which ran between the 7th and the 13th of September, there were 2,830 adults and 206 children under 12 who were not wearing seatbelts.
Of the adult, 1,766 were drivers, the remaining 1,064 were passengers, divided as 649 in the front and 415 in the rear seats.
The campaign coincided with the return to school, and so the aim was to reduce the risk to children as well as adults by raising awareness of the need to wear this life-saving security device.
The use of seatbelts is mandatory for all occupants of vehicles, both in the front and the rear seats.

Excerpt: During the latest campaign focussing on seatbelts and child restraints, the Guardia Civil caught more than 3,000 people in vehicles who were not wearing a seatbelt. During the seven day campaign which ran between the 7th and the 13th of Read More ...

### Market Wars Restart in Orihuela

The councillor for markets in Orihuela, Damasco Aparicio of the Partido Popular, is set to reignite a battle between the town hall and market traders after announcing that the licences for 80 stalls in the Tuesday market would not be renewed, thus taking the retail allocation down from 320 stalls to 240.
The idea, according to the councillor, is to provide more space between the stalls to allow for loading and unloading and make the area more visually spacious.
Those casualties of this market are welcome to apply for any of the 166 vacancies in other locations including 6 in Campoamor, 2 in Playa Flamenca and 7 other locations around the municipality.

Excerpt: The councillor for markets in Orihuela, Damasco Aparicio of the Partido Popular, is set to reignite a battle between the town hall and market traders after announcing that the licences for 80 stalls in the Tuesday market would not be renewed, thus taking the retail allocation down from 320 stalls to 240. The idea, according Read More ...

### Speed Limit Signs

Some of the most confusing signs for drivers moving to Spain are those related to speed limits. There are some similarities in the UK Highway Code.
When we look at road signs we remember some basic principles. Red circles tell us what me must NOT do, blue circles tell us what we MUST do, squares and rectangles offer information, triangles are warnings. There are a couple of others, such as the hexagonal stop sign, but they are the principle points to remember. Red circles DON´T, blue circles DO, squares and rectangles are info, triangles are warnings.
The maximum permitted speed on a road is indicated by means of a circular sign with a red border and the numbers in black the centre. This is a mandatory speed limit sign, known as R-301.
The UK Highway Code says, “Maximum Speed”.

There is also a minimum required speed sign, the R-411, which is a blue circle with numbers in white in the centre. A minimum speed is a requirement on a number of roads, and so if your vehicle is incapable of reaching those speeds, you will not be allowed on them.
The UK Highway Code says, “Minimum Speed”

These signs can also appear in conjunction with other information, such as denoting the minimum or maximum speed in a particular lane, such as the S-50.

The third signs relating to speed are the S-7 and S-9, which is an advisory maximum speed limit sign. It is a blue square with white numbers printed in the centre and denotes the advised maximum speed which your vehicle should travel on through the stretch in question. This sign can also be accompanied by a danger warning and is active for the stretch of road where the danger exists.

The S-9 sign denoted a variable recommended maximum speed, with the advice being to keep the speed between the parameters shown, depending on the weather and environmental conditions of the road and traffic. When placed under a warning sign of a danger, the recommendation refers to the section in which that danger persists.

 
All roads have a speed limit, even those which don´t display speed limit signs. It is important to know the different characteristics of the roads so as to determine the maximum permitted speed, especially in the event of no signs being displayed.
Roads are separated into four main groups. The first group is toll roads and motorways, otherwise known as autopistas and autovias. The second group are conventional roads, which is split again into two subgroups, vías automóviles and carreteras convencionales with a hard shoulder equal to or greater than 1.5 m or more than two lanes for either direction (3 lanes or more in total); and other conventional roads, otras carreteras convencionales. The final group are urban roads, or Vías urbanas, travesías.
The table below indicates the maximum permitted speed on the four different types of roads, under optimum conditions.

There are other restrictions on certain types of vehicles and activities which must also be taken into consideration.
 
 

Excerpt: Some of the most confusing signs for drivers moving to Spain are those related to speed limits. There are some similarities in the UK Highway Code. When we look at road signs we remember some basic principles. Red circles tell Read More ...

### New Software to Prevent Kamikaze Drivers

A new application has been created by Bosch, which aims to alert so called “kamikaze” drivers, who either intentionally or accidentally drive the wrong way down the road.
The software, which will be available integrated into the vehicle´s technology such as GPS systems or SmartPhones, hopes to form a part of the future of safer vehicles by alerting drivers of the potential risk.
Should the driver still fail to respond to the warning, the equipment is capable of forcing the vehicle to stop within a few seconds, simultaneously sending an alert to approaching vehicles of the potential hazard ahead.
Bosch aim to put the technology into production in 2016, although the ability to stop the vehicle will only be available in those cars which have computerised assistance built in.

Excerpt: A new application has been created by Bosch, which aims to alert so called “kamikaze” drivers, who either intentionally or accidentally drive the wrong way down the road. The software, which will be available integrated into the vehicle´s technology such Read More ...

### Runaway Bus Goes on Shopping Trip

A runaway bus crashed into the doorway of a department store on Monday, though miraculously nobody was injured in the bizarre crash.

The bus had stopped at the nearby terminal at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and passengers and driver disembarked. Without warning, the bus apparently decided to continue on its own shopping trip and left the bus station in reverse heading towards the entrance of the El Corte Inglés store.
The bus was said to be in good mechanical order and all paper work was in place and correct, but an investigation has been launched to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The only damage was to the back of the bus and some bicycles that were parked at the front of the store.

Excerpt: A runaway bus crashed into the doorway of a department store on Monday, though miraculously nobody was injured in the bizarre crash. The bus had stopped at the nearby terminal at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and passengers and driver disembarked. Read More ...

### Unlucky Looky Looky Men

Officers from the Guardia Civil dismantled a criminal network that would import counterfeit clothing from London through Alicante airport to be distributed by Looky-looky men in coastal towns of the Costa Blanca.
Five people were arrested as part of the operation and a further 21 people have been charged in connection with the operation.
The officers seized 2,150 fake football shirts which were destined to be sold to the 2015 / 2016 season supporters, with an estimated value of 240,000 euro.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil dismantled a criminal network that would import counterfeit clothing from London through Alicante airport to be distributed by Looky-looky men in coastal towns of the Costa Blanca. Five people were arrested as part of the operation and a further 21 people have been charged in connection with the operation. The Read More ...

### Cyclists Killed by Hit and Run Drunk

Catalan police have arrested a 23 year old driver who ploughed into a group of cyclists, killing two of them and injuring two others, before fleeing the scene on foot.
The incident occurred just after 08:00 on Sunday morning on the L-7041 road in the Segriá town of Soses, between Zaragoza and Barcelona.
The group of cyclists were hit head-on by the car that was travelling in the opposite direction. Javier M. B., who was 57, and Juan José R. M., aged 54, who were brothers in law, were killed by the impact. Two others were treated at the scene by attending medical staff, before being taken to hospital where one remained with a broken collarbone and in a serious condition.
The driver was located by the police and found to be a 23 year old resident of nearby Aitona. The driver, when subsequently tested, proved positive for alcohol and will be dealt with by the courts.

Excerpt: Catalan police have arrested a 23 year old driver who ploughed into a group of cyclists, killing two of them and injuring two others, before fleeing the scene on foot. The incident occurred just after 08:00 on Sunday morning on Read More ...

### Intensified Seatbelt Checks This Week

All of this week, the Guardia Civil traffic department will be carrying out intensified checks on the wearing of seatbelts and child restraints in cars.
The seatbelt is a fundamental element of vehicle safety and reduces the risk of death by a half. Not wearing a seatbelt, along with alcohol and drugs and inappropriate speed is one of the principal factors in road fatalities and serious injuries.
The use of a seatbelt is mandatory for all occupants of a vehicle, in both the front and rear seats, and the number of passengers allowed to be carried are equal to the number of seatbelts. In other words, if there are only two seatbelts in the back, only two passengers can be carried.
Children less than 1.5 metres in height are also required to use appropriate restraints in vehicles which match their height and, in some cases, weight.
Children under 12 years of age are not allowed to travel in the front seat, unless using a properly fitted and approved restraint, with the only exception being when the child’s height is equal to or greater than 135 centimetres, in which case they can use the normal seatbelt.
In the rear seats, people whose height does not reach 135 centimetres must use a properly fitted child restraint system suitable for their height and weight. People whose height is equal to or greater than 135 centimetres and no greater than 150 centimetres, may either use a child restraint system suitable for their height and weight or the fitted seatbelt.
According to the DGT, 70% of children in cars are not properly protected. The correct use of child restraints helps reduce the injuries from an accident by 75%. Incredibly, nine out of ten children in serious or fatal crashes were not using child restraints correctly.
In the last campaign in March, over 5,000 adults were fined for not wearing their seatbelt. In addition, a staggering 287 children under 12 were found travelling without any kind of restraint, 70 of whom were in the front seat, 217 in the rear.
The intensified campaign will run from the 7th through to the 14th of September.

Excerpt: All of this week, the Guardia Civil traffic department will be carrying out intensified checks on the wearing of seatbelts and child restraints in cars. The seatbelt is a fundamental element of vehicle safety and reduces the risk of death Read More ...

### Wet Roads Mean Slippy Conditions

The first rainfall means that the roads will be particularly slippy as the water lays on top of an accumulation of dust and dirt on the roads. Take extra care when driving. Slow down, make gentle movements and take it easy.
Before heading out onto the roads you should check your tyres to make sure they are properly inflated and that the tread is sufficient and equal.
Use your headlights, keep your speed well under control and low and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front, remembering that stopping distances are increased on wet roads.
Keep an eye on the road surface and look for colour changes. The appearance of brown in the water could indicate mud or dirt, if the water looks multicoloured and has a rainbow effect, it could indicate oil mixed with the water.
Remember, slow, gentle movements, and take it easy.

Excerpt: The first rainfall means that the roads will be particularly slippy as the water lays on top of an accumulation of dust and dirt on the roads. Take extra care when driving. Slow down, make gentle movements and take it Read More ...

### Speeding Footballer Fined

A Spanish footballer, Antonio Amaya who currently plays for Rayo Vallecano, was arrested by the Guardia Civil last week accused of a crime against road safety.
The player was clocked driving his vehicle at 234 kilometres per hour in a section of the M-303 road near San Martín de la Vega, where the maximum permitted speed limit is 100 kilometres per hour.
As a result, the speeding driver was fined 20,000 euro and a ban of 12 months from driving.
The player has also published a letter in which he apologises to his family, his club and his teammates, as well as the fans of his team.

Excerpt: A Spanish footballer, Antonio Amaya who currently plays for Rayo Vallecano, was arrested by the Guardia Civil last week accused of a crime against road safety. The player was clocked driving his vehicle at 234 kilometres per hour in a Read More ...

### Busy Weekend on the Roads

Motorists are warned to prepare for a busy weekend on the roads of the Costa Blanca, as the final stage of the summer rush takes hold this weekend.
Operation Return sees the remaining bulk of inland tourists returning home after their summer holidays, resulting in busier roads as those vehicles head away from coastal and mountainous regions and back inland. The operation runs from Friday through to Sunday with Friday and Saturday evening, as well as Sunday all day, being the busiest anticipated times.
There will be an expected 5,9 million trips made throughout the weekend.
To make matters worse, the cycling tour of Spain also starts its stage in Torrevieja on Sunday, heading north along much of the N-332 route, which will result in road closures to allow the safe passage of the cyclists during one of the busiest times of the year.

Excerpt: Motorists are warned to prepare for a busy weekend on the roads of the Costa Blanca, as the final stage of the summer rush takes hold this weekend. Operation Return sees the remaining bulk of inland tourists returning home after their summer holidays, resulting in busier roads as those vehicles head away from coastal and Read More ...

### End of Summer Traffic Flow

This weekend marks the end of the summer road campaigns with “Retorno del verano”, when traffic starts to return from holiday destinations such as the coast and mountains to inland areas of Spain.

The special operation will run from 15:00 on Friday until midnight on Sunday with an anticipated 5.9 million vehicle movements expected during the course of the weekend.
The weekend will be further complicated as there will still be an increase in movement towards the coast, and the Spanish cycle race, La Vuelta, will mean various road closures during the course of the weekend, where Sunday is expected to be the busiest, coinciding with the race stage starting from the Torrevieja area and moving north on the N-332, a road already notorious for congestion.
In order to ensure a safe flow of movement, there will be 10,000 traffic officers from the Guardia Civil on duty, supported by an army of engineers, technicians and traffic management staff throughout the country.
There will be restrictions on the movement of some freight and none emergency road works will be suspended. There will also be additional lanes created in some areas in order to maximise the space available for traffic.
Drivers are advised to check their vehicle before a long journey, looking for any signs of potential damage or risk, take frequent breaks, take your time and plan your route, allowing extra time on the way, and ensure compliance with the law at all times, including speed limits, the avoidance of alcohol and drugs (there will be additional checks in place throughout the weekend), and ensuring that all vehicle occupants use the seatbelts.

Excerpt: This weekend marks the end of the summer road campaigns with “Retorno del verano”, when traffic starts to return from holiday destinations such as the coast and mountains to inland areas of Spain. The special operation will run from 15:00 Read More ...

### Dangerous Driver Blocking Ambulance

Dashcams are not unusual, especially in places like Russia where they are used to try to combat insurance fraud, but this particular vehicle caught an inconsiderate BMW driver who not only refused to move over, the driver actively tried to then block the path of this overtaking vehicle.
The most worrying part being that this dashcam is installed in an ambulance responding to an emergency call. We can only hope that the driver of the BMW never needs the emergency services with this sort of unsafe and idiotic attitude.

Excerpt: Dashcams are not unusual, especially in places like Russia where they are used to try to combat insurance fraud, but this particular vehicle caught an inconsiderate BMW driver who not only refused to move over, the driver actively tried to Read More ...

### Guardia Civil Arrest ‘Fake Police’ Robbers

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested two men, aged 24 and 37, who are believed to have posed as police officers in order to rob foreign motorists across the Alicante province.

The two men are charged with committing at least nineteen counts of robbery or theft, as well as offences of forgery, belonging to a criminal gang and impersonating the police.
The investigation began in March when the Guardia Civil became aware of two men committing robberies in this way and sought to catch the perpetrators.
According to the investigators, in order to commit the offences the men would wear fake uniforms and other items of clothing and target foreign drivers who they believed would not know the actual appearance and routines of the Spanish security services.
The men also fake identity cards and badges which gave the impression that they were police officers, all of which were in fact fakes.
The pair would sometimes pretend to carry out “routine inspections” of vehicles in order to commit their crimes, and would routinely target foreigners in rest areas and service stations along the motorway network, as well as in the main roads and streets. They would often pull alongside vehicles and identify themselves as police, and demand to check for drugs, as well as checking bags and bumbags, and stealing money during these checks.
During the arrest the officers found various items which they believed were used to commit the offences, including police identity cards, false number plates, clothing which bears similarities to those worn by the police, documents, cash and other items.
The two arrestees have been handed over to the courts in Villena.
A video is available on the N332.es website to help identify unmarked Guardia Civil traffic cars so as to help avoid such incidents.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested two men, aged 24 and 37, who are believed to have posed as police officers in order to rob foreign motorists across the Alicante province. The two men are charged with committing at Read More ...

### Drunk Driver Arrested After Attempted Escape

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a 26 year old Spanish national after the driver of a vehicle attempted to avoid a breathalyser test, then drove for over 30 kilometres in a reckless manner, injuring two Guardia Civil officers and colliding with another vehicle.

The incident occurred on Sunday on the A-30 in the San Javier area of Murcia when officers stopped a vehicle at a routine alcohol and drugs checkpoint on the RM-19.
Having noticed the officers instructing the driver to stop, the vehicle sped off at high speed in the direction of Murcia, and so a routine operation was immediately implemented to attempt to stop the vehicle without risking other traffic on the road.
As the vehicle continued it was observed by the officers carrying out a variety of illegal and dangerous moves whilst travelling at speeds in excess of the maximum limit. A number of other vehicles had to take evasive action to avoid being hit by the fugitive vehicle.
Upon entering the A-30 Albacete road the driver lost control of the speeding vehicle and collided with the central reservation, leaving the lane and proceeding in the opposing direction on the other side of the road before colliding with a vehicle heading in the correct direction.
The fugitive eventually became trapped but continued to try to escape by ramming the vehicle with which it had collided, with the innocent victims still inside, before eventually being brought to a stop by a traffic car and the officers arresting the fugitive, although not before two of them were injured in the continuing attempts to resist arrest.
The driver was subjected to a breathalyser test which showed double the maximum allowed amount but by refusing to complete the test the driver was arrested for refusing.
The driver was presented to the courts for sentencing.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a 26 year old Spanish national after the driver of a vehicle attempted to avoid a breathalyser test, then drove for over 30 kilometres in a reckless manner, injuring two Guardia Civil officers Read More ...

### Serious Crashes on the N-332

It has been another bleak week on the N-332 main road with a multi-vehicle crash on Tuesday evening in the Torrevieja area resulting in one person suffering serious injuries and another five being treated for minor cuts and bruises.
Two vehicles crashed head on near to the salt factory of Torrevieja with initial investigations suggesting that one of the vehicles invaded the opposite lane.
Meanwhile, just after midnight on Wednesday morning a five-vehicle crash occurred on the same road near to Alicante-Elche airport in the Santa Pola direction. Four people were taken to hospital following that crash, including a woman who suffered various broken bones and a 12-month old baby who was taken to hospital as a precaution but not showing any obvious signs of injury.
The roads of the Costa Blanca are still at their busiest at the moment with the major traffic operation signalling the end of summer taking place this coming weekend.
Operation Return sees the remaining bulk of inland tourists returning home after their summer holidays, resulting in busier roads as those vehicles head away from coastal and mountainous regions and back inland. The operation runs from Friday through to Sunday with Friday and Saturday evening, as well as Sunday all day, being the busiest anticipated times.
To make matters worse, the cycling tour of Spain also starts its stage in Torrevieja on Sunday, heading north along much of the N-332 route, which will result in road closures to allow the safe passage of the cyclists during one of the busiest times of the year.

Excerpt: It has been another bleak week on the N-332 main road with a multi-vehicle crash on Tuesday evening in the Torrevieja area resulting in one person suffering serious injuries and another five being treated for minor cuts and bruises. Two vehicles crashed head on near to the salt factory of Torrevieja with initial investigations suggesting Read More ...

### More Serious Crashes on the N-332

It has been another bleak week on the N-332 main road with a multi-vehicle crash on Tuesday evening in the Torrevieja area resulting in one person suffering serious injuries and another five being treated for minor cuts and bruises.
Two vehicles crashed head on near to the salt factory of Torrevieja with initial investigations suggesting that one of the vehicles invaded the opposite lane.
Meanwhile, just after midnight on Wednesday morning a five-vehicle crash occurred on the same road near to Alicante-Elche airport in the Santa Pola direction. Four people were taken to hospital following that crash, including a woman who suffered various broken bones and a 12-month old baby who was taken to hospital as a precaution but not showing any obvious signs of injury.
The roads of the Costa Blanca are still at their busiest at the moment with the major traffic operation signalling the end of summer taking place this coming weekend.
Operation Return sees the remaining bulk of inland tourists returning home after their summer holidays, resulting in busier roads as those vehicles head away from coastal and mountainous regions and back inland. The operation runs from Friday through to Sunday with Friday and Saturday evening, as well as Sunday all day, being the busiest anticipated times.
To make matter worse, the cycling tour of Spain (La Vuelta) also starts its stage in Torrevieja on Sunday, heading north along much of the N-332 route, which will result in road closures to allow the safe passage of the cyclists during one of the busiest times of the year.

Excerpt: It has been another bleak week on the N-332 main road with a multi-vehicle crash on Tuesday evening in the Torrevieja area resulting in one person suffering serious injuries and another five being treated for minor cuts and bruises. Two Read More ...

### It Can Wait

This incredibly powerful video should be watched by everybody.
In Close to Home, we are introduced to six characters on a perfectly average day. Their lives are then irrevocably changed by the devastating consequences of a seemingly innocent glance at a phone while driving.
The message, “No post is worth a life. It Can Wait.”

Excerpt: This incredibly powerful video should be watched by everybody. In Close to Home, we are introduced to six characters on a perfectly average day. Their lives are then irrevocably changed by the devastating consequences of a seemingly innocent glance at Read More ...

### Young Worker Killed in Los Arenales

A 24 year old resident of Santa Pola was killed on Monday whilst working on a property in Arenales del Sol.
The man was reported to have been working on a television aerial on the roof of a six-storey building on calle Ibiza at the time of the incident which occurred around midday.
Both the local and National Police attended the scene and an investigation will be carried out once an autopsy confirms the cause of death, although the initial hypothesis is that he died of a heart attack and fell from his ladder.

Excerpt: A 24 year old resident of Santa Pola was killed on Monday whilst working on a property in Arenales del Sol. The man was reported to have been working on a television aerial on the roof of a six-storey building on calle Ibiza at the time of the incident which occurred around midday. Both the […]

### Police Parking Picture Complaint Archived

The sub delegation of Alicante has archived a complaint submitted by the Petrer town hall for the possible infringement of the Public Safety Act, commonly known as the “gag law”, after a photograph appeared on social network sites of a police car parked in a disabled parking bay.
The images and subsequent threat of action has been covered my most media in both Spain and other countries in the UK, with the photographer facing an 800 euro fine, the first of its kind under new legislation aimed at controlling public order incidents.
Article 36.23 of the new Public Safety Act prohibits photographing the security forces in the event that “could endanger the personal or family security of the agents from the protected premises” put them at risk.
The central government of Alicante has shelved the action as, according to a spokesperson, there was” no offence in relation to the Public Safety Act”.

Excerpt: The sub delegation of Alicante has archived a complaint submitted by the Petrer town hall for the possible infringement of the Public Safety Act, commonly known as the “gag law”, after a photograph appeared on social network sites of a police car parked in a disabled parking bay. The images and subsequent threat of action […]

### Bigastro Clean-Up

Bigastro town hall has announced the installation of ten new waste bins in the town, specifically designed for the collection of dog waste.
The bins are also accompanied by a sign warning pet owners that allowing your animal to foul the street will result in a fine of 200 euro, in an attempt to clean up the image of the town.

Excerpt: Bigastro town hall has announced the installation of ten new waste bins in the town, specifically designed for the collection of dog waste. The bins are also accompanied by a sign warning pet owners that allowing your animal to foul the street will result in a fine of 200 euro, in an attempt to clean […]

### More Zoo Visitors in Murcia

Aside from celebrating the birthday of Elefanta Petita this weekend in the Terra Natura park in Benidorm, the sister centre in Murcia has this week celebrated welcoming their half a millionth visitor since they opened in 2007.
Last year alone the animal park was visited by 240,000 people, 30% of whom are foreigners, and in the first seven months of this year the figure has been 150,000 people.
The park owners have invested 24 million euro for maintenance and improvements to the park which is now considered one of the main tourist attractions and leisure facilities in the region of Murcia, according to park manager, Gustavo Martínez.

Excerpt: Aside from celebrating the birthday of Elefanta Petita this weekend in the Terra Natura park in Benidorm, the sister centre in Murcia has this week celebrated welcoming their half a millionth visitor since they opened in 2007. Last year alone the animal park was visited by 240,000 people, 30% of whom are foreigners, and in […]

### Cruising into Torrevieja

Spokesperson for the government of Torrevieja, Fanny Serrano, who also holds the post of councillor for tourism, has hit back at accusations that the town hall is doing nothing to promote the city to the cruise passengers who will be visiting on board the AMADEA on Saturday.
Facing criticism from the former mayor, Eduardo Dolón, Serrano has insisted that the cruise ship arrival was arranged last year and is a relatively small affair, with just 600 passengers and 200 crew on board, due to arrive at 16:30, departing at 21:00, and so this leave “a relatively small margin to manage”.
Excursions had already been arranged to places such as Cartagena, a popular cruise destination already, and the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre, and the most optimistic forecast is for “about 150 or 200” people being left behind, who will be cared for once the shuttle boats arrive at the Marina Salinas, and can then enjoy the benefits that Torrevieja has to offer.

Excerpt: Spokesperson for the government of Torrevieja, Fanny Serrano, who also holds the post of councillor for tourism, has hit back at accusations that the town hall is doing nothing to promote the city to the cruise passengers who will be visiting on board the AMADEA on Saturday. Facing criticism from the former mayor, Eduardo Dolón, […]

### Cartagena Shark Fishers Caught

Six people were arrested this week for capturing a Basking Shark off the coast of Cartagena.
The creature, which is harmless to humans, is protected under international conservation laws.
The action was taken against those involved after they subsequently tried to sell the meat to local hotels and restaurants in the area.
The investigation began in July when the authorities were made aware of illegal fishing activities around Cartagena.
Those arrested, all Spaniards and aged between 32 and 76, were brought before the courts in Cartagena.

Excerpt: Six people were arrested this week for capturing a Basking Shark off the coast of Cartagena. The creature, which is harmless to humans, is protected under international conservation laws. The action was taken against those involved after they subsequently tried to sell the meat to local hotels and restaurants in the area. The investigation began […]

### Santa Pola Fire Extinguished

A forest fire which took hold in the Salinas de Santa Pola on Wednesday was finally brought under control at 18:30, but not before it had destroyed almost a hectare of shrub land.
Two amphibious planes, a helicopter and numerous ground crews battled the flames which followed on from a similar incident in Guardamar dunes the day before, in a location already affected by fire just weeks ago.
The area remains on high alert for the risk of forest fires with experts asking everybody to be extra vigilant and refrain from leaving any kind of litter, not just smoking paraphernalia, and refrain from throwing cigarettes from cars, an activity which is also being clamped down on by the traffic police.

Excerpt: A forest fire which took hold in the Salinas de Santa Pola on Wednesday was finally brought under control at 18:30, but not before it had destroyed almost a hectare of shrub land. Two amphibious planes, a helicopter and numerous ground crews battled the flames which followed on from a similar incident in Guardamar dunes […]

### Celebrate Petita’s Birthday in Benidorm

The Terra Natura animal park in Benidorm will be celebrating this weekend, as one of their most famous residents, Elefanta Petita, celebrates her 43rd birthday.
When Petita first arrived at the park she was picked on by the other elephants who considered her ugly, until one of the younger elephants, Kaiso, who had felt pity on Petita, started to play with her and gradually managed to integrate her into the family.
This weekend, the park will arrange a special Hindu Holi festival her birthday with music, dancing and a special elephant cake which will be enjoyed by the entire elephant family as they wear their own ornamental dresses in Hindu tradition.
The party will culminate with a colour and water battle, encouraging everybody to ·forget their troubles” and enjoy the colours of the spectacle.

Excerpt: The Terra Natura animal park in Benidorm will be celebrating this weekend, as one of their most famous residents, Elefanta Petita, celebrates her 43rd birthday. When Petita first arrived at the park she was picked on by the other elephants who considered her ugly, until one of the younger elephants, Kaiso, who had felt pity […]

### Wheelchair Bound Smuggler Arrested

Officers from the National Police have arrested a man for smuggling drugs into the country on a boat from Algeria.
The drugs were found stashed in a cushion which was being used by a second person travelling in a wheelchair.
In a separate action, officers also located 100 kilos of drugs hidden in a van that also came from Algeria. The activities were part of an ongoing campaign that is running through the summer to tackle drug smuggling into the peninsular.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested a man for smuggling drugs into the country on a boat from Algeria. The drugs were found stashed in a cushion which was being used by a second person travelling in a wheelchair. In a separate action, officers also located 100 kilos of drugs hidden in a van […]

### Hostess Club Fraudsters Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested 20 members of an organised gang believed to be responsible for fraudulently obtaining around 45,000 euro from credit cards of mostly British visitors to hostess and strip clubs in the Magalluf area of the island of Mallorca.
The investigating officers believe that the amount of money stolen could be higher, on account of some of the victims being reluctant to report the theft on account of their embarrassment of admitting attending such venues.
The victims were said to be intoxicated at the time that the fraud would take place, with numerous consecutive high amounts put on their credit cards.
The British, as well as visitors from Scandinavia and the Nordic countries, were easier targets for the gangs on account of them offering their security information, such as pin and security codes more freely when asked.
In total, 16 women and 4 men were arrested, one of whom at least has previous convictions for similar offences.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested 20 members of an organised gang believed to be responsible for fraudulently obtaining around 45,000 euro from credit cards of mostly British visitors to hostess and strip clubs in the Magalluf area of the island of Mallorca. The investigating officers believe that the amount of money stolen could […]

### Keeping Cool Inside The Car

Although many people still ignore the warnings, it is common knowledge that animals and humans will die if left in a hot car, now a study conducted by the RACC Automobile Association, in conjunction with the Swiss Automobile Club, has shed light on some of the affects of vehicles in the sun.
Among the key findings of the study, it has been confirmed that if a vehicle left in direct sunlight, where the outside temperature is 35°C, standing without air conditioning, the inside temperature of the vehicle will reach a dangerous 55°C, or 131°F.
A recent study in America stated that high environmental temperatures can be dangerous to the human body. In the range of 90 to 105°F, heat cramps and exhaustion may occur. Between 105 and 130°F, heat exhaustion is almost certain, and environmental temperature over 130°F is likely to lead to heatstroke.
The RACC study wanted to confirm if the colour of a car can impact the internal temperature. They chose two different coloured vehicles for this comparison, a white one and a black one. They found that in the black car, the temperature reached up to 17°F more than the white one.
As for the myths concerning leaving the windows open a fraction to decrease the temperature inside, the results under lab conditions revealed just a 2 degree difference, which is why the advice of never leaving a pet in a parked car, even with the windows open, is such an important one to heed.
The advice concluded from the report is to try to remain stationary in direct sunlight for as shorter time as possible. Parking in the shade or under a carport will help lower the temperature.
Using windscreen shades when parked will also help lower the internal temperature, as will covering exposed areas such as the dashboard, and especially metallic features inside the vehicle, which can cause burns when touched.
Skin damage can occur from a temperature of 45°C. The internal elements like the dashboard, the seats, the steering wheel or gear lever can reach temperatures approaching 80°C if they are not protected.
Never leave anybody inside a car in the sun, although children and animals are more susceptible to damage caused by heat.
Leaving the windows open, if the place you are parked is secure, can reduce the temperature slightly, as can choosing a lighter colour car when you purchase it.
Take time before you start your trip to open all the vehicle doors and windows and let fresh air flow through for a few minutes before entering. This will help to avoid high temperatures during the trip.
You should also be aware that using air conditioning can also be detrimental, especially if the difference between the interior and exterior temperatures are severe, so make sure you adjust the setting accordingly.

Excerpt: Although many people still ignore the warnings, it is common knowledge that animals and humans will die if left in a hot car, now a study conducted by the RACC Automobile Association, in conjunction with the Swiss Automobile Club, has Read More ...

### The Cycle Tour of Spain is Coming to Torrevieja

The race will depart from Torrevieja at 13:18 in the direction of Alicante along Av. Ronda Samper, joining the N 332 at kilometre 63, near to the Chinese restaurant shaped like a boat.
The race will then follow the route through…

Guardamar de Segura. N 332
La Marina
Sta. Pola N 332
El Altet. N 332ª
Alicante. N 332
San Joan de Alicante
El Campello. N 332
Villajoyosa
Av. Finestrat, Av. de Villajoyosa
Benidorm
Altea. N 332
Calpe. CV 746
Moraira. CV 743
Alto de Puig Llorenca
El Poble Nou de Benitatxell. CV 740
Teulada. CV 740
Gata de Gorgos. N 332
Javea. CV 742
Bahía de Jávea
Poble Nou de Benitatxell
El Poble Nou de Benitatxell. Alto de Puig Llorença

The race will finish at El Poble Nou de Benitatxell. Alto de Puig Llorença, between 17:28 and 18:00.

For more information, you can visit the official website, where you can download maps and view the full race schedule, starting at this page, http://www.lavuelta.com/la-vuelta/2015/es/etapa-9.html for the Torrevieja stage detailed above.

Excerpt: The race will depart from Torrevieja at 13:18 in the direction of Alicante along Av. Ronda Samper, joining the N 332 at kilometre 63, near to the Chinese restaurant shaped like a boat. The race will then follow the route Read More ...

### Gladiators Visit Benidorm

Benidorm will be besieged by Gladiators next week, as the legendary Circus Maximus visits the bullring in the town as the venue for an epic battle.
A total of 25 actors will take part in the event with chariot races and sword fights for a unique experience in the historic grounds.
The action starts at 22:15 on Wednesday the 25th of August and tickets cost just 5 euro, with more information available from the tourist information offices.
Meanwhile, the Mundomar theme park in Benidorm is offering visitors the chance to “sleep with the fishes”, or dolphins to be exact, offering groups the chance to spend their Friday nights sleeping next to the dolphinarium and join in their nocturnal activities. The initiative is aimed primarily at children and is intended to offer an insight into these amazing creatures.

Excerpt: Benidorm will be besieged by Gladiators next week, as the legendary Circus Maximus visits the bullring in the town as the venue for an epic battle. A total of 25 actors will take part in the event with chariot races and sword fights for a unique experience in the historic grounds. The action starts at […]

### Busy Holiday Weekend Ahead

Once again the roads of Spain are expected to be particularly busy this weekend, with 4.8 million trips expected, nearly half a million more than last weekend.

Saturday is a national holiday in Spain which means that many more workers will be taking time off, mixing with the already increased tourist traffic, resulting in a higher concentration of vehicles in coastal and holiday hot spots, as well as the routes from the inland areas at the start of the weekend, and back inland on Sunday.
This weekend also coincides with an intensified campaign against drivers who have consumed alcohol or drugs before driving, and so there will be more checks and checkpoints on the roads throughout, with a daily target of 25,000 drivers being stopped.
Pegasus radar equipped helicopters will also be taking to the skies focussing on main roads looking to catch speeding motorists, and there will be restrictions on the movements of dangerous goods, whilst all none urgent road works will be suspended and traffic management procedures put in place.

Excerpt: Once again the roads of Spain are expected to be particularly busy this weekend, with 4.8 million trips expected, nearly half a million more than last weekend. Saturday is a national holiday in Spain which means that many more workers Read More ...

### Stolen Spanish Vehicle Recovered in Manchester

With Europe-wide policing becoming more of a priority, forces from across the continent can share information, not only for the purposes of fining foreign drivers in other countries, but also in assisting their colleagues in recovering stolen property.
As part of the Crossing Borders campaign, Greater Manchester Police successfully stopped a vehicle in Rochdale following a pursuit on Wednesday.

The silver Renault Clio had been reported stolen in Spain and has now been recovered.
You can follow Greater Manchester Police on Twitter, @gmptraffic
This vehicle stolen in Spain, yes Spain, was recovered after a pursuit in Rochdale this morning. @TISPOLorg pic.twitter.com/G3x261V4gQ
— GMP Traffic (@gmptraffic) August 11, 2015

Excerpt: With Europe-wide policing becoming more of a priority, forces from across the continent can share information, not only for the purposes of fining foreign drivers in other countries, but also in assisting their colleagues in recovering stolen property. As part Read More ...

### Cycling Burglar Arrested

Officers from the National Police have arrested a 46 year old man accused of two separate burglaries from the same property.
The investigation began after a couple reported a number of items missing from their home, including jewellery and cash, despite their property being securely locked. The husband had recently been the victim of theft when his backpack was stolen in Torrevieja containing his house keys and documentation.
During the investigation, witnesses reported seeing a man wearing cycling gear and a helmet hanging around near the property, two days before the theft occurred. The investigation then led officers to a shop nearby which was selling items matching the descriptions of those missing, the shop owner describing the seller as wearing the same clothing as the person witnesses reported near the property.
The officers believed a third party was also involved in the sale of the goods without proof of ownership who was also arrested for handling stolen goods.
The perpetrators were delivered to the courts in Orihuela.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested a 46 year old man accused of two separate burglaries from the same property. The investigation began after a couple reported a number of items missing from their home, including jewellery and cash, despite their property being securely locked. The husband had recently been the victim of theft […]

### Union Calls for Torrevieja National Police Station

The UFP-CV union, which represents police officers across the Valencia region, are demanding the “urgent” creation of a National Police station in Torrevieja.
They say that the population of the town quadruples in the summer, increasing from 107,000 people to over 400,000. Cities over 100,000 people would normally qualify for a National Police presence, although the official census figure for Torrevieja now stands at just 91,415, far below the required threshold, following an apparent mass exodus of foreign residents and subsequent cleanup of the padrón last year.
The police union however are concerned that the lack of a police station “threatens the quality of public safety in the area”, as the needs of Torrevieja “are covered almost daily by members of the police station of Alicante” and the area is at increased risk from organised gangs from Eastern Europe.
The union say that despite years of promises of the creation of a police station, “There are always excuses and obstacles, it is never a priority,” and therefore the role of public safety is assumed by the Guardia Civil and local police.

Excerpt: The UFP-CV union, which represents police officers across the Valencia region, are demanding the “urgent” creation of a National Police station in Torrevieja. They say that the population of the town quadruples in the summer, increasing from 107,000 people to over 400,000. Cities over 100,000 people would normally qualify for a National Police presence, although […]

### Hotel Occupancy Up

Hotels across the Costa Blanca are already celebrating an overall anticipated 90% occupancy for the month of August, an increase from the 87% in July.
The figures so far are representing the best summer since 2008, attributed mainly to the recovery of domestic tourism, as well as an increase in visitors from Scandinavian countries.
The results in July were 2% higher than last year and so far this year the figures show a 5% increase overall.

Excerpt: Hotels across the Costa Blanca are already celebrating an overall anticipated 90% occupancy for the month of August, an increase from the 87% in July. The figures so far are representing the best summer since 2008, attributed mainly to the recovery of domestic tourism, as well as an increase in visitors from Scandinavian countries. The […]

### Councillor for the Coast Post Reinstated

The mayor of Orihuela, Emilio Bascuñana, has announced that the role of Councillor for the Coast in Orihuela will be reinstated, with the Councillor for Tourism, Beaches, international residents and urban transport, Sofía Álvarez, assuming the responsibilities that were taken away from the role and centralised in the city of Orihuela when the new government took over after the elections.
According to the town hall, the goal is to provide residents of Orihuela Costa access to services and the care they require and improve the organisation.
Many coastal residents voiced concerns after the competencies were taken away from the coast as the state of the streets and beaches were an apparent indication of the amount of neglect they were suffering.
In the previous government of Orihuela the role was fulfilled by councillor Martina Scheurer.

Excerpt: The mayor of Orihuela, Emilio Bascuñana, has announced that the role of Councillor for the Coast in Orihuela will be reinstated, with the Councillor for Tourism, Beaches, international residents and urban transport, Sofía Álvarez, assuming the responsibilities that were taken Read More ...

### Pirate Website Manager Arrested in Torrevieja

Officers from the National Police have arrested a 44 year old Spanish national in Torrevieja, accused of being the manager of a website dedicated to providing films and TV shows on demand via the internet.
The investigation began following complaints from various film companies regarding the illegal distribution of their films. Viewers were able to subscribe to the services and watch via their computers, televisions and mobile phone applications, with the individuals behind the website profiting from their activities.
The officers explained that whilst many of these websites which have been previously investigated carried links to shows and films, in this case the files were stored on servers operated by the web managers.
During the raid, officers seized a laptop, a mobile phone, three pen drives and a tablet.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested a 44 year old Spanish national in Torrevieja, accused of being the manager of a website dedicated to providing films and TV shows on demand via the internet. The investigation began following complaints from various film companies regarding the illegal distribution of their films. Viewers were able to […]

### Summer Work Boost

Unemployment in the Vega Baja area is down once again in July, thanks to the summer season, with an additional 394 people finding work overall, with the registered jobless figure now standing at 31,818.
The tourist rich areas have seen the biggest decline, with Torrevieja leading the way with 377 people finding work, followed by Pilar de la Horadada where 81 jobs were found and Guardamar with 67.
However, it´s not all good news as unemployment increased in Cox, where another 40 people joined the unemployment register, Bigastro saw 35 job losses and Callosa de Segura saw 25 more people now looking for work.

Excerpt: Unemployment in the Vega Baja area is down once again in July, thanks to the summer season, with an additional 394 people finding work overall, with the registered jobless figure now standing at 31,818. The tourist rich areas have seen the biggest decline, with Torrevieja leading the way with 377 people finding work, followed by […]

### Alcoy Armed Robber Locked Up

A resident of Alcoy has had his 5-year prison sentence confirmed by the court of appeal, after he was found guilty of armed robbery, having threatened a priest at knifepoint and made off with 20 euro.
The man was given the sentence in February and appealed through the courts, after evidence stated that the man hid his face behind a ski mask and put a letter opener or knife at the priest´s throat, demanding money from the priest who was praying at the time.
The priest gave the man the 20 euro from his pocket and called the police immediately after the thief had fled, giving a description of the man. The police were able to apprehend the robber and found him carrying a letter opener and 20 euro note, the priest then confirming his identity having recognised his voice and the smell of his aftershave.
The appeal was based around the allegation of insufficient evidence of identity, which was declined, the perpetrator now facing 5 years locked up and having to financially compensate the priest to the tune of 20 euro.

Excerpt: A resident of Alcoy has had his 5-year prison sentence confirmed by the court of appeal, after he was found guilty of armed robbery, having threatened a priest at knifepoint and made off with 20 euro. The man was given the sentence in February and appealed through the courts, after evidence stated that the man […]

### Pegasus Catches Dangerous Speeder

Details have been revealed as to how the DGT´s airborne radar speed detector, Pegasus, clocked a Porsche Panamera travelling at 218 kilometres per hour on the R-4 ring road of Madrid, where the maximum permitted speed is 120 kilometres per hour.

In addition, the footage recording the speeding vehicle identified that it had French license plates and in the back seat of the vehicle was a child who was not wearing the mandatory restraining system or seatbelt.
Whereas Pegasus caught speeders normally receive later notification of their activities and fines due, given the gravity of the offences being committed by this vehicle, and the serious risk to road safety, the helicopter crew called on ground troops to intercept and stop the vehicle.
The driver was identified as a Spanish national of 31 years of age and his son was just 8. He was arrested at the scene and faces up to a four year ban from driving, a hefty fine and community service.
The post Pegasus Catches Dangerous Speeder appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Details have been revealed as to how the DGT´s airborne radar speed detector, Pegasus, clocked a Porsche Panamera travelling at 218 kilometres per hour on the R-4 ring road of Madrid, where the maximum permitted speed is 120 kilometres per Read More ...
The post Pegasus Catches Dangerous Speeder appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Dangerous Speeder Caught by Pegasus

Details have been revealed as to how the DGT´s airborne radar speed detector, Pegasus, clocked a Porsche Panamera travelling at 218 kilometres per hour on the R-4 ring road of Madrid, where the maximum permitted speed is 120 kilometres per hour.

In addition, the footage recording the speeding vehicle identified that it had French license plates and in the back seat of the vehicle was a child who was not wearing the mandatory restraining system or seatbelt.
Whereas Pegasus caught speeders normally receive later notification of their activities and fines due, given the gravity of the offences being committed by this vehicle, and the serious risk to road safety, the helicopter crew called on ground troops to intercept and stop the vehicle.
The driver was identified as a Spanish national of 31 years of age and his son was just 8. He was arrested at the scene and faces up to a four year ban from driving, a hefty fine and community service.

Excerpt: Details have been revealed as to how the DGT´s airborne radar speed detector, Pegasus, clocked a Porsche Panamera travelling at 218 kilometres per hour on the R-4 ring road of Madrid, where the maximum permitted speed is 120 kilometres per Read More ...

### Drones On Order

The Spanish Government has announced 25 million euro investment in the purchase of four reconnaissance drones and two ground stations.
The announcement was made as part of the 2016 budget with the total amount allocated to the program being 171 million euro over 5 years.
The order has been placed with a private American company to provide the Reaper drones, which are already in use in the UK, France and Italy, which can fly for 24 hours uninterrupted and reach an altitude of 45,000 feet.

Excerpt: The Spanish Government has announced 25 million euro investment in the purchase of four reconnaissance drones and two ground stations. The announcement was made as part of the 2016 budget with the total amount allocated to the program being 171 million euro over 5 years. The order has been placed with a private American company […]

### More Tragedy in the Sea

A 71-year old bather died at the weekend after apparently drowning off the coast of Torrevieja.
This latest tragedy bring the total number of deaths by drowning this summer to 17 across Valencia, since the official start of the summer season on the 20th of June.
A total of 69 people have been attended to by the emergency services, mostly in the Alicante province, far more than were attended to last year.
Throughout the entire summer of 2014 there were 33 people killed and a total of 38 attended to by the health service.
The health department are calling on everybody to be extra vigilant and take additional precautions in and near the sea and swimming pools in order to try to reduce the number of casualties in what is looking set to be one of the bleakest summers on record.

Excerpt: A 71-year old bather died at the weekend after apparently drowning off the coast of Torrevieja. This latest tragedy bring the total number of deaths by drowning this summer to 17 across Valencia, since the official start of the summer season on the 20th of June. A total of 69 people have been attended to […]

### Using the Correct Lane

There have been a number of reports in the press regarding drivers in Spain being fined for driving in the centre lane of a motorway, even when the road is clear. This is an offence and drivers who do so can be fined, but the reality is, other than we drive on the right in Spain, there is no difference to the UK, where “middle lane hogging” is also an offence.

Looking at how the two countries compare on roads with more than one lane in the direction of travel, if we first look at the UK, and what Rule 264 of the Highway Code states.
“You should always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear. If you are overtaking a number of slower-moving vehicles, you should return to the left-hand lane as soon as you are safely past.”
Comparing that to Spain, where we drive on the right, in fact the rule says as far to the right as possible, Article 31 of the Reglamento General Circulacion is where we see rules for normal traffic flow explained.
“On roads with more than one lane for the direction of travel, the normal flow of traffic is in the right hand lane, although you can use the other lane(s) when traffic circumstances dictate”, there is also an extension of the rule which states “provided you do not hinder the progress of another vehicle”.
Although the wording is slightly different, bearing in mind the Spanish version is an interpretation for ease of understanding and not a literal translation, the concept is the same. Under normal traffic circumstances, unless traffic determines otherwise, in the UK we should always drive in the left-hand lane, in Spain we should always use the right-hand lane.
The problem has always been one of understanding the rules of the road. The concept forms an integral part of UK driver training, and has done for many years. You only have to look through historic copies of the Highway Code and you will see the rules clearly printed. But it is a rule seemingly difficult for many to understand.
In 2004, the UK launched a pilot scheme with road signs pointing out the correct lane discipline, and yet these were still largely ignored.
More recently, the UK changed their procedure for dealing with drivers who remain in the centre lane, by changing the procedure for reporting the offence and making it punishable by fixed penalty notice, thus drivers can be fined on the spot and be 100 pound out of pocket.
Back in Spain, the same process is already in place. That is why drivers are issued with on the spot fines, not because they are targeted for being foreigners or any of the other excuses that have been made, but because driving in the right-hand lane is the normal procedure for the flow of traffic, and the fact that “nobody else was around” is not a justifiable excuse for committing any offence.
The post Using the Correct Lane appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: There have been a number of reports in the press regarding drivers in Spain being fined for driving in the centre lane of a motorway, even when the road is clear. This is an offence and drivers who do so Read More ...
The post Using the Correct Lane appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Intensified Alcohol and Drugs Checks

From Monday the 10th until Sunday the 16th of August, there will be an intensified safety campaign on the roads of Spain, focusing on one of the main contributors to vehicle incidents, alcohol and drugs.

The Guardia Civil officers out in force on the roads, carrying out random spot checks, as well as creating special drug and alcohol checkpoints.
According to statistics from the DGT, alcohol is present as a concurrent or triggering factor in a third of all fatal accidents. Their presence can multiply the risk of an incident by up to 15 times.
There has been a significant decrease in the percentage of positive tests between 2001 and 2013, down from 5% to 1.7% in that time, although the aim is to reach a figure of below 1% of drivers at the checkpoints. In 2014 there were 46,000 more tests conducted than the previous year, with a 13.6% reduction in positive results.
Drug use on the other hand had seen an increase, although new legislation has meant harsher penalties, and so the impact on reducing the use of drugs by drivers is starting to improve, with figures showing some 11% of drivers tested were on some kind of banned substance, with cannabis and cocaine the two substances most frequently found.
Regardless of the effect on drivers, alcohol and drugs also pose a risk to pedestrians, mainly in urban areas, which makes the participation of all municipalities in this Special Campaign of extraordinary importance.
Spain has one of the lowest permitted alcohol rates in Europe, significantly lower than the UK for example, although the only real safe amount of alcohol to consume before driving is zero.
The legal alcohol limit is in general 0.25 mg/l (or 0.15 mg/l if you are a learner driver / professional drivers). If the amount of alcohol exceeds this limit, the driver will be heavily fined and lose several points.
In the event such amount of the breathalyzer exceeds 0.60 mg/l, the driver becomes subject to a criminal proceeding and will be arrested.
A blood test is only available when you have completed the standard test and you disagree with the result. Refusal to co-operate is also considered a criminal offence.
Remember, the responsibility for alcohol and drug consumption lies with the driver and the only safe limit is zero.
The fines for being caught are significant, but the worst result for driving after consuming alcohol or drugs is death, not only of the driver, but the passengers and other road users as well.

The post Intensified Alcohol and Drugs Checks appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: From Monday the 10th until Sunday the 16th of August, there will be an intensified safety campaign on the roads of Spain, focusing on one of the main contributors to vehicle incidents, alcohol and drugs. The Guardia Civil officers out Read More ...
The post Intensified Alcohol and Drugs Checks appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### High Risks of Forest Fires

Whilst we are feeling the heat of summer, much of Spain remains on high alert for the risk of forest fires. The dry land and strong sun cause a heightened risk of occurrences.

Some of you may already be aware of the “fire triangle” or “combustion triangle”, a simple model for understanding the necessary ingredients for most fires. The triangle illustrates the three elements a fire needs to ignite: heat, fuel, and an oxidizing agent (usually oxygen). It´s sometimes simplified into the elements of heat, something to burn and oxygen. The removal of any one of the three elements of the triangle means that fire cannot take place.
Oxygen is present in the air, so there is not a lot we can do about removing that risk. Similarly, there is little that can be done to remove the fuel of forest fires, the dry trees and shrubbery themselves, but there is something we can do about the heat source, the ignition.
In Spain, it is estimated that more than 80% of all forest fires are caused by human interaction. In America incidentally the figure is as many as 90%.
Whereas some of those fires are started deliberately, and the reason for those fires is usually down to the individual concerned, the vast majority are caused by accidental ignition, but accidents can be prevented.
Through simple awareness and action we can all do something to reduce the risks of forest fires. Taking all your rubbish home and depositing it in a safe place is one easy task. You probably remember old TV public service announcements about how glass can start a fire, but any litter can be a contributing factor to fire.
Burning embers from summer BBQ´s are a common source of ignition, so these too must be disposed of correctly.
Smoking paraphernalia is perhaps the worst contributor however. Throwing a smouldering match or an almost extinguished cigarette butt is a recipe for disaster. If you do smoke, make sure that you dispose of all of your smoking materials safely and correctly, not just on the ground.
There are a variety of processes implemented to try to reduce the risk of fire, including a ban during the hottest months on farmers and industrial locations starting controlled fires, and there are also fines for individuals caught risking the threat of fire, such as throwing a cigarette out the car window?
If you do throw a cigarette out of a car window, lit or otherwise, you could be risking the lives of many people as forest fires are relentless and run so easily out of control, therefore you will be fined on the spot if you are spotted.
The law is quite clear, “No person in any vehicle shall throw or discharge from or upon any road or motorway or adjoining area, public or private, any lit or non lit cigarette”.
If you do get caught you face a fine of 200 euro and 4 points deducted from your license. Do it more than once and you are getting closer to a ban.
It might seem harsh and expensive, but when you consider the damage that can be caused by laziness or sometimes simple stupidity, you might soon realise that it is not expensive at all, so please don´t do it for everybody´s sake.
The post High Risks of Forest Fires appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Whilst we are feeling the heat of summer, much of Spain remains on high alert for the risk of forest fires. The dry land and strong sun cause a heightened risk of occurrences. Some of you may already be aware Read More ...
The post High Risks of Forest Fires appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### San Francisco Police QuadSki

As part of their fleet of patrol vehicles, the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) use QuadSkis, an amphibious vehicle that converts from a water-based jet ski to a land-based quad at the touch of a button.

The post San Francisco Police QuadSki appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: As part of their fleet of patrol vehicles, the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) use QuadSkis, an amphibious vehicle that converts from a water-based jet ski to a land-based quad at the touch of a button.

The post San Francisco Police QuadSki app...

### Italian Tourists Injured in Coach Crash

A collision between a touring coach and an articulated lorry in the Granada area on Thursday evening resulted in three people being seriously injured.

The coach was carrying 19 Italian tourists, the driver and two guides who were on their way to an evening event in the city as part of their excursion.
As a result of the incident the three most seriously injured people were rushed to hospital, one of them by helicopter. The remaining victims suffered minor injuries of varying degree and were treated at the scene.
As a result of the crash several lanes of the main ring-road were closed to traffic and considerable delays experienced by those caught up in the clean-up operation.
An investigation has been launched to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The post Italian Tourists Injured in Coach Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: A collision between a touring coach and an articulated lorry in the Granada area on Thursday evening resulted in three people being seriously injured. The coach was carrying 19 Italian tourists, the driver and two guides who were on their Read More ...
The post Italian Tourists Injured in Coach Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Search Launched for Hit and Run Cyclist

The Local Police in Burgos in Northern Spain have requested the help of the Guardia Civil to try to locate a cyclist who ran over an 87 year old woman on Tuesday.
The cyclist struck the woman on a pedestrian crossing which was being controlled by traffic lights. The rider then stopped at the scene of the incident but fled having noticed that the woman was not conscious. The victim died as a result of injuries sustained when she fell to the ground and hit her head on the kerb.
Officers are currently analysing CCTV images, and so far the police are able to offer a description of the rider as a man in his 40´s, who was wearing short jeans and a light coloured shirt.
The post Search Launched for Hit and Run Cyclist appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The Local Police in Burgos in Northern Spain have requested the help of the Guardia Civil to try to locate a cyclist who ran over an 87 year old woman on Tuesday. The cyclist struck the woman on a pedestrian Read More ...
The post Search Launched for Hit and Run Cyclist appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Sea Rescue off Cartagena Coast

The search and rescue team based in Cartagena assisted a fisherman off a boat off the coast of Cartagena on Thursday, after receiving an urgent medical call from the Belmonte Hernandez ship.
The call was received at 09:25 resulting in the quick response craft being, Salvamar Mimosa being launched which met the fishing boat 30 miles off the coast, transferring the injured sailor back to the port of Cartagena with a left leg trauma and possible fracture, arriving at noon.

Excerpt: The search and rescue team based in Cartagena assisted a fisherman off a boat off the coast of Cartagena on Thursday, after receiving an urgent medical call from the Belmonte Hernandez ship. The call was received at 09:25 resulting in the quick response craft being, Salvamar Mimosa being launched which met the fishing boat 30 […]

### Two More Airborne Speed Detectors Launched

The DGT has launched another two Pegasus equipped helicopters, bringing their total quota of their airborne speed detecting fleet to eight aircraft.

The equipment has been installed on two of their existing helicopters and is in direct response to the increase in both the number of vehicles on Spain´s roads during the summer, and the increase in road related incidents.
The helicopters will be mostly be patrolling the main road network, the scene of the majority of speed related incidents and fatalities.
Since the first Pegasus was launched in March, 2013, the fleet has flown for 1,576 active hours, monitored 31,320 vehicles and reported 8,644 drivers for speeding.
The average speed which offenders were caught by the radar was 30 kilometres per hour above the permitted limit. The fastest car spotted was travelling at 242 kilometres per hour on road where the limit was 120, whereas another driver was detected at 195 kilometres per hour on a road limited to a maximum of 90. Neither of these were an issue for Pegasus which can monitor and record speeds up to 360 kilometres per hour at a distance of 1,000 metres away.

The remaining four helicopters will be used for traffic management duties.
The post Two More Airborne Speed Detectors Launched appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The DGT has launched another two Pegasus equipped helicopters, bringing their total quota of their airborne speed detecting fleet to eight aircraft. The equipment has been installed on two of their existing helicopters and is in direct response to the Read More ...
The post Two More Airborne Speed Detectors Launched appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Twenty-Five Drivers Caught After Orihuela Night Party

Following the all-night party on the Orihuela Costa on Wednesday, the Guardia Civil launched a monitoring campaign against drink and drug driving, successfully taking 25 dangerous drivers off the roads.
In total, 20 drivers tested positive for driving under the influence of alcohol, and another 5 were charged with driving having consumed illegal drugs.
With harsher penalties now in place for drink and drug driving, these latest offenders will at least be considerably out of pocket as a result of their actions.
The post Twenty-Five Drivers Caught After Orihuela Night Party appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Following the all-night party on the Orihuela Costa on Wednesday, the Guardia Civil launched a monitoring campaign against drink and drug driving, successfully taking 25 dangerous drivers off the roads. In total, 20 drivers tested positive for driving under the Read More ...
The post Twenty-Five Drivers Caught After Orihuela Night Party appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Roman Popularity Increasing

The Roman Theatre in Cartagena has been visited by more than a million people since it reopened as a museum in July, 2008.
The historic site has now been visited by 1,029,717 people, after reaching a record for a single month this July, when 17,672 people visited, a 10.7% increase.
Although the majority of visitors are Spanish, in second place are British, with 42% of all summer visitors being originally from the UK.
The location is easily accessible from the harbour end of the main street through the city and leads through the hillside offering stunning views from the top across most of the cityscape.

Excerpt: The Roman Theatre in Cartagena has been visited by more than a million people since it reopened as a museum in July, 2008. The historic site has now been visited by 1,029,717 people, after reaching a record for a single month this July, when 17,672 people visited, a 10.7% increase. Although the majority of visitors […]

### Drugs Seized in San Miguel

Officers from the National Police have seized 105 kilos of marijuana buds, with a street value of more than half a million euro, in the town of San Miguel de Salinas.
A 39 year old British national has been arrested in connection with the case, after the police stopped a van near to the AP7 toll road. The police became suspicious after the driver of the vehicle displayed signs of “high anxiety” and proceeded to inspect the vehicle contents, discovering items of furniture, one of which had the drugs concealed in a hollowed out area.
It is believed that the drugs were destined for distribution in the United Kingdom.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have seized 105 kilos of marijuana buds, with a street value of more than half a million euro, in the town of San Miguel de Salinas. A 39 year old British national has been arrested in connection with the case, after the police stopped a van near to the AP7 […]

### Five-Vehicle Smash in Torrevieja

A five-vehicle crash on the N-332 in Torrevieja on Wednesday resulted in numerous casualties having to be taken to hospital.

The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon near to kilometre 55 of the main coastal road, just metres away from another fatal incident at the weekend where two young people were knocked down, one of them being killed, and a few kilometres away from a separate incident where an undocumented man was stuck by a car and died on Sunday afternoon.
Traffic was standing at a notorious black spot where traffic merges onto the main carriageway in the stretch of road that is only one lane.

A silver Seat car travelling in the Alicante direction apparently failed to notice the standing traffic and ploughed into a white Opel Corsa, which was then shunted into the standing traffic queue ahead.

The junction was the scene of another fatal crash not too long ago and the problematic stretch had been changed so that overtaking is no longer allowed for the 8 kilometre, single carriageway, although in the height of summer the road still becomes extremely congested and unable to cope with the amout of traffic trying to use it.
The post Five-Vehicle Smash in Torrevieja appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: A five-vehicle crash on the N-332 in Torrevieja on Wednesday resulted in numerous casualties having to be taken to hospital. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon near to kilometre 55 of the main coastal road, just metres away from another Read More ...
The post Five-Vehicle Smash in Torrevieja appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Worrying Trend in Driver Theory Knowledge

More than 20,000 qualified motorists completed an online driving theory test recently, revealing a frightening statistic that and 1 in 3 qualified drivers in the UK failed.
Webuyanycar.com, the national online car buyer, asked drivers all over the UK to test their knowledge of common road signs and driving rules.
The interactive test was designed along the same lines as the official theory questions set for learner drivers by the DVSA. In fact, the questions were taken from the actual DVSA test.  People taking the test were asked to opt for one of four possible answers.
The driving theory test results varied by age, sex and location, but considering there were more newly qualified drivers in the 17-21 age group, it was surprising that they had the lowest pass mark of any age group.  Drivers in the 46 to 65-year-old group had the highest pass rate.
Age                        Fail         Pass
17-21                     48%        52%
22-30                     34%        66%
31-45                     31%        69%
46-65                     25%        75%
65+                         30%        70%
The online test showed pictures of various road signs all in use today and simple motoring questions similar to the official theory test.  The test results showed a slightly lower pass rate for women.
Sex                         Fail         Pass
Female                 36%        64%
Male                      23%        77%
The webuyanycar.com test results are at odds with the latest DVSA statistics showing 53.6% of women pass the official theory test whereas men have a 48.7% pass rate.
The pass rate for the webuyanycar.com driving theory test also depended on where a driver lives with more rural counties like Somerset, Denbighshire and Derbyshire coming top of the tables for pass rates.  Some of the lowest pass rates were found in London and Middlesex, where the test was passed by only 2 out of 3 qualified drivers.
If your daring enough to try yourself, the test can be found at www.webuyanycar.com/driving-theory-quiz, feel free to email us your results.

The post Worrying Trend in Driver Theory Knowledge appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: More than 20,000 qualified motorists completed an online driving theory test recently, revealing a frightening statistic that and 1 in 3 qualified drivers in the UK failed. Webuyanycar.com, the national online car buyer, asked drivers all over the UK to Read More ...
The post Worrying Trend in Driver Theory Knowledge appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Road Safety Boost

The Spanish Government has budgeted 754.52 million euro for road safety in 2016, 2.8% more than this year. The increase was announced on Tuesday during the state budget presentation to congress.
The increase is aimed at three key areas of road safety, such as reducing the number of victims of traffic incidents, ensuring mobility through proper traffic management and the management of documentation through the eGovernment computerized system.
There is also an anticipated increase in the number of driving instructors in 2016, although the driver education industry has been critical of the lengthy delays for examinations and the financial suffering their industry has faced through this summer.
The post Road Safety Boost appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The Spanish Government has budgeted 754.52 million euro for road safety in 2016, 2.8% more than this year. The increase was announced on Tuesday during the state budget presentation to congress. The increase is aimed at three key areas of Read More ...
The post Road Safety Boost appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Ambulance Concerns for Dangerous Fiesta

Elche will have an increase in ambulances for one of the most dramatic and dangerous fiestas on their summer calendar, the Nit de l’Albà, when thousands of fireworks are ignited above the eager crowd.
The municipal government has announced that there will be a total of 10 ambulances on standby on the nights of the 13th and 14th of August, although these ambulances will be basic life support units, and there will still be a lone paramedic unit covering the entire city.
Elche normally has 2 paramedic ambulances but one of these is relocated to the coast for the summer season.
The event usually ends with numerous people injured, one of the worst being in 2008 when 23 people were injured on the night.

Excerpt: Elche will have an increase in ambulances for one of the most dramatic and dangerous fiestas on their summer calendar, the Nit de l’Albà, when thousands of fireworks are ignited above the eager crowd. The municipal government has announced that there will be a total of 10 ambulances on standby on the nights of the […]

### Search Launched for Missing Diver

An emergency rescue helicopter assisted search and medical teams from Cartagena on Tuesday trying to locate a diver who had gone missing off the coast of Cabo de Palos, near La Manga.
The alarm was raised just after noon that the diver, who was exploring the wreck of the famous Stanfield ship, had failed to surface and return to the support vessel, and was 45 minutes overdue.
Tragically, the rescuers found the lifeless body of the diver, said to be a British male in his 50´s, in the sea.

Excerpt: An emergency rescue helicopter assisted search and medical teams from Cartagena on Tuesday trying to locate a diver who had gone missing off the coast of Cabo de Palos, near La Manga. The alarm was raised just after noon that the diver, who was exploring the wreck of the famous Stanfield ship, had failed to […]

### Elche Bike Hire Returns

After being withdrawn for two weeks for improvement works, the bicycle hire service in Elche returned to operational status on Monday.
The work was largely in response to complaints from users over malfunctions and other similar problems, which had resulted in numerous refunds having to be issued.
Now, visitors and residents of the city of Elche can hire the public bikes from locations across the city, and can even partake in a special offer, by means of compensation, of liability insurance until the end of the year.

Excerpt: After being withdrawn for two weeks for improvement works, the bicycle hire service in Elche returned to operational status on Monday. The work was largely in response to complaints from users over malfunctions and other similar problems, which had resulted in numerous refunds having to be issued. Now, visitors and residents of the city of […]

### Sky High Figures

A total of 5,544 aircraft movements, with 882,347 seats, saw the busiest Monday of the year in the Spanish airport network.
Coinciding with the early August weekend when many inland tourists return home, to be replaced by those who are taking the later weeks of holidays coming to the coast, the airport traffic proved projections of a busy summer.
For the Costa Blanca, Alicante-Elche airport had 277 flight movements, with a total of 46,000 seats available, making it the sixth busiest airport in the AENA network on the day.

Excerpt: A total of 5,544 aircraft movements, with 882,347 seats, saw the busiest Monday of the year in the Spanish airport network. Coinciding with the early August weekend when many inland tourists return home, to be replaced by those who are taking the later weeks of holidays coming to the coast, the airport traffic proved projections […]

### Further Fatality on the N-332

A man believed to be in his 40´s was killed on the N-332 in the Orihuela municipality on Sunday night.
The incident occurred in the area close to the Carrefour supermarket and go-karts track close to Cala Mosca, when the victim was struck by a vehicle on the road.
There are no official pedestrian crossings or bridges in the area, on account of a lengthy battle between the town hall and developer who wants to build properties on land which was illegally sold to the builder.
The victim, who was not carrying any identity documents, died at the scene.
This fatality is added to the tragedy of the weekend when two pedestrians were hit on the same road in Torrevieja.

Excerpt: A man believed to be in his 40´s was killed on the N-332 in the Orihuela municipality on Sunday night. The incident occurred in the area close to the Carrefour supermarket and go-karts track close to Cala Mosca, when the victim was struck by a vehicle on the road. There are no official pedestrian crossings […]

### Orihuela Costa Preparing for Wednesday Party

Orihuela local police will have a stronger presence on the coast on Wednesday, with support from the Guardia Civil, in preparation for a situation that many of the local residents dread.
On the first Wednesday of August, thousands of partygoers from all across the local descend on the area for a beach party, leaving their mess behind the morning after.
In Friday´s plenary session, the government team agreed to ask for more police and security services to be present, as well as promising stronger fines for such events which take place in smaller scales throughout the year, and an increase in cleaning the next day.

Excerpt: Orihuela local police will have a stronger presence on the coast on Wednesday, with support from the Guardia Civil, in preparation for a situation that many of the local residents dread. On the first Wednesday of August, thousands of partygoers from all across the local descend on the area for a beach party, leaving their […]

### No Bull in Guardamar

Guardamar del Segura has become the first municipality in the Vega Baja area to ban bullfighting.
The minority PSOE government approved the motion, which follows on from a previous ban on circuses with animals, although they later faced criticism of this when they allowed a circus to take place, saying that the animals belonging to the circus were not performing, and so it did not contravene their local legislation.
Animal rights groups have supported the bullfighting ban and hope that Guardamar will become the benchmark for other municipalities to do the same.

Excerpt: Guardamar del Segura has become the first municipality in the Vega Baja area to ban bullfighting. The minority PSOE government approved the motion, which follows on from a previous ban on circuses with animals, although they later faced criticism of this when they allowed a circus to take place, saying that the animals belonging to […]

### Cilla Black Dies in Spain

Reports on Sunday morning state that entertainer and Singer Cilla Black has died whilst in her Spanish home.
It is believed that the popular 72 year old may have died over night and initial indications suggest natural causes, although an autopsy will be carried out.
The shutters were said to be down in her Marbella home when she was found.

Excerpt: Reports on Sunday morning state that entertainer and Singer Cilla Black has died whilst in her Spanish home. It is believed that the popular 72 year old may have died over night and initial indications suggest natural causes, although an autopsy will be carried out. The shutters were said to be down in her Marbella […]

### Fatality on the N332 in Torrevieja

Two young people were hit by a vehicle on the N-332 main road on Saturday morning, one of them being killed at the scene, the other seriously injured.
The incident occurred at around 7:30 on Saturday in the area close to the desalination plant in Torrevieja.
The two victims were walking along the hard shoulder when they were struck by a vehicle. The impact was so strong that one of the victims was thrown against the crash barrier and suffered a head injury resulting in death. The other suffered serious leg injuries and fractured ribs and was admitted to hospital.
The vehicle involved in the incident failed to stop at the scene and so the Guardia Civil launched an immediate search to try to locate the vehicle and driver.
The post Fatality on the N332 in Torrevieja appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Two young people were hit by a vehicle on the N-332 main road on Saturday morning, one of them being killed at the scene, the other seriously injured. The incident occurred at around 7:30 on Saturday in the area close Read More ...
The post Fatality on the N332 in Torrevieja appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Torrevieja Taxi Improvements

The councillor for transport in Torrevieja, Javier Manzanares, has announced that the town hall will be making improvements to various taxi ranks throughout the city and surrounds, having met with the two main taxi associations and agreed to their requests.
As well as improving and moving some of the existing taxi ranks, there will be better sign posting and vehicles parked in taxi ranks illegally will be removed by a tow truck and the drivers fined.
Meanwhile, in Orihuela, the main road which runs under the railway line at the Bigastro end of the city will be open to traffic once again from Friday. This main arterial route has been closed for some time whilst work on the new high speed rail line was being carried out above.

Excerpt: The councillor for transport in Torrevieja, Javier Manzanares, has announced that the town hall will be making improvements to various taxi ranks throughout the city and surrounds, having met with the two main taxi associations and agreed to their requests. As well as improving and moving some of the existing taxi ranks, there will be […]

### School Bus Minimum Distance Annulled

The Supreme Court in Valencia has annulled the requirement for school children to live further than 3 kilometres from their school before being eligible to use the school bus.
The rule was established by the Partido Popular regional government in 2012, whereas a pupil had to live further than 3 kilometres away, in a straight line. Many parent objected to this at the time, including those in rural areas where a straight line distance could be considerably different to that on the road.
The new ruling this week is added to a previous ruling which also outlawed the condition, as it is contrary to the constitutional right to equal treatment, according to Article 14 of the Spanish Constitution.
The complaint was raised by the Compromís political group who have praised the decision of the courts.

Excerpt: The Supreme Court in Valencia has annulled the requirement for school children to live further than 3 kilometres from their school before being eligible to use the school bus. The rule was established by the Partido Popular regional government in 2012, whereas a pupil had to live further than 3 kilometres away, in a straight […]

### A Busy Summer Weekend on the Roads

This weekend marks the next major traffic operation on the roads of Spain, marking the midpoint between the summer holiday start and finish.

As a result, there will be increased traffic flowing from both inland areas towards the coast and mountains, and returning from the holiday areas back inland.
The main flow of traffic is expected to be on Friday afternoon heading from the cities to the coast, and on Sunday heading back to the inland areas, although both directions will be busy throughout, as this is one of the few weekends in the traffic calendar when traffic flows in both directions.
In total, there will be an estimate 4.6 million journeys on the roads between Friday the 31st of July, and Sunday the 1st of August.
In order to minimize disruption, the DGT will be operating a special campaign on the roads, which includes restricting the movement of dangerous goods, suspending all routine road works, creating special lanes to ease the flow of traffic, and having more Guardia Civil traffic officers and support staff on the roads throughout.
Throughout the month of August, the DGT expect 43.2 million trips to be made on the roads.
The post A Busy Summer Weekend on the Roads appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: This weekend marks the next major traffic operation on the roads of Spain, marking the midpoint between the summer holiday start and finish. As a result, there will be increased traffic flowing from both inland areas towards the coast and Read More ...
The post A Busy Summer Weekend on the Roads appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Thousands Caught Speeding

In the latest campaign against speeding drivers, 34,075 vehicles were checked in the Valencia region and 2,244 drivers were reported for driving at speeds in excess of the maximum permitted limit.

Throughout the country, there were over half a million vehicles checked and 27,854 drivers caught speeding in the campaign which ran from the 20th to the 26th of July.
The focus was mostly on conventional roads, the location where the majority of speed related incidents and fatalities occur.
On conventional, main roads, more than 369,500 vehicles were checked and 18,899 drivers reported, whereas on motorways there were 211,843 vehicles checked and 8,988 drivers reported.
Andalusia was where the biggest number of complaints were recorded, with 6,516 drivers reported, whereas Valencia is in fifth place.
The post Thousands Caught Speeding appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: In the latest campaign against speeding drivers, 34,075 vehicles were checked in the Valencia region and 2,244 drivers were reported for driving at speeds in excess of the maximum permitted limit. Throughout the country, there were over half a million Read More ...
The post Thousands Caught Speeding appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### VIP Increase at Alicante-Elche Airport

Although much is often said about the increase in low cost airlines at Alicante-Elche airport, VIP services have also been increasing, up 80% since 2011.
In just four years, the VIP lounge has increased its clients from 45,416 in 2011, to 80,090 in 2014, and in the first half of this year alone, some 40,665 users.
Almost half of the people who use the VIP lounges are from the UK, at 49%, followed by 14% Spanish and 9% Norwegian.
The price to be amongst the growing elite set is just 26,50€ for adults, half price for children, and kids under 3 are allowed in for free, if accompanied.

Excerpt: Although much is often said about the increase in low cost airlines at Alicante-Elche airport, VIP services have also been increasing, up 80% since 2011. In just four years, the VIP lounge has increased its clients from 45,416 in 2011, to 80,090 in 2014, and in the first half of this year alone, some 40,665 […]

### Critical Ambulance Delay

A three month old baby died on Monday at the Altabix health centre in Elche, with many people blaming the 20 minute wait for an emergency ambulance as a contributing factor in the death.
The baby had suffered heart problems and was in a serious condition at the clinic prompting calls for the paramedics to attend, but as the only paramedic unit in service was already busy, the nearest available ambulance was in Alicante.
It is claimed that the ambulance arrived 20 minutes after the first call, although the department of health are disputing this, saying that the ambulance did not come from Alicante, it was local, and the response time was just 12 minutes.
Elche normally has 2 emergency ambulances but one of them is transferred to Santa Pola for the summer, a move which the local government are trying to stop.

Excerpt: A three month old baby died on Monday at the Altabix health centre in Elche, with many people blaming the 20 minute wait for an emergency ambulance as a contributing factor in the death. The baby had suffered heart problems and was in a serious condition at the clinic prompting calls for the paramedics to […]

### Dog Dies in Torrevieja Parked Car

Torrevieja town hall has confirmed the death of a dog left abandoned in a car in the city on Tuesday.

Local police were alerted by several people of the presence of three dogs inside a vehicle parked on calle capitán García Gea. The police attended and were advised that the dogs had been left in the car for several hours.
The attending officers smashed the windows of the car to free them but one of the dogs was already dead. The other two are being treated by a vet, as death can occur several hours after an incident such as this.
The police then arrested two people and delivered them to the Guardia Civil for processing for crimes of animal abuse.
The councillor who issued the statement, Carmen Morate, thanked the neighbours for their actions and pointed out that the dogs had been subject to temperatures in excess of 50 degrees. The councillor also reminded everybody of the advice to never leave a dog in a car, for any length of time, not even with the windows open, and if you see such an incident to call the police immediately.
The post Dog Dies in Torrevieja Parked Car appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Torrevieja town hall has confirmed the death of a dog left abandoned in a car in the city on Tuesday. Local police were alerted by several people of the presence of three dogs inside a vehicle parked on calle capitán Read More ...
The post Dog Dies in Torrevieja Parked Car appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### No Flies on Us, Please

A total of 18 European environmental organisations are collaborating to complain and hopefully prevent a British company from releasing 1.8 million transgenic flies into Spain.
The genetically engineered fly would set out to destroy the native Olive Fly which has been destroying crops in some areas of the country. Around 5,000 flies would be released each week in an area of 1,000 square metres near to Tarragona, but there are concerns that the flies could escape and spread further, resulting in a massive reduction in the native species and considerable damage to the biodiversity and ecosystem of the country.
One association warns that in the event of the flies coming into contact with organic farmed crops, the farmers would lose their certification and that would damage consumer confidence.
Greenpeace has described it as a “dangerous experiment” that would “turn Europe into a outdoor laboratory”.

Excerpt: A total of 18 European environmental organisations are collaborating to complain and hopefully prevent a British company from releasing 1.8 million transgenic flies into Spain. The genetically engineered fly would set out to destroy the native Olive Fly which has been destroying crops in some areas of the country. Around 5,000 flies would be released […]

### More Self Employed

Torrevieja is leading the way in terms of the number of self employed workers who secured their own employment in June, with 78 of the 146 people registering as self employed across the Vega Baja being based in Torrevieja.
Second place was joint between Orihuela and Rojales, although the 18 posts in each is far lower than the lead town.
However, Benijofar and Bigastro suffered a loss of 5 workers each, compared to the figures from the previous month.

Excerpt: Torrevieja is leading the way in terms of the number of self employed workers who secured their own employment in June, with 78 of the 146 people registering as self employed across the Vega Baja being based in Torrevieja. Second place was joint between Orihuela and Rojales, although the 18 posts in each is far […]

### Better Airport Checks

The Interior Ministry inaugurated a new intelligent border control system at Barcelona’s El-Prat airport on Monday, which will shortly be installed at Alicante-Elche airport as part of a rollout to locations where more cross-border transfers take place.
The aim is to streamline the airport transit process for passengers with digitized documents and works through facial recognition and fingerprint detectors, as well as reading the data on the passport.
“This is to facilitate access to the country without compromising safety”, said Interior Minister Jorge Fernández Díaz, during the presentation of the new cabins, whilst pointing out that “We can do better control with fewer people”.

Excerpt: The Interior Ministry inaugurated a new intelligent border control system at Barcelona’s El-Prat airport on Monday, which will shortly be installed at Alicante-Elche airport as part of a rollout to locations where more cross-border transfers take place. The aim is to streamline the airport transit process for passengers with digitized documents and works through facial […]

### All Inclusive Questions

Benidorm town hall has announced the unanimous approval of the creation of an investigatory commission to investigate the impact of all-inclusive holidays on the town´s businesses.
Spokesperson for the PSOE government, Rubén Martínez, said that the plan was to open a “healthy, positive and crucial” debate on Benidorm, which will prevent “damage” to the city and “preserve the tourist model”.

Excerpt: Benidorm town hall has announced the unanimous approval of the creation of an investigatory commission to investigate the impact of all-inclusive holidays on the town´s businesses. Spokesperson for the PSOE government, Rubén Martínez, said that the plan was to open a “healthy, positive and crucial” debate on Benidorm, which will prevent “damage” to the city […]

### Identifying an Unmarked Guardia Civil Vehicle

Depending on the role they need to fulfil, the Guardia Civil traffic department has a range of vehicles at their disposal. Sometimes, it´s necessary for them to use unmarked or camouflaged vehicles in the course of law enforcement.
In the case of the vehicle pictured with this article, we are looking at a Toyota which is fitted with radar speed detecting equipment, actually the Multanova 6F, and is mostly used for speed checks on major roads.
However, there are also other unmarked vehicles on the roads and we´d like to explain some of the identifying features of these cars, not so you can avoid detection if you are breaking the law, but as there have been a few occasions where criminals have pretended to be the police to stop innocent victims and carry out robberies, we want to make sure you know how to identify a real unmarked traffic car that might be trying to stop you.
At the front of the vehicle there are blue lights hidden in the grill. These will be illuminated and flash in the event of the vehicle responding to an emergency, or in the event that the officers are trying to stop you.
In the front window, on the passenger side, the sun visor has been replaced by an illuminated display. This will display the words “G.Civil”, “Trafico” and “Alto”, or stop, alternating. These words are displayed in reverse, so that they will be visible and easy to read in your rear view mirror.
You might also spot other equipment in the window, but remember, the vehicle we are looking at here  is a radar car and not all unmarked vehicles are fitted with this type of equipment.
As we move along this vehicle, we will see that the officer is dressed in a high visibility uniform, as worn only by the traffic officers. When the Guardia Civil traffic officers are patrolling in unmarked cars, they will always, without exception, be wearing a variation of this type of uniform, with high visibility features.
It is important to note though that other departments of both the Guardia Civil and police use unmarked cars, such as detectives for example, but those officers will not be wearing this uniform. Another important point is that it is only Guardia Civil traffic officers who are wearing the high visibility uniform who are allowed to take money from you as payment of traffic fines. In the event of an officer from another department coming across an incident on the roads, they will always call for the traffic department to take charge, issue fines and take any money that may be due in fines. Only the officers in the high visibility uniforms bearing Guardia Civil Trafico are allowed to take money, this is important.
Looking towards the rear of the vehicle, we can see that the windows are laminated with tinting. This is not an exclusive feature of unmarked or camouflaged cars, but in the back window there is another hidden illuminated display.
This display will once again say the words “G.Civl”, “Trafico” and “Alto”, alternating and accompanied by flashing blue lights on the matrix. The cars also carry a detachable rooftop blue light, but it is unlikely this will be used as part of the procedure to stop you.
Always remember the key point of identifying a Guardia Civil Trafico Car. The matrix sign in the front and rear and the officers wearing uniforms. If you are ever in any doubt as to whether you have been stopped by a real Guardia Civil patrol, you can always call 062 and quote the registration number of the vehicle, but these key points, we hope, will also help you stay a little safer on the roads.
The post Identifying an Unmarked Guardia Civil Vehicle appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Depending on the role they need to fulfil, the Guardia Civil traffic department has a range of vehicles at their disposal. Sometimes, it´s necessary for them to use unmarked or camouflaged vehicles in the course of law enforcement. In the Read More ...
The post Identifying an Unmarked Guardia Civil Vehicle appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Boat Passengers Treated for Food Poisoning

More than 60 people were treated for suspected food poisoning on Saturday after falling ill whilst on board two tourist boats off the coast of Murcia.
The two boats were in different locations and both had around 30 people on board but were both supplied by the same catering company.
The department of health are investigating the circumstances.

Excerpt: More than 60 people were treated for suspected food poisoning on Saturday after falling ill whilst on board two tourist boats off the coast of Murcia. The two boats were in different locations and both had around 30 people on board but were both supplied by the same catering company. The department of health are […]

### Caple Soaking

A car ran into the port of Calpe on Saturday, but nobody was inside the vehicle
IMage by QUIQUE IVORRA
The post Caple Soaking appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: IMage by QUIQUE IVORRA
The post Caple Soaking appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Books Not Bull Fights

The town hall in the Toledo town of Villafranca de los Caballeros has announced that it has withdrawn subsidy for bull fights this year.
Instead, the 18,000 euro set aside in the annual budget will be used for an aid program to subsidise school text books and supplies for families who are facing financial difficulties.
The department of education in the PSOE government, Marta Guerrero, has said that “the PSOE gave a commitment in its electoral program to ease family economies, whereas the Mayor, Julián Bolaños, says that there should be no other commitment than “the education of our children”.

Excerpt: The town hall in the Toledo town of Villafranca de los Caballeros has announced that it has withdrawn subsidy for bull fights this year. Instead, the 18,000 euro set aside in the annual budget will be used for an aid program to subsidise school text books and supplies for families who are facing financial difficulties. […]

### Students Injured in Coach Crash

Twenty eight people have been injured, four of them seriously, when a Spanish coach crashed into a low bridge as it was travelling in France.

The incident occurred at 05:15 on Sunday morning when the coach was near the French city of La Madeleine, in the Lille region.

The coach was carrying students from Bilbao to Amsterdam. There were 59 passengers on board, along with 2 drivers, who were both tested for alcohol and proved negative at the scene.
The roof of the coach was completely ripped off in the collision.
The post Students Injured in Coach Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Twenty eight people have been injured, four of them seriously, when a Spanish coach crashed into a low bridge as it was travelling in France. The incident occurred at 05:15 on Sunday morning when the coach was near the French Read More ...
The post Students Injured in Coach Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Pick up the latest Courier newspaper with Motoring Plus

Make sure you pick up this week´s copy of The Courier newspaper if you are in the Torrevieja area.
This week, it includes the latest Motoring Plus pull-out, which contains articles from the n332.es website, so those who don´t have the internet can also read the articles. Please, tell your friends.
The Courier is the media partner of the n332.es website in the Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa areas, so you can be sure that the information they print is approved by us.
Here, you can read the latest on-line version, but tell your friends to make sure they pick up The Courier each week, and you can read our articles, some of them exclusively firstly available in The Courier, every two-weeks.


The post Pick up the latest Courier newspaper with Motoring Plus appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Make sure you pick up this week´s copy of The Courier newspaper if you are in the Torrevieja area. This week, it includes the latest Motoring Plus pull-out, which contains articles from the n332.es website, so those who don´t have Read More ...
The post Pick up the latest Courier newspaper with Motoring Plus appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Thirteen Injured in Benidorm Water Park

Thirteen people suffered minor injuries at the Aqualandia water park in Benidorm this week, when a leak is believed to have been responsible for excessive chlorine becoming present in the water.
The facility was immediately closed and the thirteen people taken to two private clinics for treatment of conditions including irritation, itchy throats and eyes and mild breathing difficulties, whilst an investigation has been launched to ascertain what went wrong.

Excerpt: Thirteen people suffered minor injuries at the Aqualandia water park in Benidorm this week, when a leak is believed to have been responsible for excessive chlorine becoming present in the water. The facility was immediately closed and the thirteen people taken to two private clinics for treatment of conditions including irritation, itchy throats and eyes […]

### Donkey Protection in Almoradí

The town hall in Almoradí has banned an event due to take place this weekend on account of it being cruel to the animals involved.
The traditional donkey race sees riders take to the backs of the animals which are then raced as a sport, with the animals suffering physical abuse in the process.
The town hall therefore withdrew subsidy for the event and have removed the licenses thus prohibiting it from taking part on public land.
However, the event organizers have now moved to a private area and so the race is currently scheduled to take place on Saturday, although the town hall are seeking an injunction to also prevent this. The animal protection group, PACMA, also plan to attend the event to prevent the donkeys from being mistreated.

Excerpt: The town hall in Almoradí has banned an event due to take place this weekend on account of it being cruel to the animals involved. The traditional donkey race sees riders take to the backs of the animals which are then raced as a sport, with the animals suffering physical abuse in the process. The […]

### No Gifts for the Torrevieja Mayor

The new mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón, has explained the reasons why he has implemented a policy whereas he will not accept any gifts whilst in the role of head of the municipality.
Dolón has said that he does not want to achieve personal gains whilst in the role of serving the public office, but has acknowledged that sometimes gifts from visiting dignitaries cannot be refused for fear of offending those visitors.
Therefore, if the mayor does receive a gift, it will either be placed in the municipal heritage property, such as is the case of a musical score presented this week, or will be donated to charitable and none profit entities in order for them to benefit.
“These can be put to good use in raffles and drawers”, he said, whilst also highlighting historic cases of previous political members who benefitted from gifts ranging from suits to holidays.

Excerpt: The new mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón, has explained the reasons why he has implemented a policy whereas he will not accept any gifts whilst in the role of head of the municipality. Dolón has said that he does not want to achieve personal gains whilst in the role of serving the public office, […]

### Drugs Arrests in Torrevieja

Six people, aged between 29 and 46, have been arrested by the National Police, accused of being part of a drugs distributions network operating around Elche and Torrevieja.
The initial investigation began a month ago and surrounded a resident of Torrevieja. The police then found that that the man sold on the drugs to others for distribution.
As a result of the raid on two homes in Torrevieja, the head of the gang was arrested along with the distributors, and heroin, cocaine, marijuana seized, along with materials believed used in the preparation and sale of drugs and a quantity of cash.

Excerpt: Six people, aged between 29 and 46, have been arrested by the National Police, accused of being part of a drugs distributions network operating around Elche and Torrevieja. The initial investigation began a month ago and surrounded a resident of Torrevieja. The police then found that that the man sold on the drugs to others […]

### Orihuela Government to Increase Salaries

Following last Tuesday´s late announcement that the Partido Popular and the Ciudadanos in Orihuela have come to an agreement to support the government as a majority, they are now able to get on with the job in hand, with their first priority being an increase in their own salaries.
They will now award themselves a 15% pay rise on average, with the new mayor seeing his salary increased to 56,000 euro from the 48,000 taken by Monserrate Guillén​, the previous mayor.
The CLARO political group on the Orihuela Costa pointed out that when the mayor of Orihuela proposed a 5% increase in salaries, the Ciudadanos party rejected it. But when the mayor proposed a 15% pay rise, the Ciudadanos party accepted and with it they get 17,000 euro per year for all their 3 Councillors even if they do not have actual positions in Government. “Great way to earn money at our EXPENSE!! Orihuela Costa again will suffer”.
Although the Ciudadanos members will not be active in government, they have vowed to support them in decisions, which gives the PP the majority vote.
The PP mayor of Orihuela, Emilio Bascuñana, has justified the payment to the Ciudadanos members as being “compensation” for their support.
The proposal will be tabled in the plenary meeting on Friday and is likely to be approved by this new majority. The government team will also be paid for attending that meeting to vote on their pay increase.
Meanwhile, considered more of a priority for residents, the streets remain unclean, with rubbish piled high and no apparent action by the government to clean them.

Excerpt: Following last Tuesday´s late announcement that the Partido Popular and the Ciudadanos in Orihuela have come to an agreement to support the government as a majority, they are now able to get on with the job in hand, with their first priority being an increase in their own salaries. They will now award themselves a […]

### Italian Police Trust Spanish Vehicles

SEAT wins fleet contract to supply the Italian Polizia di Stato and the Carabinieri
Fleet to be Leon 2.0 TDI 150 PS; extensive special equipment with armour protection
Major international growth in fleet business for the SEAT brand

SEAT has won the fleet contract to supply new Leon cars to the Italian police forces, Polizia di Stato and the Carabinieri. The first 206 vehicles have already started being handed over, with an initial 106 service vehicles being delivered to the Carabinieri and a further 100 to the Polizia di Stato. Overall, the contract includes the option for up to 4,000 vehicles over the next three years. So far, they have taken orders for 925 cars, split between 475 “panthers” (Polizia di Stato) and 450 “gazelles” (Carabinieri).

This marks the first time that both police forces have tendered and selected the same brand and the same vehicle. Major factors in this decision included the Leon’s low fuel consumption and emissions figures, as well as its high quality and excellent total cost of ownership – all core competences of the SEAT brand.

“We are honoured by the trust given by the Italian police in SEAT and the Leon. And we are very proud to be able to contribute thanks to reliable, secure and high quality vehicles to public safety,” says Jürgen Stackmann, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SEAT. “The contract is also a good example of the great success and major growth of the SEAT brand within the fleet business sector.”

The total level of fleet business conducted by the Spanish brand internationally in 2014 grew by 33% to 68,900 vehicles, making a significant contribution to the brand’s 10% sales growth last year. The new Leon family has been key to this success, with the Leon ST (Sports Tourer) version enjoying particularly high regard as a fleet car. SEAT’s fleet business achieved considerable growth primarily in major European markets like Germany, Spain, the UK , France and Italy.
Armour protection for added safety
The basis for the new Italian police cars is provided by the five-door Leon powered by the punchy 150 PS version of the 2.0 TDI engine. The law enforcement vehicle also needs excellent pulling power supplied by high torque, as the front end of the Leon will be armoured against small arms fire.
Special safety tyres are a further element of the equipment package, with the suspension adapted perfectly to suit – at the end of the extensive day. The Italian security forces will also be calling upon the Leon’s light-footed dynamics. The service vehicle is rounded off by warning and alarm lights, radio and communications equipment, weapons carriers and other items of equipment. The back seat is also laid out as a secure “prisoner cell”, with police officers seated in the front protected by a dividing partition.
Endurance tests with “panthers” and “gazelles”
Extensive prototype tests were conducted with two vehicles codenamed “gazelle” and “panther”, while comprehensive endurance testing assured the quality of the vehicles, which will face harsh and demanding conditions in day-to-day use. The armoured door, for instance, was opened and closed 100,000 times. Finally, the two vehicles were driven continuously for 30,000 kilometres, stopping only to refuel and relieve drivers. The base vehicles for the new Italian police cars are produced at the SEAT factory in Martorell near Barcelona. Subsequently these cars are transferred to Chivasso, Italy for further adaption at N.C.T. – Nuova Carrozzeria Torinese , a company that has converted most of the police cars in Italy since 2003. This process is supported and contributed by experts of SEAT and Volkswagen Group Italy.
The post Italian Police Trust Spanish Vehicles appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: SEAT wins fleet contract to supply the Italian Polizia di Stato and the Carabinieri Fleet to be Leon 2.0 TDI 150 PS; extensive special equipment with armour protection Major international growth in fleet business for the SEAT brand SEAT has Read More ...
The post Italian Police Trust Spanish Vehicles appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Guardia Civil Officers Injured in Stolen Car Collision

Two officers from the Guardia Civil were injured on Tuesday when their vehicle collided with a stolen car in the Navalcarnero area of the community of Madrid.

The officers were involved in a routine check when a vehicle containing three individuals wearing hoods started to accelerate towards them, hitting the patrol car and speeding off.
The officers were taken to hospital suffering from minor injuries.
The occupants of the vehicle are believed to have been of North African origin and one of them was visibly identified as being wanted by the police.
The vehicle, a Land Rover, was found shortly after burnt out on the M-501. A search has been launched to find the perpetrators.
The post Guardia Civil Officers Injured in Stolen Car Collision appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Two officers from the Guardia Civil were injured on Tuesday when their vehicle collided with a stolen car in the Navalcarnero area of the community of Madrid. The officers were involved in a routine check when a vehicle containing three Read More ...
The post Guardia Civil Officers Injured in Stolen Car Collision appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Demolishing Tabarca Properties

A development of new properties which have stood vacant on the island of Tabarca for 15 years will soon be demolished, according to the councillor for planning in Alicante town hall, Miguel Ángel Pavón.
Following a lengthy battle, the properties were deemed illegal by the courts in 2009 and the demolition is scheduled to take place in September. The construction should never have taken place due to coastal planning laws, although they are now described as a “regrettable” episode of town planning by the PP government.
The councillor said that the town hall hopes that, “little by little the urban legality and prevailing public interest over private interests of individuals is restored”.
The planning department is also enforcing the rejection of converting the lighthouse on the island into a hotel.
The cost of the work will be funded by the regional government.

Excerpt: A development of new properties which have stood vacant on the island of Tabarca for 15 years will soon be demolished, according to the councillor for planning in Alicante town hall, Miguel Ángel Pavón. Following a lengthy battle, the properties were deemed illegal by the courts in 2009 and the demolition is scheduled to take […]

### Self Employment Increasing

According to data released on Tuesday, the number of self-employed workers in the province of Alicante grew by 486 people in June.
Showing a similar trend to contracted workers, the service sector saw the biggest growth, with 159 people registering as working for themselves. The motor trade was also a key player in June with 153 people finding self-employed work, and there were 60 people who are working for themselves in the construction industry.
However, for the growth in the service and motor trade, June saw self employed workers in education suffer a significant drop thanks to the school holidays, with 92 education workers no longer on a self-employed status.

Excerpt: According to data released on Tuesday, the number of self-employed workers in the province of Alicante grew by 486 people in June. Showing a similar trend to contracted workers, the service sector saw the biggest growth, with 159 people registering as working for themselves. The motor trade was also a key player in June with […]

### New Guns for Torrevieja Local Police

No doubt hoping they will never have to use them, the local police of Torrevieja will soon be receiving 40 new pistols, as announced by the procurement department of the town hall.
The new weapons will replace some of the older models in the armoury, which may pose a risk if used on account of their age.
The new weapons are capable of carrying more bullets than the old ones and have added security features which prevent misuse by those not trained in their procedures.
The move is also seen as the latest commitment given to the police by the new government after years of complaints of neglect previously.

Excerpt: No doubt hoping they will never have to use them, the local police of Torrevieja will soon be receiving 40 new pistols, as announced by the procurement department of the town hall. The new weapons will replace some of the older models in the armoury, which may pose a risk if used on account of […]

### Bank Detail Hacker Arrested

Officers from the National Police have arrested a 27 year old computer expert, accused of hacking into accounts and selling the details of Spanish bank users.
The hacker is said by the police to be well known in the cybercrime field and could have shared the data of 1,100 bank card holders, with economic losses valued at between one and four million euro.
Thanks to the extensive investigation, the arrest was made in Madrid, where 4 laptop computers, 4 hard drives, 8 storage devices and 3 mobile phones were seized.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested a 27 year old computer expert, accused of hacking into accounts and selling the details of Spanish bank users. The hacker is said by the police to be well known in the cybercrime field and could have shared the data of 1,100 bank card holders, with economic losses […]

### Ryanair Flight Diverted due to Sick Passenger

A Ryanair flight from Bournemouth to Alicante declared an emergency whilst flying over France on Monday, diverting to Limoges airport.
Flight FR9083, the 17:30 flight from the UK, due to arrive in Alicante at 20:30, declared an emergency about an hour into the flight and landed safely.
On the ground, it was revealed that a female passenger had been taken ill.
The aircraft left France at around 20:45, under a different flight number, FR9088.

Excerpt: A Ryanair flight from Bournemouth to Alicante declared an emergency whilst flying over France on Monday, diverting to Limoges airport. Flight FR9083, the 17:30 flight from the UK, due to arrive in Alicante at 20:30, declared an emergency about an hour into the flight and landed safely. On the ground, it was revealed that a […]

### Increase in Speed Checks This Week

The DGT has announced a special vigilance campaign against speeding motorists, which will take place between the 20th and 26th of July.
Extra mobile speed checks will be in place around the country, especially on roads which are known to have more incidents than others, such as main roads.
According to the DGT, inappropriate speed was a factor in 10% of the 89,500 injury incidents during 2013, a figure that rises to 17% when filtering out incidents to only include those on the main roads.
In fatal incidents, excessive speed was a contributory factor in 22% of all incidents. Therefore, according to the DGT, if all vehicles were travelling at the right speed, a quarter of those killed, around 400 people, would still be alive and 1,680 incidents would have been avoided.
All roads have speed limits, generic or specific, and if this limit is exceeded then a driver, if detected, will be punished. But even if a vehicle is driving below the allowed maximum limit, external circumstances such as rain or ice, or vehicle characteristics such as using an emergency wheel can alter what is an appropriate speed to drive at.
The Road Safety Laws dictate that a driver must respect the speed limits and adapt the vehicle´s speed so as to allow it to stop in its field of view, taking into account any obstacles or hazards that might present themselves, taking into account their physical and mental conditions, characteristics and condition of the road, vehicle load, weather, traffic and other circumstances. That is the safe speed.
The faster your car is travelling, the more distance and time it will take to stop. Stopping distances consist of two parts, reaction time and braking time. The average reaction time is between 1 and 1.5 seconds, during which time the vehicle is continuing towards a potential hazard at speed. The faster the vehicle is travelling, the more distance it will cover in this time. Reaction times can be altered by other characteristics such as distraction, alcohol or drugs, or other factors.
The actual braking distance then depends on the speed of the vehicle, as well as other factors such as the road and weather conditions, condition of the vehicle and brakes, the age of the vehicle and the actions of the driver, amongst other factors. In wet conditions, the stopping distance is doubled. In icy conditions, in the case of ice, stopping distances can be up to ten times that of normal, optimum conditions.
Reducing speed not only allows for more reaction time and an increased chance of stopping, it also reduces the damage in the event of a collision, possibly even making the difference between life and death in many cases. According to the 2004 Nilsson report, a decrease of 1% of the average speed on a road produces a 4% reduction in fatal crashes. In addition, it is argued that a reduction of 10 km / h of speed limits would imply a reduction in mortality of around 10%.
Although traffic police will be out in force monitoring speed, it is in everybody´s interest to be more vigilant and respectful of the limits put in place, not only by means of the signs on the road, but also the signs that indicate the factors that may mean the need to slow down is greater.

The post Increase in Speed Checks This Week appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The DGT has announced a special vigilance campaign against speeding motorists, which will take place between the 20th and 26th of July. Extra mobile speed checks will be in place around the country, especially on roads which are known to Read More ...
The post Increase in Speed Checks This Week appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Corvera Contracts to be Reissued

The Murcia regional government has prepared a new tender document in order to assign a contract for the management of Corvera airport, thus once again making the new regional airport a possibility.
The Minister of Development, Francisco Bernabé, has invited a number of companies to participate in developing a new business plan, updating the figures from 2006, when it was calculated that the airport would transport 1.5 million passengers a year by 2015, doubling in a short time.
The Minister hopes to have the new economic study later this year, which would, according to his calculations, enable the contract to be signed by next summer, and so the airport should finally be able to operate by the end of 2016.
This would also result in the closure of San Javier airport, which is one of the few airports in Spain where passenger numbers are declining.

Excerpt: The Murcia regional government has prepared a new tender document in order to assign a contract for the management of Corvera airport, thus once again making the new regional airport a possibility. The Minister of Development, Francisco Bernabé, has invited a number of companies to participate in developing a new business plan, updating the figures […]

### Tourism Still Increasing

Tourism on the Costa Blanca is continuing to increase, partly due to a rise in domestic tourists visiting the coastal area.
Figures released this weekend show that in the first half of July, the average occupancy across the Costa Blanca was 85%.
Add to that the already large figures recorded for the Easter period, and the record breaking number of passengers arriving at Alicante-Elche airport, there is no doubt that the summer of 2015 will yield record results for businesses working in the tourism sector.

Excerpt: Tourism on the Costa Blanca is continuing to increase, partly due to a rise in domestic tourists visiting the coastal area. Figures released this weekend show that in the first half of July, the average occupancy across the Costa Blanca was 85%. Add to that the already large figures recorded for the Easter period, and […]

### New Airport Parking Facility Opens on Tuesday

The new short-stay, pick-up and drop-off area at Alicante-Elche airport will be opened on Tuesday. The improvement work has cost 116,568.48 euro.

The new “Exprés” car park will offer 80 places for 15 minutes of free parking and replaces the current open drop-off and collection zones which currently a short stop of 5 minutes but are frequently abused by drivers who leave their vehicle for longer.
However, drivers need to be aware that should you stay longer than 15 minutes in the new zone, you will be charged a fee which is actually higher than if you were to use the traditional airport car park.
The new car park will also mean that vehicle movements are recorded, which will please the legal taxi drivers as the information could be used to clamp down on pirate and illegal operators.
There is also no other alternative available for dropping off and picking up, thus providing even more control and monitoring of vehicle movements around the terminal building.
More information about Alicante-Elche airport can be found at the airport operator’s website, here.
The post New Airport Parking Facility Opens on Tuesday appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The new short-stay, pick-up and drop-off area at Alicante-Elche airport will be opened on Tuesday. The improvement work has cost 116,568.48 euro. The new “Exprés” car park will offer 80 places for 15 minutes of free parking and replaces the Read More ...
The post New Airport Parking Facility Opens on Tuesday appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Infanta Cristina Returning to Cartagena Port

On Friday the 17th of July, at 9.30 am, the naval patrol boat ‘Infanta Cristina’ is scheduled to return to Cartagena after participating in operations to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean.
The vessel will be received by Admiral Salvador María Delgado Moreno.
The ‘Infanta Cristina’ sailed from Cartagena in February for the third time to participate in Operation Atalanta, a mission carried out by the Navy of the European Union.

Excerpt: On Friday the 17th of July, at 9.30 am, the naval patrol boat ‘Infanta Cristina’ is scheduled to return to Cartagena after participating in operations to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean. The vessel will be received by Admiral Salvador María Delgado Moreno. The ‘Infanta Cristina’ sailed from Cartagena in February for the third time […]

### New Alicante Airport Parking Facility Opens on Tuesday

The new short-stay, pick-up and drop-off area at Alicante-Elche airport will be opened on Tuesday.
The area, which is immediately outside the departure complex and is protected by barriers, offers up to 15 minutes parking for free and replaces the previous open drop-off area which was limited to 5 minutes, although many drivers waited around for longer.
However, drivers need to be aware that should you stay longer than 15 minutes in the new zone, you will be charged a fee which is actually higher than if you were to use the traditional airport car park.
There is also no other alternative available for dropping off and picking up, thus providing even more control and monitoring of vehicle movements around the terminal building.

Excerpt: The new short-stay, pick-up and drop-off area at Alicante-Elche airport will be opened on Tuesday. The area, which is immediately outside the departure complex and is protected by barriers, offers up to 15 minutes parking for free and replaces the previous open drop-off area which was limited to 5 minutes, although many drivers waited around […]

### Webmaster Arrests

Officers from the National Police have arrested three directors of a website used for downloading films and TV shows. The economic benefit, which was achieved through adverts and benefits posted on the website, is estimated as exceeding 600,000 euro over three years.
The proceeds came from users in Spain, United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Mexico, Chile, Finland, Switzerland and Ecuador.
The investigations began following a complaint filed by the major film producers and videographic distribution companies directed against those responsible for the website for an offence against intellectual property. Such sites offer audiovisual works such as films or TV series, which they are unauthorised to distribute. Access to the content was by direct download links to files and through streaming from dedicated servers.
The investigations allowed agents to determine that the site was owned by a company run by three people, who also ran other networked sites for commercial purposes.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested three directors of a website used for downloading films and TV shows. The economic benefit, which was achieved through adverts and benefits posted on the website, is estimated as exceeding 600,000 euro over three years. The proceeds came from users in Spain, United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Mexico, […]

### Taco Bell Comes to Alicante

Popular Mexican inspired food chain Taco Bell opened its 21st restaurant in Spain on Thursday, this time in a 250 square metre unit in Alicante centre.
Offering a range of tacos, burritos, quesadillas and their trademark Crunchywrap, the brand prides itself on using top quality ingredients for the best value in their sector.
The company already has restaurants in major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia, and are now branching out to the smaller cities across the country.

Excerpt: Popular Mexican inspired food chain Taco Bell opened its 21st restaurant in Spain on Thursday, this time in a 250 square metre unit in Alicante centre. Offering a range of tacos, burritos, quesadillas and their trademark Crunchywrap, the brand prides itself on using top quality ingredients for the best value in their sector. The company […]

### Dumped Baby Rescued by Police

A newborn baby was rescued from an underground rubbish container in the Mejorada del Campo area of Madrid on Wednesday morning.
A man walking his dog heard what he thought were the cries of a baby and alerted the police, who in turn called on the fire service to assist in accessing the underground container.
The baby was found in a plastic bag inside a rucksack but was said to be in good health.
An investigation has been launched to try to identify the parents.

Excerpt: A newborn baby was rescued from an underground rubbish container in the Mejorada del Campo area of Madrid on Wednesday morning. A man walking his dog heard what he thought were the cries of a baby and alerted the police, who in turn called on the fire service to assist in accessing the underground container. […]

### Orihuela Drugs Raid

In a collaborative operation between the National and Local Police of Orihuela, a cannabis club in the city has been shut down.
The operation saw teams of police officers swoop on the address on calle San Agustin and confiscate materials from inside.
Locals gathered to watch the activities as more than a dozen people were identified by the police and will be summonsed to testify.

Excerpt: In a collaborative operation between the National and Local Police of Orihuela, a cannabis club in the city has been shut down. The operation saw teams of police officers swoop on the address on calle San Agustin and confiscate materials from inside. Locals gathered to watch the activities as more than a dozen people were […]

### Cash Stash Find

Officers from the Guardia Civil have seized 700,000 euro from a taxi passenger in Tarragona, as the carrier was unable to prove the origin of the money.
The officers stopped the vehicle during a routine road block in the Sant Salvador area of the city and found the suitcase in the boot with a variety of note denominations.
The passenger in the taxi, a Lebanese citizen with a German passport, did not have any authorisation to transfer this money, as detailed in the laws governing the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing.
The man confirmed that the suitcase was his and said he did not know the exact amount of money he had and that was to buy vehicles, but could not prove its origin.
The officers arrested the man for violation of the financial rules relating to the movement of money and deposited the cash in a bank pending a court ruling.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have seized 700,000 euro from a taxi passenger in Tarragona, as the carrier was unable to prove the origin of the money. The officers stopped the vehicle during a routine road block in the Sant Salvador area of the city and found the suitcase in the boot with a variety […]

### Fire Fighting Plane Crash

A pilot of a fire-fighting aircraft was injured on Wednesday when his plane failed to take off and crashed back to the ground at the Doade airbase in Lugu.

The Dromader M18, which carried the registration EC-FAT, was manufactured in Poland in the early 1980´s, designed for crop dusting.
The pilot, himself a Polish national, was taken to hospital after the crash but was not thought to be in a serious condition.
An investigation has been launched to ascertain the details surrounding the crash.

Excerpt: A pilot of a fire-fighting aircraft was injured on Wednesday when his plane failed to take off and crashed back to the ground at the Doade airbase in Lugu. The Dromader M18, which carried the registration EC-FAT, was manufactured in Poland in the early 1980´s, designed for crop dusting. The pilot, himself a Polish national, […]

### Twelve Million Brits Could Drive On The Wrong Side Of The Road This Summer

As the nation gears up for the great Summer getaway, a new study from TomTom has revealed that almost 12 million of the 20 million Brits planning on driving in Europe this Summer* could find themselves driving on the wrong side of the road.
A new Europe-wide study of over 10,000 drivers, including 2,000 from the UK, looks at summer driving habits.  It highlights that whilst 44% of British drivers are planning to drive in Europe this summer, 71% didn’t know the driving laws of popular holiday destinations when tested.  Although 85% said they do research road regulations before driving abroad, a simple road rule knowledge test, commissioned by TomTom, showed UK drivers are stumped by everyday international driving laws.  For example:

In Scandinavia it is illegal to drive without headlights, even in daylight
Cyprus has a zero tolerance policy on all drinking at the wheel, including non-alcoholic drinks like water and eating any food
In some Spanish cities, cars must be parked on different sides of the road according to the day of the week
In Portugal it is illegal to carry bicycles on the back of a car
In Denmark you must do a routine check for sleeping children under your car every time you drive

And it isn’t just specific regulations that are causing confusion on European roads for British drivers, with many admitting they have struggled in the past when faced with foreign driving cultures. The most common issues faced when driving abroad include:

Not knowing where and when you can park (27%)
Driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road (26%)
Knowing which lane is best to travel in (22%)
The correct speed limit to travel at (19%)
Not understanding the road signs (18%)

Indeed, almost two thirds of UK drivers (61%) said they would prefer someone else to drive because they don’t feel confident driving abroad (47%) and find it too stressful (44%).
European Data
It isn’t just British drivers who feel like they are driving round in circles when it comes to international road laws – our European counterparts are also struggling. German drivers are perhaps the most likely to exceed the speed limit with more than a quarter (29%) admitting to have done so whilst driving abroad in the past and 27% admit to having been pulled over by the police. Nearly one in three Italians also admit to being pulled over by law enforcement when abroad, which maybe links to the fact that more than one in ten (15%) have had a near miss.
Corinne Vigreux, co-founder and managing director, TomTom Consumer, said: “There are a huge number of varying and complex road rules that exist across the globe. And, as our research reveals, it’s understandable that drivers aren’t always completely aware of the rules in every country they visit. We try to take the headache out of driving abroad with our range of navigation devices and services** – whether that’s making sure you’re aware of the speed limit, that you’re in the right lane, or even by guiding you to the nearest car park in an unfamiliar city.”

The post Twelve Million Brits Could Drive On The Wrong Side Of The Road This Summer appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: As the nation gears up for the great Summer getaway, a new study from TomTom has revealed that almost 12 million of the 20 million Brits planning on driving in Europe this Summer* could find themselves driving on the wrong Read More ...
The post Twelve Million Brits Could Drive On The Wrong Side Of The Road This Summer appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Summer Job Boost

Thanks to the onset of summer, the service sector has led the way in job creation across the Vega Baja in June, with 68% of all jobs secured being from the sector.
In total, 7,992 people were employed in serving, compared to 1,757 in agriculture, 828 in construction and 754 in industry.
The temporary nature of summer jobs is always a later concern however, with 91% of the 10,631 contracts issued in June being for temporary jobs.
Well over half of the workers now employed are men, with 6,588 contracts compared to 4,043 women.
Once again, Orihuela has led the way in job creation with 2,679 people now finding work, followed by Torrevieja with 2.401, Pilar de la Horadada with 1,194 and Guardamar del Segura with 711.

Excerpt: Thanks to the onset of summer, the service sector has led the way in job creation across the Vega Baja in June, with 68% of all jobs secured being from the sector. In total, 7,992 people were employed in serving, compared to 1,757 in agriculture, 828 in construction and 754 in industry. The temporary nature […]

### Fake Sailing Qualification Network Disbanded

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested 22 people, with a further 851 under investigation, charged in connection with falsifying nautical qualifications.
The operation began in October last year when investigators became aware of an individual who would provide qualifications in exchange for money, without ensuring that the applicants had trained for and successfully passed the relevant examinations.
The investigation then revealed a network of people involved in the scam, culminating in inspections across 29 coastal provinces and the subsequent arrests.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested 22 people, with a further 851 under investigation, charged in connection with falsifying nautical qualifications. The operation began in October last year when investigators became aware of an individual who would provide qualifications in exchange for money, without ensuring that the applicants had trained for and successfully passed […]

### British Tourist Dies on the Costa Dorada

A 51 year old British tourist has died after drowning in the sea at the Tarragona beach of L’Ametlla de Mar.
The man is believed to have been camping with his family on the Costa Dorada when the tragedy happened on Monday afternoon.
Reports sate that the man was snorkelling when some people in his vicinity realised he wasn´t moving and so summonsed help.
Emergency services attended but could do nothing to revive the man. An autopsy is being carried out to confirm the cause of death.

Excerpt: A 51 year old British tourist has died after drowning in the sea at the Tarragona beach of L’Ametlla de Mar. The man is believed to have been camping with his family on the Costa Dorada when the tragedy happened on Monday afternoon. Reports sate that the man was snorkelling when some people in his […]

### Flying Dry

An Easyjet Airbus flying from Newcastle to Alicante on Friday made an emergency landing in Paris on account of the aircraft being low on water.
Flight U2-6417 was around 100 nautical miles southwest ofParis when the crew decided to divert due to low water supplies. The crew declared an emergency to ensure a smooth passage to the ground, landing some 40 minutes after the alert.
The aircraft remained in Paris for 70 minutes whist taking on water and fuel before continuing to Alicante where it arrived with a 2 hour delay.
The airline confirmed that the crew declared emergency as a precaution due to limited water supplies on board.

Excerpt: An Easyjet Airbus flying from Newcastle to Alicante on Friday made an emergency landing in Paris on account of the aircraft being low on water. Flight U2-6417 was around 100 nautical miles southwest ofParis when the crew decided to divert due to low water supplies. The crew declared an emergency to ensure a smooth passage […]

### Abducted Child Reunited in Torrevieja

The Guardia Civil has successfully located and returned a child to his mother in Torrevieja after investigators found that the boy had been brought to Spain illegally by his father.
The events date back to 2013, when the couple separated. Custody of the child was left to the mother, who took up residency in a village in Italy.
The father started a judicial process to obtain custody, but rather than waiting for the judgement, it became apparent that the boy had been taken from his mother´s care when he disappeared whilst playing in a park near his home.
Believing they had fled to Spain, the Guardia Civil launched a search and located the boy in a home in the Guadalupe area of Cáceres.
Having received the appropriate authority, the child was seized and reunited with his Cuban mother in Torrevieja, where they had lived as a couple before the split, whilst the Spanish father now faces charges of abduction and has been delivered to the courts.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil has successfully located and returned a child to his mother in Torrevieja after investigators found that the boy had been brought to Spain illegally by his father. The events date back to 2013, when the couple separated. Custody of the child was left to the mother, who took up residency in a […]

### Record Breaking Airport Figures

Following on from serving over a million passengers in May, Alicante-Elche airport broke its June passenger record this year with 1,073,957 passengers using the facility, 3% more than the same period of last year.
The information was revealed this week in the latest figures from airport operator AENA, who also say that the UK is the top destination for passengers, with 473,274, followed by Germany and Norway.
For the first six-months of the year, Alicante saw 4,684,771 passengers, 3.6% more than last year.
Sadly, for its part, Murcia San Javier airport saw 454,085 passengers in the first six-months of the year, 2% less than in the same period of 2014. In addition, from January to June, there were 3,876 flights, 3.2% less than last year.

Excerpt: Following on from serving over a million passengers in May, Alicante-Elche airport broke its June passenger record this year with 1,073,957 passengers using the facility, 3% more than the same period of last year. The information was revealed this week in the latest figures from airport operator AENA, who also say that the UK is […]

### Torrevieja Electromar Given Go Ahead

Torrevieja town hall has given the go ahead for this weekend´s Electromar music festival to take place at the Antonio Soria park.
The event will take place from 8pm on Saturday and run through until 8am on Sunday morning with some 40 artists performing on the three stages.
However, although the town hall has given permission for the leasing of the site, the organisers still have to provide all the necessary documentation, including liability insurance and a safety plan, as well as paying the fee to rent the municipal land.
Some 10,000 people are expected to attend the event, with tickets at 24 euro each, and so traffic will also be particularly bad around the area with roadblocks in place to ensure that potential problems relating to parties and traffic are avoided.

Excerpt: Torrevieja town hall has given the go ahead for this weekend´s Electromar music festival to take place at the Antonio Soria park. The event will take place from 8pm on Saturday and run through until 8am on Sunday morning with some 40 artists performing on the three stages. However, although the town hall has given […]

### Europe Fines Spain for Valencia Accounting

The European Union has fined Spain 18.93 million euro for manipulating statistics on the deficit in the Autonomous Community of Valencia between 2011 and 2012, the end period of the presidency of Francisco Camps as he handed over to successor, Alberto Fabra, both of the Partido Popular.
The file was opened in Brussels in July 2014 and the fine already announced, but this week the Council of the European Union have issued a statement blaming the penalty on a “lack of registration of health spending and breach of accrual by the regional office”.
This is the first time that the EU has imposed a fine for handling the deficit from legislation passed in 2011 in order to increase fiscal surveillance.
Having promised no tax increases during their electoral campaign for 2001, the government formed by Mariano Rajoy immediately launched a campaign blaming their imposed tax increases on the “hidden deficit” left by the previous socialist government. However, this latest revelation suggests that the problems Rajoy blamed the tax increases on actually stemmed from the senior members of his own party at a regional level.

Excerpt: The European Union has fined Spain 18.93 million euro for manipulating statistics on the deficit in the Autonomous Community of Valencia between 2011 and 2012, the end period of the presidency of Francisco Camps as he handed over to successor, Alberto Fabra, both of the Partido Popular. The file was opened in Brussels in July […]

### No More Baby on Board Signs?

A Spanish company is hoping that the traditional “Baby on Board” sign for cars will soon be a thing of the past, as they have patented a new design which they hope will be the future of delicate passenger warnings.

Patrimi Innovación has designed “Babyled”, an illuminated triangular sign which will warn that a vehicle is carrying a baby by use of LED lighting.
Without wires or harmful electrical waves, the device composes of two parts. The first is a pressure mat which is placed in the child seat of the car. The second part is the illuminated triangle which is designed to be stuck to the rear window of the vehicle, and is removable.
Once the child is placed in the seat, the sensor becomes aware of its presence and so illuminates the sign, switching it back off once the pressure is eased by the removal of the child.

The manufacturer is confident that the device is legal for use in Spain, so much so they state that the product is certified and complies with all current regulations and that it does not contravene any road safety regulations.
So much so, the company provide a certificate in the box which they say will allow the driver to present the facts to a law enforcement officer in the event of being stopped or questioned about the device.
However, with a price tag of just under 80 euro for Babyled, the more traditional sticker might be the cheaper option, but the manufacturer also says that the batteries and device can last up to 13 years, and therefore the entire childhood from birth.
The post No More Baby on Board Signs? appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: A Spanish company is hoping that the traditional “Baby on Board” sign for cars will soon be a thing of the past, as they have patented a new design which they hope will be the future of delicate passenger warnings. Read More ...
The post No More Baby on Board Signs? appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Brits Arrested in Benidorm

The local police in Benidorm arrested two British women on Saturday night, one aged 20 and the other 24, accused of selling Nitrous Oxide gas to revellers.
The pair were said to have been selling a dose of the gas for five euro, which they provided in balloons filled from a siphon.
The arrests were made in an area popular with British tourists with the officers seizing hundreds of capsules containing the gas, balloons, dispensing bottles and 200 euro in cash.

Excerpt: The local police in Benidorm arrested two British women on Saturday night, one aged 20 and the other 24, accused of selling Nitrous Oxide gas to revellers. The pair were said to have been selling a dose of the gas for five euro, which they provided in balloons filled from a siphon. The arrests were […]

### Elche Forest Fire Extinguished

A forest fire which took hold near the beaches in Elche Sunday was brought under control within a few hours thanks to the collaboration of the emergency services.
In addition to local and regional ground crews, a helicopter and two planes joined in the battle to control the flames, with all indications pointing to the fire being caused by reckless behaviour, most likely as a result of inconsiderate human activity.
Around 3,000 square metres of Pine Forest were destroyed in the Guardamar and La Marina area with the lack of wind allowing for the fire to be controlled quicker.
The entire area remains on high alert for forest fires with everybody being asked to be extra vigilant, especially in disposing of smoking materials and other rubbish, as the majority of these types of fires are caused by human interaction.

Excerpt: A forest fire which took hold near the beaches in Elche Sunday was brought under control within a few hours thanks to the collaboration of the emergency services. In addition to local and regional ground crews, a helicopter and two planes joined in the battle to control the flames, with all indications pointing to the […]

### Norwegian Air Shuttle Announces Canary Islands Shuttles

Norwegian Air Shuttle has announced a range of flights serving the Canary Islands from Mainland Spain this winter.
Begins 25th October
Madrid to Las Palmas (0830 – 1025 (except Sunday 1600-1755))
Las Palmas to Madrid (1115 – 1510 (except Sunday 1845 – 2240))
Madrid to Tenerife North (0800 – 0955)
Tenerife North to Madrid (1045 – 1440)
Begins 26th October
Barcelona to Las Palmas (0700 – 0910 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
Las Palmas to Barcelona (0950 – 1410 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
Barcelona to Tenerife North (0700 – 0930 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday)
Tenerife North to Barcelona (1005 – 1425 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday)
Malaga to Tenerife South (1055 – 1225 on Monday & Friday)
Tenerife South to Malaga (0700 – 1020 on Monday & Friday)
Begins 27th October
Barcelona to Fuerteventura (0600 – 0805 on Tuesday, Thursday (0700 – 0905 on Saturday))
Fuerteventura to Barcelona (0845 – 1300 on Tuesday, Thursday (0945 – 1400 on Saturday))
Begins 30th October
Malaga to Las Palmas (0900 – 1020 on Sunday (1100 – 1220 on Friday)
Las Palmas to Malaga (1100 – 1425 on Sunday (0700 – 1025 on Friday)

Excerpt: Norwegian Air Shuttle has announced a range of flights serving the Canary Islands from Mainland Spain this winter. Begins 25th October Madrid to Las Palmas (0830 – 1025 (except Sunday 1600-1755)) Las Palmas to Madrid (1115 – 1510 (except Sunday 1845 – 2240)) Madrid to Tenerife North (0800 – 0955) Tenerife North to Madrid (1045 […]

### Hot Air Balloon Crash Death

One person was killed and six others injured on Sunday when a hot air balloon crashed in the Vilanova del Camí area of Barcelona.
The balloon crashed into an embankment whilst performing a landing manoeuvre. The victims were participating in the European Balloon Festival, held in Igualada. The festival organisers reported the death of the 51 year old pilot, who was a resident of Sitges, via their Twitter account.

Excerpt: One person was killed and six others injured on Sunday when a hot air balloon crashed in the Vilanova del Camí area of Barcelona. The balloon crashed into an embankment whilst performing a landing manoeuvre. The victims were participating in the European Balloon Festival, held in Igualada. The festival organisers reported the death of the […]

### Are You Aware of the UK Driving Law Changes?

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is warning people to be ready for a host of changes coming up in driving laws in the UK – and fear many are totally unaware of what’s in store in 2015.
New regulations that have changed driving licences, drug-drive limits and speed limits have already taken place in 2015. There are, however, other changes expected to take place later in the year.
For motorists oblivious to these changes, the IAM is raising awareness to ensure all road users understand the new driving laws and changes.
In March a new law on driving under the influence of legal or illegal drugs including cannabis and cocaine and prescription drugs including diazepam, methadone and morphine came into force across England and Wales.
Earlier this month, the IAM revealed the true scale of drug-driving since the new regulations started and found 902 arrests have already been made by police forces. Motorists convicted of drug-driving will get a minimum one year driving ban, unlimited fine, up to six months imprisonment and a criminal record.


It’s illegal to drive if either:

you’re unfit to do so because you’re on legal or illegal drugs
you have certain levels of illegal drugs in your blood (even if they haven’t affected your driving)


Legal drugs are prescription or over-the-counter medicines. If you’re taking them and not sure if you should drive, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional.

The police can stop you and make you do a ‘field impairment assessment’ if they think you’re on drugs. This is a series of tests, eg asking you to walk in a straight line. They can also use a roadside drug kit to screen for cannabis and cocaine.
If they think you’re unfit to drive because of taking drugs, you’ll be arrested and will have to take a blood or urine test at a police station.
You could be charged with a crime if the test shows you’ve taken drugs.
Prescription medicines
It’s illegal in England and Wales to drive with legal drugs in your body if it impairs your driving.
It’s an offence to drive if you have over the specified limits of certain drugs in your blood and you haven’t been prescribed them.
Talk to your doctor about whether you should drive if you’ve been prescribed any of the following drugs:

amphetamine, eg dexamphetamine or selegiline
clonazepam
diazepam
flunitrazepam
lorazepam
methadone
morphine or opiate and opioid-based drugs, eg codeine, tramadol or fentanyl
oxazepam
temazepam

You can drive after taking these drugs if:

you’ve been prescribed them and followed advice on how to take them by a healthcare professional
they aren’t causing you to be unfit to drive even if you’re above the specified limits


You could be prosecuted if you drive with certain levels of these drugs in your body and you haven’t been prescribed them.

The law doesn’t cover Northern Ireland and Scotland but you could still be arrested if you’re unfit to drive.
Penalties for drug driving
If you’re convicted of drug driving you’ll get:

a minimum 1 year driving ban
an unlimited fine
up to 6 months in prison
a criminal record

Your driving licence will also show you’ve been convicted for drug driving. This will last for 11 years.

The penalty for causing death by dangerous driving under the influence of drugs is a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

Other problems you could face
A conviction for drug driving also means:

your car insurance costs will increase significantly
if you drive for work, your employer will see your conviction on your licence
you may have trouble travelling to countries like the USA






Last updated: 21 May 2015


In April, the speed limit for the largest heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) travelling on a single carriageway across England and Wales increased from 40mph to 50mph, and on a dual carriageway it has increased from 50mph to 60mph.
I have today (28 November 2014) announced that the government intends, following a public consultation, to increase the national speed limit for heavy goods vehicles of more than 7.5 tonnes on dual carriageway roads from 50 mph to 60 mph.
This complements the decision that the government has already announced to raise the national speed limit for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes on single carriageway roads, and is part of a wider package of associated measures that the government is bringing forward to continue to increase economic efficiency and remove outdated restrictions.
The national speed limit increase on dual carriageways will modernise an outdated regulation dating from the 1980s, better reflecting the capabilities of modern HGVs. It will help to free professional hauliers from unnecessary regulation.
The change will ensure that HGV speed limits are proportionate and better aligned with the limits for HGVs on motorways and single carriageways, and with other vehicles such as coaches and cars towing caravans. Our evidence indicates that actual average speeds are unlikely to change in response to the change in national speed limit. Our impact assessment, which has been scrutinised by independent experts, concludes that there is not expected to be an adverse effect on road safety, but we will be monitoring the impacts closely.
The speed limit increases for HGVs will be implemented via a change in the law to be put to Parliament during the next few months, with implementation scheduled for 6 April 2015. The existing limits continue to apply until the change has been put into effect. The amended speed limit will cover dual carriageway roads in England and Wales, unless specific lower local or urban speed limits are in effect.
The Department for Transport is publishing the summary of dual carriageway HGV speed limit consultation responses. The department is also publishing an impact assessment.
Copies of these documents will be placed in the libraries of both Houses.
Changes to driving laws and other-related procedural changes have also come into force this year to take advantage of the internet, increase convenience and save time on administration.
From the government’s launch of the ‘Make a Plea’ service in March, which enables motorists charged with minor motoring offences including speeding, failing to identify the driver or using a vehicle without insurance to respond to the charges made against them digitally, to the scrapping of the the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) paper counterpart of the photo card on 8 June, in which all driver information such as endorsements and which category of vehicles you are entitled to drive is stored electronically – the changes have allowed motorists to access information remotely. Important changes have also come into force with how motorists provide proof of their driving records to a third party and will need to obtain a special code from online to allow sharing of data.
A new scheme in London will be introduced later this year on 1 September that ensures all lorries and construction vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are fitted with basic safety equipment.
The Safer Lorry Scheme, which will be enforced by the Metropolitan Police, City of London Police and the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency, will aim to tackle the number of fatal collisions involving cyclists and pedestrians. The scheme will run 24 hours a day across the city and any drivers found in charge of a non-compliant vehicle may be issued with a £50 penalty notice and a potential £1000 fine at the Magistrates Court.
Upcoming changes to driving laws will also see smoking in cars carrying children under the age of 18 becoming illegal from 1 October. Potential fines and penalties are expected to be announced closer to the time.
The new rules will come into force on 1 October 2015 and people failing to comply could face a £50 fixed penalty notice.
Public Health Minister Jane Ellison said:
Three million children are exposed to secondhand smoke in cars, putting their health at risk. We know that many of them feel embarrassed or frightened to ask adults to stop smoking which is why the regulations are an important step in protecting children from the harms of secondhand smoke.
Public Health England will launch its campaign to raise awareness of the dangers that secondhand smoke in homes and cars can cause to children’s health. PHE will also be running a campaign later in the year to raise awareness of the new legislation.
The regulations will become part of the existing smokefree laws and would make it an offence to smoke or to fail to prevent smoking in a private vehicle with someone under the age of 18 present. The regulations do not apply to a driver on their own in a car.

Sarah Sillars, IAM chief executive officer said: “This year has seen some of the biggest changes in motoring procedures we have ever seen. It is very important drivers and riders are fully up-to-date on what is happening – they will affect everyone in one way or another. So don’t get caught out, get informed.”
The post Are You Aware of the UK Driving Law Changes? appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is warning people to be ready for a host of changes coming up in driving laws in the UK – and fear many are totally unaware of what’s in store in 2015. New regulations Read More ...
The post Are You Aware of the UK Driving Law Changes? appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Pick up The Courier with Motoring Plus

The Courier newspaper is out now and features the latest copy of their fortnightly Motoring+ supplement.

The Courier is the only official media partner of the n332 project in the Torrevieja and Orihuela areas, and they will bring some of the motoring related articles endorsed by us to their readers locally, expanding our information network even further.
They will also be bringing their readers some first-to-publish articles, so not only can you be sure that their motoring section articles are correct, they will also be first.
The Courier is distributed every Friday across the Torrevieja and Orihuela areas, and you can read the latest version online at their website…
http://thecourier.es/latest-issue/
The post Pick up The Courier with Motoring Plus appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The Courier newspaper is out now and features the latest copy of their fortnightly Motoring+ supplement. The Courier is the only official media partner of the n332 project in the Torrevieja and Orihuela areas, and they will bring some of Read More ...
The post Pick up The Courier with Motoring Plus appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Torrevieja Bike Patrol

The Department of the Environment in Torrevieja has launched a parkland observation project in which 32 cyclists will routinely patrol the protected parkland of La Mata and Torrevieja looking for and reporting incidents of environmental and other concerns in order to preserve the ecological values ​​of this protected natural area, preventive monitoring of forest fires and promoting the implementation of best practices in nature in order to protect the area.

Excerpt: The Department of the Environment in Torrevieja has launched a parkland observation project in which 32 cyclists will routinely patrol the protected parkland of La Mata and Torrevieja looking for and reporting incidents of environmental and other concerns in order to preserve the ecological values ​​of this protected natural area, preventive monitoring of forest fires […]

### Lucky Rescue in La Manga

A man in his 80´s was rescued on Thursday after being knocked unconscious whilst bathing on a beach in La Manga del Mar Menor-
The 1-1-2 emergency coordination centre received a call just after 15.00 explaining how an elderly man was unconscious in the water near to the Cabo Romano urbanisation.
Emergency medics and lifeguards were sent to the scene, but an off duty police officer, who had witnessed the incident from his balcony, was already retrieving and reviving the man until the medics took over, transferring him to the Santa Lucia hospital in Cartagena.
Meanwhile, earlier on Thursday, divers assisted lifeguards in rescuing a 54 year old Swedish national who had suffered a suspected heart attack whilst diving off the coast of Cabo de Palos. That call came in just before 10:00 in the morning warning that a dive boat was returning to port with the unconscious woman on board.
Two doctors were on board the boat and maintained her vital signs until she was able to be transferred to the same hospital´s intensive care unit for treatment.

Excerpt: A man in his 80´s was rescued on Thursday after being knocked unconscious whilst bathing on a beach in La Manga del Mar Menor- The 1-1-2 emergency coordination centre received a call just after 15.00 explaining how an elderly man was unconscious in the water near to the Cabo Romano urbanisation. Emergency medics and lifeguards […]

### Hero Cop Stops Runaway Stolen Truck

Officers from the Guardia Civil have recovered a stolen articulated lorry in Salamanca which contained tobacco and stolen goods valued at around 150,000 euro.

The officers received a report of a robbery from a service station at Pedrosillo el Ralo at around 05:00 on Tuesday. As a patrol attended the scene the attending officers witnessed a refrigerated lorry fleeing the scene and upon seeing the patrol the truck almost hit one of the patrols.
After joining the A-62 in the Valladolid direction it became apparent that the truck driver was aware of officers in pursuit and abandoning the vehicle by jumping from it and fleeing on foot, leaving the truck moving and out of control.
Fearing for the safety of other road users a patrol car carried out a maneuver to allow one of the officers to climb into the moving truck, stopping the vehicle before it could cause further incidents.
The officers then discovered that the truck had been stolen that morning from an industrial area in Villares de la Reina and was loaded with boxes of cigarettes and other items stolen from another truck that was parked nearby.
An investigation is underway to identify the suspects of the robbery.





The post Hero Cop Stops Runaway Stolen Truck appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have recovered a stolen articulated lorry in Salamanca which contained tobacco and stolen goods valued at around 150,000 euro. The officers received a report of a robbery from a service station at Pedrosillo el Ralo Read More ...
The post Hero Cop Stops Runaway Stolen Truck appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Pilgrim Flasher Patrol

Officers from the local police in Ames have disguised themselves as pilgrims in order to catch an exhibitionist reported for lewd behaviour along the religiously important Camino de Santiago.
Responding to complaints from walkers that a male had been seen on numerous occasions “performing obscene gestures and acts of exhibitionism” along the route.
Unable to locate or identify the man, the police decided to set a trap by pretending to be pilgrims and in a very short time witnessed hat they had been warned about.
The police identified themselves to the man and warned him of the consequences of his actions, and the added seriousness should such actions be performed in the presence of children or those with mental disabilities.

Excerpt: Officers from the local police in Ames have disguised themselves as pilgrims in order to catch an exhibitionist reported for lewd behaviour along the religiously important Camino de Santiago. Responding to complaints from walkers that a male had been seen on numerous occasions “performing obscene gestures and acts of exhibitionism” along the route. Unable to […]

### Weapons Found

Officers from the Guardia Civil have seized a variety of weapons and other materials believed to have been used in criminal activities, including caps which could be confused as being to those worn by the security service personal, which have the word “police” embroidered on.

The officers noticed a vehicle on the A-7 motorway in Cádiz that upon approaching a traffic queue decided to turn around and drive in the opposite direction on the motorway. The officers witnessed the occupants of the vehicle throw a large bag from the car, which they retrieved, and found to contain the items described, as well as car number plates, one corresponding to a vehicle from the Alicante province.
The officers continued to pursue the vehicle but the occupants managed to abandon the vehicle and flee, evading capture.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have seized a variety of weapons and other materials believed to have been used in criminal activities, including caps which could be confused as being to those worn by the security service personal, which have the word “police” embroidered on. The officers noticed a vehicle on the A-7 motorway in […]

### Crucifixion Protest Not a Crime

The judge presiding over a case brought against 8 local police officers in Torrevieja has deemed that a protest, in which a crucifixion was faked to highlight the poor working conditions imposed on the officers by the town hall, did not constitute a crime.
The judge states that the officers had a right to protest and were exercising that right legally, as it did not contravene the laws relating to the rights of assembly and protest, and that it could only have been prevented by the government office if there were reasonable grounds to believe that disorderly conduct might endanger people, which there was not.
The former mayor, Eduardo Dolón, had filed for a private prosecution for disorderly conduct, but the judge believes that this case should be dismissed as at no time was there a serious disturbance to the plenary hall preventing normal operation, and that the suspension of the town hall meeting was the mayor´s initiative, but it had no impact.

Excerpt: The judge presiding over a case brought against 8 local police officers in Torrevieja has deemed that a protest, in which a crucifixion was faked to highlight the poor working conditions imposed on the officers by the town hall, did not constitute a crime. The judge states that the officers had a right to protest […]

### Military Honoured in La Mata on Friday

Members of the Guardia Civil traffic department, along with a couple of their motorbikes, weather permitting, will be involved in a display recognising the work of the armed forces in La Mata, Torrevieja, on Friday, 10th of July, 2015.

The event will commence at 12:00, noon, with the hoisting of the Spanish flag in the main square of La Mata, plaza Encarnación Puchol. Then, the exhibition of military might will be open for the public to explore, visiting and viewing some of the vehicles and equipment that the members of the military use in their protective duties.

There will then be a display from Ezapac del Ejército del Aire, a squadron of paratroopers who will be in the air carrying a 4 metre by 6 metre flag in tribute to the country they serve.

Around 200 military personnel will also be involved in the exhibition, able to offer real life experiences in the armed forces, which may well encourage some of the younger members to consider a career in the military, whether that be any number of the branches of the army, air force or navy, or indeed the Guardia Civil.

Coinciding with the celebration of the feat of San Cristóbal, amongst the attendees at the event will be the Unidad Militar de Emergencias, el Cuerpo Nacional de Policía, la Policía de la Generalitat, la Brigada Paracaidista del Ejército de Tierra, el Batallón de Inteligencia Militar, el Escuadrón de Zapadores Paracaidistas del Ejército del Aire, el Batallón de Policía Militar, las Unidades Cinológicas, MOE de Rabasa-Alicante, la Unidad Policial de Rescate y Operaciones Especiales (UPROE), el Grupo Especialista de Seguridad Ciudadana de Policía Local de Orihuela (GESC), and units from the Academia General del Aire and of course, the Guardia Civil.

Later in the day, at 19:30, there will be a special tribute to the fallen comrades of the military who have been killed in the line of duty, followed by a mass and awards ceremony.

Finally, at 20:30, a concert will be held in tribute to all of those who serve, which will be performed by the band of the Unidad de Música de la Academia General del Aire de San Javier, which will conclude with a special tribute to Andrés Moreno Ramírez, the biographer of composer Ricardo Lafuente, who died last Friday.

The post Military Honoured in La Mata on Friday appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Members of the Guardia Civil traffic department, along with a couple of their motorbikes, weather permitting, will be involved in a display recognising the work of the armed forces in La Mata, Torrevieja, on Friday, 10th of July, 2015. The Read More ...
The post Military Honoured in La Mata on Friday appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Minor damage in Distraction Crash

A passenger car crashed into the back of a vehicle in Boiro, a municipality in the province of A Coruña in the autonomous community of Galicia, with the Guardia Civil immediately on the scene to ensure everybody was safe.
The reason for the prompt attention was that the vehicle that was hit from behind was a liveried Guardia Civil vehicle.

The incident occurred at around 15:00 on Tuesday afternoon on Calle Principal, near to the town hall, but as the traffic was moving at walking pace nobody was injured.
The initial investigation suggests that the driver of the rear vehicle had become distracted, resulting in the crash.
Distractions are one of the three major contributing factors to road traffic incidents, along with inappropriate speed and alcohol and drugs.
The post Minor damage in Distraction Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: A passenger car crashed into the back of a vehicle in Boiro, a municipality in the province of A Coruña in the autonomous community of Galicia, with the Guardia Civil immediately on the scene to ensure everybody was safe. The Read More ...
The post Minor damage in Distraction Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Santa Pola and Torrevieja Researching Dog-Friendly Beaches

Both Santa Pola and Torrevieja town halls have announced plans to investigate the possibility of allowing dogs onto the beach in selected areas.
Playa La Cuartel and Playa de la Gola are the first options for Santa Pola, whereas in Torrevieja a beach in La Mata is under scrutiny.
Currently, El Campello has the only dog friendly beach on the Costa Blanca after attempts to implement the same in Alicante were blocked by the previous government there.

Excerpt: Both Santa Pola and Torrevieja town halls have announced plans to investigate the possibility of allowing dogs onto the beach in selected areas. Playa La Cuartel and Playa de la Gola are the first options for Santa Pola, whereas in Torrevieja a beach in La Mata is under scrutiny. Currently, El Campello has the only […]

### Elche Government Seeking Help for Taxi Drivers

The Elche municipal government has said that it will support the local taxi drivers in trying to find a solution to the problem of legal taxis from other areas taking work away from them, and the problem of illegal, pirate taxis.
The councillor for urban mobility, Esther Díez, and the councillor for institutional representation, Mireia Mollà, will collectively ask the regional government for help in providing more inspections in the area. In addition, the government will seek to update the local laws relating to taxis, which they consider to be “outdated”.
In a recent survey it was revealed that there were 40 foreign, but legal taxi drivers per day using Alicante-Elche airport, compared with the 82 licensed in Elche. These are mainly from Torrevieja, Murcia and Cartagena, as are the illegal pirate taxis which have collectively resulted in a 40% drop in work for the Elche drivers.
A recent number plate reader has proven ineffective, according to the government, and so more drastic measures are called for.

Excerpt: The Elche municipal government has said that it will support the local taxi drivers in trying to find a solution to the problem of legal taxis from other areas taking work away from them, and the problem of illegal, pirate taxis. The councillor for urban mobility, Esther Díez, and the councillor for institutional representation, Mireia […]

### Car Driver Injured in Orihuela Train Crossing Crash

An Alicante to Murcia commuter train smashed into a car on an unguarded level crossing in the Orihuela municipality on Tuesday, the car driver apparently oblivious to the presence of the train or the warning lights on the crossing.

The incident occurred at around 15:15 when the train driver noticed the car crossing the railway and immediately applied the emergency brakes. The train was not able to stop in time and crashed into the car, coming to a stop several metres after.
The train driver was able to then go to assist the woman driver and summon the emergency services who arrived at the scene and transferred the injured driver, who was conscious at the time, to hospital.
After the incident the train driver was heard to state his surprise that the train didn´t derail, causing serious injuries to those on board. The train had to return to Callosa de Segura on account of the front being too badly damaged to continue.
The car was almost completely destroyed in the impact as was the crossing warning system. The judicial police are investigating the circumstances.
 
The post Car Driver Injured in Orihuela Train Crossing Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: An Alicante to Murcia commuter train smashed into a car on an unguarded level crossing in the Orihuela municipality on Tuesday, the car driver apparently oblivious to the presence of the train or the warning lights on the crossing. The Read More ...
The post Car Driver Injured in Orihuela Train Crossing Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Car Driver Injured in Train Crossing Crash

An Alicante to Murcia commuter train smashed into a car on an unguarded level crossing in the Orihuela municipality on Tuesday, the car driver apparently oblivious to the presence of the train.

The incident occurred at around 15:15 when the train driver noticed the car crossing the railway and immediately applied the emergency brakes. The train was not able to stop in time and crashed into the car, coming to a stop several metres after.
The train driver was able to then go to assist the woman driver and summon the emergency services who arrived at the scene and transferred the injured driver, who was conscious at the time, to hospital.
After the incident the train driver was heard to state his surprise that the train didn´t derail, causing serious injuries to those on board. The train had to return to Callosa de Segura on account of the front being too badly damaged to continue.
The passengers were transferred to another train to continue their journey.

Excerpt: An Alicante to Murcia commuter train smashed into a car on an unguarded level crossing in the Orihuela municipality on Tuesday, the car driver apparently oblivious to the presence of the train. The incident occurred at around 15:15 when the train driver noticed the car crossing the railway and immediately applied the emergency brakes. The […]

### Another Hot Tuesday Expected

The weather alert for high temperatures has been reissued, with parts of the Valencia region now on red alert as temperatures will exceed 40 degrees in places.

In Ontinyent and Gandia, temperatures my reach 41 degrees, whereas in Orihuela and Elche, the temperature is likely to reach 39 degrees.
For Tuesday, the southern coast of the Valencia province is on red alert for heat; the rest of the province is on orange alert. Both Castellón and Alicante are on yellow alert.
For the most part, it is the inland areas which will be the hottest, and the sky may be cloudy at times, with occasional showers in some places and the occasional afternoon storm, particularly in the central areas. A breeze will be felt for most of the day along the coast.
The advice is to remain indoors during the hottest part of the day, but if you do have to go out, walk in the shade, drink plenty of water, cover up with loose fitting clothing and a hat, and wear plenty of high factor sun cream.

Excerpt: The weather alert for high temperatures has been reissued, with parts of the Valencia region now on red alert as temperatures will exceed 40 degrees in places. In Ontinyent and Gandia, temperatures my reach 41 degrees, whereas in Orihuela and Elche, the temperature is likely to reach 39 degrees. For Tuesday, the southern coast of […]

### Different Coloured Pedestrian Crossings

We have been asked many different times about the significance of other colours used on pedestrian crossings. Most people are aware of what we might call a “zebra”, with black and white alternating stripes across the road, but what about the red ones, or blue ones or any other colours?

There are two ways of answering the question, and so we will start with the simple and legal one. Article 168 of the Tráfico, Circulación y Seguridad Vial, says…
“c) Marca de paso para peatones. Una serie de líneas de gran anchura, dispuestas sobre el pavimento de la calzada en bandas paralelas al eje de ésta y que forman un conjunto transversal a la calzada, indica un paso para peatones, donde los conductores de vehículos o animales deben dejarles paso. NO podrán utilizarse líneas de otros colores que alternen con las blancas.”
To explain what that means in as literal way we can, it states that pedestrian crossings are formed of a series of wide lines arranged from the pavement and parallel to the axis thereof, forming a set across the road where drivers of vehicles or animals must let pedestrians pass.
However, in answer to your question about different colours used on crossings, the last phrase, “NO podrán utilizarse líneas de otros colores que alternen con las blancas”, states that you must not use other colours that alternate with the white ones.

Therefore, by the legal definition set out in this document, the only colours which should exist on pedestrian crossings are white, and the colour of the road.
However, the more complex answer comes about when we look at different methods of traffic calming, means to slow down road traffic to create a safer environment for all.
There have been many different studies relating to traffic calming, and highlighting pedestrian crossings better has been the outcome of some of that research.

A study in 2014 concluded that the best way to make crossings safer for pedestrians was to “transform these pedestrian passages into eye-grabbing spectacles: a school of colorful fish, a skein of yarn, a skeleton, a row of large-caliber bullets.”

However, that study was done by an artist rather than a road safety professional, although the impact was successful. By creating a surface which drivers looked out for could improve the awareness of the crossing, but other experts also suggest that these could do more damage than good, as distracting a driver from the vulnerable road users is a recipe for disaster, as drivers look at the crossing and not the people on it or waiting to cross.

You will see that many of the coloured crossings are on raised humps, again traffic calming measures, but a lot of these humps also don´t fall in with the legal requirements set down by law, and so quite a lot have been removed in recent years.
There are many different reasons why crossings are different colours, but as the majority of those which have been marked other than that laid down in law are under the control of local authorities, it is the reasoning for each one of those that is the only answer to the question, as nationally, all we can say it what the law clearly states, “NO podrán utilizarse líneas de otros colores que alternen con las blancas”.
The post Different Coloured Pedestrian Crossings appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: We have been asked many different times about the significance of other colours used on pedestrian crossings. Most people are aware of what we might call a “zebra”, with black and white alternating stripes across the road, but what about Read More ...
The post Different Coloured Pedestrian Crossings appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Road Fatality and Injury Statistics Released

The Director General of Traffic, María Seguí, has this week presented the conclusions of road incident statistics for 2014.
Last year there were 91,570 injury incidents in which 1,688 people died and 9,574 were injured to such a severity they needed admission in a hospital. On average, there were 4.6 deaths on the road every day.
One of the most worrying trends is the increase in deaths in vans, doubling from 51 deaths in 2013 to 100 deaths in 2014. Also worrying is the fact that 2 out of every 5 people killed in cars or vans were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the incident.
However, despite that for the first time since 2009 there has been an increase in the number of long-haul journeys by 1.6%, with 359.8 million journeys on the roads, 5 out of the 13 key performance indicators for road safety between 2010 and 2020 have already been achieved.
During 2014, in addition to the 1.6% increase in traffic, there has been a 2% increase in the number of injury incidents. There has also been a 5% decrease in the number of hospitalisations, and a 0.4% accidents and the minor injuries, a decrease of 5% in hospitalized wounded but a 0.4% increase in the number of fatalities.
Specifically, of the 91,570 injury accidents, in which 1,688 people died, that is an increase of 8 fatalities over 2013.
The data maintains Spain´s position in fifth place in the scale of European rankings by rate of fatalities with 36 deaths per million inhabitants, well below the European average rate which stands at 52, and ahead of countries like France, Germany, Italy and Finland.
The aging fleet of vehicles on the roads is still continuing, despite incentives for subsidies on new cars. Now, more than half of the cars on Spanish roads are 10 years of age or older, a fact that increases the risk of dying or being seriously injured compared to incidents involving vehicles of 5 years of age or less. In the case of fatal incidents in 2014, the average age of passenger cars involved was 12.1 years on urban roads and 13.3 years on urban roads.
In 2014, the number of registered vehicles cars on the roads was 30,976,047. During that year, 1,146,125 new vehicles were registered, 3,095,592 vehicles were transferred and 1,100,176 were decommissioned.
In terms of drivers, there are now 26,217,202 licensed drivers in charge of vehicles, a figure slightly below the previous year of 26,401,660. In addition, last year, 411,583 new drivers were registered and 3,089,952 driving license renewals were made. The data also reveals that the age of drivers is gradually increasing, parallel to the aging of the population, with 13% of drivers now 65 or older.
As regards the road network, it is estimated that there are over 660,000 kilometres of roads, of which over 489,000 are urban and managed by the municipalities, and more than 165,567 are intercity roads, of which 2% (3,036 km.) correspond to toll roads; 7% (11,682 km.) to free motorways and expressways; 1% (1,640 km.) of dual carriageways and 149,209 km (90%) to other conventional roads.
As the details of road incidents, 3 out of every 5 injury incidents occurred on urban roads, but fatal incidents were concentrated on intercity roads.
Last year, 38% of all injury incidents took place on interurban roads, representing 35,147 of the total. However, that was a 6% decrease compared to 2013. There were also a decline in the number of serious injuries by 7% and minor injuries by 5%, but there was a 1% increase in the number of fatalities. On these roads, 74% of all fatalities occurred.
On urban roads, there were 56,423 injury incidents, in which 441 people died (26% of the total), 4,740 were injured and hospitalized and 68,365 suffered minor injuries. Over the previous year, the number of injury incidents and minor injuries grew by 8%, but the number of deaths decreased by 9 people.
As has become the norm in recent years, 66% of incidents where at least one person died happened on weekdays and 63% of those incidents between 8am and 8pm.
Incidents where vehicles left the road is the biggest cause of fatalities, with 32% of deaths attributed to that type of incident, whereas the second most frequent incidents where a death occurred involved a pedestrian, 18% of the total number of incidents. In fact, 20% of all road fatalities in 2014 were pedestrians, with 336 people losing their lives, 132 they were in intercity roads and 204 on urban streets. In total, 336 pedestrians were killed, 40 less than the previous year.
There was a decline in the number of deaths in all age groups except the 45 to 54 years of age group, where an additional 48 people lost their lives, and those aged over 85, where an additional 9 people were killed compared to 2013.
Of the 746 people killed in cars, 23% were not wearing a seatbelt, 171 people losing their lives as a result. In addition, 23 of the 76 fatalities in vans were also not strapped in.
In addition, 11 of the 287 motorcyclists killed were not wearing a crash helmet at the time of the incident, and for moped riders, 9 of the 53 people who were killed were also not wearing a helmet.
The post Road Fatality and Injury Statistics Released appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The Director General of Traffic, María Seguí, has this week presented the conclusions of road incident statistics for 2014. Last year there were 91,570 injury incidents in which 1,688 people died and 9,574 were injured to such a severity they Read More ...
The post Road Fatality and Injury Statistics Released appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Santa Pola Paraglider Death

A paraglider died on Sunday after an incident whilst jumping from the cliff top at Santa Pola lighthouse.
A rescue helicopter from the provincial fire consortium attended to render assistance to the man, but there was nothing that could be done to save his life.
Santa Pola lighthouse is one of the principal locations for paragliders to practice their spot, and has been the scene of previous incidents.

Excerpt: A paraglider died on Sunday after an incident whilst jumping from the cliff top at Santa Pola lighthouse. A rescue helicopter from the provincial fire consortium attended to render assistance to the man, but there was nothing that could be done to save his life. Santa Pola lighthouse is one of the principal locations for […]

### Body Washed Up on Alicante Beach

Bathers received an unpleasant surprise on the beach of Arenales del Sol near Gran Alacant, Alicante, on Sunday, when a body was washed up on shore.
The body was seen floating a few metres from the sand and so rescuers attended to enact a recovery.
The degree of decomposition of the body suggests that it had been in the water for several days, with no other obvious signs of injury or cause of death.
In autopsy is being carried out to determine the facts and identify the victim.

Excerpt: Bathers received an unpleasant surprise on the beach of Arenales del Sol near Gran Alacant, Alicante, on Sunday, when a body was washed up on shore. The body was seen floating a few metres from the sand and so rescuers attended to enact a recovery. The degree of decomposition of the body suggests that it […]

### British Couple Arrested on Fake Kidnapping Charge

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested two British nationals in Guardamar del Segura accused of organising a fake kidnapping.
The supposed victim was the daughter of a couple from Manchester and was the girlfriend of the alleged perpetrator.
The “kidnapper” sent SMS messages and emails to the girl´s parents threatening to kill her, unless the sum of 5,000 pounds was received.
The messages also included pictures of the girl having apparently suffered injury with bruises to her body and locked in a room.
The parents complained to the UK police without knowing that the kidnapping was a fake, believing the threatening and frightening messages to be genuine and that their daughter was at risk.
The British National Crime Agency collaborated with the Guardia Civil to investigate the facts, resulting in the Guardia Civil identifying the property involved and concluding that the kidnapping was in fact false.
One of the two people arrested, the male, was already being known to the UK police for previous offences. They were brought before the courts in Torrevieja.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested two British nationals in Guardamar del Segura accused of organising a fake kidnapping. The supposed victim was the daughter of a couple from Manchester and was the girlfriend of the alleged perpetrator. The “kidnapper” sent SMS messages and emails to the girl´s parents threatening to kill her, unless […]

### Religion Led Group Warn of Beach Dangers

A political group is reminding its religious followers of the risk of scandal and sin associated with going to mixed-sex beaches in the summer, and warned of practices which must be avoided in order not to offend God.
The Carlistas group, which recognises what they consider to be traditional catholic and Christian values, says that there are dangers of morality in mixed-sex beaches and so should be avoided. For men bathing together they must wear a “simple trunk” or a garment known as a “Meyba”, whereas women bathing together must wear a swimsuit which covers their torso and skirts when not in the water. Both sexes should be covered with a bathrobe when not in the water, they say.
Sunbathing should not be an excuse to abuse by exposing the naked body, which is usually not necessary, and when it is, should be performed away from the sight of others.
Extra care should also be taken during picnics, with mixed bathing in a pond or river; for the inconvenience the public bathing must also be added the additional risk of frivolity, lightness and excessive freedom of a day trip.
The Comisión Episcopal de Ortodoxia y Moralidad set out these rules in 1958, because God, who has given us so much beauty and so many ways of recreation, is entitled to expect of its rational creature other correspondence, more in harmony with reason and faith.

Excerpt: A political group is reminding its religious followers of the risk of scandal and sin associated with going to mixed-sex beaches in the summer, and warned of practices which must be avoided in order not to offend God. The Carlistas group, which recognises what they consider to be traditional catholic and Christian values, says that […]

### Busy Weekend at the Airport

During the first official weekend of the holiday season, Alicante-Elche Airport welcomed 264,000 passengers through its doors, 10% more than the same weekend of last year.
With the roads also seeing an increase in traffic over last year, there is now no doubt that this summer will be one of the busiest for some time on the increasingly popular Costa Blanca.

Excerpt: During the first official weekend of the holiday season, Alicante-Elche Airport welcomed 264,000 passengers through its doors, 10% more than the same weekend of last year. With the roads also seeing an increase in traffic over last year, there is now no doubt that this summer will be one of the busiest for some time […]

### Fined for Offensive T-Shirt

Social network sites have been going wild this weekend sharing news from Alicante that a girl was allegedly issued with a 651 euro fine at the weekend for wearing an offensive t-shirt.
The t-shirt had the phrase “ACAB” on the front, an English language acronym which is known to be disrespectful of the police.
The fine was issued under new laws which came into force this week making it easier for the authorities to punish those who do not show proper respect for law enforcement officers.

Excerpt: Social network sites have been going wild this weekend sharing news from Alicante that a girl was allegedly issued with a 651 euro fine at the weekend for wearing an offensive t-shirt. The t-shirt had the phrase “ACAB” on the front, an English language acronym which is known to be disrespectful of the police. The […]

### Orihuela Censure Motion Block was Legal

The judge presiding over the case in raised objecting to the blocking of a censure motion in Orihuela town hall in January, 2014, has ruled that it was correct that the Table of Elders blocked the motion which would have otherwise overthrown the government and brought the Partido Popular back into power.
Although largely an academic decision as the PP have returned to power following the last election result, it will no doubt be a relief for the members of the table of Elders, including British politician Bob Houliston, who was facing legal action for his part in blocking the motion.

Excerpt: The judge presiding over the case in raised objecting to the blocking of a censure motion in Orihuela town hall in January, 2014, has ruled that it was correct that the Table of Elders blocked the motion which would have otherwise overthrown the government and brought the Partido Popular back into power. Although largely an […]

### Panic at the Amusement Park

Thrill seekers at a Santa Pola amusement park had more of a shock than they had bargained for on Saturday night, when a power cut plunged the Pola Park into darkness, shutting down the rides.
The power cut at around 23:30 on Saturday night affected most of the town for up to an hour, but for the 2,500 people in the park the initial panic was clear as the safety systems kicked in and the rides all came to a halt, with park staff having to manually push them to the starting position to allow riders to disembark, whilst other attractions such as bouncy castles also became deflated, many with people still inside.
Luckily, nobody was injured at the park with those who had paid for all-inclusive wristbands offered entrance on an alternative day.

Excerpt: Thrill seekers at a Santa Pola amusement park had more of a shock than they had bargained for on Saturday night, when a power cut plunged the Pola Park into darkness, shutting down the rides. The power cut at around 23:30 on Saturday night affected most of the town for up to an hour, but […]

### Major Fire in Zaragoza

A major incident alert has been implemented in Zaragoza as a forest fire took hold on Saturday in the Luna area.

The ferocity of the fire has led to home evacuations in the towns of Asín, Orés and Farasdués, with the fire spreading through Cinco Villas.
As well as ground crews, three helicopters from the Aragon government and one from the environment ministry are fighting the flames, with three amphibious aircraft also sent to the scene.
The cause of the fire is as yet unknown, although the area is on high alert for fires and many of these are as a result of human error or intention.

Excerpt: A major incident alert has been implemented in Zaragoza as a forest fire took hold on Saturday in the Luna area. The ferocity of the fire has led to home evacuations in the towns of Asín, Orés and Farasdués, with the fire spreading through Cinco Villas. As well as ground crews, three helicopters from the […]

### Roof Rescue in Barcelona

Fire fighters in Barcelona were called to rescue a man from a rooftop on Saturday, after reports that he was precariously balanced on the edge.
The Catalan police were in attendance at the scene at the junction of calle Rosselló and Rambla de Catalunya, and the fire service came to assist on account of the man´s position.
However, there was a surprise in stores as they found the man to be completely naked, with hs back to the street, and looking towards the sun.

With an inflatable support in place on the ground in case he fell, the rescuers used a hydraulic platform to reach the man, who was seemingly oblivious to their arrival, maintaining is pose of apparent sun-worship.
The fire fighters slowly approached the man and gave him some gentle persuasion to a safer point on the roof, before being able to remove him completely and have him taken to hospital for assessment.
Meanwhile, the police entered his home as part of the investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and found a variety of narcotic substances, for which he was arrested at the hospital as an alleged perpetrator of a crime against the public health.

Excerpt: Fire fighters in Barcelona were called to rescue a man from a rooftop on Saturday, after reports that he was precariously balanced on the edge. The Catalan police were in attendance at the scene at the junction of calle Rosselló and Rambla de Catalunya, and the fire service came to assist on account of the […]

### Mallorca Traffic Officer Killed on Duty

A Guardia Civil traffic officer has been killed whilst on duty following an incident in Llucmajor, the largest municipality of the Balearic Island of Majorca, on Thursday.
The officer was hit by a van whilst attending an incident in which two cars had collided moments earlier.
The officer was in a critical condition as a result of the collision and was taken by ambulance to hospital, under an escort of Guardia Civil colleagues on account of the seriousness of the injuries sustained.
The officer passed away at 03:00 on Friday morning in the Hospital de Son Espases, another tragic loss in the line of duty.
The post Mallorca Traffic Officer Killed on Duty appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: A Guardia Civil traffic officer has been killed whilst on duty following an incident in Llucmajor, the largest municipality of the Balearic Island of Majorca, on Thursday. The officer was hit by a van whilst attending an incident in which Read More ...
The post Mallorca Traffic Officer Killed on Duty appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Major International Crime Ring Disbanded

A total of 130 people have been arrested in a global operation deployed at 140 airports in 49 countries all believed to be involved in a criminal organisation dedicated to obtaining airline tickets fraudulently.

The operation was coordinated by Europol and Interpol in the framework of the so-called “Operación Blue Amber”, aimed at tackling organised crime on several fronts.
In Spain, the operation was coordinated by the Centre for Intelligence against Organized Crime and Terrorism (CITCO) and was undertaken in the airports of Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas, Barcelona-El Prat, Malaga-Costa del Sol and Palma de Mallorca-Son Sant Joan.
A total of 38 European companies, comprised of 33 airlines and 5 travel agencies, filed complaints with the police relating to a number of frauds committed at the airports during the days of the operation.
The card payment networks, card issuers, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) all supported the operation by providing information to confirm the suspected fraudulent transactions.
During the operation, 222 suspicious transactions (163 in Europe, 23 in Asia and the Pacific, 18 in Latin America and 18 in Canada) were detected. As a result a total of 130 people were arrested (101 in Europe, 11 in Asia and the Pacific, 10 in Latin America, 2 in the United States and 6 in Canada).
Research shows that, in many cases, this type of fraud is related to other forms of serious crime. During the operation, it was believed that the detainees were involved in other forms of crime such as trafficking in human beings, illegal immigration, smuggling of goods, drug trafficking, fraud, cybercrime and terrorism. Therefore, these operations are very effective to discover other forms of serious crime, providing greater security at airports.
As part of the network which developed beyond the airline ticket operation, some 500 people have been arrested as part of Operation Blue Amber, including several intermediaries who would irregularly introduce people in Europe thanks to the cooperation of the countries of the Western Balkans. Indeed, in Hungary a safe house linked to illegal immigration was discovered.
Europol Director, Rob Wainwright, explained that “once again we have seen that successful international cooperation can have a huge impact against organised crime. The result of this operation, with more than 500 arrests, is a direct message that criminals should not feel safe anywhere”, whilst issuing the assurance that Europol will continue to support the police and judicial authorities of the Member States of the European Union through “their unique intelligence and technical capabilities”.

Excerpt: A total of 130 people have been arrested in a global operation deployed at 140 airports in 49 countries all believed to be involved in a criminal organisation dedicated to obtaining airline tickets fraudulently. The operation was coordinated by Europol and Interpol in the framework of the so-called “Operación Blue Amber”, aimed at tackling organised […]

### Hot and Humid June

The weather in the Valencia region in June was hot and humid, according to the latest data collated by the Spanish met office, AEMET.
The average temperature was 21.6 degrees, which was 0.7 degrees higher than the norm for June.
It was also quite wet with an average of 44.5 litres per square metre of rain falling, a 75% increase over the normal average rainfall for the month. This was particularly worsened by storms at the end of the month, although the coastal areas were largely free from too many problems due to a prevailing wind.
If you´d like to read more weather related stories relating to the heat wave of this week, make sure you pick up The Courier newspaper which is out now, or visit the website, thecourier.es.

Excerpt: The weather in the Valencia region in June was hot and humid, according to the latest data collated by the Spanish met office, AEMET. The average temperature was 21.6 degrees, which was 0.7 degrees higher than the norm for June. It was also quite wet with an average of 44.5 litres per square metre of […]

### Back to School Later

The Regional Education department of Valencia has agreed with the educational community and will delay the start of the first school term in September.
Many workers in the education sector believed that a return to work on the 3rd of September was too soon after they finished at the start of June, and proposed a delay until the 10th.
The Valencian government will meet next week to finalise the dates but now look set to agree that the school year should start on the 10th of September for those in primary education, and two or three days later for those in secondary school.

Excerpt: The Regional Education department of Valencia has agreed with the educational community and will delay the start of the first school term in September. Many workers in the education sector believed that a return to work on the 3rd of September was too soon after they finished at the start of June, and proposed a […]

### Happy Birthday to the Penalty Point

This week marked the ninth anniversary of Spain´s driver penalty point system for traffic offences. Unlike the UK where points are added for committing offences, in Spain, drivers start with an allocation of points, which can increase in the case of good, incident-free driving, but are taken away in the event of being liable for an offence.
According to the data released by the DGT this week, 73% of all Spanish drivers have their full quota of points intact, but there are 7 million drivers who have been penalised.
Since the launch of this system, over 7 million drivers have lost a total of 35.5 million points, out of which 21.6 million were withdrawn by DGT sanctions and 9.07 million to be imposed by the municipalities. Responsible for policing their own road networks, 1.06 million were withdrawn by the Basque Government and 3.7 million by the Catalan Traffic Service.
A total of 203,283 drivers have lost their driving license on account of exhausting all of their points. Of those, 183,342 were men and 19,940 were women.
The most likely reason for losing points is for speeding. Last year alone there were 640,996 speed related infractions. What might surprise many is that it´s not the younger generation who seem to be the most speed obsessed but the middle aged. Some 54% of drivers who lost points for speeding are aged between 35 and 54, whereas only 20% are younger.
Speeding is also precept where there are a higher percentage of women offenders, with 27%, ten points above the recurrence of other offenses.
Regarding the consumption of alcohol and drugs at the wheel, violations have increased in these nine years, from the 94,027 complaints the first year, to 119,345 in 2014, with the highest peak being in 2011 with 141,170.
Unlike the profile of speeding drivers, young people and men have a major problem with alcohol and drugs and driving, with 87% being male and 59% being under the age of 35.
Last year, 30,630 drivers lost points as a result of having consumed alcohol or drugs before driving, 17,160 drivers have been penalised twice in the last three years and 1,854 three times in the same period for driving with higher than the permitted alcohol rate in their system. In the case of drugs, there are 932 drivers with two penalties in the last three years and another 167 with three penalties in the same period. The DGT is now investigating harsher penalties in order to deter this activity.
Distractions whilst driving, the third major contributor to road traffic incidents, has also seen a startling increase in recent years. In 2007, there were 71,536 sanctions for using a mobile phone at the wheel. Last year that figure had almost doubled to 139,671, which have led to the withdrawal of more than 400,000 points.
Once again, it is not the young who are most at fault as the majority of violations, some 39%, are between the ages of 40 and 55.
Not wearing seat belts and child restraints has actually seen a decline in the number of offences, from 135,815 nine years ago, to 122,822 last year, resulting in the withdrawal of 368,466 points. The most likely offender when it comes to not wearing a seatbelt are men however, responsible for a staggering 90% of all violations.
The post Happy Birthday to the Penalty Point appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: This week marked the ninth anniversary of Spain´s driver penalty point system for traffic offences. Unlike the UK where points are added for committing offences, in Spain, drivers start with an allocation of points, which can increase in the case Read More ...
The post Happy Birthday to the Penalty Point appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Road Fatalities Declined in First Semester

With still a long way to go on the road to zero, fatalities on the roads of Spain declined in the first six months of the year, with 11 fewer deaths than 2014.
Tragically, 496 people still lost their lives in the first semester, after an increase last year bucked the trend of thirteen consecutive years of decline.
The Director General of the DGT, María Seguí, said this week, “We are at historic lows and now we have to be extremely vigilant. These results place us among the best countries in the world”.
Specifically, this year began with two consecutive months of rising deaths on Spanish roads, increasing by 44% in January and 14.5% in February, according to provisional figures provided by the DGT, which accounts for the deaths recorded in the 24 hours after an incident on the intercity roads throughout the country, except Catalonia and the Basque Country. In the first quarter of the year, the death toll showed an increase for the first time since 2002, although in March we saw a decline with 80 deaths, compared to 90 in 2014.
The average age of cars involved in fatal incidents in 2015 is 13.6 years, whereas in 2014 the average age was 12.3 years. The age of a vehicle is statistically linked to the risk of death as studies show that the risk of death in passenger cars aged between 10 to 14 years old is 1.6 times higher than those of less than four years; and 2.2 times higher in those aged 15 to 19 years.
Spain currently has a rate of 36 deaths per million inhabitants, one of the lowest in the world, but still not low enough.
In an attempt to slow vehicles down, from Thursday, the DGT will publish 1,500 locations of mobile radars on the roads, in the hope that the awareness of such speed checking devices will encourage drivers to slow down.
Shortly, the laws will change giving more attention to the most vulnerable road users and general maximum speed limits on some roads will reduce as a result. Slowing vehicles down and focussing on the two other main factors in road traffic incidents, alcohol and drugs and distractions, should go further to the road to zero and make the roads safer for all.
The post Road Fatalities Declined in First Semester appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: With still a long way to go on the road to zero, fatalities on the roads of Spain declined in the first six months of the year, with 11 fewer deaths than 2014. Tragically, 496 people still lost their lives Read More ...
The post Road Fatalities Declined in First Semester appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Calls to Ban Sexist Advert Campaign

A women’s group from a trade union in Alicante has demanded the immediate withdrawal of an advertising campaign for a shopping centre which has adorned the back of buses in the city.
The posters depicting three young ladies wearing swimsuits from behind are considered sexist and demeaning by the group, and are both “outdated and cheesy”.

The union state that the posters are a “flagrant breach of Article 41 of the Organic Law for Effective Equality of Women and Men”, which states that “advertising which involves a discriminatory conduct is considered illegal in accordance with the provisions of general law”.
The Councillor for Equality in the city of Alicante, María José Espuch, has also called for the immediate withdrawal of that advertising campaign, stating that this advertising campaign has a “clearly macho” character and offers a “sexist and inadequate” image of women.

Excerpt: A women’s group from a trade union in Alicante has demanded the immediate withdrawal of an advertising campaign for a shopping centre which has adorned the back of buses in the city. The posters depicting three young ladies wearing swimsuits from behind are considered sexist and demeaning by the group, and are both “outdated and […]

### Busy Week for the Airports

Spanish airports are in the middle of the first summer operation this week, with 30,094 aircraft movements between Monday and Friday.
Friday is anticipated as being the busiest day of the week with 5,538 scheduled flights offering 876,265 seats. Locally, Alicante is set to see 1,548 operations with 263,002 seats.
The weekend ahead is also set to be even busier, which also coincides with the first official operation on the roads with traffic set to increase by around 4% compared to last year.

Excerpt: Spanish airports are in the middle of the first summer operation this week, with 30,094 aircraft movements between Monday and Friday. Friday is anticipated as being the busiest day of the week with 5,538 scheduled flights offering 876,265 seats. Locally, Alicante is set to see 1,548 operations with 263,002 seats. The weekend ahead is also […]

### A Policeman’s Lot

Details were released this week of a case where a local police officer in Vigo has been slapped with a 645 euro fine after repeatedly parking his private car in a disabled parking spot.

Local residents took photographs of the officer parking his silver Audi which they said had been used for at least three days.
The pictures were sent to the local council who then issued a 200 euro fine for each of the three occasions he parked there, plus a 45 euro fine for not correctly displaying an ITV sticker.
The officer is also facing disciplinary action which was initiated when the case was first brought to light in March.
Meanwhile, a local police patrol in Oviedo became the victim of a prank, when an unknown passer by placed a “for sale” sign on the back of one of their older vehicles.
The officer in charge of the vehicle carefully removed the sign, under the watchful eye of the nearby amused passersby.

Excerpt: Details were released this week of a case where a local police officer in Vigo has been slapped with a 645 euro fine after repeatedly parking his private car in a disabled parking spot. Local residents took photographs of the officer parking his silver Audi which they said had been used for at least three […]

### Summer Road Campaign Launched

The Director General of the DGT traffic department, María Seguí, has announced details of this year´s summer road operation, which begins on Friday.
With the intention of ensuring the safety and fluidity in the roads, there will be an anticipated 81.5 million journeys are expected during July and August, almost 4% more than last year.
There are a number of key times when the roads are particularly busy, firstly as inland residents move away from the cities towards coastal and mountainous holiday areas, then again as they return home.
In addition, every weekend from now and through the summer will pose particular problems in terms of traffic flow and are likely to be extremely busy, especially in tourist and leisure focussed areas.
It is also worth noting that in the interests of safety there will be heightened campaigns focussing on speed and alcohol and drug use, two of the three main contributing factors to road traffic incidents.
Specifically, of the 8.1 million anticipated road journeys, 38.3 million will be made in July and 43.2 million in August. Collectively, the roads are anticipated to be 3.85% busier than last year.
Typically, most tourists choose to take their holidays over full weeks, which is why the weekends tend to be busier for long haul journeys, transferring the visitors from their home to the holiday destination and back.
Typically, the first weekend of both July and August are busy for the tourists heading from home to the coast and mountains.
There are four major operations planned in terms of traffic management, three focussing on the movement to the coast and mountains, and one focussing on the return. The first summer operation will be between the 3rd and 5th of July, the second between the 31st of July and 2nd of August, the third from the 14th to the 16th of August. The return operation will focus on the weekend of the 28th to the 31st of August, although there will also be return operations on a smaller scale on all weekends in between.
In order to ensure the safer flow of traffic, the DGT has already set out a number of measures which include the creation of additional lanes to ease the traffic flow on certain roads. All major road works will be suspended, and there will be restrictions on the movement of dangerous goods.
On the ground, there will be 10,000 officers of the Guardia Civil traffic department, supported by 600 officers and specialised technical personnel, employees from conservation and the emergency services, all of whom will combine their efforts so that drivers can make a safe trip.
The advice for drivers on long journeys is always the same, allow extra time for your trip in peak times, take plenty of breaks, observe the speed limits and the traffic conditions and generally prepare for a busier than normal route.
For local drivers the advice reminds us that summer traffic has different characteristics to those produced in other time of the year and this must be taken into account. Many of the drivers we encounter will be new to the area and not used to driving on either the route they have chosen or during such busy times, so patience must be exercised.
As well as heavy traffic on the roads linking coastal towns and tourist areas of the coastline with beaches, both on weekdays and especially on weekends, there will be an increased presence of cyclists and pedestrians on the road, a greater movement throughout the road network of foreign registered vehicles, an increased number of sports that use the road, for which additional traffic measures will be taken, including the most important road race in the cycling calendar of Spain.
Last year, there were 220 fatalities on the roads of Spain during July and August. With the aim of ultimately reaching a zero death count, it is hoped that the number will decrease significantly this year, to that end, the Guardia Civil will be dedicating 80% of their monitoring time to conventional roads, the scene of the majority of fatal incidents.
In addition, there will be a number f specific checks put in place, the fist, which will run from the 6th to the 12th of July will focus on vehicle standards. There will also be a major speed clamp down between the 20th to the 26th of July, with 1,500 sections of road being targeted.
In addition, for the first time in a summer campaign, foreign drivers will not be able to escape the lengthening arm of the law, as sanctions can now be imposed across other European member states.
These are just some of the intensive campaigns that will run through the summer season, but with the majority of traffic officers taking to the streets for the whole period, there will be intensified attention to all traffic related matters, as the need to keep the roads safer during one of the busiest times of year takes hold once again.
The post Summer Road Campaign Launched appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The Director General of the DGT traffic department, María Seguí, has announced details of this year´s summer road operation, which begins on Friday. With the intention of ensuring the safety and fluidity in the roads, there will be an anticipated Read More ...
The post Summer Road Campaign Launched appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Not Always a Hero

Spanish pop star Enrique Iglesias is in trouble with the law in America, facing misdemeanour charges of obstruction and driving on a suspended license.
According to Florida Highway Patrol, the singer was stopping in May driving on a highway in lanes closed to traffic.
Having been stopped by the police, the officers state that Iglesias jumped from the driver´s seat and into the back and the passenger assumed the driving position. The officers are under no doubt that Iglesias was behind the wheel of the car and his later actions were as a result of having a suspended license.
The court case is set for the 10th of July.

Excerpt: Spanish pop star Enrique Iglesias is in trouble with the law in America, facing misdemeanour charges of obstruction and driving on a suspended license. According to Florida Highway Patrol, the singer was stopping in May driving on a highway in lanes closed to traffic. Having been stopped by the police, the officers state that Iglesias […]

### Four Killed in Gas Explosion

Four people were killed on Tuesday, one of them a child, in a gas explosion in a home in the Alicante town of Villajoyosa.
Investigators are trying to work out if the explosion was caused by gas canister, or if the origin was a fire in the surrounding shrub land.
Meanwhile, the president of the government of Spain, Mariano Rajoy, issued a personal statement of condolence to the family and friends of the victims.

Excerpt: Four people were killed on Tuesday, one of them a child, in a gas explosion in a home in the Alicante town of Villajoyosa. Investigators are trying to work out if the explosion was caused by gas canister, or if the origin was a fire in the surrounding shrub land. Meanwhile, the president of the […]

### More Mobile Radar Locations to be Published

Following the success of the pilot scheme launched in Asturias and Castile y Leon, the DGT has announced that from July they will expand the publication of the location of mobile speed detectors on the roads.

Specifically, from July, the DGT will publish the periodic locations of 1,200 sections of roads, divided into 50 provinces, detailing the approximate location at any point of any of their 800 mobile radar units.
The initiative was announced in February as part of a package of improvements to help manage excessive speed on the roads, by advising drivers of the approximate location so as they may slow down for a longer period than if they only spot the radars at the last moment, thus resulting in a safer flow of traffic for longer periods of time.
According to the head of the DGT, María Seguí, “The criteria for locating these radars are the result of applying a method developed and tested in seven provinces and takes into account four parameter; the number of serious incidents, the overall number of incidents irrespective of severity, the information relating to the speed of the road and the road characteristics”.
The post More Mobile Radar Locations to be Published appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Following the success of the pilot scheme launched in Asturias and Castile y Leon, the DGT has announced that from July they will expand the publication of the location of mobile speed detectors on the roads. Specifically, from July, the Read More ...
The post More Mobile Radar Locations to be Published appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Woman Killed and 16 Injured as Motorbike Slams into Terrace

A 72 year old woman was killed and 16 other people injured when a motorbike slammed into the terrace of a bar in Valencia on Monday.

The incident occurred on avenida Burjasot at around 20:30 when the motorcyclist lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the terrace of the bar.
The biker is amongst those injured and will be answering questions relating to the incident that left traffic suspended for over an hour and so many people injured.
The post Woman Killed and 16 Injured as Motorbike Slams into Terrace appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: A 72 year old woman was killed and 16 other people injured when a motorbike slammed into the terrace of a bar in Valencia on Monday. The incident occurred on avenida Burjasot at around 20:30 when the motorcyclist lost control Read More ...
The post Woman Killed and 16 Injured as Motorbike Slams into Terrace appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Dramas for Ambulance Crews

It has been a dramatic few days for emergency medical teams on Monday, after incidents across the country.

In the Mollet del Valles area of Barcelona an ambulance was in a collision with a truck on the AP-7 motorway and suffered considerable damage. Luckily, there were no serious injuries in the crash.

Meanwhile, in Ovideo, an ambulance was burnt out on Saturday. It is the second time such an incident has occurred with a vehicle belonging to a private clinic suffering fire damage.

An investigation is being conducted although the initial hypothesis is that it was a deliberate act, on account of tools and materials found nearby.
The post Dramas for Ambulance Crews appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: It has been a dramatic few days for emergency medical teams on Monday, after incidents across the country. In the Mollet del Valles area of Barcelona an ambulance was in a collision with a truck on the AP-7 motorway and Read More ...
The post Dramas for Ambulance Crews appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Hot Flight to Mexico

Passengers on board an aircraft at Madrid airport called the Guardia Civil to assist them after they had spent an hour and a half trapped on the plane due to a mechanical fault, in temperatures that the passengers say were in excess of 50 degrees.
The Wamos airlines flight to Cancun in Mexico was set to take off at 15:00 with 520 passengers on board. However, due to a fault the departure was delayed for over an hour with the passengers remaining on board.
The aircraft was then prevented from moving as the tow truck also suffered damage, resulting in the passengers still sitting on board, without information being given to them, prompting the call to the Guardia Civil.
The aircraft finally departed almost 5 hours late, with four passengers less than intended as they opted not to continue.

Excerpt: Passengers on board an aircraft at Madrid airport called the Guardia Civil to assist them after they had spent an hour and a half trapped on the plane due to a mechanical fault, in temperatures that the passengers say were in excess of 50 degrees. The Wamos airlines flight to Cancun in Mexico was set […]

### Unions Denounce Lack of Threat Information

The AUGC union, which represents officers of the Guardia Civil, has denounced the body for failing to issue instructions as to what the increase in terror threat to level 4 means to them.
The union considers it reckless that despite the existence of a “higher level of alert” there are no specific measures having been taken, instructions issued or service modified for officers on the front line. A statement from the union says that although they are supposed to be in a state of “high tension”, the reality is that most members of the Guardia Civil began their service since the attacks on Friday with no more information than other citizens.

Excerpt: The AUGC union, which represents officers of the Guardia Civil, has denounced the body for failing to issue instructions as to what the increase in terror threat to level 4 means to them. The union considers it reckless that despite the existence of a “higher level of alert” there are no specific measures having been […]

### Pepper Pickers Arrested

Information has been released on Monday about the arrests of two men in Pilar de la Horadada last week, accused of an alleged crime of continual misappropriation.
The events date back to September when investigators became aware of a group who were acquiring peppers from an agricultural cooperative for the last year.
The two suspects, aged 25 and 42, were arrested on the 23rd of June, within the cooperative, with a van loaded with peppers in their possession.
Three people were arrested in total and delivered to the courts in Orihuela.

Excerpt: Information has been released on Monday about the arrests of two men in Pilar de la Horadada last week, accused of an alleged crime of continual misappropriation. The events date back to September when investigators became aware of a group who were acquiring peppers from an agricultural cooperative for the last year. The two suspects, […]

### Beach Lockers Launched at La Zenia

Last year, Orihuela took a leap into the future, by having the first beach in the world which hosted a secure and automated locker system for bathers.

This year, in conjunction with contracted beach facility provider Chiringuitos del Sol, the lockers return once again but this time to a brand new location and offering even more than ever before, part of the ever increasing facilities being installed on the beaches of the municipality, which is no wonder that Orihuela can boast more Blue Flags and accreditations than just about anywhere else.
The lockers have an integrated information screen with them, available in a variety of languages, including English, which will guide you through the process of acquiring your locker.

Although they were hugely successful in keeping many belongings of many beach goers secure last summer, this year there have been a few changes which makes the service even better.
The biggest change has been to the pricing structure. Now, you not only pay for the day, you can book by the hour and even the whole week. The longer you rent a locker the cheaper it is, but at just 1 euro per hour, it´s a bargain already when you consider the risk of losing your belongings. The price for the day is a bargain at just 5 euro, but it´s only 25 euro for the week, to come and go as much as you please.
Not only that, just like last year, if you rent a locker you also get free high speed Wi-Fi on the beach. You can also subscribe to the Wi-Fi on its own, if you don´t want a locker.
When you reach the locker unit you simply use the guided process which explains every step on the new and easier to see screen, pay by credit or debit card, or in cash by coins and the system allocates you a locker and number and delivers a small plastic token with a secure barcode on.
A simple scan of the barcode on the “magic eye” of the locker will start the process of releasing the locking mechanism, allowing you to securely leave your belongings out of temptations way. Once finished, lock the door and take your taken with you, maybe tied around your wrist with one of the provided bands, and enjoy they day at the beach.
The whole process is secure and automated, but whereas computerisation tends to replace workers in many of the factories around the world and such, this system also generates work for local people.
On the Orihuela Costa, there is now a full time employee who looks after the lockers and provides support whenever needed. Fluent in both Spanish and English, you can be reassured that, although unlikely, if you do run into problems there is somebody on hand to help.

The brains behind the scheme, Jef Van Hyfte who created the idea along with Koen Mortelmans, explained that “we envision expansion next year to have several beaches in the north as in the south of Spain who are hiring mobile lockers. Therefore, we intend to hire more people in the upcoming years”.
Jef also explained how the system has received worldwide interest, as they “weekly receive requests from all over the world, the USA, Costa Rica, Brazil, Portugal and so on. We now also have a unit in Antwerp subway station in Belgium and we foresee a steady growth, mostly in Spain but also in other countries”.
You can read more about the lockers on their website, mobilelocker.eu, or contact them by email to info@beachlocker.es.

Excerpt: Last year, Orihuela took a leap into the future, by having the first beach in the world which hosted a secure and automated locker system for bathers. This year, in conjunction with contracted beach facility provider Chiringuitos del Sol, the lockers return once again but this time to a brand new location and offering even […]

### Ten Point Action Plan for Torrevieja

The new government of Torrevieja has announced their ten-point action plan of priorities they intend to achieve as they move towards cleaning up the political history of the municipality.
Key areas focus on saving money, avoiding corruption and ensuring transparency in government.
The councillors now, for example, will no longer use mobile phones paid for by public money. Not only will this avoid scandals that rocked the previous government when some of them were found to be using their mobile illegally, it also helps to solve a long term problem of an incorrectly awarded contract for the supply of the mobile phones.
In 2013, whilst in opposition, it was brought to light that the annual bill for the town hall was in the region of 300,000 euro, most of which can now be directed into services for the people of the municipality.
The town hall will be dropping charges against officers from the Local Police who were facing a range of offences for protesting during the plenary meetings. The new government feel that their protests about working conditions were a legitimate way of raising awareness of their plight and that the matters of complaint should have been dealt with, rather than filing court proceedings.
They will also make a statement against corruption, by removing the names given to some municipal buildings and other titles given to those found guilty in corruption cases. This includes the removal of the title of “adopted son” given to former Valencia President Francisco Camps, and the sports facility named after Infanta Cristina.
The town hall will also create an office where residents facing eviction can obtain help and assistance and there will be a minutes silence in all town hall meetings in the event of a case of domestic violence being recorded.  Religious events will now be voluntary for town hall members and councillors and will no longer form part of their enforced agenda.
The government spokesperson, Fanny Serrano, listed the points in a press conference this week, explaining how the government intend to achieve all the points of the plan within the first 100 days of government, and so the clock is now ticking to see just how much they can achieve in such as short space of time.

Excerpt: The new government of Torrevieja has announced their ten-point action plan of priorities they intend to achieve as they move towards cleaning up the political history of the municipality. Key areas focus on saving money, avoiding corruption and ensuring transparency in government. The councillors now, for example, will no longer use mobile phones paid for […]

### The New Political Faces of Orihuela

The new Partido Popular mayor of Orihuela, Emilio Bascuñana, has this week announced the roles his government team will play during this next administrative person.
Despite the Partido Popular ruling Orihuela for many years before being ousted by the coalition in the last elections four years ago, many of the names and faces in the new PP led government are new after internal problems and separations meant many of the established political characters started their own party before the elections, with the former PP head, Pepa Ferrando, being the only one who managed to secure enough votes to win a seat.
The result is a fresh government ruling in a minority, and the opposition led largely by the PSOE members of the previous government, and so the entire situation has led to an almost complete shake up of the political picture in Orihuela.
Emilio Bascuñana is the Mayor. He will control the departments of urbanism, regional planning and emergency coordination.
Rafael Almagro is the First Dupty Mayor and will manage the finance, heritage and human resource departments.
Paco Sáez is the Second Deputy Mayor and will manage procurement, infrastructure, services and maintenance.
Mariola Rocamora is the Third Deputy Mayor and will run the festivities, institutional relations and protocol and public safety departments.
Dámaso Aparicio is the Fourth Deputy Mayor and will manage the departments of sport, trade and markets.
Sabina Galindo manages social welfare, gender, immigration, disability and dependence, youths and citizenship.
Begoña Cuartero is the new councillor for education, culture and communication.
Miguel Ángel Fernández runs the environment, quality, modernization and industry departments.
Noelia Grao is responsible for health, street cleaning and solid waste departments.
Víctor Valverde looks after the pedanías, employment and agriculture.
Sofía Álvarez is the new councillor responsible for tourism, beaches, international residents and urban transport.
As the councillor for the coast and International residents, Sofía Álvarez is holding the most important post in terms of the ex-pat population, replacing Martina Scheurer in the coastal post. Like Scheurer, Álvarez is at least a resident of the Orihuela Costa, and so lives in the area of her concern. Therefore, she is considered best placed to deal with the problems of one of the largest and most populated areas of the municipality, with the most diverse mixture of residents and problems.
The councillors have all taken up their respective roles already and are now in the transitional period of assessing the work that needs to be done.
Meanwhile, the practice of forming the different elements of government is continuing. The Board of Governors will be formed by the councillors Paco Sáez, Rafael Almagro, Mariola Rocamora, Sabina Galindo, Begoña Cuartero, Dámaso Aparicio, Miguel Ángel Fernández, Sofía Álvarez, amd the Mayor himself, Emilio Bascuñana.
On Thursday, it was announced that the Procurement Committee is formed by Fernando Domínguez as President, along with Arturo López and Maria José Ros.
Paco Sáez will hold the roles as spokesperson for the Partido Popular.

Excerpt: The new Partido Popular mayor of Orihuela, Emilio Bascuñana, has this week announced the roles his government team will play during this next administrative person. Despite the Partido Popular ruling Orihuela for many years before being ousted by the coalition in the last elections four years ago, many of the names and faces in the […]

### Another Tragic Weekend on the Roads

The weekend started of tragically on the roads when a man died at around 17:00 in the Oviedo area, when the truck he was driving overturned and burst into flames on the AS-215 road in El Rodical. Once the flames were extinguished fire fighters could then remove the lifeless body of the man from the vehicle.

A motorcyclist was injured after being in collision with a car at around 15:20 in Santander on Saturday. The biker suffered a variety of injuries and was taken to hospital as a result. Meanwhile, also in Santander and at around the same time, a 14 year old chils was injured in a collision between a bicycle and a car.
A 52 year old cyclist participating in a road race suffered injuries after falling from his bike in Elosua, when a chicken crossed the road in front of him.
At around 17:00 on Saturday a vehicle collided with the guardrail near to Can Picafort a Nuroon the island of Mallorca. As a result of the collision the driver was thrown from the vehicle and died as a result of multiple injuries sustained.
Four people were injured on Saturday afternoon in the O Porriño area of Pontevedra in a collision with a tractor.
One driver had a lucky escape when his car left the road in the Derio area of Bilbao, as the vehicle was leaving the N-663 at the airport junction at around 16:00 on Saturday. The sole occupant of the Audi A3 suffered minor injuries and had to be extracted from the vehicle by fire fighters. However, a subsequent breath test revealed that the driver was five times over the permitted maximum limit.
Six people were injured, including a pregnant woman and a 12 year old child, when two vehicles collided at around 23:00 on Saturday night in El Ejido on the N-340 main road.
Just after midnight on Saturday night two cars collided on the N-332 main road in Cartagena, resulting in one person being killed and two others injured. As a result of the impact some of the people remained trapped in the cars which then became more serious a situation as one of the vehicles burst into flames.
Local residents managed to control the flames by using fire extinguishers before the emergency services arrived. The dead man was reported to be 75 years of age and of Spanish nationality, whereas those injured were said to be 42 and 45 and of foreign nationality.
A car collided with a concrete wall which separates the motorway and a commercial centre at the Bahía de Santander at around six in the morning on Sunday, the vehicle overturning as a result. When the emergency services arrived at the scene the occupants had already fled.
On Sunday, a motorbike collided with a tractor in Moral de la Reina, in the province of Valladolid, with the 40 year old biker suffering injuries of varying degrees.
In the Álava town of Lantarón, a car and a motorbike crashed head on resulting in the biker being injured and being taken to hospital.
The post Another Tragic Weekend on the Roads appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The weekend started of tragically on the roads when a man died at around 17:00 in the Oviedo area, when the truck he was driving overturned and burst into flames on the AS-215 road in El Rodical. Once the flames Read More ...
The post Another Tragic Weekend on the Roads appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Weather Warning Continues

As the weather alert remains in place for high temperatures until at least Tuesday, Sunday saw thermometers reach 40 degrees in the centre of Orihuela.
Alcoi and Alicante peaked at 39 degrees on Sunday, whereas most other places were between 37 and 38 degrees.
Meanwhile, following an increase in the number of deaths by drowning, the interior ministry is advising everybody to take extra precautions when cooling down in the water, taking special care of young children and being extra watchful of their activities.

Excerpt: As the weather alert remains in place for high temperatures until at least Tuesday, Sunday saw thermometers reach 40 degrees in the centre of Orihuela. Alcoi and Alicante peaked at 39 degrees on Sunday, whereas most other places were between 37 and 38 degrees. Meanwhile, following an increase in the number of deaths by drowning, […]

### Zoo Explains Loss After Chimp Escape

Following yesterday’s incident at the Fuerteventura Oasis Park, the management have issued a statement intent on explaining the circumstances surrounding both what happened, and the history of the park and chimpanzees.

Firstly, the surviving chimp, Cheeta, is recovering well from surgery and the three humans are also stable and well.
The park explained that “Yesterday, June 26, was the saddest day in the history of Fuerteventura Oasis Park since it opened its doors in 1985”.
The statement continues to explain how human error cost the lives of two members of our family of chimpanzees, King and Felipa, and wounded three people working at the park.
King and Cheeta were welcomed by the park family as two orphaned babies after being confiscated by the environmental protection service of the Guardia Civil, SEPRONA, from a street photographer who used them in creating typical images which were popular with tourists in the late 80´s.
Felipa, the third member of the family of chimpanzees, was 22 years of age and was seized by SEPRONA as a victim of the illegal trafficking of animals. Felipa was integrated into the social group in the 90´s, with King and Cheeta.
The primate family were cared for by the human family owners of the zoo, who witnessed every stage of their lives whilst providing the best possible conditions and quality of life, resulting in a special family bond and affection between the chimps and human team at the park.
The park wanted to stress the importance of letting people know that many of the species that are taken from their natural habitat and lived in captivity are unable to return to the wild as they are unable to survive, as has been proven by many failed attempts in the past. In the case of chimpanzees, many of reintroduction attempts have failed and therefore for them to remain in the care of zoos like this is the best solution to provide care and the necessary power to provide the best life possible, and this has been the mission of Oasis Park Fuerteventura from their arrival.
The park point out that “this park has become more than a zoo, it is a centre for rescue and rehabilitation of animals from illegal trafficking and possession of animals in inadequate management conditions”.
It is because of the bond built over time that “the loss of our children”, Felipa and King has resulted in “excruciating pain” as the park staff were unable to save them, despite using tranquilizer darts and attempts to return them to their enclosure. Once the security breach was identified, the established protocol was initiated and the park owners fearlessly tried on several occasions to lead the animals back.
However, having been unsuccessful, the park team had “exceeded the timeout granted by the authorities and considering that there were human lives at risk, the security forces activated their actions that resulted in the loss of King and Felipa, the only male and female members of the family of chimpanzees. SEPRONA Civil Protection and acted according to established protocols, being respectful in our actions and in their own right”.
As for the humans who were injured in the escape, one worker was airlifted to Las Palmas and underwent plastic surgery and is out of danger. Two of the three owners of the zoo are recovering from minor physical injuries sustained.
The mental injuries and the loss felt by the park staff is a different matter, as it is clear that they are and will continue to suffer the loss of the two animals for some time to come. The support the park has received on their Facebook page is also overwhelming, as has been the response that the park has given to those who have shared in their grief.
The park´s official statement expresses their “sincere words of support to the family of the worker concerned”, as well as the visitors to the park and the team who dealt with the situation. The park is now working to get back to normal, despite the tragedy of this weekend.

Excerpt: Following yesterday’s incident at the Fuerteventura Oasis Park, the management have issued a statement intent on explaining the circumstances surrounding both what happened, and the history of the park and chimpanzees. Firstly, the surviving chimp, Cheeta, is recovering well from surgery and the three humans are also stable and well. The park explained that “Yesterday, […]

### Spain Increases Terrorism Threat to Level 4

Spain´s Interior Ministry called an urgent press conference of Friday afternoon in order to discuss the potential impact on state security by terrorists.

The Minister, Jorge Fernández Díaz, along with the Secretary of State for Security, Francisco Martínez, and Interior Committee spokesperson for the Congress of Deputies, Conrado Escobar, all spoke to the press in the conference.

As a result of incidents occurring in France, Tunisia and Kuwait, Spain has now increased the security threat to level 4. There are 5 levels of alert.

This will mean heightened security checks in all public areas, such as airports, ports and main roads, and an increase in patrols and road blocks. Level 4 puts state security on a higher alert and also includes activities by the military to be prepared for potential calls to assist, whilst increasing their own security.

The delegates were unable to detail any other information due to the sensitive nature of the events occurring around the world.

Excerpt: Spain´s Interior Ministry called an urgent press conference of Friday afternoon in order to discuss the potential impact on state security by terrorists. The Minister, Jorge Fernández Díaz, along with the Secretary of State for Security, Francisco Martínez, and Interior Committee spokesperson for the Congress of Deputies, Conrado Escobar, all spoke to the press in […]

### Three Injured by Escaped Chimpanzees

Two owners of the Oasis Park de La Lajita, on the Spanish island of Fuerteventura, as well as an employee, have been injured when three chimpanzees escaped from their enclosure at the zoo.

The park was forced to close its doors whilst the primates, King, Cheeta and Felipa, were rounded up, but not before the animals fought their captors of the last 30 years, with one of the humans being taken to the Fuerteventura hospital in a serious condition having been bitten by one of the chimps.

As part of the established security protocol, the doors to the park were closed to prevent admission and anybody already inside was taken to a closed area for their own protection.

Cheeta was shot by a tranquilizer dart, with vets at the scene treating her for her injuries sustained in the attempt to control the situation, and in a serious condition. King and Felipa were shot and killed by the Guardia Civil and Local Police who attended the incident.

Although the chimps had lived in captivity at the park for the last 30 years, they had been rescued from an illegal trade network.

Excerpt: Two owners of the Oasis Park de La Lajita, on the Spanish island of Fuerteventura, as well as an employee, have been injured when three chimpanzees escaped from their enclosure at the zoo. The park was forced to close its doors whilst the primates, King, Cheeta and Felipa, were rounded up, but not before the […]

### Torrevieja Shows Support for Gay Rights

On the eve of the celebrations supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights and equality, International Gay Pride Day, Torrevieja town hall has proudly displayed the symbol of equality, the Rainbow Flag, for the first time.



There were technical problems in so much as the rope to hold the flag to the mast had become damaged, so the flag was prevented from being affixed on the mast of the town hall, but the fact that it was the two most senior members of the government who took it upon themselves to fly the flag, the new mayor José Manuel Dolón and future Mayor, Fanny Serrano, was indicative of the change that Torrevieja is making within the community.

Torrevieja had been rocked by scandals in the past including a parade only last year where homophobic and hate related chants were allowed to be shouted from a parade through the city and the cancellation in 2010 of a concert by one of Spain´s most popular singers, Miguel Bosé, after homophobic comments were made by the then mayor, now convicted criminal Pedro Hernández Mateo.

International Gay Pride Day is held each year on the first Saturday before the 28th of June, a date firmly fixed in history as that of the infamous Stonewall riots in New York in 1969.

Excerpt: On the eve of the celebrations supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights and equality, International Gay Pride Day, Torrevieja town hall has proudly displayed the symbol of equality, the Rainbow Flag, for the first time. There were technical problems in so much as the rope to hold the flag to the mast had become […]

### AHSA DENOUNCE ERECTION OF HOARDINGS IN HONDO

The Environmental Group ‘La Asociación de Amigos de los Humedales del Sur de Alicante (AHSA), has filed a denuncia with SEPRONA, the Servicio de Protección de la Naturaleza de la Guardia Civil about the existence of two advertising boards along the Hondo de Amorós in San Fulgencio, a wetlands protected area.
The conservation group says that it first made the complaint to the Ministry of Environment in January 2014 and received a response in March of that year indicating that he matter was being dealt with. However the hoardings still remain in place which the environmentalists say is unbelievable, a sign of “intolerable indifference by the agency”.
The group also said that in this area there are other similar boards in the Sierra del Molar in Elche about which they have filed a second complaint. They say that the boards belong to the same advertising company."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47746/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Environmental Group ‘La Asociación de Amigos de los Humedales del Sur de Alicante (AHSA), has filed a denuncia with SEPRONA, the Servicio de Protección de la Naturaleza de la Guardia Civil about the existence of two advertising boards along the Hondo de Amorós in San Fulgencio, a wetlands protected area.
The conservation group says that it first made the complaint to the Ministry of Environment in January 2014 and received a response in March of that year indicating that he matter was being dealt with. However the hoardings still remain in place which the environmentalists say is unbelievable, a sign of “intolerable indifference by the agency”.
The group also said that in this area there are other similar boards in the Sierra del Molar in Elche about which they have filed a second complaint. They say that the boards belong to the same advertising company."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47746/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### PIE AND PEAS OFF THE MENU FOR REAL SOCIEDAD

PIE AND PEAS are off the menu for players of La Liga outfit Real Sociedad - despite boss David Moyes initially pencilling in a pre-season friendly fixture against his former club Preston North End.
And instead of tasting Lancashire delicacies - such as pie and mushy peas - Real Sociedad players will have to do with a Chinese take-away!
Newly promoted Championship side Preston North End are looking to add another friendly to their pre-season schedule at Deepdale in July - with Real Sociedad now heading to China for a tour.
Moyes, who still owns a multi-million pound Mansion in Hoghton, Preston, Lancashire, was in charge at Deepdale during 1998-2002.
Moyes moved to Preston in 1993, from Scottish club Hamilton Academical, and became player manager at The Lilywhites, making 143 appearances for the club.
In the 1998-99 season Moyes guided Preston to the second division title. And in 2001 Moyes took Preston to the Championship play off final losing 3–0 against Bolton - thwarting him of Premier League status. 
Despite Moyes signing a new five-year contract with the club he left Deepdale in a move to Everton in 2002.
Moyes was appointed Manchester United manager in 2013 - replacing Sir Alex Ferguson. Moyes moved to Real Sociedad last November, after his Old Trafford exit, joining the Basque club, six months after his ill-fated reign at United.
Moyes has retained close-roots with his beloved Preston North End, and was at Wembley Stadium to watch The Lilywhites' in the League One play-off final 4-0 win against Swindon Town in May.
"I had plenty of opportunities before I went to Spain to stay in England, and I had made a decision that I would go and work in Spain," said Moyes.
Moyes, 52, added: "I wanted to try something different, wanted to try new culture, work with different players and see how La Liga works. I'm really enjoying it. It's a great club, I've had great fun as well."
Real Sociedad will meet Celtic in a pre-season friendly on July 10. Glasgow born Moyes played for Celtic during 1980-83.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47740/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: PIE AND PEAS are off the menu for players of La Liga outfit Real Sociedad - despite boss David Moyes initially pencilling in a pre-season friendly fixture against his former club Preston North End.
And instead of tasting Lancashire delicacies - such as pie and mushy peas - Real Sociedad players will have to do with a Chinese take-away!
Newly promoted Championship side Preston North End are looking to add another friendly to their pre-season schedule at Deepdale in July - with Real Sociedad now heading to China for a tour.
Moyes, who still owns a multi-million pound Mansion in Hoghton, Preston, Lancashire, was in charge at Deepdale during 1998-2002.
Moyes moved to Preston in 1993, from Scottish club Hamilton Academical, and became player manager at The Lilywhites, making 143 appearances for the club.
In the 1998-99 season Moyes guided Preston to the second division title. And in 2001 Moyes took Preston to the Championship play off final losing 3–0 against Bolton - thwarting him of Premier League status. 
Despite Moyes signing a new five-year contract with the club he left Deepdale in a move to Everton in 2002.
Moyes was appointed Manchester United manager in 2013 - replacing Sir Alex Ferguson. Moyes moved to Real Sociedad last November, after his Old Trafford exit, joining the Basque club, six months after his ill-fated reign at United.
Moyes has retained close-roots with his beloved Preston North End, and was at Wembley Stadium to watch The Lilywhites' in the League One play-off final 4-0 win against Swindon Town in May.
"I had plenty of opportunities before I went to Spain to stay in England, and I had made a decision that I would go and work in Spain," said Moyes.
Moyes, 52, added: "I wanted to try something different, wanted to try new culture, work with different players and see how La Liga works. I'm really enjoying it. It's a great club, I've had great fun as well."
Real Sociedad will meet Celtic in a pre-season friendly on July 10. Glasgow born Moyes played for Celtic during 1980-83.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47740/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### WEAPON AND DRUGS HAUL IN COX

Two people have been arrested by the National Police in Cox for the acquisition and illegal sale of arms. During a raid on 9 June they were also found to be cultivating 482 marijuana plants which they were using to finance their illegal activities.
After further investigation they have now been charged by the Directorate General of Police with crimes of illegal possession of weapons, drug trafficking and a further crime involving the theft of electricity supply.
Searches on another three properties resulted in the seizure of two additional firearms, ammunition of different calibre and even more marijuana plants.
The operation began in January, when investigators became aware of a small group of people engaged in the acquisition and sale of illegal weapons which they were storing in several different homes.
The agents also discovered that the group activities were being financed by the sale of marijuana, that they were cultivating within their properties.
They were also performing illegal connections to the main electricity supply, the cost of which has been estimated at 50,000 euros.
The two men, aged 32 and 19 years, are currently being held in police custody awaiting trial.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47739/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Two people have been arrested by the National Police in Cox for the acquisition and illegal sale of arms. During a raid on 9 June they were also found to be cultivating 482 marijuana plants which they were using to finance their illegal activities.
Af...

### FIRE AND WATER TO CELEBRATE A MOST MAGICAL NIGHT

The whole coastline was alight with bonfires last Tuesday night in observance of San Juan (St John the Baptist), a celebration that dates back to pre-Christian times and marks the arrival of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.
Celebrated around the world during Midsummer the festivities were enjoyed in earnest throughout many cities and towns in Spain but nowhere more so than the Costa Blanca, up and down from the city of Alicante, which hosts the largest and most important festival in the country, and where many people head for the beach, build bonfires and party throughout the night
Fire and water are the protagonists of the night with everyone, families and their children, spending the previous days by preparing the bonfires. And then, once lit up, according to tradition, people jumped three times over the fire, after which they were cleansed and purified, their problems burned away as they embarked on a period of good luck.
Locally there were thousands of residents from Torrevieja, Guardamar and the Orihuela Costa, who all turned out in the hope that they could put their bad experiences of the last 12 months behind them. Barbecues, fridges full of drinks and the need to have fun were the common elements as people gathered to enjoy their evening out.
This is one of the most special nights for celebrating superstitious rituals, for bringing luck as well as it being an opportunity to take advantage of the tradition and to enjoy the evening on the beach in the company of family and friends.
The municipalities of Torrevieja, Guardamar del Segura, Catral as well as the coastline of the Orihuela Costa, held their celebrations, but only on the beaches where they were authorised to do so, the playas como la del Cura, la Mata, los Locos, los Naúgrafos and La Zenia. Fortunately the threat of rain had disappeared as the celebrations got underway, each lasting long into the night.
And to cap what had been a special night each of the councils had their ‘clean up team's out in force to ensure that the beaches were back in perfect condition for the early morning swimmers.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47738/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The whole coastline was alight with bonfires last Tuesday night in observance of San Juan (St John the Baptist), a celebration that dates back to pre-Christian times and marks the arrival of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.
Celebrated...

### SEMINAKED SHOPPING IN ALICANTE

The Desigual Fashion outlet in Alicante had a rather novel way of welcoming their summer sales when they offered shoppers on Monday morning a completely new outfit....no strings, or at least ‘no clothes' attached.
The promotion was called 'The Seminaked Summer Edition' and required customers to arrive at the store wearing nothing more than a swimming costume, which plenty were quite willing to do.
The event was promoted through social networks and there were plenty that decided to give it a go with many quite willing to spend the all night outside in front of the Desigual shop in Avda Maisonnave, Alicante.
In the case of Alejandro Serrano, the first in the queue, he arrived at the store on Sunday evening at 7pm to be the first to get in line. And he was more than a little prepared as the young man had visited the shop on the previous Saturday when he had selected and tried on a number of Desigual outfits.
When he finally left the store on Monday morning he was delighted, saying that he had got exactly what he wanted, two free items, which would otherwise have cost him 230 euros.
Similar events have been held by the store in many Spanish cities as well as Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, Tokyo and New York and they have always proved to be extremely popular with the public.
This is the first time that the promotion has been held in Alicante though, and unlike previous occasions organised in a number of other cities, when shoppers were required to arrive in their underwear, the requirement outlined in Alicante was for shoppers to turn up in either a swimsuit or bikini.
And all those who did turn up enjoyed the background music of top ‘dj' Cristina Bosta who described the initiative as "original" and "super fun" saying that that the store had made many new fans as a result of their promotion.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47737/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Desigual Fashion outlet in Alicante had a rather novel way of welcoming their summer sales when they offered shoppers on Monday morning a completely new outfit....no strings, or at least ‘no clothes' attached.
The promotion was called 'The Seminaked Summer Edition' and required customers to arrive at the store wearing nothing more than a swimming costume, which plenty were quite willing to do.
The event was promoted through social networks and there were plenty that decided to give it a go with many quite willing to spend the all night outside in front of the Desigual shop in Avda Maisonnave, Alicante.
In the case of Alejandro Serrano, the first in the queue, he arrived at the store on Sunday evening at 7pm to be the first to get in line. And he was more than a little prepared as the young man had visited the shop on the previous Saturday when he had selected and tried on a number of Desigual outfits.
When he finally left the store on Monday morning he was delighted, saying that he had got exactly what he wanted, two free items, which would otherwise have cost him 230 euros.
Similar events have been held by the store in many Spanish cities as well as Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, Tokyo and New York and they have always proved to be extremely popular with the public.
This is the first time that the promotion has been held in Alicante though, and unlike previous occasions organised in a number of other cities, when shoppers were required to arrive in their underwear, the requirement outlined in Alicante was for shoppers to turn up in either a swimsuit or bikini.
And all those who did turn up enjoyed the background music of top ‘dj' Cristina Bosta who described the initiative as "original" and "super fun" saying that that the store had made many new fans as a result of their promotion.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47737/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### A SUMMER CRAFT FAIR IN THE PORT OF JÁVEA FOR THE THIRD YEAR RUNNING

The Summer Craft Fair at the sea front in the port of Jávea is rapidly becoming fairly well known as an interesting meeting point between people looking for original craft work and the people who produce it. 
Last Friday some twenty or so craftsmen and women set up their stalls for the first time this summer along the promenade, and even the participants who had been there last year were surprised at the way that the people walking past the stalls welcomed them back:  there was a lot more interest shown than last year or the year before!
This particular craft fair is more than a little special, a set of stalls that is not the usual "craft" fair you will find on most promenades along the coast: only hand made goods made by the people on the stall are allowed. 
Here you will not find cheap imports from Third World countries, mass produced toys or "genuine souvenirs" made in Bangladesh.   The Shopkeeper's Association of Jávea port particularly wanted a quality fair on their sea front and for the third year running has asked the craft association Amata to select the particpants, to be sure that each and every item is hand made by the person in the stall.  
Amata will also be checking the quality of what is on the stalls at frequent intervals all summer - nothing is left to chance.
The participants are carefully chosen to guarantee not just good quality but also variety: leather bags, belts and children's shoes; decorative lamps of wood or metal wire that look like giant insects: design jewelry in silver, copper, silk, macramé, wrought iron or ceramics, sculptures and paintings, cuddly crochet animals and opera bags. 
Most participants bring their tools along so that a chosen item that is not quite what you wanted, can be adapted or personalised.  You can even order something special and probably pick it up a few days later!
Some of the participants live in the area and are there for the whole summer; others, who live further away, come only for a week or two, to combine a holiday on the beach with the chance to sell their work.  This way the fair changes from week to week, and sometimes from day to day. 
For the first ten days (and perhaps the whole summer) there is a caricaturist and like last year a local potter comes every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with his wheel, to teach young and old how to make a bowl or cup.
The fair is set up in the Paseo Marítimo in the port of Jávea, and opens every evening (till 13 September) from 7 pm til midnight. More information about the fair and its participants on 639 979 678 or have a look on the web site of Amata www.amata.es (in Spanish and English).Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47736/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Summer Craft Fair at the sea front in the port of Jávea is rapidly becoming fairly well known as an interesting meeting point between people looking for original craft work and the people who produce it. 
Last Friday some twenty or so craftsmen and women set up their stalls for the first time this summer along the promenade, and even the participants who had been there last year were surprised at the way that the people walking past the stalls welcomed them back:  there was a lot more interest shown than last year or the year before!
This particular craft fair is more than a little special, a set of stalls that is not the usual "craft" fair you will find on most promenades along the coast: only hand made goods made by the people on the stall are allowed. 
Here you will not find cheap imports from Third World countries, mass produced toys or "genuine souvenirs" made in Bangladesh.   The Shopkeeper's Association of Jávea port particularly wanted a quality fair on their sea front and for the third year running has asked the craft association Amata to select the particpants, to be sure that each and every item is hand made by the person in the stall.  
Amata will also be checking the quality of what is on the stalls at frequent intervals all summer - nothing is left to chance.
The participants are carefully chosen to guarantee not just good quality but also variety: leather bags, belts and children's shoes; decorative lamps of wood or metal wire that look like giant insects: design jewelry in silver, copper, silk, macramé, wrought iron or ceramics, sculptures and paintings, cuddly crochet animals and opera bags. 
Most participants bring their tools along so that a chosen item that is not quite what you wanted, can be adapted or personalised.  You can even order something special and probably pick it up a few days later!
Some of the participants live in the area and are there for the whole summer; others, who live further away, come only for a week or two, to combine a holiday on the beach with the chance to sell their work.  This way the fair changes from week to week, and sometimes from day to day. 
For the first ten days (and perhaps the whole summer) there is a caricaturist and like last year a local potter comes every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with his wheel, to teach young and old how to make a bowl or cup.
The fair is set up in the Paseo Marítimo in the port of Jávea, and opens every evening (till 13 September) from 7 pm til midnight. More information about the fair and its participants on 639 979 678 or have a look on the web site of Amata www.amata.es (in Spanish and English).Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47736/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### A DIFFERENT GASP

GASP ( Gran Alacant Santa Pola Theatre Group ) fresh from their last production are now busy rehearsing their next show which will be somewhat different to all that has gone before in their 6 years of presenting drama productions .
The group is a truly international with members from France , Spain , not to mention Great Britain , but has to date only presented productions in English .
The next presentation will be presented in both English and Spanish and will be an evening of comedy sketches to be performed in the CASA DE CULTURA in Santa Pola on Friday September 18th
Details of ticketing will be available nearer the date .
The Charity which GASP supports is the CRUZ ROJO .
So mark the date in your diary and enjoy the experience of “ sharpening up “ all the Spanish you have learned ,and by doing so you will help the GASP to help the CRUZ ROJO .
As always the group is on the look out for new members for both acting and back stage activities such as Props , Front of House ,and all the other essential jobs that are needed to make a well run show .
If you would like more details of the group contact Christine on 966 699 845 
or e-mail christinelombardy@terra.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47735/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: GASP ( Gran Alacant Santa Pola Theatre Group ) fresh from their last production are now busy rehearsing their next show which will be somewhat different to all that has gone before in their 6 years of presenting drama productions .
The group is a trul...

### REACHING OUT TO YOU

There was a spectacular Gospel Concert in Torrevieja Christian Fellowship to raise funds for Reachout. With the EME Gospel Choir
We would like to say thank you to all who organized and assisted with this free concert. Thank you.
Torrevieja Christian Fellowship hosted the event, EME (Evangelical Music Expression) Gospel Choir donated their service, and this was free to enter.
For many people this was their first experience of a Gospel concert.
The show started at 7pm, over 40 voices and an eight piece bank, all singing in harmony, all volunteers, what could be better on a Saturday evening. There was nearly a full house, over 220 people attended.
Raising in excess of 750.00€ - Plus 2 cars full of food donations – Incredible. Thank you to all. 
Many people are familiar with Reachout, and the charity name. Are you?  Reachout need more volunteers – Can you help? Telephone : 965 713 063 or 698 499 226 for more information.
The Reachout mission is to help the homeless and families in need. They help everyone irrespective of race creed or status with support and advice. They help the homeless find accommodation and work. They help families with food parcels and necessities such as clothing, furniture and toiletries.
Breakfast, a hot meal, and shower facilities, are provided for the homeless at the centre six days a week. Currently Reachout supports 35 families, approximately 200 individuals, including children.
Reachout is a registered charity, there is a board of elected directors, and members they have professional standing within the community. Why not get involved? Everyone is a volunteer, they are depend upon you and their voluntary workers to raise funds and they welcome donations of all kinds, from cloths to furniture.
Twice a week, or more they have a van which they use for home pick-ups to help with house furniture and white good removal.
The next big rock Gospel concert is in Albacete, Entrance is Free and starts at 20.00hrs you can see some great acts all live, featuring Alex Sampedro and his band.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47734/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: There was a spectacular Gospel Concert in Torrevieja Christian Fellowship to raise funds for Reachout. With the EME Gospel Choir
We would like to say thank you to all who organized and assisted with this free concert. Thank you.
Torrevieja Christian ...

### STRIKING THE RIGHT NOTE WITH STAGESTRUCK

Stagestruck theatre group have recently made a donation to the PTA of San Fulgencio and to the theatre who kindly let us perform there. 
The San Fulgencio PTA received 400€ to help them and another 200€ was given to the theatre. Altogether we managed to raise 2000€, other donations in coming weeks will be given to age concern and Alzheimer's
We have our Christmas show booked for the end of November but we are desperately looking for someone to play the prince. If anyone would like to have a go and awaken the beautiful Sleeping Beauty then we are looking for you..
We a also looking for anyone who would like to join our happy band or actors, singing, dancing or helping out behind the scenes or front of house .
We are an established group and support many local charities . Please contact jenny on 608129983 for more details.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47733/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Stagestruck theatre group have recently made a donation to the PTA of San Fulgencio and to the theatre who kindly let us perform there. 
The San Fulgencio PTA received 400€ to help them and another 200€ was given to the theatre. Altogether w...

### ICA HOLIDAY CLUB

Calling all kids - fancy having an adventure on a treasure island, complete with games, music, stories, and, of course, hunting for hidden treasure?
Here's your chance, because the International Christian Assembly hold their annual holiday club from June 30 to July 3, at the church at Calle Urbano Arregui 23, in Torrevieja.
Part of the church is specially decorated, transforming it this year into a treasure island.
Pastor Rafael Restrepo, his wife Mary, elders/deacons of the church and some of the congregation get together to run the club, from 11am to 1pm on each of the days.
Children can enjoy craft, playing games, winning prizes, taking part in drama and hearing stories.
Specially for children aged from 5-13, admission is free - just turn up, all are welcome.
For more information call 966799273 or 660127276 or on line at www.icatorrrevieja.orgFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47732/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Calling all kids - fancy having an adventure on a treasure island, complete with games, music, stories, and, of course, hunting for hidden treasure?
Here's your chance, because the International Christian Assembly hold their annual holiday club from J...

### PLEASE FREE THE CONTAINER DOGS!!

Several dogs, including a newly born puppy, are held locked in a metal container at the mercy of the Spanish sun.
This fact was reported to the Animal Care Treatment International Network (ACTIN) over six weeks ago and, after checking that that the reports were correct, a formal complaint of severe animal abuse was presented to the court backed by expert testimony from three veterinary practitioners.
The court ordered that Seprona, the Spanish Nature Protection Service, make an immediate and full investigation. The dogs' owners were made aware of the inspection in advance and the Seprona investigator, as well as their vet', were able to issue a report stating that the dogs were not suffering.
With the independent evidence of many others, ACTIN cannot accept this report. The dogs are still locked in a metal container under forty degree sunshine and reports from passers-by suggest that noise from the captive animals is weakening. There is even concern that not all may still be alive. Witnesses also tell of serious smells coming from the container.
The Seprona report is, therefore, being strenuously challenged. ACTIN's immediate objective is to see these dogs rescued while, at the same time, to ensure that Spanish laws on animal abuse are respected and applied in this case and much further afield.
Neighbours first denounced the dog owners in 2010. Previous inspections, confirmed by the police, suggest that there have been as many as ten or fourteen dogs locked in this container.
Court costs, as well as the services of an expert animal welfare lawyer, have already cost the charity over thirteen hundred Euros. ACTIN does need urgent public support for this ongoing campaign. This is not an isolated example of abusive practices that need to be highlighted and stopped using existing laws.
More information on the charity can be seen at actin-spain.com and donations, using PayPal, can be made on the site or set up using admin@actin-spain.com.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47727/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Several dogs, including a newly born puppy, are held locked in a metal container at the mercy of the Spanish sun.
This fact was reported to the Animal Care Treatment International Network (ACTIN) over six weeks ago and, after checking that that the re...

### NEW CHARITY SHOP TO OPEN

Paul Cunningham Nurses Charity is expanding their charity shop base  by opening their fourth shop in Calle Espana 28, Almoradi on approximately 6th July.   
The charity has taken the opportunity to bring the Nurses Charity into an area that will be completely new to them and trust that the people of Almoradi will be supportive in this adventure.
However, we are currently looking for volunteers to work in the shop between the hours of 10 a.m. to 2.00 p.m., six days a week. Should anyone be interested or require further  information on volunteering, please contact Chris Rodley on 650695482.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47714/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Paul Cunningham Nurses Charity is expanding their charity shop base  by opening their fourth shop in Calle Espana 28, Almoradi on approximately 6th July.   
The charity has taken the opportunity to bring the Nurses Charity into an area that will be co...

### Lucky Escape from Girona Plane Crash

A French couple escaped unhurt on Friday when their light aircraft crashed into a fence and burst into flames whilst landing at the Empuriabrava airfield at Girona.
The initial reports from the scene suggest that the plane´s landing gear hit the guardrail protecting the C-260 road and subsequently impacted with the runway.
An investigation is being carried out to determine if the crash was caused by human or mechanical error, but the lucky couple escaped with nothing more than a few scratches.

Excerpt: A French couple escaped unhurt on Friday when their light aircraft crashed into a fence and burst into flames whilst landing at the Empuriabrava airfield at Girona. The initial reports from the scene suggest that the plane´s landing gear hit the guardrail protecting the C-260 road and subsequently impacted with the runway. An investigation is […]

### New Signs Show Delay Times

The DGT has launched a subtle improvement to traffic information boards on some of the roads in Spain, indicating if there are delays en route.

Alongside timings for journeys to featured areas, some of the display panels will now display a clock face.
A white clock indicates that traffic is flowing normally, whereas a red clock indicates that there are delays.
The aim is to try to provide more information to motorists and therefore encourage safety though the awareness of problems ahead.

The post New Signs Show Delay Times appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The DGT has launched a subtle improvement to traffic information boards on some of the roads in Spain, indicating if there are delays en route. Alongside timings for journeys to featured areas, some of the display panels will now display Read More ...
The post New Signs Show Delay Times appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Foreigners Continuing to Leave Alicante Area

According to the latest data released on Thursday, the province of Alicante lost 22,000 foreign residents in 2014, for the second consecutive year.
The trend for foreigners moving to Spain had been increasing during the property boom, but in 2013 the decline had its most significant impact, which continued through last year.
The British, Romanians and Germans have led the decline, but across the province, 20.6% of the population are foreigners, a figure which has remained almost constant, as residents from Algeria and America in particular are topping the charts for more residents moving to Spain, keeping the overall figure balanced.
The city of Alicante is in first place in terms of foreign residents with 44,901, Torrevieja is in second place with 41,434 and Orihuela is in third place with 31,028 foreign residents.
The decline was most significant in Torrevieja however as the decline in the foreign population has resulted in the city losing its big city status and falling below the 100,000 resident threshold for the first time in almost a decade, resulting in less money per head in subsidy.

Excerpt: According to the latest data released on Thursday, the province of Alicante lost 22,000 foreign residents in 2014, for the second consecutive year. The trend for foreigners moving to Spain had been increasing during the property boom, but in 2013 the decline had its most significant impact, which continued through last year. The British, Romanians […]

### Urgent Drought Action Starting

Under the threat of drought across the entire country, the Ministry of the Environment has authorised the first emergency transfers of water between reservoirs, with 35 cubic hectometres of water being authorised to be taken from the Pedrera reservoir in Torremendo, in order to alleviate the severe threat to the agriculture sector.
This is in addition to the 15 cubic hectometres already transferred from the Pedrera to the central zone. As of Thursday of this week, before the 35 cubic hectometre transfer, the Pedrera reservoir was holding 155 cubic hectometres of its 246 capacity.
Across the Segura basin, the reservoirs are collectively holding 58% of their capacity. This time last year, the reservoirs were at 74% capacity.

Excerpt: Under the threat of drought across the entire country, the Ministry of the Environment has authorised the first emergency transfers of water between reservoirs, with 35 cubic hectometres of water being authorised to be taken from the Pedrera reservoir in Torremendo, in order to alleviate the severe threat to the agriculture sector. This is in […]

### Weather Alert for High Temperatures

A weather alert was issued by the Spanish government on Thursday evening, supporting warning from the Protección Civil and met office, warning of high temperatures from Friday.
Temperatures could reach 38 degrees in inland areas of the peninsular, whereas in Valencia temperatures are expected to reach 36 degrees.
The weather alert is expected to remain in place until at least Tuesday of next week, with extreme care required to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, remain in well ventilated and shaded places, drink plenty of water and wear light clothing and protection when outdoors.

Excerpt: A weather alert was issued by the Spanish government on Thursday evening, supporting warning from the Protección Civil and met office, warning of high temperatures from Friday. Temperatures could reach 38 degrees in inland areas of the peninsular, whereas in Valencia temperatures are expected to reach 36 degrees. The weather alert is expected to remain […]

### Real Hoverboard to Launch in Barcelona

Design and technology collaboration achieves creative breakthrough for new Lexus Amazing in Motionproject

A Lexus has always been a vehicle that rides on wheels, in contact with the ground. Until now. This summer a new Lexus takes flight, bringing the stuff of science fiction closer to real world fact.
Lexus has worked with experts in super-conductive technology to create one of the most advanced Hoverboards the world has seen. The concept is the fourth project in its Amazing in Motion campaign, demonstrating its commitment to pursuing new possibilities in advanced design and technology.
Mark Templin, Executive Vice President, Lexus International, said: “At Lexus we constantly challenge ourselves and our partners to push the boundaries of what is possible. That determination, combined with our passion and expertise for design and innovation, is what led us to take on the Hoverboard project. It’s the perfect example of the amazing things that can be achieved when you combine technology, design and imagination.”
The Lexus project team has used magnetic levitation with liquid nitrogen-cooled superconductors and permanent magnets to give the Hoverboard frictionless movement of a kind that had been thought impossible.
Although a completely different form of transport, the Hoverboard shares design cues with today’s Lexus cars, including the signature spindle grille. It has also been made using some of the same materials, both high-tech and natural, such as bamboo.
The Hoverboard is part of the fourth project in the Lexus Amazing in Motion campaign, an international showcase for the brand’s creativity and innovation. The prototype is being tested in Barcelona in the coming weeks prior to the campaign’s launch this summer.

Excerpt: Design and technology collaboration achieves creative breakthrough for new Lexus Amazing in Motionproject A Lexus has always been a vehicle that rides on wheels, in contact with the ground. Until now. This summer a new Lexus takes flight, bringing the stuff of science fiction closer to real world fact. Lexus has worked with experts in […]

### Fake Wines Seized in Major Operation

Officers from the Guardia Civil have seized 41,000 litres of wine and 200 litres of other alcoholic drinks, on account of their denomination of origin being fake.
The investigation began when officers carried out inspections at various fairs in the province of Cádiz, where the officers found a range of wines being sold at considerably lower than market price. That wine was immediately seized and its origin investigated, which led officers to a bodega whose owner has now been arrested and charged with crimes against intellectual property and fraud.
The operation was conducted with the collaboration of the Ministry of Health in the Government of Andalusia and the Sherry Regulatory Council.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have seized 41,000 litres of wine and 200 litres of other alcoholic drinks, on account of their denomination of origin being fake. The investigation began when officers carried out inspections at various fairs in the province of Cádiz, where the officers found a range of wines being sold at considerably […]

### UK Marijuana Network Disbanded

In a joint operation between the National Police and Guardia Civil, eight people have been arrested on suspicion of being part of a criminal network that would cultivate and distribute marijuana on a large scale mainly through the UK and Switzerland.
House searches were conducted in Málaga, Estepona, Marbella and San Pedro de Alcántara, seizing 2,638 marijuana plants, two luxury cars, 10,000 euro in cash, a banknote counting machine, several computers and effects for the cultivation and processing of marijuana.
The Marbella plantation, which was run by the 68 year old head of the gang, contained 3,509 plants and there was 88.5 kilos of packaged marijuana ready for distribution.

Excerpt: In a joint operation between the National Police and Guardia Civil, eight people have been arrested on suspicion of being part of a criminal network that would cultivate and distribute marijuana on a large scale mainly through the UK and Switzerland. House searches were conducted in Málaga, Estepona, Marbella and San Pedro de Alcántara, seizing […]

### Pedestrians Seriously Injured in Ambulance Crash

Two women, aged 62 and 70, have been seriously injured when they were knocked down by an ambulance whilst walking along the pavement in Alcorcón in the south west of Madrid.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night when the ambulance was en route to an emergency call and invaded the pavement striking the two pedestrians.
The victims were taken to hospital in an alternative ambulance and an investigation is being carried out, the most likely outcome being driver error, according to sources close to the investigation.
The post Pedestrians Seriously Injured in Ambulance Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Two women, aged 62 and 70, have been seriously injured when they were knocked down by an ambulance whilst walking along the pavement in Alcorcón in the south west of Madrid. The incident occurred on Tuesday night when the ambulance Read More ...
The post Pedestrians Seriously Injured in Ambulance Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### CLR Lose Orihuela Summer Court Case

The administrative court in Elche has dismissed a case brought by Pedro Mancebo and Juan Ignacio López-Bas of the CLR political group against the then acting mayor of Orihuela, Antonio Zapata.

CLR had complained to the courts that by not having the plenary meeting in August of last year, and by moving it to September, violated their fundamental rights.

However, the judge felt that there was no requirement to hold the meeting in August, especially as this is not a normal working month for the town hall, and so dismissed the case.

The Socialist Party issued a statement about the “absurd attempt by the opposition to discredit and question the reputation of the Socialist councillors”, as their “attitude and leadership of the government was successful and with scrupulous respect for the law”.

Pedro Mancebo and Juan Ignacio López-Bas are now condemned to pay the costs of the court case.

Excerpt: The administrative court in Elche has dismissed a case brought by Pedro Mancebo and Juan Ignacio López-Bas of the CLR political group against the then acting mayor of Orihuela, Antonio Zapata. CLR had complained to the courts that by not having the plenary meeting in August of last year, and by moving it to September, […]

### Caravan and Car Crash

Caravan and car left the road at AP-1 at kilometre 58,000.

The post Caravan and Car Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Caravan and car left the road at AP-1 at kilometre 58,000.
The post Caravan and Car Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Staying Cool Uses Fuel

Using your car´s air conditioning at a temperature below 20 degrees can result in an increase of 20% in fuel consumption, according to a new report compiled by AutoScout24.

The report is aimed at raising awareness of using air conditioning and the impact on vehicle use, including an increase in maintenance.
The report also aims at encouraging users to reduce the settings of their units, so as to improve performance of both the vehicle´s fuel consumption and to avoid damage, by keeping the settings in the mid or low range, or just opening the windows to reduce the temperature.
AutoScout24 also highlights the importance of conducting proper maintenance of the air conditioning in winter and perform a thorough cleaning of the radiator, as well as checking the hoses and ducts of this system.
The firm points out that the gas is an essential element of air conditioning and a clear sign of a malfunction of this unit is that the device fails to cool when connected. Another sign of a malfunction is a sour smell inside the car.
You can get your air conditioning checked at a maintenance workshop or garage, remembering to ensure that the garage is competent in carrying out the repairs.
The post Staying Cool Uses Fuel appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Using your car´s air conditioning at a temperature below 20 degrees can result in an increase of 20% in fuel consumption, according to a new report compiled by AutoScout24. The report is aimed at raising awareness of using air conditioning Read More ...
The post Staying Cool Uses Fuel appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### TV Ban on Bullfighting Denied

Thanks to the majority votes of the ruling Partido Popular, the culture committee in the Spanish congress has rejected proposals to ban bullfighting broadcasts on television.
The motion was proposed by the Izquierda Plural and had the support of all other parliamentary groups. During the debate, the Izquierda Plural were critical of various initiatives implemented by the PP which aimed at promoting bullfighting, paying particular attention to an event which was broadcast on TV in May, at a time when children would be watching television, something which hadn´t been done since 2013.
A number of child protection associations have also expressed concerns over the broadcasts and want them at least moving to a time when children would not be watching, on account of the brutal nature of the events and the shocking images portrayed, which they believe are harmful to children.

Excerpt: Thanks to the majority votes of the ruling Partido Popular, the culture committee in the Spanish congress has rejected proposals to ban bullfighting broadcasts on television. The motion was proposed by the Izquierda Plural and had the support of all other parliamentary groups. During the debate, the Izquierda Plural were critical of various initiatives implemented […]

### Cars That Can See Round Corners?

Exiting blind junctions can be a nerve-wracking experience for drivers, as they inch forward into traffic and strain to see and hear oncoming vehicles.
Ford is introducing a new camera technology that can see around corners, even when drivers cannot, to help avert accidents.

The innovative Front Split View Camera – available as an option on the all-new Ford Galaxy and S-MAX – displays a 180-degree view from the front of the car, using a video camera in the grille. At a blind junction or exiting a driveway, the camera enables drivers to easily spot approaching vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists.
“It’s not just blind junctions that can be stressful, sometimes an overhanging tree, or bushes can be the problem,” said Ronny Hause, engineer, Driver Assistance Electronic Systems, Ford of Europe. “Simply driving off driveways can be a challenge. Much like a rear-view camera, Front Split View Camera is one of those technologies that people will soon find indispensable.”

The first-in-segment technology is activated at the push of a button. A 1-megapixel camera in the front grille enables drivers to see a real-time 180-degree view – both left and right – on the vehicle’s eight-inch colour touchscreen. Drivers can track road users that approach on either side and pass in front of the vehicle. The camera, just 33mm wide, is kept clear by a specially designed retractable jet-washer that operates automatically when the windscreen wipers are activated.
Data recorded by the European Road Safety Observatory SafetyNet project indicated that approximately 19 per cent of drivers involved in accidents at junctions experienced obstructions to view.* The U.K. Department of Transport said that in 2013, vision affected by external factors contributed to 11 per cent of all road accidents.**
“From sunrise to sunset we tested the Front Split View Camera on all kinds of roads, congested urban streets and areas with a lot of cyclists and pedestrians,” Hause said. “Tackling tunnels, narrow alleys and garages in all light conditions also meant we could ensure the technology worked well even when sunlight was shining directly into the camera.”
Ford models including the all-new Galaxy and S-MAX already offer Rear View Camera technology; and Cross Traffic Alert system, which uses rear-mounted sensors to warn drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them. Further new driver assistance technologies offered on new Galaxy and S-MAX include:

Intelligent Speed Limiter, which when activated scans traffic signs and adjusts the throttle to help drivers stay within legal speed limits and avoid fines
Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, which will reduce the severity of some frontal collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians, or help drivers avoid some impacts altogether
Glare-Free Highbeam technology for the adaptive LED headlamps, which detects vehicles ahead and fades out light that could dazzle oncoming drivers, while retaining maximum illumination for other areas

“Pulling out on a blind junction can be a tricky manoeuvre for new and experienced drivers alike. The best approach has traditionally been to simply lean forward to get the best view whilst creeping forwards with the windows wound down to listen for approaching vehicles, but cyclists are a particular risk as they can’t be heard,” said Keith Freeman, AA quality training manager in the UK, who also trains young drivers as part of the Ford Driving Skills For Life programme. “This technology will certainly make emerging from anywhere with a restricted view so much safer and the experience less nerve-wracking for those behind the wheel.”
The all-new Galaxy and S-MAX are available to order now, priced from £27,595 and £25,245 respectively, with front and rear cameras a £400 option. Front Split View Camera also will be offered on the all-new Ford Edge upscale SUV, available in Europe later this year.
The post Cars That Can See Round Corners? appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Exiting blind junctions can be a nerve-wracking experience for drivers, as they inch forward into traffic and strain to see and hear oncoming vehicles. Ford is introducing a new camera technology that can see around corners, even when drivers cannot, Read More ...
The post Cars That Can See Round Corners? appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### The Tweeting Pothole

Road managers in Panama are dreading the very creation of Twitter, after a new system was developed that sent them a tweet every time a vehicle went over a pothole in the road.

The system, named “The Tweeting Pothole”, was developed in conjunction with a media outlet and creative agency, and consists of two parts. The first is a small circular sensor which is placed in the pothole, the second is a communication module, so that when the sensor detects the pressure of a passing vehicle it automatically sends a tweet to the official account of the Ministry of Public Works of the country, as a reminder of the problem.
As the sensors were placed in potholes on some of the busiest roads in the city, it wasn´t long before the Twitter account of the Ministry had a flurry of automatic tweets, thus encouraging them to solve the problem.
Now, we just need the technology to be exported to other countries and we can all share the benefits of technological advances in road maintenance.

The post The Tweeting Pothole appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Road managers in Panama are dreading the very creation of Twitter, after a new system was developed that sent them a tweet every time a vehicle went over a pothole in the road. The system, named “The Tweeting Pothole”, was Read More ...
The post The Tweeting Pothole appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Kittens Looking for a Home

Four beautiful kittens were abandoned in the street in a Torrevieja urbanisation and are now looking for a home.



One is white with cream ears; the others are grey with darker spots and ears, one of those is likely to be long-haired.

They are litter tray ready free to a good home. They need attention but will be loving kittens given the attention they deserve.

Email: info@thisistorrevieja.com

### ORIHUELA COSTA’S FIRST OUTDOOR CHESS TOURNAMENT

On 18 July DTOC will organise a chess tournament starting at 10am through to 8pm in La Zenia Park. This will be the very first outdoor chess tournament held in the Orihuela Costa. 
All residentsare welcome. Free beer for all, while stocks last.
To participate in the tournament you have to be an orihuela costa resident.
Deadline for entry is Monday 13 of July.
Send applications to info@dtoc.eu. Entry fee for the tournament is 10€Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47702/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On 18 July DTOC will organise a chess tournament starting at 10am through to 8pm in La Zenia Park. This will be the very first outdoor chess tournament held in the Orihuela Costa. 
All residentsare welcome. Free beer for all, while stocks last.
To pa...

### Pascual Flores Returns

The schooner, Pascual Flores, beacon of the history of ship building in Torrevieja, has returned to her native port after being sent away for buoyancy work.

The ship arrived back in Torrevieja on Tuesday, ahead of the scheduled arrival on Thursday, and the town hall are now considering her future.

The ship is in a far worse condition that was first thought, despite millions invested in repairing the replica which contains some genuine pieces, with the crew having to stop every hour for twenty minutes to pump out sea water, despite the caretakers saying that she is in surprisingly good condition.

Excerpt: The schooner, Pascual Flores, beacon of the history of ship building in Torrevieja, has returned to her native port after being sent away for buoyancy work. The ship arrived back in Torrevieja on Tuesday, ahead of the scheduled arrival on Thursday, and the town hall are now considering her future. The ship is in a […]

### Torrevieja Resident Arrested on Islamic State Terrorism Suspicion

A Moroccan citizen, who is a resident of Torrevieja has reportedly been arrested in Warsaw on suspicion of terrorist activities for the Islamic State.

The man, who has the initials AAEK, was the subject of an International arrest warrant and was arrested whilst ravelling back into Europe.

Investigators believe that the man became radicalised in 2014 and fought in the Daesh region of the Islamic State. It is believed he had weapons and explosives training in addition to his combat role.

Excerpt: A Moroccan citizen, who is a resident of Torrevieja has reportedly been arrested in Warsaw on suspicion of terrorist activities for the Islamic State. The man, who has the initials AAEK, was the subject of an International arrest warrant and was arrested whilst ravelling back into Europe. Investigators believe that the man became radicalised in […]

### Body of a Man Found Eaten by Dogs

The body of a man has been found in his home, showing signs of having been eaten by his dogs.

This is the fourth such incident in seven months in the area, with similar circumstances reported in Hondón de las Nieves, Pinoso and Aspe previously.

There are no suspicious circumstances presented and the man was said to be in his eighties, but an investigation will be carried out.

 

Excerpt: The body of a man has been found in his home, showing signs of having been eaten by his dogs. This is the fourth such incident in seven months in the area, with similar circumstances reported in Hondón de las Nieves, Pinoso and Aspe previously. There are no suspicious circumstances presented and the man was said […]

### Photo Competition in Rojales

Rojales town council has launched a photography competition this week, which will run until the 5th of July, encouraging posting and sharing images of the town through social networks.

The competition is coinciding with the celebrations of San Pedro Apóstol de Rojales, and by using the hashtag #sanpedrorojales2015, and following them on Twitter at @AytoRojales, you have the chance to win the first prize of 100 euro, second prize of 75 euro and third prize of 50 euro.

Excerpt: Rojales town council has launched a photography competition this week, which will run until the 5th of July, encouraging posting and sharing images of the town through social networks. The competition is coinciding with the celebrations of San Pedro Apóstol de Rojales, and by using the hashtag #sanpedrorojales2015, and following them on Twitter at @AytoRojales, […]

### Train Safety Checks Planned

The Spanish Congress is putting together a plan to force systematic analysis of black boxes on trains, in order to monitor faults and other problems so as to promote measures for improvement.

The final draft of the proposal has been released this week which came about after the high speed train crash in July of 2013.

The draft also recommends the removal of level crossings and more automation of safety systems, as well as the monitoring of black boxes on both public and private services.

Excerpt: The Spanish Congress is putting together a plan to force systematic analysis of black boxes on trains, in order to monitor faults and other problems so as to promote measures for improvement. The final draft of the proposal has been released this week which came about after the high speed train crash in July of […]

### Orihuela Government Roles Announced

The Mayor of Orihuela, Emilio Bascañuna of the Partido Popular, has announced the roles his government will play for the next four year administration.

As well as mayor, he himself will take on the urbanism department as well as security, but the all important councillor of the coast and international residents will be a role filled by Sofía Áñvarez, a coastal resident, who will also take on the departments of tourism and urban transport.

Excerpt: The Mayor of Orihuela, Emilio Bascañuna of the Partido Popular, has announced the roles his government will play for the next four year administration. As well as mayor, he himself will take on the urbanism department as well as security, but the all important councillor of the coast and international residents will be a role […]

### British Woman Killed in Paragliding Incident

A British woman was killed on Sunday in a paragliding accident in the Sierra in Algodonales, Cádiz.

According to the fire consortium, the woman was 48 years of age and has the initials LP and was a resident of the Cadíz town of La Línea de la Concepción.

The victim is reported to have fallen to the ground after flying just “a few metres” and was said to have been killed instantly.

The fire service had to retrieve the victim as the location where she landed was difficult to access.

The emergency call was made at 14:43 and the incident concluded at 19:00. An investigation has begun.

Excerpt: A British woman was killed on Sunday in a paragliding accident in the Sierra in Algodonales, Cádiz. According to the fire consortium, the woman was 48 years of age and has the initials LP and was a resident of the Cadíz town of La Línea de la Concepción. The victim is reported to have fallen […]

### Seven Roads Deaths This Weekend

In the provisional count by the DGT between 15:00 on Friday and 20:00 on Sunday, seven people have lost their lives on the roads of Spain.
There have also been a number of incidents which have resulted in a variety of injuries, and some dramatic images from the scenes.
A bus caught fire on the M-40 in Madrid on Friday, although there were luckily no injuries as a result.

On Friday evening, fire fighters had to extract the occupants of two cars which collided at a junction in Madrid. Both drivers were taken to hospital for treatment whilst the police in Madrid are investigating the incident.

A van crashed through the wall of a house in Callosa de Segura, destroying most of the wall, but there were no reported injuries in the dramatic smash.

Two women, aged 83 and 93, were killed, and two others, aged 42 and 15, were injured, in a crash in Albacete on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred at 16:30 at kilometre 464 of the N-430 when the vehicle they were travelling in overturned.
On Saturday, a 34 year old motorcyclist was seriously injured in a collision with a car in Pamplona. A motorcyclist was killed on Saturday evening at Galve de Sorbe in Guadalajara.
On Sunday, an airport bus crashed into the terminal building at the airport on the island of Gran Canaria, with medical staff treating a number of people for injuries.

A 70 year old was killed and two others injured when the driver of a car lost control in Tardobispo, Zamora, and crashed into the terrace of a pub where numerous people were sat enjoying the Sunday sunshine.
The post Seven Roads Deaths This Weekend appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: In the provisional count by the DGT between 15:00 on Friday and 20:00 on Sunday, seven people have lost their lives on the roads of Spain. There have also been a number of incidents which have resulted in a variety Read More ...
The post Seven Roads Deaths This Weekend appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Recycle More Calls

Torrevieja town hall launched an initiative to encourage more recycling, after figures revealed that each inhabitant only recycles 4.53 kilos of waste, almost half the average across Valencia, where the figure is 8 kilos per inhabitant.

Municipalities receive money for recycled materials, whereas they have to pay for disposing of residual waste, therefore, the more that can be recycled, the lower the overall bill and the better it is for the environment.

Government spokesperson, Fanny Serrano, explained that in 2014, Torrevieja received 95,783 euro for plastics and cans, and 32,000 euro for carton and paper. The figures could triple if enough attention was given to separating materials. Torrevieja has 159,216 recycling bins, with more on order.

As part of the awareness campaign, the town hall has produced 34,000 brochures explaining the benefits and importance of recycling, and how to dispose of each item correctly.

Excerpt: Torrevieja town hall launched an initiative to encourage more recycling, after figures revealed that each inhabitant only recycles 4.53 kilos of waste, almost half the average across Valencia, where the figure is 8 kilos per inhabitant. Municipalities receive money for recycled materials, whereas they have to pay for disposing of residual waste, therefore, the more […]

### Flight Warning

Pilots flying over Spain and Portugal were given a warning to look out for birds at the weekend, after 70,000 racing pigeons were released from Valencia on a journey back to Portugal.

Pilots were warned to take extra care when below 2,000 feet on account of the birds heading west from Valencia, probably in groups of between 5 and 20.

The birds had all travelled by road to Valencia before being released on Saturday in order to race back to their Portuguese homes.

Excerpt: Pilots flying over Spain and Portugal were given a warning to look out for birds at the weekend, after 70,000 racing pigeons were released from Valencia on a journey back to Portugal. Pilots were warned to take extra care when below 2,000 feet on account of the birds heading west from Valencia, probably in groups […]

### Peace for a Million

Over a million passengers have travelled in peace and quiet on Spain´s high speed rail network, since the silent coaches were introduced a year ago.

In total, 1.11 million passengers have now used the service where mobile phones and loud talking are banned, as well as with dimmed lighting and no announcements.

The ticket price is the same as the normal service with the added quietness also meaning that children under 14 and animals are not allowed in the carriages.

Excerpt: Over a million passengers have travelled in peace and quiet on Spain´s high speed rail network, since the silent coaches were introduced a year ago. In total, 1.11 million passengers have now used the service where mobile phones and loud talking are banned, as well as with dimmed lighting and no announcements. The ticket price […]

### RISKING THEIR LIVES FOR A DAY ON THE BEACH

Let us now hope that after all the pomp and ceremony which took place in Orihuela last week, with the swearing in of new Partido Popular mayor Emilio Bascuñana, despite barely a mention of the coast in his speech of acceptance, the new leader, will focus at least some of his attention on the Orihuela Costa, which in recent years has been so sadly neglected by a whole string of previous administrations.
Still employed as the director of Orihuela's Department of Health and the Vega Baja hospital, a post that he is expected to relinquish, 56 year old Bascuñana, is also the former chairman of the Provincial Red Cross and listening to some of his early speeches, he seems to be a man of principle.  
He said that during the next four years he will work with honesty and integrity to improve the situation of all of the residents of Orihuela, so in order to get you off to the easiest possible start, here are just a few areas that you could perhaps consider, all of which would go a long way to endearing you with coastal voters and improving the perception in which Orihuela politicians are held by the general public on the coast.
We really aren't all that interested in the ‘bigger picture', the General Urban Plan, the millions of euro's spent on the city's cultural heritage, or new roads and tunnels built to accommodate the arrival of the high speed train (AVE) network into Orihuela ten years down the line.
We simply want a town where the streets are regularly swept, where the rubbish and green waste is collected and the bin areas are kept clean, where residents don't have to walk on the roads because the sinking and broken pavements are too dangerous, where our beaches are manned by lifeguards throughout the whole of the summer so that the safety of the thousands of visitors who descend on the area, visitors on who our businesses so greatly rely, are not completely abandoned during the early and late summer months.    
We also want a town where attention is paid to the upkeep of green areas, where we can relax in local parks, where Palm trees are regularly pruned and maintained, where the police actually do their job, rather than continually hassling the small bars and restaurants who are simply trying to make a living. Perhaps a little more attention to illegally parked cars and to unlawful traders might keep them better occupied.
Many rural roads are also in dire need of repair, one example being the Carretera de Villamartin from the AP7 bridge by La Zenia Boulevard, through to Los Dolses, its continuation through Villamartin to Calle R Wagner and beyond.
Albeit rural, this series of minor roads is the main thoroughfare between San Miguel de la Salinas and La Zenia, carrying thousands of vehicles every day, many of which can regularly be seen veering from side to side in order to avoid the many potholes and tree stumps.
And in terms of a serious accident waiting to happen, there is nothing more dangerous than the walk along Calle Cabo Creus from La Regia toward Lomas de Cabo Roig and the Fuente Commercial Centre.
Quite how there aren't more deaths amongst the many pedestrians that regularly use the road, both adults and children, en route to and from the beach, and the Cabo Roig bars and restaurants, particularly at night, I am absolutely amazed. Ignored by the outgoing administration, this stretch of roadway is in critical need of a pedestrian footpath and lighting.
It was interesting to note ‘like articles' written in La Verdad and Informacion, two of the more popular Regional Newspapers, last week, where local journalists were demanding similar actions to many of those listed above, but all on behalf of Orihuela City residents. With so little support from the Spanish media it's perhaps not so surprising, therefore, that the Costa is so regularly ignored.
Perhaps they too ought to remember that it is only from the sale of coastal lands, the payment of coastal taxes, the purchase of coastal properties, that their city and it's infrastructure has been allowed to flourish in recent years, that local pedenias have seen similar investment; lets not forget La Apericida, where, with a population of less than 3,000 inhabitants, a new civic centre was recently built at a cost of €1.2 million in what was widely thought to be nothing more than an exercise in buying votes. 
And just last September “€320,000 was invested in improving eight parks and gardens in Orihuela city and its surrounds”.  The move got a great deal of publicity and was well received by the local population. Another vote winner in the build up to the Municipal elections.
The Orihuela Costa, meanwhile, doesn't have a single park worthy of the name. We have absolutely nothing, scandalous to say the very least.  One of the most densely populated parts of Orihuela Costa, La Florida, not only doesn't have a park, but the waste land which is designated as such is not even maintained. So the new investment for parks and gardens in the city and surrounding villages simply adds insult to injury on the Costa.
What you must remember is that the Orihuela Costa has the same population as Orihuela city but it has no power to look after itself so now, with the onset of the summer months, the busiest trading season of the year, it is even more important that the area is no longer allowed to continue its gradual degeneration into an urban slum because of neglect by Orihuela City based bureaucrats.
With a regular population of 30,000 people, that grows to over 300,000 during the summer months, positive action needs to be taken by the Orihuela town hall now, so that the area can once again look like a decent place in which to live, visit and to invest.
If you want the coast to continue as a successful source of income, to grow and to thrive like we all know that it can, the remedies and the necessary investment needs to be put in place now.
It must be taken care of or it will die and what will happen to your beloved Orihuela city then Mr Mayor. I doubt that it will be all that far behind!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47699/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Let us now hope that after all the pomp and ceremony which took place in Orihuela last week, with the swearing in of new Partido Popular mayor Emilio Bascuñana, despite barely a mention of the coast in his speech of acceptance, the new leader, w...

### SERRANO DENIES FOREIGNERS OFFICE CLOSURE

The new head of the PSOE in Torrevieja, Fanny Serrano, gave her first interview to the British press this week, denying the rumours that the International Residents Office is to close.
One of the most speculated issues has been the threatened closure of the International Residents Office. This has been vehemently denied. Serrano said, “absolutely not. I couldn´t believe that you asked that question.
I think the problem is that the PP think everything is their own. ‘It´s my office, it´s my town hall', no, it´s not yours, it´s for the citizens. The foreigners office is from the town hall, it´s for all citizens, so you can´t just close it in that way. I can´t understand why somebody would say something like this. It´s incredible!”
The plans submitted by the PSOE before the elections to increase the staffing in this office were raised “yes, of course” was the immediate response. When asked about improvements, “we have to study everything”, Serrano replied, “there are other departments which are over represented, so we need several weeks to study each department and make decisions”.
As for bridging the gaps between the city and urbanisations, especially that many of the residents in urbanisations feel neglected with a lack of police patrols, street lights failing, and many other problems, the question of how the government will solve that problem was responded by the comment, “we want to stop this separation between Torrevieja central and the surrounding urbanisations. It makes no sense, it is all Torrevieja”.
The PSOE planned to have a rolling plan for councillors to visit urbanisations, which “we plan to continue”. But, “we want the neighbours from the urbanisations to come to the town hall, to speak to us, just talk to us, write and tell us what´s happened, because now everything is open, we are not as closed as we used to be”.
“Torrevieja is going to be the best city”, a “new Torrevieja, a lively city, but overall, for us, foreigners are very important. We have more than half of the population which is foreign,
The PP forgot the foreigners, they only look for you when they need you, every four years, just to vote. We don´t want that, we want an interaction between the foreigners, the Spanish, the government and so on, we want another kind of town”.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47698/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The new head of the PSOE in Torrevieja, Fanny Serrano, gave her first interview to the British press this week, denying the rumours that the International Residents Office is to close.
One of the most speculated issues has been the threatened closure ...

### FURY WITH IBERDROLA FOLLOWING VILLAMARTIN ELECTRICAL FIRE

Four properties were plunged into darkness last week as a power distribution box located in Barbero De Sevilla, Sol Golf Fase 2 in Villamartin, suddenly exploded and erupted into flames. 
Such was the force of the explosion that the locked cabinet in which the power units were located was ripped open and the metal doors blown into the adjacent street.
The fire, which occurred last Tuesday, was attended by Bomberas from Torrevieja and Policia Local from Playa Flamenca and since that time the four properties concerned have been without power, and pretty much uninhabitable.
One of the residents, Robert Kirkhope, told the Leader that both Iberdrola and insurers Mapfre, have washed their hands of the matter and are refusing to help or to become involved.
Electricity provider Iberdrola says that the matter is not of their concern, despite the fact that they provide the four properties with their power, so it would now seem that the occupants have little choice other than to employ and to pay a local electrician if they are to restore the electrical supply to their properties anytime soon.
Mr Kirkhope said that he was pleased that nobody was hurt but the real concern amongst the residents now is that there are many other similar distribution boxes in the urbanisation, all of a similar age and condition, that the reasons for the explosion and fire are not known and that Iberdrola are refusing to carry out any form of investigation into the matter.
He said that the doors to the electrical box were ripped off and thrown into the street so forcefully that they would have caused serious injury to anyone who was passing by and there is a distinct concern amongst the residents that this could quite easily happen again.
And with the onset of the summer and the ever increasing demand for electricity it is unlikely that this will not be the only occasion reporting such an incident.
This is just one more occasion in a long line of incidents reported to this newspaper where, once again, Iberdrola are failing to meet the standards expected of such a multi-national company. It is hardly surprising that their customers continue to look to alternative suppliers elsewhere.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47697/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Four properties were plunged into darkness last week as a power distribution box located in Barbero De Sevilla, Sol Golf Fase 2 in Villamartin, suddenly exploded and erupted into flames. 
Such was the force of the explosion that the locked cabinet in ...

### PRICES FOR VALENCIA GALLERY PURCHASES INFLATED BY UP TO 1500%

The former director of the IVAM, Valencia's premier contemporary art museum, Consuelo Ciscar, has come out in defence of her leadership of the museum, between 2004 and 2014, by responding to the interim report of the General Comptroller of the Generalitat , which has has identified numerous irregularities and administrative failures.
The museum is said to have overpaid for its purchases of works of art by as much as 1,500 percent over the  market value.
It also awarded numerous large contracts without putting them out to public tender, as is required by law; paid hefty amounts to individuals whose relationship to the museum was unclear; and grossly inflated its own attendance figures.
Details of the alleged mismanagement that took place under former director Consuelo Ciscar have emerged in a preliminary report analyzing the period between 2009 and 2013. The audit was commissioned by the Valencia regional government, which funds the IVAM.
In her statement, Ciscar, said that the gallery underwent several audits by the external auditor Audit Iberica SA, during her tenure, every one of which received a clean bill of health. These audits were subsequently endorsed by the Ministry of Finance with the assertion that there were no relevant breaches.
Ciscar says that as soon as she became aware of the content of the report she immediately requested a copy, without success, so that she could see the accusations herself and respond more accurately to all the allegations made.
Under Ciscar, the IVAM organized a number of controversial shows such as one featuring works by her own son, who goes by the artistic name Rablaci and in 2008, the gallery also purchased 63 photographs for €442,280 from Gao Ping, who was later arrested as the alleged head of a criminal ring that is thought to have laundered between €800 million and €1.2 billion over four years.
Earlier in the year the Valencian Goverment hired an expert, Jaime Brihuega, who teaches art history at Madrid's Complutense University. He was asked to estimate the market value of five randomly selected artworks.
His findings ruled that the difference between what was paid and what should have been paid ranged by between 45 and 1,520 percent more.
Just last year the deputy Valencia regional premier José Ciscar announced the departure of Ciscar praising her for attracting 1,163,419 visitors to the museum in 2013.
The figures lifted IVAM into sixth place in The Economist's annual list of most-visited world museums. But the real number was closer to 85,000 with the attendance inflated by over a million people.
It appears that the figures were inflated by everyone who received free tickets, those attending gallery shows, including fashion and cookery shows, and all of those also attending exhibitions across the country that featured gallery works.
And it was the same story in 2012: the museum claimed 1,147,637 visitors, when it was really 98,176. In 2011, the 1.1 million reported by Ciscar were actually 109,938.
The IVAM's new management team said in a statement that the irregularities highlighted in the report “represent yet another serious setback for the public purse, and most particularly for IVAM's depleted budget.”
Ciscar, who served for 10 years, stepped down in April of last year in what appeared to be a personal decision, but was really an undercover dismissal.
Her husband, Rafael Blasco, a regional deputy for the ruling Popular Party (PP), was standing trial at the time on charges of siphoning off millions of euros from a fund meant for development aid in poor countries. He was ultimately convicted to eight years in prison.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47696/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The former director of the IVAM, Valencia's premier contemporary art museum, Consuelo Ciscar, has come out in defence of her leadership of the museum, between 2004 and 2014, by responding to the interim report of the General Comptroller of the Generali...

### TORREVIEJA GOVERNMENT SETS OUT PLANS

In the wake of the new appointment of José Manuel Dolón of the Los Verdes as the mayor of Torrevieja, ousting the Partido Popular after 27 years, the new government has started to lay out its plans for the future, detailing some of the priorities that they intend to focus on during this first term of a “new Torrevieja”.
Primarily, the new government wants to create an era of openness and cleanliness, reaching out to the citizens of the municipality, making the city a vibrant and new destination, with concerns for the environmental impact, and bridging the gaps between the city and the surrounding areas.
Some of the changes to the General Plan will be reversed, such as plans to allow the destruction of protected land for the construction of a new DIY store, and the creation of a rubbish tip, also on protected land. Recently, Torrevieja has seen more than 100 changes to the General Plan altering plots of land ad their designated use, more than any other municipality in Spain.
Concluding the problems with street cleaning and waste disposal is also a priority, partly to finally terminate the illegal contracts that had been allowed to run, and partly to take on board the recommendations of the municipal technicians who had also been ignored in the past.
There have been many problems in the past with the relationship between the police and the town hall. Sometimes these have been seemingly petty problems like a street where a councillor lives having the parking restrictions altered, immediately after receiving a parking ticket, to major problems with shifts and shift patterns, which has left the municipality under covered at times, and officers in a vulnerable position.
The police have for a long time been trying to open dialogue with the town hall, but had not managed to make any progress.
The fact that José Manuel Dolón received a standing ovation in his first presentation to the police this week is indicative perhaps that they can finally see a better future.
There has been speculation that the Foreigner´s Office is to close; this has been denied vehemently by the town hall. They say that the office is an integral part of the town hall and they couldn´t close it if they wanted to. But, it is their intention to make it better, providing more staff and better help and communication, especially to foreigners, as they have been neglected in the past.
The new government do however accept that there will be no miracle cure for Torrevieja that will solve the problems overnight. Each councillor is now looking at their own departments and seeing what changes can be made.
They also accept that some departments are grossly overrepresented, and others are falling short, and so they aim collectively to ensure the balance is corrected.
It is a new era for the management of the municipality, once which they promise will be free of corruption. In fact, the government has already started to identify lots of issues which were jus “swept under the carpet” by the PP, which they will no deal with.
They have vowed to denounce through the courts ever case of corruption that they find. They also aim to be a more personally accountable government. For example, the mobile phone scandal that rocked the previous government could not happen again, as all of the councillors have opted to use their own personal mobile phones, which they will personally pay for, thus ending another extortionate drain on public money.
For his part, the mayor has also announced a cut in his salary, as he is retired and has a pension, and so he does not need to drain the public purse any further for his own benefit, that money also being able to be put back into public services.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47695/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In the wake of the new appointment of José Manuel Dolón of the Los Verdes as the mayor of Torrevieja, ousting the Partido Popular after 27 years, the new government has started to lay out its plans for the future, detailing some of the pr...

### NEW PSOE LEADER TALKS OF STAGNANT TORREVIEJA

The new head of the PSOE in Torrevieja, Fanny Serrano, gave her first interview to the British press this week, detailing the government's plans for the future of the municipality.
When asked about the importance of forming a government that would oust the Partido Popular after 27 years, Serrano commented that “it´s not so important, the problem is not PP, the problem is that Torrevieja was stagnant, stopped, so we need to start a new Torrevieja”, continuing, “the problem is 27 years of the same thing”.
The government of Torrevieja is now formed of a collection of parties that are forming a coalition, but by the very nature of those parties collaborating, the government of Torrevieja is now formed by councillors who received the most votes. When asked if that was important, Serrano responded, “Yes, that´s the most important thing. That´s democracy, although correcting one element, saying, “you call it a coalition, I call it the government”, then explaining how the government is formed by representatives of “62% of the population, we got the majority, that´s democracy”.
The former head of the PSOE, Ángel Saez, stepped down after the elections, taking personal responsibility for the reduction in votes that the PSOE received compared to the last elections four years ago.
When asked if Eduardo Dolón of the PP should resign having lost the municipality after 27 years, Serrano said, “I´m not going to talk about another party”, but wanted to thank Ángel, “a very honest and responsible person”, who decided that if the results were worse than 4 years ago, he would take responsibility, “it was his decision, but we very much appreciate his decision which has come from a very honest person”.
The current mayor, José Manuel Dolón of the Los Verdes green party, was voted by the majority of councillors in the corporation and so took on the role of head of the government. As part of the agreement to form a government, the mayor will be a rotating post during this four-year term, with Dolón taking power for the first half, and Serrano herself taking over for the PSOE after two year.
When asked what motivated the decision to place Dolón in power first, Serrano replied, “José Manuel Dolón has been at the town hall for years, he really knows the city, the town hall, the government, everything, and it is something that he really deserved, to be the mayor of Torrevieja”.
Serrano was then asked about the pay cut that the new mayor has forced on himself, which was applauded by many, Serrano explained that “he is retired, like many of the people who live here, he has a pension, so he decided not to get more money from the public”, and so that money will be able to be spent on public services, which is “absolutely different”.
Incidentally, the councillors will now be using their own mobile phones, paid for by themselves, thus saving even more money from the public purse.
With a coalition formed in Orihuela after the last election, the obvious question was as to how it could work in Torrevieja, given the problems so early on in the neighbouring municipality.
Serrano explained, “it´s absolutely a different situation”, in Orihuela, as well as the main parties, one of the three was a coalition”, the two parties of CLARO and CLR formed together, “that was the problem”. In Torrevieja, we have five parties, with the same program, the same vision for Torrevieja, and all going in the same direction. That´s the difference for Torrevieja, we have no coalition inside the government”.
When asked about becoming mayor in two years, Serrano was asked about the unusualness of the situation, responding, “no, it´s not so unusual, it´s the new politics”, explaining how Spain now has more parties than ever before, and what “the citizens want is for everybody to discuss, everybody talk and then get the best solutions for the citizens, and not one party saying ‘I´m going to do the things in that way and that´s the way, I´m not going to change anything', no. We´ve got five, six or eight, it doesn´t matter, the change of the government was very clear.
PSOE got 4 councillors, Los Verdes got 4 councillors, so both parties got the same number of councillors. It´s normal that both of the parties, Los Verdes and PSOE, have the right to be the mayor. But, from the PSOE, we understand that José Manuel Dolón deserves that situation first”.
The subject then turned to corruption and how Torrevieja, like many other councils, has been marred by numerous scandals in the past. “That´s very sad”, was the reply, but when asked what safeguards there are for the future, Serrano explained that the first point made by the new government, “was no to the corruption”.
Explaining that it is very important for them, and they are “going to denounce every single case” that they find, as well as pursuing the current cases which are proceeding, such as the mobile phone scandal, the expenses in the municipal theatre, and other urbanism cases such as the waste disposal site and anything new that they discover, as they are “not going to allow any single case of corruption in the town hall”, stressing, “no more corruption”. 
When asked about how Torrevieja has become rundown in recent years, with many streets filled with closed business remises, Serrano said, “for us it is very important,,, What we want to get is a more lively city”, it has to be cleaner and a “place that people want to be.
That´s very important for the heart of the city, cleaner, greener with more spaces for the public and we are going to start with this. We are going to start with all the environmental matters to make Torrevieja better, but more lively”.
As for bridging the gaps between the city and urbanisations, especially that many of the residents in urbanisations feel neglected with a lack of police patrols, street lights failing, and many other problems, the question of how the government will solve that problem was responded by the comment, “we want to stop this separation between Torrevieja central and the surrounding urbanisations. It makes no sense, it is all Torrevieja”.
The PSOE planned to have a rolling plan for councillors to visit urbanisations, which “we plan to continue”. But, “we want the neighbours from the urbanisations to come to the town hall, to speak to us, just talk to us, write and tell us what´s happened, because now everything is open, we are not as closed as we used to be”.
On the subject of reversing the damage by the General Plan, the government will now be forming a new plan that changes things back to offer protection to areas which have been changed, such as the protected nesting land which permission has been granted for the construction of a DIY store, and other protected land where permission has been given for a rubbish dump, “today we start with this.
Today! I just gave instructions to the technicians to start with this procedure, because it is absolutely necessary”. Torrevieja has an “old plan with 103 modifications. That´s incredible, It´s the most changed plan in the whole of Spain. It´s absolutely incredible. Nobody can understand why” there as so many change.
One of the most speculated issues has been the threatened closure of the International Residents Office. This has been vehemently denied. Serrano said, “absolutely not. I couldn´t believe that you asked that question.
I think the problem is that the PP think everything is their own. ‘It´s my office, it´s my town hall', no, it´s not yours, it´s for the citizens. The foreigners office is from the town hall, it´s for all citizens, so you can´t just close it in that way. I can´t understand why somebody would say something like this. It´s incredible!”
The plans submitted by the PSOE before the elections to increase the staffing in this office were raised “yes, of course” was the immediate response. When asked about improvements, “we have to study everything”, Serrano replied, “there are other departments which are over represented, so we need several weeks to study each department and make decisions”.
When asked about the fact that some people think that what has happened to Torrevieja is a disaster, Serrano responded, “they are wrong. Because the disaster was PP, absolutely”. Continuing, “what we have discovered after just one week, maybe you think everything was clear, but the problem is it´s not true. With the PP, I do everything on my own, without regulation, out of law, and so on. We just discovered a carpet with a lot of rubbish swept under it”. The government now plan to, “open the windows, open the doors, sweep the carpet, open everything, we want to listen to the citizens”, concluding that,
Torrevieja is going to be the best city”, a “new Torrevieja, a lively city, but overall, for us, foreigners are very important. We have more than half of the population which is foreign, The PP forgot the foreigners, they only look for you when they need you, every four years, just to vote.
We don´t want that, we want an interaction between the foreigners, the Spanish, the government and so on, we want another kind of town”.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47694/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The new head of the PSOE in Torrevieja, Fanny Serrano, gave her first interview to the British press this week, detailing the government's plans for the future of the municipality.
When asked about the importance of forming a government that would ous...

### TRBL AWARD FOR OLYMPIA RESTAURANT

The Orihuela Costa of the Royal British Legion held their June meeting at the Olympia Restaurant in Mil Palmeras last Thursday evening following which a Certificate of Appreciation was presented to restaurant owner Elaina for the help and support she has provided to the organisation since its formation at the beginning of 2008. 
The photograph shows Elaina receiving the award from Vice President Eddie Coleman.
The branch also held a spontaneous collection, initiated during AOB by member Ted Marsh, for the Gurkha Welfare Trust Earthquake Response Fund, created to provide emergency aid to the Gurkha and ex Ghurkha community affected by the earthquake last May.
A total of €255 was collected which has already been despatched to TRLB to be added to the initial £50,000 grant awarded by the charity last month.
Guest speaker for the evening was local broadcaster and journalist Keith Nicol who presented a short ‘What's on, in and around the local area' followed by an overview of cruising (by boat) in and around the Costa Blanca, which was remarkably well received.
Keith promised to return to the branch later in the year when he will treat the members to some previously unseen video footage of a dive onto the wreck of the Titanic.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47693/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Orihuela Costa of the Royal British Legion held their June meeting at the Olympia Restaurant in Mil Palmeras last Thursday evening following which a Certificate of Appreciation was presented to restaurant owner Elaina for the help and support she h...

### SPAIN EXTENDS US LEASE ON MORÓN AIR BASE

The Secretary General for Defence Policy, Alejandro Alvargonzález, has finalised the terms of the agreement with his US counterpart, James Townsend, for a year's extension to their use of the Morón de la Frontera airbase near Seville.
Spain will also assign a liaison officer to the general headquarters of the United States African Command (AFRICOM) and establish the possibility of assigning officials to other general headquarters in the near future; in turn, the United States is considering establishing an operational liaison officer to the Spanish Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Similarly, both the number of people involved, and the scope and quality of the joint training of military personnel from both countries will be stepped up and they will carry out a greater number of joint exercises; an initial investment of 29 million dollars will be guaranteed to make improvements at the base which will generate the jobs necessary to carry this out.
Furthermore, the two countries will seek opportunities for both present and future workers in the local community, in adherence to the principle of proportionality between US and Spanish workers provided by the agreement currently in force.
The United States also intends to recommend the approval of systematic transfers of arms and services to help boost the interoperability of the Spanish Armed Forces with the US Armed Forces.
At an industrial level, the U.S. National Defense Industrial Association and the Spanish Defence,
Aeronautics and Space Technology Association (TEDAE), intend to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the aim of promoting enhanced cooperation between Spain and the United States on issues related to weapons and cooperation on security issues.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47691/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Secretary General for Defence Policy, Alejandro Alvargonzález, has finalised the terms of the agreement with his US counterpart, James Townsend, for a year's extension to their use of the Morón de la Frontera airbase near Seville.
Sp...

### VAUXHALL ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR ALL-NEW BRIT-BUILT ASTRA

New Astra in showrooms in October priced from £15,295 OTR. Up to £2,200 less expensive than the outgoing model
Class-leading powertrains achieve up to 91.1mpg and as low as 82g/km
Luton – Vauxhall's all-new Astra will be in showrooms in October priced from £15,295 on-the-road.
The new model, built at Vauxhall's manufacturing plant in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, is up to £2,200 less expensive than the outgoing model with a simplified range. The new Astra range includes Design, Tech Line, Energy, SRi and Elite, with Nav versions of the SRi and Elite trims also available.
Range highlights include the 1.0-litre three-cylinder Turbo Start/Stop ecoFLEX model priced from £15,995 on-the-road. With an Easytronic five-speed automatic transmission, the same model achieves a class-leading 96g/km CO2 emissions.
The range-topping 1.6-litre (200PS) is available in SRi trim priced from £20,435 on-the-road. The diesel offering includes the 1.6-litre ‘Whisper Diesel' (110PS) Start/Stop ecoFLEX model (prices start at £17,495 on-the-road) that achieves 91.1mpg and class-leading CO2 emissions of 82g/km (provisional).
Each trim level features a high level of standard spec:
Prices start from £15,295 on-the-road, £150 less than outgoing model
16-inch alloy wheels
led daytime running lights, 6 airbags
Air conditioning
R4.0 IntelliLink audio system with digital radio
7-inch colour touchscreen, USB & aux in
Bluetooth connectivity, multi-function trip computer
Cruise control and steering wheel controls
Electrically operated front and rear windows  
Tech Line (over Design)
Prices start from £15,995 on-the-road, £775 less than outgoing model
Navi 900 satellite navigation system with 8 inch colour touchscreen and voice recognition
Leather steering wheel, adjustable front armrest
Energy (over Design)
Prices start from £17,295 on-the-road, £625 less than outgoing model
17-inch 10 spoke alloy wheels
Heated front seats and heated leather steering wheel
SRi (over Design)
Prices start from £17,895 on-the-road, £970 less than outgoing model
17-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels
Driving Assistance Pack (front camera system)
OnStar, Sight & Light Pack
Sports seats, sports switch
Leather steering wheel
Front foglamps
SRi Nav (over SRi)
Navi 900 satellite navigation system with 8 inch colour touchscreen and voice recognition 
Elite (over Design)
Prices start from £19,315 on-the-road, £1,960 less than outgoing model
17-inch multi spoke alloy wheels
Leather ergonomic sports front seats with extendable seat cushions, tilt and four-way electrical lumbar adjustment
Tilt and four-way electrical lumbar adjustment
Heated front and rear outer seats
OnStar, Sight & Light Pack
Electronic climate control
Front foglamps
Electrically foldable door mirrors
Two USB chargers for rear seat passengers
Elite Nav (over Elite)
Navi 900 satellite navigation system with 8 inch colour touchscreen and voice recognitionFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47690/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: New Astra in showrooms in October priced from £15,295 OTR. Up to £2,200 less expensive than the outgoing model
Class-leading powertrains achieve up to 91.1mpg and as low as 82g/km
Luton – Vauxhall's all-new Astra will be in showroom...

### NO DRACONIAN MEASURES FOR THE COSTA BLANCA

Following the introduction of new rules to clean up the drunken image of Spanish party town Magaluf, a number of establishments in the Valencian Community are suggesting that many of the measures they have brought in are too draconian and not necessary on the Costa Blanca.
Hosbec, the association which represents over 200 hoteliers in the region, has said that it has negotiated the inclusion of a clause with the Ministry of Tourism, which allows Costa Blanca's establishments to impose their own internal rules against disruptive clients, as and when they are necessary, particularly in areas that are private, such as function rooms, swimming pools, gymnasiums or other such locales, enabling them to regulate their own quality standards.
Hosbec President Antoni Mayor says that Benidorm registers 11 million overnight stays per year and while there are some "extreme cases" that require some “extreme measures” they can be dealt with "in different ways”.
It is not necessary to impose blanket bans on such matters as the consumption of alcohol outdoors. In the event of unruly behavior brought about by drunkenness such individuals can usually be dealt with on a local basis.
Unfortunately ‘brand Magaluf' is being destroyed as a tourist destination by the images of drunken teenagers appearing in the media.
Fortunately this is not the case in this part of Spain, so as long as hoteliers are sensible with their treatment of the holidaying public, the Costa Blanca will continue to be the number one holiday destination for many millions of Europeans.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47689/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following the introduction of new rules to clean up the drunken image of Spanish party town Magaluf, a number of establishments in the Valencian Community are suggesting that many of the measures they have brought in are too draconian and not necessary on the Costa Blanca.
Hosbec, the association which represents over 200 hoteliers in the region, has said that it has negotiated the inclusion of a clause with the Ministry of Tourism, which allows Costa Blanca's establishments to impose their own internal rules against disruptive clients, as and when they are necessary, particularly in areas that are private, such as function rooms, swimming pools, gymnasiums or other such locales, enabling them to regulate their own quality standards.
Hosbec President Antoni Mayor says that Benidorm registers 11 million overnight stays per year and while there are some "extreme cases" that require some “extreme measures” they can be dealt with "in different ways”.
It is not necessary to impose blanket bans on such matters as the consumption of alcohol outdoors. In the event of unruly behavior brought about by drunkenness such individuals can usually be dealt with on a local basis.
Unfortunately ‘brand Magaluf' is being destroyed as a tourist destination by the images of drunken teenagers appearing in the media.
Fortunately this is not the case in this part of Spain, so as long as hoteliers are sensible with their treatment of the holidaying public, the Costa Blanca will continue to be the number one holiday destination for many millions of Europeans.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47689/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### NEW SUPPORT GROUP FOR NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS

My name is Dermott Gardner. I have Motor Neuron disease and Parkinson`s. I have realized although there are some specific large organizations for certain well known conditions. 
There is no support for those with unusual neurological issues.
I wanted to start the group as regardless of the condition, neurological patients are confronted with sometimes similar side effects and obstacles of everyday life.
As well as the language barriers of healthcare living here in Spain with a illness.
We have already had one meeting and are looking to meet others who suffer from any neurological condition. In fact there are over 600 neurological diseases and conditions.
The meetings are designed to be informal, where we can offer peer help as well as occasional guest speakers.
The next meeting is on the 22nd June at the Cosmopolitan bar in El Galan on Calle Pico Lobo. The guest speaker will be from the Help at Home, a local charity organization here on the Costa Blanca. For any information please call 617 214 313Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47688/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: My name is Dermott Gardner. I have Motor Neuron disease and Parkinson`s. I have realized although there are some specific large organizations for certain well known conditions. 
There is no support for those with unusual neurological issues.
I wanted...

### LAVENDER LEMONADE AND BISCUITS

One of our neighbours, Noelia, called to see us a few days ago, and I was a little taken aback when she pounced upon the lavender growing vigorously in our garden. 
Noelia excitedly pointed at the plants and told me that she had tried growing lavender on many occasions, but without success and couldn't understand why our plants were full of bloom and giving off a heady perfume, when after all, she only lived a few doors away. 
I am no gardening expert, so didn't really have a ready answer, but promised to try to grow some cuttings for her. It was a promise that I then immediately regretted, since I have never grown cuttings from lavender before.
Gardening and plants have always given me a lot of pleasure, and I have been working quite hard recently to improve our small garden. It has taken a few years to get around to developing it as I would like, mainly because I have been waiting to complete a long awaited extension, which would also mean digging up well established existing trees and shrubs, and a job that I have to admit to putting off.
However, the main work has now been done and I can concentrate on developing a garden that is easy to maintain, but also to reflect my love of a few special plants to remind me of our home in the UK, as well as Canarian plants that I know will grow well in the hot, often arid conditions of the south of Gran Canaria where I live.
One of the plants that I knew would grow easily in the Canary Islands and Spain is lavender. From my experience in the UK, I knew that once it is established it is relatively trouble free, its heady scent wards of some of the nasty insects and it would flower with ease until it grew too 'woody' and would have to be dug up.
It was during my research into how to successfully grow cuttings for Noelia, that I discovered that lavender is part of the mint family, and is actually native to the Canary Islands, as well as the South of France, so I am surprised that I do not see more plants growing in gardens and on patios. 
Its beautiful purple blooms, silver foliage and heady perfume make it an ideal garden plant. Bees love it too, and although some regard it as a short-lived plant, I have had the same plants flowering freely for many years, albeit with the occasional dramatic prune when it starts to look too 'woody'.
I also grow lavender in pots on our patio, as well as planted in the garden, and began to wonder why our plants have been so successful, whereas Noelia's plants died. I suspect it is due to poor drainage, since these plants do best, and produce more scented oil, in dry soil.
I use a simple watering system beneath the soil that operates for only two minutes, twice a day, and so the plants never have too much water, and both garden and pot plants are planted in gritty soil to provide good drainage.
Noelia also told me that one of the reasons why she wanted to grow lavender was to collect the flower sprigs and to dry them for use in her home. In addition, Noelia wanted to add lavender to freshly made lemonade to add flavour, as well as adding it to home made biscuits.
I am not at all sure about this, because as much as I like the plant, and appreciate its perfume for warding of mosquitoes and other nasty insects, I don't think I would appreciate too much of the perfume indoors, nor am I too keen on Noelia's idea of drinking or eating the plant.
If anyone does try this, do please let me know the outcome, but do only use lavender that has not been treated with garden chemicals.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle. 
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47687/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: One of our neighbours, Noelia, called to see us a few days ago, and I was a little taken aback when she pounced upon the lavender growing vigorously in our garden. 
Noelia excitedly pointed at the plants and told me that she had tried growing lavender...

### HEAT WAVE WARNING SYSTEM IMPLEMENTED

The Ministry of Health has launched a meteorological monitoring system for the summer to help prevent and treat health problems as a result of extreme temperatures. 
The campaign, named “Ola de Calor 2015”, will operate throughout the country with every health department following the same protocols that have been in place since 2004, in order to “prevent, minimize and assess the impacts on the health of the population arising from high temperatures in the community, with particular attention to the possible occurrence of heat waves. “
Across Valencia, there are now 30 identifiable zones where temperature thresholds have been defined, with daily maps indicating the risk factor through the usual series of warning colours, green, yellow, orange and red.
Each temperature level is accompanied by a series of protocols and a series of actions required in order to maintain safety in the sun.
The heat map, along with other health related information, will be available on the health department´s website, http://cuidatecv.es/en in the Valencia community, as well as on http://www.ceam.es/ceamet/, where the UV index is also available.
Meanwhile, the spring season, which is from March to May, has been “very warm” and “very wet” across the Valencia region, with an average temperature of 14.9 degrees and an average of 178.7 litres per square metre of rainfall.
The data was presented this week in the climatology press conference held seasonally by the Spanish meteorological office, who also state that in view of the recent data, the summer season, June to August, is 40% likely to be “above normal” temperatures, and in any case will be “hot”. The good news for many is that there is likely to be a continuation of the rainfall throughout the summer, which will hopefully ease the current threat of drought.
Currently, as of the daily data from the 18th of June, most local reservoirs are currently just over half full. In the Segura basin, they are currently at 59.6% of their capacity, with the Pedrera at Torremendo only holding 157 cubic hectometres of its 246 cubic hectometre capacity and Crevillente only holding 5 cubic hectometres of its 13 cubic hectometre capacity.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47686/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Ministry of Health has launched a meteorological monitoring system for the summer to help prevent and treat health problems as a result of extreme temperatures. 
The campaign, named “Ola de Calor 2015”, will operate throughout the coun...

### MIDSUMMER HOGUERAS CELEBRATIONS

All of this week, many visitors to Torrevieja have witnessed the apparition of unusual creatures on the streets, and the papier mâché sculptures which will be burnt as part of the Hogueras, Midsummer night celebrations have been put on display.
The two main areas of focus to see the creations are Barrio Acequión and Barrio El Calvario, where the streets are dressed in bunting and the artistic creations on display.
A variety of events have been running through the weekend and continuing into the week, when the neighbours of the different areas come together to celebrate, in preparation for burning the effigies in a symbol ritual.
The event in Torrevieja will culminate on the evening of the 23rd, starting at 9pm, on the Playa del Cura. On the eve of Midsummer, thousands of people normally gather on the beaches to celebrate through the purifying ritual of lighting a bonfire on the beach and (hopefully) jumping over it, finally ending with a dip in the sea, and fireworks on Paseo Juan Aparicio.
Aside from the ritualistic element, the celebrations usually continue throughout the night as the partygoers celebrate the seasonal change in one of the most anticipated nocturnal events of the year.
However, this is not a unique Torrevieja event, similar events take place across Spain but the main location for the bonfires and party locally is in Alicante, particularly in the San Juan area, the main focus of the event.
Alicante celebrates a public holiday for the celebrations, after the event was declared as being of International Tourist Interest in 1983.
This festival itself dates back to the times when Alicante farmers celebrated the longest day of the year for the harvesting of crops and the shortest night for the destruction of evil, a tradition which soon spread to Alicante, although the then town hall effectively tried to ban the event before it began, issuing a notice stating, “Do not light bonfires in the streets, or shoot rockets on the night of San Juan”, with a penalty imposed on those who continued.
However, in 1881, an oversight by the council meant that the proclamation was not published, and so, taking advantage, the residents of Alicante joined together in neighbourhood groups to create their own street parties.
It was in 1928that the celebrations became official in the city of Alicante, founder José María Py urged the city council to give the celebration the same focus and attention as in Valencia, and so from tradition, the event which takes place today was officially born.
For its part, Valencia celebrated the event officially from 1932, although there was a break for the Civil War between 1936 and 1939 throughout, and is the ultimate destination for anybody wanting to celebrate the fallas in true style.
Valencia becomes awash with party spirit for the five days that conclude on Midsummer, with parades, bonfires and fireworks, much like the other celebrations, but on a much larger scale.
Fireworks, bangers, fires and costumes, plus the burning of the models are all part of the event, with music and drinking to accompany the action, you have a choice of locations to celebrate.
Maybe start small(er) with Torrevieja, go mid-range in Alicante, or travel to the ultimate party capital for fallas, Valencia. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47685/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: All of this week, many visitors to Torrevieja have witnessed the apparition of unusual creatures on the streets, and the papier mâché sculptures which will be burnt as part of the Hogueras, Midsummer night celebrations have been put on dis...

### DECLINE IN ORGANISED CRIME

Francisco Martínez, the Secretary of State or Security, says that the decline in organised crime in Spain is closely linked to the growing efficiency of the law enforcement agencies 
At a seminar on the application of the National Security Strategy organised by Grupo Atenea, which took place two years on from the approval of the National Security Strategy, the minister focused his speech on the two "major challenges" for the security and freedom of all citizens: organised crime and energy security in the area of critical infrastructures.
He pointed out that with the latest data of 662 criminal groups registered in 2011 and 456 in 2014 "there is a clearly falling trend in the activity of organised crime in Spain, which is closely linked to the growing efficiency of the law enforcement agencies and intelligence work, and a testimony to the civic values of Spanish society."
As he explained: "Spain is today the third safest country in the European Union, or to put it another way: one of the safest countries in the world." This statement is based on the fact that the current crime rate has fallen from 48.4 crimes per 1,000 residents recorded at the close of 2011 to 44.4 in April 2015.
In this respect, the State Secretary for Security has highlighted the "excellent work" of the Intelligence Centre for Terrorism and Organised Crime (Spanish acronym: CITCO), which in 2014 investigated more than 17,000 individuals and arrested over 6,000 related to this type of crime.
In addition, he said that in the fight against various forms of organised crime CITCO also detected 456 groups, of which 431 - in other words 94% - were totally or partially dismantled.
At the same time, Francisco Martínez highlighted the work carried out by the law enforcement agencies to combat human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
He pointed out that on the preventive front, 14,000 people, mainly women, were identified in 2014 as being in a situation of risk and, with respect to policing, 270 police reports were issued, 561 people arrested and 63 criminal groups dismantled.
On energy security, Francisco Martínez stated that Spain is a country that depends excessively on foreign sources when it comes to energy resources such as natural gas and oil, making it a vulnerable country from the energy point of view.
That is why he explained that currently the State Secretariat for Security is participating actively in the preparation of a new National Energy Security Strategy, which is due to be approved in the coming weeks.
The State Secretary then referred to the system of protection for critical infrastructures against terrorist attacks or other threats.
Here he explained that the National Centre for the Protection of Critical Infrastructures (CNPIC), which is part of the State Secretariat for Security, is responsible for developing strategic energy plans in the electricity, gas, oil and nuclear industry sectors.
Among the actions included is identification of the main critical infrastructures in the energy sector and design of the strategic measures necessary for their protection.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47684/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Francisco Martínez, the Secretary of State or Security, says that the decline in organised crime in Spain is closely linked to the growing efficiency of the law enforcement agencies 
At a seminar on the application of the National Security Strategy organised by Grupo Atenea, which took place two years on from the approval of the National Security Strategy, the minister focused his speech on the two "major challenges" for the security and freedom of all citizens: organised crime and energy security in the area of critical infrastructures.
He pointed out that with the latest data of 662 criminal groups registered in 2011 and 456 in 2014 "there is a clearly falling trend in the activity of organised crime in Spain, which is closely linked to the growing efficiency of the law enforcement agencies and intelligence work, and a testimony to the civic values of Spanish society."
As he explained: "Spain is today the third safest country in the European Union, or to put it another way: one of the safest countries in the world." This statement is based on the fact that the current crime rate has fallen from 48.4 crimes per 1,000 residents recorded at the close of 2011 to 44.4 in April 2015.
In this respect, the State Secretary for Security has highlighted the "excellent work" of the Intelligence Centre for Terrorism and Organised Crime (Spanish acronym: CITCO), which in 2014 investigated more than 17,000 individuals and arrested over 6,000 related to this type of crime.
In addition, he said that in the fight against various forms of organised crime CITCO also detected 456 groups, of which 431 - in other words 94% - were totally or partially dismantled.
At the same time, Francisco Martínez highlighted the work carried out by the law enforcement agencies to combat human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
He pointed out that on the preventive front, 14,000 people, mainly women, were identified in 2014 as being in a situation of risk and, with respect to policing, 270 police reports were issued, 561 people arrested and 63 criminal groups dismantled.
On energy security, Francisco Martínez stated that Spain is a country that depends excessively on foreign sources when it comes to energy resources such as natural gas and oil, making it a vulnerable country from the energy point of view.
That is why he explained that currently the State Secretariat for Security is participating actively in the preparation of a new National Energy Security Strategy, which is due to be approved in the coming weeks.
The State Secretary then referred to the system of protection for critical infrastructures against terrorist attacks or other threats.
Here he explained that the National Centre for the Protection of Critical Infrastructures (CNPIC), which is part of the State Secretariat for Security, is responsible for developing strategic energy plans in the electricity, gas, oil and nuclear industry sectors.
Among the actions included is identification of the main critical infrastructures in the energy sector and design of the strategic measures necessary for their protection.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47684/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ALICANTE POLITICIAN CALLS FOR REFERENDUM TO BAN BULLFIGHTING

Marisol Moreno, the new councillor for Animal Protection in Alicante, says that she supports a national ban of bullfighting in Spain, and calls for a referendum to ban the activity throughout the municipality.
She says that ban is supported by a large number of government councillors, members of the Guanyar Alicante, which is made up by EU, Podemos and politicians from plataformas Ciudadanas.
She also states that there is some support from members of the PSOE and Compromís parties and that a council vote would see the municipal government position itself clearly behind the veto.
Indeed the new Councillor for Youth and Animal Protection, was out protesting within hours of being sworn in, taking time to attend the protest at the Plaza de Toros in support of the Alliance Platform ‘Animals Feel'.
The organization is also calling for the closure of the Bullfighting School in Alicante which teaches the ‘sport' to children aged between 9 and 16. Moreno said that she believes many of the children are simply "victims" of bullfighting and pressured into attending the school by their parents.
And the protests are just beginning with the next demonstration scheduled for 20 June the first day of the San Juan bonfires in the city. The rally will be held in the Plaza de la Estrella under the title of ‘Bloodless Fires'.
Discussion surrounding bullfighting bans are not only being held in Alicante.  The new Los Verdes government team in Villena has already said that they will no longer allow bullfights to take place in the town.
In Alicante a further motion was passed to ban circuses in the city that use live animals in their shows.
Last year, Spain's parliament bestowed cultural-heritage status on bullfighting, making it much harder for further bans beyond that of Catalonia in 2010, and the Canaries in the early 1990s, to take effect. Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the former Socialist Party prime minister, has said that he is not in favour of prohibition, too, while the currently ruling Partido Popular party has rejected the notion completely.
Bullfighting is also enjoyed in some southern parts of France which added La Corrida, as it is known, to its list of “intangible heritage” back in 2011, but subsequently removed any mention of it from their website after outrage from animal rights activists
It seems hard to believe that in this so-called civilised age, such a cruel spectacle continues to flourish in Spain.
Bullfighting is yet another example of a barbaric ‘sport' and many people feel that it should have been banned several years ago.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47683/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Marisol Moreno, the new councillor for Animal Protection in Alicante, says that she supports a national ban of bullfighting in Spain, and calls for a referendum to ban the activity throughout the municipality.
She says that ban is supported by a large number of government councillors, members of the Guanyar Alicante, which is made up by EU, Podemos and politicians from plataformas Ciudadanas.
She also states that there is some support from members of the PSOE and Compromís parties and that a council vote would see the municipal government position itself clearly behind the veto.
Indeed the new Councillor for Youth and Animal Protection, was out protesting within hours of being sworn in, taking time to attend the protest at the Plaza de Toros in support of the Alliance Platform ‘Animals Feel'.
The organization is also calling for the closure of the Bullfighting School in Alicante which teaches the ‘sport' to children aged between 9 and 16. Moreno said that she believes many of the children are simply "victims" of bullfighting and pressured into attending the school by their parents.
And the protests are just beginning with the next demonstration scheduled for 20 June the first day of the San Juan bonfires in the city. The rally will be held in the Plaza de la Estrella under the title of ‘Bloodless Fires'.
Discussion surrounding bullfighting bans are not only being held in Alicante.  The new Los Verdes government team in Villena has already said that they will no longer allow bullfights to take place in the town.
In Alicante a further motion was passed to ban circuses in the city that use live animals in their shows.
Last year, Spain's parliament bestowed cultural-heritage status on bullfighting, making it much harder for further bans beyond that of Catalonia in 2010, and the Canaries in the early 1990s, to take effect. Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the former Socialist Party prime minister, has said that he is not in favour of prohibition, too, while the currently ruling Partido Popular party has rejected the notion completely.
Bullfighting is also enjoyed in some southern parts of France which added La Corrida, as it is known, to its list of “intangible heritage” back in 2011, but subsequently removed any mention of it from their website after outrage from animal rights activists
It seems hard to believe that in this so-called civilised age, such a cruel spectacle continues to flourish in Spain.
Bullfighting is yet another example of a barbaric ‘sport' and many people feel that it should have been banned several years ago.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47683/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### BIKE LANE CONFUSION CAUSES MORE SUFFERING FOR ELDERLY

Despite the plaudits, most of which were generated themselves, through press releases from the Orihuela Council, the introduction of a new cycle lane down Calle Fuego, opposite the Cabo Roig Medical centre, running alongside the Marinasol Bar and Restaurant is an absolute nonsense and yet another example of the lack of thought put into urban planning on the Orihuela Costa.
With parking for the aged and infirm in close proximity to the medical centre already in short supply, the former councillor for Mobility and Transport, Manuel Gallud, has now taken away a further 20 free spaces, forcing many of the sick and elderly who regularly attend the centre a much longer walk.
The removal of the spaces comes at the start of the summer and, with the installation of a fairground in the car park directly adjoining the centre, follows the loss of another 20 or so spaces in the area.
Having spoken to local residents and bar owners I understand that the new cycle lane is rarely used despite the orchestration of a couple of cyclists in the images used with the press release.
Or am I getting confused, as judging by the signs that are still in evidence 2 weeks after the opening of the lane, we can still park in it after all?
I suppose it will only be clarified after some poor soul tries to contest the 200 euro fine he got for taking the chance! 
            Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47682/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Despite the plaudits, most of which were generated themselves, through press releases from the Orihuela Council, the introduction of a new cycle lane down Calle Fuego, opposite the Cabo Roig Medical centre, running alongside the Marinasol Bar and Resta...

### VENTURE FLEET SPONSOR FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA 7’S

This year is the 4th Formentera del Segura 7's, on 27 June, with Costa Cobras RFC helping out with the running of it, also a big thank you to our new sponsors, Venture Fleet Auto-Technician and Body Shop, who have taken over the sponsorship for the tournament trophies.
The club itself have also got a team involved in the tournament and over the last couple of weeks have gone from 6 players to 12 players joining the club of various nationalities, making the club a true international one.
The men's teams for the tournament will be split into two leagues with teams from Costa Cobras RFC, Albacete, Torrevieja Tigers, Lorca, Elche, Squalos (San Javier), Villena and Los Zorros playing, we also have ladies teams playing as well.
The tournament will be kicking off at 10.00 at the Polideportivo Formentera del Segura with the third half in Bar Pepito in the town. So come on down and see some local rugby and support this great sport.
We have now started training on Guardamar beach on Tuesday at 19.00 down in front of the restaurants, so all are welcome to come along and join in.
All ages, gender and nationalities are welcome, from beginners to experienced players, the more the merrier, as we are based on the true traditional ethics of the sport. So come along and join the newest rugby club on the Costa Blanca.
Also team bonding after training in the nearest bar for a drink and chat, just how rugby should be. Training still takes place on Monday and Wednesday from 18.00-19.30 for the juniors, while the seniors will be training from 20.00-21.30 at Daya Vieja sports ground.
 
So get those boots out and come on down to Daya Vieja sports ground and join in the rugby revolution of 2015, with the Rugby World Cup to look forward to as well, get into this great sport.
For more information about the club contact myself, Dutch, on 692 767 242 or Robert on 697 286 416. Also I am back down at Zoco market on Sunday again from 09.00-13.30, so come on down and find more out about the club and rugby in the area.
Also for all of your rugby branded clothing and gear including Canterbury casuals and Cotton Traders shirts. Also come down to the rugby 7's tournament on the Saturday and have a fun day out in true rugby spirit and chat to the club members.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47678/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This year is the 4th Formentera del Segura 7's, on 27 June, with Costa Cobras RFC helping out with the running of it, also a big thank you to our new sponsors, Venture Fleet Auto-Technician and Body Shop, who have taken over the sponsorship for the tou...

### POLICE SEIZE NEGLECTED STALLION AFTER PUBLIC COMPLAINTS

A grey stallion left without food and water has been seized by San Pedro del Pinatar police and handed to the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre in Rojales.
Police called in the rescue centre last Monday (June 15) after complaints from members of the public, who were concerned about the horse's skeletal appearance.
Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre co-founder Sue Weeding said veterinarian checks showed the stallion was malnourished but otherwise healthy. He will now be cared for at the rescue centre.
“We're delighted to see the police now acting on public complaints, which even just two years ago wouldn't have happened,” Sue said.
“We are so encouraged by the changes that we're seeing, there's a huge movement forward in Spain for animal welfare and these rescues do have a knock on effect because people start to realise that they can't get away with animal abuse.”
Sue said the challenge for the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre now, after eight years of operation, was to continue raising enough money to grow as a structured organisation with the resources to respond to every case.
As part of its fundraising efforts, the centre will soon open its ninth charity shop selling second hand clothes, furniture and bric-a-brac in Dolores.
A manager and volunteers are needed to run the Dolores shop, which is expected to open in about four weeks' time. If you're interested in helping out, please call Sue on 652 021 980.
The centre also accepts donations to stock its charity shops. Large donated items such as furniture can be collected from your house and each shop also offers a delivery service for large items purchased from the charity stores.
Every cent donated to the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre or spent in the charity shops goes towards the feeding and care of the more than 90 horses, ponies and donkeys that live at the centre.
The rescue centre, located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga 59, opens to the public on the first Sunday of every month from 1pm to 4pm. For more details and directions, please visit www.easyhorsecare.net.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47675/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A grey stallion left without food and water has been seized by San Pedro del Pinatar police and handed to the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre in Rojales.
Police called in the rescue centre last Monday (June 15) after complaints from members of the publi...

### STADIUM SPRUCE UP FOR TORRY

The players maybe having their summer break but they are still working hard behind the scenes at CD Torrevieja.  With the coaching team confirmed for next season, attention has turned to the stadium for different reasons.
Built in the 1970's, not much has changed at Estadio Vicente Garcia which is just opposite Sports City.  With the last coat of paint being applied nearly a decade ago, club director Chris Darwen and his Business and Community Manager Barrie Crawford are appealing to the local community to support them in their efforts to freshen the ground up.
 “Nobody can deny that the Vicente Garcia is a beautiful place to watch and play football.  I've watched a lot of games across the world and not many beat being here on a Sunday evening as the sun sets,” says Chris. 
"Sadly, the ground itself is looking a little tired and we are looking to get some hands on deck this summer to give it a makeover!”
Barrie continued, “on the 18th July we are holding a Painting Party here at the ground.  We are asking for two things really. 
Firstly, if you cannot make it, donate a pot of paint.  Just that gesture will show us that the club means something to the locals.  Better still, join us on the 18th, bring the paint and a roller and spend the day with us making the ground look great for the players next season!”
Club Vice-President Jefferson Scott has offered to pay for drinks aplenty for the workforce on the day and local businessman Sean Bell will providing some food at no cost to volunteers. 
The club are appealing for paint donations, white or blue, and asking local people to be at the ground at 10am on July 18th.  All you need to bring is a roller and tray, a great attitude and, again, some paint.
For more information, contact Chris at the club on cdtorreviejaofficial@gmail.com or on 966-923231.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47674/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The players maybe having their summer break but they are still working hard behind the scenes at CD Torrevieja.  With the coaching team confirmed for next season, attention has turned to the stadium for different reasons.
Built in the 1970's, not much has changed at Estadio Vicente Garcia which is just opposite Sports City.  With the last coat of paint being applied nearly a decade ago, club director Chris Darwen and his Business and Community Manager Barrie Crawford are appealing to the local community to support them in their efforts to freshen the ground up.
 “Nobody can deny that the Vicente Garcia is a beautiful place to watch and play football.  I've watched a lot of games across the world and not many beat being here on a Sunday evening as the sun sets,” says Chris. 
"Sadly, the ground itself is looking a little tired and we are looking to get some hands on deck this summer to give it a makeover!”
Barrie continued, “on the 18th July we are holding a Painting Party here at the ground.  We are asking for two things really. 
Firstly, if you cannot make it, donate a pot of paint.  Just that gesture will show us that the club means something to the locals.  Better still, join us on the 18th, bring the paint and a roller and spend the day with us making the ground look great for the players next season!”
Club Vice-President Jefferson Scott has offered to pay for drinks aplenty for the workforce on the day and local businessman Sean Bell will providing some food at no cost to volunteers. 
The club are appealing for paint donations, white or blue, and asking local people to be at the ground at 10am on July 18th.  All you need to bring is a roller and tray, a great attitude and, again, some paint.
For more information, contact Chris at the club on cdtorreviejaofficial@gmail.com or on 966-923231.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47674/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### SANGUINE WINS HIS MARIGOLDS

The June meeting of the Vega Baja Garden Club was the final one of the season before the summer break.
Members enjoyed an informal lunch, and a garden quiz, which had been prepared by Alan Davis, a member of the club.
The marigold growing competition was judged by John Howes, an experienced RHS judge.  Some months ago, members were given seeds, the aim being to produce the best flowering marigold plant. The winning plant was grown by Terry Sangwine, John commended it for its even and balanced shape and flowers.
The meeting ended with the usual raffle of plants.
The next meeting will be held after the summer break at Bar Trasgu, Calle Alicante 12, Formentera del Segura, on Monday 7th September at 2.15 for a 2.30 start.
If you are interested in gardening and would like to come along to the meeting, please do so, you will be most welcome.
For further information, please contact The Vega Baja Garden Club at vegabajagardenclub@gmail.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47673/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The June meeting of the Vega Baja Garden Club was the final one of the season before the summer break.
Members enjoyed an informal lunch, and a garden quiz, which had been prepared by Alan Davis, a member of the club.
The marigold growing competition...

### TRAFFIC POLICE TO GET MOBILE VEHICLE INSPECTION UNITS

Traffic police in Spain will soon receive more equipment to help in their enforcement of the law, after two separate contracts were published in the state bulletin for acquisitions.
The first contract is valued at 363,000 euro and is for the supply of three mobile units which will be used to check for irregularities in both the vehicles and ITV certificates during routine checks.
The mobile inspection units will be able to detect faults in such elements as brakes, tyres, suspension and other vehicle components, with enforced immobilisation an option in the event of faults being detected.
The three mobile units will be given to the Guardia Civil and will carry two mechanics in each. 
It is estimated that 20% of all vehicles on the roads have irregularities with their ITV certificates and inspections and these units will support other technology such as automatic number plate recognition which checks the database for ITV expiration and alerts the central computer of its findings, so that sanctions can be issued.
In addition, the DGT has purchased an additional 18 radar cameras, at a cost of 900,000 euro, which will be used for monitoring the road network for speeding vehicles.
All of this is in addition to the recent purchase of camouflaged cars with new radar equipment installed, and the continual focus on reducing the problem of speeding on the roads.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47672/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Traffic police in Spain will soon receive more equipment to help in their enforcement of the law, after two separate contracts were published in the state bulletin for acquisitions.
The first contract is valued at 363,000 euro and is for the supply of...

### BRITAIN'S U20 NATIONAL TRIATHLON CHAMPION'S SUMMER VACATION IN LOS MONTESINOS

TRI-ATHLETE Jack Hindle will be jetting off to Spain - in the wake of becoming Britain's under 20s National Triathlon Champion this week.
"I am really happy to be the National U20 standard distance champion," Jack told me - ahead of boarding a flight to Alicante-Elche airport.
Lancashire star Jack is visiting his granddad John Hindle, who lives in Los Montesinos, Alicante, for a summer break.
Jack, a member of Blackburn Harriers, competed in the Deva Triathlon at Chester.  In the standard distance 1500m swim Jack returned at time of 19:09; in the 40km Bike race clocked 1:02:30, and in the 10km run returned at time of 36:57, finishing in a total time of 2:02:30.
Jack won first place in the age group 17-18 - and first in the U20s National Triathlon Championships.
And Jack, who finished 20th overall - out of 1100 competitors - said: "Thanks to all the lads that I train with - and the help and support they give. 
"Also a special mention to Brian Fogarty, Paul Guinan and George S Davies for the huge guidance - plus my mum and dad for everything!"
And Jack's granddad, John Hindle, who resides on La Herrada, Los Montesinos, said: "Well done Jack - I am so proud of you!
"I am 'chuffed to punch!', I am. All his hard work is paying off now."
Jack, who will be relaxing away from his racing schedule for a few weeks in Spain, said: "I fly back to England on July 4 - due to racing commitments,"Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47671/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: TRI-ATHLETE Jack Hindle will be jetting off to Spain - in the wake of becoming Britain's under 20s National Triathlon Champion this week.
"I am really happy to be the National U20 standard distance champion," Jack told me - ahead of boarding a flight to Alicante-Elche airport.
Lancashire star Jack is visiting his granddad John Hindle, who lives in Los Montesinos, Alicante, for a summer break.
Jack, a member of Blackburn Harriers, competed in the Deva Triathlon at Chester.  In the standard distance 1500m swim Jack returned at time of 19:09; in the 40km Bike race clocked 1:02:30, and in the 10km run returned at time of 36:57, finishing in a total time of 2:02:30.
Jack won first place in the age group 17-18 - and first in the U20s National Triathlon Championships.
And Jack, who finished 20th overall - out of 1100 competitors - said: "Thanks to all the lads that I train with - and the help and support they give. 
"Also a special mention to Brian Fogarty, Paul Guinan and George S Davies for the huge guidance - plus my mum and dad for everything!"
And Jack's granddad, John Hindle, who resides on La Herrada, Los Montesinos, said: "Well done Jack - I am so proud of you!
"I am 'chuffed to punch!', I am. All his hard work is paying off now."
Jack, who will be relaxing away from his racing schedule for a few weeks in Spain, said: "I fly back to England on July 4 - due to racing commitments,"Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47671/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### LIFEGUARDS START WORK ON ORIHUELA COSTA BEACHES

Well at long last we seem to have lifeguards on the Orihuela Costa Beaches. 
They started work on Monday last, 15th June, far too late for some, unfortunately, but at least they will now be with us during the main holiday season, through until the 25th September.
They will be allocated according to the size and demand of each beach of course but on Campoamor, where I met up with Carlos Berra (left) and his team, there will be between 4 and 6, starting at 10am and working through until 8pm on all seven days of the week.
Each lifeguard will have the usual safety equipment as well as a 2 way radio in the event of needing help.
There will also be a number of jet ski's operating along the coast with the one in the photo above dedicated to the beaches at Cabo Roig, Campoamor and Mil Palmeras. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47667/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Well at long last we seem to have lifeguards on the Orihuela Costa Beaches. 
They started work on Monday last, 15th June, far too late for some, unfortunately, but at least they will now be with us during the main holiday season, through until the 25t...

### MIKE PROBERT TALKS GOLF - 22 JUNE 15

Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.
‘Around and About the courses - ALICANTE '
This Seve Ballesteros designed course of 6,333 metres is on the outskirts of Alicante City and close to the San Juan beaches and was opened in 1998 and is unique because the course is a Par 72 consisting of six par 3 holes, six Par 4 holes and six Par 5 holes.On the Par 5 14th hole you actually play over ‘Roman ruins' and the lake on the 9th hole is in the shape of an ‘S' for Seve.
The large split level clubhouse has excellent restaurant (which is currently closed for renovation) changing and shower facilities and well stocked pro-shop with welcoming and helpful staff.The practise facilities are excellent with a 70 bay driving range, practise bunkers and chipping and putting greens.
The course is relatively flat winding between houses and apartments in a typically American style but with some long distances between greens and tees this is not a course for the walking golfers amongst you, hence the inclusion of the buggy in the standard price.
The course architect (Seve) has drawn on all of his experience around the globe to produce a golf course that offers a little for everyone with reachable par 5's,long Par 3's and strategically well positioned bunkers and water hazards.
This is very much a risk and reward course, play positively and well and you will score well BUT play in a negative fashion and badly and this will soon reflect on your scorecard.
If you are planning to visit the Costa Blanca and play golf then very simply you MUST build a round of golf at Alicante into your schedule particularly during the summer months when the price including buggy is superb value.
We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us.
The deals shown in the attached table are some of the best currently available to you.
Deals of the week: La Manga from only €95 for 2 players and buggy and look out for last minute deals from only €25 at the Nike courses (Alhama,El Valle,Riquelme,La Torre,Mar Menor and Saurines).
For bookings and more information contact Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com or direct on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 quoting reference LEADER.
Hollow Tine Watch
La Manga South - 22nd to 24th June 2015.
Competition Watch
The Leader summer competition in support of the Royal Legion POPPY APPEAL for 2015 will be held at Vistabella on 19th & 26th September 2015 and more information will follow shortly.
Quotation of the Week
“When in trouble play the shot you KNOW you can play and not the shot you HOPE you can play” - Jack Burke Jnr.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47666/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golf...

### Jeep Renegade Joins the Police

It looks great in one of the nine optional colours already available, but now the new Jeep Renegade has a new colour scheme: blue and yellow stripes.

This striking Renegade police car is the result of a new partnership, announced this week, between Jeep’s Swindon-based dealership, T H White Fiat Group Brand Centre, and Wiltshire Police. In a first for the dealership, T H White has agreed an extended six month test drive with the force.
At the end of the test period, Wiltshire Police plans to buy the Jeep, which has been fitted with full police graphics, blue lights and sirens, and use it out of Gable Cross Police Station, Swindon.
The car, in 1.6 Diesel Sport specification, combines best-in-class off-road ability with world-class on-road driving dynamics. Inside, functional details crafted from high quality materials and using innovative colours ensure the Renegade will become an excellent addition to the force’s drivers. It’ll be a practical one too, courtesy of best-in-class interior space and clever, functional storage areas.
Stephen Botham, Fleet & Services Manager at Wiltshire Police, negotiated the deal with Lee Jones, Fleet Sales Manager – EMEA Region, FCA and T H White Fiat Group Brand Centre’s newly appointed Fleet Sales Specialist, Emma McArdle.

“We’re delighted to add the Jeep Renegade to our fleet of vehicles,” says Andrew Carr, Hub Superintendent, Gable Cross Police Station, Swindon. “It is the first Jeep we’ve used as a marked vehicle and we’re looking forward to the start of what we are confident will be a rewarding relationship between Wiltshire Police and T H White Fiat Group Brand Centre.”
“Handing over the Jeep Renegade to Wiltshire Police was a great moment,” says Emma McArdle. “We’re sure it will be the ideal vehicle for all their needs, both on and off-road, and we look forward to seeing it out and about on the streets of Swindon.”
The post Jeep Renegade Joins the Police appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: It looks great in one of the nine optional colours already available, but now the new Jeep Renegade has a new colour scheme: blue and yellow stripes. This striking Renegade police car is the result of a new partnership, announced Read More ...
The post Jeep Renegade Joins the Police appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### FEDERATION PRESIDENT’S CUP WIN FOR VISTABELLA

This prestigious 3 day tournament was held at Vistabella B.C. on 13-15 June, and played in a 2 wood triples format. 
Together with good weather and fine organisation, the bowling was of a high standard with some very close results.
In the semi-finals was Tony French, Maggie Furness and Martin Foulcer of Vistabella against Sandra Kavanagh, Yvonne Mallaburn and Frank Close of Emerald Isle, which went into the 18th end with one shot between the teams, with the E.I. trio winning the battle.
The other semi was an all Vistabella game between Steve Pearson, Annmarie Stevenson and Ian Kenyon against Beryl Regan, Andy Leggatt and Mike Regan, who struggled against a team who were on top form.
The final of Ian's trio against Frank's was tooth and nail throughout the game culminating in equal scores after 18 ends, so an extra end was  played, which Vistabella managed to hold.
An excellent competition, played in a competitive but friendly and sportsmanlike manner, for which thanks must go to everybody taking part.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47660/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This prestigious 3 day tournament was held at Vistabella B.C. on 13-15 June, and played in a 2 wood triples format. 
Together with good weather and fine organisation, the bowling was of a high standard with some very close results.
In the semi-finals...

### BEM FOR RETIRED SAMARITANS PRESIDENT

After nearly twenty years living overseas Chris Sumter has just returned to the UK to live in Clevedon having just retired as President of Samaritans in Spain. 
She had been president for the last four years but has been with the Samaritans 7 years as a Trustee. It came as a huge surprise to Chris to learn she had been nominated for the award of British Empire Medal in this year's Queens Birthday Honours List.
The citation is “For services to the British Community in Spain”. This reflects Chris's ongoing help and support to people in need, not just her work with the Samaritans. For example she helped and supported survivors of the Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004 while living and working in Thailand.
Chris took over as president of Samaritans in Spain from Stephen Ashley four years ago. He had inaugurated what was then called Costa Blanca Samaritans and built a very strong foundation, including all the legal requirements for setting up the organisation. However, the service needed expanding.
When Chris took over from Stephen it was still only operating four hours a day, seven days a week, with just the call centre. One other major obstacle was that it was virtually unknown of outside the Costa Blanca Region. With the help of a dedicated group of volunteers Chris began the process of expanding the organisation, getting its name and service out to the whole of Spain and the Islands.
Together they introduced a 24 hour service and opened what is probably the only Samaritans combined call centre, drop-in centre and charity shop.
With a massive campaign the Samaritans became a national, not just a local, service and a force to be reckoned with. Visiting English speaking prisoners in Spanish jails and supporting their families became a very important element of their work. Just before Chris retired and returned to the UK a second drop-in centre was established in Madrid.
Chris sees this award not just as recognition for all the work she has done over the years, but also a recognition of the hard work of all those involved in the Samaritans, both in Spain, the UK and around the world.
She took the very sound foundations laid by Stephen and the original founders and built a solid framework upon that. Upon retiring she passed on this sound framework to the next generation who will complete the structure.
Chris finally retired when she moved to Clevedon, but as all those who know her will attest, we probably haven't seen the last of her helping others.
LubbertusFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47658/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: After nearly twenty years living overseas Chris Sumter has just returned to the UK to live in Clevedon having just retired as President of Samaritans in Spain. 
She had been president for the last four years but has been with the Samaritans 7 years as...

### PLAYERS START COMMITTING TO TORRY FOR NEW SEASON

Firstly, news of 2 pre season friendlies at Vicente Garcia Stadium.  On Sat 18 Jul, newly relegated from La Liga, Andalucia based Cordoba will provide a stern test for Pedreno's new look Torry side. 
But before the match (prov 8.30pm ko), fans are invited to come and help paint the stadium from 10am, where food and drink will be provided.  Then on Fri 24 Jul, Hull City will visit as part of their week long trip to the Costa Blanca.  Training commences on 13 Jul, when several youngsters will be flying over from UK for trials. 
Five players have put pen to paper, ensuring another season at the club.  Ever present, and last years player of the season, goalkeeper Oscar is one player we did not want to lose, and we haven't.  Senor Presidente's son, full back Vicente, will be embarking on his 6th season for us. 
Another long serving member is club captain Jorge, who is now approaching his 7th season.  Midfielder Burguillos is another loyal player, about to enter his 6th season. 
Finally, the old man of the team, 37 year old Carrasco will turn out for us yet again (if his legs allow him - only joking Carrasco!).  Another fans favourite, last seasons golden boot winner, is currently having talks concerning extending his stay.  Go on Rafa, you know you want to.
Finally, a new scheme entitled the 200 club, offers companies 2 season tickets, and entry into a draw for name and logo shirt, all for 200 euros.
Photo:Jorge BailenFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47654/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Firstly, news of 2 pre season friendlies at Vicente Garcia Stadium.  On Sat 18 Jul, newly relegated from La Liga, Andalucia based Cordoba will provide a stern test for Pedreno's new look Torry side. 
But before the match (prov 8.30pm ko), fans are inv...

### FREE TRY-DIVE - QUESADA COUNTRY CLUB

HAVE FUN IN THE SUN AND IN THE WATER The Dive Academy returns to Quesada Country Club on Saturday 27th June and for children and adults it will be a chance to try scuba diving for FREE - safe and controlled and especially designed for children 8 and above you and your children will have chance to have expert advice on scuba diving and snorkelling.
The divers will be there from 11.00a.m and you can just turn up but we would advise that you prebook by email to sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk or you can call into Quesada Country Club and leave your details and we will contact you. 
Younger children can have fun too - for full details of the ages and what is allowed please see fb re-post from The Dive Academy Santa Pola information on fb Susan Reader 15/06/15.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47644/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: HAVE FUN IN THE SUN AND IN THE WATER The Dive Academy returns to Quesada Country Club on Saturday 27th June and for children and adults it will be a chance to try scuba diving for FREE - safe and controlled and especially designed for children 8 and ab...

### POOLSIDE SUMMER FASHION SHOW

Glamour Gamour have their Fabulous Poolside Summer Fashion Show at Quesada Country Club on Thursday 25th June at 12.30p.m.
Affordable Fashion with Flair 30 VIP tickets are FREE just email sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk for your reserved seat number and this also means you can arrive early for a VIP pre show preview at 11.30 a.m. 
All VIP's will be able to enjoy a FREE SANGRIA as the show starts at 12.30p.m. and at 2.00p.m. we have Jenni Ray expert florist who will be doing a flower arranging demonstration and answering any questions you have about plants and flowers.
Tricia Lee will be offering Indian Head Massage mini sessions for FREE - you can book to have a relaxing foot spa soak, a Monday appointment to have your hair washed and blow dried for just €3 and we hope to have other offers too!  
So do join us for a fabulous afternoon - you can pre order lunch from a special Fashion Show menu - email sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk for details. 
There will be a raffle with a hamper as first prize and we will be asking for a €1 donation at the gate for the Children's Home.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47637/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Glamour Gamour have their Fabulous Poolside Summer Fashion Show at Quesada Country Club on Thursday 25th June at 12.30p.m.
Affordable Fashion with Flair 30 VIP tickets are FREE just email sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk for your reserved seat number and thi...

### Drunk Driver in Spectacular Crash

Traffic officers from the Guardia Civil were called to a crash at km 453,700 of the N-122 main road on Friday, only to find a car lay on its side in the carriageway.

The vehicle had apparently left a roundabout at speed, destroying a road sign as it passed over the divisional kerb, colliding with the crash barrier and then landing on its side.

The driver of the vehicle was unharmed, although did provide a positive result for alcohol in a breathalyser test.
The post Drunk Driver in Spectacular Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Traffic officers from the Guardia Civil were called to a crash at km 453,700 of the N-122 main road on Friday, only to find a car lay on its side in the carriageway. The vehicle had apparently left a roundabout Read More ...
The post Drunk Driver in Spectacular Crash appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### MY MY LITTLE PONY!

Orihuela local police intercepted a Walker on the CV-870 road in the Virgen del Camino are this week, taking him in for questioning as a result.

Not that any laws had been broken by the lone walker, but the fact that it was a four-legged pedestrian and walking unaccompanied raised their suspicions.

Once the lone pony was taken into custody, for its own safety, the Asoka municipal animal rescue centre were asked to look after it whilst an investigation was launched to confirm his identity and address.

The investigation ultimately revealing that the pony had ran away from the circus to find a home, and had escaped from a travelling fair which was in La Murada 3 months ago.

The owner told the police that the pony had escaped and they were unable to find him, and so left him behind to fend for himself in the wilderness of Orihuela.

The owner has made subsequent arrangements to return to Orihuela when the two will be reunited, one receiving his beloved pony, the other losing his last ditch attempt to join the free world and now returning to a life on the road with his animal and human companions.

 

### The New Head of the PSOE Talks About the Future

The new head of the PSOE in Torrevieja, Fanny Serrano, gave her first interview to the British press this week, detailing the government’s plans for the future of the municipality.

When asked about the importance of forming a government that would oust the Partido Popular after 27 years, Serrano commented that “it´s not so important, the problem is not PP, the problem is that Torrevieja was stagnant, stopped, so we need to start a new Torrevieja”, continuing, “the problem is 27 years of the same thing”.

The government of Torrevieja is now formed of a collection of parties that are forming a coalition, but by the very nature of those parties collaborating, the government of Torrevieja is now formed by councillors who received the most votes. When asked if that was important, Serrano responded, “Yes, that´s the most important thing. That´s democracy, although correcting one element, saying, “you call it a coalition, I call it the government”, then explaining how the government is formed by representatives of “62% of the population, we got the majority, that´s democracy”.

The former head of the PSOE, Ángel Saez, stepped down after the elections, taking personal responsibility for the reduction in votes that the PSOE received compared to the last elections four years ago. When asked if Eduardo Dolón of the PP should resign having lost the municipality after 27 years, Serrano said, “I´m not going to talk about another party”, but wanted to thank Ángel, “a very honest and responsible person”, who decided that if the results were worse than 4 years ago, he would take responsibility, “it was his decision, but we very much appreciate his decision which has come from a very honest person”.

The current mayor, José Manuel Dolón of the Los Verdes green party, was voted by the majority of councillors in the corporation and so took on the role of head of the government. As part of the agreement to form a government, the mayor will be a rotating post during this four-year term, with Dolón taking power for the first half, and Serrano herself taking over for the PSOE after two year.

When asked what motivated the decision to place Dolón in power first, Serrano replied, “José Manuel Dolón has been at the town hall for years, he really knows the city, the town hall, the government, everything, and it is something that he really deserved, to be the mayor of Torrevieja”.

Serrano was then asked about the pay cut that the new mayor has forced on himself, which was applauded by many, Serrano explained that “he is retired, like many of the people who live here, he has a pension, so he decided not to get more money from the public”, and so that money will be able to be spent on public services, which is “absolutely different”. Incidentally, the councillors will now be using their own mobile phones, paid for by themselves, thus saving even more money from the public purse.

With a coalition formed in Orihuela after the last election, the obvious question was as to how it could work in Torrevieja, given the problems so early on in the neighbouring municipality. Serrano explained, “it´s absolutely a different situation”, in Orihuela, as well as the main parties, one of the three was a coalition”, the two parties of CLARO and CLR formed together, “that was the problem”. In Torrevieja, we have five parties, with the same program, the same vision for Torrevieja, and all going in the same direction. That´s the difference for Torrevieja, we have no coalition inside the government”.

When asked about becoming mayor in two years, Serrano was asked about the unusualness of the situation, responding, “no, it´s not so unusual, it´s the new politics”, explaining how Spain now has more parties than ever before, and what “the citizens want is for everybody to discuss, everybody talk and then get the best solutions for the citizens, and not one party saying ‘I´m going to do the things in that way and that´s the way, I´m not going to change anything’, no. We´ve got five, six or eight, it doesn´t matter, the change of the government was very clear. PSOE got 4 councillors, Los Verdes got 4 councillors, so both parties got the same number of councillors. It´s normal that both of the parties, Los Verdes and PSOE, have the right to be the mayor. But, from the PSOE, we understand that José Manuel Dolón deserves that situation first”.

The subject then turned to corruption and how Torrevieja, like many other councils, has been marred by numerous scandals in the past. “That´s very sad”, was the reply, but when asked what safeguards there are for the future, Serrano explained that the first point made by the new government, “was no to the corruption”. Explaining that it is very important for them, and they are “going to denounce every single case” that they find, as well as pursuing the current cases which are proceeding, such as the mobile phone scandal, the expenses in the municipal theatre, and other urbanism cases such as the waste disposal site and anything new that they discover, as they are “not going to allow any single case of corruption in the town hall”, stressing, “no more corruption”.

When asked about how Torrevieja has become rundown in recent years, with many streets filled with closed business remises, Serrano said, “for us it is very important,,, What we want to get is a more lively city”, it has to be cleaner and a “place that people want to be. That´s very important for the heart of the city, cleaner, greener with more spaces for the public and we are going to start with this. We are going to start with all the environmental matters to make Torrevieja better, but more lively”.

As for bridging the gaps between the city and urbanisations, especially that many of the residents in urbanisations feel neglected with a lack of police patrols, street lights failing, and many other problems, the question of how the government will solve that problem was responded by the comment, “we want to stop this separation between Torrevieja central and the surrounding urbanisations. It makes no sense, it is all Torrevieja”. The PSOE planned to have a rolling plan for councillors to visit urbanisations, which “we plan to continue”. But, “we want the neighbours from the urbanisations to come to the town hall, to speak to us, just talk to us, write and tell us what´s happened, because now everything is open, we are not as closed as we used to be”.

On the subject of reversing the damage by the General Plan, the government will now be forming a new plan that changes things back to offer protection to areas which have been changed, such as the protected nesting land which permission has been granted for the construction of a DIY store, and other protected land where permission has been given for a rubbish dump, “today we start with this. Today! I just gave instructions to the technicians to start with this procedure, because it is absolutely necessary”. Torrevieja has an “old plan with 103 modifications. That´s incredible, It´s the most changed plan in the whole of Spain. It´s absolutely incredible. Nobody can understand why” there as so many change.

One of the most speculated issues has been the threatened closure of the International Residents Office. This has been vehemently denied. Serrano said, “absolutely not. I couldn´t believe that you asked that question. I think the problem is that the PP think everything is their own. ‘It´s my office, it´s my town hall’, no, it´s not yours, it´s for the citizens. The foreigners office is from the town hall, it´s for all citizens, so you can´t just close it in that way. I can´t understand why somebody would say something like this. It´s incredible!”

The plans submitted by the PSOE before the elections to increase the staffing in this office were raised “yes, of course” was the immediate response. When asked about improvements, “we have to study everything”, Serrano replied, “there are other departments which are over represented, so we need several weeks to study each department and make decisions”.

When asked about the fact that some people think that what has happened to Torrevieja is a disaster, Serrano responded, “they are wrong. Because the disaster was PP, absolutely”. Continuing, “what we have discovered after just one week, maybe you think everything was clear, but the problem is it´s not true. With the PP, I do everything on my own, without regulation, out of law, and so on. We just discovered a carpet with a lot of rubbish swept under it”. The government now plan to, “open the windows, open the doors, sweep the carpet, open everything, we want to listen to the citizens”, concluding that, “Torrevieja is going to be the best city”, a “new Torrevieja, a lively city, but overall, for us, foreigners are very important. We have more than half of the population which is foreign, The PP forgot the foreigners, they only look for you when they need you, every four years, just to vote. We don´t want that, we want an interaction between the foreigners, the Spanish, the government and so on, we want another kind of town”.

 

 

### Woman Knocked Down on Orihuela Pedestrian Crossing

A woman was injured on Thursday when she was struck by a car on a pedestrian crossing on Avenida de la Vega, Orihuela. The incident occurred at around 2pm when the car failed to stop for the woman who was on the crossing, hitting her and sending her to the ground.

The driver of the vehicle summonsed help and emergency medics attended and treated the victim for a variety of injuries before transferring her to the Vega Baja hospital by ambulance. Her condition is not said to be serious.

### Terra Mitica to Help the Disadvantaged

The Terra Mitica Theme Park in Benidorm, owned by Aqualandia, has created a foundation to assist disadvantaged families.
The park will organize special campaigns and events for people at risk of social exclusion, which will be shared through local associations, hospitals and social groups.
On July 3rd, the park will present its social schedule for 2015, including a campaign to collect food, toys and clothing, as well as blood, and a range of sporting and cultural activities throughout the summer aimed at promoting social integration of the most vulnerable groups.

Excerpt: The Terra Mitica Theme Park in Benidorm, owned by Aqualandia, has created a foundation to assist disadvantaged families. The park will organize special campaigns and events for people at risk of social exclusion, which will be shared through local associations, hospitals and social groups. On July 3rd, the park will present its social schedule for […]

### Heat and Drought Risks for Summer

The Ministry of Health has launched a meteorological monitoring system for the summer to help prevent and treat health problems as a result of extreme temperatures.

The campaign, named “Ola de Calor 2015”, will operate throughout the country with every health department following the same protocols that have been in place since 2004, in order to “prevent, minimize and assess the impacts on the health of the population arising from high temperatures in the community, with particular attention to the possible occurrence of heat waves. “

Across Valencia, there are now 30 identifiable zones where temperature thresholds have been defined, with daily maps indicating the risk factor through the usual series of warning colours, green, yellow, orange and red.

Each temperature level is accompanied by a series of protocols and a series of actions required in order to maintain safety in the sun.

The heat map, along with other health related information, will be available on the health department´s website, http://cuidatecv.es/en in the Valencia community, as well as on http://www.ceam.es/ceamet/, where the UV index is also available.



Meanwhile, the spring season, which is from March to May, has been “very warm” and “very wet” across the Valencia region, with an average temperature of 14.9 degrees and an average of 178.7 litres per square metre of rainfall.

The data was presented this week in the climatology press conference held seasonally by the Spanish meteorological office, who also state that in view of the recent data, the summer season, June to August, is 40% likely to be “above normal” temperatures, and in any case will be “hot”. The good news for many is that there is likely to be a continuation of the rainfall throughout the summer, which will hopefully ease the current threat of drought.

Currently, as of the daily data from the 18th of June, most local reservoirs are currently just over half full. In the Segura basin, they are currently at 59.6% of their capacity, with the Pedrera at Torremendo only holding 157 cubic hectometres of its 246 cubic hectometre capacity and Crevillente only holding 5 cubic hectometres of its 13 cubic hectometre capacity.

 

### Calls to Ban Used Tyre Sales

Pressure is being put on the government to ban the sale of used tyres amid increasing safety fears from industry professionals.

It is estimated that 300,000 vehicles on the roads of Spain are fitted with used tyres, a figure which has increased in recent years due to the financial crisis. One mainstream supplier states that 80% of their business is in the sale of used, rather than new tyres. In addition, it is believed that 60% of all cars over 10 years of age are fitted with used tyres.
Meanwhile, accident investigators say that tyres are a factor in three out of four road traffic incidents, and point out that tyre wear and tear is different on all vehicles, makes and models.
Therefore, 35% of motor industry professionals are now lobbying for the sale of used tyres to be prohibited, a figure backed up by 45% of journalists who work in the sector.
As the most vulnerable part of a vehicle, facing constant abuse and wear, close monitoring and awareness of tyres is crucial to the safe running of a vehicle.
The post Calls to Ban Used Tyre Sales appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Pressure is being put on the government to ban the sale of used tyres amid increasing safety fears from industry professionals. It is estimated that 300,000 vehicles on the roads of Spain are fitted with used tyres, a figure which Read More ...
The post Calls to Ban Used Tyre Sales appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Dangerous Speeder Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department stopped a vehicle which had been driving at 235 kilometres per hour on the AP-7 motorway in the Corbera area of the Ribera Baixa in the Valencian Community.

The limit on the road in the section where the vehicle was caught is 120 kilometres per hour and so the officers stopped the car.
They found that the driver was a 22 year old French national and they proceeded to check the vehicle whilst confirming the identity of the driver, subsequently finding a sports bag with more than 200,000 euro in cash hidden inside.
As well as arresting the man for a serious crime against road safety, he also faces money laundering charges on account of him being able to justify the origin of the cash.
The post Dangerous Speeder Arrested appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department stopped a vehicle which had been driving at 235 kilometres per hour on the AP-7 motorway in the Corbera area of the Ribera Baixa in the Valencian Community. The limit on the road Read More ...
The post Dangerous Speeder Arrested appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Cadillac Seville

Cadillac Seville STS.

Colour: Blue / Silver

Year: 1999

Engine: 4.6L V8 Petrol

Mileage: 107,000 miles approx

Price: 4,100 euro o.n.o.

Leather interior, Bose music system, fully equipped, automatic.

This vehicle is right-hand drive and on UK plates so is ideal for taking back to the UK. You could also have the plates transferred and the vehicle re-registered in Spain, but there is an administration cost to this.


			
				
			
				
				Leather interior
				
			
				
			
				
				Large boot
				
			
				
			
				
				Sturdy body

### Porsche Boxster

Porsche Boxster.

Colour: Black

Year: 2003

Engine: 2.7L Petrol

Mileage: 100,000 miles approx

Price: 12,900 euro o.n.o.

A beautiful sporty mover with all the elegance you´d expect from one of the most envied car manufacturers.

This vehicle is LEFT-hand drive and on SPANISH plates and ready to roll for the summer.


			
				
			
				
				Sporty looks
				
			
				
			
				
				Beauty in design
				
			
				
			
				
				Cool interior
				
			
				
			
				
				Sporty feel
				
			
				
			
				
				Ready for summer
				
			
				
			
				
				Top control
				
			
				
			
				
				Smooth and sleek 
				
		




Enquiries:
[contact-form-7 id="14338" title="Motoring"]

### Ford Focus

Ford Focus

Colour: Red

Year: 2003

Engine: 1.6L Petrol

Mileage: 120,000 miles approx

Price: 2,700 euro o.n.o.

A nice, versatile, family car, clean and reliable.

This vehicle is LEFT-hand drive and on SPANISH plates so ready to pick up and go.


			
				
			
				
				Family sized
				
			
				
			
				
				Clean car
				
			
				
			
				
				Neat controls
				
			
				
			
				
				Spacious boot
				
			
				
			
				
				Ready to roll
				
		


Enquiries:
[contact-form-7 id="14338" title="Motoring"]

### Jaguar XK8

Jaguar XK8

Colour: Red

Year: 1998

Engine: 4.0L Petrol

Mileage: 126,000 miles approx

Price: 4,100 euro o.n.o.

British elegance and refinement in a car, the traditional beauty of machine and driver working together.

This vehicle is right-hand drive and on UK personalised plates so is ideal for taking back to the UK. You could also have the plates transferred and the vehicle re-registered in Spain, but there is an administration cost to this. You could even sell the UK number plate.


			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
			
				
			
		



Enquiries:
[contact-form-7 id="14338" title="Motoring"]

### Mercedes CLK320

Mercedes CLK320 Cabriolet

Colour: Black

Year: 2002

Engine: 3.2L Petrol

Mileage:

Price: 3,300 euro o.n.o.

A real head turner wherever you driver her, ready to take to the road for summer.

This vehicle is right-hand drive and on UK plates so is ideal for taking back to the UK. You could also have the plates transferred and the vehicle re-registered in Spain, but there is an administration cost to this.


			
				
			
				
				Roof up beauty
				
			
				
			
				
				Plenty of leg room
				
			
				
			
				
				The mark of quality
				
			
				
			
				
				Roof down and ready
				
			
				
			
				
				Space for all
				
			
				
			
				
				Summer ready
				
			
				
			
				
				Eye catching
				
			
				
			
				
				Sleek contour
				
		


Enquiries:
[contact-form-7 id="14338" title="Motoring"]

### Range Rover

Range Rover.

Colour: Black

Year: 1999

Engine: 4.6L Petrol

Mileage: 161,000 miles approx

Price: 2,800 euro o.n.o.

A sturdy and stunning looking workhorse of a luxury car, ideal for those rural areas.

This vehicle is LEFT-hand drive and on UK plates so is ideal for taking back to the UK. You could also have the plates transferred and the vehicle re-registered in Spain, but there is an administration cost to this.


			
				
			
				
				A stunning workhorse
				
			
				
			
				
				Ideal for road and country
				
			
				
			
				
				Spacious interior
				
			
				
			
				
				A commanding look
				
			
				
			
				
				Sleek body lines
				
			
				
			
				
				Finger controls
				
			
				
			
				
				Alloys
				
			
				
			
				
				Ready to drive
				
		


Enquiries:
[contact-form-7 id="14338" title="Motoring"]

### Mercedes SL500 Cabriolet

Mercedes SL500 Cabriolet.

Colour: Silver

Year: 2002

Engine: 5.0L Petrol

Mileage: 138,000 miles approx

Price: 10,500 euro o.n.o.

This is a smart, clean and stunning looking car, ready to take to the road for summer.

This vehicle is right-hand drive and on UK plates so is ideal for taking back to the UK. You could also have the plates transferred and the vehicle re-registered in Spain, but there is an administration cost to this.


			
				
			
				
				SL500 in Silver
				
			
				
			
				
				A stunning car
				
			
				
			
				
				Modern interior
				
			
				
			
				
				Smooth lines
				
			
				
			
				
				Alloy wheels
				
			
				
			
				
				Spacious inside
				
		


Enquiries:
[contact-form-7 id="14338" title="Motoring"]

### Searched Launched for Crashed Driver

Officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department were forced to launch a search to find and identify the driver of a car which had crashed off the N-332 main road in the La Marina area of the southern Alicante province.

The vehicle was spotted around 20 metres off the road with the scene showing indications that the vehicle had left the road at speed, crashed through a protective fence, and come to a stop in shrubbery, where is was abandoned.

The search was launched to ensure the driver was okay and to then answer questions about the incident which resulted in the vehicle being left where it was found and the subsequent recovery operation.

The post Searched Launched for Crashed Driver appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department were forced to launch a search to find and identify the driver of a car which had crashed off the N-332 main road in the La Marina area of the southern Alicante province. Read More ...
The post Searched Launched for Crashed Driver appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Holiday Rental Prices Increased

The average price of renting a beachfront holiday apartment this summer has risen by 7% according to the annual report from TecniTasa.
The news is considered another indication of recovery of the economic situation in Spain with the average weekly rent now standing at 595 euro, compared to 552 euro in 2014.
Playa dén Bossa in Ibiza is the most expensive place to rent an apartment at 1,680 euro per week, whereas the cheapest is in Lugo, which costs around 200 euro per week.
One of the biggest increases in Spain has been Torrevieja, where rental rates have increased by 23% compared to last year, although with disposable income not increasing quite in line with that increase, it is feared that many Spanish families will choose alternative, cheaper destinations.
Related Posts:TORREVIEJA CHEAPEST FOR RENTALSFUEL PRICES FALL AGAINPRESCRIPTION PRICES INCREASING IN JANUARYMILLIONS IN FINES FOR CAR HIRE CARTELSPAIN THIS WEEK

Excerpt: The average price of renting a beachfront holiday apartment this summer has risen by 7% according to the annual report from TecniTasa. The news is considered another indication of recovery of the economic situation in Spain with the average weekly rent now standing at 595 euro, compared to 552 euro in 2014. Playa dén Bossa […]Related Posts:TORREVIEJA CHEAPEST FOR RENTALSFUEL PRICES FALL AGAINPRESCRIPTION PRICES INCREASING IN JANUARYMILLIONS IN FINES FOR CAR HIRE CARTELSPAIN THIS WEEK

### Ryanair Website Closure Warning

Budget airline Ryanair has announced that part of their website and mobile application will close for a 10 hour maintenance period from 8pm on Friday, 19th June, until 6am on Saturday, 20th June for an upgrade.
Ryanair is urging passengers who have journeys scheduled during this period to check-in in advance, before the temporary closure is initiated.
The website will also not be available for new reservations during the period.
The company has said that it is emailing clients direct and have apologised for the inconvenience caused by the upgrade.
Related Posts:RYANAIR SEES PROFIT DROPMore Ryanair FlightsRYANAIR DENY INFLATING PRICES FOR …RYANAIR CONFIRM RUMBO LEGAL ACTIONRYANAIR JET IN FIRE-EMERGENCY LANDING

Excerpt: Budget airline Ryanair has announced that part of their website and mobile application will close for a 10 hour maintenance period from 8pm on Friday, 19th June, until 6am on Saturday, 20th June for an upgrade. Ryanair is urging passengers who have journeys scheduled during this period to check-in in advance, before the temporary closure […]Related Posts:RYANAIR SEES PROFIT DROPMore Ryanair FlightsRYANAIR DENY INFLATING PRICES FOR …RYANAIR CONFIRM RUMBO LEGAL ACTIONRYANAIR JET IN FIRE-EMERGENCY LANDING

### Elche Council Welcoming Social Interaction

The new socialist Mayor of Elche, Carlos González (PSOE), has issued a notice to the municipal technicians to unlock the town hall´s social network sites to allow comments, shares and posts on their Facebook and Twitter pages.
The new mayor said in a statement that the previous PP run government had blocked interaction on the sites, as a consequence of their “policy of institutional communication”, whereas the new government feel that the public “have the right” to access municipal information, regardless of their opinion, and they should not block their freedom of expression.
Related Posts:Sexual Picture Poster ArrestedConsejo Social de la CiudadHATE-TWEETERS TO BE INVESTIGATED FOLLOWING POLITICIAN…Spanish Government condemns measures undertaken in certain…JESSICA SIMPSON EXPELLED FROM MOJACAR PLENARY

Excerpt: The new socialist Mayor of Elche, Carlos González (PSOE), has issued a notice to the municipal technicians to unlock the town hall´s social network sites to allow comments, shares and posts on their Facebook and Twitter pages. The new mayor said in a statement that the previous PP run government had blocked interaction on the […]Related Posts:Sexual Picture Poster ArrestedConsejo Social de la CiudadHATE-TWEETERS TO BE INVESTIGATED FOLLOWING POLITICIAN…Spanish Government condemns measures undertaken in certain…JESSICA SIMPSON EXPELLED FROM MOJACAR PLENARY

### New Mitsubishi Traffic Cars Arrive in Orihuela

The Guardia Civil traffic department are starting to take delivery of new vehicles across the country, replacing some of their older fleet with newer, more modern and powerful cars, all of which have been meticulously tested to ensure the maximum performance and capability for the roles required.
One of the latest additions to the fleet has been 24 Mitsubishi ASX DI-D 4WD, selected due to its multipurpose ability, standard equipment and safety features, as well as optimum fuel economy, four-wheel drive and excellent reliability.

Destined for use in areas where the traffic department police rural areas and countryside zones as well as major highways and roads, the traffic police station in Orihuela has taken delivery of their share of the fleet this week.

With its crossover diesel engine providing 150 horsepower, the new internal geometry and new valve timing system improves the response at low revs. Consumption is 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres, and has a top speed of 198 kilometres per hour. The vehicle can reach 100 kilometres per hour, from standing, in 10 seconds.

The vehicle design is said to be inspired by the Mitsubishi F-2 fighter aircraft, manufactured under license from the famous American Lockheed Martin F-16.

Orihuela has also recently taken delivery of the newer motorcycles for their patrols.
 
The post New Mitsubishi Traffic Cars Arrive in Orihuela appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil traffic department are starting to take delivery of new vehicles across the country, replacing some of their older fleet with newer, more modern and powerful cars, all of which have been meticulously tested to ensure the maximum Read More ...
The post New Mitsubishi Traffic Cars Arrive in Orihuela appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### New Torrevieja Government Named

The new mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuél Dolón of the Los Verdes green party, has today announced his government team, the councilors who will start to run the municipality with immediate effect, until the agreed reshuffle takes place in two years time.
José Manuél Dolón (Mayor): Police and Traffic; Urban Cleaning and Human Resources.
José Hurtado Paredes (LV): Economy and Finance; Education and Employment.
Carmen María Morate Arco (LV): Relations with the EU, Department of Citizenship (International Residents, Immigration, Coexistence and Integration); Health, NGOs and Volunteering and Zoology.
Manuel Osuna Rodríguez (LV): Commerce, Catering and Consumer Affairs.
Fanny Serrano Rodríguez (PSOE): Planning, Environment, Housing, and the Evnironment.
África Celdrán Ros (PSOE): Fiestas, Markets, Social Welfare, Accessibility, Equality, Dependency and Women.
Víctor Ferrández Esteve (IU): Modernization and Quality Services. Employment. Heritage and Archives; Development and Local Development, Citizen Participation.
Domingo Pérez Gutiérrez (PSOE): ): Elderly; Old People; Census and Statistics.
Javier Manzanares Solivelles (PSOE): Security Emergency (Fire, Civil Protection and Public Roads); Innovation and Information Society; Transport and Beaches.
Pablo Samper Hernández (ST): Sports and Youths.
Alejandro Blanco Vega (ST): Culture, Projects, Works and Services; Cemeteries, Street Lighting and Integral Cycle of water.
Domingo Soler Torregrosa (APTCe): Municipal Habaneras; Parks and gardens; Presidency and Government (Protocol and Internal Affairs).
Related Posts:José Manuel Dolón is the new mayor of TorreviejaNEW TORREVIEJA AND ORIHUELA COUNCILLORSTORREVIEJA PP WOULD LOSE OVERALL MAJORITYTHE LAST STAND FOR POLITICAL STABILITYPP CALL FOR EARLIER POLICE RETIREMENT

Excerpt: The new mayor of Torrevieja, José Manuél Dolón of the Los Verdes green party, has today announced his government team, the councilors who will start to run the municipality with immediate effect, until the agreed reshuffle takes place in two years time. José Manuél Dolón (Mayor): Police and Traffic; Urban Cleaning and Human Resources. José […]Related Posts:José Manuel Dolón is the new mayor of TorreviejaNEW TORREVIEJA AND ORIHUELA COUNCILLORSTORREVIEJA PP WOULD LOSE OVERALL MAJORITYTHE LAST STAND FOR POLITICAL STABILITYPP CALL FOR EARLIER POLICE RETIREMENT

### Cutbacks in Local Government

The new tripartite government of Alicante has formulated a proposal to sell off all but one of their official vehicles, keeping just the one for use on official visits.
The new socialist mayor, Gabriel Echávarri, made the announcement this week, in his first week of office, highlighting the expense that the fleet of 12 luxury vehicles costs the municipal funds.
The previous government run by Partido Popular majority purchased the high-end vehicles in 2010, including five Peugeot 607´s, two Wolkswagen Passats, a Chrysler and a number of Audi´s.
This news also comes after the Ciudadanos group in Almoradí have proposed plans to sell one of their 70,000 euro official vehicles in order to buy a new patrol car for the police.
Related Posts:Nearly 800 New Vehicles for the National PoliceNEW VEHICLES FOR TORREVIEJA POLICECars for Sale – One Careful Owner!Speed Check Cars Given to Local CouncilsTORREVIEJA POLICE FEEL THE PINCH

Excerpt: The new tripartite government of Alicante has formulated a proposal to sell off all but one of their official vehicles, keeping just the one for use on official visits. The new socialist mayor, Gabriel Echávarri, made the announcement this week, in his first week of office, highlighting the expense that the fleet of 12 luxury […]Related Posts:Nearly 800 New Vehicles for the National PoliceNEW VEHICLES FOR TORREVIEJA POLICECars for Sale – One Careful Owner!Speed Check Cars Given to Local CouncilsTORREVIEJA POLICE FEEL THE PINCH

### Mobile Phone Growth

Information released by the popular holiday reservation website booking.com has revealed that the mobile phone is fast taking over all other devices when it comes to searching for the perfect holiday.
Across Europe, the mobile has increased from 11th place in 2014 to 9th place this year, but a staggering 96% of Spaniards believe that the mobile phone makes it easier for them to book last minute deals.
The data also revealed that 21% of Spanish travellers wait until the week before to book their trip, whereas 41% normally book on the same week as their departure.
Related Posts:Muting Your PhoneARRESTED FOR INSTALLING SPY APP ON MOBILE PHONEWeekend Clampdown on Mobile Phone UseTORREVIEJA MOBILE PHONE TENDER FAILS FOR A SECOND TIMEBeware of Fake Message Scams

Excerpt: Information released by the popular holiday reservation website booking.com has revealed that the mobile phone is fast taking over all other devices when it comes to searching for the perfect holiday. Across Europe, the mobile has increased from 11th place in 2014 to 9th place this year, but a staggering 96% of Spaniards believe that […]Related Posts:Muting Your PhoneARRESTED FOR INSTALLING SPY APP ON MOBILE PHONEWeekend Clampdown on Mobile Phone UseTORREVIEJA MOBILE PHONE TENDER FAILS FOR A SECOND TIMEBeware of Fake Message Scams

### Appropriate Footwear in the UK

A lot of people in Spain are asking how the Spanish laws on appropriate footwear differ from the UK. You can read more about wearing flip flops and high heels when driving in Spain on the website, and then you can compare the UK rules which we explain here.

Wearing appropriate footwear is a must when driving. When you think about the physical process required to make a vehicle go, turn or stop, all of the actions are performed by our hands and feet.
In the UK, Rule 97 of the Highway Codes states that before setting off, you should ensure that “clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner”.
If we consider a driver who is barefoot, for example, there is nothing illegal about this, but controlling the clutch, and even the brakes, can require a lot of pressure, which may prove difficult if a driver is barefoot. Feet can sweat and reduce the traction and wearing of socks or stockings is not ideal either, on account of the pressure needed.
Flip flops and sandals are considered by far the most dangerous of all inappropriate footwear. Shoes which don´t fit securely may fall off when driving and can get in the way of the pedals. Equally dangerous is how the foot can slip whilst the shoe remains in contact with the pedal, thus reducing braking time and causing a considerable risk when stopping.
High heels also pose their own problems, largely because these shoes are designed to alter the shape of the foot and ankle in order to raise the profile of the wearer. That´s all very well for a glamorous stroll through a prestigious event, but when sitting in a driving position the shape of the shoe prevents correct contact with the pedals, again reducing the response time.
Other than in the Highway Code, there is no specific law about footwear in the UK, but wearing inappropriate footwear could contribute to an incident for which accountability could be deemed to be the driver´s if they have not adhered to the rule, and are prevented from using the controls in the correct manner.
Supposing a lack of control of the clutch makes the car lunge forward and hit something in front, or the reaction time is reduced due to stumbling feet and you are unable to stop before hitting an obstacle, if it is likely that the inappropriate footwear was a contributing factor, the driver may well see a fixed penalty notice issued. Similarly, if an insurance company decides that inappropriate footwear was a contributing factor, it may lessen the compensation amount in the event of a claim.
As for choosing the most appropriate shoe for driving, comfort is important and a flat shoe that will not easily slip off is best, not too wide and secure. You can buy specific driving shores, but laced, velcro or secure slip-on plimsolls or trainers are ideal, so long as they are flat, with rubber grip on the underside which provides excellent traction and control over the pedals.
Shoes that allow the driver to feel the pedal through the shoe, whilst still being able to apply sufficient pressure without discomfort, are the best for the job.
The post Appropriate Footwear in the UK appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: A lot of people in Spain are asking how the Spanish laws on appropriate footwear differ from the UK. You can read more about wearing flip flops and high heels when driving in Spain on the website, and then you Read More ...
The post Appropriate Footwear in the UK appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Sexual Webcam Interviewers Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil in Alicante have arrested two men who deceived women into performing strip teases and naked dance routines during interviews for nonexistent jobs as nightclub dancers.
The operation began last summer when investigators became aware of the existence of a profile on a social network site which was offering work as a waitress or dancer in a club in the Alicante town of Sax.
The interviews were then conducted via webcam, which were recorded, with the victims asked to perform a variety of routines and subsequently threatened to keep quiet under the risk of the videos being posted publicly.
The two men, aged 27 and 47 and of Spanish nationality, have been charged with crimes against sexual freedom and privacy.
Related Posts:Fake Facebook child exploiter arrestedSexual Picture Poster ArrestedOffensive Posters ArrestedALMORADI DRUG GANG ARRESTEDReckless Driver Caught after Posting Speeding Video

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil in Alicante have arrested two men who deceived women into performing strip teases and naked dance routines during interviews for nonexistent jobs as nightclub dancers.
The operation began last summer when investigators b...

### Commemorative Coins Released

To mark the fourth centenary of the publication of the second part of Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes , the Spanish mint has released two commemorative coins this week.

However, the coins will not be seen in circulation as they are collector’s pieces, including one with a value of 10 euro, and another with a value of 100 euro.
The 100 euro coin is particularly rare with just 2,500 of the gold piece being released and features an image of Don Quixote sitting and reading.
Meanwhile, there are 7,500 copies of the silver 10 euro coin available, which features an image of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza riding their horses.
There are cheaper versions also available but if you have a spare 1,082.28 euro to spend you might want to hurry if you fancy buying the full set.
More details here.
Related Posts:BANKNOTE CIRCULATION DROPPED 12 PERCENT IN JANUARYTHERE’S (SPANISH) GOLD IN THEM THAR….BEACHES!…NEW 10 EURO NOTE PRESENTEDEuro Weekly News – 26 February 2015EURO AREA TO ISSUE NEW 10 EURO BANKNOTE

Excerpt: To mark the fourth centenary of the publication of the second part of Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes , the Spanish mint has released two commemorative coins this week. However, the coins will not be seen in circulation as they are collector’s pieces, including one with a value of 10 euro, and another with a value of 100 euro. The 100 euro coin is particularly rare with just 2,500 of the gold piece being released and features an image of Don Quixote sitting and reading. Meanwhile, there are 7,500 copies of the silver 10 euro coin available, which features an image of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza riding their horses. There are cheaper versions also available but if you have a spare 1,082.28 euro to spend you might want to hurry if you fancy buying the full set. More details here.Related Posts:BANKNOTE CIRCULATION DROPPED 12 PERCENT IN JANUARYTHERE’S (SPANISH) GOLD IN THEM THAR….BEACHES!…NEW 10 EURO NOTE PRESENTEDEuro Weekly News – 26 February 2015EURO AREA TO ISSUE NEW 10 EURO BANKNOTE

### Benefit Fraudsters Arrested

Officers from the National Police have arrested 85 people in connection with an investigation into a group which defrauded 800,000 euro from public money through seven fictitious companies.

The group, which was run by members of the same family, originated from Morocco and operated through different Spanish provinces, including Alicante and Murcia.
The gang were active between September 2014 and today, with the aim of offering foreigners the opportunity to receive an employment contract in Spain, thus benefit from social security and state aid.
Related Posts:Vehicle Insurance Fraudsters ArrestedFraudsters ArrestedBurglary Gang Arrested158 ARRESTS IN ORIHUELA SOCIAL SECURITY FRAUDFOREIGN TARGETING HIGHWAY ROBBERS ARRESTED

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested 85 people in connection with an investigation into a group which defrauded 800,000 euro from public money through seven fictitious companies.

The group, which was run by members of the same family, origi...

### First Major Summer Traffic Operation Begins

The first major traffic movement monitoring campaign of the summer began on Monday, with Operación Paso del Estrecho set to facilitate 2.5 million people and 600,000 vehicles between Europe and Africa.

The operation runs until the 15th of September and will see two main elements of focus, the journey to Africa, which will be between the 15th of June and the 15th of August, and the return, which operates concurrently from the 15th of July until the 15th of September.
The busiest days are anticipated as being the first few days of August, namely the 1st to the 4th, whereas the busiest days for the return operation are expected to be from the 27th to the 30th of August. All weekends between the 10th of July and the 23rd of August will also be very busy.
The administrations at ports and harbours will be working together to ensure as smooth a flow as possible across the water, with ticket restrictions eased on most routes. Interpreters and technicians are on hand at the ports, and the roads will be policed by 9,000 officers having duties assigned to the operation.
The DGT will provide information relating to traffic problems during the course of the operation, but it is important to plan your journey carefully over the next few months, especially during the times stated on routes towards harbours and intercontinental links.
This operation will also coincide with the other major summer traffic flow plans, details of which will be released soon, when we see a major movement from inland and city areas to coastal and mountainous routes for the summer holidays.
The post First Major Summer Traffic Operation Begins appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: The first major traffic movement monitoring campaign of the summer began on Monday, with Operación Paso del Estrecho set to facilitate 2.5 million people and 600,000 vehicles between Europe and Africa. The operation runs until the 15th of September and Read More ...
The post First Major Summer Traffic Operation Begins appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### Vocational Training Scheme Extended

The Valencian employment ministry has extended the grant given to an employment scheme that has seen thousands of unemployed workers given six-month apprenticeship schemes to receive on the job training and a wage, thus reducing the unemployment figure and giving the workers tools to further their search for long-term employment.

The 18.4 million euro grant has now been extended to 22.9 million, meaning a total of 2,078 workers will have been involved in the 106 schemes across the area, including Torrevieja and Orihuela. In total, over the last 3 years, the scheme has received 40 million euro in investment.
The workshops are aimed at unemployed people over 25 years and gives priority to groups such as women, particularly victims of domestic violence, persons with disabilities, those  at risk of social exclusion, older than 55 years of age, people with low qualifications and the long-term unemployed.
Related Posts:ALMERIA UNEMPLOYMENT RISESTEMPORARY CONTRACT BUDGET DOUBLED FOR YOUNG PEOPLEUnemployment Shows Biggest Drop in HistoryUNEMPLOYMENT FALLS AGAIN IN MAYGRANTS FOR HIRING ORIHUELA´S UNEMPLOYED

Excerpt: The Valencian employment ministry has extended the grant given to an employment scheme that has seen thousands of unemployed workers given six-month apprenticeship schemes to receive on the job training and a wage, thus reducing the unemployment figure and giving the workers tools to further their search for long-term employment. The 18.4 million euro grant has now been extended to 22.9 million, meaning a total of 2,078 workers will have been involved in the 106 schemes across the area, including Torrevieja and Orihuela. In total, over the last 3 years, the scheme has received 40 million euro in investment. The workshops are aimed at unemployed people over 25 years and gives priority to groups such as women, particularly victims of domestic violence, persons with disabilities, those  at risk of social exclusion, older than 55 years of age, people with low qualifications and the long-term unemployed.Related Posts:ALMERIA UNEMPLOYMENT RISESTEMPORARY CONTRACT BUDGET DOUBLED FOR YOUNG PEOPLEUnemployment Shows Biggest Drop in HistoryUNEMPLOYMENT FALLS AGAIN IN MAYGRANTS FOR HIRING ORIHUELA´S UNEMPLOYED

### Two Fatalities on the Roads this Weekend

Two people have lost their lives and eleven people have been injured in two major traffic incidents on the roads of Spain, in the provisional count by the DGT between 15:00 on Friday and 20:00 on Sunday.
The first incident occurred on Saturday afternoon on the BI-633, in the Berriz area when a young male, aged 29, was killed after his car left the road and crashed into a house, before bursting into flames.

The second incident occurred at 03:30 on Sunday morning, at kilometre 63 of the A-381 in Alcala de los Gazules, Cádiz. A bus carrying Gibraltar fans returning from the Portuguese town of Faro after watching a football match collided with a van, resulting in one person being killed and eleven injured.
Three people were injured in Valencia in two incidents on the roads. In the first, a vehicle rolled over on the approach to a roundabout, and in the second, two cars collided.
The post Two Fatalities on the Roads this Weekend appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: Two people have lost their lives and eleven people have been injured in two major traffic incidents on the roads of Spain, in the provisional count by the DGT between 15:00 on Friday and 20:00 on Sunday. The first incident Read More ...
The post Two Fatalities on the Roads this Weekend appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### DONATION TO AFA TORREVIEJA

On behalf of AFA Torrevieja please find space for the following words and the attached photo about a recent donation from the El Raso Wine Club:
Members of El Raso Wine Club agreed to give a donation to a local charity and the Torrevieja Association of Friends and Relatives of Alzheimer's Sufferers (AFA) was chosen to receive this, for the second year running.
AFA volunteeer Jennie Mutter was present at the May meeting of the club and was presented with €200 by Elaine Wheatley, treasurer of the club.
Jennie thanked members for their generosity and then gave a short talk about the service that AFA provides to Alzheimer's sufferers in the Torrevieja area, almost all of which is paid for by charitable donations such as this.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47629/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On behalf of AFA Torrevieja please find space for the following words and the attached photo about a recent donation from the El Raso Wine Club:
Members of El Raso Wine Club agreed to give a donation to a local charity and the Torrevieja Association o...

### PAUL CUNNINGHAM, FASHION SHOW

" Despite torrential rain and thunderstorms, the Paul Cunningham Nurses Charity Fashion Show, went full steam ahead indoors last Thursday evening. 
We wish to thank everyone who braved the elements and supported the charity, including stall holders.
We also wish to thank the hard working staff and owners of the Quesada Country Club,
Open Car who kindly donated the cava and of course a huge thank you to  Mike Thornton from Lifecare Services,  who was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening and brought fun and laughter to the show. Kristoff Wright donated his time and took wonderful photos of the volunteer models in their stunning outfits.
The evening raised a total of 795 Euros and all monies will be forwarded to the charity.
The next event is at The Posh Private Members Club, la Marina on Wednesday 1st July for an Hawaiian Night.  Bella Luna will also be coming back to the Quesada Country Club on 15th August.  Tickets will go on sale towards the end of July."
The photo taken by Kristoff shows the models in their evening wear outfits.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47626/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: " Despite torrential rain and thunderstorms, the Paul Cunningham Nurses Charity Fashion Show, went full steam ahead indoors last Thursday evening. 
We wish to thank everyone who braved the elements and supported the charity, including stall holders.
We also wish to thank the hard working staff and owners of the Quesada Country Club,
Open Car who kindly donated the cava and of course a huge thank you to  Mike Thornton from Lifecare Services,  who was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening and brought fun and laughter to the show. Kristoff Wright donated his time and took wonderful photos of the volunteer models in their stunning outfits.
The evening raised a total of 795 Euros and all monies will be forwarded to the charity.
The next event is at The Posh Private Members Club, la Marina on Wednesday 1st July for an Hawaiian Night.  Bella Luna will also be coming back to the Quesada Country Club on 15th August.  Tickets will go on sale towards the end of July."
The photo taken by Kristoff shows the models in their evening wear outfits.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47626/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### Burglary Gang Arrested

Officers from the National Police have broken up an international group responsible for burglary of 32 homes in Valencia, Castellon and Madrid.

In total 38 people have been arrested, who operated in all levels of the network, including a business owner who would sell the stolen items. A total of 15 of those arrested have been sent to prison as a precautionary measure.
The investigations began after a burglary committed in Alicante which led investigators to consider the crime had been committed by a gang.
A variety of stolen goods, including jewellery, computers, games, tablets and mobile phones were seized in the raids.
Related Posts:VIOLENT BURGLARY GANG ARRESTEDCHILD BURGLARY GANG DISBANDEDElche Burglars ArrestedPOLICE DISMANTLE BURGLARY GANGLuxury Vehicle Gang Arrested

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have broken up an international group responsible for burglary of 32 homes in Valencia, Castellon and Madrid.

In total 38 people have been arrested, who operated in all levels of the network, including a business owne...

### Tourist Drowns on Ibiza

A 60 year old tourist, said to be of foreign nationality, has drowned on the beach at playa Es Marques on Sunday.
The alarm was raised at 13:15 in the Ses Salines area. Emergency technicians were sent to the scene but could do nothing to save the life of the victim.
Related Posts:Man Drowns In A CoruñaMan dies from drowning in MallorcaPensioner dies rescuing childrenMan Killed in Motorway Hit and RunSeven Fatalities on the Roads this Weekend

Excerpt: A 60 year old tourist, said to be of foreign nationality, has drowned on the beach at playa Es Marques on Sunday. The alarm was raised at 13:15 in the Ses Salines area. Emergency technicians were sent to the scene but could do nothing to save the life of the victim.Related Posts:Man Drowns In A CoruñaMan dies from drowning in MallorcaPensioner dies rescuing childrenMan Killed in Motorway Hit and RunSeven Fatalities on the Roads this Weekend

### PLAYA BOSQUE - COLLECTIVE CULPABILITY IN THE ORIHUELA COSTA TOWNHALL?

An Open Letter to The Mayor of Orihuela Costa
I have just seen a man being pulled, unconscious, from the sea by strangers and then dragged across the rocks. He looked dead.
The day before, I had witnessed 8 people – men, women and children – being rescued by different individuals, all strangers. They were all, thankfully, conscious when they were helped ashore;  badly shaken, exhausted  and within minutes of drowning, but mercifully still alive.
On both days, of course, ambulances eventually arrived along the smart costal path, lights flashing. They were either unaware of the correct access route or they had been unable to access the walkway because parked cars had, quite legitimately, blocked the unmarked entrance. 
Policia Local and then the Guardia Civil hurried around, but were actually able to do very little.  Some long minutes later, as the man on Friday lay motionless on the rocks, paramedics performed cardiac massage, applied their charged defibrillator whilst all the while, a swelling, sickening crowd of young and old looked morbidly on.
I cannot help wondering……. How you, Mr Orihuela Mayor, would respond , if you had been  relaxing on Playa Bosque with your family, only to hear the distant but familiar cries for help from your desperate son, daughter, mother or father?
How would you feel, Mr Mayor, if, just as your relative was being swept onto the rocks by a shock, relentless, invisible current, you noticed, too late, a small, distant, rusty sign warning of Danger?
FOR THAT IS ALL THAT YOUR TOWNHALL HAS PROVIDED. 
How would you feel, as bare-footed strangers tracked your inert relative, from the relative safety of the jagged rocks, totally unable to help and in fear of their own lives?
Yet they can all see the metal post, a mere 10 metres away from your desperate relative; it has been specifically designed with a large hook on which to hang an emergency lifebelt - but, for any of your unfortunate relatives, Mr Mayor, just as for the man on Friday and for the countless others, there is no salvation -  for the lifebelt is missing and has been for many months.
I wonder, at that moment, whether, Mr Mayor, you might begin to feel any anger, frustration or even sickness building in the pit of your stomach as you visualised the penny-pinching official who decided that it was just too expensive to replace such life-saving devices between September and June?  Or even provide a safety rope, attached from the shore to a buoy?
Might it have crossed your mind, Mr Mayor, that the administration really ought to accept some moral responsibility and to begin to exercise its duty of care to the Townhall's visitors rather more seriously? 
Or perhaps, you feel, here on Playa Bosque, things are not that bad?
After all, you have found sufficient Townhall funds to be able to afford a tractor-manicure of the beach every night; the income from the rental contract of the Beach Bars flows into your coffers from April until October. 
And you have even funded rubbish collectors, who walk past the single empty lifebelt post every week, cleaning those parts that your tractor cannot reach; ironically, they even clean the same rocks over which that poor unconscious man was dragged; I doubt he appreciated it. 
BUT NO LIFEBELT.  NO DEFIBRILLATOR. NO BUOYANCY AID.  NO SAFETY ROPE.  NOTHING.
In fairness, on closer inspection, someone in the Townhall has had the foresight to install 2 emergency access signs. It is unfortunate that they are in the wrong place, as there is no access to the treacherous rocks from here. In fact, there is partial access only to the Lifeguard cabin, which remains locked and unattended between, I believe, the 10 months from September to July.
Well, Mr Mayor, I hope you and your family never do find yourselves on Playa Bosque, with one of your siblings on the point of drowning. I hope you never have to endure the sense of helplessness, or witness a relative or any other drowning human being raising an arm as a last, desperate plea for help, too exhausted, any longer, to cry out loud.
I wonder if there is any sense of collective moral culpability or even responsibility at your Townhall, Mr Mayor… and I wonder too, how many more tourists have to drown on Playa Bosque before you act…..
Still, at least your beach is clean!
Clive IrwinFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47624/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: An Open Letter to The Mayor of Orihuela Costa
I have just seen a man being pulled, unconscious, from the sea by strangers and then dragged across the rocks. He looked dead.
The day before, I had witnessed 8 people – men, women and children &nda...

### A NEW DAWN FOR LOCAL POLITICS

In one of the most eagerly awaited weekends of the political world, Saturday saw a new picture painted for many local town halls, as coalitions and collaborations were formed, with the main onus being on removing the Partido Popular from power in many, and looking to the future of a new political framework.
One of the most eagerly anticipated results was in Torrevieja, where the PP lost their absolute majority after over 2 decades in power.
It was still possible for them to retain power howver through coalition, with the most likely partners being the Ciudadanos group, as the other main players.
The PSOE and Los Verdes, have both been instrumental in the fall of grace of the PP through the filing  of anti-corruption court cases.
It was in 1988 that Pedro Ángel Hernández Mateo of the PP came to power as Mayor, replacing Joaquín García Sánchez of the PSOE. The PP then remained in power, under the management of Hernández Mateo, who is now in prison having been found guilty of corruption and facing further charges. Eduardo Dolón Sánchez then took over the office in the last elections of 2011.
Now, after 27 years in power, Torrevieja wakes up with a new Mayor, and a new political power at the helm, a coalition of parties who collaborated to free Torrevieja of decades of PP rule. Having received the majority of votes in Saturday´s mayoral election, José Manuel Dolón of the Los Verdes green party is the new mayor of Torrevieja.
Ciudadanos had played their cards very close to their chest until the last minute, announcing their intentions late on Friday evening, saying that they have “decided to give their vote to the Los Verdes, as 62% of citizens have requested a change and we will facilitate it”.
However, councillor Pilar Gómez Magán reiterated that Ciudadanos will not join the government, but would remain in opposition, •but we will work hard, now there was no other way to do it.”
They then stood by their commitment and voted for the green mayor, as did the PSOE, Los Verdes, Sueña Torrevieja, APTCe and IU, giving him 14 votes against the 11 received for Eduardo Dolón, all from his own party members, but not enough to retain power.
José Manuel Dolón will now sit in power for the next two years, when the position will rotate and the new head of the PSOE, Fanny Serrano, will take over office for the remaining two years of the administrative period.
During his inaugural speech, José Manuel Dolón said that he will “work with all the people who make up the corporation, right or left, as I value all the seats in the plenary hall”.
He also said that he will assume the functions of Mayor “with all the humility and simplicity” that he can, since to him, “politics is nothing but a commitment to serve the people and for that I hope to have the cooperation of all the people who form the new administration and the people who are now going to play the opposition, which is an important mission, and with all of you, those who wanted change and those who want to collaborate on this new journey”.
He summed up with the statement, “in a few months or a few years we will tell if this change has paid off”, concluding, “let the future be ours”.
For his part, the ousted former mayor, Eduardo Dolón, also appeared at a press conference at the PP headquarters, describing the actions of the Ciudadanos group as a “pantomime”. Eduardo Dolón said that “there has been no time for negotiation”, and stressed that he did not want to “retain power at all costs” but has vowed to return to power soon as “it is impossible” for a hexpartite government to work, on account of their differing opinions and trends.
He concluded by saying that he leaves the position feeling “tremendously positive” about the economic situation.
In the wake of the announcement, there was praise aplenty for the new found collaboration. Ciudadanos Torrevieja took to Facebook to praise the decision and comment how their councillors, Pilar Gomez Magan and Paqui Parra, have shown their commitment of regeneration of democracy, transparency, anti-corruption and all that Ciudadanos strive to achieve, congratulating the new mayor and all political groups.
José Serna Lorente, another former political critic of the PP and sportsman who is currently competing in South America, commented, “What joy, today my city, Torrevieja... Wakes up with a new government. It's time to open the windows of the city, raise the carpet and breathe in the new air.” Concluding, “Viva Torrevieja! Long live the new corporation!
Congratulations to the greens, PSOE, Sueña Torrevieja, Ciudadanos, Apetece and IU for making possible this historic moment.”
Meanwhile, in Orihuela, Emilio Bascuñna from the Partido Popular has won the Mayoral vote there, replacing the Los Verdes mayor of the previous administration, gaining his 11 votes and so still ruling in a minority.
Of the twenty municipalities of the Vega Baja, sixteen had absolute majorities in the vote, the remaining six being left in the air.
All areas will now see their governments formed and roles assigned. Other highlights from around the area include votes and agreements made.
Across the Valencia region, the PSOE now sit in 226 mayoral roles, the PP in 164. Antonio Pérez of the PSOE is the mayor of Rojales, José Luis Sáez of the PSOE rules in Guardamar, Ignacio Ramos of the PSOE is head of Pilar de la Horadada, Jaime Pérez of the PSOE is mayor of Almoradí, Miguel Ángel Gambín from Ciudadanos is ruling in Cox and Ángel Sáez of the PP will govern San Miguel.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47623/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In one of the most eagerly awaited weekends of the political world, Saturday saw a new picture painted for many local town halls, as coalitions and collaborations were formed, with the main onus being on removing the Partido Popular from power in many,...

### POSITIVE TRENDS IN TORREVIEJA AND ORIHUELA PROPERTY

The market for second homes on the Alicante coast has started to show a positive trend, especially in the towns of Torrevieja and Orihuela, mainly due to foreign demand, while in Castellon and Valencia a "phase adjustment" has been maintained.
The latest report on the housing market along the Valencian coast, prepared by the company Tinsa, concludes that Valencia as a whole "is beginning to wake up," except, that is, in a few certain areas of Alicante, where there is an exceptionally large amount of residual stock.
The regional director of Tinsa, Jose Antonio Lopez, said at a press conference last week that the prices in eight locations recorded annual price rises in the first quarter of the year: Jávea (11.2%), the Pobla de Farnals (5.3%), Benidorm (3.6%), Orihuela (1.6%) , Torrevieja (1.4%) and Elche (1%) as well as Benicarlo and Denia, where there has been a very slight increase of 0.5% and 0.2% respectively.
As for foreign demand in the province of Alicante, in 2014 the British market grew by 41% over the previous year, 22% Belgian, Swedish 7% and France with 15%, while the Russian market showed a small decline.
Also in this area the Chinese market, is beginning to emerge with growth of 63% and 243 transactions in 2014.
Orihuela, Torrevieja and Pilar de la Horadada are among the five municipalities with the most building permits, with the first two places also among the five with the highest number of purchases.
Promoter activity has begun to pick up in the Region, and is being especially aimed at foreign buyers who demand high quality housing with a preference for anything on the beachfront. Specifically, Oliva (Valencia), Orihuela, Guardamar del Segura, Torrevieja, Torre de la Horadada, Alfas del Pi, Denia, Villajoyosa, Altea, Calpe and Benissa.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47620/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The market for second homes on the Alicante coast has started to show a positive trend, especially in the towns of Torrevieja and Orihuela, mainly due to foreign demand, while in Castellon and Valencia a "phase adjustment" has been maintained.
The latest report on the housing market along the Valencian coast, prepared by the company Tinsa, concludes that Valencia as a whole "is beginning to wake up," except, that is, in a few certain areas of Alicante, where there is an exceptionally large amount of residual stock.
The regional director of Tinsa, Jose Antonio Lopez, said at a press conference last week that the prices in eight locations recorded annual price rises in the first quarter of the year: Jávea (11.2%), the Pobla de Farnals (5.3%), Benidorm (3.6%), Orihuela (1.6%) , Torrevieja (1.4%) and Elche (1%) as well as Benicarlo and Denia, where there has been a very slight increase of 0.5% and 0.2% respectively.
As for foreign demand in the province of Alicante, in 2014 the British market grew by 41% over the previous year, 22% Belgian, Swedish 7% and France with 15%, while the Russian market showed a small decline.
Also in this area the Chinese market, is beginning to emerge with growth of 63% and 243 transactions in 2014.
Orihuela, Torrevieja and Pilar de la Horadada are among the five municipalities with the most building permits, with the first two places also among the five with the highest number of purchases.
Promoter activity has begun to pick up in the Region, and is being especially aimed at foreign buyers who demand high quality housing with a preference for anything on the beachfront. Specifically, Oliva (Valencia), Orihuela, Guardamar del Segura, Torrevieja, Torre de la Horadada, Alfas del Pi, Denia, Villajoyosa, Altea, Calpe and Benissa.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47620/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### NEW EMPHASIS ON HOUSEHOLD RECYCLING

Environment al councillor Manuel Gallud said last week that 25 new recycling containers will be placed around Orihuela. 
They are the first batch of 61 such bins provided by the company Ecoembes with the aim of increasing the volume of recycling in the city.
Gallud said that the recycling products deposited in the new bins will increase the money that the city receives from the company, currently in the region of 150,000 per year, derived from the use and reuse of these waste plastic containers
He spoke of the dual benefits of increased recycling, of course the benefits to the environment as well as  an increased amount that the city will receive for packaging and paper, perhaps as much as 300,000 euros
Orihuela is currently well below the European average as far as public awareness of recycling is concerned so he appealed to the general public, asking that they now start to take rather more notice of their waste and that the start to separate it as is required, dropping it into the appropriate bin.
It is understood that the new containers will be distributed around the city, starting with the commercial areas that have the greatest needs. Gallud also said that this increase in revenue could even pose "a reduction in the cost of the refuse service, which he expects to remain under municipal ownership."
Each of the containers is costing about 600 euros.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47619/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Environment al councillor Manuel Gallud said last week that 25 new recycling containers will be placed around Orihuela. 
They are the first batch of 61 such bins provided by the company Ecoembes with the aim of increasing the volume of recycling in the city.
Gallud said that the recycling products deposited in the new bins will increase the money that the city receives from the company, currently in the region of 150,000 per year, derived from the use and reuse of these waste plastic containers
He spoke of the dual benefits of increased recycling, of course the benefits to the environment as well as  an increased amount that the city will receive for packaging and paper, perhaps as much as 300,000 euros
Orihuela is currently well below the European average as far as public awareness of recycling is concerned so he appealed to the general public, asking that they now start to take rather more notice of their waste and that the start to separate it as is required, dropping it into the appropriate bin.
It is understood that the new containers will be distributed around the city, starting with the commercial areas that have the greatest needs. Gallud also said that this increase in revenue could even pose "a reduction in the cost of the refuse service, which he expects to remain under municipal ownership."
Each of the containers is costing about 600 euros.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47619/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### SPAIN’S LITTLE ‘PRINCE BRAT’

We've had the rumoured affairs of former King Juan Carlos, the ongoing fraud trial of Princess Cristina, stripped of her title just last week. Well now it appears that the next generation of Spanish Royals are trying to get in on the act.
On the evidence of the tantrum that he threw at a Madrid leisure park last week, Fourth in line to the Spanish throne, Felipe Juan Froilán  de Todos los Santos de Marichalar y Borbón, known as Frolián, would seem to have all the signs of growing into yet another spoilt brat .
Not wanting to stand in a line along with us mere commoners, and suggesting that it was his birthright to do so, the little prince attempted to jump the queue on one of the park's more popular rides, but as he tried to push in he received a ticking off from a  school teacher who was also waiting in line along with his students.
According to a report in Spanish newspaper El Economista he promptly declared "I'm fourth in line to the Spanish throne."
The ride attendant then joined in then responding that being fourth in line to the Spanish throne did not mean he could push in line and get on the ride before the other visitors, who had been patiently queuing.
It was then that he threw his toys out of the pram making a racist slur at a young Chinese boy who also told him off for not queuing, shouting, "You shut up, you f...ing chino."
Spanish media reported that the prince was accompanied by several friends and a security guard. He eventually calmed down and moved away from the ride.
Unfortunately, as he continues to build a reputation as a royal bad boy, young Froilán seems to be hitting the headlines on far too many occasions, for the wrong reasons.
When he was 6-years-old, he famously kicked one of his female cousins at King Felipe and Queen Letizia's wedding.  After his parents got divorced, his behaviour is then said to have gone  downhill. Two and a half years ago he was kicked out of school for failing his end of year exams twice and in 2012 when he was just 14 years of age he shot himself in the foot (literally) while out hunting with his father Jaime de Marichalar.
During his last family holiday, he allegedly headbutted his cousin Paul and then tried to stab him with an iron skewer
But as with all rotten and spoiled children however, we can't really blame the children, in this case the young prince as much of the responsibility must sure by put firmly at the feet of his parents.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47618/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: We've had the rumoured affairs of former King Juan Carlos, the ongoing fraud trial of Princess Cristina, stripped of her title just last week. Well now it appears that the next generation of Spanish Royals are trying to get in on the act.
On the evidence of the tantrum that he threw at a Madrid leisure park last week, Fourth in line to the Spanish throne, Felipe Juan Froilán  de Todos los Santos de Marichalar y Borbón, known as Frolián, would seem to have all the signs of growing into yet another spoilt brat .
Not wanting to stand in a line along with us mere commoners, and suggesting that it was his birthright to do so, the little prince attempted to jump the queue on one of the park's more popular rides, but as he tried to push in he received a ticking off from a  school teacher who was also waiting in line along with his students.
According to a report in Spanish newspaper El Economista he promptly declared "I'm fourth in line to the Spanish throne."
The ride attendant then joined in then responding that being fourth in line to the Spanish throne did not mean he could push in line and get on the ride before the other visitors, who had been patiently queuing.
It was then that he threw his toys out of the pram making a racist slur at a young Chinese boy who also told him off for not queuing, shouting, "You shut up, you f...ing chino."
Spanish media reported that the prince was accompanied by several friends and a security guard. He eventually calmed down and moved away from the ride.
Unfortunately, as he continues to build a reputation as a royal bad boy, young Froilán seems to be hitting the headlines on far too many occasions, for the wrong reasons.
When he was 6-years-old, he famously kicked one of his female cousins at King Felipe and Queen Letizia's wedding.  After his parents got divorced, his behaviour is then said to have gone  downhill. Two and a half years ago he was kicked out of school for failing his end of year exams twice and in 2012 when he was just 14 years of age he shot himself in the foot (literally) while out hunting with his father Jaime de Marichalar.
During his last family holiday, he allegedly headbutted his cousin Paul and then tried to stab him with an iron skewer
But as with all rotten and spoiled children however, we can't really blame the children, in this case the young prince as much of the responsibility must sure by put firmly at the feet of his parents.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47618/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### MENU DEL DIA FOR JUST 4 EUROS

I am sure that those of you who are former members of the armed forces will look back on operational military rations with mixed emotions.
Most popular were the 24 hour packs which were required to provide one man with enough food to last for up to one day, and the ten man pack, a much larger assortment, which was the main pack used for operational purposes, said to provide a daily intake of in excess of 4000 calories for each of its recipients.
Compo was the name by which the provisions were popularly known or Ration Composite General Service if you want to be more formal.
I remember the steak and kidney pudding and the oatmeal blocks with particular affection, and those quirky little tin openers, and who could forget, of course, the shiny sheets of toilet paper, although I have yet to meet a man, or a woman, who every used them.
I personally found the rations very good and always managed to put on some weight when I went away on exercise or manoeuvre with my unit.
Quite whether that would be the case with the Spanish Military Ration Pack I don't know. Squid, which seems to be a regular ingredient, has never been one of my favourite meals. But the packs are quite comprehensive and the military I have spoken to recently feel that they certainly serve the purpose.
Unlike the British packs, which are now put together by scientists at the Defence Fuel and Food Services Team down in deepest Bristol, the Spanish Ration Packs are the responsibility of the Corps of Engineers, so the extra constituents, such as the mandatory water purifying tablets, 3 solid fuel tablets, matches and a small stove for cooking, would come as no surprise, but I can't say that I was particularly excited by the menu.
Designed to provide each of it's recipient with enough fuel to withstand enemy fire on a full stomach, the dexterity and geometric skills necessary to open some of it's sachets and cans would be more akin to those you might expect to acquire in order to complete a Tetris challenge. Presumably each also comes with an added extra, a stick of dynamite or a very big mallet.
But even once you get in there the selection leaves rather a lot to be desired.
With an expiry date deep into 2018, as well as the extras already mentioned, my pack contained a can of pate with black pepper, a can of green beans, one sachet of vegetable soup, a can of squid, peaches in syrup and two sachets containing powder to make an isotonic drink. 
Not that appetising really, although I have eaten worse in some restaurants and paid a darned sight more than the 4 euro that each pack is purported to cost.
But the strange thing is that they are extremely well received!  And when it comes to exchanging packs in joint exercises with foreign military (we have all been there at one time or another) the Spanish ration packs are in some (although I wouldn't say great) demand.
Personally give me the good old compo 10 man pack, although I suppose in a desert battlefield  scenario the peaches in the Spanish pack would always do a job as camouflage!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47617/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: I am sure that those of you who are former members of the armed forces will look back on operational military rations with mixed emotions.
Most popular were the 24 hour packs which were required to provide one man with enough food to last for up to on...

### MASONS DONATE TO THE AGE CONCERN "HELP US BUY A NEW BUS" APPEAL

The photo shows Maurenn Payne, President of Age Concern receiving a cheque from the Master of Caledonia Lodge, Robin Goundry accompanied by the Master Elect David Turner and the Almoner Richard Beken. 
The cheque for 2,000 Euros is towards the Age Concern "Help Us Buy A New Bus" Appeal.
The President thanked the Masons for their very generous donation, which brings the current total to 13,250 Euros.
The Masons are well known for their Charity work and this year Caledonia Lodge has already made donations to the Alzheimers Association and Reach Out.
If you would like to know more about Masonry please contact Harry Palmer, Caledonia Lodge secretary on 966712326 or e-mail sec68@glpvalencia.com.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47614/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The photo shows Maurenn Payne, President of Age Concern receiving a cheque from the Master of Caledonia Lodge, Robin Goundry accompanied by the Master Elect David Turner and the Almoner Richard Beken. 
The cheque for 2,000 Euros is towards the Age Concern "Help Us Buy A New Bus" Appeal.
The President thanked the Masons for their very generous donation, which brings the current total to 13,250 Euros.
The Masons are well known for their Charity work and this year Caledonia Lodge has already made donations to the Alzheimers Association and Reach Out.
If you would like to know more about Masonry please contact Harry Palmer, Caledonia Lodge secretary on 966712326 or e-mail sec68@glpvalencia.com.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47614/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### GUARDIA JOINS MEDITERRANEAN RECUE MISSION

We see regular reports of British and Italian operations in the Mediterranean as they continue to rescue thousands of North African immigrants who have been trapped on boats run by Libyan smuggling gangs.
While British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon slammed the rest of Europe for not doing enough as Italy and Britain bares the brunt of the rescue workload he might well have had a thought for the crew of the Guardia Civil (Servicio Maritimo) vessel Rio Segura that was busy rescuing  589 immigrants from Italian waters south of the island of Lampedusa
The rescue was carried out by the Guardia Civil in conjunction with a vessel from the British Border Force, both of which are deployed on Operation Triton in Italian territorial waters.
The 589 immigrants were in two boats, one of a timber construction with about 500 people on board and another rubber dinghy with about 100  people crammed inside.
The larger vessel, 30 meters long and 5 meters wide, carried no identification nor was it flying any flag. 
Transfer of the immigrants to the Rio Segura was carried out by two Guardia dinghy's together with a much larger British landing craft manned by personnel from the Royal Marines.
The immigrants were taken to the Italian port of Reggio Calabria where they were processed, receiving medical examinations, food and a change of clothing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47613/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: We see regular reports of British and Italian operations in the Mediterranean as they continue to rescue thousands of North African immigrants who have been trapped on boats run by Libyan smuggling gangs.
While British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon...

### SLIGHT INCREASE IN DRIVING ARRESTS

The Guardia Civil has reported that it arrested 252 drivers in May for crimes against road safety in the Region
Of those who found their vehicles impounded, 63 people were driving without insurance or a driving license; 187 were driving under the influence of alcohol and two were speeding excessively, over 170 kilometers per hour in 80km limits.
The total number of arrests represents an increase of 0.80 percent compared with to the same month last year.
By province; in the Valencia action was taken against 26 drivers for lack of insurance or a license and 108 for driving under the influence of alcohol.
In Castellon there were 6 arrests for driving without insurance or a license six and another18 who were driving under the influence of alcohol. In the province of Alicante, 31 drivers were found to be without insurance or a license, 61 for driving under the influence of alcohol and two for speeding.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47612/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil has reported that it arrested 252 drivers in May for crimes against road safety in the Region
Of those who found their vehicles impounded, 63 people were driving without insurance or a driving license; 187 were driving under the infl...

### STREET ART SMARTENS UP ORIHUELA

Orihuela councillors Rosa Martinez and Manuel Gallud were out on the streets last week looking at some of the ‘street art' that has been produced over the last six months by young local artists under the direction of graffiti artist Javier Agulló.
Cllr for Employment Manuel Gallud said that the work is "the culmination of an Employment Plan that has been developed by the Town Hall over the last six months and has involved the hiring of 26 people who have been used to smarten up and improve the area around the local sierra, mountain belt surrounding the Fundación Cultural Miguel Hernández.
Agulló said that, when performing his work, he was constantly thinking of Migue Hernandez, sitting at the foot of mountains years ago while writing his poems. "I've drawn humbly and colors represent the ideas that he provided," he added.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47611/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Orihuela councillors Rosa Martinez and Manuel Gallud were out on the streets last week looking at some of the ‘street art' that has been produced over the last six months by young local artists under the direction of graffiti artist Javier Agulló.
Cllr for Employment Manuel Gallud said that the work is "the culmination of an Employment Plan that has been developed by the Town Hall over the last six months and has involved the hiring of 26 people who have been used to smarten up and improve the area around the local sierra, mountain belt surrounding the Fundación Cultural Miguel Hernández.
Agulló said that, when performing his work, he was constantly thinking of Migue Hernandez, sitting at the foot of mountains years ago while writing his poems. "I've drawn humbly and colors represent the ideas that he provided," he added.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47611/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### CAMEO ROLE FOR MAYOR IN BENIDORM

Shane Ritchie won't be the only new face that we'll see when series 8 of the popular ITV Sitcom Benidorm hits our screens later in the year. 
The 51-year-old, who has swapped the East End for Alicante, will be joined by the real life figure of PSOE Politician, Agustín Navarro, the current mayor of Benidorm, who has made a cameo appearance in the programme presenting the awards at a ceremony in the Melia Hotel.
Playing himself, the mayor was filmed presenting ‘The Pride of Benidorm Awards' in which he handed over prizes to the fictional characters Tiger and Joey, played by actors Danny Walters and Nathan Bryon. 
Filming for the series, comprising of seven 1 hour long episodes, began last March and will continue through to early July.
Following the ceremony the mayor took the opportunity for a 'selfie' along with Tiger and Joey played by actors Danny Walters and Nathan Bryon.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47609/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Shane Ritchie won't be the only new face that we'll see when series 8 of the popular ITV Sitcom Benidorm hits our screens later in the year. 
The 51-year-old, who has swapped the East End for Alicante, will be joined by the real life figure of PSOE Po...

### PROSECUTOR CALLS FOR ONE HUNDRED YEARS BEHIND BARS

El Bacarot suburb of Alicante became a real Hollywood movie set last October as agents from the National Police made a dawn raid on a gang of alleged drug traffickers and thieves who had been committing robberies from vehicles parked in the Elche-Alicante airport.
Five arrests were made in the raids and when they appeared in an Alicante Court last week, on the first day of what could be a lengthy trial, the Prosecuting Counsel called for a total of 100 years jail time for the five accused.
The list of offenses with which the five are charged is lengthy and includes the illegal possession of weapons, drug trafficking, forgery, two counts of burglary and two of theft, assault, tax fraud, burglary with violence and disobedience.
Police said that the material recovered was substantial, comprising of electronic equipment such as mobile phones, laptops and cameras, 3,000 euros, numerous false documents, license plates, keys to luxury cars as well as firearms and documentation.
The defendants are alleged to have engaged in a large variety of criminal activities which included theft from vehicles belonging to foreign visitors who were arriving at El Altet airport.
The individual appearing in the dock are all men of Moroccan and Algerian nationality between 29 and 35 years.
When the raid took place they are all said to have resisted arrest putting up quite a fight against the police agents. Two of them escaped from the house but were eventually arrested later on the same day.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47608/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: El Bacarot suburb of Alicante became a real Hollywood movie set last October as agents from the National Police made a dawn raid on a gang of alleged drug traffickers and thieves who had been committing robberies from vehicles parked in the Elche-Alica...

### JOHN, PAUL, GEORGE, RINGO AND THOR

Its always good to hear of new visitors enjoying our wonderful island. However, I guess it is even better to learn about a resident that has been lurking on the island for thousands of years; not the same one, of course, but a family member.  
No, I am not talking about some ancient drag queen, who is suddenly discovered in an embalmed condition in the cellar of a long forgotten show-bar in Playa del Ingles, but a new species of beetle.
Love them or hate them, beetles (not drag queens) are all part of the Canary Islands' package of experiences, alongside cockroaches, millipedes and spiders.
This new species of beetle is called Oromia thoracica, not the catchiest name I grant you, but the people who study such things can be a tad boring when it comes to catchy sounding names. It is a blind weevil that lives beneath the depths of the Agaete Valley, to the north-west of Gran Canaria.
This area has some of the oldest soil on the island, somewhere between 5 and 23 million years old, but it is hard to be accurate about such matters, which can be irritating for those who like detail.
This new beetle, now commonly known as Thor, popped into the radar in the subsoil in this fertile valley about six years ago.
Traps were duly laid, but Thor and his kind are canny creatures that deceived the investigators until recently when five of them fell into a trap following a heavy night out on the town. When they awoke two days later, it was too late, because the scientists had discovered them and, sadly, they were popped into a collecting jar.
Now this is the part where it all gets a little personal. What Thor lacks in size, since he is not a big boy at less that five millimetres long, he gains in his extremities that are longer and flatter than his cousins.
This is actually a very useful attribute, because it means that Thor and his family can adapt more easily to life in their underground environment and narrow cracks, where headspace is at a bit of a premium. Thor and his family are blind, but are all dressed in rather natty reddish-brown jackets, which is typical of subsoil insects.
The clever thing about Thor is his thorax, which extends over his head as a sort of heart shaped shield, perfect for the more romantically inclined mate, which makes him unique from other species, but his opening line of "Love me, love my thorax", can be a little daunting to a potential mate.
When it comes to fine dining, forget it, because Thor indulges in the rotting roots of bushes prevalent in the Agaete Valley, which makes him cheap, if not boring, to feed. Still, if you are looking for a cheap night out...
Apparently, the underground world of Gran Canaria is still a bit of a mystery, but there are many more surprises in store, to which I am sure many of our visitors will testify. 
However, I am referring to biodiversity, since the island is considered to be a real hotspot for future discoveries. I am told that a new species is discovered on the island every six days or so, which is an amazing statistic. Meanwhile, I wish Thor and his family well, but he should warn the rest of his species to keep away from the traps that lie in wait in the Agaete Valley.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle. 
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47607/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Its always good to hear of new visitors enjoying our wonderful island. However, I guess it is even better to learn about a resident that has been lurking on the island for thousands of years; not the same one, of course, but a family member.  
No, I am not talking about some ancient drag queen, who is suddenly discovered in an embalmed condition in the cellar of a long forgotten show-bar in Playa del Ingles, but a new species of beetle.
Love them or hate them, beetles (not drag queens) are all part of the Canary Islands' package of experiences, alongside cockroaches, millipedes and spiders.
This new species of beetle is called Oromia thoracica, not the catchiest name I grant you, but the people who study such things can be a tad boring when it comes to catchy sounding names. It is a blind weevil that lives beneath the depths of the Agaete Valley, to the north-west of Gran Canaria.
This area has some of the oldest soil on the island, somewhere between 5 and 23 million years old, but it is hard to be accurate about such matters, which can be irritating for those who like detail.
This new beetle, now commonly known as Thor, popped into the radar in the subsoil in this fertile valley about six years ago.
Traps were duly laid, but Thor and his kind are canny creatures that deceived the investigators until recently when five of them fell into a trap following a heavy night out on the town. When they awoke two days later, it was too late, because the scientists had discovered them and, sadly, they were popped into a collecting jar.
Now this is the part where it all gets a little personal. What Thor lacks in size, since he is not a big boy at less that five millimetres long, he gains in his extremities that are longer and flatter than his cousins.
This is actually a very useful attribute, because it means that Thor and his family can adapt more easily to life in their underground environment and narrow cracks, where headspace is at a bit of a premium. Thor and his family are blind, but are all dressed in rather natty reddish-brown jackets, which is typical of subsoil insects.
The clever thing about Thor is his thorax, which extends over his head as a sort of heart shaped shield, perfect for the more romantically inclined mate, which makes him unique from other species, but his opening line of "Love me, love my thorax", can be a little daunting to a potential mate.
When it comes to fine dining, forget it, because Thor indulges in the rotting roots of bushes prevalent in the Agaete Valley, which makes him cheap, if not boring, to feed. Still, if you are looking for a cheap night out...
Apparently, the underground world of Gran Canaria is still a bit of a mystery, but there are many more surprises in store, to which I am sure many of our visitors will testify. 
However, I am referring to biodiversity, since the island is considered to be a real hotspot for future discoveries. I am told that a new species is discovered on the island every six days or so, which is an amazing statistic. Meanwhile, I wish Thor and his family well, but he should warn the rest of his species to keep away from the traps that lie in wait in the Agaete Valley.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle. 
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47607/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### FOUR MEN ARRESTED IN CALLOSA FOR THEFT OF CITRUS FRUIT

Four men were arrested by Torrevieja's Civil Guard last week on suspicion of three counts of theft and four of burglary, valued at 10,000 euros, of citrus fruit in Callosa de Segura. 
The men were all of Spanish nationality and were aged between 27 and 48 years.
The investigation dates back to last April when complaints of the disappearing fruit were first made to the Guardia Civil. They began an investigation after being told of several robberies from farms in the Vega Baja.
The stolen fruit, was mainly oranges of the variety 'Power-lane'. It was later sold at roundabouts on the roads of the Vega Baja, while many of the other stolen items, farm tools and equipment, were sold at recycling centers around the area.
The four men are said to have watched the farmers, taking notice of their lunch and supper breaks. It was during these times that most of the thefts occurred. However, on one occasion a farmer returned early surprising the thieves at which point he had to flee, almost being run over.
He was able to provide descriptions however following which the arrests were made. The alleged perpetrators have now been made available to the Court of Instruction No. 1 in  Orihuela.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47606/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Four men were arrested by Torrevieja's Civil Guard last week on suspicion of three counts of theft and four of burglary, valued at 10,000 euros, of citrus fruit in Callosa de Segura. 
The men were all of Spanish nationality and were aged between 27 an...

### SITE CLEARED FOR TOWN HALL EXTENSION

The Torrevieja Planning Department has put out to tender the demolition of two buildings adjoining the Town Hall at a proposed cost of 450,000 euros. Details of the technical specifications were published on the Town Hall website last week.
The whole process is to be completed within eight months although the current mayor, Eduardo Dolon, said that he hoped the successful contractor would conclude the works within a much shorter period of time.
The two properties to be demolished were formerly houses occupied by priests from the Inmaculada Concepción church with the plot vacated being used to accommodate a three-story building containing municipal services that are scattered across the town in rented offices.
The first phase of the project will consist of the demolition of the existing buildings and the erection of the ground floor of a new building covering an area of more than five hundred square meters.
The project will see the creation of an internal courtyard which could be accessed from the street, connecting both the main building and the old City Hall directly across from the Plaza de la Constitution. A courtyard garden will also be provided by creating a space that could also serve as a waiting room for people who will be using the new administrative facility.
The deadline for submission of tenders will be 26 days from the publication of the original notice in the Provincial Gazette, which the mayor expects to appear in the coming days.
Eduardo Dolon said that he hopes the works can get underway after the summer as they have already been delayed by over a year because of technical problems.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47605/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Torrevieja Planning Department has put out to tender the demolition of two buildings adjoining the Town Hall at a proposed cost of 450,000 euros. Details of the technical specifications were published on the Town Hall website last week.
The whole ...

### TORRY V HULL CITY PRE SEASON FRIENDLY CONFIRMED

At last week's CD Torrevieja AGM, president Vicente Boix confirmed that Torry would be playing Hull City at Vicente Garcia Stadium on either 26 or 28 Jul. 
He also stated that friendlies are being arranged against Cartagena, Real Murcia, Hurcules, and possibly Elche. 
The playing squad will be commencing training on 6 Jul, when hopefully some new additions will be in evidence.
The top table, consisting of Vicente Boix, Jeff & Di Scott, Grahame Knight and Matilde Serapio, advised the socios in attendance, of any relevant information pertaining to the club. 
An encouraging point to come from the financial side, is that only 1,500 euros of debt are outstanding, which is a huge improvement on last years figures.  A council grant of 70,000 euros has been awarded, but will depend on which party are governing the Torrevieja council, as to whether this amount is actually received. 
Shirt sponsorship is required for the forthcoming season, and any interested parties are invited to contact club treasurer Jeff Scott.
 Wi fi has now been installed within the ground, which now boasts a superb pitch, having been twice reseeded last season.  Torry have a regular spot on TV Torrevieja, as well as reports on Exite, TKO and Sunshine radio.  Meetings with the mayor have continued throughout the season, resulting in the good relationship which now exists. 
CD Torrevieja end of season dinner was a tremendous success, enjoyed by all in attendance.  Vicente and his board of directors, are confident that in Pedreno, they have the right manager to take Torry into a play off slot in the coming season.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47604/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: At last week's CD Torrevieja AGM, president Vicente Boix confirmed that Torry would be playing Hull City at Vicente Garcia Stadium on either 26 or 28 Jul. 
He also stated that friendlies are being arranged against Cartagena, Real Murcia, Hurcules, and...

### RAQUEL LOOKS SET FOR ANOTHER WONDERFUL SUMMER

It looks like being another successful summer for Raquel Pena and her amazing Flamenco Dance Troupe. 
This iconic dancing star's own performances have mesmerised U.S. Presidents and Britain's royals over the years  and now the amazing troupe of her current dancers, all trained and choreographed personally by Raquel Pena, can be seen performing three times a week at the Rebate Restaurant, and really should not be missed.
Believe me; the restaurant is exceedingly fortunate to have been chosen as a place of performance by Raquel Pena.
You can see their amazing shows on Wednesday and Sunday lunchtimes and on Friday evenings where their heel work, astonishingly controlled in rhythm, dynamics and sound, often race to tempos that seem to defy the threshold of audible speed
This really is a taste of the very best of authentic Spain.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47602/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: It looks like being another successful summer for Raquel Pena and her amazing Flamenco Dance Troupe. 
This iconic dancing star's own performances have mesmerised U.S. Presidents and Britain's royals over the years  and now the amazing troupe of her cu...

### OKLAHOMA YIPPEE¡ ¡

Studio 32 have done it again, delighting the audience, with three sell out performances of Oklahoma.
The lead roles  of Curly and Laurey, were brilliantly portrayed by Rae Daniel andVerity Jo Spencer Hall with exceptional supporting roles from Jenni Hardy -Rooneyas the feisty Aunt Eller, the flirtatious Ado Annie played by Bev McEwan, along withthe talented Mark Lord as Will Parker.
Special credit must go to the gifted Mike Oates, who played the pedlar Ali Hakim and to Dan Ullah who played the mysterious sinister Jud Fry.
These were well supported by a host of dancing girls, cowboys, farmers wives and girlfriends, all going to make this a truly authentic  and fantastic show.
Oklahoma was incredibly produced  by Susan Zillah Wilson, backed by a dedicated back stage crew and Studio 32 members . 
                      
The  next production for Studio32,the popular Pantomime Dick Whittington, willbe staged in November, when it is anticipated that another large donation will be made to local charities to add to the 2,000 euros presented this time, to the Alzheimer's  association and San Fulgencio  town hall.
If you are interested in becoming a member of Studio 32 in any capacity , there will  be an open day at Casa Ventura ,San Luis, on Wednesday 17th. June between 4.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m.  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47599/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Studio 32 have done it again, delighting the audience, with three sell out performances of Oklahoma.
The lead roles  of Curly and Laurey, were brilliantly portrayed by Rae Daniel andVerity Jo Spencer Hall with exceptional supporting roles from Jenni H...

### BRITISH CONSUL PRAISES CHARITIES’ WORK, URGES MORE EXPATS TO VOLUNTEER

Local expat charities are working hard to support both British and Spanish nationals, British Consul Sarah-Jane Morris saw in a day-long visit to the north of Alicante province this week.
Mrs Morris spent a morning in the HELP centres in La Xara, and was impressed to see the work that the charity is doing to deliver respite and residential care for those in need.
In addition to the work that they do to help British citizens, HELP Marina Alta and other charities also fundraise for their local communities so that all nationalities can benefit. Recently, for example, HELP purchased hospital beds for local GP surgeries and provided funds to Fontilles care home.
Mrs Morris said: “The work that these charities carry out is really fantastic. Not only are HELP Marina Alta supporting British nationals who need help, they are also fundraising for Spanish charities, such as the Fontilles care home. This is partnership in action – Brits supporting each other and also giving something back to the local Spanish community.”
She added: “As always, all the local charities are crying out for volunteers, so I would really encourage anyone who has some spare time to get involved. It can be incredibly rewarding work to help others.”
The Consul spent the rest of the day in the north of Alicante carrying out two focus groups, in Javea and Moraira. Britons attending the groups asked Mrs Morris to provide clearer and more up-to-date information on official websites.
She encouraged British residents to follow the Consulate on Facebook (www.facebook/BritsLivingInSpain) and to look at www.gov.uk/living-in-spain when they have a question about common issues such as driving licences, residency and the padrón.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47591/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Local expat charities are working hard to support both British and Spanish nationals, British Consul Sarah-Jane Morris saw in a day-long visit to the north of Alicante province this week.
Mrs Morris spent a morning in the HELP centres in La Xara, and ...

### CARTAGENA CELEBRATES NAVAL HISTORY

A week of celebrations commemorating el Día de las Fuerzas Armadas, or Armed Forces Day, came to a close at the weekend, with thousands of people having had an insight into some of the duties performed by the Spanish military.
Locally, the Orihuela local police arranged a special event in one of the municipality´s smaller villages, but there´s no question that the main highlight was in Cartagena, where there were numerous static displays as the navy opened up some of their ships for the public to visit.
The King of Spain, Filipe VI, presided over the main event in Madrid, the first time he did so as King, and also visited Cartagena on Thursday, celebrating the centenary of the Arma de Submarina, and unveiling a commemorative plaque.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47590/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A week of celebrations commemorating el Día de las Fuerzas Armadas, or Armed Forces Day, came to a close at the weekend, with thousands of people having had an insight into some of the duties performed by the Spanish military.
Locally, the Orih...

### LUXURY CAR CRUSHED IN STREET RACE

A car driver is lucky to be alive, although quite possibly feeling somewhat unlucky, having been caught out on Sunday after being involved in a crash whilst involved in a street race with a motorbike.
What makes this incident stand out more than most is that the car that crashed was a bright yellow Ferrari, which ended its race with considerable front end damage.
The incident occurred in the area of La Carrasqueta, to the south of Alcoi, in an area renowned for illegal street racing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47589/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A car driver is lucky to be alive, although quite possibly feeling somewhat unlucky, having been caught out on Sunday after being involved in a crash whilst involved in a street race with a motorbike.
What makes this incident stand out more than most ...

### AGE CONCERN ANNUAL SUMMER FAIR

On Saturday 6th June the Annual Age Concern Summer Fair was held in glorious sunshine. 
The Fair was well attended with visitors being entertained by the Dayamantes Singing Group and raised the fabulous sum of 3,281.20 Euros.
The President of Age Concern, Maureen Payne, thanked all those who had donated prizes for the Grand Raffle and all of the volunteers who helped make the day a success.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47587/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Saturday 6th June the Annual Age Concern Summer Fair was held in glorious sunshine. 
The Fair was well attended with visitors being entertained by the Dayamantes Singing Group and raised the fabulous sum of 3,281.20 Euros.
The President of Age Con...

### José Manuel Dolón is the new mayor of Torrevieja

José Manuel Dolón of the Los Verdes green party is the new mayor of Torrevieja, having received the majority of votes, ousting the Partido Popular after 27 years in power.



As one of the politicians instrumental in bringing countless cases to court, fighting against the corrupt elements of the PP, José Manuel Dolón has ousted Eduardo Dolón from the top spot, and promises a future dedicated to serving the people of the town, rather than the pockets of the politicians.

The green councillor received 14 votes from the PSOE, Los Verdes, Sueña Torrevieja, APTCe and IU, along with the Ciudadanos who had kept their opinions secret until a last minute press conference late on Friday night.

Eduardo Dolón for his part received 11 votes, obtaining the full support of his own party.

Torrevieja is now set to be run by a multi-party coalition government whose Mayor will rotate after two years into the four year term.

### Alicante-Elche Airport Served Over a Million Passengers in May

Alicante-Elche airport exceeded one million passengers in May, for the first time in the El Altet´ airport´s history.
There were a total of 1,014,560 passenger movements in May, a 4.1% increase on the same month of last year.
Domestic traffic increased by 5.9% with 98,534 passengers, whilst international traffic grew by 4% to 914,137.
Visitors from the United Kingdom took the largest share with 449,111, followed by Germany with 72,617, the Netherlands with 63,011, Norway with 61,640, Belgium with 48,546 and Sweden with 40,709.
There were a total of 7,089 flights in May, also an increase of 3.1% over the same month last year.
Related Posts:ALICANTE-ELCHE AIRPORT SERVES ALMOST 9 MILLION SO FARAir Passenger Numbers IncreasingDOMESTIC TRAFFIC GROWS BY 22% AT EL ALTETAIRPORT FIGURES SHOW COSTA BLANCA IS IN FOR A BUSY SUMMERREADY FOR A GREAT SUMMER TAKE-OFF FOR ALICANTE-ELCHE AIRPORT

Excerpt: Alicante-Elche airport exceeded one million passengers in May, for the first time in the El Altet´ airport´s history. There were a total of 1,014,560 passenger movements in May, a 4.1% increase on the same month of last year. Domestic traffic increased by 5.9% with 98,534 passengers, whilst international traffic grew by 4% to 914,137. Visitors from the United Kingdom took the largest share with 449,111, followed by Germany with 72,617, the Netherlands with 63,011, Norway with 61,640, Belgium with 48,546 and Sweden with 40,709. There were a total of 7,089 flights in May, also an increase of 3.1% over the same month last year.Related Posts:ALICANTE-ELCHE AIRPORT SERVES ALMOST 9 MILLION SO FARAir Passenger Numbers IncreasingDOMESTIC TRAFFIC GROWS BY 22% AT EL ALTETAIRPORT FIGURES SHOW COSTA BLANCA IS IN FOR A BUSY SUMMERREADY FOR A GREAT SUMMER TAKE-OFF FOR ALICANTE-ELCHE AIRPORT

### Fairground Workers Found Dead

The bodies of two fairground workers have been found in the back of a truck in Logroño.
According to the police, the bodies of the 52 year old Spanish man and 57 year old Portuguese woman showed no signs of violence, and had apparently died in their sleep.
An autopsy will be carried out to determine the cause of the deaths.
Related Posts:THREE BRITS FOUND DEAD IN MIJASBODIES OF TWO WOMEN FOUND IN CARMAN KILLS WIFE BEFORE SLITTING OWN THROATEIGHT DEAD IN COX MOTORWAY CRASHFURTHER DETAILS REVEALED IN MIJAS SHOOTING CASE

Excerpt: The bodies of two fairground workers have been found in the back of a truck in Logroño. According to the police, the bodies of the 52 year old Spanish man and 57 year old Portuguese woman showed no signs of violence, and had apparently died in their sleep. An autopsy will be carried out to determine the cause of the deaths.Related Posts:THREE BRITS FOUND DEAD IN MIJASBODIES OF TWO WOMEN FOUND IN CARMAN KILLS WIFE BEFORE SLITTING OWN THROATEIGHT DEAD IN COX MOTORWAY CRASHFURTHER DETAILS REVEALED IN MIJAS SHOOTING CASE

### Alcohol and Drugs Campaign Success

During the latest campaign to clamp down on the consumption of alcohol and drugs whilst driving, more than 2,600 drivers tested positive.

During the campaign, which ran from the 1st to the 7th of June, officers from the Guardia Civil conducted a total of 208,782 tests, from which 1,978 were found to have consumed excessive alcohol and 622 were positive for drugs.
During the course of the testing phase, the officers conducted 1,909 drug tests on drivers who presented symptoms of having ingested some form of substance, had committed an offense or had been involved in a collision, of these tests, 622 were positive, some 32% of the total. Two of the drivers who tested positive were immediately arrested and brought before the courts after showing obvious signs of driving under the influence of drugs after having been involved in an incident.
Among the most frequently used drugs were cannabis, with 449 cases, cocaine with 198 cases and amphetamines in 72 cases, with almost 200 drivers testing positive for more than one substance.
Meanwhile, of the 206,873 breath tests conducted during the campaign, 1,978 drivers tested positive, of which 1,796 were routine checks, 99 after having committed another offense, another 72 for being involved in an incident and 11 showing more noticeable symptoms of having consumed alcohol.
Of the 1,978 drivers who exceeded the minimum permitted level of alcohol, 1,674 have been reported through the administrative process, whereas 304 will be brought before the courts for having presented a result in excess of 0.60 mg / l of exhaled air. In addition, another 10 drivers have been brought to justice for refusing breath tests.

Since the recently reformed Road Safety Act entered into force of the, the Ley de Seguridad Vial, more than 3,000 repeat offenders, who have been sanctioned in the previous year for testing positive for alcohol, have been punished with a 1,000 euro fine and the loss of 6 points. In addition, 30,000 drivers have been reported in the last year with more than 0.50 mg / l alcohol in exhaled air, twice the allowed rate. In addition, more than 20,000 drivers have been sanctioned for driving with the presence of drugs, an offence punishable by a fine of 1,000 euro and the loss of 6 points.
The post Alcohol and Drugs Campaign Success appeared first on Driving In Spain.

Excerpt: During the latest campaign to clamp down on the consumption of alcohol and drugs whilst driving, more than 2,600 drivers tested positive. During the campaign, which ran from the 1st to the 7th of June, officers from the Guardia Civil Read More ...
The post Alcohol and Drugs Campaign Success appeared first on Driving In Spain.

### FEW EFFECTIVE RULES

An expert author in education said that in the family and school is where more orders are given and where fewer orders are carried out.
The positive is the opposite, I mean that there are few rules that are fulfill and allow that the child can express an opinion.
First, in the family must have few basic rules, taking into account the age of children and family circumstances. However, orders sometimes are given for anything, by impetus or affirm their own personality.
For example, a mother said to her servant: go to the children's room, watch what they are doing and prohibit them. She didn't know if what children are doing was good or bad, but anyway she had to reproach them strongly.
With this attitude two effects occur: parents lose their authority because children will not obey them and the stability of the family environment is broken since now it is arbitrarily prohibited what could be done before without problems. This creates insecurity in children's personality.
Second, it is necessary that few established rules are always fulfilled. The child must be convinced that can not break family rules established between parents and children. It is also necessary that teachers participate in the same decisions and demand that the child fulfills them. This consolidates the authority of parents and avoids many tantrums.
Instead of repeating many times the same things, such as pick up the jersey and the slippers, straighten the room, study, etc, we must achieve gently and calmly that the child fulfills immediately. This may involve some sacrifice since the mother will have to stand up, take the child of his hand to make that he does what must do.
Likewise, it is not good that the mother with little authority threatens the child to tell everything to his father to punish him. With these words, the mother demonstrates that she has no authority and does not know how to manage the home.
She shows the father as the bad ogre that punishes evil actions of children. In many occasions the father does nothing, because does not know how facts happened and the child can not remember or is aware of his past acts.
Third, the child must have the freedom to express an opinion, although some of his preferences do not share those of the adults.
This must be respected by virtue of the personal singularity of each person. Parents can not try to make their children in their image and likeness, as photocopies or decals.
Arturo Ramo García.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47569/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: An expert author in education said that in the family and school is where more orders are given and where fewer orders are carried out.
The positive is the opposite, I mean that there are few rules that are fulfill and allow that the child can express...

### Parents of Child Aggressor Forced to Pay Compensation

The parents of a minor, of undisclosed age, have this week been condemned by the courts of Aragon to pay 662,100 euro to the victim of an assault.
The incident dates back to July, 2013, when the youth was identified as being part of a gang who assaulted the victim in a bar in Huesca.
The victim was hospitalised for 97 days, 30 of which were in an induced coma.
Although the facts were clear that it was a gang who assaulted the victim, this one youth was highlighted as being the main aggressor. The juvenile court already condemned the youth to pay a lesser amount, but it is the provincial court which has now increased the compensation that the parent must pay, as well as giving them just 10 days to do so before enforcement procedures are activated.
Related Posts:FOOTBALL COACH CHARGED WITH RAPEKILLER ARSONIST MAY GET 29 YEAR SENTENCEParents Forced to Compensate for Stone Throw DeathSENTENCE REDUCED FOR DRUG SMUGGLERAccident Compensation Scale to be Revised

Excerpt: The parents of a minor, of undisclosed age, have this week been condemned by the courts of Aragon to pay 662,100 euro to the victim of an assault.
The incident dates back to July, 2013, when the youth was identified as being part of a gang who assaulte...

### Hand Baggage Size Reduction

The International Air Transport Association, IATA, has issued new guidelines regarding the maximum size of hand luggage carried on aircraft. The new guidelines state that cabin bags should have maximum dimensions of 55cm x 35cm x 19cm, which is a volume of 36,575 cubic centimetres.

According to an IATA spokesperson, the change will “help to iron out inconsistencies and lead to an improved passenger experience”, as all passengers will theoretically have the same sized case and will also have more of a chance of sharing the restricted cabin space.
The biggest problem is that the new size is smaller than the current limit set by most major airlines, including those serving the Costa Blanca, but IATA stress that their limits are guidelines only and that airlines are still allowed to set their own standards.

Excerpt: The International Air Transport Association, IATA, has issued new guidelines regarding the maximum size of hand luggage carried on aircraft. The new guidelines state that cabin bags should have maximum dimensions of 55cm x 35cm x 19cm, which is a volume of 36,575 cubic centimetres. According to an IATA spokesperson, the change will “help to iron out inconsistencies and lead to an improved passenger experience”, as all passengers will theoretically have the same sized case and will also have more of a chance of sharing the restricted cabin space. The biggest problem is that the new size is smaller than the current limit set by most major airlines, including those serving the Costa Blanca, but IATA stress that their limits are guidelines only and that airlines are still allowed to set their own standards.

### Elche Burglars Arrested

Officers from the National Police have arrested 5 people between the ages of 39 and 65, believed to be part of a gang dedicated to robbing homes in the rural areas of Elche.
During the arrests, the police recovered a variety of items identified as stolen, including a kayak, a mountain bike and six marijuana plants. The officers also recovered a number of domestic birds which are believed stolen, including parakeets, parrots and pheasants.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested 5 people between the ages of 39 and 65, believed to be part of a gang dedicated to robbing homes in the rural areas of Elche. During the arrests, the police recovered a Read More ...

### Cycle Lanes Inaugurated

The councillor for the coast of Orihuela, Martina Scheurer, in what is likely to be one of her final public engagements before leaving office this week, presented the latest completed stage of cycle lanes created on the Orihuela Costa.

Constructed through a campaign funded by both the Ministry of Employment and the European Union, the scheme gave temporary work and training to 24 unemployed people in order to provide further skills to assist them in finding permanent work.

This latest section is in the Aguamarina area and connects the roads near to the local health centre and the beach paseo, where a combined pedestrian and cycle lane has been introduced.

Excerpt: The councillor for the coast of Orihuela, Martina Scheurer, in what is likely to be one of her final public engagements before leaving office this week, presented the latest completed stage of cycle lanes created on the Orihuela Costa. Constructed Read More ...

### Blind Dogs in Almoradí Being Helped

The animal welfare centre in Almoradí will take delivery of two devices this week known as Muffin’s Halo, which allows blind dogs to move around without bumping into surrounding objects.

First invented and patented in America, the devices are being sent over from the states and will be used by two dogs in the centre, a mother who gave birth to five puppies, and an 11 year old dog, both completely blind.
It is the first time that the device will be used in Spain and works by an attachment to the animal´s body which carries a protective halo on order to ensure safety in motion.

Excerpt: The animal welfare centre in Almoradí will take delivery of two devices this week known as Muffin’s Halo, which allows blind dogs to move around without bumping into surrounding objects. First invented and patented in America, the devices are being Read More ...

### Cyber Crime Action

The Spanish National Police have been collaborating with colleagues in the UK, Italy and Belgium, in a joint operation coordinated by Europol and Eurojust, cracking down on cyber crime networks.
In total, 49 people have been arrested, 10 of them in Spain, believed to be part of a gang that targeted corporate email accounts in order to interfere with international financial transactions between different countries, changing the target bank accounts in order to obtain money illegally.
A total of 28 homes were raided, 10 in Spain and 2 in the UK, where a variety of computer equipment was seized.

Excerpt: The Spanish National Police have been collaborating with colleagues in the UK, Italy and Belgium, in a joint operation coordinated by Europol and Eurojust, cracking down on cyber crime networks. In total, 49 people have been arrested, 10 of them Read More ...

### Sea Bed Rescuers Being Trained

Ten volunteers from Orihuela´s Protección Civil are attending a diving course which will allow them to gain the necessary qualifications to assist in sea rescues off the Orihuela Costa, and will also mean that they will be allowed to work cleaning parts of the sea bed.
The current councillor for the environment of Orihuela, Manuel Gallud, is calling on all beachgoers to take their rubbish away from the beaches, using the bins provided along the coast or take it home, so as to help preserve the natural environment of the sea and keep the beaches clean.

Excerpt: Ten volunteers from Orihuela´s Protección Civil are attending a diving course which will allow them to gain the necessary qualifications to assist in sea rescues off the Orihuela Costa, and will also mean that they will be allowed to work Read More ...

### Airport Strikes Continue

Wednesday marks the second strike by Spanish air traffic controllers, who will down tools for two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon, in protest of the treatment of their colleagues in a previous industrial dispute.
The fist of the stoppages was on Monday, although 70% of all flights were unaffected by the action. At Alicante-Elche airport the most significant delay was for 3 hours on a Munich bound flight, but this was not attributed to the strike. Other delays were up to 40 minutes but only on a handful of flights.
The strike will continue on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday this week, between 10:00 and 12:00 and 18:00 to 20:00.

Excerpt: Wednesday marks the second strike by Spanish air traffic controllers, who will down tools for two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon, in protest of the treatment of their colleagues in a previous industrial dispute. The Read More ...

### CHARITY CONCERT IN AID OF AECC

Saturday 20th June at 8pm, JB Brass Band will perform it's first annual Memorial Charity Concert in aid of Cancer Charity AECC. 
Just 3 years ago the Band lost a founder member and Chairman Brian Bewicke to Cancer and since then many members, family and supporters have been diagnosed, received treatment or been checked out for this dreadful disease.
With this in mind the Band feel it is appropriate to give something back. This will also be the Bands first opportunity to perform in the newly reformed Union Musical in San Miguel.
JB Band is the only Traditional Brass Band on the Costas and the evening will be a feast for the ears and anyone who has never heard them will be in for treat with  music from Vaughn Williams to Freddie Mercury! As regular supporters will know, this will be interspersed with humorous anecdotes from Band member, Ian Gibson.
Tickets are 3€ available from The Bookshop, San Miguel, Band Members or reserve tickets on 698 219 708.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47565/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Saturday 20th June at 8pm, JB Brass Band will perform it's first annual Memorial Charity Concert in aid of Cancer Charity AECC. 
Just 3 years ago the Band lost a founder member and Chairman Brian Bewicke to Cancer and since then many members, family a...

### PRESENTATION TO ALZHEIMER’S AND A COLLECTION FOR THE NEPAL DISASTER FUND.

Rascals finished the season with a final performance of Both Sides of the Pond at the Virgen del Carmen where they donated 1,154 Euros to Alzheimer's . 
Well known local character Andy Ormiston is quoted as saying it was a well organized and balanced variety show full of colour, song & dance as well as humour. A spectacular show.
Normally at the end of the show a bucket collection is made to help with costumes & music equipment but on this occasion the audience were told that the collection would go to the Nepal earthquake disaster fund  .280.26 Euros was collected and the cast contributed to the fund to make a total of  309.51 .
Rascals is a group whose aims are to support its members, entertain its audiences and give something back to the community by raising money for local charities by doing variety shows.
New members are sought not only to perform but help front & backstage so if you are interested in joining call Jill on 96 672 7282 or look on the website www.therascals.org  and contact a committee member.
Social events take place throughout the year as well as the light hearted entertainment to raise money for charity.
A coffee morning is held at Sacko´s El Limonar on Thursday mornings at 11 o´clock where members meet to socialize. Why not join us.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47563/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Rascals finished the season with a final performance of Both Sides of the Pond at the Virgen del Carmen where they donated 1,154 Euros to Alzheimer's . 
Well known local character Andy Ormiston is quoted as saying it was a well organized and balanced ...

### BRITISH WOMAN SKYDIVES TO RAISE MONEY FOR HORSE RESCUE CENTRE

A 60-year-old British woman has raised more than €500 for the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre after jumping from a plane in the United Kingdom.
Elaine Sissons, who lives in the UK but has a holiday home in Spain, is a long-time supporter of the Rojales-based horse rescue centre and volunteer at centre's La Zenia charity shop.
Mrs Sissons said a parachute jump had long been on her “bucket list” and she decided to finally bite the bullet to celebrate her 60th birthday in April.
Rescue centre co-founder Sue Weeding expressed a heartfelt thanks to Mrs Sissons for dedicating her jump to helping abused and neglected horses in Spain. The jump raised €571.
“We just think it's lovely that British residents who have holiday homes here in Spain are willing to support us, both by volunteering at our shops and by fundraising,” Sue  said.
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre welcomes any donations and sponsorships to help support their important work. Every single cent donated to EHCRC or spent in their eight charity shops across the Alicante province goes towards the feeding and care of the more than 80 horses, ponies and donkeys that live at the centre.
The EHCRC charity shops are located in La Zenia, Los Montesinos, La Siesta, Ciudad Quesada, Guardamar, La Marina, Pilar de Horadada and Gran Alacant. Donations of furniture, clothes and bric-a-brac to stock the shops are gratefully welcomed.
Large donated items such as furniture can be collected from your house and each shop also offers a delivery service for large items purchased from the charity store. EHCRC is also looking for volunteers to staff its shops for a few hours or days each week. Please contact the charity shop hotline on 652 021 980 for more information about furniture pick-ups and volunteering.
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre opens to the public on the first Sunday of every month between 1pm and 4pm. Entrance is free and refreshments and tasty food are available in the garden café. The first horse tour begins at 2pm, where you can get meet and pat the residents, hear their stories and see firsthand where your money is spent.
EHCRC is located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga 59. For more details and directions, please visit www.easyhorsecare.net.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47560/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A 60-year-old British woman has raised more than €500 for the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre after jumping from a plane in the United Kingdom.
Elaine Sissons, who lives in the UK but has a holiday home in Spain, is a long-time supporter of the Roj...

### Property Market on the Up

The property market in Spain is showing further signs of recovery, as statistics reveal this week that there have been increases in both the number of properties sold, and the price.
In the Alicante province, the UK market is still the most important with 3,217 of the 16,443 homes sold to foreigners in 2014 being to UK buyers, an increase of 41%. However, the biggest increase has been in the Chinese market, which has grown by 63%, albeit with only 243 properties sold, the majority being valued at over 500,000 euro.

Excerpt: The property market in Spain is showing further signs of recovery, as statistics reveal this week that there have been increases in both the number of properties sold, and the price. In the Alicante province, the UK market is still Read More ...

### Guardia Civil and British Border Force Rescue Collaboration

The Guardia Civil, in collaboration with the British Border Force, have rescued 589 immigrants in Italian waters, south of the island of Lampedusa.
The Guardia Civil were using a boat which is currently permanently deployed on border patrols, Río Segura, and was assisted by their British colleagues to rescue the immigrants off their boats and take them to safety.
Almost 6,000 immigrants were rescued in joint operations during the course of this weekend alone in the Mediterranean.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil, in collaboration with the British Border Force, have rescued 589 immigrants in Italian waters, south of the island of Lampedusa. The Guardia Civil were using a boat which is currently permanently deployed on border patrols, Río Segura, Read More ...

### Bag Check

Details were revealed this week how officers from the Guardia Civil stopped a Portuguese woman at Madrid airport in April, in order to question her as to why she was varying 55,000 euro in cash in her hand luggage.
During the routine check, it transpired that the woman was Dolores Aveiro, the mother of footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The maximum amount allowed to be carried without declaring it is 10,000 euro, without the risk of a fine and confiscation. After a short discussion, the lady was allowed to continue on her journey to Lisbon, albeit carrying just 10,000 euro.

Excerpt: Details were revealed this week how officers from the Guardia Civil stopped a Portuguese woman at Madrid airport in April, in order to question her as to why she was varying 55,000 euro in cash in her hand luggage. During Read More ...

### CRIME  WATCH  ESPAñA

An English lady, from Rojales, found a wallet containing some money and documents. She decided to take it to the Police Station, and when she arrived to the office, an old English man was reporting losing his wallet, the wallet the lady was delivering there. What a lucky man!
National police officers have broken up an illegal gun dealing network that was operating out of Marina Baja, Alicante. They robbed several properties in Benidorm, Alfaz del Pi, and some in the Vega Baja.
Phone Company fraudsters arrested. The company use the name and banking details of different people, some of whom were dead, to take out the contracts, so they could sell on the routers, tablets and mobile phones.
BE AWARE.
Beware hoax calls. Vega Baja town halls, have warned residents to beware of phone calls from people pretending to be from social services departments.
A man from a Village in the Vega Baja, came to my gate for advice. Apparently one of his neighbours had been spraying some of his plants and trees with weed killer. I said to him that if he was sure about this he must tell to the Local Police. The Police will investigate the case.
The famous 50 Euros Dutch man, who used to con people in La Zenia area, is still around. He was seen at Dolores market last week asking for money again. Just say no, please, or report him to the nearest police station.  It is very interesting to stand up and speak, or sit down and listen, but still more important is to think before you ink, plan with common sense and sensibility, to take action when ready, and don't leave for tomorrow what you can do today.
Please help us to help you.
Jose A, Rivero Santana
President (Vecinos Colaborando Costa Blanca) Reg. Valencia G 8261/2002
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47555/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: An English lady, from Rojales, found a wallet containing some money and documents. She decided to take it to the Police Station, and when she arrived to the office, an old English man was reporting losing his wallet, the wallet the lady was delivering ...

### WELCOME TO A.C.T.S.

We are a new drama group made up of novices and some folk from the now disbanded Dramatic License. We rehearse every Thursday at 6.30 at Cafeteria Trasgu, Calle Alicante, Formentera.
If you have ever had the desire to try your hand at amateur dramatics we would be pleased to hear from you. You don't need any experience ( although this is always welcome ) just enthusiasm. So, if you would like to appear on stage or assist back stage, you would be most welcome.
Anybody interested and for more information should either pop along to a rehearsal evening or contact Tony Goddard on newleaf2014@hotmail.co.uk.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47553/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: We are a new drama group made up of novices and some folk from the now disbanded Dramatic License. We rehearse every Thursday at 6.30 at Cafeteria Trasgu, Calle Alicante, Formentera.
If you have ever had the desire to try your hand at amateur dramati...

### VISTABELLA GOLF RYDER CUP GB&I vs.EUROPE 4th YEAR

6th JUNE 2015 at Vistabella Golf - This was the fourth year of the Ryder Cup style competition between a Great Britain and Ireland team and European team. The Vistabella course was in very good condition and the greens at a high standard following pre-season maintenance.
Each team consisted of 28 players each and the format was a modified matchplay with the winning players scoring a point per hole, and a half for a half, so having a maximum of eighteen points. The first 10 matches were singles match play playing off maximum handicaps and the remaining 9 matches being fourball better ball ¾ the difference, again a point for winning the hole. The champions would be the team with the best total number of points from both the singles and pairs.
It was an early “shot gun” start for the 56 players, with the weather just about perfect for golf, if a tad warm, and the course was set up well, with tricky pin positions for an exciting competition. During the competition all the players were provided with a Bocadillo and water by clubhouse restaurant.
With a new Europe Captain, Phil Smith It was obvious that this year it was going to be a hard fought match; the ten singles matches were all close with GB&I gaining a small lead of just three points 91.5 to 88.5. (5.5 matches to 4.5) The highest score was Martin Oakley (GB&I) with a 13.5 to 4.5 win, followed by Carol Firth (GB&I) 13.0 to 5.
So it was all down to the pairings, and the first two matches went GB&I's way with wins for two of the pairings of Andy Drinkall/Ray Muttocks and Rodney Smith/Mike Smith, But Europe came back with two matches the pairings of Roger Packer/Dennis Hart and Uehara Shigieru/Juan Gabriel making things more respectable for Europe.
This made for a nail biting finish. But it all changed in the next five matches with GB&I taking four of them, GB&I's Captain Ivie Davies among them. The pairings contained Europe's Captain Phil Smith winning their match with partner Derrie Heywood. The total pairings points score was GB&I 91.5 - Europe 70.5 (6 matches to 3)
So the final score was a win, to GB&I 183 points to Europe 159 points (11½ to Europe 7½) who have now won four years in succession.
Following a BBQ (thank you Robin) and refreshments on the clubhouse terrace the Vistabella Ryder Cup Trophy was presented to the GB&I Captain Ivie Davies by Golf Manager at Vistabella Golf – Diego Garcia Escolar, he also presented the winning team with individual medals.
Thanks to the prize sponsors:
Vistabella Golf, Mick Reeves at Mick the Grip, Quara Group, Marilyn and Simon at La Cosecha Restaurante – Benijofar, Briggita at The Vestry Restaurante – Algorfa, Terry Hewitt at El Tel Golf Products La Manga.
 
Congratulations to all the players for making this competition again such a memorable one and a big thank you to Diego Garcia Escolar – Golf Manager at Vistabella Golf and its very supportive staff for playing their part.
The trophy will be displayed in the Vistabella Golf clubhouse, until next year.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47551/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: 6th JUNE 2015 at Vistabella Golf - This was the fourth year of the Ryder Cup style competition between a Great Britain and Ireland team and European team. The Vistabella course was in very good condition and the greens at a high standard following pre-...

### Child Knocked Down on Crossing

A ten year old boy was knocked down in the centre of Alicante on Saturday, when a car hit the child who was on a pedestrian crossing.
The driver of the Opel Astra admitted that he had not seen the child on the crossing, on account of a badly parked vehicle on the crossing blocking his view.
The child was struck and did a somersault through the air, landing on the road, but was lucky to have not been seriously injured.
The driver of the car was shocked by the incident and unable to move for about an hour; as a result the vehicle was taken away by a grua for safety reasons.

Excerpt: A ten year old boy was knocked down in the centre of Alicante on Saturday, when a car hit the child who was on a pedestrian crossing. The driver of the Opel Astra admitted that he had not seen the Read More ...

### Hot Sunday

Temperatures reached 32 degrees in the Valencia region on Sunday with Javea recording the highest temperature.
In the Alicante province, Benidorm, Novelda and Alicante city were the hottest places, reaching 30 degrees.

Excerpt: Temperatures reached 32 degrees in the Valencia region on Sunday with Javea recording the highest temperature.
In the Alicante province, Benidorm, Novelda and Alicante city were the hottest places, reaching 30 degrees.

### More Torrevieja Workers Finding Jobs

Between January and May of this year, unemployment in Torrevieja dropped by almost 900 people, over a third, 331 people, found work in May alone.
There are now 9,186 registered unemployed workers in Torrevieja, 4,410 men and 4,776 women). It is expected that more people will find work in June, as the summer season takes hold, and so the figure will drop below 9,000, the first time it has done since 2009.

Excerpt: Between January and May of this year, unemployment in Torrevieja dropped by almost 900 people, over a third, 331 people, found work in May alone. There are now 9,186 registered unemployed workers in Torrevieja, 4,410 men and 4,776 women). It Read More ...

### Toll Traffic Increasing

Details revealed at the weekend show that traffic on Spain´s toll roads increased by 6.2% in the first quarter of the year, with heavy goods vehicles increasing by 8.8%
The Madrid to Toledo motorway was the only one to see a drop in traffic, losing 36.7% compared to last year.
On the Cartagena to Vera route, traffic increased by 5.1% and there was a 6.4% increase in Alicante.
The privatized toll roads are facing financial ruin with the government under increased pressure to subsidise the operation. Traffic on the bankrupt routes is now 60.7% lower than the national average, and 87.8% lower when comparing heavy goods traffic.

Excerpt: Details revealed at the weekend show that traffic on Spain´s toll roads increased by 6.2% in the first quarter of the year, with heavy goods vehicles increasing by 8.8% The Madrid to Toledo motorway was the only one to see Read More ...

### FREE LUNCH SPAIN

The team at Free Lunch Spain are celebrating their first anniversary of informing the community about life in Spain. 
Since June last year experts from four local companies have answered over 1,000 questions from the people who have attended. This has been a fantastic and a really great opportunity to get all the facts.
Everybody is able to ask the experts in various fields about how things work in Spain which is a fantastic opportunity.
Once again the highly respected UK & Spanish companies based in Costa Blanca are inviting all British, Irish & European nationals, spending time or living in Spain, to a meeting to answer all the questions they have regarding life in Spain. Some of the topics that will be covered will be as follows:-
1. Savings
2. Wills – New law in place from August 17th
3. Pensions
4. Inheritance law and taxes in Spain
5. Currency exchange 
6. Spanish funeral system
Experts from four companies will also be providing professional advice on all these topics and answering all the questions.
Everybody who wishes to attend the event can send their questions in advance and the answer will be provided at the meeting. How fantastic is that!! We could have all done with this type of event ages ago.
Once all the questions have been answered then everybody will get a free lunch at Quesada Fish & Chips in Quesada.
The events will begin at 12 noon on Thursday 11th June 2015. Lunch will be served at 1.30pm
To register your question and to attend this unique event you can e-mail freelunchspain@gmail.com with your name address and telephone number or call 966 799 070. Spaces are limited so I am off to register right now.
The thing is I have about ten questions that need answers. Apparently the experts will have an answer for each one! Great news.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47548/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The team at Free Lunch Spain are celebrating their first anniversary of informing the community about life in Spain. 
Since June last year experts from four local companies have answered over 1,000 questions from the people who have attended. This has...

### VISTABELLA RULE AT THE LA SIESTA 3 DAY TRIPLES COMPETITION.

Derek Stevenson, Barbara Brown & Ian Kenyon Joined Charlie Watkins, Maggie Furness & Eric Bishop in an all Vistabella Final at the La Siesta 3 day triples comp last weekend. Ian's team won their group to go head to head in one semi against Mike Edwards Greenlands trip while Eric's team played Gordon Fishers MonteMar trip in the other. 
Both semi's were brilliantly played by all teams, the winners being the two from Vistabella teams.  The Final was played on a rink which hadn't been played on for the duration of the competition, it was a shame as the final was not as thrilling as the semi's, the same for Ian & Eric's teams but never the less a difficult rink.
After ten ends Derek, Barbara & Ian were the deserving winners, we salute you! Well done Vistabella for keeping it in the family...so to speak.
VCL Red league Vikings were at home where they earned a good result over the MonteMar Lords, Maggie Furness won the Ladies Singles 21-19 after a tightly fought game, the Men's Singles was a mirrored game but went the other way 19-21. Steve Pearson & Eric Bishop won the Pairs 17-11, Lynne Bishop, Barbara & Arthur Brown won the Triples 25-16. Jenny & Dave Chaplin, Les Barber & Jenny Bowman managed a draw of 15-15 in the Rinks. Points, Vikings 9 (97) - 3 (82) Lords.
The Saxons had a bye this week.
SABA Spitfire Fairways played away against the San Miguel Christians, four great wins and the Long game made it a satisfying mornings bowling. Sandra burrows, Neil Burrows & Arthur Brown 23-7. Jenny Chaplin, Mike Regan & Richard Lee 24-10. Geoff Paylor, Andy Leggatt & Eric Bishop 21-12. Lynne Bishop, Dane Howard & Ken Cuthbert 16-8. Points, Fairways 10 (101) - 4 (77)  Christians.
The Greeners had a bye to enjoy doing whatever took their fancy.
Our men's four wood pairs won 4-1 on their first match, well done boys. The Premier twenty league gets on the road this week, we are the reigning champs so we need your commitment to defend the title, if your names are not down already then see Charlie Watkins.
Adios amigos.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47544/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Derek Stevenson, Barbara Brown & Ian Kenyon Joined Charlie Watkins, Maggie Furness & Eric Bishop in an all Vistabella Final at the La Siesta 3 day triples comp last weekend. Ian's team won their group to go head to head in one semi against Mike...

### THE LAST STAND FOR POLITICAL STABILITY

The political situation still remains volatile and inconclusive in many key areas of the Vega Baja, with the groups having until this weekend, June 13th, to decide and confirm what pacts will see governments formed in some town halls.
In Orihuela, the legal battles of the past look set to continue into the future after the coastal CLARO party has alleged suspected electoral fraud in the way in which voters were given directions and location allocations in which to vote, on account of them believing that many were confused by the instructions on their ballot papers and simply gave up, ultimately costing CLARO their seat in government.
Meanwhile the Partido Popular are still critical of the management of the previous government after it was revealed that the Ministry of Finance had punished Orihuela for not communicating the budgets to them, of course as history has also shown many of the problems surrounding budgets and other important notions was as a result of the continual objection by the PP which effectively paralysed the minority who were in power.
A situation now even more confused by the fact that most of the PP members who were in active opposition are no longer part of the group battling to take power through a collaboration, most likely still to be with the Ciudadanos party.
In Torrevieja, the PP mayor, Eduardo Dolón, has publicly stated that the best option for the future of the city is collaboration between his party and the Ciudadanos group. Of course he was not likely to say anything other than that given that both the Los Verdes and the PSOE, the other two key players in the municipality, are both responsible for numerous court cases brought against members of the PP for corruption, forgery and more, in their bid to clean up the politics of Torrevieja.
Meanwhile, the PSOE are still setting out their stall, with their new head Fanny Serrano Rodríguez at the helm. It is believed that their intention is to create a collaboration government will all political parties apart from the Partido Popular.
This would not only mean that Torrevieja is no longer governed by the PP after decades of rule, it would also mean that the government would be formed by representatives who collectively obtained the most votes.
The only question that would remain is whether or not those parties could work together, as the division of departments will inevitably lead to some people getting the top jobs and others getting the seemingly least important positions, and quite how that would work when the egos and ideologies take hold is the one area that is still largely unknown.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47537/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The political situation still remains volatile and inconclusive in many key areas of the Vega Baja, with the groups having until this weekend, June 13th, to decide and confirm what pacts will see governments formed in some town halls.
In Orihuela, the...

### 70 KM ROUND TRIP FOR SWIMMING LESSONS

Swimming lessons for the children of the Orihuela Costa organised by the Municipal Sports Department! We would all agree that they are very important indeed. 
But why, oh why, are the Costa's children, from the two schools, CEIP de Orihuela Costa and ÍES Playa Flamenca, being forced to make evening journey's to Orihuela City, a round trip of 70km, to undergo such training when we have a perfectly good swimming facility in the Municipal Sports Centre in Playa Flamenca.
This is an absolutely ridiculous decision by the Councillor for Sport. Swimming lessons YES, extremely important, but dont' drag the kids 30 miles down the road by coach for a 50 minute swimming lesson, not getting them back to the coast until 9.30 pm at night, when there is a perfectly adequate local pool that can be used.
Yet another example of the city's politicians paying nothing more than ‘lip service' to the people of the Orihuela Costa.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47536/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Swimming lessons for the children of the Orihuela Costa organised by the Municipal Sports Department! We would all agree that they are very important indeed. 
But why, oh why, are the Costa's children, from the two schools, CEIP de Orihuela Costa and ...

### REACHING OUT TO FASHION

"Reach Out" the charity for the poor and homeless in the area are presenting a Fashion Show at "Catorce" restaurant Benijofer on Friday June 26th at 3pm promoting  the good quality and cheap prices of the clothing in their charity shops. 
The restaurant are organising a "Cream Tea" to compliment the show at only 5 Euros a head and "Reach Out" have a  'Tombola' planned with some great prizes to make this afternoon an event not to be missed.
It is sure to be a huge success so booking is essential to ensure your place. Tel: 966 84 9030.
The photo shows from left to right "Reach Out" volunteer Pauline Lane together with 'Reach Out' charity shop managers and organisers of the Fashion Show David and Loraine Whitney.
They are standing outside the unique venue "Catorce" which is easily found off Benijofer High Street in Plaza Immaculada.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47535/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: "Reach Out" the charity for the poor and homeless in the area are presenting a Fashion Show at "Catorce" restaurant Benijofer on Friday June 26th at 3pm promoting  the good quality and cheap prices of the clothing in their charity shops. 
The restaurant are organising a "Cream Tea" to compliment the show at only 5 Euros a head and "Reach Out" have a  'Tombola' planned with some great prizes to make this afternoon an event not to be missed.
It is sure to be a huge success so booking is essential to ensure your place. Tel: 966 84 9030.
The photo shows from left to right "Reach Out" volunteer Pauline Lane together with 'Reach Out' charity shop managers and organisers of the Fashion Show David and Loraine Whitney.
They are standing outside the unique venue "Catorce" which is easily found off Benijofer High Street in Plaza Immaculada.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47535/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### NEW EVENING ART CLASS IN BENIJOFAR.

Suzanne Stokes, who has been teaching art for more than ten years in the Quesada area, is considering starting a new evening class on Monday evenings at Restaurant Catorce in Benijofar.
‘Beginners are welcome' said Suzanne, ‘because I work with everyone individually, initially teaching them how to observe, and to draw accurately.
All drawing materials and projects are provided for the first few weeks, after which people can begin to try other mediums before deciding how they want to progress.' Please contact Suzanne on 680 961 025 or see her website www.sue-stokes.co.uk for more details and please let her know if you are interested in the evening class.
Suzanne also runs classes at PALS Social Club, La Siesta, on Monday mornings, and at La Herradura Restaurant (next to the REPSOL garage) in Los Montesinos on Thursday mornings, where an exhibition of her own work is on display.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47534/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Suzanne Stokes, who has been teaching art for more than ten years in the Quesada area, is considering starting a new evening class on Monday evenings at Restaurant Catorce in Benijofar.
‘Beginners are welcome' said Suzanne, ‘because I work...

### 101 NOT OUT

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, along with Councillor of the Third Age, Inmaculada Montesinos, visited Abelardo Carballo Belmonte last Wednesday morning, at his home in Los Balcones, on the occasion of his 101st birthday.
The mayor presented former soldier Abelardo with a plaque commemorating his birthday on which was inscribed "with our congratulations and affection in your 101 birthday."
Abelardo Carballo was born in 1914 in the Galician city of Ourense and has lived in the same house in Los Balcones since 1970.
Still in very good health, he delighted in sharing a number of anecdotes with Snr Dolon and the Councillor, reflecting on his 45 years in Torrevieja.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47532/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, along with Councillor of the Third Age, Inmaculada Montesinos, visited Abelardo Carballo Belmonte last Wednesday morning, at his home in Los Balcones, on the occasion of his 101st birthday.
The mayor presented former soldier Abelardo with a plaque commemorating his birthday on which was inscribed "with our congratulations and affection in your 101 birthday."
Abelardo Carballo was born in 1914 in the Galician city of Ourense and has lived in the same house in Los Balcones since 1970.
Still in very good health, he delighted in sharing a number of anecdotes with Snr Dolon and the Councillor, reflecting on his 45 years in Torrevieja.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47532/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### RADIO ENTHUSIASTS BROADCAST FROM TORREVIEJA SUBMARINE

Both the Amateur Radio Association of the Vega Baja (URE), and the Spanish Amateur Radio Union association (LRIs), composed mostly of local amateurs, spent the weekend transmitting from the submarine "S-61 Dolphin" and the Patrol Boat "Albatros III in the Torrevieja Marina.
The broadcasts were in celebration of ‘Ship Museum Weekend' which was organised by the Amateur Radio Station of the US Battleship New Jersey together with the cooperation of the City of Torrevieja.
The aim of the weekend was to make contact with as many other museum ships and amateur radio stations across the world as possible, which they did with transmissions reaching over a hundred countries.
Local operators say that contacts they made during the weekend will now enable them to draw a map of historic vessels that can be found throughout the world
The "Dolphin S-61" is 58 meters long, with capacity for 60 crew. It was given to the city of Torrevieja by the Ministry of Defence and first entered service as a Ship Museum in 2004.
Moored adjacent to the Dolphin is the 32 meter patrol boat "Albatros III” a former Marine Customs Surveillance vessel.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47531/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Both the Amateur Radio Association of the Vega Baja (URE), and the Spanish Amateur Radio Union association (LRIs), composed mostly of local amateurs, spent the weekend transmitting from the submarine "S-61 Dolphin" and the Patrol Boat "Albatros III in the Torrevieja Marina.
The broadcasts were in celebration of ‘Ship Museum Weekend' which was organised by the Amateur Radio Station of the US Battleship New Jersey together with the cooperation of the City of Torrevieja.
The aim of the weekend was to make contact with as many other museum ships and amateur radio stations across the world as possible, which they did with transmissions reaching over a hundred countries.
Local operators say that contacts they made during the weekend will now enable them to draw a map of historic vessels that can be found throughout the world
The "Dolphin S-61" is 58 meters long, with capacity for 60 crew. It was given to the city of Torrevieja by the Ministry of Defence and first entered service as a Ship Museum in 2004.
Moored adjacent to the Dolphin is the 32 meter patrol boat "Albatros III” a former Marine Customs Surveillance vessel.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47531/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### THE PHOENIX CONCERT BAND.

As the band is growing in numbers and going from strength to strength, now presenting music proven to be popular with the audiences, they still need Trombone, Bass/Tuba and Saxophone players, especially Baritone Saxophone and 2nd Percussionist.
Any experienced players , who are permanent Residents or Semi resident on the Costa Blanca South or Costa Calida interested in joining a well established band and able to commit themselves to regular rehearsals are welcome.
Contact : our email address : the phoenixconcertband@gmail.com 
Tel : Bill (Chairman) 634.310.309.  Julie (MD) 634.184.747.
The band rehearses every Tuesday 2.pm. - 4.pm at San Miguel de Salinas
FAN CLUB:  Anybody wishing to be informed of forthcoming performances
please email, your email address and Telephone Number to : Bill at : rytethen@gmail.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47528/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As the band is growing in numbers and going from strength to strength, now presenting music proven to be popular with the audiences, they still need Trombone, Bass/Tuba and Saxophone players, especially Baritone Saxophone and 2nd Percussionist.
Any ex...

### CORVERA’S OPERATING LICENCES WITHDRAWN

As local airports continue to make headlines and as just about everyone in the area, apart from Murcia's politicians, question the viability and logic of building an airport within an hour's drive of Alicante, the future of Corvera International is being increasingly called into question.
 The latest development in the ongoing saga is the recent withdrawal by the Regional Government of Operator Aeromur's management contract, after it was concluded that the former Minister of Development, Manuel Campos, had acted irregularly by initially granting it's authorisation.
And what that essentially means is that all the initial airport licensing, which includes safety certification, flight path calibration, as well as a number of other management and operating licenses, are no longer valid and will have to be applied for once again.
The Regional Minister for Infrastructure, Francisco Bernabe, said that Aeromur should never have been allowed to apply for certification after their concession had been cancelled. However he also said that his department is now working on a new airport inventory which he hopes will be ready by the end of the month.
Once that is concluded a Private Consultant will be engaged to prepare the terms and conditions necessary which will then allow a new round of bidding by companies for the concession to operate the airport.
It can only be after this new concessionary appointment has been made, suggested as being toward the end of this year, that necessary licenses may once again be applied for. And of course there will also be one additional difficulty; the new European regulations which took effect in January will also be current, making any application process even more complicated than before.
He said that any inventory must be accurate and would be expected to include the current flight levels at San Javier Airport as well as realistic economic projections. He explained that even now the situation regarding the closure of San Javier Airport was still to be resolved, but that his department were currently working with the National Ministry of Development in a joint effort to formalise the situation, as well as drafting the necessary documentation which would outline any necessary compensation as well as its closure, which Aena would be required to sign.
The one very important factor that the Minister wouldn't be drawn on, however, was the continuing development, or otherwise, of the adjacent Paramount Theme Park, the building of which was one of the major issues in the original decision to build the new international airport. It is perhaps suggestive that the last “Official Press Release” issued by builders Premursa was 3 years ago in 2012 and that all subsequent news articles issued on their website have expertly avoided giving any sort of opening date for the new facility.
We all remember the launch three years ago when Jesus Samper, President of Santa Monica Sports Group and President and CEO of PREMURSA, said that at a cost of 10.5 million € the first park of it's kind in Europe was aimed at turning the Murcian municipality into a continental reference in the leisure and entertainment field by 2015
But as of today Corvera airport still stands empty. The main entrance to the airport is fenced off, and there is little sign of activity within the airport compound itself, and with the Paramount theme park project seeming to have stalled, and with little argument that San Javier Airport remains a far better location than Corvera for tourists visiting Torrevieja and other popular Costa Calida seaside resorts to the south, we continue to wonder whether Corvera will simply join the country's many other mothballed airports, testament to the falling passenger numbers and the ongoing economic pressures still being felt by us all.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47526/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As local airports continue to make headlines and as just about everyone in the area, apart from Murcia's politicians, question the viability and logic of building an airport within an hour's drive of Alicante, the future of Corvera International is bei...

### LAST DAY WIN SECURES SOL AMIGOS TITLE

The Cadena Sunrise Tenpin Bowling League reached it's conclusion last Wednesday, and what an exciting final day it proved to be.  
Going into the last round of matches, Sol Amigos (sponsored by Petra Honig Inmobiliaria) led by 2 points, ahead of Alley Gators, Fowl Play and GGs Pinbusters. 
Maximum point victories for GGs Pinbusters, and Fowl Play (against Alley Gators), meant that Sol Amigos needed at least a draw to be sure of the championship, and they delivered in style, by also recording an 8-0 win. 
Fowl Play and GGs Pinbusters leapfrogged Alley Gators, to finish 2nd and 3rd respectively, which was a cruel blow to AGs, who had led for the vast majority of the season. The season commenced way back in September last year, requiring all  12 teams to play each other 3 times. 
Sol Amigos line up in the photo are, from left to right:  Brian Tomlin, captain Barry Tolson, Steve Hibberd, Terry Bell, Maria Perez and Tony Vivers.  Full results and table from the final week, will be published in next week The Leader.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47525/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Cadena Sunrise Tenpin Bowling League reached it's conclusion last Wednesday, and what an exciting final day it proved to be.  
Going into the last round of matches, Sol Amigos (sponsored by Petra Honig Inmobiliaria) led by 2 points, ahead of Alley...

### ELCHE CF RELEGATED: NIGHTMARE BECOMES REALITY

Elche Club de Fútbol finally learned their fate on Friday morning and it was the decision feared by everyone connected with the club; relegation to the Segunda A Division.
After days and weeks of speculation, much of which was found to be correct, the waiting is over and a sentence has been passed. Acting on the recommendation of the presiding judge, Javier Tebas, president of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional (LFP), decreed Elche CF should be subject to an “administrative relegation” for repeated breach of the financial regulations contained in La Liga's bye-laws.
In addition, and as an additional sanction, the club was hit with a fine amounting to 180,303.63 euros.
Further details also emerged from the ruling which clearly indicated that in spite of the public utterances of newly installed Elche president Juan Anguix, who declared an agreement was in place with the Hacienda to settle the clubs entire tax debt by August the 1st, no such agreement was ever made.
In point of fact, the ruling clearly stated the liability to the Agencia Estatal de la Administración Tributaria (AEAT) is “neither paid, postponed nor guaranteed” The club, under it's previous board of directors is also widely reported to have reneged on previous promises.
Elche CF now has fifteen days to appeal the decision by one of three methods; The Administrative Tribunal of Sport (TAD), The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) or, if all else fails, the Spanish Civil Courts. The club was due to hold a press conference on Friday, to give their reaction to the judgement and confirm their intentions going forward.
Meanwhile, a massive demonstration by unhappy fans and season ticket holders was planned for Elche city centre on Friday evening.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47523/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Elche Club de Fútbol finally learned their fate on Friday morning and it was the decision feared by everyone connected with the club; relegation to the Segunda A Division.
After days and weeks of speculation, much of which was found to be corre...

### 112 EMERGENCY CALLS

If you are unfortunate to find yourself in a life threatening situation, whatever your emergency, be it the need for the police, fire, ambulance, coast guard, one number is all you need from any fixed or mobile phone, the number 112.
During the month of May, the 112 Emergency Coordination Centre for the Valencia region handled 264,635 calls, and managed a total of 54 496 incidents.
Of the total number of incidents managed, 27 652 were in the province of Valencia, 20,312 in Alicante and 5,916 in Castellon, the remaining 616 from neighbouring regions which were transferred to the appropriate emergency centres.
The majority of incidents were health related, with 32,268 calls, followed by 8,188 incidents relating to public safety. There were 2,490 traffic related incidents, 1,739 fires and 1,353 related to the environment.
The 112 number is a European wide initiative and your call can be dealt with in your own native language. For example, in May, the Valencia centre dealt with 1,358 incidents which were reported in other languages, 705 of which were in English, 114 in German and 83 in French.
Perhaps not surprising given the diverse foreign population on the Costa Blanca, the majority of foreign language calls were from the province of Alicante, where 842 calls were dealt with.
Although the 112 number is a European standard, it also has far wider use. In North America for example, dialling 112 will automatically transfer your emergency call to their domestic emergency number. The same applies in Australia.
The 112 number is also standard on mobile phones and will work even if the phone is locked.
The numbers were first chosen as being beneficial partly because using two different numbers reduced the possibility of accidental dialling. It was for this reason that the German police changed their emergency number to force a different key press, for example.
Another benefit was for the old style rotary diallers. Many phone owners chose to lock the dial to prevent misuse, by putting the lock in hole number 3 meant that the emergency number could still be dialled by anybody without a key.
Whatever your emergency and wherever you might be, the one number to remember is 112, because your call will always be answered and dealt with by a team of professionals, in your own language, who will coordinate the emergency, whatever it might be.
The only other piece of advice which needs to be considered is to know where you are if possible. Giving as much location information to the call operator will make for a quicker response.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47520/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: If you are unfortunate to find yourself in a life threatening situation, whatever your emergency, be it the need for the police, fire, ambulance, coast guard, one number is all you need from any fixed or mobile phone, the number 112.
During the month ...

### TRAFFIC OFFICER INJURED ASSISTING BROKEN DOWN VEHICLE

A Guardia Civil traffic officer was injured on Wednesday in the Canillas de Abajo area, when assisting a motorist who had broken down.
The incident occurred at 11:00 on the A-62 in the Salamanca direction when the officer went to assist the stranded motorist.
As the officer approached the vehicle the radiator exploded and sprayed antifreeze into his face, resulting in him ingesting some of the toxic material.
Medics treated the 40 year old officer at the scene before transferring him to the hospital in the city of Salamanca for further treatment.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47519/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A Guardia Civil traffic officer was injured on Wednesday in the Canillas de Abajo area, when assisting a motorist who had broken down.
The incident occurred at 11:00 on the A-62 in the Salamanca direction when the officer went to assist the stranded m...

### TOURIST ROBBERS ARRESTED

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested nine people, eight of them male and one woman, all aged between 22 and 42 and of Romanian nationality, believed to be involved in a series of robberies from foreign travellers arriving at Alicante-Elche and Murcia San Javier airports.
The information released on Monday reveals that the arrests occurred late last month in the towns of Guardamar del Segura and Formentera after the investigation began in April when officers became aware of a series of robberies with similarities.
The gang would track and follow their victims, mainly early in the evening, using rental vehicles that frequently changed, thus hindering surveillance. Upon following their victims to their destination the gang would then rob them of their belongings, often unseen.
During the course of the investigation officers identified the group as being responsible for robberies on the Orihuela Costa, Torrevieja, Algorfa, San Miguel de Salinas, Calpe and La Manga del Mar Menor.
During the raids of the homes the officers recovered several bags, a mobile phone and 1,150 euro in cash that corresponded to items stolen in robberies.
The detainees have been brought before the courts in Orihuela for processing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47518/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested nine people, eight of them male and one woman, all aged between 22 and 42 and of Romanian nationality, believed to be involved in a series of robberies from foreign travellers arriving at Alicante-Elche and...

### Police Officer Arrested for Shooting Truck Driver

The provincial police of Navarra have arrested a Basque police officer as a suspect in the shooting of a truck driver in the Navarre town of Leitza.
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when the Basque officer was driving his own vehicle to work at the police station in Oria. The off duty officer was allegedly involved in a “discussion” with the truck driver, with witnesses reporting that the officer got out of his car and shot the trucker several times in the head with his service weapon.
An investigation is being carried out in conjunction with both the judicial and scientific police to ascertain the facts relating to the incident.

Excerpt: The provincial police of Navarra have arrested a Basque police officer as a suspect in the shooting of a truck driver in the Navarre town of Leitza. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when the Basque officer was driving his Read More ...

### Spanish Youths Lead Cocaine Charts

Data released on Thursday by the European Union shows that young people in Spain are leaders in Europe when it comes to cocaine use.
The latest report shows that 3.3% of Spaniards between the ages of 15 and 34 have used cocaine in the last twelve months, well above the EU average of 1.9%.
Spain however only come in third place for cannabis, with 17% usage compared to the11.7% average, but far lower than France with 22.1% and the Czech Republic with 21.6%.
The good news is that Spain also leads the way in the league of drug seizures by law enforcement officers for both cocaine and cannabis.

Excerpt: Data released on Thursday by the European Union shows that young people in Spain are leaders in Europe when it comes to cocaine use. The latest report shows that 3.3% of Spaniards between the ages of 15 and 34 have Read More ...

### Armed Forces Day

Armed forces day will be celebrated across Spain on Saturday with a range of displays organised in various locations.
There have been activities all week but this weekend there will be a number of naval ships opened to the public for viewing in Cartagena, along with static displays. In the La Murada area of Orihuela a special display by the local police has been arranged, with displays including an army ambulance and field hospital and a parachute display, as well as a local restaurant having its car park converted into a helipad for the day.
There will also be a major armed forces display in the capital Madrid,
For information about other local events, check with your local tourist information office or town hall.

Excerpt: Armed forces day will be celebrated across Spain on Saturday with a range of displays organised in various locations. There have been activities all week but this weekend there will be a number of naval ships opened to the public Read More ...

### Netflix Launching in Spain

Internet streaming film and TV service Netflix will launch in Spain in October, although it will have a reduced catalogue compared to other countries.
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said, “I think Spain is going to be one of our most successful countries,” continuing, “There is a very high penetration of broadband Internet, and people are used to e-commerce and have shown they are interested in our product.”
The service is expected to offer films and TV shows similar to those available on their platform in France and Germany, and at a similar cost, with access to original shows like Daredevil available for subscribers.

Excerpt: Internet streaming film and TV service Netflix will launch in Spain in October, although it will have a reduced catalogue compared to other countries. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said, “I think Spain is going to be one of our most Read More ...

### FOUR STAR BARCELONA CITY BY TRAIN

Travel by train to this large, lively, exciting coastal city. Visit all the exciting places that you have heard of! See the thought provoking buildings of Antonio Gaudi. 
His masterpiece of course being the "unfinished cathedral" which was built in the late 19th century as a tribute to the coming 20th century, and still remains unfinished in the 21st century, but what a stunning piece of architecture it is.
Then, marvel at the wonderful Camp Nou football stadium, home to the mighty Barcelona football club  and a whole range of other sporting teams, basketball, volley ball, base ball  and so on. Then on the outskirts,  you have the university parks centred round the old Royal Palace. Then there is the mountain of the Jews (Montjuic), with a castle overlooking the bay.
Cable cars sweep across from here to the port and beyond.
The 1992 Olympics were held in Barcelona and the city still benefits from the superb facilities built for this event. In the Marina hundreds of small yachts bob up and down in the waves created by passing mini cruisers which are packed with happy sightseers.
In the nearby "Rambla" clearly the best known street in Spain, passers by are entertained by an incredible variety of performers, busking for an income.
This ranges from highly talented to outright zany. Flower vendors and artists compete with the entertainers for the many thousands of euros, which pass hands every day in this street. In the square in front of the original theatre, you encounter "classy" buskers, mostly music students earning a crust, playing some genuinely beautiful music on the cello, violin, and harp amongst other instruments.
Barcelona buzzes night and day and in this city you will never run out of things to see. A city like no other, it is simply fabulous. Now this superb low cost excursion, makes all this available to you at a really affordable price, because once again David's Coachtrips SL has come up with a great package.
4 days B&B in a 4* Barcelona City hotel. train, plus transfers by coach and a city tour included. A really fabulous price 295€. Dates July 10-13
Call (0034) 966785910 to reserve your place or visit our web site on www.coachtripsonline.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47511/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Travel by train to this large, lively, exciting coastal city. Visit all the exciting places that you have heard of! See the thought provoking buildings of Antonio Gaudi. 
His masterpiece of course being the "unfinished cathedral" which was built in the late 19th century as a tribute to the coming 20th century, and still remains unfinished in the 21st century, but what a stunning piece of architecture it is.
Then, marvel at the wonderful Camp Nou football stadium, home to the mighty Barcelona football club  and a whole range of other sporting teams, basketball, volley ball, base ball  and so on. Then on the outskirts,  you have the university parks centred round the old Royal Palace. Then there is the mountain of the Jews (Montjuic), with a castle overlooking the bay.
Cable cars sweep across from here to the port and beyond.
The 1992 Olympics were held in Barcelona and the city still benefits from the superb facilities built for this event. In the Marina hundreds of small yachts bob up and down in the waves created by passing mini cruisers which are packed with happy sightseers.
In the nearby "Rambla" clearly the best known street in Spain, passers by are entertained by an incredible variety of performers, busking for an income.
This ranges from highly talented to outright zany. Flower vendors and artists compete with the entertainers for the many thousands of euros, which pass hands every day in this street. In the square in front of the original theatre, you encounter "classy" buskers, mostly music students earning a crust, playing some genuinely beautiful music on the cello, violin, and harp amongst other instruments.
Barcelona buzzes night and day and in this city you will never run out of things to see. A city like no other, it is simply fabulous. Now this superb low cost excursion, makes all this available to you at a really affordable price, because once again David's Coachtrips SL has come up with a great package.
4 days B&B in a 4* Barcelona City hotel. train, plus transfers by coach and a city tour included. A really fabulous price 295€. Dates July 10-13
Call (0034) 966785910 to reserve your place or visit our web site on www.coachtripsonline.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47511/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### MERRIMENT AND MELODY - In Support of AMMA

Campoverde Theatre Group has a really great show for you, good music, great dance numbers and lots of very funny sketches.
‘Let Us Entertain You' is a fast paced show will keep you entertained and smiling and will have you singing along with some of the well known numbers.  The show is full of colour, comedy and choreography, basically a show that has something for everybody. The show promises to be a really entertaining evening out.
Campoverde Theatre Group hope to raise lots of money for AMMA,  the Alzheimer's  Mar Menor Association, a new charity aimed at providing a much needed day care service for people suffering from Alzheimer's, an illness that not only affects the sufferer, but also their carers, who become increasingly more and more socially isolated as their loved one deteriorates. 
Unlike other Alzheimer's groups, AMMA provides day care in both English and Spanish. As everyone appreciates, it is essential that people suffering from this progressive disease are communicated with in a language they understand. AMMA accepts clients from a wide area, including Orihuela Costa and it will also accept people with severe Alzheimer's.
Come along to the Casa De Cultura, San Miguel de Salinas on either Friday 19th, Saturday 20th or Sunday 21st June and have a really fabulous night of entertainment whilst supporting a really good cause. Tickets available from Bargain Books, San Miguel or phone Jude on 96 684 4460 or 676 557 104.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47510/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Campoverde Theatre Group has a really great show for you, good music, great dance numbers and lots of very funny sketches.
‘Let Us Entertain You' is a fast paced show will keep you entertained and smiling and will have you singing along with som...

### HURCHILLO SCHOOL HONORS GRANDPARENTS

El colegio de Hurchillo paid tribute to local grandparents last week who help with the education of their grandchildren.
Children were asked to bring their grandparents into school where tributes were paid at a general assembly in recognition of the assistance they provide with the education and the upbringing of their grandchildren.
Always on the last Friday in May, similar tributes have been held at the school for the last 25 years. The evening event included poetry readings, plays and songs dedicated to the grandparents who help with the education of the ‘new generations', be it with homework, packing lunches or simply accompanying their grandchildren to and from school.
The event was named the Super Grandfather school was Antonio Espinosa Guillen and Superabuela, Lola Torah Vergara. The school management said yesterday that this "is one of the most emotional events conducted by the center, which wants to record the gratitude that the school has all the grandparents'.
The Super Grandfather was named as Antonio Espinosa Guillen while Lola Torah Vergara was awarded with the super grandmother prize.
The school headmaster said that ‘this is one of the most emotional events conducted by the center, which feels it is extremely important to acknowledge and to record the gratitude that the school has to all the grandparents'.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47509/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: El colegio de Hurchillo paid tribute to local grandparents last week who help with the education of their grandchildren.
Children were asked to bring their grandparents into school where tributes were paid at a general assembly in recognition of the assistance they provide with the education and the upbringing of their grandchildren.
Always on the last Friday in May, similar tributes have been held at the school for the last 25 years. The evening event included poetry readings, plays and songs dedicated to the grandparents who help with the education of the ‘new generations', be it with homework, packing lunches or simply accompanying their grandchildren to and from school.
The event was named the Super Grandfather school was Antonio Espinosa Guillen and Superabuela, Lola Torah Vergara. The school management said yesterday that this "is one of the most emotional events conducted by the center, which wants to record the gratitude that the school has all the grandparents'.
The Super Grandfather was named as Antonio Espinosa Guillen while Lola Torah Vergara was awarded with the super grandmother prize.
The school headmaster said that ‘this is one of the most emotional events conducted by the center, which feels it is extremely important to acknowledge and to record the gratitude that the school has to all the grandparents'.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47509/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### ASOCIACION HAPPY ANIMALES SPANIEN

"Happy Animales Spanien" is a registered charity which is committed to the welfare of impoverished and abandoned animals. You will find it, 2 or 3 km north of Villamartin on the right hand side of the canal, heading toward San Miguel de Salinas, and believe me, it is well worth a visit.
Accommodated in outbuildings in and around an old finca the volunteers look after a variety of abandoned and sick animals that would otherwise starve to death or be put down. Currently in their charge there are three ponies, half a dozen horses, two pot bellied pigs, six or seven goats, chickens and a couple of dogs, a number of which are in need of regular medication or medical attention.
Founded only a couple of years ago, in spring 2013, the charity came about when the owner of a horse riding school located on the site fell on hard times. Mona Novak Fassbinder was a regular client, she often rode out and when she began to see a deterioration in the condition of the horses she decided that action must be taken, so together with a few friends, she set about tackling the numerous problems.
Initially food was purchased for the animals with their own money. The group then embarked on a fund raising mission collecting anything and everything that they could sell on for a profit. Local companies were approached for donations; friends were cajoled into helping, and so began the formation of the Happy Animales Charity.
Since those early days there have been many developments, the charity has now been formalized, the site secured, and a number of volunteers attend the centre on a regular basis but as the establishment became known to the wider public it also attracted the regular arrival of new animals, most of them also in need of help and medication.
But the charity's success brings with it, of course, many additional problems, not least of which is the need for additional funding and volunteers.
Financially it survives on donations from members of the public, in addition to which there is an onsite bbq and entertainment on the last Saturday of every month.  When I was shown around the site by Sol last weekend local vocalist Anni Perko was singing to a crowd of about a hundred people who were all enjoying the best of German refreshment and cuisine.
“We really do need far more help and funding than we are currently able to attract” she said. “I think that there are many people who simply don't know that we exist so close to Villamartin so I am hoping that the publicity that you are able to give us in the Leader might help to change all that”.
More information, including contact details, is available on their website at www.happyanimalesspanien.com or on Facebook at Finca de San Miguel de Salinas where you will find details of how you can either donate, become a member of the Association, sponsor an animal from just 5 euro a month, or volunteer your time and help.
Alternatively you can email sol at nicosolm@hotmail.com. She will be happy to have a chat and even show you around.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47508/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: "Happy Animales Spanien" is a registered charity which is committed to the welfare of impoverished and abandoned animals. You will find it, 2 or 3 km north of Villamartin on the right hand side of the canal, heading toward San Miguel de Salinas, and believe me, it is well worth a visit.
Accommodated in outbuildings in and around an old finca the volunteers look after a variety of abandoned and sick animals that would otherwise starve to death or be put down. Currently in their charge there are three ponies, half a dozen horses, two pot bellied pigs, six or seven goats, chickens and a couple of dogs, a number of which are in need of regular medication or medical attention.
Founded only a couple of years ago, in spring 2013, the charity came about when the owner of a horse riding school located on the site fell on hard times. Mona Novak Fassbinder was a regular client, she often rode out and when she began to see a deterioration in the condition of the horses she decided that action must be taken, so together with a few friends, she set about tackling the numerous problems.
Initially food was purchased for the animals with their own money. The group then embarked on a fund raising mission collecting anything and everything that they could sell on for a profit. Local companies were approached for donations; friends were cajoled into helping, and so began the formation of the Happy Animales Charity.
Since those early days there have been many developments, the charity has now been formalized, the site secured, and a number of volunteers attend the centre on a regular basis but as the establishment became known to the wider public it also attracted the regular arrival of new animals, most of them also in need of help and medication.
But the charity's success brings with it, of course, many additional problems, not least of which is the need for additional funding and volunteers.
Financially it survives on donations from members of the public, in addition to which there is an onsite bbq and entertainment on the last Saturday of every month.  When I was shown around the site by Sol last weekend local vocalist Anni Perko was singing to a crowd of about a hundred people who were all enjoying the best of German refreshment and cuisine.
“We really do need far more help and funding than we are currently able to attract” she said. “I think that there are many people who simply don't know that we exist so close to Villamartin so I am hoping that the publicity that you are able to give us in the Leader might help to change all that”.
More information, including contact details, is available on their website at www.happyanimalesspanien.com or on Facebook at Finca de San Miguel de Salinas where you will find details of how you can either donate, become a member of the Association, sponsor an animal from just 5 euro a month, or volunteer your time and help.
Alternatively you can email sol at nicosolm@hotmail.com. She will be happy to have a chat and even show you around.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47508/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### ‘EL CAMPICO’ CONTINUES TO TRADE DESPITE COURT JUDGEMENT

Guardamar's ‘El Campico' market continues to open despite a warning from a rival market manager that he will denounce the Municipal Council for violating a judgment of the Superior Tribunal of Justice (TSJ) in that it has been operating without a license for over 20 years.
He alleges that the market, which is located on rural land, is operating outside the law, and does not have permission to trade. This follows judgments in 2010  ordering its cessation.
The manager, who did not wish to be identified to the press, is said to have filed a brief asking the City Council to take appropriate measures ordering its closure following the ruling of the Supreme Court.
He says that such businesses operating without a license, harms other markets in the region that do have operating permits and are trading legally.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47507/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Guardamar's ‘El Campico' market continues to open despite a warning from a rival market manager that he will denounce the Municipal Council for violating a judgment of the Superior Tribunal of Justice (TSJ) in that it has been operating without a...

### JET2.COM TAKES ZERO TOLERANCE STANCE

Leading leisure airline, Jet2.com has today pledged to take a harsh line against any disruptive and inappropriate behaviour onboard its flights, following a rise in incidents industry-wide. 
The zero tolerance policy is driven by Phil Ward, Managing Director of Jet2.com to protect families and holidaymakers, ensuring every customer has a safe, enjoyable and comfortable flight without the worry of disruptive behaviour onboard.
The stance, put in place at the end of May, on all flights to over 55 destinations across Europe, reassures passengers that their welfare is the airline's key priority. As appropriate, the following actions will be set in motion for unacceptable behaviour onboard including racist behaviour, threatening conduct towards passengers and staff, and excessive consumption of alcohol;
- Police prosecution
- Refusal to board
- Flight diversion
- Flight ban for life
Phil Ward, Managing Director of Jet2.com said:  “Jet2.com is a holiday airline.  We will not allow our customers' holidays to be upset by an individuals' obnoxious behaviour. Passenger welfare is and always will be our number one priority which is why we have brought in these measures to take action against anyone who causes offence and disruption to our passengers and crew. We will not hesitate to prosecute individuals where necessary.”
Just last week Jet2.com gave a lifetime ban to a male, Grant Marshall on a flight to Alicante from Leeds Bradford Airport. The individual was one of a party of 14 who was asked on numerous times to stop consuming illicit alcohol, using intimidating language and threatening behaviour. 
“Due to his unacceptable behaviour onboard, the pilot diverted the flight to Toulouse where the disruptive passenger was handed over to the police authorities and the remaining travelers continued onto Alicante. As well as Grant Marshall delaying holidaymakers, he could now be facing prosecution for his behaviour and could be found liable for the costs of the divert, which will run into thousands of pounds.”
Following this incident, Jet2.com has already received a number of calls from passengers on-board the flight thanking and congratulating the airline on taking this stance.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47506/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Leading leisure airline, Jet2.com has today pledged to take a harsh line against any disruptive and inappropriate behaviour onboard its flights, following a rise in incidents industry-wide. 
The zero tolerance policy is driven by Phil Ward, Managing D...

### ISLAND PRIDE

Visitors to the Canary Island of Gran Canaria may be forgiven for thinking that it is a non-stop party island. The recent successful vote in Ireland for equal marriage, the Eurovision Song Contest and Maspalomas Pride have created an atmosphere of one long, heady party. 
The Canary Islands are blessed with one of the best climates in the world, which lends itself to an endless succession of parties and outdoor living. However, I can assure readers that we do get down to doing some work as well, but at our own pace.
Maspalomas Pride, which is often billed as 'the largest Pride event in Europe', once again drew thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, and transgendered visitors to the island from all over Europe and further afield. There were also huge numbers of straight visitors too; many having visited in earlier years, and had such a good time that they come again each year to relive and share the experience.
Maspalomas Pride is a huge two-week party, with many spin off events, but above all it is a time to demonstrate equal rights, tolerance and equality, as well as a time to remember that respect and acceptance are not concepts yet shared across the world. The rainbow flag remains the centrepiece of the celebrations to remember those people across the world that still suffer from appalling discrimination and cruelty. Maspalomas Pride seeks to celebrate and give thanks for the freedoms enjoyed in Spain and the Canary Islands, as well as other countries that respect this equality.
This event was one of the biggest Pride events ever seen on the island, with more than 80,000 visitors and residents lining the parade route.
Visitors often ask me why Gran Canaria, which is the third largest Canary Island by landmass, has become such a draw for gay and lesbian tourists. Gran Canaria has a well-deserved reputation for inclusivity and equality that has embraced gay and lesbian visitors for many years. People of all races, colour and religions live and work on the island and, in the main, happily coexist together.
It is an island where the old adage 'live and let live' still strongly applies; as long as your activities don't hurt anyone else, then you are welcome. After visiting the island over many years, this was one of the main reasons that my partner and myself chose to move here; it was a decision that we have never regretted.
The Yumbo Centre, which is the main 'gay centre' and the centre for Pride is an uninspiring building, built 40 plus years ago as an arena. Over the years, it was slowly converted and now houses 40 plus gay bars, saunas, drag shows, supermarkets, gadget shops, cafe bars and restaurants. To some, it looks like a badly worn multi-storey car park, which by day is a rather tacky commercial centre.
However, by night, this uninspiring heap of concrete transforms itself into a throbbing and lively centre with something for everyone. From its early days, the Yumbo Centre became a beacon of hope for many gay men and women, and a place where they could relax and be themselves.  It is a place where many relationships have begun, and ended, but above all it continues to be a place where gay men and women continue to feel safe, welcomed and valued.
So how did all this begin? I recall a conversation that I had with an elderly man, an ex-soldier, many years ago when I first visited the island. He told me that during the Spanish Civil War, the dictator, General Franco, would exile any soldier who was found to be gay to an island penal colony that was far away from the Spanish mainland; that island was Gran Canaria.
As the Pride procession and parties take place, my mind often goes back to this story and the fight for equality that has taken place over the centuries in Spain, as well as elsewhere in the world. The fight for equality and acceptance continue, but I am sure that those exiled Spanish soldiers would be very impressed with the part that this small island in the Atlantic has played in the fight for equality and justice for all.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle. 
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie Mahoney
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47504/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Visitors to the Canary Island of Gran Canaria may be forgiven for thinking that it is a non-stop party island. The recent successful vote in Ireland for equal marriage, the Eurovision Song Contest and Maspalomas Pride have created an atmosphere of one ...

### TICKING OFF FOR GUARDIA CIVIL

A vehicle belonging to the Guardia Civil in Pilar de la Horadada had to be abandoned last week when the two officers using it were attacked by fleas while on patrol.
They initially thought it was the rural terrain through which they were travelling but when the bites persisted they realized that the vehicle was actually infested. The situation, the second in only a couple of weeks, was immediately denounced by their union, The Unified Association of Civil Guards (AUGC).
A spokesman said that this is just one of many occupational hazards faced by Guardia officers and that the vehicle had now been taken out of service subject to its fumigation.
One of the agents said he was bitten on the arm on a number of occasions before he realized that the vehicle was infested by fleas.
A similar incident was reported just two weeks ago in a vehicle belonging to the Guardia Civil stationed in Fontcalent Prison.
The AUGC in Alicante issued a statement saying that they regret the incidents, both of which resulted in injuries to officers, and that they have to work daily in such precarious conditions, whilst the authorities seem to show little care.
However sources at the headquarters of the Civil Guard said that they were unaware of the incident in Pilar de la Horadada.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47503/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A vehicle belonging to the Guardia Civil in Pilar de la Horadada had to be abandoned last week when the two officers using it were attacked by fleas while on patrol.
They initially thought it was the rural terrain through which they were travelling bu...

### PILAR TOURIST OFFICE READY FOR THE SUMMER SEASON

The Tourist Information office in Pilar de la Horadada, introduced it's new summer opening schedule last week at their office in the Plaza Campoamor 2. Through till 30 September the new opening hours are 10am-7pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 1pm on Sundays.
The department will provide detailed information to anyone visiting the town, 50% of which are expected to be overseas visitors from the UK, Germany and Scandinavia. All statistics will be coordinated and published on the dedicated website www.visitpilardelahoradada.com
The Pilareña Tourism Office moved to the center of town four years ago. It is currently situated on the ground floor of the Town Hall, where it has grown substantially in the number of visitors, from just 6744 in 2012 to 9141 in 2014, an increase of almost 30%. That number is expected to increase once again in the coming season.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47502/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Tourist Information office in Pilar de la Horadada, introduced it's new summer opening schedule last week at their office in the Plaza Campoamor 2. Through till 30 September the new opening hours are 10am-7pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 1pm on S...

### FUN DAY REACHING OUT

Eddie Coleman, event organiser of the annual Fun Day, which was held on Sunday 24th May at Playa Flamenca beach side, is shown here presenting Karolina Leonard, the President of ‘Reach Out Torrevieja', with a donation of €600.
This very worthwhile local charity rely on the public, not only money, but clothes, toiletries, and saleable goods that they can move on through their retail outlet.
A further €250 was also given to Karolina for the mother and baby home which is also located in Torrevieja.
Additionally, a Fund Day Raffle was held during the function, with the first prize of a very generous Food Hamper, won by Mrs Christine Nickel, who kindly donated the basket, also to the charity.
Reach Out is an entirely voluntary organisation and 100% of all donations are used to benefit the homeless and poor in the Torrevieja area.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47501/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Eddie Coleman, event organiser of the annual Fun Day, which was held on Sunday 24th May at Playa Flamenca beach side, is shown here presenting Karolina Leonard, the President of ‘Reach Out Torrevieja', with a donation of €600.
This very wor...

### EVA BOWS OUT AT ROLAND GARROS

For the first time in their history, Torrevieja Tennis Club, had a representative at the French Open last week, playing in the Junior Girls Competition on the world famous tennis courts at Roland Garros.
Eva Guerrero, at just 15 years of age,  a member of the academy Equelite Villena Juan Carlos Ferrero, received an invitation following her victory in the Grade 1 ITF tournament, which catapulted her to number 52 in the world junior rankings and saw her achieve the pass to junior main draw in the Paris Grand Slam.
Unfortunately, however, Eva fell at the first hurdle, going out in Round One to Canadian Katherine Sebov 7-6, 6-3. But what an experience for the 15 year old Torrevejense.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47500/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: For the first time in their history, Torrevieja Tennis Club, had a representative at the French Open last week, playing in the Junior Girls Competition on the world famous tennis courts at Roland Garros.
Eva Guerrero, at just 15 years of age,  a membe...

### "SOME ENCHANTED EVENING"...... THE YEAR'S BIG SHOW SUPPORTING PINK LADIES & AECC.

The biggest event on the Costa is scheduled for Saturday 27th June in the Orihuela Costa Resort, La Zenia. "Some Enchanted Evening" - A Tribute To Rodgers & Hammerstein will be performed by the Costa's largest popular choir, the 60 strong Melody Makers International, along with the ever-popular Cantemos! Youth Choir, both conducted by Nigel Hopkins.
The concert will include many of R&H's fabulous hits from such shows as Carousel, Oklahoma, South Pacific, King & I, State Fair, and of course the Sound of Music. A professional band from the UK will accompany the shows and some of the finest soloists on the Costa will perform.
There are two shows on the day, a Matinee at 2pm and an evening performance at 8pm. Tickets are available from La Ponderosa gift shop at La Zenia, as well as The CardPlace at both Punta Prima and Benimar. Johnsons Supermarket at the Citrus Centre and Bargain Books in C/Ramon Gallud, Torrevieja also have tickets. The shows are supporting the Pink Ladies for AECC this year.
Conductor and producer Nigel Hopkins promises a superb evening of entertainment including beautiful harmonies and several surprises which audiences always look forward to. Tickets are on sale NOW.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47499/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The biggest event on the Costa is scheduled for Saturday 27th June in the Orihuela Costa Resort, La Zenia. "Some Enchanted Evening" - A Tribute To Rodgers & Hammerstein will be performed by the Costa's largest popular choir, the 60 strong Melody Makers International, along with the ever-popular Cantemos! Youth Choir, both conducted by Nigel Hopkins.
The concert will include many of R&H's fabulous hits from such shows as Carousel, Oklahoma, South Pacific, King & I, State Fair, and of course the Sound of Music. A professional band from the UK will accompany the shows and some of the finest soloists on the Costa will perform.
There are two shows on the day, a Matinee at 2pm and an evening performance at 8pm. Tickets are available from La Ponderosa gift shop at La Zenia, as well as The CardPlace at both Punta Prima and Benimar. Johnsons Supermarket at the Citrus Centre and Bargain Books in C/Ramon Gallud, Torrevieja also have tickets. The shows are supporting the Pink Ladies for AECC this year.
Conductor and producer Nigel Hopkins promises a superb evening of entertainment including beautiful harmonies and several surprises which audiences always look forward to. Tickets are on sale NOW.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47499/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### CAR HIRE CONFUSION AS THE PAPER DRIVING LICENCE IS SCRAPPED

GEM Motoring Assist is warning drivers of holiday car hire confusion and delay when the paper counterpart driving licence becomes obsolete next Monday (8 June 2015).
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is scrapping the paper counterpart licence that accompanies all plastic photocard licences. This means information about penalty points can only be accessed online, by phone or through the post from DVLA.
Anyone hiring a car will need to log in online at the DVLA (www.viewdrivingrecord.service.gov.uk) to generate a licence check code. This will be valid for 72 hours and should be given to the hire company who will be able to access driver details.
To access the site, drivers will need to provide their driving licence number, post code and national insurance number.
GEM chief executive David Williams MBE says: “We predict long car hire delays, particularly at overseas holiday destinations, simply because many car hire firms are going to be unaware of the changes and are likely to want to examine a paper document, even though it will not be valid.
 “The scrapping of the paper licence gives already stressed holidaymakers one more task to remember before setting off. Worse still, if they're not hiring a car until later in their holiday, they will be forced to find internet access at their foreign destination, something that could be expensive as well as inconvenient.
 “Our advice is to obtain the licence check code as instructed by DVLA, but also to keep the paper counterpart licence as a back-up when you travel, even though it will have no legal status.
After all, if a rental desk is unfamiliar with the new rules, then producing your counterpart paper licence might be the only way for you to get behind the wheel of your holiday rental vehicle.”
Paper driving licences issued before the photocard was introduced in 1998 will remain valid.
Follow GEM on Twitter @MotoringAssist for the latest industry news.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47496/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: GEM Motoring Assist is warning drivers of holiday car hire confusion and delay when the paper counterpart driving licence becomes obsolete next Monday (8 June 2015).
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is scrapping the paper counterpart lic...

### Trucks Destroyed in Pilar Crash

Two trucks were destroyed by fire in Pilar de la Horadada on Wednesday after a crash on the CV-941 road between Mil Palmeras and San Miguel.
The driver of the first truck, which was carrying plastics and cardboard, noticed that his vehicle was on fire and immediately stopped by the side of the road whilst trying to quell the flames with a fire extinguisher.
The vehicle, which was stopped on a slope, began to roll backwards and collided with the second truck which was carrying stones. The flames then spread to that second vehicle.
The local police and Guardia Civil accompanied fire fighters at the scene who managed to control the blaze, but not before both vehicles were destroyed.

Excerpt: Two trucks were destroyed by fire in Pilar de la Horadada on Wednesday after a crash on the CV-941 road between Mil Palmeras and San Miguel. The driver of the first truck, which was carrying plastics and cardboard, noticed that Read More ...

### Game of Thrones Returning to Spain

Popular fantasy TV show Game of Thrones will be returning to Spain to film scenes for its sixth series shortly.
Game of Thrones first began shooting in Spain with Season 5, using the Royal Alcazar in Seville as the Water Gardens of Dorne, and the Piaza de Toros in Osuna as the Meereen fighting pit. However, the show is not expected to return to location for series 6, but the action is expected to be taking place in the cities of Girona and Peñíscola.

Excerpt: Popular fantasy TV show Game of Thrones will be returning to Spain to film scenes for its sixth series shortly. Game of Thrones first began shooting in Spain with Season 5, using the Royal Alcazar in Seville as the Water Read More ...

### Software Fault Most Likely Cause of Plane Crash

In their initial findings released on Wednesday into the crash of an A400M military plane in Seville last month, Airbus has confirmed that the immediate area of concern was the engine control software.
The report states that the crew of the aircraft tried in vain to regain control of 3 engines that were frozen due to a suspected software problem.
The report has not explained the full details of the problem but has been able to rule out structural failure and instead is focussing on the assembly process.
A spokesperson said that investigators were mainly evaluating “the different processes around assembly of the aircraft, engines and preparations for the first flight”.
Airbus said that data from the black box and cockpit recordings indicate that three of the four turboprop engines registered high power shortly after takeoff, but the three affected engines “did not respond to attempts by the crew to control the power under normal procedures”.

Excerpt: In their initial findings released on Wednesday into the crash of an A400M military plane in Seville last month, Airbus has confirmed that the immediate area of concern was the engine control software. The report states that the crew of Read More ...

### Concerns after Dry and Hot May

The weather conditions recorded in May show that the month was not only dry and hot it broke records when temperatures reached 40.5 degrees in Orihuela, 40.2 degrees in Rojales and 37 degrees in Torrevieja on the 13th and 14th of May. During these days, the temperature was 15 degrees higher than what would be considered normal for the time of year, when the historical average is 19 degrees.
Rain was practically nonexistent during May, traditionally one of the wettest months of the year, with the month being classified as very dry in inland areas and extremely dry on the coast. The concern is that with little rain fall now the rest of the year is likely to remain dry, with droughts anticipated through the summer until the next rainy season in September.

Excerpt: The weather conditions recorded in May show that the month was not only dry and hot it broke records when temperatures reached 40.5 degrees in Orihuela, 40.2 degrees in Rojales and 37 degrees in Torrevieja on the 13th and 14th Read More ...

### Unemployment Shows Biggest Drop in History

The registered number of unemployed workers in Spain fell by 117,985 people in May, representing the largest drop in the fifth month of the year since records began in 1996.
The service sector saw the biggest drop, followed by construction, agriculture and then industry. There are now 4,215,031 registered unemployed workers, 1.93 million males and 2.28 million females.

Excerpt: The registered number of unemployed workers in Spain fell by 117,985 people in May, representing the largest drop in the fifth month of the year since records began in 1996. The service sector saw the biggest drop, followed by construction, Read More ...

### Pets on Parade

Around 50 animals and their owners attended the inauguration of a new dog park on the Gran Alacant urbanization this weekend.
A raffle was held to benefit local re-homing groups and the attendees were treated to specialized displays, including one from the local police of Santa Pola.

Excerpt: Around 50 animals and their owners attended the inauguration of a new dog park on the Gran Alacant urbanization this weekend. A raffle was held to benefit local re-homing groups and the attendees were treated to specialized displays, including one Read More ...

### 11th ANNUAL GARAY CUP - COSTA BLANCA GOLF LEAGUE vs. VEGA BAJA PREMIER GOLF LEAGUE

BONALBA GOLF RESORT – 29th MAY 2015
This was the eleventh annual tournament between the two golf league teams since its inauguration  in 2004 and each league has won the same amount of matches five each. It was played at Bonalba Golf Resort where 18 players represented their respective League.
The competition was originally suggested and sponsored by Snr. Manolo Garay So this year the competition as it would break the year long deadlock
The Bonalba course is always a challenging course and since its improvement sthe course, is an ideal venue although a Home course for Costa Blanca North.  The format was Fourball Better Ball Matchplay with the lowest handicap giving shots a 90% difference of the handicaps
It was a perfect day for golf with the temperatures a little down from the norm for the end of May, but very welcome by both teams
As the scores show there was not a lot to choose between the two teams as is nearly always the case in these annual competitions and for the Vega Baja Premier Golf League to come up short by a single and the ladies two of them representing the VBPGL came through both on the winning team.
FINAL SCORE:  CBGL          4½       VBPGL     3½ 
The tournament sponsor Manolo Garay also put up prizes and presented by Ivie Davies Secretary of VBPGL for the Nearest the Pin and Longest drive the result of were:
NEAREST THE PIN
Hole 4: Steve Robison (CBGL)   Hole 8: Malcolm Anderson (VBPGL) 
Hole 11: Mike Davison (CBGL)   Hole 16: Dennis Pyman (CBGL)
LONGEST DRIVE
Hole 15: Mark ‘Taff' Reynolds (CBGL)
As always the matches were played in the best of spirit and both teams stated how much they enjoyed the day and the major benefit they get to play with other golfers they would not normally come into contact with on the golf course, and this can only be good for both of these Leagues and golf. Thanks should go to players of the VBPGL who had an early start and travelled from the Costa Calida.
The Manolo Garay presented Richard Davis Captain of the CBGL with the trophy which means they are now 6 games to 5 in the overall tournaments. Ivie Davies thanked both teams for the good spirit in which the competition had been played and to Richard Davis and all the staff at Bonalba Golf Resort for ensuring the course was in good condition and their support in providing Tappas and beverages.
For more information go to www.vegabajapremiergolfleague.com and Facebook.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47495/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: BONALBA GOLF RESORT – 29th MAY 2015
This was the eleventh annual tournament between the two golf league teams since its inauguration  in 2004 and each league has won the same amount of matches five each. It was played at Bonalba Golf Resort wher...

### ALL THE FIN OF THE FAIR

Well alright there were no fish or dolphins in the water but The Dive Crew from Santa Pola certainly created a wave of interest at Quesada Country Club's Spring Fair and they will be back!  
The Dive Crew will be visiting QCC again so if you missed out this time and would like to know when they are back just email sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk  T
hey have also kindly donated a TRY DIVE as an auction lot for THE ESTATE AGENTS SUMMER BALL which is on Friday 12th June at La Finca Golf and Spa Resort Hotel this event has been organised by Spanish Life Properties SL and there still a few tickets left, this is going to be a fabulous night with a fun casino and surprises throughout the evening email sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk for price and details. 
Another auction lot that anyone can bid for from today is 2 tickets to see Spandau Ballet live in Madrid on Thursday the 18 June  - bids for the try dive and the concert tickets can be made by email to sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk and this auction is also to raise money for the Elche Children.  
The Spring Fair raised over €200 for The Children's Home in Elche and our thanks go to Spanish Life Properties SL for once again sponsoring the free tea and taste of cake. It was a fun day and deVere Spain were there with their very popular drinks challenge and there were over 30 different stalls selling everything from Fashion and Shoes to Pies and Paintings! 
The next event on Thursday June 18th is mainly for the ladies A "Step Into Summer" Fashion Show at QCC and a little pampering too - Tricia Lee will also be with us to do Angel Card Readings - amazing at the very special show price of just €5 only if pre-booked.
Tricia will also be offering short taster Indian Head Massage treatments completely FREE!! so if you would like to book a FREE Indian Head Massage or a half price Angel Card Reading please email leeinspain@hotmail.com  
The Fashion Show is also FREE but we will be asking for a €1 charity donation on the door as we give you your drinks voucher - you can get a FREE SPECIAL VIP ticket by sending an email now to sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk  - VIP's will be invited to a pre-show preview at 11.30a.m. and they will have chance to pre book some free treatments and demos and they will also have the choice of a glass of Cava or Sangria as the show starts. 
Many thanks to all of the people who helped make the Spring Fair a success especially our tea ladies Renee and Jacki plus the many cake bakers also big thanks to the radio DJ's who promoted this event and huge thanks to Kristoff for the wonderful photographs he took during the day.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47485/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Well alright there were no fish or dolphins in the water but The Dive Crew from Santa Pola certainly created a wave of interest at Quesada Country Club's Spring Fair and they will be back!  
The Dive Crew will be visiting QCC again so if you missed out this time and would like to know when they are back just email sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk  T
hey have also kindly donated a TRY DIVE as an auction lot for THE ESTATE AGENTS SUMMER BALL which is on Friday 12th June at La Finca Golf and Spa Resort Hotel this event has been organised by Spanish Life Properties SL and there still a few tickets left, this is going to be a fabulous night with a fun casino and surprises throughout the evening email sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk for price and details. 
Another auction lot that anyone can bid for from today is 2 tickets to see Spandau Ballet live in Madrid on Thursday the 18 June  - bids for the try dive and the concert tickets can be made by email to sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk and this auction is also to raise money for the Elche Children.  
The Spring Fair raised over €200 for The Children's Home in Elche and our thanks go to Spanish Life Properties SL for once again sponsoring the free tea and taste of cake. It was a fun day and deVere Spain were there with their very popular drinks challenge and there were over 30 different stalls selling everything from Fashion and Shoes to Pies and Paintings! 
The next event on Thursday June 18th is mainly for the ladies A "Step Into Summer" Fashion Show at QCC and a little pampering too - Tricia Lee will also be with us to do Angel Card Readings - amazing at the very special show price of just €5 only if pre-booked.
Tricia will also be offering short taster Indian Head Massage treatments completely FREE!! so if you would like to book a FREE Indian Head Massage or a half price Angel Card Reading please email leeinspain@hotmail.com  
The Fashion Show is also FREE but we will be asking for a €1 charity donation on the door as we give you your drinks voucher - you can get a FREE SPECIAL VIP ticket by sending an email now to sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk  - VIP's will be invited to a pre-show preview at 11.30a.m. and they will have chance to pre book some free treatments and demos and they will also have the choice of a glass of Cava or Sangria as the show starts. 
Many thanks to all of the people who helped make the Spring Fair a success especially our tea ladies Renee and Jacki plus the many cake bakers also big thanks to the radio DJ's who promoted this event and huge thanks to Kristoff for the wonderful photographs he took during the day.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47485/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### NATURAL LAW

It is a commonly accepted fact, not only in moral philosophy but also in everyday life, that all human beings, when have full use of reasoning, possess an inner voice that informs them about good and evil, truth and lie, justice and injustice of human acts. 
This is what we call consciousness which not only informs us but also through the consideration of these acts, censures or approves them in an independent way.
The question is: what is conscience based to inform us about the goodness or evil of these human acts? I think that it is based on three factors: reason, faith in God and knowledge of the nature of things that person perceives in the world. With the reason it reflects and judges on the facts, with faith it perceives them with greater clarity and with the knowledge of the nature of things it shows its objective characteristics, challenging us to discover and know them deeply.
The natural law or natural moral law is the objective discovery of this nature of things done fairly by the person and its subsequent recognition For example, we discover the natural law when we say that people should not take over the property of others (steal) or deprive them of life (kill), or maltreat them (violence), or deceive them (lie), or abuse a minor (child sexual abuse) or have sex with another man's wife (adultery), etc.
But we have to consider the role that the will plays in human beings which have the last word in their decisions. In effect, people may reject the faith and even the natural law (the voice of God in the heart of man) to take a subjective stance that takes them to satisfy their ambitions of power, money, domain, influences and wealth or simply for convenience or cowardice. In this case the reason is the exclusive service of the selfish attitude and tries to justify it with fallacious reasoning, imposing its own servitude to human consciousness.
This is what is happening. Since old times until nowadays, many people have chosen to reject the faith in God and the natural law to follow the dictation of willingness inclined to the ego and the power over people. With this attitude they have caused countless harms and injustices to their fellow men with greater or lesser cruelty and intensity (I will not mention names) as the concentration and extermination camps or induced abortion.
These people are those who mock or blaspheme against the Church, Jesus Christ and the faith of believers. They insult, despise, and hate God and call riffraff those who do not think like them. Isn't it true that the blasphemy in some circles of coexistence is a common symptom of "manhood" and hateful arrogance? Or does the mockery against the Church is the cause of revelry? What a Pity!
These words do not intend to be negative, but help to discover the origin of evil that exists in the world from the beginning (the rejection of God, faith and natural law) in order to make that some people think and decide to choose radically God (the good). They must do it with greater determination and intensity and must fight hard against the evil so we can reduce it.
Roberto GraoFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47484/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: It is a commonly accepted fact, not only in moral philosophy but also in everyday life, that all human beings, when have full use of reasoning, possess an inner voice that informs them about good and evil, truth and lie, justice and injustice of human acts. 
This is what we call consciousness which not only informs us but also through the consideration of these acts, censures or approves them in an independent way.
The question is: what is conscience based to inform us about the goodness or evil of these human acts? I think that it is based on three factors: reason, faith in God and knowledge of the nature of things that person perceives in the world. With the reason it reflects and judges on the facts, with faith it perceives them with greater clarity and with the knowledge of the nature of things it shows its objective characteristics, challenging us to discover and know them deeply.
The natural law or natural moral law is the objective discovery of this nature of things done fairly by the person and its subsequent recognition For example, we discover the natural law when we say that people should not take over the property of others (steal) or deprive them of life (kill), or maltreat them (violence), or deceive them (lie), or abuse a minor (child sexual abuse) or have sex with another man's wife (adultery), etc.
But we have to consider the role that the will plays in human beings which have the last word in their decisions. In effect, people may reject the faith and even the natural law (the voice of God in the heart of man) to take a subjective stance that takes them to satisfy their ambitions of power, money, domain, influences and wealth or simply for convenience or cowardice. In this case the reason is the exclusive service of the selfish attitude and tries to justify it with fallacious reasoning, imposing its own servitude to human consciousness.
This is what is happening. Since old times until nowadays, many people have chosen to reject the faith in God and the natural law to follow the dictation of willingness inclined to the ego and the power over people. With this attitude they have caused countless harms and injustices to their fellow men with greater or lesser cruelty and intensity (I will not mention names) as the concentration and extermination camps or induced abortion.
These people are those who mock or blaspheme against the Church, Jesus Christ and the faith of believers. They insult, despise, and hate God and call riffraff those who do not think like them. Isn't it true that the blasphemy in some circles of coexistence is a common symptom of "manhood" and hateful arrogance? Or does the mockery against the Church is the cause of revelry? What a Pity!
These words do not intend to be negative, but help to discover the origin of evil that exists in the world from the beginning (the rejection of God, faith and natural law) in order to make that some people think and decide to choose radically God (the good). They must do it with greater determination and intensity and must fight hard against the evil so we can reduce it.
Roberto GraoFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47484/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### Escaped Convict : I’m In Spain

A violent criminal who managed to walk out of a high-security prison  says he has fled to the Costa del Sol.
Haroon Ahmed has been the subject of a manhunt since absconding from HMP Dovegate in Staffordshire on Wednesday afternoon.

The  26-year-old, revealed he had jokingly asked an officer if he could go home at the end of visiting time.
He could not believe it when he was then escorted to the gate.
Ahmed confirmed he travelled by road to Spain and is now deciding whether to follow legal advice to hand himself in.
“Nothing was planned,” said Ahmed, who was jailed for robbery. “I just got up when the visit was ending.
“I said to a prison officer ‘Is it okay for me to go home?’ as a joke.
“I just walked off with all the visitors and went through the security procedures. A prison officer escorted me to the gate.
“I know what I did was wrong. I just took an opportunity but I don’t want to be looking over my shoulder. I can’t run and hide forever.”
Sky’s Harriet Hadfield also spoke to the escapee’s mum.
“She said he’s not as violent a man as he’s being portrayed in much of the media,” Hadfield said.
“She also said he’d never been on holiday so she couldn’t believe he’d ended up in Spain as he didn’t have a passport.”
Ahmed managed to leave the prison, which is run by private firm Serco, despite being on a “watch list”.
His brother, Majeed Ahmed, 25, of Clarence Road, Derby, has been charged with assisting a prisoner in escaping from prison.
He has been released on bail to appear before magistrates in Burton on 25 June.
Michael Guy, Serco’s director at HMP Dovegate, said: “We are taking this extremely seriously and I have commissioned an urgent investigation into the circumstances of the escape.
“We are working closely with the police to identify what went wrong and to address any failings.”
HMP Dovegate was criticised by the Chief Inspector of Prisons in a report published on Friday.
It found there were high levels of violence in the jail and said visiting arrangements were poor.

Excerpt: A violent criminal who managed to walk out of a high-security prison says he has fled to the Costa del Sol. Haroon Ahmed has been the subject of a manhunt since absconding from HMP Dovegate in Staffordshire on Wednesday afternoon. Read More ...

### Patrol Car Fumigated

A union representing Guardia Civil officers in Pilar de la Horadada have denounced the conditions of some of the vehicles used by patrols, after one of them was taken out of service on account of a tick infestation.
Officers had suffered bites whilst using the vehicle and so it was taken to the workshop to be fumigated.

Excerpt: A union representing Guardia Civil officers in Pilar de la Horadada have denounced the conditions of some of the vehicles used by patrols, after one of them was taken out of service on account of a tick infestation. Officers had Read More ...

### Drugs Seized at Cabo de Palos

The Guardia Civil intercepted a boat of the coast of Cabo de Palos on Sunday morning, carrying around 2 tons of hashish.
The boat was detected by the coastal surveillance system with a patrol sent to intercept the craft 5 miles south of Cabo de Palos.
Upon locating and searching the boat, it was escorted to the port and the three occupants arrested.

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil intercepted a boat of the coast of Cabo de Palos on Sunday morning, carrying around 2 tons of hashish. The boat was detected by the coastal surveillance system with a patrol sent to intercept the craft 5 Read More ...

### Drug Recall Notice – Euritox 88

The Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS), has issued a recall notice for a range of drugs manufactured by Merck SA.
The drug, Levothyroxine Sodium, is marketed under the brand name Euritox 88 in tablet form and the recall notice covers lots numbered M43009, M43012, M43015, M43016, M43017 and M43018 acquired before May 27 this year, and with a dated expiration of February 28, 2017.
The labels on the drugs display Euritox 25 mcg, whereas it should display the amount of 88 mcg.
You can return the drugs to the point of purchase for a replacement or refund.

Excerpt: The Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS), has issued a recall notice for a range of drugs manufactured by Merck SA. The drug, Levothyroxine Sodium, is marketed under the brand name Euritox 88 in tablet form and the Read More ...

### CLASSIC CARS ON SPANISH ROADS

We have been asked by a number of classic car owners and associations about the laws that refer specifically to this type of vehicle and what provisions the drivers must make when driving on Spanish roads. 
Royal Decree 1247/1995, deals with the reglamento de vehículos históricos, rules for historic vehicles, or classic cars, under article 10 of the Normas de circulación.
First and foremost, unless rules are specifically in place for this type of vehicle, classic cars are governed by the same laws and rules as normal vehicles, including the requirement of liability insurance.
The rules relating to the technical inspection and registration are also applicable, as per normal vehicles. The period of the technical inspection also remains the same, unless otherwise indicated in the official report.
Those vehicles which, on account of their age or constructive characteristics, do not have lights or indicators as are normally required by law, they are not allowed to travel between sunset and sunrise, or in circumstances which would normally require the use of these lights and indicators.
Historic vehicles that are not able to exceed the speed of 40 kilometres per hour should drive on the shoulder, if practicable and it is sufficient, or, alternatively, as close as possible to the right outside edge of the roadway, except when overtaking or turning left, manoeuvres which may force other drivers to abruptly change the direction or speed of their vehicles. Historic vehicles are not allowed on the motorway if they are unable to reach a speed of at least 60 kilometres per hour.
The Dirección General de Tráfico also reserves the right to prohibit classic cars on certain dates and routes, if they are not able to exceed the speed of 80 kilometres per hour.
As for situation when classic cars can travel on the roads as a group, Annex II of the Reglamento General de Circulación, article 32 of section 3 details Participación de vehículos históricos and refers to the question of group activities.
Vehicles categorised as classic cars under Royal Decree 1247/1995, or over 25 years old and in numbers greater than 10, and with a speed of less than 50 kilometres per hour on average, as well as participating in events or demonstrations, rallies, competitions or, in general, any kind of event in which there is established classification on the basis of vehicle movement, either in terms of speed or regularity, will require administrative authorisation.
Here are the relevant regulations referred to in this article.
Real Decreto 1247/1995, de 14 de julio, por el que se aprueba el reglamento de vehículos históricos.
Artículo 10 Normas de circulación
1. En lo no previsto específicamente, serán de aplicación a los vehículos históricos las normas que regulan la circulación de los vehículos en general y, en consecuencia, también la exigencia de estar provistos del certificado del seguro de responsabilidad civil de suscripción obligatoria.
2. En todo caso, deberán cumplirse las limitaciones que figuren en su tarjeta de inspección técnica y permiso de circulación.
3. La inspección técnica periódica de los vehículos matriculados como históricos se efectuará con la frecuencia que señale el régimen general de inspección técnica de vehículos, salvo que el laboratorio oficial en su informe indique otra periodicidad.
4. Aquellos vehículos que, por su antigüedad o características constructivas, no dispongan de los sistemas de alumbrado y señalización óptica exigidos por la legislación sobre tráfico, circulación de vehículos a motor y seguridad vial, no podrán circular entre la puesta y la salida del sol, ni en circunstancias que hagan necesario el empleo de tales sistemas.
5. Los vehículos históricos que no sean capaces de superar la velocidad de 40 kilómetros/hora circularán por el arcén, si fuera practicable y suficiente, o, en su defecto, lo más próximo posible al borde exterior derecho de la calzada, excepto cuando vayan a efectuar un adelantamiento o un giro a la izquierda, maniobras que únicamente podrán realizar si con ellas no obligan a otros conductores a modificar bruscamente la dirección o la velocidad de sus vehículos. Los vehículos históricos no circularán por autopista ni autovía si no alcanzan, como mínimo, la velocidad de 60 kilómetros/hora.
6. Asimismo, mediante resolución de la Dirección General de Tráfico podrá prohibirse, en determinadas fechas y vías, la circulación de los que no sean capaces de superar la velocidad de 80 kilómetros/hora.
Reglamento General de Circulación
ANEXO II
Pruebas deportivas, marchas ciclistas y otros eventos
SECCIÓN 3
OTROS EVENTOS
Artículo 32 Participación de vehículos históricos
Aquellos eventos en que participen vehículos históricos conceptuados como tales de acuerdo con el Real Decreto 1247/1995, de 14 de julio, por el que se aprueba su reglamento regulador, o de más de 25 años de antigüedad en número superior a 10, en los que se establezca una clasificación de velocidad o regularidad inferior a 50 kilómetros por hora de media, así como su participación en acontecimientos o manifestaciones turísticas, concentraciones, concursos de conservación o elegancia y, en general, cualquier clase de evento en los que no se establezca clasificación alguna sobre la base del movimiento de los vehículos, ya sea en función de su velocidad o de la regularidad, precisarán de autorización administrativa.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47481/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: We have been asked by a number of classic car owners and associations about the laws that refer specifically to this type of vehicle and what provisions the drivers must make when driving on Spanish roads. 
Royal Decree 1247/1995, deals with the regla...

### THE TURMOIL OF REPRESENTATION

Last weekend´s elections not only dealt a blow to some of the larger political parties, they will also have potentially serious repercussions on a local level, especially in the two ex-pat rich areas of Orihuela and Torrevieja.
Despite the often complex world of Spanish politics, marred recently with corruption and scandal in many areas, the reality of awarding the rights to run an administration for a period of time will affect those who live in the areas tremendously.
During the last four year period, the international residents of Orihuela has benefitted from having at least some representation in the town hall, through the coastal centric CLARO group and their head Bob Houliston, and the Los Verdes councillor Martina Scheurer. Now, both those representative are gone, Scheurer by her own choice not to stand again, and Houliston ousted by his party which was unable to gain the requisite 5% of the votes to enable them to be counted.
The result for Orihuela now is that the Partido Popular gained a majority, albeit not overall, and are likely to form a coalition government and regain power once more. It is true that the “new” PP is formed by largely different members than ran the administration before, many of those also facing corruption charged themselves, including Pepa Ferrando, although her newly formed renegade party did achieve enough votes for her to get a seat, despite the corruption threat.
But the question now remains as to what representation the coastal area will have, and the international residents, once the new government is formed. There was little in any manifesto promising a wave of improvements, in fact, the typical mantra throughout most of the campaigns was City, Pedanias, Costa, clearly pitching the coast at the end of the priorities.
It is a sad fact, like it or not, that the lack of representation that the coast will now have is the fault of those who chose not to vote, for whatever their reason. For CLARO to maintain a seat, they were just 47 votes short.
In fact, as Scheurer pointed out in her post-election analysis, around 8.200 citizens of the Orihuela Costa had the right to vote, but only 2.384 did so, which corresponds to 29,4%, a huge drop from the 42% in 2011. Across the municipality, the overall participation was 62,62%, nearly 9% less than in 2011. It is the lack of votes from the coast that will be the cause for the lack of real representation. In fact, according to Houliston, CLARO obtained almost half of the votes from the coast, and so the 50% who did choose them are now the real victims, as their votes become discounted.
The answer to how the coast will be represented will be revealed in the fullness of time, for now all we can do is wait to see what collaborations are formed and who takes control.
In Torrevieja, the ruling PP were dealt a considerable blow too, losing the overall majority they had held for over two decades. They lost two of the seats required for an overall majority, winning a total of eleven seats, but the reality was that they lost more than was apparent.
Having faced a reduction in the status of the town following the cleanup of the padrón carried out by the central government, the town hall had already lost two positions in government, wiped off the list on account of the huge fall in population figures. The local government therefore dropped from 27 council posts to 25, of which the PP gained 11, therefore actually losing 4 seats.
The unfortunate outcome for the reduction that was with fewer places to go round, the smaller parties had less opportunity to gain a seat there.
In terms of representation for international residents, in their election campaign, the PSOE promised more town hall facilities sin English. In particular, they promised to provide English speaking staff to accompany anybody who needed help through the administrative processes of the town hall.
They promised monthly platforms where the Mayor would visit local urbanisations and listen to the problems of the residents, rather than just ruling from the centre of the town. They promised information, press releases, news and more, all in English, because for them, all residents of Torrevieja were important, and they considered it their job to make everybody feel like a part of the town and fell important.
However, their promises were not enough either, only achieving 4 seats, losing out to the growing wave of other parties. Taking responsibility for the loss, the leader of the PSOE in Torrevieja, Ángel Sáez, announced his resignation on Wednesday.
The socialist party lost 600 votes from 2011, whereas the PP lost 3,000 votes, prompting Sáez to question why Eduardo Dolón has not taken the same responsibility and stood down.
It is quite possible that the PP in Torrevieja will collaborate with the new Ciudadanos party to form a majority government, but that is not the only option on the table.
There is also a distinct possibility that the remaining 6 political parti
s of Torrevieja will group together to form a mass coalition government. That would see Torrevieja run much the same as Orihuela has been for the last administration, with no doubt a quiet and positive start leading to what was seen in Orihuela towards the end, breakups and infighting, but the immediate result would be the toppling of the PP from power.
Although a 6-party coalition would be an unusual move, it would mean that for once the council is formed by candidate who collectively received the most votes, and so ought to be a true representation of democracy. When Sáez was asked if that was the reason for him resigning, to move aside to allow this pact to form, he neither confirmed nor denied the fact, simply answering, “it´s possible”.
Either way, the next few weeks will prove to be some of the most interesting in the world of local politics for some time. Once the collaborations are formed and governments created, they then might get back to doing whatever it is they promised to do, at least for the next 4 years.
Image: www.europapress.esFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47459/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Last weekend´s elections not only dealt a blow to some of the larger political parties, they will also have potentially serious repercussions on a local level, especially in the two ex-pat rich areas of Orihuela and Torrevieja.
Despite the often...

### RYANAIR INCREASES PROFITS BY 66% TO 867 MILLION EURO

In the financial year ending 31March, Low cost airline Ryanair recorded a net profit of 867 million euros, representing a 66% increase on the previous year, when it recorded just 523 million euros. 
The Irish airline justified this improvement with their "the lowest cost model program 'Improving Always' ('Always Getting Better') that has attracted millions of new customers to the brand.
The airline increased its revenue by 12%, to 5.654 million euros, and increased its passengers by 11% to over 90.6 million, up from 81.7 million the previous fiscal year.
Fuel costs were down 1% to 1,992 million euros while handling and airport charges increased by 15%, to EUR 712.8 million.
This, the airline said was planned in advance and  due to new routes and airport hubs.
Spending was increased in marketing and distribution (+ 21%), to 233.9 million euros, followed by maintenance costs (+ 16%), to 134.9 million euros. Operating profit stood at 1,042.9 million euros, 58.3% more than in the previous year, when it reached 658.6 million euros.
As a result of their continued success and expansion programme the group has ordered 183 new Boeing B737-800 aircraft due to be delivered by 2018 and 200 further aircraft between 2019-2023. The company expects to make further savings in the next two years amid falling oil prices.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47457/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In the financial year ending 31March, Low cost airline Ryanair recorded a net profit of 867 million euros, representing a 66% increase on the previous year, when it recorded just 523 million euros. 
The Irish airline justified this improvement with their "the lowest cost model program 'Improving Always' ('Always Getting Better') that has attracted millions of new customers to the brand.
The airline increased its revenue by 12%, to 5.654 million euros, and increased its passengers by 11% to over 90.6 million, up from 81.7 million the previous fiscal year.
Fuel costs were down 1% to 1,992 million euros while handling and airport charges increased by 15%, to EUR 712.8 million.
This, the airline said was planned in advance and  due to new routes and airport hubs.
Spending was increased in marketing and distribution (+ 21%), to 233.9 million euros, followed by maintenance costs (+ 16%), to 134.9 million euros. Operating profit stood at 1,042.9 million euros, 58.3% more than in the previous year, when it reached 658.6 million euros.
As a result of their continued success and expansion programme the group has ordered 183 new Boeing B737-800 aircraft due to be delivered by 2018 and 200 further aircraft between 2019-2023. The company expects to make further savings in the next two years amid falling oil prices.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47457/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### TRAFFICKING RING SMASHED IN JOINT SPAIN/UK OPERATION

In an operation involving Spain's National Police and the British Border Police, 24 people have been arrested, 13 in Spain and 11 in the UK, mostly from the same family, in a human trafficking network originating in Madrid
Those arrested were allegedly smuggling Afghan nationals, into several European countries, in exchange for 25,000 euros
By using falsified travel documents and accompanied by a "facilitator" the refugees would take a flight from Islamabad (Pakistan), transiting through Spain or Italy, before being transferred from there to other European states.
The investigations began when six illegal Afghans were discovered in Bilbao Airport as traffickers attempted to smuggle them into the country. National Police Agents soon realized they were closing in on a criminal network that was based in Spain, with a leader of Pakistani origin, who was coordinating activities throughout Europe from Madrid.
He allegedly managed the gang's logistics, and reinvested the proceeds of his activities in Spanish businesses in order to launder the money illegally obtained.
After recruiting Afghans who each paid 25,000 euros to the operation a facilitator would move groups of between 6 and 12 refugees from Pakistan into Spain or Italy. He would be responsible for handling all travel logistics including airline tickets, fake passports, hotels and any other issues that might arise.
From there the victims would be issued with false documentation with which they would be moved on to their final European destination.
As the investigation progressed, police found that, quite often, the organization used to London Heathrow as airport transit prior to their arrival in Spain, so contact was made with the British Border Police, who proceeded to arrest of 11 people, a Pakistani and 10 Afghans traveling with false passports.
The arrests saw an immediate change of routing by the network which had to immediately reorganize its travel system in order to avoid Heathrow, opting for direct travel from Islamabad to Barcelona.
With this information, the National Police began to identify and locate other members of the organization resulting in the arrest of 13 people, including the leader of the group.
A number of homes and commercial establishments were raided in which 18 forged British and Spanish passports were found, 20 Pakistani passports, fake UK visas, passport pages with exit stamps, computers and mobile phone were seized along with bank documents and cash.
A search was also carried out in a Logrono travel agency, where officers found numerous documents which revealed the existence of more than 170 trafficked trips between April and September 2014 amounting to US $ 4,250,000.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47456/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In an operation involving Spain's National Police and the British Border Police, 24 people have been arrested, 13 in Spain and 11 in the UK, mostly from the same family, in a human trafficking network originating in Madrid
Those arrested were allegedly smuggling Afghan nationals, into several European countries, in exchange for 25,000 euros
By using falsified travel documents and accompanied by a "facilitator" the refugees would take a flight from Islamabad (Pakistan), transiting through Spain or Italy, before being transferred from there to other European states.
The investigations began when six illegal Afghans were discovered in Bilbao Airport as traffickers attempted to smuggle them into the country. National Police Agents soon realized they were closing in on a criminal network that was based in Spain, with a leader of Pakistani origin, who was coordinating activities throughout Europe from Madrid.
He allegedly managed the gang's logistics, and reinvested the proceeds of his activities in Spanish businesses in order to launder the money illegally obtained.
After recruiting Afghans who each paid 25,000 euros to the operation a facilitator would move groups of between 6 and 12 refugees from Pakistan into Spain or Italy. He would be responsible for handling all travel logistics including airline tickets, fake passports, hotels and any other issues that might arise.
From there the victims would be issued with false documentation with which they would be moved on to their final European destination.
As the investigation progressed, police found that, quite often, the organization used to London Heathrow as airport transit prior to their arrival in Spain, so contact was made with the British Border Police, who proceeded to arrest of 11 people, a Pakistani and 10 Afghans traveling with false passports.
The arrests saw an immediate change of routing by the network which had to immediately reorganize its travel system in order to avoid Heathrow, opting for direct travel from Islamabad to Barcelona.
With this information, the National Police began to identify and locate other members of the organization resulting in the arrest of 13 people, including the leader of the group.
A number of homes and commercial establishments were raided in which 18 forged British and Spanish passports were found, 20 Pakistani passports, fake UK visas, passport pages with exit stamps, computers and mobile phone were seized along with bank documents and cash.
A search was also carried out in a Logrono travel agency, where officers found numerous documents which revealed the existence of more than 170 trafficked trips between April and September 2014 amounting to US $ 4,250,000.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47456/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### NEW AIRPORT PARKING FACILITY

Drivers visiting Alicante-Elche airport will face two months of disruption, as work has begun to build a new short-stay car park for dropping off and collecting passengers.
The new “Exprés” car park will offer 80 places for 15 minutes of free parking and is set to replace the current open drop-off and collection zones which currently allow a short stop but are frequently abused by drivers who leave their vehicle for longer.
The new car park will also mean that vehicle movements are recorded, which will please the legal taxi drivers as the information could be used to clamp down on pirate and illegal operators.
The cost of the work is 116,568.48 euro and it should be fully operational by July.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47455/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Drivers visiting Alicante-Elche airport will face two months of disruption, as work has begun to build a new short-stay car park for dropping off and collecting passengers.
The new “Exprés” car park will offer 80 places for 15 minut...

### ENCOURAGING START FOR ELCHE MULTIADVENTURE PARK

During the first week of it's operation over 5000 people flocked into the Elche Multiadventure park far exceeding any expectations.
Director Rafael Garrido said he was inundated with compliments from visitors adding that “It's been incredible, during the weekend the park was absolutely full of people, exceeding all of our expectations."
This activity park, which opened last Thursday, has eight circuits of zip lines and rope bridges. It is intended "for the enjoyment of participants of all ages," so much so that, one of the visitors who dared to plunge from the heights was an 80 year old woman. She said that if she lived a little closer to Elche she would use the park more often as she thoroughly enjoyed her day.
The attractions include several circuits of zip lines, classified by age and difficulty, and a TriAction Tower, a unique construction in Spain, more than 20 meters high, intended for all kinds of climbing games which sees users exiting by way of a 200 meter zip line through the park between the palm trees.
There is also a 2000 sq mtr artificial lake and a pier for a relaxing boat ride. The lake enjoys a unique purification system based on a natural salt treatment that filters, cleans and purifies the water. There is also a area chill out intended for holding all kinds of events, an area where visitors can practice archery and a "laser camp '.
In addition of course a wonderful botanical garden setting which enjoys row upon row of palms. There are also canals, ponds, a visitor reception centre, cafeteria and meeting rooms.
The park opens to the public on weekdays, Monday through Thursday, from 17.00 to 22.00, and Fridays from five o'clock until midnight. On Saturdays and Sundays, the park opens from ten in the morning. During the school holidays the weekday hours will be extended.
Given the success of this first week, the intention now is to organize group visits from schools, clubs, businesses and societies during weekday mornings when the park would otherwise be closed. “Such groups will have much more freedom within the park”, said Garrido.
Currently, entrance to the park is absolutely free although visitors will have to pay between 3 and 14 euros for the use of the attractions.
More information go to http://elchepalmeralaventuras.com/
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47454/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: During the first week of it's operation over 5000 people flocked into the Elche Multiadventure park far exceeding any expectations.
Director Rafael Garrido said he was inundated with compliments from visitors adding that “It's been incredible, during the weekend the park was absolutely full of people, exceeding all of our expectations."
This activity park, which opened last Thursday, has eight circuits of zip lines and rope bridges. It is intended "for the enjoyment of participants of all ages," so much so that, one of the visitors who dared to plunge from the heights was an 80 year old woman. She said that if she lived a little closer to Elche she would use the park more often as she thoroughly enjoyed her day.
The attractions include several circuits of zip lines, classified by age and difficulty, and a TriAction Tower, a unique construction in Spain, more than 20 meters high, intended for all kinds of climbing games which sees users exiting by way of a 200 meter zip line through the park between the palm trees.
There is also a 2000 sq mtr artificial lake and a pier for a relaxing boat ride. The lake enjoys a unique purification system based on a natural salt treatment that filters, cleans and purifies the water. There is also a area chill out intended for holding all kinds of events, an area where visitors can practice archery and a "laser camp '.
In addition of course a wonderful botanical garden setting which enjoys row upon row of palms. There are also canals, ponds, a visitor reception centre, cafeteria and meeting rooms.
The park opens to the public on weekdays, Monday through Thursday, from 17.00 to 22.00, and Fridays from five o'clock until midnight. On Saturdays and Sundays, the park opens from ten in the morning. During the school holidays the weekday hours will be extended.
Given the success of this first week, the intention now is to organize group visits from schools, clubs, businesses and societies during weekday mornings when the park would otherwise be closed. “Such groups will have much more freedom within the park”, said Garrido.
Currently, entrance to the park is absolutely free although visitors will have to pay between 3 and 14 euros for the use of the attractions.
More information go to http://elchepalmeralaventuras.com/Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47454/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### AIR CONTROL STRIKE TO AFFECT 800 ALICANTE FLIGHTS

The National Union of Air Traffic Controllers called a 4 day strike last week which will take place on 8, 10, 12 and 14 June across the whole of Spain, affecting at the very least, 800 flights carrying in excess of 30,000 passengers in Alicante alone.
This is the first strike called by the Union in 26 years, was done so with it the support of 81% of the vote which took in over 90% of union members.
A spokesman said that the action is being called for two hours each morning, 10-12am, and two hours each afternoon, 6-8pm, across the country, saying this was in response to the sanctions handed down by Aena to 61 air controllers in Barcelona dating back to 2010.
In Alicante Airport, the strikes will affect the 800 scheduled flights (inputs and outputs) and about 30,000 passengers.
The strikes were originally called for last March but were postponed in the wake of the Germanwings air tragedy.
Once again air passengers will be affected by a strike of air traffic controllers taking place as the summer tourist season begins in the country in earnest, threatening to disrupt the industry that is responsible for generating over 10% of the nation's economy.
When we made contact with the airport operator AENA, they refused to comment saying only that the matter was being dealt with as a matter of the utmost urgency.
Five years ago, the government called in the army to take over control towers to try to break up a wildcat strike by air traffic controllers over pay and conditions which paralysed airports and stranded thousands of passengers.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47452/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The National Union of Air Traffic Controllers called a 4 day strike last week which will take place on 8, 10, 12 and 14 June across the whole of Spain, affecting at the very least, 800 flights carrying in excess of 30,000 passengers in Alicante alone.
...

### VANDALS CAUSE DAMAGE AT LA PEDRERA

The popular La Pedrera Bar in Bigastro was attacked by vandals overnight last Sunday causing nine thousand euros worth of damage. 
Supervisor Manuel Andres, who has been managing the municipal complex since last summer, said that the damage was discovered when employees arrive at the venue on Monday morning to begin their day's work. The matter was immediately reported to the Policia Locale in the town who have now handed it over to the Guardia Civil.
It seems as though the vandals had broken into the premises with the intent of raiding the bar but when they realized the building was alarmed, and after they found themselves unable to smash through the reinforced door, they turned their frustrations onto the pool area, damaging poolside furniture which they threw into the pool along with adjacent rubbish containers and their contents. 
Manuel said that the pool would be closed all week while it was emptied, cleaned and refilled, with a view to reopening again at the weekend. He confirmed that he had applied for permission to install security cameras around the site some time ago.
Obviously this application would now be reviewed with a view to speeding the process up.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47450/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The popular La Pedrera Bar in Bigastro was attacked by vandals overnight last Sunday causing nine thousand euros worth of damage. 
Supervisor Manuel Andres, who has been managing the municipal complex since last summer, said that the damage was discov...

### GUARDIA CIVIL OFFICER KILLED IN CRASH

A Guardia Civil traffic officer was killed on Friday when the motorcycle he was riding was in a head-on collision with a van.
The incident occurred in the Altiplano area, between Yecla and Jumilla.
The emergency services were notified that the victim was unconscious, lying in the road and had a weak pulse. Medical staff attended but could do nothing to save the life of the officer who died in the line of duty.
José Fernando Almagro was 42 years of age, married and had three children. He was based in the traffic department of the Guardia Civil in Cieza.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47449/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A Guardia Civil traffic officer was killed on Friday when the motorcycle he was riding was in a head-on collision with a van.
The incident occurred in the Altiplano area, between Yecla and Jumilla.
The emergency services were notified that the victim...

### REGISTER NOW FOR PILAR SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Registration is now open for the program of summer activities for children “2015 Holiday in Your Town” which will take place during the months of July and August in el colegio Mediterráneo.
The project will cater for up to 400 children born between 2003 and 2011 and it is being operated by the town's Social services Department so as to enable parents to reconcile work and family life during the school holidays.
Children who attend the activity centre will play games, learn new crafts and skills and  join in with a full range of fun experiences that will transform the centre into a place of holiday as a result of the efforts and contributions of more than 30 teachers and Assistants.
The activities will take place from 1 to July 31 and from 3 to 28 August in the Mediterranean College and it will be managed by a team of highly qualified professionals with extensive experience, and all with formal qualifications.
There will be a number of different options available to parents, getting underway at 8am and lasting through until 6pm. Dining facilities will be available with prices ranging from 50 to 150 €, depending on the hours, and with a 50% single-parent or large families discount.
The registration period will open on June 1 and will run until June 18 inclusive, or until all places have been filled.  Those families which are registered on the Pilar de la Horadada padron will have preference when allocating places.
Registration forms are available in the Department of Social Services (Town Hall basement -1), from 9:00 to 13: 00h, from June 1.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47448/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Registration is now open for the program of summer activities for children “2015 Holiday in Your Town” which will take place during the months of July and August in el colegio Mediterráneo.
The project will cater for up to 400 child...

### TELL THE WORLD YOU LOOK GREAT IN GLASSES

Spectacle Wearer of the Year Competition 2015 starts June 1st. Optical group Specsavers Opticas want to celebrate specs as a fashion statement and great accessory, not merely a visual aid. 
To highlight and reward the millions of ordinary people in Spain who look amazing in their glasses they are launching the Spectacle Wearer of the Year Awards on June 1st. People can enter between the 1st June and the 5th July via Facebook and online at en.specsavers.es/loveglasses
At the end of the competition, one champion will win a cash prize of €500 and five semi-finalists will win a pair of designer frames worth 159 €.
Natasha Gray, Frame Communications Manager and Global Stylist from Specsavers commented “We want to find people who make their specs a key part of their identity, no matter what their age or style, and love the way they look in their glasses.
There will be winners representing a range of ages thanks to our new age categories, so we hope lots of people will have fun with selfies which celebrate their unique sense of style.”
From 1st June entrants simply need to submit a recent colour photo of themselves wearing glasses. Anyone from the age of 16 or over can enter and there are five age categories; 16-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-59, 60+. The person crowned the overall Spectacle Wearer of the Year will win €500 and a pair of designer frames. There will also be a semi-finalist from each age category who will each win a pair of designer frames. More information, terms and conditions can be found on the website – en.specsavers.es/loveglasses
All Specsavers staff are fully trained to offer style advice on the latest trends and frames to suit all face shapes and help make glasses wearers look and feel great.
People can also enter in store at one of the eight Specsavers Opticas in Spain; Marbella and Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol, Santa Ponça in Mallorca, Calpe, Javea, Benidorm, Guardamar del Segura and Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47445/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spectacle Wearer of the Year Competition 2015 starts June 1st. Optical group Specsavers Opticas want to celebrate specs as a fashion statement and great accessory, not merely a visual aid. 
To highlight and reward the millions of ordinary people in Sp...

### NEW SCHOOL FINALLY A REALITY FOR PLAYAS DE ORIHUELA

Valencia's Ministry of Infrastructure has finally published the bidding process for the building of a new infant and Junior school to replace the portable cabin structure currently in use at the Colegio Playas de Orihuela.
The building will cost more than 6.63 million euro with a completion time of just 18 months
The process, essentially applications to tender, was published in the Official Journal of the Valencian Region, the DOCV.
But interested parties will have to get their skates on as the deadline for the submission of tenders, or requests to participate, is 1500 hrs on 30th of June, by which time all documentation must be presented to the Department of Infrastructure.
So after over 13 years in temporary accommodation, by far the longest in the whole of the Valencian region, and after many years of public demonstrations by teachers, parents and members of the public, it now looks as though the new school could soon become a reality.
A spokesman said that for the opening of tenders it is expected that the technical documentation will be examined on July 8 at 12:30 and the economic documentation on July 30 also at 12.30.
It was only 5 weeks ago that the Governing Board of the Orihuela Council approved the transfer of the building plot for the new junior school from council to regional ownership.
The plot is thought to be the area of land adjacent to the Los Dolses Commercial centre, just across the road from the current school and presently being used as an overspill car park.
Despite the delay, it will draw a close one of the longest standing school disputes in the area after children have been taught in the temporary accommodation for the last 13 years.
Spokesperson for the School Parent Teachers Association, Yolanda Fernandez Martinez, said “The Board of APA Playas de Orihuela want to thank everyone for the support they have shown with this struggle, Monday after Monday, year after year, that has taken us five years to get to this stage of tender. Many thanks on behalf of all the parents and students of the school. We are very grateful.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47443/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Valencia's Ministry of Infrastructure has finally published the bidding process for the building of a new infant and Junior school to replace the portable cabin structure currently in use at the Colegio Playas de Orihuela.
The building will cost more ...

### INCREASE IN FOREIGN WORKERS

The number of foreign citizens registered with the Spanish Social Security system stood at 1,607,883 in April, an increase of 2.85% - or 44,540 National Insurance contributors - compared with the previous month. The increase in contributor numbers to the system was the largest for the month of April in the last 10 years.
When compared with 2014, the number of foreign workers has increased by 2.83% - equivalent to 44,262 more NI contributors. This is the first April since 2008 in which the number of foreign workers has increased year-on-year. Previous years saw declines of up to -10.54% (April 2009).
The highest figures for foreign workers correspond to Romania (288,277), Morocco (202,159), China (91,669) and Ecuador (70,666). These countries are followed by Italy (69,422), Bolivia (57,266), the United Kingdom (56,648) and Colombia (52,222).
Autonomous Regions
When compared with the previous month, the number of foreign NI contributors in April rose in all autonomous regions except the Canary Islands (-0.68%). The largest increases were posted in the Balearic Islands (16.69%), Andalusia (5.92% and Extremadura (2.78%).
Compared with last year, the number of workers increased in all autonomous regions except Galicia (-0.85%) and Ceuta (-2.84%). The regions with the largest increases in foreign workers were the Balearic Islands (7.1%), the Region of Murcia (5.03%) and the Region of Valencia (4.33%).
The figures recorded for April show that 943,114 of the total foreign citizens registered with the Spanish Social Security system are from countries outside of the European Union, while the remaining 664,769 are from EU countries.
The majority of foreign citizens are registered under the General Regime: 1,352,992 in total, a figure that includes the Special System for Agricultural Workers (207,501) and the Special System for Domestic Workers (207,246). This is followed by the Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers (250,362), the Special Regime for Seamen (4,254) and the Special Regime for Coal Workers (275).
Most economic sectors saw an increase in foreign workers, both in monthly and annual terms.
Of the total foreign citizens in the system in April, 866,138 are men and 741,746 are women.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47442/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The number of foreign citizens registered with the Spanish Social Security system stood at 1,607,883 in April, an increase of 2.85% - or 44,540 National Insurance contributors - compared with the previous month. The increase in contributor numbers to t...

### RYANAIR GROUND WORKERS STRIKE IN MADRID

Ryanair's ground handling staff have called an indefinite strike at the Madrid-Barajas Airport which got underway last Saturday in protest at the working conditions, abuse and threats to which they are subjected by the airline management. 
The strike was endorsed by the unions including the CTA, UGT, CCOO and CGT which say that the company intends to cut handlers salaries by between 20% and 30% despite there being no collective agreement.
The unions also say that, despite the declaration of a 66% increase in profits announced just last week, the company is refusing to negotiate on the matter, either with the works council or with the union executive. They say that the conditions that are being affected include a salary reduction as well as changes to shift patterns, holidays and leave.
They are also extremely unhappy about the shortcomings in safety clothing and personal protective equipment which they say is putting their workers at risk.
“Poor tools will mean a poor job which will threaten the safety of workers as well as the passengers that they are serving” said a union spokesman.
The workers say that they want to denounce "the current poor organizational structure, the regular harassment of workers, threatening language, and the written penalty notifications they are subjected to while performing their duties".
They argue that the company intention of reducing the number of baggage staff to just two per aircraft will cause delays with the subsequent damage to the reputation of the airline and to the staff themselves and that they will be unable to unload and reload an aircraft in the time allowed.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47441/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Ryanair's ground handling staff have called an indefinite strike at the Madrid-Barajas Airport which got underway last Saturday in protest at the working conditions, abuse and threats to which they are subjected by the airline management. 
The strike was endorsed by the unions including the CTA, UGT, CCOO and CGT which say that the company intends to cut handlers salaries by between 20% and 30% despite there being no collective agreement.
The unions also say that, despite the declaration of a 66% increase in profits announced just last week, the company is refusing to negotiate on the matter, either with the works council or with the union executive. They say that the conditions that are being affected include a salary reduction as well as changes to shift patterns, holidays and leave.
They are also extremely unhappy about the shortcomings in safety clothing and personal protective equipment which they say is putting their workers at risk.
“Poor tools will mean a poor job which will threaten the safety of workers as well as the passengers that they are serving” said a union spokesman.
The workers say that they want to denounce "the current poor organizational structure, the regular harassment of workers, threatening language, and the written penalty notifications they are subjected to while performing their duties".
They argue that the company intention of reducing the number of baggage staff to just two per aircraft will cause delays with the subsequent damage to the reputation of the airline and to the staff themselves and that they will be unable to unload and reload an aircraft in the time allowed.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47441/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### SPAIN'S IRISH EMBASSY HONOUR W.B. YEATS

In light of the celebrations taking place world-wide to honour the 150th anniversary of the birth of one of Ireland's most beloved poets, W. B. Yeats, the Embassy and the Yeats Society in Madrid will be holding an art exhibition “Of this place” which will take place in the Ateneo de Madrid (Sala Prado 19), Calle Prado 19, from 2-14 June (11.30-9pm daily). 
The exhibition features 32 paintings and sculptures by eight contemporary Irish visual artists inspired by the very landscapes that helped shape Yeats' poetry. 
To complement the art from Ireland, Madrid designer Sandra Ruiz Bellew will exhibit her “Minnaloushe Poetry in Jewellery” collection, inspired by Yeats' poetry and the women in his life. There will also be a third exhibition on the life and works of Yeats, “La Vida y Obra de William Butler Yeats”, courtesy of the Irish Embassy.
On Thursday 11 June at 7pm Embassy Staff will be hosting a special evening at the Ateneo to honour the poet with readings, song and music. We hope to see you there.
Admission to the exhibition is free and everyone is welcome.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47440/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In light of the celebrations taking place world-wide to honour the 150th anniversary of the birth of one of Ireland's most beloved poets, W. B. Yeats, the Embassy and the Yeats Society in Madrid will be holding an art exhibition “Of this place&rd...

### ELECTION RESULTS – ORIHUELA 2015

The Popular Party was the winner in the municipal elections in Orihuela on 24 May.   Despite being divided, they secured 11 seats in the new Town Council, two short of an absolute majority.   
On the left, the Socialists and Change Orihuela won 10 seats.   Ciudadanos, which is the former discredited CLR party, won 3 seats.  
Unfortunately, C.L.A.R.O. failed by some 50 votes to keep its one councillor.   We will see soon if the Popular Party chooses to govern as a minority or if they succumb to the temptation of forming a majority government with Ciudadanos, despite their frequent comments during the election campaign that Ciudadanos was a party of “interests” and not those of the people of Orihuela.
The vote in Orihuela Costa once again showed that C.L.A.R.O. is the party which enjoys overwhelming support from local residents – provisional figures
As in the two previous elections, C.L.A.R.O. won almost 50% of the vote of the coast.   This year we won almost the same number of votes as all the other parties together.  We also received more direct support for C.L.A.R.O. than previously from voters in Orihuela city.    Why then did C.L.A.R.O. not succeed in electing at least one councillor?    
We failed by  .03% to reach the threshold of 5% below which votes are not taken into account for the attribution of councillors by proportional representation.    We got 4.97% of the total vote, some 50 votes short of the 5% threshold.
There are several explanations why C.L.A.R.O. fell short of the required minimum.   Spanish but importantly, the majority of non-Spanish EU voters, mainly British, who live in the centre of Orihuela Costa, principally in Playa Flamenca, were obliged to vote in the little known, poorly sign posted Reading Point in Lomas de Cabo Roig, nearly 6 kilometres from Playa Flamenca Town Hall.     
Dozens, perhaps hundreds of voters turned up in the polling station in Playa Flamenca Town Hall and the Civic Centre expecting to vote close to where they live, many living as close as 150 metres from the Town Hall, only to be told they had to go to the polling station in Lomas de Cabo Roig.   
Many tried and could not find the Reading Point.   Others, because they did not have transport or were simply discouraged, did not bother.   The 50 vote shortfall could easily have been accounted for by their experience.   
The provision of polling stations is principally the responsibility of the Orihuela local government and the Socialist majority in the outgoing government just did not care to propose an additional  polling station, for example in one of the schools at the top of the market street in the heart of Playa Flamenca.   The Socialist Party in the outgoing  government had little political interest in facilitating votes on the coast since they get so few and have done so little for Orihueal Costa in the last 4 years.
However, we cannot ignore another important reason for the failure of the party of the coast to get at least one councillor elected:   APATHY.    The percentage turnout of voters on the coast fell from 42% in 2011 to just over 33% on 24 May.  
Too few people, although living permanently in Orihuela Costa, on the Padron and benefitting from the Spanish Health service, have registered to vote.   
There are potentially 25,000 non-Spanish EU residents, mainly British, entitled to register to vote but only just over 4,000 have done so (16%).   
We know they face difficulties in the Playa Flamenca Town Hall.   But the majority simply do not feel sufficiently concerned about getting a fair deal for the taxes they pay, the often shocking state of street cleanliness, lack of parks and gardens and social- cultural facilities and saving the last green area on the sea front, Cala Mosca.   
The majority of non-Spanish EU residents living here fail to realise that the value of their properties in our area depends on the quality of life and services they receive.
The lack of an elected C.L.A.R.O. councillor in the next Town Council, will contribute to another 4 years of neglect and deterioration in the services and investment in Orihuela Costa.  
C.L.A.R.O. will continue as a political party promoting and defending the interests of people living in Orihuela Costa.  We are the party of the coast.    We owe this much to those who, over 9 years, have given us 50% of the votes cast in 3 successive municipal elections.  
In the course of the next 4 years, hopefully an increased number of residents will register to vote and a higher percentage will turn out to vote at the next election.    
We hope that it will not require a serious deterioration in our quality of life, affecting the value of our properties, to persuade residents that it is in their interest to exercise their right to vote and to ensure that Orihuela Costa has a significant voice in the future Orihuela Town Councils.
CLARO PRESS RELEASEFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47438/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Popular Party was the winner in the municipal elections in Orihuela on 24 May.   Despite being divided, they secured 11 seats in the new Town Council, two short of an absolute majority.   
On the left, the Socialists and Change Orihuela won 10 sea...

### 'FORMBY'S LOST LOVE'

THE George Formby Society has given recognition to the book, 'Formby's Lost Love' - by Los Montesinos author Andrew Atkinson - telling the life story of fiancee, Pat Howson.
World renowned 'The Vellum' magazine - the official magazine of the George Formby Society - features 'Formby's Lost Love' in their Summer 2015 Edition.
"I am delighted 'Formby's Lost Love' has been given recognition within 'The Vellum' magazine with a full colour page feature," said author Andrew, who has a property in Los Montesinos, Alicante.
'Formby's Lost Love' tells the previously untold life story of ukulele legend Formby's fiancee, Preston, Lancashire lass Pat Howson, whom the Wigan born star was set to marry, prior to his death of a heart attack.
Britain's biggest star of the 1940s-50s Formby was engaged to Pat in 1961, but died, aged 56, weeks prior to their wedding in March 1961.  Religious Education teacher Pat, died, aged 46, from ovarian cancer, in November 1971.
Formby was engaged to Pat, just weeks after Formby's wife Beryl's death in December 1960. 
"The final manuscript of 'Formby's Lost Love' has been sent to a London, Canary Wharf based publisher, upon their request, with the hope of a contract for publication," said Andrew.
'Formby's Lost Love' featured in The Vellum Summer 2015 issue - the official magazine of the George Formby SocietyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47437/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: THE George Formby Society has given recognition to the book, 'Formby's Lost Love' - by Los Montesinos author Andrew Atkinson - telling the life story of fiancee, Pat Howson.
World renowned 'The Vellum' magazine - the official magazine of the George Formby Society - features 'Formby's Lost Love' in their Summer 2015 Edition.
"I am delighted 'Formby's Lost Love' has been given recognition within 'The Vellum' magazine with a full colour page feature," said author Andrew, who has a property in Los Montesinos, Alicante.
'Formby's Lost Love' tells the previously untold life story of ukulele legend Formby's fiancee, Preston, Lancashire lass Pat Howson, whom the Wigan born star was set to marry, prior to his death of a heart attack.
Britain's biggest star of the 1940s-50s Formby was engaged to Pat in 1961, but died, aged 56, weeks prior to their wedding in March 1961.  Religious Education teacher Pat, died, aged 46, from ovarian cancer, in November 1971.
Formby was engaged to Pat, just weeks after Formby's wife Beryl's death in December 1960. 
"The final manuscript of 'Formby's Lost Love' has been sent to a London, Canary Wharf based publisher, upon their request, with the hope of a contract for publication," said Andrew.
'Formby's Lost Love' featured in The Vellum Summer 2015 issue - the official magazine of the George Formby SocietyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47437/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### THE RBL  AT THE PLAYA FLAMENCA FUN DAY

The Orihuela Costa and District Branch of The Royal British Legion were at the Fun Day at Playa Flamenca Beach on Sunday 24 May which was organised by Eddie Coleman, in aid of Reach Out and The RBL.
The day started with a parade by the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums leading the way.  This was followed by standards of the Branches of the RBL, the Royal Naval Association, the Royal Marines Association and the Royal Air Force Association. 
Eddie Coleman organiser of the day welcomed everyone and invited The Counsellor for the coast Martina Scheurer to officially open the event.
There were many stalls which were kept very busy throughout the day along with many acts. The afternoon the was hosted by Simon Morton.
Final total raised on the day was €1172.30  Thank you for everyone who supported the day.
Further information is available at the Orihuela Costa Branch of the RBL at:
www.branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/orihuela-costaFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47435/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Orihuela Costa and District Branch of The Royal British Legion were at the Fun Day at Playa Flamenca Beach on Sunday 24 May which was organised by Eddie Coleman, in aid of Reach Out and The RBL.
The day started with a parade by the Torrevieja Pipe...

### SPANISH SENATE REJECTS HOMEOWNERS BID TO IMPROVE THE RELIABILITY OF THE LAND REGISTRY

Land Registry still not obliged to record existence of planning irregularities or demolition orders
 
Homeowners associations from across Spain failed in their bid to persuade the Spanish Senate to vote in favour of an amendment to the law regulating the Land Registry aimed at protecting buyers who purchase a house with a clean bill of health from a Land Registry Search (Nota Simple) only to find that the property has planning issues or even a demolition order. 
 
‘I think that we have lost a great opportunity to provide more legal security to those buying a house in Spain' said Maura Hillen from  AUAN, one of the two British groups who went to the Senate on 27th May in a last ditch effort to persuade Senators from the majority party, the Partido Popular, to support the amendment. ‘Given that all parties seem to agree on the necessity for this change it is difficult to explain why the change didn't happen' she said.
 
The amendment was submitted by the Socialist Senator, Fuensanta Coves from Andalucía, with the backing of her party, the PSOE. It was supported by 63 Senators from the Socialist group in the Senate but was defeated when 149 Senators from the ruling PP party voted against the change.
 
Gerardo Vazquez, the spokesperson for the second British group, SOHA, said ‘We believe that at least we ensured that these issues are being debated at the highest levels and that the Senate is now aware of the existence of these social issues. As a result we are sure that sooner or later these problems will be resolved. We of course hope that it will be sooner'.
 
Antonio Vilela, from the Spanish association, AMA, added ‘The PP agree that changes are required, but indicated that due to lack of time and other issues it couldn't be done in this Plenary session. They have invited us to submit our all our proposals so that they can consideration for incorporation with other legislative changes in subsequent Senate Plenaries.'
 
In response to this the associations have declared their intention to submit their initiatives to all political parties next week. In particular they will focus on a proposed change to the Contentious Administrative Law to guarantee prior compensation to purchasers in good faith should their property be demolished via the Administrative Courts.
 
In reference to the proposed change to the Land Registry legislation Mrs. Hillen concluded, ‘We may have lost that particular battle but we plan to move on to the next proposal and will submit our next initiative to all political parties next week. We won't give up because we have right on our side and we are not asking for the earth, just common sense measures that benefit everyone'. 
Contact: Maura Hillen 661329919 or info@almanzora-au.orgFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47434/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Land Registry still not obliged to record existence of planning irregularities or demolition orders
 
Homeowners associations from across Spain failed in their bid to persuade the Spanish Senate to vote in favour of an amendment to the law regulatin...

### ARCHANGEL MICHAEL......THE MIGHTY WARRIOR ANGEL

We often call Michael “”St Michael” especially since Pope Pius named him the official patron saint of police officers and soldiers.  
No wonder...Michael is the defender of light and goodness and his chief role is to escort fallen people away so they cannot hurt other people.
Michael and his assistant angels, known as the The Band of Mercy take negatively minded people (both living and deceased) to the light of God where their minds are healed.
Archangel Michael is the might warrior angel who protects the vulnerable and gives the strength and courage to those who need it.  He often appears as a deep blue light or as a huge being, carrying a sword and shield.
Many people have reported they have returned home and glimpsed him or angels standing by their front door on guard duty and they are inevitably filled with a wonderful feeling of safety. He is known as the protector and will look after your home, your car and your family.  Remember: when you ask him to watch over you, you must have faith that he is there.
This means when you invoke him to protect your home while you away, you must let him do it.  If you keep worrying about it, it tells Archangel Michael that you do not trust him and he withdraws his energy.
Call upon Michael whenever you feel frightened by negative sources. If you are in a crowded place populated by upset people, for instance, ask Michael to cleanse away the negative energy. In the same vein, whenever you become burdened by worries and fears, ask Michael to cleanse your mind and 
heart. Angels can enter deep inside our bodies and thoughts and help us to see things from a more loving point of view.
Paintings of Michael often show him holding scales of justice in his hands as he is the overseer of truth and fairness. If you feel someone is treating you unfairly, ask Michael to intervene.  You´ll receive a miraculous solution, such as the other person suddenly calling with an apology or change of heart.
It´s a good idea to invite Michael´s presence into a room of your house or office that has a negative energy about it.
For instance, if you lived in a home previously occupied by unhappy people, ask Michael to purify the environment. I always ask Michael to clear the energy in the room or venues that I give workshops as Michael´s angelic energy creates a relaxed, loving atmosphere for the participants and me.
Whenever you are upset, call upon Michael to restore harmony and peace. If you travel into areas that feel unsafe in any way, be sure to ask Michael to guide you and protect you.
You can ask Him to intervene in contentious partnerships or marriages suffering from discord. Think of Michael as the protector of joy and you´ll always know when it is time to call for his help.
Those of you that are fire signs......Aries, Sagittarius and Leo are automatically aligned to his energy
ARCHANGEL MICHAEL ATTUNEMENTS
WOULD you like to be attuned to Archangel Michael´s energy. An attunement is an initiation when you are connected directly to his energy and can call on him at any time. You will feel an increase in your energy at once and experience a great peace. Angel energy is powerful and when you connect directly to Archangel Michael, his protection is felt immediately.
The attunement also means that you can work with him and make a difference to the world. The wonderful thing about the attunement is that you will then be able to attune people yourself so that wonderful energy can be spread gradually all over the world....just think about family and friends and anyone you may feel can spread this wonderful energy.
This Archangel Michael attunement workshop is being held on Saturday 6th June from 2.30-5.30/6.00 at the Lotus Yoga studios, 1st floor, Bahia Las Dunas C.C., behind Meradona, La Marina  and the cost is only 15 euros.
To book your place, please contact Christine Quinlan on 966 795  103...or email me on..bodyharmony@tinyworld.co.ukFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47432/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: We often call Michael “”St Michael” especially since Pope Pius named him the official patron saint of police officers and soldiers.  
No wonder...Michael is the defender of light and goodness and his chief role is to escort fallen pe...

### RESULTS OF LOCAL ELECTIONS IN ORIHUELA.

13 parties participated in the local elections of Orihuela 2015
8 of them did not get the sufficient votes to reach the 5% to get one councillor.
The results are as follows:
Partido Popular  11 seats
PSOE 8
Ciudadanos  3
Cambiemos  2
Foro Democrata 1
As we can see from those results, CLARO did not get enough votes to get a representation in the town hall, in spite of having Asun Mayoral as number 2 to attract votes from Orihuela town. Within the coming days and until the 13th of June the negotiations will take place to build a Government in
In Orihuela Costa there were 9 electoral tables distributed in 3 premises, the town hall Playa Flamenca, the Civic Center and the Reading Point in Calle Cipres.
Criticism came up stating that the Reading Point was too difficult to find and that for this reason "many people at the end did not vote", a fact which is denied by the following data:
Town Hall Playa Flamenca, 4 tables, total of 1.066 votes
Reading Point Calle Cipres, 3 tables, total of 908 votes
Centro Civico, 2 tables, total of 410 votes.
The most disappointing data of these elections is the very little participation of citizens of Orihuela Costa. Around 8.200 citizens in Orihuela Costa would have had the right to vote, but only 2.384 did so, which corresponds to 29,4% (42% in 2011) when the total participation of the whole municipality was 62,62% (nearly 9% less than in 2011).
Of course as usual before local elections, all parties "rediscovered" Orihuela Costa and did promise big improvements and it was difficult to make a choice, but citizens of Orihuela Costa unfortunately still do not understand that their participation in local elections is the way to achieve improvements and that they really could make a change in local government if they would want to.
Martina ScheurerFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47430/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: 13 parties participated in the local elections of Orihuela 2015
8 of them did not get the sufficient votes to reach the 5% to get one councillor.
The results are as follows:
Partido Popular  11 seats
PSOE 8
Ciudadanos  3
Cambiemos  2
Foro Democrata 1
As we can see from those results, CLARO did not get enough votes to get a representation in the town hall, in spite of having Asun Mayoral as number 2 to attract votes from Orihuela town. Within the coming days and until the 13th of June the negotiations will take place to build a Government in
In Orihuela Costa there were 9 electoral tables distributed in 3 premises, the town hall Playa Flamenca, the Civic Center and the Reading Point in Calle Cipres.
Criticism came up stating that the Reading Point was too difficult to find and that for this reason "many people at the end did not vote", a fact which is denied by the following data:
Town Hall Playa Flamenca, 4 tables, total of 1.066 votes
Reading Point Calle Cipres, 3 tables, total of 908 votes
Centro Civico, 2 tables, total of 410 votes.
The most disappointing data of these elections is the very little participation of citizens of Orihuela Costa. Around 8.200 citizens in Orihuela Costa would have had the right to vote, but only 2.384 did so, which corresponds to 29,4% (42% in 2011) when the total participation of the whole municipality was 62,62% (nearly 9% less than in 2011).
Of course as usual before local elections, all parties "rediscovered" Orihuela Costa and did promise big improvements and it was difficult to make a choice, but citizens of Orihuela Costa unfortunately still do not understand that their participation in local elections is the way to achieve improvements and that they really could make a change in local government if they would want to.
Martina ScheurerFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47430/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### NEW SAMARITANS IN SPAIN FREE PHONE NUMBER 900 525 100

Thanks to the generous donations by their supporters Samaritans in Spain are now delighted to be able to provide a free phone number from 1st June. It is 900 525 100
Anyone in need of emotional  support can call 24/7  to speak to a trained listener free of charge. All calls are confidential.
More information can be found at  www.samaritansinspain.com
For the diary Samaritan's in Spain have a Summer Fayre at their Punta Marina  Centre on Saturday 6th June from 10am to 6pm. Sunshine F.M will be entertaining all day with surprise live performers. The fun day will include a fashion show, tombola, cake stall, Indian head massages and much more. Come along with all the family!
Other forthcoming events include restaurants The Vestry (Algorfa) and The Cloisters (San Miguel) hosting Ladies Day at Ascot lunches simultaneously on 18th June.  Gentleman are also welcome.Proceeds go to support the work of the Samaritans.
In July the Samaritans will be raising awareness and support for youth issues and are grateful to local rock band "Snowblind" and the Lansdowne at Playa Flamenca for their generous help with an event there 31st July. More details to be announced!
In addition to the new Freephone service there is also an email contact point: pat@samaritansinspain.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47429/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Thanks to the generous donations by their supporters Samaritans in Spain are now delighted to be able to provide a free phone number from 1st June. It is 900 525 100
Anyone in need of emotional  support can call 24/7  to speak to a trained listener free of charge. All calls are confidential.
More information can be found at  www.samaritansinspain.com
For the diary Samaritan's in Spain have a Summer Fayre at their Punta Marina  Centre on Saturday 6th June from 10am to 6pm. Sunshine F.M will be entertaining all day with surprise live performers. The fun day will include a fashion show, tombola, cake stall, Indian head massages and much more. Come along with all the family!
Other forthcoming events include restaurants The Vestry (Algorfa) and The Cloisters (San Miguel) hosting Ladies Day at Ascot lunches simultaneously on 18th June.  Gentleman are also welcome.Proceeds go to support the work of the Samaritans.
In July the Samaritans will be raising awareness and support for youth issues and are grateful to local rock band "Snowblind" and the Lansdowne at Playa Flamenca for their generous help with an event there 31st July. More details to be announced!
In addition to the new Freephone service there is also an email contact point: pat@samaritansinspain.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47429/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### New Airport Parking at Alicante-Elche

Alicante-Elche airport will soon have a new car park available, offering 15 minutes of free parking in their aptly named “Exprés” parking facility.
The work has already begun on the site near the departure terminal that will offer 80 places for collection and dropping off, aimed at providing the “maximum speed and comfort” for short term movements.
The work will result in some disruption at the airport whilst it´s being built, but it should be fully operational by July, at a cost of 116,568.48 euro.

Excerpt: Alicante-Elche airport will soon have a new car park available, offering 15 minutes of free parking in their aptly named “Exprés” parking facility. The work has already begun on the site near the departure terminal that will offer 80 places Read More ...

### School Tender Announced

The provincial education ministry has this week confirmed the tender for the contract for the construction of the Playas de Orihuela school. At a cost of 6.6 million euro, higher than the original quote, companies have until the end of June to submit their bids.
Once awarded, the work will have a lead time of 18 months and will therefore not be ready until at least the 2017 to 2018 school year, but once complete it will end what will be a 15 year long period of education in temporary portacabins.

Excerpt: The provincial education ministry has this week confirmed the tender for the contract for the construction of the Playas de Orihuela school. At a cost of 6.6 million euro, higher than the original quote, companies have until the end of Read More ...

### SPANISH AUTHORS AND WORLD LITERATURE

Don Quixote, is perhaps the best known Spanish book with Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616), who wrote it, perhaps the best known Spanish writer abroad. 
Published during the so-called ‘Golden Age' of Spanish Literature (sixteenth and seventeenth century), it is one of the most translated books in history.
The Golden Age, beginning with the publication of Antonio de Nebrija's Spanish Grammar' (1492) and ending with the death of Pedro Calderón de la Barca (1681), also witnessed the release of The Life of Lazarillo de Tormes, and of his Fortunes and Adversities (anonymous, 1554), founding the genre of the picaresque novel and mirroring the Castilian Spanish vernacular of the Renaissance.
A little earlier, in 1499, Fernando de Rojas published La Celestina, or Tragicomedy of Calisto and Melibea. A blend of novel and play, this work marks the end of Medieval literature and the beginning of the Renaissance in Spanish.
It has been extremely popular since it was first published, having been read and staged by generations in Spain Latin America. In fact, we owe to Fernando de Rojas the archetype of the procuress, precisely called ‘celestina' in Spanish after the unforgettable character in his work.
Playwrights Lope de Vega and Calderón de la Barca revolutionised the Spanish theatrical scene in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. Prolific and skilled, they wrote lots of plays, some – like Fuenteovejuna or La vida es sueño (Life Is a Dream) – still much staged in the Spanish-speaking world and beyond.
Francisco de Quevedo also wrote a picaresque novel, Historia de la vida del Buscón llamado don Pablos (The Life of Paul the Scavenger), as well as some of the finest metaphysical poetry and political satire. His arch-rival in literature, Luis de Góngora, author of the Fable of Polyphemus and Galatea, is the other major representative of the Spanish Baroque, whose influence can be felt in modern poets like the members of the so-called ‘Generation of 1927'.
Nineteenth-century Romanticism is best illustrated by Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, whose Rhymes and Legends influenced late nineteenth-century writers like Juan Ramón Jiménez. A member of the ‘Generation of 1989', the author of Platero and I (the popular novel about a little donkey), was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1956.
The writers in the Generation of 1927 included Federico García Lorca, whose romances – Romancero Gitano (Gypsy Ballads) – and plays – Blood Wedding, Yerma, Bernarda Alba – are among the finest literary creations in Spanish.
http://marcaespana.es/en/
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47428/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Don Quixote, is perhaps the best known Spanish book with Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616), who wrote it, perhaps the best known Spanish writer abroad. 
Published during the so-called ‘Golden Age' of Spanish Literature (sixteenth and seventeenth c...

### STRAWBERRIES, CHEESE AND THE WHITE BOTTOMED BUMBLE BEE

There was a serious clash on the islands last week. No, I am not talking about the forthcoming Spanish elections, but a ferocious clash between two food festivals in the old town of Santa Maria de Guia in the north west of Gran Canaria. 
The youngest food festival upstart, the Strawberry Festival, suddenly announced that they would hold their festival on the same day as the well-established Cheese Festival, which is its senior by 35 years. 
Well, you can imagine the shock horror of the townspeople, which I guess would be very similar to the indignation felt by the good ladies of the UK's Women's Institute should the date for an upstart dog show be on the same date as their annual jam making competition. Fur and feathers, if not jam and pickles, would fly.
In the strawberries and cheese clash, good old-fashioned Canarian common sense would eventually be applied, with the cheese festival being repeated the following week. Cheese and strawberry lovers could therefore enjoy both. What a beautiful combination too!
The Canary Islands know a thing or two about growing strawberries, with the municipality of Valsequillo being one of the few municipalities on the island of Gran Canaria that doesn't reach the coast. As such, the climate is perfect for growing strawberries, with over one million kilos of strawberries grown each year for local consumption, as well as for export.
Well-tried techniques are used to improve the quality and quantity of the crop, including setting garlic plants around the strawberry plants to ward off various insects that could damage the ripening fruit. White bottomed bumblebees are also recruited to pollenate the flowers on the strawberry fields, but please don't ask me how the bumblebees came to have white bottoms. 
The result of all this hard work from Canarian farmers, together with a little help from garlic and white bottomed bumble bees is delicious sweet tasting fruit, the like of which I have not tasted since growing up in rural Lincolnshire, and eating strawberries from my parent's garden.
As much as I enjoy eating strawberries throughout the year, my mind sometimes goes back to those childhood days when strawberries were only available for a few weeks of each year. How I used to look forward to those summer tea times when, I suspect, I enjoyed them even more due to their seasonal scarcity.
Maybe, in some ways, the ease of being able to buy strawberries, raspberries and what used to be other delicacies out of their normal growing season has taken the edge off the enjoyment felt when we knew that we could only enjoy them for a few precious weeks.
As far as possible, we only purchase strawberries grown in Valsequillo, or other parts of the island.  Sometimes, stocks are low and we are reduced to purchasing fruit from the local supermarket that has been imported from mainland Spain. The punnets of fruit look delicious enough with huge, red juicy fruit that is tempting to the eye, but are nearly always disappointing. Just one bite into the pallid, tasteless, watery flesh always makes me appreciate the qualities of the genuine Canarian strawberry even more.
A recent news article in a UK newspaper proudly boasted that strawberries are now available for 20 weeks a year, which is seen as a huge advance from just six weeks that was common in the 1990s. Now the UK strawberry season stretches from May to October, with any gaps in supply filled with chilled and often tasteless imports from Morocco, Israel, Jordan and, of course, Spain.
I am told that strawberries were seen on the shelves of UK supermarkets as late as December for the first time last year. The secret of the UK growers' success is the increasing use of polytunnels - huge flexible plastic greenhouses that stretch for acres across the British countryside, whereas in the 1990s there were none. Changing climate too has a part to play in the strawberry growers' success with mild winters and record levels of sunlight.
Back to Gran Canaria, and our plentiful supply of sweet, juicy strawberries for most of the year. I am pleased to report that both food festivals were a huge success and that the good people of Santa Maria de Guia can now enjoy both strawberries and cheese without fear of neighbourhood repercussions, and with grateful thanks to the white bottomed bumble bee.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle.  iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47427/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: There was a serious clash on the islands last week. No, I am not talking about the forthcoming Spanish elections, but a ferocious clash between two food festivals in the old town of Santa Maria de Guia in the north west of Gran Canaria. 
The youngest ...

### NEW RECORD OF 16 MILLION INBOUND TOURISTS TO APRIL

The Inbound Tourism Survey, showed a record figure of 16 million inbound tourists in the first four months of the year, an increase of 4.4% on the same period last year.
The United Kingdom, France and Germany accounted for 53% of total inbound tourists, with increases in all three emitting markets. However, the largest year-on-year percentage increases were in smaller markets such as Italy, the United States, Ireland, Belgium and Asian countries.
All the autonomous regions posted increases, except for the Canary Islands, where the number was the same as last year. Particularly notable are the Region of Madrid - up 11.7%, the Balearic Islands - up 9.5% and Andalusia - up 6.8%.
The April figure for registered inbound tourists was also a record at 5.4 million, 2.8% up year-on-year. The result is largely due to the excellent performance of the French, Belgian and more distant markets such as Asia and Latin America.
Main emitting markets
A total of 3,276,016 tourists visited Spain from the United Kingdom, an increase of 5.5% on the first four months last year, accounting for 20.5% of all arrivals in the period.
France was the second biggest emitting market, at 2,638,825 tourists, up 4.7% on the first four months last year, and 16.5% of the total. Next came Germany with 2,521,835 tourists, representing a rise of 0.3% and 15.7% of the total for the four months. With 16.1% of the total, Germany stood in third place for April.
The Nordic countries contributed 1,510,455 tourists, a fall of 7.9% in the four-month period, and 9.4% of the total. In April, the figure was 375,291 tourists, a fall of 12.3%, which affected the Canary Islands above all. The April figure was 6.9% of the total, the fourth highest.
Italy was the emitting market for 990,444 tourists in the four months, a rise of 12.2% and 6.2% of the total. The April figure was 351,323 Italian tourists, with a rise of 4.6%. The Region of Madrid, the Balearic Islands and the Region of Valencia were the destinations of choice for Italian tourists.
Also worth noting are the increases in the first four months of the year of tourists from the United States (10.8%), Ireland (9.5%), Switzerland (8.7%) and Belgium (8.2%).
Main destination autonomous regions
Catalonia was the region with the highest number of inbound tourists between January and April, at 4,104,127 (up 4.5%), accounting for 25.6% of the total. It also led the list in April, at 1,424,243 tourists (up 3.2%), 26.3% of the total. French tourists were particularly significant in these figures.
The Canary Islands were visited by 4,049,190 tourists in the first four months of the year (down 0.7%), accounting for 25.3% of the total. In April, there was a fall of 5.5% to 904,050 tourists, accounting for 16.7%, with the fall mainly due to the British and Nordic markets.
Andalusia was visited by 2,165,691 tourists, up 6.8% between January and April and accounting for 13.5% of the total. In April, the total was 831,238 tourists, accounting for 15.4% of the total and a fall of 3.1%, due mainly to the German, British and Nordic markets.
A total of 1,205,083 tourists visited the Balearic Islands in the first four months of the year, a rise of 9.5% and 7.5% of the total. The figure for April was 690,647, 0.6% up, and 12.8% of the total. There was a rise in tourist numbers from Germany and Italy, which offset the fall from the Netherlands and Nordic countries.
The Region of Valencia was visited by 1,481,428 tourists between January and April, 9.3% of the total and a rise of 4%. In April, the number of tourists was 549,582, 10.2% of the total and a rise of 6.5% on April 2014, largely thanks to tourists from France and Italy.
The Region of Madrid was the chosen destination for 1,560,726 tourists, a rise of 11.7% and 9.7% of the total for the period. In April, 519,497 tourists came to Madrid, particularly from Asian countries, Italy and Latin America, accounting for 9.6% of the total. The April increase of 28.2% was the biggest for the month.
Form of travel, accommodation and type of holiday
A total of 13,107,491 inbound tourists arrived by air in the first four months of the year, 81.8% of all arrivals and up by 4.5%. In April, a total of 4,396,507 tourists came by air, 81.3% of the total and an increase of 2.2%.
Hotels were the accommodation of choice for 10,387,400 tourists, 64.9% of the total and a rise of 3.9%. The number staying in hotels in April was 3,405,536, up 0.5% and representing 63% of the total.
The number of tourists choosing to travel independently was up by 7.3% in the first four months of the year, at 11,442,896, or 71.4% of the total, while the remaining 28.6% (4,572,523)  came on a package holidays (down 2.1%).
In April the number arriving on package holidays fell by 11.1% year-on-year.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47426/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Inbound Tourism Survey, showed a record figure of 16 million inbound tourists in the first four months of the year, an increase of 4.4% on the same period last year.
The United Kingdom, France and Germany accounted for 53% of total inbound tourist...

### SENATE PLEA FROM AUAN

Representatives of the associations of purchasers in good faith of diverse nationalities are going to Madrid on Wednesday 27th May to ask the Senate to support a change to article 34 of the Ley Hipotecaría to provide the Land Registry with legal security for homebuyers. 
The delegation is composed of Antonio Vilela Fernández, the president of AMA (Asociación de Maltratados por la Administración) from Cantabria, Mario Blanke, a Belgian national and vice president of SOHA (Save Our Homes Axarquia) from Malaga, Maura Hillen, an Irish national and president of AUAN (Abusos Urbanísticas Almanzora No) from Almería, Gerardo Vazquez Nuñez, lawyer y spokesperson for SOHA and CALU y Raquel Paz representing FAUN.
The PP voted against this amendment in the Justice Comission on 5th May and the associations are appealing directly to the Senators to vote in favor of greater protection for purchasers in good faith.
AMA sent an open letter to every member of the Spanish Senate in Madrid asking for their support for this change, lending its voice to a solution initially promoted by AUAN and SOHA. The initiative is supported by many other associations and groups from various parts of Spain. The text of the letter is as follows.
Dear Senator:
We are writing to you respectfully and do not wish to waste your time, but we are convinced of the necessity for legislative change in order to protect purchasers in good faith. Our association has spent more than 10 years working for more just laws to protect citizens from the abuses of promoters, constructors…and our own administrations.
We believe that these legal changes are necessary to give legal security to everyone, so that the penalty for misdeeds is not paid by innocent families and so that we do not destroy the lives of people who are simply working to have a future.
Ladies and gentlemen, we assure you that we know what we are talking about. Our association is composed of families who have suffered decades of continued mistreatment from public administrations, town halls, the regional government and even from judgements of the courts. For many years our families, who committed no crime and who bear no responsibility, have had to endure a life sentence, which is the case when you are aware of the pending demolition of your home, through no fault of their own.
Currently, the Government of Cantabria and the Town Halls, via a resolution of the Parliament of Cantabria, have apologized to our families. The justice system has condemned the Administrations to pay moral damages to the families and the Government of Cantabria is making agreements with families whereby it assumes responsibility for the damage caused. **This road is not easy and there is still far to go for justice. We cannot punish good citizens without an end in sight and still comply with all legal and ethical precepts.
We have a serious problem. AMA has denounced this problem and has repeatedly called on regional, state and even European institutions for legislative changes to put an end to the uncertainty and gaps in our legal system which affect legal security at such an important moment as the purchase of a house.
Some changes have been achieved with changes to the law at both a regional level via Law 2/2011 of the 4th April of the Parliament of Cantabria ** and in Congress and recently in the Senate with the modification of article 319.3 of the Penal Code.
But unfortunately these changes are not enough, and the problem is not resolved, given that anyone can currently buy a house that is perfectly inscribed in the Property Register without any hint of a problem and yet, this house can be illegal and this person is not protected by the Property Register.
This creates an issue of legal insecurity that this proposed initiative serves to resolve, given that a third party who acts in good faith has the right to rely on the legality of a construction or work inscribed in the Register. The current lack of security has produced enough damage and suffering, as we have explained, but the repercussions are also international for people of other nationalities who have purchased registered houses and become trapped in a serious problem with their ** life savings held to ransom, something nobody can understand, whatever their nationality.
Therefore we take the liberty of asking you to seek comprehensive solutions, for all citizens, so that no one has to suffer the injustice that our families have suffered, because of legislation that has serious gaps in important moments such as the purchase of a family home.
Many associations such as AMA,AUAN,SOHA, CALU, FAUN, as well as other diverse groups and citizens have given their support, continuing to rely on the good work of the Senators and we appeal to your good sense to achieve improved legislation for something so important to everyone.
We thank you for your attention and the time you have given us. We hope that your good work will bring solutions, if possible, with the modification of article 34 of the Ley Hipotecaria. With kind regards from the thousands of families who are hoping for the solutions requested.
Antonio Vilela Fernández
Presidente de AMA
Contact: Maura Hillen 661329919 or info@almanzora-au.orgFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47422/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Representatives of the associations of purchasers in good faith of diverse nationalities are going to Madrid on Wednesday 27th May to ask the Senate to support a change to article 34 of the Ley Hipotecaría to provide the Land Registry with legal...

### SPANISH WINES: AMONG THE WORLD’S BEST

Spain is the world's third winemaking country with as many as 17 Spanish wineries among the world's best 100, according to the list published every year by the World Association of Writers and Journalists of Wines and Spirits (WAWWJ).
On the 2014 list, Spain is the country with the largest number of wineries and ranks third in terms of winery awards, only behind the USA and France.
The WAWWJ list shows why Spanish wines are in vogue, the international presence of Spanish wineries growing all the time. Data exports from 2014 point in the same direction.
Winery Awards
The highest ranking Spanish winery on the list (6th) is González Byass, the recipient of 167 international awards in 2014. It is followed by Codorníu (8th) with 102 awards and Ramón Bilbao (20th) with 90.
Other well-ranked wineries are Hijos de Antonio Barceló (32nd), Emilio Lustau (33rd), Félix Solís Pagos del Rey (34th), Bodegas Murviedro (35th), Grupo Bodegas Olarra (45th), Vicente Gandía Pla (49th), Bodegas Barbadillo (58th) and Bodegas Burgo Viejo (67th).
Finally, there are Freixenet (72nd), Bodegas Iñaki Núñez (79th), Grupo Barón de Ley-El Coto de Rioja (82nd), Bodegas Rodríguez Sanzo (88th), Bodegas Muriel (89th) and Bodegas Avelino Vegas (99th).
Winemaking tradition
On the whole, there are 85 quality winemaking regions in Spain certified with Designations of Origin (DO). The most renowned are Jerez-Xères-Sherry (the oldest in the country, established in 1935), Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Other much appreciated DOs are Cava, Jumilla, Rueda, Rías Baixas, Bierzo, La Mancha.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47421/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spain is the world's third winemaking country with as many as 17 Spanish wineries among the world's best 100, according to the list published every year by the World Association of Writers and Journalists of Wines and Spirits (WAWWJ).
On the 2014 list...

### CASH SMUGGLER ARRESTED IN BARCELONA

Officers from the National Police have arrested an Italian national who was attempting to bring 118,100 euro into Spain, hidden in different parts of his vehicle.
The man was a passenger on board a boat which had come from Italy to Barcelona, although he planned to travel to Marbella in Málaga by road.
The man was the subject of a pending police search and arrest warrant for allegedly committing a robbery with violence and intimidation.
Officers at the port of Barcelona requested to inspect the documentation of the man and noted “nervousness” in his attitude. Upon checking the documents the officers discovered that the man had been wanted for questioning since January for an alleged crime of robbery with violence and intimidation, issued through the police in Marbella.
Having then proceeded to inspect the vehicle, the officers discovered 5,000 euro hidden in the glove compartment. The man then claimed that he was not carrying anything else. However, with the collaboration of the Guardia Civil, a specially trained dog to detect bank notes was brought in to assist. The dog identified the spare wheel as being suspicious.
When subject to a scanner, the officers were able to visually confirm the dog´s suscion and continued with a detailed inspection.  Upon opening the tyre they discovered a large number of bundles of money wrapped in clear plastic and secured by rubber bands. 
In total, the officers found a total of 113,100 euro, mostly in 500, 200, 100 and 50 note denominations.
The bank notes were all genuine and were legal tender but the carrier could not justify their origin, and so the man was detained whilst the relevant proceedings are carried out.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47420/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested an Italian national who was attempting to bring 118,100 euro into Spain, hidden in different parts of his vehicle.
The man was a passenger on board a boat which had come from Italy to Barcelona, although...

### IRISH EMBASSY HONOUR W.B. YEATS

In light of the celebrations taking place world-wide to honour the 150th anniversary of the birth of one of Ireland's most beloved poets, W. B. Yeats, the Embassy and the Yeats Society in Madrid will be holding an art exhibition “Of this place” which will take place in the Ateneo de Madrid (Sala Prado 19), Calle Prado 19, from 2-14 June (11.30-9pm daily). 
The exhibition features 32 paintings and sculptures by eight contemporary Irish visual artists inspired by the very landscapes that helped shape Yeats' poetry.  
To complement the art from Ireland, Madrid designer Sandra Ruiz Bellew will exhibit her “Minnaloushe Poetry in Jewellery” collection, inspired by Yeats' poetry and the women in his life. There will also be a third exhibition on the life and works of Yeats, “La Vida y Obra de William Butler Yeats”, courtesy of the Irish Embassy. 
On Thursday 11 June at 7pm Embassy Staff will be hosting a special evening at the Ateneo to honour the poet with readings, song and music. We hope to see you there. 
Admission to the exhibition is free and everyone is welcome. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47418/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In light of the celebrations taking place world-wide to honour the 150th anniversary of the birth of one of Ireland's most beloved poets, W. B. Yeats, the Embassy and the Yeats Society in Madrid will be holding an art exhibition “Of this place&rd...

### MOTORWAY CLOSE BY TRUCK FIRE

The AP-7 motorway in the Barcelona area of Olèrdola was closed to traffic on Wednesday, as fire fighters tackled a blaze on a truck that was travelling on the road.
Emergency services were forced to stop traffic in both directions at 13:45 whilst they extinguished the flames, reopening one southbound lane 30 minutes later, reopening a second lane at 15:15.
The fire had spread to neighbouring vegetation resulting in four fire crews attending whilst traffic backed up for 3 kilometres.
Aside from this incident, with increased temperatures heading towards the summer, much of the country is on alert for the spread of forest fires, with motorists also asked to be vigilant at all times and not throwing anything from the vehicle, such as a lit cigarette or even rubbish, which can increase the risk of fire.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47416/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The AP-7 motorway in the Barcelona area of Olèrdola was closed to traffic on Wednesday, as fire fighters tackled a blaze on a truck that was travelling on the road.
Emergency services were forced to stop traffic in both directions at 13:45 whil...

### NEW TORREVIEJA AND ORIHUELA COUNCILLORS

Whilst we still dont know the makeup of the new councils these are the individuals in Torrevieja and Orihuela, and their parties, elected during the Municipal Elections last week who you voted for:
La nueva Corporación de Torrevieja
PARTIDO POPULAR 
1. Eduardo Jorge Dolón Sánchez
2. Joaquín Albaladejo Martínez
3. Josefa Agustina Esteve Huertas
4. María del Rosario Martínez Chazarra
5. Luis María Pizana Boj
6. Tomás Ricardo Ballester Herrera
7. María del Carmen Riera Iborra
8. María Sandra Sánchez Andreu
9. Inmaculada Montesinos Pérez
10. Miguel Alberto Cano Peña
11. María del Carmen Gómez Candel
 
PSOE
1. Ángel Sáez Martínez
2. Fanny Serrano Rodríguez
3. Domingo Pérez Gutiérrez
4. María África Celdrán Ros
 
LOS VERDES
1. José Manuel Dolón García
2. José Hurtado Paredes
3. Manuela Osuna Rodríguez
4. Carmen María Morate Arco
 
SUEÑA TORREVIEJA
1. Pablo Samper Hernández
2. Alejandro Blanco Vega
 
CIUDADANOS
1. Pilar Gómez Mañana
2. Francisca Parra Aparicio
 
APTCe
1. Manuel Domingo Soler Torregrosa
 
EUPV
1. Víctor Ferrández Esteve
 
La nueva Corporación de Orihuela
 
PP
1. Emilio Bascuñana Galiano
2. Francisco Manuel Sáez Sironi
3. Rafael Almagro Palacios
4. María Dolores Rocamora Gisbert
5. Sabina Goretti Galindo Benito
6. María Begoña Cuartero Alonso
7. Dámaso Antonio Aparicio García
8. Miguel Ángel Fernández Moreno
9. Sofía Álvarez Iñeguez
10. Noelia Grao López
11. Víctor Valverde Sáez
 
PSOE
1. Carolina Gracia Gómez
2. Antonio Damián Zapata Beltrán
3. María García Zafra
4. Víctor Manuel Ruiz Sáez
5. Carmen María Gutiérrez Marcos
6. Francisco Ruiz Galvez
7. María del Carmen Moreno Gómez
8. José Hernández Illescas
 
CIUDADANOS
1. Juan Ignacio López Bas
2. María Luisa Bone Campillo
3. María del Mar Ezcurra García
 
CAMBIEMOS ORIHUELA
1. Carlos Bernabé Martínez
2. Marta Guillén Llor
 
FORO DEMÓCRATA
1. Josefina Ferrando GarcíaFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47414/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Whilst we still dont know the makeup of the new councils these are the individuals in Torrevieja and Orihuela, and their parties, elected during the Municipal Elections last week who you voted for:
La nueva Corporación de Torrevieja
PARTIDO PO...

### Air Traffic Control Strikes

Spanish air traffic controllers have announced a series of walkouts in June in a dispute over penalties the airport authority Aena imposed during the strike in 2010.

A union spokesperson has said that the controllers will strike for two hours each morning and afternoon on the dates of the 8th, 10th, 12th and 14th of June.

### Arms Gang Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested eight people across Alicante, Murcia and Granada, accused of being part of an organised weapons smuggling gang.

During the raid on eight homes the officers seized five assault rifles and five pistols, as well as various knives, silencers, bows and crossbows, a large quantity of cash and a police shield.
Those arrested are of Spanish, Romanian and Dutch nationality and was conducted in collaboration of various security forces including the judicial police of Benidorm.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested eight people across Alicante, Murcia and Granada, accused of being part of an organised weapons smuggling gang. During the raid on eight homes the officers seized five assault rifles and five pistols, as Read More ...

### Torrevieja PSOE Head Resigns

In a press conference on Wednesday, leader of he Psoe in Torrevieja, Ángel Sáez, has announced his resignation.
The Psoe failed to topple the PP government in Sunday’s election, only managing to gain 4 seats, despite the PP losing their overall majority they had held for the last two decades.

Excerpt: In a press conference on Wednesday, leader of he Psoe in Torrevieja, Ángel Sáez, has announced his resignation. The Psoe failed to topple the PP government in Sunday’s election, only managing to gain 4 seats, despite the PP losing their Read More ...

### Cruise Passenger Evacuated

A 61 year old male was airlifted off a cruise ship 90 nautical miles south of Palma de Mallorca on Tuesday after suffering a fracture.
Helimer 213 picked up the passenger and transported him to the island of Mallorca for medical treatment.

Excerpt: A 61 year old male was airlifted off a cruise ship 90 nautical miles south of Palma de Mallorca on Tuesday after suffering a fracture. Helimer 213 picked up the passenger and transported him to the island of Mallorca for Read More ...

### Worker Dies in Electrocution Incident

A 54 year old man died on Tuesday after being electrocuted whilst working on an installation in an industrial estate in Albatera.
The incident occurred just after noon when the man was working at the top of the tower, secured by a safety harness. As a result of being electrocuted, his body remained suspended from the tower about 5 metres above the ground.
The fire service attended to rescue the man, along with an ambulance that had to be escorted by the police on account of them having difficulty accessing the site, but medics who also attended could only confirm his death.

Excerpt: A 54 year old man died on Tuesday after being electrocuted whilst working on an installation in an industrial estate in Albatera. The incident occurred just after noon when the man was working at the top of the tower, secured Read More ...

### WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS?

The recent autonomous elections in the Valencian Community were a disaster waiting to happen for the ruling Partido Popular, as the party and its senior representatives had been racked with corruption charges. In almost every instant the ultimate outcome in many locations will be the result of talks between the various political parties.
In the three capital cities of the autonomy, the PP Mayors lost, and this was particularly hard for Rita Barbera who had governed Valencia fairly and enthusiastically for the last 24 years. The PP was also ejected from the Mayoral seats of Alicante and Castellon, as well as the Presidency of the Autonomy with Alberto Fabra witnessing the worst result that the Community had seen for a long number of years. In all likelihood, the new President will either be Ximo Puig for the Socialists or Monica Oltra for Compromis.
They will both be summoned by Mr Fabra in an effort to try and smooth out a way forward by some sort of political alliance. In fact, things are so bad for the PP in the autonomy, that you can count on your fingers the municipalities where the PP was not wiped off the map. (These incidentally include Benidorm, Benisano and Teulada).
These results clearly pointed out to the politicians that the voters think that it is about time something was done to shake them up. The result could also be said to be the direct result of what happened over the Gürtel case in the Valencian Community that has now led to at least two former councillors being put in jail, as well as one former head of Castellon. In addition, the mess the PP was in internally made it almost impossible for the party to have any credibility any more.
Caught in the crossfire of all this was Mrs Barbera, who suffered electorally as a result, despite not having any connexion with those involved in the Gürtel case other than their being of the same party as her, and you know what?
I think that we should look to her to found a new party and renew and carry forward her own very valid political ideas. Time alone will tell. watch this space.
www.valencialife.netFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47413/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The recent autonomous elections in the Valencian Community were a disaster waiting to happen for the ruling Partido Popular, as the party and its senior representatives had been racked with corruption charges. In almost every instant the ultimate outco...

### A BIG DAY OF TENNIS ON THE COSTA BLANCA

Friday May 22nd was a busy day of tennis on the Costa. Two visiting groups of players were out visiting and participating at two different venues.
The first group from Abingdon LTC joined in with the regular morning players at the Montepiedra sports centre. Over 3 hours the 16 players competed in mixed doubles sets with winning pairs playing each other and changing partners and the losing pairs doing the same.
After the event the only two unbeaten players were Graham Hensby [Abingdon] and Alison Vos [regular attendee], congratulations to them both. Also thanks to Terry Carter the Abbingdon team organizer who brings his old club friends out to visit most years. A padel tournament was being held at the same time and afterwards both sets of players enjoyed a BBQ at the club.
The afternoon venue was on the courts at the Campoamor golf club. This tournament involved 3 teams consisting of 3 mixed doubles pairs each. Team 1 consisted of a group of players from Lincoln. Team 2 was called North/South and consisted of a group of friends from Northern and Southern England. Team 3 consisted of players from a tennis group in Guardamar with a couple of players from Campoamor. After 3 hours of competitive mixed the result could not have been much closer.
RESULTS- 1ST North/South 7 wins
2nd Lincoln 6 wins
3rd Guardamar 5 wins
There were 4 tie-breaks out of 18 matches, so the result really could have gone either way.
Congratulations to the winning team of Gary and Jackie Clark, Ian and Dawn Higson, Chris Hopkins and Lynn Williamson. They can be seen in the middle of the picture. Also congratulations to the only unbeaten pair of Terry Manley and Helen Coggle from Guardamar.
We hope to see both teams out again next year for more social and competitive tennis.
Both events were organized by LTA'pro' tennis coach, Steve Durie. If you would like to learn tennis or participate in social doubles play sessions and tournaments,
Steve can be contacted at sdurie@hotmail.co.uk tel- 635061439 or see www.tennisandpadel.com.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47412/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Friday May 22nd was a busy day of tennis on the Costa. Two visiting groups of players were out visiting and participating at two different venues.
The first group from Abingdon LTC joined in with the regular morning players at the Montepiedra sports c...

### LAST CHANCE TO VISIT THE SATURDAY MORNING CRAFT MARKET IN JÁVEA

This coming Saturday the people that have set up their craft stalls every Saturday morning for the last five months in front of the Post Office (Correos) in Jávea will take a break till the autumn. In fact, most of the participants will set up their stalls in the summer market on the sea front of Jávea Port.
The craft people setting up in front of Correos feel fairly sure that the weekly fair will work in the coming years.  There were not that many visitors during the first five months, but the ones that did come, came specifically to look for the genuine craft work that is the speciality of all Amata markets. 
Many came to order something special, which sometimes could be made on the spot, at other times could be collected one or two weeks later.  The little market begins to be a known meeting point for people who are looking for individually made items and the artesans who make them.
In the summer this meeting point will be in the port of Jávea, on the sea front at the end of the Avenida Jaime I.  This will be the third year that Amata will be running their craft fair (Artesanía de Autor) in the Puerto;  every evening from 7 o`clock onwards some twenty stalls will be set up with a variety of crafts: jewelry, designer clothing, toys, decorative lamps, sculptures, leather bags and belts, paintings and caricatures.  The fair runs from 19 June till 13 September.
So this Saturday, 30 May, the craft stalls will be for the last time on the Plaza Marina Alta (from 10am till 2 pm) and then, from 19 June you can see most of them in the Puerto every evening.   More information about both fairs on www.amata.es or 639 979 678 (English spoken)
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47409/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This coming Saturday the people that have set up their craft stalls every Saturday morning for the last five months in front of the Post Office (Correos) in Jávea will take a break till the autumn. In fact, most of the participants will set up t...

### PROFESSIONAL WORK OF WOMEN, NOT OPPOSED TO HAVING A LARGE FAMILY

For half of women between 30 and 44 years, having a child has significantly altered their working lives, forcing a reduction in working hours, the temporary or permanent abandonment of work. 
The existence of children alone does not explain the difficulty of reconciling work and family. The truth is that the high rate of female employment accompanies a very low fertility of 1.34 children per woman.
In Europe, countries belonging to the European Union have lower fertility rates and high female labor activity.
In Spain, a factor that aggravates the low birthrate, is that 37% of working women have a temporary contract when the EU average is 15.5%.
Often in a young family both spouses have a temporary contract, which influences their decisions about whether to have children or not. Most women in the countries of the European Union believe that the ideal model is one in which both spouses have jobs of similar commitment, so that they can share the childcare. But less than half live in a family with such characteristics.
Female labor activity does not prevent bringing children into the world and even form large families. This is the opinion about the work and the children of saint John Paul II, which advised parents: "do not hesitate to have a large family, because the priority is not the pursuit of professional success but transmit to children those human and Christian values that give true meaning to life.”
In this decadent society it is necessary to assess the child in all its dimensions and significance as a developing person. Adults seem to make a special effort to go "against nature" degrading their physical and moral integrity. Those mothers who somehow act cruelly, should not forget that they are not only their children, but also children of God.
"The Misadventures of childhood affect all their life and leave an inexhaustible source of sadness in their hearts," says P. Brulat.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47400/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: For half of women between 30 and 44 years, having a child has significantly altered their working lives, forcing a reduction in working hours, the temporary or permanent abandonment of work. 
The existence of children alone does not explain the difficulty of reconciling work and family. The truth is that the high rate of female employment accompanies a very low fertility of 1.34 children per woman.
In Europe, countries belonging to the European Union have lower fertility rates and high female labor activity.
In Spain, a factor that aggravates the low birthrate, is that 37% of working women have a temporary contract when the EU average is 15.5%.
Often in a young family both spouses have a temporary contract, which influences their decisions about whether to have children or not. Most women in the countries of the European Union believe that the ideal model is one in which both spouses have jobs of similar commitment, so that they can share the childcare. But less than half live in a family with such characteristics.
Female labor activity does not prevent bringing children into the world and even form large families. This is the opinion about the work and the children of saint John Paul II, which advised parents: "do not hesitate to have a large family, because the priority is not the pursuit of professional success but transmit to children those human and Christian values that give true meaning to life.”
In this decadent society it is necessary to assess the child in all its dimensions and significance as a developing person. Adults seem to make a special effort to go "against nature" degrading their physical and moral integrity. Those mothers who somehow act cruelly, should not forget that they are not only their children, but also children of God.
"The Misadventures of childhood affect all their life and leave an inexhaustible source of sadness in their hearts," says P. Brulat.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47400/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### TICKETS TO SEE SPANDAU BALLET LIVE IN MADRID

We are inviting auction bids for 2 tickets to see Spandau Ballet live in Madrid on Thursday 18th June 2015 - I have been given the tickets by Tracey Marshall who won them but is unable to go herself so she had generously donated them to charity. 
I have been told that the 2 tickets are worth  €140 - they will be auctioned at The Estate Agent's Summer Ball on Friday 12th June but we need to get advance notice out and get some bids in before June 12th otherwise it is very short notice for someone to get to Madrid.
The charity that will benefit is The Children's Home in Elche - Bids by email please to sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk
All emails will be answeredFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47399/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: We are inviting auction bids for 2 tickets to see Spandau Ballet live in Madrid on Thursday 18th June 2015 - I have been given the tickets by Tracey Marshall who won them but is unable to go herself so she had generously donated them to charity. 
I ha...

### LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS - TORREVIEJA AND ORIHUELA

The Municipal elections have been taking place in the area and in the two main cities, Torrevieja and Orihuela, there was no party that achieved an overall majority. (Source: www.spanishvida.com)
TORREVIEJA
With the votes now counted in Torrevieja, no single party obtained the absolute majority of 13 seats.
PP got 11 seats with 8,995 votes or 37.98%, the PSOE got 4 with 3,934 votes or 16.61%, the LOS VERDES got 4 with 3,278 votes or 13.84%, SUEÑA got 2 seats with 1,842 votes or 7.78%, C's got 2 with 1,582 votes or 6.68%, APTCe-I got 1 with 1,528 votes or 6.45% and EUPV got 1 with 1,501 votes or 6.34%.
There were 23,998 votes in total, 50.61%.
ORIHUELA
Municipal Elections 2015 – Orihuela Results
With the votes now counted in Orihuela, no single party obtained the absolute majority of 13 seats.
PP got 11 seats with 10,652 votes or 36.39%. PSOE got 8 with 7,450 votes or 25.45%. C's got 3 seats with 2,866 votes or 9.79%. CO-EUPV-LVPV:AC got 2 seats with 2,680 votes or 9.16%. FDEE got 1 seat with 1,508 votes or 5.15%. C.L.A.R.O. got no seats, despite 1,430 votes or 4.89%, falling short of the 5% minimum.
Orihuela had a reasonably good turnout with 29,774 votes cast, 62.62%.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47398/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Municipal elections have been taking place in the area and in the two main cities, Torrevieja and Orihuela, there was no party that achieved an overall majority. (Source: www.spanishvida.com)
TORREVIEJA
With the votes now counted in Torrevieja, n...

### Municipal Elections 2015 – Torrevieja Results

With the votes now counted in Torrevieja, no single party obtained the absolute majority of 13 seats.
PP got 11 seats with 8,995 votes or 37.98%, the PSOE got 4 with 3,934 votes or 16.61%, the LOS VERDES got 4 with 3,278 votes or 13.84%, SUEÑA got 2 seats with 1,842 votes or 7.78%, C’s got 2 with 1,582 votes or 6.68%, APTCe-I got 1 with 1,528 votes or 6.45% and EUPV got 1 with 1,501 votes or 6.34%.
There were 23,998 votes in total, 50.61%.

Excerpt: With the votes now counted in Torrevieja, no single party obtained the absolute majority of 13 seats. PP got 11 seats with 8,995 votes or 37.98%, the PSOE got 4 with 3,934 votes or 16.61%, the LOS VERDES got 4 Read More ...

### Municipal Elections 2015 – Orihuela Results

With the votes now counted in Orihuela, no single party obtained the absolute majority of 13 seats.
PP got 11 seats with 10,652 votes or 36.39%. PSOE got 8 with 7,450 votes or 25.45%. C’s got 3 seats with 2,866 votes or 9.79%. CO-EUPV-LVPV:AC got 2 seats with 2,680 votes or 9.16%. FDEE got 1 seat with 1,508 votes or 5.15%. C.L.A.R.O. got no seats, despite 1,430 votes or 4.89%, falling short of the 5% minimum.
Orihuela had a reasonably good turnout with 29,774 votes cast, 62.62%.

Excerpt: With the votes now counted in Orihuela, no single party obtained the absolute majority of 13 seats. PP got 11 seats with 10,652 votes or 36.39%. PSOE got 8 with 7,450 votes or 25.45%. C’s got 3 seats with 2,866 Read More ...

### ISSUE 570 IS OUT NOW

The latest copy of the Costa Blanca Leader newspaper is out now.
You can read it on line here and then pick up the first newspaper of the week in the morning from hundreds of venues.
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47397/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The latest copy of the Costa Blanca Leader newspaper is out now.
You can read it on line here and then pick up the first newspaper of the week in the morning from hundreds of venues.
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47397/Telford | pro...

### Balcony Fall Victim in Serious Condition

A young British holidaymaker, said to be in his 20´s, was in a critical condition in a Magaluf hospital on Sunday after falling from a hotel balcony in the early hours of the morning.
The man fell from the first floor balcony of the Mallorca hotel onto the street below. It is believed that the man was the latest young person to participate in an activity known as “Balconying”, intentionally jumping from a hotel balcony, usually into a swimming pool.

Excerpt: A young British holidaymaker, said to be in his 20´s, was in a critical condition in a Magaluf hospital on Sunday after falling from a hotel balcony in the early hours of the morning. The man fell from the first Read More ...

### Orihuela Cyclist Airlifted to Hospital

A 49 year old male was taken to hospital by helicopter on Sunday after falling into a ravine at the Pedrera reservoir as he was cycling through the Orihuela countryside.
The man had suffered multiple injuries in the crash and landed in a position which was difficult to access by ground crews, and so the helicopter was called into assist in taking the man to the Vega Baja hospital.

Excerpt: A 49 year old male was taken to hospital by helicopter on Sunday after falling into a ravine at the Pedrera reservoir as he was cycling through the Orihuela countryside. The man had suffered multiple injuries in the crash and Read More ...

### BONSOR AND DANDO TAKE NATIONAL TITLES

BY SUZI COOPER - Players from as far as Tenerife & Laura Golf on the Costa del Sol travelled to the Southern Costa Blanca to participate in the 2015 Spanish National Championships.
Matches were held at both the San Luis and Quesada Clubs. Following on from the Pre Nationals Open Pairs event the National proper got underway ten days ago during which time there was some amazing bowling; some anticipated results and some that were totally unexpected.
The Ladies rinks was marred by 2 teams having to withdraw in the quarter finals due to ill health on the fateful Thursday when temperatures reached low 40s in the shade.
In the semis Peta Rhodes, Marianne Holtham, Jacqui Johnston & Lisa Bonsor (Quesada) defeated Sue Johnson, Jan Pocock, Lyn Greenland & Lin Miller (Greenlands) and then Norma Lamberton, Eve Blythe, Carol Broomfield & Diane Riley made it an all Quesada final by defeating Debbie Colquhoun, Gill Atkinson, Jan Dando & Jenny Thompson (Indalo). The final started off as a close affair but the experienced team, skipped by Lisa Bonsor, were the eventual winners by 9 shots.
In the Mens rinks both teams comfortably progressed to the final. Cliff Plaisted, Noel Davis, Fred Willshire & Chris Collier (San Miguel) finally losing out to William Holtham, John Muldoon, Bill Pain & Pete Bonsor (Quesada).
The Ladies triples final was played between Peta Rhodes, Jacqui Johnston & Lisa Bonsor (Quesada) and Debbie Colquhoun, Gill Atkinson & Jenny Thompson (Indalo). The Quesada ladies took control of this match from the beginning, finally winning by 7 shots.
In the Men's triples, last year's champions John Muldoon, Bill Pain & Pete Bonsor (Quesada) progressed steadily to the final while Dennis Birkett, Brian Patton & Peter Whitehall (Country Bowls) stormed their way through, winning all tof heir matches by at least 10 shots. The final was a nip & tuck game played at the end of the day.
It sounded as though every member of Country Bowls was their cheering their team on. One end changed the course of the game when the Quesada trio were holding 5 and with his final bowl Peter Whitehall trickled off a wing bowl to reduce the score to 1. On the final end the shot changed almost with every bowl but it was the Country Bowls trio who took the title.
In the Ladies Pairs the semi-finals were both Quesada v Indalo. In the first of these Peta Rhodes & Lisa Bonsor (Quesada) defeated fellow squad members Debbie Colquhoun & Jan Dando (Indalo). The recent CBBA Champion of Champions finalists Mel Highland & Jacqui Johnston (Quesada) took the honours over Gill Atkinson & Jenny Thompson (Indalo).
The final of this game was extremely tight, going down to the wire with the scores at 16 apiece going into the final end. Mel & Jacqui eventually took the silverware by just a single shot.
In the Mens pairs there were some upsets. The favoured pairings of Colin Jackson & Mal Hughes (San Luis) went out in the first round, as did the father & son combination Graham & Robert Cathcart (Tenerife) while the winners of the pre-tournament pairs Jason Prokopowycz & Derek Sale progressed to the final.
In the other side of the draw 2 Costa del Sol teams came through to the semi Terry Morgan & Jeff Pitt (Belplaya) eventually lost to Mac Roberts & Tom Rogers (Lauro Golf). However, in the final, Jason & Derek took the honours.
In the Ladies singles last year's Champion withdrew during her first match due to illness. Her opponent Pauline Robinson (Tenerife) made it to the semi-final before being defeated by 2013 champion Jan Dando (Indalo). In the opposite end of the draw Pat McEwan (San Miguel) took some notable scalps on her way to the semi-final where she lost to Nina McKenzie (Mazarron). The experience of Jan took her through to win the Ladies Singles for the 2nd time in 3 years.
Last year's Mens Singles runner up Mal Hughes (San Luis) went out to Brian Robertson (Mazarron) who was defeated in the next match by Terry Morgan from Bel Playa (Costa del Sol). Terry progressed all the way to the semi-final where he fell to Jason Prokopowycz (Quesada). In the other half of the draw reigning champion Pete Bonsor played steadily throughout to the final.  In the final Pete played exhibition standard bowls to win the title for the second year.
This year in place of the Player of the Tournament there was a Personality of the Tournament prize. Kevin Reardon of The Leader newspaper presented the award to Mac Roberts (Lauro) who with his doddering, cantankerous style won the hearts of many of the players, officials & spectators.
In closing the competition National Director paid tribute the organisers, the players and the spectators for what had been a truly wonderful National Tournament.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47396/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: BY SUZI COOPER - Players from as far as Tenerife & Laura Golf on the Costa del Sol travelled to the Southern Costa Blanca to participate in the 2015 Spanish National Championships.
Matches were held at both the San Luis and Quesada Clubs. Followin...

### ELCHE SIGN OFF WITH A WHIMPER

Levante UD 0 – 0 Elche CF
Elche CF closed out their, at times, turbulent season with a goal-less draw from their dead rubber with near(ish) Valencia neighbours Levante. 
The fact the match kicked-off two hours before the rest of the games on this the final day of the season tells you all you might have needed to know about it's importance. La Liga safety for both sides was assured a couple of games ago so this was merely an exercise in getting the final fixture out of the way and it showed.
Elche were brighter throughout with the lions share of the chances and did more than enough to win it. Instead, profligacy in front of goal was the order of the day and players with the most to prove did the precise opposite. Top scorer and want-away striker Jonathas was absent, suspended, so Christian Herrera was handed the role of leading the line. He did so in almost complete anonymity.
Truth be told this was a football match of seemingly unending tedium, particularly during an especially dull first half. Both sides had occasional bursts of energy but moments of excitement in or around either penalty area were few and far between. Barely ten thousand were there to witness the non-spectacle and those who managed to stay away were the lucky ones.
The visitors had by far the best of the second half and should have gone ahead on sixty six minutes when Elche born and bred midfielder Aarón Ñíguez was felled inside the box for a clear penalty. Waving away the protestations of regular spot-kick taker David Lombán, the Ilicitano then proceeded to fire a dire dead ball straight at Levante goalkeeper Mariño for the easiest save of his season. His embarrassment was complete just moments later when he was substituted by Coro.
Worse was to follow for Elche who, by now, were fashioning some decent chances. Two of the best fell to Herrera who, just a couple of years ago couldn't stop scoring for the Elche B team. Twice clean through and onside he slipped the ball past a post when Mariño's goal presented a far bigger target.  Eventually, and not before time, Andaluz referee Melero López blew for time and the Ilicitano's completed their season with an impressive haul of 41 points, one more than last time, and thirteenth place.
Manager Fran Escribá, if he stays, now has a rebuilding job to do at Elche. The club survived with ease in the Primera División thanks to the goals of Jonathas and a much improved second half of the campaign. As part of the soap opera behind the scenes, the football club faces a summer transfer embargo and now, having worked wonders during his three seasons directing operations from the Elche bench, Escribá may decide to call time on his Alicante adventure and seek a new challenge. It'll be an interesting summer.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47395/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Levante UD 0 – 0 Elche CF
Elche CF closed out their, at times, turbulent season with a goal-less draw from their dead rubber with near(ish) Valencia neighbours Levante. 
The fact the match kicked-off two hours before the rest of the games on th...

### CD TORREVIEJA SEASON 14/15 ROUNDUP

The season started off well enough, unbeaten for the first 4 matches, then a perfect 4 out of 4 victories in October.  
When Torry recorded a superb 4-2 conquest over Muro in mid January, they deservedly reached the dizzy heights of 2nd place, but a disastrous run of 5 straight defeats, then 2 draws, signalled the end of manager Galiana's short lived reign. 
Enter Pedreno, and what an amazing initiation it was.  A 6 match unbeaten run, commenced with a superb 6-1 thrashing of Acero, as the fans were treated to positive attacking football, the likes of which had been sadly lacking for some while.  Although a defeat at Novelda proved near fatal regarding their slender play off aspirations, a 3 match unbeaten run, resulted in a final league div 3 position of 10th.
So, what went wrong?  After promising so much, Galiana appeared to have lost the support of the players, who were constantly asked to apply negative tactics, whilst hardly adhering himself to the fans.  Pedreno lifted the shackles, allowing players to express themselves, restoring a smile, which sadly had been missing for too long. 
Unfortunately, goals were in short supply.  Apart from top scorer Rafa (10), and Cesar (9), the next highest scorer was shared amongst 5 players, who scored 3 goals each.  Even though Spanish referees at this level are infamous at lacking common sense, regarding when and when not to caution or send off a player, discipline was undoubtedly very poor.  Key players missed a whopping 22 matches through suspension, as Jorge headed the list with 5. 
A total of 33 players were named on team sheets, although only 22 actually played, in a season when an unchanged side became a rarity.  Having said that, a number of cruel injuries put paid to any form of continuity, none more so than promising youngsters Sergi and Ruben, plus Martin, who was missing for a large chunk of matches. 
Pedreno is already arranging pre season friendlies, including a provisional one on 23 or 24 July against Hull City, whilst they are taking a summer training break at Campoamor.  Hopefully, season 15/16 will see him lead his side to a play off place, whilst continuing to entertain the fans with imaginative attacking football.
End of season player awards went to the following:
           Young player of the year - Ruben
           Most improved player - Adrian
           Golden Boot - Rafa
           Val Lancaster Trophy - Vicente
           Players player of the year - Rafa
           Player of the year - OscarFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47394/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The season started off well enough, unbeaten for the first 4 matches, then a perfect 4 out of 4 victories in October.  
When Torry recorded a superb 4-2 conquest over Muro in mid January, they deservedly reached the dizzy heights of 2nd place, but a d...

### PERFECT TENPIN GAME BOWLED IN TORREVIEJA

63-year-old tenpin bowler Antonio Bermudez of Elche has achieved only the second 300 game ever bowled in sanctioned competition in Torrevieja.  
‘Every bowler's dream come true' happened for him on Ozone Bowling's lanes 13 and 14 during the EBT League on 14 May. 
The club awarded him a framed certificate and had him sign a special commemorative bowling pin, now on show in the bowling centre. 
More than two years passed from the first sanctioned perfect game, which was rolled in January 2013 by Olli Leppänen.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47393/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: 63-year-old tenpin bowler Antonio Bermudez of Elche has achieved only the second 300 game ever bowled in sanctioned competition in Torrevieja.  
‘Every bowler's dream come true' happened for him on Ozone Bowling's lanes 13 and 14 during the EBT ...

### QUESADA BOWLS CLUB - SPONSORED BY SPANISH LIFE PROPERTIES

The Spanish Nationals are reaching their conclusion & leagues will start again next week. More names are needed on the sheets for the Premier 20 league & for the Greenlands friendlies. There are still no names of the sheet for the Social Committee, so come on do your part.
Quesada has been treated to some amazing bowling and our own entrants have done us proud.  Pete Bonsor took the Mens Singles title with Jason Prokopowycz in 2nd place. Jason teamed up with Derek Sale to become Pairs Champions. 
John Muldoon, Bill Pain & Pete Bonsor were 2nd in the Mens Triples & together with William Holtham they became Rinks Champions. In the Ladies events Mel Highland & Jacqui Johnston just beat fellow club mates Peta Rhodes & Lisa Bonsor in the Ladies Pairs. In the triples Peta Rhodes Jacqui Johnston & Lisa Bonsor took the title.
Marianne Holtham joined the 3 to take the Rinks title over fellow Quesada ladies Norma Lamberton, Eve Blythe, Carol Broomfield & Diane Riley.  In all 6 of the 8 titles went to Quesada players plus 4 of the losing finalists.
On a personal note I would like to thank Margaret Smith, Joe & Diane Riley for setting up the green in the morning & for clearing away in the evening. Thanks also go to the members who volunteered to mark the singles matches and we were able to provide markers for every singles match up to & including the semi-finals without the need for losing players to mark.
George Radmore, George Carnell, Joe Riley, Diane Riley, Mark France, Peter Bradbury, Peter Farrell, Margaret Smith, Colin Highland, Jack Martin, Deidre Leeming, Veronica Sale & not forgetting Sheila Cox from Vistabella who also helped out. The 13 managed to mark a total of 58 matches – no mean achievement.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47389/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Spanish Nationals are reaching their conclusion & leagues will start again next week. More names are needed on the sheets for the Premier 20 league & for the Greenlands friendlies. There are still no names of the sheet for the Social Commit...

### NEW PRESIDENT FOR RBL SPAIN NORTH

The Royal British Legion in District North Spain is delighted to announce the inauguration of Lloyd Milen, British Vice Consul in Alicante as their new President. 
The ceremony took place at Cuidad Patricia, Benidorm recently when Lloyd was presented with his “Chain of Office” and Legion badge. 
Lloyd said he was looking forward to his new role.  The British Consulate already works closely with the Legion dealing with those British nationals who may need Legion help and support.
Nigel Hails, District Chairman, remarked he was pleased to be working more closely with Lloyd in the future.
The District area covered by our Welfare Co-ordinator, runs from the French border to Baza in Granada Province and anyone wanting information should ring 676 451 780 (weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) For general information, please ring 648 860 251 (weekdays) or visit our website:
www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/spain-north. Information on the location of our 18 Branches can also be found on the website.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47388/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Royal British Legion in District North Spain is delighted to announce the inauguration of Lloyd Milen, British Vice Consul in Alicante as their new President. 
The ceremony took place at Cuidad Patricia, Benidorm recently when Lloyd was presented ...

### LOCAL ARTIST INSPIRED BY TORREVIEJA SWIMMER

Local artist Julia Everett-Wragg was so inspired by an action shot of Torrevieja swimmer Zoe Connelly that she decided to commit the image to a painting. She described the photo as ‘an inspiration' and it was not too long before she set about committing it to canvas.
“I could see the effort required by Zoe in the butterfly stroke and I just had to capture the sheer determination on her face as she pulled herself through the water,” said Juevra, “so just a few weeks ago I set about my task, with the hopeful intention of perhaps, one day, actually meeting Zoe and presenting her with the picture, but I never realised that it would happen quite so quickly.”
Just last week, with the painting now complete, Juevra made contact with the Leader in the hope that they could help her to meet up with Zoe with the intention of presenting the finished work to the young swimmer. The email was passed to Zoe's mother who responded the very next day.
“Zoe was absolutely delighted,” said Vicki, who incidentally was responsible for taking the initial photograph. “I showed the email to Zoe and she was so excited. She would love to accept the painting and be really pleased to meet with the artist.”
And so, within just a couple of days, arrangements were made for a meeting at Torrevieja Swimming Pool, the home of Zoe's parent club, Club Natacion Torrevieja.
The pair met last Tuesday evening, along with mother Vicki, when the presentation was made. Vicki was quite obviously delighted as indeed was the artist Juevra. “I was so pleased to see the show of genuine appreciation from Zoe, it was such a thrill to hand over the painting to her.”
Juevra explained that she only took up painting fairly recently whilst on a cruise that offered 12 free art classes on sea days. Before the end of the cruise she had painted 5 watercolour pictures which were exhibited on the final day. She then joined the U3A painting course on her return to Torrevieja.
Now having changed to acrylic, Juevra only paints images that inspire her, recent works including a Spanish flamenco dancer, a Spanish friend's children, a portrait of her husband, a landscape in Peniscola and of course an action painting of 13 year old Zoe.
Later that evening the painting was shown to all the club swimmers, many now wanting a painting of their own.
But with it now safely hanging in ‘pride of place' on her bedroom wall Zoe will get back to the real business of competing and with her eyes firmly set on the Spanish National Summer Championships to be held later the year in Barcelona, for which she has already qualified, this young Torrevieja swimmer might be equally inspired every time she looks up at the painting hanging above her head.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47387/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Local artist Julia Everett-Wragg was so inspired by an action shot of Torrevieja swimmer Zoe Connelly that she decided to commit the image to a painting. She described the photo as ‘an inspiration' and it was not too long before she set about com...

### MINISTER GIVES AGREEMENT TO AIRPORT CLOSURE

Ana Pastor, the Minister of Development, said last week that agreement has now been reached with operator AENA for the closure of San Javier Airport. 
She said that the operator had accepted the draft submitted to them by the Autonomous Community outlining the stepts that will effect closure of the popular airport.
However she also stated that "It still depends on legal services, but for my part, everything is OK."  The statement was made during the Minister's visit to Cartagena where she was meeting with City officials to discuss the progress of the AVE High Speed Train.
She said that the agreement provides for a period of six months between the opening of Corvera Airport and the closure of San Javier, as well as agreement to, and payment of, the compensation to Aena for the investments they have made in San Javier.
On the subject of the AVE the Minister said that it would arrive in Cartagena toward the end of next year, emphasizing that there is still a great deal of work to be carried out before the high speed network can connect the city with Madrid.
 The new network will shorten the route between Cartagena and the capital by half hour, with a maximum travel time of 3.05 hours. It will also allow connection to the Mediterranean Corridor.
Spain is the second most advanced country in the world and the first in Europe in High Speed and it has the most modern and technologically advanced fleet of trains on the continent.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47386/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Ana Pastor, the Minister of Development, said last week that agreement has now been reached with operator AENA for the closure of San Javier Airport. 
She said that the operator had accepted the draft submitted to them by the Autonomous Community outlining the stepts that will effect closure of the popular airport.
However she also stated that "It still depends on legal services, but for my part, everything is OK."  The statement was made during the Minister's visit to Cartagena where she was meeting with City officials to discuss the progress of the AVE High Speed Train.
She said that the agreement provides for a period of six months between the opening of Corvera Airport and the closure of San Javier, as well as agreement to, and payment of, the compensation to Aena for the investments they have made in San Javier.
On the subject of the AVE the Minister said that it would arrive in Cartagena toward the end of next year, emphasizing that there is still a great deal of work to be carried out before the high speed network can connect the city with Madrid.
 The new network will shorten the route between Cartagena and the capital by half hour, with a maximum travel time of 3.05 hours. It will also allow connection to the Mediterranean Corridor.
Spain is the second most advanced country in the world and the first in Europe in High Speed and it has the most modern and technologically advanced fleet of trains on the continent.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47386/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### OPEN WIDE!

I received an invitation to visit the dentist today. Nothing unusual in that maybe, since I seem to have had a rapid succession of appointments with the dentist since that unfortunate incident with a peanut and excessive turbulence on an internal flight in the Canary Islands last summer. 
No, this dental appointment is different; it is an invitation to attend a celebration of ten years of the dental practice opening, which fortunately coincided with our arrival in Gran Canaria.
At that time I remember tentatively calling into a newly opened surgery in our nearest town to get some details of the dental care that was available. The surgery appeared to be brimming with the latest technology and what seemed to be high tech equipment that was far removed from the small, quaint practice that I usually attended in the UK.
I remember being impressed not only with the equipment, but a more sensible regime for appointments, routine cleaning, as well as a clear pricing structure. Indeed, the fees seemed to be about half of those that I paid in the UK.
Some years ago, I remember many friends and relatives in the UK commenting that they now had a Spanish dentist, working both in private practice, as well as filling the many gaps in the NHS dental service. Even though I was pleased for UK patients, I began to wonder if this would lead to a shortage of dentists in Spain and the Canary Islands, which did seem to be a possibility.
Due to changes in the fee structure for dentists in the UK, many dentists were leaving the National Health Service, and provided care for private patients only. This shortage of dentists tempted many newly qualified, as well as established, Spanish dentists to leave Spain in order to fill the acute gaps within the UK's dental service.
This began to cause a problem for Spain's own dental service, resulting in shortages of qualified dentists. This situation coincided with an excess of dentists being trained in South America, and particularly in Argentina, which had rapidly expanded its dental training programme, as well as developing new dental techniques such as dental implants, resulting in far too many dentists for the country to absorb. This was fortunate, because many newly trained dentists left South America and headed to Spain and the Canary Islands to work in established surgeries, as well as opening their own.
My own dentist is also from Argentina and until recently was one of the few dental surgeons in Spain who was sufficiently qualified to deal with dental implants. When I first knew him, he used to work for two days each week in Madrid and three days in Gran Canaria until his own practice became sufficiently well established. 
Since that time, the dental surgery has grown and rapidly expanded, resulting in much larger premises, as well as a new sister surgery opening in Las Palmas.  The care that we have received has been second to none, and I am grateful that I stumbled across a good dentist during those first heady days of our new life in Gran Canaria. Now that is something to celebrate and it will be so good to visit my dentist for celebratory drinks and nibbles instead of a new crown or a filling!
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle.  iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47385/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: I received an invitation to visit the dentist today. Nothing unusual in that maybe, since I seem to have had a rapid succession of appointments with the dentist since that unfortunate incident with a peanut and excessive turbulence on an internal fligh...

### GROUP CALLS FOR CLOSURE OF LANDFILL SITE

Local campaign group, Vertivega, are calling for the closure of the Abanilla Proambiente landfill because of the illegal actions that are allegedly being carried out by staff employed at the site. They say that waste is being dumped in areas that have not been authorized for such use.
The group says that they warned of the illegal activities to Seprona, the environmental agency of the Guardia Civil, saying that the site authorities were landfilling in areas where they were not authorized to do so.
Their allegations were based on three reports that had been drawn up by Seprona in March following inspections made on the site, since which time the illegal dumping has been taking place. 
Vertivega say that there has been a breach of the court order issued on July 19, 2012 and they call for an immediate cessation of all activity on the premises of the landfill whilst SEPRONA Carry out a full investigation.
Vertivega is an action group that was born three years ago from the indignation of citizens, associations and other organizations following suspicions of illegal activities carried out in the area of waste management which they say could  have disastrous consequences for health, the economy and the environment of the Vega Baja del Segura.
You can follow their activities on their Facebook site by simply typing in VertivegaFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47384/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Local campaign group, Vertivega, are calling for the closure of the Abanilla Proambiente landfill because of the illegal actions that are allegedly being carried out by staff employed at the site. They say that waste is being dumped in areas that have ...

### BUMPER MONTH FOR LOW COST AIRLINES

According to data released last week, Low Cost airlines carried 1.2 million passengers through Alicante Airport in the first four months of the year, representing an increase of 7.5% over the same period last year, and also representing 14.3% of the National total, 
In all they transported 8.6 million passengers, up 11.7% on the year. In contrast, traditional companies moved 9.5 million travelers to April, showing an increase of 1.1% over the same period of 2014.
In April alone the airlines increased their passengers by 6.4% to over three million, 52.5% of the total air traffic for that month, which had itself risen by 2.7% to 5.8 million passengers.
By markets, in April, the UK and Italy led the way accounting for 33.2% and 12.9% respectively of all passengers who chose to travel by air achieving growth of 6.9% for the British market (2.8 million passengers), and 20.2% for the Italian market (1.1 million passengers).
Germany, the third largest traveller, increased their portion by 13.6% to 993 185, equivalent to 11.5% of the total number. They were followed by France, with 8.9% of the total achieving 764 537 passengers, 19.9% more than a year ago.
Of the airlines themselves, Ryanair, E asyJet and Vueling, achieved 71% of the passenger volume generated in  the low cost segment and 37% of the total in international air travel who arrived in Spain.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47383/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: According to data released last week, Low Cost airlines carried 1.2 million passengers through Alicante Airport in the first four months of the year, representing an increase of 7.5% over the same period last year, and also representing 14.3% of the Na...

### VICE CONSUL ON PARADE IN THE ORIHUELA COSTA

Lloyd Milen was the guest speaker at the May meeting of the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion held in Mil Palmeras last Thursday evening. Lloyd is, of course, the Vice Consul, at the British Consulate in Alicante. 
Rather fittingly, although the arrangement had been made some weeks ago, Lloyd had recently assumed the role of RBL (District North Spain) President and his visit to the Orihuela Costa was his first to a local branch since assuming the appointment.
However, his presentation to the members focused very much on the role played by the British Consulate in this part of Spain. He spoke of how the Consulate already works closely with the RBL, dealing with those British nationals in need of Legion help and support.
He also spoke of his contact within the much wider Spanish Community and how he is continually meeting with Mayors, Councillors and Officials in an effort to promote the integration in Spain of the 160,000 British Nationals registered on local padron's.
He refused to be drawn on questions relating to the forthcoming referendum on EU Membership, and what might happen should the UK pull out, saying that it really was uncharted territory, but he confirmed that governmental policy was very much that the country remains within the Union, albeit on rather different terms.
Following his lecture Branch Chairman Keith Carter thanked Lloyd for attending the meeting and concluded by presenting the new President with a Branch Certificate of Appreciation.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47382/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Lloyd Milen was the guest speaker at the May meeting of the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion held in Mil Palmeras last Thursday evening. Lloyd is, of course, the Vice Consul, at the British Consulate in Alicante. 
Rather fittingly, al...

### III ORIHUELA BEACH TRIATHLON

Last Sunday saw the Third Orihuela Beach Triathlon held on Campoamor Beach. The event was organized by the Tragamillas Athletics Club and sponsored by Orihuela Sports and Costal Departments as well as the International Residents of Orihuela.
The contest comprised of a 750 metre Mediterranean swim and a 20 km bike race which was followed by a 5km road race. Each of the activities was carried out in the Campoamor area enabling the maximum participation of the many spectators.
In all there were 210 triathletes taking part, including a number from the National High Performance Centre Infanta Cristina in Los Narejos.
Two of them, Placido Domingo Venegas and Juan Ruben Viera, were neck and neck throughout and the pair had built up a healthy lead by the time they got into the 5km road race. However it was Placido Venegas that finished the stronger hold off his teammate over the final sprint and taking first place in the event overall.
In the women's event, despite trailing after the swim, Marina Lopez, made up the distance in the bike race, overtaking all of her rivals and building up a healthy lead by the time she donned her running shoes. Marina then went on to achieve a comfortable victory.
The men's race was won by Placido Domingo Venegas of  CT. Diablillos de Rivas,. He was followed by Juan Ruben Viera of Cidade de Lugo Fluvial and in third was Mateo Pesquer of Mandarache Cartagena.
In the female category the winner was Marina Martinez of CT. Tragamillas-Ciclos Vicea-Mercaluz, followed by Eliana Sotelo CT. Laboratorios Sys and in third place Andrea Jimenez CT. Diablillos de Rivas.
Victory in the team classification in both the men's and the women's race went to the hosts, CT. Tragamillas-Ciclos Vicea-Mercaluz
The trophies were presented to the winners by Cllr for Sport Luis Galiano, Cllr for the Coast, Martina Scheurer, and representatives of the local police, the Valencian Triathlon Federation and Francisco Belmonte, President of Club Tragamillas.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47381/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Last Sunday saw the Third Orihuela Beach Triathlon held on Campoamor Beach. The event was organized by the Tragamillas Athletics Club and sponsored by Orihuela Sports and Costal Departments as well as the International Residents of Orihuela.
The conte...

### RECORD INVESTMENT BY VOLKSWAGEN GROUP

On the occasion of the inauguration of the Barcelona International Motor Show prime Minister Mariano Rajoy announced that the Volkswagen Group will invest 4.2 billion euros in the country, "probably the largest industrial investment ever made in Spain".
At a lunch with executives from leading car manufacturers on the occasion of the 38th Barcelona International Motor Show, the President of the Government highlighted the contribution made by this sector to the Spanish economy.
Spain is the leading European manufacturer of industrial vehicles, the second-leading manufacturer of passenger vehicles in the European Union and the ninth worldwide.
Mariano Rajoy added that the sector is a "prime indicator" of the strength of the economy and is presently showing "the sustained reactivation of our entire industrial sector, and hence of the national economy as a whole".
The President of the Government pointed out that in the first quarter of the year, the production of vehicles exceeded 714,000 units - 15.5% up on last year - and exports have grown by 12.3%. Moreover, car registrations have now recorded eight straight quarters of growth.
Rajoy underlined that these positive figures translate into the creation of quality jobs - "the main national goal" - and in the last 12 months, unemployment has fallen in the industrial sector by some 45,700 people, the number of people in work has increased by 142,500, and that almost 10% of the fall in unemployment in the month of April came from the industrial sector.
He thanked the representatives from the automobile sector for having supported the Spanish economy during the crisis through their investments, "when very few people were committing to us".
The PM then announced that the Volkswagen Group, whose Global Vice-President met with him at Moncloa Palace on Thursday, will invest 4.2 billion euros in our country, "probably the largest industrial investment ever made in Spain".
This investment will be made between now and 2019 and will be allocated to equipment, facilities and R&D at the SEAT factories in Martorell (Barcelona) and the Volkswagen factories in Navarre.
"This ambitious project not only guarantees the future of these globally cutting-edge factories, but it also represents an unprecedented endorsement of the leadership of the Spanish automotive-supply industry, where this investment will have a major impact in terms of both activity and employment", he pointed out.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47380/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: On the occasion of the inauguration of the Barcelona International Motor Show prime Minister Mariano Rajoy announced that the Volkswagen Group will invest 4.2 billion euros in the country, "probably the largest industrial investment ever made in Spain".
At a lunch with executives from leading car manufacturers on the occasion of the 38th Barcelona International Motor Show, the President of the Government highlighted the contribution made by this sector to the Spanish economy.
Spain is the leading European manufacturer of industrial vehicles, the second-leading manufacturer of passenger vehicles in the European Union and the ninth worldwide.
Mariano Rajoy added that the sector is a "prime indicator" of the strength of the economy and is presently showing "the sustained reactivation of our entire industrial sector, and hence of the national economy as a whole".
The President of the Government pointed out that in the first quarter of the year, the production of vehicles exceeded 714,000 units - 15.5% up on last year - and exports have grown by 12.3%. Moreover, car registrations have now recorded eight straight quarters of growth.
Rajoy underlined that these positive figures translate into the creation of quality jobs - "the main national goal" - and in the last 12 months, unemployment has fallen in the industrial sector by some 45,700 people, the number of people in work has increased by 142,500, and that almost 10% of the fall in unemployment in the month of April came from the industrial sector.
He thanked the representatives from the automobile sector for having supported the Spanish economy during the crisis through their investments, "when very few people were committing to us".
The PM then announced that the Volkswagen Group, whose Global Vice-President met with him at Moncloa Palace on Thursday, will invest 4.2 billion euros in our country, "probably the largest industrial investment ever made in Spain".
This investment will be made between now and 2019 and will be allocated to equipment, facilities and R&D at the SEAT factories in Martorell (Barcelona) and the Volkswagen factories in Navarre.
"This ambitious project not only guarantees the future of these globally cutting-edge factories, but it also represents an unprecedented endorsement of the leadership of the Spanish automotive-supply industry, where this investment will have a major impact in terms of both activity and employment", he pointed out.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47380/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### JB BRASS BAND APPOINT NEW MD

JB Brass Band are delighted to announce the appointment of a new Musical Director. Mr Brian Webber FLCM, LRAM is an accomplished Conductor and Professional Violinist. 
He studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London with Sir Yehudi Menuhin. Brian worked as a Teacher of Violin in the UK for 20 years before moving to Spain. Since moving here in 1994 he has continued to play and teach both at the Conservatoire in Murcia and as Principal Conductor with the Cartagena Chamber Orchestra, a post he retained until his recent retirement.
The Band and Brian have been working together for the past month. 'This has been a new partnership for both JB and Brian and the musical diversity is proving to be a perfect combination' said Chairman Ian Gibson. 'Rehearsals have been both enjoyable and challenging for everyone and I hope that our audiences will notice a new confidence within our players.'
With a regular 20 members at rehearsal the Band always welcomes new or visiting players at rehearsals every Wednesday at 4.30pm. Further details of rehearsals and concerts can be found on the Band's web page www.justbrass.org or JB Brass Band Supporters on Facebook.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47375/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: JB Brass Band are delighted to announce the appointment of a new Musical Director. Mr Brian Webber FLCM, LRAM is an accomplished Conductor and Professional Violinist. 
He studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London with Sir Yehudi Menuhin. Brian w...

### LA MARINA BOWLS CLUB - PHIL MORRIS TRIBUTE

By Bobbie Sims
On Saturday 16th May La Marina members were together to play our annual memorial game for our late president and friend, Phil Morris.
Phil was our Hon President from 2001-2013, and his wife Joan has dedicated a trophy in his memory which we enjoy playing for each year, on a sunny morning we were together with fun and memories of a man who was highly thought of for all he did for our club over his many years with us.
Although there were some trips and some rinks, our runners up this year were Angie Butler, George Furzer, Jimmy Freeman and Bill Jones and winners were Roger Stacey, John Rae and Barry Sadler,  as usual a great time was had by all.
A big thank you goes to Louisa, the owner of our club who provided a splendid buffet after tha game
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47374/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: By Bobbie Sims
On Saturday 16th May La Marina members were together to play our annual memorial game for our late president and friend, Phil Morris.
Phil was our Hon President from 2001-2013, and his wife Joan has dedicated a trophy in his memory whi...

### TORREVIEJA DARTS LADIES ORGANISATION - 12th ANNUAL PRESENTATION DINNER

The Ladies of the League gathered at The Sports Bar's Function room in Play Flamenca, Orihuela Costa for their Annual Presentation Dinner.
The Presentation commenced with special gifts for Jose Colettas Hernandez, Paco gonzalez diaz and Geoff Lloyd, along with flowers for their wives and Ann McGivern & Ann Bartlett, in recognition of their services to the League.  This was followed by the presentation of Flowers to the Captains, in recognition of the work they also do for the League.
This was followed by the New Player awards:  League Badges for Ellie Kearns, 100+ Certificates for Val Millar, Sam Billingham, Mimi Ruiz Serrano, Norma Bennett and Sheila Lewis.  Certificates and badges for Groa Ingradottir, Ana Clavijo, Sheerin Mohammed, Carol Hurlby, Sheelah Cooper, Karen Christopher,
Vi Turner, Mags Bergan, Tracey Simpson, Gail Todd, Simone de Lacy, Bliss Wright, Elaine Willis, Cynthia Jevons and Gail Murray.
Other Awards;180 to Irene Russell, 171's Elaine Willis and High Ton (151+) Shirley Stephenson.  Bull Finish for Kim Fickle Pamela Taylor, Cynthia Jevons, and Margaret Morris.  The Highest Checkout went to Cynthia Jevons..
A new award for achieving 140 went to Mags Bergan, Cynthia Jevons, Sue Casey, Chris Greenwood, Ann Wharton. Ana Clavijo, Bliss Wright, Yvonne McIntosh, Irene Russell, Lin Cousins, Karen Christopher, Margaret Boden, Pam Horton and Joy Don.
The Most Improved Player on the Team:  for Friendly's Temps was Margaret Morris, Dave's Babes was Ann McGivern , El Balcon Chicas was Shirley Ward and Wildcats was Martelle Cheater.  The Most Improved Player Overall was Christine Simmonds.
The Most 100+ on the Team:  Black Dog Ladies was Caroline Shepherd, Friendly's Temps – Ann Wharton, Dave's Babes - Ann McGivern,  Gogarty's Gals – Simone de Lacy, the Primadonnas – Ana Clavijo and the Wildcats – Pam Horton.  The Most100+ Overall was Jane Costello.
The Most Games Won on the Team:  for the Black Dog Ladies was Caroline Shepherd, and Friendly's Temps -  Ann Wharton, Dave's Babes – Joy Don, El Balcon Chicas – Jane Costello.  Gogarty's Gals – Simone de Lacy and Primadonnas – Groa Ingradottir.  The Most Games won Overall – Pam Horton.
The Player of the Year is Jane Costello.
Ladies Pairs: Champions: Shirley Stephenson & Sue Casey, Runners-up: Groa Ingradottir  & Jackie Tomkinson.  Joint Third:  Gail Todd & Cynthia Jevons and June Howarth & Kath Walker.
 
Ladies Singles: Champion: Cynthia Jevons, Runner Up Shirley Stephenson, Joint 3rd Christine Simmonds and Maz Jackson - 5th to 7th Elaine Willis, Sam Billingham, Shirley Ward and Chris Greenwood.
The Players Team of the Year went to the Black Dog Ladies.
The Geoff Lloyd Knockout Shield Champions Gogarty's Gals, and Runners-Up Dave's Babes.
The Founder's Shield Champions: Gogarty's Girls, Runners-Up: El Balcon Chicas and 3rd Place The Wildcats.  The Wooden Spoon went to the BlackDog Ladies.
League Champions El Balcon Chicas, Runners-Up Gogarty's Gals, 3rd Place Primadonnas and the Wooden Spoon went to Friendly's Temps.
New Season 2015 - 2016
New teams need to get their Registration Form with photos and their Venue Form completed, along with the Fee by the 31st August 2015.  Existing Teams have until the 5th September 2015 to complete their renewals. 
Prospective New Teams
Bars interested in having a Ladies Team, should contact the coordinator (below) as soon as possible for information.  Any Ladies interested in playing Ladies Darts, or joining a team for the night out, you might even run the raffle or collect subs; please give me a ring (or email) and I will put you in touch with your nearest Team.
2015 A.G.M.
Tomorrow, Tuesday 26th May the A.G.M. will be held at El Balcon, in Los Balconies at the round up time of 20.00 hours for 20.30 start.  Please do your best to attend this important meeting.  Thank you.
Once again, well done to everyone this season, keep up the good work, and we look forward to seeing everyone again soon.
PAM HORTON - Emails: Dartess501@gmail.com
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47373/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Ladies of the League gathered at The Sports Bar's Function room in Play Flamenca, Orihuela Costa for their Annual Presentation Dinner.
The Presentation commenced with special gifts for Jose Colettas Hernandez, Paco gonzalez diaz and Geoff Lloyd, a...

### SPANISH MINEX 2015 OFF LOCAL COAST

Six European countries are taking part in a mine countermeasures exercise Spanish Minex 2015.
The exercise, which got underway on 18th May will last until today, Monday 28th. 
A total of nine vessels, four aircraft and about 500 sailors are taking part in these operations off the coast in the stetch of water from Guardamar to La Manga.
Spanish Minex, organized annually by the Spanish Navy, has the aim to implement common procedures for the defense of ports and anchorages against naval mines.
Spain, Germany, France, Turkey, Italy and Portugal are the participants.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47370/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Six European countries are taking part in a mine countermeasures exercise Spanish Minex 2015.
The exercise, which got underway on 18th May will last until today, Monday 28th. 
A total of nine vessels, four aircraft and about 500 sailors are taking pa...

### TWO INJURED IN MOTORWAY CRASH

Two people were injured on Tuesday evening in a collision between two cars and a truck on the A-7 motorway.
The incident occurred at around 19:10 in the Murcia region as the vehicles were heading in the Alicante direction.
The emergency services received four calls reporting the crash and dispatched the Guardia Civil traffic department, fire service and medical units from both Murcia and Molina de Segura.
Upon arriving at the scene the rescuers found two people unconscious, one of whom was trapped in the truck. They were taken to hospital for treatment.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47368/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Two people were injured on Tuesday evening in a collision between two cars and a truck on the A-7 motorway.
The incident occurred at around 19:10 in the Murcia region as the vehicles were heading in the Alicante direction.
The emergency services rece...

### SUBSIDY HELP FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLE OWNERS

The Director General of Industry, Small and Medium Enterprises in the Ministry of Industry, Víctor Audera, announced this week that the government is to renew its commitment to greener motoring, through the launch of the fifth version of the Plan PIMA Aire, aimed at encouraging the purchase of environmentally friendly commercial vehicles.
The announcement was made during the most recent motor industry and manufacturers conference at the Barcelona Motor Show.
Although he was unable to reveal details of the latest plan, Audera indicated that the idea behind Plan PIMA Aire 5 is to be “friendlier to the environment”, a motion echoed by the Director General of Quality and Environmental Assessment and Natural Environment in the Ministry of Environment, Guillermina Yanguas.
During the last such subsidy plan, which started in December last year, 9.6 million euro in funding was provided to encourage the purchase of eco-friendly commercial vehicles, as well as pedal-assist bicycles.
The plan for renewing commercial vehicles operate similar to the Plan PIVE which offers subsidy to owners of older private cars.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47367/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Director General of Industry, Small and Medium Enterprises in the Ministry of Industry, Víctor Audera, announced this week that the government is to renew its commitment to greener motoring, through the launch of the fifth version of the Pla...

### NEW APP FOR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Driving a vehicle of fourteen years of age or older, triples the risk of being involved in an incident compared to a new vehicle, according to information provided by Conforauto Hankook Masters.
The announcement was made on Monday during the presentation of their new virtual maintenance application, “Libro de Mantenimiento Virtual”, which also shows how the cost of maintenance increases with age.
The company says that they attend 4.4 million roadside assistance incidents each year due to mechanical problems. They also say that a staggering 70% of drivers ignore the time when tyres should be changed, 62% never carry out maintenance on suspension, 52% never check the battery, and 47% never check their brakes or oil level.
The new application, which is free to download, offers helpful advice and schedules for maintenance, as well as pointing you in the direction of your nearest Conforauto Hankook Masters workshop.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47366/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Driving a vehicle of fourteen years of age or older, triples the risk of being involved in an incident compared to a new vehicle, according to information provided by Conforauto Hankook Masters.
The announcement was made on Monday during the presentat...

### BIRDS RAISE THEIR BROOD BENEATH 4×4’S BONNET

There's a new kind of twitter buzz about the Land Cruiser since a pair of robins picked Toyota's mighty 4×4 as the perfect place to raise their young. The bold birds built their nest in the engine compartment of the car and travelled more than 250 miles before they were discovered.
Dave Merchant, from Henley in Somerset, only found the stowaways when he went to check the oil in his Land Cruiser Amazon. The mother bird had been sitting on a clutch of eggs that successfully produced five chicks that are now well on the way to fledging.
Dave said: “The fact that I was driving the Land Cruiser around while the robins were nesting and that the birds hatched successfully shows what a good car this is. As soon as I saw the chicks I of course stopped driving the car and I won't use it again until they have flown the nest.”
Dave is a great advocate for Land Cruiser performance and reliability – and now it merits as probably the world's biggest bird box. He has covered more than 80,000 miles in his vehicle since acquiring it in 2008 and has also chosen a Land Cruiser for his son.
Robins are renowned for their fearlessness, territorial behaviour and their sometimes strange nesting choices. Although unusual, this is not the first Toyota to house a bird's nest: last year a local newspaper in Victoria, Australia, reported on a birds nest in the engine compartment of a RAV4.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47362/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: There's a new kind of twitter buzz about the Land Cruiser since a pair of robins picked Toyota's mighty 4×4 as the perfect place to raise their young. The bold birds built their nest in the engine compartment of the car and travelled more than 25...

### PERFECT GAME BOWLED IN TORREVIEJA

63-year-old tenpin bowler Antonio Bermudez of Elche has achieved only the second 300 game ever bowled in sanctioned competition in Torrevieja. 
‘Every bowler's dream come true' happened for him on Ozone Bowling's lanes 13 and 14 during the EBT League on 14 May. 
The club awarded him a framed certificate and had him sign a special commemorative bowling pin, now on show in the bowling centre. 
More than two years passed from the first sanctioned perfect game, which was rolled in January 2013 by Olli Leppänen.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47359/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: 63-year-old tenpin bowler Antonio Bermudez of Elche has achieved only the second 300 game ever bowled in sanctioned competition in Torrevieja. 
‘Every bowler's dream come true' happened for him on Ozone Bowling's lanes 13 and 14 during the EBT L...

### WORLD RANKINGS FOR U3A DENIA CHESS PLAYERS

Two members of U3A Denia, Robert Simpson and Graeme Campbell, have both achieved one of their ‘Bucket List' challenges  – to have FIDE, the worldwide International Chess Federation, assess and rate their playing abilities and to rank them accordingly.
This three year process has required them to play over seventy games within official FIDE chess tournaments throughout Valencia Region, including an International one involving players from several European countries. 
Each match has needed three hours of the utmost concentration against already rated players of varying ages and abilities, in order to be assessed for their own ratings.  During those matches there were several highs when playing against fellow veterans.  The lows came when playing against very highly ranked players, still at primary school! 
The good news came through at the beginning of May, with Robert ranked as the number 106,994th best player in the World, Graeme ranked as number 106,604.  “A bit like my schools reports – opportunities for improvement!” 
Graeme was heard to say over a glass of celebratory bubbles.  “However the whole process has been very uplifting and makes one realise that, despite advancing years, it is still possible to make new challenges happen”.
For further information, please email Graeme   -  chess@u3adenia.org
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47357/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Two members of U3A Denia, Robert Simpson and Graeme Campbell, have both achieved one of their ‘Bucket List' challenges  – to have FIDE, the worldwide International Chess Federation, assess and rate their playing abilities and to rank them a...

### HIDDEN VEHICLE HISTORY – BUYING ADVICE

In the UK, a warning has been issued by vehicle history check experts HPI, about the hidden administrative risks when buying a used car.
The latest survey reveals that a staggering 42% of used car buyers don't know who legally owns a car that has finance owing on it. The truth is that a vehicle with outstanding finance belongs to the finance house, which has the legal right to repossess that vehicle at anytime, without warning; 1 in 4 cars checked by HPI are subject to outstanding finance.
Nearly a quarter of those surveyed (23%) assumed the car belongs to the person named on the vehicle's Log Book, highlighting the extent of misconception amongst consumers.  
The good news for consumers buying from a dealer is, that if they later discover the vehicle is on finance and repossessed, they will be protected by Innocent Purchaser Protection (IPP) and will be able to get back their money and buy another car.
HPI recommends that you always conduct a vehicle history check BEFORE you buy, it will tell you if the car has outstanding finance against it and enables you to ensure that the finance agreement is concluded before you complete the purchase.
In Spain, similar checks can be conducted through the website of the traffic department, the DGT, via www.dgt.es.
On the front page of the website, under “Trámites y multas”, you will see a link that reads “Informe del Vehículo”. There are many other useful links too, all which are worthwhile looking into, but it is this “Vehicle report” that we are concentrating on here.
The vehicle registry in Spain is managed by the DGT, but the information contained in the database is available to members of the public who have a legitimate reason for requesting the data.
If you know the vehicle number plate or chassis number, you can find out such details as the vehicle Ownership, specifications, number of previous owners, administrative status and ITV expiration date.
Your identification by means of a digital certificate needs to be provided in order to obtain the information on record; this might prove a hurdle to none Spanish speakers, but on on-line translator such as Google can help with most of the content.
There is a small administration fee for obtaining the information, which can be paid for by credit or debit card. Although that fee is considerably lower than the financial risk of purchasing a car that has a dubious history, or has sanctions in place against it.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47355/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In the UK, a warning has been issued by vehicle history check experts HPI, about the hidden administrative risks when buying a used car.
The latest survey reveals that a staggering 42% of used car buyers don't know who legally owns a car that has fina...

### PENSIONERS AND SLIPPERY SLOPE

This is hard to belief that some politicians promote more the culture of death than the culture of life. They want to regulate through the death of the people as the beginning of life through the abortion as the final of it (law of the dignified death) through the euthanasia with the death of the elderly, pensioners and any other person.
Euthanasia promoters are usually support in extreme cases of dramatic character with a strong emotional burden. However, we must remember that the law can not be developed on extreme cases and should avoid the "Macedonian effect"; I mean make a general rule on the basis of some exceptional or marginal cases.
Besides ideological, ethical and legal debates, it is very important to begin from the experience, I mean from the reality what has happened in countries where assisted suicide (Oregon of the US and Holland) and euthanasia (Holland and Belgium) has already legalized.
What has happened and is happening in these countries? In the daily practice it is very difficult, if not impossible, to control assisted suicide and euthanasia with rules and controls established at the beginning.
The reality is that the so-called "slippery slope" is producing because of that euthanasia is spreading from the terminally ill to euthanasia for the chronically ill, from euthanasia for the physical sick to euthanasia for the psychiatric sick and from voluntary euthanasia to involuntary.
Although at the beginning we talk about the terminally sick, then it extends to the chronically sick. Many pensioners who currently suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, osteoarthritis or asthma may be preferred objects for applying them dignified death or euthanasia.
Because of the slippery slope, we have passed to contemplate physical illness to psychiatric illness. People suffering from Alzheimer, Parkinson or depression may be threatened by euthanasia or dignified death and die.
The experience in countries that have legalized euthanasia leads us to say that the slippery slope has led us from the voluntary euthanasia to the non-voluntary. It has been proved that up to 25% of euthanasia victims occur in people who had expressed their desire to live, rejecting the dignified death
Some politicians of these nations have expressed their desire to expand the law to minors and people who are unable to express their will.
So pensioners can not be quite in view of the threat that people take their life because of outlined reasons. What to do in view of this danger? I think that we can do two things: the first one is to decide to whom we are going to deny the vote in the next elections, and the second one is to ask God for help and to the saint that we are more devotion that this law could not be approved.
Arturo RamoroFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47350/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: This is hard to belief that some politicians promote more the culture of death than the culture of life. They want to regulate through the death of the people as the beginning of life through the abortion as the final of it (law of the dignified death) through the euthanasia with the death of the elderly, pensioners and any other person.
Euthanasia promoters are usually support in extreme cases of dramatic character with a strong emotional burden. However, we must remember that the law can not be developed on extreme cases and should avoid the "Macedonian effect"; I mean make a general rule on the basis of some exceptional or marginal cases.
Besides ideological, ethical and legal debates, it is very important to begin from the experience, I mean from the reality what has happened in countries where assisted suicide (Oregon of the US and Holland) and euthanasia (Holland and Belgium) has already legalized.
What has happened and is happening in these countries? In the daily practice it is very difficult, if not impossible, to control assisted suicide and euthanasia with rules and controls established at the beginning.
The reality is that the so-called "slippery slope" is producing because of that euthanasia is spreading from the terminally ill to euthanasia for the chronically ill, from euthanasia for the physical sick to euthanasia for the psychiatric sick and from voluntary euthanasia to involuntary.
Although at the beginning we talk about the terminally sick, then it extends to the chronically sick. Many pensioners who currently suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, osteoarthritis or asthma may be preferred objects for applying them dignified death or euthanasia.
Because of the slippery slope, we have passed to contemplate physical illness to psychiatric illness. People suffering from Alzheimer, Parkinson or depression may be threatened by euthanasia or dignified death and die.
The experience in countries that have legalized euthanasia leads us to say that the slippery slope has led us from the voluntary euthanasia to the non-voluntary. It has been proved that up to 25% of euthanasia victims occur in people who had expressed their desire to live, rejecting the dignified death
Some politicians of these nations have expressed their desire to expand the law to minors and people who are unable to express their will.
So pensioners can not be quite in view of the threat that people take their life because of outlined reasons. What to do in view of this danger? I think that we can do two things: the first one is to decide to whom we are going to deny the vote in the next elections, and the second one is to ask God for help and to the saint that we are more devotion that this law could not be approved.
Arturo RamoroFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47350/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### LADY LUCK IS RESIDENT IN GIBRALTAR!

The Grand Opening of Casino Sunborn, held on Saturday 16th May aboard the five star super yacht hotel, Sunborn Gibraltar, in Ocean Village proved to be a massive success and a night to remember for both guests and hosts.  
Guests were greeted with a glass of champagne and the opportunity to pose for a photo with the glam
orous showgirls taken by Marbella's very own top photographer, Johnny Gates, who snapped all the arrivals in true Oscars style on the red carpet. Sunborn Executive Director Hans Niemi along with Jukka Nikula from Paf received guests at the top of the gangway and warmly welcomed them to the evening's special event. VIP guests included Gibraltar's lovely Miss World, plus footballers David Bentley and Stephen Carr.  Gunilla Nordlund (wife of Åland Finance Minister) also had the pleasure in welcoming and registering the first guest as a member of the casino.
Guests gathered in Sunborn's Aurora ballroom to listen to some traditional Spanish guitar music whilst enjoying free flowing drinks and a sensational buffet provided by the Sunborn's five star chefs. Dinner was followed by brief speeches by Casino Manager Dominick Stenson, Sunborn Executive Director Hans Niemi and Åland Finance Minister, Roger Nordlund.
The Marbella Big Band and its Rat Pack show then took to the stage and gave a performance worthy of Vegas itself! The grand finale of “New York, New York” complete with showgirls, received a standing ovation from a delighted audience. A live DJ, saxophonist, violinist and card magician also performed throughout the evening and a laser show beamed out across the bay for all Gibraltar to see.
Later in the evening, the casino became the focus of everyone's attention, with hubs of activity around the tables and slot machines. Dominick Stenson (Casino Manager) Ian Radford (La Sala) and David Bentley (Footballer) took the first spin on the roulette table to start the evenings play. The excitement and tension was palpable and even those guests who weren't playing gathered round the tables to see how Lady Luck would treat those who were putting their chips down.
It was a great start to Casino Sunborn's commitment to being a major Gibraltar entertainment attraction and further confirms the Sunborn super yacht hotel's reputation as a leading Gibraltar destination.  It seems Lady Luck is favouring Gibraltar: it's time to visit Casino Sunborn and get to know her better.
For more information visit www.casinosunborn.com www.sunborngibraltar.com or email
info@casinosunborn.com
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47349/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Grand Opening of Casino Sunborn, held on Saturday 16th May aboard the five star super yacht hotel, Sunborn Gibraltar, in Ocean Village proved to be a massive success and a night to remember for both guests and hosts.  
Guests were greeted with a g...

### UP & COMING TORRY ARMY EVENTS

• ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - On Tuesday 9 June the Torry Army is holding its AGM at the Casa Ventura in San Luis starting at 7.30 pm. All members are encouraged to attend.
• LIVE MUSIC NIGHT
On Saturday 13 June, at the Casa Ventura in San Luis, the Torry Army has organised a night of “live” music from the group “Timeless”  which plays music from the 50´s onwards. The gig starts at 8.00 pm and a hot and cold tasty buffet will be included in the ticket price of 10€.
Tickets are on sale at the Torry Army office in San Luis. All are welcome to attend and enjoy an entertaining evening.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47347/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: • ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - On Tuesday 9 June the Torry Army is holding its AGM at the Casa Ventura in San Luis starting at 7.30 pm. All members are encouraged to attend.
• LIVE MUSIC NIGHT
On Saturday 13 June, at the Casa Ventura in San Lui...

### Iceland Comes to Torrevieja

A delegation of journalists from Iceland has been visiting Torrevieja this week, on a press trip organized by the Costa Blanca tourist board.
The aim was to offer an insight into the benefits of visiting the area, and some of the features on offer to tourists.
The journalists were taken on a cycle ride through La Mata and on a visit to the salt making factory.
The tour then continued through other areas across the Alicante province.

Excerpt: A delegation of journalists from Iceland has been visiting Torrevieja this week, on a press trip organized by the Costa Blanca tourist board. The aim was to offer an insight into the benefits of visiting the area, and some of Read More ...

### Drug Arrests

Officers from the National Police have found more than 11,000 marijuana plants in green houses, vegetable gardens and orchards in the Molina de Segura area of Murcia.

In total, the find has resulted in around 3 tons of narcotics being prevented from entering the sales network.
Three people have been arrested in connection with the find and have been charged with crimes against public health.
The discovery was made as part of a campaign of intensified patrols in order to reduce the loss to the agricultural sector through an increase in thefts.
Meanwhile, other officers from the National Police have arrested two people in Madrid after a large quantity of cocaine was found hidden in imported boxes of papayas from the Dominican Republic.
The officers also found 600 euro in cash hidden in the shipment.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have found more than 11,000 marijuana plants in green houses, vegetable gardens and orchards in the Molina de Segura area of Murcia. In total, the find has resulted in around 3 tons of narcotics being Read More ...

### Torrevieja Rubbish Plant Deemed Illegal

The regional environmental department has rejected the license application submitted by Torrevieja council for solid waste transfer plant on plot 252 of Polygon 2.
The reason for rejecting the application was on the basis of “not having foreseen prevention and environmental protection measures and the correction necessary in this kind of activity”.
The Los Verdes in Torrevieja have denounced the PP government team for constructing and operating industrial installations for a period of 7 years without the appropriate licenses.
The plant was part of a multimillion euro contract awarded by the PP government to multinational company ACCIONA, which has itself been considered “absolutely illegal” in another court ruling.

Excerpt: The regional environmental department has rejected the license application submitted by Torrevieja council for solid waste transfer plant on plot 252 of Polygon 2. The reason for rejecting the application was on the basis of “not having foreseen prevention and Read More ...

### Fraudsters Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested 13 people across Valencia and Palma de Mallorca accused of being part of a criminal group involved in the so called “Nigerian Letters” scam.
By contacting victims to claim the inheritance of a family member, the group are believed to have managed to obtain over a million euro in bank transfers. The evidence already collated in the case shows that 200,000 euro worth of money at least has been obtained through the fraudulent method following the original complaint by a Belgian woman that she had given 200,000 euro in order to receive the 9 million which had been deposited by a distant relative in Spain before passing away.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested 13 people across Valencia and Palma de Mallorca accused of being part of a criminal group involved in the so called “Nigerian Letters” scam. By contacting victims to claim the inheritance of a Read More ...

### Monkey Rescued in Torrevieja

Officers from the environmental protection branch of the Guardia Civil, SEPRONA, have recovered a female Barbary monkey that was living in a home in Los Balcones, Torrevieja.

The primate was living in a six metre square cage, and was reported to be in good condition and well maintained.
After giving the owner time to clarify legal possession, the relevant documentation under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) regulations was not provided and so the owner was charged for alleged violation of Organic Law relating to smuggling by the Customs and Excise Agency in Alicante.
The operation was carried out in conjunction with the Primadomus association which concentrates on the recovery, care and relocation of primates.

Excerpt: Officers from the environmental protection branch of the Guardia Civil, SEPRONA, have recovered a female Barbary monkey that was living in a home in Los Balcones, Torrevieja. The primate was living in a six metre square cage, and was reported Read More ...

### Helicopter Crash off Valencia Coast

A helicopter crashed into the sea and sunk on Tuesday evening, 5 nautical miles from Valencia.
The incident occurred at around 17:00 when Valencia air traffic control reported losing contact with the aircraft.
A Sasemar 101 rescue aircraft was already in the area and located the two occupants of the helicopter in the sea, alongside a small oil slick.
The victims were picked up by rescue boat Pollux which had also been sent to assist.
The two men, aged 34 and 42, were said to be suffering from hypothermia and bruising, but otherwise fine.
An investigation has been launched whilst a salvage operation is also initiated.

Excerpt: A helicopter crashed into the sea and sunk on Tuesday evening, 5 nautical miles from Valencia. The incident occurred at around 17:00 when Valencia air traffic control reported losing contact with the aircraft. A Sasemar 101 rescue aircraft was already Read More ...

### Air Passenger Numbers Increasing

Following a busy Easter period, the summer is still looking set to be a bumper one in terms of tourism, after figures this week reveal that Spanish airport served over 14 million passengers in March, representing a rise or 7% over last year.
In total, the airports of the Aena network dealt with 14.3 million passengers, of whom 9.5 million were international travelers, an increase of 7.2% compared to last year, the remaining 4.8 million being from the domestic market, an increase of 6.5% compared to March of 2014.
Alicante-Elche airport served 4.4% more passengers than last year, with 669,004 people being carried. However, in terms of the largest increase, that was at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas where their 3.6 million passengers represented a boost of 13.5% compared to last year.

Excerpt: Following a busy Easter period, the summer is still looking set to be a bumper one in terms of tourism, after figures this week reveal that Spanish airport served over 14 million passengers in March, representing a rise or 7% Read More ...

### Plane Passenger Shock

Passengers on board a Jet2.com Boeing 737 from East Midlands to Palma de Mallorca had a shock when their aircraft landed on Monday, as the aircraft was directed to a remote part of the airport after it had landed and was surrounded by security services.
The air traffic controllers had become aware of “unusual” activities in the communication between the aircraft and the ground, prompting them to ask if the transmission was intentional, to which the crew replied in the affirmative.
This prompted the air traffic controllers to activate an emergency alert, assuming that the aircraft had been hijacked.
Once the police entered the aircraft on the apron it became clear that it was a false alarm, which has been put down to “miscommunication”.
The incident resulted in a 3 hour delay for the return flight to East Midlands.

Excerpt: Passengers on board a Jet2.com Boeing 737 from East Midlands to Palma de Mallorca had a shock when their aircraft landed on Monday, as the aircraft was directed to a remote part of the airport after it had landed and Read More ...

### Gas Price Dropped

The price of butane gas has dropped this week as the Ministry of Public Works announced a 1.69 euro Price drop. The maximum cost of a bottle of butano is now 14.12 euro after maintaining its price at the higher end of the scale for some time.
The retail price is reviewed every two months with March seeing the first reduction in a year, after the cost was capped by the government.
The new price represents a total saving of 3.38 euro and will be fixed until the third Tuesday in July when the price will be reviewed in preparation for autumn and winter.

Excerpt: The price of butane gas has dropped this week as the Ministry of Public Works announced a 1.69 euro Price drop. The maximum cost of a bottle of butano is now 14.12 euro after maintaining its price at the higher Read More ...

### WILL STERLING BENEFIT FROM POSITIVE DATA?

After the excitement of the General Election in the previous week, last week was a more timid affair and sterling was on the whole steady apart from its continued upward trend against the US dollar where it gained another couple of cents.
This week sees some important data releases from the UK, as excitement from the parliamentary elections settles, and the markets focus back on fundamental economic data from the UK. Tuesday sees release of the latest inflation figure from the UK, with a third straight month of 0% inflation forecast. Core inflation (excluding fluctuating food and energy prices) is still forecast to show a healthy 1% increase, and any movement above this could see sterling strengthen.
The main event of the week will be the release of minutes from the latest Bank of England (BoE) policy meeting on Wednesday. This will give insight into policy makers' views on interest rates. Retail sales data on Thursday should show a pick-up throughout March. Finally, Friday will see BoE Governor Mark Carney speaking on two occasions. Investors will be listening for further cues on the BoE's stance on interest rates.
Euro has (another) good week
It was a welcome break last week for the euro but strength against its major peers came from weakness elsewhere. It made overall gains against the US dollar after data showed that US consumer sentiment had moved down to the lowest level since November 2014, adding to concerns over the strength of the US economic recovery.
However, the spotlight remained on Greece as the country rushed to meet the deadline for its €750 million repayment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) – by drawing upon its emergency IMF fund. Despite this reprieve, the question remains as to how matters will unfold for the beleaguered nation. Greek officials were set to hold talks with the euro area and the IMF on Friday, to discuss the ongoing and relentless pressure on Athens to try and make an agreement for aid as it runs out of cash reserves. Also discussed was the important issue of timing.
There is a lot of Eurozone data released this week. Tuesday is a busy day, with Consumer Price Index (CPI) data out at 10 am followed by ZEW German business confidence data later in the day – the former is expected to hold steady and the latter is forecast to fall slightly. On Thursday we have the release of Eurozone Purchasing Manager Indices and on Friday a raft of data for Germany, Europe's power house.
US Dollar has (another) bad week
The US dollar will be looking for some relief this week, after the continued weakness it suffered over the previous week. With various US Federal Reserve members speaking this week, the focus will be on how they interpret a possible interest rate rise, especially since the US economy has been struggling recently.
Wednesday will see the release of the very important Federal Reserve meeting minutes. This will be used by investors to gauge the likelihood of an interest rate rise this year. Judging by recent data releases which have been poor, a rise seems further off, which would weaken the US dollar further. Weekly unemployment figures on Thursday are expected to remain stable, while a flash manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) is expected to show a slight increase.
Friday will be just as important as Wednesday, with the release of the inflation data. This has been a figure that has dropped among major world economies, due to the low price of Oil. Given poor retail sales last week, and expected low levels inflation, there may be talk of the US heading towards deflation.
Russia to build foreign currency reserves; Norwegian krone rallies 
At the end of last week Russia announced its intention to bolster its foreign currency reserves with the goal of improving its credit rating. The suggested levels of re-purchases are in the region of US$150 million per day. This created movement for the rouble on Friday afternoon.
With oil prices slowly beginning to rise, and speculators continuing to sell off the US dollar, the Norwegian krone found itself at a month's high against the dollar, strengthening over 12% over the last 30 days.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47343/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: After the excitement of the General Election in the previous week, last week was a more timid affair and sterling was on the whole steady apart from its continued upward trend against the US dollar where it gained another couple of cents.
This week se...

### HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATIONS APPEAL TO SPANISH SENATE

AUAN, 18th May 2015
Home owners associations campaigning to provide more protection to people buying property in Spain received a setback on May 5th when the Justice Commission of the Spanish Senate vetoed their proposal to change article 34 of the Ley Hipotecaria to afford greater protection to those who purchase a property with a clean bill of health from the Land Registry only to later discover that the property has a planning issue or is the subject of a demolition order. 
The associations are now appealing directly to the Senators to ignore the position adopted by the Justice Commission and to vote in favour of the change on the 25th of May.
AMA, the association of mainly Spanish home owner's from Cantabria has joined with the British associations AUAN and SOHA  to support this campaign and AMA's president, Antonio Vilela Fernández, has written the following open letter to all members of the Senate pleading for their support.
Dear Senator:
We are writing to you respectfully and do not wish to waste your time, but we are convinced of the necessity for legislative change in order to protect purchasers in good faith. Our association has spent more than 10 years working for more just laws to protect citizens from the abuses of promoters, constructors…and our own administrations.
We believe that these legal changes are necessary to give legal security to everyone, so that the penalty for misdeeds is not paid by innocent families and so that we do not destroy the lives of people who are simply working to have a future.
Ladies and gentlemen, we assure you that we know what we are talking about. Our association is composed of families who have suffered decades of continued mistreatment from public administrations, town halls, the regional government and even from judgements of the courts. For many years our families, who committed no crime and who bear no responsibility, have had to endure a life sentence, which is the case when you are aware of the pending demolition of your home, through no fault of their own.
Currently, the Government of Cantabria and the Town Halls, via a resolution of the Parliament of Cantabria, have apologized to our families. The justice system has condemned the Administrations to pay moral damages to the families and the Government of Cantabria is making agreements with families whereby it assumes responsibility for the damage caused.  **This road is not easy and there is still far to go for justice. We cannot punish good citizens without an end in sight and still comply with all legal and ethical precepts.
We have a serious problem. AMA has denounced this problem and has repeatedly called on regional, state and even European institutions for legislative changes to put an end to the uncertainty and gaps in our legal system which affect legal security at such an important moment as the purchase of a house.
Some changes have been achieved with changes to the law at both a regional level via Law 2/2011 of the 4th April of the Parliament of Cantabria ** and in Congress and recently in the Senate with the modification of article 319.3 of the Penal Code.  But unfortunately these changes are not enough, and the problem is not resolved, given that anyone can currently buy a house that is perfectly inscribed in the Property Register without any hint of a problem and yet, this house can be illegal and this person is not protected by the Property Register.
This creates an issue of legal insecurity that this proposed initiative serves to resolve, given that a third party who acts in good faith has the right to rely on the legality of a construction or work inscribed in the Register. The current lack of security has produced enough damage and suffering, as we have explained, but the repercussions are also international for people of other nationalities who have purchased registered houses and become trapped in a serious problem with their ** life savings held to ransom, something nobody can understand, whatever their nationality.
Therefore we take the liberty of asking you to seek comprehensive solutions, for all citizens, so that no one has to suffer the injustice that our families have suffered, because of legislation that has serious gaps in important moments such as the purchase of a family home.
Many associations such as AMA,AUAN,SOHA, CALU, FAUN, as well as other diverse groups and citizens have given their support, continuing to rely on the good work of the Senators and we appeal to your good sense to achieve improved legislation for something so important to everyone.
We thank you for your attention and the time you have given us. We hope that your good work will bring solutions, if possible, with the modification of article 34 of the Ley Hipotecaria. With kind regards from the thousands of families who are hoping for the solutions requested.
The associations tell us that they hope that the amendment will be approved by a Senate Vote which takes place on the 25th of May. 
Antonio Vilela Fernández
Presidente de AMA
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47341/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: AUAN, 18th May 2015
Home owners associations campaigning to provide more protection to people buying property in Spain received a setback on May 5th when the Justice Commission of the Spanish Senate vetoed their proposal to change article 34 of the Le...

### THE ADVENTURES OIF A DOG CALLED SNOWY

Pegasus Publishers are pleased to announce the publication of The Adventures of a Dog Called Snowy by David A. Thorp, available to order from bookshops or direct from the publisher.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The year is 1902. Snowy is a white Chow Shepherd and belongs to Arthur Dell, a well-known and well-connected doctor and his wife, Anastasia, who live in Portman Square, London.
The couple take Snowy for a walk at the same time every morning. 
One fine day, in the usual morning walk around Green Park, Snowy is stolen from the couple under their very eyes by a ne'er-do-well. 
Written from both the owners' and the dog's point of view, The Adventures of a Dog Called Snowy reflects the experiences Snowy had trying to escape and Arthur and Anastasia's attempts to rescue him.
It's a great book for children and adults, and they will enjoy the conversations Snowy has with the other animals he meets during his adventure.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David A. Thorp is an artist by profession, whose speciality is in the military genre, although he does accept commissions in all subjects.
This book is something of a departure, but the original story – in picture form as a series of nine paintings – was inspired by a Victorian photograph of a poor lady walking in the rain towing a very wet and unhappy dog along on a piece of rope. Several people encouraged Thorp to write a story around the paintings and eventually he did.
Although painting takes up a great deal of his time, writing seems now to have captured his interest. A fact-based novel about a submarine, The Gold on Board the U-534, was published in 2013, and a sequel is due to follow.
CONTACTS
Copies of The Adventures of a Dog Called Snowy can be purchased direct from the publisher by visiting our website at www.pegasuspublishers.com or by calling 01223 370012. Contact can be made with the author via u534gold@gmail.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47340/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Pegasus Publishers are pleased to announce the publication of The Adventures of a Dog Called Snowy by David A. Thorp, available to order from bookshops or direct from the publisher.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The year is 1902. Snowy is a white Chow Shepherd and ...

### MORE THAN TWO BILLION HUMAN BEINGS SUFFER FROM HUNGER WORLDWIDE

Two billion are malnourished. Among the different advertising campaigns published in different media, designed by the MSF carries the motto; "Sudan; 1.2 million displaced by the violence. Now they have to escape hunger and epidemics ".
They have to survive from the violence and rudeness to finish dying of hunger or cholera.
The lack of necessary goods hits all levels. Edible arriving are scarce. The lack of drinkable water and the absence of hygiene exacerbate disease. "Rebel against poverty" is the slogan of the advertising campaign launched by the Alliance Against Poverty which aims to sensitize governments that should end homelessness in the world. The intention of the campaign is to publicize the call for a large demonstration in the world. 
Moreover, the FAO reports that a third of the global population, more than 2,000 million people, suffer severe nutritional deprivation that alter their body and brain development. In this population each year five million people die. FAO also predicts that about 20 million babies are underweight and at risk of death or endure severe disabilities.
For Manos Unidas, food shortages and poverty are intimately connected, since it is not just about the lack of food or tangible goods, but the deprivation of health assistance, schooling, employment or decent housing.
The lack of solidarity in the world is clear if we observe that only Denmark, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden have met the objective set by the United Nations to achieve the 0.7% of GDP for Development Aid. The international community says that "violence against the lives of millions of human beings, especially children, forced into poverty and hunger, is due to an unjust distribution of resources between peoples".
When Augustine was asked what does love look like, he replied: It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47339/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Two billion are malnourished. Among the different advertising campaigns published in different media, designed by the MSF carries the motto; "Sudan; 1.2 million displaced by the violence. Now they have to escape hunger and epidemics ".
They have to survive from the violence and rudeness to finish dying of hunger or cholera.
The lack of necessary goods hits all levels. Edible arriving are scarce. The lack of drinkable water and the absence of hygiene exacerbate disease. "Rebel against poverty" is the slogan of the advertising campaign launched by the Alliance Against Poverty which aims to sensitize governments that should end homelessness in the world. The intention of the campaign is to publicize the call for a large demonstration in the world. 
Moreover, the FAO reports that a third of the global population, more than 2,000 million people, suffer severe nutritional deprivation that alter their body and brain development. In this population each year five million people die. FAO also predicts that about 20 million babies are underweight and at risk of death or endure severe disabilities.
For Manos Unidas, food shortages and poverty are intimately connected, since it is not just about the lack of food or tangible goods, but the deprivation of health assistance, schooling, employment or decent housing.
The lack of solidarity in the world is clear if we observe that only Denmark, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden have met the objective set by the United Nations to achieve the 0.7% of GDP for Development Aid. The international community says that "violence against the lives of millions of human beings, especially children, forced into poverty and hunger, is due to an unjust distribution of resources between peoples".
When Augustine was asked what does love look like, he replied: It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47339/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### Resistant Tomato Crops Promised

Scientists at the University Miguel Hernandez have created a genetically modified tomato which they say is immune to three viruses commonly affecting crops across the Vega Baja.
My planting these scientifically tweaked varieties in the future, they hope that farmers will be able to produce stronger and more resistant crops, thus reducing waste and increasing profits.
However, the risk is that shoppers may be hasty to purchase the new tomatoes, fearful of genetically modified food.

Excerpt: Scientists at the University Miguel Hernandez have created a genetically modified tomato which they say is immune to three viruses commonly affecting crops across the Vega Baja. My planting these scientifically tweaked varieties in the future, they hope that farmers Read More ...

### Former Torrevieja Mayor Facing Further Criminal Charges

The Courts in Torrevieja have opened another case against the former PP Mayor of the city, Pedro Hernández Mateo, accused of offences “against civil rights” for failing to hold regular plenary sessions during the 2003 to 2007 municipal mandate.
The complaint was filed by the Los Verdes in 2006, but was initially dismissed when the case was brought for crimes of “trespass”, but with an appeal launched, the court has decreed that there is a case to answer to under Article 542 of the Penal Code.
Hernández Mateo is currently in prison serving a sentence in a different corruption case.

Excerpt: The Courts in Torrevieja have opened another case against the former PP Mayor of the city, Pedro Hernández Mateo, accused of offences “against civil rights” for failing to hold regular plenary sessions during the 2003 to 2007 municipal mandate. The Read More ...

### LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL’S RECYCLE FOR SIGHT MONTH BEGINS WITH A DONATION OF OVER 11,000 PAIRS OF GLASSES

On the 16th February Specsavers Opticas launched a campaign to collect 4,500 pairs of unwanted glasses to present to the Lions for their “Recycle for Sight Month” and give the gift of sight to some of the world's poorest people. 
The response has been fantastic, with over 4,674 pairs of glasses being donated across all eight stores in Spain during the campaign.
Specsavers Opticas in Torrevieja has had a long standing relationship with the Lions and has been collecting glasses for many years. They have an additional 6,500 pairs of glasses to be handed over to the Lions Clubs International in May, taking the total to an incredible 11,174 pairs.
José Ángel Moral-Tajadura, Specsavers Opticas' Business Development Manager commented “We would like to say a huge thank you to all the generous people, the media and local organizations who have helped support the campaign and donated their unwanted glasses. Every pair will make a massive difference to someone's life.”
The glasses donated during the campaign will be sent to the Lions Club's recycling plant in Alicante to be graded according to prescription strength, cleaned and then boxed for distribution. Lions Club representatives are located across many developing countries including Africa and India. They test the eyes of locals and send requests for the required prescription glasses onto the fulfilment plant and now there are over 11,000 more pairs available for people in need.
Specsavers Opticas will continue to have a strong relationship with the Lions Club International and glasses can be donated at any of their eight stores on the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Mallorca. To find your nearest store visit www.specsavers.es for more information on Lions Clubs International and how to participate in Recycle for Sight Month visit www.lionsclubs.org Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47337/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: On the 16th February Specsavers Opticas launched a campaign to collect 4,500 pairs of unwanted glasses to present to the Lions for their “Recycle for Sight Month” and give the gift of sight to some of the world's poorest people. 
The respo...

### IS THE PRESSURE TOO MUCH FOR SERENA?

The 2015 Italian Open has given us its fair share of surprises.
In a shock admission on his Twitter account, Scottish tennis prodigy Andy Murray told his 3 million followers on 14th May: “Warming up today I didn't feel able to compete. I hope next year I can comeback to Rome and do better. Sorry Andy [sic]”
The World No.3 had previously tweeted to his fans about his fatigue, but while fans over in Britain will be lamenting the loss of their champion, spectators across the pond are also mourning the loss of another champion: Serena Williams.
Just two days after cruising past Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, 6-3, sources have confirmed that Williams has now withdrawn herself from the tournament for reasons that are as yet unknown.
The World No.1 will doubtless have been feeling the pressure recently after failing to beat Petra Kvitova in the Madrid Open semi-finals. Clearly, she had a point to prove, but after making it through to the next stage along with Maria Sharapova, it's unclear as to how the tournament will fare without the world renowned Serena.
Doubtless the 33-year-old has been working tirelessly throughout 2015 and has had no end of media attention. Back in February, the spotlight was on her when she made the brave choice to return to Indian Wells, 14 years after suffering racist taunts from the audience. In a blog for Time Magazine, Williams recounted her experiences with her sister Venus, saying: “We were outsiders. As a black tennis player, I looked different. I sounded different. I dressed differently. I served differently.”
After her triumphant return, she made headlines once again recently this month when it was announced that she would be launching her own Masterclass to help aspiring tennis players train. Williams' 10-class package is now available online for $90 and features videos of the star re-enacting world-class tennis techniques.
While Williams is undoubtedly helping out people from all communities, having also worked to build secondary schools in Kenya in the past, one could ask if she is putting too much pressure on herself. She may have progressed at the same stage as Sharapova, but with six years on the Russian star, these high octane events may be proving a little too much for a 33-year-old.
Sources are currently speculating that she may have pulled out with an elbow injury, but it is likely that there are a number of other underlying causes. Williams' best course of action for now would be to take some time out and make sure she is in a fit state, physically and mentally, to regain her athletic prowess this summer.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47333/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The 2015 Italian Open has given us its fair share of surprises.
In a shock admission on his Twitter account, Scottish tennis prodigy Andy Murray told his 3 million followers on 14th May: “Warming up today I didn't feel able to compete. I hope ne...

### THE COSTA BLANCA LEADER IS OUT NOW

The latest issue of the Costa Blanca Leader Newspaper is out now for you to enjoy.
You can pick up the real thing on Monday morning from hundreds of venues.
Here is this week´s virtual version. 

Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47332/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The latest issue of the Costa Blanca Leader Newspaper is out now for you to enjoy.
You can pick up the real thing on Monday morning from hundreds of venues.
Here is this week´s virtual version. 

Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/articl...

### "PITT" STOP FOR BRAD IN LOS MONTESINOS?

BY ANDREW ATKINSON reporting from Los Montesinos
BRAD Pitt could yet make Alicante based sleepy town Los Montesinos a stopping-off point in the star actor's hectic life schedule - along with Angelina Jolie.
Pitt was allegedly photographed in the Vega Baja town of Los Montesinos two years ago, having arrived in Spain by private jet at Murcia, San Javier airport.
Sceptics find it hard to believe that the star-struck couple would settle down in Los Montesinos - but they have an affection for Spain - having also visited Madrid and Casares in recent times.
Pitt was seen dining with daughters Zahara and Shiloh in Madrid, and Brad and Angelina purchased Spanish artwork from an art Gallery in Casares, following a visit in the province of Malaga, Andalusia, purchashing two paintings, painted on glass, one a 16th Century-style female portrait of Isabella.
Los Montesinos, near to Guardamar, La Mata and Torrevieja - amongst other resorts - has similar scenic views as Casares Costa - a beach side strip of residential urbanisations, bars and restaurants. 
It is said that Pitt and Jolie are seeking a quiet, relaxing place - such as Los Montesinos - where they were reportedly seen with bodyguards in tow, after driving the short distance from Murcia, to view a huge property worth 1 million plus euros.
Photos of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and their six children were taken in Los Montesinos square, near to the Church, featuring a picturesque bell-tower, when they were in town on vacation - allegedly seeking a property.
Pitt and Jolie reportedly took time looking around Los Montesinos, having arrived in two Mercedes S-class cars along  with bodyguards.
And locals in Los Montesinos have revealed that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have visited on more than one occasion.
Pitt starred in the film 'The Councilor' - a crime movie based around drug importers in Spain. 
And Pitt, who shot scenes filming in Monte Pego, reportedly celebrated a colleagues birthday in Fortuna, Murcia, having been looking at property.
Pitt and his family are friends with retired football icon David Beckham and his wife Victoria and their four children, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper.
Pitt has told the media that he wanted the former England, Manchester United and Real Madrid star to coach his children football.
Beckham was offered to give Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's children Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh and twins Knox and Vivienne personal lessons.
And Beckham who played for Preston North End in 1995, while on loan at Deepdale from Manchester United, aged 19, has said that he would like Pitt to play his character, if a film of his career is made.
As Author of the book: 'David Beckham-In at the Deep End', Preston-born Andrew Atkinson, who has featured on VivaTVs 'Let's Talk Show' said: "If Brad Pitt does purchase a property in Los Montesinos, and invites David Beckham over, I will gladly speak to him about Becks' days at North End.
"David Beckham has always remembered his roots in the game, and his short 'apprenticeship' at Preston North End as a teenager in the old third division."
Andrew added: "Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and their family would be a welcome addition to the Vega Baja and Los Montesinos - it would be a perfect 'Pitt-stop' in their hectic life schedule."
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47331/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: BY ANDREW ATKINSON reporting from Los Montesinos
BRAD Pitt could yet make Alicante based sleepy town Los Montesinos a stopping-off point in the star actor's hectic life schedule - along with Angelina Jolie.
Pitt was allegedly photographed in the Vega Baja town of Los Montesinos two years ago, having arrived in Spain by private jet at Murcia, San Javier airport.
Sceptics find it hard to believe that the star-struck couple would settle down in Los Montesinos - but they have an affection for Spain - having also visited Madrid and Casares in recent times.
Pitt was seen dining with daughters Zahara and Shiloh in Madrid, and Brad and Angelina purchased Spanish artwork from an art Gallery in Casares, following a visit in the province of Malaga, Andalusia, purchashing two paintings, painted on glass, one a 16th Century-style female portrait of Isabella.
Los Montesinos, near to Guardamar, La Mata and Torrevieja - amongst other resorts - has similar scenic views as Casares Costa - a beach side strip of residential urbanisations, bars and restaurants. 
It is said that Pitt and Jolie are seeking a quiet, relaxing place - such as Los Montesinos - where they were reportedly seen with bodyguards in tow, after driving the short distance from Murcia, to view a huge property worth 1 million plus euros.
Photos of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and their six children were taken in Los Montesinos square, near to the Church, featuring a picturesque bell-tower, when they were in town on vacation - allegedly seeking a property.
Pitt and Jolie reportedly took time looking around Los Montesinos, having arrived in two Mercedes S-class cars along  with bodyguards.
And locals in Los Montesinos have revealed that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have visited on more than one occasion.
Pitt starred in the film 'The Councilor' - a crime movie based around drug importers in Spain. 
And Pitt, who shot scenes filming in Monte Pego, reportedly celebrated a colleagues birthday in Fortuna, Murcia, having been looking at property.
Pitt and his family are friends with retired football icon David Beckham and his wife Victoria and their four children, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper.
Pitt has told the media that he wanted the former England, Manchester United and Real Madrid star to coach his children football.
Beckham was offered to give Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's children Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh and twins Knox and Vivienne personal lessons.
And Beckham who played for Preston North End in 1995, while on loan at Deepdale from Manchester United, aged 19, has said that he would like Pitt to play his character, if a film of his career is made.
As Author of the book: 'David Beckham-In at the Deep End', Preston-born Andrew Atkinson, who has featured on VivaTVs 'Let's Talk Show' said: "If Brad Pitt does purchase a property in Los Montesinos, and invites David Beckham over, I will gladly speak to him about Becks' days at North End.
"David Beckham has always remembered his roots in the game, and his short 'apprenticeship' at Preston North End as a teenager in the old third division."
Andrew added: "Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and their family would be a welcome addition to the Vega Baja and Los Montesinos - it would be a perfect 'Pitt-stop' in their hectic life schedule."
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47331/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### CRISTIAN DOUBLE BRINGS SEASON TO A CLOSE

CD TORREVIEJA - 2    UD ALZIRA - 2
Fans favourite Cristian bagged a brace in Torry's last game of a roller coaster season, that promised so much, but ultimately saw them finish in a disappointing 10th position.  
When Torry achieved an excellent 0-3 victory at Alzira in early Jan, everything seemed so rosy for the Salinas men, but a catastrophic slump in form, not only proved costly in terms of promotion, but it also cost manager Galiano his job. 
Enter Pedreno, who has completely rejuvenated a demoralised squad, giving skilful players like Cristian a chance to prove what he really can do.  
The game started with Alzira in the ascendancy, as Higon converting a cross from Francesc after only 11 mins, giving his side the lead.  When on 40 mins, Palomares headed home a corner by Quique, it looked as if the season would finish on a low note, but just before the interval, Brani crossed from the right for Cristian to fire home and reduce the arrears. 
With time ticking away, a well worked move involving Rafa, Cesar and Cristian, resulted in the latter scoring his 2nd, and Torry's equalising goal.  
Jorge was presented with Torry Army player of the season, and it will be interesting to see who wins the other awards on offer, at Tues nights end of season function.  One note of interest, is that Oscar played in every minute of all 42 matches this season.  Well done Oscar, you are a credit to your profession. 
TORRY LINE-UP.    Oscar, Vicente, Jorge, Burguillos (Juanra), Edi, Cristian, Brani (Cesar), Borja, Berna, Rafa, Corella (Carrasco)Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47322/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: CD TORREVIEJA - 2    UD ALZIRA - 2
Fans favourite Cristian bagged a brace in Torry's last game of a roller coaster season, that promised so much, but ultimately saw them finish in a disappointing 10th position.  
When Torry achieved an excellent 0-3 ...

### Fire in Catral Shoe Factory Causes Extensive Damage

Fire fighters spent hours tackling a blaze at a shoe factory in Catral on Saturday, as flames swept through the building causing extensive damage.

Numerous fire fighting units were called in to assist in the incident, as the flames were tackled from both the ground and from an aerial platform.

A wedding was being celebrated in a neighbouring unit and fireworks were set off during those celebrations. An investigation is underway but investigators are considering if a firework may have started the blaze, as this has been known to have happened before.

Smoke could be seen for miles around as the fire became controlled about 3 hours after the first alert.

Excerpt: Fire fighters spent hours tackling a blaze at a shoe factory in Catral on Saturday, as flames swept through the building causing extensive damage. Numerous fire fighting units were called in to assist in the incident, as the flames were Read More ...

### NEW TECHNIQUE IMPROVES SURVIVAL FROM BRAIN TUMORS

Alicante General Hospital has introduced new technology that helps to improve the survival of those patients with malignant brain tumors.
It is a microscope that better displays a dyed fluid in the affected area so that neurosurgeons can better distinguish between diseased and healthy tissue during surgery enabling them to be more accurate in their techniques.
According to the head of the neurosurgery department, Dr. Pedro Moreno, "the problem we have, particularly with malignant brain tumors, is that when you open the skull it is difficult to distinguish different brain tissue, everything looks similar which requires the surgeon to err on the side of caution. As such there are occasions when not all of the damaged tissue is removed.
The new tool provides intraoperative imaging, allowing much better reproduction however it is a very expensive system because of the necessary installation of equipment in the operating theatre which must then be devoted exclusively to this type of intervention. 
The patient is takes the substance by mouth, four or five hours before surgery, a drug that spreads throughout the cells which are deeply stained.
The neurosurgeon is able to see the dye through a special ultraviolet filter, unlike the classic white light that was previously used.
The direct consequence of this new technology is an improved rate of survival because the more of the tumor that is removed, the more years the patient is likely to survive.
Ten patients have benefited from this technique since March and is expected to use the procedure in another 30-40 before the end of the year.
"The Hospital management has made an extraordinary effort. It is an expensive technology, but now that we have it installed Alicante is able to compete with many other hospitals in the Region" he says.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47320/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Alicante General Hospital has introduced new technology that helps to improve the survival of those patients with malignant brain tumors.
It is a microscope that better displays a dyed fluid in the affected area so that neurosurgeons can better distinguish between diseased and healthy tissue during surgery enabling them to be more accurate in their techniques.
According to the head of the neurosurgery department, Dr. Pedro Moreno, "the problem we have, particularly with malignant brain tumors, is that when you open the skull it is difficult to distinguish different brain tissue, everything looks similar which requires the surgeon to err on the side of caution. As such there are occasions when not all of the damaged tissue is removed.
The new tool provides intraoperative imaging, allowing much better reproduction however it is a very expensive system because of the necessary installation of equipment in the operating theatre which must then be devoted exclusively to this type of intervention. 
The patient is takes the substance by mouth, four or five hours before surgery, a drug that spreads throughout the cells which are deeply stained.
The neurosurgeon is able to see the dye through a special ultraviolet filter, unlike the classic white light that was previously used.
The direct consequence of this new technology is an improved rate of survival because the more of the tumor that is removed, the more years the patient is likely to survive.
Ten patients have benefited from this technique since March and is expected to use the procedure in another 30-40 before the end of the year.
"The Hospital management has made an extraordinary effort. It is an expensive technology, but now that we have it installed Alicante is able to compete with many other hospitals in the Region" he says.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47320/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### THE END OF AN ERA IN ORIHUELA

As a unique chapter in the history of Orihuela is about to come to a close, it is a time of reflection for those who will be leaving the political battlefield. 
Whereas some of those staying may well find themselves ousted by a new wave of politicians, there are many who are voluntarily moving away from the front line, as is the case for the current Mayor of the municipality, Monserrate Guillén Sáez, who has opted not to stand for re-election after four years at the helm.
Having fought for the environmental concerns of his hometown of Torremendo, Guillén was already seen as a key player before becoming a full time politician. With his later, more vocal, concerns about the mismanagement of the municipality under the Partido Popular, upon becoming Mayor four years ago, it was inevitable that both those key factors would carry him through this term, the time that Orihuela was not governed by the PP.
Summing up his time as the head of a minority government rocked with its own turmoil, facing two attempts at a political overthrow and experiencing a near fatal heart attack in the process, Guillén is adamant that for him, he has achieved exactly what he intended, as his “stability plan has now been fulfilled”.
Guillén himself has reflected on his time at the head of a municipality that had become historically implicated in corruption and scandal, and facing a much needed cleanup, Guillén admits, “I knew it would be very difficult and complicated”, knowledge learnt during his previous eight years as an opposition councillor facing former Mayor, Mónica Lorente.
It was upon taking to power that Guillén became more aware of the reality of what he was taking over, as he explained, “we found 30 million euro in drawers, yet the electricity and telephones were cut, there was no fuel to put the police on the streets, it was on that day you realise things had to be done differently. We paid a lot, not only euro 21,500,000 in adjustments, euro 8,500,000 in court cases, which we paid regardless of sentences, plus a whole day clearing outstanding invoices. Today we have sufficient liquidity.”
It is also now that things are done differently, with far more control and management than ever before. That itself is not without difficulty, as Guillén explains, “We may have other problems such as the financial controller to put things in place and tell us how to do it. That costs us but the situation occurred because of a lack of specialized staff in different departments”, largely due to the PP´s obsession with “ensuring votes”, rather than doing the job that was needed.
Whilst governing in a minority it was extremely difficult to achieve much by means of voting in the plenary sessions, as the majority opposition would mostly object to any motion tabled, irrespective of the value presented, and facing enforced austerity measures by the central government keen to cap the previous lavish overspend .
Guillén admits that, “we were unable to make investments, at least not many”, especially given that “revenues were between 30 and 40% lower than previous years. I do not want to make excuses for the management, but we must take into account other difficulties. It is one thing is to have a corporation that does not support you, but at least do not attempt to torpedo everything you do, and that is what we have had.”
Despite the attempts of the coalition to make change, faced with such opposition, Guillén claims that “at the end we have seen what it was. A PP dismembered which was to serve their own interests, with people leaving their party, a totally dismembered CLR, and yet, the PSOE and Los Verdes are in the same place”. 
With so much corruption seen throughout recent years, and despite his decision to not stand again, Guillén for one has not lost faith in the political system, “No, it´s not politics. I've spent my whole life in policy and politics, and it can be a very nice word when performed honourably.”
But if it´s not politics that´s the problem, then it must be something else, “Yes, politicians”, he believes, not all of them, but “when they focus on their own purposes and do not consider the people they represent”, that “is despicable.”
Guillén also believes that with the recent history of mismanagement, having lost the last elections, the PP simply “never wanted to fix it”. He says that “We were very clear that Orihuela needed four years of tranquillity”, away from corruption, as “Orihuela needed those four years and I knew it was the only chance to get this town clean.
That has conditioned us all because it would have been easy to leave, but it was worth it and that's what we tried”, but not only that, what the current government has done has been “very important”, because “we can leave it clean and in the honour of those who have ruled.”
When faced with critics who say that the last four years resulted in a cessation of growth and advancement of the municipality, Guillén admits that in terms of lack of investment, it is true, but during the last four years, “we have ensured that the model of political corruption no longer exists” and they have not been idle. Faced with ensuring a continuity of services with less money and problems that sometimes occur, “if the streets are not clean enough one day the next day they are, we have not had the eco parque I wanted, that is true.
But if the government can open drawers and see that no hidden bills, if there is aren´t any unpleasant surprises, if there is some liquidity”, as is the case in the end of this term, then “we have achieved a lot in just four years.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47319/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As a unique chapter in the history of Orihuela is about to come to a close, it is a time of reflection for those who will be leaving the political battlefield. 
Whereas some of those staying may well find themselves ousted by a new wave of politicians...

### MORE BLUE FLAGS THAN EVER FOR ORIHUELA

As the political term ends, one legacy that the current councillor for the Orihuela Costa leaves behind, Martina Scheurer, is that not only have the beaches of Orihuela been awarded more Blue Flag awards than any other municipality in the Valencia region, the Orihuela Costa this year has more Blue Flags than ever before.
In total, the beaches of Orihuela have 8 Blue Flags and the marinas have 2, making a total of 10 accreditations based on such criteria as water quality, facilities and cleanliness, amongst others.
Therefore, Blue Flags will this year be flying on the beaches of Punta Prima, Cala Flamenca, Cala Bosque (La Zenia), La Caleta-Cabo Roig, Cala Capitán-Cabo Roig, Aguamarina, Campoamor and Barranco Rubio, and in the marinas of Marina Cabo Roig and Club Náutico Dehesa de Campoamor.
Nationally, only the beaches of Sanxenso with 12, Cartagena y Cangas de Morrazo with 10 and Calvià with 9 beat Orihuela, but with the 8 flags along the 16 kilometres of the coast of Orihuela, it represents the largest concentration of awards in the whole of Spain.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47318/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As the political term ends, one legacy that the current councillor for the Orihuela Costa leaves behind, Martina Scheurer, is that not only have the beaches of Orihuela been awarded more Blue Flag awards than any other municipality in the Valencia regi...

### STEM CELLS TO TREAT KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Mesenchymal stem cells are capable of producing different specialised cells that are found in skeletal tissues.
Spanish researchers at the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII) have successfully carried out a clinical trial that shows the effectiveness of treatment with stem cells from healthy donors to treat knee osteoarthritis.
The results of the work prove the validity of this therapy as an alternative to conventional treatments that do not regenerate the cartilage.
Today, around 30% of the Spanish population over the age of 60 suffer from this type of pain and the annual cost of conventional treatment is around €1,500 per patient, according to data from the Spanish Rheumatology Society.
The research group at the Cell Therapy Network at the ISCIII designed a clinical trial with 30 patients suffering from chronic knee osteoarthritis unresponsive to conventional treatment. Those who were treated with stem cells did not experience any side effects, and showed considerable pain relief, as well as a clear improvement in the cartilage quality, which was shown through magnetic resonance imaging.  
The outcome of the work conducted by the Spanish researchers has been published in Transplantation, the leading international scientific journal in the field of transplants and cell therapy.
The Cell Therapy Network (TerCel) is a joint project that began its activity in 2003 with the aim of fostering research into cell therapy and transfer scientific progress in this field to the National Health System.
TerCel forms part of the Cooperative Health Research Thematic Networks (RETICS) of the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), the main Public Organisation that funds, manages and carries out biomedical research in Spain.  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47317/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Mesenchymal stem cells are capable of producing different specialised cells that are found in skeletal tissues.
Spanish researchers at the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII) have successfully carried out a clinical trial that shows the effectiveness...

### COURTS SUSPENDED DUE TO FAULTY AIRCON

Staff in the Orihuela courts have for years been demanding the replacement of the inadequate air conditioning system in the building that they occupy in la Plaza Santa Lucía.
Judges, magistrates and clerks continually complain to the authorities about the system's deficiencies and with the onset of higher than average temperatures, which will undoubtedly increase even more in the coming weeks, and following a meeting of the Magistrates Board a petition has been submitted to the General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ), expressing their dissatisfaction.
The Leader newspaper has reported similar problems with the system in both 2013 and 2014but the staff say they are no further forward. The air-conditioning is totally ineffective and neither are the staff able to open windows so it is not possible.
The situation became so bad that the Dean of the court, Judge  Joaquina de la Peña, suspended all activity in the building for 2 days last week due to high temperatures as Health and Safety law requires that work be abandoned should the temperature exceed 27 degrees C 
He said that officials working on the second floor of the building which houses the offices of prosecutor and the courts of Instruction 2 and 4 are the most badly affected as they have been without any form of ventilation system for over six months.
Last year the solution was to bring in 4 large mobile aircon units from the Department of Justice.  But even they are nowhere near satisfactory as, whilst the units are in operation, the extraction hose needs to be vented through an open window, as a result of which the hot air just flows back in. 
Added to this is the excessive noise of the devices, so much so that some of the office staff have chosen to switch them off rather than suffer. One worker said that even when they are operating on full power the cool air hardly gets beyond the immediate area of the aircon unit itself. 
Many of the staff have taken the matter into their own hands by bringing in their own electric fans. But by early afternoon the temperature is still stifling with thermometers exceeding thirty degrees, Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47316/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Staff in the Orihuela courts have for years been demanding the replacement of the inadequate air conditioning system in the building that they occupy in la Plaza Santa Lucía.
Judges, magistrates and clerks continually complain to the authoritie...

### CLEANING UP IN GUARDAMAR

Guardamar has added new machinery and equipment to its cleaning fleet following an investment of one million euros. 
In the last few weeks, three new street sweepers have joined the fleet of the municipal cleaning company GESNET. The three sweepers were purchased at a cost of 345,000 euros, achieving a saving of 17,000 euros on the price originally planned. 
The investment also included the purchase of two 135 hp tractors that have been procured to  replace existing equipment which will be used to clean beaches and support general maintenance and landscaping tasks. There are also two new rubbish collection trucks, which will be introduced into service at the beginning of the summer. 
The procurement of the new equipment will not only modernize the service but it will  improve the image and the environmental quality of the town and it will also save money for taxpayers.
A municipal spokesman told the Leader that much of the equipment replaced was totally obsolete. Most of the vehicles were over 15 years old and the continually generated heavy expense due to ongoing repairs and service deficiencies. They were very old vehicles, 37 years in the case of one of the tractors, and they were achieving only limited benefits. 
He said that keeping the city clean and preserving and maintaining the dunes and the other natural areas is absolutely essential if the area is to continue to thrive as a tourist destination.
Over a hundred new recycling containers have also been recently obtained by Guardamar bringing the total to over 600 waste disposal containers now distributed across the municipality, 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47315/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Guardamar has added new machinery and equipment to its cleaning fleet following an investment of one million euros. 
In the last few weeks, three new street sweepers have joined the fleet of the municipal cleaning company GESNET. The three sweepers we...

### MEN ARE THE VICTIMS IN 69% OF MURDERS IN SPAIN

According to a new book published by Professor José Muñoz Clares and five of his law students at Murcia University, 69 % of the victims of homicides and murders committed in Spain are men, with women accounting for the remaining 31 percent.
However when it comes to the perpetrators of those crimes women commit only 7% with men accounting for the remainder.
Knives, razors and other sharp instruments are used in 53% of all cases while just 15% of all murders are committed using fists, hands or feet.  
Most of the deaths, over 60%, occur at night, with the remainder being committed during daylight hours or in the very early evening.
Of the 370 sample cases that were tried during the past year, 218 murders took place Monday to Friday and the rest, 152, at the weekend.
The book, edited by Diego Marin, also deals with cases of suicide, which is the leading cause of violent death in Spain, accounting for 7.6 per cent per 100,000 inhabitants.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47314/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to a new book published by Professor José Muñoz Clares and five of his law students at Murcia University, 69 % of the victims of homicides and murders committed in Spain are men, with women accounting for the remaining 31 percen...

### ELCHE HOSPITAL SEES TRANSPLANT INCREASE

Elche General Hospital is one of the Valencian centers with the highest number of organ donations in the Region, 24 in the last year, leading to the center quickly establishing itself, particularly in the areas of kidney and cornea surgery
The hospital first began performing kidney transplants three years ago in 2012, since when it has successful completed a total of 64, of which 23 were performed in the last year.
The coordinator of the Transplant Unit, Maria Angeles Casillas, said “This is a particularly high number, considering that we only began the procedure recently. Indeed in the first year the hospital only managed to complete four interventions.”
“This type of operation allows patients to recover a quality of life that many of them had previously lost when they became dependant on dialysis treatment. I have spoken to many patients about their daily life ‘before and after' the procedure and they all give a very emotional testimony to the vast improvement in their lifestyles.”
Cornea transplants are another practice that the General Hospital carries out, the implementation of which provides very good results and currently enjoys a healthy rate of donors, which is encouraging news for both those who have lost their vision and the surgeons.
Of course there are always significantly more people waiting for an organ transplant than there are suitable donors and one of the roles of the staff in the Transplant Unit is making members of the public aware. In the environment in which they work they regularly come into contact with the families of deceased or dying patients who in such dramatic moments, are reminded that they are able to offer the possibility to other people of a second chance to live.
Indeed the success of organ transplants in Spain is attributed mainly to the sensitive way in which these transplant coordinators approach the bereaved families.
One member of the unit said that only about 15 percent of families approached in Spain refuse consent for organ donation, a huge drop from the 40 percent who refused in the 1980s and at many hospitals the refusal rate is nearly zero percent.
Spain currently boasts 36 donors per million people — equal to 1,682 donors — "far superior" to the European Union figure of 19, health authorities said of figures released from 2014.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47313/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Elche General Hospital is one of the Valencian centers with the highest number of organ donations in the Region, 24 in the last year, leading to the center quickly establishing itself, particularly in the areas of kidney and cornea surgery
The hospital first began performing kidney transplants three years ago in 2012, since when it has successful completed a total of 64, of which 23 were performed in the last year.
The coordinator of the Transplant Unit, Maria Angeles Casillas, said “This is a particularly high number, considering that we only began the procedure recently. Indeed in the first year the hospital only managed to complete four interventions.”
“This type of operation allows patients to recover a quality of life that many of them had previously lost when they became dependant on dialysis treatment. I have spoken to many patients about their daily life ‘before and after' the procedure and they all give a very emotional testimony to the vast improvement in their lifestyles.”
Cornea transplants are another practice that the General Hospital carries out, the implementation of which provides very good results and currently enjoys a healthy rate of donors, which is encouraging news for both those who have lost their vision and the surgeons.
Of course there are always significantly more people waiting for an organ transplant than there are suitable donors and one of the roles of the staff in the Transplant Unit is making members of the public aware. In the environment in which they work they regularly come into contact with the families of deceased or dying patients who in such dramatic moments, are reminded that they are able to offer the possibility to other people of a second chance to live.
Indeed the success of organ transplants in Spain is attributed mainly to the sensitive way in which these transplant coordinators approach the bereaved families.
One member of the unit said that only about 15 percent of families approached in Spain refuse consent for organ donation, a huge drop from the 40 percent who refused in the 1980s and at many hospitals the refusal rate is nearly zero percent.
Spain currently boasts 36 donors per million people — equal to 1,682 donors — "far superior" to the European Union figure of 19, health authorities said of figures released from 2014.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47313/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### COALITION MOST LIKELY OUTCOME FOR ORIHUELA

Before last week's UK elections political commentators predicted that coalition governments were here to stay and single party government was a phenomenon of the past, the UK conservatives have proved all the commentators wrong. 
The predictions for Orihuela have been exactly the same in relation to coalition governments, the options seemed to be for there to be either a two party right-wing government or a rainbow left of three or four parties? With only 25 seats to fill commentators were convinced that no party would reach the magic figure of 13.
Many believe that a strong single party government is needed to correct the devastation caused by the last left-wing coalition government.
On the extreme communist left it is likely that either Cambiamos or Ganemos could achieve enough votes and win one seat. If all the communist parties had have joined forces under one banner they could have won as many as 3 seats but divided the maximum they can achieve is 1 seat.
Pepa Ferrando's Foro Demócrata is expected to win 2,500 votes and 2 seats but it is highly unlikely that any other party will want to tarnish their anti-corruption image by joining forces with them. Ciudadanos (C's) have been openly spreading the rumour that the PP will join forces with her after the election.
This is a highly unlikely scenario as the national PP would see it as a total breach of their anti-corruption policy and this would set the PP image back years and is an unthinkable backward step.
Ciudadanos (C´s) have an up-and-coming image throughout Spain but in Orihuela this party is now being linked to businessmen of unclear intent. Up to when the lists were submitted and declared it was thought that C´s could get as many as 5 seats but in the last week it seems that they will be extremely lucky to achieve 3,000 votes and 2 seats.
A very important factor in this election is that there are 13 different parties contesting the election. The extra parties taking part dilutes the vote for each of the other small parties. 200 votes given to a small party like PRO or DLP helps eliminate a party like Claro or one of the communist parties.
The electoral system used is very mathematical. It favours the large parties, gives seats to the medium sizes parties and eliminates the small parties. 8 of the 13 parties contesting the Orihuela election are small parties that will be eliminated because they will not be able to achieve the required 5% or an estimated minimum of 1,600 votes.
The best known of these 8 parties that will be eliminated is Claro. All these votes (about 4,500) from these 8 eliminated parties will be binned but they still form part of the total vote cast in Orihuela.
The PSOE should gain extra votes from the villages surrounding Orihuela because they put their supporters into key positions there but if their vote is lower 8,000 they will only receive 7 seats. If at the same time the PP can achieve more than 13,000 votes they could achieve 13 seats which will be an overall majority.
The PP has publicly declared that no person charged with corruption can appear on their electoral lists. This will have a tremendous impact on 9,000 traditional PP supporters in Orihuela who voted for the PP in the national elections but not in the last local elections.
The predicted number of voters is under 33,000 with blank and spoilt votes about 300. The results will likely be as follows:
PP 10 to 13 seats
PSOE 7 to 8 seats
Ciudadanos 2 to 3 seats
Foro Demócrata 1 to 2 seats
Cambiamos or Ganemos 0 to 1 seatFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47311/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Before last week's UK elections political commentators predicted that coalition governments were here to stay and single party government was a phenomenon of the past, the UK conservatives have proved all the commentators wrong. 
The predictions for O...

### GO ON, UNZIP A BANANA!

I was chatting to a banana grower friend the other day. He was very concerned, because the banana growers of the Canary Islands have recently threatened industrial action.
They feel undervalued and underpaid, and they are concerned that with cheaper imports entering the European Union from other countries, their livelihoods are being threatened. Despite the islands' tourism industry, the growing of fruit and vegetables, and particularly the banana, remain an essential part of the Canary Islands' economy, which should not be underestimated.
Many visitors comment about the fields of polythene sheeting that adorn the sides of many roads in the Canary Islands. As well as protecting soft fruit and vegetables, many such structures shelter bananas from the ravages of the strong Atlantic winds. Our garden is surrounded by several very large and impressive banana plants that brush noisily against the wall in strong winds, which reminds me of the importance of the banana to these islands.
I am a great fan of the humble banana, particularly if it is the traditional Canarian variety, as opposed to those huge, tasteless, perfectly shaped objects usually found in most UK supermarkets. The Canarian banana is well worth searching out, and some of the better UK supermarkets now stock them. Although smaller in size, they are full of flavour and are much sweeter and creamier than the imported bananas from the Caribbean, which are often picked too early, artificially ripened and sprayed with gas to control the ripening process.
I am always surprised that bananas are not more popular; after all, they are nature's energy bar, which is far better for you than one of those expensive sports drinks. Although maybe not as ‘cool' as a heavily advertised ‘sports drink', one medium sized banana contains around ten per cent of the daily potassium intake that most adults need.
These fresh, creamy fruits from the Canary Islands are cheap and readily available throughout the year. They are rich in calories, with 100 grams of fruit containing around 90 calories, as well as being rich in anti-oxidants, minerals and vitamins. Its flesh is made up of simple sugars, such as sucrose and fructose that instantly replenish the body, and is why they are so popular with athletes. The amount of soluble dietary fibre also means that it is good for the bowels, which means that you can avoid constipation by eating regular supplies of bananas. Now that really must be good news.
This humble fruit also contains a generous helping of Vitamin B6, which helps to treat inflammation of the nerves and anaemia, as well as helping to prevent coronary artery disease and stroke. A portion of fruit also contains a dose of Vitamin C, which helps to ward off some of those nasty diseases, magnesium for strengthening bones, and copper for helping in the production of red blood cells. What's not to like?
In short, this wonderful fruit helps to combat depression, cures hangovers, helps to protect against kidney cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis and blindness. Bananas are the only raw fruit that can be eaten to relieve stomach ulcers, because they coat the lining of the stomach against corrosive acids. By the way, you can also rub a banana over a mosquito bite to sooth the pain and disinfect the wound and, if you really must, you can use one to clean your shoes. I wish the plants growing over my garden wall would hurry up and give me some fruit.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle. 
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47310/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: I was chatting to a banana grower friend the other day. He was very concerned, because the banana growers of the Canary Islands have recently threatened industrial action.
They feel undervalued and underpaid, and they are concerned that with cheaper i...

### Family Shopping Weekend in Torrevieja

A special event is taking place in the centre of Torrevieja this weekend, focusing on fun for all the family whilst out shopping.

The event is an attempt to boost trade in the city centre, which has been continually suffering for years since the opening of the Habaneras shopping centre and the Zenia Boulevard more recently, as well as the overall neglect of Torrevieja.

On Friday evening there is a boucy castle in the Plaza de Oriente, with Disney characters walking through the streets, squares and shops, as well as henna workshops in the pedestrian areas.

The Disney characters will return on Saturday morning and then in the evening the bouncy castle will be at the Paseo Vista Alegre, where there will also be Henna and African Dance workshops, followed by a spectacular show later on.



Starting at 9:30 pm, “MUÑECOS DE CUENTO” is a family show that both children and adults will enjoy, with clowns and characters telling such family favourite stories as Cinderella, with appearances from the likes of Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy, Olaf, Dora the Explorer and etc, and a circus performance.

On Sunday, the action returns to the Plaza de Oriente in the morning, where a bouncy castle will be in place, and on the Paseo Vista Alegre there will be 5 Formula 1 simulators.

In the evening, the Disney characters will return to the streets with the bouncy castle remaining on the Plaza de Oriente, and the African dance workshop at the Paseo Vista Alegre, accompanied by those 5 Formula 1 simulators.

If all of that isn´t enough, you can also enjoy the benefits of 2 x 1 tickets at the fair, with a special promotion, “TORREVIEJA EN FAMILIA”.

### ELCHE STUDENTS TO RACE ECO CAR IN ROTTERDAM

Students from Elche University (UHM) were showing off their new Eco car last Tuesday, the 'Datil 15', which they will be entering into the Shell Eco-Marathon this coming weekend on a Rotterdam street circuit.
The car is much lighter, has a much improved engine and a boasts a much lower fuel consumption than earlier models. The professor of Mechanical Engineering and Energy of the UMH, Miguel Angel Oliva, said that they fully expect the vehicle to achieve a distance of 2000 km on just one litre of ethanol, a vast improvement on last year's best attempt which was recorded as 1156km.
The car has been built by eight students from the Polytechnic School of Elche, over a nine month period, with the process coordinated by professor Oliva and researcher David Abellan.
It is a rebuild of an earlier prototype, weighing just 28kg it is 30% lighter, it features an innotavive front steering arrangement and is 40% more aerodynamically efficient. The total cost of the vehicle is said to be just 6000 euros.
The car measures 2.85 metres in length, it is 60 centimeters wide and 50 centimeters high. It is one of the smallest models in its category with a new design that greatly reduces the possibility of tipping, something very important on a street circuit with sharp curves and bends explained Javier Martínez, one of the students participating in the project.
He also explained that the model has a number of other new features such as an aluminum chassis with carbon fibre cover and improvements in the four-stroke engine.
In last year's race 'Datil' was ranked third among the vehicles using ethanol as fuel. With the improvements made to the new model  the team expects to beat the mark of 2,000 kilometers per litre of fuel and win the category.
The competition serves as a platform for students to test vehicles that they have designed and built themselves as they are challenged to drive as far as possible on the equivalent of 1 kWh or 1 litre of fuel.
It marks thirty years of technological innovation, outstanding achievements and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, a significant milestone in what is one of the most challenging engineering student competitions, Shell Eco-marathon Europe.
This unique event brings together around 200 teams and 3,000 students from across Europe to battle for ultra energy efficiency on the road.
The event also features the Shell Energy Lab, packed with attractions around innovation and the future of energy. In 2015, Shell Eco-marathon Europe celebrates its 30th anniversary. The competition takes place from May 21-24, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47308/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Students from Elche University (UHM) were showing off their new Eco car last Tuesday, the 'Datil 15', which they will be entering into the Shell Eco-Marathon this coming weekend on a Rotterdam street circuit.
The car is much lighter, has a much improv...

### Press release from Ángel Sáez, PSOE Candidate for Mayor of Torrevieja

Angel Saez - Eduardo Dolon, has refused to assist in the three debates scheduled for this week. Its all an excuse to avoid debating with me.



Eduardo Dolon, the candidate for PP for the Town Hall of Torrevieja, once again, has refused to debate with me. In one week he has rejected three debates of which he was invited because he does not know how to explain what they have done with the town during the 28 years that the PP has been governing.

The Debates

One of the debates is on the local radio, another on television, and the last with a radio station in Orihuela. With the radio stations, they have agreed to accept a substitute in his place, but the television have made it clear, if he does not personally show up, his chair will remain empty.

The candidate of PP prefers to fill the town with photos of his face.

The citizens of Torrevieja have the right to hear in the own voices of the candidates their proposals to enable them to decide which of them they want to trust their interests in. From what we can see, they will not be able to listen to Eduardo Dolon as he prefers to fill the town with posters of his face, however his mouth will remain closed for any type of debate that involves me.

I insist, and I want the citizens of Torrevieja to know that I continue to challenge him to a public debate wherever he wants, and up until now, Eduardo Dolon has done nothing but make excuses to avoid facing the citizens.

### POST UK ELECTION BOOST FOR PROPERTY

Brits buying an overseas home benefited immediately from the election of the Conservatives to power last week, with the news causing Sterling to bounce back against major currencies and a positive reaction in the UK property market.
 “Homes in the Eurozone and USA got cheaper again for UK buyers during Friday, as the City realised the Tories would gain power with a majority and Sterling rebounded against the euro and dollar,” said Elaine Ferguson, Head of the Resource Centre at OverseasGuidesCompany.com. 
 “And speaking to people at the A Place in the Sun Live exhibition in London over the weekend, where we received record levels of enquiries for buying property abroad, many people seemed reassured by the election result and were confident about proceeding with their property purchase knowing the UK economy is in a position to maintain growth.
The state of the property market affects practically anyone moving abroad and selling their UK home, so the continuing stability and ongoing house price growth that the new government should bring will benefit these people. 
 “Looking closer at the A Place in the Sun Live exhibition, unsurprisingly Spain appeared to be the most popular destination amongst property-hunters, with France, Portugal, Italy and Florida also favoured.
This reflects the findings from our latest Quarterly Index, which shows Spain attracting the highest number of enquiries from prospective buyers across all popular destinations in Q1 2015 and a general uplift in the international property market compared with last year.
The exchange rate was also a key topic of conversation at the exhibition, especially given how the rate had moved on the Friday, and shows a growing awareness amongst buyers to send funds overseas in the most efficient way.”
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47307/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Brits buying an overseas home benefited immediately from the election of the Conservatives to power last week, with the news causing Sterling to bounce back against major currencies and a positive reaction in the UK property market.
 “Homes in t...

### CANCER SUFFERERS BATHE WITH ELCHE SEA LIONS

In a pioneering procedure developed using the facilities at Elche's Rio Safari, forty women affected by breast cancer have been benefitting from therapy with sea lions. 
The beneficiaries are all members of the Elche Association of Women Affected by Breast Cancer (Amacmec) and so far they have attended the centre's therapeutic baths on seven occasions, with each of the visits supervised by therapists and trainers.
A spokesperson for the project said that the main objective is to reduce the negative psychological symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, from which those affected by the disease inevitably suffer.
It also aims to improve other lifestyle aspects such as self-esteem and image as well as quality of life and emotional well-being.
Participants were divided into small groups of five to six women per session.  On many occasions they were accompanied by their children or their partners who were also able to benefit from the treatment.
Each session was divided into three phases: socialization, relaxation and interaction with the sea lions, allowing the participants to play and carry out relaxation exercises with the mammals, either individually or as a group.
The therapies are adjusted to meet the needs of the individual patients. To enable this to happen the therapist receives information on the characteristics of each participant which allows them to focus the therapy on their individual needs
According to a Rio Safari occupational therapist with the Maria Galvañ Foundation, the sea lion is a "docile" animal that responds very well to interaction with humans. "It is a very motivating and innovative therapeutic tool that gets extremely beneficial results" all of which help these women to "improve their emotional well-being while they are having fun and by also raising lots of smiles."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47306/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In a pioneering procedure developed using the facilities at Elche's Rio Safari, forty women affected by breast cancer have been benefitting from therapy with sea lions. 
The beneficiaries are all members of the Elche Association of Women Affected by Breast Cancer (Amacmec) and so far they have attended the centre's therapeutic baths on seven occasions, with each of the visits supervised by therapists and trainers.
A spokesperson for the project said that the main objective is to reduce the negative psychological symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, from which those affected by the disease inevitably suffer.
It also aims to improve other lifestyle aspects such as self-esteem and image as well as quality of life and emotional well-being.
Participants were divided into small groups of five to six women per session.  On many occasions they were accompanied by their children or their partners who were also able to benefit from the treatment.
Each session was divided into three phases: socialization, relaxation and interaction with the sea lions, allowing the participants to play and carry out relaxation exercises with the mammals, either individually or as a group.
The therapies are adjusted to meet the needs of the individual patients. To enable this to happen the therapist receives information on the characteristics of each participant which allows them to focus the therapy on their individual needs
According to a Rio Safari occupational therapist with the Maria Galvañ Foundation, the sea lion is a "docile" animal that responds very well to interaction with humans. "It is a very motivating and innovative therapeutic tool that gets extremely beneficial results" all of which help these women to "improve their emotional well-being while they are having fun and by also raising lots of smiles."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47306/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### HOW TO VOTE IN ORIHUELA MUNICIPAL ELECTION

Voting day on 24 May is fast approaching.  Those who are registered to vote should be receiving by post voting cards which confirm that they are on the voters list and informing them at which polling station and at which voting table (mesa) they should vote.  
There are three polling stations in Orihuela Costa (in the Playa Flamenca Town Hall, the Alameda del Mar Civic Centre and the Reading Point in Calle Cipress, (just behind Aldi) Lomas de Cabo Roig. They cover broadly the following areas respectively:   ...........................
Before voting it is important to know How to Vote because in Spain because it is not the same as in other countries and not the same as in the UK.  In Spain, voters vote for a party list and the candidates on the list will be elected in strict proportion to the number of votes cast for that party – provided the party receives at least 5% of the total votes cast.
Voting consists of going to the polling station specified by  your address, WITH IDENTIFICATION, (usually a passport for non-Spanish voters) and choosing a ballot form with the name of the party you wish to vote for and its candidates already printed on the form. 
These ballot forms or voting lists are available in the voting booths in the polling stations, together with the official envelopes into which the voters list should be placed.  
Having decided which party to vote for and therefore which list to choose, the voter is simply required to put the voting list in an official envelope, WITHOUT MARKING IT IN ANY WAY and  then to place it in the ballot box.   Resist the temptation to put a cross or mark on the voting list before placing it in the official envelope. 
ANY CROSS, TICK OR MARK ON THE VOTING LIST WILL RESULT IN THE BALLOT BEING DECLARED INVALID
To complete the act of voting, place the envelope containing the voting list in the ballot box at the appropriate voting table which is indicated according to the alphabetical order of your name and distinguishes between Spanish and non-Spanish voters.
The Spanish voters will also be voting in elections for the Valencia regional assembly on the same day, which non-Spanish residents are not eligible to participate in. 
At the voting table, an official will check your identity and verify that you are on the voting list. Officially approved versions of the voting lists are also being distributed by the parties contesting the election, sometimes together with the official envelopes. It is quite legitimate to use these lists and envelopes rather than the ones available in the voting booths.  
If you voted in previous municipal elections you definitely registered to vote this time. Also if you have applied to go on the voters list at the Town Hall or returned the prepaid form to go on the voters list you can vote.
If you have not received a voting card, you can still vote. It may simply be due to a postal error. You should go to the polling station allocated for your area with identity and ask for the voting list to be checked to see if you name is included.
There are officials at the entry to the polling stations who will check the official list of voters for you. If you happen to go to the wrong polling station, you will be directed to the right one. If you have to go to this extra trouble, do not be discouraged, your vote is important and may make all the difference to the final result.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47303/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Voting day on 24 May is fast approaching.  Those who are registered to vote should be receiving by post voting cards which confirm that they are on the voters list and informing them at which polling station and at which voting table (mesa) they should...

### LET US ENTERTAIN YOU - AMMA

The Campoverde Theatre group is busy rehearsing for their colourful and energetic show, LET US ENTERTAIN YOU, that will be performed at the San Miguel Casa de Cultura on Friday 19th, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June 2015. 
This latest variety show has lots of well known songs, great dance routines and funny comedy sketches that is sure to have something for everybody. The show promises to be an evening of great entertainment as the Campoverde Company romp through a full and diverse programme.
This time the Theatre Group has nominated AMMA, Alzheimer's Mar Menor Association as its chosen charity. AMMA has special relevance for the group as one of the founding members of the AMMA charity has been a long time member of Campoverde and has served on the committee of the theatre group for many years.
Louise Innes was very concerned that there were insufficient day care facilities for English speaking people suffering with advanced Alzheimer's. 
Together with other likeminded people, including Raquel Pena, AMMA was formed to provide quality day care and stimulation for people with Alzheimer's in English and also to provide a much needed respite for carers who increasingly become socially isolated as they care for loved ones.
Please come along and enjoy a great evening out with the Campoverde Theatre Group's latest show and support this important new charity. As everyone knows Alzheimer's is a terrible condition that strikes people from every part of society.
For tickets please phone Jude on 96 684 4460 or 676 557 104Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47301/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Campoverde Theatre group is busy rehearsing for their colourful and energetic show, LET US ENTERTAIN YOU, that will be performed at the San Miguel Casa de Cultura on Friday 19th, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June 2015. 
This latest variety show h...

### FORGIVENESS

Dear Editor:
Next June 8 is the 43 anniversary of the photo where a girl appears naked and terrified, running down a dusty road in a village in Vietnam, when she was 9 years old.
This image, which perpetuated the horrors of the Vietnam War, has appeared many times through various media and, especially all the TV networks in the world. The girl named Kim Phúc, is now an ambassador for UNESCO and runs a foundation to help the children victims of war and violence.
Far left her 17 operations to cure burns that Napalm caused in 65% of her tiny body. Nick Ut, author of the photo that won the Pulitzer in 1973, took her to the clinic and saved his life. She remained hospitalized for over a year.
She fainted every time the nurses put her in the bathtub and cut the dead skin of her wounded and small body. But she did not die. "Inside me, she says, was a small, strong girl, who wanted to live, and I got over it all, thanks to the love of my family and God."
One of the lessons she has learned from this experience is to forgive. When she read for the first time, the words of Jesus to "love your enemies", she did not know how. I'm human, I have much pain and many scars. She thought it would be impossible. "I had to pray a lot and it was not easy but in the end I got it," she testifies, moved.
In 1996, the Foundation for the Memory of Vietnam Veterans asked Kim Phúc to travel to Washington, where she could talk to one of the crew who were involved in the attack on Trang Bang, her village.
Kim Phúc publicly forgave him saying "Forgiveness is more powerful than any weapon in the world".
"My picture is a symbol of war, but my life is a symbol of love, hope and forgiveness," she said. Forgiveness exalts the spirit and gives strength to go on.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com 
Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.

Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47295/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Dear Editor:
Next June 8 is the 43 anniversary of the photo where a girl appears naked and terrified, running down a dusty road in a village in Vietnam, when she was 9 years old.
This image, which perpetuated the horrors of the Vietnam War, has appeared many times through various media and, especially all the TV networks in the world. The girl named Kim Phúc, is now an ambassador for UNESCO and runs a foundation to help the children victims of war and violence.
Far left her 17 operations to cure burns that Napalm caused in 65% of her tiny body. Nick Ut, author of the photo that won the Pulitzer in 1973, took her to the clinic and saved his life. She remained hospitalized for over a year.
She fainted every time the nurses put her in the bathtub and cut the dead skin of her wounded and small body. But she did not die. "Inside me, she says, was a small, strong girl, who wanted to live, and I got over it all, thanks to the love of my family and God."
One of the lessons she has learned from this experience is to forgive. When she read for the first time, the words of Jesus to "love your enemies", she did not know how. I'm human, I have much pain and many scars. She thought it would be impossible. "I had to pray a lot and it was not easy but in the end I got it," she testifies, moved.
In 1996, the Foundation for the Memory of Vietnam Veterans asked Kim Phúc to travel to Washington, where she could talk to one of the crew who were involved in the attack on Trang Bang, her village.
Kim Phúc publicly forgave him saying "Forgiveness is more powerful than any weapon in the world".
"My picture is a symbol of war, but my life is a symbol of love, hope and forgiveness," she said. Forgiveness exalts the spirit and gives strength to go on.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com 
Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.

Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47295/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### NEW EU DIRECTIVE MEANS NO ESCAPE FROM TRAFFIC FINES

A new European law is about to come into force which allows foreign drivers who commit traffic offences in other countries to be sanctioned for the offences, or face legal proceedings in any member state country.
The European Council has adopted a policy for cross-border exchange of information on traffic offences, which must be implemented in most countries across the continent no later than the 6th of May, with the exception of the UK, Ireland and Denmark who have been given a two year extension on implementation.
Under the new policy, the exchange of data covers eight traffic offences: speeding, not wearing seat a seatbelt, failure to stop at a red light, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under the influence of drugs, not wearing a helmet, driving in a forbidden lane, and illegally using a mobile phone or any other communication devices while driving.
Currently there is no mechanism in place to force foreigners to pay fines in none resident countries by means of restraint or seizure, but the change will ensure that there is no escaping the law, or the fines.
In Spain, the DGT has been working on implementing a new policy to satisfy the obligation.
Together with the administrative proceedings that can be launched against drivers, criminal liability will also be ensured.
Travelling at a speed excessively higher than that which is permitted on the road amplifies cases beyond administrative sanctions and it becomes a criminal matter, punishable with imprisonment, withdrawal of license, community service and a fine. A driver who has committed an offence of this type can no longer ignore the criminal liability of legal proceedings being opened.
The new directive on cross-border data exchange is a replica of the policy adopted in 2011 by the EU ensuring police cooperation as a legal basis, but the directive was annulled by the courts in 2014, giving a year for a new legal framework to be implemented. The objective of the new policy remains the same as before, to improve road safety and to ensure equal treatment of all drivers.
Under the new rules, member states can access national vehicle registration data from other countries in order to find those responsible for certain offenses that put road safety at risk.
The alleged offender may be contacted with a sample letter included in the policy, but that depends on the member state where the offence took place, as each country has autonomy in deciding to decide how to process the sanctions.
Currently, the legislation does not allow states to enforce payment of fines in the event of a driver being resident abroad, but the new directive means that the fine can be collected and judicial proceedings can be opened wherever they live and in whichever country to offence was committed.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47288/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A new European law is about to come into force which allows foreign drivers who commit traffic offences in other countries to be sanctioned for the offences, or face legal proceedings in any member state country.
The European Council has adopted a pol...

### QUESADA PAIR TAKE PRE NATIONALS 3 WOOD

The Pre Nationals 3 Wood Pairs Event was played at San Luis and Quesada Bows Clubs last week with 36 teams competing for this popular new trophy. 
The first two days were played over a maximum of 90 minutes or 12 ends with the eight best placed teams progressing to the quarter finals on Day 3.
Slightly surprising that neither of last year's National Pairs winners took the opportunity to use the competition as a National warm up but spectators at the two venues were nevertheless rewarded  with a number of exciting games which saw Jason Prokopowycz & Derek Sale, playing on home turf, achieve a narrow victory over Mary Lockley & Mike Edwards in the final.
Prokopowycz, currently the Singles Champion at Quesada Bowls Club, and 2013 National Singles Runner Up, Sale, are also paired together in the Nationals which they will be hoping to assume from the current champions, club mates Bonsor and Pain, when their title assault gets underway at San Luis on Monday.
PHOTOS: CARL EAGLEFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47287/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Pre Nationals 3 Wood Pairs Event was played at San Luis and Quesada Bows Clubs last week with 36 teams competing for this popular new trophy. 
The first two days were played over a maximum of 90 minutes or 12 ends with the eight best placed teams ...

### CIUDADANOS - PARTY FOR THE CITIZENS / PEOPLE

ELECTORAL PROGRAM 2015 - ORIHUELA-COSTA
Ciudadanos, we offer the alternative of a real change to the Town Hall of Orihuela. We are a party of the citizens who want to and can solve the persistent problems of Orihuela-Costa. 
Ciudadanos will have representatives in the Valencian Parliament who will respond to our requests and we will eradicate those former practices which encouraged political corruption.
Ciudadanos is presenting a candidate for mayor in Orihuela who can listen and communicate with the citizens in Spanish, English, French and German - Juan Ignacio López-Bas.
The Ciudadanos Project for Orihuela-Costa:
- To transform the Town Hall of Orihuela Costa into a really effective administrative office that can resolve issues immediately, without waiting for the approval from headquarters in the city of Orihuela, together with a larger and more stable presence of the local police.
-We will speed up the municipal administrative procedures to facilitate the rapid issuance of the first or second occupancy licenses, as well as to speed-up the granting of licenses of all kinds (terraces, no parking & keep clear signs, opening of businesses/establishments, etc).
- A new set up of Orihuela Costa so that it constitutes a consolidated urban nucleus ensuring it will receive an improved allocation of services such as the post office.
- To demand the immediate reform of the CV-91 and the CV-95 to provide a fast, agile and safe route between Orihuela and the coast, guaranteeing improved communications with our own municipality, together with the withdrawal of the AP-7 toll on its way by Orihuela-Costa, which is discrimination when you compare it to other municipalities such as Torrevieja.
- Requiring the rapid construction of the schools in Orihuela Costa and to get rid of the inadequate pre-fabricated structures, as well as the completion of the emergency centre for the police and fire fighters.
- To revise the management system of the Municipal Sports Centre of the coast and to make it more efficient and accessible to users, as well as revising the pricing/municipal rates.
- To promote the use of municipal establishments (City Hall and the Civic Centre Alameda del Mar) as a cultural space, library and meeting point, as well as planning the construction of a municipal auditorium on the coast.
- To establish criteria in municipal job listings to prioritize access for jobseekers from the coast for job positions in our area.
- To promote the status of municipality population size of Orihuela to ensure the presence and effective participation of the residents of Orihuela Costa in the District Boards and the Social Council, with genuine ability and participation in municipal decisions that affect the coast.
- Audit all public services and the way in which they are provided on the coast, to eliminate the deficiencies which are constantly being denounced by neighbours (collection and disposal of garbage and prunings, sports services, maintenance of beaches).
- To create a swimming area suitable for users and their pets (pet friendly beach), designating the space and providing hygienic facilities for this purpose.
- To improve the maintenance of the green areas and the recreation areas in municipal grounds, as well as to ensure that private property owners adhere to the regulations relating to the appearance and maintenance of their own properties.
- To adapt the access and facilities of all the beaches of Orihuela Costa to accommodate people with disabilities.
- The promotion of traditional festivals on the coast, appropriate to the different nationalities in Orihuela Costa (San Jorge, San Patricio, Día de la Hispanidad, etc), as well as a European Day Celebration and to promote leisure events for younger people.
********************
1. We will demand an effective connection from the train station in Orihuela to Orihuela Costa by a shuttle bus service to guarantee easy access for the coastal residents to the AVE (High Velocity Train).
2. The location of a bus station in Orihuela Costa and to promote local transport facilities between Orihuela and the coast.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47285/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: ELECTORAL PROGRAM 2015 - ORIHUELA-COSTA
Ciudadanos, we offer the alternative of a real change to the Town Hall of Orihuela. We are a party of the citizens who want to and can solve the persistent problems of Orihuela-Costa. 
Ciudadanos will have repr...

### Hot Thursday

The health department across the region of Valencia reports that they attended eleven people on Thursday who had suffered as a result of high temperatures.
Although an alert had been issued warning of the high temperatures, none of those who needed medical attention were in a serious condition.
Two of those who were in difficulty were aged just 16 and were attended by basic life support ambulance crews who treated their condition.
One man in his 60´s was attended by medics in Torrevieja and had to be transferred to hospital for monitoring and treatment.
In parts of the country the hottest temperatures in history were recorded, whereas Orihuela also set a new record of 39.8 degrees, beating the previous 39.0 degrees record in 1965.

Excerpt: The health department across the region of Valencia reports that they attended eleven people on Thursday who had suffered as a result of high temperatures. Although an alert had been issued warning of the high temperatures, none of those who Read More ...

### Orihuela Costa Beach Record

The beaches of the Orihuela Costa have been awarded 8 Blue Flags for quality this year, along with an additional 2 for the marinas, meaning that the 10 Blue Flags they hold make Orihuela the municipality with the most awards in the Region.
Whilst the standard marks the beaches of Orihuela as being particularly high, it is also the first time in the history of the municipality that they have been awarded so many flags, beating the previous record of 9.
Meanwhile, both neighbouring Torrevieja and Elche have been award 5 Blue Flags for their beaches.

Excerpt: The beaches of the Orihuela Costa have been awarded 8 Blue Flags for quality this year, along with an additional 2 for the marinas, meaning that the 10 Blue Flags they hold make Orihuela the municipality with the most awards Read More ...

### Incoming Problems

A total of 145 immigrants on board 6 boats have been rescued by emergency crews of the south coast of Spain in 24 hours, 8 of which are children.
The problem of immigrants arriving along the continent´s coastline is becoming an increasing problem for the Eurozone countries, with countries like Italy already asking for help to deal with the growing problem.
Spain has dedicated a lot of its own resources which would normally be serving the rest of the country to the problem, including spotter aircraft, rescue helicopters and salvage boats, in view of the increased risk of death or serious injury that these unfortunate people seeking a better life are facing on their perilous journey.
 

Excerpt: A total of 145 immigrants on board 6 boats have been rescued by emergency crews of the south coast of Spain in 24 hours, 8 of which are children. The problem of immigrants arriving along the continent´s coastline is becoming Read More ...

### A Political Circus

Guardamar town hall has been criticised for breaking their own ordinance which bans circuses with animals.
Despite being a forward thinker for animal rights by being one of the first town halls to ban circuses, they allowed one on municipal land in June, 2014.
They were criticised this week in the run up to the elections by a political opposition group, but the Queremos Guardamar candidate, Andrés Navarro, said that the animals only belong to the circus and were not being used for performances.

Excerpt: Guardamar town hall has been criticised for breaking their own ordinance which bans circuses with animals. Despite being a forward thinker for animal rights by being one of the first town halls to ban circuses, they allowed one on municipal Read More ...

### Taxi Fines

A number of taxi drivers from Orihuela, Benidorm and Santa Pola are complaining that they have received 750 euro fines for visiting Alicante-Elche airport too often.
Taxis from outside the Elche jurisdiction were limited to the number of trips they are allowed to do to the airport, in order to protect the business interests of licensed taxis within the municipality which controls the transport hub.
It is expected that further focus will be given to pirate taxis as they too have been seen to take business away from all licensed operators, many of those licensed taxi drivers now facing fines despite being legal and insured.

Excerpt: A number of taxi drivers from Orihuela, Benidorm and Santa Pola are complaining that they have received 750 euro fines for visiting Alicante-Elche airport too often. Taxis from outside the Elche jurisdiction were limited to the number of trips they Read More ...

### Catering Robbers Arrested

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested ten people on suspicion of belonging to a group who dedicated their operation to robbing catering establishments across the Valencia region.
It is believed that the gang stole up to 250,000 euro in goods and caused another 140,000 euro material damage during the break-ins.
Some five properties were raided during the arrest, in the Valencia town of Sagunto, from which the officers seized mobile phones, televisions, DVDs, 6 kilograms of marijuana, a shotgun and various tools used to commit the robberies.
So far, a total of 75 incidents are believed to be attributable to the gang.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested ten people on suspicion of belonging to a group who dedicated their operation to robbing catering establishments across the Valencia region. It is believed that the gang stole up to 250,000 euro in Read More ...

### Cartagena Drugs Bust

In a combined operation between the National Police and the tax office, a boat has been seized off the coast of Cartagena carrying 2,000 kilos of hashish.
The officers became aware of a boat some 15 nautical miles off the coast of Cartagena, which was not moving in a normal manner. Upon dispatching a unit to investigate, the officers found the boat was carrying 65 bales of the drug, weighing in at 2,060 kilograms.
The three crew members on board were promptly arrested and brought to the port of Cartagena, along with the boat.

Excerpt: In a combined operation between the National Police and the tax office, a boat has been seized off the coast of Cartagena carrying 2,000 kilos of hashish. The officers became aware of a boat some 15 nautical miles off the Read More ...

### SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING & COMMEMORATION - WW2 - VE70 - VICTORY IN EUROPE

On the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the World War 2 - ‘Victory in Europe' -  celebrations on Sunday 10 May 2015 some 100 members of the local Torrevieja communities gathered together in the shade of the La Siesta Urbanisation Church Centre's grounds and gardens – centred on the ‘Memorial Garden of Remembrance' - to celebrate with commemorations and thanksgiving.
The occasion was coordinated by the local Torrevieja Branch of The Royal British Legion with a poignant Order of Service being led by Revd Andrew Rea, a member of the Torrevieja Anglican Chaplaincy Clergy team
The Royal British Legion paraded their Standards together with those of the local ex-Service Associations from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Forces
Members of The Royal British Legion also played an active part in the ceremony with the Branch Chairman Gerry Lynch, reading the ‘Exhortation', Gill Burden the Branch President read a passage from the Bible and Dianne Forbes , a Committee member, reading the ‘Kohima Epitaph'.
A member of the Evangelical Congregation, Chas Smith, played the ‘Last Post' - after the 2 minutes silence - ‘Reveille' and accompanied the singing of the ‘The National Anthem'
On completion of the thanksgiving Service, wreaths were laid by The Royal British Legion Branch President and representatives from the ex-Service Associations.  A number of individuals also paid their personal respects and tributes by laying their own Poppy Crosses.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47280/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the World War 2 - ‘Victory in Europe' -  celebrations on Sunday 10 May 2015 some 100 members of the local Torrevieja communities gathered together in the shade of the La Siesta Urbanisation Church Centre...

### V E DAY CELEBRATIONS

O What a Night . The chairman of Torrevieja Branch of The Royal British legion Mr Gerry Lynch set the mood for the night reading  passages from some of Sir Winston Churchills V E Day speeches and with a resounding Hurrah from the branch members when he finished we were all set for the fantastic Just Brass.
And they did not disappoint every number was followed with what seemed like an even better one with numerous standing ovations.
Their conductor Mr Brian Webber brought the best out of them and they were simply  magnificent on the night.
The proof of the night was the branch recruited seven new members  and raised 541 euros for the poppy appeal take a bow members and guests Our next meeting at Casa Ventura 7 Pm start is June the 12 which will be followed by a fantastic barbecue.
Then on 18 Th June we have ladies day at Ascot to be held at Los Altos Delores  complete with All that Jazz  a great six piece band and two pipers its going to be better than Ascot. Hope to see you there
Our photo shows some of our members who dressed for the occasion with Brian Webber of Just Brass.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47271/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: O What a Night . The chairman of Torrevieja Branch of The Royal British legion Mr Gerry Lynch set the mood for the night reading  passages from some of Sir Winston Churchills V E Day speeches and with a resounding Hurrah from the branch members when he...

### CARLOS BERNABÉ, THE ONLY CANDIDATE WITH AN “OFFICIAL BICYCLE”

Not a truck, bus or car. Carlos Bernabé, Cambiemos Orihuela coalition party candidate for mayor of Orihuela, premiered this past Friday evening, May 8, his official campaign tandem bicycle, which he shared with Miguel Ortuño, IES Espeñetas professor and member of the list of candidates.
The premier took place during the Bicycle Tour organized by Cambiemos Orihuela to defend the use of the bicycle as an excellent alternative to the automobile. Bernabé and a group of Cambiemos Orihuela candidates and community members toured Orihuela from the Plaza of Capuchinos to the Glorieta, passing through the Plazas of Monserrate, Santiago, San Sebastián, and the parks of Ocarasa and Severo Ochoa, where they took advantage of the opportunity to present the coalition Project and some of the candidates aspiring to gain the trust of the people at the polls on May 24.
“I am the only candidate with an official bicycle,” joked Bernabé, noting Cambiemos Orihuela's proposal to make all of Orihuela more pedestrian and bicycle friendly as well as promote other cleaner transportation means.
In other events, on Saturday evening, May 9, Cambiemos Orihuela held an event for community members in the Plaza of Santiago to bring attention to the poor condition of the Palace of Rubalcava, demanding attention be paid to Oriolano heritage, past, present and future. Participants also enjoyed music performed by some members of the Conservatory of Orihuela as well as food, drink and magic.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47267/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Not a truck, bus or car. Carlos Bernabé, Cambiemos Orihuela coalition party candidate for mayor of Orihuela, premiered this past Friday evening, May 8, his official campaign tandem bicycle, which he shared with Miguel Ortuño, IES Espe&nti...

### CHINA HAS KILLED 400 MILLION CHILDREN BY THE ONE-CHILD POLICY

A forced abortion imposed to a seven months pregnant woman, to meet the “one-child policy”  has caused strong indignation in China.
The officials who ordered that termination of pregnancy, were arrested after the mother hung on Internet a spooky image of the fetus, totally covered in blood, lying next to her in the hospital bed, where Feng Jianmei, the 27-year-old mother forced to terminate pregnancy was admitted. In China some 400 million children have been killed through abortion to control overpopulation.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists, illustrious professional institution in the UK, has made a significant change in its guidance on the link between abortion and mental health.
The abortion leads to a significant danger to the mental health of women and the Royal College of Psychiatrists recommended guidance on these dangers to women seeking abortions. It encourages the production of publications that discuss episodes of desperation after an abortion because "there can be no informed consent, if adequate information is not provided."
In 2008 the actress Emma Beck, a young British artist of 30 years, who had a twin pregnancy and aborted, committed suicide by hanging himself shortly. He left his relatives a pathetic letter: "Living is hell for me. I should never have had an abortion. I see now I would have been a good mum. I told everyone I didn't want to do it, even at the hospital. I was frightened, now it is too late. I died when my babies died. I want to be with my babies - they need me, no one else does.”
Given this and other events, the scholar Peter Saunders, general secretary of the Christian Medical Fellowship, said: "How can a doctor now justify an abortion for reasons of mental health, a reason cited for more than 90% of the more than 200,000 annual abortions performed in Britain? "
"A society that boasts of its social policies should better protect the defenseless and the defense of life is a 'moral obligation' that the government should support," said Francisco Gil Hellin.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47264/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A forced abortion imposed to a seven months pregnant woman, to meet the “one-child policy”  has caused strong indignation in China.
The officials who ordered that termination of pregnancy, were arrested after the mother hung on Internet a spooky image of the fetus, totally covered in blood, lying next to her in the hospital bed, where Feng Jianmei, the 27-year-old mother forced to terminate pregnancy was admitted. In China some 400 million children have been killed through abortion to control overpopulation.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists, illustrious professional institution in the UK, has made a significant change in its guidance on the link between abortion and mental health.
The abortion leads to a significant danger to the mental health of women and the Royal College of Psychiatrists recommended guidance on these dangers to women seeking abortions. It encourages the production of publications that discuss episodes of desperation after an abortion because "there can be no informed consent, if adequate information is not provided."
In 2008 the actress Emma Beck, a young British artist of 30 years, who had a twin pregnancy and aborted, committed suicide by hanging himself shortly. He left his relatives a pathetic letter: "Living is hell for me. I should never have had an abortion. I see now I would have been a good mum. I told everyone I didn't want to do it, even at the hospital. I was frightened, now it is too late. I died when my babies died. I want to be with my babies - they need me, no one else does.”
Given this and other events, the scholar Peter Saunders, general secretary of the Christian Medical Fellowship, said: "How can a doctor now justify an abortion for reasons of mental health, a reason cited for more than 90% of the more than 200,000 annual abortions performed in Britain? "
"A society that boasts of its social policies should better protect the defenseless and the defense of life is a 'moral obligation' that the government should support," said Francisco Gil Hellin.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47264/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### FALL IN CRIME RATES IN FIRST QUARTER OF 2015

Crime fell by 3.7% on the first three months of last year. The overall downward trend posted in recent years has continued, with crime now standing at 44.3 offences and misdemeanours per 1,000 inhabitants - one of the lowest rates in the European Union.
The Ministry of Home Affairs presents the Crime Statistics corresponding to the first quarter of 2015. This report contains and presents statistics on crime trends in the first three months of the year in Spain as registered by the State law enforcement agencies (the Spanish National Police Force and Spanish Guardia Civil), the regional law enforcement agencies (the Basque Ertzaintza, the Catalan Mossos d'Esquadra and the Provincial Police Force of Navarre), as well as those local police forces that provide data to the Crime Statistics System.
Between January and March 2015, a total of 496,133 offences and misdemeanours were recorded in Spain. This is 3.7% fewer than in the same period of 2014, when a total of 514,930 were recorded. The total number of registered criminal offences in the first three months of the year puts the crime rate at 44.3 offences and misdemeanours per 1,000 inhabitants, making Spain one of the safest countries within its peer group.
The total reduction in offences and misdemeanours recorded by the State law enforcement agencies in the first quarter of 2015, as reflected in the results presented by these statistics, confirms and highlights the ongoing downward trend posted in recent years. Spain continues to be an international benchmark in the fight against crime. It should be stressed that the efficient use of policing resources constitutes one of the main tools for preventing, combating and reducing crime rates in Spain.
The drop in crime rates was seen across the board, although the fall was greatest in terms of voluntary manslaughter and murder (-25%), aggravated burglary (-15.9%), aggravated robbery and robbery with intimidation (-15.5%), violent crime in general (-14%) and armed robbery (-12.2%).
Finally, it is worth highlighting - from a regional crime distribution perspective - that those regions posting the greatest crime reduction include La Rioja, Asturias and Cantabria.
Increasingly complete and accessible statistics
The Quarterly Crime Statistics provide a summary that breaks down the data on those criminal offences - serious offences and misdemeanours - registered not only at a national level but also broken down by autonomous region and province.
Furthermore, besides the detailed data of a regional nature, crime statistics on those provincial capitals and cities with a population of over 50,000 inhabitants (as per the official electoral register kept by the Spanish National Statistics Institute at 1 January 2014) are also included - a total of 146, to be precise.
However, it should be noted that the information extracted from this report also contains data corresponding to the island regions based on the guidelines - set last year - for the expansion of crime statistics published by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Specifically, those corresponding to Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Gomera, El Hierro, La Palma, Tenerife, Ibiza, Formentera, Majorca and Minorca.
The safety indicators used in this document comprise various categories: total number of serious offences and misdemeanours; voluntary manslaughter and murder; violent crime; aggravated robbery and robbery with intimidation; armed robbery; aggravated burglary; vehicle theft; drug trafficking; criminal damage; and theft.
A number of these crime indicators, basically those shown with the letters "EU" in brackets, correspond to those used by the European Union Statistics Office (EUROSTAT).Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47261/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Crime fell by 3.7% on the first three months of last year. The overall downward trend posted in recent years has continued, with crime now standing at 44.3 offences and misdemeanours per 1,000 inhabitants - one of the lowest rates in the European Union.
The Ministry of Home Affairs presents the Crime Statistics corresponding to the first quarter of 2015. This report contains and presents statistics on crime trends in the first three months of the year in Spain as registered by the State law enforcement agencies (the Spanish National Police Force and Spanish Guardia Civil), the regional law enforcement agencies (the Basque Ertzaintza, the Catalan Mossos d'Esquadra and the Provincial Police Force of Navarre), as well as those local police forces that provide data to the Crime Statistics System.
Between January and March 2015, a total of 496,133 offences and misdemeanours were recorded in Spain. This is 3.7% fewer than in the same period of 2014, when a total of 514,930 were recorded. The total number of registered criminal offences in the first three months of the year puts the crime rate at 44.3 offences and misdemeanours per 1,000 inhabitants, making Spain one of the safest countries within its peer group.
The total reduction in offences and misdemeanours recorded by the State law enforcement agencies in the first quarter of 2015, as reflected in the results presented by these statistics, confirms and highlights the ongoing downward trend posted in recent years. Spain continues to be an international benchmark in the fight against crime. It should be stressed that the efficient use of policing resources constitutes one of the main tools for preventing, combating and reducing crime rates in Spain.
The drop in crime rates was seen across the board, although the fall was greatest in terms of voluntary manslaughter and murder (-25%), aggravated burglary (-15.9%), aggravated robbery and robbery with intimidation (-15.5%), violent crime in general (-14%) and armed robbery (-12.2%).
Finally, it is worth highlighting - from a regional crime distribution perspective - that those regions posting the greatest crime reduction include La Rioja, Asturias and Cantabria.
Increasingly complete and accessible statistics
The Quarterly Crime Statistics provide a summary that breaks down the data on those criminal offences - serious offences and misdemeanours - registered not only at a national level but also broken down by autonomous region and province.
Furthermore, besides the detailed data of a regional nature, crime statistics on those provincial capitals and cities with a population of over 50,000 inhabitants (as per the official electoral register kept by the Spanish National Statistics Institute at 1 January 2014) are also included - a total of 146, to be precise.
However, it should be noted that the information extracted from this report also contains data corresponding to the island regions based on the guidelines - set last year - for the expansion of crime statistics published by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Specifically, those corresponding to Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Gomera, El Hierro, La Palma, Tenerife, Ibiza, Formentera, Majorca and Minorca.
The safety indicators used in this document comprise various categories: total number of serious offences and misdemeanours; voluntary manslaughter and murder; violent crime; aggravated robbery and robbery with intimidation; armed robbery; aggravated burglary; vehicle theft; drug trafficking; criminal damage; and theft.
A number of these crime indicators, basically those shown with the letters "EU" in brackets, correspond to those used by the European Union Statistics Office (EUROSTAT).Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47261/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### Police Inspector Remanded on Porn Charges

A judge has ordered the detention of a National Police inspector who was arrested on Thursday in connection with an investigation into the distribution of child pornography.
The inspector is accused of the alleged offence of possession of child pornography and other charges related to child prostitution.
It is believed that the officer was seen involved in some of the acts videos on the films.
The detention was authorised pending further investigations into the case which allegedly occurred when the officer was working for the Judicial Police of Alicante.

Excerpt: A judge has ordered the detention of a National Police inspector who was arrested on Thursday in connection with an investigation into the distribution of child pornography. The inspector is accused of the alleged offence of possession of child pornography Read More ...

### Fraudulent Freight Network Disbanded

Officers from the Guardia Civil have disbanded a network dedicated to international freight traffic, after it was found that the group were heavily involved in avoiding tax payments,
The alleged fraud is currently valued in excess of 14 million euro, but investigators believe the final figure will be around 300 million euro.
The organisation would use the identities of Chinese workers in order to perform a variety of illegal activities in connection with the fraud.
Raids were carried out across premises in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia, resulting in the arrest of 32 members of the gang in connection with tax matters and a further 47 people in connection with money laundering against the treasury.

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have disbanded a network dedicated to international freight traffic, after it was found that the group were heavily involved in avoiding tax payments, The alleged fraud is currently valued in excess of 14 million euro, Read More ...

### Turkish Planes Grounded

The Turkish air force has joined other countries, including the UK, in grounding its fleet of two Airbus A400M aircraft following the crash in Seville at the weekend.
The aircraft which crashed was a new plane set to be handed over to Turkey as part of a deal to purchase ten of the new aircraft destined to replace the aging Hercules transport aircraft.
The destroyed aircraft, which crashed on a test flight with a Spanish crew on board, was due to be delivered to Turkey next month, according to manufacturer Airbus.

Excerpt: The Turkish air force has joined other countries, including the UK, in grounding its fleet of two Airbus A400M aircraft following the crash in Seville at the weekend. The aircraft which crashed was a new plane set to be handed Read More ...

### THE VIRTUAL COSTA BLANCA LEADER IS OUT NOW

The latest copy of the Costa Blanca Leader is out now.
You can pick it up tomorrow in hundreds of venues, or read it now, online.
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47259/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The latest copy of the Costa Blanca Leader is out now.
You can pick it up tomorrow in hundreds of venues, or read it now, online.
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47259/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telfor...

### PEDRENO TAKES ON TORRY REBUILD JOB

LA NUCIA 0 CD TORREVIEJA 1
Torry will be delighted that they are retaining the services of manager Pedreno for next season.  The announcement was made by the President last week.
This comes on the back of excellent results since his arrival at the club.  His Torry record since the opening day 6-1 trouncing of Acero in late March, reads won 3, drawn 4, lost 1.  One player who will not feature under Pedreno next season though  is Ferran, who has decided to join Icelandic club UMF Leikner. 
In the reverse fixture with La Nucia, played just before Xmas, Torry edged the visitors at the Nelson Mandela Stadium. Unfortunately, though, the game will be remembered for the bad injury to Sergio, which has seen him sidelined for the remainder of the current season. 
La Nucia have struggled since losing that game and are now 3rd to bottom in div 3, already condemned to relegation to Preferente football next season. 
With Torry's faint hopes of play off aspirations also scuppered, following last week's home draw, it rested with Cesar (9) and Rafa (9), both currently fighting it out for the honour of being top goal scorer, to restore some pride to the team in an otherwise  meaningless match and in the early stages it was not only they who struggled.
With the absence of Jorge, Alexis and Cristian, all suspended, the visiting defence looked dire as the home side worked up 3 good attacks in the opening minutes of the game. Three decent shots and three dangerous corners but, thankfully, that was as close as they got. It was an awful start from CD Torrevieja.
La Nucia's Anton went close with a near post header on 7 minutes and Oscar kept out what appeared to be a certain goal moments later. Indeed it was a full 17 minutes before Torry had their first attempt on goal, a well worked move that ended with a Rafa half volley that just shaved the upright of La Nucia's goal.
Another magnificent save was called for by Oscar midway through the half from Corella as the keeper parried to Adrian who cleared the ball upfield.
Spurred on by their good fortune, Torry pushed forward, but were able to create little of note in open play despite the best efforts of Rafa, who saw plenty of the ball and had two late efforts comfortably saved by Dani, and as the half time whistle came at least they were now well and truly back in the game.
On a warm sunny afternoon it was bizarre to see the ball regularly coming to a halt in deep puddles as the second half got underway. Overwatering the artificial pitch by the groundsman during the interval was probably just a mistake rather than a tactical ploy by the home side.
 However Torry started the 2nd period in positive fashion with foward Rafa blasting a long-range drive just over dani's crossbar with two minutes gone. But they enjoyed a major escape on the break when Oscar needlessly gave the ball away. Fortunately he redeemed himself moments later with a fine save from Corella.
They were a much better unit as the game wore on and they deservedly took the lead on the hour mark, with Rafa again involved in the move. It was his fierce effort that the keeper pushed round the post for a corner from which the big forward rose above the La Nucia defence to score his 10th goal of the year as he continues his battle with Cesar to finish as the club's leading scorer.
Thereafter Torry controlled the game offering little to the, already relegated, home side.
Next week the final game of the season at home to Alzira with the club hoping for a bumper crowd with all of the players looking for new contracts. Could be quite a game.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47258/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: LA NUCIA 0 CD TORREVIEJA 1
Torry will be delighted that they are retaining the services of manager Pedreno for next season.  The announcement was made by the President last week.
This comes on the back of excellent results since his arrival at the cl...

### Sexual Picture Poster Arrested

Officers from the National Police have arrested a minor in Málaga accused of sharing naked pictures and videos of his former girlfriend, also a minor, through social network sites.
The complaint was raised after the pair broke off their relationship and the girl blocked contact on the internet sites. The male threatened to post the pictures and videos unless the girl unblocked him, but she refused, and so the boy then posted the images on the social network and sent them via Whatsapp, with the girl´s mother, sister and grandmother all receiving them.
During the investigation the police also discovered evidence of violence and filed a complaint with the competent judiciary for both offences.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested a minor in Málaga accused of sharing naked pictures and videos of his former girlfriend, also a minor, through social network sites. The complaint was raised after the pair broke off their relationship Read More ...

### An End to Corruption

The Spanish Congress will debate a motion tabled by the socialist PSOE group on Tuesday, to ultimately decide on a change in the current law which allows politicians to be pardoned if found guilty in corruption cases in the courts.
The PSOE first recorded the motion in December 2013, following the request by the Partido Popular to pardon some of their members who had been found guilty of criminal offences, including the former mayor of Torrevieja, Pedro Hernández Mateo.
The current law, which has been in place since 1870, allows politicians to plea for a pardon in full or in part, in cases relating to misuse of their position in public office or financially benefitting from it.

Excerpt: The Spanish Congress will debate a motion tabled by the socialist PSOE group on Tuesday, to ultimately decide on a change in the current law which allows politicians to be pardoned if found guilty in corruption cases in the courts. Read More ...

### STANDING OVATION FOR CORO PILAR!

This spring the international choir Coro Pilar held two concerts, the first was held at the church in Pinar de Campoverde on Friday 24th April and the last at Pilar de Horadada Church on Sunday 26th April. 
Both concerts were well attended and contained a mixed program of music by the choir and also included, a flute solo by Maria Garcia, a duet featuring Eva Olsson and John Robinson and a rendition of Shenandoah by the male group. 
The finale, a performance of Vivaldi's Gloria, brought the audience to its feet! The choir would also like to thank Nataliya Khomiak, who accompanied us on the piano and of course Zinoviy Harvat, our musical director for all of his hard work and patience. 
We have enrolled some new members recently and anyone else who would like to join us will be very welcome.  Please contact our president Rachel Cottis on: 966841529 for information.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47251/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This spring the international choir Coro Pilar held two concerts, the first was held at the church in Pinar de Campoverde on Friday 24th April and the last at Pilar de Horadada Church on Sunday 26th April. 
Both concerts were well attended and contain...

### NATIONAL BOWLS CHAMPIONSHIP COMES OF AGE

The 21ST opening ceremony of the National Lawn Bowls Championship was held in beautiful sunshine at San Luis Bowls Club on Saturday afternoon where almost 200 competitors, all resplendent in their club hose, paraded in front of a healthy and supportive crowd, at a venue adorned with the National and Regional flags.
The opening ceremony is always a very colourful affair and this year was no different as each of the 14 represented clubs marched on to the green in turn to be loudly applauded by the considerable number of spectators and guests who were present, before lining up in front of the officials' platform.
Despite having the furthest distance to travel, Tenerife had the largest contingent on parade while the only representatives from the Costa del Sol were the two players from Benalmadena Bowls Club who received a particularly warm welcome as they led out the entire procession.
There was an especial welcome for the Umpires, always the beneficiaries of ‘friendly' boo's from the players, who tripped onto the rink to the echo's of ‘Three Blind Mice'. 
Following the parade of teams John Muldoon, Spain National Director and Vice President of the European Bowls Union, welcomed the bowlers and all of the spectators to the ceremony.  He gave thanks to his assistant, Pete Bonsor, and to the members of his committee, all of whom have worked so tirelessly as they have prepared and planned the tournament behind the scenes.
He also thanked the sponsors and although there has been no major sponsor this year he was able to give thanks to the many local companies that provided their support. While Spanish Life Properties, CS Bowlswear, Winning Express, Aqua Pool Plaza, de Vere Investments, Ibex Insurance and the Leader Newspaper all provided either monetary or commercial assistance, the two main venues, Quesada and of course San Luis Bowls Club made available their facilities at a much reduced cost to the competition organisers, that in itself a major financial saving.
His address was not without criticism, however, as he expressed his disappointment at the Federacion Espanola de Bolos and the lack of financial support provided by them to the sport, and to the National Team in particular. He said there were problems within the organisation but was, nevertheless, extremely confident that Council Member Bob Donnelly would make representations on behalf of Lawn Bowls at the next meeting in Madrid.
He then wished all of the competitors a successful tournament, pointing out that it was their skills and exemplary conduct when playing that would make the competition such a memorable event.
There were a few words of welcome, particularly to the ‘big spenders' of Tenerife BC,  from the owner of the Casa Ventura, home of San Luis Bowls Club, Vic Slater, after which the National Director invited Carol Grey of Ibex Insurance to roll the first bowl of the 2015 Tournament
After all the formalities were over, the competitors retired for some welcome refreshment and a free buffet provided by Vic Slater before leaving to prepare for the start of the Pre National tournament on the following morning. 
Normally bowlers would go straight into the Nationals Competition proper but with entries down in numbers on previous years the organising committee took the decision to provide an additional opportunity, the Pre National 3 Bowls Open Pairs, which is currently being played using a ‘Round Robin' format, at the same two venues, until tomorrow, Tuesday, with the National Competition proper getting underway on Wednesday, opening with the Ladies Triples and the Men's Rinks,
For the successful competitors this will be an arduous two weeks, while for those not so lucky there is always the opportunity to renew old acquaintances and to make new friends.
The tournament runs from until 23rd May and the greens being used, entry to which is absolutely free, are those at San Luis and Quesada.
The two Blue Ribbon events, the Gents and the Ladies Singles, will see both defending champions Pete Bonsor and Anne Allen, get their title defences underway later in the week. Quesada's Pete Bonsor will play N Birch on Saturday at San Luis while Anne Allen, the first ever Nationals Champion from Horadada Bowls Club, will take on P Robinson on Monday 18th at Quesada.
Should Anne come through her first round tie she will certainly have her hands full in the second where she will meet the winner of the Lyn Greenland / Sue Johnston match.
One other to watch in the Men's Competition will be Frank Close, the current Valencian champion, and the recent winner of the Champion of Champions Competition held only a couple of weeks ago. Frank joins the competition at the Preliminary Round stage against B Edwards while the Champion of Champions Ladies Singles title holder, Mel Highland, will meet the winner of the preliminary tie between Lyn Bonsor and Rees.
Spectators are more than welcome at all of the venues with play getting underway  at 10am and 2pm at each venue and going on until late afternoon or early evening.  A complete schedule of play is attached to this article at www.theleader.info
PHOTOS: CARL EAGLEFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47249/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The 21ST opening ceremony of the National Lawn Bowls Championship was held in beautiful sunshine at San Luis Bowls Club on Saturday afternoon where almost 200 competitors, all resplendent in their club hose, paraded in front of a healthy and supportive...

### A Bleak Day of Remembrance – 9 May

At six in the morning of the 9th of May, a Guardia Civil patrol was returning from duty at Pamplona railway station, heading back to the barracks, when a remotely activated bomb was set off targeting their Land Rover.
The bomb had been hidden in a streetlight and the blast so severe it uprooted the lamppost which was raised several metres, as the 5-kilo bomb exploded.
Manuel López González
Officer Manuel López González, who was 23 years of age at the time and due to marry the following month, was killed in the attack, struck by flying debris which severed his aorta. Despite the efforts of medics, he would die a few hours later.
Also in the vehicle was 29 year old Juan Díez Resano, 31 year old Agustín Hernández Martín, and 27 year old Francisco López González, the brother of Manuel.
Another five officers who were nearby but off duty were injured in shrapnel from the blast.
Although the ETA terrorist group claimed responsibility, no individual has been brought to justice for the murder.
Later on the evening of May the 9th, 1978, a Guardia Civil Land Rover was on a patrol in San Sebastián with four officers on board. As the vehicle passed a cemetery near to the Guardia Civil barracks, two ETA terrorists opened fire on the vehicle from a 3 metre high wall.
Juan Marcos González
Two of the officers on board, 20 year old Juan Marcos González, who was driving the vehicle, and Miguel Ángel Íñigo Blanco would die as a result of the injuries sustained, Juan Marcos later that evening, Ángel Íñigo six days later.
Miguel Ángel Íñigo Blanco
The other two officers, 23 year old Juan Jiménez Bermúdez, and 22 year old José Amado Juan, managed to escape from the bullet riddled Land Rover.
The terrorists ran through the cemetery to a road on the other side and fled the scene.
In 1982, Antonio García del Molino and Ignacio Apilañez Olalde would be convicted for their involvement in the attack and sentenced to 50 years in prison.
On the same day in 1991, nine hours before the official start of the municipal election campaign, a bomb would explode under a Guardia Civil vehicle in Ortuella.
Francisco Álvarez Gómez
The blast was so strong witnesses report seeing the car lift off the road, the roof blown off and officer Francisco Álvarez Gómez flung from the vehicle onto nearby railway tracks, several metres from his vehicle.
Although seemingly still alive, first responders at the scene at first refused to move Francisco without the approval of a doctor, but he was transported by ambulance to hospital where the 38 year old victim was declared to have been killed as a result of his injuries.
Terrorist Jesús María Mendinueta Flores was convicted of the attack, later to be acquitted due to lack of evidence, but subsequent investigations named Juan Carlos Iglesias Chouzas as responsible. He was arrested in 1991 for placing a similar bomb on another vehicle, he was released four years later and fled, was arrested again in 1999 in France and was extradited to Spain in 2004.

Excerpt: At six in the morning of the 9th of May, a Guardia Civil patrol was returning from duty at Pamplona railway station, heading back to the barracks, when a remotely activated bomb was set off targeting their Land Rover. The Read More ...

### HUNDREDS OF RESIDENTS CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL DAY

Throughout last Saturday morning hundreds of international residents gathered in Torrevieja's Constitution Square to commemorate Europe Day, a celebration that takes place in the European Union every year on 9th May. 
The anniversary recalls the noted Luxembourgish-born French statesman Robert Schuman, an independent political thinker and activist who was twice Prime Minister of France, and is regarded as one of the founders of the European Union, the Council of Europe and NATO.
The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, along with the Councillor for foreign Residents, Rosario Martinez Chazarra, attended the event which also involved a number of expat individuals and European Associations.
There were brief speeches of welcome in a variety of languages, which were followed by the raising of the EU flag by the mayor.  While this took place it was accompanied by Beethoven's ‘Ode to Joy' sung by Francisco Moreno and Concepción Pérez.
After the flag-raising ceremony there were plenty of activities and entertainment in the square including Duende Andaluz  from France, representatives of the Edinstvo Association  from Bulgaria, the Phoenix Band from UK of course, a German Oompah Band and the British singer Chloe Leigh who performed the soundtrack of the film ‘Cucaracha Club', which was shot entirely in the city of Torrevieja.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47248/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Throughout last Saturday morning hundreds of international residents gathered in Torrevieja's Constitution Square to commemorate Europe Day, a celebration that takes place in the European Union every year on 9th May. 
The anniversary recalls the noted...

### EURONICS DARTS LEAGUE FINALS NIGHT

Finals night kicked off with the triples, an all Hub affair, league champions versus runners up.  Joe Miller won the bull and started with an 85, the Kats response from Pat Abrams was a 140.  
Simon Williams and Joe Hawkins 100 supported well, the opposition via Lee Maiden countering with a 95, Abrams yet another 140.  It was nip and tuck down to low 3 figures. 
Paul Durrant hit his best score of the 701 to leave a shot which was tidied up by Maiden on D20.  The Kats turned the screw in the second with six 80+ scores, Abrams 125, Maiden 100, the opposition hanging in there but a gap emerging.  Durrant once again set up a nice finish for Abrams to game shot on D20.  Miller recording the Hyenas only ton. 
Williams and Miller opened with some decent scoring with what was to be the last leg, Hawkins struggling just a little.  Tons from Durrant and Abrams added to five more 80+ left the Hyenas back in three figures territory as Maiden calmly planted D10 second arrow for a convincing 3-0 victory.  Hawkins admitted to being a little nervy in his first important final, but the experience will do his unquestionable ability no harm. 
The mens singles semis followed, with the contestants doing the draw to determine their destiny.  Abrams drew Alex Nikolov in the first winning the bull.  Both players found the treble 20 surprisingly easy to hit, however only Abrams managed a ton in the first.  Doubles opportunities were missed by Nikolov as Abrams took the first on D8 and then opened with 85,140,100 in the second.  Just a ton from the likeable Bulgarian as Abrams made it 2-0 on D2. 
Nikolov managed three 80+ scores in the third, but Abrams stuck with him and concluded the match on D10 for a place in the final.  Abrams opponent was to be either John Eyre or Nick Spicer both from the Hub Hyenas.  Eyre won the bull and started with some accurate but modest scoring arrows.  Spicer´s opening shot of just 11 was followed by 100,140,122 plus D2 for the first.  Two more tons from Spiceman were equalled by Eyre in the second, who closed the leg for one apiece. 
It was dart for dart in the next, both players rarely missing the 20 bed and always finding the treble, ending with Eyre going ahead on D20.  Both Hyenas traded tons in the fourth, plus a couple of real dodgy scores, before Spiceman made it all square on D10.  Eyre struggled in the decider, probably due to the heat, Spicer taking full advantage of winning the throw to go well into the lead with a 120 (one on the floor) and a 99. 
The outcome was inevitable as requiring D16, Spicer found the middle of the double for a 3-2 score in what was a very exciting match.
A 15 minute break followed before the same two were on the oche again, this time against Paul Dowington and Peter O´Rourke (Busters) in the pairs final.  Dowington won the bull and started with a 140, steady scores from Spicer were accompanied by a 121 from Eyre.  O´Rourke used two darts to take the opener. 
Six 80+ scores, three from each team, plus a 132 from Eyre gave Spicer the chance to level on D16.  Despite the Hyenas being favourites, the Busters duo gave a real good account of themselves scoring heavily in the third.  Unfortunately the cuddly duo were on a roll and scores of 99,140,125 were enough for Spiceman to make it 2-1 on D16. 
Dowington pulled out the stops in the fourth, 81,100,100, partner O´Rourke just struggling to find any consistency.  Both teams made it to the double together, both unconvincing in their double attempts until Spicer made it 3-1 on D10 to take the title. 
The Alex Nikolov Building Services Ladies Final followed with Simone de Lacy (Junction Jaguars) facing Leah Chesworth (Sporting Life) for the magnificent Nikolov trophy.  De Lacy won the bull, both girls scoring steadily to get to a shot in 18 darts. 
The Jaguar had first chance of a double and immediately took it for 1-0 on D16.  Chesworth enjoyed throw in the second and reeled off four decent scores.  De Lacy´s response was explosive 81,81,60,100,100 to leave an out after 15. 
Chesworth was close to the Jaguar, her last three darts leaving a game shot opportunity, it wasn't to be however as de Lacy found S10,D5 for 2-0 and the coveted title.  It was one of the best Ladies Singles Finals I have witnessed and very enjoyable for the packed Celler audience.
Next on before the Presentation were Pat Abrams and Nick Spicer to battle for the Singles title, what a prospect.  Spicer won the all important bull and opened with 100,81,120 and 98.  Abrams response was 140,100 and scores enough to get first tilt at D14 achieved second arrow for 1-0. 
Abrams lone score of 81 in the second was totally eclipsed by his opponent´s 140,81,140 plus D16 to level.  A 121 from Spicer in the third was the highest from both as requiring 97 the Hyena used just two to finish the 501 on T19,D20 for a 2-1 lead.  It was Spicer´s turn to hit just the one high score in the fourth, a ton, as Abrams managed 2 tons and 95 to leave 36, achieved next time on the oche with D9.  At two each it was bull up for the decider as Abrams found the semi, Spicer just outside. 
It proved crucial as the fifth was score for score.  Two tons each, three 80+ scores each, but the throw proved vital as Abrams was first to the double securing D8 for victory and the defence of his title.  Fantastic conclusion to the Euronics League.
The Presentation followed, conducted by Tracey Dodds of Euronics, in the absence of Debbie and Dave Wright currently enjoying life with friends Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel in Barcelona.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47246/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Finals night kicked off with the triples, an all Hub affair, league champions versus runners up.  Joe Miller won the bull and started with an 85, the Kats response from Pat Abrams was a 140.  
Simon Williams and Joe Hawkins 100 supported well, the opp...

### CLARO - BIOS OF ORIHUELA COSTA BASED CANDIDATES

Bob Houliston
Bob Houliston is a founder member of C.L.A.R.O.   Elected President in 2006 and re-elected every year since. Bob first started having holidays in Orihuela Costa during the 1980's then moved here to live after his retirement in 2002. For 29 years was a European Commission civil servant, serving mainly in Brussels but with spells in New Delhi and Tunisia.
10 years prior to 1973 he was a member of British diplomatic service with postings to Copenhagen and Geneva.    He became involved in Orihuela Costa politics due to the injustice of the Orihuela-based political parties siphoning off taxes paid by Orihuela Costa residents to spend essentially on those who could deliver votes to re-elect them.  He feels strongly that the people of Orihuela Costa have should exercise their right to vote and that they should receive fair treatment and services from the Orihuela local government.
Jan Holden
Jan Holden originates from Birmingham and always lived and worked near Birmingham until she moved to Spain. She was a social worker before she started her long teaching career delivering qualifying social work courses and social care courses.
She moved to Spain with her two children in 2000, living firstly in Torrevieja and for the last five years in Orihuela Costa. She became involved in local politics as a direct consequence of the analysing the discrimination shown by the politicians of Orihuela to the people of the Orihuela Costa.  She feels very strongly that the Costa should have a fair share of the council budget and that that the people of Orihuela Costa should have the same services and facilities as the people living in Orihuela.
Norah Bond
Norah Bond was born in Kent but lived in Berkshire for many years where she had a large range of business interests. Norah took an active role in the Local Business Partnership in her area and was the secretary of the North Hampshire Federation of Small Businesses. She retired to Spain 2000, mainly due to health problems.
Since living on Orihuela Costa Norah founded Help At Home Costa Blanca and was its first President and she is currently Secretary General of the charity that provides help to those in need in their own homes, of all ages and nationalities.  She has been involved with C.L.A.R.O for many years and has been a long standing member of the Executive Committee. She is passionate about the rights of people living on the coast and their requirements for improved social services.
Karl Failoni
Karl Failoni comes from Graz, Austria. Prior to moving to Spain he spent forty years in the restaurant business in the UK, working in Birmingham, Manchester and Saddleworth, plus two years in Jersey. He moved to Spain upon retirement and had hoped to enjoy the climate and the culture; however he soon became very active in C.L.A.R.O and local politics.
He feels that the coast should have its fair share of amenities and finances without everything being based in Orihuela. He firmly believes that all the people in the Orihuela municipality should be treated equally where ever they live. He wants to see that families living in Orihuela Costa have a positive future with good education and job opportunities. He wants everyone in Orihuela to have their rights respected and to be treated equally.
Helene Akerman
Helene Akerman was born in Sweden but lived for many years in the UK before she moved to Orihuela Costa with her two children when she undertook a work placement as part of her language university course one and a half years ago. She is presently employed in the Scandinavian School teaching Spanish, English and Music. 
She very quickly became engrossed in local politics and C.L.A.R.O when she realised how neglected Orihuela Costa was in comparison to Orihuela. She passionately believes that all the children of Orihuela Costa should have good educational and leisure opportunities and that there should be career opportunities available here on the coast to ensure that families can grow and prosper.  She wants to make sure that Orihuela Costa is a place where families can have a positive future
Paulina Wysokinska
Paulina Wysokinska originates from Waszawa, Poland but immigrated to Spain 12 years ago to enjoy a better life style for herself and her family in a country with a sunny climate. Paulina works in insurance and as a Community Administrator where her language skills in English, Spanish, Polish and Russian are in high demand. She became involved in local politics and C.L.A.R.O due to the poor school facilities offered in Orihuela Costa and the lack of facilities for children and families.
She firmly believes that children are the future of any community and that school and amenities should be available to ensure that children have positive educational opportunities. Her number one priority is that the coast receives a fair budget and has all the proper services to meet the needs of its varied population.
Patricia Hamer
Patricia Hamer lived in Oxfordshire working for the DHSS before retiring and moving to Spain in 2006 due to a health scare. She has been involved in local politics and C.L.A.R.O for many years and has worked hard to increase the participation of the non Spanish population in local politics.
She is very concerned with the local environment and feels very strongly about the neglect she sees throughout Orihuela Costa, especially with regard to street cleanliness, the poor state of repair of the roads, and the neglect of parks and gardens. She feels that the town hall shows no concern to the state of the neglect within the various urbanisations and asks “Why do we pay local taxes when nothing gets done?”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47244/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Bob Houliston
Bob Houliston is a founder member of C.L.A.R.O.   Elected President in 2006 and re-elected every year since. Bob first started having holidays in Orihuela Costa during the 1980's then moved here to live after his retirement in 2002. For ...

### RASCALS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE POND

Last chance to see this lively variety show performed by Rascals in aid of Alzheimer's.
For an entertaining evening out don´t miss the last performance on Tuesday 26th May at the Virgen del Carmen, Torrevieja  of Both Sides of the Pond curtain up at 7.30.
This is a variety show with colourful costumes, song, dance & comedy from the Americas in the first half and Europe in the second.
To reserve tickets call Sue on 96 678 4874 or on the website www.therascals.org or you can get tickets at the booking office outside The Municipal theatre.
They only cost 6 Euros and this even includes a programme ! All ticket sales go to Alzheimer´s .
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47243/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Last chance to see this lively variety show performed by Rascals in aid of Alzheimer's.
For an entertaining evening out don´t miss the last performance on Tuesday 26th May at the Virgen del Carmen, Torrevieja  of Both Sides of the Pond curtain u...

### JUMPING TO FILM SUCCESS AND CHARITY

Making a movie is one experience but when the writer says I'd like you to do your own stunts its another, So how about a Parachute jump, record it and raise money for charities at the same time? 
Well to be honest it wasn't entirely like that, but just about. The Truth is that one Irish Actress has done just that descending from around 12,000 Ft, 30 seconds of free fall then around 6 more minutes of decent before touching down on camera as cool as a cucumber and loving every moment of it, then shouting "I want to do it again, I want to do it again" So who is this later day Laura Croft? Its non other than Caoimhe O'Shea.
But that is not the whole Story by any means Not only did our intrepid Actress jump from such a height out of a Piper Cherokee with the special hatch on its Port side, Kevin O'Hanlon Jumped on the same sortie as Caoimhe,
Dear friends Singer Rain O'Connor and Greg Lomas Braved the jump and in doing so Raised a €1,000 for 2 Charities. The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and Reach Out Torrevieja.
The whole Idea was indeed down to the ever brave Rain O'Connor, as a result the experience has been recorded both for YouTube, TV and some of the footage will be used in the Feature Film The Cucaracha Club now in the editing stage and soon to be released. Camera man Clive Grey was very impressed with the efforts of the team and the family and friends who turned out to support them, travelling for at least 2 hours up in to the hills of Murcia.
They where all awesome and we are very proud of them and the footage of a member of the acting crew doing a real jump to be used in the film was so cool.
You can still make donations to the charities by contacting Rain O'Connor or Caoimhe O'Shea at the Auld Dubliner, O'Shea's Bar or Bog Road pub. For more information: www.siesta.productions 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47241/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Making a movie is one experience but when the writer says I'd like you to do your own stunts its another, So how about a Parachute jump, record it and raise money for charities at the same time? 
Well to be honest it wasn't entirely like that, but just about. The Truth is that one Irish Actress has done just that descending from around 12,000 Ft, 30 seconds of free fall then around 6 more minutes of decent before touching down on camera as cool as a cucumber and loving every moment of it, then shouting "I want to do it again, I want to do it again" So who is this later day Laura Croft? Its non other than Caoimhe O'Shea.
But that is not the whole Story by any means Not only did our intrepid Actress jump from such a height out of a Piper Cherokee with the special hatch on its Port side, Kevin O'Hanlon Jumped on the same sortie as Caoimhe,
Dear friends Singer Rain O'Connor and Greg Lomas Braved the jump and in doing so Raised a €1,000 for 2 Charities. The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and Reach Out Torrevieja.
The whole Idea was indeed down to the ever brave Rain O'Connor, as a result the experience has been recorded both for YouTube, TV and some of the footage will be used in the Feature Film The Cucaracha Club now in the editing stage and soon to be released. Camera man Clive Grey was very impressed with the efforts of the team and the family and friends who turned out to support them, travelling for at least 2 hours up in to the hills of Murcia.
They where all awesome and we are very proud of them and the footage of a member of the acting crew doing a real jump to be used in the film was so cool.
You can still make donations to the charities by contacting Rain O'Connor or Caoimhe O'Shea at the Auld Dubliner, O'Shea's Bar or Bog Road pub. For more information: www.siesta.productions Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47241/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### FOREIGNERS BOUGHT ONE IN THREE HOMES SOLD IN 2014

According to the 2014 Statistical Property Yearbook, foreign buyers purchased one in three homes sold in the Region in 2014, 27.16 percent of the total.
These figures rank the Valencian Community at number three nationwide in this categorization.
The Baleares top the table for expat buyers with 32.63% while the Canary Islands rank at number two with 27.42% of the total. Each of thse figures more than double the national average within their communities which stands at 13.01%.
Within the Valencian community Alicante achieved 24,210 purchases, although this was a fall of 2.20 percent; Castellón reached 5,923 (3.23% less) and Valencia 16,675 (down 0.59 percent). In Alicante, 56.12 percent of the buyers were domestic and 43.88% foreign.
According to statistics, only 1.44% of transactions were in excess of 500,000 euros, while the national average was 5.20%.
This placed the region in eighth place, behind communities like Baleares, Basque Country, Catalonia, Andalusia, Madrid, Cantabria and Murcia.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47240/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to the 2014 Statistical Property Yearbook, foreign buyers purchased one in three homes sold in the Region in 2014, 27.16 percent of the total.
These figures rank the Valencian Community at number three nationwide in this categorization.
The...

### TORREVIEJA PP PRESENT MANIFESTO FOR YOUTH AND SPORT

The mayoral candidate of the Popular Party of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, has presented the PP manifesto on Youth and Sport for the upcoming Municipal Elections. 
He was accompanied by a number of other nominee which included the current councilor for sport Luis Maria Pizana, who is No. 5 on the PP candidacy list in Torrevieja.
Dolon said that the Party's manifesto on Youth has a total of 32 proposals that focus on the concerns, many of which have been registered by young Torrevejenses.
One of the main objectives will be the establishment of a University in the city supplementing the educational base which already includes the Conservatory and the International Music Auditorium. For the PP the university will be an absolute priority.
Furthermore, during the next term of government Dolon promised a Multipurpose Youth Centre, which unfortunately could not be developed during the last four years due to the economic crisis, the main focus of which has been serving the needy.
A further PP proposal on Youth will be the creation and implementation of a new municipal aid program to young unmarried people or those who are cohabiting and who need assistance to enable them to enter into home ownership. Each couple will receive a lump sum of 3,000 euros.
Moving onto the Sports manifesto which has 53 proposals, Dolon said that each one of them reflects the needs and demands of torrevejense sporting families.
The Popular Party will continue to invest in the creation of new facilities and infrastructure during the next four years to support athletes, sports clubs and federations and to facilitate the integration of sport into the whole society of Torrevieja.
It is also intended to provide special support to families who have children with difficulties so that they might have better access to sports schools and sports facilities.
For the residents of La Mata Snr Dolon said that his government would construct a covered sports pavilion at no cost to the municipal coffers, on the grounds that have already been allocated.
In closing the current mayor highlighted many of the projects achieved during the current term of office including the completion of the study, design and construction of a swimming pool next to the current heated lap pool, which will encourage activities for swimming Mothers with babies, developing exercises for people with disabilities, physical activity for disabled, as well as injury recovery and the development of complementary sports (aqua gym).Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47239/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The mayoral candidate of the Popular Party of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, has presented the PP manifesto on Youth and Sport for the upcoming Municipal Elections. 
He was accompanied by a number of other nominee which included the current councilor for ...

### THOUSANDS ATTEND HORADADA SEVILLANAS

Thousands of people from all over the region were in Pilar de la Horadada last weekend for the fourth annual Sevillanas Fair.
“The event is an important occasion in the town's social calendar. It is an opportunity for groups and associations to become involved with each other, to work together in support of the fair and the many people who attend" said Mayor Jose Fidel Ros
Friday night saw the lights turned on after which there were three days of festivities, music, dancing and of course lots of food and drink. The main event occurred on Saturday evening with the appearance of  los “Cantores de Híspalis” who sang to an audience of very nearly 2000 people.
People were also able to enjoy the horses and carriages that were regularly crossing the fairground. 
The Festival Councillor, Asunción Sánchez, said that " each year there are activities that are absolutely essential to the festival, and certainly the offering of flowers to the Virgin of Pilar, the Mass Rociera and the sevillanas contest are an integral part in an event that is becoming increasingly popular.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47238/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Thousands of people from all over the region were in Pilar de la Horadada last weekend for the fourth annual Sevillanas Fair.
“The event is an important occasion in the town's social calendar. It is an opportunity for groups and associations to become involved with each other, to work together in support of the fair and the many people who attend" said Mayor Jose Fidel Ros
Friday night saw the lights turned on after which there were three days of festivities, music, dancing and of course lots of food and drink. The main event occurred on Saturday evening with the appearance of  los “Cantores de Híspalis” who sang to an audience of very nearly 2000 people.
People were also able to enjoy the horses and carriages that were regularly crossing the fairground. 
The Festival Councillor, Asunción Sánchez, said that " each year there are activities that are absolutely essential to the festival, and certainly the offering of flowers to the Virgin of Pilar, the Mass Rociera and the sevillanas contest are an integral part in an event that is becoming increasingly popular.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47238/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### NORTH AFRICAN OVERHAUL FOR 'PASCUAL FLORES'

The 'Pascual Flores' has arrived in Algeciras, Spain's enclave in North Africa, where it will be put in ‘dry dock' to undergo hull cleaning and painting. 
It left Torrevieja last Monday under the command of Captain Manuel Murube Seville, with seven crew, for the journey which lasted two days.
In the usual Spanish fashion the schooner was given a ‘send off' at a press conference held in Torrevieja Town Hall attended by the mayor, Eduardo Dolon, and the ship's Captain, the Councillor for Culture, Luis Maria Pizana, and the director of the Nao Victoria Foundation which will be carrying out the work, Jose Fernandez de Cabo.
The mayor said that the overhaul, at a cost of 18,000 euros, will be the first step in making the schooner a little more active on it's return to local waters.
The work in Algeciras is scheduled to take approximately two months. Once complete it will return to Torrevieja where it will remain under the control of the Nao Victoria Foundation and once again assume its duties as a tourist attraction where it will represent the values, culture and the seafaring history of Torrevieja.
The councilor explained that the schooner could also function as a mobile tourist office for Torrevieja and, in theory, it could promote the city by travelling  all over the world.
The director of the Nao Victoria Foundation stressed that the Pascual Flores is in good condition and remains a great attractionl for Mediterranean sailors. He said that it is the intention of the Foundation to show it worldwide.
However two of Torrevieja's political parties have criticized the possible new status of the schooner.
PSOE spokesman, and candidate for mayor, Angel Saez, said the whole upkeep of the ship has already cost the city far too much from which the citizens are getting very little, if no, benefit. “We have already spent over 5 million euros on it's upkeep and preservation' he said, “It is probably worth around 6 million and we need to recover the money it has cost the city, therefore it should be advertised for sale and if somebody wants to buy the boat they should be allowed to do so”.
However José Luis Alarcon, number 6 on the Sueña Torrevieja list of candidates for the forthcoming elections, totally rejected the transfer of assets for the schooner which have been going on for 25 years saying that it will be totally irresponsible to continue with such funding ".
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47237/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The 'Pascual Flores' has arrived in Algeciras, Spain's enclave in North Africa, where it will be put in ‘dry dock' to undergo hull cleaning and painting. 
It left Torrevieja last Monday under the command of Captain Manuel Murube Seville, with seven crew, for the journey which lasted two days.
In the usual Spanish fashion the schooner was given a ‘send off' at a press conference held in Torrevieja Town Hall attended by the mayor, Eduardo Dolon, and the ship's Captain, the Councillor for Culture, Luis Maria Pizana, and the director of the Nao Victoria Foundation which will be carrying out the work, Jose Fernandez de Cabo.
The mayor said that the overhaul, at a cost of 18,000 euros, will be the first step in making the schooner a little more active on it's return to local waters.
The work in Algeciras is scheduled to take approximately two months. Once complete it will return to Torrevieja where it will remain under the control of the Nao Victoria Foundation and once again assume its duties as a tourist attraction where it will represent the values, culture and the seafaring history of Torrevieja.
The councilor explained that the schooner could also function as a mobile tourist office for Torrevieja and, in theory, it could promote the city by travelling  all over the world.
The director of the Nao Victoria Foundation stressed that the Pascual Flores is in good condition and remains a great attractionl for Mediterranean sailors. He said that it is the intention of the Foundation to show it worldwide.
However two of Torrevieja's political parties have criticized the possible new status of the schooner.
PSOE spokesman, and candidate for mayor, Angel Saez, said the whole upkeep of the ship has already cost the city far too much from which the citizens are getting very little, if no, benefit. “We have already spent over 5 million euros on it's upkeep and preservation' he said, “It is probably worth around 6 million and we need to recover the money it has cost the city, therefore it should be advertised for sale and if somebody wants to buy the boat they should be allowed to do so”.
However José Luis Alarcon, number 6 on the Sueña Torrevieja list of candidates for the forthcoming elections, totally rejected the transfer of assets for the schooner which have been going on for 25 years saying that it will be totally irresponsible to continue with such funding ".Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47237/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### NAVY PATROL SIEZES 40 KILOS OF DRUGS

According to a statement issued by the Department of Defence last week, the Spanish Naval Fisheries Patrol Vessel Arnomendi, based in Cartagena, has intercepted a fishing trawler, seven miles from the port of Alicante, on which they discovered between 30 and 40 kilos of "an alleged drug, apparently hashish". 
Based in Villajoyosa, the trawler was crewed by four men, all of Spanish Nationality.
The Arnomendi has been employed as a fisheries inspection and protection vessel since last April 27. It carried out the interception on Tuesday morning and following discovery of the drugs it escorted the trawler, Sana, to Alicante where the boat and its crew were handed over to the authorities.
The patrol boat Arnomendi, of the Maritime Action Force (FAM), entered service with the Spanish Navy in December 2000, and is manned by a crew of 37.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47236/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to a statement issued by the Department of Defence last week, the Spanish Naval Fisheries Patrol Vessel Arnomendi, based in Cartagena, has intercepted a fishing trawler, seven miles from the port of Alicante, on which they discovered between 30 and 40 kilos of "an alleged drug, apparently hashish". 
Based in Villajoyosa, the trawler was crewed by four men, all of Spanish Nationality.
The Arnomendi has been employed as a fisheries inspection and protection vessel since last April 27. It carried out the interception on Tuesday morning and following discovery of the drugs it escorted the trawler, Sana, to Alicante where the boat and its crew were handed over to the authorities.
The patrol boat Arnomendi, of the Maritime Action Force (FAM), entered service with the Spanish Navy in December 2000, and is manned by a crew of 37.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47236/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### EXPATS TO PAY FOR UK HEALTHCARE

Tighter controls within the NHS mean that British expats without the necessary paperwork can no longer expect free medical treatment during trips back to the UK, said OverseasGuidesCompany.com. 
“Previously, some expats have been able to travel back to the UK to take advantage of free healthcare for certain conditions, without questions over their residency status,” said Elaine Ferguson, Head of the Resource Centre at OverseasGuidesCompany.com. 
 “But forthwith, non-residents of the UK, including British expats who are resident in the European Economic Area (EEA) and who are not UK state pensioners, will have to pay for NHS treatment they receive back in the UK out of their own pocket, unless they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from their European place of residence or the necessary medical insurance.
This excludes treatment in A&E departments and GP surgeries. Similarly, expats resident in a country outside of the EEA will be billed 150 per cent of the NHS national tariff for any NHS care they receive if they are not covered by suitable medical insurance.
 “Meanwhile, qualifying UK pensioners living in the EEA, which includes all EU states, have nothing to fear as they are now entitled to the same level of NHS care as pensioners resident in the UK, so long as they are registered for healthcare in Europe with an S1 form.
 “This clamping down is an example of how the UK's austerity measures are affecting expats.
Times are changing and if you're not a UK pensioner, you can no longer just nip back to the UK for free healthcare when it suits you – and this should be taken into consideration before relocating abroad. Healthcare should be a key concern of anyone moving abroad, in particular if you are retired or approaching retirement, so now it's even more important to be satisfied with the standard – and, if applicable, costs - of medical treatment that will be available in your new home.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47234/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Tighter controls within the NHS mean that British expats without the necessary paperwork can no longer expect free medical treatment during trips back to the UK, said OverseasGuidesCompany.com. 
“Previously, some expats have been able to travel ...

### FIGHT ALZHEIMER’S - LEARN A LANGUAGE!

I often hear expats complaining about the difficulties of learning Spanish, despite being well aware that their experiences as an expat would be greatly enhanced by making the effort to communicate in the language of their new country. 
Sadly, many fail in the process, despite their best efforts and sometimes through no fault of their own.
Ideally, expats should have a working knowledge of the language before they even set foot in their newly adopted country. How often did we hear during the UK election campaign, for instance, politicians and the public complaining about immigrants arriving in the UK without a working knowledge of the language?
This lack of ability to communicate creates barriers, suspicion and resentment, and is one of the many reasons why immigration can become such a divisive issue in any community.
Life is not predictable, and for most expats, learning a language is a long and continuing process upon arrival. However, it can be fun and it is a willingness to try that is important.
I have often heard, and read reports indicating that learning a language after the age of fifty is very difficult, although many good teachers will dispute this. Certainly, the quality of teaching, materials used, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are all part of the ingredients of any learning, be it with others in a group, as an individual, in small group lessons, or simply following a recorded language course.
I vividly remember that as a newly arrived expat in Spain, I signed up for a language course funded and promoted by the municipality. I attended the first evening with great enthusiasm until I met the other 39 newly arrived expats in my class.
The pointlessness and frustration of trying to learn for an hour in a class of 40 other middle aged people was sad to experience, and is only successful in putting people off learning a new language. Indeed, a few weeks later when I checked what was going on, the class size had reduced to just five people. Maybe this was the overall intention, but it is a very sad and destructive way to promote learning of a language.
Despite the difficulties and frustrations when learning a new language, there is also plenty of good news. A recent report claims that using Spanish in everyday situations, as well as regularly attending classes, can help to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The research claims that the first signs of dementia can be delayed by at least five years by learning a language.
Expats living in Spain are certainly at an advantage, and are most likely to benefit since those who regularly use the language are even more likely to fight off Alzheimer's than those who have merely studied a language in isolation in their home country and then fail to use it in day-to-day situations.
Doctors have claimed for many years that thinking activities, such as Sudoku and crosswords help to ward off confusion and memory loss in old age. In addition, specialists claim that those who speak two or more languages have an even stronger chance of retaining their mental faculties. Well, I can take a hint; I'm just off for my Chinese lesson.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle.  iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47233/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: I often hear expats complaining about the difficulties of learning Spanish, despite being well aware that their experiences as an expat would be greatly enhanced by making the effort to communicate in the language of their new country. 
Sadly, many fa...

### UNCERTAIN FUTURE FOR ALICANTE

The Professor of Human Geography at the University of Alicante (UA), José Ramón Valero, has warned of an uncertain future for Alicante as more and more men and women leave the area in search of work. 
Thousands of men and women, who increasingly see little of future for themselves in the region, are either moving overseas or to larger cities in the north, and in so doing they are creating a brain drain that leaves an uncertain future for the province, now facing an unprecedented demographic crisis that will continue to worsen in the coming years.
Last year there was a loss of young people in all age groups but it was most pronounced among men over 25 years, particularly in the 30-34 year age-group.
Professor Valero speaks of a "lost generation", the "brain drain" and warns of the consequences that it will bring to the area.
Population projections to 2019 show that all regions in the province, except L'Alacantí, will experience a population decrease with a negative migration balance, according to data provided by the  Valencian Statistics Institute (IVE).
The hardest hit will be the Marina Alta, down 1.10% according to the census. The Vinalopó and L'Alt Vinalopó Mitja also are below the average for the Region and will fall by 0.48% and 0.47%, respectively. The decrease will be less in the Baix Vinalopó (-0.16%), the Marina Baixa (-0.16) and the Baix Segura (-0.04). For Alicante the increase is only 0.05%.
Carlos Gomez Gil, director of the Permanent Immigration Observatory and professor at the UA, confirmed that the demographic crisis is deepening and that now the province's future is uncertain, "with indications that generate uneasiness."
"Emigration, which has already surpassed that of the 50s and 60s is a "gift" to European countries like Germany, which benefit from its development, but is very negative for the evolution of local society", he said.
Gil speaks of a "perfect demographic storm". He highlights several factors. The first is immigration, which has been the basis of population growth in recent years. "But now, for the first time in many years there is a setback," he warns.
This factor is linked with falling birth rates and population replacement as well as the departure of young people from Alicante. "The crisis is very deep, but at the present time we  are unable to gauge what will happen.”
IVE data shows that of the 14,872 births in 2014, there will be a reduction of more than five hundred this year. However, in 2018 the decline will be 2,000. The fall in birth rates is as a result of the emigration of women from the age group 20-34 years. The Valencian Institute of Statistics project that 12,833 births will be recorded in 2018, which will be 2,039 less than in 2014.
This new demographic situation is affecting the economic and social dynamism in the region and significant impacts can already be seen in infrastructure planning, not to mention bars and shops in that have had to close.
Places are decreasing in schools, with the subsequent loss of teachers. This impact is also being seen in the universities, with replacement rates falling by up to 10%.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47232/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Professor of Human Geography at the University of Alicante (UA), José Ramón Valero, has warned of an uncertain future for Alicante as more and more men and women leave the area in search of work. 
Thousands of men and women, who increasingly see little of future for themselves in the region, are either moving overseas or to larger cities in the north, and in so doing they are creating a brain drain that leaves an uncertain future for the province, now facing an unprecedented demographic crisis that will continue to worsen in the coming years.
Last year there was a loss of young people in all age groups but it was most pronounced among men over 25 years, particularly in the 30-34 year age-group.
Professor Valero speaks of a "lost generation", the "brain drain" and warns of the consequences that it will bring to the area.
Population projections to 2019 show that all regions in the province, except L'Alacantí, will experience a population decrease with a negative migration balance, according to data provided by the  Valencian Statistics Institute (IVE).
The hardest hit will be the Marina Alta, down 1.10% according to the census. The Vinalopó and L'Alt Vinalopó Mitja also are below the average for the Region and will fall by 0.48% and 0.47%, respectively. The decrease will be less in the Baix Vinalopó (-0.16%), the Marina Baixa (-0.16) and the Baix Segura (-0.04). For Alicante the increase is only 0.05%.
Carlos Gomez Gil, director of the Permanent Immigration Observatory and professor at the UA, confirmed that the demographic crisis is deepening and that now the province's future is uncertain, "with indications that generate uneasiness."
"Emigration, which has already surpassed that of the 50s and 60s is a "gift" to European countries like Germany, which benefit from its development, but is very negative for the evolution of local society", he said.
Gil speaks of a "perfect demographic storm". He highlights several factors. The first is immigration, which has been the basis of population growth in recent years. "But now, for the first time in many years there is a setback," he warns.
This factor is linked with falling birth rates and population replacement as well as the departure of young people from Alicante. "The crisis is very deep, but at the present time we  are unable to gauge what will happen.”
IVE data shows that of the 14,872 births in 2014, there will be a reduction of more than five hundred this year. However, in 2018 the decline will be 2,000. The fall in birth rates is as a result of the emigration of women from the age group 20-34 years. The Valencian Institute of Statistics project that 12,833 births will be recorded in 2018, which will be 2,039 less than in 2014.
This new demographic situation is affecting the economic and social dynamism in the region and significant impacts can already be seen in infrastructure planning, not to mention bars and shops in that have had to close.
Places are decreasing in schools, with the subsequent loss of teachers. This impact is also being seen in the universities, with replacement rates falling by up to 10%.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47232/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### SAFETY CONCERNS OVER N332 BRIDGE

A bridge in Guardamar del Segura, on the approaches to the junction of the CV-91 from Orihuela, with the N332, has developed what appears to be a serious crack in its structure. 
According to the municipal group Esquerra Unida which has warned of the apparent danger involved, the infrastructure supports a section of National-332 road which carries thousands of cars andheavy trucks every week.
The crack is visible in both directions and the concern is that in recent weeks it seems to be getting gradually worse. Many residents who have been in contact with the Guardamar Ayuntamiento  say there is a distinct possibility that the bridge could collapse.
The leftist group warns that these cracks began to appear quite a while ago, "but you can see how they have recently become enlarged," according to spokesman Josep Carmona. “The bridge was built on variable terrain across the Rio Segura and the shifting path of the river has created additional problems for the bridge. It is also the point where the dual carriageway into Torrevieja begins.
Carmona also said that this is an area where regular earthquakes occur causing, albeit very slight, movement of the bridge which has added to the structural problems, he would not, however, state that the danger was imminent although he did say that an immediate structural survey should be carried out by engineers from both the Ayuntamiento, which is responsible for the CV 91, and the Highways Agency, who are responsible for the National road.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47231/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A bridge in Guardamar del Segura, on the approaches to the junction of the CV-91 from Orihuela, with the N332, has developed what appears to be a serious crack in its structure. 
According to the municipal group Esquerra Unida which has warned of the apparent danger involved, the infrastructure supports a section of National-332 road which carries thousands of cars andheavy trucks every week.
The crack is visible in both directions and the concern is that in recent weeks it seems to be getting gradually worse. Many residents who have been in contact with the Guardamar Ayuntamiento  say there is a distinct possibility that the bridge could collapse.
The leftist group warns that these cracks began to appear quite a while ago, "but you can see how they have recently become enlarged," according to spokesman Josep Carmona. “The bridge was built on variable terrain across the Rio Segura and the shifting path of the river has created additional problems for the bridge. It is also the point where the dual carriageway into Torrevieja begins.
Carmona also said that this is an area where regular earthquakes occur causing, albeit very slight, movement of the bridge which has added to the structural problems, he would not, however, state that the danger was imminent although he did say that an immediate structural survey should be carried out by engineers from both the Ayuntamiento, which is responsible for the CV 91, and the Highways Agency, who are responsible for the National road.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47231/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### PSOE CRITICIZE DIRTY PARKS IN ALGORFA

Manuel Ros, spokesman for the PSOE in Algorfa, criticized the mayor last week stating that his council teams were only interested in cleaning up local parks and other green areas during the run up to elections.
According to Snr Ros, despite regular complaints about their cleanliness, from residents in urban developments such as residential Lo Crispin or those located close to the golf course, it is only in recent weeks that they have seen any improvement to the usual grubby state that they have to suffer.
Indeed on many occasions local residents have said they have been so ashamed at the state of their local leisure areas that they have offered to clean up the parks themselves but they have been told not to do so by council autho,rities.
Ros also said that complaints are also common among young families living in the urban area located by the Benejúzar exit, in this case the state of the playground which is often used by small children is disgusting.
The Socialists criticize the lack of sanitation in and around the park and that say that many of the facilities in the playground are damaged and that the fence surrounding the area is broken.
PP Mayor Antonio Lorenzo said that the allegations are unfounded and that his council team can regularly be seen out cleaning local parks which he says are generally kept in a very good condition.
Of course there are occasional problems” he said, “but residents must take responsibility and call the council department when they see them. In that way we can get workmen onto the sites and deal with such matters quickly”.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47230/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Manuel Ros, spokesman for the PSOE in Algorfa, criticized the mayor last week stating that his council teams were only interested in cleaning up local parks and other green areas during the run up to elections.
According to Snr Ros, despite regular co...

### TORREVIEJA TO BECOME QUALIFICATION CENTRE FOR RUSSIAN UNIVERSITIES

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, met with Sergey Kravtsov last Tuesday, the President of the Federal Agency for Monitoring, Education and Science in Russia, who was in the area primarily to meet with the city's Russian residents, of which there are currently 5,300 listed on the electoral register.
He was also in the area to discuss matters education, with a view to establishing Torrevieja as the only city in Spain where Russian students can study and take examinations which will secure them the necessary certified qualifications to enter university in Russia.
Kravtskov said that he was extremely impress by the education system in Spain and he had chosen to establish the city of Torrevieja as a ‘centre of excellence' from a long list of candidates.
After the meeting, the party visited the Permanent School of Adults (EPA) in Torrevieja, where they were received by its president, Joaquin Canovas.
After inspecting the facilities he said that the school seems most likely to be the centre chosen to conduct these certification exams for those students wishing to enrol in Russian Universities.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47229/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, met with Sergey Kravtsov last Tuesday, the President of the Federal Agency for Monitoring, Education and Science in Russia, who was in the area primarily to meet with the city's Russian residents, of which there ...

### PADER - WE DO CARE ABOUT QUESADA

On the 24 May we are sure that you will use your vote responsibly.  We hope that means voting for PADER (Partido Democratica de Rojales) the only local Party that truly supports the residents of Quesada.
Many people will know local businessman and Party Activist Francisco Lidon who has long been a major figure in local politics. Within PADER he is joined by a number of well established and prominent members of the expatriate community, Ann from the Butterfly Children's Charity Shop, Sue Reader and Steph from El Toro's Bar as well as Pamela Owen who manu f you will know, a Quesada resident for over ten years.
A few neighbours from Ciudad Quesada have been very supportive to Pader Party as mosto f the members of the Party are residents of Quesada.
English resident of Quesada, Charity shops, and english owners of Business in Quesada believe that Orly Pader could make the difference.
Some of the goals :
HEALTH
- The amount forecast for pest control  in the sewerage system will be increased especially in the summer period. 
- We will insist on the cleaning and fencing of plots within the municipal area.
-  We will push forward with campaigns to create a mindful community and eliminate domestic animal mess on the streets.
- We will facilitate fenced-in public spaces for the exercising of pets to keep the streets and pavements clean
.
SOCIAL SERVICES
- A personaliized plan will be drawn up by the council for all cases of help at home.
- Home help services will be augmented through contracts with external companies with the express condition they use workers registered with the Town Hall
- The donations for assistance will be maintained and special cases reviewed. 
- A budget line will be included specifically for rehabilitation or to adapt properties destined for the most disadvantaged with prior study and evaluation by the municipal technical departments.
THIRD AGE
- An annual programme of leisure activities will be drawn up to include the different fitness programmes to altérnate with other activities for this group. This same programme will be carried out in the community centres of Ciudad Quesada and Heredades.
- The help and subsidies for the different associations will be maintained and we will request a greater involvement and collaboration with the council. 

TOURISM
- We will open the municipal Tourist Information office in the “plaza” building with both morning and afternoon opening times. 
- We propose a plan of cultural tourism promotion, that would cover guided tours of the archaeological, agricultural, Semana Santa museums and Gasparito water deposits as well as the Cuevas del Rodeo.  
- In collaboration with the business and hospitality sector we will create a guide to shops, bars and restaurants of the town.
COMMERCE 
- A business association will be fostered with representation from the highest number of businesses of the area.
- Logistically and economically the different functons of the business association will be supported for the benefit of the town.
- We will continue to support the setting up of new businesses on the “plaza” and influx of new people..
- Local purchases will be encouraged through the creation of a listing of local businesses categorized by specialist function.
PUBLIC FUNDS
- The number of councillors wll be updated and they will be dedicated exclusively to the real needs of the Town Hall. 
- We will control and review monthly the state of play with regard to projects to ensure efficient completion..
- The different municipal tax rates will be updated and we will consider possible reductions for those of the neighbourhood in need of help.
- Within the first three months of the legislature and in a public meeting we will provide information about the financial situation of the Town Hall. 
- We will put out to public tender, following established legal procedures, all contracts for services that require this. 
CULTURE
- The use of the Capitol Theatre will be increased thoughout the year and we will turn it into the cultural centre of our town. 
- A committee for culture will be appointed made up of representatives from all cultural sectors of the municipality who together with the council will be responsable for creating an annual programme of events to be published in a quarterly bulletin.
- We will programme activities in several languages in accordance with the needs of the people of the town.
- Visits to the various museums of the town will be stimulated and the opening hours revised, above all in the holiday periods.
- The book resources will be augmented in the different libraries. 
- The opening hours of the library will be extended in exam time.
- Open air activities will be scheduled in spaces such as the “Malecón del Soto”,  “Plaza Blanca” and  “Cuevas del Rodeo”.
INTERNAL ORGANISATION
- All the Town Hall officials and workers will be offered language classes and training on new technology with the aim of improving customer service.
- The location of the different municipal departments will be agreed with the other political groups to ensure user friendly access. 
All the vacancies available within the Town Hall will be advertised publicly.
- All the available methods will be in place for the control of the municipal departments..
- Creation of places for the disabled (33% or more) will be open to public tender.

 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47228/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On the 24 May we are sure that you will use your vote responsibly.  We hope that means voting for PADER (Partido Democratica de Rojales) the only local Party that truly supports the residents of Quesada.
Many people will know local businessman and Par...

### THE RBL  CELEBRATE V.E. DAY

The Orihuela Costa and District Branch of The Royal British Legion were at Alfies Place La Zenia on Friday 8 May  to celebrate V.E Day.
The evening started with a 3 course meal followed by entertainment from Phil Bowles, TAABS, Crazy Ladies, Emily Hullamn, Rebecca Holt, Cindy Fitzpatrick, Dan Davy, the night was hosted by Simon Morton. All of the artist's performed at no cost in aid of The Poppy Appeal.
 
There was a raffle that raised €300.00 and Chelsea Pensioner Wayne Campbell donated a large Teddy Bear dressed as a Chelsea Pensioner which was auctioned and raised a further €50.00
The branch meet every 3rd Thursday of each month at The Olympia Restaurant Mil Palmeras 7pm for 7.30 pm.  You do not have to be ex military to become a member.
Further information is available at the Orihuela Costa Branch web site.
Http:/branches.british legion.org.uk/branches/orihuela-costaFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47227/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Orihuela Costa and District Branch of The Royal British Legion were at Alfies Place La Zenia on Friday 8 May  to celebrate V.E Day.
The evening started with a 3 course meal followed by entertainment from Phil Bowles, TAABS, Crazy Ladies, Emily Hul...

### Military Plane Crashes in Seville

A military plane has crashed near a Coca Cola factory in Seville.
It is believed 7 people may have been on board the aircraft, believed to be an Airbus A400M. It is not yet known how many casualties there may be on the ground.
Seville airport is closed as a result.

Excerpt: A military plane has crashed near a Coca Cola factory in Seville. It is believed 7 people may have been on board the aircraft, believed to be an Airbus A400M. It is not yet known how many casualties there may be Read More ...

### TEN EXPATS FEATURE ON CLARO LIST OF CANDIDATES

A correction seems called for in relation to Mr. Kearney's claim to be an informed commentator, deeply involved in Orihuela politics.     
For years he has been the personal, loyal and biased mouthpiece for Pedro Mancebo who was head of the Centro Liberal Renovador (CLR) party until CLR gave up politically and decided not to contest the 24 May local elections. 
Pedro Mancebo then  failed to be included in any party's list of candidates.
Interestingly, when Pedro Mancebo announced his retirement from local politics he declared his support for the Popular Party  (the official one, not the breakaway PP group of Pepa Ferrando whom  he earlier supported  for Mayoress).   
He did not declare his support for the Ciudadanos Party headed by his former political colleague and CLR President, Juan Ignacio Lopez Bas who, with his business boss, cynically took over the local control of an emerging national party when they decided CLR's reputation had slumped so low that it could not run again as a local Orihuela party.   
Juan Ignacio Lopez Bas produced one of the fastest turn of coats in political history, resigning one day from his job as councillor and President of CLR to becoming the next day head and chief candidate of Ciudadanos.
Mr. Kearney, without a role as personal mouthpiece any longer, offers his comments on Orihuela politics from the same biased position as ever.    
No doubt in line with Pedro Mancebo's endorsement, he suggests the new clean Popular Party which is split in two will get as many seats as last time when it was united.    Unbiased commentators put their prospects much lower.   
What has kept Pedro Mancebo and Mr. Kearney going for the last 4 years has been their undisguised hostility to C.L.A.R.O. which they tried relentlessly to destroy.   His prediction that C.L.A.R.O., focusing on only one area of the municipality, the coast, will not get a single councillor elected will turn out to be one of his greatest, deliberate errors.  
In the past two elections in 2007 and 2011 C.L.A.R.O. got half of the votes cast on the coast, more than the two major parties, the PP and Socialists together.    There will be more voters on the coast this time than before.  
C.L.A.R.O. has worked tirelessly over the past 9 years for Orihuela Costa and is fielding a stronger than ever team from Orihuela Costa, including 6 Brits, 2 Swedes, 1 Austrian and one Polish candidate.     Furthermore, this time C.L.A.R.O. has strong support in Orihuela city and surrounding villages, headed by two well known and respected political figures, both like Bob Houliston, expelled from the CLR-CLARO one time alliance of Pedro Mancebo and Juan Ignacio Lopez Bas group in order to curtail their democratic rights.
Orihuela politics is a jungle with cut- throated contenders out to secure financial gain – commonly called corruption.    It is essential to know who is who in order to vote for a party which will support and defend the interests of Orihuela Costa and Orihuela city too.   
No one should pay heed to Mr. Kearney's biased and deliberately distorted political comments. C.L.A.R.O had been the only party that has continuously campaigned for the needs and rights of the people of Orihuela Costa.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47223/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A correction seems called for in relation to Mr. Kearney's claim to be an informed commentator, deeply involved in Orihuela politics.     
For years he has been the personal, loyal and biased mouthpiece for Pedro Mancebo who was head of the Centro Lib...

### MOJÁCAR’S OSAÏA REDING WINS 3RD PLACE IN SPAIN’S KITESURF CHAMPIONSHIP AT LA MANGA, MAR MENOR

11 year old Osaïa Reding recently competed in the 2nd annual La Manga Xperience, an event that is part of the 2015 Spanish Kitesurf Cup, which took place last weekend in La Manga, Mar Menor.  
This year's championship attracted more than 150 dedicated amateur and professional participants from all over Spain.  Kitesurfing is a constantly growing sport due to the speed, jumps and aerial manoeuvres that are it's main features, which you definitely have to see for yourself.
Osaïa was not the only member of her family to participate in this tournament as her father and trainer, Sebastien Reding, finished in fifth place, which is not a bad result for the oldest participant of this competition. Osaïa's enthusiasm for the sport is immense, as she almost always wins a place on the podium of the championships she attends.
We can see Osaïa practicing on the beaches of her home town Mojácar whenever the weather permits, along with Sebastien.  Mojácar Town Hall is one of her main sponsors and supports her in all her competitions. 
Her Kitesurf board bears the Indalo emblem representing Mojácar town, of which Osaïa is immensly proud as it is very close to her heart.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47220/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: 11 year old Osaïa Reding recently competed in the 2nd annual La Manga Xperience, an event that is part of the 2015 Spanish Kitesurf Cup, which took place last weekend in La Manga, Mar Menor.  
This year's championship attracted more than 150 dedi...

### Mike Probert talks Golf 11 MAY 2105

(Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services).  Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.
‘Chatterbox'
Before we start I had better explain that I am not talking about her in doors (only joking ladies) or the playing partner that just will not shut up.
The chatterbox to which I refer is the voice inside your head that you hear when you are thinking or alone. Unfortunately it is the source of negative thoughts and heralds doom, gloom and losing.
If you possess an internal golfing chatterbox it usually sounds something like this:
“If I go for the green I could get a birdie but if is miss the green I could lose the ball and ruin the rest of the round and waste the long hours of practise but if I don't go for the green I have lost a good opportunity and my golfing mates will take the mickey and call me a wimp”.
Do you recognise this circle of thoughts?
I bet you do because we will all have fallen foul of our golfing chatterbox during our golfing lives. Now that you know that it exists you will also realise just how difficult it is to switch off. The only way to overcome the chatterbox is to out talk the negativity by re-affirming the positive aspects of your golf game.
Literally speaking start to talk to your self in can's and not cant's and stop moaning and groaning and take positive action. As soon as a negative though pops into your head, say STOP to your self and immediately replace the negative thought with a positive one.
For example, when faced with a 4ft putt on the 18th hole to win the competition, your chatterbox will say, “I have GOT to hole this putt”, and immediately you will feel stress and muscle tension.
Replace that thought with,” I am GOING to hole this putt, and just feel the difference in the impact on your body. Go on give it a try!
It will not be easy to change because your chatterbox has staying power and will introduce ‘what if' thoughts to your conscious mind and feed the fundamental lack of confidence and trust that we have in our abilities.
Remember you are not a failure if you do not succeed in anything but you are a success because you try. 
It is also important to lighten up and not take yourself too seriously because trust me, nothing is that important.
We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us.
Hollow Tine Watch
La Peraleja – 11th-13th May 2015
Alenda - 12th-14th May 2015
Villamartin - 13th-15th May 2015
Quotation of the Week
“What separates great players from the good ones is not so much ability as brain power and emotional equilibrium” - ArnoldFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47219/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: (Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services).  Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Se...

### WHY CLARO CANNOT WIN A SEAT IN THE ELECTION

Spain like many European countries uses the D'Hondt voting system. If any party receives less than 5% of the total votes cast then their votes are not taken into account and are discarded. 
In Orihuela's 2007 local elections Claro received 800 votes which were dumped because they fell short of the 5% minimum required.
In 2011, 32,549 votes were cast in whole municipality for all parties with only 2,801 in Orihuela Costa. Eliminated were PRO 720 votes, EUPV 501 votes, BL 466 votes and P.C.P.E. 120 votes.
If Claro had been alone they probably would have received 950 votes and also would have been eliminated, but Claro formed a pre-election alliance with CLR and together they received 1,352 votes on the coast which was still not enough to reach the 1,627 (5%) minimum required but because of their pre-election alliance CLR's 3,000 votes received in Orihuela allowed Claro to cross the 5% line and together CLR-Claro won 4 seats.
This month Claro and 7 other small parties, out of the 13 parties contesting this election will not reach the 5% minimum required. A vote for any small party will be a wasted vote.
Claro in recent months has tried to woo supporters from Orihuela and the villages with some small success. On their list is Asun Mayoral (No.2) who could win them another 100 votes, Pablo Vidal (No.6) could bring in 50 votes and some disaffected and unwanted members of other parties could bring in yet another 100 votes.
The maximum votes that Claro will win this month will be 1,350. The 5% minimum should be more than 1,600 votes. So it is impossible for Claro to reach the 5% minimum in 2015.
This information will disappoint many people on the coast, but if you lived in La Zenia would you vote for “The Party of La Florida”? If Claro want to continue they must change their image and the perception that the electorate have of them. Claro's current leader is adored and revered by a select few but he is not widely respected throughout the municipality. At 78 he should retire with grace rather than continuing as the “Face” of Claro.
Next they should drop their logo “Party of the Coast”. Then they need to place well respected people into key positions, for example they have a young intelligent businessman called Paul in the number 3 position on their list, next time around place him in the number one position and put capable people in the driving seat.
They should continue with their expansion into Orihuela and the villages but rather than accepting cast-offs in leadership roles, they should place well respected people in these Spanish areas to represent them. If they follow a plan like this Claro could possibly win 3 seats in 2019.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47212/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spain like many European countries uses the D'Hondt voting system. If any party receives less than 5% of the total votes cast then their votes are not taken into account and are discarded. 
In Orihuela's 2007 local elections Claro received 800 votes w...

### OKLAHOMA COMING SOON!!!

Everyone loves a good love story with a happy ending and Studio's32 production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical Oklahoma certainly fits the bill. 
This popular musical packed with well-known songs, tells the story of love between a cowboy and a farmer's daughter in the wild west of America.
The principle roles will be played by Rae Daniel, as Curly a young cowman in love with the heroine Laurey played by Verity Jo Spencer Hall, Jenni Hardy –Rooney, plays Aunt Eller, mother to everyone, with Bev McEwan as Ado Annie a flirtatious girl who can't resist any man.!!
Mark Lord is Will Parker, a hapless young cowman in love with Ado Annie. Dan Ullah is the evil Jud Fry and Mike Oates the mischievous peddler, Ali Hakim .Ado Annie's father, gun toting; Andrew Carnes is played by Bob Lear. With a large enthusiastic chorus of 30 to back up the principles, all is set fair for a great evening of entertainment. 
As with all Studio32 productions, you can expect brilliant costumes, scenery and staging and the back stage crew have produced some exceptional props for this show. 
You can see Oklahoma on Thursday 4th Friday 5th and Saturday 6th June at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre, San Fulgencio . Doors open 7 pm performance 7.30 pm  
For information about tickets for this show, contact Ann 966 318 019. 
The beneficiaries from the shows are la Asociación de Alzhéimer de San Fulgencio, local charities and the Cardenal Bulluga TheatreFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47210/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Everyone loves a good love story with a happy ending and Studio's32 production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical Oklahoma certainly fits the bill. 
This popular musical packed with well-known songs, tells the story of love between a cowboy and a fa...

### STARS COME OUT AT SUNRISE FOR CANCER RESEARCH

Sunday 17th May will be a special day as acts from all over the Costa Blanca converge in Playa Flamenca to raise money for Cancer Research. 
All the acts will be donating their skills for free for the bumper variety show which will be held at Sunrise Restaurant, La Mosca Centre in Playa Flamenca. The event, which will be broadcast live all round the world starts at 2pm and continues until midnight.
Amongst the many acts appearing free of charge will be Zodiac Duo from Benidorm, The Streeters band from Murcia and country singer Red Strokes from Los Alcazares.  Included in the varied line up are Rod Stewart Tribute - David John Williams and top flamenco dancer Joseluis Balboa. 
The event will be joint hosted by Big FM's Richie Sparks and Top comedy hypnotist Eddie Malloy, who hopes he doesn't have to hypnotise the audience into donating large sums of money for the charity.
Local acts That's Life Duo, Randall Cain, Luke Wilder and Rob Roberts will also be getting the audiences up and dancing and digging deep. Rock n Roll fans are in for a big treat with the evening ending with pure musical genius and a lot of fun from Frankie and The Booters 5 piece band.
With a live auction and plenty of opportunity to donate during the event, organisers Lee Howard and Lets Rock Shows hope that the generosity of attendees will go a long way to helping find a final cure for Cancer.
Tables can be reserved by calling 965 326 814Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47209/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Sunday 17th May will be a special day as acts from all over the Costa Blanca converge in Playa Flamenca to raise money for Cancer Research. 
All the acts will be donating their skills for free for the bumper variety show which will be held at Sunrise ...

### PARTIDO POPULAR VETO AMENDMENT TO PROPERTY LAW

Spanish senate prepares to reject amendment to protect consumers who purchaser a property in good faith
As Spain gears up for an influx of foreign visitors, many of whom succumb to the temptation to buy their dream home in the sun, the home owner's campaign groups, AUAN and SOHA, reveal that, in the session of the Spanish Senate Justice Commission of 5th May 2015, the ruling PP party voted against all of the amendments proposed by the other parliamentary groups, including amendment number 124 of the PSOE and number 50 of the parliamentary group Entesa pel Progrés de Catalunya presented to protect third party purchasers in good faith who rely on the accuracy of the Spanish Land Registry.
The proposed change is in line with recent changes to the Criminal Code, which came about after a long campaign by the associations, made up of mainly British expats.
The associations complain that unless there is a change of heart prior to the Senate Vote, which takes place in the next few days, an opportunity will be lost to give more legal certainty to the Spanish property market.
AUAN and SOHA and the rest of the associations that support this change believe that a person who buys a house, be they Spanish or foreign, has the right to rely on what the Land Registry says. However, according to these associations, the Registry can show a house that is registered without evidence of any problem, and in spite of this the house can be illegal and can even be subject to a demolition order -  there have already been cases of this, they say. The associations consider that the Register fails to meet it social and legal function if this change is not approved. 
They point out that the web page of the Property Register states under the heading ‘Legal Security of the Spanish Property Register' that:
The Spanish Registry System is, without doubt, classifiable as one of the safest in the world. It is a Register of rights.
The registered rights are protected by the courts, to such an extent that nobody can be deprived of those rights if there is not in contradictory court proceedings to which the registered title holder is a party. In addition, the law attributes a series of legal presumptions to the inscribed rights, the maximum effect of which is the principle of public trust in the registry.
The Principle of Disclosure, in case of conflict between reality and the Registry invests certainty in the registry… That not inscribed does not affect the reliability of the registry content….. Presumption ‘iuris tantum' that what is published in the Register is exact and complete.
In short, if the following conditions are fulfilled: - The titleholder is inscribed - the transfer has a value – The purchaser is unaware of any conditions that discredit the Register (good faith is presumed) – The purchase is inscribed;  this results in the legal effect that the new title holder is totally protected by the Spanish registry system'.
The associations complain that, regrettably, this is not exactly true when it comes to illegal houses and that the law must be change to protect third parties who rely on the accuracy of the Register. They consider that these uncertainties must be eradicated as soon as possible because they believe that it affects the image of Spain and investment in property, in addition to the negative effect it has on the rights of the people.
 
They say that many associations of those affected, AUAN,SOHA, CALU, AMA, FUAN as well as other groups that have expressed their support, continue to have confidence in the good sense of the political groups on this issue and call on all parties to approve this amendment after all.
AUAN PRESS RELEASEFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47198/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spanish senate prepares to reject amendment to protect consumers who purchaser a property in good faith
As Spain gears up for an influx of foreign visitors, many of whom succumb to the temptation to buy their dream home in the sun, the home owner's ca...

### Court Denies Toll Compensation

The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal filed by toll road operator AUSUR against the Ministry of Development for 315 million euro compensation.
The complaint was lodged when the concessionaire considered that by doubling the width of the N-332 coast road between Guardamar and Cartagena, excluding the section at Torrevieja, would result in a loss of earnings for the toll road operator.
The company therefore filed for loss of earning between 2009 and 2048, when the concession contract ends, totalling 315 million euro.
However, the court rejected the claim as the loss of traffic was a foreseeable risk when the company participated in the tender process for the operation.

Excerpt: The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal filed by toll road operator AUSUR against the Ministry of Development for 315 million euro compensation. The complaint was lodged when the concessionaire considered that by doubling the width of the N-332 coast Read More ...

### Decabike This Weekend

The annual Decabike cycling family fun day takes places this Sunday in Decathlon stores around the country.
On the Orihuela Costa, the event starts at the Zenia Boulevard store at 10:30, where there will also be entertainment and games for all the family.
The cycle route will then cover 6.5 kilometres of the Orihuela Costa, all at a leisurely pace, enabling those who take part to enjoy a restful ride through the scenery of the coast.
Everybody is welcome to take part, but you must register in advance at the Decathlon store before Saturday.
Cycle helmets are mandatory for those taking part, and more details are available at the store.

Excerpt: The annual Decabike cycling family fun day takes places this Sunday in Decathlon stores around the country. On the Orihuela Costa, the event starts at the Zenia Boulevard store at 10:30, where there will also be entertainment and games for Read More ...

### Orihuela Costa Election Buses

Bus service will be provided on the day of the elections.
The 2 bus routes of Orihuela Costa, which are usually between September and June not operating on week-ends will be servicing on the Election Day. On Sunday the 24th of March both lines will be available at their usual time table between 9am and 3pm.
In addition the bus service between Entrenaranjos en Torremendo will also be functioning on Sunday 24th of May, as the polling station for the Residents of Entrenaranjos is situated in Torremendo.

Excerpt: Bus service will be provided on the day of the elections. The 2 bus routes of Orihuela Costa, which are usually between September and June not operating on week-ends will be servicing on the Election Day. On Sunday the 24th Read More ...

### Sexual Orientation Equality Focus

The Spanish Secretary of State for Security, Francisco Martinez, along with the Secretary of State for Social Services and Equality, Susana Camarero, launched a new observatory this week which will focus on the abolition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Francisco Martinez, who pointed out that in 2014 65.6% of a total of 1,285 hate crimes fell into this bracket, and so the government enforces their commitment through the Ministry of Interior to focus on these crimes in order to “defend and protect victims”.
Susana Camarero stressed that the new centre “will serve to consolidate and defend the rights of people regardless of their sexual orientation and gender” and to “promote values ​​such as respect for diversity and the free development of the people”.
The Observatory, which will include a website and a mobile application, will offer a quick response to victims of discrimination.

Excerpt: The Spanish Secretary of State for Security, Francisco Martinez, along with the Secretary of State for Social Services and Equality, Susana Camarero, launched a new observatory this week which will focus on the abolition of discrimination based on sexual orientation Read More ...

### New Media Markt in Finestrat

Electrical retailer Media Markt opens the doors to its 75 shop in Spain on Thursday, located at the La Marina shopping centre in Finestrat near Benidorm.
Much like their other stores around the area, the shop offers access to some 40,000 products, from Smartphones and wearables, to televisions and washing machines.

Excerpt: Electrical retailer Media Markt opens the doors to its 75 shop in Spain on Thursday, located at the La Marina shopping centre in Finestrat near Benidorm. Much like their other stores around the area, the shop offers access to some Read More ...

### Alcohol Consumption Concerns

A new study conducted by the University of Alicante has concluded that the “high consumption” of alcohol amongst students is “alarming”.
The report on drug use among secondary school students reveals that 65.6% of adolescents have consumed alcohol at some time in their lives and 61.3% of them did in the last year. However, the most alarming statistic is that 44.3% of students surveyed acknowledged having drunk alcohol during the 30 days prior to completion of the questionnaire.
However, the study reveals that alcohol consumption by young people across Alicante is actually lower than the national average, where the consumption rate is 80% overall, with 74% having consumed alcohol within the 30 days prior to being questioned.

Excerpt: A new study conducted by the University of Alicante has concluded that the “high consumption” of alcohol amongst students is “alarming”. The report on drug use among secondary school students reveals that 65.6% of adolescents have consumed alcohol at some Read More ...

### Historic Band Coming to Alicante

American rock music band The Flamin’ Groovies, popular in the 60´s and 70´s, have announced a mini tour of Spain.
Founded in San Francisco in 1965, their greatest hit is considered to be “Shake Some Action”, which was featured in the 1995 film Clueless, covered by another American band, Cracker.
The group will perform in Alicante on the 9th of June, Madrid on the 11th, Zaragoza on the 12th and Andoain on the 13th of June.

Excerpt: American rock music band The Flamin’ Groovies, popular in the 60´s and 70´s, have announced a mini tour of Spain. Founded in San Francisco in 1965, their greatest hit is considered to be “Shake Some Action”, which was featured in Read More ...

### RUGBY LA VILA NEWS

Last Saturday we had another enjoyable day of rugby. Mountain Ash Youth team from Wales, plus Burgess Hill from England and La Vila. We played together some social rugby from 4 pm until 6 pm after which we inaugurate our sky sport connection and watched European Rugby Cup Final between Toulon and Clermont which Toulon won.
The day ended with a splendid Argentinean barbecue. Everybody really enjoyed 
Next Saturday 9th May more rugby at Villajoyosa. From 11 am until 3 pm Alicante Sevens start for under 18, under 16 and women. From 4 pm until 8 pm Senior Sevens will take place. Teams from Alicante, Valencia and Murcia, plus one touring side from UK, Swanage and Wareham. Free entrance. Come and enjoy rugby sevens
But don't forget our more important sevens, on 23/24 May 2015 which will be played at the New Villajoyosa Rugby Stadium, very near Motorway Exit nº 66 at Villajoyosa. This year is the 29th running of the event, and as usual the tournament is held over two days 
The Sevens caters for all levels of senior seven a side rugby, being divided into three sections (National Sides - Invitational sides, Mens and Women, Club sides. This thriving event is supported by Villajoyosa Council, Patronato Turismo Costa Blanca and Benidorm Council
International Selections:  Chile, Maroc, Belgium, Rusia, Spanish Barbarians, French selection
Womens Selections, Ireland, Rusia, Kakakistan, Bite Marauders Academy. Portugal 7s, kazajistan selection
Clubs  Scottish Hawick, Venezuela Orquideas, Cau Madrid,  French Bearn. Cataluña Dragons, Elche, La Vila
Womens Danemark Selection, Andorra Selection, Tunisia Selection, Madrid Selection,  Sevilla University and Alicante Selection
Saturday games Clubs at 11.00 am Selections at 4.00 pm until 9.00 pm. 
Sunday games will start at 11.00 am until 8.00 pm. Finals will start at 5.00 pm. 
Free Bus Transfers for supporters from Benidorm Yorkshire Pride Bar, Rincon de Loix Saturday and Sunday at 1.00 pm. Buy the entrance ticket there 
Tickets Saturday 10 € and Sunday 15 €. Two days pass 20 €. Children Under 12 free
New VILLAJOYOSA RUGBY STADIUM  Two cover Stands. Club House. Four Changing Rooms. Press Rooms. Flood lights. Facilities at the ground include Bars, food stalls, souvenir shop, Free parking area, Catering area
Make a date and mark off your diary for the 23/24 May 
Anyone wishing to come along will find La Vila Rugby Club is situated at Carretera Pantano, Villajoyosa.  Just take the motorway AP-7 exit Nº 66 (Villajoyosa). At the first roundabout head for the mountain. It is about 1 km from Motorway exit nº 66. Or take the Villajoyosa by-pass, and take the middle exit, at the first roundabout, bear right towards the motorway entrance and at the second roundabout bear left towards the mountain.
More information phone Jason Craig on 659 674 768 or Ignacio Davila 608 068 208 or  e mail oficina@rugbyla vila.netFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47194/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Last Saturday we had another enjoyable day of rugby. Mountain Ash Youth team from Wales, plus Burgess Hill from England and La Vila. We played together some social rugby from 4 pm until 6 pm after which we inaugurate our sky sport connection and watche...

### RESCUE AND EVACUATION OPERATIONS IN NEPAL

The Spanish Embassy in Delhi released the figures on Spanish citizens affected by the earthquake in Nepal.
The number of missing Spaniards has fallen from 21 to 13 thanks to the checks carried out by the Spanish Embassy, which remains subject to ongoing updates and verifications.
The 46-man strong Emergency Military Unit (Spanish acronym: UME) arrived in Delhi on Sunday and deployed to Kathmandu on Monday. The team includes 6 rescue dogs and support material. The planned operation includes an action plan that will allow the worst affected areas to be covered, particularly focusing on the area of Langtang.
All European Union and Latin American countries have been given the opportunity of evacuating their nationals on the UME's Boeing 707. This plane left Kathmandu with a search and rescue team and returned to Delhi with four Spaniards and several people of other nationalities on board.
The search and rescue teams deployed in the Langtang Valley are entrusted with rescuing all those people they find of all nationalities.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47192/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Spanish Embassy in Delhi released the figures on Spanish citizens affected by the earthquake in Nepal.
The number of missing Spaniards has fallen from 21 to 13 thanks to the checks carried out by the Spanish Embassy, which remains subject to ongoi...

### SIMPLY FORD 2015 SHINES DESPITE SHOWERS

Beaulieu threw open its gates for Simply Ford on Sunday 3rd May 2015, welcoming Fords of all ages, shapes and sizes into the attraction's parkland. Not even a showery start could put a dampener on the day, with over 900 cars taking part in the event, ranging from highly modified modern examples to immaculate classics.
Over 1700 visitors joined the event, now in its sixth year, as it celebrated all vehicles built with a blue oval badge. For 2015, the Ford Transit was a star of the show, with a special display commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of Britain's favourite van.
Judith Maddox, Beaulieu's Events Manager, said “Simply Ford has got the 2015 calendar of Simply rallies off to a flying start. Always a hugely popular event with owners and spectators alike, due to its welcoming atmosphere, this year saw a wide range of different vehicles on display.”
The Transit Van Club's display spanned the five decade history of this legendary workhorse, as the latest models mixed in with examples of the classic Mk1, rugged Mk2 and streamlined Mk3. A crowd favourite was Tasha Rose's immaculate 1969 camper van, adorned with one-off Jimi Hendrix-inspired artwork on its pristine panels.
Show regulars Ford Heritage supported the celebration with their own Transit Mk1, the oldest example still on Britain's roads, along with the legendary Transit Supervan 3. This lightweight monster wowed crowds as its raucous V8 engine, mounted in the middle of the van, was started up several times during the day.
Almost thirty other clubs showcased their members' remarkable machines. The Mondeo Mk2 Owners' Club brought along a range of these once-common family cars, while fast Ford lovers enjoyed the XR Owners' Club stand, where examples of the XR2, XR3i and XR4 could all be found.
Nobody could miss the eye-searing line-up of the Electric Orange ST Club, a crowd favourite featuring no less than nine examples of the performance focused Focus ST, all finished in the same vivid orange hue. Elsewhere in the event, Capris, Escorts and Focuses rubbed shoulders with older Ford models, such as Prefects, Populars, and Anglias. American Fords such as a Galaxie and a V8-powered Econoline ‘dayvan' contrasted with the British Corsair and Cortinas also on show.
Beaulieu's Commercial Director, Stephen Munn, presented the People's Choice award to Dave Pritchard for his Escort Cosworth. Dave, who had driven down from Wiltshire to attend the event, has spent over £30,000 lovingly upgrading and restoring his Escort over ten years of ownership, including swapping the original turbocharger for an even bigger one to give a total power output of 630bhp.
Among the runners up, were Jim Watson with his beautifully presented Ford 100E Popular and Steve Blewitt whose American Ford 300 Custom is believed to be the only example in the UK.
Simply Ford will return on Sunday 1st May 2016, for more details visit www.beaulieu.co.uk/beaulieu-events.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47191/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Beaulieu threw open its gates for Simply Ford on Sunday 3rd May 2015, welcoming Fords of all ages, shapes and sizes into the attraction's parkland. Not even a showery start could put a dampener on the day, with over 900 cars taking part in the event, r...

### ''WHAT'S COOKING” FOR ELCHE CHILDREN?

Last Saturday some of the young people from The Children's Care Home in Elche, joined patrons at Restaurante El Alto La Dolores, in a 'cook your own' BBQ.  128 people attended, and were encouraged to cook their own meat on the BBQ, although there was help available for the less adventurous.  
They were entertained by Ronnie Taylor (aka Justin Sane) and Vinny Mack, and the general feedback was that it was a great afternoon.
Once again, Andres, owner of the Restaurant, donated a Mediterranean Cruise as first prize in the raffle, and the lucky winner on this occasion, was Christina Vidal, from Rojales.  A delighted Christina, said “I thought we had won a bottle of wine, or something like that. 
I can't believe we have won a Cruise!.  Previous cruise winners, Brian and Carol Myers, were on hand to tell Christina what a luxurious ship it was, and what a fantastic time they had.
The young people from the care home who attended, were so appreciative of  the monies raised for them through various fund-raisers, and four of them delivered hand-made thank-you cards to the organisers.  Two of the young ladies were also persuaded to voice they thanks over the microphone, and confidently did so, albeit in Spanish.
This was another very successful event, with 782.60 euros raised for the children's needs.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47189/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Last Saturday some of the young people from The Children's Care Home in Elche, joined patrons at Restaurante El Alto La Dolores, in a 'cook your own' BBQ.  128 people attended, and were encouraged to cook their own meat on the BBQ, although there was h...

### A LEGION OF TRAVELLERS

The Royal British Legion Legionnaires Bowls Group didn't have room for its members' buckets and spades when it embarked on a (full) coach trip down to Mojacar recently. 
Instead the selected team from the Group went with their bowls gear and plenty of supporters in preparation for the planned friendly match against the local team there, The Indalo Bowls Club.
Unfortunately the result was not as bright for The Legionnaires as the weather, with Indalo coming out the decisive overall winners. The rink results were 3 draws, 4 wins to Indalo and 1 win to the Legionnaires; despite that a most enjoyable weekend was had by all.
Particular thanks go to the members of San Luis Bowls Club who made up the numbers and Allan and Dianne Budd for making all the arrangements.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47188/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Royal British Legion Legionnaires Bowls Group didn't have room for its members' buckets and spades when it embarked on a (full) coach trip down to Mojacar recently. 
Instead the selected team from the Group went with their bowls gear and plenty of...

### Football Violence Threat Thwarted

A team of police officers dedicated to irradiating violence in sport have successfully prevented an explosive and violent clash between two groups in the vicinity of a football stadium in Murcia.
A total of 30 people were identified as suspects in the case, with a number of arrests taking place. Two of those detained are wanted for questioning in connection with robbery with violence and intimidation.
The groups were armed with a variety of knives, pipes, sticks, batons and other potential weapons, as well as protective equipment such as crash helmets and protective clothing.

Excerpt: A team of police officers dedicated to irradiating violence in sport have successfully prevented an explosive and violent clash between two groups in the vicinity of a football stadium in Murcia. A total of 30 people were identified as suspects Read More ...

### People Traffickers Arrested

Officers from the National Police have arrested 80 people this week, all linked to a network of illegal trafficking of citizens of Chinese origin.
The operation was conducted in collaboration with the British Embassy and Immigration Officials from the British Consulate in Barcelona.
One of those arrested is the suspected head of the operation, with the gang believed to charge an average of 20,000 euro for each person being trafficked, seriously threatening them or their families if they failed to meet that amount.
The main destination countries for the victims were the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada and the United States were organised transfers were arranged from Barcelona and other towns of the same province, using a network of travel agencies which were also mainly run for Chinese citizens.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested 80 people this week, all linked to a network of illegal trafficking of citizens of Chinese origin. The operation was conducted in collaboration with the British Embassy and Immigration Officials from the British Read More ...

### Alicante Film Festival Announced

On Tuesday, representatives from the Alicante provincial government presented the details of the 12th annual film festival that will take place in the city, which will take place between May 29 and June 5.
The government has also provided 17,000 euro in financial support to this year´s event, which will feature a short film competition which will spread across three different categories.
In total, 900 films were submitted to the festival this year, from which 55 were selected to compete.
The winner of the Best Film category stands to pocket 4,000 euro in prize money, with awards also available for the likes of Best Actor, Best Actress, screenplay and more.
All of the short films can be seen in the Panoramis cinema complex in Alicante.

Excerpt: On Tuesday, representatives from the Alicante provincial government presented the details of the 12th annual film festival that will take place in the city, which will take place between May 29 and June 5. The government has also provided 17,000 Read More ...

### HIGH-SPEED CORRIDOR FOR CAIRO AND LUXOR

The Minister for Transport of Egypt, Hani Sayed Mohamed Dahi, and the Minister for Economic Affairs and Competitiveness, Luis de Guindos, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Thursday in Madrid to study the creation of a high-speed railway corridor between the Egyptian cities of Cairo and Luxor.
These studies could be financed under the Fund to Internationalise Business (FIEM) managed by the Ministry for Economic Affairs.
The MOU signed on Thursday will be the first step in developing technological co-operation between the two countries.
The Egyptian Government is greatly interested in modernising the railway system in the country and, in particular, in boosting high-speed travel. Spain, in turn, offers recognised international experience and know-how in high-speed railways.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47185/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Minister for Transport of Egypt, Hani Sayed Mohamed Dahi, and the Minister for Economic Affairs and Competitiveness, Luis de Guindos, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Thursday in Madrid to study the creation of a high-speed railway corridor ...

### EASY HORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE CO-FOUNDER APPEARS AS WITNESSES IN STARVED HORSE COURT CASE.

Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre co-founder Sue Weeding has appeared before court as a witness for the prosecution in a case against a man who allegedly left his horse to starve to death last March.
Sue attended court on April 23, along with the rescue centre's veterinarian and a local resident who witnessed the alleged cruelty and made a statement to police.
The rescue centre became involved in the case on March 19 last year, when three police departments called Sue and husband Rod, to a falling-down building on waste ground in San Louis Torrevieja, where the young horse was being kept with several other horses and donkeys.
The horse was in a terrible state,”Sue said” starved and extremely dehydrated. Together with our vet Dorothea we tried everything possible for him but sadly we had arrived to late to save him, so this poor young animal had to be put to sleep.
“The police were horrified by what they saw, as we all were, and they vowed to take the matter further. We are very impressed that they stayed true to their word, ” Sue said.”
The court date was a preliminary hearing and authorities will now decide whether there is enough evidence to push for full prosecution.
“Although it was too late to save this young horse, it has created a situation to move animal welfare another step forward in Spain. The terrible treatment of this horse has not been forgotten,
“This again just proves how important it is for people who witness animal cruelty to go to the police and make an official statement, which is called a denuncia here in Spain.”
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre relies on donations to fund its important animal welfare work, including the feeding and care of the more than 90 horses, ponies and donkeys that live at the Rojales centre.
Donations of cash or items for the centre's network of eight charity shops across the Alicante province are gratefully welcomed. Please contact the charity shop hotline on 652 021 980 for more information about furniture pick-ups and volunteering.
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre opens to the public on the first Sunday of every month between 1pm and 4pm. The centre is located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga 59. For more details and directions, please visit www.easyhorsecare.net.
Entry is free but carrots and apples are welcome.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47183/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre co-founder Sue Weeding has appeared before court as a witness for the prosecution in a case against a man who allegedly left his horse to starve to death last March.
Sue attended court on April 23, along with the rescue c...

### MARIANO RAJOY AWARDS RAFAEL NADAL GOLD MEDAL FOR MERIT AT WORK

Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, bestowed the Gold Medal for Merit at Work on the tennis star Rafael Nadal, for his professional career, hard work and dedication.
At an event held at Moncloa Palace attended by the Minister for Employment, Fátima Báñez, the President of the Government recalled that this award is presented in recognition of useful and exemplary conduct in the performance of one's work.
Mariano Rajoy highlighted that this has also been awarded to Rafael Nadal "for his hard work, the demands he places on himself, his enthusiasm, his balance, his modesty and for having his feet placed firmly on the ground". In short, the President of the Government added, "for a job well done which has resulted in the great triumphs we are all well aware of".
The President of the Government summarised the athlete's career by highlighting that he is only the second tennis player ever to win all the Grand Slams, and that he has won more Roland Garros tournaments than anyone else, nine in total. "I believe that this record will not be broken by anyone in centuries; only he will be able to beat this record", he said.
He also pointed out that he is the tennis player to have won the most Masters 1000 tournaments ever, he is the best ever clay court player, he has won four Davis Cups and at the Beijing Olympic Games.
The Council of Ministers announced the award of the Gold Medal for Merit at Work back on 23 June 2014. Rafael Nadal was unable to collect the award on the date scheduled for the event as he was recovering after an operation.
For that reason, he collected it on Friday 1 May, to coincide with May Day.
On the occasion of Labour Day, Mariano Rajoy declared that "there are many people in Spain who do not have a job, but things are starting to improve, and I am convinced that this year there will be many people who find a job in Spain and also in the years to come.
At the end of the day, the challenge facing us all is to find a job and then work well, which is exactly what Rafael Nadal has done".
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47181/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, bestowed the Gold Medal for Merit at Work on the tennis star Rafael Nadal, for his professional career, hard work and dedication.
At an event held at Moncloa Palace attended by the Minister for Employment, Fátima Báñez, the President of the Government recalled that this award is presented in recognition of useful and exemplary conduct in the performance of one's work.
Mariano Rajoy highlighted that this has also been awarded to Rafael Nadal "for his hard work, the demands he places on himself, his enthusiasm, his balance, his modesty and for having his feet placed firmly on the ground". In short, the President of the Government added, "for a job well done which has resulted in the great triumphs we are all well aware of".
The President of the Government summarised the athlete's career by highlighting that he is only the second tennis player ever to win all the Grand Slams, and that he has won more Roland Garros tournaments than anyone else, nine in total. "I believe that this record will not be broken by anyone in centuries; only he will be able to beat this record", he said.
He also pointed out that he is the tennis player to have won the most Masters 1000 tournaments ever, he is the best ever clay court player, he has won four Davis Cups and at the Beijing Olympic Games.
The Council of Ministers announced the award of the Gold Medal for Merit at Work back on 23 June 2014. Rafael Nadal was unable to collect the award on the date scheduled for the event as he was recovering after an operation.
For that reason, he collected it on Friday 1 May, to coincide with May Day.
On the occasion of Labour Day, Mariano Rajoy declared that "there are many people in Spain who do not have a job, but things are starting to improve, and I am convinced that this year there will be many people who find a job in Spain and also in the years to come.
At the end of the day, the challenge facing us all is to find a job and then work well, which is exactly what Rafael Nadal has done".
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47181/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### IN THE WORLD THERE ARE NOW MORE THAN 600 MILLION HUNGRY PEOPLE

Manos Unidas, the Catholic Church Association in Spain for aid, promotion and development of the Third World, has launched a campaign under the slogan "A New World" "Common Project".
Moreover AMREF, the largest international health organization completely of African origin and management, which name is the acronym for African Medical and Research Foundation, has launched another campaign against infectious diseases.
 
The AMREF team consists of 850 professionals (97% of them in Africa), working in the offices of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Sudan and South Africa. There are planned, directed, analyzed and performed all the projects that focus on AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and sexually transmitted diseases.
Hunger also is producing real havoc among the population. The most affected area is sub-Saharan Africa. In Somalia the situation is critical. A staggering 925 million malnourished people, according to a report by FAO, the UN Agency for Food, are suffering the consequences of the delay in achieving the first of the Millennium Development Goals: halving the hunger in the world in this year 2015.
Moreover, a recent UN report states that Eastern and Central Africa have a chronic crisis that requires efforts beyond emergency aid. Long-term structural reforms are needed.
In Mauritania "only children eat breakfast, the older have switched from three to two meals a day or a meal". "But our main problem is water." The loading and transporting animals must travel about five kilometers to the Gorgol river. The Government has launched an urgent plan to try to ensure food and potable water.
Pope Benedict XVI, in a speech addressed to the 174 ambassadors accredited to the Holy See countries said "with half of what is spent on armaments, we could eradicate hunger in the world."
“Poverty is a great enemy to human happiness; it certainly destroys liberty, and it makes some virtues impracticable, and others extremely difficult”, said the English writer Samuel Johnson.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com  Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47179/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Manos Unidas, the Catholic Church Association in Spain for aid, promotion and development of the Third World, has launched a campaign under the slogan "A New World" "Common Project".
Moreover AMREF, the largest international health organization completely of African origin and management, which name is the acronym for African Medical and Research Foundation, has launched another campaign against infectious diseases.
The AMREF team consists of 850 professionals (97% of them in Africa), working in the offices of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Sudan and South Africa. There are planned, directed, analyzed and performed all the projects that focus on AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and sexually transmitted diseases.
Hunger also is producing real havoc among the population. The most affected area is sub-Saharan Africa. In Somalia the situation is critical. A staggering 925 million malnourished people, according to a report by FAO, the UN Agency for Food, are suffering the consequences of the delay in achieving the first of the Millennium Development Goals: halving the hunger in the world in this year 2015.
Moreover, a recent UN report states that Eastern and Central Africa have a chronic crisis that requires efforts beyond emergency aid. Long-term structural reforms are needed.
In Mauritania "only children eat breakfast, the older have switched from three to two meals a day or a meal". "But our main problem is water." The loading and transporting animals must travel about five kilometers to the Gorgol river. The Government has launched an urgent plan to try to ensure food and potable water.
Pope Benedict XVI, in a speech addressed to the 174 ambassadors accredited to the Holy See countries said "with half of what is spent on armaments, we could eradicate hunger in the world."
“Poverty is a great enemy to human happiness; it certainly destroys liberty, and it makes some virtues impracticable, and others extremely difficult”, said the English writer Samuel Johnson.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com  Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47179/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### Drug Withdrawal Notice

A consumer action group has advised that a liquid Ibuprofen medication has been withdrawn.
The Kern Pharma 40 mg/ml bottles, in 150 ml size, bearing the lot H05, have been withdrawn due to quality standards.
The group is recommending consumers check any supplies they might have and return them to the point of sale if there is any doubt, in order to obtain a replacement.
The group also states that the drug should not be consumed if it matches the type and lot number specified, although the manufacturer has issued a statement reassuring users that there is no risk to health of the patients, as the problem is a higher than allowed amount of yeast.

Excerpt: A consumer action group has advised that a liquid Ibuprofen medication has been withdrawn. The Kern Pharma 40 mg/ml bottles, in 150 ml size, bearing the lot H05, have been withdrawn due to quality standards. The group is recommending consumers Read More ...

### Muslims Demand Right to Return to Spain

Following the recent approval of a law that would grant Spanish citizenship to descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in 1492, a number of Muslim groups are now demanding similar grace for potentially millions of descendants of Muslims who were expelled from Spain during the Middle Ages.
In the interest of equality, the Muslim supporters say that they are entitled to the same rights and privileges as Jews because both groups were expelled from Spain under similar historical circumstances.
However, historians state that the Jews were in Spain before the Christians, and so their expulsion was on the grounds of bigotry, whereas the Muslims in Spain were colonial occupiers who called the territory Al-Andalus and imposed Arabic as the official language, and so their expulsion was a matter of decolonization.

Excerpt: Following the recent approval of a law that would grant Spanish citizenship to descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in 1492, a number of Muslim groups are now demanding similar grace for potentially millions of descendants of Muslims who Read More ...

### Tragic Death in Torrevieja

An investigation has been launched by the Guardia Civil into the circumstances surrounding the death of a ten year old child in Torrevieja on Monday.
The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning in a residential area of the city, when emergency services were called to attend a home, finding the child having apparently been stabbed.
The initial reports suggest that the victim died as a result of stab injuries and that the partner of his 49 year old Spanish mother was the perpetrator of the death.
Attending officers from the Guardia Civil found the man to have also suffered knife wounds, believed to have been self inflicted. He was taken to hospital where he remained under guard awaiting questioning once consciousness is regained.
The Valencia courts confirmed that the man has a history of domestic violence.

Excerpt: An investigation has been launched by the Guardia Civil into the circumstances surrounding the death of a ten year old child in Torrevieja on Monday. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning in a residential area of Read More ...

### TEN-YEAR OLD BOY STABBED TO DEATH IN TORREVIEJA

Torrevieja's Guardia Civil has arrested a man this morning for allegedly stabbing to death the 10 year old son of his partner. Following the assault the boy was rushed to Torrevieja hospital where, despite the attention of trauma specialists, he died from stab wounds to the chest.
The 49 year old man then tried to end his own life by stabbing himself in the chest but he was rushed to Torrevieja hospital where he remains in intensive care. The Guardia Civil are said to be waiting by his bedside to formally charge and arrest him when he regains consciousness.
A spokesman for the Guardia said that they received a call from a woman just after 2.30 am on on Monday morning. She said that she was reporting a case of gender violence in the Torre Almendros urbanization of Torrevieja.
When they arrived at the house they found the young boy and the alleged perpetrator, who is said to have a history of violence, covered in blood.  
On interviewing the distressed mother she claimed that during a heated exchange her partner had assaulted her son with a kitchen knife. 
When they heard of the incident Torrevieja Council observed a minute's of silence in protest against the death.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47172/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Torrevieja's Guardia Civil has arrested a man this morning for allegedly stabbing to death the 10 year old son of his partner. Following the assault the boy was rushed to Torrevieja hospital where, despite the attention of trauma specialists, he died f...

### MINUTE’S SILENCE FOLLOWING MURDER OF 10 YEAR OLD

The Torrevieja Council and Ayuntamiento staff held a minutes silence this Monday lunchtime as a mark of respect following the murder earlier in the day of a ten year old child by his stepfather.
Mayor Eduardo Dolon sent his sincere condolences to the family confirming that the Social services would be doing everything they could by way of necessary support to anybody who might have been affected by the tragic events.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47171/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Torrevieja Council and Ayuntamiento staff held a minutes silence this Monday lunchtime as a mark of respect following the murder earlier in the day of a ten year old child by his stepfather.
Mayor Eduardo Dolon sent his sincere condolences to the ...

### ORIHUELA COSTA POLITICAL SCENE

What Orihuela Costa needs over the next 4 years is stable government. After 25 years of apathy and corruption followed by 4 years of political self-interest and incompetence there needs to be a change and your vote if used wisely will matter.
There are 13 parties contesting the Orihuela elections this month. Each party of course will claim that they'll win more votes than they will. The reality is that only 4 or 5 parties will achieve any seats at all. All of the other 8 parties will be eliminated.
In the Spanish electoral system any party that receives less than 5% of the total votes cast are automatically eliminated and their votes are binned. This month's vote is expected to be about 32,000, so any party receiving less than 1,600 votes will be eliminated. Generally parties that focus on local areas & issues do not have a wide appeal and therefore will not achieve the 5% minimum required.
Claro for example is perceived to focus on one area of the whole municipality and as a result they will not receive 1,600 votes. The 3 small communist parties will certainly also all be eliminated but there is a slight possibility that Cambiamos may achieve 1 seat.
It is unfortunate that Pepa Ferrando, who was charged with corruption and expelled from the PP, has formed her own party “Foro Demócrata” and may actually get enough votes to win 2 seats. Ciudadanos (C's) are likely to win 4 or even 5 seats. The PSOE who have caused such havoc in Orihuela for the last 4 years will likely get 7 or even 8 seats.
It is strange to imagine that the party that has been most associated with political favouritism in the past is now the only party that has banned any person charged with corruption from appearing on the electoral list. This new clean PP is likely to receive 11 or even 12 seats.
At this moment it seems unlikely that any one party will have enough seats to rule Orihuela so another coalition is inevitable. Over the next  weeks we will analyze the parties, offer possible scenarios and make predictions for the future.
BY RAYMOND KEARNEY
Information on the author: Raymond Kearney has been deeply involved in Orihuela politics for the last 6 years but is not affiliated with any political party contesting these elections.
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47170/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: What Orihuela Costa needs over the next 4 years is stable government. After 25 years of apathy and corruption followed by 4 years of political self-interest and incompetence there needs to be a change and your vote if used wisely will matter.
There ar...

### THE LATEST LEADER NEWSPAPER

The latest copy of the Costa Blanca Leader newspaper is out now.
Available in hundreds of locations on Monday morning, you can enjoy it right now from your own home on your computer, tablet or smartphone. 
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47169/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The latest copy of the Costa Blanca Leader newspaper is out now.
Available in hundreds of locations on Monday morning, you can enjoy it right now from your own home on your computer, tablet or smartphone. 
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/arti...

### CBBA PROVINCIAL TEAM BLOODS NEW TALENT AT MONTE MAR

On Saturday 2nd May as part of the 10 year celebrations at Monte Mar, the provincial team played against them.
With 8 members of the Provincial squad playing for Monte Mar it was always going to be a tough match and so it proved.
The day started by welcoming 5 new players to the Provincial squad – Carole Donnellan, John Simpson, Nigel Baigent, Dennis Birkett & Jacqui Johnston. There were also 4 players who were playing their 6th game who all received a shirt with the provincial badge, sponsored by Gary Mendel of Kameeleon. Sandra Heath, Carol Broomfield, Sandie Thompson & Johnny Raby.
The photo shows the new players & the newly badged players.
The Provincial Men won on 2 rinks. Mal Parsons, Barry Norris, Nigel Baigent & Mike Edwards 19-16. William Holtham John Simpson Brian Harman & Barry Latham 20-10. The Provincial ladies unfortunately only manage to win on 1 rink. Carol Broomfield, Carole Donnellan, Sandra Heath & Val Hignett 20-13.  With the result being 3 rinks each it cae down to shots & the Provincial took the honours 105-98.
The Provincial would like to thank Monte Mar for the invitation to join their 10 year anniversary celebrations.
Sponsored by KameeleonFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47167/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Saturday 2nd May as part of the 10 year celebrations at Monte Mar, the provincial team played against them.
With 8 members of the Provincial squad playing for Monte Mar it was always going to be a tough match and so it proved.
The day started by w...

### TORRY RALLY TO CLAIM A POINT

CD TORREVIEJA 1 CREVILENTE DEPORTIVO 1
Torry started their home match against Crevillente in 10th place, whilst their derby rivals sat 1 place and 3 points higher up the table.  
With only 3 games remaining, qualification for the play offs looked very much an improbability for Torry, while their visitors were still rather better placed just 4pts behind fourth-placed Orihuela.  
It took 2 attempts for the reverse fixture to be concluded, following an almighty downpour forcing an abandonment of the original match last November, with both sides eventually settling for a 1-1 draw. 
Sunday's return fixture at the Vicente Garcia was an equally tight affair with both sides quickly closing down each other at the first sign of any opportunity. The hosts enjoyed huge swathes of possession but struggled to break down a resilient Crevillente outfit, and on the balance of the first half, Crevillente perhaps deserved to go into the half time break with their noses in front.
The only goal came just prior to the half time interval, a low, dipping drive from Lolo, which an outstretched Oscar just about managed to get his fingertips to.  It was the only real opportunity of an otherwise lackluster half which ended with both Jorge and Borja seeing yellow as Torry lost their way following the Crevillente goal.
If the visitors shaded the first period the home side certainly had the upper hand in the second as Pedreno's men soon settled into their passing stride. There was much more urgency from Torrevieja as they dominated for long periods. Unfortunately they were unable to turn it into chances as the visitors again set themselves up to make life difficult for the hosts.
But they were back on level terms on the hour mark after a clear handball in the box. A tremendous penalty from Rafa under pressure, despite the ridiculous antics from Nacho in the Crevillente goal. He sent the keeper the wrong way to give the visitors the point they undoubtedly deserved. 
A late yellow for Cristian, his second of the game, took the gloss of an otherwise decent performance from Torry which sub Corella could have made even better had he not spurned a glorious opportunity in the dying minutes, heading wide from an unmarked position as he met Rafa's cross at the far post.
But in the cold light of day the result did nothing for the promotion prospects of either team and in the case of Torry, now completely out of touch of the playoffs, they have nothing really left to play for but position and pride.
The Torry Army hope to be taking a coach to the last away game of the season at La Nucia, on Sun 10 May.  
This will incorporate a visit to Monroe's restaurant in Benidorm, and can be booked through Pat on 966 78 6352.
One player will not feature in the match for Torry is striker Ferran, who has recently left the club, for Icelandic outfit UMF Leiknir. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47164/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: CD TORREVIEJA 1 CREVILENTE DEPORTIVO 1
Torry started their home match against Crevillente in 10th place, whilst their derby rivals sat 1 place and 3 points higher up the table.  
With only 3 games remaining, qualification for the play offs looked ver...

### Benidorm Resident Killed on N-332

A 36 year old woman was knocked down and killed on the N-332 main coastal road as it runs through El Campello.
The incident occurred at around 00:40 in the early hours of Saturday morning as the victim was walking along the road.
The victim, a Spanish national living in Benidorm, was killed as a result of injuries sustained in the incident.
An investigation has been launched by the Guardia Civil.

Excerpt: A 36 year old woman was knocked down and killed on the N-332 main coastal road as it runs through El Campello. The incident occurred at around 00:40 in the early hours of Saturday morning as the victim was walking Read More ...

### Rural Crime Down

In a visit to a Private Security seminar in Valencia, the Secretary of State for Security, Francisco Martínez, announced that robberies in rural areas have fell by 21.25% in the first quarter of this year.
The Secretary praised the collaborations between government departments and law enforcers for the effectiveness of recent campaigns to increase surveillance in rural areas, the result of which has been a marked decline.

Excerpt: In a visit to a Private Security seminar in Valencia, the Secretary of State for Security, Francisco Martínez, announced that robberies in rural areas have fell by 21.25% in the first quarter of this year. The Secretary praised the collaborations Read More ...

### TV Stalkers Arrested

Officers from the National Police have arrested two men for stalking a well known Spanish TV presenter.
The investigation began following a complaint by the victim, in which it was stated that the recipient of the abuse had suffered for a period of two years, including constant harassment and humiliation, resulting in the victim stopping posting messages on social network sites and even considering leaving.
The two arrestees, who have no relationship with each other, had set up 30 fake profiles during their bullying campaign, and one of them even accosted the victim twice in the street.

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested two men for stalking a well known Spanish TV presenter. The investigation began following a complaint by the victim, in which it was stated that the recipient of the abuse had suffered for Read More ...

### GREENLANDS BOWLS CLUB HOST DORSET BA TOURING TEAM

SABA HURRICANE LEAGUE.
Greenlands GLOSTERS were at home to Quesada on 24 Apr and had a great match and a fantastic win by 4 rinks plus a drawn rink. 
This produced 102 shots for with 99 against; final score was 11 points to Glosters and 3 to Quesada. BRM, on largest point difference, goes to Dave Field, Mary Lockley & Skip John Wray(15/11) 
VCL DIVISION ONE.
The JASMINES were at home to the EI Dukes and achieved a handsome win by 98 shots to 76. JASMINES won the Pairs, the Trips and the Rinks to score 8 valuable points. BRM was our pairs with Sheila Stead & Skip Brian Pocock(22/8)
DORSET BA TOURING TEAM
The group photo was taken after the recent Greenlands v Dorset BA touring team match, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all concerned.  Special thanks go to Greenlands owner Mike Green, who kindly donated all the raffle prizes.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47163/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: SABA HURRICANE LEAGUE.
Greenlands GLOSTERS were at home to Quesada on 24 Apr and had a great match and a fantastic win by 4 rinks plus a drawn rink. 
This produced 102 shots for with 99 against; final score was 11 points to Glosters and 3 to Quesada....

### MIKE PROBERT TALKS GOLF - 4 MAT 15

Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.
Around and about the courses – La Tercia
During the last three years of the economic crisis that swept across the world like a plague we a devoted golfers saw the impact with the closure of three golf courses based in Murcia,namely Corvera,La Tercia and Mosa Trajectum.
Each of these courses were part of a golf resort complex,designed by world renown course architects and with ambassadors such as Johan Cruyff.
These courses were designed to be almost self sufficient and green by recycling water from the urbanisations to re-use on the golf courses.
Sadly as the urbanisations were under populated there was insufficient water to keep the golf courses in tip top condition which in turn reflected on the numbers playing the courses and ultimately the financial bottom line,sadly leading in each case to closure.
Have you ever thought what happens to a golf course when it closes?
Last week I was in the area of La Tercia and called in to see the developments over the last two years.
The magnificent clubhouse is still in good order but looks lost and forlorn
The aqua driving lake is empty but for a few dregs of water rain water.
The chipping and putting greens next to the clubhouse are completely overgrown and show no signs of ever being well prepared areas.
Standing on the first tee was eerie because the 'vista' down the hole was of any natural waste land with no signs of the well manicured fairways,aprons,greens and bunkers that previously existed.
May be with an upturn in the world's financial situation perhaps a bank somewhere will re-develop the course as an aid to selling the many properties and apartments that border the old course.
We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us.
The deals shown in the attached table are some of the best currently available to you.
Deals of the week: 5 month membership at Vistabella between May and September 2015 for only €590 and crazy days prices at Vistabella of only €92 for 2 players and buggy (shop price €109) at weekends until June 2015.
For bookings and more information contact Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com or direct on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 quoting reference LEADER.
Weather Watch
The temperatures will be in the 26-34 degree range with Monday to Wednesday cloudy and sticky and wall to wall sunshine Thursday and Friday.
Hollow Tine Watch
La Peraleja – 11th-13th May 2015
Alenda - 12th-14th May 2015
Villamartin - 13th-15th May 2015
Quotation of the Week
“Study the rules so that you won't beat yourself by not knowing something” - Babe Dickinson Zaharias.
 (Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services).Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47152/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golf...

### TORREVIEJA MAY FAIR GETS UNDERWAY THIS WEEK

The festivities councillor in the city of Torrevieja, Lola Sánchez Roca, presented this year´s May Fair fiesta schedule, which begins on Wednesday.
Accompanied by the heads of various associations involved in the event, the details for the show that runs until Sunday 10th of May and was declared of provincial tourism interest, was revealed.
One of the highlights this year is an appearance by Spanish duo “Camela”, who will be performing on Friday evening, but throughout the entire event singers and dancers from across the country will come together to perform at the show.
A cash prize of 2,500 euro will be presented to the winner of the competition “Ciudad de Torrevieja” on Saturday, with cash prizes also up for grabs for second, third, fourth and fifth place.
Throughout the event there will also be horse shows with around 300 horses and 30 carriages taking part, primarily on the Saturday and Sunday, and there will also be a range of food and drink stalls in the harbour area, offering much of the usual menu available in the city but in the surroundings of an event that celebrates and recognised the sevillana traditions and has become a firm favourite in the tourism calendar.
The fair will be opened by the mayor at 9pm on Wednesday evening after which there will follow an evening of hymns, habaneras and dance by the Musical Union of Torrevieja and the Choir and Orchestra Salinas. 
The Dance Academy's Dharma and Lynda Dorado will continue the celebrations from 9pm on Thursday evening  and then at 11pm on Friday evening the Spanish duo “Camela”.
The activities will continue all day and well into the night on both Saturday and Sunday with the parade of horses and carriages taking place from about noon on Saturday lunchtime until approximately 4pm. The carriages will tour the city, starting and ending round about the paseo.  Much of this will be repeated on Sunday in the port area where there will also be a demonstration of riding.
The grand final of the Sevillanas Contest will be at 7pm on Sunday followed by more performances from local dance troupes including Soul Dance, a group which includes many expatriates.  And if you are still in a party mood the event will close just before midnight on Sunday
 
Full details, shown in Spanish below, are available from the tourist information office in the city.
Wednesday 6th May
21.00h. Inauguración y encendido de la Feria.
Interpretación de Himnos a cargo de la Union Musical Torrevejense y el Coro y Orquesta Salinas.
A continuación, gran Castillo de Fuegos Artificiales
21.30h. Actuación de la academia de baile "Sancho y Martinez"
22.30h. Grupo de baile "EMBRUJO" de la casa de Andalucia "Rafael Alberti"
23.30h. Grupo de baile "Rocieros de Sevilla"
00.00h. Concierto de "La Espartera" - rumbeando por la vida.
Thursday 7th May
21:00h Actuación de la academia de baile "Dharma"
22:00h Actuación de la academia de baile Lynda Dorado "Duende Andaluz", de Burdeos, Francia.
23:00h Actuación de "Los Duendes"
Friday 8th May
21:00h Actuación de la academia de baile "loa Morales y Arantxa Blanco"
22:00h Actuación de Jonathan Pons
23.00h. Concierto de CAMELA (entrada gratuíta)
Saturday 9th May
12h. Celebración de la Misa Rociera en la Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción cantada por el coro de la Casa de Andalucía “Rafael Alberti”.
A continuación, pasacalles de Caballos por la calles de la Ciudad hasta llegar al Recinto de la Feria.
Exhibición de caballos y carruajes en el recinto de la feria hasta las 16:00h.
21.30h.  Actuación de la Escuela Municipal de Danza dirigida por Nuria Girona
22.30h.  Actuación de la Academia de baile PAYA´s
23:00h. Gran Final del V Concurso de Copla “Ciudad de Torrevieja”.
00:00h. Actuación de la compañia flamenca "El Torero"
Sunday 10th May
11.00h. Paseo de caballos por el Recinto de la Feria hasta las 16:00h.
12.00h. Espectáculo de caballos en el Recinto Portuario con entrada libre.
19.00h. Final del Concurso de Sevillanas.
20.00h. Actuación de la academia de baile "Soul Dance"
21.00h. Actuación de la academia de baile "Maria del Angel"
22.00h. Actuación de los coros rocieros de Torrevieja:
- Hermandad Virgen del Rocio
- Casa de Andalucia "Rafael Alberti"
- Alba Rociera
- Grupo "Azahar"
23.30h. Clausura de la Feria con la participación de los 4 coros rocieros, que interpretarán la Salve Rociera.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47144/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The festivities councillor in the city of Torrevieja, Lola Sánchez Roca, presented this year´s May Fair fiesta schedule, which begins on Wednesday.
Accompanied by the heads of various associations involved in the event, the details for the show that runs until Sunday 10th of May and was declared of provincial tourism interest, was revealed.
One of the highlights this year is an appearance by Spanish duo “Camela”, who will be performing on Friday evening, but throughout the entire event singers and dancers from across the country will come together to perform at the show.
A cash prize of 2,500 euro will be presented to the winner of the competition “Ciudad de Torrevieja” on Saturday, with cash prizes also up for grabs for second, third, fourth and fifth place.
Throughout the event there will also be horse shows with around 300 horses and 30 carriages taking part, primarily on the Saturday and Sunday, and there will also be a range of food and drink stalls in the harbour area, offering much of the usual menu available in the city but in the surroundings of an event that celebrates and recognised the sevillana traditions and has become a firm favourite in the tourism calendar.
The fair will be opened by the mayor at 9pm on Wednesday evening after which there will follow an evening of hymns, habaneras and dance by the Musical Union of Torrevieja and the Choir and Orchestra Salinas. 
The Dance Academy's Dharma and Lynda Dorado will continue the celebrations from 9pm on Thursday evening  and then at 11pm on Friday evening the Spanish duo “Camela”.
The activities will continue all day and well into the night on both Saturday and Sunday with the parade of horses and carriages taking place from about noon on Saturday lunchtime until approximately 4pm. The carriages will tour the city, starting and ending round about the paseo.  Much of this will be repeated on Sunday in the port area where there will also be a demonstration of riding.
The grand final of the Sevillanas Contest will be at 7pm on Sunday followed by more performances from local dance troupes including Soul Dance, a group which includes many expatriates.  And if you are still in a party mood the event will close just before midnight on Sunday
Full details, shown in Spanish below, are available from the tourist information office in the city.
Wednesday 6th May21.00h. Inauguración y encendido de la Feria.
Interpretación de Himnos a cargo de la Union Musical Torrevejense y el Coro y Orquesta Salinas.
A continuación, gran Castillo de Fuegos Artificiales
21.30h. Actuación de la academia de baile "Sancho y Martinez"
22.30h. Grupo de baile "EMBRUJO" de la casa de Andalucia "Rafael Alberti"
23.30h. Grupo de baile "Rocieros de Sevilla"
00.00h. Concierto de "La Espartera" - rumbeando por la vida.
Thursday 7th May21:00h Actuación de la academia de baile "Dharma"
22:00h Actuación de la academia de baile Lynda Dorado "Duende Andaluz", de Burdeos, Francia.
23:00h Actuación de "Los Duendes"
Friday 8th May21:00h Actuación de la academia de baile "loa Morales y Arantxa Blanco"
22:00h Actuación de Jonathan Pons
23.00h. Concierto de CAMELA (entrada gratuíta)
Saturday 9th May12h. Celebración de la Misa Rociera en la Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción cantada por el coro de la Casa de Andalucía “Rafael Alberti”.
A continuación, pasacalles de Caballos por la calles de la Ciudad hasta llegar al Recinto de la Feria.
Exhibición de caballos y carruajes en el recinto de la feria hasta las 16:00h.
21.30h.  Actuación de la Escuela Municipal de Danza dirigida por Nuria Girona
22.30h.  Actuación de la Academia de baile PAYA´s
23:00h. Gran Final del V Concurso de Copla “Ciudad de Torrevieja”.
00:00h. Actuación de la compañia flamenca "El Torero"
Sunday 10th May11.00h. Paseo de caballos por el Recinto de la Feria hasta las 16:00h.
12.00h. Espectáculo de caballos en el Recinto Portuario con entrada libre.
19.00h. Final del Concurso de Sevillanas.
20.00h. Actuación de la academia de baile "Soul Dance"
21.00h. Actuación de la academia de baile "Maria del Angel"
22.00h. Actuación de los coros rocieros de Torrevieja:
- Hermandad Virgen del Rocio
- Casa de Andalucia "Rafael Alberti"
- Alba Rociera
- Grupo "Azahar"
23.30h. Clausura de la Feria con la participación de los 4 coros rocieros, que interpretarán la Salve Rociera.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47144/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### NEW GUARDIA CIVIL VEHICLE PARTS CONTRACTS AWARDED

The largest tyre manufacturer in the world, Bridgestone Corporation, has been awarded the contract to supply the Guardia Civil motor pool with tyres for the years 2015 and 2016, in a deal valued at 6.55 million euro, according to information published in the Official Gazette (BOE). 
The company, which was founded in 1931 in Japan, was named after the founder, Shojiro Ishibashi, translated his surname into English and found it to mean “stone bridge” in Japanese.
Spanish leading distributor of parts and services for industrial vehicles, Automotive and Industry, the company Europart Hispano Alemana, or EPHA, will also take over the supply of batteries, in a contract worth a total of 666,905 euro.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47143/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The largest tyre manufacturer in the world, Bridgestone Corporation, has been awarded the contract to supply the Guardia Civil motor pool with tyres for the years 2015 and 2016, in a deal valued at 6.55 million euro, according to information published ...

### LORENTE GETS COURT DATE

The former mayor of Orihuela, Monica Lorente, has been given the first date in which she will have to appear in court in connection with alleged falsifying documents in the award for works to construct a new plaza at Escorratel.
Lorente has been summoned to appear on October 22nd, at court number 3 in Orihuela, along with others in connection with the case.
Other outstanding cases are still being considered by the court and investigators, including Lorente´s connection with one of the biggest corruption cases in the country, the “caso Brugal”
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47141/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The former mayor of Orihuela, Monica Lorente, has been given the first date in which she will have to appear in court in connection with alleged falsifying documents in the award for works to construct a new plaza at Escorratel.
Lorente has been summo...

### VOLVO AIM TO MAKE CYCLING SAFER

A new product developed by safety conscious car manufacturer Volvo hopes to revolutionise road safety by enabling better visibility for more vulnerable road users.
“The best way to survive a crash is not to crash” is the tagline that accompanies Volvo LifePaint in its promotional message, and the best way of avoiding being hit is to be seen.
LifePaint is described as a new reflective safety spray which is invisible by daylight but glows brightly in the glare of car headlights.
LifePaint washes off and can be applied to clothes, shoes, helmets, pushchairs and of course bikes. Although it was designed for cycle safety, it can be used in many other situations where better visibility might mean the difference between life and death.
It can also be integrated in a fun way for children to not only become more visible, but also have fun whilst staying safe.
Echoing many road safety campaigns around the globe, the company make the bold statement that by 2020, their vision is that no person will be killed or seriously injured by a new Volvo. A bold statement that they hope LifePaint will go some way to achieving.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47140/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A new product developed by safety conscious car manufacturer Volvo hopes to revolutionise road safety by enabling better visibility for more vulnerable road users.
“The best way to survive a crash is not to crash” is the tagline that accom...

### WILL SOMEBODY BUY ORIHUELA’S TRANSPORT COUNCILLOR A BIKE?

Spain are never content with being down the pecking order, a good example being the football team, for so long perhaps the very best in the world. 
And now it seems as though they are looking to climb up the European Table which records the number of cyclist fatalities by country, where in Europe they currently only sit at number ten. 
One sure-fire way, thought some bright spark on the Orihuela Council, is to put the cycle lanes down the middle of the road.
That should do it! And that seems to be exactly what we have got. The photo sent in last week by Keith Daniels was taken in Avenida de Cabo in Cabo Roig. Perhaps the Councillor responsible for transport in the Region would be good enough to explain the logic in it's placement. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47139/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Spain are never content with being down the pecking order, a good example being the football team, for so long perhaps the very best in the world. 
And now it seems as though they are looking to climb up the European Table which records the number of ...

### FUNDING APPROVED FOR LA ZENIA N332 IMPROVEMENTS

The councillor for the Orihuela Costa, Martina Scheurer, has announced this week that she has received the final go-ahead to carry out the work at the roundabout of La Zenia. 
Last year the Road Ministry in Alicante initially wanted to close off streets Maestro Torrabla and Alhambra to the traffic.
Martina Scheurer as well as Antonio Zapata both went personally to Alicante on different occasions to discuss this matter and have insistently forwarded suggestions to avoid the closing of those 2 streets. 
Finally the Ministry agreed on the plans which will turn these two streets into a one-way access routes coming from the Roundabout on the N332.
To achieve this, the parking spaces in front of Al Fresco will be turned into a green traffic isle. In the area opposite, following in line with the Taxi stand an area will be rehabilitated to create additional parking. 
On the other side of the N332 and in front of Deutsche Bank a so far missing foot path will be created to give continuity into the Avenida del Mar for pedestrians using the foot bridge.
Narrowing of Calle Alhambra to a one-way street will also give the possibility to change the line of parking spaces into an angle formation which will enable easy access and more cars to park.
The work will be carried out by the company Pavasal, specialised in executing work for the Ministry and also being the most economic of the 3 existing offers at a price of approximately 46.000€. 
The amount will be financed by the Planning Department in Orihuela.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47138/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The councillor for the Orihuela Costa, Martina Scheurer, has announced this week that she has received the final go-ahead to carry out the work at the roundabout of La Zenia. 
Last year the Road Ministry in Alicante initially wanted to close off stree...

### BUMPER MAY START FOR COSTA BLANCA

Figures for the Easter period already showed positive signs for a summer which will benefit the tourism industry; now the holiday weekend of May has echoed those results.
The weekend coincided with the Labour Day holiday on Friday, Madrid day on Saturday, Mother´s Day on Sunday, UK Bank Holiday on Monday, and the start of Torrevieja´s May Fair later this week.
The DGT had anticipated a busy weekend on the roads, expecting 4.7 million trips on the roads, a 4% increase over last year, with most of the movements being concentrated around the coastal areas.
Queues were recorded in the exit routes from major cities from Thursday afternoon and into Friday.
A total of 885 flight operations were scheduled during the holiday weekend at Alicante-Elche airport, with 236 scheduled flights alone on Saturday.
According to AENA, 150,000 travellers have passed through the airport during the holiday weekend.
On Friday, two cruise ships docked at Alicante, “Horizon” and “Thomson Dream”. The 208 metre “Horizon” docked with 1,828 passengers and 618 crew on board, and the 243 metre “Thomson Dream” carried 1,500 passengers and 615 crew.
Although on a smaller scale, Saturday saw the “Saga Pearl II” arrive in Alicante, carrying 446 passengers and 252 crew.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47137/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Figures for the Easter period already showed positive signs for a summer which will benefit the tourism industry; now the holiday weekend of May has echoed those results.
The weekend coincided with the Labour Day holiday on Friday, Madrid day on Satur...

### HELP SAVE KIDS LIVES

Between the 4th and the 10th of May, many countries around the globe will celebrate the Third World Road Safety Week, which this time the United Nations has dedicated to children.
Worldwide, some 500 children die every single day in traffic related incidents, whereas in Spain, the DGT report that in 2013, 46 children under 14 years of age were killed in road accidents, 410 were seriously injured and 5,502 suffered minor injuries.
During the campaign in Spain, under the banner “Salvemos a los niños”, children are encouraged to join in with various awareness activities, supported by the adult population, to promote such safe practices as wearing seatbelts, including in buses, wearing helmets and keeping safe and visible on the roads, whilst also encouraging awareness in adults of similar attitudes, including eliminating alcohol consumption for drivers.
A hashtag has been created for social network sites, which is #SaveKidsLives, and all children can participate by signing the Child Declaration on the website, www.savekidslives2015.org as well as participating in a share a selfie campaign, which has been nicknamed with the hashtag #safie.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47135/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Between the 4th and the 10th of May, many countries around the globe will celebrate the Third World Road Safety Week, which this time the United Nations has dedicated to children.
Worldwide, some 500 children die every single day in traffic related in...

### RUSSIA AND CHINA IN JOINT MED OPERATION

Russian and Chinese warships may soon be seen of the east coast of Spain, after both countries announced a joint navel exercise which will take place in the Mediterranean Sea around the middle of this month.
It is the first time the countries have collaborated in this part of the world, and a total of nine warships till take part in the exercise.
During a monthly news briefing this week, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng said, “The aim is to deepen both countries' friendly and practical cooperation, and increase our navies' ability to jointly deal with maritime security threats”.
“What needs saying is that these exercises are not aimed at any third party and have nothing to do with the regional situation,” he added, saying that the Chinese Navy would divert warships which are currently on anti-pirate missions in the Gulf of Aden.
Moscow and Beijing are said to be intensifying cooperation as both countries oppose US criticism of its military policies, with China being accused of aggressive deployments in the South China Sea, and Russia being subjected to economic sanctions over its position in Ukraine.
It was also reported this week that the US has given 200 million dollars to help Ukraine purchase arms.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47134/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Russian and Chinese warships may soon be seen of the east coast of Spain, after both countries announced a joint navel exercise which will take place in the Mediterranean Sea around the middle of this month.
It is the first time the countries have col...

### POTATO HEAD GOES VIRAL IN SPAIN

18-year-old Alberto left the Spanish TV series Masterchef Spain in tears two weeks ago. The potato on his dish had three scoops and five blades and was supposed to look like a lions head.
In a Lion King-meets-Finding Nemo inspired dish, 18-year-old contestant, Alberto, presented "Lion eats prawn" to universal scorn from the judges.
"This is an insult to my intelligence," scoffed judge Pepe Rodriguez, a renowned Spanish chef.
"Humour is important in cooking, but looking at this… I don't find it funny at all."
"What is this supposed to be? An insult to cooking!" said the jury and sent Alberto home.
Meanwhile Alberto is receiving a lot of sympathy online. His potato head is going viral: the hashtag #leoncomegamba is trending and the photo shots keep coming back.
And one of the judges, Jordi Cruz, has apologised. "It wasn't my intention to insult anyone," he saysFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47131/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: 18-year-old Alberto left the Spanish TV series Masterchef Spain in tears two weeks ago. The potato on his dish had three scoops and five blades and was supposed to look like a lions head.
In a Lion King-meets-Finding Nemo inspired dish, 18-year-old contestant, Alberto, presented "Lion eats prawn" to universal scorn from the judges.
"This is an insult to my intelligence," scoffed judge Pepe Rodriguez, a renowned Spanish chef.
"Humour is important in cooking, but looking at this… I don't find it funny at all."
"What is this supposed to be? An insult to cooking!" said the jury and sent Alberto home.
Meanwhile Alberto is receiving a lot of sympathy online. His potato head is going viral: the hashtag #leoncomegamba is trending and the photo shots keep coming back.
And one of the judges, Jordi Cruz, has apologised. "It wasn't my intention to insult anyone," he saysFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47131/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### LEADER NEWS BITES - 04 MAY 15

PAINFUL EXPERIENCE
A man reportedly shot himself in the foot to discover what it would feel like. 
The unnamed 35-year-old man was admitted to hospital last weekend in Elda, near Alicante, and authorities believe the incident occurred because he was curious to know how painful a gunshot wound would be. The firearm that caused the wound has not been found by the authorities, who suspect the man of throwing it out of the window of a car on the way to the hospital. It remains possible the man will face psychological testing or being charged for firearm offences.
NO GO FOR ATLETICO
A regional court has struck down a longstanding plan by the city of Madrid and the soccer team Atlético de Madrid to replace the Vicente Calderón stadium with skyscrapers. Under the plan, two 36-story residential towers would go up in an area near the Manzanares River where legislation establishes a maximum height of four floors. The developers' idea was to use the money from the sale of the 2,000 homes to finance construction of a new stadium in La Peineta, a decaying site once envisioned as part of Madrid's Olympic bid. Atlético was originally supposed to move this year; the deadline was then delayed to 2017.
TEST TUBE INFIDELITY
After seeking fertility treatment in Spain, a British man discovered his wife had used her lover's sperm to get pregnant. A court ruling from the case is now raising questions about procedures at clinics.
GOING DOWN
THE man dubbed ‘Europe's biggest pimp' has been picked up by the Guardia Civil in Torremolinos. Belgian expat Stefan Rene stands accused of heading a prostitution network that spans across Europe. He was arrested on after a Moroccan woman revealed his whereabouts to Belgian authorities after Rene allegedly beat her up and burnt her skin with a cigarette. Established in Malaga, Rene's million-euro network currently operates in eastern Europe, Belgium and the Costa del Sol. Operating for a wealthy clientele, the organisation regularly caters for customers in luxury hotels and even on yachts
PICK UP THY BED
Homeless people sleeping in the streets are “scaring off” tourists from Madrid, a former Spanish minister and leader of the conservative Popular Party (PP) in the capital has said. Esperanza Aguirre, who is bidding to become Madrid's next mayor in May's elections, has prompted an outcry among volunteers that work with the homeless after promising to find out whether there was a way to make sleeping rough illegal in the city's historical centre. Ms Aguirre was peaking at a round-table event with representatives of Madrid's tourism sector.
NUCLEAR ENERGY
India and Spain have agreed to advance their bilateral negotiations on cooperation in nuclear energy, with Spain stating that it would support New Delhi's early membership of the four multilateral export control regimes. A joint statement issued by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said the intent on both sides was to further advance bilateral negotiations on a framework agreement for cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
HEALTH TECHNOLOGY AWARD
Spain's Everis, in a partnership with Sao Paulo's Syrian Lebanese Hospital, has announced the creation of the first version outside Europe of its award for innovation in health technology. Brazil is the first country to receive the award besides Spain," Eva Labarta, Everis's top executive in the South American country, told Efe. The award has a cash prize of 50,000 reais ($17,100) and will include coaching, business plan preparation and product development assistance
THE PLANE TO SPAIN
Four men from near Birmingham ended up more than 1,500 miles away in Malaga after a drunken night out in Stourbridge. The 23-year-olds decided to go to Spain when the taxi driver asked them, "Where am I taking you?" on the way home.  "It escalated massively," sales adviser Matt Weyman said. "We went back and picked up our passports, then went straight to Birmingham airport with just an iPhone charger between us."
CAVENDISH BANANA?
Just last week Mark Cavendish was the proud recipient of a bunch of banana's for a stage win in the Tour of Turkey. No cobblestone trophy like in Paris-Roubaix, no donkey like in Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne, no lion like in the Tour de France and definitely no ordinary trophy like in the Amstel Gold Race. The winner of the Tour of Turkey and the one who wears the leader's jersey, Mark Cavendish, has won.....a bunch of bananas. 
CRIME  WATCH  SPAIN
The annual AGM will be held at Oasis Bar, Torretas III, Torrevieja, on Thursday, 21st May at 13.15hrs. Everyone, who's interested in helping the community, will have the right to vote at the meeting for a place in the Association's  Committee. You don't need to pay anything to be a member;  you don't need to be a member to collaborate with your own community. Just keep an eye around and report any incident to us, or to the Police or 112 Emergencies. Your name will not appear anywhere.
CHILD POVERTY IN ANDALUCIA
According to Save the Children almost three-quarters of a million children in Andalucia are living in risk of poverty. The charity is calling for more investment for the young. According to the Junta de Andalucía 512,373 children are at risk of social poverty, 8% suffer serious material deprivation (117,450), 18% (264,262) live in homes where basic home costs cannot be met and 8% suffer energy poverty and can't afford to heat their homes.
MALAGA EMERGENCY
A Ryanair plane has made an emergency landing in Málaga. The incident happened on Monday when a flight from Stansted is reported to have had a problem with its brakes. Two emergency fire engines met the aircraft at the end of the runway which finally arrived safely without the passengers knowing what had happened. AENA announced that the emergency protocol had been put into action for the plane.
ROCK ON
A senior military source has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is lining Gibraltar up as an alternative base to the Clyde which would mean the Rock becoming the new home for Britain's nuclear submarines. SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon wants to rid Scotland of Trident but both the Conservatives and Labour have said they want to retain the base on the Clyde, however moving the nuclear deterrent to Gibraltar would cost £3 billion and take a decade to complete.
SPAIN DRAIN
30% of Spaniards think that humans once lived alongside dinosaurs, according to the latest Social Perception of Science survey whilst a quarter of Spanish people believe the Sun revolves around the Earth, and not the other way round. A further 11.5% disagreed that humans are descended from animals. However, the startling results are still an improvement on 2006, when almost half the population thought dinosaurs and humans had co-inhabited the earth, and 40% thought the sun orbited us.
EMIGRATING BRITS
Over the past five years, the USA and Australia have leapfrogged Spain as the preferred choice for Brits moving abroad and our land of choice is no longer the most popular destination for emigrating Brits. From 2009 to 2014, just 52,000 Brits headed to Spain, down 124,000 on the previous four-year period. In comparison, 207,000 Brits upped sticks for a life down under, while 80,000 have taken the trans-Atlantic route in search of the American Dream.
DISSIDENT ARRIVES IN SPAIN
A prominent Syrian political activist has evaded a travel ban and fled to Spain before the end of his trial for "weakening national sentiment".  Louay Hussein, head of the Building the Syrian State (BSS) party, said he had thought that his life was in danger. The 55-year-old was a leading member of Syria's internal opposition. He was detained last year after writing a newspaper article critical of President Bashar al-Assad. Mr Hussein arrived in Spain from Syria after what he called "a difficult journey".
SPAIN REIGNS
China now has the second-largest wine-growing area in the world after Spain, pushing France into third place, according to figures released Monday by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine. The figures for 2014 showed China had 799,000 hectares (1.97 million acres) of land devoted to wine growing, compared with 1.02 million hectares for Spain. However France remained the biggest producer of wine in the world, pumping out 47 million hectolitres last year.
BLESS ME GOOGLE
San Anton is a 21st century church, which embraces modern technology to make itself as welcoming as possible. It is nestled among the trendy cafes and shops of Madrid's Chueca neighbourhood and is a church like no other. You can browse the internet, confess via your iPad and even take along your pet poodle. It currently boasts free wifi, live-streams on huge wide screen televisions and even has a special confession App.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47130/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: PAINFUL EXPERIENCE
A man reportedly shot himself in the foot to discover what it would feel like. 
The unnamed 35-year-old man was admitted to hospital last weekend in Elda, near Alicante, and authorities believe the incident occurred because he was curious to know how painful a gunshot wound would be. The firearm that caused the wound has not been found by the authorities, who suspect the man of throwing it out of the window of a car on the way to the hospital. It remains possible the man will face psychological testing or being charged for firearm offences.
NO GO FOR ATLETICO
A regional court has struck down a longstanding plan by the city of Madrid and the soccer team Atlético de Madrid to replace the Vicente Calderón stadium with skyscrapers. Under the plan, two 36-story residential towers would go up in an area near the Manzanares River where legislation establishes a maximum height of four floors. The developers' idea was to use the money from the sale of the 2,000 homes to finance construction of a new stadium in La Peineta, a decaying site once envisioned as part of Madrid's Olympic bid. Atlético was originally supposed to move this year; the deadline was then delayed to 2017.
TEST TUBE INFIDELITY
After seeking fertility treatment in Spain, a British man discovered his wife had used her lover's sperm to get pregnant. A court ruling from the case is now raising questions about procedures at clinics.
GOING DOWN
THE man dubbed ‘Europe's biggest pimp' has been picked up by the Guardia Civil in Torremolinos. Belgian expat Stefan Rene stands accused of heading a prostitution network that spans across Europe. He was arrested on after a Moroccan woman revealed his whereabouts to Belgian authorities after Rene allegedly beat her up and burnt her skin with a cigarette. Established in Malaga, Rene's million-euro network currently operates in eastern Europe, Belgium and the Costa del Sol. Operating for a wealthy clientele, the organisation regularly caters for customers in luxury hotels and even on yachts
PICK UP THY BED
Homeless people sleeping in the streets are “scaring off” tourists from Madrid, a former Spanish minister and leader of the conservative Popular Party (PP) in the capital has said. Esperanza Aguirre, who is bidding to become Madrid's next mayor in May's elections, has prompted an outcry among volunteers that work with the homeless after promising to find out whether there was a way to make sleeping rough illegal in the city's historical centre. Ms Aguirre was peaking at a round-table event with representatives of Madrid's tourism sector.
NUCLEAR ENERGY
India and Spain have agreed to advance their bilateral negotiations on cooperation in nuclear energy, with Spain stating that it would support New Delhi's early membership of the four multilateral export control regimes. A joint statement issued by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said the intent on both sides was to further advance bilateral negotiations on a framework agreement for cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
HEALTH TECHNOLOGY AWARD
Spain's Everis, in a partnership with Sao Paulo's Syrian Lebanese Hospital, has announced the creation of the first version outside Europe of its award for innovation in health technology. Brazil is the first country to receive the award besides Spain," Eva Labarta, Everis's top executive in the South American country, told Efe. The award has a cash prize of 50,000 reais ($17,100) and will include coaching, business plan preparation and product development assistance
THE PLANE TO SPAIN
Four men from near Birmingham ended up more than 1,500 miles away in Malaga after a drunken night out in Stourbridge. The 23-year-olds decided to go to Spain when the taxi driver asked them, "Where am I taking you?" on the way home.  "It escalated massively," sales adviser Matt Weyman said. "We went back and picked up our passports, then went straight to Birmingham airport with just an iPhone charger between us."
CAVENDISH BANANA?
Just last week Mark Cavendish was the proud recipient of a bunch of banana's for a stage win in the Tour of Turkey. No cobblestone trophy like in Paris-Roubaix, no donkey like in Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne, no lion like in the Tour de France and definitely no ordinary trophy like in the Amstel Gold Race. The winner of the Tour of Turkey and the one who wears the leader's jersey, Mark Cavendish, has won.....a bunch of bananas. 
CRIME  WATCH  SPAIN
The annual AGM will be held at Oasis Bar, Torretas III, Torrevieja, on Thursday, 21st May at 13.15hrs. Everyone, who's interested in helping the community, will have the right to vote at the meeting for a place in the Association's  Committee. You don't need to pay anything to be a member;  you don't need to be a member to collaborate with your own community. Just keep an eye around and report any incident to us, or to the Police or 112 Emergencies. Your name will not appear anywhere.
CHILD POVERTY IN ANDALUCIA
According to Save the Children almost three-quarters of a million children in Andalucia are living in risk of poverty. The charity is calling for more investment for the young. According to the Junta de Andalucía 512,373 children are at risk of social poverty, 8% suffer serious material deprivation (117,450), 18% (264,262) live in homes where basic home costs cannot be met and 8% suffer energy poverty and can't afford to heat their homes.
MALAGA EMERGENCY
A Ryanair plane has made an emergency landing in Málaga. The incident happened on Monday when a flight from Stansted is reported to have had a problem with its brakes. Two emergency fire engines met the aircraft at the end of the runway which finally arrived safely without the passengers knowing what had happened. AENA announced that the emergency protocol had been put into action for the plane.
ROCK ON
A senior military source has revealed that the Ministry of Defence is lining Gibraltar up as an alternative base to the Clyde which would mean the Rock becoming the new home for Britain's nuclear submarines. SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon wants to rid Scotland of Trident but both the Conservatives and Labour have said they want to retain the base on the Clyde, however moving the nuclear deterrent to Gibraltar would cost £3 billion and take a decade to complete.
SPAIN DRAIN
30% of Spaniards think that humans once lived alongside dinosaurs, according to the latest Social Perception of Science survey whilst a quarter of Spanish people believe the Sun revolves around the Earth, and not the other way round. A further 11.5% disagreed that humans are descended from animals. However, the startling results are still an improvement on 2006, when almost half the population thought dinosaurs and humans had co-inhabited the earth, and 40% thought the sun orbited us.
EMIGRATING BRITS
Over the past five years, the USA and Australia have leapfrogged Spain as the preferred choice for Brits moving abroad and our land of choice is no longer the most popular destination for emigrating Brits. From 2009 to 2014, just 52,000 Brits headed to Spain, down 124,000 on the previous four-year period. In comparison, 207,000 Brits upped sticks for a life down under, while 80,000 have taken the trans-Atlantic route in search of the American Dream.
DISSIDENT ARRIVES IN SPAIN
A prominent Syrian political activist has evaded a travel ban and fled to Spain before the end of his trial for "weakening national sentiment".  Louay Hussein, head of the Building the Syrian State (BSS) party, said he had thought that his life was in danger. The 55-year-old was a leading member of Syria's internal opposition. He was detained last year after writing a newspaper article critical of President Bashar al-Assad. Mr Hussein arrived in Spain from Syria after what he called "a difficult journey".
SPAIN REIGNS
China now has the second-largest wine-growing area in the world after Spain, pushing France into third place, according to figures released Monday by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine. The figures for 2014 showed China had 799,000 hectares (1.97 million acres) of land devoted to wine growing, compared with 1.02 million hectares for Spain. However France remained the biggest producer of wine in the world, pumping out 47 million hectolitres last year.
BLESS ME GOOGLE
San Anton is a 21st century church, which embraces modern technology to make itself as welcoming as possible. It is nestled among the trendy cafes and shops of Madrid's Chueca neighbourhood and is a church like no other. You can browse the internet, confess via your iPad and even take along your pet poodle. It currently boasts free wifi, live-streams on huge wide screen televisions and even has a special confession App.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47130/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### MONICA LORENTE BECOMES A MUM

Monica Lorente, the former PP Mayor of Orihuela, gave birth in the Vega Baja hospital on Tuesday.
Baby Guillermo weighed in at 4 kilos, as both mother and baby were said to be “very well”.
They praised the “excellent” treatment given to them by the hospital staff and thank everybody for their interest as congratulations flooded in for the new mum and dad, former councillor of the environment, Fernando Modrego.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47129/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Monica Lorente, the former PP Mayor of Orihuela, gave birth in the Vega Baja hospital on Tuesday.
Baby Guillermo weighed in at 4 kilos, as both mother and baby were said to be “very well”.
They praised the “excellent” treatmen...

### OIL SLICKS, TURTLES AND LIES

During the last week or so, one major news story has hit the headlines and dominated the airwaves in the Canary Islands. It has led to fiery exchanges between politicians and environmentalists, with some evidence that a 'massaged' account of events was being released to the press from those who have a heavy investment in the tourist industry.
Thankfully, there were others, including the environmental group, Greenpeace, who rapidly assessed the situation and gave a more balanced account of the crisis that is currently hitting the shores of these islands.
A Russian trawler, the Oleg Naydenov, which was often denounced by Greenpeace for illegal fishing activities, caught fire in the port of Las Palmas, Gran Canaria.  The vessel was carrying 1,500 tonnes of fuel oil, and the port authorities decided to tow it out to sea, about 15 nautical miles south of Gran Canaria, to let it sink and, presumably, to forget about it.
 
The trawler is currently leaking between five and 10 litres of fuel oil an hour into open sea, and a robot submarine has detected that the wreckage is now located over two miles below sea level.
Both the Spanish and Canarian governments are looking at plans to either remove the remainder of the oil from the sunken vessel, or seal the holes in the hull that are causing the leak; both will be difficult and expensive operations.
Despite initial government denials about the severity of the problem and a less than frank account at a news conference, oil slicks were spotted on Greenpeace satellite images off the coast of the south of Gran Canaria, with oil appearing on several beaches.
Interestingly, the government has, so far, refused to release satellite images of the area for the public to see. As well as a being a major tourist area, the seas around the Canary Islands are rich in marine and bird life and already birds, turtles, as well an endangered loggerhead sea turtle have been found covered in oil.
Greenpeace are currently monitoring the situation, and warn that the contamination could worsen in the coming days. With an eye on the tourist industry, government officials continue to play down the crisis.
However, none of the beaches affected have been closed to visitors; indeed, I visited one yesterday and there was no sign of any pollution, although locals told me that council staff and volunteers had been there earlier in the day to clear away a small amount of oil.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but it seems that the government's decision to tow the fire stricken, fuel laden Russian fishing boat into open sea and let it sink may not have been the cleverest, or most environmentally friendly decision it could have made. In their defence, government sources claim that the decision to tow the trawler out to sea was to avoid the burning vessel contaminating the water desalination plant nearby.
The Spanish government has now announced an enquiry into the issue, and to consider what could have been done to avoid the catastrophe.
Many are comparing the current issues with the oil spill from the Prestige oil tanker in 2002, when 60,000 tonnes of oil poured into the sea off northern Spain. A few months ago, many islanders were concerned about the exploration for oil and gas that was taking place off the Canary Islands. Fortunately, the findings were of insufficient quality or quantity to develop commercially; the price of oil fell and the project was terminated, at least for the time being.
Although the current spill is minor in comparison to the Prestige oil tanker disaster, it does serve as a warning of what could happen should, one day, oil exploration and extraction resume off the coast of these beautiful, and environmentally rich islands.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle. 
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.

© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47128/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: During the last week or so, one major news story has hit the headlines and dominated the airwaves in the Canary Islands. It has led to fiery exchanges between politicians and environmentalists, with some evidence that a 'massaged' account of events was...

### EUROPE PRESENTS IMMOBILISATION PLAN IN EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL CASES

The European Commission has presented plans that will facilitate the implementation of devices that block vehicles from starting if it detects that the driver has consumed alcohol.
The plan extends a mechanism that already applies to drivers punished for drink driving in three member states, and the plan is now to implement the measure across the continent for all drivers.
The code will come into force on the 15th of May in the Netherlands, Finland and Sweden, with the commission insisting that it is for each member state to decide whether or not to implement the system.
The initial aim is to prevent re-offending drivers who have been punished for driving with excessive alcohol in their system but have not lost their license.
Belgium, Germany and Denmark are already preparing their own legislation in line with the changes, whereas the system has been adopted in France already, but only for drivers of school buses.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47125/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The European Commission has presented plans that will facilitate the implementation of devices that block vehicles from starting if it detects that the driver has consumed alcohol.
The plan extends a mechanism that already applies to drivers punished ...

### RASCALS SHOW BENEFITS LOCAL CHARITIES

Rascals performed ‘Both Sides of the Pond' their new variety show, at Montesinos on 23rd and 24th of April in front of an enthusiastic audience. As the audience left the theatre comments of fabulous show, brilliant, a great night out was heard.
But the important part of the event was the 2000 euros raised for two local charities, Age Concern and Los Montesinos Social Services.
Don´t miss the last performance which will be held on Tuesday 26th May at the Virgen del Carmen, Torrevieja, curtain up at 7.30.
To reserve tickets call Sue on 96 678 4874 or on the website www.therascals.org or you can get tickets at the booking office outside The Municipal theatre. They only cost 6 Euros and this even includes a programme !
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47122/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Rascals performed ‘Both Sides of the Pond' their new variety show, at Montesinos on 23rd and 24th of April in front of an enthusiastic audience. As the audience left the theatre comments of fabulous show, brilliant, a great night out was heard.
...

### ABSOLUTION BY IPAD

Open for 365 days of the year the Church of San Anton in Madrid has hauled itself into the 21st Century by recently embracing new technology. Introduced only last month it currently offers free wifi, live streaming of services from all over the world on wide screen televisions and a special confession App. 
Having recently been taken over by the Messengers of Peace Foundation, (Mensajeros de la Paz), founded and chaired by Father Angel Garcia, it also has a full program of social and cultural activities, including foster care, social assistance, a clothing outlet and even facilities for a bank.
And not content with pushing technical boundaries, the church is also unique in welcoming animals, encouraging visitors to bring their two and their four-legged friends along to mass.
It is also manned 24 hour a day by a group of priests, spread over several shifts, who are always on hand to administer sacraments of continuous mode. The aim is that it will always be a place for reflection and dialogue, a caring home to share and an oasis of silence and prayer.
Father Angel, the driving force behind the initiative, said ".It hurts to find churches with closed doors. San Anton will always be open to anyone who needs help: for those who want to pray or confess, for those who need someone to listen, or who just required a hot coffee, indeed anyone who would like a warm drink. Visitors are welcome to stay for as long as they like, at any time of day.
San Anton is a 21st century church, it has embraced modern technology in order to make itself as welcoming as possible, to parishioners both of the human and animal variety.”
One of the priests on duty told us that the live-streams are mainly taken from the Vatican. They are supplemented by religious films and documentaries.
One of the San Anton's main technical features is an iPad app to help the deaf and hard of hearing go to confession. People now are able type out their confession on an IPad and receive a typed answer from the priest. This saves any embarrassment that they might be caused by having to shout.
Father Angel said he was "very happy" because the project has the blessing and support of Carlos Osorio, the Archbishop of Madrid who was responsible for inviting in the Messengers of Peace Foundation.
The Church of San Anton is popularly known because of its affiliation to animals which are blessed on 17 January, the feast of its patron saint. Such blessings, along with the social and traditional religious activities, will be further developed in the coming months.
And as part of its determination to welcome everyone into the church, San Anton is thinking considering the introduction of a Sunday mass in English for tourists and residents in Madrid.
With the recent acknowledgement that half of all Spaniards no longer practice their religion and one in five insisting that they are "confirmed atheists" perhaps the introduction of similar measures in other churches across the country will help reverse the dramatic loss of faith in what has always been known as a traditionally Roman Catholic Country.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47121/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Open for 365 days of the year the Church of San Anton in Madrid has hauled itself into the 21st Century by recently embracing new technology. Introduced only last month it currently offers free wifi, live streaming of services from all over the world on wide screen televisions and a special confession App. Having recently been taken over by the Messengers of Peace Foundation, (Mensajeros de la Paz), founded and chaired by Father Angel Garcia, it also has a full program of social and cultural activities, including foster care, social assistance, a clothing outlet and even facilities for a bank.
And not content with pushing technical boundaries, the church is also unique in welcoming animals, encouraging visitors to bring their two and their four-legged friends along to mass.
It is also manned 24 hour a day by a group of priests, spread over several shifts, who are always on hand to administer sacraments of continuous mode. The aim is that it will always be a place for reflection and dialogue, a caring home to share and an oasis of silence and prayer.
Father Angel, the driving force behind the initiative, said ".It hurts to find churches with closed doors. San Anton will always be open to anyone who needs help: for those who want to pray or confess, for those who need someone to listen, or who just required a hot coffee, indeed anyone who would like a warm drink. Visitors are welcome to stay for as long as they like, at any time of day.
San Anton is a 21st century church, it has embraced modern technology in order to make itself as welcoming as possible, to parishioners both of the human and animal variety.”
One of the priests on duty told us that the live-streams are mainly taken from the Vatican. They are supplemented by religious films and documentaries.
One of the San Anton's main technical features is an iPad app to help the deaf and hard of hearing go to confession. People now are able type out their confession on an IPad and receive a typed answer from the priest. This saves any embarrassment that they might be caused by having to shout.
Father Angel said he was "very happy" because the project has the blessing and support of Carlos Osorio, the Archbishop of Madrid who was responsible for inviting in the Messengers of Peace Foundation.
The Church of San Anton is popularly known because of its affiliation to animals which are blessed on 17 January, the feast of its patron saint. Such blessings, along with the social and traditional religious activities, will be further developed in the coming months.
And as part of its determination to welcome everyone into the church, San Anton is thinking considering the introduction of a Sunday mass in English for tourists and residents in Madrid.
With the recent acknowledgement that half of all Spaniards no longer practice their religion and one in five insisting that they are "confirmed atheists" perhaps the introduction of similar measures in other churches across the country will help reverse the dramatic loss of faith in what has always been known as a traditionally Roman Catholic Country.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47121/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### EL MUNDO SPORTS SEMINAR IN TORREVIEJA

The Torrevieja mayor, Eduardo Dolon, took part in a National Seminar entitled "The Impact of Popular Sports in Tourism" on Tuesday, held at the Real Club Nautico of Torrevieja (RCNT) and organized by the national newspaper El Mundo
The seminar attracted a number of notable speakers including the 1988 winner of the Tour de France, and current TVE cycling commentator, Pedro Delgado;  Germán Robles, President of the Foundation of Atletico Madrid; Fernando de Portugal, an executive with the Sports Event Company Last Lap, responsible for road race San Silvestre Vallecana which annually attracts over 30,000 competitors, and José Miguel Pina, Director General of the company Moonraker bikes.
The mayor stressed the importance that the city of Torrevieja places on Sports Tourism which, in just two years, has attracted over 16,000 sportsmen and women from a multitude of different European countries. 
He said that Torrevieja has one of the best and most complete sports centres in the country, the success of which will always ensure that investment in sport continues to be treated as one of the most important features  in improving the quality of life of its citizens.
The mayor thanked Pedro Delgado for his contribution to the forum. He acknowledged the ex cyclist as one of the most successful athletes that Spain had ever produced.
In response Delgado said that he was delighted to see that Torrevieja would be involved as a stage in the 2015 edition of the Tour of Spain, which, as concerns the level of tourist interest, will prove to be a great showcase for the city worldwide.
Torrevieja will launch the ninth stage of the Tour on Sunday 30 August, 168 km from the city to Benitachell. The previous day will see the cyclists arriving from Murcia. It will be a historic weekend marked by a great atmosphere. Inevitably there will be a major influx of visitors to the area, brought by the Vuelta itself, as well as the many thousands who will be in the city spending their summer holidays.
The ninth stage of the race will be the only of the Tour 2015 that will take the cyclists into the Alicante region. Much of the route will take the cyclists along the Costa Blanca coastline showing off some of the very best landscapes in the country.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47120/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Torrevieja mayor, Eduardo Dolon, took part in a National Seminar entitled "The Impact of Popular Sports in Tourism" on Tuesday, held at the Real Club Nautico of Torrevieja (RCNT) and organized by the national newspaper El Mundo
The seminar attracted a number of notable speakers including the 1988 winner of the Tour de France, and current TVE cycling commentator, Pedro Delgado;  Germán Robles, President of the Foundation of Atletico Madrid; Fernando de Portugal, an executive with the Sports Event Company Last Lap, responsible for road race San Silvestre Vallecana which annually attracts over 30,000 competitors, and José Miguel Pina, Director General of the company Moonraker bikes.
The mayor stressed the importance that the city of Torrevieja places on Sports Tourism which, in just two years, has attracted over 16,000 sportsmen and women from a multitude of different European countries. 
He said that Torrevieja has one of the best and most complete sports centres in the country, the success of which will always ensure that investment in sport continues to be treated as one of the most important features  in improving the quality of life of its citizens.
The mayor thanked Pedro Delgado for his contribution to the forum. He acknowledged the ex cyclist as one of the most successful athletes that Spain had ever produced.
In response Delgado said that he was delighted to see that Torrevieja would be involved as a stage in the 2015 edition of the Tour of Spain, which, as concerns the level of tourist interest, will prove to be a great showcase for the city worldwide.
Torrevieja will launch the ninth stage of the Tour on Sunday 30 August, 168 km from the city to Benitachell. The previous day will see the cyclists arriving from Murcia. It will be a historic weekend marked by a great atmosphere. Inevitably there will be a major influx of visitors to the area, brought by the Vuelta itself, as well as the many thousands who will be in the city spending their summer holidays.
The ninth stage of the race will be the only of the Tour 2015 that will take the cyclists into the Alicante region. Much of the route will take the cyclists along the Costa Blanca coastline showing off some of the very best landscapes in the country.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47120/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### COUNCIL AUTHORIZES SITE FOR NEW COLEGIO PLAYAS DE ORIHUELA

The Governing Board of the Orihuela Council has approved the transfer of the building plot from council to regional ownership for the proposed new junior school that is currently being prepared for tender as a replacement for the portable cabin complex currently accommodating Orihuela Costa's junior and infant schoolchildren.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by municipal spokesperson Carolina Gracia. The plot is thought to be the area of land adjacent to the Los Dolses Commercial centre,just across the road from the current school and presently being used as an overspill car park.
In her statement Gracia noted that since 16 March, the Ministry of Education has invited tenders for new colleges at Beniarbeig, Nàquera Burriana, Ibi, Almàssera, Rojales and Villanueva de Castellón totaling over 35 million euros, but it has still not opened the process for Playas de Orihuela.
The current school has been in portable accommodation for over 13 years, by far the longest in the whole of the Valencian region. “We now hope that the situation and the tendering process will start moving forward” she said.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47119/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Governing Board of the Orihuela Council has approved the transfer of the building plot from council to regional ownership for the proposed new junior school that is currently being prepared for tender as a replacement for the portable cabin complex...

### LOCAL FIREFIGHTER TRAVELS TO NEPAL

Villena based firefighter Francisco José Catalán, a member of the Provincial Fire Consortium travelled out to Katmandu on Monday with eleven other members of the emergency response team ‘Bomberos Sin Fronteras'. 
The group were en route to Nepal where they are to join hundreds of other volunteers in the rescue activities following the 7.9 magnitude earthquake that caused thousands of deaths in the Himalayas. The party also includes two search and rescue dogs.
Paco, as he is affectionately known, said that his family had asked him not to go because of the danger of aftershocks, but I told them It's my job and the people out their need all the help they can get. ‘It is important that we get out there quickly with our specialist equipment and with the search and rescue dogs if we are going to have any real effect' Paco said as he was en route to Barcelona Airport.
So far, Paco has worked in humanitarian aid missions in the Dominican Republic where he worked with, and trained, local firefighters. He is aware that this mission is totally different. ‘I just want to get across there now and start work'.
When they arrive in Nepal the team will be under the command of the United Nations (UN), who are coordinating the tasks to deal with the emergency.
A spokesman for ‘Bomberos Sin Fronteras' said when his organization made initial contact with the Spanish Government they were told that the country would not be providing manpower to take part in rescue operations and that all aid would be humanitarian.Therefore they decided to go it alone.
Paco said that he is still confident of finding people alive under the rubble but speed is always the decisive factor.  He says he does not know how long his group with remain in the area, but initially they had been told they would be required at least until 6 May when the situation will be reviewed.
Amongst the humanitarian Aid to be provided the Provincial Council of Alicante have announced that they are to allocate 10,000 euros through the Red Cross for the supply of blankets, tarpaulins, plastic sheeting, jerry cans, and other essential items needed to overcome the lack of water and food, exacerbated by failed communication networks and power supplies.
In the photograph Paco is shown on the left of the group.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47118/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Villena based firefighter Francisco José Catalán, a member of the Provincial Fire Consortium travelled out to Katmandu on Monday with eleven other members of the emergency response team ‘Bomberos Sin Fronteras'. 
The group were en ...

### GOODWOOD PREPARES FOR RECORD-BREAKING CROWDS

On Thursday 25, June Lord March will once again open the grounds of Goodwood House in West Sussex to the public for the sixth Moving Motor Show presented by the AA in association with The Telegraph.
More than 34,000 car enthusiasts attended the Moving Motor Show last year, making it a complete sell out, with many lucky visitors getting to see and drive new cars before they had even gone on sale.
This year will be no different; with many car makers choosing to use the event to stage global and UK debuts of their latest vehicles, a record number of new cars are expected to be revealed, including Mazda's new MX-5 and CX-3 models.
With demand higher than ever, the Moving Motor Show has increased ticket availability for 2015.
More than 18 manufacturers will showcase their latest models in the stunning setting of the Goodwood Estate at the Moving Motor Show.
Visitors will be among the first in the world to see an array of new models from their favourite car brands and new car buyers can even test-drive some of the cars on display on Goodwood's legendary Hillclimb course.
Visitors to the Moving Motor Show also get an exclusive sneak preview to the Festival of Speed, with access to the Formula 1 Paddock presented by Sky Sports F1, Cartier ‘Style et Luxe' Concors d'Elegance, Michelin Supercar Paddock and all of the automotive show stands, which will boast the widest range of new products in the 22-year history of the Festival.
Automotive brands confirmed so far who will be offering test drives and rides at the Goodwood Moving Motor Show 2015 are:
Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Citroen, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Seat, Toyota
Tickets for the ultimate test drive experience are now on sale at just £30 for an adult ticket, young persons (13-21) half-price and children under 12 free of charge. Tickets are available to via www.goodwood.com/tickets or 01243 755055.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47117/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: On Thursday 25, June Lord March will once again open the grounds of Goodwood House in West Sussex to the public for the sixth Moving Motor Show presented by the AA in association with The Telegraph.
More than 34,000 car enthusiasts attended the Moving...

### INSTAGRAM WINNER RECEIVES DIGITAL TABLET

Victor Sarabia has won the Instagran Photography Contest that was held by Orihuela Council over the Easter period with one of the snapshots that he took during the procession of the Brotherhood of Silence (la procesión de la Hermandad del Silencio.) 
Throughout Holy Week participants were invited to upload their photographs to the council's Instagram site which resulted in over 450 submissions from in excess of 100 entrants.
The first 20 photos were selected for prizes and for special mention by a board of judges which included the Councillor for Tourism Rosa Martinez with the first prize of a digital tablet awarded to Victor Sarabia at a ceremony conducted in the Maria Moliner Library in Orihuela.
"The goal was to raise awareness through social networks of the Easter celebrations in the area from the perspective of those who live in Orihuela", said the councilor.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47116/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Victor Sarabia has won the Instagran Photography Contest that was held by Orihuela Council over the Easter period with one of the snapshots that he took during the procession of the Brotherhood of Silence (la procesión de la Hermandad del Silencio.) 
Throughout Holy Week participants were invited to upload their photographs to the council's Instagram site which resulted in over 450 submissions from in excess of 100 entrants.
The first 20 photos were selected for prizes and for special mention by a board of judges which included the Councillor for Tourism Rosa Martinez with the first prize of a digital tablet awarded to Victor Sarabia at a ceremony conducted in the Maria Moliner Library in Orihuela.
"The goal was to raise awareness through social networks of the Easter celebrations in the area from the perspective of those who live in Orihuela", said the councilor.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47116/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### FIVE FLOORS OF A BUILDING COLLAPSE IN ELCHE

A building collapsed in the Elche neighbourhood of Carrus on Monday in dramatic fashion when the top floor of a 5 floor apartment block fell into the flat below. The weight of the rubble then caused each of the subsequent floors to drop into the one below and amazingly, despite many of the properties being occupied, there was not a single injury.
An appearance of a large hole in the roof of the top floor apartment was thought to be the result of a possible landslide in the 50 years old building. It was only when a thunderous crash caused by the first ceiling falling through alerted the residents who were all then thankfully able to leave the premises before the final collapse.
The subsidence affected only the left wing of the block. Initially a part tiled roof fell through the ceiling of the top floor flat into the lounge area. Soon afterwards, this also gave way and came cascading down to the ground floor. The debris also broke the door of the garage and spilled out into the street.
A spokesman said that as far as he was aware the issue may have originated in the beams supporting the top floor ceiling although a structural engineer in attendance said that it was too early to be talking about causes.
"I have seen the wreckage and was a miracle that there were no injuries” said one emergency coordinator, Manuela Mora, who traveled to the site.
Ten residents of the building, six adults and four children, were moved to a hostel close last nigby the municipal services while the rest of the occupants were taken in by relatives.
None of the residents were able to access their homes to collect personal belongings, whilst the area remained cordoned off pending the decision by the municipal officers on the state of the structure.
Two cars in the street below were also damaged by falling debris,  a BMW 220 and an Opel Zafira.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47115/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A building collapsed in the Elche neighbourhood of Carrus on Monday in dramatic fashion when the top floor of a 5 floor apartment block fell into the flat below. The weight of the rubble then caused each of the subsequent floors to drop into the one below and amazingly, despite many of the properties being occupied, there was not a single injury.
An appearance of a large hole in the roof of the top floor apartment was thought to be the result of a possible landslide in the 50 years old building. It was only when a thunderous crash caused by the first ceiling falling through alerted the residents who were all then thankfully able to leave the premises before the final collapse.
The subsidence affected only the left wing of the block. Initially a part tiled roof fell through the ceiling of the top floor flat into the lounge area. Soon afterwards, this also gave way and came cascading down to the ground floor. The debris also broke the door of the garage and spilled out into the street.
A spokesman said that as far as he was aware the issue may have originated in the beams supporting the top floor ceiling although a structural engineer in attendance said that it was too early to be talking about causes.
"I have seen the wreckage and was a miracle that there were no injuries” said one emergency coordinator, Manuela Mora, who traveled to the site.
Ten residents of the building, six adults and four children, were moved to a hostel close last nigby the municipal services while the rest of the occupants were taken in by relatives.
None of the residents were able to access their homes to collect personal belongings, whilst the area remained cordoned off pending the decision by the municipal officers on the state of the structure.
Two cars in the street below were also damaged by falling debris,  a BMW 220 and an Opel Zafira.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47115/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### LEADER NEWS BITES 27 APRIL 15

BULLFIGHTING PROTESTS BANNED
Anti-bullfighting activists in Spain are to be prevented from staging protests outside bullrings when fights are being held. According to the Union of Fighting Bull Breeders (UCTL), police across Spain have been given new protocols laying out the steps to be taken to stop anti-bullfighting demonstrations from taking place during events. The decision aims to “prevent possible altercations that could put citizen safety at risk” and “guarantee the smooth running of bullfights,” the UCTL said in a statement.
HOSPITAL CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
The Vega Baja Hospital celebrated its 25th anniversary last week at a ceremony attended by the Minister of Health, Manuel Llombart. He was accompanied by the manager of the Department of Health, Emilio Bascuñana , as well as representatives of professional associations who have contributed to the hospital's success. A video was shown highlighting the achievements made and also including footage of the fire that caused so much damage just a few years ago.
PSOE TO AXE OFFICIAL CARS
Alicante PSOE proposes in its Municipal electoral program the removal of all the official cars, except that of the mayor, and the reduction by 50% of all mobile phones that are provided to City Officials atpublic expense. The proposals were announced by Gabriel Echavarri in a party policy document which has been sent to 200 neighborhood associations and social groups asking also for their contributions. 
BOAT PEOPLE
Italian prosecutors say a survivor of the migrant boat which capsized in the Mediterranean last week has told them 950 people were aboard, including hundreds who were locked in the hold by smugglers. Spain's prime minister says words aren't enough anymore and he urged the European Union to take swift action following the tragedy.
CROSSBOW DEATH
A student armed with a crossbow at has killed a teacher at school in Barcelona, Spain, local media say. The suspect, reportedly a 13-year-old boy, has been arrested. His motive is unclear. Police have not confirmed the weapon used or whether he was a pupil at the Instituto Joan Foster. At least four other people were injured in the attack. The teacher killed was protecting another during the incident, El Mundo newspaper reports.
MORE CONTROVERSY FOR PP
An investigation into an ex-minister and former International Monetary Fund chief over alleged fraud and money laundering is damaging Spain's ruling Popular Party, which faces a general election late this year, the prime minister said last week. Rato, who was detained briefly Thursday as police searched his home and offices, served as economy minister and deputy prime minister under ex-Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar between 1996 and 2004, and had been seen as a possible Party Leader
VALENCIA DESERTS PP
Voters in the Valencia region, a bastion of conservatism for two decades, are likely to desert Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's party in droves in May's regional election, a poll published on Sunday found, in a taste of nationwide politics to come. The Metroscopia poll showed Rajoy's centre-right People's Party (PP) would win the Valencia vote but halve its seats to 28 from 55 in 2011, leaving it short of a majority and unlikely to get sufficient backing from rivals to govern again.
‘NO TORREVIEJA CAN'T ‘
Sí se Puede Torrevieja  (Yes Torrevieja Can) has failed to collect the 1500 signatures required to enable it to stand as a political party in the upcoming municipal elections. Having only started the process a little over 10 days ago a spokesman said they had left it rather too late and in accordance with electoral law they will not be able to compete in the elections. He said they were only 300 signatures short of what was needed.
YES YOU CAN
Spain's antitrust watchdog has approved the purchase of Prisa's pay-tv unit Canal+ by Telefonica although it attached conditions to the deal, among them the obligation to offer wholesale TV packages to competitors. The competition authority said Telefonica had also agreed to offer access to its high-speed internet network to competitors so that they can provide TV content to their subscribers and to make it possible for clients to cut their contract more easily.
JOBLESS FIGURES UP
Spain's economy may be showing signs of recovery but there was no corresponding improvement in unemployment in Q1 say the latest figures from the National Statistics Institute. Unemployment rose slightly, to 23.78%. Only Greece is worse. Many analysts had expected the jobs market to be more buoyant at this stage of Spain's economic recovery, which has been boosted by falling oil prices and a weaker euro but some figures point in another direction.
HUMAN REMAINS
The human remains discovered inside a meat grinder found by police in a home in the Madrid satellite town of Majadahonda belong to a tenant who went missing a month ago. The Civil Guard on Thursday confirmed that the blood and tissues are those of Adriana G., a 55-year-old Argentinean woman who was renting out a room from the suspect. An analysis of DNA samples from the grinder matched those provided by the victim's brother, who flew to Spain from Argentina after filing the complaint that led to the grisly discovery.
RISK TO GRAN CANARIA
Fuel oil, possibly from a fishing vessel that sank off the Canary Islands in mid-April, has reached the west coast of Gran Canaria. The first stains were detected on Wednesday night on Veneguera beach, a popular tourist destination, and some also turned up in a cove located within the Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve. The Spanish government has raised the emergency level, in acknowledgment of the damage risk to the coastline.
PUBLIC WORKERS
Spain's ambassador in London Federico Trillo and Popular Party (PP) deputy Vicente Martínez Pujalte received more than €429,000 in consulting fees from a private construction firm specializing in public works while they were serving in Congress, tax inspectors have discovered. In separate statements, both Trillo and Pujalte acknowledged that they received money from Collosa for consulting work, but at the same time accused the Tax Agency and the anti-corruption division of leaking taxpayers' information, which under law should remain confidential.
PM'S TAXING WORK
Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on Wednesday addressed Congress to defend his government's 2012 tax amnesty and his party's refusal to publicize the names of the people who applied for it.  Rajoy told Socialist leader Pedro Sánchez that the €124 billion that the state collected through the procedure justifies the move. He also compared it with earlier tax amnesties offered by Socialist governments.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47114/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: BULLFIGHTING PROTESTS BANNED
Anti-bullfighting activists in Spain are to be prevented from staging protests outside bullrings when fights are being held. According to the Union of Fighting Bull Breeders (UCTL), police across Spain have been given new ...

### PARTY TIME AT THE MARTINEZ VALERO

Elche CF 4 – 0 RC Deportivo de La Coruña
No, seriously, that really was the final score !  In a season with rather too many disappointments, both on and off the field, Elche dispelled the gloom with a scintillating performance that belied their position near the foot of the table.  
It was one of those nights where the more the team did the more the crowd, who have been magnificent all season long, got behind them which, in turn, lifted the team to further heights. Granted, the opposition – they call them 'Super' closer to home – weren't up to much but Elche still had to play, and beat, a direct relegation rival. And didn't they just ?
Barely twenty thousand were present, the 10pm kick-off time on a school night saw to that, but those that made the effort were given an absolute treat. Had Lionel Messi done what Uruguayan full-back Damián Suárez managed in the fifth minute, the football world would have been in raptures. Picking up the ball outside the Depor penalty area, he strode forward to beat three lukewarm tackles with a display of twinkling feet that far better know South American would have been proud to lay claim to. His final contribution to the opening goal was a deft cut back for man-of-the-moment Jonathas to make no mistake with from close range.
Nerves duly settled, Elche doubled their lead a quarter of an hour later, this time via the penalty spot. Visiting centre-back Lopo fell foul of referee Xavier Alvarez with a non too subtle shirt pull that saw Enzo Roco also go tumbling. David Lombán stepped up to do the business; picking the opposite corner to the one goalkeeper Fabricio chose. With no further goals in a somewhat one-sided half - Depor were deeply disappointing not super - Elche went in at the break a couple up, on a high and fully expecting more goals. That was exactly how things turned out.
Within ten minutes of the restart, Elche notched their third. Inattentive defending  saw Jonathas home free and, more to the point, onside. You'd have put your house on him scoring but, instead, his weak shot looped up off the feet of Fabricio and headed goal-wards where Chelsea loanee Mario Pašalić was handily placed to nod the ball over the line. With fully thirty five minutes remaining the result was in no doubt, the fans knew it, the players knew it and so too, seemingly, did Depor.
In any other match, the amount of chances Elche created and the managed to squander would have been criminal, they were all over the visitors. It mattered not. The fourth and final Elche goal eventually came late on and was missed by getting on for six thousand people who had already left.
They missed a good one. Cape Verdean international Garry Mendes, who probably deserves more game time than he actually gets, picked up the ball deep inside the Elche half and simply kept on going. Approaching the Depor box with the solitary visiting defender backing off, he chose to ignore the men either side of him and, instead, drilled a left foot shot passed a well beaten Fabricio.
This victory, Elche's tenth of the season was easily their best and all but guarantees their La Liga safety. So poor are the teams beneath them, a single point from their remaining four matches might not even be necessary. Finally, a reward for the fans and, in particular, Fran Escribá after an, at times, fraught season.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47113/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Elche CF 4 – 0 RC Deportivo de La Coruña
No, seriously, that really was the final score !  In a season with rather too many disappointments, both on and off the field, Elche dispelled the gloom with a scintillating performance that belied...

### European Day Celebrations in Torrevieja

Activities have been announced for European Day to be celebrated in Torrevieja once again this year, with events taking place in the Plaza de Constitución in Torrevieja throughout the morning of Saturday 9th May, starting at 10:30.
A full schedule of activities will be released shortly, and more information can be obtained from the tourist offices in Torrevieja.

Excerpt: Activities have been announced for European Day to be celebrated in Torrevieja once again this year, with events taking place in the Plaza de Constitución in Torrevieja throughout the morning of Saturday 9th May, starting at 10:30. A full schedule Read More ...

### La Zenia Roundabout Work to Start

The councillor for the Coast in Orihuela, Martina Scheurer, announces that she has received the ok final go-ahead, to carry out the work at the roundabout of La Zenia. Last year the Road Ministry in Alicante initially wanted entirely close off the streets Maestro Torrabla and Alhambra to the traffic.
Martina Scheurer as well as Antonio Zapata both went personally to Alicante in different occasions,  to discuss this matter and have insistently forwarded suggestions to avoid the closing of those 2 streets. Finally the Ministry agreed on the plans which will turn these two streets into a one-way with access coming from the Roundabout on the N332.

Excerpt: The councillor for the Coast in Orihuela, Martina Scheurer, announces that she has received the ok final go-ahead, to carry out the work at the roundabout of La Zenia. Last year the Road Ministry in Alicante initially wanted entirely close Read More ...

### A Royal Birthday

Second in line to the throne of Spain, Sofía de Todos los Santos de Borbón y Ortiz, second daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, celebrates her 8th birthday on Wednesday.

Excerpt: Second in line to the throne of Spain, Sofía de Todos los Santos de Borbón y Ortiz, second daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, celebrates her 8th birthday on Wednesday.

### JUDGE REJECTS REFUND FOR CANCELLED FLIGHT

The head of the Commercial Court No. 1 of Alicante, Rafael Fuentes Devesa, has rejected a demand from a couple who sought a refund of their flight costs following a cancelled trip.
In his findings the judge issued a statement saying that ‘low cost' airlines are not required to reimburse ticket costs because the price reduction initially applied excludes them from the application of the general law in such situations.
The plaintiffs had demanded that Easyjet return euro 351 to them after the cancellation of their planned trip to London. They had bought the tickets through the company website in August 2013 for travel over the 2014 New Year period but due to work commitments they were forced to abandon their trip.
Given the refusal by Easyjet to make the reimbursement the pair then filed a lawsuit against the company invoking the Consumer Protection Act demanding the annulment of the general condition in the contract stipulating that reimbursements would not be made after a period of 24 hours, on any condition.
The judge, however, recalled a recent case where, in the ‘low cost' airline sector the Consumer Protection Act had been ruled against, as the financial consideration had already applied a considerable reduction in ticket price.
Meanwhile there was rather better news for ten people at Alicante airport last week when Easyjet presented them with free tickets.
In conjunction with the Alicante Tourist Office, the budget airline had hidden the tickets across the airport and through airport publicity and a number of social network sites antravelers were invited to find them over the period of about a week.
The winners may choose flights to any one of the 14 destinations operated by Easyjet from Alicante, including London, Rome, Edinburgh, Geneva and Basel.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47111/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The head of the Commercial Court No. 1 of Alicante, Rafael Fuentes Devesa, has rejected a demand from a couple who sought a refund of their flight costs following a cancelled trip.
In his findings the judge issued a statement saying that ‘low co...

### A HAT TRICK FOR SPANGLES

Spangles Ladies' Harmony Chorus has done it again: for the third time in succession, they have become barbershop champions of Spain, gaining their third gold medal. Led by Musical Director, Gail Grainger, the chorus travelled to Benalmádena, Málaga to compete on Saturday, 18 April. 
Spangles first won gold in San Pedro del Pinatar in 2011, then again in Benalmádena in 2013. Choruses are not allowed to compete in the year following a win, so their next chance of a medal was at this year's convention, organised by the Spanish Association of Barbershop Singers (SABS).
“We are all delighted with our third championship win and I am especially proud of the chorus, because this was my last assignment as Musical Director of Spangles and they pulled out all of the stops” said Gail, who returns to live in the UK in May. “I couldn't have wished for a better farewell”.
Gail joined the chorus as Assistant Musical Director in January 2008 and took over the role of Musical Director in September the same year. Since then, she and her management team have worked tirelessly to ensure that the chorus continues to improve and move forward. Starting in 2004 with just five ladies, the chorus now boasts more than 40 members and continues to grow.
The past year's hard work paid dividends in Benalmádena, with Spangles sweeping the board, not only winning the contest, but scooping up the trophies for highest scores in singing, presentation and music.
“This couldn't have been achieved without the specialist coaching we received and the dedication of each and every member of the chorus to achieve excellence” commented Gail, who hands over her baton to two joint chorus directors, Dawn Ritch and Wendy Grant, who will be supported by the Assistant Musical Director, Liz Lewis. “I know that I am leaving the chorus in good hands and I look forward to watching their continued progress from afar.”
Spangles welcomes new members so, if you're looking to make new friends and enjoy singing, why not visit Spangles when they rehearse at Las Claras? They meet every Thursday from 10.00am to 1.00pm.
Please call Lyn on 968 574 987 or Anthea on 968 334 527 to book Spangles or to find out how to join, or visit the website: www.spangleschorus.com.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47110/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spangles Ladies' Harmony Chorus has done it again: for the third time in succession, they have become barbershop champions of Spain, gaining their third gold medal. Led by Musical Director, Gail Grainger, the chorus travelled to Benalmádena, M&a...

### CHLOE LEIGH IS FLAG DAY STAR

On Saturday 9th of May Chloe Leigh the local girl who is fast becoming an international vocal artist, will headline the Torrevieja European Flag day Celebrations in the main square by the cathedral and the Town Hall in Torrevieja. 
Chloe will sing her latest release, the Theme song from the soon to be released Film, shot here on the Costablanca "The Cucaracha Club" and a selection of her vast repertoire. Chloe will be representing Siesta Productions on stage.
The recently formed Film Company are determined to place Torrevieja on the map as a location for both Film and TV. The "Cucaracha Club"  has already been invited to Toronto later this year to appear in the OWTFF, festival and will attend in at least two category's, one being the music.
Yvonne Haughton (Actress) who will join Chloe on stage will explain in Spanish, English and German to the watching crowds just what the film is about and why its being made.
A full music score has been written and recorded for the Film and this is very unusual for a low budget production.
The Video of Chloe Leigh singing the Theme tune has been made and can be seen on YouTube by searching for "Cucaracha Club Video" It is very much the desire of the production team to encourage Chloe Leigh to try for the Eurovision Song Contest next year, so watch this space. Siesta Productions are keen to thank the Town Hall and the staff of the Mayor and in particular the Tourist Information office for all the help and encouragement given in the making of the motion picture.
But the story is not ending there! Oh No CC2 is already in the planning and it is hoped that it will be even bigger and more exciting than the current production.
For Further information www.siesta.productions
Siesta Productions Limited
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47108/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: On Saturday 9th of May Chloe Leigh the local girl who is fast becoming an international vocal artist, will headline the Torrevieja European Flag day Celebrations in the main square by the cathedral and the Town Hall in Torrevieja. 
Chloe will sing her latest release, the Theme song from the soon to be released Film, shot here on the Costablanca "The Cucaracha Club" and a selection of her vast repertoire. Chloe will be representing Siesta Productions on stage.
The recently formed Film Company are determined to place Torrevieja on the map as a location for both Film and TV. The "Cucaracha Club"  has already been invited to Toronto later this year to appear in the OWTFF, festival and will attend in at least two category's, one being the music.
Yvonne Haughton (Actress) who will join Chloe on stage will explain in Spanish, English and German to the watching crowds just what the film is about and why its being made.
A full music score has been written and recorded for the Film and this is very unusual for a low budget production.
The Video of Chloe Leigh singing the Theme tune has been made and can be seen on YouTube by searching for "Cucaracha Club Video" It is very much the desire of the production team to encourage Chloe Leigh to try for the Eurovision Song Contest next year, so watch this space. Siesta Productions are keen to thank the Town Hall and the staff of the Mayor and in particular the Tourist Information office for all the help and encouragement given in the making of the motion picture.
But the story is not ending there! Oh No CC2 is already in the planning and it is hoped that it will be even bigger and more exciting than the current production.
For Further information www.siesta.productions
Siesta Productions LimitedFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47108/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### Former Orihuela Mayor Gives Birth

Former Mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente, has given birth to a baby boy in the Vega Baja hospital on Tuesday.
Baby Guillermo weighed 4 kilos and both mother and baby are reported to be very well.
They also praise the “excellent” treatment given to them by the hospital staff and thank everybody for their interest.

Excerpt: Former Mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente, has given birth to a baby boy in the Vega Baja hospital on Tuesday. Baby Guillermo weighed 4 kilos and both mother and baby are reported to be very well. They also praise the Read More ...

### Passenger Ferry Evacuated due to Fire

More than 150 passengers were evacuated from a ferry on a Valencia to Palma de Mallorca Tuesday after it caught fire.

All passengers were reported to be safe having been transferred by lifeboats to another vessel.
The ship, Sorrento, operated by the Transmediterránea-Acciona company, asked for assistance some 15 nautical miles southwest of Mallorca at 13:50.
A number of rescue ships and helicopters were immediately dispatched to the scene, including two operated by the Guardia Civil.
The passengers were all evacuated without incident, although two crew members had to be airlifted off the vessel after they failed to reach the evacuation zone.

Excerpt: More than 150 passengers were evacuated from a ferry on a Valencia to Palma de Mallorca Tuesday after it caught fire. All passengers were reported to be safe having been transferred by lifeboats to another vessel. The ship, Sorrento, operated Read More ...

### DOCUMENTS HANDED TO ORIHUELA ARCHIVES

The ecology group Pro-Río has handed over 30,000 documents to the Municipal Historical Archives.
The Councillor of Culture, Rosa Martinez and the Pro-Río Segura Commission President, José Antonio Muñoz Grau, signed the agreement on Monday donating all of the documentation that has been gathered over many years to the Municipal Archives
"It is all part of our history, united people all fighting for a common cause", said the councillor.
Muñoz Grau has said that in addition to photographs, leaflets and posters, he had delivered four boxes full of documentation, and there are still another two to be brought across.
"This heritage is not ours, but of all the people of Orihuela," he said when making the donation.
According Muñoz Grau, it comprises of everything that was published in Spain and Europe pertaining to the Segura River from April 1998. He also delivered a pen drive with over 5,000 documents bringing the number to 30,000 in total.
The spokesman of Pro-Rio also appealed to other residents who might have additional material to bring them all in so they might be kept togetherFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47106/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The ecology group Pro-Río has handed over 30,000 documents to the Municipal Historical Archives.
The Councillor of Culture, Rosa Martinez and the Pro-Río Segura Commission President, José Antonio Muñoz Grau, signed the agreement on Monday donating all of the documentation that has been gathered over many years to the Municipal Archives
"It is all part of our history, united people all fighting for a common cause", said the councillor.
Muñoz Grau has said that in addition to photographs, leaflets and posters, he had delivered four boxes full of documentation, and there are still another two to be brought across.
"This heritage is not ours, but of all the people of Orihuela," he said when making the donation.
According Muñoz Grau, it comprises of everything that was published in Spain and Europe pertaining to the Segura River from April 1998. He also delivered a pen drive with over 5,000 documents bringing the number to 30,000 in total.
The spokesman of Pro-Rio also appealed to other residents who might have additional material to bring them all in so they might be kept togetherFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47106/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### PHOTOGRAPHIC WORKSHOP – SAN MIGUEL DE SALINAS

The Association of Neighbours "San Miguel Archangel" of San Miguel de Salinas has scheduled a photography workshop for Sunday May 3.
 It will be led by Petr Sebja, a talented local photographer, in both Spanish and English. The workshop will begin at 11a.m. at the offices of the Association in Calle 19 de abril, 47 (behind Eurosalinas Supermarket). After talking about the basic rules of photography the workshop members will be given a tour of some of the photogenic spots in San Miguel to take photos.
Then the group will return to the office to retouch the images on the computer and discuss any issues that are of interest to the participants.
The course is free. To subscribe please send an e-mail to the Association (avvsanmiguel@yahoo.es) and indicate the type of camera to be used. The Association invites all lovers of photography to participate and, maybe, discover new knowledge about how to take those special pictures.
David Hardy, Vice President - La Asociación de Vecinos ‘San Miguel Arcángel'Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47105/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Association of Neighbours "San Miguel Archangel" of San Miguel de Salinas has scheduled a photography workshop for Sunday May 3.
 It will be led by Petr Sebja, a talented local photographer, in both Spanish and English. The workshop will begin at 11a.m. at the offices of the Association in Calle 19 de abril, 47 (behind Eurosalinas Supermarket). After talking about the basic rules of photography the workshop members will be given a tour of some of the photogenic spots in San Miguel to take photos.
Then the group will return to the office to retouch the images on the computer and discuss any issues that are of interest to the participants.
The course is free. To subscribe please send an e-mail to the Association (avvsanmiguel@yahoo.es) and indicate the type of camera to be used. The Association invites all lovers of photography to participate and, maybe, discover new knowledge about how to take those special pictures.
David Hardy, Vice President - La Asociación de Vecinos ‘San Miguel Arcángel'Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47105/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### RECORD ENTRY FOR PILAR HALF MARATHON

Athletics took over in Pilar de la Horadada last Sunday morning when the half-marathon and 10.5km road races were held in the town. Antonio Lorente (35:44) and Mayte Andreu (45:36) were the first male and female home at 10.5Km while Javier Moreno (1:13:00 ') and Cristina González (1:27:20) came in first in the annual Half Marathon. 
This was the sixth annual running of the race with the number of competing athletes up from last year by approximately 25% to just over 600.
The runners also enjoyed a change from the usual course which the Councillor for Sports, Adrian Lopez said offered substantial improvements to the participants enabling just a single lap of 21 km, mostly running along the coast.
He offered particular thanks to the municipal workers, civil protection and  the main sponsors of the event, among which were Grupo Caliche and One Telecom.
Winner of the Half Marathon over the single lap was Javier Moreno with second place going to Francisco José Conesa with a time of 1:15:41, and third place to Bartolomé Sánchez with a time of 1:16:01.
In the women's race the winner was Cristina González followed by Nicole Kronsbein with a time of 1:33:41 and Mari Carmen Lorenzo in third with 1:37 : 00.
In the 10.5 kilometers race, held for the third year, the women's category was won by Mayte Andreu, followed by Karol Estalrich in 48:15 and Merche Tejada with a time of 49:02. In the men's race the winner was Antonio Lorente who stopped the clock at 35:44, followed by Pedro Ángel Guillamón with 36:10 and in third place as with 37:42, Alejandro Cases.
After the races were completed the  trophies were presented by the mayor, José Fidel Ros, the Councillor for Sports, and the managers of Grupo Caliche and One Telecom.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47104/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Athletics took over in Pilar de la Horadada last Sunday morning when the half-marathon and 10.5km road races were held in the town. Antonio Lorente (35:44) and Mayte Andreu (45:36) were the first male and female home at 10.5Km while Javier Moreno (1:13...

### WOMEN AND YOUNGER BUYERS NEED MORE HELP TO FIND NEXT CAR

Recent research from Auto Trader's Buyer Behaviour Study undertaken by GfK1 suggests that nearly half of all buyers begin the search for their next used car unclear on the make and model they want. The research revealed that 48% were undecided compared with 52% of buyers who approached the process with a clear purchase intention.
When broken down by age and gender, the research suggests more women and young people need support to narrow down options. 32% of women said they had no idea of make and model at the outset, compared with 21% of men. Younger people were also more likely to start with a blank sheet of paper: 36% of people aged 17-24 did not know the make and model, compared with just one in four of the over 45s.
Each year there are around seven million used car transactions and a further 2.4 million new car sales. The research findings therefore suggest that more than 2.5 million buyers could benefit from online search pathways that help them find the right car more easily.
Auto Trader's Market Research Director, Nick King explained:“Today consumeRs make decisions online because it's easy and they feel more in control. By the time they make the journey to a physical forecourt, most will have researched extensively: they will know exactly what car they want, how much they should be paying for it, and a lot about the retailer from which they wish to buy.
 “But it's also clear that many need support in taking their first steps. We have to make it as easy as possible for both the committed petrol head, but also the nervous novice, to narrow down choices at the start of their journey - and then connect them quickly with the right car and the right dealer.”
Auto Trader has recently taken steps to improve search filters on its site, making them more relevant and granular.
That means buyers with a model in mind are able to hone-in on selections more quickly.
But for less confident buyers, there's a new search pathway that starts by asking about lifestyle needs. It assumes no expertise on the part of the searcher and begins with the premise that things like ‘four seats' and ‘low mpg' will be more helpful, than expecting a selection by brand, make or model.
Side-by-side model comparisons are then presented on screen to support research and help narrow down choices.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47103/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Recent research from Auto Trader's Buyer Behaviour Study undertaken by GfK1 suggests that nearly half of all buyers begin the search for their next used car unclear on the make and model they want. The research revealed that 48% were undecided compared...

### LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL FOR ELCHE CF

After months of uncertainty, a chink of light can now be seen at the end of the long, dark tunnel Elche Club de Fútbol has been staring down for month after month. 
Having resisted the pressure to step down as club president by means of bare-faced lies and obfuscation, José Sepulcre finally fell on his sword this week, before leaving the Martinez Valero stadium glum faced and without saying a word.
His resignation paves the way for long time protagonist, Valencian businessman Juan Anguix, to elect a new Board of Directors and take over the running of the deeply indebted club.
The announcement Sepulcre had just become ex-president was made by Elche mayoress Mercedes Alonso who attended the meeting of majority shareholder the Elche CF Foundation as representative of the city. For weeks now, Alonso had been trying to broker a deal between the recalcitrant Sepulcre and his nemesis, Anguix, even going as far as attending a meeting with the Spanish Professional Football League (LFP) to fight the club's corner.
With results on the pitch appearing to got the way of the club and the possibility of dropping down a division to the Segunda A slowly receding, another ominous threat recently loomed large. An unpaid tax bill of five million euros is already overdue and must be settled immediately to avoid the LFP imposing an “administrative relegation” on the team. Once a new football club board has been elected, the first task of Juan Anguix will be to keep the promise he made to settle that bill immediately upon assuming office.
An additional three LFP actions against the club for outstanding transfer fees, unpaid wages of both former players and the present squad will then be the next troublesome issues to resolve for the incoming board. At the start of April the players and coaching staff refused to carry out any non-playing tasks in protest at non payment of their wages for the previous two months. With all this simmering away in the background it is, perhaps, remarkable that first team coach Fran Escribá has been able to motivate his team to produce the required results in their relegation fight.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, the 29th, at 22:00h, Elche take on fellow struggler's Deportivo de La Coruña in a match both sides need to win. Three points from this, their second last home game of the season, will virtually guarantee them survival. After that it will then be down to club bosses to persuade the powers that be Elche CF has turned over a new leaf.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47102/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: After months of uncertainty, a chink of light can now be seen at the end of the long, dark tunnel Elche Club de Fútbol has been staring down for month after month. 
Having resisted the pressure to step down as club president by means of bare-fa...

### Road Repairs Approved

The provincial committee on Infrastructure, Water and the Environment has approved a total of 149,769 euro investment for carrying out repairs and maintenance to 53 roads throughout the Alicante province, in towns of less than 5,000 inhabitants, who would otherwise struggle to obtain the funds.
Specifically, the provincial institution will invest a total of 18,900 euro for repairs on roads in the municipalities of Daya Nueva, Daya Vieja, Formentera del Segura, Granja de Rocamora, Jacarilla and Los Montesinos.

Excerpt: The provincial committee on Infrastructure, Water and the Environment has approved a total of 149,769 euro investment for carrying out repairs and maintenance to 53 roads throughout the Alicante province, in towns of less than 5,000 inhabitants, who would otherwise Read More ...

### Help for Nepal

Spanish mega company Inditex, the firm behind such high street brands as Zara, Pull & Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius and Oysho, will donate 1.2 million euro towards humanitarian aid to assist those affected by the Nepalese earthquake which has taken the lives of thousands of people.
The money will be shared through three main bodies, Cruz Roja, Oxfam Intermón and Cáritas.
Founding businessman of Inditex, Amancio Ortega, has a personal fortune of 69.1 billion dollars, and sits in fourth place in the 2015 Forbes list of the richest people in the world.
Meanwhile, a total of twelve Fire fighters from Málaga, Córdoba, Alicante, Albacete and Zarauz, along with two dogs, have departed Spain as part of the Bomberos Sin Fronteras organisation to offer direct assistance on the ground in Nepal, as part of the international rescue efforts

Excerpt: Spanish mega company Inditex, the firm behind such high street brands as Zara, Pull & Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius and Oysho, will donate 1.2 million euro towards humanitarian aid to assist those affected by the Nepalese earthquake which has Read More ...

### Lightning and Strong Winds

According to the Spanish meteorological agency, AEMET, during Sunday´s rain storm across the Valencia region, some 400 cloud to ground lightning strikes were recorded.
Meanwhile, on Monday, as the rain had eased but a warning was in place for high winds, gusts of up to 72 kilometres per hour were recorded in the El Altet area.

Excerpt: According to the Spanish meteorological agency, AEMET, during Sunday´s rain storm across the Valencia region, some 400 cloud to ground lightning strikes were recorded. Meanwhile, on Monday, as the rain had eased but a warning was in place for high Read More ...

### GREG HARLOW CRUISE TOUR VISITS MIRAFLORES BC.

On St George's Day, 2015, Miraflores Bowls Club were delighted to welcome a visiting team led by former World Champion Greg Harlow, member of Team Henselite. 
Greg's CV of lawn bowling achievements during recent years is extensive & impressive. If you are a golfer, it would be equivalent to Rory McIlroy visiting your local golf club.
The group was unique in that they were part of a No Fly Cruising holiday organised by Potters Leisure on the 4* Fred Olsen cruise, which was calling at Malaga as one of only 3 ports of call where the bowlers would play against local opposition.
In the morning session, your author was drawn, along with Pam Kinane, Sheila McGurk & Denise Porter against Greg's four. The prospect of skipping against bowling “royalty” was both exciting and daunting. I must confess I used the occasion to quiz Greg on many subjects and the response was very frankly expressed and informative – let's face it how often do you get the chance to get a master bowler to yourself for an hour & a half?
Our four excelled the first half of the game with a 7 to 1 shot lead, but in the second half, as Greg began to adapt to the weight & line, we failed to score, losing a respectable12-7 shots.
In the afternoon, Greg's four came up against strong opposition in the form of Craig & Sandra Lewis, Jeff Turner & Andy Salmon, who after a very tight game won by 13 shots to 12.
Of course in general the bowling took second place to hosting a great bunch of visitors from the UK, lead by a world class bowler and great character.
At the presentation the overall scores were read out in Swahili, which is not my favourite language, but in English, Greg thanked Miraflores BC members for their hospitality, especially Craig & Sandra Lewis and their supporting staff and presented an attractive picture of the tour ship.. In turn, Craig thanked Greg for bringing his individual skills & a great group of visitors from the UK, to Miraflores BC.
Craig & Sandra, Mobile: 655196616, welcome all bowlers to participate in Footbowl, an excellent alternative bowling format, every Sunday, 10am for 10:30, at Miraflores BC, (dress casual).
Report & photos by John Carr.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47101/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: On St George's Day, 2015, Miraflores Bowls Club were delighted to welcome a visiting team led by former World Champion Greg Harlow, member of Team Henselite. 
Greg's CV of lawn bowling achievements during recent years is extensive & impressive. If...

### SPAIN TRIPLES MEDITERRANEAN SEARCH AND RESCUE SPENDING

Prime Minister Rajoy, highlighted the importance of the extraordinary meeting of the European Council on immigration last week, at which it "was agreed to triple spending on search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean". 
 
He explained that the Commission will publish a document in May to be debated in June, "to thus implement what logic and common sense dictates - a joint immigration policy for all European countries, given that there is free movement of people in Europe, and hence, what affects one country, wherever it may be, affects us all".
 
As regards the fundamental objectives of this immigration policy, Rajoy pointed out that "the most important thing must be to preserve the lives of people"; given the dramatic situation taking place in the Mediterranean. "This is something that the European Union cannot and will not allow under any circumstance", he explained.
 
Furthermore, the Prime Minister underlined the need to be "effective against the mafias that take advantage of people and which, on many occasions, lead them to their deaths", and committed to improve living standards and cooperation with countries of origin. "It is clear that if people do not have the possibility of leading a dignified life in their own country, they will do whatever is available to them in achieving this, as is obvious and natural", he claimed.
 
In his opinion, "the most important measures are to reach readmission agreements with all the countries of origin and transit of immigration", which would be an "important step", because "to date, as a country Spain has some agreements in place, but not at a European Union level". He also committed to linking this readmission "to cooperation with these countries".
 
Mariano Rajoy added that endeavours will be made to "reach agreements to work jointly with the law enforcement agencies of these countries, with a view to avoiding these situations arising in the future".Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47100/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Prime Minister Rajoy, highlighted the importance of the extraordinary meeting of the European Council on immigration last week, at which it "was agreed to triple spending on search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean". 
 
He explained that the Commission will publish a document in May to be debated in June, "to thus implement what logic and common sense dictates - a joint immigration policy for all European countries, given that there is free movement of people in Europe, and hence, what affects one country, wherever it may be, affects us all".
 
As regards the fundamental objectives of this immigration policy, Rajoy pointed out that "the most important thing must be to preserve the lives of people"; given the dramatic situation taking place in the Mediterranean. "This is something that the European Union cannot and will not allow under any circumstance", he explained.
 
Furthermore, the Prime Minister underlined the need to be "effective against the mafias that take advantage of people and which, on many occasions, lead them to their deaths", and committed to improve living standards and cooperation with countries of origin. "It is clear that if people do not have the possibility of leading a dignified life in their own country, they will do whatever is available to them in achieving this, as is obvious and natural", he claimed.
 
In his opinion, "the most important measures are to reach readmission agreements with all the countries of origin and transit of immigration", which would be an "important step", because "to date, as a country Spain has some agreements in place, but not at a European Union level". He also committed to linking this readmission "to cooperation with these countries".
 
Mariano Rajoy added that endeavours will be made to "reach agreements to work jointly with the law enforcement agencies of these countries, with a view to avoiding these situations arising in the future".Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47100/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### SUCCESS IN PETRER FOR TORREVIEJA SWIMMERS

On Saturday and Sunday 25th & 26th April swimmers across the Alicante region were in action in the 5th Timed Control in the Municipal Pool, Petrer. 
Of the 17 clubs participating Torrevieja had 5 cof the team members racing over the weekend. The clubs five swimmers had some good results over the weekend. Eight new personal bests were achieved by Elian Del Rio Castillo, Paula Garcia, Piroska Rideg, and Skye Burns.
Paula achieved new personal best times in all 4 of her races with regional qualifying times in all races and a national qualifying time in her 50m Freestyle (29:90). Elian also gained new PB's in both his races, with new regional qualifying time in his 50m Freestyle (27:45) and 100m Butterfly (1:08;98). Skye Burns came close to regional time in her 50m Freestyle (33;81) missing out by one second, and in her 100m Freestyle she improved on her time once again.
Another best time was made by Piroska in her 400m Freestyle (5:09:89) a improvement of 10 seconds on her previous best. Vicky Pigneur also raced after a week of illness but was unable to match previous bests.
The Torrevieja swimming squad now have two weeks of training before two weekends of trophy competitions for the whole club, with Masters swimming on the 10th May.
For more information regarding Torrevieja Swimming Club please contact Rosa 665 454 126, President Felipe on 609 418 776 or Vicki 669 637 015 or by email on info@clubnataciontorrevieja.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47099/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Saturday and Sunday 25th & 26th April swimmers across the Alicante region were in action in the 5th Timed Control in the Municipal Pool, Petrer. 
Of the 17 clubs participating Torrevieja had 5 cof the team members racing over the weekend. The c...

### RBL CELEBRATE SAINT GEORGE AT THE EMERALD ISLE

The Orihuela Costa and District Branch of The Royal British Legion were at The Emerald Isle on Thursday 23 April to celebrate Saint Georges Day.
The day started with a parade by the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums leading the way.  This was followed by standards of the Branch, the Royal Naval Association, the Royal Marines Association and the Royal Air Force Association.  The highlight of the parade was heralded by the Chelsea Pensioners from London who came over especially for the event.   All association members then marched to the Emerald Isle.
 
Eddie Coleman the Branch Vice Chairman and organiser of the day welcomed everyone and invited The Counsellor for the coast Martina Scheurer to officially open the event.
There were many stalls which were kept very busy throughout the day along with many acts. The afternoon the was hosted by Simon Morton.
Finally the raffle was drawn and the day raised €850.00.  Thank you for everyone who supported the day.
Further information is available at the Orihuela Costa Branchof the RBL at:
www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/spain-north 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47092/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Orihuela Costa and District Branch of The Royal British Legion were at The Emerald Isle on Thursday 23 April to celebrate Saint Georges Day.
The day started with a parade by the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums leading the way.  This was followed by sta...

### PEGASUS TO FOCUS ON DANGEROUS ROADS

The DGT has announced that the helicopters equipped with the Pegasus radar equipment will be focussing their attention on roads with high accident rates in the next few months
The announcement was made during a working meeting held in A Coruña attended by the chief of the helicopter unig, Jesús Guardia, in which all heads of the seven helicopter bases attended, along with pilots and observers from the operational units.
During the meeting Guardia said that various matters were discussed, such as monitoring traffic coordination with management centres and ground patrols of the Guardia Civil, and how the focus from the director general of traffic, Maria Segui, was to monitor areas with a known high accident rate.
These areas are located in almost all cases on conventional roads, with traffic flowing in both directions and without any kind of separation, where the majority of fatal crashes occur, accounting for around 90% of the total number of casualties.
The Pegasus airborne radar speed detectors can operate from a distance as far as 1,000 feet in the air, or 300 metres, and are able to pinpoint speeding vehicles up to a kilometre away, travelling at speeds of up to 360 kilometres per hour.
Meanwhile, on Pegasus equipped helicopter went for a journey by road itself this week, as the aircraft based in Galicia was taken on the back of a truck to Madrid for repairs, after a fault was discovered when the helicopter was giving a demonstration to school children.
The pilot noticed a fault and aborted the flight, leaving the helicopter at the site awaiting the recovery truckFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47090/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The DGT has announced that the helicopters equipped with the Pegasus radar equipment will be focussing their attention on roads with high accident rates in the next few months
The announcement was made during a working meeting held in A Coruña ...

### DRIVING PRESENTATION TO RESIDENTS AT ORIHUELA TOWN HALL

Members from the N332 road safety Project were invited by the Orihuela Councillor for International Residents, Martina Scheurer, to give a presentation at the Orihuela Costa town hall this week, where residents from various nationalities attended to learn more about driving in Spain.
Split into two sessions, the first part in English and the second part translated into German by the International Residents Office head, Heike Schug, with website manager Mark Nolan introducing the idea behind the N332 project and the creation first of the Facebook page by members of the Guardia Civil in Torrevieja, and the subsequent creation of the website by a separate group of professionals to catalogue the information in order to make it easier to find.
Francisco Morales, a serving traffic police officer from Torrevieja, who is in charge of coordinating the team from the Guardia Civil, then took the participants through many of the more common questions that have arisen through both Facebook and the website, everything from driving license renewal, documents you must carry in the car, mobility scooters and microcars, cycles, overtaking and more, including how to spot an unmarked police car.
It is the first time a town hall has taken the initiative to invite the group to give a presentation, which was kept brief with the promise of returning to offer more in-depth presentations on key aspects about driving after the summer period, focusing on many more of the specific questions raised.
The group can be contacted via the Facebook page, and the website, as well as the International Residents Office offering to forward enquiries on your behalf, should you not have access to Facebook. Although, as the team explained, it is not always possible to respond to individual enquiries, those most frequent questions will form the basis of articles published via the internet and other mediums, to ensure that you questions do get answered in some way.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47089/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Members from the N332 road safety Project were invited by the Orihuela Councillor for International Residents, Martina Scheurer, to give a presentation at the Orihuela Costa town hall this week, where residents from various nationalities attended to le...

### PSOE PROMISE FOR A BETTER FUTURE FOR TORREVIEJA

The PSOE in Torrevieja has laid out their election manifesto, making clear their commitment to foreign residents, in a way that they feel will make up for the lack of commitment shown by the current government for a large portion on municipal tax payers.
Spokesperson for the group and mayoral candidate Ángel Sáez said this week how the foreign residents have never been seen as an integral part of the community of Torrevieja residents, a fact that he intends to change, if elected.
For example, he says, the foreigners office “does not work”, as it is a centre which coordinates the needs of none Spanish residents, but all that currently happens is that a person will go to that office and make a genuine enquiry about a problem or issue, and will then be sent away to the relevant own hall department.
Once that foreigner arrives at their destination, they are then alone to try to deal with the complex Spanish systems alone. The PSOE vow to change that process and when the foreigners office meets a person with a question, a member of the team will personally escort them to the relevant department and offer translations of the process throughout.
In addition, the PSOE will appoint a councillor dedicated to international residents. Whereas a role exists at the moment, it is mostly by title only, and the councillor does not truly reflect or respond to the needs of the community, whereas under the PSOE, that post will be dedicated to deal with the problems of foreign residents.
If elected, the Mayor himself vows to visit all of the surrounding areas of the municipality on a monthly bases, asking residents for problems and issues so that they can be resolved, a far cry from the current mayor, whom many of the residents outside the city centre say they have only seen recently during the run up to the elections, and only on posters which have been placed in these areas, the first time an image of Eduardo Dolón appeared, albeit in pictorial form.
The lack of police outside the city will also be addressed, with many of those same residents outside the centre commenting how they never see a police patrol and never see police cars other than in the car park of the police station.
Similarly, problems of the neglect of the infrastructure will be dealt with, again as countless complaints of lack of street lights and broken fixtures have been promised to be resolved.
The PSOE will dedicate time to improving relationships in the gay and lesbian communities, even promoting an international gay pride day, again contrary to the current opinion of Torrevieja being anti-gay, thanks to the homophobic attitude of the previous may, resulting in a considerable loss in terms of tourism from the so called pink pound.
The PSOE also vow to resolve many of the historic problems which the current government are seen to be ignoring, including waste disposal, street cleaning and more, and they believe that their tenure in government will lead to a better future for Torrevieja.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47088/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The PSOE in Torrevieja has laid out their election manifesto, making clear their commitment to foreign residents, in a way that they feel will make up for the lack of commitment shown by the current government for a large portion on municipal tax payer...

### ROYAL FAMILY ATTENDING MEMORIAL MASS

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia will be in Barcelona on Monday, attending a ceremonial memorial mass which will be held at the Sagrada Familia in memory of the victims of the Germanwings crash in the Alps.
Members of the Spanish government and other dignitaries will also be attending the afternoon event, as funerals for the victims of the crash continue to be held.
The investigation into the course of events that led to the crash is still ongoing, but it is hoped that the service will offer some comfort to the families of those who perished.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47087/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia will be in Barcelona on Monday, attending a ceremonial memorial mass which will be held at the Sagrada Familia in memory of the victims of the Germanwings crash in the Alps.
Members of the Spanish government and other ...

### NEW LIBRARY FOR PLAYAS DE ORIHUELA SCHOOL

Two Orihuela schools opened new libraries this week, one at the junior college Playas de Orihuela and also at Colegio Publico Andrés Manjón in the city.
Both libraries have been made possible thanks to the collaboration of students and teachers and will now enable the introduction of a whole program of reading promotion in both schools.
The library in Playas de Orihuela is accommodated in a complete prefabricated classroom decorated with motifs of a fairytale.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47086/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Two Orihuela schools opened new libraries this week, one at the junior college Playas de Orihuela and also at Colegio Publico Andrés Manjón in the city.
Both libraries have been made possible thanks to the collaboration of students and t...

### HUNDREDS ENJOY MEDIEVAL MARKET

The streets around Horadada's  Church Square were a hive of activity over the weekend as hundreds of residents and visitors enjoy the third annual Medieval Market.
THE souk had 70 craft stalls, and there was also lots of food and children's activities. The Councillor of Commerce, Aurelio Samper said that "thanks to good weather the attendance was very good  and tourists have been able to stroll through the historic centre of the town.
He said that the event was now firmly established in the calendar and was already looking forward to next year's market which, once again, would be bigger and better.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47085/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The streets around Horadada's  Church Square were a hive of activity over the weekend as hundreds of residents and visitors enjoy the third annual Medieval Market.
THE souk had 70 craft stalls, and there was also lots of food and children's activities. The Councillor of Commerce, Aurelio Samper said that "thanks to good weather the attendance was very good  and tourists have been able to stroll through the historic centre of the town.
He said that the event was now firmly established in the calendar and was already looking forward to next year's market which, once again, would be bigger and better.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47085/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### PRESENTATION OF NEW HOMELESS VEHICLE TO CRUZ ROJA

Last Wednesday 22nd April 2015  the Provincial Grand Master of Valencia Norman Wheatley presented the keys of a brand new vehicle designed to assist the homeless throughout the Province of Valencia to members of the Red Cross. The presentation took place outside the  Red Cross offices situated in Guardamar del Segura.
People attending the presentation included local dignitaries such as the Mayoress of Guardamar del Segura Carmen Verdú.  Herrminia Palmar, Managing Director of Integration and Social Inclusion & Cooperation of Red Cross in Valencia.  Alvaro Prieto, Territorial Director of Social Wellbeing within the Valencian Community.  Antonio Navarro, Vice-President of Cruz Roja in Valencia.  Adelaida Plaza, President of the Cruz Roja in Guardamar del Segura.
Norman Wheatley was assisted by the presence of the Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Valencia William Russell, the Assistant Grand Master of Valencia Rodney Bignell and Keith Alcock the Provincial Grand Charity Steward of Valencia.
The vehicle has been designed to assist the homeless people in the Province of Valencia and is fitted with four showers and equipment to help cover the basic sanitary and social necessities of the homeless in situ. (personal hygiene, alimentation and first auxiliaries)
There is no other vehicle of a similar type in the whole of Spain used by Cruz Roja and its specifications and use are completely unique. The vehicle has been financed completely by members of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Valencia.
The vehicle will start helping the homeless initially in the Guardamar and Torrevieja vicinities before extending further afield.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47084/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Last Wednesday 22nd April 2015  the Provincial Grand Master of Valencia Norman Wheatley presented the keys of a brand new vehicle designed to assist the homeless throughout the Province of Valencia to members of the Red Cross. The presentation took pla...

### Help the Homeless

Madrid city council has designated 1.2 million euro to go towards a collaboration agreement with a homeless support group, with the intention of providing both healthcare and other facilities for homeless people in the city, which the council consider to be a priority on account of them being vulnerable members of society.
The agreement will provide nearly 400 places in shelters, 200 in soup kitchens, plus employment workshops and day centre places.

Excerpt: Madrid city council has designated 1.2 million euro to go towards a collaboration agreement with a homeless support group, with the intention of providing both healthcare and other facilities for homeless people in the city, which the council consider to Read More ...

### Torrevieja Pedestrian Hit in Multi-Car Crash

A pedestrian was injured in the early hours of Saturday morning, caught in a spectacular crash in Torrevieja in which 5 vehicles suffered damage.
A vehicle apparently skidded at a junction of calle Moriones and calle Ramón Gallud and collided with another vehicle which then collided with a parked car and that car was shunted into two others, trapping the pedestrian who was treated for injuries at the scene.

Excerpt: A pedestrian was injured in the early hours of Saturday morning, caught in a spectacular crash in Torrevieja in which 5 vehicles suffered damage. A vehicle apparently skidded at a junction of calle Moriones and calle Ramón Gallud and collided Read More ...

### Leaking Airport Roof

Spanish airport authority Aena are investigating numerous leaks in the roof of the four year old, 267 million euro terminal building at Alicante-Elche airport.

Excerpt: Spanish airport authority Aena are investigating numerous leaks in the roof of the four year old, 267 million euro terminal building at Alicante-Elche airport.

### CLARO CAMPAIGN GETS UNDERWAY

C.L.A.R.O. has presented its list of candidates for the forthcoming local elections in Orihuela on 24 May.   
There will be 13 parties competing for the votes of the people living in Orihuela, city and coast, more than in any other municipality in the area.   
Compared to previous years, the political scene in Orihuela is very confused with widespread political division and fragmentation.    
It is very important in this situation that the voice of Orihuela Costa in the next government should be strong.   Otherwise our interests are going to be forgotten for another 4 years.
The C.L.A.R.O. list is very clear.   
16 of the 25 candidates are from Orihuela Costa. 10  are non-Spanish EU residents and 6 are Spanish.    The 10 non-Spanish Orihuela Costa C.L.A.R.O. candidates include 6 from the U.K., 2 from Sweden, 1 Austrian and 1 from Poland.    
In the lists of the three other main parties only 1 non-Spanish candidate is from the coast.  
The official Popular Party has 1 non-Spanish EU resident from Orihuela Costa in its list of 25.    
The Socialist Party (PSOE) has none, the new Ciudadanos party, which is really the previous CLR party, has none and the breakaway Popular Party competing in the name of Foro Democratico has none.   So much for the interest of the other parties in the future of Orihuela Costa which has a resident population as large as that of Orihuela city.  85% are non-Spanish.
As the number of non-Spanish EU residents registered to vote is small, less than 20%, of those eligible, C.L.A.R.O. must attract votes from Orihuela city in order to achieve significant representation in the new Town Council and hopefully in the new government.   
It is therefore important that, as well as an already established group of enthusiastic supporters in Orihuela, two prominent Orihuela political figures, Asuncion Mayoral and Pablo Vidal have joined the C.L.A.R.O. list.   They both served in the outgoing government as members of the CLR-CLARO group.  
Asuncion Mayoral, like Bob Houliston, was expelled from the group by Pedro Mancebo and Juan Ignacio Lopez Bas.  Pablo Vidal was a non-elected councillor until the national rules on non-elected councillors were changed.   Working together they were responsible for bringing the street cleaning and rubbish removal service from private sector control to control by the local government.   
This contract, worth millions of euros, was the source of corruption in Orihuela for many years while in private hands.
CLR will not be among the 13 parties contesting the elections on 24 May. Pedro Mancebo and his colleague Juan Ignacio Lopez Bas have effectively destroyed the CLR party.  They have concluded that their reputation in the last 4 years has been so damaged that it would not be worthwhile trying again.   Pedro Mancebo is on the list of no party.   
However, the owner of the now defunct CLR party has taken over the Orihuela branch of the new national Citizens Party (Ciudadanos).   It will be headed by Juan Ignacio Lopez Bas and the highest positions on its list are occupied by relatives or employees of the owner, a businessman who supports the re-privatization of the multi-million euro street cleaning and rubbish removal service  
With the presentation of candidates' lists, the stage is set for an election campaign beginning on 8 May which will be hard fought by a multitude of parties most of which will not reach the minimum of 5% of votes to elect a councillor.   
In the face of this divided and confusing situation C.L.A.R.O.  is convinced that its time has come and that voters will support a party campaigning on the basic of fair, honest and efficient government for all those living in the municipality of Orihuela.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47083/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: C.L.A.R.O. has presented its list of candidates for the forthcoming local elections in Orihuela on 24 May.   
There will be 13 parties competing for the votes of the people living in Orihuela, city and coast, more than in any other municipality in the...

### VOGUE DESIGNER FASHION FUND WINNER

The British Fashion Council announces Mary Katrantzou as the winner of this year's BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund. 
The Fund was established in 2008 and provides one designer with a bespoke, high level mentoring support programme over a twelve month period, as well as a £200,000 grant to provide necessary infrastructure to take them to the next stage in their business.
 Alexandra Shulman, Editor of British Vogue and Chair of the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, commented: "Mary Katrantzou is incredibly deserving of this year's award. It was an extremely diverse shortlist but ultimately we all agreed that Mary has not only created a strong and hugely appealing identity for her work but that she has put in place measures that, along with the support of this prize, should ensure an exciting and successful next stage of her career."
 Emilia Wickstead, Holly Fulton, Mary Katrantzou, Michael van der Ham, Mother of Pearl, Osman, Sophia Webster were shortlisted for the 2015 prize and were invited to present their collections and five year business plans to the Fund judging committee which is made up of representatives from businesses who support the Fund and industry experts.
 Caroline Rush, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council, commented: “A huge congratulations goes to Mary who has deservedly received this year's BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund. As anyone who has met her knows, she is a tireless worker, has an abundance of creativity and has grown from being one of London Fashion Week's must-see emerging talents, to one of the world's most talked about designers. It really is a pleasure working with Mary and we are thrilled that we are able to support her business at an exciting time of growth.”
The Fund, now in its sixth year is a legacy project from the BFC's 25th anniversary celebrations. This year the BFC has created an exclusive online video series, Designer Fashion Fund, which follows the application process, interviews with the judging panel and celebrates the previous winners of the Fund; Peter Pilotto (2014) Nicholas Kirkwood (2013), Jonathan Saunders (2012), Christopher Kane (2011) and Erdem (2010). The episodes will be published over the course of 2015 and can be viewed at youtube.com/BritishFashionTV and Vogue.co.uk
 Chaired by Alexandra Shulman, Editor of British Vogue, the Fund Judging Committee comprises representatives from those supporting the Fund, as well as industry professionals including Caroline Rush, (British Fashion Council); Ian Lewis, (No.14 Savile Row); Mary Homer, (Topshop); Joan Burstein, (Browns); Naomi Campbell; Samantha Cameron; Sarah Manley, (Burberry), and Susanne Tide-Frater, (Farfetch/Victoria Beckham).
 The BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund is proudly supported by Burberry, Debenhams, Harrods, Paul Smith, Topshop and Vogue.
 The British Fashion Council has an international reputation for supporting emerging talent through its existing schemes; NEWGEN supported by TOPSHOP, NEWGEN MEN sponsored by TOPMAN, BFC Contemporary sponsored by eBay, the BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund supported by Vertu, the BFC Fashion Trust and showcasing initiatives Rock Vault, Fashion Film and Headonism.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47082/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The British Fashion Council announces Mary Katrantzou as the winner of this year's BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund. 
The Fund was established in 2008 and provides one designer with a bespoke, high level mentoring support programme over a twelve month period, as well as a £200,000 grant to provide necessary infrastructure to take them to the next stage in their business.
 Alexandra Shulman, Editor of British Vogue and Chair of the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, commented: "Mary Katrantzou is incredibly deserving of this year's award. It was an extremely diverse shortlist but ultimately we all agreed that Mary has not only created a strong and hugely appealing identity for her work but that she has put in place measures that, along with the support of this prize, should ensure an exciting and successful next stage of her career."
 Emilia Wickstead, Holly Fulton, Mary Katrantzou, Michael van der Ham, Mother of Pearl, Osman, Sophia Webster were shortlisted for the 2015 prize and were invited to present their collections and five year business plans to the Fund judging committee which is made up of representatives from businesses who support the Fund and industry experts.
 Caroline Rush, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council, commented: “A huge congratulations goes to Mary who has deservedly received this year's BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund. As anyone who has met her knows, she is a tireless worker, has an abundance of creativity and has grown from being one of London Fashion Week's must-see emerging talents, to one of the world's most talked about designers. It really is a pleasure working with Mary and we are thrilled that we are able to support her business at an exciting time of growth.”
The Fund, now in its sixth year is a legacy project from the BFC's 25th anniversary celebrations. This year the BFC has created an exclusive online video series, Designer Fashion Fund, which follows the application process, interviews with the judging panel and celebrates the previous winners of the Fund; Peter Pilotto (2014) Nicholas Kirkwood (2013), Jonathan Saunders (2012), Christopher Kane (2011) and Erdem (2010). The episodes will be published over the course of 2015 and can be viewed at youtube.com/BritishFashionTV and Vogue.co.uk
 Chaired by Alexandra Shulman, Editor of British Vogue, the Fund Judging Committee comprises representatives from those supporting the Fund, as well as industry professionals including Caroline Rush, (British Fashion Council); Ian Lewis, (No.14 Savile Row); Mary Homer, (Topshop); Joan Burstein, (Browns); Naomi Campbell; Samantha Cameron; Sarah Manley, (Burberry), and Susanne Tide-Frater, (Farfetch/Victoria Beckham).
 The BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund is proudly supported by Burberry, Debenhams, Harrods, Paul Smith, Topshop and Vogue.
 The British Fashion Council has an international reputation for supporting emerging talent through its existing schemes; NEWGEN supported by TOPSHOP, NEWGEN MEN sponsored by TOPMAN, BFC Contemporary sponsored by eBay, the BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund supported by Vertu, the BFC Fashion Trust and showcasing initiatives Rock Vault, Fashion Film and Headonism.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47082/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### CHILDREN DENIED HEALTHY LIFESTYLE BY INFLATED COSTS

APA Playas Orihuela Costa, the group who are calling for a brick built school to replace the portable cabin horror that is currently accommodating the area's junior school children, have once more taken up arms against the Orihuela Council. 
This time they are challenging the government to reduce the prices of leisure activities charged in the privately managed CDM Orihuela Costa, the Municipal sports centre located in Playa Flamenca.
They say that it is completely unfair that the 1500 children resident on the coast are charged far more to use their local centre than is currently the case for children who join similar clubs or use comparable facilities in Orihuela City, Torrevieja or Pilar de la Horadada.
The group have made comparisons with the Palacio del Agua de Orihuela, CMD Pilar de la Horadada and the Centro Deportivo de Torrevieja. They say the disparity in charges is unacceptable and that they discriminate against everybody wishing to pursue a healthy lifestyle on the Orihuela Costa.
They say that it is now almost  impossible for many people to use the facilities at CDM Orihuela Costa because of the high prices and that the price difference with sports centres in the nearby towns is absolutely disgusting.
Prices are such that many parents are transporting their children to Torrevieja and to Pilar de la Horadada because, even including the cost of transport and fuel 2 or 3 times a week, the cost of such facilities in neighbouring facilities are much cheaper.
Unfortunately there are many families however that don't have the financial means, either to take their children elsewhere or to pay the local prices so they are made to suffer because they are unable to attend the same clubs or activities as their friends and school colleagues. APA Playas Orihuela Costa suggests that this could be up to 35% of all the children resident in the coastal area.
These shortcomings of public infrastructure on the coast are a major deficiency in the development of local children. And they also affect many adults of course, many of whom are elderly, who pay their local taxes and who subsequently have the right themselves to enjoy a healthy lifestyle by using local sports facilities without being ‘ripped off'.
Indeed by inflating the prices to levels that many people can't afford, the management of CDM Orihuela Costa are forcing potential users elsewhere.
Common sense would suggest that if they brought the prices down to more manageable levels they would, of course, attract many of them back into the local facility and in so doing they would also strengthen all of the neighbourhood activities, clubs and teams. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47081/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: APA Playas Orihuela Costa, the group who are calling for a brick built school to replace the portable cabin horror that is currently accommodating the area's junior school children, have once more taken up arms against the Orihuela Council. 
This time...

### VISITORS FLOCK TO LA MATA NATURAL PARK

Almost three-hundred people took part in activities centred around the Natural Park of the Lagunas de La Mata and Torrevieja during the week after Easter.
During the period, the participants enjoyed various activities organized by the Park Management, including the campaign "Easter in the Parks" which was arranged by the Ministry of Environment from the Generalitat Valenciana.
In amongst the activities the participants were introduced to the mysteries of the Lagunas de la Mata, history dating back to the fifteenth century, by Luís de Santángel, administrator of the salt museum. There was also a gymkhana, various ornithological displays and nest box workshops. And if that were not enough, more than a hundred people attended a presentation which showed the difficulties that are so often encountered by different species of birds when they come to nest in the Natural Park.
The main purpose of the events and workshops has been to increase sensitivity and awareness toward nature, environmental education for those people who might otherwise not come into contact with such activities.
Organisers were keen to make visitors aware that the park engages in such activities on a regular basis, all year round, in a totally free environment where families can experience nature and the outdoors together.
A regular newsletter is available advising of all forthcoming events at:
www.citma.gva.es/web/pn-lagunas-de-la-mata-torreviejaFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47080/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Almost three-hundred people took part in activities centred around the Natural Park of the Lagunas de La Mata and Torrevieja during the week after Easter.
During the period, the participants enjoyed various activities organized by the Park Management, including the campaign "Easter in the Parks" which was arranged by the Ministry of Environment from the Generalitat Valenciana.
In amongst the activities the participants were introduced to the mysteries of the Lagunas de la Mata, history dating back to the fifteenth century, by Luís de Santángel, administrator of the salt museum. There was also a gymkhana, various ornithological displays and nest box workshops. And if that were not enough, more than a hundred people attended a presentation which showed the difficulties that are so often encountered by different species of birds when they come to nest in the Natural Park.
The main purpose of the events and workshops has been to increase sensitivity and awareness toward nature, environmental education for those people who might otherwise not come into contact with such activities.
Organisers were keen to make visitors aware that the park engages in such activities on a regular basis, all year round, in a totally free environment where families can experience nature and the outdoors together.
A regular newsletter is available advising of all forthcoming events at:www.citma.gva.es/web/pn-lagunas-de-la-mata-torreviejaFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47080/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### DOCTORS ACQUITTED FOR ALICANTE BABY THEFT

A judge has ordered the provisional dismissal of an investigation into the alleged theft of a baby, which was said to have occurred in Alicante in the 1980s. I
n his findings the judge said that the participation of the three doctors in the events had not been proven, sources close to the investigation report.
This case was filed at the request of the Chief Prosecutor, who received the complaint in 2012, following the examination of DNA taken from the bone remains of a newborn girl exhumed in Alicante cemetery.
In investigating the case, the judge took statements from the three defendants, two gynecologists in a private clinic in the city, where the complainant gave birth and the doctor who signed the death certificate. 
The case made the doctors the first healthcare professionals in Alicante ever involved in a criminal prosecution for the alleged theft of a baby.
The prosecution itself asked the court to archive the case for lack of evidence against the accused. They said that the three defendants could not be prosecuted on the grounds that they could not be attributed to any crime based on the results of various evidence collected.
In their statements the three doctors, who are all retired, said they don't remember anything about the case. Investigations also failed to show that any of them had actually participated in the birth and in the case of pediatrician who had confirmed the death, at that time his physical presence was not actually required in such situations.
The mother said that she was told her baby had been born with serious heart problems and as such she was initially moved to a hospital in Madrid where she is said to have undergone a series of tests. Finding that the condition was irreversible, the Madrid doctors stated that the baby was sent back to Alicante.
As the case has only been archived and not dismissed, according to the Judicial Police, there is a possibility that it could be reopened in the future should any new evidence come to hand.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47079/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A judge has ordered the provisional dismissal of an investigation into the alleged theft of a baby, which was said to have occurred in Alicante in the 1980s. I
n his findings the judge said that the participation of the three doctors in the events had...

### FIVE A DAY – YOUR WAY!

Fruit and vegetables are an important part of a healthy lifestyle and they taste great too!
The World Health Organisation recommends we eat 400g of fruit and vegetables every day to lower the risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Breaking this down to 5 different 80g portions of different fruits and vegetables means you benefit from different combinations of fibre, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Look out for the five a day logo on food packets – when you see this logo you can be confident it counts for at least one portion.
Here are some easy ways to make fruits and vegetables a regular part of your diet:
Have a piece of fruit with breakfast every day – why not chop some banana or strawberries into your cereal
Stock up on spices and experiment with Indian vegetarian recipes – easy, exotic and hot stuff
Get in the habit of eating salads with everything
Buy fresh fruit in season as it can be cheaper and tastier
Drink fresh fruit juice and smoothies instead of coffee and tea during the day
Have two vegetable side dishes with every evening meal
Snack on raw vegetables
Keep a bowl of fruit in your workplace
Stir fries are a quick, inexpensive and tasty way to eat veg
Keep a few pots of fresh herbs on your window sill
Buy a vegetarian cook book and experiment with vegetables you have not tried before
Grow your own! Even if you do not have a garden, you can grow salad leaves and tomatoes plants on window sills and hanging baskets. Your own produce usually tastes better and it can't come fresher!
Have vegetable soup as a starter – fry an onion, lob in a few vegetables (or a tin of tomatoes) and some garlic, add a stock cube and water, simmer for 45 minutes, liquidise or sieve, add salt, pepper, herbs and some lemon juice, and serve
Fresh, frozen, chilled, canned, 100% juice and dried fruit and vegetables all count – but you can't include potatoes! Kidney beans count, as do mushrooms – add them to stews and casseroles
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47078/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Fruit and vegetables are an important part of a healthy lifestyle and they taste great too!
The World Health Organisation recommends we eat 400g of fruit and vegetables every day to lower the risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease, str...

### NEW ORIHUELA OFFICE FOR CAMBIEMOS

Cambiemos Orihuela published its manifesto last week whilst at the same time opening a new Party HQ, just along from the Town Hall, on Calle Santa Justa, Orihuela, and just this morning, Monday 27 April, the Party presented to the public its candidates for the forthcoming Municipal Elections.
Since the formation of Cambiemos Orihuela, a merger of the United Left and the Greens on 21 January, the manifesto has been developed in on-going commissions and assemblies. It defines the party's political commitment to the people of Orihuela and is an evolving document which recognizes the needs and conditions of the city, which includes public involvement.
While this is the framework for the much broader program, “the documents, as Ester Romero, number four on the list of candidates and representative from the coast, stated, “are the result of a participatory democracy. It has never been our intention to produce a rigid, unrealistic program behind closed doors without acknowledging and including ideas and proposals from members of the public.
The Cambiemos Orihuela manifesto is now will be available on the website at cambiemosorihuela.org 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47077/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Cambiemos Orihuela published its manifesto last week whilst at the same time opening a new Party HQ, just along from the Town Hall, on Calle Santa Justa, Orihuela, and just this morning, Monday 27 April, the Party presented to the public its candidates...

### BEETHOVENS 9TH SYMPHONY IN TORREVIEJA

Just a few weeks after the resounding success of "The Messiah" performed by the Symphony Orchestra of Torrevieja and the Municipal Choir Ricardo Lafuente, yet another classical concert will take place in the Torrevieja International Auditorium, this time to celebrate Europe Day.
For the very first time in Torrevieja, the public will be able to see the 9th Symphony in D minor op. 125 composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1823.
Olga Arbenina soloists (soprano), Olga Shtreys (contralto), Francisco Moreno (tenor) and Hong Soo Kim (low), are the principals in the 60 strong Municipal Choir Ricardo Lafuente directed by Mario Ignacio Bustillo.
They will be joined by 70 musicians from the Symphony Orchestra of Murcia under the direction Jose Francisco Sanchez to play one of the most significant and important works from the symphonic repertoire.
The performance will also include the Ode to Joy (Ode an die Freude) by the German poet Friedrich von Schiller.
The concert will take place on May 2 at 20.00. Tickets can be purchased through INSTANTICKET, or at the box office of the Municipal Theatre from Tuesday to Friday from 11am to 1pm or at the International Auditorium from two hours before the concert.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47076/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Just a few weeks after the resounding success of "The Messiah" performed by the Symphony Orchestra of Torrevieja and the Municipal Choir Ricardo Lafuente, yet another classical concert will take place in the Torrevieja International Auditorium, this time to celebrate Europe Day.
For the very first time in Torrevieja, the public will be able to see the 9th Symphony in D minor op. 125 composed by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1823.
Olga Arbenina soloists (soprano), Olga Shtreys (contralto), Francisco Moreno (tenor) and Hong Soo Kim (low), are the principals in the 60 strong Municipal Choir Ricardo Lafuente directed by Mario Ignacio Bustillo.
They will be joined by 70 musicians from the Symphony Orchestra of Murcia under the direction Jose Francisco Sanchez to play one of the most significant and important works from the symphonic repertoire.
The performance will also include the Ode to Joy (Ode an die Freude) by the German poet Friedrich von Schiller.
The concert will take place on May 2 at 20.00. Tickets can be purchased through INSTANTICKET, or at the box office of the Municipal Theatre from Tuesday to Friday from 11am to 1pm or at the International Auditorium from two hours before the concert.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47076/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### TRAGAMILLAS SUCCESS IN SPAIN DUATHLON

The National Duathlon Championship was held last weekend in Soria in which six athletes from the local Tragmillas Club took part. 
The men's competition was contested by Guillaume Lemohaeur, Julio Pardo, Fausto López and Francisco Morales while Marina Martinez and Irene Meroño took part in the Ladies race.
On the first day Marina Martinez finished sixth in the U23 category of the female elite race.
The second day saw the age group events in which Guillaume Lamohauer was proclaimed champion in the 35-39 years category. In the same group Julio Pardo was classified in sixteenth position.
Champion of Spain in the 60 to 64 year group was Francisco Morales. Meanwhile Fausto López won the bronze medal in the 45-49 years category.
            
In the women's groups Irene Meroño achieved a creditable seventh place in the 30-34 year age group of 30-34.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47073/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The National Duathlon Championship was held last weekend in Soria in which six athletes from the local Tragmillas Club took part. 
The men's competition was contested by Guillaume Lemohaeur, Julio Pardo, Fausto López and Francisco Morales while...

### TRAVELLING BACK IN TIME

Visitors often forget that there is much more to the island of Gran Canaria than sunshine and beautiful beaches. 
Brits, Germans and Scandinavians flock to the Canary Islands in search of the sunshine and warmth that they have been missing during the winter months in their home countries.
Desperate to squeeze in as many sunshine hours that they can, many tourists shy away from looking at the islands' ancient past, visiting traditional Canarian villages, exploring the mountain areas and learning more about the islands' ancient past.
The same too can be said of many of us who live on the islands. It is often only when visitors arrive that we are reminded that our islands contain many treasures to explore, and forces us away from our daily routines.
One such island treasure is the Painted Cave of Galdar (La Cueva Pintada de Galdar), which can be found to the North of Gran Canaria. Galdar was the centre of the rulers of the Guanches, the original inhabitants of Gran Canaria, before the Spanish conquest of the island. In a small cave in the town, the Guanches painted intricate geometric paintings that depicted much of the routine and rituals of their daily lives.
In island aboriginal culture, painting the walls of caves was common practice and this is one of the best-preserved examples of rock art that can be seen anywhere. Following the Spanish conquest in 1478, the Spanish invaders built a new city and the original Guanche settlement disappeared and the painted cave was lost.
In 1873, a local man clambered through a narrow gap in the rocks and discovered the cave and the paintings. Word quickly got around and soon many people were visiting the cave where mummified bodies, Guanche pottery and tools were also found.
The cave was finally opened to the public about one hundred years later, but this led to an increase in sunlight and humidity, which caused the paintings to deteriorate. In 1982 the island government closed all public access to the caves until a way to preserve this valuable heritage could be found.
Many years later, the Ceuva Pintada was once again opened to the public, together with a modern visitor centre that provides helpful background information about the life of the Guanches. Visitors are now able to explore this fascinating Canarian aboriginal village, which is an amazing testimony to an ancient and ancestral civilisation.
The Guanches lived in cave houses, and used Stone Age tools to cut and shape the rooms from the soft volcanic rock. They built walls from basalt without the use of mortar, and carved beds and seats from the soft rock. This early human settlement has now been professionally excavated and the entire site is covered to protect the excavations, as well as controlling light and humidity that can cause so much damage.
Visitors can visit the Cueva Pintada, which is recognised as one of the most important archaeological sites in the Canary Islands, and tours are given in several languages. So, if you plan to visit the island, and get tired of the sun and lazing by the pool, just head off to Galdar and invest in a trip through the past. You won't regret it.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle. 
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47072/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Visitors often forget that there is much more to the island of Gran Canaria than sunshine and beautiful beaches. 
Brits, Germans and Scandinavians flock to the Canary Islands in search of the sunshine and warmth that they have been missing during the ...

### CRAFTS AND CROSSES IN JÁVEA OLD TOWN

Saturday 2 May is a good day to climb in your car and make your way to Jávea old town.  With the spring weather the place is beginning to look very lively and quite charming, a good place for a stroll if you like picturesque old town centres.  
In addition, from the 1st till the 3rd or 4th of May, the locals are putting up the famous Cruces de Mayo, because Jávea is celebrating the Fiestas de Jesús Nazareno (Jesus from Nazareth).  Outside the houses of the mayorales (members of the group who organize the fiestas), often on the rejas (gratings) of a window, a cross is made of hundreds of flowers and you can walk around the old town of Jávea to admire the different crosses.
Just in case you have forgotten to pay attention to the date, the 3rd of May is Mothering Sunday.  If you are still looking for just a small token of your appreciation, you could make your way to the square in front of the main Post Office (Plaza Marina Alta) and visit the little craft fair, where a dozen or more craft people offer you a wide choice of really special presents, all hand made by the people on the stalls.  It makes a change from the annual bunch of flowers.
Some thirty people participate in these fairs, taking turns so that every week there is something different to see.  On the 2nd of May Toni demonstrates again how turrón (traditional soft nougat) is made. 
At http://www.amata.es/Javeasemanal.html you can see who is coming when and photographs of preceding weeks you can find at http://www.amata.es/JaveaSat15.html. More information on 639 979 678.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47071/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Saturday 2 May is a good day to climb in your car and make your way to Jávea old town.  With the spring weather the place is beginning to look very lively and quite charming, a good place for a stroll if you like picturesque old town centres.  
...

### ANOTHER STEP TO PROTECT PURCHASERS IN GOOD FAITH

AUAN and SOHA, the associations campaigning against planning abuses, have released information about an important new step taken by the Socialist Group in the Senate, aimed at giving legal security to third party purchasers in good faith who invest in the Spanish property market.  
The Socialist Group has presented an amendment to an existing Bill to reform the Mortgage Act (Ley Hipotecaria) and the Catastral Property Act. It is anticipated that the proposed amendment of the PSOE will be debated in the Senate on the 12th and 13th May.
The amendment originated from a proposal developed by AUAN and its sister association, SOHA, in Malaga.  According to the legal advisor of these associations, Gerardo Vazquez, ‘the idea of this amendment is to give greater legal certainty to the Property Register.  A buyer must be able to rely on what the Land Registry says because that is why it exists.
The problem is that there is an interpretation of the Mortgage Act by the Supreme Court that says the Land Registry does not protect innocent third parties against urban problems that have not been noted on the register. That is to say, anyone can buy a property that appears to be perfect according to the Land Registry, with no sign of a problem, but the house could be illegal and this person is not protected by the Register.
This creates considerable legal uncertainty which this amendment proposes to resolve so that a third party purchaser has the right to rely on the legality of a construction inscribed in the Register'.
Asked about the chances of this amendment being approved Sr. Vazquez said ‘As I have said before I have confidence in the political parties. I believe that more and more there is an appreciation of the need to work to solve the real problems of the people, and I believe that we should all pull in the same direction to give legal security to the Spanish property market, encouraging investment and social and economic growth.
The associations are grateful that their proposition has been supported by the Socialist group in the Senate, and hope that other political groups will join this initiative, because its approval depends on their support'.
Sr. Vazquez added however that ‘this amendment is not the end of the road but it is a big step along the way.  AUAN, SOHA and another association in Cantabria known as AMA, have proposed another legislative change, this time to avoid the revocation of a planning permission and the demolition of  houses without a guarantee of fair compensation to a third party who did nothing wrong. 
Because whilst it is true that the recent change in the Criminal Code gives purchasers in good faith some protection against demolition without compensation via the criminal courts, these demolitions can also be ordered by the administrative courts creating the necessity for a change to the law regulating the Administrative Courts. 
We understand that the PSOE is going to present a bill to the Spanish Parliament to do this.  And it must be said that this change is not only being asked for by those affected in Andalucía but also by groups in other parts of Spain.
It is especially significant that a few days ago, the Parliament of Cantabria asked for this change to the state law with the unanimous approval of all the political parties in this parliament, including the PP, PSOE and the Partido Regionalista de Cantabria' .Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47070/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: AUAN and SOHA, the associations campaigning against planning abuses, have released information about an important new step taken by the Socialist Group in the Senate, aimed at giving legal security to third party purchasers in good faith who invest in ...

### DEADLINE TO PRODUCE BANK ID EXPIRES THIS WEEK

All banks should by now have been in touch with their clients, either by email, text or through a notice placed on internet banking accounts, the purpose of the notice being that accounts may be blocked if proof of identification is not provided by 30 April.
In accordance with Spanish legislation the banks are required to collect and digitalize up-to-date identification documents for all account holders. For Spaniards, this means the DNI national identity card; for foreign residents, you are required to produce either your residency card or passport.
Whilst, in the majority of cased the residency card or passport will be enough, some customers may also be required to provide additional information regarding their economic activities, said to be part of new requirements to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
The obligation to keep digital records of clients' personal data was first introduced in 2010, but the law gave lenders a five-year deadline to complete the task. That deadline expires this coming Thursday so be warned as accounts that do not meet the requirements will be blocked on 1 May.
There will be some clients who have not yet been contacted by their bank and can assume that no further action is necessary as their ID is already in the bank's possession, but it might be worth checking as the sudden withdrawal of your funds could have a catastrophic effect.
However, when the client produces their ID, the account will be re activated again, but after three months, if the account is still blocked it will be transferred to a different category known as “cuentas de orden;”  Recovering one's money at that point could be more complicated and require additional paperwork.
It may be prudent, therefore, if you have friends back in UK who may not be aware of the possible embargo on their accounts, to give them a call and advise them to get in touch with their bank. It could save them an awful lot of inconvenience in the future.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47069/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: All banks should by now have been in touch with their clients, either by email, text or through a notice placed on internet banking accounts, the purpose of the notice being that accounts may be blocked if proof of identification is not provided by 30 ...

### FAMILY E-TYPE COMES OUT OF HIDING AFTER 25 YEARS

An incredibly original 1973 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Manual Roadster, hidden away for more than 25 years, is set to see the light of day once again when it goes under the hammer in Silverstone Auctions' May Sale.
The one family owned car was purchased new by the current owner's grandfather and registered on the 15th of August 1973. Yet the car was rarely used and spent much of its early life in a garage at the family home in Warwickshire.
In April 1993 ownership passed onto the son of the first owner yet still remained unused in the same garage. The E-Type was however properly immobilised and oil put into the cylinders.
The car was given a full service in October 2006 and once again placed into storage. It was passed onto the current owner when his father died in September 2014. The dust covered car will now receive a careful recomissioning at classic car specialists Tolman Motorsports before heading to Silverstone circuit for the auction on May 23rd, with an estimate of between £75,000 and £90,000.
Commenting on the car's amazing history, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale said: “It's a pleasure to be able to offer this highly original, low mileage E-Type for auction and help find it a loving home with a new owner.”
Having been used so little the car has covered just over 7,700 miles from new and remains essentially as delivered from the Coventry factory. All the interior is completely original as is the soft top. The original spare tyre and tool kit is still with the car and it even comes with the last tax disc from 31/10/90.
Nick added, “In my opinion the Series III E-Type is one of the best value classic cars on offer. The market has now recognised these wonderful cars and as such we expect a great amount of interest in this fantastically original, low mileage example.”
For more information on the car and Silverstone Auctions' May Sale please visit https://www.silverstoneauctions.com/1973-jaguar-e-type-series-iii-v12-roadster-5282.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47067/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: An incredibly original 1973 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Manual Roadster, hidden away for more than 25 years, is set to see the light of day once again when it goes under the hammer in Silverstone Auctions' May Sale.
The one family owned car was purch...

### HEALTHY COLT BORN AT ROJALES HORSE RESCUE CENTRE

Another severely neglected mare rescued from a Granada breeding yard by the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre has given birth to a healthy foal.
The birth on April 6 came just a week after a second mare from the same rescue operation also gave birth to a healthy colt. Visitors can meet both foals when the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre holds its free monthly open day. The next one is Sunday, May 3.
“It's amazing that the foals have arrived so well considering the terrible condition the mares were in when we got them three months ago,” rescue centre co-founder Sue Weeding said.
Three malnourished mares and a stallion were rescued last December in the joint operation with Malaga-based rescue charity El Refugio del Burrito, which took at least four donkeys into custody. All animals found at the Granada property were severely malnourished and one foal was found dead.
It is believed the owner of the horses had the excuse that it was due to Spain's ongoing financial crisis that caused him to stop feeding them.                                   
Police prosecuted and a court order legally handed the animals over to the non-profit groups.
Last Saturday, police called at the centre for assistance with a pony found wandering in Heredades. Although the pony was in very good condition, he was taken to the rescue centre while his owner arranges to get him Identichipped, as required by law.
 “As the pony was well cared for, we are happy to hand him back to his owner when the situation has been sorted out,” Sue said.
The centre will also permanently house an adult pony found abandoned and wandering alongside the AP7 Motorway near San Javier last Saturday, April 18. Police tracked down the owner in Almaria using the pony's Identichip and will now look to pursue a prosecution.
 “We know that we are working harder and harder by taking in so many new rescues but we think it's fantastic that the police are taking all animal cases very seriously and we must continue to find ways to work with them,” she said.
The centre is now looking to open a second charity shop in Gran Alacant to help raise funds, adding to a network of eight shops across the Alicante province. Donations of furniture, clothes and bric-a-brac to stock any of the rescue centre charity shops are gratefully welcomed.
 EHCRC is located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga 59.                             
For more information on volunteering, sponsoring a horse or directions, please visit www.easyhorsecare.net. Or call Sue 652 021 980Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47066/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Another severely neglected mare rescued from a Granada breeding yard by the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre has given birth to a healthy foal.
The birth on April 6 came just a week after a second mare from the same rescue operation also gave birth to a ...

### NOW EVEN BETTER – THE "EXPERT GOLF" APP WITH A NEW LOOK

More than one million rounds of golf were played around the world last year with the "Expert Golf" iPhone app and this year it will once again be the essential companion for numerous golfers. 
Just in time for the new season, the most popular golf app boasts a totally new and improved design. The look is fresher and the app is more user-friendly, making it even more fun to use.
The functions that make the app so successful have stayed the same: precise distance information via GPS, electronic score card with automatic calculation of the Stableford points, answers to all rules questions and tips for trouble shots.
Thanks to the systematic enhancement of the app, as well as excellent customer support and daily golf course database maintenance, "Expert Golf" has stayed in the App Store top ten for a number of years and is officially recommended by Apple.
The most recent update to Version 5.0 is now available from the iTunes App Store.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47063/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: More than one million rounds of golf were played around the world last year with the "Expert Golf" iPhone app and this year it will once again be the essential companion for numerous golfers. 
Just in time for the new season, the most popular golf app boasts a totally new and improved design. The look is fresher and the app is more user-friendly, making it even more fun to use.
The functions that make the app so successful have stayed the same: precise distance information via GPS, electronic score card with automatic calculation of the Stableford points, answers to all rules questions and tips for trouble shots.
Thanks to the systematic enhancement of the app, as well as excellent customer support and daily golf course database maintenance, "Expert Golf" has stayed in the App Store top ten for a number of years and is officially recommended by Apple.
The most recent update to Version 5.0 is now available from the iTunes App Store.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47063/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### FORGOTTEN FORMBY SONG UNVEILED

LOS Montesinos author Andrew Atkinson has unveiled a 'forgotten' relatively unknown 1940s song by late ukulele legend George Formby: 'I Played On My Spanish Guitar'.
Andrew, who is finalising his book, 'Formby's Lost Love', researched Formby's link with Spain, unearthing a rendition of 'The Lancashire Torreador', with 'I Played On My Spanish Guitar' previously unheard by him.
"George Formby was a likeable character - who became Britain's biggest star - and to come across the song 'I Played On My Spanish Guitar' was quite surprising," said Andrew.
Andrew, who has a home in Los Montesinos, Alicante, and also in Lancashire, is writing the life story about Formby's fiancee Pat Howson, who resided from Penwortham, Preston, where Andrew lives.
A London publisher has asked for the completed manuscript of 'Formby's Lost Love' once finished which is scheduled for publication in 2015.
I Played On My Spanish Guitar
I'm Bull Tonsilliter, the finest bullfighter that ever came out of Madrid.
With bulls I can juggle, though madly they struggle, they can't get away from this kid
There's nobody else could be keener, it's a treat to watch me fight the bull.
Then I play on my Spanish guitar, tralla, la, la, la, la, la, 1a, la.
I chase them all round the arena and make nasty scars on their skull.
She loves drinking wine 'til she's full.
It must be a good un, it isn't a dud un, I bought it at Woolworth's bazaar, ha,ha.
The president's wife is the curse of his life,
"There was a young lady from Gloucester."
One night she got canned and fell out o' grandstand
Right onto a nasty big bull.
Then over it's head the bull tossed her,
I laughted and began to recite
She's got to stand up in the car, ha, ha.
And the bullocks all roared with delight.
Then I played on my Spanish guitar,
Now I'm sure that old dame's got a scar.
The bull caught her bending, it's really heart rending
His eyes they were staring and glassy,
I've had lots of fights and I've had a few frights,
There was once when the bull got me down.
He jumped on my corns and stuck both of his horns
In my shanty in old shanty town.
I could feel his hot breath in my ear.
You'll find him on sale in the bar, ha, ha.
So I stabbed him three times in the chassis
And wished him a happy new year.
Then I played on my Spanish guitar
While the people all shouted "hurrah".
That bull got a shock, so he turned into Oxo,
I've left old Madrid, it's a good job I did
'cos I've mixed all the bulls with the cows.
I'd get shot if I went there again.
They gave me the sack but I got my own back
They'll be sorry they chased me from Spain.
I'll bet that old town is excited,
In the bull ring there'll be lots of rows.
But the animals, they'll be delighted
So I play on my Spanish guitar,
'till I've mastered this lousy guitar, ha, ha.
If I practise I'll soon be a star.
But don't tell a soul, 'cos I'm going on the dole
'till I've mastered this lousy guitar, ha, ha.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47060/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: LOS Montesinos author Andrew Atkinson has unveiled a 'forgotten' relatively unknown 1940s song by late ukulele legend George Formby: 'I Played On My Spanish Guitar'.
Andrew, who is finalising his book, 'Formby's Lost Love', researched Formby's link with Spain, unearthing a rendition of 'The Lancashire Torreador', with 'I Played On My Spanish Guitar' previously unheard by him.
"George Formby was a likeable character - who became Britain's biggest star - and to come across the song 'I Played On My Spanish Guitar' was quite surprising," said Andrew.
Andrew, who has a home in Los Montesinos, Alicante, and also in Lancashire, is writing the life story about Formby's fiancee Pat Howson, who resided from Penwortham, Preston, where Andrew lives.
A London publisher has asked for the completed manuscript of 'Formby's Lost Love' once finished which is scheduled for publication in 2015.
I Played On My Spanish Guitar
I'm Bull Tonsilliter, the finest bullfighter that ever came out of Madrid.
With bulls I can juggle, though madly they struggle, they can't get away from this kid
There's nobody else could be keener, it's a treat to watch me fight the bull.
Then I play on my Spanish guitar, tralla, la, la, la, la, la, 1a, la.
I chase them all round the arena and make nasty scars on their skull.
She loves drinking wine 'til she's full.
It must be a good un, it isn't a dud un, I bought it at Woolworth's bazaar, ha,ha.
The president's wife is the curse of his life,
"There was a young lady from Gloucester."
One night she got canned and fell out o' grandstand
Right onto a nasty big bull.
Then over it's head the bull tossed her,
I laughted and began to recite
She's got to stand up in the car, ha, ha.
And the bullocks all roared with delight.
Then I played on my Spanish guitar,
Now I'm sure that old dame's got a scar.
The bull caught her bending, it's really heart rending
His eyes they were staring and glassy,
I've had lots of fights and I've had a few frights,
There was once when the bull got me down.
He jumped on my corns and stuck both of his horns
In my shanty in old shanty town.
I could feel his hot breath in my ear.
You'll find him on sale in the bar, ha, ha.
So I stabbed him three times in the chassis
And wished him a happy new year.
Then I played on my Spanish guitar
While the people all shouted "hurrah".
That bull got a shock, so he turned into Oxo,
I've left old Madrid, it's a good job I did
'cos I've mixed all the bulls with the cows.
I'd get shot if I went there again.
They gave me the sack but I got my own back
They'll be sorry they chased me from Spain.
I'll bet that old town is excited,
In the bull ring there'll be lots of rows.
But the animals, they'll be delighted
So I play on my Spanish guitar,
'till I've mastered this lousy guitar, ha, ha.
If I practise I'll soon be a star.
But don't tell a soul, 'cos I'm going on the dole
'till I've mastered this lousy guitar, ha, ha.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47060/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### FOREIGN WORKERS GROW BY 35,000 IN MARCH

The number of foreign citizens registered with the Spanish Social Security system stood at 1,563,343 in March, an increase of 2.29% - or 34,974 National Insurance contributors - on the previous month.
When compared with 2014, the number of foreign workers has increased by 1.79% - the equivalent of 27,455 more NI contributors. This is the first March since 2008 in which the number of foreign workers has increased year-on-year. Previous years saw declines of up to -9.85% (2009).
The highest figures for foreign workers correspond to Romania (279,128), Morocco (194,762), China (90,296) and Ecuador (69,466). These countries are followed by Italy (66,404), Bolivia (56,975), the United Kingdom (53,014) and Colombia (51,349).
Autonomous regionsWhen compared with the previous month, the number of foreign NI contributors in March rose in all autonomous regions, except Extremadura (-1.45%) and Ceuta (-0.64%).
Compared with last year, the number of workers increased in Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Castile-Leon, Castile-La Mancha, Catalonia, the Region of Valencia, Extremadura, the Region of Murcia, Navarre, the Basque Country, La Rioja and Melilla.
The figures recorded for March show that 919,864 of the total foreign citizens registered with the Spanish Social Security system are from countries outside of the European Union, while the remaining 643,479 are from EU countries.
The majority of foreign citizens are registered under the General Regime: 1,313,087  in total, a figure that includes the Special System for Agricultural Workers (195,948) and the Special System for Domestic Workers (207,414). This is followed by the Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers (245,854), the Special Regime for Seamen (4,132) and the Special Regime for Coal Workers (270).
Of the total foreign citizens in the system in March, 843,762 are men and 719,582 are women.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47058/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The number of foreign citizens registered with the Spanish Social Security system stood at 1,563,343 in March, an increase of 2.29% - or 34,974 National Insurance contributors - on the previous month.
When compared with 2014, the number of foreign wor...

### McLAREN 540C COUPE UNVEILED IN SHANGHAI

McLaren launched its second model in the new Sports Series, the McLaren 540C Coupé, at the Shanghai Motor Show, last week. 
The most attainable McLaren yet, the 540C Coupé joins the recently revealed 570S Coupé in the Sports Series as the brand brings its race derived DNA to a new audience and segment.
These introductions bring the number of new McLarens launched in 2015 to four as the brand continues its rapid growth. Globally available and priced from £126,000, the 540C Coupé can be pre-ordered now with deliveries scheduled to being in early 2016.
The 540C Coupé is a pure McLaren, and a pure sports car, sharing its DNA with the models in the Super Series and Ultimate Series, including a light weight carbon fibre chassis and race-derived technologies.  It is fitted with a mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin turbocharged V8 engine which has been developed to be responsive and thrilling, even at low engine speeds.
As its name suggests, the Sports Series dedicated application of the award-winning McLaren power unit generates 540PS at 7,500 rpm and 540Nm of torque at 3,500-6,500 rpm. With stop-start technology, it offers optimised levels of efficiency and a longer range suited to the typical usage of cars in this segment.
At the heart of the 540C, as with the 570S, is the unique carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis which has been newly designed with a greater focus on day-to-day usability, offering improved ingress to and egress from the cabin, along with class-leading occupant protection and safety.
A dry weight of as low as 1,311 kg (2,890lbs) is achieved as a result of this lightweight structure and the use of aluminium body panels. This figure sees the 540C almost 150kg lighter than its closest competitor.
Power is delivered through the rear wheels via a seven-speed seamless shift gearbox (SSG) which, aided by the low weight of the 540C, sees the 0 to 100km/h (62mph) sprint completed in 3.5 seconds, 0 to 200km/h (124mph) in just 10.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 320km/h (199mph). Given this level of performance, 25.5 mpg on the EU combined cycle and emissions of just 258 g/km are an impressive achievement.
The interior of the Sports Series has been created with a focus on space and ergonomics, offering great outward visibility and interior space for occupants and their belongings.  Organic curves carried inside from the exterior design bring delicate tension without aggression to ensure the cabin remains a welcoming environment.
Inside the cabin, the 540C Coupé is luxuriously appointed with leather upholstery to the seats, dashboard and lower doors as standard. The ‘floating' centre console features a seven-inch IRIS touchscreen which controls all elements of the infotainment system. The air conditioning controls are also incorporated, as first seen on the McLaren P1™, minimising switchgear in the cabin.
The touchscreen also controls the standard DAB digital radio, as well as satellite navigation, Bluetooth telephony and media streaming, voice activation and the audio media player. The IRIS system also includes the electronic owner's manual.
The McLaren 540C Coupé is the second model to join the Sports Series, and sits alongside the 570S Coupé. Both models are available to order from the dedicated global McLaren retail network, operating in every major automotive market, in more than 30 countries.
Pricing for the 540C Coupé starts from £126,000.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47054/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: McLaren launched its second model in the new Sports Series, the McLaren 540C Coupé, at the Shanghai Motor Show, last week. 
The most attainable McLaren yet, the 540C Coupé joins the recently revealed 570S Coupé in the Sports Serie...

### SUPERMOTO BROTHERS BACK IN ACTION

The Supermoto racing brothers from Murcia have had a busy start to their 2015 race season. It all kicked off in March at the first round of the Spanish championship at Albaida in Valencia. 
Last year's season ended in a career threatening injury for Anthony Ford-Dunn when he crashed and badly broke his arm. After an operation to pin and plate the break, and the winter spent rehabilitating, Anthony decided to race in the SM road class for 2015 to allow his arm to strengthen properly before re-entering the SM open class in 2016, where the off road and jump sections are included.
With the decision made to contest the road racing Supermoto class, Anthony showed that he had lost none of his skills or determination to win, and immediately set pole position, followed by two wins in both his races. He didn't stop there, as he has also competed in the Catalan SM road championship and after 2 rounds he has 3 wins and a 2nd place to his name and a commanding championship lead.
Older Brother Mat Ford-Dunn also walked away from last year's race in Albaida with a broken collar bone, just an hour after Anthony had broken his arm. It was a bad day for the Supermotoland team, but he still had a shot at the SM master 35 championship title for 2014 and used the 6 weeks between races to heal before coming back at the final round of the championship in Alcarras, Catalunya, to fight for the championship title.
The pressure was on, as Mat had not even sat on the bike in the 6 weeks since his injury but in a determined effort he set pole position and then a dominant double race victory to make him the SM Master 35 champion of Spain for the second year running.
This year has seen Mat step up to the premier SM Open class and he has wasted no time in finding the extra speed needed to be competitive. With a solid start at Albaida Mat scored 5-5-5 in his three races to give him 5th overall on the day and just one point short of 4th position.
Mat was running as high as 3rd in one of his races but a couple of small crashes knocked him back. The Catalan championship has also seen Mat at his best with a surprising 3rd overall at the first round of the championship and after two rounds he now holds 5th position.
For 2015 the Supermotoland team that is sponsored by Murcia based International removals company ‘Advance Moves' has a new member of the team, in the form of Mats 14 year old son Loris Ford-Dunn, Loris has been learning the ropes in the Youth classes and with limited time on his bike he has started to make good progress.
The Supermotoland team next race at Villena in Alicante on Sunday 3rd May for the second round of the Spanish Supermoto championship. The race action all starts at 10.00 hrs and finishes at 15.00 hrs so be sure to be there on time to see some fantastic racing.
More information on the forth coming race can be found at www.supermotoland.com or the circuits website at www.chicharrakarts.esFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47046/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Supermoto racing brothers from Murcia have had a busy start to their 2015 race season. It all kicked off in March at the first round of the Spanish championship at Albaida in Valencia. 
Last year's season ended in a career threatening injury for A...

### Fin Swimmers in Torrevieja

Torrevieja´s municipal swimming pool, located in the sports city, will play host to the 3rd Fin Swimming competition on Saturday, with 203 swimmers from across the Alicante province taking part in two sessions, the first from 9 in the morning, the second from 4 in the afternoon.

Excerpt: Torrevieja´s municipal swimming pool, located in the sports city, will play host to the 3rd Fin Swimming competition on Saturday, with 203 swimmers from across the Alicante province taking part in two sessions, the first from 9 in the morning, Read More ...

### Keep your Clothes on

The Supreme Court has overturned a belief in the constitution that nudity in public is a human right, backing a decision by the government of Castell-Platja D’Aro on the Costa Brava which banned nudism, enforcing a prohibition with fines for those who strip off. The case dates back to 2009 when the council wanted to ban nudism on account of the beaches being frequented by families, but the move was challenged by naturist groups who said that nudism was a constitutional right, but the Supreme Court has now rejected that argument.

Excerpt: The Supreme Court has overturned a belief in the constitution that nudity in public is a human right, backing a decision by the government of Castell-Platja D’Aro on the Costa Brava which banned nudism, enforcing a prohibition with fines for Read More ...

### Bit of Tax Back

The Spanish tax office has declared that transactions using the virtual currency Bitcoin are exempt from IVA. The governmental body states that Bitcoin is closely linked to payment instruments, which allows the transfer of money and, as such, this kind of transactions will be exempt from IVA, under clause 135.1 of the exemption Directive.

Excerpt: The Spanish tax office has declared that transactions using the virtual currency Bitcoin are exempt from IVA. The governmental body states that Bitcoin is closely linked to payment instruments, which allows the transfer of money and, as such, this kind Read More ...

### Tourism Increase

Figures released this week show that Spain received 10.6 million foreign tourists in the first quarter of the year, an increase of 5.3% over the same period of 2014, with an additional 500,000 people visiting the country.
The British and Asian markets have shown the largest growth in absolute terms, according to the Frontur survey released by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism on Wednesday.

Excerpt: Figures released this week show that Spain received 10.6 million foreign tourists in the first quarter of the year, an increase of 5.3% over the same period of 2014, with an additional 500,000 people visiting the country. The British and Read More ...

### Car Train Deal

Train operating company Renfe has signed a three year transportation deal to carry 8,000 Seat cars per year from the factory in Martorell to the port of Santander, where they will then be carried to the most important destinations for the Spanish car export market, namely Ireland, South Africa and Oceania.
Seat already transports more than 100,000 vehicles from the Port of Barcelona.

Excerpt: Train operating company Renfe has signed a three year transportation deal to carry 8,000 Seat cars per year from the factory in Martorell to the port of Santander, where they will then be carried to the most important destinations for Read More ...

### More Ryanair Flights

Budget airline Ryanair has announced three new routes from Scottish airports as part of its winter schedule.
The new routes will fly from Edinburgh to Santander and Frankfurt Hahn twice a week and from Glasgow International to Berlin four times a week.
The company is also increasing the frequency of flights between Edinburgh and Alicante, Krakow, Stansted, Malaga and Tenerife.
At Glasgow, there will be more flights to Stansted and Prestwick will see an increase in frequency to Alicante.

Excerpt: Budget airline Ryanair has announced three new routes from Scottish airports as part of its winter schedule. The new routes will fly from Edinburgh to Santander and Frankfurt Hahn twice a week and from Glasgow International to Berlin four times Read More ...

### Retired Cop Denounces Torrevieja Police

A 59 year old retired police officer from Madrid has denounced members of the local police in Torrevieja, complaining of their violent treatment, after they allegedly used disproportionate “punches, kicks and all sorts of bumps”, after the man was involved in an escalating disagreement in a bar in the city.
Similarly, the police have accused the man of refusing their authority. The incident allegedly occurred after the man had asked for food after the establishment had already closed.

Excerpt: A 59 year old retired police officer from Madrid has denounced members of the local police in Torrevieja, complaining of their violent treatment, after they allegedly used disproportionate “punches, kicks and all sorts of bumps”, after the man was involved in an escalating disagreement in a bar in the city. Similarly, the police have accused […]

### Spain Now a Safer Country

Secretary of State for Security, Francisco Martínez, has stressed that “Spain is now a safer country”, whilst reporting in a conference this week how the current crime rate has fallen from 48.4 in late 2011 to 44.5 in February 2015.
The statement was made in a cyber security conference in which the Secretary highlighted the different measures implemented by the Government to combat Jihadist terrorism on all fronts, saying that “jihadist terrorism has developed a macabre propaganda machine for trying to gain new followers whilst exhibiting such cruelty”.
Martínez then thanked the organisers for a special award given on behalf of the new mobile application for contacting the police in Spain, Alertcops, which is described as pioneering in the field of security.

Excerpt: Secretary of State for Security, Francisco Martínez, has stressed that “Spain is now a safer country”, whilst reporting in a conference this week how the current crime rate has fallen from 48.4 in late 2011 to 44.5 in February 2015. The statement was made in a cyber security conference in which the Secretary highlighted the […]

### Driving Advice Talk

The N332 traffic group will be giving a presentation in the Orihuela Costa town hall on Thursday, explaining some of the most important aspects of driving in Spain.
Although places are limited and there are a lot of people already registered, a few places are still available.
Registration for that talk can be done by emailing residentes@orihuela.es, or you can turn up on the day, but may not be guaranteed a seat, for the talk that starts at 10:00.
Remember to visit both the Facebook page, just search for “N332”, and the website, n332.es.

Excerpt: The N332 traffic group will be giving a presentation in the Orihuela Costa town hall on Thursday, explaining some of the most important aspects of driving in Spain. Although places are limited and there are a lot of people already registered, a few places are still available. Registration for that talk can be done by […]

### TAX REFORMS TO INCLUDE PUBLICATION OF DEBTORS

The list will include taxpayers with outstanding debts and penalties in excess of one million euros. The government also analysed the regulation to allow personal data to be published on those convicted of tax offences.
Furthermore, it presented the future Highway Act, which will prevent land from being reclassified during the planning stage of new roads.
The Council of Ministers has submitted the Reform of the General Tax Act to parliament. The three principal aims of the new legislation are to step up the fight against fraud, reduce conflicts and increase legal certainty, explained the Minister for the Treasury and the Public Administration Services, Cristóbal Montoro.
One of the main new aspects of the text is the publication of the list of taxpayers with outstanding debts and sanctions in excess of one million euros. Cristóbal Montoro pointed out that, following the recommendation made by the Council of State, the list will not contain tax debts and sanctions that are deferred or suspended.
Interested parties will be granted a plea phase prior to publication, and any final decision can be challenged through the administrative courts.
The government plans to publish the first list of debtors in the fourth quarter of the year to include those in this situation as at 31 July 2015.
Fight against tax fraud
Another noteworthy measure in the field of the fight against fraud is the "anti-abuse regulation" - a new tax offence that seeks to penalise actions or business transactions carried out with intent to defraud, which are substantially similar to others already classified previously as abusive by the public administration for going against public criteria.
Furthermore, the law extends the powers for investigation and verification - the deadline for verifying tax bases, tax payable or deductions will be extended to ten years - steps up actions by tax administration bodies and strengthens the system for offences and penalties to combat smuggling.
With the aim of increasing legal certainty, the draft law sets new deadlines for inspection proceedings: a longer time period is established (18 months in general and 27 months for particularly complex cases), while limiting the grounds for suspending the calculation of this period and removing delays not attributable to the public authorities. It also contains measures to speed up actions by the financial-administrative courts, such as boosting electronic procedures.
In order to reduce conflicts in this area, the new legislation extends the powers of the tax authorities to hand down interpretive or explanatory provisions and those who adhere to these criteria are exempt from any form of liability deriving therefrom.
List of tax evaders
On a complementary basis, the Council of Ministers analysed the Draft Constitutional Law regulating access to information contained in rulings on tax fraud. The text will now be forwarded for analysis by the General Council of the Judiciary.
Cristóbal Montoro remarked that the government has also followed the recommendation of the Council of State on this issue which deals with publishing the personal details of those found guilty of offences against the Treasury (including insolvency offences and smuggling to the detriment of the Treasury). This will apply to all sentences following the entry into force of the new law.
The minister specified that the publication of sentences will not be in full, but only those aspects that are strictly necessary to disclose the tax offence, thus guaranteeing the fundamental rights to honour and privacy, as well as protection of personal data.
According to Cristóbal Montoro, as a result of these initiatives, the government is meeting its commitment to publish the list of debtors and list of tax evaders while modernising procedures "to help improve relations between the public authorities and the taxpayFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47031/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The list will include taxpayers with outstanding debts and penalties in excess of one million euros. The government also analysed the regulation to allow personal data to be published on those convicted of tax offences.
Furthermore, it presented the future Highway Act, which will prevent land from being reclassified during the planning stage of new roads.
The Council of Ministers has submitted the Reform of the General Tax Act to parliament. The three principal aims of the new legislation are to step up the fight against fraud, reduce conflicts and increase legal certainty, explained the Minister for the Treasury and the Public Administration Services, Cristóbal Montoro.
One of the main new aspects of the text is the publication of the list of taxpayers with outstanding debts and sanctions in excess of one million euros. Cristóbal Montoro pointed out that, following the recommendation made by the Council of State, the list will not contain tax debts and sanctions that are deferred or suspended.
Interested parties will be granted a plea phase prior to publication, and any final decision can be challenged through the administrative courts.
The government plans to publish the first list of debtors in the fourth quarter of the year to include those in this situation as at 31 July 2015.
Fight against tax fraud
Another noteworthy measure in the field of the fight against fraud is the "anti-abuse regulation" - a new tax offence that seeks to penalise actions or business transactions carried out with intent to defraud, which are substantially similar to others already classified previously as abusive by the public administration for going against public criteria.
Furthermore, the law extends the powers for investigation and verification - the deadline for verifying tax bases, tax payable or deductions will be extended to ten years - steps up actions by tax administration bodies and strengthens the system for offences and penalties to combat smuggling.
With the aim of increasing legal certainty, the draft law sets new deadlines for inspection proceedings: a longer time period is established (18 months in general and 27 months for particularly complex cases), while limiting the grounds for suspending the calculation of this period and removing delays not attributable to the public authorities. It also contains measures to speed up actions by the financial-administrative courts, such as boosting electronic procedures.
In order to reduce conflicts in this area, the new legislation extends the powers of the tax authorities to hand down interpretive or explanatory provisions and those who adhere to these criteria are exempt from any form of liability deriving therefrom.
List of tax evaders
On a complementary basis, the Council of Ministers analysed the Draft Constitutional Law regulating access to information contained in rulings on tax fraud. The text will now be forwarded for analysis by the General Council of the Judiciary.
Cristóbal Montoro remarked that the government has also followed the recommendation of the Council of State on this issue which deals with publishing the personal details of those found guilty of offences against the Treasury (including insolvency offences and smuggling to the detriment of the Treasury). This will apply to all sentences following the entry into force of the new law.
The minister specified that the publication of sentences will not be in full, but only those aspects that are strictly necessary to disclose the tax offence, thus guaranteeing the fundamental rights to honour and privacy, as well as protection of personal data.
According to Cristóbal Montoro, as a result of these initiatives, the government is meeting its commitment to publish the list of debtors and list of tax evaders while modernising procedures "to help improve relations between the public authorities and the taxpayFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47031/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### CAMBIEMOS ORIHUELA PRESENTS ITS PROGRAM AND PARTY HEADQUARTERS

The basic program of Cambiemos Orihuela, ratified by assembly, will be published on its website the week of April 27. Cambiemos Orihuela opens its party headquarters to residents of Orihuela on Calle Santa Justa.
The basic program of Cambiemos Orihuela will be available at cambiemosorihuela.org by the last week of April. Since the formation of Cambiemos Orihuela with the United Left and the Greens on 21 January, the program has been developed in on-going commissions and assemblies. It defines our political commitment to the people of Orihuela and is an evolving document that recognizes the needs and conditions of our city, and permits citizen involvement.
While this is the framework for the much broader program, “the documents, as Ester Romero, number four on the list of candidates and representative from the coast, states, “are the result of a participatory democracy. It has never been our intention to produce a rigid, unrealistic program behind closed doors without acknowledging and including ideas and proposals from citizens.”
In other events, last Friday, 17 April, we celebrated the inauguration of our party headquarters located on Calle Santa Justa 5, just steps from City Hall. This space is dedicated to sharing the project with the public as well as to the daily operations of the coalition for the upcoming elections in May.
On 27 April, in the Lonja in Orihuela, we will celebrate the presentation of candidates.
Comisión de Comunicación de `Cambiemos Orihuela´Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47029/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The basic program of Cambiemos Orihuela, ratified by assembly, will be published on its website the week of April 27. Cambiemos Orihuela opens its party headquarters to residents of Orihuela on Calle Santa Justa.
The basic program of Cambiemos Orihuel...

### BUMPER TO BUMPER

According to new research by leading auto-manufacturer Nissan, one in three people in Europe* have experienced a parking incident in the last five years.
The research, conducted by global research agency YouGov, surveyed 9,177 drivers across the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain to identify the causes and effects of parking prangs, found that more than three out of ten drivers (33%) reported damaging their car in the last five years with 16% of those suffering car damage while in the act of parking.
Italy's drivers were the most accident-prone with one in two admitting to damaging their cars over the same period - 26% of them doing so while attempting a parking manoeuvre. Conversely, British drivers were the most cautious, with just 10% reporting a parking-related incident. 
In four out of five of the Nations surveyed, reversing proved the most challenging manoeuvre, with the tricky task accounting for 45% of all parking bumps; in Italy a staggering 51% of bumps were caused while in reverse.
Drivers of Estate cars should also take heed as parking incidents were highest in this popular class (27%).
Spanish drivers narrowly avoided being named the most accident-prone in Europe, coming in a close second behind Italy with one quarter of the country's car accidents having taken place while parking.
Germany and France both proved more proficient parkers with parking bumps accounting for 11% and 10% of accidents respectively.
To assist unsuspecting motorists and demonstrate how vehicle technology can be a welcomed driver aide, Nissan transformed a car park in Rome to demonstrate the benefits of its Around View Monitor (AVM) and Moving Object Detection technology from its award-winning Pulsar compact hatchback.
Designed to assist with parking, the intelligent Nissan Around View Monitor system gives the driver a virtual bird's-eye view of their vehicle as they manoeuvre into a space - providing a ‘safety net' for drivers.
To see how the motorists got on with the technology and some of their extraordinary reactions, watch: http://youtu.be/o6trVdriZcM
"Parking is a part of driving not everyone feels comfortable with so we wanted to do everything we could to assist drivers," said Bastien Schupp, Vice President of Marketing for Nissan Europe.
"By taking this technology out of the Pulsar and installing it in a car park in Italy we have given drivers the opportunity to see for themselves how Around View Monitor can take the stress out of parking and help them park with confidence - while also helping to avoid damage to their car."
Combining bold design, technical innovations and interior space, the new Pulsar brings a new dimension to the compact hatchback market, offering all the familiar Nissan qualities in a stylish new package.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47028/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to new research by leading auto-manufacturer Nissan, one in three people in Europe* have experienced a parking incident in the last five years.
The research, conducted by global research agency YouGov, surveyed 9,177 drivers across the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain to identify the causes and effects of parking prangs, found that more than three out of ten drivers (33%) reported damaging their car in the last five years with 16% of those suffering car damage while in the act of parking.
Italy's drivers were the most accident-prone with one in two admitting to damaging their cars over the same period - 26% of them doing so while attempting a parking manoeuvre. Conversely, British drivers were the most cautious, with just 10% reporting a parking-related incident. 
In four out of five of the Nations surveyed, reversing proved the most challenging manoeuvre, with the tricky task accounting for 45% of all parking bumps; in Italy a staggering 51% of bumps were caused while in reverse.
Drivers of Estate cars should also take heed as parking incidents were highest in this popular class (27%).
Spanish drivers narrowly avoided being named the most accident-prone in Europe, coming in a close second behind Italy with one quarter of the country's car accidents having taken place while parking.
Germany and France both proved more proficient parkers with parking bumps accounting for 11% and 10% of accidents respectively.
To assist unsuspecting motorists and demonstrate how vehicle technology can be a welcomed driver aide, Nissan transformed a car park in Rome to demonstrate the benefits of its Around View Monitor (AVM) and Moving Object Detection technology from its award-winning Pulsar compact hatchback.
Designed to assist with parking, the intelligent Nissan Around View Monitor system gives the driver a virtual bird's-eye view of their vehicle as they manoeuvre into a space - providing a ‘safety net' for drivers.
To see how the motorists got on with the technology and some of their extraordinary reactions, watch: http://youtu.be/o6trVdriZcM
"Parking is a part of driving not everyone feels comfortable with so we wanted to do everything we could to assist drivers," said Bastien Schupp, Vice President of Marketing for Nissan Europe.
"By taking this technology out of the Pulsar and installing it in a car park in Italy we have given drivers the opportunity to see for themselves how Around View Monitor can take the stress out of parking and help them park with confidence - while also helping to avoid damage to their car."
Combining bold design, technical innovations and interior space, the new Pulsar brings a new dimension to the compact hatchback market, offering all the familiar Nissan qualities in a stylish new package.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47028/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ‘A SET JETTERS GUIDE TO SPAIN:

101 Locations' is a guide to where 101 of the most important English language films were made in Spain. The book, written in accessible English, covers all of Spain, but was written in Valencia by Bob Yareham who has taught and written in Valencia since 1981.
 More than 700 English language films have been entirely or partly made in Spain, the non-native English country where most English language films have been made.
Set-jetting (cinema tourism) is already very popular in countries like the USA, the UK and New Zealand (where Lord of the Rings was made), and the book aims to promote and ferment this new kind of tourism, for which Spain has such great potential.
 Cinema tourism (set-jetting) is an undeniable fact; you only need to ask the delighted authorities of New Zealand, where they are still reaping the benefits of visitors attracted by the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy.
Spain has it all; the deserts, the beaches, the forests, mountains, lakes and rivers, and of course that old Spanish castle magic.
Hundreds of villages and towns were transformed in the 50s, 60s and 70s when Hollywood arrived and changed their lives. Many of today's popular tourist resorts owe their initial prosperity to film makers, who hired entire populations, as well as the more than willing, disciplined Spanish army and police force to produce their epics about Romans, medieval knights or American GIs.
In this guide there are 101 films and their locations, (the title is of course a nudge and a wink to the Disney classic about the spotted dogs), and it is hoped that readers will visit these places and share the knowledge that Spain is a lot more than sun, sand and sangria; although that's all pretty good stuff too.
The book is dedicated to the memory of John Cabrera, who according to Bob Yareham, did more for the Spanish film industry than they will ever realise.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47027/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: 101 Locations' is a guide to where 101 of the most important English language films were made in Spain. The book, written in accessible English, covers all of Spain, but was written in Valencia by Bob Yareham who has taught and written in Valencia sinc...

### Totally Tropical Murcia

Terra Natura animal park in Murcia has opened a new section dedicated to mimicking the climate and ecosystem of the African Congo River.
The new area covers ​​625 square metres and is divided into three locations, two 150 square meters dedicated to housing primates and over 325 square meters where leopards roam.
Work began in January on the area which will also house three new creatures to seek out, a Brazza’s guenon, black and white colobus, and leopards.

Excerpt: Terra Natura animal park in Murcia has opened a new section dedicated to mimicking the climate and ecosystem of the African Congo River. The new area covers ​​625 square metres and is divided into three locations, two 150 square meters dedicated to housing primates and over 325 square meters where leopards roam. Work began in […]

### Corruption Complaint

President of the Spanish Government, Mariano Rajoy, has complained that an investigation into an ex-minister and former International Monetary Fund chief over alleged fraud and money laundering is damaging to his ruling political party, the Partido Popular.
Facing a tough election this year, Rajoy said that the investigation into Rodrigo Rato “particularly affects the Partido Popular” because the former minister “has been one of our most important assets”.

Excerpt: President of the Spanish Government, Mariano Rajoy, has complained that an investigation into an ex-minister and former International Monetary Fund chief over alleged fraud and money laundering is damaging to his ruling political party, the Partido Popular. Facing a tough election this year, Rajoy said that the investigation into Rodrigo Rato “particularly affects the Partido […]

### Cheesy Thief

The prosecutor of the courts in Logroño is asking for an 18 month prison sentence to be imposed on an individual who committed armed robbery of a Mercadona supermarket in the town.
The incident occurred in January when the man was found to have concealed five cheeses worth 20 euro about his person and attempted to leave the store without paying.
Having been stopped by employees, the man was surprised and threw three of the cheeses at employees.
He then fled the store and was later stopped by the police carrying the remaining two cheeses.

Excerpt: The prosecutor of the courts in Logroño is asking for an 18 month prison sentence to be imposed on an individual who committed armed robbery of a Mercadona supermarket in the town. The incident occurred in January when the man was found to have concealed five cheeses worth 20 euro about his person and attempted […]

### MEDIEVAL MARKET - 1, 2 AND 3 MAY IN VILLAJOYOSA

This year the Medieval Market being held in the picturesque old town centre of La Vila Joyosa (or Villajoyosa), will have real craft people on the stalls. 
Men and women who really make what they sell, which makes a change from all those fancy dress markets with barrow boys in medieval costume selling stuff that you can get cheaper in almost any pound shop. Villajoyosa Town Hall has invited the regional craft association Amata to organise the event, and some 40 aficionados are expected to set up shop with a wide range of really interesting and original work. 
A lively group of musicians plus a very talented juggler will guarantee a cheerful atmosphere.  There is, of course, the usual tavern and tea tent plus a merry-go-round and workshops for younger visitors.
Charro Escrig, the town councillor in charge of events like this, decided that this year this particular market would be something just a little different from most of the markets organised in so many places, where in fact little original craft work is to be seen. 
She chose Amata because this craft association is one of the very few organisers who guarantee the authenticity of all that is sold in the market.  Only "Artesanía de Autor" is admitted, which means that whatever is displayed has to be made by the man or woman at the stall.  So you pay a little more than if you buy it in your local basar, but for that you get something special and you pay a lot less than if you bought something in an exclusive galery.
So the visitor gets a chance to buy directly from the person who made the object and can even have something specially made to order if it is not quite what is wanted, although sometimes delivery might have to be made after the fair is over. 
All the stallholders bring their tools along and can often adapt the chosen item to suit your particular requirement, for example painting a special design or engraving a name on the chosen piece; Eloisa even makes 3D caricatures in plasticine (live or from a photograph; what a chance to get a special present for Mother's Day!)   Quite a few people will be working in their stall so that the visitor can see how much skill, patience and love goes into the making of one single object. 
This is not just a market with 40 stalls - these are real people who have chosen this way of life.  Joan makes lovely wooden toys and puzzles (even portraits from a photograph), Mikel makes colourful shoes and sandals for kids and adults and José Luis creates lamps that look like giant insects.
Francisco's pottery is at the same time traditional and surprisingly modern, the bags made by Tony will last you a life time (take them with you, if you like), Juanjo recycles all sorts of materials and makes original jewelry from spoons or forks and Daniela paints beautifully on Spanish roof tiles.  Several stalls offer design jewelry in all sorts of material: macramé, silver, ceramics, silk and even dried flowers.
The younger visitors can play table games, join a workshop or have a go on the merry-go-round, while their elders can fortify themselves in the tavern, the "pulpería" (your chance to try tasty nuggets of octopus) or take a tea or try typical Arab food in the Jaima. 
The slightly crazy musicians of Sol Redó enliven the market as does Ly, sometimes as a juggler, at others times walking around on stilts in a variety of fanciful costumes or amazing the crowd by tying herself into impossible knots while lying on a bed of very sharp nails.
The market opens on Friday the 1st of May at 4 pm.  On Saturday and Sunday the market stays open from 11 am till about 10 pm.  More information, also in English, on 639 979 678 and you can look at photos from other markets organised by Amata on www.amata.es.
Meanwhile, people living in the Jávea area who are looking for hand made gifts for Mother's Day and find Villajoyosa a bit out of the way, can still visit the weekly craft market, also organised by Amata, in Jávea - every Saturday (also on the 2nd of May!) from 10 till 2 in the Plaza Marina Alta, the square in front of the Post Ofiice near the Old Town. 
A list of participants and products (daily updated) you can find at http://www.amata.es/Javeasemanal.html.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47026/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This year the Medieval Market being held in the picturesque old town centre of La Vila Joyosa (or Villajoyosa), will have real craft people on the stalls. 
Men and women who really make what they sell, which makes a change from all those fancy dress markets with barrow boys in medieval costume selling stuff that you can get cheaper in almost any pound shop. Villajoyosa Town Hall has invited the regional craft association Amata to organise the event, and some 40 aficionados are expected to set up shop with a wide range of really interesting and original work. 
A lively group of musicians plus a very talented juggler will guarantee a cheerful atmosphere.  There is, of course, the usual tavern and tea tent plus a merry-go-round and workshops for younger visitors.
Charro Escrig, the town councillor in charge of events like this, decided that this year this particular market would be something just a little different from most of the markets organised in so many places, where in fact little original craft work is to be seen. 
She chose Amata because this craft association is one of the very few organisers who guarantee the authenticity of all that is sold in the market.  Only "Artesanía de Autor" is admitted, which means that whatever is displayed has to be made by the man or woman at the stall.  So you pay a little more than if you buy it in your local basar, but for that you get something special and you pay a lot less than if you bought something in an exclusive galery.
So the visitor gets a chance to buy directly from the person who made the object and can even have something specially made to order if it is not quite what is wanted, although sometimes delivery might have to be made after the fair is over. 
All the stallholders bring their tools along and can often adapt the chosen item to suit your particular requirement, for example painting a special design or engraving a name on the chosen piece; Eloisa even makes 3D caricatures in plasticine (live or from a photograph; what a chance to get a special present for Mother's Day!)   Quite a few people will be working in their stall so that the visitor can see how much skill, patience and love goes into the making of one single object. 
This is not just a market with 40 stalls - these are real people who have chosen this way of life.  Joan makes lovely wooden toys and puzzles (even portraits from a photograph), Mikel makes colourful shoes and sandals for kids and adults and José Luis creates lamps that look like giant insects.
Francisco's pottery is at the same time traditional and surprisingly modern, the bags made by Tony will last you a life time (take them with you, if you like), Juanjo recycles all sorts of materials and makes original jewelry from spoons or forks and Daniela paints beautifully on Spanish roof tiles.  Several stalls offer design jewelry in all sorts of material: macramé, silver, ceramics, silk and even dried flowers.
The younger visitors can play table games, join a workshop or have a go on the merry-go-round, while their elders can fortify themselves in the tavern, the "pulpería" (your chance to try tasty nuggets of octopus) or take a tea or try typical Arab food in the Jaima. 
The slightly crazy musicians of Sol Redó enliven the market as does Ly, sometimes as a juggler, at others times walking around on stilts in a variety of fanciful costumes or amazing the crowd by tying herself into impossible knots while lying on a bed of very sharp nails.
The market opens on Friday the 1st of May at 4 pm.  On Saturday and Sunday the market stays open from 11 am till about 10 pm.  More information, also in English, on 639 979 678 and you can look at photos from other markets organised by Amata on www.amata.es.
Meanwhile, people living in the Jávea area who are looking for hand made gifts for Mother's Day and find Villajoyosa a bit out of the way, can still visit the weekly craft market, also organised by Amata, in Jávea - every Saturday (also on the 2nd of May!) from 10 till 2 in the Plaza Marina Alta, the square in front of the Post Ofiice near the Old Town. 
A list of participants and products (daily updated) you can find at http://www.amata.es/Javeasemanal.html.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47026/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### EMPLOYMENT GROWTH IN TOURISM INDUSTRY

The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism, José Manuel Soria, recently opened the 15th World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit together with the President of the Autonomous Region of Madrid, Ignacio González; the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization, Taleb Rifai; and the President and Chief Executive Officer of the WTTC, David Scowsill.
Every year, this global summit brings together more than 1,000 representatives from the tourism sector, governments and the international media, with the aim of raising the international community's awareness of the growing importance of tourism and the potential of the tourism industry for sustainable development at a global level and for economic growth.
The Minister for Industry stressed that holding the Global Summit in Madrid will make it the very epicentre and capital of the tourism industry and recalled that this congress will facilitate the exchange of experiences between the sector and participating governments, who will discuss the importance of this activity.
José Manuel Soria confirmed that the tourism sector is acting as a catalyst for growth, economic development and job creation, which all help drive economic recovery, not only in Spain, but throughout the world.
José Manuel Soria highlighted the drive of this industry in Spain, which represents 11% of GDP, and covered 165% of the Spanish trade deficit in 2014. He also highlighted the progress in terms of job creation, with the sector representing 12% of total employment in Spain.
The Minister for Industry also underlined that the positive trend in tourism-based employment is continuing into 2015, with March recording a 5.9% year-on-year increase. This is the highest figure for March since records began.
To a considerable extent, this figure is a result of the best Easter Week for eight years, according to data released by the sector and the government, with an average occupation rate of 80%.
However, it should be stressed that every single month from May 2014 to March 2015 has posted the highest figure on record.
These figures are not only due to the increase in inbound tourists, with a record-breaking figure of 6.5 million, a 4.5% increase on the corresponding period for 2014, but also to the net improvement in domestic tourism.
José Manuel Soria stressed that these figures have led to Spain becoming the world benchmark model for tourism, which was made possible by the government making this industry a State priority.
This project has been principally based on its cross-cutting nature, the idea which laid the foundations for the road map for tourism in Spain - the National and Comprehensive Tourism Plan 2012-2015 - which has now been 75% implemented, and was the very first plan of the government in this term of office, which has contributed to this sector's competitiveness, profitability and innovation.
About the WTTC
This forum, which advocates public-private collaboration, seeks results that bring together the needs of the economy, of local and regional authorities and of companies, based on the recognition of tourism as a priority for governments, as well as periodically setting the strategic priorities of tourism with the aim of identifying the issues that create most problems for the sector and for its positive development.
On this occasion, the congress tackled the future of tourism in Europe, its infrastructure and investments, as well as the role of Madrid as a global destination and as a hub between Spain and Latin America, and indeed the rest of the world.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47025/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism, José Manuel Soria, recently opened the 15th World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit together with the President of the Autonomous Region of Madrid, Ignacio González; the Secre...

### BACK INTO THE POOL AFTER EASTER

After a few weeks Easter break this seasons swimming competitions resumed.  On Sunday 19th April, it was the turn of the younger regional swimmers in the 6th League competition, held in the 25m Municipal Pool, Elda. 
Eight of the regions clubs were challenged in the 200m Individual Medley and the 400m and 200m Freestyle events.
Seven members of Club Natacion Torrevieja participated in this event, two of the youngest team members, Leila Hernandez and Jhoely Cejas, swimming their very first competitive races. Other team members, Nicolas Acuna, Georgy Murskiy and younger brother Konstantin, swam races never tried before.
The other two team members Vicky Pigneur and Amy Connolly were challenged with improving upon previous best times in their 200m Individual Medley races.  Vicky was close to her PB but it was Amy who managed to improved upon her previous time by 19 seconds.
This coming weekend it is the turn of the older swimmers in their two day timed control event in the Municipal Pool, Petrer, followed by the Clubs Masters on the 10th May.
For more information regarding Torrevieja Swimming Club please contact Rosa 665 454 126, President Felipe on 609 418 776 or Vicki 669 637 015 or by email on info@clubnataciontorrevieja.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47022/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: After a few weeks Easter break this seasons swimming competitions resumed.  On Sunday 19th April, it was the turn of the younger regional swimmers in the 6th League competition, held in the 25m Municipal Pool, Elda. 
Eight of the regions clubs were ch...

### HELP TO PRESERVE THE ENVIRONMENT

“El señor de la basura” (“Lord of the Rubbish”) was the title of a magnificent documentary the program Equipo de Investigacion de La Sexta produced about a known businessman in the Vega Baja. 
This man has become well-known as the owner of an illegal macro-dumping site where it is suspected untreated waste was buried. Also suspected is the bribery and corruption of politicians who were accomplices in this heinous attack on health and the environment.
This is not the only case. Waste treatment businesses are everywhere, from north to south, suspected of corruption and illegal business practices that produce unimaginable profits. This kind of people do their own thing all across the country, in collusion with politicians and government institutions.
Nonetheless, we must think about the responsibility we all have in allowing such individuals to carry on. They not only are not interested in respecting the law but also care very little about the consequences of their actions on our environment, or on people. The only interest they have is growing their bank accounts at the expense of everything and everyone.
I know that for many separating rubbish to promote recycling is a hassle. It is much easier to put it all together in the same rubbish bin without thinking twice about the consequences. However, we are only hurting ourselves, and not only due to the serious damage caused to the environment for not recycling but also because it directly affects our pockets.
Spain does not produce petroleum and is therefore forced to import it. Nonetheless, everyday millions of tons of petroleum-based products end up in landfills. Material that can be recycled. How many millions in petroleum imports could we save if we placed plastic in the yellow bin? How much would the cost of petroleum fall if there was lower demand due to recycling plastic?
Currently, we are paying more than €40 a ton for waste that ends up in the landfill. We have all seen furniture, toys and other heavy objects placed in the wrong containers. What amount of our tax dollars is being squandered by not recycling these items properly?
The more waste we generate, the more attractive we make business for those “lords of the rubbish,” who only think about themselves. If we recycle properly, they would no longer be attracted to the rubbish business and we could likely put an end to a lot of corruption.
In addition, municipalities like Orihuela charge for each ton of material recycled properly. In other words, one ton of recycled material represents a savings of €40, just by not ending up in the landfill. And, we produce revenue from its sale. A double benefit.
I am not going to fool you. I recycle because I believe it is the right thing to do. Because I want to save the environment for future generations. Because I believe we are guests on this planet and we must respect it and take care of it for generations to come. But, if you do not think like I do, look for an advantage in the paragraphs above and dare yourself to recycle. We all win.
Javier Gracia was elected to the fifth position on the List of Candidates for Cambiemos Orihuela in the upcoming municipal elections.
In the above article he writes about the waste management problems that have plagued Orihuela and issues a call for every resident from the Coast to the City to do their part and recycle.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47021/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: “El señor de la basura” (“Lord of the Rubbish”) was the title of a magnificent documentary the program Equipo de Investigacion de La Sexta produced about a known businessman in the Vega Baja. 
This man has become well-kn...

### APRIL 2015 MEETING OF THE VEGA BAJA GARDEN CLUB.

The main presentation for the Easter meeting was on the subject of drought resistant plants. This very interesting talk was made by Anna van Dijkh, assisted by Irene Davis, and will have been of great assistance to all gardeners here in Spain. 
The well illustrated presentation explained many aspects of the special adaptations that enable these fascinating plants to survive in very dry conditions.
As this was the Easter meeting and held on Easter Monday, the competition had a special light-hearted Easter theme, it was for the best Edible Easter Bunny.  The best entry was judged to be that of Irene Davis, whose bunny had even brought along his carrots for lunch!
The May meeting of the Club will focus on a favourite flower, the rose.  For Rose Month, the competition will be in three categories, a singe bloom, a floribunda, and the best perfumed rose. Each category can be entered as many times as you wish, but please remember to bring your flowers in vases suitable for display. 
There will also be a quiz on the topic of roses, organised by the club's own rosearian, Ron Harris.
The next meeting will be held at Bar Trasgu, Calle Alicante 12, Formentera del Segura, on Monday 4th May at 2.15 for a 2.30 start.
If you are interested in gardening and would like to come along to the meeting, please do so, you will be most welcome.
For further information, please contact The Vega Baja Garden Club at vegabajagardenclub@gmail.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47020/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The main presentation for the Easter meeting was on the subject of drought resistant plants. This very interesting talk was made by Anna van Dijkh, assisted by Irene Davis, and will have been of great assistance to all gardeners here in Spain. 
The we...

### LEADER NEWS BITES 20 APRIL 15

ROYAL GIFT
PONY-TAILED Pablo Iglesias shunned protocol to give King Felipe the complete ‘Game of Thrones' series when they met for the first time on Wednesday. The king reacted graciously at the MEP meet-up in Brussels, grinning and admitting he had not yet seen the series. Podemos leader Iglesias reportedly gifted the violent series to him so he might ‘better understand the political crisis in Spain'. It was the king's first visit as monarch to the European Parliament to greet the 54 Spanish MEPs, five of whom are Podemos politicians.
COCA COLA DECISION OVERTURNED
Spain's Supreme Court said Wednesday it had upheld a lower court decision to void the layoffs of 1,190 workers at Coca-Cola Co.'s Spanish bottler, saying it infringed on workers' right to strike as the bottler didn't present workers with a detailed plan of its decision to close down some of its factories in 2014. The ruling follows a dispute ongoing for more than a year and means workers at four out of 11 bottling plants that were scheduled to close can return to their jobs with back salaries.
HATE CRIMES 
Forty percent of the 1,285 hate crimes reported to police across Spain last year targeted gays and lesbians, the interior ministry said on Tuesday. there were a total of 513 hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation or sexual identity reported to police in 2014, a 13.5 percent increase over the previous year, the ministry said in a report. The vast majority of the victims, 72 percent, were women.
MONUMENT DESECRATED
On the threshold of the Armenian Genocide centennial, a medieval Armenian monument has been desecrated in Alicante. The local Armenian community has applied to authorities with a request to renovate the cross, find the criminals and hold them accountable who say they are taking measures to ensure security during all events the Armenian community organizes in April and to ensure that monuments are not damaged in the future.
PSOE GAFFE
The PSOE has apologised after accidentally voting in parliament for a proposal on abortion that his own party is against. Socialist chief Pedro Sanchez pressed the wrong button during the vote on whether to debate a law requiring minors to get parental permission before getting an abortion. "I deeply regret my error," he said. The move, proposed by the governing Popular Party (PP), passed easily due to its parliamentary majority. Sanchez faced ridicule on social media for the gaffe. Some users drew comparisons with Homer Simpson, the US cartoon character who once avoided a nuclear meltdown by guessing which button to press in an emergency.
WAR ON TERRORISM
SPAIN'S foreign affairs minister has suggested setting up an international 'terrorism tribunal' in a bid to fight the spread of Jihad at the Euro-Arab summit meeting in Barcelona last week. José Manuel García-Margallo says this would be a completely separate entity from the existing International Criminal Court and would allow countries which have not yet signed up to the latter – such as China, the USA and Israel – to join forces in the war on terrorism.
MOBSTER HELD
One of Italy's most wanted gangsters has been detained on the Costa del Sol in Spain while trying to withdraw money from a post office. Lucio Morrone, known as "Spalluzzella", is described by Spain's Guardia Civil as head of a dangerous clan in the Naples Camorra. He was sentenced to 20 years in jail for drug trafficking and on the run for five years, says Spain's Civil Guard. Morrone was caught in a joint operation involving Spanish and Italian police.
VOTING WEBSITE
Website crypto problems on the Spanish online voting registration website are causing it to generate all manner of security warnings. Attempts to visit the sede.ine.gob.es site – run by Spain's National Statistics Institute and introduced this year for municipal/regional elections –lead to users being confronted with a security warning. However, the warnings vary depending on the operating system and browser a surfer is using. A spokesman said that such website problems are sadly common.
CATHOLIC BASTION
 More than half of Spaniards admit that they are either "not religious" or are "convinced atheists", according to a new global study that shows the dramatic loss of faith in the traditionally Roman Catholic nation. In fact with one in five Spaniards insisting that they are "convinced atheists" Spain ranks fifth on the global list of adamant non-believers. The study surveyed 63,398 people in 65 countries in a bid to discover global religious trends. Once the bastion of Roman Catholicism, only 37 percent of those polled described themselves as "religious".
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL
The Catalonian town of Navás has installed Spain's first stolpersteine - stones commemorating victims of the Holocaust. The five stones were unveiled on Thursday afternoon in memory of five neighbours who died in Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp near the villages of Mauthausen and Gusen in Austria.  The 10cm by 10cm stones include their details; names, date of birth and their place of death, as a way to commemorate their lives. The stolpersteine memorials were created by German artist Gunter Demnig
WHAT TRANSPARENCY?
Spain ranks in the bottom four when it comes to regulating the "hidden influence" of lobbyists in government, according to a report on European countries released by Transparency International on Wednesday. Spain was ranked 16th out of the 19 countries surveyed - with only Italy, Cyprus and Hungary faring worse - with an overall score of 21 percent for being able to safeguard against undue influence from lobbyists.
HEADING TO SPAIN
BRITISH pensioners are cashing in and heading abroad to make the most of new pension reforms. Buying a holiday home abroad – particularly in Spain – has been identified as ‘one of the main investments' made by pensioners withdrawing large sums from their savings. Reforms introduced by UK chancellor George Osborne allow people unlimited withdrawals from their pensions after age 55. And while most people are not seeking an immediate payout it seems those that do are spending it overseas.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47019/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ROYAL GIFT
PONY-TAILED Pablo Iglesias shunned protocol to give King Felipe the complete ‘Game of Thrones' series when they met for the first time on Wednesday. The king reacted graciously at the MEP meet-up in Brussels, grinning and admitting he had not yet seen the series. Podemos leader Iglesias reportedly gifted the violent series to him so he might ‘better understand the political crisis in Spain'. It was the king's first visit as monarch to the European Parliament to greet the 54 Spanish MEPs, five of whom are Podemos politicians.
COCA COLA DECISION OVERTURNED
Spain's Supreme Court said Wednesday it had upheld a lower court decision to void the layoffs of 1,190 workers at Coca-Cola Co.'s Spanish bottler, saying it infringed on workers' right to strike as the bottler didn't present workers with a detailed plan of its decision to close down some of its factories in 2014. The ruling follows a dispute ongoing for more than a year and means workers at four out of 11 bottling plants that were scheduled to close can return to their jobs with back salaries.
HATE CRIMES 
Forty percent of the 1,285 hate crimes reported to police across Spain last year targeted gays and lesbians, the interior ministry said on Tuesday. there were a total of 513 hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation or sexual identity reported to police in 2014, a 13.5 percent increase over the previous year, the ministry said in a report. The vast majority of the victims, 72 percent, were women.
MONUMENT DESECRATED
On the threshold of the Armenian Genocide centennial, a medieval Armenian monument has been desecrated in Alicante. The local Armenian community has applied to authorities with a request to renovate the cross, find the criminals and hold them accountable who say they are taking measures to ensure security during all events the Armenian community organizes in April and to ensure that monuments are not damaged in the future.
PSOE GAFFE
The PSOE has apologised after accidentally voting in parliament for a proposal on abortion that his own party is against. Socialist chief Pedro Sanchez pressed the wrong button during the vote on whether to debate a law requiring minors to get parental permission before getting an abortion. "I deeply regret my error," he said. The move, proposed by the governing Popular Party (PP), passed easily due to its parliamentary majority. Sanchez faced ridicule on social media for the gaffe. Some users drew comparisons with Homer Simpson, the US cartoon character who once avoided a nuclear meltdown by guessing which button to press in an emergency.
WAR ON TERRORISM
SPAIN'S foreign affairs minister has suggested setting up an international 'terrorism tribunal' in a bid to fight the spread of Jihad at the Euro-Arab summit meeting in Barcelona last week. José Manuel García-Margallo says this would be a completely separate entity from the existing International Criminal Court and would allow countries which have not yet signed up to the latter – such as China, the USA and Israel – to join forces in the war on terrorism.
MOBSTER HELD
One of Italy's most wanted gangsters has been detained on the Costa del Sol in Spain while trying to withdraw money from a post office. Lucio Morrone, known as "Spalluzzella", is described by Spain's Guardia Civil as head of a dangerous clan in the Naples Camorra. He was sentenced to 20 years in jail for drug trafficking and on the run for five years, says Spain's Civil Guard. Morrone was caught in a joint operation involving Spanish and Italian police.
VOTING WEBSITE
Website crypto problems on the Spanish online voting registration website are causing it to generate all manner of security warnings. Attempts to visit the sede.ine.gob.es site – run by Spain's National Statistics Institute and introduced this year for municipal/regional elections –lead to users being confronted with a security warning. However, the warnings vary depending on the operating system and browser a surfer is using. A spokesman said that such website problems are sadly common.
CATHOLIC BASTION
 More than half of Spaniards admit that they are either "not religious" or are "convinced atheists", according to a new global study that shows the dramatic loss of faith in the traditionally Roman Catholic nation. In fact with one in five Spaniards insisting that they are "convinced atheists" Spain ranks fifth on the global list of adamant non-believers. The study surveyed 63,398 people in 65 countries in a bid to discover global religious trends. Once the bastion of Roman Catholicism, only 37 percent of those polled described themselves as "religious".
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL
The Catalonian town of Navás has installed Spain's first stolpersteine - stones commemorating victims of the Holocaust. The five stones were unveiled on Thursday afternoon in memory of five neighbours who died in Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp near the villages of Mauthausen and Gusen in Austria.  The 10cm by 10cm stones include their details; names, date of birth and their place of death, as a way to commemorate their lives. The stolpersteine memorials were created by German artist Gunter Demnig
WHAT TRANSPARENCY?
Spain ranks in the bottom four when it comes to regulating the "hidden influence" of lobbyists in government, according to a report on European countries released by Transparency International on Wednesday. Spain was ranked 16th out of the 19 countries surveyed - with only Italy, Cyprus and Hungary faring worse - with an overall score of 21 percent for being able to safeguard against undue influence from lobbyists.
HEADING TO SPAIN
BRITISH pensioners are cashing in and heading abroad to make the most of new pension reforms. Buying a holiday home abroad – particularly in Spain – has been identified as ‘one of the main investments' made by pensioners withdrawing large sums from their savings. Reforms introduced by UK chancellor George Osborne allow people unlimited withdrawals from their pensions after age 55. And while most people are not seeking an immediate payout it seems those that do are spending it overseas.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47019/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ANGELINA JOLIE, ACTRESS AND ADVERTISING MENTOR, RECEIVED BY POPE FRANCIS

Angelina Jolie has traveled to the Vatican to project her film 'Unbroken' and greeted pope Francis, as confirmed by the deputy director of the Vatican Press Office, Father Ciro Benedittini, who specified that during the screening of the film the Pope "was not present".
According to a press release issued by Universal, the filmmaker and actress was accompanied by Luke Zaperini, the son of Louis Zamperini, the olympic athlete who honors the film.
Jolie has said that being invited to the Vatican was an "honor" and a "great tribute to the history of 'Unbroken', the story of a hero, a great example of strength and forgiveness."
'Unbroken' is a drama-war film produced and directed by Angelina Jolie. It tells the story of Louis Zamperini, Olympic athletics star and hero of the Second World War, who during a military mission had an accident in the Pacific Ocean, which survived with only two companions.
He spent 47 days adrift on a raft, until they managed to reach an island. They were found by Japanese soldiers who tortured him and captured as a POW.
Moreover, consumers like to associate the brands with celebrities, according to a global survey about celebrities, conducted by ACNielsen. "We live in a time when internet has changed our habits. When purchasing products, consumers want to see the shop windows, but they declare that advertising influences them much time to decide." A total of 23,500 Internet users in five countries have opted for Angelina Jolie as mentor for casual wear.
In general there are two famous in which all consumers agree: Nicole Kidman to advertise sleepwear and Angelina Jolie for casual wear. "Another interesting point is that the Europeans appreciate the more individualistic images of George Clooney and Johnny Depp," highlights ACNielsen.
The survey shows that the marriage of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie has become the most profitable advertising partner.
Clemente Ferrer
Independent Forum of Opinion    
http://indeforum.wordpress.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47018/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Angelina Jolie has traveled to the Vatican to project her film 'Unbroken' and greeted pope Francis, as confirmed by the deputy director of the Vatican Press Office, Father Ciro Benedittini, who specified that during the screening of the film the Pope "was not present".
According to a press release issued by Universal, the filmmaker and actress was accompanied by Luke Zaperini, the son of Louis Zamperini, the olympic athlete who honors the film.
Jolie has said that being invited to the Vatican was an "honor" and a "great tribute to the history of 'Unbroken', the story of a hero, a great example of strength and forgiveness."
'Unbroken' is a drama-war film produced and directed by Angelina Jolie. It tells the story of Louis Zamperini, Olympic athletics star and hero of the Second World War, who during a military mission had an accident in the Pacific Ocean, which survived with only two companions.
He spent 47 days adrift on a raft, until they managed to reach an island. They were found by Japanese soldiers who tortured him and captured as a POW.
Moreover, consumers like to associate the brands with celebrities, according to a global survey about celebrities, conducted by ACNielsen. "We live in a time when internet has changed our habits. When purchasing products, consumers want to see the shop windows, but they declare that advertising influences them much time to decide." A total of 23,500 Internet users in five countries have opted for Angelina Jolie as mentor for casual wear.
In general there are two famous in which all consumers agree: Nicole Kidman to advertise sleepwear and Angelina Jolie for casual wear. "Another interesting point is that the Europeans appreciate the more individualistic images of George Clooney and Johnny Depp," highlights ACNielsen.
The survey shows that the marriage of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie has become the most profitable advertising partner.
Clemente Ferrer
Independent Forum of Opinion    http://indeforum.wordpress.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47018/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### STERLING STILL BEING BUFFETED BY THE UK GENERAL ELECTION

Sterling experienced a modest end to last week, falling slightly against both the euro and US dollar following the latest round of television debates between political party leaders.
A lack of economic data releases this week will keep investor attention firmly fixed on the UK General Election, with competition likely to intensify as we draw closer to the vote. The major UK event of the week looks likely to be the release of minutes from the latest meeting of the Bank of England (BoE) Monetary Policy Committee.
Although the committee remained unchanged in its decision to leave interest rates on hold, investors will be looking for further insight into their reasoning.
Thursday will see the release of retail sales data for the month of March, which is forecast to show a slight slowdown in sales growth throughout March compared to the previous month. Year-on-year the growth is still expected to be a healthy 5.5%.
Eurozone data this week; will it boost the euro
Greece and its debt problems continue to be the centre of attention. On the whole the rhetoric is positive but until all is agreed it is very difficult to predict the actual outcome. Otherwise the euro enjoyed a steady week last week with no major movements.
Today we have the release of the March Eurozone Purchasing Managers Index for the Service Sector which is expected to hold steady.
Similar to the UK we then have a raft of data covering output for industry and manufacturing for the Eurozone released towards the end of the week. If the Greek debt problem doesn't blow we could see some confidence return to the Eurozone economy and possibly the euro.
Will the US Dollar bounce back?
Fridays big event was the Non-farm payroll figures. After a period of exceeding expectations this came in much lower than expectations. Was this a surprise, probably not, as we had already seen economic data releases on a downward curve for the last few weeks.
The strength of the dollar has certainly been hurting US exports and the removal of the quantitative easing programme has also reduced the “adrenalin rush” that had powered the US economy over the last few years. The likelihood of an increase in US interest rates happening soon seems to be receding. Although we saw a some weakness for the US dollar it wasn't significant.
This week, we will see the release of the Federal Reserve meeting minutes on Wednesday, which should show a detailed report of their most recent meeting. With various members recently showing mixed signs of a preferred time for a rate hike, it will be interesting to see where the majority sits and what figures they want on increased growth before agreeing to raise interest rates.
With the less significant weekly unemployment claims indicator on Thursday and import prices on Friday, we could be in for a quiet week.
How is China's economy faring?
• HSBC's Purchasing Managers Index for China is released on Thursday. It is expected to continue to show contraction but an improvement on the previous month. China is not moving forward as quickly as it once did but is still a key driver for the world economy
• More positive data out of Canada saw it complete what was a very positive week all around, as it extended its position of three-month highs. This was largely due to Statistics Canada reporting that retail sales rose 1.7% in February, significantly exceeding the expectation for a 0.2% gain. 
Jackie Nicholls, Website: overseasguidescompany.com  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47016/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Sterling experienced a modest end to last week, falling slightly against both the euro and US dollar following the latest round of television debates between political party leaders.
A lack of economic data releases this week will keep investor attent...

### TELEVISION CAUSE A SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE WITH OBESE CHILDREN

Today's children will live fewer years and with worse quality of life than their grandparents, because of the problems caused by obesity and passivity, as warned the president of the organizing committee of the Congress of the Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition in Spain. 
In the last ten years, childhood obesity has doubled reaching 13.9% in this country. Moreover, 30% of obese children will remain so well into adulthood.
The comfortable habit of leaving children in front of the TV to not importune too, does a disservice to the health of children. Two New Zealand scientists have shown that watching too much television during childhood increases the chances of being obese more directly than a poor diet or not exercising. 41% of people who are overweight at 26 years of age coincides with those who spent more hours during their childhood watching television.
According to the Aladino study, also in Spain, 19.1% of children aged between six and nine years are obese and 26.1% are overweight.
The causes for this are lack of exercise and nutritional habits. The most serious consequence of obesity is sleep apnea. It can also cause joint and back disorders, and is the leading cause of hypertension, according to the Center for Biomedical Research Network-Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition.
An obese child between 10-14 years old is 22.3% more likely to remain so between 21 and 29 years than one who was not obese. This situation can be avoided doing sports and eating well, "which does not mean eating less or more, but properly," says the study.
The main problems of childhood obesity are cardiovascular and endocrine. But there is another great danger: cancer.
According to a study published in the journal "Cell" overweight acts as a tumor promoter in general and particularly in the liver. Nevertheless, the US Center for Consumer Freedom launched a campaign against overweight under the slogan "Obesity: epidemic or exaggeration?".
It seems that some would deny the obvious in the fattest country in the world. The Journal of the Medical Association stated that obesity was the second cause of death in this country.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com  Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47015/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Today's children will live fewer years and with worse quality of life than their grandparents, because of the problems caused by obesity and passivity, as warned the president of the organizing committee of the Congress of the Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition in Spain. 
In the last ten years, childhood obesity has doubled reaching 13.9% in this country. Moreover, 30% of obese children will remain so well into adulthood.
The comfortable habit of leaving children in front of the TV to not importune too, does a disservice to the health of children. Two New Zealand scientists have shown that watching too much television during childhood increases the chances of being obese more directly than a poor diet or not exercising. 41% of people who are overweight at 26 years of age coincides with those who spent more hours during their childhood watching television.
According to the Aladino study, also in Spain, 19.1% of children aged between six and nine years are obese and 26.1% are overweight.
The causes for this are lack of exercise and nutritional habits. The most serious consequence of obesity is sleep apnea. It can also cause joint and back disorders, and is the leading cause of hypertension, according to the Center for Biomedical Research Network-Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition.
An obese child between 10-14 years old is 22.3% more likely to remain so between 21 and 29 years than one who was not obese. This situation can be avoided doing sports and eating well, "which does not mean eating less or more, but properly," says the study.
The main problems of childhood obesity are cardiovascular and endocrine. But there is another great danger: cancer.
According to a study published in the journal "Cell" overweight acts as a tumor promoter in general and particularly in the liver. Nevertheless, the US Center for Consumer Freedom launched a campaign against overweight under the slogan "Obesity: epidemic or exaggeration?".
It seems that some would deny the obvious in the fattest country in the world. The Journal of the Medical Association stated that obesity was the second cause of death in this country.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com  Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47015/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### RAFA GOMEZ RESCUES POINTS FOR TORRY

CD TORREVIEJA ..........1 FC JOVE ESPANOL ......1
BY SANDRA HEATH 
With just 5 games of the season remaining the Salineros really need to pick up the pace if they want to enhance their chances of reaching the promotion positions.
Realistically there is just one playoff place left, that currently occupied by local rivals CD Orihuela, and even that might just be a game or so too far, still 6 points ahead of Torrevieja.  
But despite being unbeaten in seven their form is not quite good enough, five of those results ending in draws. Nothing less than 3 pts was the message from manager Pedreño going into Sunday evening's fixture with relegation threatened FC Jove Español.
And despite their lowly position the Sanvicenteros have had a couple of decent results themselves of late, including a well earned 3-1 home success against Cullera last weekend, so ‘pushovers' they will certainly be not.
I don't think that anybody in the crowd was expecting another home game ‘goal glut'.  And as expected Jove certainly tried to make a game of it although for the major part of the first period it was Torry that dominated in most areas with a much more disciplined display.  The first major opportunity fell to Brani who saw his fierce drive turned around the post by keeper Millan.
It was an excellent effort and the Jove keeper did well to turn it away. On 25 minutes it was the head of Carrasco that went close but again Millan was equal to the Torry veteran's attempt. Jorge was unlucky when his effort hit the bar on 35 minutes but then the crowd were in raptures when the next attack of the game brought the Torry goal.  And it was an excellent build up that did the job bringing the very best as the home side moved the ball through just about every player, from back to front.
The result was a little scrappy as the ball deflected into the net off the head of Rafa Gomez, but they all count and the lead was no more than Torry deserved for their open and exciting play. Unfortunately with a goal in the bank the second period saw Torry go off the boil as Jove came much more into the game. Obviously needing the points for reasons of their own the visitors began to take the game to their hosts although without providing too many problems for Oscar in the Torry goal.
Indeed it took fully 30 minutes before their first real effort of the game but Oscar once again proved his worth when he saved well from Callero's shot.  Unfortunately the one blot on an otherwise professional display came on 35 minutes when Brani saw red for a foul outside the box on Adrian. Fortunately the resulting effort from  Javo sailed harmlessly over the bar.  
With Orihuela beating Ribarroja 1-0 as we went to press the win has done little for Torry other than keep them on the leaders tails. Still 6 pts from those playoff positions the games are sadly running out. Next weekend Torry face a difficult trip to Novelda but the new found confidence they are currently enjoying under Pedreño is surely worth a goal start.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47009/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: CD TORREVIEJA ..........1 FC JOVE ESPANOL ......1
BY SANDRA HEATH 
With just 5 games of the season remaining the Salineros really need to pick up the pace if they want to enhance their chances of reaching the promotion positions.
Realistically there...

### MIKE PROBERT TALKS GOLF 20 APRIL 15

Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.
Around and about the courses – Las Colinas
Las Colinas Golf & Country Club is an exclusive private community built around a world class championship golf course located on 10,000 hectares of Mediterranean woodland in a natural valley with excellent sea and mountain views.
From the moment that you drive through the Canyon style entrance the impact of the resort is instantaneous and you just know you are in for something special.
The course is set amidst orange and lemon groves, giving a traditional sense to playing golf and it works its way seamlessly through the natural topography making the best use of the views, hills and valleys.
The clubhouse is of a Mediterranean style incorporating the UNiK CAFÉ and THE GLASS BAR overlooking the 18th green, the golf shop and locker rooms.
The golf course has been designed by Cabell B. Robinson who is also responsible for other acclaimed courses such as La Reserva (Soto Grande) and Finca Cortesin on the Costa del Sol, Praia d-El Rey in Portugal and the Royal Golf d'Evian in France and hold the European Tour stage 2 qualifying event every year.
The course has generously wide fairways and more than the usual amount of right to left dog leg holes which will suit the lower handicap golfer who can draw the ball.
The course has six lakes which are well positioned to catch errant shot and they come into play more over the closing holes.
If you are planning a golf tour to the Costa Blanca then you simply must add this course to your schedule.
We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us.
The deals shown in the attached table are some of the best currently available to you.
Deals of the week: 5 month membership at Vistabella between May and September 2015 for only €590 and crazy days prices at Vistabella of only €92 for 2 players and buggy (shop price €109) at weekends until June 2015.
For bookings and more information contact Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com or direct on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 quoting reference LEADER.
Weather Watch
The temperatures will be in the 16-22 degree range there is the threat of rain mid-week with partially cloudy conditions most days.
Hollow Tine Watch
Vistabella - 21st-27th April 2015
La Manga North - 27th-30th April 2015
Quotation of the Week
“Golf is a game of finding what works,losing it again and finding it again” - Ken VenturiFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47008/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golf...

### FRANK CLOSE DOES IT AGAIN

Following his great win in the Valencian  Championships,  Emerald Isle's Frank Close continued his winning ways by taking the Men's Singles title at his home club, beating Roy Mercer of Monte Mar 21-16.  In The Ladies Singles, Ann Marie Stevenson, representing Vistabella Club, beat Mel Highland of Quesada.
National Champions Keith and June Jones failed in their bid for the Mixed Pairs title this year, losing in an early round to a team from Country Bowls. The title went to John and Jill Albutt who overcame Carl and Ann Eagle in an extra-end decider.
This year Calpe's small club were represented and reached the semi-final of the Mixed Rinks. That final was played out by the team of Mel and Colin Highland, Peta Rhodes and President John Muldoon of Quesada who fell to L and D Eldon, P Wardrop and  Y Briden from El Cid club in a close-fought final.
Mel Highland, who reached three finals, teamed up with newcomer to Quesada, Jaqui Johnston, in the Ladies Pairs but lost to D Lane and S Thompson of Finca Guila by one shot. In the Men's Pairs Keith Jones and Mal Hughes of San Luis club had a convincing victory over the Mazzaron Team of A Benton and M Chambers. 
Keith's team also won the Mixed Triples when he was joined by June and Colin Jackson. They beat El Cid's team of the Eldons playing with Yvonne Bryden, 32-25.
President Jean Cooper presented the trophies and thanked the host club and the many spectators who enjoyed a feast of good bowling under a clear blue sky.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY CARL EAGLEFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47006/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Following his great win in the Valencian  Championships,  Emerald Isle's Frank Close continued his winning ways by taking the Men's Singles title at his home club, beating Roy Mercer of Monte Mar 21-16.  In The Ladies Singles, Ann Marie Stevenson, repr...

### ALICANTE TO ATTRACT 15 CRUISE SHIPS TO JUNE

Locally, in the port of Alicante, the authorities say they are scheduled to receive15 cruise ships between now and the end of June bringing into the region over 28,000 tourists with each cruise spending an average of 10 hours in the city. 
In an attempt to prevent the leakage of tourists to other neighbouring municipalities city tourist chiefs say that they will vigorously promote Alicante during berthing to make the passengers aware of everything that the city offers. 
They have also recently launched a tourist train that will connect the port with the city moving passengers backwards and forwards between their cruise ship and the town. The aim is to provide easy access to the centre which it is hoped will help to retain the visitors in the area. The train will also provide a tour of the city centre.
Itineraries that will be made available to visitors have been designed with two objectives:  to give easy access to trade and catering establishments in the city, as well as many local sites of interest. The tourist train will also enable the visitors to be moved around the city with the minimum possible impact on traffic in the urban centre as shown last week by Mayor Miguel Valor when he ‘test rode' the train, together representatives of Sis Tours, one of the company's that promotes the initiative.
This new service strengthens the position of the Port of Alicante amongst emerging competitors who are all similarly vying for trade from the new brand of ships that are now cruising around the Mediterranean. Similar offensives undertaken by other coastal municipalities in the province, such as Benidorm and Torrevieja, who are also hoping to attract the revenue from the ships, their berthing fees, and other passenger benefits, has forced Alicante to be more aggressive in the sector to try to keep ahead of the competition.
Tourists arriving on cruise ships are considered high value to local economies, the average expenditure of each of which is estimated at 75 euros per person per day. Iin addition to this must also be added the spend of crews, which can also be quite significant.
According to the new chairman of the Port Authority, Juan Ferrer, the port of Alicante plans to double the number of cruise passengers during 2015 to 88,000 passengers who will arrive aboard 49 vessels. Last year ended with 34,583 passengers landed on 29 cruises, so the figure expected this year represent a little more than double than numbers previously received.
Meanwhile the head of the Spanish Port Agency Spain Jose Llorca said that” the Spain expects the number of visiting cruise ship passengers to exceed the historic level of 8 million as the business benefits from factors such as the depreciation of the euro versus the dollar”. He further added that” the cruise sector is a pillar of his country's tourism industry”.
The Ports of Spain this year's edition of the cruise industry's most important event brings together representatives of 24 port authorities and 40 firms in the tourism sector, a larger contingent than in previous years.
Apart from Spain's cultural, historical and gastronomic treasures, the “good infrastructure and the adequate depth” of Spanish ports make the country attractive for cruise lines, he said. Spain is well established as tourism destination, “but we need to renovate constantly and to be creative” to attract more and more cruise passengers, he said.
Barcelona and the Balearic Islands still account for 64 percent of the cruise ships that dock in Spain, representing 4.9 million passengers.
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47004/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Locally, in the port of Alicante, the authorities say they are scheduled to receive15 cruise ships between now and the end of June bringing into the region over 28,000 tourists with each cruise spending an average of 10 hours in the city. 
In an att...

### HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS JOIN ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE

Some 200,000 pilgrims joined in the annual walk to the Santa Faz monastery this week, joining what Regional President of Valencia, Alberto Fabra, described last year as a sign of “unity and strength” as there is nothing that can stop “the will of an entire people”.
In fact, although there were fewer attendees than last year, when some 300,000 pilgrims took the 7.5 kilometre trek, it was anticipated that last year would have been particularly busy on account of the event celebrating its 525th anniversary, it was inevitable in this election year that politicians would see the opportunity to gain support from the attendees.
The weather at the start of the day was cool, with clouds lining the sky, resulting in less fainting and heat related medical problems than in previous years, as from 7 in the morning the streets surrounding the Cathedral of St. Nicholas filled the streets with people collecting their bamboo rods with a sprig of rosemary protruding from the top, enjoying a blessing, before setting off on the pilgrimage.
The politicians began to gather in the town hall square, with key members from all the major political groups being in attendance. The regional secretary of the PSOE, Ximo Puig, and Enric Morera from Compromís and Fernando Llopis from the UPyD, amongst others, all ready to walk in the presence of the PP head, Alberto Fabra, ensuring a balance of political representation.
The walk itself seemed quicker this year, with even the mayor, Miguel Valor, passing a joking comment that Bishop Jesús Murgui had switched to “turbo”. In just one hour and 45 minutes the official delegation covered the route between the Cathedral of St. Nicholas and the Monastery of Santa Faz.
Almost becoming as traditional as the pilgrimage itself, there are often numerous protests along the route, although this year seemed to offer less than usual in terms of manifestations, with even a noticeable absence, perhaps due to the electioneering, of the traditional banner complaining about cuts in public transport outside the headquarters of Vectalia.
One group who did protest was a collective of traders opposed to the construction of an Ikea superstore in Rabasa, Alicante, who decided to take their protest to Santa Faz, albeit in a light-hearted manner. The only serious protests came in the form of a group of workers in Telefónica shirts, an anti-abortion association with an information booth.
Bishop Jesús Murgui emphasised that the event was both “unique” and “super special” for Alicante, on account of it “uniting us all” in the 15th century monastery where the holy Santa Faz relic is kept, a linen sheet on which Christ's face is depicted, with a single tear falling from the right eye. 
The relic that was brought over from The Vatican in the 15th century by a Franciscan priest, padre Villafranca , and according to popular tradition, is the fabric with which Veronica dried the bleeding face of Jesus on the Way of the Cross.
During both the walk and the subsequent celebrations afterwards, the political infestation continued, with perhaps the most curious element being the PP mayoral candidate Asunción Sánchez Zaplana coordinating pictures with Santa Faz for posting on social networks.
As the faithful reached the end of their pilgrimage and headed the monastery square, a mass was held by the Bishop of Orihuela-Alicante and the retired bishop, Rafael Palmero, before the time to rest, as the pilgrims then enjoyed craft stalls and food, visited one of the sideshows, went shopping and enjoyed their day, until a storm hit in the afternoon, bringing the whole day to an abrupt and dramatic close for another year.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47003/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Some 200,000 pilgrims joined in the annual walk to the Santa Faz monastery this week, joining what Regional President of Valencia, Alberto Fabra, described last year as a sign of “unity and strength” as there is nothing that can stop &ldquo...

### ORIHUELA COSTA RBL GET A TOUR OF SPAIN’S TRAFFIC LAWS

The Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion gathered at the Olympia Restaurant Mil Palmeras last Thursday evening for their regular monthly meeting although with rather more anticipation than is usually the case as the evening's guest speaker was Francisco Morales, a serving member of the Guardia Civil.
Francisco, who is one of a team of five volunteers behind the increasingly popular N332 Website and Facebook page, explained that he was delighted to attend the meeting. 
After his colleague Mark Nolan had explained the thinking behind the Facebook venture, which had grown from humble beginnings just two short months ago to a reference site with over 10,000 followers, Francisco took to the floor with his presentation on Driving in Spain. 
He started with background on the Guardia Civil themselves, many of whom are currently serving across the globe alongside the United Nations.  He explained that having returned from serving a 12 month tour in a conflict zone himself he joined Trafico in Torrevieja when he quickly became aware of the difficulties faced by expatriate drivers in Spain.
His concerns were shared by a number of colleagues so, together, they hit on the idea of the Facebook site. At no stage though did they ever consider just how popular it would become with it now reaching the point where it virtually needs full time attention.
Francisco spoke in very general terms about problems experienced by expat drivers as he briefly examined the law and although he wasn't able to deal with specific problems he did take questions which were answered by email the following day. 
Following the presentation the Branch Chairman Keith Carter spoke of the close relationship that had developed between the Guardia Civil and the Royal British Legion in the area, thanking him for his talk and inviting him to attend the Remembrance Day Service in Mil Palmeras. Francisco was then presented with a Certificate of Appreciation together with a number of small souvenirs.  
The Facebook page and website for those wishing to brush up on their driving knowledge here in Spain are as follows: Facebook simply search for N332, website - http://n332.es.  Further information on either project can be obtained by email at: news@n332.es. Further information on the Orihuela Costa Branch of the RBL is at: www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/spain-northFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47002/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion gathered at the Olympia Restaurant Mil Palmeras last Thursday evening for their regular monthly meeting although with rather more anticipation than is usually the case as the evening's guest speaker...

### THE EURONICS DARTS LEAGUE 16 APRIL 2015

Well that's it folks, the conclusion of yet another Euronics season, one of the best yet.  At the top of the pile Hub Meerkats retained their unbeaten record for successive seasons and the league title, but only just as the Hyenas took them to the wire with a draw, shared points and plenty of smiles.
Simon Williams Hyenas finished a comfortable second and well deserved, with Porter House ending third, their highest position to date.  In Division 2 Breakaways were comfortable champions, losing just the one match, but taken to a draw on five occasions, this week by Karl Mallinson´s Ale House who have really found their mark of late.  
Que Pasa Kestrels finish strongly to finish a well deserved second, their tenth victory of the season and a real together side.  Well done!  Just three more weeks of the season remaining this week both Cup Finals are taking place, the first at Porter House where the Meerkats take on the Hyenas and down at Playa Flamenca in the Busters bar where Pint Depot Kings hope to topple the Porters from Porter House.  
The following week, April 30th, is reserved for Semi-Finals of Mens, Ladies individuals, pairs and triples.  The week after, May 7th will finalise all competitions and conclude the 2014-2015 season with the presentation of prizes.  Both weeks will be at the Celler venue, formerly Decades and will include a complimentary buffet and the renowned league raffle with prizes valued at around €1,000.  
A captains notice will be distributed this week advising all players of registration and start times.  Both evenings will have an 8.00 p.m. start with players registration opening at 7 p.m. but closing at 7.45 p.m. irrespective of the timing of individual events.  Presentation evening will also include the Leader Newspaper Merit Awards for teams, ladies and mens performances which have been contested all season on a weekly basis.
On to this week´s darts and the top match Meerkats v. Hyenas.  Several players in current form really made it a night to remember.  Nearly 50 tons and ton pluses most going the way of the Hyenas included a maximum from cuddly Spice and a wire away from a 144 out from Shaun Smith (after hitting 2 treble 20s).  Lee Maiden just missed the bull for a more modest 127 out, but team mate Dave Frew topped the lot with a 142 out on D20.  Magnificent!  
The Kats got off to a lively start via Paul Durrant on an 80 out, Smith hitting a 140 for the Hyenas.  Spicer levelled on D16 and then hit a ton in the third, Smith adding two more.  But it was Kat Frew who completed the leg on D5 after finding 133 and 121.  Frew then partnered Pat Abrams in the first pair, Abrams opening with a 140, Smith a ton.  Requiring 142, Frew found T17 first dart, unusual to say the least, then a further T17 and lastly D20 for a super 142 finish.  
Alex Nikolov made it 3-2 for the Kats plus a 140 followed by Spicer and Joe Hawkins expecting to level after a ton and 180 from the cuddly one.  It was however Maiden who closed out for a 4-2 half time lead.  Spicer opened the singles against Del Kingsbury in a shared 6 ton thriller, the Hyena coming out on top 2-0.  Smith made it all square with 3 tons, opponent Maiden hitting 100 and 2x140.  Abrams gave the Kats a slender one leg advantage taking out John Eyre, followed by Durrant winning two legs to nil against Harrison ensuring the draw and more importantly keeping the Kats unbeaten record intact.  
Nikolov faced Hawkins in the 11th and took the opener on D10 after a 103.  A further two tons followed from the Bulgarian, Hawkins finding two of his own plus D16 to level.  Two more tons from the Hyena were enough to see off the Nikolov challenge, Hawkins completing the 501 on D1.  Frew took the first on D20 in the last match of the evening hoping to take the match for the Kats.  Opponent Joe Miller had other ideas and returned 2x100 in the first, 140,100 and D20 in the second and 140,100,D18 in the third for a well deserved draw.
Breakaways finished their season as top dogs of Division 2, with just one defeat, but it so nearly was two as the Ale House went 6-4 up with a real chance of toppling the champions.  It was 3 apiece at half time, courtesy of Ivan Jones D18 Sarah Simpson D3 and Paul Lear D4 for the Breakaways.  Ian Phillips D4, Kay Hobbis D1 and Karl Mallinson D18 gaining the honours for the Ale House.  Kelvin Angel made it 4-3 for the Alers on D16, Mike Douglas 95,100 and D2 making it all square once again.
Brian Hobbis had a tidy game finishing on D2 for the Alers fifth leg, followed by Tony Woods ensuring the draw on D2 against a lively Mike Snow.  With a win in their sights Mallinson´s men looked a certainty for both points.  Enter left the reliable Sarah Simpson to take the 11th on D4 and Jones on D2 for the 12th leg draw and shared points.
The Porter House ended the season on a convincing win against the Junction Jackals.  A 5-1 half time lead, pointed the way to a heavy Jackals defeat, despite three tons in the second triple from Phil de Lacy, Kenny Wilkinson and Jimmy Gray, in a leg won by Peter Ayres on D14.  It went the other way in the third, Matt Jackson hitting 2x100 but Steph Simpson finding D10 for the Jackals only leg of the match.  
Sid Cross 135,D2, Ray Hayes 100,D8, Ray Sanderson D20 and Ayres D9 taking the Porters total to 5 at the break.  Jackson had a comfortable win in the first singles on D10 and D19, similarly Brian Nash 140,95,D9,D20 to take the match and points.  Debbie Metcalfe won two of the three against Simpson on D8 and D4 in a game that included a 121 and 90 for the Porter.  
Nice one Debbie.  Ayres gave his usual sound performance with 2x121, D20 and D4, Cross doing a similar job on de Lacy.  Captain Ray Sanderson concluded the evening winning two of three on D4 against Nigel Elvery.
Finally, Derek Kingsbury and myself have decided this is to be our last season at the helm of the Euronics league. This year is our sixth full session after taking over the Luke Salt league part way through the 2009 season.  One or two changes have been implemented, primarily our sponsorship with the Euronics company and Debbie Wright who have been exceptionally generous and supportive during their three years of involvement.  
The Leader newspaper has also played a major part in the Euronics success by way of informing our players of results within the full page coverage of Euronics darts every week.  
We introduced the free issue top of the range dart board to ensure every team played on the same quality board week in week out, a new one issued each season.  Most recently, in fact for the past two seasons, each bar has been allocated around 9 adverts per season published in the Leader, all part of the participants entry fees.  Quite innovative and well received.  
All in all, I hope the readers of this column, players and bars have enjoyed their six seasons of Thursday evening darts as we both have enjoyed yours for 99% of the time!
A report will of course be published to cover the next three weeks of Euronics darts.  Over and out!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/47001/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Well that's it folks, the conclusion of yet another Euronics season, one of the best yet.  At the top of the pile Hub Meerkats retained their unbeaten record for successive seasons and the league title, but only just as the Hyenas took them to the wire...

### TWO OF THE UK’S MOST WANTED FUGITIVES CAPTURED IN 24 HOURS

Two suspected drug traffickers who featured in the Operation Captura fugitive campaign have been arrested in the space of 24 hours.

Paul Monk, aged 54, from Romford, Essex was captured on Tuesday morning at his luxury four bedroom villa in Javea, Alicante, following an operation involving the Guardia Civil and the National Crime Agency.
When armed officers swooped Monk was directing workmen that were laying a marble patio around his swimming pool. An imitation firearm with silencer and 125,000 Euros were recovered.
On Wednesday morning Jayson McDonald, aged 37, from Acton, was apprehended as part of a separate joint investigation with the Dutch authorities. Officers found McDonald hiding under a bed at an apartment in Amsterdam.
McDonald had been hiding in Spain but it is believed he based himself in the Netherlands after officers raided a property where he was living in the Coín area of Malaga.
Both men are wanted by the Metropolitan Police on suspicion of drugs offences and are currently in custody awaiting extradition proceedings.
Dave Allen, Head of the UK International Crime Bureau at the NCA, said: “Our ability to capture two of our most wanted fugitives in different countries within 24 hours demonstrates the NCA's international reach.
“Nowhere is a safe haven for British fugitives and we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners across the world to track them down and return them to the UK to face justice.”
Monk was allegedly involved in the handover of one kilo of cocaine in Cockfosters, London, in May 2013, and is also linked to the seizure of 24 kilos of cannabis in Colchester in October 2013.
McDonald is believed to be a member of a Europe-wide organised crime network responsible for the importation of class A drugs into the UK.
The arrests are less than a month after the men were publicised through Operation Captura – the multi-agency initiative between Crimestoppers, the NCA and the Spanish authorites. A total of 68 out of 86 fugitives on the list have now been caught.
Shane Walford, aged 38, from Coventry, who went on the run while on licence for manslaughter, was publicised at the same time as Monk and McDonald. He was arrested in Fuerteventura as he attempted to board a flight to Ireland.
Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC, the Founder and Chair of Crimestoppers,  said: “It is a fantastic result to have three arrests within the first month of the latest appeal. It really is a testament to the hard work carried out by the NCA, Spanish authorities and Crimestoppers to ensure these fugitives are brought to justice.
“This should be a warning to the remaining 18 individuals on the Captura list that they cannot hide forever. If the public continue to contact Crimestoppers and give information anonymously, I am confident we will see more arrests in the future.”
Information given to Crimestoppers can help locate the fugitives on the Captura list. For those people calling from Spain there is a special freephone Spanish 900 555 111 telephone number which will be answered in the UK by Crimestoppers' call agents. A translation service is available upon request. People can also pass on information anonymously via the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111 or online at 
www.crimestoppers-uk.orgFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46999/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Two suspected drug traffickers who featured in the Operation Captura fugitive campaign have been arrested in the space of 24 hours.

Paul Monk, aged 54, from Romford, Essex was captured on Tuesday morning at his luxury four bedroom villa in Javea, Al...

### CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE

The Department of Health has given the green light to the new childhood immunization schedule, as published last week in the new calendario de vacunación infantil
As a result, all girls aged 12 to 13 are now being offered HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccination as part of the childhood vaccination programme. The vaccine protects against cervical cancer. 
Because of the sheer numbers of girls involved and to ensure adequate vaccination coverage, the vaccine is currently being given to girls who were born in 2001 and 2002. Next year the programme will be extended to include girls born in 2003 and 2004.
The HPV vaccine consists of two injections into the upper arm spaced at least six, and not more than 24 months apart.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46997/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Department of Health has given the green light to the new childhood immunization schedule, as published last week in the new calendario de vacunación infantil
As a result, all girls aged 12 to 13 are now being offered HPV (human papilloma ...

### VOLKSWAGEN PRESENTS NEW DIGITAL SUPERCAR

Volkswagen is expanding its GTI fleet and sending a new supercar onto the digital race circuit. The engine roaring under the bonnet of the GTI Supersport is a 503 HP VR6 TSI coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG).
The design of this digital supercar combines the Volkswagen icon with sheer racing design. Following last year's roadster, another version of the GTI, with its long racing tradition, can now head for the starting line on Gran Turismo®6, exclusively on PlayStation®3.
The first impression of this racer already shows that the Supersport is what fans want and is designed for racing. 665 Nm of torque catapult the virtual GTI to 62 mph per hour from a standing start in only 3.6 seconds. At full throttle, the virtual racer reaches a top speed of over 186 mph. The gigantic power output is transferred to the virtual asphalt via 4MOTION all-wheel drive and 20-inch GTI advanced alloy wheels.
A glance in the rear view mirror is enough to worry competitors of the Supersport GTI: the basic shape of the body is still reminiscent of GTI ancestors but every pore of this latest GTI offspring exudes racing character. Proportions and body surfaces have been optimised for an extremely low centre of gravity and widespread use of carbon elements makes the new digital supercar a real lightweight with a power-to-weight ratio of only 2.5 kg per horsepower.
At the broad, powerful front end of the aerodynamically optimised body, prominent features are vertical light modules and generous air intakes with the honeycomb configuration typical of the model. While the broad shoulders at the rear provide the ideal ventilation for the brakes, the prominent roof-edge spoiler and flamboyant diffuser make the Supersport hug the track when fighting for the fastest lap time.
Volkswagen's latest digital creation can be clothed in “Reflex Silver”, “Gran Turismo Red”, “Lapiz Blue” or “Oryx White” and is now available to Gran Turismo 6 players for downloading.
The sixth generation of the legendary racing game available exclusively for PlayStation has been on sale since 2013. The fleet includes almost 1,200 different vehicles which can race on a total of 37 circuits.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46996/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Volkswagen is expanding its GTI fleet and sending a new supercar onto the digital race circuit. The engine roaring under the bonnet of the GTI Supersport is a 503 HP VR6 TSI coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG).
The design of this digi...

### ORIHUELA-ALICANTE BISHOPRIC FAILS TO REMOVE FRANCO SYMBOLS

Fifteen Bishoprics, including Orihuela-Alicante, have been reported to the courts for failing to remove symbols of the Franco dictatorship and Spanish Civil war.  
The Law of Historical Memory, which came into being in 2007, requires all symbols of the period to be removed, something that the Bishoprics have failed to carry out.  The Law also requires the graves of Francisco Franco, José Antonio Primo de Rivera and General Queipo de Llano, be moved from their prominent basilica locations and the remains reburied elsewhere. Only the bodies of popes, cardinals or bishops are allowed to be interred on such sites.
The denuncia was served by human rights lawyer, Eduardo Ranz, last Tuesday April 14 on the anniversary of the proclamation of the Second Republic.
He states that the 15 Bishoprics all  offend against the independence of the State Article 589 of the Penal Code. The include the bishoprics and archbishops of Madrid, Córdoba, Segovia, Cuenca, Merida-Badajoz, Coria-Cáceres, Badajoz, Almeria, Cartagena, Valencia , Orihuela-Alicante, Sevilla, Sigüenza-Guadalajara, Zaragoza and Oviedo.
In Madrid, the lawyer lodged his denuncia against the Archdiocese, located in Bailen, in which he requested the removal of the symbols of Franco and the removal of the remains of Franco and Primo de Rivera from the Basilica of the Valley of the Fallen. 
Ranz also denounced the Archbishop of Seville requiring him to remove the grave of Lieutenant General Gonzalo Queipo de Llano from the Sierra Basilica of La Macarena, citing as precedent a case in Alicante, where the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Socorro removed a plate containing the words 'José Antonio', which was commemorating the founder of the Falange.
He says that if he fails to get a response in reasonable time from the courts or from the Bishoprics he will personally travel to Rome and seek an audience with the Pontiff himself.
On 11 February, the anniversary of the proclamation of the First Republic, Ranz initially charged 38 mayors for alleged criminal contempt of Article 410 of the Penal Code. This offense carries with it a fine of three to twelve months and a penalty of disqualification from public employment or office for a period of six months to two years. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46995/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Fifteen Bishoprics, including Orihuela-Alicante, have been reported to the courts for failing to remove symbols of the Franco dictatorship and Spanish Civil war.  
The Law of Historical Memory, which came into being in 2007, requires all symbols of th...

### THE UNFRIENDLY EXPAT

During this UK pre-election period, most of us will come to realise that statistics can be adjusted to mean almost anything to anyone. It was therefore with some cynicism that I read a recent article where the authors claimed that "Nearly one third of British expats have no local friends and refuse to stray beyond the safety of their British friendship groups".
The study went on to claim that only one in four expats would describe their social group as mainly British, with one in 10 admitting that their friends were exclusively British. Only 10 per cent of expats claimed to mix mainly with local people, and more than one third couldn't be bothered to learn the language, with a quarter admitting that they were not at all interested in the culture that they found themselves living in.
The implied message from the article was, of course, that British expats living overseas are a miserable lot, whilst expats from other countries are so much friendlier and easier to talk to. It all made for rather shocking reading, but then I remembered to add a rather hearty pinch of salt that I usually reserve for some of the more outrageous British tabloids.
Integrating into a new community, trying to learn the language, however many mistakes, as well as appreciating the culture, is all part of the adventure and process of settling into a new home, a new community and a new country. Even though technology now means that it is easy to maintain contact with friends and family in the UK, it is local friends and neighbours who will be there to advise and to help in a crisis.
Admittedly, the attitude of the host country and its people also has an impact upon the happiness of the newly arrived expat and will help to determine how quickly expats settle. One survey claims that the vast majority of expats immediately feel at home in New Zealand, with similar responses from expats living in Canada.  Again, it is the warmth of the welcome, and a shared language and culture that are the main factors for this result, but the same thing can happen in Spain, France, Italy and Portugal too.
So what relevance does all this data have upon the expat contemplating moving to or already living in Spain or another European country? It is true that expat life can sometimes revolve around mixing with and socialising with expats from the same country of origin. Much the same criticism can be said about the Germans, Swedish, Irish and Norwegians who often feel more comfortable and sheltered by their own communities, who are anxious to build their own churches, schools and hospitals, using only their own shops, restaurants and bars. Many British, Irish, German or Norwegian urbanisations that I visited as a reporter in Spain were clearly defended against perceived 'outsiders', including those from the host country. 
As a newspaper reporter in Spain's Costa Blanca, I once had the misfortune to report upon the misery of one Spanish couple who were being ostracised by their mainly British neighbours, for being the only Spanish couple living in 'their urbanisation'.
When I attempted to discover the reasons for the hostility, a range of complaints were thrown at me, including the couple having meals, drinking and partying late at night, playing loud Spanish music, their untidy garden, as well as parking in the wrong places. On the face of it, most were trivial complaints from a colony of Brits who preferred to be in bed by 10.30pm, and unwilling to adjust to the culture, timing and habits of residents from the host country.
Sadly, I later discovered that the Spanish family could stand the unpleasantness no longer and moved away from the area. The expats had missed good opportunities to learn from their Spanish neighbours. If they had bothered to learn a little Spanish, much could have been resolved through friendly discussion, as a well as adopting more of a 'live and let live' attitude to their neighbours.  It seemed that most of these expats were not happy people, and most would have been much happier living in Bognor Regis than in an expat urbanisation in the Costa Blanca.
On a more positive note, my own experiences of British expats is that most are more than happy to mix with their European neighbours, given the opportunity. Often, failure to mix is due to lack of motivation to learn the language, together with traditional British reserve and, unlike the article written around some rather suspect statistics, it has very little to do with a lack of willingness to make friends.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle. 
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46994/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: During this UK pre-election period, most of us will come to realise that statistics can be adjusted to mean almost anything to anyone. It was therefore with some cynicism that I read a recent article where the authors claimed that "Nearly one third of British expats have no local friends and refuse to stray beyond the safety of their British friendship groups".
The study went on to claim that only one in four expats would describe their social group as mainly British, with one in 10 admitting that their friends were exclusively British. Only 10 per cent of expats claimed to mix mainly with local people, and more than one third couldn't be bothered to learn the language, with a quarter admitting that they were not at all interested in the culture that they found themselves living in.
The implied message from the article was, of course, that British expats living overseas are a miserable lot, whilst expats from other countries are so much friendlier and easier to talk to. It all made for rather shocking reading, but then I remembered to add a rather hearty pinch of salt that I usually reserve for some of the more outrageous British tabloids.
Integrating into a new community, trying to learn the language, however many mistakes, as well as appreciating the culture, is all part of the adventure and process of settling into a new home, a new community and a new country. Even though technology now means that it is easy to maintain contact with friends and family in the UK, it is local friends and neighbours who will be there to advise and to help in a crisis.
Admittedly, the attitude of the host country and its people also has an impact upon the happiness of the newly arrived expat and will help to determine how quickly expats settle. One survey claims that the vast majority of expats immediately feel at home in New Zealand, with similar responses from expats living in Canada.  Again, it is the warmth of the welcome, and a shared language and culture that are the main factors for this result, but the same thing can happen in Spain, France, Italy and Portugal too.
So what relevance does all this data have upon the expat contemplating moving to or already living in Spain or another European country? It is true that expat life can sometimes revolve around mixing with and socialising with expats from the same country of origin. Much the same criticism can be said about the Germans, Swedish, Irish and Norwegians who often feel more comfortable and sheltered by their own communities, who are anxious to build their own churches, schools and hospitals, using only their own shops, restaurants and bars. Many British, Irish, German or Norwegian urbanisations that I visited as a reporter in Spain were clearly defended against perceived 'outsiders', including those from the host country. 
As a newspaper reporter in Spain's Costa Blanca, I once had the misfortune to report upon the misery of one Spanish couple who were being ostracised by their mainly British neighbours, for being the only Spanish couple living in 'their urbanisation'.
When I attempted to discover the reasons for the hostility, a range of complaints were thrown at me, including the couple having meals, drinking and partying late at night, playing loud Spanish music, their untidy garden, as well as parking in the wrong places. On the face of it, most were trivial complaints from a colony of Brits who preferred to be in bed by 10.30pm, and unwilling to adjust to the culture, timing and habits of residents from the host country.
Sadly, I later discovered that the Spanish family could stand the unpleasantness no longer and moved away from the area. The expats had missed good opportunities to learn from their Spanish neighbours. If they had bothered to learn a little Spanish, much could have been resolved through friendly discussion, as a well as adopting more of a 'live and let live' attitude to their neighbours.  It seemed that most of these expats were not happy people, and most would have been much happier living in Bognor Regis than in an expat urbanisation in the Costa Blanca.
On a more positive note, my own experiences of British expats is that most are more than happy to mix with their European neighbours, given the opportunity. Often, failure to mix is due to lack of motivation to learn the language, together with traditional British reserve and, unlike the article written around some rather suspect statistics, it has very little to do with a lack of willingness to make friends.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle. 
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46994/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### DOMESTIC TRAFFIC GROWS BY 22% AT EL ALTET

Domestic traffic has grown by 22.5 percent at the airport in Alicante-Elche in March, compared to the same month last year, with an additional 107,628 passengers.
Overall, a total of 669,004 passengers, 4.4 percentage points higher than 2014 were recorded using the airport, according to Airport Authority AENA in a statement released last week.
By nationality, passengers travelling through the airport came from UK with 264,335 passengers, followed by the Netherlands with 47,003, 45,887 Norway, Germany with 45,679, 37 741 Belgium and Sweden with 24,203 passengers.
In relation to the number of operations, the airport handled 4,737 flights in March, 4.1 percent more than in March 2014.
The greatest number of international flights were the UK totaled 1,578 operations, Spain (1,139), Netherlands (292), Germany (289), Norway (278), Belgium (275) and Algeria and Sweden (146).
In the full year, between January and March, El Altet airport has registered 1,671,423 passengers, 4.6 percent more than in the first quarter of 2014, and managed a total of 12,339 flights, 1.9% more than the same period last year.
Meanwhile the figures were not so rosy for San Javier Airport which has lost one in four passengers during the last 12 months.
In March just 28,551 passengers used the facility, albeit this figure was up 25.6% on the same month last year. However just 314 aircraft landed or took off, 10.5% less than in March 2014.
But the figures still show San Javier to be one of the most cost effective airports in Spain in terms of cost per passenger at just 10.41€ per person, slightly under the national average of 10.55€
Adolfo Suárez Airport Madrid-Barajas recorded the highest passenger traffic in March, with 3.6 million, which translates into a growth of 13.5% with 14 months of consecutive monthly increases since February 2014 .
Barcelona-El Prat Airport was the second airport with 2.89 million passengers, 7.1% more.
Also showing growth in passenger numbers airports Malaga-Costa del Sol with 900,448 (6.1%); Palma de Mallorca with 951,227 (7.2%) and Ibiza with 164,527 (13.7%) Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46993/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Domestic traffic has grown by 22.5 percent at the airport in Alicante-Elche in March, compared to the same month last year, with an additional 107,628 passengers.
Overall, a total of 669,004 passengers, 4.4 percentage points higher than 2014 were reco...

### BILINGUAL EDUCTION INTRODUCED IN ALMOST 500 SCHOOLS

Experts now realize that language training is essential for greater guarantees and access to increasingly demanding labour markets. 
This is something that the Ministry of Education has also come to realise and, as such, authorities have said that they aim to accelerate the implementation of multilingual education into Valencian schools. 
From next year, according to Education Councillor María José Catalá, as the Valencian Region invest more resources into bilingual educational programmes, there will be 477 schools in the Region that will offer lessons using the multilingual model with all schools fulfilling the programme by the year 2020-21. 
Of those 153 will be in Alicante, 53 in Castellon and 271 in Valencia. There will also be 42 new centers where the amount of multilingual education currently offered, will be doubled.
Establishments will be able to choose the courses that they offer in, predominantly, English. They will vary from natural or social sciences, to physical education, and mathematics
The councilor said that in order to implement this type of multilingual education it is necessary to have a highly trained teachers, which is why in recent years the teacher training courses in the region have focused on the English language and on new technologies.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46992/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Experts now realize that language training is essential for greater guarantees and access to increasingly demanding labour markets. 
This is something that the Ministry of Education has also come to realise and, as such, authorities have said that the...

### BBVA GIVE IN TO CHAINED COUPLE

Following the loss of their home, and after 94 days of confrontation during which time Sonia and Paco have been chained to a fence outside the BBVA de Alfonso El Sabio, close to the Alicante Central Market, the bank has finally agreed to reduce their 135,000 debt euro to just 10,000 which the couple have agreed to pay back over the next 15 years. 
In addition, Sonia's parents aged, 74 and 77, who acted as their guarantors, will no longer have to pay 160 euros a month following their default.
Having obtained a mortgage from the bank three years ago the couple, who have two young girls, lost their home in 2013. 
The tug of war with BBVA began when the couple became unemployed. During the first months, they were able to meet the mortgage payment from their unemployment benefits but when this was reduced they were forced to request a loan extension of an additional 11,000 euros.
Far from solving the problem, the situation worsened. Almost 40,000 euros in debt their benefits were stopped and it became impossible for them to deal with their monthly bills.
They ended up being evicted and the house was auctioned. During this process, the couple held talks with BBVA, initially suggesting a payment proposal for their outstanding debt but the company would not budge.
On December 23 Paco chained himself outside the bank but all the time negotiations continued. He was offered a reduction of his debt - 110,000 euros to 35,000 - payable for 12 years at almost 300 euros a month, but from a total income of 426 euros per month, 75 euros of which went to pay for their social housing, the couple rejected the proposal. 
The couple then enlisted the help of the Platform Affected by Mortgage (PAH) in Alicante while the pair continued to camp outside the branch as leverage. “The first night we tried to sleep in the ATM machine but the security firm alerted police and we were kicked out”, Paco said. Finally they decided to sleep in the open air accompanied by several members of the platform. 
What began as an act of protest turned into an encampment. There were several mattresses, sofa, tables, chairs and three tents. "There is no way that we are going to from here until they accept [the bank] our conditions," Paco said 80 days ago.
And the couple's actions were finally rewarded last Wednesday when they were called into the bank and the new terms agreed. Importantly the agreement states that the debt will not be inherited by the children in the unlikely event that it is not paid off by Paco and Sonia. “That was one particularly important clause that we insisted be included” the couple said.
Sonia, meanwhile, has thanked the PAH and other associations in Altea and Valencia that provided their support, as well as the thousands of people who gave their support or provided food and hot drinks.
For their part, the BBVA confirmed the agreement and pointed out that "this was not the first time that they had been offered a debt repayment plan". "We have never stopped looking for solutions", said a bank spokesman.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46991/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following the loss of their home, and after 94 days of confrontation during which time Sonia and Paco have been chained to a fence outside the BBVA de Alfonso El Sabio, close to the Alicante Central Market, the bank has finally agreed to reduce their 135,000 debt euro to just 10,000 which the couple have agreed to pay back over the next 15 years. 
In addition, Sonia's parents aged, 74 and 77, who acted as their guarantors, will no longer have to pay 160 euros a month following their default.
Having obtained a mortgage from the bank three years ago the couple, who have two young girls, lost their home in 2013. 
The tug of war with BBVA began when the couple became unemployed. During the first months, they were able to meet the mortgage payment from their unemployment benefits but when this was reduced they were forced to request a loan extension of an additional 11,000 euros.
Far from solving the problem, the situation worsened. Almost 40,000 euros in debt their benefits were stopped and it became impossible for them to deal with their monthly bills.
They ended up being evicted and the house was auctioned. During this process, the couple held talks with BBVA, initially suggesting a payment proposal for their outstanding debt but the company would not budge.
On December 23 Paco chained himself outside the bank but all the time negotiations continued. He was offered a reduction of his debt - 110,000 euros to 35,000 - payable for 12 years at almost 300 euros a month, but from a total income of 426 euros per month, 75 euros of which went to pay for their social housing, the couple rejected the proposal. 
The couple then enlisted the help of the Platform Affected by Mortgage (PAH) in Alicante while the pair continued to camp outside the branch as leverage. “The first night we tried to sleep in the ATM machine but the security firm alerted police and we were kicked out”, Paco said. Finally they decided to sleep in the open air accompanied by several members of the platform. 
What began as an act of protest turned into an encampment. There were several mattresses, sofa, tables, chairs and three tents. "There is no way that we are going to from here until they accept [the bank] our conditions," Paco said 80 days ago.
And the couple's actions were finally rewarded last Wednesday when they were called into the bank and the new terms agreed. Importantly the agreement states that the debt will not be inherited by the children in the unlikely event that it is not paid off by Paco and Sonia. “That was one particularly important clause that we insisted be included” the couple said.
Sonia, meanwhile, has thanked the PAH and other associations in Altea and Valencia that provided their support, as well as the thousands of people who gave their support or provided food and hot drinks.
For their part, the BBVA confirmed the agreement and pointed out that "this was not the first time that they had been offered a debt repayment plan". "We have never stopped looking for solutions", said a bank spokesman.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46991/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### RENAULT CHOSEN FOR BIGGEST ALL-ELECTRIC CAR CLUB IN SCOTLAND

A leading UK car sharing club has chosen an all-Renault fleet of eight 100 per cent electric ZOE hatchbacks and two all-electric Kangoo Van Z.E. for its first launch in Scotland.
E-Car Club is launching in St Andrews in partnership with St Andrews University and Transport Scotland.
Its fleet of 10 Renault vehicles ­will be located across the town, famous for its golf club and university, and will be available for the public to hire on an hourly or daily basis.
E-Car Club chose the ZOE Dynamique and Kangoo Z.E. Maxi as it has found them to be reliable and extremely popular with its members at its other locations across the UK.
Ben Fletcher, Renault UK's Electric Vehicle Product Manager, said: “This deal confirms Renault's status as a major player in the EV market.  We value the importance of electric car sharing in helping to reduce congestion and improve air quality in our towns and cities.
 “Local residents and tourists alike can now take advantage of these schemes knowing they are benefiting the environment around them and saving money at the same time.”
The E-Car Club represents a positive step in reducing the towns' carbon emissions, and towards the University of St Andrews' goal of becoming the UK's first carbon-neutral university.  The objective of the scheme is to improve local mobility, whilst reducing parking and congestion issues in an environmentally-friendly and affordable way. 
Hire rates in St Andrews are extremely competitive costing just £4.50 per hour – or £35 per day (24 hours) – for the Renault ZOE, and £6.50 per hour – or £50 per day – for the Kangoo Van Z.E.  The price includes power and insurance.
E-Car Club is the UK's first entirely electric car club, operating in multiple locations across the country with the objective of reducing the necessity for private car ownership and improving social mobility in a cost-effective, environmentally-friendly way.
Chris Morris, Managing Director of E-Car Club said: “I'm delighted to be able to officially announce the launch of E-Car Club in St Andrews. This is particularly significant to us as our first scheme in Scotland – once home to many of the E-Car team including myself – and our largest single deployment of vehicles to date.
 “St Andrews has an active sustainability agenda combined with some complex mobility needs. As a relatively remote community car ownership is naturally seen by many as essential, yet its historic layout and compact size have led to ever increasing congestion and parking pressure.
 “E-Car is a low cost, flexible and environmentally sustainable transport option which we are confident will prove popular with the local community, university students and tourists alike.”
The ZOE is an all-electric, five-door family hatchback available in three trim levels that comes with a very high level of standard specification, despite its competitive price-tag, which starts from £13,443 after the Government Plug-in Car Grant.  Standard specification includes items such as climate control and sat-nav. 
ZOE is available with a number of features that make for seamless electric vehicle ownership including remote monitoring of the battery and pre-heating the cabin via your smartphone as well as the Chameleon™ Charger that allows ZOE to make the most of the widest range of power supplies meaning excellent charging times in the real world. Retail ZOE customers also benefit from the free installation of fast-charging wall box at home.
ZOE holds the title of What Car? 2015 ‘Best Electric Car for less than £20,000', making it two What Car? awards in two years for the 100% electric hatchback.
The Renault Kangoo Van Z.E. is the world's first 100%-electric van produced directly by a mass-market vehicle manufacturer. The official range of 105 miles means that the vast majority of van users' daily driving can be done on one charge.
Sales of Renault's electric vehicle range, comprising of ZOE, Twizy and Kangoo Van Z.E, rose by 90 per cent in 2014 compared to the previous year. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46989/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A leading UK car sharing club has chosen an all-Renault fleet of eight 100 per cent electric ZOE hatchbacks and two all-electric Kangoo Van Z.E. for its first launch in Scotland.
E-Car Club is launching in St Andrews in partnership with St Andrews Uni...

### A HUNDRED DONORS GIVE BLOOD IN PILAR

The Alicante Transfusion Centre was in Pilar de la Horadada last weekend where approximately 100 donors turned up to give blood. Of the donors 19 were giving blood for the very first time.
Councillor Elisabet Marcos, who attended the centre herself, said that all expectations had been met with everyone encouraged by the numbers attending although the one disappointment was that 12 people who attended were not allowed to donate. 
Some of these were British, contributions from whom are still not allowed in Spain for fear of Variant Creutzfeld-Jacob Disease. Brits are still not able to donate if they have spent time either visiting or living in the United Kingdom for a cumulative time of 3 months or more between January 1st, 1980, through to December 31st, 1996.
Neither are they allowed to donate blood if they have received a transfusion in any country of the UK, which includes England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Island, but also includes the Channel Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar and the Isle of Man, any time from the 1st January 1980, right up to present day.
Following their contributions all donors were given a small gift by the Department of Health. Everyone was also entered into a raffle, the prizes for which were dinner for two and an all inclusive weekend getaway, presented by local transport company Grupo Caliche.
A spokeperson for the Transfusion service said that blood is still in extremely short supply and is currently being used in the province at a rate of approximately 250 units daily. He said that he thought the shortage was simply down to a lack of awareness of current needs and a fear of the procedure.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46987/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Alicante Transfusion Centre was in Pilar de la Horadada last weekend where approximately 100 donors turned up to give blood. Of the donors 19 were giving blood for the very first time.
Councillor Elisabet Marcos, who attended the centre herself, s...

### PODEMOS STILL EDGE POLLS WITH RULING PP TRAILING THIRD

In an opinion poll conducted by Metroscopia just last week, for the fourth month running, Spain's anti-austerity party Podemos ("We Can") held a narrow lead over the country's two mainstream parties, the ruling Partido Popular and the opposition Socialist party, PSOE.  
As such, if a General Election were to be held now Podemos would win by a narrow majority even though the poll shows that it has lost some support in recent months.
Podemos took five seats in elections for the European Parliament last May, just a few weeks after its formation, showing just how the austerity-weary Spaniards were turning away from the main establishment parties.
The next Municipal elections are due in just 5 weeks time with the next national election expected to take place towards the end of this year.
At a political rally last week Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy stressed that the economic turnaround has made the Spain economy one of the fastest growing economies in the euro zone. However many still feel that it has yet to filter down with nearly one in four of working-age people remaining without a job.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46986/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In an opinion poll conducted by Metroscopia just last week, for the fourth month running, Spain's anti-austerity party Podemos ("We Can") held a narrow lead over the country's two mainstream parties, the ruling Partido Popular and the opposition Socialist party, PSOE.  
As such, if a General Election were to be held now Podemos would win by a narrow majority even though the poll shows that it has lost some support in recent months.
Podemos took five seats in elections for the European Parliament last May, just a few weeks after its formation, showing just how the austerity-weary Spaniards were turning away from the main establishment parties.
The next Municipal elections are due in just 5 weeks time with the next national election expected to take place towards the end of this year.
At a political rally last week Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy stressed that the economic turnaround has made the Spain economy one of the fastest growing economies in the euro zone. However many still feel that it has yet to filter down with nearly one in four of working-age people remaining without a job.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46986/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### FALSELY ACCUSED FATHER REUNITED WITH HIS SON

A year and a half after 36 year old businessman Michelangelo last had contact with his son, Cristian Miguel Angel, the pair were able to enjoy a long overdue embrace when the 9 year old child finally returned to Torrevieja.
Michelangelo's ordeal began two and a half years ago back in December 2012 when his former partner and boy's mother Lissette SC falsely accused him of ill treatment.
He was arrested by the Guardia Civil and spent the next 24 hours behind bars, during which time the mother took the opportunity to leave the country with her child.
For a long period Lissette completely disappeared. She left no details of her whereabouts and Michelangelo was unable to make any contact. 
Only knowing that she was in Italy the father made contact with relatives, before travelling to the country to begin his search. After three trips, one of which resulted in a serious road accident and almost cost him his life, and having spent many thousands of euros in the process, Michelangelo engaged an Italian lawyer who was able to trace the young boy and his mother to Brescia, a few kilometers from Milan.
Nearly 16 hours and 1,600 kilometers later Michelangelo finally arrived in Brescia. He said that nothing else mattered at the time, his only wish being to be reunited with his son.
Speaking to the Spanish Press he said that when he eventually came across the boy he had been left alone in a park. "I was able to talk to him," recounts the father, "he was wearing a dirty tracksuit", but the child was nevertheless delighted to see him. “He was a little introverted at the time but when he came to realise who I was his feelings were quickly restored”.
At first, the boy was "introverted" and told the man "who had told him he was going to abuse." Nevertheless, the child has assured him that "luckily you picked me park '. Cristian, for the moment, and has been able to return to their "old friends" and family who raised him from birth.
Now, after another 18 months of court wrangling, Cristian has finally been allowed to return to his former home in Torrevieja and although at this stage it is not known how long the reunion will last both father and son are currently enjoying each other's company and making up for valuable lost time. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46985/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A year and a half after 36 year old businessman Michelangelo last had contact with his son, Cristian Miguel Angel, the pair were able to enjoy a long overdue embrace when the 9 year old child finally returned to Torrevieja.
Michelangelo's ordeal began two and a half years ago back in December 2012 when his former partner and boy's mother Lissette SC falsely accused him of ill treatment.
He was arrested by the Guardia Civil and spent the next 24 hours behind bars, during which time the mother took the opportunity to leave the country with her child.
For a long period Lissette completely disappeared. She left no details of her whereabouts and Michelangelo was unable to make any contact. 
Only knowing that she was in Italy the father made contact with relatives, before travelling to the country to begin his search. After three trips, one of which resulted in a serious road accident and almost cost him his life, and having spent many thousands of euros in the process, Michelangelo engaged an Italian lawyer who was able to trace the young boy and his mother to Brescia, a few kilometers from Milan.
Nearly 16 hours and 1,600 kilometers later Michelangelo finally arrived in Brescia. He said that nothing else mattered at the time, his only wish being to be reunited with his son.
Speaking to the Spanish Press he said that when he eventually came across the boy he had been left alone in a park. "I was able to talk to him," recounts the father, "he was wearing a dirty tracksuit", but the child was nevertheless delighted to see him. “He was a little introverted at the time but when he came to realise who I was his feelings were quickly restored”.
At first, the boy was "introverted" and told the man "who had told him he was going to abuse." Nevertheless, the child has assured him that "luckily you picked me park '. Cristian, for the moment, and has been able to return to their "old friends" and family who raised him from birth.
Now, after another 18 months of court wrangling, Cristian has finally been allowed to return to his former home in Torrevieja and although at this stage it is not known how long the reunion will last both father and son are currently enjoying each other's company and making up for valuable lost time. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46985/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### NO COMPENSATION FOR TABARCA DEMOLITIONS

The Supreme Court has denied compensation for the demolition of properties on the island of Tabarca because it hasn't yet been carried out.
The Superior Court of Valencia (TSJ) denied the right of compensation to the owners of the bungalows which were erected 20 years ago on protected land, at least until they have been demolished, the judgement says.
But despite the eviction of the occupants early last year, the Supreme Court is now voicing their doubts that demolition will ever take place. Because of changes to the law which have been introduced since the demolition order was originally made by the Supreme Court (SC) in 2009
The owners say they are claiming "damages for injuries related to the judicial ruling that cancelled their license of occupation. They say they have also lost income as a result of previously anticipated rental and holiday bookings that have been lost since the judgment was made.
Now, in a judgment made in December 2014, which was released last week, the Supreme Court have partially rejected the appeal filed by the owners against a decision of the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment stating that they can not claim compensation for damage that has not yet occurred.
The properties are located at the junction of la cala Birros and according to the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment they were illegally built in an area within the boundaries of one of Tabarca's protected areas.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46984/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Supreme Court has denied compensation for the demolition of properties on the island of Tabarca because it hasn't yet been carried out.
The Superior Court of Valencia (TSJ) denied the right of compensation to the owners of the bungalows which were erected 20 years ago on protected land, at least until they have been demolished, the judgement says.
But despite the eviction of the occupants early last year, the Supreme Court is now voicing their doubts that demolition will ever take place. Because of changes to the law which have been introduced since the demolition order was originally made by the Supreme Court (SC) in 2009
The owners say they are claiming "damages for injuries related to the judicial ruling that cancelled their license of occupation. They say they have also lost income as a result of previously anticipated rental and holiday bookings that have been lost since the judgment was made.
Now, in a judgment made in December 2014, which was released last week, the Supreme Court have partially rejected the appeal filed by the owners against a decision of the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment stating that they can not claim compensation for damage that has not yet occurred.
The properties are located at the junction of la cala Birros and according to the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment they were illegally built in an area within the boundaries of one of Tabarca's protected areas.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46984/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### FUNERAL COLLECTIONS RAISE 2K FOR AECC

The AECC have benefitted from two recent events raising between them almost 2000 euro.
 On Saturday 11th April a buffet, raffle and line dancing event was held at The Club, Quesada in memory of popular line dancing teacher John Briffa who sadly passed away on February 16th. 
John and his wife Sue ran the Dance Ranch line dancing troupe who hold regular classes at the Club. John will be sadly missed by his friends, family and pupils and will be remembered for his patience, kindness and the love he had for everyone. Almost 1100 euro was raised from Johns funeral, the raffle and donations on the day.
Meanwhile a further 765 euro was raised at Carmens Bar/Restaurant, El Chapperal. This came from a collection made after the funeral of Tony Endacott Weir, the late husband of Sylvia and father of Caroline and from the regular ‘Play your Cards right' afternoons held at the bar.
Julie Purdy the owner of the bar regularly raises money for charity and on this occasion was asked to give the money to a cancer charity. As the AECC is the Spanish charity for the fight against cancer they were delighted to accept the donation.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46974/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The AECC have benefitted from two recent events raising between them almost 2000 euro.
 On Saturday 11th April a buffet, raffle and line dancing event was held at The Club, Quesada in memory of popular line dancing teacher John Briffa who sadly passed...

### THE WEEKLY CRAFT FAIR IN JÁVEA CONTINUES TILL END OF MAY

Last Saturday the weekly craft market in Jávea started again, after a short Easter-holiday-break.  One of the participants was Toni, who showed an interested public how the traditional turrón (soft nougat) is made with simple and very natural ingredients: almonds, raw sugar, cinnamon and lemon rind.
From now on and till the end of May, between 10 and 15 craftsmen and women set up their stalls every Saturday morning (10am till 2 pm) in the square in front of the Post Office near the old Town Centre (Plaza Marina Alta), to sell their pottery and ceramics, their lamps made of recycled wood or twisted wire, their paintings, wooden toys or hand painted T-shirts and bags, or their own designs in jewelry. 
Every stall offers something different, all original items that you won't find anywhere else.  The craftsman or woman can explain how everything at his stall is made and they also accept special orders. 
Some forty people participate in these fairs, taking turns so that every week there is something different to see.  At http://www.amata.es/Javeasemanal.html you can see who is coming when and photographs of preceding weeks you can find at http://www.amata.es/JaveaSat15.html.
For more information (also in English) you can ring the organising association Amata at 639 979 678.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46973/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Last Saturday the weekly craft market in Jávea started again, after a short Easter-holiday-break.  One of the participants was Toni, who showed an interested public how the traditional turrón (soft nougat) is made with simple and very nat...

### MISSION POSSIBLE?

La Siesta Evangelical Church can boast a small keen Brass Instrumental Group who occasionally perform at church services and other functions. They are trained by Joe Wallace a former Royal Air Force bandmaster and retired music teacher.
The Norwegian Church, neighbours of the Evangelical Church, had a brass band but this had ceased to function. In order to ensure that these instruments were still used for church purposes the Norwegian church kindly donated them to La Siesta Evangelical Church. A small number were put to good use by a handful of members – even some beginners among the adults who form the group.
There being far too many instruments for local use, a decision was made to find another church home for the surplus. At this point an opportunity arose, as it was learned that a group of 35 young folk attending a Salvation Army church in Valdermoro, near Madrid, were struggling to share a small number of instruments to form a band. Arrangements were made for 19 instruments to be handed over to the Salvation Army officers at Valdermoro.
Chas Smith, a former Salvation Army cornetist in the U.K. and now choir director at La Siesta Evangelical Church went along with the instruments and held a workshop. The attached photograph shows Chas with one of the young folk with his gift of a Euphonim.
They are hopeful of becoming proficient enough to form a band and maybe before long visit La Siesta Evangelical Church with these instruments and perform locally. When this comes to pass, the instruments with their new owners will be visiting their original home in the hands of the next generation of church brass musicians. MISSION COMPLETED!
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46970/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: La Siesta Evangelical Church can boast a small keen Brass Instrumental Group who occasionally perform at church services and other functions. They are trained by Joe Wallace a former Royal Air Force bandmaster and retired music teacher.
The Norwegian ...

### WOMAN COMMITS FRAUD AND THEFT TO FUND £6.4 MILLION ONLINE BINGO ADDICTION

A woman, who was found guilty of a number of fraud and theft charges, has recently been sentenced to 30 months behind bars. She carried out the crimes at the prestigious Pembroke College in Cambridge, which is one of the oldest colleges in the area.
The woman, Jacqueline Balaam, was a finance officer at the college and she stole close to £300,000 in order to fund her online bingo addiction.
The 41-year-old has admitted to a range of fraud and theft charges carried out not only at the historic college but also at a local social club, where she had volunteered to be treasurer. Balaam told the courts that the reason she had turned to fraud and theft was because she had become addicted to online bingo on Jackpotjoy, which she had joined back in 2006.
Duplication of invoices to commit fraud
Balaam's position at Pembroke College meant that for a period of 18 months she was able to commit over 70 instances of fraud and theft, covering her tracks as she went along. However, when an internal audit was carried out at the college, her criminal activities were quickly discovered. In order to commit the crimes, Balaam started duplicating invoices for services and supplies that needed to be paid for.
It was revealed in court that during her time gambling on the site, Balaam had won on a number of occasions, sometimes winning five-figure sums. However, as a result of her addiction to online bingo she ended up using those winnings to continue playing at the bingo sites, eventually losing both the stolen money and any money that she had won.
During court proceedings, Balaam's defence lawyer told the jury that at no point had his client spent the stolen money on luxuries for herself or her home. He said that the money had been purely to fund Balaam's addiction, indicating that his client had a serious problem that she was unable to control.
Her job at Pembroke College had made it simple for Balaam to carry out her criminal activity undetected for some time, and during the eighteen month period she had taken hundreds of thousands of pounds to plough into her online gambling addiction.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46964/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A woman, who was found guilty of a number of fraud and theft charges, has recently been sentenced to 30 months behind bars. She carried out the crimes at the prestigious Pembroke College in Cambridge, which is one of the oldest colleges in the area.
T...

### THE ‘HOLY FACE’ OF SANTA FAZ

We all know how much they enjoy their fiesta's and religious festivals in Spain with the recent Easter celebrations amply demonstrating their faithfulness. 
Well now for Santa Faz,  a pilgrimage that is unique to this part of the country, one of the most important in the Alicante when over two hundred thousand people walk on the second Thursday after Easter from Alicante to San Juan.
Throughout the today and tomorrow thousands of pilgrims will visit the 15th century monastery where the holy Santa Faz relic is kept, a linen sheet on which Christ's face is depicted, with a single tear falling from the right eye. 
The relic that was brought over from The Vatican in the 15th century by a Franciscan priest, padre Villafranca , and according to popular tradition, is the fabric with which Veronica dried the bleeding face of Jesus on the Way of the Cross.
The Santa Faz relic is kept in a special room behind the main altarpiece in the Santa Faz Monastery, the Monastery of the Holy Face, and onThursday approximately 300,000 thousand residents of the Alicante region will make the Peregrina de la Santa Faz pilgrimage, the second most popular pilgrimage in Spain. 
Starting out at 8 o'clock in the morning from the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, the route to the Monastery is walked in about two and a half hours.
All of the participants carry a cane with a sprig of Rosemary at the top and, mainly following the Avenida de Denia, walk the 8km. There are stops along the route where you can sample the mistela (sweet wine) and the Alicante anise rolls. It is tradition to wear a black shirt and a neckerchief with Alicante colours: white and blue and of course comfortable shoes and a sun hat are a must.
Once the pilgrimage arrives at the monastery at about 10:30, there will be a mass in honour of the relic in which the pilgrims beg for mercy from the relic. Then there are buses to transport you back to the centre of Alicante or you can stay and enjoy a picnic or visit the craft market which accompanies this 500 year old tradition.
Preparation for the arrival in Santa Faz of the pilgrims got underway last week with local council workers erecting the outdoor stage on which Thursday's  mass will be celebrated. Once the stage was in place the workers then moved began to assemble "the paraeta" where pilgrims will be  offered traditional anise rolls accompanied by mistela.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46963/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: We all know how much they enjoy their fiesta's and religious festivals in Spain with the recent Easter celebrations amply demonstrating their faithfulness. 
Well now for Santa Faz,  a pilgrimage that is unique to this part of the country, one of the most important in the Alicante when over two hundred thousand people walk on the second Thursday after Easter from Alicante to San Juan.
Throughout the today and tomorrow thousands of pilgrims will visit the 15th century monastery where the holy Santa Faz relic is kept, a linen sheet on which Christ's face is depicted, with a single tear falling from the right eye. 
The relic that was brought over from The Vatican in the 15th century by a Franciscan priest, padre Villafranca , and according to popular tradition, is the fabric with which Veronica dried the bleeding face of Jesus on the Way of the Cross.
The Santa Faz relic is kept in a special room behind the main altarpiece in the Santa Faz Monastery, the Monastery of the Holy Face, and onThursday approximately 300,000 thousand residents of the Alicante region will make the Peregrina de la Santa Faz pilgrimage, the second most popular pilgrimage in Spain. 
Starting out at 8 o'clock in the morning from the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, the route to the Monastery is walked in about two and a half hours.
All of the participants carry a cane with a sprig of Rosemary at the top and, mainly following the Avenida de Denia, walk the 8km. There are stops along the route where you can sample the mistela (sweet wine) and the Alicante anise rolls. It is tradition to wear a black shirt and a neckerchief with Alicante colours: white and blue and of course comfortable shoes and a sun hat are a must.
Once the pilgrimage arrives at the monastery at about 10:30, there will be a mass in honour of the relic in which the pilgrims beg for mercy from the relic. Then there are buses to transport you back to the centre of Alicante or you can stay and enjoy a picnic or visit the craft market which accompanies this 500 year old tradition.
Preparation for the arrival in Santa Faz of the pilgrims got underway last week with local council workers erecting the outdoor stage on which Thursday's  mass will be celebrated. Once the stage was in place the workers then moved began to assemble "the paraeta" where pilgrims will be  offered traditional anise rolls accompanied by mistela.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46963/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### THE SONY SCANDAL: THE PROBLEM WITH MOORE'S LAW

Last November a scandal took place, the likes of which would likely send jitters down the spines of even the most strident  and forthright P.R. geniuses; the Sony Pictures Entertainment hack.
Hackers released a glut data. Employee personal information, confidential emails, salary information, company information and even unreleased films were thrown into the public realm, all of which proved hugely embarrassing and damaging for those concerned.
The 'Guardians Of Peace' took responsibility for the hack, and whilst security professionals, industry figures and the media have embarked on a guessing game in naming who was actually behind the attack - North Korea, angry employees, cyber criminals and Anonymous, to name a few - the real culprit is perhaps the driving force behind modern technology itself; Moore's Law.
Moore's Law was conceived in 1965 when Gordon E. Moore, co-founder of Intel, made the prediction that the number of transistors in an integrated circuit would double every two years. The prediction has remained correct since; technology companies are so sure of the law's predictions that they use it for long term planning and for the setting of research and development efforts.
The law explains and predicts how chips become smaller and more powerful, and as a result how our devices, programmes and technology as a whole are becoming similarly slight, whilst handling more taxing programmes.
Today, computers fit in your palm, not in an entire room, as was the case in 1965. Stores now operate via websites that can accommodate hundreds of millions of users as supposed to a few hundred. Even entertainment locations such as casinos are being affected.
Today you can click and play Egyptian-themed slot machines here at sites like MrSmithCasino instead of having to travel all the way to Las Vegas to play in the Luxor Resort. Slot machines that measured 1.5m by 0.5m now fit in to a smartphone screen, all thanks to the underpinnings of Moore's Law.
Cleopatra herself doesn't see this as a positive, however. Angelina Jolie, talked about in the leaked Sony emails was said to be "out of her mind" during the production of an upcoming film based upon the Ptolemaic ruler, such comments being written within email conversations conducted between Sony executives Scott Rudin and Amy Pascal.
How is this related to Moore's Law though, I hear you ask?
Because the shrinking of tech, and the ensuing improvements in performance and power, have made even the tricky task of hacking into one of the world's largest, wealthiest entertainment companies a possibility.
Hackers supposedly had access to company data for up to a year before the leaks were made public and during this time no one at Sony was aware. Now of course this doesn't mean we should ratchet-down our rate of technological improvement, but we should surely put a greater emphasis on the flip side of the story - security.
Will another hack of this kind happen again? Probably. But only against the companies that fail to take note of the negative effects of technological progress.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46962/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Last November a scandal took place, the likes of which would likely send jitters down the spines of even the most strident  and forthright P.R. geniuses; the Sony Pictures Entertainment hack.
Hackers released a glut data. Employee personal information, confidential emails, salary information, company information and even unreleased films were thrown into the public realm, all of which proved hugely embarrassing and damaging for those concerned.
The 'Guardians Of Peace' took responsibility for the hack, and whilst security professionals, industry figures and the media have embarked on a guessing game in naming who was actually behind the attack - North Korea, angry employees, cyber criminals and Anonymous, to name a few - the real culprit is perhaps the driving force behind modern technology itself; Moore's Law.
Moore's Law was conceived in 1965 when Gordon E. Moore, co-founder of Intel, made the prediction that the number of transistors in an integrated circuit would double every two years. The prediction has remained correct since; technology companies are so sure of the law's predictions that they use it for long term planning and for the setting of research and development efforts.
The law explains and predicts how chips become smaller and more powerful, and as a result how our devices, programmes and technology as a whole are becoming similarly slight, whilst handling more taxing programmes.
Today, computers fit in your palm, not in an entire room, as was the case in 1965. Stores now operate via websites that can accommodate hundreds of millions of users as supposed to a few hundred. Even entertainment locations such as casinos are being affected.
Today you can click and play Egyptian-themed slot machines here at sites like MrSmithCasino instead of having to travel all the way to Las Vegas to play in the Luxor Resort. Slot machines that measured 1.5m by 0.5m now fit in to a smartphone screen, all thanks to the underpinnings of Moore's Law.
Cleopatra herself doesn't see this as a positive, however. Angelina Jolie, talked about in the leaked Sony emails was said to be "out of her mind" during the production of an upcoming film based upon the Ptolemaic ruler, such comments being written within email conversations conducted between Sony executives Scott Rudin and Amy Pascal.
How is this related to Moore's Law though, I hear you ask?
Because the shrinking of tech, and the ensuing improvements in performance and power, have made even the tricky task of hacking into one of the world's largest, wealthiest entertainment companies a possibility.
Hackers supposedly had access to company data for up to a year before the leaks were made public and during this time no one at Sony was aware. Now of course this doesn't mean we should ratchet-down our rate of technological improvement, but we should surely put a greater emphasis on the flip side of the story - security.
Will another hack of this kind happen again? Probably. But only against the companies that fail to take note of the negative effects of technological progress.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46962/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### STATUS GLOBAL INSURANCE LAUNCHES NEW GOLF INSURANCE PRODUCT

14 April 2015 - [London]  Status Global Insurance (SGI) is pleased to announce the launch of their new golf insurance product.  This comprehensive golf insurance is underwritten by Lloyd's of London and provides cover for golf equipment and other golf-related claims.
Golfing can be a lot of fun but it also entails a sizeable monetary investment and risk, including golf clubs and equipment, membership fees, tournament fees, risk of property damage and so much more.  Just like any investment it's important to protect yourself and your bank account from the unexpected.
As SGI specialises in insurance products for expats and world travellers it comes as no surprise that their new golf product comes with worldwide cover as a standard on the policy.  There are three different levels of cover available for golf equipment, including cover for golf carts, golf buggies and electric trolleys. 
Sums insured and premiums are available in £GBP or €Euros according to the customer's country of residence.  Additional cover benefits include personal liability, dental treatment, accidental & third party property damage, plus much more.  There is even ‘hole-in-one' cover included to help pay for that round of drinks at the clubhouse when you celebrate!
Ian Atkinson, Director at SGI says, “With our extensive network of international expat and travel insurance customers, putting together a comprehensive worldwide golf insurance product was an easy decision.”
In addition to individual golf insurance cover, SGI also offers cover to golf club member groups and tournament organisers.  Some of the benefits and specialised cover options include: discounts if included with membership fees, compulsory golf course liability policies and tournament cover.  To learn more about SGI's new golf insurance please visit: http://statusglobalinsurance.com/insurance-products/golf-insurance/Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46959/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: 14 April 2015 - [London]  Status Global Insurance (SGI) is pleased to announce the launch of their new golf insurance product.  This comprehensive golf insurance is underwritten by Lloyd's of London and provides cover for golf equipment and other golf-...

### MARIANO RAJOY “GUARANTEEING EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES IS AN ABSOLUTE PRIORITY”

During his speech at the opening ceremony of the 1st International Congress entitled "The Voice of Women in the World", organised by AFAMMER, the President of the Government announced that the Council of Ministers will soon approve a Rural Women Empowerment Plan. He also "strongly" condemned the violence suffered by women all over the world simply for being women.
Mariano Rajoy highlighted the fundamental role played by the women who live in the rural environment, six million in Spain. He said that women contribute to the development of social and economic life in rural surroundings, care for the local environment, ensure the success of farming operations and keep villages alive.
Furthermore, he announced that the Council of Ministers will soon approve a Rural Women Empowerment Plan that seven ministerial departments are currently working on. This plan, which is going to develop the provisions of the Strategic Plan for Equal Opportunities, will coordinate rural environment equality policies in a comprehensive fashion for the first time in Spain.
It will "foster entrepreneurship, self-employment and the participation of women in the sustainability of the rural environment". It will also promote reconciliation and increase the presence of women in executive positions and on the executive boards of farming cooperatives.
The President of the Government stressed that the rural world in Spain does indeed have a future because, besides being the cornerstone of farming life, it is a source of environmental resources that promote other activities, such as leisure, tourism, culture and agro-industrial transformation.
In this regard, Mariano Rajoy said that the Government of Spain "is going to do everything within its power to ensure that the opportunities created there lead to tangible results for everyone".
Women in the labour market
The President of the Government listed some of the measures adopted by his government to "overcome those problems of unequal opportunities" and "foster the employment of women throughout the country". He specifically mentioned the tax break for the recruitment of women through positive programmes and actions to improve employability and self-employment.
He said that women account for 46% of National Insurance contributors. Mariano Rajoy is convinced that this figure can be increased and that it will be possible over the coming years to achieve a 50/50 distribution between men and women.
Real equality between men and women
Mariano Rajoy underlined the government's commitment to achieving real equality between men and women. He explained this is not only "an act of justice, logic and common sense" but that everyone "needs" - men and women - to help generate greater progress and increased well-being.
The President of the Government stressed that "men and women are - through diversity - equally valuable and necessary for building a better future" because "a country is made up of all the people" who live there. In his opinion, this is not a problem of legislation but rather "requires a fundamental change of mentality".
"We need to progress as a country, with a more balanced, varied and richer outlook; that is the challenge for the future", he said.
Condemnation of violence against women
The President of the Government expressed his outright condemnation of the violence suffered by women all over the world "purely and simply for being women". Besides reiterating his "firm and unwavering commitment to the eradication of such violence", he said that putting an end to this violence is a priority for Spain and a matter of State. In this regard, he sent a clear message to those women who may be suffering abuse: "there is a way out and you are not alone".
20 million Spaniards in work
In his speech, Mariano Rajoy recalled that "we have lived through a very difficult period" that began to change in 2014 as jobs started to be created and 440,000 people found a job. In 2015, there will be 500,000 more Spaniards in work.
The goal for the coming years, said the President of the Government, is for "20 million Spaniards to be able to work and pay National Insurance". In his opinion, that goal can indeed be achieved if the economic policy continues unchanged. 
Other Speakers
At the opening ceremony of the 1st International Congress entitled "The Voice of Rural Women in the World", speeches were also given by Rosa Romero, Mayor of Ciudad Real; Carmen Quintanilla, President of AFAMMER (Confederation of Federations and Associations of Families and Women in the Rural Environment); Babatunde Osomethin, UN Deputy Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund; and María Dolores de Cospedal, President of the Regional Government of Castile-La Mancha.
Mariano Rajoy also thanked AFAMMER and its President, Carmen Quintanilla, both for organising the congress opened today in Ciudad Real and their tireless work on reaching the goal of full equality.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46957/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: During his speech at the opening ceremony of the 1st International Congress entitled "The Voice of Women in the World", organised by AFAMMER, the President of the Government announced that the Council of Ministers will soon approve a Rural Women Empowerment Plan. He also "strongly" condemned the violence suffered by women all over the world simply for being women.
Mariano Rajoy highlighted the fundamental role played by the women who live in the rural environment, six million in Spain. He said that women contribute to the development of social and economic life in rural surroundings, care for the local environment, ensure the success of farming operations and keep villages alive.
Furthermore, he announced that the Council of Ministers will soon approve a Rural Women Empowerment Plan that seven ministerial departments are currently working on. This plan, which is going to develop the provisions of the Strategic Plan for Equal Opportunities, will coordinate rural environment equality policies in a comprehensive fashion for the first time in Spain.
It will "foster entrepreneurship, self-employment and the participation of women in the sustainability of the rural environment". It will also promote reconciliation and increase the presence of women in executive positions and on the executive boards of farming cooperatives.
The President of the Government stressed that the rural world in Spain does indeed have a future because, besides being the cornerstone of farming life, it is a source of environmental resources that promote other activities, such as leisure, tourism, culture and agro-industrial transformation.
In this regard, Mariano Rajoy said that the Government of Spain "is going to do everything within its power to ensure that the opportunities created there lead to tangible results for everyone".
Women in the labour market
The President of the Government listed some of the measures adopted by his government to "overcome those problems of unequal opportunities" and "foster the employment of women throughout the country". He specifically mentioned the tax break for the recruitment of women through positive programmes and actions to improve employability and self-employment.
He said that women account for 46% of National Insurance contributors. Mariano Rajoy is convinced that this figure can be increased and that it will be possible over the coming years to achieve a 50/50 distribution between men and women.
Real equality between men and women
Mariano Rajoy underlined the government's commitment to achieving real equality between men and women. He explained this is not only "an act of justice, logic and common sense" but that everyone "needs" - men and women - to help generate greater progress and increased well-being.
The President of the Government stressed that "men and women are - through diversity - equally valuable and necessary for building a better future" because "a country is made up of all the people" who live there. In his opinion, this is not a problem of legislation but rather "requires a fundamental change of mentality".
"We need to progress as a country, with a more balanced, varied and richer outlook; that is the challenge for the future", he said.
Condemnation of violence against women
The President of the Government expressed his outright condemnation of the violence suffered by women all over the world "purely and simply for being women". Besides reiterating his "firm and unwavering commitment to the eradication of such violence", he said that putting an end to this violence is a priority for Spain and a matter of State. In this regard, he sent a clear message to those women who may be suffering abuse: "there is a way out and you are not alone".
20 million Spaniards in work
In his speech, Mariano Rajoy recalled that "we have lived through a very difficult period" that began to change in 2014 as jobs started to be created and 440,000 people found a job. In 2015, there will be 500,000 more Spaniards in work.
The goal for the coming years, said the President of the Government, is for "20 million Spaniards to be able to work and pay National Insurance". In his opinion, that goal can indeed be achieved if the economic policy continues unchanged. 
Other Speakers
At the opening ceremony of the 1st International Congress entitled "The Voice of Rural Women in the World", speeches were also given by Rosa Romero, Mayor of Ciudad Real; Carmen Quintanilla, President of AFAMMER (Confederation of Federations and Associations of Families and Women in the Rural Environment); Babatunde Osomethin, UN Deputy Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund; and María Dolores de Cospedal, President of the Regional Government of Castile-La Mancha.
Mariano Rajoy also thanked AFAMMER and its President, Carmen Quintanilla, both for organising the congress opened today in Ciudad Real and their tireless work on reaching the goal of full equality.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46957/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### NEWS BITES 13 APRIL 2015

ROAD DEATHS UP
A total of 248 people died in Spanish road accidents during the first quarter of the year, according to Spain's DGT national highway agency, the highest number of traffic victims in the period since 2002.
The death toll is also up 28 victims from the same quarter last year. DGT Director María Seguí attributed the high number of fatalities to “improvements in the economy” and falls in fuel prices, which he says encourage more people onto the road.
CHARITY SWIM DISRUPTED
Gibraltar will take action against the captain of a Spanish fishing boat who refused to move his vessel to allow a charity swim to go ahead safely. As hardy swimmers prepared to take to the sea in Catalan Bay, Royal Gibraltar police officers were alerted to several vessels raking the seabed for shellfish. When police ordered the Spanish fishing crews to move on for safety reasons, one captain initially refused and a Spanish guardia civil patrol boat arrived at the scene – leading to a one-hour standoff. The rest of the fishermen, all from the Spanish town of La Línea, moved on but the captain of the boat which did not at first respond to the police order to move, has been reported to a magistrates court.
DRAIN CLEANING IN TORREVIEJA
Torrevieja based water supply company Agamed has announced the first disinfection scheme of the year has begun in the city. All municipal water wells and sewage systems will be treated during the course of the campaign which is expected to last for around 2 months.
RAJOY TO STAND
Spain's conservative Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said on Monday he will seek re-election in this year's national polls, despite facing criticism after his party was trounced in a key regional vote last month."I'd like to be a candidate again and try and become prime minister again," Rajoy told public radio RNE. This is the first time Rajoy has clearly stated he would be running in November's general election.
SCOTS DROWNING DEATH
A SCOTS tourist has died in an apparent drowning just hours into a sunshine break with friends. Brian Nicol, 32, failed to surface after diving into the swimming pool at the luxury Costa del Sol holiday villa where he was staying with pals. Anguished friends dragged Glasgow-born Mr Nicol out of the water and tried to revive him. Local police took over after reaching the scene shortly before paramedics but could nothing to save him.
SPANISH CAVERS DIE
Two Spanish cavers have died and one has survived after being trapped for days at the bottom of a deep ravine in Morocco's Atlas mountains. A 27-year-old was rescued late on Sunday, but his two companions died of their injuries before they could be rescued. Local media report that he is uninjured but suffering from hypothermia and post traumatic stress. The survivor was a 27 year old police officer.
GYPSY PROTESTS
Spanish groups representing gypsies Wednesday launched a campaign to remove a reference to them as swindlers from the world's benchmark Spanish dictionary. The country's Gypsy Secretariat Foundation and others delivered protest letters to members of Spain's Royal Language Academy, which produces the definitive Spanish dictionary. Foundation spokeswoman Pilar Calon says the campaign attempts to raise awareness of discrimination against gypsies, also known as Roma.
DAWN ARRESTS
Spain arrested nine people in the northeastern region of Catalonia early on Wednesday as part of an operation against Islamist militants. "The arrested are accused, amongst other crimes, of belonging to a terrorist organisation," a spokeswoman for the Catalan police said. The arrests took place following dawn raids at 17 different properties in the region.
SPAIN BLOCKS MUSIC SITE 
Spain's National High Court has blocked Goear.com, a website containing over four million audio files, after a judge accepted an appeal lodged by copyright collecting society AGEDI. The court initially rejected a decision by the country's culture ministry to declare the streaming site illegal but it eventually accepted AGEDI's arguments on appeal and ordered operators to block access to the site within 72 hours.
ROAD DEATHS DOWN
A total of 33 people have died in 31 traffic accidents on interurban roads during the Easter holiday, the period from Friday March 27 at 15:00 through to midnight on Monday. According to the DGT there were 13.8 million long-haul journeys, 7.28% more than the same period last year. The number of fatalities were four less than at Easter 2014, the lowest since 1960.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46953/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ROAD DEATHS UP
A total of 248 people died in Spanish road accidents during the first quarter of the year, according to Spain's DGT national highway agency, the highest number of traffic victims in the period since 2002.
The death toll is also up 28 victims from the same quarter last year. DGT Director María Seguí attributed the high number of fatalities to “improvements in the economy” and falls in fuel prices, which he says encourage more people onto the road.
CHARITY SWIM DISRUPTED
Gibraltar will take action against the captain of a Spanish fishing boat who refused to move his vessel to allow a charity swim to go ahead safely. As hardy swimmers prepared to take to the sea in Catalan Bay, Royal Gibraltar police officers were alerted to several vessels raking the seabed for shellfish. When police ordered the Spanish fishing crews to move on for safety reasons, one captain initially refused and a Spanish guardia civil patrol boat arrived at the scene – leading to a one-hour standoff. The rest of the fishermen, all from the Spanish town of La Línea, moved on but the captain of the boat which did not at first respond to the police order to move, has been reported to a magistrates court.
DRAIN CLEANING IN TORREVIEJA
Torrevieja based water supply company Agamed has announced the first disinfection scheme of the year has begun in the city. All municipal water wells and sewage systems will be treated during the course of the campaign which is expected to last for around 2 months.
RAJOY TO STAND
Spain's conservative Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said on Monday he will seek re-election in this year's national polls, despite facing criticism after his party was trounced in a key regional vote last month."I'd like to be a candidate again and try and become prime minister again," Rajoy told public radio RNE. This is the first time Rajoy has clearly stated he would be running in November's general election.
SCOTS DROWNING DEATH
A SCOTS tourist has died in an apparent drowning just hours into a sunshine break with friends. Brian Nicol, 32, failed to surface after diving into the swimming pool at the luxury Costa del Sol holiday villa where he was staying with pals. Anguished friends dragged Glasgow-born Mr Nicol out of the water and tried to revive him. Local police took over after reaching the scene shortly before paramedics but could nothing to save him.
SPANISH CAVERS DIE
Two Spanish cavers have died and one has survived after being trapped for days at the bottom of a deep ravine in Morocco's Atlas mountains. A 27-year-old was rescued late on Sunday, but his two companions died of their injuries before they could be rescued. Local media report that he is uninjured but suffering from hypothermia and post traumatic stress. The survivor was a 27 year old police officer.
GYPSY PROTESTS
Spanish groups representing gypsies Wednesday launched a campaign to remove a reference to them as swindlers from the world's benchmark Spanish dictionary. The country's Gypsy Secretariat Foundation and others delivered protest letters to members of Spain's Royal Language Academy, which produces the definitive Spanish dictionary. Foundation spokeswoman Pilar Calon says the campaign attempts to raise awareness of discrimination against gypsies, also known as Roma.
DAWN ARRESTS
Spain arrested nine people in the northeastern region of Catalonia early on Wednesday as part of an operation against Islamist militants. "The arrested are accused, amongst other crimes, of belonging to a terrorist organisation," a spokeswoman for the Catalan police said. The arrests took place following dawn raids at 17 different properties in the region.
SPAIN BLOCKS MUSIC SITE 
Spain's National High Court has blocked Goear.com, a website containing over four million audio files, after a judge accepted an appeal lodged by copyright collecting society AGEDI. The court initially rejected a decision by the country's culture ministry to declare the streaming site illegal but it eventually accepted AGEDI's arguments on appeal and ordered operators to block access to the site within 72 hours.
ROAD DEATHS DOWN
A total of 33 people have died in 31 traffic accidents on interurban roads during the Easter holiday, the period from Friday March 27 at 15:00 through to midnight on Monday. According to the DGT there were 13.8 million long-haul journeys, 7.28% more than the same period last year. The number of fatalities were four less than at Easter 2014, the lowest since 1960.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46953/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### NISSAN'S WONDERFUL SPOT IN THE FINAL OF SUPER BOWL: HOW TO BALANCE WORK AND FAMILY?

The Super Bowl 2015 was held on February 2, playing the winner of the AFC with the winner of the NFC. This year the New England Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks 28-24, with Tom Brady inspired, broking the record of passes of the legendary Joe Montana and becaming the third quarterback in history to win four Super Bowls.
The commercials issued in the interim are the most expensive in American television, and agencies made original, spectacular and emotional spots that can impact and move an audience of over one hundred million viewers.
Nissan participates in this occasion with an emotional and familiar spot, "With dad", which tells the story of a professional racing driver, who every weekend wake up in a different city. The spot opens with the birth of his son and the good wishes of the father to share the maximum possible time with his wife and him.
Gradually, as he is winning awards and improving, contacts are moving away, and the wife and son only can talk to him on the phone. His wife felt in the soul his constant distance, but tries to hide it in front of the child. And both see on television every race of the father, not without risks and dangers.
The story deals with the difficult task of parenting when physical absence from home is frequent and prolonged. The good background song ("Cats in the Cradle" by Harry Chapin) is a counterpoint to the efforts of this father who tries to find a balance between work and family. The child grows and, upon reaching adolescence, all he wants is to be "with Dad", so much he misses his presence in many moments of his life.
Despite all this, the ad transmits a positive message to both involved parties, father and son. A touching message that can be summarized this way: physical distance can be overcomed when there is emotional closeness.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46951/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Super Bowl 2015 was held on February 2, playing the winner of the AFC with the winner of the NFC. This year the New England Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks 28-24, with Tom Brady inspired, broking the record of passes of the legendary Joe Montana and becaming the third quarterback in history to win four Super Bowls.
The commercials issued in the interim are the most expensive in American television, and agencies made original, spectacular and emotional spots that can impact and move an audience of over one hundred million viewers.
Nissan participates in this occasion with an emotional and familiar spot, "With dad", which tells the story of a professional racing driver, who every weekend wake up in a different city. The spot opens with the birth of his son and the good wishes of the father to share the maximum possible time with his wife and him.
Gradually, as he is winning awards and improving, contacts are moving away, and the wife and son only can talk to him on the phone. His wife felt in the soul his constant distance, but tries to hide it in front of the child. And both see on television every race of the father, not without risks and dangers.
The story deals with the difficult task of parenting when physical absence from home is frequent and prolonged. The good background song ("Cats in the Cradle" by Harry Chapin) is a counterpoint to the efforts of this father who tries to find a balance between work and family. The child grows and, upon reaching adolescence, all he wants is to be "with Dad", so much he misses his presence in many moments of his life.
Despite all this, the ad transmits a positive message to both involved parties, father and son. A touching message that can be summarized this way: physical distance can be overcomed when there is emotional closeness.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46951/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### COSTA BLANCA LEADER - 13 APRIL EDITION

The Costa Blanca Leader newspaper is now available to read on line. 
Out every Monday and available in hundreds of outlets across the area, The Leader is first for all the latest news.
You can read this week´s copy here now.
 
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46950/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Costa Blanca Leader newspaper is now available to read on line. 
Out every Monday and available in hundreds of outlets across the area, The Leader is first for all the latest news.
You can read this week´s copy here now.
 
Filed under: h...

### RAFA  RESCUES POINT FOR TORRY

PATERNA CF - 1    CD TORREVIEJA - 1
Following a non eventful first half, this div 3 encounter at Gerardo Salvador Stadium came to life in the 2nd half.  
Paterna took the lead on 73 mins, but only 5 mins later Rafa Gomez struck an all important equalizer.  Although a victory was the preferred result for Torry, this point was still a valuable step towards a play off slot. 
Torry Line Up: 
Oscar, Vicente, Adrian, Eddy, Alexis, Burguillas, Jorge, Brani, Cristian, Carrasco, Rafa Gomez
Subs.  Cesar, Corella, Obele, Berna, Martinez
On Sun 19 Apr, ko 5pm, Torry are again at home against lowly Jove Espanol at Vicente Garcia Stadium.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46948/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: PATERNA CF - 1    CD TORREVIEJA - 1
Following a non eventful first half, this div 3 encounter at Gerardo Salvador Stadium came to life in the 2nd half.  
Paterna took the lead on 73 mins, but only 5 mins later Rafa Gomez struck an all important equal...

### ANTI-SPEEDING CAMPAIGN STARTS ON MONDAY

Monday sees the start of the latest week-long campaign to try to make the roads of Spain a little safer, with the DGT turning the attention to traffic police to one of the most dangerous elements of road safety, excessive speed.
The campaign will run from Monday 13th, through to Sunday 19th of March with Guardia Civil traffic patrols focusing their attention to those who break the law on conventional main roads, the location of the majority of fatal crashes where speed is a contributing factor.
Recent data reveals that inappropriate speed was present in 22% of fatal accidents and that speed is one of the main factors that results in accidents with the worst consequences.
One in four deaths in road based incidents can be attributed to being speed related with speeding causing nearly 500 deaths a year, and 70% of all injuries occurring on conventional roads.
All Pegasus equipped helicopters are likely to be taking to the air, and mobile radar traps will be located in strategic locations around the country.
During the week-long clamp that ran at around the same time last year, the traffic police checked nearly a million vehicles, half of which were on conventional roads, and reported a staggering 30,000 drivers for breaking the speed limit.
In total, the Guardia Civil checked the speed of a total of 921,375 vehicles, of which 30,486, or 3.4%, were reported for not complying with speed limits.
During the campaign, five drivers were reported for committing a crime against road safety when driving at a higher speed of eighty kilometres per hour above the permitted limit on this road.
One driver was clocked at 237 kilometres per hour and under the influence of alcohol. These drivers could face prison for up to 6 months, or community service, as well as a hefty fine and a ban.
Meanwhile, during the month of March of this year, there was at least a reduction in the number of serious offences recorded, with a total of 268 drivers across the Valencia region arrested and brought before the courts, representing a decrease of 18.4% compared to the same time last year.
In the Alicante province, there were 55 charges for drunk driving and 41 for not having a license, as well as 2 for driving at excessive speed, one for driving at 223 kilometres per hour in a 100 limited zone, the other for driving at 216 kilometres per hour in a 120 kilometre per hour limited section.
In the province of Valencia, 113 drivers were charged for driving under the influence of alcohol and 30 drivers did not have a valid license and in Castellón there were 18 drivers caught driving under the influence of alcohol and 9 without a valid license.
February saw 281 cases brought before the courts across the region, 189 for driving under the influence of alcohol, 92 for driving without a license.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46947/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Monday sees the start of the latest week-long campaign to try to make the roads of Spain a little safer, with the DGT turning the attention to traffic police to one of the most dangerous elements of road safety, excessive speed.
The campaign will run ...

### GRAND CHARITY GALA FOR AFA TORREVIEJA

The Municipal Theatre will be the venue for a Grand Charity Gala on 19 April, the beneficiaries of which will be AFA Torrevieja.
The announcement was made early last week by the Councillor for Culture, Luis María Pizana.
Also attending the press conference was the President and the Director of Torrevieja Mass Choirs, Antonio Martinez and Miguel Guerrero, the Director and deputy Director of the Music Unit of the General Air Academy in Santiago Ribera José Manuel Castelló and  José Miguel Santacruz, and the President of AFA Torrevieja, Matilde Sánchez.
The concert programme will be divided into three parts. Part 1 will feature the Mass Choir José Hódar, under the direction of Miguel Guerrero.
The 2nd part will feature a performance by the Music Unit of the General Air Academy Santiago de la Ribera, led by José Manuel Castelló and Part 3 In the third and final part of this Grand Gala Charity Concert pro AFA Torrevieja, will see both the choir and the music unit perform together  under the direction of Jose Francisco Sanchez and Armando Bernabeu.
Tickets are on sale at the theatre box office, at a price of 5 euros.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46946/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Municipal Theatre will be the venue for a Grand Charity Gala on 19 April, the beneficiaries of which will be AFA Torrevieja.
The announcement was made early last week by the Councillor for Culture, Luis María Pizana.
Also attending the pre...

### MARQ OUTLINES PLANS FOR TEN EXCAVATION SITES

Not everyone appreciates or is even aware of the work that the Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ) carry out on local archeological sites with most people thinking that the operation is centred purely on the Alicante museum.
However just last week the institution announced details of its annual plan of excavations for 2015 saying that between May and September it will operate ten archaeological sites in the province involving about 120 volunteers from student groups to graduates in History and Archaeology.
And not all will be Spanish with many being drawn into the region from universities in the USA, UK and South America.
A spokesman for the museum said that the objective is to pursue the investigation of prehistory, Iberian culture, Roman and medieval-modern history at a number of strategic points in the province.
The team of archaeologists from Alicante museum sites will operate at Cabezo Pardo and Cabezo de los Ojales in San Isidro, Granja de Rocamora and Albatera; the slopes of the castle in Callosa de Segura; la Cova del Randero in Pedreguer; Cova de l'Or in Beniarrés; el Penyal d'Ifach in Calpe; la Bahía de l'Albufereta and el Tossal de Manises in Alicante; l'Illeta dels Banyets in El Campello; Barranco del Juncaret in Mutxamel and la parcela (plot) 604 of the Industrial estate 16 in Monforte del Cid.
The Deputy Councillor for Culture, Juan Bautista Rosello, said that the program of archaeological excavations "is considered by professionals as one of the most comprehensive and rigorous in the Region, both for the number of historical periods covered, and for the vast area that it covers".
To carry out these tasks the operation will be provided with logistical support from the municipalities of Callosa de Segura, Calpe, Pedreguer and Monforte del Cid as a result of by several bilateral agreements with the local councils and the Provincial government of Alicante. 
The deputy, aalso went on to thank the work of the many volunteers who will be drafted in to help with these tasks, while also getting hands-on training that will provide them with greater exphat will better equip them in their future professional activities.
Work at the Cabezo Pardo and Cabezo de los Ojales sites in San Isidro will be concentrated above ground while that on the slopes of the Callosa Castle will be concentrated in the lower zones where it is hoped to complete exhumations from the Bronze Age
The prehistoric cave la Cova del Randero in Pedreguer will see work continue in the central gallery and the entrance while in the Cova de l'Or (Neolithic) volunteers will attempt to complete the mapping of the entire fissure.
The Penyal d'Ifach, one of the most strategic points in the province and this will be the eleventh season of excavations in the Natural Park
In the Bay of Alicante the work will consist of underwater exploration and mapping of an Underwater Archaeological Chart, while in the Tossal de Manises the objective will be to locate the West Gate of the old city, located on the side of the reservoir that descends to the sea.
Finally, the Barranco del Juncaret will see the archaeological documentation of the few preserved remains of a Roman cistern, while the Industrial area 16 Monforte will see excavations carried out on an adjoining plot discovered an ancient cemetery dating back to Iberian times.
Alicante Provincial Council have said that they will allocate a total of 119,500 euros to supplement the archaeological work in order to provide better documentation of the findings.
The work will get underway in May, with the collaboration of the CV MARQ Foundation. Also involved will be the Architecture Council of Alicante which will help to coordinate the work and the health and safety aspects of the activities being carried out on the ten different sitesFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46945/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Not everyone appreciates or is even aware of the work that the Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ) carry out on local archeological sites with most people thinking that the operation is centred purely on the Alicante museum.
However just last week the institution announced details of its annual plan of excavations for 2015 saying that between May and September it will operate ten archaeological sites in the province involving about 120 volunteers from student groups to graduates in History and Archaeology.
And not all will be Spanish with many being drawn into the region from universities in the USA, UK and South America.
A spokesman for the museum said that the objective is to pursue the investigation of prehistory, Iberian culture, Roman and medieval-modern history at a number of strategic points in the province.
The team of archaeologists from Alicante museum sites will operate at Cabezo Pardo and Cabezo de los Ojales in San Isidro, Granja de Rocamora and Albatera; the slopes of the castle in Callosa de Segura; la Cova del Randero in Pedreguer; Cova de l'Or in Beniarrés; el Penyal d'Ifach in Calpe; la Bahía de l'Albufereta and el Tossal de Manises in Alicante; l'Illeta dels Banyets in El Campello; Barranco del Juncaret in Mutxamel and la parcela (plot) 604 of the Industrial estate 16 in Monforte del Cid.
The Deputy Councillor for Culture, Juan Bautista Rosello, said that the program of archaeological excavations "is considered by professionals as one of the most comprehensive and rigorous in the Region, both for the number of historical periods covered, and for the vast area that it covers".
To carry out these tasks the operation will be provided with logistical support from the municipalities of Callosa de Segura, Calpe, Pedreguer and Monforte del Cid as a result of by several bilateral agreements with the local councils and the Provincial government of Alicante. 
The deputy, aalso went on to thank the work of the many volunteers who will be drafted in to help with these tasks, while also getting hands-on training that will provide them with greater exphat will better equip them in their future professional activities.
Work at the Cabezo Pardo and Cabezo de los Ojales sites in San Isidro will be concentrated above ground while that on the slopes of the Callosa Castle will be concentrated in the lower zones where it is hoped to complete exhumations from the Bronze Age
The prehistoric cave la Cova del Randero in Pedreguer will see work continue in the central gallery and the entrance while in the Cova de l'Or (Neolithic) volunteers will attempt to complete the mapping of the entire fissure.
The Penyal d'Ifach, one of the most strategic points in the province and this will be the eleventh season of excavations in the Natural Park
In the Bay of Alicante the work will consist of underwater exploration and mapping of an Underwater Archaeological Chart, while in the Tossal de Manises the objective will be to locate the West Gate of the old city, located on the side of the reservoir that descends to the sea.
Finally, the Barranco del Juncaret will see the archaeological documentation of the few preserved remains of a Roman cistern, while the Industrial area 16 Monforte will see excavations carried out on an adjoining plot discovered an ancient cemetery dating back to Iberian times.
Alicante Provincial Council have said that they will allocate a total of 119,500 euros to supplement the archaeological work in order to provide better documentation of the findings.
The work will get underway in May, with the collaboration of the CV MARQ Foundation. Also involved will be the Architecture Council of Alicante which will help to coordinate the work and the health and safety aspects of the activities being carried out on the ten different sitesFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46945/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### LOCAL FIRE FIGHTERS STRETCHED TO THE LIMIT

A lack of available resources is testing rescue services to the limit, with lives potentially at risk due to a number of concurrent incidents leading to the unavailability of fire fighters.
On Wednesday of this week three incidents occurred at the same time that forced Elche fire fighters to prioritise their attention. One incident call was to open a home in El Altet where a child had become locked in alone in the third floor apartment.
Almost immediately as they responded to this call they were called to attend a vehicle crash on the A-70 motorway when one of the vehicles had caught fire. 
A call was made to attend a Seat car that had caught fire in Crevillente whilst a fire in a cafe in Santa Pola was also reported with a large amount of smoke coming from the kitchen.
All of these incidents meant that there was no further cover available in the area as the crews battled to bring these fires under control and attend the other emergency calls.
The provincial fire consortium made arrangements to transfer resources to Elche, but by the time this had been organised there was no need.
The situation is not unique to this area. In Lugo this week a car crashed into a tanker and suffered considerable damage, trapping the car occupants inside.
However, the delay in fire fighters being able to attend this crash was a life and death situation that forced the Guardia Civil staff attending the scene to extract the occupants themselves, who were then transferred to hospital, one by helicopter, for emergency treatment.
Although the tanker was carrying foodstuff rather than flammable liquid, the situation could still have been a lot worse had it not been for the swift actions of those at the scene.
Emergency services have suffered a tremendous amount of cuts in recent years, with both fire and rescue and emergency medical provisions seeing huge cuts from the budgets, many of which some people believe are only just starting to show when the number of emergencies outweigh the number of teams on had to deal with situations which can mean a matter of life or death.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46944/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A lack of available resources is testing rescue services to the limit, with lives potentially at risk due to a number of concurrent incidents leading to the unavailability of fire fighters.
On Wednesday of this week three incidents occurred at the sam...

### RECORD EASTER FOR HOTELIERS

Hoteliers and restaurateurs in the province said they felt "very positive" after the first major holiday period of the year, in which hotel occupancy had actually touched 100% in Benidorm. 
Hosbec president, Toni Mayor, said that in many other areas the occupation rate was up to 98% and it had been a ‘spectacular week' for  restaurants, cafes and many other hospitality-related businesses, ‘the best Easter in the last 10 years bringing over 40 million euros into the local economy.'
Of the total expenditure, 55-60 percent was in the coastal province of Alicante, which, according to the Minister of Economy, Industry, Tourism and Employment, Maximo Buch, reached an average occupancy of 85 percent, who has expressed "satisfaction" with the results achieved in the number of travelers and overnight stays, an increase of almost a five percent over the same period last year.
The Minister said that Easter "is often a barometer of the upcoming summer season, for which we now have high expectations in terms of travelers, overnight stays and tourist spending."
He also praised "the positive impact the occupancy rate has had on employment generation, which will help consolidate the good results already achieved in the province during the first two months of the year, with over 58,500 employed in the tourism industry, 7% more than the same period last year. "
Buch made the remarks during his visit to the Escuela de Hostelería de Elche, launched by the local council last March. He praised the school saying that the initiative "is an example of how such training can help create job opportunities, placing them within the leading tourism activities that create employment."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46943/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Hoteliers and restaurateurs in the province said they felt "very positive" after the first major holiday period of the year, in which hotel occupancy had actually touched 100% in Benidorm. 
Hosbec president, Toni Mayor, said that in many other areas the occupation rate was up to 98% and it had been a ‘spectacular week' for  restaurants, cafes and many other hospitality-related businesses, ‘the best Easter in the last 10 years bringing over 40 million euros into the local economy.'
Of the total expenditure, 55-60 percent was in the coastal province of Alicante, which, according to the Minister of Economy, Industry, Tourism and Employment, Maximo Buch, reached an average occupancy of 85 percent, who has expressed "satisfaction" with the results achieved in the number of travelers and overnight stays, an increase of almost a five percent over the same period last year.
The Minister said that Easter "is often a barometer of the upcoming summer season, for which we now have high expectations in terms of travelers, overnight stays and tourist spending."
He also praised "the positive impact the occupancy rate has had on employment generation, which will help consolidate the good results already achieved in the province during the first two months of the year, with over 58,500 employed in the tourism industry, 7% more than the same period last year. "
Buch made the remarks during his visit to the Escuela de Hostelería de Elche, launched by the local council last March. He praised the school saying that the initiative "is an example of how such training can help create job opportunities, placing them within the leading tourism activities that create employment."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46943/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### MERCADONA READY FOR APPLE PAY

Spanish supermarket chain Mercadona has become one of the first grocery stores to integrate Apple Pay, a contactless payment system developed by the mobile phone and tablet manufacturer, Apple.
The company has already invested in new technology to enable contactless payment in the supermarkets, and with the addition of Apple Pay it is hoped that they will provide a quicker service to their customers, and already has 16,000 terminals compatible with Apple Pay.
However, Apple Pay is not yet available in Spain, but it is expected that Apple will expand the service soon, and so Mercadona want to be prepared for when the service is available.
The mobile payment service Pay Apple uses NFC technology to make payments at establishments with support for it, but can also be used to pay for purchases made with the device and in-app purchases.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46941/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spanish supermarket chain Mercadona has become one of the first grocery stores to integrate Apple Pay, a contactless payment system developed by the mobile phone and tablet manufacturer, Apple.
The company has already invested in new technology to ena...

### LA ZENIA ROUNDABOUT WORK TO FINALLY START

Orihuela´s councillor for urbanism, Antonio Zapata, has approved the final stage for work to be carried out on changing the formation at La Zenia roundabout, creating a network of one-way streets on the current road system, so as to hopefully ease congestion caused by traffic visiting the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre.
There will be a pavement area created on part of the roundabout, some car parking places will be prepared and access and egress will be restricted to one way on two of the minor roads which connect to the roundabout.
The plans had been submitted and approved by the Alicante roads department before December, but money for the work had not been released. With this final approval now in place, the work should commence shortly, and is hoped to be completed before the summer, now that the urbanism department has agreed to foot the bill.
At the same time, finances have also now been approved to repair the steps to the beach at Aquamarina. This work should also have been completed last year but the same financial restrictions prevented the work from being started until now. That work should start immediately.
Finally, work will also start this week on creating the giant chess board on one of the main park areas of the Orihuela Costa.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46940/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Orihuela´s councillor for urbanism, Antonio Zapata, has approved the final stage for work to be carried out on changing the formation at La Zenia roundabout, creating a network of one-way streets on the current road system, so as to hopefully eas...

### A RAINY MARCH ACROSS VALENCIA

The Valencia region has experienced the wettest March since 1950, with an average rainfall of 143.9 litres per square metre.
Moreover, in Castellón, the province has been the wettest since records began, some 100 years ago, according to data provided by the Spanish Met Office, AEMET.
In March of the year 1915, Morella and Vilafranca suffered rainfall of 140.2 litres per square metre. In 1989, this was 162.9 litres per square metre. By contrast, in the data collected up until 25th of this month, they recorded around 320 litres per square metre.
In fact, in eleven municipalities in the province of Castellón, rainfall has exceeded 300 litres per square metre.
In the province of Valencia, Barx accumulated 271 litres per square metre, Buñol experienced 266.5 square metres and Sagunto saw 199.7 litres per square metre.
The good news for those living on the southern side of the region is that the Alicante province has not been quite so wet. Alcoy suffered the most rainfall, but only accumulating 82.6 litres per square metre, followed by Villena with 52 litres per square metre, and Orihuela with 47, Benidorm with 28.8 and Pinoso with 19.6 litres per square metre.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46939/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Valencia region has experienced the wettest March since 1950, with an average rainfall of 143.9 litres per square metre.
Moreover, in Castellón, the province has been the wettest since records began, some 100 years ago, according to data pr...

### FINANCIAL TROUBLE FOR RUSSIANS

German news sources reported this week that more than a hundred Russians living in Spain have had their bank accounts frozen, on account of them not being able to explain the source of their income.
The action was carried out under laws that oblige foreigners to disclose financial information, which came into force in 2010, whereas foreigners have to declare assets and real estate outside Spain if it is worth more than 50,000 euro.
The Spanish authorities can freeze the accounts of those who fail to submit documents within a specified period of around three months, as well as issuing a fine of up to 10,000 euro.
It is believed that many Russians were too scared to request the required documents from their native country which would testify to the legitimacy of their income for fear of reprisals.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46938/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: German news sources reported this week that more than a hundred Russians living in Spain have had their bank accounts frozen, on account of them not being able to explain the source of their income.
The action was carried out under laws that oblige fo...

### STARBUCKS FINALLY ARRIVE IN ALICANTE

The American coffee chain Starbucks are finally to have a presence in Alicante, as they open their first public outlet in the city, albeit inside the El Corte Ingles Federico Soto store in late May. 
The bar will move into the area currently accommodation the travel agency, and will occupy a space of approximately 200 square meters and as well as many popular varieties of coffee, will also accommodate a children's playroom.
Currently the only Starbucks outlet in the region is situated inside new terminal at Alicante-Elche airport but if you wish to taste their coffee you will need to be in possession of a boarding pass.
The other closest outlets are all in Valencia, in Manises airport and a number scattered around the city's shopping centres.
The opening of Starbucks in El Corte Inglés de Alicante is the result of an overall agreement between the two companies, and subject to it's popularity, it could well see space being set aside for the brand in a number of other El Corte Ingles stores nationwide. So, despite many feeling that it is long overdue, one of the most famous cafes in the world is finally arriving in the city of Alicante.
Having consolidated its position in Madrid and Barcelona the Starbucks expansion strategy has shifted to the peripheral markets, one of the strongest of which is said to be El Corte Ingles.
New President Dimas Gimeno says that his stores remain committed to expanding their leisure and catering operations and the addition of Starbuck's outlets is an extremely important part of their diversification.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46937/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The American coffee chain Starbucks are finally to have a presence in Alicante, as they open their first public outlet in the city, albeit inside the El Corte Ingles Federico Soto store in late May. 
The bar will move into the area currently accommoda...

### SUNSHINE, CACTUS AND ROSES

I had an interesting email from Joyce, a newly arrived expat, this week. Although I am often asked about issues relating to living and working in Spain and the Canary Islands, this question was unusual in that it asked me about gardening. 
Joyce and her partner have just moved to the Canary Islands and were wondering what she could grow in the small, but much appreciated, garden at the front of her new home. Joyce was a keen gardener in the UK, yet was now concerned, because she didn't just want to grow cactus, which she thought were the only plants that would grow in the desert-like conditions of the south of Gran Canaria.
I am no gardening expert, other than I know what I like and what I don't like. As with most things, I am a firm believer that most problems can be resolved with the aid of a good book, and in this case a good gardening book, a soil test kit, a lot of patience and a bit of common sense should do the trick.
The more I thought about the question, the more I realised that I have learned quite a lot about gardening and plants whilst living on this lovely island. Admittedly, I have made many mistakes, with the most common being trying to grow plants that I liked when I lived in the UK.
Of course, the plants did not share the same point of view and would have none of it, and quickly shrivelled and died. A combination of soil type, lively winds, dusty dry heat and lack of water were the reasons for many of my failures, and so I began to look for plants that I could see growing in other gardens, which would also be suitable for our own.
Gardening is not as popular a pastime in Spain and the Canary Islands as it is in the UK; I often hear that gardening and the love of plants is a Brit thing.  I have also noticed that when Spanish and Canarians move into a new home with a space for a garden, their first reaction is to tile over any remaining ground.
Admittedly, it is easier to keep clean, and ornate pots filled with plants can make all the difference. However, as a Brit, I like to see plants growing in the soil, albeit with the aid of a watering system beneath the surface of the soil, with the water supply controlled by a programmable timer to ensure that the plants don't dry out during the very hot, dry days.
Our watering system switches on for two minutes, twice a day, during the winter months and for five minutes, twice a day, during the hot, summer months. The periods of hot winds are the worst time for plants, and this is why the choice of plants is so important for any garden.
I avoid prickly cactus, not that I don't like them; I do, and many have beautiful, impressive flowers. However, our dog, Bella, tends to run into them when she is over exited or chasing a ball, and a dog with prickly cactus needles in her bottom is not a good idea.
Instead, I aim for lush succulents, and cactus without prickles. They are usually good value to buy and provide an interesting variety of shape and colour. Interestingly, roses also survive beautifully in our garden and they flower throughout the year. Unlike in the UK, I never have to spray them for black spot or any other disease that affects roses in many parts of the UK.
I cut them back heavily in January each year and give them a granular feed, and they reward us with a beautiful display of blooms throughout the year. Finding good quality roses to buy is not always easy on the island, but the garden centre that I use imports good stock from time to time, and I try to buy the scented varieties.
I have also found that lavender is a wonderful asset for a Canarian garden.  They grow and flower vigorously, require little attention other than cutting back from time to time, and their heady perfume is enough to send flies, mosquitoes and other nasty insects heading in another direction.
My message to Joyce is to enjoy her Canarian garden, but to work with the soil, the plants and local growing conditions.  There are plenty of plants that can be grown very successfully, but I would focus upon succulents, roses and lavender.
Also, don't forget to plant Aloe Vera, which is often regarded as a weed and ignored. It is commonly known as the 'First Aid Plant', and for good reason.  If you should scratch yourself whilst pruning the roses, breaking a piece off this wonderful plant and rubbing it over the wound, provides a soothing remedy that has been known and used by Canarians for generations.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie Mahoney
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46936/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: I had an interesting email from Joyce, a newly arrived expat, this week. Although I am often asked about issues relating to living and working in Spain and the Canary Islands, this question was unusual in that it asked me about gardening. 
Joyce and h...

### TORREVIEJA CHIEF JUDGE COMPLAINS OF STATE OF COLLAPSE

The new Chief Judge of Torrevieja, Mariano José Gómez Lozano, has demanded action to put an end to the state of “collapse” that the courts in the town are experiencing, urging the urgent launch of new courts to deal with the backlog of cases.
Gómez Lozano has made the urgent request having been appointed to the post of Chief Judge in March, noting that a Royal Decree from June 2010 orders the implementation of two new courts, and yet no action has yet been taken to do so.
The Judge also states that there are “no plans” in place for the establishing of the courts, despite him seeing “no reason” why they cannot be implemented.
Torrevieja courts are suffering an “immense overload” according to the Judge, which “far exceeds” the workload established by the General Council of the Judiciary.
The court of the First Instance is currently operating at 245% above the standard set by the council, whereas the criminal court is operating at 167% above the standard module.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46935/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The new Chief Judge of Torrevieja, Mariano José Gómez Lozano, has demanded action to put an end to the state of “collapse” that the courts in the town are experiencing, urging the urgent launch of new courts to deal with the b...

### LACK OF MAINTENANCE PUTS RESIDENTS AT RISK

Fire fighters from Torrevieja were called to assist in knocking down a lamppost in the Torretas area of the town, in order to prevent the installation crashing down onto nearby homes.
Residents on calle Cerezo had been concerned about the lack of maintenance to lamp posts and were increasingly worried about the state of this particular light which had become at risk as it was showing extreme signs of rust and corrosion around the base.
Other lampposts in the area are in a similar condition, but an inspection had been said to show no imminent danger.
It is by far the first time that the public lighting network has been criticised outside the city centre after residents the urbanisations nearby had complained about lack of lighting at night, again due to a lack of maintenance and attention by the contractors employed by the town hall, and a subsequent lack of action by the authorities who are seldom seen in the area, much as can be said about many town hall public services, according to the residents.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46934/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Fire fighters from Torrevieja were called to assist in knocking down a lamppost in the Torretas area of the town, in order to prevent the installation crashing down onto nearby homes.
Residents on calle Cerezo had been concerned about the lack of main...

### NEARLY A THOUSAND WORKERS FIND WORK IN MARCH

Unemployment in the Vega Baja region fell by 997 people in March, with the registered unemployment figure now standing at 34,105. 
The most reductions have been seen in Torrevieja, where 448 people found work, Pilar de la Horadada has reduced unemployment by 147, in Orihuela there are now 123 fewer jobless people, and in Guardamar del Segura, 112 people found work.
However, as always, there were municipalities which saw an increase in unemployment, specifically 22 more people are now out of work in Callosa de Segura, 10 in Benferri, 8 in Algorfa, 7 in Daya Nueva and 6 in Jacarilla.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46933/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Unemployment in the Vega Baja region fell by 997 people in March, with the registered unemployment figure now standing at 34,105. 
The most reductions have been seen in Torrevieja, where 448 people found work, Pilar de la Horadada has reduced unemploy...

### GUARDIA CIVIL OFFICER PRAISED FOR ROAD CLOSURE

An off duty Guardia Civil officer managed to avert a major disaster this week, when he successfully blocked a main road minutes before a landslide sent rubble tumbling below.
The incident occurred on Monday in the Valencia town of Cortes de Pallás, when the officer was driving along the road and noticed a number of small rocks and a quantity of dust.
Having driven the route for the last five years the officer was aware of small landslides reported recently and so he quickly stopped his private vehicle and manoeuvred it into position in order to block the road.
He then identified himself to the following vehicles as a Guardia Civil officer and explained the reasons for his actions. One of those vehicles was carrying a local councillor who called the municipal service staff to assist at the scene.
Within minutes, the land did indeed begin to fall cutting the road off completely and damaging a number of vehicles nearby, as well as electrical equipment.
One local resident had to be flown out be air ambulance due to an unrelated medical condition but ambulances were unable to access the area due to the blockage, but the swift actions of the officer no doubt saving lives of people who could well have ended up under the rubble.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46932/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: An off duty Guardia Civil officer managed to avert a major disaster this week, when he successfully blocked a main road minutes before a landslide sent rubble tumbling below.
The incident occurred on Monday in the Valencia town of Cortes de Pall&aacut...

### CLARA CAMPOAMOR DEMONSTRATES AGAINST MALE VIOLENCE

La Asociación de Mujeres Clara Campoamor were out last weekend demonstrating against male violence. 
After a number of female deaths at the hands of their male partners and husbands over the holiday weekend the group wanted to show their complete support to the authorities and to the families of the victims as they attempt to come to terms with the appalling brutality that has occurred in recent days.
They said that Easter should not be about mourning at the funerals of loved ones noting that at least six women had been abused, five of them killed, during the run up to the holiday weekend.
The Ladies of the Association said that they would wear black armbands  as a mark of respect to those who had suffered directly and to their families.
A spokesperson for the group asked "where preventive measures and aid is coming from, because at the present time both seem to be absent."
She bemoaned the fact that this "continues to pass before our eyes and those of society and the public authorities who, including many religious leaders, continue to look the other way."
The Association demanded action "to stop this macho terrorism, and to make the eradication of violence a priority for all social, political, legal and economic groups.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46931/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: La Asociación de Mujeres Clara Campoamor were out last weekend demonstrating against male violence. 
After a number of female deaths at the hands of their male partners and husbands over the holiday weekend the group wanted to show their complete support to the authorities and to the families of the victims as they attempt to come to terms with the appalling brutality that has occurred in recent days.
They said that Easter should not be about mourning at the funerals of loved ones noting that at least six women had been abused, five of them killed, during the run up to the holiday weekend.
The Ladies of the Association said that they would wear black armbands  as a mark of respect to those who had suffered directly and to their families.
A spokesperson for the group asked "where preventive measures and aid is coming from, because at the present time both seem to be absent."
She bemoaned the fact that this "continues to pass before our eyes and those of society and the public authorities who, including many religious leaders, continue to look the other way."
The Association demanded action "to stop this macho terrorism, and to make the eradication of violence a priority for all social, political, legal and economic groups.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46931/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### 'YES WE CAN' (SÍ SE PUEDE) PRESENTS ITS CANDIDATES IN TORREVIEJA

La Plaza de la Constitución was the venue chosen by the political party 'Yes you can Torrevieja' to launch its campaign for the upcoming Municipal elections last weekend.
The meeting began with a spokesman presenting the manifesto in front of a healthy gathering. Much of it was explained in detail following which reasons were then provided for the need of this new Party. "We have decided to take responsibility and govern for ourselves."
A number of candidates attended the event, many of whom introduced themselves to members of the public before taking questions of their own.
Each of the candidates asked for the support of citizens as they went about the collection of signatures that are necessary for them to become a credited party which is able to campaign in the elections.
A total of 1,500 signatures are needed, many of which were collected at the launch with tables set out in la Plaza de la Constitución for the purpose. The group announced that they will be carrying out similar events across the whole city in the coming days.
The Party called for the elimination of wasteful spending and the boosting of social investments by the Town Council although they didn't explain quite how this might be achieved..Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46930/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: La Plaza de la Constitución was the venue chosen by the political party 'Yes you can Torrevieja' to launch its campaign for the upcoming Municipal elections last weekend.
The meeting began with a spokesman presenting the manifesto in front of a healthy gathering. Much of it was explained in detail following which reasons were then provided for the need of this new Party. "We have decided to take responsibility and govern for ourselves."
A number of candidates attended the event, many of whom introduced themselves to members of the public before taking questions of their own.
Each of the candidates asked for the support of citizens as they went about the collection of signatures that are necessary for them to become a credited party which is able to campaign in the elections.
A total of 1,500 signatures are needed, many of which were collected at the launch with tables set out in la Plaza de la Constitución for the purpose. The group announced that they will be carrying out similar events across the whole city in the coming days.
The Party called for the elimination of wasteful spending and the boosting of social investments by the Town Council although they didn't explain quite how this might be achieved..Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46930/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### A CAPITAL TRIP WITH COACHTRIPS

Madrid was not always Spain's Capital city. In medieval Spain this honour fell to Toledo. It was in June 1561 that Philip II moved the court from Toledo to the fast growing city of Madrid. 
At that time the city had a population of some 30,000 inhabitants. Philip II had the good fortune to reign over Spain just as the wealth from the recently conquered south American continent was filling the royal coffers.
Philip was charged with the task of building a suitable burial place for his father.
The notorious Charles V of Austria (1st of  Spain). Who whilst still in his late fifties had surrendered the crown to his son with this condition attached. A site was chosen at El Escorial (meaning the slag heap), which was from that date  on to become the burial place of almost every Spanish king ,queen, royal consort ,and their children both legitimate and illegitimate.
The monastery of San Lorenzo built by King Philip at that site still serves as the Royal Burial place .This huge monastery with its 2,000 windows sits in the shadow of the impressive Guadarrama mountain range.
The small town of El Escoral  which has sprung up around the monastery, sits amongst green fields. A sense of history fills it cobbled streets. Tasteful architecture continually reminds us of the presence of hundreds of royal personages from  earlier, and often more troubled times than our own.
Each of these departed royals having left us with a memory of the part they played in the progress towards a modern European nation. A visit to the monastery fills you with wonder at the incredible skills of medieval builders and stone masons.
Coming back to Madrid. We find a pleasing combination of old and new in this thriving city which sits right in the heart of  Spain. Here you have the Royal Palace which has been home to these many generations of royals.
Treasure troves of some of the finest art exhibitions in the world can be found in the Reina Sofia Museum, the Thyssen museum, and undoubtedly one of the most famous museums in the world –The Prado. The naval museum helps us to relive the story of the Spanish Armada, the national Archaeological museum exhibits evidence of mans development in Spain.
Famous statues such as the Cibeles  fountain and the gates of Alcala adorn wide sweeping avenues. Parks filled with flowers and trees are to be found throughout the city. The cream of these being the Buen Retiro which is built round a boating lake. Top name shops and top theatre shows are always on offer in Madrid .
Eating out is a pleasure with so many good restaurants to choose from. Sitting in the social hub of Madrid's huge Plaza Mayor with the sounds, sights and smells of a large lively and buzzing Madrid is a memory to cherish forever.
Both these fabulous destinations are included in a tremendous value for money excursion. Using a 3* City centre hotel and including an excursion to Escorial for only 188€ for 4 days B&B, May 11-14. 
 
To book call us direct on 0034 966785910 or visit our web site www.coachtripsonline.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46929/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Madrid was not always Spain's Capital city. In medieval Spain this honour fell to Toledo. It was in June 1561 that Philip II moved the court from Toledo to the fast growing city of Madrid. 
At that time the city had a population of some 30,000 inhabit...

### EURONICS DARTS LEAGUE - 9 APRIL 2015

¨THE ELECTRICAL SHOP¨ - BLUE LAGOON
Meerkats defeat of Que Pasa´s Eagles this week, ruined the possibility of a Thursday evening showdown with the Hyenas for the coveted League title. 
The Eagles needed to beat or draw with the Kats to force a last league match encounter with the Hyenas for the championship.  It wasn't to be as a depleted Eagles capitulated to a reasonable Kats´ performance who now retain the league title and currently remain unbeaten with just one game to play. 
The Kats have beaten Hyenas twice this season but have to lock horns twice more before the season ends, this week in the league where Simon Williams´ side will be doing their upmost to end the Kats unbeaten record. 
The following week it will be the K.O. Cup Final at the Porter House venue.  This game will be very close, the triples format determining a tight result.  Both sides have outstanding players but lets face it one or two will wobble a little under pressure and missed doubles will undoubtedly mean defeat. 
It may well go all the way i.e. 13 legs but I predict a 7-5 result either way.  Each side will be expecting their top men to perform, Pat Abrams for the Kats and Nick Spicer for the Hyenas, which no doubt they will having already proved their value throughout the season.
Eagles´ Jim Storey and Stuart Clark did their best to prevent a whitewash this week.  7 tons from the duo plus a lone 140 from Brett Badlove was insufficient to prevent a rout.  An indifferent start was punctuated by a ton from Pat Abrams and finishing by Lee Maiden on D15. 
Three tons from Alex Nikolov and Derek Kingsbury in the next gave Dave Frew the opportunity of a D4 out, Clark scoring a ton.  It was soon 0-3, Paul Durrant 121 and Abrams 180,117 and D10 closing the third triple, just 128 from Storey.  And so it continued, 0-6 at half time Abrams 100, Durrant and Maiden 100 providing the doubles. 
Abrams opened the singles against Clark taking out the Eagle 0-2 on D7 and D8 with 4 tons, Clark just 2 tons but certainly not disgraced.  Graham Todd and Nikolov added two more legs, both returning 2-0 matches. 
Durrant faced captain Den Hall in the next and recorded a maximum and a nice 63 out on D18 leaving just two matches for the hosts to record a victory.  Storey did his best to get his side on the score sheet recording 4 tons and taking the middle leg of three against Frew, who closed out on D8.  Maiden made it 12 for the Kats taking out D16 for the match and a nice 76 out in the first (S16,S20,D20).
Hub Hyenas could do no better than win their penultimate match in the hope the next match would be for the title.  It didn't go their way but the consolation of second place after a fine home victory to Busters.  Hyenas won all three triples via Joe Miller D10, Nick Spicer 2x100,D10 and John Eyre 100,D10.  Julie Hallett and Peter O´Rourke showing some opposition but lacking the chance of a double. 
Ray Harvey 100 pulled back one for the visitors on D19, well supported by Irene Russell, despite tons from Joe Hawkins and Eyre.  Shaun Smith and Geoff Harvey just edged out O´Rourke and Paul Dowington, Smith scoring 100,139 and D10 for 4-1. 
Spicer 100 paired with Cyril Harrison in the concluding doubles, the latter making it 5-1 against Shirley Roberts and Julie Hallett.  Irene Russell 81,100 did her best to upset Miller who was in decent form with a tasty 70 out and D13 for 2-0.  O´Rourke was unlucky against Harrison taking the middle leg of three, the Hyena edging out the Buster with a series of high scores. 
Simon Williams gave a great captain´s performance playing Dowington, taking the first after an 85 and 140 and then opening in the second with 85,100.  The Busters response was similar scoring but a definitive 87 out on the bull (S17,S20,bull).  No tons in the decider but shared scores of six 80+, Dowington polishing off 71 via S13,S18,D20.  Hawkins took the next in good form, plenty of scores plus D20 and D16.  In the 11th leg Harvey outscored Spicer to take the first on D4 and hit 140 in the second to take the lead. 
Spicer somehow levelled on D4 to take it to three.  Both traded 80 pluses and tons before Spicer finished the 501 on D20.  Smith and Roberts shared four tons in the remaining leg, Roberts unable to close, Smith taking full advantage with D20 and D5 for a 10-2 result. 
Porters victory over Gogarty´s ensured Ray Sanderson´s side third place in the title race and well deserved.  The visitors went 3 up via Peter Ayres D12, Debbie Metcalfe D2 and Yvonne Rouffignac D18.  Scores coming from Sanderson 100, Brian Nash 130 and Matt Jackson 100.  Elaine Willis D3 pulled one back for Gogarty´s partner Kevin Prockter hitting 117, this despite 2x100 from Ray Hayes. 
The next went the Porters way, Nash and Rouffignac sharing tons, the latter hitting D4.  Ayres wrapped up the first half with 95 and D9 along with the skipper.  A 116 from Hayes proved fruitless against Richard Pattison in the opening singles as a 125 and 100 set up D18 for the opening leg.  Two more tons from the Gogarty´s man left 56 points which was accomplished in two S16,D20. 
Debbie Metcalfe gave a good account of herself levelling on D5 with a 135 thrown in, opponent Prockter countering with a 121, but more importantly both winning doubles D16 and D20.  Nash D16, D17 and Rouffignac 100,D2 and D1 took the next two against Gail Todd and Cynthia Jevons respectively.  Captain Steve Woods couldn't show his form of late, succumbing to Ayres 100, 2-0 on D20 and D2.  Jackson won 2 of 3 against Willis on D16 twice plus 2x100 and a 140.  Willis took the middle leg on D17.
Tavern Drivers must have thought they were back to winning ways after leading Breakaways 4-2 at half time.  Mike Smith was outstanding for Breakaways with 2x140,100 and D8, Del Lister close behind with 100,D10 and plenty of high scores.  It was however Rick Cox, Paul Birtwhistle and Rob Hindley who ensured the half time lead for the hosts. 
John Dursley´s D9 for the Tavern in the third doubles before the break was to be their last as Breakaways showed why they are Division 2 champions winning all six singles.  Smith was the highlight of the singles hitting 140 and taking out a nice 70 against Stu Mitchell. 
Sarah Simpson ensured the draw against Birtwhistle, Lister making it both points for the visitors with a ton and D20.  Ivan Jones and Mike Snow both acquitted themselves well, coincidentally winning their matches on D6.
Junction Jaguars keep their hopes of second spot alive with a comfortable victory over the Queens.  Marie Dunne did her upmost to bring the Queens into the game with some hefty scoring in the games prior to the break, but to no avail as the Jaguars raced to a 0-6 half time lead. 
Sharon Bugg, Simone de Lacy and Lisa Ivill the main Jaguars, taking 5 of the 6 doubles, Dee Green taking the 6th.  De Lacy added a ton to an earlier 140 in her victory over Lorraine Cox.  Marie Dunne continued her form in overcoming Bugg on D7, earning the Royal family their first leg of the evening.  Pat Schofield, Ivill and Hilda Wilkinson took the next three, leaving the 12th leg to go to Royal Rachael Broadhead on D4 playing Jaguars captain Tracey Simpson.
Ale House carry on winning, this week at the expense of the Kestrels who must be favourites for second spot in Division 2 with one match to go.  Some decent darts from Chris Miles 123,100 Michelle Lane 100 and John Lane proved insufficient as Ale House continue their unbeaten run. 
The hosts were 4-2 up at half time, Karl Mallinson taking two of the doubles, Brian Hobbis and Berney Whipday the other two.  Mallinson made it 6 legs for the Alers on D20 to leave captain Whipday to hit D5 for the match and two points.  Russell Lyness and John Lane were the Kestrels singles winners.
A draw at half time looked good news for the Pint Depot Kings seeking their first victory.  In fact Matt Cummins made it 4 for the Kings in the opening singles against Steph Simpson, both recording 140, Cummins taking the game 2-0. 
Dave Wright almost made it 5 after levelling on D10 against Mick Jones who went on to take the third on D20, both players finding the treble.  The Jackals took the next two via Nigel Elvery D5, D10 and Phil de Lacy 140 ensuring a point. 
Keith King got the better of Gary Minor 2-0 for the match, Eddie Fozzard gaining the Kings 5th leg against Andy Gildea.  Some good scoring from both sides, the best coming from Minor 2x100,123, Fozzard 125,140 Wright 2x100, Jones 2x140,115.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46927/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: ¨THE ELECTRICAL SHOP¨ - BLUE LAGOON
Meerkats defeat of Que Pasa´s Eagles this week, ruined the possibility of a Thursday evening showdown with the Hyenas for the coveted League title. 
The Eagles needed to beat or draw with the Kats to ...

### SO HOW IS YOUR HEARING?

How's your hearing, Do people sound as if they mumble and in background noise you find it difficult to hear clearly and switch off and withdraw?  You may have a hearing problem! So act now and slow the process down.
Many people lose the sharpness of their hearing as we get older it's a fact!  Having bad hearing can affect us socially and you can lose confidence in group conversation; you may even misinterpret what people say. Hearing problems are very gradual, even unnoticeable and usually affect the high frequencies making people sound as if they mumble.
Book your free no obligation hearing test with a friendly representative from Apple Hearing & Healthcare and find out how your hearing can be improved.  It may only be wax.  Our hearing specialist will be able to show you the inside your ear on screen using the latest Wireless Video Otoscope. 
With wireless streaming to your hearing aids you can connect to your TV and mobile phone so you can hear everything perfectly clear.  Call you for your free demonstration; you may not know what you're missing.
At Apple Hearing & Healthcare for many years and has been committed to constantly help improve the lives of thousands of customers in the UK and of ex pats living in the Costa Blancaand providing a free second to none aftercare service. 
We have hearing consultantsin your area specialising in the very latest miniature wireless and interactive hearing aid technology at an affordable price. Book a no obligation appointment and let us show you better hearing. 
Hear better, feel better!
With our fully qualified and registered hearing aid specialists we offer a free hearing check and demonstration of the newest hearing aid technology on the market plus a full range to suite everyone's budget. Free home visits can be arranged without obligation. 
All hearing test are free of charge and without obligation.  All hearing aids come with a free 30 day trial money back guarantee.
Purchase now and receive up to 100 Euro off and a years supply of batteries.  We'll even give you a free packet of batteries for you existing hearing aid just for booking a So call us now on 965020813Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46922/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: How's your hearing, Do people sound as if they mumble and in background noise you find it difficult to hear clearly and switch off and withdraw?  You may have a hearing problem! So act now and slow the process down.
Many people lose the sharpness of t...

### IRISH SOAP STARS IN LINE FOR CUCARACHA CALL UP

Actors Billie Anthony'Gaddess and Julie Kay, who are currently putting the Finishing touches to the First ever Crowd Funded feature Film to be made on the Costablanca, "The Cucaracha Club" recently teamed up with two big names from an Irish TV Soap, called Ros na Run. 
A Gallic speaking show that has been running for many years now. Robbie Gallagher and Mike Kelly, have been involved for many years as actors on TV and have many movie credits to their names.
Gangs of New York, Joan of Ark, Dark Age, Brush Strokes, among the film credits and Benidorm, Ros na Run (TG4), Raisai na Gaillime(TG4) and the TG4 detective series, Corp Agus Anam, in the TV credits.
Plans are afoot for the second Cucaracha Club story with the option of making a 6 to 8 part TV Drama of the plot line. The genial Irish men, may find themselves as integral members of the forthcoming cast to play bad boys opposite Julie and Billie.
It is hoped that the International cast will be extended to more big named actors as locations from around Europe and the USA will be sought to complete a much more ambitious feature length film.
In the mean time it is also hoped that Robbie may join up with a few members of the Film cast in the next ADHOC production later this year, putting his directors hat on with a very famous stage play. Tom Watt has been invited to return in his role with an ambitious plot line and special effects.
Music for the next production is already being composed to keep with the ideal of having a low budget production with a full original music score. The current production has this in place and it is very unusual to have a full music score, let alone such a high quality amount of music available.
The Theme song sung by Chloe Leigh called "The Cucaracha Club" and currently being requested on local radio and international stations,has had well over 3000 hit on Youtube thus far.
For further information www.siesta.productionsFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46921/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Actors Billie Anthony'Gaddess and Julie Kay, who are currently putting the Finishing touches to the First ever Crowd Funded feature Film to be made on the Costablanca, "The Cucaracha Club" recently teamed up with two big names from an Irish TV Soap, called Ros na Run. 
A Gallic speaking show that has been running for many years now. Robbie Gallagher and Mike Kelly, have been involved for many years as actors on TV and have many movie credits to their names.
Gangs of New York, Joan of Ark, Dark Age, Brush Strokes, among the film credits and Benidorm, Ros na Run (TG4), Raisai na Gaillime(TG4) and the TG4 detective series, Corp Agus Anam, in the TV credits.
Plans are afoot for the second Cucaracha Club story with the option of making a 6 to 8 part TV Drama of the plot line. The genial Irish men, may find themselves as integral members of the forthcoming cast to play bad boys opposite Julie and Billie.
It is hoped that the International cast will be extended to more big named actors as locations from around Europe and the USA will be sought to complete a much more ambitious feature length film.
In the mean time it is also hoped that Robbie may join up with a few members of the Film cast in the next ADHOC production later this year, putting his directors hat on with a very famous stage play. Tom Watt has been invited to return in his role with an ambitious plot line and special effects.
Music for the next production is already being composed to keep with the ideal of having a low budget production with a full original music score. The current production has this in place and it is very unusual to have a full music score, let alone such a high quality amount of music available.
The Theme song sung by Chloe Leigh called "The Cucaracha Club" and currently being requested on local radio and international stations,has had well over 3000 hit on Youtube thus far.
For further information www.siesta.productionsFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46921/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### KING ADMITS DRIVING FINE

Although he didn´t give any details away, King Felipe VI of Spain has been applauded this weekend for another stance in which he confirms that nobody is above the law, admitting to having been fined by the Guardia Civil for a traffic offence.
The admittance came during a tour of the DGT headquarters in which the King took a tour of the facilities, coinciding with the final phase of the Easter special operation.
Prior to the tour an unofficial question probed the monarch, asking if he had ever been fined by the Guardia Civil, to which he simply replied “yes”, before qualifying that the incident happened “many years ago”.
The King also sent wishes to the many drivers who were on the roads during the weekend, before thanking the Guardia Civil patrols for their efforts to keep the roads safe whilst even putting their own lives at risk on a daily basis, expressing his “appreciation and affection”, and that of all Spanish men and women of the Guardia Civil Guard and the air assets who are in service on all the country's roads and in the air, especially on a day like today”, continuing to thank those who “put their lives at risk many times, for which many millions of Spaniards feel well served and safer.
According to provisional data prior to the close of the count at midnight, the ten-day operation has resulted in 13.9 million journeys, an increase of 7.8% from last year.
Sadly, some 25 people lost their lives in the same time frame, although that count also ends at midnight, but it is hoped that the figure will be less than last year when 37 people were killed on the Easter roads.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46920/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Although he didn´t give any details away, King Felipe VI of Spain has been applauded this weekend for another stance in which he confirms that nobody is above the law, admitting to having been fined by the Guardia Civil for a traffic offence.
Th...

### REACHING OUT FOR NEW LOO

After supporting and helping the needy and homeless in Torrevieja for nearly four years, the time had come to create more office space to accommodate the growing demand on the organization as it develops.
On Friday 10th April, Karolina Leonard, President and founder of Reachout carried out the opening ceremony of the new LOO.  The Logistics Operations Office co-locates the Transport and Warehouse personnel, in a modified unused toilet in the Reachout centre. 
The office will contain all the necessary hardware used to support the daily collection and delivery of articles, including furniture, in and out of the shop and warehouse.
The office space vacated by the amalgamation will help provide better access to IT for the Volunteers who daily deal with the Families and Homeless using Reachout for help.
Reachout wishes to thank all donors who supplied the items used to complete this much needed project.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46913/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: After supporting and helping the needy and homeless in Torrevieja for nearly four years, the time had come to create more office space to accommodate the growing demand on the organization as it develops.
On Friday 10th April, Karolina Leonard, Presid...

### SPAIN-PAKISTAN POLITICAL CONSULTATIONS

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Ignacio Ybáñez Rubio, visited Islamabad today in order to hold political consultations with his Pakistani counterpart Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry.
He also held a meeting with the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Ambassador Tariq Fatemi, and with the Commerce Minister, Khurram Dastgir Khan.
During the political consultations, both parties, reviewed the bilateral relations and the possibilities of strengthening them in the political, economic, consular and cultural spheres.
They also addressed possible areas of cooperation in the United Nations and global affairs that are a priority for both countries, such as the fight against terrorism, with the Pakistani authorities explaining their recent advances in this field.
During the conversations, they also addressed the most pressing issues regarding human rights in Pakistan. The secretary of state moved Spain's position in favor of the returning to the moratorium in applying the death penalty, recently raised in Pakistan within the framework of the fight against terrorism.
He also mentioned the interest with which Spain observes the protection of religious minorities in the region, thanking the Pakistani government for their efforts to maintain the tradition of tolerance and peaceful coexistence among creeds within the country.
Likewise, in the context of this defense, the secretary of state mentioned the government's interest in the evolution of the case of Asia Bibi, who was sentenced to death for blasphemy.
In the economic sphere, the Pakistani authorities reported on several opportunities to stimulate relations between both countries, in the context of its policy to prioritise economic diplomacy. The different speakers confirmed this, and spoke on high protection areas, infrastructure, agriculture and the energy sector.
In the sphere of trade relations, Pakistan has made a positive assessment of the progress of the application of the Generalized System of Preferences issued by the European Union, and of the favorable impact that it has had for maintaining economic opportunities for Pakistani youth and preventing the spread of radicalism among excluded people.
Finally, several issues on the international agenda were discussed, such as the situation in Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, the Middle East Peace Process, the progress of E3/EU+3 negotiations on the Iranian nuclear programme and other regional and international issues.
The next consultations will take place in Madrid.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46894/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Ignacio Ybáñez Rubio, visited Islamabad today in order to hold political consultations with his Pakistani counterpart Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry.
He also held a meeting with the Special Assistant to ...

### WE MADE IT!

ITAJAÍ, Brazil, April 7 – Battered, bruised, but defiant to the last, Team SCA (Sam Davies/GBR) finally completed a gruelling Leg 5 of the Volvo Ocean Race on Tuesday and arrived to a well-deserved Brazilian welcome fit for heroines.
Itajaí reserved its very best weather for the arrival of the first all-women's crew to enter the race for 12 years, a sharp contrast to the conditions the team have battled with since leaving Auckland on March 18.
At the beginning of last week, having struggled in 50 knots of wind (92 km per hour) and a confused sea state, Team SCA were one of three crews to crash on their sides during a Chinese gybe, damaging their fractional code zero, a key sail in the process.
The setback left them with no chance of keeping pace with the main racing pack led by winners, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (Ian Walker/GBR), which completed the 6,776-nautical mile (nm) leg on Sunday.
At one stage, they also lost their electronics overnight, effectively sailing blind in the Southern Ocean.
Then, last Sunday, they were rocked again by three collisions with unidentified objects as they raced up the Brazilian coast in the South Atlantic, the first doing considerable damage to the rudder.
Undaunted, Davies and her 11-strong crew battled on to finish the event's toughest leg at around 1352 GMT (local time 1052) on Tuesday (see panel for elapsed times).
"We made it to dock! We made mistakes, we had things go wrong, but we fixed it all and we've made it here, and we're in one piece so we're happy," said the British skipper.
"We proved at the beginning that we could keep up with the others, but then we broke our fractional sail, the sail that we really needed for this leg.
"So we kind of let ourselves down by losing that sail. It was really, really hard; we were frustrated. There was nothing much we could do in certain conditions without our fractional.
"The race became a bit of different challenge from then on."
Team SCA have earned five points to take their overall tally to 29.
The shore crew, working with the race's Boatyard team, will now have a busy few days ensuring the boat is back to optimum condition ready for the Team Vestas Wind Itajaí In-Port race on April 18 and the Leg 6 departure for Newport, Rhode Island, a day later.
Meanwhile, Dongfeng Race Team (Charles Caudrelier/FRA), who were forced to retire from the leg after breaking their mast on Monday last week, are delivering their stricken boat to Itajaí under sail and motor.
They will have about four days to have their boat repaired in time for the Newport departure.
Photo: Buda Mendes / Volvo Ocean RaceFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46892/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ITAJAÍ, Brazil, April 7 – Battered, bruised, but defiant to the last, Team SCA (Sam Davies/GBR) finally completed a gruelling Leg 5 of the Volvo Ocean Race on Tuesday and arrived to a well-deserved Brazilian welcome fit for heroines.
Itajaí reserved its very best weather for the arrival of the first all-women's crew to enter the race for 12 years, a sharp contrast to the conditions the team have battled with since leaving Auckland on March 18.
At the beginning of last week, having struggled in 50 knots of wind (92 km per hour) and a confused sea state, Team SCA were one of three crews to crash on their sides during a Chinese gybe, damaging their fractional code zero, a key sail in the process.
The setback left them with no chance of keeping pace with the main racing pack led by winners, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (Ian Walker/GBR), which completed the 6,776-nautical mile (nm) leg on Sunday.
At one stage, they also lost their electronics overnight, effectively sailing blind in the Southern Ocean.
Then, last Sunday, they were rocked again by three collisions with unidentified objects as they raced up the Brazilian coast in the South Atlantic, the first doing considerable damage to the rudder.
Undaunted, Davies and her 11-strong crew battled on to finish the event's toughest leg at around 1352 GMT (local time 1052) on Tuesday (see panel for elapsed times).
"We made it to dock! We made mistakes, we had things go wrong, but we fixed it all and we've made it here, and we're in one piece so we're happy," said the British skipper.
"We proved at the beginning that we could keep up with the others, but then we broke our fractional sail, the sail that we really needed for this leg.
"So we kind of let ourselves down by losing that sail. It was really, really hard; we were frustrated. There was nothing much we could do in certain conditions without our fractional.
"The race became a bit of different challenge from then on."
Team SCA have earned five points to take their overall tally to 29.
The shore crew, working with the race's Boatyard team, will now have a busy few days ensuring the boat is back to optimum condition ready for the Team Vestas Wind Itajaí In-Port race on April 18 and the Leg 6 departure for Newport, Rhode Island, a day later.
Meanwhile, Dongfeng Race Team (Charles Caudrelier/FRA), who were forced to retire from the leg after breaking their mast on Monday last week, are delivering their stricken boat to Itajaí under sail and motor.
They will have about four days to have their boat repaired in time for the Newport departure.
Photo: Buda Mendes / Volvo Ocean RaceFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46892/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### LAS RAMBLAS GOLF SOCIETY RETAIN THE KAMEELEON TROPHY

VEGA BAJA PREMIER GOLF LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION – 3rd APRIL 2015 at El Plantio Golf Resort
The Vega Baja Premier Golf League final fixture of the season was at El Plantio Golf Resort in Alicante and on Good Friday, so how good was it going to be?
All eyes were really on two teams La Manga North and Las Ramblas Golf Society, as the results of their respective matches would determine the 2015 Champions.
La Manga North were playing their local rivals La Manga Residents Association and a lot was going to depend on the result of this match as La Manga North held a four point advantage over second place Las Ramblas G.S.
Las Ramblas who are the holders of the Kameeleon Premier Trophy and were determined to go out and win handsomely enough to retain the trophy.
The other results although important for the individual Golf Societies, the main ones were for the title and second place, it was non-playing Captain of La Manga North who was running around in a buggy chivvying up his team, but the team also from La Manga RGA denied Robin and his team by holding them to a draw and taking the three bonus points with a better total points.
Mick Brentnall Las Ramblas G.S. Captain took no hostages and his team made sure that the four point deficit would not be the deterrent in retaining the trophy by amassing the days highest point total of the day and with it the bonus points. Paddy's Point was not going to make it easy, but in this mood Las Ramblas were not going to be beaten.
EuroToffs although at the bottom of the table they wanted to finish the season in a flourish and this is what they did by beating a normally strong La Serena team although it was enough to lift them off the bottom.
Rockets who know what its like to be at the base of the table finished the season in a very creditable third place by drawing with journey men Don Cayo G.S. but missed out on the bonus points but kept the third spot by one point.
La Manga North could only muster 6 league points from the match but with Las Ramblas earning 12 meant they overcame the four point difference and took the trophy by 2 points. 
What a cracking finale.
The highest pairing scores came in the Las Ramblas vs. Paddy's Point match and were:
Myra Coull/Elsie Cowie 44 points & Kevin Fitzpatrick/Steve Higgins 39 points (Paddy's Point G S) Barbara Hitchings/Mick Brentnall 40 points, Geoff Biggerstaff/Tom Hardie 39 points, Benedicte Kruse/Bryan Neal 39 points (Las Ramblas G S)
A true team effort that brought the season to a close. 
Congratulations to the Las Ramblas team and to La Manga North for making it such an exceiting season, thanks also to all the teams and players for their contribution in making the Vega Baja Premier Golf League such an competitive and exciting league now in its 15th year.
Thanks also for the support of the Golf Directors of the courses on which the VBPGL have played the matches.
You will also be able to see updated Vega Baja Premier Golf League fixtures, tables, and news on the website www.vegabajapremiergolfleague.com  and on Facebook, throughout the season
For more information on the Vega Baja Premier Golf League, contact The Secretary; Ivie Davies 669 211 410 or golfdavies@gmail.com
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46885/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: VEGA BAJA PREMIER GOLF LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION – 3rd APRIL 2015 at El Plantio Golf Resort
The Vega Baja Premier Golf League final fixture of the season was at El Plantio Golf Resort in Alicante and on Good Friday, so how good was it going to ...

### SAMARITANS IN SPAIN

The last few weeks have seen a number of high profile cases in the news involving top professional people and their struggles to cope with life´s challenges.  
Readers will no doubt be aware of the Germanwings co-pilot with a history of depression who is suspected of deliberately crashing a jet into the French Alps.
Meanwhile, the American actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie has bravely gone public about coming to terms with further extensive preventative surgery in an effort, at the young age of 39, to avoid the cancers to which she is susceptible. In the UK former Burnley footballer Clarke Carlisle has spoken of  his “good fortune” in surviving his suicide attempt and relationship issues in a bid to encourage other  - especially reticent male - sufferers of emotional distress to seek out help.
How many readers know that the Samaritans in Spain are here to provide that help locally to whoever may call? With their phone lines now open 24x7 they provide a free, completely confidential, English language support service for people of any age experiencing emotional problems of any type or intensity.
The service is modelled on that offered for more than 60 years in the UK and the Samaritan name is used in Spain under licence. Samaritans is comprised entirely of un-paid volunteers, with all of those offering the listening service extensively trained and supported as they "stand alongside" people through their suffering.
They will listen regardless of how big or small the issue, and regardless of what the caller has or has not done. They listen without judging or telling people what they should or shouldn't do.
Samaritans is not aligned to any other organisation, social, religious or political. This assists neutrality, allowing callers to explore their situation their way. What is heard is entirely confidential within the organisation, and no calls or contacts are recorded or traced. No caller needs to give any personal information to talk to a volunteer.
The 24-hour listening service is available to callers on 902 88 35 35 (a national, premium service number, not a premium rate number). Samaritans in Spain cover the whole of Spain, including the mainland and the Islands for the same low cost phone charges.  Alternatively you can email a Samaritan by contacting pat@samaritansinspain.com or visit the drop-in centre in the Punta Prima shopping centre for those on the Costa Blanca who want to come in and talk face-to-face.
The Drop-in and charity shop is open from 10.00am to 2.00pm Monday to Saturday - further details and directions are found at www.samaritansinspain.corn – you can also follow news and articles with them on Facebook.
The Samaritans also visit Fontcalent prison in Alicante each month offering the same service to English-speakers there, and to their relatives and are pleased to work in co-operation with other caring organisations, with the British Consulate in Alicante, the British Embassy in Madrid and many others elsewhere across Spain. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46884/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The last few weeks have seen a number of high profile cases in the news involving top professional people and their struggles to cope with life´s challenges.  
Readers will no doubt be aware of the Germanwings co-pilot with a history of depression who is suspected of deliberately crashing a jet into the French Alps.
Meanwhile, the American actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie has bravely gone public about coming to terms with further extensive preventative surgery in an effort, at the young age of 39, to avoid the cancers to which she is susceptible. In the UK former Burnley footballer Clarke Carlisle has spoken of  his “good fortune” in surviving his suicide attempt and relationship issues in a bid to encourage other  - especially reticent male - sufferers of emotional distress to seek out help.
How many readers know that the Samaritans in Spain are here to provide that help locally to whoever may call? With their phone lines now open 24x7 they provide a free, completely confidential, English language support service for people of any age experiencing emotional problems of any type or intensity.
The service is modelled on that offered for more than 60 years in the UK and the Samaritan name is used in Spain under licence. Samaritans is comprised entirely of un-paid volunteers, with all of those offering the listening service extensively trained and supported as they "stand alongside" people through their suffering.
They will listen regardless of how big or small the issue, and regardless of what the caller has or has not done. They listen without judging or telling people what they should or shouldn't do.
Samaritans is not aligned to any other organisation, social, religious or political. This assists neutrality, allowing callers to explore their situation their way. What is heard is entirely confidential within the organisation, and no calls or contacts are recorded or traced. No caller needs to give any personal information to talk to a volunteer.
The 24-hour listening service is available to callers on 902 88 35 35 (a national, premium service number, not a premium rate number). Samaritans in Spain cover the whole of Spain, including the mainland and the Islands for the same low cost phone charges.  Alternatively you can email a Samaritan by contacting pat@samaritansinspain.com or visit the drop-in centre in the Punta Prima shopping centre for those on the Costa Blanca who want to come in and talk face-to-face.
The Drop-in and charity shop is open from 10.00am to 2.00pm Monday to Saturday - further details and directions are found at www.samaritansinspain.corn – you can also follow news and articles with them on Facebook.
The Samaritans also visit Fontcalent prison in Alicante each month offering the same service to English-speakers there, and to their relatives and are pleased to work in co-operation with other caring organisations, with the British Consulate in Alicante, the British Embassy in Madrid and many others elsewhere across Spain. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46884/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### MUNICIPAL AND AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY ELECTIONS - 24 MAY 2015

On 24 May 2015, a total of 34,985,499 voters will be able to vote in the municipal elections. 19,328,936 voters will be able to vote. 
19,840,597 voters will be able to participate in the Autonomous Community elections that will be held in 13 Autonomous Communities, and 119,487 in the elections to the Assemblies of the Autonomous Cities of Ceuta and Melilla.
According to article 2.3 of the Electoral Law, in order to be able to vote in the municipal elections, it is necessary to be registered in the electoral census of residents in Spain.
Request to vote of voters resident abroad
Voters resident abroad will be able to participate in the elections to the Autonomous Communities and the Assemblies of Ceuta and Melilla, if they request their vote from 31 March to 25 April. The Electoral Census Office has sent the official application form to all voters with the right to vote.
For the first time, applications may be sent over the Internet. In order to do that, it is required to have an electronic certificate recognised by the Electronic Office of the INE or use the password sent together with the official form.
Electoral census querying
The electoral census will be available for query from 6 to 13 April at the municipal councils, and also in the provincial delegations of the Electoral Census Office. Spanish voters residing abroad may verify their registration data on these same dates at their respective consulates.
The information on the electoral census with data of interest for this query, current census, claims, postal vote, deadlines, regulation and counting of registered voters is available on the INE website (http://www.ine.es_en).
Registrations for the upcoming elections in the current census correspond to registrations in the Municipal Register and the Consular Register on 30 December 2014, except for citizens of countries with Agreements that recognise the right to vote in the Municipal Elections which are referred to on 15 January 2015.
Voters can check the INE website to obtain data on polling station officials and premises. Moreover, voters who have a recognised electronic certificate can check the registration information in the electoral census.
The claims period, if any error or omission is observed regarding the data contained in the electoral census, will elapse from 6 to 13 April. Claims may be presented at the municipal councils, consulates or provincial delegations of the Electoral Census Office.
Census cards
The Electoral Census Office shall issue each voter a census card that indicates the corresponding polling station, as well as the voting premises and address, as of 27 April.
Voter query processing
The provincial delegations of the Electoral Census Office will attend all queries within the scope of their authority (census registration, postal vote, electoral premises, census cards, etc.) at their offices, and also by telephone, on the following number: 901.101.900.
Voters' information
The following charts show the voters' information for the elections held on 24 May 2015, Autonomous Community elections (by Autonomous Community), elections to the Assemblies of the Autonomous Cities of Ceuta and Melilla (with data for each Autonomous City) and municipal elections (by provinces), as well as information on foreign nationals resident in Spain and with the right to vote by country of citizenship.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46882/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: On 24 May 2015, a total of 34,985,499 voters will be able to vote in the municipal elections. 19,328,936 voters will be able to vote. 
19,840,597 voters will be able to participate in the Autonomous Community elections that will be held in 13 Autonomo...

### STERLING IN FOR A BUSY WEEK

After a quiet week last week for both UK economic data releases and in the movement of sterling, we are in for a much busier week this week when it comes to UK economic data releases.
I suspect we will also see some larger movements for sterling.
Today we have the release of the Purchasing Managers Index for the Service sector for March.
A slight improvement is forecast; any variation will be disruptive as this is a key sector for the UK economy. Later in the week we have the latest Bank of England meeting, no changes in policy are expected, and on Friday a raft of output figures for February for construction, manufacturing and industry are released. In the background we have the General Election entering the last month before the vote - uncertainty in the outcome is not going to be supportive of sterling strength.
Euro still “controlled” by the Greek debt problem. Greece and its debt problems continue to be the centre of attention. On the whole the rhetoric is positive but until all is agreed it is very difficult to predict the actual outcome.
Otherwise the euro enjoyed a steady week last week with no major movements. Today we have the release of the March Eurozone Purchasing Managers Index for the Service Sector which is expected to hold steady.
Similar to the UK we then have a raft of data covering output for industry and manufacturing for the Eurozone released towards the end of the week. If the Greek debt problem doesn't blow we could see some confidence return to the Eurozone economy and possibly the euro. US Dollar survives disappointing employment figures Fridays big event was the Non-farm payroll figures.
After a period of exceeding expectations this came in much lower than expectations. Was this a surprise, probably not, as we had already seen economic data releases on a downward curve for the last few weeks. The strength of the dollar has certainly been hurting US exports and the removal of the quantitative easing programme has also reduced the “adrenalin rush” that had powered the US economy over the last few years.
The likelihood of an increase in US interest rates happening soon seems to be receding. Although we saw some weakness for the US dollar it wasn't significant.
This week, we will see the release of the Federal Reserve meeting minutes on Wednesday, which should show a detailed report of their most recent meeting. With various members recently showing mixed signs of a preferred time for a rate hike, it will be interesting to see where the majority sits and what figures they want on increased growth before agreeing to raise interest rates.
With the less significant weekly unemployment claims indicator on Thursday and import prices on Friday, we could be in for a quiet week. Polish Zloty Slides The zloty weakened after the central bank governor criticised a regulator's proposal to allow holders of Swiss franc-denominated mortgages convert their debt into local currency at historical exchange rates, arguing that it would be ‘fatal' for lenders.
Asian Currencies Advance as Dollar Falls Asian currencies are rallying on expectations that the US Federal Reserve may delay the interest rate increase as payroll data from the US shows concerns about the growth of the economy. Australia keeps interest rates on hold Australia surprised the markets by holding their interest rate at 2.25%.
Given some disappointing economic data there was an expectation that the rate would be cut. Perhaps next time
www.overseasguidescompany.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46881/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: After a quiet week last week for both UK economic data releases and in the movement of sterling, we are in for a much busier week this week when it comes to UK economic data releases.
I suspect we will also see some larger movements for sterling.
Tod...

### NUMBER OF FOREIGN RESIDENTS CLOSE TO 5 MILLION

According to the Statistics on Foreign Residents in Spain at 31 December 2014 drawn up by the Permanent Watchdog on Immigration (Spanish acronym: OPI) of the Secretariat-General of Immigration and Emigration, the number of foreign citizens with a valid certificate of registration or residency card stands at 4,925,089.
Of the total number of foreign residents, 2,773,707 correspond to the EU free movement regime (EU citizens and relatives thereof with citizenship of non-EU countries) - i.e. 56.32% of the total - and 2,151,382 correspond to the general regime - i.e. 43.68%.
The number of foreign citizens fell by 18,538 in 2014 (-0.37%), due to a fall of 101,068 under the general regime and an increase of 82,530 under the EU free movement regime.
Over the course of the year, approximately 180,000 foreign citizens under the general regime were granted Spanish nationality - this being one of the main reasons for the decrease under said regime.
The largest numbers of foreign citizens residing in Spain are citizens of Romania (953,183), Morocco (770,735) and the United Kingdom (275,817). The largest increases in 2014 were posted by foreign citizens from Italy (6.09%), the United Kingdom (3.87%) and Romania (2.69%).
The largest decreases were posted by those from Ecuador (-13.94%), Colombia (-13.81%) and Bolivia (-12.27%), mainly due to citizens from these countries being granted Spanish nationality.
Catalonia (1,085,523), the Region of Madrid (798,187), Andalusia (676,613) and the Region of Valencia (660,194) are home to a total of 3,220,517 foreign citizens, i.e. 65.47% of the total number of foreign citizens with a valid certificate of registration or residency card. In contrast, the autonomous regions with the fewest foreign citizens are Cantabria, the Principality of Asturias, La Rioja and Extremadura.
EU free movement regime
The number of foreign citizens under the EU free movement regime stands at 2,773,707, i.e. 56.32% of the total, which represents a year-on-year increase of 82,530 (3.07%).
The number of EU citizens at 31 December 2014 stood at 2,403,127, with 370,580 relatives with citizenship of non-EU countries.
Romania is the country with the highest number of residents in Spain, a total of 953,183. This is followed by the United Kingdom (275,817) and Italy (217,524).
General regime
The number of foreign residents under the general regime stands at 2,151,382, 43.68% of the total. This figure represents a year-on-year decrease of 101,068 or -4.49%.
Morocco is the country with the highest number of residents in Spain under this regime, with a total of 734,297. This is followed by China (187,390) and Ecuador (172,577).Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46879/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to the Statistics on Foreign Residents in Spain at 31 December 2014 drawn up by the Permanent Watchdog on Immigration (Spanish acronym: OPI) of the Secretariat-General of Immigration and Emigration, the number of foreign citizens with a valid...

### LEADER NEWS BITES

A CRACKING NEW PANTO
Rojales Pantomime group now have scripts ready for their next Panto to be presented in January 2016. They have decided on Humpty Dumpty.
Humpty Dumpty is an unusual pantomime but just as hilarious as any other with a Dame, a Villain, comic duo, Princess, King and Queen also including other nursery rhyme characters. Auditions are being held in April and May for rehearsals to begin in September. Anyone interested please contact Mandy 685302529 email mandyohagan@hotmail.com 
AN EVENING OF COMEDY
GASP announces its latest production ' AN EVENING OF COMEDY WITH GASP'. A collection of 6 short plays, ranging from the hilarious to the thought provoking & featuring the first production of '18 SHADY GREENS', written by local author Terry Lacey. Production takes place on Wed 8th April & Thurs 9th April at the Life Resort in Gran Alacant. Tickets are 7 euros each, or 2 for 12 euros & can be obtained by 'phoning 966 181 113, 628 774 461, 966 181 194 or e-mail gasptheatre@hotmail.co.uk
SYRIA RECRUITS
Two young teenagers were arrested early Tuesday in northeastern Spain, the same morning they planned to travel to Syria to fight with Islamist militants there, the Spanish interior ministry said. Police arrested the two, both aged under 16, and another two suspects in a raid in the Mediterranean city of Badalona, about 11 kilometers from Barcelona. The ministry said the teenagers had dropped out of school in Badalona and begun studying at an Islamic center in Morocco. They were due to travel Tuesday morning through Morocco to Turkey and from there onto Syria with the full knowledge of those close to them including their mother, said the ministry.
BENIDORM SHARK WATCH 
BRITS heading to Benidorm and the Spanish costas for Easter have been warned to watch for sharks. Three were found washed up on the shore of the resort last month. Two sinister-looking threshers and a threemetre bluntnose sixgill shark were caught in fishing nets. But locals think tourism bosses are trying to keep it quiet as thousands of holidaymakers are due to arrive for the holiday. Last year saw a string of spinner shark sightings near Benidorm's main beach. A local said: “It's not unusual for sharks to be spotted every now and then. But three in the space of a few days is a worry. 
NEW ROUTES FOR IBERIA
Iberia airlines confirmed the reopening of its Madrid-Havana route on June 1 describing it as the star on its long operational range. A communiqué by the airline company on Monday reads that flights to Montevideo, Uruguay and to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic are also part of its plans for the season. Iberia will open three destinations: Havana on June 1, Cali and Medellin, in Colombia, starting June 3. In Europe, Iberia Express will inaugurate flights to five destinations in Italy and to Hamburg, while it will increase the number of flights to Berlin, Frankfurt and Dusseldorf. 
FACE TRANSPLANT
A Spanish hospital said Monday it has successfully carried out the world's most complex face transplant, reconstructing the lower face, neck, mouth, tongue and back of the throat of a man terribly disfigured by disease. A team of 45 physicians, nurses, anaesthesiologists and other health professionals carried out the 27-hour operation at Barcelona's Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, the hospital said in a statement. "This is the first time that a transplant of this complexity is performed in the world," the statement said. 
MADRID LINK TO ABU DHABI
Etihad Airways have begun their four times a week, non-stop service between Abu Dhabi and Madrid, the airways' first destination in Spain. Madrid joins a group of 20 leading European cities that the airline flies to including Brussels, Dublin, Frankfurt, Geneva, London and Paris. James Hogan, Etihad Airways' President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “Madrid is an important addition to Etihad Airways' European and global network, and we are delighted to commence our operations to the Spanish capital. 
GROWING ECONOMY
The Spanish economy will probably grow by between 2.5 percent and 3 percent this year, according to a statement made by Economy Minister Luis de Guindos on Monday. De Guindos said that the country's economy could grow by "between 2.5 percent and 3 percent", although the figure would be confirmed by the end of April, when the Spanish government will announce the economic forecasts that will be sent to the European Union 
100 MBPS BROADBAND FOR SCHOOLS
Spain's industry ministry has announced that it will be allocating EUR 330 million to bring broadband at speeds of up to 100 Mbps to all Spanish schools. The corresponding framework agreement was signed by the country's industry minister Jose Manuel Soria, education minister Jose Ignacio Wert and economy minister Luis de Guindos last week. He said that over 6.5 million students in over 16,500 state-funded schools would benefit from the project that formed part of Spain's Digital Agenda objectives.
FIRST TEST FOR PODEMOS
Podemos, the Spanish anti-austerity party, will be a prominent force in Andalusia's regional parliament after it won 15 seats in the party's first election since its ally Syriza triumphed in Greece. However, the Socialists, who have held power in Andalusia for more than three decades, will continue to govern the region. Lead by Susana Díaz, they won 35% percent of the vote, earning them 47 seats, but shy of an outright majority.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46878/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A CRACKING NEW PANTO
Rojales Pantomime group now have scripts ready for their next Panto to be presented in January 2016. They have decided on Humpty Dumpty.
Humpty Dumpty is an unusual pantomime but just as hilarious as any other with a Dame, a Villain, comic duo, Princess, King and Queen also including other nursery rhyme characters. Auditions are being held in April and May for rehearsals to begin in September. Anyone interested please contact Mandy 685302529 email mandyohagan@hotmail.com 
AN EVENING OF COMEDY
GASP announces its latest production ' AN EVENING OF COMEDY WITH GASP'. A collection of 6 short plays, ranging from the hilarious to the thought provoking & featuring the first production of '18 SHADY GREENS', written by local author Terry Lacey. Production takes place on Wed 8th April & Thurs 9th April at the Life Resort in Gran Alacant. Tickets are 7 euros each, or 2 for 12 euros & can be obtained by 'phoning 966 181 113, 628 774 461, 966 181 194 or e-mail gasptheatre@hotmail.co.uk
SYRIA RECRUITS
Two young teenagers were arrested early Tuesday in northeastern Spain, the same morning they planned to travel to Syria to fight with Islamist militants there, the Spanish interior ministry said. Police arrested the two, both aged under 16, and another two suspects in a raid in the Mediterranean city of Badalona, about 11 kilometers from Barcelona. The ministry said the teenagers had dropped out of school in Badalona and begun studying at an Islamic center in Morocco. They were due to travel Tuesday morning through Morocco to Turkey and from there onto Syria with the full knowledge of those close to them including their mother, said the ministry.
BENIDORM SHARK WATCH 
BRITS heading to Benidorm and the Spanish costas for Easter have been warned to watch for sharks. Three were found washed up on the shore of the resort last month. Two sinister-looking threshers and a threemetre bluntnose sixgill shark were caught in fishing nets. But locals think tourism bosses are trying to keep it quiet as thousands of holidaymakers are due to arrive for the holiday. Last year saw a string of spinner shark sightings near Benidorm's main beach. A local said: “It's not unusual for sharks to be spotted every now and then. But three in the space of a few days is a worry. 
NEW ROUTES FOR IBERIA
Iberia airlines confirmed the reopening of its Madrid-Havana route on June 1 describing it as the star on its long operational range. A communiqué by the airline company on Monday reads that flights to Montevideo, Uruguay and to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic are also part of its plans for the season. Iberia will open three destinations: Havana on June 1, Cali and Medellin, in Colombia, starting June 3. In Europe, Iberia Express will inaugurate flights to five destinations in Italy and to Hamburg, while it will increase the number of flights to Berlin, Frankfurt and Dusseldorf. 
FACE TRANSPLANT
A Spanish hospital said Monday it has successfully carried out the world's most complex face transplant, reconstructing the lower face, neck, mouth, tongue and back of the throat of a man terribly disfigured by disease. A team of 45 physicians, nurses, anaesthesiologists and other health professionals carried out the 27-hour operation at Barcelona's Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, the hospital said in a statement. "This is the first time that a transplant of this complexity is performed in the world," the statement said. 
MADRID LINK TO ABU DHABI
Etihad Airways have begun their four times a week, non-stop service between Abu Dhabi and Madrid, the airways' first destination in Spain. Madrid joins a group of 20 leading European cities that the airline flies to including Brussels, Dublin, Frankfurt, Geneva, London and Paris. James Hogan, Etihad Airways' President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “Madrid is an important addition to Etihad Airways' European and global network, and we are delighted to commence our operations to the Spanish capital. 
GROWING ECONOMY
The Spanish economy will probably grow by between 2.5 percent and 3 percent this year, according to a statement made by Economy Minister Luis de Guindos on Monday. De Guindos said that the country's economy could grow by "between 2.5 percent and 3 percent", although the figure would be confirmed by the end of April, when the Spanish government will announce the economic forecasts that will be sent to the European Union 
100 MBPS BROADBAND FOR SCHOOLS
Spain's industry ministry has announced that it will be allocating EUR 330 million to bring broadband at speeds of up to 100 Mbps to all Spanish schools. The corresponding framework agreement was signed by the country's industry minister Jose Manuel Soria, education minister Jose Ignacio Wert and economy minister Luis de Guindos last week. He said that over 6.5 million students in over 16,500 state-funded schools would benefit from the project that formed part of Spain's Digital Agenda objectives.
FIRST TEST FOR PODEMOS
Podemos, the Spanish anti-austerity party, will be a prominent force in Andalusia's regional parliament after it won 15 seats in the party's first election since its ally Syriza triumphed in Greece. However, the Socialists, who have held power in Andalusia for more than three decades, will continue to govern the region. Lead by Susana Díaz, they won 35% percent of the vote, earning them 47 seats, but shy of an outright majority.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46878/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### STRONGEST RISE IN EMPLOYMENT SINCE JUNE 2007

The Spanish manufacturing sector maintained growth momentum at the end of the first quarter of the year as business conditions improved solidly during March.
Further marked rises in output and new orders encouraged firms to take on extra staff at the strongest pace since June 2007. The recent weakness of the euro impacted on the sector, helping lead to a rise in exports. However, the depreciating currency resulted in higher costs of imported items.
The seasonally adjusted Markit Spain Purchasing Managers' Index® (PMI®) – a composite indicator designed to measure the performance of the manufacturing economy – ticked up fractionally from 54.2 in the previous month to 54.3 in March, thereby signalling a further solid improvement in operating conditions. The health of the sector has now strengthened in each of the past 16 months.
Manufacturing production rose for the sixteenth month running in March, with the rate of expansion largely unchanged from February. Higher new orders was reportedly the main factor leading output to increase.
Despite easing from the previous month, the rate of growth in new orders remained solid in March with higher new business reported from both domestic and export markets. Panellists indicated that new business from abroad was boosted by the relative weakness of the euro, particularly against the US dollar.
Another impact of euro weakness was a rise in the cost of imported items. This contributed to the first increase in input costs in three months, albeit one that was relatively slight. Nonetheless, companies continued to lower their output prices in March in order to secure new business. The rate of decline was unchanged from the previous month.
Rising new business contributed to another solid accumulation of backlogs of work, and companies increased their employment for the fifteenth month running. Moreover, the rate of job creation quickened to the strongest since June 2007.
Manufacturing firms continued to raise their purchasing activity during March, in response to higher new orders and greater production requirements. Increased demand for inputs resulted in a further deterioration in vendor performance.
Moreover, lead times lengthened to the greatest extent for one-and-a-half years.
Growth of purchasing activity was not sufficient to prevent a drop in stocks of inputs, although the pace of reduction was only modest. Stocks of finished goods also decreased, as firms used inventories to help fulfil new orders. 
Comment:
Commenting on the Spanish Manufacturing PMI® survey data, Andrew Harker, senior economist at Markit and author of the report, said:
“The Spanish manufacturing PMI data have shown consistently solid growth for a period of time, and March continued this trend. The highlight from the latest survey was the strongest rise in employment since mid-2007, as the labour market continues to recover. Meanwhile, the sharp reductions in input prices seen in the first two months of the year were not repeated at the end of Q1 as the weakness of the euro led to rises in the cost of imported items.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46877/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Spanish manufacturing sector maintained growth momentum at the end of the first quarter of the year as business conditions improved solidly during March.
Further marked rises in output and new orders encouraged firms to take on extra staff at the ...

### VOLVO OCEAN RACE - ‘THE UNDAUNTED’ – TEAM SCA WOMEN BATTLE ON

Team SCA (Sam Davies/GBR) were still doggedly battling the elements on Monday to reach their destination in Itajaí, south-east Brazil, more than 12 hours after the leaders had finished Leg 5 of the Volvo Ocean Race

- Three ‘hits' but Swedish boat sails doggedly on
- Dongfeng Racing Team motors on for Itajaí mast refit
- Khalid set for return to victorious Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing
ITAJAÍ, Brazil, April 6 – Team SCA (Sam Davies/GBR) were still doggedly battling the elements on Monday to reach their destination in Itajaí, south-east Brazil, more than 12 hours after the leaders had finished Leg 5 of the Volvo Ocean Race.
Rarely in the 41-year history of the race can a team have worked so hard to clinch points for fifth place.
A week after crashing to their side in a Chinese gybe and damaging a key sail, the all-women crew found themselves toppled again after colliding into an unidentified object in the south Atlantic.
That did some damage to their port rudder, yet their run of bad luck, which denied them a possible finish alongside leg winners Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (Ian Walker/GBR), MAPFRE (Iker Martínez/ESP), Team Alvimedica (Charlie Enright/USA) and Team Brunel (Bouwe Bekking/NED) on Sunday night, was not over yet.
They suffered two further ‘hits' in the dark – mercifully, causing little damage – before continuing on their way.
By 0940 UTC on Monday, they had just over 400 nautical miles (nm) of the 6,766nm leg to sail, with an expected time of arrival in Itajaí of 1600 UTC on Tuesday.
Team SCA's Onboard Reporter, Anna-Lena Elled (SWE), summed up one hell of a tough day at the office for the first all-female team to contest offshore sailing's most challenging race:
 “As is so often the case, when you least expect something to happen it does and BOOM! we hit something with the port rudder,” she wrote in her daily blog from the boat.
 “The boat turned around, tacked and capsized, and once again, we were on our side. The crew managed to right the situation quickly without any further damage, except on the rudder that got hit.
 “A two-hour long process of surveying and attempting to restore the damaged parts followed before we could continue our journey towards the finish line again.
 “A few hours later we had one more hit, this time in the keel - and before sunset another one. What are the odds?”
At least they had the consolation of knowing that they weren't alone in their misfortune during the longest and toughest leg in the 12th edition.
Dongfeng Race Team (Charles Caudrelier/FRA) were forced to pull out last week after the top of their mast fractured and a delivery crew is currently nursing the boat to Itajaí where they will have a new rig fitted.
It will be a race against time to be ready for the start of Leg 6 to Newport, Rhode Island, which departs from Itajaí on April 19.
Meantime, victors Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing were celebrating Sunday's epic Leg 5 victory, which leaves them seven points clear at the top of the standings, and front-runners for the IWC 24-hour Speed Record Challenge, having covered 551nm during the stage from Auckland to Brazil.
And there was more good news for skipper Ian Walker, with the crew's sole Emirati, Adil Khalid (UAE), once more back to full fitness having missed the previous two legs due to illness.
 “As part of my recovery plan, I stayed on Sir Bani Yas Island off the coast of Abu Dhabi, where I had a rigorous fitness regime. I did six hours in the gym every day and had a nutritionist and physical trainer on hand to monitor my progress,” said Khalid.
 “It was tough, but I'm now fully cleared for action and right back up to the levels I have to be at to compete in the Volvo Ocean Race.”
For more on the Volvo Ocean Race, visit website: www.volvooceanrace.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46875/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Team SCA (Sam Davies/GBR) were still doggedly battling the elements on Monday to reach their destination in Itajaí, south-east Brazil, more than 12 hours after the leaders had finished Leg 5 of the Volvo Ocean Race

- Three ‘hits' but Sw...

### COSTA BLANCA LEADER IS OUT NOW

A day later than usual due to the holidays, the Costa Blanca Leader is out now on-line and on Tuesday across the area.
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46874/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A day later than usual due to the holidays, the Costa Blanca Leader is out now on-line and on Tuesday across the area.
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46874/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Mon...

### NEW FLIGHT ROUTES TO SPAIN

Norwegian airlines have continued their rapid expansion plan, adding four new routes during the course of last week, including another transatlantic route, namely the addition of weekly (Tuesdays) departures from Copenhagen to Orlando. 
The exciting news for Spain however is the new route connections to the UK, with flights from Madrid and Málaga to Birmingham International. 
Thomas Ramdahl, CCO, Norwegian, said: “We're very happy to celebrate the new routes from Birmingham to several destinations in Spain. Now travellers in the greater Birmingham area can take advantage of Norwegian's low fares and award-winning service. Our crew is looking forward to welcoming new customers on board our brand new and more environmentally friendly fleet of 737-800s with free Wi-Fi.”
In addition, Ryanair are promoting their route from Alicante to Gdansk, and Berlin Schönefeld, Bratislavia, Bucharest and Vilnius to Madrid, Cologne Bonn to Barcelona, and Palma de Mallorca to Gothenburg.
Monarch Airlines increased its Leeds Bradford offering with the addition of two new routes, both of which are operated by its 180-seat A320s. On 29 March, the airline introduced thrice-weekly flights to Alicante, a route already operated by Jet2.com (daily) and Ryanair (five times weekly).
British Airways launched a London to Bilbao route last week too, flying on Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft, which feature improved cabins with extra space and a higher level of comfort on this new regular service.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46871/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Norwegian airlines have continued their rapid expansion plan, adding four new routes during the course of last week, including another transatlantic route, namely the addition of weekly (Tuesdays) departures from Copenhagen to Orlando. 
The exciting n...

### NEW MOTORBIKES FOR ELCHE POLICE

The local police in Elche are celebrating, having taken delivery of 14 new motorbikes.
Five of the bikes are being assigned to the “urban mobility” section, which deals with such matters as parking and can be frequently seen not only in the city but along the coastal areas during busy times, ensuring the roads are kept clear for the safe passage of traffic.
The cost of the investment by the town hall has been 75,000 euro and the government team is keen to point out that during this administrative term they have acquired 13 cars, 30 motorbikes, 14 bicycles and a boat for the police. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46870/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The local police in Elche are celebrating, having taken delivery of 14 new motorbikes.
Five of the bikes are being assigned to the “urban mobility” section, which deals with such matters as parking and can be frequently seen not only in th...

### A LUCKY CASE

Officers from the National Police successfully located and retrieved a suitcase that had been left in error at Alicante-Elche airport by a German passenger.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening when the tourist alerted the police to the fact that the suitcase had been misplaced outside the terminal building.
The police organized a search and located the suitcase which was resting on a bench outside the second floor of the airport building.
What is particularly significant in this particular lucky find is that the case contained 8,000 euro in cash and a laptop computer.
The suitcase was successfully delivered to the relieved owner which, according to the police, had been “carelessly forgotten” by the owner.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46868/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police successfully located and retrieved a suitcase that had been left in error at Alicante-Elche airport by a German passenger.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening when the tourist alerted the police to the fact that ...

### SUCCESS FOR CAMPOVERDE CARITAS EVENT

A fabulous night was hosted by Jimmy of The Rusty Nail in Campoverde, many thanks for the free buffet supplied on the night.
Also a big thank you to the Portobello ladies for their work with the casino, thanks to the raffle ticket sellers, and to all the  kind folk for their donations for the raffle prize.  A lovely hamper was put together by Eddie and his wife from donations received,
Also a big thank you to Brian Jenkins and his wife Jean, who gave their services free of charge and  supplied 3 hours of music, with many many compliments on the performance from both men and women with requests for more country music to be done in the area. 
As can be seen from the enclosed picture, Committee members of Caritas along with The Mayor and deputy Mayor of Torre de la Horadada, and other Town Hall members, took  grateful possession of €700 Euros on Thursday Lunchtime outside the Church in Pilar de la Horadada.
€646.40 was the total raised on the night, other donations from members of the quiz on Monday night boosted the total €670 and then a  generous donation of €20 euros was received that brought it to €690, and one gentleman thought is was silly not to round it up to the €700, so that's what he did, and thank you again to all. The final total was exactly €700.01cent.
The 01 cent will be put towards the start of the next event for Caritas, which is provisionally booked for Saturday June 6th at the Rusty Nail again, this time Brian will supply us with a night of 50/60/70s music, so get your teddy boy/girl outfits ready for this one, and come and enjoy. More details nearer to the time Thanks again to everyone involved in making the event a true success.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46867/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A fabulous night was hosted by Jimmy of The Rusty Nail in Campoverde, many thanks for the free buffet supplied on the night.
Also a big thank you to the Portobello ladies for their work with the casino, thanks to the raffle ticket sellers, and to all...

### EASTER CELEBRATIONS SUCCESS

After a bumper weekend around the area, the towns and cities along the coast have started to return to normality, as one of the busiest Easter holidays for some time came to a close.
The DGT traffic department had planned for an estimated 13.5 million journeys on the roads during the weekend, an estimated 4.7% increase on the same period last year.
The celebrations in Orihuela utilised modern technology this year, with a dedicated website set up offering pictures, videos and guides, as well as route maps and other information which would allow visitors from around the world to research their expectations via www.semanasantaorihuela.com, supporting the status of International Tourist Interest that Orihuela has achieved.
Instagram also played a big part this year, with a special hashtag being used to group pictures together. #semanasantaorihuela2015 was the tag to put on pictures, with the tourism department promising to choose the best from the selection and a prize on offer for the winner.
Buses were provided from the Orihuela Costa to the city for coastal residents to enjoy the celebrations. The first bus will ran on Maundy Thursday to coincide with the night time solemn parade, the Procesión De La Hermandad Del Silencio. On Good Friday a bus took residents to watch the Procesión General De La Pasión, and on Easter Saturday, a bus took visitors to the Procesión Del Santo Entierro De Cristo.
With processions taking place right through the period, it was those on Thursday and Friday that were the most dramatic. The streets of Orihuela were plunged into darkness late at night for the solemn procession on Thursday, with the silence only being broken by the sound of a drum and a horn as the emotion of the respect that the parade represented was felt in the hearts of those watching.
Sunday was a day of celebration, as the procession of jubilation took to the streets, accompanied by the noise of beating drums, to bring the fiesta to a close for another year.
Not unlike Christmas, for many Easter is about overindulgence as much as any religious message that it may represent, as chocolate eggs are bought and eaten in abundance, but for those perhaps unable to enjoy the little luxuries, help is also at hand at this time of year.
Food collections for the needy have been taking place around the area. In fact, the Hermandad del Silencio y Oración group, from the Orihuela town of el Huerto, collected 280 kilos of food which has been handed over to the Caritas organisation.  The members of the brotherhood came up with the idea that all 38 of the bearers carrying the Cristo del Silencio would join in a solidarity drive. Having become established in 1942, this is the first year they have tried such a scheme, but vow to repeat it every year on account of the success.
The success of Easter also looks set to be good news for the tourism industry too. Ordinarily, a busy Easter means an even busier summer. The last few years has seen steady growth in the area and this year looks set to break records once again.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46865/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: After a bumper weekend around the area, the towns and cities along the coast have started to return to normality, as one of the busiest Easter holidays for some time came to a close.
The DGT traffic department had planned for an estimated 13.5 million...

### ‘MIKE PROBERT TALKS GOLF 7 APRIL 2015

Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.
‘Smart Golf'
This article is not about your golfing attire and wearing cashmere sweaters and fancy trousers.We are talking here about how to think your way around the golf course using simple common sense. Too easy?
I make no apologies for this because failing to take a common sense approach to golf can have a worse impact than a faulty swing technique.
Here are just a few ways in which you can improve this part of your mental approach:
Play the first tee shot in your head
When you are driving (carefully) to the course or before you leave the practise area, visualise and play the first tee shot in your mind over and over again because when your face this shot for real you will feel more confident and should see better results.
Stick to your game plan
Before you commence play you should have a plan or strategy for each hole and stick to it irrespective of how you are playing, your score, how the opposition are playing or the state of the match.
Do not turn one bad shot into two (or more)
Golf is a game or mistakes, you will make them, accept them and do not try miracle shots to recover the situation, accept your punishment and get on with the game.
Putting a good score together
When you find yourself in a position where you have a good score going do not get too defensive, trust your swing and stay aggressive.
Use your shots
The handicapping system gives you shots because you need them so use them to the best of your ability and do not waste them by attacking pins tight to bunkers or hitting woods out of the rough to low index holes.
Play the percentages
Do not attempt shots with a high risk of failure, simply get the ball back into play as safely as possible and get the best score that you can on the hole and get on with the rest of the game.
Eliminate your disaster shots
Golf is not about how good your best shots are BUT is about how bad your bad shots are and so identify what these shots are and take lessons to eliminate them.
Pay full attention
Each shot needs and deserves your full attention so do not play any shot unless you are ready to play the shot properly.
Commit to the shot
Select the club that you feel is correct to play the shot, have no doubts about your selection, be positive and swing with confident controlled aggression.
We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us.
LEADER GREEN FEES
The deals shown in the table are some of the best currently available to you.
Deals of the week: 5 month membership at Vistabella between May and September 2015 for only €590 and crazy days prices at Vistabella of only €92 for 2 players and buggy (shop price €109) at weekends until June 2015.
For bookings and more information contact Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com or direct on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 quoting reference LEADER.
Weather Watch
We won't see the scorching temperatures of last week with an 18 degree high and there is the threat of rain mid-week with cloudy conditions most days.
Hollow Tine Watch
Vistabella - 21st-27th April 2015
La Manga North - 27th-30th April 2015
Quotation of the Week
“My wife doesn't care what I do when I am away so long as I don't have a good time” - Lee TrevinoFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46857/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golf...

### PRIME MINSTER MEETS MURCIA MINISTER FOR EDUCATION

The President of the Government, Mariano Rajoy, received the Regional Councillor for Education of Murcia, Pedro Antonio Sánchez, at Moncloa Palace earlier this week.
​At their meeting, the two leaders discussed the issues of most concern to the Region of Murcia, such as infrastructure improvements and construction of an AVE high-speed rail link; the autonomous region financing system; water-related issues; and matters related to the Statute of Autonomy and the electoral law.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46842/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The President of the Government, Mariano Rajoy, received the Regional Councillor for Education of Murcia, Pedro Antonio Sánchez, at Moncloa Palace earlier this week.
​At their meeting, the two leaders discussed the issues of most concern ...

### NEW REPORTS CRITICAL OF SPAIN TRANSPORT SYSTEMS

The Two paragon's of Spain's transport system, the AENA National Airport Authority and AVE High Speed Train Network are both badly underachieving according to recent reports. 
Only 14 of Spain's 48 Aena run airports are currently turning in a profit while every single AVE high-speed rail line is making a multi million euro loss with costs “neither beneficial to businesses nor society,” and failing to compensate passenger savings in airline tickets or time spent on the road.
The Aena report was made in their submission to the CNMV stock market watchdog following the company's stock exchange debut that has forced it to become more transparent in its accounts while the AVE report was compiled by the Foundation for the Studies of Applied Economics (Fedea), which conducted an analysis of the major AVE routes.
The Aena report says that Madrid's Adolfo Suárez-Barajas International Airport leads the group in terms of revenue although Barcelona's El Prat generated the highest pre-tax profits, followed by Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife Sur and Gran Canaria. Alicante showed a profit of just over 50 million euro for the year while Murcia/San Javier reported a 0.6 million euro loss, understandable, one would think, in view of the negative press regularly rolled out by the Murcia government as they try to convince the public of the merits of opening Corvera.
The airports that reported the biggest losses before taxes last year were those in La Palma, Santiago de Compostela and Vigo. However as they are not part of the Aena network, the little-used Castellón and Ciudad Real airports – both of which have come to be viewed as white elephants because of the huge amounts of public money that local politicians spent on building them, did not feature in the report, neither of course did Corvera for the same sorts of reasons.
In terms of earnings before interest and taxes, Madrid-Barajas brought in €567 million followed by El Prat (€510 million) and Palma de Mallorca (€181 million) while four airports ended the year with pre-tax losses of over €10 million: La Palma (-€18 million); Santiago (-€15 million); Vigo (€10.85 million); and Pamplona (-€10.5 million).
Meanwhile the AVE report from the Foundation for the Studies of Applied Economics (Fedea), said that not one AVE high-speed rail line is turning a profit with multi-billion investments made by past and current governments way off track
The study looked at traffic on AVE's four major rail lines: Madrid-Barcelona, Madrid-Andalusia, Madrid-Levante and Madrid-North which, together, carry 70 percent of all high-speed rail passengers.
The network covers 2,515 kilometers with, in an election year, the Public Works Ministry recently announcing, an additional 1,200 kilometers connecting eight further provincial capitals, under construction. 
Only China has more rail lines. However, the number of travelers in Spain who use the high-speed rail service is much lower than in other countries. Researchers determined that there were 11,800 passengers for every kilometer compared with the 158,121 passengers per kilometer in Japan and 61,400 in France.
Fedea estimates that Spanish governments – including the current one – have spent more than €40 billion in constructing the rail system, with another €12 billion going to related projects.
 (Fedea) said that the current demand for train services wasn't enough to recover the investments made by past and current Spanish governments saying that such huge investments were made purely for “political gain” 
“Our conclusions put in question the lack of fundamental economic reasons to make such investments in high-speed rail for Spain,” the researchers said.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46841/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Two paragon's of Spain's transport system, the AENA National Airport Authority and AVE High Speed Train Network are both badly underachieving according to recent reports. 
Only 14 of Spain's 48 AENA run airports are currently turning in a profit w...

### THE SCOURGE OF MEETINGS

I am not a great lover of meetings - any meetings. I am sure that this comes from my days as a teacher when endless staff meetings were the order of the day.
I remember hours spent discussing sports days, Christmas parties and the colour of paint for classrooms, when I would much rather have been marking pupils' books and planning lessons for the next busy day.
This is not to say that sports days and Christmas parties were unimportant, they were, but most issues could have been dealt with efficiently in minutes rather than the three hours often wasted after a busy school day, when most good teachers are exhausted.
It was after reading an article in an American management journal, lovingly produced for the American ‘How to be a manager in three easy lessons' market, that I picked up a valuable nugget of advice that was to guide my future views and actions towards meetings.
The theory was that no meeting should last for more than one hour; after all, anything that couldn't be dealt with within one hour was not important enough to discuss anyway.
It was true, and I resolved that in my future career as a head teacher, and later as a school inspector, I would follow this guidance whenever possible.
This resolute approach to chairing meetings, not surprisingly, met with some initial resistance. The usual practice of staff drifting in late to meetings, making a cup of coffee, chatting about the day, and complaining about parents and children had to come to an abrupt end.
After all, discussions of this kind could continue after our meeting, but never before. My colleagues quickly learned to focus upon a pre-prepared and manageable agenda, which allowed for succinct discussion and to focus upon only what was important.
Meetings took place under a strict one-hour rule, agenda items were routinely and efficiently dealt with, leaving time to focus upon what was really important, teaching and learning, as well as going home at a reasonable time. Endless discussions about Christmas parties and sports days became a thing of the past.
All this had to come to an abrupt end when I moved to Spain, where community meetings take place to deal with issues that may affect the residents of an apartment block or community area.  
In theory, it is a good and democratic idea, but once again, I was faced with endless meetings called to resolve such issues as lifts not working, the electric door to the communal garage not opening, and the eccentricity of the electricity supply.
Meetings scheduled to start at 7.30pm eventually began at 8.30pm, with participants coming and going, babies crying, as well as texting and answering mobile phones during the meeting.
The lack of an agenda, and roaming from one subject to another, as well as the whole procedure taking place in machine gun Spanish, meant that I eventually left the meetings, four hours later, exhausted, bewildered and very angry.
Last night we attended a village meeting to discuss a number of issues. We felt it was important to show our faces and share concern about the issues to be discussed; after all, such meetings are an important part of local democracy.
Eventually, the meeting started; there were several angry monologues from local worthies, together with many interruptions and much shouting from a number of residents.
After one hour we slipped away quietly to the bar next door to enjoy a pizza and a few drinks, whilst the meeting continued into the early hours of the morning. I am so pleased that I read that article in the American management journal; it has given me many hours of my life back.
 If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.

© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46840/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: I am not a great lover of meetings - any meetings. I am sure that this comes from my days as a teacher when endless staff meetings were the order of the day.
I remember hours spent discussing sports days, Christmas parties and the colour of paint for ...

### FREEMASONRY ON THE COSTA BLANCA

The Las Salinas Freemason Lodge has gone from strength to strength since it was formed a decade ago and has raised 2000€ a year to a variety of charities.
This year (2014) 860€ has been donated to Outreach for the purchase of meat to fill their freezers and 1000€ to Aliemientas Solidarios (dubbed The Soup Kitchen)  for the purchase of milk and other essential supplies to further their good work amongst poor and hungry in Torrevieja.
Anyone interested in the work of Logia de Las Salinas can obtain more information by emailing Eddie Davies, Charity Steward on eddiedee@gmail.com
Pictured is the Lodge Worshipful Master,  Keith Hutchinson making the presentation to the deputy President of Aliemientas Solidarios, Juan Alvarez. Also pictured are charity steward Eddie Davies and Rose Orchanda.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46837/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Las Salinas Freemason Lodge has gone from strength to strength since it was formed a decade ago and has raised 2000€ a year to a variety of charities.
This year (2014) 860€ has been donated to Outreach for the purchase of meat to fill th...

### LISBON TO SPAIN  IN AID OF CANCER RESEARCH

I am after some more on-line news coverage and twitter support – for Warrington lads – Woolston Bike Riders -my brother Martin Finnegan and his friends Mick Skerrett, Wayne Buckles, Stuart Hardman and Terry Reid  and Mascot Dave.  who over a year ago planed a self funded trip to cycle Lisbon to Spain (Mojacar) for Cancer Research -  
They set off on Saturday 28th March 2015 and are nearly half way through, yesterday they competed over 110 miles in 30 degree`s heat for Estremoz to Llerena and today they are cycling Llerena-Cordoba-  They are doing amazing, Tomorrow will be on one of the toughest parts of the trip Granada to Almeria and Friday they will complete their epic journey for Cancer Research by cycling Almeria to Mojacar – They would of completed nearly 600 miles in aid of Cancer Research.  
 I would like abit more on line following and encourage readers that they still have time to show their support by tweeting them support and donating at  - Twitter @C2Criders and/or donating  justgiving.com/WoolstonRiders   -  
Any further coverage you can do or tweet the lads message of support would give a massive boast whilst there out in those gruelling temperatures cycling away for a Charity close to many hearts.    
We all know in life that Cancer is never choosey of its victim and the Woolston Bike Riders believe it is vital funds are raised for Cancer Research in the hope one day Cancer is Conquered. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46835/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: I am after some more on-line news coverage and twitter support – for Warrington lads – Woolston Bike Riders -my brother Martin Finnegan and his friends Mick Skerrett, Wayne Buckles, Stuart Hardman and Terry Reid  and Mascot Dave.  who over ...

### CHARITY PARACHUTE JUMP BY IRISH ACTRESS

Slim elegant with a smile that would melt the coldest heart, model looks and a very quick brain would describe the talented Irish Actress that is Caoimhe O'Shea.
Pronounced QUEEVA or something sounding like that, This highly motivated young lady is currently finishing her last scenes in a feature film being shot here on the Costa Blanca with Siesta Productions called "The Cucaracha Club". Caoimhe plays a cold, calm, calculated killer. 
In the mean time she is taking time out to complete a Parachute Jump for Charity with two friends. Before returning to beat up bad guys whilst wearing the coolest pair of 'Doc Martins' you ever did see. Local singers Rain O'Connor and Kevin O'Hanlon, also Irish would you believe, will jump out of a perfectly serviceable fixed wing aircraft strapped to an instructor in tandem, to raise money for Reach Out Torrevieja.
Kevin works with Caoimhe in her family run pub The Bog Road in Cabo Roig which also appears in the Cucaracha Club film. 
Producer, friend and fellow actor Billie Anthony'Gaddess who co-stars with Caoimhe in the film and previously on stage in "Run For Your Wife" an ADHOC's Stage production a couple of years ago, said "we are all very proud of Caoimhe, she is awesome in every way. Furthermore you should see how well she can act, the girl just takes fight scenes and looking cool in her stride". 
Miss O'Shea and her friends will make their brave parachute jump on Friday the 3rd of April in Albaceta. You can donate by calling into the Bog Road in Cabo Riog, so far over €300 has been donated. Siesta productions will be recording the event and will be posting it on You Tube as well as the Siesta site, www.siesta.productionsFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46833/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Slim elegant with a smile that would melt the coldest heart, model looks and a very quick brain would describe the talented Irish Actress that is Caoimhe O'Shea.
Pronounced QUEEVA or something sounding like that, This highly motivated young lady is currently finishing her last scenes in a feature film being shot here on the Costa Blanca with Siesta Productions called "The Cucaracha Club". Caoimhe plays a cold, calm, calculated killer. 
In the mean time she is taking time out to complete a Parachute Jump for Charity with two friends. Before returning to beat up bad guys whilst wearing the coolest pair of 'Doc Martins' you ever did see. Local singers Rain O'Connor and Kevin O'Hanlon, also Irish would you believe, will jump out of a perfectly serviceable fixed wing aircraft strapped to an instructor in tandem, to raise money for Reach Out Torrevieja.
Kevin works with Caoimhe in her family run pub The Bog Road in Cabo Roig which also appears in the Cucaracha Club film. 
Producer, friend and fellow actor Billie Anthony'Gaddess who co-stars with Caoimhe in the film and previously on stage in "Run For Your Wife" an ADHOC's Stage production a couple of years ago, said "we are all very proud of Caoimhe, she is awesome in every way. Furthermore you should see how well she can act, the girl just takes fight scenes and looking cool in her stride". 
Miss O'Shea and her friends will make their brave parachute jump on Friday the 3rd of April in Albaceta. You can donate by calling into the Bog Road in Cabo Riog, so far over €300 has been donated. Siesta productions will be recording the event and will be posting it on You Tube as well as the Siesta site, www.siesta.productionsFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46833/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### DESPITE CRASH, SPAIN DRAWS IN RECORD TOURIST NUMBERS

Economic turmoil in Europe over the last few years has led to economic, social and political upheaval. Several countries have been particularly hard hit; notably Spain, Greece and Italy which have all been forced to accept tough austerity measures and bailouts which have led to painful government cuts.
In Greece popular anger with politicians has led to the rise of extremist political parties, most worryingly the neo Nazi Golden Dawn. Over the last few years tourism has plummeted as street protests and turmoil kept visitors away. Spain, too, has experienced a shift in the political climate with the rise of grassroots political party “Podemos” (We Can), which may yet take many Parliamentary seats at the next election. Unemployment is running at over 24%, comparable to the worst days of America's Great Depression.
Yet, in some ways, Spain is showing far more resilience than its peers in the face of a once in a generation crisis. The economy is rebounding, jobs are returning (albeit slowly) and citizens are not overly concerned about the prospect of a Eurozone exit. All of these factors have combined to mean that Spain actually welcomed a record number of tourists last year - welcome relief for a battered economy.
Spain's tourism industry 2nd only to the USA, bringing in over $60 billion annually. Partly, of course, this is due to the country's Mediterranean climate which makes the beach resorts of the Costa del Sol a favoured family holiday destination. But visitors are also attracted to Spain's slow pace of life, passion and humour which have all survived the crash.
Even large Spanish shops will shut after lunch to allow for the afternoon nap, or siesta. The Spanish take their rest very seriously no hotel would dare offer a sub standard bed to a full blooded Spaniard! Napping in a hammock is all very well, but a bed is serious business. Even the Paradors, a chain of hostels built for pilgrims to holy sites, are famous for their soft, double mattresses for weary travellers.
However, as many travellers and expats have discovered, Spanish beds differ in style from their English counterparts. The British double bed is in general wider, thicker and softer, while Spanish beds tend to be a bit less supple. This helps support your spine but, more importantly, increases air flow round the body during baking hot Summers.
Spain is also famous for its religious festivals, with the town of Santiago de Compostela considered to be the 3rd most holy place in Christendom. Often these events involve fireworks, effigies, baby jumping and demon masks! During the Summer there's the famous La Tomatina festival and Running of the Bulls in Pamplona which draws millions. 
Displays of public anger, including rioting, in Greece have shocked many European citizens; some may even be put off visiting by fear. In Spain there is, of course, fury at the corrupt political tribes; but also a sense of hope that the crash will lead to positive change. While Spain faces many years of recovery and political change, the Spanish people are keen to return to life as ordinary - which includes playing host to millions of tourists each year!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46829/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Economic turmoil in Europe over the last few years has led to economic, social and political upheaval. Several countries have been particularly hard hit; notably Spain, Greece and Italy which have all been forced to accept tough austerity measures and ...

### PP MAYORAL NOMINATIONS APPROVED FOR ALICANTE

The Provincial Election Committee of the Popular Party of the Province of Alicante, chaired by Torrevieja mayor Eduardo Dolon, has unanimously approved the nomination of the candidates of 10 mayors to towns with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants in the upcoming municipal elections to be held on May 24 .

The candidates are:
Monóvar - Deseada Bellot Molera
Rojales - Alberto Ros Martin
Jijona - Fuensanta Galiana Lopez
L'Alqueria d'Asnar - Carmina Santamaría Montava
Algorfa - Antonio Lorenzo Paredes
Daya Nueva - Miquel Pablo Castillo Ferri
Ondara - José Joaquín Ferrando Soler
Senija - Juan Ferrer Bastidas
Teulada - Carlos Linares Bañón
Sella - Natalia Hernández FerrerFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46828/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Provincial Election Committee of the Popular Party of the Province of Alicante, chaired by Torrevieja mayor Eduardo Dolon, has unanimously approved the nomination of the candidates of 10 mayors to towns with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants in the upc...

### CANTABILE PERFORM FAURÉ`S REQUIEM

On Saturday April 18th, CANTABILE female choir will perform French composer Gabriel Fauré's exquisite Requiem, which includes the delightful Pie Jesu, sung and made famous in his youth by Aled Jones.
It has been a long and exciting  journey for the choir, to learn a work of this magnitude and importance, and denotes a singular departure from their usual repertoire of classical and traditional songs and airs. The performance will take place   in La Siesta Church, Torrevieja, at 7pm.
Under the direction of Jennifer Morton the choir will also sing works by Bach, Elgar, Franck and John Williams and will be accompanied by professional pianist and teacher, Antonio (Toni) Guillén, who hails from Guardamar.                 There will be solo performances from choir members. Entry will be free with a retiring collection supporting the Anglican Church of La Siesta.                  
For further information tel: 966796866 or email: jen-morton@hotmail.co.uk
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46826/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Saturday April 18th, CANTABILE female choir will perform French composer Gabriel Fauré's exquisite Requiem, which includes the delightful Pie Jesu, sung and made famous in his youth by Aled Jones.
It has been a long and exciting  journey for...

### FOUR ARRESTED IN BADALONA FOR THEIR LINKS TO NETWORK DISPATCHING JIHADIS TO SYRIA

Two children under 16 are among those arrested, who were preparing their imminent departure for Syria via Morocco. In recent days, the investigation has revealed that the two children were planning to leave on Tuesday morning from Badalona to Morocco and had already contacted members of the recruitment and dispatch networks to facilitate their journey through Turkey.
The two children arrested, who had abandoned their academic training in Badalona to undertake Koranic studies at a madrasah in Tetuan (Morocco), where immersed in a process of radicalisation and were about to travel to the Syria-Iraq conflict zone.
Their immediate family and friends were fully aware of their plans, especially the mother, who had another child who was killed in the same conflict as part of the terrorist group Harakat Sham al-Islam.
The individuals arrested were under investigation due to the high degree of radicalisation present in their immediate social surroundings. In fact, a brother of the children had already been dispatched to Syria following recruitment by Jihadi groups and died in 2014. It is believed he joined the ranks of terrorist groups aligned with DAESH.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46825/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Two children under 16 are among those arrested, who were preparing their imminent departure for Syria via Morocco. In recent days, the investigation has revealed that the two children were planning to leave on Tuesday morning from Badalona to Morocco a...

### FRENCH AND PORTUGUESE POLICE TO ENHANCE SERVICES TO TOURISTS

As part of the "European Police Stations" Project, under the Prüm Treaty, three officers from the French security forces are patrolling alongside Spanish officers in major tourist areas in Madrid, while another two police officers from the Portuguese Segurança Pública will travel to the Torremolinos-Benalmádena Police Station to help Portuguese students who travel to these towns as part of their studies. 
As in previous years and during the summer holidays, French and Portuguese police officers in full uniform and carrying their regulation weapons are joining citizen protection teams in Spain to offer comprehensive services to French and Portuguese tourists in their own language. Within the framework of this collaboration, 24 Spanish National Police officers will travel to various police stations in Portugal and France to offer assistance to Spanish tourists.
Three French and two Portuguese officers
The three French officers who have travelled to Spain are Spanish speakers and will provide their services from 27 March to 6 April at the Central Police Station in Madrid. Their duties will comprise foot or vehicle patrols, helping the victims of crime, preventing unlawful conduct and providing assistance when people wish to file an official report.
In turn, the two officers from the Portuguese Segurança Pública will travel to Spain in a police vehicle and wearing their own uniform from 20 March to 30 March to help Portuguese students travelling to Torremolinos and Benalmádena for their study trips.
The goal is to be on-hand for tourists and offer comprehensive citizen protection support from police officers who speak their own language and know the legal procedures of both countries. To do so, they will patrol areas that are highly popular with tourists. The joint patrols represent another step in international collaboration and police cooperation, foster improved services to the public and allow the concept of cross-border security to be consolidated.
"European Police Stations" initiative since 2008
The Spanish National Police has been involved in the "European Police Stations" initiative since 2008; an initiative that is also being supported by officers from other European countries, such as Italy, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. On this occasion, four officers from the Spanish National Police will travel to police stations in Lisbon and Braga from 1 April to 6 April, while approximately 20 others will support the services provided to Spanish tourists in various French cities - including Carcassonne, Nimes, Versailles, Avignon, and Marseille.
They will also provide services at Disney Land Paris on an intermittent basis between April and the end of the year.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46824/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As part of the "European Police Stations" Project, under the Prüm Treaty, three officers from the French security forces are patrolling alongside Spanish officers in major tourist areas in Madrid, while another two police officers from the Portuguese Segurança Pública will travel to the Torremolinos-Benalmádena Police Station to help Portuguese students who travel to these towns as part of their studies. 
As in previous years and during the summer holidays, French and Portuguese police officers in full uniform and carrying their regulation weapons are joining citizen protection teams in Spain to offer comprehensive services to French and Portuguese tourists in their own language. Within the framework of this collaboration, 24 Spanish National Police officers will travel to various police stations in Portugal and France to offer assistance to Spanish tourists.
Three French and two Portuguese officers
The three French officers who have travelled to Spain are Spanish speakers and will provide their services from 27 March to 6 April at the Central Police Station in Madrid. Their duties will comprise foot or vehicle patrols, helping the victims of crime, preventing unlawful conduct and providing assistance when people wish to file an official report.
In turn, the two officers from the Portuguese Segurança Pública will travel to Spain in a police vehicle and wearing their own uniform from 20 March to 30 March to help Portuguese students travelling to Torremolinos and Benalmádena for their study trips.
The goal is to be on-hand for tourists and offer comprehensive citizen protection support from police officers who speak their own language and know the legal procedures of both countries. To do so, they will patrol areas that are highly popular with tourists. The joint patrols represent another step in international collaboration and police cooperation, foster improved services to the public and allow the concept of cross-border security to be consolidated.
"European Police Stations" initiative since 2008
The Spanish National Police has been involved in the "European Police Stations" initiative since 2008; an initiative that is also being supported by officers from other European countries, such as Italy, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. On this occasion, four officers from the Spanish National Police will travel to police stations in Lisbon and Braga from 1 April to 6 April, while approximately 20 others will support the services provided to Spanish tourists in various French cities - including Carcassonne, Nimes, Versailles, Avignon, and Marseille.
They will also provide services at Disney Land Paris on an intermittent basis between April and the end of the year.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46824/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### INBOUND TOURIST SPENDING IN SPAIN SETS NEW RECORD OF 6.57 BILLION EUROS

In the first two months of the year, the average spend per day rose by 5.4% to 113 euros and the average spend per tourist rose by 3.4% to 1,018 euros.
The United Kingdom, with a spending total of 1.11 billion euros and an increase of 10.6%, and France, with 641 million euros and an increase of 18.6%, were the main emitting markets between January and February; a period in which Italy posted outstanding growth in total spending of 40.2%.
The highest increases in tourist spending in the period were posted by Andalusia, at 18.9%, the Balearic Islands, at 13.4%, and the Region of Madrid, at 13%.
The monthly record previously held by February 2014 was also surpassed this February, with a total spending figure of 3.17 billion euros - a year-on-year increase of 6.4%. The average spend per tourist and the average spend per day also rose to 964 euros and 112 euros, respectively.
Emitting markets
The United Kingdom, with an inbound tourist spending total of 1.11 billion euros and an increase of 10.6%, was the top emitting market, accounting for 16.9% of total inbound tourist spending in Spain between January and February. The average spend per day by British tourists rose by 13.6% to 99 euros and the average spend per tourist rose by 7.7% to 909 euros. In February, British tourists spent a total of 564 million euros, an increase of 6.2%, accounting for 17.8% of the total.
Germany posted a total of 991 million euros in the two months to February, and had a variation of 0.8% when compared with last year. This equates to 15.1% of the total in the period. German tourists spent 479 million euros in February, accounting for 15.1% of the total and reflecting a decrease of 5.7%. This was due to a 12.3% decrease in the average length of stay and an 8.9% decrease in the average spend per person, as the number of tourists arriving from this market increased. This performance particularly affected the Canary Islands and Catalonia.
Tourists from the Nordic markets spent a total of 846 million euros in Spain between January and February, which is a decrease of 9.8% on last year and represents 12.9% of the total. In February, spending by tourists from the Nordic markets amounted to 425 million euros, a decrease of 14% compared with February 2014, accounting for 13.4% of the total. This was due to fewer tourists travelling to Spain from these countries and reductions in both the average spend per tourist and the average spend per day. The Canary Islands was the region most affected by this downturn.
Among the main emitting markets, France was the market that posted the highest upturn, at 18.6%, with 641 million euros spent between January and February, accounting for 9.8% of the total. In February, French tourists spent a total of 313 million euros in Spain, an increase of 14.2%. Again, this was the highest increase of all the main emitting markets. This was caused by a higher number of French tourists travelling to Spain, an increased average spend per trip and a longer average length of stay (6.3 nights).
With increases of 40.2% between January and February and 43.8% in February, Italy was the emitting market that posted the highest increases in the periods in question. Italian tourists spent 298 million euros in the first two months of the year, accounting for 4.5% of the total, and 141 million euros in February, also accounting for 4.5% of the total. A 20.5% increase in the number of arriving tourists from Italy and a 19.4% increase in the average spend per tourist affected this result.
The remaining markets spent a total of 2.68 billion euros in Spain, an increase of 11.5%, accounting for 40.8% of the total in the first two months of the year.
In February, these markets spent a total of 1.24 billion euros, an increase of 16.1%, accounting for 39.3% of the total. The largest increases were posted by the United States and Belgium.
Main destination autonomous regions
The Canary Islands posted the highest inbound tourist spending figure in the first two months of 2015, at 2.39 billion euros - an increase of 3.3% accounting for 36.4% of the total. The average spend per day in this region rose by 7.2% to 118 euros. In February, a total of 1.13 billion euros was spent in this region, a decrease of 0.8%. This was caused by a decrease in the average spend per tourist while the average spend per day rose by 2.6%. This region accounted for 35.7% of the total.
With 1.34 billion euros and an increase of 8.7%, Catalonia accounted for 20.4% of the total in the first two months of the year. The average spend per day rose by 6.7% to 134 euros and the average spend per tourist rose by 5.2% to 842 euros. In the month, 624 million euros were spent by tourists in this region, up 1.2%, accounting for 19.7% of the total.
With 907 million euros spent by inbound tourists, Andalusia posted an increase of 18.9% and accounted for 13.8% of the total. This puts the region in third place both in terms of the first two months of the year and for February alone, a month in which inbound tourists spent 501 million euros in Andalusia, an increase of 18.5%, accounting for 15.8% of the total. This region posted the highest spending increase in the month, up 78 million euros, following increases in all variables: the average spend per tourist rose by 6% to 1,206 euros - the highest for the month; and the average spend per day rose by 0.6% to 103 euros.
A total of 752 million euros were spent in the Region of Madrid, up 13%, the third-highest increase in the first two months of the year, accounting for 11.4% of the total. The average spend per tourist rose by 7.5% to 1,134 euros. In February, 322 million euros were spent by inbound tourists in this region, up 23.1% (the highest increase in the month), accounting for 10.2% of the total. This increase was due to a higher number of inbound tourists, up 11.4%, and increases in both the average spend per tourist, up 10.5% to 1,022 euros, and the average length of stay, up 12.1%. This region accounted for 10.2% of the monthly total.
A total of 455 million euros were spent by inbound tourists in the Region of Valencia between January and February, up 5.1%, accounting for 6.9% of the total. The average daily spend rose by 9.7% to 80 euros and the average spend per tourist rose by 5.9% to 852 euros. In February, 236 million euros were spent by tourists in this region, up 5.2%, accounting for 7.5% of the total. The average daily spend rose by 14.9% to 89 euros and the average spend per tourist rose by 8.2% to 846 euros.
The Balearic Islands, with 214 million euros spent by inbound tourists between January and February, posted the second-highest increase in the period, at 13.4%, accounting for 3.3% of the total. The average spend per day rose by 8.4% to 95 euros. In February, 113 million euros were spent by inbound tourists in this region, up 21.2% (the second-highest increase in the month). This equates to 3.6% of the total. The average spend per day rose by 15.8% to 102 euros.
Type of accommodation, type of holiday and reason for travel
Spending on hotel accommodation - 4.14 billion euros - rose by 5.8%, while spending on non-hotel accommodation - 2.43 billion euros - rose by 11.8% between January and February. The increase in spending on non-hotel accommodation was also higher in February - at 14.3% to 1.09 billion euros - than on hotel accommodation - at 2.6% to 2.07 billion euros.
In the first two months of 2015, the number of inbound tourists choosing to travel independently rose by 11.5%, with a total spending figure of 4.38 billion euros, while the number of those travelling on a package holiday rose by 1.6%, with a total spending figure of 2.19 billion euros.
In February, independent travel rose by 10.3% to a total spending figure of 2.06 billion euros, while package holiday travel decreased by 0.3% to a total spending figure of 1.1 billion euros.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46823/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In the first two months of the year, the average spend per day rose by 5.4% to 113 euros and the average spend per tourist rose by 3.4% to 1,018 euros.
The United Kingdom, with a spending total of 1.11 billion euros and an increase of 10.6%, and Franc...

### DAMAGE TO PILAR BEACHES

The Chief Coastal Officer Rosa de los Rios was in Pilar de la Horadada last week looking at the damage caused to local beaches by the recent storms.
She was accompanied by the mayor together with the head of the Provincial Coastal Service Alicante along with a number of his technicians.
The party toured las playas de las Villas y de las Higuericas, both of which, as a result of the powerful waves, have suffered a significant loss of sand as well as considerable damage to the adjacent dunes and the wooden boardwalks leading down to the beaches.
The mayor, José Fidel Ros, stressed the need to find solutions to the problems which occur year on year. He said that the authorities need to increase the amount of sand deposited on the beaches compared to that made last year.
The situation has been described as urgent by all groups, among which were also the directors of the Torre de la Horadada Yacht Club, which has been busy in recent days extracting sand that had accumulated in the harbor entrance.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46822/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Chief Coastal Officer Rosa de los Rios was in Pilar de la Horadada last week looking at the damage caused to local beaches by the recent storms.
She was accompanied by the mayor together with the head of the Provincial Coastal Service Alicante alo...

### KARLOS BERNABÉ LEADS CAMBIEMOS ORIHUELA INTO ELECTIONS

Karlos Bernabé was elected as the mayoral candidate for Cambiemos Orihuela for the upcoming municipal elections. With an 84% participation rate this was the first list elected by the citizens of Orihuela entirely through open primaries.	
On Saturday 28 March, the primary process that determined the electoral list which Cambiemos Orihuela will present in the upcoming Municipal Elections came to a close. The coalition brings together the Green Party (Los Verdes), United Left (Izquierda Unida) and independent persons with the common goal of citizen participation and a transparent democracy.
Karlos Bernabé, Lic. Psychology, is Cambiemos Orihuela's candidate for Mayor. Second on our list is Marta Guillén, architect, third, Manu Mazón, Lic. Audiovisual Communication; fourth, Ester Romero, journalist and Orihuela Costa resident; fifth, Javier Gracia, business owner; and sixth, Pascuala Sandoval, teacher.
The list was ratified at the 10th Assembly of Cambiemos Orihuela held on Monday 30 March in the Maria Moliner Public Library. The list of candidates will be officially presented the week of April 5. All information related to the primary process, participation, results and the final list is published and can be seen on our website and social networks at cambiemosorihuela.org and FB Cambiemos Orihuela.
Complete list:
1. Carlos Bernabé Martínez
2. Marta Guillén Llor
3. Manuel Enrique Mazón Menargues
4. Ester Romero Saugar
5. Manuel Javier Gracia Gil
6. Pascuala Sandoval López
7. Alejandro Alonso Martínez
8. Verónica Egío Fenoll
9. Luis Garcia Perez
10. María García Sandoval
11. Miguel Ortuño Molíns
12. Miriam Cuartero Moñino
13. David Vegara Rodríguez
14. Sandra García Marcos
15. Alvaro Belmonte de Egea
16. Cristina Hernández Sarmiento
17. Álvaro Gosp Pastor
18. Jessica Cuartero Moñino
19. Trino Ferrández Verdú
20. Nicole Brückner
21. Enrique Menárguez López
22. Libertad Guerrero Romero
23. Abilio Vaillo Rueda
24. Fuensanta Martínez MengualFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46821/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Karlos Bernabé was elected as the mayoral candidate for Cambiemos Orihuela for the upcoming municipal elections. With an 84% participation rate this was the first list elected by the citizens of Orihuela entirely through open primaries.	
On Sat...

### NEW ORIHUELA PARTY LISTS ITS CANDIDATES

Last Sunday Queremos Orihuela presented the names of their candidates for the upcoming Local Elections in May.  
25 nominations were listed in addition to 3 reserves.  Before their nominations can be endorsed however the group need to gather a list of 1500 supporters, members of the electorate, which a spokesman said is now in hand.
He said that during the coming weeks party activists will be out on the streets canvassing local voters who he is confident will provide their support to this new, and completely untried, Orihuela Party.
The top 5 nominations are shown in the attached photograph. 1.- Rosa María Igualada Gil.  2.- José Antonio Ballesteros Martos. 3.- Gloria María Granero Pérez. 4.- José Antonio Lozano López and  5.- Daniel Martínez Amat 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46820/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Last Sunday Queremos Orihuela presented the names of their candidates for the upcoming Local Elections in May.  
25 nominations were listed in addition to 3 reserves.  Before their nominations can be endorsed however the group need to gather a list of...

### GLOBAL CRISIS

"These global crises are crises of saints." This phrase was written by Saint Josemaría Escrivá in the thirties of last century. As a saint he had all the reason, even more reason than a saint.
It is not only that we lack great saints (we have Saint Josemaría Escrivá, Saint Francisco Javier or Saint Teresa of Jesus) but we lack the holiness to others. But I am not referring to the holiness of great works or miracles, but the holiness in small things, in the everyday. Saint Josemaría proposes to place Jesus Christ in the peak of all human activities and sanctify ourselves in small things of every day: work, family and human relationships.
I will give you a small example: because of different issues, I have to go through the procedure in another city and I have to go to a back office.
I am sometimes attended by phone and other personally by a lady or young lady. She is the education itself with order and good willingness; she is also effective in her work. When she say goodbye by phone or personally always gives me thanks but I must do this because she makes procedures for me. Then I ask me: “can I do my job better?”
Unfortunately, it is more and more common to see the botch around us, from big projects that born wrong to the sweeper that leaves the half of the trash on the floor. As human beings, we are limited and perfection is impossible. Despite all our efforts, the work does sometimes not go well. But, do we put all our efforts?
It would be enough that all who have work and those who have not made every our effort in all human activities to start to see at least the beginning of the end of the crisis. And it is not needed to offer almost nothing to God.
ALEJANDRO PEREZ BENEDICTO
Independent Forum of Opinion				
http://indeforum.wordpress.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46817/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: "These global crises are crises of saints." This phrase was written by Saint Josemaría Escrivá in the thirties of last century. As a saint he had all the reason, even more reason than a saint.
It is not only that we lack great saints (we have Saint Josemaría Escrivá, Saint Francisco Javier or Saint Teresa of Jesus) but we lack the holiness to others. But I am not referring to the holiness of great works or miracles, but the holiness in small things, in the everyday. Saint Josemaría proposes to place Jesus Christ in the peak of all human activities and sanctify ourselves in small things of every day: work, family and human relationships.
I will give you a small example: because of different issues, I have to go through the procedure in another city and I have to go to a back office.
I am sometimes attended by phone and other personally by a lady or young lady. She is the education itself with order and good willingness; she is also effective in her work. When she say goodbye by phone or personally always gives me thanks but I must do this because she makes procedures for me. Then I ask me: “can I do my job better?”
Unfortunately, it is more and more common to see the botch around us, from big projects that born wrong to the sweeper that leaves the half of the trash on the floor. As human beings, we are limited and perfection is impossible. Despite all our efforts, the work does sometimes not go well. But, do we put all our efforts?
It would be enough that all who have work and those who have not made every our effort in all human activities to start to see at least the beginning of the end of the crisis. And it is not needed to offer almost nothing to God.
ALEJANDRO PEREZ BENEDICTO
Independent Forum of Opinion				
http://indeforum.wordpress.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46817/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### FORMBY'S LOST LOVE

LOS Montesinos author Andrew Atkinson is a step closer to getting his book 'Formby's Lost Love' published after a London publisher, Austin Macauley, based in Canary Wharf, has asked for the complete manuscript of 'Formby's Lost Love' following a synopsis submission. 
"The Austin Macauley board of editors have reported back favourably regarding the initial submission," said Senior Editor Hayley Knight. "We now wish to view the complete manuscript in its final form. 
'Formby's Lost Love' tells the previously untold story of school teacher Pat Howson, who was engaged to ukulele legend George Formby in 1961. Formby, who died aged 56, days before their planned wedding in March 1961, bequeathed the majority of his Estate to Pat, equating to over £2m today. 
In the following decade Religious teacher Pat faced years of Court wranglings over the will; the split of her parents; the death of her mother, and her own untimely death of ovarian cancer, aged 46, in 1971. 
"I am thrilled to have received notification from Austin Macauley asking for the complete manuscript of 'Formby's Lost Love'," said Andrew, who has a property in Los Montesinos. "It has been 54 years since George Formby and Pat Howson were engaged to be married - thwarted after Britain's ukulele star's fatal heart attack," said Andrew, 57. 
"I have researched Pat Howson's life story, from being a young girl, to the grave, with in-depth interviews with those who knew her best," said Andrew. A decade after Formby's death Pat was set to enter a Convent and become a nun, to finally escape years of turmoil and hell, after challenges to his will. "Interviews and revelations have been undertaken with Pat Howson's close friends, and her solicitor, who talks about her for the first time in 44 years," said Andrew. "Pat Howson was diagnosed with ovarian cancer - and died six weeks later," said Andrew. 
"Pat's untold life story is one of sorrow, tears and sadness, having been thrown into the limelight through George Formby," said Andrew. Formby's link to Spain was with his hit: 'The Lancashire Toreador' in 1937. Formby's 'naughty' lyrics included: 'Don Pedro, the big bull-fighting hero, The Lancashire Toreador. 'I met-a charming senor-eta. She said, 'To love you I can never', then kissed me good-bye for ever. That night, as she retired, she locked her bedroom door.
'She started to undress and timidly she looked round, Said, 'Thank God, I am rid of him for he's homeward bound', But when she pulled the bed clothes down now guess what she found? Why The Lancashire Toreador. 'Don Pedro, the big bull-fighting hero, The Lancashire Toreador.
I scare 'em, no mercy ever spare 'em. In the dead of night I ramble, Spanish castle walls I scramble. 'I saw a shadow above a girl in her boudoir. I climbed up her balcony, it started to sway. She shouted, 'Murder! there's a bandit, spare my life, pray'. 'But when my castanets I rattled she said, 'Hooray! It's The Lancashire Toreador'.  
'Formby's Lost Love' author Andrew Atkinson with the letter from London publishers Austin Macauley. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46816/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: LOS Montesinos author Andrew Atkinson is a step closer to getting his book 'Formby's Lost Love' published after a London publisher, Austin Macauley, based in Canary Wharf, has asked for the complete manuscript of 'Formby's Lost Love' following a synopsis submission. 
"The Austin Macauley board of editors have reported back favourably regarding the initial submission," said Senior Editor Hayley Knight. "We now wish to view the complete manuscript in its final form. 
'Formby's Lost Love' tells the previously untold story of school teacher Pat Howson, who was engaged to ukulele legend George Formby in 1961. Formby, who died aged 56, days before their planned wedding in March 1961, bequeathed the majority of his Estate to Pat, equating to over £2m today. 
In the following decade Religious teacher Pat faced years of Court wranglings over the will; the split of her parents; the death of her mother, and her own untimely death of ovarian cancer, aged 46, in 1971. 
"I am thrilled to have received notification from Austin Macauley asking for the complete manuscript of 'Formby's Lost Love'," said Andrew, who has a property in Los Montesinos. "It has been 54 years since George Formby and Pat Howson were engaged to be married - thwarted after Britain's ukulele star's fatal heart attack," said Andrew, 57. 
"I have researched Pat Howson's life story, from being a young girl, to the grave, with in-depth interviews with those who knew her best," said Andrew. A decade after Formby's death Pat was set to enter a Convent and become a nun, to finally escape years of turmoil and hell, after challenges to his will. "Interviews and revelations have been undertaken with Pat Howson's close friends, and her solicitor, who talks about her for the first time in 44 years," said Andrew. "Pat Howson was diagnosed with ovarian cancer - and died six weeks later," said Andrew. 
"Pat's untold life story is one of sorrow, tears and sadness, having been thrown into the limelight through George Formby," said Andrew. Formby's link to Spain was with his hit: 'The Lancashire Toreador' in 1937. Formby's 'naughty' lyrics included: 'Don Pedro, the big bull-fighting hero, The Lancashire Toreador. 'I met-a charming senor-eta. She said, 'To love you I can never', then kissed me good-bye for ever. That night, as she retired, she locked her bedroom door.
'She started to undress and timidly she looked round, Said, 'Thank God, I am rid of him for he's homeward bound', But when she pulled the bed clothes down now guess what she found? Why The Lancashire Toreador. 'Don Pedro, the big bull-fighting hero, The Lancashire Toreador.
I scare 'em, no mercy ever spare 'em. In the dead of night I ramble, Spanish castle walls I scramble. 'I saw a shadow above a girl in her boudoir. I climbed up her balcony, it started to sway. She shouted, 'Murder! there's a bandit, spare my life, pray'. 'But when my castanets I rattled she said, 'Hooray! It's The Lancashire Toreador'.  
'Formby's Lost Love' author Andrew Atkinson with the letter from London publishers Austin Macauley. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46816/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### STEWART’S DOMINATE EUROPEAN DSSF CHAMPIONSHIPS

Adam and Lucy Stewart were in action recently when they competed in the DSSF  European Swimming Championships in Southampton last weekend.
Adam retained his 800 freestyle European Masters record with a silver medal adding a bronze in 100 butterfly. He also had 2 first places in the 25 freestyle and 25 butterfly ending the competition in great style with a gold medal in the 100 freestyle. He also had 2 PBs.
Lucy won a gold in the breaststroke smashing her time by a massive 7 seconds with a PB. She also achieved 2 PBs in the 25 freestyle and 25 breaststroke.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46813/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Adam and Lucy Stewart were in action recently when they competed in the DSSF  European Swimming Championships in Southampton last weekend.
Adam retained his 800 freestyle European Masters record with a silver medal adding a bronze in 100 butterfly. He...

### Grandparents raising their grandchildren leave traces in their souls

A study entitled The Generation of Transition; between Work and Retirement, states that thousands of years ago, the family model "included not only a father and a mother who took care of good parenting; there was also a grandmother who helped them in this task."
Grandparents work as health, guardians and teachers of their grandchildren. They allow many moms to be integrated into the labor market. Some families are going better, thanks to grandparents. And in times of economic instability, these gestures are more important.
One of the most worrying census data, in America, is the growing number of children who have to be supported by their grandparents 2.4 million grandparents are responsible for the training of 4.4 million grandchildren. The Economist reported that a third of these grandparents, householders, had not completed high school and 62% had not gone to university. 70% exceeded 50 years of age, while 70% of children had about 11 years.
The African American community is the hardest hit. For people under 18 in the United States, 70.9% of those who are children of the household head are white and 13.3% black. However, in the case of the grandchildren of the household head, only 48.6% are white and 32.3% are black.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry explains the causes of this overhead for grandparents: increase in single-parent families, high divorce rate, teenage pregnancy, parental incapacitation by imprisonment, alcoholism, drug use and domestic violence.
Grandparents face a greater mental and physical wear, especially because they deal with difficult children from broken or troubled homes. Stress and fatigue related to work that originates responsibility are the main symptoms of the "slave grandmother" syndrome.
There are programs to help grandparents who have to educate their grandchildren. The most requested service is an allowance so they can hire a temporary assistant during the holidays. Apart from these grants, we should erect a monument to grandparents.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46805/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A study entitled The Generation of Transition; between Work and Retirement, states that thousands of years ago, the family model "included not only a father and a mother who took care of good parenting; there was also a grandmother who helped them in this task."
Grandparents work as health, guardians and teachers of their grandchildren. They allow many moms to be integrated into the labor market. Some families are going better, thanks to grandparents. And in times of economic instability, these gestures are more important.
One of the most worrying census data, in America, is the growing number of children who have to be supported by their grandparents 2.4 million grandparents are responsible for the training of 4.4 million grandchildren. The Economist reported that a third of these grandparents, householders, had not completed high school and 62% had not gone to university. 70% exceeded 50 years of age, while 70% of children had about 11 years.
The African American community is the hardest hit. For people under 18 in the United States, 70.9% of those who are children of the household head are white and 13.3% black. However, in the case of the grandchildren of the household head, only 48.6% are white and 32.3% are black.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry explains the causes of this overhead for grandparents: increase in single-parent families, high divorce rate, teenage pregnancy, parental incapacitation by imprisonment, alcoholism, drug use and domestic violence.
Grandparents face a greater mental and physical wear, especially because they deal with difficult children from broken or troubled homes. Stress and fatigue related to work that originates responsibility are the main symptoms of the "slave grandmother" syndrome.
There are programs to help grandparents who have to educate their grandchildren. The most requested service is an allowance so they can hire a temporary assistant during the holidays. Apart from these grants, we should erect a monument to grandparents.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46805/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### HERE IS ISSUE 562 OF THE LEADER

With the latest news and sports from around the Costa Blanca and Spain, FREE every monday.
 
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46804/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: With the latest news and sports from around the Costa Blanca and Spain, FREE every monday.
 
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46804/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Prope...

### A POINT FOR TORRY BUT NOT ENOUGH

SC REQUENA 0 CD TORREVIEJA 0
Under the guidance of new manager Pedreno, Torry visited lowly Requena on Sunday, still buzzing from that ground breaking 6 goal massacre of CD Acero the week before.  
And now, with a place in the play offs once again very much in everybody's thoughts, sitting as they do just 6 pts behind 4th placed Villarreal, a feel good factor was once again very evident throughout the whole squad.  
It was back in early November that a home score draw with Requena started the rot....it was the beginning of a poor run of form for Torry, one which was to continue until the end of the year, but this new look side appear to have broken loose from the shackles that seemed responsible for the inconsistent  form they have suffered for large parts of the current campaign.   
Admittedly one game doesn't make a season but what we saw last Sunday was enough to provide the encouragement to the supporters and the confidence to the playing squad going into the game against lowly Requena.
And Torry got off to an encouraging start, there was a lot more assurance and expression from the players who worked tirelessly to build on the form shown during Pedreno's short term in office.
With early opportunities falling to Cesar and Carrasco things looked bright during the early part of the game. But unfortunately, despite the pressure, the visitors had nothing to show, other than hard work and determination, going into the interval.
The best that Requena could muster were strong appeals for a penalty when the referee brushed aside their protestations after Alexis had meted out a heavy challenge on striker Soriano.
For the most part, however, the running was made by Torry, a fierce drive from Burguillos on the half hour, Cesar unlucky to be adjudged offside with only keeper Juarez to beat, but at half time, the signs were still encouraging as the players trooped off with 45 still to come.
Unfortunately though our hopes weren't replicated in the Torry performance with only the agility of Oscar keeping them in the game, indeed it was one excellent save from top scorer Ubach which certainly rescued a point at the death. 
There were opportunities, however, and that is perhaps the major difference, but the visitors were let down by poor finishing in a game from which they expected to pick up all 3 pts. 
Two home games to look forward to next week, both of which are at the Vicente Garcia, the first on Wednesday evening against mid table CF Cullera, kicking off at 8pm and then on Sunday against promotion chasing UD Beniganim, a game that gets underway at 5pm with nothing less than 6 points necessary to keep the Torry season alive. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46800/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: SC REQUENA 0 CD TORREVIEJA 0
Under the guidance of new manager Pedreno, Torry visited lowly Requena on Sunday, still buzzing from that ground breaking 6 goal massacre of CD Acero the week before.  
And now, with a place in the play offs once again ve...

### CABO ROIG WALKWAY REOPENED TO PUBLIC AFTER 20 YEARS

The statement was made in a short council press release on Tuesday morning. It simply said ‘The Town Planning Councillor, Antonio Zapata, has announced that municipal crews have begun to demolish the wall and the fence that has been illegally erected by residents in order  to prevent the passage by pedestrians along the seafront of Agua Marina to Cabo Roig.'
According to Zapata, following a two year, legal procedure, litigation through both Elche Courts and the High Court of Justice has finally ruled that the barriers erected by the residents of Bellavista 1 Urbanisation, blocking off the walkway between Cabo Roig and Aguamarina, is illegal, and in accordance with the council statement municipal crews duly moved in and removed the barriers and gates at both the northern and the southern end of the stretch of the Bellavista 1 walkway.
So for the first time in almost 20 years the coastal path was again restored to the public domain, allowing access and world class views to residents and visitors alike.
Restoration of the walkway is a victory of course for the residents of Aguamarina, many of whom said they were particularly grateful to the Leader Newspaper and their involvement in the campaign, first highlighted in the newspaper back in 2003. In the last 12 years the story has regularly featured as the front page news item drawing support from all areas of the local political spectrum. 
The Leader has been instrumental in this campaign since day one, raising the matter on behalf of residents with every council team who have been in power, from the time of the PP rule, through the coalition government and every councillor who held the position of responsibility for the coast.
In 2010, we covered the story in considerable detail, reporting on a complaint raised by Bob Houliston´s CLARO political group who criticized the “photo opportunities for Mayoress Monica Lorente”, without taking any action against these residents to regain the land.
As the PP lost power in the last municipal elections, it was in the manifesto of the group who became the tri-party coalition that replaced the Lorente government, with Bob Houliston being given the post of councillor for the coast, but still no visible action.
In early 2013 we also reported on the praise given to repairs of the beach under the management of Pedro Mancebo, who took over the role from Houliston, but still eluding the matter of the walkway, as we reported, “Questions still remain unanswered however regarding the section of the walkway at the northern end of the paseo illegally blocked off by the residents of the Urbanisation Bellavista 1 in Cabo Roig.”
When we reported this in May of last year, we stated how this is the first time some positive action has been made, returning the land to public ownership and use, rather than permitting a handful of residents, who many consider to be selfish and considered themselves above the law, to effectively steal land that doesn´t belong to them, depriving the rest of the community from access and egress to this part of the coast. And now, the campaign has finally come to an end, thus allowing the public to once again stroll along the Orihuela Costa and enjoy the beautiful views of the Mediterranean sea, deprived to them for so long.
Ley 106 is the  Spanish  law  that protects the  country's  coastline.  We have all heard about the Costas law not permitting  buildings  to  be  built less than 106 metres from the  beach.  So  under  the 1988  Ley  de  Costas,  the beach is considered to be public land.
From the waterline  there  should  be 106  metres  where  sports and  agricultural  facilities can  be situated,  but  not homes or permanent buildings.  The idea is for the coastline to be a free area which everyone can walk along, and relax and enjoy. 
But until just last week, anyone who had tried walking along that particular stretch of the Orihuela Costa would see that not the case.
During the demolition process, attended by representatives from the CLARO Party, as well as the Councillor for the Coast Martina Scheurer, the Town Planning Councillor, Antonio Zapata, was clearly distancing himself from the activity.
Speaking to the Leader Zapata said that he didn't want to inflame the situation any further and although it was necessary for him to be on hand to see the actions carried out he didn't want to make any further statements at this time.
He concuded by saying that after completing the demolition process, the cost of around 2,000 euros, would be passed to Bellavista Urbanisation for payment. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46783/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The statement was made in a short council press release on Tuesday morning. It simply said ‘The Town Planning Councillor, Antonio Zapata, has announced that municipal crews have begun to demolish the wall and the fence that has been illegally ere...

### HEALTHCARE FOR EXPATS IN SPAIN AND THE CANARY ISLANDS

Expats can be a strange lot. A great deal of time is often spent in selecting the right place to live, a new home, kitchen appliances and even thinking about a new job.
However, I rarely find that expats give much consideration to that most important of subjects - healthcare. Indeed, along with "How do I get Brit TV?” one of the most popular questions that I am asked, often when it is too late, is "Can I get free healthcare in Spain?” Of course, the answer is a confusing yes, and … no.
When I worked as a reporter in the Costa Blanca, I remember interviewing a couple who had retired early and moved to Spain long before the statutory retirement age when the man would have been entitled to free healthcare within the Spanish health system for both he and his wife. They were unhappy that their Spanish doctor had refused them treatment and wanted the newspaper to publish a story condemning the “injustice”, as they saw it, when they were refused treatment.
The couple were rather proud of the fact that they would travel back to the UK every six months to collect their "free E111 health certificate", which at that time would allow them to claim free emergency medical treatment in Spain. The couple seemed to be hypochondriacs, so when they were in the UK, they, mother in law and assorted family members would enjoy free UK NHS care, before continuing their treatment free within the Spanish system when they returned home.
Eventually, this state of affairs came to a sticky end, when their Spanish doctor eventually realised what was going on and refused to treat them under the free E111 scheme, which was only ever intended to be reciprocal emergency cover for holidaymakers.
The couple were not at all happy and after much complaining, reluctantly opted to take out rather expensive private health cover until he reached the statutory retirement age. I remember listening sympathetically to the story, but with no intention of publishing it. At a time of scarce health resources, I thought it was admirable of the doctor to spot abuse of the system, and to do something about it.
Clearly, this was pure abuse of an already overstretched system, and governments of both countries were right to put an end to it. In more recent years, the financial crisis faced by all countries in Europe have forced governments to reassess exactly who qualifies for free or subsidised treatment and who does not.
Of course, many have fallen foul of the new rules, leaving some without any health cover at all, and often because they do not understand the newly enforced requirements.
In the case of Spain, the message is clear. If you are an expat over the statutory retirement age, you will be entitled to free healthcare, but always check your entitlement with the Department of Health in the UK before you move to Spain. If you are under the statutory retirement age and have a contract of employment, your employers will usually provide free healthcare under the Spanish system, but do check that this is the case. If neither is applicable, you have two options.
The first is to purchase private health insurance. This can be expensive, dependent upon any pre-existing conditions and age.
Although I have private health insurance, I am not a great fan of private healthcare, and would not wish to rely upon it for everything. It is reassuring to have it for emergency referrals and second opinions, but I am an admirer of both the UK and Spanish Health Services, which would always be my preferred choice in most circumstances.
If you are not entitled to free Spanish NHS cover, you can now purchase it within most of the autonomous regions of Spain. It is very good value with cover in the Canary Islands, for instance, now available for 60 euros per month. This does, however, exclude subsidised prescriptions, which have to be paid for in full, and the European health card (EHIC) if you wish to travel to other countries. However, as most expats quickly recognise, most generic drugs are exceptionally good value in Spain, and far cheaper than their equivalents in the UK.
In conclusion, if you are not retired, or in full time employment with a contract that includes health insurance, I recommend buying into the Spanish NHS scheme (Convenio Especial), as well as supplementing it with private insurance cover, if you can afford it. It is one of those things that may be irritating, boring and time consuming to arrange, but you will be very grateful for it should the time come to use it. 
For further information about the Spanish scheme, go to: https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-in-spain

If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie Mahoney
 
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46782/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Expats can be a strange lot. A great deal of time is often spent in selecting the right place to live, a new home, kitchen appliances and even thinking about a new job.
However, I rarely find that expats give much consideration to that most important of subjects - healthcare. Indeed, along with "How do I get Brit TV?” one of the most popular questions that I am asked, often when it is too late, is "Can I get free healthcare in Spain?” Of course, the answer is a confusing yes, and … no.
When I worked as a reporter in the Costa Blanca, I remember interviewing a couple who had retired early and moved to Spain long before the statutory retirement age when the man would have been entitled to free healthcare within the Spanish health system for both he and his wife. They were unhappy that their Spanish doctor had refused them treatment and wanted the newspaper to publish a story condemning the “injustice”, as they saw it, when they were refused treatment.
The couple were rather proud of the fact that they would travel back to the UK every six months to collect their "free E111 health certificate", which at that time would allow them to claim free emergency medical treatment in Spain. The couple seemed to be hypochondriacs, so when they were in the UK, they, mother in law and assorted family members would enjoy free UK NHS care, before continuing their treatment free within the Spanish system when they returned home.
Eventually, this state of affairs came to a sticky end, when their Spanish doctor eventually realised what was going on and refused to treat them under the free E111 scheme, which was only ever intended to be reciprocal emergency cover for holidaymakers.
The couple were not at all happy and after much complaining, reluctantly opted to take out rather expensive private health cover until he reached the statutory retirement age. I remember listening sympathetically to the story, but with no intention of publishing it. At a time of scarce health resources, I thought it was admirable of the doctor to spot abuse of the system, and to do something about it.
Clearly, this was pure abuse of an already overstretched system, and governments of both countries were right to put an end to it. In more recent years, the financial crisis faced by all countries in Europe have forced governments to reassess exactly who qualifies for free or subsidised treatment and who does not.
Of course, many have fallen foul of the new rules, leaving some without any health cover at all, and often because they do not understand the newly enforced requirements.
In the case of Spain, the message is clear. If you are an expat over the statutory retirement age, you will be entitled to free healthcare, but always check your entitlement with the Department of Health in the UK before you move to Spain. If you are under the statutory retirement age and have a contract of employment, your employers will usually provide free healthcare under the Spanish system, but do check that this is the case. If neither is applicable, you have two options.
The first is to purchase private health insurance. This can be expensive, dependent upon any pre-existing conditions and age.
Although I have private health insurance, I am not a great fan of private healthcare, and would not wish to rely upon it for everything. It is reassuring to have it for emergency referrals and second opinions, but I am an admirer of both the UK and Spanish Health Services, which would always be my preferred choice in most circumstances.
If you are not entitled to free Spanish NHS cover, you can now purchase it within most of the autonomous regions of Spain. It is very good value with cover in the Canary Islands, for instance, now available for 60 euros per month. This does, however, exclude subsidised prescriptions, which have to be paid for in full, and the European health card (EHIC) if you wish to travel to other countries. However, as most expats quickly recognise, most generic drugs are exceptionally good value in Spain, and far cheaper than their equivalents in the UK.
In conclusion, if you are not retired, or in full time employment with a contract that includes health insurance, I recommend buying into the Spanish NHS scheme (Convenio Especial), as well as supplementing it with private insurance cover, if you can afford it. It is one of those things that may be irritating, boring and time consuming to arrange, but you will be very grateful for it should the time come to use it. 
For further information about the Spanish scheme, go to: https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-in-spain

If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie Mahoney
 
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46782/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### COULD THIS SPELL THE END FOR SPEEDING TICKETS?

New Ford Tech Can Automatically Prevent Drivers Exceeding Limits 
■Ford of Europe is launching a new technology that could help prevent drivers from exceeding speed limits, and potentially from incurring costly speeding penalties
■Intelligent Speed Limiter enables automatic adjustment of maximum vehicle speed to remain within legal limits; camera detects signs, system helps ensure limits are not exceeded
■Ford debuts system on the all-new S-MAX; sports activity vehicle also can detect people in road ahead and automatically apply brakes if driver does not respond to warnings
Breaking the speed limit can be costly in terms of fines, and driving bans, as well as playing a significant role in many road accidents. Ford Motor Company is now launching a new technology that could help prevent drivers from exceeding speed limits – both when driving in their own country and abroad.
Drivers have for some time been able to set a maximum speed for their vehicle. Now the all-new S-MAX sports activity vehicle – equipped with Intelligent Speed Limiter – can help ensure the maximum speed is automatically adjusted to remain within changing speed limits.
 “Drivers are not always conscious of speeding and sometimes only becoming aware they were going too fast when they receive a fine in the mail or are pulled over by law enforcement,” said Stefan Kappes, active safety supervisor, Ford of Europe. “Intelligent Speed Limiter can remove one of the stresses of driving, helping ensure customers remain within the legal speed limit.”
Drivers activate Intelligent Speed Limiter via steering wheel controls to set a maximum vehicle speed. The system uses a windscreen-mounted camera to monitor road signs and when the speed limit is lower than that maximum set speed, ISL slows the vehicle as required.
As the speed limit rises, the system allows the driver to accelerate up to the set speed, providing it does not exceed the new speed limit.
Ford has in recent years introduced many technologies to its vehicles that help drivers to park, remain in their driving lane, and avoid low-speed accidents.
Intelligent Speed Limiter for the first time combines current Ford technologies Adjustable Speed Limiter, and Traffic Sign Recognition, which are both already available on models including Focus, all-new Mondeo, and Kuga SUV.
Effective at speeds of 20-120mph, Intelligent Speed Limiter ensures smooth deceleration by restricting the fuel supplied to the engine, rather than applying the brakes. Should travelling downhill cause the vehicle to exceed the specified speed an alarm is sounded.
Intelligent Speed Limiter also communicates with the onboard navigation system to help accurately maintain the appropriate maximum speed when distances between speed limit signs are greater, for example on long country roads. Drivers can temporarily override the system by firmly depressing the accelerator pedal.
Ford's all-new S-MAX offers further advanced technologies including Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection that can detect people in the road ahead – or that could cross the vehicle's path – and automatically apply the brakes if the driver does not respond to warnings.
 “We're not just developing cars at Ford, we're also developing technologies to make driving more convenient, safer, and ultimately help improve mobility around the world,” said Pim van der Jagt, executive technical leader, Ford Research & Advanced Engineering. “Innovative systems like Intelligent Speed Limiter, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, and Active Park Assist are making the benefits of semi-autonomous technology accessible to everyone.”
Available to order now priced from £24,545, S-MAX also delivers Glare-Free Highbeam headlights that help avoid dazzling vehicles ahead while retaining maximum illumination for other areas. Front Split View Camera makes negotiating junctions easier with a camera located in the grille.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46781/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: New Ford Tech Can Automatically Prevent Drivers Exceeding Limits 
■Ford of Europe is launching a new technology that could help prevent drivers from exceeding speed limits, and potentially from incurring costly speeding penalties
■Intelli...

### ALCALÁ DEL JÚCAR CRAFT FAIR AT EASTER WEEKEND

Alcalá del Júcar is a really lovely place to visit - lots of water, lots of old buildings, narrow picturesque streets, and the whole place hidden in the dreary flat plain that you cross when you drive from Alicante to Madrid.  And now, for the Easter weekend (2 to 6 April) there's also a craft fair.  
A real craft fair, with real craft work to be seen on the stalls, made by the people on the stall.  Nothing imported, nothing from small factories, all carefully and lovingly made by people who chose this way of life.
Amata, the craft association which created and registered the "Artesanía de Autor" label, will be setting up a fair in Alcalá for the second year running.  Amata is a craft association dedicated to preserving and enhancing craft work in Spain.  Amata inspects workshops, critically examines how goods are made and who makes them, checks that what is on the stall is made by the people on the stall - a guarantee that any visitor to the market will find goods that are original and of good quality.
There will be some forty stalls with ceramics, with wooden toys and leather handbags, with painted T-shirts, hand made shoes and sandals, design jewelry in silver, ceramics, wood, silk and recycled materials, puppets and soft toys, even mosaics.  Plus there are stalls with food.
 For younger visitors there are workshops where they can learn how to make their own work piece - a valuable introduction to the idea of doing things for one's self.  The workshops are run by people on the stalls, they charge a little money for materials.  Then there is a merry-go-round for very young children, a young couple who make thousands of soap bubbles, and wooden table games for children of any age.
All is set up in the shade of some high trees at the foot of the hill on which Alcalá del Jucar is built, almost next to the river.  What a lovely place to spend a day - there are plenty of restaurants nearby and the town itself is a delight to visit, with a Roman bridge, three large caves and its own impressive castle; visitors can also enjoy numerous activities such as horse riding, rafting, fishing, climbing and various guided walking tours.  
One of Spain's many "caminos de Santiago" (the pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostella) passes through the village and for people who don't want to follow a guide nor walk the odd 1,000 kms there are a number of sign-posted local walks.
The Market opens on Thursday afternoon at 6 pm; on Friday, Saturday and Sunday opening times are  from 11 to 2 in the morning and from 5 till late in the afternoon and evening and on Monday only in the morning from 11 to 2.  To get to Alcalá del Júcar follow the main autovia from Alicante to Madrid and turn off just past Almansa; Alcalá del Júcar lies half way between Almansa and Requena.  
To find the market with your GPS: the address is Callejón La Virgen.  More information on the market to be found on the Amata web page (www.amata.es, also in English) or you can ring Elvira (who speaks English) on 639 979 678.  
Photographs of last year¡s event are at http://www.amata.es/Alcala14.html. 
 For accomodation or excursions you can ring the tourist office on 967 473 090. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46779/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Alcalá del Júcar is a really lovely place to visit - lots of water, lots of old buildings, narrow picturesque streets, and the whole place hidden in the dreary flat plain that you cross when you drive from Alicante to Madrid.  And now, for the Easter weekend (2 to 6 April) there's also a craft fair.  
A real craft fair, with real craft work to be seen on the stalls, made by the people on the stall.  Nothing imported, nothing from small factories, all carefully and lovingly made by people who chose this way of life.
Amata, the craft association which created and registered the "Artesanía de Autor" label, will be setting up a fair in Alcalá for the second year running.  Amata is a craft association dedicated to preserving and enhancing craft work in Spain.  Amata inspects workshops, critically examines how goods are made and who makes them, checks that what is on the stall is made by the people on the stall - a guarantee that any visitor to the market will find goods that are original and of good quality.
There will be some forty stalls with ceramics, with wooden toys and leather handbags, with painted T-shirts, hand made shoes and sandals, design jewelry in silver, ceramics, wood, silk and recycled materials, puppets and soft toys, even mosaics.  Plus there are stalls with food.
 For younger visitors there are workshops where they can learn how to make their own work piece - a valuable introduction to the idea of doing things for one's self.  The workshops are run by people on the stalls, they charge a little money for materials.  Then there is a merry-go-round for very young children, a young couple who make thousands of soap bubbles, and wooden table games for children of any age.
All is set up in the shade of some high trees at the foot of the hill on which Alcalá del Jucar is built, almost next to the river.  What a lovely place to spend a day - there are plenty of restaurants nearby and the town itself is a delight to visit, with a Roman bridge, three large caves and its own impressive castle; visitors can also enjoy numerous activities such as horse riding, rafting, fishing, climbing and various guided walking tours.  
One of Spain's many "caminos de Santiago" (the pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostella) passes through the village and for people who don't want to follow a guide nor walk the odd 1,000 kms there are a number of sign-posted local walks.
The Market opens on Thursday afternoon at 6 pm; on Friday, Saturday and Sunday opening times are  from 11 to 2 in the morning and from 5 till late in the afternoon and evening and on Monday only in the morning from 11 to 2.  To get to Alcalá del Júcar follow the main autovia from Alicante to Madrid and turn off just past Almansa; Alcalá del Júcar lies half way between Almansa and Requena.  
To find the market with your GPS: the address is Callejón La Virgen.  More information on the market to be found on the Amata web page (www.amata.es, also in English) or you can ring Elvira (who speaks English) on 639 979 678.  
Photographs of last year¡s event are at http://www.amata.es/Alcala14.html. 
 For accomodation or excursions you can ring the tourist office on 967 473 090. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46779/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### MAIDEN VISIT TO CARTAGENA FOR MV BRITANNIA

Entered into service only two weeks ago, on 14 March, the MV Britannia was in Cartagena last Tuesday where it was paying it's inaugural visit to the historic city during it's 2 week maiden cruise around Spain, Italy and France.
On board were over 3000 passengers and 1300 crew who were greeted on their arrival by the Mayor, Pilar Barreiro, the Councillor for Tourism, Palazón Carolina and the president of the Port Authority, Antonio Sevilla. The trio were given a brief tour around the liner by first captain Paul Brown.
During the visit there was an exchange of gifts between the two parties with the mayor presenting Captain Brown with a city shield while he received a commemorative plaque in return.
The mayor said the visit of Britannia was an extremely important landmark in the development of the cruise industry in the region. “This is another massive step forward in establishing Cartagena as a premium destination with P&O Cruises” he said. “Such visits will ensure that this wonderful city continues to play a major part in tourist and cultural events for many thousands of foreign holidaymakers and visitors.”
The mayor announced that Britannia will visit the city on another two occasions later in the year when it will bring over 8,000 visitors to Cartagena.  
The chairman of the Port Authority, Antonio Sevilla, said that the port has managed to improve on the number of cruise ships visiting the city because of the extensive work carried out by the authority in recent years.   He said that all visiting operators receive exceptional treatment while they are in the area which was also confirmed by the Captain.
As his 3,600 passengers invaded Cartagena Capt Brown said that the great advantage of visiting such a city was the proximity of the facilities to the port. “Tourists can disembark the ship and be in the centre of the city within a matter of just a few minutes without all the expense of tour buses and taxi's,” he said. 
Taking over the honour of flagship of P&O Cruises UK from Oriana, Britannia features a 94 metre (308 ft) Union Flag on her bow, the largest of its kind in the world. She has 15 decks, nine recreation areas, 4 pools and over 1,800 staterooms.
The liner also enjoys an on board art collection valued at over 1.4 million euros.
During her summer season, Britannia will sail around the Mediterranean, Norwegian fjords, the Baltic, Canary Islands and Atlantic Islands. During the European Winter, the ship will sail 14-night Caribbean itineraries.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46777/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Entered into service only two weeks ago, on 14 March, the MV Britannia was in Cartagena last Tuesday where it was paying it's inaugural visit to the historic city during it's 2 week maiden cruise around Spain, Italy and France.
On board were over 3000...

### ALICANTE RESIDENT RECALLS 'FORT' CHILDHOOD MEMORIES FOLLOWING A £100M COURT BATTLE

ALICANTE resident John Stevens' childhood memories were stirred following a £100m Court battle - involving a former penniless 'hippy'  couple.
"The £3 million Fort where Dale Vince lives is 2 miles from where I lived the first 30 years of my life," said John Stevens, 66, who has retired to Los Montesinos.
Wind farm tycoon Dale Vince lives in the £3m 18th century Rodborough Fort, near Stroud, Gloucestershire, having once lived in an old ambulance, powered with a home-made wind turbine-recycled materials.
Vince, 55, who split from his wife Kathleen Wyatt, 22 years ago, is awaiting a Supreme Court decision over maintenance payments. After they divorced she contacted the Child Support Agency (CSA) who began investigating the finances of Mr Vince, who founded Ecotricity - one of the UK's biggest green energy companies.
Vince, awarded the OBE in 2004, worth an estimated £107 million, left school aged 15, and married his ex-wife in 1981 after meeting as 'hippy travellers'. Vince lives in the £3m 18th century Rodborough Fort, near Stroud, Gloucestershire, with his new wife and their five-year-old son.
Owner of Gloucestershire based Forest Green Rovers FC, Vince has banned red meat, installed an organic football pitch - cut by a solar-powered lawnmower. Wyatt, who lives in Monmouthshire, and has slept in a bus station, had her claim for maintenance struck out by the Court of Appeal. Her lawyers are now challenging this decision in the Supreme Court. 
Philip Cayford QC, for Miss Wyatt, said: ‘It's a remarkable story. "The issue is whether the wife is entitled to a penny of that or not." Senior family judge Lord Justice Thorpe said she had left her claim - amounting to around £100,000 for every year since she divorced him in 1992 - far too late."
"When I was 10 my cousin and I used to go caving on Rodborough common," recalled John.
"The cave entrance was just big enough for us to enter - but big inside. It was known locally as 'The Fairy Caves'," said John. "It was blocked up inside, but believed to go underground to Rodborough Fort. It's the building Dale now lives in," added John.
John said: "We used to round up cows - and ride horses - left on Rodborough Common, National Trust land. When I was 11 to 13 years old our school cross country course went up the hill, past the Fort." Vince, the son of a road haulier father, lived on the road in his twenties and had an ex-army lorry - with a wind turbine on top. Having stopped on top of a hill in Stroud in the early nineties, in
1996 he founded Ecotricity, which has 60 turbines around the country, and 125,000 customers, employing 400. John, who has lived in Spain for over a decade, said: "The owner previous to Dale Vince, ran it as a caravan park, and my uncle parked his caravan there when on holiday. "We visited him there in the Fort grounds." Former tailor John said: "I worked for nearly 22 years, in tailoring, and I had views to Rodborough Fort from there.
One field, between the Fort and my workplace, was supposed to be cursed! "Every year, when the grass was cut, our boss would say, 'it will rain today'. It always did. A gypsy curse people said.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46775/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ALICANTE resident John Stevens' childhood memories were stirred following a £100m Court battle - involving a former penniless 'hippy'  couple.
"The £3 million Fort where Dale Vince lives is 2 miles from where I lived the first 30 years of my life," said John Stevens, 66, who has retired to Los Montesinos.
Wind farm tycoon Dale Vince lives in the £3m 18th century Rodborough Fort, near Stroud, Gloucestershire, having once lived in an old ambulance, powered with a home-made wind turbine-recycled materials.
Vince, 55, who split from his wife Kathleen Wyatt, 22 years ago, is awaiting a Supreme Court decision over maintenance payments. After they divorced she contacted the Child Support Agency (CSA) who began investigating the finances of Mr Vince, who founded Ecotricity - one of the UK's biggest green energy companies.
Vince, awarded the OBE in 2004, worth an estimated £107 million, left school aged 15, and married his ex-wife in 1981 after meeting as 'hippy travellers'. Vince lives in the £3m 18th century Rodborough Fort, near Stroud, Gloucestershire, with his new wife and their five-year-old son.
Owner of Gloucestershire based Forest Green Rovers FC, Vince has banned red meat, installed an organic football pitch - cut by a solar-powered lawnmower. Wyatt, who lives in Monmouthshire, and has slept in a bus station, had her claim for maintenance struck out by the Court of Appeal. Her lawyers are now challenging this decision in the Supreme Court. 
Philip Cayford QC, for Miss Wyatt, said: ‘It's a remarkable story. "The issue is whether the wife is entitled to a penny of that or not." Senior family judge Lord Justice Thorpe said she had left her claim - amounting to around £100,000 for every year since she divorced him in 1992 - far too late."
"When I was 10 my cousin and I used to go caving on Rodborough common," recalled John.
"The cave entrance was just big enough for us to enter - but big inside. It was known locally as 'The Fairy Caves'," said John. "It was blocked up inside, but believed to go underground to Rodborough Fort. It's the building Dale now lives in," added John.
John said: "We used to round up cows - and ride horses - left on Rodborough Common, National Trust land. When I was 11 to 13 years old our school cross country course went up the hill, past the Fort." Vince, the son of a road haulier father, lived on the road in his twenties and had an ex-army lorry - with a wind turbine on top. Having stopped on top of a hill in Stroud in the early nineties, in
1996 he founded Ecotricity, which has 60 turbines around the country, and 125,000 customers, employing 400. John, who has lived in Spain for over a decade, said: "The owner previous to Dale Vince, ran it as a caravan park, and my uncle parked his caravan there when on holiday. "We visited him there in the Fort grounds." Former tailor John said: "I worked for nearly 22 years, in tailoring, and I had views to Rodborough Fort from there.
One field, between the Fort and my workplace, was supposed to be cursed! "Every year, when the grass was cut, our boss would say, 'it will rain today'. It always did. A gypsy curse people said.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46775/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### TORRY TENPIN MEN TAKE SILVER MEDALS

Valencia 22/3/2015 – The third and final round of the National Tenpin Bowling League 2014-2015 was bowled in Paterna (men's Premier Division) and Valencia (ladies' Premier Division).  
Out of their seven matches, Euro Bowling Torrevieja's men won four, drew two and lost one match to clinch the silver medals – no mean feat in their first year in the national top division.  The EBT ladies finished in sixth place. 
Barcelona's Diagonal were proclaimed champions by a clear margin, but the fight for the silver medals was tremendous, as up to five teams had a realistic chance to grab them.  After Saturday's four matches, EBT had built up an 11-point lead over Celta which they lost in Sunday morning's first match against Levante 1 – 9.  
Another Catalan team, Comarcal, were now just three points behind EBT.  Shaken but not stirred, the Torry men produced their best game, beating Diagonal 7 – 3 and the bottom team Joventut 8 – 2.  Despite bowling well and winning 60% of the points in play, Levante's men saw themselves bitterly relegated to First Division by only one point. 
In the individual table, Torrevieja's international star Tore Torgersen – a three-time world champion from Norway – dominated the scene and posted an average well above the rest, 230.29.  
Other Torry bowlers who made the top ten were Patrick Gimmestad (209.93) and Mika Määttä (208.86).  During the season, EBT's teams, captained by Kjell “The Viking” Monsen, were composed by six Finns, three Spaniards, three Norwegians, and one Belgian.
GuillermoFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46774/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Valencia 22/3/2015 – The third and final round of the National Tenpin Bowling League 2014-2015 was bowled in Paterna (men's Premier Division) and Valencia (ladies' Premier Division).  
Out of their seven matches, Euro Bowling Torrevieja's men wo...

### SUPPORT FOR PEDRO MANCEBO

RELEASE BY CLR
On Sunday 22nd a group of 230 residents in Orihuela Costa held a lunch meeting to show their support for Pedro Mancebo after his 6 years as a local political leader.
One of the organisers, Escher Bookelaar said “Pedro Mancebo has been the only councillor in the last 4 years that has worked with honesty and integrity for the coast and the city, and despite the unfair criticism, the lies and personal attacks that he has suffered from his political opponents, he has tirelessly continued to try to bring improvements to benefit everyone and make the changes necessary to install an efficient and capable government”.
Those in attendance at one long table agreed “that every proposal made by Pedro Mancebo during his time in government and in opposition made perfect sense and were exactly what all of Orihuela needed, and that he is very clear and reasonable in his approach to needs of the people.” They said “that it was unfortunate that he had to cope with other councillors and parties that were more concerned about their personal interests, ambition and futures and that of their political parties, rather than looking after the interests of Orihuela and the welfare of its residents”. 
Alan O´Reilly, a member of the Orihuela Costa supporters group stated “We do not want Pedro to leave the local political scene as that will mean we will be left in the hands of political corruption or incompetents. We don't want to be governed by politicians who don't care about anything other than their personal ambitions and status so as to increase their power and influence within their own political party”.
Judith Webb said “Nothing will make us to give up our desire for improvements and changes in Orihuela Costa. We need a leader like Pedro Mancebo who has the proven ability, experience and personality to achieve the services and interests required by the people. We are not going to allow another 4 years of neglect and broken promises from a useless government to be repeated. We pledge our full support for Pedro Mancebo who is a most capable politician and is undoubtedly on our side”.
Raymond Kearney finally stated “We fully support and approve of the vision and the efforts that Pedro has put into the local administration in regards to improving our local economy through the protection and development of tourism and the improvements of green areas and especially in the street cleaning, green waste collection and rubbish removal. We want him to be able to implement the improvements that would be complete now if he had not been removed from the driving seat by the green and socialist government who were jealous of his abilities and progress”.
Ray continued, “The greens and socialists councillors have lied to our faces, they claim great improvements but a blind man can see that there has been no significant improvement in Orihuela Costa in the last 4 years. Public funds, our money, has been misused and wasted and Orihuela Costa is actually worse now than it was 4 years ago. We want the greens and the PSOE out of the Town Hall of Orihuela; we need a clean sweep and a fresh start. We are determined to once and for all, to expose and get rid of all the liars, the corrupts and the lazy politicians that we have had to cope with in the past. We want hard working councillors who have integrity, experience and ability who are fully committed to the real needs of the common people”.
The supporters that were gathered along with their families and friends are determined to back Pedro Mancebo in the next local elections and to make their voice heard and to claim their rights in the Town Hall of Orihuela. They individually and collectively asked Pedro to lead a political project of honest and hard-working people who care about the real concerns of all the citizens and to bring about real and lasting improvements to the whole of the Orihuela community.
Pedro Mancebo was unanimously requested to continue to fight for the people and their needs. He was hailed as the only leader capable of realising the demands of the citizens and was asked in very strong and persuasive terms to campaign as a candidate for government in Orihuela. It was emphasised that once all the electorate discern which politicians want personal gain or party power and who is interested in the welfare of the people, there will be a landslide in favour of Pedro Mancebo Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46772/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: RELEASE BY CLR
On Sunday 22nd a group of 230 residents in Orihuela Costa held a lunch meeting to show their support for Pedro Mancebo after his 6 years as a local political leader.
One of the organisers, Escher Bookelaar said “Pedro Mancebo has...

### MORE TV SUCCESS FOR LOCAL ACTORS

Yvonne Haughton has joined colleagues Victoria and Rodger Cartledge in being selected to play a part in a Spanish TV series.
Yvonne joins the duo back on set in "Los Invisibles", this time for TV and not like in Siesta Productions feature film, The Cucaracha Club, which is due for release later this year.
She finds herself back in front of a camera this week playing a lawyer, whilst pint sized Vicky is currently playing a BBC reporter, and her father Rodger is playing a camera man.
Stunning Yvonne, who is fluent in 4 languages, adapts very quickly for a lady who only recently became an actress. Along with her daughters Luccia, and more recently her youngest daughter Sarah, who made her film debut with a walk-on part in a Café scene that Yvonne appears in, whilst making The Cucaracha Club.
Yvonne made her debut on stage 3 years ago in "Allo Allo" playing Helga, and has not looked back or stopped acting since, even playing a stripper in her last stage play, "Not Now Darling" often repeated on Viva TV.
Yvonne has become so in  love with acting that she took on the post of Treasurer of The ADHOC Players, a natural task for the lady who was discovered while working in her local bank in San Luis.
Life has changed dramatically in more than one sense for this beautiful German actress and her English Husband, for they now frequent such company as Spanish Champion lightweight boxer Emiliano Casal and top British Actor Tom Watt.
The boxer and former Eastenders actor met Yvonne on set last year while working on The Cucaracha Club. They both think that Yvonne is a natural and will go a long way both on stage and on film, and not just driving the fantastic car that David, her husband built specially for her to drive in her film role as a spy.
The car, a copy of the white Trans Am that Burt Reynolds drove in Smokey and The Bandit, was displayed in Cabo Roig last week at the St Patricks Day Parade with members of Siesta and ADHOC in the celebrations. More information can be found by visiting www.siesta.productionsFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46761/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Yvonne Haughton has joined colleagues Victoria and Rodger Cartledge in being selected to play a part in a Spanish TV series.
Yvonne joins the duo back on set in "Los Invisibles", this time for TV and not like in Siesta Productions feature film, The Cucaracha Club, which is due for release later this year.
She finds herself back in front of a camera this week playing a lawyer, whilst pint sized Vicky is currently playing a BBC reporter, and her father Rodger is playing a camera man.
Stunning Yvonne, who is fluent in 4 languages, adapts very quickly for a lady who only recently became an actress. Along with her daughters Luccia, and more recently her youngest daughter Sarah, who made her film debut with a walk-on part in a Café scene that Yvonne appears in, whilst making The Cucaracha Club.
Yvonne made her debut on stage 3 years ago in "Allo Allo" playing Helga, and has not looked back or stopped acting since, even playing a stripper in her last stage play, "Not Now Darling" often repeated on Viva TV.
Yvonne has become so in  love with acting that she took on the post of Treasurer of The ADHOC Players, a natural task for the lady who was discovered while working in her local bank in San Luis.
Life has changed dramatically in more than one sense for this beautiful German actress and her English Husband, for they now frequent such company as Spanish Champion lightweight boxer Emiliano Casal and top British Actor Tom Watt.
The boxer and former Eastenders actor met Yvonne on set last year while working on The Cucaracha Club. They both think that Yvonne is a natural and will go a long way both on stage and on film, and not just driving the fantastic car that David, her husband built specially for her to drive in her film role as a spy.
The car, a copy of the white Trans Am that Burt Reynolds drove in Smokey and The Bandit, was displayed in Cabo Roig last week at the St Patricks Day Parade with members of Siesta and ADHOC in the celebrations. More information can be found by visiting www.siesta.productionsFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46761/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### ITV STICKER QUESTIONS ANSWERED

An often confusing aspect for drivers in Spain is the appearance of a coloured rectangle on the windscreen of cars. That sticker corresponds to the Inspección Técnica de Vehículos, or ITV for short, which displays that fact that the vehicle has passed a periodic and mandatory test of roadworthiness.
There are 3 colours for the ITV sticker, with each colour indicating when the ITV expires.
If you have a sticker coloured;
Yellow (Your ITV expires in 2014), Red (Your ITV expires in 2015), Green (Your ITV expires in 2016), which then rotate once again through the three colours, so Yellow in 2017, Red in 2018, Green in 2019, etc.
You can check that in your sticker, there is a small hole, which informs you the month when your ITV expires.
Do I have to display the sticker in my vehicle?
Yes, of course. The sticker is placed on the windscreen of cars and is regulated by Royal Decree, which states that “vehicles that have favourably passed the periodic test shall display in a conspicuous place a distinctive, which date indicate they must pass the next inspection”.
Anybody who has been for one of these inspections will known that it is much like the equivalent of the M.O.T. in the U.K., albeit with different qualifying criteria, but on passing the test the vehicle´s documents are updated, and the sticker given to be displayed on the windscreen.
Where do I have to display the sticker?
As for where the sticker is displayed, that too is dictated by law, and it Is mandatory to place it in the upper right corner of the windscreen as you are looking out, affixed to the inside, so that the sticker can be clearly observed from the outside of the vehicle, where it will subsequently be displayed in the upper left hand side.
Can I have several ITV stickers on my windscreen?
A common question relating to this sticker is whether old ones have to remain as time goes by. The simple answer being that as the sticker is used to indicate the date of the next required test, then the answer has to be “NO”, only the current and valid sticker should be present.
There is a fine for not displaying the sticker correctly, but simply ensuring the sticker is in the right place, and valid, can avoid a lot of undue hassle during routine vehicle checks.
“The ITV sticker informs the police that your ITV is ok, so if you do not display the sticker you could be stopped to check if your vehicle has a valid certificate”.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46759/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: An often confusing aspect for drivers in Spain is the appearance of a coloured rectangle on the windscreen of cars. That sticker corresponds to the Inspección Técnica de Vehículos, or ITV for short, which displays that fact that th...

### THE IVORIAN VANESSA KOUTOUAN RECEIVES THARAMBEE AWARD FOR PROMOTION AND EQUALITY FOR AFRICAN WOMEN 2015

Teresa of Bourbon Two Sicilies (pictured), Marquise de Laserna and President of Honor of the NGO Harambee Spain, has awarded Vanessa Koutouan (pictured) with the Harambee Award for the promotion and equality of African women 2015.
The winner is an Ivorian woman with university education and business profile who decided to turn her work in a school of solidarity with her neighbors, leading the Rural Center Ilomba in M'Batto-Bouaké, a town with lots of children and young people, without schools or health clinics.
The winner works in Ilomba with hundreds of young people "who do not know that they can have an autonomous and independent future in a society that, by ancestral customs, relegates women to their homes by depriving them of education, because families consider that educate them is a waste of time and money”, reported Koutuan.
Her commitment is to prepare these young Ivorian to have a job that allows them to survive without resorting to forced marriage for economic reasons.
Specifically, professional training courses in areas such as fashion, hospitality, and accounting and business management are taught from Ilomba "because these are the sectors in which they will find a job easier". 
The rapid job opportunity is not always the primary goal. As Koutouan notes, "some of these girls get through to secondary education, and we try that some of them may also access the University".
Anyway, the girls who attend this training center get "be autonomous, ensure their independence, and dispose of their own lives."
Ilomba also promotes literacy among adult women in the area and provides, through a medical clinic, health care in a population characterized by suffering a mortality rate of 20% among children under five years.
With the amount of Harambee Award a secondary school will be promoted in this region of Africa where schooling is very precarious. According to Koutouan, the commitment of Ilomba is not that African women just survive, but to live with dignity and to develop professionally, "because in this corner of Ivory Coast, good work is valued, but we still lack basic resources".
Vanessa Koutoan highlighted the positive values in Africa and noted that she would export to Europe, among others, "the ability to be happy with what you have and to enjoy the work."
Since it was created in 1992, Harambee has driven more than 50 projects in 17 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with 300,000 beneficiaries and promoted 39 educational programs. Currently it promotes other projects in Nigeria, Congo and Ivory Coast.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46756/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Teresa of Bourbon Two Sicilies (pictured), Marquise de Laserna and President of Honor of the NGO Harambee Spain, has awarded Vanessa Koutouan (pictured) with the Harambee Award for the promotion and equality of African women 2015.
The winner is an Ivorian woman with university education and business profile who decided to turn her work in a school of solidarity with her neighbors, leading the Rural Center Ilomba in M'Batto-Bouaké, a town with lots of children and young people, without schools or health clinics.
The winner works in Ilomba with hundreds of young people "who do not know that they can have an autonomous and independent future in a society that, by ancestral customs, relegates women to their homes by depriving them of education, because families consider that educate them is a waste of time and money”, reported Koutuan.
Her commitment is to prepare these young Ivorian to have a job that allows them to survive without resorting to forced marriage for economic reasons.
Specifically, professional training courses in areas such as fashion, hospitality, and accounting and business management are taught from Ilomba "because these are the sectors in which they will find a job easier". 
The rapid job opportunity is not always the primary goal. As Koutouan notes, "some of these girls get through to secondary education, and we try that some of them may also access the University".
Anyway, the girls who attend this training center get "be autonomous, ensure their independence, and dispose of their own lives."
Ilomba also promotes literacy among adult women in the area and provides, through a medical clinic, health care in a population characterized by suffering a mortality rate of 20% among children under five years.
With the amount of Harambee Award a secondary school will be promoted in this region of Africa where schooling is very precarious. According to Koutouan, the commitment of Ilomba is not that African women just survive, but to live with dignity and to develop professionally, "because in this corner of Ivory Coast, good work is valued, but we still lack basic resources".
Vanessa Koutoan highlighted the positive values in Africa and noted that she would export to Europe, among others, "the ability to be happy with what you have and to enjoy the work."
Since it was created in 1992, Harambee has driven more than 50 projects in 17 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with 300,000 beneficiaries and promoted 39 educational programs. Currently it promotes other projects in Nigeria, Congo and Ivory Coast.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46756/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### WEEKLY CRAFT FAIR IN JÁVEA

Due to the bad weather forecast the craft people who set up their stalls every Saturday morning in the square in front of the Post Office in Jávea, decided to cancel the fair this week.
 But, to their annoyance this Saturday, the 21st, proved to be a nice spring day!  The artesans want to appologize to all who came to see them and only found an empty square.
They promise to be there this Saturday (the 28th - if the weather permits!), but the next week, Easter Saturday, they have to give it another miss, because the square will not be available.  After Easter, from the 4th of April, they hope to be able to set up stall every Saturday again till the end of May.
 If you want to see if the fair is on, who is coming and what they make (and sell), have a look at www.amata.es under "Coming events".  More information (also in English) on 639 979 678.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46747/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Due to the bad weather forecast the craft people who set up their stalls every Saturday morning in the square in front of the Post Office in Jávea, decided to cancel the fair this week.
 But, to their annoyance this Saturday, the 21st, proved to be a nice spring day!  The artesans want to appologize to all who came to see them and only found an empty square.
They promise to be there this Saturday (the 28th - if the weather permits!), but the next week, Easter Saturday, they have to give it another miss, because the square will not be available.  After Easter, from the 4th of April, they hope to be able to set up stall every Saturday again till the end of May.
 If you want to see if the fair is on, who is coming and what they make (and sell), have a look at www.amata.es under "Coming events".  More information (also in English) on 639 979 678.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46747/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### TORREVIEJA FINALLY GET THEIR MAN

CD TORREVIEJA 6      CD ACERO 1Following a disastrous run of 7 games without a win, during the last few days, Torry have finally decided that enough is enough, and parted company with manager Galiana.  
It had all looked so bright at Muro in mid January when Torry stormed to a superb victory, pushing them up to the dizzy heights of 2nd place in div 3, but 5 straight defeats, then 2 draws, meant the writing was on the wall for the highly animated Galiana. 
Taking his place is former Horadada boss Antonio Pedreno, who has been on the Torry radar for the best part of 10 years, having managed his former charges at both Segunda B and Tercera levels.  
Pedreno is best respected as perhaps the most loyal manager in the whole region having first joined ‘The Reds' in the mid 1990's.
For the majority of his time in charge he has carried out the role without any payment whatsoever, and now, having recently taken early retirement from his job as the manager of a Horadada High Street bank, it is felt that with rather more time on his hands the challenge of steering CD Torrevieja to their former glories was too big an opportunity to forgo.
Pedreno will link up at Torry with a number of his former charges, including favourites Carrasco and Corcoles, both of which he is expected to develop as part of his backroom team. However, all that is in the future with the first task being was to take maximum points off Acero, who sit mid table along with Torry, therefore reducing the 7 points gap between themselves and the last play off slot. 
And the players set about their task in no uncertain terms. Gone was the fear factor we had seen with Galiani. The players looked comfortable on the ball and if the move needed to be taken back toward goal, that's where it went. There seemed a new found joy in the Torry play.
There was certainly a new found joy up front with 3 strikers taking the game to Acero and the home side were rewarded on 19 mins. Alexis played through Cesar who slid the ball to the side of the advancing keeper.
Torry doubled their lead just 10 mins later through a Carrasco header and when they went 3-0 in front just prior to the interval, Brani hammering home a Cristian cross, we were all thinking the 10 year wait for Pedreno was well worth while.
And there was no let up by the home side in the 2nd period, a further 3 goals scored, although disappointingly one also conceded, and all of course without the club's 2 main strikers, Obele and Rafa Gomez, who were both absent through injury.
Jorge, Adrian and Cesar with his second were Torrys 2nd half scorers in the 55th, 71st and 90th minutes and although Acero got on the scoresheet with a late scrambled effort from Eixea I think everyone concerned will be delighted with the Torry performance.
 It was free, it was flowing and it was entertaining and let's all hope it was a sign of things to come.
Next week a trip up the AP7 to Requena where Pedreno will be hoping for nothing less than his 2nde consecutive win against one of the divisions whipping boys.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46745/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: CD TORREVIEJA 6      CD ACERO 1Following a disastrous run of 7 games without a win, during the last few days, Torry have finally decided that enough is enough, and parted company with manager Galiana.  
It had all looked so bright at Muro in mid Janua...

### LEGAL REFORM BRINGS HOPE TO OWNERS OF ILLEGAL SPANISH HOMES

British homeowners association, AUAN, welcomes the change to the Spanish Criminal Code which says that the homeowner is to be guaranteed compensation prior to the demolition of a property purchased in good faith.

Breakthrough for homeowners associations
The change, approved by the upper house of the Spanish Parliament (the Senate) on the 11th of March, represents the first breakthrough for associations such as AUAN and SOHA who have struggled for nearly ten years to bring hope to their members, mostly British retirees, who were the innocent purchasers of illegally constructed properties in Spain.
To date four British owned properties have been demolished as a result of Criminal Cases, brought against promoters for illegal construction without planning permission, leaving the purchasers in good faith with no money and no house because the criminal court was, until now, not obliged to guarantee them prior compensation. 
Maura Hillen, AUAN's president said ‘The most significant aspect of this change is that the state has recognised and acknowledged the existence of an injustice that must be put to right'.
The amendment, proposed to the Senate by the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) at the request of AUAN and SOHA, was initially rejected by the majority party in Spain, the Partido Popular (PP). However in an about face on the day of the Senate vote, the PP offered an alternative wording which was agreed in a cross party pact at the end of a day of intensive negotiations conducted in the corridors of the Senate Building.  
The lawyer, Gerardo Vazquez, who represented the associations in the negotiations, indicated that the final text, which requires more detailed analysis, represents ‘an improvement for the victims' although it does not have the ‘clarity' of the original proposal. ‘It offers protection to purchasers in good faith but it is not all that we wished for'. 
More to be done
Mrs Hillen said ‘We are of course very pleased with the outcome but this is not the end of the road. There is much more that can be done. We would like to see the same protection offered by the Administrative Courts when a planning permission is revoked. This also requires a change to state law, the Ley de Suelo.
And, in Andalucía we currently have a bill going through the regional parliament which, if passed, will amend the planning laws of Andalucia (LOUA) and allow an estimated 25,000 homeowners to regularise the situation of their home. We would like to see this become law before the municipal elections in May'.
David vs. Goliath
She continued, ‘We celebrate this success and hope for more. This change is a victory for David vs. Goliath, for the members of the associations who stood together and fought for justice and we are grateful to the Socialist Party for taking the bull by the horns and to the members of the Senate who responded to our appeal to vote with their conscience and who negotiated a pact to approve this change by an overwhelming majority (233 votes in favour, 0 against and 1 abstention). We came to the Senate without the support of the majority party and fully expected to go down fighting. Instead we won the day at the 11th hour.'  
Social Justice
Senator Fuensanta Coves (PSOE), who proposed the amendment to the Senate commented ‘Social justice is the best way to define what we have achieved and satisfaction is the best way to define what we feel having changed a law. I will not say that it was easy but it was certainly a team effort: a well organised group of citizens, a political party who recognised their demands and echoed those demands to the Senate of Spain, and a Government that has finally recognised the drama that many citizens are living with.  In these times of such distrust in politics, examples such as this show the need for representatives of the citizens'.
AUAN, Press ReleaseFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46743/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: British homeowners association, AUAN, welcomes the change to the Spanish Criminal Code which says that the homeowner is to be guaranteed compensation prior to the demolition of a property purchased in good faith.

Breakthrough for homeowners associat...

### IN THE BUNKER WITH MICK THE GRIP. MARCH 2015

Just Try it! MYAKKA PINES Golf Course in Florida is built on open swampland near the Everglades, prime alligator country. "This gator is about 13 ft long," the secretary said. “When they're sunning themselves on the greens you just have to play through.   We advise patrons not to feed them.”  Oh really?
RAE'S CREEK flows behind the 11th green and in front of the 12th green at Augusta National, in what is known as Amen Corner.  The creek is named after Irish landowner John Rae, who built a fortress home there in 1734.  Rae's house was the farthest up the Savannah River from Fort Augusta, and neighbours would use it as a safe haven during Indian attacks.
The brook alongside the 13th fairway joins Rae's Creek by the 12th green, falling over a weir beyond the 11th green.  Many a golf ball has rolled down the 12th green and into the water here, the lowest point on the course and 160ft below the first tee. Those in the know say Rae's Creek tugs silently at every putt on the course.
NICE TO SEE Padraig Harrington atop the Leader Board again, winning the Honda Classic in a playoff for his first Tour victory since the 2008 PGA Championship.  In 2014 he failed to keep full status on the PGA Tour for the first time, and he wrote letters to tournaments asking for a sponsor exemption.  Some responded within an hour of his request, giving exemptions to the Valspar Championship, Arnold Palmer Invitational, Valero Texas Open and Shell Houston Open, before the Masters.
 To those who advised him to return one of the exemptions so as not to be worn out before Augusta Padraig replied:  “I won't turn any down, if I have an invite, I'll go.  I appreciate it, and I owe a few people favours.''  But first it was back to Ireland, for a celebratory Guinness.
J.B. HOLMES held a five shot lead entering the final round of the WGC Cadillac at Trump Doral, but lost the tournament by one shot to Dustin Johnson's 9 under 69.   Still, Holmes managed to finish one shot ahead of Bubba (Wonder if he said ‘Elementary my dear Watson!')  The new design of the Blue Monster was slated by many players as being too long and with ‘ridiculous' greens.  Johnson said it was ‘great' (Well he would say that, wouldn't he?)
ADAM SCOTT has reverted to the short putter and tied 4th with a 2 under 70 at Doral.  World No. 5 Adam said of the switch:  “For guys who had never putted any other way, changing over would probably be a different story, but I've been successful with the short putter before, so this may be good for me.”  Scott had become so frustrated with his putting that he took to the long putter in February 2011. He finished runner up to Els at the 2012 Open, won the 2013 Masters and last year briefly went to World No. 1. 
A TIP to make practice less boring.  After warming up imagine you are playing each hole of your next round. This will use all the clubs in the bag and prepare you for your next game in a more useful way.  (If it's La Serena imagine a ball retriever as well.)
LEE TREVINO, a friend of Tom Watson, commented on the U.S. teams' criticism after the Ryder Cup.  “I was really angry,” he said, “Tom worked his butt off for two years and all they did was show up and play.  Anyway, criticism doesn't sound good from a guy who has been on so many losing teams.  If I had a losing record in the Ryder Cup, I'd keep my mouth shut."  That's blown his Christmas card from Mickelson.
Until next time: Happy Golfing.
Contact Mick for all your regripping and repairs.  638 859475.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46733/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Just Try it! MYAKKA PINES Golf Course in Florida is built on open swampland near the Everglades, prime alligator country. "This gator is about 13 ft long," the secretary said. “When they're sunning themselves on the greens you just have to play through.   We advise patrons not to feed them.”  Oh really?
RAE'S CREEK flows behind the 11th green and in front of the 12th green at Augusta National, in what is known as Amen Corner.  The creek is named after Irish landowner John Rae, who built a fortress home there in 1734.  Rae's house was the farthest up the Savannah River from Fort Augusta, and neighbours would use it as a safe haven during Indian attacks.
The brook alongside the 13th fairway joins Rae's Creek by the 12th green, falling over a weir beyond the 11th green.  Many a golf ball has rolled down the 12th green and into the water here, the lowest point on the course and 160ft below the first tee. Those in the know say Rae's Creek tugs silently at every putt on the course.
NICE TO SEE Padraig Harrington atop the Leader Board again, winning the Honda Classic in a playoff for his first Tour victory since the 2008 PGA Championship.  In 2014 he failed to keep full status on the PGA Tour for the first time, and he wrote letters to tournaments asking for a sponsor exemption.  Some responded within an hour of his request, giving exemptions to the Valspar Championship, Arnold Palmer Invitational, Valero Texas Open and Shell Houston Open, before the Masters.
 To those who advised him to return one of the exemptions so as not to be worn out before Augusta Padraig replied:  “I won't turn any down, if I have an invite, I'll go.  I appreciate it, and I owe a few people favours.''  But first it was back to Ireland, for a celebratory Guinness.
J.B. HOLMES held a five shot lead entering the final round of the WGC Cadillac at Trump Doral, but lost the tournament by one shot to Dustin Johnson's 9 under 69.   Still, Holmes managed to finish one shot ahead of Bubba (Wonder if he said ‘Elementary my dear Watson!')  The new design of the Blue Monster was slated by many players as being too long and with ‘ridiculous' greens.  Johnson said it was ‘great' (Well he would say that, wouldn't he?)
ADAM SCOTT has reverted to the short putter and tied 4th with a 2 under 70 at Doral.  World No. 5 Adam said of the switch:  “For guys who had never putted any other way, changing over would probably be a different story, but I've been successful with the short putter before, so this may be good for me.”  Scott had become so frustrated with his putting that he took to the long putter in February 2011. He finished runner up to Els at the 2012 Open, won the 2013 Masters and last year briefly went to World No. 1. 
A TIP to make practice less boring.  After warming up imagine you are playing each hole of your next round. This will use all the clubs in the bag and prepare you for your next game in a more useful way.  (If it's La Serena imagine a ball retriever as well.)
LEE TREVINO, a friend of Tom Watson, commented on the U.S. teams' criticism after the Ryder Cup.  “I was really angry,” he said, “Tom worked his butt off for two years and all they did was show up and play.  Anyway, criticism doesn't sound good from a guy who has been on so many losing teams.  If I had a losing record in the Ryder Cup, I'd keep my mouth shut."  That's blown his Christmas card from Mickelson.
Until next time: Happy Golfing.
Contact Mick for all your regripping and repairs.  638 859475.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46733/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### HUNT IS ON FOR TEN MORE OF BRITAIN’S MOST WANTED HIDING IN SPAIN

Independent UK crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers and the National Crime Agency (NCA) are once again seeking Britain's most wanted fugitives.
This new appeal is the latest to be launched under Operation Captura – a multi-agency campaign to track down individuals believed to be evading capture by hiding among ex-pat communities in Spain.
The ten fugitives added to the list are wanted by UK law enforcement agencies in connection with crimes including rape, indecent assault of a child and drug trafficking.
This is the ninth Operation Captura appeal to be made since 2006, and the previous eight have so far resulted in 65 out of 76 wanted fugitives being apprehended.
Drugs lord Stephen Blundell was one of the most recent individuals to be found. The 36-year-old, from Merseyside, had fled the UK before being sentenced for a £1 million heroin plot. He handed himself in to authorities in Tenerife. 
British Ambassador Simon Manley said: “I hope that the public will, once again, help us find these fugitives. The ongoing success of Operation Captura is a demonstration of the excellent law enforcement relationship between our two countries and the role that ordinary citizens can play in tracking down criminals. Together we can ensure that these criminals are brought to justice and their ill-gotten gains seized.”
Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC, the Founder and Chair of Crimestoppers, said: “Operation Captura has proved a huge success since it was launched in 2006 and the majority of individuals on our most wanted list have been captured.
“However, there are still a number of criminals who are evading arrest. We must ensure these individuals are brought to justice. We are confident that we can successfully hunt them down with support from the Spanish authorities, as well as the Spanish and UK public.”
Hank Cole, Head of International Operations for the National Crime Agency, said: “Spain is not a safe haven for British fugitives. The NCA and its partners will continue to pursue these individuals relentlessly and return them to the UK to face justice. Sixty-five fugitives on the Captura list have been caught, along with many more fugitives linked to other operations.
“The exceptional level of collaboration and intelligence sharing with the Spanish authorities has been vital to these arrests. However, we still need the support of the public. Be our eyes and ears and tell us if you have any information on the whereabouts of our targets.”
Crimestoppers and the NCA work closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Madrid and with British and Spanish law enforcement agencies as part of the campaign.
Information given to Crimestoppers can help locate the fugitives on the Captura list. For those people calling from Spain there is a special freephone Spanish 900 555 111 telephone number which will be answered in the UK by Crimestoppers' call agents. A translation service is available upon request. People can also pass on information anonymously via the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111 or online at 
www.crimestoppers-uk.orgFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46731/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Independent UK crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers and the National Crime Agency (NCA) are once again seeking Britain's most wanted fugitives.
This new appeal is the latest to be launched under Operation Captura – a multi-agency campaign to tra...

### THAT EUROVISION FEELING

It's that time of the year again; time for the annual Eurovision Song Contest when Eurosceptics and Eurovision haters band together to pour sneering snobbery and scorn upon the UK's song entry, whatever it may be. 
Listening to the Eurovision haters is actually great fun, particularly since they are truly passionate in their hatred of the song, and the performers, regardless of talent that they may have. Such critics tend to forget that the Eurovision Song Content will capture the attention of citizens of many nations for one enjoyable evening in May.
They will add into their argument comments, such as, "We won't win anyway, we never do", or "It's a stitch up", and even "It's nothing like Sandie Shaw", with the supposed killer comment being, “It's all based on politics". Well really? Now, that's a surprise! Didn't their teachers ever tell them that it's not winning, but the taking part that is important?
The Eurovision Song Contest is, in many ways, rather like Blackpool, Benidorm and Marmite; you either love them or hate them. In my case, I love them all, and particularly Eurovision, which I have watched and enjoyed since childhood.
This annual extravaganza taught me a lot about geography, since I would check out the countries represented in the contest in my atlas, and the people and languages represented would always fascinate me.
Maybe it also set the seeds of curiosity that eventually led me to live a life outside the UK.  Of course, I still remember that old trouper, Katie Boyle, a personification of BBC professionalism, as she would make contact with the faceless juries in Rome, Madrid and Paris, whilst dreading those awful words, "nil point".
I value the cooperation and friendship that Eurovision stands for. It is refreshing to hear Europeans discussing songs instead of the usual arguments and debates about budgets and unemployment. My usual response to the Eurovision cynics is "If you don't like it, don't listen to it".
They seem to miss the point that it is not to be taken too seriously. It is just an evening of cheesy fun, high camp, glitz, and catchy showcase spectaculars. It is rarely about the quality of a song and its music. How could it be with so many countries and languages and cultures represented, and does it matter anyway?
If I go into a German, Scandinavian, Irish or Spanish bar and ask "Who likes the Eurovision Song Contest?” the overwhelming response will be positive. If I tried that in a British bar, I guess I would be booed and laughed out of the premises.
Yet come the big day, Brits will also head off to bars and parties to watch the event on the big screens, as will their European counterparts. It is almost as if Brits are afraid or unwilling to applaud anything that is remotely European, or maybe being seen to enjoy it.
In many ways, the Eurovision Song Contest represents British suspicion of Europe and its institutions.
The dislike and distrust of Europe that is now gaining ground in the UK is the result of entrenched insular attitudes of many of its citizens; flames fanned by immigration issues, unemployment and a range of other social issues, which are now finding a political voice. Sadly, I guess that the UK will never be a true and willing partner that is comfortable within Europe and sharing the European dream; negative attitudes towards Eurovision reflect many of these issues.
I am delighted that Australia is taking part in the contest this year. I have many Australian friends who are great fans of the contest, and it is my hope that Aussie enthusiasm and their usual pragmatism will help to lighten some of the more cynical British attitudes.
I will be watching the contest, supporting both the UK and Spain, although I am not that bothered who wins the contest. However, I do know that it will be a good evening spent with friends from a range of countries. Personally, I would love to see a Worldwide Song Contest, which would be a refreshing change from viewing the world through the barrel of a gun.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.  iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46723/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: It's that time of the year again; time for the annual Eurovision Song Contest when Eurosceptics and Eurovision haters band together to pour sneering snobbery and scorn upon the UK's song entry, whatever it may be. 
Listening to the Eurovision haters is actually great fun, particularly since they are truly passionate in their hatred of the song, and the performers, regardless of talent that they may have. Such critics tend to forget that the Eurovision Song Content will capture the attention of citizens of many nations for one enjoyable evening in May.
They will add into their argument comments, such as, "We won't win anyway, we never do", or "It's a stitch up", and even "It's nothing like Sandie Shaw", with the supposed killer comment being, “It's all based on politics". Well really? Now, that's a surprise! Didn't their teachers ever tell them that it's not winning, but the taking part that is important?
The Eurovision Song Contest is, in many ways, rather like Blackpool, Benidorm and Marmite; you either love them or hate them. In my case, I love them all, and particularly Eurovision, which I have watched and enjoyed since childhood.
This annual extravaganza taught me a lot about geography, since I would check out the countries represented in the contest in my atlas, and the people and languages represented would always fascinate me.
Maybe it also set the seeds of curiosity that eventually led me to live a life outside the UK.  Of course, I still remember that old trouper, Katie Boyle, a personification of BBC professionalism, as she would make contact with the faceless juries in Rome, Madrid and Paris, whilst dreading those awful words, "nil point".
I value the cooperation and friendship that Eurovision stands for. It is refreshing to hear Europeans discussing songs instead of the usual arguments and debates about budgets and unemployment. My usual response to the Eurovision cynics is "If you don't like it, don't listen to it".
They seem to miss the point that it is not to be taken too seriously. It is just an evening of cheesy fun, high camp, glitz, and catchy showcase spectaculars. It is rarely about the quality of a song and its music. How could it be with so many countries and languages and cultures represented, and does it matter anyway?
If I go into a German, Scandinavian, Irish or Spanish bar and ask "Who likes the Eurovision Song Contest?” the overwhelming response will be positive. If I tried that in a British bar, I guess I would be booed and laughed out of the premises.
Yet come the big day, Brits will also head off to bars and parties to watch the event on the big screens, as will their European counterparts. It is almost as if Brits are afraid or unwilling to applaud anything that is remotely European, or maybe being seen to enjoy it.
In many ways, the Eurovision Song Contest represents British suspicion of Europe and its institutions.
The dislike and distrust of Europe that is now gaining ground in the UK is the result of entrenched insular attitudes of many of its citizens; flames fanned by immigration issues, unemployment and a range of other social issues, which are now finding a political voice. Sadly, I guess that the UK will never be a true and willing partner that is comfortable within Europe and sharing the European dream; negative attitudes towards Eurovision reflect many of these issues.
I am delighted that Australia is taking part in the contest this year. I have many Australian friends who are great fans of the contest, and it is my hope that Aussie enthusiasm and their usual pragmatism will help to lighten some of the more cynical British attitudes.
I will be watching the contest, supporting both the UK and Spain, although I am not that bothered who wins the contest. However, I do know that it will be a good evening spent with friends from a range of countries. Personally, I would love to see a Worldwide Song Contest, which would be a refreshing change from viewing the world through the barrel of a gun.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.  iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46723/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### CLARO - BASED ON HONESTY AND EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT

On 17 March, C.L.A.R.O. President Bob Houliston and members of the C.L.A.R.O. Executive Committee presented to the press “C.L.A.R.O. ORIHUELA”, a group of supporters of the C.L.A.R.O. political party from Orihuela city and neighbouring villages (pedanías).
This group, comprising people of different professions and experiences, has come to believe that C.L.A.R.O. has a future, not only in Orihuela Costa but in Orihuela city and neighbouring villages.
The political situation in Orihuela has become increasingly confused with division in the Popular Party and fragmentation among parties of the left. Pedro Mancebo has announced that he is standing down from front line politics and his party, Centro Liberal Renovador (CLR), has not clearly stated that they will contest the local elections in May. New parties are emerging which will further confuse the situation.  
In this context, C.L.A.R.O's image and reputation as a non-ideological party from neither the left nor the right, formed by those living in Orihuela Costa to correct deficiencies in the political management of the coast and based on principles of honesty and efficient government, has attracted increasing support in Orihuela and surrounding villages.
After several months of contact and participation in C.L.A.R.O. open meetings on the coast, an impressive number of influential people publicly announced in the press conference their support for C.L.A.R.O. and their commitment to campaign for C.L.A.R.O. in the elections on 24 May.
C.L.A.R.O ORIHUELA  has opened a headquarters office in one of Orihuela's most important and central streets.   It has weekly, open meetings like C.L.A.R.O. on the coast.
The group has organised its work in sections covering the economy, social affairs and relations with surrounding villages and outlying districts of Orihuela city. The coordinator is Ofelia Cabrera a graduate in politics and an official in the Employment Office (SERVEF) inElche.
Bob Houliston welcomed this new important step in the development of C.L.A.R.O. He said he was convinced that with C.L.A.R.O. Orihuela and C.L.A.R.O. on the coast the party could elect a sufficient number of councillors to ensure that the next government of Orihuela , which will inevitably be another coalition, should be honest and efficient and would run the municipality on a de-centralised basis, close to the people.
A decentralised form of government is the only way in which a municipality with such a diverse population and so geographically dispersed could be governed fairly.
The Orihuela-based  Spanish press gave good and fair coverage to the presentation of C.L.A.R.O. ORIHUELA  believing that C.L.A.R.O. could gain support from the traditionally strong, moderate centre in Orihuela politics and could hold the key to the formation of the next government after the 24 May elections.
They commented that among C.L.A.R.O. ORIHUELA   members they recognised the presence of a cousin of former Popular Party Mayoress, Monica Lorente and a cousin of the former Socialist Party leader, Antonia Moreno.
This gives an indication of the broad, potential support which C.L.A.R.O. can hope to attract in Orihuela.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46718/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: On 17 March, C.L.A.R.O. President Bob Houliston and members of the C.L.A.R.O. Executive Committee presented to the press “C.L.A.R.O. ORIHUELA”, a group of supporters of the C.L.A.R.O. political party from Orihuela city and neighbouring vill...

### ELCHE GIVEN A FOOTBALL LESSON

Elche CF 0 – 4 Valencia CF ..... The visit of high flying Valencia, just like the trip to Sevilla the week before, was always going to be difficult for Elche and so it proved. 
An immensely entertaining first half, during which the hosts gave as good as they got, was punctuated by a Valencia opener a minute before the break. Thereafter, and in spite of a bright opening to the second period, Elche were soon two behind and chasing the game as Valencia took complete control.
For much of the opening period the game ebbed and flowed as both sides sought to make their mark, twice Los Che thought they'd scored only for an assistant referee's flag to curtail their celebrations. Undeterred, Elche pressed on and, whilst looking very good on the counter, couldn't find a way past the well marshalled visiting defence. At the other end, Feghouli went agonisingly close with a deft, flicked volley that grazed an upright.
An error by Chilean central defender Enzo Roco down the right gifted Valencia possession, a mistake that was to prove costly. Alcácer slung in a deep cross to the far post where Feghouli was on hand to divert it goal-wards, Tyton could only push the ball into the path of André Gomes who made no mistake from four yards out. So close to the interval the goal was tough on Elche and served to demonstrate how top teams punish errors.
Valencia weathered an early Elche storm and inside fifteen second half minutes doubled their lead. A precision pass by the excellent Feghouli released goalscorer  André Gomes who centred for Paco Alcácer to volley home acrobatically as the Elche back four appealed in vain for offside. They didn't realise it but a bad night for Elche, and Enzo Roco in particular, was just about to get even worse.
An identical build up to the second Valencia goal featuring the same players again paid dividends; this time, though, the hapless Roco, under no pressure and in the apparent absence of a shout from goalkeeper Tyton, steered the ball into his own net to gift Valencia their third. Just a couple down, Elche were still playing well enough to take something from the game but that goal, or rather the manner of it, visibly deflated them and was the signal for thousands of locals to head for the exit with a good twenty minutes remaining.
Chasing a lost cause and a three goal deficit, 'Mister' Fran Escribá was bold with his changes, sending on forward Herrera and Coro in the vain hope of divine intervention. Instead, it was Valencia who scored the game's fourth and final goal deep into time added on when Otamendi rose unchallenged to power a header past Tyton who stood rooted to the spot. This was a clinical performance by Valencia whose strong third place in the classification really is no fluke.
Elche's La Liga survival hopes won't rest on defeats like this and that to Sevilla last week. Moreover, avoiding defeat and, ideally, beating their direct basement rivals – they must still play Cordoba, Deportivo and Levante – will be crucial. Time will tell. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46717/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Elche CF 0 – 4 Valencia CF ..... The visit of high flying Valencia, just like the trip to Sevilla the week before, was always going to be difficult for Elche and so it proved. 
An immensely entertaining first half, during which the hosts gave as...

### SAMARITANS IN SPAIN WANT TO SUPPORT DESPERATE YOUNGSTERS.

A recent BBC news item reported that filmmaker Andrew Jenkins, 52, from Blaenau Gwent, says he has lost 19 friends to suicide over three decades and has spoken out so that other people might think twice about killing themselves.
He now plans to make an educational film about the issue. The piece also quoted Stephen Habgood, chairman of charity Papyrus which is concerned with young people's suicides, who said 75% of people who took their own lives were young men and he expected to see an increase in suicides among middle aged men in the latest Office for National Statistics figures. "It's all caught up with men unwilling to admit they can't cope and are struggling. The recession raises concerns at the pressures it places on men, when their jobs or relationships are at risk as a consequence"
Psychiatrists say mental health problems are increasing in Spain too and the suicide rate is up since the financial crisis began.  
Certain factors are known to be associated with increased risk of suicide including unemployment (nearly half of those under 30, almost 2 million people, cannot find a job) poverty, family breakdown, bullying and social isolation. The young fear that that they have no future in their own country and either have to move abroad or depend on family members who are themselves in difficulty.  
According to RTVE ( official broadcaster on Spanish TV) suicide was second to cancer  ( 15% of deaths) in the overall 25-34 age group and the leading cause of death in young men (17.8% ).   One in three young people who take their lives are intoxicated at the time of death.  Among the young , 80% of suicides are male, who feel possibly that they should be the stronger sex and men usually find it much more difficult to open up and talk about their problems.
Yet there is no need to suffer in silence……………….
 If you, or someone you know, is feeling desperate and in need of emotional support CONTACT US NOW.  Please call our 24 hour confidential line on 902 883535 / email pat@samaritansinspain.com
For more information visit our website www.samaritansinspain.com and connect on FacebookFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46703/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A recent BBC news item reported that filmmaker Andrew Jenkins, 52, from Blaenau Gwent, says he has lost 19 friends to suicide over three decades and has spoken out so that other people might think twice about killing themselves.
He now plans to make an educational film about the issue. The piece also quoted Stephen Habgood, chairman of charity Papyrus which is concerned with young people's suicides, who said 75% of people who took their own lives were young men and he expected to see an increase in suicides among middle aged men in the latest Office for National Statistics figures. "It's all caught up with men unwilling to admit they can't cope and are struggling. The recession raises concerns at the pressures it places on men, when their jobs or relationships are at risk as a consequence"
Psychiatrists say mental health problems are increasing in Spain too and the suicide rate is up since the financial crisis began.  
Certain factors are known to be associated with increased risk of suicide including unemployment (nearly half of those under 30, almost 2 million people, cannot find a job) poverty, family breakdown, bullying and social isolation. The young fear that that they have no future in their own country and either have to move abroad or depend on family members who are themselves in difficulty.  
According to RTVE ( official broadcaster on Spanish TV) suicide was second to cancer  ( 15% of deaths) in the overall 25-34 age group and the leading cause of death in young men (17.8% ).   One in three young people who take their lives are intoxicated at the time of death.  Among the young , 80% of suicides are male, who feel possibly that they should be the stronger sex and men usually find it much more difficult to open up and talk about their problems.
Yet there is no need to suffer in silence……………….
 If you, or someone you know, is feeling desperate and in need of emotional support CONTACT US NOW.  Please call our 24 hour confidential line on 902 883535 / email pat@samaritansinspain.com
For more information visit our website www.samaritansinspain.com and connect on FacebookFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46703/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### SPORTING ALFAS CRICKET CLUB

SPORTING ALFAS 1ST X1 253 FOR 1 BEAT NOMADS C.C. 106 FOR 6
On a very wet Saturday Morning, no play looked likely except for the weather forecast suggesting 1.30pm sunshine and for the first time in Spanish History they got it spot on the heavy rain stopped and the ducks waddled off , a game looked likely thanks to a lot of hard work to clear a few puddles a 2.45pm 30over game was on the cards even if the visitors were already on their 3rd pints.
Pennick and Brook started as they finished off another unbroken 50 wicket partnership before Pennick walked off with a bad back from all the sweeping of the water.Young Adam Algar came in at 3 and looked every part the cricketer before he and Brook Reached 50 a piece and retiring . Gary Crompton looked in good form smashing 69 off 44 balls including 5 x 6s and a little cameo at the end by Fletcher ot SACC to 253/1 off only 30overs .
Cricket World Nomads for some strange reason changed their batting order about and the SACC attack of Roper and Mohib put about demolishing the top order with 5 wickets between them . with the Average age of 29 and the oldest player only being 40 SACC looked very much an active and enthusiastic.
For the Nomads only Tom Liverside scored 47 not out with skipper Brockton kicking away balls in the last over to deny him his 50. Roper finished with 3/16 and Nomads finished on 106for 6 . Great evening was enjoyed in the club afterwards with an 11pm finish .  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46699/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: SPORTING ALFAS 1ST X1 253 FOR 1 BEAT NOMADS C.C. 106 FOR 6
On a very wet Saturday Morning, no play looked likely except for the weather forecast suggesting 1.30pm sunshine and for the first time in Spanish History they got it spot on the heavy rain st...

### VERSE ON WINTER FUEL PAYMENT - I WONDER WHY?

I wonder why, as we grow old,
They push us further from the fold,
'You've moved abroad', is oft the cry,
'and you want equal treatment! Why?'
 
'You live in Spain - expect the vote?'
Repeated with monotonous note.
The government just does not care
‘We have no interest in you there'.
 
Our generation has been the one
that's worked so hard but kept its fun,
its independence! and is not cowed
by Government that lies out loud.
 
Have they not the sense, the wit,
to see that we know wrong from 'rit'?
We have the weight of law onside,
Tho' their own laws  are misapplied.
 
Our politicians are the joke
as they point fingers and they poke
with fun the citizen abroad
whilst they at home parade their fraud.
 
The old, the frail, need winter heat
They're brushed aside by hearts  concrete.
'It's hot in Spain' says he called Smith,
‘No fuel for you, it stops forthwith'.
 
‘Protect their benefits is the cry'
Cameron shouts it to the sky
Brits in Europe need not apply,
We'll ignore them – they will die.
 
'All the taxes that they pay
we will use our own sweet way'
'So if you're old and feel the cold
Then more blankets you must unfold'
 
There is one place that hears our cry,
Our plea to Brussels, they'll say 'aye'.
'You've earned it and you've paid your dues,
 Westminster lies, here's some good news'.
 
Roy Parker
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46698/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: I wonder why, as we grow old,
They push us further from the fold,
'You've moved abroad', is oft the cry,
'and you want equal treatment! Why?'
 
'You live in Spain - expect the vote?'
Repeated with monotonous note.
The government just does not ca...

### THE FORGOTTEN PART OF GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA

Guardamar resident Anthony Nicholson wrote to the Leader highlighting the neglect currently being felt in certain parts of Guardamar , areas that were largely being ignored by the City Council, particularly the developed area adjacent to the River Segura which stretches down to The Marina. He describes it as ‘the forgotten' part of Guardamar del Segura' and as such, like any responsible citizen, he complained via the council website.
He subsequently received a sympathetic reply advising him that the matter would be referred to the relevant council officer. That was two years ago, since when, it would appear that the matter has been largely ignored.    
Tony says that the main problem is due to the fact that there are many dozens of small plots, all the property of individual owners, which are still available for sale, and now, after a decade of neglect, these individual plots have become uncared for, overgrown and are now only used as sites for the disposal of refuse, machinery, unwanted household goods and other waste equipment. 
After 10 years of virtual disregard he now says that the time has arrived where the Guardamar Town Hall should order the private land owners to clean up the areas and in some cases repair or install fences and at least make the area look a little more respectable.
There are also many other areas of public land in the area that he feels are just as neglected. The largest of these is the vast area opposite MasyMas Supermarket. 
Why not develop the land and put it to use, he asks, or at the very least just clear and tidy it up. Tony explains ‘You can often find mattresses and other household items here that have been dumped around its perimeter. There were plans for a Mini Golf Course there ten years ago but still nothing. Other areas of public land are at the junctions of Avinguda del Port / Enginyer Juan Garcia and Perez Hernandez / Enginyer Juan Garcia. These are also overgrown and full of rubbish and surely the Town Council can tidy these up'.
‘The community either side of the Avinguda Del Port has no soul. There is nowhere for neighbours and friends to meet, talk, socialise or eat together. Thankfully we have a MasyMas to shop in but nothing else. This area needs something to attract more visitors and make it vibrant. It needs businesses, retail outlets and restaurants.' He also asks why the area has never been given Urbanisation Status?  
Guardamar Sector Sup-7 area seems to have been originally developed with the expansion of The Marina into a Port as its main foundation but this was cancelled with the emergence of the recession. Now it seems unlikely that it will ever materialise and the neighbourhood will continue to decline unless there is investment in an area which 
But to at least partially satisfy the many local residents and  make the area a little more pleasant to live in, the City Council should at the very least mount a cleanup campaign in an area has so much potential and beauty adjacent the forest and beach. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46696/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Guardamar resident Anthony Nicholson wrote to the Leader highlighting the neglect currently being felt in certain parts of Guardamar , areas that were largely being ignored by the City Council, particularly the developed area adjacent to the River Seg...

### MAYOR OPENS ART EXHIBITION

The Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and councillor for senior citizens, Inmaculada Montesinos, attended the inauguration of an exhibition of works created by the Association of Pensioners and Retirees of La Mata, which was held in the municipal leisure centre.
The exhibition was to mark the eighth anniversary of the association, known to be one of the most active groups in the area. 
The president of the group, Antonio Vega, explained how more than 30 partners have exhibited 70 pieces which were created over the last few months, including paintings, ceramics, wood carvings, photographs, tile decoration, jewellery and others.
The Mayor congratulated the members of this association, which has more than 300 partners who actively participate in the many activities organized by the seniors department of Torrevieja Town Hall.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46673/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and councillor for senior citizens, Inmaculada Montesinos, attended the inauguration of an exhibition of works created by the Association of Pensioners and Retirees of La Mata, which was held in the munic...

### PILAR DE LA HORADADA REMEMBERS VICTIMS OF TERRORISM

This week saw the eleventh anniversary of the 2004 terrorist attacks in Madrid, when 192 people were killed and thousands still bear the scars of a tragedy that rocked the world. 
In Pilar de la Horadada, the memorably named plaza Víctimas del Terrorismo saw a concentration gather to mark the tragedy, by holding a minute´s silence in memory of those affected by the attack.
The Mayor, José Fidel Ros, said, “Having a plaza named in honour of the victims of terrorism is nothing more than a sad reality that reminds us, not only today March 11, but every day, the pain and tragedy caused in our democracy by terrorist acts.”
Carlos Ruiz, a neighbour of Pilar also spoke, saying, “the only mistake that many of the 900 victims of ETA was to love Spain and desire peace. My only hope is to actually have peace and the terrorists responsible are in jail. For them, and because in Spain we need memory, dignity and justice, we meet here today.”
The members of the municipal government, members of local police and some residents attended the minute of silence after which a wreath in memory of the victims was placed “with the same objective of each year, to remember every one of the people who lost their lives and call through our minute of silence in which the values that should be our way of life: freedom, equality, justice, political pluralism and democracy, are not lost to the violence a few”, concluded the Mayor Ros.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46672/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This week saw the eleventh anniversary of the 2004 terrorist attacks in Madrid, when 192 people were killed and thousands still bear the scars of a tragedy that rocked the world. 
In Pilar de la Horadada, the memorably named plaza Víctimas del...

### THE LADY OF ELCHE MAY RETURN SOON

The director of the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid, Andrew Carter, has said that he considers it “reasonable” that within the next term of four years they will once again approve the relocation of the bust, “Dama de Elche”, for temporary exhibition to be held in the city of Elche, as had already happened in 2006.
The statement was made during a visit to Alicante for the premiere of the exhibition of treasures from the Mercedes frigate, which is being held in the Provincial Archaeological Museum of the Province of Alicante (MARQ). Carter explained he had “recently” met in Madrid with the mayor of Elche, Mercedes Alonso of the PP, who had requested a new temporary transfer of the statue.
It is not immediately possible to find a time when this would be suitable, Carter had explained, but during the next term there would be a “reasonable time” to do so.
Having opened the exhibition in Madrid in 2014, Carter explained that during the first two years of any archeological exhibition, it is not possible to transfer any part of a display.
Although the bust is closely associated with the people of Elche, Carter also explained that “the rest of the country also loves her and wants to see her in the National museum.”
Therefore, it is not possible for at least a year “for one part of the 13,000 piece permanent exhibition to move out of respect for visitors going to the newly opened museum and wanting to see the significant funds.”
According to Carter, there are between 200 and 300 parts in the display that are more relevant and “cannot move together, they cannot even miss four or five of those pieces at a time”, so to give the Dama de Elche would create a “hole” in the exhibition. 
La Dama de Elche is considered the masterpiece of Iberian period and has exhibited in the National Archaeological Museum since 1972, except for the 6-month loan in 2006. It was discovered by chance in the site of La Alcudia in 1897 by a farmer and was sold to a French archaeologist, which led her to the Paris Louvre museum before, in 1939 at the outbreak of World War II, she was moved to Castle Muntadau, near Toulouse.
In 1941, negotiations between Spain and the Vichy government allowed her to be moved to Madrid's Museo del Prado, where she remained until 1970, when she was given to her new and current home.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46671/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The director of the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid, Andrew Carter, has said that he considers it “reasonable” that within the next term of four years they will once again approve the relocation of the bust, “Dama de Elche&r...

### THE VIRTUAL COSTA BLANCA LEADER IS OUT

This week´s virtual newspaper is here. Pick up the latest copy first thing Monday morning, but you can read the online version right now. 
 
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46670/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: This week´s virtual newspaper is here. Pick up the latest copy first thing Monday morning, but you can read the online version right now. 
 
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46670/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property...

### IMPROVED ARRANGEMENTS FOR VOTING IN ORIHUELA COSTA IN LOCAL ELECTIONS ON 24 MAY, 2015

Not only are there difficulties for non-Spanish EU residents to register to vote in local and European Parliament elections. Those who do register, and turn out to vote on the day of the election, may find  queues and, as we saw in 2011 in the middle of the day, they may have to wait up to an hour in the midday sun.
To avoid a repetition of this situation, C.L.A.R.O. Councillor, Bob Houliston, presented a Motion in the full Council meeting (Plenary) at the end of February. The purpose of the Motion was to increase the number of voting stations and improve their geographic distribution. His Motion stated that in the last 8 years, the number of eligible voters in local elections in Orihuela Costa had doubled – up from just over 4,000 to over 8,000 in 2015. The number of voting stations, however, had not increased from the traditional three – the Playa Flamenca Town Hall, the nearby Civic centre and now the reading point in, for many, far away Calle Cipres in Lomas de Cabo Roig. Moreover, because of the extended nature of Orihuela Costa, some voters have to travel several kilometres to cast their votes. The average number of voters in each of Orihuela Costa's three voting stations in last year's European elections was over 2,300, more than the 2,000 maximum fixed by law. In Orihuela city and surrounding villages, the average number of voters per voting station ranges between 850 and 1,200. The solution proposed in the Motion was to have additional voting stations better dispersed in Orihuela Costa.
In the debate on the Motion it was obvious that other parties would not vote against such a reasonable and democratic proposal and the Motion was passed unanimously. However, there were a number of grumbles about the procedure and responsibility for making the voting day arrangements. One startling fact which emerged in the debate was that the legal maximum of 2,000 voters per voting station only applies to the number of Spanish voters.   The number of non-Spanish EU voters does not count. This is an incredible admission. In Orihuela Costa there are more EU registered voters than Spanish voters. Article 19.1 of the EU Treaty stipulates the rights of EU citizens resident in another member state to vote and stand as candidates for municipal elections “under the same conditions as nationals of that State.”   It is almost certainly a contravention of EU law that a legal maximum on the number of voters per voting station only applies to Spanish nationals. It is also illogical. Spanish voters as well as EU voters have to queue in the same queue to vote and they suffer the same consequences of this unfair provision of Spanish law. C.L.A.R.O. will certainly consider a complaint on the matter to the European Parliament.
The fact that the Motion was passed unanimously did not convince C.L.A.R.O. that any action would result, especially since it emerged in the debate that the arrangements for 24 May would already have been agreed at the end of 2014 and that there would be the same traditional 3 voting stations in Orihuela Costa. Therefore, on 11 March, C.L.A.R.O. Councillor Bob Houliston visited the Alicante head of the Electoral Registration Office to check the situation. It was confirmed that in calculating the 2,000 maximum of voters per station, only Spanish voters counted. It was also confirmed that arrangements concerning the number of voting stations and the number of voting tables had been agreed with Orihuela Town Hall in December. However, Bob Houliston was told that if it was too difficult and too late to increase the number of voting stations, it would still be possible to increase the number of voting tables in voting stations which would speed up the voting procedure and reduce and possibly avoid having to queue to vote. However, only 3 to 4 days remained in which to consider a new proposal from OrihuelaTown Hall. The day after Bob Houliston's discussion in Alicante, the Electoral Registration Office and Orihuela Town Hall modified the December proposal and added 3 new voting tables in the two voting stations where the highest number of voters will vote: Playa Flamenca Town Hall and Calle Cipress in Lomas de Cabo Roig.
This is a small but significant victory and all that is possible for the forthcoming local elections. The Councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer, will publicise the final detailed arrangements closer to the date of the election. Registered voters will also be informed in due course by post as to which voting station and which voting table they should go to on 24 May.    
C.L.A.R.O. hopes that with these improved arrangements, voters will be reassured that they should not be confronted with queues and the need to stand in the sun on the day of the election. We will need as big a turnout as possible on 24 May and a vote for those who will defend our interests. A stronger voice for Orihuela Costa in the new Town Council and in the next government in Orihuela is the only way the many improvements we need will be carried out.   
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46669/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Not only are there difficulties for non-Spanish EU residents to register to vote in local and European Parliament elections. Those who do register, and turn out to vote on the day of the election, may find  queues and, as we saw in 2011 in the middle o...

### TECHIE TOYS FOR EXPATS: STAY SMART WITH DNS

‘Letters from the Atlantic' - by Barrie Mahoney


Barrie Mahoney was a head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands to launch and edit a new English language newspaper. He enjoys life in the sun as a columnist and author, and continues to write a series of popular novels, books for expats, as well as designing mobile apps and websites to promote the Canary Islands.
 
Techie Toys for Expats: Stay Smart with DNS
 
As a newly arrived or intending expat, you will be given many pieces of advice; some will be useful, whilst it is best to ignore others. The best piece of advice is, of course, to learn the language, because by doing so you will add a new depth and valuable dimension to your new life in the sun.  The second piece of advice that I often hear is to only watch TV and listen to radio in the language of your adopted country. In other words, forget 'Eastenders' and 'Strictly Come Dancing', in favour of some of the endless quiz and reality shows on Spanish television; I think not. I have come to the opinion that to remain in touch with the language and culture of birth is important, which helps to ease some of the lonelier and unsettling aspects of expat life, even if the sun is shining. So, in order to continue to enjoy watching 'Coronation Street' and 'Dr Who', and films in your home language, it is important to be able to watch television from your home country.
 
One of the most frequent questions that I am asked by both would be and newly arrived expats is "Will I still be able to watch British television?" Although not strictly legal, the answer is "Yes, of course you will, and things are getting better all the time." However, you do need to be a little tech savvy to ensure that you are getting the best connection, and that doesn't necessarily mean spending a great deal of money on monthly TV contracts.
 
When we first moved to Spain, the choice was either installing a large and expensive satellite dish, or having a baking tray kind of contraption strapped to the highest point of the building. Both systems worked, but were not always reliable, since providers and connections changed and, indeed, satellites moved to other positions, which required adjustments, upgrades and yet more expense. Over the last few years, things have moved on, and it is now perfectly possible to receive a good television signal from your Internet connection; indeed, it is now the preferred choice for many reasons.
 
Watching television through your Internet connection doesn't mean sitting in front of your laptop all evening. We now have the option of purchasing Internet ready TVs, although my own personal preference is using a computer (in my case a Mac Mini) linked specifically to our main television for only Internet television and film viewing.
 
Of course, television programmes from the UK and other countries are blocked, to prevent them from being watched in other countries. However, there are many ways around this. Until recently, my preferred option has been the use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which basically tricks the television provider into thinking that you are in your home country. The signal is diverted to your home country and then forwarded back to the sender. Clearly, the downside of this process is that VPN reduces your signal by around 30 per cent, reducing picture quality or producing that maddening buffering, and spinning 'circle of death' that we all hate so much. In many parts of the Canary Islands where I live, and rural Spain, France, Italy and Portugal, Internet signals are very slow offering maybe only 3 to 10mbps. I am fortunate, since I now have a connection called VDSL (Very High Bit Rate DSL), which offers a speed of around 30mbps. Even so, I managed to get a decent signal on a speed of only 10mbps. It is important to shop around and obtain the highest speed possible. Try to request VDSL if a fibre optic connection is unavailable in your area; it is a little more expensive, but well worth it. Secondly, if you can afford it, dump the modem and router provided by your telecoms provider, since most are of the most basic quality and purchase the best, high-speed version modem/router that you can afford. It will be worth it in the long run, since speed is the key to success.
 
My much-preferred option now is Smart DNS, which is simply a case of changing the DNS numbers on your computer or router. It sounds complicated, but isn't and full details of how to do this are given by the company providing the service. Smart DNS has the advantage of maintaining the full strength of your signal, which in areas with low Internet signal strength is highly important, but has the disadvantage of not being secure in the same way as VPN. My best advice is to get both, and then you can use Smart DNS to receive television programmes, access films etc., whilst using VPN for security and to hide your presence if, for instance, you are using your laptop in an Internet cafe to access your bank account. 
 
For space reasons, I cannot go into more details in this article, but you can find more information, as well as details about the companies and products that I use, on the Expat Survival section of my website.
 
 
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: http://www.barriemahoney.com and http://www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
 
© Barrie Mahoney
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46668/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ‘Letters from the Atlantic' - by Barrie Mahoney

Barrie Mahoney was a head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands to launch and edit a new English language newspaper. He enjoys life in the sun as a columnist and author, and continues to write a series of popular novels, books for expats, as well as designing mobile apps and websites to promote the Canary Islands.
 
Techie Toys for Expats: Stay Smart with DNS
 
As a newly arrived or intending expat, you will be given many pieces of advice; some will be useful, whilst it is best to ignore others. The best piece of advice is, of course, to learn the language, because by doing so you will add a new depth and valuable dimension to your new life in the sun.  The second piece of advice that I often hear is to only watch TV and listen to radio in the language of your adopted country. In other words, forget 'Eastenders' and 'Strictly Come Dancing', in favour of some of the endless quiz and reality shows on Spanish television; I think not. I have come to the opinion that to remain in touch with the language and culture of birth is important, which helps to ease some of the lonelier and unsettling aspects of expat life, even if the sun is shining. So, in order to continue to enjoy watching 'Coronation Street' and 'Dr Who', and films in your home language, it is important to be able to watch television from your home country.
 
One of the most frequent questions that I am asked by both would be and newly arrived expats is "Will I still be able to watch British television?" Although not strictly legal, the answer is "Yes, of course you will, and things are getting better all the time." However, you do need to be a little tech savvy to ensure that you are getting the best connection, and that doesn't necessarily mean spending a great deal of money on monthly TV contracts.
 
When we first moved to Spain, the choice was either installing a large and expensive satellite dish, or having a baking tray kind of contraption strapped to the highest point of the building. Both systems worked, but were not always reliable, since providers and connections changed and, indeed, satellites moved to other positions, which required adjustments, upgrades and yet more expense. Over the last few years, things have moved on, and it is now perfectly possible to receive a good television signal from your Internet connection; indeed, it is now the preferred choice for many reasons.
 
Watching television through your Internet connection doesn't mean sitting in front of your laptop all evening. We now have the option of purchasing Internet ready TVs, although my own personal preference is using a computer (in my case a Mac Mini) linked specifically to our main television for only Internet television and film viewing.
 
Of course, television programmes from the UK and other countries are blocked, to prevent them from being watched in other countries. However, there are many ways around this. Until recently, my preferred option has been the use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which basically tricks the television provider into thinking that you are in your home country. The signal is diverted to your home country and then forwarded back to the sender. Clearly, the downside of this process is that VPN reduces your signal by around 30 per cent, reducing picture quality or producing that maddening buffering, and spinning 'circle of death' that we all hate so much. In many parts of the Canary Islands where I live, and rural Spain, France, Italy and Portugal, Internet signals are very slow offering maybe only 3 to 10mbps. I am fortunate, since I now have a connection called VDSL (Very High Bit Rate DSL), which offers a speed of around 30mbps. Even so, I managed to get a decent signal on a speed of only 10mbps. It is important to shop around and obtain the highest speed possible. Try to request VDSL if a fibre optic connection is unavailable in your area; it is a little more expensive, but well worth it. Secondly, if you can afford it, dump the modem and router provided by your telecoms provider, since most are of the most basic quality and purchase the best, high-speed version modem/router that you can afford. It will be worth it in the long run, since speed is the key to success.
 
My much-preferred option now is Smart DNS, which is simply a case of changing the DNS numbers on your computer or router. It sounds complicated, but isn't and full details of how to do this are given by the company providing the service. Smart DNS has the advantage of maintaining the full strength of your signal, which in areas with low Internet signal strength is highly important, but has the disadvantage of not being secure in the same way as VPN. My best advice is to get both, and then you can use Smart DNS to receive television programmes, access films etc., whilst using VPN for security and to hide your presence if, for instance, you are using your laptop in an Internet cafe to access your bank account. 
 
For space reasons, I cannot go into more details in this article, but you can find more information, as well as details about the companies and products that I use, on the Expat Survival section of my website.
 
 
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: http://www.barriemahoney.com and http://www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
 
© Barrie Mahoney
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46668/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### NOW MORE BENEFITS ‘ON THE GAME’

Following a landmark ruling by Barcelona Judge Juan Augustín Maragall, sex workers in Spain are now entitled to a contract by their employer who should also pay their social security contributions.
The ruling means that they are now entitled to the same rights as other workers, which also means that they can claim benefits if they are unemployed.
Judge Juan Augustín Maragall, sitting in Barcelona, ruled that prostitutes should be given a contract by their employers, who should also pay their social security contributions.
The court decision was made after a massage parlour offering sex services was raided by labour inspectors. Three prostitutes were found to be working there without the appropriate employment and as such the judge ruled that the management had violated the women's rights. The Company, called Xcenter, will also have to pay backdated national insurance contributions for the prostitutes from 2012.
The court has therefore ruled that prostitutes should be given the security of benefits, healthcare, pensions and unemployment payments to help safeguard them from being exploited.
Many claim that Spain's economic crisis has forced more women to sell sex with the industry booming as more women are turning to it – often in desperation. Around 39% of men in Spain admit to having used the services of a prostitute.
The decision by the court in Barcelona is not yet final, as it can be appealed to the Superior Court of Justice of Catalonia however pimping and trafficking remain illegal.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46667/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Following a landmark ruling by Barcelona Judge Juan Augustín Maragall, sex workers in Spain are now entitled to a contract by their employer who should also pay their social security contributions.
The ruling means that they are now entitled t...

### RYANAIR MOVE INTO CASTELLON AIRPORT

After announcing only 6 weeks ago that they were looking at all options, Low Costa Carrier Ryanair have now announced that they will soon be operating regular flights from UK, German and Swedish destinations into Castellon. 
Sources say that executives of the airline have made several visits to the airport to see the facilities first hand. First opened in March 2011, to date they have only hosted charter flights carrying football teams Villarreal and Barcelona.
Castellon is perhaps the most infamous ‘white elephant' littering the Spanish Landscape after the collapse of the country's property bubble and the introduction of regular operations by the main budget airline in the world would be a quantum leap for the airport managed by Canadian multinational SNC-Lavalin. 
They say that their goal is the handling of 250 flights and 35,000 passengers this year which, in order to take advantage of the tourist traffic, they hope they can get underway as early as Easter.
The announcement by Ryanair will have a major effect on a number of other airlines which it is understood are also considering the airport's use
The Irish airline has never hidden it's interest in operating from Castellón, noting the clear tourism potential which they say is similar to the other areas of the Spanish Mediterranean. 
Progress seems to have intensified following the FITUR Exhibition held recently in Madrid with SNC-Lavalin noting they have ongoing negotiations with other companies wishing to use the facility. They say that by 2019 they fully expect to be handling 3,200 flights and 450,000 passengers at Castellon which they say is due in no small part to the efforts of the airport director, Alain Russel, and the President of the Province of Castellón, Javier Moliner,
Ryanair Sales and Marketing Director for Spain and Portugal, José Espartero, said that the airline will start operating two routes from Castellón into Stansted, London and Bristol airports from September – December with rates starting at 31.99 euros 
 
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46666/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: After announcing only 6 weeks ago that they were looking at all options, Low Costa Carrier Ryanair have now announced that they will soon be operating regular flights from UK, German and Swedish destinations into Castellon. 
Sources say that executive...

### BRITISH-BUILT NISSANS SCORE AWARDS DOUBLE

British manufacturing was the big winner as the Sunderland-built Nissan Qashqai crossover and Note family hatchback scooped top honours in the 2015 Carbuyer Awards.
The multi-award winning Qashqai – the original crossover – was crowned Best SUV and 4x4 by the influential motoring website while the equipment laden Note was named the best car for under £150 a month.
The models were judged by Carbuyer's expert panel on the areas of most interest to real new car buyers, including running costs, practicality and reliability.
Stuart Milne, Editor of Carbuyer, which gets more than 1.4 million unique visits a month, said: “The Nissan Qashqai is a comfortable SUV but it's no more expensive to run or harder to drive than a hatchback.
 “It's no surprise that the Qashqai is one of Britain's most popular cars.”
Of the Nissan Note, he added: “There are cheaper cars out there but none offers as much space, comfort and equipment as the Nissan Note. And all for less than £150 a month.”
James Wright, Managing Director of Nissan Motor (GB), said: “Both the Note and the Qashqai were designed, developed and built by Nissan here in the UK and so it's great to have them recognised in this way by one of the nation's leading motoring websites.
 “It's now just over a year since the all-new Qashqai was launched to almost universal acclaim and the fact it's still making waves, leading the way and winning awards is yet more evidence of what a fantastic car it really is.”
For Carbuyer's full reviews of the Nissan Qashqai and Nissan Note visit www.carbuyer.co.uk
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46665/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: British manufacturing was the big winner as the Sunderland-built Nissan Qashqai crossover and Note family hatchback scooped top honours in the 2015 Carbuyer Awards.
The multi-award winning Qashqai – the original crossover – was crowned Be...

### NEW DINING AREA FOR INMACULADA SCHOOL

A new dining room is currently being constructed at the Colegio Público Inmaculada in Torrevieja where, last Tuesday, t the site was the subject of a council visit by the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, along with the Councillor for Education and Youth, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, and the centre's director, María José Monedero.
 
The new dining hall is set on an area of 182 square meters, and will serve 150 students  in two shifts of 75 students each.
Funding for the Project, which began 15 months ago, is being provided by the Generalitat Valenciana. The current investment is approximately 50,000 euros, although the costs of the equipment, ovens, hot plates, furniture, is still to be added.
The mayor said that it was expected to complete during the next 2 or 3 months and would be put in service in time for the next academic year starting in September.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46664/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A new dining room is currently being constructed at the Colegio Público Inmaculada in Torrevieja where, last Tuesday, t the site was the subject of a council visit by the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, along with the Councillor for Educati...

### CITIGO AND OCTAVIA ESTATE SHINE AS CARBUYER NAMES ITS TOP CARS OF 2015

The ŠKODA Citigo and Octavia Estate have secured yet more silverware courtesy of car review website CarBuyer. The online giant handed the Best First Car award to the Citigo and bestowed the honour of Best Tax-Exempt Car on the Octavia Estate.
In a change to previous years, the CarBuyer judges looked at some of the most requested searches on its site, and chose these as the categories. Having won a number of CarBuyer awards in the past for its best in class models, ŠKODA also triumphed under the new procedure – reinforcing their overall appeal with buyers. 
Commenting on the Citigo's award for Best First Car, CarBuyer Editor Stuart Milne said: “The Citigo is fun, sophisticated and cheap to buy and run. In the closely fought small-car market ŠKODA's reputation for great customer service sets it apart.”
As many newly-qualified drivers have already discovered, the Citigo's intuitive controls, great visibility and compact dimensions make it the ideal car for first-timers. To highlight this, ŠKODA is a partner in the Young Driver programme – a scheme that provides driving lessons for children aged 11 to 17. With access to a fleet of Citigos, The Young Driver programme uses 30 specially designed training facilities across the country to give the next generation of drivers the best possible start to their driving careers. To date, more than 100,000 lessons have been delivered by instructors.
At the other end of the size scale, CarBuyer also judged the Octavia Estate to be its Best Tax-Exempt Car, with Editor Stuart Milne saying: “The Octavia Estate is a big car with a massive boot, which makes it all the more incredible that some versions emit so little CO2 that they're free to tax.”
A total of six models in the Octavia Estate range have CO2 outputs low enough (Band A – up to 100g/km) under to qualify for zero rated car tax. This includes the generously equipped Octavia SE Business GreenLine III (£21,170) that features Amundsen satellite navigation, acoustic parking sensors and alloy wheels.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46663/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The ŠKODA Citigo and Octavia Estate have secured yet more silverware courtesy of car review website CarBuyer. The online giant handed the Best First Car award to the Citigo and bestowed the honour of Best Tax-Exempt Car on the Octavia Estate.
...

### PSOE VISION FOR ORIHUELA

Hundreds of people attended a rousing rally this week that saw the socialist mayoral candidate for the PSOE in Orihuela, Carolina Gracia, present her vision for the future of the municipality, should her party win the elections in May.
The La Lonja exhibition centre in Orihuela was the venue where more than 500 members and supporters of the local PSOE attended the presentation, along with the regional presidential candidate, Ximo Puig, and his former Basque counterpart, Patxi López.
Addressing the gathered supporters, López praised “the passion that Carolina has for Orihuela”, because “passion is the best engine to change things”. López also affirmed his belief that the Oriolana candidate is a “referent honest socialist”, and that “socialism has equality and social justice as its trademark”, without corruption or “kneeling”, a socialism that does not take advantage of the crisis to do business.
For his part, the regional presidential candidate for a socialist run Government of Valencia, Ximo Puig, expressed his gratitude to all who “have allowed Orihuela to now be a decent, honest and clean city free from political criminals”.
Puig also assured the supporters that “Carolina will have a government of the Generalitat by her side”, because “Orihuela will be at the Palau de la Generalitat” when the Valencian Socialists put an end to “20 years of abuse” and “belittling” of the citizens of this land.
Gracia herself expressed her pride in being involved and representing the Socialist Party of Orihuela, having been part of a new wave of politics in “a stained city”, the resulting cleanliness meaning that she is now “feeling increasingly proud”.
Gracia continued to describe how the legacy of the Partido Popular rule left then with the remnants of “the worst of legislatures” and “with a crushing debt” that the current socialist led coalition had to deal with. Both the local and Regional government left a “ruined and dismantled City”. Continuing to explain how despite all the difficulties encountered along the way, “we fought against resignation, because we could not give up” and allow another government to form, “and we succeeded”, she proclaimed.
Gracia then went on to thank “all those who helped us” by voting in the last elections, to “restore dignity and pride that we had been robbed of, allowing s to build a better Orihuela”. Affirming, “Thank you all, thanks for making it possible that Orihuela has changed so much in four years”.
The praise then shifted to her own colleagues, the councillors that have accompanied her throughout these four years in municipal government: “Rosa, who has made education its flag; Antonio, who has managed to be a great mayor of Orihuela in recent months; Luis, who has faced difficult terrain for the sports department but still remained a good public service; Victor, who has virtue of his youth and has become the best works council the city has ever had”, concluding her gratuities towards Ana Mas and Antonia Moreno.
Finally, Gracia stated her commitment to “continue building a city that generates wealth and prosperity for everyone, a municipality for citizens and equality”, whilst promoting tourism to support the economy, by encouraging the industry to settle in Orihuela; by valuing the agriculture and food sector, and to achieve a fast road link between Orihuela city and its coast. At this point, Carolina Gracia recalled that there have been thirty-nine times that the PP has promised this improvement since 1995, concluding that “If really appreciate Orihuela and do not want to go back. If we want to win the future, in May, let us succeed”. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46662/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Hundreds of people attended a rousing rally this week that saw the socialist mayoral candidate for the PSOE in Orihuela, Carolina Gracia, present her vision for the future of the municipality, should her party win the elections in May.
The La Lonja e...

### UK NATIONAL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 2005, WEDNESDAY 11 MARCH 2015

The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: processing... (Bonus Ball)
Next UK Lotto Draw: 14 March 2015
Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ processing...
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46661/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: processing... (Bonus Ball)Next UK Lotto Draw: 14 March 2015Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ processing...
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46661/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### IRISH LOTTO RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW WEDNESDAY 11 MARCH 2015

The Irish Lotto replaced the Irish Hospital Sweepstakes in 1988. The jackpot is never lower than €2,000,000.00 and it quite often exceeds €5,000,000.00. In the past, the Irish Lottery jackpot has risen to €10,000,000 and more! The Irish Lotto draw takes place every Wednesday and Saturday night and it is televised on national TV (RTE).
Here are the the latest Irish Lotto results.

UK National Lottery Results

IRISH LOTTO LOTTERY RESULTS
The results and winning numbers for the Irish Lotto on Wednesday, 11 March 2015, were:
Irish Lotto Results: processing... (Bonus Ball)
Next Irish Lottery Draw: 14 March 2015
Next Estimate Irish Lotto Jackpot: € processing...
Buy Irish Lotto Lottery Tickets | Join Irish Lotto Lottery Syndicate

ABOUT THE IRISH LOTTO
To win the Irish Lotto jackpot, a player must match the first six numbers drawn (1 to 45). A seventh number is also drawn in Irish Lotto and it is called the 'bonus' number.
Although people tend to pick their own lucky Irish lotto numbers, a 'quick pick' option is available which instructs the Lotto computer to select the player's Irish lotto numbers.
The Irish National Lottery pays in excess of 50% of its funds in prize money. The balance is used to fund projects in Ireland in the areas of health, sport, recreation, arts, culture and national heritage, including the Irish language. A player does not have to live in Ireland to play and can buy Irish Lotto tickets online.
All Irish Lottery prizes are tax-free and are paid out in one lump sum, usually within 48 hours of the draw.
WAYS TO PLAY THE IRISH LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the Irish Lotto lottery. Irish Lotto players can either buy Irish Lotto lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join an Irish Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY IRISH LOTTO LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy Irish Lotto lottery tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!
JOIN AN IRISH LOTTO LOTTERY SYNDICATE
We have teamed up with a lottery management company to create our very own Irish Lotto lottery syndicate. The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Irish Lotto lottery jackpot! Playing as part of the Leader Irish Lotto lottery syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the Irish Lotto lottery jackpot
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - share 40 Irish Lotto entries for just 1 pound!
4.) CONVENIENCE - never forget to buy a Irish Lotto ticket and play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!

Play the smarter way and improve your chances of winning a share of the Irish Lotto jackpot!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46660/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Irish Lotto replaced the Irish Hospital Sweepstakes in 1988. The jackpot is never lower than €2,000,000.00 and it quite often exceeds €5,000,000.00. In the past, the Irish Lottery jackpot has risen to €10,000,000 and more! The Irish ...

### EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 779, TUESDAY 10 MARCH 2015

ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT
FOR 10 MARCH 2015: € 15.000.000
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together the stakes of the nine participating European countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. By clubbing together, the participating countries have made the EuroMillions one of the biggest and most exciting lotteries in the world! Jackpots for the Euromillions draws regularly exceed € 100 million.

The latest Euromillions lottery results are presented here.
EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS
The latest results and winning numbers for the Euromillions lottery draw 779, held on Tuesday, 10 March 2015 were:
Euromillions Results: processing...
Millionaire Raffle: processing...
Next Euro Millions Draw Date: 13 March 2015
Next Estimated Euromillions Jackpot: € processing...
Buy Euromillions Tickets Online | Join Euromillions Syndicate

ABOUT THE EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY
EuroMillions is Europe's biggest-ever, rolling jackpot lottery game. Five numbers from 1 to 50 are selected together with two Lucky Stars from 1 to 11.
The Euro Millions lottery draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday evening in Paris. Five main numbers are drawn along with two Lucky Stars. Match a minimum of three numbers to win a prize; three main numbers, one main number and two Lucky Stars or two main numbers and 1 Lucky Star.
Match five main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars to win the Euromillions jackpot, or a share of it!
To learn more about the Euromillions visit www.euromillions-lottery-blog.com.
WAYS TO PLAY THE EUROMILLIONS ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the Euromillions lottery. Euromillions players can either buy Euromillions tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a Euromillions lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy Euromillions tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!
JOIN A EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY SYNDICATE
We have teamed up with a lottery management company to create our very own Euromillions lottery syndicate. The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot! Playing as part of the Leader Euro Millions Lottery syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the Euromillions lottery jackpot
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - share 55 Euro Millions entries for just 1 pound!
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a Euromillions ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way and improve your chances of winning a share of the Euromillions jackpot!

          
If you like the Euro Millions, you may also be interested in El Gordo, Spain's favourite weekly lottery, and SuperEnalotto, Italy's most popular national lottery game.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46659/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT
FOR 10 MARCH 2015: € 15.000.000
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together the stakes of the nine participa...

### VEGA BAJA PREMIER GOLF LEAGUE

PREMIER DIVISION – 6th MARCH 2015 at Hacienda Riquelme Golf
The Vega Baja Premier Golf League was at another IRM course Hacienda Riquleme Golf for the penultimate league game of the season, when we left for the venue I was greeted with an illuminated flower of the dash panel, only to be told it was not a flower, but a snow flake and just 3 degrees.
It was quiet cold but thankfully the sun came out, and there were some decent scores to show for it.
Sadly when we arrived at the course for a 10:06 Tee Time the Café/Restaurante was not open until 10:00 and 64 players had to do without any sustenance. A pity a good course is let down by poor food and beverage support.
With this being the last but one game before the seasons closes, it was the time for a team to make a serious move to make life a little easier in the last game of the season.
With League leaders Las Ramblas just 3 points ahead of second place La Manga North a solid performance against third place Rockets was needed, but Rockets with new confidence fought hard but went down 1 – 3 and Las Ramblas amassed 150 points, but Rockets sole win was celebrated with Ron Chambers getting eleven points in the last four holes to ensure a 5 point win.
La Manga North in second place wanted to close the gap on the League and this they did by whitewashing bottom team Eurotoffs 4 – 0 and 28 points difference.
Paddy's Point only just fell short of causing an upset drawing two of their games but losing two also with just seven points in it.
The normally strong La Manga RGA have had a mediocre season but showed resilience against the travelling Don Cayo and in a low scoring game only relinquished a draw and one point
The Hacienda Riquelme course greens coupled with the pin positions proved a tough test for even the single handicappers, but certainly a good day for the Ladies of Las Ramblas who form 40% of their team.
Those players that broke Par where Les Lane/Wayne Osguthorpe  37 points,  Alan Ross/Martin Oakley 39 points (Club25 Serena G S)  Malcolm Anderson/Ron Chambers 38 points, Larry Lambe/Rodney Smith 37 points (Rockets G S) Benedicte Kruse/John Wheeler 38 points, Bryan Neale/Olga Douglas 41 points, Barbara Hitchings/Mick Brentnall 38 points (Las Ramblas G S)
The final round of matches is on Friday 3rd April, at El Plantio Golf Resort near Alicante.  With a two Tee start at 09:28 this is the final round of matches, and what a finish to the season with two teams holding the same points and wins. It is a testimony to the Vega Baja Premier Golf League's handicapping and scoring system that no one team dominates.
But! What a cracking finale, to the season. Bring It On and yes it's Good Friday, quite appropriate. Really looking forward to these two strong teams going head to head and to see if Las Ramblas can hold on to the trophy. WATCH THIS SPACE
You will also be able to see updated Vega Baja Premier Golf League fixtures, tables, and news on the website www.vegabajapremiergolfleague.com  and on Facebook, throughout the season
For more information on the Vega Baja Premier Golf League, contact The Secretary; Ivie Davies 669 211 410 or golfdavies@gmail.com
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46658/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: PREMIER DIVISION – 6th MARCH 2015 at Hacienda Riquelme Golf
The Vega Baja Premier Golf League was at another IRM course Hacienda Riquleme Golf for the penultimate league game of the season, when we left for the venue I was greeted with an illumi...

### STERLING TWO FACED, GAINING GROUND AGAINST THE EURO BUT WEAKENING AGAINST THE DOLLAR.

Sterling continued its recent trend on Friday, reaching the highest level in eight years against the euro, whilst falling further away against the US dollar following a better-than-expected US jobs report. 
Having enjoyed a period of gaining ground against the US dollar, sterling lost over three cents last week and is close to 1.50, a key support level.
The week ahead is a quiet week for UK data releases following a very busy week last week. Manufacturing production figures on Wednesday are the first major data release of the week. With dipping growth seen recently in the UK, a positive reading here could see sterling gain ground. With little important data set to be released from elsewhere, attention will be turned to the US for retail sales and inflation data towards the end of the week.
Euro under pressure which is set to continue
It was a difficult week for the euro as it remained under pressure after European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi confirmed last Thursday that the ECB will begin purchasing Eurozone government bonds as from today under the new quantitative easing program.
The euro managed to fall even further against its major peers on Friday and hit new multi-year lows as the euro suffered from impressive non-farm payrolls data from the USA.
For the week ahead it is a quieter week for Eurozone data; on Thursday we have industrial production, expected to improve to 0.3%, in comparison to the previous month's figure of 0%. Other than this release, the euro will have to sit tight and try and ride out the difficult climate that it is currently facing.
US Dollar- Up, up and away
The US dollar continued to strengthen on Friday against the majority of its peers. The spotlight was on the non-farm employment data, and rightly so as the employment change increased against expectations. Unemployment in the US also dropped to 5.5%, a record low since June 2008.
Average hourly earnings were down, but this did not have too much of an impact due to the ‘shock' figure of the employment change; the US Federal Reserve will still keep a keen eye on this figure leading up to the future interest rate decisions.
A quiet start to the week for the US dollar is expected with minimal data releases. Wednesday sees the release of the bank stress test results, which applies a specific market condition to see how banks will cope with that pressure.
We can expect a bit of movement on Thursday due to the release of core retail sales figures, and the weekly labour data from the US. On Friday we have inflation figures in the form of a Producer Price Index, as well as consumer confidence data, which has been a very positive figure for the US as of late.
US dollar dominant
The Canadian dollar had a weak finish to the week as it dropped to levels of almost two-week lows against its US counterpart. This was largely due to Statistics Canada reporting that the trade deficit widened to C$2.45 billion in January from C$1.22 in December. Experts had expected trade balance to swing into a surplus of C$0.3 billion in January.
Elsewhere, Friday was a slim day for data realises.
The Australian dollar moved up slightly against the US dollar in the anticipation of non-farm payroll data out of the US. However it then lost this ground following the release, as the outcome was much better than initially expected.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46651/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Sterling continued its recent trend on Friday, reaching the highest level in eight years against the euro, whilst falling further away against the US dollar following a better-than-expected US jobs report. 
Having enjoyed a period of gaining ground ag...

### WEEKLY CRAFT MARKET IN XÀBIA CONTINUES AFTER EASTER

The participants in the weekly craft market in Jávea have decided to contiue after Easter.  From the beginning of January they built up their stalls in the square in fornt of the Post Office (Plaza Marina Alta) and although the amount of visitors has not been fantastic, it is quite clear that the fair is beginning to get a good name.  
More and more people come looking for something special, or just to enjoy the lively atmosphere, have a little something on one of the many terraces around the fair and visit the Old Town.
The old part of Jávea is in itself worth a visit.  To quote the web site http://www.xabia.org/:  ". . . we recommend a visit to the Church, Iglesia de San Bartolomé, from the 14th to 16th century, a splendid example of the Isabelline Gothic style; as well as the "Soler Blasco" Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum, the former Antonio Banyuls Palace, which allows you to explore the town's past. 
You cannot leave without buying our great local products in the Abastos Market . . . or take advantage of the numerous Tapas Bars which you will find in your route."
And now the craft fair offers you another good reason to go to Jávea.  Every Saturday morning between 10 and 15 craftsmen and women set up their stalls in the square in front of the Post Office near the old Town Centre (Plaza Marina Alta), to sell their pottery and ceramics, their lamps made of recycled wood or twisted wire, their wooden toys or hand painted T-shirts and bags, or their own designs in jewelry. 
Every stall offers something different, all original items that you won't find anywhere else.  And this Saturday (14 March) Tony will explain and show you how to make traditional "turrón" (nougat), just using almonds, suger, cinnamon and lemón rind.
Some forty people participate in these fairs, taking turns so that every week there is something different to see.  At http://www.amata.es/Javeasemanal.html you can see who is coming when and photographs of preceding weeks you can find at http://www.amata.es/JaveaSat15.html.
For more information (also in English) you can ring the organising association Amata at 639 979 678.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46648/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The participants in the weekly craft market in Jávea have decided to contiue after Easter.  From the beginning of January they built up their stalls in the square in fornt of the Post Office (Plaza Marina Alta) and although the amount of visitors has not been fantastic, it is quite clear that the fair is beginning to get a good name.  
More and more people come looking for something special, or just to enjoy the lively atmosphere, have a little something on one of the many terraces around the fair and visit the Old Town.
The old part of Jávea is in itself worth a visit.  To quote the web site http://www.xabia.org/:  ". . . we recommend a visit to the Church, Iglesia de San Bartolomé, from the 14th to 16th century, a splendid example of the Isabelline Gothic style; as well as the "Soler Blasco" Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum, the former Antonio Banyuls Palace, which allows you to explore the town's past. 
You cannot leave without buying our great local products in the Abastos Market . . . or take advantage of the numerous Tapas Bars which you will find in your route."
And now the craft fair offers you another good reason to go to Jávea.  Every Saturday morning between 10 and 15 craftsmen and women set up their stalls in the square in front of the Post Office near the old Town Centre (Plaza Marina Alta), to sell their pottery and ceramics, their lamps made of recycled wood or twisted wire, their wooden toys or hand painted T-shirts and bags, or their own designs in jewelry. 
Every stall offers something different, all original items that you won't find anywhere else.  And this Saturday (14 March) Tony will explain and show you how to make traditional "turrón" (nougat), just using almonds, suger, cinnamon and lemón rind.
Some forty people participate in these fairs, taking turns so that every week there is something different to see.  At http://www.amata.es/Javeasemanal.html you can see who is coming when and photographs of preceding weeks you can find at http://www.amata.es/JaveaSat15.html.
For more information (also in English) you can ring the organising association Amata at 639 979 678.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46648/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### THE NARRATIVE QUALITY ADVERTISING CAN SAVE THE PRINT MEDIA AND AVOID THEM DISAPPEARING

Jill Abramson, former director of the prestigious The New York Times said that "when I was elected, it was because of my ability to tell stories in depth".
She explained it in a lecture on the importance of narrative given in the Rafael del Pino Foundation in Madrid as part of the third edition of "Conversations with ..." a series of meetings organized by the Faculty of Journalism of the University of Navarra.
Throughout the conference, she explained that the ability to tell stories is now actually more valuable than ever. What has this to do with advertising? I am sure that both in Spain as in the United States, it is the same. Everyone talks about the native advertising, called "branding".
All such advertising is, in the final analysis, storytelling. It is advertising that does not seem advertising in the conventional sense but wants to look more like journalism. It is a more subtle advertising in the form in which the product is promoted. The success of such advertising has a lot to do with the ability of the storyteller.
My concern with this new type of advertising is when it lies, when the goal is to deceive the reader and there isn't a call to tell us that this is an advertising content.
What I have observed in The New York Times, so far, is that such advertising does not try to deceive and confuse the readers. It is clearly marked as advertising but is so well done that it almost seems information.
It's a new form of advertising that has become a multimillion dollar business in the United States, and I do not know if it is the case in Spain, but it will. And to succeed in this field you have to get there good storytellers and resourceful creative advertising professionals.
A week before I left The New York Times, Condé Nast Media Group announced that they would create a specific department dedicated to this new type of advertising and that they would dedicate some of their editors to be devoted to these ads because there was a huge demand for this new narrative advertising.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46645/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Jill Abramson, former director of the prestigious The New York Times said that "when I was elected, it was because of my ability to tell stories in depth".
She explained it in a lecture on the importance of narrative given in the Rafael del Pino Foundation in Madrid as part of the third edition of "Conversations with ..." a series of meetings organized by the Faculty of Journalism of the University of Navarra.
Throughout the conference, she explained that the ability to tell stories is now actually more valuable than ever. What has this to do with advertising? I am sure that both in Spain as in the United States, it is the same. Everyone talks about the native advertising, called "branding".
All such advertising is, in the final analysis, storytelling. It is advertising that does not seem advertising in the conventional sense but wants to look more like journalism. It is a more subtle advertising in the form in which the product is promoted. The success of such advertising has a lot to do with the ability of the storyteller.
My concern with this new type of advertising is when it lies, when the goal is to deceive the reader and there isn't a call to tell us that this is an advertising content.
What I have observed in The New York Times, so far, is that such advertising does not try to deceive and confuse the readers. It is clearly marked as advertising but is so well done that it almost seems information.
It's a new form of advertising that has become a multimillion dollar business in the United States, and I do not know if it is the case in Spain, but it will. And to succeed in this field you have to get there good storytellers and resourceful creative advertising professionals.
A week before I left The New York Times, Condé Nast Media Group announced that they would create a specific department dedicated to this new type of advertising and that they would dedicate some of their editors to be devoted to these ads because there was a huge demand for this new narrative advertising.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46645/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### THAT’S THE WAY THINGS ARE

There are words that touch us; abortion is certainly one of them. According to Diccionario de la Lengua Española, abortion is the interruption of pregnancy due to spontaneous or induced causes. 
The first ones are part of the natural dynamics of the human being and there is little we can do to prevent them. The second ones cause mixed reactions and no one can be indifferent to this. Even for the same concept we look for words that reduce the actual or emotional burden that this word causes, I mean the determination to use the term "voluntary interruption of pregnancy."
The core of the matter starts from a reality that today and from the scientific viewpoint nobody can dispute: the existence of human life from the moment of conception. It is true that this life is dependent on the mother, but no more dependent than is the newborn child from the care of his mother.
A new life starts when the sperm and egg join together. It only needs time to become a child, adult or old person but already has all the genetic and biochemical systems to reach its full development. The passage of time makes the rest.
Now came into force the new law on Sexual and Reproductive Health and the voluntary interruption of pregnancy in Spain. This enshrines the woman's right to abort until 14th week of gestation without more requirements or conditions. It is the free abortion up to the 14th week of gestation and the creation of an area of absolute impunity and autonomy for woman where is allowed to damage the main well of a person (life) in a violent and unpunished way.
The act also allows that girls aged 16 can abort with or without knowledge, if it causes to the minor a serious conflict-of one of her legal representatives.
We can make quite a lot of reflections about this law; now I will mention just a few:
The first one would be conceptual and linked to the fact that the World Health Organization uses the term abortion and specifies its different types and classes. It would seem reasonable to adopt its terminology; I mean abortion instead of the term "voluntary interruption of pregnancy."
The second one would be linked to the positive fact of the respect and protection that society and us give to the life and physical integrity of people: we are firm champions of torture abolition and death penalty, we do not understand how slavery could exist, we are terrified when remember the examples of mass genocide of races and sick people that Nazism practiced, etc.
If these achievements fill us with satisfaction why society does not care and defends in the same way the human life of the unborn? Do people who defend the respect for life only in some cases and not in others have a coherent thought?
Finally, the last thought is related to the shocking fact that a girl aged 16 and 17 can not vote in elections or drink alcohol in a bar, however she can, practically without the help and advice from anyone, abort. It is understood that in case of pregnancy she face an unforeseen and undesired situation and with a wide and important future impact that takes her to abort as another contraception method. It would seem reasonable that girl aged 16-17 is not deprived of the advice, support and help from parents.
They say that laws should be made to safeguard the common good, to make more just our society, to promote coexistence, to protect the rights of people but especially the weakest. Are you sure that this law protects the weakest? Does it make society more just and promotes the coexistence of all the Spanish?
Luis Ciprés Casasnovas
Independent Forum of Opinion    
http://indeforum.wordpress.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46644/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: There are words that touch us; abortion is certainly one of them. According to Diccionario de la Lengua Española, abortion is the interruption of pregnancy due to spontaneous or induced causes. 
The first ones are part of the natural dynamics of the human being and there is little we can do to prevent them. The second ones cause mixed reactions and no one can be indifferent to this. Even for the same concept we look for words that reduce the actual or emotional burden that this word causes, I mean the determination to use the term "voluntary interruption of pregnancy."
The core of the matter starts from a reality that today and from the scientific viewpoint nobody can dispute: the existence of human life from the moment of conception. It is true that this life is dependent on the mother, but no more dependent than is the newborn child from the care of his mother.
A new life starts when the sperm and egg join together. It only needs time to become a child, adult or old person but already has all the genetic and biochemical systems to reach its full development. The passage of time makes the rest.
Now came into force the new law on Sexual and Reproductive Health and the voluntary interruption of pregnancy in Spain. This enshrines the woman's right to abort until 14th week of gestation without more requirements or conditions. It is the free abortion up to the 14th week of gestation and the creation of an area of absolute impunity and autonomy for woman where is allowed to damage the main well of a person (life) in a violent and unpunished way.
The act also allows that girls aged 16 can abort with or without knowledge, if it causes to the minor a serious conflict-of one of her legal representatives.
We can make quite a lot of reflections about this law; now I will mention just a few:
The first one would be conceptual and linked to the fact that the World Health Organization uses the term abortion and specifies its different types and classes. It would seem reasonable to adopt its terminology; I mean abortion instead of the term "voluntary interruption of pregnancy."
The second one would be linked to the positive fact of the respect and protection that society and us give to the life and physical integrity of people: we are firm champions of torture abolition and death penalty, we do not understand how slavery could exist, we are terrified when remember the examples of mass genocide of races and sick people that Nazism practiced, etc.
If these achievements fill us with satisfaction why society does not care and defends in the same way the human life of the unborn? Do people who defend the respect for life only in some cases and not in others have a coherent thought?
Finally, the last thought is related to the shocking fact that a girl aged 16 and 17 can not vote in elections or drink alcohol in a bar, however she can, practically without the help and advice from anyone, abort. It is understood that in case of pregnancy she face an unforeseen and undesired situation and with a wide and important future impact that takes her to abort as another contraception method. It would seem reasonable that girl aged 16-17 is not deprived of the advice, support and help from parents.
They say that laws should be made to safeguard the common good, to make more just our society, to promote coexistence, to protect the rights of people but especially the weakest. Are you sure that this law protects the weakest? Does it make society more just and promotes the coexistence of all the Spanish?
Luis Ciprés Casasnovas
Independent Forum of Opinion    http://indeforum.wordpress.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46644/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### EDITION 559 OF THE COSTA BLANCA LEADER NEWSPAPER

Welcome to the current edition of the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Newspaper. 
 
 


Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46640/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Welcome to the current edition of the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida Newspaper. 
 
 


Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46640/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property ...

### SAN JAVIER AWARDED AS THE BEST SMALL AIRPORT IN EUROPE

By Jorge Mascot
The Airports Council International awarded San Javier airport a prize as the best European airport with fewer than 2 million passengers per year. The information was published in LaVerdad, where they interviewed the Murcia-San Javier airport director, Mr. Pedro Vicente Gallut.
This distinction has been received just as Aena, the Government of Spain and the local Government are in talks for the closure of San Javier to open Corvera.
It is surprising that San Javier continues to lose passengers and airlines despite the excellence of their services. Also, it is difficult to understand why Alicante keeps gaining travelers in the same area in spite of the fact that the prices in San Javier are cheaper. Mr. Gallut stuck to his capacities and referred back to Aena's version: “the airlines decide where they want to fly to, despite the marketing team“. A
part from the financial crisis, there isn't any other official explanation for the fact that San Javier lost nearly half of the users they used to have. However, the airport director thinks that this decrease has slowed down. <
> said Mr. Gallut, who has been in charge of the airport since May 2013.

The transfer to Corvera
It is taboo to talk about the San Javier closure or about Corvera. The works council is mobilised to impede the closure and they refuse moving into Corvera. In the meantime, another piece in LaVerdad informs that Murcia's Government and Aena expect to sign an agreement within a month. This agreement would mean the end of commercial flights in San Javier to give way to Corvera. Aena is determined to go ahead and are even interested in bidding for Corvera.
The plan is that the employees who are willing to move into the new airport keep the same working conditions. They will give them the possibility of working in Corvera and want this clause to be included in the tender. However, a date has not been fixed for this tender yet. According to this article, the president of Murcia, Alberto Garre said that Aeromur – the company owned by Sacyr which had the license to manage Corvera – is causing problems regarding providing Corvera's inventory in order to define the terms and conditions of the tender. Two requirements have been sent for this purpose, but nothing has been received so far. In the opinion of Murcia's Government, it will not be possible to open Corvera this year because of these problems and they are considering going to courts.
Six companies are interested in the management of Corvera
Despite the difficulties Sacyr is causing, sources of the local Government say that there are six companies interested in the contract for the management. LaOpinionDeMurcia informs that there are six companies which have shown interest for the airport. Among them are Aena, Ferrovial and Lavalin. The autonomous community and the Ministry of Development are considering a period of between two and six months for the closure of San Javier. This period of time will start counting when Corvera is operational, but the problem is that there is no date for such purpose so far.
With thanks to www.flightconsulting.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46639/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: By Jorge Mascot
The Airports Council International awarded San Javier airport a prize as the best European airport with fewer than 2 million passengers per year. The information was published in LaVerdad, where they interviewed the Murcia-San Javier a...

### NEW START AS PODEMOS MOVE UP A GEAR

Podemos (‘We can') was founded just over a year ago with pretensions of breaking the two-party domination in Spanish politics. In Orihuela the Party's arrival has been a little more recent with local Secretary General, Vicente Mateo, only taking up office a little over 6 weeks ago. 
But now, with only a matter of weeks to the Local Elections, he is moving forward and beginning the urgent process of recruiting a pool of canvassers and voters in order to contest  the May ballot under the name “Queremos Orihuela”  (We Orihuela).
To create a pool of voters the party is required to submit a list of 1500 names  of  Orihuela citizens who are registered on the municipal electoral roll, which must be authenticated by a notary or by the Secretary of the Municipal Corporation.
Mateo said that "this initiative is necessary and will enable the party to build the tools to put back the institutions which will serve the people in the common good, participation, transparency, regeneration and change"
If you want to participate in this joint project, Podemos Orihuela has prepared a document that can be accessed at:
docs.google.com/forms/d/1FMYuf97hwe4irYZzGrrvnOskbMwJmPiieDoaPBz0/viewform.
Those interested can submit their data and in so doing contribute to a new start for the City and region of Orihuela.
There will also be part members canvassing over the coming days and weekends on the streets of Orihuela  and the Orihuela Costa, as well as at the Party headquarters 
With the union of people
Podemos OrihuelaFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46638/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Podemos (‘We can') was founded just over a year ago with pretensions of breaking the two-party domination in Spanish politics. In Orihuela the Party's arrival has been a little more recent with local Secretary General, Vicente Mateo, only taking up office a little over 6 weeks ago. 
But now, with only a matter of weeks to the Local Elections, he is moving forward and beginning the urgent process of recruiting a pool of canvassers and voters in order to contest  the May ballot under the name “Queremos Orihuela”  (We Orihuela).
To create a pool of voters the party is required to submit a list of 1500 names  of  Orihuela citizens who are registered on the municipal electoral roll, which must be authenticated by a notary or by the Secretary of the Municipal Corporation.
Mateo said that "this initiative is necessary and will enable the party to build the tools to put back the institutions which will serve the people in the common good, participation, transparency, regeneration and change"
If you want to participate in this joint project, Podemos Orihuela has prepared a document that can be accessed at:
docs.google.com/forms/d/1FMYuf97hwe4irYZzGrrvnOskbMwJmPiieDoaPBz0/viewform.
Those interested can submit their data and in so doing contribute to a new start for the City and region of Orihuela.
There will also be part members canvassing over the coming days and weekends on the streets of Orihuela  and the Orihuela Costa, as well as at the Party headquarters 
With the union of people
Podemos OrihuelaFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46638/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### UNEMPLOYMENT NOW THE MAJOR CONCERN IN SPAIN

The barómetro del CIS, a National Opinion Poll conducted by the Madrid Centre for Social Studies, shows that unemployment remains the problem for 78.6% of Spaniards, a slight decrease from 79.4% in January 2015
However the concern of Spaniards regarding corruption in the country seems to have dropped back,  falling by 15 points in the February poll released last week.
Corruption, though, remains the second most concern for 48.5% of citizens, just behind unemployment, but the figures are vastly reduced from those polled  last November and December, when they reached 63.8% and 60% respectively.
Unemployment now remains the foremost worry for 78.6% of Spaniards, a slight decrease from 79.4% in January 2015. In third and fourth place are the economy (24.9%) and politicians and the government (22.9).  Both of these concerns have also decreased, having previously ranged between 30-35% in the last year.
Health is another major concern for 12.1% of Spaniards, with a monthly rise in February of two points, whilst education worries, at 9.5%, show an increase of nearly 2.5 points. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46637/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The barómetro del CIS, a National Opinion Poll conducted by the Madrid Centre for Social Studies, shows that unemployment remains the problem for 78.6% of Spaniards, a slight decrease from 79.4% in January 2015
However the concern of Spaniards ...

### TRAFFIC SLOWS UP CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Children who attend schools in heavily trafficked areas show a lower cognitive development according to a new study led by researchers from CREAL.
Many schools are located in close to busy streets, with traffic air pollution which peaks while children are at school. The research, part of the BREATHE project, was to evaluate the relationship between long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollutants at school and cognitive development measurements in primary school children.
"We have found that children attending highly contaminated schools had lower growth in cognitive development than children in schools less polluted. In this sense, children who attend schools with high levels of pollution, both in the classroom and on the playground experienced less growth of cognitive functions essential for learning, the 7% against 11%.
These results were confirmed using direct measurements of traffic related pollutants at schools. This can have consequences on school performance and behavior”, explains Jordi Sunyer, principal investigator of the study.
The researchers from CREAL, an ISGlobal alliance research centre, developed a prospective study, from January 2012 to March 2013, of 2,897 children, aged seven to ten years, from 39 schools in Barcelona and Sant Cugat exposed to high and low traffic-related air pollution. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46636/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Children who attend schools in heavily trafficked areas show a lower cognitive development according to a new study led by researchers from CREAL.
Many schools are located in close to busy streets, with traffic air pollution which peaks while children are at school. The research, part of the BREATHE project, was to evaluate the relationship between long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollutants at school and cognitive development measurements in primary school children.
"We have found that children attending highly contaminated schools had lower growth in cognitive development than children in schools less polluted. In this sense, children who attend schools with high levels of pollution, both in the classroom and on the playground experienced less growth of cognitive functions essential for learning, the 7% against 11%.
These results were confirmed using direct measurements of traffic related pollutants at schools. This can have consequences on school performance and behavior”, explains Jordi Sunyer, principal investigator of the study.
The researchers from CREAL, an ISGlobal alliance research centre, developed a prospective study, from January 2012 to March 2013, of 2,897 children, aged seven to ten years, from 39 schools in Barcelona and Sant Cugat exposed to high and low traffic-related air pollution. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46636/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ALICANTE ARREST IN EU IVA FRAUD

The Civil Guard has dismantled an organization responsible for IVA fraud of over 150 million euros of in several European Union (EU) countries resulting in five detainees in Spain including one in Alicante.
Operation Vertigo was developed in coordination with the German and Dutch police authorities and with the support of Eurojust and Europol, and according to the Guardia Civil has resulted on raids in five homes in Alicante, Malaga and Mallorca.
The operation has involved twelve countries, including nine member states of the EU and currently accounts for nine detainees in total.
Apart from Spain, those that contributed in the investigation included the Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg and Ukraine.
Of the totals, fraud against the German Government has amounted to one hundred million euros, while the Netherlands Government has been defrauded by at least thirty million, the Czech Republic and Poland more than ten million each.
The network used alternative banking platforms in which people or companies create money managers by using virtual accounts to manage other people's money so you can transfer funds from criminal activity and by money laundering.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46635/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Civil Guard has dismantled an organization responsible for IVA fraud of over 150 million euros of in several European Union (EU) countries resulting in five detainees in Spain including one in Alicante.
Operation Vertigo was developed in coordinat...

### COMMITTED TO THE CONSERVATION OF SEA TURTLES

All boat owners in Torrevieja should now be in receipt of Publicity material telling them of the protocols they should follow if they come across distressed Sea turtles in the region. This is the result of an initiative currently being implemented by Torrevieja Marinas and the Yacht Club in conjunction with the Ministry of the Environment.
The Torrevieja authorities currently manage over 2,000 berths for boats and recreational sports in the area, which tends to increase during the spring and summer, the months which also the highest concentration of sea turtles off the coast.
While the incidences of  capturing sea turtles by recreational fishermen is extremely rare, it is common for casual sailors to find loggerheads with problems when prompt action can mean the difference between life and death for these endangered animals.
It is always the case that Sea turtles encountering difficulties at sea or those accidentally caught in nets, should always be handed over to the authorities said a spokesman since they may be suffering from some kind of illness or disease which may not be visible to the naked eye (intestinal obstruction, infection, gas emboli) that could well require veterinary care or assessment. As such those coming into contact are always advised to dial 112.
Of the 10 loggerhead turtles recovered alive in Torrevieja since 2006, seven were rescued and passed onto the authorities.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46634/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: All boat owners in Torrevieja should now be in receipt of Publicity material telling them of the protocols they should follow if they come across distressed Sea turtles in the region. This is the result of an initiative currently being implemented by T...

### WINE AND SEX IN THE CANARY ISLANDS

It may seem an unlikely story, but the relatively recent popularity of wines from the Canary Islands came about as a result of 'Wine and Sex' parties organised by a local entrepreneur, who seemed to have an obsession, or fascination, with Tuppersex parties, which are based upon the highly successful concept of Tupperware parties. Instead of those delightful, sealable, plastic boxes, it was sex toys that were on offer. This operation seemed ideal for the introduction
of a heady mix of sex toys and Canarian wines to titivate those with money and nothing better to do, which many experts say was the start of the boom in wines from the Canary Islands.
At first sight, the Canary Islands seem an unlikely source for some of the excellent wines produced today, since it is the most tropical of wine regions in Europe.   Those who doubt the success of these wines should remember that back in the 15th century, sweet wines from the Canary Islands were hugely popular, both in the UK and Germany. Indeed, Shakespeare had a thing or two to say about this sweet wine, then called Malmsey, in his plays; for example, in ‘Twelfth Night' and ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor'. For five hundred years, the archipelago has cultivated grape vines that are unique, thanks to a rootstock that is ungrafted. Since the islands are relatively isolated, a ravenous aphid called phylloxera that destroyed most grapevines in Europe in the 19th Century, has never taken hold. Most European vines are now grown onto American rootstocks to provide immunity, whilst vines in the Canary Islands are from ungrafted rootstock, which makes all the difference to the flavour of the wine.
Nowadays, most of the islands' wine is drunk by its vast numbers of tourists, as well as the locals. However, some wine continues to be exported, particularly to the USA, where it is regarded very much as a wine for the connoisseur. Most of the islands' wine production comes from Lanzarote and Tenerife, but with an increasing output from the islands of Gran Canaria, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma.
It is true that some of the islands are too hot and humid for the growing of grapes, but each of the islands have their own micro climates and individual typology that makes the growing of wine not only possible, but successful. Vineyards based within a lunar like terrain, such as on the island of Lanzarote, or small stone terraced vineyards at high altitudes, together with volcanic soil adds to the flavour of the islands' aromatic wines.
Not all attempts at producing wines have been successful. One enterprising vineyard, for instance, began to produce a sparkling wine in response to local demand. It was a banana-based wine, and a logical step since many bananas are grown on the islands.
Sadly, this imaginative project came to an abrupt end, because many bottles started to explode as a result of on-going fermentation.
I visit each of the Canary Islands in turn each year and make a point of trying at least one of the local wines; I have yet to be disappointed. So, if on holiday in the Canary Islands, do add a little uniqueness to your holiday. Instead of ordering that usual bottle of Rioja, do be a little more adventurous and try a bottle of wine produced in the Canary Islands; you won't regret it, but don't feel obliged to join in with the sex parties, unless you really want to!
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46633/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: It may seem an unlikely story, but the relatively recent popularity of wines from the Canary Islands came about as a result of 'Wine and Sex' parties organised by a local entrepreneur, who seemed to have an obsession, or fascination, with Tuppersex par...

### IRISH LOTTO RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW SATURDAY 07 MARCH 2015

The Irish Lotto replaced the Irish Hospital Sweepstakes in 1988. The jackpot is never lower than €2,000,000.00 and it quite often exceeds €5,000,000.00. In the past, the Irish Lottery jackpot has risen to €10,000,000 and more! The Irish Lotto draw takes place every Wednesday and Saturday night and it is televised on national TV (RTE).
Here are the the latest Irish Lotto results.

UK National Lottery Results

IRISH LOTTO LOTTERY RESULTS
The results and winning numbers for the Irish Lotto on Saturday, 07 March 2015, were:
Irish Lotto Results: processing... (Bonus Ball)
Next Irish Lottery Draw: 11 March 2015
Next Estimate Irish Lotto Jackpot: € processing...
Buy Irish Lotto Lottery Tickets | Join Irish Lotto Lottery Syndicate

ABOUT THE IRISH LOTTO
To win the Irish Lotto jackpot, a player must match the first six numbers drawn (1 to 45). A seventh number is also drawn in Irish Lotto and it is called the 'bonus' number.
Although people tend to pick their own lucky Irish lotto numbers, a 'quick pick' option is available which instructs the Lotto computer to select the player's Irish lotto numbers.
The Irish National Lottery pays in excess of 50% of its funds in prize money. The balance is used to fund projects in Ireland in the areas of health, sport, recreation, arts, culture and national heritage, including the Irish language. A player does not have to live in Ireland to play and can buy Irish Lotto tickets online.
All Irish Lottery prizes are tax-free and are paid out in one lump sum, usually within 48 hours of the draw.
WAYS TO PLAY THE IRISH LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the Irish Lotto lottery. Irish Lotto players can either buy Irish Lotto lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join an Irish Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY IRISH LOTTO LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy Irish Lotto lottery tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!
JOIN AN IRISH LOTTO LOTTERY SYNDICATE
We have teamed up with a lottery management company to create our very own Irish Lotto lottery syndicate. The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Irish Lotto lottery jackpot! Playing as part of the Leader Irish Lotto lottery syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the Irish Lotto lottery jackpot
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - share 40 Irish Lotto entries for just 1 pound!
4.) CONVENIENCE - never forget to buy a Irish Lotto ticket and play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!

Play the smarter way and improve your chances of winning a share of the Irish Lotto jackpot!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46625/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Irish Lotto replaced the Irish Hospital Sweepstakes in 1988. The jackpot is never lower than €2,000,000.00 and it quite often exceeds €5,000,000.00. In the past, the Irish Lottery jackpot has risen to €10,000,000 and more! The Irish ...

### UK NATIONAL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 2004, SATURDAY 07 MARCH 2015

The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: processing... (Bonus Ball)
Next UK Lotto Draw: 11 March 2015
Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ processing...
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46624/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: processing... (Bonus Ball)Next UK Lotto Draw: 11 March 2015Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ processing...
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46624/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### EURONICS DARTS LEAGUE - PAIRS KO CUP QUALIFIERS 5 MARCH 15

Hub  - Nick Spicer And John Eyres - Hub Hyenas. Porter House - Paul Dowington And Peter O´Rourke - Busters. Evolution - Mike Smith And Del Lister - Breakaways. Breakaways - Brett Badlove And Stuart Clark - Que Pasa Eagles
Four qualifiers to compete in semi-finals on 30th April
Four pairs now remain after this week´s qualifiers and not a bad four at that.  Biggest surprise is no Pat Abrams and Lee Maiden who went out in a bit of a whimper to the eventual qualifier at Evolution Mike Smith and Del Lister. 
Another fancied duo Mark Filer and Ray Harvey also crashed out first round to Simon Williams and Shaun Smith.  The fancied team of Nick Spicer and John Eyre qualified dropping just the one leg in three matches and barring broken bones will be favourites at the semis. 
I mentioned Smith and Lister last week as a pair to watch out for and sure enough they qualified.  My prediction of the in-form Smith doing all the work, was totally wrong as Lister took five of the six doubles in a nice display of arrow throwing. 
I am not surprised Paul Dowington and Peter O´Rourke will be competing in the semis, both can play a bit, they are a team the other three will be hoping to avoid.  The Breakaways venue was the most difficult to predict, but victors Brett Badlove and Stuart Clark will give a good account of themselves come semis time. 
Clark can raise his game when necessary, but more importantly his game has been very consistent this term.  Badlove needs to support his partner with steady scoring and the odd double.  They will be the outsiders on the night, but don't dismiss them.
Down at the Hub venue all three Hyenas pairs entries were coincidentally drawn at home.  It definitely gives a side the best opportunity of a representative in the semis.  In fact two of the three played each other in the final, more of that later. 
The fancied team of Mark Filer and Ray Harvey (Busters) faced Simon Williams and Shaun Smith in the first, Filer taking first blood on D2 and opening with a 140 in the next. 
Williams levelled on D12 to set up the decider, which also went Hyenas way, Smith D4 obliging with the honours.  Nick Spicer and John Eyre made short work of Alan Strong and Sarah Simpson, Eyre scoring 2x100, 81 and the first double, D4, Spicer 100 and the winning D16. 
Jaguars Wendy Hayward and Pat Schofield gave a good account of themselves in the first round winning two of three playing Keith King and Mike Jones.  Hayward 127, 116 and 3 additional 80+ as well as D4 doing the damage, Schofield taking the first double.  King nailed the middle leg on D19 but to no avail the Jaguars taking the winning leg. 
Williams and Smith couldn't find their earlier rhythm when taking on fellow Hyenas Joe Miller and Joe Hawkins.  Even though Smith found a maximum and a ton in the second leg, Miller 2x100 and Hawkins D8 made it 2 zip for further progress.  More Hyenas followed in the portly shapes of Spicer and Eyre, this time facing the Jaguar girls of Schofield and Hayward. 
Three tons from the striped ones, including a 140 from Eyre plus D20, left the girls a little shell shocked, but they picked themselves up in the second with some good scoring but not enough as Eyre made it 2-0 on D10 and with it the pleasure of playing Hawkins and Miller in the final.  Hawkins 100 and Miller 100 made a steady start with the throw, but Spicer 2x140, 100 and D8 broke their opponents throw and look likely to make it 2-0 with Spicer hitting 2 more tons. 
Miller came to the rescue with some heavy scoring, partner Hawkins taking out 72 for all square.  Miller continued bombarding the T20, but Eyre 121, 100 and Spicer 121 and a bull finish ended the game with a 2-1 score line.
At Evolution, both Meerkats pairs were despatched with relative ease, to accompany the other two Kats teams failing to proceed to the semis.  Pat Abrams and Lee Maiden, many observers´ favourites, looked far from that as they succumbed to a pretty good show from Mike Smith and Del Lister. 
The latter nailed the first on D16 after 121s from each player, Maiden also securing a 121.  Abrams recorded his only ton in the second leg, Smith 85, 100, Lister 120 and D7 for a 2-0 score line.  Another pair of Kats followed in the shape of Alex Nikolov and Paul Durrant, the former taking the first on D20 after a ton.  Opponents Peter Ayres 140 and Brian Nash D12 making it all square. 
A mundane match livened up in the third, Durrant 85, 122 and Ayres 85 and a tasty 138 to leave 40 gave the match a real edge.  Nikolov left 36 which Durrant missed leaving Nash to use one dart for D20 and victory.  Newcomers to the league Matt Jackson and Debbie Metcalfe (Porter House) acquitted themselves well, the former 81 and 118, Metcalfe a nice 140 against the Breakaways duo of Ivan Jones and Mike Snow. 
Whilst doubles eluded the Porters pair, that wasn't the case for Jones 100,D10 and Snow 140 and D8 for the game.  Smith and Lister figured next to take on Alan Preston and Chris Miles.  Lister´s 103 out (S5,T19,D20) made it 1-0, followed by a ton from Smith and then a 121 from Lister plus D2 for the match. 
Ayres and Nash seemed to have the better of Jones and Snow in the next game, Nash taking out D20 after 3x80+ scores.  An 81 and 125 from Ayres looked good enough to win, but Jones recorded an 85 and 105 to give Snow the opportunity of taking out D15 to level. 
A ton from Ayres and a 140 from Nash gave the Porters a massive lead which they failed to convert into a double.  Snow took his advantage to hit D8 for 1-2. The winners now played the Breakaways pair for a finals night place.  Jones won the bull, the pair kicking off with 4 80+ scores, Smith replying with a 98 and a tasty 129 to leave partner Lister the simple task of taking out S5,D20 for the lead. Snowy bust 114 in the second leg allowing Smith to finish D5 for 2-0.
Meerkat captain and league vice chairman Del Kingsbury partnered Graham Todd this term easing their way through two rounds before facing the Busters duo of Paul Dowington and Peter O´Rourke.  A comfortable 2-0 victory over Kay and Brian Hobbis was followed by overhauling Gilly and Terry Kirby 2-1.  Gilly did all the work in the first leg, not only hitting the scores but D16 as well. 
Kingsbury livened up with 95,100,100 plus D8 and D10 for a place in the Porter House final.  Dowington and O´Rourke suffered some double trouble but came from behind to take out Jon Peters and Jak Doggatt, the latter taking the first on D2 and then opening with 136 in the second. 
Dowington´s response was emphatic 80,81,95,92 for O´Rourke to level on D4.  Peters opened up his shoulders in the decider with 81,121, however Dowington was his equal to set up O´Rourke to complete the match on D2.  Their next opponents, Alan Ostrowski and Danas Bobinas played better than the 0-2 score line suggests both hitting numerous 80+ scores. 
However all players suffered with double trouble, culminating in the Busters team finding D1 twice for victory.  Kingsbury and Todd failed to capitalise with the throw in the first of the final, Dowington 100 taking out D18.  A 95,140 and D4 from Kingsbury levelled the match, the Kats captain now in his stride recording 95,81,95 in the decider.  O´Rourke´s 81 and ton just enough to gain first poke at the double, resulting in D9 for 2-1.
Brett Badlove and Stuart Clark came through the Breakaways venue without dropping a leg, both players sharing scoring and double responsibilities.  Their first opponents Sonya Cooper and Leah Chesworth put up a good fight, Chesworth recording 81, 140, Cooper 95,100, but the Que Pasa licensee Badlove took the first and opened with 125 in the second for Clark to finish the game on D8. 
The victors faced Sid Cross and Yvonne Rouffignac in the semi who had earlier despatched George and Taylor Caine 2-0, the Porters sharing the doubles, Cross managing 81,81,81,100.  Cross however had trouble in maintaining his form, Rouffignac doing a little better, but not enough as the Eagles converted some great scoring into winning doubles. 
Meanwhile Tracey Simpson and Simone de Lacy had disposed of Karl Mallinson and Tony Woods 2-1, de Lacy finding both doubles.  Woods taking the middle leg on D16.  Their next opponents proved tougher Karl Cooper and John Ashworth. 
The former finished D16 to go 1 up, de Lacy 138, 85, 82 and D3 for D19 then D16 to level plus D5 for the match.  The Jaguars couldn't repeat their semi final efforts and went down 2-0, Clark taking out both doubles D16, D8 plus a ton and 3x80+ scores.
Triples KO this week at Que Pasa, Busters, Ale House and Sporting Life, no predictions this week but four great teams will certainly triumph.
Finishing School
Question:  How do you finish 103
Answer: I always tell players to go for their regular T20 on a ton plus out as they are more likely to hit T20 than for example T17.  However in this case a miss into S1 leaving 102 means you cannot finish in two darts.  Therefore T19 is recommended first dart as a miss means you can still finish in two. 
Question: Should you ever consider a two double finish with two darts in your hand?Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46623/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Hub  - Nick Spicer And John Eyres - Hub Hyenas. Porter House - Paul Dowington And Peter O´Rourke - Busters. Evolution - Mike Smith And Del Lister - Breakaways. Breakaways - Brett Badlove And Stuart Clark - Que Pasa Eagles
Four qualifiers to comp...

### NEW PRESIDENT FOR SAMARITANS IN SPAIN.

Eddie Purcell has now been appointed as the new President of Samaritans in Spain.
Ed moved here in 2006, and then worked for the UK Border Agency on a part time basis until 2013 His background covers varied business and voluntary sector interests, including the police force, restaurants and retailing, human resources and  security.
He served as a local councillor and justice of the peace in UK, and then with the Spanish Cruz Roja, and Protección Civil, where he currently still volunteers.
Says Ed: “I am delighted to be taking over the role from the outgoing President Chris Sumter with whom I worked for the past couple of years as a member of  the Board of Trustees.
Although exciting in terms of facing the challenges ahead, it is also with some trepidation, as Chris will be a very hard act to follow!. Her passion, dedication, strategy, tenacity, and vision, led to the success of our organisation, and the stable platform we stand on today, now enabling us to expand confidently into the future”.
We have a fantastic team of volunteers and are always pleased to hear from potential new members. 
If you are interested in becoming a listener to offer confidential telephone support to people in need, or work in the charity shop, become involved in our awareness campaign or fundraising please visit www.samaritansinmspain.com and for latest updates please follow us on FacebookFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46618/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Eddie Purcell has now been appointed as the new President of Samaritans in Spain.
Ed moved here in 2006, and then worked for the UK Border Agency on a part time basis until 2013 His background covers varied business and voluntary sector interests, inc...

### TRAFFIC BROUGHT TO SOPT IN ALICANTE

Drivers travelling through Alicante's polígono industrial de Ibi couldn't believe their eyes as they came across a new roadsign on Tuesday.
Blamed on Council staff, the road junction had been repainted ‘SOPT' when it should actually have said ‘STOP?.
The mistake lasted only a few hours however by which time the council workmen had returned to correct their errorFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46617/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Drivers travelling through Alicante's polígono industrial de Ibi couldn't believe their eyes as they came across a new roadsign on Tuesday.
Blamed on Council staff, the road junction had been repainted ‘SOPT' when it should actually have ...

### SUMMERS "CONVOY OF HAPPINESS 2015"

Saturday 28th of March at 1pm will see a will see the start of a charity auction at Summers Bar in El Galan of all sorts of things, from laptops, flat screen tv´s, kitchen items, games, clothes, children's toys plus lots more, all with the intention of raising money for the "Convoy Of Happiness 2015", 
Funds raised will take the children from Elche Childrens Home on a day trip to remember at Terra Mitica Theme Park in Benidorm!!
The organisers are still looking for just about ANYTHING that you can donate for this excellent cause so why not clear out those cupboards, gather all the items you will never use again and let them be converted into cash to fund the trip
Any  items must be clean, in working order and in good general condition but you should note that  all of the money raised from the sale of your items will be donated to the charity, you will not receive any payment for the items donated.
Simply drop your items into the bar asap then pop along and grab yourself a bargain on the 28th!!
There will also be a bouncy castle on the day to keep the kids entertained and hopefully one or two acts to round the afternoon off.
Call 865 77 44 32 for more information and thanks in advance for your generosity!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46616/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Saturday 28th of March at 1pm will see a will see the start of a charity auction at Summers Bar in El Galan of all sorts of things, from laptops, flat screen tv´s, kitchen items, games, clothes, children's toys plus lots more, all with the intention of raising money for the "Convoy Of Happiness 2015", 
Funds raised will take the children from Elche Childrens Home on a day trip to remember at Terra Mitica Theme Park in Benidorm!!
The organisers are still looking for just about ANYTHING that you can donate for this excellent cause so why not clear out those cupboards, gather all the items you will never use again and let them be converted into cash to fund the trip
Any  items must be clean, in working order and in good general condition but you should note that  all of the money raised from the sale of your items will be donated to the charity, you will not receive any payment for the items donated.
Simply drop your items into the bar asap then pop along and grab yourself a bargain on the 28th!!
There will also be a bouncy castle on the day to keep the kids entertained and hopefully one or two acts to round the afternoon off.
Call 865 77 44 32 for more information and thanks in advance for your generosity!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46616/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### ORIHUELA MAYOR RETURNS TO THE HELM

The Mayor of Orihuela Monserrate Guillén of the Los Verdes green party, has returned to lead the municipality this week after months off sick following serious heart surgery.
In his first public address on Wednesday, he thanked the acting mayor, Antonio Zaplana of the PSOE, who has now been relieved of his duty as “accidental mayor” to return to his normal role within government. He also thanked everybody who had sent best wishes and the “numerous expressions of affection” he had received.
Guillén then explained how he had attempted to return to work on a number of occasions, but decided to heed the advice of his doctors and wait until they approved his return to the theatre of politics in Orihuela.
Now rested and clearly keen to make the most of his remaining time in office, Guillén has already said that he will not be contesting the next elections, he highlighted some of the problems that are still waiting resolution, which he hopes to conclude before leaving office.
Amongst those important matters are the ongoing subject of waste disposal, the connected and infamous Brugal case and the illegal waste dumps, including at La Murada, where “We have three months to get these residues removed, thus ensuring the health of the citizens”.
Guillén  also made it clear that when he “took the rod of command”, apart from solving the problem of the waste service, he had said that he would “clean Orihuela after it had become a corrupt local institution” and added “not without some satisfaction” that the expulsion of “almost all of the corrupt members of the PP” is a satisfactory conclusion to that end, as it was “one of my dreams, to see a decent and clean Orihuela”, and that although “I think a lot remains to be done, there have been important first steps”, and for that he is “calm and satisfied”.
Guillén went on to apologise to the people who put their trust in the “first progressive government in 25 years” and who may have been defrauded. He has attributed these failures to an “even more shabby” situation that they imagined before reaching the government, highlighting a debt of 65 million euro, which “has been reduced to 43 million in three years”, and has led to a recognition of fiscal stability and payments to suppliers “that we had to accommodate to save the difficult economic situation of the City that was left by the government of Mónica Lorente,who “forced the council to divert economic efforts we wanted to make” for the city infrastructure, but especially for the districts and the coast.
Concluding to criticise the Partido Popular for having dedicated their time to “disrupt the honest and honorable work of the government I lead”, in a situation that is also marred by the CLR, “a broken party that has failed to accept that we won them the game”.
Finally, Guillén took to Facebook to thank everybody on social networks for their support, saying, “Today I returned to work in the town hall”, and assuring his followers that “During these three months left until the end of the mandate, I hope to be able to conclude some of the issues that are still pending, and, as such, leaving my position as mayor with some satisfaction”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46597/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Mayor of Orihuela Monserrate Guillén of the Los Verdes green party, has returned to lead the municipality this week after months off sick following serious heart surgery.
In his first public address on Wednesday, he thanked the acting mayo...

### UNIQUE JOB PROSPECTS IN BENIDORM ANIMAL PARK

A hundred jobs are on offer at a new holiday resort set to open in Benidorm, where guests are surrounded by lions and tigers and bears. Okay, maybe not bears, but certainly other forms of wildlife.
Ten million euro has been invested in creating the Magic Natura Animal resort in the grounds of the already popular animal park, Terra Natura.
With 250 Balinese-style cabins available for guests on the 6,000 square metre plot of land, the resort is set to open in April and remain open through the summer until October. There will also be bars and restaurants in the complex, as well as the opportunity to enjoy the wildlife that already reside in the animal park.
Staying at the complex will also include admission to the park, as well as guided safaris, day and night, as well as access to the adjoining water park.
The first resort of its kind is now looking to hire staff who live in the Benidorm and surrounding areas, and have a good command of English. 
Applications are welcome until the 1st of May, and can be submitted to the email address, bolsadetrabajo@hoteles-costablanca.com
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46596/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A hundred jobs are on offer at a new holiday resort set to open in Benidorm, where guests are surrounded by lions and tigers and bears. Okay, maybe not bears, but certainly other forms of wildlife.
Ten million euro has been invested in creating the M...

### ORIHUELA JOINS EARTH HOUR

Orihuela city will be joining in with the global phenomenon known as Earth Hour this year, making a gesture towards highlighting the need to raise awareness of the fragility of the planet and combat global warming.
Earth Hour began in 2007, in an initiative that saw the lights go out on the 28th of March; the event which is organised through the WWF has continued to grow ever since. 
At 8:30 pm local time, wherever you are in the world, the idea is to switch off your lights, and in fact any electrical items that you can, leaving them off for the full hour.
As the wave of darkness sweeps across the globe, it highlights how over consumption of energy is leading to irreversible damage.
With key buildings around the world being plunged into darkness, for many businesses in city skyscrapers or for many government buildings, the lights are turned off at the end of the business day the Friday before Earth Hour. So Earth Hour is more of a fade-out in some ways than a black out.
This year, in Orihuela, the government has pledged to turn off the lights on the outside of the town hall, and the iglesia de las Santas Justa y Rufina.
As part of the global WWF initiative, you too can get involved, simply by switching off your lights for an hour on the 28th of March at 8:30pm, or by getting more actively involved through one of the many events and schemes around the world.
For more details, visit www.earthhour.org.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46594/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Orihuela city will be joining in with the global phenomenon known as Earth Hour this year, making a gesture towards highlighting the need to raise awareness of the fragility of the planet and combat global warming.
Earth Hour began in 2007, in an ini...

### ORIHUELA PP STILL FRAGMENTED

The provincial Partido Popular group in Alicante are working to ensure the expulsion of the six members of the local PP in Orihuela who refused to vote in an anti corruption motion.
The provincial secretary of the PP, José Juan Zaplana, has confirmed that the party has been in contact with the city clerk in Orihuela to confirm the documentation required to ensure that the six are no longer representing the PP in the opposition of Orihuela, and is currently processing the required certificates to confirm their lack of status within the PP.
The six members, Pepa Ferrando, David Costa, Victor Bernabéu, Encarna Ortuño, José Antonio Aniorte and Araceli Vilella, were expelled by the PP in February, but they remained representing the group in the last plenary meeting.
Meanwhile, in a press release, Ferrando has criticized the provincial body, and claimed how they are making hundreds of people of Orihuela “casualties” of a “war” against the executive whereas they refuse to allow them to represent the party, after these members have “stayed true” to the party and the people of Orihuela for the last four years. 
Ferrando also states how the PP continues “skipping their own statutes, because with the expulsion of the legitimate president, the next step was to implement a management and popular assembly convened within six months”. But in Orihuela, they bypassed the internal democracy of their own party, “looking after neither for the rights of the members, nor the will of supporters and activists”.
With hundreds of signatures supporting Ferrando and the renegade group, it is becoming increasingly likely that a new spin-off political party will be created and will stand in the elections in May against the PP and other political groups.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46593/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The provincial Partido Popular group in Alicante are working to ensure the expulsion of the six members of the local PP in Orihuela who refused to vote in an anti corruption motion.
The provincial secretary of the PP, José Juan Zaplana, has co...

### PEDRO MANCEBO WILL NOT STAND FOR CLR ELECTION

The spokesperson for the liberal CLr party of Orihuela, Pedro Mancebo, has announced this week that he will not be on the list of candidates to contest the elections in May, and will not be standing as a candidate to govern in the next political term.
The announcement was a surprise to many people, including residents of the Orihuela Costa, who believed that Mancebo would be fighting the elections with the intention or hoping to get the position of Mayor. 
However, the politician who briefly held the position of Councillor for the Orihuela Costa has now said that the reason for not standing is a “personal decision”, but also said that it is time to “renew the lists”, and add “fresh faces” and “ideas”, thus making way for a new wave of politicians from all political groups set to lead Orihuela in the next term.
In a press conference this week, Mancebo said that “I think you can still contribute a lot and try to recover and straighten the damage that these two years of socialist and green government solidarity has caused”. 
“We have to see how many people are willing and able to lead an electoral list, considering that politics is an exercise in risk, with the possibility of injury from demagoguery and lies”, he concluded, adding that whoever does stand as a candidate “must be very brave”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46592/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The spokesperson for the liberal CLr party of Orihuela, Pedro Mancebo, has announced this week that he will not be on the list of candidates to contest the elections in May, and will not be standing as a candidate to govern in the next political term....

### SUPREME COURT DISMISSED DRUNK DRIVER DEATH APPEAL

The Court in Alicante has dismissed the appeal of a drunk driver who killed a woman in a crash in 2010 on the N-332 in El Campello.
According to the judgement issued this week by the Supreme Court, the Tribunal Superior de Justicia Valenciano (TSJCV), the appeal was dismissed and a two and a half year prison sentence confirmed for a crime against road safety whilst driving under the influence of alcohol and negligent homicide. 
The incident occurred in November, 2010, when the driver of the offender was driving with “faculties impaired by alcohol intake”, lost control of the car on a curve, invaded the opposite lane and collided with another vehicle. The 34 year old female driver of that vehicle died on the spot.
The offender was also banned from driving for a period of three and a half years.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46591/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Court in Alicante has dismissed the appeal of a drunk driver who killed a woman in a crash in 2010 on the N-332 in El Campello.
According to the judgement issued this week by the Supreme Court, the Tribunal Superior de Justicia Valenciano (TSJCV)...

### EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 778, FRIDAY 06 MARCH 2015

ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT
FOR 6 MARCH 2015: € 100.000.000
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together the stakes of the nine participating European countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. By clubbing together, the participating countries have made the EuroMillions one of the biggest and most exciting lotteries in the world! Jackpots for the Euromillions draws regularly exceed € 100 million.

The latest Euromillions lottery results are presented here.
EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS
The latest results and winning numbers for the Euromillions lottery draw 778, held on Friday, 06 March 2015 were:
Euromillions Results: processing...
Millionaire Raffle: processing...
Next Euro Millions Draw Date: 10 March 2015
Next Estimated Euromillions Jackpot: € processing...
Buy Euromillions Tickets Online | Join Euromillions Syndicate

ABOUT THE EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY
EuroMillions is Europe's biggest-ever, rolling jackpot lottery game. Five numbers from 1 to 50 are selected together with two Lucky Stars from 1 to 11.
The Euro Millions lottery draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday evening in Paris. Five main numbers are drawn along with two Lucky Stars. Match a minimum of three numbers to win a prize; three main numbers, one main number and two Lucky Stars or two main numbers and 1 Lucky Star.
Match five main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars to win the Euromillions jackpot, or a share of it!
To learn more about the Euromillions visit www.euromillions-lottery-blog.com.
WAYS TO PLAY THE EUROMILLIONS ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the Euromillions lottery. Euromillions players can either buy Euromillions tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a Euromillions lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy Euromillions tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!
JOIN A EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY SYNDICATE
We have teamed up with a lottery management company to create our very own Euromillions lottery syndicate. The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot! Playing as part of the Leader Euro Millions Lottery syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the Euromillions lottery jackpot
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - share 55 Euro Millions entries for just 1 pound!
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a Euromillions ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way and improve your chances of winning a share of the Euromillions jackpot!

          
If you like the Euro Millions, you may also be interested in El Gordo, Spain's favourite weekly lottery, and SuperEnalotto, Italy's most popular national lottery game.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46589/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT
FOR 6 MARCH 2015: € 100.000.000
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together the stakes of the nine participa...

### EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 778, TUESDAY 06 MARCH 2015

ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT
FOR 6 MARCH 2015: € 100.000.000
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together the stakes of the nine participating European countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. By clubbing together, the participating countries have made the EuroMillions one of the biggest and most exciting lotteries in the world! Jackpots for the Euromillions draws regularly exceed € 100 million.

The latest Euromillions lottery results are presented here.
EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS
The latest results and winning numbers for the Euromillions lottery draw 778, held on Friday, 06 March 2015 were:
Euromillions Results: processing...
Millionaire Raffle: processing...
Next Euro Millions Draw Date: 10 March 2015
Next Estimated Euromillions Jackpot: € processing...
Buy Euromillions Tickets Online | Join Euromillions Syndicate

ABOUT THE EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY
EuroMillions is Europe's biggest-ever, rolling jackpot lottery game. Five numbers from 1 to 50 are selected together with two Lucky Stars from 1 to 11.
The Euro Millions lottery draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday evening in Paris. Five main numbers are drawn along with two Lucky Stars. Match a minimum of three numbers to win a prize; three main numbers, one main number and two Lucky Stars or two main numbers and 1 Lucky Star.
Match five main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars to win the Euromillions jackpot, or a share of it!
To learn more about the Euromillions visit www.euromillions-lottery-blog.com.
WAYS TO PLAY THE EUROMILLIONS ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the Euromillions lottery. Euromillions players can either buy Euromillions tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a Euromillions lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy Euromillions tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!
JOIN A EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY SYNDICATE
We have teamed up with a lottery management company to create our very own Euromillions lottery syndicate. The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot! Playing as part of the Leader Euro Millions Lottery syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the Euromillions lottery jackpot
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - share 55 Euro Millions entries for just 1 pound!
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a Euromillions ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way and improve your chances of winning a share of the Euromillions jackpot!

          
If you like the Euro Millions, you may also be interested in El Gordo, Spain's favourite weekly lottery, and SuperEnalotto, Italy's most popular national lottery game.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46589/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT
FOR 6 MARCH 2015: € 100.000.000
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together the stakes of the nine participa...

### SERIOUS CRASH AT NOTORIOUS JUNCTION

Officers from the Guardia Civil attended a crash at a notorious junction on the CV903 between Daya Vieja and Formentera on Thursday, after yet another collision resulted in serious injuries.
Two vehicles collided at the junction, with one being forced along the road. The driver of that vehicle was taken to hospital suffering serious injuries. 
Neighbours living near the junction have been calling for a roundabout to be installed for some time, owing to the historic risk that the junction has posed.
In fact, the risk has clearly been recognised by the road planners on account of them adding extra signs that indicate the junction is one classed as being of a dangerous nature.
The sign is clearly insufficient in reducing the risk to road users, as was clearly the case once again this week.
The junction is in the heart of a mixed industrial and residential zone, and sees two minor roads cross a major and faster straight road. The layout is clearly suitable for a roundabout, especially as it is already constructed on one side of the road, and yet drivers still have to risk emerging onto the open and fast flowing road in order to cross or deviate.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46588/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil attended a crash at a notorious junction on the CV903 between Daya Vieja and Formentera on Thursday, after yet another collision resulted in serious injuries.
Two vehicles collided at the junction, with one being force...

### IRISH LOTTO RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW SATURDAY 04 MARCH 2015

The Irish Lotto replaced the Irish Hospital Sweepstakes in 1988. The jackpot is never lower than €2,000,000.00 and it quite often exceeds €5,000,000.00. In the past, the Irish Lottery jackpot has risen to €10,000,000 and more! The Irish Lotto draw takes place every Wednesday and Saturday night and it is televised on national TV (RTE).
Here are the the latest Irish Lotto results.

UK National Lottery Results

IRISH LOTTO LOTTERY RESULTS
The results and winning numbers for the Irish Lotto on Wednesday, 04 March 2015, were:
Irish Lotto Results: processing... (Bonus Ball)
Next Irish Lottery Draw: 07 March 2015
Next Estimate Irish Lotto Jackpot: € processing...
Buy Irish Lotto Lottery Tickets | Join Irish Lotto Lottery Syndicate

ABOUT THE IRISH LOTTO
To win the Irish Lotto jackpot, a player must match the first six numbers drawn (1 to 45). A seventh number is also drawn in Irish Lotto and it is called the 'bonus' number.
Although people tend to pick their own lucky Irish lotto numbers, a 'quick pick' option is available which instructs the Lotto computer to select the player's Irish lotto numbers.
The Irish National Lottery pays in excess of 50% of its funds in prize money. The balance is used to fund projects in Ireland in the areas of health, sport, recreation, arts, culture and national heritage, including the Irish language. A player does not have to live in Ireland to play and can buy Irish Lotto tickets online.
All Irish Lottery prizes are tax-free and are paid out in one lump sum, usually within 48 hours of the draw.
WAYS TO PLAY THE IRISH LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the Irish Lotto lottery. Irish Lotto players can either buy Irish Lotto lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join an Irish Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY IRISH LOTTO LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy Irish Lotto lottery tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!
JOIN AN IRISH LOTTO LOTTERY SYNDICATE
We have teamed up with a lottery management company to create our very own Irish Lotto lottery syndicate. The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Irish Lotto lottery jackpot! Playing as part of the Leader Irish Lotto lottery syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the Irish Lotto lottery jackpot
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - share 40 Irish Lotto entries for just 1 pound!
4.) CONVENIENCE - never forget to buy a Irish Lotto ticket and play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!

Play the smarter way and improve your chances of winning a share of the Irish Lotto jackpot!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46587/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Irish Lotto replaced the Irish Hospital Sweepstakes in 1988. The jackpot is never lower than €2,000,000.00 and it quite often exceeds €5,000,000.00. In the past, the Irish Lottery jackpot has risen to €10,000,000 and more! The Irish ...

### UK NATIONAL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 2003, WEDNESDAY 04 MARCH 2015

The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: processing... (Bonus Ball)
Next UK Lotto Draw: 7 March 2015
Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ processing...
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46586/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: processing... (Bonus Ball)Next UK Lotto Draw: 7 March 2015Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ processing...
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46586/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ANOTHER RECORD YEAR FOR LINEA DIRECTA

Linea Direct announced that they have closed 2014 with a net profit of 94 million euros, an increase of 3.3% on 2013. CEO Miguel Angel Merino said that this is the fourth consecutive year of profitability, with profit before tax of 133.9 million euros, 4.25% more than the previous year.
In the period, premiums totalled 650.6 million euros, up 1.3%, breaking the negative trend of recent years due to the success of advertising campaigns and discounts for good drivers. 
The total portfolio of insurance policies had exceeded 2.22 million customers (+ 6.3%), after adding 130,000 new policies. "2014 has been a good year all round," stated the CEO.
Home insurance now caters for 332,000 policies (+ 19.2%) and 56 million euro turnover (+ 21.9%) reaching number 16 in the industry's national ranking
Merino also said that the company now has put behind it "the worst years of the crisis" having achieved  very strong results, with more customers and a better cost structure, developing the  "necessary financial muscle" to face a new stage of growth.
The CEO has ruled that the company grow in the future through mergers or acquisitions since its intention is to focus its organic growth, as it has done so far. So he explained to acquire a company is a waste of resources and pointed out that, today, there is no entity with a similar profile Hotline.
He predicted that 2015 will be an "exciting and challenging" year
In which Linea Direct expects to show further growth in turnover, customer base and profitability.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46585/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Linea Direct announced that they have closed 2014 with a net profit of 94 million euros, an increase of 3.3% on 2013. CEO Miguel Angel Merino said that this is the fourth consecutive year of profitability, with profit before tax of 133.9 million euros, 4.25% more than the previous year.
In the period, premiums totalled 650.6 million euros, up 1.3%, breaking the negative trend of recent years due to the success of advertising campaigns and discounts for good drivers. 
The total portfolio of insurance policies had exceeded 2.22 million customers (+ 6.3%), after adding 130,000 new policies. "2014 has been a good year all round," stated the CEO.
Home insurance now caters for 332,000 policies (+ 19.2%) and 56 million euro turnover (+ 21.9%) reaching number 16 in the industry's national ranking
Merino also said that the company now has put behind it "the worst years of the crisis" having achieved  very strong results, with more customers and a better cost structure, developing the  "necessary financial muscle" to face a new stage of growth.
The CEO has ruled that the company grow in the future through mergers or acquisitions since its intention is to focus its organic growth, as it has done so far. So he explained to acquire a company is a waste of resources and pointed out that, today, there is no entity with a similar profile Hotline.
He predicted that 2015 will be an "exciting and challenging" year
In which Linea Direct expects to show further growth in turnover, customer base and profitability.

Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46585/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### IT’S A WRAP

Almost all of the 'Final Scenes' of the Cucaracha Club feature film have been completed, just some small extras are required before the Director, Rai Woods, calls "THAT'S A WRAP!".  
This production, Siesta Productions first ever feature film, has taken on a truly international feel with a very large cast of around 50 actors. In the last few days members of the public looked on as the story was unfolding on the harbour side, by the Tabarca Ferry terminal, where Spanish actors playing both local and National Police Officers could be seen arresting some of the bad guys.
An appeal for people, made on local radio and in the press yielded great dividends, when a large crowd attended and performed perfectly according to Director Woods and Producer Clive Grey, who said "the whole cast were so impressed we went and gave them a round of applause at the end". Having finished the scene, complete with Police arrest van, the cast and crew then put to sea for more filming.  
This included a local re-enactment group called 'The Foxes' who made their Cucaracha Debut dressed in combat fatigues and equipped with a range of weapons. They then  took part in fight scenes with Yvonne Haughton, Chloe Leigh, Caoimhe O'Shea, Caroline Sim and Spanish lightweight Boxing Champion Emiliano Casal.
This was choreographed by Manu Rodes who hails from Aspe and who was joined by two actresses also from Aspe, Elena Mira Córcoles and Irene SC who played Police officers, as the Torrevieja public looked on.  
The Editing stage is next and its expected to take between 4 to 6 month to complete. Further information can be obtained from their website www.siesta.productions
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46584/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Almost all of the 'Final Scenes' of the Cucaracha Club feature film have been completed, just some small extras are required before the Director, Rai Woods, calls "THAT'S A WRAP!".  
This production, Siesta Productions first ever feature film, has taken on a truly international feel with a very large cast of around 50 actors. In the last few days members of the public looked on as the story was unfolding on the harbour side, by the Tabarca Ferry terminal, where Spanish actors playing both local and National Police Officers could be seen arresting some of the bad guys.
An appeal for people, made on local radio and in the press yielded great dividends, when a large crowd attended and performed perfectly according to Director Woods and Producer Clive Grey, who said "the whole cast were so impressed we went and gave them a round of applause at the end". Having finished the scene, complete with Police arrest van, the cast and crew then put to sea for more filming.  
This included a local re-enactment group called 'The Foxes' who made their Cucaracha Debut dressed in combat fatigues and equipped with a range of weapons. They then  took part in fight scenes with Yvonne Haughton, Chloe Leigh, Caoimhe O'Shea, Caroline Sim and Spanish lightweight Boxing Champion Emiliano Casal.
This was choreographed by Manu Rodes who hails from Aspe and who was joined by two actresses also from Aspe, Elena Mira Córcoles and Irene SC who played Police officers, as the Torrevieja public looked on.  
The Editing stage is next and its expected to take between 4 to 6 month to complete. Further information can be obtained from their website www.siesta.productions
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46584/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### CHARITY BIKE RIDE  - RIDE TO CONQUER CANCER - 28TH MARCH 2015  - BY WOOLSTON BIKE RIDERS -

Warrington Lads Go – Epic Ride Lisbon to Spain in aid of Cancer Research 
My brother and his friends were recently published in   Eye on Spain.
http:/www.eyeonspain.com/blogs/eoscontributers/14428/600-miles-in-six-day-for-charity-lisbon---mojacar.aspx
also in our local paper The Warrington Guardian and on their website. They have also had some coverage on Smooth FM Radio.
My brother Martin Finnegan and his friends, Mick Skerrett, Wayne Buckles, Stuart Hardman and Terry Reid are all keen cyclists who have been raising funds for Cancer Research.   They will soon be doing there most challenging Bike Ride taking them across Spain on 28th March 2015.   
They will be going from Lisbon to Mojacar and aim to cycle 100 miles a day, they are aiming to get from coast to coast but going through a demanding section of the Nevada Mountains.  
Their route will take them Lisbon to Estremoz, then onto Llerena, Cordoba, Granada, Almeria, Mojacar 
There all a bunch of good friends and hard working Warrington lads who have funded the trip themselves so every penny raised will be donated to Cancer Research.   They say they want to raise as much as possible for cancer research and hope that it will go some way to one day stamp out this terrible disease.
TRAINING is under way by members of the Woolston Riders, who have set themselves the gruelling challenge of riding 100 miles for six days straight.    Friends Terry Reid, aged 48, Wayne Buckles, aged 49, Mick Skerrett, aged 52, and Martin Finnegan, aged 47, - along with Stuart Hardman, aged 47, as support driver - will be setting off from Portugal on March 29 to complete their charity mission   
The team will be accompanied by their lucky mascot - a stuffed monkey who goes by the name of Dave who they count as their biggest yet quietest cheerleader.   The plan is to finish the bike ride six days later in Mojácar in southern Spain on April 3.   Martin said: "We have months of hard training ahead of us to get to the level of fitness we need to be at but we are in good shape having already trained for months." 
The keen cyclists will be raising funds for Cancer Research UK in memory of Martin's cousin Melissa Renouf, who died in October 2013, aged 38, from the disease. 
He said: "We have been inspired by Melissa who lost her brave battle in 2013. 
“We want to raise as much as possible for Cancer Research and hope that it will go some way to one day stamp out this terrible disease. 
"This ride is being funded by ourselves so all donations will go to Cancer Research." 
Follow the Woolston Riders' journey on Twitter @C2Criders 
To donate visit justgiving.com/WoolstonRiders. 
Also the reason my brother got involved so much with the charity Cancer Research he believes research is absolutely vital in the aim that one day there will be a cure for the horrible disease and one day Cancer will be totally stamped out.  Also Martin was inspired by our Cousin Howards family in Perth, Australia, Our cousins`s daughter Melissa was only 38 years old and in her own words on her twitter page www.twitter.com/MelRen74
She had written – ‘Trying to win the battle for life'.   Sadly cancer claimed her life in 2013 she was only 38, married and with four young children. 
Throughout Melissa`s illness her mum and dad our cousin, Howard Finn and his wife Jo-anne  did everything they could to raise awareness through charity fundraising for Cancer Research and Howard took part in Charity Bike Rides, Perth Ride to Conquer Cancer.   Melissa also bravely battled on for approximately four years and also helped to support others.     
Martin and his friends are also aware of other people they know who are battling this awful disease and they aim to raise as much as possible for vital Cancer Research and that is why there next planned event is titled  -  EPIC RIDE TO CONQUER CANCER LISBON-MOJACAR 
More information can be seen on their Twitter account and justgiving fundraising page  -   
Follow the Woolston Riders' journey on Twitter @C2Criders    and to donate visit justgiving.com/WoolstonRidersFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46582/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Warrington Lads Go – Epic Ride Lisbon to Spain in aid of Cancer Research 
My brother and his friends were recently published in   Eye on Spain.
http:/www.eyeonspain.com/blogs/eoscontributers/14428/600-miles-in-six-day-for-charity-lisbon---mojacar.aspx
also in our local paper The Warrington Guardian and on their website. They have also had some coverage on Smooth FM Radio.
My brother Martin Finnegan and his friends, Mick Skerrett, Wayne Buckles, Stuart Hardman and Terry Reid are all keen cyclists who have been raising funds for Cancer Research.   They will soon be doing there most challenging Bike Ride taking them across Spain on 28th March 2015.   
They will be going from Lisbon to Mojacar and aim to cycle 100 miles a day, they are aiming to get from coast to coast but going through a demanding section of the Nevada Mountains.  
Their route will take them Lisbon to Estremoz, then onto Llerena, Cordoba, Granada, Almeria, Mojacar 
There all a bunch of good friends and hard working Warrington lads who have funded the trip themselves so every penny raised will be donated to Cancer Research.   They say they want to raise as much as possible for cancer research and hope that it will go some way to one day stamp out this terrible disease.
TRAINING is under way by members of the Woolston Riders, who have set themselves the gruelling challenge of riding 100 miles for six days straight.    Friends Terry Reid, aged 48, Wayne Buckles, aged 49, Mick Skerrett, aged 52, and Martin Finnegan, aged 47, - along with Stuart Hardman, aged 47, as support driver - will be setting off from Portugal on March 29 to complete their charity mission   
The team will be accompanied by their lucky mascot - a stuffed monkey who goes by the name of Dave who they count as their biggest yet quietest cheerleader.   The plan is to finish the bike ride six days later in Mojácar in southern Spain on April 3.   Martin said: "We have months of hard training ahead of us to get to the level of fitness we need to be at but we are in good shape having already trained for months." 
The keen cyclists will be raising funds for Cancer Research UK in memory of Martin's cousin Melissa Renouf, who died in October 2013, aged 38, from the disease. 
He said: "We have been inspired by Melissa who lost her brave battle in 2013. 
“We want to raise as much as possible for Cancer Research and hope that it will go some way to one day stamp out this terrible disease. 
"This ride is being funded by ourselves so all donations will go to Cancer Research." 
Follow the Woolston Riders' journey on Twitter @C2Criders 
To donate visit justgiving.com/WoolstonRiders. 
Also the reason my brother got involved so much with the charity Cancer Research he believes research is absolutely vital in the aim that one day there will be a cure for the horrible disease and one day Cancer will be totally stamped out.  Also Martin was inspired by our Cousin Howards family in Perth, Australia, Our cousins`s daughter Melissa was only 38 years old and in her own words on her twitter page www.twitter.com/MelRen74
She had written – ‘Trying to win the battle for life'.   Sadly cancer claimed her life in 2013 she was only 38, married and with four young children. 
Throughout Melissa`s illness her mum and dad our cousin, Howard Finn and his wife Jo-anne  did everything they could to raise awareness through charity fundraising for Cancer Research and Howard took part in Charity Bike Rides, Perth Ride to Conquer Cancer.   Melissa also bravely battled on for approximately four years and also helped to support others.     
Martin and his friends are also aware of other people they know who are battling this awful disease and they aim to raise as much as possible for vital Cancer Research and that is why there next planned event is titled  -  EPIC RIDE TO CONQUER CANCER LISBON-MOJACAR 
More information can be seen on their Twitter account and justgiving fundraising page  -   
Follow the Woolston Riders' journey on Twitter @C2Criders    and to donate visit justgiving.com/WoolstonRidersFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46582/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### FCO: “NO MADAM, WE CAN’T FIND A CHEF TO MAKE YOU HAGGIS”

Foreign & Commonwealth Office reminds travellers what it can do to help British nationals overseas
Can you recommend a Scottish chef in Brussels who can make haggis? How do I set my antennae to receive English TV channels in Italy? Can you find me cheap flights to New Zealand? These are just some of the recent enquires the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has received from around the world. 
Last year the FCO's Contact Centres received more than 365,000 calls from British nationals. The vast majority of these were genuine calls from people who needed our help, but we still receive thousands of enquiries every year relating to issues we are unable to assist with. These enquiries can take valuable time away from those in genuine need of assistance. 
Some of the more unusual calls we received in 2014 include:
A caller asking for help with setting up ‘British-style'  hanging baskets at a trade show because the professional gardener hired for the purpose had stage fright
A British woman asking the consulate in Albania how to find out if her son's fiancée was already married 
A caller asking for advice on how to treat a cat's infected paw
A man called requesting that staff at the Embassy in Mexico City go to the airport to check whether he had left his mobile phone on a plane
A woman in Italy calling to enquire how she could synchronise her TV antenna to receive English channels 
An event coordinator in Brussels asking for the name of a Scottish chef based in the country who could make Haggis for a Burns Night event
Such enquiries stem from a lack of understanding of what FCO consular teams can do for British nationals overseas, so we are launching an awareness campaign to remind UK travellers and residents overseas of the services we provide, and what we can and cannot do. 
The FCO's priority is to protect the welfare of British nationals abroad, and consular staff will always do their best to assist people when they find themselves in difficulty. However, it is important for travellers to understand what services we provide before getting in touch. There are also some simple pre-travel steps that you can take to reduce the risk of getting into difficulty and needing our help, such as taking out comprehensive travel insurance, researching the destination and any health risks and ensuring access to emergency funds.  
Foreign & Commonwealth Office Minister, David Lidington, said:
 “It is important for FCO consular staff to be able to focus on our most vulnerable customers, such as victims of crime, those who have lost a loved one abroad or people who have been detained or hospitalised overseas. 
“Consular staff support thousands of British nationals who encounter difficulties overseas every year and we handle over 365,000 enquires annually. We will always try to help where we can but there are limits to what we can do, so it's important for people to be aware of how we can help. 
“We can issue an emergency travel document if your passport is lost or stolen, offer support if you become a victim of crime or visit you in hospital or prison, but we aren't able to pay medical bills, give legal advice or get you out of jail, or indeed act as veterinary surgeons.”
Head of the FCO's Global Contact Centres, Meg Williams, said:  
“The role of the FCO Contact Centres is to help enable consular staff to focus on what is important and to concentrate on those in need, but we continue to receive misdirected enquiries from British nationals. We receive hundreds of thousands of calls every year and while the vast majority of these are from British nationals in genuine need of our assistance and services, in 2014 38% were not related to consular support at all. 
“For example, one caller asked us to help find his son's missing suitcase – as it had apparently been lost by a British airline, the caller thought the British consulate would be able to locate it.”
Recent research* revealed that the number of people who have knowledge of what embassies and consulates do has dropped to the lowest in three years among young people (aged 16-24), from 62% in 2011 to 55% in 2014. 
For more information on how the FCO can help British nationals overseas, please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-for-british-nationals-abroad-a-guide. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46581/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Foreign & Commonwealth Office reminds travellers what it can do to help British nationals overseas
Can you recommend a Scottish chef in Brussels who can make haggis? How do I set my antennae to receive English TV channels in Italy? Can you find me...

### ST DAVID'S DAY CELEBRATION'S

After a good session on the Saturday watching the win in Paris our body's were again put to the test on the Sunday St David's Day
When the Welsh contingent of the Torrevija branch of the Royal British Legion gathered for the fine Welsh fare served by La Conscha restaurant.
The singing was not up to its usual standard due to the cheering carried out on the Saturday but our good friend Mr Brian Killey rose to the occasion with some fabulous Welsh songsFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46578/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: After a good session on the Saturday watching the win in Paris our body's were again put to the test on the Sunday St David's Day
When the Welsh contingent of the Torrevija branch of the Royal British Legion gathered for the fine Welsh fare served by ...

### SPANISH SENATE PREPARES TO REJECT AMENDMENT TO GUARANTEE COMPENSATION TO PURCHASERS IN GOOD FAITH

The hopes of foreign purchasers in good faith hang in the balance
AUAN, 4th March
Members of the Partido Popular (PP), meeting on 3rd March in the Senate Justice Commission to review a series of proposed amendments to the Criminal Code, voted against all amendments submitted by other political parties, including one related to illegal houses, proposed by the PSOE, to guarantee compensation to purchasers in good faith prior to demolition.
According to the spokesperson for AUAN, one of the associations representing Britons affected by the issue of illegal houses in Spain ‘The procedure for dealing with amendments to the Criminal Code is not yet concluded and the Senate is due to vote on 12th March.
However, given the attitude of the PP and given that the PP has a majority in the Senate it is unlikely that this amendment will now be approved. This is a blow for the victims who need justice now and a lost opportunity'.
‘It seems that there is a lack of understanding of the impact of demolitions without prior compensation to purchasers in good faith. Not only with respect to the violation of the human rights, the fundamental rights and the constitutional rights of the individual, but also the economic impact on society as a whole with regard to the reputation of Spain abroad and the confidence of foreign purchasers in the Spanish property market.
And, also there is a lack of understanding of the damage that this type of demolition inflicts on communities that rely on foreign investment. Damage that manifests itself in social and political instability and the obstruction of economic development.'
‘From AUAN's point of view we continue to encourage all those who work towards legislation that is more just for all citizens. We always have a little hope but we are always prepared to face disappointment.  Today is a day of disappointment. However, we will not give up and will continue to work for what we believe in and we believe in justice.' Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46577/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The hopes of foreign purchasers in good faith hang in the balance
AUAN, 4th March
Members of the Partido Popular (PP), meeting on 3rd March in the Senate Justice Commission to review a series of proposed amendments to the Criminal Code, voted against...

### EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 777, TUESDAY 03 MARCH 2015

ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT
FOR 3 MARCH 2015: € 79.000.000
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together the stakes of the nine participating European countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. By clubbing together, the participating countries have made the EuroMillions one of the biggest and most exciting lotteries in the world! Jackpots for the Euromillions draws regularly exceed € 100 million.

The latest Euromillions lottery results are presented here.
EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS
The latest results and winning numbers for the Euromillions lottery draw 777, held on Tuesday, 03 March 2015 were:
Euromillions Results: 6, 8, 11, 13, 21, 7*, 8*
Millionaire Raffle: processing...
Next Euro Millions Draw Date: 06 March 2015
Next Estimated Euromillions Jackpot: € processing...
Buy Euromillions Tickets Online | Join Euromillions Syndicate

ABOUT THE EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY
EuroMillions is Europe's biggest-ever, rolling jackpot lottery game. Five numbers from 1 to 50 are selected together with two Lucky Stars from 1 to 11.
The Euro Millions lottery draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday evening in Paris. Five main numbers are drawn along with two Lucky Stars. Match a minimum of three numbers to win a prize; three main numbers, one main number and two Lucky Stars or two main numbers and 1 Lucky Star.
Match five main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars to win the Euromillions jackpot, or a share of it!
To learn more about the Euromillions visit www.euromillions-lottery-blog.com.
WAYS TO PLAY THE EUROMILLIONS ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the Euromillions lottery. Euromillions players can either buy Euromillions tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a Euromillions lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy Euromillions tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!
JOIN A EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY SYNDICATE
We have teamed up with a lottery management company to create our very own Euromillions lottery syndicate. The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot! Playing as part of the Leader Euro Millions Lottery syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the Euromillions lottery jackpot
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - share 55 Euro Millions entries for just 1 pound!
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a Euromillions ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way and improve your chances of winning a share of the Euromillions jackpot!

          
If you like the Euro Millions, you may also be interested in El Gordo, Spain's favourite weekly lottery, and SuperEnalotto, Italy's most popular national lottery game.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46573/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT
FOR 3 MARCH 2015: € 79.000.000
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together the stakes of the nine participat...

### THE COSTA BLANCA LEADER EDITION 558

Welcome to The Costa Blanca Leader Newspaper, now online, featuring all the latest news and information from around the Costa Blanca and beyond. 

Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46567/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Welcome to The Costa Blanca Leader Newspaper, now online, featuring all the latest news and information from around the Costa Blanca and beyond. 

Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46567/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property...

### THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE FRIGATE MERCEDES

Alicante's Archaeological Museum (MARQ) received 53 containers into its charge last Monday which hold over 200 display pieces that will be put together to showcase "The Last Voyage of the frigate Mercedes', an exhibition that will open its doors in the centre from next Monday 9 March.
Organized by the MARQ, in conjunction with the Spanish Cultural Association, the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Defense, exhibits, which have been brought together from over a dozen institutions, recounts the sinking of the frigate Mercedes, with the loss of two hundred and sixty-three people, and the political and military circumstances surrounding this act which took place in October 1804.
Amongst the boxes opened on their arrival were a number holding pieces of armament including a pistol dating back to 1760, a Spanish rifle of the same year and a blunderbuss from the  early nineteenth, all courtesy of the Cartagena naval museum.
The travelling exhibition is dedicated to the gold bullion ladened frigate Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, which sank in 1804 and was recovered by the Spanish government after winning a lawsuit brought against the salvage company Odyssey in the US courts.
It explains the circumstances and historical ramifications of the ship's fatal explosion, focusing on the archaeological aspect of the assets recovered from the wreck and touching upon the Spanish government's legal battle to retrieve an important part of their national heritage.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46566/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Alicante's Archaeological Museum (MARQ) received 53 containers into its charge last Monday which hold over 200 display pieces that will be put together to showcase "The Last Voyage of the frigate Mercedes', an exhibition that will open its doors in the centre from next Monday 9 March.
Organized by the MARQ, in conjunction with the Spanish Cultural Association, the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Defense, exhibits, which have been brought together from over a dozen institutions, recounts the sinking of the frigate Mercedes, with the loss of two hundred and sixty-three people, and the political and military circumstances surrounding this act which took place in October 1804.
Amongst the boxes opened on their arrival were a number holding pieces of armament including a pistol dating back to 1760, a Spanish rifle of the same year and a blunderbuss from the  early nineteenth, all courtesy of the Cartagena naval museum.
The travelling exhibition is dedicated to the gold bullion ladened frigate Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, which sank in 1804 and was recovered by the Spanish government after winning a lawsuit brought against the salvage company Odyssey in the US courts.
It explains the circumstances and historical ramifications of the ship's fatal explosion, focusing on the archaeological aspect of the assets recovered from the wreck and touching upon the Spanish government's legal battle to retrieve an important part of their national heritage.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46566/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### GUARDAMAR CASTLE INSTALLS NEW LIGHTING

One of the most iconic buildings in the region, the ancient citadel and Castillo de Guardamar del Segura, enjoys a privileged position dominating much of the Vega Baja, and now the castle also benefits from the installation of new lighting.
At a cost of 60.000€ the installation began at the end of last summer. It was heavily subsidized by grants from both the Alicante Provincial Government and the Valencian Generalitat, and now this impressive structure can also be admired deep into the evening and night.
In tandem with the electrical work a council gang was also employed on the castle slopes carrying out maintenance and cleaning tasks so now the whole area is in pristine condition and ready to welcome the hundreds of locals and tourists who are expected to visit the site during the coming months.
The mayor, Carmen Verdú, said that the City Council "is committed to the conservation and enhancement of the town's archaeological heritage.
The Castillo is an important feature of the town and helps attract tourists to the area, to which it also adds a great deal of value. " 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46565/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: One of the most iconic buildings in the region, the ancient citadel and Castillo de Guardamar del Segura, enjoys a privileged position dominating much of the Vega Baja, and now the castle also benefits from the installation of new lighting.
At a cost of 60.000€ the installation began at the end of last summer. It was heavily subsidized by grants from both the Alicante Provincial Government and the Valencian Generalitat, and now this impressive structure can also be admired deep into the evening and night.
In tandem with the electrical work a council gang was also employed on the castle slopes carrying out maintenance and cleaning tasks so now the whole area is in pristine condition and ready to welcome the hundreds of locals and tourists who are expected to visit the site during the coming months.
The mayor, Carmen Verdú, said that the City Council "is committed to the conservation and enhancement of the town's archaeological heritage.
The Castillo is an important feature of the town and helps attract tourists to the area, to which it also adds a great deal of value. " Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46565/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### PANCAKES, VICARS AND TARTS

Thankfully, few Canarians have anything to do with pancakes, which are very much a British and American thing. 
However, despite not having a ‘Pancake Day' in quite the same way as in the UK, Canarians still enjoy the day, as well as quite a few days before and after, known as ‘Mardi Gras', which means ‘Fat Tuesday', or ‘Shrove Tuesday'. It is a time to really let your hair down before the gloomy period of self imposed penitence and repentance, known by Christians as Lent. Mardi Gras is a strange mixture of carnival, culture, tradition and religion, with the odd bit of debauchery thrown in for good measure.
I guess this why so many people enjoy it, and its larger excesses are usually forgiven and forgotten.
The self-imposed frugality of Lent is, thankfully, demanded far less by the Church nowadays, although for many, it is still a period of self reflection, denial and rededication. As with New Year resolutions, many people decide to “give up something” for Lent.
Often, this consists of taking a ‘gentle approach' by denying oneself certain types of food, such as chocolate, or a biscuit with morning coffee, whilst others may choose to take ‘the big bang approach' by giving up Facebook, shaving, alcohol or, as one of my friends is insisting upon this year, carbon emissions. The practicality of this last choice has yet to be explained to me.
Personally, I much prefer taking the ‘alternative approach' of having a really good party during ‘Mardi Gras', and not worrying too much about the period of self-denial during the following forty days; there's plenty of time to worry about such things when we are dead.
During the week before the beginning of Lent, carnivals take place throughout the world, with some of the brightest, most unusual, biggest and best taking place in Spain and, in particular in the Canary Islands.
All of the inhabited islands and most towns have their own versions of carnival, with those in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, as well as in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which are billed as “Second Only to Rio”, offering some of the most spectacular experiences that residents, expats and visitors will never forget.
Annoyingly, unlike Christmas, Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday and Lent can fall anytime between February 3rd and March 9th each year, since Easter is a moveable feast involving a calculation originally determined by the Catholic Church. 
As a result, Mardi Gras in many countries can hit a wet, cold period, or a deliciously warm one, which is usually the case in the Canary Islands. However, an early Mardi Gras does explain why many of the islands' young men, who tend to dress up as half naked angels, found the evenings so chilly this year.
The party is almost over, and costumes are being packed away as Carnival ends for another year. It grinds to a heady conclusion with a ritual funeral, called ‘The Burial of the Sardine', in which a huge model of a sardine, accompanied by wailing, slutty widows, which some describe as a huge ‘Vicars and Tarts Party', but with more dildos and greater blasphemy, is finally laid to rest.
Does any of this make sense? Not really, but does it have to? In any case, it is great fun and if you haven't, you should try it sometime. It certainly blows away the winter blues!
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46564/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Thankfully, few Canarians have anything to do with pancakes, which are very much a British and American thing. 
However, despite not having a ‘Pancake Day' in quite the same way as in the UK, Canarians still enjoy the day, as well as quite a few...

### COSTA COBRAS RFC FUN DAY

This coming weekend Costa Cobras RFC are holding a rugby fun day with a variety of fun rugby games and training sessions for people to come along and take part in, all ages are welcome.
On top of this we will have a variety of stalls, bouncy castle, barbecue, DJ Sebastian Dombrowicz, rugby clothing, raffle, tombola etc, so plenty for everyone.
We have had a number of the stalls donating prizes for the tombola and raffle, The Steakhouse and Jaime Furniture in Rojales bottles of wine, Route 66 breakfast for 2, Post Box Dona Pepa-mobile phone, Benijofar butcher's-meat pack, also Adam and Eve, Usbourne books, Dukes barbers, Jew'ella'ry, Preeva Jewellery, Bling baby Pram shoes, Nicola Makeup and Angel card reading.
But we are still looking for more prizes, please, for our raffle and tombola, all donations are very much appreciated as all funds raised will go to getting more and better equipment for training for the kids, and a big thank you all of those who have already donated for your support.
Remember this is the big year for rugby with the 6 Nations now on and come September the Rugby World Cup in England and Wales, so come on and join the rugby revolution and see if you can be the next big star in the game.
All ages, gender and nationalities are welcome, from beginner to experience players, the more the merrier, as we are based on the true traditional ethics of the sport. So come along and join the newest rugby team on the Costa Blanca, also team bonding after training in the nearest bar for a drink and chat, just how rugby should be.
The juniors are training on Monday from 18.30-20.00 and Tuesday from 18.00-19.30, while the seniors will be training on Monday from 20.30-22.00 and Wednesday this week from 18.00-19.30. We are looking at getting a more fixed timetable from the town and all being well will be from the following.
Watch this space for more details.
 
So get those boots out and come on down to Daya Vieja sports ground and join in the rugby revolution of 2015, with the Rugby World Cup to look forward to as well, get into this great sport.
For more information about the club contact myself, Dutch, on 692 767 242 or Robert on 697 286 416. I am back down at Zoco market on Sunday again, so come on down and find more out about the club and rugby in the area. So for all of your rugby branded clothing and gear including Canterbury casuals and Cotton Traders shirts contact me on the number above.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46563/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This coming weekend Costa Cobras RFC are holding a rugby fun day with a variety of fun rugby games and training sessions for people to come along and take part in, all ages are welcome.
On top of this we will have a variety of stalls, bouncy castle, b...

### FINNISH AMBASSADOR IN PILAR

The Finnish Ambassador to Spain, Tanzi-Albi, visited Pilar de la Horadada last Wednesday when he called in on the local mayor,  José Fidel Ros. 
He was accompanied by the Honorary Consul in the area, Mariano Sánchez. This was the first official visit of the Ambassador to Pilar who was in the town to introduce himself to the area's 75 resident Finns.  
Tanzi-Albi, has been the Ambassador to Spain since September 2013.
He said that he is keen to work for the rights of Finnish and foreign permanent residents of Finland in the region and thanked the Honorary Consul of Pilar de la Horadada, one of the twelve available only in Spain, for the guidance that he had provided.
Mayor Ros said of the municipality pilareño "We are devoted to improving the situation of all foreign residents in the town and we are working hard to ensure that they are fully integrated with our own people, and thus develop intercultural activities within the town which helps to promote integration".
To that end, the mayor said that the council has spent a great deal of time organizing intercultural activities in Pinar de Campoverde, where international citizens have the opportunity to meet and share concerns with their consuls as well as other foreign citizens and the municipal authorities.
On first being introduced to the mayor the  Ambassador presented him with a gift made by the Finnish designer Alvar Aalto.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46561/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Finnish Ambassador to Spain, Tanzi-Albi, visited Pilar de la Horadada last Wednesday when he called in on the local mayor,  José Fidel Ros. 
He was accompanied by the Honorary Consul in the area, Mariano Sánchez. This was the first official visit of the Ambassador to Pilar who was in the town to introduce himself to the area's 75 resident Finns.  
Tanzi-Albi, has been the Ambassador to Spain since September 2013.
He said that he is keen to work for the rights of Finnish and foreign permanent residents of Finland in the region and thanked the Honorary Consul of Pilar de la Horadada, one of the twelve available only in Spain, for the guidance that he had provided.
Mayor Ros said of the municipality pilareño "We are devoted to improving the situation of all foreign residents in the town and we are working hard to ensure that they are fully integrated with our own people, and thus develop intercultural activities within the town which helps to promote integration".
To that end, the mayor said that the council has spent a great deal of time organizing intercultural activities in Pinar de Campoverde, where international citizens have the opportunity to meet and share concerns with their consuls as well as other foreign citizens and the municipal authorities.
On first being introduced to the mayor the  Ambassador presented him with a gift made by the Finnish designer Alvar Aalto.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46561/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### MIKE PROBERT TALKS GOLF -  (Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services).

Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.
Around and about the Golf Courses – Villaitana (Benidorm)
The golf resort at Villaitana (Benidorm) is of Jack Nicklaus design and when originally opened to the public some 9 years ago was originally called Real de Faula and consists of the Levante par 72 championship course and the Poniente par 62 course.
The Levante course is an attractive course with stunning views over both the mountains and Benidorm to the Mediterranean sea and is a good test of golf.
The Poniente on first examination appears unattractive to the competitive and serious golfer because it consists of short par 3 and par 4 holes but again the views are stunning and the course is a little gem and well worth a game.
The management of the course is currently under the control of Blue Green Management until 30th April 2015 after which the day to day management will revert to Meliá Hotels International re-integrating all facilities under one single management company.
Clearly all existing agreements and price strategies will be reviewed by the new management team and perhaps it may be prudent to take the short trip to Benidorm for a game to plays these courses before the changes take place.
We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us.
The deals shown in the attached table are some of the best currently available to you.
Deal of the week: €90 for 2 players and buggy at Vistabella on the 3rd,4th,6th,7th & 8th March 2015 (shop price €109) and Villaitana Poniente for €39 each,including buggy.
For bookings and more information contact Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com or direct on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 quoting reference LEADER.
Weather Watch
We have blue skies forecast for much of the week with just a threat of showers on Wednesday and temperatures start in the mid 20 degree's at the start of the week but fall to the high teen degrees by the end of the week.
Quotation of the Week
“They say that golf is like life but I don't believe them because golf is more complicated than that” - Gardner DickinsonFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46560/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golf...

### RED CARPET FOR LOCAL STUDENT

One young lady from Playa Flamenca achieved her dream assignment recently when she found herself on the ‘Red Carpet' and surrounded by stars at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden.  
Lucy Nicole Rogers was there with three other students to cover the awards as part of her BTEC Extended Diploma course in photography Huntingdon College Cambridgeshire.
The trip was arranged by College tutor Mark Woods-Nunn.
Prior to moving back to the UK to study photography in September Lucy has lived on the Orihuela Costa since the age of 4. She graduated in 2014 from IES Playa Flamenca School with a High School Certificate qualification after which she was accepted into Huntingdon College.
After her brief taste of life as a member of the paparazzi Lucy, who is considering press photography as a possible career, said that as the stars arrived it was an absolutely unbelievable adrenaline rush. She had to work hard amongst a thousand or so other photographers to stand her ground but she knew that she had a job to do, and that was to get great photos.
She said that she was particularly pleased with the shots she got of Eddie Redmayne who went on to win the BAFTA and an OSCAR at the 87th Academy Awards in LA last week. 
"Most of the celebrities were really lovely, especially Dianna Agron, Eddie Redmayne, Jack O'Connell, Tom Hiddleston and Rosamund Pike. They all took their time trying to interact with the fans as they walked past. When Keira Knightley appeared on the carpet everyone was particularly respectful toward her."
Eddie Redmayne said that he will be visiting his old University at Cambridge on his return to the UK when he will show off his OSCAR and as such Lucy has sent him her photographs and is hoping she gets the opportunity to meet him in person in Cambridge.
Tutor Mr Woods-Nunn said: "Attending such a real life event was invaluable as it gives learners the opportunity to experience the life of a photographer which often requires a great deal of standing around in the cold, concentrating on the subject and not letting others distract you.”
"As a result of their doggedness they achieved some great work, particularly as this was their first time at such an event. The whole event went very well, and was a good experience for all concerned. They are a great bunch of students.”
In contact with the Leader, Lucy said that she would like to thank her Art Teacher Consuelo and Tutor Lola at the Playa Flamenca School for all their hard work in putting her on the road to success. She said that the excellent Spanish Education System has provided her with a great platform which she hopes to build on in her future years.
Lucy's brother, 16 year old Aaron, is also studying at the IES Playa Flamenca School. He lives with mother Dawn at La Zenia Beach and is well known in local football circles as the skipper of CDM Cadets.
Front page image courtesy of Mark Woods-Nunn.
Lucy is wearing glasses, 2nd from the left. Her fellow students are Grace Bristo, Freya Hoster and Maria Jenner-Akehurst.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46557/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: One young lady from Playa Flamenca achieved her dream assignment recently when she found herself on the ‘Red Carpet' and surrounded by stars at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden.  
Lucy Nicole Rogers was there with three other students to cover the awards as part of her BTEC Extended Diploma course in photography Huntingdon College Cambridgeshire.
The trip was arranged by College tutor Mark Woods-Nunn.
Prior to moving back to the UK to study photography in September Lucy has lived on the Orihuela Costa since the age of 4. She graduated in 2014 from IES Playa Flamenca School with a High School Certificate qualification after which she was accepted into Huntingdon College.
After her brief taste of life as a member of the paparazzi Lucy, who is considering press photography as a possible career, said that as the stars arrived it was an absolutely unbelievable adrenaline rush. She had to work hard amongst a thousand or so other photographers to stand her ground but she knew that she had a job to do, and that was to get great photos.
She said that she was particularly pleased with the shots she got of Eddie Redmayne who went on to win the BAFTA and an OSCAR at the 87th Academy Awards in LA last week. 
"Most of the celebrities were really lovely, especially Dianna Agron, Eddie Redmayne, Jack O'Connell, Tom Hiddleston and Rosamund Pike. They all took their time trying to interact with the fans as they walked past. When Keira Knightley appeared on the carpet everyone was particularly respectful toward her."
Eddie Redmayne said that he will be visiting his old University at Cambridge on his return to the UK when he will show off his OSCAR and as such Lucy has sent him her photographs and is hoping she gets the opportunity to meet him in person in Cambridge.
Tutor Mr Woods-Nunn said: "Attending such a real life event was invaluable as it gives learners the opportunity to experience the life of a photographer which often requires a great deal of standing around in the cold, concentrating on the subject and not letting others distract you.”
"As a result of their doggedness they achieved some great work, particularly as this was their first time at such an event. The whole event went very well, and was a good experience for all concerned. They are a great bunch of students.”
In contact with the Leader, Lucy said that she would like to thank her Art Teacher Consuelo and Tutor Lola at the Playa Flamenca School for all their hard work in putting her on the road to success. She said that the excellent Spanish Education System has provided her with a great platform which she hopes to build on in her future years.
Lucy's brother, 16 year old Aaron, is also studying at the IES Playa Flamenca School. He lives with mother Dawn at La Zenia Beach and is well known in local football circles as the skipper of CDM Cadets.
Front page image courtesy of Mark Woods-Nunn.
Lucy is wearing glasses, 2nd from the left. Her fellow students are Grace Bristo, Freya Hoster and Maria Jenner-Akehurst.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46557/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### IRISH LOTTO RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015

The Irish Lotto replaced the Irish Hospital Sweepstakes in 1988. The jackpot is never lower than €2,000,000.00 and it quite often exceeds €5,000,000.00. In the past, the Irish Lottery jackpot has risen to €10,000,000 and more! The Irish Lotto draw takes place every Wednesday and Saturday night and it is televised on national TV (RTE).
Here are the the latest Irish Lotto results.

UK National Lottery Results

IRISH LOTTO LOTTERY RESULTS
The results and winning numbers for the Irish Lotto on Saturday, 28 February 2015, were:
Irish Lotto Results: processing... (Bonus Ball)
Next Irish Lottery Draw: 04 March 2015
Next Estimate Irish Lotto Jackpot: € processing...
Buy Irish Lotto Lottery Tickets | Join Irish Lotto Lottery Syndicate

ABOUT THE IRISH LOTTO
To win the Irish Lotto jackpot, a player must match the first six numbers drawn (1 to 45). A seventh number is also drawn in Irish Lotto and it is called the 'bonus' number.
Although people tend to pick their own lucky Irish lotto numbers, a 'quick pick' option is available which instructs the Lotto computer to select the player's Irish lotto numbers.
The Irish National Lottery pays in excess of 50% of its funds in prize money. The balance is used to fund projects in Ireland in the areas of health, sport, recreation, arts, culture and national heritage, including the Irish language. A player does not have to live in Ireland to play and can buy Irish Lotto tickets online.
All Irish Lottery prizes are tax-free and are paid out in one lump sum, usually within 48 hours of the draw.
WAYS TO PLAY THE IRISH LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the Irish Lotto lottery. Irish Lotto players can either buy Irish Lotto lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join an Irish Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY IRISH LOTTO LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy Irish Lotto lottery tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!
JOIN AN IRISH LOTTO LOTTERY SYNDICATE
We have teamed up with a lottery management company to create our very own Irish Lotto lottery syndicate. The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Irish Lotto lottery jackpot! Playing as part of the Leader Irish Lotto lottery syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the Irish Lotto lottery jackpot
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - share 40 Irish Lotto entries for just 1 pound!
4.) CONVENIENCE - never forget to buy a Irish Lotto ticket and play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!

Play the smarter way and improve your chances of winning a share of the Irish Lotto jackpot!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46540/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Irish Lotto replaced the Irish Hospital Sweepstakes in 1988. The jackpot is never lower than €2,000,000.00 and it quite often exceeds €5,000,000.00. In the past, the Irish Lottery jackpot has risen to €10,000,000 and more! The Irish ...

### UK NATIONAL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 2002, SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2015

The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: processing... (Bonus Ball)
Next UK Lotto Draw: 4 March 2015
Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ processing...
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46539/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: processing... (Bonus Ball)Next UK Lotto Draw: 4 March 2015Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ processing...
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46539/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ORIHUELA HAS TWICE AS MANY RESIDENT BRITS AS TORREVIEJA

The final end of year population figures have now been released by the Spanish statistical institute, the Instituto Nacional de Estadística, which confirms Torrevieja´s worst fear of having lost its big city status, whilst also confirming that nearly double the number of former United Kingdom residents now live in Orihuela than Torrevieja.
At the end of 2014, there were officially 91,415 residents registered on the padrón in Torrevieja, of which 46,089 are men and 45,326 are women. The total figure at the end of 2013 was 105,205 residents, which had shown an increase from the 103,720 in 2012.
In the case of Orihuela, the end of 2014 total figure was 83,417, of which 41,747 are men and the remaining 41,670 are women. In 2013, the total figure was 91,260, slightly up from the 90,087 at the end of 2012.
Both municipalities have suffered a decrease as part of the recent clean up of the data carried out by the institution, who feared that many foreign residents had moved back to their home country, without updating their status in Spain. The result of the imbalance of figures is that the central government was giving more money to those municipalities than they were due, on account of the difference.
The problem for Torrevieja is that the municipality now falls below the threshold it had held for some years, and will not only lose funding from government, the per capita amount also decreases. Statistically, both Torrevieja and Orihuela are now on a par, with Torrevieja having to lose council seats to balance out their new found status of equality.
In terms of the population in the Torrevieja, the balance of foreigners has also now decreased, with their now being more Spanish nationals living in the municipality than immigrants. Of the total population, 49,981 are Spanish, whereas 41,434 are foreigners. Those residents from the UK still make up the largest portion, with 7,338 registered residents, with Russia in second place with 4,771. Next in line are the African country groups, with 4,494 residents, followed by the Americas. Rumanians, Bulgarians and Ukrainians are all of similar standing, just ahead of Germany with 1,938 registered residents.
As for Orihuela, there are a total of 52,389 Spaniards and 31,028 registered foreigners, of which 13,991 are from the UK, around double the population of Torrevieja, The African nations and Americas are next in line, with just 1,138 Russians, and a similar number of Rumanians and Bulgarians. The German population is almost equal to Torrevieja, with 1,869 living in Orihuela.
In overall terms of percentages represented, in Torrevieja the population is made up of 73.89% from Europe, 10.85% from Africa, 9.85% from the Americas, and 5.39% from Asia. In Orihuela, the figure is 83.22% European, 7.69% African, 6.56% from the Americas, and 2.53% from Asia.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46538/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The final end of year population figures have now been released by the Spanish statistical institute, the Instituto Nacional de Estadística, which confirms Torrevieja´s worst fear of having lost its big city status, whilst also confirming...

### DAYA NUEVA POLICE TO BE MOBILE AGAIN

The Local Police of Daya Nueva will be mobile once again soon, after the municipal government approved an extraordinary expense of 17,000 euro to buy the officers a patrol vehicle.
The officers had been without a vehicle for a month, after the lease on their previous car expired and wasn´t renewed. Since then, the officers have been using a vehicle allocated to the Social Services, although that vehicle lacked the mandatory marking, lights and sirens for a police patrol vehicle.
The finances were approved by the local government led by the UPDN Mayor, María Teresa Martínez, despite opposition from the Partido Popular, who criticised the move as they considered leasing is a better option than the outright purchase, on account of the risks involved in policing the streets and to save the future costs of repairs.
The PP were also critical of the 2015 budget being reduced which would not have allowed for the lease payments to continue, with the assumption being that it was the intention all along to purchase a car.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46535/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Local Police of Daya Nueva will be mobile once again soon, after the municipal government approved an extraordinary expense of 17,000 euro to buy the officers a patrol vehicle.
The officers had been without a vehicle for a month, after the lease ...

### ENVIRONMENTAL ART IN PILAR

Some of the urban walkways of Pilar de la Horadada have been given a temporary facelift this week, thanks to an exhibition that combines art, nature and architecture through a new project being conducted by the Department of Culture.
Having spent just 896 euro on the display, the areas have been transformed through the installation of artistic collaborations that highlight the beauty of the area, whilst enhancing the immediate surroundings of parks and flower gardens, combining with street art and sculptures to offer a unique experience to those with a keen eye for something a little different. 
The artist Dante Márquez is responsible for the work, with symbolic imagery of the sunrise, seaside and coastal landscapes that make the town of Pilar de la Horadada an already attractive location to live, work and stay.
Spread over a 2 kilometre route, visitors will be able to see impressions of some of the local wildlife such as gulls, rabbits and even the endangered white-headed duck, so that “citizens travelling along the boulevard can discover important parts of the environment”, whilst also serving as a tourist attraction, said the mayor, José Fidel Ros, upon launching the exhibition.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46534/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Some of the urban walkways of Pilar de la Horadada have been given a temporary facelift this week, thanks to an exhibition that combines art, nature and architecture through a new project being conducted by the Department of Culture.
Having spent jus...

### MORE AIRPORT HOME SOUNDPROOFING

The Spanish airport authority, AENA, has plans to soundproof another 500 homes during this year, most of which are in the vicinity of the Alicante-Elche airport and its flight paths.
This latest announcement adds to the 2,001 properties already soundproofed by the end of 2014, a part of their Acoustic Insulation Plan.
The announcement was made this week during the fourteenth session of the commission of environmental monitoring of the airport, where the plans were laid out for the homes which work can begin immediately, as well as those where special planning will be required, and budget allocation.
The environmental monitoring committee is comprised of representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the Generalitat Valenciana, AENA and the municipalities of Elche and Alicante.
A spokesperson for AENA said that the action “demonstrates the will of AENA to make consistent the quality of life of people with airport management, whilst providing a needed service for the proper development of economic and social activity in nearby areas and its area of influence”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46532/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Spanish airport authority, AENA, has plans to soundproof another 500 homes during this year, most of which are in the vicinity of the Alicante-Elche airport and its flight paths.
This latest announcement adds to the 2,001 properties already sound...

### PAINTING THE BINS

Already the home to an international exhibition of street art along the Vinalopó River, Elche is set to see more colourful creations along the streets, as part of a campaign to offer street artists the opportunity to paint the recycling bins in the city.
Proyecto Vibora, or Project Viper, saw the base of the river painted with colourful montages and murals that can be viewed from the high bridges of the city, attracting visitors from around the globe.
Now, as part of Proyecto Vibora II, the new recycling bins will also be painted, with a dozen or so artists already involved in the project to transform the dull green containers.
Although paining of bins is not unique and has been done in many areas already, the uniqueness of the home of the Vinalopó river project means that the containers in Elche will enhance what is already established as making the city the canvas for such a diverse range of artworks.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46529/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Already the home to an international exhibition of street art along the Vinalopó River, Elche is set to see more colourful creations along the streets, as part of a campaign to offer street artists the opportunity to paint the recycling bins in...

### TORREVIEJA SALT SERVING MORE COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE

As television screens and newspapers are filled with reports of harsh winter weather, once again the woes of others are celebrated by the businesses that thrive on the winter season.
In the last two months, the salt producing areas of Torrevieja has exported 200,000 tonnes of salt, serving countries around the globe, and not only for weather related services, but in an ever increasing demand in other sectors and countries too.
This week alone has seen another giant ship loading at the city of salt harbour, this time destined to deliver the latest load of load of 23,000 tonnes to Cameroon. In January, Torrevieja saw the Kobe Gloria ship loading at the harbour, which took the first load of 18,000 tonnes to the African country, although that salt was for use in chemicals and the food industry, rather than battling the problems of winter. 
With an operating capacity of 800,000 tonnes per year, the site is currently producing an annual 600,000 tonnes as of last year, with two thirds of the production being exported.
With many still hoping that plans to open the salt making facilities as a tourist attraction will be realised one day soon, despite the rejection of the proposal for environmental reasons, and the renovations of the walkway along the salt loading harbour still ongoing and not yet showing signs of completion, the industrial activities of Torrevieja and the surrounding area are already globally renowned, and with this ever increasing market. 
The salt lakes of Torrevieja were operating under the administration in the hamlet of La Mata, until they were moved to the city in 1803, by decree of King Carlos IV who in turn authorized the construction of housing. Unlike the vast majority of the salt lakes where salt is removed promptly, in Torrevieja, the whole process takes up to a year to complete.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46528/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As television screens and newspapers are filled with reports of harsh winter weather, once again the woes of others are celebrated by the businesses that thrive on the winter season.
In the last two months, the salt producing areas of Torrevieja has ...

### THE NIGHT OCEAN OF TORREVIEJA

The Vista Alegre centre in Torrevieja is played host to an artistic display which focused on the beauty of the ocean at night, under the title, “La Noche del Océano”.
The exhibition, closes on Sunday, featured 4,000 drawings, all composed through different styles and techniques, as well as an animated short film which is the showcase of the event.
Adapted from The Night Ocean, an original story by H.P. Lovecraft, Robert H. Barlow, the exhibition tells the mythological story originally published in 1936, about an artist who rents a lonely house by the sea and finds both solitude and horror in his surroundings. 
Using the backdrop of Torrevieja scenery to tell the tale, with its coves and beaches providing a similar scene to that set in the original short story, local artist María Lorenzo Hernández brought the traditional imagery to life in a fusion with the modern world that also seems to reflect the past.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46527/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Vista Alegre centre in Torrevieja is played host to an artistic display which focused on the beauty of the ocean at night, under the title, “La Noche del Océano”.
The exhibition, closes on Sunday, featured 4,000 drawings, all c...

### SUMMERS BAR HELPING ELCHE KIDS GO TO TERRA MITICA

Summer´s Bar in El Galan held what has been described as an “excellent” charity event last week, with special guest Ricky Valance joining in to help raise thousands to help the Elche Children´s home, for their “Convoy Of Happiness” tour to Terra Mitica in June.
The evening started with a three course meal and superb entertainment from Dan Davy and Richie Alexander with a raffle offering prizes donated by many of bar owner Trev Massey´s friends and fellow local business owners to help the cause.
An auction was also one of the highlights of the night, with a generous auction prize donated by Serenity Sailing in Torrevieja seeing great interest and with a lot of bidding from the customers, all wanting to win the day on a chartered yacht, including lunch. The winning bid of 500€ was by regular Kate Sloan who very generously offered the prize to the next highest bidders, Norman & Valerie Rapley, who in turn matched Kate´s winning bid. She then donated the 500€ direct to the charity, resulting in raising 1000€ for the auction alone.
Trev Massey said, “I first spoke to my wife Debbie just 2 months ago and thought we could possibly raise most of the money needed by around June. I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the unending generosity shown by the regulars of Summer´s Bar El Galan, as well as the regulars in our other bar Massey´s Sports & Tapas in Blue Lagoon”.
Continuing, “I would also like to thank BMC Removals and the Ladies Bingo Social Circle at Hollywood´s Bar Los Dolses for each donating 200€ and an extra special thank you to Help Vega Baja who invited me to their San Miguel shop to explain more about my plans. After listening to the plans in more detail, they offered to pay for the children´s entrance fee, totalling in excess of 1000€!!!”
Summer´s Bar has another charity night planned on the 13th of March, priced at just 11.95€ per person, including a 3 course meal and entertainment by Gemma, Chloe Leigh and Kev Tyler.
They are also asking for people to go through their cupboards at home and donate any unwanted items to the charity auction planned for the 16th of March. They are looking for electrical equipment, unwanted presents, books, dvds household goods, in fact anything that is in good condition that you no longer use that will be auctioned off to raise even money for this superb cause.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46526/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Summer´s Bar in El Galan held what has been described as an “excellent” charity event last week, with special guest Ricky Valance joining in to help raise thousands to help the Elche Children´s home, for their “Convoy Of ...

### SPEEDY DRIVER HAS LUCKY ESCAPE

The driver of a van had a lucky escape on Wednesday when the van he was driving crashed into a building at the junction of calle La Loma and calle Fuensanta in Torrevieja.
The local police and Guardia Civil attended the scene and report that the driver, described as being of British nationality and in his 60´s, was trapped inside the vehicle. The fire brigade were called but were not required as witnesses assisted in the rescue operation before their arrival.
Witness statements say that the vehicle had been driving along calle La Loma, “at high speed”, when it tried to pass another vehicle with which it then collided and rebounded towards the corner building where the vehicle crashed and stopped, a few metres away from nearby pedestrians.
The driver was taken to Torrevieja hospital having suffered a severe contusion to the front of his head.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46525/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The driver of a van had a lucky escape on Wednesday when the van he was driving crashed into a building at the junction of calle La Loma and calle Fuensanta in Torrevieja.
The local police and Guardia Civil attended the scene and report that the driv...

### CALLS TO LIMIT SUPERSTORE OPENING HOURS

The Torrevieja retailers association, APYMECO, are calling on political parties to join in a campaign that would limit the opening hours of large supermarkets, in order to give more opportunities for smaller businesses to compete for trade.
Torrevieja has been one of the worst places hit by the growth of large retail outlets, firstly with the creation of the Habaneras shopping centre, which itself then suffered after the opening of the Zenia Boulevard. Many small businesses have closed down, unable to compete with the retail monsters, which is clear by the countless vacant premises on every street of the city centre.
The group hope that by ensuring a commitment to control the opening hours of larger stores, shoppers may well return to the smaller outlets and support their local businesses more.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46524/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Torrevieja retailers association, APYMECO, are calling on political parties to join in a campaign that would limit the opening hours of large supermarkets, in order to give more opportunities for smaller businesses to compete for trade.
Torreviej...

### CAMPS REMAINS ADOPTED SON OF TORREVIEJA

Using their majority in government, the Partido Popular of Torrevieja rejected a motion on Friday tabled by the Los Verdes green party to remove the title of “adopted son” of Torrevieja given to the former president of the region, Francisco Camps.
The spokesperson for the PP, Joaquín Albaladejo, justified the rejection on account of the belief that the motion is driven solely by personal obsession on the part of the greens, as it is the third time the motion has been tabled, and the third time it has been rejected.
José Manuel Dolón, the spokesperson for the Los Verdes, says that the reason for the claim is that Camps “is an example of a management period of the Partido Popular splashed by corruption” and that the former mayor, Pedro Hernández Mateo, now in prison, only made the proposal to affirm his own personal political career.
The PSOE socialists supported the motion, whereas the alternative APTCE group abstained. 
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46523/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Using their majority in government, the Partido Popular of Torrevieja rejected a motion on Friday tabled by the Los Verdes green party to remove the title of “adopted son” of Torrevieja given to the former president of the region, Francisc...

### BURNING WASTE TIP BACK IN THE NEWS

The burning waste tip on the border of Orihuela Costa and Pilar, which has been spewing out toxic fumes for the last several years, was back in the news again this week.
A team from the National Channel 1 TV was in the area investigating illegal waste tips and thanks to cooperation between C.L.A.R.O. and the action group against illegal waste tips, VERTIVEGA, after filming in La Murada, next to Orihuela city, they came to report on the burning waste tip on the border of Orihuela Costa and Pilar. This illegal waste tip pre-dates the La Murada tip and for many years was used to dump waste of all sorts from all over the area. It is a big financial advantage for those in charge of waste disposal to simply dump whatever they collect wherever they can rather than paying to have it disposed of and treated legally. For perhaps 20 years that was what they were doing on the Orihuela Costa-Pilar border. Years after they stopped dumping, the process of natural internal combustion resulted in the mountain of rubbish beginning to smoulder and flame and spew toxic gases into the atmosphere.
The national TV team were impressed by what they saw and filmed. The mountain of waste, perhaps 20 metres high and covering an area of some 50,000 square metres, the equivalent of 30 football pitches, contains waste of all sorts. Visible are remnants of tyres, plastic and metal and below the surface is decomposed and smouldering domestic waste. It is speculated that dangerous medical waste could also be buried in the depths of the mountain. The publicity which should come at national level from this visit could be most useful in getting the authorities to accept responsibility and decide to do something about this danger to the environment and public health.
The visit coincided with the arrival of a reply to the denuncia elaborated by Las Ramblas Urbanizacion President , Bob Hammond with the help of C.L.AR.O. Although it has taken since July last year and a reminder, the Guardia Civil environmental branch, SEPRONA, has formally replied that the complaint made was investigated by them and their report was submitted to the criminal court in Orihuela which has accepted to investigate the complaint. Furthermore, SEPRONA, after confirming the facts detailed in the denuncia, have submitted a report to the Environmental Prosecutor in Alicante. Both their action in informing the criminal court in Orihuela and the Environment Prosecutor in Alicante have been reported to the regional government in Valencia.
The reply to the denuncia is formal and authoritative. The complaint is now not only in the hands of the criminal court in Orihuela but also in the hands of the Environmental Prosecutor. There can be every confidence that these proceedings will, with time, lead to a solution to the problem. The political authorities alone have not been willing to accept responsibility for what will be a costly process to remove or make safe the waste tip. But with the court and prosecutor service seized of the matter, there is good reason to hope that a solution will be imposed on them by the courts.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46522/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The burning waste tip on the border of Orihuela Costa and Pilar, which has been spewing out toxic fumes for the last several years, was back in the news again this week.
A team from the National Channel 1 TV was in the area investigating illegal wast...

### EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 776, FRIDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2015

ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT
FOR 27 FEBRUARY 2015: € 70.000.000
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together the stakes of the nine participating European countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. By clubbing together, the participating countries have made the EuroMillions one of the biggest and most exciting lotteries in the world! Jackpots for the Euromillions draws regularly exceed € 100 million.

The latest Euromillions lottery results are presented here.
EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS
The latest results and winning numbers for the Euromillions lottery draw 776, held on Friday, 27 February 2015 were:
Euromillions Results: processing...
Millionaire Raffle: processing...
Next Euro Millions Draw Date: 03 March 2015
Next Estimated Euromillions Jackpot: € processing...
Buy Euromillions Tickets Online | Join Euromillions Syndicate

ABOUT THE EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY
EuroMillions is Europe's biggest-ever, rolling jackpot lottery game. Five numbers from 1 to 50 are selected together with two Lucky Stars from 1 to 11.
The Euro Millions lottery draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday evening in Paris. Five main numbers are drawn along with two Lucky Stars. Match a minimum of three numbers to win a prize; three main numbers, one main number and two Lucky Stars or two main numbers and 1 Lucky Star.
Match five main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars to win the Euromillions jackpot, or a share of it!
To learn more about the Euromillions visit www.euromillions-lottery-blog.com.
WAYS TO PLAY THE EUROMILLIONS ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the Euromillions lottery. Euromillions players can either buy Euromillions tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a Euromillions lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy Euromillions tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!
JOIN A EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY SYNDICATE
We have teamed up with a lottery management company to create our very own Euromillions lottery syndicate. The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot! Playing as part of the Leader Euro Millions Lottery syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the Euromillions lottery jackpot
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - share 55 Euro Millions entries for just 1 pound!
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a Euromillions ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way and improve your chances of winning a share of the Euromillions jackpot!

          
If you like the Euro Millions, you may also be interested in El Gordo, Spain's favourite weekly lottery, and SuperEnalotto, Italy's most popular national lottery game.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46521/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT
FOR 27 FEBRUARY 2015: € 70.000.000
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together the stakes of the nine partic...

### IRISH LOTTO RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 25 FEBRUARY 2015

The Irish Lotto replaced the Irish Hospital Sweepstakes in 1988. The jackpot is never lower than €2,000,000.00 and it quite often exceeds €5,000,000.00. In the past, the Irish Lottery jackpot has risen to €10,000,000 and more! The Irish Lotto draw takes place every Wednesday and Saturday night and it is televised on national TV (RTE).
Here are the the latest Irish Lotto results.

UK National Lottery Results

IRISH LOTTO LOTTERY RESULTS
The results and winning numbers for the Irish Lotto on Wednesday, 25 February 2015, were:
Irish Lotto Results: 03, 04, 06, 09, 23, 26, 32* (Bonus Ball)
Next Irish Lottery Draw: 28 February 2015
Next Estimate Irish Lotto Jackpot: € 5.000.000
Buy Irish Lotto Lottery Tickets | Join Irish Lotto Lottery Syndicate

ABOUT THE IRISH LOTTO
To win the Irish Lotto jackpot, a player must match the first six numbers drawn (1 to 45). A seventh number is also drawn in Irish Lotto and it is called the 'bonus' number.
Although people tend to pick their own lucky Irish lotto numbers, a 'quick pick' option is available which instructs the Lotto computer to select the player's Irish lotto numbers.
The Irish National Lottery pays in excess of 50% of its funds in prize money. The balance is used to fund projects in Ireland in the areas of health, sport, recreation, arts, culture and national heritage, including the Irish language. A player does not have to live in Ireland to play and can buy Irish Lotto tickets online.
All Irish Lottery prizes are tax-free and are paid out in one lump sum, usually within 48 hours of the draw.
WAYS TO PLAY THE IRISH LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the Irish Lotto lottery. Irish Lotto players can either buy Irish Lotto lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join an Irish Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY IRISH LOTTO LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy Irish Lotto lottery tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!
JOIN AN IRISH LOTTO LOTTERY SYNDICATE
We have teamed up with a lottery management company to create our very own Irish Lotto lottery syndicate. The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Irish Lotto lottery jackpot! Playing as part of the Leader Irish Lotto lottery syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the Irish Lotto lottery jackpot
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - share 40 Irish Lotto entries for just 1 pound!
4.) CONVENIENCE - never forget to buy a Irish Lotto ticket and play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!

Play the smarter way and improve your chances of winning a share of the Irish Lotto jackpot!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46520/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Irish Lotto replaced the Irish Hospital Sweepstakes in 1988. The jackpot is never lower than €2,000,000.00 and it quite often exceeds €5,000,000.00. In the past, the Irish Lottery jackpot has risen to €10,000,000 and more! The Irish ...

### UK NATIONAL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 2001, WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2015

The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: 12, 14, 15, 20, 40, 41, 42* (Bonus Ball)
Next UK Lotto Draw: 28 February 2015
Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ 4.100.000
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46519/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: 12, 14, 15, 20, 40, 41, 42* (Bonus Ball)Next UK Lotto Draw: 28 February 2015Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ 4.100.000
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46519/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### WATCH OUT FOR THIEVES AT ALICANTE AIRPORT CAR HIRE COLLECTION POINT, WARNS CONSULATE

One out of five British passports stolen in Alicante province are taken at the airport, and half of them are removed from vehicles there, the British Consulate has warned.
 
Beyond the airport, a further one out of five British passports are stolen from vehicles on the road or in car parks.
The high level of passport thefts from vehicles are the focus of a new drive by the Consulate and police to reduce the number of Brits who suffer the consequent losses of time and money.
The British Consulate last week met car hire companies at Alicante airport and the national police to discuss ways to reduce the number of British nationals who fall victim to passport robbery when they collect their hire cars.
  
The Consulate asked car hire companies to remove stickers from the back of cars as this makes them an obvious target for thieves. One company revealed that since removing stickers from its cars, the number of broken windscreens had reduced greatly.
 
The car hire companies said they will issue new advice to customers:
1.       Never leave personal belongings visible from outside the vehicle
2.       When your vehicle is full of suitcases or other valuables, leave it in a proper car park with security cameras, not on the street
3.       Be extra wary when loading and unloading – keep your valuables close to you
4.       Ignore attempts to distract you when on the road or in a car park - they could be part of a ploy to rob you
The police promised more patrols at the car hire collection point and closer working with car hire companies. They also urged car hire companies to publicise the telephone number 902 102 112 for tourists to report a crime in English if they do fall victim.
You can watch a video on how to avoid becoming a victim of roadside robbery at: https://vimeo.com/98023947Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46518/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: One out of five British passports stolen in Alicante province are taken at the airport, and half of them are removed from vehicles there, the British Consulate has warned.
 
Beyond the airport, a further one out of five British passports are stolen ...

### OVERSEAS PROPERTY BONANZA

Exclusive opportunities to snap up bargain homes abroad will present themselves in the North West next month, when a leading property expo returns to Manchester, said OverseasGuidesCompany.com,  who is looking forward to helping visitors to the event buy abroad safely.
“A Place in the Sun Live in Manchester is an unmissable event for anyone thinking of purchasing overseas,” said Angelos Koutsoudes, Head of OverseasGuidesCompany.com. “We've exhibited at the London and Birmingham shows for several years and believe there is plenty of appetite for owning an overseas home amongst people who live in the North West.
“Right now, conditions in Eurozone hotspots, including Spain and France, remain very kind to UK buyers, wherever they are from, thanks to stagnant property prices, and favourable euro mortgage and exchange rates. But locally in the North West, interest should also be fuelled by recovering domestic house prices and the expanding flights network out of local airports.
“A leading analyst reported this month that momentum behind house price growth in the UK has shifted to northern cities, who have lagged behind London and the South-east. This should help create a feel good factor in the North of England, and is good news for anyone selling their property to relocate abroad or to buy a holiday home.
“Meanwhile, another positive sign is the ever-increasing air traffic at Manchester Airport. Officially the UK's third busiest airport, Manchester hit the 22 million passenger mark for the first time since 2007, in January 2015, and there are now more than 22 million people living within two hours of Manchester Airport – many of whom who will be in the market for a second home overseas.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46514/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Exclusive opportunities to snap up bargain homes abroad will present themselves in the North West next month, when a leading property expo returns to Manchester, said OverseasGuidesCompany.com,  who is looking forward to helping visitors to the event b...

### A PRESIDENTS FAREWELL

Chris Sumter is stepping down as president of Samaritans in Spain and moving to England to begin the next adventure in her life. She first joined the Samaritans in the autumn of 2008, completing her listening training early in 2009. 
She became a Trustee and, as an ex teacher, took over training, revamping the modules to suit Spanish conditions and began training trainers to further the organisation.
She became CEO in 2011 and took over as President on 1st November 2011. At this point the organisation was known as Costa Blanca Samaritans, and was literally struggling for its very survival, only being available for 4 hours each night.
Chris immediately began to seek out ways to bring the Samaritans into the limelight and into the forefront of charities here in Spain. The search was on to find and secure premises to include the call centre itself, a drop-in centre and a Charity shop to raise desperately needed funds.
The ideal location was found and secured at Punta Marina Centre at Punta Prima, just south of Torrevieja. Several individuals were drawn in, such as builders and architects who were surprised when Chris asked them to complete their tasks “no later than tomorrow”, and they did!
The office and shop opened on 1st March 2013. Since then the Samaritans have gone from strength to strength to now include 24 hour listening, email consultations, face to face work, prison visiting and a satellite centre with the British Embassy in Madrid. Samaritans in Spain are now one of the most well known and respected services for expats throughout Spain and the Islands.
Chris has always been an innovator in this way. 25 years ago she started a college course for adults with learning difficulties. Most college courses till then had simply taught the students in segregated classrooms.
The course Chris started was to integrate the students into mainstream courses such as Maths, English, motor mechanics, horse management, catering and many others, and also included work experience, even work placements. Everyone said it couldn't be done. It was done and some of the students, even 20 years later are still working in their original jobs.
When she moved to Bangkok to work in a very large International School she achieved several firsts there, most notably to set up a counselling service in the Elementary section of the school.
Again people said it couldn't be done, some even said it was not needed. But starting from what Chris called “a broom cupboard next to the toilet” it grew into an essential service not only for the children, but also for parents, teachers and the wider community.
So what is next for this mover and shaker? Only time will tell, but wherever she ends up, it will surely not be to enjoy her retirement gracefully. As Chris says, there are places to visit, people to see, and most importantly things to be done. Both she and her husband are already looking for the next challenge, even before starting this one.
Good luck to both Chris and Lubbertus in this move and indeed the next one.
by LubbertusFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46512/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Chris Sumter is stepping down as president of Samaritans in Spain and moving to England to begin the next adventure in her life. She first joined the Samaritans in the autumn of 2008, completing her listening training early in 2009. 
She became a Trus...

### CUCARACHA CLUB ON TOUR

San Luis Actor and Writer Billie Anthony'Gaddess who is know for treading the boards on stage with The ADHOC Players over the last few years, having been keen to encourage people to enjoy performing on stage as well as entertain.
He found him self invited to Radio Stations and in local News Paper Office's for interviews on his trip back to his home town of Newcastle last week.
The Asian network station Spice FM transmitting via internet and on terrestrial air waves all over India, Pakistan and the Asian Sub Continent, gave 30 minutes air time to the Film and intends a 2 hour special with cast and crew on completion of the story about ex Spy's being reactivated by their former Spy masters.
The feed back to the Music played on air received very positive reactions from the public telephoning the station.
The Song sung by Chloe Leigh and The Fabulous Replays was played along with Verity Jo Hall's Give it Wings, and Don't Block out the Light sung by Stevie Spit, all Written by Peter Taylor.
Radio Northumberland was the next venue for the wandering Geordie negotiating his way to Cramlington via Sat-Nav for a 1 hour special Dessert Island Disks with Presenter Paul Green.
Then every busy on to Newcastle and a Drive past his beloved Saint James Park to the BBC Centre by Nuns Moore for an interview by Simon Logan for his day time afternoon show. Having spent a while drinking BBC Coffee and waxing lyrical about the Film The Cucaracha Club and playing tracks from the Film score.
Billie now found him self visiting the Evening Chronicle Offices in Newcastle centre, Nr the Tyne Bridge for an interview with other cast members who had travelled to Spain just to be involved in the production.
Billie was over whelmed by the amount of contact he has received asking about the production and interest by actors in the Uk wanting to join in with filming but more so by the surprised media in the UK, that its so hard to persuade people to support this as that its low budget and a community project, crowd funding is alien to folks in Spain.
More information can be found www.siesta.productions  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46511/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: San Luis Actor and Writer Billie Anthony'Gaddess who is know for treading the boards on stage with The ADHOC Players over the last few years, having been keen to encourage people to enjoy performing on stage as well as entertain.
He found him self inv...

### EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 775, TUESDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2015

ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT
FOR 24 FEBRUARY 2015: € 70.000.000
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together the stakes of the nine participating European countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. By clubbing together, the participating countries have made the EuroMillions one of the biggest and most exciting lotteries in the world! Jackpots for the Euromillions draws regularly exceed € 100 million.

The latest Euromillions lottery results are presented here.
EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS
The latest results and winning numbers for the Euromillions lottery draw 775, held on Tuesday, 24 February 2015 were:
Euromillions Results: processing...
Millionaire Raffle: processing...
Next Euro Millions Draw Date: 27 February 2015
Next Estimated Euromillions Jackpot: € processing...
Buy Euromillions Tickets Online | Join Euromillions Syndicate

ABOUT THE EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY
EuroMillions is Europe's biggest-ever, rolling jackpot lottery game. Five numbers from 1 to 50 are selected together with two Lucky Stars from 1 to 11.
The Euro Millions lottery draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday evening in Paris. Five main numbers are drawn along with two Lucky Stars. Match a minimum of three numbers to win a prize; three main numbers, one main number and two Lucky Stars or two main numbers and 1 Lucky Star.
Match five main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars to win the Euromillions jackpot, or a share of it!
To learn more about the Euromillions visit www.euromillions-lottery-blog.com.
WAYS TO PLAY THE EUROMILLIONS ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the Euromillions lottery. Euromillions players can either buy Euromillions tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a Euromillions lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy Euromillions tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!
JOIN A EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY SYNDICATE
We have teamed up with a lottery management company to create our very own Euromillions lottery syndicate. The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot! Playing as part of the Leader Euro Millions Lottery syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the Euromillions lottery jackpot
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - share 55 Euro Millions entries for just 1 pound!
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a Euromillions ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way and improve your chances of winning a share of the Euromillions jackpot!

          
If you like the Euro Millions, you may also be interested in El Gordo, Spain's favourite weekly lottery, and SuperEnalotto, Italy's most popular national lottery game.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46503/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT
FOR 24 FEBRUARY 2015: € 70.000.000
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together the stakes of the nine partic...

### SIGN UP FOR THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE GUARDIA CIVIL TRAFICO

Due to the phenomenal growth of their Facebook page, ‘N332', increasing from a handful of followers only a few weeks ago to now around 6,000 people interested in driving and traffic laws in Spain, the Guardia Civil officers behind the campaign have been asking their followers what else they would like to see in the future.
Having asked whether their followers would be interested in an eBook, magazine of other publication, they now have a clearer picture of how to develop the information source in the near future and beyond.
Firstly, they have found that many of the questions asked by new followers are duplicates of information they have already published. Therefore, they are now in the process of creating a new website where they will catalogue the articles which will then allow you to search and read through any of the information we have already posted. 
Secondly, they have decided for now to set up a FREE newsletter, which they will send by email on a regular basis, probably monthly initially. You can sign up to be added to the mailing list by visiting the secure page on the website, http://n332.es/newsletter-signup/ or by sending an email to news@n332.es with the word SUBSCRIBE in the subject line.
The reason they have decided to provide the service for free is because they think it´s important to reach as many expats as possible, as they believe it is important that the information reaches as many people as possible and a free service is more likely to achieve this.
They are investing a lot of time in providing the service though and they hope to get donations from advertisers in the future in order to help raise money for charitable groups, to maintain the website and the newsletter.
The website is available now at www.n332.es, but there is still a lot of work to do on both the website and the newsletter, so they ask you to be patient, but once complete it will provide a valuable resource to accompany the Facebook page, where they promise to still remain interactive with you and respond to your questions. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46502/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Due to the phenomenal growth of their Facebook page, ‘N332', increasing from a handful of followers only a few weeks ago to now around 6,000 people interested in driving and traffic laws in Spain, the Guardia Civil officers behind the campaign h...

### A CHALLENGING ROLE FOR AN ASSISTANT

The councillor for the Orihuela Costa, Martina Scheurer, wants to clarify the situation regarding her position and future, after it was erroneously reported in a few other news outlets that she is to leave her current position, and stand in the next municipal elections. 
The reality of the situation is actually the opposite, as reported by The Leader, the councillor is not standing down from her position and is still very much holding her post within the local government team, but once this term is over, it is then that she will be standing down, and she will not be standing in the elections in May.
However, continuing with the story of the team currently residing in the coastal town hall, we also caught up this week with another member of the team, Scheurer´s personal assistant, Heike Schug. Holding one of the posts for which a councillor can choose their assistants, Schug has been by the councillor's side throughout the term in office, and is linked to that council post. As such, once Scheurer leaves the position after the elections, Schug will also no longer be an active part of that team.
Having become a point of contact for many of the international residents on the coast, dealing with their day to day problems, complaints, criticisms and even praise, Schug has become one of the faces of the government. 
The challenges the role has brought, as well as the passion injected into the post, are evident from how Schug herself explains, “To be able to passionately get up in the morning, looking forward to another day, to be able to offer my assistance and to be there with compassion can make a difference to someone and is to me personally a grateful reward. The love for this area I have now been enjoying for some 29 years has taught me many lessons. To stay positive is one of the many important things I have learned. There is a reason for every happening, every challenge that life puts in front of us. Bringing us closer to not just to get a sneak peak on fellow beings that share the walk on our path for a certain time, but also to accept their path of perception, learning and evolving. Isn't this what the quest of life is all about?”
“In politics, there is little leeway, to be a hardened ideologist.  One must stand in front of the public with strength, enthusiasm and true to one´s conscience. To compromise to survive is not everybody's way. There comes a point, when the true question comes up if you want to compromise your integrity. Well Martina has reached this moment. It is entirely Martina's decisions if she declines to carry on for another term, trying to battle against the odds and to overcome the constant disheartening attacks by others.
Although there is no doubt that Scheurer and Schug will be missed by many, a changing future was always inevitable, as Schug concluded, “I accepted the challenge, knowing that one day someone new will continue in my footsteps”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46501/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The councillor for the Orihuela Costa, Martina Scheurer, wants to clarify the situation regarding her position and future, after it was erroneously reported in a few other news outlets that she is to leave her current position, and stand in the next m...

### BEACHES AND EVENTS FEATURE IN ORIHUELA NEWS

Hitting back at rumours and speculation that have started to spread in the election build up, the Councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer, would like to confirm that she is not charged in any cases of corruption. Scheurer explains that the courts are investigating the case of the Chiringuitos contract as a complaint was raised with them, but there are no charges against anybody at this time. Similarly, Scheurer has hit back at claims that her Los Verdes colleague, the Mayor of Orihuela, Monseratte Guillén, has “abandoned” his position, pointing out that he had suffered a serious heart condition that required urgent medical treatment and has been certified sick since that happened. Neither Scheurer or Guillén will be standing for election in May.
Analysis of data for waste collections has been concluded by the Orihuela town hall, revealing that 350 tons of seaweed is now being collected from the beaches of the Orihuela Costa for disposal, compared to the 7,000 tons paid for in 2010. However, the conclusion is not that there is less being collected, but, according to the Councillor for the Coast Martina Scheurer, the difference now is that the seaweed is left to dry before transportation, the lighter load being due to the fact that the taxpayer is no longer footing the bill for the weight of the sea water collected with the seaweed. Previously, when the operation was run by a private company on behalf of the town hall, there were no checks carried out on the weight invoiced, which is apparently also the case for the 15,000 ton difference in residual weight from the 62,000 tons normally billed to the now 47,000 tons which is collected, despite the same number of people being resident and their continual poor recycling practices.
As part of the improvements to the Orihuela Costa the latest stretch of handrails is now completed, with others still ongoing, providing added security and assistance as well as improving the aesthetics of the area. Meanwhile, the team of workers who are on the current short-term employment scheme are in the process of creating the first network of connected bicycle lanes on the coast, linking from the main route that runs along the N-332. There will also be around 30 bike parking facilities installed along the route of the new cycle paths, whilst department of employment are preparing the next project which will create more bike lanes to connect to the existing and newly created network connecting urbanisations and parks.
Plans are coming together for a bumper year of events on the Orihuela Costa. The next will be the St Patrick's Day parade, which will be supported by the Orihuela town hall with the coastal department and tourism department providing a band each. Later, then St George's day event will also be supported as well as a full calendar of events on the coast and the beaches. The first major national event will be Easter with a bus from the coast on the Thursday to the city for the solemn, night parade, as well as one on Good Friday and Easter Saturday. During the summer there will be concerts on the beaches, zumba, snorkelling, kayaking and inflatable features in the water. A full information leaflet will be created promoting the events, as well as an information leaflet offering general advice. Lifeguards and Chiringuitos will start the season in Easter, part of the continual contract arranged last year, with new adaptations and features to assist in access to some of the beaches. Checks will be carried out to ensure the company fulfil the contract terms. 
Clean up work on the La Glea micro reserve has stopped due to the weather conditions. It will continue in March with the support of the municipal teams. Some of the rubbish bins have been removed and signs will be provided to ask people to take their rubbish home instead of throwing it into the overflowing bins or onto the green area. This is an unusual initiative but one which the environment department hope will solve the problem of overflowing bins, which are difficult to access and clean, by removing one of the problematic features. The work should be completed in time for Easter, as will the beaches. 
The coastal department of Orihuela has also contacted the provincial coastal department in Alicante to ask if they can have more sand transported to the beaches and spread over some of the areas where nature has taken it away. The request was following a major sand moving initiative in neighbouring Pilar de la Horadada and San Pedro. The coastal department of Alicante has now allegedly opened an investigation into what happened further south as there was no permission granted to do any kind of sand moving work.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46500/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Hitting back at rumours and speculation that have started to spread in the election build up, the Councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer, would like to confirm that she is not charged in any cases of corruption. Scheurer explains that the courts a...

### NO RESOLUTION IMMINENT FOR PORTABLE CABIN SCHOOL

Despite the threats of continual protests in the wake of the recently highlighted problems at the Playas de Orihuela school, the Valencia regional education ministry has not provided any firm information as to when the 13 year old portable cabin school will be replaced by a real building.
The regional deputy of the Compromís political group, Mireia Mollà, raised the question with the government asking for clarification as to when the work on the school will be put to tender.
In response, spokesperson for the education department, María José Catalá, said in writing that “this school is among the new educational infrastructure planned to tender and for that we are doing the preparatory work”.
However, with the announcement that only the “preparatory work” is being done, any kind of resolution is likely to be a long time coming, which the Compromís delegation has described as “unfortunate”, on account of the centre requiring “urgent attention”, made worse by the damage caused by high winds recently, which Mollà says the government “continues to ignore”.
Meanwhile, a delegation from the regional education department, including D.Manuel Tomas Ludeña secretario autonomico de educacion, will be visiting the Orihuela Costa on Monday the 2nd of March. The local government representatives from the Orihuela town hall will be holding a meeting to discuss the problems first hand and see if a common agreement might be reached soon.
However, prior to that meeting, the local government plan to bring the regional delegation to the school to see the problems first hand, at a time which will coincide with the weekly protest taking place. 
This will be an opportunity for anybody interested in the value of education, and the legacy of poor investment in the Orihuela Costa to show the regional authorities exactly what their lack of action has meant so far. 
The APA parents and teachers association have vowed to continue to demonstrate every Monday morning from 8:30 to 9:15 on the road outside CEIP Playas de Orihuela, and will do so until Fabra and his government fulfil their promises and provide the neighbourhood with what they need, a brick built school that is so very essential to the education and development of the Orihuela Costa's increasingly abandoned young children. 
With those two appointments falling together at the same time and day, Monday the 2nd of March, it is hoped that the opportunity to convey that message will not be missed and the voice of the people be carried back to the department responsible for the problem, albeit from the safe and secure location of Valencia where they reside. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46499/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Despite the threats of continual protests in the wake of the recently highlighted problems at the Playas de Orihuela school, the Valencia regional education ministry has not provided any firm information as to when the 13 year old portable cabin schoo...

### NO RESOLUTION IMMINENT FOR PORTACABIN SCHOOL

Despite the threats of continual protests in the wake of the recently highlighted problems at the Playas de Orihuela school, the Valencia regional education ministry has not provided any firm information as to when the 13 year old portacabin school will be replaced by a real building.
The regional deputy of the Compromís political group, Mireia Mollà, raised the question with the government asking for clarification as to when the work on the school will be put to tender.
In response, spokesperson for the education department, María José Catalá, said in writing that “this school is among the new educational infrastructure planned to tender and for that we are doing the preparatory work”.
However, with the announcement that only the “preparatory work” is being done, any kind of resolution is likely to be a long time coming, which the Compromís delegation has described as “unfortunate”, on account of the centre requiring “urgent attention”, made worse by the damage caused by high winds recently, which Mollà says the government “continues to ignore”.
Meanwhile, a delegation from the regional education department, including D.Manuel Tomas Ludeña secretario autonomico de educacion, will be visiting the Orihuela Costa on Monday the 2nd of March. The local government representatives from the Orihuela town hall will be holding a meeting to discuss the problems first hand and see if a common agreement might be reached soon.
However, prior to that meeting, the local government plan to bring the regional delegation to the school to see the problems first hand, at a time which will coincide with the weekly protest taking place. 
This will be an opportunity for anybody interested in the value of education, and the legacy of poor investment in the Orihuela Costa to show the regional authorities exactly what their lack of action has meant so far. 
The APA parents and teachers association have vowed to continue to demonstrate every Monday morning from 8:30 to 9:15 on the road outside CEIP Playas de Orihuela, and will do so until Fabra and his government fulfil their promises and provide the neighbourhood with what they need, a brick built school that is so very essential to the education and development of the Orihuela Costa's increasingly abandoned young children. 
With those two appointments falling together at the same time and day, Monday the 2nd of March, it is hoped that the opportunity to convey that message will not be missed and the voice of the people be carried back to the department responsible for the problem, albeit from the safe and secure location of Valencia where they reside. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46499/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Despite the threats of continual protests in the wake of the recently highlighted problems at the Playas de Orihuela school, the Valencia regional education ministry has not provided any firm information as to when the 13 year old portacabin school wi...

### THIS WEEK'S VIRTUAL LEADER NEWSPAPER

The Virtual Leader is now available to all our readers and advertisers. headline story features the terrific efforts of the well known local golfer 'Mick the Grip' in raising much needed funds for the Royal british Legion with his popular 'Poppy Golf Days'.

Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46498/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Virtual Leader is now available to all our readers and advertisers. headline story features the terrific efforts of the well known local golfer 'Mick the Grip' in raising much needed funds for the Royal british Legion with his popular 'Poppy Golf D...

### MISSED OPPORTUNITIES FOR TORRY AS LEVANTE SNEAK POINTS

CD TORREVIEJA 0 ATLETICO LEVANTE UD 1
Wondering where his team's next win was going to come from, Riquelme Galiana must have been relieved to have his skipper Jorge, and playmaker Carrasco back at his disposal, following their spent 1 match ban.  
In form Levante 'B' were the visitors to Vicente Garcia Stadium, hell bent on reversing their defeat to Torry in Valencia earlier in the season.  
Lying 2nd in the table, only 1 point off the top, it wasn't that long ago that they were chasing Torry, who have now slipped to mid table (10th), but following a disastrous run in which they have failed to score in 4 bad defeats, Galiana's men are now seriously looking over their shoulders at the teams below.  
The game got underway in front of the smallest crowd of the season with Torry looking far more decisive than in previous weeks, they were pressing from the start and with an attacking formation of Obele, Carrasco and Rafa they piled early pressure on Levante. A good indication, we thought, that we were set for a good number of goals.
Levante were also creating chances but there was no real edge to their build up play, most of which was adeptly ‘snuffed out'. 
Jorge was almost on the scoresheet after just 8 mins but his shot was straight at keeper Zagala when either side might well have produced a goal.
Oscar was called into action just 5 mins later and he had to be at full stretch to tip over a good effort from Nanclares.
Moments later it was the home side that were back on the front foot with a superb 20 yard shot sailing just inches over the Levante bar from Adrian. This was much better from Torry and a possible upset looked most certainly to be on the cards.
Zagala was in action with a finger tip save after a fine combination between Jorge and Alexis and then on the half hour mark he acrobatically turned Carrasco's goalbound effort over the bar. The resultant corner saw the keeper called into action again when he was equal to a powerful header from Torry's Alexis. As the players trooped of at 0-0, the Torrevieja changing room was certainly going to be the happier of the two, the only disappointment being they were unable to convert their domination into goals. We wondered whether they might subsequently be made to pay for those missed opportunities. 
And that's unfortunately the way it turned out to be. Despite Torry's continued second half superiority, chances for Carrasco, Alexis and Obele the game was turned on its head with just one defensive lapse, a 60 yard back pass from Cesar to keeper Oscar who completely fluffed his clearance.  The ball went straight to Levante's Keita who rammed it home from close range. 1-0 to Levante with the home side staring at their 5th consecutive defeat, but on this occasion one that they most certainly did not deserve. 
Next weekend, Torry are away to Ontinyent and then in 2 weeks time, as there's an odd number of teams in div 3 this season, it will be Torry's turn to sit it out, which might see them slip further down the standings.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46496/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: CD TORREVIEJA 0 ATLETICO LEVANTE UD 1
Wondering where his team's next win was going to come from, Riquelme Galiana must have been relieved to have his skipper Jorge, and playmaker Carrasco back at his disposal, following their spent 1 match ban.  
In...

### TIDAL WAVE OF NON-REGULATED PENSION ADVICE IS A THREAT TO YOUR LIFE SAVINGS

A tidal wave of “advice” from fraudsters and scammers is set to hit those with pension funds, a leading UK regulated financial adviser is warning.
Angela South is managing director of Magna Wealth Management Ltd which trades as Expat Pensions in Spain and EU countries. 
She said the warning signs were already there.
“The Treasury has already had to force the closure of a website – www.pensionwisechoices.co.uk – over concerns the firm concerned was attempting to pass itself off as the Government's official Pension Wise guidance service.
“And now research conducted by MetLife reveals that nearly one in ten pensioners has been targeted by scammers during their retirement,” she said.
The reported scams range from attempting to trick older people into revealing their bank details, to selling allegedly suspect investments and pension liberating schemes.
Ms South said: “Independent advice from a regulated financial adviser can help people become better informed and able to see through fraudsters, but you have to ask whether the financial services industry and our regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, have done a good enough job in getting this message across.
“In April, thousands of pensioners will gain unprecedented access to their pension funds under George Osborne's so-called ‘freedoms' but my concern is that this has already provided a fertile environment for fraudsters.
“Yes, those over 55-years-old will have choices on how they use their savings from April onwards, but they will also want to factor in issues such as how much tax they pay when take money out of their pensions, and also the need to ensure they have enough money, from whatever source, to fund their retirement for the rest of their lives.
“Suggesting that giving those aged 55 and over full access to their pension savings would encourage them to go out and buy a Lamborghini was a little patronising, but my concern is that nobody is stressing the need for professional advice enough,” she cautioned.
She said she was encouraged by news that HMRC is to tighten regulations for pension scheme administrators from April this year as part of its clampdown on pension scams.
“Fraudsters are nothing if not clever and inventive, and I am sure they will already be plotting their route round the latest regulations.
“Many have very attractive and plausible websites. Many falsely claim to be FCA regulated. 
“Many offer ‘guarantees' but if your sole intention is to get hold of the money and spend it, then what is any ‘guarantee' worth?” said Ms South.
She said those looking to make the most of their pensions in retirement, or those who have been contacted out of the blue by someone claiming to be a pensions expert, should consider consulting a regulated financial adviser with concrete credentials that they have thoroughly checked out.
“For example, if someone claims to be a regulated financial adviser, there is a simple way to check. Go to http://www.fca.org.uk/register/ and check the Financial Services Register run by the Financial Conduct Authority.”
The Financial Services Register lists financial services firms and individuals in the UK who are authorised by the FCA to do business, are registered to undertake regulated activities, and approved to provide products or services
Ms South said: “If you plan to do business with a firm or individual, use the Financial Services Register to find out if they are allowed to offer the service or product you are interested in.
“This will give you assurance that they are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and are governed by its stringent regulations.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46495/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A tidal wave of “advice” from fraudsters and scammers is set to hit those with pension funds, a leading UK regulated financial adviser is warning.
Angela South is managing director of Magna Wealth Management Ltd which trades as Expat Pensi...

### EURONICS DARTS LEAGUE -  ¨THE ELECTRICAL SHOP¨ - BLUE LAGOON - 19 FEB 15

Pairs and Triples venues will be distributed this week for the weeks of 5th March (Pairs) and 12th March (Triples).  Entries are slightly down on previous years and considering the league enjoys two extra teams this term, it's a little disappointing.  
One or two sides haven't entered either competitions, with numerous valid reasons in most cases.  From the participating bars point of view, the League imposes a policy of only using venues where teams have entered the appropriate competitions.  
Not only are absentees not supporting the League, but their local bar also. Nevertheless both events will be keenly contested up to and including the finals in May.  Singles entries for both ladies and mens events will follow in due course, first round matches take place on 2nd April.  
The Ladies singles event will once again be supported by Alex Nikolov Building Services.To clarify the rule appertaining to teams turning up with only 5 players, in the singles category a player may play twice, by method of a blind draw. Rule 7 covers teams with four or five players and legs they must forfeit in that particular leg.  Further clarification if necessary may be obtained via Derek Kingsbury, fixtures and rules co-ordinator.
Onto this week´s league matches and all the surprises and congratulations must go to Division 2 teams of Que Pasa Kestrels, Sporting Life Misfits and the Ale House on splendid victories that really open up the chase for second spot.
 Misfits imposed a fifth defeat on the Jaguars at the Junction this week, placing them nicely behind the Tavern with a definite chance of improving fifth place.  Pete James and Leah Chesworth did the damage for the visitors with three winning doubles each, ending the Jaguars four match unbeaten run.  Karl Cooper supported well with a singles victory plus 100,125 and 133.  
Chesworth took the match and both points for the Misfits, going out in style on 88.  Nice one Leah!  Her victim was none other than Simone de Lacy who had pressured her opponent with an 81 and 100.  Jaguars Wendy Hayward was outstanding against Zoe James 83, nailing 81,81,135 and D2 to keep the hosts in the game.
Pat Schofield endured the vocals of Joe Brown, to continue her run of fine form to take the first singles on D19.  Hilda Wilkinson´s 89 out (T19,S16,D8) was the highest in the match taking the third triples.   Captain Tracey Simpson´s consistent high scoring wasn't taken advantage of until the last leg of the evening on D20 against Sonya Cooper.
Que Pasa Kestrels leap frog the Jaguars into second spot after an excellent home victory to the Tavern.  The Lanes´ John, Michelle and Harvey took the first triple, Harvey showing how it should be done scoring 81,85 and D20.  
Chris Miles D4 made it 3 up for the home side despite some great scoring from Taverner Stu Mitchell.  John Lane made it 4 on D9 before Mitchell retrieved a leg for the visitors.  Russell Lyness extended the Kestrels half time lead of 4-2 in the first singles, Rick Cox D5 narrowing the margin for the Taverners and keeping their hopes of a result alive.  
Unfortunately Harvey Lane managed yet another double for at least the draw and point.  Terry Kirby looked likely to take the match with an impressive 114 but his opponent Zack Green scored well plus D9 for 6-4.  Mitchell looked the likely winner in the next with some great scores (2x100), but Michelle Lane was his equal with 85,100 and D10 for the match.  John Lane made it a real family affair, taking out D8 for 8-4 against a spirited Theo Wils.
Breakaways retain their stranglehold on Division 2 after a comfortable away victory at the Pint Depot Queens.  A 1-5 half time lead via Alan Strong D20, D10, Mike Snow D2, Mike Douglas D12 and Del Lister D10 just wasn't going to be retrieved by the Royals although Vi Turner did her best converting D6 plus one or two other doubles taken when she was supposed to be scoring.
 Marie Dunne and Mike Douglas were top scorers up to the half way stage.  Strong ensured the draw on tops, Douglas gaining the win despite a good performance from Dunne.  The remaining four singles went the visitors way through Snow, Sarah Simpson, Ivan Jones and Lister.
Several D1 finishes throughout indicated a different score line was possible so come on you Royals get practising on the all important doubles.
Ale House made it 3 points from 4 enjoying a home victory and third win of the season.  Karl Mallinson came in with numerous top scores plus a couple of doubles, Bernie Whipday just eclipsing the licensee with a barrage of scores plus a double.   Luke Yarnold added a further double along with some decent scoring.  
Jak Doggatt and John Williams were Evolutions main men, the former continuing to improve week on week and nailing a double to boot.  Both sides are now showing a little form that would have presented a different league table had it occurred earlier in the season.
Meerkats keep their unbeaten run to over 50 matches with a comfortable and very enjoyable win over Gogarty´s Bulls.  An uninspired first half saw the Kats leading 1-5, Richard Pattison looking impressive with 100 and 121, Gail Todd and Cynthia Jevons winning the Bulls only leg.  Dave Frews 100, 140 and Paul Durrant´s 64 out highlighting the Kats efforts.  
Pat Abrams made it 6 for the Kats winning 2 of 3 against Kevin Prockter who took the middle leg on D20 after an 83 and 95.  Abrams a dodgy D3 and D16 taking the leg.  A 133 from Brian Newton gave Durrant a scare before taking the match on D20 and D5.  A real sizzler followed between Alex Nikolov and Pattison, Nikolov recorded 2x100 and a 59 out in the first, Pattison taking out 92 in the second after a ton.  Nikolov opened with 2x140 in the third, only for his opponent to register 100,121 and a fine 110 out (T20,S18,D16).  Great game!  Lee Maiden, Frew and Del Kingsbury took the remaining three singles.
Meekats only threat to the league championship, the Hyenas, kept up their challenge with a decent home victory to the Jackals from the Junction.  It was 4-2 at half time, the highlight being Nigel Elvery wiring D20 for a 154 out.  Shaun Smith D12, D10, John Eyre D10, Nick Spicer D8 the Hyenas victors, Jimmy Gray D2, Phil de Lacy D16 for the Jackals.  
Joe Miller 2x100, D18 and D2 ensured the draw against Elvery allowing cuddly Spicer to win the points playing a very worthy opponent in de Lacy 81,85,95,135.  Smith recorded 4x100 and 2xD8 in the 11th leg against Gray.  Miller wrapped up the match 2-0 with a tidy game, opponent Michael Jones.
The Porter House maintain third spot with their seventh win of the season, this time versus Pint Depot Kings.  It was tight at half time, 3 all in fact, John Crooks D13, Frankie “W” D4 and Matt Cummins D2 taking the doubles for the Kings, Ray Hayes D6, Matt Jackson D8, Peter Ayres replying for the hosts.  
Tons coming from Ray Sanderson 100,126, Yvonne Rouffignac and Ayres both scoring hundreds.  The Porters took all 6 singles, however a shoulder injury to Matt Cummins prevented the last leg occurring, what was he doing? Brian Nash 100,129, took 2 of 3 playing Martyn Bynorth with Sid Cross making short work of Bob Hogden 2-0, to include 2x100 and a 95.  
Rouffignac won her singles 2-1, the last leg a tasty 95 out.  Frankie “W” gave a great performance in his singles, scoring 120,121 and 122 but unfortunately opponent Ayres recorded 2x100, but more importantly D16 and D8. Hayes completed the match hitting D2 twice against Ian Sleath.
Finishing School
Question:	How do you finish 72?
Answer:	Many would go for T12, D18, but if you hit S12 it would leave 60 points which can easily be busted.  My alternative is S16, S16, D20.  Any treble on 8s or 16s leaves decent alternatives without the possibility of busting.
Question:	How do you finish 44?
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46492/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Pairs and Triples venues will be distributed this week for the weeks of 5th March (Pairs) and 12th March (Triples).  Entries are slightly down on previous years and considering the league enjoys two extra teams this term, it's a little disappointing. ...

### PRIVATISATION OF WATER AND SANITATION IN SAN MIGUEL DE SALINAS.

The Partido Popular (PP) Administration of San Miguel de Salinas continues to violate basic constitutional rights with their refusal to disclose details of the contact to the private company Aguagest for the supply of drinking water and santitaion to its residents.
The Association of Neighbours ‘San Miguel Arcangel' has continued to challenge this and took this very matter to The Síndico de Agravios, the arbitrator, a matter of ten months ago and their case has been upheld. The Arbitrator agrees that the PP Administration violates no less than 5 Articles of The Spanish Constitution by not disclosing details of the contract, when requested to do so, by representatives of the community of San Miguel de Salinas.
The response from The PP Administration to The Arbitrator has been the same as it was to The Association of Neighbours – silence and a disregard for the rule of law. The Association claims this to be a deplorable and defenceless situation denying the rights of residents in having the full facts of this contract for water and sanitation. The Association also highlights that the administration is ignoring the democratic values of transparency and resident participation in important issues and is mismanaging the administration of the community by failing to provide basic information.
Why, states the Association, should these failings constantly require bodies, such as themselves, to be forced to resort to the courts to resolve issues like this? It suggests a general disregard for the rights and interests of the general population. The issue of the privatisation of water and sanitation in San Miguel de Salinas will continue.
On behalf of the Board of Directors – La Asociación de Vecinos ‘San Miguel Arcángel'
David HardyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46487/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Partido Popular (PP) Administration of San Miguel de Salinas continues to violate basic constitutional rights with their refusal to disclose details of the contact to the private company Aguagest for the supply of drinking water and santitaion to i...

### ORIHUELA’S PALMS TO BE INDIVIDUALLY MONITORED

Orihuela's  Councillor for the Environment, Manuel Gallud, has introduced a new computer application that will individually map and allow the monitoring of every single palm tree in the region.
He said that hiring a software developer has enabled the council to produce a Monitoring and Control plan which will allow his staff to better target maintenance and any necessary treatment where it is specifically required.
Each palm will be recorded in a council database showing exact location, age, height and girth, as well as its health and condition with specific reference to any blight or infestation that it might be suffering.
The intention was that this plan will quickly become "a functional and dynamic framework that will allow staff to prioritise their actions enabling far better allocation of resources, equipment and manpower," said Gallud.
The idea of a ‘Palm Map' was first attempted by Orihuela Council back in 2006 when the authorities approached the University Miguel Hernández to build a Palm geolocation system.
However the procedure was not completely developed. But now building on that initial proposal, using much of the information originally compiled,  a new database has now been developed which will allow better preservation of the region's Palm trees by way of up to date information.
 To implement the programme workers will carry a digital tablet on which they will have access to the application. As they deal with a specific palm they will be able to geotag each tree and report it's status, the details of which will be automatically updated in the base program.
This will allow better coordinated actions in the treatment and maintenance of Palms by those operating the Department based system, especially with the treatment of pests", said Gallud.
 The company that developed the application will now spend the next two weeks training municipal staff on the operation of this new system.  
This will be the first phase of the implementation of a groundbreaking system that will control future parks and gardens and all woodland in the municipality.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46485/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Orihuela's  Councillor for the Environment, Manuel Gallud, has introduced a new computer application that will individually map and allow the monitoring of every single palm tree in the region.
He said that hiring a software developer has enabled the council to produce a Monitoring and Control plan which will allow his staff to better target maintenance and any necessary treatment where it is specifically required.
Each palm will be recorded in a council database showing exact location, age, height and girth, as well as its health and condition with specific reference to any blight or infestation that it might be suffering.
The intention was that this plan will quickly become "a functional and dynamic framework that will allow staff to prioritise their actions enabling far better allocation of resources, equipment and manpower," said Gallud.
The idea of a ‘Palm Map' was first attempted by Orihuela Council back in 2006 when the authorities approached the University Miguel Hernández to build a Palm geolocation system.
However the procedure was not completely developed. But now building on that initial proposal, using much of the information originally compiled,  a new database has now been developed which will allow better preservation of the region's Palm trees by way of up to date information.
 To implement the programme workers will carry a digital tablet on which they will have access to the application. As they deal with a specific palm they will be able to geotag each tree and report it's status, the details of which will be automatically updated in the base program.
This will allow better coordinated actions in the treatment and maintenance of Palms by those operating the Department based system, especially with the treatment of pests", said Gallud.
 The company that developed the application will now spend the next two weeks training municipal staff on the operation of this new system.  
This will be the first phase of the implementation of a groundbreaking system that will control future parks and gardens and all woodland in the municipality.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46485/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### GEOHORADADA 2015

Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity, in which participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or mobile device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called "geocaches" or "caches". 
The pursuit already has over 6 million participants worldwide and locally, in Pilar de la Horadada, the have been holding a GeoHoradada day for the last two years.
GeoHoradada 2015 is taking place from 20 to 22 March where there will be plenty to do for children and adults alike. Organisers say they are expecting participants from all over the area including many from Murcia, Cartagena and regions to the north of Alicante and by way of preparation they held and initiation day last weekend which was attended by over 80 people.
The Councillor for Tourism, Eva Martinez, said that there was almost three hours of fun which allowed people to practise basic procedures for finding caches together with the exchange of gifts and surprises. She described the activity as a novel way of getting to know the most interesting places around the town.
Everyone that took part was presented with a certificate of participation.
A typical cache is a small waterproof container containing a logbook (with a pen or pencil). The geocacher enters the date they found it and signs it with their established code name. After signing the log, the cache must then be placed back exactly where the person found it. Larger containers such as plastic storage containers (Tupperware or similar) or ammunition boxes can also contain items for trading, usually toys or trinkets of little financial value, although sometimes they are sentimental. 
Geocaching shares many aspects with benchmarking, trigpointing, orienteering, treasure-hunting, letterboxing, and waymarking.
Registration for  GeoHoradada 2015 is now open and can be made in the Tourist Office or at the Youth Information Centre in Pilar de la Horadada. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46484/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity, in which participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or mobile device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called "geocaches" or "caches". 
The pursuit already has over 6 million participants worldwide and locally, in Pilar de la Horadada, the have been holding a GeoHoradada day for the last two years.
GeoHoradada 2015 is taking place from 20 to 22 March where there will be plenty to do for children and adults alike. Organisers say they are expecting participants from all over the area including many from Murcia, Cartagena and regions to the north of Alicante and by way of preparation they held and initiation day last weekend which was attended by over 80 people.
The Councillor for Tourism, Eva Martinez, said that there was almost three hours of fun which allowed people to practise basic procedures for finding caches together with the exchange of gifts and surprises. She described the activity as a novel way of getting to know the most interesting places around the town.
Everyone that took part was presented with a certificate of participation.
A typical cache is a small waterproof container containing a logbook (with a pen or pencil). The geocacher enters the date they found it and signs it with their established code name. After signing the log, the cache must then be placed back exactly where the person found it. Larger containers such as plastic storage containers (Tupperware or similar) or ammunition boxes can also contain items for trading, usually toys or trinkets of little financial value, although sometimes they are sentimental. 
Geocaching shares many aspects with benchmarking, trigpointing, orienteering, treasure-hunting, letterboxing, and waymarking.
Registration for  GeoHoradada 2015 is now open and can be made in the Tourist Office or at the Youth Information Centre in Pilar de la Horadada. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46484/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### STRICTLY AT THE BUS STATION

It was a very late night, or rather the early hours of the morning. It seemed that after a very good night with a leisurely dinner, a concert and a few drinks that we would have to wait a very long time for the next bus to our home in the south of the island.
The bus station was deserted, our usual cafe bar closed many hours ago, the vending machine was out of order and what I really wanted was a long, cool drink of water. It was rare that we had experienced a time that was so quiet in Gran Canaria's impressive capital, Las Palmas, which as Spain's seventh largest city, we had always assumed was a city that never sleeps. This night was the exception.
We sat in the deserted bus station. Stretched out on one of the benches in the far corner was the shape of a body huddled beneath an old and dirty blanket; no doubt one of the many homeless people in the city who had decided to make the bus station a place of refuge until morning. It was going to be a long night.
As my ears adjusted to the near silence, I could hear the faint sound of lively music coming from the far end of the bus station. Maybe it was music playing from one of the many apartments in the area. I decided to investigate further, in the hope that I might find an all night cafe bar.
As I walked towards the far end of the bus station, the music became louder and louder, and I could see that the lights were on. Yes, it was a bar, and the good news was that it was still open. I could get a bottle of water, and maybe a coffee.
Peering through the haze of smoke inside the bar, I could see many people laughing, talking and dancing. As my eyes adjusted to the light and dense smoke, I could see that many people were dancing in the centre of the room in what served to be a makeshift dance floor. Small tables and stools around the edge were filled with middle aged and elderly men and women chatting to each other.
It was as if I had suddenly stepped back in time. I could see men, as well as women, smoking cigars as well as cigarettes. Since the law banning smoking in bars came into force, this was a sight that I had not seen for some time, although I am well aware that small bars, and particularly those open late at night still flout the law, when the owners perceive that they can get away with it.
It was traditional music and dancing, together with strumming guitars, and stomping feet that captivated my attention. It was a little like experiencing a small bar in Havana during one of those films set in Cuba in the 50s and 60s, yet with more than a hint of TV's ‘Strictly Come Dancing'.
However, this time there were no glitter balls, sequins, flowing flamenco dresses, or talkative judges holding scorecards, but an earthy combination of cigar smoke and sweat. Although trainers and jeans were mostly the order of the day, several woman and men wore sturdy shoes with impressive heels that gave the impressive click that their dance steps demanded.
Although I am not a dance expert, thanks to ‘Strictly Come Dancing' I could recognise Flamenco, the Paso Doble and Bolero. There were others that I did not recognise, including one where several couples joined hands and danced in a circle, which I was told by one couple was a traditional dance from Catalonia, the Sardana.
I watched the scene unfolding with an increasing degree of admiration for the older members of the group. Certainly, some looked quite infirm, with a few relying upon walking sticks.
However, even they took part in the slower numbers, albeit unsteadily. In their minds, they had become young and healthy once again. What a tonic!
I felt a little like Doctor Who, slipping through a vortex in time to discover something new and exciting that appears only now and again, or maybe I am thinking of Brigadoon? I glanced at my watch; it was time to catch the next bus home. I would love to have stayed longer to witness even more ‘Strictly at the Bus Station'.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.

© Barrie Mahoney
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46483/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: It was a very late night, or rather the early hours of the morning. It seemed that after a very good night with a leisurely dinner, a concert and a few drinks that we would have to wait a very long time for the next bus to our home in the south of the ...

### EVOLVE PRO TOUR CALLS IN TO LO ROMERO

Golfers from 10 countries gathered at the Lo Romero Golf course in Pilar de la Horadada last week where they took place in the second round of Evolve Pro Tour Competition. 
The participants included 37 professionals from Spain, England, Austria, Germany, Wales, Ireland , Italy, Denmark and others.
After 2 rounds the winner on +1 (145) was England's Alex Belt who received the trophy and a cheque for € 3,000 from the mayor, José Fidel Ros. Dutch amateur Mitchell Schoorl came 2nd on +3 with  Sam Forgan from England and Spain's Diego Suazo tying 3rd a further shot behind.
The mayor said that “this was a very important tournament for both the town and for all enthusiasts of golf. It demonstrated Lo Romero's ability to put on top class competition at their quality facilities serving to highlight the name of Pilar de la Horadada at both national and European level."
More tournament information is available on the web www.evolveprotour.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46482/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Golfers from 10 countries gathered at the Lo Romero Golf course in Pilar de la Horadada last week where they took place in the second round of Evolve Pro Tour Competition. 
The participants included 37 professionals from Spain, England, Austria, Germany, Wales, Ireland , Italy, Denmark and others.
After 2 rounds the winner on +1 (145) was England's Alex Belt who received the trophy and a cheque for € 3,000 from the mayor, José Fidel Ros. Dutch amateur Mitchell Schoorl came 2nd on +3 with  Sam Forgan from England and Spain's Diego Suazo tying 3rd a further shot behind.
The mayor said that “this was a very important tournament for both the town and for all enthusiasts of golf. It demonstrated Lo Romero's ability to put on top class competition at their quality facilities serving to highlight the name of Pilar de la Horadada at both national and European level."
More tournament information is available on the web www.evolveprotour.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46482/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### IN THE BUNKER WITH MICK THE GRIP - FEB 2015

PETER ALLISS has spoken of his ‘great sadness' that the BBC will lose live coverage of The Open Championship to Sky.  
Alliss, who first broadcast for the BBC at the 1961 Open, commented:  “I'm just glad I am 83 not 35 and relying on working for the BBC, because I would be looking for another trade.”   Sky cover golf's other three majors, but viewers would not need to be Sky subscribers to enjoy the Open, with ‘NOW TV' they can take a daily or weekly package without a contract.  All very impressive, but it doesn't make up for losing Peter Alliss.
PROVING THAT that you don't always need to buy the latest equipment, Brandt Snedeker took the AT&T Pebble Beach trophy last week with a 9 yr. old putter (Odyssey White Hot) a 5 yr. old driver (TaylorMade Burner Superfast) and 4 yr. old irons. (Bridgestone J40.)  He dropped only one shot in 72 holes.
“If they're doing the job, why change them?” he said.  His new swing, carefully put together over eight months with Butch Harmon, obviously helped a bit. 
BILLY CASPER, who died this month aged 83, had a lethal putter and total self belief.  Although overshadowed by the ‘Big Three' (Palmer, Nicklaus and Player) he won 51 PGA Tour titles, two US Opens and the 1970 Masters.  His 23 1/2 points is still a U.S. Ryder Cup record, and he also captained the U.S. squad to victory over Europe in 1979.
Casper once said:  “I had a hand/eye link.  I could look at a telephone pole 40 yards away and hit it with a 7 iron 10 times in a row. And somehow I understood the game, without having a lot of guidance."  
THE ‘CRADLE OF CHAMPIONS' in Beijing has produced 37 world champions and Olympic gold medallists, and is looking to produce more.  
It is one of China's  ‘Centres of Excellence' which teach badminton, gymnastics, table tennis, and now golf.  The golf hall consists of bare walls, no windows, and the Chinese flag.  Nothing else except about 30 children, aged between 5 and 9, putting and chipping in front of mirrors for two hours a day after normal school work.  Golf however, tends to produce unlikely champions without intensive training.  Like Billy Casper.
PENSIONER COLIN DAVIES, a former Staffordshire miner turned property millionaire, was saved from drowning on the paradise island of Barbados by Lee Westwood who was holidaying there after winning the Thailand Championship.
Colin, who suffers from Parkinsons disease, said:  “I started waving and shouting then I felt a pair of strong arms pick me up and carry me back to my sun lounger.  Lee disappeared before I could thank him.”  How typically British!
ANOTHER COMEBACK ATTEMPT failed at Torrey Pines for Tiger Woods.  Grimacing after every shot, he hobbled up the fairway.  There was a 2 hour delay due to fog, and his lower back stiffened up.  Tiger blamed ‘deactivated glutes.'  “I tried to activate my glutes as best I could, in between, but they never stayed activated," he groaned. You'd think a chap with 14 majors would have someone on the payroll to reactivate his glutes for him. 
 
DOWNHILL PUTTS, a tip:  If your ball is 20 feet from the hole, stand 15 feet from the hole while examining the line and taking practice strokes. The eyes are the window to your mind, so when you're standing closer to the hole while rehearsing you'll be training your mind to hit a softer shot.
BILLY HORSCHEL collected about $13.5 million when he won the FedEx Cup and BMW Championship.  He handed the locker room attendants at East Lake $10.000 and gave a cheque for $1 million to his caddie.  In the rarefied world of PGA Tour golf even the caddies get to holiday in Barbados!
Until next time: Happy Golfing.
Contact Mick for all your regripping and repairs.  638 859 475.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46478/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: PETER ALLISS has spoken of his ‘great sadness' that the BBC will lose live coverage of The Open Championship to Sky.  
Alliss, who first broadcast for the BBC at the 1961 Open, commented:  “I'm just glad I am 83 not 35 and relying on working for the BBC, because I would be looking for another trade.”   Sky cover golf's other three majors, but viewers would not need to be Sky subscribers to enjoy the Open, with ‘NOW TV' they can take a daily or weekly package without a contract.  All very impressive, but it doesn't make up for losing Peter Alliss.
PROVING THAT that you don't always need to buy the latest equipment, Brandt Snedeker took the AT&T Pebble Beach trophy last week with a 9 yr. old putter (Odyssey White Hot) a 5 yr. old driver (TaylorMade Burner Superfast) and 4 yr. old irons. (Bridgestone J40.)  He dropped only one shot in 72 holes.
“If they're doing the job, why change them?” he said.  His new swing, carefully put together over eight months with Butch Harmon, obviously helped a bit. 
BILLY CASPER, who died this month aged 83, had a lethal putter and total self belief.  Although overshadowed by the ‘Big Three' (Palmer, Nicklaus and Player) he won 51 PGA Tour titles, two US Opens and the 1970 Masters.  His 23 1/2 points is still a U.S. Ryder Cup record, and he also captained the U.S. squad to victory over Europe in 1979.
Casper once said:  “I had a hand/eye link.  I could look at a telephone pole 40 yards away and hit it with a 7 iron 10 times in a row. And somehow I understood the game, without having a lot of guidance."  
THE ‘CRADLE OF CHAMPIONS' in Beijing has produced 37 world champions and Olympic gold medallists, and is looking to produce more.  
It is one of China's  ‘Centres of Excellence' which teach badminton, gymnastics, table tennis, and now golf.  The golf hall consists of bare walls, no windows, and the Chinese flag.  Nothing else except about 30 children, aged between 5 and 9, putting and chipping in front of mirrors for two hours a day after normal school work.  Golf however, tends to produce unlikely champions without intensive training.  Like Billy Casper.
PENSIONER COLIN DAVIES, a former Staffordshire miner turned property millionaire, was saved from drowning on the paradise island of Barbados by Lee Westwood who was holidaying there after winning the Thailand Championship.
Colin, who suffers from Parkinsons disease, said:  “I started waving and shouting then I felt a pair of strong arms pick me up and carry me back to my sun lounger.  Lee disappeared before I could thank him.”  How typically British!
ANOTHER COMEBACK ATTEMPT failed at Torrey Pines for Tiger Woods.  Grimacing after every shot, he hobbled up the fairway.  There was a 2 hour delay due to fog, and his lower back stiffened up.  Tiger blamed ‘deactivated glutes.'  “I tried to activate my glutes as best I could, in between, but they never stayed activated," he groaned. You'd think a chap with 14 majors would have someone on the payroll to reactivate his glutes for him. 
 
DOWNHILL PUTTS, a tip:  If your ball is 20 feet from the hole, stand 15 feet from the hole while examining the line and taking practice strokes. The eyes are the window to your mind, so when you're standing closer to the hole while rehearsing you'll be training your mind to hit a softer shot.
BILLY HORSCHEL collected about $13.5 million when he won the FedEx Cup and BMW Championship.  He handed the locker room attendants at East Lake $10.000 and gave a cheque for $1 million to his caddie.  In the rarefied world of PGA Tour golf even the caddies get to holiday in Barbados!
Until next time: Happy Golfing.
Contact Mick for all your regripping and repairs.  638 859 475.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46478/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### SPAIN PROPERTY SALES RISE BY 19.1% IN 2014 ACCORDING TO SPANISH NOTARIES

The General Council of (Spanish) Notaries has reported a 19.1% year on year increase in the total number of property transactions. During 2014 364,601 properties were exchanged according to the latest statistics released by the General Council of Notaires.
290,441 apartments were sold in 2014, a year on year increase of 17.3%. There was a reduction in the number of new apartments sold of 9.6% while the number of resale apartments exchanged increased by 23.5%. 74,160 family homes were exchanged, a year on year increase of 26.8%.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46479/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The General Council of (Spanish) Notaries has reported a 19.1% year on year increase in the total number of property transactions. During 2014 364,601 properties were exchanged according to the latest statistics released by the General Council of Notai...

### TIME RUNNING OUT FOR FUTURE EXPATS TO ADAPT TO PENSION RULES SHAKE-UP

“Brits retiring overseas who fail to plan for the new pension rules that come into effect in April could end up wasting thousands of pounds or running into financial difficulties after moving abroad,” said the OverseasGuidesCompany.com in February.
 “Relocating retirees are arguably the group most exposed to any potential pitfalls of the imminent changes, which are ground-breaking and less than two months away from going live,” said Angelos Koutsoudes, Head of OverseasGuidesCompany.com. “Not only is it more difficult to reverse a financial arrangement made in the UK after you have moved and become resident abroad, but expats drawing a UK pension also have the exchange rate to manage – when this goes against them, their income in their local currency falls.
And expats who wish to use the pension changes to release cash from their pension pot should be aware of any tax liabilities this could incur, whether that be in the UK or their country of residence – finding out the most cost effective way to do this from a tax specialist with experience of helping expats is highly advisable. 
 “As an expat, your priorities will be slightly different to those of a fellow retiree in the UK. So while the changes mean that pensioners will no longer be obliged to buy an annuity with their pension, this option shouldn't be ruled out. Why? The security of a regular income can bring peace of mind when you're living abroad, and when managed cleverly with a currency transfer specialist, like Smart Currency Exchange, effects of fluctuating exchange rates can be reduced through solutions such as forward contracts.”
 “A final tip is to keep a UK bank account open – and unlike abroad, this doesn't usually cost anything. Apart from anything else, if you're thinking of applying for one of the new pensioner bonds, you won't qualify for one without a UK account.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46475/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: “Brits retiring overseas who fail to plan for the new pension rules that come into effect in April could end up wasting thousands of pounds or running into financial difficulties after moving abroad,” said the OverseasGuidesCompany.com in F...

### LONDON COMMENDATION FOR LOCAL FUNDRAISER

At a special ceremony The Board of Trustees of The Royal British Legion recently honoured one of their most prolific local fundraisers, Michael Reeves, for his efforts in raising over 15,000 euro toward the RBL Poppy Appeal.
The award was made at the monthly meeting of the Orihuela Costa Branch of The RBL by the Chairman of Spain District North, Nigel Hails, on behalf of Ray Sheppard, Head of the Poppy Appeal. 
Mr Sheppard  said in his commendation “Your endeavours have been the means of bringing essential aid and comfort to those in need.  I am quite sure that, could those assisted know directly of your outstanding contributions to this work they would wish to be associated with this expression of our deepest gratitude for all you have done”. 
In his response to the presentation Mike said that he was absolutely overwhelmed but nevertheless delighted to accept on behalf of all the local golf societies that have contributed so generously to his efforts.  
Under his rather better known handle of ‘Mick the Grip'  the ‘Poppy Golf Days' have been a regular feature of the Costa Blanca Golf scene for the last 5 years raising many thousands of euros for those less fortunate souls and taking up many dozens of hours of his time.
He promised also that they would carry on for many more years to come but did appeal on closing for some assistance with his continuing efforts. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46474/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: At a special ceremony The Board of Trustees of The Royal British Legion recently honoured one of their most prolific local fundraisers, Michael Reeves, for his efforts in raising over 15,000 euro toward the RBL Poppy Appeal.
The award was made at the ...

### IRISH LOTTO RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 21 FEBRUARY 2015

The Irish Lotto replaced the Irish Hospital Sweepstakes in 1988. The jackpot is never lower than €2,000,000.00 and it quite often exceeds €5,000,000.00. In the past, the Irish Lottery jackpot has risen to €10,000,000 and more! The Irish Lotto draw takes place every Wednesday and Saturday night and it is televised on national TV (RTE).
Here are the the latest Irish Lotto results.

UK National Lottery Results

IRISH LOTTO LOTTERY RESULTS
The results and winning numbers for the Irish Lotto on Saturday, 18 January 2014, were:
Irish Lotto Results: processing...* (Bonus Ball)
Next Irish Lottery Draw: 25 February 2015
Next Estimate Irish Lotto Jackpot: € processing...
Buy Irish Lotto Lottery Tickets | Join Irish Lotto Lottery Syndicate

ABOUT THE IRISH LOTTO
To win the Irish Lotto jackpot, a player must match the first six numbers drawn (1 to 45). A seventh number is also drawn in Irish Lotto and it is called the 'bonus' number.
Although people tend to pick their own lucky Irish lotto numbers, a 'quick pick' option is available which instructs the Lotto computer to select the player's Irish lotto numbers.
The Irish National Lottery pays in excess of 50% of its funds in prize money. The balance is used to fund projects in Ireland in the areas of health, sport, recreation, arts, culture and national heritage, including the Irish language. A player does not have to live in Ireland to play and can buy Irish Lotto tickets online.
All Irish Lottery prizes are tax-free and are paid out in one lump sum, usually within 48 hours of the draw.
WAYS TO PLAY THE IRISH LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the Irish Lotto lottery. Irish Lotto players can either buy Irish Lotto lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join an Irish Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY IRISH LOTTO LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy Irish Lotto lottery tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!
JOIN AN IRISH LOTTO LOTTERY SYNDICATE
We have teamed up with a lottery management company to create our very own Irish Lotto lottery syndicate. The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Irish Lotto lottery jackpot! Playing as part of the Leader Irish Lotto lottery syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the Irish Lotto lottery jackpot
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - share 40 Irish Lotto entries for just 1 pound!
4.) CONVENIENCE - never forget to buy a Irish Lotto ticket and play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!

Play the smarter way and improve your chances of winning a share of the Irish Lotto jackpot!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46471/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Irish Lotto replaced the Irish Hospital Sweepstakes in 1988. The jackpot is never lower than €2,000,000.00 and it quite often exceeds €5,000,000.00. In the past, the Irish Lottery jackpot has risen to €10,000,000 and more! The Irish ...

### UK NATIONAL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 2000, 21 FEBRUARY 2015

The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: processing...* (Bonus Ball)
Next UK Lotto Draw: 25 February 2015
Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ processing...
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46470/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: processing...* (Bonus Ball)Next UK Lotto Draw: 25 February 2015Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ processing...
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46470/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### BRITS STILL HEAD THE LIST OF INTERNATIONAL BUYERS OF SPANISH PROPERTY

According to the latest data from the College of Registrars, around 13% of all property purchases in Spain in 2014 were made by international buyers, a year on year increase on the 2013 figure of just over 11%, and the fifth consecutive year of growth.
Of those international buyers, Brits were, once again, the biggest investors with around 17% of all property transactions registered in 2014. This figure was leaps ahead of other nationalities with the French taking 10% share, the Russians with 7.5% share, followed by the Belgians (7%), Swedish (6%), Norwegians (4%), Chinese (3.5%), and Romanians (2.5%).
The College of Registrars suggests that there will contnue to be strong demand for Spanish property from international buyers for the forseeable future and the strengthening in demand for property in Spain suggests that international buyers are growing in confidence when it comes to the Spanish housing market. Spain is seen not just as an attractive tourist destination but also a great opportunity for investors following the dramatic reduction in property prices since 2007. Average property prices are some 43% off their 2007 highs and are currently considered undervalued.
The majority of international buyers come from the Eurozone, so the drop in the value of the Euro does not affect them. However, the the Brits have benefitted in recent months due to a strengthening of Sterling against the Euro. Coupled with cheap Euro mortgages, quantative easing, and Spanish banks returning to their traditional business of lending, there has never been a bigger incentive for international investors to dig deep and buy property in Spain.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46469/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to the latest data from the College of Registrars, around 13% of all property purchases in Spain in 2014 were made by international buyers, a year on year increase on the 2013 figure of just over 11%, and the fifth consecutive year of growth....

### SERVIGROUP CELEBRATES THE SEVENTH EDITION OF ITS GASTRONOMIC DAYS

Following the gastronomic tradition that characterizes the group, Servigroup held on February 17 at the Hotel Servigroup Montiboli the seventh edition of its Gastronomic Days, dedicated this time to “Healthy Food”.
This event, reunites at the beginning of the year the head waiters and head chefs of 16 hotels.  The purpose of this event is to incorporate new ideas and tecniques that enrich year after year its exquisite cuisine, hallmark of Servigroup.
Given the recent concerns about eating healthily, this time the challenge is to cook healthier by reducing fat levels without losing the essence of taste and looking for healthier cooking methods ie. roasting, baking, steaming and how to use oil with care etc.
It was also attended by suppliers such as Bonduelle, Krissia, Martin Braun, McCain and Rational ovens.  During the presentation, the subject of allergen issues were discussed to, which the chain pays special attention to and also another main issue was the study of new consumer trends and what customers expect from  coastal resort accommodation, taking into account an aging population, leading to new ideas.
After lunch the award ceremonies took place for “Food Satisfaction 2014” and hotel restaurants were rewarded that scored the best punctuation for hotel food satisfaction.  The winners were Servigroup Venus in the three star category and Servigroup Castilla in the four star category.
According to Alfredo Garfella, Director of Purchasing Food and Beverages Servigroup, we must continue to thrill our customers with new dishes and new themes, reaching beyond the gourmet buffet, based on the concept  of emotional buffet, which has the ability to excite and conquer our guests sensations.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46468/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Following the gastronomic tradition that characterizes the group, Servigroup held on February 17 at the Hotel Servigroup Montiboli the seventh edition of its Gastronomic Days, dedicated this time to “Healthy Food”.
This event, reunites at ...

### MOST WANTED FUGITIVE ARRESTED IN AMSTERDAM

A suspected drug trafficker from Liverpool has been captured in Amsterdam after being on the run for 12 years.
Scott Coleman, aged 40, from Walton, who was arrested as part of a Police Scotland investigation in February 2003, was charged with possession with intent to supply heroin but failed to appear for trial at Edinburgh Crown Court and fled to Spain.
Coleman was detained by officers from Amsterdam Police last week on George Gershwinplein in the Stadium area. They were able to confirm his identity as a result of joint working with the National Crime Agency.
He is due to appear in court next Monday when extradition proceedings will begin. 
Coleman is the 65th fugitive to be located out of 76 publicised through Operation Captura – the multi-agency initiative between Crimestoppers, the NCA and the Spanish authorities.
Hank Cole, Head of International Operations for the NCA, said: “We know Coleman was in Spain for a while but like many fugitives he wrongly believed he could evade capture by moving around.
 “There is no safe haven for fugitives. The NCA will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners across the world to pursue these individuals and return them to the UK to face justice.”
Founder and Chairman of Crimestoppers, Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC, said: “The arrest of Scott Coleman is pleasing for two reasons. Firstly, he has been on the Operation Captura list since 2008, so his arrest is welcome news.
And secondly, his arrest takes the success rate of the campaign to over 85%.
“This figure cannot be underestimated. We are talking about individuals accused or convicted of serious crimes, and it gives me great pleasure to see another one removed from our streets, thanks to the work of Crimestoppers, law enforcement, and the public.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46465/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A suspected drug trafficker from Liverpool has been captured in Amsterdam after being on the run for 12 years.
Scott Coleman, aged 40, from Walton, who was arrested as part of a Police Scotland investigation in February 2003, was charged with possessi...

### DARREN CLARKE NAMED 2016 EUROPEAN RYDER CUP CAPTAIN

• Five man panel selects the 46 year old as captain for Hazeltine National
• Becomes the first Northern Irishman to lead Europe
• Has featured in seven Ryder Cups – five as a player, two as a vice captain
Darren Clarke has been announced as the European captain for The 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National in Chaska, Minnesota, from September 30 - October 2, 2016.
The 2011 Open Champion becomes the first Northern Irishman to lead Europe against the United States, having played in the biennial contest five times, featuring on the winning side on four occasions. He was also a vice captain under Colin Montgomerie and José María Olazábal in the European wins in  2010 and 2012 respectively, and succeeds Irishman Paul McGinley, who captained Europe to a 16 ½-11 ½ triumph at Gleneagles last September.
Clarke takes the reins for the 41st Ryder Cup with the aim of leading Europe to a record fourth consecutive victory in the biennial contest. 
The 46 year old was chosen by a five man selection panel consisting of those three most recent European Ryder Cup Captains - McGinley, Olazábal and Montgomerie – as well as the Chief Executive of The European Tour, George O'Grady, and European Tour Tournament Committee member David Howell, which met at Wentworth Club today (Wednesday February 18).
Clarke said: “I am naturally extremely proud to be selected as European Ryder Cup captain for 2016. The Ryder Cup has been a massive part of my life and my career, so to have the chance to lead Europe next year is a huge honour.
“I am lucky to have played and worked under some fantastic captains in my seven Ryder Cups to date, and I look forward to the challenge of trying to follow in their footsteps and help Europe to a fourth consecutive Ryder Cup victory at Hazeltine next year.”
The 14-time European Tour winner made his Ryder Cup debut in 1997 at Valderrama in Spain under Seve Ballesteros, partnering Montgomerie to defeat Fred Couples and Davis Love III in the fourballs before losing narrowly to Phil Mickelson in the singles.
He then contributed two points at each of the next two Ryder Cups, at Brookline in 1999 and The Belfry in 2002, and three-and-a-half points in Europe's record 18 ½-9 ½ victory at Oakland Hills Country Club in 2004.
But his most memorable, and emotional, Ryder Cup performance came two years later when he inspired Europe to victory by the same record equalling margin in front of passionate Irish galleries at The K Club, just six weeks after his first wife Heather passed away.
Clarke won all three of his matches in Co. Kildare, joining forces with Lee Westwood to defeat Mickelson and Chris DiMarco then Tiger Woods and Jim Fuyrk in the fourballs, before beating Zach Johnson 3 and 2 in the singles. His two victories alongside Westwood mean the duo are joint second in the all-time list of most successful Ryder Cup partnerships, with six points from their eight matches together, while overall Clarke has contributed a total of 11 ½ points in the blue of Europe.
He returned to The Ryder Cup fold four years later as a vice captain under Montgomerie at The Celtic Manor Resort in Wales, as Europe beat the United States by 14 ½-13 ½, and he gained further experience as part of the backroom team under Olazábal at Medinah in 2012.
That came a year after the finest individual achievement of his distinguished career, when he held off Mickelson and Dustin Johnson to win The 140th Open Championship at Royal St George's, adding the Claret Jug to the two World Golf Championship titles he won in the early 2000s, when he became just the second player after Tiger Woods to win more than one WGC crown. 
George O'Grady, speaking on behalf of the Ryder Cup Europe selection panel, said: “We are delighted to announce that Darren has accepted the invitation from the panel to captain Europe at The 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National.
“Darren has an impressive Ryder Cup pedigree having featured five times as a player and twice as a vice captain, so he has a strong understanding of the attributes required to be a successful captain. He is also a popular figure among the players and has both the passion and knowledge to lead Europe in the quest for a record fourth consecutive Ryder Cup victory.”
Clarke is the first captain to be chosen using Ryder Cup Europe's new selection process – the third method used to pick The Ryder Cup captain since players from Continental Europe joined the fold for the 1979 contest, under the captaincy of John Jacobs, at The Greenbrier in West Virginia.
From then until 1997, when the late Seve Ballesteros led Europe in his homeland at Valderrama, the European Ryder Cup captain was identified by the Ryder Cup Committee, who selected Jacobs again in 1981, Tony Jacklin in 1983, 1985, 1987 and 1989, and Bernard Gallacher in 1991, 1993 and 1995.
However, in 1999, Mark James was the first European captain to be nominated by the European Tour's Tournament Committee and ratified by the Ryder Cup Board, a process which went on to select Sam Torrance (2002), Bernhard Langer (2004), Ian Woosnam (2006), Sir Nick FaldoFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46451/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: • Five man panel selects the 46 year old as captain for Hazeltine National
• Becomes the first Northern Irishman to lead Europe
• Has featured in seven Ryder Cups – five as a player, two as a vice captain
Darren Clarke has been ...

### BIGASTRO BUILDING BARGAINS IN BENIJOFAR

An auction was announced in the official provincial bulletin, the BOP, which offers moveable assets for sale from the defunct economic promotional development building, the Mancomunidad de Promoción Económica de la Vega Baja, located in Bigastro and which was closed down with debts of 1.6 million euro.
Anybody looking for a bargain is welcome to register an interest in the General Registry office, with almost everything on offer from furniture to computers, telephones to waste bins. In fact, amongst many things on the list, there are 28 computers priced at 149 euro each, a projector for 90 euro, cupboards for less than 70 euro and, in case you´re wondering, the dustbins are a euro each.
The only complication is that you have 15 days from the date of publication of the bulletin to register, which means you only have this week to submit your tender. The headquarters where registration has to be made is now located in Benijófar, due to financial problems, which they hope will be eased by selling of these assets.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46445/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: An auction was announced in the official provincial bulletin, the BOP, which offers moveable assets for sale from the defunct economic promotional development building, the Mancomunidad de Promoción Económica de la Vega Baja, located in B...

### PILAR DE LA HORADADA HOLDING THEATRE WEEKEND EVENT

The Asociación Pilarte has organised an exhibition that will take place in the Casa de Cultura at the end of the month, bringing together the theatrical presentations of Pilar de la Horadada along with San Javier and Torrevieja.
The aim of the event is to draw focus to the artistic heritage of Pilar de la Horadada, as announced by the councillor for culture this week, Benjamín Fraile, who introduced the event, whilst the president of the association, Fulgencio Fructuoso, explained how at this time we all need laughter and fun and therefore the event will hopefully become a stable part of the cultural calendar in the future.
The councillor went on to thank the group for their efforts in collaborating with the town hall to bring the event to reality, showing the artistic and stage creations of Pilareños through the Thiar Teatro and other neighbourhood theatre groups.
Fulgencio Fructuoso said that “we have created this show for the modest villages like Pilar de la Horadada, who cannot afford to enjoy large assemblies that only stop in large cities, but nevertheless can program representations with the same quality and with minimum costs with the talent and the willingness of local theatre groups”.
The group from the Torrevieja theatre will give a rendition of their “Soul Dance” show with the musical “Seven Deadly Sins” on Friday the 27th of February at 22:00. The group's director, Oscar Torregrosa, stressed that this is a musical suitable for all audiences which can be enjoyed through music in a fun representation created in full by this group of young people formed of Torrevejenses aged 12 to 22 years.
Comedy will take over on the Saturday and Sunday, with the San Javier theatre group performing “Crazy in Love” on Saturday the 28th of February at 21:30, whilst the Thiar Teatro group will close the event on Sunday the 1st of March with their representation of “Not Now, Darling”, a work that has been well received by the Pilareño audiences when performed already at the Casa de Cultura.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46444/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Asociación Pilarte has organised an exhibition that will take place in the Casa de Cultura at the end of the month, bringing together the theatrical presentations of Pilar de la Horadada along with San Javier and Torrevieja.
The aim of the...

### EUROPEAN TRAVEL AGENTS VISIT TORREVIEJA

Torrevieja´s councillor for tourism, Luis María Pizana, was involved in a familiarisation trip by European travel agents at the weekend, hoping to showcase the touristic benefits of the seaside town and boost foreign visitors.
The event was organised by a Málaga based company in collaboration with the city of Torrevieja, with the main purpose of their trip to Torrevieja being to highlight the sporting facilities available, as well as those which can be used for corporate events.
The guided tour took place on Sunday with staff from the tourism department showing the travel agents around a variety of municipal facilities, hotels and other key locations which they feel will make Torrevieja a marketable concern.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46443/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Torrevieja´s councillor for tourism, Luis María Pizana, was involved in a familiarisation trip by European travel agents at the weekend, hoping to showcase the touristic benefits of the seaside town and boost foreign visitors.
The event w...

### SMOKING BAN HAS NOT AFFECTED BUSINESSES

Researchers at the Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) have published an article in the Gaceta Sanitaria publication, detailing how they believe that the smoking ban in bars and restaurants has not had a negative impact on the industry, and that other factors such as the economic crisis have caused greater problems for business owners.
Leading the research were Araceli Caballero and Jaime Pinilla from the Department of Quantitative Methods in Economics and Management of the Canarian university, in which they analysed the impact on consumption in bars, cafes and restaurants of the laws against smoking.
To do this, the researchers used microdata from the Household Budget Survey in 2010 and 2011 and found that the law had no influence on changes in consumer habits of Spanish families in the hospitality industry.
Consumption decisions are more related to sociodemographic characteristics, such as the number of children in the home, and the impact on society that high levels of unemployment has caused.
For its part, the ULPGC explained that this work is the first assessment of the economic consequences of the law banning smoking in public places, which was fiercely opposed by the tobacco lobby at the time.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46442/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Researchers at the Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) have published an article in the Gaceta Sanitaria publication, detailing how they believe that the smoking ban in bars and restaurants has not had a negative impact on the industry, ...

### EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 774, FRIDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2015

ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT
FOR 20 FEBRUARY 2015: € 56.000.000
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together the stakes of the nine participating European countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. By clubbing together, the participating countries have made the EuroMillions one of the biggest and most exciting lotteries in the world! Jackpots for the Euromillions draws regularly exceed € 100 million.

The latest Euromillions lottery results are presented here.
EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS
The latest results and winning numbers for the Euromillions lottery draw 774, held on Friday, 20 February 2015 were:
Euromillions Results: processing...
Millionaire Raffle: processing...
Next Euro Millions Draw Date: 24 February 2015
Next Estimated Euromillions Jackpot: € processing...
Buy Euromillions Tickets Online | Join Euromillions Syndicate

ABOUT THE EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY
EuroMillions is Europe's biggest-ever, rolling jackpot lottery game. Five numbers from 1 to 50 are selected together with two Lucky Stars from 1 to 11.
The Euro Millions lottery draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday evening in Paris. Five main numbers are drawn along with two Lucky Stars. Match a minimum of three numbers to win a prize; three main numbers, one main number and two Lucky Stars or two main numbers and 1 Lucky Star.
Match five main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars to win the Euromillions jackpot, or a share of it!
To learn more about the Euromillions visit www.euromillions-lottery-blog.com.
WAYS TO PLAY THE EUROMILLIONS ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the Euromillions lottery. Euromillions players can either buy Euromillions tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a Euromillions lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy Euromillions tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!
JOIN A EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY SYNDICATE
We have teamed up with a lottery management company to create our very own Euromillions lottery syndicate. The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot! Playing as part of the Leader Euro Millions Lottery syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the Euromillions lottery jackpot
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - share 55 Euro Millions entries for just 1 pound!
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a Euromillions ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way and improve your chances of winning a share of the Euromillions jackpot!

          
If you like the Euro Millions, you may also be interested in El Gordo, Spain's favourite weekly lottery, and SuperEnalotto, Italy's most popular national lottery game.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46441/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT
FOR 20 FEBRUARY 2015: € 56.000.000
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together the stakes of the nine partic...

### UK NATIONAL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 1999, 18 FEBRUARY 2015

The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: 21, 23, 25, 34, 42, 49,  30* (Bonus Ball)
Next UK Lotto Draw: 21 February 2015
Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ 4.100.000
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46439/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: 21, 23, 25, 34, 42, 49,  30* (Bonus Ball)Next UK Lotto Draw: 21 February 2015Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ 4.100.000
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46439/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### UPDATED: UK NATIONAL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 1999, 18 FEBRUARY 2015

The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: 21, 23, 25, 34, 42, 49,  30* (Bonus Ball)
Next UK Lotto Draw: 21 February 2015
Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ 4.100.000
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46439/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: 21, 23, 25, 34, 42, 49,  30* (Bonus Ball)Next UK Lotto Draw: 21 February 2015Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ 4.100.000
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46439/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### LATEST: UK NATIONAL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 1999, 18 FEBRUARY 2015

The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: processing...* (Bonus Ball)
Next UK Lotto Draw: 21 February 2015
Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ processing...
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46439/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: processing...* (Bonus Ball)Next UK Lotto Draw: 21 February 2015Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ processing...
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46439/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### CREDIT RATINGS AGENCY FITCH REPORTS SPAIN HOUSE PRICES STABILISING

Credit ratings agency, Fitch, have reported that property prices in Spain are likely to stabilise at their currenct leves, some 40% below the asking prices before the start of the economic crisis which hit Spain in 2007.
Data published by Fitch shows that the decline of property prices in Spain look to be coming to an end as the cheaper property is being picked up by investors who seem more confident that the economic climate is beginning to recover.
According to the National Statistics Institute (INE) unemployment in Spain stood at 26.94% in January 2013. In January 2014 the Spanish unemployment figure dropped to 23.7%, a year on year decline of 3.24%.
According to Fitch, the decline in unemployment together with more available credit as a result of greater home ownership finance and Spanish banks returning to their core business of lending were indicators that the general economic environment in Spain is gearing for a recovery.
Interest rates are currently low and the cost of servicing debt is expected to remain manageable in the short- to medium-term.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46438/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Credit ratings agency, Fitch, have reported that property prices in Spain are likely to stabilise at their currenct leves, some 40% below the asking prices before the start of the economic crisis which hit Spain in 2007.
Data published by Fitch shows ...

### EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 773, TUESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2015

ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT
FOR 20 FEBRUARY 2015: € 56.000.000
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together the stakes of the nine participating European countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. By clubbing together, the participating countries have made the EuroMillions one of the biggest and most exciting lotteries in the world! Jackpots for the Euromillions draws regularly exceed € 100 million.

The latest Euromillions lottery results are presented here.
EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS
The latest results and winning numbers for the Euromillions lottery draw 773, held on Tuesday, 17 February 2015 were:
Euromillions Results: 2, 5, 18, 30, 43, 1*, 10*
Millionaire Raffle: WML356365
Next Euro Millions Draw Date: 20 February 2015
Next Estimated Euromillions Jackpot: € 56.000.000
Buy Euromillions Tickets Online | Join Euromillions Syndicate

ABOUT THE EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY
EuroMillions is Europe's biggest-ever, rolling jackpot lottery game. Five numbers from 1 to 50 are selected together with two Lucky Stars from 1 to 11.
The Euro Millions lottery draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday evening in Paris. Five main numbers are drawn along with two Lucky Stars. Match a minimum of three numbers to win a prize; three main numbers, one main number and two Lucky Stars or two main numbers and 1 Lucky Star.
Match five main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars to win the Euromillions jackpot, or a share of it!
To learn more about the Euromillions visit www.euromillions-lottery-blog.com.
WAYS TO PLAY THE EUROMILLIONS ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the Euromillions lottery. Euromillions players can either buy Euromillions tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a Euromillions lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy Euromillions tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!
JOIN A EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY SYNDICATE
We have teamed up with a lottery management company to create our very own Euromillions lottery syndicate. The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot! Playing as part of the Leader Euro Millions Lottery syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the Euromillions lottery jackpot
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - share 55 Euro Millions entries for just 1 pound!
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a Euromillions ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way and improve your chances of winning a share of the Euromillions jackpot!

          
If you like the Euro Millions, you may also be interested in El Gordo, Spain's favourite weekly lottery, and SuperEnalotto, Italy's most popular national lottery game.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46437/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT
FOR 20 FEBRUARY 2015: € 56.000.000
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together the stakes of the nine partic...

### LATEST EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 773, TUESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2015

ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT
FOR 20 FEBRUARY 2015: € processing...
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together the stakes of the nine participating European countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. By clubbing together, the participating countries have made the EuroMillions one of the biggest and most exciting lotteries in the world! Jackpots for the Euromillions draws regularly exceed € 100 million.

The latest Euromillions lottery results are presented here.
EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS
The latest results and winning numbers for the Euromillions lottery draw 773, held on Tuesday, 17 February 2015 were:
Euromillions Results: processing...
Millionaire Raffle: processing...
Next Euro Millions Draw Date: 20 February 2015
Next Estimated Euromillions Jackpot: € processing...
Buy Euromillions Tickets Online | Join Euromillions Syndicate

ABOUT THE EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY
EuroMillions is Europe's biggest-ever, rolling jackpot lottery game. Five numbers from 1 to 50 are selected together with two Lucky Stars from 1 to 11.
The Euro Millions lottery draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday evening in Paris. Five main numbers are drawn along with two Lucky Stars. Match a minimum of three numbers to win a prize; three main numbers, one main number and two Lucky Stars or two main numbers and 1 Lucky Star.
Match five main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars to win the Euromillions jackpot, or a share of it!
To learn more about the Euromillions visit www.euromillions-lottery-blog.com.
WAYS TO PLAY THE EUROMILLIONS ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the Euromillions lottery. Euromillions players can either buy Euromillions tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a Euromillions lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy Euromillions tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!
JOIN A EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY SYNDICATE
We have teamed up with a lottery management company to create our very own Euromillions lottery syndicate. The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot! Playing as part of the Leader Euro Millions Lottery syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the Euromillions lottery jackpot
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - share 55 Euro Millions entries for just 1 pound!
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a Euromillions ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way and improve your chances of winning a share of the Euromillions jackpot!

          
If you like the Euro Millions, you may also be interested in El Gordo, Spain's favourite weekly lottery, and SuperEnalotto, Italy's most popular national lottery game.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46437/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT
FOR 20 FEBRUARY 2015: € processing...
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together the stakes of the nine par...

### 270 PICASSO’S GIFTED TO ELECTRICIAN

How would you like to own 270 original Picasso's. Well former electrician Pierre Le Guennec , now aged 75, claims that he does!
During the artists latter years Le Guennec plied his trade at the couple's house where he built up a close relationship with Picasso and his wife.
“Monsieur and Madame trusted me, they always called me ‘little cousin'” he claimed at a court hearing in Grasse, in southeastern France, where the artist's children, Claude and Maya Picasso, and Catherine Hutin-Blay, daughter of Picasso's widow, Jacqueline Roque, have filed a criminal complaint against Le Guennec and his wife Danielle, 71, for possession of stolen goods.
The case first came to light in 2010 when Le Guennec got in touch with the Picasso Administration to certify the authenticity of some drawings. In his possession he had 180 individual artworks and a notebook containing 91 sketches, said to be the largest Picasso discovery since the artist's death in 1973.
He claimed that the artist's widow gave him the extraordinary treasure trove, which has been valued at over €60 million, and so, five years after the astonishing find, the trial began on Tuesday inside a court in Grasse, in southeastern France.
Although Le Guennec announced that if he wins the case he will place the drawings on public display instead of selling them, if found guilty the defendants will face a five-year prison sentence and a fine of €375,000.
The 271 artworks were made between 1900 and 1932, a key period in the artist's career, and they include nine Cubist collages, six small oils, 28 lithographs and drawings of his muses Olga and Fernande.
 “There are extremely important works that were missing from the narrative of art history and that highlight very important moments,” said Claude Picasso, who is in charge of his father's legacy, at the beginning of the trial.
Although the stash of paintings and drawings remained stored away inside a garage for over 40 years, Le Guennec, who is seriously ill, explained that he wanted to identify all of his possessions with a view to his own children's legacy.
That is why he voluntarily got in touch with the Picasso Administration in all good faith.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46436/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: How would you like to own 270 original Picasso's. Well former electrician Pierre Le Guennec , now aged 75, claims that he does!
During the artists latter years Le Guennec plied his trade at the couple's house where he built up a close relationship wit...

### CARNIVAL FILLS PILAR STREETS WITH COLOUR

What a great success was the children's carnival, in attracting hundreds of children and revitalizing trade over the weekend in Pilar de la Horadada.
The wonderful costume colours and the high spirits of all the participants filled the streets throughout the weekend.
The joy was particularly evident on Saturday morning when all of the activities were aimed at the children, with painting workshops, masks, costumes and a very popular bouncy castle.
And then on Sunday there was the parade that marched along Calle Mayor to the accompaniment and rhythm of Muni's Band with the assistance of the Municipal School of Modern Dance directed by Gertrudis Andreo.
We were also entertained by la Asociación Motoclub 12+1, the Club Ciclista Horadada and the members of Vamos de Calle and Rhythm Bright the performance of which brought up the rearguard of the parade which ended in the church square.
Following the parade the square became the enclosure for a grand party at which children and adults enjoyed a fun day with music, dancing, and a costume contest, with prizes awarded to the best adult, child, group, best family and best makeup.
The councillor of festivities, Asunción Sánchez, said that she was delighted by the success of the carnival which had provided a great boost to everyone in the town, children, adults and of course the traders.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46435/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: What a great success was the children's carnival, in attracting hundreds of children and revitalizing trade over the weekend in Pilar de la Horadada.
The wonderful costume colours and the high spirits of all the participants filled the streets through...

### ORIGINAL CRAFT WORK IN XÀBIA

If you like original craftwork you could do worse than visit the weekly craft fair in Xàbia (Jávea).  
Every Saturday morning between 10 and 15 craftsmen and women set up their stalls in the square in front of the Post Office near the old Town Centre (Plaza Marina Alta), to sell their pottery and ceramics, their lamps made of recycled wood or twisted wire, their wooden toys or hand painted T-shirts and bags, or their own designs in jewelry. 
Every stall offers something different, all original items that you won't find anywhere else.  The craftsman or woman can explain how everything at his stall is made and they also accept special orders.  Some forty people participate in these fairs, taking turns so that every week there is something different to see. 
At http://www.amata.es/Javeasemanal.html you can see who is coming when and photographs of preceding weeks you can find at http://www.amata.es/JaveaSat15.html.
For more information (also in English) you can ring the organising association Amata at 639 979 678.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46430/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: If you like original craftwork you could do worse than visit the weekly craft fair in Xàbia (Jávea).  
Every Saturday morning between 10 and 15 craftsmen and women set up their stalls in the square in front of the Post Office near the ol...

### SIX YEAR HIGH FOR NEW COMPANY REGISTRATIONS IN SPAIN

According to the Spanish National Statistics Institute, Spain has recorded the largest number of new companies created for six years. In 2014 a total of 94.152 new companies were created, a year on year increase of 0.8%.
In 2013 the number of new company registrations increased by 7.2%, and in 2012, 2011, and 2010, those figures were 2.8%, 6%, and 2.3% respectively. The previous three years showed a period of decline for the number of new companies registered in Spain.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46428/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to the Spanish National Statistics Institute, Spain has recorded the largest number of new companies created for six years. In 2014 a total of 94.152 new companies were created, a year on year increase of 0.8%.
In 2013 the number of new comp...

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 16 FEBRUARY 2015

SING A SONG OF SIXPENCE
The music industry in Spain had its best year for some time in 2014, with data released this week revealing that the country achieved its first year-over-year gain in music sales in more than a decade. In 2014, consumer spending on recorded music reached 149.9 million euro, with Spanish pop stars Pablo Alboran and David Bisbal leading in album sales, and Enrique Iglesias' song "Bailando" topping downloads and streaming on Spain's end-of-year charts. Overall sales jumped to 21.23% over 2013 according to PROMUSICAE, which the industry representatives described as the worst year ever for Spain's music industry. However, 2014's figures are still a long way from 2001's record 626 million euro sales.
POWER UP
The Spanish Ministry of Industry has affirmed its commitment to renewable energy, saying this week that it would support the installation of roughly 8.5 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity between 2015 and 2020. The improvement will increase Spain's total installed renewable energy capacity from 48 GW in 2015 to about 57 GW in 2020, specifically supporting the installation of nearly 6.5 GW of wind power capacity, 1.5 GW of solar photovoltaic facilities and about 211 megawatts (MW) of solar thermal power plants.
RICH GETTING RICHER
According to the 2015 Spanish wealth, there were approximately 228,736 “high-net-worth individuals” or HNWIs in Spain in 2014, an increase of 1.7% in 2014, following an increase of 3.0% in 2013. Despite the country still living through austere times, growth rates in HNWI wealth and volumes are expected to continue to improve, with the total number of Spanish HNWIs forecast to grow by 19.4%, to reach 279,884 in 2019. HNWI wealth will see a significant percentage increase, growing by 31.4% to reach US$1.3 trillion by 2019. At the end of 2014, Spanish HNWIs held 39.5% (US$382.2 billion) of their wealth outside their home country, significantly higher than the worldwide average of 20-30%.
WOOLY JUMP
The animal activist group PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, have praised Spanish clothing giant Inditex this week, in what they are calling a “massive victory for animals”, after the chain agreed to a permanent ban on angora wool. The firm has said that it will be donating their leftover angora products to Syrian refuges. Inditex are the parent company of stores such as Zara, Pull & Bear, Bershka, Stradivarius and others.
SUFFERING SANCTIONS
The Spanish foreign minister, José Manuel Garcia-Margallo, has said that sanctions against Russia over Ukraine have lost European businesses 21 billion euro, a “heavy cost” to Spanish industries hit by the export ban which has been particularly problematic in terms of agriculture and tourism, he said. The revelation was made in a meeting this week to discuss the next stage of action.
TRAIN LINE
The Spanish railway infrastructure company, ADIF, are reporting that they will open almost 800 kilometres of high speed lines this year, extending the current passenger only network with lines radiating from Madrid towards the periphery of the Iberian Peninsula, including Olmedo - Zamora - Sanabria (210km), Valladolid - Venta de Baños – León (163km) and the 50km Pajares Base Tunnel. To cut construction costs, ADIF has installed standard-gauge single-line track on several sections of the first two lines, even though both have been designed and built to accommodate a double-track formation.
TERROR SEARCH
Internet engine giant Google has removed auto complete suggestions from its Spanish based search engine that completed search strings assuming and offering information on how to join jihadist networks and the Islamic State militant group in particular. Prior to the change, when a Google Search user in Spain entered the word “I want to join…” the second and the fourth auto complete search results used to show “I want to join jihad” and “I want to join IS” accordingly. Google also recently took action in their UK version of the search engine. 
HOT AS ICE-LAND
Whilst the weather in Spain has been causing chaos and freezing conditions for over a week, parts of Iceland have been seeing unseasonably warm weather, with records for February reaching an all time high. In one particular day last week, the temperature in Dalatangi, the easternmost building and weather station in Iceland, recoded 17.4°C, or 65°F, whilst in Madrid, the temperature was 7°C, or 44°F. Although Icelanders were not likely to have donned their swimming costumes just yet as temperatures dropped from 17.4°C to -13°C, or 8°F, the day after, a 30°C or 86°F drop, after an Icelandic windstorm with gusts in excess of 110 kilometres per hour quickly took away the warmth.
RAPID REACTION
Spain will next year lead a NATO rapid reaction force that could be deployed “in just a few days” to areas where major crises break out, including parts of Ukraine where the Russian army continues to back pro-separatists groups, government officials and NATO sources said on Thursday. The decision to organize the force was made during a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels. The Spanish military will supply 4,000 of the 5,000 land troops that will make up the new advance team, which would be the first to be deployed to volatile areas, when it heads the unit next year.
PODEMOS TARGET ANDALUSIA
Spain's anti-austerity party, Podemos, has announced it will field a candidate in the Andalusian election in March. Teresa Rodriguez will fight for the regional presidency in a contest the party hopes will trigger its national campaign. Podemos is currently topping national opinion polls, ahead of the opposition Socialist Party and with the ruling Popular Party trailing in third place with under a year to go before national elections.
STOCK TAKING
Spanish airport authority AENA entered the last stages of being listed as a public company this week, with the first appearance on the stock exchange on Wednesday. The final draft of almost 4 million shares were published on Monday, of which a small percentage were reserved for staff, with the minimum price set at 58 euro per share, an increase on the first proposal of between 43 and 55 euro.
OFF YOUR BIKE
Cyclists in Valencia have compiled an interactive map which they hope will show some of the infrastructure deficiencies that they have to deal with on a daily basis, in the hope that at least some of the problems might one day be resolved. The highlighted issues range from everything from a bike lane that suddenly changes from one side of a busy road to another, without the means to cross, an underpass which is protected by a barrier that is almost impossible to pass, and a cycle lane that suddenly stops in the face of a brick wall, without warning or notice, as well as numerous locations where cars invade cycle lanes and bikes mix with pedestrians without warning.
WAY TO LEGO
A school from the island of La Palma won the First Lego League in the Canaries competition, beating Nazaret Los Volcanes from Lanzarote into second place, and are now set to compete in the Spanish National competition before one lucky team will join those from across Europe to compete in the World Championship in March, along with almost 80 other countries. FIRST® LEGO® League introduces young people, ages 9 to 14* (grades 4-8), to the fun and excitement of science and technology.
BRITON KILLS GERMAN PAEDOPHILE
A Briton has been arrested in Spain for 'killing a paedophile who was filming his daughter'. Paramedics called to the scene rushed the victim to a hospital in La Linea on the border with Gibraltar but he died shortly after arrival. A source from the local Guardia Civil, said: "We believe he died as a result of the single punch he received but this is yet to be confirmed by the post-mortem results."
CRASH CONCLUSION
A court in Elche sentenced a driver to two years in prison and a three year driving ban, after he was found to have been responsible for the death of a passenger in his car which crashed on the road between Santa Pola and Arenales del Sol in 2007, whilst trying to avoid a police checkpoint on the N-332. A claim for 13,500 euro compensation from another passenger was reduced by 20%, on account of that passenger failing to wear a seatbelt at the time of the crash. At the time, accident investigators concluded that the driver was under the influence of alcohol and was driving at excessive speed of 80 kilometres per hour on a road where the limit was just 20.  
PASS OUT
The UK Home Office has launched an investigation into how an airline passenger was allowed to board a flight from Britain to Spain without a passport. Officials said that the passenger had been allowed to board the Ryanair plane with a photocopy of a bus pass, after his passport was said to have been stolen. The passenger was being questioned at Liverpool John Lennon Airport returning on a flight from the Canary Islands.
KING OF CUTS
King Felipe VI has taken a 20% voluntary pay cut in his 2015 salary, thus affirming his commitment for a fewer frills monarchy. A statement released this week shows how the 47 year old head of state would receive just 234,204 euro, having taken the cut compared with his father´s salary before his abdication.
FRUIT FEARS
Unions representing Spanish farmers are demanding urgent action from the Ministry of Agriculture following the discovery of a vector for HLB, one of the most damaging citrus plant diseases in the world. The detection of psyllid Africana in groves in Galicia in the north west of the country marks the first time the insect has been spotted on the Iberian Peninsula, leading to fears it could cause irreversible damage to the country's citrus exports, worth around 178 million euro a year.
CAR SHIPPING
Hoegh Autoliners, a Norwegian company with headquarters in Jacksonville, America, is launching direct car carrying ship service to Barcelona and Valencia, from their Jacksonville base, as well as Veracruz, Mexico. The monthly sailings will use the 2004 built Hoegh Seoul, a 68,871 gross tonnage vessel, expected to carry exports for GM, Chrysler, Nissan, Honda, Ford and Caterpillar.
THE TRAIN NOT ARRIVING…
Saudi Arabian authorities have issued a stark warning to the Spanish consortium building the €6.7-billion AVE high-speed rail link between Medina and Mecca, which is suffering significant delays as the kingdom's new transport minister, Abdullah bin Abdulrahman al-Muqbel, issued a public statement calling on the 12 company consortium to speed up work or risk having the contract rescinded.
HEARTY WORK
Doctors at a the Gregorio Marañon hospital in Madrid have successfully used stem cells to treat victims of heart attacks for the first time in medical history. Doctors took stem cells that were harvested from a healthy donor and then implanted them into seven different patients who had suffered from a heart attack. They say they are happy with the results and plan to repeat the procedure with at least 55 other patients in an upcoming clinical trial. In an official statement from the hospital, they commented on the success they have seen so far. “Seven patients have already been operated on and they have progressed very well despite having suffered serious damage to their heart tissue”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46427/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: SING A SONG OF SIXPENCE
The music industry in Spain had its best year for some time in 2014, with data released this week revealing that the country achieved its first year-over-year gain in music sales in more than a decade. In 2014, consumer spending on recorded music reached 149.9 million euro, with Spanish pop stars Pablo Alboran and David Bisbal leading in album sales, and Enrique Iglesias' song "Bailando" topping downloads and streaming on Spain's end-of-year charts. Overall sales jumped to 21.23% over 2013 according to PROMUSICAE, which the industry representatives described as the worst year ever for Spain's music industry. However, 2014's figures are still a long way from 2001's record 626 million euro sales.
POWER UP
The Spanish Ministry of Industry has affirmed its commitment to renewable energy, saying this week that it would support the installation of roughly 8.5 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity between 2015 and 2020. The improvement will increase Spain's total installed renewable energy capacity from 48 GW in 2015 to about 57 GW in 2020, specifically supporting the installation of nearly 6.5 GW of wind power capacity, 1.5 GW of solar photovoltaic facilities and about 211 megawatts (MW) of solar thermal power plants.
RICH GETTING RICHER
According to the 2015 Spanish wealth, there were approximately 228,736 “high-net-worth individuals” or HNWIs in Spain in 2014, an increase of 1.7% in 2014, following an increase of 3.0% in 2013. Despite the country still living through austere times, growth rates in HNWI wealth and volumes are expected to continue to improve, with the total number of Spanish HNWIs forecast to grow by 19.4%, to reach 279,884 in 2019. HNWI wealth will see a significant percentage increase, growing by 31.4% to reach US$1.3 trillion by 2019. At the end of 2014, Spanish HNWIs held 39.5% (US$382.2 billion) of their wealth outside their home country, significantly higher than the worldwide average of 20-30%.
WOOLY JUMP
The animal activist group PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, have praised Spanish clothing giant Inditex this week, in what they are calling a “massive victory for animals”, after the chain agreed to a permanent ban on angora wool. The firm has said that it will be donating their leftover angora products to Syrian refuges. Inditex are the parent company of stores such as Zara, Pull & Bear, Bershka, Stradivarius and others.
SUFFERING SANCTIONS
The Spanish foreign minister, José Manuel Garcia-Margallo, has said that sanctions against Russia over Ukraine have lost European businesses 21 billion euro, a “heavy cost” to Spanish industries hit by the export ban which has been particularly problematic in terms of agriculture and tourism, he said. The revelation was made in a meeting this week to discuss the next stage of action.
TRAIN LINE
The Spanish railway infrastructure company, ADIF, are reporting that they will open almost 800 kilometres of high speed lines this year, extending the current passenger only network with lines radiating from Madrid towards the periphery of the Iberian Peninsula, including Olmedo - Zamora - Sanabria (210km), Valladolid - Venta de Baños – León (163km) and the 50km Pajares Base Tunnel. To cut construction costs, ADIF has installed standard-gauge single-line track on several sections of the first two lines, even though both have been designed and built to accommodate a double-track formation.
TERROR SEARCH
Internet engine giant Google has removed auto complete suggestions from its Spanish based search engine that completed search strings assuming and offering information on how to join jihadist networks and the Islamic State militant group in particular. Prior to the change, when a Google Search user in Spain entered the word “I want to join…” the second and the fourth auto complete search results used to show “I want to join jihad” and “I want to join IS” accordingly. Google also recently took action in their UK version of the search engine. 
HOT AS ICE-LAND
Whilst the weather in Spain has been causing chaos and freezing conditions for over a week, parts of Iceland have been seeing unseasonably warm weather, with records for February reaching an all time high. In one particular day last week, the temperature in Dalatangi, the easternmost building and weather station in Iceland, recoded 17.4°C, or 65°F, whilst in Madrid, the temperature was 7°C, or 44°F. Although Icelanders were not likely to have donned their swimming costumes just yet as temperatures dropped from 17.4°C to -13°C, or 8°F, the day after, a 30°C or 86°F drop, after an Icelandic windstorm with gusts in excess of 110 kilometres per hour quickly took away the warmth.
RAPID REACTION
Spain will next year lead a NATO rapid reaction force that could be deployed “in just a few days” to areas where major crises break out, including parts of Ukraine where the Russian army continues to back pro-separatists groups, government officials and NATO sources said on Thursday. The decision to organize the force was made during a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels. The Spanish military will supply 4,000 of the 5,000 land troops that will make up the new advance team, which would be the first to be deployed to volatile areas, when it heads the unit next year.
PODEMOS TARGET ANDALUSIA
Spain's anti-austerity party, Podemos, has announced it will field a candidate in the Andalusian election in March. Teresa Rodriguez will fight for the regional presidency in a contest the party hopes will trigger its national campaign. Podemos is currently topping national opinion polls, ahead of the opposition Socialist Party and with the ruling Popular Party trailing in third place with under a year to go before national elections.
STOCK TAKING
Spanish airport authority AENA entered the last stages of being listed as a public company this week, with the first appearance on the stock exchange on Wednesday. The final draft of almost 4 million shares were published on Monday, of which a small percentage were reserved for staff, with the minimum price set at 58 euro per share, an increase on the first proposal of between 43 and 55 euro.
OFF YOUR BIKE
Cyclists in Valencia have compiled an interactive map which they hope will show some of the infrastructure deficiencies that they have to deal with on a daily basis, in the hope that at least some of the problems might one day be resolved. The highlighted issues range from everything from a bike lane that suddenly changes from one side of a busy road to another, without the means to cross, an underpass which is protected by a barrier that is almost impossible to pass, and a cycle lane that suddenly stops in the face of a brick wall, without warning or notice, as well as numerous locations where cars invade cycle lanes and bikes mix with pedestrians without warning.
WAY TO LEGO
A school from the island of La Palma won the First Lego League in the Canaries competition, beating Nazaret Los Volcanes from Lanzarote into second place, and are now set to compete in the Spanish National competition before one lucky team will join those from across Europe to compete in the World Championship in March, along with almost 80 other countries. FIRST® LEGO® League introduces young people, ages 9 to 14* (grades 4-8), to the fun and excitement of science and technology.
BRITON KILLS GERMAN PAEDOPHILE
A Briton has been arrested in Spain for 'killing a paedophile who was filming his daughter'. Paramedics called to the scene rushed the victim to a hospital in La Linea on the border with Gibraltar but he died shortly after arrival. A source from the local Guardia Civil, said: "We believe he died as a result of the single punch he received but this is yet to be confirmed by the post-mortem results."
CRASH CONCLUSION
A court in Elche sentenced a driver to two years in prison and a three year driving ban, after he was found to have been responsible for the death of a passenger in his car which crashed on the road between Santa Pola and Arenales del Sol in 2007, whilst trying to avoid a police checkpoint on the N-332. A claim for 13,500 euro compensation from another passenger was reduced by 20%, on account of that passenger failing to wear a seatbelt at the time of the crash. At the time, accident investigators concluded that the driver was under the influence of alcohol and was driving at excessive speed of 80 kilometres per hour on a road where the limit was just 20.  
PASS OUT
The UK Home Office has launched an investigation into how an airline passenger was allowed to board a flight from Britain to Spain without a passport. Officials said that the passenger had been allowed to board the Ryanair plane with a photocopy of a bus pass, after his passport was said to have been stolen. The passenger was being questioned at Liverpool John Lennon Airport returning on a flight from the Canary Islands.
KING OF CUTS
King Felipe VI has taken a 20% voluntary pay cut in his 2015 salary, thus affirming his commitment for a fewer frills monarchy. A statement released this week shows how the 47 year old head of state would receive just 234,204 euro, having taken the cut compared with his father´s salary before his abdication.
FRUIT FEARS
Unions representing Spanish farmers are demanding urgent action from the Ministry of Agriculture following the discovery of a vector for HLB, one of the most damaging citrus plant diseases in the world. The detection of psyllid Africana in groves in Galicia in the north west of the country marks the first time the insect has been spotted on the Iberian Peninsula, leading to fears it could cause irreversible damage to the country's citrus exports, worth around 178 million euro a year.
CAR SHIPPING
Hoegh Autoliners, a Norwegian company with headquarters in Jacksonville, America, is launching direct car carrying ship service to Barcelona and Valencia, from their Jacksonville base, as well as Veracruz, Mexico. The monthly sailings will use the 2004 built Hoegh Seoul, a 68,871 gross tonnage vessel, expected to carry exports for GM, Chrysler, Nissan, Honda, Ford and Caterpillar.
THE TRAIN NOT ARRIVING…
Saudi Arabian authorities have issued a stark warning to the Spanish consortium building the €6.7-billion AVE high-speed rail link between Medina and Mecca, which is suffering significant delays as the kingdom's new transport minister, Abdullah bin Abdulrahman al-Muqbel, issued a public statement calling on the 12 company consortium to speed up work or risk having the contract rescinded.
HEARTY WORK
Doctors at a the Gregorio Marañon hospital in Madrid have successfully used stem cells to treat victims of heart attacks for the first time in medical history. Doctors took stem cells that were harvested from a healthy donor and then implanted them into seven different patients who had suffered from a heart attack. They say they are happy with the results and plan to repeat the procedure with at least 55 other patients in an upcoming clinical trial. In an official statement from the hospital, they commented on the success they have seen so far. “Seven patients have already been operated on and they have progressed very well despite having suffered serious damage to their heart tissue”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46427/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### LOOKING TOWARD THE ELECTIONS

Politics in Orihuela is certainly not boring and the weeks to the May election will keep those interested fully entertained.
The Green Party have  announced that all 3 of their government councillors will not stand for re-election in May, in fact, the Green Party will not contest the election at all under their own umbrella, which is not surprising when you consider that the Green Party mayor has deserted his post on full pay, and the green councillor for the coast is facing corruption charges for the illegal awarding of the beach bar contracts.
They are principally  responsible for the mess of the last four years, a wonderful opportunity for Orihuela in general and the coast in particular lost.
The PSOE have been overtaken by the dazzling left wing Podemos who will decimate the PSOE and other left wing parties. The PP are seriously split in two and could soon be sharing the right wing with the increasingly popular Ciudadanos, so unless something miraculous happens the PP cannot get a clear majority.
Up to a week ago it was believed that Claro would tag on to a larger party to try to win one seat for their party leader Bob Houliston but this week they boldly announced that they would not form a pre-election alliance with any other party. Despite the stated reasons in the Claro press release, most informed persons know that no other party can trust "Chameleon Bob".
This go-it-alone stance is the death knell for Bob Houliston and probably for his party. Bob will not achieve the minimum votes required to be entitled to one seat. He will be eliminated as soon as the count is complete. All votes cast for Claro will be thrown in the bin, a regrettable waste of coastal votes.
CLR is the only viable centre party, it will also pull votes from the left and the right, the strong leadership of Pedro Mancebo and the undoubted talent of Juan Ignacio Lopez Bas will probably draw 4 to 5 seats. Thankfully CLR are totally committed to the coast and will bring benefits to the coast that NO OTHER PARTY can bring.
There will be no outright winner in the Orihuela May elections, there will be a coalition. The left wing parties will not unite with right wing under any circumstances.
It is a safe bet to say that CLR are the only party who will win seats in the centre and so will be the only party capable of forming a government with either the left or the right. CLR will be part of the next coalition government.
Raymond KearneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46426/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Politics in Orihuela is certainly not boring and the weeks to the May election will keep those interested fully entertained.
The Green Party have  announced that all 3 of their government councillors will not stand for re-election in May, in fact, the Green Party will not contest the election at all under their own umbrella, which is not surprising when you consider that the Green Party mayor has deserted his post on full pay, and the green councillor for the coast is facing corruption charges for the illegal awarding of the beach bar contracts.
They are principally  responsible for the mess of the last four years, a wonderful opportunity for Orihuela in general and the coast in particular lost.
The PSOE have been overtaken by the dazzling left wing Podemos who will decimate the PSOE and other left wing parties. The PP are seriously split in two and could soon be sharing the right wing with the increasingly popular Ciudadanos, so unless something miraculous happens the PP cannot get a clear majority.
Up to a week ago it was believed that Claro would tag on to a larger party to try to win one seat for their party leader Bob Houliston but this week they boldly announced that they would not form a pre-election alliance with any other party. Despite the stated reasons in the Claro press release, most informed persons know that no other party can trust "Chameleon Bob".
This go-it-alone stance is the death knell for Bob Houliston and probably for his party. Bob will not achieve the minimum votes required to be entitled to one seat. He will be eliminated as soon as the count is complete. All votes cast for Claro will be thrown in the bin, a regrettable waste of coastal votes.
CLR is the only viable centre party, it will also pull votes from the left and the right, the strong leadership of Pedro Mancebo and the undoubted talent of Juan Ignacio Lopez Bas will probably draw 4 to 5 seats. Thankfully CLR are totally committed to the coast and will bring benefits to the coast that NO OTHER PARTY can bring.
There will be no outright winner in the Orihuela May elections, there will be a coalition. The left wing parties will not unite with right wing under any circumstances.
It is a safe bet to say that CLR are the only party who will win seats in the centre and so will be the only party capable of forming a government with either the left or the right. CLR will be part of the next coalition government.
Raymond KearneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46426/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### ST. JOHN PASSION BY J.S. BACH ON THE COSTA BLANCA

The St. John Passion by Johann Sebastian Bach will be performed in Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol by Swedish and Finnish artists. 
The concerts will be in Torrevieja and Benalmadena and the performing artists are the renowned baroque orchestra Drottningholm Baroque Ensemble from Sweden, the talented chamber choir Utopia from Finland and a long list of excellent soloists from Finland: soprano Anu Komsi, countertenor Teppo Lampela, tenor Tuomas Katajala, tenor Charles Barbier, baritone Olli Tuovinen and bass Esa Ruuttunen.
Conductor is church musician Heikki Seppänen from Finland, who is currently working at the Finnish Lutheran Parish in Torrevieja.
The first concert will be in Torrevieja at Teatro Municipal on Friday, March 20th at 7 pm, and the second concert will be on the Costa del Sol, in Iglesia de la Virgen del Carmen (Calle Aguacate) in Benalmadena on Sunday, March 22nd at 8.30 pm.
Ticket sales for the concert in Torrevieja (25 €) can be bought online: https://www.instanticket.es, at the Finnish Lutheran Parish (Calle Maldonado 2) or from the ticket booth in front of the theatre on the day of the concert.
Tickets (25 €) for the Costa del Sol concert can be bought from the Finnish Lutheran Parish in Los Boliches (Edif. Don Luis, local 1,Avda. Nuestro Padre Jesús Cautivo 42) and from the Swedish Lutheran Parish in Fuengirola (Avda. Alcalde Clemente Díaz Ruiz 4, http://www.svenskakyrkan.se/costadelsol). You can also reserve tickets via email to lheleniu@abo.fi.
For more information, please contact Mrs Lena Helenius, tel. 605 292 643, email lheleniu@abo.fi.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46425/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The St. John Passion by Johann Sebastian Bach will be performed in Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol by Swedish and Finnish artists. 
The concerts will be in Torrevieja and Benalmadena and the performing artists are the renowned baroque orchestra Drottni...

### SCIENCE AND GOD

Stephen Hawking, a brilliant and exemplary British scientist, faces with great fortitude a disease which has virtually immobilized him in a wheelchair. He has said that: "modern physics excludes the possibility that God created the universe."
I don't know how it will be expressed in English or if the translation will be correct, but a legion of atheists has been released as a herd of Huns on booty:" God does not exist, it is evidenced by the Science; Hawking affirm it."
The temptation to put God in a laboratory and study, measure, weigh him, etc. is very large, and in it have already fallen other scientists from Descartes. This is a futile task. God does not fit into any site because he is everything. You can't judge God with scientific methods because science is so poor and human that does not take on him.
Believing in God is obviously matter of faith. I believe in God, the creator of all things, infinitely good, that help me and is with me. Great saints spoke and speak with God constantly and listen him because God "speaks"; we only need to have an open heart.
I am more humble than them and I hope that at the end of my life, as the good Father that comes out to the road to wait for his prodigal son; God take me to heaven. Faith comforts me, helps me to live in good and bad. But I do not want to impose this faith. Faith has to be a personal acceptance; otherwise, it does not serve and can only be take in total personal liberty.
I believe and understand that there are atheists. There are serious reasons to believe in God but there are also serious reasons not to believe in him. These are few but they are. Pope Benedict XVI asked God in the concentration camp of Auschwitz: "Where were you when all this happened? What was God in Auschwitz?
Was God in Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Was he in Haiti? What does God against evil? If we only see the negative side denies God. Ultimately there have been conversions of large atheists who have proclaimed their faith with the illusion of convert: André Frossard, Garcia Morente; and also believer people who has lost faith as Unamuno, after the death of his son.
Regarding Hawking and his conclusions, it is strange that a bright person get oneself into a real mess. For example, he argues that the Big Bang theory was the result of the laws of physics. These laws exist before the Big Bang, who has marked them? Was the own matter? Is the own matter intelligent? Isn't it more credible the existence of a Supreme Being who dictates laws and creates the matter than an own matter who dictates to itself laws even before existing? There are a lot of questions.
Isaac Newton who occupied the same chair of hawking centuries ago and was the most important physical of history didn't see it as hawking: "The universe can not emerge from the chaos only with the laws of nature." eternal questions that have no easy answer. Do you remember this? Who are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going?
What I find most disturbing is not that people believe or do not believe in God but any nonbeliever tries that I do not believe in God. But not by a dictatorship of the intelligence, but by a subtle perverse logic: "If believe in God does not make sense since it is denied by science, you can not claim any religious motive for example in the development of human laws such as the research with stem cells from embryos.
I say this because after hawking statements some atheists have started to celebrate it with high revelry. One of them is Richard Dawkins, promoter of the "atheist Bus Campaign". He sent a message:" Probably God does not exist, so you stop worrying and enjoy life."
This man is an atheist disseminator who denies the Darwin's Theory of Evolution. He not only seeks to deny God but he wants followers, he wants all the world denies him. There is an interview of June 2, 2009 that could be read in EL MUNDO and due to the hawking statements can be reread.
Here the interviewer is much brighter than Dawkins and attacked him fiercely revealing too many flanks. We do not read atheists statements constantly, but every once in a while It is convenient to reaffirm own faith as it is my case.
First Dawkins launches several pearls:
"After Darwin, the hypothesis of a superior being who has designed the world ceases to be maintained" and I say: living beings follow the law of evolution that is a natural law. But who determined that law? Could it not be a supreme being?
"If we believe in God must do for other reasons but not because you need to explain the world, but for other reasons." This is something incomprehensible! So will matter go on the one hand and God on the other? God is not omnipotent if the matter dictates its own laws; he is only a mere spectator.
Oh god! There would be two Gods; one who see what you do and the matter that makes its own laws and creates itself. I can't believe in that God. I can say that this God does not exist. If God can not change the laws of nature to act, as occurs in miracles, I do not want him.
"Religion is a by-product of various psychological predispositions of the human being". This is a secondary invention of man done at last minute. If something characterizes the human being is the religion. Despite Dawkins, a huge proportion of the world's population is religious.
From the painters of the caves of Altamira, man has sought the divinity, first the forces of nature were gods, then gods had human appearance, finally it was the Supreme Being who created all things. It is a constant search:" Who are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going? Is there anything beyond death? What is the sense of my life? According Dawkins these are secondary psychological predispositions of the human being.
When the interviewer attacks him with questions, the real Dawkins comes out For example he asks him: "Why is it hard to get rid of religion." “Because of ignorance”, he answers quickly.
The interviewer sees the opportunity and does not forgive:" There are believers who are philosophers, mathematicians and biologists"; he argues. Dawkins says something silly: "it is because Christian scientists have an infantile indoctrination.
They are not able to shake off it". Pure ideological fascism: I'm right and other people are stupid because they do not think like me. Dawkins is disarmed in his argument. Interviewer 1 Dawkins 0.
The attack is total. The next question disarms him: "Are equal great religions to sorcerers of African tribes?” "It is exactly the same thing"; he replied without thinking. "There is no evidence that what they believe exists then they have the same degree of respect. Zero"; he concludes.
He put himself into dire straits. Christian thought has developed the western civilization and its values, such as human rights among others, making it equal to the spells of a sorcerer of the tribe says very little. Interviewer 2 Dawkins 0
After a series of atheists clichés so hackneyed as little sound:
• Indoctrination in Christian schools, like the Hitler Youth,
• Intolerance of believers, etc.
The interviewer suggest him that there have been believers that have made the world better and mentioned Desmond Tutu and the Mother Teresa of Calcutta, but Dawkins says: "The Mother Teresa of Calcutta was an evil woman, she did not care the suffering of the people, she just wanted to convert them". Without comments, the answer disqualifies him totally. Interviewer 5 Dawkins 0 at least.
Dawkins continues downhill:" in the religion there is a seed that leads the human being to do terrible things. Look at the September 11 terrorists. It is impossible to find something like that on atheism." "Hitler and Stalin were atheists"; the interviewer replies. Interviewer 7 Dawkins 0. Dawkins felt trapped and goes off at a tangent.
Then totalitarian ravings come:" I would like to make a campaign against the indoctrination in Catholic colleges." "According to you parents have no rights to educate their children according to their beliefs"; the interviewer has put him between a rock and a hard place. Dawkins regrets what he said before: "I did not say that". There are no longer figures in the marker; you can put whatever you want. Interviewer 14 Dawkins 0.
The final boom is serious: "Does your daughter is atheistic?” "Yes she does but you do not care." “Are you educated her on atheism?" "You don't care", he is still on the defensive. "People want to know if you has indoctrinated her or not," the interviewer argues very well, wanting to know if he is in accordance with his ideas or not.
Then Dawkins account a tall story:" I wrote her a letter when she was 10 years old and I encouraged her to think for herself". Do you know a father to write a letter to her ten- years-old daughter who apparently coexists and encouraged her to think for herself? I do not know someone like that, I think it's crazy.
The interviewer ends by proposing a slogan: "Mr. Dawkins. God probably does not exist, so stop worrying and enjoy life". Then Dawkins makes a statement that does not improve San Bernardo proclaiming the First Crusade:" While religious indoctrination interferes in the knowledge of scientific truth, I'll fight it. You can be sure."
With "atheist crusaders" like this, there is no doubt that they will be able to have the reason of the force, but never the force of reason.
ALEJANDRO PEREZ BENEDICTOFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46424/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Stephen Hawking, a brilliant and exemplary British scientist, faces with great fortitude a disease which has virtually immobilized him in a wheelchair. He has said that: "modern physics excludes the possibility that God created the universe."
I don't know how it will be expressed in English or if the translation will be correct, but a legion of atheists has been released as a herd of Huns on booty:" God does not exist, it is evidenced by the Science; Hawking affirm it."
The temptation to put God in a laboratory and study, measure, weigh him, etc. is very large, and in it have already fallen other scientists from Descartes. This is a futile task. God does not fit into any site because he is everything. You can't judge God with scientific methods because science is so poor and human that does not take on him.
Believing in God is obviously matter of faith. I believe in God, the creator of all things, infinitely good, that help me and is with me. Great saints spoke and speak with God constantly and listen him because God "speaks"; we only need to have an open heart.
I am more humble than them and I hope that at the end of my life, as the good Father that comes out to the road to wait for his prodigal son; God take me to heaven. Faith comforts me, helps me to live in good and bad. But I do not want to impose this faith. Faith has to be a personal acceptance; otherwise, it does not serve and can only be take in total personal liberty.
I believe and understand that there are atheists. There are serious reasons to believe in God but there are also serious reasons not to believe in him. These are few but they are. Pope Benedict XVI asked God in the concentration camp of Auschwitz: "Where were you when all this happened? What was God in Auschwitz?
Was God in Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Was he in Haiti? What does God against evil? If we only see the negative side denies God. Ultimately there have been conversions of large atheists who have proclaimed their faith with the illusion of convert: André Frossard, Garcia Morente; and also believer people who has lost faith as Unamuno, after the death of his son.
Regarding Hawking and his conclusions, it is strange that a bright person get oneself into a real mess. For example, he argues that the Big Bang theory was the result of the laws of physics. These laws exist before the Big Bang, who has marked them? Was the own matter? Is the own matter intelligent? Isn't it more credible the existence of a Supreme Being who dictates laws and creates the matter than an own matter who dictates to itself laws even before existing? There are a lot of questions.
Isaac Newton who occupied the same chair of hawking centuries ago and was the most important physical of history didn't see it as hawking: "The universe can not emerge from the chaos only with the laws of nature." eternal questions that have no easy answer. Do you remember this? Who are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going?
What I find most disturbing is not that people believe or do not believe in God but any nonbeliever tries that I do not believe in God. But not by a dictatorship of the intelligence, but by a subtle perverse logic: "If believe in God does not make sense since it is denied by science, you can not claim any religious motive for example in the development of human laws such as the research with stem cells from embryos.
I say this because after hawking statements some atheists have started to celebrate it with high revelry. One of them is Richard Dawkins, promoter of the "atheist Bus Campaign". He sent a message:" Probably God does not exist, so you stop worrying and enjoy life."
This man is an atheist disseminator who denies the Darwin's Theory of Evolution. He not only seeks to deny God but he wants followers, he wants all the world denies him. There is an interview of June 2, 2009 that could be read in EL MUNDO and due to the hawking statements can be reread.
Here the interviewer is much brighter than Dawkins and attacked him fiercely revealing too many flanks. We do not read atheists statements constantly, but every once in a while It is convenient to reaffirm own faith as it is my case.
First Dawkins launches several pearls:
"After Darwin, the hypothesis of a superior being who has designed the world ceases to be maintained" and I say: living beings follow the law of evolution that is a natural law. But who determined that law? Could it not be a supreme being?
"If we believe in God must do for other reasons but not because you need to explain the world, but for other reasons." This is something incomprehensible! So will matter go on the one hand and God on the other? God is not omnipotent if the matter dictates its own laws; he is only a mere spectator.
Oh god! There would be two Gods; one who see what you do and the matter that makes its own laws and creates itself. I can't believe in that God. I can say that this God does not exist. If God can not change the laws of nature to act, as occurs in miracles, I do not want him.
"Religion is a by-product of various psychological predispositions of the human being". This is a secondary invention of man done at last minute. If something characterizes the human being is the religion. Despite Dawkins, a huge proportion of the world's population is religious.
From the painters of the caves of Altamira, man has sought the divinity, first the forces of nature were gods, then gods had human appearance, finally it was the Supreme Being who created all things. It is a constant search:" Who are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going? Is there anything beyond death? What is the sense of my life? According Dawkins these are secondary psychological predispositions of the human being.
When the interviewer attacks him with questions, the real Dawkins comes out For example he asks him: "Why is it hard to get rid of religion." “Because of ignorance”, he answers quickly.
The interviewer sees the opportunity and does not forgive:" There are believers who are philosophers, mathematicians and biologists"; he argues. Dawkins says something silly: "it is because Christian scientists have an infantile indoctrination.
They are not able to shake off it". Pure ideological fascism: I'm right and other people are stupid because they do not think like me. Dawkins is disarmed in his argument. Interviewer 1 Dawkins 0.
The attack is total. The next question disarms him: "Are equal great religions to sorcerers of African tribes?” "It is exactly the same thing"; he replied without thinking. "There is no evidence that what they believe exists then they have the same degree of respect. Zero"; he concludes.
He put himself into dire straits. Christian thought has developed the western civilization and its values, such as human rights among others, making it equal to the spells of a sorcerer of the tribe says very little. Interviewer 2 Dawkins 0
After a series of atheists clichés so hackneyed as little sound:
• Indoctrination in Christian schools, like the Hitler Youth,
• Intolerance of believers, etc.
The interviewer suggest him that there have been believers that have made the world better and mentioned Desmond Tutu and the Mother Teresa of Calcutta, but Dawkins says: "The Mother Teresa of Calcutta was an evil woman, she did not care the suffering of the people, she just wanted to convert them". Without comments, the answer disqualifies him totally. Interviewer 5 Dawkins 0 at least.
Dawkins continues downhill:" in the religion there is a seed that leads the human being to do terrible things. Look at the September 11 terrorists. It is impossible to find something like that on atheism." "Hitler and Stalin were atheists"; the interviewer replies. Interviewer 7 Dawkins 0. Dawkins felt trapped and goes off at a tangent.
Then totalitarian ravings come:" I would like to make a campaign against the indoctrination in Catholic colleges." "According to you parents have no rights to educate their children according to their beliefs"; the interviewer has put him between a rock and a hard place. Dawkins regrets what he said before: "I did not say that". There are no longer figures in the marker; you can put whatever you want. Interviewer 14 Dawkins 0.
The final boom is serious: "Does your daughter is atheistic?” "Yes she does but you do not care." “Are you educated her on atheism?" "You don't care", he is still on the defensive. "People want to know if you has indoctrinated her or not," the interviewer argues very well, wanting to know if he is in accordance with his ideas or not.
Then Dawkins account a tall story:" I wrote her a letter when she was 10 years old and I encouraged her to think for herself". Do you know a father to write a letter to her ten- years-old daughter who apparently coexists and encouraged her to think for herself? I do not know someone like that, I think it's crazy.
The interviewer ends by proposing a slogan: "Mr. Dawkins. God probably does not exist, so stop worrying and enjoy life". Then Dawkins makes a statement that does not improve San Bernardo proclaiming the First Crusade:" While religious indoctrination interferes in the knowledge of scientific truth, I'll fight it. You can be sure."
With "atheist crusaders" like this, there is no doubt that they will be able to have the reason of the force, but never the force of reason.
ALEJANDRO PEREZ BENEDICTOFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46424/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### CHILDREN OF DIVORCED PARENTS

Children are always the victims in a divorce. So says a British study, a survey of 500 children of 14-22 years who lived a break at their home.
19% worsened their performance in school and 15% were forced to change schools. The children were used by the parts of the couple to attack each other; 32% felt used in the fights of their parents.
The research was sponsored by "Resolution," an association of 6,500 family lawyers in England and Wales. The authors conclude that "children can not develop well if their emotional life is an embarrassment."
The stress of divorce of their parents is pushing 14% to alcohol and 13% continue to addiction to drugs. The 65% who lived the drama in their infancy had difficulty obtaining graduate school.
Molly Baker, a 16-year-old from Sheffield, who was seven when her parents separated, recalls how her life changed in a joint custody: "Having to live between two houses during the week meant so much stress." Emma Austin, specialist in support at home in the Frederick Bremer School in London, explains that "anyone working with children and having witnessed family implications of a breakup knows that the effects are devastating for children.
" In the UK, each year a hundred thousand children under 16 years suffer the divorce of their parents.. 
Moreover, in Spain more than 95,000 couples divorced and 4,900 separated during the year 2013. Currently, two divorces are recorded each year per thousand inhabitants.
The average age of women who dismember their marriage is 42 years and for men 45 years. In 76% of the cases, the women receive the custody of the children. The sufferings also reach the family environment. The fifth of English children who are children of divorced parents, didn't see again the grandparents of one of the parties.
British experts say that fighting in front of children is a source of stress, anxiety and psychological problems.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46422/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Children are always the victims in a divorce. So says a British study, a survey of 500 children of 14-22 years who lived a break at their home.
19% worsened their performance in school and 15% were forced to change schools. The children were used by the parts of the couple to attack each other; 32% felt used in the fights of their parents.
The research was sponsored by "Resolution," an association of 6,500 family lawyers in England and Wales. The authors conclude that "children can not develop well if their emotional life is an embarrassment."
The stress of divorce of their parents is pushing 14% to alcohol and 13% continue to addiction to drugs. The 65% who lived the drama in their infancy had difficulty obtaining graduate school.
Molly Baker, a 16-year-old from Sheffield, who was seven when her parents separated, recalls how her life changed in a joint custody: "Having to live between two houses during the week meant so much stress." Emma Austin, specialist in support at home in the Frederick Bremer School in London, explains that "anyone working with children and having witnessed family implications of a breakup knows that the effects are devastating for children.
" In the UK, each year a hundred thousand children under 16 years suffer the divorce of their parents.. 
Moreover, in Spain more than 95,000 couples divorced and 4,900 separated during the year 2013. Currently, two divorces are recorded each year per thousand inhabitants.
The average age of women who dismember their marriage is 42 years and for men 45 years. In 76% of the cases, the women receive the custody of the children. The sufferings also reach the family environment. The fifth of English children who are children of divorced parents, didn't see again the grandparents of one of the parties.
British experts say that fighting in front of children is a source of stress, anxiety and psychological problems.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46422/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### LAUREN BRANNING ACTRESS HAS BABY GIRL

Eastenders star Jacqueline Jossa, who plays Lauren Branning in the soap, has given birth to a baby girl.
Mum and baby are said to be doing fine, as is her Only Way is Essex boyfriend, Dan Osborne.
The announcement was made via Jacqueline´s Twitter account, where she said that daughter Ella Osborne is “amazing”.
Twitter users, follow Jacqueline here: @jacquelineMjos and Dan here: @DannyO
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46420/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Eastenders star Jacqueline Jossa, who plays Lauren Branning in the soap, has given birth to a baby girl.
Mum and baby are said to be doing fine, as is her Only Way is Essex boyfriend, Dan Osborne.
The announcement was made via Jacqueline´s Twi...

### ANT AND DEC TO PRESENT LANDMARK ROYAL DOCUMENTARY

Following The Prince of Wales as he looks forward to the 40th Anniversary of The Prince's Trust and celebrating the achievements of the charity.
 
Ant and Dec today announce a brand new and unique documentary project, as they set out to spend time with HRH The Prince of Wales to mark the 40th anniversary of his Prince's Trust for ITV and track the journey since His Royal Highness set up the organisation in 1976.
 
As long term ambassadors for The Prince's Trust, over the next year the pair will accompany The Prince on key engagements and get more involved in the work The Trust does to support vulnerable young people in the UK. The 90 minute special will air on ITV early in 2016, the year The Prince's Trust celebrates its 40th anniversary.
 
Ant and Dec are a similar vintage to The Trust – both were born the year before it was founded in 1976 – and together with The Prince they will reflect on the four decades that have passed since The Trust set out to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people in the UK, meeting some of those it has supported along the way and hearing their extraordinary stories.
 
Ant and Dec will gain a close perspective on The Prince's work as they visit courses and Prince's Trust Centres to get an inside look at the efforts made to help 13 to 30 year olds, many of whom come from a care background, and who deal with a range of challenges, such as homelessness, mental health issues, unemployment, difficulties at school and crime.
 
Ant and Dec said: “We are hugely excited to be working with HRH The Prince of Wales on our first project of this kind. We've worked with The Prince's Trust for years and know what an incredible job they do of supporting young people right across the UK. This is a unique opportunity for us to get under the skin of a great organisation and its founder, to pose the questions we've always wanted to ask and to see the achievements of the young people celebrated.”
 
Commenting last year on the occasion of the duo's National Television Award celebrating 25 years in television, The Prince of Wales said:  "I have had the great pleasure of meeting them on many occasions over the last fifteen years, as avid and generous supporters of The Prince's Trust, taking time out from their extremely busy schedules to support and inspire those young people who come to us in disadvantaged and difficult situations.
 
As role models, they have led by example, showing a work ethic and a dedication that I know is appreciated by, and encouraging to, the many courageous young men and women who come to my Trust seeking guidance in trying to make a better life for themselves and in turn, in some cases, their families and communities."
 
Martina Milburn CBE, Chief Executive of The Prince‘s Trust, said: “The Prince's Trust has made positive changes to generations of vulnerable young people since its inception and we're really excited that Ant and Dec are going to be highlighting the work we do to mark this milestone in our history.”
 
The documentary will be directed by award-winning director Michael Waldman for Spun Gold Productions, producers of popular ITV programmes including Love Your Garden and Prince William's Passion: New Father, New Hope.  Filming will start early in 2015 and they are already working closely with Clarence House and The Trust to bring the story of the organisation to life.
 
The documentary is commissioned for ITV by Richard Klein, Director of Factual and Andrew O'Connell, Commissioning Editor Factual.
 
Andrew said: “We are delighted to be following The Prince's Trust over a year to celebrate this landmark occasion. This special programme will see Ant and Dec spending time throughout the year with The Prince and seeing at close hand the work he does within the Trust aimed at enhancing young people's lives up and down the country. This promises to be a major event in the schedule and a real treat for our viewers!"
 
Daniela Neumann, Creative Director at Spun Gold, adds: “We are so very proud to be producing such a landmark documentary to mark the 40th anniversary of The Prince's Trust. We can't wait to provide viewers with unprecedented access into the charity and more importantly highlight its life changing work that has touched so many lives and made a profound impact on our nation. It is always an honour to work alongside The Prince of Wales, and Ant and Dec are undoubtedly the nation's most loved presenters. With their warmth and down to earth approach it is going to be such a moving and illuminating film.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46419/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Following The Prince of Wales as he looks forward to the 40th Anniversary of The Prince's Trust and celebrating the achievements of the charity.
 
Ant and Dec today announce a brand new and unique documentary project, as they set out to spend time with HRH The Prince of Wales to mark the 40th anniversary of his Prince's Trust for ITV and track the journey since His Royal Highness set up the organisation in 1976.
 
As long term ambassadors for The Prince's Trust, over the next year the pair will accompany The Prince on key engagements and get more involved in the work The Trust does to support vulnerable young people in the UK. The 90 minute special will air on ITV early in 2016, the year The Prince's Trust celebrates its 40th anniversary.
 
Ant and Dec are a similar vintage to The Trust – both were born the year before it was founded in 1976 – and together with The Prince they will reflect on the four decades that have passed since The Trust set out to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people in the UK, meeting some of those it has supported along the way and hearing their extraordinary stories.
 
Ant and Dec will gain a close perspective on The Prince's work as they visit courses and Prince's Trust Centres to get an inside look at the efforts made to help 13 to 30 year olds, many of whom come from a care background, and who deal with a range of challenges, such as homelessness, mental health issues, unemployment, difficulties at school and crime.
 
Ant and Dec said: “We are hugely excited to be working with HRH The Prince of Wales on our first project of this kind. We've worked with The Prince's Trust for years and know what an incredible job they do of supporting young people right across the UK. This is a unique opportunity for us to get under the skin of a great organisation and its founder, to pose the questions we've always wanted to ask and to see the achievements of the young people celebrated.”
 
Commenting last year on the occasion of the duo's National Television Award celebrating 25 years in television, The Prince of Wales said:  "I have had the great pleasure of meeting them on many occasions over the last fifteen years, as avid and generous supporters of The Prince's Trust, taking time out from their extremely busy schedules to support and inspire those young people who come to us in disadvantaged and difficult situations.
 
As role models, they have led by example, showing a work ethic and a dedication that I know is appreciated by, and encouraging to, the many courageous young men and women who come to my Trust seeking guidance in trying to make a better life for themselves and in turn, in some cases, their families and communities."
 
Martina Milburn CBE, Chief Executive of The Prince‘s Trust, said: “The Prince's Trust has made positive changes to generations of vulnerable young people since its inception and we're really excited that Ant and Dec are going to be highlighting the work we do to mark this milestone in our history.”
 
The documentary will be directed by award-winning director Michael Waldman for Spun Gold Productions, producers of popular ITV programmes including Love Your Garden and Prince William's Passion: New Father, New Hope.  Filming will start early in 2015 and they are already working closely with Clarence House and The Trust to bring the story of the organisation to life.
 
The documentary is commissioned for ITV by Richard Klein, Director of Factual and Andrew O'Connell, Commissioning Editor Factual.
 
Andrew said: “We are delighted to be following The Prince's Trust over a year to celebrate this landmark occasion. This special programme will see Ant and Dec spending time throughout the year with The Prince and seeing at close hand the work he does within the Trust aimed at enhancing young people's lives up and down the country. This promises to be a major event in the schedule and a real treat for our viewers!"
 
Daniela Neumann, Creative Director at Spun Gold, adds: “We are so very proud to be producing such a landmark documentary to mark the 40th anniversary of The Prince's Trust. We can't wait to provide viewers with unprecedented access into the charity and more importantly highlight its life changing work that has touched so many lives and made a profound impact on our nation. It is always an honour to work alongside The Prince of Wales, and Ant and Dec are undoubtedly the nation's most loved presenters. With their warmth and down to earth approach it is going to be such a moving and illuminating film.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46419/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### UKIP: THE FIRST 100 DAYS

Actress Priyanga Burford stars as UKIP MP Deepa Kaur in this fictional documentary about the first 100 Days of a UKIP government. Here, she reveals more.
 
What's UKIP: The First 100 Days all about?
 
It imagines a scenario where UKIP have won the general election – they swept to victory in May – and there's two narratives going on. One is the story of Deepa Kaur, who is UKIP's only female ethnic MP, and the story follows her through her first 100 days in office, as MP for her hometown of Romford. And the narrative that's going on as well as that is following the events that are happening around the country as UKIP puts their policies into action in their first 100 days. The two narratives connect in that whatever happens in Westminster, where policies are drawn up, Deepa then has to implement those policies in her own constituency, and deal with whatever consequences they yield.
 
What was it that interested you about the project?
 
The really interesting thing about this story is Deepa's central dilemma, which is about when her personal principles and the things she believes are right, come up against her political ambitions. I think for any principled person, that crisis is bound to happen. Are you going to stick by what you believe, or are you going to out those aside for a minute to get ahead. That's an absolute gift for an actor, to be able to explore that crisis and try and portray that struggle.
 
Do you think that's a dilemma all politicians face? Is it possible to be a successful politician and hang on to your principles?
 
I think that is the central question, and I think you're right, every single politician, and in act anyone with any sort of principles or ideology that they believe in, comes up against that sort of conflict at some point. You saw it with the Iraq war – there were politicians who resigned because they couldn't be part of that even though their party was going ahead with it. So yeah, I think that happens a lot.
 
It was filmed in the style of a documentary – did that make it a very different kind of a shoot from a regular drama?
 
Yes, it did. I had to improvise a lot, and I had to improvise with the general public as well, which was very different from a normal shoot, and really exciting for me as an actor. Things were so unpredictable, and you had to think on your feet, which I really like. In some senses the shoot was a lot simpler, because everything was on the hop. We didn't have lighting set-ups to rig, we didn't have props to deal with, and set-ups and all those complicated things which take up time on a normal drama shoot. And the other exciting thing about it was that it felt like we were breaking slightly new ground. This was a drama, but it was filmed in the style of a documentary, so we were sort of marrying those two methods all the way along.
 
Did you study any politicians when you were researching the role? You have a real politician's demeanour in the film, especially in dealing with the media.
 
I did loads of research in preparation for this – loads of research about UKIP. I watched a lot of speeches – especially politicians under pressure – things like the interview Margaret Thatcher did years ago on Nationwide about the sinking of the Belgrano. And Tony Blair being challenged by a man on the street, David Cameron being challenged by another man on the street, and how politicians deal with really sticky situations. And I also noticed that wonderful thing they are media-trained to do which is to not answer the question, but to answer the question that they want to answer.
 
Do you think the drama has a pronounced political bias?
 
I think it is a fantastic discussion point for people – that's another thing that really drew me to it. To do something like that in an election year, which is going to cause anyone who watches it to have to have a conversation, and interrogate the things that they think, and debate the issues that we bring up – that is a really good thing to do, and it's something that really interested me.
 
It's not exactly painting a rosy picture of Britain under UKIP, is it?
 
No, it doesn't, but I think Deepa's a good foil for that, actually, because she's a woman who's motivated by good things – she wants to sort out her community, because she's loyal to the people that she serves. She also happens to be a UKIP MP. Whilst the metanarrative is describing an imagined, fictional scenario, her character within that is someone trying to deal with some very negative circumstances and some really difficult dilemmas that have come her way, and she tries to deal with them from a place of honesty, trying to sort things out so they're better for everyone.
 
What are your own political opinions?
 
I think the interesting thing for me, about taking on this role, was the central dilemma about where you draw the line – when it comes to that moment where you have to nail your colours to the mast, where your principles clash with your ambitions – portraying that struggle was the really interesting thing for me as an actor. As a woman, playing that sort of lead role, it's really rare on telly to see a woman in a central position, who isn't there in the context of a man, as love interest. I thought “I can't miss out on this one.”
 
You've made a very political programme that's not broadly favourable to UKIP. Is it fair to assume from that that you aren't particularly favourable towards UKIP?
 
I'm not a UKIP supporter myself, but in approaching the role, my politics and the things that I believe are completely irrelevant. What's relevant is for me as an actor to look at the world through that person's eyes, and any actor playing any role at all has to leave their own stuff at the door, and open their mind and open their heart to the person that they're portraying, in order to portray them in a three-dimensional way. I endeavoured to do that.
 
Do you think you developed a greater understanding of why people support UKIP through taking part in this project?
 
It was really interesting to go and meet people on the street, and talk to people in character, and hear their views and opinions – an also the massive spectrum of opinions that there is out there. There's a lot of stuff that we shot, and during that process, hearing the way that people are passionately engaged with politics, that really excited me and interested me. People are deeply engaged in what is going on around them, and nationally, and internationally. I think the fact that people are looking at that is a really good thing.
 
This must have been a really exciting role for you. Did you enjoy the whole experience?
 
Yes, I really loved it. I loved the whole way of working in a new way, it was really challenging and exciting, because every day there was something completely unexpected that you had to react to. I loved that spontaneity.
 
 
You're in pretty much every scene. Is it nerve-racking being in a production where you're by far the biggest character?
 
Nerve-racking isn't the term I'd use, actually. It felt challenging, certainly, but it also felt really exhilarating, to be playing that sort of a lead in that sort of a story, with those sorts of issues involved. And I had a whole massively supportive team of people who actually carried me through. There were other actor around a lot, like Hubert, who plays my PA. He was absolutely fantastic. And Tom, who plays my brother, as well. I had other actors, and the director and writer and producers, they were all right there with me, so when I was walking into those improvised situiations, I never felt “Oh God, this is me, alone, in this situation.”
 
Did you feel like Nigel Farage was a character in this drama?
 
His image hangs above it somewhat, doesn't it? To be honest, from day-to-day, on the shoot, I was so involved with Deepa's story and the situation that she was in, that while his presence was there in the background, it wasn't that significant. We talk about him a little bit, and you can see the log arm of his policies affecting her office, but that's the way in which we see him in the drama.
 
How did you find putting on a UKIP rosette and walking through a market? Was it uncomfortable?
 
It felt really challenging to me, yes. And there are points in the film where I really had to go to a completely different place from who I am as a normal person. But any actor does that in any role, if required. Actually, the people of Romford are lovely people, and I really enjoyed working with them. Spo they made it really easy for me to work and improvise with them, despite the fact that some of those things wouldn't be very comfortable for me as me. But you leave that stuff at the door.
 
Will we ever see Priyanga Burford on political posters in the future?
 
No!
 
Has it made you more sympathetic towards politicians and what they have to go through?
 
It certainly helped me understand the political processes in this country a lot better. I went to the House of Commons, I sat in a debate and watched the democratic process happening – which I suggest everyone does, actually. I found it really fascinating. I suppose it's not a job that I fancy, but I certainly admire anyone whose principles and the things that they believe in are so strong that they make it their work, to try and make things better. And being on the stage they're on, with the scrutiny they're under, certainly made me realise how unbelievably pressurised that sort of life must be.
 
UKIP: The First 100 Days is on Channel 4 on Monday 16th February at 9pm.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46418/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Actress Priyanga Burford stars as UKIP MP Deepa Kaur in this fictional documentary about the first 100 Days of a UKIP government. Here, she reveals more.
 
What's UKIP: The First 100 Days all about?
 
It imagines a scenario where UKIP have won the...

### MAJOR NEW INVESTIGATIVE DRAMA FROM THE AWARD-WINNING ANTHONY HOROWITZ

New Blood is a bold and surprising 7 x 60' crime thriller created and written by Anthony Horowitz, made by Eleventh Hour Films.
Commissioned by Charlotte Moore, Controller BBC One and Ben Stephenson, Controller BBC Drama, New Blood sets out to show a unique side of modern London, through the eyes of two outsiders.
 
Anthony Horowitz says: “For a long time I've been wondering how to take a fresh approach to crime drama and I hope that with New Blood I've succeeded. This is a show about the so-called Y generation - young people starting out in their careers, the powerless against the powerful. It's so refreshing to be writing about two central characters who are still in their late twenties and 21st century London is the perfect setting. Ben Stephenson has been hugely supportive and I'm delighted to be back at the BBC.”
 
Junior investigators Stefan and Rash, who work for two different law enforcement divisions, are brought together by two seemingly unrelated cases.
 
Rash and Stefan are opposites in almost every way. What they do share are the same frustrations with life - underpaid, unappreciated and undermined. Lumbered with huge university loans, they can't afford to buy a house and have little or no job security. They are both British but not part of the establishment.
 
New Blood will see Stefan and Rash come up against the uber rich and powerful – corporations, individuals, governments and the new breed of criminals who hide behind legitimate facades and are guarded by lawyers.
 
As Stefan and Rash's friendship is cemented across the series they come to understand that by quietly pooling resources and combining their different skills they make a formidable crime solving force. And at the same time they might be able to help each other up the promotional ladder - if they don't get themselves fired along the way.
 
Jill Green says: “This is Eleventh Hour Films first BBC Drama commission so it's an exciting moment - and thrilling to be at the helm of a brand new Horowitz crime drama that truly embraces multicultural London with a really fun 'bromance' at its heart.”
 
Charlotte Moore, Controller BBC One says: "I'm thrilled to welcome Anthony Horowitz back to the BBC. In New Blood he has created a contemporary crime series that will take BBC One viewers into a modern and complex world, one that moves the genre into exciting new territory."
 
Casting to be announced in due course.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46417/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: New Blood is a bold and surprising 7 x 60' crime thriller created and written by Anthony Horowitz, made by Eleventh Hour Films.
Commissioned by Charlotte Moore, Controller BBC One and Ben Stephenson, Controller BBC Drama, New Blood sets out to show a unique side of modern London, through the eyes of two outsiders.
 
Anthony Horowitz says: “For a long time I've been wondering how to take a fresh approach to crime drama and I hope that with New Blood I've succeeded. This is a show about the so-called Y generation - young people starting out in their careers, the powerless against the powerful. It's so refreshing to be writing about two central characters who are still in their late twenties and 21st century London is the perfect setting. Ben Stephenson has been hugely supportive and I'm delighted to be back at the BBC.”
 
Junior investigators Stefan and Rash, who work for two different law enforcement divisions, are brought together by two seemingly unrelated cases.
 
Rash and Stefan are opposites in almost every way. What they do share are the same frustrations with life - underpaid, unappreciated and undermined. Lumbered with huge university loans, they can't afford to buy a house and have little or no job security. They are both British but not part of the establishment.
 
New Blood will see Stefan and Rash come up against the uber rich and powerful – corporations, individuals, governments and the new breed of criminals who hide behind legitimate facades and are guarded by lawyers.
 
As Stefan and Rash's friendship is cemented across the series they come to understand that by quietly pooling resources and combining their different skills they make a formidable crime solving force. And at the same time they might be able to help each other up the promotional ladder - if they don't get themselves fired along the way.
 
Jill Green says: “This is Eleventh Hour Films first BBC Drama commission so it's an exciting moment - and thrilling to be at the helm of a brand new Horowitz crime drama that truly embraces multicultural London with a really fun 'bromance' at its heart.”
 
Charlotte Moore, Controller BBC One says: "I'm thrilled to welcome Anthony Horowitz back to the BBC. In New Blood he has created a contemporary crime series that will take BBC One viewers into a modern and complex world, one that moves the genre into exciting new territory."
 
Casting to be announced in due course.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46417/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### SECRETS OF THE PARKING WARDENS

An investigation by Channel 4 Dispatches into the private car parking industry reveals:
 

    Since 2007 the number of parking tickets issued by private companies has grown fivefold to more than 2.5 million a year
    Hospital Trusts ignoring hospital parking guidance issued by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt
    Two out of three motorists just pay the parking charge notes without challenging it
    A whistleblower claims UKPC – a leading private parking company - pressurised wardens into using dubious tactics to boost the ticket tally.
    Case study: pensioner's issued with parking charge notice in excess of £1 per second

Changes to the law
 
Thanks to new camera technology and a change in the law, parking companies no longer have to put a ticket on the windscreen. They can now get the owner's address from the licence plate and post the ticket later. So hundreds of companies have sprung up and business is booming.
 
Five years ago just half a million tickets were sent through the post to motorists for parking on private land.
 
Last year there were two and a half million. That's more than £100m being demanded from motorists.
 
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras came into their own because of the change in the law in 2012. Now private parking companies can post a ticket to a vehicle owner as soon as the camera has spotted that it has overstayed.
 
Parking expert Alex Shipp says: “Before then you couldn't really take anybody to court without proving who the driver was, which is almost impossible. Now, you can take them to court if they're the registered keeper and that has fuelled a massive increase in court hearings, legal claims and debt recovery letters. Parking companies have simply become more aggressive.”
 
Hospital Trusts ignoring hospital parking guidance
 
The biggest outrage provoked over parking charges has arisen in hospitals.
 
Many health trusts now use private companies to run their car parking operations.
 
The problems come when the trust allows the company to keep some or even all the money raised from the Parking Charge notices it issues.
 
Last August, the Government moved to defuse public anger over hospital parking when Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt issued new guidance to health trusts.
 
From now on, parking charge notices should only be imposed in hospitals if it is “reasonable”. But because Mr Hunt only issued “guidance” it did not change the law.
 
Channel 4 Dispatches sent out Freedom of Information inquiries to all 156 health trusts in England and Wales to find out what kind of contracts they had signed. Nearly all of them replied and the answers were not encouraging:
 
One third of trusts - 55 - are still giving all or some of the money from parking tickets to their contractors
Four trusts have ignored the guidance by negotiating new contracts after the guidelines were introduced.
The Department of Health told Dispatches it was “disappointed to hear that some Trusts are not following the…hospital parking guidelines… patients have to deal with the added stress of unfair parking charges… Contractors should receive income to cover the normal costs of providing parking services”, but charges “must be applied reasonably”.
 
Dubious Tactics
 
It's not just the way that parking companies pursue motorists through the courts that concerns campaigners. It's the dubious tactics some of their employees use when they slap tickets on the windscreen.
 
The British Car Parking Association is the body that acts for most parking enforcement companies. It has a code of practice which insists that its members treat drivers in a “professional, reasonable and diligent way”.
 
However, Channel 4 Dispatches has discovered that some practices leave a lot to be desired.
 
The Citizens Advise Bureau say the number of people coming to their website on this issue has trebled last year compared to the year before with people losing a hundred and twenty five pounds on average and as much as three hundred pounds in some cases.
 
Whistleblower
 
Until a year ago, Tony Taylor worked as a team leader for one of Britain's biggest parking companies UKPC. He claims UKPC pressurised wardens into using those tactics to boost the ticket tally.
 
The company say he resigned after complaints that he used underhand tactics in issuing tickets.
 
Tony Taylor explained some of the tactics used by some parking wardens. He says: “Ghost ticketing is a way where you issue a ticket to a vehicle, you place the ticket on the windscreen, you take the photographic evidence then you remove the ticket from the windscreen, this then stops the driver getting the reduced rate. because he is totally unaware he's received a ticket on the windscreen.”
 
Ghost ticketing was not the only sales term that Tony Taylor says he learned during his two years with UKPC.
 
Tony Taylor says: “I used to get text messages and one text message would have gone to all the wardens phones and it says hi guys, Christmas is coming you're car parks should be very busy now, give them sites a good banging” [issue as many tickets as you can].
 
“I would get an email or a phone call to give the wardens a motivation call…Motivation call basically means call the warden and put pressure on him, if you don't get that amount of tickets out you're down the road you've lost your job.
 
Tony Taylor also showed me a company email revealing that the more tickets you issue, the more money you're paid. He claims that in some cases the bonus could be worth more than a warden's wage.
 
UKPC Right To Reply
 
In reply, UKPC told Dispatches that they have a “rigorous training programme” for wardens “to ensure that they act in a professional manner at all times”
 
“There is, of course, nothing wrong, in encouraging wardens to work hard to issue tickets to drivers who have parked in breach of the terms and conditions.”
 
They described Tony Taylor as “disgruntled former employee".
 
The company said they “do not instruct or encourage their wardens to undertake any sort of underhand tactics”.
 
Case Study: Pensioner's issued with parking charge notice in excess of £1 per second
 
80-year-old Ron Lucas was a victim of a parking charge notice.
 
A few months ago he visited his local post office with his wife Cynthia for ten minutes. Or ten minutes and 88 seconds, to be precise.
 
Ron Lucas says:
 
“All we were doing was posting a parcel. We came out, got in the car and drove home.
 
About three weeks later we got a parking charge notice in the post saying that we'd gone eighty eight seconds over an allotted ten minutes. We were asked to pay one hundred pounds. If I paid within fourteen days, it was sixty pounds.
 
I thought it was totally disproportionate, because let's face it, a hundred pounds for eighty eight seconds is in excess of a pound per second. So when I received that parking charge notice I was absolutely furious.”
 
When Ron complained, the parking company told him that there had been “severe problems with unauthorised parking, resulting in vehicles…occupying valuable space”.
 
Ron Lucas says:
 
“I could appeal but if I appealed and lost then the charge would go back to a hundred pounds. they threatened me with bailiffs as well. I'm eighty years old, and I felt I didn't want all the aggravation and the confrontation, and so with great reluctance I paid it.”
 
Secrets of the Parking Wardens: Channel 4 Dispatches, Monday 16th February 2015 at 8pm.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46416/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: An investigation by Channel 4 Dispatches into the private car parking industry reveals:
 
Since 2007 the number of parking tickets issued by private companies has grown fivefold to more than 2.5 million a year
    Hospital Trusts ignoring hospital parking guidance issued by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt
    Two out of three motorists just pay the parking charge notes without challenging it
    A whistleblower claims UKPC – a leading private parking company - pressurised wardens into using dubious tactics to boost the ticket tally.
    Case study: pensioner's issued with parking charge notice in excess of £1 per second
Changes to the law
 
Thanks to new camera technology and a change in the law, parking companies no longer have to put a ticket on the windscreen. They can now get the owner's address from the licence plate and post the ticket later. So hundreds of companies have sprung up and business is booming.
 
Five years ago just half a million tickets were sent through the post to motorists for parking on private land.
 
Last year there were two and a half million. That's more than £100m being demanded from motorists.
 
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras came into their own because of the change in the law in 2012. Now private parking companies can post a ticket to a vehicle owner as soon as the camera has spotted that it has overstayed.
 
Parking expert Alex Shipp says: “Before then you couldn't really take anybody to court without proving who the driver was, which is almost impossible. Now, you can take them to court if they're the registered keeper and that has fuelled a massive increase in court hearings, legal claims and debt recovery letters. Parking companies have simply become more aggressive.”
 
Hospital Trusts ignoring hospital parking guidance
 
The biggest outrage provoked over parking charges has arisen in hospitals.
 
Many health trusts now use private companies to run their car parking operations.
 
The problems come when the trust allows the company to keep some or even all the money raised from the Parking Charge notices it issues.
 
Last August, the Government moved to defuse public anger over hospital parking when Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt issued new guidance to health trusts.
 
From now on, parking charge notices should only be imposed in hospitals if it is “reasonable”. But because Mr Hunt only issued “guidance” it did not change the law.
 
Channel 4 Dispatches sent out Freedom of Information inquiries to all 156 health trusts in England and Wales to find out what kind of contracts they had signed. Nearly all of them replied and the answers were not encouraging:
 
One third of trusts - 55 - are still giving all or some of the money from parking tickets to their contractors
Four trusts have ignored the guidance by negotiating new contracts after the guidelines were introduced.
The Department of Health told Dispatches it was “disappointed to hear that some Trusts are not following the…hospital parking guidelines… patients have to deal with the added stress of unfair parking charges… Contractors should receive income to cover the normal costs of providing parking services”, but charges “must be applied reasonably”.
 
Dubious Tactics
 
It's not just the way that parking companies pursue motorists through the courts that concerns campaigners. It's the dubious tactics some of their employees use when they slap tickets on the windscreen.
 
The British Car Parking Association is the body that acts for most parking enforcement companies. It has a code of practice which insists that its members treat drivers in a “professional, reasonable and diligent way”.
 
However, Channel 4 Dispatches has discovered that some practices leave a lot to be desired.
 
The Citizens Advise Bureau say the number of people coming to their website on this issue has trebled last year compared to the year before with people losing a hundred and twenty five pounds on average and as much as three hundred pounds in some cases.
 
Whistleblower
 
Until a year ago, Tony Taylor worked as a team leader for one of Britain's biggest parking companies UKPC. He claims UKPC pressurised wardens into using those tactics to boost the ticket tally.
 
The company say he resigned after complaints that he used underhand tactics in issuing tickets.
 
Tony Taylor explained some of the tactics used by some parking wardens. He says: “Ghost ticketing is a way where you issue a ticket to a vehicle, you place the ticket on the windscreen, you take the photographic evidence then you remove the ticket from the windscreen, this then stops the driver getting the reduced rate. because he is totally unaware he's received a ticket on the windscreen.”
 
Ghost ticketing was not the only sales term that Tony Taylor says he learned during his two years with UKPC.
 
Tony Taylor says: “I used to get text messages and one text message would have gone to all the wardens phones and it says hi guys, Christmas is coming you're car parks should be very busy now, give them sites a good banging” [issue as many tickets as you can].
 
“I would get an email or a phone call to give the wardens a motivation call…Motivation call basically means call the warden and put pressure on him, if you don't get that amount of tickets out you're down the road you've lost your job.
 
Tony Taylor also showed me a company email revealing that the more tickets you issue, the more money you're paid. He claims that in some cases the bonus could be worth more than a warden's wage.
 
UKPC Right To Reply
 
In reply, UKPC told Dispatches that they have a “rigorous training programme” for wardens “to ensure that they act in a professional manner at all times”
 
“There is, of course, nothing wrong, in encouraging wardens to work hard to issue tickets to drivers who have parked in breach of the terms and conditions.”
 
They described Tony Taylor as “disgruntled former employee".
 
The company said they “do not instruct or encourage their wardens to undertake any sort of underhand tactics”.
 
Case Study: Pensioner's issued with parking charge notice in excess of £1 per second
 
80-year-old Ron Lucas was a victim of a parking charge notice.
 
A few months ago he visited his local post office with his wife Cynthia for ten minutes. Or ten minutes and 88 seconds, to be precise.
 
Ron Lucas says:
 
“All we were doing was posting a parcel. We came out, got in the car and drove home.
 
About three weeks later we got a parking charge notice in the post saying that we'd gone eighty eight seconds over an allotted ten minutes. We were asked to pay one hundred pounds. If I paid within fourteen days, it was sixty pounds.
 
I thought it was totally disproportionate, because let's face it, a hundred pounds for eighty eight seconds is in excess of a pound per second. So when I received that parking charge notice I was absolutely furious.”
 
When Ron complained, the parking company told him that there had been “severe problems with unauthorised parking, resulting in vehicles…occupying valuable space”.
 
Ron Lucas says:
 
“I could appeal but if I appealed and lost then the charge would go back to a hundred pounds. they threatened me with bailiffs as well. I'm eighty years old, and I felt I didn't want all the aggravation and the confrontation, and so with great reluctance I paid it.”
 
Secrets of the Parking Wardens: Channel 4 Dispatches, Monday 16th February 2015 at 8pm.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46416/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### THE VIRTUAL LEADER IS HERE

The latest edition of The Leader newspaper is out now, available in any of hundreds of outlests around the area.
If you haven´t picked up your copy yet, don´t worry, we can save you the journey out by giving you the latest copy in virtual form.
Full of news, sports, features, TV listings, classifieds and more, you are always sure of the latest news every Monday from The Leader.
Here is this week´s copy...
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46415/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The latest edition of The Leader newspaper is out now, available in any of hundreds of outlests around the area.
If you haven´t picked up your copy yet, don´t worry, we can save you the journey out by giving you the latest copy in virtual...

### THERE GO THE RUSSIANS! SPANISH PROPERTY SPREE COMES TO AN END

The decline in the value of the Russian ruble coupled with falling oil prices and international sanctions against Russia in the wake of the  crisis in the Ukraine has resulted in a decrease in the number of Russian buyers of Spanish property.
The Russians, once hailed as the saviours of the Spanish property market are now beginning to turn their backs on Spain.  Russians are not currently buying and a number of them are trying to sell their properties. The ruble lost 40% of its value against the Euro in 2014 and the Russian government has forecasted that its economy will shrink by a further 3% in the first quarter of 2015.  As a result, sales of Spanish properties to Russians declined massively in 2014. In 2013, property in Spain was highly sought after by Russian clients and the market was seen as a saviour for the Spanish real estate sector.
There were strong sales of high value properties on the Mediterranean coast to Russian buyers as the relatively cheap property was snapped up. The Russians were one of the largest investors in Spanish property and the number of Russian tourists to Spain was also on the increase. This all changed in 2014, however, when the number of Russian tourists to Spain fell by 10% compared to 2013, according to data published by Spain's tourism ministry.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46414/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The decline in the value of the Russian ruble coupled with falling oil prices and international sanctions against Russia in the wake of the  crisis in the Ukraine has resulted in a decrease in the number of Russian buyers of Spanish property.
The Russ...

### FOLLOWING IN HEMINGWAY'S FOOTSTEPS

ALICANTE, Los Montesinos journalist Andrew Atkinson followed in the footsteps of Novelist author and journalist Ernest Hemingway with a visit to Cuba.  
Hemingway, who committed suicide on July 2, 1961, aged 61, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954, was a journalist in the Spanish Civil War after which he wrote 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' in 1940.
'For Whom the Bell Tolls' is based on Hemingway's experiences as a correspondent during the Spanish Civil War. The Novel's three days of conflict takes place near the El Tajo gorge, through the Andalusian town of Rondo, where a political massacre like the one led by Pablo, occurred early in the Spanish Civil War.
'For Whom the Bell Tolls' is one of Hemingway's best-selling novels of which movie rights were purchased by Paramount. Hemingway, who had residences in Key West, Florida, and Cuba, also recounts a Pamplona bull run in 'The Sun Also Rises'.
The visit to Cuba took in the National Museum of Natural History of Cuba, Havana, along with a tour of a cigar manufacturer. On the journey to Havana from Varadero one-horse two-wheel taxis, dump trucks and local Cuban workers could be seen thumbing a lift by the road side. American cars - mainly Chevrolets from the 1950's - are in abundance in the City of Havana, Cuba. Classic American cars.
Fidel Castro imposed a new law in 1959 preventing anyone without government permission from importing foreign automobiles thus making Cuba a car museum. Sloppy Joe's saloon, a celebrated Cuban bar in Havana, circa. 1920s-30s re-opened in recent times - following a refurbishment in 2007 - after being derelict for over 50 years.
A photo shows Hemingway, Noël Coward and Alec Guinness, snapped when Guinness was filming 'Our Man In Havana' scenes in the bar. Closed in 1965 under Fidel Castro's Communist Government when nationalising nearly all private enterprises, Sloppy Joe's - where Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner and Nat King Cole also visited - is bustling once again. Just like Hemingway Cuba Libre - rum, lime and Coca-Cola and Mojito - lime, mint, sugar, carbonated water, and rum - were sipped through straws while listening to live Cuban music.
Hemingway's watering holes in Havana, La Floridita and La Bodeguita del Medio re-visit history. Hanging on the interior wall in La Floridita, is Hemingway's signed quote: "My mojito in the Bodeguita del Medio and my daiquiri in the Floridita" The walls of La Bodeguita del Medio are covered in signatures and photographs, in situ on Calle Empedrado, near to the cathedral in Old Havana.
La Floridita is where Hemingway's frequented his favourite daquiry. 
Hemingway's bar stool has a velvet rope, along with a statue, in situ at Monserrate, Old Havana. It was a pleasant surprise to see vast numbers of Turkey Vultures gliding through the sky, egrets taking a ride on the back of cattle and Palm Warblers - and Pelicans fishing in Varadero - along with Cuban blackbirds.
I sampled the Torres brandy in Cuba - as I do when in Los Montesinos, Spain. Along with Hemingway, I'll raise a glass to Cuba - it being a privilege to follow in his footsteps in Havana. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46412/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ALICANTE, Los Montesinos journalist Andrew Atkinson followed in the footsteps of Novelist author and journalist Ernest Hemingway with a visit to Cuba.  
Hemingway, who committed suicide on July 2, 1961, aged 61, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954, was a journalist in the Spanish Civil War after which he wrote 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' in 1940.
'For Whom the Bell Tolls' is based on Hemingway's experiences as a correspondent during the Spanish Civil War. The Novel's three days of conflict takes place near the El Tajo gorge, through the Andalusian town of Rondo, where a political massacre like the one led by Pablo, occurred early in the Spanish Civil War.
'For Whom the Bell Tolls' is one of Hemingway's best-selling novels of which movie rights were purchased by Paramount. Hemingway, who had residences in Key West, Florida, and Cuba, also recounts a Pamplona bull run in 'The Sun Also Rises'.
The visit to Cuba took in the National Museum of Natural History of Cuba, Havana, along with a tour of a cigar manufacturer. On the journey to Havana from Varadero one-horse two-wheel taxis, dump trucks and local Cuban workers could be seen thumbing a lift by the road side. American cars - mainly Chevrolets from the 1950's - are in abundance in the City of Havana, Cuba. Classic American cars.
Fidel Castro imposed a new law in 1959 preventing anyone without government permission from importing foreign automobiles thus making Cuba a car museum. Sloppy Joe's saloon, a celebrated Cuban bar in Havana, circa. 1920s-30s re-opened in recent times - following a refurbishment in 2007 - after being derelict for over 50 years.
A photo shows Hemingway, Noël Coward and Alec Guinness, snapped when Guinness was filming 'Our Man In Havana' scenes in the bar. Closed in 1965 under Fidel Castro's Communist Government when nationalising nearly all private enterprises, Sloppy Joe's - where Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner and Nat King Cole also visited - is bustling once again. Just like Hemingway Cuba Libre - rum, lime and Coca-Cola and Mojito - lime, mint, sugar, carbonated water, and rum - were sipped through straws while listening to live Cuban music.
Hemingway's watering holes in Havana, La Floridita and La Bodeguita del Medio re-visit history. Hanging on the interior wall in La Floridita, is Hemingway's signed quote: "My mojito in the Bodeguita del Medio and my daiquiri in the Floridita" The walls of La Bodeguita del Medio are covered in signatures and photographs, in situ on Calle Empedrado, near to the cathedral in Old Havana.
La Floridita is where Hemingway's frequented his favourite daquiry. 
Hemingway's bar stool has a velvet rope, along with a statue, in situ at Monserrate, Old Havana. It was a pleasant surprise to see vast numbers of Turkey Vultures gliding through the sky, egrets taking a ride on the back of cattle and Palm Warblers - and Pelicans fishing in Varadero - along with Cuban blackbirds.
I sampled the Torres brandy in Cuba - as I do when in Los Montesinos, Spain. Along with Hemingway, I'll raise a glass to Cuba - it being a privilege to follow in his footsteps in Havana. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46412/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ORIHUELA EXTEND UNBEATEN RUN TO SIX AGAINST POOR TORRY

ORIHUELA CF 5 FC TORREVIEJA 0
On Sunday evening, Los Arcos Stadium was the venue for the meeting of the two most southernly teams of Division 3 (Valenciana grupo 6) with a great deal at stake for both sides.  
Earlier in the season Torry had suffered a home defeat to their bitter rivals, and with both clubs pushing for an end of season play off slot, this fixture certainly had an extra edge to it.  
Orihuela's dire financial situation has been well documented, but following a bad run, they seem to have steadied the ship and are now unbeaten in their last 5 matches.  Torry meanwhile, have suffered a torrid time of late,  unfortunately experiencing a goal drought which has coincided with some suicidal defending, and resulted in 3 straight defeats.  
For FC Torrevieja it was sad to see that all three prevailed as the two teams locked horns, their atrocious defending, goal drought and comprehensive defeat.
Despite the return of Eddie to the side there was little improvement as the visitors went into the interval three goals behind. But even after their encouraging start, with Obele hitting the post on the quarter hour mark, it quickly became evident that Orihuela were much the sharper outfit, shooting at every opportunity, and with such power. The visitors simply had no answer.
It was skipper Flecky that opened the scoring for the home side on 25 mins when his low drive gave Oscar no chance as it rebounded in off the post. 
But there was a glimmer of hope for the visitors on the half hour. After Corella had been brought down on the edge of the box Cesar appeared to have levelled the scores from the free kick only to see his effort cleared off the line by Alex Garcia and then to add to their woes, just moments later, Torry's former striker Tonino beat Cesar with a top class effort, synonymous of the strikes from his glory days with Guardamar, Torry and Cartagena. 
Piko made it 3-0 just prior to the interval when he squeezed his effort inside the post from an acute angle.

The 2nd period was little better although the visitors did confine their hosts to just 2 more goals with Perico and Emilio on the scoresheet in the 52nd and 60th mins respectively.  And Torry couldn't even manage a consolation when a fine low save from Emilio kept out Adrian's goalbound effort in the final few minutes of the game.
Whether Torry will learn from this defeat only time will tell but it now seems as though any thoughts of the end of season playoffs are nought but a distant memory.
But there is certainly a great deal of pride still to be played for starting with a 5pm ko next Sunday evening against mid table Levante ‘B' at the Vicente Garcia.  Surely this evenings game against Orihuela is the low point of the season from which it must only get better in the remaining weeks.

 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46409/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: ORIHUELA CF 5 FC TORREVIEJA 0
On Sunday evening, Los Arcos Stadium was the venue for the meeting of the two most southernly teams of Division 3 (Valenciana grupo 6) with a great deal at stake for both sides.  
Earlier in the season Torry had suffe...

### DONKEY AND DOGS SAVED IN JOINT RESCUE

 A donkey kept in a yard so small she could barely move has been rescued by the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre.
In a joint operation with Guardia Civil Seprona,  Asoka animal rescue association and the Rescue Centre the donkey and some dogs were saved from appalling conditions last Thursday (February 12).
The donkey’s hooves are severely malformed and its right foreleg is twisted almost 180 degrees after years of neglect.
“Where she was kept was so small and full of rubbish that she was not able to move and her hooves have not been touched for years,” rescue centre co-founder Sue said.
“She has now been trimmed as much as possible and we will monitor her over the next few days to see how she is moving and decide what to do for the best.”
Police are now looking to prosecute the donkey’s owner. Animal welfare is becoming a much more important issue in this area and the EHCRC is increasingly being called out by the police to assist in rescues.
The rescue was complicated by ongoing problems with the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre’s aging trailer, which broke down early this month. Mechanics were able to temporarily repair it for the rescue, but the centre is now fundraising for a new trailer.
Contact has been made with a manufacturer that makes trailers very low to the ground and does not need a ramp as many of the horses that are rescued are very weak and traumatized and going up a noisy ramp can be very difficult for them and dangerous for us. Also the trailer can be specially modified internally to carry all sizes of horses, ponies and donkeys .
The centre welcomes any donations and sponsorships to help their cause. Every cent donated or spent in their eight charity shops across the Alicante province goes towards the feeding and care of the 90 horses, ponies and donkeys that live at the centre.
Donations of furniture, clothes and bric-a-brac to stock the shops are welcome. Please contact the charity shop hotline on 652 021 980 for more information about furniture pick-ups and volunteering.
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre opens to the public for free on the first Sunday of every month between 1pm and 4pm. The first horse tour begins at 2pm.       Carrots and apples are welcome.
EHCRC is located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga 59. For directions and details on how to sponsor horses, please visit www.easyhorsecare.netFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46404/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt:  A donkey kept in a yard so small she could barely move has been rescued by the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre.
In a joint operation with Guardia Civil Seprona,  Asoka animal rescue association and the Rescue Centre the donkey and some dogs were saved from appalling conditions last Thursday (February 12).
The donkey’s hooves are severely malformed and its right foreleg is twisted almost 180 degrees after years of neglect.
“Where she was kept was so small and full of rubbish that she was not able to move and her hooves have not been touched for years,” rescue centre co-founder Sue said.
“She has now been trimmed as much as possible and we will monitor her over the next few days to see how she is moving and decide what to do for the best.”
Police are now looking to prosecute the donkey’s owner. Animal welfare is becoming a much more important issue in this area and the EHCRC is increasingly being called out by the police to assist in rescues.
The rescue was complicated by ongoing problems with the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre’s aging trailer, which broke down early this month. Mechanics were able to temporarily repair it for the rescue, but the centre is now fundraising for a new trailer.
Contact has been made with a manufacturer that makes trailers very low to the ground and does not need a ramp as many of the horses that are rescued are very weak and traumatized and going up a noisy ramp can be very difficult for them and dangerous for us. Also the trailer can be specially modified internally to carry all sizes of horses, ponies and donkeys .
The centre welcomes any donations and sponsorships to help their cause. Every cent donated or spent in their eight charity shops across the Alicante province goes towards the feeding and care of the 90 horses, ponies and donkeys that live at the centre.
Donations of furniture, clothes and bric-a-brac to stock the shops are welcome. Please contact the charity shop hotline on 652 021 980 for more information about furniture pick-ups and volunteering.
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre opens to the public for free on the first Sunday of every month between 1pm and 4pm. The first horse tour begins at 2pm.       Carrots and apples are welcome.
EHCRC is located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga 59. For directions and details on how to sponsor horses, please visit www.easyhorsecare.netFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46404/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### NEGLECTED DONKEY AND DOGS SAVED FROM APPALLING CONDITIONS IN JOINT RESCUE OPERATION

A donkey kept in a yard so small she could barely move has been rescued by the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre.
In a joint operation with Guardia Civil Seprona,  Asoka animal rescue association and the Rescue Centre the donkey and some dogs were saved from appalling conditions last Thursday (February 12).
The donkey's hooves are severely malformed and its right foreleg is twisted almost 180 degrees after years of neglect.
“Where she was kept was so small and full of rubbish that she was not able to move and her hooves have not been touched for years,” rescue centre co-founder Sue said.
“She has now been trimmed as much as possible and we will monitor her over the next few days to see how she is moving and decide what to do for the best.”
Police are now looking to prosecute the donkey's owner. Animal welfare is becoming a much more important issue in this area and the EHCRC is increasingly being called out by the police to assist in rescues.
The rescue was complicated by ongoing problems with the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre's aging trailer, which broke down early this month. Mechanics were able to temporarily repair it for the rescue, but the centre is now fundraising for a new trailer.
Contact has been made with a manufacturer that makes trailers very low to the ground and does not need a ramp as many of the horses that are rescued are very weak and traumatized and going up a noisy ramp can be very difficult for them and dangerous for us. Also the trailer can be specially modified internally to carry all sizes of horses, ponies and donkeys .
The centre welcomes any donations and sponsorships to help their cause. Every cent donated or spent in their eight charity shops across the Alicante province goes towards the feeding and care of the 90 horses, ponies and donkeys that live at the centre.
Donations of furniture, clothes and bric-a-brac to stock the shops are welcome. Please contact the charity shop hotline on 652 021 980 for more information about furniture pick-ups and volunteering.
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre opens to the public for free on the first Sunday of every month between 1pm and 4pm. The first horse tour begins at 2pm.       Carrots and apples are welcome.
EHCRC is located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga 59. For directions and details on how to sponsor horses, please visit www.easyhorsecare.netFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46404/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A donkey kept in a yard so small she could barely move has been rescued by the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre.
In a joint operation with Guardia Civil Seprona,  Asoka animal rescue association and the Rescue Centre the donkey and some dogs were saved ...

### SALES OF PROPERTY IN SPAIN INCREASES BY 2.2% ACCORDING TO NATIONAL STATISTICS

According to the Spanish National Statistics Institute, the year-on-year sale of homes in Spain has increased by 2.2%. In 2014 there was a total of 319,389 transactions showing a positive turnaround after three years of declines.
The resale property market has seen the biggest year-on-year growth and after three years of continued declines, home sales transactions are showing positive results following property price adjustments. Since 2007 when property prices reached their peak, the average price of homes in Spain has fallen by some 41.6%, according to the IMIE General and Large Markets Index report published by Tinsa in February 2015.
The worst years for property sales in Spain were 2009 and 2008, when the volume dropped by -25.1% and -28.8%, respectively. In 2012 and 2011, property transactions in Spain still recorded double-digit declines, of 11.5% and 18.1%, respectively. In 2013 the decline was just 1.9%.
In 2014 there were some 199,943 property transactions, an increase of 18.4% over the previous year. Most of the property sales were of resale apartments. The new-build market showed a decline of 16.9% last year, or 119,446 property transactions.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46408/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to the Spanish National Statistics Institute, the year-on-year sale of homes in Spain has increased by 2.2%. In 2014 there was a total of 319,389 transactions showing a positive turnaround after three years of declines.
The resale property m...

### FABRA’S BROKEN PROMISES AS COSTA’S CHILDREN ABANDONED

The Parents and Teachers Association (APA) of the CEIP Playas de Orihuela say they are extremely angry and have now reached the end of their patience as over a hundred of their supporters launched a day of protests last Monday outside the local Junior school which is now celebrating 13 years in antiquated portacabins. 
They say that they will continue to protest every Monday until the situation is resolved.
APA President, Yolanda Fernandez, says that the parents are "absolutely disgusted" that they have to deliver their children every single day to a  ‘temporary' building complex made up of 20 antiquated portacabins which are purported to pass for the Community Junior School.
The situation was brought to a head last week, she says, when on Tuesday a metal ceiling panel broke away from the roof of a classroom full of 5 year old's and dropped down onto a desk being shared by 4 children. Fortunately the students were carrying out an activity in another part of the room at the time and there were no injuries.
However the consequences could have been quite different and resulted in a number of serious injuries.
One parent reported the matter to Canal Vega TV who sent down a team to investigate. Their newsman Ruben Miguez was denied access however and had to compile his report from the adjacent road.  
As he conducted interviews outside a number of contractors could quite clearly be seen in the background making repairs to the portacabin roofs.
Fernandez said that Regional President, Alberto Fabra, had promised a brick built school for the Orihuela Costa in the run up to the 2010 elections but 5 years later the building was no further forward and in the intervening years they had made excuse after excuse. 
This latest incident is just one of a long list of faults and complaints that were distributed in a circular to parents and to press as APA strive to publicise the plight of their children, which they feel are being increasingly abandoned, and each of which will spend nine years on site as they undergo Junior education. Extracts include: 
“Children from Infantile have been standing in deep water up to their knees during 8 hours because of incorrect construction of the drains which flooded into their “classrooms”.
We were witnesses of water leaks from the electric plugs, sleepy ramps on the way to Comedor, flooded Library with mold and damp on the books….
Our children shake from cold when they have to go to the toilet which is outside.
What are we waiting for? Now is the time to stop it!!”
Indeed it is difficult to see how the children can't but be influenced by the situation and how their development would almost certainly be affected, both physically and psychologically by the cold and the rain during the winter and the intense heat during the long summer months, which the ancient utility plant is finding it increasingly difficult to manage.
Small children, it is claimed, can sit in wet clothes for up to 8 hours because the classroom heating is inferior. There are leaks in many of the classrooms and in the dining area, flooded library books are covered with mold and mildew.
There are also said to be constant power failures, caused by obsolete overhead wiring, which further hinders student comfort, welfare and learning.
As a result of the broken promises and the growing frustration that many parents now feel APA say that they will continue to demonstrate every Monday morning from 8:30 to 9:15 on the road outside CEIP Playas de Orihuela, and there they will stay until Fabra and his government fulfil their promises and provide the neighbourhood with what they need, a brick built school that is so very essential to the education and development of the Orihuela Costa's increasingly abandoned young children. 
Let's hope that we don't have to wait until a child is seriously injured before any action is taken!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46403/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Parents and Teachers Association (APA) of the CEIP Playas de Orihuela say they are extremely angry and have now reached the end of their patience as over a hundred of their supporters launched a day of protests last Monday outside the local Junior school which is now celebrating 13 years in antiquated portacabins. 
They say that they will continue to protest every Monday until the situation is resolved.
APA President, Yolanda Fernandez, says that the parents are "absolutely disgusted" that they have to deliver their children every single day to a  ‘temporary' building complex made up of 20 antiquated portacabins which are purported to pass for the Community Junior School.
The situation was brought to a head last week, she says, when on Tuesday a metal ceiling panel broke away from the roof of a classroom full of 5 year old's and dropped down onto a desk being shared by 4 children. Fortunately the students were carrying out an activity in another part of the room at the time and there were no injuries.
However the consequences could have been quite different and resulted in a number of serious injuries.
One parent reported the matter to Canal Vega TV who sent down a team to investigate. Their newsman Ruben Miguez was denied access however and had to compile his report from the adjacent road.  
As he conducted interviews outside a number of contractors could quite clearly be seen in the background making repairs to the portacabin roofs.
Fernandez said that Regional President, Alberto Fabra, had promised a brick built school for the Orihuela Costa in the run up to the 2010 elections but 5 years later the building was no further forward and in the intervening years they had made excuse after excuse. 
This latest incident is just one of a long list of faults and complaints that were distributed in a circular to parents and to press as APA strive to publicise the plight of their children, which they feel are being increasingly abandoned, and each of which will spend nine years on site as they undergo Junior education. Extracts include: 
“Children from Infantile have been standing in deep water up to their knees during 8 hours because of incorrect construction of the drains which flooded into their “classrooms”.
We were witnesses of water leaks from the electric plugs, sleepy ramps on the way to Comedor, flooded Library with mold and damp on the books….
Our children shake from cold when they have to go to the toilet which is outside.
What are we waiting for? Now is the time to stop it!!”
Indeed it is difficult to see how the children can't but be influenced by the situation and how their development would almost certainly be affected, both physically and psychologically by the cold and the rain during the winter and the intense heat during the long summer months, which the ancient utility plant is finding it increasingly difficult to manage.
Small children, it is claimed, can sit in wet clothes for up to 8 hours because the classroom heating is inferior. There are leaks in many of the classrooms and in the dining area, flooded library books are covered with mold and mildew.
There are also said to be constant power failures, caused by obsolete overhead wiring, which further hinders student comfort, welfare and learning.
As a result of the broken promises and the growing frustration that many parents now feel APA say that they will continue to demonstrate every Monday morning from 8:30 to 9:15 on the road outside CEIP Playas de Orihuela, and there they will stay until Fabra and his government fulfil their promises and provide the neighbourhood with what they need, a brick built school that is so very essential to the education and development of the Orihuela Costa's increasingly abandoned young children. 
Let's hope that we don't have to wait until a child is seriously injured before any action is taken!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46403/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ALICANTE DOCTORS ACCUSED OF STEALING BABY

Three retired doctors have appeared in court in Alicante charged with stealing a baby and having it adopted thirty years ago after DNA tests conducted by the Institute of Toxicology revealed that the biological profile of the remains of an infant buried in the 80s not match the mother.
The doctors, who have been charged with illegal detention, have denied that the baby girl had survived labour and that they took part in its subsequent kidnapping by offering it up for adoption. 
Preliminary proceedings were instituted about a year at the request of the Attorney after it was first discovered that the DNA of the bone remains from a newborn girl, who was exhumed from a grave in Alicante cemetery, did not match those of the mother.
At the time the magistrate investigating the case took statements from two former gynecologists from the clinic where the complainant gave birth, together with another from the doctor who signed the death certificate. 
Between 1950 and 1980 estimates put the total number of children that are thought to have been illegally adopted in Spain at around 300,000. This was done through a network of Catholic Church-run children's homes and private hospitals would take newborn infants, typically from young, impoverished single mothers, who were told that their baby had died.
Despite other ongoing investigations this is the first time in the province of Alicante that criminal proceedings have ever been made for the alleged theft of babies.  It is understood, however, that a further four cases are close to appearing in court. Three of them are waiting for reports while the fourth awaits the laboratory to rule on the genetic profile of exhumed skeletal remains.
Alicante prosecutors first initiated an investigation into alleged baby thefts from hospitals in 2011 after an avalanche of complaints had reached the Nation's courts from the National Association of People Affected by Irregular Adoptions (Add). 
After three years of research, opening graves, over a dozen niches and interviews with more than sixty families, however, the prosecutor has aborted almost all of the cases because it was impossible to continue with the investigations because of DNA either matches or the time lapses involved who are alleged to have died at, or within 24 hours of, their birth, which many relatives now suspect were the subject of illegal adoption.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46402/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Three retired doctors have appeared in court in Alicante charged with stealing a baby and having it adopted thirty years ago after DNA tests conducted by the Institute of Toxicology revealed that the biological profile of the remains of an infant burie...

### ‘MIKE PROBERT TALKS GOLF 16 FEBRUARY 2015

(Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services).
Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.
Around and About the Golf Courses
The winter months can be quiet with a reduced number of golfing tourists but this doesn't mean that there are not things taking place in and around the local golf courses and I thought that perhaps it was time for a little update of what is going on in and around the local area hence this weeks article.
Altorreal have had new owners in the last year and they have made changes in the management team and are making some improvements to the course all which come at a price and green fee prices have increased as a result but the prices still represent good value.
Alenda have recently announced increases to both society and public prices to reflect increases in operating cost and improvements to the course,many with the bunkers.
Grupoquara group consists of La Finca, Las Ramblas and Villamartin golf courses and they have recently announced increases in prices with effect from 1st June 2015 to reflect increases in operating costs since the crisis.
La Marquesa have had a new management team in place for almost one year and they have already changed the pricing strategy offering more green fee deals and are making changes to the course notably with new tees on the 15th and 17th holes.
La Peraleja still have problems with 5 fairways as a result of salt contamination and these are improving slowly but the course will only return to pristine condition with a spend of €200k and this depends on the outcome of a court case against a local company who contaminated the well from which they draw their water and until then they will continue to offer very low green fee prices to reflect the course condition still making it well worth a game. 
Saurines de la Torre is part of the Nike group of courses and while a superb golf course has lacked facilities BUT this has now changed with the completion of a new pro shop and restaurant.
Vistabella have parted company with Pablo Riestra after 6 years in charge and we wish him well for the future and Diego is currently trying to fill the void left by Pablo while still performing caddy master duties. The most frequently asked question regarding Vistabella is when will the remaining 7 holes be completed and they have a vision that the €3m spend will result in an 18 hole course by 2018.
We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us.
LEADER GREEN FEES
The deals shown in the  attached table are some of the best currently available to you.
For bookings and more information contact Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com or direct on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 quoting reference LEADER.
Quotation of the Week:
“Keep your sense of humour,there's enough stress in life without letting bad golf shots ruin a game you're supposed to enjoy” - Amy AlcottFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46399/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: (Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services).
Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Se...

### TINSA REPORT OUTLINES 2.7% YEAR-ON-YEAR DECLINE IN SPANISH HOUSE PRICES

The recently published Tinsa IMIE General and Large Markets Index for January 2015,  indicates that the average price of new and resale housing stood at 2.7% below the level of January 2014. The year-on-year decline of less than 3% is the first one registered on the General Index since June 2008.
The data confirms that the residential housing market is beginning to stabilise. The property market in Spain has seen some considerable consolidation during 2013 when the average price of property in Spain dropped by some 9.2%. A vast improvement was seen in 2014 when the decline in house prices consolidated to around 3%. Tinsa reports that property prices in Spain have declined by 41.6% since the property price crash in 2007.
The continued consolidation of Spanish property prices will depend on economic growth and job creation.  If these economic variables perform positively, property prices in Spain are expected to stabilise considerably, even to the point where Spanish property sees a 0% decline in price in the short-term.
Only the "Balearics and Canary Islands" registered positive price growth in January, with an increase of 3.8% year-on-year. The greatest year-on-year decline registered in January was seen in the towns of the "Mediterranean Coast" which saw a decline of 5.2%. The "Capitals and Major Cities" fell by 4.3% compared with the previous year. The "Metropolitan Areas" (towns around the big cities) demonstrated the second best yoy result, after the Islands which showed a 1.7% decline. In the "Rest of the municipalities", average prices dropped by 2.1% when compared with the previous year.
According to Tinsa, the "Mediterranean coast" has seen the greatest accumulated adjustment since 2007, with a decline in property prices of 48.6%. This is followed by the "Capitals and Major Cities" where a reduction in prices of 45.7% has been noted, and the "Metropolitan Areas", where prices have fallen by 43.9%. The Spanish average since 2007 was 41.6%.
The "Balearics and Canary Islands" have accumulated the smallest decline of 31.3% since 2007, followed by the "Rest of the Municipalities", where prices have fallen by an average of 35.9%.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46395/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The recently published Tinsa IMIE General and Large Markets Index for January 2015,  indicates that the average price of new and resale housing stood at 2.7% below the level of January 2014. The year-on-year decline of less than 3% is the first one registered on the General Index since June 2008.
The data confirms that the residential housing market is beginning to stabilise. The property market in Spain has seen some considerable consolidation during 2013 when the average price of property in Spain dropped by some 9.2%. A vast improvement was seen in 2014 when the decline in house prices consolidated to around 3%. Tinsa reports that property prices in Spain have declined by 41.6% since the property price crash in 2007.
The continued consolidation of Spanish property prices will depend on economic growth and job creation.  If these economic variables perform positively, property prices in Spain are expected to stabilise considerably, even to the point where Spanish property sees a 0% decline in price in the short-term.
Only the "Balearics and Canary Islands" registered positive price growth in January, with an increase of 3.8% year-on-year. The greatest year-on-year decline registered in January was seen in the towns of the "Mediterranean Coast" which saw a decline of 5.2%. The "Capitals and Major Cities" fell by 4.3% compared with the previous year. The "Metropolitan Areas" (towns around the big cities) demonstrated the second best yoy result, after the Islands which showed a 1.7% decline. In the "Rest of the municipalities", average prices dropped by 2.1% when compared with the previous year.
According to Tinsa, the "Mediterranean coast" has seen the greatest accumulated adjustment since 2007, with a decline in property prices of 48.6%. This is followed by the "Capitals and Major Cities" where a reduction in prices of 45.7% has been noted, and the "Metropolitan Areas", where prices have fallen by 43.9%. The Spanish average since 2007 was 41.6%.
The "Balearics and Canary Islands" have accumulated the smallest decline of 31.3% since 2007, followed by the "Rest of the Municipalities", where prices have fallen by an average of 35.9%.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46395/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### 2015 EXPECTED TO BE A BUMPER YEAR FOR MORTGAGE LENDING IN SPAIN

2015 is expected to be a bumper year for Spanish mortgages as interest rates in Spain continue to fall as the Euribor rate falls closer to zero and banks offer better terms than ever before on property purchase loans.
There has already been good news for the Spanish property market and a renewed optimism following a sharp increase in value of Sterling against the Euro in recent months prompting more interest from British buyers. Sterling is currently trading at an 7 year high, with the GBPEUR mid-market rate hitting 1.3521 at the close of business on 13 February 2015.
During January 2015 the Euribor rate, used by most Spanish banks to calculate the rate offered, fell from 0.323% to 0.270% resulting in a reduction of 0.264% since January 2014. Average repayments on a 25-year 120,000€ mortgage will reduce by 14,80€ per month, which equates to 177,60€ every year.
Quantitative easing in the Eurozone is expected to keep interest rates low for the foreseeable future and banks are expected to return to their traditional business of lending. An increase in demand for lending is expected to result in banks reducing margins in order to attract clients away from their competitors.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46394/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: 2015 is expected to be a bumper year for Spanish mortgages as interest rates in Spain continue to fall as the Euribor rate falls closer to zero and banks offer better terms than ever before on property purchase loans.
There has already been good news ...

### UK NATIONAL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 1998, 14 FEBRUARY 2015

The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: 07, 20, 23, 29, 40, 46, 22* (Bonus Ball)
Next UK Lotto Draw: 18 February 2015
Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ 2.100.000
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46393/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: 07, 20, 23, 29, 40, 46, 22* (Bonus Ball)Next UK Lotto Draw: 18 February 2015Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ 2.100.000
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46393/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### LATEST: UK NATIONAL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 1998, 14 FEBRUARY 2015

The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: 07, 20, 23, 29, 40, 46, 22* (Bonus Ball)
Next UK Lotto Draw: 18 February 2015
Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ 2.100.000
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46393/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: 07, 20, 23, 29, 40, 46, 22* (Bonus Ball)Next UK Lotto Draw: 18 February 2015Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ 2.100.000
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46393/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### UPDATED UK NATIONAL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 1997, 14 FEBRUARY 2015

The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: processing...* (Bonus Ball)
Next UK Lotto Draw: 18 February 2015
Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ processing...
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46393/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: processing...* (Bonus Ball)Next UK Lotto Draw: 18 February 2015Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ processing...
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46393/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### LATEST UK NATIONAL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 1997, 14 FEBRUARY 2015

The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: processing...* (Bonus Ball)
Next UK Lotto Draw: 18 February 2015
Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ processing...
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46393/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: processing...* (Bonus Ball)Next UK Lotto Draw: 18 February 2015Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ processing...
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46393/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### COSTA VOTER REGISTRATION ONLY SLIGHTLY INCREASED

Orihuela´s councillor for International residents, Martina Scheurer, has revealed the final figures for foreigners registered to vote on the Orihuela Costa, which for statistical purposes includes Entrenaranjos, shortly to be published by the Spanish National Statistics Institute, the INE.
After the deadline at the end of the year, there are now a total of 5,259 foreigners who are on the voters list. The figure is a slight increase from the 4,733 previously, but is still widely under representing the international community and their right to vote in the elections in May.
As previously reported, there was an information table set up in the town hall providing details on how to ensure you are on the voters list. That campaign resulted in just fewer than 200 additional registrations. We also know that the INE carried out a postal campaign, whereas they sent a simple return-to-register form to around 3,500 people. Therefore, that campaign has yielded around 300 additional voter registrations, not even 10% of those targeted.
We also believe that there are some 3,200 Spanish people eligible to vote, clearly showing how the foreign population is actually more represented, but with the collective figure of around 8,500 residents, that is a considerable shortfall of the 35,000 residents, and so only a quarter of the population is actually now registered and eligible to vote.
The figure gets even more depressing when one takes into account that of those who took the trouble to register their right to vote, many still don´t exercise that right on the day. With voter turnout around 50%, the total number of votes from the Orihuela Costa could well be as little as just over 4,000, of which 2,500 are the foreign residents, across all European nationalities. In the last elections, albeit they were for European representation, the voter turnout was just 43%.
With the manner in which votes are counted, the concluding figure could make it even more difficult for the smaller parties to gain council seats this year. As Scheurer explained, “in the last elections, we, the green party, got around 3,500 votes, and we managed to get 3 councillors with that”, and whilst explaining the minimum threshold, continuing, “a party needs 5% of the votes to get their first councillor, so that was around 1,500 votes. Any figure less than that would be a wasted vote as there is no way they could get a seat”.
Although they cannot be directly transposed, and there has been a strong growth with political groups such as Podemos, in the European elections the PP and PSOE gained 45% and 23% of the votes respectively. Therefore, collectively, 68% of the votes went to the two major parties, thus leaving just 32% to share across all other political groups. Therefore, in the transposed case of Orihuela Costa, a total of 2,720 votes to share across up to 10 different groups. Within the foreign residents, the total number of voters, assuming the same share to the PP and PSOE, would be just 1,683 votes. The conclusion being that unless all those remaining choose to vote for the same party, the chance of proper representation within the foreign community of the Orihuela Costa is zero.
Of course this is all based on statistical data, opinion polls and conjecture, because the reality is change can still happen. In fact, “Cambiemos Orihuela”, was the title given to an information conference held in the María Moliner library in Orihuela on Friday, in which the biggest contenders of the smaller groups came together to affirm their commitment to work towards a single goal of creating a combined force to tackle the historic majority of the bigger two parties. 
As we previously reported, Podemos are a force now to be reckoned with in Orihuela and the Orihuela Costa, and with the Los Verdes and Izquierda Unida combining under the same electoral pact, they are a force indeed. But if you want to enforce change, there are still the smaller groups to consider, such as the historically coastal centric CLARO group, or their former partners CLR, and others.
Either way, there are two key messages to remember in the run up to the elections, it is now more important than ever that everybody researches what each political group is offering and what they will and can do for the Orihuela Costa, perhaps based on promises made or indeed broken, but the second message is also vital, the message that if you have registered your right to vote, you must exercise that right. With so many votes at risk of being wasted, this election seems set to be one of the most exciting and contested representations of democracy and never has it been more important to take part, as the political landscape is about to change forever and one way or another, you can be part of that change.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46373/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Orihuela´s councillor for International residents, Martina Scheurer, has revealed the final figures for foreigners registered to vote on the Orihuela Costa, which for statistical purposes includes Entrenaranjos, shortly to be published by the Sp...

### UNIONS DENOUNCE CONDITIONS AT ORIHUELA CIVIL REGISTRY

Orihuela is known for its rich history, but having one foot firmly in the past is not always something to be proud of, unless being able to boast that the Civil Registry is the only one still maintaining its historic roots, as the only one in the entire Valencia region where appointments cannot be made online.
As staff at the Palacio de Justicia are so inundated with initial enquiries that the service frequently collapses around them, now union officials are taking up their case and trying to raise awareness of an administrative issue that is causing long term problems for those who might need to use the services of the registry, resulting in unnecessary and unacceptable delays and unpleasant and untenable working conditions for the staff. 
María del Pino Galindo, representative of the Sindicato de Trabajadores de la Administración de Justicia, said this week how despite complaints and reports from the staff to their superiors, “the Department of Justice is deaf to the implement of any improvements that would result in job efficiency”. 
Galindo continued to explain how it is totally unacceptable that Orihuela´s Civil Registry is the only one which doesn´t have an automated system, such as is already available for health, doctors and for the processing of identification from the police.
The lack of such a management system results in an average of eighty people being enrolled onto handwritten lists that are under the control of the Guardia Civil officers guarding the facility, but with the workload already drowning the staff and the likelihood that the load cannot be eased until at least May, as the appointment of additional staff is prohibited until at least then, “hours of work and unnecessary trips are lost” which is unacceptable in this age of technology, according to the union.
The union also highlights the plight of many foreign nationals who have obtained citizenship are need to visit the registry to affirm their existence, “because they need to take the oath of the Constitution, which may take months”, or those with residence permits which have already expired and “come back tomorrow and then every day to see if they are lucky”. With many people forced to wait outside in the morning, in the cold and rain at this time of year, just to try to get an appointment, the state of the registry is a dark and miserable process for all.
With just four members of staff to deal with thousands of documents from an estimated 250,000 people across the Vega Baja, their efforts may go unnoticed and unappreciated by most, but as the union explains, they work long hours, often staying late and working well into the evening, without any extra pay, and with files and papers bursting around them, it is clear, according to the union, that the Civil Registry is too small to serve the citizens who both want, demand and deserve a service which is already available in other areas.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46372/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Orihuela is known for its rich history, but having one foot firmly in the past is not always something to be proud of, unless being able to boast that the Civil Registry is the only one still maintaining its historic roots, as the only one in the enti...

### TORREVIEJA DESALINATION PLANT LOSES MILLIONS IN FUNDING

It has been revealed this week that the much hyped desalination plant in Torrevieja, the largest in Europe, has lost out in 55 million euro of funding, on account of operational deadlines not having been met.
Despite the plant being theoretically ready to operate, after years of battles, court cases and wasted expense, the water is still not being sent to the potential users, most of whom are in the Murcia region incidentally, where farmers are trying to negotiate on a cheaper price on account of the already inflated cost of water from a plant that was intended to offer lower costs to users.
With 300 million euro invested by Acuamed, Aguas de las Cuencas Mediterráneas, 55 million was from European funding, although that funding is under threat on account of the deadlines not being reached, which would result on the cost coming back to Acuamed, thus passed on to the end users.
A spokesperson for Acuamed stated that the delay in satisfying the deadline was through “no fault” of theirs, and that “because of the circumstances surrounding the development” those deadlines for funding of the 2002-2006 operational program could not be met, and so Acuamed has requested the inclusion in the 2007-2013 program, which is now “pending a decision by the Commission”.
The plant should have been fully operational in 2009 but met with obstacles along its entire timeline, ultimately resulting in the cessation of work whilst the courts decided on the future, which occurred in 2014 when the Constitutional Court annulled an agreement set out in March 2007 that ordered the paralysation of construction. A conflict of jurisdiction raised by the central government against Valencia stopped the works.
Acuamed has also said that other beneficiaries and management bodies are also awaiting the decision from Brussels regarding the recovery of the 55 million euro in aid destined for Torrevieja has already been spent by the Spanish central government on other projects, such as improving the supply of water in the Segura basin. Notice has already been served on central government that the European Union could claim back the subsidies for the desalination plant.
Despite the delays in its infancy, the plant could have been fully operational in the summer of 2013. Water is being processed at the plant, but it is currently on schedule to produce just 80 cubic hectometres, expandable to 120, with half of the production directed, in theory, to supplies south of Alicante and Murcia, the other half to the Segura basin for sale irrigators, assuming a beneficial price can be agreed.
Although we have still to reach the rainy spring season on the Costa Blanca, the reservoirs of the Segura basin are currently only at 62.2% capacity, considerably less than the 71.2% at the same time last year, but both of those are higher than the 56.4% reserve in 2013 at this time.
Facing higher demands and lower reserves for all water users, and with farmers alone across the area facing increasingly difficult times, with many of them destroying crops as their destruction is sometimes more cost effective than distributing to the supermarkets and retail chains demanding lower prices, the need for their reduced production costs are clear, but sources suggest that the Confederation has not yet given concessions to farmers so they can buy the water, partly due to the insecurity of the operation, and partly due to claims that the plant couldn´t satisfy the demand at any coast, as the site does not yet have sufficient electrical power.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46371/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: It has been revealed this week that the much hyped desalination plant in Torrevieja, the largest in Europe, has lost out in 55 million euro of funding, on account of operational deadlines not having been met.
Despite the plant being theoretically rea...

### AMBASSADOR CALLS IN ON THE SAMARITANS

During a two-day visit to the Alicante province, Her Majesty´s Ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley, took time out of his schedule to speak to the Samaritans.
Accompanied by the newly appointed Alicante Consul, Sarah-Jane Morris, the visit was to mark the farewell of Chris Sumter, president of Samaritans in Spain. 
Having worked tirelessly to create a legacy of help and support for the needy, many of the team behind the Samaritans initiative can only offer praise for what has been achieved under her guide. Chris joined the Trustees in autumn of 2008 and completed her listening training in the following spring. She was responsible for the People Sub Group and took over the Training - revamping the modules and training trainers, before becoming the CEO in 2011 and then President in November, 2011.
Largely praised for the development of outreach work and physical support in the heart of the community, the creation of locations such as the drop-in centre in the Punta Marina commercial centre are largely attributed to her dedication and forward thinking attitude. 
Unfortunately, Chris is now moving back to the UK, along with her husband, Lubbertus, who has also worked hard on behalf of the charity working on the website, press articles, banking, collection of donations of goods for the shop and a whole range of other activities. There is no doubt however that the legacy will continue thanks to the dedication of all of the volunteers and supporters behind the Samaritans in Spain.
Raising a glass to her dedication, Mr Manley cut tut a cake in celebration of her work, before heading off to a meeting with a number of municipal mayors from areas of key interest to the immigrant population, including Antonio Zapata from Orihuela, and Eduardo Dolón from Torrevieja. The mayors from ten town halls represent 50% of all British nationals registered in the Alicante consular district and 21% of all British nationals registered in Spain. 
Before returning to Madrid, the Ambassador said, “I am impressed by the way local authorities and the voluntary sector support British nationals who visit and live in this area.
“However, I hope that we can do still more to help the most vulnerable Britons here and to overcome issues like the language barrier. In the discussion with local mayors we made good progress, working with them to encourage engagement and integration. 
“It has been wonderful to see the work done by charities in the area, and I would encourage people to sign up and support their local charities, some of which are crying out for additional volunteers.
 “I've also seen some great examples of joint working such as the SATE office in Benidorm and the help that Samaritans in Spain and other voluntary organisations give to vulnerable British nationals.
“I hope that our team in Alicante will continue to build on these successes to ensure that Britons get the support they need”.
The mayors and the Ambassador agreed on the importance of British nationals registering on the Padrón and, if they did so by the deadline of 31 December for the next local elections, voting in the upcoming polls to make sure they have their say and their voices are heard.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46370/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: During a two-day visit to the Alicante province, Her Majesty´s Ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley, took time out of his schedule to speak to the Samaritans.
Accompanied by the newly appointed Alicante Consul, Sarah-Jane Morris, the visit was to ...

### BANCO POPULAR DOUBLES 2014 SPANISH PROPERTY SALES TO 1.5 BN EURO

The fourth largest banking group in Spain, Banco Popular, has doubled revenues derived from property sales in 2014.
Chief Financial Officer, Francisco Sancha, announced that revenues had reached around 1.5 billion Euro in 2014 after the group sold management to two foreign private firms.
According to CFO, Francisco Sancha, group revenues derived from property is expected to rise to 2.5 billion Euro in 2015.
Net profit for the group rose 31% in 2014 from the previous year, despite a reduction in the earnings from its lending business. The bank reported profit of 330 million Euro, 22 million euro above analyst expectations.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46369/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The fourth largest banking group in Spain, Banco Popular, has doubled revenues derived from property sales in 2014.
Chief Financial Officer, Francisco Sancha, announced that revenues had reached around 1.5 billion Euro in 2014 after the group sold man...

### PROPERTY EMPLOYMENT EXPECTED TO RISE IN SPAIN

The number of jobs in the property sector in Spain are expected to rise, according to consultants KPMG. Around 10% of workers are expected to be employed in the property sector by 2020.
Currently the property sector in Spain employs 7% of the working population and, as a result of the expected growth in the Spanish property market, KPMG's survey of 200 property executives has indicated that there is growing confidence in an upturn of jobs.
According to the study, 55% of property experts interviewed are of the belief that the property sector would employ between 7 and 10% of the active workforce within the next 5 years. Pre-crisis, 15% of Spaniards in work were employed in the property sector.
The study by KPMG, entitled "2015: Year zero for the start of the recovery of the real estate sector in Spain", found that a quick recovery was not expected. More than half of those surveyed believed that it would take at least two years for the sector to recover significantly.
35% of those surveyed, however, believed that demand for housing had already begun to rally and would continue to do so during 2015. They also predicted that the property sector would gain a larger share of Spain's total GDP during the next five years, but that it was unlikely that the sector would return to the 22% share it held at the top of the market in 2007.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46368/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The number of jobs in the property sector in Spain are expected to rise, according to consultants KPMG. Around 10% of workers are expected to be employed in the property sector by 2020.
Currently the property sector in Spain employs 7% of the working population and, as a result of the expected growth in the Spanish property market, KPMG's survey of 200 property executives has indicated that there is growing confidence in an upturn of jobs.
According to the study, 55% of property experts interviewed are of the belief that the property sector would employ between 7 and 10% of the active workforce within the next 5 years. Pre-crisis, 15% of Spaniards in work were employed in the property sector.
The study by KPMG, entitled "2015: Year zero for the start of the recovery of the real estate sector in Spain", found that a quick recovery was not expected. More than half of those surveyed believed that it would take at least two years for the sector to recover significantly.
35% of those surveyed, however, believed that demand for housing had already begun to rally and would continue to do so during 2015. They also predicted that the property sector would gain a larger share of Spain's total GDP during the next five years, but that it was unlikely that the sector would return to the 22% share it held at the top of the market in 2007.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46368/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### PROVINCIAL ENERGY BOOST

The provincial council of Alicante has approved over four million euro in grants destined towards energy saving projects that will benefit 43 municipalities in the province, with key focus being given towards Almoradí, Daya Vieja, Pilar de la Horadada and Rojales.
The aim of the injection of cash is for the creation of sustainable energy initiatives, which will subsequently reduce consumption and therefore offer future savings to the municipal funds, whilst achieving greater energy efficiency.
With the grants, municipalities may make improvements to street lighting and the lighting in municipal buildings, water heaters, also installing photovoltaic energy generators. 
It is not just a cash handout to the municipal councils however, as the Provincial Council will pay 87.5% of the contributions of 3,713,624 euro, whilst the municipalities will have to assume the remaining 12.5%.
The grants are of varying amounts from 14,000 euro to 187,000 euro, with another 39 municipal applications possible in the future, once those councils are in a position to meet the financial investment for their part. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46366/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The provincial council of Alicante has approved over four million euro in grants destined towards energy saving projects that will benefit 43 municipalities in the province, with key focus being given towards Almoradí, Daya Vieja, Pilar de la H...

### GUARDAMAR FOCUSSING ON TOURISM INITIATIVES

In a meeting this week attended by the Consul of Norway and members of the Chambers of Commerce of Alicante and Orihuela, around 150 local business representatives agreed on the need to highlight their demands for improved connectivity with the town of Guardamar and Alicante-Elche airport.
The announcement was made during a conference focusing on tourism under the slogan, “Strategies for Future Development”, which was held in the Cultural Centre and led by the mayor of the town, Carmen Verdú of the Partido Popular.
The attendees also agreed to focus on touristic accreditations, such as the Sistema Integral de Calidad Turística en Destinos, or SICTED, which has been steadily growing in interest around the area.
With 5,000 tourist beds available in the town, the need to highlight tourism is ever increasing during the off-season months, when opportunities for special deals and offers are often at their greatest, although with fewer tourists to take up on these offers dominating other locations such as Torrevieja and the Orihuela Costa, smaller places already have to battle for their share, especially with little or no integration into the tourist travel network of the airport hub.
Recent initiatives such as the “Guardamar me gusta” campaign presented at the recent FITUR tourism event were praised by the attendees, where it was also highlighted that campaigns focusing on the archaeological heritage as well as the richness of the dunes of Guardamar are already planned for the future.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46365/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In a meeting this week attended by the Consul of Norway and members of the Chambers of Commerce of Alicante and Orihuela, around 150 local business representatives agreed on the need to highlight their demands for improved connectivity with the town o...

### INCREASE IN MINOR MOTOR COLLISION CLAIMS IN 2014

Statistics released by the Spanish traffic department, the DGT, reveal that there were 1,734,997 minor claims for traffic incidents during 2014, representing an increase of 0.32% compared to 2013 and the first time the figure has increased since 2007.
According to the national association for insurers, UNESPA, the “phenomenon is a symptom of incipient improvement in the economic situation and cheaper fuel”.
The data has also allowed for indications as to the most likely areas to suffer a motor insurance claim related incidents, with the average across the country being 3,710 accidents per 100,000 inhabitants. Far higher than that average are places like Cantabria with 4,834 per 100,000, the Balearics with 4,617, Galicia with 4,189, the Canarias with 4,143, and Andalucía with 4,052. 
Meanwhile, at the opposite end of the scale and therefore offering a reduced likelihood of an incident, we see places such as Aragón with just 2,713 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants, Castilla-La Mancha with 3,125, País Vasco with 3,326, and Castilla y León with 3,463.
However, despite the increase being blamed on more traffic on the roads, the busiest time of year, August, proved to have the least number of incidents, with just 124,000, well below the monthly average of 145,000. The worst month was in fact October with 156,534 incidents, followed by March with 150,004.
Breaking down the days when incidents are more likely to occur, Friday is statistically the worst day, with an average of 5,739 incidents, followed by Monday with 5,542. Sunday looks to be the safest day with an average of 2,635 incidents, followed by Saturdays with 3,671.
The worst day recorded in 2014 was Monday the 15th of December, where the total number of incidents stood at 6,677, representing a minor, though claimable incident on the roads every 13 seconds, on average.
On the opposite end of that scale, we see that Christmas Day was the safest on the roads, with Thursday the 25th of December yielding just 1,925 claimable minor incidents, one every 45 seconds.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46364/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Statistics released by the Spanish traffic department, the DGT, reveal that there were 1,734,997 minor claims for traffic incidents during 2014, representing an increase of 0.32% compared to 2013 and the first time the figure has increased since 2007....

### LATEST EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 772, 13 FEBRUARY 2015

DO WE HAVE A EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY WINNER IN TELFORD?

ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT FOR 17 FEBRUARY 2015: € processing...
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together the stakes of the nine participating European countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. By clubbing together, the participating countries have made the EuroMillions one of the biggest and most exciting lotteries in the world! Jackpots for the Euromillions draws regularly exceed € 100 million.

The latest Euromillions lottery results are presented here.
EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS
The latest results and winning numbers for the Euromillions lottery draw 772, held on Tuesday, 13 February 2015 were:
Euromillions Results: processing...
Millionaire Raffle: processing...
Next Euro Millions Draw Date: 17 February 2015
Next Estimated Euromillions Jackpot: € processing...
Buy Euromillions Tickets Online | Join Euromillions Syndicate

ABOUT THE EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY
EuroMillions is Europe's biggest-ever, rolling jackpot lottery game. Five numbers from 1 to 50 are selected together with two Lucky Stars from 1 to 11.
The Euro Millions lottery draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday evening in Paris. Five main numbers are drawn along with two Lucky Stars. Match a minimum of three numbers to win a prize; three main numbers, one main number and two Lucky Stars or two main numbers and 1 Lucky Star.
Match five main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars to win the Euromillions jackpot, or a share of it!
To learn more about the Euromillions visit www.euromillions-lottery-blog.com.
WAYS TO PLAY THE EUROMILLIONS ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the Euromillions lottery. Euromillions players can either buy Euromillions tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a Euromillions lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy Euromillions tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!
JOIN A EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY SYNDICATE
We have teamed up with a lottery management company to create our very own Euromillions lottery syndicate. The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot! Playing as part of the Leader Euro Millions Lottery syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the Euromillions lottery jackpot
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - share 55 Euro Millions entries for just 1 pound!
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a Euromillions ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way and improve your chances of winning a share of the Euromillions jackpot!

          
If you like the Euro Millions, you may also be interested in El Gordo, Spain's favourite weekly lottery, and SuperEnalotto, Italy's most popular national lottery game.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46362/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: DO WE HAVE A EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY WINNER IN TELFORD?

ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT FOR 17 FEBRUARY 2015: € processing...
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Mi...

### EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 772, 13 FEBRUARY 2015

DO WE HAVE A EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY WINNER IN TELFORD?

ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT FOR 17 FEBRUARY 2015: € processing...
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together the stakes of the nine participating European countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. By clubbing together, the participating countries have made the EuroMillions one of the biggest and most exciting lotteries in the world! Jackpots for the Euromillions draws regularly exceed € 100 million.

The latest Euromillions lottery results are presented here.
EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS
The latest results and winning numbers for the Euromillions lottery draw 772, held on Tuesday, 13 February 2015 were:
Euromillions Results: processing...
Millionaire Raffle: processing...
Next Euro Millions Draw Date: 17 February 2015
Next Estimated Euromillions Jackpot: € processing...
Buy Euromillions Tickets Online | Join Euromillions Syndicate

ABOUT THE EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY
EuroMillions is Europe's biggest-ever, rolling jackpot lottery game. Five numbers from 1 to 50 are selected together with two Lucky Stars from 1 to 11.
The Euro Millions lottery draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday evening in Paris. Five main numbers are drawn along with two Lucky Stars. Match a minimum of three numbers to win a prize; three main numbers, one main number and two Lucky Stars or two main numbers and 1 Lucky Star.
Match five main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars to win the Euromillions jackpot, or a share of it!
To learn more about the Euromillions visit www.euromillions-lottery-blog.com.
WAYS TO PLAY THE EUROMILLIONS ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the Euromillions lottery. Euromillions players can either buy Euromillions tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a Euromillions lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy Euromillions tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!
JOIN A EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY SYNDICATE
We have teamed up with a lottery management company to create our very own Euromillions lottery syndicate. The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot! Playing as part of the Leader Euro Millions Lottery syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the Euromillions lottery jackpot
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - share 55 Euro Millions entries for just 1 pound!
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a Euromillions ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way and improve your chances of winning a share of the Euromillions jackpot!

          
If you like the Euro Millions, you may also be interested in El Gordo, Spain's favourite weekly lottery, and SuperEnalotto, Italy's most popular national lottery game.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46362/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: DO WE HAVE A EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY WINNER IN TELFORD?

ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT FOR 17 FEBRUARY 2015: € processing...
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Mi...

### INCREASED MORTGAGE ACTIVITY FUELS DEMAND FOR PROPERTY IN SPAIN

According to ratings agency, Fitch, there are a number of reasons to be positive about the Spanish property market for 2015.
The third and fourth financial quarters of 2014 saw a large improvement in almost all of the indicators regarding the health of the residential property market in Spain, with one of the most positive indicators being the increase in the number of mortgage loans.
This increase in supply of mortgage loans has also been visible in early 2015, and the latest index report for the Spanish mortgage market indicates that mortgage loans in Spain will continue to improve as the Spanish economic recovery continues to gather pace.
The Fitch report notes that the yar on year default rate on mortgage loans had fallen to 1.2%, a 0.5% drop on the previous year, and the volume of loans in late-stage arrears has reduced to 6.2%. According to Fitch, this downward trend is expected to continue.
According to valuation firm Tinsa, property prices are also beginning to stabilise and with low interest rates expected to continue, it is expected that unemployment figures will continue falling and institutional and individual foreign investors are showing an more interest in the market.
Fitch concludes by noting that the outlook for the Spanish property market in 2015 is positive. Spanish property prices are expected to consolidate and demand is expected to be stimulated by the increased availability of mortgage loans.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46361/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to ratings agency, Fitch, there are a number of reasons to be positive about the Spanish property market for 2015.
The third and fourth financial quarters of 2014 saw a large improvement in almost all of the indicators regarding the health o...

### SIMA ORGANISERS SHOW CONFIDENCE IN THE SPANISH PROPERTY SECTOR

The organisers of SIMA, the international Spanish property fair, have announced that they will be extending their exhibition space for the 17th exposition which is due to take place from 7th to 10th May in Madrid.
The fair is the biggest in Spain for the property sector and organisers have indicated that due to high levels of demand from exhibitors, they are considering the possibility of booking more space at Madrid's IFEMA arena.
Fifty stands have been sold so far and SIMA have noted that their clients are requesting 20 per cent more room than in 2014 to show their property portfolios.
Managing director of Planner Exhibitions, Eloy Bohúa, has said that the increase in demand was “without a doubt, good news, and not only for SIMA.”
“The elevated level of requests for space by the exhibitors can only be interpreted in terms of confidence. The market revived in 2014 and everything seems to indicate that 2015 will be the year of consolidation. SIMA is simply anticipating it.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46360/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The organisers of SIMA, the international Spanish property fair, have announced that they will be extending their exhibition space for the 17th exposition which is due to take place from 7th to 10th May in Madrid.
The fair is the biggest in Spain for ...

### NEW PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO CASTILLO DE SANTA BARBARA

Alicante City Council will invest 120,000 euros in the construction of a new pedestrian crossing on la avenida de Jovellanos connecting the tunnel lift of the Castillo de Santa Barbara with Postiguet Beach. 
The action is part of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (PMUs) which was passed by the passed late last year.  Work will begin on 9 March and is expected to be completed within a month.
Mayor Miguel Valor  said that the project will improve the safety of  tourists and route them from the beach to the castle lift that is used by more than 300,000 people every year.
The crossing will also reduce the speed of vehicles on this very busy seafront road. One of the objectives of the project is "traffic calming" in the area, adding to that already done in many other parts of the city.
The EU municipal group considered the project as "positive", but considered that it "falls short" of what is required.
They are asking for the elimination of private traffic passing through la avenidas de Jovellanos, Juan Bautista Lafora, Conde de Vallellano and Loring saying that the area should be completely pedestrianised with access restricted to public transport, security and emergency vehicles only.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46359/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Alicante City Council will invest 120,000 euros in the construction of a new pedestrian crossing on la avenida de Jovellanos connecting the tunnel lift of the Castillo de Santa Barbara with Postiguet Beach. 
The action is part of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (PMUs) which was passed by the passed late last year.  Work will begin on 9 March and is expected to be completed within a month.
Mayor Miguel Valor  said that the project will improve the safety of  tourists and route them from the beach to the castle lift that is used by more than 300,000 people every year.
The crossing will also reduce the speed of vehicles on this very busy seafront road. One of the objectives of the project is "traffic calming" in the area, adding to that already done in many other parts of the city.
The EU municipal group considered the project as "positive", but considered that it "falls short" of what is required.
They are asking for the elimination of private traffic passing through la avenidas de Jovellanos, Juan Bautista Lafora, Conde de Vallellano and Loring saying that the area should be completely pedestrianised with access restricted to public transport, security and emergency vehicles only.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46359/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### ALICANTE HOSPITAL ACCREDITED FOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANTS

According to a statement issued last week by the Department of Health The General Hospital of Alicante has been accredited by the National Transplant Organization for conducting cross renal transplants, based on the exchange of live kidney donors between two or more partners, and as such becomes only the second hospital in the Region to perform this type of transplant.
It joins a list of twenty national hospitals which are said to perform at a level of excellence in the care of patients who require a kidney transplant.
To achieve this accreditation, the Hospital has shown compliance with all the requirements, mandated by the Spanish Ministry of Health including the successful minimum performance of fifteen living donor transplantation procedures in the three years
The aim of this type of transplant is to provide patients suffering with chronic renal failure the possibility of receiving a transplant from a living donor, even though their partner or family members are incompatible.
Surgery involves the use of less invasive surgical techniques and the study and care of the donor (before, during and after the procedure) also leading to fewer complications to the donor.
However this type of transplant still involves a complex logistical process, requiring full cooperation between the central office of the National Transplant Organization (ONT), the regional transplant coordinators, hospitals and medical teams involved in the operation.
A key aspect of the program is the National Register of donor-recipient pairs which is now produced as a software application that allows the speeding up of the possibilities of exchange between registered donors and recipients.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46358/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to a statement issued last week by the Department of Health The General Hospital of Alicante has been accredited by the National Transplant Organization for conducting cross renal transplants, based on the exchange of live kidney donors betwe...

### THE DISGRUNTLED EXPAT

I had dinner with George again last week. As regular readers will probably remember, George is an elderly friend of ours, whom we have known for many years. I sometimes wonder why I bother with George, since he spends most of his time complaining. 
George will complain about anything, including ‘the natives', as he calls them, the Spanish language, food, health service and the weather. I often wonder why George did not pack up and head back to his home town of Preston in the UK many years ago, such is his distain for all things ‘foreign'.
George is a ‘professional complainer'; however, when I am in the mood, I do find him amusing and it always provides a healthy balance to my own rather more optimistic view of expat life.
George grunted as he sat down in his least disliked restaurant, as I made my first mistake of asking him how he was. We then spent a good fifteen minutes discussing his various ailments, his feet, his heart, his doctor, the hospital and the ambulance service before, thankfully, our starters arrived.
For a few minutes, George was silent as he began to tackle his prawn cocktail. He seemed to be enjoying it, although I could be wrong. Suddenly, he put down his fork, glared at me accusingly and asked, “What have you done to the weather?” I was a little taken aback, since weather control is not one of my jobs. “Well, I guess, it has been a little cooler than usual,” I replied.
This was the response that George wanted and he began to recount news items and weather statistics, which claimed that it has been the coolest in the Canary Islands for at least 30 years. He hadn't come to the islands for this sort of treatment and he was actually thinking of returning to Preston.
“I'm going home,” George announced in a deliberate voice. “I've had enough of all this nonsense. I can't stand the cold weather and the health service is going down the pan here.
Do you know that I had to wait for two days to get an appointment to see the doctor? I could have died waiting all that time.” I didn't like to tell him that some friends who had recently visited told us that they had to wait two weeks before they could see their doctor in the UK.
George was actually considering returning to his home town at the tender age of 80 plus. Since George has been threatening this in all the years that I have known him; it seemed highly unlikely. I said nothing, since I have risen to this bait many times before and have learned my lesson.
George did have a point. It has certainly has been a little cooler in the Canary Islands than normal this year, and the coolest January since 2006. Don't get me wrong, we have had some lovely warm, sunny days as well, with temperatures in the high teens and even low twenties, but it is certainly cooler than normal.
Of course, expats and particularly those from the UK, continue to enjoy complaining about the weather, wherever they are. In fact, the cooler weather has provided endless entertainment and conversation for some, which I guess has been a blessing in many ways.
The main problem has been the wind, which I am told has been more than 35 per cent stronger than usual for this time of the year. The gusty wind has been cold, which has helped to bring down temperatures across all the islands.
Of course, the cooler weather is hardly noticed by our visitors from Scandinavia and Germany, who mostly spend their days in shorts and flimsy tops. Given that their countries are much colder, they do wonder what all the fuss is about. On a more positive note, our Canarian friends and neighbours tell us that they are enjoying the cooler weather, and wish that they could have more of it. You clearly cannot please everyone.
Returning to George, who had by now tackled most of his main course of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, seemed disappointed at the long silence from me in response to his announcement.
“I'm going home. It's been a long time, but I've had enough,” George repeated loudly, wiping horseradish sauce off his white beard.
“So when are you leaving, George? We really must meet up before you go. I'll help you to pack, if it will help.”
“I'm not sure yet. I will probably wait until after my next hospital appointment, and I really would like to see a bit of Carnival. I'm also going on a day trip to one of the other islands, but I can't remember which one. I'll also need to find somewhere to live in Preston.”
“Well, do your homework before you go, George.” I added, seriously. “It's been a bit cold in Preston recently, so maybe you should wait until the better weather.”
“Maybe you are right. I fancy a desert.”
“Why not, George.  Anyway, I hear that we are in for another lovely warm day tomorrow.”
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.  iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie Mahoney
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46357/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: I had dinner with George again last week. As regular readers will probably remember, George is an elderly friend of ours, whom we have known for many years. I sometimes wonder why I bother with George, since he spends most of his time complaining. 
Ge...

### REGIONAL FUNDING FOR DISABLED CENTRE

The Regional Minister for Social Welfare, Asunción Sánchez Zaplana, announced last week that the Generalitat Valenciana has allocated a total of 257,000 euros to equip the Disabled Care Centre in Torrevieja. 
She made the announcement during a visited to the Centre with the Torrevieja mayor Eduardo Dolon.
At a press conference in the Town Hall, Zaplana said that tenders are now being sought for the procurement of the equipment necessary to operate the unit, which is designed as a residential centre for people with disabilities and a day support meeting place.
The Regional Minister said she hoped the building would be fully operational and in use later in the year.
The mayor said that he is looking forward to the centre opening as soon as possible and it would quickly become an important resource in the town for such local associations as AFA, ALPE, AMFA, ADIEM and APANEE. It will provide much needed improvements to the quality of life of people with disabilities and their families.
This centre for Torrevieja's disabled (mentally and physically) is located on Avenida Delfina Viudes next to Public School No. 10 Habanera, on a municipal plot of 11,152 square meters. It is divided into 7,630 square meters of garden and a building plot of 3,522 square meters with 28 double and 32 single rooms.
With this new building Torrevieja will have a public infrastructure of hospital standard and will be able to accommodate a total of 88 people in residence.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46356/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Regional Minister for Social Welfare, Asunción Sánchez Zaplana, announced last week that the Generalitat Valenciana has allocated a total of 257,000 euros to equip the Disabled Care Centre in Torrevieja. 
She made the announcement du...

### ELCHE OFF BOTTOM AS I’ANSON CHANGES CLUBS

Damian Suarez's 30-yard thunderbolt lit up the Martinez Valero stadium as Elche cruised to a 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano to climb off the bottom of the Primera Division.
With the hosts desperately seeking to end a two-match losing run, Suarez unleashed a stunning drive from distance to open the scoring in the first half, before Garry Rodrigues capped off the win with a fine second goal late on. The win lifted the Illicitanos off the bottom of the table.
Next up is 8th placed Eibar who Elche meet at the tiny Campo de Ipurua on Monday evening (16 Feb).
Meanwhile Charlie I'Anson, Elche's 21 year old English defender, has moved to Stan Collymore's old club, Segunda B  side Real Oviedo, after ending  his loan with Alcorcón.
Having made only a handful of appearances since his move at the start of the current season the 21-year-old opted out of his loan spell and chosen to join a team where he feels he will get regular playing time.
Charlie agreed to join the Asturian side for the remaining months of the season, where he will be reunited with former Elche players David Generelo, Franck Omgba and Miguel Linares.
Following his loan spell, Charlie will then return to Elche as he enters the final year of his contract with the club he's been at since 2012, whom he joined from Grimsby Town.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46355/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Damian Suarez's 30-yard thunderbolt lit up the Martinez Valero stadium as Elche cruised to a 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano to climb off the bottom of the Primera Division.
With the hosts desperately seeking to end a two-match losing run, Suarez unleashe...

### SEVERELY MALNOURISHED HORSE DUMPED AT ROJALES RESCUE CENTRE

For the first time in it's seven-year history, a neglected horse has been dumped at the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre in Rojales.
The severely malnourished mare was left tied to the centre's rubbish skip with a piece of string, and was discovered early on Saturday morning (February 7).
“She's so thin she was on the point of collapse and we really don't think she would have survived much longer in the cold weather conditions we are having at the moment,” said centre co-founder Sue Weeding. We have named her Mystery.
“Word has obviously got out that we don't have a horse trailer at the moment so they are walking them here.”
Even though we sometimes struggle to fund ourselves we are please that they now bring them to us and no longer leave them to die on a piece of waste ground.
We get calls from all over Spain for help which is why just before Christmas rescued horses seized by the police from Granada were sent to us as no one else would take them. All of this strengthens our determination to grow as an organisation to help more horses, ponies and donkeys.
The rescue centre is fundraising for a new horse trailer after the axle snapped on their 15-year-old trailer last month. One horse rescued after the breakdown had to be walked the 45 minutes home to the centre because there is currently no alternative form of transport.
Sue said the centre is raising funds to buy a new trailer which is low to the ground and therefore does not need a ramp as some of the horses we rescue are very weak and traumatised and going up a noisy ramp can be difficult for them and dangerous for us,” she says.
When we have the new trailer we will be able to collect Franky the donkey from Barcelona as his is ready to come home after his very successful surgery to straighten his front hoof
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre welcomes any donations and sponsorships to help their cause. Every cent donated or spent in their eight charity shops across the Alicante province goes towards the feeding and care of the 89 horses, ponies and donkeys that live at the centre and to help with future rescues.
Donations of furniture, clothes and bric-a-brac to stock the shops are welcome. Please contact the charity shop hotline on 652 021 980 for more information about furniture pick-ups and volunteering.
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre opens to the public for free on the first Sunday of every month between 1pm and 4pm. The first horse tour begins at 2pm.
EHCRC is located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga 59. For directions and details on how to sponsor a horse, please visit www.easyhorsecare.net.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46351/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: For the first time in it's seven-year history, a neglected horse has been dumped at the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre in Rojales.
The severely malnourished mare was left tied to the centre's rubbish skip with a piece of string, and was discovered earl...

### UK NATIONAL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 1997, 11 FEBRUARY 2015

The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: 08, 09, 10, 21, 35, 41, 22* (Bonus Ball)
Next UK Lotto Draw: 14 February 2015
Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ 6.700.000
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46349/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: 08, 09, 10, 21, 35, 41, 22* (Bonus Ball)Next UK Lotto Draw: 14 February 2015Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ 6.700.000
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46349/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### CURRENT UK NATIONAL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 1996, 11 FEBRUARY 2015

The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: 08, 09, 10, 21, 35, 41, 22* (Bonus Ball)
Next UK Lotto Draw: 14 February 2015
Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ 6.700.000
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46349/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: 08, 09, 10, 21, 35, 41, 22* (Bonus Ball)Next UK Lotto Draw: 14 February 2015Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ 6.700.000
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46349/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### UK NATIONAL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 1996, 11 FEBRUARY 2015

The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: processing...* (Bonus Ball)
Next UK Lotto Draw: 14 February 2015
Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ processing...
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46349/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: processing...* (Bonus Ball)Next UK Lotto Draw: 14 February 2015Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ processing...
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46349/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### LATEST EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 771, 10 FEBRUARY 2015

DO WE HAVE A EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY WINNER IN TELFORD?

ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT FOR 13 FEBRUARY 2015: € 31.000.000
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together the stakes of the nine participating European countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. By clubbing together, the participating countries have made the EuroMillions one of the biggest and most exciting lotteries in the world! Jackpots for the Euromillions draws regularly exceed € 100 million.

The latest Euromillions lottery results are presented here.
EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS
The latest results and winning numbers for the Euromillions lottery draw 771, held on Tuesday, 10 February 2015 were:
Euromillions Results: 13, 17, 20, 30, 45, 09*, 10*
Millionaire Raffle: TLR790082
Next Euro Millions Draw Date: 13 February 2015
Next Estimated Euromillions Jackpot: € 31.000.000
Buy Euromillions Tickets Online | Join Euromillions Syndicate

ABOUT THE EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY
EuroMillions is Europe's biggest-ever, rolling jackpot lottery game. Five numbers from 1 to 50 are selected together with two Lucky Stars from 1 to 11.
The Euro Millions lottery draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday evening in Paris. Five main numbers are drawn along with two Lucky Stars. Match a minimum of three numbers to win a prize; three main numbers, one main number and two Lucky Stars or two main numbers and 1 Lucky Star.
Match five main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars to win the Euromillions jackpot, or a share of it!
To learn more about the Euromillions visit www.euromillions-lottery-blog.com.
WAYS TO PLAY THE EUROMILLIONS ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the Euromillions lottery. Euromillions players can either buy Euromillions tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a Euromillions lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy Euromillions tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!
JOIN A EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY SYNDICATE
We have teamed up with a lottery management company to create our very own Euromillions lottery syndicate. The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot! Playing as part of the Leader Euro Millions Lottery syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the Euromillions lottery jackpot
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - share 55 Euro Millions entries for just 1 pound!
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a Euromillions ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way and improve your chances of winning a share of the Euromillions jackpot!

          
If you like the Euro Millions, you may also be interested in El Gordo, Spain's favourite weekly lottery, and SuperEnalotto, Italy's most popular national lottery game.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46346/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: DO WE HAVE A EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY WINNER IN TELFORD?

ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT FOR 13 FEBRUARY 2015: € 31.000.000
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Milli...

### CURRENT EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 771, 10 FEBRUARY 2015

DO WE HAVE A EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY WINNER IN TELFORD?

ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT FOR 13 FEBRUARY 2015: € ???
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together the stakes of the nine participating European countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. By clubbing together, the participating countries have made the EuroMillions one of the biggest and most exciting lotteries in the world! Jackpots for the Euromillions draws regularly exceed € 100 million.

The latest Euromillions lottery results are presented here.
EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS
The latest results and winning numbers for the Euromillions lottery draw 771, held on Tuesday, 10 February 2015 were:
Euromillions Results: Results pending...
Millionaire Raffle: Results pending...
Next Euro Millions Draw Date: 13 February 2015
Next Estimated Euromillions Jackpot: € Results pending...
Buy Euromillions Tickets Online | Join Euromillions Syndicate

ABOUT THE EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY
EuroMillions is Europe's biggest-ever, rolling jackpot lottery game. Five numbers from 1 to 50 are selected together with two Lucky Stars from 1 to 11.
The Euro Millions lottery draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday evening in Paris. Five main numbers are drawn along with two Lucky Stars. Match a minimum of three numbers to win a prize; three main numbers, one main number and two Lucky Stars or two main numbers and 1 Lucky Star.
Match five main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars to win the Euromillions jackpot, or a share of it!
To learn more about the Euromillions visit www.euromillions-lottery-blog.com.
WAYS TO PLAY THE EUROMILLIONS ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the Euromillions lottery. Euromillions players can either buy Euromillions tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a Euromillions lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy Euromillions tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!
JOIN A EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY SYNDICATE
We have teamed up with a lottery management company to create our very own Euromillions lottery syndicate. The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot! Playing as part of the Leader Euro Millions Lottery syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the Euromillions lottery jackpot
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - share 55 Euro Millions entries for just 1 pound!
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a Euromillions ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way and improve your chances of winning a share of the Euromillions jackpot!

          
If you like the Euro Millions, you may also be interested in El Gordo, Spain's favourite weekly lottery, and SuperEnalotto, Italy's most popular national lottery game.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46346/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: DO WE HAVE A EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY WINNER IN TELFORD?

ESTIMATED EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT FOR 13 FEBRUARY 2015: € ???
Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lot...

### EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 771, 10 FEBRUARY 2015

DO WE HAVE A EURO MILLIONS WINNER IN TELFORD?
ESTIMATED JACKPOT FOR 13 FEBRUARY 2015: € ???

Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together the stakes of the nine participating European countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. By clubbing together, the participating countries have made the EuroMillions one of the biggest and most exciting lotteries in the world!
The latest Euromillions lottery results are presented here.
EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS
The latest results and winning numbers for the Euromillions lottery draw 771, held on Tuesday, 10 February 2015 were:
Euromillions Results: Results pending...
Millionaire Raffle: Results pending...
Next Euro Millions Draw Date: 13 February 2015
Next Estimated Euromillions Jackpot: € Results pending...
Buy Euromillions Tickets Online | Join Euromillions Syndicate

ABOUT THE EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY
EuroMillions is Europe's biggest-ever, rolling jackpot lottery game. Five numbers from 1 to 50 are selected together with two Lucky Stars from 1 to 11.
The Euro Millions lottery draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday evening in Paris. Five main numbers are drawn along with two Lucky Stars. Match a minimum of three numbers to win a prize; three main numbers, one main number and two Lucky Stars or two main numbers and 1 Lucky Star.
Match five main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars to win the Euromillions jackpot, or a share of it!
To learn more about the Euromillions visit www.euromillions-lottery-blog.com.
WAYS TO PLAY THE EUROMILLIONS ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the Euromillions lottery. Euromillions players can either buy Euromillions tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a Euromillions lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy Euromillions tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!
JOIN A EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY SYNDICATE
We have teamed up with a lottery management company to create our very own Euromillions lottery syndicate. The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot! Playing as part of the Leader Euro Millions Lottery syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the Euromillions lottery jackpot
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - share 55 Euro Millions entries for just 1 pound!
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a Euromillions ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way and improve your chances of winning a share of the Euromillions jackpot!

          
If you like the Euro Millions, you may also be interested in El Gordo, Spain's favourite weekly lottery, and SuperEnalotto, Italy's most popular national lottery game.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46346/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: DO WE HAVE A EURO MILLIONS WINNER IN TELFORD?
ESTIMATED JACKPOT FOR 13 FEBRUARY 2015: € ???

Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together t...

### TRBL ANNUAL POPPY APPEAL –2015

On Friday 30th January, the District North of The Royal British Legion in Spain held its annual conference at the NH Hotel in Alicante.
Unfortunately the main guest speaker, TRBL National Vice-Chairman, Mr Terry Whittles, was snowbound in Manchester and was unable to attend, much to the disappointment of the delegates.
During the Conference, the fantastic Poppy Appeal collection total was revealed, an astonishing 188.324,80€!  This is a 15.000€ increase on the previous year.  Many congratulations to all those who worked so hard to bring this about and especially to those who contributed so much to this great charity.
The Chairman of Orihuela and District Branch, Mr Keith Carter, came forward to be presented with the District Recruitment and Retention award for increased membership over the past 3 years.  Before he could sit down however, the Chairman of District, Mr Nigel Hails then surprised him with a District Certificate of Appreciation for his work as District Parade Marshal over the past 3 years.
The most prestigious award of the day however went to Mr Chris Wyatt, retiring District Secretary.  He was presented with one of the highest honours of The Royal British Legion, the Legion Gold Badge awarded for his dedicated service to the Legion in Spain over the past 10 years.  This Gold Badge is the first to be awarded to any member in District North since the Legion in Spain became a legal part of TRBL, UK in October 2010.  When the Chairman read the accompanying citation, it was obvious that this award was very well deserved.
During the past year we received a number of welfare enquiries and our busy welfare caseworkers once again volunteered to visit beneficiaries in the area.
To find out more about the work we undertake, please visit our website: www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/spain-north   or ring our Welfare Co-Ordinator on 676 451 780.  For all other enquiries, please ring 648 860 251
All photos kind courtesy of David Stokes
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46340/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: On Friday 30th January, the District North of The Royal British Legion in Spain held its annual conference at the NH Hotel in Alicante.
Unfortunately the main guest speaker, TRBL National Vice-Chairman, Mr Terry Whittles, was snowbound in Manchester a...

### TORREVIEJA MASTERS IN BARCELONA

Sunday 8th February saw the first ever Masters Long Distance National Spanish Championships in the olympic, 50m pool in the Can Llong Centre, Sabadell, Barcelona.
Twenty seven different clubs participated, and the competition was divided into masters categories of 20-29yrs, 30-39yrs , 40-49yrs, 50-59yrs, 60-69yrs and 70-79yrs .Club Natacion Torrevieja entered two swimmers, Beth Altabas and Vicki Connolly. For the first time ever the Masters were able to race over a distance of 3km's, double the distance of the previous maximum race. 
Beth started the day in the first race and 60 lengths later made a great time for the 3km swim of 58:29:50. This time earnt her the gold medal in the 70-79 years category. Vicki then followed in the next heat with a new best time of 48:24:13 and an equal split of 24 minutes for each 1500m's. Unfortunately for Vicki this swim put her in 4th place in the 40-49 year category, just missing out on the bronze.
Both swimmers are awarded points for their results and this put “Club Natacion Torrevieja” in 8th position in the clubs rankings.
Both swimmers now have two weeks to focus upon their 5 different races in the XXI Winter Spanish National Masters Championships to be held in Pontevedra, Galicia 19th to the 22nd February. 
For more information regarding Torrevieja Swimming Club please contact Rosa 665 454 126, President Felipe on 609 418 776 or Vicki 669 637 015 or by email on info@clubnataciontorrevieja.com .Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46339/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Sunday 8th February saw the first ever Masters Long Distance National Spanish Championships in the olympic, 50m pool in the Can Llong Centre, Sabadell, Barcelona.
Twenty seven different clubs participated, and the competition was divided into masters ...

### DIGITAL VIDEO IS DEFINITELY INCORPORATED INTO ONLINE MARKETING STRATEGIES

IAB Spain has presented the results of the first study on the use of video in digital marketing in Spain. 
The research, conducted in cooperation with AdMan Media, a leader in online video distribution, and with the consultancy TNS, is based on a digital survey of one hundred directors of marketing and communication companies in all sectors.
Javi Clarke, director of "mobile and new media" at IAB Spain, made a brief introduction to the context of video in Spain, where "YouTube" stands out as the preferred platform for users to view the contents of digital video.
Moreover, Clarke said the study shows how digital video is replacing traditional television, since foreign films and series appear in the first place of the content most viewed by consumers of digital video.
The great advantage of video is interactivity, enabling dialogue with consumers. In this aspect, although social networks are still leaders as a platform to generate user interactivity with 68%, they have fallen by 4% and by contrast the level of interactivity increases in the companies' own pages.
For forms of vision video content, Clarke has recognized that the model of pay per view is still "very little rooted in Spain," but compared to this, there is a 77% of users who accept advertising in exchange for access to free content and that 44% does not reject "cookies". As a final conclusion, Clarke emphasized that internet "is increasingly audiovisual", creating new opportunities to reach the user and "democratizing the content market, as well as advertising in prime time".
The study shows that nearly 9 out of 10 marketing professionals surveyed (87.5%) used the video in their campaigns during 2013. Of this group, 9 out of 10 professionals (90.5%) believes that the online video has a positive impact on their campaigns, compared to 9.5% who think otherwise.
Clemente Ferrer  Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46335/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: IAB Spain has presented the results of the first study on the use of video in digital marketing in Spain. 
The research, conducted in cooperation with AdMan Media, a leader in online video distribution, and with the consultancy TNS, is based on a digital survey of one hundred directors of marketing and communication companies in all sectors.
Javi Clarke, director of "mobile and new media" at IAB Spain, made a brief introduction to the context of video in Spain, where "YouTube" stands out as the preferred platform for users to view the contents of digital video.
Moreover, Clarke said the study shows how digital video is replacing traditional television, since foreign films and series appear in the first place of the content most viewed by consumers of digital video.
The great advantage of video is interactivity, enabling dialogue with consumers. In this aspect, although social networks are still leaders as a platform to generate user interactivity with 68%, they have fallen by 4% and by contrast the level of interactivity increases in the companies' own pages.
For forms of vision video content, Clarke has recognized that the model of pay per view is still "very little rooted in Spain," but compared to this, there is a 77% of users who accept advertising in exchange for access to free content and that 44% does not reject "cookies". As a final conclusion, Clarke emphasized that internet "is increasingly audiovisual", creating new opportunities to reach the user and "democratizing the content market, as well as advertising in prime time".
The study shows that nearly 9 out of 10 marketing professionals surveyed (87.5%) used the video in their campaigns during 2013. Of this group, 9 out of 10 professionals (90.5%) believes that the online video has a positive impact on their campaigns, compared to 9.5% who think otherwise.
Clemente Ferrer  Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46335/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO BE CARRIED IN A VEHICLE IN SPAIN

Press release from Chris Poole, the Chairman of the Orihuela Costa Neighbourhood watch Association:
Recently I have had a meeting with a local Chief of the Guardia Civil and due to a lot of confusion on this subject I had the opportunity to ask him what documents are required to be carried in a vehicle.
He informed me that the following are necessary:-
1) The driver should be in possessing of his Current Driving Licence
2) The vehicle registration book. (Tarjeta de Inpeccion Tecnia de vehiculos)
3)  The Permissin to drive. (Permiso de circulación). This is the green paper accompanying No 2.
4)  A copy of the driver's NIE form authenticated by a Notary. If the driver in not resident in Spain the Police may wish to see his/her's passport. A copy authenticated by a Notary will be accepted.
5)  The Policia Local may want to see evidence that the owner has paid the Municipal vehicle tax so it is advisable to carry the receipt in the vehicle. 
It is not obligatory to carry a copy of the car insurance in the car BUT if you are involved in an accident you will need to show it to any other person requesting to see it. If the Police attend they will also ask to see it. If the vehicle is stopped by the Police and their equipment is not working, they will also request its production. Although there is no offence committed “IT IS THE RESPONSIBLITY OF THE DRIVER TO PRODUCE IT. Failing to do so will mean you having taking it to the DGT office in Alicante.
It is not required to have the papers of passing the ITV as the Vehicle registration book will contain details. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46334/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Press release from Chris Poole, the Chairman of the Orihuela Costa Neighbourhood watch Association:
Recently I have had a meeting with a local Chief of the Guardia Civil and due to a lot of confusion on this subject I had the opportunity to ask him wh...

### EXPATS SHOULD VOTE IN GENERAL ELECTION SAYS ELECTORAL COMMISSION

This week the UK Electoral Commission has launched a dedicated overseas voter registration campaign. The campaign aims to encourage British citizens living overseas to register to vote ahead of the UK Parliamentary General Election, due to take place on Thursday 7 May 2015.
To mark the start of the campaign, the elections watchdog is hosting Overseas Voter Registration Day on Thursday 5 February 2015 in a bid to boost the numbers of UK residents overseas on the UK's electoral registers.   
This is the first UK General Election where people can register to vote online. The Electoral Commission hopes that the new online process will encourage more UK nationals living overseas to register to take part in elections from overseas.
Estimates show that there may be as many as 5.5 million UK nationals living overseas, but there are fewer than 20,000 currently on the electoral registers.
To register as an overseas voter, UK residents overseas must have previously been registered in a UK constituency within the last fifteen years. 
Alex Robertson, Director of Communications at the Electoral Commission said:
 “A lot of people aren't aware that it's possible to register as an overseas voter for the General Election. We need to challenge the misconception that once you've moved overseas you can't take part. Many people can and now it's easier than ever to take the first step by registering online.”
 “That's why we are urging UK nationals who are now living abroad to take five minutes on Overseas Registration Day to visit https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote and make sure they will be able to have their say at the General Election in May.”
 “Overseas Voter Registration Day is also the perfect opportunity for everyone to encourage friends, family or colleagues to check if they can vote and ask them to register online from wherever they are in the world.”
The Cabinet Office and Foreign and Commonwealth Office are supporting the Electoral Commission's campaign to raise awareness of voter registration among British residents overseas in the run up to the general election.
To register to vote, UK citizens should visit https://www.gov.uk/register-to-voteFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46333/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: This week the UK Electoral Commission has launched a dedicated overseas voter registration campaign. The campaign aims to encourage British citizens living overseas to register to vote ahead of the UK Parliamentary General Election, due to take place o...

### Lego League Excitement Building

A school from the island of La Palma won the First Lego League in the Canaries competition, beating Nazaret Los Volcanes from Lanzarote into second place, and are now set to compete in the Spanish National competition before one lucky team will join those from across Europe to compete in the World Championship in March, along with almost 80 other countries.
FIRST® LEGO® League introduces young people, ages 9 to 14* (grades 4-8), to the fun and excitement of science and technology.

Excerpt: A school from the island of La Palma won the First Lego League in the Canaries competition, beating Nazaret Los Volcanes from Lanzarote into second place, and are now set to compete in the Spanish National competition before one lucky team will join those from across Europe to compete in the World Championship in March, […]

### Valencia Cyclists Look Out

Cyclists in Valencia have compiled an interactive map which they hope will show some of the infrastructure deficiencies that they have to deal with on a daily basis, in the hope that at least some of the problems might one day be resolved.
The highlighted issues range from everything from a bike lane that suddenly changes from one side of a busy road to another, without the means to cross, an underpass which is protected by a barrier that is almost impossible to pass, and a cycle lane that suddenly stops in the face of a brick wall, without warning or notice, as well as numerous locations where cars invade cycle lanes and bikes mix with pedestrians without warning.

Excerpt: Cyclists in Valencia have compiled an interactive map which they hope will show some of the infrastructure deficiencies that they have to deal with on a daily basis, in the hope that at least some of the problems might one day be resolved. The highlighted issues range from everything from a bike lane that suddenly […]

### AENA Stock Listing on Wednesday

Spanish airport authority Aena is in the last stages of being listed as a public company, with the first appearance on the stock exchange expected on Wednesday.
The final draft of almost 4 million shares were published on Monday, of which a small percentage were reserved for staff, with the minimum price set at 58 euro per share, an increase on the first proposal of between 43 and 55 euro.

Excerpt: Spanish airport authority Aena is in the last stages of being listed as a public company, with the first appearance on the stock exchange expected on Wednesday. The final draft of almost 4 million shares were published on Monday, of which a small percentage were reserved for staff, with the minimum price set at 58 […]

### Heart Success in Madrid

Doctors at a the Gregorio Marañon hospital in Madrid have successfully used stem cells to treat victims of heart attacks for the first time in medical history.
Doctors took stem cells that were harvested from a healthy donor and then implanted them into seven different patients who had suffered from a heart attack.
They say they are happy with the results and plan to repeat the procedure with at least 55 other patients in an upcoming clinical trial. In an official statement from the hospital, they commented on the success they have seen so far. “Seven patients have already been operated on and they have progressed very well despite having suffered serious damage to their heart tissue”.

Excerpt: Doctors at a the Gregorio Marañon hospital in Madrid have successfully used stem cells to treat victims of heart attacks for the first time in medical history. Doctors took stem cells that were harvested from a healthy donor and then implanted them into seven different patients who had suffered from a heart attack. They say […]

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 9 FEBRUARY 2015

TOP SHOP
Statistics compiled by El Economista show that Mercadona is the Spanish grocer with the highest turnover for the 2013 fiscal year, raking in 18.033 million euro, an increase of 2.83% per cent on the previous year, thus maintaining its number one spot as the leader of the Spanish FMCG sector. Carrefour is in second place with a turnover of 7.355 million. Dia are in third place with 4.199 million, followed by Auchan with 3.139 million, and Eroski in fifth place with a turnover of 1,771 million.
GONE FISHING
Spain has replaced the UK as the number one market for Icelandic cod in terms of volumes, according to the latest Seafood Intelligence Report by Marko Partners. The volume of Icelandic exports to Spain increased by 25% to just under 89,000 metric tons, while UK imports fell by 15%, to 80,441t. However, the UK remains the most valuable market in monetary terms, spending over 126 million euro on Icelandic cod between January and December 2014, whereas despite the increase in volumes, imports climbed to just 104.3 million euro on the back of increase.
SANTANDER SHOOTS
Spanish bank Santander has announced a net profit of 1.46 billion euro in the fourth quarter of 2014, the first quarter under new boss Ana Botin, representing a 70% jump in profit. However, the bankers are no doubt slightly disappointed by the fact that the profit was slightly below forecasts of 1.47 billion quarterly profits. Santander revised 2013 earnings downwards to reflect payments to deposit guarantee funds. Without that restatement, fourth quarter net profit would have risen just 37%.
INDIAN INVESTMENTS
In a meeting on Monday, a Spanish delegation met with the board on India´s railways, in order to discuss greater trade and industry cooperation between the two countries. The meeting was part of a renewed commitment by Spain to increase investments in India, especially in the fields of railways, renewable energy, ports, agro-food and pharmaceuticals.
ALL SPEED AHEAD
In a collaboration between Alcatel-Lucent and Vodafone Spain, engineers have successfully carried out a trial of transporting data at speeds of up to 400 Gbits/s over a distance of 400km between Madrid and Zaragoza, using the existing optical infrastructure only specified for up to 100 Gbit/s. The trial was conducted using Alcatel-Lucent's 400G technology and demonstrates the ability of an existing optical network to carry data at up to 17.6 Tbit/s, doubling the current spectral efficiency in fiber. If eventually rolled out across the country, the result will be extremely fast data and internet connections. The partners say the achievement is the equivalent of transmitting the contents of 88 Blu-ray discs in a single second while reducing power and space consumption by half.
MARINE EVAC
Details were revealed this week of a situation that occurred at the American homed Rota airbase in southern Spain in late January, in which a platoon of Marines with the Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis responded to a major incident resulting in casualty evacuations. However, despite the fact their response was in a “moments notice”, the incident was an unannounced drill from the staging area at Morón Air Base, Spain, where SPMAGTF-CR-AF is postured to respond to regional crises. 
NO MANOEUVRES
A multinational training exercise in Spain was cancelled following the fatal crash that killed 11 foreign military personnel, according to U.S. Air Force officials on Tuesday. The Spanish Ministry of Defence made the decision to call off the Tactical Leadership Program exercise and flying never resumed following the crash in January. Two Greek pilots were killed when their F-16 crashed upon takeoff. Nine French airmen on the ground were also killed when the plane hit the parking apron.
 
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46332/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: TOP SHOP
Statistics compiled by El Economista show that Mercadona is the Spanish grocer with the highest turnover for the 2013 fiscal year, raking in 18.033 million euro, an increase of 2.83% per cent on the previous year, thus maintaining its number...

### THE LATEST LEADER IS OUT NOW

The latest copy of The Leader newspaper is out now. You can get your copy from any of hundreds of outlets across the area, for free.
We have a special feature on the new Guardia Civil trafic police page on Facebook, where you can find no end of information about driving in Spain, as well as the latest from the local political world, plus much more.
There is more sports news than any other local paper, and our features of everything to interest most tastes, from motoring to healt and even a little bit about learning English.
The virtual version is also available, which you can read here or on your tablet or smartphone. 
Enjoy this week´s copy and remember to tell our advertisers where you saw their ad, they all need your support.

Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46331/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The latest copy of The Leader newspaper is out now. You can get your copy from any of hundreds of outlets across the area, for free.
We have a special feature on the new Guardia Civil trafic police page on Facebook, where you can find no end of infor...

### TORREVIEJA'S FACEBOOK COPS

Last weekend, The Leader were given a guided tour of the Guardia Civil trafico office in Torrevieja, as we went to find out more about the motivation behind their new information page on Facebook for drivers in Spain.
Our guide for the day was Francisco, a serving officer with the traffic department, who is one of the team of five behind the Facebook page. Francisco explained that the page was set up to provide “information on Spanish laws and driving for the many foreigners who live in the area” that they police, which is from Alicante to San Pedro.
Whilst saying how it is all too easy to simply fine drivers for traffic violations, Francisco and the team believe that their first role should be about education and awareness, especially as many of the foreign drivers are not aware of the different laws in Spain, and Facebook is not only a great tool for spreading the message, it is also free, apart from the time the officers invest in it.
When asked a question that always seemed to crop up amongst foreign drivers as to whether there is an equivalent to the Highway Code, Fransisco explained that there is, although in Spain it is actually four publications, one that deals with vehicles, one for drivers, a third for the practice of driving, and an umbrella publication that covers everything else. It is therefore no wonder that drivers, foreigners in particular, sometimes find it difficult and baffling to keep up with the legislation.
Whilst being shown around the station we saw some of the vehicles used for carrying out their duties, including the liveried Alfa Romeo´s, which Francisco explained are high performance models with special equipment such as enhanced braking systems. They have people carriers which are used primarily in the course of accident and incident investigation, and of course the unmarked cars, which we´re not allowed to talk about. In addition, the garage houses numerous motorbikes, which Francisco explains that all trafico officers ride as part of their duties, “If you work in traffic you drive both cars and motorbikes”, he explained.
The Spanish flag on the station building was flying at half mast during our visit, which Francisco explained was in honour of Francisco Javier Soria Toledo, a Spanish soldier killed in an attack in Lebanon. Having returned from a peacekeeping mission himself only last year, Francisco explained how the Guardia Civil are posted to areas like Afghanistan, where they serve as military police, part of their duties being accident investigation in such zones, where reports are then sent to the UN for final investigation and conclusion.
The arsenal of equipment carried by the officers is ever increasing, from their newly issued high-visibility body armour, compulsory to wear at night after a traffic policeman was killed in France, attacked attending an emergency incident which turned out to be staged, to their electronic equipment that allows them to function whilst mobile. 
The officers carry a breathalyser and a Personal Digital Assistant, or PDA, which is linked to a thermal printer and capable of searching the police databases for information on people and vehicles. Whilst carrying out a demonstration check during the tour, Francisco explained that one of the benefits of having transferred a driving license from the UK version to a Spanish one is that the data is all linked to the NIE number, and therefore easier and faster to check.
Now, with thousands of people already having liked and followed their page, Francisco explained how it has become extremely difficult to answer all of the questions raised, but he does confirm that all questions and comments are read and the most frequent enquiries are then put back on the page, sometimes by means of a quiz where the reader have the opportunity to guess the right answer, before the actual explanation is given by the officers.
We are honoured to be able to collaborate with the Guardia Civil and bring some of the information to your here at The Leader,and thank the officers for taking the time to show us around. Some of those officers behind the page will be appearing on Exite Radio soon too, giving more information, but for now, make sure you like and follow their page on Facebook, just search for N332, named in honour to the main road which goes through the coastline where they work every day.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46330/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Last weekend, The Leader were given a guided tour of the Guardia Civil trafico office in Torrevieja, as we went to find out more about the motivation behind their new information page on Facebook for drivers in Spain.
Our guide for the day was Franci...

### TRAFFIC INFORMATION FROM THE GUARDIA CIVIL

Last weekend, The Leader were given a guided tour of the Guardia Civil trafico office in Torrevieja, as we went to find out more about the motivation behind their new information page on Facebook for drivers in Spain.
Our guide for the day was Francisco, a serving officer with the traffic department, who is one of the team of five behind the Facebook page. Francisco explained that the page was set up to provide “information on Spanish laws and driving for the many foreigners who live in the area” that they police, which is from Alicante to San Pedro.
Whilst saying how it is all too easy to simply fine drivers for traffic violations, Francisco and the team believe that their first role should be about education and awareness, especially as many of the foreign drivers are not aware of the different laws in Spain, and Facebook is not only a great tool for spreading the message, it is also free, apart from the time the officers invest in it.
When asked a question that always seemed to crop up amongst foreign drivers as to whether there is an equivalent to the Highway Code, Fransisco explained that there is, although in Spain it is actually four publications, one that deals with vehicles, one for drivers, a third for the practice of driving, and an umbrella publication that covers everything else. It is therefore no wonder that drivers, foreigners in particular, sometimes find it difficult and baffling to keep up with the legislation.
Whilst being shown around the station we saw some of the vehicles used for carrying out their duties, including the liveried Alfa Romeo´s, which Francisco explained are high performance models with special equipment such as enhanced braking systems. They have people carriers which are used primarily in the course of accident and incident investigation, and of course the unmarked cars, which we´re not allowed to talk about. In addition, the garage houses numerous motorbikes, which Francisco explains that all trafico officers ride as part of their duties, “If you work in traffic you drive both cars and motorbikes”, he explained.
The Spanish flag on the station building was flying at half mast during our visit, which Francisco explained was in honour of Francisco Javier Soria Toledo, a Spanish soldier killed in an attack in Lebanon. Having returned from a peacekeeping mission himself only last year, Francisco explained how the Guardia Civil are posted to areas like Afghanistan, where they serve as military police, part of their duties being accident investigation in such zones, where reports are then sent to the UN for final investigation and conclusion.
The arsenal of equipment carried by the officers is ever increasing, from their newly issued high-visibility body armour, compulsory to wear at night after a traffic policeman was killed in France, attacked attending an emergency incident which turned out to be staged, to their electronic equipment that allows them to function whilst mobile. 
The officers carry a breathalyser and a Personal Digital Assistant, or PDA, which is linked to a thermal printer and capable of searching the police databases for information on people and vehicles. Whilst carrying out a demonstration check during the tour, Francisco explained that one of the benefits of having transferred a driving license from the UK version to a Spanish one is that the data is all linked to the NIE number, and therefore easier and faster to check.
Now, with thousands of people already having liked and followed their page, Francisco explained how it has become extremely difficult to answer all of the questions raised, but he does confirm that all questions and comments are read and the most frequent enquiries are then put back on the page, sometimes by means of a quiz where the reader have the opportunity to guess the right answer, before the actual explanation is given by the officers.
We are honoured to be able to collaborate with the Guardia Civil and bring some of the information to your here at The Leader,and thank the officers for taking the time to show us around. Some of those officers behind the page will be appearing on Exite Radio soon too, giving more information, but for now, make sure you like and follow their page on Facebook, just search for N332, named in honour to the main road which goes through the coastline where they work every day.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46330/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Last weekend, The Leader were given a guided tour of the Guardia Civil trafico office in Torrevieja, as we went to find out more about the motivation behind their new information page on Facebook for drivers in Spain.
Our guide for the day was Franci...

### L.P.A. DOG SHOW – A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

Little Pod Association, a registered charity based in Orihuela Costa to help abandoned and mistreated animals, is holding another Dog Show on Sunday 1st March at Finca La Castellana, San Miguel de Salinas The first class begins at Midday with registration from 10-30 a.m.
This will be a fun day out for all the family with over a dozen classes ranging from Best Pedigree Dog to Most Waggiest Tail and Egg and Spoon race to Musical Mats.
Trophies, Rosettes and Goodie Bags to be won in all classes. The judges are from Eduardo's Pets There will be lots more to do with stalls, a Tombola and Refreshments and you can meet some of the LPA dogs The show will be signposted from the roundabout at the bottom of the road where the market is held.
For more information – or to pre-register your dog please come to either of LPA's two shops on the 1st floor of the La Zenia/Los Dolces C. C. near Pets World or phone 660 832 360 or see LPA on facebook.
The previous Dog Shows have been a great success providing fun and entertainment for all so do come - with or without your dog!!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46328/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Little Pod Association, a registered charity based in Orihuela Costa to help abandoned and mistreated animals, is holding another Dog Show on Sunday 1st March at Finca La Castellana, San Miguel de Salinas The first class begins at Midday with registrat...

### THE ROJALES PANTOMIME GROUP

The Rojales Pantomime group presented cheques to Carolina (Social Services) Caritas In Los Montesinos also to La Banda Infantil towards new instruments for the children.  
When it can be arranged the rest of the proceeds from their latest Pantomime which raised 3,000 euros will be distributed amongst other local charities.
They are always on the look out for singers, dancers, actors and any one willing to help in any way and would like to join this happy group, so if you are interested you can obtain more information from Mandy tel. 685 302 529 email mandyohagan@hotmail.com   Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46327/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Rojales Pantomime group presented cheques to Carolina (Social Services) Caritas In Los Montesinos also to La Banda Infantil towards new instruments for the children.  
When it can be arranged the rest of the proceeds from their latest Pantomime wh...

### CLASSY VILLARREAL OUTDO WEAKENED TORRY

CD TORREVIEJA   0     VILLARREAL FC 'C'   2
 Not for the first time this season, Torry competed so well in the first half, then faded dramatically for the remainder of the match.  
This reversal against Villarreal's 3rd string side, means it's now 3 defeats on the bounce, and 3 without scoring.  But in mitigation, the missing from action list is growing!  New signing Obele's return to the fold has been delayed by international clearance, plus fellow strikers Pinera and Rafa Gomez were out injured.  
Add to them Alexis, Eddy, Sergio, Ferran and Martin, all casualties, and it's clear why manager Galiana has such a huge selection headache.  In fact, he had to include youth players Costa, Gonzalo, Chamit and reserve keeper Jamie, on the bench.  Back in September, Torry just about edged a narrow victory in Villarreal, but this time around a repeat was never really on the cards.
It started so brightly for the hosts, when after 20 mins, Brani found himself in a great goal scoring position, but the alert visiting keeper Quique closed him down, panicking him into shooting over.  
Up the other end, Alexi should have opened his account, but his scuffed shot past the post, left Torry keeper Oscar a relieved man.  Chances were arriving thick and fast, in this end to end half, and the pick of the bunch was Vicente's swerving 25 yard drive, which Quique acrobatically tipped over the bar.  Villarreal struck back, this time it was Cristian who shot narrowly wide with Oscar well beaten.  A Ruben assist found Corella, whose accurate powerful drive was again brilliantly dealt with by the impressive Quique, thus keeping his side in the game.  
Torry were playing with such confidence and flair, but lacked a vital goal needed to reward all their hard efforts.  Carrasco found Cesar, who from 10 yards out, couldn't find the target.
Adrian replaced centre back Ruben at the start of the new half, meaning a reshuffle which Torry never really came to terms with.  An awful defensive mix up on 51 mins, allowed Pablo lashing home a loose ball to give Villarreal the lead.  Three mins later they had doubled their lead, courtesy of a quick break down the left wing, resulting in Cristian hammering the ball past Oscar.  
From then on, the visitors virtually ran the show.  The lively Alexi hit the post on 66 mins, as the 'yellow submarine' threatened to run riot.  Torry found a brief respite from the punishment, when first Brani on 74, then Jorge on 76 mins, both had goal bound shots charged down at close range.  
Their quest wasn't made easier by the ref's refusal of some quite blatant free kicks, especially obvious fouls on Carrasco, but their main undoing was being guilty of far too many unforced errors.  Oscar came to his sides rescue on 85 mins, saving with his legs from a Joel close range shot, but the final say went to Torry's Corella, whose unchecked individual run from inside his own half, forced another fine save from Quique.  Jorge, Corella and Carrasco were booked for the hosts, whilst the visitors picked up 2 of their own.
Next Sun 15 Feb, ko 5pm, Torry travel to local rivals Orihuela for another important div 3 match.  Both teams are locked on 38 points, some 7 behind leaders Castellon, but Torry are out for revenge following their disappointing defeat earlier in the season.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46326/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: CD TORREVIEJA   0     VILLARREAL FC 'C'   2
 Not for the first time this season, Torry competed so well in the first half, then faded dramatically for the remainder of the match.  
This reversal against Villarreal's 3rd string side, means it's now 3 ...

### LOOKING FOR PACTS

A particular dialogue protocol is carried out with other political forces in the design of strategies to manage a territory or to be in opposition.
This is a way to response their ideological and programmatic approaches.
When the electoral process concludes and the results are known, it may occur that nobody get a sufficient majority to govern alone. This is the time of the search of pacts to get a coalition that would allow a solid government. In an electoral system such as ours, it is frequent the emergence of hinge parties, in which the negotiation is necessary; sharing out, and perhaps diminishing dreams and projects.
The visceral rejection of the political competitor: " ¡or us, or the chaos" can give the voter a pessimistic message about the future.
It seems reasonable that the pacts are executed after the election, in which each political group has measured its location and strength in relation to the others. Pacts and agreements, in any place, depend more on the ability and attitude of the negotiators than the programs. Every pact is made for the future, but the past is always present, conditioning the negotiations.
The negative consequence of these pacts may be the difficulty in designing long-term projects which are so necessary to support the technological change and the rapid evolution of urban society.
The consensus may seem utopian; however, we must try to achieve that utopia, at least in two areas of decision: in the small problems and in the big issues. Barriers to communication almost always come from individualism rather than ideological differences.
I remember, without recalling its origin, a utopian expression of universal brotherhood which announced a time in which people of all races, continents and cultures could meet to discuss problems with harmony and fraternity. A time where all the words will be truthful and the sincerity will reject any hypocrisy or double meaning phrase.
Now we are far from such landscape because politicians of different parties communicate little since they are enclosed in their capsules; and in addition, if the confrontation spread from the party to the individuals, the political struggle is transformed into a man hunt.
Agustín Pérez Cerrada
Independent Forum of Opinion 
http://indeforum.wordpress.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46322/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A particular dialogue protocol is carried out with other political forces in the design of strategies to manage a territory or to be in opposition.
This is a way to response their ideological and programmatic approaches.
When the electoral process concludes and the results are known, it may occur that nobody get a sufficient majority to govern alone. This is the time of the search of pacts to get a coalition that would allow a solid government. In an electoral system such as ours, it is frequent the emergence of hinge parties, in which the negotiation is necessary; sharing out, and perhaps diminishing dreams and projects.
The visceral rejection of the political competitor: " ¡or us, or the chaos" can give the voter a pessimistic message about the future.
It seems reasonable that the pacts are executed after the election, in which each political group has measured its location and strength in relation to the others. Pacts and agreements, in any place, depend more on the ability and attitude of the negotiators than the programs. Every pact is made for the future, but the past is always present, conditioning the negotiations.
The negative consequence of these pacts may be the difficulty in designing long-term projects which are so necessary to support the technological change and the rapid evolution of urban society.
The consensus may seem utopian; however, we must try to achieve that utopia, at least in two areas of decision: in the small problems and in the big issues. Barriers to communication almost always come from individualism rather than ideological differences.
I remember, without recalling its origin, a utopian expression of universal brotherhood which announced a time in which people of all races, continents and cultures could meet to discuss problems with harmony and fraternity. A time where all the words will be truthful and the sincerity will reject any hypocrisy or double meaning phrase.
Now we are far from such landscape because politicians of different parties communicate little since they are enclosed in their capsules; and in addition, if the confrontation spread from the party to the individuals, the political struggle is transformed into a man hunt.
Agustín Pérez Cerrada
Independent Forum of Opinion 
http://indeforum.wordpress.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46322/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### SAMARITANS IN SPAIN AND THE 902 NUMBER

Every now and then someone begins complaining that Samaritans in Spain are making money from the distressed callers who use the service. They base this claim on the fact that all 902 numbers are premium rate numbers.
This claim could not be further from the truth; in fact it costs SiS money to run this service. The problem arises from Telefonica lumping premium RATE and premium SERVICE into the one 902 range. Whether the number is premium rate or premium service depends on the fourth number. 902 followed by 1,2,3 or 4 are premium rates costing up to four times the standard rate, and from which the receiving company benefits financially. ‏
902 numbers followed by 5,6,7,8 or 9 are to provide a premium service, from which the receiver gains no financial benefit, but does benefit from a premium service. 
For example the charity Samaritans in Spain uses the number 902 88 35 35, hence the fourth digit is 8. This means that the number is not connected to any local telephone exchange. This allows the Samaritans to have several phones in several locations attached to the 902 88 35 35 number. This means that whenever someone calls their number, whether they are calling from Madrid, Barcelona, Marbella, the Balearics or wherever, they are connected to the next available listener. And it doesn't matter where that listener is physically located. All for the same fee!
All Samaritans in Spain calls to 902 88 numbers are charged at national call rates. From landlines and public phones the connection charge is €0.08 plus €0.04/min: Mon-Fri 20:00-08:00, weekends & public holidays and €0.07/min: Mon-Fri 08:00-20:00. Sadly calls from mobiles are CONSIDERABLY more.
Each mobile provider sets their own rates and, sadly, they can, and often do, range from 0.20 cents per minute, to over 0.80 cents per minute, plus a connection charge ranging from 0.12 to 0.20 cents. Unfortunately, Samaritans in Spain have absolutely no control over these charges, nor do they benefit from them. All the profit goes to the mobile provider. Samaritans in Spain recommend that the caller bears these charges in mind and where possible use a landline or public phone
It is so sad when we read that ALL 902 numbers are premium rate numbers when only some are. Many, like Samaritans in Spain are premium service numbers which actually benefits both the caller and the receiver.
Further information and all the details about Samaritans in Spain can be found on their website at www.samaritansinspain.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Samaritans-in-Spain/342312575891259
 
The Samaritan service in Spain is provided by Costa Blanca Samaritans, a not-for-profit organisation registered with the Generalitat Valenciana, with the Registration Number: CV-01-042952-A and NIF: G54341466
 
LubbertusFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46321/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Every now and then someone begins complaining that Samaritans in Spain are making money from the distressed callers who use the service. They base this claim on the fact that all 902 numbers are premium rate numbers.
This claim could not be further fr...

### UK NATIONAL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 1996, 07 FEBRUARY 2015

The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: 03, 06, 15, 17, 18, 35, 22* (Bonus Ball)
Next UK Lotto Draw: 11 February 2015
Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ 2.100.000
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46320/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: 03, 06, 15, 17, 18, 35, 22* (Bonus Ball)Next UK Lotto Draw: 11 February 2015Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ 2.100.000
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46320/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### LATEST UK NATIONAL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 1995, 07 FEBRUARY 2015

The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: 03, 06, 15, 17, 18, 35, 22* (Bonus Ball)
Next UK Lotto Draw: 11 February 2015
Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ 2.100.000
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46320/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Euro Millions Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: 03, 06, 15, 17, 18, 35, 22* (Bonus Ball)Next UK Lotto Draw: 11 February 2015Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ 2.100.000
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46320/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### UK NATIONAL LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 1995, 07 FEBRUARY 2014

The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Irish Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: Results pending...* (Bonus Ball)
Next UK Lotto Draw: 07 February 2015
Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ Results pending...
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46320/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The UK Lotto is known for good jackpots and exciting rollovers. Originally called the UK National Lottery when it was founded in 1996, the lottery was renamed in 2002 and became known as the UK National Lotto. The National Lottery was created to help fund governmental and charitable organizations and it is known around the world as one of the leaders in helping "good causes" and charitable organisations. The largest jackpot won was £42 million (US$64.4 million) on January 6th, 1996.
UK NATIONAL LOTTO RESULTS
The winning numbers of the UK National Lottery, in ascending order, were:

Irish Lotto Results

UK Lotto Results: Results pending...* (Bonus Ball)Next UK Lotto Draw: 07 February 2015Next Estimated UK National Lottery Jackpot: £ Results pending...
Buy UK National Lottery Tickets | Join UK National Lottery Syndicate
ABOUT THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
To win the UK National Lotto jackpot, players must match their selected 6 numbers with the 6 main numbers drawn from a pool of 49, numbers 1 to 49. Besides the jackpot, there are other prizes to be won if players match 3, 4 or 5 numbers or 5 numbers plus the “bonus ball” (drawn separately after the 6 main numbers).
WAYS TO PLAY THE UK LOTTO ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the UK National Lottery. UK Lotto players can either buy National Lottery tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a UK Lotto lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY NATIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy UK Lotto tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!

WANT TO PLAY THE SMARTER WAY?
The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot or of winning the UK National lottery! Playing as part of the Leader syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the UK Lottery and the Euromillions lottery
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - more Euro Millions Lottery and UK Lottery syndicate entries per week by playing in a syndicate
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way. Join our UK Lotto syndicate today and enjoy better odds!

If you are interested in the UK National Lotto, you may also be interested in Europe's largest rollover jackpot, the Euromillions, and / or Spain's most popular lottery, El Gordo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46320/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### STRONG POUND BENEFITS BRITISH BUYERS OF SPANISH PROPERTY

On Thursday the European Central Bank announced that it will inject at least 1.1 trillion euros into the economy of the Eurozone resulting in the international currency markets to invest heavily in sterling and the US dollar. The result has seen the UK pound soar to its highest level against the euro for seven years.
One pound is currently worth almost 1.35 euro, meaning that purchasing power in Spain has increased by 5% since 1st January and around 12% since April 2014. The euro has also fallen to its lowest rate in eleven years against the US dollar.
As a result, Spanish property has become extremely attractive to the British who hold sterling. For most British nationals, Spanish property has become significantly cheaper than it has been for many years. Tourism and travel to Spain has also become more attractive as British nationals receive more Euro for their sterling. Furthermore, interest rates in Europe have remained low, encouraging Brits to borrow in order to finance second homes in the sunshine.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46318/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: On Thursday the European Central Bank announced that it will inject at least 1.1 trillion euros into the economy of the Eurozone resulting in the international currency markets to invest heavily in sterling and the US dollar. The result has seen the UK...

### STEVIE’S LAMENT

Top entertainer Stevie Spit has made his movie debut in the first crowd funded feature film to be made on the Costablanca by Siesta Productions.
The part played by Stevie is still Top Secret. However, scuttle-butt has it that Stevie sings a song called "Don't Block Out the Light" Or Georges Lament - as its been referred to by the "The Cucaracha Club"  film crew.
The Film's Director Rai Woods, said that everyone has totally enjoyed working with Stevie, as he was always smiling and keeping them all entertained. Song writer Peter Taylor, who wrote the song and played on the sound track, is massively impressed by Stevie's vocal range, as well as his passion when performing the song.
A promotional music video will be put together for release on completion of the final stage of the production, the editing phase. Editing will take at least 4 to 6 month, this will include, sound and a colour grading process. In the mean time, the theme song, sung by another well known entertainer Chloe Leigh, is available on You Tube.
It is attracting many hits with people logging on to view the video from the opening credits of the much anticipated spy movie.
Stevie is expected to reprise his role in the sequel, the writing process of which will start on completion of the final scenes,  expected to be finished shortly. It is also hoped that actor Tom Watt will return in the next instalment, having expressed his desire for further involvement, having been so impressed with all of the team,
He was also impressed by working on a real Submarine for the first time in his life! Further Information: www.siesta.productionsFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46317/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Top entertainer Stevie Spit has made his movie debut in the first crowd funded feature film to be made on the Costablanca by Siesta Productions.
The part played by Stevie is still Top Secret. However, scuttle-butt has it that Stevie sings a song called "Don't Block Out the Light" Or Georges Lament - as its been referred to by the "The Cucaracha Club"  film crew.
The Film's Director Rai Woods, said that everyone has totally enjoyed working with Stevie, as he was always smiling and keeping them all entertained. Song writer Peter Taylor, who wrote the song and played on the sound track, is massively impressed by Stevie's vocal range, as well as his passion when performing the song.
A promotional music video will be put together for release on completion of the final stage of the production, the editing phase. Editing will take at least 4 to 6 month, this will include, sound and a colour grading process. In the mean time, the theme song, sung by another well known entertainer Chloe Leigh, is available on You Tube.
It is attracting many hits with people logging on to view the video from the opening credits of the much anticipated spy movie.
Stevie is expected to reprise his role in the sequel, the writing process of which will start on completion of the final scenes,  expected to be finished shortly. It is also hoped that actor Tom Watt will return in the next instalment, having expressed his desire for further involvement, having been so impressed with all of the team,
He was also impressed by working on a real Submarine for the first time in his life! Further Information: www.siesta.productionsFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46317/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### EURONICS DARTS LEAGUE 5 FEB 15

THE ELECTRICAL SHOP - BLUE LAGOON
RESULTS – 05 February 2015
K.O. CUP RESULTS
HUB MEERKATS 7 1 JUNCTION JACKALS
GOGARTY´S BULLS 1 7 HUB HYENAS
KO HANDICAP PLATE RESULTS
QUE PASA EAGLES 3 7 THE PORTER HOUSE
PINT DEPOT KINGS 7 2 EVOLUTION
The Leader newspaper endured production problems last week as their printers succumbed to adverse weather conditions and were unable to print the publication. 
Many readers went online to view the column but for those who didn't the top of the table clash (Kats v. Hyenas) features later in this item.
Meerkats reached their sixth consecutive KO Cup final by overcoming a vociferous Junction Jackals led by the young Keith King.  It wasn't a great semi by any means. 
The first three triples went to the Kats trio of Pat Abrams, Alex Nikolov and Paul Durrant, their opponents Phil de Lacy, Keith King and Nigel Elbery, not finding the T20 anywhere near enough to contain the Kats.  Highlights of the first three legs were de Lacy´s 125 and Abrams 62 out, T10,D16. 
All change for the next three legs, Del Kingsbury opting for himself, Lee Maiden and Graham Todd, Andy Gildea already rueing his captain´s responsibilities going for Alex Giles, Jimmy Gray and Mike Jones. 
Todd took the first for 4-0, Kingsbury making it 5 before Jones posted the Jackals first double of the tie at the break.  It looked ominous for Gildea´s side as tons pounded in from Nikolov and Abrams, Maiden completing the sixth, de Lacy the only Jackal offering opposition with a ton.  Nikolov D8 completed the match for a 7-1 score line at the excellent Que Pasa venue.
Pint Depot Kings faced Evolution at the Hub Sports bar, both anticipating a place in the Plate final, Kings already recipients of last term´s League Plate award.  Evolution had a one leg advantage in the Plate but the Kings trio of Matt Cummins, Ian Sleath and Robbie Hogden quickly turned the score line round to their advantage via Sleath D6 and Hogden D11, John Williams levelling for Evolution on D20. 
John Crooks D2 made it 3-2 for the Kings, Martyn Bynorth increasing the deficit to 2 on D9.  A nice 71 out from Crooks on D14 made it 5 for the Kings and a real uphill task for Evolution.  Cummins busted 79 in the next, but Evolution couldn't capitalise leaving Hogden the chance to complete the 701 on D4. 
The ninth leg was to be the last, the Kings facing a strong Evolution trio of Williams, Jak Doggatt and Jon Peters up against Cummins, Hogden and Sleath.  It was the ever reliable Cummins who sealed the fate of the opposition on D7 for victory and also came out on top in the scoring department, nailing 120 and 3x100;  Sleath 100 and Hogden 120 supporting.   Peters and Williams were the only Evolution ton scorers.
Porter House will meet the Kings in the knock out Plate final after an impressive victory at the Junction playing Que Pasa Eagles, themselves no slouches.  Peter Ayres was impressive in the first triple, nailing 125 and 100, Matt Jackson going out on D4.  Ayres added a further ton in the second, Eagle Stuart Clark countering with 121 and 140, but to no avail as Ayres added D2 to his repertoire. 
Clark upped a gear in the third hitting 100,100,111, team mate Joe Cuyt hitting a ton to set up Clark to slip in D2 for 2-1.  Kevin Wood did most of the work in the fourth with a fine 123 and 73 out (S13,S20,D20) against Brian Nash, Yvonne Rouffignac and Ray Sanderson.  Nash 125 and Sanderson 120 plus D13 increased the lead for the Porters. 
Wood scored yet another ton in the sixth, Rouffignac repeating the feat for Porters but Den Hall pegged out on D10 for 3 apiece, the match now nicely poised.  A 140 from Jim Waddell gave Eagles the edge after the break, but former comedian Ayres really raised the tempo with 2x100 and a 78 out (S18,S20,D20) for a narrow lead. 
Wood somehow busted 139 in the eighth, Hayes D10 taking full advantage of the slip.  Clark added a further ton in the ninth but so did Ayres, allowing Jackson to finish on D20.  No tons in the tenth apart from a magnificent 127 out but from who else but Ayres (T19,T10,D20).  Great performance from the old chap, 6 tons a 78 and 127 out, how the Porters missed Ayres over the Christmas period. 
Both finals will be played on April 23rd at yet to be decided neutral venues.
Last week´s top of the table clash
A stunning 49 tons plus a multitude of 80 pluses were recorded in last week´s top of the table clash between the Hyenas and Meerkats, in a jam packed Hub Sports Bar.  29 of the tons went to the Kats who gave their best performance of the season so far. 
The Hyenas´ ton tally would have toppled any other side, such was the standard of play.  Captain Simon Williams had no problem motivating his side, but they were slow out of the blocks in the first three triples and paid the price by being 3-0 down to doubles from Pat Abrams D10, Dave Frew D2 and Abrams D10 in the third.   
Most of the damage coming from Paul Durrant 125,125,116 plus a 140 from Abrams.  Hyenas response a ton from John Eyre and two more from Nick Spicer.  The same two were chosen by Williams for the first pairs against Abrams and Alex Nikolov, Spicer recorded 100,100,123, Nikolov 2x100, but the all important double went to Abrams on D13. 
Shaun Smith figured next with the captain, Smith recently laid low with an ear infection gave a good account of himself with 100 and 140 equalled by Frew and Del Kingsbury, the latter finding the crucial double D20. 
Lee Maiden got himself on the score board with a ton and D20 partnering Durrant in their game with both Joe´s, Hawkins and Miller.  0-6 at half time, absolutely unbelievable and at least a draw for the league leaders, keeping the Hyenas at least a point behind and the Kats unbeaten record intact. 
Williams response was emphatic, Spicer to go first against Graham Todd.  The Meerkat gave their top man a real fright, scoring 95,117,121 and 133 plus taking the second of three legs.  Spicer´s response 2x100, 140 and both doubles for the Hyenas´ first leg of the evening.  Smith was selected next and yet again it was a three leg thriller, in fact 5 of the 6 singles went all 3 legs. 
Smith´s opponent Frew 100,121 took the first in 18 darts and added 100,140 in the two remaining legs only for the talented Smith to take out D8,D5 plus 2x100.  The noise level increased as the hosts sensed the draw was a possibility with 4 strong players remaining. 
Miller was next and opened with 100 and 109 v. Abrams who couldn't find a treble, but managed D10 for the first.  Miller took the second with 140 and D10, Abrams having the darts in the decider.  The Meerkat stepped up a gear and recorded 100,137 and then D9 for the game match and both points.  Miller 100 in the decider was very unlucky in what was a great tussel. 
Eyre enjoyed the throw against Durrant in the 9th leg and posted a 140 and D20, his opponent 100 and 95.  A 99 and 2x100 from the Meerkat plus the double made it all square. 
Eyre couldn't take advantage of throw in the third as Durrant nailed 2x100 and D20 for the game.  The fifth single went all the way as Hawkins took the first on D16 and slipped in a ton in the second against Nikolov who matched the ton but nailed 85 with T15 and D20. 
That seemed to knock the stuffing out of the useful Hawkins who failed to hit any big scores as the Bulgarian made it 2-1 with 100 and 139.  Maiden concluded the match with the only 2-0 against a spirited Geoff Harvey performance, on D2 plus 99,100 and 121.  Quality match well hosted by Simon Williams and his Hyenas.
Finishing School
119 required:  If you throw for T20 and hit S20 you cannot finish in two.  Throw instead for T19 as a miss leaving 100 points means you can still finish.  
Question: How do you finish 65?Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46314/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: THE ELECTRICAL SHOP - BLUE LAGOON
RESULTS – 05 February 2015
K.O. CUP RESULTS
HUB MEERKATS 7 1 JUNCTION JACKALS
GOGARTY´S BULLS 1 7 HUB HYENAS
KO HANDICAP PLATE RESULTS
QUE PASA EAGLES 3 7 THE PORTER HOUSE
PINT DEPOT KINGS 7 2 EVOLUT...

### CLARO TO CONTEST THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS WITHOUT PRE-ELECTORAL PACTS

At a time when different parties and groups are making decisions about whether and how they will participate in the May, 2015 municipal elections, C.L.A.R.O.'s Executive adopted the following declaration.
C.L.A.R.O. will contest the next municipal elections in Orihuela on its own, as an independent party without entering into pre-election alliances or agreements with any other party or group.
C.L.A.R.O'S  experience in an electoral alliance in 2011 with the Centro Liberal Renovador (CLR) party was disastrous and its experience later of an agreement with the Popular Party of Orihuela was equally disappointing.    The CLR-CLARO electoral alliance of 2011 was threatened from the start by the attitude of CLR.   Instead of entering the government of Montserrate Guillen immediately after voting for him as Mayor, CLR delayed and were widely believed to be plotting behind the back of the Mayor and those who supported the government he formed in order to bring about its downfall and its replacement by a Popular Party government.   After a 3 week delay, CLR entered the government.    In the following months, they sought systematically to reduce the competences, resources and budget of the C.L.A.R.O. Councillor for the Coast.    In November, 2011, four months after entering into the government, Pedro Mancebo and Juan Ignacio Lopez Bas took the lead in expelling Bob Houliston from the CLR-CLARO municipal group, again in order to reduce his rights as a councillor.   To justify the expulsion, they claimed falsely, without any basis in fact, only the assertions of Modesto Veloso, who had already resigned from C.L.A.R.O. after failing to disrupt the Executive Committee of the party, that C.L.A.R.O. was negotiating with the Popular Party to bring down the government.   
Pedro Mancebo and Juan Ignacio Lopez Bas insist on using the description “CLR-CLARO” although they have both been expelled from the Electoral Coalition CLR-CLARO and politically, the Coalition is completely broken and has been since 2011.   However, legally it remains valid in a limited number of areas (principally the joint CLR-CLARO electoral list, as can be seen since the resignation as a councillor of Asuncion Mayoral) until 31 March, 2015 the day the May, 2015 municipal elections are officially declared.  Therefore on 31 March it will legally and definitively expire.   RIP.   No doubt until then CLR will continue to use the description CLR-CLARO for whatever political advantages they mistakenly think it gives them.
This experience and the lies which have been perpetrated by CLR regarding C.L.A.R.O.'s political record have convinced the party that C.L.A.R.O. must fight the forthcoming election entirely on its own without any pre-election alliance or agreement with any other party or group.
C.L.A.R.O. is a local party born of the need to correct injustices and unfairness in the government of Orihuela Costa.   We are a democratically run party without political ideology.    The first initials of our name stand for Closeness to the People and Honesty.   Our task in Orihuela Costa has been to create, in a diverse, multi-national population, a political consciousness and determination to participate in local government.   We believe in integration and have never supported separation from Orihuela.   We believe that the municipality of Orihuela with its great geographic dispersion and its diverse population should be governed on a decentralized basis with government being conducted as close as possible to the citizens affected by its decisions.   This will require transparency and openness.   In response to the many people worried by the present fragmented and uncertain political situation in Orihuela, C.L.A.R.O.  will offer to the voters in May the promise that we will work for change, fairness and efficiency on behalf of all those living in the municipality.
 
 
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46287/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: At a time when different parties and groups are making decisions about whether and how they will participate in the May, 2015 municipal elections, C.L.A.R.O.'s Executive adopted the following declaration.
C.L.A.R.O. will contest the next municipal el...

### BARBECUE OR WHAT?

It is often said that we go around with our eyes closed, and it seems that I am no exception. It is also certainly true that it sometimes takes showing visitors around the area where we live before we truly appreciate and understand what we have close by.
Walking our dog, Bella, recently with a good friend who was visiting the island led us to an area where we have walked many times by the sea before. In the distance was what I always thought to be a barbecue area, mainly because of the barbecue shaped concrete object in the distance, complete with chimney, that I have seen so many times before in official picnic and barbecue areas in Spain. Sadly, I had never bothered to investigate further.
It was only when our friend commented that what I had previously thought was a barbecue is, in fact, a ‘Trig Point'. I was vaguely aware of these objects, correctly named as triangulation points in the UK, but was not aware of seeing one in the Canary Islands, and I certainly did not expect to find one so close to home. In the UK, these trig points are concrete pillars used by the Ordnance Survey to discover the exact shape of the country. They are usually to be found at high levels of ground to allow for a direct line of sight from one trig point to the next. The top of the pillar is designed to allow for a theodolite (a kind of protractor built into a telescope) to be sited so that an accurate angle may be measured – a process called ‘triangulation'. 
The Ordnance Survey maps that are still lovingly used in the UK today were the result of a project that began in 1935, to accurately map out the shape of the country. The series of coordinates displayed is known as the ‘National Grid'.
The process appears to have been one of dedication and immense skill, since they claim an accuracy of just 3mm across the entire length of the country. Aerial photography, digital mapping and GPS measurements have largely superseded this process and, sadly, some of these trig points are disappearing or have fallen into disrepair.
The UK was not the only country to use this system of mapping, and many examples can be found in countries across the world. In Spain, there are over 11,000 triangulation stations erected by the Instituto Geographico Nacional (http://www.ign.es).
These are usually made up of a cylinder, some 120 cm high and 30 cm diameter on a concrete base. The trig point close to our home in Gran Canaria is of similar design, and was erected in July 1991. Whilst it could do with a bit of a makeover, it is reassuring to know that it is part of a nationwide network and that our islands were not forgotten. 
I will now be much more alert to find other trig points on Gran Canaria, as well as the other islands that we visit. The history and use of triangulation points is an interesting subject and I was delighted to discover that it was not just another barbecue.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.

© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46286/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: It is often said that we go around with our eyes closed, and it seems that I am no exception. It is also certainly true that it sometimes takes showing visitors around the area where we live before we truly appreciate and understand what we have close ...

### COASTAL COUNCILLOR TO LEAVE POLITICS

The current councillor for the Orihuela Costa, Martina Scheurer of the Los Verdes green party, has announced that she will not be standing in the next elections in May.
The move will not only mean the end of a councillor that many have seen as both popular and committed to the coast, but also her assistant, Heike Schug, who has also been praised for her work during their time in the role serving the coast and international residents.
When asked for the reason why she will not be standing, Scheurer responded, saying, “my health and my marriage are more important than the politics of Orihuela”.
Despite having their differences on a number of topics, Scheurer also said that she has to agree with CLARO councillor Bob Houliston, when he says that the Orihuela Costa is continually neglected by the municipal government. “With the exception of one or two, none of the councillors are interested in the coast”, a fact which has apparently become more apparent during her time in office. 
“As a minority councillor in a minority group (Los Verdes) in a coalition of a minority government, one person cannot change it all, I have seen that. Even little things like trying to arrange the Christmas lights for the coast meant hurdles to jump to get agreement from my own government members, such as Carolina Gracia from festivities”, continuing, “the same is in infrastructure, it is almost impossible to get agreement from those politicians who have never even attended the site meetings and seen the problems on the coast”, referring to the most recently appointed council member, Victor Ruíz.
Scheurer also upset her colleagues in an interview on radio this week, when asked about the reasons why major projects like the park at La Regia are still outstanding, explaining how, “I have done everything I can, prepared the projects, planned and submitted everything needed, but, in my personal opinion, I can´t see the money from the sale of land being released during our term. It is in the hands of the municipal auditors, and they say that there are still many legal requirements to satisfy before the money can be released, such as paying off debts and other priorities. I am not saying that they will never be completed and the money never released, but I can´t see it happening during this administration”.
“Maybe that´s why I´m not like other politicians, Scheurer says, “You have to be political and hide things but the truth is more important instead of stringing people along making false promises that may not be achieved”. 
“It is very frustrating to be in a position with no real power to make a difference”, she continued, “constantly many people say how the Orihuela Costa has 35,000 residents and should take priority over the city as the coast pays more in taxes, but it is simply not actually true. Yes, those people reside on the coast, but when it comes to making an actual difference, how many are registered to and take the trouble to vote? Only a small fraction. That is the real figure, the voters, those who can make a difference and do. Without the support, nobody can enforce change”. During the end of year campaign to encourage residents to ensure they are on the voters register, there were only around 200 additional people registered, “To see that is the most disappointing thing. If there had been an increase in voting interest things would be different”.
When asked if she will still continue with her political life within the Los Verdes, that response too was “no”, which will be a sad loss to many of those who have come to know the coastal management team during their time in the town hall, and no doubt also spells the end of the Los Verdes, who are contesting the elections but have already agreed a pact in which to try to battle the two biggest parties dominating the past, the PP and the PSOE, with the only apparent hope for the Orihuela Costa now being a radical rethink of the commitment by those parties, or the trust in the smaller groups who are still trying to have the voice of the coast heard.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46285/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The current councillor for the Orihuela Costa, Martina Scheurer of the Los Verdes green party, has announced that she will not be standing in the next elections in May.
The move will not only mean the end of a councillor that many have seen as both p...

### EASY HORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE WALK NEGLECTED MARE TO SAFETY

A neglected horse rescued from Formentera del Segura had to be walked four kilometers to Rojales after the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre's horse trailer broke down.
Founders Sue and Rod Weeding received multiple calls about the mare, which was being kept in a small rubbish-strewn yard with very little food or water.
After the matter was reported to police, the horse's owner agreed to hand the malnourished mare over to the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre last Sunday (January 25).
But Sue and Rod were forced to walk the mare the 45-minute journey home to their centre after the axle snapped on their aging horse trailer this month.
“The trailer is 15 years old and has rescued well over 100 horses and done thousands of kilometers,” Sue said.
“We're going to get it repaired, but really we need a new and reliable trailer because we have to be ready to a rescue an animal at any time, we are constantly taking horses to Barcelona for specialist veterinarian treatment and if we have an emergency at our centre our horses are always rushed to the Alicante horse hospital. Also we transport most of the horse feed in it so the trailer is used almost every day.
“With the work that we do, we never manage to get enough money together to buy a new trailer because there's always another rescue, another emergency or surgery. The horses come first.”
Several supporters have pledged money via Facebook to help fund a new trailer and Sue says any further donations would be gratefully received.
“We're lucky this mare was a local rescue and we were able to get her out of that hellhole even without the trailer,” Sue said.
Donations can be made by calling 652 021 980 or visiting www.easyhorsecare.net. Purchases made at the centre's network of eight charity shops also help fund the feeding and care of the 87 horses, ponies and donkeys that live at the centre.
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre is located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga 59, and opens to the public on the first Sunday of every month between 1pm and 4pm.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46279/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A neglected horse rescued from Formentera del Segura had to be walked four kilometers to Rojales after the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre's horse trailer broke down.
Founders Sue and Rod Weeding received multiple calls about the mare, which was being k...

### MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC REQUIRED FOR CROWD SCENE

Siesta Productions are inviting any members of the public that would like to appear in their Feature Film "The Cucaracha Club" being shot here on the Costablanca, to join them in Torrevieja, on the Ferry dock for the Tabarca Ferry, Sunday the 1st of March 2015 at 10:00 AM, filming should only take about and hour and we need as many faces as possible, of all ages said Director Rai Woods.
The filmed crowd scene will be in the finished production, expected to be on release by the Autumn. The Film is already gaining some notoriety with in the industry, having been invited to an international film festival even before the final scenes have been completed.
The Theme Tune for the Film is very popular on you tube, this can be seen by entering Cucaracha Club Video in your internet search engine, Its sung by the popular local singer, Chloe Leigh with the Fabulous Replays. should you require further details you can contact Siesta via their web site www.siesta.productions or email siestaproductions2012@gmail.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46277/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Siesta Productions are inviting any members of the public that would like to appear in their Feature Film "The Cucaracha Club" being shot here on the Costablanca, to join them in Torrevieja, on the Ferry dock for the Tabarca Ferry, Sunday the 1st of March 2015 at 10:00 AM, filming should only take about and hour and we need as many faces as possible, of all ages said Director Rai Woods.
The filmed crowd scene will be in the finished production, expected to be on release by the Autumn. The Film is already gaining some notoriety with in the industry, having been invited to an international film festival even before the final scenes have been completed.
The Theme Tune for the Film is very popular on you tube, this can be seen by entering Cucaracha Club Video in your internet search engine, Its sung by the popular local singer, Chloe Leigh with the Fabulous Replays. should you require further details you can contact Siesta via their web site www.siesta.productions or email siestaproductions2012@gmail.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46277/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### BRITISH RESIDENTS DISCUSS CONCERNS WITH ALICANTE CONSUL AT FOCUS GROUPS

As part of a visit to the Alicante Consular District this week, Consular Regional Director for Southern Europe, Will Middleton and the newly appointed British Consul to Alicante Sarah-Jane Morris, have held focus groups with members of the British Community in San Fulgencio and Calpe.
Vice Consul Lloyd Milen also attended the meetings, where the aim was for the Consulate to gain a deeper understanding of the issues that most concern British nationals in the area. Over the coming year the Consulate plans to hold further focus groups in Orihuela, Torrevieja, Rojales, Javea, Mazarron, Benidorm, Pilar de la Horadada and Teulada. 
Expatriates who attended the focus groups raised a variety of issues, including the difficulties they face in getting accurate, up-to-date information on their rights and responsibilities when living in Spain, and how best to plan for the future. 
They talked about how the Consulate can help, and also about what British residents can do to support each other and integrate more through learning Spanish and linking into the local Spanish-speaking community.  Attendees seemed pleased to hear from the Consulate and see that they were taking time to listen to them. 
Will Middleton, who manages British Consulates across southern Europe, said: 
“Alicante is an area of Spain with the one of biggest British resident populations, so it is essential that we make sure we are aware of their concerns. We can then work with the local authorities and charities to provide residents with the help and support that they need. That is why we are holding these focus groups.”
Alicante Consul Sarah-Jane Morris said: 
“It has been really valuable for me to get the chance to listen to the concerns of the British community here. My job is to make sure that those concerns do reach the ears of those who need to hear them, be that the UK or Spanish authorities. 
“It was also an opportunity to celebrate the success of many of the volunteering initiatives that are going on and thank in person some of those individuals who give so much of their own time and energy to helping others through their voluntary work. There are some examples of real community spirit out there and I want to really help champion and support that wherever I can.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46276/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As part of a visit to the Alicante Consular District this week, Consular Regional Director for Southern Europe, Will Middleton and the newly appointed British Consul to Alicante Sarah-Jane Morris, have held focus groups with members of the British Comm...

### MUSIC OF THE NIGHT CONCERTS ... SATURDAY 31ST JANUARY

The concerts 'Music of the Night', produced and directed by Nigel Hopkins at the Orihuela Costa Resort at La Zenia last Saturday, hit new heights in entertainment on the Costa.
The shows featured the Costa's leading choir, Melody Makers International, along with Cantemos! Youth. Special guests were KARISMA, the girls harmony group consisting of Janelle Gaskell, Elise MacGregor, Holly Neeson and Gemma Gamble Garcia.
The show was opened with the impressive Melody Makers singing Anthem from Chess and Jesus Christ Superstar. There followed a fully staged and costumed performance of a medley from Annie by the talented youngsters of Cantemos!
The girls harmony group KARISMA showed the more than 1,100 people present what all the fuss had been about them with their wonderful harmonies in songs such as What I Did For Love and I Dreamed A Dream, drawing enthusiastic applause from the huge audiences.
The four adult soloists were excellent with the honours going to Alyson Horsfall who soared above the 60 strong chorus in a special arrangement of Climb Every Mountain from Sound of Music, and Eric Berg, who gave a flawless rendition of If I Were A Rich Man - acted in costume - to an appreciative audience.
The most enthusiastic applause, however, was given to a surprise performance of Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera given in cloak and mask by professional UK tenor Matthew Hopkins - son of conductor Nigel Hopkins. Matthew, Director of Music at Nottingham Trent University also led the professional band on the keyboards as well as writing the band parts for the entire performance.
The choirs Melody Makers International and Cantemos! Youth went from strength to strength culminating in a grand finale, led by Karisma, of You Don't Have To Say You Love Me which drew lengthy and vociferous standing ovations from the satisfied audience.
The concerts supported two local charities, with Samaritans in Spain raising 600€, whilst Help At Home raised 750€, the extra by virtue of the donations given to them by Nigel Hopkins for the sale of his CD album of popular songs.
Christopher BradburyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46274/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The concerts 'Music of the Night', produced and directed by Nigel Hopkins at the Orihuela Costa Resort at La Zenia last Saturday, hit new heights in entertainment on the Costa.
The shows featured the Costa's leading choir, Melody Makers International,...

### MASTERS SWIMMING IN ELCHE

This weekend “Club Natacion Torrevieja” Masters competed in the “2nd Masters Timed Control” in the Community of Alicante.
The competition brought together 153 masters from 22 clubs across the region at the 50 m pool in Elche. Each Master was allowed 2 individual races plus a relay. Torrevieja's 6 person team started the day well with Adam Stewart's 400 m Freestyle, a good race by Adam, but not a personal best. Adam went on to race the 1500 m freestyle whilst sister Lucy swam the 50 m Breastroke event.  
In the 65-69 yrs category Paul Matthews was pleased with his 50 m Backstroke and 100 m Freestyle races, placed first in his category, after suffering neck injuries over the last few months. Rafael Bordes Alonso, unable to compete in the 400 m Freestyle, had a good swim in the 50 m Breaststroke and then went onto race in the 4 x 50 m medley relay.  
The final two women in the team had excellent swims Beth Altabas setting new personal bests in her 200 m Freestyle and 1500 m Freestyle events. In the 70-74yrs category Beth beat her European Championships times with a swim of 3:27;42 in the 200 m and 28;17;75 in the 1500 m Freestyle. Colleague Vicki Connolly set a new best in the 50 m Breaststroke 46;29 and first place in the 45-49 yrs category , as well as 1st in her 1500 m Freestyle with a time of 23:55;63. This stands both team mates in a good position for the first Spanish Long Distance National Championships (3 kms) next weekend in Sabadell, Barcelona. 
The final event of the the day the 4 x 50 m mixed medley relay the team came 1st in the 200 yrs category. Rafa swimming the first keg, 50 m Backstroke, Vicki 50 m Breaststroke, Beth 50 m Butterfly and Paul the final leg, 50 m Freestyle. The team finished with a time of 3:03;46.
For more information regarding Torrevieja Swimming Club please contact Rosa 665 454 126, President Felipe on 609 418 776 or VickiFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46271/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This weekend “Club Natacion Torrevieja” Masters competed in the “2nd Masters Timed Control” in the Community of Alicante.
The competition brought together 153 masters from 22 clubs across the region at the 50 m pool in Elche. E...

### TENNIS- AMERICAN TOURNAMENT AT CAMPOAMOR [golf]

The January tournament took place on Friday 30th. The weather was perfect, the warmest day of the year and the day before strong winds hit the Costa Blanca.
Eighteen players participated and after 6 rounds of 7 games and 3 hours of play, the top two scoring men and women competed in a one set final.
Preliminary rounds results.       
MEN                                                        
1ST Rafa de leo  19pts                     
2nd Andrew White 18pts              
3rd Raimundo Martinez  15pts                     
WOMEN
1st Rachel Palmer  19pts           
2nd Helen Coggle 18pts          
3rd= Ros Godward 17pts             
3rd = Anne White 17pts                       
A competitive final saw Rachel and Andrew staging a comeback from 5-2 before losing 6-4 to the winners, Helen and Rafa. After the fun, sociable and competitive tennis the players enjoyed a drink and some also had something to eat on the hotel terrace, with beautiful views down to la Manga.
The tournament coincided with the annual meal for the weekly, Thursday and Monday coaching and social play tennis groups. So in the evening those players involved enjoyed a night out at a local restaurant. After an excellent meal the medal for the highest scoring Thursday club session player was awarded, congratulations to Christine Reed on her 2nd year in a row.
Tournament organizer, Steve Durie, would like to thank regular players and those who visit, for supporting the tournaments and weekly tennis sessions held at Campoamor. Anyone interested in joining in with the organized tennis at Campoamor can contact Steve, tel 635061439. E-mail sdurie@hotmail.co.uk or see www.tennisandpadel.com. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46270/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The January tournament took place on Friday 30th. The weather was perfect, the warmest day of the year and the day before strong winds hit the Costa Blanca.
Eighteen players participated and after 6 rounds of 7 games and 3 hours of play, the top two s...

### TV SUCCESS FOR LOCAL ACTRESS

Young Vicky Cartledge who lives in Los Montesinos is being propelled to stardom in more than one language. Vicky, who is an actress playing multiple roles in the feature Film "The Cucaracha Club", has shown so much versatility that she has landed a part in a new Spanish Police Drama being shot in the region playing a BBC reporter.
In Aspe a while ago, she and 4 other Cucaracha Club Actors linked up with some of the cast of the new drama, on the set of another Spanish-made production about a woman who has a Compulsive Cleaning disorder. 
Not content with being on film and television, this pint-sized little power mite, will be treading the boards on stage in April in the ADHOC Players next production, the much anticipated "Sex and the Short working Week".
 A Comedy set in the time of UK Miners Strike. Vicky will play a 'Lady of the night'. 
Writers Philip Stephen Routledge & Billie Anthony'Gaddess, who wrote the script for the Feature Film she is currently involved in making, are so impressed with Victoria that she will be an integral part of the next plot. In the second outing for the Cucaracha Club, the details of which are secret at this time, the production process is already moving at a pace, with music and locations being organised. Details regarding these projects can be found on the following web site: www.siesta.productions
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46269/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Young Vicky Cartledge who lives in Los Montesinos is being propelled to stardom in more than one language. Vicky, who is an actress playing multiple roles in the feature Film "The Cucaracha Club", has shown so much versatility that she has landed a part in a new Spanish Police Drama being shot in the region playing a BBC reporter.
In Aspe a while ago, she and 4 other Cucaracha Club Actors linked up with some of the cast of the new drama, on the set of another Spanish-made production about a woman who has a Compulsive Cleaning disorder. 
Not content with being on film and television, this pint-sized little power mite, will be treading the boards on stage in April in the ADHOC Players next production, the much anticipated "Sex and the Short working Week".
 A Comedy set in the time of UK Miners Strike. Vicky will play a 'Lady of the night'. 
Writers Philip Stephen Routledge & Billie Anthony'Gaddess, who wrote the script for the Feature Film she is currently involved in making, are so impressed with Victoria that she will be an integral part of the next plot. In the second outing for the Cucaracha Club, the details of which are secret at this time, the production process is already moving at a pace, with music and locations being organised. Details regarding these projects can be found on the following web site: www.siesta.productions
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46269/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### ORIHUELA GRAFFITI PAINTERS IN CLEANUP CAMPAIGN

Under the supervision of the local police, nine young graffiti vandals between the ages of 17 and 23, were allowed to daub the walls of various buildings in the city, although their task this time was to clean up the mess that they had made.
The investigation which led to their identification has been continuing for some time, with officers noting a variety of “tags” used to identify the painter of the murals. In collaboration with a specialist unit in Alicante, where a unit is dedicated to identifying such perpetrators, the team sought to find those responsible for what many consider to be an eyesore blighting the walls of public buildings.
Some of the “tags” were already known to the specialist investigators, but the team then set about identifying the others using social network sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as monitoring local activity on the ground with the help of cameras.
After confirming the identity of those involved, the relevant files were opened and the suspects called to testify at the police station. All admitted the facts and expressed their willingness to collaborate in a cleaning program. 
Therefore, the nine offenders have participated in an educational rehabilitation program, which offers an element of theory, but mostly practical exercises, cleaning the painted areas of the most targeted buildings. 
The police and the urban cleaning teams have expressed satisfaction in the success of the program, and the positive results from the implementation. Now, with a growing database of identifying factors of the so called street artists, it is hoped that reoffending will not occur, especially as they now face a return to the scene to clean up their mess once more.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46264/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Under the supervision of the local police, nine young graffiti vandals between the ages of 17 and 23, were allowed to daub the walls of various buildings in the city, although their task this time was to clean up the mess that they had made.
The inve...

### PROJECTS FOR ORIHUELA COSTA

Last Friday Martina Scheurer handed in officially to Orihuela Town Hall the different projects ready to put out to tender and to be paid out of the 40% of the sale of land.
These are:
The park in La Regia for a total amount of 254.686,55€.
This would include a fitness parcours, a mountain bike parcours, an area exclusively for dogs, a complete new multisport zone and, what is most important, channelizing the rain water to avoid future damages. The whole sports installations would be situated in the higher part of the park, due to the fact that the lower part is involved in a court case and therefore no investment can be made there until the court case which has to certify the ownership of the town hall, is not finished.
Footpaths and cycling lane on Carretera S. Miguel de Salinas, from the Comercial Center La Fuente passing the Mercadona for a total amount of 241.932,74€.
This area looks very abandoned at the present moment. It is the main road inland of Orihuela Costa which connects the different Golf Courses and all the urbanisations.
Work on the roundabout in La Zenia on the N332 for a total amount of 176.763,50€.
As known the Ministry of Streets responsible for the N332 has issued a resolution to turn Calle Maestro Torralba and Calle Alhambra into one-way-streets and forcing the town hall to carry out work of improvement in the roundabout area. At the same time the 2 missing bus stops would be built together with a new parking area which will be situated next to the taxi stop.
Work on the cliffs of Cabo Roig for a total amount of 246.552,79€.
Around Cabo Roig beach side and especially next to Cala Capitán part of the rocks has fallen down and already since last year the paseo situated underneath cannot be used anymore. This project includes the installation to maintain the soil and rock in place to avoid future landslides and make the whole paseo usable again for tourist and residents.
These projects mentioned above are all been ready for a long time. The money of the sale has not yet been released – not to the Orihuela Costa and neither to the other departments. The chief financial employee of the town hall, the Interventor (Auditor), is closing the balance of the year to be able to judge the financial situation. Where in the past income from land sale could be used only for investment, those laws have changed and this kind of unforeseen income can and should now also be used to guarantee the budget stability.
I do hope that the money will be released. The projects are complete and ready to be used, in the case of the roundabout in La Zenia there is even a time schedule from the Ministry of Streets to be maintained. The total of these projects does not use up the 40% but are the most urgent ones to be done.
Cleaning the Microreserva Aguamarina – Campoamor:
In collaboration with the Consellería of Environment there will be a small team coming along (ca. Datum) for a few days to clean the area of the micro reserve of Aguamarina – La Glea.
Whoever wants to volunteer on those days can get in touch with residentes@orihuela.es. The work will coordinated by Trino Ferrandez, assistant of Manuel Gallud, councillor from Los Verdes of the department of Environment of Orihuela.
Ecoparque:
Meanwhile I got hold of the Project mentioned and ordered by Pedro Mancebo to build a large garage for the waste vehicles in Lomas de Campoamor. First thing I found out is that he did not follow the legal procedure to order such a Project, which would have been to apply for 3 price offers and order it to the cheapest, with the overview of course of a technician. This is the reason why this Project has not been paid yet as no technician signs responsible for it.
The total amount would be more than 600.000€. And this amount does not include the Ecoparque itself, it only considers the garage. Even though a motion presented by Centro Liberal to the Plenum regarding this Project, a motion which went through, it is clear that this work will not be carried out in the near future due to absolute lack of money.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46263/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Last Friday Martina Scheurer handed in officially to Orihuela Town Hall the different projects ready to put out to tender and to be paid out of the 40% of the sale of land.
These are:
The park in La Regia for a total amount of 254.686,55€.
Thi...

### FIVE INJURED IN ELCHE ROUNDABOUT CRASHES

Five people were injured in a two bizarre crashes on roundabouts in Elche on Monday, occurring within hours of each other and close proximity.
The first crash occurred at around 4 in the morning when a car heading towards Elche on the Santa Pola road mounted the roundabout at the intersection of the south ring road and crashed into a fountain. The occupants managed to escape the vehicle before it burst into flames.
The second crash was around noon, when a car mounted the roundabout at the junction of avenidas El Altet and Manuel Martínez Valero, close to the Elche football ground, landing on its side. The occupant of this vehicle had to be extracted by fire fighters. Medical staff had to call on the assistance of the police to restrain the driver for treatment, after the 24 year old was said to be suffering an anxiety attack after the incident.
The victims were all taken to hospital by medical staff, in varying degrees of injury, although none were life-threatening.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46262/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Five people were injured in a two bizarre crashes on roundabouts in Elche on Monday, occurring within hours of each other and close proximity.
The first crash occurred at around 4 in the morning when a car heading towards Elche on the Santa Pola road...

### DRUGS FOUND ON SHIP IN PILAR

Officers from the Guardia Civil seized 465 kilos of cocaine found on a boat in Pilar de la Horadada this week.
Officers spotted the boat performing “strange movements” around the harbour of Torre de la Horadada, arousing the suspicions of the officers who then began to monitor it closely.
The officers then boarded the vessel and found 13 packages containing a total of 465 kilograms of cocaine, subsequently arresting the two crew members, a Spanish man in his 70´s and his son in his 40´s.
The detainees and the drugs were delivered to the courts in Orihuela.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46261/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil seized 465 kilos of cocaine found on a boat in Pilar de la Horadada this week.
Officers spotted the boat performing “strange movements” around the harbour of Torre de la Horadada, arousing the suspicions of...

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 2 FEBRUARY 2015

IRAQ BOUND
The first 30 members of the Special Operations Command due to be deployed in Iraq left last Wednesday night in an Airbus of the 45th Group of the Spanish Air Force from Torrejon Air Base, transferring the first military personnel tasked with helping train the Iraqi armed forces. The contingent will be integrated into the international coalition to combat the terrorist group DAESH. They will be deployed in both Besmaya and Baghdad. The rest of the contingent will travel in the coming weeks, until all 300 of the full military contingent are deployed.
SMALL CHANGE
El Corte Inglés are introducing a new style of shopping trolley in their grocery stores, described as being lighter, compact and more manageable for the shopper, with more depth than the traditional trolley but taking up less space, the trolley has a 100 litre capacity, has a perimeter handle and can spin 360 degrees. The trolley is also designed to be easier to handle for those less able bodied shoppers. So far, 14 areas have had the new trolleys introduced, including in Alicante.
BOX CLEVER
A motorist in the northern Spanish city of Vigo had a lucky escape this week, when a good container fell from the sky and crashed onto his car. An investigation has been launched to ascertain how an incident that had a lucky outcome this time could have occurred. 
CERVANTES CASKET FOUND
Experts searching for the remains of Miguel de Cervantes said that they found wooden fragments of a casket bearing the initials "M.C." with bones in and around them in a crypt underneath the chapel of a cloistered convent in Madrid. Archeologists made the find during excavations to solve the centuries-old mystery of where the famed Spanish writer was laid to rest. Aanthropologist Francisco Etxeberria will now start examining the bones. Cervantes was 69 when he died and investigators have solid clues to work with as they conduct their probe. 
FITUR SETS PACE
The International Tourism Fair, also known as FITUR, held its 35th edition in Madrid, Spain last week. The Spanish capital is the headquarters of the World Tourism Organisation and FITUR, which is the first in a series of major tourism fairs held across the world annually sets the tempo for activities in the travel industry. The trade show exhibited 9,107 companies from 165 countries and hosted around 200,000 visitors from around the world, of which 120,000 were professionals, generating revenue of about 200 million euros for the city of Madrid.
RAJOY ON DEFENSIVE 
The 60-year-old prime minister has been eclipsed in recent opinion polls by Pablo Iglesias, 36, the leader of the newly created anti-austerity party Podemos, while the 42-year-old Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez says Rajoy is out-of-date. Even within the government, 43-year-old Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria's approval rating was 11 percentage points higher than her boss, in a Metroscopia poll for El Pais newspaper.
MORÓN AIR BASE
Negotiations are taking place between Spain and the United States with the aim of accomodating the permanent deployment of a crisis response military force at Morón de la Frontera Air Base (Seville). The temporary deployment of this force was authorised on 19 April 2013 for the security of partners and neighbours, as well as for Spain, in a key region for maintaining global peace and stability.
PRIVATE FLY
The Spanish government has given the green light to the sale of airport operator AENA, initially selling a 28% share of the company which is the world's biggest airport operator by passenger volume. The shares will be listed on 11 February, with the sale set to bring in between 1.5 and 2 billion euro. Aena operates 46 Spanish airports and has stakes in other airports, such as Colombia, Mexico and London's Luton, dealing with 187 million passengers a year. 51% of the capital will remain in the hands of the State and the workers will continue to be public servants. 
WILDFIRES
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Affairs has published the statistics on wildfires between 1 January and 31 December 2014 on its website, which indicates that a total number of 9,754 wildfires occurred in 2014, the lowest amount in the last 10 years. Until this year, the lowest number of wildfires in a single year during the last decade was 10,797 (in 2013).
NI CONTRIBUTIONS
The number of foreigners registered with the Spanish Social Security System stood at 1,552,639 in December, an increase of 0.21% on the previous month and an increase of 3,241 average contributors. This is the first increase in the number of foreign NI contributors in Spain following five months of decline (since June 2014 when the number rose slightly by 0.09%).
PODEMOS HAIL GREEK WIN
Following Syriza's win in the Greek elections at the weekend Spain's anti-austerity party Podemos hailed the victory with a dig at Germany. “It is the people's hour,” the party tweeted, while Miguel Urbano, a Podemos leader in Athens to support Syriza said: “We have come to . . . see with our own eyes the change that is starting in Greece but which is happening for the people of the south of Europe.” Another, Pablo Iglesias, said: "We will work to support Syriza but we will also work in Spain, acknowledging that it is a different economic and political reality."
GAY PRIDE
Spain's King Felipe VI has appeared on the wrap of last week's bilingual Ragap magazine making him the world's first monarch to appear on the cover of a gay magazine. The king was featured in a special edition of the publication which will be given away at the International Tourism Fair in Madrid. The royal household say that they are aware and approve of his appearance in the magazine, which specialises on homosexual, bisexual, and transsexual topics.
ISOLATION WARD 
The government has agreed to set up a high-level isolation ward in the Central Defence Hospital, Madrid, to deal with cases of highly infectious diseases. A spokesperson said the aim is to "strengthen, improve and modernise an already-existing unit to provide the national defence service and the National Health System with highly necessary healthcare resources. It will not exclusively be a facility for Ebola-related cases.
POLICE ARRESTS
Five officers from the National Police Scientific Unit in Madrid have been arrested accused of tampering with evidence. The arrests were made at the weekend at the Carabanchel police station where they are based, before being transferred to the courts. The officers were later released with charges pending, although the irregularities under investigation are said to be “minor”.
FINE CHINA
Newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Spain, Mr. Lv Fan, praised the success of 41 years of bilateral cooperation between Spain and China which have seen frequent high-level diplomatic visits that have strengthened the mutual confidence between both nations. The Ambassador made the statement at an official reception in Madrid to celebrate his appointment as Chinese Ambassador to Spain, a country he had worked in as a diplomat 20 years ago. Last year, the President of the Government of Spain, Mariano Rajoy, visited China and signed a cooperation agreements valued at 3.2 billion euro. In 2014, bilateral trade between the nations set a new record at 28 billion dollars, making China the most important non-EU trade partner to Spain. Chinese investment in Spain was worth 933 million euro in 2014.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46260/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: IRAQ BOUND
The first 30 members of the Special Operations Command due to be deployed in Iraq left last Wednesday night in an Airbus of the 45th Group of the Spanish Air Force from Torrejon Air Base, transferring the first military personnel tasked with helping train the Iraqi armed forces. The contingent will be integrated into the international coalition to combat the terrorist group DAESH. They will be deployed in both Besmaya and Baghdad. The rest of the contingent will travel in the coming weeks, until all 300 of the full military contingent are deployed.
SMALL CHANGE
El Corte Inglés are introducing a new style of shopping trolley in their grocery stores, described as being lighter, compact and more manageable for the shopper, with more depth than the traditional trolley but taking up less space, the trolley has a 100 litre capacity, has a perimeter handle and can spin 360 degrees. The trolley is also designed to be easier to handle for those less able bodied shoppers. So far, 14 areas have had the new trolleys introduced, including in Alicante.
BOX CLEVER
A motorist in the northern Spanish city of Vigo had a lucky escape this week, when a good container fell from the sky and crashed onto his car. An investigation has been launched to ascertain how an incident that had a lucky outcome this time could have occurred. 
CERVANTES CASKET FOUND
Experts searching for the remains of Miguel de Cervantes said that they found wooden fragments of a casket bearing the initials "M.C." with bones in and around them in a crypt underneath the chapel of a cloistered convent in Madrid. Archeologists made the find during excavations to solve the centuries-old mystery of where the famed Spanish writer was laid to rest. Aanthropologist Francisco Etxeberria will now start examining the bones. Cervantes was 69 when he died and investigators have solid clues to work with as they conduct their probe. 
FITUR SETS PACE
The International Tourism Fair, also known as FITUR, held its 35th edition in Madrid, Spain last week. The Spanish capital is the headquarters of the World Tourism Organisation and FITUR, which is the first in a series of major tourism fairs held across the world annually sets the tempo for activities in the travel industry. The trade show exhibited 9,107 companies from 165 countries and hosted around 200,000 visitors from around the world, of which 120,000 were professionals, generating revenue of about 200 million euros for the city of Madrid.
RAJOY ON DEFENSIVE 
The 60-year-old prime minister has been eclipsed in recent opinion polls by Pablo Iglesias, 36, the leader of the newly created anti-austerity party Podemos, while the 42-year-old Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez says Rajoy is out-of-date. Even within the government, 43-year-old Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria's approval rating was 11 percentage points higher than her boss, in a Metroscopia poll for El Pais newspaper.
MORÓN AIR BASE
Negotiations are taking place between Spain and the United States with the aim of accomodating the permanent deployment of a crisis response military force at Morón de la Frontera Air Base (Seville). The temporary deployment of this force was authorised on 19 April 2013 for the security of partners and neighbours, as well as for Spain, in a key region for maintaining global peace and stability.
PRIVATE FLY
The Spanish government has given the green light to the sale of airport operator AENA, initially selling a 28% share of the company which is the world's biggest airport operator by passenger volume. The shares will be listed on 11 February, with the sale set to bring in between 1.5 and 2 billion euro. Aena operates 46 Spanish airports and has stakes in other airports, such as Colombia, Mexico and London's Luton, dealing with 187 million passengers a year. 51% of the capital will remain in the hands of the State and the workers will continue to be public servants. 
WILDFIRES
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Affairs has published the statistics on wildfires between 1 January and 31 December 2014 on its website, which indicates that a total number of 9,754 wildfires occurred in 2014, the lowest amount in the last 10 years. Until this year, the lowest number of wildfires in a single year during the last decade was 10,797 (in 2013).
NI CONTRIBUTIONS
The number of foreigners registered with the Spanish Social Security System stood at 1,552,639 in December, an increase of 0.21% on the previous month and an increase of 3,241 average contributors. This is the first increase in the number of foreign NI contributors in Spain following five months of decline (since June 2014 when the number rose slightly by 0.09%).
PODEMOS HAIL GREEK WIN
Following Syriza's win in the Greek elections at the weekend Spain's anti-austerity party Podemos hailed the victory with a dig at Germany. “It is the people's hour,” the party tweeted, while Miguel Urbano, a Podemos leader in Athens to support Syriza said: “We have come to . . . see with our own eyes the change that is starting in Greece but which is happening for the people of the south of Europe.” Another, Pablo Iglesias, said: "We will work to support Syriza but we will also work in Spain, acknowledging that it is a different economic and political reality."
GAY PRIDE
Spain's King Felipe VI has appeared on the wrap of last week's bilingual Ragap magazine making him the world's first monarch to appear on the cover of a gay magazine. The king was featured in a special edition of the publication which will be given away at the International Tourism Fair in Madrid. The royal household say that they are aware and approve of his appearance in the magazine, which specialises on homosexual, bisexual, and transsexual topics.
ISOLATION WARD 
The government has agreed to set up a high-level isolation ward in the Central Defence Hospital, Madrid, to deal with cases of highly infectious diseases. A spokesperson said the aim is to "strengthen, improve and modernise an already-existing unit to provide the national defence service and the National Health System with highly necessary healthcare resources. It will not exclusively be a facility for Ebola-related cases.
POLICE ARRESTS
Five officers from the National Police Scientific Unit in Madrid have been arrested accused of tampering with evidence. The arrests were made at the weekend at the Carabanchel police station where they are based, before being transferred to the courts. The officers were later released with charges pending, although the irregularities under investigation are said to be “minor”.
FINE CHINA
Newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Spain, Mr. Lv Fan, praised the success of 41 years of bilateral cooperation between Spain and China which have seen frequent high-level diplomatic visits that have strengthened the mutual confidence between both nations. The Ambassador made the statement at an official reception in Madrid to celebrate his appointment as Chinese Ambassador to Spain, a country he had worked in as a diplomat 20 years ago. Last year, the President of the Government of Spain, Mariano Rajoy, visited China and signed a cooperation agreements valued at 3.2 billion euro. In 2014, bilateral trade between the nations set a new record at 28 billion dollars, making China the most important non-EU trade partner to Spain. Chinese investment in Spain was worth 933 million euro in 2014.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46260/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### TORRY TENPIN BOWLERS IN MEDAL GRAPPLE

Madrid and Torrevieja 2015/1/25 – The second Team of Six Round Robin of the Spanish Tenpin Bowling Premiership was bowled last weekend in Madrid (men) and Torrevieja (ladies).  
Club Euro Bowling Torrevieja's both teams won five of their seven matches and improved their standing.  So much so that the Torry men are now positioned as runners-up and can feel the silver medals in their fingertips.  The EBT ladies are equally well positioned to catch a meritorious fifth place. 
The male winning team is already practically announced, as Diagonal of Barcelona will travel to the final meeting in March with a whopping 46-point advantage.  
Euro Bowling Torrevieja, this time composed by Spanish and Scandinavian bowlers and captained by the Norwegian resident Kjell Monsen, did well in Madrid and managed to rise from fourth to second place.  
However, Celta de Vigo are breathing in their neck, only three points behind.  A mere ten points now separate four tems in contention of the silver medals, so high tension is guaranteed for the last round.
A Torry Triumvirate
In the individual contest of the weekend, EBT´s young Finnish star Joonas Jähi posted a superb average, 228.57 pins per game, and left everybody else far behind.  EBT now has the top three positions in the overall table, with the former world champion Tore Torgersen (236.36) in first place, Jähi second, and another Finnish star Mika Määttä (215.36) in third place.  
Celta's international player, Francisco Rodríguez, is fourth (214.93) and Diagonal's French star Pierre-Luc Sánchez is fifth (211.60), followed by five of his team mates, all averaging more than 200 per game – numbers that clearly show what the Catalan team is made of.
Ladies' Premiership at Ozone Torrevieja
The seven Spanish female top teams met for the first time at Torrevieja's superb Ozone Bowling.  A new leader emerged as Elche's Ilicitano rose to a total of 105 points with a team average of 185.89.  They are being haunted by Madrid's Capital Bowling (98/181.73), CB Torrejón (95/182.98), and Valencia's Levante Bowling (92/177.50).  The rest of the teams, Alyco BC Madrid (62/165.02), Euro Bowling Torrevieja (60/166.46), and Flecha-1 (48/154.52) will fight over the fifth place and against relegation.
The top three averages of the weekend were posted by Ilicitano's Laurence Gaillard (204.29) and Alejandra Sandoval (197.14), and Capital's Sara del Olmo (194.93).  Mirja Hakonen, one of EBT's Finnish residents and a founding member of the club, posted the high average of the Torry ladies, 175.64.
Guillermo Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46258/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Madrid and Torrevieja 2015/1/25 – The second Team of Six Round Robin of the Spanish Tenpin Bowling Premiership was bowled last weekend in Madrid (men) and Torrevieja (ladies).  
Club Euro Bowling Torrevieja's both teams won five of their seven m...

### TORRY HAMMERED IN AWFUL DISPLAY

CF TORRE LEVANTE    4    CD TORREVIEJA    0
Having played so well in their last 4 outings on the road, Torry deservedly took a nosedive against an impressive Torre Levante outfit, which also completed a double for the side from north Valencia, who in my opinion are without doubt the best side Torry have faced this season.
There can be no excuses, for the hosts simply outshone their visitors in all departments.  For once, no blame can be attached to the referee, for Senor Gomez from Elche controlled the match superbly, allowing the victors to benefit from his sensible use of the advantage clause, whilst only cautioning when necessary.  So, why have Torry lost the last 2 matches so dismally, since reaching the dizzy heights of 2nd in div 3?  
Basically, it's been the same group of players involved in both good and not so good displays, but somehow the attitude has changed dramatically.  Poor distribution, reluctance to shoot at goal, lack of aggression and commitment, are just some of the reasons why Galiana's men have produced the results they have.  Galiana must take some of the blame, for his selection and tactics have at times been bewildering, but he will point to the many games when he got it right.  But now it's broke, and needs fixing, quickly!!  
After 14 mins, Berna clumsily upended an opponent inside the box, allowing Deivid to send Oscar the wrong way from the spot.  A comical defensive mix up 10 min later, allowed Marcos to square the ball to Deivid, presenting him the simplest of tap ins.  Only a last ditch clearance off the line by Alexis on the stroke of half time, prevented the visitors from falling further behind.  Galiana's team talk during the interval didn't have the desired effect, for within 2 mins of the restart, Corell shot into the side netting, with Oscar out of position.  
Jorge then pressed the self destruct button, when he clearly fouled Marcos, giving Deivid the opportunity to convert the resultant penalty, which he duly obliged.  Torry had no answer for Deivid, who thoroughly deserved his hat trick, and quite easily could have had more.  Even the hosts defenders got in on the act, as Oscar was having to deal with shots from all directions.
 In fact, had it not been for Torry's keepers brilliance, 7 or 8 goals would not have flattered their opponents.   A sad statistic, is that sub Corella's weak shot on 76 mins, was Torry's first on target!  Two mins later, that number was doubled, for full back Vicente's venomous drive was acrobatically saved, as Torry embarked on a belated show of desire to restore some pride.  
Unfortunately, the fight back was short lived, for on 80 mins, that man Deivid provided an assist for Juanra to strike a dipping 20 yard effort, which gave Oscar no chance.  Torry did get the ball in the net late on, but Cesar's effort was ruled out for offside, then in stoppage time, new signing sub Pinera shot straight at the keeper, when through on goal.  Both Berna and Jorge picked up bookings for their penalty misdemeanours, alongside team mate Ruben, whilst the hosts were content to let their skilful play do the talking!
On Thurs 5 Dec, 7.30 ko, Torry welcome a Norwegian 2nd div side to Vicente Garcia Stadium for a friendly, which hopefully manager Galiana will use to good effect.  Entrance is free, so why not come along?  
Then on Sun 8 Dec, ko 12.00 MIDDAY, Torry are again at Vicente Garcia, when they face Villarreal 'C'.  Having already beaten lowly Villarreal, Torry must go all out to make sure that their fans are treated to an entertaining double!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46256/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: CF TORRE LEVANTE    4    CD TORREVIEJA    0
Having played so well in their last 4 outings on the road, Torry deservedly took a nosedive against an impressive Torre Levante outfit, which also completed a double for the side from north Valencia, who in ...

### ORIHUELA GOES MEDIEVAL

The historic city of Orihuela once again took a trip back in time this weekend, as the fifteenth Medieval Market was held from Friday through to Sunday.
With the theme this year being the market of “senses” there was plenty to tantalise the eye, tastes, smell and more, with a varied and complete entertainment program provided by the company Espectáculos & Producciones AMB, at a cost of 30,000 euro.
The event had been brought forward this year to try to avoid bad weather, as has often caused problems in the past, according to the councillor for festivities, Carolina Gracia, unable to foresee that a weather warning was put in place for high winds. 
In fact it was because of the high winds that the event didn´t start quite as planned. As the crowds gathered at the entrance to the town hall, entertained by a girl with a hula-hoop and a juggler, a disappointment to many who had experienced the dramatic theatrical opening of last year, when performers put on an incredibly well acted scene.
As time continued to pass, it was 45 minutes later before anybody took the effort to announce that because of the weather warnings in place the inaugural address would be postponed, but by that time many of those waiting had already left, as had the councillor for festivities herself, seen leaving the town hall well before the announcement.
It was later revealed in a press release that the wind had caused considerable damage overnight, and that four palm trees and two lampposts had been blown over. Local schools had been told to suspend outdoor activities and the emergency services were on alert. In addition, some thirty stalls from the Medieval Market had to be dismantled, after suffering some sort of damage from the gusts.
“Last night, the whole market was in place, but in the morning there had been very strong gusts. Some 25 or 30 positions had been damaged”, Gracia said, whilst commenting that the emergency services are monitoring the situation closely. Gracia also later explained that was the reason for postponing the inauguration, but that the event would continue and there was no risk to the public.
Once the initial problems had been overcome the event continued as in previous years, albeit a little windy still, but failing to dampen the spirits of those involved or just visiting. 
The entertainment laid on was as varied as ever throughout the entire weekend, with music and dance and numerous parades, knights on horseback, belly dancers and even a variety of animals, all adding that extra magical charm to the hundreds of thousands who attended to take in the unique atmosphere that only a city so rich in history like Orihuela can convey. 
The final figures are still being calculated but as the event was no quieter than previous years, it is likely to be in the region of around 200,000 people. Although the event cost 30,000 euro from the public purse, this was a considerable saving from the 42,000 euro last year, but represented even more value for money given the spectacular that was presented, so much so that there was no evidence of cost cutting to those attending the event, just a wonderful and magical weekend that really did bring all the senses to life.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46255/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The historic city of Orihuela once again took a trip back in time this weekend, as the fifteenth Medieval Market was held from Friday through to Sunday.
With the theme this year being the market of “senses” there was plenty to tantalise t...

### EURONICS DARTS LEAGUE -  ¨THE ELECTRICAL SHOP¨ - BLUE LAGOON

A stunning 49 tons plus a multitude of 80 pluses were recorded in this week´s top of the table clash between the Hyenas and Meerkats, in a jam packed Hub Sports Bar.  29 of the tons went to the Kats who gave their best performance of the season so far.  
The Hyenas´ ton tally would have toppled any other side, such was the standard of play.  Captain Simon Williams had no problem motivating his side, but they were slow out of the blocks in the first three triples and paid the price by being 3-0 down to doubles from Pat Abrams D10, Dave Frew D2 and Abrams D10 in the third.    Most of the damage coming from Paul Durrant 125,125,116 plus a 140 from Abrams.  Hyenas response a ton from John Eyre and two more from Nick Spicer.  The same two were chosen by Williams for the first pairs against Abrams and Alex Nikolov, Spicer recorded 100,100,123, Nikolov 2x100, but the all important double went to Abrams on D13.  Shaun Smith figured next with the captain, Smith recently laid low with an ear infection gave a good account of himself with 100 and 140 equalled by Frew and Del Kingsbury, the latter finding the crucial double D20.
Lee Maiden got himself on the score board with a ton and D20 partnering Durrant in their game with both Joe´s, Hawkins and Miller.  0-6 at half time, absolutely unbelievable and at least a draw for the league leaders, keeping the Hyenas at least a point behind and the Kats unbeaten record intact.  Williams response was emphatic, Spicer to go first against Graham Todd.  
The Meerkat gave their top man a real fright, scoring 95,117,121 and 133 plus taking the second of three legs.  Spicer´s response 2x100, 140 and both doubles for the Hyenas´ first leg of the evening.  Smith was selected next and yet again it was a three leg thriller, in fact 5 of the 6 singles went all 3 legs.  Smith´s opponent Frew 100,121 took the first in 18 darts and added 100,140 in the two remaining legs only for the talented Smith to take out D8,D5 plus 2x100.  The noise level increased as the hosts sensed the draw was a possibility with 4 strong players remaining.  Miller was next and opened with 100 and 109 v. Abrams who couldn't find a treble, but managed D10 for the first.  Miller took the second with 140 and D10, Abrams having the darts in the decider.  The Meerkat stepped up a gear and recorded 100,137 and then D9 for the game match and both points.  Miller 100 in the decider was very unlucky in what was a great tussel.  Eyre enjoyed the throw against Durrant in the 9th leg and posted a 140 and D20, his opponent 100 and 95.  A 99 and 2x100 from the Meerkat plus the double made it all square.  Eyre couldn't take advantage of throw in the third as Durrant nailed 2x100 and D20 for the game.  The fifth single went all the way as Hawkins took the first on D16 and slipped in a ton in the second against Nikolov who matched the ton but nailed 85 with T15 and D20.  
That seemed to knock the stuffing out of the useful Hawkins who failed to hit any big scores as the Bulgarian made it 2-1 with 100 and 139.  Maiden concluded the match with the only 2-0 against a spirited Geoff Harvey performance, on D2 plus 99,100 and 121.  Quality match well hosted by Simon Williams and his Hyenas.
Ale House played host to the Breakaways who slipped up last week against the Tavern.  Was a repeat on the cards? Not this week as Mike Smith made a welcome return to the Bears promptly taking the first on D4 after some healthy scoring.  
Berney Whipday levelled on D7 well supported by Luke Yarnold, who figured well in the third leg but couldn't prevent the powerful play of Smith 81,140 and D8 for 1-2.  Ivan Jones did his utmost to increase the lead, but some tasty scoring and D4 from Tony Woods made it all square.  Smith and Sarah Simpson teamed up in the fifth leg and shared some great scoring, the latter slightly outshining her team mate by taking out 80 on S20,S20,D20.  Mike Snow and Mike Douglas gave a good account of themselves, Douglas pegging D7 for 2-4 at the break.  Mallinson 100 was just edged out in the first single by a steady Del Lister who increased the score line on D9.  Woods deserved the result in the next with some high scoring, but Snow did some of his own plus D2 eventually, for at least a draw and point.
 Yarnold faced a tough opponent in Simpson and came out on top edging D2 to keep the Alemen in the match.  Young Owen Attwood had a real battle on his hands against the experienced Douglas who raced down to the double with some tasty scoring.  Attwood wasn't fazed scoring steadily to include a ton and then D10.  Jones D16 and 121 secured the match and points for the Bears, leaving Smith to take the 8th leg with 140,125 and D20 against a plucky Whipday 100.  Mallinson not only showed his ability on the oche, but was applauded for his accomplished hosting skills.  
After this week´s defeat, Porter House have only taken 2 points from a possible 8 in the last four league outings.  Even the return of Peter Ayres couldn't lift the Porters above 4 legs, however, take nothing away from a good performance from the Jackals.  Jimmy Gray gave the hosts an early lead on D5, Jim Scott 132 and D5 increasing the lead after 2, Ray Sanderson scoring a ton.  
Yvonne Rouffignac 100 and Ayres 78 out S18,S20,D20 pulled one back for the Porters.  Mick Jones 140 and D10 made it 3-1 despite a ton from Matt Jackson.  Gray added a 109 to his earlier win, partner Andy Gildea taking out D18 for the fifth leg.  Phil de Lacy D4 made it a surprising 5-1 score line at half time.  Gildea took the first leg on D15 against the in-form Ray Hayes, who reversed the trend nailing D8, D2 plus 140 and 123.  De Lacy took 2 of 3 on D16 and D3 with a ton.  Sid Cross came to life in his singles against Gray, winning two straight with 2x100 and a 140.  
Steph Simpson gained both points for the Jackals on D16, with a couple of tons thrown in.  Scott made it 8 for the home side, leaving Ray Sanderson to complete the match taking 2 of 3 on D9 after Jones had taken the middle leg with a magnificent 149 out (T19,T18,D19).  Incidentally I missed Keith King´s showboating last week. Requiring 64, Lofty hit D16 first dart, needing another he gets D8 and then completes the out with a further D8, a three double finish.  What a showman!
Junction Jaguars climbed to second spot, their highest league position to date, after a victory over the very capable Evolution who took 2 of the first 3 triples via Jon Peters 100, Jak Doggatt supporting with 125.  Pat Schofield D6 gained the Jaguars leg.  
The visitors went on to take the next three pairs courtesy of Wendy Hayward 100,D1 Schofield 83,D1 and Dee Green 112,D4, who also took the first singles.  Hayward ensured the draw and point on D2 leaving Hilda Wilkinson to take the honours and both points on D5.  Doggatt overcame Simone de Lacy winning Evolution their only individual leg.  Schofield enjoyed a tidy game with 81,100 and D7, leaving captain Tracey Simpson to take the last leg on D8.
Pint Depot Kings, still looking for their first victory, must have thought it was coming after leading 2-4 at half time against a useful but unpredictable Eagles.  Matt Cummins took the first on D20 Frankie W the second on D8.  Eddie Fozzard D2 gave the Kings an incredible 3-0 lead, well supported by Cummins and Kevin Griffiths.  Frankie W´s 140 was countered by high scoring from captain Den Hall 100, partner Jim Storey wrapping up the leg on D7.  Mel Bettell 108,100 and Kevin Wood 100 and D4 reduced the margin to just one.  
Cummins extended the lead on D2.  Hall got the better of Frankie W in a high scoring three leg exchange on D10 and D2.  A couple of tons plus plenty of 80 pluses from Ian Sleath wasn't converted into doubles against Jim Storey who took the game 2-0 for an overall all-square score line.  Bettell overcame Martyn Bynorth in a cracker to give the Eagles the lead for the first time.  
The trend continued with Woods hitting D20 twice to gain at least the draw.  Another cracker followed with Cummins taking both legs against Jim Waddell using D6 and D20 for 5-6 and the possibility of a Kings draw.  It didn't happen as Fozzard could only manage one leg D2 of the three available, Joseph Cuyt winning the match for the Eagles on D9.
Queens remain firmly at the bottom of Division 2 after taking a Kestrels pasting at the Pint Depot.  A formidable 0-6 score line doesn't bode well at half time.  Highlight of the evening was from the Kestrels´ Chris Miles who nailed 4 of his side´s 11 doubles.  Margaret Griffiths was the Queens´ star gaining her side´s only victory of the evening to the usual sounds of dodgy singing.  
Alan Preston supported Miles, gaining two doubles, a couple of tons and plenty of 80 plus scores.  Marie Dunne´s efforts in the scoring department disappointingly went amiss as were Vi Turners.  The Queens are quite capable of matching teams scoring wise, but when it comes to the doubles its just not happening.  They will be looking for a turn of fortune in their next match to the Ale House.
Finishing School
119 required: If you throw for T20 and hit S20 you cannot finish in two.  Throw instead for T19 as a miss leaving 100 points means you can still finish.  
Question: How do you finish 65?Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46254/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A stunning 49 tons plus a multitude of 80 pluses were recorded in this week´s top of the table clash between the Hyenas and Meerkats, in a jam packed Hub Sports Bar.  29 of the tons went to the Kats who gave their best performance of the season s...

### MORE THAN 30 KM. OF CYCLE PATHS ENJOYED BY PILAR

Travelling around the municipality Pilareño on two wheels is now much easier thanks to the new network of cycling routes in and around the town which now boasts a network of over 30km.
They connect the center of the municipality with Cañada de Praes, Mil Palmeras, Torre de la Horadada and el Mojón making all easily available to lovers of cycling through bicycle lanes, cycle-streets and trails.
The grand opening of the routes was carried out by an tour around the area involving more than 250 cyclists. There were also a number of skaters from Murcia who joined the fun and sports day travel around  the four routes that are currently fully operational, “Senda del Mar”, “Pilar de la Horadada”, “Costa” and “Vía Parque N-332”.
The mayor, José Fidel Ros, said that this is an investment that connects the town with villages around the entire municipality, offering all members of the community the opportunity of using bikes more safely, providing them with additional sustainable and healthy options.
The Councillor for Tourism, Eva Martinez, addressed participants explaining the route to them through the main tourist attractions including the Watchtower, Roman quarries, the archeological museum and the church.
The morning was designed for all ages and physical abilities, using a combination of sport, culture and tourism in making it a real family atmosphere.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46253/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Travelling around the municipality Pilareño on two wheels is now much easier thanks to the new network of cycling routes in and around the town which now boasts a network of over 30km.
They connect the center of the municipality with Cañ...

### A NEW RESOURCE FOR TRAFFIC LAWS

Traffic laws and the rules of the road may be a Little confusing to some, especially given that as foreigners we have to adapt what we have learnt and practiced for many years in our home country to our new homeland, adapting what we think may be true to the reality of the law in Spain, but now, thanks to a group of Guardia Civil Traffic officers in Torrevieja, there is now a wealth of information available to users of Facebook.
One of the founders of the “N332” page, Francisco, explained, “We are a group of Spanish Traffic Police Officers located in Torrevieja, who has launched a page on Facebook to inform European Drivers about all the information related to traffic matters. The articles are published in English because we think most of the foreigner drivers do not follow the traffic laws because they don´t know them”, and therefore the group wish to share their knowledge through the social networks, and the English press, whilst welcoming any question you have related to traffic.
Within just a couple of days of the launch of the page, they already clocked up nearly 2,000 followers, which Francisco explains “makes us work harder every day to inform them, about all changes taking place every day in traffic law”.
 So if you have a burning question, or just want to know a little more about safe and legal driving in Spain, make sure you search for and “like” the page named “N332”, so called “in honour to the main road which goes through the coastline where we work every day”, Francisco concludes.
 https://www.facebook.com/TorreviejaTrafficDepartment?fref=tsFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46249/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Traffic laws and the rules of the road may be a Little confusing to some, especially given that as foreigners we have to adapt what we have learnt and practiced for many years in our home country to our new homeland, adapting what we think may be true...

### AGAMED PLANTED 3000 MORE TREES IN TORREVIEJA

Torrevieja´s water supply company AGAMED launched an environmentally friendly campaign in which they have pledged to plant a tree for every one of their customers who switches from a paper bill to the electronic equivalent. 
So far, more than 6,000 trees have been planted in the Lagunas de la Mata and Torrevieja, with many more hoped to be added this year.
On Saturday of this week, in conjunction with the Rotary Club, around 3,000 trees were planted in the area in a day to mark the next stage of repopulation, with lunch also provided to those who took part. 
Subscribing to a paper-free bill is relatively easy for those on the internet, and you receive a monthly notification by email when your bill is ready at the virtual office. You can get more information on the website, agamed.es, or by visiting one of their offices.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46248/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Torrevieja´s water supply company AGAMED launched an environmentally friendly campaign in which they have pledged to plant a tree for every one of their customers who switches from a paper bill to the electronic equivalent. 
So far, more than 6...

### ROJALES WINDMILL BEING REPAIRED

Rojales council has set aside a budget of 4,000 euro for repairs to the historic windmill in the town.
The windmill was built in the eighteenth century and is covers three floors, the ground, first and second level, and has suffered damage recently caused mostly by the weather.
Now, the company Carpintería Navarro Butrón will commence the repairs over three stages, the first being the repair to the four blades of the windmill, replacing wood that is too badly damaged to save and repairing some of the historic elements, both of which will then be treated to prevent further damage.
Although the mechanical elements of the installation are thought to be complete, the possibility of the windmill functioning has been ruled out, but it is hoped that the repair will mean that this historic hilltop landmark will be renewed enough to maintain its position as a beacon of the historic past of the area.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46247/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Rojales council has set aside a budget of 4,000 euro for repairs to the historic windmill in the town.
The windmill was built in the eighteenth century and is covers three floors, the ground, first and second level, and has suffered damage recently c...

### THE WIND OF POLITICAL CHANGE

This weekend saw the wind of political change strike a blow to the traditional groups, as the streets were filled with people set to take back the ownership of their country, under the banner “La Marcha del Cambio”, where the relatively new political force for change, Podemos, led their followers with a wave of indignation of the problems caused by years of poor political leads.
That change is now filtering down through every level of the political system, right from the very top, and finding firm roots in local politics too. To that end, we caught up with the new leading figure for change in Orihuela, Julio A. Vicente Mateo, who has explained why the next elections are the most important ones for both the country and the local residents alike, and what part he, his group and Podemos aim to play.
Will Podemos be contesting both the national and municipal elections in 2015? 
Yes, we are contesting both national and regional elections as “Podemos” political party, and also the local elections but throughout another juridical form called “Agrupación de Electores” or Association of Electors.
This formula, allowed by Electoral Law, is meant to join the different political, social, economical and civil collectives, groups, affiliations and associations together in a citizenship list, formed by individuals proposed by them, voted by every citizen, in order to defend a citizen made political program, compulsive to apply and implement once we take over institutions. 
How did Podemos in Orihuela come about and what was the reason for forming a new political party?
Before being Podemos a political party, in Orihuela many people knew that we can, “Sí Se Puede” is what we cheer each time when stopping an eviction or reaches a solution for mortgage debts from banks. 
Before and after 15M movement, started as “Democracia Real Ya” or Real Democracy Now, we know that banks and political elite are the responsible of the fatal situation of crisis-swindle the people of this country is suffering, The everyday fight in the streets against banks and public institutions to recover our humane and fundamental rights, fight for rights promoted and carried on by the social movement “Plataforma de Afectados por la Hipoteca” or Platform of Affected by Mortgage, showed us that if we focus on the society we want and work to get it, it is possible to finally achieve it.
Before being Podemos a political party legally constituted, the 3rd of March 2014 a meeting was held in Orihuela with different actors from some social movements and political parties based in Vega Baja del Segura area. We were aware that something big was coming, because many people altogether were and are struggling every day, exercising our rights and liberties that political and economic power are stealing us. 
After European Elections on May 25th 2014 we knew Podemos has some support in the city, so people from different movements decided to constitute a Circle, one of many in the State, to apply Podemos political proposals in Orihuela.
Historically, Orihuela has had a strong PP influence. Why do you think it is necessary for a change now?
The change will only come if we, each individual, change our vision and actions, and understand that if want to change something, must act different. We are creating a democratic party since its origins, using tools on the internet to communicate ourselves, propose and vote. 
This is the real change, acting everyday to try to construct and build the society we want and wish. We want to extend participation to the whole public, so we all will be able to be protagonist in policy decision making. We want revocability of mandates, compulsory compliance of electoral program, politician salaries limitation. We also want to review and audit municipal debt, have every person protected and secured by institutions, etc.
PP local governments were extremely harmful and pernicious, having left a big debt which is in many cases illegitimate. PSOE and LV neither are doing a better job, as little has been done this last legislature, being more of the same.
PP and PSOE have demonstrated that they come together and support the same policies, and they both are responsible of the current situation. So now, more than ever, the change is essential to end this long period of sacking and pillaging public resources by both parties to defend their own interest.
What impact do you think that the loss of their majority in 2011 had on the local PP?
It was necessary that PP lost its majority last legislature, to end a long period of opaque and corrupt public behaviour and praxis. This last years in the opposition, their only objective was to block any particular request or proposal from other parties, trying to recover local government by revoking motions, using every method they could to reach so, with no victory overall.
As the end of legislature is approaching, and no takeover of power took place, the party is showing its dismemberment, in a clear evidence of its own decomposition, which also is affecting the whole corrupt system established by 1978 regime.
The regime is dying by its own web of corruption, imbricate on public institutions and private corporations. They are consuming our resources, our work and effort by usury contracts and a public and private debt that are to asphyxiate and strangle millions of families. Those debts were in many cases fraudulently contracted by banks, big corporations and governments (all national, regional and local), as they increase artificially the price of the public work or service adjudicated, so the corporation could gift politicians in exchange of public contracts.
Residents of the coastal area of Orihuela have considered themselves neglected in the past, with most investments going to the city rather than the coast. How will you change that opinion if you are successful in your election campaign?
I think this opinion reflects the reality in Orihuela Costa, an area that is the main source of municipal income, but it has some structural deficiencies and a lack of public services which has not been solved since many years ago. 
Population and urbanisation of the Coast have grown enormously the last two decades, with a chaotic town planning that was all but planned, as it was mostly done by promoters who bought a plot, requested a license to build the sector and town hall approved it, without any sense or prevision on a global and integral infrastructure planning for the whole area of the Coast.
Only when residents and people from the Coast have the opportunity of participating in the local budget administration, they will be able, by own decision making, to produce the necessary investment of local resources directed to solve their main identified problems.
Some of urgent actuations in the coastal area are the following: 
1. - Update census of houses and plots with their shortcomings and failures, where there is population with unique necessities.
2. - The commercial sector has been shocked by crisis and debt, having left failure commercial premises closed down, turning back into bank hands and big companies, who ask for rents so high and difficult for small businesses to afford.
3. - Empty houses property of banks and investment funds, while there are numerous neighbors having housing problems.
4. - In relation to garbage and pruning, collection and recycling, we want a public company working with the selective collection of waste and integral recycling. It could be made to sell from molten glass to organic compost, for example, denouncing the existing contract because is ineffective, disastrous and illegal. The cleaning of waterways, ditches, and ravines should be done more frequently.
5. - Sewage system, integrated sanitation and legal updated adaptation for all homes. Aquagest Water Company didn't make the correct adaptation of the sewage system and we don't know where the UE subsidies went. There is contamination in the undersoil and underground river and water as well.
6. - Related to education, sports and culture, the temporary modules for classrooms we have as schools are inadmissible. The Council must press the Valencian Community hard to build appropriate schools for our children. 
Children should be provided with a high level of support, not only in academic fields but also with a department where staff helps with all kinds of problems. We want to improve teaching quality and try to solve operating problems arising from the multilingual and -cultural diversity we have. The private management of the Sports Center and its high prices make it difficult for children's teams to have opportunities to play because of excessive fees. 
7. - Emergency services in Hospital of Torrevieja and health centers are deficient and collapsed with patients with long waiting times to be attended. 
8. - Communication, “Telefonica” and Networks: We need better infrastructure and better accessibility to the Internet. In most of coast, we can't get more than three megabytes. This is absolutely ridiculous and unacceptable in a place that should be cosmopolitan and modern.
9. -  Public services as Social Security, Tax Agency, Job Centre and firefighters service should be provided also in Orihuela Costa.
10. - In urbanizations of some areas of the Coast there are problems of public safety that must be solved.
This is only a brief description of what is happening on the coast and how much work we have in front of us. We need to collaborate to make our beaches and our community better and keep our environment in the best conditions for residents and tourists.
What importance do you give to foreign residents and what benefits would there be to a foreign voter choosing Podemos?
We give importance to any individual, any person who lives, contributes and share their lives with us in the municipality. We consider every person is a world citizen, and have the same rights and duties all over the world. We also believe that being together and using collective intelligence is the best option to get organised, informed and empowered.
Orihuela has many people from a large number of diverse nationalities who are working here, retiring or caring of their families, people who pay their taxes as everyone in the neighbourhood. In consequence they have the right to participate in local policies and decision making, demanding public institutions to render them compulsory public services.
We want everyone to be the main character of public politics, not mere spectators. We want everyone can participate in public decision making, so we call and invite every foreign individual, associations and collectives to form part of the citizenry electoral programme, starting its collective elaboration the first of February, and be part of the open citizen candidature to local elections, that will have a primary open election to decide the order of candidates taking place from the 15th of February until the 15th of March. 
There have been countless legal cases involving politicians and corruption, how does any voter know who to trust and why should they trust Podemos?
What is plain and clear is that we cannot trust anymore those parties that have corrupted active members, because that corruption is structural and systemic on them. Corruption does not affect one individual or one group; it needs the concurrency and implication of many individuals and groups of people (professionals, civil servers, politics, corporations, etc.). It is so implanted in the traditional political parties' mechanism and institutions control by them that will not ever regenerate and recover themselves from inside. 
Podemos have people of different backgrounds, from students to retired people, along with public servers, workers, entrepreneurs, immigrants, educators, public health professionals, unemployed, retailers, disabled, lawyers, volunteers, etc., who never have been in Politics as public representatives.
We are the common People, the ones who have worked or are working very hard to get this country going on, who pay taxes with everyday work and income, who carry out activities to make our neighbours and families' lives easier and comfortable.
We are very disappointed and feel indignity of our politicians, but from resignation we have switch to determination for a real citizenship change, that will be able to construct better institutions in order to protect people instead of banks and financial corporations. 
Politicians from PP and PSOE mainly, but others parties from right to left as well, have lied to us for decades, benefiting big corporations with public adjudications of public works and services, sacking our public resources, which are sacred and should and must be well controlled and managed by the whole citizenry.
We deeply believe that with participation and transparency instruments, limitation of mandate (many politicians are in active more than thirty years), and other measures and means of control and public resources managing, we will be able to invest in people to improve their quality of life, avoiding or making extremely difficult any corrupt or fraudulent use of public resources.
Smaller parties such as CLARO and CLR have gained interest in recent years, although they have both been involved in their own battles, do you think it is important for smaller political parties to work together as a coalition?
The problem of these parties, as many others, is that pay little attention in general interest, as they are busy defending their own individual interests or those of whom finance them. I do not mean that their voters, militants or sympathisers want or pursue the same, I am confident that great majority have good faith as well as vocation to serve and help others.
More than a coalition of parties, we need a coalition of citizens, organised and group together, to follow and reach real politics that have effect in solving everyday citizenry problems and most preoccupant concerns. 
What do you and your party feel are the most important changes that have to be made in Orihuela?
We think the most important changes are directed to increase transparency and participation in public decision making, allowing all citizens to be able to consult the public accounts, and to decide about what kind of actuation wants to implement in the city. Thus we could avoid corrupted practices done trough public administration by people and parties that have a long tradition of opacity and authoritarian practices.
In Orihuela we have a main source of revenues from tourism, which is the most important sector after agricultural, so we must boost and strengthen tourism activities, putting in value our monuments, beaches, natural spaces, etc.
Some urgent public works must be done as well: Schools in Orihuela Costa, Health Centre of Rabaloche, improve the existents, and put an end to long waiting lists and beds in the corridor, among others.
We also have to draw an efficient transport and communication infrastructure planning, which connects the different districts of the municipality, both, physical and virtual. 
In brief, What we pretend is to extend democracy and participation to all people whatever is their background, creating mechanisms of public accounts control and accountability, as well as to decide any main decision that affects us all, and to collaborate in the elaboration of municipal budget.  
In the event of not gaining enough votes for an overall majority, which political party would Podemos favour in forming a coalition?
In view of current local, regional and national political situation, my opinion is that no coalition will be formed with any party as such, but on specific or particular citizenship programme issues, where consent is reached. Podemos will be promoting consulting and voting events, to ask the citizenry about main politics to be implemented in the municipality.
Finally, what about you? Can you tell us a little about your background and why you have decided to stand for election with Podemos?
I am descendant of farmers that have worked land for generations. Civil War had its victims on my both maternal and paternal families: one buried in a common grave in an unknown place near Madrid, one fusilladed in Orihuela. 
Thanks to all that work and sacrifice of generations, some civil, political, social and economic rights were recognised and exercised by a majority of people who could sustain and provide with dignity for their families, when job assured the minimal conditions for an adequate existence. 
Unfortunately those rights are being cut and vanished, in detriment of the great majority and benefit of small elite who control most of resources. 
I think that generational solidarity should also extend to neighbouring people, to national and global scale, where a web of solidarity is devised anytime a person is unprotected and suffering. That is happening among citizens to some extent.  
In my infancy and adolescence was an avid reader who read as many kinds of books I got into my hands. Soon I started to get interest in studying law and politics, after finishing science studies in high school.
In university have the first contacts with student unions and social collectives, following very closely anti-globalization movements in the nineties. 
After law degree I went to England to work and learn the language, what allows me to have this very interview right now (smile). In London joined some social, peace movements and charities. The experience in the UK was very enriching and stimulating. 
Once I got back, I started to work as a lawyer, assisting and advising foreign home buyers. By that period, due to my eagerness for knowledge to understand how the social and political coexistence works and operate, I studied an Urbanism Master and a Degree in Politics.
Currently I work as lawyer based in Orihuela and participate in the juridical commission of one of the most inspiring movements I have ever known and participate, the above said platform against evictions, where people are encountering the enough strength and encouragement to fight for their rights and reach their objectives in order to get a better lives for them and their families, exercising the right to a decent home. 
In relation to my political background, I have had relations with almost all known parties, in one way or another. I have shared ideas with many people from many different origins, countries, movements, collectives, parties, ideologies, political views, theories, from the left to the right, liberal, dogmatic, pragmatic, labour, conservative, etc.
What I get of all them is that we must be and act together. The common people are decent and honest, only want to have a pacific life with beloved ones with no shocks or traumas, most of them created by those supposed to protect and defend us. So now it is the moment to start involving ourselves in creating the public reality we wish and desire, now is the moment of change. We know how, we want, and we can. ¡Podemos!
Keep an eye on the website, www.theleader.info, for further updates, including a chat on Exite Radio in the next few weeks, on 93.1fm and exiteradio.com.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46246/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This weekend saw the wind of political change strike a blow to the traditional groups, as the streets were filled with people set to take back the ownership of their country, under the banner “La Marcha del Cambio”, where the relatively ne...

### INDIAN DRUGS WITHDRAWN FOR TESTING IRREGULARITIES

At the request of the European Medicines Agency, the Spanish Ministry of Health has suspended the sale of 29 generic medicinal drugs after finding that the company who provide them have been using unauthorised practices prior to them being approved for sale. 
However, the Ministry has stressed that there is no evidence of any risk to patients taking the medication as the chemical compound is exactly the same as those drugs which are approved, and that treatment should continue as normal for those who are in possession of the drugs.
An audit of over 1,000 presentations of generic drugs was carried out by the health department, resulting in the withdrawal of the 29 different drugs manufactured by the GVK Biosciences company in Hyderabad, India, where evidence of a breach of the rules of Good Clinical Practice in bioequivalence studies were found. 
The drugs in question are a range of antihistamines such as 'Ebastina' or 'Desloratadina', antihypertensive 'Valsartán/hidroclorotiazida' or 'Irbesartán/hidroclorotiazida', the antidepressant 'Escitalopram', antidiabetic 'Repaglinida' and Alzheimer´s treatment 'Donepezilo', amongst others.
Once again though, it is stressed that there is no evidence that the drugs are harmful and patients should continue treatment, the action is as a sanction towards the company and is not for the protection of the public.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46245/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: At the request of the European Medicines Agency, the Spanish Ministry of Health has suspended the sale of 29 generic medicinal drugs after finding that the company who provide them have been using unauthorised practices prior to them being approved fo...

### LAW TO PROTECT EMERGENCY WORKERS

With a lot of controversy over the new criminal code which would give harsher sentences to those engaged in protests or civil disputes, little has been said about one element which is designed to help those who put their lives on the line for others.
The new Penal Code imposes prison sentences of between one and four years, plus hefty fines, for those who employ violence or seriously intimidate to the police or other similar authorities such as private security providers whom the government are also trying to give more power to. However, this code has also been extended to include other emergency workers, providing the same protection to fire fighters, medical staff and rescue teams, with prison threats for those who “prevent them from exercising their functions”.
The bill amends sections 550 and 551 to allow judges, magistrates and prosecutors to deal with such cases, as opposed to the current status that limits the application of the laws to the Constitutional Court judges or members of the General Council of the Judiciary, in addition to deputies and government members.
A clause is also included which offers protection to members of the public who are assisting in law enforcement, rescue or emergency situations. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46244/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: With a lot of controversy over the new criminal code which would give harsher sentences to those engaged in protests or civil disputes, little has been said about one element which is designed to help those who put their lives on the line for others.
...

### ALCOHOL DOES NOT HELP YOU SLEEP

The results of a study to be published in February´s online edition of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, reveals that consuming alcohol before going to bed can result in sleeping disorders and problems. 
The authors of the study say that “People tend to focus on alcohol and its commonly known sedative properties, which is reflected in shorter times to sleep, especially in adults, rather than sleep disruption that occurs later in the night”, said Christian L. Nicholas, expert in sleep research at the University of Meloburne, Australia.
In people who drink before bedtime, alcohol initially acts as a sedative, marked by the activity of the delta frequency in the electroencephalogram (EEG) of SWS, but later is associated with sleep disruption. Also, significant decreases in the activity of the delta frequency and power with normal development between the ages of 12 and 16 are produced.
The study involved 24 participants (12 women and 12 men) all healthy and aged between 18 and 21 years of age. They were social drinkers who consumed less than seven standard drinks per week for the past 30 days. Each individual underwent two situations: alcohol intake before bed as well as a placebo, followed by standard polysomnography with integrated EEG recordings.
The results showed that if sleep is regularly interrupted by alcohol before bedtime, especially for long periods of time, this could have significant negative effects on welfare during the day and neurocognitive function such as processes of learning and memory.
Alcohol does not help you sleep, according to Nicholas, “The main message is that alcohol is not really good for sleeping even though it may seem that helps you fall asleep faster. In fact, the quality of sleep you get is significantly altered and disturbed,” he concludes.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46218/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The results of a study to be published in February´s online edition of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, reveals that consuming alcohol before going to bed can result in sleeping disorders and problems. 
The authors of the study...

### ORIHUELA GOVERNMENT FOCUS ON PARTIES OVER THE NEEDY

Orihuela´s first plenary meeting of the year was particularly notable this month, on account of a number of the councillors who make up the municipal corporation absent.
Ousted former president of the Partido Popular, Pepa Ferrando, was attending a meeting in Valencia with the regional heads of her political group in an attempt to salvage her career. Former mayor and previous party head Monica Lorente was still absent, having been on leave since the announcement of her pregnancy. Asuncion Mayoral, ousted from CLR had announced her resignation previously, whilst former party colleague Juan Ignacio López-Bas had a justified absence with the secretary. From the Los Verdes, the councillor for the Orihuela Costa, Martina Scheurer, was also certified on sick leave, as of course is her party colleague and mayor, Monseratte Guillén, still recovering from major heart surgery. 
Even with the reduced numbers, the session was not without the usual confrontations, starting off with the acting mayor, Antonio Zapata, being criticised by the CLR spokesperson, Pedro Mancebo, for not allowing a motion to be heard.
With a three hour session somewhat shorter than previous meetings, only two motions were discussed, one raised by CLARO spokesperson Bob Houliston relating to social welfare on the coast, which was also criticised by Mancebo as nothing more than “electioneering, opportunistic and with false concern”. The motion was carried.
The second motion was relating to the fiestas del barrio de San Antón and the fact that a competition had been previously left out. Mancebo was also critical of elements of the Three Kings parade whilst talking about the fiesta motion.
The conclusion is that the representatives are clearly focussed on the needs to address what happens in fiestas and parties, but less so on the needs of the people who are facing hardship, and even eviction, as whether the point was simply electioneering or not, the help requested to those in need has once again been directed towards having a good time.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46217/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Orihuela´s first plenary meeting of the year was particularly notable this month, on account of a number of the councillors who make up the municipal corporation absent.
Ousted former president of the Partido Popular, Pepa Ferrando, was attendi...

### NEW SPORTS HOSTEL FOR HORADADA

The Municipal Sports Hostel located in the Pilar de la Horadada Deportivo now has accommodation and facilities for up to 50 athletes. It will be used for sports clubs and associations that visit and compete the town on a regular basis.
Construction of the facility, which has an infrastructure of 403 square meters, first got underway in 2010. Although it was put on hold from time to time the council were recently able to provide the balance of funding and material enabling its recent completion.   
The mayor, José Fidel Ros, said that the hostel is now ready to welcome 48 athletes, while also  providing space for coaches and trainers and a relaxing lounge, all surrounding a central circular open courtyard that provides natural light throughout the building.
He said that the centre is a great step forward for the development of sport in the town which now has some of the finest facilities in the region. The Municipal Deportivo has become a benchmark in the community. Its facilities, tennis and padel courts and its pitches, are second to none and as a better standard athlete is attracted to the town so will the quality of our future local stars begin to improve.
Alejandro Martinez, a resident of Pilar de la Horadada, was the architect responsible for the building and he was on hand last Wednesday morning to accept the congratulations of the Mayor, the Councilor for Sport as well as many members of the sports community.
The Sports Councillor, Adrián López, said that the center will be used for the first time on 28 February with la KDD del Torres, and it is also expected to be used during the Half Marathon on 26 April.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46216/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Municipal Sports Hostel located in the Pilar de la Horadada Deportivo now has accommodation and facilities for up to 50 athletes. It will be used for sports clubs and associations that visit and compete the town on a regular basis.
Construction of...

### DRILLING FOR BLACK GOLD

There have been quite a few celebrations in the Canary Islands this week, following the decision of the Spanish oil company, Repsol, not to continue with its exploration for oil off the islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. 
The islands are an important tourist destination, and the threat of oil production taking place off the waters of these beautiful islands has shocked and angered residents for many years.
The sea around these coasts is rich with marine life and the threat of serious, permanent ecological damage seemed to be only a matter of time. Despite all the reassurances from assorted ranks of politicians and ‘experts', most people recognised that oil cannot be extracted with complete environmental safety. It short, it would be an accident waiting to happen. 
The Islands' Government was also vehemently opposed to the proposals, which provoked a ‘head on' constitutional clash with the Spanish Government.
There were reviews, court challenges and appeals, debates, fierce arguments, protest marches, petitions, as well as serious threats that the Canary Islands should seek separation from Spain if the islanders' wishes were not to be taken into account over this sensitive issue.
Finally, it looked as if the environmentalists had reached the end of a long and arduous journey, with the battle being lost to the oil company and the Spanish Government.
Following pleas from the Spanish Prime Minister, Spain's Constitutional Court stepped into the argument to prevent the long anticipated islands' referendum from taking place, and the exploration work of digging 2000 metres below sea level began. Islanders watched with horror as the rigs and all the attendant paraphernalia moved into place.
Not surprisingly, Spain's Government hoped that a generous discovery of oil so close to home would help to ease its troubled bank balance, provide much needed employment, as well as reducing its reliance upon oil and gas supplies from Russia.
It was envisaged that once oil production was fully operational, around 110,00 barrels of oil each day would flow from the islands, which is around 10 per cent of Spain's consumption of oil.
Despite being originally billed as potentially the largest discovery of oil in Spanish history, it was not to be. A statement from the company concluded that although oil and gas lie beneath the seabed, they are of poor quality, and of insufficient quantity to make the expensive business of extraction viable.
The company decided to no longer pursue the business of extraction in the area and the oil rigs quietly moved away from the exploration site, leaving the islanders to heave huge sighs of relief.
Poor geological survey results, together with an acute fall in oil prices, will hopefully mean that the area will be forgotten as a potential source of riches for years to come. Meanwhile, the Government has come up with another good idea, which is all set to cause another huge row with residents in the affected areas. 
How about a spot of fracking in another region of Spain?
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46215/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: There have been quite a few celebrations in the Canary Islands this week, following the decision of the Spanish oil company, Repsol, not to continue with its exploration for oil off the islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. 
The islands are an impor...

### TORREVIEJA INTRODUCES PUBLIC WIFI ZONES

According to Joaquin Albaladejo, the Councillor for Innovation and Information, the City of Torrevieja is introducing a number of wifi zones across the region which will be available to members of the public as well as Municipal Civil Servants and those officials who are responsible for Public Safety and Civil Protection.
Municipal wifi is already available in the city library as well as the tourist office and the Cultural Centre  but in this day and age he said that introduction of these new internet portals is in response to the greater functional needs of the people and will allow even more residents the opportunity to access the electronic information systems provided by the town hall..
It is planned to introduce the first phase within a month or so. This will be a pilot project which will run for a period of 12 months during which public and governmental response will be assessed. Subject to satisfactory results the second phase will see the introduction of a large network offering free internet access on Plaza de la Constitución, Paseo Vista Alegre, Plaza de Oriente, Plaza de Encarnación Puchol in the village of La Mata and the sports fields near the Palacio de los Deportes Infanta Cristina. Also during the four summer months a wifi service will be offered in la Playa de Los Náufragos and la Playa del Cura.
The service will be provided by authorized local operator, Television Costa Blanca SL and the cost of this contract for the first year of service 17,990 euros plus VAT.
Albaladejo said that the project can also include free access to local trades people, sports, and other local associations and he is keen to receive applications from those groups that are interested in being included in this offer. "In this way we want to give maximum visibility to local services and associations so as to enable citizens to be informed of all activities which will hopefully ensure that and that public participation is much more effective. "Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46214/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: According to Joaquin Albaladejo, the Councillor for Innovation and Information, the City of Torrevieja is introducing a number of wifi zones across the region which will be available to members of the public as well as Municipal Civil Servants and those officials who are responsible for Public Safety and Civil Protection.
Municipal wifi is already available in the city library as well as the tourist office and the Cultural Centre  but in this day and age he said that introduction of these new internet portals is in response to the greater functional needs of the people and will allow even more residents the opportunity to access the electronic information systems provided by the town hall..
It is planned to introduce the first phase within a month or so. This will be a pilot project which will run for a period of 12 months during which public and governmental response will be assessed. Subject to satisfactory results the second phase will see the introduction of a large network offering free internet access on Plaza de la Constitución, Paseo Vista Alegre, Plaza de Oriente, Plaza de Encarnación Puchol in the village of La Mata and the sports fields near the Palacio de los Deportes Infanta Cristina. Also during the four summer months a wifi service will be offered in la Playa de Los Náufragos and la Playa del Cura.
The service will be provided by authorized local operator, Television Costa Blanca SL and the cost of this contract for the first year of service 17,990 euros plus VAT.
Albaladejo said that the project can also include free access to local trades people, sports, and other local associations and he is keen to receive applications from those groups that are interested in being included in this offer. "In this way we want to give maximum visibility to local services and associations so as to enable citizens to be informed of all activities which will hopefully ensure that and that public participation is much more effective. "Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46214/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### BURNS NIGHT AT ALFIES WITH THE RBL

Over sixty members and friends of The Orihuela Costa branch of The Royal British Legion enjoyed an evening at Alfie's Place in La Zenia last Sunday evening where, in age old tradition, they celebrated the birth of Scotland's favourite son, Robert (Rabbi) Burns. 
The haggis was piped in by Barry Waddington of the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums, followed by Jim Watt with the haggis, which was addressed by Mark who then entertained us with some Scottish dancing. An excellent meal followed together with dancing to the music and singing by Andy Jones.
The raffle raised 198€ of which 98€ was donated to the Poppy Appeal. A good night was had by all.
The next RBL event will be a luncheon on Thursday 26th February at La Piazza 2 at Punta Marina. This will be followed by the Easter Sunday lunch on April 5th at Sunrise.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46209/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Over sixty members and friends of The Orihuela Costa branch of The Royal British Legion enjoyed an evening at Alfie's Place in La Zenia last Sunday evening where, in age old tradition, they celebrated the birth of Scotland's favourite son, Robert (Rabb...

### TORREVIEJA YOUTH CENTRE HAD BUSY YEAR

The youth information service centre in Torrevieja, the Centro de Información y Animación Juvenil or CIAJ, provided an average of 61 consultations every day last year, dealing with 15,453 attendees.
The information has been released by the councilor for youth services in the municipality, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, who also detailed how 60% of all enquiries were dealt with on a face to face basis, 22% were by telephone and the remaining 18% through other communication means such as social networks.
Although the centre is specifically aimed at young residents of Torrevieja, of which the city ended 2014 with a total of 30,304 registered residents between 14 and 35 years, representing 28.84 % of the total population, some 30% of the enquiries handled came from elder members of the family asking about different resources and facilities for young people.
Out of the total enquiries dealt with, the majority, some 40%, related to leisure and recreational services, whereas 30% were in connection with employment, 20% regarding education, scholarships and grants and 10% were about Europe, volunteering and housing, amongst others.
The centre also arranges a calendar of events around the year and in 2014 had a total of 7,383 young people participating in the 60 activities organized last year.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46207/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The youth information service centre in Torrevieja, the Centro de Información y Animación Juvenil or CIAJ, provided an average of 61 consultations every day last year, dealing with 15,453 attendees.
The information has been released by ...

### GAS PRICES EXPECTED TO FALL

After months of being fixed at the maximum rate, the Price of a bottle of butane gas is likely to finally decrease, after winter.
In view of a fall in wholesale prices, industry experts now predict a fall of 5% in April, which would result in a canister of gas costing 16.60 euro, as opposed to the current price of 17.50. Not only that, if the trend continues, it is expected that the price may well fall by 20% by the time we reach next winter, falling throughout the year to around 15 euro in the summer and then reaching 14 euro at the end of the year.
This is in view of the new quarterly review mechanism that was put in place by the government, hence the reason why the savings take longer to pass to the consumer. 
There is also a considerable deficit which the government are trying to recover on behalf of the industry, a debt which we, the consumers, have to stand. In early 2014 the tariff deficit was around 60 million euro, but since the wholesale prices fell in October, we have been continuing to pay the higher price since then, and so by March or April this year the tariff deficit will have reached zero and the Ministry of Industry will be able to revise the final price downwards for us too. The maximum price was frozen at 17.50 until 2016, in order to allow time for more stability, although there was also a built in review for 2015. 
The potential risk to the consumer now is that because of falling demand in gas, partly due to warmer weather, partly due to an increase in piped gas, and partly due to the fact many people simply can´t afford to buy it at the higher price, the industry are now suffering the loss caused by the reduction in demand and are not likely to take that drop lightly. According to the data from the gas companies, the demand for butane closed 2014 with a fall of 7.5%, or 70,000 tonnes.
With the continual fall in wholesale prices expected, the gas industry may well appeal to the government to allow the prices to remain high, as they do not want to be the ones who lose out at our expense.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46206/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: After months of being fixed at the maximum rate, the Price of a bottle of butane gas is likely to finally decrease, after winter.
In view of a fall in wholesale prices, industry experts now predict a fall of 5% in April, which would result in a canis...

### TRUCKS TO BE BANNED ON 300 KILOMETRES OF MAJOR ROADS

In a bid to improve both the flow of traffic and safety of the roads, the Ministry of Development has announced that from April heavy goods vehicles will be banned on almost 300 kilometres of main roads 240 of which are in the Valencia region.
The ban on vehicles over 7,500 kilograms affects two major routes, a 170 kilometre section of the N-332 between Silla and de San Juan, north of Alicante, and 125 kilometres of the N-340 between Hospitalet del Infante in Tarragona, Cataluña and Oropesa in Castellon. 
Both sections have a high concentration of accidents, black spots and sections of roads with improvements pending, some of which have been outstanding for many years. On section of the N-332 between Favara and Sueca has recorded 18 accidents resulting in 5 deaths and 22 people seriously injured on a single stretch of just 10 kilometres. Remedial work was awarded in 2007 but then frozen. Much of the N-340 route has a widening scheme pending and doesn´t have hard shoulders or passing points along most of the affected route.
Trucks which would normally use the routes to reach their destinations will now have to use the motorway network. The bad news for hauliers is that a lot of their route will be on toll roads, but the good news is that the ministry is negotiating with the toll road operator to offer a discount from April, offering between 35% and 50% of the full price.
It is expected that the road hauliers associations will not simply accept the new proposals, as they already consider the 22 billion euro the industry pays in tax each year is over 4 times the investment in the road network they use, although with the price of fuel now reducing, there is a possibility, although unlikely, that they will simply accept the diversion welcomingly.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46205/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In a bid to improve both the flow of traffic and safety of the roads, the Ministry of Development has announced that from April heavy goods vehicles will be banned on almost 300 kilometres of main roads 240 of which are in the Valencia region.
The ba...

### FAMILY FEUD LEADS TO FATAL STABBING INCIDENT IN TORREVIEJA

A man was killed in Torrevieja on Wednesday night, stabbed in an apparent brawl with his partner´s brother. 
Local sources close to the case reveal that the two men had fallen out over an alleged financial debt, which then resulted in a fight at the home of the victim on calle Clemente Gosalvez.
Witnesses say that at around 21:00 on Wednesday night, the alleged perpetrator arrived at the home of the victim in a vehicle, which was then double parked, calling out to him and then attacking him with a kitchen knife.
Officers arrived at the scene and found a man bleeding on the floor with an apparent and serious knife wound, who died shortly after. The officers located the alleged perpetrator in the vicinity of his home, also having suffered knife wounds but alive.
The two men are said to be of Indian origin and well known in the area, with the alleged perpetrator apparently running an Indian restaurant at Aguas Nuevas, and the victim working at another, similar restaurant. 
The victim is said to be unmarried and 39 years of age, whereas the alleged perpetrator is also 39 and the father of three children, and is being treated in Torrevieja hospital having also suffered stab wounds. 

 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46204/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A man was killed in Torrevieja on Wednesday night, stabbed in an apparent brawl with his partner´s brother. 
Local sources close to the case reveal that the two men had fallen out over an alleged financial debt, which then resulted in a fight ...

### QUALIFYING TIMES FOR TORREVIEJA SWIMMERS THIS WEEKEND.

This weekend the Swimming Federation of Alicante presented the “3rd Timed Swimming Control” for club swimmers aged 12 and older. The competition was hosted by the Municipal 25 m Pool in Petrer. Swimmers from the 19 Regional clubs competed across 38 different races varying distances and strokes. Each swimmer being allowed a maximum of 3 races across the two days. 
Eight of “Club Natacion Torrevieja's” swimmers worked hard in their events and for most saw improvements in their previous best times. Normally this meet is a difficult return to competitive swimming after breaks in training throughout December and January. Adding to this some members of the team were unable to participate due to seasonal illnesses!
Of those who did compete Piroska Rideg, swimming first in the 800 m Freestyle gained a new personal best time of 10:48:12 more than 30 seconds better than her previous time.
Skye Burns then knocked 2 seconds off her 50 m Butterfly time 41:44 and 3 seconds off her 100 m Freestyle event 1:19;21, a massive improvement of over 30 seconds since her first race a year ago. Louise Brassington and Vicki Connolly kept a steady pace in their 100 m and 400 m Freestyle events but on this occasion were not quite up to personal bests.
Pauls Garcia next followed with a new best time in 100 m Freestyle of 1:08;62 and gaining a regional qualifying time for the Winter Regional Championships to be held in Castellon in March. Paula also matched her previous 100 m Individual Medley time.
The two male members of the team on this occasion had excellent swims in their first races, Yuriy Lymur with a new best in the 50 m Freestyle of 57:62 and Elian Del Rio Castillo in his 100 m Freestyle with a time of 1:01;72. Elian worked hard in his 400 m Freestyle but didn't match his PB, but excitement was high as it was Elian's birthday!
The biggest surprises of the weekend came with Zoe Connolly's three races. In the 200 m Butterfly she reduced her previous time by 43 seconds and achieved a Regional Qualifying time with 2:50;53, well under the required time by 11 seconds.
Zoe then went onto race on Sunday in the 100 m Butterfly and 200 m Freestyle events and continued in the same manner. In her 100 m Butterfly Zoe won a Regional Qualifying times with 4 seconds to spare with a new best time of 1:16:48 and her 200 m Freestyle with a spare 5 seconds and a new best time of 2:26;46.
For more information regarding Torrevieja Swimming Club please contact Rosa 665 454 126, President Felipe on 609 418 776 or Vicki 669 637 015 or by email on info@clubnataciontorrevieja.com .Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46198/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This weekend the Swimming Federation of Alicante presented the “3rd Timed Swimming Control” for club swimmers aged 12 and older. The competition was hosted by the Municipal 25 m Pool in Petrer. Swimmers from the 19 Regional clubs competed ...

### JEKYLL AND HYDE DISPLAY AS TORRY SLUMP TO SHOCK DEFEAT

CD Torrevieja 0 Ribarroja CF 1     
The corresponding fixture played between the two clubs on a very hot Wednesday evening last September saw Ribarroja inflict the first defeat of the season on CD Torry, one of only 4 victories the Valencia club has achieved in this campaign, so there was even more determination from the home side that they would reverse the early season upset since when Torry has gone on to push hard for promotion while the visitors have tumbled down the table and now stare into the jaws of relegation.
On the club website manager Galiana urged fans to get behind Los Salineros and become the 12th man as the squad attempt to extend their unbeaten run to 7 matches and continue to put pressure on the leaders Castellon entering the final stage of the season.
But as they put the home side under pressure from the early stages of this game the Tercera whipping boys looked more like the Grupo 6 high flyers in the opening period as they played neat, intricate football to try and break Torry down and they were justly rewarded as early as the 7th minute.
Following a direct run to the edge of the area Solves struck a swerving 25 yard shot which beat Oscars full length dive and settled just inside the corner of the net to put the visitors into a rather surprising lead.
 The first of Torry's chances came in the 16th minute, as Adrian's cross cum shot just eluded the far post of Alfaro in the visitors goal. The midfielder had little support as he surged through the Ribarroja defence. 
After last week's sterling effort on the road, Torrevieja struggled to get out of their own half early on as the visitors easily held their own. Without the creativity of Rafa Gomez in midfield the home side had few ideas and were finding it increasingly difficult to unearth that killer pass.
But Cesar probably should have levelled on the half hour. Having beaten the keeper he just dragged the ball a little too far and as his angle became increasingly acute he could only hit his effort into the side netting.
A 2nd opportunity came for the visitors just prior to the interval when Faus rounded Oscar in the home goal. As his effort looked odds on to find the back of the net the striker turned in celebration only for Ruben to track back and clear the shot off the line.  
It was a lifeline that Torry desperately needed. Had they gone further behind at that stage it would probably have been game, set and match to the visitors, but on going in just a goal behind there was still all to play for in the 2nd period.
Fifteen minutes later, team talk done, and the introduction of Torry's two new signings, striker Pinera and midfield player Corella, we saw not one iota of difference. The home side simply couldn't deal with Ribarroja's spoiling tactics. The magnificence of recent weeks was nowhere to be seen. Distribution was awful and they were unable to break in numbers so their sporadic attempts at goal were easily snuffed out by an efficient Ribarroja defence.
Adrian went close in the 54th minute, dropping his effort onto the top of the cross bar, and Jorge headed over minutes later.
And that was about all the home side had to show for their efforts as, despit5e being reduced to 10 men in added time, the visitors cruised to only their 5th win of the season.
Next weekend Torrevieja travel to CF Torry Levante where they will be hoping to show that this Ribarroja defeat is nothing more than a blip in their promotion chasing season and looking ahead to Thursday 5th February, CD Torrevieja entertain Norwegian 2nd Division outfit Lorens Tog in a friendly kicking off at the Vicente Garcia at 7.30pm.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46197/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: CD Torrevieja 0 Ribarroja CF 1     
The corresponding fixture played between the two clubs on a very hot Wednesday evening last September saw Ribarroja inflict the first defeat of the season on CD Torry, one of only 4 victories the Valencia club has a...

### THE LATEST HEADLINES FROM AROUND ORIHUELA AND TORREVIEJA

CHILD PORN ARRESTS
Officers from the National Police have arrested 12 men, all of Spanish nationality, and accused of being involved in a child pornography distribution network. The ages of those detained range from under 30 to over 70, with the majority falling in the 30 to 50 years of age group. Two of those arrested are teachers and two work as monitors. The arrests took place in homes in Alicante, Elda, Ibi, Novelda, Torrevieja and Vila Joiosa, in which “thousands” of files were seized, along with 8 computers, 36 hard drives and other electronic equipment.
ORIHUELA POLICE ACTIONS
The local police have had a busy week dealing with a variety of domestic incidents. On Tuesday they were called to a house in the San Isidro area where a person had requested assistance through the 112 emergency number. They found the victim injured and had to be transferred to hospital, whilst the alleged perpetrator tried to assault the attending officers with a large knife whilst attempting to flee the scene. Later more officers arrested an individual for violating a prohibition issued by the Court of Orihuela, approaching a protected female victim within the 200 metre exclusion zone.
PRIORITISING ANTI-CORRUPTION 
Whilst the National and Regional groups of the Partido Popular are battling to clean up their image, and faced with the difficulties of their Orihuela representatives refusing to vote in an anti-corruption motion, this week has seen Torrevieja fuelling the fire of controversy after the local spokesperson, Joaquín Albaladejo, said that for the Torrevieja group, a similar anti-corruption motion “is not a priority”. The Torrevieja mayor, Eduardo Dolón, defended is colleague, saying that his statement had been taken out of context.
SUPPORT OR GO
Whilst paying a visit to Torrevieja this week, the Regional President of the Partido Popular, Alberto Fabra, has said that “Anyone who disagrees with the anti-corruption vote has to leave the PP”. The comment came in response to the continual growth in support for ousted PP Orihuela President Pepa Ferrando, who has now obtained around 800 votes in support of her reinstatement after leading the refusal to vote in the local plenary meeting.
FREE WIFI IN TORREVIEJA
Torrevieja town hall has announced that free Wi-Fi access will be available in public spaces of the city, as well as the beaches, at a cost of 18,000 euro for the year, and will be provided by local company Televisión Costa Blanca. However, the downside is that users will only be able to access municipal websites and associations, and you will have to use your own data plan to access the internet beyond the local catchment. 
ELECTRIFYING THEATRE
The Los Verdes green party of Torrevieja are adding more issues to the long list of problems that the ruling Partido Popular government are failing to deal with at the Municipal Theatre, claiming that the Ministry of Economy and Industry detected serious deficiencies in the low voltage electrical installation in the building, which was issued with an order to remedy the fault, which they considered to be a danger. The deficiencies were detected in the periodic review report submitted by the city of Torrevieja to the Territorial Service of Industry in September, 2012, with corrections required before November of 2013, but the action is allegedly still outstanding. This issue is the latest in a series of problems surrounding the theatre and its safe and legal operation.
CARNIVAL COLLAPSE
The ticket office at Torrevieja´s Municipal Theatre was brought to a standstill this week, as demand for tickets to attend shows as part of this year´s carnival celebration saw unprecedented queues. Many hopeful attendees decided to give up the wait after half an hour of queuing, with municipal sources suggesting that purchasing tickets through the internet may be a better option.
AS ONE DOOR CLOSES
Shoppers who frequented the “Chinese Shop” next to the Orihuela Costa town hall will be disappointed to hear that it has closed down after many years serving the Playa Flamenca area. However, as one store closes its doors, another one opens, as the former Eroski supermarket located on the commonly referred to Old Alicante road in Torrevieja, Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas, will soon open as a megastore selling cost price goods of Chinese origin on 5,000 square metres of retail space with another 7,000 metres parking.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46195/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: CHILD PORN ARRESTS
Officers from the National Police have arrested 12 men, all of Spanish nationality, and accused of being involved in a child pornography distribution network. The ages of those detained range from under 30 to over 70, with the majo...

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 26 JANUARY 2015

JOB PROSPECTS
President of the Spanish Government, Mariano Rajoy, has said this week that thanks to the efforts of his government since the last election, after six years in power the future of the country now looks brighter than ever, and that in 2014 the country's GDP grew by 1.3 to 1.4%, which will result in the creation of about one million jobs in 2014 and 2015.
ON THE RADAR
Spanish technology group Indra, who form part of the Eurofigher program, has signed a 90 million euro contract to develop the Captor-E radar system for the European fighter aircraft. The company is the third biggest overall supplier, and the top Spanish supplier, of avionics equipment and systems for Eurofighter, the company said in a statement.
OILY THREAT
Spain´s title of the world´s largest producer of olive oil may soon be under threat, after production in Tunisia is expected to quadruple this year, thus placing them in second place already. Expected domestic production of olive oil this year is estimated at 280,000 tons, nearly four times the 70 thousand tons harvested last season. Oddly, Spain, whose own production is estimated at 600,000 tons, is one of the largest importers of Tunisian olive oil, along with Italy.
A EURO VISION
Ukrainian 2004 Eurovision winner Ruslana has been on a mini musical tour of Spain. Ruslana Stepanivna Lyžyčko, who also holds the title of People's Artist of Ukraine, has been performing in Málaga, Barcelona and Madrid, before travelling to Germany for a May concert in Munich. As well as her singing credential, Ruslana has become a symbol of the struggles in Ukraine, and during the winter of 2013/2014 she spent almost every night from midnight until dawn on Kiev's Independence Square, serving as an inspiration for the nightly protesters. Because of her extraordinary dedication and courage she was honoured with numerous prizes and awards including the Woman of Courage Award presented by American First Lady Michele Obama. 
ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES
Professor and Rector of the Kazakh University of Arts and founder of Eurasian Symphony Orchestra Aiman Mussakhodzhayeva, a prominent violinist and holder of the title of the People's Artist of Kazakhstan, has announced this week that the Eurasian Symphonic Orchestra have set off to tour Spain, Germany, South Korea, “Sixty members of the Eurasian Symphony Orchestra have already left for Spain to give 10 concerts. They are starting from Barcelona and will then tour Spain's other regions. This tour is part of a campaign to promote Kazakhstan abroad this year,” she said.
DRONING ON
Spanish construction firm Ferrovial has become a pioneer in the use of new technology in the construction sector, by being the first company to operate a drone to carry out surveys and monitoring of major building projects. So far, the drone has been used on the construction of a road in Texas, another in Ireland and a hospital in Granada.
PLANE DEAL
Spanish airline Air Europa has confirmed that it has placed a 6 billion dollar order with aircraft manufacturer Boeing for fourteen of their B787-9s Dreamliner passenger jets. Boeing had already confirmed the order previously, although the buyer was unidentified until now. The first 787-8 Dreamliners will start to arrive in 2016, allowing the company to grow both the number of flights and destinations they operate to by around 50%, a statement confirmed.
TRAIN UP
High-speed and long-distance rail travel has increased in 2014, with the Spanish AVE network now carrying 29.6 million passengers. The government announced in a statement that passenger numbers had been growing consistently since February 2013, and last year the AVE services experienced a 21.6% increase in passengers, with long-distance services receiving a 7.5% increase, with revenue generated up by 6.1% on the previous year.
RACE FIT
The Azerbaijan national cycling team, the Synergy Baku Cycling Project, are spending almost two weeks in Calpe for a training camp, prior to the 2015 cycle race season which will begin in Croatia in February. With 14 riders in the team, they will split to attend the GP Laguna 1.2 in Croatia on the 15th of February, and then on to the GP Izola on the 1st of March, whilst another group will head to Asia to start in the Tour de Langkawi from the 8th of March, before continuing to the Tour de Taiwan from the 22nd of March.
GOING MOBILE
The organisers of the Mobile World Congress are confident that Barcelona will continue to be the home for the annual event, even after the current contract expires in 2018. Agustí Cordón, Vice President of Mobile World Capital Barcelona, says that “if the congress goes well”, as before, and MWCB “do what you have to do”, this contract should be extended with “no problem” and Barcelona would remain the headquarters the world's largest gathering of mobile technology. The next event takes place from the 2nd of March at the Gran Via de Fira Barcelona, located in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona.
GIFT OF LIFE
A Welsh teenager's search for a life saving transplant has come to an end after an anonymous Spanish hero came forward. Emily Clark, 17, received the good news that a match has been found for her in Spain after a tense waiting period. The Cwmbran teenager, who became a viral sensation online for her inspiring blog about fighting cancer. Tweeting from hospital, Emily wrote: “My donor is confirmed! On 26th Jan an anonymous Spanish lady will donate her stem cells for me.”
BRIGHT SPARK
The former electrician for Spain's famed cathedral in Santiago de Compostela is on trial for the alleged theft of a priceless 12th-century Codex Calixtinus, considered the first guide for Christians making the pilgrimage to venerate St. James. Jose Manuel Fernandez Castineiras appeared in court Monday with his wife and son. Authorities say they found the Codex in his garage in 2012 and recovered 1.2 million euros.
FISHY BUSINESS
Environmental groups have welcomed a new Spanish law which will fight pirate fishing through imposing stronger penalties on Spanish citizens involved in pirate fishing anywhere in the world. The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), Oceana, The Pew Charitable Trusts and WWF applaud Spain's new fisheries law and call on the rest of Member States to approve similar laws in order to effectively fight illegal fishing globally.
LICENSE GAMBLE
The Spanish Gambling Authority (Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego-DGOJ) has published notice that the application renewal of the singular gambling licenses that were granted in 2012 with an initial validity of three years (specifically singular licenses for the development and operation of fixed-odds horse racing betting, roulette, baccarat, and blackjack), must be filed before the 1 February. Operators failing to submit the renewal request on time shall have to stop operating by 1 June 2015.
SOCCER TUBE
Spain's top football league, La Liga, is breaking records with its YouTube channel which has seen more than 100 million video views since its launch two years ago. The La Liga channel, operated by Mediapro, owner of the football TV rights, currently has 560,000 subscribers and has distributed 250 million minutes of video since 2012. Video clips from La Liga are made available via the @LaLiga account using Twitter's Amplify tool that enables users to attach videos to tweets in real time with La Liga making highlights of every game for users around the world as they occur.
NUMBERS DOWN
Passenger traffic using San Javier Airport has declined by over 80% in the last seven years. Just over 18,000 passengers used the facility in December 2014 compared with 96,000 in December 2007. Only five destinations used the airport during the month, Madrid and Brussels on the European mainland  together with the three UK airports at Bristol, Gatwick and Stansted.
WHO'S THE DADDY
The Spanish Supreme Court has accepted a Paternity claim filed by Ingrid Sartiau, a Belgian woman, against the former King Juan Carlos, the father of King Felipe VI although it rejected a similar suit brought by a Spanish man, Albert Solà Jiménez. The suits were originally filed in lower courts in Madrid around two years ago, but they were thrown out at the time because Juan Carlos, as head of state, enjoyed legal immunity. When he passed the throne on to his son in June of last year, the former king lost that immunity and instead became an “aforado,” a person who can only be tried by the Supreme Court.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46194/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: JOB PROSPECTS
President of the Spanish Government, Mariano Rajoy, has said this week that thanks to the efforts of his government since the last election, after six years in power the future of the country now looks brighter than ever, and that in 2014 the country's GDP grew by 1.3 to 1.4%, which will result in the creation of about one million jobs in 2014 and 2015.
ON THE RADAR
Spanish technology group Indra, who form part of the Eurofigher program, has signed a 90 million euro contract to develop the Captor-E radar system for the European fighter aircraft. The company is the third biggest overall supplier, and the top Spanish supplier, of avionics equipment and systems for Eurofighter, the company said in a statement.
OILY THREAT
Spain´s title of the world´s largest producer of olive oil may soon be under threat, after production in Tunisia is expected to quadruple this year, thus placing them in second place already. Expected domestic production of olive oil this year is estimated at 280,000 tons, nearly four times the 70 thousand tons harvested last season. Oddly, Spain, whose own production is estimated at 600,000 tons, is one of the largest importers of Tunisian olive oil, along with Italy.
A EURO VISION
Ukrainian 2004 Eurovision winner Ruslana has been on a mini musical tour of Spain. Ruslana Stepanivna Lyžyčko, who also holds the title of People's Artist of Ukraine, has been performing in Málaga, Barcelona and Madrid, before travelling to Germany for a May concert in Munich. As well as her singing credential, Ruslana has become a symbol of the struggles in Ukraine, and during the winter of 2013/2014 she spent almost every night from midnight until dawn on Kiev's Independence Square, serving as an inspiration for the nightly protesters. Because of her extraordinary dedication and courage she was honoured with numerous prizes and awards including the Woman of Courage Award presented by American First Lady Michele Obama. 
ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES
Professor and Rector of the Kazakh University of Arts and founder of Eurasian Symphony Orchestra Aiman Mussakhodzhayeva, a prominent violinist and holder of the title of the People's Artist of Kazakhstan, has announced this week that the Eurasian Symphonic Orchestra have set off to tour Spain, Germany, South Korea, “Sixty members of the Eurasian Symphony Orchestra have already left for Spain to give 10 concerts. They are starting from Barcelona and will then tour Spain's other regions. This tour is part of a campaign to promote Kazakhstan abroad this year,” she said.
DRONING ON
Spanish construction firm Ferrovial has become a pioneer in the use of new technology in the construction sector, by being the first company to operate a drone to carry out surveys and monitoring of major building projects. So far, the drone has been used on the construction of a road in Texas, another in Ireland and a hospital in Granada.
PLANE DEAL
Spanish airline Air Europa has confirmed that it has placed a 6 billion dollar order with aircraft manufacturer Boeing for fourteen of their B787-9s Dreamliner passenger jets. Boeing had already confirmed the order previously, although the buyer was unidentified until now. The first 787-8 Dreamliners will start to arrive in 2016, allowing the company to grow both the number of flights and destinations they operate to by around 50%, a statement confirmed.
TRAIN UP
High-speed and long-distance rail travel has increased in 2014, with the Spanish AVE network now carrying 29.6 million passengers. The government announced in a statement that passenger numbers had been growing consistently since February 2013, and last year the AVE services experienced a 21.6% increase in passengers, with long-distance services receiving a 7.5% increase, with revenue generated up by 6.1% on the previous year.
RACE FIT
The Azerbaijan national cycling team, the Synergy Baku Cycling Project, are spending almost two weeks in Calpe for a training camp, prior to the 2015 cycle race season which will begin in Croatia in February. With 14 riders in the team, they will split to attend the GP Laguna 1.2 in Croatia on the 15th of February, and then on to the GP Izola on the 1st of March, whilst another group will head to Asia to start in the Tour de Langkawi from the 8th of March, before continuing to the Tour de Taiwan from the 22nd of March.
GOING MOBILE
The organisers of the Mobile World Congress are confident that Barcelona will continue to be the home for the annual event, even after the current contract expires in 2018. Agustí Cordón, Vice President of Mobile World Capital Barcelona, says that “if the congress goes well”, as before, and MWCB “do what you have to do”, this contract should be extended with “no problem” and Barcelona would remain the headquarters the world's largest gathering of mobile technology. The next event takes place from the 2nd of March at the Gran Via de Fira Barcelona, located in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona.
GIFT OF LIFE
A Welsh teenager's search for a life saving transplant has come to an end after an anonymous Spanish hero came forward. Emily Clark, 17, received the good news that a match has been found for her in Spain after a tense waiting period. The Cwmbran teenager, who became a viral sensation online for her inspiring blog about fighting cancer. Tweeting from hospital, Emily wrote: “My donor is confirmed! On 26th Jan an anonymous Spanish lady will donate her stem cells for me.”
BRIGHT SPARK
The former electrician for Spain's famed cathedral in Santiago de Compostela is on trial for the alleged theft of a priceless 12th-century Codex Calixtinus, considered the first guide for Christians making the pilgrimage to venerate St. James. Jose Manuel Fernandez Castineiras appeared in court Monday with his wife and son. Authorities say they found the Codex in his garage in 2012 and recovered 1.2 million euros.
FISHY BUSINESS
Environmental groups have welcomed a new Spanish law which will fight pirate fishing through imposing stronger penalties on Spanish citizens involved in pirate fishing anywhere in the world. The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), Oceana, The Pew Charitable Trusts and WWF applaud Spain's new fisheries law and call on the rest of Member States to approve similar laws in order to effectively fight illegal fishing globally.
LICENSE GAMBLE
The Spanish Gambling Authority (Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego-DGOJ) has published notice that the application renewal of the singular gambling licenses that were granted in 2012 with an initial validity of three years (specifically singular licenses for the development and operation of fixed-odds horse racing betting, roulette, baccarat, and blackjack), must be filed before the 1 February. Operators failing to submit the renewal request on time shall have to stop operating by 1 June 2015.
SOCCER TUBE
Spain's top football league, La Liga, is breaking records with its YouTube channel which has seen more than 100 million video views since its launch two years ago. The La Liga channel, operated by Mediapro, owner of the football TV rights, currently has 560,000 subscribers and has distributed 250 million minutes of video since 2012. Video clips from La Liga are made available via the @LaLiga account using Twitter's Amplify tool that enables users to attach videos to tweets in real time with La Liga making highlights of every game for users around the world as they occur.
NUMBERS DOWN
Passenger traffic using San Javier Airport has declined by over 80% in the last seven years. Just over 18,000 passengers used the facility in December 2014 compared with 96,000 in December 2007. Only five destinations used the airport during the month, Madrid and Brussels on the European mainland  together with the three UK airports at Bristol, Gatwick and Stansted.
WHO'S THE DADDY
The Spanish Supreme Court has accepted a Paternity claim filed by Ingrid Sartiau, a Belgian woman, against the former King Juan Carlos, the father of King Felipe VI although it rejected a similar suit brought by a Spanish man, Albert Solà Jiménez. The suits were originally filed in lower courts in Madrid around two years ago, but they were thrown out at the time because Juan Carlos, as head of state, enjoyed legal immunity. When he passed the throne on to his son in June of last year, the former king lost that immunity and instead became an “aforado,” a person who can only be tried by the Supreme Court.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46194/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### Team Malaga Practice for the Match Against the Spanish Squad – 31st January & 1st February, 2015,

Miraflores BC
Ten men & ten ladies representing the Spanish National squad, from mainly Alicante and Almeria provinces, will make the trek to Miraflores bowls club to play a match against the Malaga provincial team, under the auspices of the Spanish & Andalucian Bowling Federations. 
The visitors will be out to reverse the result of the last visit to Malaga province, in 2013, when the home team beat the visitors in both the men's & ladies categories.
In order to improve team cohesion & make the final selection, a practice session was staged at the match venue, Miraflores BC, on the 13th January. In the morning various mixed matches took place, followed in the afternoon by a needle match between the Men's & Ladies teams.
The result certainly surprised Men's Captain, Brian Todd, as the Ladies team, lead by Margaret Kain, comfortably beat the Men's, looked on by Team Manager, John Carr.
I am sure many bowlers will want to witness this clash between some of the top bowlers in Spain, in which case Craig & Sandra Lewis will be very happy to look after you at Miraflores BC, on Jan. 31st & Feb. 1st, from 10:30 am onwards with a full catering service.
Team Malaga
Manager: John Carr
Men 
Alan Turner 
Barry Pemberton 
Brian Todd, Captain 
Chris Down 
Dennis King, Vice-Captain 
Garry Aldridge 
Gordon Kain 
John Pearce 
Lenny Dineen 
Malcolm Greenwood 
Sandy Guthrie 
Terry Morgan 
Ladies
Amber Dineen
Barbara Land, Vice-Captain
Gail Gilks
Jeannie Cooper
Margaret Kain, Captain
Marion Allen
Mary Detheridge
Pat Fisher
Shirley Owen
Simone Morgan
Susan Walker
Wendy Pemberton
Report & photos by John CarrFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46193/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Miraflores BC
Ten men & ten ladies representing the Spanish National squad, from mainly Alicante and Almeria provinces, will make the trek to Miraflores bowls club to play a match against the Malaga provincial team, under the auspices of the Spani...

### VEGA BAJA PREMIER GOLF LEAGUE - LAS COLINAS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

PREMIER DIVISION – 23rd January 2015. The Vega Baja Premier Golf League held its fourth round of matches at the Las Colinas Golf and Country Club, venue for the European Tour Qualifying school,
It was certainly on the cold side but it was clear blue skies, but with slick greens it proved a strong test for the teams.
Rockets Golf Society played local team EuroToffs and had their best victory to date coming in with a 3½ to ½ victory with the widest point's margin of the day.
League leaders wanted to increase their lead over the second place team and could only manage a draw with Club 25 Serena but as a result of being seven points better on the overall points took the bonus points, which was not the result they wanted.
Paddy's Point G.S. must have relished the opportunity of taking on the bottom place La Manga Residents who were back to near normal strength with the return of Captain Tony Milne. But Paddy's Point achieved a win in a low scoring match, but the points were shared so it was 1 bonus point each
Las Ramblas G.S. played Altea based Don Cayo who were just a couple of points behind them but captain on the day Barbara Hitchings must be happy with a 3½ to 1½ win and taking the bonus points. This was the highest scoring match of the day with 279 points and Don Cayo with the second highest poinst total should be pleased although disappointed at losing.
The European Tour approved course coupled with the wintery conditions provided a challenge for the teams of the league but eight pairings managed to break Par, the best scoring pairings were Geoff Biggerstaff/Terry Field (Las Ramblas G S) 39 points, Ken Olrenshaw/Ian Hunt (La Manga North G S) Malcolm Anderson/Les Yates (Rockets G S) 38 points, Ron Chambers/Alan Moody (Rockets G S), Alan Roles/Rune Hagberg (Don Cayo G S) 37 points.
Thanks to Sean Corte Real – Director of Operations at Las Colinas for making the VBPGL welcome at Las Colinas.
The fifth round of matches is on Friday 6th February, back to the Costa Calida and IRM course Suarines Golf, which is a desert style design.  With a two Tee start at 10:06
You will also be able to see updated Vega Baja Premier Golf League fixtures, tables, and news on the website www.vegabajapremiergolfleague.com  and on Facebook, throughout the season
For more information on the Vega Baja Premier Golf League, contact The Secretary; Ivie Davies 669 211 410 or golfdavies@gmail.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46189/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: PREMIER DIVISION – 23rd January 2015. The Vega Baja Premier Golf League held its fourth round of matches at the Las Colinas Golf and Country Club, venue for the European Tour Qualifying school,
It was certainly on the cold side but it was clear ...

### THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF MERCADONA

Next time you´re shopping in your local Mercadona supermarket keep an eye out for the murals that adorn the walls, mainly in the meat and fish sections.
Since 2011, the retail chain has collaborated with around a dozen foundations, none profit organisations and occupational canters dedicated to help those with intellectual difficulties, which has resulted in 3,500 decorative panels being produced by some 200 artists as part of their rehabilitation process.
The creative process starts with the help of a company called Pamesa Cerámica, who provide the entities with broken pieces of pottery and ceramics, which the artists then use to create their masterpieces which are then proudly displayed in the supermarkets.
Although little flag-waving has ever been given to the campaign, Arantxa Roig the director of the Fundación Roig Alfonso, explained that “since we started working with Mercadona we have created hundreds of panels to decorate the supermarkets. Thanks to the orders of the murals, users get a paid job through which skills such as coordination and concentration to fit the pieces of pottery and drawings together are enhanced. They strive to give the best of themselves, surpassing every day and are very proud of their work”.
The origin of the idea was born in 2010 with the development of a decorative mural for the fish department for a new Mercadona store in Valencia. That mural was so successful that Mercadona began collaborating with more social entities requesting the production of the same type of mosaic which is similar in style to that of famed artist Antoni Gaudí.
The style known as “Trencadís” can be seen in much of Gaudís work, such as at the Parc Güell in Barcelona, as well as similar creations in places like Torrevieja and Los Arenales, to name but a few, and now, we can see the artwork created by those who are giving a little bit back to society in Mercadona stores around the country, and if you spot one, be sure to seek out the logo of the social entity and maybe even the artist who has created their own little work of art.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46184/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Next time you´re shopping in your local Mercadona supermarket keep an eye out for the murals that adorn the walls, mainly in the meat and fish sections.
Since 2011, the retail chain has collaborated with around a dozen foundations, none profit ...

### EVERYBODY NEEDS GOOD NEIGHBOURS

It´s not uncommon for many of us to take for granted the little things that make the world a better place, but here at The Leader, we would like to pay more attention to those people who go the extra mile to make this world a better place, and we need your help.
If you know somebody who you feel deserves to have a little attention for their efforts then let us know. Perhaps it´s a neighbour who constantly tends to your communal gardens, somebody who has cared for you in times of stress or worry. Maybe it´s somebody who cares without question for another neighbour of friend, doing the shopping, driving them to market, or looking after a beloved pet. Maybe a charity worker who works quietly in the background or somebody who dedicates their time at a local community initiative. It might even be a business who do that little bit more to help, in fact, we really don´t mind who, why or what you feel they contribute to the community, we would like to honour them in a small way.
In fact, the word “community” is one that is often talked about both here in Spain and the UK. Sadly, the conversation often revolves around the lack of community spirit where we live, but there are always those who still do their very best to try to bridge that gap.
If you do know somebody who you think deserves to be recognised you can email the details, remembering to tell us as much about them and yourself that you think is important, to office@theleader.info, or you can just write down the details and drop them into our offices at Los Dolces.
In the coming months we will look at showcasing as many worthy residents as we can, as we all acknowledge that not only does everybody need good neighbours, they are here amongst us.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46183/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: It´s not uncommon for many of us to take for granted the little things that make the world a better place, but here at The Leader, we would like to pay more attention to those people who go the extra mile to make this world a better place, and w...

### THE EYESORE OF BILLBOARD ADVERTISING

Despite threats and action against their sometimes illegal and often ugly practices, the emergence of guerrilla marketing techniques along the Orihuela Costa areas seems to be exploding once more.
This week, a number of residents living near to the La Zenia motorway access site have raised the issue of what many are calling a “monstrosity” of a new, four-sided advertising hoarding that has been erected near to the motorway site. The area is already flooded with advertising boards and this latest stands tall above the existing ones, creating an even bigger eyesore than what was already there.
The location near to a motorway has also been questioned, as to whether the visibility could be a distraction for drivers. Motorways and highways are designed at most to be without distractions, on account of the risk to drivers that these can pose. The sudden appearance of an advert, illuminated at night, may well go against the safety conscious design of this type of road.
In October of 2013 we reported how both Orihuela and Torrevieja town halls had announced a clampdown on illegal advertising billboards, with the infrastructure department of Orihuela stating that the majority of these hoardings do not meet the minimum legal requirements, such as identification of the owner of the board, a reference or check number, many lack liability insurance and some have been erected, illegally, on public land. 
Despite the threat and action in one or two places, most of those hoardings which lack the required notices still seem very much present, and even more are being erected all the time, such as one of the most recent locations behind a town hall owned building at Alameda del Mar.
Councillor for the Orihuela Costa, Martina Scheurer, explains that despite appearances, many of the advertising hoardings have been removed and demolished, but many of them have been legalised. In fact, Scheurer explained, one of the biggest companies which operate in the area, Publianton, received a fine nearing a quarter of a million euro. Whilst they were forced to take action at a number of sites, many of them were successfully legalised and allowed to remain, now compliant with the requirements.
Publianton are part of the Grupo Anton company who are based in Elche and were ranked the third biggest such company in Spain last year, only ranking behind two international firms, and so the number one domestic public hoarding company in the country. The company, which was established in 1969, has over 2,000 sites in the southeast of Spain.
Industry experts state that such bold advertising strategies can increase brand awareness by up to 25% and sales by up to 28%, so long as the advertising campaign is cleverly identified to meet the needs of the target audience of the advertiser. However, when adverts appear on hoardings at sites which create an eyesore or are contrary to the sensitivity of the neighbours, it can have a negative effect on the company advertising, rather than the board provider, and has been known to damage sales and reputation.
The other reoccurring menace that many residents see reappearing is that of printed flyers being placed on windscreens and car door handles. It was in 2011 that we reported how the then Councillor for the Orihuela Costa, Bob Houliston, had taken action against businesses who were creating unnecessary litter by posting advertising flyers on car windows, and others were creating an often offensive eyesore by placing advertising posters on a range of street fixtures. As part of his ´Clean Up The Coast´ campaign, threats and fines were issued. 
Once again, although brand awareness may well be key to the strategy of placing flyers, the negative opinion of the many who don´t appreciate them being placed on their vehicles, often discarding them to the street, and the subsequent mess that the residents then have to put up with have all been known to have a negative impact on the advertiser.
Houliston still recalls his attention to the problem, saying that “When I was appointed Councillor for the Coast in June, 2011, one of the first priorities I assigned myself was to do something about the litter on the streets from commercial flyers and the desecration of the pedestrian bridges over the N332 by lewd posters advertising discotheques and night clubs. These practices contravene bye laws but their provisions had never been enforced. We began to write formally to those who were responsible, mainly a limited number of repeated offenders, pointing out that what they were doing was against the law and could result in fines unless they stopped. At first the letters were ignored or returned undelivered and so we persisted with further letters which were sometimes delivered by the local police to underline our seriousness. Gradually, the practice of littering the coast with flyers came to an end without resorting to fines”. 
Whilst also acknowledging that the matter relating to the N-332 bridges was far more complicated, the town hall had to deal with the ministry for the national road, eventually transferring competences to local control, allowing the local police to intervene, which “To this day this practice seems to have been eradicated”, Houliston says.
With the threat of fines and action still present, quite how long the skyline and the streets of the Orihuela Costa can continue to be polluted remains to be seen, but one thing that is clear is that the overall opinion of the area relies on the impression given to those who visit or attend to maybe holiday of invest in property, and if the area is allowed to degenerate, then the impact will be felt by everyone living or working in what ought to be a beautiful area of the Costa Blanca.
If you have an opinion on this subject, we welcome whatever it is you have to say. You can email your letter to office@theleader.info, you can add a comment on the article on our website, www.theleader.info, or you can simply write to us and drop your letter into our offices at Los Dolces.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46182/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Despite threats and action against their sometimes illegal and often ugly practices, the emergence of guerrilla marketing techniques along the Orihuela Costa areas seems to be exploding once more.
This week, a number of residents living near to the L...

### THE EYESORE OF ADVERTISING

Despite threats and action against their sometimes illegal and often ugly practices, the emergence of guerrilla marketing techniques along the Orihuela Costa areas seems to be exploding once more.
This week, a number of residents living near to the La Zenia motorway access site have raised the issue of what many are calling a “monstrosity” of a new, four-sided advertising hoarding that has been erected near to the motorway site. The area is already flooded with advertising boards and this latest stands tall above the existing ones, creating an even bigger eyesore than what was already there.
The location near to a motorway has also been questioned, as to whether the visibility could be a distraction for drivers. Motorways and highways are designed at most to be without distractions, on account of the risk to drivers that these can pose. The sudden appearance of an advert, illuminated at night, may well go against the safety conscious design of this type of road.
In October of 2013 we reported how both Orihuela and Torrevieja town halls had announced a clampdown on illegal advertising billboards, with the infrastructure department of Orihuela stating that the majority of these hoardings do not meet the minimum legal requirements, such as identification of the owner of the board, a reference or check number, many lack liability insurance and some have been erected, illegally, on public land. 
Despite the threat and action in one or two places, most of those hoardings which lack the required notices still seem very much present, and even more are being erected all the time, such as one of the most recent locations behind a town hall owned building at Alameda del Mar.
Councillor for the Orihuela Costa, Martina Scheurer, explains that despite appearances, many of the advertising hoardings have been removed and demolished, but many of them have been legalised. In fact, Scheurer explained, one of the biggest companies which operate in the area, Publianton, received a fine nearing a quarter of a million euro. Whilst they were forced to take action at a number of sites, many of them were successfully legalised and allowed to remain, now compliant with the requirements.
Publianton are part of the Grupo Anton company who are based in Elche and were ranked the third biggest such company in Spain last year, only ranking behind two international firms, and so the number one domestic public hoarding company in the country. The company, which was established in 1969, has over 2,000 sites in the southeast of Spain.
Industry experts state that such bold advertising strategies can increase brand awareness by up to 25% and sales by up to 28%, so long as the advertising campaign is cleverly identified to meet the needs of the target audience of the advertiser. However, when adverts appear on hoardings at sites which create an eyesore or are contrary to the sensitivity of the neighbours, it can have a negative effect on the company advertising, rather than the board provider, and has been known to damage sales and reputation.
The other reoccurring menace that many residents see reappearing is that of printed flyers being placed on windscreens and car door handles. It was in 2011 that we reported how the then Councillor for the Orihuela Costa, Bob Houliston, had taken action against businesses who were creating unnecessary litter by posting advertising flyers on car windows, and others were creating an often offensive eyesore by placing advertising posters on a range of street fixtures. As part of his ´Clean Up The Coast´ campaign, threats and fines were issued. 
Once again, although brand awareness may well be key to the strategy of placing flyers, the negative opinion of the many who don´t appreciate them being placed on their vehicles, often discarding them to the street, and the subsequent mess that the residents then have to put up with have all been known to have a negative impact on the advertiser.
Houliston still recalls his attention to the problem, saying that “When I was appointed Councillor for the Coast in June, 2011, one of the first priorities I assigned myself was to do something about the litter on the streets from commercial flyers and the desecration of the pedestrian bridges over the N332 by lewd posters advertising discotheques and night clubs. These practices contravene bye laws but their provisions had never been enforced. We began to write formally to those who were responsible, mainly a limited number of repeated offenders, pointing out that what they were doing was against the law and could result in fines unless they stopped. At first the letters were ignored or returned undelivered and so we persisted with further letters which were sometimes delivered by the local police to underline our seriousness. Gradually, the practice of littering the coast with flyers came to an end without resorting to fines”. 
Whilst also acknowledging that the matter relating to the N-332 bridges was far more complicated, the town hall had to deal with the ministry for the national road, eventually transferring competences to local control, allowing the local police to intervene, which “To this day this practice seems to have been eradicated”, Houliston says.
With the threat of fines and action still present, quite how long the skyline and the streets of the Orihuela Costa can continue to be polluted remains to be seen, but one thing that is clear is that the overall opinion of the area relies on the impression given to those who visit or attend to maybe holiday of invest in property, and if the area is allowed to degenerate, then the impact will be felt by everyone living or working in what ought to be a beautiful area of the Costa Blanca.
If you have an opinion on this subject, we welcome whatever it is you have to say. You can email your letter to office@theleader.info, you can add a comment on the article on our website, www.theleader.info, or you can simply write to us and drop your letter into our offices at Los Dolces.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46182/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Despite threats and action against their sometimes illegal and often ugly practices, the emergence of guerrilla marketing techniques along the Orihuela Costa areas seems to be exploding once more.
This week, a number of residents living near to the L...

### SPAIN STILL CHEAPER THAN THE UK TO LIVE

An internet site aimed at helping to ease the burden of moving abroad, has compiled a list of global data revealing the cost of living for those looking to relocate. 
Whilst factoring in such elements as the cost of housing and food, with data provided by Numbeo, Movehub reveals that Switzerland, Norway, Venezuela, Iceland and Denmark are at the top of the list when it comes to the high cost of living, whereas those looking to save on their daily life costs should look towards developing nations like India, Nepal, Pakistan, Tunisia and Algeria.
The data is collated by means of a Consumer Price Index, used to determine the difference in the living costs between countries, which takes into account the prices of groceries, transportation, restaurants and utilities. For this latest data revelation, the CPI is based on a country's living costs compared to new york. So, for instance, if a country has a CPI of 70, on average it enjoys 30% cheaper living costs compared to new york.
For its part, Spain comes in with a CPI of 65.7, far lower than the assessed cost of living in the UK, which is relatively similar itself to New York, on average, in the 92.9 CPI. Spain is therefore also slightly cheaper than the likes of Zimbabwe, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates, but slightly more expensive than Slovenia, Jamaica and Costa Rica.
In terms of what is classed as an everyday cost of living, a Cappuccino in Alicante will set you back the equivalent of £1.28, £1.32 in Barcelona, £1.70 in Madrid, £1.28 in Málaga and £1.70 in Marbella. A cinema ticket costs £6.01 in Alicante, £6.82 in Barcelona and Madrid, £7.03 in Málaga and £5.88 in Marbella. Petrol costs £1.19 in Alicante, £1.24 in Barcelona and Madrid, £1.21 in Málaga and £1.17 in Marbella. For the little tipple, wine will cost £4.03 in Alicante, £4.26 in Barcelona, £3.92 in Madrid, £2.98 in Málaga and £4.88 in Madrid. Finally, the average rent is £5.11.49 in Alicante, £937.73 in Barcelona, £1,193.48 in Madrid, £575.43 in Málaga and £852.48 in Marbella.
Making comparison to the UK, our cappuccino will cost £2.29 in Birmingham, £2.49 in Brighton, £2.09 in Edinburgh, £1.99 in Leeds, and £2.49 in London. A cinema ticket is £6.98 in Birmingham, £14.95 in Brighton, £7.97 in Edinburgh, £7.60 in Leeds, and £11.26 in London. As for vehicle fuel, we are looking at £1.37 in Birmingham and Brighton, £1.35 in Edinburgh, ££1.38 in Leeds, and £1.40 in London. Our little tipple of wine works out on average at £4.98 in Birmingham, £4.97 in Brighton, £6.73 in Edinburgh, £6.33 in Leeds, and £6.98 in London. Finally, the average rent is £996.45 in Birmingham, £1,295.38 in Brighton, £996.45 in Edinburgh, £797.16 in Leeds, and £2590.76 in London
There is no doubt of course that prices will differ in all cities and the different businesses within those cities, but these figures are calculated as an average using the same formula across the entire globe. There may be discrepancies in the separate prices, but the differences between the countries is based on the same criteria, and is therefore indicative of the overall cost of living.
There is no doubt however that despite rising prices across much of the developed world, Spain still remains a more cost effective option to the many expatriates who have chosen the country as a home, and the many more still choosing to invest in property whilst the prices are so low, the lowest they have been for many years, although starting to rise once again.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46181/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: An internet site aimed at helping to ease the burden of moving abroad, has compiled a list of global data revealing the cost of living for those looking to relocate. 
Whilst factoring in such elements as the cost of housing and food, with data provid...

### A NEW ENGLISH TEACHING SYSTEM ON THE COSTA BLANCA

If you know somebody looking to learn English, then you need to tell them about a new and unique teaching system has arrived on the Costa Blanca.
Thanks to Debbie Coupe, the new professional and yet simple and child-friendly system will aid them on the path of learning to speak, read and write in English.
The Sounds-Write Programme is presented by Debbie Coupe, who started teaching after gaining a degree in Education at Christ Church University in Canterbury.
Having taught in both mainstream and special education, Debbie also became the head of the Primary department for 6 years and wrote and implemented a topic-based curriculum for the new National Curriculum in 2014.
The Sounds-Write system has both a psychological and rational behind its methods, which has a range of levels depending on the ability of the learner, “It is the only scheme I have come across that uses the alphabet as a reversible code in other words speaking, reading and writing must be learnt together”, Debbie explains.
“At its heart it teaches children to segment, blend and manipulate sounds, or phonemes”, Debbie continued, whilst explaining how “we have 44 sounds in our language and only 26 letters of the alphabet to make those sounds”.
Although Sounds-Write has a step by step prescribed programme element it also has computer software, games and its own set of accompanying books to support the child´s progress and success.
Now, having taken early retirement from teaching, Debbie and her husband have moved to the house in Spain they have had for 10 years, and although sad to leave grown up children and four lovely grandchildren, Debbie hopes to transfer her skills to support speaking, reading and writing within a safe and happy environment, whilst continuing to do something that she both loves and is good at here on the Costa Blanca.
For more information you can call Debbie on 965 319 227, or her mobile 638 283 910 and see her advert in The Leader newspaper.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46180/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: If you know somebody looking to learn English, then you need to tell them about a new and unique teaching system has arrived on the Costa Blanca.
Thanks to Debbie Coupe, the new professional and yet simple and child-friendly system will aid them on th...

### ‘ELLO, ELLO, IT’S CHRISTMAS

Campoverde Theatre Group played to packed audiences when they performed their latest supper show ‘Ello, Ello, It's Christmas at the Lo Monte Hotel on the weekend of 17th January. 
The audience were laughing heartily from the opening lines to the final song. When every well known character appeared on stage loud cheers were heard from the audience who enjoyed every moment of this show.
At the end of the performance the audience were calling for more. The play, written and directed by Vida Nelson, was very funny, and whilst incorporating many of the well know catch phrases from the show also gave a new story line to this comedy classic.
There were excellent performances from all cast members of this long established and talented company. It is very hard to single out individual performances as all the cast played their roles excellent and fully in keeping with the television original.
However special mention must go to Colin Nelson gave a great performance as Rene, with many people saying that he even looked very like him too and Mark Lord was excellent as Herr Flick.
Everyone commented on the excellence of the performance and how witty the script was. 
Now Campoverde Theatre Group are getting ready for their next production, a variety show entitled “ Let Us Entertain You!”. New members are always welcome and the group would particularly like more men into the company.
If you can sing, dance, act or take on any of the back stage roles come along to the rehearsals at the Community Centre, Blue Lagoon on Monday 9th February or phone 6470579 068 or 626 772 256 for more details.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46179/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Campoverde Theatre Group played to packed audiences when they performed their latest supper show ‘Ello, Ello, It's Christmas at the Lo Monte Hotel on the weekend of 17th January. 
The audience were laughing heartily from the opening lines to the...

### 112 - EMERGENCY, EMERGENCY!

Do you know how to contact emergency services, such as asking for medical assistance, ambulance, police or fire services? 
If you are in the UK, most people will know that when you dial 999 you will receive prompt and efficient attention to whatever crisis that you find yourself in. What about when you are overseas on holiday, or maybe living in another country as an expat?
I was surprised to learn that there are many holidaymakers and expats living in Spain, the Canary Islands and other parts of Europe who not know how to contact the relevant emergency services. Services equivalent to the UK's 999 service exist in all European countries, which can be easily accessed by dialling 112.
In Spain and the Canary Islands, for instance, assistance is offered in English, Spanish, German, Italian and French, so there is no need to worry about language barriers. This 112 Emergency Service is available to everyone 24 hours a day, and for 365 days a year, free of charge from any fixed telephone line or mobile, and without the need for any dialling codes.
Recently, I visited one of the two 112 coordinating centres for the Canary Islands in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which opened in 1998, becoming part of the European System for Emergency Response. 
This centre is a public service, with similar centres operating in each of Spain's provinces. In the Canary Islands, many of its emergency services are water-related accidents, such as accidents at sea or at the beaches, as well as the usual range of medical, police and fire incidents.
In the operations room, I saw calls being received, and information being collected by a co-ordinator of services and efficiently categorised before being referred to one of the specialist teams based in the centre.
In the case of a health emergency, a doctor on duty at the centre answers the call, assesses the situation before responding with an ambulance, helicopter or plane to deal with the emergency. Security and fire emergencies are dealt with in a similar manner. In addition, the centre is able to give support to women suffering from domestic violence, who are given immediate advice and support.
Of course, this support is a two-way process, so that if you are involved in an incident that requires help from the emergency services, it is important that all the necessary questions are answered correctly. It is vital to give clear and accurate information at this stage in order to receive the best possible support.
For holidaymakers and residents living in the Canary Islands, there is a recent new addition to the service, which is unique to the Canary Islands, and a few other locations. This is a service called FRESS, which is the Next Generation Emergency Response, and is available as a free App that can be downloaded for most mobile phones.
This exciting innovation allows those facing an emergency to simply press a button to activate FRESS on their phone and receive immediate and enhanced support from the 112 response team. FRESS connects by voice, instant text message or video communication, and automatically sends your location, name, age, phone number and previously recorded medical details to the centre, as well as translating the emergency call into the required language.
Although, currently, FRESS is only operating on a trial basis in some areas of Poland, Italy, the US, Mexico, the Philippines and Malaysia, it is now fully operational in the Canary Islands, which has provided an ideal location for such a service to be thoroughly tested.  
It was fascinating to learn of the possibilities that this life saving app could give. It has the potential to operate worldwide, doing away with the need to remember a whole host of emergency numbers that other countries use, such as 999, 112, 911 and 066. As it develops, FRESS will offer huge safety benefits to travellers, holidaymakers and expats worldwide.
I was impressed to witness the skills, dedication and support given by the team on duty during my visit. It is a service that I guess we rarely think about until we need it. For holidaymakers and expats, it is important to remember that support is given in five languages, including English. It is good to know that it is there for us all in an emergency.
 If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46178/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Do you know how to contact emergency services, such as asking for medical assistance, ambulance, police or fire services? 
If you are in the UK, most people will know that when you dial 999 you will receive prompt and efficient attention to whatever c...

### THE GREAT WINTER FUEL ROBBERY

Following a 13-fold rise in the number of expats claiming the Winter Fuel benefit in the last decade it is not really surprising that the government is looking at the figures with a view to reducing or even discontinuing the benefit for those living overseas, and if any scrutiny were carried out in an evenhanded way I am sure that many of us would welcome its conclusions. 
Unfortunately, rather than fulfil such a study the Chancellor has simply announced ‘a crackdown' which those rather more cynical members of the expat society feel is simply a case of winning a few votes prior to the UK elections, rather than any real attempts at making monetary savings.
This crackdown would disqualify an estimated 120,000 people and, according to Osborne, save £30million a year after 2015/16, when it is expected to come into force.
There are other figures in circulation that suggest that the numbers could well be much, much lower. The latest information for Spain shows 33,815 pensioners living here receive the payment, worth £200 for the over-60s and £300 for those over the age of 80. This costs taxpayers £5.8million a year.
Unfortunately the perception is, with temperatures in Spain often reaching the low 60's in December and January, the allowance is not required.
What the Chancellor hasn't considered is the regularity with which night time temperatures fall to freezing or below and the relatively poor insulation suffered by us in the majority of Spanish properties - NO GOVERNMENT GRANTS FOR INSULATING YOUR DWELLING OVER HERE FOLKS!
The fact that many Spanish residents are also paying UK taxes is perhaps another detail that has been conveniently ignored by Mr Osborne.
Also worth noting for Spain is that the Canary Isles and the 2 North African enclaves are included in the "average winter test" whilst the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, the Indian Ocean islands of Réunion and Mayotte and French Guiana in South America were added to average temperatures in mainland France.
We should also be aware of the proven meteorological figures that in Chingford Essex, the constituency of the current Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith, residents enjoy a warmer climate than parts of both France and Spain, which many expats will confirm, especially in the winter months, that temperatures can drop to -20°C, resulting in high energy and fuel costs on top of the increases in fuel costs levied by the major energy providers.
Well at this stage not all has yet been lost because there is currently an E-Petition in existence, which has already attracted over 13,000 signatures, which really could make a difference and which is desperately waiting for you to sign. But you only have until 31st March to get signed-up and neither do you have to live abroad to sign it!
The threshold that we need to reach if we are to ensure that the matter is considered for debate by the Backbench Business Committee is 100 000 signatures.
The contact details are:
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/73368/signature/new
If you don't have access to the internet then I suggest you find someone who does.
The important thing is that your name is entered onto that petition……NOW!
In recent developments British MP Roger Gale has tabled a motion in the House of Commons asking for the ‘statutory instrument' (SI) axing the payments to be anulled. It is now vital this obtains support from other MPs.
Sir Roger said: “People must now contact their own MPs [in the case of expats, MPs for the last UK constituency where you were registered to vote] explaining why they have an interest. Tell them: ‘I am going to lose my WFP, which matters to me; this is unfair because...' and please therefore will they sign EDM 695 which is a prayer against the statutory instrument.'
You can find your MP's details here: 
www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/
Readers should also ask their MP to be kind enough to confirm that they have done this.
If you have an opinion on the matter that you would like to share with Leader Readers email a letter to office@theleader.info and we will publish on the Letters Page next week.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46177/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Following a 13-fold rise in the number of expats claiming the Winter Fuel benefit in the last decade it is not really surprising that the government is looking at the figures with a view to reducing or even discontinuing the benefit for those living overseas, and if any scrutiny were carried out in an evenhanded way I am sure that many of us would welcome its conclusions. 
Unfortunately, rather than fulfil such a study the Chancellor has simply announced ‘a crackdown' which those rather more cynical members of the expat society feel is simply a case of winning a few votes prior to the UK elections, rather than any real attempts at making monetary savings.
This crackdown would disqualify an estimated 120,000 people and, according to Osborne, save £30million a year after 2015/16, when it is expected to come into force.
There are other figures in circulation that suggest that the numbers could well be much, much lower. The latest information for Spain shows 33,815 pensioners living here receive the payment, worth £200 for the over-60s and £300 for those over the age of 80. This costs taxpayers £5.8million a year.
Unfortunately the perception is, with temperatures in Spain often reaching the low 60's in December and January, the allowance is not required.
What the Chancellor hasn't considered is the regularity with which night time temperatures fall to freezing or below and the relatively poor insulation suffered by us in the majority of Spanish properties - NO GOVERNMENT GRANTS FOR INSULATING YOUR DWELLING OVER HERE FOLKS!
The fact that many Spanish residents are also paying UK taxes is perhaps another detail that has been conveniently ignored by Mr Osborne.
Also worth noting for Spain is that the Canary Isles and the 2 North African enclaves are included in the "average winter test" whilst the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, the Indian Ocean islands of Réunion and Mayotte and French Guiana in South America were added to average temperatures in mainland France.
We should also be aware of the proven meteorological figures that in Chingford Essex, the constituency of the current Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith, residents enjoy a warmer climate than parts of both France and Spain, which many expats will confirm, especially in the winter months, that temperatures can drop to -20°C, resulting in high energy and fuel costs on top of the increases in fuel costs levied by the major energy providers.
Well at this stage not all has yet been lost because there is currently an E-Petition in existence, which has already attracted over 13,000 signatures, which really could make a difference and which is desperately waiting for you to sign. But you only have until 31st March to get signed-up and neither do you have to live abroad to sign it!
The threshold that we need to reach if we are to ensure that the matter is considered for debate by the Backbench Business Committee is 100 000 signatures.
The contact details are:http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/73368/signature/new
If you don't have access to the internet then I suggest you find someone who does.
The important thing is that your name is entered onto that petition……NOW!
In recent developments British MP Roger Gale has tabled a motion in the House of Commons asking for the ‘statutory instrument' (SI) axing the payments to be anulled. It is now vital this obtains support from other MPs.
Sir Roger said: “People must now contact their own MPs [in the case of expats, MPs for the last UK constituency where you were registered to vote] explaining why they have an interest. Tell them: ‘I am going to lose my WFP, which matters to me; this is unfair because...' and please therefore will they sign EDM 695 which is a prayer against the statutory instrument.'
You can find your MP's details here: www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/
Readers should also ask their MP to be kind enough to confirm that they have done this.
If you have an opinion on the matter that you would like to share with Leader Readers email a letter to office@theleader.info and we will publish on the Letters Page next week.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46177/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### EURONICS DARTS LEAGUE - 22 JAN 15

There have been two since November the 13th and now there is just one, unbeaten teams that is.  Breakaways are the latest team to lose the accolade, surprisingly at home to an ecstatic Tavern Drivers, themselves a little wayward of late but nevertheless congratulations.  
A depressed Mike Snow tells me there were only one or two highlights from his previously unbeaten side and one of those was the half time curry.  That now leaves the Meerkats with just one dropped point against Ray Sanderson´s Porter House outfit, who should have repeated the feat a couple of weeks ago. 
The top of Division 1 could well change this week when the Meerkats play the Hyenas in a real top of the table clash.  A draw may well suit both captains, which will only delay the inevitable last game shoot out at the end of the season, that is should both sides keep their existing records. 
Already Hyenas captain Simon Williams is bemoaning a loss of key players due to illness etc who I think may well make miraculous recoveries.  The banter and rhetoric is in full flow between both protagonists, hopefully the match will live up to expectations. 
One side now looking nicely settled into league darts are the Evolution boys, their victory visit to the Misfits was their sixth consecutive unbeaten match, to include a cup game, a decent run, if continued, may well see them in the top 3.
The Kats match versus the Que Pasa Eagles was a real belter, both sides starting off slowly, the Kats ahead from the third leg, the Eagles eventually showing the sort of form we know they are capable of.  Joe Cuyt took the first for the visitors with a tidy 80 out (S20,S20,D20) followed by Dave Frew´s 76 out (S5,T17,D10). 
The Eagles skipper Den Hall livened his side up in the third with 95 and 121, but it was Pat Abrams taking the plaudits with 2x100 and a showboating 60 out (D20,D10) for the lead. 
The strong pairing of Abrams and Alex Nikolov had the throw in the first pairs against Jim Waddell and Mel Bettell, the latter contributing a 95, countered by Nikolov´s 118 and Abrams 140 and D10.  Cuyt´s 114 in the next was overshadowed by Lee Maiden´s 180, partner Del Kingsbury slipping in D16 for 4-1.  Stuart Clark and Hall reduced their opponents lead in the third pair, Clark nailing D10 before tucking in to some excellent fish and chips. 
Waddell´s 2x140 in the opening single may well have been enough against a lesser opponent than Abrams, who put away both legs on D20 and D5 after 2x100 and a 125.  Maiden ensured the draw beating Cuyt 2-0 with 3x100,D20 and D10, Cuyt replying with just a ton. 
The 9th leg was pretty lively Nikolov taking the first against Hall on D2 after 2x100.  Two more tons from the Bulgarian in the second looked ominous for Hall, but a 95 and D20 set up a decider.  Nikolov moved up a gear hitting 3x100, but Hall replied with 85,156 and a 104 out (S18,T18,D16).  Brilliant stuff!  Clark faced Kingsbury in the next and posted 2x100 and a 74 out for the first leg, Kat Kingsbury replying with a ton.  Another 100 from the Kat followed by S19,S18,D20 for a 77 out made it all square, Clark finding the lipstick with 100 and 140. 
Both registered tons in the decider and both wobbled just a little, Kingsbury slotting home the double for 7-3 and the match.  Jim Storey made it 4 for the Eagles, winning two of three against Graham Todd 127,95 and D16, Storey 100,121,D8 and D16.  Paul Durrant wrapped up the match 2-0 playing Bettell, the former nailing D20,D5 to include a 140.
Hyenas found themselves 2-0 down in no time playing Playa Flamenca´s Busters.  Nick Spicer 100 and D16 taking the third triple.  The pairs all went the way of the visitors for a 2-4 half time score, Spicer D9, Joe Miller 100,D6 and Cyril Harrison D8 finding the doubles. 
Peter O´Rourke pulled one back for the hosts against the exiled John Eyre 2-0, Ray Harvey anticipating a similar result after taking the first leg against Miller.  The Hyena was having none of it and posted 3x100,D20 and D9 for the win. 
Paul Dowington narrowed the visitors lead by taking out Joe Hawkins 2-1, the latter going one up but not able to convert the second.   Harrison enjoyed a comfortable 2-0 victory to ensure the draw and point for the visitors, leaving Spicer 100,95 the applause of victory plus two points for his side after his 2-0 win over Babs Warren.  
Captain Simon Williams 125 concluded the match on D16 after taking the first leg on D11 against veteran Bill Russell.  Ray Harvey 100,121 Warren 105, O´Rourke 100,140 and Dowington 132 were Busters top scorers.
Porter House sit comfortably in third place, albeit losing a home point against La Zenia´s Gogarty´s bar.  The match was pretty close, in fact 5 all with 2 to play, Steve Woods´ side ignoring the fact it was Ray Sanderson´s 50 something birthday, he says he is much younger than wife Sue!  Gogarty´s even had the cheek to eat his birthday cake. 
No fireworks in the early games, Sid Cross earning the Porters an early lead on D4, Richard Pattison levelling on D2 after Brian Nash´s 121.  Cross and Nash, sounds like a 60´s super group, made it 2-1 for the birthday boy, Cross getting the double, Nash doing the scoring.  Gogarty´s took 2 of the 3 pairs available to make it all square at half time. 
Pattison 140 and D19, taking the first, Cross 100 and Ray Hayes 100 and a 56 out the second, Woods 135,D16 with partner Kevin Fitzpatrick taking the third.  Gail Todd nailed the first of three in the opening singles, Mike Newbury 110 closing the match on D19 and D18.  Nash also took the opening leg on D16 after 100,112, the leg cancelled out by Pattison on D13.  T
he Porters 125 and 100 looked good enough for the leg however the Gogarty´s man replied with a ton and D2 to level the overall match.  Cross made it 5-4, taking out Ernie Wilson on D20 and D15 to include 100,125 and 140, Wilson outing on 81 (T17,D15).  Both captains faced each other in the tenth, Woods forgetting the occasion going out on the bull in the first and a dodgy D1 for 2-0. 
Ray Hayes gained the draw and point, hitting 2x100,D2 and D20, leaving Gogarty´s Cynthia Jevons to level the match winning two of the three legs against Matt Jackson 2x100.
Breakaways remain clear top in Division 2 and look certain of promotion even after this week´s drubbing from second placed Tavern Drivers.  The league leaders were surprisingly 1-5 down at half time, their only win coming from Paul Lear, completing the 701 on a 64 out, Del Lister helping out with some very steady scoring. 
Three double 1 finishes from the Drivers in the first six legs may go some way in explaining the Bears defeat.  The first two singles went Drivers way, Justin Hepburn taking the match on D5 after an 83 and 95.  Lear gained the Bears second leg on D5 only for Ricky Cox D3 and John Dursley D1 to make it 9 legs for the visitors. 
The reliable Ivan Jones gave the score line a little respectability for Breakaways hitting 121,92,100 and D10, to conclude the match and score that to many would have gone down on the pools coupon as a home win. 
 
A D4 and scoring to match from Pat Schofield got the Jaguars off to a flyer against the Queens from Pint Depot, Debbie Wright´s 98 and 114 insufficient to double out.  Vi Turner levelled on D2 and then took the next on D6, well supported in the scoring department by Wright and Lorraine Cox. 
Wendy Hayward virtually won the first pairs single handedly on D5, the second going to queen Debbie giving the Queens a 2-3 lead.  Schofield levelled at half time completing the 601 with a very nice 62 out (S10,S12,D20). 
Sharon Bugg D8 and Hayward D12 made it 5-3 for the Jaguars, Cox preventing the draw with D1 in the 9th leg. 
Tracey Simpson also found herself on D1 after some tasty scoring to secure the draw and point, allowing Hilda Wilkinson to take the win on D10 against a spirited performance from Wright.  Turner gained her third double of the night D11 giving the Queens their fifth leg.
Kestrels gained their 6th victory of the season over local visitors Ale House.  A 3-0 lead courtesy of Eddie Martin, Chris Miles and Russell Lyness. 
The lead was reduced by Luke Yarnold D10 and Brian Hobbis D7 only for Alan Preston to take out D16 for 4-2 at the break, Owen Attwood looking very tidy for the Alemen.  Kay Hobbis D2 made it 4-3 giving young Attwood the incentive to take the next and level on D20 after some fine throwing. 
Preston gave the hosts back the lead on D7, Karl Mallinson doing his best with 96 and 100 against an in-form Miles to level again.  It was however Miles on D2 to take the leg. 
Yarnold gave the Alemen the chance of a draw on D2 but it was Terry Kirby who gained the points for the Kestrels taking out 55 on S15,D20 despite 2x100 from Bernie Whipday.
Finishing School
Last week´s answer  With two darts to throw for 15 most experienced throwers would plump for S7,D4.  My alternative is to throw for S11 and D2 because if you throw low into S8 you still have one dart to leave a double.  With three darts available you have two chances to finish effectively.  Its all about percentage darts.
This week´s question You require 119, what sequence of scores maximises your chance of finishing?
Leader Merit Table, top five only
Team: Evolution 12 pts, Gogarty´s 10, Misfits 9, Jaguars 8, Ale House 8
Girls: P. Schofield 13 pts, Y. Rouffignac 12, W. Hayward 12, T. Simpson 10, S. de Lacy 8
Boys: P. Abrams 21, N. Spicer 18, L. Maiden 14, M. Smith 10, A. Nikolov 10.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46175/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: There have been two since November the 13th and now there is just one, unbeaten teams that is.  Breakaways are the latest team to lose the accolade, surprisingly at home to an ecstatic Tavern Drivers, themselves a little wayward of late but nevertheles...

### SPEED WALKING FINE DENIAL

The DGT traffic department has issued a notice denying that pedestrians will be fined for walking too fast.
The statement is in response to reports in numerous newspapers regarding proposed changes to the rules of the road. Referring to the suggestions that pedestrians can be punished, the DGT confirm that “This agency wants flatly deny that possibility”.
They also confirm that the proposed draft of the law is the same as that which has been in existence since 1992, although there are regulations referring to carts and carriages which may be propelled or pulled manually, where legislation is in place to ensure their safe operation.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46156/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The DGT traffic department has issued a notice denying that pedestrians will be fined for walking too fast.
The statement is in response to reports in numerous newspapers regarding proposed changes to the rules of the road. Referring to the suggestio...

### QUIRON GROUP PRAISE CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN

The Fundación Quirón have announced this week that during their “Operación Kilo” campaign, they collected a total of 1,700 kilos of food, clothing and school supplies in their hospitals and health centres during the Christmas period.
It is the fourth time that the foundation has conducted an annual collection drive, which has allowed the items to be distributed to those more in need in the vicinity of their hospitals, including children, youths, senior citizens and families at risk of social exclusion, poverty or destitution.
In a statement, both the Fundación Quirón and Grupo Hospitalario Quirón extended their gratitude to all those who donated to the campaign, or collaborated in any way, as well as their own professionals who have voluntarily taken part in the scheme.
On a local level, all items collected at the Hospital Quirón Torrevieja have been donated to Alimentos Solidarios, a much deserving charity dedicated to helping those in need in and around Torrevieja.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46155/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Fundación Quirón have announced this week that during their “Operación Kilo” campaign, they collected a total of 1,700 kilos of food, clothing and school supplies in their hospitals and health centres during the Ch...

### SUPREME COURT BACKS HORADADA IN BORDER DISPUTE

The Municipality of Pilar de la Horadada received the welcome news last week of the Supreme Court ruling that finally settles in their favour the boundary, first established in 1756, with the bordering town of San Pedro del Pinatar. 
On 17 December the high court dismissed the claims made by San Pedro over an area covering almost half a million square metres. They said that no change is to be made to the border that divides the regions of Valencia and Murcia, a dispute which began nine years ago when the Pinatar mayor was accused of trespassing after he ordered that two of the stones marking the border should be moved.
The first attempt to resolve the dispute favoured Horadada when the Department of the Environment confirmed that the border would remain in accordance with the line drawn in 1756. 
The Pinatar Ayuntamiento then appealed, although that was also rejected in 2011. 
Jose Fidel Ros, the current mayor of Pilar de la Horadada, has said that he is delighted with the Supreme Court decision, particularly as all court costs will now have to be met by the San Pedro del Pinatar town hall. He said that he has always felt that the historical boundary, that runs through the centre of El Mojon, should be maintained.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46154/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Municipality of Pilar de la Horadada received the welcome news last week of the Supreme Court ruling that finally settles in their favour the boundary, first established in 1756, with the bordering town of San Pedro del Pinatar. 
On 17 December th...

### ILLEGAL RENTERS COULD FACE PROSECUTION

After listening to bodies representing Hotel and Tourism sectors in the community the Valencia Government is to embark on a campaign aimed at rooting out illegal rental agencies and owners that are operating on the Costa Blanca.
The Ministry of the Economy, Industry, Tourism and Employment say that they are now in the process of preparing a plan, in the form of a legal decree, which will punish ‘on line' portals which currently market homes in tourist areas irregularly, ie without the minimum safety and quality certificates and authorities and without proper registration at the Generalitat. Those found to be in contravention of the law will face fines of between 50,000 and 90,000 euros
Accompanied by employers from within the Tourism Council, the plan was announced in Valencia last week by the Minister of Economy, Maximo Buch. He said that the measures will be implemented from next spring, the season from which fraud within the tourist apartment sector tends to intensify. 
According to sources it is claimed that most digital platforms do not distinguish between legal and illegal renters (those who evade taxes and the necessary registration) and that the new decree will establish the "joint responsibility" of those marketing platforms. In future the owner of the holiday apartment or property will be responsible in paying the same fines as those responsible for the website, with very serious offenses incurring penalties of up to 90,000 euros.
Both the hotel and non-hotel sectors applauded the action saying that it would almost certainly help to improve their situation where unregulated apartments have been partly responsible in the average holiday occupancy dropping by four points from 70.1% in 2013 to just 66.1% last year.
Hoteliers maintain that the illegal rental of apartments is a fraud to the Tax Agency, Social Security and to the Treasury and they have asked for more inspectors to manage this growing occurrence, where there are only five for the entire Region. They hoped that Valencia will follow the example of Catalonia, whose Ministry was the first to take action against illegal portals, although they accept that action is not quite that simple as the administrators of many of the  Internet portals are  living abroad.
However a spokesman for the real estate promoter Provia says that 95% of all tourist accommodation in Torrevieja is based in apartments and villas and not in hotels, either through rental or via relations or friends, while the figure across the Costa Blanca is put slightly lower at 77%. They say that whilst such resorts as Benidorm wouldn't  be quite so affected,  because of the hotel population, a more rigorous application of the current rules by Government regulations could completely destroy the tourism model for Torrevieja and other similar locations where there isn't the same concentration of hotels. 
Many people bought their apartments or villas with a view to renting them out during the holiday seasons and if regulations were introduced to make that more difficult it would certainly affect the numbers purchasing property in the area in the future. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46153/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: After listening to bodies representing Hotel and Tourism sectors in the community the Valencia Government is to embark on a campaign aimed at rooting out illegal rental agencies and owners that are operating on the Costa Blanca.
The Ministry of the Economy, Industry, Tourism and Employment say that they are now in the process of preparing a plan, in the form of a legal decree, which will punish ‘on line' portals which currently market homes in tourist areas irregularly, ie without the minimum safety and quality certificates and authorities and without proper registration at the Generalitat. Those found to be in contravention of the law will face fines of between 50,000 and 90,000 euros
Accompanied by employers from within the Tourism Council, the plan was announced in Valencia last week by the Minister of Economy, Maximo Buch. He said that the measures will be implemented from next spring, the season from which fraud within the tourist apartment sector tends to intensify. 
According to sources it is claimed that most digital platforms do not distinguish between legal and illegal renters (those who evade taxes and the necessary registration) and that the new decree will establish the "joint responsibility" of those marketing platforms. In future the owner of the holiday apartment or property will be responsible in paying the same fines as those responsible for the website, with very serious offenses incurring penalties of up to 90,000 euros.
Both the hotel and non-hotel sectors applauded the action saying that it would almost certainly help to improve their situation where unregulated apartments have been partly responsible in the average holiday occupancy dropping by four points from 70.1% in 2013 to just 66.1% last year.
Hoteliers maintain that the illegal rental of apartments is a fraud to the Tax Agency, Social Security and to the Treasury and they have asked for more inspectors to manage this growing occurrence, where there are only five for the entire Region. They hoped that Valencia will follow the example of Catalonia, whose Ministry was the first to take action against illegal portals, although they accept that action is not quite that simple as the administrators of many of the  Internet portals are  living abroad.
However a spokesman for the real estate promoter Provia says that 95% of all tourist accommodation in Torrevieja is based in apartments and villas and not in hotels, either through rental or via relations or friends, while the figure across the Costa Blanca is put slightly lower at 77%. They say that whilst such resorts as Benidorm wouldn't  be quite so affected,  because of the hotel population, a more rigorous application of the current rules by Government regulations could completely destroy the tourism model for Torrevieja and other similar locations where there isn't the same concentration of hotels. 
Many people bought their apartments or villas with a view to renting them out during the holiday seasons and if regulations were introduced to make that more difficult it would certainly affect the numbers purchasing property in the area in the future. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46153/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### N332  DUAL CARRIAGEWAY TO BE EXTENDED

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, announced last week that tenders will shortly be invited from companies wishing to carry out the conversión of the 8 kilometre stretch of the N332 from single to dual carriageway, between km markers 53-61.
He said that preliminary studies have now been completed by the Valenciana Generalitat and the Highways Traffic Agency who have been looking specifically at the stretch along the highway from the CV 905 to the CV 95 at Los Balcones which carries approximately 33,250 vehicles per day.
He said that the work would also include measures necessary to ensure that the regular flooding of the area is remedied as well as consideration for pedestrians and cyclists who might also wish to use the road.
Initially he said that the authorities must take the steps required to complete the necessary environmental procedures before transferring the privately owned land into public ownership.
The bidding process will then be put into place for the work, the budget for which is 32 million euros, costs for which would be borne by the Valenciana Generalitat.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46152/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, announced last week that tenders will shortly be invited from companies wishing to carry out the conversión of the 8 kilometre stretch of the N332 from single to dual carriageway, between km markers 53-61....

### NORWEGIAN ELITE SWIMMERS IN TORREVIEJA

Luis María Pizana, the Councillor in charge of Torrevieja's Sports City, said last week that the complex is already hosting foreign and overseas clubs using the facility for their Winter training, the first of which is St. Svithuns, an Elite Sports College located in Stavanger in the western part of Norway.
The college has many young students and athletes of very high level who are studying and training in a wide variety of sports and associated skills.
He said that this is the first time that the Norwegian Elite School has visited Torrevieja Sports City, bringing with them on this occasion a group of about 20 young swimmers, as they  prepare the forthcoming national and international competitions.
According to the club coach, among the swimmers who have come to train in Torrevieja are the reigning European 1500m champion two others who won silver and bronze medals  in the last European Youth Championships whilst representing the Norwegian National team. There are also several swimmers who claimed gold medals in the Scandinavian Championships, all of which are in Torrevieja to prepare for upcoming European events.
They have now spent a week in the city, training at the Municipal Olympic pool and have said that they are extremely satisfied with the sports facilities and the hospitality they received.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46151/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Luis María Pizana, the Councillor in charge of Torrevieja's Sports City, said last week that the complex is already hosting foreign and overseas clubs using the facility for their Winter training, the first of which is St. Svithuns, an Elite Spo...

### MUNICIPAL TEAMS TREATING TORREVIEJA’S PALMS

Carmen Gómez Candel, Torrevieja's Councillor for Parks and Gardens, announced that municipal teams are now pruning and treating the town's palm trees in accordance with the guidelines laid out by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, which requires councils to carry out mandatory phytosanitary measures for the control and eradication of the pest "Rhynchophorus ferrugineus", the red palm weevil.
Work got underway last Monday and will continue until  the end of February during which time the authorities will be required to carry out a number of road closures in the city, although she assures everyone that these will be kept to an absolute minimum. A full list of the closures is available from the Policia Locale.
Ms Gomez said that the council will also be carrying out treatment against the red palm weevil to those palms which are in public ownership. She said that her staff are available to the owners of infected palms, and the Technical Team will provide advice and treatment in order to prevent and eradicate the plague of the red palm weevil in the city.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46150/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Carmen Gómez Candel, Torrevieja's Councillor for Parks and Gardens, announced that municipal teams are now pruning and treating the town's palm trees in accordance with the guidelines laid out by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, which requires councils to carry out mandatory phytosanitary measures for the control and eradication of the pest "Rhynchophorus ferrugineus", the red palm weevil.
Work got underway last Monday and will continue until  the end of February during which time the authorities will be required to carry out a number of road closures in the city, although she assures everyone that these will be kept to an absolute minimum. A full list of the closures is available from the Policia Locale.
Ms Gomez said that the council will also be carrying out treatment against the red palm weevil to those palms which are in public ownership. She said that her staff are available to the owners of infected palms, and the Technical Team will provide advice and treatment in order to prevent and eradicate the plague of the red palm weevil in the city.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46150/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### CHIRON HOSPITAL WARNS OF EXTRA RISKS AMONG DIABETICS

Specialists at the Hospital Chiron warned of the additional risks of obesity among those affected by diabetes. They say that 38% of the world's population is currently overweight and 14% obese, a condition in which the World Health Organization (WHO) said is of epidemic proportions with a higher prevalence among children. WHO said that in the United States it is the first cause of preventable death, ahead of diseases caused by smoking.
According to experts at the hospital, 72% of patients with weight problems that undergo bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery), cease to be diabetic. 
Dr. Pedro Bretcha, a specialist in the field, explained that "being overweight carries many other disorders such as diabetes, sleep disorders, heart or anxiety problems." He said that there are many new and less invasive surgical techniques which are an improvement in the treatment of such disease and which minimize postoperative effects. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46149/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Specialists at the Hospital Chiron warned of the additional risks of obesity among those affected by diabetes. They say that 38% of the world's population is currently overweight and 14% obese, a condition in which the World Health Organization (WHO) said is of epidemic proportions with a higher prevalence among children. WHO said that in the United States it is the first cause of preventable death, ahead of diseases caused by smoking.
According to experts at the hospital, 72% of patients with weight problems that undergo bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery), cease to be diabetic. 
Dr. Pedro Bretcha, a specialist in the field, explained that "being overweight carries many other disorders such as diabetes, sleep disorders, heart or anxiety problems." He said that there are many new and less invasive surgical techniques which are an improvement in the treatment of such disease and which minimize postoperative effects. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46149/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### TOWN HALL POSTAL SERVICE SUSPENDED

José Manuel Dolon and José Hurtado, both councilors for Los Verdes (the Green Party) claimed last week that they have seen documentation showing that Correos suspended the postal contract with Torrevieja last September because of unpaid invoices despite repeated reminders.
According to the pair, the debt amounted to 48,836 euros, corresponding to the first five months of the year. A lack of information prevented them from confirming just how long the service was interrupted, or when it was re-established, they said.
Although Municipal sources admitted that there was a delay in payments they claim that the service was never suspended.
However the contract for the Town Hall postal service has been re awarded in recent months to the State Post Office for a renewable term of four years at a cost of about 88,000 per year. A PP spokesman said that this new contract achieved savings of around 144,000 euros during the contract period, compared to the cost of the service provided previously.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46148/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: José Manuel Dolon and José Hurtado, both councilors for Los Verdes (the Green Party) claimed last week that they have seen documentation showing that Correos suspended the postal contract with Torrevieja last September because of unpaid i...

### DEIDRE SAYS FAREWELL

MOJACAR'S Coronation Street star Deidre Barlow (Anne Kirkbride) has died at her home in Manchester, aged 60. Anne had taken leave from the Cobbles of 'Corrie's' Weatherfield, initially in September, with extended leave granted in October 2014, and headed to her Villa in Mojacar.
Coronation Street legend Anne died on Monday after battling a brain tumour, revealed by her husband David Beckett. Anne took a break from the soap after being given extended leave and was scheduled to return to Coronation Street. 
However, Anne was forced to take a break, due to the brain tumour, that only husband David, her family and and a few close friends knew about.
Anne was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1993, which was successfully treated, and she returned to Coronation Street. Oldham born Anne had a Casa in Mojácar in the south east of Almería in Andalucia, southern Spain, of which in 2009, she fled her villa after bush fires hit the area. 
TV chiefs always maintained that Anne would return to the cobbled streets of 'Corrie' - right up until the shock announcement of her death. Anne once said of her tiring schedules on Coronation Street: “At times, it is worse than being delayed at Alicante airport!." Husband David Beckett said she died peacefully in a Manchester hospital after a short illness. She is survived by her husband, her brother John, and his family. 
Anne, who often took flights from Manchester to Elche-Alicante airport, had spoken of her tiring working hours on Coronation Street. "A lot of the time you are just hanging around for hours.
At times, it is worse than being delayed at Alicante airport for five hours. "Because there are no shops. I think of it like a flight. I'm like ‘OK, we are just getting to the gate. Now we've done the descent, now we've landed, now we're taxiing'. "It's just getting through it, counting the bloody minutes until you can go.” 
Former Mojacar resident Andrew Greaves said: "I bumped into Anne Kirkbride a couple of times in Mojacar, when I lived there. "She had a place not far from me. Anne was always happy to chat."  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46147/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: MOJACAR'S Coronation Street star Deidre Barlow (Anne Kirkbride) has died at her home in Manchester, aged 60. Anne had taken leave from the Cobbles of 'Corrie's' Weatherfield, initially in September, with extended leave granted in October 2014, and headed to her Villa in Mojacar.
Coronation Street legend Anne died on Monday after battling a brain tumour, revealed by her husband David Beckett. Anne took a break from the soap after being given extended leave and was scheduled to return to Coronation Street. 
However, Anne was forced to take a break, due to the brain tumour, that only husband David, her family and and a few close friends knew about.
Anne was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1993, which was successfully treated, and she returned to Coronation Street. Oldham born Anne had a Casa in Mojácar in the south east of Almería in Andalucia, southern Spain, of which in 2009, she fled her villa after bush fires hit the area. 
TV chiefs always maintained that Anne would return to the cobbled streets of 'Corrie' - right up until the shock announcement of her death. Anne once said of her tiring schedules on Coronation Street: “At times, it is worse than being delayed at Alicante airport!." Husband David Beckett said she died peacefully in a Manchester hospital after a short illness. She is survived by her husband, her brother John, and his family. 
Anne, who often took flights from Manchester to Elche-Alicante airport, had spoken of her tiring working hours on Coronation Street. "A lot of the time you are just hanging around for hours.
At times, it is worse than being delayed at Alicante airport for five hours. "Because there are no shops. I think of it like a flight. I'm like ‘OK, we are just getting to the gate. Now we've done the descent, now we've landed, now we're taxiing'. "It's just getting through it, counting the bloody minutes until you can go.” 
Former Mojacar resident Andrew Greaves said: "I bumped into Anne Kirkbride a couple of times in Mojacar, when I lived there. "She had a place not far from me. Anne was always happy to chat."  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46147/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### MEN WANTED BY MERSEYSIDE POLICE - ADAM MURPHY AND ANDREW WHITE

Merseyside Police is appealing for the public's help to trace two men detectives want to speak to in connection with an on-going investigation into thefts from cash point machines across the North West and Central England.
Both men, Adam Murphy and Andrew White, are wanted for conspiracy to cause explosions at cash machines and burglary of bank and shop premises between January 2013 and December 2013.
Adam Murphy, 29, is described as being white of a medium build with short brown hair and blue eyes. His last known address is Waresley Crescent in Liverpool. Detectives believe Murphy may be in Scotland.
Andrew White, 25, is described as being white of a medium build with fair hair and blue eyes. His last known address is Nyland Road in Huyton. White has links to Spain.
As part of the same investigation seven men were sentenced to more than 114 years last year. 
In December 2014 Jonathon Webb and Daniel Morgan were sentenced to a total of 32 years in prison after being found guilty of offences following a three week trial at Liverpool Crown Court. 
In September 2014 five other men, Thomas Whittingham, Anthony Bushell, Craig Cartwright, Kurt Beddoes and Ian Ellis, were sentenced to a total of 82 years after being convicted at Liverpool Crown Court trial for the same series of thefts/attempt thefts. 
All seven men were part of a group responsible for ATM attacks at 28 premises (banks, post offices and supermarkets) in Wirral, Lancashire, Cheshire, Southport, Liverpool, Prescot, Loughborough, Gloucester, Birmingham, Northampton and Derby. These attacks resulted in losses to the businesses targeted by the thieves, of approximately £800,000, not to mention damage to the properties estimated to be in excess of £480,000.
Detective Chief Inspector Gayle Rooney, from the Matrix Serious Organised Crime Team, said: “The Force is once again asking the public for their help in catching two of Merseyside's most wanted criminals. 
 “Adam Murphy and Andrew White are wanted by the force in connection with an on-going investigation into thefts from cash point machines across the North West and Central England.
 “The techniques used in these thefts were extremely dangerous and we are fortunate that no-one was hurt.”
 “I have no doubt that the community will embrace this opportunity to assist the police in bringing these people to justice and I would urge anyone with information to get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 0800 230 0600 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46146/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Merseyside Police is appealing for the public's help to trace two men detectives want to speak to in connection with an on-going investigation into thefts from cash point machines across the North West and Central England.
Both men, Adam Murphy and An...

### A SCOURGE THAT CONTINUES

AIDS has already killed 36 million people worldwide
AIDS has killed about 36 million people and, according to estimates, worldwide there are 35.3 million people infected, of which 3.34 million are children.
Most of them live in sub-Saharan Africa. It is estimated that every day, more than 700 children become infected. So terrifying is AIDS.
Margaret Ogola (pictured) was born on June 12, 1958 in Kenya. Married with six children, two of them adopted, she died of cancer when she was only 53 years old.
From 1994 to the end of her life, she was the medical director of Cottolengo Hospice, an orphanage for children with HIV / AIDS. At the time of her death, she directed the Commission of Catholic Secretariat, which coordinates 500 health units, serving about 5 million cases annually. Ogola's life shines a serious and committed dedication to others and it is easy to see that much of it had been turned over to the incurably ill, suffering and death.
A few years ago, in a video, she testified this experience. "I am in constant contact with death, and this has changed my life in a profound way.
The fact of being Christian, a member of Opus Dei, has helped me to cope with this impact. All this makes me appreciate the life more deeply, because being in contact with the death also touches the life and beauty ".
One wonders if we will end up finding a definitive solution to the AIDS pandemic. "In just fifteen years, the mortality from AIDS has declined due to the availability of increasingly effective antiviral treatments. However, the virus can not be eradicated from the body.
Accordingly, the infection can only be controlled, not cured." The problem is that "prevention campaigns are no longer satisfactory because they focus exclusively on the use of condoms. It also falls into the grave error to exclude institutions supporting other effective preventive measures, such as a sexual education respectful with the integrity of the human person, and the fidelity within marriage.
The dimensions of the AIDS epidemic are so dramatic that in preventing it, no cooperation can be neglected." Margaret Ogola said that "when we all try hard, human genius can defeat any viruses".
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46142/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: AIDS has already killed 36 million people worldwide
AIDS has killed about 36 million people and, according to estimates, worldwide there are 35.3 million people infected, of which 3.34 million are children.
Most of them live in sub-Saharan Africa. It is estimated that every day, more than 700 children become infected. So terrifying is AIDS.
Margaret Ogola (pictured) was born on June 12, 1958 in Kenya. Married with six children, two of them adopted, she died of cancer when she was only 53 years old.
From 1994 to the end of her life, she was the medical director of Cottolengo Hospice, an orphanage for children with HIV / AIDS. At the time of her death, she directed the Commission of Catholic Secretariat, which coordinates 500 health units, serving about 5 million cases annually. Ogola's life shines a serious and committed dedication to others and it is easy to see that much of it had been turned over to the incurably ill, suffering and death.
A few years ago, in a video, she testified this experience. "I am in constant contact with death, and this has changed my life in a profound way.
The fact of being Christian, a member of Opus Dei, has helped me to cope with this impact. All this makes me appreciate the life more deeply, because being in contact with the death also touches the life and beauty ".
One wonders if we will end up finding a definitive solution to the AIDS pandemic. "In just fifteen years, the mortality from AIDS has declined due to the availability of increasingly effective antiviral treatments. However, the virus can not be eradicated from the body.
Accordingly, the infection can only be controlled, not cured." The problem is that "prevention campaigns are no longer satisfactory because they focus exclusively on the use of condoms. It also falls into the grave error to exclude institutions supporting other effective preventive measures, such as a sexual education respectful with the integrity of the human person, and the fidelity within marriage.
The dimensions of the AIDS epidemic are so dramatic that in preventing it, no cooperation can be neglected." Margaret Ogola said that "when we all try hard, human genius can defeat any viruses".
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46142/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### YOUR PASSWORDS REVEALED

With so much emphasis on cyber security at the moment, it is often easy to forget such memorable notions concerning “the weakest link” or the “Achilles' heel”, but when it comes to protecting our data, it is often those little matters that let us down, the ease of our chosen passwords.
“Never write passwords down” is something that many have had drummed into them for some time, although computer security experts are less convinced that this is a solution to protecting our data, as the likelihood of somebody breaking into our homes to try to find our little password book is a lot slimmer than the chance of a hacker working it out for themselves. 
An example of this is the annual report from SplashData which lists the most common passwords being used in 2014, which looks remarkably similar to previous years, thus showing that little has really changed.
Based on a leaked list of 3.3 million passwords, top of the list is “123456”, the same as was number one in 2013. In second place, somewhat bizarrely many might think, is “password”, because no hacker would assume the obvious, would they? The number 2 positioned word was also the same as last year. In third place was “12345”, forth was “12345678”, and in fifth place, the most commonly used password in 2014 was “qwerty”.
Although we perhaps ought to apologise if we have revealed your secure password, now is probably a good time to change it. In fact, experts do say that passwords should be changed frequently and based on a random string of characters, including letters in capital and lowercase form, numbers and symbols (where possible), not using memorable words of phrases, and keeping them safe. It is no wonder then why we might need to write down our passwords, if we have to opt for something like “eG7i*h!9$t”, but perhaps don´t use this one, as we´ve also just revealed that. If you do need to use common words, then the best option is to intentionally misspell them.
The final piece of advice is to not use things like pet´s names, elements your home address, either current or previous, such as home town or birthplace. Don´t use family names, favourite colours, or anything that is particularly obvious. The reason for this is not only due to the common use of the words, but the countless “games” played on the internet where it is seemingly harmless fun to “make up your spy name by combining your first pet and town of birth”, as revealing that you are known as “Snowy Birmingham” in the fake espionage world automatically reveals two potentially important pieces of data, and your passwords, should you have decided to take that route of protection.
These little tips are just the start of it, protecting your on-line identity and data is both important and simple, if you follow these and many other simple procedures available by doing a little research into protecting yourself.
Now for the list of the most popular passwords used in 2014, and perhaps a reminder that it's time to change yours. My personal favourite, if I have to choose, “letmein”.
1.	123456
2.	password
3.	12345
4.	12345678
5.	qwerty
6.	1234567890
7.	1234
8.	baseball
9.	dragon
10.	football
11.	1234567
12.	monkey
13.	letmein
14.	abc123
15.	111111
16.	mustang
17.	access
18.	shadow
19.	master
20.	michael
21.	superman
22.	696969
23.	123123
24.	batman
25.	trustno1
Is yours on the list?
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46139/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: With so much emphasis on cyber security at the moment, it is often easy to forget such memorable notions concerning “the weakest link” or the “Achilles' heel”, but when it comes to protecting our data, it is often those little ...

### RUNNERS TAKE THE PULSE

The North Face® Transgrancanaria® Training Camp
• Pau Bartoló, Nerea Martínez and the experts Antonio Ramos Gordillo, Clemente Alonso and Victor Plata offered this weekend talks about how to confront with guarantees a mountain race
• This Training Camp, organised by Arista, was aimed to train trail runners for the next edition of The North Face® Transgrancanaria, which will start on the 6th of March
After five successful previous editions, The North Face® Transgrancanaria 2015 is back. Last weekend, around 50 local runners who will take part in the run during the 6th and 8th of March attended the The North Face® Transgrancanaria Training Camp which included the visit of top world-wide professionals on trail running.
The runners from the Canary Islands took benefit from their presence in the sport facilities of El Garañón and had the opportunity to listen to their pieces of advice.
The attendees of this campus had the chance to get first-hand knowledge from the runner Pau Bartoló, elite trail runner and winner of the last editions of Transgrancanaria in the Advanced category; and from Nerea Martínez, winner of 2013 edition in Trasgrancanaria category.
The campus also included talks by several experts on topics related with sport and doping, as the Antidoping Commission President, Antonio Romos Gordillo; the thiathlete and coach, Clemente Alonso, and Victor Plata, psychotherapist and psioteparepeuta y expert in runners lesions.
Fernando González, Sports Director of The North Face® Transgrancanaria: “The fact that the runners have the chance to listen to this pieces of advice from elite runners and experts some weeks before the run will indeed improve the level”. He in particular underlined: “This opportunity will help them both in the physical training and to become familiar with the route in order to know how to face the different stretches”.
This Training Camp was held from the 16th to the 18th of January in the sport facilities of El Garañón with the aim of sharing both practical and theoretical knowledge on how to face such an intensive and tough run like the The North Face® Transgrancanaria.
This year, the run includes five races each of them with different difficulty level: Promo (17 kilometers), Starter (32), Marathon (44), Advance (83) and Transgrancanaria itself (125).
Also this year top level professionals attended the Training Camp in order to guide and advise those interested in improving their skills and in acquiring new techniques to be applied in trail runs. Furthermore, thanks to the talks given and know-how sharing by professionals, the attendees, who showed big interest and took active participation, had the chance to widen their knowledge on training, hydration, health and nutrition. As well, the 60 runners tested the new The North Face® footwear during the weekend with a successful results.
Throughout the two days the Campus lasted, the participants had the opportunity not only to attend talks but also to put into practice the knowledge acquired during the trainings. This event allowed them to train hand in hand with trail running stars, such as Bartoló  and Martínez, and to get to know some of the new stretches of The North Face®  Transgrancanaria.
This year, the Organization wanted to bring closer the race to the kids, with the first edition of the Child Training Camp. Last saturday a dozen children between 6 and 14 years old, enjoyed activities in touch with nature and received notions of elite runners, with whom they had the opportunity to train.
The North Face® Transgracanaria Training Camp is sponsored by The North Face and organised by Arista. The official site of the run includes all the information regarding to The North Face® Transgrancanaria: www.transgrancanaria.netFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46134/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The North Face® Transgrancanaria® Training Camp
• Pau Bartoló, Nerea Martínez and the experts Antonio Ramos Gordillo, Clemente Alonso and Victor Plata offered this weekend talks about how to confront with guarantees a mounta...

### EYEWEAR WINTER TRENDS

January is a great time to update your look and glasses are a quick and easy way to refresh your style and make a statement, by carrying through some of the latest trends. 
Natasha Gray, Global Stylist and Frame Communications Manager, from optical brand Specsavers has put together an overview of winter trends which you can apply to your glasses and accessories and start 2015 looking great. 
Marine Theme - This trend sees stunning marine colours applied to frames for both men and women. The great thing about blue and green frames is that they emphasise the natural colours of the iris, enlarge the appearance of the eyes, and bring them into focus in a flattering way.
These shades complement a range of skin tones and will work well with most of your wardrobe, given that many colours have blue undertones.
Folk Luxe & Vintage Drama - This trend is all about luxury fabrics, jewel-colours, feathers, faux fur and Native American elements. Folk art also plays a huge part in this trend.
The never-ending love affair with vintage apparel and accessories is still apparent and retro designs are still emerging, from cat's-eye to round-eyed styles. Clubmaster-inspired frames are a key trend for 2015.
Digital Life Theme - This trend is all about clean lines, bright colours, layered acetate plastic and bold shapes. Multi-layered acetate plastic is a really neat way of subtly showing off your style credentials. It keeps the look very smart but gives a flash of fashion inspiration.
A lighter colour on the inside of the frame is often used; this allows light to illuminate, rather than darken the eye area.
From Dawn to Dusk Theme - An emerging frame trend features all the colours of the sunrise and sunset. Particularly for women, this trend includes pinks, purples, sunset oranges and flaming reds.
Specsavers Opticas have a large range of designer glasses including Karl Lagerfeld, Roxy, Quicksilver, Karen Millen, Benetton and Tommy Hilfiger, as well as their own cult brands of Osiris and Aurora.
Style advisors are on hand to help make the right choice for each face shape. There are stores located in Benidorm, Guardamar, Calpe, Jávea, and Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca, Fuengirola and Marbella on the Costa del Sol and Santa Ponça in Mallorca.
For more information and to find your nearest store visit www.specsavers.es.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46131/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: January is a great time to update your look and glasses are a quick and easy way to refresh your style and make a statement, by carrying through some of the latest trends. 
Natasha Gray, Global Stylist and Frame Communications Manager, from optical br...

### FIRST TWO SWIMMING COMPETITIONS OF THE YEAR

Torrevieja swimmers kicked off the New Year in a very positive manner. 
On January 4th the Masters of the Club participated in the first Social event of the year. Social being 4 competitive races in 200m freestyle, 100m freestyle with fins, 25m with fins, completely underwater and a 8 x 50m freestyle relay.
The whole day was a time to get back into a racing environment after a break over Christmas and New year. The team, Beth Altabas, Adam and Lucy Stewart, Zoe and Vicki Connolly, swam well and clocked up some good times and made some good new friends with the regions swimmers. 
To continue in this positive trends the younger members of the club had a good day in their first competition of the year in the Municipal Pool ,San Vincente. Most of the team achieving new personal best times in their first timed Regional Control of the year.
The team comprised of Yuriy Flyunt, Amy Connolly, Vilja Bilstad, Vicky Pigneur, Georgy and Konstantin Murskiy, Patrick Met,and Vitalio Veres all worked hard in the 100m freestyle, 100m butterfly, and 200m butterfly races. Vicky had two very good swims and came first in her 100m freestyle and 200m butterfly events.
Vilja, Amy, Georgy,and Vitalio all reduced their best times by over 4 seconds. Well done to all!
For more information regarding Torrevieja Swimming Club please contact Rosa 665 454 126, President Felipe on 609 418 776 or Vicki 669 637 015 or by email on info@clubnataciontorrevieja.com .
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46130/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Torrevieja swimmers kicked off the New Year in a very positive manner. 
On January 4th the Masters of the Club participated in the first Social event of the year. Social being 4 competitive races in 200m freestyle, 100m freestyle with fins, 25m with f...

### A LUNCH IN SUPPORT OF THE SAN MIGUEL FOOD BANK

The Restaurant  La Cuevas of San Miguel de Salinas has organized a solidarity meal for the benefit of the Food Bank of the  Association of Neighbours "San Miguel Arcángel". 
La Cuevas has created a special menu of local traditional foods and drink and the price of 15 euros includes a donation 10% to The Food Bank.
The lunch will be held on Sunday January 25 from 13:30 in the beautiful surroundings of Las Cuevas Restaurant. Those interested in attending can make their reservations via Las Cuevas phones 96 672 34 32 or 646 475 186.
The Association of Neighbours ‘San Miguel Arcángel' is delighted that another local business is making a gesture of solidarity towards the cause of the people of the town more severely affected by the crisis.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
David Hardy
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46124/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Restaurant  La Cuevas of San Miguel de Salinas has organized a solidarity meal for the benefit of the Food Bank of the  Association of Neighbours "San Miguel Arcángel". 
La Cuevas has created a special menu of local traditional foods and drink and the price of 15 euros includes a donation 10% to The Food Bank.
The lunch will be held on Sunday January 25 from 13:30 in the beautiful surroundings of Las Cuevas Restaurant. Those interested in attending can make their reservations via Las Cuevas phones 96 672 34 32 or 646 475 186.
The Association of Neighbours ‘San Miguel Arcángel' is delighted that another local business is making a gesture of solidarity towards the cause of the people of the town more severely affected by the crisis.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
David HardyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46124/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### CESAR BRACE LIFTS SUPER TORRY INTO SECOND

MURO CF 2 CD TORREVIEJA 4
Muro CF went into Sunday evening's game still hurting from last weekend's disastrous 5-0 defeat away at Cullera prior to which manager Pepe Aroca had guided them to a couple of decent wins and a spot in the Tercera play offs.  
But having dropped from 4th to 8th as a result of that reversal Aroca said that he was hoping that the visit of CD Torrevieja would provide his side with the springboard needed to get their season back on track.
The Salineros however had ideas of their own having gathered 11 points from their last 5 matches with Galiana guiding his side from 16th to 5th, just a single point from that much sought after 4th spot. So there was all to play for at La Llometa on Sunday evening with neither outfit daring to consider anything but a win. 
And it was the home side that got off to the quicker start, almost punishing Torry in the opening seconds. After Lucas had lobbed the advancing Oscar it was only the quick thinking Alexis that saved Torry from going a goal behind when he tracked back to clear off the line and save a certain goal.
Muro continued to exert pressure during those opening minutes so they were stunned when a break on 5 minutes saw an exquisite cross from Adrian nicely met by Cesar for the Torry striker to power his header into the back of the Muro net. At that stage the pressure had all been exerted by the home team. 
But this was the lift that the visitors needed and as their confidence grew so did their grip on the game.
Torry had the ball in the net for a 2nd time on 7 minutes but the goal was rightly disallowed by the referee for a push. But the Salineros just kept coming.
Although Oscar was called into action with an excellent save from Mario on 16 mins as a result of a rare Muro raid it was all CD Torrevieja with both Ferran and Cesar going close.
The pressure paid off on 24 mins when the visitors went further ahead. Once again it was the hard working Cesar who shot under the legs of Gil in the Muro goal after being fed through by Rafa Gomez.
This game really was a great advert for Tercera football and at that stage it showed just how much Torry had improved since the turn of the year both in physicality and in skill.
The visitors kept their momentum for long periods of the 2nd half adding a 3rd through Adrian from a Rafa assist on 57 mins and a 4th from Rafa himself with a low drive on 67 mins. At this stage it was no more than they deserved but as is often the case they took their foot off the gas to allow Muro back into the Game.
Mario pulled one back on 68 and then Lucas added a Muro 2nd on 85 mins to give the home side at least a mark of respectability. But all in all this was a polished performance from the Salineros and, following their very first ever success at La Llometa, one that will give them confidence going into the final months of the season.
Next Sunday Torrevieja entertain lowly Ribarroja in a game kicking off at the Vicente Garcia at 5pm when new signing Pinera from Segunda B outfit Yeclano could well be on show.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46123/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: MURO CF 2 CD TORREVIEJA 4
Muro CF went into Sunday evening's game still hurting from last weekend's disastrous 5-0 defeat away at Cullera prior to which manager Pepe Aroca had guided them to a couple of decent wins and a spot in the Tercera play offs....

### ISSUE 553 OF THE LEADER IS OUT THIS WEEK

The latest virtual copy of The Leader newspaper is out now, first each week for the latest news and sports.
This week there is a lot of environmental news, both locally and nationally, as well as updates on the political situation in Orihuela and the latest from Torrevieja too.
Pick up the real thing in the morning from one of hundreds of venues around the area, but for now, here is the on-line version for your pleasure.
 

Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46122/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The latest virtual copy of The Leader newspaper is out now, first each week for the latest news and sports.
This week there is a lot of environmental news, both locally and nationally, as well as updates on the political situation in Orihuela and the...

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 12 JANUARY 20159

WE STILL CAN
The latest opinion poll suggests that the leftist political group Podemos will win the next general elections, either outright or by coalition. The poll of 1,000 people showed that 28.2% of the votes would go to Podemos, up from the 25% in December when Podemos fell behind the socialist PSOE.
BORDERED UP
The Interior Minister, Jorge Fernandez Diaz, has said that Spain may request a change to the Schengen treaty in order to allow the reinstatement of border controls to monitor access to the country. The announcement has come in the wake of terrorist attacks in France.
PATRIOTIC VISITORS
A number of ships carrying Spanish Patriot missiles arrived in Turkey this week, in preparation for being based in the Incirlik military base in southern Adana province as part of NATO´s military defence system. The missiles were accompanied by more than 150 Spanish soldiers who will be looking after the missiles during their deployment. 
RUSSIAN RISK
With destinations in Spain and Portugal appearing safer for Russian tourists, other locations are suffering as holidaymakers cancel their plans and opt for destinations in Spain. So far, Goa has seen 40,000 Russian tourists cancel their trip there, according to a legal advisor to the Russian Consulate.
TAKE FLIGHT
Spain has a new airport added to its portfolio of transport hubs, after the airfield at La Seu d'Urgell, located in the Catalan Pyrenees in Spain, was this week officially recategorised as an airport, therefore tourist, passenger, cargo and private flights may now operate from the location. With a 1.3 kilometre runway, as opposed to the 2 kilometre one at neighbouring Alguaire, the new airport is more suited for smaller aircraft. 
MIND THE GAP
Popular clothing chain Gap opened its first store in Spain this week, located in Málaga airport on the Costa Del Sol. The chain plans to open more stores this year, with the assistance of the El Corte Inglés department store group. Global sales by Gap increased by 4% in November and December and is the third largest textile chain after Swedish budget high-street name H&M, and the Spanish Inditex empire.
OPTIC NERVE
According to data compiled for the Spanish telecoms regulator, nearly 50% of Spain´s access to high speed internet through fibre optic cables is in the two cities of Madrid and Barcelona. Users in Madrid and Barcelona enjoying penetration rates of 58 and 65 accesses per 100 inhabitants respectively, whereas in towns with a population of less than half a million, the number is just 3%, dropping to under 1% in towns with a population under 100,000.
STRAWBERRY YIELDS
With thanks to new techniques being adopted to start the process earlier than normal, strawberries from the Huelva region of Spain, where 94% of the country´s crops originate, have started to arrive in European shops early. The peak of the harvest is not expected until the end of January, but many a fruit fan can enjoy a sweet treat already, which this year includes a new destination of Scandinavia.
PROBLEM PINT
Dairy farmers are bracing themselves for a year that many consider will prove to be one of “make or break” for the sector, as a flood of milk from across Europe is “hurting” the domestic industry, with an association of farmers concerned that member states are “still dumping” milk on Spain's market, partly due to the sanctions with Russia meaning European farmers have a surplus, which is having an adverse effect of the price of milk and making the 6.5 million tonnes of milk produced in the country unnecessary. 
CHILLED VEG
Valuation has begun in Lorca to assess the damage that winter frosts have caused to artichoke and lettuce crops. The most severe frosts in recent years took place in December 2010, with damages estimated at 23.3 million euro after the loss of the entire artichoke harvest.
GERMAN CHOICE
Spain is continuing to be an attraction for German tourists, with a leading German travel magazine this week reporting 8.9 million tourists chose Spain in 2013, a 6.9% increase over the previous year. The Balearic Islands showed solid growth of 3.3% with a total of 4.4 million visitors, while the Canary Islands experienced a 17% increase, reaching 2.9 million. A decline in interest in Egypt has been attributed to most of the growth.
POWER LOSS
Nine investors in Europe's largest solar power plant have instructed a legal firm to sue Spain at the World Bank's arbitration court following cuts to solar energy subsidies. Eight German investors, including RWE, Ferrostaal and the city of Munich owned electricity supplier Stadtwerke München, together with a Spanish consortium owned by the triumvirate called Marquesado Solar, have filed an arbitration claim worth “hundreds of millions”.
FOOTBALL FANTASTIC
German football team Borussia Dortmand have been training in La Manga this week in preparation for mid-season training towards the second half of the Bundesliga season. The team arrived last weekend at the Club Principe Felipe hotel where they stayed for an eight day camp. 
ORANGE GROWTH
Internet based television platform Orange TV now has over 100,000 subscribers in Spain, the first time it has reached such a benchmark since being launched in 2006. The provider has seen a 25% growth since 2013 having re-launched the pay-TV service with new channels, new devices as well as smart TV features, and has been delivering TV everywhere services to its mobile customers since October.
DIGITAL DELAY
Further delays to the switch over to digital TV in parts of the country are set to cost an additional 11.5 million euro, according to the Spanish government. Compensation for the delay and the lack of revenue pending the switchover are the causes of this additional financial burden. 
DOCTOR WHERE?
According to a revelation on Twitter by director of photography Ali Asad, the cast of Doctor Who may be returning to Spain to film part of the ninth series of the revamped sci-fi show. Asad Tweeted, “Going to Spain on a location recce for the Dr.” Which has excited fans already. Asylum of the Daleks, A Town Called Mercy and Kill the Moon all had scenes filmed in Spain.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46121/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: WE STILL CAN
The latest opinion poll suggests that the leftist political group Podemos will win the next general elections, either outright or by coalition. The poll of 1,000 people showed that 28.2% of the votes would go to Podemos, up from the 25% ...

### ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION INITIATIVES SPREADING

Last weekend saw the latest census on marine wildlife conducted along the Valencia coastline, with ornithologists from across the region coming together to monitor and report their findings on a day that presented calm conditions and good visibility.
The complete data is now being collated and will be released once complete, but Elías Gomis from the Amigos de los Humedales del Sur de Alicante reporting that the Balearic shearwater, or Puffinus mauretanicus, was particularly intense in the first two hours. 
The high atmospheric pressure had caused the lowering of sea levels and the appearance of small islands, many of which effectively tripled the surface area, much to the delight of the endangered Audouin's gulls who frequent the area, although one took even more advantage of the extra land by catching and eating a small squid, according to the report from the spotter at Cabo de las Huertas.
One of the Audouin's gulls spotted was well known to the spotters, having been ringed as a chick in the Delta del Ebro in 1999. Now approaching its 16th birthday, the bird has joined in the census on numerous occasions and always located in the province of Alicante, usually in Torrevieja or the Salinas de Santa Pola, but never too far away, with the exception of having been seen once in Cabo de Gata and another time in the port of La Vila.
There were also numerous sightings of Turnstone, Kentish Plover, Sanderling, sandwich tern, little egret and, at times, a cormorant. At the end of the census time, a female Kingfisher was also spotted catching a fish and eating it before flying south.
In total, the data reveals that there were at least 16 marine species spotted during the census, a total of more than 10,000 birds, and at least two of the watch points also had the pleasure of observing bottlenose dolphins, perhaps curious of the activity taking place.
The data will play an important part in indicating the strength and risk to the marine wildlife in the area, and with threats to the environment ever present, such as the construction of homes on protected land at Cala Mosca in Orihuela, and the threat by Torrevieja´s mayor, Eduardo Dolón of the Partido Popular, to allow a new DIY store to be built on protected land, the information has never been more important than now, in order to help protect the delicate environment that we, as humans, continue to invade.
Whereas some may not value the importance of environmental protection, for others it forms a key part of both their current and future manifestos. The Sierra Escalona and Dehesa de Campoamor have become the latest areas to be provided with information posters in an attempt to ensure protection of such animals as foxes, bobcats and genets.
Protecting wildlife in Pilar de la Horadada is a priority for the Department of the Environment which is run by Iván Romero of the Unión Pilareña political group, and for that reason they have installed five information boards, of some 2 metres in height, at the edges of the areas recognised as in need of protection, under both the LIC standard recognising the areas to be of community interest, and with ZEPA classification, the Zona de Especial Protección de Aves which specifically aims to protect birds.
In line with the Red Natura 2000, a European-wide conservation program, the posters carry pictures of owls and Bonelli's eagle emblems indicating some of the birds residing in the roads and cattle trails that traverse these natural and protected areas, and are aimed at a warning to drivers of the presence of the creatures, and the need to drive with extreme care so as to avoid risks to the natural animal residents, including the birds and the foxes, bobcats or genets.
In fact, drivers who may travel through the Murcia area may well have already come across some of the signs before, which offer warnings for protection of everything from frogs to birds. On behalf of his department, Romero explains how Pilar de la Horadada has over 4000 hectares classified as ZEPA protected land, representing 52% of the entire municipality, including the Sierra Escalona and Dehesa de Campoamor areas which are shared with neighbouring Orihuela and San Miguel de Salinas.
As the protection standards in the south of the area are starting to creep further north, hopefully the efforts of those monitoring wildlife movements across Alicante and Valencia will find their tasks a little easier in the future, as the onus on environmental protection is finally being given importance, although most environmentalists acknowledge that there is still a long way to go.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46120/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Last weekend saw the latest census on marine wildlife conducted along the Valencia coastline, with ornithologists from across the region coming together to monitor and report their findings on a day that presented calm conditions and good visibility.
...

### POOP PATROL AND LOCAL NEWS

POOP PATROL
Three months ago, Xativa council started to deal with the problem of dog mess on the streets by adopting scientific process to assist in the policing of offenders. This week, the council have reported that with just one patrol per week, they have reduced the problem by 80%, after creating a database of doggy DNA and then matching up what they find on the streets with the dog whose offending owner has failed to clean up after. Each of the DNA tests cost 15 euro, which is charged to the dog owner in addition to a fine. The owners of dogs not on the database don´t get away with it either, as they risk a fine of 400 euro.
PETROL STATION ARREST
Officers from the Guardia Civil arrested the alleged perpetrator of a petrol station robbery in Torrevieja this week. The offence occurred in November when two men wearing hoods entered the petrol filling station in Guardamar del Segura and, after intimidating the attendant, made off with the proceeds of the till, fleeing in a car displaying fake license plates. The detainee, who is of Spanish nationality, is accused of the crimes of robbery and falsification of public documents, and been made available to the court in Torrevieja.
POLICE SCOOTER RISK
A union representing local police officers in Torrevieja has reported that officers are being put under increased risk on account of a number of scooters operated on routine patrols being over 15 years old, and that they lack the mandatory ITV certificates. This news is despite the car park of the Torrevieja police station being full of nearly new cars acquired in September of 2013 at a cost of three quarters of a million euro, most of which spend their entire lives in the parking lot.
SCHOOL BOOK HELP
The department of education in Orihuela has advised that the deadline for eligible applications for families who might need a little financial help with purchasing school text books is getting close. If a family of a child being schooled would like to apply for up to 100 euro towards school books, then it must be done before the 23rd of January. The staff in the Orihuela Costa town hall are able to help in the application and eligibility process, but it must be completed before the deadline.
COLLECTING BALL
A giant inflatable ball which was located in the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre, in which visitors could have their photograph taken in exchange for a small donation, has successfully raised 1,946 euro for the none-profit organisation Cruz Roja during the Christmas holiday season.
NO COURT TODAY
The judge presiding over the case relating to the expulsion of Pedro Mancebo and Juan Ignacio López-Bas from the political coalition that led to the failed censure motion in Orihuela has adjourned the hearing on account of the requested documentation not being provided.
PILAR POLICE CHECKS
Local police of Pilar de la Horadada are collaborating with their regional law enforcement colleagues, doubling up patrols on agricultural areas. During 2014, the local police checked almost 400 vehicles in an attempt to crack down on the theft of fruit and vegetables, as well as industrial equipment from the mainly countryside locations.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46119/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: POOP PATROL
Three months ago, Xativa council started to deal with the problem of dog mess on the streets by adopting scientific process to assist in the policing of offenders. This week, the council have reported that with just one patrol per week, t...

### ORIHUELA GREEN NEWS

GREEN SHOOTS ON THE ORIHUELA COSTA
The Orihuela Costa will soon become the home for around a hundred new shrubs, after the town hall applied for them as part of the day of the tree celebrations later this month. The regional government had asked for applications for up to 800 trees as part of their green campaign, eventually offering Orihuela just 290. Of those being received, a third will be planted in the coastal zone on the 30th of January, in preparation for the day of the tree, which is celebrated on the 31st of January across Valencia.
CRACKING CLIFF SIDE 
Heavy plant machinery arrived at the Cala Mosca cliff top this week, after reports that a large piece of land, which has been separated from the main landmass for many years, was becoming more unstable. The town hall had requested permission from the coastal department of Alicante to rectify the potentially dangerous fault, with Alicante acting immediately in sending inspectors and then the equipment to remove the extension, knocking it into the land and sea area below, thus rendering it safe in a very quick time.
ON YOUR BIKE
The councillor for the environment in the Orihuela municipality, Manuel Gallud of the Los Verdes green party, has announced that work on the new cycle path scheme he announced for the Orihuela Costa at the end of last year has now begun. Similar to other campaigns which have seen green areas renovated in a number of areas around the municipality, the work is being completed by a group of previously long term unemployed residents, who are now working on temporary contracts where they will be taught key skills in both the classroom and at a practical level in the hope of learning new abilities to assist them in securing a permanent position with other companies in the future.
The new routes will primarily connect the existing cycle path which runs along the N-332 main road with the beach areas, where the town hall will also be creating special bike parking for those who use the new routes. There are 1,139 metres in Campoamor which will connect to Cabo Roig, as well as 1,944 metres in La Zenia to connect La Zenia with Cabo Roig and 2,816 metres in Cabo Roig to reach the different beaches. Unable to create new pathways apart from where they already exist, many of the cycle routes will share space on the existing roads, forming a network of shared traffic routes, similar to many other areas across Spain, although it should be noted that on these shared lanes cycles have priority.
HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW
Having notices many of these new green areas appear on the coast, part of the no so-called “Green Corridor”, a number of urbanization presidents and resident representatives have contacted the town hall to see how they can be involved in improving the area. Within the next few weeks, the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, in collaboration with the environment department run by Manuel Gallud, are planning to hold a conference in the Orihuela Costa town hall, where presentations and suggestions will be made as to how communities can get involved in creating new or refreshed green areas, without risking the existing ecosystems, which has sometimes been the case in the past when invasive plants have planted in gardens, without the well-meaning gardener being aware of the implications of some of the plants sold readily in many garden centres, many of which have wiped out protected specimens which are natural and some unique to the area.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46118/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: GREEN SHOOTS ON THE ORIHUELA COSTA
The Orihuela Costa will soon become the home for around a hundred new shrubs, after the town hall applied for them as part of the day of the tree celebrations later this month. The regional government had asked for ...

### NEW SOLAR PLANT LOOKING FOR LOCAL WORKERS

The municipal government of Elche has signed a collaboration agreement with the company set to build the new solar power plant next to Alicante-Elche airport, in order to guarantee that jobs for workers to build the site will be sourced from the local community.
Himin Solar, who are responsible for completing the project, have agreed to not only hire local workers, but focus on those who have been in long term unemployment, subject to the necessary qualifications and abilities.
The company have also said that they will provide extensive training courses “to the 250 workers who, in principle, do not require specific training, except for some positions that are aimed at electricians working in high and low voltage locations”, and once the initial one-year installation phase is complete, they will also offer 40 permanent maintenance jobs at the plant. 
According to a statement issued by the council, the Mayor, Mercedes Alonso, stressed that the project has already been declared on “Community Interest” by the Valencian Government, an important accreditation to ensure that the project will be completed.
Once completed in 2020, the photovoltaic plant will have 250,000 solar panels and reach a maximum output of 250 megawatts. The company will make an initial investment of 50 million euros, which later will be increased gradually, creating more jobs in Elche. The total budget for this project is 250 million euro.
The 250,000 solar panels will cover a land area of 100 hectares at Finca de la Marquesa, on the Elche to El Altet road, and eventually provide power to about 20,000 families, expected to be distributed through the local area. As part of the ongoing commitment to renewable energies, the creation of the site will prevent 30,000 tons of CO2 being emitted into the atmosphere.
The 250 million euro investment for the scheme will be provided by the private sector, with “various” foreign funds involved in the scheme, including investment from China.
The company are now asking for applications by means of a C.V. which can be provided through the department of labour at the town hall for those already registered, or via the Concejalía de Empresa y Empleo, located on calle Uberna 2 in Elche, although resumes and information can also be sent direct to contact@himin.es
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46117/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The municipal government of Elche has signed a collaboration agreement with the company set to build the new solar power plant next to Alicante-Elche airport, in order to guarantee that jobs for workers to build the site will be sourced from the local...

### BUDGET BURDEN EASED THANKS TO BAD DRIVERS

As part of their road monitoring and policing procedures, the DGT has an expenditure budget of 734 million euro this year, with more than half, 441.9 million, being spent on staff costs.
However, thanks to the number of drivers fined for road traffic law violations, the cost is lower than expected, as the entire 360.9 million euro collected from fines is injected back into road safety. 
In fact, combining the anticipated 360.9 million euro in fine revenue with the other 506.07 million euro revenue for traffic procedures, the DGT will receive in the region of 869 million, therefore bringing in 135 million euro more than their proposed expense.
Despite the financial assistance given by those who violate the law, the DGT has said than revenue collected from fines has continued to decrease. The end of year figure for 2014 has yet to be completed, but we do know that in the first six months of the year the amount collected was 188.5 million euro.
In addition to the staffing costs already mentioned, the second biggest expense is for feeding and caring for Pegasus, as the helicopters carrying the airborne radar equipment have a 700,000 euro budget for fuel, which doubles to 1,400,000 once tax is added. This budget is shared amongst all of the air bases, with Madrid receiving 34% of the budget, followed by Valencia with 16%, Málaga with 14% and the rest split almost equally between Sevilla, Zaragoza and La Coruña and Valladolid.
The land vehicles take up the next section of costs with 23.11 million euro, including taxes, spent on diesel and petrol on both the peninsula and the Balearics. 
Next we add the additional radar equipment purchased towards the end of last year, including two new Pegasus units worth 985,000 euro, as well as 30 portable lazar speed detectors for a total of 1,991,055.00 euro with tax. Despite being purchased in 2014, they are from this year´s budget.
Other motoring related expenditure budgeted for includes the purchase of 1,545 vehicle batteries, at a cost of 189,824.8 euro, and 516,528 euro for motorcycle helmets.
As for where the 360.9 million euro collected from fines comes from, across the Valencia region in 2014 there were 257,175 drivers sanctioned for speeding alone, bringing in a 47.2 million euro share. 
Of those drivers caught, 125,055 were done so by fixed devices on the road network, whereas 132,120 were from mobile check points. Last year saw an extra 7,065 drivers caught by mobile devices in this area.
It might be worth noting that the Guardia Civil police speeders using a variety of different pieces of equipment, some “flash” when they get you, some work by infrared, working day and night, others can monitor average speeds between two points. As for the mobile patrols, they work a two-shift system in the morning and afternoon, usually working 5 hour long patrols and moving to different locations throughout their assigned area.
The Guardia Civil also point out that violations recorded by fixed systems correspond exclusively to speed, although some of them can now also check the ITV database to see if the mandatory inspection date has expired, whereas during a mobile patrol, “when the vehicle is stopped, we often also do a breathalyser or documentation check”, a source told us. 
As for Pegasus, when the helicopters take to the air, 65% of their total flying time is dedicated to recording, monitoring and sanctioning drivers, although the violations registered are not only speed related.
Whereas the money collected from fines goes back into road safety for new equipment and more policing as explained, a number of road safety associations are calling for that process to be changed, saying that the rather that investing to catch more offenders, the money ought to be invested in road maintenance, signs and signals and aid for victims of road traffic collisions. A representative from the ANC cooperative association says that most accidents occur on secondary roads, accounting for 79% of all fatalities, but these roads receive the less maintenance. 
Last year 109 people died on the roads of the Valencian region, in 88 recorded accidents, 16% more than the previous year. To which we must add 27 serious and 39 injured road users, whereas 82 people were lucky enough to come out unharmed.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46116/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As part of their road monitoring and policing procedures, the DGT has an expenditure budget of 734 million euro this year, with more than half, 441.9 million, being spent on staff costs.
However, thanks to the number of drivers fined for road traffic...

### TORREVIEJA THEATRE INVESTIGATION ACCELERATED

Torrevieja courts have accelerated the investigation filed against the Partido Popular government team over the inflated costs accrued during the construction of the municipal theatre.
A complaint was first raised by the Los Verdes green party after the government, under the former mayor and now convicted criminal Pedro Ángel Hernández Mateo, first demolished a listed building, the “Nuevo Cinema”, which was both contrary to the general plan and Valencia laws, and the subsequent inflated cost of 3.2 million euro, according to the information from the Los Verdes.
The matter is further complicated by the fact that the municipal theatre, which was opened in 2006 and has played host to many a public event, still lacks the required licences to enable it to have opened and be used for the purpose of its design, on account of “serious construction defects and irregularities in its facilities”, which were detected by the Ministry of Interior and other government agencies, after collating and checking the documentation submitted by the council, without having made the mandatory inspection tours, as that would inevitably lead to the closure and decommissioning of the theatre and its complementary facilities.
After the initial destruction of the “Nuevo Cinema”, and the “enormous chaos”, of the construction, after outstanding for nearly five years, the Governing Board of the PP approved the payment of an outstanding invoice of 4.5 million euro to address the payment of part of the executed works, which was for the initial 1.3 million euro quoted cost, plus the additional 3.2 million not accounted for.
Having requested further documentation in relation to the case in November of last year, the courts have now decided to accelerate the investigation which the Los Verdes feel is indicative of the dark “age of plunder and waste” where in the city of Torrevieja has seen public money wasted in abundance, which allowed the unjustified payment of no less than 3.2 million euro, and they trust that the investigation will determine the responsibilities arising thereof, pointing and identifying of those responsible for such “nonsense” that has cost the taxpayers so much pain and suffering and it is now those taxpayers who now suffer the crisis and its consequences.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46115/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Torrevieja courts have accelerated the investigation filed against the Partido Popular government team over the inflated costs accrued during the construction of the municipal theatre.
A complaint was first raised by the Los Verdes green party after ...

### FERRANDO STILL CALLING FOR SUPPORT

In a meeting in Orihuela this week, around fifty people pledged their support for the ousted former leader of the Partido Popular, Pepa Ferrando, including most of the executive members of the PP.
The aim of the meeting was to support Ferrando, who has been expelled from the PP by the regional party heads for refusing to support an anti-corruption motion presented at Orihuela´s monthly meeting, and the subsequent fallout that has led to a number of the opposition group members dividing from the intentions being enforced by their regional and national bodies to clean up the political image.
Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the regional Partido Popular in Valencia, Isabel Bonig, and her provincial counterpart, José Juan Zaplana, presided over their own executive committee meeting where they confirmed that Dámaso Aparicio is their only recognised head of the PP in Orihuela.
However, in that meeting, questions were still raised about the legality of the regional party enforcing a new head on the local group, without a democratic election. The no so called renegade group held an election themselves and appointed another member, José Francisco Pérez Espinosa, as their new interim President, a move which the hierarchy have now confirmed to be unacceptable.
A new campaign to collect signatures in support of Ferrando is being launched, whilst Aparicio himself made clear in a statement that the “independent republic of the PP is over” and that he is confident that the recognised elements of the Partido Popular, under his lead for now, can get on with the job in hand.
All eyes will now be on the next plenary meeting in Orihuela, as having been expelled from the Partido Popular, Ferrando will no longer be able to sit with her former PP colleagues, taking her place along with other none affiliated councillors, but quite whether the usual “no” campaign towards all motions presented will continue with such a division in their own ranks will remain to be seen.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46114/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In a meeting in Orihuela this week, around fifty people pledged their support for the ousted former leader of the Partido Popular, Pepa Ferrando, including most of the executive members of the PP.
The aim of the meeting was to support Ferrando, who h...

### THE FRENCH CONNECTION

Air Nostrum, the franchised regional airline of Iberia, will connect Alicante with the French town of Carcassonne this summer, with flights from 149 euro return, all inclusive. 
The company will operate the new route with a weekly flight in each direction from the 20th of June until the 24th of August, aimed at leisure travel for both residents of southern France who plan to enjoy the Alicante beaches, and those from Spain wanting to visit the famous fortified city.
Carcassonne is known for its walled citadel, a fortified architectural complex of medieval origin that was restored in the nineteenth century with monumental purposes and is one of the most visited cities in France, especially since UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.
Meanwhile, Norwegian airline will launch a new route to Nice in France from Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez airport from March, linking the Spanish capital with its first French connection every Thursday and Sunday, flown on their third Boeing 727 to be located at its base in Madrid.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46113/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Air Nostrum, the franchised regional airline of Iberia, will connect Alicante with the French town of Carcassonne this summer, with flights from 149 euro return, all inclusive. 
The company will operate the new route with a weekly flight in each dire...

### THE ULTIMATE FAREWELL

Fire fighters from across the province descended on Torrevieja this week, joining a large crowd of mourners who had gathered to bid the last farewell to a colleague who had died after a long illness.
The funeral of Ángel Clares, who was based in Torrevieja and died at the age of just 55, was held in Torrevieja on Thursday at the church of the Immaculate Conception.
After the service, the sirens wailed and lights illuminated on the attending fire trucks, accompanied by the local police, as a final farewell, in an emotional event attended by his wife, three children, three sisters, his family and friends in an emotional last goodbye.
Picture courtesy of objectivotorrevieja.wordpress.com
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46086/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Fire fighters from across the province descended on Torrevieja this week, joining a large crowd of mourners who had gathered to bid the last farewell to a colleague who had died after a long illness.
The funeral of Ángel Clares, who was based ...

### TORREVIEJA HOSPITAL LAUNCH VIRTUAL TOUR SERVICE

Both the Torrevieja University Hospital and Elche's Vinalopo Hospital have launched a new service virtual tour facility in collaboration with 'Google Places'.
Through this tool, by using real images, members of the public can walk through the interior of the hospital and acquaint themselves with any area of  interest prior to an appointment or a visit.
The service allows the user to identify a service or an area of the hospital, and hopefully make any subsequent visit easier to navigate and of course less stressful
The application uses 360 degree digital images from scanned blueprints at both centers, with the aim of providing users better accessibility to facilities. 
By using these interactive tools, patients and families will find it much easier to get around the buildings, to see exactly where they need to go and navigate themselves through the main areas of hospitals, including surgical and medical areas, outpatient, emergency and many other departments.
To get around this 360 degree tour the individual is guided by arrows as 'Google Places' takes you to your the chosen location. In addition the images are displayed in a gigapixel quality that allows zooming in areas to provide far greater detail without losing image resolution
The service offers the user into every corner of the facility from their computer, tablet or mobile device. The new virtual tour of the Torrevieja University hospital is available through the link: www.torrevieja-salud.com/visita-virtual or simply by searching on 'Google Maps'.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46079/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Both the Torrevieja University Hospital and Elche's Vinalopo Hospital have launched a new service virtual tour facility in collaboration with 'Google Places'.
Through this tool, by using real images, members of the public can walk through the interior...

### APPEAL FOR HELP TO TRACE COP KILLER

Merseyside Police are appealing for help to trace a 30-year-old man who is wanted on a European Arrest Warrant for the murder of PC Neil Doyle.
Timmy Donovan, who is also known as Timmy O'Sullivan, is originally from the Huyton area and has connections with Childwall in Liverpool. He is understood to have left the country at about 8.30pm on Friday, 19 December, through the Eurotunnel and officers believe he was driving a five door grey Mercedes A180 (registration YE62 NWG).
Donovan is described as 5ft 8in tall, broad build, with dark brown hair and blue eyes and has a Liverpool accent. Detectives believe that Donovan is in Europe, possibly Spain, and are working with the National Crime Agency, Europol and European police forces in a bid to locate him.
Donovan is the latest in a long line of fugitives being sought across Europe, and will hopefully soon join the ever growing list of suspects brought to justice for their crimes.
In Spain last year, the Guardia Civil arrested a total of 8,952 people who had fled from justice and wanted by national or international authorities, assisting law enforcers in 84 countries to bring fugitives to court.
Of those wanted suspects arrested, 5 were originally from the United Kingdom, although the largest group were from Romania, where 20 fugitives were returned. In addition, there were 8 from Italy, 6 from Morocco, 5 from France, 4 from Russia, 4 from Lithuania and 3 from Germany.
As for the countries looking to locate missing fugitives, the United Kingdom successfully received 3 wanted fugitives, whereas France led the table for warrants executed with 15, followed by Romania with 14, Italy with 10, the United States with 8, Germany with 7, Belgium with 6, Lithuania with 3, Morocco, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Switzerland and Venezuela had 2 each, and Portugal, Bulgaria, Sweden, Denmark and Hungary all saw 1 person returned. 
As for the locations where they were found, Madrid, Tarragona and Málaga was home to 8 fugitives each, just ahead of Alicante with 7, and the Balearics and Barcelona had 5 each. The Guardia Civil believe that the fugitives choose immigrant reach locations such as the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca, with the belief that they will blend in more within communities of their own nationalities, often with false identification.
In return, the Guardia Civil also collaborated in 8 international operations to have fugitives returned to this country, 4 of those detained being in the top ten most wanted criminals list released last year by the Guardia Civil.
As for Donovan, anybody who spots him or knows of his whereabouts are urged to contact the police immediately. The 112 emergency line in Spain has operators who speak English, and Crimestoppers can be contacted on a Spanish telephone number too, which is 900 555 111, and is answered in the UK by Crimestoppers' call agents who also have a translation service available upon request.
People can also pass on information anonymously via the online Giving Information form on Crimestoppers' website, which is crimestoppers-uk.org. 
Those in the UK should call 0800 555 111 or visit the website. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46077/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Merseyside Police are appealing for help to trace a 30-year-old man who is wanted on a European Arrest Warrant for the murder of PC Neil Doyle.
Timmy Donovan, who is also known as Timmy O'Sullivan, is originally from the Huyton area and has connectio...

### BETSAFE: OFFERS, DEALS AND PROMOTIONS FOR NEW CUSTOMERS

With all of the doom and gloom of January upon us and the frivolity and festiveness of Christmas sadly now a mere memory, we can all be forgiven for wanting to brighten up our lives a little during this period of the year. Online gaming is always a great way to spruce up one's mood, and thankfully there are plenty of deals and promotions available for those that are new to the gaming craze. Betsafe is one of the top gaming providers out there, and as such has a wealth of excellent offers available for new customers: here are some of our favourites right now.
 
 
Our first deal of the day is Betsafe's new player welcome bonus, exclusively available for users new to the site. Upon signing on, players choose their bonus (between €25 and €1000) and can start spending these free gains on the website's excellent Poker software, Poker Black. With this cash players can then start earning loyalty points which can be used in exchange for services and games on the site, as well as real cash prizes, thanks to the site's VIP Black Gold Rewards programme.
 
Next, newcomers can join up and test their mettle in the site's 2 X €500 new player tournaments, where all manner of newbies can get to grips with the tos and fros of the site, boosting and honing their skills, whilst also having the chance to win a princely sum of money! Players can play in the tournaments up to six times, meaning this is a great one for those unaccustomed to poker!
 
One of the best deals available for new customers at Betsafe is the site's £200 Welcome Bonus and 50 free spins offer. Players who sign up to the site will have their first deposit doubled, up to the sum of £200! If having an extra £200 in your pocket wasn't good enough, players can then take full advantage of 50 free spins on the South Park Reel Chaos game, one of the site's most popular titles, for another chance to win a mad amount of money!
 
Not all of the site's deals are for new customers, and indeed the site's owners like to keep giving even after the initial sign up. Udouble is Betsafe's way of keeping existing customers happy; play any of the poker casino games within the site's Poker Black site, win some money, and you'll have your daily net winnings doubled to a maximum of €200, every Sunday and Thursday!
 
Now not all of these excellent deals are geared towards casino gaming fans, and sports fans too are being catered for! Open a new account today, deposit over £/€50, and you can claim your own free £/€25 Risk Free Bet to use on the site's sports betting section!
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46076/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: With all of the doom and gloom of January upon us and the frivolity and festiveness of Christmas sadly now a mere memory, we can all be forgiven for wanting to brighten up our lives a little during this period of the year. Online gaming is always a gre...

### ANOTHER RECORD YEAR FOR ORGAN TRANSPLANTS

Spain is continuing to be a globally recognised centre for transplant surgery, with new figures released this week showing how 2014 was yet another record breaking year.
Having been the world leader in organ transplants since 1992, in total, there were 4,360 organ transplant operations conducted in Spanish hospitals last year, an increase of 5% on the 2013 figure.
A total of 2,678 kidney transplant operations were carried out in 2014, an increase of 5% on the previous year, as well as a 6% increase in heart transplants, with 265 operations in 2014.
The majority of donated organs came from patients who had died as a result of suffering a stroke, with donors from motor vehicle accidents reducing in line with the reduction in such incidents. Half of the donors are over the age of 60. In addition, over 15% of kidney donations came from live donors, with 423 people giving up their organ, a massive increase on the 61 living donor transplants a decade ago.
Despite these landmark figures, the donor rate is still extremely low, but far higher than other countries. In Spain, the donor rate now stands at 36 donors per million inhabitants, far higher than both France and the UK, where the figures are 26 and 21 respectively.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46075/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spain is continuing to be a globally recognised centre for transplant surgery, with new figures released this week showing how 2014 was yet another record breaking year.
Having been the world leader in organ transplants since 1992, in total, there we...

### TORREVIEJA TO AIRPORT BUS NUMBERS INCREASE AGAIN

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, has once again given his annual report on the continual increase in passengers using the Torrevieja to the airport bus service, which has been used by 84,048 passengers in 2014.
During the whole year of 2013, a total of 72,049 passengers were carried, representing an increase of 39.5% over 2012, when 51,660 people travelled, now in 2014 the 84,048 passengers represents an increase of 16.7% over last year, although still falling considerably below being full, with a theoretical 292,000 annual seats available.
The total number of passengers who began their journey at the Torrevieja end of the express service totalled 40,429, 48% of the total, whereas those who began their trip at Alicante-Elche airport destined for Torrevieja reached 43,655, the remaining 52%.
The average occupancy in 2014 amounted to 230 passengers each day, compared with 197 passengers per day in 2013, representing an increase of 14.34%. The theoretical capacity for the service on a 50-seater coach is 400 passengers each way per day.
The service departs Torrevieja every odd hour from 07:00 to 21:00, returning from the airport on every second even hour from 08:00 to 22:00. With 8 services each way, every day of the year, the service is express between the two points and travels on the motorway network, avoiding the N-332 coastal road.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46074/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, has once again given his annual report on the continual increase in passengers using the Torrevieja to the airport bus service, which has been used by 84,048 passengers in 2014.
During the whole year of ...

### TWO COOKS FOR THREE KINGS

On 3 Kings Day at ‘Reachout', Gill Savage and Jean Wallace pulled out all the stops to ensure the homeless enjoyed a special meal.
La Siesta Ladies Friendship Group support Gill and Jean with the expense of a weekly lunch but on this occasion the majority of the food was donated in cash or kind by others wanting to share in the event.
Two young friends, Jennifer and Katherine Gray came along with their mum Jill and helped prepare and serve the food. Not only was a 3-course meal offered but each person received 2 gifts. 
Gill and Jean offer thanks to all who share and care especially at Christmas. The homeless who rely on ‘Reachout' must be in no doubt that there is an abundance of “Goodwill to All Men” (and women!) at all times (not just Christmas).Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46071/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On 3 Kings Day at ‘Reachout', Gill Savage and Jean Wallace pulled out all the stops to ensure the homeless enjoyed a special meal.
La Siesta Ladies Friendship Group support Gill and Jean with the expense of a weekly lunch but on this occasion th...

### Brave and Heroic Parents: The Joy of Living with a Child with Down Syndrome

"I'm expecting a baby and have discovered that he has Down Syndrome. I'm scared, what kind of life will have my child? '. These were the words of a mother, who wrote to the Italian organization CoorDown (National Coordination of Associations of People with Down Syndrome).
The organization has released the history of the mother who wrote them, hoping to get a word of hope, before the arrival of his son. In response, CoorDown gathered a group of 15 kids of different nationalities to produce a video, in which they show how they are normal and happy, despite living with this genetic disorder. The result has been an emotional video titled "Dear Future Mom", in which children and teenagers steal the hearts of the viewers with their messages of love, courage and optimism.
The urge to avoid kids born with a genetic disability is leading to an increasing use of prenatal diagnosis, which, if unfavorable, end in abortion. An example of this is the testimony released by "The Guardian" on the results of a scientific research at the University of Cambridge, which examined the behavior of 235 kids since they were conceived to 8 years.
Some perceive these data as a support for the independence of young pregnant women. Others wonder  if we are not  using prenatal diagnosis as part of a maneuver of search and annihilation of the physically or mentally disabled. What values are at stake in the genetic analysis before birth ?: Among them it seems not to be included the respect for the disabled.
Although it may be hurtful question, we must challenge ourselves: We've driven a task of tracking and annihilation looking the extinction of some groups of people such as those suffering with Down syndrome or with brain or physical ailments? It is known that under normal conditions, a child is born with Down syndrome per 800 births among women aged 30-34 years. The monstrous is that those kids are no more born with Down syndrome because they are destroyed when they are still held in the womb.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46068/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: "I'm expecting a baby and have discovered that he has Down Syndrome. I'm scared, what kind of life will have my child? '. These were the words of a mother, who wrote to the Italian organization CoorDown (National Coordination of Associations of People with Down Syndrome).
The organization has released the history of the mother who wrote them, hoping to get a word of hope, before the arrival of his son. In response, CoorDown gathered a group of 15 kids of different nationalities to produce a video, in which they show how they are normal and happy, despite living with this genetic disorder. The result has been an emotional video titled "Dear Future Mom", in which children and teenagers steal the hearts of the viewers with their messages of love, courage and optimism.
The urge to avoid kids born with a genetic disability is leading to an increasing use of prenatal diagnosis, which, if unfavorable, end in abortion. An example of this is the testimony released by "The Guardian" on the results of a scientific research at the University of Cambridge, which examined the behavior of 235 kids since they were conceived to 8 years.
Some perceive these data as a support for the independence of young pregnant women. Others wonder  if we are not  using prenatal diagnosis as part of a maneuver of search and annihilation of the physically or mentally disabled. What values are at stake in the genetic analysis before birth ?: Among them it seems not to be included the respect for the disabled.
Although it may be hurtful question, we must challenge ourselves: We've driven a task of tracking and annihilation looking the extinction of some groups of people such as those suffering with Down syndrome or with brain or physical ailments? It is known that under normal conditions, a child is born with Down syndrome per 800 births among women aged 30-34 years. The monstrous is that those kids are no more born with Down syndrome because they are destroyed when they are still held in the womb.
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46068/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### TRAGIC MURDERS IN EL ALTET

A man in his 70´s has reportedly committed suicide after first killing his former partner and her sister, it is alleged.
The incident occurred in the Elche town of El Altet at round noon on Monday, with the Judicial Police now investigation the circumstances.
Early indications reveal that the man may have used a blunt object to attack the two victims, before hanging himself.
The alleged perpetrator of the double murder had been denounced for domestic violence by his ex-wife in August of 2013, on account of continued psychological abuse, but was acquitted in November. A temporary restraining order was no longer in force but the case was being monitored by the specialist gender violence team of the Elche local police.
Upon receiving the alert of the incident, two emergency ambulances, two private ambulances and numerous forensic teams attended the scene in a “quiet” urbanisation of around 80 homes.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46064/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A man in his 70´s has reportedly committed suicide after first killing his former partner and her sister, it is alleged.
The incident occurred in the Elche town of El Altet at round noon on Monday, with the Judicial Police now investigation the...

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 12 JANUARY 2015

SHOPPED OUT
Spain hopes to mark 2015 as being the leading destination for shopping tourists, thanks to a 2.82 million euro investment from the government in the launch of their Shopping Tourism Plan 2015. The aim is to “help to diversify the offer and attract tourists with a higher than average purchasing power”. Spanish fashion and retailers have welcomed the move which is the first step to seeing the country join others as a destination for shopping, in addition to the more traditional  sun and beach, mountains and nature, history, cuisine, culture and folklore holiday packages.
ALL ABOARD
Spanish train manufacturer Talgo has sent its first completed trainset to run on the Saudi Arabian high speed network, with 13 coaches and two power cars forming the first part of a multi-billion dollar project linking the holy cities of Makkah and Medina via the King Abdullah Economic City and Jeddah. Originally due to open in 2012, increased costs are amongst the reasons for the delays in launching the Haramain High Speed Rail Project which runs on over 450 kilometres of track. Talgo's contract is for the provision of 36 high-speed trains, as well as a guarantee on the rolling stock operation and maintenance for the next 12 years.
FEEL THREE
UK based mobile phone operator Three has announced that its customers will be able to enjoy free data whilst roaming in Spain from April of this year. A number of companies already offer the service in various countries, but despite already offering free data in 16 countries, including the USA, Three customers were unable to enjoy the freedom whilst holidaying in Spain. This week, Three announced that it will be extending the free calls, texts and internet service to include Spain, as well as New Zealand, from the spring.
POKER FACED
Spanish Online gamblers faced disappointment over the Christmas period after leading online network PokerStars were forced to take their blackjack and roulette games off their Spanish website due to accessibility issues caused by Spanish gambling regulations. The site operators assured players that their games were saved during the downtime and there was no risk to either their security or chances of winning once the matter was resolved.
REDUCED UNEMPLOYMENT
In a further sign the economy is managing to get a hold on its joblessness problem, unemployment in Spain has recorded the sharpest drop since introducing the euro back in 1999.  There was a fall of more than 253,000 in registered unemployment from December 2013 to December 2014, an annual decrease of 5.39pc and the biggest since the country joined the eurozone, according to government figures.  Meanwhile monthly jobless claims also fell by 64,405 for the last month of the year, representing the second largest December decrease on record.
BOOST FOR CAR SALES
According to figures by the association of car manufacturers (ANFAC), Spain's car and four-wheel drive vehicle sales surged 18.4 percent in 2014 over a year earlier, Xinhua reported. The surge was mainly driven by positive sales data for the last three months of the year with 73,400 vehicles sold in December, an increase of 21.4 percent over 2013, marking the 16th straight months of rise.
SKY FORCE
A squadron of Spanish jet-fighters assumed the Baltic air policing mission over Estonia's airspace Amari this week. In a formal ceremony they took over from a German unit which had been stationed in Estonia for the past four months. The four Spanish Eurofighter Typhoon jets landed in Amari airbase on Monday, some 60 kilometres southwest of Tallinn, for the four-month mission. Since September this year, the German planes have scrambled 19 times to intercept unidentified aircraft, Estonian Air Force public affairs officer Alar Laats said.
GAINING POPULARITY
Spain's ruling Partido Popular came first in an opinion poll this week, with one of its strongest results in recent surveys, while the Socialists and left-wing newcomer Podemos were in close second and third place respectively. Of those surveyed, 28.6% said they would vote for the centre-right PP, although that is still a huge drop from the 44.6% absolute majority with which it won the 2011 elections.
COURTING CORRUPTION
Spanish judges are dealing with a backlog of 150 corruption cases left unresolved from last year. Several of these cases involve high profile people and groups of defendants with the fates of more than 2,000 individuals facing corruption charges in their hands. Among these cases is the infamous ‘Gurtel' case against Spanish businessman Francisco Correa which allegedly implicates Spain's ruling Partido Popular (PP) in bribery, tax evasion and money laundering. The total amount of public funds allegedly lost is estimated at over 120 million euro.
CAMEL NO
More than a dozen dromedary camels crammed into containers have been rescued in Spain's Canary Islands while the animals were being transported for use in Epiphany parades. Police said Saturday they stopped two trucks carrying the dromedaries, released them into the care of an unspecified group and fined the transporters. Police in Santa Cruz on the island of Tenerife were alerted to the arrival of two trucks carrying dromedaries from neighbouring Lanzarote by telephone calls, including some from appalled ferry passengers. A truck with 13 dromedaries and another with two were stopped by officers as they left the ferry port.
RESULT!
Twenty of the twenty-one most watched television programmes on Spanish TV last year were football matches, either from the World Cup or involving Barcelona or Real Madrid. El Principe, a police drama, is the most popular show not involving football, coming in at number 21. In first place was the World Cup match between Spain and Chile, watched by 13,229,000 people, 67.6% of the audience.  
OH NURSE
York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is the latest hospital in the UK to admit to targeting European nurses, especially those from Spain, after they admit to struggling to sign up trained staff locally. The trust says that it is finding it increasingly difficult to find staff for specialisms such as A&E and care for the elderly as all hospitals are attempting to recruit from the same pool of trained nurses. Nationally many hospital trusts have confirmed they are recruiting nurses from within the EU and last year it was estimated ten per cent of the nurses and midwives working for the NHS had trained overseas. The Royal College of Nursing has suggested that recruiting from Europe is nothing more than a “sticking plaster” for the worrying lack of trained nurses in the UK.
BANKING OFF
Barclays has completed the sale of its Spanish arm, at a loss of around 500 million pound. The high street giant revealed in August that it would be offloading the subsidiary to Barcelona-based CaixaBank as part of plans to shrink its sprawling business and bolster its finances.
IN VOLVO WE TRUST
The competition authority has announced an investigation into a number of independent Volvo motor dealers in Spain, on suspicion of them engaging in anti-competitive practices. The proceedings have been initiated following an initial inspection in June, 2013. 
HIGH FLYER
The 47 year old pilot of a private jet was jailed for mime months by Norwich Crown Court this week, after being found to have flown his aircraft carrying two adult and two teenage passengers from Spain whilst three times over the limit in October. Although there was no evidence that the pilot had consumed alcohol immediately before taking control of the plane, he had been on a “three-day drinking binge” and was still affected by the alcohol consumed.
FROZEN ASSET
The multi-national Swiss food group Nestle has sold its popular Spanish frozen food brand La Cocinera to Findus Spain, as part of its ongoing portfolio review. The deal is for their frozen products, which are currently produced in their factory in Valladolid, but Nestle will retain the chilled dough products.
OH DEAR!
A Spanish pop rock group known previously as the Deers have been forced to change their name in order to avoid confusion with a Canadian group, the Dears. The Deers revealed this week that they received a legal threat from the representatives of the Dears asking them to stop calling themselves the Deers or the Dears would take legal action. From here on in, the Deers will be known as the Hinds.
IN VOLVO WE TRUST
The competition authority has announced an investigation into a number of independent Volvo motor dealers in Spain, on suspicion of them engaging in anti-competitive practices. The proceedings have been initiated following an initial inspection in June, 2013. 
HIGH FLYER
The 47 year old pilot of a private jet was jailed for mime months by Norwich Crown Court this week, after being found to have flown his aircraft carrying two adult and two teenage passengers from Spain whilst three times over the limit in October. Although there was no evidence that the pilot had consumed alcohol immediately before taking control of the plane, he had been on a “three-day drinking binge” and was still affected by the alcohol consumed.
FROZEN ASSET
The multi-national Swiss food group Nestle has sold its popular Spanish frozen food brand La Cocinera to Findus Spain, as part of its ongoing portfolio review. The deal is for their frozen products, which are currently produced in their factory in Valladolid, but Nestle will retain the chilled dough products.
OH DEAR!
A Spanish pop rock group known previously as the Deers have been forced to change their name in order to avoid confusion with a Canadian group, the Dears. The Deers revealed this week that they received a legal threat from the representatives of the Dears asking them to stop calling themselves the Deers or the Dears would take legal action. From here on in, the Deers will be known as the Hinds.
SMUGGLERS RUN
A former IRA terrorist previously dubbed as “the most dangerous woman in Europe” has been arrested for smuggling in Spain. Donna Maguire, aged 57, was arrested along with her husband Leonard Hardy, aged 54. Their latest arrests came as part of a large-scale investigation into money laundering and smuggling, but Maguire was later released without charge.
TROOPS UP
The US Secretary of Defence, Chuck Hagel, has reportedly asked Spain to grant permanent status for the deployment of US troops at the Morón Air Base in Andalucía, asking that the 1988 agreement on defence cooperation be amended to allow an increase from the 1,100 troops currently allowed to be stationed at the base, although only around 850 are currently there, to 3,000 troops after the agreement expires in April of this year. The US says that the reason for the increase is for “responding on crises in Africa”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46063/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: SHOPPED OUT
Spain hopes to mark 2015 as being the leading destination for shopping tourists, thanks to a 2.82 million euro investment from the government in the launch of their Shopping Tourism Plan 2015. The aim is to “help to diversify the of...

### ISSUE 552 OF THE LEADER IS OUT THIS WEEK

You can get the latest issue of The Leader in virtual form right here each week. 
You can also pick up the real newspaper on a Monday morning from any of hundreds of distribtion points across the Costa Blanca.
Packed with the latest news, sports, features and more, make sure you don´t miss out.

Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46061/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: You can get the latest issue of The Leader in virtual form right here each week. 
You can also pick up the real newspaper on a Monday morning from any of hundreds of distribtion points across the Costa Blanca.
Packed with the latest news, sports, fe...

### CESAR BREAKS THE DEADLOCK FOR TORRY

FC TORREVIEJA 1 CD UTIEL 0
Skipper Jorge said before Sunday's game that Torrevieja's players are absolutely delighted to be back on the Vicente Garcia after an absence of two months and the ground could be the difference, the incentive that they need as they enter the second phase in their quest for playoff qualification.
‘We've been waiting quite a while to get back to Vicente García and playing once more on natural grass is a big advantage that also helps to motivate the players as it suits the Torrevieja style of football. You could see the evidence on the grass pitch at Alzira last week where we took the three points having played a great game' he told The Leader.
And the team that steps into the firing line as Torry get on with their quest were old rivals Utiel who went into Sunday evening's game firmly rooted to the bottom of the Tercera with just 15 points from their 22 games. It is a situation that is largely ignored by Jorge who said ‘The situation of the bottom side of Utiel is a false one. They are a team that is working well defensively, which was demonstrated last week in their goalless draw against Cullera. I remember that despite numerous opportunities in the game at Utiel we could only manage a draw so, although we are in a confident mood, we go into the game knowing that we will have to work extremely hard to continue our current good run of form'.
The game itself saw Torry demonstrating a solid look and they were unlucky not to go ahead in the opening minutes when Eddy curled a first-time shot just wide of the post from the edge of the penalty area. Moments later and Jorge went even closer when his effort hit the side netting.
As the home side applied pressure to the Utiel goal Banderas was the next to go close on 11 minutes with Pau needing to pull off a fine point blank save to deny the former Orihuela man. From the rebound Rafa Gomez then went just wide.
Torry began to get frustrated and wide player Berna escaped with a booking for a dangerous challenge on Utiel defender Baixauli as referee Perez Alcocer gave hime the benefit of the doubt.
The visitors only effort came on the half hour when a mix up in the Torry area saw Alexis slice a clearance. Fortunately Oscar was on hand to turn the ball over the bar saving what could have proved an expensive mistake.
Just prior to the interval Banderas had the ball in the Utiel net but was rightly judged offside.
The second period got underway with the home side wondering how they were going to break the deadlock which looked most unlikely until Galiana made a double substitution in the 61st minute bringing on Brani and Cesar, both of which were instrumental in the only goal.
No sooner had they settled into the game when, in the 67th minute, an excellent crossfield ball from Brani picked out Cesar on the edge of the Utiel box. His powerful strike hit the back of the net with Pau stranded between the posts. 
In truth this was a game totally dominated by the home side and with good opportunities falling to Carrasco, Oscar, Borja and Banderas Torry should really have won in a canter. But most importantly they kept on pushing forward and in the end they got their just rewards.
Next Sunday Torry travel to Mura for a game that kicks off at 5pm. See the club website for information regarding travel. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46060/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: FC TORREVIEJA 1 CD UTIEL 0
Skipper Jorge said before Sunday's game that Torrevieja's players are absolutely delighted to be back on the Vicente Garcia after an absence of two months and the ground could be the difference, the incentive that they need ...

### LA ZENIA BUS STOP PLANS SUBMITTED

After many years of suffering with a lack of bus stops at La Zenia, plans have now been submitted to the ministry to have these stops reinstated.
La Zenia was served by buses on the N-332 long before the road was widened, but once the new section was opened to traffic, there had been no facilities created for buses in this area, largely blamed on the fact that the town hall had never requested them to be put back as part of the widening project around a decade ago.
In fact, as previously reported, the so called General Plan of Orihuela still shows the N-332 in its smaller, single-lane carriageway state, as the plans were never previously adjusted.
Buses still stopped on the road to allow passengers to board and alight, but with frequent fines, congestion and a risk to the safety of road users, the bus operator decided that stopping on the illegal site where the stops should be was no longer a viable option.
Now, the final project to create the bus stops, as well as additional parking for 24 cars at La Zenia, have been sent to the ministry of streets in Alicante for final approval.
The project cost is 126,000 euro, which is a considerable amount an, according to the Councillor for the Orihuela Costa, Martina Scheurer, would have been a cost covered as part of the original widening plans, had the then government requested them, as was the case in neighbouring municipalities who enjoyed a bus service without interruption.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46058/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: After many years of suffering with a lack of bus stops at La Zenia, plans have now been submitted to the ministry to have these stops reinstated.
La Zenia was served by buses on the N-332 long before the road was widened, but once the new section was...

### IES PLAYA FLAMENCA TO OPEN THIS YEAR

As work is still continuing on the site that stood abandoned for a number of years, the Department of Education in the Valencia regional government have this week stated that the new IES Playa Flamenca School will be opened this year, after more than a decade of teaching in portacabins.
In April of last year we reported how the government promised to continue with their reduction plan for portacabin use, after a statement was issued explaining that more than 3,000 students across the region are no longer being taught in prefabricated, portable classrooms, and are now educated in purpose built school buildings. The announcement also committed to eliminate 75% of this type of portacabin school by the end of the current administration, or in this, election year.
Torrevieja has already seen the elimination of one of their temporary schools, although the community was far from pleased with having to move the pupils from their immediately local area to an amalgamated school which was reconstructed after being previously closed down.
When the pupils were moved to the C.P. Acequión School, on their first day back in term the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, boasted about class sizes averaging just 25 students per class, whereas in Orihuela, where the investment had still not been made, some schools had class sizes of 42 pupils per teacher.
On the Orihuela Costa parents and pupils alike have campaigned for years to try to have their voices heard, with the pupils of the IES Playa Flamenca already in their eleventh year of being taught in “temporary” accommodation, having previously also seen class sizes increased, classrooms taken away and even facilities such as dining rooms which were unable to accommodate the children at meal times.
Despite numerous requests for meetings with the education department requested by both the mayor of Orihuela, Monserrate Guillén of the Los Verdes green party, and the councillor for education, Rosa Martínez from the PSOE, information and official commitment from the PP led regional government had never been given, until this latest public announcement this week.
Although the news will be celebrated by those attending the educational system on the Orihuela Costa, it is also seen by many as being too late, as the generation of pupils who suffered at the hands of an inferior and under invested system are now starting to come of age and capable of voicing their dissatisfaction in a very different way, as the young people of today are the voters of tomorrow, many of those who were educated in the portacabins are now eligible to vote and may well choose not to support those who they feel have failed them.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46057/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As work is still continuing on the site that stood abandoned for a number of years, the Department of Education in the Valencia regional government have this week stated that the new IES Playa Flamenca School will be opened this year, after more than ...

### ORIHUELA PP DESCENDS INTO FURTHER CONFUSION

The Executive Committee of the Partido Popular in Orihuela has appointed José Francisco Pérez Espinosa as their new interim President, following the expulsion of Pepa Ferrando from the party after she led a renegade group to defy party policy and refuse to vote in an anticorruption motion.
However, Dámaso Aparicio who was appointed as the temporary president by the regional group held a press conference in which he claims to be the rightful holder of the title, and therefore the President of the Orihuela PP group, as the votes for Pérez Espinosa were illegal, on account of the provincial group appointing him and the vote should not have taken place as it was held by those members affiliated with Ferrando, who is expelled.
Aparicio was also forced to threaten Ferrando this week, demanding the return of keys to the local Partido Popular offices and passwords to computers, after the locks to the building had been mysteriously changed. 
Those members involved in the refusal to vote in the anticorruption motion have so far been seen standing beside Ferrando, after she said that she would not be forced to vote in the motion by her national and regional executive, who are attempting to clean up their image before the elections in May.
Along with Ferrando, David Costa, Encarnación Ortuño, Araceli Vilella, Victor Bernabéu, José Antonio Aniorte all left the plenary meeting on the 22nd of December and avoided the vote in the motion which was tabled for a second time after the CLR party hijacked the original proposal and managed to steer the motion in a different manner, subsequently forcing the vote once again. Pedro Mancebo from CLR abstained from the second vote, whereas his political colleague, Juan Ignacio López Bas also left the meeting and didn´t vote, Mónica Lorente from the PP was not present at the meeting due to ill health, and also therefore didn´t vote.
At the time when the anticorruption motion was being discussed, the courts also announced an investigation into yet another contract award in Orihuela, in which it is once again alleged that the former ruling Partido Popular government may have split contracts into smaller amounts so as to circumvent the public tender process.
This latest case revolves around the total award of 369,267.50 euro for work to convert the Palacio Sorzano de Tejada into a museum. Following a complaint by the current PSOE – Los Verdes government coalition, the prosecutor wishes to ascertain why the amount was divided between 5 different companies, despite the work being in the same building and for the same project.
According to the complaint made in September, the division f the work could have been designed to circumvent the need for a public tender that would have allowed the free competition of enterprises, in accordance with the law on procurement in the public sector.
The prosecutor has requested all documents relating to this latest complaint for work between 2010 and 2011, whilst the municipality was under the management of Mayor Mónica Lorente, and cites Pepa Ferando, as well as David Costa and Rodríguez Barberá.
Meanwhile, Aparicio has said that the matter of presidency and membership will be resolved this week, when the recognized officials of the local group meet with the regional heads to try to close this latest chapter of confusion and upheaval and then try to focus on the job required by politicians, representing the people they serve.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46056/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Executive Committee of the Partido Popular in Orihuela has appointed José Francisco Pérez Espinosa as their new interim President, following the expulsion of Pepa Ferrando from the party after she led a renegade group to defy party p...

### A TREAT FOR COUNTRY FANS

Fans of country music are in for a treat on Exite Radio, as we have extended our Sunday afternoon country session to a whole two hours, thanks to a new addition to our schedules, the Tim Rogers “Classic Country” International Radio Show.
Tim Rogers started his broadcasting career at Radio Trent, Nottingham, and in 1979 went on to also broadcast on Xtra AM in Birmingham and eventually was to be found on Gem Am in the East Midlands. 
He presented the National Country Show on the Classic Gold Network, (which included numerous broadcasts from Nashville's WSM Radio, The General Jackson Showboat, The Country Music Hall Of Fame, The Grand Ole Opry etc,) and then Saga Country on SAGA 106.6fm. 
In February 2007 Tim won the coveted Country Music Association (Nashville) International Broadcasters Award for outstanding contributions to Country Music. 
“Classic Country” is currently heard on 7 Radio Stations across the UK and around the world, and is probably one of the longest running Country Shows of its kind, playing Classic Country hits from the 60's onwards together with new releases and the American Top 5 Country Singles each week.
Tim Rogers was once described by a Country Music contemporary as being “The local Country Music Presenter who was the benchmark for us all from the 80's onwards.”
Now, you can join Tim every Sunday from noon for two hours of the best in country music, on 93.1fm on your radio, or via the website, www.exiteradio.com, and don´t forget to check our full listings in The Leader each week for the best in news, music, entertainment, drama and comedy on radio.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46055/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Fans of country music are in for a treat on Exite Radio, as we have extended our Sunday afternoon country session to a whole two hours, thanks to a new addition to our schedules, the Tim Rogers “Classic Country” International Radio Show.
...

### MORNING QUAKE ON SUNDAY

A 3.2 magnitude earthquake rumbled through Torrevieja on Sunday morning, with its epicentre between Los Montesinos and Rojales.
The quake occurred at 07:12 local time with a number of residents saying they felt the earth move.
This incident follows the report of three earthquakes which were reported to have ocurred within a nine hour period in the Valencia region earlier this month. 
Related Article
THREE EARTHQUAKES IN NINE HOURS, The Leader Newspaper, 02 January 2015Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46054/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A 3.2 magnitude earthquake rumbled through Torrevieja on Sunday morning, with its epicentre between Los Montesinos and Rojales.
The quake occurred at 07:12 local time with a number of residents saying they felt the earth move.
This incident follows t...

### A SPANISH PROPERTY FIRST IN TORREVIEJA

Estate agent stores are a common occurrence on most popular high streets through expat rich areas of Spain, but despite countless closures of shops and retail premises in recent years, Torrevieja is about to have a first for the Spanish property industry.
At the end of this month, the very first ever estate agent for Chinese investors will open its doors in Torrevieja. Located on Avenida de Alfredo Nobel, the outlet will be run by local experts in collaboration with their Chinese partners, after other successful launches in Barcelona, as well as in China.
With the Chinese community in Spain still growing, it is hoped that the new store will form a base for investors looking to relocate to the Costa Blanca, whilst also offering a much needed boost to the centre of a city which has visibly suffered decay for many years.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46051/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Estate agent stores are a common occurrence on most popular high streets through expat rich areas of Spain, but despite countless closures of shops and retail premises in recent years, Torrevieja is about to have a first for the Spanish property indust...

### A PROPERTY FIRST IN TORREVIEJA

Estate agent stores are a common occurrence on most popular high streets through expat rich areas of Spain, but despite countless closures of shops and retail premises in recent years, Torrevieja is about to have a first for the property industry.
At the end of this month, the very first ever estate agent for Chinese investors will open its doors in Torrevieja. Located on Avenida de Alfredo Nobel, the outlet will be run by local experts in collaboration with their Chinese partners, after other successful launches in Barcelona, as well as in China.
With the Chinese community in Spain still growing, it is hoped that the new store will form a base for investors looking to relocate to the Costa Blanca, whilst also offering a much needed boost to the centre of a city which has visibly suffered decay for many years.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46051/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Estate agent stores are a common occurrence on most popular high streets through expat rich areas of Spain, but despite countless closures of shops and retail premises in recent years, Torrevieja is about to have a first for the property industry.
At...

### DRUNK THREE KINGS AMBULANCE DRIVER ARRESTED

An ambulance driver is set to appear in court in Dénia on Tuesday, after being found drunk whilst covering emergency provision at a Three Kings parade in the town of Teulada, located between Calpe and Xábia.
Moreover, the driver and the ambulance were unable to attend an incident just 100 metres away, on account of the driver being intoxicated, it is alleged.
A child had suffered an injury and so the emergency ambulance on standby was called, but there was no response. The local police attended the scene and upon locating the driver they believed that alcohol had been consumed and that the driver of the ambulance was over the legal alcohol limit, but they were unable to carry out a test on account of not having any equipment to do so.
The Guardia Civil attended and conducted an alcohol test, which reveal that the driver had quadruple the permitted amount, registering 0.78 milligrams of alcohol in the blood, whereas the maximum for a driver of this kind of vehicle is 0.15.
The local police of Teulada have been campaigning for some time to have access to alcoholmeters, which would have led to a speedier conclusion in this case, as well as many others, without having to wait for the assistance of the Guardia Civil.
It is also alleged that the driver did not have the appropriate certification to act as an ambulance technician for such a parade, after new legislation came into force in the New Year.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46050/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: An ambulance driver is set to appear in court in Dénia on Tuesday, after being found drunk whilst covering emergency provision at a Three Kings parade in the town of Teulada, located between Calpe and Xábia.
Moreover, the driver and the...

### TORREVIEJA STATUS LOSS CONFIRMED

According to the latest official data released by the Spanish national statistics institute, Torrevieja ended 2014 with 91,415 residents.
It was in June of last year that that we first reported the threat to the population statistics of Torrevieja, after the INE carried out a cleanup and audit of the figures which were believed to not correctly reflect the current number of residents in local government areas, in an attempt to correct the amount of subsidy received by both central and regional governments.
At the time, Orihuela government acknowledged that they had lost around 8,000 residents as a result of an audit by the INE, but Torrevieja chose not to make the findings of their audit public at the time, despite speculation that they looked set to lose some 15,000 residents from the 1st of January 2015, the equivalent of 14% of the population, dropping from 105,000 to 91,400 registered residents. 
Torrevieja started 2014 with a registered population of 105,205 people, but the figures released by the INE now show the official reduction, which means that Torrevieja not only loses its “big city” status, now being below the 100,000 threshold will result in a considerable drop in the amount of money the town hall receives from both residential taxes and from the national and regional governments. They will also lose 2 councillor posts, dropping from 27 elected positions to 25.
Torrevieja still maintains its third place position in terms of population size however, behind Elche with 228,647 and Alicante with 332,067 residents.
Orihuela, which is in fourth place in terms of population size, closed 2014 with 83,417 registered residents, recovering most of those lost in their recent audit cull, now a little below the 91,260 residents at the start of last year.
Benidorm is the fifth placed municipality in population terms, although it too has dropped to 69,010 residents from the 73,768 at the start of the year, and across the province of Alicante, there are now a total registered population of 1,868,438 residents.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46049/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: According to the latest official data released by the Spanish national statistics institute, Torrevieja ended 2014 with 91,415 residents.
It was in June of last year that that we first reported the threat to the population statistics of Torrevieja, a...

### AENA REFUSING TO CLOSE QUIET AIRPORTS

Spanish airport authority AENA has stated that they will not close down some of their least profitable airports in Spain, despite the demands of the European Union.
Auditors from the EU reported that there are nine airports which should be closed down, on account of them failing to achieve the minimum 100,000 passenger count.
The airports under threat are located at Badajoz, León, Burgos, Salamanca, Logroño, Vitoria, Córdoba, Albacete and Huesca. The busiest of the airports is Badajoz, registering 36,934 passengers up until November of 2013, whereas Huesca is the quietest with just 259 passengers. The cost of keeping the airports open is 69.9 million euro per year, with an accumulating debt of 756 million euro, plus interest.
Aena has said that it has no plans to close any of the airports named, despite the number of passengers at each of the airports being far from reaching a scale of profitability. 
In addition to the 100,000 passenger threshold demanded by Europe, Aena is also being threatened by the Spanish government, who are insisting they modify efficiency plans at airports with fewer than 500,000 passengers. These plans focus on three key performance indicators, namely related to time, flexibility in working hours and mobility, amalgamating common services across the network, and increasing the surface space available for retail outlets.
The government has also approved a change to the legislation relating to charging airlines to use airports, equalling the rates around the clock, irrespective of day or night, in the hope of eliminating after-hours supplements, with the aim of encouraging daytime operations at airports that currently focus more on night flights in a view to save operating costs for the airlines. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46048/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spanish airport authority AENA has stated that they will not close down some of their least profitable airports in Spain, despite the demands of the European Union.
Auditors from the EU reported that there are nine airports which should be closed dow...

### VISTABELLA BOWLS REPORT BY LYNNE BISHOP.

Sponsored by Autos Direct, TV Choice and Venture Fleet ..... Happy New Year to all our fellow bowlers and all at the Leader newspaper, may it be a successful one.
Last week three of our members were successful winning the San Luis Triples competition, congratulations to Mo and Martin Foulcer and Richard Lee who were top of their group by winning all the five games they played, going on to beat Darren Johnson, Sabrina & Russell Marks in the semi and beating Sheila Cammack, Pat & Graham Bird in an exciting final, they were 4-8 down after eight ends, Richard converted the ninth to pick up three shots followed by another two on the tenth & final end to win 9-8. Very well done!
Success also in our first Winter League game of 2015, playing at home against top of the league Javea Green we achieved a great win of 8 points. Graham Bater, Jenny Chaplin, Mike Regan & Ian Kenyon 23-7. Olwyn Ratcliffe, Barbara Brown, Charlie Watkins & Arthur Brown 22-17. Beryl Regan, Steve Pearson, Dave Chaplin & Eric Bishop 18-14. Points 8-4. Shots 93-73. 
The Berleen team had a superb win of 30-11, well done Mo Foulcer, Penny Tomkins, Ann Marie Stevenson & Peter Tomkins. 
The 20-20 Knockout. Unfortunately we lost this 9-7 to MonteMar but well done to our players who won their disciplines.
Over the Christmas break we played our annual challenge Matches with Greenlands, playing one at home & one away, these are meant to be very friendly games with all the tinsel, silly hats and banter but at the end of the day we all want to win and I'm pleased to say on this occasion Vistabella won the trophy. An excellent end to 2014 and a good start to the new year for Vistabella!
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46037/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Sponsored by Autos Direct, TV Choice and Venture Fleet ..... Happy New Year to all our fellow bowlers and all at the Leader newspaper, may it be a successful one.
Last week three of our members were successful winning the San Luis Triples competition,...

### PETANCA PLAYERS AND THE 3 KINGS PARADE

Did you ever wonder what petanca players get up to when not playing?  Wonder no more.. We all know that in Spain the most important date of the Christmas period is 5/6th January.  
The evening of the 5th is when all towns, villages and hamlets welcome the arrival of the 3 Kings.  Families, especially with children, line the route the Kings will take in the hope of receiving sweets thrown by the Kings and then they can dash home to open any presents they may have been given.
All local associations and groups are encouraged to take part and for the past 3 years various petanca clubs have taken part -- in a mixture of brilliant disguises!!!
The Orihuela Costa parade was the one chosen by 4 members of Costa Knights, Peter and Susan Ward, Liz and Moss Davies, 1 member of Los Bandidos, Linda Haymes and 1 member of Pumas, Liz McPherson  and oh a Crazy lady named Diane.
Our little group were inspired by a suggestion of a member of Costa Knights - Janice - to wear 'onesies' being readily available and warm, it was a marvellous idea.  So, as you see the animals on parade were - parrot, kangaroo, lion, penguin, zebra, giraffe and a bear.
Each year the parade gets better  and this year was no exception and the fireworks were a splendid highlight.
We had a lot of fun, its such a happy occasion.  Brandy, walk, brandy  what could be better!
Thank you to all who supported the parade and the hard work  the Ayuntamiento put in.  Any petanca players who wish to take part next year, get in touch with Susan Ward (Costa Knights).
See you all in 2016
Susan WardFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46034/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Did you ever wonder what petanca players get up to when not playing?  Wonder no more.. We all know that in Spain the most important date of the Christmas period is 5/6th January.  
The evening of the 5th is when all towns, villages and hamlets welcome...

### 'MUSIC OF THE NIGHT' CONCERT AT ORIHUELA COSTA RESORT

The biggest show of 2015 will take place at the ORIHUELA Costa Resort Concert Hall, La Zenia on Saturday 31st January. It is entitled 'Music of the Night' and is presented by singer/conductor Nigel Hopkins.
The show features the impressive 60-strong Melody Makers International, and the amazing talented youngsters of Cantemos! Youth Choir. Special guests will be the new girls' harmony singing sensation, KARISMA (pictured) who are the four senior soloists of Cantemos! and who received so many rave reviews on their debut in November of last year.
The programme contains a mixture of popular musicals, such as Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Sound of Music and Pickwick, as well as special arrangements of songs from such artistes as Barry Manilow, Frank Sinatra, and the Bee Gees.
The Youth Choir will perform a fully-staged medley from the musical Annie, as well as a selection of Disney songs including 'Let It Go' from Frozen. KARISMA will perform specially written arrangements of songs from Les Miserables, A Chorus Line, Sound of Music and others.
As usual the whole show will be accompanied by a professional band flown in from the UK, conducted by Nigel Hopkins, and will contain several special features and surprises. Tickets for the two shows (2pm and 8pm) are available from La Ponderosa Gift Shop at La Zenia (but NOT from the Orihuela Costa Resort Hotel which is closed until the show).Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46032/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The biggest show of 2015 will take place at the ORIHUELA Costa Resort Concert Hall, La Zenia on Saturday 31st January. It is entitled 'Music of the Night' and is presented by singer/conductor Nigel Hopkins.
The show features the impressive 60-strong M...

### LA MARINA GOLF SOCIETY - THE ROYAL MARINES TROPHY

We gathered at the BonAlba course to compete in the annual "Royal Marines Trophy" which is a 4 club competition, kindly sponsored by ex-Marine Eric Edwards.
A cold start which developed into a lovely warm sunny day and by noon most were down to shirt sleeves.
Winner of the Trophy for the 3rd year in the last 4 ,with a score of 30 points was Secretary Alan Craig.
The longest drive prize was won by Bill Stobo who also won nearest the pin on a Par 4.
Many thanks to Eric for providing the prizes and it was good to see him compete ,despite his recent medical problems.
Nearest the pin prizes were won by Elspeth Craig, Alan Craig and Tim Ruse.
We look forward to our next game at Alicante Golf on 22nd January ,10a.m. start.Cost is 40Euros including buggy,insurance,coffee and tostada.
On Tuesday 27th January we are holding our first Bingo Quiz of the year ,cost 8 Euros with a meal of either Steak Pie or Fish and Chips. Please let Elspeth know your requirements asap on elspeth4mcd@yahoo.co.uk or tel.965077204.
New members are always welcome at a cost of 15 euros p.a. Please contact Alan Craig on the above number if you are interested.
Finally many thanks to Paulo for opening up the La Marina Club during his well-deserved Winter break and providing us with a good spread.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46029/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: We gathered at the BonAlba course to compete in the annual "Royal Marines Trophy" which is a 4 club competition, kindly sponsored by ex-Marine Eric Edwards.
A cold start which developed into a lovely warm sunny day and by noon most were down to shirt sleeves.
Winner of the Trophy for the 3rd year in the last 4 ,with a score of 30 points was Secretary Alan Craig.
The longest drive prize was won by Bill Stobo who also won nearest the pin on a Par 4.
Many thanks to Eric for providing the prizes and it was good to see him compete ,despite his recent medical problems.
Nearest the pin prizes were won by Elspeth Craig, Alan Craig and Tim Ruse.
We look forward to our next game at Alicante Golf on 22nd January ,10a.m. start.Cost is 40Euros including buggy,insurance,coffee and tostada.
On Tuesday 27th January we are holding our first Bingo Quiz of the year ,cost 8 Euros with a meal of either Steak Pie or Fish and Chips. Please let Elspeth know your requirements asap on elspeth4mcd@yahoo.co.uk or tel.965077204.
New members are always welcome at a cost of 15 euros p.a. Please contact Alan Craig on the above number if you are interested.
Finally many thanks to Paulo for opening up the La Marina Club during his well-deserved Winter break and providing us with a good spread.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46029/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### EURONICS DARTS LEAGUE 8 JAN 15

Well its all over again for yet another year, all that preparation and in a flash Christmas has gone.  
As we know it's a time definitely for the kids but the old ones can still enjoy themselves, well illustrated by the 3000 plus expats down on La Zenia beach, Christmas day.
 James Brown and Bliss Wright from Gogarty´s were there dishing out the bubbly to all and sundry which was very nice, thank you, whilst Gilly Kirby looked very fetching in her Chrissy outfit, escorted by crutch wielding hubby Terry, who unfortunately is still struggling after a knee operation last year.  We wish him well.
The scene was relayed back to the UK via Ipod, the recipients begrudgingly saying how marvellous it all looked, as they shivered in sub-zero temperatures. Many of you would have witnessed the PDC World Championships on SKY TV at Ally Pally over the holiday and what an event it was.  Actors, footballers, cricketers, boxers, snooker players, even Prince Harry was spotted phoning Grandma with the results.  It was
great to witness all the celebrities absorbing the electric atmosphere of the 250K competition.  Gary Anderson was one of my fancies, as was “jackpot” Adrian Lewis, but it was the Scotsman who came out on top with an outstanding performance against Phil the Power Taylor.  
The preceding three plus Michael Van Gerwen will make for an interesting 2015 Premier League.  Anderson, even with the World Championship belt around him will probably not start favourite, that accolade will more than likely go to Taylor, with the Dutchman second favourite.  Exciting times for darts.
Back to us mere mortals of the Euronics League and the resumption of our Thursday night darts.  Breakaways seem to have a stranglehold on Division 2 and remain unbeaten, despite dropping a home point to John Williams Evolution.  
Biggest change in this division is Que Pasa Kestrels moving up to third after a fine away victory over the Jaguars who have now suffered consecutive losses.  The Kestrels notched up their fifth victory of the season after never being behind against their tough opponents.   Alan Preston´s D12 gave the Kestrels their first leg, which was immediately cancelled out by Wendy Hayward on D2 after a 95, Dee Green supporting well.  Russell Lyness retrieved the lead for the visitors, dove tailing well with Preston who did most of the scoring.  
Some tasty scores from Sharon Bugg and Hayward proved insufficient against the Kirbys, crutches and all.  Terry did all the scoring, how I don't know, wife Gilly completing the 601 on D7.  Heath Hughes made it 4 for the Kestrels on D2, Preston once again helping out on the T20s.  Angela Craggs and Hilda Wilkinson pulled one back for the hosts, the latter taking out D5 after both had scored well.  Hughes made it 5 against a below par Pat Schofield, Hayward enjoying a fine 501 versus Lyness, eventually pegging out on D1 after some great scoring.  Long John Silver ensured the draw for the visitors, the hosts having a strong trio remaining hoping to gain the draw and a point.  
It started well with Simone de Lacy scoring heavily to leave 40, Chris miles behind.  The confident de Lacy found D5 instead of the intended D20 but then a smart S10 was followed by D10 for a nice piece of showboating with just two legs required for the draw.  Long John´s wife Gilly, spoilt it all by hitting D11 for the match after a nice 121 setting up the finish.  Tracy Simpson made it 5 for the hosts on D19, taking out the in-form Preston.  
Sporting Life entertained the Ale House who had several players influenced  by the goings on at the Ally Pally.  Ian Phillips obviously watched the most and was nominated man of the match scoring 4x100,120 and 85 proving he does miss occasionally.  
He was well supported by Brandon Radford 85,95,100, Bernie Whipday 4x85 and Luke Yarnold´s numerous scores of 81-95.  A fine effort and victory against Sonya Cooper´s Misfits.
The Tavern Drivers did their leg difference no harm at all by taking all 12 against the hung over Queens.  The long journey from the Palace to the Villamartin venue of the Taverners took its toll.  Ann O´Keefe, Lorraine Cox and Debbie Wright were the Queens top scorers in the first three triples but they were more than matched by the hosts who pegged out the 701s via Ian Brown D19, Stu Mitchell D4 and Rick Cox.  Brown added a ton and double in the first pairs with the second looking to go the Royal family´s way after a 103 from Chris Cummins to leave 30 points.  Despite the usual Royal barracking Justin Hepburn found D8 to make it 5 for the Tavern.  Margaret Griffith and Lynn Fozzard outscored their opponents in the next scoring 565 points to leave 36, which then seemed to be beyond them.  
The 601 proved just as difficult for the hosts, but eventually Paul Birtwhistle made it 6 up at half time on D2.  Brown faced Marie Dunne in the first single after the break, both players scoring well to leave 36 apiece.  With the match depending on the leg, Brown calmly took out D18 for both points.   Birtwhistle D2 continued the rout Cox sitting on 44.  
And so it continued, Queen Debbie was dethroned by Rick Cox as was Rachael Broadhead by Hepburn.  Mitchell D9 made it 11, leaving Zack Green to face O´Keefe.  The Royal one acquitted herself well scoring wise, but it was Green who made it to the double first, planting his second arrow in D9 for all 12 legs.
Despite Mark Filer missing from the Busters line up, the visitors must have expected a win after going 3 up playing the Porter House.  Irene Russell D8, Henry Young D4 and Peter O´Rourke D10, the latter adding a ton, Babs Warren a 123, Ray Harvey a ton were the players doing all the damage.  Brian Nash pulled one back in the first pair hitting 100,136 with partner Mike Newberry.  Yvonne Rouffignac made it 2 for the home side on D7 after 2x100.  Sid Cross made it all square at the break on D2 to add to his ton achieved in the triples.  Porters took the lead for the first time courtesy of Newberry  taking out O´Rourke 2-1 on a 62 out, despite the Busters three tons.  Rouffignac made it 5 for the Porters, beating Bill Russell 2-0.  
Nash was unlucky not to make it 6 after 2x100,140 and the middle leg on D14 against formidable opposition in Harvey whose lone ton plus D16 and D20 made it 5-4.  Irene Russell made it all square after going one down to Ray Sanderson.  Her D2,D8 and 2x125 too much for the Porters captain.  Cross ensured at least a point for the hosts, winning 2-0 against Warren on D20,D9 and 100,121,125.  The match rested on the 12th leg Young v. Sue Sanderson.  The former came out on top, securing the draw and point on D10 and D2.
Gary Minor and Matt Cummins came to the Kings rescue once again winning both their singles 2-1 and 2-0 respectively.  Unfortunately they were the only winning legs against second placed Hub Hyenas.  Cummins 2x100 was eclipsed by Minor´s 2x100,125 and 2x140.  Frankie Wieczorek contributed a 137.  Spicy Nick Spicer who loves a vindaloo and doesn't mind who knows it, won the match for the Hyenas against an out of sorts Ian Sleath, using D8 and D10.  
His tally of 4x100 and 120 was supported by Joe Miller´s 3x100, Simon Williams 120,138 and exiled Meerkat John Eyre´s 100,121,140.  Cummins won the last leg of the evening on D6 and D4 against old Bristolian Dave Lethaby, who really prefers a round at La Finca instead of finding the T20 on the dart board.  
Meerkats remain top, Alex Nikolov securing the win on D10 for both points in the 12th leg.  Another lack lustre performance from the champions who can´t seem to find their previous form, despite a reasonable tally of 18 tons or more.  Lee Maiden was the Kats man of the match hitting 4x100,121 and 133.  Steph Simpson was the Jackals man of the match consistently scoring 80 plus throughout the night and also taking the scalp of Dave Frew, former Essex champion.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46027/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Well its all over again for yet another year, all that preparation and in a flash Christmas has gone.  
As we know it's a time definitely for the kids but the old ones can still enjoy themselves, well illustrated by the 3000 plus expats down on La Zen...

### SPAIN SECURITY INCREASED

The Interior Minister, Jorge Fernández Díaz, has announced that the government of Spain has raised the security alert level to level 3, following the attack in France, although there is no specific threat made against Spain.
The country had been on level 2 with high intensity since September, which meant heightened security at infrastructure sites such as airports, train stations and power plants. The level now established is level 3 with low intensity.
Raising the alert to level 3 out of 5 means an increase in security at key locations, as well as restricting access to sensitive sites, and may involve the use of troops to support the domestic security services.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46024/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Interior Minister, Jorge Fernández Díaz, has announced that the government of Spain has raised the security alert level to level 3, following the attack in France, although there is no specific threat made against Spain.
The country...

### GEMMA ATKINSON JOINS EMMERDALE AS CARLY HOPE

Former Hollyoaks and I´m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Her star Gemma Atkinson is soon to arrive in the village of Emmerdale as Bob Hope's (Tony Audenshaw) estranged daughter, Carly.
After missing out on his presence whilst growing up, Carly thinks her dad has to make up for lost time and life will soon become difficult for Emmerdale favourite Bob. However, with a string of failed relationships behind her, Carly has more in common with her seven-times married father than she'd care to admit. Will she have better success in Emmerdale?
Gemma says: "I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the cast of Emmerdale and I cannot wait to see what's in store for Carly. I hope you all enjoy watching her story unfold."
Kate Oates, Emmerdale Series Producer says: "I'm delighted to welcome Gemma to the cast, her character Carly is sure to liven things up for Bob and Brenda and anyone who crosses her path."
Gemma will begin filming this month and will be on screen late March. Gemma is best known for playing Lisa Hunter in Hollyoaks before taking part in the 2007 run of jungle based show I´m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, where she became the 7th eliminated star.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46023/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Former Hollyoaks and I´m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Her star Gemma Atkinson is soon to arrive in the village of Emmerdale as Bob Hope's (Tony Audenshaw) estranged daughter, Carly.
After missing out on his presence whilst growing up, Carly thinks her dad has to make up for lost time and life will soon become difficult for Emmerdale favourite Bob. However, with a string of failed relationships behind her, Carly has more in common with her seven-times married father than she'd care to admit. Will she have better success in Emmerdale?
Gemma says: "I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the cast of Emmerdale and I cannot wait to see what's in store for Carly. I hope you all enjoy watching her story unfold."
Kate Oates, Emmerdale Series Producer says: "I'm delighted to welcome Gemma to the cast, her character Carly is sure to liven things up for Bob and Brenda and anyone who crosses her path."
Gemma will begin filming this month and will be on screen late March. Gemma is best known for playing Lisa Hunter in Hollyoaks before taking part in the 2007 run of jungle based show I´m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, where she became the 7th eliminated star.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46023/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### GUARDIA CIVIL TAKES DELIVERY OF ALMOST 200 NEW VEHICLES

The equipment stores of the Guardia Civil have taken delivery of 195 new vehicles, 12,000 computers and a variety of long distance and photography kits.
The Director General of the Guardia Civil, Arsenio Fernández Mesa, explained in a press conference that of the 195 new vehicles, 111 are capable of driving over all terrains, and will be used for standard security patrols and by the research units, and 67 new standard cars that will also be used for patrol purposes, another 17 vehicles are for the transport of personnel and for prison duties.
Of the full allocation, 61 of the vehicles are designated for use on border patrols, as part of and agreed cost sharing deal with the European Union.
The cost of these vehicles has been 5,446,746.91, whereas the 2015 budget is 6.5 million euro, to which 2.5 million will be added from European funds, allowing a total acquisition of 400 new vehicles.
In addition to their fleet additions, the stores have also taken delivery of 12,000 computers which will be distributed among the different territorial units and specialties of the corps, from the 7.3 million euro budget. At a cost of 174,296.87 euro, the research units will also take delivery of their share of long-range vision and photography equipment. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46022/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The equipment stores of the Guardia Civil have taken delivery of 195 new vehicles, 12,000 computers and a variety of long distance and photography kits.
The Director General of the Guardia Civil, Arsenio Fernández Mesa, explained in a press co...

### THE 2015 CORVERA OPENING PROMISE

The Minister of Development, Public Works and Planning in the region of Murcia, Francisco Bernabé, has this week stated that “if all goes well” and that the problems relating to the competition award and compensation are resolved by the summer, then the opening of the new regional airport at Corvera could be a reality by the end of this year.
Although promises and commitments have been made for some time now, this latest announcement is seen as a firm commitment to the finalising of the project, as Bernabé said that there is “no turning back”.
It is believed that the new and final specifications for the airport operation will be completed by the end of February, and although there are “no official or unofficial meetings planned” a settlement on contract terms needs to be done in order to reintegrate the expenses.
Bernabé also stated that the government are prepared to meet the financial demands, but the government has to arbitrate formulas to make payments, either directly or indirectly.
With the backing of the Spanish airport authority AENA, now interested in operating the airport, Bernabé says that the government are confident that Corvera will become a “first class” airport with “superb facilities and traffic potential” with a future of significant growth.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46021/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Minister of Development, Public Works and Planning in the region of Murcia, Francisco Bernabé, has this week stated that “if all goes well” and that the problems relating to the competition award and compensation are resolved by...

### CYCLING TOUR OF SPAIN TO VISIT TORREVIEJA

For its 70th anniversary race, the 2015 cycling Tour of Spain will be visiting Torrevieja this year, on the ninth day of the event which will take place on the 30th of August, the first time the tour has visited the area since 2011.
On day eight, the tour will take the riders through Murcia, where they will then transfer to Torrevieja for the next stage which will see them leave the city heading towards Cumbre del Sol in Benitaxell.
The Orihuela Costa played host to the cyclist in both 2010 and 2011, when the final stage reached the Orihuela Costa.
The race will start in the Málaga town of Puerto Banús on the 22nd of August, as presented this week by members of the Diputación de Málaga, with the second and third stages also taking place in the Málaga area. 
The route then heads west towards Cádiz, north towards Córdoba, then east towards Murcia and Torrevieja, via Granada. Having then left Torrevieja, the cyclists will head north along the coast towards Valencia and Castellón, before taking in the north of the country and finishing in Madrid on the 13th of September.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46020/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: For its 70th anniversary race, the 2015 cycling Tour of Spain will be visiting Torrevieja this year, on the ninth day of the event which will take place on the 30th of August, the first time the tour has visited the area since 2011.
On day eight, the...

### SHORTLIST REVEALED FOR THE 20TH NATIONAL TELEVISION AWARDS

The votes are in, the viewers have spoken and as the shortlist for the 20th National Television Awards is revealed, the final round of voting opens.
 
Presented by Dermot O'Leary, the National Television Awards will host the biggest stars of Britain's best-loved shows at The O2 London on Wednesday 21st January 2015, live on ITV. This year, more votes than ever before have been cast and the shortlist reveals which shows and stars the public want to see collecting a prize on the night. 
 
In the Drama Performance category, it's detective versus Dowager as Sherlock's Benedict Cumberbatch and Downton Abbey's Maggie Smith vie for top place. But can they take Sarah Lancashire, whose tough and tender performance in Happy Valley stunned audiences, or the enormously popular Sheridan Smith, for her acclaimed turn in Cilla?
 
In Serial Drama Performance, the first couple of the Queen Vic go head-to-head – Danny Dyer and Kellie Bright have had an amazing year in Albert Square, but don't rule out the competition: Donna's emotional return to Emmerdale was superbly played by Verity Rushworth, while in Hollyoaks Nikki Sanderson's domestic-abuse storyline gripped the fans.
 
Who is Britain's favourite TV Judge? We need a judge as wise, witty and bold as all of our nominees put together to make that call: star makers Simon Cowell, David Walliams and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini are up against star baker Mary Berry. There's nothing soggy bottomed about that line-up…
 
In Drama, international hits Downton Abbey, Sherlock and Doctor Who will be slugging it out for the prize – or could the plucky young newcomer Cilla take them unawares?
 
A brand new award sees some of the nation's favourite shows come head to head: The Great British Bake Off, The Apprentice, Masterchef and Come Dine With Me are all up for the Skills Challenge award. Has Lord Sugar sweet-talked his way into the nation's hearts? Or will Mel and Sue's saucy double entendres have us standing to attention? 
 
In the Factual category, Gogglebox and Long Lost Family might look like underdogs facing four-time winner Top Gear, but like Paul O'Grady: For The Love of Dogs they will be gunning for ‘best in show'.
 
Ant & Dec rarely leave The O2 empty-handed but it's never over till it's over, and in the Entertainment Programme category, their Saturday Night Takeaway has some serious competition in the shape of Through the Keyhole, Celebrity Big Brother and I'm a Celebrity… (which is actually one of their shows too). And as for the Entertainment Presenter award, just because Ant and Dec have won it thirteen times in a row, it doesn't mean this won't be the year that Bradley Walsh, Keith Lemon or NTA host Dermot O'Leary snatches it from their grasp at last.
 
Fittingly for the Talent Show category, rivalry is FIERCE. Has The X Factor got the X factor? Will Strictly Come Dancing waltz away with the prize? Is it time for the The Voice UK to be heard, or has Britain's Got Talent got the skills to win?
 
In the Comedy category, Mrs Brown's Boys has one of d'biggest audiences in d'country – but it's taking on the rowdy ex-pat sun-worshippers of Benidorm, the close-knit family of Outnumbered fans and the army of brainiacs who muse on The Big Bang Theory.
 
The explosion of choices and channels in the TV landscape is reflected in another new category, Multichannel – where the dragon-warriors of Game of Thrones will fight the walking dead of… The Walking Dead, and Keith Lemon's Celebrity Juice will do innuendo battle with the party posse of Geordie Shore. 
 
2015 NTA Categories:
 

    Chat Show Host
    Comedy 
    Daytime 
    Drama 
    Drama Performance
    Entertainment Programme 
    Entertainment Presenter
    Factual 
    Multichannel
    Newcomer
    Serial Drama
    Serial Drama Performance
    Skills Challenge Show
    Talent Show
    TV Judge 

 
 
You can vote free online at www.nationaltvawards.com or you can vote in the UK by phone call 0901 888 2015
Calls cost no more than 26p per minute from BT landlines plus no more than 16p connection charge.  Calls should last no longer than seven minutes.  Calls from other networks may be higher and from mobiles will be a lot more.  
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46019/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The votes are in, the viewers have spoken and as the shortlist for the 20th National Television Awards is revealed, the final round of voting opens.
 
Presented by Dermot O'Leary, the National Television Awards will host the biggest stars of Britain...

### HERO COPS SAVE DROWNING MAN

Two officers from the National Police based in Orihuela have been credited with saving the life of a man who fell down a grid in the town of Beniel.
The officers were on a routine patrol when they became aware of a vehicle parked near the side of the road. 
When they approached the vehicle a woman notified them that her boyfriend had fallen down the open grid channel and couldn´t escape.
The officers found the man in 3 metres of water, struggling to stay afloat, and managed to rescue him from the ordeal that could have easily had fatal consequences. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46017/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Two officers from the National Police based in Orihuela have been credited with saving the life of a man who fell down a grid in the town of Beniel.
The officers were on a routine patrol when they became aware of a vehicle parked near the side of the...

### LET THEM EAT GOLD!

Christmas and the New Year holiday season is a time of year when the stark contrast between those who have and those who have not pricks the conscience of most of us, if only fleetingly.
It may be the homeless man on the street, or the woman outside the supermarket begging for coins to buy food to feed her children that draws our attention to the poverty and plight of many people around us.
These are not people living in some far off continent, but real people who live, and try to survive in our own communities.  In the Canary Islands, Spain and the UK, food banks may be the only and last refuge for the needy and desperate.
Most of us are fortunate in having enough to survive, and it may not be wealth or excess, but hopefully we can feed ourselves, our families, and have a roof over our heads.
Unemployment in the Canary Islands and Spain remains very high, and is particularly shocking for the lost generation of young people who have been worst hit by the world's financial crisis. No civilised society should tolerate such a waste of energy, enthusiasm and talent as we are currently seeing in relatively wealthy European countries, but it seems that the rich and powerful are unable or unwilling to do anything significant to change it. In the UK and Spain we often hear about the “on going years of austerity”, which leaves many to question whether austerity is a desirable state of affairs from the point of view of the political elite.
Is it designed to keep the working classes in their place, profits high and wages low to benefit those in power, as well as those who are better educated or just fortunate? 
The Canarian village that I live in is not a wealthy one. Many of its residents are unemployed, or have just one member of the household bringing in a low wage; that is if they are fortunate.
Working hours are long and working conditions are mostly poor in a range of activities from hotel catering, fishing and seasonal agriculture. Even so, the villagers recognise that there are many within their community who have very little to survive on and they organised a ‘Solidarity Gala' to support the needy during the festive season. The price of entry? No cash, because there is very little to spare; the entry fee was just one kilogramme of unopened food.
I contrast this heart warming attempt to do something positive about real poverty in a community, to a sickening account of a bakery in Andalusia, Spain, that is baking loaves of bread cooked with gold dust, which is being sold for 117 euros for each loaf to the rich, wealthy or powerful. It is being promoted as the ‘world's most expensive', with loaves selling like ‘hot cakes' to Arab, Russian and Chinese buyers.
Each 400 gram loaf of bread contains whole wheat dough and dehydrated honey. It addition, it contains one additional ingredient: 250 milligrams of gold dust, allegedly worth 100 euros. As well as receiving considerable interest from foreign buyers, a national supermarket chain is also showing interest in stocking and selling the product. 
I guess that the same could be said about expensive watches, mobile phones, perfumes and cars, and I may be lacking a sense of humour and realism this festive season. However, I find the ‘upgrade' and sale of such a basic and essential product as bread to be a callous disregard of the poverty and hunger that surrounds us.
There should be no need for food banks, since there is more than enough food for everyone to share if we reduce our own consumption and greed, and curb such frivolous, pointless nonsense, such as eating gold.
For many families in the world, a decent loaf of bread would be more than enough to satisfy them for a day or two. Now, where did I read that eating gold is actually toxic to the human system?
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.

© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46016/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Christmas and the New Year holiday season is a time of year when the stark contrast between those who have and those who have not pricks the conscience of most of us, if only fleetingly.
It may be the homeless man on the street, or the woman outside t...

### SATURDAY MORNING CRAFT MARKET IN XÀBIA (JÁVEA) - EVERY WEEK

Starting on 17 January, some 10 to 15 craft stalls will set up shop each Saturday morning on the square in front of Xàbia Post Office (Plaza de Correos); the Town Hall provides the space, and the craft association Amata chooses the stalls.  
This way more visitors come to the centre of this delightful small town and the craftsmen and women get a chance to sell their work.  
Obviously you can't hold a big craft market every week, but just 10 or 15 stalls selling different articles each week, seemed to be a distinct possibility.  And so these dedicated people will turn up every Saturday morning at about 10 o'clock, and stay on till lunch time at 2 pm or so.  
Already some 40 people have indicated that they want to take part, taking turns so that every week the visitor can look at something different.  From hand knitted shawls to leather handbags, from original jewelry to hand forged steel coat hangers - nothing imported, nothing from a factory, everything individually designed and made.  Like visiting an art gallery without art gallery prices.
The fair is organised by Amata, the same association that organises the summer fair in the port of Xàbia (see photos at http://www.amata.es/JaveaSum14.html). Everything on the stalls is made by the people on the stall - a guarantee that the visitor is buying an original.  It also becomes possible to order a special piece to suit a special person or special situation, and pick it up the next Saturday or the Saturday after.  
Some of the stallholders will organise small workshops, every so now and then, at which children can make their own work piece, paying just a token price for the materials.  
Several musicians, jugglers and puppeteers have expressed interest and want to get in on the act;  to keep costs down they will pass the hat at the end of the show.  All in all this seems a good place to which to take the children and grandchildren on a Saturday morning. 
So, starting on the 17th of January, every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm, on the square in front of Xàbia Post Office, with lots of parking space within a very short walking distance. If you want to know more, ring 639 979 678 (English spoken) or have a look at the Amata web page www.amata.es which has an English section and will list the participants for each Saturday.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46012/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Starting on 17 January, some 10 to 15 craft stalls will set up shop each Saturday morning on the square in front of Xàbia Post Office (Plaza de Correos); the Town Hall provides the space, and the craft association Amata chooses the stalls.  
Th...

### DO FOREIGN BUYERS FACE A HIGHER RISK OF HAVING THEIR HOUSE DEMOLISHED IN ALMERIA?  AUAN, 5th January 2015

A startling 31% of all properties demolished in Almeria in the last eight years belonged to British buyers even though that nationality represents less than 3% of the population.
This statistic emerged from information provided by the Provincial Planning Inspectorate in November last year when it revealed that 14 properties were demolished in Almeria in the last eight years due to planning irregularities. This figure later grew to 16 properties when two more villas were demolished in Las Terreras, Cantoria on 18th November.
Of the 16 properties demolished to date, the Inspectorate stated that 11 (9 houses and 2 warehouses) belonged to Spanish citizens whilst the remaining 5 houses were the property of British nationals, representing some 31% of the total.  This figure becomes significant when one considers that Britons resident in Almeria represent some 2.78% of the overall population according to the latest information from the National Institute of Statistics (INE).
‘It appears that foreign buyers are markedly more vulnerable to ending up with an illegal house' said Maura Hillen, President of the home owners group, AUAN.  ‘This is one of a number of issues that our association is asking the European Union to investigate as a matter of urgency'.
 ‘Of course, behind the dry statistics lies misery for five families. On January 9th Helen and Len Prior will spend their seventh year in their garage without compensation for the loss of their home. This year four more families now share their fate. It begs the question….. How many more demolitions can the market or indeed foreign buyers tolerate? The government needs to get to the bottom of the problems with the property market and fix them sooner rather than later. Purchasers in good faith need protection.' she concluded.  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46011/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A startling 31% of all properties demolished in Almeria in the last eight years belonged to British buyers even though that nationality represents less than 3% of the population.
This statistic emerged from information provided by the Provincial Plann...

### THREE KINGS ON THE ORIHUELA COSTA

This year´s Three Kings parade on the Orihuela Costa was once again enjoyed by the many residents and visitors who braved the slightly chilly, though sun drenched eve of the Three Kings celebrations.
Before the parade began, their majesties posed for a photograph along with the Councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer from the Los Verdes green party of Orihuela, before taking their place upon their selected floats.
Despite there being more adults than children enjoying the spectacle, the Kings still dispensed their goodies as they made their way through the streets, accompanied by dancing girls and boys, drummers and fire eaters and a selection of wildlife, culminating in their arrival at the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre.
Once there, the children were found waiting eagerly to see their King, on the promise that their good behaviour will be rewarded, and indeed it was as every child received a gift for their visit.
AS the official Christmas season now comes to a close, attentions turn once again to the new year and focus on the next twelve months of being good.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46010/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This year´s Three Kings parade on the Orihuela Costa was once again enjoyed by the many residents and visitors who braved the slightly chilly, though sun drenched eve of the Three Kings celebrations.
Before the parade began, their majesties pos...

### THREE EARTHQUAKES IN NINE HOURS

The Valencia region felt three minor earthquakes within 9 hours on Friday morning, one of which was in Torrevieja.
The first occurred on Thursday night at 23:43 local time in the Valencia town of Mislata, registering 2.6 on the Richter scale.
At 04:45, Torrevieja felt a 1.6 magnitude tremor. Finally, at 09:00, the Castellón town of Morella had a 2.2 magnitude quake.
None of the tremors have caused any damage but were felt in their epicentres. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46009/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Valencia region felt three minor earthquakes within 9 hours on Friday morning, one of which was in Torrevieja.
The first occurred on Thursday night at 23:43 local time in the Valencia town of Mislata, registering 2.6 on the Richter scale.
At 04:...

### POLICE OFFICER KILLED BY TRAIN IN MADRID

An officer from the Spanish National Police was killed on Friday, after apparently being pushed in front of a train at Madrid´s Atocha station.
The incident is said to have occurred when the officer identified a man on the station who then took pushed him into the path of a train where the officer suffered serious head injuries.
The fire and ambulance service were involved in freeing the officer before being taken to hospital.
In an unrelated incident, another man also fell into the path of a train at the station on the same day.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46008/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: An officer from the Spanish National Police was killed on Friday, after apparently being pushed in front of a train at Madrid´s Atocha station.
The incident is said to have occurred when the officer identified a man on the station who then took...

### THE SPANISH WORD OF THE YEAR

As language evolves and changes and new words creep into everyday use, the relevant dictionaries grow with new words, some which may be magical and descriptive, others that may be annoying and truncated, but this year in Spain, the word of the year is “selfi”. 
Adapted into the Spanish language from the English version “selfie”, although either spelling seems acceptable, the word has become one of the most used through social network sites, defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “A photographic self-portrait; esp. one taken with a smartphone or webcam and shared via social media.” 
One of the strangest anomalies of the word is that many celebrities who post the so-called “selfies” seem to not realise the “self-portrait” element, posting pictures of themselves taken by others under the usual hashtag of being self-created. 
We must not ignore the most famous selfie of them all, taken by Ellen DeGeneres during her role of presenting the Oscars, but under the true definition she is the only one who would technically fall under the “self-portrait” description.
In Spain, the BBVA foundation received around 300 recommendations throughout the year, of which 12 were shortlisted, including “dron”, again taken from the English word “drone”, and “nomofobia”, which comes form the 2010 coined English word “nomophobia” that describes the fear of being out of mobile phone contact, derived from the phrase no-mobile-phone phobia.
But “selfi” is the winning word of the year, and for those who wish to use it in their Spanish conversation may wish to note that the foundation say that the word is considered gender-ambiguous and can be either a feminine or masculine article, although it noted that the most common is to use the masculine. Furthermore, to make the plural, it would be more correct to write “selfis” instead of “selfies” which corresponds to the English spelling.
The foundation also recommend alternatives already available in the Spanish language which could be used, namely “autofoto” or “autorretrato”, for those who would rather not fall into the trend of the social network driven masses.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46007/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As language evolves and changes and new words creep into everyday use, the relevant dictionaries grow with new words, some which may be magical and descriptive, others that may be annoying and truncated, but this year in Spain, the word of the year is...

### GUARDIA CIVIL WARNING OF NEW PROPERTY TAG METHOD

The Guardia Civil are advising that they have identified a new method of “tagging” properties during an operation in La Rioja, although it is likely that the method will spread to other parts of the country.
It would appear that would-be burglars are wedging a small piece of transparent plastic in the door of the property. The idea is that upon their return in a few days, if the plastic has been moved or fallen, then the likelihood is that the door has been opened, thus indicating that the property is in use.
However, should the plastic remain in situ, then the likelihood is that the door has not been opened since it was placed in position, therefore indicating that the property has not been used or remains vacant, thus suggesting that a break-in would go unnoticed.
The “tag” has been identified as having been used on both domestic and commercial properties, and even of outhouses and sheds.
Investigators from the Guardia Civil are working to identify those responsible for this new method, although it should also be noted that the choice of indicator may not be clear plastic, but that is what has been identified so far.
The crime prevention section of the Guardia Civil offer typical advice for ensuring your home or business is protected:

    Make sure doors and windows are firmly closed and locked.
    Always close the door using the key, not only with the catch.
    Do not leave evidence that the house is uninhabited, such as turning off the electricity or allowing mail to accumulate in the post box, perhaps asking a trusted friend or neighbour to remove any items.
    If you live outside a village or isolated developments, a properly trained dog may deter thieves.
    Do not leave objects at home and create an inventory of high-value goods, including serial numbers, makes, models, details and even photographs of jewellery or other objects that allow their identification in case of being recovered after theft.
    Do not open your door, portal or access to urbanizations to unknown people, as this jeopardizes your safety and that of your neighbours. Be wary of who comes to your home to sell you something, representing associations or aid agencies, or alleged utility workers (electricity, water, telephone, gas) you have not previously requested.
    Make a good choice of domestic servants. If these people have had access to the keys of the property, make sure you change the locks if they leave your service.
    If you notice marks on doors or gates, either yours or a neighbour´s, or unusual noises in unoccupied houses, notify the police or Guardia Civil, whilst also making a note of anything suspicious, including strange or unidentified vehicles and their registration number.
    If you have been robbed at home, stay calm and do not enter the house or touch or move anything that may have been manipulated by thieves and immediately advise the police or Guardia Civil.

You can contact the Guardia Civil on their telephone number, 062, which is publicly available 24 hours a day, or in the event of an emergency dial 112, where you can also be attended to in English.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46006/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil are advising that they have identified a new method of “tagging” properties during an operation in La Rioja, although it is likely that the method will spread to other parts of the country.
It would appear that would-be ...

### SKELETAL HORSES AND DONKEYS SAVED FROM HORRIFIC GRANADA BREEDING YARD

The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre at Rojales was last week involved in a major joint operation to rescue a group of severely malnourished horses and donkeys from a Granada breeding yard.
At least one foal was found dead at the property, and other animals were allegedly moved before authorities could act.
Police were alerted to the case by Malaga-based donkey rescue charity El Refugio del Burrito, which teamed up with the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre to save the animals left behind.
At least four donkeys were taken into custody on Friday (December 19) and El Refugio del Burrito then paid to truck four horses from Granada to Rojales.
“They can't just take the donkeys and leave the horses – every animal has to be removed if there's a court order,” Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre co-founder Sue Weeding said.
“Basically, if we didn't take these horses, all of these animals would be left there to suffer because the courts can't hand them over to places that aren't registered charities and there just aren't that many registered charities around that take horses.”
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre will now permanently care for the rescued stallion and three mares – all of which were all later found to be pregnant and will likely give birth early next year. 
“You wouldn't even know they're in foal, they're so thin,” Sue said.
“It was a breeding yard and because of the crisis the owner couldn't sell them. Apparently at one stage those mares would have gone for as much as $35,000. This guy had obviously just stopped feeding them.”
It is understood police are pushing for prosecution.
The horrific case came as the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre was also called to save a pony closer to home, after he was found abandoned near the Callosa de Segura football stadium.
“He is full of worms and has a big scar on his head but he's eating well,” Sue said.
She said the influx of cases highlights the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre's increasingly important role in animal welfare cases, and urged Alicante residents to support the centre's network of eight charity shops.
All money raised in the shops goes towards the feeding and care of the more than 80 horses, ponies and donkeys that live at the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre.
The centre next opens to the public on Sunday, January 4. Entrance is free with horse tours beginning from 2pm. EHCRC is located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga 59. See www.easyhorsecare.net. Or call 652 021 980Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/46000/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre at Rojales was last week involved in a major joint operation to rescue a group of severely malnourished horses and donkeys from a Granada breeding yard.
At least one foal was found dead at the property, and other anim...

### LIONS ON LA ZENIA BEACH ON CHRISTMAS DAY

Following the awful weather on Christmas Day 2013, the crowds flocked back to La Zenia beach in their thousands on Thursday, Christmas Day 2014.
The weather was excellent with warm sunshine and very little breeze. On schedule at 1230 JB Brass struck up to entertain the throng with Christmas Carols, Jingle Bells, WhiteChristmas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and many others, which had everyone singing along.
It was a truly European Day with people from all corners of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Finland, Denmark and of course Spain enjoying the festivities.
An interesting feature of the day was the presence of a Drone hovering over the beach for most of the day.
As usual the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club were present, raising funds this year for ALPE, the educational and social welfare centre for handicapped children and young adults in Torrevieja.
The Lions collection took place during the JBB concert and Lion President Iain Bennett is delighted to announce that 788.30 euros was raised in just one hour.  In addition to the collection from the crowd, the Lion President also received two exceptional individual donations, one from a gentleman from Quesada who donated 1,000.00 euros and the other from a group in Los Dolces who donated 200.00 euros. So on the day Lions Charities benefitted to the total of 1,988.30 euros.
There are currently a few gallons of whisky to be won in aid of the Lions charities, one is located in Monos bar, Quesada, another in Lo Marabu, Quesada and one in Montes Bar in Los Montesinos. All funds raised will go to ALPE, Torrevieja.  
The bottles in The Marabu Lounge and Quesada Fish and Chips have already been won.
On behalf of the Club, the Lion President thanks everyone who has participated in the prize draws and donated at the beach.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45997/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following the awful weather on Christmas Day 2013, the crowds flocked back to La Zenia beach in their thousands on Thursday, Christmas Day 2014.
The weather was excellent with warm sunshine and very little breeze. On schedule at 1230 JB Brass struck u...

### SUZI4FITZ PRESENTATION IN LOS MONTESINOS

Sue Gibson of Suzi4fitz and one of her ladies Elaine walker, were pleased to present the mayor of Los Montesinos with a 1000 euros to purchase much needed food vouchers for those in the town who are less fortunate than others and have little or nothing. 
The mayor, Jose Manuel Butron and head of Social Services accepted the donation and took them along to a local supermarket to present the money to the manager who agreed that 50 vouchers of 20 Euros each would be produced. 
The money was raised from the sale of tickets of the Suzi4fitz and Friends Evening of Entertainment that Sue produced at the School of Music and Culture in the town for two nights in November. A very big thank you to all those involved.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45992/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Sue Gibson of Suzi4fitz and one of her ladies Elaine walker, were pleased to present the mayor of Los Montesinos with a 1000 euros to purchase much needed food vouchers for those in the town who are less fortunate than others and have little or nothing...

### CHRISTMAS EVE'S U.F.O.

On Wednesday night, on Christmas Eve,
I saw a thing you won't believe.
It is the truth. It's not a lie,
what I saw then, low in the sky.
While walking with my wife that night,
we saw moving so fast a light.
It was 3 hours til Christmas day.
Was it Santa Claus on his sleigh?
Or could it be a U.F.O.?
We looked in awe, but didn't know.
It was so bright, moved fast and far,
Could it have been a shooting star?
The answers no, it flew too low,
with trail behind the white crafts glow.
We saw for 8 seconds that night,
until it vanished from our sight.
The impression on us will last.
We've never seen a thing so fast.
Next day we heard about a flight.
Europe's space station flew that night,
over London, England it flew,
Perhaps Spain's Montesinos to?
We're still not sure what it had been.
The thing on Christmas Eve we had seen.
 
John Stevens. Los Montesinos, Spain.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45990/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Wednesday night, on Christmas Eve,
I saw a thing you won't believe.
It is the truth. It's not a lie,
what I saw then, low in the sky.
While walking with my wife that night,
we saw moving so fast a light.
It was 3 hours til Christmas day.
Was ...

### BBC ONE TOPS CHRISTMAS DAY TV

BBC One kept tradition by coming out on top on Christmas Day with the top five most popular programmes across drama, comedy and entertainment including Mrs Brown's Boys, EastEnders, Strictly Come Dancing, Call the Midwife and Miranda.
Hit comedy series Mrs Brown's Boys retained the Christmas Day crown for the second year running and was the most watched programme on Christmas Day in 2014, with an average audience of 7.6 million viewers.
 
Charlotte Moore, Controller, BBC One says : “It's fantastic to see millions of viewers choosing BBC One with the top five most popular shows on Christmas Day. Audiences tuned in for an incredible range of quality programmes from drama, comedy and entertainment; with Mrs Brown's Boys taking the top spot for a second year running.”
 

1 - Mrs Brown's Boys/BBC One - 7.6 million - 32.2% share.
2 - EastEnders/BBCOne - 7.55 million - 30.2% share.
3 - Strictly Come Dancing/BBC One - 7 million - 35.1% share.
4 - Call the Midwife/BBC One - 6.8 million - 27.9 % share.
5 - Miranda/BBC One - 6.7 million - 27.6 % share.
6 - Coronation Street/ITV1 - 6.6 million - 26.1% share.
7 - Doctor Who/BBCOne - 6.3 million - 27.5% share.
8 - Downton Abbey/ITV1 - 5.8 million - 23.1% share.
9 - The Queen's Speech/BBC One - 5.7 million - 37% share.
10 - Emmerdale/ITV1 - 5.7 million - 23% share.

 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45987/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: BBC One kept tradition by coming out on top on Christmas Day with the top five most popular programmes across drama, comedy and entertainment including Mrs Brown's Boys, EastEnders, Strictly Come Dancing, Call the Midwife and Miranda.
Hit comedy serie...

### PROSECUTOR OPENS ANOTHER ENQUIRY INTO ORIHUELA PP

The prosecution has opened an investigation into yet another contract award in Orihuela, in which it is once again alleged that the former ruling Partido Popular government may have split contracts into smaller amounts so as to circumvent the public tender process.
This latest case revolves around the total award of 369,267.50 euro for work to convert the Palacio Sorzano de Tejada into a museum. Following a complaint by the current PSOE – Los Verdes government coalition, the prosecutor wishes to ascertain why the amount was divided between 5 different companies, despite the work being in the same building and for the same project.
According to the complaint made in September, the division f the work could have been designed to circumvent the need for a public tender that would have allowed the free competition of enterprises, in accordance with the law on procurement in the public sector.
The prosecutor has requested all documents relating to this latest complaint for work between 2010 and 2011, whilst the municipality was under the management of Mayor Mónica Lorente, and cites Pepa Ferando, as well as David Costa and Rodríguez Barberá.
If found to be true, this would be another case of fraud similar to other ongoing investigations, and will be yet another black mark against the Partido Popular, following their latest refusal to vote in an anti-corruption motion in this month´s plenary, and the suspension and near expulsion of the current party leader, Pepa Ferrando, as a result. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45986/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The prosecution has opened an investigation into yet another contract award in Orihuela, in which it is once again alleged that the former ruling Partido Popular government may have split contracts into smaller amounts so as to circumvent the public t...

### JUDGE ORDERS UBER WEBSITE SHUTDOWN

A court in Madrid has ordered the shutdown of the transport booking website and app Uber, “with immediate effect”.
The site was designed to allow travellers to connect with car drivers and “car share” for their journey, although as there was a financial transaction connected with the provision of transport, the method was classed as the same operation as a taxi service, although the drivers and vehicles therefore lacked the necessary documentation, licensing and insurance for the process.
In an earlier court hearing this month a judge ruled that the system was not a legal operation and therefore banned the operation in the territory of Spain, this latest ruling sets to block the website and mobile phone application, as well as ensuring the cessation of distribution of the app through stores such as the Apple App Store and Google Play, as well as banning the hosting, transmission, access to telecommunications networks and / or the provision of any other equivalent service by the company.
Complaints had been raised by various taxi driver associations across the company of the company creating unfair competition within the road transport sector, in addition to the legal and administrative deficiencies to cover passengers in the event of incident.
Similar complaints have also been raised over websites and applications offering unlicensed tourist accommodation such as private apartments for rent, with both hoteliers and those who license their properties for rental joining the campaign.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45985/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A court in Madrid has ordered the shutdown of the transport booking website and app Uber, “with immediate effect”.
The site was designed to allow travellers to connect with car drivers and “car share” for their journey, althou...

### BRITISH TOURIST SPENDING DOWN ACROSS VALENCIA

Whilst spending by British tourists across Valencia has declined for the last 8 consecutive months, visiting tourists from Latin America were responsible for the biggest increase in spending during November, showing a 36.7% increase in their financial contribution to the sector, thanks to a 17.4% increase in visitors.
During November, international tourists spent 3.436 million euro, representing a 1.7% increase over the same month of 2013, but the average spend per tourist was slightly down by 1.1%, standing at an average of 1,002 euro. The daily expenditure was up slightly by 1.5% meanwhile, averaging out at 122 euro.
Almost all of our usual markets increased its total spending over the same period last year, highlighting the additional contribution of the UK, France and Asian countries. With the exception of the Balearics, all geographical sectors showed an increase or were classed as “quite stable”.
From January to November combined, international tourists spent 59,810 million euro, the bulk of spending being from the British market, with 12.192 million euro, accounting for 20.4% of the total, with a spending increase of 5.7%. They were followed closely by German tourists, with 9.493 million, up 3.6%, which accounted for 15.9% of total expenditure and the French, with 6,200 million euro, up 9.9%, with 10.4% of the total.
In the first 11 months of the year, the Valencia region received 5.139 million euro, an increase of 3.3%, but spending per person fell by 1.1%, while the daily spend rose by 3.3%. In November, spending increased 5.9% to 276 million euro, linking four positive months. Valencia also saw an increase in both the average costs and the average stay, with the emphasis on the UK market, despite spending by Brits continuing to decline for the eighth consecutive month.
As for the type of accommodation expenditure by international tourists, those staying in hotel accommodation accounted for 64.1% of the total, up by 4.3%, whilst those in registered non-hotel accommodation rose by 11.3%.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45984/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Whilst spending by British tourists across Valencia has declined for the last 8 consecutive months, visiting tourists from Latin America were responsible for the biggest increase in spending during November, showing a 36.7% increase in their financial...

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 22 DECEMBER 2014

HAKE ON IT
Thanks to a new deal with the EU, hake is set to be the most popular fish on Spain´s menus in 2015, after a record increase in the allowed quota for the country´s fishing industry. The northern hake quota for Spain has now been set at 25,461 metric tons, a “record figure”, according to Isabel Garcia, the Minister of Argiculture, Food and Environment.
MONEY TALKS
Minister for Finance, Luis de Guindos, has confirmed that Spain´s finances are now more stable and that the country is not at risk of sliding into deflation, after five straight months of falling consumer prices have helped the economic recovery. Householders normally delay spending hoping for cheaper prices, he said, but “in Spain, the opposite is happening -- an increase in consumption and investment”. Official data shows consumer prices dropped 0.5% percent in November.
NO PROTESTS
New security laws which have been in development since 2013 have now been approved by parliament, and will be presented to the Senate for approval. One of the key points in the draft allows for hefty fines for unauthorised protests, such as has been seen locally on the Orihuela Costa, and expulsion of migrants trying to enter the country illegally. Fines for protest organisers can reach 600,000 euro, whereas individuals could be fined 30,000 euro for disobeying the police, as well as acting to prevent evictions.
HELP FINALLY
As the dawn of a new year brings the approach to the Spanish election, the government of Spain has announced a new wave of benefits to help the unemployed, including up to 426 euro per month for unemployed families who have exhausted all other forms of income, which can be claimed from mid January for a period of 6 month, after the elections. With unemployment affecting a considerable number of people, and countless evicted from their homes during the current administration, it is believed that around 450,000 people may qualify for the assistance package.
CALL ME HAL
Muslim visitors to the town of Cumbres Mayores in Andalucía can now enjoy one of the traditional Spanish treats, after a Tunisian butcher has created the countries first Islamic certified Halal jamón. Faysal Mrad Dali said, “The first time I came with my family to Spain, to Andalusia, I said, 'Why don't the Muslims have this?'”, and so set about creating the gourmet treat.
I NAME THIS CHURCH
The regional government of Andalucía has filed a complaint with the Roman Catholic Church, claiming that the Catholics are trying to erase the Islamic history of Córdoba´s mosque-cathedral, one of the area's leading tourist attractions. The complaint surrounds the Catholics calling the building the “Córdoba Cathedral”, thus having removed any reference to the fact that it is a mosque, visited by over a million Muslims each year. Cathedral officials deny the allegations and insist that since the 13th century, the monument's official title has been “The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Cordoba”, after the 8th century Moorish invasion and then transformed into a cathedral after King Ferdinand III captured the city from the Moors. The mosque itself is built over a Christian Visigothic temple.
CHEERS MAHOU
The Mahou San Miguel group of Madrid has purchased a 30% stake in the American brewery Founders Brewing Co, based Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founders said the partnership would help the brewery tap the growing international market for craft beer, as well as allow Mahou to become directly involved in the U.S. craft beer market.
AMAZONING
Global on-line shopping giant Amazon has signed a partnership deal with Spain´s Correos post offices to provide their “Click-and-collect” service across the country. Having already launched the service in the UK, the company will now have access to 2,400 outlets across Spain, tripling their distribution network already in place through local businesses and shops. The online retailer said that collection points had become a preferred delivery option for many consumers and that the network of thousands of post offices, and would provide maximum convenience for consumers, presumably them never having used one of the Spanish post offices themselves.
BACK OF THE NET!
Having already hosted the men's World Cup last summer, Spain has beaten Israel in a bid to host the 2018 Women's Basketball World Cup. Spain has one of the best women's teams in the world, winning the European championship in 2013, and was runner-up in this year's world championship. FIBA says on its website that Spain "has past experience of hosting a leading FIBA world event."
OIL BE LUCKY
Spanish oil company Repsol is set to take over Canadian energy company Talisman Energy, after approval was obtained by the Repsol board this week. Talisman Energy Inc. is a global upstream oil and gas company, with headquarters in Calgary, Canada, operating throughout the Americas and Asia-Pacific. Now one of Canada's largest independent oil and gas companies, is was founded in 1992 by the renaming of BP Canada Ltd.
TAXING TIMES
The Spanish government has published a draft tax reform bill that would see income tax gradually decreased to 25% in 2016. There would be an interim reduction to 28% in 2015, election year, whilst certain benefits and tax deductions would be eliminated. IVA, value added tax, has not been included in the bill, despite recommendations by the advisory
BACK OF THE NET!
Having already hosted the men's World Cup last summer, Spain has beaten Israel in a bid to host the 2018 Women's Basketball World Cup. Spain has one of the best women's teams in the world, winning the European championship in 2013, and was runner-up in this year's world championship. FIBA says on its website that Spain "has past experience of hosting a leading FIBA world event."
OIL BE LUCKY
Spanish oil company Repsol is set to take over Canadian energy company Talisman Energy, after approval was obtained by the Repsol board this week. Talisman Energy Inc. is a global upstream oil and gas company, with headquarters in Calgary, Canada, operating throughout the Americas and Asia-Pacific. Now one of Canada's largest independent oil and gas companies, is was founded in 1992 by the renaming of BP Canada Ltd.
TAXING TIMES
The Spanish government has published a draft tax reform bill that would see income tax gradually decreased to 25% in 2016. There would be an interim reduction to 28% in 2015, election year, whilst certain benefits and tax deductions would be eliminated. IVA, value added tax, has not been included in the bill, despite recommendations by the advisory
HELLO HELI
Spain has taken delivery of two new Airbus Helicopters this week, as part of a seven-helicopter contract agreed in February. The DGT traffic department has received the first of four AS355 NP Ecureuil helicopters, and the National Police received their first of three EC135 helicopters.
NEW TV
The Ministry of Industry has confirmed that five new television networks will be licensed within the first half of 2015, four in high definition (HD) and one in standard definition (SD). The move is part of the clearing and reallocation of the airwaves which has resulted in televisions across the country having to be retuned before some of the channels are switched off next week.
SHOPPING WORM
Shoppers to Mercadona supermarkets will no doubt be aware af the catchy sung jingle as you wander through the shops, with its repetitive melody to the word of “Mer-CA-do-o-na, Merc-A-don-A”, well after being composed 30 years ago, the tune has been patented by the company, after the tune is becoming seemingly more viral thanks to the internet. Quite whether they will follow a recent trend in banning people for singing Happy Birthday thanks to its copyrights remains to be seen.
SHOPPING RUSS
Despite continuing sanctions across the western world, a number of mainstream Spanish companies are continuing their expansion programs into the Russian markets. Inditex has 442 stores in Russia, of which 84 are of the Zara brand, 79 are Bershkas, 73 Pull & Bear and another 73 Stradivarius. Mango has 33 stores and hopes to reach 174 next year. Cortefiel has 70 stores currently, the largest number being from the Women´s Secret chain with 41, plus 29 Springfield stores.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45983/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: HAKE ON IT
Thanks to a new deal with the EU, hake is set to be the most popular fish on Spain´s menus in 2015, after a record increase in the allowed quota for the country´s fishing industry. The northern hake quota for Spain has now been set at 25,461 metric tons, a “record figure”, according to Isabel Garcia, the Minister of Argiculture, Food and Environment.
MONEY TALKS
Minister for Finance, Luis de Guindos, has confirmed that Spain´s finances are now more stable and that the country is not at risk of sliding into deflation, after five straight months of falling consumer prices have helped the economic recovery. Householders normally delay spending hoping for cheaper prices, he said, but “in Spain, the opposite is happening -- an increase in consumption and investment”. Official data shows consumer prices dropped 0.5% percent in November.
NO PROTESTS
New security laws which have been in development since 2013 have now been approved by parliament, and will be presented to the Senate for approval. One of the key points in the draft allows for hefty fines for unauthorised protests, such as has been seen locally on the Orihuela Costa, and expulsion of migrants trying to enter the country illegally. Fines for protest organisers can reach 600,000 euro, whereas individuals could be fined 30,000 euro for disobeying the police, as well as acting to prevent evictions.
HELP FINALLY
As the dawn of a new year brings the approach to the Spanish election, the government of Spain has announced a new wave of benefits to help the unemployed, including up to 426 euro per month for unemployed families who have exhausted all other forms of income, which can be claimed from mid January for a period of 6 month, after the elections. With unemployment affecting a considerable number of people, and countless evicted from their homes during the current administration, it is believed that around 450,000 people may qualify for the assistance package.
CALL ME HAL
Muslim visitors to the town of Cumbres Mayores in Andalucía can now enjoy one of the traditional Spanish treats, after a Tunisian butcher has created the countries first Islamic certified Halal jamón. Faysal Mrad Dali said, “The first time I came with my family to Spain, to Andalusia, I said, 'Why don't the Muslims have this?'”, and so set about creating the gourmet treat.
I NAME THIS CHURCH
The regional government of Andalucía has filed a complaint with the Roman Catholic Church, claiming that the Catholics are trying to erase the Islamic history of Córdoba´s mosque-cathedral, one of the area's leading tourist attractions. The complaint surrounds the Catholics calling the building the “Córdoba Cathedral”, thus having removed any reference to the fact that it is a mosque, visited by over a million Muslims each year. Cathedral officials deny the allegations and insist that since the 13th century, the monument's official title has been “The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Cordoba”, after the 8th century Moorish invasion and then transformed into a cathedral after King Ferdinand III captured the city from the Moors. The mosque itself is built over a Christian Visigothic temple.
CHEERS MAHOU
The Mahou San Miguel group of Madrid has purchased a 30% stake in the American brewery Founders Brewing Co, based Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founders said the partnership would help the brewery tap the growing international market for craft beer, as well as allow Mahou to become directly involved in the U.S. craft beer market.
AMAZONING
Global on-line shopping giant Amazon has signed a partnership deal with Spain´s Correos post offices to provide their “Click-and-collect” service across the country. Having already launched the service in the UK, the company will now have access to 2,400 outlets across Spain, tripling their distribution network already in place through local businesses and shops. The online retailer said that collection points had become a preferred delivery option for many consumers and that the network of thousands of post offices, and would provide maximum convenience for consumers, presumably them never having used one of the Spanish post offices themselves.
BACK OF THE NET!
Having already hosted the men's World Cup last summer, Spain has beaten Israel in a bid to host the 2018 Women's Basketball World Cup. Spain has one of the best women's teams in the world, winning the European championship in 2013, and was runner-up in this year's world championship. FIBA says on its website that Spain "has past experience of hosting a leading FIBA world event."
OIL BE LUCKY
Spanish oil company Repsol is set to take over Canadian energy company Talisman Energy, after approval was obtained by the Repsol board this week. Talisman Energy Inc. is a global upstream oil and gas company, with headquarters in Calgary, Canada, operating throughout the Americas and Asia-Pacific. Now one of Canada's largest independent oil and gas companies, is was founded in 1992 by the renaming of BP Canada Ltd.
TAXING TIMES
The Spanish government has published a draft tax reform bill that would see income tax gradually decreased to 25% in 2016. There would be an interim reduction to 28% in 2015, election year, whilst certain benefits and tax deductions would be eliminated. IVA, value added tax, has not been included in the bill, despite recommendations by the advisory
BACK OF THE NET!
Having already hosted the men's World Cup last summer, Spain has beaten Israel in a bid to host the 2018 Women's Basketball World Cup. Spain has one of the best women's teams in the world, winning the European championship in 2013, and was runner-up in this year's world championship. FIBA says on its website that Spain "has past experience of hosting a leading FIBA world event."
OIL BE LUCKY
Spanish oil company Repsol is set to take over Canadian energy company Talisman Energy, after approval was obtained by the Repsol board this week. Talisman Energy Inc. is a global upstream oil and gas company, with headquarters in Calgary, Canada, operating throughout the Americas and Asia-Pacific. Now one of Canada's largest independent oil and gas companies, is was founded in 1992 by the renaming of BP Canada Ltd.
TAXING TIMES
The Spanish government has published a draft tax reform bill that would see income tax gradually decreased to 25% in 2016. There would be an interim reduction to 28% in 2015, election year, whilst certain benefits and tax deductions would be eliminated. IVA, value added tax, has not been included in the bill, despite recommendations by the advisory
HELLO HELI
Spain has taken delivery of two new Airbus Helicopters this week, as part of a seven-helicopter contract agreed in February. The DGT traffic department has received the first of four AS355 NP Ecureuil helicopters, and the National Police received their first of three EC135 helicopters.
NEW TV
The Ministry of Industry has confirmed that five new television networks will be licensed within the first half of 2015, four in high definition (HD) and one in standard definition (SD). The move is part of the clearing and reallocation of the airwaves which has resulted in televisions across the country having to be retuned before some of the channels are switched off next week.
SHOPPING WORM
Shoppers to Mercadona supermarkets will no doubt be aware af the catchy sung jingle as you wander through the shops, with its repetitive melody to the word of “Mer-CA-do-o-na, Merc-A-don-A”, well after being composed 30 years ago, the tune has been patented by the company, after the tune is becoming seemingly more viral thanks to the internet. Quite whether they will follow a recent trend in banning people for singing Happy Birthday thanks to its copyrights remains to be seen.
SHOPPING RUSS
Despite continuing sanctions across the western world, a number of mainstream Spanish companies are continuing their expansion programs into the Russian markets. Inditex has 442 stores in Russia, of which 84 are of the Zara brand, 79 are Bershkas, 73 Pull & Bear and another 73 Stradivarius. Mango has 33 stores and hopes to reach 174 next year. Cortefiel has 70 stores currently, the largest number being from the Women´s Secret chain with 41, plus 29 Springfield stores.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45983/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### SIX ORIHUELA PP COUNCILLORS FAIL TO ATTEND ANTI-CORRUPTION VOTE

Six of Orihuela´s Partido Popular councillors failed to attend the monthly plenary meeting this week, thus once again avoiding voting on an anti-corruption motion.
It is the second time that the motion first presented by unassigned councillor Asun Mayoral was to be heard, after the majority PP and their CLr associates managed to bypass the agreement that any councillor charged in a corruption case would not stand for election.
Despite that first successful avoidance of the issue, the regional party heads had last week told the local group that they must vote in favour of the motion in their attempt to support the national party´s attempt to clean up their political image after countless scandals and corruption cases
However, local party head Pepa Ferrando, along with David Costa, Araceli Vilella, Víctor Bernabeu, Encarna Ortuño and  José Antonio Aniorte Leer, a once councillor for the Orihuela Costa, failed to attend the monthly meeting where the residents of the municipality are formally represented. 
However, with their absence was a sting in the tail, as given the balance of members voting the motion was approved with the votes of the remaining 5 PP members, along with the full support of the ruling coalition government of the 6 members of the PSOE and 2 from Los Verdes, and the proposer, Asun Mayoral. Of the PP members of voted in favour of the motion, 2 are not facing any charges currently, Victor Bernabeu and Encarna Ortuño.
CLr member Juan Ignacio López Bas left the plenary hall before the vote was to be cast, whereas his colleague, Pedro Mancebo, who had been vocal in the past about the need to clean up politics and deplore corruption, abstained. 
Former PP leader Mónica Lorente was also not present due to sick leave, as is the case for the current mayor, Monseratte Guillén, and Bob Houliston was absent due to him travelling.
Ferrando gave a press conference after the event in which she accused the provincial President, José Ciscar, of the way in which he attempted to enforce the supportive vote and his seemingly professionally threatening behaviour. Ferrando also stated how she would “never submit to such threats” in a hurry and boasted of having earned her position through hard work in getting the support of members and “not like other people”. 
Ferrando also defended her local Partido Popular colleagues, saying that the group is “not broken” and that she has given her member “freedom to vote” in support, or not, on the motion. However, Ferrando also said that “what is broken is the Partido Popular of Orihuela”, clearly laying the blame in the hands of one person, Eva Ortiz, criticizing the former MEP of partitioning votes for another political party in the elections of 2011, for which she has never been punished.
Ferrando herself is accused in a case of dividing contracts which benefitted the company named Pepa Ferrando S.L., for which she denies any involvement as it is actually run by her sister, she says.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45982/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Six of Orihuela´s Partido Popular councillors failed to attend the monthly plenary meeting this week, thus once again avoiding voting on an anti-corruption motion.
It is the second time that the motion first presented by unassigned councillor A...

### THE LAST TUK-TUK OF ALICANTE

Visitors to Alicante may well have seen something that the residents and workers have come accustomed to for many years, but the last working Tuk-Tuk that served the city streets has been retired, after the owner came tired of persistently falling foul of traffic laws.
The owner of the “carromato”, Tomás Buforns Solbes, used the vehicle for providing an economical and environmentally friendlier delivery service though the streets of the provincial capital, as has his family for around a half a century.
However, in the last month alone, Tomás has been slapped with four different tickets for motoring offences, totalling 400 euro in fines. 
Although it could easily be argued that there is a justification for the police to issue a ticket for a vehicle that doesn´t have a mandatory ITV certificate, as well as not having the vehicle registered correctly, but Tomás believes that the fact he and his vehicle are providing a “service” justifies the lack of documentation. Similarly, the ticket issued for driving and parking on a pedestrian area was considered unfair by Tomás, on account, once again, of the fact that he was “carrying out a service”. 
Suffering sleepless nights on account of the threat of being towed away, as well as the increase risk of watchful traffic cops enforcing the law, are the combinations that have forced Tómas to make the heartbreaking decision to stop operating his service, “I am very nervous and have had several days without sleep”, he said, “The motorcycle police have told me that if I don´t do what they say they will have my vehicle towed away”, continuing, “I already paid two fines and this week I had to pay another 100 euro, Tuesday 2nd have to pay another 100 within twenty days or I have to pay twice”. 
Officials from the traffic department have said that they have no intention “eliminating” this urban icon “provided it meets all the regulations”, but as that seems unlikely that Tómas will concede to the fact that the rules apply to all, the last working Tuk-Tuk of Alicante may soon be banished to the history books.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45981/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Visitors to Alicante may well have seen something that the residents and workers have come accustomed to for many years, but the last working Tuk-Tuk that served the city streets has been retired, after the owner came tired of persistently falling fou...

### DRAMA AND COMEDY TEASE US INTO THE NEW YEAR

With so much entertainment crammed into the Christmas TV schedule, you might be excused for thinking that there´s nothing to look forward to beyond this week, but the good news is, you´d be wrong!
We will start with drama and the news that viewers of The Missing might already be aware, the fact that a brand new series has been commissioned for BBC One. As the case of Oliver Hughes came to a startling conclusion, BBC One broadcast a cryptic trail revealing clues to a whole new series. The second series will once again be written by Harry and Jack Williams and will be told over two time frames but with a new case, new characters and new location. “To lose somebody can destroy a person. But to find them again, when so much has passed... Well. Sometimes...that can be worse.”
Over on ITV and the news is that “The wait is over”, as ITV put it, because the second series of Broadchurch will be back on screen in January 2015. Although the American remake was a ratings disaster, despite still starring David Tennant in the lead role, the original was still one of the most gripping crime dramas of recent times. 
Although details of the storyline are being kept a closely guarded secret, we do know that David Tennant returns as Alec Hardy and Olivia Coleman resumes her role as Ellie Miller, last seen when Miller´s life was torn apart after her husband Joe was found involved in the original story. We´ll not give any more details about that either, so as not to spoil it for anybody yet to see it, and perhaps hoping for the DVD set from Amazon.
There are numerous guest stars set to appear in this next story, including Eve Myles of Torchwood and Frankie fame. On the subject of Torchwood, or more to the point its big brother Dr Who, producer Steven Moffat has hinted at two major characters possibly returning to Doctor Who in the future, perhaps, maybe.
With that note, we can continue with a spacey type return to children´s television, as Thunderbirds will be Go once again as a brand new series has been commissioned for CITV. Diehard fans may be a little disappointed to hear that the wooden acting and strings are no more however, as computer generated characters will blaze onto our screens as the world's most famous family of heroes, International Rescue. Thunderbirds Are Go will see the five brave Tracy brothers piloting their incredible vehicles into impossible rescues across the globe.
The cast is led by Bond Girl, Rosamund Pike as Lady Penelope and David Graham reprising his role as chauffeur and International Rescue agent Parker. Inventor Brains will be voiced by Kayvan Novak (Fonejacker, Facejacker). Tracy brothers Alan and Scott Tracy are both played by Rasmus Hardiker (Saxondale, Lead Balloon). David Menkin has been cast as both Virgil and Gordon Tracy. The fifth Tracy brother, John, will be played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Love Actually, Game of Thrones).  The new series is set to premiere on ITV and CITV in spring 2015, 50 years after the TV debut of the classic show.
Although so called “staged reality” shows and “fly on the wall” documentaries may be all the rage these days, Channel 5 are set to take us behind the scenes with the biggest superstars in advertising history – the PG Tips chimps whose iconic ads ran for almost 50 years and caught the imagination of the nation.
 ‘The Secrets of the Tea Chimps' is the untold story of the simian stars who won our hearts aping humans to hilarious comic effect. The documentary is packed with archive footage and candid testimonies from a former keeper and the writer and director that made some of the most famous tea chimps ads including Mr Shifter, the hapless removal ‘man', and takes a look at the woman at the heart of these endearing creatures lives, Molly Badham and her 18-year association with Brooke Bond.
Finally, we cannot not mention the fact that ITV's award winning comedy Benidorm is back for a brand new seventh series. As this series begins we prepare to bid a fond farewell to the Garvey family. But before we say ‘Adios', there's one more holiday adventure awaiting Mick (Steve Pemberton), Janice (Siobhan Finneran), Michael (Oliver Stokes) and Madge (Sheila Reid). 
As The Garveys fly out, The Oracle (Johnny Vegas), his mother Noreen (Elsie Kelly) and former manager Janey York (Crissy Rock) land in the Solana resort. The customary array of Benidorm's favourite holidaymakers will appear alongside the ever-resourceful Solana staff including Joyce Temple Savage (Sherrie Hewson), Les/Lesley (Tim Healy) and Mateo (Jake Canuso) who all work to ensure that every guest's holiday goes to plan.
 The wonderful Joan Collins returns as Solana CEO Crystal Hennessy-Vass.  Crystal is about to cause huge problems for Joyce Temple Savage and just what will she make of The Oracle?
In episode 1, the Solana staff are angry, as everyone's being given a pay cut. Tiger Dyke is angry too - his cards and cash have been stolen, so he's relying on his Dad. The Garveys are worried Madge is being stalked, while Jacqueline is holidaying without Donald: they've arranged a wife swap to mark their wedding anniversary so she arrives with Glynn.
You can catch the first episode of series 7 on ITV, Friday the 2nd of January at 10:00 pm, Spanish time.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45980/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: With so much entertainment crammed into the Christmas TV schedule, you might be excused for thinking that there´s nothing to look forward to beyond this week, but the good news is, you´d be wrong!
We will start with drama and the news tha...

### SILENT WITNESS RETURNS SOON

Nineteen years after its innovative, trail-blazing debut, pathology and forensics drama Silent Witness returns for five thrilling two-part stories.
 
The new series boasts a vivid diversity of episodes which are nevertheless united in holding up a microscope to contemporary London.
 
Collectively these stories shine a light on the city's dizzying extremities - the rich and the poor, the powerful and the disenfranchised, the Golden Mile and the crumbling sink estates, the jaded workers mired in underfunded bureaucracies and the disillusioned young falling through the cracks.
 
In Sniper's Nest, London is under siege from a gunman who picks off its citizens at random, cutting them down in the midst of their complicated and very different lives.
 
Falling Angels tells the darkly moving story of two people on the fringes - a homeless man and a hotel receptionist - who are drawn together after they witness a man being hit by a tube train.
 
In Protection, a young girl vanishes without trace, much to the anguish of her overworked social worker who had tried and failed to have her taken into care.
 
By contrast, Squaring the Circle pitches us into classic thriller territory as the team investigate a bloody shootout at a City hotel that leaves the nanny of a Russian oligarch dead.
 
In One of our Own, the murder of a rising police star triggers an intense and harrowing journey into police loyalty and familial betrayal while the team face down a brutal gang of drug traffickers.
 
Thanks to our redoubtable leads Emilia Fox, David Caves, Richard Lintern and Liz Carr, the team have now meshed into a compelling, dynamic, but all-too-human unit. Together these very different characters pool their formidable resources in pursuit of truth and justice...even if they don't always agree on what those terms constitute.
 
Executive Producer Phillippa Giles and Producer Sharon Bloom have been fearless and far-minded in nurturing stories that propel our heroes into new and perilous worlds. In turn, those worlds have been indelibly brought to life by the terrific work of our actors and the cinematic ambition of the direction, cinematography and production design.
 
Silent Witness endures because it possesses a uniquely powerful and fecund story engine - namely that people die in endlessly different ways for endlessly different reasons. Provided there are legitimate pathology and forensics components, there is no story the show can't tell, no thematic frontier that can't be explored, no emotional or scientific terrain that can't be mined. The secret of its longevity is its freedom - its room to roam.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45978/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Nineteen years after its innovative, trail-blazing debut, pathology and forensics drama Silent Witness returns for five thrilling two-part stories.
 
The new series boasts a vivid diversity of episodes which are nevertheless united in holding up a m...

### YOUR LAST CHANCE TO BE HEARD

Around 200 additional people have registered to vote on the Orihuela Costa, partly thanks to the information table in the town hall, which has been staffed by volunteers since October.
According to the Institute of National Statistics, who sent out a total of 3,625 postal communications to those people who were newly registered on the padrón since the last elections, there were 4,733 foreign residents on the Orihuela Costa registered to vote at the end of September, to which the 200 must now be added, thus meaning almost 5,000 foreigners, out of the near 36,000 total population of the coast are now registered to vote, but that figure equates to less than 5% of the population of the municipality.
The latest overall census figures published in August revealed that the number of residents in the coastal zone was 35,599. Of that figure, 18,177, more than half, are British citizens, although there are a total of 71 nationalities represented. 
As the deadline for registering is fast approaching, the 30th of December being the final day, it is crucial that anybody who wishes to try to make a difference registers to vote, in order to have your voice heard in the elections in May next year.
Despite many residents persistently voicing complaints throughout this and previous political administrations, in the last municipal elections the total voter turnout was just 42% on the Orihuela Costa, whereas in the city the figure was 75%.
The message is clear for those people on the coast who feel that they have been neglected, the only way to have the needs of the Orihuela Costa recognised is to register and then vote in the elections.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45977/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Around 200 additional people have registered to vote on the Orihuela Costa, partly thanks to the information table in the town hall, which has been staffed by volunteers since October.
According to the Institute of National Statistics, who sent out a...

### LA SIESTA GC AND CARITAS

Our Captain's Charity this year has been Caritas, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing essentials to less fortunate families.  
We raised 2,500 euros which we spent on supplies at Cash and Carry.  
Our photo is of several of our members in Pilar having delivered our contribution just before Xmas which was also filmed by the local TV station.  An example of supplies is 200lt Olive Oil, 100kg Flour, 1500 tins Tuna, 150 bars Chocolate, 50 tubs Nutella spread, 50 tubs chocolate drink, 300 bricks tomato frito, 1000lt milk, 500kg sugar, cans of chopped tomatoes and cartons of fruit juice.
As a society we found the charity such a rewarding yet sobering cause and our incoming Captain will be continuing our effort in 2015.  Our thanks to everyone who assisted us in our endeavours.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45974/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Our Captain's Charity this year has been Caritas, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing essentials to less fortunate families.  
We raised 2,500 euros which we spent on supplies at Cash and Carry.  
Our photo is of several of our members i...

### VIRTUAL ISSUE 551 OF THE LEADER IS OUT NOW

The latest issue of The Leader newspaper is out now in virtual form.
Remember to pick up the real thing on Monday morning from hundreds of venues across the area.
This is our last issue of the year, and so we with you all a very happy Christmas and a prosperous and peaceful new year.



Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45971/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The latest issue of The Leader newspaper is out now in virtual form.
Remember to pick up the real thing on Monday morning from hundreds of venues across the area.
This is our last issue of the year, and so we with you all a very happy Christmas and a...

### RAFA STRIKE SEALS WIN AS TORRY GO DOWN TO TEN

CD TORREVIEJA 1  CF LA NUCIA 0
Yesterday, Torry faced lowly La Nucia at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, in the last league match of the year, having gained a well earned point at Crevillente last Weds and still only 5 pts below the play off places. 
La Nucia, meanwhile, had lost their last 5 games, having drawn the previous 5 before that, a run which has seen them plummet down the table and part company with manager Alejandro Esteve.  But the visitors were clearly hoping that last week's appointment of former Villajoyosa player, Toni Martinez, would halt their slide going into a 2 week seasonal break until Sun 4 Jan.
On that day Torry will travel to play off contenders Alzira. 
On Sunday however a Rafa Gomez strike was enough to give Torry a valuable win despite having to play the entire 2nd period with ten men. For the 3rd time this season the Cameroon forward Steve Thibaut saw straight red after kicking out ‘a la Beckham'  just prior to the interval having been fouled moments earlier by La Nucia's Navarro. 
The big defender immediately ran howling to referee González Péris who needed no encouragement to issue the Torry forward with his marching orders.
But no sooner had the striker trundled off than we were jumping for joy as Rafa Gomez hit the back of the net after connecting with a Cesar cross. La Nucia had little time to respond as the interval came seconds later. 
However with earlier first half opportunities falling to Jorge, Ruben, and Rafa the home side's superiority should have forged a rather better lead than the single goal margin they trooped off with at the half time whistle.
Despite their inferior numbers Torry maintained their dominance in the 2nd period but once again they were unable to turn their chances into goals. 
With La Nucia players going to ground at the first sign of a challenge the Torry players had to be careful that they weren't reduced even further.
However following a quiet start to the second period, Cesar saw his shot tipped over the crossbar following some neat interplay from the homeside, who passed up a golden opportunity to extend their lead.
Moments later the same player was pulled back when though on goal with the offender fortunate to get away with a yellow but the real talking point was the La Nucia lunge on Sergi who was carried off following Edu's two footed tackle.
Again the perpetrator saw only yellow when red should surely have been the outcome.
Torry manager Galiana said after the game "Going down to ten men we've had to dig in again. I thought in the first half, up to the point that we lost Steve,  we played very well and maybe surprised them a little bit. In the second half, as we tired, they managed to grow into the game and we had to keep our resilience, shape and mentality to get the win.
Next years council grant of only 17,000 euros is way down on previous years, but hopefully is sufficient enough to persuade a prolific goal scoring striker to join the clubFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45968/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: CD TORREVIEJA 1  CF LA NUCIA 0
Yesterday, Torry faced lowly La Nucia at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, in the last league match of the year, having gained a well earned point at Crevillente last Weds and still only 5 pts below the play off places. 
La Nucia, meanwhile, had lost their last 5 games, having drawn the previous 5 before that, a run which has seen them plummet down the table and part company with manager Alejandro Esteve.  But the visitors were clearly hoping that last week's appointment of former Villajoyosa player, Toni Martinez, would halt their slide going into a 2 week seasonal break until Sun 4 Jan.
On that day Torry will travel to play off contenders Alzira. 
On Sunday however a Rafa Gomez strike was enough to give Torry a valuable win despite having to play the entire 2nd period with ten men. For the 3rd time this season the Cameroon forward Steve Thibaut saw straight red after kicking out ‘a la Beckham'  just prior to the interval having been fouled moments earlier by La Nucia's Navarro. 
The big defender immediately ran howling to referee González Péris who needed no encouragement to issue the Torry forward with his marching orders.
But no sooner had the striker trundled off than we were jumping for joy as Rafa Gomez hit the back of the net after connecting with a Cesar cross. La Nucia had little time to respond as the interval came seconds later. 
However with earlier first half opportunities falling to Jorge, Ruben, and Rafa the home side's superiority should have forged a rather better lead than the single goal margin they trooped off with at the half time whistle.
Despite their inferior numbers Torry maintained their dominance in the 2nd period but once again they were unable to turn their chances into goals. 
With La Nucia players going to ground at the first sign of a challenge the Torry players had to be careful that they weren't reduced even further.
However following a quiet start to the second period, Cesar saw his shot tipped over the crossbar following some neat interplay from the homeside, who passed up a golden opportunity to extend their lead.
Moments later the same player was pulled back when though on goal with the offender fortunate to get away with a yellow but the real talking point was the La Nucia lunge on Sergi who was carried off following Edu's two footed tackle.
Again the perpetrator saw only yellow when red should surely have been the outcome.
Torry manager Galiana said after the game "Going down to ten men we've had to dig in again. I thought in the first half, up to the point that we lost Steve,  we played very well and maybe surprised them a little bit. In the second half, as we tired, they managed to grow into the game and we had to keep our resilience, shape and mentality to get the win.
Next years council grant of only 17,000 euros is way down on previous years, but hopefully is sufficient enough to persuade a prolific goal scoring striker to join the clubFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45968/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### SITUATION AT ORIHUELA CF REMAINS CRITICAL

Spare a thought for local neighbours Orihuela CF where the financial situation remains critical. Indeed such is their plight that neither the reserves nor the youth team competed at the weekend in an effort to make available funds for the first X1. 
Following the resignation of the entire Board last month the club is currently being managed by its employees who are seeking urgent assistance from the Town Council without which it will undoubtedly fold.
Despite their 2-0 defeat at Benigamin on Saturday  the club currently sit in 3rd position in Tercera Grupo 6.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45966/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Spare a thought for local neighbours Orihuela CF where the financial situation remains critical. Indeed such is their plight that neither the reserves nor the youth team competed at the weekend in an effort to make available funds for the first X1. 
F...

### SIITUATION AT ORIHUELA CF REMAINS CRITICAL

Spare a thought for local neighbours Orihuela CF where the financial situation remains critical. Indeed such is their plight that neither the reserves nor the youth team competed at the weekend in an effort to make available funds for the first X1. 
Following the resignation of the entire Board last month the club is currently being managed by its employees who are seeking urgent assistance from the Town Council without which it will undoubtedly fold.
Despite their 2-0 defeat at Benigamin on Saturday  the club currently sit in 3rd position in Tercera Grupo 6.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45966/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Spare a thought for local neighbours Orihuela CF where the financial situation remains critical. Indeed such is their plight that neither the reserves nor the youth team competed at the weekend in an effort to make available funds for the first X1. 
F...

### OVER SIXTY FAMILIES HELPED BY YOU THIS CHRISTMAS

As our annual food collection campaign comes to a close, we are once again astounded by your generosity, giving your gifts and donations to those in need this Christmas.
This week, we handed over most of the donations collected to the Cáritas charitable organisation based in La Zenia church. Taking around 40 bags packed full of food, pet food and toys, there is no doubt that the parcels will go a long way to make a difference to the families who will be directly helped by your generosity. 
Accompanied by his loyal and dedicated helpers, Don Joaquin Carlos, the Parish Priest of the La Zenia Catholic church, accepted and welcomed your donations, he explained how they are currently helping between 60 and 70 families who are based on the Orihuela Costa, who have no source of income and are facing the most difficult of times.
In fact, locally, Cáritas helps families all year round, not just at Christmas, and carry out different food collection campaigns during the year, with all the donations received going to help those in need. Unfortunately, organisations like Cáritas don´t receive any subsidised help for their work, but are supported by the best human potential, from its volunteers on one side, to the families attended to who are neighbours of the Orihuela Costa and from different nationalities.
Despite a brighter prospect for most people across the country, the dark times are far from over for many. We will have to wait for their latest report to indicate how many people they are currently supporting around the area, but in June of this year, their 2013 report was published, which detailed how the Orihuela-Alicante based group had served over 81,000 people last year, 13% more than in 2012.
Moreover, of the total number of people who were helped by the group, 34,609 were men and 46,702 were women, prompting the bishop of the diocese, Jesús Murgui, to emphasise during the presentation the need to remain vigilant in the fight against poverty “because if society gets used to being in crisis, it runs the risk of becoming a chronic situation”.
During the breakdown of investments from the 2013 report, details were given of the assistance provided in areas of support, employment, job placement, homelessness, women, immigrants and people with AIDS.
The report shows that social support has meant an investment of 4.2 million euro, 5.46% more than in 2012, plus, 2.6 million went to the assistance to people at risk of social exclusion, whilst 601,285 euro was distributed towards vulnerable groups such as women, youth, elderly and AIDS patients.
The remaining revenues were shared between employment and socio-labour integration, rural community and urban action, training, communication and awareness, international cooperation and management, technical management, field monitoring and evaluation.
As for the origin of the economic resources, 72.13% came from the private sector, around 3.1 million was obtained through collections and donations, and the remainder, some 1.1 million, came from public injections.
In presenting the report, the “great work” of the volunteers was also highlighted, with their members praised for their continual support and response “in an effective, close and decisive manner”, with details of their 1,689 people who collaborated with the group last year, of which 1,636 were volunteers, an increase of 18% on the previous year.
Those in need were not forgotten in the presentation, which served to highlight the needs of countless families who are still driven by the need for food and assistance to pay for the most basic of needs such as water and electricity, but, moreover, the group has seen a noted increase in grant applications for “school supplies” or dining assistance within “households where there are children”.
In addition, during 2013, a total of 1,530 homeless people were assisted by the group, who assisted where they could in providing “housing, food, clothing, medication, processing aids, attending courses and workshops, social monitoring, and psychological and career guidance”.
Although we provide a central point for collection during our campaign, it is your generosity that makes the difference. With donations still coming in as part of this campaign, you can give donations throughout the year direct to Cáritas on the Orihuela Costa if you prefer, and you can find them at La Zenia Chapel on Mondays and Tuesdays in the afternoon from 6:30 to 7:30 pm and on Wednesdays and Fridays in the morning from 10:30 to 12:00.
The volunteers wanted us to extend their thanks to everybody involved, saying, “We wish to thank all persons who make possible this help, either with their job and with their donations of food or money”. To which we must also add our gratitude in the most sincere way we can, by saying “Thank you” once again, and wishing you all a happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45965/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As our annual food collection campaign comes to a close, we are once again astounded by your generosity, giving your gifts and donations to those in need this Christmas.
This week, we handed over most of the donations collected to the Cáritas ...

### NEW PARK ANNOUNCED FOR EL CHAPARRAL

The regional Director General of Work for the Generalitat Valenciana, Rafael Miró, has announced this week that work will begin shortly on a new 40,000 square metre green area located in the El Chaparral urbanisation, which will be constructed by utilising 40 local unemployed people on temporary contracts, similar to the schemes operating on the Orihuela Costa recently.
The announcement was made as delegates accompanied the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, in the inauguration of the final stage of construction of the Parque Reina de la Sal, which has been concluded by another 22 student workers who joined the apprenticeship training scheme.
The final phase of the work at the Reina de la Sal park is on a 14,000 square metre plot, from a total area of 35,000 square metres, which has now included green elements, as well as sports facilities.
At the inauguration, Rafael Miró stressed that the creation of the Los Balcones based park represents one of the best yet created under the employment workshop scheme across Valencia, and thanked the mayor for his involvement and commitment to the implementation of the scheme.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45964/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The regional Director General of Work for the Generalitat Valenciana, Rafael Miró, has announced this week that work will begin shortly on a new 40,000 square metre green area located in the El Chaparral urbanisation, which will be constructed ...

### ORIHUELA RAISING THE STANDARD IN TOURISM

Coming in second place, just behind the joint winners of the provincial capitals of Valencia and Alicante, Orihuela is the second city of the Community with the largest number of companies who have earned the distinctive quality of tourism award, presented by Turespaña.
Orihuela can boast a having a total of 39 companies or services from the tourism sector who have been awarded the distinction, with Alicante and Valencia both having 43, despite being of a considerably larger size, both geographically and in terms of the number of operating companies, as awarded by the Turespaña Distinction Committee, the official agency of the Ministry of Industry and Tourism.
Benidorm, Torrevieja, Peñíscola, Oropesa del Mar, Gandía and Benicàssim have also seen companies granted the award which reflects their commitment to ensuring standards of quality are implemented and maintained to ensure a consistency within the tourist sector through customer service and attention to detail.
Five beaches of the Orihuela Costa have been recognised with the standard under the Sistema de Calidad Turística en Destinos, or Sicted, along with five restaurants and catering companies, eight museums or cultural centres, two cafe bars, two hotels and two tourist information offices, amongst others.
January will see the registration period open for companies who wish to register an interest in achieving the award for next year, with application open to all companies within the sector. As Orihuela is becoming a firm benchmark for standards in quality in tourism, it can only lead to an improvement of services to the consumer, and a higher profile of the municipality within the tourist field that others must now achieve in order to reach the setting standards.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45963/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Coming in second place, just behind the joint winners of the provincial capitals of Valencia and Alicante, Orihuela is the second city of the Community with the largest number of companies who have earned the distinctive quality of tourism award, pres...

### ICONIC WATER PIPES SUFFER SECOND BURST

Just a month after thousands of litres of water burst out from the Tajo-Segura water pipes in Orihuela, another burst this week has amplified the problem as thousands more litres spewed out from a second burst.
Neighbours living near to the pipe noticed a loud noise that was unexplainable at the time, and so many of them left their homes to investigate. Once outside, it became clear what the problem was, as a huge spout of water could be seen from all around, gushing from the pipes.
Within minutes, the surrounding land had flooded, with plants, vegetables and flowers drowned under the deluge which also threatened the nearby homes.
With reports made to the local police, attempts to rectify the leak were problematic on account of the waterlogged ground underneath, around half of which is live agricultural land growing such crops as broccoli.
Residents have been critical of the lack of action in repairing the damage this time, especially given the burst a month ago and the apparent condition of the entire line of piping. One resident even reporting how the location of this burst was checked by inspectors after the last flood, but they did nothing to repair it, even though water could be seen trickling out of seemingly weakened connectors.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45961/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Just a month after thousands of litres of water burst out from the Tajo-Segura water pipes in Orihuela, another burst this week has amplified the problem as thousands more litres spewed out from a second burst.
Neighbours living near to the pipe noti...

### INTERNATIONAL EMERGENCY SURGEONS TO MEET IN TORREVIEJA HOSPITAL

The Hospital Universitario de Torrevieja will play host to emergency surgeons from across the globe in February, as they hold the fifth edition of a training course in emergency medicine.
Taking place from the 6th of February, the “V Emergency Abdominal Surgery Course”, as it has been titled in English, will bring together medics from the likes of the U.K., Ireland and Portugal, and aims to offer a unique opportunity to “deepen the development and optimization of medical and surgical treatment of urgent conditions, which is essential for reducing mortality and improving the results”, according to the lead general surgeon promoting the event, Doctor Isidro Martínez.
Dealing with various key stages of emergency treatment, the course will offer insights into disease, clinical patterns, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and results. It is based on the discussion of the decision process and surgical technique, and mixing didactic lectures and interaction with clinical scenarios, all complete with a manual containing the papers.
Registration is free for those registered as working in the fields of emergency medicine, including radiology, gastroenterology, anaesthesia, intensive care and nursing, and can be applied for directly with the hospital or their website, www.torrevieja-salud.com.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45960/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Hospital Universitario de Torrevieja will play host to emergency surgeons from across the globe in February, as they hold the fifth edition of a training course in emergency medicine.
Taking place from the 6th of February, the “V Emergency ...

### REASONS TO BE MERRY ON THE ORIHUELA COSTA

The Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion got their Christmas Celebrations off to the best possible start with their traditional seasonal entertainment, a most enjoyable concert hosted once again by the TAABS.
This popular group, singing for the 4th consecutive evening, sang a variety of widely known songs and carols culminating once again with the holiday favourite, ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas' although not all the verses quite as writer Frederick Austin might have wished. 
The evening also presented an opportunity for the Branch to offer their congratulations to member Geoff Matthews of Campoverde who had celebrated his 92nd birthday earlier in the week.
He is pictured with two relatively junior members of the Branch, Wayne and Skippy, both enjoying a short break from their home in the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45959/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion got their Christmas Celebrations off to the best possible start with their traditional seasonal entertainment, a most enjoyable concert hosted once again by the TAABS.
This popular group, singing f...

### EURONICS DARTS LEAGUE 18 DECEMBER 2014

Almost half way through the season and a familiar name tops Division 1. Very close behind, one point in fact, are the Hyenas, really up for some silverware this season.
Porterhouse slip away from the top 2 after their encounter this week with the Meerkats, in a match they were never behind until the eleventh leg. The Bears from Breakaways open up a massive 6 point gap over the Jaguars after the return of their own Phil Taylor, in the shape of Mike Smith. Still a long way to go, Meerkats unbeaten run likely to end soon possibly at the hands of Sporty Spicers Hyenas on January 29th.
Breakaways are certainly not a one man team, but when Mike Smiths around, he lifts the team and his presence is usually worth a point or two. Angie Craggs 85 and 135 proved valueless in the opener as Smith finished the 701 on D16. Some powerful scoring from Jaguars Simone De Lacy and Dee Green also went begging as Mike Snow wrapped up the second on D4 after a 98.
A 180 from Del Lister was nearly wasted in the third, Mike Smith coming to the rescue on D1. Lister made it 0-4 on D20, Louise Richardson adding to the Jaguars problems with D4 to complete the 601, De Lacy and Hilda Wilkinson scoring well to set up their own finish.  Snow paired with Sarah Simpson in the final double leg and ensured the draw on D18 for all six legs without reply. Craggs reversed the trend after the break and with Pat Schofield on next, a comeback looked possible.
Her opponent, Lister, had other ideas  making sure of both points on D8. Green made it two for the hosts on D13 after some excellent scoring. The scoring continued in the next for Jaguars, this time from De Lacy but Mike Smith wasn't fazed as 75,100 and 140 set up D4 for 2-8. Sarah Simpson made it 9 with some consistent arrows 85,81 and D6, leaving Tracey Simpson to take the last on D15 against a free scoring Snow. 
Pint Depot Queens remain firmly at the foot of Division 2 after their eighth defeat of the season, but apparently with good reason. Their rendition of " Agadoo. We've got two,two,two" etc, is all they know from that awful tune, so gaining any more legs would be totally wasted. Well that's Debbie Wrights version of events. Good scoring from the Royals in the first was thwarted by Ken Treble's double after Rachel Broadhead had left tops.
Evolution piled on the pressure in the next Jak Doggatt 121, Tracey Gilbert 121 and Derek Halpin 85, but surprisingly Queens were with them to leave Marie Dunne the pleasure of planting her first arrow in D4 to level. Ann O'Keefe kept her royal ones in the hunt for the third, but Doggatt and Halpin would have none of it, the latter posting 180 and double for 1-2. Gilbert added a third for the visitors on D11. Broadhead paired with Lyn Fozzard in the second doubles, Fozzard hitting an excellent 101 to pressurise the opposition, but Doggatt calmly planted his darts in D8 for 1-4.
Treble made it 1-5 at the break on D10. Totally rejuvenated after the fifteen minute break at the bar, the Royals came storming back to take the next via Dunne and a 5 minute rendition of " We've got 2,2,2, etc etc. The visitors took the next two courtesy of John Williams D10 and Maggie Nicholls. Vi Turner gave a good account of herself in the next, unfortunately Treble got the better of her on D10. The last two went the same way, Doggatt D17 and Halpin D10 against a fine effort from Ann O'Keefe.
Que Pasa Kestrels had a nail biter with the Sporting Misfits, the match being decided in the eleventh leg by Zoe James on D4 against a tough opponent in Chris Miles. Kestrels had started well enough, winning two of the three triples via Alan Preston 133 and both doubles, D20 and D9. Karl Cooper taking the first after a 105. Russell Lyness increased the lead for the hosts followed by a D8 from  Gilly Kirby to increase the lead to 3. Cooper threw well in the sixth, 3x81 but it was left to partner John Ashworth to close the game on D2 for 4-2.
Another Cooper, Sonya, pulled one back for the Misfits in the opening singles on D2, leaving son Karl to finish his nights work on D15 to level. Kirby faced Leah Chesworth for the lead and it was a real ding dong both players going for it, but it was the latter who came out on top on D4. George Caine D8 ensured the draw, leaving James the honours for both points. Preston took the last available leg for 5-7 on D10.
Hyenas keep up the pressure on the Meerkats, with a fine win over the Que Pasa Eagles. The hosts were 5-1 up a half time, the visitors winning a creditable 3 of the 6 singles available. Highlight of the evening was Sporty Spicers 158 out, equalling Pat Scofields effort earlier in the season. Sporty took a slightly different approach using T18,T18,Bull. Nice one son! Den Hall, Stuart Clark and Kevin Wood were the Eagles singles winners.
Meerkats got away with murder against Porterhouse, although a nice 20 tons tally wasn't that bad a haul but the finishing from both sides could have given two different results. A nine ton thriller between Ray Hayes and Paul Durrant was spoilt by finishing, the latter eventually pegging out on D8. Pat Abrams couldn't buy a treble or double earlier in the evening, but eventually found some from taking out Brian Nash 2-0. Sid Cross was the Porters star man taking out 3 game shots before winning his singles against Del Kingsbury 2-0 after 2x100,140 and a tasty 77 out ( S19,S18,D20).
Busters got the better of the Pint Depot Kings going 5-1 up at half time. Depot took 3 of the singles and if reflected throughout the match,the result may have been a draw. Gary Minor starred for the Kings with 2x100,140, Matt Cummins supporting with 2x100. Mark Filer pounded the trebles once again with 140,125,121,10, Ray Harvey 100,134 and Paul Dowington 125 and a 96 out.  
Finally its that time of year. A mid season break for the extravagance of Christmas and the P.D.C. World Darts Championship at Ally Pally. l spent a few days recently down in Marbella with an old mate of mine Rod Harrington, former World Matchplay champion and now Sky Sports darts pundit.
The usual subject came up over dinner and we discussed current form players, likely to succeed at the premier event. Gary Anderson is the one to beat at present, he is showing more consistency of late and converting those massive scores into winning legs. A new addition to the family arrived earlier this year, so the 250K first prize will come in handy. Michael Van Gerwen is not exactly struggling at the moment, but that extra bit of magic seems missing.
The extra media coverage on the Dutchman maybe a clue to his form. Never dismiss Phil Taylor who is smarting a little at not being No 1. He has everything required to take his seventeenth title, including the desire to prove a point. He is far from finished and may well take 20 titles, although l cant see him doing that in four years, but who knows. We both agreed that Adrian Lewis is the " dark horse ".
Former manager of Lewis, Keith Deller himself a world champion, has now been reinstated as "Jackpots" manager and is probably the reason we have seen the re-emergance of the Stoke wizard as a major threat. Surprisingly, William Hill are only offering "odds on" for a nine dart 501 from anyone. if you want to win some Christmas cash, bet on two  or more. Taylor is favourite, Van Gerwen second favourite. One for the youngsters, the P.D.C are offering in excess of £200,000 for the 2015 youth tour. Oh to be young again.
From Derek Kingbury, Linda Cross and myself may we wish all Euronics darts players and their families a very happy Christmas and 2015Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45952/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Almost half way through the season and a familiar name tops Division 1. Very close behind, one point in fact, are the Hyenas, really up for some silverware this season.
Porterhouse slip away from the top 2 after their encounter this week with the Meerkats, in a match they were never behind until the eleventh leg. The Bears from Breakaways open up a massive 6 point gap over the Jaguars after the return of their own Phil Taylor, in the shape of Mike Smith. Still a long way to go, Meerkats unbeaten run likely to end soon possibly at the hands of Sporty Spicers Hyenas on January 29th.
Breakaways are certainly not a one man team, but when Mike Smiths around, he lifts the team and his presence is usually worth a point or two. Angie Craggs 85 and 135 proved valueless in the opener as Smith finished the 701 on D16. Some powerful scoring from Jaguars Simone De Lacy and Dee Green also went begging as Mike Snow wrapped up the second on D4 after a 98.
A 180 from Del Lister was nearly wasted in the third, Mike Smith coming to the rescue on D1. Lister made it 0-4 on D20, Louise Richardson adding to the Jaguars problems with D4 to complete the 601, De Lacy and Hilda Wilkinson scoring well to set up their own finish.  Snow paired with Sarah Simpson in the final double leg and ensured the draw on D18 for all six legs without reply. Craggs reversed the trend after the break and with Pat Schofield on next, a comeback looked possible.
Her opponent, Lister, had other ideas  making sure of both points on D8. Green made it two for the hosts on D13 after some excellent scoring. The scoring continued in the next for Jaguars, this time from De Lacy but Mike Smith wasn't fazed as 75,100 and 140 set up D4 for 2-8. Sarah Simpson made it 9 with some consistent arrows 85,81 and D6, leaving Tracey Simpson to take the last on D15 against a free scoring Snow. 
Pint Depot Queens remain firmly at the foot of Division 2 after their eighth defeat of the season, but apparently with good reason. Their rendition of " Agadoo. We've got two,two,two" etc, is all they know from that awful tune, so gaining any more legs would be totally wasted. Well that's Debbie Wrights version of events. Good scoring from the Royals in the first was thwarted by Ken Treble's double after Rachel Broadhead had left tops.
Evolution piled on the pressure in the next Jak Doggatt 121, Tracey Gilbert 121 and Derek Halpin 85, but surprisingly Queens were with them to leave Marie Dunne the pleasure of planting her first arrow in D4 to level. Ann O'Keefe kept her royal ones in the hunt for the third, but Doggatt and Halpin would have none of it, the latter posting 180 and double for 1-2. Gilbert added a third for the visitors on D11. Broadhead paired with Lyn Fozzard in the second doubles, Fozzard hitting an excellent 101 to pressurise the opposition, but Doggatt calmly planted his darts in D8 for 1-4.
Treble made it 1-5 at the break on D10. Totally rejuvenated after the fifteen minute break at the bar, the Royals came storming back to take the next via Dunne and a 5 minute rendition of " We've got 2,2,2, etc etc. The visitors took the next two courtesy of John Williams D10 and Maggie Nicholls. Vi Turner gave a good account of herself in the next, unfortunately Treble got the better of her on D10. The last two went the same way, Doggatt D17 and Halpin D10 against a fine effort from Ann O'Keefe.
Que Pasa Kestrels had a nail biter with the Sporting Misfits, the match being decided in the eleventh leg by Zoe James on D4 against a tough opponent in Chris Miles. Kestrels had started well enough, winning two of the three triples via Alan Preston 133 and both doubles, D20 and D9. Karl Cooper taking the first after a 105. Russell Lyness increased the lead for the hosts followed by a D8 from  Gilly Kirby to increase the lead to 3. Cooper threw well in the sixth, 3x81 but it was left to partner John Ashworth to close the game on D2 for 4-2.
Another Cooper, Sonya, pulled one back for the Misfits in the opening singles on D2, leaving son Karl to finish his nights work on D15 to level. Kirby faced Leah Chesworth for the lead and it was a real ding dong both players going for it, but it was the latter who came out on top on D4. George Caine D8 ensured the draw, leaving James the honours for both points. Preston took the last available leg for 5-7 on D10.
Hyenas keep up the pressure on the Meerkats, with a fine win over the Que Pasa Eagles. The hosts were 5-1 up a half time, the visitors winning a creditable 3 of the 6 singles available. Highlight of the evening was Sporty Spicers 158 out, equalling Pat Scofields effort earlier in the season. Sporty took a slightly different approach using T18,T18,Bull. Nice one son! Den Hall, Stuart Clark and Kevin Wood were the Eagles singles winners.
Meerkats got away with murder against Porterhouse, although a nice 20 tons tally wasn't that bad a haul but the finishing from both sides could have given two different results. A nine ton thriller between Ray Hayes and Paul Durrant was spoilt by finishing, the latter eventually pegging out on D8. Pat Abrams couldn't buy a treble or double earlier in the evening, but eventually found some from taking out Brian Nash 2-0. Sid Cross was the Porters star man taking out 3 game shots before winning his singles against Del Kingsbury 2-0 after 2x100,140 and a tasty 77 out ( S19,S18,D20).
Busters got the better of the Pint Depot Kings going 5-1 up at half time. Depot took 3 of the singles and if reflected throughout the match,the result may have been a draw. Gary Minor starred for the Kings with 2x100,140, Matt Cummins supporting with 2x100. Mark Filer pounded the trebles once again with 140,125,121,10, Ray Harvey 100,134 and Paul Dowington 125 and a 96 out.  
Finally its that time of year. A mid season break for the extravagance of Christmas and the P.D.C. World Darts Championship at Ally Pally. l spent a few days recently down in Marbella with an old mate of mine Rod Harrington, former World Matchplay champion and now Sky Sports darts pundit.
The usual subject came up over dinner and we discussed current form players, likely to succeed at the premier event. Gary Anderson is the one to beat at present, he is showing more consistency of late and converting those massive scores into winning legs. A new addition to the family arrived earlier this year, so the 250K first prize will come in handy. Michael Van Gerwen is not exactly struggling at the moment, but that extra bit of magic seems missing.
The extra media coverage on the Dutchman maybe a clue to his form. Never dismiss Phil Taylor who is smarting a little at not being No 1. He has everything required to take his seventeenth title, including the desire to prove a point. He is far from finished and may well take 20 titles, although l cant see him doing that in four years, but who knows. We both agreed that Adrian Lewis is the " dark horse ".
Former manager of Lewis, Keith Deller himself a world champion, has now been reinstated as "Jackpots" manager and is probably the reason we have seen the re-emergance of the Stoke wizard as a major threat. Surprisingly, William Hill are only offering "odds on" for a nine dart 501 from anyone. if you want to win some Christmas cash, bet on two  or more. Taylor is favourite, Van Gerwen second favourite. One for the youngsters, the P.D.C are offering in excess of £200,000 for the 2015 youth tour. Oh to be young again.
From Derek Kingbury, Linda Cross and myself may we wish all Euronics darts players and their families a very happy Christmas and 2015Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45952/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### CINDERELLA (ROJALES PANTOMIME GROUP)

The Rojales Pantomime group are presenting 'Cinderella' at The Music School in Los Montesinos. January 8th & 9th Evening performance and matinee Saturday 10th at 2.30pm.
 In past productions they have had problems with the sound system but thanks to Richie Sparks owner of BIG Radio station and technical engineer, their problems have been solved so all the audience back, front and upstairs will be able to hear the actors on stage.
Tickets are on sale at various outlets at 7 euros for adults and 5 for children. Plenty of laughs and audience participation, two well known artists on the Costa Blanca scene will play the ugly sisters.
More Information Chris 678212034 shimserv@gmail.com http//www.Rojalespantomime.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45951/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Rojales Pantomime group are presenting 'Cinderella' at The Music School in Los Montesinos. January 8th & 9th Evening performance and matinee Saturday 10th at 2.30pm.
 In past productions they have had problems with the sound system but thanks ...

### MADRID PP SUFFER ATTEMPTED CAR BOMB ATTACK

Police officers in Madrid arrested a 37 year old Man on Friday, identified as Daniel Pérez, after he crashed his explosive laden car into the Partido Popular headquarters in the capital.
According to police sources, Pérez suffers from schizophrenia and is a known drug user with a police record for a car theft in 1999.
His motivation for the attack was said to be against the political institution, and his choice of the PP was purely coincidental, as all political parties are equally as bad, in his eyes, and he could have attacked any one of them.
Peréz had worked in his home town in a factory in Teruel, but has been unemployed since May. He told the arresting officers that he was a businessman and he was desperate after having lost everything.
An examination of his car revealed several kilos of ammonium nitrate and a timer, described as being of a domestic style.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45937/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Police officers in Madrid arrested a 37 year old Man on Friday, identified as Daniel Pérez, after he crashed his explosive laden car into the Partido Popular headquarters in the capital.
According to police sources, Pérez suffers from s...

### ORIHUELA COUNCILLOR RESIGNS

Unassigned councillor of Orihuela, Asunción Mayoral, has announced her resignation from the council will be formally presented at the monthly plenary session held on Monday.
Having joined the government as part of the CLr-CLARO coalition in the elections of 2011, Mayoral was ejected from her group in January of 2013.
Although the political situation of Orihuela has seen countless changes during this administration, with just months to go before the next elections, the future of Orihuela will once again be in the hands of the voters.
Having also supported the expulsion of Bob Houliston in the past when working with the group led by Pedro Mancebo and Juan Ignacio López-Bas, Mayoral publically apologised for her part in his downfall, saying, “I have apologized to Houliston privately and now I do it in public”, adding that having first trusted the opinions of her two political partners, time has demonstrated he (Houliston) only wanted to carry out legitimate interests”.
Mayoral had recently tabled an anti-corruption motion in the Orihuela plenary, which was bypassed through the overall majority of the PP with the support of CLr who proposed an alternative motion, far detached from the intention to denounce corruption in politics, as Mayoral wanted to ensure that anybody who is charged in a corruption based case, irrespective of their political affiliation, should not present themselves for election, in an attempt to try to clean up the image of politics. 
As her resignation becomes official, the next in line on the electoral list will replace her in the government role, that person being the CLr-CLARO number 4, Trinidad Vidal.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45936/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Unassigned councillor of Orihuela, Asunción Mayoral, has announced her resignation from the council will be formally presented at the monthly plenary session held on Monday.
Having joined the government as part of the CLr-CLARO coalition in th...

### SEVENTEEN MILLION CHRISTMAS TRIPS

On Friday, the DGT traffic department announced details of the Christmas campaign for 2014, advising of 17 million vehicle movements during the holiday period.
The first phase in operational now, having started on Friday at 15:00 and will run through to Christmas day, when 6.7 million trips are anticipated, phase 2 runs from the 26th of December until the 1st of January, and phase 3 coincides with 3 Kings from the 2nd to the 6th of January.
The roads expected to be busier are mainly from inner city areas towards the coast and mountainous region, as well as around big cities.
In order to facilitate free flowing traffic, a number of bi-directional lanes have been set up, most road works cancelled and the transport of dangerous goods prohibited at certain times.
The Guardia Civil will have a heavy presence throughout each of the phases, paying close attention to the three main contributing factors to road traffic collisions, speed, alcohol and drugs, and seatbelts, with regular checkpoints set up throughout. 
In addition, the DGT will be taking to the air in their traffic monitoring helicopters, and the Pegasus airborne speed radars will be out spotting speeding vehicles at certain times.
As well as avoiding any alcohol or drugs if you are driving, the advice is also to closely monitor weather conditions and allow extra time for your journey.
Meanwhile, the DGT also recommend downloading their smartphone app, following their two Twitter accounts, @informaciónDGT and @DGTes, and visiting their website at www.dgt.es.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45935/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: On Friday, the DGT traffic department announced details of the Christmas campaign for 2014, advising of 17 million vehicle movements during the holiday period.
The first phase in operational now, having started on Friday at 15:00 and will run through...

### REMEMBER THE PRISONERS THIS CHRISTMAS

The prison ministry in the Orihuela diocese has launched this year´s seasonal campaign, urging us to think about those who no longer have their freedom due to incarceration, and their familes.
The church hopes to raise attention of the 2,500 people who are in prison across the Alicante province, and for us all to think of the needs of their families.
The church also believes that by offering support to prisoners and their families, we are all investing in crime prevention in the future. With many of the children of those inside suffering poverty as a result, those children could well become the criminals and thus prisoners of tomorrow, without our help.
The campaign also says that poverty is not usually chosen but imposed, the result of a society that continues to exclude some groups and now many families who have lost a job with which they wished to earn a decent living.
“The crisis continues to plague many families, it's true. Almost everyone knows a family in this situation. So this year we want to focus on them mainly to accompany, listen and help these families as much as possible, and continue to cover other everyday needs”, said Ignacio Blasco, director of the Pastoral Penitenciaria de la Diócesis de Orihuela-Alicante, and chaplain at the centro penitenciario de Fontcalent prison.
And with this campaign, the involvement of the entire Alicante society is sought to achieve concrete measures and continue providing financial resources to run shelters and half-way houses for ex-prisoners and their families who come to visit but have no income. The campaign also hopes to provide scholarships to families of prisoners for food aid, school meals for children, textbooks, payment of medicines and other urgent needs, most obvious and abundant, if possible, in these times of crisis. 
The group wish to obtain financial aid to allow foreign prisoners across Alicante to communicate by telephone with their families in their home countries, whilst not neglecting the socio-labour mediation, through job placement programs, for those who have fewer options to access a future job on account of their prison record. 
Finally, it is hoped that through collaboration with those inside and out, channels of mediation and care for both prisoners and victims can be neutered to enable social reconciliation from a culture of non-violence and restorative justice.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45934/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The prison ministry in the Orihuela diocese has launched this year´s seasonal campaign, urging us to think about those who no longer have their freedom due to incarceration, and their familes.
The church hopes to raise attention of the 2,500 pe...

### NO ORIHUELA CENSURE MOTION THIS TERM

The hopes and dreams of some Orihuela politicians will not be realised this Christmas, as it has now been confirmed as seemingly impossible for the censure motion to overthrow the government to take place.
The courts in Elche have called the two council members of the Table of Elders to testify as witnesses in the case, Bob Houliston and Carolina Gracia, but the hearing will not be held until April of next year, a month before the municipal elections.
Although it is doubtful that the matter will be resolved in a single day, it now seems clear that this current administrative term will continue with the minority government of the PSOE and Los Verdes, before the public are able to decide again who runs the municipality from May.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45933/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The hopes and dreams of some Orihuela politicians will not be realised this Christmas, as it has now been confirmed as seemingly impossible for the censure motion to overthrow the government to take place.
The courts in Elche have called the two coun...

### RESIGNED HEALTH MINISTER GETS LUCRATIVE NEW JOB

The former Spanish Minister for Health, Ana Mato , who tendered her resignation from government in November, facing corruption charges in the infamous Gürtel case, has this week got a new job and a higher salary.
Having received the votes of 24 members of her political party, the Partido Popular, Mato has been voted into the post of Vice President of the Committee on International Cooperation. The opposition members all either voted against or abstained, on account of the reasons for her resignation.
Since the proposal of the PP was made public, several opposition spokespeople publicly expressed their dissatisfaction of the PP´s decision to award the former minister with this institutional position emphasizing that Mato resigned after Judge Pablo Ruz stated that evidence shows how she personally benefited from her ex-husband's alleged illegitimate business activities.
Her resignation is on account that she doesn´t want to further damage the public´s opinion of the ruling Partido Popular government, rocked with scandal after scandal during their current administration.
As a result of this new appointment, in addition to still receiving her monthly salary as a member of the diputacion, Mato will also receive an additional 1,000 euro per month, and will now be paid a total of 4,730.91 euro per month, 56,770.92 euro per year. 
As reported earlier this month in The Leader, the latest official figures show that the minimum wage in Spain during 2013 was 9,034 euro which, according to tax office statistics, equates to just 645 euro per month when spread over 14 payments.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45932/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The former Spanish Minister for Health, Ana Mato , who tendered her resignation from government in November, facing corruption charges in the infamous Gürtel case, has this week got a new job and a higher salary.
Having received the votes of 24 ...

### ORIHUELA COSTA TOWN HALL OPENING HOURS

The Orihuela Costa town hall will be open throughout most of the Christmas period, closing only on the public holidays and weekends.
Between the 22nd of December and the 10th of January, the opening hours will be from 08:00 until 14:30, with an extension of the normal time on account of the staff having to complete additional hours as part of their contract.
The building will be closed on Christmas Day, the 25th of December, New Year´s Day, the 1st of January, and 3 King´s Day, the 6th of January.
On Christmas and New Year´s Eve, the 24th and 31st of December, the normal operations of the town hall will be closed, and only the registry will be open, from 09:00 until 13:00.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45931/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Orihuela Costa town hall will be open throughout most of the Christmas period, closing only on the public holidays and weekends.
Between the 22nd of December and the 10th of January, the opening hours will be from 08:00 until 14:30, with an exten...

### GRANT DENIED FOR LA ZENIA ROUNDABOUT WORK

The application for a 50,000 euro grant from the Alicante provincial government to fund the requisite work on the La Zenia roundabout has been declined, on account of the current characteristics of the road network not matching those registered in the municipal plans.
The Councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer, explained that the problem is due to the fact that the N-332 and roundabout on the “general plan” of the municipality, is still a single lane carriageway. The plan should have been amended when the work on the N-332 road was completed, but nobody in the then government acted to do this.
A proposal was submitted to the Orihuela plenary session to amend the general plan in August, which would have also offered some protection to the residents of the Orihuela Costa who have lost their postal service, but the new development plan was rejected in a plenary session with the majority of votes of the PP and is therefore still not in the publication phase. 
However, since the work on the roads at La Zenia is considered an urgent priority, and were endorsed in a plenary session, they will be financed from the funds earned from the Orihuela Costa portion of the sale of the coastal plots, as soon as the funds are released.
Meanwhile, is has also come to light that the reason that the Orihuela Costa does not have bus stops on the La Zenia roundabout route is that, unlike neighbouring municipalities, nobody from the then government of Orihuela apparently requested them when the N-332 was widened. In Torrevieja and Pilar de la Horadada the bus stops were constructed as part of the widening scheme and the Ministry paid the bill. Now, due to the apparent lack of action previously, the municipality will have to fund the 102,000 euro bill for these too.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45930/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The application for a 50,000 euro grant from the Alicante provincial government to fund the requisite work on the La Zenia roundabout has been declined, on account of the current characteristics of the road network not matching those registered in the...

### A GIFT OF CHRISTMAS

Since the beginning of December, a giant box has been present in the reception of the Orihuela Costa town hall, which has gradually been filling with gifts to be donated to those less fortunate at Christmas.
The Councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer, has been in touch with the priest Joaquín from the church of La Zenia to provide accurate information about the children of around 75 families who are being helped by the Cáritas organisation on the Orihuela Costa.
The councillor would like to thank everybody for the numerous donations from individuals and associations of the Little Pod Foundation and Rendezvous Girls Social Club for their extremely generous contributions.
Santa was on hand this week in the town hall too, making sure that all of the presents matched the lists of requests he´s received so far, and he also brought a sack full of chocolate treats to add to the gifts already donated.
Kids must stop reading here, but for the adults only, thanks are also extended to Mal for playing the part of Santa once more.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45929/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Since the beginning of December, a giant box has been present in the reception of the Orihuela Costa town hall, which has gradually been filling with gifts to be donated to those less fortunate at Christmas.
The Councillor for the Coast, Martina Sche...

### FIRE FIGHTERS TO SHARE COVERAGE

The City of Alicante and the Provincial Government have signed a collaboration agreement in which each of their fire and rescue services will assist in attending incidents across the borders of their areas of responsibility.
As such, the Alicante based Servicio de Prevención, Extinción de Incendios y Salvamento, or SPEIS, will attend incidents at Arenales del Sol, El Altet, Torrellano, Mutxamel, Hospital de San Juan, Muchavista y El Campello, the road tunnel on the A-70 at San Juan, and Alicante-Elche airport, should they be closer and able to provide a faster response.
Meanwhile, the areas of Pla de Vallonga, Atalayas, El Rebolledo, Verdegás, Alcoraya, Moralet, La Cañada, Barrio Granada, Garrachico and Rabasa will also now fall under the same terms of the shared agreement.
However, the socialist group have been critical of the agreement, saying that it is motivated by the lack of fire fighters employed to cover the south of the SPEIS area, and the transfer of responsibility at the fire station of San Juan.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45928/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The City of Alicante and the Provincial Government have signed a collaboration agreement in which each of their fire and rescue services will assist in attending incidents across the borders of their areas of responsibility.
As such, the Alicante bas...

### AENA OFFER TO RUN CORVERA

Spanish airport operator AENA has offered to run the new Murcia Regional airport at Corvera, despite saying that they will not close San Javier unless they receive 72 million euro in compensation for their investment there, and despite the fact that the original plans for Corvera were for it to be run by a private operator.
The current owner of Corvera, Sacyr, now faces new conditions imposed by the Ministry of Development, which could hinder their planned opening for operations in April next year, even though they have already hired a number of workers. 
It is possible that under the new conditions, Aena could be the only viable option for the management of the facility, after a lack of agreement between the Ministry and Sacyr at the last meeting in Madrid.
Sacyr has said that they will not leave the airport, after investing 6 million euro, unless their outstanding issues are resolved or better terms are presented.
The Spanish airspace has already undergone partial privatisation, with Aena themselves under the threat of being taken over by the private sector, 
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45927/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spanish airport operator AENA has offered to run the new Murcia Regional airport at Corvera, despite saying that they will not close San Javier unless they receive 72 million euro in compensation for their investment there, and despite the fact that t...

### LOTTERY MAKING MORE THAN JUST MILLIONAIRES

Since the early 1990s, the lottery has been providing people with hope and belief that they could become instant millionaires, with the simple purchase of a winning ticket, completely changing their lives forever.
 
However, since the likes of the National Lottery have started, it's not only those who hold the winning numbers that can reap the benefits of the programmes. As well as the lucky members of public that scoop the millions of pounds up for grabs, the lottery also funds many special projects around the country, helping people and organisations that are in need.
 
All lottery prizes are paid as a lump sum and are completely tax-free. Of all the money spent on National Lottery games, 50% goes to the prize fund, 28% to 'good causes' as set out by Parliament, 12% to the UK Government as duty, 5% to retailers as commission, and a total of 5% to operator Camelot, with 4.5% to cover operating costs and 0.5% as profit.
 
Life changing 
 From total ticket sales of £6,730.9 million in the year ending 31 March 2014, £1,751.1 million was raised for National Lottery Projects, while £3,524.4 million was paid to players in prizes.
 
As operator of The National Lottery, Camelot states that it is committed to maximising returns to National Lottery Projects through selling tickets in a socially-responsible way.
 
Camelot delivers, on average, over £33 million each week for National Lottery Projects in 2013/14. To date, National Lottery players have raised over £32 billion for these projects, with more than 450,000 individual awards made across the UK, an average of 144 lottery grants for every postcode district.
 
As has always been the case, the total amount which Camelot delivers to National Lottery Projects under its current licence depends on a number of variable factors, including the mix of games sold, the channels through which they are sold and the level of unclaimed prizes.
 
These life changing projects, the past year, have included, works in 'Good Causes' in the arts, heritage, health, education, environment, community and charity sectors. The National Lottery has prided itself in leading the way for other lotto sites and organisations, such as Coral, in the process of helping others. 
 
 Each Lottery 'Good Cause' funds its programmes with their own criteria and application process. 
 Each distributor makes decisions about who shall receive awards independently of the government and according to guidelines established by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
 
After another year of fantastically funded projects, more lives are set to be changed for the better in 2015.
 
Allocation
 Although Camelot is responsible for generating returns for National Lottery Projects it plays no role in the allocation of funding, which is the responsibility of 12 National Lottery distribution bodies, each with specialist knowledge of their sectors. The income raised for National Lottery Projects from ticket sales is paid by Camelot into the National Lottery Distribution Fund and then allocated to the distribution bodies according to a formula set by the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport. In the year to 31 March 2014, the money Camelot delivered for National Lottery Projects was allocated between Health, Education, Environment, and charitable causes (40%), Sports (20%), Arts (20%) and Heritage (20%). 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45926/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Since the early 1990s, the lottery has been providing people with hope and belief that they could become instant millionaires, with the simple purchase of a winning ticket, completely changing their lives forever.
 
However, since the likes of the N...

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 15 DECEMBER 2014

QUICKER BY TRAIN
China and Spain celebrated the first direct freight train to connect the two countries in Madrid on Tuesday after a journey of around 13,000 kilometers that began 21 days earlier in the east coast Chinese city of Yiwu.  It is the longest rail route in the world as well as being the route that crosses the greatest number of countries. Spain and China want to encourage trade relations through rail transport and the new direct railroad line is viewed by both governments as a major international link between Europe and Asia. The 40 containers on the train carried a variety of goods made in China, and will return with wine, olive oil and cured ham.
DEAD AID
The Cementerio Inglés de Málaga, famed for being the first Protestant cemetery on mainland Spain when it opened in December, 1831, is appealing for donations to help meet its day-to-day running costs. The first body received by the cemetery was that of a Derry born Irish revolutionary, Robert Boyd.
LEFT IN THE DARK
Despite complaints made to the City Council over a year ago, residents of properties in Camino Viejo de Callosa, Orihuela, are saying that the state of street lighting along this busy road still falls far short of what is required. It provides little illumination and is often turned off during the early evening leaving no illumination whatsoever. They say they have recently raised the matter with two councilors, Antonia Moreno and Victor Ruiz but have not yet received any response.
THE CARING BANK
The bank Caja Rural Central have said they will donate 50 euros to both Caritas Orihuela and the Red Cross for every salary or pension payment into a personal account during the hoiday period. The announcement was made at a press conference by the head of Caja Rural in the region, Antonio Pastor, together with the President of the Spanish Red Cross in Orihuela, Andrés Ramón, and the director of Caritas, Ana Maria Lucas. The scheme will be known as , 'Payroll and solidarity pension'.
FATHER TO SON
Officers from the Guardia Civil have accused a 41 year old man in Pontevedra of driving under the influence of alcohol, after witnessing the vehicle driving recklessly. Having stopped the vehicle, the officers discovered that the driver was actually a 16 year old boy, who has no licence or ability to drive, who had taken over control of the vehicle after his father felt “unwell”. An alcohol test revealed the father to be 5 times over the drink drive limit. The man is charged with drink driving, as well as leaving the vehicle in the control of a minor, the boy is charged with driving without a licence. 
UBER OUT
Transport booking app Uber, which made the headlines recently after a woman in India was raped after using it, has been issued with a temporary ban in Spain, after the judge investigating the case said that the app created “unfair competition”, and that drivers did not have the official authorisation to carry passengers in exchange for financial reward. The ban follows protests by taxi driver associations around the country.
SPREADING WINGS
The American Defence Department is expanding its presence in the Rota naval base in Spain, although it will not have any impact on the balance of power in the region, as the US is already the single most powerful military force in the Mediterranean, according to analysts.  There are currently around 4,000 U.S. service members in more than 30 organizations and their families on base. There are currently around 4,000 U.S. service members in more than 30 organizations on the base, along with their families. Each ship has around 300 sailors assigned, with around 400 family members arriving for each ship. Capt. Greg Pekari, the commander of Rota, said that, “The expectation is we are going to increase by 2,500 to 3,000 Americans over the next couple of years”.
KEEPING QUIET
Orihuela's PP leader, Pepa Ferrando, imputed for alleged bribery, embezzlement, fraud and breach of trust in the 'Case Fitur' has said that she feels very fortunate to have the support of so many members of the public and colleagues. She would not declare, however, her intentions for the 2015 Municipal Elections. When asked if she would stand as leader Ms Ferrando said “It is still not the time. The candidate will be announced in February in line with PP policy nationwide."
LLO LLO PARK NEGLECT
Torrevieja Los Verdes have criticized the city council for a lack of maintenance at the newly opened park Ilo Ilo, located in the lower area of the Los Balcones, just a few hundred meters from the salt lagoon.  A spokesman for the Green Party said that the government team has carried out no maintenance whatsoever since the park was first opened letting weeds and dirt accumulate and grow. The palms are not being pruned and their fronds are simply trailing onto the ground under the weight of dates.
HOME ALONE
Torrevieja's Councillor for Social Welfare, Thomas Ballester, said last week that 71 Torrevejenses have been admitted to the regional programme 'Do not be alone at Christmas', a plan that promotes aims to provide company for all during the upcoming holidays, particularly to the city's elders. The councilor said the programme will provide older people who are living alone with the opportunity to spend Christmas with a family and their friends. The requirements to enter into the scheme are that individuals must be 65 years old, widowed and without family or friends.
MERGER COSTS 1000 JOBS
Vodafone Spain is preparing to lay off 1,000 workers over the coming months as a result of its acquisition of Spanish cable provider Ono earlier this year. The combined workforce of the two companies currently stands at around 6,000, with Vodafone accounting for 3,500 employees and Ono the remaining 2,500. A Vodafone spokesman confirmed that the aim was to complete the restructuring process by the end of the first quarter of 2015, but the size of the collective dismissal could lead to problems with unions and a possible court challenge. 
HELD TO ACCOUNT
The Spanish state-owned lender Bankia presented a series of error-strewn accounts for 2011, the year it listed shares, according to a report released as part of a long-running court investigation into its flotation and state bailout.  Hundreds of thousands of small investors lost money after Bankia needed a massive rescue in 2012, less than a year its stock market listing. Some have alleged they were cheated when they bought the shares.  “The accounts do not comply with Bank of Spain norms ... due to the presence of accounting errors," the report said.
NEW ROYAL PORTRAIT
It took 20 years to complete but Artist Antonio Lopez  finally unveiled a portrait of the Spanish royal family at the Royal Palace in Madrid last week.  Lopez, who is known for his meticulous approach to work, says the painting took so long because he's used to working on several pieces at once. The life-size canvas shows former King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia with their children, King Felipe VI and Princesses Elena and Christina. However the painter hasn't quite caught up with the royal family's most recent changes, so Queen Letizia doesn't feature.
HIGH FLYER
Airline Vueling has announced a new route for their 2015 schedule from Alicante-Elche airport this week, which will see flights between the Costa Blanca and Algeria begin on the 11th of April. The airline had a double celebration this week too, as they welcomed their three millionth passenger since starting operation at Alicante in 2006.
HELP YOURSELF
Despite being challenged by a security watchman from a nearby construction site three men managed to walk out of Madrid's Galería Puerta de Alcalá in the early hours of Thursday carrying over 70 paintings worth an estimated €600,000. The thieves entered the gallery after breaking into an adjacent bar before deactivating the alarm. The guard said that he saw the men walking out with paintings in their arms and went over to ask them some questions, but did not suspect that they were burglars. “We have to get an early start to put them on display in another gallery,” they said.
BY ROYAL COMMAND
King Felipe VI has forbidden members of the Spanish royal family from accepting favors or expensive gifts “that could jeopardize the dignity of their institutional tasks.” Royals may not accept favors such as free flights or loans at low or zero interest; they are also banned from accepting presents with a high economic value or gifts that are being given for commercial or advertising purposes. The move is part of a campaign by the recently proclaimed monarch to clean up the royal household's image following months of low popularity ratings.
CRASH RESCUE
Fire fighters rescued a woman from her car following a crash on Avenida de la Asunción in Los Balcones on Tuesday, at around 18;30. The vehicle was lay on its side, preventing the woman from exiting. Witnesses had reported smoke coming from the vehicle before the local police and a paramedic ambulance were in attendance. The woman, said to be in her 60´s. Was shaken in the incident but said to be otherwise unharmed.
LIGHTS OUT
Businesses in certain areas of Torrevieja centre have raised concerns over the lack of Christmas illuminations adorning the streets. The town hall responding by admitting that there had been a “slight delay” of a few days in arranging the contract for the lights. Meanwhile, many of the surrounding urbanisations will no doubt be forgotten once again, despite contributing to the municipal funds.
CLEAN PRINCESS
Infanta Cristina is set to be cleared of any criminal liability in a case in which she was accused of having profited from the alleged embezzlement of her husband, Iñaki Urdangarin. The reason for her to have a clear name lies in her handing over the equivalent in the proceeds of the alleged crime, 600,000 euro, which, according to her lawyer, will “extinguish her civil and criminal responsibility”.
POT LOT
Spainish airline Air Europa is to lease a Boeing 787-8 from LOT Polish Airlines on a yearly contract. The aircraft will fly between Madrid and New York, as well as Montevideo, from their spring schedule. Facing financial trouble, LOT had looked at aircraft leasing as a means to capitalise on surplus capacity. Finnair and Norwegian Long Haul had already taken advantage of a similar deal.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45925/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: QUICKER BY TRAIN
China and Spain celebrated the first direct freight train to connect the two countries in Madrid on Tuesday after a journey of around 13,000 kilometers that began 21 days earlier in the east coast Chinese city of Yiwu.  It is the longest rail route in the world as well as being the route that crosses the greatest number of countries. Spain and China want to encourage trade relations through rail transport and the new direct railroad line is viewed by both governments as a major international link between Europe and Asia. The 40 containers on the train carried a variety of goods made in China, and will return with wine, olive oil and cured ham.
DEAD AID
The Cementerio Inglés de Málaga, famed for being the first Protestant cemetery on mainland Spain when it opened in December, 1831, is appealing for donations to help meet its day-to-day running costs. The first body received by the cemetery was that of a Derry born Irish revolutionary, Robert Boyd.
LEFT IN THE DARK
Despite complaints made to the City Council over a year ago, residents of properties in Camino Viejo de Callosa, Orihuela, are saying that the state of street lighting along this busy road still falls far short of what is required. It provides little illumination and is often turned off during the early evening leaving no illumination whatsoever. They say they have recently raised the matter with two councilors, Antonia Moreno and Victor Ruiz but have not yet received any response.
THE CARING BANK
The bank Caja Rural Central have said they will donate 50 euros to both Caritas Orihuela and the Red Cross for every salary or pension payment into a personal account during the hoiday period. The announcement was made at a press conference by the head of Caja Rural in the region, Antonio Pastor, together with the President of the Spanish Red Cross in Orihuela, Andrés Ramón, and the director of Caritas, Ana Maria Lucas. The scheme will be known as , 'Payroll and solidarity pension'.
FATHER TO SON
Officers from the Guardia Civil have accused a 41 year old man in Pontevedra of driving under the influence of alcohol, after witnessing the vehicle driving recklessly. Having stopped the vehicle, the officers discovered that the driver was actually a 16 year old boy, who has no licence or ability to drive, who had taken over control of the vehicle after his father felt “unwell”. An alcohol test revealed the father to be 5 times over the drink drive limit. The man is charged with drink driving, as well as leaving the vehicle in the control of a minor, the boy is charged with driving without a licence. 
UBER OUT
Transport booking app Uber, which made the headlines recently after a woman in India was raped after using it, has been issued with a temporary ban in Spain, after the judge investigating the case said that the app created “unfair competition”, and that drivers did not have the official authorisation to carry passengers in exchange for financial reward. The ban follows protests by taxi driver associations around the country.
SPREADING WINGS
The American Defence Department is expanding its presence in the Rota naval base in Spain, although it will not have any impact on the balance of power in the region, as the US is already the single most powerful military force in the Mediterranean, according to analysts.  There are currently around 4,000 U.S. service members in more than 30 organizations and their families on base. There are currently around 4,000 U.S. service members in more than 30 organizations on the base, along with their families. Each ship has around 300 sailors assigned, with around 400 family members arriving for each ship. Capt. Greg Pekari, the commander of Rota, said that, “The expectation is we are going to increase by 2,500 to 3,000 Americans over the next couple of years”.
KEEPING QUIET
Orihuela's PP leader, Pepa Ferrando, imputed for alleged bribery, embezzlement, fraud and breach of trust in the 'Case Fitur' has said that she feels very fortunate to have the support of so many members of the public and colleagues. She would not declare, however, her intentions for the 2015 Municipal Elections. When asked if she would stand as leader Ms Ferrando said “It is still not the time. The candidate will be announced in February in line with PP policy nationwide."
LLO LLO PARK NEGLECT
Torrevieja Los Verdes have criticized the city council for a lack of maintenance at the newly opened park Ilo Ilo, located in the lower area of the Los Balcones, just a few hundred meters from the salt lagoon.  A spokesman for the Green Party said that the government team has carried out no maintenance whatsoever since the park was first opened letting weeds and dirt accumulate and grow. The palms are not being pruned and their fronds are simply trailing onto the ground under the weight of dates.
HOME ALONE
Torrevieja's Councillor for Social Welfare, Thomas Ballester, said last week that 71 Torrevejenses have been admitted to the regional programme 'Do not be alone at Christmas', a plan that promotes aims to provide company for all during the upcoming holidays, particularly to the city's elders. The councilor said the programme will provide older people who are living alone with the opportunity to spend Christmas with a family and their friends. The requirements to enter into the scheme are that individuals must be 65 years old, widowed and without family or friends.
MERGER COSTS 1000 JOBS
Vodafone Spain is preparing to lay off 1,000 workers over the coming months as a result of its acquisition of Spanish cable provider Ono earlier this year. The combined workforce of the two companies currently stands at around 6,000, with Vodafone accounting for 3,500 employees and Ono the remaining 2,500. A Vodafone spokesman confirmed that the aim was to complete the restructuring process by the end of the first quarter of 2015, but the size of the collective dismissal could lead to problems with unions and a possible court challenge. 
HELD TO ACCOUNT
The Spanish state-owned lender Bankia presented a series of error-strewn accounts for 2011, the year it listed shares, according to a report released as part of a long-running court investigation into its flotation and state bailout.  Hundreds of thousands of small investors lost money after Bankia needed a massive rescue in 2012, less than a year its stock market listing. Some have alleged they were cheated when they bought the shares.  “The accounts do not comply with Bank of Spain norms ... due to the presence of accounting errors," the report said.
NEW ROYAL PORTRAIT
It took 20 years to complete but Artist Antonio Lopez  finally unveiled a portrait of the Spanish royal family at the Royal Palace in Madrid last week.  Lopez, who is known for his meticulous approach to work, says the painting took so long because he's used to working on several pieces at once. The life-size canvas shows former King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia with their children, King Felipe VI and Princesses Elena and Christina. However the painter hasn't quite caught up with the royal family's most recent changes, so Queen Letizia doesn't feature.
HIGH FLYER
Airline Vueling has announced a new route for their 2015 schedule from Alicante-Elche airport this week, which will see flights between the Costa Blanca and Algeria begin on the 11th of April. The airline had a double celebration this week too, as they welcomed their three millionth passenger since starting operation at Alicante in 2006.
HELP YOURSELF
Despite being challenged by a security watchman from a nearby construction site three men managed to walk out of Madrid's Galería Puerta de Alcalá in the early hours of Thursday carrying over 70 paintings worth an estimated €600,000. The thieves entered the gallery after breaking into an adjacent bar before deactivating the alarm. The guard said that he saw the men walking out with paintings in their arms and went over to ask them some questions, but did not suspect that they were burglars. “We have to get an early start to put them on display in another gallery,” they said.
BY ROYAL COMMAND
King Felipe VI has forbidden members of the Spanish royal family from accepting favors or expensive gifts “that could jeopardize the dignity of their institutional tasks.” Royals may not accept favors such as free flights or loans at low or zero interest; they are also banned from accepting presents with a high economic value or gifts that are being given for commercial or advertising purposes. The move is part of a campaign by the recently proclaimed monarch to clean up the royal household's image following months of low popularity ratings.
CRASH RESCUE
Fire fighters rescued a woman from her car following a crash on Avenida de la Asunción in Los Balcones on Tuesday, at around 18;30. The vehicle was lay on its side, preventing the woman from exiting. Witnesses had reported smoke coming from the vehicle before the local police and a paramedic ambulance were in attendance. The woman, said to be in her 60´s. Was shaken in the incident but said to be otherwise unharmed.
LIGHTS OUT
Businesses in certain areas of Torrevieja centre have raised concerns over the lack of Christmas illuminations adorning the streets. The town hall responding by admitting that there had been a “slight delay” of a few days in arranging the contract for the lights. Meanwhile, many of the surrounding urbanisations will no doubt be forgotten once again, despite contributing to the municipal funds.
CLEAN PRINCESS
Infanta Cristina is set to be cleared of any criminal liability in a case in which she was accused of having profited from the alleged embezzlement of her husband, Iñaki Urdangarin. The reason for her to have a clear name lies in her handing over the equivalent in the proceeds of the alleged crime, 600,000 euro, which, according to her lawyer, will “extinguish her civil and criminal responsibility”.
POT LOT
Spainish airline Air Europa is to lease a Boeing 787-8 from LOT Polish Airlines on a yearly contract. The aircraft will fly between Madrid and New York, as well as Montevideo, from their spring schedule. Facing financial trouble, LOT had looked at aircraft leasing as a means to capitalise on surplus capacity. Finnair and Norwegian Long Haul had already taken advantage of a similar deal.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45925/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### NEW ART CLASS AT CASA LA PEDRERA

The New Year approaches, and if you are planning to make a resolution, why not take up a new and rewarding activity?
A new art class begins at Casa La Pedrera on Tuesday 6th January from 10.30-1.00pm and is for complete beginners as well as more experienced artists. Directions to Casa La Pedrera, can be found on www.thingstodoinspain.info 
Tutor, Suzanne Stokes said, ‘I cannot imagine a more perfect setting to relax and paint than the stunning house on the lake, and I'm so excited to be working there.  The venue, also known as The Grand Design House, having featured in the TV series, offers so many outdoor activities, and now Jenni Ray is planning art as well as other craft classes inside the house.
My classes are fun and friendly – and participants are often amazed at what they can achieve.  Beginners need not bring anything with them the first few weeks as all initial drawing equipment is supplied. 
Hobbies are good for you, and even if you are infirm, you may well be able to paint and draw, so why not come along and give it a try.'
Suzanne has been teaching recreational art  in the area for more than ten years, and you can find out more about this and other art groups on her website www.sue-stokes.co.uk, or by calling her on 680 961 025.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45923/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The New Year approaches, and if you are planning to make a resolution, why not take up a new and rewarding activity?
A new art class begins at Casa La Pedrera on Tuesday 6th January from 10.30-1.00pm and is for complete beginners as well as more exper...

### ‘CAROLS AT CHRISTMAS’ – PRESENTED BY THE UNITED ENGLISH-SPEAKING CHURCHES

On Wednesday 10th Dec, more than 300 people attended this event – held at TCF.
This year saw a completely new format. Actors from a number of different Churches made up the cast of the Nativity story in full costume – with each set of actors entering while appropriate carols were being sung.
Readers from the various Churches reminded us of the story of the First Christmas; and the programme was interspersed with singing items.
Cathy Carson (La Siesta) sang ‘Mary, did you know?'; the trio of Robert, John and Peter (ICA) sang ‘A Starry Night'; and Pastor Roy Davies (TCF) sang ‘This Little Child'.
The Phoenix Concert Band provided the music for the carols; and also played a medley of well-known Christmas songs during the programme.
We are grateful that everyone who took part did so without accepting any fee for their contribution. This meant that the entire collection could be given to this year's nominated Charity – AFA Torrevieja (Alzheimer's Association). Dª Matilde Sánchez Cervera received the €1,000 raised on behalf of AFA.
This was a great evening of celebration. Make a date in your diary to join us next year on the second Wednesday in December (9th).
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45921/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Wednesday 10th Dec, more than 300 people attended this event – held at TCF.
This year saw a completely new format. Actors from a number of different Churches made up the cast of the Nativity story in full costume – with each set of acto...

### CALL FOR PROSECUTION AFTER HORSE DRAGGED BY TRACTOR AND LEFT TO DIE

In the afternoon of Sunday (December 7) The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre received a call from a very distressed young woman, who saw the abandoned horse immediately took photographs as evidence, called police and  the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre to Villa Salada near Torrevieja
The horse was still alive at the time, but when the police local and  EHCRC volunteers arrived  the horse had had been moved out of sight. It is understood the horse was later put to sleep by a veterinarian under police supervision.
The young woman has since filed a police report with Seprona, Spain's animal welfare arm, alleging that the owner of the Villa Salada Equine Centre failed to provide adequate food, water or even basic care for the horse and then abandoned it in cruel conditions.
Villa Salada is a popular tourist attraction offering Spanish horses and flamenco fusion shows, plus riding lessons and livery facilities for horse owners.
The horse is understood to be named Chiquitín. Photos by former employees uploaded to a Facebook protest page show the horse in good condition as little as three years ago. The photos taken on Sunday have created a storm on social media, 
Rod Weeding co founder of the EHCRC who attended the call on Sunday commented “The police arrived very promptly and despite the fact that the horse had been moved out of sight they were determined to investigate further” The matter is now in their hands.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45920/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In the afternoon of Sunday (December 7) The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre received a call from a very distressed young woman, who saw the abandoned horse immediately took photographs as evidence, called police and  the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre to ...

### LADIES WHO LUNCH – CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION 2014

On Wednesday 3rd December 2014 sixty plus ladies together with some male friends and relations enjoyed a very pleasant Christmas lunch at Let's Eat in Benimar.
It started with a cava reception and concluded with delicious warm meringue minces pies to accompany the coffee!
Papa Noel alias Les made his annual visit to present all the ladies with a small gift which created some amusement and the need for some to swap!!
Our ladies are so extremely generous every month, no matter which charity we are supporting. This month's request was for a small raffle prize which supports general funds plus a wrapped gift for family members of families supported by Reach Out. The pictures illustrate their generosity.
The January lunch is being held at Paco's in Guardamar Campo, anybody who is interested in joining the group which meets normally on the first Wednesday of the month at different restaurants should contact either Janine Williams on 966261359 or Maddie Pinfold on 966078646Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45919/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Wednesday 3rd December 2014 sixty plus ladies together with some male friends and relations enjoyed a very pleasant Christmas lunch at Let's Eat in Benimar.
It started with a cava reception and concluded with delicious warm meringue minces pies to ...

### CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION IN SPECSAVERS OPTICAS GUARDAMAR COLLECTING TOYS FOR THE CRUZ ROJA

On Wednesday 17th December, Specsavers Opticas in Avda. País Valenciano 43-Bajo Guardamar is holding a special Christmas party in store from 10am to 8pm.
During the event shoppers can enjoy Christmas cake and refreshments, festive music and benefit from a 40% discount on purchases. 
This event is to help spread Christmas cheer and is also the last opportunity for people to drop off Christmas presents for the Cruz Roja's Christmas campaign. The aims of the campaign are to improve the quality of life for youngsters in families experiencing hardship, improve personal development and skills through play and ensure that no child is without a toy this Christmas. Toys must be new, non-violent, educational and suitable for both boys and girls under 18 years old.  
Specsavers' Christmas party, discount and charity collection are all part of their commitment to be a positive member of the Guardamar community and support the area. Francisco Jurado, Director Specsavers Guardamar and Torrevieja, has also recently joined 'Rotary Club Guardamar' and will be working hard to promote scholarships, fight against Polio and raise money for vaccines. They were recently honoured with the Dama de Guardamar award from the Town Hall to recognise their important role within the community and thank them for supporting and sponsoring cultural and Christmas events in Guardamar and helping residents enjoy wonderful events and outstanding optical care. 
Felipe Aldeguer, Guardamar Events Councillor presented Specsavers' Director with the award and commented; “We thank Specsavers for all their support, year after year with the events and festivals in Guardamar and are delighted to be able to present them with this award.”
Francisco Jurado added, “We are very proud to be given this award and hope that people will come to celebrate with us on 17th December, bring toys for the Cruz Roja, get into the Christmas spirit and take advantage of our 40% discount.”
Specsavers Guardamar is located in Avda. País Valenciano 43-Bajo, Guardamar del Segura, 03140 and open from 10.00-15.00, 16.00-20.00, call 965 083 273 to make an appointment or find out more Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45916/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Wednesday 17th December, Specsavers Opticas in Avda. País Valenciano 43-Bajo Guardamar is holding a special Christmas party in store from 10am to 8pm.
During the event shoppers can enjoy Christmas cake and refreshments, festive music and ben...

### CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR TORREVIEJA’S SWIMMERS

Young Torrevieja swimmers gave themselves early Christmas cheer this weekend when all members of the team had good swims and new personal bests in all their races.  
The competition, on Saturday, at the Municipal Pool in Petrer, was the last timed control of 2014. Eight of “Club Natacion Torrevieja's” younger swimmers raced against 7 other clubs  and 220 other swimmers in the region in a range of Butterfly, Breastroke and freestyle events.
In the 100m Butterfly races Vilja Therese Bilstad, Vicky Pigneur and Amy Connolly all had good swims.For Vija it was her first Butterfly event and for Vicky and Amy their swims knocked a second off their previous best times. The girls then all went onto the 16 length race, the 400m Freestyle.
Another first event for Vilja and very good swims for Vicky and Amy both winning new best times knocking 18 and 12 seconds off previous times. The boys also continued with this winning theme in the 50m and 100m Breaststroke races. The youngest member of the team, Sergio Martin Moreda swam 50m Breaststroke for the first time as did colleagues Patrick Met and Nicholas Zon Acuna in their 100m Breastroke races. Finally Vitalio Veres improved upon his previous best 100m Breastroke time by 8 seconds. Well done all.
Racing will begin again on the 17th January 2015, meanwhile the club continues to train throughout the festive period. 
For more information regarding Torrevieja Swimming Club please contact Rosa 665 454 126, President Felipe on 609 418 776 or Vicki 669 637 015 or by email on info@clubnataciontorrevieja.com .Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45915/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Young Torrevieja swimmers gave themselves early Christmas cheer this weekend when all members of the team had good swims and new personal bests in all their races.  
The competition, on Saturday, at the Municipal Pool in Petrer, was the last timed con...

### FARCICAL CONDITIONS TURN LOCAL DERBY INTO LOTTERY

Crevillente 1 CD Torrevieja 1
Going into this game the focus was on the play off zone as a mid table Torry side visited 7th  place Crevillente. The home side, just one point below 4th, was looking for its first victory in six games while for the visitors, with just one win in six,  three points would see them climbing several places, lifting them to within touching distance of the play offs approaching the much needed Christmas break.
What we didn't consider though were the atrocious conditions that this game would be played in. As we travelled up the AP7 from Torrevieja we all thought that we had escaped the worst of the afternoon's torrential downpour but unfortunately it followed us up the motorway firmly establishing itself over the top of the Estadio Municipal Enrique Miralles where a large, dark rain-filled cloud camped itself for the majority of this match.
Fortunately the surface was artificial. Had it been any other the game most certainly would not have been played but match referee Jonatan Bernabeu Peña and his team thought better and it got underway on time despite a multitude of puddles lying all over the playing area. In places it resembled a ‘paddy field' rather than a football pitch.
With the game less than 5 minutes old the first real chance fell to the home side and it required a top class save as Oscar in the Torry goal turned Pilar's effort around the post to deny the best possible start for Crevillente. 
From the outset the game was a farce with the conditions ruining any attempts by the teams to play any decent football. The ball was continually sticking in the puddles, particularly in the Crevillente half where most of them seemed to be established, and as the game went on the rain just got worse.
But when Torry took an 11th minute lead from a screamer of a Rafa Gomez free kick we all hoped that the rain would go away. 
Five minutes later we were wishing it back as Cristian Navarro rose above the Torry defence to meet Edu's free kick and level the scores, another example of the Torry back 4 being undone at a set piece. 
With the conditions continuing to get worse Borja had a late opportunity for the visitors with Jesus going close just prior to the interval for Crevillente.
We all thought the game would be abandoned during the interval so we were rather surprised to see the players, resplendent in their clean strips, return to the Crevillente swamp to get the 2nd period underway. There seemed little doubt however that as the deluge continued the referee would eventually see sense and call a halt…and such was the case on 63 minutes when Bernabeu Peña made the only sensible decision he could as he determined that enough was enough.  So both teams trooped in with the score at 1-1 knowing that they would have to meet up once again at a later date to play out the remaining 27 minutes.
Next Sunday Torry are at home to La Nucia with a 5pm ko n the Nelson Mandela Stadium
Torry lineup:
Oscar, Vicente, Eddy, Alexis, Ruben, Sergi, Borja, Burguillos, Cesar, Rafa, Cristian. Subs: Carrasco, Marcos, Adrian, Steve, Ferran. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45912/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Crevillente 1 CD Torrevieja 1
Going into this game the focus was on the play off zone as a mid table Torry side visited 7th  place Crevillente. The home side, just one point below 4th, was looking for its first victory in six games while for the visit...

### CORVERA - CHECK

Over a two day period last week, the final calibration tests took place at the new Murcia Regional Airport of Corvera this week, thus completing the final technical hurdle to allow the airport to open.
These checks are the same as those conducted by a specialist aircraft from the airport authority AENA, which took place in April and September, 2012, to establish the suitability of the air corridor required for aircraft operations, in a plan established by the technical committee composed of the Ministries of Defence and Development.
The next stage in the process is scheduled for Monday the 15th of December, in which the state aviation authority, AESA, although certification would require consistency in the naming of the airport operator.
Advocates of keeping San Javier open to passenger traffic have also been to Brussels this week, to try to enforce a further delay in the transfer of operations.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45910/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Over a two day period last week, the final calibration tests took place at the new Murcia Regional Airport of Corvera this week, thus completing the final technical hurdle to allow the airport to open.
These checks are the same as those conducted by a...

### COASTAL TRAIN PLANS REVISITED

The Spanish government may revive the proposed “Tren de la Costa” investment program that would see the rail network expanded through parts of the Costa Blanca.
The Ministry of Infrastructure has submitted plans for a feasibility study to the Ministry of Development that would investigate the plans after they were shelved due to the economic crisis. The cost for the Valencia to Alicante network has also been reduced to just 955 million euro, after the first planned budget of just over a billion euro rose to 1.3 billion when formally introduced in 2007.
The plan has been split into four key stages, the most exciting perhaps being stage 3, which would include a rail connection to Alicante-Elche airport in the town of El Altet, covering the provincial capital of Alicante, and continuing north to Benidorm.
Parts of the tram network would be modernised in the north of the Alicante province, and some of the proposed routes would be developed along single line sections, with enough space for them to be developed into two-line sections in the future.
Stage 1 covers Gandia to Oliva, a 10.19 kilometres single line section of track, with trains capable of travelling at between 100 and 140 kilometres per hour, with new stations at Gandia Hospital, Bellreguard and, provisionally, Oliva.
Stage 2 is from Oliva to Dénia, including the excavation of the routes in Oliva, and a 23.91 kilometre single line section, speeds the same as in stage 1, with new stations built at Oliva, El Verger, Ondara and an intermodal station in Dénia.
Stage 3 is the El Altet to Benidorm route, via Alicante, which is also the most expensive, swallowing up over a third of the total budget, at a cost of almost 370 million euro. The plan is for 50.13 kilometres of high speed, single line track, running through a 1.86 kilometre tunnel, and an additional station at El Campello . 
The final stage, Stage 4, would see the improvement to the TRAM network between Dénia and Benidorm, including the electrification of Linea 9, converting the track to a European standard gauge, and improving the includes along the route, with maximum running speeds of 84.4 kilometres per hour.
Although the plans are exciting for many who might wish to travel high speed to Benidorm or the airport, there will be considerable disruption to the land and the environment in order to complete the network, and as they have already been in consideration for many years, whilst facing numerous knockbacks, whether the train network is realised remains to be seen, but the fact that the plans are being reconsidered is seen as a positive move by many, showing not only a stability in the country, but a commitment to a new area of the Costa Blanca.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45909/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Spanish government may revive the proposed “Tren de la Costa” investment program that would see the rail network expanded through parts of the Costa Blanca.
The Ministry of Infrastructure has submitted plans for a feasibility study to ...

### TOLL RATES FROZEN

There was a little bit of good news for motorway drivers this week, as the Spanish government announced that motorway tolls will not increase in 2015, the first time they have not done so in 5 years.
In fact, 2015 will be the first year since 2010 that prices have been froze, since the network operators agreed a formula for updating tariffs annually, which was agreed in 2002.
The formula is based on a number of different factors, including a link to inflation, but the rise in 2014 was also seen as one of the lowest, increasing just 1.85%.
In addition, the government is now also working with the concessionaires who operate the 2.550 kilometres of the motorway system, with a view to offering discounted rates during off-peak times. The Ministry continues to work on the creation of new public highway company with which they hope to rescue the eight route operators currently in bankruptcy or at bankruptcy risk.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45908/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: There was a little bit of good news for motorway drivers this week, as the Spanish government announced that motorway tolls will not increase in 2015, the first time they have not done so in 5 years.
In fact, 2015 will be the first year since 2010 tha...

### SPANISH NURSES HUNTED BY THE NHS

Spanish nurses are being hunted down in the workplace, as a zealous recruitment drive in the UK as seeing them targeted with offers for work in the UK NHS.
The Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed that a trip by three members of the hospital to Madrid last month has resulted in five new nurses being recruited for the Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and Calderdale Royal Hospital.
The reason for the Spanish recruitment campaign is said to be due to a struggle to fill nursing positions locally, and so a Human Resources Manager, accompanied by two nurse recruiters, jetted off to Spain, where they interviewed just 8 candidates, offering 5 of them a new job in the New Year.
With the offer of a relocation package that includes on-site accommodation, rotational experience around the hospital and in community and a training programme, as well as an attractive salary, it seems like the loss to the Spanish healthcare system is nothing but a gain to the NHS.
Earlier this year, the CHFT admitted that it needed around 70 full time nurses to meet the minimum staffing requirement at their hospitals, with staffing level figures revealing shortages in more than half the wards at the hospitals, with countless shifts in October seeing too few nurses available to cover the shifts determined by NHS guidelines.
The Trust has said that they hope to try to recruit more nurses locally, and have not ruled out another head-hunting trip to Spain soon. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45907/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spanish nurses are being hunted down in the workplace, as a zealous recruitment drive in the UK as seeing them targeted with offers for work in the UK NHS.
The Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed that a trip by three members...

### PILOT ACQUITTED IN SUITCASE CASE

A court in Elche has acquitted a pilot who was accused of stealing a loaded suitcase near to Alicante-Elche airport in 2013.
In October of 2013, a Dutch couple who had rented a car at the airport were stopped by another vehicle blocking their path. A man from that vehicle opened the boot of their car and pulled out a suitcase, then fleeing in the vehicle used as a block. The couple said that the suitcase contained an Apple computer, several expensive camera lenses and a wallet containing 4,000 euro.
Minutes after the report of the theft, the police received a report of two men in a car in the nearby town of Torrellano, who were “manipulating a computer” and “acting suspiciously”.
The police attended the scene and found the vehicle to be empty, but discovered the registered owner and proceeded to arrest him on suspicion of the theft. The Dutch woman who had suffered the theft of the suitcase identified the arrested man as the perpetrator.
Giving a statement to the arresting officers, the suspect, now identified as a pilot from Murcia who has the initials I.S.I., told the police that he had rented a house in Torrellano, given the numerous trips he makes to the airport with his job. He also said that he did not remember if he was in the town at the time of the incident.
He also explained to officers that due to a poor internet connection inside his home, he frequently went to his car with his computer in order to get a better Wi-Fi signal, but when he did this, he was always alone.
In various letters to the court, the defence counsel showed how the pilot had exhausted his data connection during the days in question, and has asked the phone company for geolocation data. They also provided evidence that he spent most of the time at home preparing for an exam. 
The court therefore ruled on the “sound and plausible events alleged by the defence of the accused”, and thus decreed free dismissal thereof, on the understanding that the facts have not been accredited.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45906/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A court in Elche has acquitted a pilot who was accused of stealing a loaded suitcase near to Alicante-Elche airport in 2013.
In October of 2013, a Dutch couple who had rented a car at the airport were stopped by another vehicle blocking their path. A ...

### SOLAR POWER COMING TO ELCHE

Elche will provide the home to Spain´s latest photovoltaic solar power plant. 
The 250 megawatt generating power house, more than double the original 100 megawatt planned plant, will be constructed in spring at Finca de la Marquesa, on the Elche to El Altet road. 
The 250,000 solar panels will cover a land area of 100 hectares and the plant will provide power to about 20,000 families, expected to be distributed through the local area. As part of the ongoing commitment to renewable energies, the creation of the site will prevent 30,000 tons of CO2 being emitted into the atmosphere.
The 250 million euro investment for the scheme will be provided by the private sector, with “various” foreign funds involved in the scheme, including investment from China.
The five-phase construction is expected to be completed by 2020. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45905/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Elche will provide the home to Spain´s latest photovoltaic solar power plant. 
The 250 megawatt generating power house, more than double the original 100 megawatt planned plant, will be constructed in spring at Finca de la Marquesa, on the Elche...

### SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY SMALL BUSINESS

Considered a British institution, the appeal of the “pub” has seen a considerable decline across the UK for some time. In fact, it is claimed that in the UK, since the dawn of the millennium, around a thousand pubs have closed down each year, many of the centrepieces of social life now standing as a decaying symbol of the communities that once thrived.
In fact, on ITV on Thursday of this week, Jonathan Maitland investigates the “danger” of losing your local. Reporting how Britain's pubs support nearly a million jobs, inject an average of 80,000 pounds into their local economy each year and are still considered cornerstones of the community.
However, with the figure now standing at an estimated 30 pub closures nationwide each week, this national tradition seems to be under threat, thus asking the question, “Can the great British boozer bounce back?”
As many a UK resident expatriated to Spain in search for a better life, so many of our institutions and businesses followed, with British shops selling everything from furniture to fashion, service and trades people offering their skills to growing communities over here, newspaper and radio stations of course, and a selection of bars and restaurants acting as social hubs for our new found groups of friends, colleagues and associates.
Now, it seems that same decay is setting in here, caused by a number of factors. A visit to any known centre point of social life shows how dramatic and risky the business of operating a bar or restaurant can be, apparent due to the number of bars closing down.
Throughout the summer, one of the issues affecting some bars was the risk of fines for emitting live music. Although the licensing requirements played a big part, with some of the affected businesses not having the appropriate permits for live performances. That didn´t detract from the fact that many of the clientele of the bars demanded live entertainment, and so with many customers feeling let down, it could be arguable that many of them might no longer subscribe to a quieter form of pub life.
Some think that the smoking ban has been the downfall of the local bar, but statistics prove otherwise in Spain, with most of the previous bar-based smokers opting to give up smoking, rather than the bar, others still continuing by going outside. In fact, there are still many Spanish bars which are packed to the rafters as frequently as before, with a smoke-free zone inside, and those who chose to partake crowding around small gardens or doorways. 
An official report published in May said that consumers in Spain spend more than 7 billion euro on tobacco products and more than 3 billion euro on alcohol each year, and despite the country-wide smoking ban in certain areas, Spain is still in the top 5 countries of smokers, with cigarette consumption actually increasing, as each smoker now uses 2,462 cigarettes (or equivalent) per year, whereas the average spent on alcohol was 684 euro per person, an increase of 1.30%, showing how both have increased.
The financial situation has of course left many with less disposable income, perhaps more choosing to buy alcohol at hugely discounted rates in supermarkets for home consumption, rather than the seemingly inflated price at a bar, where the expenses of providing the service are seldom considered.
There are not as many ex-pats here to visit the numerous bars on offer of course. Based on the closing data for last year´s census, the registered population of Spain decreased by 404,619 people in 2013, now standing at 46.7 million people, a loss of almost 3 million people in 10 years.
Of the immigrant population, the Institute of National Statistics revealed that, with the exception of the Chinese, all foreign national groups are decreasing, the biggest fall being within the British population, with 87,000 registered Brits having left last year.
The Valencia region was hardest hit by the decline, with 118,000 foreigners having left, some 29% of the entire expatriate total.
Of course we shall have to wait and see how the population figure is presented at the end of this year, but we already know that foreigners are returning, as we reported in August, when Orihuela´s Councillor for International Residents, Martina Scheurer, explained how, despite Orihuela losing residents from the official figures at the end of 2013, the numbers which will be presented to the National Statistics Institute for this year had already surpassed the loss, with the official number of residents in the coastal zone standing at 35,599, more than before the clean up was carried out.
Of that figure, 18,177, more than half, are British citizens, although there are a total of 71 nationalities represented. Within the Spanish population, around 3,000 people were wiped off the census, but 4,504 new people have registered as being residents.
We have to wait to see how the figures for Torrevieja are presented, as they were at risk of having to wipe even more off their census, under the threat that the size of the reduction could also mean a downgrade in the status of the municipality.
Despite all of these facts, figures, questions and suggestions, one thing still remains clear. Bars and restaurants are continuing to close their doors at an alarming rate. If the question is simply, “Can the great British boozer in Spain bounce back?” then the answer is “yes”, but their future lies in our hands. 
Picking just one of the many expat pockets in the area, there was a time, not too long ago, when, in Cabo Roig, good pubs and bars, fine cuisine and restaurants were aplenty, as were customers, who flocked to the area in droves to enjoy an afternoon or an evening out.
Even during December and January the ‘strip' was well supported with only the occasional establishment closing during the winter months, mostly through choice.  But even those would reopen after Christmas, usually in time for the much lauded ‘St Patrick's day' celebrations held in mid February. 
Now though, as the economic conditions remain ‘fragile' the situation has been turned on its head with more bars closed for the winter than remain open, many of which will continue to be so until a new owner or proprietor can be found. Even those ‘long established concerns ' many thought to have ‘rock solid customer bases' are struggling, only managing to survive by virtue of cut price offers or by reducing their staff numbers or trading days.  
Indeed of the 58 bars and restaurants listed on the local website caboroigspain.eu, which was last updated in November 2013, only 19 remain open, although a small number of others have already changed hands. And the situation is much the same in similar urbanizations throughout the region.
So the message is quite simple, if we don´t use our local facilities, amenities, businesses, bars and restaurants, we are each responsible for their demise.
Sure it might be more convenient to head off to one of the larger multi-use centres where we can do our shopping, have a bite to eat, a few drinks and enjoy the entertainment laid on, all in one hit, but all the while that we continue to use these commercial Goliaths, the heartbeat of our local communities is fading away, some quite possibly beyond resuscitation.
This Christmas and New Year we should all beat the drum for our local community tradesfolk,....Start using your local bars, businesses and restaurants before it is too late.  Here on the Costa Blanca they are the heartbeat of the expatriate community.  Do your bit NOW  to “support your local”, and its revival will not be too far away. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45904/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Considered a British institution, the appeal of the “pub” has seen a considerable decline across the UK for some time. In fact, it is claimed that in the UK, since the dawn of the millennium, around a thousand pubs have closed down each yea...

### ORIHUELA COSTA IMPROVEMENTS - REVIEWING THE STORY SO FAR

As we reach the end of yet another year, I thought it might be a good time to look back at some of the things we have achieved for the Orihuela Costa during my time as Councillor for the Coast.
There is still a long way to go and much to be done, and of course it is not only frustrating being in a minority government, but as a serving member of the Los Verdes green party of Orihuela, I am also part of a minority group within the minority, which can make things a little harder to achieve. Harder, but not impossible.
We have managed to make numerous improvements already and with a number of major projects all ready to start in the New Year, once the finances have been cleared, you will see many more improvements too.
For now, on behalf of myself and the government team of Orihuela, I would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and send you good wishes for a peaceful New Year.
Martina Scheurer,
Councillor for the Oriihuela Costa and International Residents.
 ACTIONS TAKEN ON SINCE FEBRUARY 2013 Orihuela Costa 
Lifeguards and Beach Accessibility
As of today we have 4 accessible beaches which during the summer months are equipped with amphibious chairs, platform, and shaded area. The beach at La Zenia also has showers for the disabled citizens. Per today the offer of accessible facilities on the beaches of Orihuela is better than ever and will improve next year again.
The Initiative of the MINISTRY OF STREETS to close 2 of the accesses to the roundabout in La Zenia: 
At the present moment the preliminary draft for the two bus stops – forgotten by the previous Government when the N332 was enlarged, and also ignored by the previous 2 councillors – has been approved. The final project is approved by the Ministry (Deputation) to receive a grand.
What else should be said about this matter? The result shows that the different meetings held between myself, Antonio Zapata, our technicians and the responsible at the Ministry were successful.
Any additional output from the N332 in the area between Punta Prima and La Zenia to divert traffic has been denied by the Ministry. They made clear that in no case additional outputs in this section would be authorized. Mr. Mancebo is very aware of this fact, as well as he is aware that no traffic light at the height of Cala Mosca would be allowed, but it seems to produce good headline in the press to keep asking for it. 
Improvements to the Public Building: 
In the Town Hall there have been some organizational changes that significantly improve citizen services. 
It was in March last year that the office of the National Police re-opened, closed for some time before. 
The “Padrón” has its own office that ensures more privacy of data processed by citizens attending. This office now has also a tickets dispenser. 
The Office for International Residents is attended by an administrative employee with knowledge of English. Previously this office was only attended by the “assessor” (the personal assistant of the Councillor) and therefore very often completely closed. 
The tourist office has a separate entrance and the location is shared with International Resident Care to have more flexibility to cover holidays and illness of staff.
The Registry is now staffed by two employees to ensure proper functioning with the new technology, to cover holidays etc. 
The Water Office has installed upon my request a ticket dispenser, plus an informative display. 
Necessary repairs needed since years such as waterproofing the roof and repair the air conditioning in the hall broken since 2012 and budgeted since 2012 were carried out.
Accessibility of emergency exit and surrounding crossings have been carried out.
INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS 
The fact that I had in my budget different allocations for infrastructure work on the Coast from previous years but never carried out, leaves me with the suspicion that on the one hand those items were approved at different plenary meetings of the previous local government of the PP but that there was no real intention to carry them out. The same way as I gave order to carry these works out, the previous councillor for Infrastructure, Mr Mancebo, could have done as well. 
As can be: 
The pedestrian bridge in La Regia: 
Previously approved and scheduled for execution in 2012, but not done. 
La Zenia pedestrian bridge and Las Piscinas pedestrian bridge: 
Offered as improvement by Marcos y Bañuls, but nobody took the necessary steps to carry them out.
New paving of the promenade in Punta Prima: 
Executed with the remaining of the amount set up for improvements by Marcos y Bañuls. There was no other project prior to my arrival in February 2013 relating to allocate this money. 
The external audits for the Blue Flags and “Q” Quality complained for years about the state of deterioration of this promenade. 
Aguamarina: 
Repair tree pits and repair sidewalks broken by palm trees on the two main streets of Aguamarina. It was an amount approved in 2010 but never implemented. The damage created meanwhile by the roots of the palm trees was far higher and the amount increased to 32.000.-€.
New Children's Park Las Filipinas
Installing a playground and biosaludable equipment in the area of Las Filipinas with arrangement of green area around. This also was established and approved in 2010 and even had a contract AWARDED. Why has it not been carried out previously? Nobody knows.
Roundabout Campoamor N332 and La Regia: 
Another contract budgeted and awarded without being executed. Twice the permits from the Ministry of Streets expired with the previous councillor. At my arrival the Ministry of Streets forced us to present the complete project from zero again to obtain a new permit. Since the summer those 2 roundabouts do have a decent look.
Repair and improvement on different playgrounds, such as in the urbanisations of Las Piscinas, La Ciñuelica, La Florida 
Handrails: 
Following requests from residents, many missing handrails on accesses to different beaches have been replaced and additional railings have been installed, such as in
La Zenia, Cala Cerreda, Calle Mistral, Paseo Maritimo Playa Flamenca, Cabo Roig and more sites.
In Cabo Roig, all border walls are repaired and 700 meters of handrails have been installed. 
Avenida de La Playa in La Zenia.: 
The foot paths, lighting etc. have been completely redone. The sidewalks are now wide enough for the passage of wheelchairs, the lighting consists of latest LED technology. 
Accessibility: 
I started  a very much needed accessibility work in the coastal zone. In spite of the respective laws in force since 1998, accessibility in Orihuela Costa was nearly un-existent, and obviously was not looked into very deeply when it came to surrender the different building sites to the town hall. Since February 2013 over 40 zebra crossings have been adapted for people with disabilities in the following developments: 
Campoamor, Cabo Roig, La Regia, La Zenia, La Zenia II, Pau 2, C. Diamante, Villamartin, Pau 3, .Los Pinos 
New zebra crossing have been installed in several sites to increase pedestrian safety, such as near the Commercial Center Zenia Boulevard.
Additional stretch of promenade in Cala Capitan: 
There has been a construction of the section of boardwalk that was missing in Cala Capitan. Where before there was only a sandy path has been built the missing junction to the existing Paseo. 
A very popular Promenade and very well seen by the Auditors of the beaches for the certificates of Blue Flags and Quality-Q.
Path with railing between Aquamarina and Calas de Campoamor: 
The Aguamarina Promenade (near the Thursday market) was bounded by a low wall that pedestrians exceeded to use a narrow and dangerous path. Now there are stairs in proper conditions and matching the surrounding frequented by the many visitors to this area. 
Sidewalks: 
Pavement sections which were missing have been build in different areas, including: 
behind the school / college in Playa Flamenca; in the two tunnels under the N332 up to Playa Flamenca; on the corner of La Regia where also the tree growing right on the sidewalk has been transplanted in the green area; between the commercial centers Los Dolses and La Rioja, where there was no sidewalk and all pedestrians had to walk on the street.
Reform and accessibility of a 60 m. stretch of sidewalk was made in Villamartin 
In all these cases the new foot paths are wide enough for wheelchairs. 
Parks and sports facilities: 
Fenced area for small dogs with agility obstacles in La Florida on Calle Pluton. 
Installation of three tennis tables, one in a park in La Florida, one in a park in Campoamor and in the urbanization Horizonte.
We proceeded to the replacement of basketball equipment in different parks, the soccer goals have been replaced or repaired and repainted. 
 Multiple additional repairs not covered by existing maintenance contracts in Orihuela Costa have been carried out, such as: 
Sinking in Calle Papaya, railing and planting in Calle Paraná and many others.
Parks and gardens: 
Landscaping of the slopes in Barranco Rubio 
Adequacy of irrigation in Campoamor Tarraga Park 
Additional landscaping of Villa Piedra 
Landscaping, painting and arrangement in La Regia next to the tunnel to N332.
 50 rear cargo containers were purchased, as well as 11 side-loading paper and cardboard recycling containers and 2 side-loading containers for plastic recycling. 
This money has come out of the budget of the Department of Costa responding to the demands and needs of the residents, replacements for breakage or vandalism. 
Biosaludables machines and games: 
On the beaches of La Cala Capitan and La Glea the biosaludables machines were replaced. 
The beaches of Mil Palmeras, Barranco Rubio, La Glea, Cala Capitan and Playa Flamenca received new and rehabilitated playgrounds. 
Conservatory of Flowers 
A greenhouse was created to always have available potting flowers and plants. Those have already being used successfully along the Promenade of La Zenia, Cala Cerrada and Aguamarina.
Urban and sports furniture: 
We bought street furniture, benches, bicycle parking, pylons etc. amounting to 12,000 as well as 3 ping-pong tables, various goals, basketball nets etc. amounting to 8,000. 
Landslides in Cala Capitan. 
Since I have assumed the responsibility of the Coastal Department I have exchanged several letters with the Ministry of Costas to clarify responsibilities for landslides in Cala Capitan, the necessary authorizations to act etc. The action proposal about a stabilization system has recently been sent to the Ministry and has been agreed by them. The project is being carried out at the present moment and the work will be done within the next few months, including the repair of the walk way.
International Residents: 
For the first time International Resident Care has an administrative officer available during opening hours of the Town Hall. In the past this office was staffed only by the Adviser and closed when the advisor was not available. 
We have established a current Mailing List, which contains almost 300 email addresses of administrators, presidents, associations and private citizens, registered under the email of residentes@orihuela.es, and not, as it was in the past, under the particular email address of an advisor. This means that any change in the Government, this email list will not disappear.
Press releases, information on cultural, sports events etc., any act done by the town hall or by associations, groups etc. are passed onto everybody.
Through this email about 20 requests a ay are answered in different languages. 
Reading Point / Library: 
The municipal building on Calle Cypres is partially used as Library run only by volunteers. The Department of Costa has proceeded to the purchase of shelves, tables and chairs needed. As of today reading this small library has nearly 150 registered members and more than 10,000 books and equipment that helps people with limited visual ability. Audio books on CD are also available in English language. It is thanks to the coordination by my personal assistant Heike Schug and the work of volunteers that this service can be offered to the citizens of the Coast. 
Sharing commitment 
The budgetary commitment to allocate 40% of the money from the sale of municipal land on the coast investments in this area has not changed at all. 
Emergency Center: 
This work is paralyzed for more than three years, because of failure of the contractor. The Consellería of Valencia is in charge of the contract and responsible for the work.
WIFI in Orihuela Costa 
This very ambitious project was not completed by the former councillor of the PP, David Costa, since the whole project depends on having electricity on Mount Hurchillo where the transmission equipment that would allow to link the districts and the Coast with the centre of Orihuela is positioned. 
To this day this transmitter remains without electricity as it was not possible to find a legal and authorized form to have it.
These are some of the many things that were did since February 2013 in Orihuela Costa, prioritizing multiple requests and needs from citizens.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45903/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As we reach the end of yet another year, I thought it might be a good time to look back at some of the things we have achieved for the Orihuela Costa during my time as Councillor for the Coast.
There is still a long way to go and much to be done, and ...

### TORREVIEJA  CHRISTMAS UNDERWAY WITH CAROLS IN THE SQUARE

Once again the Annual Celebration of Carols in the Square brought plenty of color and Christmas cheer to Torrevieja's Plaza de la Constitución on Friday evening.
Directed by Julie Schofield, the Phoenix Band, composed mainly of retired expatriates, were ‘note perfect' as they led over five hundred participants from across the region, many dressed in traditional Santa hats, through a dozen of the season's most popular festive hymns. 
The XII Edition of this unique concert, was held, as in previous years, on the front steps of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, and was attended by the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, together with councilors Joaquín Albaladejo, Rosario Martinez and Luis María Pizana.
They were accompanied by a choir composed of more than a hundred choristers made up of many different nationalities. This year also saw, for the very first time, the participation of the Torrevieja Municipal School Choir, under the direction of Selena Cansino.
On completion of the concert many of the audience moved inside the church where they celebrated the Novena in honor of the Immaculate Conception, which was attended by several priests from a variety of nationalities and religious orders.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45902/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Once again the Annual Celebration of Carols in the Square brought plenty of color and Christmas cheer to Torrevieja's Plaza de la Constitución on Friday evening.
Directed by Julie Schofield, the Phoenix Band, composed mainly of retired expatria...

### GLIMMER OF HOPE FOR ORIHUELA COSTA AUDITORIUM

The councillor for the coast of Orihuela, Martina Scheurer, has reached out to a possible solution to the construction of an auditorium on the Orihuela Costa, through the application for funding from Europe.
The councillor has this week discovered that the Economic and Financial Affairs Council, more commonly known as ECOFIN, are looking for projects which require funding in excess of one million euro which will be of socio and community benefit.
As one of the oldest configurations of the Council of the European Union, composed of the economics and finance ministers of the 28 European Union member states, as well as Budget Ministers, the chance of funding being granted is quite slim, on account of the number of applications they are likely to receive.
As the deadline for applications was extended by a week, Scheurer has submitted a request for funding for not only the construction of a new auditorium, but also for furnishing and equipping the centre. At the same time, the councillor has also submitted numerous other proposals, in the hope that the Orihuela Costa may benefit in some way.
Of course with neighbouring Torrevieja already having an auditorium which stands mostly unused, just 10 kilometres away, that might go against the Orihuela Costa plan, and although it may well be a slim chance that the approval will be granted, it is at least some chance that the auditorium might be built at not at the expense of the tax payer, a chance which has never previously been explored.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45900/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The councillor for the coast of Orihuela, Martina Scheurer, has reached out to a possible solution to the construction of an auditorium on the Orihuela Costa, through the application for funding from Europe.
The councillor has this week discovered tha...

### HOSPITAL DONATES EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT

The University Hospital of Torrevieja has donated equipment and Advanced Life Support apparatus to USAR-13 DYA, a group which provides assistance to the emergency services in the earthquakes, attention to natural disasters, etc.
USE-13 DYA is an independent, private, non-profit making humanitarian organization, whose mission is not only to perform work search and rescue but also in generating social programs and projects that help improve the quality of life to the most vulnerable members of our society.  
They also train and provide search and rescue dogs which are often central to their work in such emergencies and projects.
These teams never work independently but always with public rescue organisations, firefighters, emergency services, acting in unison when they are required to do so.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45899/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The University Hospital of Torrevieja has donated equipment and Advanced Life Support apparatus to USAR-13 DYA, a group which provides assistance to the emergency services in the earthquakes, attention to natural disasters, etc.
USE-13 DYA is an indep...

### TWO CANDIDATES FOR LEADERSHIP OF ORIHUELA PODEMOS

Lawyer and social activist Julio Vicente Mateo and María Concepción Bernal have both opened their campaigns for the leadership of the Orihuela Branch of the new political party Podemos that is currently gaining in popularity across the country. 
They say that they both want "a new way of doing politics" through citizen participation. The winner will be known on January 2
The pair has until Christmas Day to enlist the support of local party members with voting taking place between 26-30 December.
The results will be announced two days later, on January 2.
Julio Vicente Mateo, who is the clear favourite to win, has announced the names of the team of people assisting with his campaign among which are a nurse, a businessman, a retiree, a professional musician and an autonomous worker. The campaign slogan is 'Seguro que Podemos'(Sure we can). 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45898/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Lawyer and social activist Julio Vicente Mateo and María Concepción Bernal have both opened their campaigns for the leadership of the Orihuela Branch of the new political party Podemos that is currently gaining in popularity across the country. 
They say that they both want "a new way of doing politics" through citizen participation. The winner will be known on January 2
The pair has until Christmas Day to enlist the support of local party members with voting taking place between 26-30 December.
The results will be announced two days later, on January 2.
Julio Vicente Mateo, who is the clear favourite to win, has announced the names of the team of people assisting with his campaign among which are a nurse, a businessman, a retiree, a professional musician and an autonomous worker. The campaign slogan is 'Seguro que Podemos'(Sure we can). 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45898/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### TORREVIEJA HOSPITAL REMOVE KIDNEY THROUGH VAGINA

A team made up of Urology and Gynecology specialists from the University Hospital of Torrevieja  carried out the removal of the left kidney from a 55 year old woman through her vagina last week leaving no visible signs or external scars.
This is a new technique, a landmark of modern surgery, which takes advantage of natural orifices to prevent scarring. The technique also improves the process of postoperative recovery, according to a statement from the hospital.
The removal of the was performed without and incisions in the abdomen that would usually be necessary in a laparoscopia- extraction, but "it was said to be quite a complicated procedure, particularly as the patient was nulliparous, having never given birth with a particularly narrow vagina, He said the collaboration of Gynaecology "as optional sources.
However, through this technique, the patient "suffers less pain, caused by the incision, which reduces the possibility of complications in the abdominal wall (hemorrhage, infection, evisceration and postoperative hernia)".
This technique, in which Spain is a world leader, first came into use in 2007 and is based on the use of body orifices to enter into or to remove organs.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45897/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A team made up of Urology and Gynecology specialists from the University Hospital of Torrevieja  carried out the removal of the left kidney from a 55 year old woman through her vagina last week leaving no visible signs or external scars.
This is a new technique, a landmark of modern surgery, which takes advantage of natural orifices to prevent scarring. The technique also improves the process of postoperative recovery, according to a statement from the hospital.
The removal of the was performed without and incisions in the abdomen that would usually be necessary in a laparoscopia- extraction, but "it was said to be quite a complicated procedure, particularly as the patient was nulliparous, having never given birth with a particularly narrow vagina, He said the collaboration of Gynaecology "as optional sources.
However, through this technique, the patient "suffers less pain, caused by the incision, which reduces the possibility of complications in the abdominal wall (hemorrhage, infection, evisceration and postoperative hernia)".
This technique, in which Spain is a world leader, first came into use in 2007 and is based on the use of body orifices to enter into or to remove organs.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45897/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### LORENTE CALLED TO COURT IN CORRUPTION CASE

Former mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente of the Partido Popular, will appear in court on the 13th of February, to give evidence in the a case in which the prosecution accuses her of a crime of influence peddling.
The trial is in connection with the award for municipal waste management, in which Lorente acted as an “intermediary” between the former President of the Alicante provincial government, José Joaquin Ripoll, and Orihuela businessman, Ángel Fenoll, himself found guilty of corruption, and in this case Lorente acted “in the interests of economic favour” of Fenoll, according to the prosecution.
The case is built around the location of a waste management plant and the subsequent relocation which coincided with land previously purchased by Fenoll.
The judge considered that the reports filed by the police and the prosecutor reveal sufficient evidence of the participation by Mónica Lorente in the events under investigation either “directly or collaterally”, and so she is called to testify at 10:00 on the 13th of February.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45876/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Former mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente of the Partido Popular, will appear in court on the 13th of February, to give evidence in the a case in which the prosecution accuses her of a crime of influence peddling.
The trial is in connection wit...

### CRAFTSMEN FROM SPAIN COMPLETE 12,000 MOSAIC MASTERPIECE OF LEGEND FINNEY

ARTISAN craftsmen from Spain have completed a near 12,000 mosaic tiled master piece of the late legendary footballer Sir Tom Finney. The mosaic depicts the ‘Splash' picture of Finney, taken during a match between Chelsea and Preston North End at Stamford Bridge in 1956.
The Spanish masterpiece was unveiled at Preston North End's Deepdale stadium and is in situ on the main reception wall of the Sir Tom Finney stand, named in honour of Finney. A Civic Funeral was held for Sir Tom, who died in February, aged 91.  
England 'wing wizard' Finney made 472 appearances for Preston North End. Preston based Tile Mart has donated the five metre wide mosaic to the club - put together with 11,999 tiles. And Tile Mart's business development manager Luckman Ismail said: “We wanted to show our appreciation for someone we knew as being the greatest ambassador for football and hope it brings fond memories of Sir Tom Finney.”
A mosaic of the Splash, made up of 145,000 pieces and unveiled in 2011, is in situ at Tile Mart's head office in Preston. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45873/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ARTISAN craftsmen from Spain have completed a near 12,000 mosaic tiled master piece of the late legendary footballer Sir Tom Finney. The mosaic depicts the ‘Splash' picture of Finney, taken during a match between Chelsea and Preston North End at ...

### AUSCHWITZ LAUNCHES VIRTUAL TOUR

Although the historic significance may tell a harrowing story, the Auschwitz Museum can now be visited from the comfort of your own home, as the museum has just launched a 360-degree virtual tour of one of the most symbolic concentration camps ever to exist.
Though many thousands suffered the atrocities of the Nazi regime, the museum hope that the tour will keep the memory of those who suffered alive, following one of the worst genocides humanity has ever inflicted.
The museum has been built on witness testament and historic accounts from archived documents from the prison, and works of art created by some of the prisoners.
Now, with the virtual tour available on the internet, visitors have the chance to be absorbed in the visual imagery of the museum, though not with the true emotions felt by those who were there, through what museum director Dr. Piotr Ma Cywinski describes as an “educational project”, created from “comprehensive historical information with panoramic photographs”.
Some of the areas on the virtual tour go deeper into the history than actual visitors to the site can go, as many areas are not open to the public. Dr. Piort believes that a visit via the virtual tour can help those coming to the real museum plan their trip, but also explains how “many people will never have the opportunity to experience in person the real Auschwitz, so a virtual tour is a unique opportunity to approach the actual experience of the former camp”.
The new virtual tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial includes over 200 high-quality panoramic photographs. The 360⁰ images present the authentic sites and buildings of the former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp, complete with historical descriptions, dozens of witness accounts, archival documents and photographs, artworks created by the prisoners, and objects related to the history of the camp. The tour is available at the museum website, www.auschwitz.org.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45866/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Although the historic significance may tell a harrowing story, the Auschwitz Museum can now be visited from the comfort of your own home, as the museum has just launched a 360-degree virtual tour of one of the most symbolic concentration camps ever to...

### TORREVIEJA GREENS CRITICISE FREE ZENIA BOULEVARD ADVERTS

The Los Verdes green party of Torrevieja are criticising the local government team for allowing the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre free advertising, at the perceived expense of a loss of trade to local businesses.
When the centre was first open, the Partido Popular government of Torrevieja were critical of their PP colleagues in neighbouring Orihuela, on account of the threat to local trade. Shops in the centre of Torrevieja had already suffered from the opening of the Habaneras Centre, and the Zenia Boulevard was seen as a massive threat to those who remained.
The greens say that adverts for the Zenia Boulevard appear frequently in publicity material which is distributed through the tourist offices of the municipality, along with at the numerous special events which take place in municipal buildings.
“This curious and almost free promotion” a statement from the Los Verdes says, is “in stark contrast to the campaigns that once took place” previously, and it is apparent that “the leaders of the PP of Torrevieja have dropped their opposition fever, and openly going to the opposite pole, now dedicated to promote and advertise what until just a few months ago was criticized in total hardness”.
The greens feel that the city council should at least “refrain” from “institutionally advertising” and promoting the “benefits of the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre”, and have requested clarification from the government as to why it has taken such an advertising initiative for the Zenia Boulevard that can harm both trade and the economy of our town at a time of such hardship and difficulties.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45865/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Los Verdes green party of Torrevieja are criticising the local government team for allowing the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre free advertising, at the perceived expense of a loss of trade to local businesses.
When the centre was first open, the...

### LIGHT, MUSIC AND SNOW MARKS LAUNCH OF PILAR CHRISTMAS

Christmas came to Pilar de la Horadada at the weekend with the switch on of the lights and the opening of the Nativity Belen.
As hundreds of people gathered in la Plaza Campoamor council staff provided a snow and music show before distributing traditional Christmas sweets to the children.
Mayor José Fidel Ros, was joined by councilor for Festivals, Asunción Sánchez, and other city officials, who took the opportunity to congratulate Pilar residents on yet another year of significant achievements by the town. 
The mayor said that once again the council was able to provide lots of different activities across the region as well as erecting Christmas light  displays in Pilar de la Horadada, Pinar de la Perdiz, Pinar de Campoverde, Mil Palmeras and Torre de la Horadada.
But the main attraction for the younger members of the crowd was the snow, albeit artificial, as crowds enjoyed a selection of children's workshops, tastings, etc. 
A full programme of Christmas activities can be found in full at the following link: http://www.pilardelahoradada.es/sites/default/files/navidad2014.pdfFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45864/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Christmas came to Pilar de la Horadada at the weekend with the switch on of the lights and the opening of the Nativity Belen.
As hundreds of people gathered in la Plaza Campoamor council staff provided a snow and music show before distributing traditi...

### “IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO GET A BOOK DEAL!”

Local author Percy Chattey, Hondon de los Frailes, is living proof that you can still achieve your dreams even in your later years. Percy's dream of getting his books published has just come true!
Now approaching 80 years old, Percy is pleased to announce that his eBook and Pinnacle Award winning autobiography “Blitz & Pieces: The True Story of How a Six Year Old Survived the London Blitz” has now secured a hardback publishing and promotions deal. Plus, the same London Publisher could take on three of his other thriller novels, such as “Politically Incorrect” and “The Black Venus”.
In the last two years Percy has found renewed joy in his passion for writing murder mystery thrillers amid the mountainous tranquil of the Hondon Valley. He has completed six so far. However, as a child of the war, he also wanted to document his WWII memoirs.
What started off as a few amusing and vivid anecdotes to tell his grandchildren has now become a jam-packed autobiography about his fearful cockney childhood during the infamous London Blitz. He also gives a first-hand account of the hardships in post-war Britain, paints a stark portrait of his army days and writes candidly about East End business life. 
“Blitz and Pieces” is a compelling read which reflects both the personal misery and joy of a long-gone life most of us know very little about these days. The stories feel real, are often funny but also a thought-provoking history lesson of the “olden days” and all told in Percy's normal absorbing and expressive style.
Percy, with his cockney charm and a deserved smile says: 
“Having a book deal, especially after all these years, really is a dream come true. It feels great that my passion for telling stories has finally been recognised. It makes all that hard work and dedication worthwhile.” 
Percy is proud to be the only author to win three NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards in its 26 year history. Percy's latest thriller “WatchIt Too!” will be released in winter.
The release date for the hardback version of “Blitz and Pieces” is to be decided but for now all Percy's thrillers and books are still available as Kindle eBooks or as paperbacks via Amazon.co.uk or a search for “percy chattey books”.
Further information is available on the website: www.percychatteybooks.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45863/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Local author Percy Chattey, Hondon de los Frailes, is living proof that you can still achieve your dreams even in your later years. Percy's dream of getting his books published has just come true!
Now approaching 80 years old, Percy is pleased to anno...

### BRITS ARE BUYING ABROAD AGAIN

A buoyant housing market and stronger pound in the UK, combined with stagnant prices and cheap mortgages in the Eurozone, have fuelled resurgence in Britons buying overseas property in 2014, said Overseas Guides Company.com in December.
“Spain has unsurprisingly taken the lead, nudging France into second place,” said Angelos Koutsoudes, Head of OverseasGuidesCompany.com. “With a jam-packed Autumn Statement last week and considerable economic developments throughout 2014, thoughts now turn to next year – the pension reforms could channel more money towards property purchases, both in the UK and abroad, but the uncertainty that precedes a general election could hold market activity back a bit until after May. We'll have to wait and see what direction the markets take as a result.”
Here are the OverseasGuidesCompany.com key observations for property and currency markets in 2014, and key indicators for 2015:
2014 - an eventful year for the overseas property industry
2014 has seen an overall hike in interest in overseas property compared with last year. The Overseas Guides Company received 17 per cent more enquiries, in the form of downloads of its Buying Guides, during the first three quarters of this year compared with the same period in 2013 (Q4 details not yet available).
By comparison with historical trends and the first two quarters, enquiries cooled off slightly in the third quarter of 2014, the likely reason being uncertainty in the run-up to the Scottish independence referendum and the potential effects of a ‘Yes' vote on the UK economy and strength of Sterling.
Spain has cemented its place at the top of the popularity table amongst overseas property buyers, with France in second place. SpainBuyingGuide.com received more downloads of its Spain Buying Guide than France for the first three quarters of 2014. This trend is expected to remain for the fourth quarter. By comparison, in 2013 France generated more enquiries than Spain during each quarter bar the fourth.
Confidence has returned to property markets in Italy and Portugal, where enquiries for the first three quarters of 2014 were up year-on-year by 27 per cent and 38 per cent respectively. 
Sterling's recovery against the euro during the year helped drive British buyers back to popular European markets. After starting the year at circa £1/€1.20 and hitting a low of £1/€1.191 in March, Sterling has climbed to rates upwards of £1/€1.27 in December. The end of September saw it hit a high of £1/€1.28. In real terms, Sterling's rebound means a €150,000 property is around £6,000 cheaper in December than it was in January to a UK buyer.
2015 - what does the future hold?
Domestic politics are likely to affect British people's plans to purchase overseas property in 2015. The prospect of the pre-election Budget in March and general election in May next year could affect the UK housing market, economy and strength of Sterling. This could lead to a quieter first half of the year for the overseas market, with it picking up again in the last two quarters, once people are able to plan.
The changes to stamp duty announced in the Autumn Statement, which introduce a graduated system that makes it cheaper to buy property for most people in the UK, should invigorate the bottom half of the UK housing market. This could benefit anyone who depends on the sale of their UK home to fund a move overseas or foreign property purchase.
The UK's base interest rate is now expected to remain at its historic low into late 2015, and it's a similar story in the Eurozone, where mortgage rates are at record lows. These conditions are favourable for British buyers, which could be complemented further is Sterling continues to strengthen against the euro.
April 2015 sees the introduction of new pension rules, which will enable those who have retired or are about to retire to take their pension in lumps of cash to spend however they wish, rather than being obliged to buy an annuity. It's likely some future retirees are planning to use their pension pot – or some of it - to invest in a new home abroad, or perhaps a buy-to-let investment in the UK that serves as an income producing security when they move overseas.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45862/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A buoyant housing market and stronger pound in the UK, combined with stagnant prices and cheap mortgages in the Eurozone, have fuelled resurgence in Britons buying overseas property in 2014, said Overseas Guides Company.com in December.
“Spain h...

### CAMPOVERDE CANINE CLUB AWARDS

The latest results from the end of the obedience courses are now in and the winners have been presented with their certificates and trophies at the Polideportivo Sports ground, Pinar de Campoverde. Our congratulations go out to all who passed their final examination.
The C.C.C. was formed in July 2000 and since then many owners have benefited from expert tuition and are now proud of the way they are able to control their best friends.
Prior to the presentation a “Fun Day” was held where the handlers and dogs competed in various events such as Statues, Egg/Potato and Spoon and the Recall past a delicious Sausage. A great time was had by all the handlers and friends and families, including the “Youngest Handler”, Jaimee, helping her mum Tracy and their dog Charlie. Our thanks go out to Marlene, one of our stalwarts, for all the hard work she put in making the “End of Year” party go down so well.  
Character of the year award, there really was only one winner, the amazing Jack Russell answering to the name of “Alfie” and his owner Susan Beckett. 
The winner of the Basic Class with the highest score ever recorded since July 2000 was Carol Johnson and her cross Spanish Water Dog, Lolita. The score of 109.1 out of a possible 110 marks really was an incredible result. The result shows how much effort was put into the training. Carol, you should be so proud of Lolita.
The Intermediate class was won by Rebel, a G.S.D, ably handled by Heather Powell. The highly commendable score of 137.2 out of 140 by Rebel was only possible because of the handling by Heather. After coming in second place in the Basic Class this was a fitting result in the higher grade. So well done Heather.
The Advanced Class saw a runaway victory for Pat Frewin and her dog Bailey. 137.3 marks out of a total of 140 marks is a truly magnificent result in this, the hardest class, from which to qualify. The final trophy, the Fred Moeken Memorial Trophy, awarded each year, to the dog which has made to most progress was also won by Pat and Bailey in recognition for all the effort put in to their training. I am sure that my good friend Fred would approve of the choice of winner.
New courses will start on 3rd January 2014---- If you are interested in training your four legged friend. Please contact Roy :-
campoverdecanineclub@outlook .com      or Telephone :- 966762265Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45861/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The latest results from the end of the obedience courses are now in and the winners have been presented with their certificates and trophies at the Polideportivo Sports ground, Pinar de Campoverde. Our congratulations go out to all who passed their fin...

### SARAH-JANE MORRIS APPOINTED BRITISH CONSUL IN ALICANTE

The British Embassy in Spain has today (9 December) announced that Sarah-Jane Morris is to take over as British Consul in Alicante, whilst the current consul Paul Rodwell moves to a new role within the Foreign Office. 
As consul in Alicante, Mrs Morris will be responsible for one of the busiest British Consulates in the world, whose team supports the two million British visitors to the region every year, as well as the large expatriate community of over 165,000 who are registered on the Padrón in the provinces of Alicante, Valencia, Murcia, Castellón and Albacete. Every year the team handles around 2,500 consular customers – from victims of crime to individuals in extreme distress. 
Mrs Morris will manage Alicante in addition to the Consulate-General in Madrid, where she has served as consul for central and northern Spain for the last two years.  
The management of Alicante and Madrid consulates by one consul follows the model already used elsewhere in Spain and many other parts of the world. The job of a consul is to focus on strategic issues, such as new ways of preventing and tackling the most common and complex problems that face British nationals abroad, whilst local teams, led by experienced vice-consuls, continue to lead the frontline delivery of consular assistance to Britons in distress. 
Sarah-Jane Morris said: 
“I am proud to have the opportunity to oversee the excellent work of the Alicante team, so ably led by Vice-Consul Lloyd Milen. And I am looking forward to seeing what more can be done to improve yet further the service offered to British nationals.  Alicante is one of the busiest consulates in the world, supporting two million British visitors to the region every year, as well as a very large British expatriate community.” 
Paul Rodwell is relocating and will continue to work for the Foreign Office in a global communications role, to design consular campaigns aimed at reducing the number of British nationals getting into difficulties abroad.
Paul Rodwell said:
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my four years in Alicante, and would like to thank the team enormously for all their hard work and achievements, as well as the many external partners and charities across the Costa Blanca who work with us and make our job easier. I am looking forward to my next challenge.”
Commenting on the two appointments, British Ambassador Simon Manley said: 
“I would like to congratulate both Sarah-Jane and Paul on their new roles. Having worked with Sarah-Jane in central and northern Spain, I know she will bring her more than 10 years of consular experience to the new challenge. She will, I am sure, be an invaluable asset to the whole region covered by our Alicante Consulate. I look forward to working with her and our consular teams in Alicante and Madrid.
“I know too from my own visits to the region covered by Alicante the outstanding contribution Paul has made to our consular work there, as well as to prevention campaigns across southern Europe more broadly. Besides providing assistance to those who most need it, our ambition must be to help Britons help themselves and reduce the numbers who require assistance in future.” 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45859/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The British Embassy in Spain has today (9 December) announced that Sarah-Jane Morris is to take over as British Consul in Alicante, whilst the current consul Paul Rodwell moves to a new role within the Foreign Office. 
As consul in Alicante, Mrs Morri...

### NEW POLICE CHIEF PRAISES HORSE RESCUE CENTRE FOR SAVING YET ANOTHER PONY

A lame pony abandoned on a piece of wasteland late last month has been saved by the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre, run by Sue and Rod Weeding in Rojales.
Local police called them to the scene on November 28, where they found the two-year-old pony riddled with worms and suffering leg deformations.
“The pony didn't have an identification chip so unfortunately we cannot find out who abandoned him,” Sue said. He is now resident at the Rescue Centre.
“It appears his hooves have never been trimmed and he is lame on his left front leg and showing deformities in his joints. We will do x-rays on him to determine his problems and how we can help.”
New Rojales Policia Local chief Inaki Esparza visited the centre on December 2 with local councillors Lourdes Lopez, Marie Pierre Dubois and Derek Monks, who all praised the Weedings for their animal protection work.
“The new police chief was very impressed with what we were doing and said he's happy to work with us because he considers it part of his job to protect animals from abuse,” Sue said.
“With local elections coming up next year, I urge anybody that cares about animal welfare in Spain to vote, and also to ask the parties about their animal welfare policies. It's important that animal welfare becomes part of the agenda for the next election, as this is the only way we are going to progress things here in Spain.”
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre welcomes any donations and sponsorships to help support their important work. Every single cent donated to EHCRC or spent in their eight charity shops across the Alicante province goes towards the feeding and care of the more than 80 horses, ponies and donkeys that live at the centre.
Large donated items such as furniture can be collected from your house and each store also offers a delivery service for large items purchased from the charity shops. EHCRC is also looking for volunteers to staff its shops for a few hours or days each week. Please contact the charity shop hotline on 652 021 980 for more information about furniture pick-ups and volunteering.
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre opens to the public on the first Sunday of every month between 1pm and 4pm. The centre is located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga 59. For more details and directions, please visit www.easyhorsecare.net.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45858/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A lame pony abandoned on a piece of wasteland late last month has been saved by the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre, run by Sue and Rod Weeding in Rojales.
Local police called them to the scene on November 28, where they found the two-year-old pony ridd...

### RUDOLF’S REVENGE

My name is Jason Scawthorn, Personal Trainer at Fit 4 All Gym, Punta Prima,Torrevieja. On Sunday the 14th December 2014 we will be holding a fitness fiesta called Rudolf's Revenge, and this will entail a 3 to 5km walk around the Prima Prima Urbanisation including the beach front area.
To enter there are three options -
* Five euros (AFE Cancer Torrevieja)
* Bring a gift for a child (Boy or Girl under the age of 18) (San Jose Obrero/Orphanage, Orihuela)
* Bring a food parcel for the Homeless (Caritas)
Time – Register your name at reception at 10.30am, the walk sets off at 11.00am
Attire – Come dressed up in Christmas Fancy Dress (Best dressed prize for child, adult and pet)
It will be starting and finishing back at Fit 4 All. 
On route there will be a fitness challenge on the beach front controlled by qualified fitness staff, this is optional for people to parcipitant in or watch.
What's on at the fiesta
Local radio station playing Christmas music
Torrevieja Pipes and Drums to start us off on the walk
Robert Woods singing live
Christmas Zumba on Fit 4 All Terrace
Fitness Challenges
BBQ supplied by Casa de Valentinos
Raffle (Donations for the raffle required)
Auction of a 12 weeks training session, other prizes can be donated for the auction
For more information, please contact Jason on 693 596 533
Email: ptinthesun@gmail.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45850/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: My name is Jason Scawthorn, Personal Trainer at Fit 4 All Gym, Punta Prima,Torrevieja. On Sunday the 14th December 2014 we will be holding a fitness fiesta called Rudolf's Revenge, and this will entail a 3 to 5km walk around the Prima Prima Urbanisatio...

### CHRISTMAS IS COMING AND THE WEATHER IS LOOKING FAIR

For many years crowds of revellers have congregated on La Zenia beach on Christmas day in the morning. Last year thanks to torrential rain and cold temperatures there were only a few brave souls on the beach that day.
As always JB Brass were there to entertain the crowd with Christmas Carols, Christmas tunes like Slades' Merry Christmas Everybody.
The band were accompanied by the members of the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club who gratefully accepted donations from those who braved the atrocious weather, to help those most in need in Torrevieja and surrounding towns and villages.
So this Christmas Day, with the weather set to be fair with perhaps a slight chill in the air, get out your festive wear, hats and scarves and join the throng on La Zenia beach. Mince pies, cava, and barbecues abound. Join JB Brass and the Lions on the beach and fill your lungs with fresh air and sing along with the band, before returning home or your local hostelry for Christmas Dinner.
JB Brass will commence  playing at 1230.
JB Brass and the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful Prosperous New Year.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45848/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: For many years crowds of revellers have congregated on La Zenia beach on Christmas day in the morning. Last year thanks to torrential rain and cold temperatures there were only a few brave souls on the beach that day.
As always JB Brass were there to ...

### THE PERFECT GIFT

Which of these gifts do you prefer?
Is it gold, frankincense or myrrh?
The gifts the 3 kings brought one day, were perfection, not just o.k.  
  
Given a choice we would say love,
is better than the choice above.
But love began up there above.
It's Heaven that invented love.  
  
It's sent down to our planet Earth,
and more than any gift it's worth.
So whether woman, child or man,
spread it to everyone you can.  
  
In this World there is too much hate,
spread love and make this World more great. Not just to family and friends, but try to do what God intends.  
  
Love others when it's hard to do,
and join the love, not the hate queue. Love is wonderful, so sublime, and it's not just for Christmas time.  
  
Happy Christmas from John Stevens
Los MontesinosFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45847/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Which of these gifts do you prefer?
Is it gold, frankincense or myrrh?
The gifts the 3 kings brought one day, were perfection, not just o.k.  
  
Given a choice we would say love,
is better than the choice above.
But love began up there above.
I...

### ARE YOU TUNED IN?

As we are in the last month of the year, the Spanish Government has issued a reminder that the failure to retune televisions receiving Spanish national terrestrial TV broadcasts must undergo a re-tune, or some channels will be lost at the end of this month.
It is believed that the Alicante province is one of the worst affected areas in terms of the need to retune, with some 50,000 buildings equipped with single-channel or programmable units that must be adjusted “as soon as possible”, in order to receive the new frequencies. This adaptation more than 1 million people across Alicante, 57% of the population, with the residents of the municipalities of Alicante and Torrevieja being the worst affected.
With only a limited number of installation engineers approved by the government to carry out the work, time is fast running out before the switch off on the 31st of December. As previously reported, communal buildings are able to obtain a grant for the work, but only if the criteria determined by the government is met.
A number of channels have displayed a red warning symbol on screen since the new frequencies became available in October, there are the channels which will be switched off, and so need to be re-tuned.
Owners of normal domestic television receivers can simply re-tune their TV themselves via a channel scan on the menu of the television; it is those who are connected to unaltered communal systems who will be at risk of losing the channels.
The reason for the move was to make way for faster mobile phone communications via the 4G, network, and so the frequencies had to be cleared and tidied up to make a better use of those available.
More information can be obtained from the official website set up by the government, www.televisiondigital.es, where a list of authorised engineers is also available.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45846/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As we are in the last month of the year, the Spanish Government has issued a reminder that the failure to retune televisions receiving Spanish national terrestrial TV broadcasts must undergo a re-tune, or some channels will be lost at the end of this ...

### DEARLY BELOVED IN 3D

A crematorium in America believes they are taking their services to the next level by integrating new technology.
Cremation Solutions are using 3D printers to create a mini replica of the head of the dear departed, which is then attached to the body of an action figure for a permanent member of your lost Superman or Wonder Woman, or any of the range they have on offer.
What´s more, the finished figure carries a secret of its own, as it is actually hollow and has been created in order to act as an urn for the collection and storage of the ashes of the person it replicates.
Although the concept may seem a little morbid at first, to have your loved one´s remains encased in such a unique container may well serve as a permanent reminder of their actual super powers, and with a price tag of 100 dollars, it´s probably well within the budget of most. Unless you want to add a custom wig that is, which will set you back an additional 300 dollars.
If the superhero range is not quite to your liking, the company can also print the head of your loved one as a life-sized urn, which is then presented on its own pedestal, albeit at a cost of 2,600 dollars, and the company also provides a more “classic” range of urns, should neither of these be quite up your street.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45845/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A crematorium in America believes they are taking their services to the next level by integrating new technology.
Cremation Solutions are using 3D printers to create a mini replica of the head of the dear departed, which is then attached to the body ...

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 8 DECEMBER 2014

JAZZING UP 4G
Spanish mobile phone operator Jazztel is the latest to launch the high speed 4G internet service to its customers, switching on the option this week. Jazztel confirmed earlier in the year that it was working with Orange Spain to complete the work needed to launch 4G services. Orange has since made a 3.4 billion euro cash offer to acquire 100 percent of Jazztel's shares, but the company decided to continue with the launch of the 4G offer to its 1.7 million customers before the deal goes through.
CARRY ON UP
The sales of new cars rose 17.4% in November, the 15th consecutive month of growth, according to the motor industry association ANFAC this week. During the month, 65,122 new vehicles were sold, partly due to the government backed subsidy scheme to replace older cars on the roads. The October figure was 26.1%, whereas between January and November there were a total of 781,868 vehicles sold, an overall increase of 18.1% on the same period last year.
RUBBER SIDE UP
Deliveries of new motorcycles in the Spanish market stood at 7,813 units in November, representing an increase of 25.4% over the 6,231 units delivered in the same month of 2013, according to data from the trade association representing bike sellers. In the first eleven months of 2014, sales totaled 104,001 units, up 19.3% compared with 87,150 units sold in the same period last year. Meanwhile, registrations of small scooters decreased 11.7% in November to 978 units, with a total of 13,607 units registered so far this year, up 4.3% on the same period of 2013. The sale of quads and tricycles also increased.
GO EAST
According to a survey conducted by the travel website Skyscanner study, in which 2.5 million internet users were quizzed, Spanish tourists are showing an increased interest in holidaying in Asia and Central America. The results show an increasing interest in exotic destinations over the last three years, although Europe is still the leader in terms of reservations, with the UK, Germany, Italy and France tying with the US for second place.
COME VISIT
Spain is topping the choice for international tourists, according to the latest data from an international survey. TripTrist Travel Planners say that tourists should consider the popularity of European Countries when planning their 2015 travel packages to Europe, where Spain tops the list followed by Italy and France, with Malta, Cyprus and Croatia on the Mediterranean being the interesting choice for popular, yet smaller countries.
DOLL FACTORY CLOSES
Andalusian souvenir manufacturer Muñecas Marín, renowned for its flamenco and bullfighter dolls, is shutting down. A drop in sales and strong competition from Asia has finally forced the closure of an iconic company that was founded in 1928. In its heyday, the Chiclana-based firm's assembly lines produced as many as 350,000 figurines a year. At the end just four employees were left on staff.
CRY ME A RIVER
Officers from the local police of Orihuela and Rafal, accompanied by fire fighters, successfully rescued a puppy that had fallen down agricultural water storage well in the town of Rafal this week. Residents from the town who were walking nearby alerted the emergency services after they heard crying coming from the well. The police immediately attended and isolated the water flow to prevent the dog from drowning, before the fire fighters joined them and carried out the rescue.
GREEN SHOOTS
The Spanish government has pledged 120 million euro to help poorer countries deal with the ever increasing global threat of climate change. The Green Climate Fund has said that with Spain´s donation, they now have 9.7 billion dollars from 22 nations, slightly short of their 10 billion dollar target set out by the European Union, but over 5 billion short of the 15 billion dollars asked for by the developing nations.
NO LIGHT RELIEF 
According to the FACUA consumer group, household energy bills in Spain now cost 14.4% more than they did at the start of the year, with each home having an additional 8.39 euro added to their monthly expenses.
POLICE COMPLAINTS
More than thirty of Torrevieja's local police officers gathered across from the Town Hall last Monday as the council was holding it's monthly plenary. Many were dressed in white in reference to the prosecutions which have been the subject of protests. They also sounded claxons and whistles as they claimed that the mediators who are currently arbitrating their claims with the Council, "have thrown in the towel".
LA MATA PROMENADE
The Provincial Coastal Service has started work on the eroded Pedestrian Footpath along La Mata promenade, which will use funding from the budgets of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment amounting to 234,668.60 euros. The work will be completed by late January. 
WORLD AIDS DAY
Last Monday staff from the Red Cross were manning information tables throughout Orihuela on the occasion of World AIDS Day. Volunteers from the organization distributed brochures and material showing how to tackle the virus and prevent infection. The campaign aims to reduce cases affected by the disease, which continues to be a problem in Spain.
FABRA FINALLY JAILED
Eleven years after the case first broke, Carlos Fabra, a former Castellón Popular Party (PP) boss, who has fought off numerous corruption probes over the years, was admitted to a Madrid prison on Monday to begin a four-year sentence on four counts of fraud worth nearly €700,000. Fabra was unable to satisfactorily explain the origin of €3.3 million that showed up in his and his ex-wife's bank accounts.
PODEMOS PUBLISHES MANIFESTO
New leftist party Podemos unveiled the first outline of its economic program for the 2015 general elections on Thursday, making it clear that it was renouncing at least two of the more radical proposals from its European campaign earlier this year. Measures relating to non-payment of public debt and the creation of a minimum wage for all citizens were both left out of the 60-page document.
MORE 4G
The Competition Supervision Authority has this week ordered the main mobile telephone operators, namely Telefónica (Movistar), Vodafone and Orange, to share the 4G network with so called “virtual” operators who use their networks, so as to ensure wholesale 4G network access for users.
DEPARDIEU, DRUNK AT WW1 EVENT 
French actor Gérard Depardieu appeared to be "drunk" at a First World War memorial of the, at the Centro Cultural Flagey in Brussels on Sunday, according to French newspaper Le Soir. Depardieu, who says that he can consume up to 14 bottles of alcohol in a day, interrupted the ceremony three times, after which the event organizers decided not to continue with the five remaining readings. Depardieu moved to Belgium last year to escape the French Tax system.
JOBLESS DOWN
The number of unemployed registered with the Public Employment Services (formerly INEM) stood at 4,512,116 people at the end of November, 14,688 fewer than in the previous month, its best November figure since 1996. In annual terms, the number of unemployed has fallen by 39,515, representing a decrease of 7.04%.
HUNGER UNSEEN
The head of the Alicante Food Bank, Juan Vicente Peral, has said that his stocks, collected under the slogan 'Hunger unseen', is estimated to have reached 450,000 kilos, although the exact count will take some time because there are still donations to be collected from a number of associations and affiliated institutions. This will ensure that about 25,000 people in the region without jobs or benefits will be guaranteed a plate of hot food this Christmas 
COSTLY VOTE
The Valencia regional government has put a contract to tender for the supply, transportation and delivery of official ballot boxes for the regional elections on the 25th of May next year. The deadline for interested businesses to submit their proposals is the 2nd of January, with a maximum financial amount of 520,876 euro and 7 cents, including IVA.
CONCRETE FIX
Spain´s National Commission of Markets and Competition has announced that it has conducted raids on several precast concrete manufacturers, looking for evidence of possible price fixing agreements between the companies. A number of successful prosecutions have occurred over the past few years in the sector, with this new investigation being a continual process.
NO EBOLA
The World Health Organization this week officially declared that the Ebola outbreak in Spain is now over, whilst also commending the country on its “diligence” to end the transmission of the virus. The report declared that on the 2nd of December, 42 clear days had passed since the since the most recently tested healthcare worker proved negative, and as there have been no further cases since that worker was confirmed to be negative for the Ebola virus, the outbreak is over in Spain.
THIRD STORE FOR POUNDLAND
British chain Poundland is bringing its everything-at-£1 stores to Spain. The offer is changing to everything at €1.50 and the name to Dealz, but the concept remains the same: a range of well-known brand products sold at a single fixed price. The firm unveiled its third Spanish store in Madrid this week, after opening branches in Torremolinos and Alicante in July. The plan is to set up 10 outlets in the space of a year, with the creation of 500 jobs.
WATER SAVING
Whilst living under the recent threat of drought, a study by the National Federation of Irrigators in Spain reveals that farmers have reduced their yearly consumption of water for irrigation by 20%, saving some 1,200 cubic hectometres per year. The report praises Spain as the global leader in water saving for agricultural use, along with Israel.
NO BANANAS
The storms that battered the Canary Islands last week have caused considerable damage to banana plantations, with around 4,500 plots affected, thus representing damage to 30% of the total acreage. In addition to the damage to banana crops, 25% of La Palma's avocado plantations have also been affected.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45843/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: JAZZING UP 4G
Spanish mobile phone operator Jazztel is the latest to launch the high speed 4G internet service to its customers, switching on the option this week. Jazztel confirmed earlier in the year that it was working with Orange Spain to complete the work needed to launch 4G services. Orange has since made a 3.4 billion euro cash offer to acquire 100 percent of Jazztel's shares, but the company decided to continue with the launch of the 4G offer to its 1.7 million customers before the deal goes through.
CARRY ON UP
The sales of new cars rose 17.4% in November, the 15th consecutive month of growth, according to the motor industry association ANFAC this week. During the month, 65,122 new vehicles were sold, partly due to the government backed subsidy scheme to replace older cars on the roads. The October figure was 26.1%, whereas between January and November there were a total of 781,868 vehicles sold, an overall increase of 18.1% on the same period last year.
RUBBER SIDE UP
Deliveries of new motorcycles in the Spanish market stood at 7,813 units in November, representing an increase of 25.4% over the 6,231 units delivered in the same month of 2013, according to data from the trade association representing bike sellers. In the first eleven months of 2014, sales totaled 104,001 units, up 19.3% compared with 87,150 units sold in the same period last year. Meanwhile, registrations of small scooters decreased 11.7% in November to 978 units, with a total of 13,607 units registered so far this year, up 4.3% on the same period of 2013. The sale of quads and tricycles also increased.
GO EAST
According to a survey conducted by the travel website Skyscanner study, in which 2.5 million internet users were quizzed, Spanish tourists are showing an increased interest in holidaying in Asia and Central America. The results show an increasing interest in exotic destinations over the last three years, although Europe is still the leader in terms of reservations, with the UK, Germany, Italy and France tying with the US for second place.
COME VISIT
Spain is topping the choice for international tourists, according to the latest data from an international survey. TripTrist Travel Planners say that tourists should consider the popularity of European Countries when planning their 2015 travel packages to Europe, where Spain tops the list followed by Italy and France, with Malta, Cyprus and Croatia on the Mediterranean being the interesting choice for popular, yet smaller countries.
DOLL FACTORY CLOSES
Andalusian souvenir manufacturer Muñecas Marín, renowned for its flamenco and bullfighter dolls, is shutting down. A drop in sales and strong competition from Asia has finally forced the closure of an iconic company that was founded in 1928. In its heyday, the Chiclana-based firm's assembly lines produced as many as 350,000 figurines a year. At the end just four employees were left on staff.
CRY ME A RIVER
Officers from the local police of Orihuela and Rafal, accompanied by fire fighters, successfully rescued a puppy that had fallen down agricultural water storage well in the town of Rafal this week. Residents from the town who were walking nearby alerted the emergency services after they heard crying coming from the well. The police immediately attended and isolated the water flow to prevent the dog from drowning, before the fire fighters joined them and carried out the rescue.
GREEN SHOOTS
The Spanish government has pledged 120 million euro to help poorer countries deal with the ever increasing global threat of climate change. The Green Climate Fund has said that with Spain´s donation, they now have 9.7 billion dollars from 22 nations, slightly short of their 10 billion dollar target set out by the European Union, but over 5 billion short of the 15 billion dollars asked for by the developing nations.
NO LIGHT RELIEF 
According to the FACUA consumer group, household energy bills in Spain now cost 14.4% more than they did at the start of the year, with each home having an additional 8.39 euro added to their monthly expenses.
POLICE COMPLAINTS
More than thirty of Torrevieja's local police officers gathered across from the Town Hall last Monday as the council was holding it's monthly plenary. Many were dressed in white in reference to the prosecutions which have been the subject of protests. They also sounded claxons and whistles as they claimed that the mediators who are currently arbitrating their claims with the Council, "have thrown in the towel".
LA MATA PROMENADE
The Provincial Coastal Service has started work on the eroded Pedestrian Footpath along La Mata promenade, which will use funding from the budgets of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment amounting to 234,668.60 euros. The work will be completed by late January. 
WORLD AIDS DAY
Last Monday staff from the Red Cross were manning information tables throughout Orihuela on the occasion of World AIDS Day. Volunteers from the organization distributed brochures and material showing how to tackle the virus and prevent infection. The campaign aims to reduce cases affected by the disease, which continues to be a problem in Spain.
FABRA FINALLY JAILED
Eleven years after the case first broke, Carlos Fabra, a former Castellón Popular Party (PP) boss, who has fought off numerous corruption probes over the years, was admitted to a Madrid prison on Monday to begin a four-year sentence on four counts of fraud worth nearly €700,000. Fabra was unable to satisfactorily explain the origin of €3.3 million that showed up in his and his ex-wife's bank accounts.
PODEMOS PUBLISHES MANIFESTO
New leftist party Podemos unveiled the first outline of its economic program for the 2015 general elections on Thursday, making it clear that it was renouncing at least two of the more radical proposals from its European campaign earlier this year. Measures relating to non-payment of public debt and the creation of a minimum wage for all citizens were both left out of the 60-page document.
MORE 4G
The Competition Supervision Authority has this week ordered the main mobile telephone operators, namely Telefónica (Movistar), Vodafone and Orange, to share the 4G network with so called “virtual” operators who use their networks, so as to ensure wholesale 4G network access for users.
DEPARDIEU, DRUNK AT WW1 EVENT 
French actor Gérard Depardieu appeared to be "drunk" at a First World War memorial of the, at the Centro Cultural Flagey in Brussels on Sunday, according to French newspaper Le Soir. Depardieu, who says that he can consume up to 14 bottles of alcohol in a day, interrupted the ceremony three times, after which the event organizers decided not to continue with the five remaining readings. Depardieu moved to Belgium last year to escape the French Tax system.
JOBLESS DOWN
The number of unemployed registered with the Public Employment Services (formerly INEM) stood at 4,512,116 people at the end of November, 14,688 fewer than in the previous month, its best November figure since 1996. In annual terms, the number of unemployed has fallen by 39,515, representing a decrease of 7.04%.
HUNGER UNSEEN
The head of the Alicante Food Bank, Juan Vicente Peral, has said that his stocks, collected under the slogan 'Hunger unseen', is estimated to have reached 450,000 kilos, although the exact count will take some time because there are still donations to be collected from a number of associations and affiliated institutions. This will ensure that about 25,000 people in the region without jobs or benefits will be guaranteed a plate of hot food this Christmas 
COSTLY VOTE
The Valencia regional government has put a contract to tender for the supply, transportation and delivery of official ballot boxes for the regional elections on the 25th of May next year. The deadline for interested businesses to submit their proposals is the 2nd of January, with a maximum financial amount of 520,876 euro and 7 cents, including IVA.
CONCRETE FIX
Spain´s National Commission of Markets and Competition has announced that it has conducted raids on several precast concrete manufacturers, looking for evidence of possible price fixing agreements between the companies. A number of successful prosecutions have occurred over the past few years in the sector, with this new investigation being a continual process.
NO EBOLA
The World Health Organization this week officially declared that the Ebola outbreak in Spain is now over, whilst also commending the country on its “diligence” to end the transmission of the virus. The report declared that on the 2nd of December, 42 clear days had passed since the since the most recently tested healthcare worker proved negative, and as there have been no further cases since that worker was confirmed to be negative for the Ebola virus, the outbreak is over in Spain.
THIRD STORE FOR POUNDLAND
British chain Poundland is bringing its everything-at-£1 stores to Spain. The offer is changing to everything at €1.50 and the name to Dealz, but the concept remains the same: a range of well-known brand products sold at a single fixed price. The firm unveiled its third Spanish store in Madrid this week, after opening branches in Torremolinos and Alicante in July. The plan is to set up 10 outlets in the space of a year, with the creation of 500 jobs.
WATER SAVING
Whilst living under the recent threat of drought, a study by the National Federation of Irrigators in Spain reveals that farmers have reduced their yearly consumption of water for irrigation by 20%, saving some 1,200 cubic hectometres per year. The report praises Spain as the global leader in water saving for agricultural use, along with Israel.
NO BANANAS
The storms that battered the Canary Islands last week have caused considerable damage to banana plantations, with around 4,500 plots affected, thus representing damage to 30% of the total acreage. In addition to the damage to banana crops, 25% of La Palma's avocado plantations have also been affected.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45843/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### DS BARBARIANS RFC NOW ON TRAINING PITCH, DAYA VIEJA

This week DS Barbarians RFC started training at their new training ground in Daya Vieja, after the council allowed us to use their facilities. This is after just 6 weeks of setting up the new club from scratch, which is based on the old traditional ethics of the sport.
We have an excellent group of novice and experienced players work hard together, with new players coming along each week, and all nationalities, a true Barbarians team.
Training will be on the same days, Monday and Wednesday, but at 20.30 until 22.15 and is on artificial grass so no studs allowed, but will make a big difference for the training and hopefully will attract more people. We already have local people from the town coming to start on Monday.
Also we will be holding a fund raising evening on 13 December at the Steakhouse in Rojales starting at 19.00. Some of the lads are suppose to be getting their legs waxed for donations, so we need someone to come down and do it.
Other things are guess the sweets in the jar, raffle prizes, games for the kids, a few of the lads will be auctioned off to do 2 hours cleaning with a special twist, and of course music.
Our aim is to get teams into the league next season for the juniors and seniors.
All ages, gender and nationalities are welcome and also beginners to experience players the more the merrier as we are based on the true traditional ethics of the sport, and also bond after training in the nearest bar for a drink and chat, just how rugby should be.
For more information about the club contact Saul on 634 042 913 or myself, Dutch, on 692 767 242 or come and see me at Zoco market on Sunday, third row in form the main road at the far end. Also for all of your rugby branded clothing and gear including Canterbury casuals and Cotton Traders shirts, all great Xmas presents.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45837/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This week DS Barbarians RFC started training at their new training ground in Daya Vieja, after the council allowed us to use their facilities. This is after just 6 weeks of setting up the new club from scratch, which is based on the old traditional eth...

### CHRISTMAS MARRED BY PROTEST

The Orihuela Costa became a blaze of the shimmering glow of colour that emanated from the illuminated decorations of Christmas on Friday, as the official start of the festive season was launched with the traditional switching on of the lights ceremony.
At 6pm, the switch-on was made, with local schoolgirl Rihanna chosen to press the magic button, all in the presence of the attending councillors, Carolina Gracia and Emilio Zaplana from the PSOE who came from Orihuela city, Bob Houliston from CLARO, and of course Martina Scheurer representing the Los Verdes green party of Orihuela, the Councillor for the Coast, who presided over the event.
The music was provided first by the Orihuela Costa Civic Centre Choir, followed by the children from the Los Dolces School in Playa Flamenca, then the children from the Scandinavian School, finally wrapped up by a chorus of individual and guitar backed singers from the Civic Centre. 
However, the evening turned altogether a little darker as an unofficial protest swamped the scene, with around 150 people, some wielding banners, targeted the event to raise awareness of their campaign to have a football field for the local children. 
The town hall had become aware of the possible protest earlier in the week, a protest which was neither correctly applied for nor approved according to sources at the town hall, in fact, the protest was scheduled to start at 7pm, according to the organisers, who had and also promised not to bring the protest signs to the town hall.
The reason for their frustration followed a visit from inspectors from the town hall, accompanied by the police, to two municipal sports fields on the Orihuela Costa, one of which had already been fenced off, the other which was in the process of being enclosed, but that was stopped by the inspector from the urbanism department.
It is believed that the organisers of the local football team had become increasingly frustrated by the fact that the CDM municipal sports centre has to be paid for to use, as they have been operated by a private company since they were opened under the control of the previous government. With the cost of membership seemingly too much for many of those children wishing to attend the club´s functions, calls to obtain family discounts, or financial help for those who struggle, were seemingly not being heard.
As a result of their need for a dedicated sports pitch, the club organisers took it upon themselves to commandeer the municipal plots for their use, action which was blocked by the town hall as these plots belong to the municipality and are for the use of all.
Having been apparently “kicked out” from using the municipal sports fields, claims were made that the children were now being forced to travel to neighbouring Pilar de la Horadada to use their facilities, despite the fact that Orihuela has a suitable site, it is considered to be far cheaper for those children wishing to play football to be transported out of the municipality, it would appear.
Unlike in Orihuela City, where a sports filed had been made available to the team there for free, it was not the case on the Orihuela Costa. A meeting was held earlier this week with the Councillor for the Coast, in an attempt to try to find a common solution to the problem.  
Although there is no doubt that most people would support the creation and availability of sports centres and clubs for young people to use, many of the people attending the Christmas event were both shocked and disappointed by the few protestors who entered the area where the celebrations were taking place.
Amongst the many comments heard from those not happy about the protest, one audience member said, “It´s disgusting, we can´t hear the children singing over the noise”, another saying, “this is so wrong, we´re here for the children”. A parent who didn´t want to be named said, “My daughter had been looking forward to this for weeks. She was excited, but very nervous, now it´s ruined for her”. Though many tried to ignore those protestors who started to block the view with their banners, the police tried to ask them to refrain from doing so, though an apparent lack of respect for their requests was clear, as the protestors simply lifted their banners once more, even forcing some people to leave early, one of those who did leave commenting, “What sort of message does this give to children? It´s okay to disturb everybody else without thinking about their feelings! How about teaching a bit of respect for others!” 
Bob Houliston from CLARO said, “Of course we support the protest, in fact we agreed to go along with them, although they said they were starting at 7, but must have decided to start early”. But when faced with the comments of the disappointment felt by some of those attending, Houliston made it clear that “it´s not our protest”.
The Councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer said, “The lightning of the Christmas illuminations this year was a great success with far more participants than last year. I would like to give my thanks especially to the children of the Los Dolses Colegio situated in Playa Flamenca as well as from the Scandinavian school. I also would like to thank the participants of the demonstration who acted quietly and so respecting the singers of all ages and nationalities which volunteered at the act, especially the children”.
In response to the disturbances caused, Scheurer said, “Although I do agree with the request of a free football field for all our youngsters, I think there is a place and a time for everything and the children should not have been used for the demonstration on that particular day and event”, concluding, “I wonder what would have been the reaction of the protesting parents if it would have been their children singing there....”
As the disappointment caused by some may paint another black mark on the attempts to hold an event that the entire coastal zone could get involved in, the Orihuela Costa is now illuminated with Christmas lights and a tree. Although the number of lights was the same as last year, effort was made to try to bring them together to provide more dramatic coverage than the sometimes seemingly isolated lights seen before. The tree was relocated to the town hall this year, so that it could be appreciated on a more regular basis by the many people who pass through the area each day. As was the case with the position last year, the tree was still a focal point for passing traffic on the N-332 coastal road, highlighting the heart of the Orihuela Costa community.
In addition to the lights, the streets of the coast have also been dressed in flowers, including the traditional poinsettia, many of which have been cultivated and grown in the Orihuela Costa´s very own horticultural centre, thus saving money spent in previous years on having to buy the plants from outside contractors.
As the evening drew to a close, those who took part in the illuminating event were treated to seasonal refreshments in the shape of Christmas biscuits, Cava and Muscatel, all generously paid for out of the personal pocket of the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45835/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Orihuela Costa became a blaze of the shimmering glow of colour that emanated from the illuminated decorations of Christmas on Friday, as the official start of the festive season was launched with the traditional switching on of the lights ceremony...

### ATLÉTI' STROLL PAST ELCHE AT A CANTER

Elche CF 0 – 2 Atlético de Madrid
Champions Atlético Madrid came, saw nothing particularly frightening and then conquered with ease as a below par, and chronically short on confidence, Elche offered precious little resistance.
Goals either side of the interval were enough for the reigning La Liga champions who were the better side throughout. In truth, the game really was nothing to write home about and even the usually energetic Elche supporters were strangely subdued.
The best moment of a largely uninspiring first half came on seventeen minutes and it was reminiscent of Barcelona at their very best. Arda Turan and the outstanding Koke exchanged short, sharp passes with Siqueira who then found the bearded Turk – looking suspiciously offside – with a similar ball.
Two touches later the ball arrived at the feet of José María Giménez who hammered a shot past a helpless Tyton in the Elche goal; the brute force of his finish contrasting starkly with the subtlety of the build up.  
Going behind failed to raise Elche from their slumbers and the men from the Vicente Calderón continued to dominate, albeit without really testing the home back four. In point of fact, Elche almost grabbed an unlikely equaliser when Fayçal Fajr launched a speculative effort from range that had Atléti goalkeeper Moya back pedalling into his post.
With tempers fraying, particularly that of Elche striker Jonathas who squared up to Raúl Garcia, Basque referee Iñaki Garrido blew for the break at just about the right moment.
On the resumption it was more of the same and Atléti took just eight minutes to secure the points. An Elche attack was easily broken up and Atléti captain Gabi flopped an exquisite through ball into the path of Mario Mandzukic who held off the half hearted attentions of David Lombán to beat Tyton a little too easily at his near post.
Not long after, the visitors almost grabbed a third when Gabi burst forward only to be denied by the outstretched right leg of Tyton. Even then the Elche back four made something of a meal of tidying up after their goalkeeper.
A swerving, dipping Victor Rodriguez shot which flew just wide and an Enzo Roco header that Tiago hooked out were the best Elche could come up with as they chased the game.
At the other end, the introduction of flying Frenchman Antoine Griezmann, a summer signing from Real Sociedad, caused all kinds of defensive difficulties for Elche who somehow kept the score down. In the end it was all too simple for Atléti who probably won't help themselves to an easier three points on their travels all season.
For Elche the head scratching after yet another disappointing defeat looks set to continue. Manager Fran Escribá now has his work cut out lifting the flagging spirits of his squad who, with this defeat, slump to rock bottom of the table.
Elche XI: Tyton; Cisma, Lombán, Enzo, Damián; Mosquera, Pasalic (59′); Fayçal, Víctor (83′), Coro (65′); Jonathas. Subs: Cristian Herrera (59′), Fragapane (65′), Álvaro (83′)
Atlético Madrid XI: Moyá; Juanfran, Godín, Giménez, Siqueira; Tiago, Gabi; Raúl García, Koke, Arda Turan (79′); Mandzukic (73′).  Subs: Griezmann (73′), Raúl Jiménez (79′)
Goals: Giménez (17′), Mandzukic (53′)Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45833/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Elche CF 0 – 2 Atlético de Madrid
Champions Atlético Madrid came, saw nothing particularly frightening and then conquered with ease as a below par, and chronically short on confidence, Elche offered precious little resistance.
Goa...

### VALENCIAN FUNDS REDUCE ALMORADI UNEMPLOYED

Almoradi is aware that one of the hallmarks of their municipality is the large expanse of green areas and public spaces that are available to residents, in total an area of one hundred thousand square meters of gardens in seventeen parks, each of which requires a great deal of care and attention.
As the current Parks and Gardens team is finding it difficult to maintain the parks, Councillor of Finance,  María Gómez, said that she will use funds from the Valencian Government Joint Employment Plan to recruit a number of currently unemployed personnel to strengthen their numbers.
Valencia's current contribution is 11,200 euros which Gómez has promised to double from local funds. This will increase the current budget to a total 67,000 euros which will also be used to clean up the town, maintain its parks as well as to clean and repaint street markings.
The deputy mayor said there have been many complaints regarding park and street maintenance which have largely arisen as a result of a reduction in their budget and subsequent cut in services but now the additional funding will enable the council to allocate 11 staff to the maintenance of local parks as well as improving children's facilities and street and park furniture. The addition will allow those staff to be funded for the next five months during which period they will each work thirty hours a week.
Gómez was clear to state that these additional staff will not infringe on any of the work currently being carried out by street cleaners or operators of the refuse disposal team. Their function is simply to complement their actions adding that the parks and streets will be subject to more thorough tidying work.
Indidó Gomez will be the official responsible for the additional recruitment and priority will be given to those who are unemployed, over 45 years of age and with dependents who are under 25.
This particular phase of recruitment is not the only accomplishment in Almoradi as the council has already engaged a further 37 unemployed staff, for painting, landscaping and masonry tasks. The latter will concentrate on the facades of a number of old buildings on la calle Rafael Alberti, a school, a building occupied by the Red Cross and a school for adults.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45832/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Almoradi is aware that one of the hallmarks of their municipality is the large expanse of green areas and public spaces that are available to residents, in total an area of one hundred thousand square meters of gardens in seventeen parks, each of which...

### ELCHE PALMS WINNING RED WEEVIL BATTLE

Elche's Councillor for Parks and Gardens, Manuel Rodríguez, called a press conference last Thursday to announce that his staff are finally winning the Elche Palm Grove's eight year battle with the red palm weevil
The Unesco World Heritage Site, home to more than 90,000 palm trees, has seen the loss of five different specimen's of palm during recent years but at long last the measures taken against the weevil infestation are beginning to show positive results.
Among them, the councillor spoke of the reforestation campaign and a continuous inspection of the municipal gardens together with the use of chemical and biological treatments, the latter through collaboration with universities and researchers.
"We are on track in the fight against the plague," said the councillor, who explained that the council is spending 1.2 million euros a year on the maintenance and treatment of the palms.”
“Some of the money comes from the regional administration,” he said, “although the amount has declined in recent years from 72,000 euros in 2009 to 10,000 euros this year.”
Although he was unable to tell the press how many palms have been lost in recent years he did say that five different variety's have gone following infestation by the red palm weevil.
But he assured everyone that the current management of the site and the discharge of any necessary action now lies with the City Council and not the Board of the Palm Grove.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45831/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Elche's Councillor for Parks and Gardens, Manuel Rodríguez, called a press conference last Thursday to announce that his staff are finally winning the Elche Palm Grove's eight year battle with the red palm weevil
The Unesco World Heritage Site, home to more than 90,000 palm trees, has seen the loss of five different specimen's of palm during recent years but at long last the measures taken against the weevil infestation are beginning to show positive results.
Among them, the councillor spoke of the reforestation campaign and a continuous inspection of the municipal gardens together with the use of chemical and biological treatments, the latter through collaboration with universities and researchers.
"We are on track in the fight against the plague," said the councillor, who explained that the council is spending 1.2 million euros a year on the maintenance and treatment of the palms.”
“Some of the money comes from the regional administration,” he said, “although the amount has declined in recent years from 72,000 euros in 2009 to 10,000 euros this year.”
Although he was unable to tell the press how many palms have been lost in recent years he did say that five different variety's have gone following infestation by the red palm weevil.
But he assured everyone that the current management of the site and the discharge of any necessary action now lies with the City Council and not the Board of the Palm Grove.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45831/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### GAME FAIR ATTRACTS 1,500 TO PILAR

The XIV Provincial Game Shooting Fair was held in Pilar de la Horadada last weekend drawing over 1500 people to the event.
The organisers say the figure would have been far greater but for the heavy rains endured over the three days of the festival organized by the Club de Caza La Peña, together with the collaboration of the Municipality of Pilar de la Horadada and the Provincial Hunting Club of Alicante
The doors opened on Friday afternoon to greet hundreds of hunting enthusiasts who were visiting the fair to see at firsthand the many new and existing products available to hunting followers and enthusiasts.
The president of the Club de Caza la Peña, Amelio Martínez, said that the numbers visiting the show were encouraging despite the rain, since about 1500 people have enjoyed the event where they were able to see exhibits related to the world of hunting and share experiences during the three days of this popular fair. 
Pilar mayor, José Fidel Ros, said that the weekend provides an important event for lovers of the sport which the City Council is extremely proud to support and now in its fourteenth edition as the popularity continues to grow.
Councillor of the Environment, Ivan Romero, said that the event has become a benchmark in the region for hunting enthusiasts, adding that the town has long enjoyed an important hunting tradition with more than 200 active hunters who regularly shoot game in the local area.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45830/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The XIV Provincial Game Shooting Fair was held in Pilar de la Horadada last weekend drawing over 1500 people to the event.
The organisers say the figure would have been far greater but for the heavy rains endured over the three days of the festival or...

### A THIRD OF SPAIN'S WORKERS ON MINIMUM WAGE

Official figures published last Thursday show that the minimum wage in Spain during 2013 was €9,034 which, according to tax office statistics, equates to just €645 a month when spread over 14 payments.
That was the amount that thirty-four percent of Spain's 16,682,861 employees managed to earn, including virtually all workers aged under 25.
Amongst the young the figure was much higher with almost 75% of the million working people aged 18 to 25 earning the minimum salary, while in the 26–35 age range, the figure was 38%.
The tax office figures also show that almost half of Spain's total workforce, 7.7 million people, was made up of people earning less than €1,000 a month.
In December 2013 politicians froze the country's minimum wage for 2014, a move criticized by many who argued the purchasing power had gone down 5.5 per cent in four years.   
The Spanish minimum wage is almost the same as the Greek figure of €683.76 and below that of Italy (€880). Only Portugal, with €565.83, pays its employees less and is the only country in Western Europe with a lower minimum wage. The current UK minimum hourly rate is £6.50 while in Spain it is £2.18 per hour (€2.68)Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45829/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Official figures published last Thursday show that the minimum wage in Spain during 2013 was €9,034 which, according to tax office statistics, equates to just €645 a month when spread over 14 payments.
That was the amount that thirty-four pe...

### PLANS SUBMITTED TO BUILD TWO HOTELS IN TORREVIEJA

Applications have now been submitted to the Planning Authorities to build two 3 or 4 star hotels in Torrevieja, according to the mayor, Eduardo Dolon, and the head of the Municipal Department of Planning, Francisco Moreno. 
The first of these projects is the one that would rise above the old resort Los Europeos in La Mata , on the avenue of the same name. The mayor said that the developers have already qualified for the 50% Building and Construction tax and that the next step will be the presentation of the construction project by the owner, a foreign investor.
The other hotel will be constructed in Torrevieja itself on one of the few open spaces on the coastline, at Campico San Mamés along the Avenida de Gregorio Marañón.
The General Urban Plan shows the construction of several tower blocks of over twenty stories and the two council officials state that one of these could become a hotel which, like La Mata, will have breathtaking views and be situated in an unbeatable location.
The Planning Councillor said that over the years there have been many intended projects in the area but none have come to fruition with each in turn being delayed or cancelled  but now "there is great interest on the part of developers' of this second hotel and right nowin the urban departmentwe  are evaluating the preliminary reports to ensure that all municipal ordinances are met.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45828/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Applications have now been submitted to the Planning Authorities to build two 3 or 4 star hotels in Torrevieja, according to the mayor, Eduardo Dolon, and the head of the Municipal Department of Planning, Francisco Moreno. 
The first of these projects is the one that would rise above the old resort Los Europeos in La Mata , on the avenue of the same name. The mayor said that the developers have already qualified for the 50% Building and Construction tax and that the next step will be the presentation of the construction project by the owner, a foreign investor.
The other hotel will be constructed in Torrevieja itself on one of the few open spaces on the coastline, at Campico San Mamés along the Avenida de Gregorio Marañón.
The General Urban Plan shows the construction of several tower blocks of over twenty stories and the two council officials state that one of these could become a hotel which, like La Mata, will have breathtaking views and be situated in an unbeatable location.
The Planning Councillor said that over the years there have been many intended projects in the area but none have come to fruition with each in turn being delayed or cancelled  but now "there is great interest on the part of developers' of this second hotel and right nowin the urban departmentwe  are evaluating the preliminary reports to ensure that all municipal ordinances are met.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45828/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### CYCLE ROUTES LAUNCHED IN PILAR

Three new cycle routes around the municipality have been introduced according to Pilar councilor Eva Martinez as part of a local plan to invest in a more active lifestyle for its residents. The cost of the project is one hundred thousand euros, half of which will be borne by the Regional Ministry of Tourism.
The first route to be launched is one that runs through the municipality from Pinar de Campoverde to the coastal area and ending in Torre de la Horadada. The second circles around the pilareño town and will be known as 'ciclocalle'. The third route will run along the coastline of the municipality from El Mojon to Mil Palmeras. Each of the routes will be off road and distinctively marked with colored routes and unique signals.
Martinez said that none of the routes involve complex or long distances as almost all are on flat ground, except that to the coast from Pinar de Campoverde which has some short hill features.  "The intention is not to provide routes for athletes but more for those who want to meander along enjoying the gentle landscapes that the local countryside so the first two are about six kilometers long while the route that runs along the coast is about 15km long.”
Each of the paths will also be provided with information panels which will point out items of interest that can be seen.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45827/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Three new cycle routes around the municipality have been introduced according to Pilar councilor Eva Martinez as part of a local plan to invest in a more active lifestyle for its residents. The cost of the project is one hundred thousand euros, half of which will be borne by the Regional Ministry of Tourism.
The first route to be launched is one that runs through the municipality from Pinar de Campoverde to the coastal area and ending in Torre de la Horadada. The second circles around the pilareño town and will be known as 'ciclocalle'. The third route will run along the coastline of the municipality from El Mojon to Mil Palmeras. Each of the routes will be off road and distinctively marked with colored routes and unique signals.
Martinez said that none of the routes involve complex or long distances as almost all are on flat ground, except that to the coast from Pinar de Campoverde which has some short hill features.  "The intention is not to provide routes for athletes but more for those who want to meander along enjoying the gentle landscapes that the local countryside so the first two are about six kilometers long while the route that runs along the coast is about 15km long.”
Each of the paths will also be provided with information panels which will point out items of interest that can be seen.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45827/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### DRINKING FOGGY WATER

I have always been a little cynical about the value of bottled water. It always irritates me when a waiter tries to palm me off with an expensive bottle of ‘French Mountain Spring' water, when there are perfectly good bottled waters available in the Canary Islands.
Not only is it a travesty for the carbon footprint linked to any product, but why is French bottled water better than anyone else's? 
Of course the answer is commercialisation and profit. Over the years we have been led to believe that bottled water is somehow better for us than the water running freely from our taps, although I accept that use of a water purifier and filter is always a good idea to avoid stomach upsets. Yes, the addition of a fancy label and a posh French-sounding name adds up to quite an expensive bottle of water.
 
A few years ago I had the good fortune to spend an entertaining evening with an engineer who worked for a water company in London. His description of the chemical composition of tap water, including the side effects caused by some of the chemicals that cannot be removed, which can lead to the development of impressive breasts in men, led me to look at bottled water in a new light. It was then that I discovered the joys of mountain mist.
Mountain mist is collected from the highest peaks of the Canary Islands, which is now being bottled and sold as drinking water. It is collected on the island of Gran Canaria from fog at altitudes of 16,000 metres above sea level and sold under the brand name of Alisios, which is the name given to chilly, damp tropical winds that give the Canary Islands their typical climate at high altitudes.
As much as 20,000 litres of clean water is collected from the mist in 30 prism shaped containers each month. This cool, steamy mist is sold as ‘Canarian Mist Water', a process that is also kind to the environment since it leaves no waste and there are no emissions from the process.
It seems that the collection of mountain mist for use in this way is not new since there are accounts of similar water collection processes in historical accounts that date back a mere 2000 years. Pliny the Elder gives an account of the Garoe tree being ‘milked' in a similar manner, which filled man-made ponds – a kind of early reservoir. The water collected provided drinking water in an area with no rivers. More recently, in 1948, a man from the island of El Hierro avoided a devastating drought by collecting water ‘milked' from trees in zinc containers, which was then sold to villagers.
So next time you are offered an expensive bottle of ‘French Mountain Spring' water in a pricey restaurant, maybe ask for a bottle of Canarian Mountain Mist water instead? That should stop the waiter in his tracks.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.

© Barrie Mahoney
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45826/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: I have always been a little cynical about the value of bottled water. It always irritates me when a waiter tries to palm me off with an expensive bottle of ‘French Mountain Spring' water, when there are perfectly good bottled waters available in ...

### PRIZES OFFERED TO PILAR SHOPPERS

Shoppers in Pilar de la Horadada can share in a bumper booty of gift vouchers, simply by spending more than 15 euro in participating stores in the Christmas period.
Councillor Aurelio Samper explained that the aim of the campaign is to “promote holiday shopping and local consumption in Pilar de la Horadada in these weeks of December”, whilst trying to raise awareness amongst the neighbours of the town that “Pillar de la Horadada is your best mall, where they can find the best quality at competitive prices and with the advantage of personalized attention and guarantees”.
With many local towns and retail outlets suffering as a result of the growth of larger shopping and commercial centres, this sort of promotion is seen as a lifeline to struggling businesses, whilst offering the shopper something back for their loyalty.
A list of participating stores is available from the town hall, but all shops display a sign stating they are part of the “El Roscón”. By spending more than 15 euro in the shops, you run the chance of winning a prize of 20, 50, 100 or 200 euro in vouchers on their roulette wheel of fortune.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45824/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Shoppers in Pilar de la Horadada can share in a bumper booty of gift vouchers, simply by spending more than 15 euro in participating stores in the Christmas period.
Councillor Aurelio Samper explained that the aim of the campaign is to “promote...

### SMALL BUT SELECT CHRISTMAS FAYRE IN ALTEA - 19-24 DECEMBER

This year the Town Hall of Altea has decided to hold a small Christmas Fayre in front of the Town Hall, from the 19th till the 24th of December.  
Perhaps a bit late, but an excellent solution for all those who have adapted to the Spanish way of life and left their Christmas shopping till the last moment.  Here you will certainly find something really original for your nearest and dearest, even on Christmas Eve!
There will be some fifteen stalls with interesting and original craft work, from Christmas decorations and beautiful ceramics, to exclusive leather bags, jewelry, puppets and toys - there's something for everybody.  Most of the people on the stalls have their equipment and tools with them, and can add that personal touch to a present, or even take orders for something really original.
For the younger visitors there is a merry-go-round and storytelling.  The Fayre opens on Friday 19 December at 6 pm and finishes on Wednesday the 24th at midday.  Opening times are in the mornings from 11 till 2 and afternoons from 5 to 9 o'clock.  The square lies on the big shopping street parallel to the main N332 road through Altea, and there's an underground car park under the Fayre.  
Or you can live it up by taking the train in either Alfaz del Pi or Calpe station and stepping out on the platform that leads directly to the Fayre.  
This is an other market organised by craft association Amata.  For more information (even in English) try ringing 639 979 678.  For photographs of other fairs organised by Amata, take a look on their web page http://www.amata.es.  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45823/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This year the Town Hall of Altea has decided to hold a small Christmas Fayre in front of the Town Hall, from the 19th till the 24th of December.  
Perhaps a bit late, but an excellent solution for all those who have adapted to the Spanish way of life ...

### MORE EL ALTET HOMES SOUNDPROOFED

Spanish airport authority AENA has added an additional 56 home in the town of El Altet to the list of properties that qualify for soundproofing to shelter the residents from the noise generated by aircraft using the Alicante-Elche Airport.
In total, more than 2,000 properties have had soundproofing work approved, some 65% of the applications received under the Plan de Aislamiento Acústico. 
In addition, the Commission for Environmental Monitoring agreed to work on another 324 homes in the surrounding area of the airport.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45822/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Spanish airport authority AENA has added an additional 56 home in the town of El Altet to the list of properties that qualify for soundproofing to shelter the residents from the noise generated by aircraft using the Alicante-Elche Airport.
In total, ...

### COASTAL COUNCILLOR CLARIFIES CONFUSION

The Councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer, has been defending the alleged unfairly shared funds obtained from the sale of coastal plots of land, after former councillor for the coast, Bob Houliston, criticised the fact that money was taken from the full amount to complete a Civic Centre building in a small village of the municipality, before the remaining funds were spilt. Houliston says that he believes that the money should come from the share of the funds destined for the villages and not the full amount, but Scheurer pointed out that Houliston supported the use of the money to complete the centre at La Aparecida when the proposal was rejected in September 2013. 
Scheurer says that when Houliston was working in conjunction with the PP, he approved their proposal in November to use some of the money from the sale of land, before the split was discussed. Mr Houliston voted in favour of that motion thus agreeing the proposal to use money from the sale for the Civic Centre, according to the minutes of the meetings, Scheurer says.
In December of that year, the question over spending 1,350,000 euro to build a Civic Centre in the small inland village of La Aparecida, home to around 2,500 residents, around 2% of the municipality, was raised once more. In an interview on Exite Radio, Houliston then said, “That one tiny village is where the councillor Mr Aniote lives”, José Aniote being the former councillor for the coast under the PP government.
Meanwhile, the town hall has received lots of complaints about the planned location of the Ecopark at Lomas de Cabo Roig. Pedro Mancebo says that a project is already in place for the completion of the site at Lomas de Cabo Roing, but according to the Councillor for the Coast, the creation of the architectural study for the project is questionable, as the correct procedure for submission was not followed. Studies of the geological site and the general plan would have to be conducted, which may result in the project getting blocked. All suitable plots allocated as for use of this type are in residential areas, so the Ecopark will have to go somewhere and wherever it goes it will be unpopular, but the government are still investigating the alternatives.
The coastal councillor has also been clarifying requests made by a new federation of associations on the Orihuela Costa, who are keen for an assessment of income from tax to be carried out, so that the money that comes from the residents can go directly to the areas where they live. According to Scheurer, this type of move is not possible by law, due to the inter-territorial compensation legislation, as it would mean that the smaller areas of the municipality would never be able to afford any kind of maintenance work or investment, and the income is balanced across the entire municipality, which operates as a whole, reminding that the Orihuela Costa is a part of the municipality of Orihuela, and not an independent state.
The promised collection of building rubbish has begun on the Orihuela Costa, starting on calle Ontario, before moving through the remaining areas of the coast, focusing on the water channels and other areas which have become dumping grounds for many years. The sites will then be fenced to prevent further dumping.
A box has been placed in the Orihuela Costa town, where donations of toys for the needy can be deposited as part of the Christmas campaign collecting for the needy. Toys should be unwrapped so as to ensure the toys go to the correct age of the child, but any items for any age group are welcomed.
The town hall are also looking for social and entertainment groups wishing to participate in the Three Kings parade on the 5th of January. The parade will follow the same route as last year, ending at the Zenia Boulevard. Interested groups should contact the International Residents office for information, or email residentes@orihuela.es.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45821/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer, has been defending the alleged unfairly shared funds obtained from the sale of coastal plots of land, after former councillor for the coast, Bob Houliston, criticised the fact that money was taken from t...

### SPAIN WORST IN EUROPE FOR ANIMAL ABANDONMENT

Spain has the worst record for pet abandonment in the whole of Europe, with a domestic animal left to its own devices every 3 minutes, on average.
According to a study by the Observatorio de la Fundación Affinity, 150,000 pets are abandoned each year, with the economic state of the country present in 15% of those cases, with struggling families no longer able to feed or care for their extended family members.
Summer is also one of the biggest causes, as families with pets find it difficult to plan a trip away with their animal, and so leave them behind.
Unexpected litters account for 19% of all cases, loss of interest in the animal is said to be the reason 10% are abandoned, 9% of people blame the end of the hunting season and 8% attribute the abandonment to behavioural problems.
The good news for many however is that due to the continual work of animal adoption centres and charities, as well as those families who care enough to make a difference, half of those animals abandoned end up being adopted, though that still leaves some 75,000 animals on the street each year.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45819/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spain has the worst record for pet abandonment in the whole of Europe, with a domestic animal left to its own devices every 3 minutes, on average.
According to a study by the Observatorio de la Fundación Affinity, 150,000 pets are abandoned ea...

### SPAIN NOT CONSIDERED AS CORRUPT AS LAST YEAR

Despite another year of court cases, resignations and even prison terms, corruption in Spain is not considered as bad as last year, according to data published by the Transparency International organisation in Berlin this week.
In fact, in the ranking of 175 countries, Spain has shown an improvement of 3 places in the chart, adding 60 points to their score, one point more than in 2013.
Now in 37th place, Spain is behind neighbouring Portugal, sitting in 31st place, Poland at 35, and well ahead of both Italy and Greece that share 69th place. The United Kingdom stands in 14th place, with Denmark, New Zealand and Finland holding the top 3 places respectively.
The report says that “Poorly equipped schools, counterfeit medicine and elections decided by money are just some of the consequences of public sector corruption. Bribes and backroom deals don't just steal resources from the most vulnerable – they undermine justice and economic development, and destroy public trust in government and leaders.”
Alejandro Salas, director of Transparency International, explained how the perception of corruption in Spain remained stable due to the scandals that hit members of the conservative government of Mariano Rajoy and the Socialist opposition who can “no longer hide”, whilst also encouraging public debate and litigation. “The improvement is very significant. Spain remains the same, stagnant”, he said.
“Corruption is not new in Spain, is a historical phenomenon”, explaining how when the economy was good, people “lived with it” as something that “does not bother” them. Now, it is no longer hidden, but “What strikes me is that corruption in Spain is very structural, very systematic. It is not itself a party, a government of a province. It is steeped in different sectors of society. The solution will require many compromises and efforts”, he concluded.
In terms of the scoring of the Transparency International index, a score of 0 would mean that a country is “perceived to be highly corrupt”, whereas at the other end of the scale, a score of 100 would indicate “perceived low levels of corruption”. More than two thirds of the countries included in the index this year scored less than 50. 
Leader Denmark has 92 points, up from 91 last year and 90 in 2012. The United Kingdom scored 78 points, up from 76 in 2013 and 74 in 2012. With their 60 points, Spain showed an increase from last year´s 59, but a decrease from the 65 points scored in 2012. Somalis and North Korea are at the bottom of the table, with just 8 points each, the same score they have presented for the last 2 years.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45817/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Despite another year of court cases, resignations and even prison terms, corruption in Spain is not considered as bad as last year, according to data published by the Transparency International organisation in Berlin this week.
In fact, in the rankin...

### TEMPORARY CONTRACT BUDGET DOUBLED FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

The regional government has announced that it is to double the funding for aid allocated to create jobs for young people, in order to try to combat unemployment in the worst affected sector of the population.
Similar to work conducted in Orihuela recently, the plan provides for a temporary contract of six months to the long term unemployed, whereas they can not only earn the minimum gross salary of 11,000 euro, they also train in key skills to enable them to find long term employment once the scheme is over, assuming that there are jobs available at that time.
The first batch of aid was spread across 66 municipalities, which has now been extended to 72 across Valencia. The original budget for the plan was set at 3.5 million euro, but in view of the apparent success, this has now increased to 7.9 million, all destined for those under 30 years of age.
Schemes like the one which saw the improvement of park land in Orihuela, and will shortly see a new batch of workers create a network of cycle paths are not the only way into the scheme, qualifying companies can also apply for a grant from the ministry of employment in order to give young people work through the employment agency SERVEF.
A total of 721 young people are now set to be recruited into the scheme across Valencia, 173 of whom are across the 72 municipalities of Alicante, where a budget share of 1,888,945 euro has been allocated.
The municipalities where the scheme is available now are Agost, Aigües, Albatera, Alcalalí, Alcoi, Alfafara, Alfas del Pi, Algorfa, Algueña, Alicante, Almoradí, Alqueria d'Asnar, Altea, Aspe, Banyeres de Mariola, Benejúzar, Beniarrès, Benidoleig, Benidorm, Benimantell, Benissa, Benitatxell, Biar, Callosa de Segura, Calpe, Castalla, Catral, Cocentaina, Cox, Crevillent, Daya Nueva, Daya Vieja, Elche, Elda, Finestrat, Fondó de les Neus, Formentera del Segura, Gata de Gorgos y Granja de Rocamora. También están Hondón de los Frailes, Ibi, Jijona, Lorcha, Monforte del Cid, Monóvar, Los Montesinos, Muro de Alcoy, Mutxamel, La Nucia, Ondara, Onil, Orba, Orihuela, Pego, Petrer, Pilar de la Horadada, El Pinós, Planes, Rafal, Rojales y La Romana. Los últimos beneficiado son Salinas, San Fulgencio, San Isidro, San Miguel de Salinas, San Vicente del Raspeig, Santa Pola, Tárbena, Tibi, Torrevieja, El Verger and Villena.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45816/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The regional government has announced that it is to double the funding for aid allocated to create jobs for young people, in order to try to combat unemployment in the worst affected sector of the population.
Similar to work conducted in Orihuela rec...

### YOU HAVE THE POWER...

Dear residents of Ciudad Quesada....I would like all residents of Ciudad Quesada, whether Spanish or foreign, to be aware of how important it is to vote.
We live in a charming town where the majority of the population are non Spanish, yet despite this they are not very well informed about how to vote and ensure that their voice is heard.
We are all conscious of the general deterioration in Ciudad Quesada (compared with the town centre of Rojales, with streets in a poor state, lack of lighting in public places, the shameful state of green areas, need for traffic signs in certain areas and lack of services to meet our needs.
For the next local elections, on 24 May 2015, EU citizens already signed onto the Padron who have not yet declared their intention to vote will have until 30 December 2014 to do so at the Census and Statistics Department at Rojales Town Hall, and non. EU residents coming from Bolivia, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Korea, Ecuador, Iceland, Norway, New Zealand, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago will have until 15 January 2015 to make their application at the Town Hall.
It is vital that we all ensure that we can vote and participate in the forthcoming elections, and make it known that foreigners are the majority and not, as they are perceived, the minority.  It is important that we know about the proposals put forward by the different political parties and take a look at the promises made previously that have never been fulfilled.
The majority of the Rojales population are foreign and that is why it is important to register before 30 December and make sure that you vote in May.
Many of the residents of Ciudad Quesada, like me, have been very disillusioned, living with unlit streets for years, and walking through supposedly green areas full of dead plants and trees due to the absence of any maintenance.  It is time that the foreign residents knew their rights and obligations and this is possibly the time to shout out and be heard (once and for all).
IF WE WANT OUR NEEDS MET THEN IT IS OUR DUTY AND OBLIGATION TO VOTE.
Francisco LidonFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45814/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Dear residents of Ciudad Quesada....I would like all residents of Ciudad Quesada, whether Spanish or foreign, to be aware of how important it is to vote.
We live in a charming town where the majority of the population are non Spanish, yet despite this...

### APPEAL TO LOCATE LIVERPOOL CRIMINAL

Paul John Scott is wanted in connection with huge drugs plot and murder of a British national in Spain
The National Crime Agency is appealing to the public to help find a suspected member of a Merseyside based organised criminal network that plotted to smuggle up to 40 tonnes of drugs into the UK.
Paul John Scott, aged 32, from Liverpool, is wanted for questioning in connection with the plot to import cocaine from South America hidden inside tins of fish and wooden pallets.
The Guardia Civil in Spain would also like to talk to Scott about the murder of British national Francis Brennan in Alicante earlier this year.
Scott is believed to be in Europe and has links to Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium and France. An appeal for information relating to Scott was broadcast on BBC One's Crimewatch programme on Thursday 4th  December at 21.00 GMT.
The appeal for Scott precedes the sentencing on 5th December at Liverpool Crown Court of his criminal associate Kevin Jennings, aged 51, from Huyton, Liverpool, for conspiracy to import cocaine. Jennings was arrested in May 2014 by NCA officers while walking his dog in Walton.
Twenty-four members of the highly sophisticated international criminal network were jailed for more than 250 years in October 2011.
Greg McKenna, North West Investigations Branch Commander, said: “Paul Scott is the last man outstanding in our investigation into the plot to flood the UK with huge quantities of drugs. He is also wanted for questioning in relation to the murder of Francis Brennan.
“We are working closely with Merseyside Police and the Spanish authorities to locate him but we need the help of the public too.
“If you have information on the whereabouts of Scott, no matter how small or trivial it seems, please contact the NCA or Crimestoppers anonymously.”
Anyone in Spain with information can call a special freephone number - 900 555 111 - which will be answered in the UK by Crimestoppers' call agents. A translation service is available upon request. 
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45812/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Paul John Scott is wanted in connection with huge drugs plot and murder of a British national in Spain
The National Crime Agency is appealing to the public to help find a suspected member of a Merseyside based organised criminal network that plotted t...

### EURONICS THURSDAY DARTS LEAGUE - 4 DECEMBER 2014

Hub Meerkats and Breakaways Bears continue unbeaten after both enjoyed decent home victories this week.  
Hot on the heels of the Kats are the Hyenas who somehow gave the Jackals a pounding even with a couple of regulars missing.  Tracy Simpson´s Jaguars keep in touch with Breakaways despite dropping a point to the unpredictable Misfits but surprise surprise their next league game is entertaining the Bears. 
Should be quite a tussle in the re-arranged Junction throw.  This week sees the second round of the KO Cup and the new KO Handicap Plate.  Cup holders Meerkats host Busters, a repeat of last season´s final whilst Division 2 table toppers Breakaways visit Division 1 Gogarty´s. 
Junction Jackals have a tricky tie at Que Pasa where they face the Kestrels.  In the Plate, for teams defeated in the first round, Division 1 Eagles travel down to Los Dolses and the Sporting Life venue of the Misfits. 
The home side will start 2-0 up in the first of 7 legs competition and with some decent fire power the Misfits could well find themselves in the next round.
Busters suffered consecutive 7-5 defeats this week after their trip to Que Pasa Eagles.  In fact the Playa Flamenca outfit have only gained one point from their last 5 league fixtures plus a lone victory in 7 courtesy of the KO Cup, a surprisingly statistic considering their boast Mark Filer, Peter O´Rourke and Paul Dowington in their line up. 
A complete mystery!  Eagle Jim Storey D15 opened the hosts account after three figure scores from Mel Bettell and Kevin Wood, Dowington responding with 120.  Busters´ girls levelled via Babs Warren on D6, well supported by Shirley Roberts 105 and Irene Russell 114. 
The home side took the next two, Bettell figuring again with 125, Wood 100 and D20 second arrow.   Dowington pulled his side back into the game on D16, with one pair left before the break.  The formidable partnership of Stuart Clark and Den Hall had throw against Filer and Russell, Hall recording a 140.  Busters´ response was a ton from Russell, 2x100 from Filer plus D2 for 3 apiece at half time.  Dowington gave the visitors the lead for the first time on D6 only to lose it again via the efforts of Jim Waddell taking out 61 in 3 despite a Warren ton. 
Filer made it all square in his usual stylish manner with 2x100 a 140 with D8 and D10 for 2-0 against Eagles captain Hall 100.  At 4-5 up it looked good news for Busters, requiring just one leg with three opportunities for at least a point.  O´Rourke was next posting 100 and 119, Bettell wasn't as explosive but two doubles D9 and D10 made it all square. 
Clark´s 2x100, D10 and D16 was too much for Russell as the Eagles eased back into the lead 6-5.  A massive 160 from Wood in the last took the wind out of Robert´s sails, as Wood continued the advantage wining in two straight on D10 and D6 for a narrow victory.
Meerkats stumbled their way to victory at home to Gogarty´s, two of their players enjoying the rain in the UK.  It was yet another lack lustre performance from the current league champions, how long before losing their unbeaten run is anybody´s guess.  Gogarty´s stalwart Ernie Wilson gave the La Zenia visitors an early lead on D20, which was wiped out next leg by Lee Maiden on D4 after Pat Abrams 85,140 and Paul Durrant 99 had set up the finish. 
Alan Ostrowski 120 and D15 made it 2-1 after the triples.  Wilson teamed up with John Williams in the first pair to face Abrams and Trevor Scammell, Williams promptly reducing the deficit on D8.  Maiden made it 3 for the Kats on D20, Durrant contributing a ton, leaving Ostrowski 81,85 and Todd D20 to complete the first half 4-2. 
Danas Bobinas D3 and D16 increased the lead, Abrams ensuring the point for the hosts with an excellent 120 out (S29,T20,D20) and then D10 despite Williams concerted efforts. 
Gogarty´s captain Steve Wood was next playing the ever improving Ostrowski.  The Pole could only muster 95 against a pumped up Wood, who recorded a 140 and D18 to take the first.  Scores was level in the second, but it was the captain who made the double, this time on D10 for 2-0. 
His victory roar must have been heard back in La Zenia frightening the young Ostrowski and many of his elder Kats!  Durrant composed himself after being scared to death by Wood, to take out a below par Kevin Fitzpatrick 2-0 on D6 and D1 after 135,100, for the match. 
Wilson enjoyed a fine 97 out in the next (T19,D20) but not sufficient as Todd recorded 3x95,97,133 and D16 twice in the three leg encounter.  Maiden wrapped up the evening blitzing the undeserving Gail Todd 100,140,D16  then 95,100,85,95,D10,D10 in two darts for 9-3 and both points.
Some poor finishing by Breakaways nearly cost them the match playing their most Royals the Queens of Pint Depot.  Some excellent scoring from Del Lister, Mike Douglas and Sarah Simpson were wasted as the Queens made up a 300 point deficit neither side able to finish. 
Simpson eventually showed the way.  Ivan Jones 2x100 gave the Breakaways a lead in excess of 200 points but yet again finishing eluded them, this time however they paid the price via Rachael Broadhead on D3. Douglas made it 2-1 for the hosts on D5, the pairs to play. 
Marie Dunne´s efforts in the scoring department didn't count as Jones increased the lead to 3-1.  It was Douglas again on D2 for the second pairs, Queens sitting on 48 but not having the opportunity of converting the points. 
Good scoring from Alan Strong and Paul Lear the latter nailing D10 in the first pairs giving the Bears a commanding 5-1 advantage that could have been so different.  Dunne and Lister traded 125s in a superb leg, both missing D18, Lister finally taking out D2 for at least a match draw. 
Margaret Griffiths was always chasing Simpson in the next, but still managed to leave a double, her opponent completing the 501 after 85,140 and D5 to take the match.  Debbie Wright didn't take her chances playing a consistent Jones, the Bear making it 8 for the hosts. 
Lorraine Cox showed how the Royals should be playing consistently hitting high scores and completing the leg on D9.  Douglas made it 9 for the Bears on D3 leaving Broadhead to take out a free scoring Lear for 3 legs to the Queens.
Que Pasa Kestrels leap frog the Tavern Drivers after a narrow away victory.  The Tavern opened up with the first two triples, before Brett Badlove got one back for Que Pasa on D6.  Michelle Lane and Gilly Kirby outgunned John Dursley and Ralph Weatherby, Kirby finding her first arrow in D11. 
Two more victories followed from the Tavern giving them a 4-2 advantage at half time.  A complete turn round followed after the break Harvey Kane 98,85,D1, Michelle Lane D6 and Chris Miles D16 taking the score to 5-4. 
Justin Hepburn levelled for the Tavern against an unlucky Kirby, leaving two legs remaining.  Alan Preston gave the Kestrels the lead and a point leaving Badlove the opportunity of taking the honours on D16 and match against Zak Green.
Hyenas once again gave an impressive performance led by sometime golfer Nick Spicer.  5x100 and a 118 was his tally, well supported by Joe Miller 100,2x140, Cyril Harrison 2x100,1x135 and Joe Hawkins 100,139 plus a tasty 78 out (S18,S20,D20).  Keith King was the only Jackals victor, Joe Hawkins gaining the 7th and winning leg for 2 points.
Junction Jaguars retain second spot after a nail biter to Sporting Life.  Dee Green took the first for the visitors John Ashworth levelling on D19.  Angie Craggs tidied up 55 using S19,D18, to complete the triples. Lucy Maiden found D15 for 1-3, followed by D2 from Simone de Lacy. 
Wendy Hayward´s 116 not enough as George Cane´s D7 made the score 2-4.  Sonya Cooper used three darts for a fine 64 on D19 to give the hosts three legs.  Hayward made it 5 for Jaguars only for Karl Cooper to take the next.  Three 80 plus scores and a double from Leah Chesworth were enough to take the valuable scalp of de Lacy 101. 
Cane ensured the draw leaving Jo Brown and Tracy Simpson to play for the honours.  In spite of a good performance from Brown it was Simpson to take the leg on D2 earning a valuable point.
Porter House sit comfortably in third place enjoying a convincing victory over the Pint Depot Kings.  Matt Cummins couldn't reproduce his heroic efforts of last week but once again Gary Minor came to the Kings rescue taking their only leg in the singles against Mike Newberry. 
Sid Cross took out two of the first 6 legs along with 2x100, Yvonne Rouffignac D11, Peter Ayres D2, Ray Hayes D12, and Ray Sanderson D4 taking the other four legs.  Captain Sanderson won the match for the Porters, winning two straight against Frankie Wieczorek hitting 2x100,100 and 140. 
Cross added two more tons in his two straight game, Rouffignac scoring 100,119 and 156 in her two winning legs over Martin Bynorth. 
A disappointing season so far for the Kings, the complete opposite for the Porters.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45811/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Hub Meerkats and Breakaways Bears continue unbeaten after both enjoyed decent home victories this week.  
Hot on the heels of the Kats are the Hyenas who somehow gave the Jackals a pounding even with a couple of regulars missing.  Tracy Simpson´...

### LOCAL RBL COORDINATOR STEPS DOWN AFTER RECORD YEAR

Once again the Orihuela Costa Branch of The Royal British Legion has smashed all records. As the membership has more than doubled in the years since it was first established 6 years ago so has the amount collected in it's annual Poppy Appeal, and all against a background of economic austerity.
In 2008, when the branch was first formed, there were just over 50 members. The Poppy Appeal raised 6,200 euro.  Since that time the membership has increased to 150 with the most recent appeal collecting over 31,000 euro. That brought the accumulated total to €153,250, all of which has, or will be, used here in Spain to help ex service personnel and their dependants.
Those who support this fine charity know all too well the good use to which collections are put in supporting those who have fallen on hard times and here on the Orihuela Costa, in recent months, the extremely active Welfare Committee, led by former RAF technician Jim Watt, has spent over 13,000 euro on vital medical equipment, including hearing aids, wheelchairs, glasses, mobility scooters, apparatus and utility bills for the home and even weekly shopping provisions.
The funding itself has been raised through a variety of functions and events, not just appeals in local restaurants and bars but from the popular RBL golf days, sponsored fitness programmes, the distribution of poppies at markets, shopping centres, offices, major stores and airports as well as at a multitude of variety shows, bbq's, dinners and local dances. Of course charity legislation now requires that poppies are not sold but ‘distributed in return for donations'.
For the last 4 years the appeal has been coordinated by Keith Carter who has also been holding down the appointment of Chairman, perhaps the two most demanding positions in the Branch. During that time he has worked tirelessly in support of the organisation and much of that achieved, and the funding raised, is as a direct result of his efforts.
At the recent Annual General Meeting, Keith decided to relinquish the post of Poppy Appeal Coordinator, the mantle of which has now been assumed by Eddie Coleman. He will, however, retain the position of Branch Chairman for the next 12 months and work alongside his replacement during a period of handover.
“It has been a great privilege to be involved with the Poppy Appeal”, said Keith, “knowing that the funding we have raised has been put to such a valuable and important use. I wish Eddie Coleman the very best in his current and future endeavours.”
Membership of The Royal British Legion is open to all. You do not have to be ex military to join. The Orihuela Costa Branch meets every 3rd Thursday in the month at the Olympia Restaurant, Mil Palmeras starting at 7.30pm. www.orihuelacostarbl.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45795/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Once again the Orihuela Costa Branch of The Royal British Legion has smashed all records. As the membership has more than doubled in the years since it was first established 6 years ago so has the amount collected in it's annual Poppy Appeal, and all a...

### RECORD PROFITS FOR STAGE STRUCK PANTO

Following on from our review about Stage Struck's latest show “The Pantomime Pensioners Save Christmas. I am pleased to be able to announce record profits for the show. 
Over 650 people saw the show and ticket sales generated 4000 euros .
The raffle raised 600 euros over the 3 nights and donations exceeded 500 euros. As the group covers it costs by running Murder Mystery nights around the Costa Blanca most of this fabulous sum will be going to the Charity Stagestruck support which is The Alzheimer's Association and to The San Fulgencio Shoebox Appeal, with both the charity and the appeal supported by Cardinal Beluga Theatre and the local Council
Stage Struck are now taking bookings for Murder Mystery nights for February onwards so any restaurant, bar restaurant or sport and social clubs can contact Bob on 966791107 0r 695 061 223 for further details.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45791/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following on from our review about Stage Struck's latest show “The Pantomime Pensioners Save Christmas. I am pleased to be able to announce record profits for the show. 
Over 650 people saw the show and ticket sales generated 4000 euros .
The r...

### PROVINCIAL PP REACHING OUT TO EUROPEAN RESIDENTS

The provincial president of the Partido Popular, José Císcar, is reaching out to European residents, in the hope of gaining favour before the elections in May.
With the deadline looming at the end of this month when registration for your right to vote expires, it is crucial that those intending to have their voice heard in the elections ensure that they are on the voters list.
A video has been produced in English, German and Spanish, considered the three principle languages of local residents, that explains how to obtain the opportunity to vote in the May elections, and explains how to register your willingness to vote before the 30th of December.
The provincial president has also promoted the creation of a blog, explaining to European residents of the province how the PP are creating initiatives to improve the communities where they reside as, “active members of the social, economic and cultural life of the Province of Alicante and citizens of Valencia”.
Císcar also defends the full integration of the PP in each municipality and argues that these initiatives entwine with measures of participation, transparency and good governance approved for democratic regeneration.
These initiatives were  introduced to mayors, spokespeople and local presidents of about 40 municipalities in which greater implementation of European residents in the Province of Alicante is considered crucial in the run up to the elections, during a meeting held at the Provincial Headquarters of the PP this week.
More information, as well as the video, is available on the website, www.alicantepp.es, although the English section is not particularly obvious at first. In order to see the video, click on “Actualidad” on the menu bar, then on “Noticias”, and by scrolling through you will see the title “How to vote in the Municipal Election if you are eu citizens living in Alicante”, along with an introductory paragraph in Spanish, but it is from here you can click the link marked “Video”, which takes you then to YouTube to view it. 
To make it a little easier to find, we have posted it on our website, www.theleader.info. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45789/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The provincial president of the Partido Popular, José Císcar, is reaching out to European residents, in the hope of gaining favour before the elections in May.
With the deadline looming at the end of this month when registration for you...

### FINE DINING FROM SPAIN TO CHINA

A cargo ship set sail from Valencia this week, with her chilled cargo destined to be delivered to Hong Kong. However, the unusual nature of the cargo is what has brought it to the headlines.
The ship is carrying 4,000 deer penises, chilled to minus twenty degrees, in boxes containing 20 pairs of genitals. 
Although reindeer may well be in a lot of people´s minds at this time of year, in the thoughts of those set to consume the delicacy will be the believed promise that it will increase one´s libido and make the recipient more masculine.
At 150 euro per portion they are not a cheap dietary supplement, Paco Polin, one of the largest exporters of deer penises in Spain, explains how the 30 centimetre long appendage would normally have been discarded, but with the 90,000 to 100,000 boost to his company revenue, it´s no wonder how Paco supports Pekinese Chef Xiao Shan, who says that “Eating penis is rich and can also give more force to be a man”, and he should know, having learnt to cook the organ from the age of 13.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45777/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A cargo ship set sail from Valencia this week, with her chilled cargo destined to be delivered to Hong Kong. However, the unusual nature of the cargo is what has brought it to the headlines.
The ship is carrying 4,000 deer penises, chilled to minus t...

### CARREFOUR ORDERED TO PAY COMPENSATION FOR PICTURE DISPLAY

Carrefour has been ordered to pay 12,000 euro in compensation to a family after private photographs were displayed on the screen saver returned to the store after the clients decided they didn´t want it. 
Taking advantage of the right to return goods, the client took the computer back and obtained a refund. The computer was then put on display to be sold as a reduced rate, but was seen to display the photographs of a child in the family home, taken by the family and left on the computer. 
The company had said that they would format the hard drive before reselling the computer, which they did not do.
The district court ordered Carrefour to pay the 12,000 euro in compensation to the complainant for violation of their right to privacy, considering that without the permission of those affected, they had exposed the image of a child and at home .
However, the Court of Cádiz issued a correction and reduced the compensation to 300 euro, because the court believed that “by not erasing the pictures before returning the computer, trusting that were to be erased by the respondent company”, they had also contributed to the error.
Now, the Supreme Court has annulled that judgment, and determined that the applicant must collect the initially fixed compensation of 12,000 euro, because “the company failed to give any indication that the actions of appellant had contributed to cause the result”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45776/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Carrefour has been ordered to pay 12,000 euro in compensation to a family after private photographs were displayed on the screen saver returned to the store after the clients decided they didn´t want it. 
Taking advantage of the right to return...

### NEW HEALTH MINISTER APPOINTED

Congressional spokesperson for the Partido Popular, Alfonso Alonso, has been appointed to the role of Minister for Health, following the resignation of Ana Mato last week.
Born in Vitoria, the second largest city on the northern Basque Country, Alonso was the city mayor between 1999 and 2007, before promotion to the post president of the province of Álava, then becoming the spokesperson for the national party since 2011.
The move into a ministerial post is the third such displacement during this term in office. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45775/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Congressional spokesperson for the Partido Popular, Alfonso Alonso, has been appointed to the role of Minister for Health, following the resignation of Ana Mato last week.
Born in Vitoria, the second largest city on the northern Basque Country, Alons...

### FIAT 500X AND DYNAMO: STARS OF THE "THE POWER OF X" EUROPEAN TOUR

FIAT is collaborating with world-famous magician Dynamo in the run up to the launch of the all-new FIAT 500X crossover. 
The British magician, whose TV show “Dynamo: Magician Impossible” has been seen by over 250 million people in 180 countries, is now a global icon with more than 4.9 million Facebook fans and 2.3 million Twitter followers.
His incredible feats include walking on the River Thames, predicting the outcome of the World Cup and levitating above Europe's tallest building.
Dynamo will play a pivotal role in the exciting “The Power of X” European tour which takes the 500X into the main squares of 74 European cities as well as 602 exclusive premières to be hosted by FIAT dealerships all over Europe ­­– a total of 676 special events!
Launched in mid-November in Germany, participants in the #ThePowerOfX initiative are taken on a double journey to discover the new FIAT model. Not only are they able to get up close and personal with the new 500X – even going as far as taking a ride with a professional driver – they can also take part in an immersive digital experience thanks to the “Oculus Rift” Virtual Reality headset, which can reproduce a 360-degree environment in ultra-high resolution 3D.
Guests on the “The Power of X” tour will be able to enjoy the first ever virtual reality magic experience, produced in collaboration with FIAT, Dynamo and Framestore – the two-time Oscar®-winning, British creative studio, which specialises in special effects. Guests will also be able to recreate this incredible virtual experience at home using a special cardboard toolkit they receive for free in dealerships and at city centre events.
This specially-created gadget comprises a piece of carefully folded cardboard containing a pair of lenses which, via a designated smartphone app, becomes a virtual reality headset in its own right. For more information please visit 500x.FIAT500.com or search for #ThePowerOfX.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45774/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: FIAT is collaborating with world-famous magician Dynamo in the run up to the launch of the all-new FIAT 500X crossover. 
The British magician, whose TV show “Dynamo: Magician Impossible” has been seen by over 250 million people in 180 coun...

### SURGERY SUCCESS FOR NEGLECTED MARE SAVED BY EASY HORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE

A neglected horse with crippling front hoof problems will return to the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre this week after receiving life-saving surgery in Barcelona.
The mare, named Goldie by centre founders Sue and Rod Weeding, came to the Rescue Centre last year with severe laminitis in both her front feet. This is a very painful condition caused in her case by years of neglect.
“All of her life she was kept on her own in the most horrendous circumstances and just fed rubbish,” Sue says.
Goldie was sent to Equihealth Veterinarios clinic in Barcelona in October, for a highly specialised surgery. This was her last chance. If this had not have worked the only course of action would have been to put her to sleep.
“She's a lot more cofortable now and is able to move freely without painkillers so that's been a huge success,” says Sue. “She will always have to have special medical shoeing, but we're very fortunate that our farrier has worked with and has had training by the Equihealth Clinic so he can continue the work that was done in Barcelona.”
Rod will collect Goldie on Monday (December 1), while dropping off another rescued animal requiring specialist care, little Franky the donkey.
Franky was found in mid-November with a severely malformed hooves caused by years of inadequate hoof care, including his front left hoof that has curved so far under that the donkey is walking on the equivalent of his wrist. The Equihealth Veterinarios team will attempt corrective surgery to lengthen the back tendons of Franky`s front leg to help the hoof rotate to the correct position
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre welcomes any donations and sponsorships to help support their important work. Every single cent donated to EHCRC or spent in their eight charity shops across the Alicante province goes towards the feeding and care of the many horses, ponies and donkeys that live at the centre.
The EHCRC charity shops are located in La Zenia, Los Montesinos, La Siesta, Ciudad Quesada, Guardamar, La Marina, Pilar de Horadada and Gran Alacant. Donations of furniture, clothes and bric-a-brac to stock the shops are gratefully welcomed.
Large donated items such as furniture can be collected from your house and offer a delivery service for large items purchased from the charity shops. EHCRC is also looking for volunteers to staff its shops for a few hours or days each week.
Please contact the charity shop hotline on 652 021 980 for more information about furniture pick-ups and volunteering.

The Easy Horse CareRescue Centre opens to the public on the first Sunday of every month between 1pm and 4pm. The centre is located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga 59. For more details and directions to the centre, please visit www.easyhorsecare.netFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45772/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A neglected horse with crippling front hoof problems will return to the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre this week after receiving life-saving surgery in Barcelona.
The mare, named Goldie by centre founders Sue and Rod Weeding, came to the Rescue Centre ...

### 1900 PHOTO ALBUM ACQUIRED BY NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM TRUST

The National Motor Museum Trust has acquired an important photographic album documenting the 1000 Mile Trial of 1900, a pivotal moment in motoring history which John Montagu, father of the current Lord Montagu, famously took part in.
This collection of photographs, which was purchased in the Bonhams London to Brighton sale on 31st October, covers the gruelling run of early motor cars from London to Edinburgh and back by the event's official photographer, Albert Argent Archer. This one-off event helped to change the public's negative perception of motor cars at the turn of the century.
Mandy Schaller, Curator of Photography for the National Motor Museum Trust, explains its significance. “This album of original prints by Albert Argent Archer, a very influential figure in early transport photography, is important not just because of its coverage of the 1000 Mile Trial, but also because it depicts John Montagu competing in the event with his 1899 Daimler 12hp.”
John Montagu was awarded a bronze medal for his participation in the event and was one of only 35 of the original 65 entrants to finish. A passionate campaigner for the cause of the motorist, he drove his 1899 Daimler in a number of events and was part of the first all-British entry in a foreign road event - the Paris-Ostend Race. 
John also drove the Daimler into the House of Commons Yard, becoming the first person to do so, and gave the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, one of his first ever rides in a motor car. The Daimler was subsequently restored by the National Motor Museum, where it is now on display.
The album will be archived within the Museum collection and once digitised copies of the prints will be available to purchase online at www.motoringpicturelibrary.com.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45769/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The National Motor Museum Trust has acquired an important photographic album documenting the 1000 Mile Trial of 1900, a pivotal moment in motoring history which John Montagu, father of the current Lord Montagu, famously took part in.
This collection o...

### COUNCIL PLENARY DOMINATED BY ORIHUELA COSTA ISSUES

The Orihuela full council (Plenary) meeting on 26 November was dominated by Orihuela Costa issues.  Four of Five motions were devoted to Orihuela Costa.  This was exceptional.   
The two motions which brought Orihuela Costa to the forefront of debate this month were presented by C.L.A.R.O. Councillor Bob Houliston and by the Popular Party.    Both criticised the government for failure to keep its promise to devote 40% of the proceeds of sales of municipal land on the coast to investments in Orihuela Costa.   Bob Houliston accused the government of cheating, in denying the full 40% of the total of €4.6 millions received from the sale of land to finance projects in Orihuela Costa.   They had deducted €900,000 from the total which they allocated to the completion of a civic centre in the small village of La Apericida.     He argued that the project in La Aperecida should have been financed from the 30% share of Orihuela's surrounding villages in the distribution of the €4.6m proceeds from land sales.   That would have been enough to finance the La Aperecida project and would have left €500,000 for other projects in other surrounding villages.   
Orihuela Costa had been cheated of some €500,000 and the government claimed that not enough was left to finance a proper Civic Centre with auditorium, theatre, library and rooms for activities of associations and residents in Orihuela Costa.   While La Apericida, with a population of less than 3,000 inhabitants, would have a civic centre which would cost €1.2 millions in total, Orihuela Costa with 35,000 inhabitants, 10 times greater, would not.   This was politically motivated discrimination.   Vote buying.
He also criticised the government for failing to include in the projects for Orihuela Costa provision to solve the problems of La Zenia.    The threat of the Ministry of Transport in December, 2013 to close two roads leading from and on to the La Zenia roundabout had been suspended pending Town Hall measures to reduce congestion and improve pedestrian safety.   If the closures had gone ahead they would have had a ruinous effect on the many small businesses in the area.    Bob Houliston said all that had been done in the past year was to locate a tiny roundabout a little further up the Villamartin Avenue which had had no effect.   A project proposed by the Councillor for the Coast but dependent on €50,000 of finance from the Alicante provincial authorities, was nothing like ambitious enough to solve the problems which would get dramatically worse when the half-built Emergency Services Centre, right in the middle of the area, would be completed, resulting in police vehicles, ambulances and fire engines using the same over congested approach from the roundabout on the N332 to La Zenia Boulevard commercial centre.
The Popular Party motion which was supposed to reflect the views of the new Federation of Associations of La Zenia was politically one-sided but nonetheless contained some additional useful points.   In particular, the Popular Party recalled the discriminatory removal of another €500,000 in October, 2011 from the Orihuela Costa investment budget.   This was done by the CLR Budget councillor at the time, Juan Ignacio Lopez Bas.    Bob Houliston recalled that he had been persuaded that this was a necessary, temporary step which would be compensated in the 2012 budget.     In fact, he had been totally misled.   €750,000 of the budget changes were for a pet project of Pedro Mancebo, another CLR councillor responsible for Tourism at the time.    The €500,000 were not returned to Orihuela Costa in the 2012 budget and this was one of the main reasons for Bob Houliston's resignation from the government.
Both motions were approved with abstentions from the government.    Another motion urging the government to reclaim outstanding finances owed under the previous contract for Beach Bars was approved after a debate in which CLR repeated that the Councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer, had been taken to court by them over the award of the new beach Bar contract to the same company which had conspicuously failed to pay substantial amounts of money to the government as provided for in the previous contract.   
The final motion on Orihuela Costa presented by CLR proposed the location of a heavy rubbish dump (Ecoparque) and garden waste treatment centre in Lomas de Cabo Roig off the road leading to Campoamor golf club.   This motion was opposed by the government and C.L.A.R.O. Councillor Bob Houliston on the grounds that there was no supporting technical justification for the choice of this location.   Bob Houliston recalled that he and Popular Party councillors had visited this proposed site some time ago and confirmed that there were strong objections to the location by those living nearby.   Nonetheless, the Popular Party supported the CLR motion which was approved by their combined majority.
The 5th motion debated at the November full council meetings was prompted by a proposal by ex-CLR councillor Asuncion Mayoral that political parties should not include in their electoral lists next year councillors charged with corruption.    The leader of the Orihuela Popular Party and six other PP councillors would have been affected by this proposal.    To avoid this, CLR came to their rescue with a counter proposal which would have kicked the proposal into the long grass of central government consideration of legislation on the subject.   The combined PP-CLR majority ensured that the original proposal was not debated or voted.   But this issue is certainly not going to go away.     It was revealed by a leading newspaper after the plenary meeting that the Orihuela Popular Party leader had disobeyed instructions of her party superiors in Valencia to vote for the original proposal.    If so, she is in deep trouble!!
 
 
  
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45764/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Orihuela full council (Plenary) meeting on 26 November was dominated by Orihuela Costa issues.  Four of Five motions were devoted to Orihuela Costa.  This was exceptional.   
The two motions which brought Orihuela Costa to the forefront of debate...

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 1 DECEMBER 2014

BIG COURGETTE
Spain has topped the ranks in terms of the best yield of courgettes and squash, according to data from the United Nations. However, the data revealed this week refers to the year 2012, when 502.6 million kilos were produced on some 10,000 hectares of land, giving Spain 5.03 kilos per square metre yield. Globally, a total of 24,568.1 million kilos of courgette and squash were produced, with a worldwide average yield of 1.37 kilos per square metre. In terms of the total produced, Spain is in tenth place, with China, India and Russia leading the scale respectively. 
WAGONS ROLL
A freight train that set off for Madrid on the 18th of November is not expected to arrive until the 9th of December, 3 weeks later. The train, which is 82 carriages long, departed the Chinese industrial city of Yiwu on a 6,200 mile journey to Madrid, on the longest run ever carried out by a train in history, longer than Russia's famed Trans-Siberian Railway. Yiwu is the largest wholesale centre for small consumer goods in China and the opening of the line is part of Beijing's new efforts to revitalize intercontinental land trade.
VAT CATS
Spain is to introduce real time VAT reporting for companies that invoice more than 6 million euro from 2017, according to an announcement this week by the government. The move will also allow companies to reclaim VAT on a more regular basis.
NO BATS
Despite scrapping a range of clothing, Valencia football club have issued a statement denying any current legal battle with DC Comics over the use of a logo that was identical to the trademarked Batman symbol. A complaint was raised in 2012 when Valencia tried to register a bat design, but recent reports suggest the matter may have been reignited.
OUI TOLL
A French private equity group has announced the purchase of a 65% stake in Tunels Barcelona Cadi, which comprises of two separate toll sections and is currently owned by Brazilian bank BTG Pactual.  Spanish toll road operator Abertis will retain their 35% in the toll road, after Ardian agreed the purchase for an undisclosed amount.
METRO BOOST
The Spanish Government has agreed to fund a fifth line on the Ho Chi Minh City metro system, pledging 3.4 million euro in funding. The funding is intended for the pre-feasibility study for the line, which is designed to link the Saigon Bridge with the new Can Giuoc Bus Station. Spain is also prepared to offer 15 million in loans to other companies involved in the scheme which is intended to “create favourable conditions for Spanish investors to do business in the city”. Spanish investors are currently involved in 13 projects in the city, with trade deals so far this year valued at around 300 million euro.
SHIP SHAPE
Spain is amongst a number of countries reportedly facing legal action from the European Commission for failing to comply and enforce sulphur limit regulations. The aim of the legislation is to lower the maximum sulphur content in marine fuel in ships in EU waters to 0.5% by 2020. Spain, Belgium, Cyprus and Hungary should have enforced the directive before June 18, 2014, with a warning having been sent to the offenders in July giving them 2 months notice of legal action should they fail. 
ECOLOGICAL RISKS
A survey conducted by the Canary Islands government shows that 75 percent of the region's inhabitants oppose offshore oil prospecting in the area. Prospection work has been underway in waters off the archipelago since last Tuesday after Spanish oil giant Repsol was authorized to search for oil off the coasts of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. The regional government has been a vocal opponent of the exploration project, alleging it poses potentially devastating ecological risks in an area that lives off tourism.
BIG COURGETTE
Spain has topped the ranks in terms of the best yield of courgettes and squash, according to data from the United Nations. However, the data revealed this week refers to the year 2012, when 502.6 million kilos were produced on some 10,000 hectares of land, giving Spain 5.03 kilos per square metre yield. Globally, a total of 24,568.1 million kilos of courgette and squash were produced, with a worldwide average yield of 1.37 kilos per square metre. In terms of the total produced, Spain is in tenth place, with China, India and Russia leading the scale respectively. 
GUARDAMAR WASTE FLEET
Guardamar has launched the tender process for the supply of two new municipal waste collection and street cleaning vehicles to improve the current council fleet. The maximum budget for the supply of the two compactor trucks is 393,000 euros. However, the basic tender budget is determined by the difference in the price of new vehicles and the sale price of the two vehicles being replaced, valued at around 40,000 euros. Interested bidders have until 26 December submit their proposals.
CYCLIST KILLED
A cyclist, believed to be a 64 year old male, was killed on Thursday whilst travelling along the N-340 road in Orihuela, after being in collision with a car. The incident occurred at around 15:40 at kilometre point 681.600, according to the emergency services.
SEA LION THREAT
Experts from the Terra Natura animal park in Murcia have been holding a conference this week to raise awareness over the threat to sea lions. With talks and activities aimed at all ages, it was stated that a number of sea lion species are now at serious risk of extinction, the biggest risk to the population, the park explains, is overfishing, the same threat to most marine wildlife.
MINE THEFT
Officers from the Guardia Civil in the region of Murcia has been taking action against individuals found to have taken items from the Sierra Minera mining areas of Portmán, which have included bits from seemingly derelict buildings, such as bricks and girders, as well as apparently natural resources such as minerals and rocks. A total of 10 people were arrested in the operation, in which 5 tons of materials were recovered.
MAS TROUBLE FOR CATALONIA
In a move that was widely expected Spain's Attorney General Eduardo Torres-Dulce has filed formal charges against Catalonia leader Artur Mas in connection with the November 9 non-binding vote on self-rule for the region held in violation of a court injunction. Mas is accused of disobedience, breach of public duties, misuse of public money and usurpation of powers. Prosecutors are also said to be levying the same charges against Mas's deputy, Joana Ortega, and regional education commissioner Irene Rigau
CORRUPTOS NO
During his first appearance at the Open Meeting organized by the PSOE in Burgos, the secretary general of the PSOE, Pedro Sánchez, said that the electoral program for the socialist group will include a prohibition of tax amnesties, as well as an assurance that corrupt politicians will not only go to prison but will be forced to return what they have stolen. The PSOE will also repeal the current labour reform legislation and create a “citizen´s contract” to end “fiscal injustice”.
EXCALIBUR INJUSTICE
The Superior Court of Madrid has rejected a complaint by animal protection groups against the Minister of Health for accountability in the sacrifice of the dog named Excalibur, who belonged to Ebola stricken nurse Teresa Romero. The court rules that citing the animal protection laws as the cause for the complaint are “mere subjective opinion”, as the decision to destroy the dog was an “administrative” one, on account that health authorities are responsible to “take appropriate measures to protect the health of the public and prevent loss or damage”, and they considered the dog a threat thereof, despite evidence to the contrary, according to the case.
MORTGAGES UP
Data released this week show that the number of mortgages on properties in Spain is at a level similar to 2012, with 19,323 home loans secured in the month of September, an increase of 30% over the previous year. The figure is also 28% higher than that in August, largely thought to be down to the continual recovery of the country and lower interest rates. The average amount of mortgages has also increase, standing at 107,850 euro in late September, 10.6% more than the 102,430 euro of the previous month, and 5.3% more than in August. This figure is at the highest level since November, 2011, and has grown by 14% from the lows of April 2013.
ELECTRICITY SAVINGS
Dolores Council say they are determined to reduce the cost to city coffers of the annual electricity bills of various public facilities and have handed the job of making the savings to the socialist Joaquín Hernández. The intention is to achieve a reduction of 15,776 Euros per year, with up to 65% lower consumption in municipal buildings. Actions will include the replacement of existing lighting with LED lights and solar panels.
PRIESTS ARRESTED
A Granada judge investigating a complaint filed against 10 local priests and two laypeople for pedophilia has ordered the first arrests in the case. Three priests and a layperson were detained on Monday and taken to National Police headquarters. Among those arrested is Father Román V., the alleged head of the group. The Archbishop of Granada has already removed the priests accused of abuse from their duties.
ECOLOGICAL RISKS
A survey conducted by the Canary Islands government shows that 75 percent of the region's inhabitants oppose offshore oil prospecting in the area. Prospection work has been underway in waters off the archipelago since last Tuesday after Spanish oil giant Repsol was authorized to search for oil off the coasts of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. The regional government has been a vocal opponent of the exploration project, alleging it poses potentially devastating ecological risks in an area that lives off tourism.
GRUESOME DISCOVERY
Guardia Civil officers in the Ses Salines area of the island of Mallorca discovered the body of a man in a caravan this week, believed to be of German nationality and in his late 60´s, who is believed to have died several weeks ago. The body of the man was also found to have been eaten by the two dogs who accompanied him in his home, one of which was also found dead from apparent dehydration.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45763/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: BIG COURGETTE
Spain has topped the ranks in terms of the best yield of courgettes and squash, according to data from the United Nations. However, the data revealed this week refers to the year 2012, when 502.6 million kilos were produced on some 10,0...

### TORRY FLATTER TO DECEIVE IN AWAY DEFEAT

FC JOVE ESPANOL - 2    CD TORREVIEJA -1
For the first half hour of this local(ish) fixture inside Deportiva San Vicente Stadium, Torry not only ran the show, but were making their Alicante based hosts, look every bit the div 3 basement side they were.  
Then for some inexplicable reason, they switched off, allowing Jove to have a bigger say of the match.  Bad defending, coupled with poor finishing, could go some way towards an explanation, but so could manager Galiana's insistence at starting Cristian on the bench.  
The man injects much needed urgency into the side, as he takes on players at will, setting up attack after attack.  So, when he brought him on after 49 mins, then Steve after 55, us Torry fans were at least treated to more attempts on goal, even though Steve's efforts were sadly lacking in the accuracy department!  Steve is swiftly becoming an enigma, but his confidence is not helped by the despicable way at which opponents regularly target him as public enemy number one.  He's originally from Cameroon, and unfortunately racism within Spanish football is endemic, so much so that underhanded dirty tactics are in evidence, week in week out.
The man's clumsy, cumbersome, and unfortunately naïve, but malicious he most certainly aint, but watching opponents go down as if they'd been shot by a sniper in 'Platoon', then get up without so much as a scratch on them, sickens me to the stomach!  
 After only 4 mins, Torry earned 3 corners in quick succession, the latter resulting in Ferran flashing a header across the face of goal.  
Torry took a fortuitous lead on 16 mins, following Cesar's speculative shot from the edge of the box, which squirmed under the body of a somewhat embarrassed keeper.  Carrasco had the ball in the net from Jorge's header on 25 mins, but alas he was adjudged to be in an offside position.  
Warning signs were given on 35 mins, when Manrique squandered a glorious opportunity, blasting over from 5 yds out, but Torry hit back through a Jorge blockbuster which was well saved.  With time edging towards the interval, Torry were undone by a inch perfect corner, which an unmarked Manrique headed home at the near post.
Worse was to follow, when only 5 mins into the new half, Panos unleashed a spectacular swerving 25 yd shot, which beat keeper Oscar's despairing dive, almost breaking the back of the net (wasn't that hard, but it sounds good!).  
Cue Cristian's entrance, whose electric pace was instrumental in the removal of Jove manager Jose Rocamora from the bench, following criticism of the refs award of a free kick in favour of said player. His little angels picked up 5 yellow cards, whilst Vicente and Cristian (self defence your honour!) also received cautions.  
Alexis, Cristian and Steve, all had good efforts miss the target, but they can have no complaint at this 3rd away defeat on the trot.
Sunday 7 December, ko 5pm, sees Torry entertain another local(ish) side, when Novelda visit Nelson Mandela Stadium.   Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45762/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: FC JOVE ESPANOL - 2    CD TORREVIEJA -1
For the first half hour of this local(ish) fixture inside Deportiva San Vicente Stadium, Torry not only ran the show, but were making their Alicante based hosts, look every bit the div 3 basement side they were....

### FOURTEEN PERCENT OF DRIVERS ADMIT TO NOT RESTRAINING CHILDREN IN CARS

A report by the Fundación Línea Directa, the details of which have been released this week by the DGT traffic department, reveals that 14% of all drivers on Spanish roads admit to not securing their children in the car, and 5 million motorists themselves still don´t wear a seatbelt.
The findings of the report have been taken from a survey of 1,200 interviews with drivers across the Spanish geography, who were asked about irresponsible behaviour on the roads. The top three offending actions were revealed to be speeding, not stopping every two hours on long journeys and using a mobile phone while driving.
In fact, nearly 15 million road users in Spain confess to driving over the speed limit, a factor that was present in 22% of fatal accidents last year. Furthermore, although tiredness and fatigue are related to 30% of accidents, 44% of drivers admit not stopping every two hours to rest on long trips. Regarding the mobile phone use, some 7 million drivers admit to using their mobile phone whilst driving. 
In addition, nearly 5 million drivers state that they don´t wear a seatbelt on short journeys, and 14% carry children in the vehicles without mandatory security measures, despite the startling figure that 20% of children who died on the roads in 2013 was not using child restraints.
The correct distance from the car in front is not maintained by 5 million drivers, 21% of the respondents claiming to drive too close. In 2013, driving too close to the car in front was a factor in 2,135 collisions, an increase of 8% over the previous year. Rear and multiple collisions caused more than 150 deaths on Spanish road last year.
Over 6.5 million drivers expressed a lack of training and lack of knowledge of the basic rules of the roads, such as 35% not knowing about parking restrictions and almost 14% not knowing who has priority when exiting a roundabout. In terms of emergency responses, almost half of the drivers do not know how to deal with a skid of the front of the vehicle, and 27% would not know how to react to aquaplaning.
Of course we have to bear in mind that these statistics could well be slightly misleading, on account on their reliance to the drivers actually admitting they are at fault.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45759/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A report by the Fundación Línea Directa, the details of which have been released this week by the DGT traffic department, reveals that 14% of all drivers on Spanish roads admit to not securing their children in the car, and 5 million mot...

### CORRUPTION NOTION BYPASSED

As reported last week, Asuncion Mayoral, ostracised member of the CLr political group and unassigned councillor of Orihuela, tabled a motion in the plenary meeting that aimed to obtain an agreement that any politician accused in corruption cases would not stand for election.
In the plenary meeting of the municipal board this week, the moved was tabled as expected, but faced an amendment put forward by the PP and CLr, effectively dismissing the original proposal.
The amended nation was that rather than the politicians take responsibility for their own activities and agree not to stand in the event of being accused in a case relating to what could be perceived as corruption in public office, the change was to petition the government to change the law so as to prevent such an occurrence in the future.
The government of the PSOE and Los Verdes, along with the two unassigned councillors, agreed that this new move is a positive one and can be approved, although the reality being that if the notion were to be taken up by government, it would be some time way in the future, but it can exist along with the original notion whereas the councillors themselves make the commitment to the public of their disagreement with corruption, in so much as they would not stand in the next elections.
A discussion continued with neither side backing down and the proposed commitment by the individual councillors to not stand was soon distracted from on account of the revision, and thus the PSOE and Los Verdes objected to the revised notion, that was approved with the majority of the PP and CLr combined.
As such, Orihuela will not be joining other municipalities who have approved anti-corruption measures at their own level, deferring the decision to a higher body that can only take place, if ever, way beyond the elections in May.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45758/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As reported last week, Asuncion Mayoral, ostracised member of the CLr political group and unassigned councillor of Orihuela, tabled a motion in the plenary meeting that aimed to obtain an agreement that any politician accused in corruption cases would...

### LOMAS DE CABO ROIG TO HOUSE WASTE OPERATIONS

Residents of Lomas de Cabo Roig on the Orihuela Costa may soon find their worst nightmares realised, after plans were submitted and approved for their urbanisation to house the recycling ecopark and a garage for all the waste disposal trucks that serve the coastal zone.
The urbanisation has long been the source of complaints as a plot of land owned by the town hall and designated for equipment use has been the drop off and sorting location for the green waste collected on the Orihuela Costa.
In the monthly plenary meeting this week, a motion was tabled by the CLr political group, headed up by Pedro Mancebo, which received the support of the opposition Partido Popular, with the government of the PSOE and Los Verdes voting against the move, as did Bob Houliston from the CLARO political party.
With their majority in the town hall, the motion was approved by the CLr and PP votes, which could see the construction of a purpose built garage where repairs and maintenance can be carried out on the cleaning vehicles, and would house all of the garbage trucks when not in service. The site would also become the ecopark, where such items as fridges, washing machines, furniture and other large items are separated into their recyclable components and sorted. The ecopark will not only take the waste collected by the town hall, but will also be a drop off point for residents to take their rubbish to on a regular basis.
From the government´s point of view, the Councillor for the Costa, Martina Scheurer, explained that “nobody is against the construction of the ecopark, nor is anybody against the construction of a building for the waste disposal workers to use as a permanent base. In fact, the ecopark project is ready to be started once the money is released and a suitable location is found”.
Scheurer continued, “Both the Los Verdes, PSOE and Bob Houliston would have approved the motion, if Pedro Mancebo would have amended it to remove that specific location. We are currently investigating the best site to put the ecopark, which is a difficult decision to make as there are only a certain number of plots on which it can be built, but we don´t believe that the site at Lomas de Cabo Roig is the right one, but Pedro Mancebo would not amend his motion, so we had to object”.
As part of the original development plans for residential urbanisations, builders had to dedicate a plot of land for various purposes, including equipment us. These plots were then handed over to the town hall for their use, once the site had been opened. These plots are littered around the entire Orihuela Costa, as is the case for most other areas, but the town hall say that they are assessing which of these plots could have the least impact on residents, in view of the items to be sorted there and the heavy industrial traffic it will generate. 
Currently, the domestic waste disposal trucks are on one of these plots, but there are no suitable facilities for the workers. 
Mancebo claimed that the reason Scheurer was against that particular plot of land was as a “favour” to a builder, with Scheurer denying that is the case, claiming she is certainly not aware of any such agreement, but is aware of the countless complaints filed by residents over the current operation at the site. Similarly, although the council may not be aware of any deals, the potential buyers of the near 200,000 euro properties being built that currently overlook the location may well not be pleased either, although their complaints might well be unjustified as the land is designated for that purpose, a fact that can be checked with the town hall by any purchaser of a new home, rather than relying on the promises of some sellers that the land would never be built on, which is an allegation made by some residents.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45757/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Residents of Lomas de Cabo Roig on the Orihuela Costa may soon find their worst nightmares realised, after plans were submitted and approved for their urbanisation to house the recycling ecopark and a garage for all the waste disposal trucks that serv...

### ORIHUELA PROPERTY TAX CLAIMS WORTH MILLIONS

The acting Mayor of Orihuela, Antonio Zapata, who also holds the competencies within the town planning department, has announced that his department has already identified around 7,700 properties in the municipality that have undergone some form of reform and extension and are therefore liable to an increase in the IBI property tax.
Having been largely left unchecked for decades, the revision to the amount that the property owners are liable for is valued in the region of a million euro annually, a substantial contribution to the accounts. However, with many of the properties identified having been reformed for a period longer than the allowed time that back payment can be claimed, those owners will benefit from not having to pay the tax they should have been contributing for the past ten or twenty years, those properties identified will now be sent a bill to cover the difference in the amount outstanding for the last 4 years, which will also provide a boost to the economy.
Having employed the services of aerial photography company GeoNet, the council has now forwarded the information to their contracted property tax collection company, SUMA, to make the necessary claims.
In a statement, Zapata explained how the company identified numerous elements of construction and extension, not all of which were on residential buildings. The data does reveal some 1,600 buildings which do not match the declared use for which they were built, there are 1,700 buildings over 100 years old which have been converted into residential properties but not registered. There are around 2,000 buildings with additional elements constructed, such as extension, and between 1,100 and 1,200 swimming pools which are not declared. 
In addition to the latest findings, Zapata also pointed out how a team of six inspectors have been visiting locations in the area to clarify the data and ask for voluntary payment of the outstanding taxes, already generating over 800,000 euro in additional revenue so far. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45756/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The acting Mayor of Orihuela, Antonio Zapata, who also holds the competencies within the town planning department, has announced that his department has already identified around 7,700 properties in the municipality that have undergone some form of re...

### TORREVIEJA GUARDIA CIVIL IN POOR CONDITIONS

The Asociación Unificada de Guardias Civiles have denounced the conditions in which Guardia Civil officers have to work in the barracks in Torrevieja, described as “one of the worst” under the command of the Alicante province, on account of the “discomfort” the officers have to endure due to the “poor working conditions”. 
Not unlike how the local police have been reported to have been operating, there is an apparent chain of command beyond the normal ranking system, with a group of officers relegated within the working groups and constantly having their roles undermined, with duty allocation left to the shift manager who assigns them the most menial tasks possible, whilst the officers outside the so called inferior “grupos escombro” are treated favourably in their assignations. 
The AUGC say that there is a “lot of discrimination” between guards of the same scale and rank, something they consider unfair and that affects many of them personally, as they don´t feel valued or reciprocated.
The Torrevieja barracks is seen as onr of the most important in the country, where 200 officers operate from a building constructed in the nineties, although the reception and cell block were renewed recently. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45755/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Asociación Unificada de Guardias Civiles have denounced the conditions in which Guardia Civil officers have to work in the barracks in Torrevieja, described as “one of the worst” under the command of the Alicante province, on ac...

### BOYS’ TOYS

I like toys as much as the next man. Be it train sets, steam cars, remote control helicopters, iPhones or Nintendo. Other, sometimes questionable, gadgets have also come onto the market in recent years, including devices for treasure hunting on the beach and public areas.
I received an email from an American gentleman last week who said that he had been so inspired by ‘Letters from the Atlantic' that he wanted to move to the Canary Islands.
He had but one question to ask before he made his move. He asked whether or not he would be allowed to use his metal detector on the beaches of the islands. 
These gadgets are, of course, frowned upon by many who regard them as merely looting the coins and jewellery of unfortunate souls who have lost them during a day out on the beach. Others will say that these treasure seekers have the potential to unearth historical artefacts from the past, although whether this is for the public good, or for personal gain, is an on going debate.
I replied that I thought that he should investigate whether or not he is able to gain residency to the country before he worries too much about treasure hunting. Somehow, I think his priorities were a little distorted.
As for current gadgets, I have been a little surprised at the sudden interest in personal drones. For the uninitiated, drones are a kind of upgraded remote control helicopter that hovers wherever the operator directs it, with many sporting a camera that happily takes photos or even videos of the world below. It is supposed to be a hi-tech toy, but it does take remote surveillance to an entirely new level.
My first encounter with a real life drone was one hovering over the outdoor swimming pool in our village. At first I was fascinated to watch this amazing piece of technology hovering just a few metres from where locals and myself were swimming and sunbathing.
However, the more I thought about it the more I realised that the unintended consequences of this tiny flying machine could be very serious, particularly if carrying a camera on board. Hovering over public swimming pools and beaches taking photographs and videos could be seen as a pornographers' paradise, and when involving children is potentially much more serious.
Then there is home security. Is your terrace or garden shielded from prying eyes? Clearly a hovering drone could easily become a public nuisance with its irritating buzzing and intrusive nature.
As I said earlier, I adore new technology of all kinds, but I am also a great shot with a catapult, a widely unrecognised skill of mine that I picked up during many boring lunch hours when I was at school. Let me be quite clear, should I spot a drone hovering over my garden it will suddenly find itself shot down into oblivion.
After all, wherever in the world we may live, an expat Englishman's home is his castle.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.

© Barrie Mahoney
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45754/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: I like toys as much as the next man. Be it train sets, steam cars, remote control helicopters, iPhones or Nintendo. Other, sometimes questionable, gadgets have also come onto the market in recent years, including devices for treasure hunting on the bea...

### DS BARBARIANS RFC TAKE A BIG STEP FORWARD

This week DS Barbarians RFC took a huge step forward by getting off the beach and will be starting training on the pitch at Daya Vieja after been given the all clear to train there.

This has seemed to be a long time coming, but after the meeting with the council everything was sorted out to start.
Training will be on the same days, Monday and Wednesday, but at 20.45 until 22.15 and is on artificial grass so no studs allowed, but will make a big difference for the training and hopefully will attract more people. We already have local people from the town coming to start on Monday.
Also we will be holding a fund raising evening on 13 December, more details of this will follow shortly.
Our aim is to get teams into the news seasons league next year for the juniors and seniors.
All ages, gender and nationalities are welcome and also beginners to experience players the more the merrier as we are based on the true traditional ethics of the sport, and also bond after training in the nearest bar for a drink and chat, just how rugby should be.
For more information about the club contact Saul on 634 042 913 or myself, Dutch, on 692 767 242 or come and see me at Zoco market on Sunday, third row in form the main road at the far end. Also for all of your rugby branded clothing and gear including Canterbury casuals and Cotton Traders shirts, all great Xmas presents.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45747/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This week DS Barbarians RFC took a huge step forward by getting off the beach and will be starting training on the pitch at Daya Vieja after been given the all clear to train there.

This has seemed to be a long time coming, but after the meeting wit...

### THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS PRESENT AND INVESTMENT FOR THE FUTURE

Seventy classic cars and motorcycles worth over £14 million, and film and motoring posters worth £200,000 are to go under the hammer in London tomorrow, Tuesday, December 2nd at Coys ‘True Greats' auction and could be the ultimate Christmas presents that turn into the best investments ever. 
Classic cars have outperformed most investments over the last few years and there has been an upsurge in people buying classic cars, motorcycles and poster art instead of more traditional options.
“Our Christmas ‘True Greats' sale which is being held in Westminster at the Royal Horticultural Society's Lindley Hall on December 2nd has always been a great success,” said Managing Partner Chris Routledge, “but this time, like last year, we have seen more and more people talking to us about cars and motorcycles as an investment as well as something that they can drive and enjoy.
Classic cars have been a phenomenal investment and this appears to be continuing. Now we are seeing the same with motorcycles and with motoring and film posters. We have received enquiries from all over the world, particularly from investors who have not entered these markets before.”
He added: “We have been astounded at how car and movie posters have continued to grow in value. People love the fact that they can see their investment everyday on their wall at home and that it is not just a piece of paper or a note on a computer.”
Experts will be on hand to show you the cars and posters at the Lindley Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster SW1P 2PE between 12 noon and 5pm on Monday December 1st and December 2nd, the day of the auction, from 10am onwards. The poster auction starts at 3pm and the car and motorcycle auction at 7pm until 11.30pm.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45739/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Seventy classic cars and motorcycles worth over £14 million, and film and motoring posters worth £200,000 are to go under the hammer in London tomorrow, Tuesday, December 2nd at Coys ‘True Greats' auction and could be the ultimate Chr...

### EURONICS THURSDAY DART LEAGUE 27 NOVEMBER

Breakaways Bears remain unbeaten and top Division 2 despite Sporting Life pushing the table toppers all the way.  It looked comfortable for the Bears at half time, a 4-2 advantage normally enough to secure a win with 6 singles to play.  
Mike Douglas 100,119, Ivan Jones 85,2x100 and Mike Smith 100 did the damage for the Bears ensuring their half time lead.  However, the Misfits more than matched their opponents in the scoring department, Karl Cooper 121,85 plus a double, George Caine 135,100, Sonya Cooper 81,100, John Ashworth 134 and Pete James 100. The Misfits scoring advantage was lost however as winning doubles were elusive to the visitors.  The break and some succulent Breakaways grub lifted the Misfits, immediately levelling the scoring through Caine 85,100,D8 and James scoring consistently taking out the 501 on D14 for 4 all.  
Karl Cooper kept the momentum going with 85,85,124 and D5 to take the lead.  Unfortunately for the visitors but fortunately for the Bears, Mike Smith, who has enjoyed tremendous form of late was next.  Not quite up to his usual standard but enough to get his side out of trouble he nailed D2 second arrow to level.  Another Mike, this one Douglas, figured next and really went for it.  A superb leg under the circumstances followed, 81,85,121 and finally D20 gave the Bears a crucial lead with one leg to play.  
Enter superwoman, the larger than life Sonya Cooper to rescue the match for the Sporting Life.  A super leg culminating on D8 after a 121 to set up the finish completed the match, a draw and a point for both sides.  The result keeps the Bears 3 points ahead of their rivals who this week are the Jaguars who move above the Tavern who this week succumbed to the Junction side.  
The Jaguars are finding some form now, this week was their fifth victory on the bounce, a fine record.  They didn't get off to the best of starts however, as the Tavern Drivers themselves raced to a 2-0 lead via Stu Mitchell taking the first triples and Justin Hepburn finding S19,D16 in two for the second, John Dursley contributing a ton. Hepburn led the way in the third with some great scoring, but the Jaguars of Simone de Lacy, Tracy Simpson and Hilda Wilkinson were their opponents equal, the latter finishing the 701 on D16.  Mitchell and Hepburn 97,133 were too strong in the first doubles for the Jaguars, as Hepburn took out his second leg of the night on D20.  Pat Schofield pulled one back for the hosts on D3, followed by Simpson and de Lacy D2 to level the score at the break.  
Hepburn was placed first in the singles, expecting the Drivers to resume their lead, but it didn't happen that way.  Wendy Hayward took the honours on D5, for the Jaguars to lead for the first time.  Lisa Ivill was next and thought she had won the leg when completing an excellent “Shanghai” on the 13 bed.  Her opponent John Dursley reminded her it was a 501 game and showed her the way with 95,80,100 and D6.  
Wilkinson regained the lead for the hosts to allow Schofield to ensure the draw with 100 and D10.  De Lacy threw a tidy 501 against Ralph Weatherby 95,85 the former matching the scoring and then nailing D8 for the match. Simpson completed the evening with yet another Jaguars leg taking out D2.
A fine performance from Evolution´s Jon Peters helped his side to a draw and valuable point.  Two tons and D9 posted Peters intentions in the first despite a 111 from Michelle Lane.  
He was at it again in the third finishing the triple on D4, well supported by Jak Doggatt.  Chris Miles and Brett Badlove faced Maggie Nicholls and Peters in the opening doubles, both teams reaching the double.  It was however Peters in scintillating out form who planted his third dart in D16.  Gilly Kirby and Alan Preston D8 levelled the score at half time.  
Preston was first choice in the singles and didn't hang around with 85,85,100 and D2 for the lead.  Doggatt´s ton in the next was ignored by Michelle Lane who increased the lead to 2 on D7.  Ken Treble reduced the deficit to 5-4 on D4.  Some great darts followed from Peters who finished on D16 after a 129 and 140 to take 4 of his side´s 6 legs.  An excellent performance!  Nicholls concluded the match on D2 to share the spoils.
Back to Division 1 and a fine away performance from Junction Jackals gives them their third victory of the season.  Kenny Wilkinson´s finish on D18,D16 was the highlight of a first half which left the visitors 2-4 up.  Irene Russell took out Andy Gildea for 3-4, followed by Paul Dowington who rapidly defeated Jimmy Gray 2-0 for 4 all.    Babs Warren gave Busters the lead for the first time, taking the third leg against Keith King.  
Steph Simpson needed only two legs to defeat Ray Harvey, the score nicely poised at 5 all.  Peter O´Rourke couldn't quite find his usual form playing Wilkinson who took straight legs for the win and at least a draw.  Julie Hallett did her best to retrieve a point for Busters taking one of three in a nail biter with Phil de Lacy who ensured both points for the travelling Jackals.  Gildea recorded 100,121,132, Wilkinson 3 game shots and 119,113, Simpson 3 game shots, 101,137 for the Jackals.   
Que Pasa were once again devoid of their main man John Walker who this week learned of his wife breaking her arm in the UK so determining his wife´s needs were far more important than the Eagles Thursday night darts he returned to the UK.   Don't blame him.  
The Porters took the first two via Sid Cross D4 and Peter Ayres D13 including a 103, Kevin Wood replying with a ton.  Wood repeated Ayres effort on D13 to take the third, Stuart Clark helping out with a 105.  A Ray Hayes ton in the first pairs enabled Ayres to take his second out of the night, this time on D2.  A 135 from Wood set up a D16 out from partner Jim Waddell, opponent Yvonne Rouffignac scoring a ton.  Den Hall and Jim Storey 125 were the Eagles final pair to face Brian Nash and Ray Sanderson.  The Porters came out on top Nash finishing on D5 for a 4-2 half time score line.  
Three tons from Nash plus D7 and D3 saw off the challenge from Waddell who took the middle leg on D17 after a 125.  Rouffignac got the Porters 6th leg and a point beating an in form opponent in Wood 2-1.  It was ¨scores for show¨ as Wood recorded 4x100, his opponent none, but the two doubles required in the best of three D2 and D20, Wood taking it to three.  
Hall pulled one back for his side hitting 2xD16 in a 3 leg tie against Hayes 100,D2.  Sanderson came from one down to Storey D4, utilising D20 twice to take both points for the Porters.  Storey recorded a 140, Sanderson a ton.  Cross was surprisingly beaten by Joe Cuyt, the Porter finding very few big scores, his opponent the vital doubles D15 and D10.  Ayres faced Clark in the 12th, the latter battering the lipstick with 100,120 and 140, but Ayres D5 in the first and then 180,100 plus D20 gave the hosts their 8th leg of the evening.
Meerkats stay on top of Division 1 after defeating Pint Depot Kings who improved their legs tally against the Kats by 2 this week.  This was mainly due to the fine efforts of Matt Cummins who recorded 2x98,85,3x100,180 and 3 game shots.  Gary Minor supported well with a comfortable victory over Danas Bobinas nailing D4 and D8 plus 140 and 100.  
Martin Bynorth was the other leg winner on D15 plus 111.  Two decent individual performances from the Kats, plus an all round team effort was just too much for the Kings.  Pat Abrams 5x100,106,2x140 plus a nice D8,D8 throwing for D16 and 4x100,106,140 plus 4 game shots from Paul Durrant were the Kats main performers.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45738/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Breakaways Bears remain unbeaten and top Division 2 despite Sporting Life pushing the table toppers all the way.  It looked comfortable for the Bears at half time, a 4-2 advantage normally enough to secure a win with 6 singles to play.  
Mike Douglas ...

### SOUTHERN LEAGUE BOWLS RESULTS - FRIDAY 28 NOVEMBER

Just the one whitewash in the three Divisions, San Miguel Cougars 14-0 victory over La Siesta Silvers in Division C, enough to lift the Cougars into 4th place.
Vistabella Picadors maintain their strong first olace in the league however beating the EI Outlaws 12-2.
Battle for top spot in Division A with both San Luis Lions and Quesada Swallows level on 64 points, the Lions overtaking the Swallows virtue of their 8-4 win at home to Monte Mar Matadors 8-4.
Division B sees Greenland Elms maintain a 6 point gap over Mazarron Minors after their 10-4 victory at Quesada Swifts.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45737/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Just the one whitewash in the three Divisions, San Miguel Cougars 14-0 victory over La Siesta Silvers in Division C, enough to lift the Cougars into 4th place.
Vistabella Picadors maintain their strong first olace in the league however beating the EI ...

### PRISON ASSOCIATION DENOUNCE PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT

An association representing prison officers in Spain has denounced the preferential treatment given to singer Isabel Pantoja, incarcerated last week for tax fraud.
The group claim that the head of the prison service has given “pretend advantage” to the singer, after the prison was ordered to prepare a special cell for her, with polished tiles, a new mattress and “extraordinarily” clean. 
In a statement, the groups say that should these facts be confirmed, “there is no other option than for the dismissal of the Director of the prison, María Isabel Cabello, and the opening of disciplinary proceedings”.
The association also claim that a memo was sent to the officers on the 19th of November from the centre´s director, reminding them of their obligations, something they consider unnecessary given their “experience and professionalism”.
They argue that people enter the prison every day and none of those have had cause for such a memo to be sent, which they say show how the directorate “lack professionalism” in dealing with the imprisonment of a celebrity such as Pantoja, even before entering the prison, “different to how they deal with the rest of the prison population”.
Given this, the association have expressed their “revulsion” the prison administration has placed on the staff of this prison, whilst leaking confidential information and thus breaking the law on data protection.
It is not the first time that the prison system has been accused of preferential treatment to certain prisoners. Four months into his sentence having been found guilty of corruption, the former mayor of Torrevieja, Pedro Hernández Mateo, still enjoys the benefits of a different life in jail to other prisoners. He is accommodated in a nursing wing, in a larger than normal cell which he shares with two “model” prisoners, where he can attend the gym, play sports, walks every day, receives his daily mail and attends mass on a Sunday to pray.
Pantoja was shrouded in controversy when she appeared in concert in Torrevieja during the summer of 2012, at a cost to the tax payer of 35,000 euro, although the local socialists claim the figure was nearer 50,000 to 55,000 euro. At the time, the city council justified the expense as it allowed the citizens of Torrevieja to attend the concert at a lower ticket cost, although only 2,000 people were said to have attended according to the official figures from the town hall, but the promoter, Horizonte Musical, claimed this figure was hugely exaggerated and that only 1,374 tickets were sold, and that they made a huge loss on the event.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45725/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: An association representing prison officers in Spain has denounced the preferential treatment given to singer Isabel Pantoja, incarcerated last week for tax fraud.
The group claim that the head of the prison service has given “pretend advantage...

### TORREVIEJA TAXI RATES FROZEN

Taxi rates in Torrevieja will not be increased for the 2015 year, according to the councillor for transport, Eduardo Gil Rebollo.
In a statement, the town hall reports that the regional Ministry of Economy, Industry and Tourism of the Generalitat Valenciana, has approved the continuation of the current rates into next year, for the legal and licensed public transport operators.
As such, the flat rate in daytime, between 06:00 and 22:00, will be a standard fee of 3.36 euro, then 1.02 euro per kilometre. The hourly rate for waiting is 16.60 euro, with a minimum of 3.50 euro.
The special rate for Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, as well as overnight, the standard fee is 4.37 euro, then 1.29 euro per kilometre, 19.73 euro per hour waiting and a minimum of 4.37 euro.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45724/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Taxi rates in Torrevieja will not be increased for the 2015 year, according to the councillor for transport, Eduardo Gil Rebollo.
In a statement, the town hall reports that the regional Ministry of Economy, Industry and Tourism of the Generalitat Val...

### BREAKFAST-ART CLUBS GROWING IN TORREVIEJA

The enclosure of the Eras de la Sal on Sunday welcomed more than fifty people who gathered together to observe the new 'Breakfast-Art' Club, an activity in which several local groups share their experiences as they each prepare traditional crafts and established gourmet dishes.
The idea is to promote relationships and enjoy a morning together with like-minded individuals.
They were joined by Agustina Esteve, the Councillor for Citizen Participation, who said how important such breakfasts were allowing individuals to recall and share anecdotes and incidents as the morning's activities are pursued.
She also said that a summary of each day will be recorded along with photographs depicting some of the exhibits and dishes which would then form the basis of a public exhibition in Torrevieja during the course of next year.
In short, Breakfast-Art allows participants to develop existing social relations amongst themselves (national, international, young and old), in an atmosphere of fellowship, sharing cultures and places of interest.
The activity already takes place in la Plaza de Oriente, in el Parque Martha Luisa de Noruega (Urbanización La Siesta), and the Water Mill (Molino del Agua) in La Mata.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45723/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The enclosure of the Eras de la Sal on Sunday welcomed more than fifty people who gathered together to observe the new 'Breakfast-Art' Club, an activity in which several local groups share their experiences as they each prepare traditional crafts and e...

### LA LIGA PLAYERS STEP IN TO PAY PENSIONERS RENT

Players and staff of Madrid's third La Liga Football Club Rayo Vallecano have stepped in to cover the living costs of 85 year old Carmen Martínez Ayuso who was evicted from her house in the Madrid neighborhood of Vallecas last Friday.
When hearing of her situation coach Paco Jémez said “We are not going to sit by and do nothing, we are going to help this woman.” They have now committed the club to paying her rent for the rest of her life.
Martínez Ayuso was evicted from her property, which is valued at €160,000, after her son, used it to guarantee a €40,000 private loan he took out last year. The family explains the son had borrowed the money to redecorate the house and sort out financial problems following his divorce and the loss of his job as a real estate agent. He inherited the deeds to the house after the death of his father seven years ago. 
Martínez Ayuso, who is not able to read or write, didn't know that she was facing eviction until the police visited the property a few days before the first attempt to throw her out was made last month, but now the football club have stepped in they have promised to find her another home ‘so she can live the rest of her life with dignity and not feel alone.'
However the pensioner says she has “no tears left after she spent them all saying farewell to a half-century of memories in her home.' “I've spent my whole life working, getting up at 6am to earn a crust, just so at the last minute they come and take it all when the only thing I want is peace,” she says, clutching her walking stick.
But now her grandson Luismi is in charge of looking for an apartment that Rayo Vallecano can pay for. On Monday Madrid Mayor Ana Botella said City Hall would offer her access to social housing, though municipal social services also stated that the family had previously rejected its offer of help, saying that with the help of Vallecas Mortgage Victims Platform (PAH), they were going to try to stop the eviction.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45722/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Players and staff of Madrid's third La Liga Football Club Rayo Vallecano have stepped in to cover the living costs of 85 year old Carmen Martínez Ayuso who was evicted from her house in the Madrid neighborhood of Vallecas last Friday.
When hear...

### GREYHOUNDS TARGETED IN ANIMAL THEFTS

An Animal Charity is warning pet owners of a series of thefts or kidnaps, aimed particularly at Greyhounds, as unscrupulous criminals snatch dogs that they then sell on to aficionados at the start of the hunting season. In recent weeks, they say there have been several attempts to steal such dogs, particularly in the streets of Alicante.
‘Alicante Adopts' is an association dedicated to the shelter of such animals and they say they have firm evidence of a number of such attempts, the most recent in the beach area of El Campello where dogs are regularly walked and bathed dogs. 
The incident occurred last week when a young woman walking with her greyhound was surprised by two men who tried to snatch it. Although she was cornered she screamed for help and the thieves sped off in a white van with a Murcia registration mark. The woman said that there was already at least one other greyhound in the van.
Just last month Janis was also approached in the Alicante neighborhood of San Blas, by two men who also attempted to snatch her greyhound, but the attackers withdrew as the girl ran into an area where there was  more traffic and pedestrians.
These are just two cases, but the Civil Guard has also recently warned of the existence of organized networks which are engaged in the theft of greyhounds in different parts of Spain. Although more common in the rural areas of Andalusia and La Mancha, such attempts to kidnap the dogs are now regularly being seen in Alicante province of. 
The kidnapped greyhounds are usually destined for racing hunting where the best specimens can reach prices of 1,000 euros. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45721/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: An Animal Charity is warning pet owners of a series of thefts or kidnaps, aimed particularly at Greyhounds, as unscrupulous criminals snatch dogs that they then sell on to aficionados at the start of the hunting season. In recent weeks, they say there ...

### PP CALL FOR EARLIER POLICE RETIREMENT

The spokesman for the municipal group Los Verdes, José Manuel Dolon, criticised the Torrevieja Council  last week for "copying" the motion originally filed by his party in 2008, requesting advancement of the retirement ages for members of the Policia Locale, but he nevertheless welcomed the proposal.
Dolon said that although the Partido Popular have been dragging their feet for many years his party 'welcomes this change of their position" adding that Los Verdes will continue to support the advancement of the retirement age for local police due to the conditions in which they continually work and the risks that they run.
He said that the retirement age should be advanced because officers, like everyone else, gradually suffer a loss in their physical abilities as they get older, which can have a detrimental effect in how they carry out their duties.
The environmental spokesman said that six former councilors from the previous government had also supported the Green Party motion when it was first submitted, Domingo Soler, Eduardo Dolón, José Antonio Sánchez, Dolores Albaladejo, Gil Rebollo, Agustina Esteve, Javier Montoro, Joaquín Albaladejo, Francisco Moreno y and Daniel Plaza who had resigned.
He said that the Policia Locale carry out many of the same functions as other members of the State Security Forces so his proposal had been nothing more than bringing the retirement age into parity with them.  
The motion filed a few days ago by the Peoples group, will be discussed and quite probably approved at a future plenary session, although José Manuel Dolon said that it should not be dealt with in a plenary session.
He urged the Secretariat of State for Security and the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP), to propose a legislative amendment to the Congress of Deputies to enable the matter to be adopted by all regional forces.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45720/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The spokesman for the municipal group Los Verdes, José Manuel Dolon, criticised the Torrevieja Council  last week for "copying" the motion originally filed by his party in 2008, requesting advancement of the retirement ages for members of the Policia Locale, but he nevertheless welcomed the proposal.
Dolon said that although the Partido Popular have been dragging their feet for many years his party 'welcomes this change of their position" adding that Los Verdes will continue to support the advancement of the retirement age for local police due to the conditions in which they continually work and the risks that they run.
He said that the retirement age should be advanced because officers, like everyone else, gradually suffer a loss in their physical abilities as they get older, which can have a detrimental effect in how they carry out their duties.
The environmental spokesman said that six former councilors from the previous government had also supported the Green Party motion when it was first submitted, Domingo Soler, Eduardo Dolón, José Antonio Sánchez, Dolores Albaladejo, Gil Rebollo, Agustina Esteve, Javier Montoro, Joaquín Albaladejo, Francisco Moreno y and Daniel Plaza who had resigned.
He said that the Policia Locale carry out many of the same functions as other members of the State Security Forces so his proposal had been nothing more than bringing the retirement age into parity with them.  
The motion filed a few days ago by the Peoples group, will be discussed and quite probably approved at a future plenary session, although José Manuel Dolon said that it should not be dealt with in a plenary session.
He urged the Secretariat of State for Security and the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP), to propose a legislative amendment to the Congress of Deputies to enable the matter to be adopted by all regional forces.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45720/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### NEW TORREVIEJA QUEEN OF SALT ELECTED

Following her election of Torrevieja's new ‘Queen of Salt' Ainara Antelo,  was accompanied to the Town Hall by her two bridesmaids Marta Miguel and Stephanie Veri, where the trio took the opportunity to meet mayor, Eduardo Dolon, along with councilor Lola Sanchez.
They were received in the plenary hall where they were congratulated by the city officials.
The three young torrevejenses were then presented with their chains of office, the gold pendants that identify their positions, as well as a famous Torrevieja salt boat that has now become the norm as far local gratitudes are concerned.
Each of the young ladies said how delighted they were to receive their nomination and agreed to represent Torrevieja for the next twelve month period to the best of their abilities.
Eduardo Dolon stressed that it would be a very important year for them, with a busy schedule of events, especially in the coming days, with the celebration of the Immaculate Conception.
After posing in the plenary hall the three were then given their agendas by the outgoing salt queen, Saray Sánchez, ahead of the conclusion of the festivities of La Purisima.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45719/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following her election of Torrevieja's new ‘Queen of Salt' Ainara Antelo,  was accompanied to the Town Hall by her two bridesmaids Marta Miguel and Stephanie Veri, where the trio took the opportunity to meet mayor, Eduardo Dolon, along with counc...

### SPORT SOLIDARITY WITH ADIEM

Dozens of people spent last Sunday morning out in the fresh air contributing to an extremely worthwhile cause. They were providing their assistance and support to the ADIEM Vega Baja (Association for the Protection and Integration of People with Mental Illness) who were organising sports and fitness activities on the Paseo Vista Alegre for a large number of their members. 
Most of the sessions took the form of fitness classes with instructors from many of the town's gymnasiums and fitness centres as members of the public each contributed 5 euros toward ADIEM funds.
The numbers were also increased by over 80 spectators who joined in with the classes as they were passing by. 
The session began with one of the more popular dance routines, the zumba, followed by'SH'BAM' , 'body combat' and 'Forward 62', four fitness disciplines, each requiring participants to be increasingly proficient. 
Those instructors who provided their assistance at the session came from the O2 Arena Alicante, Sport.In, Marajal Sport, Selfa's Center, Maxx Gym and Club Nautico de Torrevieja Real gyms, which also attracted many of its regular users.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45718/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Dozens of people spent last Sunday morning out in the fresh air contributing to an extremely worthwhile cause. They were providing their assistance and support to the ADIEM Vega Baja (Association for the Protection and Integration of People with Mental...

### TWO MILLION APPOINTMENTS IN JUST EIGHT YEARS

The Torrevieja Hospital has recently celebrated its eighth anniversary, having first opened its doors on November 21, 2006, during which time the Torrevieja center has strengthened both its medical teams and improved the quality of its performance making it one of the leading medical facilities in the region. 
On its anniversary the manager of Torreviejas Department of Health Torrevieja, Dr. Jose Antonio Velasco, said " in a relatively short period the hospital has achieved an excellent degree of maturity ".
He praised the effort, commitment and quality of care of the “professionals who work together to give people personalised and superior care, which has been manifested in awards from patients, families, scientific institutions and society in general."
Amongst the data provided, the head of the center highlighted over 135,000 procedures performed with a rate of CMA (surgery that requires no further treatment) of 73.5%. Referring to the consultations, he said there have been nearly two million hospital appointments.
The hospital has treated a total of 560,000 emergency cases, for an average waiting time of 35 minutes and the maternity wing has assisted with more than 10,500 births since the center opened.
To commemorate the anniversary many of the staff donated a gift in support of a school project in Peru to educate native communities in the Amazon rainforest, from which 2,500 children will benefit.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45717/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Torrevieja Hospital has recently celebrated its eighth anniversary, having first opened its doors on November 21, 2006, during which time the Torrevieja center has strengthened both its medical teams and improved the quality of its performance making it one of the leading medical facilities in the region. 
On its anniversary the manager of Torreviejas Department of Health Torrevieja, Dr. Jose Antonio Velasco, said " in a relatively short period the hospital has achieved an excellent degree of maturity ".
He praised the effort, commitment and quality of care of the “professionals who work together to give people personalised and superior care, which has been manifested in awards from patients, families, scientific institutions and society in general."
Amongst the data provided, the head of the center highlighted over 135,000 procedures performed with a rate of CMA (surgery that requires no further treatment) of 73.5%. Referring to the consultations, he said there have been nearly two million hospital appointments.
The hospital has treated a total of 560,000 emergency cases, for an average waiting time of 35 minutes and the maternity wing has assisted with more than 10,500 births since the center opened.
To commemorate the anniversary many of the staff donated a gift in support of a school project in Peru to educate native communities in the Amazon rainforest, from which 2,500 children will benefit.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45717/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### STUDENTS UNDERGO "TORREVIEJA NAUTICAL EXPERIENCE"

Last Friday the Councillor for Tourism, Luis María Pizana, was joined by the Director of the Torrevieja Yacht Club (RCNT), Carlos Torrado, in welcoming a group of 40 students from the University of Alicante (UA) where they are all studying for a degree in Tourism

Organized by the Departamento de Geografía Humana the presentation was to provide the students with first hand knowledge in the different forms of tourism encouraging them to consider some of the most interesting and very different tourist models, including: Golf Tourism, Nautical Tourism, Snow Tourism, Nature Tourism, Theme Parks, Beach and of course General Tourism.
They were told that Torrevieja was chosen as the venue for the lecture because it was regarded as one of the most important tourist destinations in the country where most of the tourism models could be enjoyed.
They were told of the strategies used to consolidate Torrevieja as one of Spain's premier Nautical destinations as Carlos Torrado explained  how the tourist product "The Torrevieja Nautical Experience" has been consolidated in Torrevieja, bringing together many different factors such as the weather, the 14 kilometers of coastline and a bay with three marinas (Marina International, Marina Salinas and Real Club Nautico de Torrevieja. 
They were also told of the involvement of the 16 companies that make up this tourist product, all engaged in activities as varied as boat rentals, diving, fishing, sailing or boat trips along the coast, in addition to the other tourist models, Flyboard, Jet Ski, Cable Ski, Kayak and Paddle Surfing.
They were referred to the information available in English and Castilian on the web www.torreviejanauticalexperience.com and to the existence of an exclusive brochure dedicated to the activity which is published by the city of Torrevieja.
Subsequently, students visited the Natural Park of the Laguna de la Mata and Torrevieja, where they received an informative talk at the Information Centre, on the unique features of the park and the management tools of this Mediterranean wetland of international importance.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45716/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Last Friday the Councillor for Tourism, Luis María Pizana, was joined by the Director of the Torrevieja Yacht Club (RCNT), Carlos Torrado, in welcoming a group of 40 students from the University of Alicante (UA) where they are all studying for a degree in Tourism
Organized by the Departamento de Geografía Humana the presentation was to provide the students with first hand knowledge in the different forms of tourism encouraging them to consider some of the most interesting and very different tourist models, including: Golf Tourism, Nautical Tourism, Snow Tourism, Nature Tourism, Theme Parks, Beach and of course General Tourism.
They were told that Torrevieja was chosen as the venue for the lecture because it was regarded as one of the most important tourist destinations in the country where most of the tourism models could be enjoyed.
They were told of the strategies used to consolidate Torrevieja as one of Spain's premier Nautical destinations as Carlos Torrado explained  how the tourist product "The Torrevieja Nautical Experience" has been consolidated in Torrevieja, bringing together many different factors such as the weather, the 14 kilometers of coastline and a bay with three marinas (Marina International, Marina Salinas and Real Club Nautico de Torrevieja. 
They were also told of the involvement of the 16 companies that make up this tourist product, all engaged in activities as varied as boat rentals, diving, fishing, sailing or boat trips along the coast, in addition to the other tourist models, Flyboard, Jet Ski, Cable Ski, Kayak and Paddle Surfing.
They were referred to the information available in English and Castilian on the web www.torreviejanauticalexperience.com and to the existence of an exclusive brochure dedicated to the activity which is published by the city of Torrevieja.
Subsequently, students visited the Natural Park of the Laguna de la Mata and Torrevieja, where they received an informative talk at the Information Centre, on the unique features of the park and the management tools of this Mediterranean wetland of international importance.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45716/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### CALLS TO BENEFIT FRAUD HOTLINE DOUBLE, THANKS TO HONEST BRITS

Calls to the benefit fraud hotline in Spain have doubled since the British Government launched a major advertising campaign during the last week of October to encourage the public to call the hotline if they suspect benefit fraud, and to urge claimants to report changes in their circumstances. 
The Department for Work and Pensions' (DWP) benefit fraud hotline in Spain – 900 55 44 40 – has seen a surge in vital tip-offs that fraud investigators are now pursuing to verify if people are claiming benefits illegally. 
Awareness of the campaign and associated media coverage among expatriates in Spain, and their willingness to call the hotline, is helping investigators to reduce the waste of honest taxpayers' money on fraudsters. 
Work and Pensions Minister Mark Harper said:
“Hard working taxpayers have had enough of fraudsters taking money which is meant for genuine claimants, which is why we're seeing so many people taking action by calling the hotline. We know it's a small minority who commit benefit fraud but I would urge anyone who has suspicions to call the free and confidential number or report them anonymously online.”
Worldwide, someone is reported to benefit fraud hotlines every minute of every working day on average, and in the last year alone nearly 60,000 fraud investigations have been launched. 
The Government has recovered nearly one billion pounds of wrongly paid benefits in the last year, and has introduced a raft of measures to crack down on people who cheat the system - both abroad and in the UK – including:
•	Tough new rules so that 40% of individuals' benefits can be taken to repay stolen cash - on top of any fine or custodial sentence handed out by the courts;
•	Increased penalties from £2,000 to £5,000, without taking a fraudster to court;
•	 A new £50 civil penalty for claimants who negligently give incorrect information on their claims or fail to report a change in circumstances which results in overpayments.
If you suspect a benefit cheat, call the confidential hotline on 900 55 44 40 - open from 8am to 4pm every weekday in Spain - or report them online at www.dwp.gov.uk/benefit-thieves-spain.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45715/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Calls to the benefit fraud hotline in Spain have doubled since the British Government launched a major advertising campaign during the last week of October to encourage the public to call the hotline if they suspect benefit fraud, and to urge claimants...

### CAMPOVERDE THEATRE GROUP

Representatives of Campoverde Theatre group went to reach out in Torrevieja to present a cheque for 500 euros, Colin & Vida Nelson And Graham & Maureen Haywood are pictured presenting the cheque To Karolina of reach out.
A total of 1500 euros has been donated by the group so far this year to a variety of good causes. At the moment the group are in rehearsal for their next show ‘Allo Allo' which will be a dinner show in January.   Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45713/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Representatives of Campoverde Theatre group went to reach out in Torrevieja to present a cheque for 500 euros, Colin & Vida Nelson And Graham & Maureen Haywood are pictured presenting the cheque To Karolina of reach out.
A total of 1500 euros ...

### ICING ON THE CAKE FOR LOS MONTESINOS REPORTER ANDY AS SNOOKER LEGEND HIGGINS SINGS FOR HIM!

Los Montesinos, Alicante, sports reporter Andy Atkinson looks back to snooker legend Alex 'Hurricane' Higgins in the wake of the UK Championship beginning in York. "Alex was something else!," said Andy, who often sat with Higgins - drinking in the VIP lounge during the UK Championship at Preston Guild Hall.
Twice world champion Higgins died, aged 61, in July 2010, after a long battle against throat cancer.  He was found dead in his flat in Belfast. Higgins flew to Spain in a quest to undergo surgery - to get new teeth he lost during cancer treatment.
However Higgins was regarded as not fit enough to have the surgery, and was said to be too frail to have an operation by the medical profession in Spain. Fellow snooker professionals had raised £20,000 to help Higgins undergo the surgery in Spain - who weighed seven stone - and had to have his food pureed.
"I was at Preston Guild Hall in 1987 - when Alex head-butted WPBSA tournament official Paul Hatherell - of which he was fined £12,000 and banned for six months," recalled Andy. "On the other side of the coin Alex could be great company.
I once sat down next to him in the bar and he started singing to me: 'If I Knew You Were Comin' I'd've Baked a Cake', said Andy.  
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45710/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Los Montesinos, Alicante, sports reporter Andy Atkinson looks back to snooker legend Alex 'Hurricane' Higgins in the wake of the UK Championship beginning in York. "Alex was something else!," said Andy, who often sat with Higgins - drinking in the VIP lounge during the UK Championship at Preston Guild Hall.
Twice world champion Higgins died, aged 61, in July 2010, after a long battle against throat cancer.  He was found dead in his flat in Belfast. Higgins flew to Spain in a quest to undergo surgery - to get new teeth he lost during cancer treatment.
However Higgins was regarded as not fit enough to have the surgery, and was said to be too frail to have an operation by the medical profession in Spain. Fellow snooker professionals had raised £20,000 to help Higgins undergo the surgery in Spain - who weighed seven stone - and had to have his food pureed.
"I was at Preston Guild Hall in 1987 - when Alex head-butted WPBSA tournament official Paul Hatherell - of which he was fined £12,000 and banned for six months," recalled Andy. "On the other side of the coin Alex could be great company.
I once sat down next to him in the bar and he started singing to me: 'If I Knew You Were Comin' I'd've Baked a Cake', said Andy.  
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45710/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### TORREVIEJA BRANCH START NEW PHASE

At the Annual General meeting of the Torrevieja Branch of The Royal British Legion, held on Friday 21st of November, a new Committee were elected.
Outgoing Lady Chairman Gillian had been at the helm for 7 years and was looking forward to a rest.  Gill had stepped into the chair when the Branch was at a low and approximately 12 members attended monthly meetings.  Now under her leadership the Branch regularly plays host to an average of 60 members at Casa Ventura on the 2nd Friday of the month.  Gill thanked the members of the Branch for supporting her and The Royal British Legion during the last few years and keeping the first Legion Branch in Spain open, building and thriving, now in its 26th Year.
Davy Young who was standing down as Branch Secretary after three years, handed the reins over to Carol Stockwell.  Carol had been the brains behind the highly successful Poppy Concert this year. Davy assumed the role of PR as this post had been vacant.  Dianne and Allan Budd, along with Dianne and Derek Forbes continue in role as Social Organisers, providing entertainment and lunches for the members.  Pauline Grindlay and Joyce Bosisto continue their sterling work as Membership Secretary providing data and information to Head Office and keeping membership records up to date. 
Judi Wilkinson was re-elected as Vice Chair continuing for a second year after assuming the role on the demise of her late partner Bill Weeks last April. Brian Myers, the Branch Standard Bearer who had the honour of parading the Branch Standard at The Royal Albert Hall this year was retained as Branch Standard bearer, while Ken Archer who had paraded the Spanish Flag for the last 6 years stood down, Patricia Atkinson the Union Flag Bearer and a fairly new member of the Branch  continues in this important role. Michael Elliott stood down due to an increase in Chaplaincy duties and was replaced by Paul Price.
The photograph shows Douglas Sidwell MBE Branch President looks on as Gill presents her Branch Chairmans Jewel to incoming Chairman Gerry Lynch, who leaves the role of Treasurer and hands over to Pam James.
In closing Mr Nigel Hail, Chairman of District North Spain as a Guest Speaker, paid respects and thanks to Gill and the Branch for the hard work they had sustained over the last years through thick & thin. He had been honoured to attend both the 25th Anniversary Ball and the Poppy Concert, which he said were both well organised and enjoyable events in this Branch year.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45706/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: At the Annual General meeting of the Torrevieja Branch of The Royal British Legion, held on Friday 21st of November, a new Committee were elected.
Outgoing Lady Chairman Gillian had been at the helm for 7 years and was looking forward to a rest.  Gill...

### SPANISH HEALTH MINISTER RESIGNS

The Spanish Minister for Health, Ana Mato, issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon announcing her resignation from the post.
The announcement came hours after the judge presiding over the infamous Gürtel case, in which Mato is considered to have personally benefited from her ex-husband's business with the plot of Francisco Correa.
Mato has faced criticism through her career, partly due to massive cuts in spending on public health, forcing pensioners and the infirm to pay for prescriptions, closing hospitals and clinics and reducing the numbers of ambulances serving the public, to recent controversy over the handling of the Ebola crisis.
Although not convicted of any crime in connection with the case, her resignation is on account that she doesn´t want to further damage the public´s opinion of the ruling Partido Popular government, rocked with scandal after scandal during their current administration.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45695/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Spanish Minister for Health, Ana Mato, issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon announcing her resignation from the post.
The announcement came hours after the judge presiding over the infamous Gürtel case, in which Mato is considered to ha...

### GREEN ZONE RECOVERY ON THE ORIHUELA COSTA

This week saw the inauguration of part of the green corridor of the Orihuela Costa, the “Corredor Verde de la Costa”, which saw the residents of the Valencia urbanisation near Villamartin have a green area officially opened, that provides a new environmental element to the residential zones.
The creation of the Corredor Verde de la Costa, which covers six different zones in the area, has been overseen by the Councillor for work and employment, Manuel Gallud, and the Councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer, who are coincidentally both representatives of the Los Verdes green party of Orihuela. 
A temporary contract for employment was given to 33 residents of the municipality, which not only secured their employment for the duration of the term, but also served as an apprenticeship where they learnt new skills to help them develop and hopefully obtain permanent work in the sectors for which they are now trained. 
During this week´s presentation, the supervising trainer, María Ángeles Palencia, explained how this existing park had been adapted by the workforce to include the creation of a bike path that traverses its way through the green area, complete with bicycle parking, picnic tables, benches, pergolas and dustbins, all made from wood, much of which is recycled, and stained to match the natural vegetation. 
Manuel Gallud expressed his satisfaction at the work, and the dedication that the workers and the management have shown in creating these workable spaces on the Orihuela Costa, and how he hopes that similar projects will continue.
The councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer, praised the work carried out so far, recalling how the Orihuela Costa has 38 kilometres of parkland like this, a lot of which had been left to rundown and not usable by the residents, serving as nothing more than an eyesore in a number of places, where non-native, invasive plants threaten the natural environment. 
From the turnout of residents of the Valencia urbanisation, it was clear that they too appreciated the efforts of all involved. A number of community representatives and presidents expressed their delight to The Leader. Sue Robinson said that she was “very pleased” and thought the park was “wonderful”, before explaining how she hopes the neighbourhood will be able to come together and use the area, whilst planting more flowers and trees.
Tony Cross said that he thought the park was “excellent”, whilst commenting on how hard everybody had worked to make the park what it is.
Alan Aldcroft, praised the scheme and the workers, and how it “gives people a purpose” and a reason for those who were struggling to din work with “a reason to get out of bed”, whilst learning new skills. Alan also explained how the newly refreshed central park area gave the urbanisation more of a “village feel”, a sentiment echoed by the gathering crowds sipping bubbly under the shade of the natural flora, whilst able to relax on the newly built furniture and enjoy the passing of another day in their idyllic surroundings, as a squirrel ran along, climbing through the trees, gathering food in testament to how the park has already fitted in with nature.
The next park of the six-part green corridor will be officially inaugurated on Thursday the 4th of December, near to Calle Rocio at La Zenia, in an area where 800 metres of green land has already been recovered as part of the scheme.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45694/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This week saw the inauguration of part of the green corridor of the Orihuela Costa, the “Corredor Verde de la Costa”, which saw the residents of the Valencia urbanisation near Villamartin have a green area officially opened, that provides ...

### MILLIONS INVESTED IN MORE RADAR DETECTORS

Spain´s DGT traffic department has had its cheque book out again in November, spending 2.6 million euro on new radar speed detectors.
The company Saima Seguridad SA has been awarded a contract worth 1,645,500 euro, to provide 30 new roadside radar speed detectors. The Autovelox 105 model, valued at 54,580 euro each, is capable of measuring the speed of vehicles, as well as the distance between vehicles, as well as the length and width, and can monitor cars and trucks from independent databases. 
The Autovelox 105 is one of the easiest devices to carry and set up and can operate from vehicles, the side of the road, or mounted on street fixtures. They can also be installed in permanent casings. 
In addition, the company Etel 88 SA has been awarded a 995,000 euro contract for the provision of another two airborne Pegasus radar detectors for the DGT´s helicopters, which will bring the total flying eyes to seven.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45693/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spain´s DGT traffic department has had its cheque book out again in November, spending 2.6 million euro on new radar speed detectors.
The company Saima Seguridad SA has been awarded a contract worth 1,645,500 euro, to provide 30 new roadside ra...

### ITV CONFIRMS A SECOND SERIES OF GRANTCHESTER

ITV today confirmed commission of a second series of Grantchester starring James Norton and Robson Green to be produced by Lovely Day.
 
Set in the beautiful Cambridgeshire hamlet of Grantchester, the drama was a hit with viewers who enjoyed the wonderful characters created by novelist James Runcie, the cast, the production team at Lovely Day, and by lead writer Daisy Coulam who will return to write the second series. 
 
Impressively, the series average consolidated at 6.6 million viewers and a 24% share of the audience, a very strong debut for the drama.
 
Eavesdropping on the life of Sidney Chambers, a charismatic, charming, crime-fighting clergyman, and his partner in crime Police Inspector Geordie Keating, became a highlight for the audience who revelled in their on screen partnership.  Geordie's plain-speaking, down to earth approach to policing complemented Sidney's more gentle technique of coaxing information from witnesses and suspects.  Their unlikely pairing became a true friendship as each offered a different insight into the crimes they unravelled.
 
The new episodes will go into production in London and Grantchester, the picturesque Cambridgeshire village whose residents warmly welcomed the production team and embraced the drama being recorded whilst life carried on as normal.
 
Daisy Coulam who was responsible for adapting the first series based on the novels of James Runcie, will work on the new scripts from the stories within James's second “Grantchester Mysteries” novel, Sidney Chambers and the Perils of the Night.
 
The series will be produced by Lovely Day, a sister company of Kudos, and will be executive produced by Lovely Day's Managing Director and founder Diederick Santer (Cutting It, Jane Eyre, EastEnders). 
 
“I'm delighted with how the audience have taken to ‘Grantchester', and I'm very happy that ITV have asked us to make a second series,” said Diederick.  “The show is a joy to make, so we can't wait to get back to working on it.”
 
The new series has been commissioned for ITV by Director of Drama Steve November and Controller of Drama Victoria Fea.
 
“We received a tremendous audience reaction to Grantchester,” said Steve. “It was so well received so it was an easy decision to commission a new series. We're looking forward to working with Diederick Santer and reading Daisy Coulam's beautifully written scripts.”
 
Filming will begin next year and further casting details will be available in the coming months.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45692/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ITV today confirmed commission of a second series of Grantchester starring James Norton and Robson Green to be produced by Lovely Day.
 
Set in the beautiful Cambridgeshire hamlet of Grantchester, the drama was a hit with viewers who enjoyed the won...

### BAR OWNER ARRESTED IN SAN ISIDRO

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a 54 year old Spanish bar owner in San Isidro, after finding him in possession of numerous drugs.
The officers had been made aware of suspected illegal activity in the bar and set about a search of the premises. They found 30 doses of cocaine and 61 ecstasy tablets stored in CD cases and catalogued. 
During the raid, the officers also seized a machete, a fake firearm and a crossbow and arrows, as well as a variety of other questionable items such as hashish, mushrooms, marihuana and 1,500 euro in cash.
The man was arrested for a crime against public health and was put before the criminal courts of Orihuela.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45691/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a 54 year old Spanish bar owner in San Isidro, after finding him in possession of numerous drugs.
The officers had been made aware of suspected illegal activity in the bar and set about a search of the pr...

### DOWNTON ABBEY CHRISTMAS 2014

ITV and Carnival Films, the producers of Downton Abbey, today announce details of the Downton Abbey Christmas episode which rejoins the family in the early autumn of 1924. The two hour episode will be shown on ITV at Christmas.
 
Joining the cast as a guest star is Alun Armstrong (New Tricks, Braveheart, Sleepy Hollow). Alun will play Stowell, the Sinderbys' butler. Also joining is BAFTA Award nominee, Jane Lapotaire (Blind Justice, Shooting Fish, There's Only One Jimmy Grimble) who will play the much talked about Princess Irina, wife of Prince Kuragin (Rade Sherbedgia).
 
It's grouse shooting season and Rose's father-in-law, Lord Sinderby, has rented out Brancaster Castle in Northumberland and invited the Crawley family to a shooting party. While good sport is enjoyed, Stowell (Armstrong) has an axe to grind and a scandalous secret threatens to undermine the holiday.  Surprises are in store as the families become better acquainted with each other and some new faces arrive on the scene.
 
Meanwhile the servants hold the fort back at Downton. As Anna faces an uncertain future behind bars, Bates takes drastic measures in a bid to clear her name. Baxter and Molesley are busy on a joint plan and Carson and Mrs Hughes consider a business venture.
 
Alnwick Castle, in Northumberland, was used as the location for Brancaster Castle. Production spent two weeks in Northumberland and filmed in the spectacular interior rooms as well as the incredible Hulne Abbey and shooting on the estate.
 
The episode will feature returning stars Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, Jim Carter, Penelope Wilton, Phyllis Logan, Laura Carmichael, Lily James, Allen Leech, Brendan Coyle, Joanne Froggatt, Lesley Nicol, Sophie McShera, Robert James-Collier, Kevin Doyle, Raquel Cassidy, Sue Johnston, Jeremy Swift, Douglas Reith, Fifi Hart and Zac and Oliver Barker.
 
Making a return to Downton Abbey are James Faulkner and Penny Downie as Lord and Lady Sinderby, along with their son and Lady Rose's husband Matt Barber as Atticus Aldridge. Rade Sherbedgia will also reprise his role as Prince Kuragin and Michael Fox will play footman Andy.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45690/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ITV and Carnival Films, the producers of Downton Abbey, today announce details of the Downton Abbey Christmas episode which rejoins the family in the early autumn of 1924. The two hour episode will be shown on ITV at Christmas.
 
Joining the cast as...

### CHRISTMAS ON THE BBC

Family favourites including Doctor Who, Top Gear and Miranda, and brand new festive treats such as The Incredible Adventures Of Professor Branestawm, On Angel Wings and Esio Trot, will come together as the BBC once again lights up television screens with a wonderful array of programming for Christmas.
Danny Cohen, Director of Television, says: “This year's Christmas line-up on BBC Television is one of our best ever. There's world-class talent, edge of your seat drama, outstanding comedy and fantastic storytelling. Across our channels we will bring families together and provide something for everyone.”
 
Harry Hill makes his acting debut in the family drama The Incredible Adventures Of Professor Branestawm, which tells the story of an absent-minded inventor who causes chaos with his hare-brained creations; and in David Walliams' The Boy In The Dress, 12 year-old Dennis wishes he could escape his boring grey life, until a chance view of Kate Moss on a magazine cover introduces him to a whole new world.
 
In Doctor Who, The Doctor and Clara face their Last Christmas. Trapped on an Arctic base, under attack from terrifying creatures, who are you going to call? Santa Claus!
 
Over in Albert Square, family secrets and lies come to the surface as Mick pulls out all the stops to make the Carter family's first Christmas in the Queen Vic perfect; and in Esio Trot Mr Hoppy tries to help neighbour Mrs Silver when her tortoise appears to have stopped growing.
 
On the Sunday before Christmas, Songs of Praise: Christmas Big Sing will come from The Royal Albert Hall, where Katherine Jenkins and Jermain Jackman join presenters David Grant and Bill Turnbull.
 
On Christmas Eve BBC One will broadcast Midnight Mass live from Arundel Cathedral, when the Principal Celebrant will be the Dean, the Rev. Canon Tim Madeley. On BBC Two Carols from King's celebrates its sixtieth anniversary and there will also be a documentary charting the programme's history.
 
The Christmas Morning service on BBC One, Come And Join The Celebration, will be broadcast live from St George's Church in Leeds, and on New Year's Day, The Archbishop of Canterbury's New Year Message will be given by Justin Welby.
 
The charming animated tale On Angel Wings is the magical re-working of the nativity story based on the book by Michael Morpurgo, with an all-star voice cast including Michael Gambon and Juliet Stevenson, and tells the experience of a little shepherd boy who meets the Angel Gabriel and travels with him on a journey to Bethlehem to meet the newborn king, Jesus.
 
Making a welcome return to our screens, Chummy and Trixie are helping with the Sunday School Christmas Concert in Call The Midwife, while in Mapp & Lucia the residents of 1930's Tilling exist in a world fraught with petty gossip and one-upmanship.
 
Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May will be back in a two-part Top Gear Patagonia Special, on a road trip through South America; there will be a brand new episode of James May's Toy Stories, in which he attempts to rehabilitate one of Britain's most derided toys, Action Man; and Gareth Malone is back with The Choir: New Military Wives.
 
Two programmes from the Natural History Unit will bring two very different species to the viewers. Gordon Buchanan gets closer than ever to a wolf pack in The Snow Wolf Family and Me and we continue the story of Giles Clark and the Sumatran tiger cubs Spot and Stripe in Tigers About the House - What Happened Next
 
Rik Mayall: Lord Of Misrule looks back at the career and characters of the rocket-fuelled comic. This poignant programme, narrated by Simon Callow, features contributions from those who knew and admired him, including Michael Palin, Simon Pegg, Lenny Henry, Ruby Wax and Ben Elton.
 
BAFTA will pay tribute to the long and varied career of Julie Walters in a special one off programme, whilst one of her regular on-screen partners Victoria Wood brings her musical set in 1969 Manchester to television, in That Day We Sang. Comedian Al Murray is joined on BBC Four by three guests for another look back at vintage British cinema in Great British Spy Films, featuring the likes of Alfred Hitchcock and Powell & Pressburger. This will be accompanied by classic films such as The 39 Steps, The Good Shepard and The Ipcress File.
 
The usual family chaos descends for Agnes Brown in a two-part Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas special; in Citizen Khan, Mr Khan is given the honour of placing the star on top of the Sparkhill inter-faith Christmas tree; and Not Going Out reaches a dramatic crescendo as the 'will-they-won't-they' tension between Lee and Lucy reaches new heights. In Cuckoo it is Christmas time for the Thompsons in Lichfield, and Lorna is full of yuletide spirit…in more ways than one; and in Still Open All Hours, Granville is running the business with his son Leroy and Nurse Gladys is dispensing motherly advice. And in her final two episodes, we find Miranda where she left off – with two proposals; one from Gary and one from Mike. Who will she choose?
 
Two BBC Two comedies will be making their Christmas debuts this year: in The Wrong Mans, Sam and Phil are now 4000 miles from home, and must make the difficult choice of whether to remain forgotten or return to Bracknell. In Vic & Bob's House of Fools, it's Christmas Eve and Vic and Beef can't wait to start the party, but Bob's celebrations are cut short when a special present is unexpectedly engulfed in flames.
 
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special sees Tess Daly and Sir Bruce Forsyth reunited for a one-off panto-themed special. The contestants, some of the most memorable from past years, include Russell Grant, Rachel Stevens and 2009 champion Chris Hollins. In addition, this year's series will reach its glittering climax with the Strictly Come Dancing Final.
 
Sir Bruce Forsyth will also present Bruce's Hall Of Fame, in which he takes to the stage alongside Jessie Wallace, Jamie Cullum, Jason Manford, Ben Miller, Alfie Boe and Jon Culshaw at the world-famous London Palladium, to celebrate the artists who inspired their careers.
 
Two of the UK's biggest stand-up comedians will bring their own inimitable style to BBC One this year. John Bishop's Christmas Show will be an all-singing all-dancing extravaganza from the West End, where he will be joined by an array of talent from music and comedy; and in Michael McIntyre's Very Christmassy Christmas Show, Michael is joined by celebrity guests who share their seasonal stories, both good and bad.
 
The career of one of our greatest musical lyricists is celebrated in Sir Tim Rice: A Life In Song, in a programme recorded at London's Royal Festival Hall, in which he reminisces in the company of Michael Grade. In Len Goodman's Big Band Bonanza, Len charts the rise and fall of this musical style from the second world war to present day; Storyville: Pantomime is a heartfelt documentary following a small community theatre fighting to stay afloat, as they stage a production of Puss In Boots; and the Royal Ballet perform The Winter's Tale, in a world premiere of a new full length ballet from Artistic Associate Christopher Wheeldon, based on Shakespeare's tale of love, loss and reconciliation.
 
BBC Two will be showing two of the highlights from this year's Proms; Kiss Me, Kate, performed by John Wilson and his orchestra; and War Horse, inspired by the National Theatre's play based on Michael Morpurgo's novel.
 
On BBC Four, international ballet star Carlos Acosta curates and stars in Carlos Acosta's Cuban Nights, an exciting mixed programme of vibrant Cuban dance inspired by his homeland; and this year's Royal Institution Christmas Lecture, Sparks will Fly: How To Hack Your Home, is given by Professor Danielle George.
 
The traditional New Year's Day from Vienna will this year be conducted by Zubin Mehta, and will feature compositions by Franz von Suppé, Johann Strauss, Jr., Josef Strauss, Eduard Strauss, Johann Strauss, sen. and Hans Christian Lumbye.
 
Some of the nation's favourite panel shows will air special Christmas editions. In Would I Lie To You regulars David Mitchell and Lee Mack are joined by guest panellists Ray Winstone, Josh Widdicombe, Rachel Riley and Ricky Tomlinson, who reveal some amazing stories about themselves that may or may not be true. In Never Mind the Buzzcocks Louis Walsh, Glen Matlock, Lloyd Langford and Melissa Steel join team captains Noel Fielding and Phill Jupitus alongside host Rhod Gilbert., while in QI, host Stephen Fry is joined by Carrie Fisher, Bill Bailey and Phill Jupitus as well as Alan Davies. In Mock The Week Dara O Briain and the team serve up their traditional festive feast of fun, joined by the likes of Ed Byrne, Sara Pascoe and Josh Widdicombe.
 
In Pointless Celebrities, popular pantomime stars including Ashley and Pudsey, Christopher Biggins and Lorraine Chase join host Alexander Armstrong and his 'pointless friend' Richard Osman. Charlie Brooker's 2014 Wipe will see Charlie return for his annual round up of the year; and Celebrity Mastermind returns for 10 programmes this Christmas, with 40 famous faces sitting in the famous black chair. Those answering questions on their specialist subject include Harry Shearer, Steve Pemberton, Mary Anne Hobbs, Lizzy Yarnold and Ken Dodd.
 
Film premieres include Avengers Assemble; Puss in Boots; Madagascar 3; The Muppets; The Pirates! Adventures with Scientists; John Carter; Salmon Fishing In The Yemen; Quartet; and Albert Nobbs. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45689/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Family favourites including Doctor Who, Top Gear and Miranda, and brand new festive treats such as The Incredible Adventures Of Professor Branestawm, On Angel Wings and Esio Trot, will come together as the BBC once again lights up television screens wi...

### NOSTALGIA AND PENGUINS IN OUR TV HIGHLIGHTS

We start this week´s TV talk with a blast from the not too distant past, the 1970´s. Do you remember a film called Westworld? Where robot men and women are programmed to serve you for …Romance …Violence …Anything? That´s taken directly from the poster by the way. It starred Yul Brynner as The Gunslinger in a futuristic theme park where paying guests can pretend to be gunslingers in an artificial Wild West populated by androids. Well, remember it or not, the buzz from America this week is that HBO are set to bake a series based on the original novel by Michael Crichton starring Sir Anthony Hopkins and Ed Harris. Certainly set to be one for the science fiction fans and those looking for a little 70´s nostalgia, although it was a little scary in places.
On the subject of scary, Frankenstein is rearing his ugly head once again, this time in the form of a six-part period crime drama starring Sean Bean. “An evil that almost defies reason” is how the opening line introduces the concept of The Frankenstein Chronicles, described as a thrilling and terrifying re-imagining of the Frankenstein myth. Incorporating elements from the investigative and horror genres with an extraordinary hero at its centre, Inspector John Marlott, played by Mr Bean, (no, not THAT Mr Bean), it promises a terrifying journey in pursuit of a chilling and diabolical foe.
Set in Regency London in 1827, the drama's opening sequences show the Home Secretary, Sir Robert Peel, following a successful operation by Thames River Police to apprehend a gang of opium smugglers, recruit Marlott. As he stands on the water's edge contemplating the arrest of the smugglers, Marlott makes a shocking discovery.  The body of a dead child is washed up on the shore and on further examination of the corpse he is horrified to discover it's not actually a child but rather a crude assembly of body parts arranged in a grotesque parody of a human form.  The mutilated child-like body leaves an indelible impression on Marlott and he finds himself unable to shake off the memory of what has happened that fateful night. Filming will begin in Northern Ireland in January.
On the subject of river banks, or in this case the Manchester Ship Canal, ITV have also confirmed another live episode of Coronation Street next year, which will be filmed at Coronation Street's new state-of-the-art production base on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal overlooking MediaCity in Salford. The idea is to mark ITV's 60 years on air and will broadcast in September. “We're delighted to be marking ITV's 60th anniversary with a live episode from Coronation Street's brilliant new studios and set,” said Executive Producer Kieran Roberts. More details will be released nearer the time, but one thing we do know is that the man behind the Emmerdale live show will also be heading this broadcast, Coronation Street Producer Stuart Blackburn.
Sticking with the water theme of this week, although now it´s of the frozen kind, the BBC has announced a new natural history commission for BBC One, to be broadcast in 2015, called Snow Chick, an hour long special described as set to enchant and enthral viewers with a unique and heart-wrenching real life story about penguins. Obviously not trying to muscle in on the success of Monty the penguin, the show will feature both emperor penguins and the characterful and now famous Adélie penguins, Snow Chick will tell the story of an emperor penguin chick growing up in the coldest place on Earth in the middle of the Antarctic winter. Focusing on the vulnerable and charismatic penguin chick, the film will follow his adventures from the time he emerges from the egg to the moment he leaves for the sea as a boisterous adolescent, before auditioning for his sharp rise to fame as the star of a TV commercial. We may have made the last part up, but the rest is very true.
A little bit of comedy now and fans of Derek will be both pleased and disappointed to know that Ricky Gervais is returning to Channel 4 in the lead role, but it is for a one off Christmas special that will end the show once and for all. Hannah's relationship with Tom blossoms, since he has found a new job close to home. Vicky finds her true calling in the care industry, whilst Kev realises the true meaning of family. Meanwhile Derek is still dating Tracey, all the while holding the Retirement Home together with his unique viewpoint on life. Ricky Gervais said “I did toy with a third series, particularly after the Emmy nod, but I decided to stick to my usual formula of 2 series and a special. It's a bittersweet experience as always. I'm sorry to end it but I know that leaving something you love and starting something else is always the best thing to do creatively”.
Finally, you might remember us talking about children being asked to design a computer game that the BBC will develop into an application for tablet computers. Well, a 12 year old boy from Hampshire named Alex has been announced as the winner of the CBBC Appsolute Genius competition, after judging took place at Buckingham Palace with Alex´s 'slimetastic' snail game coming out on top. Well done to Alex, we look forward to your game in the future.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45688/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: We start this week´s TV talk with a blast from the not too distant past, the 1970´s. Do you remember a film called Westworld? Where robot men and women are programmed to serve you for …Romance …Violence …Anything? That...

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 24 NOVEMBER 2014

MILITARY SPENDING INCREASE
The Spanish government is set to increase military spending, with nearly 2% added to the 2015 budget, that will see 17 billion euro spent on new equipment. Amongst the items on the MOD´s shopping list are five new F-110 anti-submarine warships designed for high intensity combat missions, up to 400 armoured vehicles, three A330-MRTT tanker aircrafts and four drones, capable of carrying up to 3,000 pounds of armaments and four S-80 submarines.
GOLDCAR TAKEOVER
Bonomi, a subsidiary of the Investindustrial investment group which also has an interest in Aston Martin, Ducati and PortAventura, has acquired an 80% stake in Spanish car hire company Goldcar. The remaining 20% will remain with the original founders. According to a statement, Goldcar is the leading value holiday car rental company in Southern Europe, with 32,000 vehicles and a leading market share in Spain, as well as a significant presence in Italy, Portugal and Malta. Goldcar Spain were fined 15,456,219 euro by the competition commission in 2013 and, despite that, expect sales of 225 million euro this year.
NO BULL
A near naked and bloodied body lay in the street at Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, Vitoria at the weekend, as an animal rights protester wanted to draw attention to the cruelty of bull fighting. Despite the town banning bull fighting, exceptional fiestas still take place, and thus the Animalist group wanted to object to the involvement of bulls in a fiesta to be attended by some 2,000 people.
LIQUID GOLD
Repsol has started drilling for oil in waters near to the Canary Islands, just 54 km off the Fuerteventura coastline.  Company spokesman Mark Fraga said that preliminary findings indicate that they will find oil at two different depths, the first goal is to drill to 1,900 meters after which they will continue to their ultimate depth of 3,050 meters.
BENIDORM LOGO
Over 3000 artists from 40 countries have submitted their designs for Benidorm's new logo. A blog published on the Internet platform Talents United invited entries for the competition the winner of which will receive a prize of 3,000 euros. There will also there will be two second prizes of € 600 each. The contest opened last week and ends on 23 February. Those interested only need to register with Talents United and begin creating.
UNPAID TAXES
Over 20 people have been arrested by the Guardia Civil for evading tax on the import of over a billion euros worth of goods into Spain from China. The arrests, mainly of Spanish and Chinese personnel resident in Madrid, were made following an investigation by The Tax Agency (AEAT) and the Anticorruption Prosecutor. One arrest was said to be in Alicante.
GREENPEACE PROTEST
Spanish Defense Minister Pedro Morenés on Monday said the navy acted was in “absolute proportion” order when its boats rammed Greenpeace vessels taking part in a protest against oil prospecting off the coast of the Canaries, resulting in injuries to two demonstrators, one a 23-year-old Italian activist who was thrown into the water and suffered a broken leg.
COMING SOON
Podemos manifesto is coming “as soon as possible,” says newly elected leader Pablo Iglesias, who was officially appointed secretary general of Podemos this past weekend. He said that Spain's newest party is working hard on developing a program to win the 2015 elections as he and his aides are making progress on “a battery of economic measures” to restart the ailing economy and give power back to the people.
CHICKEN ASSAULT
Murcia police said that a woman had to flee to a neighbor's house last week after being attacked in her home by her ex-partner. The assault took place in the hamlet of Murcia El Raal. The man, aged 42 and of Ukrainian nationality was arrested and taken to the Guardia Civil post in Santomera where he was charged with assaulting is former partner with a bag of frozen chicken drumsticks.
PP PRESIDENT DIES
The honorary president of the PP in Dolores, Antonio Ruiz, died last week at age 82. He was a councilor until 1999 and candidate for mayor on several occasions. Ruiz began his political career in 1977 under the banner of the UCD.
BAG MAN
Former world number one tennis player, Juan Carlos Ferrero, has said that he will be caddying for Sergio Garcia next month when the Spanish golfer sets out in defense of the Thailand Open in Chonburi. In the tournament, which will be held between 11 and 14 December, Garcia will face double Masters champion Bubba Watson, the winner of the US Open, Martin Kaymer, as well as Lee Westwood and South Africa's Ernie Els.
POLITICAL FUTURE
Former mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente, has announced that she is 4 months pregnant, expecting the birth of a son around April. The father is ex environmental councillor Fernando Modrego, also from the Partido Popular.
WATER SPILL
Thousands of gallons of water were lost on Sunday in Orihuela caused by a crack in the Tajo-Segura pipeline. The break caused the flooding of surrounding lands and forced the closure of adjacent roads. As technicians worked to repair the problem last Monday the authorities lowered the pressure of the water flow to minimize the water escape.
DIRTY CALLOSA
The Socialist opposition of Callosa de Segura has criticized the cuts in street cleaning that have recently been agreed upon by the City Council in the renegotiation of the contract with la mercantil Sirem. They say that they have led to a "sorry picture" in the town which is dirty, not something that either the residents or the visitors deserve. They have further criticized the mayor, Javier Pérez (PP), for his closure of the eco park which they say should be immediately reopened.
FINDING LORCA
Five years after the Andalusian government unsuccessfully searched for the body of poet and playwright Federico García Lorca in Alfacar, diggers are back in the area. Authorities have sent heavy machinery to begin excavating in the Peñón del Colorado, where researcher Miguel Caballero believes the unmarked grave of one of Spain's greatest literary figures could be. García Lorca was executed by Nationalist forces at the start of the Spanish Civil War. His body was never found.
GOING DOWN
Spanish singer Isabel Pantoja has been ordered to report to prison within three days to serve her two-year sentence for money-laundering after Málaga provincial court on Wednesday rejected all appeals and requests to suspend her punishment. However the 58-year-old star, who was involved a massive property kickbacks-and-bribes scheme in the Costa del Sol is free to choose the prison in which she will serve time. Her lawyer, José Ángel Galán, said she would not request a government pardon.
CONTACTLESS MERCADONA
Following 5 million euro of investment, supermarket Mercadona is rolling out 16,000 new payment terminals in its stores, to facilitate “contactless” technology. Through the technology, holders of compatible Visa and Mastercard credit cards will be able to purchase their products “immediately” and without typing your PIN for purchases less than 20 euro. The system is expected to have reached all stores by early December.
TV STREAMING
According to a report by trade organisation IAB, more people are using Smart TV´s to watch programs via the internet than ever before. The survey reveals that there are currently 4.5 million smart TVs in operation in homes in the country, although half of the owners do say that they don´t connect to the internet on a regular basis. 
PALESTINE RECOGNISED
Following similar motions by Britain and Ireland last month, the Spanish government has approved a symbolic resolution to recognise a Palestinian state, with 319 voting in favour, two opposed and one abstention. Europe is hoping that the resolution will help to push for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Jerusalem has criticised the move, saying, "The Spanish parliament's declaration only pushes away further the chances of reaching an agreement between Israel and the Palestinians."
KEEP CUTTING
Governor of the Bank of Spain, Luis Maria Linde, has said this week that the Spanish Government must increase budget efforts, especially at a regional level, in order to meet its public deficit target. “To meet the deficit target requires an improvement... in income and reduced spending in the last third of the year larger than that seen between January and August”, Linde told the upper house of Parliament.
GREEK MEATING
As Spanish meet exporters are coming to terms with the reduction in supplies to Russia, they are now seeking new global markets, with Greece top of the list. With the Greek economy continuing to grow, Spain sees the country as an ideal replacement after sanctions were imposed against Russia. In 2013, the export meat market was worth in excess of 4 billion euro.
FLIGHT SCARE
Details came to light this week over an incident involving a Lufthansa Airbus flying from Bilbao to Munich on the 5th November, with 109 people on board, which saw the autopilot put the aircraft into a steep descent of 4,000 feet per minute, after being in the air for just 15 minutes. The flight crew regained control and continued to their destination, where the aircraft landed some 110 minute later. French authorities labelled the incident as “very serious” and it is now being investigated by German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Investigation, the Bundesstelle für Flugunfalluntersuchung.
 
 
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45687/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: MILITARY SPENDING INCREASE
The Spanish government is set to increase military spending, with nearly 2% added to the 2015 budget, that will see 17 billion euro spent on new equipment. Amongst the items on the MOD´s shopping list are five new F-110 anti-submarine warships designed for high intensity combat missions, up to 400 armoured vehicles, three A330-MRTT tanker aircrafts and four drones, capable of carrying up to 3,000 pounds of armaments and four S-80 submarines.
GOLDCAR TAKEOVER
Bonomi, a subsidiary of the Investindustrial investment group which also has an interest in Aston Martin, Ducati and PortAventura, has acquired an 80% stake in Spanish car hire company Goldcar. The remaining 20% will remain with the original founders. According to a statement, Goldcar is the leading value holiday car rental company in Southern Europe, with 32,000 vehicles and a leading market share in Spain, as well as a significant presence in Italy, Portugal and Malta. Goldcar Spain were fined 15,456,219 euro by the competition commission in 2013 and, despite that, expect sales of 225 million euro this year.
NO BULL
A near naked and bloodied body lay in the street at Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, Vitoria at the weekend, as an animal rights protester wanted to draw attention to the cruelty of bull fighting. Despite the town banning bull fighting, exceptional fiestas still take place, and thus the Animalist group wanted to object to the involvement of bulls in a fiesta to be attended by some 2,000 people.
LIQUID GOLD
Repsol has started drilling for oil in waters near to the Canary Islands, just 54 km off the Fuerteventura coastline.  Company spokesman Mark Fraga said that preliminary findings indicate that they will find oil at two different depths, the first goal is to drill to 1,900 meters after which they will continue to their ultimate depth of 3,050 meters.
BENIDORM LOGO
Over 3000 artists from 40 countries have submitted their designs for Benidorm's new logo. A blog published on the Internet platform Talents United invited entries for the competition the winner of which will receive a prize of 3,000 euros. There will also there will be two second prizes of € 600 each. The contest opened last week and ends on 23 February. Those interested only need to register with Talents United and begin creating.
UNPAID TAXES
Over 20 people have been arrested by the Guardia Civil for evading tax on the import of over a billion euros worth of goods into Spain from China. The arrests, mainly of Spanish and Chinese personnel resident in Madrid, were made following an investigation by The Tax Agency (AEAT) and the Anticorruption Prosecutor. One arrest was said to be in Alicante.
GREENPEACE PROTEST
Spanish Defense Minister Pedro Morenés on Monday said the navy acted was in “absolute proportion” order when its boats rammed Greenpeace vessels taking part in a protest against oil prospecting off the coast of the Canaries, resulting in injuries to two demonstrators, one a 23-year-old Italian activist who was thrown into the water and suffered a broken leg.
COMING SOON
Podemos manifesto is coming “as soon as possible,” says newly elected leader Pablo Iglesias, who was officially appointed secretary general of Podemos this past weekend. He said that Spain's newest party is working hard on developing a program to win the 2015 elections as he and his aides are making progress on “a battery of economic measures” to restart the ailing economy and give power back to the people.
CHICKEN ASSAULT
Murcia police said that a woman had to flee to a neighbor's house last week after being attacked in her home by her ex-partner. The assault took place in the hamlet of Murcia El Raal. The man, aged 42 and of Ukrainian nationality was arrested and taken to the Guardia Civil post in Santomera where he was charged with assaulting is former partner with a bag of frozen chicken drumsticks.
PP PRESIDENT DIES
The honorary president of the PP in Dolores, Antonio Ruiz, died last week at age 82. He was a councilor until 1999 and candidate for mayor on several occasions. Ruiz began his political career in 1977 under the banner of the UCD.
BAG MAN
Former world number one tennis player, Juan Carlos Ferrero, has said that he will be caddying for Sergio Garcia next month when the Spanish golfer sets out in defense of the Thailand Open in Chonburi. In the tournament, which will be held between 11 and 14 December, Garcia will face double Masters champion Bubba Watson, the winner of the US Open, Martin Kaymer, as well as Lee Westwood and South Africa's Ernie Els.
POLITICAL FUTURE
Former mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente, has announced that she is 4 months pregnant, expecting the birth of a son around April. The father is ex environmental councillor Fernando Modrego, also from the Partido Popular.
WATER SPILL
Thousands of gallons of water were lost on Sunday in Orihuela caused by a crack in the Tajo-Segura pipeline. The break caused the flooding of surrounding lands and forced the closure of adjacent roads. As technicians worked to repair the problem last Monday the authorities lowered the pressure of the water flow to minimize the water escape.
DIRTY CALLOSA
The Socialist opposition of Callosa de Segura has criticized the cuts in street cleaning that have recently been agreed upon by the City Council in the renegotiation of the contract with la mercantil Sirem. They say that they have led to a "sorry picture" in the town which is dirty, not something that either the residents or the visitors deserve. They have further criticized the mayor, Javier Pérez (PP), for his closure of the eco park which they say should be immediately reopened.
FINDING LORCA
Five years after the Andalusian government unsuccessfully searched for the body of poet and playwright Federico García Lorca in Alfacar, diggers are back in the area. Authorities have sent heavy machinery to begin excavating in the Peñón del Colorado, where researcher Miguel Caballero believes the unmarked grave of one of Spain's greatest literary figures could be. García Lorca was executed by Nationalist forces at the start of the Spanish Civil War. His body was never found.
GOING DOWN
Spanish singer Isabel Pantoja has been ordered to report to prison within three days to serve her two-year sentence for money-laundering after Málaga provincial court on Wednesday rejected all appeals and requests to suspend her punishment. However the 58-year-old star, who was involved a massive property kickbacks-and-bribes scheme in the Costa del Sol is free to choose the prison in which she will serve time. Her lawyer, José Ángel Galán, said she would not request a government pardon.
CONTACTLESS MERCADONA
Following 5 million euro of investment, supermarket Mercadona is rolling out 16,000 new payment terminals in its stores, to facilitate “contactless” technology. Through the technology, holders of compatible Visa and Mastercard credit cards will be able to purchase their products “immediately” and without typing your PIN for purchases less than 20 euro. The system is expected to have reached all stores by early December.
TV STREAMING
According to a report by trade organisation IAB, more people are using Smart TV´s to watch programs via the internet than ever before. The survey reveals that there are currently 4.5 million smart TVs in operation in homes in the country, although half of the owners do say that they don´t connect to the internet on a regular basis. 
PALESTINE RECOGNISED
Following similar motions by Britain and Ireland last month, the Spanish government has approved a symbolic resolution to recognise a Palestinian state, with 319 voting in favour, two opposed and one abstention. Europe is hoping that the resolution will help to push for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Jerusalem has criticised the move, saying, "The Spanish parliament's declaration only pushes away further the chances of reaching an agreement between Israel and the Palestinians."
KEEP CUTTING
Governor of the Bank of Spain, Luis Maria Linde, has said this week that the Spanish Government must increase budget efforts, especially at a regional level, in order to meet its public deficit target. “To meet the deficit target requires an improvement... in income and reduced spending in the last third of the year larger than that seen between January and August”, Linde told the upper house of Parliament.
GREEK MEATING
As Spanish meet exporters are coming to terms with the reduction in supplies to Russia, they are now seeking new global markets, with Greece top of the list. With the Greek economy continuing to grow, Spain sees the country as an ideal replacement after sanctions were imposed against Russia. In 2013, the export meat market was worth in excess of 4 billion euro.
FLIGHT SCARE
Details came to light this week over an incident involving a Lufthansa Airbus flying from Bilbao to Munich on the 5th November, with 109 people on board, which saw the autopilot put the aircraft into a steep descent of 4,000 feet per minute, after being in the air for just 15 minutes. The flight crew regained control and continued to their destination, where the aircraft landed some 110 minute later. French authorities labelled the incident as “very serious” and it is now being investigated by German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Investigation, the Bundesstelle für Flugunfalluntersuchung.
 
 
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45687/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### TELFORD.PROPERTIES SUPPORTS LOCAL MISS SHROPSHIRE FINALIST

Telford.Properties are delighted that they are able to provide full sponsorship and support to local girl Elishah Crutchley, who is entering the Miss Shropshire finals on the 30th November 2014 at The Buttermarket in Shrewsbury.
Having met with Elishah, sales and rentals managers Tony Brewer and Stewart Reardon were overwhelmed by her passionate, hardworking, dedicated way of life, and how Elishah is focused on others, wants help the helpless, a humble lady who will smile and say hi to anyone and everyone.
In fact, Elishah herself explained that, “One of the main reasons I entered Miss Shropshire is because I thought it would be a brilliant way to boost future charity work, these competitions already do a lot of that already which was what I liked, although it is something totally different to what I would usually do I thought it would raise more awareness on my future charity events which then would raise more pennies!”
As a local fitness instructor too, Elishah hopes to promote a healthy and positive way of life, “I could get the message out there about fitness with something like this. As when I'm doing charity events I always include fitness in them to”, she explained.
Whilst looking forward to Friday´s final, Elishah says that she was “genuinely shocked” when she found out she´d made it, “because I think you enter these things not actually thinking you will get through ( which was my case ) So when I did find out I was actually unsure what to do as didn't expect it lol!!” Continuing, “I'm glad I have made that decision!! 100% Glad but very nervous! It's going to be fun!”
The final of the Miss Shropshire competition will be held at The Buttermark in Shrewsbury on the 30th November, 2014. 
Elishah has already been involved with the organisation of a number of events, including the “Fitness Party with Mr Motivator” in September 2014 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPBeTuXFd9Q) which raised over £ 1,500.00 for charity, and has undertaken a sky dive for the “Dreams Come True Children's Charity” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNCIV4IHwgo). She will also be taking part in “Telford's Most Birghtest Walk” on 29 November 2014 and is inviting donations through the following link: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ElishahCrutchley
Telford.Properties are specialists in residential property sales and lettings for Telford and the surrounding area. They are proud to support Elishah with her charity work, awareness and health contributions within the Telford area and would like to thank you for all your support! Please remember you are all welcome to come on the night. You can email us for further details at enquiries@telford.properties or call us on (01952) 455 866.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45686/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Telford.Properties are delighted that they are able to provide full sponsorship and support to local girl Elishah Crutchley, who is entering the Miss Shropshire finals on the 30th November 2014 at The Buttermarket in Shrewsbury.
Having met with Elisha...

### ‘A LABOUR OF LOVE’

A beautiful handmade quilt will be auctioned at a Dinner Dance and Show in Asturias Restaurant 29th November in aid of ‘Save our Home Appeal'.  
Pictured with the quilt is Mary Long (right) with Help at Home President, Eileen Mayes, and Alicia Garcia with her son Angel and Eileen Mayes Help at Home president (centre)
The English-speaking community have taken Alicia and her nine-year-old son Angel  to their hearts , they were facing eviction due to a fire at their home two years ago. Now there is some wonderful news this week.
Alicia cared for her ailing parents, when they died, the family lost the pension income and she couldn´t keep up insurance payments.
There was a fire at their home which damaged the property of 3 neighbours.  One, through his insurance company, sued and as a result, Alicia was faced with a bill of €4,378.
By doing cleaning and other work she has paid the repair costs of 2 properties and managed to pay the bill for the attendance of the fire brigade (which is a cost in Spain, unlike the UK) but she was unable to pay the insurance company.  The threat of court action which almost certainly would have resulted in additional court costs, eviction from her home and her young son being taken into care.
The charity Help at Home Costa Blanca have taken Alicia and Angel´s plight under their wing and organised fund raising events to raise the money needed.
Already more than €1,000 has been donated and promised to the insurance company.  As a result they have agreed to suspend the court action until at least the end of February - wonderful news as Alicia was due to attend court on December 15.
Fund raising started in earnest this week with an event at the Celtic Isle - entertainment and a fashion show (with stall holders acting as models) raised €176 on the day with more donations coming in. 
Mary Long, of Los Altos, spent four months making a most beautiful quilt, has generously donated it to be auctioned to raise money to help Alicia and Angel.  
Materials and her labour of love, mean the quilt is worth at least €400, it will be auctioned at the Help at Home dinner dance at the Asturias Restaurant on November 29th.  Guest artist Stefanie the girl with the Golden Voice, Cindy, Juan Carlos, The Touch of Class Act dancers all donating their time.
If you would like to put in a bid for the quilt, contact Help at Home on 603 267 140.
There is a 150 euro fixed reserve.
Tickets €15 for a 3 course meal and show, or €5 show only can be purchased at the Asturias bar (tlf 965 326 369) or at the Charity Centre 117 Flamenca Beach CC  Orihuela Costa (tlf 965 328 794).   Master craftwork by Chris Hammond Ford will be displayed for sale of which 10% will be donated to the fund and proceeds from a grand raffle. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45682/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A beautiful handmade quilt will be auctioned at a Dinner Dance and Show in Asturias Restaurant 29th November in aid of ‘Save our Home Appeal'.  
Pictured with the quilt is Mary Long (right) with Help at Home President, Eileen Mayes, and Alicia G...

### SOCIAL NETWORKS, WITH THEIR HIGH INFORMATIVENESS, OPEN NEW AVENUES OF ADVERTISING ACTIVITY

Advertising is one of the elements that have greater dynamism in our lives. We are always exposed to advertising but with the continued progress and development of new technologies the world of advertising is changing..
Enrique Dans, Professor at IE Business School explains in his column in a spanish newspaper, under the title "Another advertising is possible," that social networks are the ones that are driving this change.
"The advertising schemes that we begin to see in some social applications show quite different patterns to conventional advertising," he says.
"Against the models based on the interruption, as in 'you want to see this, but I will try to force you to swallow this one, though you do not really wanna see it', here are proposals that oppose this scheme" he adds..
In his column, he refers to advertising in "Instagram" which use "the same format as the content, the ad usually is not repeated and it only wants the user to make an 'I like', which led him to become 'follower' of the brand.
This system encourages what the author defines as "complicity" between the consumer and the brand, which "manages to generate a new channel of communication with potential customers."
The truth is that brands want users to follow them on social networks, "either because of its good publicity or reputation, and they want to change the models to be presented to users."
"Snapchat" and "Twitter" follow models based on "lack of insistence, and try to get followers who voluntarily accept communication" Dans points. "These are models that impose a radical change in the way of advertising."
The author also makes clear that he is not talking about an "absolute statement" which, as he concludes his column, "may not be the solution to everything and everyone. But at least it's the beginning of a different attitude. And certainly, a dose of fresh air that would lead some advertisers to rethink their communication strategy. "
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com
Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations.
He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45676/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Advertising is one of the elements that have greater dynamism in our lives. We are always exposed to advertising but with the continued progress and development of new technologies the world of advertising is changing..
Enrique Dans, Professor at IE Business School explains in his column in a spanish newspaper, under the title "Another advertising is possible," that social networks are the ones that are driving this change.
"The advertising schemes that we begin to see in some social applications show quite different patterns to conventional advertising," he says.
"Against the models based on the interruption, as in 'you want to see this, but I will try to force you to swallow this one, though you do not really wanna see it', here are proposals that oppose this scheme" he adds..
In his column, he refers to advertising in "Instagram" which use "the same format as the content, the ad usually is not repeated and it only wants the user to make an 'I like', which led him to become 'follower' of the brand.
This system encourages what the author defines as "complicity" between the consumer and the brand, which "manages to generate a new channel of communication with potential customers."
The truth is that brands want users to follow them on social networks, "either because of its good publicity or reputation, and they want to change the models to be presented to users."
"Snapchat" and "Twitter" follow models based on "lack of insistence, and try to get followers who voluntarily accept communication" Dans points. "These are models that impose a radical change in the way of advertising."
The author also makes clear that he is not talking about an "absolute statement" which, as he concludes his column, "may not be the solution to everything and everyone. But at least it's the beginning of a different attitude. And certainly, a dose of fresh air that would lead some advertisers to rethink their communication strategy. "
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com
Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations.
He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45676/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### FERRAN BAGS ONLY GOAL TO CLOSE THE GAP

CD Torrevieja 1  Paterna CF 0
Due to essential restoration on the Vicente Garcia pitch (necessary to keep it in tip top condition), Torry played the first of a few home matches at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.
They were looking to bounce back from 2 heavy reversals on the road, but their opponents Paterna have had a very impressive away record of 4 victories and 2 draws, from 7 games played this season.  
However, despite not having won so far in November, picking up just a single point from 3 matches, Torry were still only 5 points from top spot going into this div 3 encounter.   And it was Ferran who closed the gap to a couple as he got the only goal of the game against Paterna on Sunday evening.
With both Rafa Gomez and Martin out injured, and neither defender Cristian Sanchez nor striker Steve Ekedi making the starting line up, Galiana confused more than a few with his team selection and when Paterna shaved the post with an early header it certainly looked ominous for the home sides chances but as Torry grew into the game the opportunities started coming. 
It was not the free flowing football that we hoped we might see on a perfect Astroturf surface but the all important aspect of the visit from Paterna was to get points on the board and close the gap with the playoff places and after the early scare the home side went about the task by allowing the visitors little room
On the quarter hour mark an excellent combination between Borja and Cesar saw the former Elche man just head over. Torry were beginning to get on top and the signs were looking good. They were restricting Paterna to occasional raids and with the majority of the ball we were all hoping that elusive goal might come.
And it did midway through the half, following a decisive move Ferran hit a low shot in a crowded area. The ball took a wicked deflection and looped over the keeper before quickly dropping just under the bar and into the back of the net. We had to look to the referee for confirmation, with many thinking the ball had cleared the bar, but they all count, and the home side took a deserved lead after their earlier decent build up.
Unfortunately as the Torry pattern began to develop it was quickly disrupted with full back Berna making way for Ruben after being the subject of a nasty foul but with few further opportunities the sides went into the interval with the home side holding a narrow advantage.
There was little to cheer in the second period with most of the entertainment emanating from the stand where manager Galiana was serving the 2nd of a 3 match suspension. As Torry continued to retain possession the keepers were only occasionally troubled.
Torry should have extended their lead following an Adrian corner on 68 mins. All it needed was a toe as the ball sped through a crowded area but none was forthcoming.  A 40 yard drive from Oscar went close in added time and as Paterna then broke to mount a rare incursion into the Torry half it needed an excellent save from Oscar to keep all three points at home. Final score FCD Torrevieja 1 Paterna CF 0. 
Next weekend's game against  Alicante based side Jove Espanol is being played on Saturday evening kicking off at 6pm. Keep an eye on the club website for further details.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45675/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: CD Torrevieja 1  Paterna CF 0
Due to essential restoration on the Vicente Garcia pitch (necessary to keep it in tip top condition), Torry played the first of a few home matches at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.
They were looking to bounce back from 2 he...

### WHO'S BEEN SLEEPING IN YOUR BED?

According to the Spanish association of pest controllers, ANECPLA, one visitor to our homes will become more frequent for the next few years, unless proper precautions are taken.
President of the association, Milagros Fernández de Lezeta, warned in a technical conference this week, bedbugs are the visitors that are becoming an ever increasing threat to our rest and home contentment, and as “many victims turn to home remedies to deal with the pest”, they often contribute to their spread.
In addition, the number of bedbugs found in Spain has increased by 70% in recent years, although the reality is that could be more likely to be caused by an increase in inspections, rather than the increase in their existence.
The pest controller also pointed out during the conference that infestations of bedbugs “have nothing to do with hygiene and can be found in the cleanest of homes or luxury hotels”. They are present in most regions, but “have a special impact on the tourist regions, since it is associated with increased tourism and the international movement of goods”.
In hotels and hospitals, where there is a high turnover of patients and tourists, they can spread easily and find shelter in their preferred homes, such as mattresses, pillows, bedding, headboards and nightstands. They also find shelter in chairs, cabinets, electrical wiring, baseboards, casings and doors, to name just a few of their secondary choices.
The pest controllers say that the best way to check for a bedbug infestation is to see if there are small blood stains on the sheets. If so, inspect the mattress, headboard, box spring and bedding, although they can be hidden anywhere. They will most often be found located in areas close to the beds and the bedroom because they feed exclusively on the blood and are nocturnal insects. “If you wake up with small red marks with minimal space between them, usually in the neck and arms, we may be faced with a bed bug bite”, they say, adding that “scratching should be avoided, because the bites can become infected”.
Due to the difficulty of eradication and its high potential for dispersal to avoid the proliferation of this plague “it is imperative that the company has sufficient information to detect and prevent it”, according to Fernández de Lezeta, stressing that they are “not disease carriers”, but they do “cause a lot of discomfort from bites and allergic reactions, as they feed on human blood”.
One of the most problematic areas of treating an infestation is the large capacity and dispersion of the species, the expert warns, which is why the problem must be addressed by an expert at the moment of detection.
It is also suggested that before performing a treatment you should wash all bedding, clothing, etc., at high temperatures, at least 60º, especially if you return from a trip. In these cases it is advisable to check the luggage and wash all clothes. Finally, the use of mattress covers can prevent the bedbugs settling into our beds.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45674/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to the Spanish association of pest controllers, ANECPLA, one visitor to our homes will become more frequent for the next few years, unless proper precautions are taken.
President of the association, Milagros Fernández de Lezeta, warn...

### CHRISTMAS IS COMING TO ORIHUELA

This year, the Christmas lights in Orihuela will be switched on during the evening of Friday the 5th of December.
On the Orihuela Costa, the tree will be placed outside the town hall this year, giving a better focus for visitors looking to enjoy the festive presentation, as the location near the La Zenia church was somewhat isolated before.
The ceremony will take place at 18:00, with performances by a number of local choirs, including the choir from the Orihuela Costa Civic Centre, with their guitar accompaniment.
The activity will then move to the city, where the lights there will be illuminated at 20:00, with their trees and streetlights providing a glow through the city centre.
The Three Kings Parade will once again take place on the Orihuela Costa, taking the same route as last year, finishing at the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre.
The arrangements for that event are just starting to come together, with the town hall offering an invitation to any associations who would like to get involved again this year to make contact with them, via the International Residents office, which can be done by email to residentes@orihuela.es.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45673/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This year, the Christmas lights in Orihuela will be switched on during the evening of Friday the 5th of December.
On the Orihuela Costa, the tree will be placed outside the town hall this year, giving a better focus for visitors looking to enjoy the ...

### ORIHUELA COSTA SPRUCE UP CONTINUES

Many of the smaller improvement works on the Orihuela Costa are about to be completed, as the temporary contracts given to some of the municipality´s unemployed workers are about to expire.
Not only were the workers able to secure work for the period of the contract, they also underwent a training regime as part of the program, which taught them key skills that they will now be able to offer in their quest for permanent work.
As well as general care, maintenance and cleaning work around the Orihuela Costa, the teams have been involved in 6 large improvement projects. Although some of those projects were continued long before the summer, such as the now very popular picnic area near to one of the most rundown areas of the coast, presentations are being held to showcase some of the latest tasks that the teams have completed. One such presentation is taking place near to Villamartin on Monday the 24th of November, with a second at La Zenia on the 4th of December.
The teams have also been responsible for constructing the new information boards which have been popping up around the coastal zone, much needed and long requested by many residents. 
Part of their post summer activities have seen them convert the old wooden walkways from the beaches into fencing, thus avoiding any additional cost, whilst recycling the natural material that would otherwise have gone to waste.
The Councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer, explained this week how the town hall is also in the process of confirming a contract with a company to provide a large mechanical digger. Before the end of the year, it is hoped that the digger will attend numerous already identified black spots around the area, where large quantities of rubbish and waste has been dumped, and the digger will collect that rubbish whilst the teams have it removed and disposed of correctly. Once clear, many of the locations will have these new recycled fences put around the sites, in an attempt to reduce the amount of illegal tipping in the future.
Meanwhile, the town hall has this week taken delivery of their new road marking machine, which will be permanently based on the Orihuela Costa, and be able to be called upon at a moment's notice to carry out re-marking work. The first job the 11,000 euro machine is undertaking is the marking of the new zebra crossings that connect the improved walkways near the town hall, before working its way through the coastal area carrying out work which has been outstanding for many years. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45672/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Many of the smaller improvement works on the Orihuela Costa are about to be completed, as the temporary contracts given to some of the municipality´s unemployed workers are about to expire.
Not only were the workers able to secure work for the ...

### ORIHUELA GETS HIGH SPEED MOBILE INTERNET

Orihuela is the latest place to benefit from high speed mobile internet, as Orange launched the 4G services in the city this week.
After 1.5 million euro investment, the town of Desamparados, the industrial estate at Puente Alto, and the Ociopía comercial centres are now covered, along with the Orihuela Costa areas of La Dehesa de Campoamor, Cabo Roig, La Regia, La Zenia, La Florida and Villacosta.
A recent clean up of the radio airwaves was carried out on the Orihuela Costa, after it was discovered that a number of radio stations and Wi-Fi network providers were interfering with the new network.
Operating at ten times the speed of normal mobile internet, Orange has over 2 million 4G users on their network that covers 66% of the population of the country. At the end of the year, the 4G network will be in more than 500 municipalities and in all populations of over 25,000 residents, as well as airports, shopping centres and trade shows.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45671/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Orihuela is the latest place to benefit from high speed mobile internet, as Orange launched the 4G services in the city this week.
After 1.5 million euro investment, the town of Desamparados, the industrial estate at Puente Alto, and the Ociop&iacute...

### ORIHUELA COUNCILLOR TABLES ANTICORRUPTION NOTION

Asuncion Mayoral, ostracised member of the CLr political group and unassigned councillor of Orihuela, aims to table a motion in the plenary meeting that prevents politicians accused in corruption cases from standing for election.
Of course should the motion be tabled it would rely on the majority seat holders agreeing to the move, a position held by the Partido Popular who also have the most politicians at risk of therefore being excluded on account of the cases against them already.
However, still considering a positive outcome, Mayoral says that she hopes to have the votes from the entire Municipal Corporation because it will show commitment from all parties “not to allow people who are being investigated for crimes related to public administration to continue in public office”.
Mayoral also explained that many cities that have already adopted a similar agreement unanimously, as in the case of Alicante, where numerous corruption cases are also progressing, as “Keeping a political liability when you are charged is irresponsible”, she said.
Mayoral also wants to raise the point in parliament, with a proposal for special courts to be created to deal with political corruption, as has already been the case in other areas of public protection such as gender violence, as this would relieve the pressure on the judicial system and ease the process of proceedings in such cases, whilst providing a platform of defence for those accused.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45670/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Asuncion Mayoral, ostracised member of the CLr political group and unassigned councillor of Orihuela, aims to table a motion in the plenary meeting that prevents politicians accused in corruption cases from standing for election.
Of course should the...

### POSITIVE RESULT FOR ORIHUELA PP CENSURE MOTION

A court has this week dismissed the petition by Bob Houliston and the Table of Elders to paralyze the censure motion that prevented the Partido Popular from taking over the government earlier this year.
This particular case revolved around whether councillors Pedro Mancebo and Juan Ignacio López-Bas, belonged to their representative political party when they signed motion raised by the PP.
The twelve members of the Partido Popular, led by Pepa Ferrando, and two members of a Clr-CLARO coalition, presented the motion on the 20th of December last year, which was to be debated and formally voted on during a special plenary meeting scheduled for the 3rd of January. Should the vote had gone as expected, the PP would have ousted the bi-partite government and resumed power, but the Table of Elders blocked the move, as it had failed to meet the “legal requirements”.
At a press conference, the secretary general of the PP, Dámaso Aparicio, explained that the court ruling clarifies that the appeal details how the two members were part of the parties they represented, and so “it is clear” which steps now need to be taken in court, and there is “no doubt that the political party existed”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45669/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A court has this week dismissed the petition by Bob Houliston and the Table of Elders to paralyze the censure motion that prevented the Partido Popular from taking over the government earlier this year.
This particular case revolved around whether co...

### CHILDREN TAKE OVER THE GOVERNMENT

International Children´s Day was recognised once again in both Torrevieja and Orihuela, with a special plenary session held where the future generations of the community could take their position as part of the governmental mechanism.
In Torrevieja, the mayor, Eduardo Dolón, stressed in his statement the four fundamental principles of the Rights of the Child. Children should not suffer discrimination. The interest of the child must be paramount when decisions affecting them are made. All children have the right to survival and development; these include the right both mental and physical development. Children need to express their views and always have to take into account issues affecting them.
In Orihuela this year, pupils form the Playas de Orihuela and Los Dolses schools on the coast joined others from surrounding villages and city centre to ask the councillors questions about their municipalities. 
A representative from UNICEF in Spain attended Orihuela, where the acting Mayor, Antonio Zapata, chair the session as the children raised points relating to everything from the increase in class sizes and the reduction in teachers, to their local area and their rights to be treated equally.
Forming a now annual part of the school calendar, now in its seventh year in Orihuela, the children are all of around 11 years of age, and find the experience both educational and rewarding, with some spectators commenting how the children were far better behaved and mature than some of the adults who normally attend the sessions. 
As part of the process before attending, the teachers split classes into groups to discuss and debate a number of topics under the guidelines set out by UNICEF, before deciding which questions should be raised. The whole process not only leads to an educational experience of how government and debate works, but also about both their rights and duties as members of the municipality.
Not only was their experience a fruitful one which they then take back to school to discuss the outcome, as the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, explained, “I looked across at the children sat there and I thought to myself, I wonder if one of these will be a future mayor?”, as it could well be that their first taste of politics could well lead them into a future of serving the community as the future generation of councillors, ministers and potentially even world leaders.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45668/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: International Children´s Day was recognised once again in both Torrevieja and Orihuela, with a special plenary session held where the future generations of the community could take their position as part of the governmental mechanism.
In Torrev...

### MAJOR RETAILERS SHOW REAL RECOVERY SIGNS

This Christmas season is looking like being the first spark to a real explosion in growth into next year, as some of Spain´s major retailers are showing positive signs for the future for the first time in many years. 
Swedish multinational clothing firm Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) has announced that it will open 8 new online stores across Europe in 2015, including serving Spain from August. The aim is to bolster their high street activities, which has seen 356 global stores open this year alone, bringing the total number of retail outlets in the group to 6,393 in 88 international markets. In Spain, the company´s sales increased by 11% in the first quarter of the year, with the overall sales in October increasing by 14% over last year.
Meanwhile, department store El Corte Inglés are also showing significant signs of recovery, having announced that they will employ an additional 2,000 people during the Christmas period this year, the first time they have done so since the economic crisis took hold in 2008.
The Christmas period accounts for 20% of their annual sales and increases to 50% in certain sectors such as toys and perfume. Ikea and Carrefour have also announced similar recruitment drives as part of their strategy to boost consumption this season.
December 2013 was the first Christmas period that showed a positive growth for El Corte Inglés, with a 0.6% increase in sales above the 2.1% average increase of the year, and as income tax cuts become effective on the 1st of January, they hope that more people will be ready to spend even more of their disposable income than ever before, marking a real turn around in the economy of the country as consumer spending starts to increase naturally.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45667/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: This Christmas season is looking like being the first spark to a real explosion in growth into next year, as some of Spain´s major retailers are showing positive signs for the future for the first time in many years. 
Swedish multinational clot...

### GUARDIA CIVIL TO BE POWERED BY ROLLS ROYCE

The two new Guardia Civil patrol boats being built at the Astilleros Gondán shipyard in Vegadeo will be powered by Rolls Royce engines.
This is the first time that the Guardia Civil fleet has been powered by engines from the British institution, with the 40S Series waterjets offering lower fuel consumption, high towing capacity, acceleration, speed and manoeuvrability, factors which are ideal for vessels which normally operate in such complex sea conditions.
The manufacturers have recommended the Rolls Royce engines on account of their reliability and performance, which will drive the 20.5 metre long and 5 metre wide ships, constructed of aluminium and reinforced glass fibre. 
The boats are expected to be delivered in the summer of 2015, and will focus mainly on surveillance missions and the fight against drug trafficking and illegal immigration, as well as serving as protection of the marine environment over the next 15 years, the expected life expectancy of the ships.
The 2000 hp Rolls-Royce waterjets will provide a speed of 25 knots and a range of 570 miles, as defined by the Guardia Civil, with space for a crew of 5 members and a surface radar with a range of 96 miles.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45666/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The two new Guardia Civil patrol boats being built at the Astilleros Gondán shipyard in Vegadeo will be powered by Rolls Royce engines.
This is the first time that the Guardia Civil fleet has been powered by engines from the British institutio...

### HOUSING SALES CONTINUE TO GROW

According to data compiled by the General Council of Notaries, House sales rose by 8.6% in the third quarter of the year compared with the same period last year, while, in the same period, house prices fell by an average of 4%.
Thus, between January and September 2014, the average quarterly figure of 84,166 sales was higher than in the same period last year, when it averaged 70,298 transactions.
However the sales of new homes shrank by 32.8% in September compared to the same month last year, while re sales showed a growth of 25.4% .
Other figures show that the average price per square foot for houses purchased in September was 1,187 euros, reflecting a decline of 2.9%, whilst in the case of apartments the decline amounted to 1.1%. 
In their report the General Council of Notaries says that these figures demonstrate that the third quarter has seen a recovery in terms of the annual numbers of house sales, but not their prices, which have continued to fall in most areas of the Valencian community.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45653/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: According to data compiled by the General Council of Notaries, House sales rose by 8.6% in the third quarter of the year compared with the same period last year, while, in the same period, house prices fell by an average of 4%.
Thus, between January a...

### EASYJET AND RYANAIR, LEAD THE WAY

According to the air travel metasearch Trabber.es, which has analised the results of over a million searches for flights leaving Spanish airports during the last six months, EasyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air and Transavia are the cheapest airlines to use when flying out of Spain.
As such the 'low cost' British airline Easyjet has reclaimed the top spot beating Ryanair, which was previous listed as the cheapest airline in the previous period.
EasyJet now leads the ranking of the cheapest airlines in its business sector, which also includes the comparative costs of traveling with a suitcase and paying by credit card, two of the most common requirements of travelers.
According Trabber.es, since July, EasyJet prices came out cheaper than the others in 51% of all searches whilst Ryanair were the lower priced carrier in 49% of searches, although they also say that "it is more likely that a traveler from a Spanish airport would have used the Irish company since their network of routes is the largest of all the low cost airlines."
These two low cost airlines were followed by the Hungarian-Polish Wizz Air, the cheapest in 36.4% of cases; Transavia, a subsidiary of Air France-KLM, in 36.3% of cases, and Turkey's Pegasus Airlines, which was cheapest  in 21.7% of searches.
The founder and CEO of Trabber.es, Oscar Frias said that Spain is "one of the European countries into which the most UK companies fly, which provides competition that benefits the user." 
Although 'low cost' companies are the cheapest on most routes, Iberia is placed in fifth place in the search ranking. The airline, headed by Luis Gallego, has realized better prices for the third consecutive month when compared to other airlines.
They were followed closely by Iberia Air Europa, listed sixth among the cheapest airlines to use when flying out of Spain, with 15.7% of cheaper searches.
Rounding out the top ten airlines in the ranking are Royal Air (14.8%), Vueling (14.7%), American Airlines (14.5%) and Norwegian (14.2%).Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45652/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to the air travel metasearch Trabber.es, which has analised the results of over a million searches for flights leaving Spanish airports during the last six months, EasyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air and Transavia are the cheapest airlines to use when flying out of Spain.
As such the 'low cost' British airline Easyjet has reclaimed the top spot beating Ryanair, which was previous listed as the cheapest airline in the previous period.
EasyJet now leads the ranking of the cheapest airlines in its business sector, which also includes the comparative costs of traveling with a suitcase and paying by credit card, two of the most common requirements of travelers.
According Trabber.es, since July, EasyJet prices came out cheaper than the others in 51% of all searches whilst Ryanair were the lower priced carrier in 49% of searches, although they also say that "it is more likely that a traveler from a Spanish airport would have used the Irish company since their network of routes is the largest of all the low cost airlines."
These two low cost airlines were followed by the Hungarian-Polish Wizz Air, the cheapest in 36.4% of cases; Transavia, a subsidiary of Air France-KLM, in 36.3% of cases, and Turkey's Pegasus Airlines, which was cheapest  in 21.7% of searches.
The founder and CEO of Trabber.es, Oscar Frias said that Spain is "one of the European countries into which the most UK companies fly, which provides competition that benefits the user." 
Although 'low cost' companies are the cheapest on most routes, Iberia is placed in fifth place in the search ranking. The airline, headed by Luis Gallego, has realized better prices for the third consecutive month when compared to other airlines.
They were followed closely by Iberia Air Europa, listed sixth among the cheapest airlines to use when flying out of Spain, with 15.7% of cheaper searches.
Rounding out the top ten airlines in the ranking are Royal Air (14.8%), Vueling (14.7%), American Airlines (14.5%) and Norwegian (14.2%).Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45652/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### COAST IGNORED AS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS INSTALLED IN ORIHUELA

Here on the coast we are of course all absolutely delighted that the preparation for Christmas in Orihuela seems to be well underway with the erection of many new lighting displays, as  the Ayuntamiento and the Merchants Association (mAb) prepare their activities in anticipation of the forthcoming celebrations.
It is so heartwarming to appreciate that they are largely funded by the residents of the coast. 
The Orihuela Association say that it all bodes well for the Christmas season during which they expect to see an increase in retail sales. However mAb spokesperson Mila Serna said that ‘ we are forced to take our initiatives ahead of schedule, as customers now spread their purchases over a much longer period, starting in late November and continuing into the early days of January sales campaign.'
She said that campaigns such as the Christmas lights are increasingly important to encourage local trade.
But as I see no such attractions being installed onto the streets and in the commercial areas of the Orihuela Costa it just seems such a pity that, once again, as is the case year on year, in their ivory towers in Orihuela the Ayuntamiento once again fail to realize that the same situation also applies to the residents of the coast who equally rely on such displays and incentives to bring in the trade to an area, the finances from which, largely fund Orihuela's existence.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45650/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Here on the coast we are of course all absolutely delighted that the preparation for Christmas in Orihuela seems to be well underway with the erection of many new lighting displays, as  the Ayuntamiento and the Merchants Association (mAb) prepare their...

### DISABLED SPORTSDAY SUCCESS IN PILAR

El Deporte Adaptado brought almost 450 disabled children into Pilar de la Horadada last week from youth centres across the entire region for a day of competitive sport.
They came into the town from Villena, Elche, Torrevieja and Crevillente, gathering at Pilar de la Horadada's excellent deportivo where they enjoyed a massive sports day, which concluded with a fellowship meal. 
Starting at 11am the children took part in a large selection of water activities and group games throughout the morning after which every participant received a medal and a small flag commemorating their involvement in such a momentous day. 
Organisation of the event was by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports, together with the cooperation of municipal workers and employees from CP Alicante (Villena) and IES Haygón (San Vicente).
The Pilar Councillor for Sports, Adrian Lopez, highlighted the work of all those involved in the day which brings such a large turnout into the town every year.
The mayor, José Fidel Ros, said that "the meeting represented a great deal of pride and satisfaction for the people of Pilar de la Horadada, as we make available our excellent facilities to hundreds of visitors from across the region in our endeavour to bring fun and learning and the sharing of experiences and skills that encourage and strengthen the ties and friendships amongst us all."
He said that" Pilar de la Horadada is an excellent place to practice and compete in adapted sports and all initiatives that serve to assist in this regard will be always well supported by the town council and its residents. "
The meeting ended with a cordial meal that was arranged by the Association of Housewives of Pilar de la Horadada.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45649/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: El Deporte Adaptado brought almost 450 disabled children into Pilar de la Horadada last week from youth centres across the entire region for a day of competitive sport.
They came into the town from Villena, Elche, Torrevieja and Crevillente, gathering at Pilar de la Horadada's excellent deportivo where they enjoyed a massive sports day, which concluded with a fellowship meal. 
Starting at 11am the children took part in a large selection of water activities and group games throughout the morning after which every participant received a medal and a small flag commemorating their involvement in such a momentous day. 
Organisation of the event was by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports, together with the cooperation of municipal workers and employees from CP Alicante (Villena) and IES Haygón (San Vicente).
The Pilar Councillor for Sports, Adrian Lopez, highlighted the work of all those involved in the day which brings such a large turnout into the town every year.
The mayor, José Fidel Ros, said that "the meeting represented a great deal of pride and satisfaction for the people of Pilar de la Horadada, as we make available our excellent facilities to hundreds of visitors from across the region in our endeavour to bring fun and learning and the sharing of experiences and skills that encourage and strengthen the ties and friendships amongst us all."
He said that" Pilar de la Horadada is an excellent place to practice and compete in adapted sports and all initiatives that serve to assist in this regard will be always well supported by the town council and its residents. "
The meeting ended with a cordial meal that was arranged by the Association of Housewives of Pilar de la Horadada.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45649/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### STREETS RENAMED IN HONOUR OF FORMER RESIDENTS

Eight streets are to be re named in Los Balcones after former Torrevimeja residents who excelled in the world of culture and education.
At a ceremony carried out in the Torrevieja Plenary hall last week the mayor, Eduardo Dolon, paid homage to the individuals in front of many of their family and friends.
Most of those honoured were former teachers and painters from the town. They were named as, teachers Parres Jaime Hernandez, Jose Manuel Gutierrez Rodriguez, Cyril Andreu Perez and Lorenzo Antonio Conesa and painters Jesus Baeza Hernández and José Mayol Pamies.
The two further selections were poet Leandro Baeza Perez and Maria Garrigós who died recently in a road accident.
The mayor, accompanied by Councillor Inmaculada Montesinos, handed over each of the street signs to family members of those honoured prior to posing with them in the traditional family photo.  
He said that they were all individuals who had given so much to Torrevieja and as such their names will always be remembered in the city where they worked and lived.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45648/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Eight streets are to be re named in Los Balcones after former Torrevimeja residents who excelled in the world of culture and education.
At a ceremony carried out in the Torrevieja Plenary hall last week the mayor, Eduardo Dolon, paid homage to the ind...

### EURONICS DARTS LEAGUE 20 NOVEMBER 2014

Already the league finds itself a third of the way through the 21 match programme.  Division 2 has the Breakaways Bears just nudging ahead of the pack and yet to be beaten, but with 14 more matches to go anything can happen. 
The Jaguars could blemish the Bears record but would have to be in good form to overcome Mike Snow´s side.   In Division 1 the Meerkats sit at the summit, how I don't know, some abysmal performances have still resulted in wins when the opposition has been just as bad.  
This week was an exception however, as the top two locked horns in a real tussle.  The Kats came out on top and stay unbeaten, but I am not sure for how long.  The Hyenas are a real good all round side, who can all play a bit and I foresee Simon Williams´ side taking some silverware this term.  Five competitions, other than the league, remain to be contested starting with the second round of the K.O. Cup in December.  
First round losers of the Cup now complete for the K.O.Handicap Plate to be played simultaneously with the K.O. Cup thus avoiding a free week but continued darts for Euronics players.  This season also sees another new competition in the shape of a triples event, adopted in lieu of the Team K.O.Cup competitions now being played prior to Finals Night.  Plenty of opportunities for glory, via team and individual events.
The Hyenas suffered their first defeat of the season, in an all Hub affairs against the Meerkats.  No home advantage in this one, the Hyenas in a real buoyant mood after numerous classy performances, the Meerkats viewing the match with trepidation after some poor team and individual displays.  
Simon Williams´ side now have Nick Spicer, a superb player giving them a real edge this season, the Kats a player down this term, John Eyre having a season´s sabbatical; these factors in my book, make the Hyenas favourites for both the league and cup competitions, but this week they didn't quite achieve their expectations. Hyenas got off on the right foot with Joe Hawkins 100 and Spicer 140 contributing to a 200 point lead in the 701.
The advantage was quickly eradicated by way of powerful scoring from Alex Nikolov, Pat Abrams and Paul Durrant. Hawkins had one arrow for tops which found D1 leaving Durrant on 84.  A single 20 and 14 left the bull which was found third arrow for first blood.  
A disappointing leg from Shaun Smith, Cyril Harrison and Lee Holtham allowed the Kats to increase their lead through Lee Maiden on D20 after Alan Ostrowski´s 125.  It should have been 3-0 but poor finishing from the Kats allowed Spicer 100 and 97 to ¨nick¨ the leg on D8.  Joe Miller made it all square using D8 to complete the 601, Abrams and Nikolov mustering a lone ton between them.  
Hawkins and Spicer enjoyed the throw in the second pairs versus Maiden and Durrant, but couldn't capitalise as Durrant 2x100 and Maiden 100 and D4 made it 3-2.  A splendid 96 out from Graham Todd (S20,T18,D11) plus a ton from Ostrowski gave the Kats a 4-2 half time lead.  Miller opened up the singles with a 2-0 victory over Durrant taking out D20 and D3, setting up Spicer to level the match with 4x100,95,D15 and finally D10.  The in-form Smith faced Abrams for the lead in the third singles.  
Two tons from the Hyena wasn't enough to prevent Abrams scoring 140 and D4 for the opening leg and then 100,118,D16 for the game.  Harrison played his usual steady self, beating Ostrowski 2-0 on D8 and D10 with a ton thrown in, to level the overall match at 5-5.  An 8 ton ding dong followed when Miller 2x100,134 and 140 played Nikolov 3x100,140 for the lead.  It was the Bulgarian, surprisingly in a subdued mood, who found both doubles D9 and D9 to regain the lead and a precious team point.  It was Lee v. Lee in the 12th, Maiden and Holtham for a Kats victory or a deserved draw.  
Holtham took the first on D8 after 100 and 114, Maiden the second 100,D20 setting up a decider in the very last match leg.  Maiden had throw, which proved crucial as Holtham banged in 100 and 112, his opponent responding with a ton and opportunity for first throw at the double, accomplished next throw on D16.  Great match, tremendous atmosphere and a credit to both sides.
Breakaways Bears maintain their unbeaten record in Division 2, taking out a rapidly improving Ale House led by Karl Mallinson, licensee of the popular Villamartin bar.  In fact it was Mallinson who levelled the score after two triples on D8 after, who else but Mike Smith had opened the Bears account on D4.  Mike Douglas top scored for the Bears with a 125.  
Smith was at it again in the third with 100 and 120 but it was Mike Snow taking the honours and lead for the Bears on D4.  Smith teamed up with top gun Sarah Simpson in the first pairs and promptly increased the lead to 3-1 despite some tasty scoring from Anthony Brum 81,100 and Brian Hobbis.  
Snowy´s 125 was insufficient as Enrica Portugal took out D20 followed by Mallinson and Barry Whipday finishing their 601 ahead of Del Lister and Mike Douglas for 3 apiece.  Lister was chosen as first singles and justified the decision with 2x100, 2x81 and D16, trading dart for dart with Hobbis who returned a ton and 2x85.  Ivan Jones made it 5 for the Bears, Tony Woods giving a good account despite the loss.  A tidy 501 from Smith, completed on D20 ensured the draw and point for the hosts.  
Brum gave the Ale House a glimmer of hope taking the next against Simpson, but the inevitable arrived in the 11th courtesy of Douglas on D14 for the match, a spirited performance from Whipday wasted.  Mallinson played well enough to take the final leg, but hadn't accounted for a useful Snowy performance ending the evening on D16 after some prolific scoring.  Ale House are on the move and will certainly improve on their current position.
The Porter House found themselves 4-5 down with 3 to play facing a home defeat against the unpredictable Jackals from the Junction.  
Rouffignac figured significantly during the match and was the lone ton scorer in the opening leg, former comedian Peter Ayres taking out D10.  Andy Gildea levelled on D16 and then took the third on D20 for an early lead, Jim Scott helping out Gildea with a ton.  
Scott managed a further ton in the opening pairs, but Ayres got his second out of the night, this time on D9, partner Rouffignac scoring three figures.  Two tons from Sid Cross in the fifth leg was countered by Kenny Wilkinson´s D18 out, fortunately skipper Ray Sanderson came to the Porters´ rescue in the 6th, with a ton and D14 for 3-3.  
Scott gave the Jackals the lead in the first singles winning 2-0 with a 140,D16,D20 against Ray Hayes.  Rouffignac completed her evening´s darts with a 2-0 victory over Keith King on D4 and D16 with a 134 on the way.  Gildea came from 1 down to Brian Nash´s D2 taking the next two on D10 and D20 plus a 121 and 100.  Phil de Lacy looked favourite to earn the Jackals a draw after gaining the first leg to Sanderson.  The Porter levelled on D19 after a 116, setting up a decider.  
Although de Lacy hit a ton it was the captain who retrieved the game on D2 for all square and two to play.  Cross and Steph Simpson traded tons in the 11th, Cross nailing 106 in the first (S20,T18,D16), Simpson levelling on D10 with a ton.  The Porter completed the third leg on D20 to earn at least a point.  Ayres finished the comeback taking the last and both points on D1 and D5.
Pint Depot Kings are still struggling to find the form of last season and despite a glimmer from Gary Minor 100x2 and Matt Cummins 123,100 it was nowhere near enough against the Que Pasa Eagles, this week including the high profile John Walker.  
The Eagles man eased himself back into the frame after returning from the UK whilst undergoing medical treatment with 140, 2x121 and 2x100, assisted by Stuart Clark 140,120,2x100 and Jim Waddel´s 2x100.  Dave Wright opened for the Kings on D20 but Kevin Wood planted both doubles for 1-2 after the 3´s.  The Eagles took all three doubles via Clark, Jim Storey and Walker, Minor excelling scoring wise but unable to convert into victory.  
Wood made sure of a team point winning 2-0 against Martin Bynorth, the next leg claimed by Storey for the match against Frank Wieczorek who took the middle leg on D16.  Cummins showed what the Kings can do on going out on S15, bull in the next but Den Hall recovered to take the remaining two for 8-1.  
Eddie Fozzard took two of the three versus Storey for 8-2, followed by Wright looking likely to topple Walker with some great scoring, but the experienced Walker did some prolific scoring of his own to enable finishing of D8 and D16.  Minor took the valuable scalp of Clark wrapping up the match on D20 after Clark had gone 1 up.
Jaguars sit nicely in third spot after victory over Evolution.  The hosts took full advantage over a depleted Evolution side who have some very good players, particularly young Jak Doggart and Luke Nicholls.  Between them they mustered three finishes and 8 scores of 80 plus, including a tidy 79 out from Doggart, something for Evolution to build on.  A decent performance in the scoring and doubles department from Simone de Lacy, Hilda Wilkinson, Tracy Simpson, Wendy Hayward and Pat Schofield was just too much for the visitors, particularly after Angie Craggs had scored 108 with 2xbull and S8, what was she going for?
Steve Woods recovered from an “iffy” Lo Romero round of golf this week to star in his team´s tussle with Busters.  A 119, 135 and 140 helped his side to a draw, Ray Harvey rescuing a point for Busters in the 12th leg.  It was nip and tuck throughout, neither side being more than one leg in front at any time.  Irene Russell 2x100, Mark Filer 135,140 and Ray Harvey 2x100 contributed to Busters tally, Kevin Fitzpatrick 2x100 assisting Woods´ side.
Justin Hepburn earned the Tavern Drivers a point at Sporting Life after being 4-2 down at half time.  John Dursley 100,115 and Ralph Weatherby 100 somehow lost to the efforts from Cheryl McGlynn and Leah Chesworth in the second pairs, Sonya Cooper top scoring in the next with a 131.  It all happens down the Sporting Life, this week a certain female decided to play without her top, but did she win her singles?  Pop down to the Life to find out.
Pint Depot Queens found themselves 3-0 down to the Kestrels but woke up and were level at half time.  Michelle Lane put the Kestrels in front on D13 only for the Queens to make it 4 legs via who else but Debbie Wright on D11 with a possible win on the cards.  
As you might guess it didn't happen as the Kestrels reeled off the next 4, Chris Miles taking the 7th leg and both points.  John Lane and Alan Preston starred for the Kestrels, whilst Marie Dunne and Debbie Wright showed the way for the Royals.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45645/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Already the league finds itself a third of the way through the 21 match programme.  Division 2 has the Breakaways Bears just nudging ahead of the pack and yet to be beaten, but with 14 more matches to go anything can happen. 
The Jaguars could blemish...

### IN THE BUNKER WITH MICK THE GRIP. NOVEMBER 2014

WHILE IN TURKEY for the Race to Dubai Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson and Lee Westwood were invited to try hitting golfballs over the walls of the impressive 2000 year old amphitheatre of Aspendos.  
Ian Poulter remained at the hotel, tweeting that because of the gorgeous food he was too full to move.  Perhaps he should have gone out and practised his putting.
THE 2015 IRISH OPEN will be played on a course familiar to both Rickie Fowler and Rory MciIroy.   Royal County Down in Northern Ireland hosted the 2007 Walker Cup when the two first duelled as 18 year old amateurs.
After McIlroy was victorious this year at the Open and PGA Championship the two were reunited at the Ryder Cup when McIlroy again got the upper hand both in the foursomes and in their Sunday singles match, winning 5 and 4.
Fowler is keen to have another shot at McIlroy.  "When Rory told me the Irish Open was going to Royal County Down I was really keen to play. We will have plenty to reminisce about” he added, polishing his Derringer before slipping it into the inside pocket of his raincoat (sorry, got carried away.)
 
 
PAUL AZINGER cashed in after the 2008 Ryder Cup by writing a telltale book and embarrassing the players.  Paul McGinley will not be doing the same.  “I wanted the lads to know that what happened behind the scenes stayed there” he said, “so I promised there would be no book.”  Stout fellow.  
MIGUEL ANGEL JIMENEZ may be on the short list for 2016 Ryder Cup Captain but his lack of fluency in English may scupper him.  Fellow countryman Sergio Garcia doesn't think Jimenez's English, while OK for ordering cigars, is good enough to deal with the demands of the job.  At least he has plenty of time to sign up for night classes.
GOLF MANUFACTURERS have unleashed a new range of expensive toys on recession hit America, proving that their heads are still firmly either in the sand or the clouds.  TaylorMade's offerings include the R15 driver, with Front Track Technology.  Two sliding weights can be moved to a variety of positions in the head, changing the combinations of distance, forgiveness and draw/fade bias.
The Front Track also acts as a Speed Pocket, which expands the size of the sweetspot and reduces spin.  Only £369!  Just in time for Christmas!
As if that weren't enough, the new RSi irons feature Face Slot Technology; slots either side of the face which according to TM, work in conjunction with Speed Pockets to give improved performance on shots that don't hit the sweetspot. The RSi 1 irons replace the Speedblades, the R15 driver the SLDR.  So tough luck on the shops that invested in SLDRs and Speedblades.
GOLF MOVES DOWN UNDER this month with the Australian Open, Masters and PGA.  If Adam Scott  managed to win his third gold jacket in Melbourne at the weekend he will next have to face Rory McIlroy.  Rory, fresh from collecting his goodies in Dubai will be winging over to defend his Australian Open title in Sydney on November 27th.  The PGA Championship on the Gold Coast in early December follows.  It will be the last chance this season for the world No. 2. to hang a major trophy on his Christmas Tree.   
BACK IN the murky past our regular Sunday foursome would hold earnest discussions in the 19th on everything from local politics to the pitiful size of the measure.  Enjoying a post round pint recently with my Sunday four I noticed our discussion consisted solely of our ailments, symptoms and treatment!  But as they say, after sixty if you don't wake up with aches and pains you're dead!
Until next time: Happy Golfing!
Contact Mick for all your regripping and repairs: 638 859 475.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45640/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: WHILE IN TURKEY for the Race to Dubai Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson and Lee Westwood were invited to try hitting golfballs over the walls of the impressive 2000 year old amphitheatre of Aspendos.  
Ian Poulter remained at the hotel, tweeting that because of the gorgeous food he was too full to move.  Perhaps he should have gone out and practised his putting.
THE 2015 IRISH OPEN will be played on a course familiar to both Rickie Fowler and Rory MciIroy.   Royal County Down in Northern Ireland hosted the 2007 Walker Cup when the two first duelled as 18 year old amateurs.
After McIlroy was victorious this year at the Open and PGA Championship the two were reunited at the Ryder Cup when McIlroy again got the upper hand both in the foursomes and in their Sunday singles match, winning 5 and 4.
Fowler is keen to have another shot at McIlroy.  "When Rory told me the Irish Open was going to Royal County Down I was really keen to play. We will have plenty to reminisce about” he added, polishing his Derringer before slipping it into the inside pocket of his raincoat (sorry, got carried away.)
 
 
PAUL AZINGER cashed in after the 2008 Ryder Cup by writing a telltale book and embarrassing the players.  Paul McGinley will not be doing the same.  “I wanted the lads to know that what happened behind the scenes stayed there” he said, “so I promised there would be no book.”  Stout fellow.  
MIGUEL ANGEL JIMENEZ may be on the short list for 2016 Ryder Cup Captain but his lack of fluency in English may scupper him.  Fellow countryman Sergio Garcia doesn't think Jimenez's English, while OK for ordering cigars, is good enough to deal with the demands of the job.  At least he has plenty of time to sign up for night classes.
GOLF MANUFACTURERS have unleashed a new range of expensive toys on recession hit America, proving that their heads are still firmly either in the sand or the clouds.  TaylorMade's offerings include the R15 driver, with Front Track Technology.  Two sliding weights can be moved to a variety of positions in the head, changing the combinations of distance, forgiveness and draw/fade bias.
The Front Track also acts as a Speed Pocket, which expands the size of the sweetspot and reduces spin.  Only £369!  Just in time for Christmas!
As if that weren't enough, the new RSi irons feature Face Slot Technology; slots either side of the face which according to TM, work in conjunction with Speed Pockets to give improved performance on shots that don't hit the sweetspot. The RSi 1 irons replace the Speedblades, the R15 driver the SLDR.  So tough luck on the shops that invested in SLDRs and Speedblades.
GOLF MOVES DOWN UNDER this month with the Australian Open, Masters and PGA.  If Adam Scott  managed to win his third gold jacket in Melbourne at the weekend he will next have to face Rory McIlroy.  Rory, fresh from collecting his goodies in Dubai will be winging over to defend his Australian Open title in Sydney on November 27th.  The PGA Championship on the Gold Coast in early December follows.  It will be the last chance this season for the world No. 2. to hang a major trophy on his Christmas Tree.   
BACK IN the murky past our regular Sunday foursome would hold earnest discussions in the 19th on everything from local politics to the pitiful size of the measure.  Enjoying a post round pint recently with my Sunday four I noticed our discussion consisted solely of our ailments, symptoms and treatment!  But as they say, after sixty if you don't wake up with aches and pains you're dead!
Until next time: Happy Golfing!
Contact Mick for all your regripping and repairs: 638 859 475.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45640/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### PANTO SEASON STARTS WITH A BANG!!!!!!!!

Studio 32's production of Cinderella opened to a sell out audience on Friday 14th November.
This production written by Damien Trasler, David Lovesy and Steve Clark, directed by Susan Zillah Wilson had everything you would expect from a traditional pantomime.Colourful costumes, scenery, comedy, music and dance and of course audience participation.
From the opening scene, the elegant Fairy Godmother (Diane Oliver) had the audience full of expectation and they were not disappointed.
The enthusiastic cast had the audience immediately participating with the traditional '' Buttons,Buttons, where's your hat ‘' and this set the tone for the rest of the evening. The biggest cheer of the night was for Buttons (Karen Love), who brought her own brand of humour to the role, throughout the show.
The part of Cinderella, was played by Stefanie Lohse, who showed what a good actress she has become, as well as her talent as a singer. Baron Hard-up (Don Wilkinson) playing his first major role for Studio 32, did not disappoint as the often confused father of Cinderella.
Dressed in some wonderful costumes (designed and made by Jean Wilkinson and her team),the two ugly sisters, Salmonella, (Margot Gay), and Listeria, (Mike Oates), provided most of the comedy with perfect timing, engaging the audience at every opportunity and thrilling them with their version of ‘The Stripper'. 
Providing elegance to the proceedings were Prince Charming (Susanne Sayers) and Dandini (Jenni Hardy-Rooney) both giving faultless performances. Major Domo, (Thomas Mudd) had the audience in stiches with a series of funny walks and no doubt in the future be given the title of ‘'the funny walks man'' by the members of Studio 32
The fabulous children from Footwork Dance completed the line-up, to the delight of everyone. You can see more of them in their Christmas show at the School of Music and Culture, Los Montesinos, on Sunday 14th. December at 7: 30pm.
The end of the programme saw the curtain come down to a well earned standing ovation in appreciation of an outstanding performance by the cast and crew ably led by Stage Manager Linda Myers.
What proved to be a great evenings entertainment, was just right to put everyone in  the spirit for the coming festive season.
Looking to the future, the next show for Studio 32, will be the musical ‘'OKLAHOMA'' to be staged in early Summer 2015. If you are interested in performing with them,or a member of the backstage crew, Studio 32 will be holding an open day on November 26th at ‘Casa Ventura' St. Luis, from p.m.. to introduce the production.
On a last note, because of their efforts, local charities will benefit from a donation of €1500.00.  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45639/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Studio 32's production of Cinderella opened to a sell out audience on Friday 14th November.
This production written by Damien Trasler, David Lovesy and Steve Clark, directed by Susan Zillah Wilson had everything you would expect from a traditional pan...

### FORMER MAYOR EMERGES AS THE ONLY PSOE CANDIDATE

The former mayor, Ignacio Ramos, is emerging as the only possible candidate in the PSOE leadership contest in Pilar de la Horadada running up to next year's Municipal elections. 
The councillor, who was mayor for over 15 years, was to only candidate to show up at the PSOE Primary held last week, where 40 party members gathered to select their representative.
Ramos retired from his job as a teacher during the period of his office as the town mayor between 1995 and 2011.  
A town of over 20,000 inhabitants neither of the major parties in Pilar de la Horadada has governed with an absolute majority since December 2006. 
Between 2007 and 2011 the PSOE required the support of independents to form a government and the PP, led by Mayor Jose Fidel Ros is in the same situation as it continues to govern today. All indications are that this trend will continue in the May 2015 elections.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45638/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The former mayor, Ignacio Ramos, is emerging as the only possible candidate in the PSOE leadership contest in Pilar de la Horadada running up to next year's Municipal elections. 
The councillor, who was mayor for over 15 years, was to only candidate t...

### T.A.A.B.S TORREVIEJA ASSOCIATION OF AMATEUR BALLADEERS

T.A.A.B.S Torrevieja Association of Amateur Balladeer Singers are holding their Christmas Show on 5th December 8pm at Restaurant Asturias, Punta Prima.
Enjoy an evening of songs and carols with TAABS and also musical entertainment with students and teachers from El Limonar International School Villamartin. There will be a Grand raffle with prizes from local businesses and a collection for The Reach Out Charity.
The tickets are free and available from Shirley 96 67 91 396 or 
677 313 073 and from Restaurant Asturias. There is also a meal for 2 prize for the winning entrance ticket.(so keep hold of your ticket) 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45632/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: T.A.A.B.S Torrevieja Association of Amateur Balladeer Singers are holding their Christmas Show on 5th December 8pm at Restaurant Asturias, Punta Prima.
Enjoy an evening of songs and carols with TAABS and also musical entertainment with students and t...

### REMEMBRANCE DAY POEM BY LOS MONTESINOS RESIDENT JOHN STEVENS

WE REMEMBER
Remembrance day we think much more,
of heroes of the 1st World war.
We Remember 100 years on,
the veterans though they're now gone.
Into the trenches men were hurled,
to fight for freedom for this World.
They fought bravely. Millions died.
How many more millions cried?
The war to end all wars, it's not,
but all of them, we've not forgot.
They did their duty. Paid the price.
Some had the wrong throw of the dice.
Then there was peace for a few years,
til the 2nd World war occurs.
My dad was there and did endure,
5 years as prisoner of war.
He never grumbled. Didn't moan,
but he went home with no knee bone.
No pain for me could be greater.
I'm 8 when dad died, 10 years later.
We cannot stop the fight for peace,
til wars finish.Til all wars cease.
We won't forget. We will remember,
when poppies fall, 11th of November.
Thanks veterans for our freedom,
here in the United Kingdom. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45626/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: WE REMEMBER
Remembrance day we think much more,
of heroes of the 1st World war.
We Remember 100 years on,
the veterans though they're now gone.
Into the trenches men were hurled,
to fight for freedom for this World.
They fought bravely. Millions...

### YAHOO MAIL UNAVAILABLE FOLLOWING DAMAGE TO UNDERWATER CABLE

Yahoo Mail users are currently experiencing problems accessing their emails after an underwater cable was cut during maintenance.
Some of the providers 280 million users have been affected and have been venting their frustration with the downtime on social media.
The problems began on Thursday and have run through to today, Friday. Yahoo thought that the problems had been completely resolved but they appear to have re-appeared.
YAHOO! Will be right back... Thank you for your patience. Our engineers are working quickly to resolve the issue.
Yahoo released a statement on their website: "A statement on Yahoo's website read: “Some Yahoo Mail users are experiencing delays in accessing and viewing their mail.
“We are aware that Yahoo Mail is slow or inaccessible for some of our users. The issues were a result of an underwater fiber cable cut, caused by a third party while fixing a separate cable.
“A cable repair ship has been mobilized and will be at the site this weekend. We apologize for the inconvenience as we certainly understand email is a critical service for our customers.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45625/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Yahoo Mail users are currently experiencing problems accessing their emails after an underwater cable was cut during maintenance.
Some of the providers 280 million users have been affected and have been venting their frustration with the downtime on social media.
The problems began on Thursday and have run through to today, Friday. Yahoo thought that the problems had been completely resolved but they appear to have re-appeared.
YAHOO! Will be right back... Thank you for your patience. Our engineers are working quickly to resolve the issue.
Yahoo released a statement on their website: "A statement on Yahoo's website read: “Some Yahoo Mail users are experiencing delays in accessing and viewing their mail.
“We are aware that Yahoo Mail is slow or inaccessible for some of our users. The issues were a result of an underwater fiber cable cut, caused by a third party while fixing a separate cable.
“A cable repair ship has been mobilized and will be at the site this weekend. We apologize for the inconvenience as we certainly understand email is a critical service for our customers.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45625/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### MINOR EARTHQUAKE FELT IN TORREVIEJA

The coastline shuddered a Little on Friday afternoon, when a 1.9 magnitude earthquake hit just off the coast of Torrevieja.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45624/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The coastline shuddered a Little on Friday afternoon, when a 1.9 magnitude earthquake hit just off the coast of Torrevieja.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45624/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish...

### COUNCILS REMINDED ABOUT ACCOUNT SUBMISSION

The Audit Office has sent a request to 55 municipalities, 21 associations and 21 consortia urging them to submit their accounts. 
The external control body, responsible for monitoring the regional and local public sector, has sent the reminders indicating that the deadline of the 31st of October has expired and they must complete their legal requirement to submit their accounts.
Of the 55 municipalities that have not submitted their accounts, 19 are in Alicante, namely Orihuela, Benasau, Beniarrés, Benigembla, Cocentaina, Crevillent, El Campello, Jacarilla, La Torre de les Maçanes, Llíber, Monforte del Cid, Monòver, Rafal, San Fulgencio, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Sana Pola, Senija, Vall de Gallinera and Vall d'Ebo.
The remaining are divided between the other two provinces with 15 in Castellón and 21 in Valencia. In total, 10% of the municipal councils have failed to submit their accounts, double the usual annual figure of 5%. 
The Audit Office, in its “commitment to transparency of local sector” has contacted all of the offending municipal councils, and the associations, to remind their legal accountability.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45623/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Audit Office has sent a request to 55 municipalities, 21 associations and 21 consortia urging them to submit their accounts. 
The external control body, responsible for monitoring the regional and local public sector, has sent the reminders indic...

### ON YOUR BIKE GUARDIA

Guardia Civil traffic cops have taken to two wheeled pedal power in certain parts of Spain, in order to monitor whether vehicles give the mandatory 1.5 metre distance when passing.
What might come as a nasty surprise to those who don´t give enough room is the fact that the Guardia Civil are disguised as normal cyclists, with other officers waiting to penalise those offending drivers with a 200 euro fine.
In addition to the undercover surveillance, the Pagasus helicopter mounted radar is also monitoring traffic for the same reason.
Depending on the results of the first phase of testing, the DGT may decide to make the cycle unit a permanent department within their armoury against bad drivers, a move applauded by professional cyclist associations around the country.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45622/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Guardia Civil traffic cops have taken to two wheeled pedal power in certain parts of Spain, in order to monitor whether vehicles give the mandatory 1.5 metre distance when passing.
What might come as a nasty surprise to those who don´t give eno...

### CALLS TO RENAME TORREVIEJA SPORTS CENTRE

The Los Verdes of Torrevieja are calling for the sports city to have the name Infanta Cristina removed from the title, after the Princess was charged in a tax fraud case.
Their aim is to have the centre free from any reference to an individual, simply carrying the descriptive name of “Palacio Municipal de Deportes”.
The initiative also form part of a proposal to prevent names being given to Torrevieja landmarks of people whose conduct and behaviour has not been noted for as exemplary, and as in this case, could be questioned for their alleged involvement in the commission of a criminal offense or corruption scandal, either by action or omission.
It follows on from the group demanding the withdrawal of the title of adopted son of Torrevieja given to the former President of Valencia, Francisco Camps, and the defence minister, Federico Trillo, as well as the calls to remove recognition given to the former mayor of the city, now a convicted criminal, Pedro Angel Hernández Mateo.
The Greens believe that municipalities should be take exemplary measures to help regenerate the political image, banishing from our streets, squares and public buildings the names of all of those that have not been highlighted as respecting the laws and serve with honesty, the citizens from the positions held and the institutions they represent.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45621/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Los Verdes of Torrevieja are calling for the sports city to have the name Infanta Cristina removed from the title, after the Princess was charged in a tax fraud case.
Their aim is to have the centre free from any reference to an individual, simpl...

### AIRPORT OPERATIONS BIDS IN

Spanish airport operator AENA has received 167 offers from 12 companies or groups bidding to handle the operation of 19 airports in their network.
It was in July of this year that the service was put to tender for the second phase of the competition for ground handling services, with a total of 15 licenses up for grabs for three contractors to provide the services at the major airports of Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, Barcelona-El Prat, Málaga-Costa del Sol, Alicante-Elche and Palma de Mallorca.
In addition, there are 28 licences available for two operators at Asturias, Bilbao, Fuerteventura, Girona-Costa Brava, Gran Canaria, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Menorca, Reus, Santiago, Sevilla, Tenerife Norte, Tenerife Sur and Valencia.
Finally, a single operator license is available at the smaller airports of La Gomera and El Hierro.
Operators included in the first bid for Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas include Acciona, Iberia, Clece/Talher, Globalia Handling/Iberhandling, Lesma/Ryanair, Menzies Aviation Spain, Swissport Handling, WFS Servicios Aeroportuarios and Aviapartner SAS.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45620/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spanish airport operator AENA has received 167 offers from 12 companies or groups bidding to handle the operation of 19 airports in their network.
It was in July of this year that the service was put to tender for the second phase of the competition ...

### REMEMBRANCE PROFITEERS OR POPPY APPEAL CHAMPIONS

Each year 32 million Remembrance poppies and 80,000 wreaths are made at the Poppy Factory in UK which is staffed by a team of 50 people, most of them disabled, former servicemen and women and their dependants.
Originally called the Disabled Society the factory has been employing wounded, sick and injured ex-Service personnel since it was founded by Major George Howson MC in 1922 in the Old Kent Road. It's sole purpose was to produce poppies, with the workforce being severely wounded veterans from WW1. 
In 1925, The Poppy Factory moved to Richmond, Surrey and there it continues to make poppies, remembrance crosses, sprays and wreaths for The Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal. 
It's work is largely funded by the income that it receives from those poppy sales although it now also receives an increasing number of private donations.
The costs of making the paper versions of the poppy are kept low to ensure that 100 per cent of voluntary donations go straight to the Royal British Legion's Appeal, but some of the snazzier versions of the little red flower - such as those worn by an increasing number of television celebrities and presenters, are not nearly as benevolent as they first appear.
Kleshna, one of a number of companies with an exclusive tie-in with the Legion, sells enamelled and crystal-clad poppies for up to £59.95 - and has admitted to giving just 10 per cent of the sales to charity, a similar percentage to that donated from the sale of the 888,246 ceramic poppies placed across the moat at the Tower of London, and each sold at a cost of £25, just £8.75 from which would reach the six charities, according to official estimates, while £12.08 would cover ‘costs'.
Paul Cummins, who owns the Derby factory responsible for the manufacture of the ceramic poppies, was originally bankrolled by a group of private investors who are controversially said to be making a handsome profit from the venture. 
However, the six service charities concerned, Confederation of Service Charities (COBSEO), Combat Stress, Coming Home, Help for Heroes, Royal British Legion and SSAFA, will still benefit by over £1million each and interestingly enough, not one of them has publicly criticised the way the project is being run, saying they are pleased with whatever money they receive.
During the local build up to the Poppy Appeal, Facebook and other Social Media sites were awash with accusations about individuals who were said to be profiteering from the manufacture of poppies.  
Alan Henderson‎ was advertising poppy items for sale on the ‘Orihuela Costa Buy and Sell' page at a cost of  2.99 + postage, with Euro1 of each sale donated to the RBL poppy appeal. He was quickly accused of profiteering by a number of users but responded  with the statement ‘There is no profit being made after material glue ect plus I buy the poppies before I donate your euro from the sale. I promise you no profit is being made from these.'
Gary Binks had quite the opposite view saying ‘ I am sick of hearing negativity on this site! Good on you Alan, don´t explain yourself as you don´t need to! It´s a great product..just a shame you have attracted negative reactions to it!'
Another facebook user, Dominique Lee, wrote ‘As the mother of a serving soldier I would gladly pay for one of these poppies. If the man says he is giving the proceeds to charity then surely can we not take him at his word. Sometimes people just think of a nice idea and don't have the time to register as a charity. Let's just look on the positive side and believe that this is just one person who would like to make a difference. I got the same kind of negative comments some time ago when I asked people to collect items to send to soldiers in Afghanistan for Xmas and was devastated at the character assassination i received.'
Of course the difference between Paul Cummins, his ceramic poppies, Kleshna, their poppy jewellery, and Alan Henderson and the like, is that the former two were commissioned by the RBL and Tower of London authorities to manufacture and sell their goods, making agreed contributions to a variety of appeals in the process, whilst Alan was not. So whilst the accusations of profiteering on the back of Remembrance will continue to be made, their actions are perhaps not quite as controversial as many people would like us to suppose.
I have to largely agree with the sentiments posted by Gary and Dominique. The contributions being made to the RBL and other service Charities by these companies and individuals would not otherwise be made so where is the harm in the actions they are taking as long as the charities continue to benefit.
Everyone needs to eat and recover their manufacture and production costs, whatever the size with people rarely able to devote their lives to a cause that pays them nothing.
So I'm hoping the whole issue continues to concentrate on veterans, the reason for the poppy and the millions of pounds and euros that have been donated to the appeal. It was Remembrance Day, 2014 is the Centenary of the outbreak of WW1, and an extremely important time in our history, so let's try to remain focused on that.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45619/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Each year 32 million Remembrance poppies and 80,000 wreaths are made at the Poppy Factory in UK which is staffed by a team of 50 people, most of them disabled, former servicemen and women and their dependants.
Originally called the Disabled Society th...

### NEGLECTED DONKEY WITH SEVERE HOOF MALFORMATION SAVED BY EASY HORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE

The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre is pushing for the prosecution of a man after his donkey was last week found malnourished and partially crippled by  with a severely malformed hoof caused by years of neglect.
The donkey escaped its enclosure last Thursday and ended up in the garden of a concerned young woman, who called Sue and Rod Weeding from the Rojales rescue centre.
Almoradi police who attended the scene promptly allowed  the donkey to be taken to the Rescue Centre,
“It's not a genetic thing,” Sue said. “The donkey is about eight or nine years old and he's clearly had not had his feet trimmed for a long time, so one of the hooves has curved over and gradually stretched the front  tendons and retracted the rear ones . He's actually walking on what would be the equivalent of our wrist.”
Sue said the donkey has now been x-rayed and corrective surgery can be be done. He will soon be taken to the specialist Equihealth Veterinarios clinic in Barcelona, to be cared for by a team of veterinarians including Gasper Castelijns, who serves Spain's 2012 equestrian Olympic team.
“Gasper will have to perform major surgery, including possibly fusing some bones together and repairing the tendons to straighten the leg. But we can help him – that's the good news,” Sue said.
Police are in contact with the donkey's former owner and are believed to be moving ahead with a prosecution. “This is why we urge people to call the police if they see an animal in distress,” Sue said. “This is the only way we can move animal welfare forward in Spain, by pushing the police to act.”
We have named him Franky and we will give him the very best care possible.
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre welcomes donations and sponsorships to help support their work. Every cent donated to the centre or spent in the eight charity shops across the Alicante province goes towards the feeding and care of the centre's 83 horses, ponies and donkeys.
Please contact the charity shop hotline on 652 021 980 for information about furniture pick-ups and volunteering in our shops.
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre opens to the public on the first Sunday on the month between 1pm and 4pm. The centre is located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga 59. For directions, please visit www.easyhorsecare.net.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45618/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre is pushing for the prosecution of a man after his donkey was last week found malnourished and partially crippled by  with a severely malformed hoof caused by years of neglect.
The donkey escaped its enclosure last Thu...

### TORREVIEJA TREE DRESSING CAMPAIGN OPEN AGAIN

Torrevieja´s department of commerce has once again launched a Christmas Tree Decorating competition, the fifth year it has been held, in which city centre shops and registered associations can compete to win some great prizes.
The First Prize up for grabs is 675 euro, second prize is 425 euro and third prize is 150 euro, all along with a diploma recognising your achievement. 
The aim of the campaign, according to the councillor responsible, Agustina Esteve, is both to encourage and boost local trade, whilst also creating a more festive atmosphere in the streets of the city.
Registration will be open from the 24th to the 28th of November and applications to decorate one of the trees must be submitted through the Bureau of Registration, on Calle Bazan, No. 6. Only the first 12 applications will be accepted though, as this is the maximum number of trees the town hall wish to adorn the streets as part of the campaign.
The trees will then be assembled on the 5th of December, with the winning trees being decided by a popularity vote between the 9th and the 21st of December, with an established jury having the final say if needed.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45614/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Torrevieja´s department of commerce has once again launched a Christmas Tree Decorating competition, the fifth year it has been held, in which city centre shops and registered associations can compete to win some great prizes.
The First Prize u...

### DORNIER EXHIBITION OPENS IN PILAR

The photographic exhibition to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the aircraft, "The Adventure of the Dornier 15/16," was opened in Pilar de la Hoarada earlier in the week by the Councillor for Culture, Benjamin Fraile and lecturer Antonio Zapata, who has previously run similar exhibitions in Los Alcazares, San Pedro and elsewhere.
It will be available to visit at the Casa de Cultura en C/ Carretillas, 19, until the 9th of December, during regular hours, Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 2pm. and from 4 to 9pm.
Find out more at: http://www.pilardelahoradada.es/es/eventos/cultura/exposicion-documental-y-conferencia-sobre-la-aventura-del-dornier-1516-con-motivo#sthash.NuM3IYcb.dpuf
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45613/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The photographic exhibition to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the aircraft, "The Adventure of the Dornier 15/16," was opened in Pilar de la Hoarada earlier in the week by the Councillor for Culture, Benjamin Fraile and lecturer Antonio Zapata, who has previously run similar exhibitions in Los Alcazares, San Pedro and elsewhere.
It will be available to visit at the Casa de Cultura en C/ Carretillas, 19, until the 9th of December, during regular hours, Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 2pm. and from 4 to 9pm.
Find out more at: http://www.pilardelahoradada.es/es/eventos/cultura/exposicion-documental-y-conferencia-sobre-la-aventura-del-dornier-1516-con-motivo#sthash.NuM3IYcb.dpuf
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45613/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### TORREVIEJA TO AIRPORT BUS PASSENGERS GROWING

In the first 10 months of this year, a total of 74,393 passengers have used the express bus service to Alicante-Elche airport, an increase of 17.4% over the same period of 2013.
During the month of October, 7,717 passengers used the service, 3,875 leaving Torrevieja to go to Alicante-Elche airport, 3,842 using the service to the city from the airport. In October of 2013, the number of passengers was 7,198.
In January of this year, 4,093 people used the service, there were 3,927 in March, 5,015 in May, in April there were 6,873, May saw 7,694, June amounted to 8,748, July saw 11,012, August had 10,325, September saw 8,989 and then the 7,717 in October.
The service departs Torrevieja every odd hour from 07:00 to 21:00, returning from the airport on every second even hour from 08:00 to 22:00. With 8 services each way, every day of the year, the service is express between the two points and travels on the motorway network, avoiding the N-332 coastal road. 
The theoretical capacity for the service on a 50-seater coach is 400 passengers each way per day, the equivalent of 12,000 seats in each direction per month, and so with a total of 24,000 seats available each month, only July has so far seen the service used near half of the capacity.
During the whole year of 2013, a total of 72,049 passengers were carried, representing an increase of 39.5% over 2012, when 51,660 people used the service of the theoretical 292,000 annual seats available.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45612/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In the first 10 months of this year, a total of 74,393 passengers have used the express bus service to Alicante-Elche airport, an increase of 17.4% over the same period of 2013.
During the month of October, 7,717 passengers used the service, 3,875 le...

### ROJALES PANTOMIME GROUP AT THE CHRISTMAS SHOP

On Saturday 29th November 2014 the cast of Rojales Pantomimes new production Cinderella will be at  “The Christmas Shop” in San Luis.
If stocking up on Christmas goodies and meeting the cast of Cinderella isn't enough…….Father Christmas will also be there! Yippeeeee……bring your pressie lists.
The fun starts at 11am. There is ample parking, some lovely bars very close by if you want to stay for some lunch and tickets for the pantomime will also be on sale on the day.
Put it in your diary…we look forward to seeing you there!
http://rojalespantomime.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45611/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Saturday 29th November 2014 the cast of Rojales Pantomimes new production Cinderella will be at  “The Christmas Shop” in San Luis.
If stocking up on Christmas goodies and meeting the cast of Cinderella isn't enough…….Fathe...

### ROJALES PANTOMIME GROUP PRESENT CINDERELLA

The Rojales Pantomime group will be performing their version of Cinderella at The Music School in Los Montesinos January 8th 9th & 10th 2015 and they guarantee you plenty of laughs with The Ugly sisters Bianca & Sonja played by Lynden B and Andy Jones.
Ant and Dec are there as well so get ready to “Rumble” also a bit of ‘Gangnam' style for the kids to join in. Baron Hardup is hopelessly besotted with his Wife Devilia (Mandy Bartlam) (a force not to be reckoned with) as you will see as the performance progresses.
Then there are the usual characters of Cinders, Buttons, Dandini and of coarse Prince Charming. The usual scary scenes with spiders and moving trees to make those on set nervous but no ghosts in this one. 
Due to work and school commitments the group only do one show a year and that is Pantomime. This will be their 7th production since the formation of the group. Our aim is to help the needy people of Los Montesinos and Rojales so most of the proceeds go to ‘Caritas' with some help given to local Animal Rescue centres and a small amount to help buy new instruments for the music school.
Tickets can be purchased from various outlets including the Christmas Shop San Luis. Tickets are 7 euros for Adults& 5 for children. Take a look at the website http://rojalespantomime.com for more info.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45610/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Rojales Pantomime group will be performing their version of Cinderella at The Music School in Los Montesinos January 8th 9th & 10th 2015 and they guarantee you plenty of laughs with The Ugly sisters Bianca & Sonja played by Lynden B and And...

### FABULOUS CHRISTMAS FASHION SHOW - FREE VIP TICKETS!!!

Yes that's right - I have 20 special FREE VIP tickets to give away!  Friday 21st November - 12.00 at The Indian Ocean in Dona Pepa - VIP tickets include a pre show preview at 11.00 just for the VIP's & FREE TEA & CHOCOLATE BISCUITS ON ARRIVAL AT 11.00a.m.   email sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk to register for your FREE VIP TICKET.
Free Teas will be served until 11.30a.m. - pre show Cava will be just €1.50 a glass and wine will be €8 per bottle.
Just email sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk and put VIP in the subject line - The Christmas Fashion Show starts at 12.00 midday on Friday 21st November.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45609/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Yes that's right - I have 20 special FREE VIP tickets to give away!  Friday 21st November - 12.00 at The Indian Ocean in Dona Pepa - VIP tickets include a pre show preview at 11.00 just for the VIP's & FREE TEA & CHOCOLATE BISCUITS ON ARRIVAL A...

### GET LEGAL ADVICE AND LEARN THE LANGUAGE! SAY BRITS AT ICELAND

Getting clear legal advice and learning some basic Spanish were the top tips from British shoppers in Iceland stores in Spain when asked by the British Consulate.
Other tips when asked “what is your advice for someone moving to Spain?”  included “do your homework” and “try renting before you buy.”
A team from the British Consulate and overseas healthcare team spoke to more than 100 Brits at three Iceland stores on the Costa Blanca this month. As well as asking shoppers questions about their life in Spain, the team also gave advice on a range of issues, from access to healthcare to how to register as a resident.
The Consulate encouraged the Brits they spoke to, to plan for the future and to follow them on their “Brits living in Spain” Facebook page or @BritsliveSpain Twitter channel for more useful and up-to-date tips and advice.
Part of a programme of events held in branches of the Iceland Supermarket across the region, it was an opportunity for customers who might not normally come into contact with the British Consulate to share their knowledge and experience of life in Spain in order to help other British nationals thinking of making the move. 
Vice Consul Liz Bell who attended the Torrevieja store said: “It was great to meet so many people and hear from them what helps make life a success in Spain.
I was really encouraged to see that the top tips were around being properly registered as residents here in Spain, getting on the padrón and making sure healthcare is sorted. Iceland Overseas Supermarkets have been really supportive of our programme and our thanks go to them for enabling us to work within their stores hear what their customers have to say”.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45608/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Getting clear legal advice and learning some basic Spanish were the top tips from British shoppers in Iceland stores in Spain when asked by the British Consulate.
Other tips when asked “what is your advice for someone moving to Spain?”  in...

### THE DEFENCE ATTACHÉ  ATTENDS THE HONDÓN VALLEY BRANCH REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

At the Hondon Valley Branch Remembrance Service on llth November,  we were honoured to have Captain Lemkes, RN, Defence Attaché together with Sgt Michelle Kadshaw RAF, Assistant to the Defence Attaché from the British Embassy in Madrid in attendance.
They are pictured here with Chris Wyatt, Branch Chairman, and Nigel Hails, Chairman of District North.
The Service, was lead by the Branch Padre Reverend Canon Terence Sampson and included music from the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums and the Phoenix Concert Band.  
A local Spanish choir sang several songs, one of which they had written for the Service.  Branch member Tony Brown read a self penned poem entitled..... to end all wars.
It was a delightful service with many thought provoking elements and extra emphasis given to the beginning of WW1 l00 years ago.  The little Aula del Cultura in Hondón de las Nieves was full of members and friends both English and Spanish from around the area.
To find more information about the Branch, please visit our website: www.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/hondon-valley or email secretary.hondonvalley3577@gmail.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45603/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: At the Hondon Valley Branch Remembrance Service on llth November,  we were honoured to have Captain Lemkes, RN, Defence Attaché together with Sgt Michelle Kadshaw RAF, Assistant to the Defence Attaché from the British Embassy in Madrid in...

### NIGERIA, LAND OF MARTYRS

The Foundation of the Holy See "Aid to the Church in Need" (ACN) has released some advertising campaigns with these messages: "Emergency in Iraq. Christians have fled Mosul.
They need your help urgently. Do not let them alone. "In another message, ACN states that "With you we can: build and rehabilitate centers; provide sustenance for priests and religious; forming seminarians, novices and priests; publish and distribute catechetical material; provide transportation for evangelization; media to spread the Word of God. "A new advertising slogan says: "Help us raise the church in Nigeria.
There have been nearly 800 murders, more than 430 attacks on churches. They can destroy our buildings and temples but not destroy our faith in Jesus Christ. "The following has also been published: "The hope of Christians in the Holy Land. They are just 2% of the population, but the visit of Pope Francis has given them courage and the certainty of knowing they are not alone.They should not disappear from this sacred Land! "Another ad reads: "Emergency CAR.Thank you for your generosity!
id to the Church in Need would like to thank the generosity of many benefactors who are enabling the collection of urgent assistance to the Central African Republic”. Donations can be done at Banco Popular: ES12 0075 0080 17 0601667548. The journalist Fernando Haro put a face to a tragedy in his latest book "Christians and lions," asserting that the persecution of Christians has become a colossal drama .
It is estimated that about 100,000 Christians are killed each year because of their faith throughout the world. "It's one of the great tragedies in this beginning of the XXI century and has the dimensions of the great persecutions of the times of Diocletian in the fourth century or the twentieth century Stalinism".
Elsewhere in this book he says: "Christians have found something; Jesus Christ, for whom it is worth giving life. Christianity is the most persecuted religion in the world." The history of violence in which victims are hundreds of thousands of Christians around the world, passes unperceived for the vast majority of society and also to the media.
clementeferrer3@gmail.com
Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45600/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Foundation of the Holy See "Aid to the Church in Need" (ACN) has released some advertising campaigns with these messages: "Emergency in Iraq. Christians have fled Mosul.
They need your help urgently. Do not let them alone. "In another message, ACN states that "With you we can: build and rehabilitate centers; provide sustenance for priests and religious; forming seminarians, novices and priests; publish and distribute catechetical material; provide transportation for evangelization; media to spread the Word of God. "A new advertising slogan says: "Help us raise the church in Nigeria.
There have been nearly 800 murders, more than 430 attacks on churches. They can destroy our buildings and temples but not destroy our faith in Jesus Christ. "The following has also been published: "The hope of Christians in the Holy Land. They are just 2% of the population, but the visit of Pope Francis has given them courage and the certainty of knowing they are not alone.They should not disappear from this sacred Land! "Another ad reads: "Emergency CAR.Thank you for your generosity!
id to the Church in Need would like to thank the generosity of many benefactors who are enabling the collection of urgent assistance to the Central African Republic”. Donations can be done at Banco Popular: ES12 0075 0080 17 0601667548. The journalist Fernando Haro put a face to a tragedy in his latest book "Christians and lions," asserting that the persecution of Christians has become a colossal drama .
It is estimated that about 100,000 Christians are killed each year because of their faith throughout the world. "It's one of the great tragedies in this beginning of the XXI century and has the dimensions of the great persecutions of the times of Diocletian in the fourth century or the twentieth century Stalinism".
Elsewhere in this book he says: "Christians have found something; Jesus Christ, for whom it is worth giving life. Christianity is the most persecuted religion in the world." The history of violence in which victims are hundreds of thousands of Christians around the world, passes unperceived for the vast majority of society and also to the media.
clementeferrer3@gmail.com
Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45600/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ORIHUELA COSTA CHEATED OUT OF INVESTMENTS

The November issue of Orihuela Town Hall's public relations glossy magazine, Orcelitania, has on its front page the announcement of €4.6 million investments for the municipality.    
However, the front page figure of €4.6 million is misleading    An inside article details investments in Orihuela city, surrounding villages and the coast for a total amount of €3.7 million (€1.4 million being the share of Orihuela Costa).  €900,000 is missing.     €4.6m - €3.7m
The article claims that the in the distribution of these investment funds resulting from the sale of municipal land on the coast, the government respects the principle of 40%, 30%, 30%:   40% for the coast, 30% for Orihuela city and 30% for the surrounding villages.    
The principle may be respected in relation to €3.7 millions but the principle should apply to 100% of the proceeds from the sale of land on the coast, not 100%  minus €900,000!
The news published in Orcelitania confirms, disappointingly, that the Mayor has not kept his promise to consult and inform C.L.A.R.O., on the investments which would result from the sale of municipal land on the coast.    We think we know why!   Orihuela Costa has been cheated.
The investments proposed for the coast, apart from a long delayed decision to create an Eco Park, an area for depositing bulky household objects and hopefully recycling garden waste, is mainly a series of small maintenance type improvements in selected areas.   There is a project for improving La Regia park which is in addition to the footbridge over the N332 built earlier this year, Orihuela Costa's only investment project. It shows this area, with only 300 registered residents, is being specially favoured, no doubt because of  perceived political support there for the Socialist party.    
The planned investments for the coast include an unspecified but no doubt limited amount to diversify the activities carried out in the purpose-built nursery school in Lomas de Cabo Roig.    But this is far too isolated (6 kilometres from the centre of Orihuela Costa) and unsuitable to think it could ever become anything like a civic centre.
The glaring, missed opportunity is the failure to include in the investments a proper civic centre for Orihuela Costa.    A proper civic centre would be a multi-purpose facility with auditorium, theatre, library and rooms for the activities of the many social groups in Orihuela Costa who have to rent space in restaurants to carry out their activities.    
Orihuela Costa's modest, so-called Civic Centre in Alameda del Mar, is dominated by two private associations.   Partipation in their activities is open to those who pay (including residents of neighbouring municipalities such as Torrevieja).     
With a population of 35,000, at least if not greater than the population of Orihuela city, contributing at least 50% of the income of the Town Hall, Orihuela Costa should have a proper civic centre with auditorium, theatre, library and rooms for social activities.   
A consequence of the failure to include a civic centre with theatre or auditorium in the investments is that Orihuela Costa will continue to be completely cut off from cultural activities funded by the municipal government.   These are lavish and  amount to a million euros a year.
Orihuela Costa taxpayers no doubt foot over 50% of this bill and get nothing in return.   The reason given for the exclusion of Orihuela Costa from the cultural programme is that there are no suitable facilities on the coast for hosting cultural events!
If the investment plans leave Orihuela Costa without a proper civic centre, surprise, surprise, there is an amount of €900,000 to complete a civic centre in the village of La Aparecida with a population of less than 3,000 inhabitants.    This is undoubtedly where the missing €900,000 will go.   It is additional to at least €300,000 already spent so far on the building.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45599/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The November issue of Orihuela Town Hall's public relations glossy magazine, Orcelitania, has on its front page the announcement of €4.6 million investments for the municipality.    
However, the front page figure of €4.6 million is misleadi...

### ON THE RUN IN OUR TV HIGHLIGHTS

Sunday saw the start of the latest outing to the jungle in I´m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, with the usual mixture of known and unknown “celebrities”, wannabes, once wases and the one that the glamour mags will look for in the shower. Newsreader Michael Buerk, TV presenter Melanie Sykes, Allo Allo actress Vicki Michelle and Corrie soap actor Crag Charles heading up the list of most well known, along with footballer Jimmy Bullard, model and singer Nadia Forde, music creator Tinchy Stryder, Superbike champ Carl Fogarty and Essex based staged reality “star” Gemma Collins being joined by reality show model Kendra Wilkinson. 
Although a very popular show, this year it received the smallest audience for the opener in five years, according to figures provided by UK TV Ratings. An average of 10.3 million viewers did tune in though, compared to 11.9 million last year, giving ITV a 42.2% share of the audience in the timeslot, making it the most watched Sunday night show, ahead of second place Strictly Come Dancing results show with just over 10 million, a 40.8% share. Not since 2009 has the show started with so few viewers, with 9.8 million, whereas the year later, in 2010, they had just 38% of the audience share.
Anyway, now we know who everybody is, we can go through the next few weeks enjoying the dramas that unfold before us. But, one TV presenter who has stood up against IACGMOOH this week is wildlife guru Chris Packham, who wrote an open letter to Ant and Dec asking them to end "abuse of animals", in the so called Bush Tucker Trials. Not likely to make that much of a difference though.
Back to the real-staged drama now and we can´t ignore the fact that as the door closed on another season at the big house of Downton Abbey, ITV announced that yet another series has been commissioned, with production beginning early next year on the sixth series of the globally successful and multi award-winning series which debuted on ITV in 2010.
On the subject of big houses, although slightly smaller than Downton Abbey, fans of Channel 4´s Gogglebox will be delighted to know that the “posh couple” have got their own spinoff show, currently given the working title of “At Home with Steph and Dom”, which will take viewers into the heart of the Parker pair´s plush B&B, The Salutation, and share their experiences as they have an increasingly famous guest coming to visit. They show will see their local MP candidate, Nigel Farage, on a wine-fuelled evening with the couple. As the show is advertised as “an entirely new style of television interview, were chaos ensues as Farage is grilled like never before”.
Other delights from Channel 4 that we might want to look forward to include The Massage Parlour, an hour long observational documentary that will follow the ups and downs of a unique family business in the North of England. Run by a mother and daughter team, it's in many ways a typical warm and friendly family run enterprise - except for the personal services it offers. The Massage Parlour will explore the everyday life of the staff and the regular customers frequenting the establishment, challenging preconceptions and revealing the workings of a rarely seen world.
Next summer, a group of ordinary Brits will go on the run in a new Channel 4 shown, Hunted. They will film their own adventures as they take extreme measures to try to evade capture from expert hunters, highlighting the practicality of trying to hide in a world dominated by CCTV and other surveillance techniques. What they do and where they go will be up to them – but with a team of Hunters seeking them out and tracking them down, their task of going dark will be truly tested.
On the subject of summer, and being on the run, the BBC has announced that filming has begun on their new comedy show, Woody. Set on a fictional Spanish island, Fonejacker Kayvan Novak plays Woody, an undercover reporter who is forced to flee from the British authorities after being framed by his corrupt newspaper editor. Woody goes on the run to find Brutus, which sees Bradley Walsh back on our screens in an acting role, his former mentor at the newspaper and the one man he can trust. But Brutus, who is now an expatriate living a quiet life running a bar on a Spanish island, is less than thrilled to see Woody. Despite their efforts to lay low, trouble seems to find them, so Brutus and Woody end up joining forces to take on a series of investigations, crimes and mysteries, seeing Woody running rings around the locals by adopting a variety of guises at a moment's notice.
The six-part comedy show will air in the spring and has been created and written by Neil Webster and Charlie Skelton, whose credits include Would I Lie To You, 10 O'Clock Live and C4 Comedy Presents: Them From That Thing. Woody boasts an impressive supporting cast too, from the likes of Hotel Babylon´s Emma Pierson, Comic Strip star (also known as Lily´s dad) Keith Allen and a range of cameo appearances from TV favourites such as Lee Boardman, Clive Swift, Tracy Ann Oberman, Jack Dee and Sean Gilder, to name but a few.
Bradley Walsh says, “My goodness, what a blast it is filming Woody. With a very funny script, brilliant cameos from the likes of Keith Allen and Paul Kaye as Señor Big and Frederico Mercury, what's not to like! I'm loving every second working with the brilliant Kayvan Novak, it's a hoot from dawn to dusk”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45597/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Sunday saw the start of the latest outing to the jungle in I´m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, with the usual mixture of known and unknown “celebrities”, wannabes, once wases and the one that the glamour mags will look for in the shower. Newsreader Michael Buerk, TV presenter Melanie Sykes, Allo Allo actress Vicki Michelle and Corrie soap actor Crag Charles heading up the list of most well known, along with footballer Jimmy Bullard, model and singer Nadia Forde, music creator Tinchy Stryder, Superbike champ Carl Fogarty and Essex based staged reality “star” Gemma Collins being joined by reality show model Kendra Wilkinson. 
Although a very popular show, this year it received the smallest audience for the opener in five years, according to figures provided by UK TV Ratings. An average of 10.3 million viewers did tune in though, compared to 11.9 million last year, giving ITV a 42.2% share of the audience in the timeslot, making it the most watched Sunday night show, ahead of second place Strictly Come Dancing results show with just over 10 million, a 40.8% share. Not since 2009 has the show started with so few viewers, with 9.8 million, whereas the year later, in 2010, they had just 38% of the audience share.
Anyway, now we know who everybody is, we can go through the next few weeks enjoying the dramas that unfold before us. But, one TV presenter who has stood up against IACGMOOH this week is wildlife guru Chris Packham, who wrote an open letter to Ant and Dec asking them to end "abuse of animals", in the so called Bush Tucker Trials. Not likely to make that much of a difference though.
Back to the real-staged drama now and we can´t ignore the fact that as the door closed on another season at the big house of Downton Abbey, ITV announced that yet another series has been commissioned, with production beginning early next year on the sixth series of the globally successful and multi award-winning series which debuted on ITV in 2010.
On the subject of big houses, although slightly smaller than Downton Abbey, fans of Channel 4´s Gogglebox will be delighted to know that the “posh couple” have got their own spinoff show, currently given the working title of “At Home with Steph and Dom”, which will take viewers into the heart of the Parker pair´s plush B&B, The Salutation, and share their experiences as they have an increasingly famous guest coming to visit. They show will see their local MP candidate, Nigel Farage, on a wine-fuelled evening with the couple. As the show is advertised as “an entirely new style of television interview, were chaos ensues as Farage is grilled like never before”.
Other delights from Channel 4 that we might want to look forward to include The Massage Parlour, an hour long observational documentary that will follow the ups and downs of a unique family business in the North of England. Run by a mother and daughter team, it's in many ways a typical warm and friendly family run enterprise - except for the personal services it offers. The Massage Parlour will explore the everyday life of the staff and the regular customers frequenting the establishment, challenging preconceptions and revealing the workings of a rarely seen world.
Next summer, a group of ordinary Brits will go on the run in a new Channel 4 shown, Hunted. They will film their own adventures as they take extreme measures to try to evade capture from expert hunters, highlighting the practicality of trying to hide in a world dominated by CCTV and other surveillance techniques. What they do and where they go will be up to them – but with a team of Hunters seeking them out and tracking them down, their task of going dark will be truly tested.
On the subject of summer, and being on the run, the BBC has announced that filming has begun on their new comedy show, Woody. Set on a fictional Spanish island, Fonejacker Kayvan Novak plays Woody, an undercover reporter who is forced to flee from the British authorities after being framed by his corrupt newspaper editor. Woody goes on the run to find Brutus, which sees Bradley Walsh back on our screens in an acting role, his former mentor at the newspaper and the one man he can trust. But Brutus, who is now an expatriate living a quiet life running a bar on a Spanish island, is less than thrilled to see Woody. Despite their efforts to lay low, trouble seems to find them, so Brutus and Woody end up joining forces to take on a series of investigations, crimes and mysteries, seeing Woody running rings around the locals by adopting a variety of guises at a moment's notice.
The six-part comedy show will air in the spring and has been created and written by Neil Webster and Charlie Skelton, whose credits include Would I Lie To You, 10 O'Clock Live and C4 Comedy Presents: Them From That Thing. Woody boasts an impressive supporting cast too, from the likes of Hotel Babylon´s Emma Pierson, Comic Strip star (also known as Lily´s dad) Keith Allen and a range of cameo appearances from TV favourites such as Lee Boardman, Clive Swift, Tracy Ann Oberman, Jack Dee and Sean Gilder, to name but a few.
Bradley Walsh says, “My goodness, what a blast it is filming Woody. With a very funny script, brilliant cameos from the likes of Keith Allen and Paul Kaye as Señor Big and Frederico Mercury, what's not to like! I'm loving every second working with the brilliant Kayvan Novak, it's a hoot from dawn to dusk”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45597/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 17 NOVEMBER 2014

3D INVEST
The Spanish government is to invest more than 21 million euro in printing company HP, to assist in the development of 3D printing technology. HP has had a presence in Spain since their factory opened in Sant Cugat del Vallès in 1985, where 2,600 employees currently work, of which 450 are highly specialised engineers.
LIFE ASSURED
Following industrial action earlier this year, fire fighters in Alicante will now be able to benefit from better working conditions, including a life insurance policy that pays out in the event of injury or death in the line of duty, or during any activities in their private life. The policy will even pay out in the event of suicide. Prior to the negotiations, other town hall workers had these benefits attached to their contract already, but fire fighters were excluded, believed to be a cost saving exercise on account of higher premiums for their high risk work. 
COMPENSATING PRISONER
Following the announcement that she was to enter prison, Spanish singer Isabel Pantoja has cancelled her up and coming concert tour. Now, a consumer association is urging anybody who had tickets to see her to not only claim a full refund on the ticket price, but also any associated transport and other relevant costs. 
MISSED TRAIN 
The Spanish company providing trains for Calcutta´s East-West Metro has lost out on the contract, after its claim for escalating costs was turned down. Madrid based Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF), was set to manufacture 14 air-conditioned, six-carriage trains with a combined capacity of 2,136 passengers. The company had won the contract in 2009.
RESCUE MISSION
The Spanish government looks set to accept hundreds of Turkish orphans, after a rescue association reports some 20,000 children in the country have been left without parents, after they were killed by Islamic State militants. The Rescue Christians group says, “The Spanish foreign affairs department will negotiate with the Turkish government for the safe passage of orphans to the country of Spain where our organization will take care of the Children with the longer term objective of providing new loving homes for the orphaned.”
NUMBER´S UP
The vehicle licence plate reader was installed at Alicante-Elche airport this week, to clamp down on both legal and illegal taxi operators who operate from the airport without the appropriate licences. It was in March of this year that we reported how the councillor for transport in the municipality of Elche, Justino Delgado, confirmed the move to help prevent unlicensed, pirate taxis and those from outside the area, from accessing the location.
BENIDORM BOUND
A Boselaphus Tragocamelus antelope has been treated for laceration injuries in Benidorm, after its leg became trapped in a log. The treatment occurred after the incident took place in the Terra Natura animal park this week, when the animal had to be shot with a tranquiliser dart to enable medics to treat the injury. After suturing the wound under general anaesthetic, the animal is expected to make a full recovery in little over a week.
HASHTAG POLICING
Local police in the Valencia town of Rafal have reached out to the younger members of society by using their own hashtag on social network sites. Through their #PLRFL tag, they have already received questions relating to such subjects as bullying, violence and drugs, all of which have been answered. The police vehicles are also fitted with a barcode, enabling those with smartphone to contact them straight away in an initiative billed as the first of its kind whereas the police have reached out directly to members of their local communities in this way.
WEIGHING IT UP
The University's of Alicante and Miguel Hernández de Elche, have conducted a nutrition study involving 285 local children on  detailed as 'The Influence of environmental variables on child overweight and obesity', the aim of which is to assess the incidence of these diseases in early childhood. The study also included random tests on both physical activity and quality of sleep. 
WE HAVE NO TOMATOES 
The availability of the tomato consumption in Cataluña has seen a significant reduction in recent years, but whereas the basic fruit has reduced in numbers, the variety has increased in equal amounts. As the most commonly consumed natural foodstuff, accounting for 20% of all fruit and vegetable consumed, it is also responsible for 20% of the production in the area, but production dropped 40% in seven years, according to the Department of Agriculture. 
MILKY BAR
Supermarket chain Mercadona has changed the packaging on its “Lactose Free” chocolate, after a consumer association highlighted that the product did in fact contain lactose. The new label will reflect the actual lactose content, although this has now also been reduced, and will to 0.05%. The change will start to be reflected in sore during December. The association is also urging better legislative regulation of lactose free products by the ministry of health.
MORE TOMATO NEWS
Spanish sausage skin manufacturer Viscofan has accepted a 55.5 million euro from private equity group Portobello Capital Gestion, fir its tinned tomato brand IAN. Subject to regulatory approval, Viscofan will receive 55 million upfront, the remaining balance three years after the sale. Portobello list ice cream manufacturers, insurance, women´s fashion, hospital catering and baby eels within their current portfolio.
BUST STOP
The socialist municipal group in Bigastro has denounced the ruling party for the poor state of the bus shelters and bus stops throughout the town. Most of the glass in the shelters has been shattered, canopies broken, seats uprooted and even much of the signage has disappeared. The Socialists say they are not interested in talking, they only want to see solutions.  
MYSTERIOUS DEATH 
The Guardia Civil Guard is investigating the death of a man whose body was found last week on Acequión beach in Torrevieja. A spokesperson said there were no obvious indications of how he died and certainly no signs of violence. The deceased, who was fully dressed, was said to be a German citizen, 65 years of age. The Judicial Police of the Guardia Civil says that an autopsy, which is currently being carried out, will provide the reason for his death.
SPRUCE UP
Daya Nueva and Benejúzar have received 63,000 euros from the Environmental Committee of the Council of Alicante to improve recreational areas in the towns within the sustainable investment plan. The adjoining neighborhood of Rojales received slightly less, the sum of 62.305 euros.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45596/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: 3D INVEST
The Spanish government is to invest more than 21 million euro in printing company HP, to assist in the development of 3D printing technology. HP has had a presence in Spain since their factory opened in Sant Cugat del Vallès in 1985,...

### MAJOR AIRLINES SHOW CORVERA INTEREST

The Murcia regional Minister of Works, Manuel Campos, has announced this week that a number of major airlines are already interested in flying from the new regional airport at Corvera.
According to Campos, so far, Ryanair, Air Europa and Air Berlin have all expressed an interest in operating from the airport, which is set to replace San Javier as the flight feeder for the region of Murcia.
Campos also stressed that the recent date of the 15th of December is still on target for the airport receiving the appropriate licenses to open as a flight hub, which would allow for the airport to be open to traffic from the 2nd of April, 2015.
The final inspection of Corvera is due shortly, with the facilities being put under the microscope for a final time, despite favourable results in all safety and operational tests so far.
Whilst talking about the confirmed closure of San Javier to passenger traffic, the minister also said that he hoped that it will still have a bright future, and that the Ministry of Defence will continue to grow and promote the military airfield and that it will become a “benchmark” for such operations in the future.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45595/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Murcia regional Minister of Works, Manuel Campos, has announced this week that a number of major airlines are already interested in flying from the new regional airport at Corvera.
According to Campos, so far, Ryanair, Air Europa and Air Berlin h...

### LA ZENIA ROUNDABOUT CHANGES APPROVED

The ministry of streets in Alicante has this week granted permission for Orihuela town hall to carry out their proposed redesign of access and egress at the La Zenia roundabout on the N-332.
The work cannot begin immediately however, as the municipal council are still waiting to see if the provincial government will give the money for the project, as part of a subsidy presented by the former mayor of Orihuela, and serving member of the provincial government, Mónica Lorente. If the Alicante government withdraw their offer, the municipal council will still find the money to pay for the work, although that will result in further delays.
The two smaller roads from the roundabout will form part of a new one-way system, with vehicles only able to exit the roundabout onto the small road that runs alongside the taxi rank, in from of the Fresco restaurant. The road behind the Consum supermarket car park will be converted into a two-way street, allowing access into the supermarket and nearby businesses from the new mini roundabout which has been undergoing testing through the summer.
On the other side, the road alongside the building which houses Alejandro´s Restaurant will become one-way only allowing vehicles access onto the roundabout, with residents and visitors to the adjacent blocks and garages having to drive around the block via the same new mini roundabout on the road towards Villamartin.
No actual estimate on when the work will be completed can be given until the finances have been sorted, but the permission from the road ministry is likely to be valid for up to a year.
Meanwhile, access work around the Orihuela Costa town hall is nearing completion, with the rear, emergency exit now accessible to wheelchairs and those with mobility issues for the first time. The pavement ramps have also been lowered and the new pathways of zebra crossing on both side of the N-332 mapped out ready for painting. The work still outstanding is the removal of a corner of the car park donated by Mercadona to ease pedestrian flow, and the installation of new bike parking frames.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45594/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The ministry of streets in Alicante has this week granted permission for Orihuela town hall to carry out their proposed redesign of access and egress at the La Zenia roundabout on the N-332.
The work cannot begin immediately however, as the municipal...

### ORIHUELA COSTA RAISES DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS

On Friday, the town hall of the Orihuela Costa replicated an event that had previously taken place in the city, by unveiling a banner in support of the victims of domestic violence.
Focussing on “Zero Tolerance” towards gender violence, the aim of the event was to raise awareness of the plight of the many people who suffer at the hands of an abusive partner, some of whom lose their lives, and others who continue to suffer in silence.
As a mark of respect, a minutes silence was held at 11:00, in the presence of members of the government team, including the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, and the councillor for social welfare, Emilio Zaplana.
Zaplana explained that the initiative came about after the murder of an Orihuela resident in the summer, at the hands of her partner. Zaplana also explained how several activities are being held in the run up to the Day Against Gender Violence, which is the 25th of November. Meanwhile, Maricarmen Cabrera, president of the Clara Campoamor association, said that “the government must take the fight against gender violence, but citizens must contribute their grain of sand”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45593/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Friday, the town hall of the Orihuela Costa replicated an event that had previously taken place in the city, by unveiling a banner in support of the victims of domestic violence.
Focussing on “Zero Tolerance” towards gender violence, t...

### COUNTER CLAIMS IN ORIHUELA CHIRINGUITO CASE

As the courts are in the process of examining documents and data to see if there is a case to answer to regarding the award of the contract to run the beach bars in Orihuela, the municipal council have now filed their own case against both the previous government and members of the opposition CLr party, on account that their inactivity in the past has resulted in the municipality now being unable to claim back outstanding debts from the beach bar contractor which has been paid to the provincial coastal department to allow for beach bars to be placed on the Orihuela Costa.
The acting mayor of Orihuela, Antonio Zapata, claims that the council has not received 233,000 euro outstanding from the period of 2006 and 2007, which he says was never claimed by the government at the time, nor the subsequent councillors who held posts which should have identified the problem during this current administrative term.
The mayor has put the blame firmly in the hands of previous Partido Popular councillor for contracts, David Costa, as well as the CLr members Juan Ignacio López-Bas and Pedro Mancebo who were the councillors for finance and the coast respectively before their expulsion from the government.
Contrary to claims earlier this year that the current contractor owed over a million euro in debts, this case now dates back to when the original contract was awarded to Chiringuitos del Sol SL in 2006. According to Zapata, “allegations made by the contractor” state that there was an unwritten agreement that this fee was not to be paid, on account of their being less space available than was originally thought, and so an “oral agreement” was reached with the then council that they would pay the fee to compensate for the error in drafting the statement.
Zapata then states that this could and should never be the case under the terms of any contract, unless it was rewritten and retendered, and so another contract should have been drafted. 
In explanation, David Costa, who has recently seen one case of corruption against him shelved, explained that the council paid the 2006 fee to the coastal department in the October of that year, and therefore the deadline for claiming the outstanding payment from the contractor would have expired in October, 2010. However, the 2007 fee was paid in January of 2008, and therefore the deadline to claim that fee was January 2012, when López-Bas and Mancebo “had the powers of finance and the coast”.
For his part, whilst stating that he is not worried about the accusations, Mancebo has said that the complaint “falls under its own weight”, as it is still possible to recover the debt, and he is prepared to explain everything about the contract to the prosecutor. Mancebo also suggested that the actions of Zapata can be reckless, to the extent that the debt is not prescribed until after 4 years from the termination, which was November, 2012. Mancebo has also accused Zapata of doing a “disservice” to former councillors Asun Mayoral, who was part of the CLr group originally, and Bob Houliston, who entered government in a pact with CLR and Mancebo, as they were in charge of recruitment and the Orihuela Costa respectively.
It was only prior to the award of the latest contract for the summer of this year that any attempts to recover the outstanding payment was made, when the municipal Mayor, Monseratte Guillén, along with the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, wrote to the contractor and requested the payment prior to the award of this contract, the subsequent result being the payment by Chiringuitos Del Sol of an outstanding amount of 552,000 euro for the 2008 to 2011 period, with the 2012 and 2013 payment request now having just been sent to the company as that is also now due. 
Meanwhile, the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, claims that Pedro Mancebo is also asking the prosecutor to examine the contracts for the award of both life guard and ambulance cover on the Orihuela Costa during the summer, on account of this contract being split into the two different elements of each service.
Scheurer points out however that this was exactly the case when Mancebo offered and awarded the contract previously, and so any legal claim made against the government now with that as a factor would also implicate him for the same reason. 
Both the life guards and ambulance contracts were awarded to different companies, although Mancebo also claims that these companies share the same administrator, which is not allowed.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45591/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As the courts are in the process of examining documents and data to see if there is a case to answer to regarding the award of the contract to run the beach bars in Orihuela, the municipal council have now filed their own case against both the previou...

### BEACH CHECK FOR ORIHUELA COSTA

A representative of the provincial coastal department has been visiting the Orihuela Costa this week, looking at various aspects of the coastline that have been raised as concerns by the municipal council. 
One area where the focus was given is the lower access to the beach at Aguamarina, where the truck which accesses the beach to remove seaweed has been known to cause damage to both the walls alongside the beach, on account of the restricted width, and the wooden walkways that lead to the life guard station and chiringuito beach bar. 
The walkways cannot be removed as they are a requirement of the Blue Flag accreditation, and so the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, is seeking permission to extend the concreted area and provide a more secure and wider access point for the vehicle, whilst still maintaining the necessary mobility needs of pedestrians.
The new coastal laws are also making the administration of the beaches easier in the future, whereas historically town and municipal councils would have to apply on an annual basis to permission to allow beach features such as sun beds, parasols and beach bars, the new legislation allows for the permission to be granted for a period of up to four years.
On account of this easing of time consuming administrative procedures, Orihuela council are in the process of submitting their next application before the end of this year which will allow the permission for the longest period possible, thus saving the time and money needed to do this for the next four year period.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45589/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A representative of the provincial coastal department has been visiting the Orihuela Costa this week, looking at various aspects of the coastline that have been raised as concerns by the municipal council. 
One area where the focus was given is the l...

### SPEEDING FINE REVENUE DOWN

The amount of revenue collected through traffic fines has been reducing annually since 2011, according to the DGT traffic department in response to a question raised through parliament this week.
In 2011, the DGT collected 458 million euro in fines, which dropped to 406 million in 2012 and 389 million in 2013. In the first half of this year, the amount collected was 188.5 million euro, which would equate to 377 million should the same amount be collected by the end of the year.
Drivers in Andalucía have contributed the most for their poor driving habits, handing over 83.7 million euro last year, 16 million less than their 98.9 million euro total in 2011, and slightly more than their first half of the year contribution of 40,395,250 euro.
Drivers in the Valencia region handed over 50.2 million euro in 2011, reducing that amount to 38,700,000 in 2013, and 21.2 million in the first half of this year, therefore potentially increasing the amount to an annual figure of 22.4 million euro at year end.
However, with three different unmarked radar cars spotted operating at the same time this week on the N-332 in the Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa area alone, that closing figure may well surpass expectations, as drivers still ignore the speed limits on the road and run the risk of the men and women of green relieving them of their hard earned cash, which can not only be done at the time, but under the new laws that came into force in July, could also mean a bill landing on your door for your haste to get to your destination.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45588/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The amount of revenue collected through traffic fines has been reducing annually since 2011, according to the DGT traffic department in response to a question raised through parliament this week.
In 2011, the DGT collected 458 million euro in fines, ...

### READY FOR A COLD DROP

The chills were felt this week as temperatures dropped to levels not seen since February. 
As autumn is well and truly taking us towards the winter months, Tuesday saw temperature peak at just 14.8 degrees in Alicante, the coldest since the 12th of February, whilst Benidorm saw 16.8 and Orihuela 15.4. 
Rain also fell by the plenty with Sax being the worst hit in the local area, followed by Elche and then Alicante.
In order to prepare for a cold winter, the Ministry of Development has launched a road campaign, for which they have invested 64.2 million euro. To ensure safe passage in the event of ice and snow, this year the Ministry has access to 1,330 snow plows and 236,300 tons of grit, mainly salt, distributed in 367 stores and 510 silos scattered around the country. 
To facilitate the operation, in case of restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles, there are 36 emergency parking locations already prepared around the road network.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45587/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The chills were felt this week as temperatures dropped to levels not seen since February. 
As autumn is well and truly taking us towards the winter months, Tuesday saw temperature peak at just 14.8 degrees in Alicante, the coldest since the 12th of F...

### VEGA BAJA PREMIER GOLF LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION – 14th NOVEMBER at FONT DEL LLOP GOLF

The Vega Baja Premier Golf League second game of its 15th season was unusually on the second Friday of the month  at the popular Font del Llop Golf course, there was a difference of opinion on various Smart phone regarding the weather, sadly it started to rain before the first Tee time, but thankfully the skies cleared for a sunny back nine..
Las Ramblas G.S. seemed to be starting where they left off last season and were top of the table coming into their game with second place La Manga North but came up just short in the new format of Better Ball Stableford, missing out by a solitary point in sharing the bonus points and went down 2½ - 1½ and forfeited top spot to La Manga North.
The usually strong La Manga Residents seem to be out of home as they struggled against EuroToffs going down by three games and are now at the bottom of the table with a solitary point from the two matches played.
Despite being in the lowest points coring game of the day Rockets showed they can be a force to be reckoned with coming close to upsetting the normally strong Club25 Serena team  by the margin of one point in not just sharing the match but the bonus points as well.
Last season Paddy's Point G S found the going a little tough and finished down the bottom end of the table, but although it's early days they are showing some Irish metal and held a resilient Don Cayo to a draw but just as important took the three bonus points to push them selves into a well deserved second place following a resounding win last time out.
RESULTS 
Paddy's Point  GS  2 (162 points)	vs.   Don Cayo GS  2  (151 points)
La Manga RGA ½  (143 points)   vs.   EuroToffs GS 3½  (151 points)
Rockets GS 2  (134 points)	vs.    Club25 Serena GS  2  (135 points)
La Manga North GS 2½  (144 points)   vs.   Las Ramblas GS 1½  (143 points)	
Bonus points went to:- 
Paddy's Point G S, EuroToffs G S, Club25 Serena GS and La Manga North G S
                                    PTS
LAMANGANORTH   22
PADDYSPOINT	   21
LASRAMBLAS	   19
DONCAYO	           16
EUROTOFFS	   16
CLUB25SERENA   13
ROCKETS	             9
LAMANGARGA	     1
Although this is a better ball format there was one individual tamed the normally challenging Font del Llop track was Paddy's Point Golf Society player Shiela Dunne coming in with 42 points and even failed to score on just one hole. Also worthy of a mention is EuroToffs, David Gregson who come in with a very creditable 39 points off a handicap of 8. 
The third round of matches is on Friday 5th December at one of the IRM Nike courses El Valle Golf Resort, with a two Tee start at 10:06. The fixtures always throw up some fascinating duels, this month it was the leaders against second place, well low and behold its happened again when La Manga North take on Paddy's Point. 
At the other end of the two bottom teams come head to head.
You will also be able to see updated Vega Baja Premier Golf League fixtures, tables, and news on the website www.vegabajapremiergolfleague.com  and on Facebook, throughout the season
For more information on the Vega Baja Premier Golf League, contact The Secretary; Ivie Davies 669 211 410 or golfdavies@gmail.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45590/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Vega Baja Premier Golf League second game of its 15th season was unusually on the second Friday of the month  at the popular Font del Llop Golf course, there was a difference of opinion on various Smart phone regarding the weather, sadly it started...

### TORREVIEJA DISABILITY CENTRE OPENING PROMISED

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, has confirmed that the Centro de Discapacitados de Torrevieja is one of 22 purpose built centres for the disabled that Regional President Alberto Fabra believes will be put into operation during the next year.
The announcement was made by Fabra during a region-wide meeting of municipal mayors from across the region, and was said to be part of the government´s commitment to improve care of those with disabilities, mental illness and the elderly in the municipalities.
The building, which was completed in January 2012, had an investment of 4.6 million euro under the national funding initiative “Plan E”. It is built on a municipal plot and has a total floor area is 5,000 square meters. Non opening of this infrastructure, which would cover a real need for attention to disability in Torrevieja, was blamed initially by Dolón on “bureaucratic reasons”. The Torrevieja centre is designed to accommodate 88 patients, and has day care facilities, although no budget had so far been set aside for the running and management of it.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45585/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, has confirmed that the Centro de Discapacitados de Torrevieja is one of 22 purpose built centres for the disabled that Regional President Alberto Fabra believes will be put into operation during the next ...

### ALICANTE-ELCHE AIRPORT SERVES ALMOST 9 MILLION SO FAR

Alicante-Elche airport has served a total of 8,954,841 passengers so far this year, 4.7% more than the same period in 2013, after October brought 966,287 travellers through the facility.
According to a report issued this week, domestic traffic increased by 23.9% compared with October 2013, with an additional 99,117 passengers, with the accumulated number of passengers from within Spain totalling 986,127 up until the end of October, 5.4% more than the same months in 2013.
As for the international market, the UK was top of the list during October, with 423,541 passengers passing through, followed by those from Germany with 82,922, Norway with 62,675, Holland with 59,267, Belgium with 51 160 and Sweden with 38,817 travellers. In total, international traffic recorded a 1.9% increase over October last year, with 866,287 passengers.
There were a total of 6,731 flights handled by the airport in October, an increase of 3.5% on the same month of last year, whereas for the year to date, there have been 62,967 flight movements, an increase of 5.3% on 2013. As for domestic flights, there were a total of 1,157 during October, an increase of 41.8% compared to the same month last year.
Perhaps not surprising but the largest number of International flights in October served the UK, with 2,613 operations, followed by Germany with 500, Norway with 378, 385 went to The Netherlands, 331 served Belgium, and Sweden was served by 235 operations.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45583/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Alicante-Elche airport has served a total of 8,954,841 passengers so far this year, 4.7% more than the same period in 2013, after October brought 966,287 travellers through the facility.
According to a report issued this week, domestic traffic increa...

### TORREVIEJA N-332 RESTRICTIONS IN FORCE

Work began this week on an 8 kilometre stretch of the N-332 as it passes Torrevieja, restricting overtaking on the entire single lane route.
As the scene of numerous collisions and more than its fair share of fatalities recently, the aim is to make the route safer by forcing vehicles to remain in their lane.
However, despite applauding actions for a safer road, some residents are now concerned that as this is the only main road that links two of Torrevieja´s hospitals, including the public hospital of Torrevieja, the movement of emergency ambulances might be impeded by the restriction, if vehicles fail to move out of the way.
Similarly, as the road frequently sees agricultural and building plant on the link, the main flow of traffic for such a long stretch may well lead to further congestion and delays.
Plans were finally announced earlier this year to widen the road to two lanes in each direction, although this will not happen for another 4 years in reality, as the first budget allocation for next year will most likely be used for expropriating land to enable the stretch to be widened.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45581/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Work began this week on an 8 kilometre stretch of the N-332 as it passes Torrevieja, restricting overtaking on the entire single lane route.
As the scene of numerous collisions and more than its fair share of fatalities recently, the aim is to make t...

### CRESCENDO INTERNATIONAL CHOIR – FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Crescendo International Choir are preparing for three forthcoming events. If you live near Benijofar you may like to go along to Benijofar church at 7.30 p.m. on the 30th November to a free concert.
A collection will benefit the local Caritas. Nearer to Torrevieja, there will be a Sing-A-Long concert at El Paraiso near Carrefour at 4 p.m. on the 7th December. Entrance tickets obtainable from Crescendo member are €4.
Further afield, the choir will sing at a concert in Villajoyosa on 13th December, when they will join with the Orfeo la Vila Joiosa Choir. This Spanish choir is led by the pianist of Crescendo International Choir, Toni Guillen, and the pianist for the evening will be Florencio Saez. The entry ticket price of €3 will benefit the church of the Assumption of Villajoyosa. 
Crescendo International Choir, established 10 years ago, is, as the title indicates, INTERNATIONAL. By becoming a member you join a group of folk from many nations who unite in music and song. Rehearsals are held on a Friday morning at El Paraiso at 9.45 a.m. and all details are on their web-site, crescendo-choir.com. 
MEN, in particular, are encouraged to consider joining. It may interest you to know that group singing has the same effect as Yoga breathing – it benefits the heart and lungs, lowers rates of anxiety and depression and boosts mental health. So, go on! Give it a go and make your heart sing! Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45573/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Crescendo International Choir are preparing for three forthcoming events. If you live near Benijofar you may like to go along to Benijofar church at 7.30 p.m. on the 30th November to a free concert.
A collection will benefit the local Caritas. Nearer ...

### AWAY DAY BLUES HAUNT TORRY AGAIN

UD BENIGANIM - 3    CD TORREVIEJA - 1
Following on from last weeks thrashing at Cullera, Torry once again failed to deliver on the road.
Against lowly newly promoted Beniganim, hopes were high, but they fell flat on 5 mins, following Sanchez's conversion from a corner. Worse was to follow on 19 mins, as the hosts made it 2-0 through Rafeta.  
Torry's Rafa Gomez did well soon after, but his shot was kept out by the keepers outstretched legs.  At this stage, Torry were playing well, examples of which were when Ruben shot just wide, then from Eddie's cross, which Burguillos just failed to get a connection on. Unfortunately, just before half time, Rafate notched up a brace, giving his side a 3-0 advantage.
At the start of the 2nd half, Steve came on for Rafa Gomez, Adrian for Martin, and Ferran for Burguillos, in a bid to shake up the mix.  The changes certainly seemed to do the trick, as confidence grew in attacking options.  Steve headed over, then having won a penalty, Adrian dusted himself off, dispatching the spot kick in style.  
Ferran struck a beauty from 20 yards, which just missed the target, but Torry couldn't get themselves on the scoresheet again.  
Both Adrian and Ferran shone, in a much improved 2nd half, but Torry must stop giving opponents a head start. Bookings for Rafa Gomez, Eddy, Jorge and Ferran, push them further to unwanted suspensions.  
Torry team:  OSCAR, RUBEN, EDDY, MARTIN, ALEXIS, JORGE, BORJA, BURGUILLAS, CARRASCO, RAFA, BERNA
Due to resurfacing at Vicente Garcia Stadium, Torry take on Paterna at Nelson Mendela Stadium, in their next fixture. Make a note of Sun 23 Nov, ko 5pm, for what promises to be an exciting div 3 encounter.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45569/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: UD BENIGANIM - 3    CD TORREVIEJA - 1
Following on from last weeks thrashing at Cullera, Torry once again failed to deliver on the road.
Against lowly newly promoted Beniganim, hopes were high, but they fell flat on 5 mins, following Sanchez's conver...

### ANOTHER BUMPER YEAR FOR POPPY APPEAL

As Remembrance Day took on especial significance this year with the centenary of the outbreak of WW1, and while thousands of Costa Blanca visitors and residents were busy commemorating the sacrifices that were made by those brave service and civilian personnel, many hundreds more across Spain District North were working hard in raising the essential funding necessary to carry on the good work in honour, respect and support of those courageous souls who paid the ultimate price for the freedom that we now enjoy. 
With an estimated 2000 poppy boxes distributed across the 19 Branches, and in excess of 300 unsung heroes establishing themselves in airports, shopping malls, supermarkets, golf courses, bars, clubs, restaurants and the more obvious street corners, the District Poppy Appeal Co-ordinator Robin Hargrave was hoping that ‘his troops' could beat the magnificent sum of €171,376.88 raised in the District in 2013.
On the Orihuela Costa, where, last year the Branch raised almost €25,000, 15% of the Spain District North total, the enormous job of organising the local count swung effortlessly into motion at the Olympia Restaurant in Mil Palmeras last Sunday morning.
The Poppy Collection boxes, gathered in during the previous few days, were distributed amongst the thirty volunteers, and with the help of a recently purchased ‘coin counting machine' the task got underway.
‘The machine made it much easier this year' said Chairman and local Poppy Coordinator Keith Carter. ‘This is the first time that we have used it and we no longer had the arduous task of counting all that coinage. We were all delighted to be saved the trouble.'
‘But it was still an enormous task which has once again shown just how generous the Costa Blanca public can be for such a worthwhile cause and whilst I wouldn't wish to pick out any specific contribution I would certainly like to mention ‘Mick the Grip' Reeves and the local golfing fraternity which, including €6483.11 brought in just last week, has now donated 9077.74 euro to the appeal.‘
The room hushed as the end of the count approached. Everyone was hoping that the amount would exceed that collected 12 months ago, however, waiting for Keith Carter to announce the total was even more nerve racking than anticipating the results of an X Factor elimination vote, but when it did come the volunteers broke into spontaneous applause. 
The total was 16,679.15 which, added to that already collected by the branch during the course of the year, brings the running total to 30,850.85, an absolutely superb achievement. 
With still more to come in from a small number of local projects, the final figure will not be released for some weeks, but it can already be seen that the branch is having yet another bumper year.
The Torrevieja Branch has also been working hard and they too will be hoping to exceed previous years totals when they consolidate their collections next Sunday morning at the Casa Ventura Restaurant in San Luis. Volunteer members are sought to help out with the count which gets underway at 10am.
Here in Spain the monies collected are consolidated by the District North offices, from where it is allocated to the support and welfare of veterans and their families living in Spain. This can include vital medical equipment, hearing aids, wheelchairs, glasses, mobility scooters, food or anything else required for their support.
All applications for help are income and savings related to ensure the neediest are dealt with first but the RBL will reply to any call for assistance within 3 days. 
Branches  are also training more welfare case workers as we speak,  with volunteers who generously give up their time to work with the many brave souls who gave and continue to give so much for us.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45558/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As Remembrance Day took on especial significance this year with the centenary of the outbreak of WW1, and while thousands of Costa Blanca visitors and residents were busy commemorating the sacrifices that were made by those brave service and civilian p...

### WHAT CAN I BUY THEM FOR CHRISTMAS ?

Remember Christmas past, when after a restless night of clock watching the children finally stirred and the whole family ran excitedly downstairs to see what Santa had brought ? 
There is no reason at all why as adults we cannot still enjoy some of that excitement with our wives, husbands, partners, grown up family, neighbours and friends. The problem is that unlike buying gifts for children, buying for adults can be somewhat daunting.  
Who do you know that wouldn't love a 3 day visit to Madrid 16-18th Jan only 119€, Granada 28-30th Jan only 99€, Valencia 21-23 Jan only 99€, or Benidorm Weekend break 105€ Jan-Mar or Weekday 99€ Jan-Mar?  
Another idea would be the  Disney on Ice show (100th Anniversary show) which is coming to Valencia Sunday 1st March 49€ ticket and transport, or for those interested in the supernatural the internationally famous Psychics Derek Acorah and Colin Fry have a show in Benidorm 15th February 43€ ticket and transport.
Or you can simply buy a travel voucher to any value of your choice and let the lucky recipient choose from the wide range of excursions featured on  the Website -- www.coachtripsonline.com. Purchases can be made online or by calling David's Coachtrips on (0034) 966785910. Whatever your choice we hope that Santa brings you exactly what you want. 
Refer to our web site www.coachtripsonline.com for a full list of our excursion and more ideas. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45553/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Remember Christmas past, when after a restless night of clock watching the children finally stirred and the whole family ran excitedly downstairs to see what Santa had brought ? 
There is no reason at all why as adults we cannot still enjoy some of th...

### AN INTIMATE MUSICAL EVENING

Part of this month's cultural programme is an acoustic evening with Shani Ormiston and musician friends in the Intimate surroundings of the Palacio de Música in Torrevieja.
This small hall lends itself to this type of concert, where the extensive voice tones of this talented singer blends with the chords of guitar and piano, each supplementing the other. 
Shani says she loves these small venues where her music can inter-relate with the audience in a personal, relaxed atmosphere, combining her obvious love of singing good songs with an excellent musical accompaniment offered by guitarist Raúl Ramirez and on piano Eugenio Fernández.
It is a mixed programme of some well known pieces of music íntermixed with some of her own compositions that have been highly a claimed in the music world with awards and nominations at an international level. For a delightful night of pleasant, relaxing Pop Music offered by one of the best voices around then make sure you have a ticket for her Concert on 21st November in the Palacio de Música at 21:00.
Free Tickets are now available at the Ticket Box Office of the Municipal Theatre or can be collected at The Palace of Music on the night when the event will be held.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45552/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Part of this month's cultural programme is an acoustic evening with Shani Ormiston and musician friends in the Intimate surroundings of the Palacio de Música in Torrevieja.
This small hall lends itself to this type of concert, where the extensi...

### THE SOUND OF MUSIC

The Phoenix Concert Band pictured here in their new uniform, have recently been busy appearing at various venues for the Royal British Legion commencing with a Gala Concert at the Municipal Theatre in aid of the “Poppy Appeal”  
A successful  night to a full house, with the audience shouting more when the band played  1812 overture, their final number, The band played an encore by repeating the 1812 overture. A receptive audience sang songs from the two World Wars.
Their next engagement was to play for the Remembrance  Service at the Church at Mil Palmeras, for Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion following this on the 11th. November  they appeared at The Aula Cultura Theatre, Hondon de las Nieves for the Hondon Branch 
The band are doing a number of Carol Services starting on the 4th.December at Los Balcones Church, followed by Spiritual Carol Service at Benjofar on Dec.9th.
Torrevieja Christian Fellowship Church. 10th.Dec. The popular Carols in the Square 5.45.pm. Friday 12th.Dec. After which a quick dash to Casa Ventura, San Luis to play carols for the Torrevieja Branch of the Royal British Legion.
The  Band are going from strength under the professional directorship of their Musical Director , Julie Schofield, who for many years successfully conducted and trained various bands in the UK. The bands repertoire varies widely from, Marches, light classics, overtures, ballads, musicals, hymns, carols.
The band is based in San Miguel de Salinas and rehearse every Tuesday afternoon. Experienced players, having band experience ,  permanent residents here on the Costa Blanca ,Costa Calida who can commit to the band are always welcome to join.
Likewise any organisations or charities who wish to book the band for any functions do not hesitate to contact us.
Contacts :  Julie, Musical Director . 634.184.747  Gill, Chairperon..660.559.579. Bill... Public Relations Officer. 634.310.309.  or Email :  thephoenixconcertbandgmail.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45551/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Phoenix Concert Band pictured here in their new uniform, have recently been busy appearing at various venues for the Royal British Legion commencing with a Gala Concert at the Municipal Theatre in aid of the “Poppy Appeal”  
A successf...

### AGE CONCERN VISIT BY TORREVIEJA MAYOR

The Mayor of Torrevieja visited the Age Concern Centre in La Siesta on Thursday to celebrate with us the tenth anniversary of the inauguration of the Centre.     
The building was ceded to Age Concern ten years ago and an 'Open Week' with free refreshments, and exhibits of activities was extremely well attended.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45550/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Mayor of Torrevieja visited the Age Concern Centre in La Siesta on Thursday to celebrate with us the tenth anniversary of the inauguration of the Centre.     
The building was ceded to Age Concern ten years ago and an 'Open Week' with free refres...

### ADDITIONAL 1.2 MILLION EURO PROMISED TO FIGHT PINE DISEASE

Following publication of our story last Monday ‘The Unstoppable Plague', The Valencia Consell has promised an addition 1.2 million euros from European Funds to help fight the pine tree disease, ‘Tomicus destruens' which is sweeping across the Veja Baja.
Valencia's Councillor for Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, Isabel Bonig announced the allocation that will be added to the 200,000 euros already promised. The funding will allow a further 30 workers to be hired for next year.
She said that the situation has deteriorated in recent weeks and there are now a hundred municipalities affected in the Valencian Community, including, Orihuela, Alicante, Elche, Callosa de Segura and Redován.
Bonig attributed much of the current problem to the extreme drought experienced in the area in recent months leading to a situation that has seen a large increase in the number of pests and diseases, especially in the pine forests.
She also said that the problem was now so severe that the Department may also intervene on private land, regardless of its ownership
The additional funding has been allocated from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural DevelopmentFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45549/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following publication of our story last Monday ‘The Unstoppable Plague', The Valencia Consell has promised an addition 1.2 million euros from European Funds to help fight the pine tree disease, ‘Tomicus destruens' which is sweeping across t...

### THE ATLANTIC TRAVELLING BUTTER DISH

It all began with a newspaper article in the online edition of my favourite newspaper, when I came across a report about the evils of eating margarine. Yes, you have read this correctly, because I seem to have read endless articles about the evils of butter and the benefits of margarine over the years.
The article pointed out that margarine was originally developed as a product to quickly fatten turkeys in the USA. When the turkeys became ill and died, the manufacturers were left with so much margarine in their stores that they scratched their corporate heads in despair, asking themselves what they should do with their newly created margarine mountain.
The answer was of course perfectly obvious, to feed it to humans instead.
I nearly dropped my piece of toast, which was liberally spread with expensive cholesterol reducing margarine and lovingly coated with Marmite.
I read disturbing accounts about the margarine industry's efforts not only to turn the butter loving public away from this ‘natural' food into eating a plastic substitute that was not fit for turkeys, believing that it was good for them. We have all been assured in the past that if we eat margarine instead of butter we would be less likely to have a heart attack or stroke, and recent promotions even claim to reduce cholesterol.  What's not to like?
So, what has this to do with the butter dish and the Canary Islands, I hear you asking. Well, for many years I have been searching for a butter dish made by a manufacturer that ceased production many years ago, in order to complete a set of much loved tableware.
In view of this article and many others, we decided to switch back to butter, in moderation, of course. Imagine my delight when I found a brand new butter dish from this manufacturer on an auction website. It was exactly what I wanted, and so I purchased it right away.
I was assured that the item would be despatched immediately and that I would receive it within a week. I was a little sceptical of this promise, having had many problems with parcel deliveries to the island in the past, and dreaded what the customs and delivery people would add as a “tax and service charge”, but I remained optimistic. During the next six weeks, according to tracking, my butter dish crossed the Atlantic three times, and was finally returned to the suppliers in the UK as ‘undeliverable'.
Despite checking addresses, quoting National Identity numbers and all the rest of the bureaucracy that accompanies life on the island, the lady who dealt with my problem on behalf of the suppliers was charming, but finally admitted that a delivery to the Canary Islands “Had her beat”, before adding, “Would you like a refund?”
Clearly, the Canary Islands do not welcome butter dishes.
Having been down this route many times before with other items, and having learned never to give up. I arranged for the butter dish to be sent to a friend in the UK. From there, I will either collect it during my next visit to the UK, or ask one of our friends to bring it with them when they next visit the Canary Islands. I can then once again enjoy seeing butter in an attractive butter dish, instead of a plastic box. Yes, I guess we all have our little obsessions in life.
Meanwhile, if you would like more information about the evils of margarine, I suggest a little first hand research on Google along the lines of “butter versus margarine”. Recent research studies may surprise and shock you.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.

© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45548/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: It all began with a newspaper article in the online edition of my favourite newspaper, when I came across a report about the evils of eating margarine. Yes, you have read this correctly, because I seem to have read endless articles about the evils of b...

### MAJOR DRUGS RING BROKEN UP

In a combined operation between the National Police of Huelva, Narcotics Group of Cartagena and the Portuguese Judiciary Police, some 14 people have been arrested accused of playing a part in a major drug distribution network that operated in various countries, with bases in the Netherlands, Morocco and Portugal, as well as Spain.
Of those arrested one is a local police officer from Huelva, who was immediately suspended, and a traffic officer from the Guardia Civil.
During the arrest, 2,140 kilos of hashish was also seized and although a secrecy order has been placed on the proceedings, the detainees came before a judge in Torrevieja this week.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45540/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In a combined operation between the National Police of Huelva, Narcotics Group of Cartagena and the Portuguese Judiciary Police, some 14 people have been arrested accused of playing a part in a major drug distribution network that operated in various ...

### DIABETES KILLS 25,000 EACH YEAR IN SPAIN

Diabetes kills around 25,000 people and costs the National Health Service 23 billion euro every year in Spain, according to the Spanish Federación de Diabéticos Españoles, who wanted to raise awareness of the disease in conjunction with World Diabetes Day.
The costs not only relate to the physical costs of treatment, but also the indirect expense caused by such phenomena as absenteeism, early retirement and social spending, although the actual annual cost per patient for hospital treatment is 1,708 euro.
In relation to the number of fatalities, the disease costs the lives of 25,000 people in Spain each year, and a staggering 43% of those who suffer from the condition remain undiagnosed, according to Andoni Lorenzo Garmendia, the president of the federation. Furthermore, the International Diabetes Federation warns that by 2035 there will be an increase of 55% of cases of diabetes worldwide.
The increased incidence is “intimately” linked to changes in the lifestyle of the people in more recent years, especially the increase in obesity rates. According to the latest data from a 2014 study of obesity worldwide, one in six people in Spain are obese, and 26% of boys and 24% of girls are overweight.
According to the coordinator of Community Nutrition and Public Health for the Spanish Foundation of Dieticians, Manuel Montiño, diabetes is “a disease of civilization because it is related to the intake of foods high in sugar, fat and sodium, and with increased sedentary lifestyle among the population”, citing evidence from a meta-analysis of 22 trials that have shown an improvement in various parameters of metabolic syndrome leading to reduced risk of diabetes.
Specifically, it has been reported that some of these studies have shown that reducing red meat consumption is associated with a lower risk of diabetes. In addition, a daily intake of one can of sugared soda increases the chances of developing the disease by 18%, and although there is no evidence that saturated and trans fats and nuts increase the direct risk, they do in terms of cardiovascular disease, one of the major complications of diabetes patients.
Similarly, the dietician continues, research has revealed that the Mediterranean diet reduces the chance of developing diabetes by 23%, and there are benefits in consuming fibre, fruits and vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids when consumed as part of a healthy diet.
“Therefore, this disease can be prevented with a healthy diet with regular physical exercise”, Montiño concludes. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45539/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Diabetes kills around 25,000 people and costs the National Health Service 23 billion euro every year in Spain, according to the Spanish Federación de Diabéticos Españoles, who wanted to raise awareness of the disease in conjunctio...

### PROSECUTOR ASKS FOR CRASH INVESTIGATION TO REOPEN

The prosecutor has requested the case of a crashed Search and Rescue helicopter be reopened, in order to determine if criminal liability can be attributed to the tragedy that saw the loss of three of the four crew members.
The crash of Helimer 207 occurred in January 2010, but recent evidence suggests that the crew did not receive “proper training for such SAR (search and rescue) flights”.
The two key elements now in question are criminal responsibility for those in charge, and the fact that the only survivor, winch operator Alberto Elvira, claims that he was not allowed to give evidence in the enquiry, despite being an “exceptional witness” of the facts, and that “he has not even had a statement taken” about what happened.
The request for additional investigation seeks to deepen the investigation into the accident and determine if it could be a “crime against the rights of workers or recklessness”, which would involve both the training regime and the requisite flight hours.
As the helicopter was operated by a private contractor covering the contract for search and rescue, the investigation following the crash was conducted by the Civil Aviation authority, the findings of which attributed the accident to a “misperception” on behalf of the commander on the altitude at which they were flying, a “visual illusion generalised using external references”, a “misinterpretation in reading instruments” or “a combination” of these factors and a “failure to monitor” the flight parameters by the co-pilot. The report did however question the “lack of training” and human resource management.
Helimer 207 crashed into the sea about five nautical miles from the coast on the night of the 21st of January 21, 2010, when returning to its base after conducting a training exercise. The impact of the crash resulted in the death of the Commander, José Luis López Alcalá, co-pilot Kevin Holmes and rescuer Iñigo Vallejo. The crew were awarded the Gold Medal of Merit for Civil Defence for their work.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45538/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The prosecutor has requested the case of a crashed Search and Rescue helicopter be reopened, in order to determine if criminal liability can be attributed to the tragedy that saw the loss of three of the four crew members.
The crash of Helimer 207 oc...

### DAYLIGHT BANK ROBBERY

A man from A Coruña has started a two year prison sentence, after being found guilty of the crime of bank robbery this week. 
The incident dates back to February when the man went to his local branch, intent on withdrawing what little money was in his account, and subsequently closing it. 
The bank attendant told him there was no money in his account, as it has gone toward the account fees. Shocked by the news, the man started shouting and demanding explanations as to where his money had gone, before jumping over the counter, opening a cash drawer and taking a single 5 euro note by means of compensation for his apparent loss in what he considered to be a case of the bank robbing what little money he had. 
The two year sentence was a reduction based on his sincere regret about the incident.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45537/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A man from A Coruña has started a two year prison sentence, after being found guilty of the crime of bank robbery this week. 
The incident dates back to February when the man went to his local branch, intent on withdrawing what little money wa...

### TRUCK STRIKE CALLED OFF

The proposed strike by the road hauliers association which was due to begin on Monday has been called off after an agreement has been reached with the Ministry of Finance.
The strike was due to a demand by the truckers that the ministry refund the so called “Health Cent” tax which had been put on fuel and deemed illegal by the European Union.
The main road hauliers associations signed an agreement on Thursday with the treasury, with the treasury now doing a u-turn on their policy, now agreeing to pay the due amount in full.
Apart from reducing traffic on the roads, the knock on effects of the strike would have meant stores and the hospitality industry would suffer, and thus their relevant associated bodies have issued a statement declaring their “satisfaction” that the strike has been called off.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45536/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The proposed strike by the road hauliers association which was due to begin on Monday has been called off after an agreement has been reached with the Ministry of Finance.
The strike was due to a demand by the truckers that the ministry refund the so...

### RAIN FAILS TO DAMPEN POPPY SPIRITS

Despite a torrential downpour of rain last Tuesday Torrevieja's veterans turned out to mark "Armistice Day' at La Siesta Evangelical Church and in so doing pay their tributes to the victims of war and terrorism.
In the year that marks the centenary of the outbreak of WW1 they were joined in remembering the fallen by the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, together with the Councillors for Foreigners, Culture and Security, Rosario Martinez, Luis Maria Pizana, and Eduardo Gil Rebollo as well as the Officer for Foreigners, Jean Paul Molero.
Celebrating their 25th year the event was organized by members of the Torrevieja Branch of The Royal British Legion, chaired by Gill Burden.
It also involved veterans of the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Marines.
Following the service wreaths and poppy crosses were placed in the Garden of Remembrance in tribute to those who had fallen in the service of their country with the Snr Dolon laying the wreath on behalf of the city of Torrevieja.
In a short speech the mayor thanked the British community for their invitation, which he always considered to be a great honour. He emphasized the solemnity of the act which he said was of enormous importance to the British community in Torrevieja.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45535/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Despite a torrential downpour of rain last Tuesday Torrevieja's veterans turned out to mark "Armistice Day' at La Siesta Evangelical Church and in so doing pay their tributes to the victims of war and terrorism.
In the year that marks the centenary of the outbreak of WW1 they were joined in remembering the fallen by the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, together with the Councillors for Foreigners, Culture and Security, Rosario Martinez, Luis Maria Pizana, and Eduardo Gil Rebollo as well as the Officer for Foreigners, Jean Paul Molero.
Celebrating their 25th year the event was organized by members of the Torrevieja Branch of The Royal British Legion, chaired by Gill Burden.
It also involved veterans of the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Marines.
Following the service wreaths and poppy crosses were placed in the Garden of Remembrance in tribute to those who had fallen in the service of their country with the Snr Dolon laying the wreath on behalf of the city of Torrevieja.
In a short speech the mayor thanked the British community for their invitation, which he always considered to be a great honour. He emphasized the solemnity of the act which he said was of enormous importance to the British community in Torrevieja.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45535/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### LOCAL AUTHOR AWARDED AMAZON TOP 100 BOOKS STATUS

All I Ask is a Tall Ship, the picture-poetry 102-page chronicle of life as a Liverpool sailor, has been nominated by Amazon Books to be included in their 'Best Books of 2014'. 
Chosen by a 100 member fraternity of Amazon editors, the award is presented only to new book titles that have best-seller potential for content, quality and price.
Written by local Author Michael Walsh, the book, which traces his Liverpool family roots back to 1865, the year his great grandmother arrived in the city from Ireland.
An established poet, Michael was arguably Britain's most popular poet in 1999 – 2000 with many tributes to the quality of his verse.
Indeed, thousands of tributes have been paid to him. They pour in from all over the world and reflect all social classes. 
Remarkably, those most passionate about his poetry have in the past been disinterested in poetry. In this respect, international poetry owes a great deal to Michael's skill as a writer who truly connects with his readership.
‘All I Ask is a Tall Ship' is currently available on both Amazon and Kindle. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45533/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: All I Ask is a Tall Ship, the picture-poetry 102-page chronicle of life as a Liverpool sailor, has been nominated by Amazon Books to be included in their 'Best Books of 2014'. 
Chosen by a 100 member fraternity of Amazon editors, the award is presente...

### REGISTERING TO VOTE  -  THE EASY WAY

Over 2,000 voting application forms are currently arriving by post at the addresses of those who have registered on the Orihuela municipal register (Padron) since 2011.
These are the lucky ones who can register to vote the easy way.    For others it is proving to be a struggle.   There are obstacles being placed in the way of registering to vote and, it seems, in certain places, a lack of sympathy for EU, non-Spanish residents living in Orihuela Costa, to exercise their right to vote.
 Receiving the application form by post, confirms the right and eligibility to register to vote.   With a cross and a signature, without going to Playa Flamenca Town Hall, the form can simply be returned with the postage pre- paid.    Next May those residents who register now, will be able to vote and strengthen the voice of Orihuela Costa in the new Town Council which will be elected for a period of 4 years.
This photo shows how the form looks.   It  shows how it will arrive by post (left) and how it appears when opened (right).
The document which arrives by post should be opened carefully along the perforations.   Check the details to make sure it is correctly addressed and then MOST IMPORTANTLY put a cross in the SI/YES box and SIGN the form at the bottom    Fold back together, stick down and post it free to the address which will appear when folded back into place.   It should be returned without delay and well before the electoral register closes at the end of December.  
For those with Internet access, the form even provides the possibility to register to vote by Internet, though a little more complex, just follow the instructions on the form.   
If you have any doubts or questions, please come to the Register to Vote Information Desk in the Playa Flamenca office of the Town Hall or contact C.L.A.R.O. (TELEPHONE 661 333 593)
We urge all those who receive this application form by post to take the opportunity to register to vote.    Once you do so, you stay on the voters list for as long as you remain a resident of Orihuela.  
Orihuela Costa is hugely under-represented in the present Town Council with only two of 25 councillors elected from the coast and only one of the two from an Orihuela Costa-based party, C.L.A.R.O.   The Orihuela city-based parties have their own priorities and spend the money of the coast on the people living in the city and surrounding villages who they hope will vote for them in future elections.  
If we want to make up for the inadequate services, if we want clean streets, proper parks and gardens, a police station open 24 hours, not in a patrol car after 5 p.m. when Playa Flamenca Town Hall closes,  WE MUST HAVE A STRONGER VOICE IN THE NEXT ORIHUELA TOWN COUNCIL.    
Orihuela Costa has virtually no social facilities, no library, theatre, or meeting rooms for activities for young and retired people.    
All Spanish cities have these facilities and services. Orihuela city has them.  But the coast, with a population of 35,000, equal if not greater than Orihuela city, does not.    
The solution is to elect more councillors from Orihuela Costa.   NO VOTE, NO VOICE.    
If a reasonable percentage of the over 2,000 who receive the voting application form by post make use of it and vote next May, these new voters could cast enough votes to elect an additional councillor.    
With C.L.A.R.O's campaign to get as many Orihuela Costa residents as possible to register on the voters list and to vote in May, 2015, we believe next year's elections could be a turning point.    We might at last get a fair deal for Orihuela Costa!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45532/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Over 2,000 voting application forms are currently arriving by post at the addresses of those who have registered on the Orihuela municipal register (Padron) since 2011.
These are the lucky ones who can register to vote the easy way.    For others it i...

### JOIN SPECSAVERS OPTICAS ON WORLD DIABETES DAY

To support World Diabetes Day on the 14th of November and raise awareness of the issues related to diabetes and blindness, Specsavers Opticas is joining forces with local diabetes associations to offer customers free healthy snacks and information about diabetes and how it affects the eye.
They are also offering free eye tests throughout November, which are able to detect the signs of Diabetic Retinopathy. This condition affects vision when the blood vessels in the retina are damaged by the changes in blood sugar levels and can cause permanent sight loss. If these signs are identified during an eye test, patients are referred to a doctor for further tests and treatment. 
Specsavers in Torrevieja will be holding a free diabetes screening event in store on 28th November from 10am to 1:30pm, in association with the Asociación de Diabéticos de Torrevieja. This is open to all and totally free of charge. During the event, a qualified nurse will be conducting a simple finger prick test to detect the signs of diabetes and an appointment is not necessary. Results will be given immediately and if positive, patients will be referred for medical advice. 
This type of screening can detect pre-diabetes and diabetes, a condition with over 170 million sufferers worldwide and side effects including sight loss. Not all diabetes cases cause sight loss, but it is important to have regular screenings and eye tests so that any problems or changes can be monitored. Most complications can be treated; however it is vital that they are detected early, as once vision is lost it cannot be restored. 
World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated every year on the 14th of November and led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). It engages millions of people worldwide in diabetes advocacy, draws attention to issues of paramount importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes firmly in the public spotlight. Specsavers Opticas are committed to ending avoidable blindness and raising awareness of key health issues and so they are proud to support World Diabetes Day 2014.
For more information on eye health and diabetes visit www.specsavers.es or visit your nearest store on 14th November. There are five Specsavers on the Costa Blanca – Javea, Calpe, Benidorm, Guardamar del Segura and Torrevieja.
The Asociación de Diabéticos de Torrevieja is located in Calderón de la Barca, 9 - 5º Dcha. 03300 Orihuela (Alicante), call 607 617 099 or email diabeticos12torrevieja@hotmail.com to find out more.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45530/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: To support World Diabetes Day on the 14th of November and raise awareness of the issues related to diabetes and blindness, Specsavers Opticas is joining forces with local diabetes associations to offer customers free healthy snacks and information abou...

### THE VEGA BAJA GARDEN CLUB

The November meeting of the Garden Club was opened by Ron Harris, who welcomed everyone.
The Garden Club has recently lost one of its founder members and Treasurer, Andrew Duckworth, who sadly passed away recently after a long illness. Andrew was a great support to the Club, for which he worked tirelessly, and he will be greatly missed. Val, Andrew's wife, has worked alongside him for many years, acting as the Club's Chairlady. Heartfelt sympathy is extended to Val and to their family.
Ron went on to remind everyone about the autumn jobs that can now be undertaken in the garden.  It is a good time to plant bulbs for the spring and to plan and build such permanent garden elements as pools and rockeries. 
John Howes, a Club member with vast experience and knowledge, then gave a very informative talk about plants and flowers for the Christmas season. Amongst these are pretty cyclamen and chrysanthemums and John's own personal favourite, hyacinths.  He gave members a number of tips and advice as to how to care for and grow on the plants for the best floral and scented displays. 
The next talk was given by Eileen Wallace, a local painter.  Eileen brought along her easel and gave a demonstration of her “One Stroke Painting” technique.  This method allows for speedy painting of any subject, and flowers are especially suitable. Eileen asked members to come up and try their hand at painting. 
Eileen also brought along some of her beautifully painted items, ranging from glassware to wooden items, these proved very popular as Christmas gifts and decorations.  She donated the lovely demonstration picture of hibiscus flowers that she had painted as a raffle prize.
John Howes, who is also an experienced Royal Horticultural Society Judge, then selected the winning entry in the competition for a vase of mixed garden flowers.
He explained the various elements that should be considered when preparing  flowers in a vase arrangement and then announced the winner, Josie Reeves. 
John commended her freshly cut flowers, the even spacing of the blooms and the symmetrical arrangement.  
The competition was followed by the usual raffle of plants and a general question and answer time.
Several members expressed concerns about aloes, which suffer from a variety of cancers and infestations, most of which are untreatable at present.  Removal and destruction of infected plants by burning was recommended to try to restrict the spread of infection.
The next meeting will be held on Monday 1st December at 1.45 for a 2.00pm start, at Los Rosales Restaurant on the CV895 Lemon Tree Road, Campo de Guardamar.
This will be the Christmas meeting.  
There will be the eagerly anticipated garden related quiz, an extra special raffle, and a buffet lunch, members will bring along festive fare to share. If you are interested in gardening and would like to come along please do so, the Club is always pleased to welcome new members.  
For further information, please contact The Vega Baja Garden Club at vegabajagardenclub@gmail.com Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45527/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The November meeting of the Garden Club was opened by Ron Harris, who welcomed everyone.
The Garden Club has recently lost one of its founder members and Treasurer, Andrew Duckworth, who sadly passed away recently after a long illness. Andrew was a gr...

### FORTHCOMING CORO PILAR CONCERTS

After a triumphant performance at La Siesta Church in Torrevieja, the international choir Coro Pilar are pleased to announce that we will be performing several Christmas concerts in the lead up to the festive season. 
The first of these concerts will be at Campoverde Church on November 30th at 19:30, followed by a Dinner Dance at Rebate Restaurant on December 3rd, tickets for the dinner dance cost €25 and are available for purchase from any member of the choir.  
There will then be a performance at Las Claras in Los Alacazares on December 5th at 19:30 and finally at La Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Pilar on December 7th at 19:15.
Please look out for our posters, or contact: Jilly Sanders (M)630528777, Beryl Aguado (M)617648577, or George Piper (M)622195366 for further details and/or tickets.
We would like to wish all of our supporters a very Merry Christmas and look forward to seeing you at the concerts.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45526/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: After a triumphant performance at La Siesta Church in Torrevieja, the international choir Coro Pilar are pleased to announce that we will be performing several Christmas concerts in the lead up to the festive season. 
The first of these concerts will ...

### WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR, MAKES NO DIFFERENCE WHO YOU ARE

The Baron, Buttons, and Cinders of Studio 32. are well into rehearsals for the Pantomime Cinderella. 
Hoping to make wishes come true for local charities our ‘Stars' will be in action on November 14th and 15th with a matinee performance on 16th, at the Cardenal Belluga Theatre, San Fulgencio. 
Tickets are only €6, and at the matinee performance a reduction to €4 for children. Call Ann on 966 31 8019 for further details. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45525/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Baron, Buttons, and Cinders of Studio 32. are well into rehearsals for the Pantomime Cinderella. 
Hoping to make wishes come true for local charities our ‘Stars' will be in action on November 14th and 15th with a matinee performance on 16th,...

### LIONS AID TO SUPPORT THE 5,000 ORPHANS OF EBOLA

Whilst the world looks on in despair for those most affected with the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, there is much needing done to help those children who have been left orphaned or abandoned as the disease spreads throughout the region. 
The current estimated number of orphaned or abandoned children is 5,000 and rising.
Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) have initiated a project to provide food, shelter and to build orphanage accommodation for those most in need.
An immediate donation of 150,000.00 Dollars has been pledged from LCIF.
Lions Clubs throughout the world have also started to pledge support, currently most notable sums of money have been pledged from Norwegian Lions - $100,000.00, Lions in Japan $80,000.00 and Sweden $30,000.00. The Lions of Spain are currently active with their appeal for help, and the members of Torrevieja Costa Lions Club will discuss the matter at their monthly business meeting.
As readers will know the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club work tirelessly in the community of Torrevieja and surrounding villages to help those most in need, but in times of major disaster also have a commitment to offer support wherever possible.
Readers will remember that with the enormous generosity of the general public, your local Lions have donated huge sums of money to assist in places like Haiti, Japan, New Zealand, Lorca and most recently donated over $12,000.00 to assist following Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
Should any individual, group, organisation, business or association wish to make a contribution the Torrevieja Costa Lions will be delighted to receive your support and guarantee that every cent donated will go directly to those most in need.
To make a donation your first point of contact should be on e mail to Lion President Iain Bennett on idsbennett@hotmail.co.uk or by phoning Iain on 966 731 495.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45524/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Whilst the world looks on in despair for those most affected with the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, there is much needing done to help those children who have been left orphaned or abandoned as the disease spreads throughout the region. 
The current ...

### COMPANIES SANCTIONED FOR WEBSITE INACCESSIBILITY

The Spanish Ministry of Health has opened disciplinary proceedings against department store chain El Corte Inglés, airline Iberia and telecom company Jazztel, after complaints were raised relating to the accessibility of their websites for people with disabilities.
The policy directorate of the ministry has initiated the legal proceedings against the companies for potential breach of regulations on accessibility, according to the Cermi disability rights group.
The ministry have given the companies 15 days to respond to the claims, or sanctions will be enforced, although the period of defence can be extended in the event of a positive resolution being agreed.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45513/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Spanish Ministry of Health has opened disciplinary proceedings against department store chain El Corte Inglés, airline Iberia and telecom company Jazztel, after complaints were raised relating to the accessibility of their websites for peop...

### A VARIETY OF MEDICS IN OUR TV REVIEW

We start this week with a bit of old news, although it´s only actually a week old, but with so much to talk about regarding the Remembrance build-up, there was no room to squeeze this is. It is however of huge significance, especially for fans of a certain hospital based drama on the BBC. The news is that Holby City fans will be delighted that Henrik Hansenn, Oliver Valentine and Estelle ‘Essie' Harrison are all set to return to our screens next year. 
It wasn´t that long ago we saw Essie head off to Germany to find her family, but Oliver went to find himself after the death of his new life Tara Lo, his twin sister being killed not too long before that, and the news, according to James Anderson who plays Ollie, is that “he's older now - wiser, even - and I can't wait to get stuck into playing this altogether more grown up Valentine to the one I left behind. Step up Oliver 2.0”.
As for Mr Hansenn, we last saw the former CEO and director of surgery choose family over medicine when he returned to Sweden to spend time with his son and grandson. However, Hanssen's desire to bring his surgical brilliance back to Holby has got the better of him and Guy Henry explains how much he missed playing his character: “I'm so pleased to be reunited with Mr. Hanssen, he's such a weird and wonderful character to play - I've missed him”. Of course, as for the role that he will play on his return, as well as the stories we will see his masterful manner lord over through the corridors of Holby, we will just have to wait and seen, or, as Guy puts it, “We don't know what dark acts may have befallen Henrik during his time away in Sweden but I do believe that, when he looms down the corridors of Holby once more, his wit and his scalpel will be as incisive as ever! Can't wait - see you on the ice!”
Whilst we´re on the subject of medical dramas, as filming wraps on Call the Midwife series four, the BBC have announced that they have already commissioned series five, which will consist of a Christmas special in 2015, followed by 8 hour long episodes in 2016, taking the nuns and midwives into 1961. But let´s not jump too far ahead yet, as we still have to get through this Christmas yet, and that is where we get the third Christmas special, with series four following on directly in January 2015. Joining the regular cast are Linda Bassett (East is East, Lark Rise to Candleford) as Nurse Phyllis Crane and Charlotte Ritchie (Life Of Riley, Fresh Meat) as Nurse Barbara Gilbert. Vanessa Redgrave will appear for the first time as Jennifer Worth in the Christmas special episode.
As for light entertainment, ITV has commissioned a brand new entertainment series, Get Your Act Together, which will see some of our best-loved stars join forces with some of the world's most talented variety acts to put on a unique performance. Each week, host Stephen Mulhern will be joined by five different celebrities who battle it out to learn jaw dropping talents, from contortion to fire dancing, ventriloquism to acrobatics, juggling to plate spinning. Among the “celebrities” taking part are Ann Widdecombe, Brian McFadden, Danielle Lloyd, James Bolam , Oliver Mellor, Sherrie Hewson, Roxy Shahidi, Jedward, Ruth Madoc, Sinitta, Phil Tufnell, Natalie Anderson, Matthew Wolfenden, Nigel Havers, Chip, Claire Richards, Gaby Roslin, Gareth Thomas and Nina Wadia. Alongside them are award winning acts, including Penn and Teller, Catwall Acrobats, Les Beaux Frere, Shaolin Monks, Circus of Men, Les Bubb mime and The Moscow State Circus.
If it´s variety you´re looking for then you might also be pleased to know that Michael McIntyre is to host The Royal Variety Performance 2014, which takes place on Thursday the 13th of November, to be screened on ITV in December. Global superstars Dame Shirley Bassey and Bette Midler will be joined by the likes of Demi Lovato and Ed Sheeran, in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Also taking part in what promises to be an unforgettable evening of music, theatre, comedy and dance will be BRIT Award winner Ellie Goulding, Britain's Got Talent winners Collabro, the cast of multi-award winning musical Miss Saigon, critically acclaimed tenor Alfie Boe and Ladysmith Black Mambazo's Inala. Comedy comes from acclaimed stand-up Russell Kane, British Comedy Award winner Jack Whitehall, Sarah Millican and Trevor Noah, and the magical talents of Stephen Mulhern.
As for this coming weekend, on the BBC and for one week only, Strictly Come Dancing returns to the holy grail of ballroom as the show is broadcast live from Blackpool's world famous Tower Ballroom. In a special standalone episode of Casualty, “Casualty: Deadfall”, a suspicious death leads Lily to a murder mystery that puts her life in danger. Over on ITV, I´m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here returns on Sunday for its 14th season, once again presented by Ant & Dec. On The Chase: Celebrity Special on Saturday, star of ITV comedy Benidorm, Jake Canuso, along with actress Gerogia Taylor, who has of course been in Casualty, and Jo Whiley and Marcus Brigstocke take on the challenge.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45512/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: We start this week with a bit of old news, although it´s only actually a week old, but with so much to talk about regarding the Remembrance build-up, there was no room to squeeze this is. It is however of huge significance, especially for fans o...

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 10 NOVEMBER 2014

FAMILY BENEFITS
Barcelona´s El Prat airport now has a special filter lane through security for passengers travelling with young children, with the aim of reducing waiting times for families. According to the airport operator Aena, the new filter is located in terminal 1, on the left hand side of the usual security checks. The fast-track route was already available for those with mobility problems, but this additional allowance is hoped to reduce the stress for others waiting to board their flights.
COLOUR ME BAD
Whilst the summer drought has caused problems for countless crops across Spain, the unusually high temperatures of October are delaying citrus fruit from colouring in areas such as Cordoba, Seville and Huelva. As temperatures reached 35 degrees, rains have been scarce, apart from a few sudden downpours. Initial assessments reveal fruit with higher calibres than usual, which consequently results in a lower yield, although the quality is good, with a good level of sugar and juice. 
PRINCESS CHARGED
The courts of Palma de Mallorca have dropped Money laundering charges against Spain´s Princess Cristina, but the royal will face charges for tax fraud in connection with one of the most famous cases currently moving through the judicial system, the “Caso Nóos”. The allegations are that the Princess defrauded the tax office in connection with a company she owns with her husband, Iñaki Urdangarin, of a sum of 337,138 euro in personal income tax for the years 2007 and 2008.
JAPAN STYLE
Spanish high street fashion store Stradivarius, aimed at the young female clientele, has opened its biggest store to date, in Osaka, Japan. As part of the Inditex group, the store marks the latest in a portfolio of 6,460 global stores for Inditex, 1,839 of which are in Spain, and covers 720 square metres of retail space over 2 floors.
OLD PATROL 
During a routine patrol in September, a team from the Guardia Civil´s environmental division, SEPRONA, stumbled on an unusual looking and very shiny rock on a hillside in Ciudad Real. Recognising the uniqueness of the stone, the officers called in archaeologists who now confirm that they had stumbled on something known as the “Estelas de Guerrero”, which dates back to the Bronze Age, dated between 1150 and 850 BC. The officers were involved in the removal of the stone which was taken to the Ciudad Real museum this week for further analysis. 
RICH BANKERS
Banco Santander, one of Europe´s largest banks, reported a 52% increase in their third-quarter profit this week, with an increase of 1.61 billion euro, up from 1.06 billion for the same time last year.
MADRID INVADED
The Spanish capital came to a standstill on Sunday as a massive flock of sheep were herded past Madrid's major landmarks including the Puerta del Sol and the Bank of Spain headquarters, causing many of the city's main roads to be closed and traffic to come to a standstill. Shepherds said thatthey hoped to raise awareness for the protection of ancient grazing and migration rites that are becoming increasingly threatened by urban settlements, railways and roads and modern farming techniques.
BULL RELEASE
Spanish bullfighter, José Ortega Cano, who was eventually incarcerated after avoiding serving the two and a half year prison sentence for a year, despite being found guilty of being drunk when he drove his car into 48 year old Carlos Parra in 2011, subsequently killing him on the spot, has been released from prison this week and transferred to a hospital, amid fears that he showed signs of suffering from pneumonia.
WE CAN MAKE IT
Manufacturing output in Spain is at a 4-month high, according to the latest data released by Markit's purchasing managers' index (PMI). The index was 52.6 in October, the same as September, higher than the 52.3 forecast, with any figure over 50 showing growth.
BET YOU CAN
Internet gaming in Spain has opened up to operators once again, after new legislation on behalf of the regulator the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) and the Ministry of the Treasury we published, which also enables existing operators to submit applications to add slots and exchange betting to their offerings. The licence tender process will close in December.
ORANGE BENIDORM
Mobile phone operator Orange has launched the advanced 4G telecom network in Benidorm, after a 2 million euro investment packages was spent on its mobile transmission network. Orange customers will now be able to access higher data connections throughout the centre of Benidorm, as well as the Terra Mitica and Terra Natura theme parks. Orange has confirmed that it remains on course to cover two thirds of the Spanish population with its 4G network by the end of the year.
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
A party formed in January has become Spain's main political force one year before national elections, an opinion poll showed, shaking up a two-party system that has dominated since the country's return to democracy in the 1970s. Podemos ("We Can") has ridden anti-establishment sentiment for months by fielding young candidates new to politics and tapping into the "Indignados" movement calling for a new political model. The poll showed Podemos winning 27.7 percent of the vote if it was held today, just ahead of the Socialists with 26.2 percent and with the PP trailing a distant third with 20.7 percent.
DEAD LINE
Valencia is leading the way in using new technology, especially in an area so far untouched, those who are no longer with us. It is now possible to have your funeral streamed live on-line, with those mourners unable to attend in person able to watch the chapel and crematorium via a secure internet link. The system is 
WATER PARTNERSHIP
The Spanish Ambassador to India, Gustavo De Aristegui, has called on Punjab Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, to develop a partnership on key areas of strategic development in the areas of water treatment and renewable energy. Sukhbir Singh Badal is expected to lead a delegation to Barcelona later this month in order for them to attend the Smart City Expo 2014. 
EURO FOOD FUNDING
Spain is to receive a grant from the European Union in order to improve the competiveness of the agriculture and food sector, by developing measures such as restructuring of farms. The 8,290 million euro funding aims to “establish the strategy for the optimal use of the Structural Funds and the European Investment in the country”. There will also be extra funding for financing territorial cooperation, youth employment, rural development and the fisheries and maritime sectors, all aimed at boosting the production within the agriculture sector.
ART EXHIBITION
An exhibition of paintings by the ladies of the Campoverde La Amistad Association (a social and cultural international association) will be held in the Casa Cultura in Pilar de la Horadada from 7th to 28th November, inauguration of the display will be at 7pm on 7th November. The Casa Cultura is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 2pm and 4pm to 9pm and entrance is free. These ladies, some starting to paint for the first time have produced a really interesting display of their work. The Casa Cultura also houses a museum that focuses on local life from Roman times up to the present day and is located on the corner of C. Bailen and C. La Isla.
PILAR GETS MOBILE
Pilar's Local police added two new cars and two motorcycles to its fleet last week. The presentation of was made by the mayor, Fidel Ros, and the councillor of Public Safety, Lancharro Francisco, with a symbolic handover to the chief inspector, Jose Antonio Hernandez. The new vehicles will be used to improve surveillance in rural areas. However, whilst the 2 bikes are additional to the transport fleet the new cars will simply replace lease vehicles.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45511/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: FAMILY BENEFITS
Barcelona´s El Prat airport now has a special filter lane through security for passengers travelling with young children, with the aim of reducing waiting times for families. According to the airport operator Aena, the new filter is located in terminal 1, on the left hand side of the usual security checks. The fast-track route was already available for those with mobility problems, but this additional allowance is hoped to reduce the stress for others waiting to board their flights.
COLOUR ME BAD
Whilst the summer drought has caused problems for countless crops across Spain, the unusually high temperatures of October are delaying citrus fruit from colouring in areas such as Cordoba, Seville and Huelva. As temperatures reached 35 degrees, rains have been scarce, apart from a few sudden downpours. Initial assessments reveal fruit with higher calibres than usual, which consequently results in a lower yield, although the quality is good, with a good level of sugar and juice. 
PRINCESS CHARGED
The courts of Palma de Mallorca have dropped Money laundering charges against Spain´s Princess Cristina, but the royal will face charges for tax fraud in connection with one of the most famous cases currently moving through the judicial system, the “Caso Nóos”. The allegations are that the Princess defrauded the tax office in connection with a company she owns with her husband, Iñaki Urdangarin, of a sum of 337,138 euro in personal income tax for the years 2007 and 2008.
JAPAN STYLE
Spanish high street fashion store Stradivarius, aimed at the young female clientele, has opened its biggest store to date, in Osaka, Japan. As part of the Inditex group, the store marks the latest in a portfolio of 6,460 global stores for Inditex, 1,839 of which are in Spain, and covers 720 square metres of retail space over 2 floors.
OLD PATROL 
During a routine patrol in September, a team from the Guardia Civil´s environmental division, SEPRONA, stumbled on an unusual looking and very shiny rock on a hillside in Ciudad Real. Recognising the uniqueness of the stone, the officers called in archaeologists who now confirm that they had stumbled on something known as the “Estelas de Guerrero”, which dates back to the Bronze Age, dated between 1150 and 850 BC. The officers were involved in the removal of the stone which was taken to the Ciudad Real museum this week for further analysis. 
RICH BANKERS
Banco Santander, one of Europe´s largest banks, reported a 52% increase in their third-quarter profit this week, with an increase of 1.61 billion euro, up from 1.06 billion for the same time last year.
MADRID INVADED
The Spanish capital came to a standstill on Sunday as a massive flock of sheep were herded past Madrid's major landmarks including the Puerta del Sol and the Bank of Spain headquarters, causing many of the city's main roads to be closed and traffic to come to a standstill. Shepherds said thatthey hoped to raise awareness for the protection of ancient grazing and migration rites that are becoming increasingly threatened by urban settlements, railways and roads and modern farming techniques.
BULL RELEASE
Spanish bullfighter, José Ortega Cano, who was eventually incarcerated after avoiding serving the two and a half year prison sentence for a year, despite being found guilty of being drunk when he drove his car into 48 year old Carlos Parra in 2011, subsequently killing him on the spot, has been released from prison this week and transferred to a hospital, amid fears that he showed signs of suffering from pneumonia.
WE CAN MAKE IT
Manufacturing output in Spain is at a 4-month high, according to the latest data released by Markit's purchasing managers' index (PMI). The index was 52.6 in October, the same as September, higher than the 52.3 forecast, with any figure over 50 showing growth.
BET YOU CAN
Internet gaming in Spain has opened up to operators once again, after new legislation on behalf of the regulator the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) and the Ministry of the Treasury we published, which also enables existing operators to submit applications to add slots and exchange betting to their offerings. The licence tender process will close in December.
ORANGE BENIDORM
Mobile phone operator Orange has launched the advanced 4G telecom network in Benidorm, after a 2 million euro investment packages was spent on its mobile transmission network. Orange customers will now be able to access higher data connections throughout the centre of Benidorm, as well as the Terra Mitica and Terra Natura theme parks. Orange has confirmed that it remains on course to cover two thirds of the Spanish population with its 4G network by the end of the year.
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
A party formed in January has become Spain's main political force one year before national elections, an opinion poll showed, shaking up a two-party system that has dominated since the country's return to democracy in the 1970s. Podemos ("We Can") has ridden anti-establishment sentiment for months by fielding young candidates new to politics and tapping into the "Indignados" movement calling for a new political model. The poll showed Podemos winning 27.7 percent of the vote if it was held today, just ahead of the Socialists with 26.2 percent and with the PP trailing a distant third with 20.7 percent.
DEAD LINE
Valencia is leading the way in using new technology, especially in an area so far untouched, those who are no longer with us. It is now possible to have your funeral streamed live on-line, with those mourners unable to attend in person able to watch the chapel and crematorium via a secure internet link. The system is 
WATER PARTNERSHIP
The Spanish Ambassador to India, Gustavo De Aristegui, has called on Punjab Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, to develop a partnership on key areas of strategic development in the areas of water treatment and renewable energy. Sukhbir Singh Badal is expected to lead a delegation to Barcelona later this month in order for them to attend the Smart City Expo 2014. 
EURO FOOD FUNDING
Spain is to receive a grant from the European Union in order to improve the competiveness of the agriculture and food sector, by developing measures such as restructuring of farms. The 8,290 million euro funding aims to “establish the strategy for the optimal use of the Structural Funds and the European Investment in the country”. There will also be extra funding for financing territorial cooperation, youth employment, rural development and the fisheries and maritime sectors, all aimed at boosting the production within the agriculture sector.
ART EXHIBITION
An exhibition of paintings by the ladies of the Campoverde La Amistad Association (a social and cultural international association) will be held in the Casa Cultura in Pilar de la Horadada from 7th to 28th November, inauguration of the display will be at 7pm on 7th November. The Casa Cultura is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 2pm and 4pm to 9pm and entrance is free. These ladies, some starting to paint for the first time have produced a really interesting display of their work. The Casa Cultura also houses a museum that focuses on local life from Roman times up to the present day and is located on the corner of C. Bailen and C. La Isla.
PILAR GETS MOBILE
Pilar's Local police added two new cars and two motorcycles to its fleet last week. The presentation of was made by the mayor, Fidel Ros, and the councillor of Public Safety, Lancharro Francisco, with a symbolic handover to the chief inspector, Jose Antonio Hernandez. The new vehicles will be used to improve surveillance in rural areas. However, whilst the 2 bikes are additional to the transport fleet the new cars will simply replace lease vehicles.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45511/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### TEN MAN TORRY HIT FOR FOUR BY CULLERA

CF CULLERA -4  CD TORREVIEJA - 0 ...... A trip to the picturesque seaside resort of Cullera last Saturday, not only saw Torry lose their 5 match unbeaten run, but they must now play the next match without a key player.  
Last season's visit to Aeria Stadium resulted in a narrow victory, which Torry manager Galiana was keen to repeat, but alas it never really looked on the cards.  Martin was booked for a foul early on, in what proved to be a scrappy half of few chances.  
On the stroke of half time, Guillem stroked the ball home for the hosts.  It appeared that Adrian had been pushed in the build up, signalling strong protests which culminating in Vicente receiving his marching orders, following the award of a 2nd yellow card.    Although Cullera doubled their advantage on 58 mins through Oscar, Torry fought back well.
Substitute Carrasco bamboozled his opponents on 65 mins, but his shot was cleared off the line, then 5 mins later, fellow sub Cristian brought off a fine keeper's save.  This begs the question as to why both these crowd pleasers, were again not started from the offset, and also why Alexis kept the bench warm throughout the match?  Cullera added a 3rd goal through Marin on 73 mins, and although Torry threatened briefly when a defender almost conceded an own goal from a corner, twas the hosts who ended the match on a high.
 In the last 5 mins, they rattled first the cross bar, then the post, before Manugassent eventually added a 4th goal.  This was all too much for captain Jorge who picked up a booking, then his manager Galiana was dismissed from the dug out for comments to the match officials.  
Another away div 3 match awaits Torry, for they must visit Beniganim next Sat 15 Nov, in what will hopefully be a return to winning ways. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45510/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: CF CULLERA -4  CD TORREVIEJA - 0 ...... A trip to the picturesque seaside resort of Cullera last Saturday, not only saw Torry lose their 5 match unbeaten run, but they must now play the next match without a key player.  
Last season's visit to Aeria S...

### TEMPERATURES DROP BELOW ZERO!

MÁSMÓVIL's most popular tariff PLAN ZERO is cheaper than ever!! It was already one of the cheapest plans on the market, and is now beating all competition on the market. Plan Zero has now dropped to only 5€ incl. IVA! You will not find a cheaper GB in Spain.

PLAN ZERO allows MÁSMÓVIL clients to talk for 0 cts. per minute for the first 5 minutes of EVERY phone call. All you need to pay is a call set-up charge of just 18,15 cents, IVA included! From minute 6 onwards you pay just 3,63 cents/min (IVA incl.)
PLAN ZERO allows you to use the Internet as much as you need and now with MÁSMÓVIL you can choose your data and voice combination from just 5€ (IVA incl.)
You only ever pay for what you actually need! Should you ever exceed your plan limit then all you pay is 3,63 cents/MB including IVA, and you will even continue to enjoy the same speed as before! For those who only ever talk on the phone there's an option without Internet as well. For only 4€/month you get 75 min for national calls.
MÁSMÓVIL is all about transparency, without small print, fines or permanence clauses, you can stay as long as you want! You may even ‘park' your SIM card for up to 9 months at a time when going back home so you can continue to keep the same Spanish number when you come back!
This, together with a polite customer service team who speak no less than 6 languages (English, German, Spanish, Scandinavian, Russian and Finnish) and a web site in 4 languages, makes MÁSMÓVIL a firm favourite with the expats. 
Over 150,000 satisfied customers can't be wrong. Find out more about the terms and conditions for PLAN ZERO by phoning the toll-free number 1473 today for the name of your nearest MÁSMÓVIL agent, or visit www.masmovil.es/en. Free shipping is included online! 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45506/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: MÁSMÓVIL's most popular tariff PLAN ZERO is cheaper than ever!! It was already one of the cheapest plans on the market, and is now beating all competition on the market. Plan Zero has now dropped to only 5€ incl. IVA! You will not fi...

### SPURS LEGENDS ARE COMING

Two former Tottenham Hotspur footballers are jetting into the Costa Blanca this weekend for a Charity Dinner organised by Spurs Supporters Spain at their headquarters Moores Bar in Cabo Roig.
Between them Graham Roberts and Stephen Sedgeley played over 370 times for Spurs while Graham also played for Rangers and Chelsea, was capped by England 6 times and scored 58 senior goals while Steve´s career included stints at Coventry, Ipswich and Wolves plus England U21s with 37 goals to his name.
Since retiring from the beautiful game, Steve has concentrated on his building business – somewhat appropriately called COYS Builders – as well as coaching, currently at Watford, while Graham went into football management including spells as Head Coach to the Pakistani and Nepali national teams, but now he splits his time between working in hospitality at White Hart Lane on matchdays or as a fundraiser for various charities.
In this latter capacity he has become the Fundraising Ambassador for The Stacey Mowle Appeal, trying to raise half a million pounds for the treatment of Stacey´s neuroblastoma cancer in the USA, and this is the charity for which funds will be raised on the night of Saturday 15th November.
The evening gets underway at 6pm at Moores Bar with pre dinner drinks whilst watching England´s latest Euro qualifier against Slovenia, then moves next door to Marinasol restaurant for a three course meal, followed by lighthearted speeches, recollections of their careers and funny moments in the life of professional sportsmen. There will be a question and answer phase and of course the obligatory raffle and an auction for a signed THFC shirt amongst other items.
After dinner drinks will then be served in both Moores Bar and Marinasol.
Tickets are still available and can be obtained from Moores Bar, Cabo Roig or from the Spurs Supporters Spain Secretary, Graeme Clark at his office – Canal Print Rioja telephone 966 764 403. 
More details about the evening and other fundraising events can also be found online at www.spurssupportersspain.com.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45504/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Two former Tottenham Hotspur footballers are jetting into the Costa Blanca this weekend for a Charity Dinner organised by Spurs Supporters Spain at their headquarters Moores Bar in Cabo Roig.
Between them Graham Roberts and Stephen Sedgeley played ov...

### ‘MIKE PROBERT TALKS GOLF WC 10 NOVEMBER 2014

Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.
Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.
‘Emotional Intelligence'
The Ryder Cup has been and gone and yet again we gave the yanks another good spanking. Are our European golfers better than their players, probably not but the impact of team ‘spirit' should never be underestimated and after the event the American golfing public and even some senior team members such as Phil Mickelson have turned on Captain Tom Watson. The mindset of all Americans is chasing the dollar on an individual basis and while they talk the talk about team spirit it is just not in their nature to practise it. Over recent years Dr Karl Morris of the European Tour has worked with various members of the European team on the philosophy of ‘emotional intelligence' but just what is it?
Those of you who follow top-level golf will recognise the likes of former Open winner Darren Clarke as an exceptionally talented golfer but who is fiery and hot tempered. In essence at times his head used to come off after a few bad shots or bad breaks and this reflected in his score. The old adage that you should keep your head while others are losing theirs is a display of emotional intelligence or signifies your emotional IQ. Remember that high emotion out on the golf course usually reflects in high scores. We are not just talking here of the high emotions caused by bad shots but also but those caused by attempting to play like our ‘Rory' after a few good pars. What you need to do is exactly the same as Captain Kirk in Star Trek and remain in the ‘Neutral Zone' and don't make your highs too high and your lows too low.
Here are five techniques which will help you to raise your emotional IQ:
a)	Mentally draw a line 10 yards in front of your ball and as you pass it your last shot is over, finished, done and history.
b)	Enjoy the time that you have between shots.
c)	Fully exhale after each shot to clear the air and the mind.
d)	Be aware of the tempo of your swing and walking pace and avoid doing both too fast, particularly after bad shots.
e)	Hum or sing to yourself between shots because it slows down your active mind and helps put you back into neutral gear.
If you can practise emotional intelligence on the golf course and improve your emotional IQ you will the improvements in your score. Will it stop you hitting bad golf shots? The answer is no because golf is a difficult and complicated game but it will stop you hitting bad shots because of the way you think or due to the fact you lose your head on the golf course.
We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us.
Green Fees WC 10 November
The deals shown in the table are some of the best currently available to you.
Deals of the week: €78 for 2 players and buggy at Vistabella on 11th & 12th November only and play Las Colinas for only €50 with buggies at €14 on 11th November only.
For bookings and more information contact Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com or direct on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 quoting reference LEADER.
Quotation of the week
“Ok I hear you” – President Barak Obama on losing control of the Senate and Congress in the USA.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45503/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.
Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Serv...

### BELLA VISTA DEFY AYUNTAMIENTO

Despite being told by Orihuela Council that they will have to remove the illegal barrier erected by the urbanisation some years ago, blocking the La Regia walkway through to the Cabo Roig beach, residents of the Bella Vista Urbanisation, have completely defied the Orihuela authorities by replacing the gate with a brand new fence.
The new fixture now shows no signs of the previous gate ever existing, their logic presumably being that the public will forget that it was ever there and the ‘problem' of restoring access may well go away. 
The move is seen as a direct snub to the Orihuela acting mayor Antonio Zapata, who is also responsible for infrastructure, in that it is his office that is taking action to remove the gate. 
Just last week the Councillor for the Orihuela Costa, Martina Scheurer, told the Leader that the legal steps to reopen the walkway are nearing the end of the allowed time period. “As with all administrative procedures in Spain, these things take time, and we want to make sure that we don´t take shortcuts that could cause problems in the future”, she said, “but the final phase of consultation is nearing the end, at which point Councillor Zapata, will appear before the press to announce when demolition action will begin”. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45498/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Despite being told by Orihuela Council that they will have to remove the illegal barrier erected by the urbanisation some years ago, blocking the La Regia walkway through to the Cabo Roig beach, residents of the Bella Vista Urbanisation, have completel...

### MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE

One of the aims of The Royal British Legion is to perpetuate the memory of those who died in the service of their country; not only in the two World Wars but also in all of the conflicts that have taken place since those terrible years. 
Here in Spain, in order to commemorate the sacrifices that were made by those service and civilian personnel, the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion held its annual Remembrance Day Service and Parade at the Capilla de las Mil Palmeras yesterday, the 2nd Sunday in November, when poppy wreaths were laid at the Garden of Remembrance in a gesture that the Branch has uniquely made its own.
Once again, attended by a record congregation, the Rev Terry Baxter led the service, held for the 7th year in this picturesque village church in the diocese of Pilar de la Horadada. 
Following the Spanish National and the Union flags the standards of the collected military associations were borne proudly to represent those who gave their lives, whilst poppies were worn as a reminder to new generations who will inevitably face new conflicts. The start of the service had seen them respectfully processed into the chapel as the congregation sang ‘For those in Peril on the Sea.'
There were readings from the British Vice Consul, Lloyd Milen, and Flight Lieutenant David Carter RAF, son of the Branch Chairman, a poem from Carol Stockwell, and a wonderful a capella rendition of ‘I Believe' by Rebecca Holt.  The music for the service was once again provided by the magnificent Phoenix Concert Band under the professional direction of their Musical Director, Julie Schofield.
Following bugler Derek Hayes performance of the mournful Last Post, which echoed out of the church and around the adjacent park, everyone was united, standing shoulder to shoulder for the two minute's silence. 
As I looked around the gathered congregation prior to Derek sounding ‘Reveille' there was more than the occasional tear with members of the congregation using this time to remember those friends, family and colleagues who had suffered or died in the service of their nation.
The ceremony then moved out to the Garden of Remembrance where the RBL Wreath was laid by the Branch Chairman Keith Carter. Wreaths were also placed by the Vice Consul, Flt Lt Carter, the Chairman of Spain District North, Nigel Hails, the Orihuela Councillor Martina Scheurer and a number of Service and Military Organisations.
In this way the ceremony brought together the common sentiments of all those present to share pride in restoring freedoms. The wreaths were laid to the accompaniment of a lament played by the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums.
This was followed by the opportunity for branch members and members of the public to pay their personal tributes by laying suitably adorned poppy crosses. 
Following the service Vice Consul Lloyd Milen said he felt privileged to lay a poppy garland on behalf of the British Government.
Flanked by many members of the general public the final act saw the Pipes and Drums leading over a hundred and fifty members of the congregation as they marched from the church and past the assembled dignitaries prior to enjoying a delightful buffet lunch in the Mil Palmeras Restaurant.
The National Service of Remembrance, also held yesterday at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, was originally conceived as a commemoration of the war dead of the First World War but after the Second World War the scope of the ceremony was extended to focus on the nation's dead of both World Wars, and in 1980 it was widened once again to extend the remembrance to all who have suffered and died in conflict in the service of their country and all those who mourn.
Of course Remembrance is not just about those who fought in the last two World Wars, but it is also in respect of those involved in the many other conflicts worldwide and those who are still fighting for peace and freedom even now. It is also about all of us learning from the past and resolving to make the world a better place to live in the future.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45497/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: One of the aims of The Royal British Legion is to perpetuate the memory of those who died in the service of their country; not only in the two World Wars but also in all of the conflicts that have taken place since those terrible years. 
Here in Spain...

### TIME TO HELP THOSE IN NEED

Last week, we revealed how one in four people in Spain are now living in poverty, after the Cáritas organisation released their latest figures, showing how there has been an increase of 4.4 million people facing the worst times as a result of the financial crisis. 
The number of people now living in poverty has reached a record 11.7 million. Of those people, the report says that 77% have no work and 61% are struggling to find a place to live. The report also says that half a million families in Spain have no source of income. The official unemployment figure in Spain is around 23%, whereas in our local area the figure is much higher, at 33.07%.
Therefore, we consider that the time is right to once again ask for your help, as we launch our annual campaign to collect food for the hungry, which has been a huge success over recent years, and we hope that your generosity will once again show how much you care and are prepared to directly help somebody in need.
Between now and Christmas, we will be collecting foodstuffs, and are asking for donations of dried or tinned food, preferably with a long use-by date. 
As always, we are also collecting for the family pet. When families are struggling to feed themselves, it is not surprising that the extended members of that family fall down the list of priorities, and so we are also collecting dried or tinned pet food that we can also distribute.
Recently, we have been asked why we stopped collecting toys for the kids too, and so, we have also included those this year too. You are welcome to wrap your gift, for that added excitement to the recipient, but if you do, please give us a clue on the wrapping as to the suggested age and gender, if appropriate, of the toy you are donating. 
You can of course give cash if you like, although we much prefer the material goods in this campaign, as we then know for a fact that every single item donated goes directly to help somebody in need.
As of previous years, we of course thank you for your continued generosity, and stress how even the smallest of donations really can make a difference. With this sort of campaign, it really is true to say that “every little helps”.
All of the items donated will be distributed to local charitable and help associations at Christmas, so your generosity really has the chance to make a huge impact to a family during what could be the bleakest of times.
You can drop off your donations at our offices in the Los Dolces commercial centre, or, if your gift is too difficult to carry, or perhaps you struggle with mobility yourself, then call our office and we can try to make arrangements to collect your donations.
We will keep you updated throughout the campaign, and, once again, on behalf those who can look forward to a magical Christmas thanks to you, we thank you.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45496/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Last week, we revealed how one in four people in Spain are now living in poverty, after the Cáritas organisation released their latest figures, showing how there has been an increase of 4.4 million people facing the worst times as a result of t...

### HEALTH BUDGET INCREASED FOR 2015

The Regional Minister of Health in Valencia, Manuel Llombart, has announced this week that the government has allocated 66 million euro in the 2015 budget, aimed at the recovery of career and professional development within the public health sector.
The Minister explained that next year, health professionals will receive one hundred percent salary bonuses in derivatives of career and professional development, during a time which the Socialist deputy Ignacio Subías has pointed out is as “the election approaches”.
In addition, the health budget will increase by 2.2% compared to 2014, with nearly five and a half billion euro representing 42.2% of the overall budget.
The budget will also allow for the construction of two new hospitals in Gandia y Llíria, at a cost of 6.6 million euro. The Torre de la Fe hospital will be completed, at a cost of 7.2 million euro, as well as the demolition of the old building. 
Moreover, reforms will be completed in the hospitals in Orihuela, Ontinyent, Valencia and the clinic at Arnau, with additional investment in primary care centres. 
The 71.02% of the total health budget will be spent on healthcare, which will have 3.901 million euro, and the pharmaceutical benefits program will have a budget of 884.8 million, 16.11% of the budget.
For his part, the socialist Ignacio Subías stressed that these developments have a “consolidated deception, of inequality, cuts, loss of rights and defaults”, as despite the budget increasing for 2015, it is still lower than that of 2000 and 2011.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45495/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Regional Minister of Health in Valencia, Manuel Llombart, has announced this week that the government has allocated 66 million euro in the 2015 budget, aimed at the recovery of career and professional development within the public health sector.
...

### THE COST OF THE STRIKE

In preparation for the proposed road hauliers strike, set to take place from the 17th of November, analysts have been reporting on the impact of the action on the agricultural sector.
Set to take place in the midst of one of the biggest harvesting seasons, it is estimated that the strike will cause losses of around 150 million euro. The figure is based on statistics from last year, when daily fruit and vegetable shipments reaching 42.18 million kilos with a value of 34.2 million euro per day. For their part, the transport sector will also stand to lose between 12 and 13 million euro per day.
Valencia is likely to be one of the hardest hits regions, with an estimated loss of 31.22 million euro in the agriculture sector alone. Almería is next with 19.03 million euro losses, followed by Murcia, losing 17.53 million euro. For its part, Alicante will lose 5.95 million euro.
The transport sector is demanding that the Spanish government return the “health tax” to them, a supplement that was placed on fuel and ruled illegal by the European court, with an outstanding debt, they say, of around 2 billion euro for the period from 2010 to 2012. The finance ministry has already said that it will not fully refund the money.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45494/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In preparation for the proposed road hauliers strike, set to take place from the 17th of November, analysts have been reporting on the impact of the action on the agricultural sector.
Set to take place in the midst of one of the biggest harvesting se...

### COMPANIES AWARDED FOR SOCIAL COMMITMENT

In the sixth time that the awards have been presented, three companies from the Alicante province have been awarded by the La Caixa organisation, for their commitment to employment from vulnerable groups as part of their corporate social responsibility.
Locally, the Camping Resort Internacional La Marina, Alcampo La Zenia and the Fundación Juan Carlos Pérez Santamaría, have been awarded for their work, along with other companies from the region, Limpiezas Amparo Cifuentes, Bricomart Castellón and the Asociación de Vendedores del Mercado Central de Valencia.
In the category of small business, which has under 50 employees, the Camping Resort Internacional La Marina has been awarded, along with the Fundación Juan Carlos Pérez Santamaría, based in Petrer, which is an organisation dedicated to the care, support and promotion of persons with physical illnesses or disabilities.
In the category of medium enterprises, of between 50 and 250 employees, the Limpiezas Amparo Cifuentes cleaning company based in Valencia was awarded.
As for the large companies, that have more than 250 employees, it is the Alcampo hypermarket in the Zenia Boulevard which has been recognised for their efforts, along with the Bricomart Castellón and the Vendedores del Mercado Central de Valencia.
The program of social integration into the workplace has already facilitated work for 678 vulnerable people across Valencia this year, an increase of the 563 of the same period in 2013, finding jobs for people such as those with disabilities, immigrants, ex-convicts, the long-term unemployed, young people or vulnerable victims of gender violence.
The program has been in operation since 2006, with the collaboration of 18 social entities specialised in working with groups at risk of exclusion across Valencia, and with a network of 37 job developers that provides the bridge between those entities and businesses.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45493/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In the sixth time that the awards have been presented, three companies from the Alicante province have been awarded by the La Caixa organisation, for their commitment to employment from vulnerable groups as part of their corporate social responsibilit...

### TORREVIEJA PP WOULD LOSE OVERALL MAJORITY

Almost mimicking the National opinion, data from the latest local political poll in Torrevieja reveals that the ruling Partido Popular, governed by mayor Eduardo Dólon, would no longer have the overall majority in the local government if the elections were held right now. However, it should be noted that the same opinion was expressed prior to the last two local elections.
The October opinion polls by SyM reveal that although the PP would still receive the most votes, it would no longer be enough to secure a majority, with them holding only 12 or 13 council seats. The result being that they would have to form a coalition in order to stay in government, or face a situation similar to Orihuela, where a coalition stands against them.
The second most voted for party would be the socialist PSOE group, who would gain 9 seats, then the alternative APTCe group with 3 or 4 and the UI with 2. The Los Verdes would not gain enough support to secure a single seat, according to the poll.
The registrants in the poll still prefer Eduardo Dolón to be mayor however, but in second place would be José Manuel Dolón from the Los Verdes to by the municipal head, ahead of the socialist Ángel Sáez.
In terms of the overall political opinion of Torrevieja and the performance of the ruling party, 31% of respondents said that their opinion is “very bad”, whereas 27% said “very good”. In terms of the performance of Eduardo Dolón during his term, 31% scored that as “very bad”, whereas 30% thought he had been “very good”. 
Perhaps the most interesting consideration of those results is that the “very bad” opinion is considerably higher amongst those in the under 45 age group, whereas the “very good” opinion is more prevalent in those over 65 years of age.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45492/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Almost mimicking the National opinion, data from the latest local political poll in Torrevieja reveals that the ruling Partido Popular, governed by mayor Eduardo Dólon, would no longer have the overall majority in the local government if the el...

### TAXED SINGER FINE REDUCED

The Tax Office has agreed to reduce the fine levied on opera singer Montserrat Caballé, after she was found guilty of defrauding the hacienda
Sources at the tax office report that it is normal to reduce the fine for fraud cases, if an agreement is reached with the guilty party to pay the money and refrain from future fraudulent activities. 
Having been found guilty of tax evasion for 2010, when she was a permanent resident in Andorra, the singer immediately paid 300,000 euro to the tax office and immediately set about raising the remaining outstanding amount, which was paid a short time later.
However, despite paying the outstanding debt, the singer still faced a fine for tax evasion, and a potential prison sentence, but her prompt actions in repaying the tax has added to the mitigating circumstances that could lead to her paying an additional 250,000 euro, rather than the standard 65% of the defrauded amount, but an agreement would mean that the 81 year old singer would avoid going to prison. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45491/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Tax Office has agreed to reduce the fine levied on opera singer Montserrat Caballé, after she was found guilty of defrauding the hacienda
Sources at the tax office report that it is normal to reduce the fine for fraud cases, if an agreemen...

### ORIHUELA POLICE BOOSTED BY 26 NEW OFFICERS

An additional 26 police officers joined the ranks of Orihuela´s Policía Local this week, with the number of agents looking out for the security of the municipality now standing at 150.
According to the acting councillor for public safety, Manuel Gallud, who is covering the post during the sick leave of his Los Verdes party colleague Monseratte Guillén, 8 of these officers were already working in the service as temporary staff, so in reality there are 18 new additions. 
Adding a useful boost to the police, despite crime figures falling, 10 of the new 18 officers will be responsible for surveillance in the neighbourhoods of the city, with some of those already serving the city moving into roles in the surrounding villages, an area much criticised for a lack of policing in recent months.
The remaining 6 officers will be stationed on the Orihuela Costa, where there will now be a team of 40 officers, whilst the councillor also states that “We are seeking the possibility of two or three agents to form a special unit to monitor compliance with the bylaws”.
The 26 newly recruited officers were presented with their gold badges of the city in a ceremony held in Orihuela on Friday. The acting Mayor, Antonio Zapata, congratulated and welcomed the new officers and stressed the need for policing at a local level, explain “You are the tools for a peaceful coexistence between neighbours and this is achieved by not only fines but by trying to work closely with those neighbours”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45490/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: An additional 26 police officers joined the ranks of Orihuela´s Policía Local this week, with the number of agents looking out for the security of the municipality now standing at 150.
According to the acting councillor for public safety...

### TORREVIEJA’S VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR HONOURED

Mamen Mateo, Torrevieja's Councillor for Health, announced last Tuesday that the Award of Torrevieja's Volunteer of the Year would go to Caritas charity worker Rosario Romero.
The annual prize, which is always made on the occasion of the ‘Day of International Volunteers', honoured Rosario who has been working tirelessly for the Catholic charity in the Parish of Our Lady of the Rosary of La Mata for over 20 years.
The jury also agreed to recognize Mari Luz Martinez, for her work of over thirty years, as a volunteer with several associations, but particularly with the charity Afecáncer since it was first established in the town.
As well as performing many of the administrative tasks she also provides emotional support to cancer patients who are terminally ill, showing great compassion and professionalism in her voluntary work. Martinez has worked for three decades with other groups such as Nueva Fraternidad, (New Brotherhood), with which she has travelled to Rwanda as a volunteer to support fieldworkers with various health and educational projects aimed at improving the conditions for population groups who are at high risk.
However, the Volunteer of the Year, Rosario Romero, arrived in La Mata 22 years ago, since which time she has worked with all local volunteer groups including the Brotherhood of Our Lady of the Rosary, which is responsible for distributing food to the needy.
Four years ago, when Caritas was first founded in La Mata, she made sure that it was incorporated with all the other groups carrying out similar work.
Around 130 people attended the dinner and awards ceremony which was held in their honour at the Hotel Cabo Cervera.
The jury responsible for making the awards met recently in La Mata, and included representatives from twelve local groups as well as a representative from the Department of Social Welfare and the councilor who were both non-voting.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45485/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Mamen Mateo, Torrevieja's Councillor for Health, announced last Tuesday that the Award of Torrevieja's Volunteer of the Year would go to Caritas charity worker Rosario Romero.
The annual prize, which is always made on the occasion of the ‘Day of...

### MAYOR ENTERTAINS PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

4TH year students at the college Virgen del Pilar in Pilar de la Horadada were spent a day travelling around the town last week when they were taken on an excursion by the Councillor for Education Benjamin Fraile.
Their first port of call was the Ayuntamiento where they were shown around the different departments before meeting the mayor Fidel Ros. He said how pleased he was that they could see at first hand how many of the functions operated in the town hall.
From Pilar the group travelled to Pinar de Campoverde where they visited the birthplace of the famous local sculptor Sánchez Lozano.
They were told of his life in and around the region and shown some of his work, which was devoted primarily to the sculpting and restoration religious imagery, before he died in Pilar, aged 91.
The final stop on the tour was at the Tourist Office, where each student received a small gift to mark the day.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45484/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: 4TH year students at the college Virgen del Pilar in Pilar de la Horadada were spent a day travelling around the town last week when they were taken on an excursion by the Councillor for Education Benjamin Fraile.
Their first port of call was the Ayun...

### THE UNSTOPPABLE PLAGUE

Some experts are calling the plague that is currently devastating the pine tree population in the Sierra de Orihuela as ‘unstoppable', and with over 5,000 trees destroyed by the weevil in recent months the Valencian treasury has recently announced an allocation of 200,000 euros for its treatment.
The pest was first detected in the Sierra de Orihuela in May and in just a few short months it has now spread into at least three adjoining municipalities with no sign whatsoever of any control.
The insect attacking the pines is known as "Tomicus destruens» and is currently progressing unchecked throughout the Vega Baja. It is similar in appearance to indigenous bark beetles, and the danger is that newly established populations often go undetected for long periods. They are capable of killing relatively vigorous trees during outbreaks.
In Redován, Council officials have concluded in a report that the central part of the pine forest has lost 40% of its pine trees while in the area neighbouring San Carlos the mortality rate is upward of 80% mortality of pinos carrascos (Aleppo pines). As in the neighboring municipality of Orihuela this pine forest was completely reforested in the early fifties.
Orihuela Councillor, Manuel Gallud, said that his municipal department has found great reluctance by the Valencian government to accept that there is a problem in the region and provide necessary assistance to undertake urgent action. “They seem to be blaming the death of the pines on the lack of rains, which is absolute nonsense, so municipalities are now being forced to pay for expensive treatments for the elimination of the pine weevil themselves”.
“The Regional allocation of 200,000 euros will go nowhere near meeting the cost of the necessary treatment and is insufficient for municipalities to hire crews to cut down the dead pine trees that pose a hazard to people and property, so municipalities are now being forced to pay for expensive treatments themselves”.
“The other aspect that is seriously affecting the problem is the fact that the disease has now spread over a number of different municipalities so co-ordinating any plan of action will be even more difficult”.
But a study carried out recently establishes a series of actions which it is hoped will reduce the impact of pests and eliminate all sources before the next period of greatest activity, from April to October next year, one aspect of which requires removing all infected wood from the forest. 
So as council workmen begin the difficult task of cutting down and disposing of the infected pines in an effort to control the current infestation and thereby save at least part of the pine tree population, in order to prevent another wave of dry trees and a similar, if not worse problem next summer, local councils must also unite in order to put together an emergency plan to contain it.
As a result of the problems encountered in Orihuela and surrounds, reviews are also being carried out by experts in the pine forests of Pilar de la Horadada and Callosa de Segura, and although there appear to be few affected trees, the owners of adjoining private land have also been told to be attentive to the dreaded insect.
Meanwhile, the Valencia Regional Ministry of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment issued an order on Monday making it compulsory to treat trees and forests affected by the plague, “regardless of the ownership of the land” and, according to the Plant Health Act, it is mandatory for the owners of farms or other vegetated surfaces to “enforce the phytosanitary measures”.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45483/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Some experts are calling the plague that is currently devastating the pine tree population in the Sierra de Orihuela as ‘unstoppable', and with over 5,000 trees destroyed by the weevil in recent months the Valencian treasury has recently announced an allocation of 200,000 euros for its treatment.
The pest was first detected in the Sierra de Orihuela in May and in just a few short months it has now spread into at least three adjoining municipalities with no sign whatsoever of any control.
The insect attacking the pines is known as "Tomicus destruens» and is currently progressing unchecked throughout the Vega Baja. It is similar in appearance to indigenous bark beetles, and the danger is that newly established populations often go undetected for long periods. They are capable of killing relatively vigorous trees during outbreaks.
In Redován, Council officials have concluded in a report that the central part of the pine forest has lost 40% of its pine trees while in the area neighbouring San Carlos the mortality rate is upward of 80% mortality of pinos carrascos (Aleppo pines). As in the neighboring municipality of Orihuela this pine forest was completely reforested in the early fifties.
Orihuela Councillor, Manuel Gallud, said that his municipal department has found great reluctance by the Valencian government to accept that there is a problem in the region and provide necessary assistance to undertake urgent action. “They seem to be blaming the death of the pines on the lack of rains, which is absolute nonsense, so municipalities are now being forced to pay for expensive treatments for the elimination of the pine weevil themselves”.
“The Regional allocation of 200,000 euros will go nowhere near meeting the cost of the necessary treatment and is insufficient for municipalities to hire crews to cut down the dead pine trees that pose a hazard to people and property, so municipalities are now being forced to pay for expensive treatments themselves”.
“The other aspect that is seriously affecting the problem is the fact that the disease has now spread over a number of different municipalities so co-ordinating any plan of action will be even more difficult”.
But a study carried out recently establishes a series of actions which it is hoped will reduce the impact of pests and eliminate all sources before the next period of greatest activity, from April to October next year, one aspect of which requires removing all infected wood from the forest. 
So as council workmen begin the difficult task of cutting down and disposing of the infected pines in an effort to control the current infestation and thereby save at least part of the pine tree population, in order to prevent another wave of dry trees and a similar, if not worse problem next summer, local councils must also unite in order to put together an emergency plan to contain it.
As a result of the problems encountered in Orihuela and surrounds, reviews are also being carried out by experts in the pine forests of Pilar de la Horadada and Callosa de Segura, and although there appear to be few affected trees, the owners of adjoining private land have also been told to be attentive to the dreaded insect.
Meanwhile, the Valencia Regional Ministry of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment issued an order on Monday making it compulsory to treat trees and forests affected by the plague, “regardless of the ownership of the land” and, according to the Plant Health Act, it is mandatory for the owners of farms or other vegetated surfaces to “enforce the phytosanitary measures”.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45483/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### KEEPING THE VOTE

I recently received an email from a fellow blogger, urging me to encourage all expats who read my blogs to vote in the next UK General Election. Apparently, only 30,000 of the 2.5 million expats who have the right to vote, bother to do so.
This is where the interesting politics begins since one of the UK political parties, currently in Government, is getting a tad concerned that it may be voted out of office in the 2015 General Election. This is where the sudden interest in the expat vote begins.
For those who are unaware, British expats have the right to vote in a UK General Election under the 15-year rule, meaning that after 15 years we lose the right to vote. My fellow blogger went on to say that because she had lived outside the UK for the last 25 years she was unhappy that she no longer had the right to vote in the UK.
The email duly instructed me to support a host of Conservative MPs in support of their campaigns, as well as ensuring that I vote Conservative to ensure that this political party fulfil their promise to ensure that the voting rights for all expats are permanently extended.
I have several problems with this proposal. Firstly, I am not about to suddenly become a supporter of the UK's Conservative Party, nor to follow the dictates of their Chairman who came up with this brilliant wheeze to garner more support for a party that was likely to lose the next General Election.
My cynicism comes from the belief that if the party had really wanted to do this they could have done so during their present and previous periods in Government, when the expat voice was conveniently ignored. How times change.
Secondly, I am no longer interested in voting in UK elections. Don't get me wrong, I love the UK and always will, but as I have been out of the country for the last twelve years, I no longer feel that I have the right to vote. Each time I return to the country, I feel that I no longer belong.
I fail to understand the surge in support for parties such as UKIP, the SNP and the recent near debacle in Scotland. Frankly, I am much more interested in being able to vote in the Spanish General Election as this will directly affect me.
As a Spanish resident I can already vote in European and local elections, but cannot currently vote in the national elections of the country where I live, work and pay taxes. This, to me, seems more unjust than not being able to vote in the country of my birth.
No doubt many will disagree with me and I can see their point of view, particularly if they intend to return to the UK in the future, have families in the UK, pay UK taxes and receive UK pensions.
If this should be the case, they can apply for a vote in the UK by registering for a postal vote on: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. I am told that the procedure is simple and it will take only three minutes to make the Chairman of the Conservative Party a very happy person.
On second thoughts, maybe I will apply for a vote, but maybe not use it as intended…
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.

© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45482/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: I recently received an email from a fellow blogger, urging me to encourage all expats who read my blogs to vote in the next UK General Election. Apparently, only 30,000 of the 2.5 million expats who have the right to vote, bother to do so.
This is whe...

### COASTAL ASSOCIATIONS UNITE TO DEFEND THEIR INTERESTS

Residents of Orihuela Costa got together last Friday to formalised the establishment of the Federation of Orihuela Costa. Local businessman Félix Arenas was elected to the chair.
Snr Arenas said that the Association had been formed  in order to "better promote the interests of the Orihuela Costa to the Orihuela Government.” He said that the services currently being provided to coastal residents had sharply deteriorated to the extent that many were now, at the very best, only minimal and most certainly certainly inadequate.
The Federation of the Orihuela Costa will be completely non political but it will vigorously defend the interests of the coast insisting that its residents are provided with a fair and proportional allocation of the budget.
It will seek to improve services, parks, cleaning, repair and maintenance of streets and the provision of sports and cultural activities. These will be the primary objectives of the Federation. 
The coast currently accounts for 60% of the municipal budgets, but receives in return a meager 6.5%, creating a disproportional and unjust situation. Therefore, one of the first things that the City Council will be asked by the Federation is exactly what it is going to do to better manage the Orihuela CostaFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45481/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Residents of Orihuela Costa got together last Friday to formalised the establishment of the Federation of Orihuela Costa. Local businessman Félix Arenas was elected to the chair.
Snr Arenas said that the Association had been formed  in order to "better promote the interests of the Orihuela Costa to the Orihuela Government.” He said that the services currently being provided to coastal residents had sharply deteriorated to the extent that many were now, at the very best, only minimal and most certainly certainly inadequate.
The Federation of the Orihuela Costa will be completely non political but it will vigorously defend the interests of the coast insisting that its residents are provided with a fair and proportional allocation of the budget.
It will seek to improve services, parks, cleaning, repair and maintenance of streets and the provision of sports and cultural activities. These will be the primary objectives of the Federation. 
The coast currently accounts for 60% of the municipal budgets, but receives in return a meager 6.5%, creating a disproportional and unjust situation. Therefore, one of the first things that the City Council will be asked by the Federation is exactly what it is going to do to better manage the Orihuela CostaFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45481/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### ORIHUELA EMPLOYMENT INCREASE

As the summer months are almost forgotten and we head towards the winter, it is often inevitable that unemployment will increase as seasonal workers become surplus to requirement, but that trend in increased unemployment is not apparent in some areas of the Vega Baja.
Unemployment across the Vega Baja increased by 129 people in October, with 33.07% of the population now out of work.
However, the seasonal expectations of the service industry were overtaken once again by other sectors, with 174 construction workers losing their jobs in October, 100 agricultural workers and another 70 in industry. In fact, the service sector generated 494 new jobs, offsetting those who have lost work.
According to the employment agency SERVEF, Torrevieja has seen the largest increase in unemployment, with 417 registered workers now losing their jobs. Guardamar del Segura was in second place with 86 new unemployed people, then Formetera with 12.
However, the opposite happened in Orihuela once again, where unemployment fell by 186 people in October, as was the case in Pilar de la Horadada, where 87 people found work, then Callosa de Seguar with 64 and Catral with 56.
By gender, 218 women lost their jobs compared with 89 men who have found employment in October.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45463/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As the summer months are almost forgotten and we head towards the winter, it is often inevitable that unemployment will increase as seasonal workers become surplus to requirement, but that trend in increased unemployment is not apparent in some areas ...

### WEIGHT GAIN DUMMIES

Crash-test dummies in America are piling on the pounds, in order for them to better represent the average size and shape of the humans they represent.
The dummies have already been wearing “fat suits” during a number of test scenarios, but now, the only American company who manufactures these life-saving mannequins are redesigning a whole range of thicker waist lined and bigger butted models.
Chris O' Connor, CEO of Humanetics, said that “Studies show that obese drivers are 78 percent more likely to die in a car crash”, before explaining how the dummies were modelled on an average person weighing about 167 pounds and with a healthy body mass index. The company is now designing models based on the statistics of an average 270 pound person, with a BMI of 35, which, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, is morbidly obese.
The change has come about after fears that seat belts, air bags and other safety features, which are traditionally designed for thinner people, don't fit or offer protection to “heavier” people in the same way.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45462/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Crash-test dummies in America are piling on the pounds, in order for them to better represent the average size and shape of the humans they represent.
The dummies have already been wearing “fat suits” during a number of test scenarios, bu...

### COSTA BLANCA ON EUROSPORT

The Alicante deputy for tourism, Joaquin Albaladejo, has attended the World Travel Market in London this week, with the sole aim of promoting sports in the area.
Albaladejo, who is also the financial councilor for Torrevieja, met with representatives from the Eurosport TV channel, who have been invited along on a “press trip” to the province, where they will be given an example of the sporting excellence on offer across the province. 
The primary sports under the spotlights were cycling, as the provincial tourism board are “commitment to cycling as a way to increase the number of tourists out of season”, according to Albaladejo.
In addition to cycling on TV, Albaladejo also met with Polish tour operators, as a country with 38 million inhabitants and a strong economic growth is emerging as one of the most important for potential markets in the EU. 
Sun and sand, active recreation or sports are products and services demanded my Polish tourist, for whom “the Costa Blanca an ideal destination to spend their vacation”, Albaladejo.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45461/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Alicante deputy for tourism, Joaquin Albaladejo, has attended the World Travel Market in London this week, with the sole aim of promoting sports in the area.
Albaladejo, who is also the financial councilor for Torrevieja, met with representatives...

### ORIHUELA POLICE CARS UNINSURED

The Partido Popular of Orihuela has criticised the government team this week, saying that as a result of them not paying the bill, numerous municipal vehicles have been left without insurance.
Spokesperson for the Orihuela PP, David Costa, claims that 12 vehicles being used by municipal brigades such as gardeners and municipal workers were left uninsured, as was a vehicle used by the Protección Civil, and a total of 15 vehicles used by the Policía Local.
It also later transpired that a minibus used to carry disabled passengers by the Asociación de Discapacitados comarcal, Adis Vega Baja, has been without insurance for the last 3 months. The association apparently noticed the anomaly but didn´t advise the municipal council, instead hiring a replacement minibus instead.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45460/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Partido Popular of Orihuela has criticised the government team this week, saying that as a result of them not paying the bill, numerous municipal vehicles have been left without insurance.
Spokesperson for the Orihuela PP, David Costa, claims tha...

### ITV COMMISSIONS A SIXTH SERIES OF DOWNTON ABBEY

ITV and Carnival Films, the producers of Downton Abbey, today announce that production will begin early next year on a sixth series of the hit drama.
 
The globally successful and multi award-winning series, debuted on ITV in 2010 and has since been sold to over 250 territories worldwide. The fifth season, which comes to an end on Sunday 9th November, has been watched by an average of 10.4 million based on consolidated data per episode and will return at Christmas for a festive edition of the drama. Season 5 will premiere on MASTERPIECE on PBS on Sunday 4th January 2015.
 
Carnival's Managing Director, Gareth Neame said:
 
“We have had an amazing reaction to the story lines, acting and production values of Downton Abbey this year and the whole team is thrilled to be moving ahead with a new season of the show.  This will provide audiences with a fresh opportunity to see what will befall our much loved characters.”
 
ITV's Director of Drama Commissioning, Steve November said,
 
"It is fantastic that Downton continues to be such a phenomenon - still the most popular drama on ITV in its fifth series - and we are thrilled to have commissioned a sixth series. We don't know yet what Julian has planned, but we are looking forward to working with him, the fantastic cast and Carnival again and have no doubt series six will be unmissable."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45459/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ITV and Carnival Films, the producers of Downton Abbey, today announce that production will begin early next year on a sixth series of the hit drama.
 
The globally successful and multi award-winning series, debuted on ITV in 2010 and has since been sold to over 250 territories worldwide. The fifth season, which comes to an end on Sunday 9th November, has been watched by an average of 10.4 million based on consolidated data per episode and will return at Christmas for a festive edition of the drama. Season 5 will premiere on MASTERPIECE on PBS on Sunday 4th January 2015.
 
Carnival's Managing Director, Gareth Neame said:
 
“We have had an amazing reaction to the story lines, acting and production values of Downton Abbey this year and the whole team is thrilled to be moving ahead with a new season of the show.  This will provide audiences with a fresh opportunity to see what will befall our much loved characters.”
 
ITV's Director of Drama Commissioning, Steve November said,
 
"It is fantastic that Downton continues to be such a phenomenon - still the most popular drama on ITV in its fifth series - and we are thrilled to have commissioned a sixth series. We don't know yet what Julian has planned, but we are looking forward to working with him, the fantastic cast and Carnival again and have no doubt series six will be unmissable."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45459/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### A FABULOUS FAMILY SHOPPING EVENT IN AID OF THE CHILDREN OF EMAUS

This year's “Early Bird Christmas Fair” on 2nd November at Salones Carrasco raised almost one thousand euros and it seems that the popularity of this early bird Christmas Fair is increasing year by year as evidenced by the fact that there was a 27% increase from last year in the number of people coming through the door. 
The second Friends of the Children of Emaús CHRISTMAS GIFT FAIR will, as in previous years, be at the splendid  Denia Marriott La Sella Golf Resort & Spa located close to Jesus Pobre at  Alqueria de Ferrando s/n, Denia, Alicante,  03749 . (For directions contact info@fcemaus.com) 
It is a two day affair, on Saturday and Sunday 29th and 30th November and doors will open at 11am and close at 6pm on both days. Entry is just one euro. There will be some 140 stalls in the Casino, the Ballroom and the corridors between the two. If you've been along in previous years you will know to expect all manner of goodies; if it will be your first visit, be prepared for a surprise!
Father Christmas is making a weekend of it and will be in his grotto for children and parents to visit from 11.00 sharp and he will leave for his dinner at 18.00hrs both days.  
He is a very hard working Santa. Every child will receive a gift from Santa and have a photo taken with him by professional photographers, the Schillings.  Pictures won't be expensive and you get the photo to take away on the day.     
TOTAL FM will be broadcasting from the Hotel all day Saturday and all day Sunday. 
The Jazz & Blues bar will run non-stop food, coffee and beers in the quiet area so that anyone who does not wish to buy gifts for Christmas, anyone who did it all in 10 minutes, and anyone who just need a break can sit and talk whilst the family shop till they drop!
This will be a great weekend so please mark November 29/30 in your diary.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45458/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This year's “Early Bird Christmas Fair” on 2nd November at Salones Carrasco raised almost one thousand euros and it seems that the popularity of this early bird Christmas Fair is increasing year by year as evidenced by the fact that there w...

### INHERITANCE AND GIFT TAX REFUNDS

Juan Fernández Rey - Rey Quiroga Fiscalistas Partner and official on a temporary leave Senior Group of the State Tax Administration Agency (AEAT). 
The recent judgment of the Court of the European Union of 3 September 2014 on the discrimination against nonresident taxpayers and deceased in the Spanish Inheritance and Gift Tax with respect to Spanish residents who can resort to Autonomous Community Legislation, allows residents from the European Economic Area (the EU 28 and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) to request the refund of the excess tax paid in Spain. 
The refund assumptions are valid in the following cases: 
•	Nonresidents in Spanish territory, when the inheritance or legacy deceased resides in Spanish territory or when they received donations of estates or other assets located in Spain. 
•	Spanish residents, when the inheritance or legacy deceased does not reside in Spain or when they received estate or other asset donations located outside Spain. 
The refunds, according to each case, can reach the entire amount paid in Spain, as shown in the following example of a succession of property and rights amounting to €5000,000 (taxable base) at 1 January 2014 inherited by a son.
See the attached graphic.
To obtain the refund there are the following action: 
1º If less than four years have passed between the payment and the submission of the request, there is the need of a procedure of sums unduly paid sufficiently substantiated and documented before the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT). The expected return period would be between three months and one year.  
2º If more than four years have elapsed since the payment, to my judgment, it is possible to initiate a procedure of patrimonial liability of Public Administrations, first before the Administration and later before the appropriate Court. This process is slow and expensive, it must be formalised and properly founded and documented. Besides, the deadline for submission finishes within a year since the said judgment was rendered, in this case, 3 September 2015. 
However, this path has its days numbered since there is currently a bill amendment of the General Taxing Law pending, which prevents the use of this solution when the liquidation on which the refund is being planned has been prescribed. 
In any case, there is an evident need of working together with a fiscalist specialist in tax procedures of the AEAT in order to avoid any mistake that leads to the non-admissibility of the application, the prescription of your right or the dismissal of your claim. 
Your fiscalist will need the same documentation used to pay the tax, your own tax declaration and the proof of the payment of the tax. 
Not only will you receive the refund of the paid tax excess, but you will be entitled to a refund of the correspondent interest on arrears since the payment date, which since 2009 has been 5%. Therefore, if five years elapse between the payment and the refund, there will be an addition of about 25% in interest of arrears when calculating the total refund. 
Ultimately, those citizens from the European Economic Area who find themselves in one of the refund assumptions should: 
1º Contact a fiscalist specialist in AEAT procedures and check the refund amount they would be entitled to, the procedure they need to follow, the required documentation and the cost of intervention (usually a percentage of the refund).
2º Initiate the procedure as soon as possible to have all the necessary documentation to avoid the right to refund prescription or the expiry date of the proceedings for damages against the State. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45457/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Juan Fernández Rey - Rey Quiroga Fiscalistas Partner and official on a temporary leave Senior Group of the State Tax Administration Agency (AEAT). 
The recent judgment of the Court of the European Union of 3 September 2014 on the discrimination...

### IGLESIA DE SANTA MARIA DEL MAR, LA ZENIA CONCERT

The Orihuela Costa Male Voice Choir has recently recruited 10 new men, and you can be the first to hear this extra fine sound that 30+ men can make in the fabulous acoustic of La Zenia church.
Conductor Nigel Hopkins introduces and conducts repertoire both old and new.
The new girl group KARISMA is made up of 4 of Nigel Hopkins' young pupils (some already singing professionally). They are the well-known Janelle (Gaskell), Elise MacGregor (one half of the duet 'Release' sung with Nigel's other pupil Rebecca Holt), Holly Neeson (beautiful Irish voice that has been heard many times at the Orihuela Costa Resort), and Gemma Gamble Garcia. All are leading members of Cantemos! Youth Choir.
They will be singing arrangements of very famous musical theatre songs, specially written for them by Nigel Hopkins for this performance. We promise you they are not be missed.
Orihuela Costa Male Voice Choir and introducing 'Karisma' girl harmony group
Sunday 16th November, 20.00hrs and for tickets: 6€ available from La Ponderosa gift shop at La Zenia C.C. - next to Looking Good ..... Or on the door!
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45456/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Orihuela Costa Male Voice Choir has recently recruited 10 new men, and you can be the first to hear this extra fine sound that 30+ men can make in the fabulous acoustic of La Zenia church.
Conductor Nigel Hopkins introduces and conducts repertoire...

### TORREVIEJA SLAUGHTERED 246 CATS IN 2013

Information released by the Los Verdes green party of Torrevieja this week reveals that the tax payers of the municipality funded the slaughter and incineration of 246 feral cats.
The veterinary clinic that operates on behalf of the town hall has submitted a bill for euthanizing 246 cats during 2013, at a cost of 4,464.90 euro, plus 1,129.48 euro for the incineration.
The greens unveiled the figures at a press conference focused on expressing their support for the new agreement between the municipality and three animal associations to control the cat population by a spaying and neutering campaign, an agreement aimed at now avoiding their slaughter, which the Los Verdes applaud as a better way of dealing with the issue.
A spokesperson for the Los Verdes said that the group offer “Congratulations to the mayor and the Department of Health for deciding to assume the sterilisation CES program”, which involves capturing and sterilizing the many cats that make the feline colonies in Torrevieja, “leading to a dignified treatment of these animals, that not only have the right to live, but are victims of a society that still sees the rest of complex animals as if they were mere objects”, and therefore, “lacking rights and, what is worse, the most fundamental respects”.
However, to ensure that the town hall don´t revert back to a campaign of slaughter, the Los Verdes are looking for assurances and guarantees that the project will mean a “stop to the sacrificing of cats in Torrevieja, once and for all”, .as has been happening in recent years. Whilst a medium term aim would be to achieve control and reduce the population of these cats, transferring the cost of sacrificing them to a sterilization campaign, whilst also “satisfying also the health problems reported by some neighbours”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45453/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Information released by the Los Verdes green party of Torrevieja this week reveals that the tax payers of the municipality funded the slaughter and incineration of 246 feral cats.
The veterinary clinic that operates on behalf of the town hall has sub...

### KILLER TRIAL SUSPENDED

The judge presiding over a case in which a male is charged in connection with an attack on three women in the Murcia town of El Raal has suspended the hearing for a second time. 
It is alleged that the man, known as TR, assaulted the three women on a rural lane, hitting them with an object, with the intention of robbing them. One of the women died at the scene as a result of injuries sustained in the attack. 
The case has been suspended on account of a “very important” witness being unavailable, said to be in Casablanca, having been expelled from Spain. The court is now trying to find the witness and make arrangements for a video link in order for evidence to be given at the trial. 
The prosecutor is asking for 44 years in prison for the alleged attacker, whereas the defence say that his client maintains his innocence “from day one that he was arrested” and during “the time spent in prison, has never changed his story”.
The incident occurred at around 16:45 on the 27th of February, 2012, when three elderly women, aged between 69 and 80, were walking down a country path in the Los Cobos area of the Murcia town of El Raal, next to a lemon grove.
The defendant, who was born in Morocco, and was 31 years of age at the time, and with no criminal record, is said to have “silently” approached the women from behind, equipped with an industrial stick of some 88 centimetres in length and 4 centimetres thick, and was “driven by the desire” to rob them, “even at the expense of their lives and physical integrity of the elderly women”.
According to the prosecution, the accused then hit one of the women with a blow that was “not too hard”, resulting in her falling to the ground, stunned. The accused then dragged the victim towards the lemon grove, taking a purse from her pocket and removing the 5 euro note, 2 one euro coins and some cents.
Returning to the remaining pair, the accused stuck a more severe blow to the second victim, then dragging her to the same location as the first. Finally, dealing a “severe” blow to the third victim, who was no alone, where she fell to the floor stunned, the accused then taking a 5 euro note from her purse before fleeing, throwing the stick into the groves. It was that third victim who died the next day, suffering an acute subdural hematoma. 
Two people said that they witnessed the alleged attacker flee in the opposite direction to where the victims lay. The accused is said to have then gone home, where he washed and shaved off his hair, before returning to work on a farm the next day.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45452/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The judge presiding over a case in which a male is charged in connection with an attack on three women in the Murcia town of El Raal has suspended the hearing for a second time. 
It is alleged that the man, known as TR, assaulted the three women on a...

### HANDS THAT DO DISHES

The wonderful people at the Rotary Club in Torrevieja visited Reach Out recently to donate an industrial dishwasher to the drop in centre kitchen.
The dishwasher was donated by Jose Antonio Vilelle Fructuoso, owner of Restaurante Bahia and Salones de Bahia, two of the most well known restaurants in Torrevieja.
The dishwasher arrived fully serviced and as good as new, and has been put to extremely good use every day with the Reach Out team cooking and serving two meals to homeless people in the town. Also pictured is Emilio Corcoles Corcoles, President of the Torrevieja Rotary Club, who also happens to be one of the landlords at the drop in centre.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45451/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The wonderful people at the Rotary Club in Torrevieja visited Reach Out recently to donate an industrial dishwasher to the drop in centre kitchen.
The dishwasher was donated by Jose Antonio Vilelle Fructuoso, owner of Restaurante Bahia and Salones de ...

### APYMECO RECOGNISES THE WORK OF REACH OUT

Torrevieja's Small and Medium Business Association, APYMECO, paid homage to Reach Out at a recent gala dinner.  
On Friday 31st October, members of the association gathered alongside officials from the town hall including the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, for the first annual Cena de Empresarios or Business Dinner.
A delicious meal was enjoyed by all in Restaurante El Puerto before the APYMECO award for 2014 was presented to a local business.  This time, the honour went to Astoria by Patrimi, which was praised for its innovation and expertise in the world of textile and fashion. 
Three special awards were given at the event – one to Antonio Mateo one of the original APYMECO members, José Manuel Muñoz Espinosa, local entrepreneur and chairperson of APYMECO for four years and finally, a plaque of recognition was given to Reach Out for its important work with local homeless people and families living in poverty.
President of Reach Out, Karolina Leonard, said “It is such an honour that an important local group such as APYMECO has recognised the work we do.
I would like to extend sincere thanks to the President of APYMECO, Caridad Salmeron, for this award and thank the entire association for inviting us to share in a wonderful evening.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45450/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Torrevieja's Small and Medium Business Association, APYMECO, paid homage to Reach Out at a recent gala dinner.  
On Friday 31st October, members of the association gathered alongside officials from the town hall including the Mayor of Torrevieja, Edua...

### SHORT CIRCUIT

According to preliminary investigations a short circuit in a television set was to blame for a fire at 4 de la calle Santomera, in El Acequión last Monday.
The fire started in a first floor apartment and, but for the quick thinking of the occupant, who dragged the burning set out onto the balcony, sources say it could have been much worse. Two fire tenders from Torrevieja quickly brought the blaze under control.
The elderly resident, who was treated by an ambulance crew at the scene, suffered from minor burns and smoke inhalation.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45449/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: According to preliminary investigations a short circuit in a television set was to blame for a fire at 4 de la calle Santomera, in El Acequión last Monday.
The fire started in a first floor apartment and, but for the quick thinking of the occup...

### TORREVIEJA OUTLOOK SUPPORTS REACH OUT

Volunteers from the Reach Out team recently attended the launch of Andy Ormiston's Torrevieja Outlook 2015 calendar - a beautiful solidarity calendar which, thanks to costs being covered by sponsors, all the charities selling the calendar can keep 100% of the profits (copies on sale at both Reach Out shops now).
At the launch, President of Reach Out, Karolina Leonard, was called to the stage by Miguel Angel of Aroca Seiquer law firm in the Rocajuna urbanisation (their beautiful offices and gardens were used as a launch venue for the calendar).
Through his dealings with money transfers for clients, Miguel Angel accrues commission from Currencies Direct. Rather than keeping the commission, he lets the pot build up for donation to local charities.
Karolina was shocked and delighted to receive the donation which amounted to over €5000. She told us, “Our intense gratitude to Miguel Angel, his clients and staff, and to Currencies Direct for making this possible. It is hard to describe what this donation means, but let me try to put it into context.
On the morning of the calendar launch, a group of volunteers gathered at the drop in centre for morning prayers. There, we were praying for blankets.
Gathered in a circle, we prayed for blankets and sleeping bags as the nights are getting cold, and the homeless people are suffering. Who knew that just a few hours later, we would go to the launch of Andy's brilliant calendar, and for such a miracle to be handed to us. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45448/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Volunteers from the Reach Out team recently attended the launch of Andy Ormiston's Torrevieja Outlook 2015 calendar - a beautiful solidarity calendar which, thanks to costs being covered by sponsors, all the charities selling the calendar can keep 100%...

### ON TV THIS WEEK, WE REMEMBER

We start this week´s review with a trip across the pond to America. You might remember us talking about Desperate Housewives and Devious Maids the other week, well this week it has been announced that their creator, Marc Cherry, has been commissioned to create a new series based on the Phantom of the Opera. No more details are available at this early stage, other than TV execs telling us that it will certainly not be a musical based show.
Meanwhile, based on the success of the latest Marvel Comics spinoff Gotham, which focuses on the early life of Bruce Wayne in the childhood before he came Batman, the next incarnation may well be an alien planet based series which looks at life on the planet Krypton, the original home to superhero Superman. Of course one of the most bizarre elements of Gotham is that it is largely based in present day, with modern cars and mobile phones, so a suspension of the Batman of our childhood is needed to really appreciate the character led stories unfolding before us.
Back to home shores, and this week the BBC is dedicating a fair amount of time in order to “pause to remember the fallen”, during their focus on Remembrance Week. Tony Hall, Director-General of the BBC, says: “It is incredibly important that every year the BBC marks Remembrance Week with a range of programming on TV, radio and online that brings the nation together and helps us pause to remember and commemorate those that made the ultimate sacrifice. This year has the added poignancy of the centenary of the start of the First World War and, as part of our programming, we will continue to tell the stories from that conflict to new generations.”
We already mentioned The Passing Bells last week, a powerful five-part drama, which sees the conflict of the First World War unfold through the eyes of two very ordinary young men. BBC One will also have a Countryfile special which explores Word War One's lasting legacy on the landscape of the Western Front and the part played by those on the home front in winning the war. Meanwhile, an Antiques Roadshow WW1 Special sees Fiona Bruce and a small group of experts meet families bringing poignant stories of courage and humanity in wartime.
Meanwhile, in The People Remember, which is on every morning this week, Sophie Raworth and former Army Officer Andy Torbet honour heroes of war both on the battlefield and on the home front. The programmes, based at the Imperial War Museum in London, feature surprise reunions, inspiring stories of bravery. 
On BBC One on Saturday the 8th of November, in the presence of HM The Queen, senior members of the Royal Family, political and military leaders, Huw Edwards presents The Royal British Legion's annual Festival of Remembrance which pays tribute to all victims of war and conflict.
This year's Festival will welcome 100 Normandy veterans as we pay tribute to the 70th anniversary of D-Day. The Festival commemorates the First World War Centenary with the cast of War Horse, and Joss Stone performs the official Poppy appeal single – 'No Man's Land'. The Band of HM Royal Marines will give a unique performance to mark their 350th Anniversary, there will be a display from the Queen's Colour Squadron and all perform alongside The Massed Bands of the Household Division and The Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra. The Festival includes the traditional two-minute silence as poppy petals fall from the roof of the Royal Albert Hall, each representing a life lost in war.
On Sunday the 9th of November, BBC One is live from The Cenotaph, where Her Majesty The Queen leads the nation's Remembrance Sunday commemorations. The Prime Minister, leading politicians, representatives of many of the world's religions, dignitaries from around the Commonwealth and military leaders join thousands of veterans from countless conflicts for the two-minute silence at 11 am UK time, the service and march past. All gather to remember those men and women who have died serving their country.
The film War Horse will premiere for BBC One on Remembrance Sunday. Stephen Spielberg directs this epic adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's best-selling book/play with a cast that includes Peter Mullan, Jeremy Irvine, Benedict Cumberbatch, Emily Watson, David Thewlis and Tom Hiddleston.
In other future news this week, Channel 4 has announced a new political drama, Coalition. Bertie Carvel, Mark Dexter and Ian Grieve will star as Nick Clegg, David Cameron and Gordon Brown in this new, original drama which also features Mark Gatiss as Peter Mandelson. Written by James Graham, the acclaimed playwright behind political hits Privacy, This House and Tory Boyz, Coalition charts the emotionally wrought, politically-charged and often frenzied moments which led to Nick Clegg's astonishing rise from rank outsider to the man who would decide the fate of the country.
As for ITV, they will focus on rock band Queen next week. Having racked up nearly fifty top 30 hits, Queen are a national treasure whose music has rocked the planet for forty years. The Nation's Favourite Queen Song uncovers the origins of their best-loved tunes and tells the stories behind the band's bold and inventive music videos. Featuring interviews with celebrity fans and Queen friends including  Katy Perry, Tony Hadley, Mel C, Tony Iommi, Al Murray, Noddy Holder, Dame Zandra Rhodes, McFly's Tom Fletcher, and Arlene Phillips, this 90 minute special counts down Britain's 20 favourite Queen songs.
 And finally, we now have transmission date for the second series of The Fall, Thursday the 13th of November is the date for your diary, when we will pick up the drama where we left off, with Gillian Anderson at the helm as Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson continuing her increasingly desperate hunt for the serial murderer Paul Spector, played frighteningly by Jamie Dornan. It has been ten days since Spector told DSI Gibson that she would never catch him. As Gibson tries in vain to help Spector's surviving victim remember the identity of her attacker, Spector is forced to deal with the loose ends that he left behind in Belfast. His return to the city to discover that someone from his past has been helping police with their enquiries, forcing Spector to change his plans - with terrifying consequences.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45447/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: We start this week´s review with a trip across the pond to America. You might remember us talking about Desperate Housewives and Devious Maids the other week, well this week it has been announced that their creator, Marc Cherry, has been commiss...

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 3 NOVEMBER 2014

HIGH MAIL
A 50 year old grandmother from Guyana was arrested last week after she allegedly attempted to send a quantity of cocaine through the postal system to an address in Valencia, Spain. The woman was convicted for being in possession of 274 grams of cocaine which she had hidden in beauty products prior to posting. 
TICKET TO RIDE
A theatre in Madrid has come up with an ingenious way of reducing IVA payments, by offering pornographic magazines for sale, which come with a complimentary theatre ticket. The reason is that the magazines enjoy a reduced 4% rate of IVA, whereas theatre tickets suffer an additional 21% tax. The aim is to criticise the government´s cultural tax policy, thus proving that pornography has “more support from the government” than the arts. 
BROCCOLI THREAT
Broccoli production in Spain is starting a slow recovery, as the biggest export season approaches. However, the severe drought throughout the summer is expected to have an adverse effect of the vegetable yield, especially in the Murcia region. Francisco Mula, general director of Agrícola Santa Eulalia, said, “The lack of water resources is increasingly affecting our crops, reducing the yield, which ends up taking a toll on our profit margins”, and may result in higher prices to the consumer. Some 90% of the 23,000 tonnes of broccoli produced by the Totana based company are exported to countries such as the UK, sold mostly through supermarket chains.
DRUNK FLYER
A “drunk” passenger on board a Ryanair flight from Málaga to East Midlands was arrested after throwing cigarettes around the cabin and claiming to have a bomb with him, then assaulting another passenger who had tried to calm him. Ryanair apologised to the other passengers on the flight and say that the matter is with the police, who arrested the passenger on charges of being under the influence of alcohol, smoking during flight and common assault. A court date has been set for November.
MONEY GROWTH
Financial analysts Fitch have awarded Spain with a BBB+ rating, with a stable outlook, as the GDP is set to contract by 0.2% in 2014, followed by growth of 0.6% in 2015. Italy has been given the same upgrade for the future.
SOMETHING FISHY
The Spanish government has called for an increase in the allowance of Bluefin tuna that the EU fleet of fishing boats can catch, and are supporting an increase of up to 23,500 tonnes in two years. Minister of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Isabel García Tejerina, said that the increase would be “a positive signal” and that Spanish fishermen deserve “a fair reward”, on account of the Bluefin Tuna Recovery Plan being carried out successfully. Overfishing has threatened the existence of Bluefin tuna and Spain catches almost 20% of the total stock quota. Spanish Bluefin tuna exports in 2013 generated a total of 37.7 million euro, of which almost 90 per cent were fresh products. In the first half of this year, the export figure is 32 million already.
FROG FEARS
A deadly virus is causing havoc in Spain, with frog, toad, newt, and salamander populations being attacked by an emerging pathogen, mainly in the Picos de Europa National Park in northern Spain. The ranavirus called common midwife toad virus (CMTV) was first isolated on the European continental mainland in 2007 from diseased tadpoles. Experts are concerned that the long-term effects could have wider significance as emerging diseases threaten all animal groups.
DIA DISAPPOINTMENT
Supermarket chain Dia reported disappointing sales in the third quarter of the year this week, with sales rising just 0.3% to 2.03 billion euro, giving them a 1.8% increase in profits of just 154.2 million euro.
RICH PICKINGS
As the strawberry picking season is about to get underway, farmers in the Huelva region have once again promised to give the manual jobs to local workers, for the second year running. However, they have also created a database of 2,000 Moroccan nationals who are on the reserve list to fill jobs that may be vacant or in the event of an increase in workload. 
NEW AIRLINE GROWING
Spanish budget airline Volotea, the brainchild of former Vueling founders, Carlos Muñoz and Lázaro Ros, will open their first base in Spain in 2015. This first location is likely to be in the north of Spain for the Barcelona based firm, with plans to open up to five bases among the Spanish airports, looking at spreading to the east, south and islands. Currently, Volotea‘s aircrafts spend their time at Venice, Palermo, Nantes and Bordeaux, with Strasbourg expected to be added soon.
EAST TO SOUTH
Qatar Airways plans to fly from Barcelona to Latin America, but only if it will not take away business from either Iberia or any other Oneworld airline alliance, which it joined a year ago, according to CEO Akbar Al Baker. ”If we see opportunities, we would, but always in total agreement with Iberia, an IAG group company which Qatar Airways belongs”, he explained on Tuesday at the Aviation Partnership Summit.
WOOD YOU BELIEVE IT?
Spain´s national competition auditor has broken up a business cartel which had 24 wooden pallet companies price fixing the market between 2005 and 2011. The companies were given a 4.7 million euro fine which offsets their profits during the operation. 
GREATER MOBILITY
San Miguel de Salinas has added two new patrol vehicles to the fleet of the Policia Local. One will be used to transport juvenile detainees whilst the second will carry out mobile patrols in and around the town. Both vehicles are already in current use.
HOSPITAL AWARD
Torrevieja's University Hospital has been recognized for its work in promoting equality with an award by the Alicante Bureau of Equal Opportunities. The presentation was made at a ceremony held in the offices of the Alicante Red Cross. The honor recognizes the efforts made by the center to implement initiatives that advocate equal treatment and employment opportunities for men and women in their plan of reconciling work and family life in the hospital.
OLDEST RESIDENT DIES
Torrevieja's oldest resident, 108 year old Josefina Blanco López, died last Monday morning after her health had deteriorated over the previous weekend. She died at her home in Calle Caballero de Rodas, the same house in which she was born on May 19, 1906. A funeral mass, attended by the Torrevieja mayor, was held in celebration of her life, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, on Tuesday.
BENIDORM BOOST
Widely known as one of the most famous tourist attractions locations in Spain, Benidorm has this week taken on a self-appointed new title, as a city free from evictions. The “zona libre de desahucios” proposal is expected to gain the full approval of the municipal political groups, and includes a number of measures to help victims of the mortgage crisis. 
AGEING POPULATION
Data published last week by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) indicates that the country's population will fall by 5.6 million by the year 2064 by which time almost 40% of people will be aged 65 or more. The report also says that the number of people living alone will increase by almost 38 per cent in the next 15 years.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45446/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: HIGH MAIL
A 50 year old grandmother from Guyana was arrested last week after she allegedly attempted to send a quantity of cocaine through the postal system to an address in Valencia, Spain. The woman was convicted for being in possession of 274 gram...

### TENNIS- WEEKEND  TOURNAMENTS AT CAMPOAMOR

Halloween weekend is always a busy time on the tennis courts at Campoamor. The half term week brings visiting players, who mix in with the regulars.
On the Friday, players competed in an American tournament. After the preliminary matches, the top 2 men and women competed in a one set mixed doubles final. Congratulations to the winners Jan and Andy McClaughlin who beat Lillian Meagher and Raimundo Martinez in the final.  Special thanks to Christine Reed who supplied cakes and coffee for the competitors and their generous donations, which went towards the Dolores dogs home.
On Saturday, a ‘world doubles' event was held. These events are for the better players on the Costa Blanca and are limited to 12 players, so that everybody gets 3 hours of solid, competitive, tennis. Results- 1st Steve Durie 30 pts   2nd Brendan Pettit 27 pts   3rd Andy McClaughlin 25pts.
If you are interested in the tennis at Campoamor, individual and group coaching are available and organized club play sessions are run 3 times a week, you can contact Steve Durie on 635061439 or sdurie@hotmail.co.uk. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45439/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Halloween weekend is always a busy time on the tennis courts at Campoamor. The half term week brings visiting players, who mix in with the regulars.
On the Friday, players competed in an American tournament. After the preliminary matches, the top 2 me...

### TWO POINTS LOST IN TORRY DRAW

CD Torrevieja 1 SC Requena 1
Four consecutive victories have not only lifted CD Torrevieja into joint 2nd position in the Tercera Division but they have earned the club a new found respect, as well as sending out a message that, under new manager Galiana, the time is right for this sleeping giant of a club to move on to the next level in its footballing development.
However there would be no complacency ahead of the visit of SC Requena, who, despite their precarious position in the league, have achieved 11 pts, 3 wins and 2 draws, from their last 15. Just 4 weeks ago, with only 2pts from their opening 6 fixtures, they were firmly rooted to the bottom of the table with, seemingly, no likelihood of escape. How the fortunes of both clubs have changed.
So CD Torrevieja knew that there would be no prospect for them to relax otherwise a defeat would be costly and quickly overturn the progress they have worked so hard to achieve.
Unfortunately Requena, playing their 450th Tercera game, had other ideas as they pressed Torrevieja from the very start and on just their 2nd attack, in a crowded Torry area, the youngster Pablo was first with an outstretched foot to a loose ball to put his side into an early lead.
But such is the determination of the home side that they immediately threw everything they had at the visitors who, for the remainder of the half, were limited to occasional breaks. The striker who was creating the chances was Steve and he went close with dangerous headers in the 10th and 12th minutes.
Further opportunities were squandered by the Cameroon striker before he eventually leveled the scoreline at 1-1 in the 31st minute, when he stroked the ball home following good build up play, which saw him create space in the box. 
Torry continued to dominate throughout the 2nd period but were unable to add to their score, and again it was Steve who was guilty of ‘firing most of the blanks.' Indeed he probably should have had a hat trick but further misses in the 52nd and 62nd minutes added to the strikers frustrating evening. 
Oscar was called into action in the 74th minute when he made an important save which could have seen Torry go behind in a game that they really should have won in a canter. Final score CD Torrevieja 1-1 SC Requena
Next weekend Tory travel to CF Cullera. Check the club website for details.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45436/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: CD Torrevieja 1 SC Requena 1
Four consecutive victories have not only lifted CD Torrevieja into joint 2nd position in the Tercera Division but they have earned the club a new found respect, as well as sending out a message that, under new manager Gali...

### CORVERA HAS WEEK OF GROWING SUPPORT

Following last week´s revelations that Corvera airport is continuing to assume that operations will be able to take place son, this week has seen other officials confirm that the new Murcia Regional Airport may well son be a reality, albeit at the expense of San Javier.
However, despite the growing support, the European Commission has again delayed its decision on the financial operation of Corvera airport and given a further extension to their consultation period, with a provisional date for their decision now expected on the 18th of December. This additional delay has increased restlessness and the impatience in the regional government, which is already considering alternatives to the possibility of opening the airport on the 2nd of April. 
This latest delay suggests that the equity loan approval will rest with the new Competition Commissioner, Margrethe Vestager, a Danish politician who is replacing Spaniard Joaquín Almunia in early November. 
At the same time that the further delay was announced, the Minister of Development of the Spanish National Government, Ana Pastor, responded to questions in the Senate and said that her department will do everything possible to ensure better connectivity in the region and open the airport at Corvera.
The Minister was responding to questions raised by the socialist, Ramón Ortiz, as to whether the government consider it essential that the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia financially compensate Aena for the closure of the Murcia San Javier airport. Noting that the current airport has excellent facilities and has served more than a million passengers this year, Pastor pointed out that with the opening of Corvera airport, the service to all citizens will be substantially improved.
The Regional Minister for Development, Manuel Campos, has stated that with the testing and operational activities continuing, and with a second inspection of the facilities scheduled for December when flight calibrations will be performed, he is confident that “December, 15”, will be the date when the certification process will be complete and the airport certified tor opening.
For their part, the airport authority, AENA; has said that it will not place any obstacles in the way of the opening of Corvera and subsequent closure of San Javier. They also state that they have informed the competition authorities of this, and that they are “more than willing” to meet the requirements of reverting San Javier back to military use,  provided that the legitimate interests of AENA, both in financial terms and the needs of its employees in the San Javier airport are respected. Aena will sign the closure order for San Javier, so long as they have the approval from the competition authority.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works and the Corvera airport concessionaire, Aeromur, are continuing with the airport certification program, which will have an initial staff of 60 employees, twenty of which have already been hired.
The operational template should be available in mid-February, which would see the opening of the airport to flights approved by the State Agency for Aviation Safety. All staff must then be briefed and trained in airport operational procedures and manuals, and will face the final inspections relating to safe operation of aircraft and the airport facility. This template for operation includes procedures and methods of work for everybody from the cleaning staff to air traffic controllers, although it is independent to the checks required of workers assigned to commercial firms to be installed in the terminal and auxiliary enterprises.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45435/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Following last week´s revelations that Corvera airport is continuing to assume that operations will be able to take place son, this week has seen other officials confirm that the new Murcia Regional Airport may well son be a reality, albeit at t...

### TORREVIEJA HARBOUR RENOVATION WORK STARTED

Work has begun on regenerating a much needed side of the industrialised area of Torrevieja, as the harbour wall along the south side of the city becomes a pedestrian walkway.
In July of this year, the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, announced that the work had been given the green light by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment for the company Becsa, a subsidiary of the former Lubasa, to carry out the 769,991 euro this first stage of regeneration work.
The project is part of a five point action plan agreed with the municipal council, for renewing the area in the vicinity of the desalination plant. Collectively, the work has a budget of over 11.7 million euro.
The aim of the work is to provide better access to the extension of the harbour wall, where a conveyor belt which carries salt from the Salinas to the cargo loading bay runs adjacent, to create a new area for relaxation and walking in one of the most ignored areas of the city.
A walkway is being constructed along the breakwater of the harbour, which will provide 650 metres of pedestrian space, with a combination of tiled, paved and wooden flooring along the promenade, with new street lighting, drinking water fountains, litter bins, benches and wooden pergolas for shade along the way.
In addition, there will be extra palm trees planted in the area leading up to the new paseo, along the access at Playa de los Náufragos.
Meanwhile, the port areas of Torrevieja have come under scrutiny this week, after Spokesman for the Alternative Popular APTCe political group, Domingo Soler, reports that he believes the mayor will create a new space for 30 catering establishments and bars in the harbour area, that he believes will lead to a “cartel” in deciding who should be awarded the opportunity to operate them. 
Soler also feels that the development would be damaging to the existing bars and restaurants of the city, many of which have already closed down, many more of which are struggling already, and following on from the failed 2010 plans to renew the area, for which no company was prepared to offer the 80 million euro funding to create the project. 
Local hostelry associations have also voiced their concerns over the plans, but Dolón has denied the plans, saying that he has had several meetings with trade and hospitality associations, and that he plans to announce preliminary plans for the development of the harbour basin this week.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45434/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Work has begun on regenerating a much needed side of the industrialised area of Torrevieja, as the harbour wall along the south side of the city becomes a pedestrian walkway.
In July of this year, the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, announ...

### HOSPITALS AWARDED FOR EXCELLENCE

Three hospitals in the province of Alicante have received the prestigious recognition of being recognised as the “Best in Class” within the National Health Service.
The General de Alicante has been recognised as the best service in the field of dermatology. Alicante´s Hospital de Sant Joan won two awards, the Best Service in Pneumology and another for the oncology department. Elche´s Vinalopó hospital has been honoured for service in the field of both Allergology and Clinical Immunology.
It is the ninth time that the awards have been presented to the medical institutions of the area, with more than 630 health and service departments across the country fighting for a total of 41 prizes, including two special awards. 
Three Alicante health centres were also awarded for their excellence. The Rheumatoid Arthritis unit of La Fe was recognised for its work in the area of clinical nutrition, rheumatology, infectious and urological disease. The Nephrology unit at La Ribera was awarded for their service contribution, as was the major pain unit at the Clínico de Valencia. In total, the region has received eleven awards from 39 categories, which places the area at the head of the country in the number of awards for quality patient care.
The Minister of Health, Manuel Llombart, spoke of the “quality of hospital services in the Region” of Valencia, and recalled how these awards are “important” in recognising the index value of quality of care to patients, and the “important role of health professionals”.
The General de Elche hospital came third place in the final for its work in transplants and Schizophrenia. The Vinalopó hospital was also in third place in its final class for Dermatology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Intensive Care, Retina and Vitreous treatments and fourth place of their emergency department. Torrevieja came fourth in Dermatology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Patient Care.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45433/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Three hospitals in the province of Alicante have received the prestigious recognition of being recognised as the “Best in Class” within the National Health Service.
The General de Alicante has been recognised as the best service in the fi...

### NOVEMBER FOCUS ON NATURAL PARKS

Throughout the month of November, the natural parks of La Mata and Torrevieja are offering a schedule of 15 activities, with the aim of highlighting the unique environmental and educational benefits of the area.
Within the schedule there are activities such as bird watching and nature trails to workshops, lectures and charity activities, with the main focus being to raise the awareness and value of the rich natural and cultural heritage that houses the Natural Park of La Mata and Torrevieja, reinforcing the idea of a socioeconomic motor for Natural parks. 
Taking time out from promoting the destruction of the natural park after approving the construction of a new DIY store which threatens one of the most important bird colonies in the world, the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, highlighted the enormous tourism and environmental values of the Natural Park, which in 2013 attracted over 13,000 visitors and in 2014, from January to September, has already seen a total of 18,500 visitors. 
Of the 15 scheduled activities, a total of 10 will be during the weekend, and all of them aimed at families to enjoy this very unique area of Torrevieja. This weekend, Saturday the 1st of November, saw the first activity launched, an educational Environmental Recycling Workshop.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45432/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Throughout the month of November, the natural parks of La Mata and Torrevieja are offering a schedule of 15 activities, with the aim of highlighting the unique environmental and educational benefits of the area.
Within the schedule there are activiti...

### ONE IN FOUR NOW IN POVERTY

The Catholic run charitable organization Cáritas has presented its latest poverty report this week, revealing that one in four people in Spain are now living in poverty.
According to the report, there has been an increase of 4.4 million people facing the worst of the financial crisis since 2008, with the number of people now living in poverty reaching a record 11.7 million. Of those people, the report says that 77% have no work and 61% are struggling to find a place to live. The report also says that half a million families in Spain have no source of income.
The official unemployment figure in Spain is around 23%, and despite the country showing signs of recovery, the report suggests that, “there are no signs that the tendency towards worsening social problems has not stopped”.
Cáritas spokesperson, Sebastian Mora, said, “Economic growth on its own does not lead to equality”, adding, “What is clear is that to fight poverty and social exclusion, you need to boost social protection. It is true that there have been programmes and plans...but these efforts are absolutely insufficient”.
During their current term in office, the government of Mariano Rajoy has been criticised for its policies that have led to the crisis worsening for the more vulnerable member of society, with increased taxes, frozen public salaries and severe cuts to public services such as education and healthcare.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45431/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Catholic run charitable organization Cáritas has presented its latest poverty report this week, revealing that one in four people in Spain are now living in poverty.
According to the report, there has been an increase of 4.4 million people...

### THE KING VISITS ALICANTE

King Filipe VI will be in Alicante this week, on his first official visit since being crowned the head of State.
His Majesty will preside over the official opening of the family business congress, XVII edición del Congreso Nacional de la Empresa Familiar, which takes place on Monday.
The event will take place over two days and is held in the Auditorio de la Diputación de Alicante, or ADDA, with the aim this time of supporting family businesses in their role in the economic recovery of the country.
The event will also see political dignitaries taking part, including the President of the Government, Mariano Rajoy, who will close the conference on Tuesday, and the newly appointed leader of the socialist opposition, Pedro Sánchez, with the Valencian President Alberto Fabra also addressing the delegates.
The inauguration by the King will take place at 10:00 am on Monday, following the first conference chaired by the President of the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Markets, Antonio Campinos.
Pedro Sánchez, will also address the delegates on Monday, with a talk in the afternoon in which he will give his view on the recovery of the Spanish economy, in the “Lights and Shadows”.
Mariano Rajoy will no doubt be humble during his visit to the area, on account of recent revelations regarding corruption in his national party, as well as the historic cases affecting the regional government run by Fabra, and the larger local political groups in Torrevieja and Orihuela, both rocked with their own corruption cases. Rajoy will officially close the event on the Tuesday, with his speech scheduled to take place at 13:15.
The conference is considered to be one of the most compelling business events in Spain. The organisers bring hundreds of businesses together from various sectors, each with an average turnover of 1.5 billion euro, with members such as Inditex, Mercadona, Ferrovial, Acciona, Planeta, Mango, Almirall and Barceló.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45430/Telford | property for sale in Telford | property to let in Telford | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: King Filipe VI will be in Alicante this week, on his first official visit since being crowned the head of State.
His Majesty will preside over the official opening of the family business congress, XVII edición del Congreso Nacional de la Empre...

### PIPES AND DRUMS HELPING THE HEROES

Once again Mark the Dancer delighted the spectators with his nimble footwork when he danced the Sword Dance last Saturday.  
Mark was appearing with The Torrevieja Pipes & Drums when they were taking part in the collection day for Help for Heroes at La Zenia, Torrevieja. After the initial session at Cosum car park the band led the British Legion Standards to the area where volunteers of this wonderful charity had erected the usual stalls to attract the crowds, with the hope of raising much needed funds for our Heroes fighting in modern day conflicts.
A total of just over 3000€ was raised to the delight of the organizers.
For further information re the Torrevieja Pipes & Drums ring John 663446892 or www.torreviejapipesanddrums.com
JOAN WADDINGTONFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45424/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Once again Mark the Dancer delighted the spectators with his nimble footwork when he danced the Sword Dance last Saturday.  
Mark was appearing with The Torrevieja Pipes & Drums when they were taking part in the collection day for Help for Heroes...

### WAGONS ROLL INTO HORADADA

The people of Pilar abandoned their cars and motorcycles at the weekend as the town's more environmentally friendly equestrian festival took place with twenty horse carriages parading along Calle Mayor, and through many of the back streets, entertaining the large crowds of residents and visitors who were in the area to enjoy the fun.
The procession was made up by over 100 people who rode in horse drawn carriages on a journey that began about 11 am lasting for over two hours as it wound its way around the municipality carrying the queens and the ladies of the town. 
Many of the participants were dressed in traditional costumes with the girls and ladies weaving flowers into their hair to add to the blaze of color that the spectacle provided
The festive atmosphere was complemented with the presence of ladies weaving lace in the town hall square while others demonstrated the dying art of sewing and darning to the many young onlookers.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45423/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The people of Pilar abandoned their cars and motorcycles at the weekend as the town's more environmentally friendly equestrian festival took place with twenty horse carriages parading along Calle Mayor, and through many of the back streets, entertainin...

### MEET THE HEALTHCARE EXPERTS FOR FREE ADVICE

The British Consulate and the Alicante Healthcare Team will be at various Iceland stores across the Costa Blanca this November to give shoppers the chance to find out how the Consulate can help and check that they are properly registered for healthcare.
They will have a stand at the entrance to the stores in San Javier, Benidorm and Torrevieja with information about padrón, residencia, property, healthcare and how to keep in touch with the Embassy via social media.
The team will be in the following stores on the following days:
•	Iceland San Javier – Monday 3rd November from 11am-3pm
•	Iceland Benidorm – Wednesday 5th November from 11am-3pm
•	Iceland Torrevieja – Wednesday 12th November from 11am-3pm
British Vice Consul Lloyd Milen says: “We are really grateful to Iceland for giving us the opportunity to use their stores to talk to British nationals. I hope that as well as doing the weekly shop, Brits will have a chance to talk to us about what their concerns are and how we can help them.
It's also a chance for shoppers to check that they are registered for healthcare and get answers to any questions they may have about living in Spain. We hope to see you there!”
For details about where Iceland stores are, visit their website on: www.overseas.esFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45419/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The British Consulate and the Alicante Healthcare Team will be at various Iceland stores across the Costa Blanca this November to give shoppers the chance to find out how the Consulate can help and check that they are properly registered for healthcare...

### PROPERTY FOR SALE IN TELFORD? NEED HELP TO SELL YOUR HOUSE?

Do you have a property for sale in Telford? Have you had your property in Telford on the market for a while now but aren't getting the desired results? Telford.Properties is here to help you find someone to buy your house for sale in Telford.
Telford.Properties is an independent Estate Agency and Property Management Company which specialises in the sale, purchase and letting of residential property in and around the Telford area. If you have a property for sale in Telford or any of the Telford districts, including Admaston, Allscott, Apley, Aqueduct, Aqueduct Village, Arleston, Bratton, Brookside, buildwas, Coalbrookdale, Dawley, Dawley Bank, Donnington, Doseley, Great Hay, Hadley, Hadley Park, High Wrcall, Hollingswood, Holmer Lake, Horsehay, Ironbridge, Jackfield, Ketley, Ketley Bank, Lawley Bank, Lawley Village, Leegomery, Lightmoor, Lightmoor Village, Little Wenlock, Long Lane, Longdon-Upon-Tern, Madeley, Malinslee, Muxton, Newdale, Oakengates, Overdale, Priorslee, Randlay, Red Lake, Roden, Rowton, Shawbirch, St Georges, Stirchley, Sutton Hill, The Humbers, The Rock, Trench, Wellington, Wombridge, Woodside, Wrockwardine, or Wrockwardine Wood, then Telford.Properties can help you to find a suitable buyer!
And what's more, for a limited time only, Telford.Properties is making a commitment to all property vendors and landlords. Until 13/11/2014, Telford.Properties will beat any other Telford Estate Agent on price! Telford.Properties will offer reduced fees to any Vendor or Landlor who instructs them to sell their property. The vendor or Landlord will be required to demonstrate proof of fees they are currently being charged. The offer will run until 13/11/2014 and is limited to new instructions only.
To learn more about Telford.Properties, visit their website at http://www.telford.properties/ or call their Sales and Lettings Hotline TODAY on +44 (0)1952 455 866.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45418/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Do you have a property for sale in Telford? Have you had your property in Telford on the market for a while now but aren't getting the desired results? Telford.Properties is here to help you find someone to buy your house for sale in Telford.
Telford....

### EURONICS DARTS LEAGUE 30 OCTOBER 2014

Busters didn't travel too well this week, losing their unbeaten record to the Meerkats at their Villamartin venue.  It wasn't quite the anticipated match, 30 ton pluses and a further twenty 80 pluses looked reasonable enough but some scruffy finishing contributed to a weighted score line.  
Mark Filer´s opening 100, was immediately cancelled out by Paul Durrant´s 140, fellow Kat Graham Todd scoring 117.  Babs Warren kept Busters in the running for the first leg, but was pipped by Alex Nikolov taking out tops.  No 3 figure scores at all in the second until requiring 116 Pat Abrams returned S20,T20,D18 for the Kats to go 2 up.  Abrams figured again in the third with a 122 and D10, Filer´s 100 not enough.  
Lee Maiden livened up in the first pair after an atrocious start, joining Nikolov in the high scoring leg, completed by the Bulgarian.  Peter O´Rourke´s 2x100 in the fifth leg looked likely to gain the visitors first point, unfortunately Durrant used just two arrows for a 78 out (T18,D12) after a countering ton.  Two more tons from Busters in the 6th, 1 apiece from Filer and Shirley Roberts, just edged out Todd and Alan Ostrowski, Filer completing the 601 on D5.
An out of sorts Ray Harvey managed his only 100 of the evening in the opening singles against Nikolov, who didn't fare much better in the scoring department.  
His finishing however was pretty sharp, taking out 74 in the first and 70 in the second (T10,S20,T10) to earn the Kats at least a point.  Next leg deserved to go to three, indifferent finishing allowing Durrant 131,140,100,D2 and D8 to overcome a spirited performance from the amiable Paul Gurrie 100.  With the match won, both sides expected fireworks when Abrams faced Filer in the 9th leg.  
It didn't happen unfortunately, Filer mustered a top score of only 94, whilst Abrams found a 140 and 100 but no doubles which were left to his opponent who finished the job on D10 and D8.  Del Kingsbury gave his usual captain´s performance, he should play more, winning in two straight with 2x140,99,D4 and D20.  O´Rourke looked impressive and determined in the penultimate leg, opening with 140,100 and a 76 out (S16,S20,D20) against Maiden´s single ton.  
Another high score from the Buster a 125 this time wasn't sufficient as Maiden blasted 3x95 plus a ton and D18 to level.  O´Rourke couldn't take advantage of the throw in the decider, letting in the Kat with 140,81,85 and D8 for the hosts 9th point.  Captain Shirley Roberts looked like gaining Busters third point when she took the first leg against Todd and had darts in the second for 0-2.   A D3 for a relieved Todd in the second and some hefty scoring in the third, 95,115 and D10 just outgunned the popular Roberts for a slightly flattering result for the Kats.
Porterhouse entertained the Hyenas from Villamartin´s Hub bar and what a ding dong.  Both teams were without their captains, Simon Williams enjoying a wedding and Ray Sanderson fixing his car after refusing to start.  The Porters were also without Brian Nash after last week´s serious tumble but apparently he may well be making an appearance next week, recovered or not.  We wish him well.  The Porters will also be without the Sandersons´ son Paul from next week returning to work in Hanoi Vietnam.  He will be missed as this week´s performance suggests.
The Porters got off to a steady start, winning two of the three triples available, although it was Hyena Nick Spicer taking the first with D2 plus a ton.  Shaun Smith added a further ton in the next, but Sanderson 100 and then youngster Sid Cross taking out 70 (S18,S20,D16) levelled leaving Ray Hayes on D16 to take the lead, despite tons from Smith and Joe Miller.
Smith levelled the match score in the first pairs, the Porters taking the next via Sanderson 100 and Cross D4.  Spicer D20 made it all square at the break, with the draw a likely outcome.
Sanderson showed what the Porters will be missing in a cracker of a match, taking out Joe Miller 2-1 for a slender lead.  The Hyenas 2x100 and D18, not good enough as Porterman hit 139,95,100,121,D11 and a tasty 73 out (S19,S14,D20).   Spicer faced the veteran and sometime funny man Peter Ayres in the next and duly levelled the match with a fine performance against the joker, 3x100,140,D4 and D8 proved a bridge too far for Ayres, although opportunities were available after scores of 133 and 97.  Another good match followed Miller v. CThe third was a little tentative, no big scores, just a D4 from Miller.  
John Saunders made short work of Con Rouffignac winning the first two legs on D19,D16 the Porter replying with a 107.  Jeff Harvey made it a double over the Rouffignacs, this time Yvonne, with D18 and D5 for the match and 2 valuable points, they probably thought they were not going their way.  Ray Hayes had the unenviable task of facing an in-form Smith who made it 8 for the visitors, scoring 2x100, 104,140 and the all important doubles D8 and D4.
ross, the latter taking the first on D5 and D15 in two, the Hyena recording a 135.  The tie was levelled on D16, after a 121 from Cross and a ton from his opponent.  
Junction Jackals recovered from last week´s home defeat, to take out unbeaten Que Pasa Eagles.  In fact you wouldn't have bet on 1-5 at half time, but that was the score.  Andy Gildea once again starred for the Jackals in the first half hitting 100 and two doubles, D4 and a 52 out (S12,D20).  Michael Jones assisted with two of his own D12 and D15, Jim Scott taking out the fifth double on D8.  
Den Hall and Joe Cuyt contributing to the Eagles single point.  The hosts pulled their socks up in the singles taking the first two through Jim Storey (2-0) and Stuart Clark taking out Jim Scott by the same score, the Jackal managing 2x100 plus a host of 80 pluses, but it was Clark´s 3x100 plus D1 and D8 to take the leg and (3-5).  Gildea saw off the challenge of Cuyt for at least a draw on D20 and D16 plus a ton.  Captain Hall expected to take the first leg, in his encounter with Mick Jones, scoring 121 and 134 to leave a double.  
Jones required 101 and somehow missed the dart board with his first however, the second found T17 and the third a bulls eye.  Wow!  Hall levelled on D2 after recovering from Jones exploits in the first, but Jones took the third leg on D2 for both points.  Kevin Wood made it four for the hosts on D20 and D8 to include 101 and 100 setting up Clark to make it 5 for the Eagles in a tight match with Steph Simpson who took the middle leg on a 69 out (S19,S18,D16).  Clark´s winning legs on D20 and D10 included 2x100 and a 121.
Breakaways had a convincing home victory to the Kestrels and remain unbeaten.  Crunch time will be the next league match on November 13th when they visit the Tavern, also unbeaten with the same points.  Brett Badlove, Que Pasa´s licensee, showed the Kestrels how to do it with a 140 and D20 in the triples, helped by some good scoring from Terry Kirby and Alan Preston.
 Unfortunately it was to no avail as the Bears took the other two triples.  The pairs went the same way, 2-1 to Breakaways, Mike Smith 100 and Ivan Jones 101 doing the damage.  Badlove once again finishing this time on D8, the Kirbys Terry and Gilly doing their best to level with a number of high scoring trebles.  At 4-2 down at half time the Kestrels were still in the game, but a tasty 90 out from  Mike Snow (T18,D18), a couple of 80 pluses from Mel Dawson plus D2 gave the Bears the draw and at least a point.  
Smith was next on and promptly secured the win with 81,100,95 the double for two points and a share of the top of the table spoils.  Smith was also voted man of the match securing 3 of his side´s 10 winning doubles.  Mike Douglas D16 and Ivan Jones D20 made it 9 for the home side leaving Sarah Simpson to finish off the evening in style and a 6-0 sweep of the singles, using two darts for a 90 out (T18,D18).  
This week November 6th is K.O. Cup week, the league resumes the following week on the 13th.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45417/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Busters didn't travel too well this week, losing their unbeaten record to the Meerkats at their Villamartin venue.  It wasn't quite the anticipated match, 30 ton pluses and a further twenty 80 pluses looked reasonable enough but some scruffy finishing...

### TWO CITIES

It seems that in our world have originated two opposite thoughts with resonance to Saint Augustine. Many people are attracted to the Catholic Church in view of the image of unity in doctrine and the moral authority of its teachings.
However, we see that Catholics fall into the infidelity, are absorbed by moral relativism and leave the religious practice. The outside noise can override the inner silence that faith needs to grow.
The respect for human life from conception to death; the dignity of the person; the central character of the family or the sanctity of marriage and the solidarity are determining factors for that dilemma. In this game we must not forget the pressure exerted by the media content, as on their programs as on advertising, which contributes to the loss of moral or the strength of family values, perhaps without the person is aware of its influence.
In many cases it seems that the faith has ceased to have the support of the reading doctrine of the Sacred Scripture. Pope John Paul II in his letter "At the beginning of the new millennium", is still saying that "it would be a contradiction to settle for a mediocre life, lived according to a minimalist ethic and a superficial religiosity". The childhood experience of walking on the edge of the pavement shows us how the road disappear but in the case of the faith is not a game.
In that letter, the Pope John Paul II continues warning that according to this practice would not be mediocre Christians, but "Christians with risk" which "would be the insidious risk that their faith will gradually erode, and perhaps they will surrender to the seduction of the substitutes, even welcoming alternative religious proposals and tolerating extravagant forms of superstition."
The personal experience will show examples of these situations that would surely not have been produced from one moment to another. For example, the fall in the temptation of evil or the election of an inappropriate behavior model is not something sudden, it happens little by little. First, there is something insignificant, then injected of moral relativism, is transformed into something that move us away from the first way, displacing the old habits in other new that makes us a different person.
The ability to act with principles that ensure the dignity of the person has deteriorated. For example, we have shortly gone from the respect for human life to widespread abortion, research of embryonic stem-cell artificially fertilized and then sacrificed and euthanasia.
We have made that marriage is the contract less consistent; to be able to be broken by the mere will of any of the parties. A Copernican revolution that some people may find themselves vulnerable to the misconception that it is an inexorable change of the development of the times.
Perhaps, the replacement of the personal ambition for the collectivism, of the truth for the relativism is the more relevant transformation in our times.
We have been instilled that beliefs are to be relegated to the personal and intimate field. As a result of this people retract to express or transmit to others their convictions, and worse when such transmission is omitted in the family. In this breeding ground of the loss of identity, the unbelief carries its roots. If we have something in the heart it has to be transmitted. The inaction shows our weakness of faith.
The crossroads that leads us to the two cities is complex since it repeated from one stretch to another and indicators may not be sufficiently explicit. For this reason, we must take the risk in the best decision, knowing that the risk of loosing grows when we are not awake and drowse by siren sons: what is close enough to touch to the light is hidden and deletes in the twilight.
Agustín PÉREZ CERRADAFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45412/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: It seems that in our world have originated two opposite thoughts with resonance to Saint Augustine. Many people are attracted to the Catholic Church in view of the image of unity in doctrine and the moral authority of its teachings.
However, we see that Catholics fall into the infidelity, are absorbed by moral relativism and leave the religious practice. The outside noise can override the inner silence that faith needs to grow.
The respect for human life from conception to death; the dignity of the person; the central character of the family or the sanctity of marriage and the solidarity are determining factors for that dilemma. In this game we must not forget the pressure exerted by the media content, as on their programs as on advertising, which contributes to the loss of moral or the strength of family values, perhaps without the person is aware of its influence.
In many cases it seems that the faith has ceased to have the support of the reading doctrine of the Sacred Scripture. Pope John Paul II in his letter "At the beginning of the new millennium", is still saying that "it would be a contradiction to settle for a mediocre life, lived according to a minimalist ethic and a superficial religiosity". The childhood experience of walking on the edge of the pavement shows us how the road disappear but in the case of the faith is not a game.
In that letter, the Pope John Paul II continues warning that according to this practice would not be mediocre Christians, but "Christians with risk" which "would be the insidious risk that their faith will gradually erode, and perhaps they will surrender to the seduction of the substitutes, even welcoming alternative religious proposals and tolerating extravagant forms of superstition."
The personal experience will show examples of these situations that would surely not have been produced from one moment to another. For example, the fall in the temptation of evil or the election of an inappropriate behavior model is not something sudden, it happens little by little. First, there is something insignificant, then injected of moral relativism, is transformed into something that move us away from the first way, displacing the old habits in other new that makes us a different person.
The ability to act with principles that ensure the dignity of the person has deteriorated. For example, we have shortly gone from the respect for human life to widespread abortion, research of embryonic stem-cell artificially fertilized and then sacrificed and euthanasia.
We have made that marriage is the contract less consistent; to be able to be broken by the mere will of any of the parties. A Copernican revolution that some people may find themselves vulnerable to the misconception that it is an inexorable change of the development of the times.
Perhaps, the replacement of the personal ambition for the collectivism, of the truth for the relativism is the more relevant transformation in our times.
We have been instilled that beliefs are to be relegated to the personal and intimate field. As a result of this people retract to express or transmit to others their convictions, and worse when such transmission is omitted in the family. In this breeding ground of the loss of identity, the unbelief carries its roots. If we have something in the heart it has to be transmitted. The inaction shows our weakness of faith.
The crossroads that leads us to the two cities is complex since it repeated from one stretch to another and indicators may not be sufficiently explicit. For this reason, we must take the risk in the best decision, knowing that the risk of loosing grows when we are not awake and drowse by siren sons: what is close enough to touch to the light is hidden and deletes in the twilight.
Agustín PÉREZ CERRADAFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45412/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### SAN LUIS BOWLS CLUB REPORT  –  31.10.14.

SABA League Monday 27th Klingons home v LM Explorers, a good win 12-2, shots 145-73, winners: Colin Jackson, Keith Phillips & Mal Hughes 37-6, Jean Parkes, Neil Morrison & Paul Parkes 21-18, June Jones, Scott Malden & Keith Jones 27-7, Janet Wigfield, Sabrina Marks & Russell Marks 21-12,  Margaret Morrison, Ray Pollock & Pat Coffey 28-9.
Trekkers away v VB Albatrosses a bad result, pts 3-11, shots 83-102, winners: Jo Pering, Peter Cox & Jules Pering 19-13, Audrey Ford, Tony Campbell & Ray Clarke 15-15. Romulans home v VB Drivers, 8pts-6, shots 99-97, winners: Irene Everett, Walter Lang & Peter Fuller 15-12, Ros Holmes, Bill Webb & Dave Blackie 19-14, Pat Malden, Judy Carroll & John Malden 20-13.  Vulcans away v EI Neptunes, points 6-8, shots 95-103, winners: Chris Phillips, Ian Young & Alan Mawer 15-12, Sadie Hubbard, Derek Philips & Geoff Shand 18-14, Mary Fromson, Kevin Hull & Brenda Brown 23-18.
Wednesday 29th first round of Premier 20 K/O v El Cid; points 15-1, shots 170-72. Home: singles-Colin Jackson 21-11, pairs-Jean & Paul Parkes 12-12, 3's-Kath Reid, Keith Phillips & Mal Hughes 20-14, 4's-Sheila Cammack, Peter Cox, Darren Johnson & Ian Rogers 29-4. Away: singles-Colin Lindgren 21-4, pairs-June & Keith Jones 30-9, 3's-Scott Malden, Sabrina Marks & Noel Verity 23-10, 4's-Shirley Verity, Jo & Jules Pering & Russell Marks 24-8. 
Southern League Friday 31st: Lions useful points away v GL Oaks, 9pts-5, shots 102-92. Winners: Janet Wigfield, Ray Pollock & Colin Lindgren 20-17, Jean Parkes, Neil Morrison & Paul Parkes 17-10, June Jones, Scott Malden & Keith Jones 22-7,  Margaret Morrison, Bob White & Pat Coffey 19-19. 
Tigers home v GL Elms, a good result 10pts-4, shots 108-92. Winners: Pat & Graham Bird & Colin Potter 20-16, Tony Campbell, Chris Brooks & Peter Cox 22-10, Margaret & Barry Roseveare & Derrick Cooper 17-14, Blossom Cox, Sheila Cammack & Les Bedford 20-14. 
Pumas, a good 10-4 result away v VB Conquistadores, shots 130-80. Winners: Ros Holmes, Bill Webb & David Blackie 24-8, Pat Malden, Marina Bearsdale & John Malden 31-4, Maureen & Bob Foulds & Arthur France 19-17, Mavis Riley, Mike Smith & Phil Morrachan 23-12. 
Leopards home v EI Claymores a better result, winners: Harry Epsom, Malcolm Ayton & Kevin Hull 14-11, Chris Philips, Tom Fromson & Alan Mawer 18-14, Mary Fromson, Phil Gilbert & Babs Shand 22-14, pts 6-8, shots 91-112.
Chicken Drive: Jean Parkes winner, Sunday 26th.
For information about San Luis Club please contact June Jones (Capt.) 966188920 or Pam Lockett (Sec) 965327645.
Sheila Cammack.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45408/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: SABA League Monday 27th Klingons home v LM Explorers, a good win 12-2, shots 145-73, winners: Colin Jackson, Keith Phillips & Mal Hughes 37-6, Jean Parkes, Neil Morrison & Paul Parkes 21-18, June Jones, Scott Malden & Keith Jones 27-7, Jane...

### AVALON GROWS AS BUSINESS EXPANDS ACROSS EUROPE

Avalon, the leading provider of pre-paid funeral plans, saw its business grow substantially in the year to September 2014.
Driving the growth is a huge increase in the number of enquiries the company is receiving from people concerned about increasing funeral costs. Website and head office enquiries were up by 300%, as were sales leads generated by stands at exhibitions and other events.
These have led to an expanded geographical spread of customers and a 99.2% increase in the number of funeral plans written since July 2013.
Between July 2013 and July 2014, Avalon gained its first customers in Portugal, Malta and the Spanish regions of Seville, Jaen & Cordoba. The company has opened an office in the Costa del Sol and has plans to open a branch in Almeria, Spain.
Avalon is now offering even more employment opportunities to UK expatriates living in Spain and across Europe. Numbers in Europe now match the UK having grown by 42%, from 41 in July 2013 to 58 in September 2014.
Jason Gardner, head of Europe at Avalon, said: “People realise that funerals costs will keep rising. Unsurprisingly, they are taking steps to protect their loved ones from the substantial implications of these rises by contemplating prepaid funeral plans with serious intent. As a consequence, we have nearly doubled our number of written plans in the year to September 2013.” 
Avalon protects customers from rising funeral costs and the worry of arranging a funeral when the time comes, which can be complex outside the UK. Avalon's three comprehensive packages, Balmoral, Windsor Way and Britannia, are available in Spain, Portugal and Tenerife. Alternative plans are available for customers residing in Cyprus, Malta and Turkey.
For further information, visit www.avalonfuneralplans.com.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45394/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Avalon, the leading provider of pre-paid funeral plans, saw its business grow substantially in the year to September 2014.
Driving the growth is a huge increase in the number of enquiries the company is receiving from people concerned about increasing...

### THE TREAT OF THE TRICK

Although the commercialisation of Christmas is always a criticism that seems to increase as much as the amount of marketing given to the annual event, similar complaints are less vocal when it comes to Halloween, although that too is growing in terms of commercial gain.
The latest statistics from the UK reveal that 68% of all families will be celebrating this year, injecting a whopping 240 million pounds into the retail sector, according to research firm Mintel.
This is great news for supermarkets, as 65% of those family shopper heads say that they will use the superstores for their Halloween purchases. It´s not bad news for the bargain basement stores either as 29% of shoppers said that they would be shopping in high street discount stores, although the discounters come slightly lower than the 32% who would use on-line grocery websites.
The amount of products bought is also set to increase with 39% of those shoppers asked saying that they intend to buy more this year than they did last year. That´s perhaps no surprise when you consider that food and drink products which are specifically branded to include Halloween have increased by 263% between 2009 and 2013.
But, as the haunting season comes to a close, the attentions can only turn to the next big thing, as full focus steams ahead to the day when the big man in a white beard comes a calling, speading festive joy and happiness to all.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45392/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Although the commercialisation of Christmas is always a criticism that seems to increase as much as the amount of marketing given to the annual event, similar complaints are less vocal when it comes to Halloween, although that too is growing in terms ...

### NOT SUCH A VICTORY FOR CALA MOSCA

The Official Journal of the Generalitat Valenciana has published a resolution on behalf of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, which protects part of the land at Cala Mosca.
After a long battle against the development of the last green area of the Orihuela Costa, the Cala Mosca area plays home to two endangered species. There are around 5,000 specimens of the Cabeza de Gato plant, also known as the “cat head”, as well as a snail known as Tudorella Mauritanica. Because of the status of these endangered elements, the construction of 1,500 homes would have caused considerable environmental damage, and is therefore blocked on the two sites, “due to the presence of a significant population of Cabeza de Gato, a protected plant under the category of Vulnerable in the Spanish Catalogue of Endangered Species and the Valencian catalogue of Endangered Species of Flora”.
However, the decision does not offer anywhere near enough protection of the land, not does is provide any need for the promoter to reduce the number of homes they can build on the area, in fact the 1,500 properties can still be constructed, but may well now have to be built higher than first expected, thus blocking the view and spoiling the visibility of the coastline than was ever first planned.
Whilst applauding the decision to provide some protection so far, the councillor for the environment, Manuel Gallud of the Los Verdes green party of Orihuela, has already announced an appeal, as the government team believe that just protecting those two plots “is not enough to fully protect the endangered species”.
Similarly, the C.L.A.R.O. group, who have lead the campaign for protection as far as the European Union, initially welcomed this statement and recalled their activities to end the coastal construction, then realising the reality of the ruling, and are now appalled and note with “astonishment and disbelief”, that the Government Order does not cover anywhere near the range and natural expansion where the largest population of the protected species cited above live.
The approved and protected area follows the demarcation of the maritime public domain line and does not cover the two main areas of concern. C.L.A.R.O. considers this a “remarkable CONTRADICTION” in the declaration of protection and will be a “mortal blow to the population of the cat's head jarilla” since they will “not enjoy the same degree of protection” as the coastline, which is hardly used by the plant population, whose home will be converted into play areas for children and part of the urban landscape.
Bob Houliston from C.L.A.R.O. will be talking to Mark Nolan on Exite Radio just after 10:00 on Monday. Tune your radio to 93.1fm, or listen via the internet at www.exiteradio.com, to hear his views on this subject and many more. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45391/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Official Journal of the Generalitat Valenciana has published a resolution on behalf of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, which protects part of the land at Cala Mosca.
After a long battle against the development of the las...

### HANSSEN HEADING BACK TO HOLBY

Fan favourites Guy Henry, James Anderson and Kaye Wragg will make a dramatic return to BBC One's popular medical drama in the New Year.
Guy Henry will resurrect the role of highly intellectual and enigmatic, Swedish-born Henrik Hanssen – former CEO and director of surgery at Holby City. Viewers last saw Hanssen choose family over medicine when he returned to Sweden to spend time with his son and grandson.
 
However, Hanssen's desire to bring his surgical brilliance back to Holby has got the better of him and Guy Henry explains how much he missed playing his character: "I'm so pleased to be reunited with Mr. Hanssen, he's such a weird and wonderful character to play - I've missed him! And the cast and crew at Holby are such fun to work with - I've missed them too. We don't know what dark acts may have befallen Henrik during his time away in Sweden but I do believe that, when he looms down the corridors of Holby once more, his wit and his scalpel will be as incisive as ever! Can't wait - see you on the ice!"
 
Kaye Wragg rejoins the cast as Estelle ‘Essie' Harrison. Essie returns from her trip to Germany and becomes a full-time nurse on Keller ward, resuming not only her nursing duties but also her turbulent romance with Sacha Levy.
 
Kaye, who was last seen in Holby in September 2014, is delighted to be joining the show on a more permanent basis. Kaye Wragg said: “Essie is a such a layered character that I can't wait to see how things unfold once I return. She's a fantastic nurse with a big heart, but a broken life that leaves her unsure of who she is and where she's going. I adore working with Bob Barrett and am very excited to work alongside his big hearted Sacha again, ups and downs regardless.
 
"As for joining the Holby family , I'm very lucky to be a part of a talented team of cast and crew, and am delighted to be given the opportunity to nurture Essie and open the character into a new chapter of her life.”
 
In addition James Anderson rejoins the cast as troubled and sensitive surgeon Oliver Valentine. Before leaving Holby, Oliver's professionalism was called into question as he struggled to come to terms with the death of his wife, fellow doctor, Tara Lo. Seeing the hospital as a constant reminder of Tara, Oliver left in order to find himself and restore his love for medicine.
 
On returning to the role of Oliver Valentine, James Anderson said: "I'm so thrilled to be given the opportunity to bring Ollie back to Holby. There are lots of surprises in store, but one thing I can say: he's older now - wiser, even - and I can't wait to get stuck into playing this altogether more grown up Valentine to the one I left behind. Step up Oliver 2.0! Holby is a wonderful, nurturing family to return to, and I'm hugely excited.”
 
Oliver Kent, Executive Producer Holby City and Casualty, said: “This news is sure to excite Holby fans old and new and we're delighted to welcome back characters that are so loved by our viewers. The arrival of Henrik Hanssen and Oliver Valentine will cause waves from the boardroom to the operating theatres where new friendships will be tested as old alliances are reformed. Also with Essie's return we'll find out if Sacha finally gets his happily ever after!”
 
Guy, James and Kaye will begin filming in the New Year and fans will see them on-screen from early spring 2015.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45390/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Fan favourites Guy Henry, James Anderson and Kaye Wragg will make a dramatic return to BBC One's popular medical drama in the New Year.
Guy Henry will resurrect the role of highly intellectual and enigmatic, Swedish-born Henrik Hanssen – former CEO and director of surgery at Holby City. Viewers last saw Hanssen choose family over medicine when he returned to Sweden to spend time with his son and grandson.
 
However, Hanssen's desire to bring his surgical brilliance back to Holby has got the better of him and Guy Henry explains how much he missed playing his character: "I'm so pleased to be reunited with Mr. Hanssen, he's such a weird and wonderful character to play - I've missed him! And the cast and crew at Holby are such fun to work with - I've missed them too. We don't know what dark acts may have befallen Henrik during his time away in Sweden but I do believe that, when he looms down the corridors of Holby once more, his wit and his scalpel will be as incisive as ever! Can't wait - see you on the ice!"
 
Kaye Wragg rejoins the cast as Estelle ‘Essie' Harrison. Essie returns from her trip to Germany and becomes a full-time nurse on Keller ward, resuming not only her nursing duties but also her turbulent romance with Sacha Levy.
 
Kaye, who was last seen in Holby in September 2014, is delighted to be joining the show on a more permanent basis. Kaye Wragg said: “Essie is a such a layered character that I can't wait to see how things unfold once I return. She's a fantastic nurse with a big heart, but a broken life that leaves her unsure of who she is and where she's going. I adore working with Bob Barrett and am very excited to work alongside his big hearted Sacha again, ups and downs regardless.
 
"As for joining the Holby family , I'm very lucky to be a part of a talented team of cast and crew, and am delighted to be given the opportunity to nurture Essie and open the character into a new chapter of her life.”
 
In addition James Anderson rejoins the cast as troubled and sensitive surgeon Oliver Valentine. Before leaving Holby, Oliver's professionalism was called into question as he struggled to come to terms with the death of his wife, fellow doctor, Tara Lo. Seeing the hospital as a constant reminder of Tara, Oliver left in order to find himself and restore his love for medicine.
 
On returning to the role of Oliver Valentine, James Anderson said: "I'm so thrilled to be given the opportunity to bring Ollie back to Holby. There are lots of surprises in store, but one thing I can say: he's older now - wiser, even - and I can't wait to get stuck into playing this altogether more grown up Valentine to the one I left behind. Step up Oliver 2.0! Holby is a wonderful, nurturing family to return to, and I'm hugely excited.”
 
Oliver Kent, Executive Producer Holby City and Casualty, said: “This news is sure to excite Holby fans old and new and we're delighted to welcome back characters that are so loved by our viewers. The arrival of Henrik Hanssen and Oliver Valentine will cause waves from the boardroom to the operating theatres where new friendships will be tested as old alliances are reformed. Also with Essie's return we'll find out if Sacha finally gets his happily ever after!”
 
Guy, James and Kaye will begin filming in the New Year and fans will see them on-screen from early spring 2015.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45390/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ELEVEN MILLION VISIT ZENIA BOULEVARD

French multinational company Inmochan is selling part of its flagship commercial centre, with an Alaskan pension fund set to purchase 50%of their share of the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre for 185 million euro.
Inmochan currently own 80% of the commercial centre, the other 20% being owned by Alcampo. The company Auchan owns both Inmochan and Alcampo, and so still remain the majority share holder in the asset. 
Sources tell The Leader that this is common practice for the company, to build new centres and make them into a success, before selling shares to investors in order for them to fund future developments. Currently, China is one of their target markets.
Part of this deal would also see two retail parks in Portugal handed over to the Alaskan investors, and would see their revenues boosted by some 150 million euro. As a result of the sale, the Alaska Permanent Fund would own 50% of the Orihuela Costa complex.
Inmochan and Alaska Permanent Fund will form a joint venture to control the three campuses that make up the operation. This is the first time the Alaskan pension fund has invested in Spain, having recently acquired the Golden Square Shopping Centre in Warrington.
The sale is seen by many analysts of indicative of troubled times in the retail and commercial sector in the province, after five similar commercial centres exchanged hands last year, all taken over by different investment groups, all taking advantage of reduced prices in the sector, looking for attractive returns on that investment. 
However, other industry analysts say the opposite, reporting that it is due to the popularity and growth of these centres that makes them viable assets for investment companies, who are almost guaranteed a return, without the risk to their finances.
As the largest commercial centre in the Alicante Province, the Zenia Boulevard has just celebrated its second birthday, and currently plays home to a variety of major retail outlets such as Alcampo, Decathlon, Leroy Merlin and Media Markt, amongst many others, and there is an area dedicated to food and drink. In addition, it has a large car parking facility and is located close to the motorway network.
Footfall in the centre has increased by 16% in the year from September 2013 to September of this year, with a staggering 11 million people recorded as having visited the centre during the year.
The Zenia Boulevard has an area of 161,000 square metres, of which 80,000 is leasable area, which makes it the largest shopping and leisure centre in the province of Alicante. The venue opened in September 2012 and has 150 stores, with a commercialized area greater than 96% of capacity.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45389/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: French multinational company Inmochan is selling part of its flagship commercial centre, with an Alaskan pension fund set to purchase 50%of their share of the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre for 185 million euro.
Inmochan currently own 80% of the com...

### A REMOTE LIFE SAVER

A Belgian engineering student has presented his design at the University of Delft in the Netherlands this week, which could revolutionise the first response live-saving emergency process.
Perhaps often associated with death and killing, this new use of a pilotless aircraft, the Drone Ambulance, is capable of carrying four kilos of medical equipment, including a defibrillator, oxygen and mask, insulin for diabetics and other emergency supplies.
The vehicle, which is the only prototype of its kind in the world, can reach a speed of up to 100 kilometres per hour and can move so any location on as 12 square kilometre grid in less than a minute. 
It is built from carbon fibre and various components which have been produced with the help of 3D printers. It is estimated that each unit would have cost around 15,000 euro, but would “save hundreds of lives over the next year”, according to the creator, Alec Momont.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45388/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A Belgian engineering student has presented his design at the University of Delft in the Netherlands this week, which could revolutionise the first response live-saving emergency process.
Perhaps often associated with death and killing, this new use ...

### FIVE PEGASUS RADARS NOW WATCH THE ROADS

The DGT traffic department now has five helicopters fitted with their airborne radar speed detection equipment, Pegasus, the fifth launched in time to serve the road network in time for the weekend surrounding the 1st of November holidays.
All five helicopters have been patrolling the skies in the run up to the holiday, paying particular attention to conventional roads, the location of most fatal incidents on the road network.
According to data from the DGT, Pegasus is five times more successful than conventional ground based radars and, since the launch of the first helicopter, 17,892 vehicles have been checked, of which 3,199 drivers have been reported. The most serious offense staged a car travelling at 242 kilometres per hour in a 120 limited zone, and another driving at 199 kilometres per hour where the limit was 90.
The Pegasus radars mounted on the helicopters of the DGT have two cameras, a panoramic one used for tracking and capturing speed, and the second that can read the license plate even at speeds of up to 360 kilometres per hour, up to 300 meters high and one kilometre from the target vehicle.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45387/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The DGT traffic department now has five helicopters fitted with their airborne radar speed detection equipment, Pegasus, the fifth launched in time to serve the road network in time for the weekend surrounding the 1st of November holidays.
All five h...

### TELFORD dot PROPERTIES JOINS ZOOPLA FOR SMARTER PROPERTY SEARCH

Telford.Properties are pleased to announce that they have joined Zoopla for smarter property search throughout the Telford, Shropshire, area.
Telford.Properties offers a service in Telford, Shropshire, which helps put together buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants in the Telford area. They are independent Estate Agents and Property Management Specialists who specialise in areas such as Admaston, Allscott, Apley, Aqueduct, Aqueduct Village, Arleston, Bretton, Bretton Park, Brookside, buildwas, Coalbrookdale, Dawley, Dawley Bank, Donnington, Doseley, Great Hay, Hadley, Hadley Park, High Ercall, Hollingswood, Holmer Lake, Horsehay, Ironbridge, Jackfield, Ketley, Ketley Bank, Lawley Bank, Lawley Village, Leegomery, Lightmoor, Lightmoor Village, Little Wenlock, Long Lane, Longdon-Upon-Tern, Madeley, Malinslee, Muxton, Newdale, Oakengates, Overdale, Priorslee, Randlay, Red Lake, Roden, Rowton, Shawbirch, St Georges, Stirchley, Sutton Hill, The Humbers, The Rock, Trench, Wellington, Wombridge, Woodside, Wrockwardine, or Wrockwardine Wood.
With over 25 years experience in local and international residential property sales, Telford.Properties has a vast amount of knowledge and contacts to draw on to help any vendor sell their property in Telford, any landlord let their property in Telford, any buyer purchase a property in Telford, and any potential tenant rent a property in Telford.
BENEFITS OF SELLING PROPERTY IN TELFORD WITH TELFORD.PROPERTIES
Our property sales specialists at Telford.Properties offer many benefits to Telford property vendors, which include:
- FREE, no obligation, property valuations for houses in Telford
- Multi- and sole-agency agreements
- FREE advertising on major property portals, including Zoopla
- FREE advertising in local and regional publications
- FREE advertising at www.telford.properties
- FREE "FOR SALE" board at your property
And if you are a Landlord with property in Telford who would like their property to stand out to potential tenants, just take a look at some of the benefits offered by Telford.Properties.
BENEFITS OF LETTING YOUR PROEPRTY THROUGH TELFORD.PROPERTIES
Our property lettings specialist at Telford.Properties offer many benefits to Telford.Properties landlords, which include:
- A "Let Only" or "Fully Managed" service
- FREE and COMPLETE Landlord Switching Service
- FREE advertising on major property portals, including Zoopla
- FREE advertising in local and regional publications
- Credit referencing checks
- Secure deposits held with the Deposit Protection Service
- Rent collection and monthly statements
- Notice serving
- Regular property inspections
All of the services offered are NO SALE - NO LET - NO FEE!
Call the Telford.Properties Sales and Lettings Hotline TODAY on 01952 455 866 or visit http://www.telford.properties/ for further details.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45386/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Telford.Properties are pleased to announce that they have joined Zoopla for smarter property search throughout the Telford, Shropshire, area.
Telford.Properties offers a service in Telford, Shropshire, which helps put together buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants in the Telford area. They are independent Estate Agents and Property Management Specialists who specialise in areas such as Admaston, Allscott, Apley, Aqueduct, Aqueduct Village, Arleston, Bretton, Bretton Park, Brookside, buildwas, Coalbrookdale, Dawley, Dawley Bank, Donnington, Doseley, Great Hay, Hadley, Hadley Park, High Ercall, Hollingswood, Holmer Lake, Horsehay, Ironbridge, Jackfield, Ketley, Ketley Bank, Lawley Bank, Lawley Village, Leegomery, Lightmoor, Lightmoor Village, Little Wenlock, Long Lane, Longdon-Upon-Tern, Madeley, Malinslee, Muxton, Newdale, Oakengates, Overdale, Priorslee, Randlay, Red Lake, Roden, Rowton, Shawbirch, St Georges, Stirchley, Sutton Hill, The Humbers, The Rock, Trench, Wellington, Wombridge, Woodside, Wrockwardine, or Wrockwardine Wood.
With over 25 years experience in local and international residential property sales, Telford.Properties has a vast amount of knowledge and contacts to draw on to help any vendor sell their property in Telford, any landlord let their property in Telford, any buyer purchase a property in Telford, and any potential tenant rent a property in Telford.
BENEFITS OF SELLING PROPERTY IN TELFORD WITH TELFORD.PROPERTIES
Our property sales specialists at Telford.Properties offer many benefits to Telford property vendors, which include:
- FREE, no obligation, property valuations for houses in Telford
- Multi- and sole-agency agreements
- FREE advertising on major property portals, including Zoopla
- FREE advertising in local and regional publications
- FREE advertising at www.telford.properties
- FREE "FOR SALE" board at your property
And if you are a Landlord with property in Telford who would like their property to stand out to potential tenants, just take a look at some of the benefits offered by Telford.Properties.
BENEFITS OF LETTING YOUR PROEPRTY THROUGH TELFORD.PROPERTIES
Our property lettings specialist at Telford.Properties offer many benefits to Telford.Properties landlords, which include:
- A "Let Only" or "Fully Managed" service
- FREE and COMPLETE Landlord Switching Service
- FREE advertising on major property portals, including Zoopla
- FREE advertising in local and regional publications
- Credit referencing checks
- Secure deposits held with the Deposit Protection Service
- Rent collection and monthly statements
- Notice serving
- Regular property inspections
All of the services offered are NO SALE - NO LET - NO FEE!
Call the Telford.Properties Sales and Lettings Hotline TODAY on 01952 455 866 or visit http://www.telford.properties/ for further details.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45386/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### TRUCKERS PLAN 72 HOUR STRIKE

The Spanish road hauliers association has announced a second strike, which will commence on the 17th of November, and last for at least 72 hours, unless the Spanish government return the money raised through the additional tax on fuel known as the “health cent”.
The strike was agreed by all employers and business associations of the sector at the meeting of the National Committee for Road Transport in the freight segment on Tuesday.
After the meeting, all industry associations signed a manifesto denouncing the “delay” by the tax authority in processing the repayment of amounts collected by the health cent, since the EU courts ruled the tax as contrary to Community law in a hearing in February.
The manifesto read “The Tax Office has uselessly delayed the process and has tried to fool the transport sector with the sole intention to glossing over the exact fulfilment of the judgment, appropriating money that it is required to return”, therefore declaring the industrial action from the 17th of November, on account of “the Government not modifying its initial decision and has not ordered the strict enforcement of the judgment in fair terms”.
The “health cent” was added to fuel in order to help the government finance the National Health Service, however, the minister for finance has said that the refund of the money will cost the public administration some 400 million euro.
The strike is likely to affect distribution of everything from food and clothing to fuel and manufacturing.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45385/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Spanish road hauliers association has announced a second strike, which will commence on the 17th of November, and last for at least 72 hours, unless the Spanish government return the money raised through the additional tax on fuel known as the &ld...

### ZENIA BOULEVARD SOLD TO ALASKAN PENSION FUND

French multinational company Inmochan is selling its flagship commercial centre, with an Alaskan pension fund set to purchase 50%of the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre for 185 million euro.
Part of the deal would also see two retail parks in Portugal handed over to the Alaskan investors, and would see their revenues boosted by some 150 million euro. As a result of the sale, the Alaska Permanent Fund would own 50% of the Orihuela Costa complex. 
Inmochan and Alaska Permanent Fund will form a joint venture to control the three campuses that make up the operation. This is the first time the Alaskan pension fund has invested in Spain, having recently acquired the Golden Square Shopping Centre in Warrington.
The sale is seen by many analysts of indicative of troubled times in the retail and commercial sector in the province, after five similar commercial centres exchanged hands last year, all taken over by different investment groups, all taking advantage of reduced prices in the sector, looking for attractive returns on that investment. 
As the largest commercial centre in the Alicante Province, the Zenia Boulevard has just celebrated its second birthday, and currently plays home to a variety of major retail outlets such as Alcampo, which is owned by Inmochan owners Auchan, as well as Decathlon, Leroy Merlin and Media Markt, amongst many others, and there is an area dedicated to food and drink. In addition, it has a large car parking facility and is located close to the motorway network.
The Zenia Boulevard has an area of 161,000 square metres, of which 80,000 is leasable area, which makes it the largest shopping and leisure centre in the province of Alicante. The venue opened in September 2012 and has 150 stores, with a commercialized area greater than 96% of capacity.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45384/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: French multinational company Inmochan is selling its flagship commercial centre, with an Alaskan pension fund set to purchase 50%of the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre for 185 million euro.
Part of the deal would also see two retail parks in Portugal...

### COST OF BRITISH DRIVING LICENCE SLASHED

Following a public consultation which closed a little over 2 months ago the British Government has announced that the cost of obtaining a driving licence will be cut from the end of October with prices  slashed by up to 32% as new drivers see cost of a provisional licence drop by 32% from £50 to £34.
There will be a similar reduction for online renewals with motorists paying £14 instead of £20 to renew their licences online every 10 years
Transport Minister Claire Perry said: "Thanks to DVLA making large scale savings to their running costs, we have been able to cut the cost of the driving licence which will save drivers and businesses £150 million over the next 10 years." 
Treasury Secretary Danny Alexander also said that the move was part of "giving savings back to the taxpayer".
As well as the cut in the cost of driving licences, the fee for driver tachograph cards, which record information about driving time, speed and distance and are used by businesses to monitor how far their staff drive, will fall from £38 to £32.
Ministers say new drivers will save £82.2million over the next decade, with businesses and motorists expected to save in total £150million between now and 2024.
The drop in driving licence costs comes as car insurance went up for the first time in more than two years in the last quarter, according to the latest AA index.
The average cost for an annual comprehensive motor insurance policy rose by £6 to £531 in the last quarter.
The motoring organisation found efforts to clamp down on fraudulent claims have not delivered the savings that insurers had anticipated.
The DVLA processes one million ‘first licence' applications every year, with more than 77 per cent of these applications made by 17 to 24 year olds.
Transport Minister Claire Perry said: ‘The cost of driving, especially for young drivers, can be significant and we are committed to cutting costs where we can.
‘Thanks to DVLA making large-scale savings to their running costs, we have been able to cut the cost of the driving licence which will save drivers and businesses £150million over the next 10 years.'
 Cost cuts: The new fees showed here are for motorists applying for driving licences online 
Some 2.1million photocard licences are renewed every year, meaning motorists already on the road would save £61.3million collectively over a decade.
Businesses make another 85,500 renewals a year and will save £2.44million over 10 years, while cost cuts to tachographs will save businesses another £3.58million over the decade.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander said: ‘Giving savings back to the taxpayer is a key element in this government's drive for a stronger economy and a fairer society. That's why we're slashing the cost of getting a driving licence and giving it straight back to young people and businesses, saving £150 million over 10 years.'
Other cuts being considered include vehicle first registrations and duplicate registration certificates.
Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, said: ‘The Department for Transport's own surveys show the three things that do most to put young people off driving are cost, cost and cost: of learning, of insurance and of buying a car.
‘Incomes for teenagers have been under downward pressure at the same time as motoring costs have generally been rising. This move is welcome.'Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45382/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Following a public consultation which closed a little over 2 months ago the British Government has announced that the cost of obtaining a driving licence will be cut from the end of October with prices  slashed by up to 32% as new drivers see cost of a provisional licence drop by 32% from £50 to £34.
There will be a similar reduction for online renewals with motorists paying £14 instead of £20 to renew their licences online every 10 years
Transport Minister Claire Perry said: "Thanks to DVLA making large scale savings to their running costs, we have been able to cut the cost of the driving licence which will save drivers and businesses £150 million over the next 10 years." 
Treasury Secretary Danny Alexander also said that the move was part of "giving savings back to the taxpayer".
As well as the cut in the cost of driving licences, the fee for driver tachograph cards, which record information about driving time, speed and distance and are used by businesses to monitor how far their staff drive, will fall from £38 to £32.
Ministers say new drivers will save £82.2million over the next decade, with businesses and motorists expected to save in total £150million between now and 2024.
The drop in driving licence costs comes as car insurance went up for the first time in more than two years in the last quarter, according to the latest AA index.
The average cost for an annual comprehensive motor insurance policy rose by £6 to £531 in the last quarter.
The motoring organisation found efforts to clamp down on fraudulent claims have not delivered the savings that insurers had anticipated.
The DVLA processes one million ‘first licence' applications every year, with more than 77 per cent of these applications made by 17 to 24 year olds.
Transport Minister Claire Perry said: ‘The cost of driving, especially for young drivers, can be significant and we are committed to cutting costs where we can.
‘Thanks to DVLA making large-scale savings to their running costs, we have been able to cut the cost of the driving licence which will save drivers and businesses £150million over the next 10 years.'
 Cost cuts: The new fees showed here are for motorists applying for driving licences online 
Some 2.1million photocard licences are renewed every year, meaning motorists already on the road would save £61.3million collectively over a decade.
Businesses make another 85,500 renewals a year and will save £2.44million over 10 years, while cost cuts to tachographs will save businesses another £3.58million over the decade.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander said: ‘Giving savings back to the taxpayer is a key element in this government's drive for a stronger economy and a fairer society. That's why we're slashing the cost of getting a driving licence and giving it straight back to young people and businesses, saving £150 million over 10 years.'
Other cuts being considered include vehicle first registrations and duplicate registration certificates.
Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, said: ‘The Department for Transport's own surveys show the three things that do most to put young people off driving are cost, cost and cost: of learning, of insurance and of buying a car.
‘Incomes for teenagers have been under downward pressure at the same time as motoring costs have generally been rising. This move is welcome.'Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45382/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### LIONS BOWL THEM OVER

Being a member of a Lions Club means many things to many people, there are over 1.3 million members throughout the world.
Being a member of the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club  means  committing a few hours each month to work in the interest of those in our community who are less fortunate than ourselves. It also brings a great sense of satisfaction to be part of an organisation that does actually "make a difference" to peoples'  lives.
Your local Lions Club will celebrate their 10th Charter Anniversary early next year bringing the opportunity to celebrate the huge difference that the Club has made to many people both individually and to groups and organisations. There are many organisations in the area who have benefitted from a "kick start" from the Lions when they were first starting out and in due course representatives of these organisations will all be invited to celebrate with the Lions at the 10th Charter Night Dinner and Dance.
Whilst being a Lion has its serious side there is also a very enjoyable social side to being a Lion and this week the Lions gathered at  Quesada Bowling for an evening of bowling which turned out quite competitive but essentially good fun for all concerned. Strangely  Andy Colquhoun, the overall winner is not a Lion member but a friend of the Lion President who immediately claimed him as 'His Champion" giving him a gladitorial thumbs up, in the style of Caesar.
The photograph shows lane winners and overall winner Andy Colquhoun along with event organiser Tom Antrobus and Lion President Iain Bennett.
If you would like to become a member of Lions Clubs International and more specifically Torrevieja Costa Lions Club you can contact the Membership Director Phil on philip.buckman@btinternet.com or Lion President Iain on idsbennett@hotmail.co.uk Telephone 966 731 495.  For more information on your local Lions Club go to www.torreviejacostalions.orgFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45379/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Being a member of a Lions Club means many things to many people, there are over 1.3 million members throughout the world.
Being a member of the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club  means  committing a few hours each month to work in the interest of those in our community who are less fortunate than ourselves. It also brings a great sense of satisfaction to be part of an organisation that does actually "make a difference" to peoples'  lives.
Your local Lions Club will celebrate their 10th Charter Anniversary early next year bringing the opportunity to celebrate the huge difference that the Club has made to many people both individually and to groups and organisations. There are many organisations in the area who have benefitted from a "kick start" from the Lions when they were first starting out and in due course representatives of these organisations will all be invited to celebrate with the Lions at the 10th Charter Night Dinner and Dance.
Whilst being a Lion has its serious side there is also a very enjoyable social side to being a Lion and this week the Lions gathered at  Quesada Bowling for an evening of bowling which turned out quite competitive but essentially good fun for all concerned. Strangely  Andy Colquhoun, the overall winner is not a Lion member but a friend of the Lion President who immediately claimed him as 'His Champion" giving him a gladitorial thumbs up, in the style of Caesar.
The photograph shows lane winners and overall winner Andy Colquhoun along with event organiser Tom Antrobus and Lion President Iain Bennett.
If you would like to become a member of Lions Clubs International and more specifically Torrevieja Costa Lions Club you can contact the Membership Director Phil on philip.buckman@btinternet.com or Lion President Iain on idsbennett@hotmail.co.uk Telephone 966 731 495.  For more information on your local Lions Club go to www.torreviejacostalions.orgFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45379/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### SACKED PP SECRETARY-GENERAL ARRESTED IN ANTI-CORRUPTION RAIDS

In the biggest anti-corruption sweep in the country's history, dozens of people across the whole of Spain were arrested on Monday, many of them senior politicians from the ruling Partido Popular. According to the anti-corruption prosecutor's office, following the award of government contracts, they allegedly diverted at least €250 million of public money received from corrupt business men into their own pockets.
The most senior official taken into custody by the Guardia Civil was Francisco Granados, a former secretary-general of the governing Popular Party, who resigned in February following reports in the daily newspaper El Mundo that he had accumulated almost two million dollars in a Swiss bank account. 
The High Court judge Eloy Velasco has been investigating the origin of his fortune for a year, and suspects that it may come from illegal commissions paid by builders for fraudulent re categorizing of land and rigged construction bids while Granados was mayor of Valdemoro, a town of 72,000 residents just south of Madrid, between 1999 and 2003.
The investigation is centered mainly in town halls and regional governments in Madrid and Leon in the centre of the country and Murcia and Valencia in the east.
Two former Madrid mayors were also arrested in the swoop along with Marcos Martínez Barazón, the head of the León provincial authority. Local councilors, civil servants and several constructors are also suspected of participating in the scheme that awarded €250 million worth of public contracts in the last two years.
The mass raids targeted 51 senior politicians alleged to be part of a huge corruption network, of which the 35 arrested will now face charges of money laundering, embezzlement and influence peddling.
According to sources close to the case, dubbed Operation Púnica, the network made use of contracts aimed at bringing down electricity costs for municipalities, from which illegal commissions of two or three percent were charged.
The French firm Cofely and its affiliate in Spain were the major beneficiaries of the contracts handed out for works and public services.
Civil Guard investigators said they were now planning to take statements from the suspects, most of whom spent last Monday night in custody in the Madrid towns of Tres Cantos and Las Rozas 
The probe is the latest in a string of corruption scandals that have hit Spain's political parties, banks, football clubs and even members of the royal family.
The crackdown also resulted in 400 bank accounts being frozen and around 260 companies are also being investigated.
This new raid is only latest in series of corruption probes damaging image of Spain's ruling party and now, with municipal and regional polls, and then a general election, scheduled for next year, Spain's ruling Popular Party (PP) fears that constant media coverage of these judicial investigations involving a number of their senior figures are inflicting damage that could harm its chances of re-election
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45377/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In the biggest anti-corruption sweep in the country's history, dozens of people across the whole of Spain were arrested on Monday, many of them senior politicians from the ruling Partido Popular. According to the anti-corruption prosecutor's office, fo...

### WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

Sunday 9th November, is Remembrance Sunday, the day traditionally put aside to remember all those who have given their lives for the peace and freedom we enjoy today. On this day people from across much of the world will pause to reflect on the sacrifices made by our brave Service men and women.
Here on the Orihuela Costa, The Royal British Legion is commemorating Remembrance Sunday with a Church Service at the Capilla de las Mil Palmeras on 9 November.
Everyone is welcome so why not come and join the members of the Branch as we pay our respects to our nation's war veterans in the year that marks the centenary of the start of one of the costliest conflicts in our history. There will also be a march past led by the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums
The Service will also feature soloist Rebecca Holt while The Phoenix Concert Band will be providing accompanying music to the hymns. 
Everybody is welcome to attend both the service and the Wreath Laying Ceremony that will follow in the Garden of Remembrance where you are also invited to lay your own wreath or Poppy Cross, which you can obtain on the day.
Seating will be provided outside the church by the Ayuntamiento. You are asked to be seated by 10.30. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45376/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Sunday 9th November, is Remembrance Sunday, the day traditionally put aside to remember all those who have given their lives for the peace and freedom we enjoy today. On this day people from across much of the world will pause to reflect on the sacrifi...

### PARTIAL VICTORY FOR CALA MOSCA

The Official Journal of the Generalitat Valenciana has published a resolution on behalf of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, which protects two plots of land at Cala Mosca, of 2.96 and 3.51 hectares, protecting the sites from being built on for environmental reasons.
After a long battle against the development of the last green area of the Orihuela Costa, the Cala Mosca area plays home to two endangered species. There are around 5,000 specimens of the Cabeza de Gato plant, also known as the “cat head”, as well as a snail known as Tudorella Mauritanica. Because of the status of these endangered elements, the construction of 1,500 homes would have caused considerable environmental damage, and is therefore blocked on the two sites, “due to the presence of a significant population of Cabeza de Gato, a protected plant under the category of Vulnerable in the Spanish Catalogue of Endangered Species and the Valencian catalogue of Endangered Species of Flora”.
However, whilst applauding the decision so far, the councillor for the environment, Manuel Gallud of the Los Verdes green party of Orihuela, has already announced an appeal, as the government team believe that just protecting those two plots “is not enough to fully protect the endangered species”.
The coastal CLARO party, who have headed the campaign for protection as far as the European Union, welcomed this statement and recalled their activities to end the coastal construction. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45375/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Official Journal of the Generalitat Valenciana has published a resolution on behalf of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, which protects two plots of land at Cala Mosca, of 2.96 and 3.51 hectares, protecting the sites from b...

### A CHRISTMAS CENTENARY IN OUR TV HIGHLIGHTS

Perhaps a little unusual, but we start this week with a commercial announcement, as I have to tell you about the honey, mummy! You might well remember those immortal words being uttered by a big, furry, yellow giant on TV? Well, the good news is that the Honey Monster is back. Appearing in his first TV advert for some years, he hasn´t aged at all bad, but there is one significant difference. In an attempt to distance themselves from the dreaded “S” word, our cuddly friend is now advertising Honey Monster Puffs. The “S” word is sugar by the way, the previous name of the breakfast cereal being Sugar Puffs, for those who perhaps can´t remember them.
Whilst we´re on the subject of adverts though, you might remember The Bear and the Hare, which was last year´s John Lewis Christmas TV advert. You might also remember the Channel 4 show Goggle box showed us the families trying to guess what the ad was for. Well, this year, John Lewis has signed a deal with Channel 4 to incorporate Gogglebox into this year´s campaign. The details are shrouded in secrecy of course, for now, but it will certainly be memorable. 
One more ad based feature, then we´ll move on to the real TV shows! Supermarket chain Waitrose has launched its Christmas campaign by asking members of the public and its staff to lend their voices to its seasonal advertising campaign. Dolly Parton´s song “Try” is the chosen festive song, which will also be released as a charity single, with all the proceeds being split between three UK charities, Age UK, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity and foodbank operator, The Trussell Trust. If you dare to take part, search Google for “Waitrose donate your voice”.
I did say that was the end of the advert overview, but we couldn´t ignore the fact that Sainsbury's Christmas campaign is to focus on the famous football match between British and German forces in December 1914, to mark the event´s 100-year anniversary, keeping history alive, albeit for commercial reasons. 
With more focus towards the events of WW1, the BBC will be showing a powerful five-part drama which sees the conflict unfold through the eyes of two very ordinary young men. Written by Life on Mars writer Tony Jordan, the series is part of the BBC's programming to mark the Centenary of WW1. Paddy Gibson and Jack Lowden star as Thomas and Michael, two young men for whom the war has little mercy, no matter which side they might be fighting for. Over five chronological years The Passing Bells follows their lives, as they grow up, lose friends and find love amid the horrors of the war. Back home, their families and loved ones anxiously await news from the front.
The BBC has also announced an impressive cast including Peter Mullan, Gary Lewis, Sharon Small, Christian Cooke and Charlotte Spencer, for their new drama, Stonemouth, a two-part dramatization of acclaimed author Iain Banks' novel made by BBC Scotland and Slate North which starts shooting in Scotland this month, to air on both BBC One Scotland and BBC Two in 2015. The first TV adaptation of Banks' work since his death in 2013, Stonemouth is a rite-of-passage tale delving into love, loyalty and vengeance, focusing on the character of Stewart Gilmour played by Christian Cooke, who returns to the fictional village of Stonemouth for his best friend's funeral. Run out of town a year earlier by girlfriend Ellie Murston's criminal family, Stewart is forced to face up to his own past whilst uncovering the sinister truth behind his friend's apparent suicide.
On a lighter note, Sir Michael Gambon has been confirmed as the voice of the eponymous vengeful robot in E4's brand-new hidden camera show from Objective Productions, Bad Robots. The six-part comedy series, due to air on E4 in early November, takes a compelling look at our increased reliance on machines and continued exasperation with them, using new technology to create hilariously infuriating situations and computer-generated pranks. A host of demonic robots, from argumentative vending machines to patently biased pub quiz machines, abusive electronic road signs to a spray tan booth that loves to spray you (but not the colour you want…) are all intent on giving their human users a really hard time.
From the world of music, ITV has announced A Night With Olly Murs, a brand new one-off musical extravaganza with the award-winning singer. In the show, Olly will be performing some of his best known hits, such as Dear Darlin' and Heart Skips A Beat, as well as more recent material from his new album, Never Been Better, including new single Wrapped Up. Much like previous shows, he will also be giving an insight into the real Olly Murs, answering questions from a star-studded audience.
If you´re looking for a musical day out, and happen to be in Newport, Katherine Jenkins OBE is set to ensure that Christmas will be coming early as BBC Wales's star-studded seasonal concert, The Really Welsh Christmas Show, is staged at the Newport Centre, being recorded on the 13th and 14th of November, with free tickets available now from the Newport Centre. The event will also become the focus in Wales of the annual spectacular of entertainment and fundraising for BBC Children in Need.
Chat show fans might be pleased to know that ITV has confirmed a new exclusivity deal with Jonathan Ross, which means two more series of The Jonathan Ross Show for 2015, and a Christmas Special next year. That concluded this update and neatly bringing us back to both 2015 and Christmas highlights, exactly where we began on this week´s update.
Finally, this week a generation of Fraggle Rock fans mourned the death of Gerard Parkes, a 90 year old Canadian actor of Irish origin who played Doc in the popular show. The only human in the Jim Henson series which ran for five seasons in the eighties, Doc appeared in his workshop, accompanied by his trusty dog Sprocket, telling a story that served to initiate the action within a scene that was, at once the single point of connection from the world of the Fraggles with men.
 
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45374/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Perhaps a little unusual, but we start this week with a commercial announcement, as I have to tell you about the honey, mummy! You might well remember those immortal words being uttered by a big, furry, yellow giant on TV? Well, the good news is that ...

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 27 OCTOBER 2014

GIRL OUT OF COMA
 A SCOTTISH girl who was pulled unconscious from a swimming pool in Spain four months ago has come out of a coma. Four-year-old Cally Simpson has been slowly removed from the coma by hospital staff reducing her medication but she still remains seriously ill after the holiday tragedy in Salou on June 23.
MANGO RECALL
Spanish retailer Mango has recalled a blouse from their European stores after customers complained that the lightning bolt pattern resembled an insignia worn by soldiers in Nazi Germany. The blouse contained a tiny lightning bolt pattern that Twitter users, especially in Germany, said resembled the "Siegrune," a symbol sported by Nazi SS officers on their uniforms during World War II
BRIT ARREST
A British man who was on the run from drugs charges in Spain has been captured by armed police as he left his girlfriend's flat. Conrad Toland, 47, an alleged member of a Hells Angels gang, was tackled to the ground by officers outside a restaurant in Madrid. Toland was allegedly the mastermind behind a drugs ring. He is also accused of supplying cocaine to the Hells Angels in Bruges and belonging to an armed gang, according to a Civil Guard spokesman.
SPAIN TAKES ON ‘IS'
Over 300 Spanish soldiers who will form part of the international coalition to stop the advance of the Islamic State (IS), will be deployed to Iraq by the end of 2014, Spanish Defense Minister Pedro Morenes said Wednesday. Spain will "bring more experience" to the military training of the Iraqi army, La Vanguardia quoted Morenes as saying. Furthermore, Morenes said that Spain has also allowed the international coalition to use its military bases if needed the fight against the IS.
OPENING SOON
The Councillor for the Orihuela Costa, Martina Scheurer, has confirmed that the legal action to reopen the walkway at the Bellavista urbanisation is nearing the end of the allowed time period. “As with all administrative procedures in Spain, these things take time, and we want to make sure that we don´t take shortcuts that could cause problems in the future”, she told The Leader, “but the final phase of consultation is nearing the end, at which point the councillor for infrastructure, Antonio Zapata, will appear before the press to announce when action will begin”. Many residents in the area have been fighting for years to have the public walkway reopened, and so the anticipation this close to realising that goal is becoming increasingly exciting for many.
GAY TEENS STONED 
Gay groups have called for tougher anti-homophobia laws in the wake of an incident which saw a gay teenage girl left unconscious after she was pelted with stones after leaving school in  the Murcian town of Caravaca de la Cruz on Monday. When the young boy turned to the aggressors and told them to leave him and his friend "in peace", the three school students began to pelt the homosexual pair with stones.
YOUNG BLOOD
The Orihuela socialist group have chosen Carolina Gracia as their party leader to fight the next elections, thus assuming her to become mayor in the event of the PSOE becoming unanimously victorious. As one of the younger politicians in Orihuela, Gracia has the support of the younger end of the political spectrum already, and sat on the table of elders who prevented the censure motion in January that would have allowed the Partido Popular to oust the government. 
WALKER DIES
A man died on Monday after falling in the hilly area of Pico del Águila, between Orihuela and Santomera. The alarm was raised with the emergency services at around 7pm on Monday, resulting in a helicopeter being dispatched from the Alcantarilla air base. The Guardia Civil and Local Police also attended but could do nothing other than to assist in the removal of the man´s body from the scene.
MAYORAL DECISION
The Partido Popular of Torrevieja have decided unanimously that should they win the next local elections in May, they would elect the current mayor, Eduardo Dolón, as the head of the municipality once again. This of course is considering the fact that the proposed electoral reforms suggested by the central government will not be implemented in time. 
SPORTING LIFE
Torrevieja´s Sports City now attracts some 2,500 people every day, thanks to a new wave of initiatives and courses being run at the facility, as well as the improved facilities. The site is now being used by all of the local schools for sports events, as well as being attended by private groups and individuals keen to partake in the wide range of sports on offer. 
ELLO ELLO ELLO
A new book was released in Spain this week telling some of the success stories that the National Police has had through its Twitter account. With well over a million followers, the @policia account shares vital information on safety, security and alerts throughout the country.
WANDERLUST
A stray dog found in Scotland has been traced back to her owner – in Spain. Carmen, thought to be an Estrela mountain dog, was found wandering around Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, last Friday and handed to the Scottish SPCA. When her microchip was scanned, the SPCA discovered Carmen was from Spain. It was not clear whether the SPCA has yet attempted to contact the address in Spain.
A BIG SLICE
Telepizza, the Spanish fast food chain, has announced a refinancing package from investors which they say will allow them to re-launch the brands and cuts debts in half. Private equity firm KKR and other investment funds had acquired a 49% of the company, whilst private equity house Permira and investment vehicle Carbal hold 51%. The company now has just 285 million euro debts and a 10 million euro revolving credit line.
DOWN UNDERPAID
In their latest overseas expansion move, Spanish construction firm Ferrovial has offered 687 million euro in order to purchase Australian firm Transfield Services, which rejected the bid as poor value, whilst considering the possibility of further possible negotiations. Transfield Services runs maintenance and construction operations across various industries in 10 countries. Ferrovial, who were hit by the construction bust in 2008, now holds a 25% stake in London's Heathrow, one of the world's busiest airports.
VISITING HISTORY
Spain is fast becoming a must-see country for many Muslim travellers, considered an ideal bridge between Europe and Islam, especially given the five century history of Arab rule. In 2013, tourism started to show a significant growth, with an 85% increase in Saudi arrivals compared to the previous year, Algerian visitors rose by 30%, and a 57% rise in Turks. “People think that Islamic tourism is half travelling, half praying, but they're wrong. Muslims want to see the things that interest them, but without sacrificing their religious practices,” says Fazal Barhadeen, owner of CrescentRating.com, a website which ranks hotels and restaurants according to their adherence to Islam. Plans for an Islamic version of Trip Advisor are also well underway. According to an American company, Muslim tourism is a billion euro market, set to rise to 1.4 billion by 2018, with Muslim visitors also spending more per person than the average visitor to Spain. 
GETTING SOCIAL
The Alicante regional government is holding a course for young people, aimed at training them to qualify as Community Managers. Attendees of the 20 hour course in Torrevieja, which runs from the 24th to the 28th of November, will learn about matters relating to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and other social media platforms, enabling them to acquire the key skills in communication via social media.
OFFICERS MESS
An Indian Special Forces officer has been declared an “absconder” by the Indian Army, after he went missing while on holiday in Spain in August. Army sources said that Major Sharyf Bhonsle, who was serving as an Aide de Camp to the Arunachal Pradesh governor, had gone to Spain without apparently informing the authorities. He had taken leave in June and failed to report back on duty in August. 
HIGH MAIL
A 50 year old grandmother from Guyana was arrested last week after she allegedly attempted to send a quantity of cocaine through the postal system to an address in Valencia, Spain. The woman was convicted for being in possession of 274 grams of cocaine which she had hidden in beauty products prior to posting. 
SELF-ASSEMBLY HELP
According to a report from the United Nations, Swedish furniture Ikea has donated more towards the fight against Ebola than Spain, Norway and Luxembourg combined. Ikea has donated 5.3 million euro, according to the report, compared to the 3.2 million donations from the 3 countries. Britain has donated 157 million and Ireland 16 million. Spain has been battling the virus on domestic shores after a nurse was the first person to show signs of infection.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45373/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: GIRL OUT OF COMA
 A SCOTTISH girl who was pulled unconscious from a swimming pool in Spain four months ago has come out of a coma. Four-year-old Cally Simpson has been slowly removed from the coma by hospital staff reducing her medication but she still remains seriously ill after the holiday tragedy in Salou on June 23.
MANGO RECALL
Spanish retailer Mango has recalled a blouse from their European stores after customers complained that the lightning bolt pattern resembled an insignia worn by soldiers in Nazi Germany. The blouse contained a tiny lightning bolt pattern that Twitter users, especially in Germany, said resembled the "Siegrune," a symbol sported by Nazi SS officers on their uniforms during World War II
BRIT ARREST
A British man who was on the run from drugs charges in Spain has been captured by armed police as he left his girlfriend's flat. Conrad Toland, 47, an alleged member of a Hells Angels gang, was tackled to the ground by officers outside a restaurant in Madrid. Toland was allegedly the mastermind behind a drugs ring. He is also accused of supplying cocaine to the Hells Angels in Bruges and belonging to an armed gang, according to a Civil Guard spokesman.
SPAIN TAKES ON ‘IS'
Over 300 Spanish soldiers who will form part of the international coalition to stop the advance of the Islamic State (IS), will be deployed to Iraq by the end of 2014, Spanish Defense Minister Pedro Morenes said Wednesday. Spain will "bring more experience" to the military training of the Iraqi army, La Vanguardia quoted Morenes as saying. Furthermore, Morenes said that Spain has also allowed the international coalition to use its military bases if needed the fight against the IS.
OPENING SOON
The Councillor for the Orihuela Costa, Martina Scheurer, has confirmed that the legal action to reopen the walkway at the Bellavista urbanisation is nearing the end of the allowed time period. “As with all administrative procedures in Spain, these things take time, and we want to make sure that we don´t take shortcuts that could cause problems in the future”, she told The Leader, “but the final phase of consultation is nearing the end, at which point the councillor for infrastructure, Antonio Zapata, will appear before the press to announce when action will begin”. Many residents in the area have been fighting for years to have the public walkway reopened, and so the anticipation this close to realising that goal is becoming increasingly exciting for many.
GAY TEENS STONED 
Gay groups have called for tougher anti-homophobia laws in the wake of an incident which saw a gay teenage girl left unconscious after she was pelted with stones after leaving school in  the Murcian town of Caravaca de la Cruz on Monday. When the young boy turned to the aggressors and told them to leave him and his friend "in peace", the three school students began to pelt the homosexual pair with stones.
YOUNG BLOOD
The Orihuela socialist group have chosen Carolina Gracia as their party leader to fight the next elections, thus assuming her to become mayor in the event of the PSOE becoming unanimously victorious. As one of the younger politicians in Orihuela, Gracia has the support of the younger end of the political spectrum already, and sat on the table of elders who prevented the censure motion in January that would have allowed the Partido Popular to oust the government. 
WALKER DIES
A man died on Monday after falling in the hilly area of Pico del Águila, between Orihuela and Santomera. The alarm was raised with the emergency services at around 7pm on Monday, resulting in a helicopeter being dispatched from the Alcantarilla air base. The Guardia Civil and Local Police also attended but could do nothing other than to assist in the removal of the man´s body from the scene.
MAYORAL DECISION
The Partido Popular of Torrevieja have decided unanimously that should they win the next local elections in May, they would elect the current mayor, Eduardo Dolón, as the head of the municipality once again. This of course is considering the fact that the proposed electoral reforms suggested by the central government will not be implemented in time. 
SPORTING LIFE
Torrevieja´s Sports City now attracts some 2,500 people every day, thanks to a new wave of initiatives and courses being run at the facility, as well as the improved facilities. The site is now being used by all of the local schools for sports events, as well as being attended by private groups and individuals keen to partake in the wide range of sports on offer. 
ELLO ELLO ELLO
A new book was released in Spain this week telling some of the success stories that the National Police has had through its Twitter account. With well over a million followers, the @policia account shares vital information on safety, security and alerts throughout the country.
WANDERLUST
A stray dog found in Scotland has been traced back to her owner – in Spain. Carmen, thought to be an Estrela mountain dog, was found wandering around Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, last Friday and handed to the Scottish SPCA. When her microchip was scanned, the SPCA discovered Carmen was from Spain. It was not clear whether the SPCA has yet attempted to contact the address in Spain.
A BIG SLICE
Telepizza, the Spanish fast food chain, has announced a refinancing package from investors which they say will allow them to re-launch the brands and cuts debts in half. Private equity firm KKR and other investment funds had acquired a 49% of the company, whilst private equity house Permira and investment vehicle Carbal hold 51%. The company now has just 285 million euro debts and a 10 million euro revolving credit line.
DOWN UNDERPAID
In their latest overseas expansion move, Spanish construction firm Ferrovial has offered 687 million euro in order to purchase Australian firm Transfield Services, which rejected the bid as poor value, whilst considering the possibility of further possible negotiations. Transfield Services runs maintenance and construction operations across various industries in 10 countries. Ferrovial, who were hit by the construction bust in 2008, now holds a 25% stake in London's Heathrow, one of the world's busiest airports.
VISITING HISTORY
Spain is fast becoming a must-see country for many Muslim travellers, considered an ideal bridge between Europe and Islam, especially given the five century history of Arab rule. In 2013, tourism started to show a significant growth, with an 85% increase in Saudi arrivals compared to the previous year, Algerian visitors rose by 30%, and a 57% rise in Turks. “People think that Islamic tourism is half travelling, half praying, but they're wrong. Muslims want to see the things that interest them, but without sacrificing their religious practices,” says Fazal Barhadeen, owner of CrescentRating.com, a website which ranks hotels and restaurants according to their adherence to Islam. Plans for an Islamic version of Trip Advisor are also well underway. According to an American company, Muslim tourism is a billion euro market, set to rise to 1.4 billion by 2018, with Muslim visitors also spending more per person than the average visitor to Spain. 
GETTING SOCIAL
The Alicante regional government is holding a course for young people, aimed at training them to qualify as Community Managers. Attendees of the 20 hour course in Torrevieja, which runs from the 24th to the 28th of November, will learn about matters relating to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and other social media platforms, enabling them to acquire the key skills in communication via social media.
OFFICERS MESS
An Indian Special Forces officer has been declared an “absconder” by the Indian Army, after he went missing while on holiday in Spain in August. Army sources said that Major Sharyf Bhonsle, who was serving as an Aide de Camp to the Arunachal Pradesh governor, had gone to Spain without apparently informing the authorities. He had taken leave in June and failed to report back on duty in August. 
HIGH MAIL
A 50 year old grandmother from Guyana was arrested last week after she allegedly attempted to send a quantity of cocaine through the postal system to an address in Valencia, Spain. The woman was convicted for being in possession of 274 grams of cocaine which she had hidden in beauty products prior to posting. 
SELF-ASSEMBLY HELP
According to a report from the United Nations, Swedish furniture Ikea has donated more towards the fight against Ebola than Spain, Norway and Luxembourg combined. Ikea has donated 5.3 million euro, according to the report, compared to the 3.2 million donations from the 3 countries. Britain has donated 157 million and Ireland 16 million. Spain has been battling the virus on domestic shores after a nurse was the first person to show signs of infection.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45373/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### TORRY MAKE IT THREE WINS IN A ROW

CD TORREVIEJA ..........1 CD CASTELLON............0  Following two consecutive victories and, importantly, two consecutive clean sheets, Torry manager Galiana is at last looking optimistically at his team's prospects for getting out of Tercera and gaining promotion to Segunda B, and with the midweek addition of Ferron, a goal scoring winger from Jumilla, going into the game against Castellon, he was hoping that another 3 pts would firmly establish him in the playoff mix come Sunday evening.  
Meanwhile with the arrival of men like Javi Selvas and Rubén Suárez, and after a spectacular start to the season, the big spending visitors had picked up just one draw from their previous 3 outings, so the home side went into this game in a confident mood which showed from the very start with quick and accurate passing and fast flowing football.
The first opportunity fell to Burguillos on just 6 mins but his header was just off target. On the quarter hour it was the turn of the visitors when Carrascosa really should have done better than blast over with just Oscar to beat. However all the pressure was coming from Torry which paid off with the opening goal on 20 mins, a fierce drive from Borja just inside the post.  
A 30 yard effort from Vicente ‘sniffed' the Castellon goal on the half hour before Steve headed in just prior to the half time interval.
Unfortunately, what we thought was Torry's 2nd was ruled out for offside. 
It was a goal that they almost needed as the 2nd period saw a complete upturn in the Castellon form. They took the game to Torry and with better finishing might have won the game comfortably.
Efforts from Carrascosa, Selvas and Adria should all have ended up in the back of the net. But this was battling performance from the home side against a very good Castellon outfit and between two teams that will surely be in the mix come the end of the season.
Next week a long trek up the AP7, away to struggling CD Acero Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45372/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: CD TORREVIEJA ..........1 CD CASTELLON............0  Following two consecutive victories and, importantly, two consecutive clean sheets, Torry manager Galiana is at last looking optimistically at his team's prospects for getting out of Tercera and gain...

### SANTA POLA VICTORY HARD ON HORADADA

Santa Pola CF 2 – 1 UD Horadada
Three first half goals, the opening couple to the home side, settled an entertaining match at the Manolo Macia, earning Santa Pola only their second win of the season.
The Marineros were on the score sheet early too when, with five minutes gone, Nacho reacted first to a weak defensive clearance to side foot a looping shot over a stranded Horadada 'keeper from the edge of the penalty area.
With the visitors battling back into the game well, Santa Pola doubled their lead courtesy of a simple finish by Ismael that had more than a hint of good fortune about it. More confusion in the Horadada back four saw the midfielder dance past the last blue shirted defender to slide the ball into an empty net beneath a despairing dive by Ros.
Just about adequate defending would have seen Horadada alright, they weren't able to manage it, though, and instead found themselves two behind with half an hour gone. In truth, they weren't playing badly and Santa Pola were made to work hard to preserve their cushion, particularly in midfield where crunching tackles from both sets of players were the order of the day.  
Horadada got themselves right back in it on the stroke of half-time with, if he actually meant it, a sumptuous goal by club captain, Campillo. Raiding down the Santa Pola left, the Horadada stalwart had almost reached the penalty area when he unloaded a cross-cum-shot that evaded everyone and went in off the far post. It was the least the visitors deserved.
The second half, with no further goals, was simply a story of yellow cards and substitutions, although two moments of comedy goalkeeping by Ros might have seen Santa Pola add to their lead. At the other end, Ernesto went close late on when he hooked the ball over the Pola bar following a defensive scramble.
Next week Santa Pola travel to Almoradi while Horadada host Benferri.
Report and Photos by Kevin RendallFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45371/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Santa Pola CF 2 – 1 UD Horadada
Three first half goals, the opening couple to the home side, settled an entertaining match at the Manolo Macia, earning Santa Pola only their second win of the season.
The Marineros were on the score sheet early ...

### THREE POLA POINTS HARD ON HORADADA

Santa Pola CF 2 – 1 UD Horadada
Three first half goals, the opening couple to the home side, settled an entertaining match at the Manolo Macia, earning Santa Pola only their second win of the season.
The Marineros were on the score sheet early too when, with five minutes gone, Nacho reacted first to a weak defensive clearance to side foot a looping shot over a stranded Horadada 'keeper from the edge of the penalty area.
With the visitors battling back into the game well, Santa Pola doubled their lead courtesy of a simple finish by Ismael that had more than a hint of good fortune about it. More confusion in the Horadada back four saw the midfielder dance past the last blue shirted defender to slide the ball into an empty net beneath a despairing dive by Ros.
Just about adequate defending would have seen Horadada alright, they weren't able to manage it, though, and instead found themselves two behind with half an hour gone. In truth, they weren't playing badly and Santa Pola were made to work hard to preserve their cushion, particularly in midfield where crunching tackles from both sets of players were the order of the day.  
Horadada got themselves right back in it on the stroke of half-time with, if he actually meant it, a sumptuous goal by club captain, Campillo. Raiding down the Santa Pola left, the Horadada stalwart had almost reached the penalty area when he unloaded a cross-cum-shot that evaded everyone and went in off the far post. It was the least the visitors deserved.
The second half, with no further goals, was simply a story of yellow cards and substitutions, although two moments of comedy goalkeeping by Ros might have seen Santa Pola add to their lead. At the other end, Ernesto went close late on when he hooked the ball over the Pola bar following a defensive scramble.
Next week Santa Pola travel to Almoradi while Horadada host Benferri.
Report and Photos by Kevin RendallFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45371/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Santa Pola CF 2 – 1 UD Horadada
Three first half goals, the opening couple to the home side, settled an entertaining match at the Manolo Macia, earning Santa Pola only their second win of the season.
The Marineros were on the score sheet early ...

### POW EARNS POINTS WIN IN VALLADOLID

Local light heavyweight boxer Ricky Pow was in action on Friday night in Valladolid in a top of the bill contest against Eugen Stan.
This was Ricky's first outing since his defeat in Gran Canaria last May against Spanish number 1 Gabriel Campillo and he showed no signs of any hangover as he battled his way to a six round points victory against the Romanian. 
Cornerman and former Flyweight world champion, Kiko Martinez, described the win as a great victory against a very durable opponent who took extensive punishment.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45368/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Local light heavyweight boxer Ricky Pow was in action on Friday night in Valladolid in a top of the bill contest against Eugen Stan.
This was Ricky's first outing since his defeat in Gran Canaria last May against Spanish number 1 Gabriel Campillo and ...

### CORVERA MAY SEE APRIL FLIGHTS

The European Union has extended their consultation time on deciding the outcome of Corvera airport by another month. Compensation to the airport authority AENA for their investment in San Javier is believed to be the only remaining hurdle in opening the new Murcia regional airport. 
Meanwhile, plans to open the new transport hub continue, with what is expected to be the penultimate operational test having been carried out this week, as the State Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) sent a group of technicians to find and check the condition of all facilities for the purpose of certifying the operation of the new airport.
A total of 7 technicians visited the site, in a combined operation by AESA, SENASA, which deals with aviation training, consultation and technical assistance towards aviation safety and the environment, and INECO, a global leader in transport engineering and consultancy. The team visited every facility at the airport managed by Sacyr, and have concluded in their report that they have found no impediment that prevents the new Corvera airport functioning normally, thus paving the way for a final inspection before the airport can open.
In addition to checking the status of all the facilities, the technicians also carried out a variety of tests in order to check the response times to potential emergencies at all points in the facility, including the most distant, ensuring a maximum response time of less than 3 minutes. In these tests, the private company contracted to carry out fire fighting and emergency rescue procedure responded well within the maximum time, with a response time of just 2.25 and 2.30 minutes.
It was therefore concluded in the report that with the final test still pending, so far everything is looking favourable, and a theoretical date for opening has been given as of April, 2015, depending on the ruling of the European Union.
With a potential date now in mind, it is expected that the airport will be presented at the next international travel agency event held by the IATA association, which is set to take place from the 11th to the 15th of November in Prague. With nearly 1000 delegates, from over 200 airlines and representatives of over 60 schedules-facilitated or fully coordinated airports, this semi-annual meeting is one of IATA's largest events. The goal of the conference is for airlines and airports to obtain the slots that will give them the best possible schedule to offer their customers.
The flight “slots” being allocated in the IATA conference are from April to September, 2015. Should Corvera not be able to present itself at this next conference, the airport would have to wait until the next available session, which will be held from the 23rd of June, 2015, in Vancouver, Canada, or even next autumn in the November 2015 conference being held in Bangkok, Thailand. 
Missing out on this next crucial bidding event could force the airport management to carry on with their plan to open, irrespective of the pending decision from Europe, a decision which is likely to end in only one of two ways, the first option being that there is no case to answer, the second being that compensation must be awarded for the construction of the second runway at San Javier, thus resulting in nothing but a financial burden, rather than an operational restriction.
Many still argue that it will not be possible to close San Javier as passengers already have flights booked into the summer of next year, but one only has to look at how quick action was taken in closing Blackpool airport in the UK, with flights diverted within days, some with only hours notice, and, although a very different reason, that argument cannot be held in balance. 
Local coordinator of the IU-Verdes group, José Antonio Pujante, believes that it is “highly doubtful and it makes no sense” that the Competition Tribunal of the European Union would approve the opening of Corvera, as it is so close to the commercial airports at San Javier and Alicante-Elche, but with San Javier set to close, Corvera is further away than Alicante-Elche.
A report of the European Commission approved the now questionable 200 million euro loan required to close San Javier, as Corvera was considered “necessary” for regional development. The Directorate General for Competition also reported on issues with the San Javier location, which suffers “a serious problem of saturation in high season”, along with the restricted military academy activities at certain times of the operational day. Similarly, the runway was / is relatively short for large aircraft, and the facilities are close to “valuable natural areas” and surrounded by zones “densely populated”, so that any extension would have a negative impact. Therefore, it would prove difficult to increase passenger numbers in the future, a report which was concluded and approved even before the recent reduction in passengers using San Javier.
On Wednesday, the Regional Minister of Industry, Tourism, Business and Innovation, Juan Carlos Ruiz, confirmed that the opening of Corvera is “a quantitative leap for tourism in the region”, and it is “essential for tourism that this airport opens”, whilst not giving any actual dates, but guaranteeing that the regional government will do “everything in our power to make it easier to open”. Part of his insistence is that a report from the Chamber of Commerce of Murcia states that the regional economy will grow again in 2014, after five years of decline, but next year “may be an important year” in which we can “translate that growth”.
With the operational outlook now looking more positive than ever before, and with time ticking away until the first payment of 7 million euro needed before the 1st of January to offset a 180 million euro payment plan, the ability to secure flights sooner rather than later can only be of benefit to the new Murcia Regional airport, albeit at the cost to San Javier, which will close at some point, whether in April or later, a move which is seemingly inevitable. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45367/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The European Union has extended their consultation time on deciding the outcome of Corvera airport by another month. Compensation to the airport authority AENA for their investment in San Javier is believed to be the only remaining hurdle in opening t...

### SPANISH TV RE-TUNE TIME

As you woke on Sunday morning, you should have paid attention to two important pieces of technology. The first item of attention would be your clocks, setting them back an hour. The second piece of equipment is your TV, re-tuning it to receive the channels you may have got before the weekend.
In order to clear the way for mobile phone and tablet use on currently occupied frequencies, the Spanish government has forced television broadcasters to move to new frequencies. A state bulletin was published this week that gave those broadcasters a window in which to carry out the switchover, which was set to coincide with the clock change, between 02:00 and 06:00 on Sunday morning. 
This batch of changes affects many of the main Spanish stations, broadcast through a normal terrestrial system, although some have until the 1st of January to make their final switch.
In order to ease the burden on communities facing the change, the government offered a grant to pay for the retuning of communal and shared receivers. The information from the government states that if your building has more than three dwellings, it is likely that your reception system is a programmable control unit or a system of single-channel amplification. In both cases the property manager or the president of your community owners must call an installer to prepare your collective building antennas for receiving the new channels. It is for this that a government grant is possible.
The grant must me applied for through the government channel by the community president of property management, who must have an appropriate tax code and bank account, and the work must have been completed by an authorized installation company, a list of which is available from the Spanish government.
However, in those homes that have a system of wideband reception, primarily single family homes and buildings with less than three dwellings, adaptation is not necessary, because the receiving system is already capable of receiving the new frequencies, without the need for any adjustment, other than a possible rescan of your channel list. If you do not conduct a rescan, you will lose some of the channels from your list.
For more information, you can visit the website created by the Spanish government, at www.televisiondigital.es.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45366/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As you woke on Sunday morning, you should have paid attention to two important pieces of technology. The first item of attention would be your clocks, setting them back an hour. The second piece of equipment is your TV, re-tuning it to receive the cha...

### COUNCILLOR DEFENDS CHIRINGUITO ACCUSATIONS

As the courts are investigating whether or not there is a case to answer in relation to the award for the contract to operate the Chiringuito beach bars of Orihuela, the current councillor for the coast, Martin Scheurer, has defended her actions after she revealed some surprising details about the previous pending tender.
A former councillor for the coast, Pedro Mancebo, has taken up the fight to criticise the contract, which some people feel may have been rigged in order to ensure that only one company could apply. 
As previously reported, part of the issue was the inclusion that the successful company but have a “Q” accreditation for quality, which none of the other applying companies had. However, the contract also called for the successful company to also have ISO accreditations, again, which none of the other applicant companies did.
Mancebo has claimed that a contract had already been prepared during his tenure in the role of councillor, and that his version should have been used, rather than the revised contract which was awarded.
However, the Mancebo created contract also had requirements for the ISO accreditation, which would have still excluded those companies which were not successful, irrespective of the “Q” status. In addition, the Mancebo draft also required bidding companies to have a 3 year proven track record in a similar business, with takings of at least 600,000 euro per year. 
Criticism had also been levied towards Scheurer for loosing Orihuela money, as her version of the contract was valued at 350,000 euro. The successful company bid was slightly higher than the minimum amount. Details in the Mancebo contract reveal that his version was for just 321,000 euro, lower than the now awarded contract. In addition, the current contract is for a 4 year period, extendable in one year blocks for a maximum of 3 years, whereas the Mancebo version was for a fixed period of 10 years.  
Scheurer therefore states that if the allegation that her contract loses money over the 4 to 7 year period, then the Mancebo draft would have lost even more and for a longer period.
It is not yet clear if the courts will decide if there is a case to answer to or not, for her part, Scheurer believes her conscience to be clear, and that everything has been meticulously checked to ensure compliance, but in the midst of claims and allegations being made public, the facts can only speak for themselves as the documentary evidence comes to light through the correct and legal channels. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45365/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As the courts are investigating whether or not there is a case to answer in relation to the award for the contract to operate the Chiringuito beach bars of Orihuela, the current councillor for the coast, Martin Scheurer, has defended her actions after...

### THEATRICAL SCANDAL MAY ROCK TORREVIEJA

Spokesperson for the alternative APTCe political group in Torrevieja believes that legal proceedings against the government team in relation to overspending on the construction of the municipal theatre highlights their lack of management of the municipality.
Along with the PSOE and Los Verdes, the APTCe group filed a complaint in September against the government, for 3.5 million euro which was paid to the company NECSO, which is now part of Acciona. 
This complaint supersedes a previous allegation in 2011 of 4.5 million euro being misspent, which Soler accepts, but still maintains that the money must still be returned.
Perhaps more worrying for the PP in Torrevieja is that a criminal corruption case such as this involves the current mayor, Eduardo Dolón, as well as former mayor and convicted criminal Pedro Hernández Mateo, along with councillors Joaquín Albaladejo, Loli Albaladejo, José Antonio Sánchez, Eduardo Gil Rebollo, Javier Montoro and Francisco Moreno.
In the Partido Popular provincial conference last week, members of the PP were expected to sign a new agreement that if they were charged in a corruption case, they would resign from their post. This notion was affirmed by the provincial president, José Císcar, in a radio interview after the conference, in which he was asked to confirm the status of the so called “red line” against corruption. Císcar confirmed, “I don´t know how many times we can repeat it”, anybody charged in a corruption case cannot stand for election.
Should the member of the government of Torrevieja be charged, the PP there would be in the same position as Orihuela, whereas hardly any of the known politicians would be allowed to stand for election in May, under the anti-corruption rules that their own party is trying to enforce in a bid to clean up their party image.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45364/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Spokesperson for the alternative APTCe political group in Torrevieja believes that legal proceedings against the government team in relation to overspending on the construction of the municipal theatre highlights their lack of management of the munici...

### UPLIFTING COMPLAINT AT PUNTA PRIMA

Orihuela´s Partido Popular has this week issued a complaint about the state of the lift access to the beach at Punta Prima, accompanied by the rather dramatic declaration that “Orihuela Costa remains in oblivion”.
 In a statement, the PP state that after almost 3 months, the lift which takes beachgoers down the high sided cliff “continues to deteriorate”, and that the “residents of Orihuela Costa are outraged at such abandonment”, considering that the PP first lodged the complaint in August of this year.
They continue, “Neither neighbour complaints or allegations of the PP have helped the government team to manage this issue”, and that the government are “deaf to the problems that arise in the area of Orihuela coastline”. 
In the summer of 2010 the Partido Popular inaugurated the lift which solved the problem of inaccessibility at the beach of Punta Prima, where only large stairs previously existed. Having solved the problem, the beach achieved the recognition of the Institute for Spanish Tourism Quality with the Quality Q certificate of excellence. 
Laying the responsibility firmly in the hands of the government team and the current councilor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, the PP claims that after a lot of investment the government is in no way compliant with the cleanliness or quality standards at this beach, and that the Orihuela Costa is at risk of losing the quality accreditations.
In response to the allegations, Martina Scheurer told The Leader that the lift is only open for use during the high season, and therefore would no longer have been in use since the 21st of September. However, during this time, a quote for repairing the lift, which is a non-standard installation and was made to measure, has been obtained and approved, and the repair was in fact ordered last week.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45363/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Orihuela´s Partido Popular has this week issued a complaint about the state of the lift access to the beach at Punta Prima, accompanied by the rather dramatic declaration that “Orihuela Costa remains in oblivion”.
 In a statement, t...

### TORREVIEJA PIPES AND DRUMS IN WW2 RE ENACTMENT

On Saturday the 18th October The Torrevieja Pipes & Drums were joined by Roy, Trevor and Jim from The Wessex Pipe Band and Bill from the Nottingham Police Pipe Band to play in the Gardens of Malecon at Murcia. The 4 men had flown over from England especially for the engagement. The event was spectacular and was organized by The Codex Belix Association, a group of enthusiasts who recreate historical events through re enactments of major battles.
Saturday this year, it was the WW2 Operation Plunder, crossing the Rhine in 1944. They are sponsored by the Ministry of Defence and are regular visitors to the City of Murcia. Main campsites and display areas are set up in the gardens along with activities and static war vehicles.
Before the battle commenced there was a short remembrance service at the arch in the centre of the garden along with the laying of a poppy wreath.
 It was followed by a Veterans parade down the main road to the bridge where the mock battle took place. The parade included two Chelsea Pensioners and was led by the magnificent sound of bagpipes and drums provided by the Torrevieja Pipes & Drums.  
Tanks and Jeeps drove down the road carrying the soldiers who, along with authentic sound effects fought a well rehearsed battle. Even the Red Cross Nurses ran onto the Battle Field to take away injured soldiers. This event is staged each October in Murcia over a period of 3 days. It is well worth a visit so I suggest that next October you check the Murcia web site and think about going to see it yourself.
JOAN WADDINGTON
For further information re the Torrevieja Pipes & Drums ring John 663446892 or www.torreviejapipesanddrums.com
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45351/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Saturday the 18th October The Torrevieja Pipes & Drums were joined by Roy, Trevor and Jim from The Wessex Pipe Band and Bill from the Nottingham Police Pipe Band to play in the Gardens of Malecon at Murcia. The 4 men had flown over from England...

### TOYOTA’S SEVEN MILLION HYBRID SALES

The pace of Toyota's worldwide hybrid vehicle sales continues to accelerate with a further million units added in just nine months, taking the cumulative total through the seven-million mark. At the end of September the number reached 7.053 million.

The results bear witness to Toyota's commitment to help mitigate the impact of motor vehicles on the environment by encouraging the mass-market adoption of cleaner, more efficient hybrids.
Toyota's hybrid range continues to grow, with 28 different passenger car models (including the Prius Plug-in hybrid) currently sold in more than 90 countries and regions. The new model strategy for 2014-2015 features 15 new hybrids, including in the UK the new Lexus NX 300h crossover and RC 300h coupe. In the future more new models and markets will be added.
Toyota calculates that as of 30 September, Toyota hybrid vehicles have reduced the amount of CO2 entering the atmosphere – believed to be a cause of global warming – by approximately 49 million tonnes, compared to the impact the same number of equivalent petrol-powered vehicles would have. On the same basis, it also estimates its hybrids have saved around 18,000 million litres of petrol.
Toyota entered hybrid vehicle production in August 1997 with the launch in Japan of the Coast Hybrid EV bus, followed in December by the first generation Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid car. In the UK Prius launched Toyota's hybrid market in 2000. Since then Toyota's hybrids have enjoyed increasing support from customers around the world.
Toyota's hybrid system is designed as a core technology that can be used in different forms to create environmentally efficient vehicles for different customer requirements. The company will continue to work to raise performance, reduce costs and expand its product line-up – including the introduction of environmentally efficient non-hybrid vehicles.
Locally, Torrevieja City Council plans to introduce a Plan 30 scheme, to limit traffic to 30 kph downtown. They are also promoting the use of electric vehicles, although few of the city's fleet of municipal vehicles run on electric power. Torrevieja also plans to cut the amount of CO2 in the downtown area, however, as pointed out by the Automobile Association and other Motoring groups, the slowing of traffic in a town centre has the effect of raising both CO2 levels and has not cut down on accidents. However, possibly adding more Hybrid vehicles to the Torrevieja municipal fleet might start to lead the way in encouraging the use of hybrid and electric vehicles in Torrevieja.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45349/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The pace of Toyota's worldwide hybrid vehicle sales continues to accelerate with a further million units added in just nine months, taking the cumulative total through the seven-million mark. At the end of September the number reached 7.053 million.

...

### SHANI ORMISTON NOMINATED FOR THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR FOR THE HOLLYWOOD MUSIC AWARDS.

“To be nominated is something magical”
“This red carpet event will be celebrated on the 4th November in the Fonda Theatre of Los Angeles, California.
The local singer and composer Shani Ormiston has recently been nominated for prizes in “Hollywood Music in Media Awards 2014”, known as the ‘Oscars of independent artists' that recognises the best producers and composers of the world in distinct categories, such as music, films, television, videogames, musical videos, among others
This is the third consecutive year that Shani has received this Hollywood recognition, with a total of six separate nominations. This year the young composer aspires to two prizes in distinct categories – “Once Upon a Time” nominated as Best Pop Song of 2014 and “Brave” in the Contemporary Adult Category, two songs that form part of her latest musical work.
This red carpet event is held on 4th November in the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, California, which attracts artists from all over the world. This year there will be 28 Spanish artists reaching for the stars in various categories. The award ceremony will be hosted by actor, himself an Oscar nominee, Eric Roberts, the director of cinema Andy Fickman, the producer Verdine White, and guitarist Adam Gaynor.
The singer and composer affirmed that she feels very emotional after receiving the news:- “To know that I have been nominated has been an excellent piece of news, I feel tremendously happy and content as this is another step forward in my career, the simple fact of being nominated is something magical.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45347/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: “To be nominated is something magical”
“This red carpet event will be celebrated on the 4th November in the Fonda Theatre of Los Angeles, California.
The local singer and composer Shani Ormiston has recently been nominated for prize...

### IN THE BUNKER WITH MICK THE GRIP. OCTOBER 2014

PATRICK REED'S  Ryder Cup opponents collared him last week when he returned to the UK for the Volvo World Matchplay and had their photo taken mimicking Reed's gesture to the crowd at Gleneagles.  Reed took it all in good part.  For the camera anyway.  Back in his hotel room he probably chewed the carpet.
Dr. FRANK STABLEORD deserves to be remembered by amateur golfers everywhere.   Dr. Stableford was a surgeon in the Boer war and WWI, afterwards becoming Captain of Wallasey Golf Club on the Wirral.  He devised a system of points scoring after realizing one day that many players were getting very little fun out of their golf, often tearing up their score cards after a few holes, especially at Wallasey, where strong winds could make play extremely difficult. 
Golf handicaps had originally been used for the purpose of wagers but eventually there was a need for a central handicapping authority.  In 1881 the use of three rounds and then take the average was adopted.   Many clubs played medal competitions, hard for the less formal golfer, or they played against bogey, based on the best average scores over a particular course, which was very individual, with widely differing standards.
Dr. Stableford's points system was first played in competition at Wallasey on 16th May 1932, and was an instant success.  At the time the maximum male handicap was 21, but not liking the idea of anyone receiving 2 strokes at a hole, he restricted the allowance to 7/8th of handicap, giving a maximum of 18 shots.  Gradually he refined the system to give 4bbb, foursomes and mixed matches. 
The great advantage of Dr. Stableford's system is that it enables a player to continue after a few bad holes, and speeds up play by letting a player pick up when he is out of contention.  It was Henry Longhurst's opinion that “No single man did more to increase the enjoyment of the more humble golfer.”  
GOLF IN AMERICA can be interesting.  Approaching the 16th green in Montana a golfer came across three bear cubs wrestling with the flag  (no sign of Goldilocks.)  And in Oregon an eagle landed on the green, picked a player's golf ball up in it's beak and flew off.   The surprised golfer said:  “I'd been hoping for an eagle all day.”  In case you're wondering, rule 18/1 has it covered: If a ball at rest is moved by an outside agency, there is no penalty and the ball must be replaced.
RORY McILROY has pulled out of the Shanghai HSBC and BMW Masters to prepare for his forthcoming courtroom battle against Horizon Sports Management.  Horizon is countersuing for breach of contract.  For both protagonists millions are at stake.  For the lawyers Christmas has come early.
THE EUROPEAN FATHER AND SON Championship returns to Valle del Este, Almeria, from 27th October to 1st November.   Over 50 teams compete for the title of best scratch and handicap Father and Son team in Europe.  Last year's winners, both from England, will return free as part of their prize.  
Open to any pro or amateur team, maximum handicap 24,   contestants' ages range from 10 to 90 (not a team presumably)  The 54 hole 2bbb Stableford event brings golfers and their families over for a great week in the sun.  Sky Sports cameras, press and announcers all make it as close to a pro championship as possible, and with evening entertainment, spas and a carnival atmosphere it is proving a popular annual fixture.   
“Columbus went round the world in 1492; that isn't a lot of strokes when you consider the course.”  Lee Trevino (Who else?)
Just a reminder folks that any loose change dropped in to the poppy boxes this month will all help this very worthy cause.
Until next time, happy golfing.
Contact Mick for your regripping and repairs. Tel. 638 859 475Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45345/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: PATRICK REED'S  Ryder Cup opponents collared him last week when he returned to the UK for the Volvo World Matchplay and had their photo taken mimicking Reed's gesture to the crowd at Gleneagles.  Reed took it all in good part.  For the camera anyway.  ...

### INTER SOCIETY CHALLENGE 2014

This was the inaugural competition for golf societies; the format was generally new for Golf Societies with a four man team playing two ball Texas Scramble, each team being split and at the end of the competition the team pairings gross scores were added together and the Texas handicap deducted to provide the total team score.
Fourteen Golf Societies entered the tournament and with a Shot-Gun start the competition commenced at 08:30 on a day that was warm, sunny and near perfect for golf.
The two best Texas two-ball scores on the day were 71 and they came from Tommy Clarke/Charlie Rodgers (Clarkes's Bar G S) and Bill Martin/Pino Perito (Eurogolf G S) other societies close to them were Dave Smith/Kevin Hall (Sportsman G S) and Phil Herrington/Barbara Hitchings (Las Ramblas G S) with 72.
But it needed the other pairing of the Golf Society to win the trophy and this was achieved by the eventual winners Clarkes Bar Golf Society with the team of Tommy Clarke, Charlie Rodgers, Roy Welburn and Robert Wardrop with a Nett score of 132 strokes.
It was a very close fought contest as only 2.50 strokes covered the three teams.
The Inter Society Trophy was presented to the winning team captain by the event organiser Ivie Davies
The final results were: 
1. CLARKES BAR GS. Tommy Clarke, Charlie Rodgers, Roy Welburn, Robert Wardrop 132.00
2. SPORTSMAN GS. Dave Smith, Kevin Hall, Tony Wilson, Tony Cary 134.25
3. EN VISTABELLA GS Eddie Kitchingham, Colin Mitchell, Juan Botella, Stan Natynczyk 134.50  	
Each player of the successful teams received medals and vouchers for golfing goods presented by Pablo Riestra Director of Golf at Vistabella Golf
There was a prize draw for all the players and we thank the sponsors of these excellent prizes who are:
Venture Fleet Auto Technicians – Los Montisinos,   Restaurante La Fortaleza – Vistabella. Catorce Restaurant - Benijofar  The Vestry Restaurant – Algorfa.  Vistabella Golf - green fee vouchers and golf balls.
Congratulations to Clarkes Bar Golf Society for being the first winners of the Inter Society Trophy and thanks to all the Vistabella staff for presenting the course in such good condition and Pablo Riestra for his/their support of the event.
For more information on this competition and the Vega Baja Premier Golf League contact Ivie Davies golfdavies@gamail.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45344/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This was the inaugural competition for golf societies; the format was generally new for Golf Societies with a four man team playing two ball Texas Scramble, each team being split and at the end of the competition the team pairings gross scores were add...

### EURONICS DARTS LEAGUE 23 OCTOBER 2014

What a tussle down at Busters Bar when they entertained Porter House in this week´s top of the table clash.  Shirley Roberts´ Busters side found themselves 6-2 up, requiring just one from 4 singles and 2 valuable points.  It didn't happen as some splendid finishing from Ray Sanderson´s side gradually reduced the deficit, finally sealing the draw and shared spoils.  
Mark Filer opened with his customary ton, but it was Porter Yvonne Rouffignac who finished the 701 on D10 for an early lead.  Busters response was emphatic.  Paul Dowington 125 and Ray Harvey 100,D8 levelled in no time.  More tons followed, Filer´s 121 was overshadowed by Sid Cross´s 100 and Peter Ayres 133 and D2.  Surprisingly Busters took all three pairs.
 A 116 from Cross was insufficient as Filer completed the 601 on D3 to take the first.  Dowington finished using the bull to take the second, leaving Babs Warren to complete the pairs whitewash on D10 after a magnificent 174.  
Porter Ray Hayes faced the familiar figure of Filer in the first single.  Hayes lone ton was eclipsed by the Buster as two game shots in the best of 3 encounter were accompanied by 2x140 and a 135.  Paul Gurrie´s D9 and D20 were too much for Rouffignac as the hosts moved ominously closer to victory leading 6-2.  
Roberts looked like making it both points when D20 went straight in for a 1-0 lead against Paul Sanderson, the Porter making it 1 apiece on D16, to ensure the decider.  The captain´s 132 wobbled the visitor, but he steadied himself with 47 remaining and duly planted S15,D16 and a slight chance of retrieving the match at 6-3.  Ray Harvey figured next versus birthday boy Sid Cross, who would only own up to being 31.  Yeh really Crossey!  
The “young man” from Sidcup was obviously keen to get back to the bar as 2x100 and a 125 plus two tidy finishes of 58 (S18,D20) and 49 (S17,D16) made short work of the Buster but more importantly 4 legs for the Porters.  Warren found her earlier form missing as she faced Ayres to take the match.  
The Porter man opened with some reasonable scoring but his finishing was the all important factor in a tremendous victory, a 72 out (S12,S20,D20) and D20 using one dart, saw off Warren´s challenge for 6-5.  The 12th leg loomed, Dowington for Busters, Ray Sanderson for Porters.  Busters had the advantage of first throw, which of course favoured the hosts.  
A single ton from captain Porter and D20 plus first throw in the second gave Sanderson a real lift.  Dowington´s response was 2x100, Sanderson just a ton.  A couple of missed doubles from both was retrieved by the Porter who nailed D5 for 2-0 and an overall 6 apiece result giving each side one point.  Wonderful match!  Details are a little sketchy but Porter Brian Nash encountered a nasty fall this week, resulting in hospitalisation and numerous head and facial stitches.
I understand he is now recovering and I am sure I represent all the Euronics League players in wishing him well and a speedy recovery.
Meerkats stay just above Busters after a comfortable away win over Junction Jackals.  Licensee Andy Gildea serves a nice pint at the Junction and has erected an excellent throw for us players, unfortunately they use invisible ink for scoring which makes working out your finishing a little difficult.  Steph sort out the pens!  Gildea himself played well accompanied by larger than life Jim Scott, who still manages a decent game, despite golf, jet setting and holidays taking priority.  
Just this year he has visited Ireland for golf, Krakow (Poland) sight-seeing, Chicago, Memphis and New Orleans for singing lessons.  Don't know where you get the energy from Jim.  He nevertheless opened the scoring for Jackals with a ton and D10 after the Kats had messed around looking for a double, Pat Abrams 2x100 totally worthless.  The game swung the other way Paul Durrant finding the next two doubles plus 100, 140, Abrams contributing 140 for 1-2.
 A 138 from Durrant setting up D20 was converted by Alex Nikolov a throw or two later.  The formidable pairing of Abrams 125,100,81 and Lee Maiden 81,100 appeared too strong for Scott and Mac McLean, however the latter´s ton followed by a 77 out from Scott (S19,S18,D20) shook the Kats, the score now 2-3.  Danas Bobinas on S19,D8 made it 2-4 at the break.  Despite 2x100,1x140 from Durrant against Alex Giles it was a scrappy leg won by the Kat 1-2 on D10 and D2, Giles taking the middle leg on D8.  
Scott arrived at the oche in the 9th match and promptly took the first on D9 after 2x100 and an 81 against the Bulgarian builder Nikolov.  The Kat replied with 2x100 and D6 for 1 apiece.  Scott flexed his ample muscles and responded with 2x100, the Kat a little behind requiring 124.  Two treble twenties and a D2 for a 124 out made it 2-1 for Nikolov and the overall match for the Kats.  Great darts from Scott, just ousted by a tremendous game shot.  Maiden´s 2x100,D12 and D20 was good enough to take out McLean as was Graham Todd´s 3x95,D1 and D8 playing against Keith King 122 and the first leg on D2.  Kenny Wilkinson made it 3 for the hosts with 95,114 and an excellent 81 out (T15,D18) plus D11 in the decider playing Bobinas.
Hub Hyenas managed to complete a match this week, when they were visited by the Kings of Pint Depot.  Gary Minor was the King´s only winner in a one sided encounter.  Some very consistent scoring throughout was topped in his second leg victory over Jeff Harvey, Minor scoring 85,100,100,100,D16.  
Eddie Fozzard top scored with a 140 but little else for the Kings.  A reasonable tally of 15 tons and ton pluses by the Hyenas proved too much for an out of form Pint Depot.  Joe Miller amassed 5x100, Nick Spicer 132,125,2x100, were the main stays in a match where the visitors managed their only win in the final leg.  Simon Williams´ 3 game shots and Joe Hawkins 2 game shots and a 125 assisted both Miller and Spicer.
The Jaguars were missing hot shot Pat Schofield this week, she of the 158 game shot a week ago was absent as the visitors went down to Brett Badlove´s Que Pasa Kestrels.  Wendy Hayward got the Jaguars off to a good start with a 125 and D2, but this early lead was the only time they were in front as Yvette Samuel D10 and Chris Miles S16,D20 made it 2-1 after the triples.  
Some tasty scores in the third from Tracy Simpson and Hilda Wilkinson 85,117 were not enough against Miles´ powerful scoring.  Miles continued in the first doubles with a 113 and double to go further ahead.  Lucy Maiden pulled one back for Jaguars on D14, only to lose the next via Gilly Kirby on D3 for 4-2 at the break.  
The hosts took 4 of the six singles through Badlove 116,D2, Miles D2, Samuel D1 and Kirby D4 who also amassed 5x80 pluses through the evening.  Hayward and Lisa Ivill replied for the away side, Sharon Bugg outstanding but unable to convert some great scoring.  Miles was deservedly man of the match.
Tavern Drivers and Breakaways Bears both remain unbeaten and now have identical records to include leg difference.  The Taverners found themselves 2-4 up at half time, Ian Brown taking out 48 using just two (S16,D16) in the third triple.  John Dursley won the match for the visitors by the third single, but it was Ian Brown who was nominated man of the match.  
Breakaways looked pretty useful this term and were in a mean mood versus Evolution.  Del Lister D6, Ivan Jones D5 and Mel Dawson D8 gave the Bears a 0-3 lead after the triples, but it wasn't quite that easy as Paul Wilson 112 and Jak Doggatt 81,118 countered for the Evos.  
Wilson continued in the doubles with 3x80+, but couldn't prevent Lister 2x80+, D4, Mike Snow D15 and Mike Smith D1 making it 6 without reply at half time.  Debbie Williams saved the whitewash on D4 as the Bears ran riot winning 5 of the singles for 1-11.  Jones 140,83,D17, Smith 85,100,D3, Lister 85,85,D2 being the pick of the singles bunch.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45339/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: What a tussle down at Busters Bar when they entertained Porter House in this week´s top of the table clash.  Shirley Roberts´ Busters side found themselves 6-2 up, requiring just one from 4 singles and 2 valuable points.  It didn't happen ...

### UPGRADED GUARDAMAR CHARITY SHOP OPENS, NEW “EURO SHOP” PLANNED FOR DOLORES

The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre's popular Guardamar charity shop this month reopened in a new, modern and central premises that boasts access to plenty of nearby car parking.
The rescue centre's co-founders, Sue and Rod Weeding, are also planning to further expand their network of eight charity shops to include a second “euro shop” in Dolores by years' end.
“We now have 81 horses, ponies and donkeys at the centre and we need a minimum of €4000 a week to keep us going – and that doesn't cover surgeries or hospitalisations,” Sue says.
“We are now in our seventh year and police across much of the Costa Blanca are now on our side. It's so important that we can always respond when they call us. That's why the shops are vital, so we have the funds to continue our work, grow as an organization and advocate for animal welfare in the Valencia region.”
Sue says more volunteers are needed at the relocated Guardamar shop, in Calle de la Puerta del Cairo, 03140 Guardamar del Segura next door to Pil Pil fish restaurant which is run by Spanish manager Pilar
“We're over the moon to have a Spanish lady running it – she's our first Spanish manager – and we're also looking for English-speaking volunteers. It's a great way to practice your Spanish, improve your social life and meet new people,” Sue says.
She is also calling for expressions of interest for people interested in volunteering at the Dolores euro shop. Please call the charity shop hotline on 652 021 980 for more information. Those wishing to donate large furniture items can also arrange pick-ups via this number.
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre is open to the public the first Sunday of every month between 1pm and 4pm. The centre is located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga 59. For directions, please visit www.easyhorsecare.net. Or call Sue 652 021 980
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45338/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre's popular Guardamar charity shop this month reopened in a new, modern and central premises that boasts access to plenty of nearby car parking.
The rescue centre's co-founders, Sue and Rod Weeding, are also planning to...

### NINTH SOLIDARITY CHARITY CALENDER

Representatives of several associations got together last week in the Rocajuna offices of lawyers ArocaSequier when the Solidarity Fiesta Calendar 2015 was presented. 
Andy Ormiston explained that this is the ninth charity calendar which various charity  groups sell for six euros to boost their own funds. The title of the calendar is a ‘Torrevieja Outlook', which is the name of a free electronic monthly magazine and webpage run by Andy, who has missed a couple of years producing this informative calendar due to ill health, but thanks to support from local businesses, once again he has been able to print the calendar free to the associations.
Here at The Leader we will be selling it in aid of this year's Royal British Legión Poppy Appeal.
During the presentation Andy made an Award of appreciation to Fernardo Guardiola for the work of his team at Objectivo Torrevieja who report every event organised for charity in Torrevieja. 
There was another award for Keith Nicol who provided photographs for the calendar. Other Photos were by Javier Torregrosa and Carlos García, who once again designed the Calendar.
There was also a big surprise for Karolina of the Torrevieja Charity Reach Out when she was presented with a donation of 5,431,71 euros by lawyer Miguel Angel Aroca in collaboration with Currency Direct.
Reach Out is only three years in existence where volunteers provide support to the homeless by offering a drop in centre where they can shower, have a change of clothing or launder their own, and have something to eat; Karolina laughingly said that their homeless were the cleanest and best dressed in Spain, thanks to the magnicent support they have been receiving by members of the local community.
The colourful calendar is a poster sized edition of sixteen pages, full of information about fiestas and events, not only in Torrevieja, but also in neighbouring towns of the Valencia and Murcia regions. Each month the main photo is about a fiesta or place, with space for notes. The bank holidays in Spain, United Kingdom and Ireland are also marked up, along with full moon and international events.
It is not just a twelve month calendar but there are extra pages of photos and information featuring local monuments and cultural events.  There are important emergency numbers as well as a useful web sites for those looking for information of weather, places to visit, hospitals, hotels, tourist events etc.
The calendar can be obtained from the Leader Offices in Los Dolses from where sales will be donated to the Royal British Legion.
Other outlets selling the calender are HELP, Age Concern shops in Torrevieja and Los Montesinos, Alzheimers Day Centre, K9 shops at La Marina and Almoradi, AECC at Playa Flamenca, Reach Out at Nueva Torrevieja and The Coastrider new offices in C. Quesada ON their behalf: the Samaritans at Punta Marina, two of the ArocaSequier and Alamo Costa Blanca offices. 
The production of the calendar has been possible thanks to the sponsorship of Alamo Costa Blanca, Brithol Mapfre Seguros, Atlas Insurance Brokers, and hosts of the presentation - ArocaSequir Abogados y Associates.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45334/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Representatives of several associations got together last week in the Rocajuna offices of lawyers ArocaSequier when the Solidarity Fiesta Calendar 2015 was presented. 
Andy Ormiston explained that this is the ninth charity calendar which various chari...

### ARCADIA SATELLITE TV PROVIDING QUALITY VIEWING

The company has been around now for over 5 years and is based in Los Montesinos and has been providing television for thousands of expats all across the Costa Blanca and down to Murcia, and by seeing how strong the picture quality is on a day where weather conditions are so poor, it's no wonder that much of Richard Ward's business is obtained by word of mouth from happy, satisfied customers.
The use of Portugese dishes and other quality equipment is also a reason why people enjoy such great pictures.
Richard has been living and working in Spain since 2004 and has been in the construction industry for almost 30 years, so rest assured , when Richard puts up a dish, whether it be 80cm or 2.4 metres, you know it will be safe and secure.
Perfection comes at a price, but that price is surprisingly modest with packages starting from as little as 280€ for a 1.37 dish and digibox, this dish is a must as later on in the year, smaller dishes will struggle to receive the BBC and ITV stations in many areas.
A complete HD package is now 360 Euro.
There are over 300 free to air channels including BBC 1,2,3,4, ITV 1,2,3,4, Channel 4,5, 5USA as well as movies, music, news and children's channels, along with 100 radio stations.
All of this is included in the price and is a one off payment with you owning the equipment, there is a 1 year guarantee and Richard is always on hand to deal with any problems or issues that may arise, as all of the channels are free to air and you are receiving the programmes direct from the satellite, there are no questions or issues over legality of re-broadcasting.
Sports packages are also available and are proving to be very popular with sports fans and bars and restaurants.
HD quality is also available for those with an HD tv and Arcadia could soon be able to offer internet and telephone packages in addition to their current services, so whether you are looking for an individual home package or to supply a whole urbanization, call Richard today for a quality service on; 671 827 585 or email; arcadia.tvastra2@ymail.com
www.arcadia-satellite.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45333/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The company has been around now for over 5 years and is based in Los Montesinos and has been providing television for thousands of expats all across the Costa Blanca and down to Murcia, and by seeing how strong the picture quality is on a day where wea...

### WEARING A DRESS TO MAKE A POINT

The Canarian Island of Gran Canaria is well known for its ‘live and let live' attitude to life, which is one of the reasons why I love this island so much.
Whether you are straight, gay, bisexual, transgendered, or just plain confused, it really doesn't matter. If you happen to want to wear a dress instead of trousers few folk will raise as much as an eyebrow, although you would be well advised to have a decent hair do and a full facial to go with it. 
Gran Canaria is not adverse to a little cross dressing from time to time, and the right to be flexible when wearing clothing is firmly defended by most generous thinking people on the island. However, a campaign by the taxi divers in our capital city of Las Palmas did raise a few eyebrows recently.
Sadly, the taxi drivers in Las Palmas have been a little upset, because of the policies and demands of the City authorities. They were also more than a little peeved at being asked to wear smart uniforms, which the city authorities felt would improve their presentation when greeting tourists arriving at the airport.
A number of other issues also meant that the taxi drivers felt that their work was not valued and that the authorities were undermining them. Anger built up and the taxi drivers felt that the only way that they could protest was not to strike, work to rule, or go on a protest march, but for the male taxi drivers to start wearing dresses, or a skirt and blouse.
Initially, the protesting taxi drivers announced that they would cross dress on Mondays and Wednesday, leaving the rest of the week for them to recover, as well as giving them the opportunity to refresh their wardrobes, or return items borrowed from wives and girlfriends.
Feelings ran very high, since the taxi drivers felt that this was the only way that would command the attention of the City authorities, as well as a, hopefully, sympathetic public. Many drivers commented that they thought there were far more serious issues to be concerned about than wearing uniforms, as demanded by the city authorities. Indeed, the drivers felt that the area manager, whose Spanish name interestingly translates into ‘Mr Tasty', should resign in favour of someone who could resolve the drivers' many grievances.
The president of the taxi drivers' association, who is a woman, commented that she was very proud of her members' actions, as it had started a street movement. In any case, as all holidaymakers to these islands are acutely aware, wearing a skirt is much more comfortable in the Canarian climate than trousers. Don't knock it until you've tried it, seemed to be the general view of these latest cross dressers.
So there we have it. Be warned that if your taxi driver is a friendly, but macho, hairy Canarian sporting a moustache and beard and a broad grin, but also wearing one of the latest frilly numbers from Zara, please don't panic. Just smile and tell him where you wish to go in the usual manner. Please also tip generously, because he may well be saving up for an extension to his wardrobe.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.

© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45332/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Canarian Island of Gran Canaria is well known for its ‘live and let live' attitude to life, which is one of the reasons why I love this island so much.
Whether you are straight, gay, bisexual, transgendered, or just plain confused, it really...

### “LITTLE NICOLÁS” EMBARRASSES SPAINS SECURITY CHIEFS

Madrid's Red faced security chiefs are asking themselves just how a baby-faced, 20-year-old university student could bluff his way into the coronation of the new king, pass himself off as a government adviser to reportedly broker a lucrative business deal, and avoid traffic jams by flashing a fake police light?
The answer, disturbingly enough, is that he did it by falsifying police and secret service documents and pretending to hold several government and other official posts, according to Spain's national police. 
But now the game is up as the student in question, Francisco Nicolás Gómez Iglesias, was arrested having quickly gained prominence as the country's most notorious gate-crasher.
And as he appeared in court last week judge Mercedes Pérez Barrios was as incredulous at the extent of Mr. Gómez Iglesias's double life. 
In her report, she wrote that she could “not understand how a young man of 20, using only his own word and apparently under his own identity, could have access to government conferences, places and events without his behaviour causing any alarm.”
One of the most worrying security breaches occurred on June 19, when Mr. Gómez Iglesias was among the guests at the royal palace and actually shook the hand of the new king, Felipe VI.
But rather than spending most of his time on university benches, Mr. Gómez Iglesias preferred to lunch with top business executives and politicians, even joining them in the V.I.P. box of the Real Madrid football team's Bernabéu stadium. He also moonlighted as an advisor to the government, and sometimes as an agent of the secret service, according to El Confidencial, the newspaper that first reported the case. He also managed to receive 25,000 euros from a businessman in return for helping facilitate a property deal, acting as a government adviser, according to the judge's report.
Mr. Gómez Iglesias, known to his friends as Frankie, has now been dubbed “Little Nicolás” by the Spanish news media, in reference to a series of French novels about a mischievous schoolboy.
Attempts by the press to speak to the young man have been unsuccessful and he has made no public statement since his release from custody, on bail, last Friday. Spanish news media say, however,that his family was shocked by the arrest, claiming that he had somehow been set up.
Mr. Gómez Iglesias's gate-crashing exploits came to an end when he tried unsuccessfully to attend a party at the American Embassy, as well as further his relationship with Spain's royal household. The Spanish police then started an investigation, leading to his arrest last week.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45331/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Madrid's Red faced security chiefs are asking themselves just how a baby-faced, 20-year-old university student could bluff his way into the coronation of the new king, pass himself off as a government adviser to reportedly broker a lucrative business ...

### EX-COUNCILLOR FAKES SICK PENSION

An ex-United Left (IU) councillor from Alicante, Óscar Morales, has pretended to suffer from cancer for the last five years so that he could claim a state sick pension 
Morales is alleged to have forged medical reports from three hospitals in 2008 and, until he was caught just under two years ago, he has been claiming approximately 1,000 per month incapacity benefit. The amount claim is said to be in the region of 70,000 euros which, when eventually caught, he immediately refunded together with an appropriate amount of interest.
One-time councillor for Youth and Cooperation at Elche city council between 1995 and 1999, he was also chairman of the Elche Football Club Foundation. 
He issaid to have forged a report from the Vall d'Hebrón hospital in Barcelona diagnosing him with colon cancer, and another from the hospital San Juan de Alicante detailing his chemotherapy treatment, as well as a third from Elche General Hospital for radiotherapy.
He also managed to fake the official stamps, including one from the College of Medicine, as well as the signatures of real doctors at all three centres, describing in the reports, in detail, how the cancer had spread.  The scam was said to be so convincing that his doctor prescribed opiates to help him with the side-effects of the treatment.
But when called in for his annual medical check-up, a requirement of the Social Security System for those who are claiming a sick pension, his doctor became suspicious when the medical reports he supplied did not seem to bear any relation to his apparent state of health. An investigation ensued and it transpired that the reports were fake.
Morales is now facing two criminal charges, one of Social Security fraud and another of falsifying documentation.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45330/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: An ex-United Left (IU) councillor from Alicante, Óscar Morales, has pretended to suffer from cancer for the last five years so that he could claim a state sick pension 
Morales is alleged to have forged medical reports from three hospitals in ...

### ALICANTE’S TRANSPORT DREAM PAYS OFF

Following the enormous amount of urban development in Alicante, the capital of the Costa Blanca's tourist region, in recent years, it was felt that the transport infrastructure would not be able to cope.
As such experts said that a new public transport network was needed to prevent the existing transport system from collapse.
The city already had a network of urban and suburban tramways (1893-1969) although the region's most efficient transport system remains the Ferrocarrils owned (FGV) narrow-gauge railway between Alicante and Denia (1914-15), a line stretching for 93km and connecting many of the Costa Blanca's main towns. 
However as the system developed an ever increasing number of operational problems, a little under 20 years ago the operator FGV-TRAM Alicante decided to use the infrastructure of this rail line to provide the city with a new tram system, thereby creating Spain's first light rail network
The operation involved converting various sections of the single-track line into double-track tram tracks and taking advantage of the urban regeneration works slicing through various built-up areas. 
The network got off to a modest start when the first section, a local line linking Puerta del Mar, La Marina and La Albufereta, opened in March 1999. The network was extended later that year.
At the same time, it was decided that an urban branch line should be built to the city centre. The route taken by the line is breathtaking, starting at the entrance to the city then, after climbing a steep incline, crossing a viaduct and finally entering the city centre through an underground section. This and other characteristics now make Alicante's tram network one of the most ambitious projects to have been completed in southern Europe.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45329/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following the enormous amount of urban development in Alicante, the capital of the Costa Blanca's tourist region, in recent years, it was felt that the transport infrastructure would not be able to cope.
As such experts said that a new public transpor...

### EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS / WINNING NUMBERS - DRAW 740, 24 OCTOBER 2014

DO WE HAVE A EURO MILLIONS WINNER IN TELFORD?
ESTIMATED JACKPOT FOR 24 OCTOBER 2014: € 200.000.000

Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools together the stakes of the nine participating European countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. By clubbing together, the participating countries have made the EuroMillions one of the biggest and most exciting lotteries in the world!
The latest Euromillions lottery results are presented here.
EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY RESULTS
The latest results and winning numbers for the Euromillions lottery draw 740, held on Friday, 24 October 2014 were:
Euromillions Results: Results pending...
Millionaire Raffle: Results pending...
Next Euro Millions Draw Date: 28 October 2014
Next Estimated Euromillions Jackpot: € Results pending...
Buy Euromillions Tickets Online | Join Euromillions Syndicate

ABOUT THE EURO MILLIONS LOTTERY
EuroMillions is Europe's biggest-ever, rolling jackpot lottery game. Five numbers from 1 to 50 are selected together with two Lucky Stars from 1 to 11.
The Euro Millions lottery draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday evening in Paris. Five main numbers are drawn along with two Lucky Stars. Match a minimum of three numbers to win a prize; three main numbers, one main number and two Lucky Stars or two main numbers and 1 Lucky Star.
Match five main numbers and 2 Lucky Stars to win the Euromillions jackpot, or a share of it!
To learn more about the Euromillions visit www.euromillions-lottery-blog.com.
WAYS TO PLAY THE EUROMILLIONS ONLINE
There are generally two different methods by which global players participate in the Euromillions lottery. Euromillions players can either buy Euromillions tickets online and play alone, or they can choose to join a Euromillions lottery syndicate and have everything from the ticket purchase through to the division of the winnings handled for them.
BUY EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE
Many global lottery players choose to participate in the lottery alone and buy Euromillions tickets online. Of course, the main advantage of this is the fact that if the person wins they have no need to share the money with anyone else! They get to keep it all to themselves!
JOIN A EUROMILLIONS LOTTERY SYNDICATE
We have teamed up with a lottery management company to create our very own Euromillions lottery syndicate. The Leader Lottery Syndicate offers you a higher chance of scooping the Euro Millions jackpot! Playing as part of the Leader Euro Millions Lottery syndicate you have five big benefits:
1.) BEAT THE ODDS - boost your chance of scooping a share of the Euromillions lottery jackpot
2.) EXTRA CASH PRIZES - when you win, you increase your individual syndicate member's share
3.) SUPERB VALUE - share 55 Euro Millions entries for just 1 pound!
4.) CONVENIENCE - don't forget to buy a Euromillions ticket, play from the comfort of your armchair!
5.) PEACE OF MIND - a great track record for reliability and online security!
Play the smarter way and improve your chances of winning a share of the Euromillions jackpot!

          
If you like the Euro Millions, you may also be interested in El Gordo, Spain's favourite weekly lottery, and SuperEnalotto, Italy's most popular national lottery game.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45328/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: DO WE HAVE A EURO MILLIONS WINNER IN TELFORD?
ESTIMATED JACKPOT FOR 24 OCTOBER 2014: € 200.000.000

Euromillions lottery results are available twice weekly. Draws take place in Paris every Tuesday and Friday. The Euro Millions lottery pools tog...

### PROMOTING BRITAIN IN EL CORTE INGLES

From now until 9th November the El Corte Ingles department stores in Alicante, Murcia & Valencia will be promoting British fashion, food and culture.  The aim is to showcase the creativity of the UK as part of the “GREAT Britain” campaign. 
Alicante Consul Paul Rodwell said “It's great to see British food, fashion & culture being promoted across the area through el Corte Ingles. I hope that Spanish and British people alike take the chance to go along and support this excellent initiative between now and 9th November”
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45327/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: From now until 9th November the El Corte Ingles department stores in Alicante, Murcia & Valencia will be promoting British fashion, food and culture.  The aim is to showcase the creativity of the UK as part of the “GREAT Britain” campa...

### ALICANTE TOWN HALL OFFICIALS OPEN THE FIRST DEALZ STORE ON THE COSTA BLANCA

On the 16th July the Mayor of Alicante, Mrs. Sonia Castedo Ramos, the Business Secretary Mrs. Belén González and Employment Secretary Mr. Carlos Castillo were all present for the official opening of Dealz Alicante on Calle de Castellar, 3. 
Dealz is part of Europe's biggest single price discount retailer Poundland and brings amazing value everyday to consumers by offering top brands for less at a time when households are trying to survive on a tight budget. The opening of the Alicante store introduces Dealz's unique shopping experience to Spain with the majority of products retailing at 1.50€, plus a clean, bright shopping environment with friendly customer service. The store in Alicante marks the second step in the Group's plan to trial approximately 10 stores in Spain over a two year period, following the launch of their Torremolinos store on the Costa del Sol in July.  
During her opening speech the Mayor commented; “I feel proud that this International brand has come to Alicante, not only to have a new shop for the people in the city to enjoy, but also because it's creating jobs, contributing to the variety of shopping on offer and also enriching and improving our economy. On behalf of the Town Hall we congratulate Dealz on the opening of this first store in the region and wish them every success. I look forward to seeing them open many more!”
Dealz Spain's Country Manager Alvaro Villamizar added, “Opening in the great city of Alicante is an important step for the company and we are delighted to have received so much help, support and positivity from the Alicante Town Hall and the local residents' associations. One of Alicante's objectives is to bring big retail brands to the city and improve their image as an important shopping and commercial destination and Dealz is happy to support the Town Hall in fulfilling this objective.”
 
For more information visit www.dealz.esFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45326/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On the 16th July the Mayor of Alicante, Mrs. Sonia Castedo Ramos, the Business Secretary Mrs. Belén González and Employment Secretary Mr. Carlos Castillo were all present for the official opening of Dealz Alicante on Calle de Castellar, ...

### MULTIPLE ASSETS, MULTIPLE IDENTITIES, MULTIPLE FRAUDS

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has just released a new campaign in the UK targeting benefit thieves in their local areas and reinforcing an ongoing effort to get back the millions that are taken from the tax payer - 82 million for last year alone for abroad fraud cases. 
There is no one ‘type' of benefit thief, but the one thing they have in common is that they are all taking advantage and abusing the system. For example, Peter Fischer claimed over £85,000.00 in benefits using multiple identities. Not only was Mr Fischer claiming benefits while living abroad, he was also working in both the UK and Spain, where he had tried to operate a business, without informing the DWP. He also owned undeclared property in Spain. In July of this year Mr Fischer's case went to court and he was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment and suspended for 15 months.
In another recent case, 74 year old Dennis Troubridge, who was living in Murcia while claiming benefits, was sentenced to 16 months in prison, in September of this year. Mr Troubridge had been living in Spain from 2009, and had claimed over £135,000 in benefits with the assistance of his daughter, Poppy Bowling. Ms Bowling was sentenced to a Community Order for 12 months after providing her address in Dagenham as a benefit claim address for her father. She also dealt with benefit mail at her address and had control of one of her father's bank accounts allowing her to withdraw cash from one account and transfer it to an account he had control over.
In both cases, the benefit thieves had been claiming Income Support, Pension Credit, Disability Living Allowance and Housing Benefits, all of which are not exportable when living abroad. 
New and improved methods are in place to target benefit thieves wherever they are and government departments are working together to catch anyone abusing the system. This also includes the traditional benefit fraud hotline, where DWP receives allegations from the public. The Spanish hotline [900 55 44 40] is free and confidential, and members of the public can call to report suspected benefit thieves in Spain. The line is open from 8am-4pm Spanish time.
For further information on benefits you can receive while living abroad please visit https://www.gov.uk/living-in-spain#state-pensi
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45325/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has just released a new campaign in the UK targeting benefit thieves in their local areas and reinforcing an ongoing effort to get back the millions that are taken from the tax payer - 82 million for last yea...

### FUEL PRICES FALL AGAIN

The price of petrol and diesel is continuing a trend of cheaper prices, with petrol now at its cheapest since July, 2012, and diesel at the lowest since the second half of 2011.
The average price of a litre of petrol fell by 4 cents last week, now working out at 1.352 euro per litre, 3.9% less than the same time last year, now celebrating the second week in a row that the price has been below 1.40 euro.
As for diesel, the average price was 1.274352 euro per litre last week, which is 6% cheaper than January of this year and 6.4% lower than the same time last year.
With the European averages provided by Brussels, filling a petrol vehicle with an average 55 litre tank now costs 74.3 euro, 2.2 euro less than a week ago, while in the case of a diesel vehicle, the cost is around 70 euro, 1.3 euro less.
Spain still offers some of the cheapest fuel in Europe, with the EU average being 1.518 euro per litre for petrol, and 1,326 euro in the case of diesel.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45324/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The price of petrol and diesel is continuing a trend of cheaper prices, with petrol now at its cheapest since July, 2012, and diesel at the lowest since the second half of 2011.
The average price of a litre of petrol fell by 4 cents last week, now wo...

### THE PITCH & PINT BAR RAISED 500€ FOR TWO CHARITIES

Lucky regulars at The Pitch & Pint Bar at Tiro de Pichón in Orihuela Costa enjoy a super social scene thanks to the great hospitality of owner Eira Pimlott and they raise hundreds of Euros for charities whilst simply having fun. As well ‘Race Nights', their latest event involved no less than 45 customers undergoing the popular ice bucket challenge and collecting 500€ in doing so. 
Two charities have benefitted from their soakings The AFA Torrevieja (The Association of Friends and Relatives of Alzheimer's Sufferers in Torrevieja) and The San Miguel Food Bank (Asociación de Vecinos San Miguel Arcángel).
Eira told us that her customers have decided to nominate The Food Bank as their first charity in the run up to Christmas and plan to buy presents for the needy children. The Pitch & Pint Bar now has a food drop off point and is working with Food Bank managers to ensure that customers donate what is really needed. This is a truly great community effort.  
Eira Pimlott with some of her regulars making the presentation to Manolo Gómez of La Asociación de Vecinos San Miguel Arcángel.
David Hardy
Board of Directors, La Asociación de Vecinos San Miguel Arcángel.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45322/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Lucky regulars at The Pitch & Pint Bar at Tiro de Pichón in Orihuela Costa enjoy a super social scene thanks to the great hospitality of owner Eira Pimlott and they raise hundreds of Euros for charities whilst simply having fun. As well &ls...

### GIVE YOUR VISION A SPORTING CHANCE

Taking part in regular exercise is a vital part of any healthy lifestyle and playing sport is a great way to be active and spend time with family and friends. When exercising, it's important that you have the correct clothing and accessories to help you with your overall comfort and performance. It's also important that you take care of vulnerable parts of your body, such as your eyes, to avoid any damage and to help prevent injuries. 
Those who need glasses and regularly participate in sporting activities need to ensure they wear the most suitable corrective eyewear for the sport they are taking part in. There are a number of considerations to make when choosing the most suitable frames and lenses for the type of sport you are involved in. Overall glasses should fit securely, with a robust design to protect your eyes and have the right level of visual correction to improve your performance. Specsavers Opticas offer the following advice for selecting the right option for each sport. 
Cycling - Wear tinted wrap around glasses that follow the contours of the face and stop wind, light and debris coming in from around the sides. 
Swimming - Prescription goggles are available that make the sport far more comfortable, protecting eyes underwater and correcting vision in the same way as glasses or contact lenses.
Golf - As well ensuring wrap around glasses fit securely, lenses with green tints will help to reduce glare and offer high contrast as well as adding visual sharpness.
Tennis/Padel - If you're playing outside, try sport sunglasses with a lightweight wraparound sport frame and polycarbonate lenses. 
Choosing suitable corrective eyewear when playing sport will not only enhance your comfort and enjoyment, it will also keep your eyes safe from damage. 
Contact lenses are also a popular option when carrying out sport for ease and comfort and can be combined with sunglasses, or protective glasses depending on the conditions. If you're not sure whether they would work for your chosen sport, Specsavers Opticas offer a free contact lens trial so you can make sure you can play sports with them before you buy. 
For questions about the different types of frames and lenses you should consider when taking part in sporting activities, it is best to ask your local optician for advice.  
Visit www.specsavers.es to find your nearest store 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45313/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Taking part in regular exercise is a vital part of any healthy lifestyle and playing sport is a great way to be active and spend time with family and friends. When exercising, it's important that you have the correct clothing and accessories to help y...

### REMEMBERING LINDA

It is with sadness that we hear that Lynda Bellingham died last night after a long fight with cancer. The press release said she died peacefully in her husband's arms, and for that we can be grateful.
 
Lynda was given an OBE for her work with charities, and here in Spain she was patron of Samaritans in Spain for several years. She began as Patron almost at the inception of Samaritans in Spain when it began as Costa Blanca Samaritans, remaining till just a few years ago when her work commitments became overwhelming for her and she felt she could no longer give the time she felt she should give them She became Patron of the Samaritans in Spain because, as she said, it offered a listening ear to people who so needed one when they really needed it. 
 
Lynda's own personal courage was manifest in her determined fight against cancer, dealing with the chemotherapy that was, as she said, so strong her body was protesting. Her personal decision to end the therapy in November and to hopefully have one last Christmas with her family was preempted by her sudden death. But even through all the pain, Lynda took time out to pre-record a farewell appearance on Loose Women where she told the world to grasp everything, to not be afraid and to enjoy all we can from our lives.
 
What a profound message to take into our lives. Lynda had this courage, but for some that courage eludes them and they need support. Some find it in family and friends, others in religion or work, but for a few these are not an option. If you feel in this position it would be a fitting tribute to Lynda and her courage, as well as a courageous thing for you to do for yourself to contact the Samaritans in Spain on 902 88 35 35. They also offer a drop in centre at Punta Marina shopping centre and email support on pat@samaritansinspain.com. 
 
Her passing is a sad day, especially for Samaritans in Spain, but her life and courage is an inspiration to us all, and let us take that message forward. Thank you Lynda for all the love, courage and fun that you have bought into all our lives.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45299/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: It is with sadness that we hear that Lynda Bellingham died last night after a long fight with cancer. The press release said she died peacefully in her husband's arms, and for that we can be grateful.
 
Lynda was given an OBE for her work with chari...

### TWO INGENIOUS ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS AROUSE LOVE FOR OUR FELLOW

This video is a love story. Undoubtedly the greatest love story ever told. It can be seen on YouTube under the title: "The best love story." It is also a story of dedication and sacrifice, solidarity, of redemption and holocaust. A love story between a father and son that transcends all cultures in all ages.
The pace of the video is slow, soft, contemplative. This let the emotions flow slowly. Perhaps the first minute may seem slow, but then it gains momentum and flock expressiveness, drama, emotion. The images come from a short film called "Most", a production of Eastwind Films directed by Bobby Garabedian.
The idea of the second ad campaign was a lucky break. One of the persons responsible for AFAL (Association for Families with Alzheimer's in Spain) attended a conference and at the end of the sessions, came to know the city. He was accompanied by a tour guide, Elena, who enjoyed remembering all the relevant data from the history of the city. In that drive, Elena transmitted more than the art data: she made him live the spirit that remains on the stones, the dregs of history, the identity and feeling that time has stopped there, and which is still alive because every day someone reminds it to others.
In this guided tour, the manager of AFAL realized a terrible fact: we are what we keep in memory: in it are our roots, our loves, our history; without memory, we are nothing. If we forget what others did, and if we forget what we did and love, we were greatly reduced; we keep, simply, the most basic emotions of our primal brain.
Forgetting everything is what makes the Alzheimer patient to become a being in permanent farewell. This cruel disease robs the sufferer of his history approached from itself and requires the exclusive interpretation of others.How important it is in these situations that we know to give love ... even if the patient does not notice! (Source:: Publicidad y Cine con Valores).
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com  Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45292/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: This video is a love story. Undoubtedly the greatest love story ever told. It can be seen on YouTube under the title: "The best love story." It is also a story of dedication and sacrifice, solidarity, of redemption and holocaust. A love story between a father and son that transcends all cultures in all ages.
The pace of the video is slow, soft, contemplative. This let the emotions flow slowly. Perhaps the first minute may seem slow, but then it gains momentum and flock expressiveness, drama, emotion. The images come from a short film called "Most", a production of Eastwind Films directed by Bobby Garabedian.
The idea of the second ad campaign was a lucky break. One of the persons responsible for AFAL (Association for Families with Alzheimer's in Spain) attended a conference and at the end of the sessions, came to know the city. He was accompanied by a tour guide, Elena, who enjoyed remembering all the relevant data from the history of the city. In that drive, Elena transmitted more than the art data: she made him live the spirit that remains on the stones, the dregs of history, the identity and feeling that time has stopped there, and which is still alive because every day someone reminds it to others.
In this guided tour, the manager of AFAL realized a terrible fact: we are what we keep in memory: in it are our roots, our loves, our history; without memory, we are nothing. If we forget what others did, and if we forget what we did and love, we were greatly reduced; we keep, simply, the most basic emotions of our primal brain.
Forgetting everything is what makes the Alzheimer patient to become a being in permanent farewell. This cruel disease robs the sufferer of his history approached from itself and requires the exclusive interpretation of others.How important it is in these situations that we know to give love ... even if the patient does not notice! (Source:: Publicidad y Cine con Valores).
clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com  Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45292/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### DENIA U3A ON A BREAK

On Wednesday 1st October, 54 members of U3A Denia boarded a coach for a seven day trip to Andalucia, The next day the group headed into Granada for the main attraction, the Al Hambra Palace and the Cathedral.  Day two was off to Cordoba where the highlight was the Grand Mosque, a really spectacular building with lots of photo opportunities. 
 
The following day we left the hotel for a browse of the city before heading to Seville for 3 days.    Monday found the group back on the coach heading for Jerez.  The main attraction here, and possibly the highlight of the trip for some, was a tour of the Williams and Humbert bodega with its 50,000 barrels of fermenting sherry.  There was a demonstration of the prowess of the Andalucian horse which was beautiful and quite spell binding before a few sherry samples and a bit of retail therapy in the bodega shop. Finally the group headed to Cadiz, a lovely city on the coast, for more historical visits and a wander. 
 
Tuesday found the group back on the coach heading back to Denia.  
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45291/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Wednesday 1st October, 54 members of U3A Denia boarded a coach for a seven day trip to Andalucia, The next day the group headed into Granada for the main attraction, the Al Hambra Palace and the Cathedral.  Day two was off to Cordoba where the high...

### DIY THREAT TO ENDANGERED BIRDS

The AHSA association which looks after the interests of the wetlands of the Southern Alicante area, along with the Southeast naturalists association ANSE, and ASE friends of Sierra de Escalona, have collectively presented arguments this week against the building of a new DIY store on the protected land of Torrevieja´s salt lakes.
One of the primary concerns of the environmentalists is that building on the area would seriously damage the colony of Audouin´s gulls which reside in the salt lake grounds, a species of Worldwide importance and with a “near threatened” status by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, thus considered threatened with extinction in the near future.
In August of last year we reported how the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, had overseen the reclassification of land near the salt factory, to enable the construction of a new 32,000 square metre DIY retail store. The multinational Kingfisher Group, which includes B&Q and ScrewFix, amongst the 6 brands they represent, plans to build a Brico Depot store on the plot near the cemetery, on the west side of the N332, to compliment their store already thriving in Elche, despite the site being centric to other DIY stores, such as Brico King (previously named Ardy), who have already struggled since the opening of Akí in the Habaneras centre, who in turn have suffered since Leroy Merlin opened at Zenia Boulevard.
The plans were also met at the time with objection from the small and medium business associations of Torrevieja, who have seen years of declining trade, firstly due to the construction of the Habaneras centre and its surrounding businesses, then by the Zenia Boulevard, which had a similar affect of Habaneras.
The environmental groups are opposed to further urbanizing of the perimeter of protection gaps of the Natural Park of La Mata and Torrevieja, given that it is one of the most natural areas hit by the urban pressures of the human population explosion. 
They also consider the proposed development as not compatible with the conservation of environmental values  established in Plan de Ordenación de Recursos Naturales of the natural park.
Because of the rich environmental values of this area, the site is considered of major interest to the Audouin's Gull, a protected and vulnerable species, and plays host to the second most important breeding colony for this species worldwide. As a result, the groups will demand an environmental impact study be carried out and published, as is required by law.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45290/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The AHSA association which looks after the interests of the wetlands of the Southern Alicante area, along with the Southeast naturalists association ANSE, and ASE friends of Sierra de Escalona, have collectively presented arguments this week against t...

### ORIHUELA ANIMAL CENTRE CELEBRATES TWO YEARS

Orihuela´s animal protection centre, which is run by the ASOKA organisation, is celebrating its second year with more volunteers, more help, and more animals looking for homes. 
The centre currently has some 200 dogs, 60 cats, 5 pigs, 2 goats and a pony waiting to be adopted, as the aim of the centre is to find adoptive homes for the animals, rather than destroy them. Asoka is currently collaborating with animal associations in other countries such as Germany, Holland, Belgium, Finland and the UK to that aim. 
An “open house” event was held this week in order to highlight the work carried out by staff and volunteers, in addition to raising awareness of the seriousness of the social problem of neglect and animal abuse.
During the event, a raffle and various activities were held, including a prize for the most obedient, the most handsome and a barking catwalk and competition for the biggest ears.
Photographs from the event are on their Facebook page, Asoka Orihuela- Página.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45289/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Orihuela´s animal protection centre, which is run by the ASOKA organisation, is celebrating its second year with more volunteers, more help, and more animals looking for homes. 
The centre currently has some 200 dogs, 60 cats, 5 pigs, 2 goats a...

### TV RE-TUNE TIME

When you wake on Sunday morning, you should pay attention to two important pieces of technology. The first item of attention would be your clocks, setting them back an hour. The second piece of equipment is your TV, re-tuning it to receive the channels you may have got before the weekend.
In order to clear the way for mobile phone and tablet use on currently occupied frequencies, the Spanish government has forced television broadcasters to move to new frequencies. A state bulletin was published this week that gave those broadcasters a window in which to carry out the switchover, which was set to coincide with the clock change, between 02:00 and 06:00 on Sunday morning. 
This batch of changes affects many of the main Spanish stations, broadcast through a normal terrestrial system, although some have until the 1st of January to make their final switch.
In order to ease the burden on communities facing the change, the government offered a grant to pay for the retuning of communal and shared receivers. The information from the government states that if your building has more than three dwellings, it is likely that your reception system is a programmable control unit or a system of single-channel amplification. In both cases the property manager or the president of your community owners must call an installer to prepare your collective building antennas for receiving the new channels. It is for this that a government grant is possible.
The grant must me applied for through the government channel by the community president of property management, who must have an appropriate tax code and bank account, and the work must have been completed by an authorized installation company, a list of which is available from the Spanish government.
However, in those homes that have a system of wideband reception, primarily single family homes and buildings with less than three dwellings, adaptation is not necessary, because the receiving system is already capable of receiving the new frequencies, without the need for any adjustment, other than a possible rescan of your channel list. If you do not conduct a rescan, you will lose some of the channels from your list.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45288/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: When you wake on Sunday morning, you should pay attention to two important pieces of technology. The first item of attention would be your clocks, setting them back an hour. The second piece of equipment is your TV, re-tuning it to receive the channels...

### TORREVIEJA SHOWS ALZHEIMERS SOLIDARITY

Partido Popular spokesperson in Torrevieja, Joaquín Albaladejo, has raised a notion through the government to declare Torrevieja as a city with solidarity with Alzheimer´s. 
Albeit an institutional gesture, the aim of the title, “Ciudad Solidaria con el Alzheimer”, is to raise awareness of the plight of those who suffer the condition, both directly and indirectly, and serve as an example to other municipalities to support the same.
Albaladejo also stressed that by recognizing the status supports the initiative of the CEAFA, the Confederación Española de Asociaciones de Familiares de Personas con Alzheimer y otras Demencias, explaining how  Alzheimer´s is the most prevalent type of dementia, that currently affects 3.5 million people in Spain.
He continued to explain that Alzheimer´s is a socio-sanitary issue, for which there is still no effective treatment, and yet it affects not only those who suffer the symptoms, but their families, friends and carers. 
The problem of the disease is expected to double in the next 20 years, mainly due to the higher life expectancy of the population, with direct and indirect costs labelled at around 30,000 euro per year. The City of Torrevieja therefore wishes to record its concern towards this major problem declaring a “City of Solidarity with Alzheimer´s”.
Part of the former railway station buildings in Torrevieja house one of the main Alzheimer's resource and help centres in the area, run by the AFA, or La Asociación De Familiares Y Amigos De Enfermos De Alzheimer De Torrevieja, which has been operating from the city for the last 10 years..
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45287/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Partido Popular spokesperson in Torrevieja, Joaquín Albaladejo, has raised a notion through the government to declare Torrevieja as a city with solidarity with Alzheimer´s. 
Albeit an institutional gesture, the aim of the title, “Ci...

### TORREVIEJA UPYD POLITICIAN RESIGNS

Local coordinator of the UPyD political group in Torrevieja, José Serna, has resigned from his post within the group, after six years battling against corruption and political wrongdoing. 
Serna has stated that his resignation is due to the “unfortunate behaviour of the national leadership of UPyD”, that ended with the resignation of MEP Francisco Sosa Wagner. Serna also claims that “most members” of the UPyD in Torrevieja “have shown the same desire to leave”. 
In a statement, Serna describes how the degeneration and economic, social, institutional and moral ruins which have led to the corrupt imperfect bipartisanship of the PP and PSOE in Torrevieja, and to the enormous threat of populism looming, “it saddens me greatly to see how a political party led by the brave and admired Rosa Díez who aspired to change Spain, and with political pioneering democratic outlook, more necessary than ever in Torrevieja, Orihuela and throughout Spain, including: anti-corruption, transparency, reviving the economy, the fight against unemployment, the independence of justice, the elimination of volumetric, anti exclusive nationalism, independence of regulatory bodies, improvement of education and health, complaints against Bankia-Caja”, and how the national group is “adrift” from meeting “very difficult idealistic goals”.
“I have devoted much time to politics. Time I subtracted from my family, sports and business, from now on I will open a period of reflection and decide between leaving politics or keep fighting for the Democratic Regeneration of UPyD or another similar project. 
Serna concluded by thanking those who have both inspired and followed him in his six year fight. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45286/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Local coordinator of the UPyD political group in Torrevieja, José Serna, has resigned from his post within the group, after six years battling against corruption and political wrongdoing. 
Serna has stated that his resignation is due to the &ld...

### A RURAL AUTUMN AND A DRAMATIC FUTURE - TV REVIEW

Last week we were talking about technology a Little, if you remember, when we discussed how kids can take part in a competition to design an application for use on tablet computers. Well, this week we have another hidden gem from the technological world, one for those who like medical dramas in particular, as Casualty launched the first of two special webisodes this week. Ideas for these exclusive internet based mini shows were submitted by the junior editorial team, but it was team researcher Ross Southard who was victorious with his pitch entitled ‘Radio Holby', which focuses on on Noel (played by Tony Marshall) who has always dreamt of being a radio DJ, and thinks now is the perfect time to give his dreams flight, especially as he sees how badly the team need a boost after the recent death of their colleague, Jeff (Matt Bardock). Part 1 is available now on the official Casualty website (search Google for BBC Casualty), with part two on-line after this Saturday´s TV show. 
Fans of a more rural outlook from teleland will be pleased to know that Countrywise returns for a brand-new series, taking viewers on an energetic and investigative look at the best of Britain's coast and countryside. Farming and agricultural expert Paul Heiney, intrepid adventurer Ben Fogle and wildlife biologist Liz Bonnin travel the length and breadth of Britain to discover the countryside's best stories and key issues. In the first episode, which airs on Monday the 27th of October on ITV, Paul Heiney visits the stunning Gower peninsular to find out how Salt Marsh lamb gets its distinctive flavour. Meanwhile, Liz Bonnin is in Lancashire to find out what we can all do to help give nature a home, and Ben Fogle heads to Northern Ireland where he gets to grips with a horse that's more suited to the Wild West.
We stay in the countryside for our drama highlight this week, as the BBC has announced that Golden Globe winner and two-time Oscar nominee Samantha Morton has been cast as Annie Lee in Cider With Rosie, which will air next year as part of its season of classic 20th century literature. Jessica Hynes plays Miss Crabby; June Whitfield plays Granny Wallon and Annette Crosbie plays Granny Trill. Cider With Rosie is an evocative coming-of-age story, set in an idyllic Cotswold village, during and immediately after the Great War. Marking the journey of young Lol as he grows from boy to man, the story chronicles first love, loss and family upheaval. Lol's boyhood escapades take place in a rural world as yet untouched by electricity and cars - a place suspended between history and modernity. Samantha Morton says: "I am thrilled to have taken on the role of Annie Lee in BBC One's adaptation of Cider With Rosie as it is one of my favourite books."
As for ITV, filming commenced this week on a riveting three-part thriller Black Work starring Sheridan Smith, Matthew McNulty, Douglas Henshall, Geraldine James and Phil Davis. Written by Matt Charman, who was also responsible for Our Zoo, shed light on his inspiration for the drama, saying, “Sheridan Smith is a dream to write for because as an actress there's really nothing she can't do. And Black Work is a story that pushes her to the limit – it makes her character, Jo Gillespie doubt herself, her family, her friends, everything she's always taken for granted in her search for her husband's killer.” Sheridan plays police woman Jo Gillespie whose world is thrown into turmoil when husband Ryan, an undercover policeman, is shot dead in mysterious circumstances. She resolutely sets out to discover who murdered him and has to confront difficult truths about her family life and her marriage to Ryan.
Over on Channel 5, it was announced this week that following the success of the shocking and thought-provoking observational film My Violent Child, the station has commissioned a further three documentaries that will look even deeper into this challenging and emotive subject.  The series exposes the hidden world of child-on-parent violence and follows families' poignant journeys as they struggle to cope with their children's complex behavioural issues. The violent outbursts, captured through a mix of fixed rigs and observational filming in homes across Britain, show a hidden world of angry and aggressive children and parents struggling to cope. The families are filmed as they and their children receive different forms of help and parents are forced to ask themselves, what could they be doing differently?
Finally, on a lighter note, Quiz show fans have something new to look forward to, broadcasting on Saturday night of the 25th of October, with one of the nation's favourite faces, Bradley Walsh, hosting a brand new show, Keep It In The Family. For the first show of the series, six stars from the hit TV soap Emmerdale will be joining Bradley in the studio as they prepare to face the dreaded drop. Each week three generations of rival families battle head-to-head, through a series of hilarious games, for incredible prizes including a family holiday or a brand new car.
 Ah, but I almost forgot that I promised you more about Scorpion this week, a drama inspired by a true story of a team of brilliant misfits who are the last line of defence against complex, high-tech threats of the modern age. Well, it starts this week on ITV 2 and sees a crisis at LAX airport leaving dozens of airplanes unable to land, and so the nerdy masterminds are called upon to save the day, using their exceptional brainpower to solves the nation's crises, while also helping each other learn how to fit in.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45285/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Last week we were talking about technology a Little, if you remember, when we discussed how kids can take part in a competition to design an application for use on tablet computers. Well, this week we have another hidden gem from the technological world, one for those who like medical dramas in particular, as Casualty launched the first of two special webisodes this week. Ideas for these exclusive internet based mini shows were submitted by the junior editorial team, but it was team researcher Ross Southard who was victorious with his pitch entitled ‘Radio Holby', which focuses on on Noel (played by Tony Marshall) who has always dreamt of being a radio DJ, and thinks now is the perfect time to give his dreams flight, especially as he sees how badly the team need a boost after the recent death of their colleague, Jeff (Matt Bardock). Part 1 is available now on the official Casualty website (search Google for BBC Casualty), with part two on-line after this Saturday´s TV show. 
Fans of a more rural outlook from teleland will be pleased to know that Countrywise returns for a brand-new series, taking viewers on an energetic and investigative look at the best of Britain's coast and countryside. Farming and agricultural expert Paul Heiney, intrepid adventurer Ben Fogle and wildlife biologist Liz Bonnin travel the length and breadth of Britain to discover the countryside's best stories and key issues. In the first episode, which airs on Monday the 27th of October on ITV, Paul Heiney visits the stunning Gower peninsular to find out how Salt Marsh lamb gets its distinctive flavour. Meanwhile, Liz Bonnin is in Lancashire to find out what we can all do to help give nature a home, and Ben Fogle heads to Northern Ireland where he gets to grips with a horse that's more suited to the Wild West.
We stay in the countryside for our drama highlight this week, as the BBC has announced that Golden Globe winner and two-time Oscar nominee Samantha Morton has been cast as Annie Lee in Cider With Rosie, which will air next year as part of its season of classic 20th century literature. Jessica Hynes plays Miss Crabby; June Whitfield plays Granny Wallon and Annette Crosbie plays Granny Trill. Cider With Rosie is an evocative coming-of-age story, set in an idyllic Cotswold village, during and immediately after the Great War. Marking the journey of young Lol as he grows from boy to man, the story chronicles first love, loss and family upheaval. Lol's boyhood escapades take place in a rural world as yet untouched by electricity and cars - a place suspended between history and modernity. Samantha Morton says: "I am thrilled to have taken on the role of Annie Lee in BBC One's adaptation of Cider With Rosie as it is one of my favourite books."
As for ITV, filming commenced this week on a riveting three-part thriller Black Work starring Sheridan Smith, Matthew McNulty, Douglas Henshall, Geraldine James and Phil Davis. Written by Matt Charman, who was also responsible for Our Zoo, shed light on his inspiration for the drama, saying, “Sheridan Smith is a dream to write for because as an actress there's really nothing she can't do. And Black Work is a story that pushes her to the limit – it makes her character, Jo Gillespie doubt herself, her family, her friends, everything she's always taken for granted in her search for her husband's killer.” Sheridan plays police woman Jo Gillespie whose world is thrown into turmoil when husband Ryan, an undercover policeman, is shot dead in mysterious circumstances. She resolutely sets out to discover who murdered him and has to confront difficult truths about her family life and her marriage to Ryan.
Over on Channel 5, it was announced this week that following the success of the shocking and thought-provoking observational film My Violent Child, the station has commissioned a further three documentaries that will look even deeper into this challenging and emotive subject.  The series exposes the hidden world of child-on-parent violence and follows families' poignant journeys as they struggle to cope with their children's complex behavioural issues. The violent outbursts, captured through a mix of fixed rigs and observational filming in homes across Britain, show a hidden world of angry and aggressive children and parents struggling to cope. The families are filmed as they and their children receive different forms of help and parents are forced to ask themselves, what could they be doing differently?
Finally, on a lighter note, Quiz show fans have something new to look forward to, broadcasting on Saturday night of the 25th of October, with one of the nation's favourite faces, Bradley Walsh, hosting a brand new show, Keep It In The Family. For the first show of the series, six stars from the hit TV soap Emmerdale will be joining Bradley in the studio as they prepare to face the dreaded drop. Each week three generations of rival families battle head-to-head, through a series of hilarious games, for incredible prizes including a family holiday or a brand new car.
 Ah, but I almost forgot that I promised you more about Scorpion this week, a drama inspired by a true story of a team of brilliant misfits who are the last line of defence against complex, high-tech threats of the modern age. Well, it starts this week on ITV 2 and sees a crisis at LAX airport leaving dozens of airplanes unable to land, and so the nerdy masterminds are called upon to save the day, using their exceptional brainpower to solves the nation's crises, while also helping each other learn how to fit in.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45285/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### CANCER MAP REVEALS HOT-SPOTS

Researchers at Spain´s Centro Nacional de Epidemiología have managed to create a “cancer map”, which not only shows where cancer cases are more prevalent, it also shows inequality across the regions.
Having analysed one million cancer related deaths over a 20 year period, between 1989 and 2008, the information has now been collated and released, the data reveals certain places which are “hot spots”, and for certain types of cancers.
For example the data reveals that the risk of dying from stomach cancer is greater in the Castilla y León, Burgos and Palencia areas, which the experts attribute the increase here to the higher consumption of cured and smoked foods, as well as a lower intake of fruit and vegetables.
The president of the Spanish Society of Epidemiology, Esteve Fernández, stresses that the maps show relative risks and are not absolute, “You can have triple the risk of dying from a given cancer risk one area, but the absolute risk remains small. Nobody has to move after seeing these maps”, whilst also reminding everybody that the most dangerous activity is smoking, and thus stopping smoking the best preventative action.
The map also sets out the deaths from lung cancer, a total of more than 340,000 in the study period. Areas with higher mortality risk in men are located in Extremadura, western Andalusia (Huelva, Sevilla and Cádiz), Asturias and Cantabria. In women, the greatest risks are in some towns of Pontevedra and Ourense.
Although the distribution of lung cancer is related to the number of smokers, the researchers also point to air pollution. In the case of the Galician people, scientists point to Radon, a radioactive gas that originates naturally from uranium underground. Despite its carcinogenic state, the Ministry of Public Works has two years to draft legislation to reduce the impact of Radon, which, according to data, could be present in excessive amounts in over 300,000 buildings in Spain.
The epidemiologists also reveal that in places located near to open mines, the risk of colon cancer is 9.7% higher than the rest of the country, with an increase of 6.6% in the risk of death for a lung tumour. Examples of these mines were found in the data in León, Palencia, Teruel, Ciudad Real and Córdoba.
Living near to a cement factory apparently carries an additional risk of dying from colorectal cancer, which was shown to have increased by 10% in the case of women, and 7% in the case of men, in villages located more than five kilometres away. For men, the risk of death stomach cancer is also 9% higher.
Breast cancer cases showed an interesting shift in the period of examination, with the “hot spots” in the first ten years being in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, which have recently reduced and seen a takeover in the areas of Huelva, Seville and Cadiz, where the risk of dying from breast cancer is now 10% higher than in the rest of Spain.
However, although the data should be closely monitored, the experts say, the study of breast cancer mortality is now longer valid, largely due to the amount of attention given to that one type of cancer over recent years, which has resulted in early detection and treatment programs resulting in a survival rate now greater than 80%. The experts say that monitoring of the disease, rather than mortality would be a more conclusive activity, but no such data exists.
The scientists also admit that their data is incomplete, as some condition such as bladder cancer, responsible for more than 77,000 deaths, was not fully monitored until relatively recently. Similarly, in addition to smoking, responsible for 50% of tumours, epidemiologists warn of risk to workers the manufacturing of certain industrial chemicals, such as aromatic amines employed in the production of dyes. They also suffer a high persons engaged in the manufacture of paints, dyes, rubber, leather and aluminium risk as well as truck drivers, possibly from exposure to emissions from diesel engines.
One of the most alarming statistics came from the distribution of 105,000 male deaths from prostate cancer. In the first 15 years inequality between the north and south was detected. Galicia was the region with the highest risk, compared to Andalusia which was below the average, “Diabetes may be able to explain the low observed mortality from prostate cancer in Andalusia, since in this region in the period had a much higher mortality rate related to diabetes than in the rest of Spain”.
The researcher Miquel Porta, president of the European Federation of Epidemiology and Professor of Public Health at the Medical Research Institute Hospital del Mar in Barcelona, applauds the new cancer map and points directly to the authorities, “I worry that policies will be implemented”, by the government of Spain, as the “intake of fresh fruit and vegetables reduces the risk of stomach cancer and should not become a luxury”, and so economic policy must also “facilitate healthy eating”.
The atlas reveals that in the last five years studied, the excess risk of dying from lung cancer in women has focused on cities, which the authors point to “the synergy between air pollution and smoking”. Porta calls on the authorities to take action. “If we see that in the urban centres most lung cancer occurs in women, and we know that there is an interaction between smoking and pollution, the answer is to act on smoking and air pollution, creating more pedestrian spaces and green areas”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45284/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Researchers at Spain´s Centro Nacional de Epidemiología have managed to create a “cancer map”, which not only shows where cancer cases are more prevalent, it also shows inequality across the regions.
Having analysed one millio...

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 20 OCTOBER 2014

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
The El Corte Inglés department store in Alicante has celebrated its 25th birthday, by handing out 3,000 portions of a giant cake to visitors to the store. The shop also held a party with music, dancers and entertainment for the children, before launching an exhibition about the history of Alicante on their top floor, with an accompanying Playmobil exhibition that features 5,000 little people.
GAME ON
Recent reports indicate that the PlayStation 4 gaming console is outselling its nearest rival, the Xbox One, by a ratio of 7 to 1. It is said that some 360,000 Playstations have been sold in Spain, compared to just 51,000 Xbox One consoles. With both consoles and games becoming increasingly more expensive, the gap between the two biggest players is considered a considerable concern to the market.
NO LAUGHING MATTER
The Teatreneu comedy club in Barcelona has become the focus of other similar clubs, after they installed tablet computers into the back of seats to monitor audience members. The reason being that the system monitors how often a viewer smiles or laughs, and charges on a price-pre-laugh basis. The cost works out at 30 cents per laugh, with every laugh beyond the eightieth being free, thus capping the cost to the patron.
THANKS CANADA
The Canadian Public Health authority has this week confirmed that they sent both Spain and Norway a “laboratory grade” and unapproved course of drug treatments for two healthcare workers who had contracted Ebola. An email request for information was responded with the statement, “The experimental treatment was donated on compassionate grounds to help treat health-care workers infected with Ebola”.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
The El Corte Inglés department store in Alicante has celebrated its 25th birthday, by handing out 3,000 portions of a giant cake to visitors to the store. The shop also held a party with music, dancers and entertainment for the children, before launching an exhibition about the history of Alicante on their top floor, with an accompanying Playmobil exhibition that features 5,000 little people.
GAME ON
Recent reports indicate that the PlayStation 4 gaming console is outselling its nearest rival, the Xbox One, by a ratio of 7 to 1. It is said that some 360,000 Playstations have been sold in Spain, compared to just 51,000 Xbox One consoles. With both consoles and games becoming increasingly more expensive, the gap between the two biggest players is considered a considerable concern to the market.
NO LAUGHING MATTER
The Teatreneu comedy club in Barcelona has become the focus of other similar clubs, after they installed tablet computers into the back of seats to monitor audience members. The reason being that the system monitors how often a viewer smiles or laughs, and charges on a price-pre-laugh basis. The cost works out at 30 cents per laugh, with every laugh beyond the eightieth being free, thus capping the cost to the patron.
THANKS CANADA
The Canadian Public Health authority has this week confirmed that they sent both Spain and Norway a “laboratory grade” and unapproved course of drug treatments for two healthcare workers who had contracted Ebola. An email request for information was responded with the statement, “The experimental treatment was donated on compassionate grounds to help treat health-care workers infected with Ebola”.
DEAR DOCTOR
According to estimates from the president of the Spanish Tourism Cluster of Health, Íñigo Valcaneras, the number of medical tourists coming to Spain is expected to double in the next five years, prompting calls for the creation of a new public-private partnership “SpainCares”, aimed at encouraging 200,000 patients to be treated in the country in 2019. The project will have 2.7 million euro of funding over two years, with a longer term aim of growth over the next decade.
NO BOOZY BABIES
The Spanish midwifery association from the hospital of Alicante has launched a breastfeeding campaign this week, aimed at raising awareness that drinking alcohol is “incompatible” whilst lactating. A presentation was held that was attended by over a hundred mothers and soon to be mums, which highlighted the benefits of breastfeeding the newborn and the importance of nutritional care in infancy. The presentation also recommended the inclusion of non-alcoholic beer in the diet of the nursing mother, due to the “high water content” (95%) and “compounds that could be beneficial to both mother and baby”.
FISHING BLUES
The port of Alicante has seen a drop in fresh fish of 58.3% in the first eight months of the year, resulting in it being one of the worst performing harbours in Spain. Valencia saw an increase of 38.6% however, whereas Castellón also saw a 3.8% drop. Across the country, a total of 157,446 tonnes of fish was landed between January and August, representing an increase of 1.9% over the first eight months of 2013, In whereas during the month of August, 18,816 tonnes was brought to shore, representing a decrease of 14.6% compared to August of 2013, according to provisional data of the State Ports. The biggest growth was seen in Tarragona with a staggering increase of 311.7%.
CAMPOAMOR BLAZE
Residents opposite Campoamor's La Glea Beach were woken on Monday morning with the sight of a burning car which had caught alight moments after it's occupant had parked up on the beach road. They quickly alerted the emergency services which cordoned off the road prior to the arrival and subsequent quelling of the blaze by the fire brigade. A spokesman said that the cause of the fire appeared to be an electrical fault.  
POISONED ANIMALS
Following the death of a stray with symptoms of asphyxia there have now been up to a dozen cats found dead in the Orihuela hamlet of Murada. A spokesman for the association of a local animal charity, Virtues Sanchis, says that during the past two months someone has been putting down poison product in different parts of the parish and, although they have been informed, the Council has not taken any action. ‘How long before a child is affected,' she says.
TROOPS AWAY
The Spanish government is asking parliament to approve sending 300 troops to help train the Iraqi army for combat against the Islamic State. The soldiers will form part of the American led coalition and are intended for training and defence, rather than offensive combat. The last time Spanish troops were active in the area was in 2004, when peace keepers were withdrawn.
TAKE A BREAK
Despite being the first Western country to confirm a case of Ebola, the US has asked Spain to grant permission for over 3,000 American soldiers returning from Ebola-stricken West Africa to stay in Spanish military bases at Rota and Morón de la Frontera, so the troops can “rest” before returning to the US. Part of the agreement would be assurances that Spain can prevent the potential spread of the virus amongst the local population.
BACKLASH FEARS
African migrants living in Spain are concerned of a possible backlash on account of the spread of Ebola, not only from the general population, but from the authorities. In an interview, Black rights activist Yast Solo says, “It's already been used to stop immigration, this is the first step”. However, in the headquarters of a help group in Madrid, organisers of aid say that the scare has not yet led to a backlash, as “The Spanish population knows that with immigrants here, there's as big gap in time and distance from the situation in those three countries: Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea,”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45283/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: HAPPY BIRTHDAY
The El Corte Inglés department store in Alicante has celebrated its 25th birthday, by handing out 3,000 portions of a giant cake to visitors to the store. The shop also held a party with music, dancers and entertainment for the ...

### VOTING INFO POINT NOW OPEN

The Orihuela Costa town hall has inaugurated the proposed information table that will offer advice on the procedures and documents required to ensure that residents of Orihuela are correctly registered on the voting list, and therefore do not miss the opportunity to have their voice heard in the next municipal elections. 
The Councillor for the Orihuela Costa, Beaches and International Residents, Martina Scheurer, explained that the information point is staffed by volunteers from different nationalities, in order to meet the requirements of the international population of Orihuela, with representation possible in a variety of languages such as English, French, German, Norwegian, Swedish or Dutch. 
In addition, the councillor has asked the town hall to provide staff to offer information on whether or not a person is registered on the electoral roll, as many people come to consult the office of the register, which saturates this service. 
Scheurer has explained that, usually, to community nationals who enrol in the municipal register are offered the opportunity to register on the electoral roll, a process which normally only takes one document attesting residence in Orihuela (such as a lease, deed or receipt for electricity, water or telephone) and identification. “It's very important that people who live here year-round get involved”, Scheurer stated, “Voting is not only a right, but a duty”, whilst also affirming the importance of registering promptly, as the deadline to register on the electoral roll ends in December. 
The councillor also said that many foreigners who live for more than six months a year in Orihuela do not register, interfering in the provision of services such as the post office. Thus, volunteers serving the information point will also be able to provide information on the need to register on the census, in order to reflect the actual population of Orihuela Costa, and thus provide the services that are tailored according to this. “It's important to realise the benefits of being enrolled”, Scheurer stated, as this directly affects services such as “police, postal and health centres”, which all depend on the number of census entries.
Scheurer also made it quite clear that the volunteers who are operating on the information point will offer no political bias, and will simply be there to offer procedural advice without prejudice to ant political group.
Statement of the Councillor for the Coast Martina Scheurer
Already on the 2nd day of the Information Table situated in the hall of the Town Hall in Playa Flamenca to help and inform citizens about registering to vote at the next municipal elections, there was a slight problem of interpretation.
In spite of the fact that a representative of the Diputación from Alicante said in a public meeting a few months ago that the Residencia (Green sheet) was not needed to register to vote, the employee of the Town Hall insists on it and will not allow this to take place without the Residencia.
In fact the NEW FORMS from INE do also ask for the NIE Number.
The Chief of the Padrón Department declared that based on Real Decreto 240 from 2007 all foreigners living in Spain for more than 3 months do have the obligation to register in the National Foreigners Register (= apply for Residencia/Green sheet). And this is true.
But the doubt is, if there is obligation to have the Residencia to be able to register for the voting list.
To clarify all doubts she has asked for an official statement to the legal department of the Town Hall, as well as to the corresponding department of the INE (National Statistic Institute) and to the Diputación.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45281/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Orihuela Costa town hall has inaugurated the proposed information table that will offer advice on the procedures and documents required to ensure that residents of Orihuela are correctly registered on the voting list, and therefore do not miss the...

### TORREVIEJA GREENS TAKE UP CROSSING FIGHT

The Los Verdes green party of Torrevieja has taken on board the long standing campaign to have a pedestrian crossing built at Los Balcones, on the CV-95 main road from the coast that heads to the motorway network.
As one of the three main arterial routes serving Torrevieja, residents say that they have been demanding a zebra crossing built in the location nearest to the local commercial centre, but, according to the Los Verdes, the governing PP has “never been interested in its execution”.
With a bus stop, pharmacy, commercial and catering units on one side of the road, the site is considered a danger by the residents living on the side which is not serviced by the outlet, who face a 60 metre walk along the road to the nearest crossing, just on the other side of the roundabout that serves to site, then another 60 metres back to the retail units.
A zebra crossing is provided over the slip roads on either side of the main carriageway where the retail units are located, Avenida de Orihuela and Avenida de San Miguel, but once pedestrians reach the main carriageway, it does not continue.
According to statements by those responsible for Territorial Highway Service in Alicante of the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, the execution of works for the installation of pedestrian crossing would be resolved by submitting the application, signed by the Mayor of Torrevieja, accompanied by the corresponding technical report, none of which have been done.
In a statement, the Los Verdes say that they will continue to demand before the City Council and the Department of Infrastructure that this vital element of road safety is provided for the residents of the urbanization of Los Balcones, requiring promptness in taking action to prevent any accidents that may occur.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45280/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Los Verdes green party of Torrevieja has taken on board the long standing campaign to have a pedestrian crossing built at Los Balcones, on the CV-95 main road from the coast that heads to the motorway network.
As one of the three main arterial ro...

### NO INCREASE IN WATER RATES IN TORREVIEJA

Torrevieja´s water supplier AGAMED, a joint company owned by the city council and Hidraqua, will invest nearly three million euro in improving the water supply to the municipality in 2015, whilst freezing water rates for the year.
The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, has announced that the company will invest a 927,000 euro for the renovation of the drinking water distribution network in various neighbourhoods of the city, more than 600,000 euro in the renovation of the sewage system of several streets and avenues, and more than a million euro in actions to improve storm drains around the area.
Some of the specific projects that will benefit from the investment in storm drains are along the CV-905 road, a site that has seen numerous previous attempts at reducing flooding to local housing estates, the Casa Grande industrial estate, Avenida Rosa Mazón, and Avenida Pacífico on the Urbanización La Veleta.
The drinking water supply will see work take place in the Urbanizaciones Rocío del Mar, El Chaparral, Las Torretas, Altos del Edén, Mediterráneo, La Veleta, Cala Ferris, San Luis, Torreblanca and Calas Blancas, as well as La Mata and again, the Casa Grande industrial estate.
The company has a total of 121,835 customers, with some 10% using the on-line “virtual office” on the website www.agamed.es to access the information relating to bills and charges. The company has also launched a Twitter account this year, infoagamed, which offers useful information as well as service problem alerts, and uses SMS to send information to clients who request it. In addition, their physical offices have attended to over 28,000 people this year, of which over 11,500 have been treated in the months of June, July and August alone. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45278/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Torrevieja´s water supplier AGAMED, a joint company owned by the city council and Hidraqua, will invest nearly three million euro in improving the water supply to the municipality in 2015, whilst freezing water rates for the year.
The mayor of ...

### MEDICS FEEL CUT IN CARE

According to a survey of 600 Spanish medics, 84% believe that cuts to the healthcare budget have less to a loss in the level of care they can give to patients.
Details of the survey conducted by the Spanish Society of Primary, SEMERGEN, also reveals that 86% believe that the quality of care has deteriorated in the last year, and 60% are pessimistic about the future of primary care in Spain.
On the other hand, 66% of respondents say that the current level of care they give is good, with 14% opting to say that the general level across the country is pretty bad.
In terms of time allocated to patients, 67% say that they have between 5 and 10 minutes to treat each patient, whereas 18% have to complete their examinations in under 5 minutes. The survey also revealed regional variations on this time.
Whilst the time to treat patients may have decreased, the administration has gone the other way, with 47% of medics saying that they have more bureaucratic tasks to complete compared to last year.
Meanwhile, 55% say that they have difficulty in accessing new treatments, and 84% recommend the use of online facilities for training and certification of their skills.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45277/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to a survey of 600 Spanish medics, 84% believe that cuts to the healthcare budget have less to a loss in the level of care they can give to patients.
Details of the survey conducted by the Spanish Society of Primary, SEMERGEN, also reveals ...

### PINAR DE CAMPOVERDE GETS GREEN GRANT

The municipalities of Benferri and Pilar de la Horadada will receive a total grant package of 148,272 euro from the Alicante provincial government, to be used on a number of infrastructure projects to benefit street, parks and gardens.
The Committee on Infrastructure approved the grants this week, which aim to “improve the quality of life of our municipalities to promote the creation and maintenance of jobs”, according to provincial deputy for infrastructure, Manuel Pérez Fenoll.
Benferri will receive 88,272 euro for paving streets of the town, while Pilar de la Horadada will receive 60,000 euro for the rehabilitation and improvement to parks, gardens and green areas in the town of Pinar de Campoverde.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45276/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The municipalities of Benferri and Pilar de la Horadada will receive a total grant package of 148,272 euro from the Alicante provincial government, to be used on a number of infrastructure projects to benefit street, parks and gardens.
The Committee ...

### MONTESINOS GETTING ENERGY EFFICIENT

The Mayor of Los Montesinos, José Manuel Butrón, has initiated the second phase of energy saving campaigns in the municipality, in the hope of creating significant savings to one of the biggest cost factors to any town hall.
This latest 75,000 euro project, of which 3,656 euro will be provided by the local authority, will see street lights replaced with energy saving LED bulbs, initially in the areas of Avenida del Mar 1 and Avenida de Riegos de Levante, as well as the housing estate at La Herrada.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45275/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Mayor of Los Montesinos, José Manuel Butrón, has initiated the second phase of energy saving campaigns in the municipality, in the hope of creating significant savings to one of the biggest cost factors to any town hall.
This latest...

### GUARDIA CIVIL OFFICERS AIRLIFTED FROM SHIP

Three maritime officers of the Guardia Civil were airlifted off their boat this week, after suffering a number of injuries whilst on patrol near Ceuta.
A Navy SH-3D helicopter from the fifth squadron carried out the rescue of the three crew members from the “Rio Gallo” patrol boat, transporting the officers to the hospital in Puerto de Santa María.
The helicopter was called upon by the Salvamento Maritimo and left the Rota naval base at 22:25 on Tuesday evening. According to a Navy official, two of the officers had suffered cuts to their arms; the third had a cut to the head.
A Salvamento Maritomo ship also took part in the operation, along with the Navy ships “Cazadora” and “Tagomago” who were kept close by, on account of adverse conditions in complete darkness, and in 35 knot winds.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45274/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Three maritime officers of the Guardia Civil were airlifted off their boat this week, after suffering a number of injuries whilst on patrol near Ceuta.
A Navy SH-3D helicopter from the fifth squadron carried out the rescue of the three crew members f...

### VOLVO OCEAN RACE BRINGS 75 MILLION EURO TO ALICANTE

As the Volvo Ocean Race was in full swing, businesses in and around Alicante were calculating their balance sheets to ascertain the financial value of such an auspicious event.
With hotels at 80% occupancy on weekdays, increasing to 90% at the weekend, a figure much higher than a normal October, hotels certainly saw the benefits. 
As for the other businesses, the Ministry of Finance and Public Administration has calculated that the economic impact of the tourist influx has been valued at 75 million euro, as, on average, each visitor was spending 300 euro per day.
The event has also secured employment for more than 1,300 people during the event, mostly in the service and catering sector, as well as event organisation. 
For the City of Alicante itself, there has also been a benefit in the socio terms, with activities developed for some 2,800 children, in conjunction with the local schools, aimed at promoting cultural, educational, sports and musical activities in the sports village area. 
Finally, the event has had a significant impact on the brand image of Alicante, with more than 22,000 people following the event, broadcasting on 94 television channels and numerous radio stations around the world, with around 700 accredited journalists reporting on the event, collectively raising the image of the provincial capital and key city of the Costa Blanca to a new audience for future tourism.
 
 
Images David Ramos
www.volvooceanrace.com  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45272/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As the Volvo Ocean Race was in full swing, businesses in and around Alicante were calculating their balance sheets to ascertain the financial value of such an auspicious event.
With hotels at 80% occupancy on weekdays, increasing to 90% at the weeken...

### NEW SPANISH DICTIONARY PUBLISHED

King Felipe and Queen Letizia attend the presentation of the 23rd edition of the dictionary of the Spanish language this week, in a ceremony held in Real Academia Española, Madrid. 
The dictionary is created through the collaboration of over 20 different associations, who operate under the umbrella group of the Asociación de Academias de la Lengua Española. 
The paper version of the dictionary covers 2,376 pages, and has undergone a major overhaul during the thirteen years since the previous edition in 2001. 
There are some 93,111 entries in the dictionary, compared with 84,431 in the previous version and double the number in the first, published in 1780. 
In all, the dictionary includes 195,439 definitions, including about 19,000 Americanisms, with 140,000 amendments to 49,000 items, and 1,350 words deleted.
In the latest edition of the Oxford English Dictionary, there were more than 600 new words, phrases, and senses added, including the revision of several everyday words, such as week, day, and group. New additions included fact check, workaround, and First World problem. 
Of course it would take far too long to detail all of the amendments here, you can assign yourself your own homework tasks to research these, other notable words, including caseworker, contrafactive, daiwhomly, High Dutchman, and Red Army Fraction, workerism, and one of our own favourites, Little Bear.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45271/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: King Felipe and Queen Letizia attend the presentation of the 23rd edition of the dictionary of the Spanish language this week, in a ceremony held in Real Academia Española, Madrid. 
The dictionary is created through the collaboration of over 20...

### VELVETONES ESCAPE!

Lorraine Simpson (Chairman of the popular Velvetones Harmony Chorus) just loves holidaying on cruise ships - so she came up with the idea for a social get together and tour of the ship 'Island Escape'.  
The ladies set off for Cartagena port and enjoyed a fabulous tour followed by a fantastic lunch. The crew were so attentive and even made a special 90th birthday cake for Jacky, a visiting friend of the Velvetones.
The chorus then sang to the delight of sun worshippers around the pool - to rapturous applause!  Ross - the entertainments manager, was so impressed that he treated the chorus to cocktails before checking that there were no stowaways left on board!
So - if you are looking for a fun hobby and improved social life come and visit one of the rehearsals, each Wednesday from 9.45 to 12.30 at El Paraiso, Jardin del Mar, Torrevieja (behind Carrefour and McDonalds).  Check out our website www.velvetones.org 
Or call Lorraine on 663 751 773 or Ena on 965 707 598
Visitors will receive a warm welcome!
PHOTO BY KRISTOFFFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45262/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Lorraine Simpson (Chairman of the popular Velvetones Harmony Chorus) just loves holidaying on cruise ships - so she came up with the idea for a social get together and tour of the ship 'Island Escape'.  
The ladies set off for Cartagena port and enjoy...

### COSTA BLANCA VETS BATTLING THROUGH HISTORY

More than five hundred enthusiasts from Spain were joined by aficionado's from Germany, Poland, Belgium, Italy, Australia, India, France, England, Portugal and the United States at the 6th National and 4th Murcia edition of the ‘Relive History through Film' re enactment weekend, a spectacular staging of many of the most important battles in history. 
The event was organized by the Codex Belix Association, in co-operation with the city of Murcia, the Ministry of Defence and a number of local companies. It was attended by over 50,000 people in
cluding Consuls, Defence Attachés and other diplomats from a number of embassies, following the formal opening on Friday afternoon by Municipal representatives and Murcia's director of Codex Belix, Javier Muñoz. 
The main campsite and display area was established in the Gardens of Malećon alongside the river where there were dozens of stands manned by re-enactors depicting military history through the ages, complemented by activities for all the family who, primarily, had gone along to enjoy the mock battles and the static and vehicle displays.
For WW11 enthusiasts the vehicles on show included more than fifty historical civilian and military vehicles including a German anti-aircraft gun which was used in the Spanish Civil War, an American M-41 tank and a German truck that was used in the film 'Valkyrie' starring Tom Cruise. 
The first re enactment took place on Friday afternoon in the Plaza de Santo Domingo when scenes from the 1944 Warsaw Uprising were played out. 
That was followed on Saturday morning by a Napoleonic re-creation tribute to the Count of Floridablanca (1810), and then on Saturday afternoon, the main event of the weekend, a short remembrance Service and wreath laying ceremony in the Gardens of Malecon.
The service itself was conducted by representatives of Murcia Town Council, the Spanish Foreign Legion and its airborne Division. The wreath was laid by Terry Watson, President of the Torrevieja Veterans Association. It was  followed by a Veterans Parade which included two Chelsea Pensioners, Wayne Campbell and Skippy Teasdale, who had flown over especially for both this event and Wednesday's launch of the RBL Poppy Appeal in Spain. They were joined by well over two hundred members of the Costa Blanca Service Associations, The RBL, RNA, RMA and RAFFA. 
Following the parade we then stood in awe as, for almost an hour and a half, we watched the re enactment of the WW11 ‘Operation Plunder', the 21st Army Group's crossing of the Rhine, which began on the 23rd March 1945 and had involved Twenty-Nine Divisions.
The crossing was led by a heavy artillery shelling and supplemented by an airborne operation (Operation Varsity) by the American 17th Airborne Division and the British 6th Airborne Division and was one of the final stages of World War II causing the breakdown of the German army.
On Saturday afternoon in Murcia the Codex Belix Association replicated the battle in Murcia City Centre, along the Paseo Teniente Flomesta and across the Rio Segura in front of 5,000 captivated spectators. 
One re-enactor who had travelled from Kent, Michael Jolly, has been doing this around the world for eighteen years and shared what he thinks the crowd likes the most.
"They like the action of the tank and the halftracks rolling around, they are always good for the spectators, the explosions, the gunfire really makes the whole thing so very authentic, and in Murcia they did a really good job." 
Sunday was a little more laid back for the participants with another opportunity for the spectators to visit the main campsite and its static displays in the Gardens of Malecon.
The day was concluded by a military vehicle parade and then the final re enactment of the Liberation of Paris, also known as the Battle of Paris after which the Mayor of Murcia brought down the curtain on what had been an excellent weekend of nostalgia and history in support of a hobby that is quickly growing in momentum here in Spain amongst people both young and old and from all walks of life.
If you didn't take the opportunity to go along this year then do make sure that October 2015 is put into your diary now! Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45258/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: More than five hundred enthusiasts from Spain were joined by aficionado's from Germany, Poland, Belgium, Italy, Australia, India, France, England, Portugal and the United States at the 6th National and 4th Murcia edition of the ‘Relive History through Film' re enactment weekend, a spectacular staging of many of the most important battles in history. 
The event was organized by the Codex Belix Association, in co-operation with the city of Murcia, the Ministry of Defence and a number of local companies. It was attended by over 50,000 people in
cluding Consuls, Defence Attachés and other diplomats from a number of embassies, following the formal opening on Friday afternoon by Municipal representatives and Murcia's director of Codex Belix, Javier Muñoz. 
The main campsite and display area was established in the Gardens of Malećon alongside the river where there were dozens of stands manned by re-enactors depicting military history through the ages, complemented by activities for all the family who, primarily, had gone along to enjoy the mock battles and the static and vehicle displays.
For WW11 enthusiasts the vehicles on show included more than fifty historical civilian and military vehicles including a German anti-aircraft gun which was used in the Spanish Civil War, an American M-41 tank and a German truck that was used in the film 'Valkyrie' starring Tom Cruise. 
The first re enactment took place on Friday afternoon in the Plaza de Santo Domingo when scenes from the 1944 Warsaw Uprising were played out. 
That was followed on Saturday morning by a Napoleonic re-creation tribute to the Count of Floridablanca (1810), and then on Saturday afternoon, the main event of the weekend, a short remembrance Service and wreath laying ceremony in the Gardens of Malecon.
The service itself was conducted by representatives of Murcia Town Council, the Spanish Foreign Legion and its airborne Division. The wreath was laid by Terry Watson, President of the Torrevieja Veterans Association. It was  followed by a Veterans Parade which included two Chelsea Pensioners, Wayne Campbell and Skippy Teasdale, who had flown over especially for both this event and Wednesday's launch of the RBL Poppy Appeal in Spain. They were joined by well over two hundred members of the Costa Blanca Service Associations, The RBL, RNA, RMA and RAFFA. 
Following the parade we then stood in awe as, for almost an hour and a half, we watched the re enactment of the WW11 ‘Operation Plunder', the 21st Army Group's crossing of the Rhine, which began on the 23rd March 1945 and had involved Twenty-Nine Divisions.
The crossing was led by a heavy artillery shelling and supplemented by an airborne operation (Operation Varsity) by the American 17th Airborne Division and the British 6th Airborne Division and was one of the final stages of World War II causing the breakdown of the German army.
On Saturday afternoon in Murcia the Codex Belix Association replicated the battle in Murcia City Centre, along the Paseo Teniente Flomesta and across the Rio Segura in front of 5,000 captivated spectators. 
One re-enactor who had travelled from Kent, Michael Jolly, has been doing this around the world for eighteen years and shared what he thinks the crowd likes the most.
"They like the action of the tank and the halftracks rolling around, they are always good for the spectators, the explosions, the gunfire really makes the whole thing so very authentic, and in Murcia they did a really good job." 
Sunday was a little more laid back for the participants with another opportunity for the spectators to visit the main campsite and its static displays in the Gardens of Malecon.
The day was concluded by a military vehicle parade and then the final re enactment of the Liberation of Paris, also known as the Battle of Paris after which the Mayor of Murcia brought down the curtain on what had been an excellent weekend of nostalgia and history in support of a hobby that is quickly growing in momentum here in Spain amongst people both young and old and from all walks of life.
If you didn't take the opportunity to go along this year then do make sure that October 2015 is put into your diary now! Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45258/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### EURONICS DARTS LEAGUE 16 OCTOBER 2014

180´s Peter Ayres (Porter House), Pat Abrams (Meerkats)......Highest finish 112 Jim Scott (Junction Jackals), 130 Pat Abrams (Meerkats), 158 Pat Schofield (Junction Jaguars)

Early days in the season with no draws to date in Division 2 and then four come along at once, giving the Ale House and Misfits their first points, the Tavern and Breakaways losing their 100% record.  Porter House had the Meerkats on the rack this week leading 4-5 and making as much noise as an Old Trafford crowd at home.  
It was however within the realms of acceptable darts etiquette as you would expect from the Porters.
 I must say Ray Sanderson´s outfit look very smart in their new shirts but where did they get them from, probably from Del Trotter as you will notice they are the same colour as the luminous paint Del boy re-decorated his local Chinese in.
Busters look good this time round, this week´s win moves them into second spot.  Mark Filer got them off to a flyer taking out D16 after two tons.  Gary Minor 100 and Eddie Fozzard 121 plus a double levelled for Pint Depot.  Another ton from Minor and one from Matt Cummins looked likely for a Depot lead after three but Filer 100, Paul Gurrie 119 set up Bill Russell to take out the double and the lead.
 Minor continued his form with a 140 and 81, Paul Dowington countering with 100 and Ray Harvey nailing D3.  Gurrie added 121 to his tally in the second pairs, but Cummins hit the double plus a ton of his own.  Peter O´Rourke made it 2-4 at half time finishing D8, scoring 81 and a ton.  The Kings added just one more leg through Cummins winning 2-0, Busters taking the other 5.  Filer added a 120, O´Rourke a 140.
Meerkats knew they would have a game on their hands against the Porters.  Captain Ray Sanderson´s smart move in signing Sid Cross has given his side a little edge so don't be surprised if they finish in the top 3.  The Kats got away to their customary quick start Pat Abrams 125, Lee Maiden and Derek Kingsbury assisting well, the latter finding D6 for the first.  Paul Durrant´s D16 after a nice 125 made it 2 up in just 11 minutes.
It looked a good bet for 3-0 after Abrams hit 100,140,99, but tons from Sanderson and Cross followed by the double from the new boy was to be pivotal in the match.  Cross 100 was on again in the first pairs with Ray Hayes, the scoring tit for tat until Abrams requiring 130 found 2xT20 and then D5 right in the middle for a comfortable 3-1 lead.  
The Sandersons paired up for the next, Paul contributing a ton but then busting 114 after miscounting.  It would have been a wonderful out T20,D16,D16 for 124, but its 501 Paul not 511.  No problem however for Ray as he hit D12.  A 140 from Kat skipper Kingsbury was equalled in the last pair by Brian Nash whose partner Peter Ayres held his own with a 121 and D4 for 3 apiece.  
Hayes took the middle leg of 3 playing Abrams who scored 125, 2x140 and numerous 80 pluses in the three, winning in 18 and 19 darts.  Hayes no slouch himself hit 3x100 and was unfortunate to have three bounce outs in the third leg.  Paul Sanderson 2x100, 99, levelled with a 2-0 result versus Alex Nikolov.  Kingsbury´s 100,140 in the next was insufficient against Cross who made it 4-5 on D10 and D8.  Durrant levelled against Nash, the former scoring 2x100,1x140,2x85 finishing on 58 (S18,D20) and D8.  
Maiden edged the Kats ahead after a 140 and 100 securing the leg and draw on D20 and D8 despite a spirited effort from Ayres 133.  Who else but the skipper to save the match in the final leg, although he nearly let it slip after opponent Alan Ostrowski had managed a 140 and ton.  Sanderson wobbled just a little bit but not enough as D16 and D1 levelled the match for shared points.  Great game, banter and the usual good humour.
Gogarty´s opened their account courtesy of Steve Woods D16 on their visit to the Jackals from the Junction.  This was soon wiped out by Keith King D5 and then the larger than life Jim Scott´s 112 out (S20,T20,D16).  Elaine Willis levelled on D3 after setting up the finish on T17.  King D16 edged the Jackals in front again leaving Andy Gildea to make it 4-2 at the break.  
Scott was first on in the singles and finished 185 in 5 darts, 125 followed by S20,D20 and then D10 for 5-2.  Richard Pattison got the Bulls back to winning ways with a 2-0 on D20,D10 TWICE.  What a showman!  Brian Newton D14 took just the one leg against Gildea whose 100,D20,99,D15 ensured one point for the Jackals.  Cynthia Jevons gave the Bulls a chance of a point winning 2-1 for 6-4, however Phil de Lacy D8 and D14 gained the extra point leaving Kenny Wilkinson to make it 8 on D14 and D17.  Jim Scott was nominated man of the match.
Breakaways entertained the Junction Jaguars and kept their unbeaten status with a deserved draw.  The hosts were 3-0 up in no time despite some heavy scoring, but no doubles, from Pat Schofield, Wendy Hayward and Angela Craggs.  In an amazing turn around it was 3 apiece at half time despite some great scoring from the Bears´ Sarah Simpson, Mike Douglas 100, Mike Snow 100,85 and Ivan Jones 140.  Hayward D18, Lisa Ivill D5 and Hilda Wilkinson D5 making the Jaguars proud.  
Del Lister 85,140,D20 gave the hosts a slender lead.  Snowy must have thought his 3x80 pluses were enough against Schofield who wanted 158 with the Bear comfortably in front expecting to set up the double.  Not so, 20 seconds later the leg was over, T20,T20,D19 for a magnificent 158 out from Schofield.  That will take some beating.  Calling Abrams, Filer, Walker and Co. to beat that!  Jones D14 and then Sarah Simpson found some good form to ensure the draw on D20.  It fell on Tracy Simpson to retrieve the situation for Jaguars and in a true captain´s role she squared the match for a valuable point finding D3 after a ton and 3x80 pluses.
In the remaining Division 2 matches the partnership of Leah Chesworth and Karl Cooper did the Sporting Life Misfits proud.  Cooper top scored for the hosts with a 140, whilst Chesworth faced Brett Badlove in the 12th leg to either lose or take a point in a draw.
 The draw was the outcome, the Misfits beauty finding D16 to earn her side a point.  Incidentally the original placing of the dart board near the staircase in the main bar of Sporting Life has now been moved upstairs, where Karl Cooper has done a great job in setting up a very nice oche and space ideal for private parties.  
John Graziour had a tasty 80 out T20,D10 in the first leg for the Taverners, playing host to the Ale House.  It was 4-2 at half time to the home side and a close encounter.
 Ian Brown contributed 140.  Barry Whipday saved the day for the Ale House on D8 to earn Karl Mallinson´s side their first point of the season.
Shared spoils once again in the final match of the week featuring newcomers Evolution against the Royalty of Pint Depot.  Her most Royal Queen Debbie, was up to her tricks again this week hitting a fine 165 (T20,T18,T17) unfortunately she only wanted 145.  Can´t work that one out!  They however won the first, Lorraine Cox gaining the double.  It was soon 0-2 via Marie Dunne on D7.  
John Williams pulled one back for Evolution on D14.  Ken Treble levelled for the hosts in the first pair, only for the Queens to nudge ahead through Anne O´Keeffe on D5.  Some good scoring from both sides in the final pair culminated in Vi Turner increasing the Royals lead at half time to 2-4.  Treble reduced the deficit in the opening single after a tasty 121, only for Rachel Broadhead to open the gap to two legs on D5.  Trevor Laughton D8 made it 4 legs for the hosts only for Queen Debbie to ensure the draw and point on D2.  
Needing both legs to salvage the match, Debbie Williams found D2 after Cox had missed her opportunity on D16.  Captain Williams faced Turner in the last leg and threw well 80,100 and a 70 out (T10,D20) to earn a draw and points apiece.
Paul Durrant
League ChairmanFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45253/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: 180´s Peter Ayres (Porter House), Pat Abrams (Meerkats)......Highest finish 112 Jim Scott (Junction Jackals), 130 Pat Abrams (Meerkats), 158 Pat Schofield (Junction Jaguars)

Early days in the season with no draws to date in Division 2 and then...

### LARGE CROWDS LAUNCH THE POPPY APPEAL IN TORREVIEJA

Close to 300 people turned up on the Torrevieja seafront to celebrate the launch of the annual Poppy Appeal in eastern Spain.  
The area around the Paseo Juan Aparicio in the Port Area (aka Dique de Levante Breakwater) was packed with residents, holiday makers and veterans of all nationalities.
It was particularly relevant that this year's launch was carried out in Torrevieja where The Branch is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
The event got underway with a short parade which was led by the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums, followed by Standards of the Royal British Legion and other Service Associations.  Also marching were two Chelsea Pensioners who had flown out especially for the occasion as well as members of the RBL, RNA, RAAFA and RMA.
A contingent of Dutch Veterans, Spanish Foreign Legion and Spanish paratroopers also took part, making this a truly international event.
Following the march, an Act of Remembrance, the Last Post, Silence and Reveille, the crowd heard from the dignitaries, District Chairman, Nigel Hails, Mr Lloyd Millen, British Vice Consul in Alicante, Eduardo Dolon, the  Mayor of Torrevieja and Robin Hargrave, the  District Poppy Appeal Coordinator who gave a brief explanation of the the appeal.
There then followed a presentation by Nigel Hails to Eduardo Dolon of a certificate in recognition of the help and support shown to the Legion and British citizens by the Torrevieja Ayuntamiento.  Without this vital support the Launch in the city could not have taken place.
Following the formal launch over a hundred participants then retired to the Club Nautico for a relaxed lunch. 
Please check the Legion website for details of Remembrance Services and Branches in the area and the locations of where poppies are available.
www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/spain-northFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45250/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Close to 300 people turned up on the Torrevieja seafront to celebrate the launch of the annual Poppy Appeal in eastern Spain.  
The area around the Paseo Juan Aparicio in the Port Area (aka Dique de Levante Breakwater) was packed with residents, holid...

### GARCIA TEBAR QUITS ORIHUELA

Newly appointed manager García Tébar left Orihuela on Monday following the club's 1-0 defeat to bottom of the table Jove. The defeat leaves Orihuela ninth, three points behind the playoff positions.
The Albacete born coach was only appointed at the beginning of the season but already he has decided that 'enough is enough'.
He told club President, Antonio Felices, that he was frustrated by Orihuela's poor start to the season and particularly disappointed by their worst display of the season in the defeat against Jove Espanol.
Nevertheless the President said that the announcement had come as somewhat of a surprise especially Tebar's declaration of his intention to embark on a new project abroad.
Felices said that he will now take urgent steps to find a new coach who will need to know the Tercera División well and have a reputation of coaching teams that play attractive football.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45249/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Newly appointed manager García Tébar left Orihuela on Monday following the club's 1-0 defeat to bottom of the table Jove. The defeat leaves Orihuela ninth, three points behind the playoff positions.
The Albacete born coach was only appoi...

### PIPES AND DRUMS LEAD THE WAY

Sand, sea and sun provided the ideal setting for the Torrevieja Pipes & Drums to lead the Standards of the Royal British Legion at the start of the Poppy Appeal 2014.  
The spectators at Torrevieja were delighted as they watched the parade, which included 2 Chelsea Pensioners, march to the fisherman statue at the end of the Paseo Juan Aparico. 
There, a hush fell as a 2 minutes silence paid homage to the fallen servicemen and women who gave their life during the 2 World Wars and the present day conflicts. Speeches followed by Nigel Hails, the District Chairman, the Mayor of Torrevieja and Lloyd Milen, the British Vice Consul. Mr Robin Hargrave, the district poppy appeal coordinator, made a heartfelt appeal to everyone to give generously.
The Standard Bearers stood proudly throughout the speeches which were followed by the Spanish & the British National Anthems played by the band.
For further information re the Torrevieja Pipes & Drums ring John 663446892 or www.torreviejapipesanddrums.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45248/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Sand, sea and sun provided the ideal setting for the Torrevieja Pipes & Drums to lead the Standards of the Royal British Legion at the start of the Poppy Appeal 2014.  
The spectators at Torrevieja were delighted as they watched the parade, which ...

### JUST CALL ME SCRUFFY

As someone who has spent most of his working life in a suit, I listened to a recent news item with some amusement. In the Spanish town of Zaragoza, it seems that the local judges have reached the end of their tether about the dress code of the local police. 
In their frustration, the judges have requested that the police improve their personal cleanliness and appearance, cover their tattoos and stop wearing earrings when on duty, because they are finding it difficult to identify which are the criminals and which are the police during court proceedings.
Needless to say, this seemingly simple request has brought forth a flurry of anger from police officers, and their union. A memo requesting that police officers present themselves in a properly groomed and dressed manner, with a jacket and tie, if possible, seems to have provoked an outrage.
Officers make the point that it is easy to identify police officers from criminals, since it is the police officers who are wearing an official badge. Maybe they have missed the point on this one?
The police union has responded by demanding a meeting with the provincial commissioner to request that the memo “be rectified”, but admitted that the “communications breakdown” may simply be because the commissioner is new at his job.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all for a bit of individuality and quirkiness, when appropriate. The key for me here is ‘when appropriate', since I am not a great lover of seeing a bank clerk wearing shorts, tee shirt, chewing gum and with arms covered in tattoos.
However, it may be perfectly appropriate for popping down to the beach or off to a club for the evening. Similarly, I would not have the greatest of confidence in a surgeon who is about to operate on me, sporting a ring through his nose or other visible piercings and grotesque tattoos.
I accept that much depends upon the climate. In my example of the bank cashier it would not, for instance, be appropriate for a banker to wear a three piece suit during August in the Canarian climate or, indeed, during any part of the year. Call me old fashioned if you like, but I rather like to see people dressing appropriately for their work, and judging from the Zaragoza example, it seems that I am not the only one with this point of view.
I much prefer to see a nurse in a nice smart, starched uniform, wearing one of those crisp little hats that used to be so popular; a little like those worn by Barbara Windsor in the Carry on Nurse film, I guess.  It makes the patient feel so much better without even needing any treatment.
Sadly, my last experience in hospital was quite unnerving since a very nice, but unshaven young man in a green smock appeared, who I thought was the cleaner, to tell me that he was my anaesthetist. Before I could complain, he had stuck a needle in my arm, which was probably just as well…
 If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie Mahoney
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45245/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As someone who has spent most of his working life in a suit, I listened to a recent news item with some amusement. In the Spanish town of Zaragoza, it seems that the local judges have reached the end of their tether about the dress code of the local po...

### GREENS PROPOSAL FOR REVIVAL OF ‘LA PLASA’

Although Torrevieja's indoor market has been firmly established at ‘La Plasa' since it was first opened in the town in 1995 stallholders only occupy the bottom floor of a spacious 3 storey building. 
The upper two floors of the municipal building have now been abandoned for 15 years.
Although a number of the pitches currently lay empty moves are in hand, albeit via a government managed tender system, to fill them with new traders in the coming months.
But the local Green Party want to see rather more. They say that the upper two floors should also be filled rather than lying empty as they currently are. Although quite what they should be filled with is open to discussion.
They have asked the Torrevieja Councillor for trade, Agustina Esteve, to raise the matter at the next full meeting of the council with a suggestion that a study be launched as to how the floor space might be used to accommodate commercial activities.
The Green Party say that this is a "priority" matter and "vital" to the successful future of the business sector in the center of Torrevieja and that every effort should be made to see its reopening in the near future.
A spokesman said "We believe this is a matter of prime importance, both for the revitalization of trade, and for the economic, social and environmental success in the city centre.
The longer these two floors are allowed to remain empty the more impoverished the building will become and the more difficult it will be to establish 'business recovery” which would quickly become a dynamic element of the town of Torrevieja.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45244/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Although Torrevieja's indoor market has been firmly established at ‘La Plasa' since it was first opened in the town in 1995 stallholders only occupy the bottom floor of a spacious 3 storey building. 
The upper two floors of the municipal building have now been abandoned for 15 years.
Although a number of the pitches currently lay empty moves are in hand, albeit via a government managed tender system, to fill them with new traders in the coming months.
But the local Green Party want to see rather more. They say that the upper two floors should also be filled rather than lying empty as they currently are. Although quite what they should be filled with is open to discussion.
They have asked the Torrevieja Councillor for trade, Agustina Esteve, to raise the matter at the next full meeting of the council with a suggestion that a study be launched as to how the floor space might be used to accommodate commercial activities.
The Green Party say that this is a "priority" matter and "vital" to the successful future of the business sector in the center of Torrevieja and that every effort should be made to see its reopening in the near future.
A spokesman said "We believe this is a matter of prime importance, both for the revitalization of trade, and for the economic, social and environmental success in the city centre.
The longer these two floors are allowed to remain empty the more impoverished the building will become and the more difficult it will be to establish 'business recovery” which would quickly become a dynamic element of the town of Torrevieja.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45244/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### DANI MARTIN ENTERTAINS 4000 STRONG AUDIENCE IN PILAR

The Dani Martin concert held last weekend in Pilar de la Horadada attracted record crowds of over 4000 people. 
The film and television star, and former frontman of pop group El Canto del Loco, gave an absolutely rousing performance that had the audience on its feet from the very first minute.
And not all were from the local area as many hardcore fans are understood to have driven from his home city of Madrid camping themselves in the enclosure for up to 24 hours before the concert started so they could get the very best positions.
They joined thousands of locals and tourists who together enjoyed a night of music that also included a surprise performance by the actor, Fernando Tejero, who shared the stage for a few minutes with Dani Martin, as the pair performed a Sabina song.
Pilar's councillor for festivities said "The show was a major success which allowed thousands of people from the town to celebrate the festivities with many hundreds of others that drove in from elsewhere. 
Asunción Sánchez Martínez  said that she was especially pleased, he said, because "the concert was conducted without incident thanks to measures that ensured the safety of all participants."
Following Dani Martin's performance the evening continued with entertainment from the group "Canalla City" which saw revelers dancing until the wee hours.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45243/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Dani Martin concert held last weekend in Pilar de la Horadada attracted record crowds of over 4000 people. 
The film and television star, and former frontman of pop group El Canto del Loco, gave an absolutely rousing performance that had the audience on its feet from the very first minute.
And not all were from the local area as many hardcore fans are understood to have driven from his home city of Madrid camping themselves in the enclosure for up to 24 hours before the concert started so they could get the very best positions.
They joined thousands of locals and tourists who together enjoyed a night of music that also included a surprise performance by the actor, Fernando Tejero, who shared the stage for a few minutes with Dani Martin, as the pair performed a Sabina song.
Pilar's councillor for festivities said "The show was a major success which allowed thousands of people from the town to celebrate the festivities with many hundreds of others that drove in from elsewhere. 
Asunción Sánchez Martínez  said that she was especially pleased, he said, because "the concert was conducted without incident thanks to measures that ensured the safety of all participants."
Following Dani Martin's performance the evening continued with entertainment from the group "Canalla City" which saw revelers dancing until the wee hours.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45243/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### DRAMATIC POLICE CHASE THROUGH ORIHUELA

Members of the National Police arrested a man at the weekend in Orihuela for the possession of drugs. 
The incident occurred following a road check, when a Local Police patrol pulled over the driver of a suspect vehicle.
However, instead of pulling in, the occupant of the car rammed the police patrol car and fled but, according to sources, not before the police opened fire.
The officers called for reinforcements and members of the National Police gave chase. After pursuing him across the city, which saw the accused inflict damage to several cars, they were subsequently able to identify and stop the car, before wrestling the suspect to the ground.
When they searched the interior of the vehicle they found a large quantity of drugs, which included a substantial amount of heroin, resulting in the arrest of the suspect on suspicion of a crime of drug trafficking.
A police spokesman added that he will also be charged with an offense against traffic safety and another of attempted murder, in that he endangered not only the lives of pedestrians, but also of the police officers who participated in his pursuit.
The man was taken into custody, where he will remain until a court appearance in the coming days.
During the course of the evening Police agents searched the family home but without finding drugs, although they did confiscate several items that were thought to be stolen prior to their sale in exchange for drugs.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45242/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Members of the National Police arrested a man at the weekend in Orihuela for the possession of drugs. 
The incident occurred following a road check, when a Local Police patrol pulled over the driver of a suspect vehicle.
However, instead of pulling i...

### PROPERTY FOR SALE AND TO LET IN TELFORD - BUYERS, SELLERS, LANDLORDS, TENANTS

Telford.Properties is a unique Estate Agency which has recently launched in Telford. It is an independent real estate agency and property management company which specialises in the sale, purchase and letting of residential property in Telford and the surrounding area.
If you are a landlord with property which you would like to have advertised with absolutely no fees to pay until sold or let, or you are a prospective buyer or tenant searching for a property to buy or rent in any of the Telford districts.
Formed by Tony Brewer and Stewart Reardon, Telford.Properties is well advertised throughout Telford and is one of the leading and most respected independent residential sales and letting specialists in the Telford area. They are regularly featured in the Telford Journal, and list all of their properties for sale and for rent on the UK's largest property portal, Rightmove.co.uk
Telford.Properties doesn't just sell and rent homes. The Company offers a broad range of home acquisition options to suit your needs, whatever your circumstances. Changing markets demand flexible solutions and we are constantly developing new ways for you to sell, purchase, or rent your home in Telford.
We can also point you in the right direction when it comes to the associated elements related to the sale, purchase, and rental of property, such as conveyancing, energy performance certificates, mortgages and finance, removals and surveys.
However, first and foremost, we are here to provide you with a personal, professional, friendly, dynamic and proactive service to achieve your property ambition in Shropshire.
Telford.Properties are the property specialists in all areas of Telford, including Admaston, Allscott, Apley, Aqueduct, Aqueduct Village, Arleston, Bretton, Bretton Park, Brookside, Buildwas, Coalbrookdale, Dawley, Dawley Bank, Donnington, Doseley, Great Hay, Hadley, Hadley Park, High Ercall, Hollingswood, Holmer Lake, Horsehay, Ironbridge, Jackfield, Ketley, Ketley Bank, Lawley Bank, Lawley Village, Leegomery, Lightmoor, Lightmoor Village, Little Wenlock, Long Lane, Longdon-Upon-Tern, Madeley, Malinslee, Muxton, Newdale, Oakengates, Overdale, Priorslee, Randlay, Red Lake, Roden, Rowton, Shawbirch, St Georges, Stirchley, Sutton Hill, The Humbers, The Rock, Trench, Wellington, Wombridge, Woodside, Wrockwardine, or Wrockwardine Wood, then you have come to the right place!
For further information, call us today on +44 (0)1952 455 866, visit our website at www.telford.properties. You can also like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45236/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Telford.Properties is a unique Estate Agency which has recently launched in Telford. It is an independent real estate agency and property management company which specialises in the sale, purchase and letting of residential property in Telford and the ...

### SWEET TREATS UNDER COMPETITION INVESTIGATION

After earlier reports of weather conditions threatening almond crops, the Spanish confectionary market is now facing more dilemmas, after disciplinary proceedings have been confirmed against six of the top turrón manufacturers for alleged market rigging.
The investigation began in November last year and has resulted in the markets and competition authority confirming that they have discovered “reasonable indications” of violation of competition protection laws, including direct or indirect price fixing, fixing of commercial conditions and the exchange of commercially sensitive information.
If found to be true, the allegations could result in the companies having to hand over 10% of their turnover in fines and, given the gravity of the allegations, could result in further action.
One of the companies named in the case, Almendra y Miel who are based in Alicante and own some of the industry leading brands such as 1880 and Clair de Lune, have stated that they are fully cooperating with the investigation in order to clarify the facts and to demonstrate that they complied with the law at all times, 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45234/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: After earlier reports of weather conditions threatening almond crops, the Spanish confectionary market is now facing more dilemmas, after disciplinary proceedings have been confirmed against six of the top turrón manufacturers for alleged market...

### A ROLLER COASTER FOR POLITICAL TRANSPARENCY

The former mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente, held a press conference this week in which she presented a list of outstanding invoices against the municipal council for the 2014 year, which amount to 14 million euro.
Lorente described three of the sets of invoices as the “most scandalous”, being the provision of electrical street lighting, for which the company “Mercaluz” operates without contract, and the second being invoices to a lawyer who is said to be well known to the socialist group and is therefore directly benefiting from that association. 
However, it was the third point which Lorente saw as the most significant, as invoices reveal that the government team spent 23,958 euro of public money to obtain a report used by the Table of Elders to block the censure motion proposed by her Partido Popular party, along with the liberal CLR group, in January of this year. 
For the PP, this is proof of “cynicism to stay in power, as a plan hatched against the will of the majority”, according to Lorente, as the lawyer who presented the report also “happens to be the Mayor, Monserrate Guillén´s, personal attorney in this matter”.
Lorente said that “this is the value of political survival, survival comes at a cost of all Oriolanos of more than 800,000 euro in salaries of advisers and councillors”, and is a “scam”, before concluding that “policy makers will have to face justice, because the bills have already been recounted” and brought to the attention of the PP´s lawyers. 
This conference coincided with the announcement on the same day that a Judge in Orihuela has opened an abbreviated procedure with the aim of prosecuting 35 people under investigation for alleged irregularities in past award of the service processing and collection and treatment of municipal solid waste in different contract awards in the municipality of Orihuela. 
This case includes the former mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente, as well as her predecessor, José Manuel Medina, both of the Partido Popular in Orihuela, and businessman Ángel Fenoll, who was recently found guilty in a separate corruption case and pending incarceration. 
In the court order, the judge claims that there is evidence of corruption, malfeasance, prohibited trading, fraud, coercion and influence peddling in the actions of the defendants. The judge also states that there is an awareness of a “criminal network” headed by Fenoll, and in the case of Lorente, amongst her actions were that she acted “with knowledge of the illegality” of the stated contract award.
The order also temporarily suspends action against fellow PP politician David Antonio Costa. The actions of the order will be concluded within 30 days, at which point those named in the order will either be charged and brought to trial, or the case declared as still open.
Lorente then held a press conference on Thursday and stated that she has asked the judge to provide written clarification of the evidence, as, in her opinion, there cannot be a “a single clue, not a single suspicion” of her involvement. 
Lorente also expressed her delight that the number of alleged crimes she is accused of have been reduced from five to three, prevarication, influence peddling and fraudulent management, “I am relieved” that the initial five crimes has now been reduced with the removal of “bribery and prohibited negotiations”, explaining that, “In street language, bribery means the number one crime that can be attributed to political office”, and that she has “peace of mind” that she is no longer facing these “abysmal crimes”.
Meanwhile, at their provincial political party conference of the Partido Popular held in Benidorm at the weekend, the members are expected to sign a new anti-corruption declaration, in which they vow to resign from office in the event of being charged in a corruption case. 
The declaration is not enforceable however, nor was it clear how it would affect those already charged, such as almost the entire previous PP government of Orihuela, now serving in opposition, but set to fight the next elections to try to win back the municipality they lost last time.
Prior to that, earlier in the week, the Valencian government rejected a motion to prevent politicians applying for clemency in the event of criminal conviction; such was the case with the former mayor of Torrevieja, Pedro Hernández Mateo, whose request for clemency kept him free for many years.
The motion was tabled by the PSOE socialists of Valencia, with amendments added by Compromís, which also proposed the inclusion of necessary transparency to justify executive interference with the judiciary.
As the PP hold the majority of seats in Valencia, the move was rejected with the deputy of the PP, Pilar Sol, saying that they actually agree with the objective of the initiative of the PSPV, but justified the rejection as they believe that the issue is already covered by the new amendments to the Penal Code, which are pending approval.
Socialist spokesperson, Verónica López, criticised the rejection and use of the “nineteenth-century instrument” of law that dates back to 1870, to exonerate those convicted of corruption and who “exercise away from politics with neatness, proper example and transparency”, and operate in more of a “Godfather style”, stressing that “it is time to change this norm as neither the country nor the policies are the same as in 1870”, and to claim “progress and change” which prevents those who “vilifies democracy and citizen interests”.
For their part, Mónica Oltra from Compromís also criticised the “opacity and arbitrariness” of a pardon, whilst Ignacio Blanco of the EU said that “this is anachronistic of absolute monarchy and is being abused” and is against the “sense of impunity of the corrupt”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45233/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The former mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente, held a press conference this week in which she presented a list of outstanding invoices against the municipal council for the 2014 year, which amount to 14 million euro.
Lorente described three of t...

### ENGLISH LESSONS GET UNDER WAY AT THE AGE CONCERN CENTRE IN LA SIESTA.

When local Spanish residents in La Siesta learned that Age Concern gave Spanish Lessons, they asked if we would consider giving English Lessons.
We decided to give it a try, and the photo above shows the first students with their teacher Rita Naughton.   If you have any Spanish friends or any other nationality
Who would like to learn English, just come along to the centre in Calle Paganini, on any Wednesday morning and sign up.  Alternatively contact us on 966786887.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45227/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: When local Spanish residents in La Siesta learned that Age Concern gave Spanish Lessons, they asked if we would consider giving English Lessons.
We decided to give it a try, and the photo above shows the first students with their teacher Rita Naughton...

### JB BRASS BAND CONCERT REVIEW

Last Thursday evening saw a sell out audience pack into the Union Musica in San Miguel to take part in JB Brass Bands first 'Last night of the Proms' style concert.
With all tickets sold, the organisers did their best to accommodate supporters who had turned up on the night by bringing down chairs from the Bands rehearsal room.
On one of the hottest nights in October, the sell out crowd were entertained, in the first half, with a trip around the UK with visits to Wales, Ireland, Cornwall and the North East. Soloists, Debbie on Soprano Cornet and Jayne on Euphonium excelled in the heat as did the outstanding Cornet trio of Trudy, Ian G and Debbie again.
The second half brought the audience into the mix, with the traditional 'last night' music of Sir Henry Wood and Sir Edward Elgar. The audience lead the tempo in The Sailors Hornpipe with the band keeping up the pace and then responding to shouts for an encore.
There wasn't a dry eye in the house, or I've heard on the stage, after an emotive performance of Nimrod. The bands resident compare, comedian and cornet player Ian Gibson entertained the audience with anecdotes as well as giving the band a well earned breather between pieces.
Also present were representatives from the Costa Lions who raised 230 euros from a raffle and sales of Union Jack flags. Said flags earned more than their keep in the final piece, Land of Hope and Glory, with the audience on their feet for the final verse.
Unfortunately, due to complications at the Ayuntamiento in Rojales, a planned second concert will not take place. However, with the resounding success of this concert I predict that this will be a regular annual occasion.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45219/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Last Thursday evening saw a sell out audience pack into the Union Musica in San Miguel to take part in JB Brass Bands first 'Last night of the Proms' style concert.
With all tickets sold, the organisers did their best to accommodate supporters who had...

### MOTORWAY TOLL ROAD OUTLOOK IMPROVING

The motorway toll road that runs from Alicante to Cartagena, via Torrevieja and the Orihuela Costa, will not be included in the public motorway company that the Ministry of Public Works is creating in order to rescue the roads at risk of bankruptcy.
The reason for this, according to the Minister of Public Works, Ana Pastor, is that this motorway has started to show signs of recovery, due to an increase in use. In the first nine months of this year, traffic has increased by 3.25%, accounting for an average of 18,789 vehicles per day.
In January of this year we reported how traffic using Spain´s toll motorway network has dropped by 33.6% in the last seven years, after a record of 23,909 average daily vehicles used the network in 2006. Over that same period, the Alicante area saw a drop of 733%, to 5,293 movements per day.
Part of the success of the 76.6 kilometre stretch could well be attributed to the increase in traffic visiting the Zenia Boulevard, but, the result of the increase in that traffic will undoubtedly mean that any calls or requests to remove the tolls in order to alleviate traffic on the N-332 will now be dismissed, on account of the apparent success. 
The improved outlook has enabled a restructuring of debts and repayments on this motorway. During the winter months, the toll road advertises the cost to travel on the motorway is reduced, which they hope will encourage more drivers to choose the quieter and faster option.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45218/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The motorway toll road that runs from Alicante to Cartagena, via Torrevieja and the Orihuela Costa, will not be included in the public motorway company that the Ministry of Public Works is creating in order to rescue the roads at risk of bankruptcy.
T...

### 1ST INTERNATIONAL TRAVESIA "CABO DE PALOS" 2014

This weekend Masters from “Club Natacion Torrevieja” travelled to the Cabo de Palos Lighthouse on the Mar Menor to participate in the “1st International Travesia Cabo de Palos”. 
The event hosted by “Club Natacion Masters Murcia” had entries from over 300 swimmers ,on the day 279 swimmers participated in the race. The race originally planned to circumnavigate the headland around the lighthouse a distance of 3 km but due to prevailing wind conditions on the headland, the race was re-organised to a direct swim to and from the lighthouse a distance of 2600 m.
European Champion and world runner up in open water swimming Margarita Dominguez Cabezas was guest swimmer in the race and took the overall 1st place in the event.
The rest of the competition was categorised by the normal National Swimming Federations Masters categories and ranking for the local competitors. Both Torrevieja swimmers Beth Altabas and Vicki Connolly won 1st place in their categories and Vicki came 2nd in the local competitors rankings, second only to the European swimmer Margarita.
Beth being the oldest swimmer in the event was by no means the slowest placed 202 out of the 279 swimmers that finished the race. Vicki was placed 7th of all female swimmers and 49th out of the total 279, both male and female.
For more information regarding Torrevieja Swimming Club please contact Rosa – 665454126, President Felipe on 609418776 or Vicki 669637015 or by e-mail on info@clubnataciontorrevieja.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45217/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This weekend Masters from “Club Natacion Torrevieja” travelled to the Cabo de Palos Lighthouse on the Mar Menor to participate in the “1st International Travesia Cabo de Palos”. 
The event hosted by “Club Natacion Masters...

### TWISTS AND TURNS IN OUR TV HIGHLIGHTS

If you think back, long and hard, to last week, you might remember we were talking about the return of American glamorous drama Devious Maids. Well, coincidentally, this week, we celebrated the tenth anniversary since the mother of that show, Desperate Housewives, aired on ABC in America. Coincidentally, Roselyn Sanchez, now starring as housemaid Carmen Luna, was first lined up to play housewife Gabrielle, Courtney Cox was originally earmarked to play Susan and even Pamela Anderson was considered for Edie, which, with hindsight, may have been a less troublesome casting for creator Marc Cherry. Dana Delany was originally cast as Bree, but she later joined the cast as Katherine Mayfair.
But, enough of the history lesson on a show that no longer exists, time to turn our attention to one that no longer exists at the moment, as cult American drama Twin Peaks is set to return to our screens in 2016, 25 years after we first said goodbye. Ah, but there´s a link here too, in case you don´t remember, Twin Peaks starred Kyle MacLachlan, later to join Desperate Housewives as Bree´s other half, Orson.
Now, we shall return to home shores, assuming that home is Chelsea, as Channel 4 announced that their E4 based, scripted, sorry, “structured-reality television series”, returns to Chelsea after a dramatic summer in New York, and features three new characters, Tiffany Watson (Tiff), Lonan O'Herlihy and Will Colebrook. A show enjoyed by young and old alike, although mostly young. 
On the subject of young people, many of us of a certain age may have enjoyed the fact that our creations, or works of art, may have once been featured on TV, thanks to the likes of the late Tony Hart and Vision On, well, the very young of today have the opportunity to have their work showcased too, although not by using pencils and crayons as such, but rather their skills with digital devices. “CBBC is giving the next generation of digital content creators an amazing opportunity to design a game that will be turned into a free app and released across the UK for all kids to play.” The competition is open to 6-12 year olds and the winning idea will be chosen by a panel chaired by The Duke of York. Richard McCourt and Dominic Wood, who seem to be trying to shake off their pseudonyms, Dick & Dom, launched the competition this week.
Time to turn our attentions to the more mature audiences now then, as the BBC has this week announced a major new six-part John le Carré series, The Night Manager. Described as a post-Cold War fusion of spies and organised crime, a book that is both hugely exciting and frighteningly plausible. It´s the first BBC television adaptation of a le Carré novel for almost 30 years, since A Perfect Spy aired in 1987.
Meanwhile, filming began this week on a new BBC production, River, written and created by Emmy award-winning Abi Morgan, and starring Stellan Skarsgård, as seen in the hit film, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, as John River, a brilliant police officer whose genius and fault-line is the fragility of his mind - a man haunted by the murder victims whose cases he must lay to rest. The show also features Nicola Walker, recently seen in Last Tango In Halifax but more famous for Spooks, playing River's colleague and confidant, Detective Sergeant Jackie ‘Stevie' Stevenson. 
ITV on the other hand have announced the cast for their new “atmospheric” thriller Safe House.  Former Doctor Who star Christopher Eccleston will be joined by Marsha Thomason from White Collar, and Paterson Joseph who was rumoured to play the Doctor recently, in a new four-part, tense thriller set in the beautiful wilderness of the Lake District. Filming also began this week on the story which revolves around a married couple, former detective Robert and teacher Katy, who are asked by close friend and police officer Mark to turn their remote Guest House into a Safe House. Their first ‘guests' at the Safe House, are a family in fear of their lives after they are violently attacked by someone who claims to know them.
So it looks like we have a little something for everybody in this latest batch of future TV reviews, and we didn´t have time to mention the BBC celebrating the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, or their celebration of the brilliance of Rembrandt, but if you´re lucky, next week, we might talk about a crisis at LAX airport that leaves dozens of airplanes unable to land, and so, the Government enlists a team of misfit geniuses to save the day on the series premiere of Scorpion on ITV.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45211/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: If you think back, long and hard, to last week, you might remember we were talking about the return of American glamorous drama Devious Maids. Well, coincidentally, this week, we celebrated the tenth anniversary since the mother of that show, Desperate...

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 13 OCTOBER 2014

SEPTEMBER RAINS
Although September is notoriously wet in the area, this year, Torrevieja recorded three times the normal September rainfall, concentrated largely on three days. As the weather front has mostly been moving along the coastline, in a north-easterly direction, the dreaded Gota Fría has been avoided, for now, whilst temperatures have also been 2 degrees higher than normal, on average. Although a considerable inconvenience at the time, the rain is seen as welcome to many as the region was facing one of the worst droughts in decades.
PIG OUT
A new system of monitoring the weight of Iberian pigs at slaughter houses was implemented on the 1st of October. The system is now in place in 50 abattoirs, and so 97% of all pigs who are about to be killed will be weighed, with cameras recording the process, to ensure that the minimum standards are met before they are killed and turned into meat for human consumption. Pig farmers have applauded the new regulations as a way of standardizing their output.
FIESTA QUEEN
Over 1500 people attended the election and crowning of Mª José Díaz as Pilar's Fiesta Queen for 2014 last weekend. She was joined onstage by María Muñoz Rodríguez and Lola Martínez Sáez who were also elected as the Youth Queen and the Queen of the 3rd Age.  They were welcomed into office by the Councillor for Fiestas, Asunción Sánchez, and the mayor, José Fidel Ros. 
EASY MONTHLY PAYMENTS
In their budget for 2015 election year, the Spanish national government is to offer up to one billion euro in loans to struggling town halls, in order for them to settle debts related to healthcare, schools and other essential services. The plan aims to strengthen Spain's recovery after it emerged from recession in mid-2013 and prevent further financial turbulence. 
BIG BROTHER
A group of Russian inspectors, accompanied by Spanish observers for security reasons, have been flying over Spain in an observation aircraft this week, taking photographs as part of the Russian National Centre for Reducing Nuclear Threat initiative under the Open Skies agreement. 
BUSINESS SUPPORT
Google, the internet and search engine giant, has announced the creation of a “Campus” in Spain, targeted at entrepreneurs looking for informal office space in order to facilitate staring up of new projects, business and careers, following successful launches in London and Tel Aviv. Google claims that the campus in London created more than 570 jobs last year, and is looking to replicate the success at the new facility which will be based in Madrid.
SIMPLES!
The Terra Natura animal park in Murcia has this week been celebrating some new arrivals, after the birth of four tiny Meerkats (Suricata suricatta), one of the smallest mongooses that exist in the world. The babies weighed in at just 100 grams, approximately, in the fifth occurrence of captivity births in the Murcia park.
FATAL RESCUE
Rescuers from the Cruz Roja recovered the lifeless body of a man from the waters of the old town of Algorta in Getxo, the Basque Country, after he had entered the water in order to save his dog which was seemingly in difficulty. Although the man lost his life, the dog survived the ordeal.
SSSSSSSCARY
A poisonous cobra has been found wandering the streets of Seville, after it escaped from an illegal terrarium located in a residential home. The owner, a 28 year old man, has been arrested and charged with a criminal offence, as the animal could have caused injury to members of the public and animals. Officers from the Guardia Civil who searched the man´s home also found two pythons stuffed into plastic boxes.
SNEAKY COP
A senior officer of the Guardia Civil is being investigated under suspicion of being caught speeding, then asking a friend to claim to being the driver to avoid losing license points and a potential risk to his career. The incident happened some six months ago, with the details only just coming to light, when the Mercedes E320 was caught by a roadside radar travelling at 179 kilometres per hour in a 90 zone. The allegation is not only that the officer was driving and then tried to blame the vehicle owner, but he also tried to blame another motorist for the offence. 
NO FIGHTERS THANKS
Deliveries of the Eurofighter Typhoon to Spain, as well as Germany and Italy, have been halted, after the discovery of a manufacturing fault on the rear fuselage of the aircraft. Britain, the fourth nation involved in the program, is continuing to accept aircraft, as a Ministry of Defence spokesman said operation of the combat jet is unaffected by the problem. The issue is expected to be resolved “soon”, once “negotiations relating to commercial factors” are concluded.
CHINESE BOOST
President of the Spanish Government, Mariano Rajoy, and the Chinese Premier, Li Keqiang, have signed a deal worth around 3 million euro, aimed at boosting b-lateral business cooperation. Li Keqiang said that “Chinese companies are highly encouraged to invest in Spain”, as the Chinese government attaches great importance to its relations, whilst urging continual expansion of bilateral trade to accelerate growth. He also mentioned that the two countries should strengthen cooperation in areas such as energy, finance, biological medicine and the aerospace industry and he recommended that Spain provide more legal and policy guarantees, as well as visa measures, to promote this.
FREE BROADBAND
Technology company Hewlett-Packard has announced that their offer of a free subscription to their HP DataPass broadband service has now been extended to Spain. By purchasing a Pavilion 360 laptop or an HP Slate 10 Plus, 8 Plus or 7 Tab Ultra tablet, you will now get access to 200 MB per month of free mobile data for 24 months, via a pre-loaded app and without any commitment to remain with any network operator.
RAISING AWARENESS
Torrevieja's Department of Tourism in collaboration with the Costa Blanca Tourist Office, welcomed a group of twenty tour operators from Belarus last week who are hoping to forge links and raise awareness of the Costa Blanca in their country following the introduction of a weekly direct flight between the capital, Minsk, and El Altet airport.
LOCAL EMPLOYMENT
The Services Sector lost a total of 844 employment contracts in the Vega Baja in September, the final month of the holiday season, although it was partly offset by 222 new industry and 233 construction contracts. Torrevieja, with 426 contract terminations, heads the September unemployment ranking ahead of Pilar de la Horadada, with 133 more people out of work. On the plus side there have been 91 new job creations in Callosa de Segura and 39 in Catral while Orihuela ended September with 77 more jobs. 
TOP ATHLETE
The Torrevieja Sportsman of the Year Award was won last week by boxer Emiliano Casal. The boxer currently holds both the Spanish and Trans-continental super lightweight titles. He was presented with his trophy by Sports Councillor Luis Maria Pizana
 
Meanwhile, here are a couple of lighter stories from around the world. 
CALL ME!
Iconic red telephone boxes are making a comeback in London; although this time they are being painted green and offer the opportunity for mobile phone users to charge their devices. Charging is free in the “Solarbox”, so long as the user absorbs a string of adverts, in a scheme that won the designers, Harold Craston and Kirsty Kenny, second place in the Mayor of London's Low Carbon Entrepreneur of the Year Award. 
SWING LOW
A number of schools in Washington, USA, have taken the decision to remove and ban swings from their playgrounds, on account of 200,000 American kids being treated in emergency rooms for swing-related injuries, mostly walking in front or behind. A spokesperson said, “Swings have been determined to be the most unsafe of all the playground equipment”, although with their removal it opens the question as to what will now top the list of dangerous activities for youngsters, and face the vigilance of health and safety.  
BIGGER BIRDS
A new study has revealed that chickens have grown to five times the size they were 50 years ago. However, the study does not reveal that chickens may be big enough to take over the world any time soon, but rather it is for commercial reasons that they are increasing in size, with the data collated from 1957 to 2005 showing growth increased by over 400%, with a concurrent 50% reduction in feed conversion ratio.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45210/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: SEPTEMBER RAINS
Although September is notoriously wet in the area, this year, Torrevieja recorded three times the normal September rainfall, concentrated largely on three days. As the weather front has mostly been moving along the coastline, in a nort...

### BODYBUILDING CHAMP COP

A Spanish policeman has been crowned World Bodybuilding Champion in a competition held in Madrid.
Antonio Morcillo, a 37 year old officer from the policía local in the Badajoz town of Villanueva de la Serena, has been training for the title for the 24 years.
Morcillo, who now plans to take a break from competing, would dedicate 2 hours a day to work on his body, both in sports centres and in his own gym at home.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45209/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A Spanish policeman has been crowned World Bodybuilding Champion in a competition held in Madrid.
Antonio Morcillo, a 37 year old officer from the policía local in the Badajoz town of Villanueva de la Serena, has been training for the title for...

### CORN ON THE VOD-KA

A student of agricultural engineering in Elche has discovered a new way of manufacturing Vodka, from corn.
Javier Juárez López , a student at the Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH) de Elche, concludes in his report that that the use of maize products for making vodka could be an important source of income for producers the area, who currently allocate maize to animal feed.
As one of the many principle crops of the Vega Baja, supply has been outgrowing demand. By finding new, important ways of using the products can help to generate income for the growers who may otherwise be struggling.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45207/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A student of agricultural engineering in Elche has discovered a new way of manufacturing Vodka, from corn.
Javier Juárez López , a student at the Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH) de Elche, concludes in his report that that the u...

### PAVEMENTS AND ROADS SET FOR RESTRUCTURING

It has been a year in the waiting but work is finally about to start on modernising the pedestrian access around the town hall.
The ramped access into and out of the building will be improved at the rear entrance door, with the pavement being levelled and additional bicycle parking being provided to try to prevent cyclists from chaining their bikes to the lampposts which then blocks the access for wheelchair users.
Mercadona have donated a piece of their land, where part of a perimeter wall will now be removed to allow for a pavement to be created following a natural route from the roundabout towards the town hall. 
The work has taken so long to start as the plans and financial structure had to be completed before hand.
Meanwhile, final draft plans have now been completed for the traffic access and egress at the La Zenia roundabout, which will be submitted to the ministry in Alicante.
Footpaths will also be created on parts of this structure, as well as making two of the access roads into one-way routes, favourable to their closure as had been a previous threat.
According to the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, as former mayor, Mónica Lorente, said that the Alicante government had approved a grant to pay for this work, the Orihuela council hope that Alicante will foot the 50,000 euro bill, half of which will go towards job creation, as per the terms of the grant award, thus giving some unemployed people at least some work whilst the project is carried out. 
However, as there was some confusion as to where the money from Alicante could be spent in the past, as Lorente wanted to share it between two projects, which, according to the town hall was not possible under the guidelines presented by Alicante, should the money not be available then the work can be funded locally.
The town hall of Orihuela has also obtained another quote for the cliff retaining work needed at Cala Capitan. Once the most appropriate quote has been approved, work can begin on securing that crumbling cliff, and repairing the walkway underneath, after natural erosion caused rocks to slip and fall during the summer. Permission from the Alicante coastal department has already been obtained, and so there should be no additional delays to that work.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45206/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: It has been a year in the waiting but work is finally about to start on modernising the pedestrian access around the town hall.
The ramped access into and out of the building will be improved at the rear entrance door, with the pavement being levelled...

### TOWN HALL SLOW-DOWN FIXED

If you have been unfortunate to have been caught up in a longer than usual queue at the Orihuela Costa town hall recently, you are likely to have been further delayed by the fact that the internet connection in the building has been running particularly slowly.
As most of the administrative files are not stored on local computers but require an internet connection for the local officials to access them, this had caused considerable backlogs.
However, the good news is that the company that supplies the internet connection to the town hall has finally accepted that there was indeed a fault, and has set about rectifying the problem this week. Therefore, normal service can now resume. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45205/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: If you have been unfortunate to have been caught up in a longer than usual queue at the Orihuela Costa town hall recently, you are likely to have been further delayed by the fact that the internet connection in the building has been running particularl...

### ENJOYING MY WORK EXPERIENCE AT THE LEADER

Last month I spent some time here working at The Leader as part of a work experience option for the last year of my Media degree at Kingston University. 
When I landed at Murcia airport I had no idea what to expect, I had never worked for a newspaper before and had no idea when picking up a daily or weekly newspaper of all the work that goes in to it. That's one thing you never think about when reading a newspaper until you experience it first hand. 
My first days were spent learning about how things work at The Leader. I was shown things such as how to design pages, how to send pages to the printers, what a page in a newspaper should look like and I was told about what was done each day to ensure the paper was ready for release on a Monday. After learning the ropes I was fully treated as a Leader employee with my own responsibilities such as doing my own research, writing articles, designing pages and attending client meetings. 
My favourite part was getting the chance to interview people in the area. I first got to interview local favourite, entertainer Stevie Spitt. I had never interviewed anyone before and although I was nervous at first it felt almost natural to me as soon as I started asking questions. It was great to then use my research to write my own article and actually see it printer in a newspaper. What amazed me even more was when I sat in on an interview with Raquel Pena after seeing her amazing flamenco dancers and then my article featured front page! I never thought I would see the day. 
My time at The Leader has taught me so much. The amount of work that goes into ensuring each newspaper is ready to be sent to the printer amazed me, even down to getting those last minute news stories in that happen before sending them off to print. What impressed me the most was how organised everyone down at The Leader is though so much so that they make all that hard work look easy.
The great thing about working for a local newspaper is you get a real insight into absolutely everything that goes into producing a paper. From the design, to the writing of most articles, to the distribution, The Leader do it all themselves. Had I had experience at a national paper I feel as though the experience would have been nowhere near as enriching for me as I'm sure that they had different people for each of their jobs. 
I would like to thank everyone at The Leader so much for giving me the opportunity of this work experience. I have learned so much to go back to university with and have so many stories to share (and I am sure many students will be very jealous of a job where after you've finished a day at the office you can go and lay down by the pool) and I also have a new appreciation for my local newspaper. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45202/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Last month I spent some time here working at The Leader as part of a work experience option for the last year of my Media degree at Kingston University. 
When I landed at Murcia airport I had no idea what to expect, I had never worked for a newspaper ...

### TEAM BRUNEL LEADS FLEET OUT OF ALICANTE

The seven-strong fleet of the 12th Volvo Ocean Race raced out of Alicante on Saturday for the punishing first leg to Cape Town with rains and strong winds forecast to greet them in the opening eight hours.
Team Brunel took the honours after the fleet bade farewell to a memorable Alicante nine-day stopover before heading out to the Mediterranean, through the Straits of Gibraltar and then into the Atlantic during the first week of a nine-month, 38,739-mile marathon.
Skippered by Bouwe Bekking, the Dutch boat headed the seven-strong fleet out of the Spanish coastal city which hosts the Race HQ and has given the 66 sailors competing in Leg 1 an incredible send-off with tens of thousands visiting the Race Village every day.
They were hotly pursued by both Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing and MAPFRE.
Memories of the last “salida” (departure) from Alicante three years ago will still be fresh for many – Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing and Team Sanya were forced to limp back to shore with crippling damage within 24 hours after an opening night storm in the Med wrought early havoc.
There's no such carnage predicted this time but Race meteorologist Gonzalo Infante suggested it will be “messy” from about 2200 local time (2000 UTC) on the first leg when rains are likely to drench the fleet and winds could pick up to around 20 knots.
Traditionally, boats who have won Leg 1 have gone on to win the entire race but Groupama bucked that trend in 2011-12 when they finished last of only three boats who managed to complete the 6,487 miles to Cape Town.
The French team, led by Franck Cammas, took time to get into their stride but eventually emerged as deserved winners by the time the fleet reached their home port of Lorient, the penultimate stopover.
Another close race is predicted again for 2014-15, especially with the new one-design Volvo Ocean 65 levelling the playing field, but for the 50,000 or so who packed the Alicante Race Village to wave the fleet on their way, the event has already proved a winner.
Indeed the build up to the Volvo Ocean Race proved so popular that a record number of visitors, almost 110,000, were admitted to the Race Village in its first four days of opening, where they were able to explore and to enjoy the more than two hundred free activities available.
And there were also beneficial effects from the race to the city's hoteliers with the Provincial Hotel Association (APHA) estimating that there was a hotel occupancy rate of more than 90% during the weekend, with an improved rate of around eighty percent during the remainder of the following week. 
And the good news for the city didn't end there, with the announcement by the CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, Knut Frostad, on Saturday that the next edition of the race, which will take place in 2017-18, will also be held in Alicante. Planning is already underway, he said, and well advanced, and he is confident that it will probably attract even more boats to the race. 
Asked about the possibility of having more yachts in the future, Frostad said that new sponsors have already confirmed they will begin campaigning, but declined to give details. "In any case there will certainly be more than 9 or 10 boats," he said.
Together with Hakan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo Cars, and Olof Persson, President of AB Volvo and CEO of Volvo Group, Frostad said how the organization used the 'know-how' of the Volvo Group for producing and introducing the monotype concept into the race. He said that there was also a great deal of surprise when he announced a number of changes similar to Formula 1, for the fleet that will compete in 2017-18.
Both Samuelsson and Persson have confirmed that there will be a change to a one-design fleet, and that the concept of a shared service center will be supported from the beginning. "Putting the focus on the performance of the crews will provide a huge improvement to the race." said Samuelsson.
The Volvo Cars CEO added that, despite the many competitions that the company sponsor, they continue to rely on this event as their best marketing tool. “Constant challenge and the thrill of sailing around the world is vital to us. It allows us to interact with our customers in an environment that represents what we want to achieve. This is a top event and it receives much attention all over the globe," he concluded .
Images David Ramos
Credit: www.volvooceanrace.com  
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45201/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The seven-strong fleet of the 12th Volvo Ocean Race raced out of Alicante on Saturday for the punishing first leg to Cape Town with rains and strong winds forecast to greet them in the opening eight hours.
Team Brunel took the honours after the fleet bade farewell to a memorable Alicante nine-day stopover before heading out to the Mediterranean, through the Straits of Gibraltar and then into the Atlantic during the first week of a nine-month, 38,739-mile marathon.
Skippered by Bouwe Bekking, the Dutch boat headed the seven-strong fleet out of the Spanish coastal city which hosts the Race HQ and has given the 66 sailors competing in Leg 1 an incredible send-off with tens of thousands visiting the Race Village every day.
They were hotly pursued by both Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing and MAPFRE.
Memories of the last “salida” (departure) from Alicante three years ago will still be fresh for many – Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing and Team Sanya were forced to limp back to shore with crippling damage within 24 hours after an opening night storm in the Med wrought early havoc.
There's no such carnage predicted this time but Race meteorologist Gonzalo Infante suggested it will be “messy” from about 2200 local time (2000 UTC) on the first leg when rains are likely to drench the fleet and winds could pick up to around 20 knots.
Traditionally, boats who have won Leg 1 have gone on to win the entire race but Groupama bucked that trend in 2011-12 when they finished last of only three boats who managed to complete the 6,487 miles to Cape Town.
The French team, led by Franck Cammas, took time to get into their stride but eventually emerged as deserved winners by the time the fleet reached their home port of Lorient, the penultimate stopover.
Another close race is predicted again for 2014-15, especially with the new one-design Volvo Ocean 65 levelling the playing field, but for the 50,000 or so who packed the Alicante Race Village to wave the fleet on their way, the event has already proved a winner.
Indeed the build up to the Volvo Ocean Race proved so popular that a record number of visitors, almost 110,000, were admitted to the Race Village in its first four days of opening, where they were able to explore and to enjoy the more than two hundred free activities available.
And there were also beneficial effects from the race to the city's hoteliers with the Provincial Hotel Association (APHA) estimating that there was a hotel occupancy rate of more than 90% during the weekend, with an improved rate of around eighty percent during the remainder of the following week. 
And the good news for the city didn't end there, with the announcement by the CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, Knut Frostad, on Saturday that the next edition of the race, which will take place in 2017-18, will also be held in Alicante. Planning is already underway, he said, and well advanced, and he is confident that it will probably attract even more boats to the race. 
Asked about the possibility of having more yachts in the future, Frostad said that new sponsors have already confirmed they will begin campaigning, but declined to give details. "In any case there will certainly be more than 9 or 10 boats," he said.
Together with Hakan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo Cars, and Olof Persson, President of AB Volvo and CEO of Volvo Group, Frostad said how the organization used the 'know-how' of the Volvo Group for producing and introducing the monotype concept into the race. He said that there was also a great deal of surprise when he announced a number of changes similar to Formula 1, for the fleet that will compete in 2017-18.
Both Samuelsson and Persson have confirmed that there will be a change to a one-design fleet, and that the concept of a shared service center will be supported from the beginning. "Putting the focus on the performance of the crews will provide a huge improvement to the race." said Samuelsson.
The Volvo Cars CEO added that, despite the many competitions that the company sponsor, they continue to rely on this event as their best marketing tool. “Constant challenge and the thrill of sailing around the world is vital to us. It allows us to interact with our customers in an environment that represents what we want to achieve. This is a top event and it receives much attention all over the globe," he concluded .
Images David Ramos
Credit: www.volvooceanrace.com  
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45201/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### SARAH´S BLOG ON TOGS !

Tog Ratings! As the weather begins to cool over the next few weeks ... here is some useful information regarding duvets!
Which tog rating for which season ?
Tog ratings tell you how warm a duvet (also known as a continental quilt or just quilt) will be and the higher the tog rating, the warmer the duvet will be.
Please don't underestimate the importance of the right bedding for the time of year. The correct weight duvet will keep you at just the right temperature so you'll enjoy deep, restorative sleep every night.
If you are too hot or too cold in bed then your sleep will be disturbed and you won't wake up ready to face the day. Duvets come in a wide range of tog ratings so you can choose one to suit your sleep and comfort needs.
Tog ratings are based on the duvet's ability to trap warm air or thermal insulation ability. Natural duvets have better thermal properties than hollowfibre or synthetic duvets and therefore need less filling to be able to achieve the same level of warmth.   Children may suit a 10.5 to duvet.  This best way to help your child be comfortable and regulate their temperature, is to choose a lower tog duvet for them and then leave a blanket or throw folded across the bottom of the bed.  This way they can easily pull it up for extra warmth when they feel they need it.
•	Lightweight Summer duvet 4.5 tog
•	Warm Spring/Autumn duvet 9 – 10.5 tog
•	Toasty Winter duvet 13.5 – 15 tog
An All Seasons duvet offers  great flexibility. They consist of two separate duvets – a lightweight 4.5 tog for summer and a warmer 9 tog for spring and autumn. During winter, you simply put the two duvets together for a toasty 13.5 tog duvet.
Which duvet filling is right for you and your family?
Anti – Allergy/ Hollowfibre Duvets - Allergies are becoming more frequent and can have an adverse effect on health. It has been established that 25% of all allergies and 50% of all asthmatic conditions are directly attributable to allergens of the house dustmite, which are particularly found in beds and bedding.  
If you or someone within the family suffers from allergies, it is important to choose a duvet with a non-allergenic hollowfibre filling. Natural feather and down duvets contain natural dust allergens and so should be avoided by allergy sufferers. Hollowfibre duvets can also be easily washed at 60°C, which kills dust mites. Some Anti-Allergy duvet fillings are also treated with antimicrobial and antibacterial protection to minimise allergic reactions to dust mites.
This safe and durable anti-allergy protection is permanently fixed to our fibres and gives long lasting protection, even after frequent washing. Hollowfibre duvets are more practical and are a great choice if you know that you will need to wash you duvet regularly.  
They can be washed in a large capacity machine at up to 60 C.
Natural Fillings - Duvets with natural fillings are soft, comfortable and highly resistant and they can last longer than those with synthetic fillings. Feather and down duvets vary in quality depending on the type of bird that the filling comes from.
Down clusters from geese are the most luxurious because they are bigger and they trap air and create a light, warm and comfortable duvet.
Duck feather and down duvets are heavier than goose down and these options are hard wearing.  Natural filled duvets should be professionally laundered, because they need to be thoroughly dried and this can be difficult to achieve at home.
For more information contact Sarah at Sarah's Curtain & Bedding Store, CC Los Dolses, Villamartin.  Tel 966 848 980 or visit the store which is open Monday to Friday 10 am until 5 pm or Saturday from 10 am until 2 pm.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45194/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Tog Ratings! As the weather begins to cool over the next few weeks ... here is some useful information regarding duvets!
Which tog rating for which season ?
Tog ratings tell you how warm a duvet (also known as a continental quilt or just quilt) will ...

### EURONICS THURSDAY DART LEAGUE - ¨THE ELECTRICAL SHOP¨ - BLUE LAGOON

09 October 2014 - Two weeks into the season and a couple of issues have already come to the fore.  Firstly, result cards contain important information which may be used for varying reasons later in the season and therefore must be returned by Tuesday following each match to either the Hub (Villamartin) or the Euronics showroom at El Galan.  
Alternatively they may be passed directly to Derek Kingsbury, the League´s fixture and results controller.  Do not discard or believe they are of no importance.  Secondly, the top of the range dart boards supplied free issue at the start of the season are to be used only for Thursday night Euronics darts, which will include league fixtures and some competitions appertaining to the league.  
They are not to be used for any other reason or left up for practice.  By complying with this simple reasoning every team will play on the same quality equipment, with a board still in good condition at the end of the season, having been used for 11 home games and competitions where applicable.  Teams failing to comply will be asked to replace their board with a new one at their cost.
On now to some interesting results.  The Porters recovered from last week´s loss to impose successive losses on the Pint Depot Kings.  The away side got off to a reasonable start via Eddie Fozzard taking out the remaining 58 points of 701 in the first triples, using S18,S20,D10.  Peter Ayres levelled on D1, with the third triple remaining.  Captain Ray Sanderson put out a decent three, himself, Ayres and Sid Cross to face Gary Minor, last week´s man of the match, Dave Wright and Rob Hogorn.  In a tit for tat leg Ayres made it 2-1 for the Porters on D5.  Stalwart Ayres figured yet again in the opening doubles partnering Yvonne Rouffignac to finish the third leg of the evening on his favoured D1.  Believe it or not, it was the fifth leg of the night before a ton was recorded, courtesy of Ray Hayes, who mysteriously wasn't a registered player for the Porters until 24 hours prior to the league commencing, despite being part of the Porter´s furniture.
Are they trying to tell you something Ray?  Two tons in reply from Martin Bynorth 119 and Minor, wasn't enough however to deter Hayes partner Brian Nash from taking out D10.  A ton from Sanderson in the last leg before half time was insufficient as Frankie Wieczorek, recorded a ton of his own and then D2 for 4-2 at the break.  
A further ton from Frankie, this time a 125 was matched by Hayes who also managed D8 and D10 for the first single.  Cross repeated the score line in the second against Fozzard using D10 and D1, plus a 140 and 100 for the draw and at least one point.  Matt Cummins opened with a ton in the next plus D4 against Rouffignac and looked comfortable for 2-0 after hitting a further ton.  The popular Porter had other ideas taking out D10 to level and then banging in two more tons, despite a 140 from Cummins.  
The double 16 beckoned for Rouffignac who couldn't do anything but oblige second arrow for the match.  A fine effort followed from Ayres in his match versus Bynorth.  Scores of 100,140 and a maximum were just too much for the visitor as the sometimes comedian but genuine good guy planted D10 and D18 for an excellent victory.  Dave Wright showed why he was sorely missed last week by recording a couple of tons and D12 in his match with the home captain, who responded well with a 100,125,D4 and a nice 93 out (T19,D18) for 2-1.  Minor´s 3x100 and a leg were not enough as Nash outscored the visitor with 3x100,123,D16 and a fine D14 for 10-2.
Another 22 ton haul for current champions Meerkats proved too much for the amiable Bulls from Gogarty´s.  A lone ton from Bliss Wright after the triples was all Steve Woods side could muster as the visitors took the first 3, through Pat Abrams 2x100,D2 and D13, Paul Durrant contributing D5.
 Last year´s singles champion Abrams continued where he left off, this time pairing with Danos Bobinas, scoring 100,180 and D4 for 0-4.  Despite this powerful scoring opponents Gail Todd and Brian Newton 101 needed only 70 of the 601 points.  
Alex Nikolov made it 0-5 on D2, leaving Cynthia Jevons to take the first leg for the Bulls on D7 at the break, where upon the directive of a 15 minute break was totally ignored as extra time was required to devour the sausage rolls, beans, fries and sandwiches, excellent stuff!  Kevin Prockter kicked off the second half against Abrams with D4 for the first leg ignoring his opponent´s 132.  
Abrams levelled with 2x100 and D16.  Scoring pretty well level in the decider, it was the Kat coming out on top with D15.  Nikolov edged out the host captain, how I don't know after what he ate!  2x100,D2 and D5 was enough to out-do opponent Woods.  Newton acquitted himself well versus Lee Maiden taking out the middle leg of 3 with a ton and D16.  In the third single however, it was Maiden back in his stride after last season´s success, with 100 and a 75 out (T17,D12) in the first and 140,D4 for the match.  An earlier 140 gave the Kat a nice tally of 2x140, 2x100 and a 75 out for the evening.  
A 124 and a 95 didn't prove enough for the aptly named Bliss in her tussle with Durrant.  It was closer than the 0-2 score line suggests as the visitor completed his 501´s on D16 and D10.  Kat Kingsbury gave a real captain´s performance in the penultimate match against Richard Pattison, a 138,140 but disappointing D1 was levelled by the Bull on D10.  Pattison opened with a ton in the third, but committee stalwart Kingsbury dug deep and found 125 and then D2 for a fine win.
Alan Ostrowski figured last for the Kats and promptly took the first on D9.  To rapturous applause the game was levelled by opponent Jevons on D7.  With the throw in the third the Bull edged in front to take the third and deserved 12th leg. 
The Hyenas opened this year´s account with a nice victory over the Jackals, after last week´s void match against Gogarty´s, yet to be played.  
Captain Simon Williams had a strong squad at his disposal, reflected by the half time 5-1 score line.  Williams himself wrapped up the match and both points defeating Phil de Lacy 2-1.  Newcomer Nick Spicer was clearly man of the match with 9 tons and 4 game shots.  
The final Division 1 match was a real ding dong affair as you can imagine with last term´s second and fourth placed teams Eagles and Busters respectively.  John Walker carried on from where he left off last week with 4x100,2x135,1x140 and an excellent 112 game shot.  
He was assisted by Jim Storey 2x100,1x140 with Den Hall, Kevin Wood and Joe Cuyt scoring tons.  This was countered by Mark Filer´s 3x100,1x128, Peter O´Rourke 3x100, Paul Dowington´s 4x100, 125 with tons from Will Drummond and Ray Harvey.  Great match!
Junction Jaguars got their first points of the season in a fine win over Misfits from Sporting Life.  New signing Pat Schofield got off to a flyer with two tons in the triples but Jaguar Jo Brown took the leg.  Leah Chesworth made it 2-0 followed by Lucy Maiden scoring 81,119 before Simone de Lacy pulled one back on D20.  High scoring Sharon Bugg levelled on D7, setting up Lisa Ivill to take the lead from Jaguars on D4.  Wendy Hayward D5 gave the hosts a comfortable half time lead at 4-2.  
Hayward did her best to unsettle George Caine with some tasty scoring but the Misfit ignored her efforts and took out D20.  De Lacy, last term´s Ladies Merit Table topper put in a decent performance against Chesworth, despatching 140,60,85 and D16.  
Bugg ensured the point for the Junction with a ton and double to boot.  Schofield made it both points for the Jaguars despite some excellent scoring from Brown, 80,128.  Hilda Wilkinson found D16 against professional dancer Zoe James leaving Tracy Simpson to face Karl Cooper in the 12th.  70,140,85 was enough for the Jaguar to reach the double, but continued missed darts let in hulk Cooper 83,100 and the remaining double for 8-4.
The Tavern Drivers made it maximum points from two matches, taking out the Kestrels at Que Pasa.  John Dursley ensured the draw and a point on D7 followed by Ian Brown hitting D12 gaining both points for the Tavern. Justin Hepburn top scored for the visitors on 133.
 At 2 apiece it looked to be a close score Gilly Kirby and Chris Miles gaining the doubles for Que Pasa; Rick Cox and Stu Mitchell replying for the Tavern.  The visitors then won two doubles and the first 4 singles, 6 on the bounce, for the match.  For the second week running Mitchell was nominated man of the match.
At the Pint Depot the Queens went one up to Breakaways via Marie Dunne, S17,S12,D6 which was soon wiped out by Mike Smith D2 who then repeated his efforts in the third leg for 1-2.  
By a quirk of the draw, Smith was again on aided by Ivan Jones 100.  Smith was in top double form, hitting his third of the night on D6.  Cheryl Sleath reversed the trend on D6.  Newly appointed Royal Sharon Topham hit T17,T17, expecting a maxi on the 17s, but somehow found the wall, allowing Mike Snow in on D8 for 2-4.  Rachel Broadhead spent all her time at the Palace during the summer practising her doubles and it showed as her first dart found D12 for 3-4.  
Jones should have lost to Vi Turner who couldn't manage a double leaving her opponent to take the leg 3-5.  Her most Royalness Queen Debbie Wright added another for the Depot, albeit on D1 after a top score of 124, (T18,bull,S20) what on earth was she going for?  
Smith ensured the draw and point on D17 his fourth of the night.  Snow gained the win and points for the Bears, Lorraine Cox busting on more than one occasion.  Consistent scoring from Sarah Simpson including a ton should have taken the last leg, but it was Dunne taking the honours on D7 for a 5-7 result that on another occasion could have gone the other way.
PHOTO - Pictured are Lisa and Karl Mallinson from Liverpool who have now been running the Ale House, Villamartin since April this year.  
Karl a 34 year old Steven Gerrard lookalike ironically supports Everton, which may seem a bit of a problem as partner Lisa is a Red.  Karl´s parents Maureen and John look after the comfortable Ale House during the day, whilst Karl and Lisa do the evening shifts.  
A game of darts or watching the footie on wide screens, plus welcoming smiles are awaiting your visit.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45192/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: 09 October 2014 - Two weeks into the season and a couple of issues have already come to the fore.  Firstly, result cards contain important information which may be used for varying reasons later in the season and therefore must be returned by Tuesday f...

### TROPHIES FOR TORREVIEJA SWIMMERS

Last Saturday the City of Torrevieja acknowledged the achievements of sports people across the City from 25 different sports.
Throughout the evening in the Municipal Theatre, awards were made in the “21st Sports Gala”. Awards were made to the under 25's Best Male and Female from each sport and for Trainers in the Technical Category. The last category being the Best Absoluto Sportsperson, (any age).  
Swimmers from Club Natacion Torrevieja received awards in each category. Paula Garcia, Best Female, Elian Rio del Castillo, Best Male, Juanma Martinez, Best Technical and Vicki Connolly Best Absoluto swimmer. Awards were made to Vicky Pignur, Zoe Connolly and Beth Altabas for their outstanding achievements in their sport over the previous season. 
The evening showcased videos from each person and outlined their sporting achievements over the 2013-2014 season. It was very clear that Torrevieja Sportsmen and women have excelled in their individual sports and have amassed an outstanding number of trophies and awards from local to national level.
For more information regarding Torrevieja Swimming Club please contact Rosa – 665454126, President Felipe on 609418776 or Vicki 669637015 or by e-mail on info@clubnataciontorrevieja.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45189/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Last Saturday the City of Torrevieja acknowledged the achievements of sports people across the City from 25 different sports.
Throughout the evening in the Municipal Theatre, awards were made in the “21st Sports Gala”. Awards were made to ...

### HELPING STUDENTS

Educators (whether parents or teachers) help students (whether sons, daughters or pupils) under a necessary condition: the main target of education is the student, and all external help the student can get for him or herself is detrimental.
Giving unnecessary help is equivalent to overprotecting the student and exempting him or her from the necessary efforts and exercise of his or her will power, which is the foundation of his or her education.
Educators are the guiding counselors of a student's education by helping them develop their potential to the maximum possible (i.e. help discover what they already have inside), and overcome their limitations (whether academic or personal), as well as guide them towards their path through the consistency of our own lives, with permanent values and virtues, as well as our authority and example. 
The mission of an educator should lead to the effort of giving the good example, understand students, and guide them with caution. 
What are the factors that indicate to us when we can and must give them such necessary help? Fundamentally three: 
Know the student. Each student is different from those of the same age group and from his or her siblings. Each of them has their own potentials and limitations. Educators must start from what the student already possesses and try to progress from there. Educators should not help a student with what they are capable of doing by themselves, but with what they cannot do by themselves. 
Guide the student through words, but most of all through examples, without forgetting the importance of knowing how to listen. 
Exercise authority in its facets of power and service, by taking opportunistic decisions, demanding with prudence, and implementing a system of rewards and punishments oriented to the development of a student's well being.
Arturo Ramo
Independent Forum of OpinionFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45184/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Educators (whether parents or teachers) help students (whether sons, daughters or pupils) under a necessary condition: the main target of education is the student, and all external help the student can get for him or herself is detrimental.
Giving unn...

### PRESS STATEMENT - THE UNTRUTHS

The untruths, distortions and insults in the press release of 5 October by Mr. Kearney require a reply.
It is assumed that the press release of Mr. Kearney was issued on behalf of Pedro Mancebo and the CLR Party although as far as we know, Mr. Kearney holds no elected office in the CLR Party and was not one of their candidates at the municipal election in 2011.    But it is a safe assumption since the political style is identical to that of Pedro Mancebo.
Apparently Pedro Mancebo will amend the government decision to invest €332,000 to upgrade parks and gardens in Orihuela city and surrounding villages totally excluding Orihuela Costa, a decision which Mr. Kearney states that C.L.A.R.O. councillor Bob Houliston amazingly voted for.
Completely untrue.     In fact, there was no vote.  It was a decision of the government which was not supported by Bob Houliston but labelled as “scandalous” in a C.L.A.R.O. press release of 27 September which can be seen on our webpage www.claro-orihuelacosta.com 
The idea that Pedro Mancebo will change this decision is preposterous.   He is not a member of the government which took the decision.   Mr. Kearney says that Pedro Mancebo feels confidents that he will be supported by the Popular Party.   No doubt he will be but that is not enough.   There is no legal way in which the two parties together can make the government reverse its decision.
The idea that CLR will be supported by the Popular Party is obvious because the two parties entered into an agreement to take over the government of Orihuela nearly a year ago, despite the main plank in the CLR election platform of 2011 being that they would never enter into a government agreement with the Popular Party headed by a leader charged with corruption.    But that is where they are now, supporting the Popular Party of Orihuela led by someone who faces two charges of corruption together with another 8 PP councillors who also face charges of corruption.   
Of course, CLR had no alternative but to ally themselves with the Popular Party.   They are rejected by all other political groups in the Orihuela Town Council.   First of all by C.L.A.R.O.  since CLR  broke the electoral agreement  they entered into with C.L.A.R.O. in 2011.   They expelled Bob Houliston from the CLR-CLARO group only months after the election and sabotaged all his efforts as the Councillor for the Coast in the three-party (Socialist-Green-CLR-CLARO) government which they helped form after the 2011 election until Bob Houliston had no other choice but to resign from the government in February, 2012.   By contrast, Pedro Mancebo was expelled by the Socialist and Green government a year later.    So the Popular Party was his only hope and that hope is fading fast as we approach the next elections in May, 2015.
If Pedro Mancebo is not going to be able to amend the government's investment decision regarding parks and gardens, what is the purpose of this inaccurate and intemperate press release?   It may just be motivated by the fact that CLR have been absent from the Orihuela Costa political scene for many months now.   They have not joined C.L.A.R.O. in any of our recent campaigns,  for example against the elimination of home postal deliveries, dirty streets during the summer,  the illegal  burning waste tip sending toxic fumes all over Orihuela Costa, or the campaign to save Cala Mosca from the unnecessary construction of 1,500 new houses on the last piece of green land on the coast.   With the next election 8 months away, no doubt Mr. Kearney would like to resurrect Pedro Mancebo's image on the coast.   But he will not do so by untruths, distortions and insults.   That kind of politics will get Orihuela Costa nowhere.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45180/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The untruths, distortions and insults in the press release of 5 October by Mr. Kearney require a reply.
It is assumed that the press release of Mr. Kearney was issued on behalf of Pedro Mancebo and the CLR Party although as far as we know, Mr. Kearney...

### RUSSIANS MONOPOLIZE LUXURY PROPERTY MARKET

Russian buyers are now the primary target for developers of luxury properties in their quest for foreign clients. The reason is quite simple: they are the nation who, on average, spend more money when buying a luxury home in Valencia, specifically, 918 700 EUR, this is despite the political crisis between Russia and the European Union following the conflict with Ukraine.
And according to data provided by the General Council of Notaries, buyers from the former Soviet Union now lead the ranking of investments in real estate for property of over 500,000 euros in three Spanish provinces. 
The latest figures available, based on the first half of this year, indicate that wealthy foreigners spent 161 million euros on acquiring luxury homes in the Community (214 purchases), 10% more than during the same period last year.
Sources seem to indicate that those wishing to purchase luxury properties in Spain feel that the time is now right to make their investment as, with the worst of the crisis now behind us, you get the feeling that transactions are safe and profitable. The same sources added that the good sales figures "have little impact on the 'granting of residence permits to foreigners who spend more than half a million euros on investment property.
Valencia is actually the third largest market for Russian clients in Spain with 59 transactions completed during the first 6 months of 2014 showing a total investment of 54 million euros. However, in the two Provinces out in front, Catalonia has sold 137 homes to Russiana, at an average price of 1,136 million euros, while in Andalusia there have been 94 properties, costing 98 million at an average price of 933,000 euros. After Valencia in 3rd position, the Canary Islands come next.
The figures show that every Russian investor who buys a house worth more than 500,000 euros in Spain actually spends EUR 1.065 million in the remainder of the country whilst in Valencia the spend averages out at  918,000 EUR with 18% of the national total.
The faithful and traditional British market, which has historically been the major customer of the autonomy in this type of transaction, now ranks second, with 25 purchases and an average spend per property of about 714,000 euros. It would seem that the reason why the British market has declined is that they are changing their preferences to other regions. 
Of 397 luxury purchases made by British buyers in Spain only 6% are made within the Valencian Community. Norwegians, Belgians, Germans and the French complete the picture of customers of this elite market in the Community.
But local developers still rely on the British market and a delegation of Provia, the Alicante Promoters Association, has recently moved to London to negotiate agreements with British estate agents in the sale of property in the Alicante region.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45179/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Russian buyers are now the primary target for developers of luxury properties in their quest for foreign clients. The reason is quite simple: they are the nation who, on average, spend more money when buying a luxury home in Valencia, specifically, 918 700 EUR, this is despite the political crisis between Russia and the European Union following the conflict with Ukraine.
And according to data provided by the General Council of Notaries, buyers from the former Soviet Union now lead the ranking of investments in real estate for property of over 500,000 euros in three Spanish provinces. 
The latest figures available, based on the first half of this year, indicate that wealthy foreigners spent 161 million euros on acquiring luxury homes in the Community (214 purchases), 10% more than during the same period last year.
Sources seem to indicate that those wishing to purchase luxury properties in Spain feel that the time is now right to make their investment as, with the worst of the crisis now behind us, you get the feeling that transactions are safe and profitable. The same sources added that the good sales figures "have little impact on the 'granting of residence permits to foreigners who spend more than half a million euros on investment property.
Valencia is actually the third largest market for Russian clients in Spain with 59 transactions completed during the first 6 months of 2014 showing a total investment of 54 million euros. However, in the two Provinces out in front, Catalonia has sold 137 homes to Russiana, at an average price of 1,136 million euros, while in Andalusia there have been 94 properties, costing 98 million at an average price of 933,000 euros. After Valencia in 3rd position, the Canary Islands come next.
The figures show that every Russian investor who buys a house worth more than 500,000 euros in Spain actually spends EUR 1.065 million in the remainder of the country whilst in Valencia the spend averages out at  918,000 EUR with 18% of the national total.
The faithful and traditional British market, which has historically been the major customer of the autonomy in this type of transaction, now ranks second, with 25 purchases and an average spend per property of about 714,000 euros. It would seem that the reason why the British market has declined is that they are changing their preferences to other regions. 
Of 397 luxury purchases made by British buyers in Spain only 6% are made within the Valencian Community. Norwegians, Belgians, Germans and the French complete the picture of customers of this elite market in the Community.
But local developers still rely on the British market and a delegation of Provia, the Alicante Promoters Association, has recently moved to London to negotiate agreements with British estate agents in the sale of property in the Alicante region.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45179/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### DOLON MEETS CAPE VERDE MAYOR

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon met with the mayor of the municipality of Ribeira Brava in the Cape Verde islands, Américo Nascimento, on Tuesday morning, who was in the town with the intention of forming a partnership between the two municipalities.
Snr Nascimento was accompanied by the Honorary Consul of Cape Verde in Valencia, Alfonso Alvarez, a person closely linked to Torrevieja who knows very well the Cape Verde group who are resident in the town, as well as the President of the Cape Verdean Cultural Association of Torrevieja, Alcides Almeida. 
The mayor said that the Torrevieja residents from Cape Verde are deeply rooted in the area, being very active and contributing to numerous events that take place in the town throughout the year. 
He said that they are a very humble and hardworking group of people who are closely linked to the traditional salt industry in Torrevieja. This has led to the Cape Verde Cultural Association wishing to forge  strong links between Torrevieja and Cabo Verde. 
Thus the visit of Américo Nascimento is the first step in the setting up of a twinning arrangement between the two cities, Torrevieja and Ribeira Brava.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45178/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon met with the mayor of the municipality of Ribeira Brava in the Cape Verde islands, Américo Nascimento, on Tuesday morning, who was in the town with the intention of forming a partnership between the two mun...

### BATTLE RE ENACTMENTS IN MURCIA

The Codex Belix Association is a group of enthusiasts which recreates historical events through re enactment of major battles.  
They are sponsored by the Ministry of Defence and are regular visitors to the City of Murcia, the next occasion of which is this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday 17-19 October.
Their main campsite and display area will be set up in the Gardens of Malećon alongside the river where there will be trade stands as well as activities for all the family who are invited to go along and enjoy the many mock battles as well as the static and vehicle displays.
The detailed itinery can be found at the website www.codexbelix.com but a brief overview is listed below:
Friday 17 October: 
1700:	Formal opening followed by parade of vehicles and participants in full military regalia. 
1845:	Re enactment of the Warsaw Uprising – 1944 
Saturday 18 October:
1030:	Campsites and displays open to public, parades through the city.
1200:	Re enactment of Independence Floridablanca – 1810
1700:	Short Remembrance Service followed by Veterans Parade including Chelsea Pensioners and Members of Local Service Associations. Re enactment of WW2 Operation Plunder, crossing of the Rhine, 1944, by the British 2nd Army, under Lieutenant-General Miles Dempsey (Operations Turnscrew, Widgeon, and Torchlight), and the U.S. Ninth Army (Operation Flashpoint), under Lieutenant General William Simpson. XVIII U.S. Airborne Corps, consisting of the British 6th Airborne Division and the U.S. 17th Airborne Division, conducted Operation Varsity, parachute landings on the east bank in support of the operation. All of these formations were part of the 21st Army Group under Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery. This was part of a coordinated set of Rhine crossings.
Sunday 18 October:
1030:	Campsites and displays open to public.
1130:	Military vehicle parade followed by Re enactment of the Liberation of Paris.
1430: 	Closing ceremonyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45177/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Codex Belix Association is a group of enthusiasts which recreates historical events through re enactment of major battles.  
They are sponsored by the Ministry of Defence and are regular visitors to the City of Murcia, the next occasion of which i...

### BENIDORM RECORDS MORE OVERNIGHT STAYS THAN MADRID

During the month of August, Benidorm came third nationwide with the most overnight stays in the country, finishing behind only Barcelona (1.9 million) and the Balearic Islands, with 1.5 million. In 4th place came the capital, Madrid, with 1.2 million.
However, in the 2014 cumulative calculations, Benidorm actually lies fourth in the ranking with 7.3 million, behind Barcelona, 11.8 million,  Madrid, 10.6 and San Bartolomé de Tirajana (Las Palmas) which has recorded 7.4 million stays. 
During the month of August, Benidorm was visited by 239,351 travelers, a somewhat lower figure than in the same month of 2013, when 239,519 tourists visited the resort.
In the year to the beginning of September, however, Benidorm was visited by 1.3 million tourists, up by 1 percent from 2013. 
Hosbec also reported that the average daily spend (rate ADV) and revenue per room (RevPAR) available in Benidorm was the highest in the Valencia region, with 86.1 and 79.9 euros respectively, higher than 2013 when the figures were to 80.8 and 72.8 euros respectively.
¬One further area where the resort did particularly well was in the number of visitors using local campsites, 157,918, which put the city 11th in the country behind L'Estartit (Girona) with 365,940. The city had an average occupancy of 73.6% of their plots recording 15% of all overnight stays in campsites in the Valencian Community.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45176/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: During the month of August, Benidorm came third nationwide with the most overnight stays in the country, finishing behind only Barcelona (1.9 million) and the Balearic Islands, with 1.5 million. In 4th place came the capital, Madrid, with 1.2 million.
...

### SPEAKING VOLUMES IN TORREVIEJA

The Paseo Vista Alegre will continue to host the 13th edition of the Torrevieja Second Hand Book Fair through to 19 October.
Included in this year's fair are four exhibitors from Lorca, Granada, Barcelona and Villajoyosa who will add to the 20,000 volumes of old books that will be available to the public.
Visitors to the show  will find publications from the nineteenth century, as well as numerous used copies of used books in English, said the Councillor for Culture, Luis María Pizana.
He highlighted the large number of books that can be found on art, architecture, design, graphic design, jewelry, fashion and clothing, as well as all kinds of novels and children's literature. 
Pizana said that the show has been a great public success ever since its first edition more than a decade ago, and that it has now become "an essential meeting point for all lovers of literature."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45175/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Paseo Vista Alegre will continue to host the 13th edition of the Torrevieja Second Hand Book Fair through to 19 October.
Included in this year's fair are four exhibitors from Lorca, Granada, Barcelona and Villajoyosa who will add to the 20,000 volumes of old books that will be available to the public.
Visitors to the show  will find publications from the nineteenth century, as well as numerous used copies of used books in English, said the Councillor for Culture, Luis María Pizana.
He highlighted the large number of books that can be found on art, architecture, design, graphic design, jewelry, fashion and clothing, as well as all kinds of novels and children's literature. 
Pizana said that the show has been a great public success ever since its first edition more than a decade ago, and that it has now become "an essential meeting point for all lovers of literature."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45175/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### FABRA ANNOUNCES 375 MILLION EUROS FOR NEW JOBS

The President of the Generalitat Valenciana, Alberto Fabra, announced last week that the Valencian Government will allocate 375 million euros over the next three years to boost training plans and job creation aimed at particular groups such as young people under 25 years of age, the long-term unemployed and people who have special difficulties in finding employment.
In a ceremony held on Tuesday at the Elche Business Park, Fabra presented the project entitled 'Strategy Employs' stating that Valencia will be able to create 200,000 new jobs under this initiative by 2016.
The President announced that the Regional Government Budget next year amounts to 170 million euros which will be used to start boosting the actions needed to implement the plan 'Strategy Use'. In the following year the budget will increase by 5 million euro to 175 million.
Fabra predicted that this year will end with the creation of 50,000 new jobs and that in 2015 and 2016 respectively the figure will be increased by 75,000 new jobs each year.
"The data has now begun to generate optimism within the Valencian society," he said. "We are second nationwide in terms of reduced unemployment and the second also in job creation, which shows how all of our businesspeople are working together in a true entrepreneurial spirit."
Fabra also stressed that Valencia is currently running third nationwide in terms of growth at 1.3 per cent of GDP and next year it is forecast to be second with GDP growing at 2.4 percent.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45174/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The President of the Generalitat Valenciana, Alberto Fabra, announced last week that the Valencian Government will allocate 375 million euros over the next three years to boost training plans and job creation aimed at particular groups such as young people under 25 years of age, the long-term unemployed and people who have special difficulties in finding employment.
In a ceremony held on Tuesday at the Elche Business Park, Fabra presented the project entitled 'Strategy Employs' stating that Valencia will be able to create 200,000 new jobs under this initiative by 2016.
The President announced that the Regional Government Budget next year amounts to 170 million euros which will be used to start boosting the actions needed to implement the plan 'Strategy Use'. In the following year the budget will increase by 5 million euro to 175 million.
Fabra predicted that this year will end with the creation of 50,000 new jobs and that in 2015 and 2016 respectively the figure will be increased by 75,000 new jobs each year.
"The data has now begun to generate optimism within the Valencian society," he said. "We are second nationwide in terms of reduced unemployment and the second also in job creation, which shows how all of our businesspeople are working together in a true entrepreneurial spirit."
Fabra also stressed that Valencia is currently running third nationwide in terms of growth at 1.3 per cent of GDP and next year it is forecast to be second with GDP growing at 2.4 percent.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45174/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### EXPAT VOICE

My weekly blog ‘Twitters from the Atlantic' was initially intended as a brief follow up to my novel ‘Letters from the Atlantic', which were published in a local newspaper.
This weekly series has since appeared in magazines, newspapers and blogs in many countries across the world, and I have been surprised and heartened by the enthusiastic response that I have received from established expats, as well as from those considering ‘living their dream' in a country of their own choosing.
After the first series of ‘Twitters from the Atlantic' was published, I began to receive requests from many readers who, for various reasons, had missed a specific article, asking if I could get a back copy of the newspaper or magazine for them.
Eventually, it was suggested that I should publish the entire series of blogs for the year in one volume. That was ten years ago! I am now pleased to be able to publish the latest in the series - this time called ‘Expat Voice'.
I chose the title ‘Expat Voice' since many of the incidents that are raised in the book arose from emails, letters and conversations with expats from a number of countries, as well as from my own experiences.
We all have our individual tales to tell, and I am always impressed by the enthusiasm and (mostly!) good humour that expats demonstrate when dealing with both challenges and amusing incidents in their new lives. This book is intended to be an echo of those voices, which I hope will prove to be of both help and inspiration to others.
Looking at some of the early ‘Twitters from the Atlantic', I am reminded of the huge enthusiasm that affects us all when we embark upon our new adventure. A new country, new customs and traditions, as well as often a new language, all add to the thrill of escaping from the country of our birth. However, as time and experience take over, most of us have to deal with new challenges in life, which we may not have originally envisaged.
‘Expat Voice' attempts to deal with some of the challenges faced by expats following the World recession, which has left many without jobs, failed relationships and repossessed homes. For many, it has not been a wonderful experience, but I am a firm believer that, over time, such difficulties make us stronger if approached in a positive and realistic manner. I know of many expats who appear to have ‘failed', but have ‘bounced back' stronger and more resilient to the challenges that life throws at us all from time to time.
Unusually, in this book, I have tried to deal with other, more serious, issues that many expats have asked me to write about. Often taboo subjects, such as dealing with serious illness, death and wills have been raised in ‘Expat Voice'. Despite my original anxiety, it is a relief to see that pages dealing with ‘Death' and ‘Wills' on the ‘Expat Survival' website have received the most number of hits from readers this year, so I guess these articles have served a useful purpose for some; I hope so.
Life for an expat from any country, be it for reasons of work, retirement, or just following a spirit of adventure, is not always as easy as it may sound. A new life in the sun is often frustrated by having to deal with personal and family crises, health issues, language difficulties, confusing bureaucracy and cultural differences. This is all the stuff of expat adventures, which is part of the deal that we signed up for. The wise and seasoned expat eventually learns to accept and cope with a range of issues, which is part of our rich kaleidoscope of experiences. Personally, I wouldn't have it any other way.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.

© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45173/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: My weekly blog ‘Twitters from the Atlantic' was initially intended as a brief follow up to my novel ‘Letters from the Atlantic', which were published in a local newspaper.
This weekly series has since appeared in magazines, newspapers and ...

### LOCAL POLICE MARINE UNIT

Along with the Councillor for the Police, Agustina Esteve, The Maritime Service Unit of the local police appeared in the Council Offices last week to make public the figures of their summer activities.
Agents Adolfo Rodriguez, Antonio Alarcon and Jerome Manzanaro said that they had been tasked on 761 occasions during the summer, which included rescuing 18 people who had been put in difficulty following faults encountered by their boats.
They had also been called in to monitor and prevent illegal fishing as well as to stop 93 speeding boats in the port, 20 vessels for entry to unauthorized areas and the inspection and identification of 91 boats which were moored in the harbor without permission.
They arrested 61 personnel who were harpoon fishing unlawfully and reprimanded a further 121 sport fishermen who were fishing without the appropriate license. They also attended 192 swimmers who had strayed into the yacht and shipping areas.  
The police vessel was used to assist with the control of seven religious and cultural events and four sporting events, the highlight of which was the maritime procession on the feast of the Virgen del Carmen.
Environmentally the team reported 69 occasions of possible dumping at sea along different points of the coastline and a total of 25 reports were made of jellyfish drifting toward a number of different Torrevieja beaches.
The Maritime Police have now been patrolling the Torrevieja area for the sixteen consecutive years. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45172/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Along with the Councillor for the Police, Agustina Esteve, The Maritime Service Unit of the local police appeared in the Council Offices last week to make public the figures of their summer activities.
Agents Adolfo Rodriguez, Antonio Alarcon and Jero...

### HISTORICAL POSTCARDS AND PAINTINGS

Pilar de la Horadada welcomes two new collections at the Casa de Cultura exhibition hall and corridors that will run until 31st October. 
"The Color of Flowers" is the second collection by Olga Sánchez who has been painting and drawing locally for over a decade. The exhibition includes 29 works mostly floral which is "a major style change from the collection that the Torrevieja secondary school teacher exhibited last year.
"The Color of Flowers" brings together a large mix of techniques ranging from acrylic on canvas to  charcoal, graphite and watercolor, through which the author produces a great visual feeling and richness of textures. 
The second exhibition, "Postcards of Our History" includes edited images from 1900 through to the eighties 
There are 126 postcards, of which 21 depict Pilar de la Horadada and the rest the local area including Los Alcazares, San Javier, San Pedro del Pinatar and Campoamor. 
This traveling exhibition "Postcards of Our History" began its journey in May in San Pedro del Pinatar and after visiting Santiago de la Ribera (San Javier) and Los Alcazares finally arrived in Pilar de la Horadada, with 6 new images, one of San Pedro del Pinatar, 1909, another Campoamor 1905, a map of the coastline and 3 postcards showing Torre de la Horadada in the sixties. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45171/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Pilar de la Horadada welcomes two new collections at the Casa de Cultura exhibition hall and corridors that will run until 31st October. 
"The Color of Flowers" is the second collection by Olga Sánchez who has been painting and drawing locally for over a decade. The exhibition includes 29 works mostly floral which is "a major style change from the collection that the Torrevieja secondary school teacher exhibited last year.
"The Color of Flowers" brings together a large mix of techniques ranging from acrylic on canvas to  charcoal, graphite and watercolor, through which the author produces a great visual feeling and richness of textures. 
The second exhibition, "Postcards of Our History" includes edited images from 1900 through to the eighties 
There are 126 postcards, of which 21 depict Pilar de la Horadada and the rest the local area including Los Alcazares, San Javier, San Pedro del Pinatar and Campoamor. 
This traveling exhibition "Postcards of Our History" began its journey in May in San Pedro del Pinatar and after visiting Santiago de la Ribera (San Javier) and Los Alcazares finally arrived in Pilar de la Horadada, with 6 new images, one of San Pedro del Pinatar, 1909, another Campoamor 1905, a map of the coastline and 3 postcards showing Torre de la Horadada in the sixties. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45171/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### REGIONAL PLANNING SEMINAR HELD IN TORREVIEJA

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, together with the Dean of the Bar Association of Orihuela, Almarcha Manuel Marcos, opened the one day Seminar on the new Valencia Town Planning Legislation, LOTUP, on Tuesday.
The seminar was held in the Palacio de la Música and was attended by over a hundred lawyers and businessmen operating in the real estate and tourism sectors
The mayor said how grateful he was to the Bar Association for holding the conference in Torrevieja, a town that is quickly emerging throughout Spain as one of the most important in the field of real estate development. He said that the seminar would be of great interest and praised the Association on the quality of speaker, including many public administration professionals that they were able to bring in to explain the new law and clarify any doubts that planners might have. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45170/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, together with the Dean of the Bar Association of Orihuela, Almarcha Manuel Marcos, opened the one day Seminar on the new Valencia Town Planning Legislation, LOTUP, on Tuesday.
The seminar was held in the Palacio...

### POLICE PROTEST OUTSIDE COURTHOUSE

About fifty local police, together with support and cleaning staff, protested outside the gates of the Torrevieja Courthouse on Monday morning during the trial of six local officers and three janitors who appeared as defendants, charged for offences which included showing their naked torso's during earlier protests which took place outside the Town Hall earlier in the year.
However the hearing had to be postponed because of technical difficulties encountered by prosecution councilors with a video machine.
The hearing was attended by Police Inspector Manuel Lopez, José Manuel Dolon, Municipal spokesman for Los Verdes and  Alejandro Esteban, Secretary of the Alternativa Popular.
Applause broke out at the door of the courthouse from some members of the trade unions CCOO and Sipol when the adjournment was announced. . 
Representing the CCOO, local police officer Juan Antonio Moya, said the rally was held in support of his colleagues and that the whole thing was "nothing more than a witch hunt and persecution and that the officers were doing nothing more than “standing up for their rights.”
Moya said that there had been no willingness to negotiate by City officials, which is all that his members ask for. They were asking for nothing that was illegal. One example of their claims was a seven day rest period following seven continuous days of duty, which is a shift pattern already being satisfactorily operated by the coastguard service 
He said that until their claims were acknowledged his members would resume their monthly protests to coincide with the conclusion of the council plenary sessions, starting this month.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45169/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: About fifty local police, together with support and cleaning staff, protested outside the gates of the Torrevieja Courthouse on Monday morning during the trial of six local officers and three janitors who appeared as defendants, charged for offences which included showing their naked torso's during earlier protests which took place outside the Town Hall earlier in the year.
However the hearing had to be postponed because of technical difficulties encountered by prosecution councilors with a video machine.
The hearing was attended by Police Inspector Manuel Lopez, José Manuel Dolon, Municipal spokesman for Los Verdes and  Alejandro Esteban, Secretary of the Alternativa Popular.
Applause broke out at the door of the courthouse from some members of the trade unions CCOO and Sipol when the adjournment was announced. . 
Representing the CCOO, local police officer Juan Antonio Moya, said the rally was held in support of his colleagues and that the whole thing was "nothing more than a witch hunt and persecution and that the officers were doing nothing more than “standing up for their rights.”
Moya said that there had been no willingness to negotiate by City officials, which is all that his members ask for. They were asking for nothing that was illegal. One example of their claims was a seven day rest period following seven continuous days of duty, which is a shift pattern already being satisfactorily operated by the coastguard service 
He said that until their claims were acknowledged his members would resume their monthly protests to coincide with the conclusion of the council plenary sessions, starting this month.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45169/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### LAUNCH OF RBL POPPY APPEAL IN TORREVIEJA

This year Torrevieja has been chosen to host the Launch of The Royal British Legion's main fundraiser in Eastern Spain the annual Poppy Appeal.
The launch will take place along the seafront in the Port Area which will start with a parade from  the Paseo Juan Aparicio at 11am. The parade will be led by the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums, followed by Standards of the Royal British Legion and other Service Associations.  
Also marching will be a number of Chelsea Pensioners who have flown out especially for the occasion as well as members of the RBL, RNA, RAAFA and RMA
A contingent of Dutch Veterans and Spanish paratroopers  are also expected to take part making this a truly international event.
Eduardo Dolon, the Mayor of Torrevieja will be joined by Paul Rodwell, British Consul in Alicante, and RBL officials who will together declare the appeal open.  
Everyone is invited to attend the event whether or not a member of The Royal British Legion. The Paseo Juan Aparicio is situated at the start of the Torrevieja Pier (aka Dique de Levante Breakwater). Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45168/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: This year Torrevieja has been chosen to host the Launch of The Royal British Legion's main fundraiser in Eastern Spain the annual Poppy Appeal.
The launch will take place along the seafront in the Port Area which will start with a parade from  the Pa...

### VOLUNTEERS GATHER TO CLEAN UP CALA FERRIS

Over two containers of solid waste were collected last Sunday by more than 150 volunteers and divers who had gathered at Cala Ferris to clean up the shoreline and the seabed in one of the most ecological locations in the area.
Prior to starting work representatives from the Torrevieja Department of Tourism gave a presentation on environmental care and recycling to all the children that had gathered, after which divers demonstrated basic diving techniques before explaining the days tasks.  
The children were then allocated into 4 groups of 12 and given gloves, bags and special hazardous waste markers before each being allocated to a supervisor.
After the exercise, the Department of Tourism presented each child with a goodie bag of supplies including a snack, a bottle of water and a sticker with recycling instructions. 
One of the discovery's found in the water was a bottle with a message in English, which spoke of peace and love for all. 
Throughout the morning, the City Biologist, Juan Antonio Pujol, toured and spoke to each of the groups explaining to them just how important their task was.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45167/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Over two containers of solid waste were collected last Sunday by more than 150 volunteers and divers who had gathered at Cala Ferris to clean up the shoreline and the seabed in one of the most ecological locations in the area.
Prior to starting work ...

### BLACKPOOL AIRPORT CLOSURE CONFIRMED

The current owners of Blackpool Airport, Balfour Beaty, have confirmed in a statement today that the airport will close, after they failed to find a buyer for the loss-making transport terminal.
The official statement read, “We regret to announce that no agreement has been reached to secure the future of operations at Blackpool Airport. The airport operation has been making a loss for a number of years and unfortunately there is no option for the company other than to close.
“This is a very sad day for the airport which has a proud aviation history and a loyal, appreciative customer following. We would like to thank all our dedicated staff who have delivered exceptional service to passengers for many years.
“The airport will remain open to the public until 15 October 2014 and we will endeavour to maintain operations as normal until this date, after which time commercial flights will cease.
“While the sales process announced at the end of August was a final attempt to secure the future of the airport, the airport's management had spent many months prior to this announcement approaching organisations with a potential interest in the airport in an attempt to find a buyer. 
“Work is currently underway with the independent aviation businesses and tenants at the airport to understand if their operations can continue in the future. Working in partnership with the local authorities, regeneration plans are also being developed which will be designed to create future employment and sustainable economic development opportunities for Blackpool and the Fylde Coast.
Cllr John Jones, Blackpool Council's cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “This is a very sad day for Blackpool, Blackpool Airport and, most importantly, the staff who work there.
“My thoughts are with all of those who are affected by this announcement, both directly and indirectly.
“We will, of course, offer any help we can to them.
“This does not necessarily mean the end of the line for aviation at Squires Gate and we are aware that interest remains in the airfield and the site.
“As a passenger-led airport it has lost money throughout its tenure, has not delivered inbound tourism and the jobs growth one would expect for the size of the site and neither Balfour Beatty or any other company appears to be able or minded to save it on that basis.
“The site undoubtedly does, however, have significant potential to deliver quality jobs, growth and, equally importantly, profit as a commercial airfield and helipad as other similar ventures around the country have.
“We continue to work and try to make that possible and will continue to be as open and frank as we can with the public as we have from the outset.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45156/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The current owners of Blackpool Airport, Balfour Beaty, have confirmed in a statement today that the airport will close, after they failed to find a buyer for the loss-making transport terminal.
The official statement read, “We regret to announc...

### POLICE MERIT AWARD CAUSES CONTROVERSY

The award given by the Spanish government in recognition of policing has not only sparked controversy this year, but a court case to try to reverse the decision.
The Gold Medal of Police Merit has been awarded by the Interior Ministry to a religious statue of the Most Holy Mary of Love, “for sharing police values such as dedication, caring, solidarity and sacrifice.”
This is not the first time an award has been given to an inanimate, though iconic object, as it has become something of a tradition. However, this year, supporters of a secular state are taking action to not only claim back the award, but to prevent it from being attached to a religious figure in the future.
A court case has been filed with the spokesperson for a national group, Jorge García González, calling for limits to how the catholic religion is represented in Spain, with an online petition already underway to ensure that the award is given to somebody who not only serves the population by policing the country, but also somebody who actually exists.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45155/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The award given by the Spanish government in recognition of policing has not only sparked controversy this year, but a court case to try to reverse the decision.
The Gold Medal of Police Merit has been awarded by the Interior Ministry to a religious s...

### AUAN & SOHA: PRESS RELEASE 7TH OCTOBER 2014

Responding to today's announcement of the initiation of a parliamentary bill to amend the Planning Laws of Andalusia (LOUA) to deal with illegal land divisions, thus allowing more houses to be regularized .......
SOHA and AUAN are pleased with the agreement reached between PSOE and IU in relation to this initiative.
But at the same time we are impatient for this change to be made law as soon as possible.
The members of AUAN and SOHA are the victims, not the authors, of planning crimes. They have suffered years of legal uncertainty and stress as a consequence of their decision to live in Spain and to buy a house in good faith.
We need to see the text but as we understand it the proposed change permits the regularisation, not the legalisation, of houses that meet all of the criteria established in the Regularisation Decree of 2012, except for the fact that the houses share the same parcel of non urbanizable land. It is not an amnesty.
In an ideal world the guilty would already have been punished and the victims would already have been compensated.
But we do not live in an ideal world and we are obliged to compromise.
We hope that with dialogue and common sense this bill will progress as quickly as possible.
The demolition of all the irregular houses would be economic suicide for Andaluca and for Spain.
Contact:  info@almanzora-au.org or press@soha.es
Maura Hillen: 661329919 or Mario Balncke 687964097Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45154/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Responding to today's announcement of the initiation of a parliamentary bill to amend the Planning Laws of Andalusia (LOUA) to deal with illegal land divisions, thus allowing more houses to be regularized .......
SOHA and AUAN are pleased with the agr...

### ROJALES NETBALL CLUB PIPPED AT THE FINAL POST...

Two teams from Madrid, one from Murcia and one from Huddersfield in the UK spent the day playing netball against Rojales on Saturday, 4 October.
Rojales started the day playing some good netball beating the UK team 13-12 followed by wins against Madrid B and Murcia (in which their newest recruit Angela truimphed).
Their final game was to be the tournament decider against the big guns, Madrid A.  Rojales had beaten them on their previous meeting in June so Madrid were really up for revenge.
Rojales' centre court of Donna, Tracy and Ronnie started well getting the ball into their shooters, Sam and Carly, who were under extreme pressure from a strong Madrid defence to convert their shots.  At the other end of the court Rojales' defence of Claire and Sophie were making life very difficult for the Madrid shooters by breaking down their rhythm of play.  At half time the score was 6-4 to Madrid and still all to play for.
Rojales started the second half strongly and managed to pull back the deficit to even the score until the final minutes when a couple of stray passes enabled Madrid to counterattack and finish the game with a 10-7 win.
Although Rojales were disappointed to have lost it was a great team performance and a enthralling game for the spectators to watch.
Members of Rojales' Council were on hand to present the winning trophy and best player award which went to Rojales' GA, Carly.
Rojales Netball Club would like to thank Pam, Heather and Luke for their help during the day, and of course Rojales Ayuntamiento for their continued support.
If you want to be part of this successful netball club come along on a Tuesday to the Norwegian School in Quesada from 7pm-8.30pm or contact Tracey on 679539995 for further details.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45153/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Two teams from Madrid, one from Murcia and one from Huddersfield in the UK spent the day playing netball against Rojales on Saturday, 4 October.
Rojales started the day playing some good netball beating the UK team 13-12 followed by wins against Madri...

### TORREVIEJA TO MEET ELCHE ON THURSDAY

Please note that the CD Torrevieja and Elche CF have agreed to a friendly match to be played on Thursday 9 October at 11:00 in the Municipal Stadium Vicente García de Torrevieja.
The club would like to thank Elche CF total willingness to visit our town, in what will certainly be a great event for our city and our fans, supporters and football fans in general, attend site a match against a club of the elite Spanish professional football.
Since the club is working with great enthusiasm and to live on trial Thursday morning a real party at the Vicente Garcia enjoying as it can not be otherwise with the beautiful game, football.
The price of seats is 15 Euros and 10 Euros on tribune general bounds, except under 16, the entrance is free on presentation of proof of identity if required.
See you at the Vicente Garcia to live a pure encounter flavored 1st Division.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45150/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Please note that the CD Torrevieja and Elche CF have agreed to a friendly match to be played on Thursday 9 October at 11:00 in the Municipal Stadium Vicente García de Torrevieja.
The club would like to thank Elche CF total willingness to visit ...

### 2ND ANNUAL BOOKS & BLUES FESTIVAL

Sunday, 19th of October ... 11:00 – 17:30
The 2nd Annual Books n Blues Festival is a celebration of appreciation for literature and blues music hosted by COSTA BLANCA BLUES.
The event opens in the salon room at Bar Mediterraneo in Teulada with a LITERARY COFFEE MORNING at 11:00. Featured talks will be given by international authors – Ray Wilcox and Jana Petken as well as dedicated independent book seller Tash Lewis . This part of the festival is free to the public and seats can be reserved by phone – 648 156 066
LITERARY MORNING
Ray Wilcox retired to the Costa Blanca in 2005 after a 30 year career in HM Prison Service. His novel 'Lock-Down Blues' was published on 31 July 2014.
The story follows the lives of six criminals who find themselves incarcerated in the same prison and the catastrophic events which follow. He is presently writing the sequel.
Jana Petken's first book, The Guardian of Secrets, a historical family saga and has been awarded red star industry reviews. It is a finalist in two, book of year competitions. It is also receiving offers from film producers in America and is # 10, highest rated historical fiction novel on Amazon.com.
Jana's second book was published in August this year. It is the first part of a two book series, entitled, Mercy Carver, set in the 1860's. It is also a historical fiction novel with face paced action and dynamic characters.
Tash Lewis started her independent mobile book selling company in November 2013. She not only sells fiction books but also greetings cards, party supplies, and she has a second hand section where all money from these books goes to Cystic Fibrosis Charity.
BLUES MATINEE CONCERT
The festival will then break as the salon is prepared for the Blues Matinee Concert at 14:00 starring the Valencian regions 30 year veteran of the blues harmonica – Danny Boy Sanchez. 
Danny Boy has been singing and blowing his harp while sharing the stage with international blues veterans such as John Mayall, Buddy Guy, Rod Piazza, Philip Walker, Lonnie Brooks, Buddy Scott, Big Jack Johnson… to name-drop a few.
According to the award winning blues journalist and broadcaster - Vicente Zumel host of the popular radio show - La Hora del Blues,
"He is one of the Spanish blues harmonica pioneers. He is also a good person, an excellent harp player and a real blues lover."
Danny Boy, who fashioned his stage name after the late blues legend Sonny Boy Williamson, has a giant list of guest appearances at blues festivals. They include the famous Cazorla Blues Festival and Blues Festival Benicassim and Blues Festival Antequera – Málaga – just to name three, but there are many more on the list.
In 1991, he started to teach blues harmonica professionally and helped to inspire and launch other Valencian blues performers such as Alicante-based blues harpist - Juan Jose Alfonso Hernandez.
"Danny Boy is one of the greatest harmonica players in Spain and at a European level. He has that characteristic tone that is "very Chicago". He taught me blues structure, both in theory and in practice. I have to thank him for the patience he has shown me"
In 2007, Danny Boy hooked up with two more Spanish blues harmonica legends to create the “Spanish Blues Harp Attack” CD. Together with Castilian harmonica player Ñaco Goñi and the Sevillian Mingo Balaguer the CD was produced by the Basque record label - Gaztelupeko Hotsak.
On the 19th of October, 2014 - Danny Boy will be bringing his long time guitar slinger friend Kike Pons, another Valenciano.
Kike Pons developed his passion for the blues via British blues-rocker Graham Foster. He went on to join the party band Jam-Ones out of Oliva. Finally, he studied classical and jazz guitar which lead him to the Valencian folk music scene, where he met the traditional blues and Danny Boy.
On drums will be another Valenicano – Alvaro Diez who is very well known in the blues circles in the region.
And finally, COSTA BLANCA BLUES own Tom Poole will be contributing his musical blues style to the mix.
For all details and to reserve seats and buy ticket for the blues concert – www.Books-Blues.com 
Karla Darocas (Hons.B.A.) DAROCAS MEDIA, www.Darocas.com, Tel. 648 156 066
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45148/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Sunday, 19th of October ... 11:00 – 17:30
The 2nd Annual Books n Blues Festival is a celebration of appreciation for literature and blues music hosted by COSTA BLANCA BLUES.
The event opens in the salon room at Bar Mediterraneo in Teulada with a LITERARY COFFEE MORNING at 11:00. Featured talks will be given by international authors – Ray Wilcox and Jana Petken as well as dedicated independent book seller Tash Lewis . This part of the festival is free to the public and seats can be reserved by phone – 648 156 066
LITERARY MORNING
Ray Wilcox retired to the Costa Blanca in 2005 after a 30 year career in HM Prison Service. His novel 'Lock-Down Blues' was published on 31 July 2014.
The story follows the lives of six criminals who find themselves incarcerated in the same prison and the catastrophic events which follow. He is presently writing the sequel.
Jana Petken's first book, The Guardian of Secrets, a historical family saga and has been awarded red star industry reviews. It is a finalist in two, book of year competitions. It is also receiving offers from film producers in America and is # 10, highest rated historical fiction novel on Amazon.com.
Jana's second book was published in August this year. It is the first part of a two book series, entitled, Mercy Carver, set in the 1860's. It is also a historical fiction novel with face paced action and dynamic characters.
Tash Lewis started her independent mobile book selling company in November 2013. She not only sells fiction books but also greetings cards, party supplies, and she has a second hand section where all money from these books goes to Cystic Fibrosis Charity.
BLUES MATINEE CONCERT
The festival will then break as the salon is prepared for the Blues Matinee Concert at 14:00 starring the Valencian regions 30 year veteran of the blues harmonica – Danny Boy Sanchez. 
Danny Boy has been singing and blowing his harp while sharing the stage with international blues veterans such as John Mayall, Buddy Guy, Rod Piazza, Philip Walker, Lonnie Brooks, Buddy Scott, Big Jack Johnson… to name-drop a few.
According to the award winning blues journalist and broadcaster - Vicente Zumel host of the popular radio show - La Hora del Blues,
"He is one of the Spanish blues harmonica pioneers. He is also a good person, an excellent harp player and a real blues lover."
Danny Boy, who fashioned his stage name after the late blues legend Sonny Boy Williamson, has a giant list of guest appearances at blues festivals. They include the famous Cazorla Blues Festival and Blues Festival Benicassim and Blues Festival Antequera – Málaga – just to name three, but there are many more on the list.
In 1991, he started to teach blues harmonica professionally and helped to inspire and launch other Valencian blues performers such as Alicante-based blues harpist - Juan Jose Alfonso Hernandez.
"Danny Boy is one of the greatest harmonica players in Spain and at a European level. He has that characteristic tone that is "very Chicago". He taught me blues structure, both in theory and in practice. I have to thank him for the patience he has shown me"
In 2007, Danny Boy hooked up with two more Spanish blues harmonica legends to create the “Spanish Blues Harp Attack” CD. Together with Castilian harmonica player Ñaco Goñi and the Sevillian Mingo Balaguer the CD was produced by the Basque record label - Gaztelupeko Hotsak.
On the 19th of October, 2014 - Danny Boy will be bringing his long time guitar slinger friend Kike Pons, another Valenciano.
Kike Pons developed his passion for the blues via British blues-rocker Graham Foster. He went on to join the party band Jam-Ones out of Oliva. Finally, he studied classical and jazz guitar which lead him to the Valencian folk music scene, where he met the traditional blues and Danny Boy.
On drums will be another Valenicano – Alvaro Diez who is very well known in the blues circles in the region.
And finally, COSTA BLANCA BLUES own Tom Poole will be contributing his musical blues style to the mix.
For all details and to reserve seats and buy ticket for the blues concert – www.Books-Blues.com 
Karla Darocas (Hons.B.A.) DAROCAS MEDIA, www.Darocas.com, Tel. 648 156 066
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45148/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### 16,661,703 PEOPLE REGISTERED WITH SPANISH SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM IN SEPTEMBER

In September the average number of contributors to the Spanish Social Security System stood at 16,661,703. This figure represents an increase of 12,182 (0.07%) on the previous month.
It should be noted that these are the best figures for September in eight years, as this is traditionally a month in which a negative result is posted.
The year-on-year data show an increase of 356,258 contributors (up 2.18%) for the eighth consecutive month. This figure is five points higher than the result posted a year ago.
The increase is even greater in seasonally-adjusted terms: the increase of 46,961 is the best September result since 2006.
The State Secretary for the Social Security System, Tomás Burgos, believes this figure "reinforces the upward trend in employment despite the time of year. Generally speaking, this performance by contributor figures in September provides a highly significant confirmation of the currently strong growth in the number of people contributing to the system".
Sectors
The number of contributors registered under the General Regime rose by 9,337 last month (0.07%) to stand at an average total of 13,480,121 in September. It is worth noting the increased number of contributors within education, together with administrative activities and ancillary services.
Also within the General Regime, it should be noted that the Special System for Agricultural Workers posted an increase of 39,138 (5.58%) to a total of 741,005. The Special System for Domestic Workers shrank by 1,439 contributors (-0.34%) to stand at an average total of 424,597.
3,114,225 contributors were registered under the Regime for Self-Employed Workers, following an increase of 4,358 (0.14%).
1,486 fewer people were registered under the Regime for Seamen (-2.3%) to an average total of 63,220. Finally, the Special Regime for Coal Workers shrank by 27 contributors (-0.65%) to stand at 4,137. 
Year-on-year change
As regards the year-on-year change, the average number of contributors rose by 356,258; in other words, an increase of 2.18%. Specifically, the General Regime grew by 2.11% or 278,091 more contributors. As regards the Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers, it should be noted that the rate rose by 2.59% following an increase of 78,734 contributors over the last 12 months.
The Regime for Seamen fell by 319 (-0.5%), as did the Regime for Coal Workers by 248 (-5.66%).
Autonomous regions
In the last month, the number of contributors rose in seven autonomous regions: led by the Region of Madrid, up by 27,145; Castile-La Mancha, up 23,128; the Canary Islands, up 6,600; the Basque Country, up 2,479; La Rioja, up 1,915; Castile Leon, up 925; Navarre, up 834; and the Autonomous City of Ceuta, up 232.
Of the 16,661,703 contributors in September, 8,969,954 are men and 7,691,749 are women.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45146/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In September the average number of contributors to the Spanish Social Security System stood at 16,661,703. This figure represents an increase of 12,182 (0.07%) on the previous month.
It should be noted that these are the best figures for September in eight years, as this is traditionally a month in which a negative result is posted.
The year-on-year data show an increase of 356,258 contributors (up 2.18%) for the eighth consecutive month. This figure is five points higher than the result posted a year ago.
The increase is even greater in seasonally-adjusted terms: the increase of 46,961 is the best September result since 2006.
The State Secretary for the Social Security System, Tomás Burgos, believes this figure "reinforces the upward trend in employment despite the time of year. Generally speaking, this performance by contributor figures in September provides a highly significant confirmation of the currently strong growth in the number of people contributing to the system".
Sectors
The number of contributors registered under the General Regime rose by 9,337 last month (0.07%) to stand at an average total of 13,480,121 in September. It is worth noting the increased number of contributors within education, together with administrative activities and ancillary services.
Also within the General Regime, it should be noted that the Special System for Agricultural Workers posted an increase of 39,138 (5.58%) to a total of 741,005. The Special System for Domestic Workers shrank by 1,439 contributors (-0.34%) to stand at an average total of 424,597.
3,114,225 contributors were registered under the Regime for Self-Employed Workers, following an increase of 4,358 (0.14%).
1,486 fewer people were registered under the Regime for Seamen (-2.3%) to an average total of 63,220. Finally, the Special Regime for Coal Workers shrank by 27 contributors (-0.65%) to stand at 4,137. 
Year-on-year change
As regards the year-on-year change, the average number of contributors rose by 356,258; in other words, an increase of 2.18%. Specifically, the General Regime grew by 2.11% or 278,091 more contributors. As regards the Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers, it should be noted that the rate rose by 2.59% following an increase of 78,734 contributors over the last 12 months.
The Regime for Seamen fell by 319 (-0.5%), as did the Regime for Coal Workers by 248 (-5.66%).
Autonomous regions
In the last month, the number of contributors rose in seven autonomous regions: led by the Region of Madrid, up by 27,145; Castile-La Mancha, up 23,128; the Canary Islands, up 6,600; the Basque Country, up 2,479; La Rioja, up 1,915; Castile Leon, up 925; Navarre, up 834; and the Autonomous City of Ceuta, up 232.
Of the 16,661,703 contributors in September, 8,969,954 are men and 7,691,749 are women.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45146/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### SPAIN CONDEMNS MURDER OF BRITISH AID WORKER ALAN HENNING

The Government of Spain strongly condemns the brutal and cowardly murder of the British aid worker Alan Henning at the hands of the self-proclaimed terrorists "Islamic State of Iraq and Levant", that took place on Friday.
At this time of great dismay, the Spanish Government expresses its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, and to the authorities and people of Great Britain and hopes that the perpetrators of this crime will be brought to justice.
Spain similarly appeals for the immediate release of American citizen Peter Kassig and the other hostages taken by the IS terrorists.
Jihadi terrorism represents a threat to the international community as a whole. Spain is well aware of this through its own experiences. That is why it is essential to adopt a strategy based on a broad consensus among all the regional and international players that promotes peace, human rights and respect for human life.
The aim of the international community must be none other than wiping out the blight of international terrorism from the Middle East as soon as possible. Spain, which maintains strong ties of affection with the people of Iraq and Syria, accepts its share of responsibility in this arduous task.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45144/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Government of Spain strongly condemns the brutal and cowardly murder of the British aid worker Alan Henning at the hands of the self-proclaimed terrorists "Islamic State of Iraq and Levant", that took place on Friday.
At this time of great dismay, the Spanish Government expresses its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, and to the authorities and people of Great Britain and hopes that the perpetrators of this crime will be brought to justice.
Spain similarly appeals for the immediate release of American citizen Peter Kassig and the other hostages taken by the IS terrorists.
Jihadi terrorism represents a threat to the international community as a whole. Spain is well aware of this through its own experiences. That is why it is essential to adopt a strategy based on a broad consensus among all the regional and international players that promotes peace, human rights and respect for human life.
The aim of the international community must be none other than wiping out the blight of international terrorism from the Middle East as soon as possible. Spain, which maintains strong ties of affection with the people of Iraq and Syria, accepts its share of responsibility in this arduous task.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45144/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### THINK HEALTHCARE WHEN MOVING TO SPAIN - OR IT COULD COST YOU TIME, WORRY AND MONEY, WARNS NEW VIDEO

Living in Spain without having thought about how you will look after your future health could cost you time, worry and money, warns the Department of Health in a new video about the importance of registering for healthcare. 

Britons coming to Spain to live permanently, as well as those who have recently arrived, must register properly with the Spanish authorities to ensure they are fully protected by the country's state health system. But many expatriate Britons don't get round to it and, as Mr Thomson finds out in the video “Moving to Spain? Think about Healthcare!”, this adds worry to illness or injury and, in the worst cases, can result in big bills.
Even Britons in Spain who do think about healthcare then sometimes fail to finish the job. Last year 7,888 Britons received healthcare forms from the UK but didn't then register with the authorities in Spain.  A lady from Gandia in Valencia now faces a large bill after being treated for cancer. It is estimated there could be up-to 20,000 UK state pensioners who have not registered correctly for healthcare in Spain.
The new video points people in the right direction. Hannah Thronicker, head of the Department of Health team in Spain, says,
“If there is one thing you must do when moving to Spain, or anywhere else abroad, it is to make sure you are covered for healthcare. 
“And if you are already resident in Spain but haven't yet registered, the video is a must-see. Get registered – don't wait until you're ill.”
Britons living in Spain are encouraged to share the video as widely as possible with friends and family who are living in or thinking of moving to a place in the Spanish sun.
You can share the video via Facebook, or through Twitter using the hashtag #healthcarevideolaunch and #movingtoSpain. Alternatively you can embed it in a website or include it in an email or blog.
Further information on accessing healthcare in Spain can be found at www.healthcareinspain.eu or at https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-in-spain .
Video is produced by the Healthcare Team, British Consulates Madrid and Alicante.
How to view the video: Use this link http://bit.ly/1tk9lhz , or go to www.youtube.com and search for “Moving to Spain? Think about Healthcare!”, or scan the QR code below on your smartphone or tablet.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45143/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Living in Spain without having thought about how you will look after your future health could cost you time, worry and money, warns the Department of Health in a new video about the importance of registering for healthcare. 

Britons coming to Spain ...

### OVER 200 MILLION CHRISTIANS MARTYRED WORLDWIDE FOR NOT RENOUNCING THEIR FAITH

The Foundation of the Holy See "Aid to the Church in Need" has launched two advertising campaigns under the slogan: "Christians have fled Mosul. They need your help urgently.
We have promised the archbishop of Mosul, Mgr. Dhimon Amel Nona, 100,000 Euros to aid 1,000 Christian families who have fled their homes for the jihadists attacks and have been welcomed into the Church of Nineveh. We must not leave them alone." Another message said: "Emergency aid from persecution in Iraq.
They have nothing left, no house, no financial resources after years of sacrifices. But they fear above all that this situation lasts long time "donations can be entered in the current accounts: Popular: ES12 0075 0080 17 0601667548 and La Caixa: ES21 2100 2415 42 0200140293.
Father Werenfried, the founder, wanted "Aid to the Church in Need" to be the voice of the voiceless, the more suffering, the needy, the persecuted, and martyrs.
An exhibition was born from the need to sensitize the public and media on a reality often ignored: it is now estimated that more than 200 million Christians are suffering for their faith, with many who are suffering violence and even martyrdom. 150 million suffer other forms of oppression and discrimination and restriction of religious practice.
Through a tour of various countries, the exhibition aims to show this reality not so far away and yet unknown. In it we see how the Catholic Church reaches the smallest members of their own church and how faith and hope help them not kowtowing to the difficulties. As a missionary said, "despite everything, they do not wrinkle." The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians.
"Aid to the Church in Need" has a library of images that is the result of the trips the Foundation is doing to countries where the Catholic Church suffers more, in order to broadcast what is happening there and help pastoral and economically . One way to support the Foundation of the Holy See "Aid to the Church in Need" is to visit these exhibitions now traveling throughout Spain.
clementeferrer3@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45140/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Foundation of the Holy See "Aid to the Church in Need" has launched two advertising campaigns under the slogan: "Christians have fled Mosul. They need your help urgently.
We have promised the archbishop of Mosul, Mgr. Dhimon Amel Nona, 100,000 Euros to aid 1,000 Christian families who have fled their homes for the jihadists attacks and have been welcomed into the Church of Nineveh. We must not leave them alone." Another message said: "Emergency aid from persecution in Iraq.
They have nothing left, no house, no financial resources after years of sacrifices. But they fear above all that this situation lasts long time "donations can be entered in the current accounts: Popular: ES12 0075 0080 17 0601667548 and La Caixa: ES21 2100 2415 42 0200140293.
Father Werenfried, the founder, wanted "Aid to the Church in Need" to be the voice of the voiceless, the more suffering, the needy, the persecuted, and martyrs.
An exhibition was born from the need to sensitize the public and media on a reality often ignored: it is now estimated that more than 200 million Christians are suffering for their faith, with many who are suffering violence and even martyrdom. 150 million suffer other forms of oppression and discrimination and restriction of religious practice.
Through a tour of various countries, the exhibition aims to show this reality not so far away and yet unknown. In it we see how the Catholic Church reaches the smallest members of their own church and how faith and hope help them not kowtowing to the difficulties. As a missionary said, "despite everything, they do not wrinkle." The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians.
"Aid to the Church in Need" has a library of images that is the result of the trips the Foundation is doing to countries where the Catholic Church suffers more, in order to broadcast what is happening there and help pastoral and economically . One way to support the Foundation of the Holy See "Aid to the Church in Need" is to visit these exhibitions now traveling throughout Spain.
clementeferrer3@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45140/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### NATIONAL POLICE OFFICERS ARRESTED IN MURDER CASE

Six officers from the National Police have been arrested in Cartagena in connection with the discovery of the body of a man in Cartagena in March.
The body of the man was discovered floating in the water in a cove not far from Cartagena, with an examination revealing he had suffered violence prior to death.
The family of the man reported him missing on the 13th of March, saying that he had left the home address two days earlier and had not been heard from since. His body was discovered a few days later at Cala Cortina. 
A statement from the Directorate General of Police reveals that the arrests of the six National Police officers are under an open investigation into the disappearance and subsequent discovery of the body of a male, with clear evidence of violence ante mortem.
Officers from both the National and Judicial police are investigating the facts, whilst court number 4 of Cartagena has issued a secrecy notice on the proceedings. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45139/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Six officers from the National Police have been arrested in Cartagena in connection with the discovery of the body of a man in Cartagena in March.
The body of the man was discovered floating in the water in a cove not far from Cartagena, with an exami...

### COLUMBUS DEPARTURE POINT DISCOVERED

Archeologists digging in the Huelva town of La Fontanilla de Palos believe they have found the exact location where Christopher Columbus set sail for the New World in 1492.
The excavations have been taking place for two months at the site and this latest development is being hailed as one of the most important and significant discoveries relating to the history of the day. 
Enrique Martínez Ituño, originally from Argentina, spoke of finding the historic port in 1908, although it wasn´t until 1992 that progress was actually made. Now, the archeological team, led by Juan Manuel Campos, believes that the long hidden piece of historic jigsaw has finally been revealed.
The area under investigation at La Fontanilla de Palos is thought to compose of four different key areas, including the shipyard, of which there is no archaeological trace, and the fountain itself, along with other elements being uncovered.
Those latter two elements included a pottery and a public area, which collectively reveal the exact location of the port where Columbus set sail. Described as a “natural harbour”, the physical characteristics of the port area contradicts what many believe should have been the chosen location for a ship such as the Santa Maria, but the deep waters and protection from both wind and currents makes it ideal, according to the experts.
The archaeologists have already found seven pottery furnaces, a “unique” discovery in Spain, as well as ceramics, bricks, tiles and other artefacts. 
Within the “Alota”, they have discovered storage rooms and a tavern, essential to the working of any harbour, where sailors could prepare for their long journey ahead. 
With thousands of pieces of data being collated, the importance of protecting the discovery is paramount, as this is a site that led to the discovery of the modern world, and was the “nerve centre” of one of the most important feats of the day, the discovery of America.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45138/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Archeologists digging in the Huelva town of La Fontanilla de Palos believe they have found the exact location where Christopher Columbus set sail for the New World in 1492.
The excavations have been taking place for two months at the site and this lat...

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 6 OCTOBER 2014

CONTRIBUTION WELCOMED 
Spain´s gross domestic product rating has received a much welcome boost, after the inclusion of prostitution, drug trafficking and other illegal activities have added 9 billion euro, according to the latest statistics. The information released by the National Statistics Institute reveals the 9 billion euro came from a combination of drug trading, prostitution, illegal weapon sales and gambling, and contributed an additional 0.87% to GDP in 2013. The most beneficial activity to the country was apparently drug trafficking, which was worth 0.5% of GDP, followed by the illegal sex trade, worth an additional 0.35%. The contributions also resulted in a reduction of the country´s debt ratio, down from 98.9% to 96.4%, according to the Bank of Spain.
G'DAY MATE
According to an Australian travel agency, Phil Hoffman Travel, Spain is set to get a bigger boost of tourists in 2015, along with Greece, and an increase in holiday makers heading to Brazil ahead of the 2016 Olympic Games. Ahead of its travel expo at the Adelaide Convention Centre, the company released its top 10 journeys for 2015, based on market research and inquiries over the past six months.
SNAPPY MATE
The Terra Natura animal park in Benidorm has received a new resident this week, a Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis), which it hopes to match up with the current crocodile in the park in a breeding program. However, the 2 metre long and 50 kilo weight addition is still too young at the moment, so it is hoped that the relationship will blossom over the next few years when it reaches sexual maturity.
NOT HOT
The government has extended the ban on agricultural and other intentional fires until the 15th of October, in order to continue to try to reduce the risk of these fires getting out of control. The ban, which also came into force early this year, would normally be lifted at the end of September.
NO NATIVE TONGUE
According to a study by the University of Valencia, only 10% of the regional population will be able to speak the native language of Valencia by the year 2050. Clara Miralles Vila, who compiled the data, says that the language will soon disappear altogether, unless there is a policy change.
HARBOURING TERRORISTS 
The European Commission has announced legal action against the Spanish government, on account of the country failing to adopt the required security protocols in 20 Spanish ports. A deadline for implementation of the European Directive was set at 2013, but Spain has failed to adopt the security plan which aimed to provide protection of ships and port facilities, providing continental uniformity in combating potential terrorist attacks. The Commission has filed a case with the European Court of Justice, which have said that Spain will be summonsed to appear at a date to be confirmed. 
EYE SEE
A report released to coincide with the post summer return to school and work reveals that 70% of the population of Spain suffer Computer Visual Syndrome, which causes Itching, redness, dryness and blurred vision, according to the Catalan college of opticians. Endless hours in front of computers, tablets, phones and the TV are to blame, with many people spending more than 10 hours each day staring at a computerised display.
TIES THAT BIND
The secretary of state for security, Francisco Martínez, has met with the deputy director of America´s CIA, Chris Wood, in order to address issues and expand bilateral cooperation between Spain and the US in the fight against terrorism. At the same time, Martínez attended a conference supporting the global fight against child pornography on the internet.
TRAVELLING DOGS
After a new law came into force this week which allows dogs to travel on Barcelona´s underground metro train system, so long as they are accompanied by a human companion, the animal rights and welfare group El Refugio has asked that the same allowance be extended to the network in Madrid.
SELLING UP
Macroeconomic improvements and increased consumer confidence are to be reflected in industry sales, according to the analysis by Anged, which represents such retail giants as El Corte Inglés, Ikea and Carrefour.
PIG OUT
A new system of monitoring the weight of Iberian pigs at slaughter houses was implemented on the 1st of October. The system is now in place in 50 abattoirs, and so 97% of all pigs who are about to be killed will be weighed, with cameras recording the process, to ensure that the minimum standards are met before they are killed and turned into meat for human consumption. Pig farmers have applauded the new regulations as a way of standardizing their output.
A SLIPPERY SLOPE
The cable car ride at Barcelona´s Montjuïc, one of the main transport-based tourist attractions in the city, was cancelled this week, after heavy rains caused a landslide that blocked the main access road. A funicular replacement bus service was put into operation.
UNEMPLOYMENT INCREASE
Hardly a surprise at the end of the summer season but the unemployment figure in Spain has increased in September, the second month in a row, after six continual months of decline in the build up to summer. With the 19,720 people added to the jobless queue in September from the previous month, the total of registered unemployed workers is now 4.45 million.
L.A. INVESTMENTS
In a cash transaction that offered no specific price details, Los Angeles based Karlin Real Estate, a subsidiary of investment firm Karlin Asset Management, has acquired a huge property portfolio in Spain and Portugal from Redevco, the family office behind Dutch retailer C&A, including five Spanish retail properties all fully leased to affiliates of Dinosol Supermarkets, one of the largest supermarket groups in Spain. To date, Karlin's European portfolio totals 2.2 million square feet of office industrial and retail assets, with plans to invest up to 1 billion dollars in European commercial real estate assets, through both its debt and equity platforms. Redevco´s main tenants include Primark, Zara, H&M, Carrefour and Starbucks.
SIMPLES!
The Terra Natura animal park in Murcia has this week been celebrating some new arrivals, after the birth of four tiny Meerkats (Suricata suricatta), one of the smallest mongooses that exist in the world. The babies weighed in at just 100 grams, approximately, in the fifth occurrence of captivity births in the Murcia park.
LA MANGA DEATH
A man believed to be a German national and in his 70´s, died on Thursday having apparently drowned at a beach in La Manga del Mar Menor. The incident occurred at around 4pm on the beach at playa de las Sirenas. Lifeguards assisted two other German bathers to try to save the man, the latter two also having to be treated for Immersion syndrome, but nothing could be done to save his life.
NO FIGHTERS THANKS
Deliveries of the Eurofighter Typhoon to Spain, as well as Germany and Italy, have been halted, after the discovery of a manufacturing fault on the rear fuselage of the aircraft. Britain, the fourth nation involved in the program, is continuing to accept aircraft, as a Ministry of Defence spokesman said operation of the combat jet is unaffected by the problem. The issue is expected to be resolved “soon”, once “negotiations relating to commercial factors” are concluded.
SEPTEMBER RAINS
Although September is notoriously wet in the area, this year, Torrevieja recorded three times the normal September rainfall, concentrated largely on three days. As the weather front has mostly been moving along the coastline, in a north-easterly direction, the dreaded Gota Fría has been avoided, for now, whilst temperatures have also been 2 degrees higher than normal, on average. Although a considerable inconvenience at the time, the rain is seen as welcome to many as the region was facing one of the worst droughts in decades.
CHINESE BOOST
President of the Spanish Government, Mariano Rajoy, and the Chinese Premier, Li Keqiang, have signed a deal worth around 3 million euro, aimed at boosting b-lateral business cooperation. Li Keqiang said that “Chinese companies are highly encouraged to invest in Spain”, as the Chinese government attaches great importance to its relations, whilst urging continual expansion of bilateral trade to accelerate growth. He also mentioned that the two countries should strengthen cooperation in areas such as energy, finance, biological medicine and the aerospace industry and he recommended that Spain provide more legal and policy guarantees, as well as visa measures, to promote this.
FREE BROADBAND
Technology company Hewlett-Packard has announced that their offer of a free subscription to their HP DataPass broadband service has now been extended to Spain. By purchasing a Pavilion 360 laptop or an HP Slate 10 Plus, 8 Plus or 7 Tab Ultra tablet, you will now get access to 200 MB per month of free mobile data for 24 months, via a pre-loaded app and without any commitment to remain with any network operator.
Meanwhile, around the rest of the world and beyond...
UNARMED ROBBERY
Patrons at a restaurant in Port Allen in Lousiana, America, are able to partake in a 10% discount on the menu, so long as they are armed when they are dining. The restaurant owner says that the plan was originally to thank law enforcement officers for the work they do, but then other gun-carrying customers started to demand the discount too.
FLOATY LIGHT
A satellite launched in 2009 to map gravity has discovered that there has been a change in the last five years which scientists claim is directly related to climate change. As the icecaps of the Antarctic have reduced over the last five years, the gravity of the earth has reduced exactly matching the collapse of the ice sheets. It is not believed that gravity will reduce so much that we will all float away, but the data does help to monitor the destruction caused by a lack of real sustainable planetary respect.
CURED EYEBALLS
A grandmother from Bosnia has appeared in local papers, who are reporting on her unusual gift, the fact that she is sable to cure eye ailments, by licking the patient's eyeballs. Her brother was the first to be cured when he was a child, after he had a splinter in his eye, reluctantly he agreed to be treated and was cured. Now, Nana Hava claims to be able to treat everything from eye splinters, ocular hypertension to conjunctivitis, and, offering some reassurance, she says, “I always make sure I wash my tongue in alcohol before and after an eye licking”.
CALL ME!
Iconic red telephone boxes are making a comeback in London; although this time they are being painted green and offer the opportunity for mobile phone users to charge their devices. Charging is free in the “Solarbox”, so long as the user absorbs a string of adverts, in a scheme that won the designers, Harold Craston and Kirsty Kenny, second place in the Mayor of London's Low Carbon Entrepreneur of the Year Award. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45136/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: CONTRIBUTION WELCOMED 
Spain´s gross domestic product rating has received a much welcome boost, after the inclusion of prostitution, drug trafficking and other illegal activities have added 9 billion euro, according to the latest statistics. The...

### JAGUAR’S NEW XE HITS THE STREETS

The Jaguar XE was launched in the UK on Thursday October 2nd 2014 and at first glance it looks to redefine the concept of the sports saloon and will be the driver's car in its class. Its lightweight construction, streamlined styling, luxurious interior and outstanding ride and handling are testament to company founder Sir William Lyons' vision: ‘The car is the closest thing we will ever create to something that is alive'.
The rear-drive XE is the only vehicle in its class to use an aluminium-intensive monocoque. This extremely robust yet light structure, together with double wishbone front suspension and an Integral Link rear axle, is fundamental to the XE's innovative benchmark vehicle dynamics.
Jaguar's world-leading expertise in aluminium structure engineering enables exceptional fuel consumption and emissions figures: with the new Ingenium diesel engines, the XE can achieve 75mpg– the most efficient Jaguar ever. Powered by the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine from the acclaimed Jaguar F-TYPE, the XE S is capable of 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds.
The cabin offers outstanding levels of comfort and spaciousness. Exquisite materials and finishes combined with Jaguar craftsmanship make this a class-beating interior that's unlike anything else in the segment. Jaguar's new InControl infotainment system takes centre stage: its innovative 8-inch touchscreen brings fast, intuitive access to all features and functions – and iOS and Android smartphone apps.
The XE has some of the most advanced driver assistance systems available. All Surface Progress Control (ASPC), developed through decades of Jaguar Land Rover experience in off-road traction systems, can electronically gain traction in seconds and is ideal for use on low-grip surfaces, such as snow-covered roads.
Laser projection technology enables the XE's optional head-up display (HUD) to generate sharp, high-contrast colour graphics (such as vehicle speed and navigation) from a module smaller and almost a third lighter than existing systems, retaining clarity even in direct sunlight.
A forward facing stereo camera is mounted behind the front windscreen to give the XE a 3D view of the road ahead: this highly accurate data is used for functions including autonomous emergency braking and a lane departure warning system.
The XE is the stiffest, most aerodynamic Jaguar saloon car ever built. It is also the first Jaguar to be equipped with electric power steering, tuned to provide exceptional responsiveness and feel but with lower energy consumption than hydraulic systems. The XE also offers the lowest cost of ownership and most environmentally sustainable credentials of all Jaguar models. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45135/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Jaguar XE was launched in the UK on Thursday October 2nd 2014 and at first glance it looks to redefine the concept of the sports saloon and will be the driver's car in its class. Its lightweight construction, streamlined styling, luxurious interior...

### " MANCEBO (CLR) WILL AMEND THE GOVERNMENT INVESTMENTS PLAN

Despite the fact that Greens and Socialists have sadly forgotten Orihuela Costa once again in their plans to improve parks, gardens and green areas in Orihuela city, with funds coming mainly from the Diputación of Alicante, and despite the fact that CLARO spiritual leader Bob Houliston amazingly voted yes to these investments to be made exclusively in Orihuela, at last month's Pleno meeting when LOS VERDES and PSOE made the proposal.
Coastal residents do not need to be upset or worried by this new neglect shamelessly carried out by the ultra-minority left wing government  supported and kept in power by treacherous Bob Houliston in total contempt for democracy and his disregard for the interests and the well-being of all coastal residents and visitors.
To repair this unfair and shameful situation Pedro Mancebo CLR leader will put forward a change to the investments proposed by the minority government to the Diputacion of Alicante to improve and develop only parks and green areas in Orihuela city and CLR feels confident its proposal to rectify the Government investments will be supported by the PP who together hold a legal majority in the Orihuela Pleno.  
CLR will amend this pathetic government proposal and will request a large sum of money to be invested in La Regia and La Florida parks that have been poorly maintained by these so-called greens and socialists.
We had to remind that before departing the government in January 2013 CLR left finished projects to improve the coastal parks and gardens that our residents and tourists expect and deserve but sadly greens and socialists supported by Houliston have not developed any of them neither have fulfilled their compromise to invest in OC the 40% of the money received from the sale of land in OC made by PSOE and Los Verdes.
These improvements in La Regia and La Florida proposed by CLR will no doubt be great assets for all our coastal neighbours and the beginning of a better future for Orihuela Costa which Pedro Mancebo and CLR can guarantee.
These improvements in Orihuela Costa's green areas was a priority in CLR's 2011 electoral programme and it was ready to be implemented in January 2013 when CLR were separated from the government by the PSOE and Los Verdes who then obtained the full control of all the public contracts awarded by the town hall.
The PSOE and Los Verdes then started to favour whoever they wanted as is now evident in the case of the Chiringuitos tender which is being investigated by the anti-corruption public prosecutor.
Let us not forget that of the 2,744 votes from Orihuela Costa the green party received only 146 and the PSOE received 565, so the green/socialist government had only 711 votes (26%) from the coast or half of the votes received by CLR (1.352) in coalition with Claro, so it is no wonder why they don't care about Orihuela Costa. Martina Scheurer and Bob Houliston will have to seriously explain to all the residents in Orihuela Costa why they are putting personal private interests ahead of the general public interest and why was  the awarding the Chiringuitos contract (now under investigation by the anti-corruption public prosecutor) a higher priority than improving the green areas of the coast.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45134/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Despite the fact that Greens and Socialists have sadly forgotten Orihuela Costa once again in their plans to improve parks, gardens and green areas in Orihuela city, with funds coming mainly from the Diputación of Alicante, and despite the fact ...

### ACTING ROYALTY RETURNING TO TV

Before we start with this week´s future overview, I need to clear up a little mistake in last week´s. I know quite a lot of you noticed the mistake, given the emails and messages received, but we were of course talking about Endeavour returning, not Lewis, which focuses on the early life of Chief Inspector Morse.
As for this week, we´re jumping over to America first of all, with the news that Desperate Housewives follow-up, Devious Maids, has been recommissioned for a third series. Not that will be too much of a surprise for fans who saw the season 2 finale, with a drive –by shooting at a wedding. No more spoilers though, just the news that it will return soon.
Our attention will also be turning to the Christmas schedules before long too, as is the case already with Channel 4, as filming began this week on a Charlie Brooker penned Christmas special. Perhaps not know for his stories focusing on the jollier side of life, it may well turn into a dark and sinister tale then the “heart-warming comedy-drama for all the family” sees a young brother and sister help Santa when his satnav goes wrong and he crash-lands near Beaconsfield on Christmas Eve. Just to prove it won´t be all mince pies and carrots, the show is described as a “deeply disturbing dystopian techno-nightmare that will unsettle and chill viewers to their core”. 
Whilst we´re on the subject of Christmas, and before you start moaning, we know it´s only October, ITV´s Text Santa is already making plans for a return, with Alesha Dixon joining the presenter line-up. The singer and Britain's Got Talent judge partners Paddy McGuinness for one hour of the charity appeal extravaganza on Friday the 19th of December. Other crackers on offer are the likes of George Clooney in a specially-written scene of Downton Abbey, and the stars of Coronation Street perform as we've never seen them before. 
Taking our attention back from Christmas now though, Martin Clunes is to play the celebrated novelist and physician Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in a three-part adaptation of Julian Barnes' novel, Arthur & George for ITV, which is based on an intriguing series of true events in the life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who famously created the detective Sherlock Holmes. Filming also began this week in London and Staffordshire. 
Filming has also begun this week on a new ITV drama starring two of the UK's most renowned actors, David Threlfall and John Simm. Code of a Killer is based on the extraordinary true story of Alec Jeffreys' discovery of DNA fingerprinting and its first use by Detective Chief Superintendent David Baker in catching a double murderer.  
The BBC has also announced a ting royalty joining the cast of The Go-Between, airing on BBC One next year as part of its season of classic 20th century literature. Jim Broadbent is playing the older Leo while Vanessa Redgrave has taken on the role of the older Marian. Both actors have a strong connection to The Go-Between. Redgrave's father, Michael, played the Older Leo in the first adaptation in 1971. Broadbent meanwhile appeared as an extra in the same adaptation in his first ever, albeit uncredited, film role. Broadbent says: “Having been an extra in the first adaptation of The Go-Between in 1971 I was thrilled to be asked to be in this new version. It is a tremendous novel and Adrian Hodges' script captures it perfectly“. 
Finally, history fans have something of a modern twist show to look forward to as historian Bettany Hughes and aerial archaeologist Ben Robinson look down on sites of great historical interest to gain a brand new perspective and uncover further information about our ancestors. Nothing new there perhaps, but this time they are using an octocopter, a remote controlled helicopter carrying a camera. Tintagel Castle in Cornwall, Stonehenge, Maiden Castle, Sutton Hoo, The Antonine Wall and Old Sarum in Wiltshire will all get the drone flyby treatment, revealing a new insight into our nation's story and showing Britain's stunning landscapes through fantastic aerial views.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45130/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Before we start with this week´s future overview, I need to clear up a little mistake in last week´s. I know quite a lot of you noticed the mistake, given the emails and messages received, but we were of course talking about Endeavour retur...

### MISSING PERSON - ROSIE BROADWELL

The concerned family of a local lady missing from Quesada since mid-September is asking readers for their help. Rosemary Broadwell, known as Rosie, has been missing since 15th September when she was given a lift into Quesada town centre at around 11am. 
Rosie is a popular and well-known personality in and around Quesada, Doña Pepa and of recent years San Miguel de Salinas. She is 76 years of age, 4ft 8" tall and is a fit, well and able-bodied lady. Rosie is slim and has short blonde hair with red/purple high-lights.
She has a tattoo of a tiny coloured lizard on her foot and another of a dolphin on her right shoulder. Another distinguishing feature is that Rosie always has perfectly manicured finger nails.
Rosie was regularly seen driving her white Renault Twingo car, which has gold flash stripes on each side. However, the car is not missing as she was not driving herself on the day she disappeared. For many years locals will have seen Rosie walking her two Shih Tzu dogs, Mollie and Benji.
When they both passed away recently Rosie bought a white Bichon/Maltese Terrier called Alfie (Alfie was not with her on the 15th).  
The Guardia Civil are aware that Rosie has gone missing and are actively looking for her. The family is urging readers to think back to the morning of the 15th September, or to any time you think you may have seen Rosie recently. Anyone who has any information can contact the Guardia Civil immediately or Roisie's daughter Cheryl Webster on 00 44 7983503710.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45131/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The concerned family of a local lady missing from Quesada since mid-September is asking readers for their help. Rosemary Broadwell, known as Rosie, has been missing since 15th September when she was given a lift into Quesada town centre at around 11am. 
Rosie is a popular and well-known personality in and around Quesada, Doña Pepa and of recent years San Miguel de Salinas. She is 76 years of age, 4ft 8" tall and is a fit, well and able-bodied lady. Rosie is slim and has short blonde hair with red/purple high-lights.
She has a tattoo of a tiny coloured lizard on her foot and another of a dolphin on her right shoulder. Another distinguishing feature is that Rosie always has perfectly manicured finger nails.
Rosie was regularly seen driving her white Renault Twingo car, which has gold flash stripes on each side. However, the car is not missing as she was not driving herself on the day she disappeared. For many years locals will have seen Rosie walking her two Shih Tzu dogs, Mollie and Benji.
When they both passed away recently Rosie bought a white Bichon/Maltese Terrier called Alfie (Alfie was not with her on the 15th).  
The Guardia Civil are aware that Rosie has gone missing and are actively looking for her. The family is urging readers to think back to the morning of the 15th September, or to any time you think you may have seen Rosie recently. Anyone who has any information can contact the Guardia Civil immediately or Roisie's daughter Cheryl Webster on 00 44 7983503710.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45131/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### REGISTER TO VOTE

The clock is ticking.    For those who are not on the voters' list, there are less than three months till the list closes at the end of December.    C.L.A.R.O. is launching a campaign to increase the number of registered voters in Orihuela Costa and we hope there will be an enthusiastic response from residents.
All EU residents who are on the padron (municipal register) have the right to vote in local and European elections. However, less than 15% of Orihuela Costa EU residents are registered to vote and only 2 of the 25 member council live in Orihuela Costa - only 1 of the 2 represents an Orihuela Costa-based political party.   
Since EU residents account for nearly 85% of the total population of Orihuela Costa, with so few registered to vote and too few councillors, Orihuela Costa is grossly under-represented in the Orihuela Town Council and our interests are therefore largely ignored.    
If people living in Orihuela Costa want improvements such as  
•	clean streets 
•	decent parks and gardens 
•	improved police and ambulance service and a Police Station open 24 hours a day 
•	brick-built schools, not container classrooms for our children and 
•	facilities for retired and young people, 
they must vote in next May's local elections.   
For the 85% who are not on the voters' list, in order to be able to vote next May and defend their interests, they must first register to vote.   The procedures are.    If you are already on the padron, go to the padron desk of the Playa Flamenca Town Hall and ask to complete the voter registration form.   The documentation needed is identification (passport for British and Irish citizens) and a photocopy.    The green Residencia card is NOT a requirement.    It may be recommended but that is a separate formality and a separate decision which can be taken later.    And once on the voters list you remain on the voters list and do not have to go through the procedure every time there is an election.
For those who have registered on the Padron since the last local election in 2011, they should soon receive a voter application form by post.   This is the simplest way to register to vote.   All they need to do is to sign the form and return it postage free.   It is an opportunity not to be missed.   The number of voter application forms sent by post is likely to be thousands – enough to elect two more councillors!
Non-EU residents, for example Norwegians, also have the right to vote but the procedures are different and advice should be obtained.
To help with the procedures, for the first time, thanks to an initiative by Martina Scheurer,  Councillor for the Coast and C.L.A.R.O. Councillor, Bob Houliston, an official Information Desk will be located in the Playa Flamenca office of the Town Hall, opposite the Padron office.  Volunteers who will man the desk will be able to speak English and German and perhaps other languages.  They will explain the procedures in details and answer questions.  
They will also be able to advise on registering on the padron or renewing the padron. Similar advice will also be available in the C.L.A.R.O. OFFICE, Asturias Restaurant, Punta Prima, Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Telephone 661 333 593).
This year registering to vote will be easier than ever.   Advice and explanation will be available either at the official Information Desk in the Playa Flamenca office of the Town Hall or in the C.L.A.R.O. OFFICE.    
In addition, C.L.A.R.O. will be carrying out an information campaign, distributing a Register to Vote leaflet and C.L.A.R.O. members will be available to address social groups.  
Anyone with a query can also raise it at one of our weekly Friday meetings in the Asturias Restaurant from 5 – 6.30 p.m.    
The Register to Vote campaign will not be a political campaign.   It will be an information campaign to ensure that residents of Orihuela Costa are able to exercise a legal, democratic right and are better able to defend their interests in future by helping elect the future Town Council of Orihuela.
NO VOTE, NO VOICE.   REGISTER TO VOTE NOW.
Press Release from CLARO
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45129/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The clock is ticking.    For those who are not on the voters' list, there are less than three months till the list closes at the end of December.    C.L.A.R.O. is launching a campaign to increase the number of registered voters in Orihuela Costa and we...

### CHARITY YOGA EVENT IN TORRE DE LA HORADADA

A new Yoga Studio has just been in Torre de la Horadada (www.sunsalutestudio.com) by Amanda Dee Zapanta, originally from England, but living and teaching yoga in NYC for the past 15 years. 
She moved here 1 year ago and is using her skills to create a yoga center in Torre De La Horadada, to hopefully build a community and continue my healthy lifestyle.
Amanda is contacting members of the local community, and some of the charity shops in the area, in order  to collaborate in fundraising money for Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre (EHCRC).
She hopes to do this by hosting an event related to yoga in her center where she will offer a donation based yoga class (about 5 Euros pp) also a live music concert by Andrew Zap and some beverages.
It will all take place on Friday October 17th at 7pm so why not go along and try something different for a very worth cause.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45126/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A new Yoga Studio has just been in Torre de la Horadada (www.sunsalutestudio.com) by Amanda Dee Zapanta, originally from England, but living and teaching yoga in NYC for the past 15 years. 
She moved here 1 year ago and is using her skills to create a...

### CIVIC CENTRE CAFE REOPENED

The café bar inside the Orihuela Costa Civic Centre at Alameda del Mar reopened this week, now offering visitors refreshments once again.
The facility had been closed for some time, after the original contract holder resigned from their duties. As such, the process to appoint a new concessionaire had to begin, which is now completed successfully. The new management team are the same group who has successfully ran the Asturias restaurant on the Orihuela Costa for many years.
A focal point for many of Orihuela Costa´s residents, as well as hosting a variety of events and seminars, the Social Welfare department also hold surgeries and conduct various outreach projects from the centre, which provides a vital resource of information and activities for those looking for a little help.
Meanwhile, the Councillor for the Coast is investigating potential aesthetic improvements to the area immediately in the vicinity of the centre, which is located near to the controversial Cala Mosca land on the coast.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45123/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The café bar inside the Orihuela Costa Civic Centre at Alameda del Mar reopened this week, now offering visitors refreshments once again.
The facility had been closed for some time, after the original contract holder resigned from their duties....

### VOTING INFORMATION IN ORIHUELA

Hopefully starting on the 13th of October, an information point is to be set up in the lobby of the Orihuela Costa town hall, offering vital information on how to register to vote in the next and upcoming elections.
The point will be staffed by multilingual volunteers, and is in collaboration with the coastal CLARO political group, but the aim is to offer administrative and procedural advice, and will not be politically motivated.
Many people attend the town hall in order to register on the voting list, but are sometimes initially turned away for having the wrong documentation, incorrect status, or simply confused by the process which is conducted by an official in Spanish, some having to return and face the queuing process once again, others simply giving up. The information point aims to reduce the stress and hassle by offering the correct help and information on what is needed before the town hall officials are approached.
Martina Scheurer, the Councillor for International Residents as well as the Orihuela Costa, explained that the “official form can only be completed by the town hall official, but it is sometimes confusing for those people who perhaps don´t understand what is being asked”, continuing, “this information point offers the chance to reassure those who need a helping hand, and guide them through the process”, thus making the concept of becoming registered easier.
Of course on the other side of the process are those town hall officials, many of whom also feel the stress and burden of having to turn people away, or face communication problems themselves. The staff in the town hall are also fully supporting the initiative, as it will make their operation easier too.
Although the elections are not until May of next year, the need to ensure registration is crucial now, as the deadline for being registered is the end of the year. There is a procedure for registering beyond that deadline, but that process is even more confusing, so it is far easier to ensure registration before that deadline date.
In addition, the Spanish National Statistics Institute, the INE, are writing to a number of people to confirm their voter status, which is the easiest process of all, should you be one of the lucky ones to receive a notice in the next few weeks. If you do, and it will be a small letter with a foldable and returnable section that requires your signature, you simply need to return that form and your registration status will be confirmed. However, for those needing more information, then the information point will be the next and most logical stage. 
The operational times will be confirmed nearer the launch date, but as it will be staffed by volunteers, there is likely to be a relatively short window of opportunity each day, but once you embark on the process of ensuring your right to vote is registered, then you are on your way to also making sure that your voice is heard at the time it matters, during the next elections which will take place in 2015.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45121/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Hopefully starting on the 13th of October, an information point is to be set up in the lobby of the Orihuela Costa town hall, offering vital information on how to register to vote in the next and upcoming elections.
The point will be staffed by multil...

### ORIHUELA BUSINESSMAN SHORTLISTED FOR AWARD

Orihuela based businessman Thomas Herteux, the man behind such operations as the Orihuela Costa´s chiringuitos, the Fresco fast food chain and luxury restaurant The Glass House, has been nominated for the prestigious award of young business person of the year.
The JOVEMPA organization, the Federation of Young Entrepreneurs of the Province of Alicante, is behind the awards, the winner of which will be announced in Alicante on the 17th of October, in association with the provincial government.
In the ceremony, the twentieth time it has taken place, 14 nominations were shortlisted down to 7 finalists, each one from a different area in the province, and from very different business backgrounds, including new technologies and internet marketing, hospitality, renewable energy, robotics, real estate, supplies and software development.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45120/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Orihuela based businessman Thomas Herteux, the man behind such operations as the Orihuela Costa´s chiringuitos, the Fresco fast food chain and luxury restaurant The Glass House, has been nominated for the prestigious award of young business perso...

### SPANISH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2015

The Spanish Nationals Committee are pleased to announce that for the year 2015 the National Championships will once again be in the South Alicante area from 9th to 23rd May 2015.
The Nationals Committee discussed the possibility of the Championships being held in the Malaga, Costa del Sol, region in 2016 and the National Director, John Muldoon and Federation Espana de Bolos executive council member, Bob Donnelly will be visiting Malaga in the near future to discuss this with the clubs and owners.
Clubs in the South Alicante region have been invited to nominate their greens for this event.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45124/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Spanish Nationals Committee are pleased to announce that for the year 2015 the National Championships will once again be in the South Alicante area from 9th to 23rd May 2015.
The Nationals Committee discussed the possibility of the Championships b...

### ALICANTE NOW READY FOR BLAST OFF

American/Turkish entrant Team Alvimedica fired the opening salvo in the 2014/15 edition of the Volvo Ocean Race by winning the Alicante In-Port race on Saturday.
Now, though, the action switches from the relative safety of Alicante bay where tactics and teamwork were paramount to the open sea where unseen dangers await virtually round the clock.
Almost three years to the day that eventual winner Frenchman Frank Cammas and his crew aboard Groupama slipped away from the dockside, the 'Volvo' is back; the third time Alicante has hosted the grand departure. This year's event promises the closest action in the forty one year history of the race thanks to a one design boat, the Volvo Ocean 65.
Thousands will throng the port area this Saturday, October the 11th, as Alicante bids farewell and wishes fair winds to the competing crews.
Three weeks ago each of the seven yachts took part in 'leg 0', a shake down test of both men and machines during which, on a sprint from Alicante to Palma de Mallorca and back, various obligatory safety drills and exercises were performed to satisfy stringent race participation rules.
Danish team Vestas Wind “won” leg 0 by just a handful of seconds from Team Brunel with all female crew SCA finishing a creditable fifth. That, though, is as nothing compared to what awaits.
Ensuring these five million pound racing yachts perform at the optimum, a pre-requisite if you harbour any hopes of winning the thing, is exhausting.
Wind changes entail sail changes which, in turn, equate to hard physical labour and the need to shift heavy, frequently wet, sails from one side of the boat to the other. Work such as this is often carried out whilst sleep deprived, (more in a moment), and soaking wet.
High tech the VO65's may well be but they don't sail themselves which means someone has to be on deck 24/7, in whatever conditions, to keep the boat going, at speed, in the right direction. The crews all operate a watch system of four hours sleeping, four hours on standby and four hours on deck for the duration of each leg, some of which last for two weeks or more. This, don't forget, is also done on meagre food rations and minimal changes of clothing.
At the corresponding stage of the last race, disaster struck British captain Ian Walker's Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing boat suffered a broken mast two hours into the opening leg from Alicante to Cape Town, and that on a supposedly innocuous stage. In the Volvo Ocean Race it's probably wise not to be surprised by the unexpected.  
Drama, danger, despair and, eventually, delight are all guaranteed in the Volvo. Not, though, in equal measure. Rather them than me !
The Volvo Ocean Race by numbers: 7 teams, 9 crew members each, 38,739 nautical miles total race distance, 11 ports, 10 In-Port races, 20 days at sea on the longest leg, 9 months and 1 “pit stop” (in The Hague next June).
The Volvo Ocean Race Teams: MAPFRE (Spain), Team Vestas Wind (Denmark), Team SCA (Sweden), Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, Team Brunel (The Netherlands), Team Alvimedica (Turkey/U.S.), Dongfeng Race Team (China),
To follow the fleet's progress as the race unfolds visit www.volvooceanrace.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45119/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: American/Turkish entrant Team Alvimedica fired the opening salvo in the 2014/15 edition of the Volvo Ocean Race by winning the Alicante In-Port race on Saturday.
Now, though, the action switches from the relative safety of Alicante bay where tactics a...

### CROWDS PACK VISTABELLA FOR VALENCIAN FINALS

Almost 300 bowlers contested the Valencian Community Bowls Championship over the last two weeks culminating with the finals which were held at Vistabella over the weekend.
The bowlers, who competed for 7 disciplines, were drawn from very nearly 20 clubs with competition taking place at The Emerald Isle, Greenlands and of course Vistabella Bowls Clubs.
Despite the inclement weather experienced during the last week or so, Competition Secretary Fred Trigwell said that he was delighted to be able to keep to the original schedule, and although there was some bowling in the rain there were hardly any interruptions at all to inconvenience many of the competitors.
This was the first time in 2 or 3 years that many of the disciplines were contested with only the mixed triples and the mixed fours defended from 2013. But it was the Men's and Ladies Singles that got the tournament underway with Colin Lindgren of San Luis, and Maggie Furness from Quesada the victors when last contested in 2011. Colin got his fortnight off to a fine start with victory against John Raby of San Miguel while Maggie decided not to defend her title.
Indeed Colin, who also won the competition in 2009, progressed through to the Men's Single final where he met Frank Close of the Emerald Isle. Unfortunately that was where the wheels came off as Colin, having held the lead throughout, dropped away in the final 3 ends to lose to Frank 21-17.
Although Frank almost threw the match away on the 15th end, where he turned a 3 shot advantage into a 1 shot deficit with his final bowl of the end, the newcomer stood firm to achieve his first major success in Spain, having only recently arrived onto the local bowling scene. 
There was a similar tight battle in the Ladies Singles final contested by 2009 winner Anita Brown of San Miguel and Quesada's recent arrival Jacqui Johnston where the new girl let slip an 8-0 advantage. Anita clawed back to 9-9 before going on to win 21-17. 
Colin Lindgren and Keith Jones of San Luis held onto their Mens Pairs title beating Jim Mulloy, and Geoff Farrington of the Emerald Isle 22-19 while in the Ladies Pairs Avril Toozer and Sue Mohamet beat Lynn Greenland and Sheila Stead 19-14 in an all Greenlands affair. 
Other winners:
Mixed Pairs:  Jim Manning, Kathy Manning (La Marina) 22-12 Charlie Watkins, Lin Watkins (Vistabella)
Mixed Triples: Alan Campbell, N Campbell, John Marshall (San Miguel) 13-12 Richard Lee, Stuart Allman, Jenny Bowman (Vistabella)
Mixed Fours:  Eric Bishop, Les Barber, C Watkins, Lynne Bishop (Vistabella) 25-5 Guiseppi  Galelli, Paul Parkes, Jean Parkes, Kathy Reid (San Luis)
Led by Valencian Delegate Bob Donnelly the small committee of Fred Trigwell, Pam Lockett and June Jones can be very proud of their organisation and hard work in making this Championship a success. Together with the organizers at the three host clubs, they have done a wonderful job in pulling the tournament together and everyone involved fully deserves the congratulations meted out on them by the FEB President, Don Oscar Gomez Morante.   
The trophies and medals were presented by the Orihuela Councillor for Sport, Luis Galiano, together with sponsors and Club Presidents. 
Thanks also to the competition sponsors, Rightmove Insurance, Carrasco Consulting, The Emerald Isle, The Leader Newspaper and Vistabella Golf.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45118/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Almost 300 bowlers contested the Valencian Community Bowls Championship over the last two weeks culminating with the finals which were held at Vistabella over the weekend.
The bowlers, who competed for 7 disciplines, were drawn from very nearly 20 clu...

### CESAR SCORES IN HARD FOUGHT TORRY VICTORY

LEVANTE UD 'B' - 0   CD TORREVIEJA - 1
Another long away trip last Saturday, saw Torry visit the city of Valencia's other team.  Although Valencia CF are world famous, Levante UD can also boast a La Liga side, but it was their B team that hosted Galiana's men in this latest division 3 encounter.
Desperately wanting to make amends for the recent home defeat to local rivals Orihuela, Galiana made some brave team changes.  Out went Carrasco and Cristian, to be replaced by fit again Steve and Borja.  
Levante started the brighter, and would have scored after only 5 mins, had it not been for a basic schoolboy miss. Torry started to get their act together, when following 3 corners in quick succession, a well worked move, involving Burguillos, Ruben then Steve, was fired just over by the latter.  Alexis cleared off the line, as Levante once again threatened, but it was the visitors who went in front a minute before the interval.  Superb control by Rafa Gomez, culminated in his assist to Cesar (who incidentally is sponsored in the match day programme by yours truly - hail Cesar!) being fired into the top corner of the net.
The 2nd half resembled that of the siege of the Alamo, for Levante took the game by the scruff of the neck.  Midway through, Vicente came to the rescue, executing a last ditch tackle which prevented a certain goal.  So many efforts by the home side were just off target, and it looked only a matter of time before they would equalize.
 Alexis, Martin and Cesar were all booked, as it became a case of backs to the wall lads, with no prisoners being taken.  Oscar made a breath taking save low down to his right, leaving Torry holding on for 3 points, in a game in which both keeper Oscar, and full back Vicente were outstanding.
Next Sunday 12 October, Torry host Ontinyent at Vicente Garcia Stadium.  Ko is scheduled for 6pm, but please check Torry websites for any changes (you just never know!!).Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45117/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: LEVANTE UD 'B' - 0   CD TORREVIEJA - 1
Another long away trip last Saturday, saw Torry visit the city of Valencia's other team.  Although Valencia CF are world famous, Levante UD can also boast a La Liga side, but it was their B team that hosted Galia...

### THE EURONICS THURSDAY DART LEAGUE

THE ELECTRICAL SHOP¨ - BLUE LAGOON - Judging by the time one or two games finished in Division 1, teams found the new best of 3 format in the singles a bridge too far.  
More than likely too much sun, cobwebs and lack of practice from my own point of view.  The substitution of an extra triple for the laborious 6 a side team game was a popular decision at the AGM and has obviously proved quicker.  
Previously the half time break after the first 6 legs came around 10 p.m. or earlier.  The new format will improve that time and teams should ensure the break lasts for a maximum of 15 minutes.  One problem highlighted last term was the quality of fayre served by the home sides.  
Traditionally it has been a snack to be enjoyed with a beer or two but now we are enjoying the culinary delights of the superb kitchens most bars have.  As a guide the second half should commence at 10.15 p.m. with the match over by 11.30 p.m. or earlier.  This all depends of course on the starting time which must be 8.45 p.m. to ensure those of us who wish to be tucked up in bed before midnight, can.
The Pint Depot Kings entertained the Meerkats for the opening match of the season and for some reason appeared to have stage fright.  Countless missed doubles and lost darts from last season´s league plate winners were a disappointment in a match anticipated to be close.  The exception was Gary Minor who managed to mix a fair share of chalking with some fine arrow throwing.  
In fact it was Minor who took the Kings first leg of the evening, albeit the 11th, against Graham Todd in a tight match 2-1.  Minor´s haul of 3x140, 1x100 and a handful of 80 pluses earned him the King´s man of the match by a mile.  The King´s total of 6 tons was totally eclipsed by the opposition who managed 22 tons and ton pluses. Current merit table champion Pat Abrams acquitted himself reasonably well with 4 tons and a couple of game shots.  
Alex Nikolov talked his way through most of his legs but still managed 7 tons, the most individual scores of the night.  Eddie Fozzard was the King´s other victor taking out Alan Ostrowski 2-1 on D2 for the third leg.  Dave Wright was missing from the King´s line up this week, team mates will be hoping he is around for the visit to The Porter House.  
Whilst on the subject, the Porters had a tough first match against last season´s runners up Que Pasa Eagles.  Ray Sanderson has strengthened his side this term with former Hunk and Meerkat, Sid Cross.  Unfortunately the popular traveller had family commitments and missed his new side´s opening defeat.  
The visitors started well enough winning two of the three triples available, courtesy of captain Sanderson D3 and Peter Ayres D2.  John Walker replied for Que Pasa on D2 and also contributed 138,95,140,100 in the two legs he played.  Some darts!  
A ton apiece from Porter´s Brian Nash and Eagles Joe Cuyt made it a tight finish in the first doubles Stuart Clark hitting D1 to level.  Jim Storey D4 put the hosts one in front with one double to play.  Eagle Walker showed what he can do by pummelling the T20 hitting 125,140,100,100,D4 to leave Ayres and Yvonne Rouffignac shell shocked, the score line 4-2.  Sue Sanderson had a fine match against Kevin Wood scoring a 111 and double to take the leg to 3, Wood´s 2x100 was enough however as he took the first on D18 and the third on D13.
 Nash had the task of taking out Walker but 2x100 and D16 in the first and a 140 plus D4 for 2-0 was enough to take out the plucky Porter who had hit 97 for a double in the second.  Captain Sanderson was on next to retrieve the situation at 6-2, facing Storey.  
The Eagle took the first on D16 and opened up with a ton, Sanderson replied with one of his own and closed the leg on D15 (1-1).  Storey moved up a gear scoring 2x100 and eventually going out on D1 for the match.  Con Rouffignac pulled one back for the Porters wining two of three on D8 and D2, opponent Cuyt taking the middle leg with 125 and D10.  A nice ton out (T20,S20,D10) from Clark was levelled by Ayres on D8 taking the match to three legs.  Despite a ton from Clark, Ayres took the game on D20.
In the 12th and last leg Yvonne Rouffignac took the middle leg with a 98 and D8 but it was Storey on D9 and D18 to take the third and overall match 8-4.  John Walker´s tally of 3x140, 1x138, 1x125, 5x100 and a miserly 95 was exceptional, one to avoid even if you are on form.
Busters will be hoping to improve on a good season last term and showed their intentions with an excellent away victory at the Junction.  That man again Mark Filer taking the match at 7-3, with the Jackals taking the last two.  The hosts had a good start 2-1 up after the triples, John Osborne 140,D4, Andy Gildea D20 doing the damage, Filer replying with 100 and D10, Phil de Lacy and Henry Young contributing tons.  
The established pairing of Filer and Shirley Roberts levelled the match, Filer hitting 135, Roberts D10.  Irene Russell put Busters in front for the first time on D19 despite a ton from Steph Simpson.  
Paul Dowington made it all three pairs on D4 for 2-4.  Will Drummond 100,125,D7 and D1 made it 5 for the visitors as the inimitable Irene Russell attempted to take the match to 6 legs and at least the draw.
 At over 40 years of age I don't know how she does it but 140,120,D20 took the first, Gildea hit a ton of his own in the second but superwoman hit a further 121 and D8 for 0-2 and at least a valuable point.  
Mike Jones had a reasonable debut for the Jackals wining in straight legs with 121,100,D5 and D1 to reduce the deficit.  As previously mentioned Filer made it 7 legs for Busters and both points, but had to come from behind after Kenny Wilkinson had showboated on a 65 out, hitting D8,S17 and D16.
 Filer´s response was a ton, D10 and D20.  Steph Simpson´s 2x100,D10 and D8 was just too much for Babs Warren 100.  De Lacy D2,D8 completed the match for 5-7.
Ralph Weatherby informs me their home match against the Junction Jaguars was very enjoyable with plenty of good humour banter.  Their 4-2 half time score line was repeated in the second half for a convincing win over merit table winner Simone de Lacy´s Jaguars.  
Captain Tracy Simpson couldn't find the form she is capable of to let in Justin Hepburn to take the all important 7th leg on D4.  Man of the match was the Tavern´s Stuart Mitchell.
Two newcomers to the League Evolution and Que Pasa Kestrels found themselves facing each other in their first match.  The Kestrels raced to a 3 leg lead after some patchy scoring from both sides.
 Jak Doggatt retrieved one back for Evolution, their first point of the season and then Brett Badlove increasing the lead for the Kestrels. Doggatt showed he can play a bit by closing out on D14 and will be an asset to Evolution this term.  Heath Hughes completed the match on D3 for both points for the Kestrels.
Paul Durrant
League ChairmanFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45112/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: THE ELECTRICAL SHOP¨ - BLUE LAGOON - Judging by the time one or two games finished in Division 1, teams found the new best of 3 format in the singles a bridge too far.  
More than likely too much sun, cobwebs and lack of practice from my own poin...

### FAMILY AND COMMUNITY MATTER

Many expats living in Spain fail to recognise the importance of family and community to the Spanish people. Unlike many Northern European countries, where the sick and elderly are shipped off to hospitals, care homes and hospices, it is still the culture in many Mediterranean countries that families generally take care of their own.
I often receive complaints from expats living in Spain about the overall care in both National Health, as well as private hospitals. Complaints are rarely about the quality of medical care, which by all accounts, could not be higher in any part of Europe.
However, there is a heavy reliance upon family and close friends to provide basic nursing and aftercare following surgery. Cleaning and washing patients, providing some food and feeding patients is usually carried out by close family members, unlike hospitals in the UK, Germany and Sweden, where this kind of care is normally regarded as basic nursing and included within hospital care. 
 
Much of this family and community care is down to culture. In Spain, for instance, family groups provide care at all stages of life, with the family acting as a kind of safety net. From the birth of a baby to the last days of a much-loved grandparent has traditionally been the responsibility of the immediate family.
Grandparents are usually on hand to assist with bringing up the children of their sons and daughters, with plenty of aunts and uncles to act as baby-sitters along the way. When grandparents, or indeed great grandparents become too ill or frail to care for themselves, it is the younger members of the family who are expected to take care of them. 
In the Canary Islands, many parents are in their teens when they give birth. It is customary for the young couple to live with one of the couple's parents until the time comes for them to find a home of their own. Traditionally, properties have been extended, garages turned into apartments, or another floor added to a dwelling to provide a home for the young couple. In time, it is the parents who, as grandparents, move into the garage, annex or roof conversion and it is the turn of the young couple to take over the family home.
 
Of course in recent years, following the many problems created by the economic recession, the pattern has changed, particularly in cities and urban areas. Family members have had to travel further from their home towns and villages to find work, and this kind of family and community care is no longer possible. As a result, there are more family breakdowns and single parents than there have been in previous generations. Social attitudes to religion have also changed in the last ten years or so, with many Spaniards admitting that they no longer attend church.
This is something that would have been unthinkable in the past, but was all part of the hidden community and social adhesive, which held families and communities together. However, in rural communities, villages and the islands, little has changed.
This pattern of community and family life tends to create problems for expats, and is often the reason why sick, elderly and frail expats fail to find the support that they need later in life. It is simply not built into the system. The care from medical centres and hospitals will probably be very good, but do not expect to find a Macmillan nurse available to assist in matters relating to end of life or cancer related illness.
There are few hospices to deal with end of life care, and those that do exist are mostly run by religious orders.
It is important that all expats, young and old, should consider the options open to them later on in life and to make appropriate provision, and not to expect your adopted country to look after you.
They will do their best, but it may not be what you would expect from the country of your birth in your final years. It is yet another reminder that being an expat means not only sipping gin and tonics in the sun, but accepting and adjusting to the customs and traditions of your newly adopted country - warts and all.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Expat Voice' (ISBN: 9780992767174). Available in paperback, as well as Kindle, iBooks and Google Play editions.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.

© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45111/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Many expats living in Spain fail to recognise the importance of family and community to the Spanish people. Unlike many Northern European countries, where the sick and elderly are shipped off to hospitals, care homes and hospices, it is still the cultu...

### MESSAGE FROM THE NEW AMBASSADOR OF IRELAND

Dear friends,
It is a pleasure and a privilege to take up the role of Ambassador of Ireland here in Spain.  I look forward to presenting my credentials to His Majesty King Felipe VI in the coming weeks and to exploring the range and depth of Ireland's strong and varied ties with this fascinating and important country.  
In many ways, Ireland and Spain enjoy a particularly unique and special relationship, stretching from the very earliest prehistoric migrations to Ireland from Spain's northern coast, up to the vibrant and contemporary ties of the present day.  Indeed, there has long been a steady flow of Irish visitors to Spanish shores, from the early pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, through to the Flight of the Earls in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.  
Today, the friendship between the peoples of Ireland and Spain is warmer than ever, with Irish people making some 1.3 million visits to Spain each year. Our trade links also continue to grow and is now valued at over €7 billion, making this country Ireland's sixth largest export market.  
Ireland also welcomes many Spanish visitors, including thousands of English-language students who add to the brightness of the Irish summer. 
Our two countries have also benefitted enormously from our common membership of the European Union and will continue to work together and with our fellow Member States to ensure a sustainable economic recovery in both countries and in the Union as a whole.
While promoting political and economic relations is a key priority for us, we are always conscious that the links that bind us consist of much more than this.  The Embassy will therefore continue to develop an exciting programme of events to celebrate Irish and Spanish cultural links.
There are a host of interesting activities of Irish interest taking place over the coming months, details of some of which are set out below:  
•	The 11th annual Cáceres Irish Fleadh will take place this year from 31 October – 2 November.  The excellent line-up for this year includes Fullset, Matt & Jackie, Sheela Ní Gig and Böj.  
•	As many of you will know, John Banville has won the prestigious Prince of Asturias Award for Literature, which he will be presented with on Friday 24 October in Oviedo.  We look forward to welcoming John back to Spain, a country with which he has strong ties.  
•	Irish actor and playwright, Denis Rafter, will be performing his new one-man show on Oscar Wilde at the Teatro Español in Madrid from 27 November to 7 December.   The show is entitled Beloved Sinner and deals with the last days of Wilde's life before his death in 1900.   
•	Madrid's Bloomsday Society are seeking Joyce enthusiasts to attend and participate in readings on the third Thursday of every month from 7.00 – 9.00 pm at the Circulo Catalán de Madrid, Plaza de España 6.  They are particularly keen to find members of the Irish community willing to read in English.  The first reading will take place on Thursday, 30 October. 
•	Joyce aficionados in Barcelona will also have an opportunity to celebrate the 100th anniversary of “Dubliners” at a special event at La Casa de la Paraula this November. Plans include dramatised readings and music – more information to follow!
•	Celebrated Irish poet and writer John Liddy's new book The Secret Heart of Things, will be launched in Madrid on October 20. More information on this event will follow.
•	We are delighted to inform you of the upcoming presentation of John Ford en Inishfree. La homérica historia de 'El hombre tranquilo' 1933-1952 by Arturo Seguro Fernandez, due to take place in October in Madrid. Again, further information will follow in relation to this event.  
•	Finally, the Alcine short film festival in Alcala de Henares is set to feature several Irish films this year.   The festival takes place from 7 – 14 November.  
I look forward to meeting you at one of these occasions in the future.
More generally, I am very keen to keep in touch with the Irish community in Spain and with friends of Ireland in Spain – if you would like to be added to our Embassy mailing list for news of events and initiatives, please contact us.
I look forward to continuing to work with you closely, and we warmly welcome your input and feedback on our work.   
Warm regards, le gach dea-ghui!
David Cooney
Ambassador of IrelandFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45110/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Dear friends,
It is a pleasure and a privilege to take up the role of Ambassador of Ireland here in Spain.  I look forward to presenting my credentials to His Majesty King Felipe VI in the coming weeks and to exploring the range and depth of Ireland's...

### POUNDLAND DEALZ COME TO ALICANTE

In June of this year, The Leader reported how retail chain Poundland planned to expand their European operation into Spain, with a proposed development of 10 stores under their Dealz brand. Now, that promise is becoming more of a reality, with the second such store set to open its doors in Alicante later this month.
Located on Calle de Castellar in Alicante, the store will open on Thursday the 16to of October, having already created 37 new jobs and representing what they describe as “a significant investment in the area”. 
In anticipation of the opening, Store Manager Carles Cartes Fernandez  said: “We are extremely excited to be introducing Dealz's unique single price offer onto the Costa Blanca at a time when households are trying to survive on a tight budget. The price point for the majority of products in Dealz stores is 1.50€, offering customers amazing value. In addition there will always be a number of special promotions at key prices. Dealz is a unique shopping experience in Spain with a clean, bright shopping environment with friendly customer service. Customers will be amazed at what we have to offer!. At Dealz we are committed to bringing this amazing value everyday and will be offering an extensive range of top brands to our customers.”
Heading up the company in Spain, Alvaro Villamizar added, “Dealz is proud to be able to create employment in Alicante and offer job seekers from all backgrounds a brand new, exciting career.”
Poundland first entered Europe in September 2011 opening two stores in the Republic of Ireland.  Trading under the Dealz brand, the estate has grown rapidly to a 31 store operation which was profitable in its first full year of operation, has already delivered a positive return on investment and has significant growth opportunities ahead.
Jim McCarthy, CEO of Poundland, said: “The success of Dealz in the Republic of Ireland was a clear demonstration that we have the capability to generate positive financial returns in new geographies quickly.  We have been very careful and thorough in our evaluation of further European expansion opportunities and we are confident that our offer and our model suits the Spanish market well.
 “We have a very detailed, low risk and low cost entry plan and the management strength and capacity, in the UK and in Spain, to execute it well.  I'm confident that Poundland's amazing value will quickly resonate with Spanish customers.”
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45100/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In June of this year, The Leader reported how retail chain Poundland planned to expand their European operation into Spain, with a proposed development of 10 stores under their Dealz brand. Now, that promise is becoming more of a reality, with the seco...

### PEDESTRIAN PRIORITY

Having played host to a road safety campaign last week, and following the originally confusing implementation of bike and car shared roads in Torrevieja, the mayor of the city, Eduardo Dolón, has this week stated that the next stage in the plan is to widen the area to much more of Torrevieja´s main street network.
During last week´s conference, the concept of less speed and more bikes was introduced by the DGT traffic department, now, in Torrevieja, a new plan, named “ZONA 30”, will be fully implemented in the first quarter of 2015, aimed at promoting sustainable urban mobility, significantly reducing accidents, decreasing noise and CO2 emissions, and also involve the establishment of a regular lower speed limit with no requirement for fast acceleration.
Although cars will of course be allowed to drive through the sections being converted, they will have less priority than other road users. Dolón explained that the new zones are not to be confused with either pedestrian areas, or roads where the speed limit is simply capped at 30 kilometres per hour, but rather combining road users to coexist in the areas, with more priority given to pedestrians and cycles.
Road signs will be placed on the streets being converted, with little other physical alteration at this stage, warning vehicle drivers that they are in one of the “ZONA 30” areas, and therefore priority must be given to more vulnerable road users. 
Although much of the city centre is already pedestrianised, Dolón claims that the priority of pedestrians is still not always recognised, as many cars still drive on the areas to access parking garages and carry out deliveries, “ZONA 30 is a way of reversing this”, he says, whilst also reducing the stress of residents, making the areas ”more enjoyable” and “safer”, especially for pedestrians, cyclists and moped riders, although there has been no mention of reducing the noise caused by the latter.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45099/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Having played host to a road safety campaign last week, and following the originally confusing implementation of bike and car shared roads in Torrevieja, the mayor of the city, Eduardo Dolón, has this week stated that the next stage in the plan ...

### PILAR SAVED HALF A MILLION

With the aim of saving as much municipal money as possible, the town hall of Pilar de la Horadada has successfully saved half a million euro off their annual electricity bill.
Councillor for Infrastructure and the Environment, Iván Romero, said that despite the rises in electricity rates, the municipality has achieved these savings through investment by the council in the review and optimization of electricity tariffs, in the renewal of street lighting and shutting down points of light in areas where there are no buildings. 
“In 2011, the council paid more than a million and a half euro in lighting of the town, now this electric bill is about nine hundred thousand euro”, according to the councillor. In 2011, the process of changing old fashioned lights for energy efficient LED illumination began, work which still continues to this day, “an improvement in energy efficiency that has an investment of only 430,000 euro by the municipality”, he continued.
Moreover, Romero stressed that this intervention has made Pilar de la Horadada a pioneering municipality in the province of Alicante in the installation of LED lighting, because they have now been installed in almost all areas of both Pilar de la Horadada and Torre de la Horadada.
The councillor also announced that the installation of LED lighting will be extended to the area of the old town of Torre de la Horadada, through the grant requested from the provincial government of Alicante through their Energy Savings Plan. 
The government team, led by José Fidel Ros, stressed that the full proposal is part of “an initiative aimed at saving and environmental sustainability”" a move that was supported by all councillors of the municipal corporation in the plenary.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45098/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: With the aim of saving as much municipal money as possible, the town hall of Pilar de la Horadada has successfully saved half a million euro off their annual electricity bill.
Councillor for Infrastructure and the Environment, Iván Romero, said that despite the rises in electricity rates, the municipality has achieved these savings through investment by the council in the review and optimization of electricity tariffs, in the renewal of street lighting and shutting down points of light in areas where there are no buildings. 
“In 2011, the council paid more than a million and a half euro in lighting of the town, now this electric bill is about nine hundred thousand euro”, according to the councillor. In 2011, the process of changing old fashioned lights for energy efficient LED illumination began, work which still continues to this day, “an improvement in energy efficiency that has an investment of only 430,000 euro by the municipality”, he continued.
Moreover, Romero stressed that this intervention has made Pilar de la Horadada a pioneering municipality in the province of Alicante in the installation of LED lighting, because they have now been installed in almost all areas of both Pilar de la Horadada and Torre de la Horadada.
The councillor also announced that the installation of LED lighting will be extended to the area of the old town of Torre de la Horadada, through the grant requested from the provincial government of Alicante through their Energy Savings Plan. 
The government team, led by José Fidel Ros, stressed that the full proposal is part of “an initiative aimed at saving and environmental sustainability”" a move that was supported by all councillors of the municipal corporation in the plenary.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45098/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### REGIONAL POLICE MONITORING MARKETS

A hundred officers from the Valencia regional police have joined a task force to focus on markets around the region, specifically aiming to combat the growing thefts of fruit and vegetables from farms.
The operation, which was announced this week by the Minister of Justice and the Interior, Luis Santamaría, began on the 1st of October, with the aim of establishing and confirming the origin of goods being sold at both street markets and retail points. 
Santamaría said that although the officers will not distinguish between the type and size of establishments, “there are certain sites with more evidence than others of stolen material, and there will be more emphasis on those”, in particular calling on markets, roundabout sellers and some commercial establishments “that have proliferated in municipalities and cities”.
Under the jurisdiction of the Guardia Civil and National Police, crimes against farmers in the region between January and July of this year have fallen by 10.08%, from 1,894 investigated thefts in 2013, to 1,703 in the same period of this year for offences investigated by the Guardia Civil, and a drop of 6.81% of those dealt with by the National Police.
However, officers from the Regional Police have already identified 11 illegal fruit sellers considered a serious risk and closed them down in collaboration with the department of health, discovered a network of three clandestine greengrocers, resulting in the detention of two people. They have discovered four illegal outlets selling snails, which led to the arrest of five people, and the detection of several points of illegal fruit sellers that have resulted in files already being opened.
Since the inauguration of the special group of officers from the Policía de la Generalitat in April last year, a total of 362 dedicated inspections have been carried out throughout the region, 211 in Valencia, 84 in Castellón and 67 in Alicante. According to data revealed by Santamaría, “The members of the group have carried out around 10,090 patrols, have identified about 19,500 people and have made controls of around 30,000 vehicles. Furthermore, 84 people have been arrested, a total of 1.3 million kilos of products have been processed and 84 people have been arrested.
 
In addition, a working group has also been crated that will monitor possible counterfeited goods being sold from markets, another problem that has grown in recent years. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45097/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A hundred officers from the Valencia regional police have joined a task force to focus on markets around the region, specifically aiming to combat the growing thefts of fruit and vegetables from farms.
The operation, which was announced this week by t...

### LUCKY DRIVER IN CLIFF PLUNGE

A 67 year old driver had a lucky escape on Thursday evening in Torrevieja, after driving his car off the top of a Cliff and into the sea at cala de la Higuera.
Local police officers were quick to the scene and managed to make their way down the treacherous Cliffside and into the water, pulling the driver from the wreckage.
The man was admitted to the ICU of the Hospital of Torrevieja with symptoms of near-drowning, multiple trauma, respiratory failure and hypothermia.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45096/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A 67 year old driver had a lucky escape on Thursday evening in Torrevieja, after driving his car off the top of a Cliff and into the sea at cala de la Higuera.
Local police officers were quick to the scene and managed to make their way down the treach...

### DIERDRE SWAPS CORRIE FOR MOJACAR

CORONATION Street star Deidre Barlow (Anne Kirkbride) is to take a break from the cobbled streets of Manchester at her Villa in Mojocar.
Oldham born Kirkbride, 60, has a Casa in Mojácar in the south east of Almería in Andalucia, southern Spain. Kirkbride, married to Ken Barlow (Bill Roache) in the TV soap, has requested extended leave until 2015, that was given by Granada chiefs.
Croaky-voiced Kirkbride has played the part of cigarette smoking Deirdre Barlow spanning over four decades. In 2009 Kirkbride fled her villa in Mojocar after bush fires hit the area.  She was among hundreds of people evacuated after raging fires spread.
TV bosses have had a 'shake-up' in the show - with leading stars leaving the cast - and Kirkbride has revealed that her schedule left her mentally exhausted. Kirkbride, who lives in  Manchester, and has complained of the long hours in the TV studios, said: “At times, it is worse than being delayed at Alicante airport." Kirkbride is set to take her extended break in Spain, with a flight, via Manchester Airport to Alicante-Elche airportFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45095/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: CORONATION Street star Deidre Barlow (Anne Kirkbride) is to take a break from the cobbled streets of Manchester at her Villa in Mojocar.
Oldham born Kirkbride, 60, has a Casa in Mojácar in the south east of Almería in Andalucia, southern Spain. Kirkbride, married to Ken Barlow (Bill Roache) in the TV soap, has requested extended leave until 2015, that was given by Granada chiefs.
Croaky-voiced Kirkbride has played the part of cigarette smoking Deirdre Barlow spanning over four decades. In 2009 Kirkbride fled her villa in Mojocar after bush fires hit the area.  She was among hundreds of people evacuated after raging fires spread.
TV bosses have had a 'shake-up' in the show - with leading stars leaving the cast - and Kirkbride has revealed that her schedule left her mentally exhausted. Kirkbride, who lives in  Manchester, and has complained of the long hours in the TV studios, said: “At times, it is worse than being delayed at Alicante airport." Kirkbride is set to take her extended break in Spain, with a flight, via Manchester Airport to Alicante-Elche airportFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45095/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### STOP KILLING OUR CATS

Over three hundred people demonstrated outside the Guardamar town hall last week to demand that the authorities stop the extermination of stray cats in the town in favour of their neutering. The practice, they say, is carried out regularly as a measure of keeping down their population. 
Residents say that the company responsible for the collection of cats, Cereco 'kill the animals,  rather than relocate them or take them to a protective pet shelter " said Andrés Navarro, one of the event organizers, and that “this still goes on even after months of discussions with the City Council.”
“Far from finding a solution the authorities continue to lie,” he continued. “We met all through July and August and, contrary to what was promised, late last month the council renewed their agreement with Cereco without studying the alternatives that we put forward to control the population of the cats, such as castration, or their resettlement to other parts of the city, to the suburbs, the seaport or unpopulated areas such as the cemetery."
As if that were not enough, residents complain that the City Council continues to issue fines of up to 200 euros to people who feed the cats, which shows the complete disregard they have for animals, which is also reflected in their refusal to introduce a dog beach, which was requested by many residents last summer.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45094/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Over three hundred people demonstrated outside the Guardamar town hall last week to demand that the authorities stop the extermination of stray cats in the town in favour of their neutering. The practice, they say, is carried out regularly as a measure of keeping down their population. 
Residents say that the company responsible for the collection of cats, Cereco 'kill the animals,  rather than relocate them or take them to a protective pet shelter " said Andrés Navarro, one of the event organizers, and that “this still goes on even after months of discussions with the City Council.”
“Far from finding a solution the authorities continue to lie,” he continued. “We met all through July and August and, contrary to what was promised, late last month the council renewed their agreement with Cereco without studying the alternatives that we put forward to control the population of the cats, such as castration, or their resettlement to other parts of the city, to the suburbs, the seaport or unpopulated areas such as the cemetery."
As if that were not enough, residents complain that the City Council continues to issue fines of up to 200 euros to people who feed the cats, which shows the complete disregard they have for animals, which is also reflected in their refusal to introduce a dog beach, which was requested by many residents last summer.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45094/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### HONDÓN VALLEY BRANCH OF TRBL CELEBRATE 8TH BIRTHDAY!

The Hondón Valley Branch of The Royal British Legion celebrated their 8th Birthday with a huge cake designed as a poppy. Three of the original founding members were on hand to cut the cake, current Chairman Chris Wyatt, past Chairman Dave Stewart and Treasurer and cake baker Wendy Dengate.
The evening also included a Photographic Competition, a picture quiz, a talk on welfare when we heard that not only does the Legion spend £1.4m a week on welfare services, but our Branch had raised over 45,000€ since its inception. A fantastic amount for a small inland Branch.
Our birthday evening finished off with a slide show of photos taken over the past eight years of all the various Branch events and it was “a walk down memory lane” - amazing how different some of us look! It didn't take too long to eat the cake either! Now the Branch is looking forward to its ninth year and gathering new members along with new memories.
If you want to support our British Forces and have a bit of fun at the same time why not come along and join us. We meet 3rd Tuesday every month 7pm at Monte Alto Restaurant, Hondón de Las Nieves. For more information please email secretary.hondonvalley3577@gmail.com or visit at our website: www.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/hondon-valleyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45093/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Hondón Valley Branch of The Royal British Legion celebrated their 8th Birthday with a huge cake designed as a poppy. Three of the original founding members were on hand to cut the cake, current Chairman Chris Wyatt, past Chairman Dave Stewar...

### ‘MIKE PROBERT TALKS GOLF  (Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services).

Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.
‘Smart Golf'
This article is not about your golfing attire and wearing cashmere sweaters and fancy trousers. We are talking here about how to think your way around the golf course using simple common sense. Too easy? I make no apologies for this because failing to take a common sense approach to golf can have a worse impact than a faulty swing technique. Here are just a few ways in which you can improve this part of your mental approach:
Play the first tee shot in your head
When you are driving (carefully) to the course or before you leave the practise area, visualise and play the first tee shot in your mind over and over again because when your face this shot for real you will feel more confident and should see better results.
Stick to your game plan
Before you commence play you should have a plan or strategy for each hole and stick to it irrespective of how you are playing, your score, how the opposition are playing or the state of the match.
Do not turn one bad shot into two (or more)
Golf is a game or mistakes, you will make them, accept them and do not try miracle shots to recover the situation, accept your punishment and get on with the game.
Putting a good score together
When you find yourself in a position where you have a good score going do not get too defensive, trust your swing and stay aggressive.
 
Use your shots
The handicapping system gives you shots because you need them so use them to the best of your ability and do not waste them by attacking pins tight to bunkers or hitting woods out of the rough to low index holes.
Play the percentages
Do not attempt shots with a high risk of failure, simply get the ball back into play as safely as possible and get the best score that you can on the hole and get on with the rest of the game.
Eliminate your disaster shots
Golf is not about how good your best shots are BUT is about how bad your bad shots are and so identify what these shots are and take lessons to eliminate them.
Pay full attention
Each shot needs and deserves your full attention so do not play any shot unless you are ready to play the shot properly.
Commit to the shot
Select the club that you feel is correct to play the shot, have no doubts about your selection, be positive and swing with confident controlled aggression.
Take the positives from your round
No matter how badly you have played or scored on the day focus on something positive rather than negative from the round and take these with you to the next game as well as trying to work on the weaker parts of your game.
You see it really is a simple and easy as that!
We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us.
LEADER GREEN FEES
The deals shown in the attached table are some of the best currently available to you.
Deals of the week: Vistabella €70 two players and buggy
For bookings and more information contact Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com or direct on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 quoting reference LEADER.
Competition Watch
Vistabella are running an inter society 2 ball Texas Scramble on Saturday 18th October 2014 with a shotgun start and the price is only €40 per player including golf, buggy and snack on the courses and to reserve a space e-mail bookings@vistabellagolf.com or call them on 966107846.
Quotation of the week
“Confidence is simply a collection of your own thoughts about yourself” – Bob RotellaFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45092/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golf...

### CHIRINGUITO CONTRACT BEING INVESTIGATED

The anti-corruption prosecutor has opened an investigation into whether the award for the contract to run the beach bars in Orihuela was in fact “rigged”, as has been alleged by one of the companies excluded from the bidding process as they didn´t meet the minimum requirements needed to bid.
The councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, has said that neither she nor the town hall are concerned about this investigation, which is simply asking for the documentation to be presented in order to clarify if there is a case to answer or not.
Much of the controversy surrounded the requirement of a “Q” standard of quality, which the excluded companies didn´t have, but they were also not accredited with the ISO standards which were also required to ensure correct standards of management procedures are in place.
Controversy also surrounded the fact that claims were made that the company which was granted to license to operate, Chiringuitos del Sol, had existing debts with the town hall. This was later clarified to be an outstanding payment, rather than a debt, on account that the town hall had never previously requested the money, but this prompted the company to clear a considerable amount of the outstanding balance, in excess of half a million euro, prior to the contract commencing.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45086/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The anti-corruption prosecutor has opened an investigation into whether the award for the contract to run the beach bars in Orihuela was in fact “rigged”, as has been alleged by one of the companies excluded from the bidding process as they...

### FUNDS FINALLY AWARDED TO WIDEN N-332 IN TORREVIEJA

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, has this week expressed his satisfaction in the amount of investment grants awarded by the central government to the city, for the 2015 to 2018 fiscal period.
Of the 28 million euro destined to Torrevieja, some 15 million will come from the Ministry of Development, specifically for the widening to two lanes of the N-332 coast road as it runs through the city. 
A notable traffic black spot for many years, the bottleneck is the only portion of the road ignored locally during the widening schemes over the last decade. The road also feeds one of the biggest cities in the area and the main motorway network, and often carried more traffic than any other road in the area.
The money to widen the N-332 will be spread over the entire period however, with 1 million granted in 2015, 5 million in 2016, 5 million in 2017 and finally 4 million in 2018. Dolón thanked his government for considering the appeals for funding to ease this nightmarish burden.
An additional 12 million euro will come from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment, which will be allocated as part of a Land Restitution Plan developed during the construction of the desalination plant to the south of the city. Again, this funding will be split with 4 million in 2015 and 8 million in 2016.
Finally, Dolón states that 409,000 euro will be invested in 2015 by the state transport infrastructure section, aimed at creating a new spur road from the CV-95, which will bypass the N-332 near the Torrevieja Hospital and desalination plant, thus easing the traffic even more.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45085/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, has this week expressed his satisfaction in the amount of investment grants awarded by the central government to the city, for the 2015 to 2018 fiscal period.
Of the 28 million euro destined to Torrevieja...

### BLACKPOOL AIRPORT SET TO CLOSE

JET2 'SURPRISED' BY SHOCK BLACKPOOL AIRPORT NEWS Ex-pats face uncertainty
THOUSANDS of ex-pats could be faced to find alternative flights to Spain from Blackpool following the shock news that the international Airport could shut this month (October). “On August 28 2014, we announced our intention to find a buyer for the airport operating company," said owners Balfour Beatty. "The airport operations have been making a loss - for a number of years
- and we are currently exploring a number of options in an attempt to secure the future of the airport," said Balfour Beatty. “We regretfully confirm that if no agreement can be reached before October 7 2014, which ensures the viability of its operations, then it is likely that the airport operations will close," said Balfour Beatty. "In this event, we expect that the last commercial flights will take place on Wednesday October 15 2014," said Balfour Beatty.
Ex-pats who board flights to Spain from Blackpool have been left reeling with the news. Balfour Beatty are looking for a buyer to take over the operating interests in the terminal, purchased for £14m in 2008.
“We apologise for the uncertainty this will cause over the coming weeks and we recommend that any affected passengers contact their airline to confirm travel arrangements,” added Balfour Beatty Three airlines fly out of the terminal at Blackpool, and worried passengers who may be currently in Spain, or those set to fly from Blackpool can contact them.
Details can be obtained from: Jet2.com (0333 300 0042), Stobart Air (0871 718 5000) and Citywing (0871 200 0440). In 2007 it went under new management with MAR Properties Ltd agreeing terms to take over full control of Blackpool Airport. In May 2008 Balfour Beatty purchased MAR Property's 95% stake in the airport, with the remaining 5% stake held by Blackpool Borough Council. Passenger numbers peaked in 2007, with over 550,000 passing through the airport, falling to 235,238 in 2012; increasing by 11.6% to 262,630 in
2013 - Blackpool being the 32nd busiest airport in the UK. Since 2011 the airport has undergone changes on the airfield runways. In 2012 Blackpool launched a twice-weekly service to Albert - Picardie Airport, with Danish Air Transport. However, the flights were cancelled before the route was officially opened. In 2012, Jet2.com announced flights from Blackpool to Dalaman, Ibiza and Lanzarote, from 2013.  
Jersey was replaced by Ibiza for the 2013 season. Ryanair discontinued their services from Blackpool in January 2009. And in 2013 it was announced that Jet2 would be cancelling their Belfast flight from Blackpool, because of continuous falling passenger figures.
Citywing became the only airline operating a daily flight to Belfast, via the Isle of Man. In 2013 passenger figures rose with 262,630 passengers using the facility. In 2014 Jet2 announced a new Spanish destination from Blackpool Airport to Reus, in eastern Spain, and also re-added Menorca to Blackpool flight schedules. In August 2014, Balfour Beatty announced that it was putting Blackpool Airport up for sale, six years after the company bought a 95% stake in the airport for £14m.
Blackpool airport flight destinations include Belfast, Dublin; Channel Islands; Jersey; Isle of Man; Portugal, Algarve; Spain, Murcia, Alicante-Elche; Turkey, Dalaman. Blackpool International Airport is based on the Fylde coast of Lancashire, at the former Squires Gate Airport site.
Aviation began in 1909 at Blackpool Airport - one of the first aviation sites in the UK, owned and operated by City Hopper Airports Limited. Executive flights, helicopter operations serving offshore oil and gas facilities in the Irish Sea, and the North West Air Ambulance service operate from Blackpool Airport, along with companies offering flying lessons and training flights.
A spokesperson from Jet2 said: "The announcement has come as a surprise to us. It is our intention to continue operating flights as normal from Blackpool Airport. "Should the airport make the decision to close, contingency plans will be in place and we will do everything we can to support both our loyal Jet2.com and Jet2holidays staff and customers.” Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45084/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: JET2 'SURPRISED' BY SHOCK BLACKPOOL AIRPORT NEWS Ex-pats face uncertainty
THOUSANDS of ex-pats could be faced to find alternative flights to Spain from Blackpool following the shock news that the international Airport could shut this month (October). “On August 28 2014, we announced our intention to find a buyer for the airport operating company," said owners Balfour Beatty. "The airport operations have been making a loss - for a number of years
- and we are currently exploring a number of options in an attempt to secure the future of the airport," said Balfour Beatty. “We regretfully confirm that if no agreement can be reached before October 7 2014, which ensures the viability of its operations, then it is likely that the airport operations will close," said Balfour Beatty. "In this event, we expect that the last commercial flights will take place on Wednesday October 15 2014," said Balfour Beatty.
Ex-pats who board flights to Spain from Blackpool have been left reeling with the news. Balfour Beatty are looking for a buyer to take over the operating interests in the terminal, purchased for £14m in 2008.
“We apologise for the uncertainty this will cause over the coming weeks and we recommend that any affected passengers contact their airline to confirm travel arrangements,” added Balfour Beatty Three airlines fly out of the terminal at Blackpool, and worried passengers who may be currently in Spain, or those set to fly from Blackpool can contact them.
Details can be obtained from: Jet2.com (0333 300 0042), Stobart Air (0871 718 5000) and Citywing (0871 200 0440). In 2007 it went under new management with MAR Properties Ltd agreeing terms to take over full control of Blackpool Airport. In May 2008 Balfour Beatty purchased MAR Property's 95% stake in the airport, with the remaining 5% stake held by Blackpool Borough Council. Passenger numbers peaked in 2007, with over 550,000 passing through the airport, falling to 235,238 in 2012; increasing by 11.6% to 262,630 in
2013 - Blackpool being the 32nd busiest airport in the UK. Since 2011 the airport has undergone changes on the airfield runways. In 2012 Blackpool launched a twice-weekly service to Albert - Picardie Airport, with Danish Air Transport. However, the flights were cancelled before the route was officially opened. In 2012, Jet2.com announced flights from Blackpool to Dalaman, Ibiza and Lanzarote, from 2013.  
Jersey was replaced by Ibiza for the 2013 season. Ryanair discontinued their services from Blackpool in January 2009. And in 2013 it was announced that Jet2 would be cancelling their Belfast flight from Blackpool, because of continuous falling passenger figures.
Citywing became the only airline operating a daily flight to Belfast, via the Isle of Man. In 2013 passenger figures rose with 262,630 passengers using the facility. In 2014 Jet2 announced a new Spanish destination from Blackpool Airport to Reus, in eastern Spain, and also re-added Menorca to Blackpool flight schedules. In August 2014, Balfour Beatty announced that it was putting Blackpool Airport up for sale, six years after the company bought a 95% stake in the airport for £14m.
Blackpool airport flight destinations include Belfast, Dublin; Channel Islands; Jersey; Isle of Man; Portugal, Algarve; Spain, Murcia, Alicante-Elche; Turkey, Dalaman. Blackpool International Airport is based on the Fylde coast of Lancashire, at the former Squires Gate Airport site.
Aviation began in 1909 at Blackpool Airport - one of the first aviation sites in the UK, owned and operated by City Hopper Airports Limited. Executive flights, helicopter operations serving offshore oil and gas facilities in the Irish Sea, and the North West Air Ambulance service operate from Blackpool Airport, along with companies offering flying lessons and training flights.
A spokesperson from Jet2 said: "The announcement has come as a surprise to us. It is our intention to continue operating flights as normal from Blackpool Airport. "Should the airport make the decision to close, contingency plans will be in place and we will do everything we can to support both our loyal Jet2.com and Jet2holidays staff and customers.” Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45084/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### GAME IS UP FOR SUSPECTED DRUG TRAFFICKER

A poker-playing fugitive was dealt a pair of handcuffs during a tournament at a bar in Valencia last week.
Robert Knight, aged 53, from Walsall, was tracked down as part of a joint operation involving the Spanish National Police, the National Crime Agency and West Midlands Police
Armed officers swooped as Knight was playing Texas Hold'em poker at Saffy's sports bar in the port area of Calpe at 7pm Spanish time.
Knight, who is wanted connection with a conspiracy to import cocaine, was apprehended on a European Arrest Warrant. He is the 62nd fugitive to be caught out of 76 publicised through Operation Captura.
Hank Cole, Head of International Operations for the NCA, said: "Knight is believed to be a member of an organised crime group involved in the importation and distribution of illegal drugs.
 "He had been on the run for a number of years but we were able to track him down. Spain is not a safe haven. The NCA and its partners will continue to pursue fugitives relentlessly."
Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC, Founder and Chairman of Crimestoppers, said: “Robert Knight has been at large for six years and I am delighted that the collaborative work of the agencies involved in Operation Captura has once again brought success.
 “This latest capture brings the arrest rate to 82 per cent, and with just 14 individuals still to be located, I am appealing to the public to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or 900 555 111 from Spain, with the information that will lead to them being caught. It will happen – it's just a matter of time.” 
West Midlands Police had been seeking Knight following the seizure of six kilos of cocaine at Heathrow Airport in April 2008. Five other men were arrested at the time and later jailed for their roles in the crime.
Inspector Dave Simpson, from WMP's Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “I am delighted that Knight has been caught, it has been a long time coming.
 “This just demonstrates that there is no hiding place for criminals and we will work with police forces from other countries along with the National Crime Agency to seek them out.”
 Knight will be appearing at the Spanish National Court in Madrid on Sunday where extradition proceedings will begin.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45083/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A poker-playing fugitive was dealt a pair of handcuffs during a tournament at a bar in Valencia last week.
Robert Knight, aged 53, from Walsall, was tracked down as part of a joint operation involving the Spanish National Police, the National Crime Agency and West Midlands Police
Armed officers swooped as Knight was playing Texas Hold'em poker at Saffy's sports bar in the port area of Calpe at 7pm Spanish time.
Knight, who is wanted connection with a conspiracy to import cocaine, was apprehended on a European Arrest Warrant. He is the 62nd fugitive to be caught out of 76 publicised through Operation Captura.
Hank Cole, Head of International Operations for the NCA, said: "Knight is believed to be a member of an organised crime group involved in the importation and distribution of illegal drugs.
 "He had been on the run for a number of years but we were able to track him down. Spain is not a safe haven. The NCA and its partners will continue to pursue fugitives relentlessly."
Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC, Founder and Chairman of Crimestoppers, said: “Robert Knight has been at large for six years and I am delighted that the collaborative work of the agencies involved in Operation Captura has once again brought success.
 “This latest capture brings the arrest rate to 82 per cent, and with just 14 individuals still to be located, I am appealing to the public to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or 900 555 111 from Spain, with the information that will lead to them being caught. It will happen – it's just a matter of time.” 
West Midlands Police had been seeking Knight following the seizure of six kilos of cocaine at Heathrow Airport in April 2008. Five other men were arrested at the time and later jailed for their roles in the crime.
Inspector Dave Simpson, from WMP's Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “I am delighted that Knight has been caught, it has been a long time coming.
 “This just demonstrates that there is no hiding place for criminals and we will work with police forces from other countries along with the National Crime Agency to seek them out.”
 Knight will be appearing at the Spanish National Court in Madrid on Sunday where extradition proceedings will begin.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45083/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### LANCASHIRE TOREADOR GEORGE FORMBY - AKA DON PEDRO

LANCASHIRE Toreador George Formby's final days with fiancee Pat Howson are to be revealed in a book by Alicante based author Andrew Atkinson. Formby - named bull-fighting hero Don Pedro in the song Lancashire Toreador - died 53 years ago, leaving £2.24m in his Will.
"It's ironic that 45 years after passing Formby's Georgian Mansion House in Lea, Preston, on my weekly fishing outings, that I'm penning this book," said Andrew. Andrew, 57, lives in both Los Montesinos, Alicante, and Penwortham, Preston - where Formby suffered a heart attack while dining at the Howson family home in 1961. "The story is right on my door-step!," said Preston born Lancastrian Andrew.
Ukelele legend Formby died, aged 56, in March 1961 - three months after his wife Beryl's death. "Eight days into their engagement George Formby and Pat Howson dined by candle light.
However Formby complained of stomach pains - and was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital, Preston. "During Pat's visit on March 6 1961, she spoke to George, while sat at his bedside, about their forthcoming wedding plans," said Andrew.
Hours later George Formby died - of a massive heart attack. Their wedding day was set for March 1961 - and a honeymoon cruise to the West Indies was booked: "Pat's dad Fred Howson was a personal friend of Formby, whom he sold cars to. "Fred would never have imagined that his daughter was set to marry him," said Andrew. In his Will George Formby left Pat Howson £135,000 - value £2.24m today
- that was contested by his mother Eliza, and two sisters. Formby's mum had labelled Pat a 'floosie' - a woman of no morals and a prostitute tag. Pat Howson died of cancer, aged 46, in 1971.     
The Lancashire Toreador (1937)     
I've been to Spain but never again, I couldn't go there twice 'Cos my name's John Willie but they said it sounded silly And they wouldn't call me that at any price. They soon made me change my name and a real proper Spaniard 
became:     
Don Pedro, the big bull-fighting hero, The Lancashire Toreador. They cheer me and when the bull gets near me To show how far a brave man can go with the bull I danced the Tango. Then when I hung on his tail my pants he tried to gore. I went dashing round the ring with him giving chase, Three times he tossed me in the air, I looked a disgrace. They shouted, 'Look at all that skin and bone round the place, It's The Lancashire Toreador.'     
Don Pedro, the big bull-fighting hero, The Lancashire Toreador.
I met-a charming senor-eta She said, 'To love you I can never', then kissed me good-bye for ever. That night, as she retired, she locked her bedroom door. She started to undress and timidly she looked round, Said, 'Thank God, I am rid of him for he's homeward bound', But when she pulled the bed clothes down now guess what she found? Why The Lancashire Toreador.     
Don Pedro, the big bull-fighting hero, The Lancashire Toreador. I scare 'em, no mercy ever spare 'em. In the dead of night I ramble, Spanish castle walls I scramble. I saw a shadow above a girl in her boudoir. I climbed up her balcony, it started to sway. She shouted, 'Murder! there's a bandit, spare my life, pray'. But when my castanets I rattled she said, 'Hooray! It's The Lancashire Toreador'     
If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the book email the author Andrew Atkinson for further details at: lancashiremedia@talktalk.net     

 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45079/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: LANCASHIRE Toreador George Formby's final days with fiancee Pat Howson are to be revealed in a book by Alicante based author Andrew Atkinson. Formby - named bull-fighting hero Don Pedro in the song Lancashire Toreador - died 53 years ago, leaving £2.24m in his Will.
"It's ironic that 45 years after passing Formby's Georgian Mansion House in Lea, Preston, on my weekly fishing outings, that I'm penning this book," said Andrew. Andrew, 57, lives in both Los Montesinos, Alicante, and Penwortham, Preston - where Formby suffered a heart attack while dining at the Howson family home in 1961. "The story is right on my door-step!," said Preston born Lancastrian Andrew.
Ukelele legend Formby died, aged 56, in March 1961 - three months after his wife Beryl's death. "Eight days into their engagement George Formby and Pat Howson dined by candle light.
However Formby complained of stomach pains - and was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital, Preston. "During Pat's visit on March 6 1961, she spoke to George, while sat at his bedside, about their forthcoming wedding plans," said Andrew.
Hours later George Formby died - of a massive heart attack. Their wedding day was set for March 1961 - and a honeymoon cruise to the West Indies was booked: "Pat's dad Fred Howson was a personal friend of Formby, whom he sold cars to. "Fred would never have imagined that his daughter was set to marry him," said Andrew. In his Will George Formby left Pat Howson £135,000 - value £2.24m today
- that was contested by his mother Eliza, and two sisters. Formby's mum had labelled Pat a 'floosie' - a woman of no morals and a prostitute tag. Pat Howson died of cancer, aged 46, in 1971.     
The Lancashire Toreador (1937)     
I've been to Spain but never again, I couldn't go there twice 'Cos my name's John Willie but they said it sounded silly And they wouldn't call me that at any price. They soon made me change my name and a real proper Spaniard 
became:     
Don Pedro, the big bull-fighting hero, The Lancashire Toreador. They cheer me and when the bull gets near me To show how far a brave man can go with the bull I danced the Tango. Then when I hung on his tail my pants he tried to gore. I went dashing round the ring with him giving chase, Three times he tossed me in the air, I looked a disgrace. They shouted, 'Look at all that skin and bone round the place, It's The Lancashire Toreador.'     
Don Pedro, the big bull-fighting hero, The Lancashire Toreador.
I met-a charming senor-eta She said, 'To love you I can never', then kissed me good-bye for ever. That night, as she retired, she locked her bedroom door. She started to undress and timidly she looked round, Said, 'Thank God, I am rid of him for he's homeward bound', But when she pulled the bed clothes down now guess what she found? Why The Lancashire Toreador.     
Don Pedro, the big bull-fighting hero, The Lancashire Toreador. I scare 'em, no mercy ever spare 'em. In the dead of night I ramble, Spanish castle walls I scramble. I saw a shadow above a girl in her boudoir. I climbed up her balcony, it started to sway. She shouted, 'Murder! there's a bandit, spare my life, pray'. But when my castanets I rattled she said, 'Hooray! It's The Lancashire Toreador'     
If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the book email the author Andrew Atkinson for further details at: lancashiremedia@talktalk.net     

 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45079/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ROYAL BRITISH LEGION CHALLENGE TROPHY

The inaugural “Royal British Legion Challenge Trophy” was held at Vistabella Golf on Saturday 20th September. 55 Players took part, all keen to raise money for the 2014 Poppy Appeal.  
The event was an individual Stableford competition, and there were prizes for first second and third in three divisions, two nearest the pin prizes and eight overall prizes for the eight best scores on the day.
The winners were as follows;
Category 1:  1st Staff Hurlin, 44 pts.  2nd: Pat Coyne, 38 pts.  3rd Charley Rogers, 37 pts.
Category 2:  1st Sheila Coyne, 38 pts. 2nd Merve Evans, 33 pts. 3rd Paul Hutchinson 33 pts.
Category 3:  1st Eric Taylor, 40 pts.  2nd Elspeth Craig, 34 pts. 3rd Bernard Ball, 33 pts.
Nearest the pins were won by Pat Coyne and Ian Ingledew.
In the overall categories: 1st Staff Hurlin, 44 pts.  2nd Eric Taylor, 40 pts. 3rd Pat Coyne, 38 pts.  4th Sheila Coyne, 38 pts.  5th Charley Rogers, 37 pts.  6th Roy Welburn, 36 pts.  7th Martin Fitzpatrick, 36 pts and 8th David Gill, 35 pts.
The strongest golfer (propping the rest up) was Sid Avery.  
Sid won a golf cap signed by David Leadbetter, and we hope that when he wears it  all those powerful thoughts from David will assist in improving his game.
The success of a day like today depends on a lot of people.  I would particularly like to thank Pablo Riestra for presenting Vistabella golf course in such fantastic condition, Mike Probert from Costa Blanca Green Fees for his assistance in the set up, help with the check in and the cards, and Phil Brigham of Torre Golf for supplying so many players for this event.  
In addition, the golf courses of Alto Real La Marquesa Vistabella Lorca and Poniente deserve thanks for providing green fees as prizes.  Individual prizes were donated by Neil O'Donoghue, Merve Evans and Pablo Riestra.  The end result was that the grand total of €711 was raised.  My thanks to you all on behalf of the Royal British Legion. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45076/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The inaugural “Royal British Legion Challenge Trophy” was held at Vistabella Golf on Saturday 20th September. 55 Players took part, all keen to raise money for the 2014 Poppy Appeal.  
The event was an individual Stableford competition, an...

### SAN FULGENCIO NOTES

On Saturday the 4th of October there is a wonderful event that forms part of the San Fulgencio Virgen del Remedio fiestas. This event is the float parade, an amazing, colourful event that is well worth enjoying. 
We are arranging a coach down to the village for minimal cost and ask that anyone who is interested in joining us, contact us as soon as possible on 966443002 or by visiting the Office for the Urbanisations in Calle Madrid, Urb Marina.
It´s a great event and we encourage you to enjoy it with us.
We are aware that the majority of the new streetlights are now on the urbanisation although some of them have developed some faults. If you know of any area where there are problems with the lights please contact us in the office.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45071/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Saturday the 4th of October there is a wonderful event that forms part of the San Fulgencio Virgen del Remedio fiestas. This event is the float parade, an amazing, colourful event that is well worth enjoying. 
We are arranging a coach down to the v...

### TAX ASSISTANCE -  NO PLACE TO HIDE

Tax will probably be the last thing on your mind as you pack up your home and relocate to the country of your dreams. However, it may become your main focus if you fail to leave your tax affairs in order in the country you have just left.
If you also fail to leave forwarding address the problems may quietly fester away and you may be accruing daily interest and penalties.
One thing is certain, it won't go away! These days we see countries working together to collect outstanding taxes. In the UK, Hmrc has a team called the Mutual Assistance in the Recovery of Debt team (MARD), and other countries have similar arrangements.
The rules are very complicated, but the bit you need to remember is that a tax debt left behind is likely to reappear in the form of a tax demand from one of these teams. 
Put simply, MARD is an arrangement which allows certain countries to ask Hmrc for assistance in obtaining information, serving legal documents or recovering a tax or duty debt. All foreign tax debts referred under these arrangements are recovered in the same way as UK income tax debts. As this is definitely something to avoid, we thought a guide explaining what you should do as you leave or come back into the UK might be useful.
Leaving the UK
Tell Hmrc - who will tell you if you need to complete a Self-Assessment form, P85 (leaving the UK, getting your tax right) or both. They will use the information you give them to decide if you are due a refund or owe tax, and to decide on your residency status. You may have to continue completing UK self-assessment returns if you keep any property or investments in the UK. 
Consider whether you wish to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions while you are away. It might be useful if you intend to claim the UK State Pension.
If you are entitled to tax credits or Child Benefit in the UK, you may still be able to receive them after you have left. This will depend on how long you are leaving for and what country you are going to.
Arriving in the UK
Tell Hmrc - who will use the information you give them to determine your residency status and whether you are due to pay UK tax. 
Inform the tax authority of the country you are leaving and give a forwarding address.
Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Tax rules vary from country to country. For example, if you are selling property, you need to understand the CGT rules of that country. It is not unusual to see cases where a lack of CGT understanding has subsequently led to massive tax bills and penalties.
Often, on investigation, it is clear that if the correct tax advice had been given when the property was first purchased it could all have been avoided. Costs for legal advice may seem high but complicated rules and language barriers can leave you vulnerable.
This article is by Tax Help for Older People (operated by registered charity no 1102276), offering free tax advice to older people on lower incomes. Our Helpline number is 0845 601 3321 or geographical 01308 488066.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45067/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Tax will probably be the last thing on your mind as you pack up your home and relocate to the country of your dreams. However, it may become your main focus if you fail to leave your tax affairs in order in the country you have just left.
If you also ...

### TORREVIEJA SWIMMERS START THE SEASON IN GOOD FORM!!

This weekend three of Club Natacion Torrevieja's swimmers got the season off to a blast. After training hard in the sea all summer rewards were forthcoming in the “1st Traversia a Nado Marina d'Or”, organised by Olympic swimmer Kiko Hervas. 
On Saturday 27th September swimmers from across Spain came together to compete in two races the 9.5km swim and the 4km swim. Vicki Connolly and daughter Zoe Connolly raced alongside companion Beth Alterbas in the 4km swim to celebrate Beth's 70th birthday.
The race commenced at 4pm, and after a earlier calm morning the wind got up and created strong waves and a swim against the tide and wind for the whole 4km. To add to this the sea was full of jelly fish. Not to be defeated all three Torrevieja swimmers battled on in the hardest swim they had ever encountered.
Zoe excelled herself as the youngest swimmer in the competition winning 25th place overall and 10th in the under 25yrs (Zoe is only 13). Continuing in this manner bot Beth and Vicki came first in their categories, Beth first in over 50 yrs and Vicki 1st in the 40-49 yrs age group. Whilst presenting awards during the evening the whole room joined in singing “Happy Birthday” to Beth in both Spanish and English.
The team now continue to race in the new seasons calendar of events alongside the rest of Club Natacion Torrevieja. 
For more information regarding Torrevieja Swimming Club please contact Rosa – 665454126, President Felipe on 609418776 or Vicki 669637015 or by e-mail on info@clubnataciontorrevieja.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45066/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This weekend three of Club Natacion Torrevieja's swimmers got the season off to a blast. After training hard in the sea all summer rewards were forthcoming in the “1st Traversia a Nado Marina d'Or”, organised by Olympic swimmer Kiko Hervas....

### A TIME FOR PREPARATION

Summer is just about over and many of us are reluctantly turning our attentions to the Christmas Period. But what does it mean for those in Local Government? For P.I.P.N. and the other Political Parties, this is a time for preparation, for the Municipal Elections in May 2015. It is also a time for reflection.
Were we successful in completing the things that we set out to do in our manifesto? Have we made the lives of the residents better? Did we improve Social Care? Have we got better transport links? Has there been an improvement in security and the environment?
Have we listened to what you, the public want? I think that in answer to all those questions, there is a strong Yes to be heard. With our collaboration in the pact with the Partido Popular, the last term of office has seen many improvements. When we set out we did not even have an office. By July 2011, we had a designated office for the Urbanisations.
The aim of which, was to provide a point of contact for the residents of La Marina and the other Urbanisations that make up the Municipality of San Fulgencio. In the 3 years plus, since the office opened, we have dealt with more than 5000 enquiries. Literally enquiries, which have ranged, from the cradle to the grave. Although the majority of the residents do speak either English or Spanish, we found a need for a German interpreter.
We have bridged that gap by having an interpreter available in our office every Thursday. As a result we have been able to extend our services to many other residents. On the point of Social Care, we have established strong relationships with our own Social Services, many Charitable Organisations, the British Consulate and the Royal British Legion.
Prior to coming into power, the Urbanisations had no celebration of Christmas as we know it in northern Europe. We had a large tree erected outside the Social Centre and Christmas Carols inside, on the lead up to Christmas. The following week we had a New Year's Party. These were continued over the next couple of years and we will continue to do the same this year. We started a Christmas Campaign in 2011 to collect food and gifts for the needy. This has been supported tremendously well, by the residents.
This has also continued and the theme of providing food for the most needy has resulted in monthly food parcels being distributed. We were also instrumental in helping the A.A.N. getting formed, who have taken over the task of collecting money to buy the food for the needy families of San Fulgencio. We now supply food parcels each month for more than 60 families.
We have organised many events for the other local charities, giving them well deserved donations for their cause.   On the subject of better transport links, we have managed to persuade some of the bus companies to extend their services from Cartagena and Alicante, to stop in the Urbanisation and also extending links to Orihuela and Elche. We have organised many cultural trips for the residents, providing an insight into life in Spain with the hope that more and more people integrate into their new life in Spain Due to better information being passed to the Police, the Security of the area has been improved. With the continued support of the public, we hope that it will be improved even further.
The formation of the Protection Civil has been one of our goals and with their help they have provide security for many of the fiestas. They have also assisted in nearby towns when their own fiestas take place. All members of the Protection Civil are volunteers from our own community. In general, the area been cleaned up with the parks and gardens being looked after in a more professional and efficient manner.
Also credit must be given to the whole government team for their efforts in bringing down the inherited debt, which was more than 9 million euros. We have worked together, by negotiating new contracts and suppliers.We have changed our electrical contractor, who agreed to supply new LED lights for the all of the Urbanisations. This project is nearing completion and soon as we will enjoy a cheaper and more efficient lighting system. Not to mention the fact that the lights are more eco friendly. The thrust of our current goal is to get as many people as possible onto the votors role so that the residents all have a voice in the next local government   We have also formed relationships with local companies that are keen to invest in the future of San Fulgencio.  
So what of the future? In order to continue to improve the area and to continue to bring down the debt, we have to ensure a stable government, who can work together to bring about what is best for the residents of our community. In the past Towns and Municipalities, operated on the principal of what is in it for me. With so much bickering and petty lies being told, in order to destabilise current governments and with Municipalities throughout Spain, falling to the opposition at subsequent elections, it is little wonder that anything ever gets done.
Here within the P.I.P.N. we are putting together a strong team of candidates. Candidates who have business experience, legal experience and political experience, as well as individuals who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes over the last few years.
We believe that our team can lead us into the future, to better represent the various nationalities that make up our Municipality.   Through this article and subsequent articles I would like to offer residents of San Fulgencio the opportunity to put forward their suggestions for a better life. If you have any queries or problems please feel free to contact myself at concejaliadeurbanizaciones@ayto-sanfulgencio.es or to the Leader Newspaper at office@theleader.info  
Prior to submitting this article, I received the following question: How is it possible for certain shops and market traders to sell E-Cigs and nicotine based liquids. Do they require a licence? The answer is, that in order to trade in any type of goods, whether it is from a market stall or from premises, a licence is required. All market traders require a licence to trade as do shops. Shops require an opening licence.
Any shop that already possesses an opening licence can cell E-Cigs as they do not come under the same tax rules as tobacco and alcohol, they are currently exempt from the requirement to have a special licence   You will hear this from me whenever we meet. Remember to ensure that you are on the Padron and that you are eligible to vote. It is up to you, the voters, to vote for the government that you want.    
Jeffrey Wiszniewski Concejalia de Urbanizaciones, President of P.I.P.N.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45062/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Summer is just about over and many of us are reluctantly turning our attentions to the Christmas Period. But what does it mean for those in Local Government? For P.I.P.N. and the other Political Parties, this is a time for preparation, for the Municipa...

### GETTING ANSWERS IN SPAIN

Have you heard about this really useful lunch seminar that takes place regularly here in Costa Blanca? In the last couple of months experts from four local companies have answered over 600 questions from the people who have attended. I think this is fantastic and a really great opportunity.
How wonderful would it be to be able to ask the experts in various fields about how things work in Spain? 
Once again the highly respected UK & Spanish companies based in Costa Blanca are inviting all British & European nationals, spending time or living in Spain, to a meeting to answer all the questions they have regarding life in Spain. Some of the topics that will be covered will be as follows:-
1.	How can I make my savings grow?
2.	How will the changes to pensions following the 2014 UK budget which are due to take effect in April 2015 affect you?
3.	What are the changes to thresholds, limits and ages for occupational or personal pensions?
4.	Inheritance law and taxes in Spain, what is best for me and my family?
5.	Wills. Do I need a Spanish or UK will or both?
6.	If you are transferring money regularly to Spain, where can you get the best currency exchange rates?
7.	How the Spanish funeral system affects people from the UK?
Experts from four companies will also be providing professional advice on Tax, Pensions, Investments, Currency Exchange, Spanish Law, Wills and Funeral Plans. 
Everybody who wishes to attend the event can send their questions in advance and the answer will be provided at the meeting. How fantastic is that!! We could have all done with this type of event ages ago.
Once all the questions have been answered then everybody will get a free lunch at Quesada Fish & Chips in Villamartin Plaza. The event will begin at 12 noon on Thursday 9th October 2014 and lunch will be served at 1.30pm
To register your question and to attend this unique event you can e-mail freelunchspain@gmail.com with your name address and telephone number or call 966 799 070. Spaces are limited so I am off to register right now. The thing is I have about ten questions that need answers. Apparently the experts will have an answer for each one! Great news.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45054/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Have you heard about this really useful lunch seminar that takes place regularly here in Costa Blanca? In the last couple of months experts from four local companies have answered over 600 questions from the people who have attended. I think this is fa...

### BRAVO FOR THE SOLIDARITY SPOT 'LOVE IS CONTAGIOUS'

This is a video that has gone around the world. It is promoted by  Krizovatka, a Czech organization that seeks to change the world through awareness campaigns of solidarity values.
The video does not need words, because it aspires to be universal, and the words differ from one country to another. So it uses two languages which are universals: the image and the music, says Professor Alfonso Méndiz.
The image is certainly the most attractive. What we see is not a story: it is a chain of stories linked by a great theme: Love. The final slogan reminds us, "láskou a sluzbou cesty spojujeme" (With love and service, we join paths). Indeed, love is contagious: it is a medicine that cures everything, everything heals, quickens everything; and at the same time, is a virus that is spread between humans: we would pass on to each other every day.
 
It all starts with the goodness of a child. A small, introverted and colored boy who realizes he can help another just lending a hand. His action is seen by another person, who are encouraged to give to another what he has experienced. And so begins a chain of services that seems endless.
 
The other language without borders is music. The lyrics of the song created by ‘Noah and the Whale' highlighted with extraordinary force these inspiring images: "If you give a little love, you receive love for you." It is an invitation to solidarity: "Give a little love, and see what happens".
 
Sometimes it is enough a small gesture, such as reaching out. Just a small action that initiates an unexpected chain. And then the miracle is operated. Love makes possible the miracle of life becoming wonderful.
 
Selfish love is our worst enemy. Napoleon said: "The most dangerous of our counselors is self-love".
clementeferrer3@gmail.com  Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45052/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: This is a video that has gone around the world. It is promoted by  Krizovatka, a Czech organization that seeks to change the world through awareness campaigns of solidarity values.
The video does not need words, because it aspires to be universal, and the words differ from one country to another. So it uses two languages which are universals: the image and the music, says Professor Alfonso Méndiz.
The image is certainly the most attractive. What we see is not a story: it is a chain of stories linked by a great theme: Love. The final slogan reminds us, "láskou a sluzbou cesty spojujeme" (With love and service, we join paths). Indeed, love is contagious: it is a medicine that cures everything, everything heals, quickens everything; and at the same time, is a virus that is spread between humans: we would pass on to each other every day.
 
It all starts with the goodness of a child. A small, introverted and colored boy who realizes he can help another just lending a hand. His action is seen by another person, who are encouraged to give to another what he has experienced. And so begins a chain of services that seems endless.
 
The other language without borders is music. The lyrics of the song created by ‘Noah and the Whale' highlighted with extraordinary force these inspiring images: "If you give a little love, you receive love for you." It is an invitation to solidarity: "Give a little love, and see what happens".
 
Sometimes it is enough a small gesture, such as reaching out. Just a small action that initiates an unexpected chain. And then the miracle is operated. Love makes possible the miracle of life becoming wonderful.
 
Selfish love is our worst enemy. Napoleon said: "The most dangerous of our counselors is self-love".
clementeferrer3@gmail.com  Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45052/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### SEAT CELEBRATE THE IBIZA

Spanish car manufacturer SEAT has rolled out its five millionth Ibiza vehicle from its Barcelona factory in Martorell.
Now a subsidiary of the Volkswagen group, SEAT also celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, which the company highlighted during the Paris Motor Show, showcasing the first Seat Ibiza model released in 1984.
Although much has changed over the years, the Ibiza has become the company´s bestselling model, with 70% of them, a total of 3.5 million units, exported from Spain to a total of 75 countries.
Currently, the automotive company manufactures 700 Ibiza models every day from their factory wich employs 1,600 workers and 700 robots.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45049/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spanish car manufacturer SEAT has rolled out its five millionth Ibiza vehicle from its Barcelona factory in Martorell.
Now a subsidiary of the Volkswagen group, SEAT also celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, which the company highlighted during ...

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 29 SEPTEMBER 2014

GO FOR THROTTLE UP 
In association with computer giant Hewlett-Packard, the Sant Joan de Deu hospital in Barcelona has converted its MRI scan room for children into a spaceship, albeit only in an aesthetic way, in order to cause less stress to young patient using the diagnostic equipment. “We wanted to make the children believe they were part of the crew preparing to enter a spaceship”, according to HP spokeswoman Eva Blanco, whilst the equipment has successfully reduced anesthesia use by 18% during MRI scans.
THE SILENT KILLER
Eight out of every ten women in Spain who suffer ovarian cancer are diagnosed too late, according to a report collated on behalf of three oncology institutes, the IVO, ASACO and SEOM, who released the data in the hope of raising awareness of ovarian cancer among doctors, given that around 4,100 women are diagnosed with it every year in Spain and few survive. In Spain, a total of 12,300 women are annually diagnosed with some form of gynaecological cancer, the second most common strain of the illness in women.
NEW PRIEST
Fr Pedro Crespo, has taken over as the new parish priest of the RC church, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in Torrevieja, replacing Peñalver Ginés Ortiz, a native of Pilar de la Horadada, who had occupied the position for over 15 years.  Fr Crespo was presented at a mass attended by Mayor Eduardo Dolon and celebrated by the Episcopal Vicar, Jesus Ortuno.
WINE-ERCISE
A new study has revealed that a daily glass of wine will protect against heart disease, but only if you combine it with exercise. Volunteers were asked to drink a glass of wine up to five times a week. The most active people were found to get the best result. Levels of ‘good cholesterol' rose in both red and white wine drinkers, as long as they worked out in the gym at least twice a week.
SUITS YOU SIR
Isidoro Álvarez, the recently-deceased El Corte Ingles boss, is to have a Madrid street named after him in recognition of his major contribution to the Spanish economy. The 79-year-old, who suffered respiratory problems, which led to a fatal heart attack two weeks ago, is accredited with having put Spain on the international retail map, creating thousands of jobs in the process.
LAND PRICE INCREASING
The average price for urban land in Spain is showing signs of recovery, as quarter 2 of 2014 showed a 9.3% lower price than the same period of last year, but a 3.5% increase in price compared to the first quarter of 2014, as low prices have started to attract buyers once again, according to the Ministry of Public Works.
POWERING UP
Spanish power supply and construction company Abengoa has secured a 26 million dollar contract from the Kuwait government to develop a new power transmission project. In a statement, the company said that the project includes designing, building and operating three new high-tension electricity transmission lines which extend for 86 kilometres in the Kuwaiti capital. Abengoa is currently involved 25,000 kilometres of power transmission and distribution lines around the world.
FUEL THE FIRE
Despite continual threats of its withdrawal, the UK government have revealed that the number of people claiming the winter fuel allowance whilst living abroad has risen to record levels. The data reveals that a total of 139,000 people were paid the social benefit for last winter, compared to 75,000 in the 2011 to 2012 winter period. The number people in Spain who claimed the allowance in 2011 was 33,800, rising to 49,900 last winter. Apart from the apparently high figure, the government claim that it is only a small proportion of those who are eligible, with government officials estimating some 456,000 ex-pats would have been eligible in the winter of 2012.
BACK TAXES
The European Court of Justice has ruled that the Spanish authorities cannot charge different rates of inheritance tax for residents and non-residents and the verdict could open the floodgate to thousands of Britons reclaiming their tax. So far the Spanish authorities have not responded to the ruling.
AECC TORREVIEJA
The Torrevieja office of the AECC (Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer) located at Calle Torrevejenses Ausentes 33 is now open on Monday to Friday from 10 am to 1 pm. The telephone for information and for ‘Early Detection' appointments for Breast, Cervical and Prostate cancers is 965 716 679. There wil be English speaking volunteers in the office on both Wednesdays and Thursdays.
GETTING IT TOGETHER
Guardamar Councillor Felipe Aldeguer said that he is satisfied with the cooperation achieved in the town during the holiday months between the Policia Local and the Guardia Civil. "We believe that this close relationship between the two forces has helped us to have a safer town and a summer without incident," said the councillor, adding that to assist with the liaison,  30,000 euros was invested in a new digital communication system for local police.
PLAYING AT HOME
The contract was awarded last week for the second and final phase of work on the Municipal play park, located in the Los Balcones urbanization, with an area of 28,000 square meters. The works have been awarded to the company Construcciones SL Caselles Zaplana and are valued at 89,830 euros, with a completion time of 3 months.
ARE YOU BEING SERVED
Euromonitor and Checkpoint have released the New Global Retail Theft Barometer Report which shows that Spain, France and The Netherlands suffer more than any other countries in Europe from shoplifting and break-ins on retail premises. The research company says that customers are tending to sleeve items more than they did in the past, but thefts by employees are virtually non-existent now since they are afraid of being caught and losing their jobs.
GIBRALTAR SOVEREIGNTY
It is being increasingly recognised in Spain that the waters of Gibraltar are British and that Spain does not have a solid legal case in saying that the waters are theirs. A report in the Spanish online paper publico.es says Spain has never claimed internationally the waters of Gibraltar because experts say she would lose.
SPANISH ILLITERACY 
A survey carried out by the National Statistics Institute following International Literacy Day on 8 September says that more than 730,000 Spaniards can't read or write. Women make up 490,000 of the total, of which 57 percent are between 65 and 84 years of age. Most of the remainder are said to be migrants or Roma.
AGE CONCERN
You helped us when we appealed last year, please help us again. We are looking for donations of clothes, bric-a-brac, bedding, and small furniture, in fact anything that you don't want or need, for our shops in Torreveija and Los Montesinos. We are finding it very hard to cover all our costs and to make sure our beneficiaries are receiving the excellent care they are used to. We can collect anything, just call 966786887
RHINO SOMETHING
Benidorm´s Terra Natura animal park has been raising awareness over the plight of endangered rhinos, coinciding with International Rhinoceros Day. In addition to endangered status of the Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), there are four other species which are in a critical situation. In Sumatra and Java, the populations of these animals are extremely low and it is estimated that only 100 remain in Sumatra and just 45 in Java. The park itself is home to four Indian rhinos It is estimated that the population of this species was about 200 copies in India and Nepal in 1900, conservation programs have allowed the species to recover to over 2,500 individuals since 2007. The main threat Rhino is human activity; hence very few animals survive outside protected areas.
NO COMMENT
Defense Minister, Pedro Morené, refused to answer questions from PNV deputy Joseba Agirretxea on Wednesday, who had demanded an explanation in Congress on the recent find of 127 kilos of cocaine on board the Navy training ship, Juan Sebastián Elcano. Morené refused to answer the question on the grounds that the case is subject to a “gagging” order, as it is still under investigation.
CRAFTY WOMEN
Women in Rojales are being encouraged to attend Council workshops which are aimed at developing their skills and crafts and putting them into business ideas. The courses will last for twenty hours and encourage the women to earn a living through their hobbies and skills. They will be held at the council offices in Rojales from 16 October.
LONDON HOTEL SOLD
Spanish investment and property management company Azora, has sold the Harrington Hotel in South Kensington, London, to an un-named Middle East investor. The price tag on the hotel was 112 million euro. Azora is represented in the hotel industry through its fund Carey Value Added that funded 10 assets in major markets, including New York, London, Washington, Berlin, Cologne, Geneva and Brussels, all operated by major hotel companies under different type of management contracts.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45048/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: GO FOR THROTTLE UP 
In association with computer giant Hewlett-Packard, the Sant Joan de Deu hospital in Barcelona has converted its MRI scan room for children into a spaceship, albeit only in an aesthetic way, in order to cause less stress to young patient using the diagnostic equipment. “We wanted to make the children believe they were part of the crew preparing to enter a spaceship”, according to HP spokeswoman Eva Blanco, whilst the equipment has successfully reduced anesthesia use by 18% during MRI scans.
THE SILENT KILLER
Eight out of every ten women in Spain who suffer ovarian cancer are diagnosed too late, according to a report collated on behalf of three oncology institutes, the IVO, ASACO and SEOM, who released the data in the hope of raising awareness of ovarian cancer among doctors, given that around 4,100 women are diagnosed with it every year in Spain and few survive. In Spain, a total of 12,300 women are annually diagnosed with some form of gynaecological cancer, the second most common strain of the illness in women.
NEW PRIEST
Fr Pedro Crespo, has taken over as the new parish priest of the RC church, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in Torrevieja, replacing Peñalver Ginés Ortiz, a native of Pilar de la Horadada, who had occupied the position for over 15 years.  Fr Crespo was presented at a mass attended by Mayor Eduardo Dolon and celebrated by the Episcopal Vicar, Jesus Ortuno.
WINE-ERCISE
A new study has revealed that a daily glass of wine will protect against heart disease, but only if you combine it with exercise. Volunteers were asked to drink a glass of wine up to five times a week. The most active people were found to get the best result. Levels of ‘good cholesterol' rose in both red and white wine drinkers, as long as they worked out in the gym at least twice a week.
SUITS YOU SIR
Isidoro Álvarez, the recently-deceased El Corte Ingles boss, is to have a Madrid street named after him in recognition of his major contribution to the Spanish economy. The 79-year-old, who suffered respiratory problems, which led to a fatal heart attack two weeks ago, is accredited with having put Spain on the international retail map, creating thousands of jobs in the process.
LAND PRICE INCREASING
The average price for urban land in Spain is showing signs of recovery, as quarter 2 of 2014 showed a 9.3% lower price than the same period of last year, but a 3.5% increase in price compared to the first quarter of 2014, as low prices have started to attract buyers once again, according to the Ministry of Public Works.
POWERING UP
Spanish power supply and construction company Abengoa has secured a 26 million dollar contract from the Kuwait government to develop a new power transmission project. In a statement, the company said that the project includes designing, building and operating three new high-tension electricity transmission lines which extend for 86 kilometres in the Kuwaiti capital. Abengoa is currently involved 25,000 kilometres of power transmission and distribution lines around the world.
FUEL THE FIRE
Despite continual threats of its withdrawal, the UK government have revealed that the number of people claiming the winter fuel allowance whilst living abroad has risen to record levels. The data reveals that a total of 139,000 people were paid the social benefit for last winter, compared to 75,000 in the 2011 to 2012 winter period. The number people in Spain who claimed the allowance in 2011 was 33,800, rising to 49,900 last winter. Apart from the apparently high figure, the government claim that it is only a small proportion of those who are eligible, with government officials estimating some 456,000 ex-pats would have been eligible in the winter of 2012.
BACK TAXES
The European Court of Justice has ruled that the Spanish authorities cannot charge different rates of inheritance tax for residents and non-residents and the verdict could open the floodgate to thousands of Britons reclaiming their tax. So far the Spanish authorities have not responded to the ruling.
AECC TORREVIEJA
The Torrevieja office of the AECC (Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer) located at Calle Torrevejenses Ausentes 33 is now open on Monday to Friday from 10 am to 1 pm. The telephone for information and for ‘Early Detection' appointments for Breast, Cervical and Prostate cancers is 965 716 679. There wil be English speaking volunteers in the office on both Wednesdays and Thursdays.
GETTING IT TOGETHER
Guardamar Councillor Felipe Aldeguer said that he is satisfied with the cooperation achieved in the town during the holiday months between the Policia Local and the Guardia Civil. "We believe that this close relationship between the two forces has helped us to have a safer town and a summer without incident," said the councillor, adding that to assist with the liaison,  30,000 euros was invested in a new digital communication system for local police.
PLAYING AT HOME
The contract was awarded last week for the second and final phase of work on the Municipal play park, located in the Los Balcones urbanization, with an area of 28,000 square meters. The works have been awarded to the company Construcciones SL Caselles Zaplana and are valued at 89,830 euros, with a completion time of 3 months.
ARE YOU BEING SERVED
Euromonitor and Checkpoint have released the New Global Retail Theft Barometer Report which shows that Spain, France and The Netherlands suffer more than any other countries in Europe from shoplifting and break-ins on retail premises. The research company says that customers are tending to sleeve items more than they did in the past, but thefts by employees are virtually non-existent now since they are afraid of being caught and losing their jobs.
GIBRALTAR SOVEREIGNTY
It is being increasingly recognised in Spain that the waters of Gibraltar are British and that Spain does not have a solid legal case in saying that the waters are theirs. A report in the Spanish online paper publico.es says Spain has never claimed internationally the waters of Gibraltar because experts say she would lose.
SPANISH ILLITERACY 
A survey carried out by the National Statistics Institute following International Literacy Day on 8 September says that more than 730,000 Spaniards can't read or write. Women make up 490,000 of the total, of which 57 percent are between 65 and 84 years of age. Most of the remainder are said to be migrants or Roma.
AGE CONCERN
You helped us when we appealed last year, please help us again. We are looking for donations of clothes, bric-a-brac, bedding, and small furniture, in fact anything that you don't want or need, for our shops in Torreveija and Los Montesinos. We are finding it very hard to cover all our costs and to make sure our beneficiaries are receiving the excellent care they are used to. We can collect anything, just call 966786887
RHINO SOMETHING
Benidorm´s Terra Natura animal park has been raising awareness over the plight of endangered rhinos, coinciding with International Rhinoceros Day. In addition to endangered status of the Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), there are four other species which are in a critical situation. In Sumatra and Java, the populations of these animals are extremely low and it is estimated that only 100 remain in Sumatra and just 45 in Java. The park itself is home to four Indian rhinos It is estimated that the population of this species was about 200 copies in India and Nepal in 1900, conservation programs have allowed the species to recover to over 2,500 individuals since 2007. The main threat Rhino is human activity; hence very few animals survive outside protected areas.
NO COMMENT
Defense Minister, Pedro Morené, refused to answer questions from PNV deputy Joseba Agirretxea on Wednesday, who had demanded an explanation in Congress on the recent find of 127 kilos of cocaine on board the Navy training ship, Juan Sebastián Elcano. Morené refused to answer the question on the grounds that the case is subject to a “gagging” order, as it is still under investigation.
CRAFTY WOMEN
Women in Rojales are being encouraged to attend Council workshops which are aimed at developing their skills and crafts and putting them into business ideas. The courses will last for twenty hours and encourage the women to earn a living through their hobbies and skills. They will be held at the council offices in Rojales from 16 October.
LONDON HOTEL SOLD
Spanish investment and property management company Azora, has sold the Harrington Hotel in South Kensington, London, to an un-named Middle East investor. The price tag on the hotel was 112 million euro. Azora is represented in the hotel industry through its fund Carey Value Added that funded 10 assets in major markets, including New York, London, Washington, Berlin, Cologne, Geneva and Brussels, all operated by major hotel companies under different type of management contracts.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45048/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ORIHUELA COSTA FORGOTTEN AGAIN

This week the headline in an Orihuela city newspaper was “€320,000 to be invested in improving 8 parks and gardens in Orihuela city and its surrounding villages”.    What the headline did not say was:  “Orihuela Costa nothing”.   This is scandalous.   Orihuela Costa does not have a single park which can be properly called a park.     One of the most densely populated parts of Orihuela Costa, La Florida, not only does not have what can be properly called a park, the waste land which is designated a park is not even  maintained.
The maintenance contract for parks and gardens on the coast only covers 60% of Orihuela Costa's so-called parks and gardens and this maintenance is basic at best.   It does not provide for improvements which are financed by investments.   The remaining 40% of Orihuela Costa's parks and gardens are not covered at all and are left to nature.   The results are visible as per La Florida.   Orihuela Costa is already the poor relation of Orihuela in terms of parks and gardens and much more.    The new investment for parks and gardens in the city and surrounding and villages adds insult to injury.
This is why the Orihuela Town Hall's decision to spend ALL of €320,000 (a combination of provincial and Town Hall funds) is scandalous.   It is also scandalous that the long established principle, accepted by all parties, government and opposition, that 40% of investments should be devoted to Orihuela Costa, has not been respected.    
The commitment to provide Orihuela Costa with 40% of Investment funds recognises both the historic under-investment in Orihuela Costa and the fact that the population, which is now 33,690, is equal to or greater than the population of Orihuela city and approaching 40% of the total.   The surrounding villages which will benefit most from this €320,000 investment have a much smaller percentage of the population than the coast and the city.
With the next local elections only 8 months away in May, 2015, we shall have to look out for political opportunism like this which appeals to potential voters rather than fair treatment of the different components of the population of the municipality.  
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45047/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This week the headline in an Orihuela city newspaper was “€320,000 to be invested in improving 8 parks and gardens in Orihuela city and its surrounding villages”.    What the headline did not say was:  “Orihuela Costa nothing&rdq...

### ORIHUELA EXPERIENCE TOO MUCH FOR YOUNG TORRY

CD TORREVIEJA 0 ORIHUELA CF 2
Neither manager, Galiana nor Garcia Tebar, was underestimating the importance of this derby clash on Sunday evening at the Vicente Garcia with both talking of a victory that would ‘kick start' their promotion campaign's in a season that has started rather sluggishly for both of these local sides. 
Going into this much anticipated fixture Orihuela have played a game less than their hosts and have the slightly better record although a disappointing home draw to Cullera was the best that they could achieve last Sunday.
Torrevieja, on the other hand, put in an inspired second half shift at Villarreal to emerge as worthy winners so confidence was high for the Salineros as they went into Sunday evening's game. Despite the fixture being deemed a ‘Club Day,' with everybody having to pay, the fans responded by turning up in their droves to what was clearly one of the season's most attractive games.
Of the 1200 spectators that went through the turnstyle, in a country where away support is usually abysmal, an encouraging 200 fans travelled from Orihuela.
And after a quiet opening both sets of supporters were rewarded with an open and entertaining first half with opportunities falling evenly to both sides.  Orihuela were first to make an impression as Isaac shot wide on 15 mins with the goal at his mercy. This was a real ‘wake up call' for Torry who were fortunate still to be level.   
Four minutes later though, it was Dani's turn to put the visitors under pressure. We all thought that his effort was destined for the top corner but a late deflection sent his shot just wide.  As both teams continued to make chances Rafa needed just the slightest of touches on the half hour mark to steer the ball into an empty net.
Unfortunately he was millimeters short so the scorer wasn't troubled. The game then swung Orihuela's way and it needed a brilliant save from Oscar to keep out Nacho on 37 mins and from his clearance Cristian was sent off down the left wing.
He moved infield with only the keeper to beat as we once again drew breath, but only to see his effort sail narrowly wide and to send the teams into the half time interval at 0-0.
The 2nd period saw rather more desire from the visitors which Torry's young side found difficult to handle. As they moved up into top gear they once again created chances but now the Orihuela back four were tight as the home side found it impossible to make progress. 
Cristian could have opened the scoring on 63 mins but his aim was wayward once again with one of only a couple of chances that Torry were able to create.
Orihuela though, were not as wasteful and from a dangerous free kick on 75 mins Urzaiz rose well to power home a header taking the visitors into a lead that had been coming for a while.
As Torrevieja huffed and puffed Orihuela stood their ground and apart from a Jorge header they created little of note. So it came as no surprise when the visitors got their 2nd in the 4th minute of added time with a well worked move that saw Gines steering the ball home.
The win lifts Orihuela onto the fringe of the play off places. 
Next weekend Torrevieja travel to Atletico Levante while Orihuela entertain league leaders Paterna at Los Arcos.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45046/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: CD TORREVIEJA 0 ORIHUELA CF 2
Neither manager, Galiana nor Garcia Tebar, was underestimating the importance of this derby clash on Sunday evening at the Vicente Garcia with both talking of a victory that would ‘kick start' their promotion campai...

### FLOOD REACTION DRILL HAS REAL WEATHER CONDITIONS

A special operation of flood reaction was launched by the government of Valencia last week, whilst an emergency preparation exercise was being conducted across the Vega Baja.
The simulation began with a statement issued by the Emergency Coordination Centre, warning of the risk of heavy rain, after a real “orange” alert was issued by the meteorological office for a risk of flooding across Alicante.
The plan was then implemented to monitor and track the weather conditions, issuing notices to affected municipalities and deploying resources to deal with the potential hazards created by the risk.
The measure is intended to ensure “prompt, effective and coordinated” action of public and private resources in emergency flood situations, and minimize the consequences, hence the importance of participating in drills where it implements the provisions of the protocol actions, a source stated.
During the drill, when the area was coincidentally hit by the biggest rainfall of the year so far, the monitoring continued along the Rio Segura, with the drill declaring emergencies in Rojales, and then Guardamar del Segura. As a result of the hypothetical damage caused, the militarised emergency services, the UME, were dispatched, along with other teams from a variety of emergency services.
The Cruz Roja were also involved and wanted to highlight their contribution. With thirty volunteers and a variety of equipment, they participated in the rescue exercise during the Rojales emergency, with first responders and search and rescue teams deployed to rescue flood victims.
The Cruz Roja has been active in the three provinces of Valencia sine 2012 responding to flood and weather related risks, as well as the cleanup operations immediately afterwards. Primarily focussing on response and rescue, and then caring for the elderly after an incident, their aim is to return those affected to “normal living conditions” as soon as possible. 
As well as their International operations, locally, the Cruz Roja also provide hostel care in the event of an emergency, psychological support, healthcare, immigrant care and have some 2,500 volunteers ready to respond in the region, trained, prepared and ready to face any emergency that evolves.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45045/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A special operation of flood reaction was launched by the government of Valencia last week, whilst an emergency preparation exercise was being conducted across the Vega Baja.
The simulation began with a statement issued by the Emergency Coordination C...

### QUARTER TWO SPANISH PROPERTY SALES GROWTH

Figures released this week by the Ministry of Development reveal that Valencia is in third place in terms of Spanish property sales in the second quarter of the year, second only to Madrid and Barcelona, with Torrevieja once again making the top list.
In Valencia, there were 1,633 housing transactions in the second quarter of the year, whereas Madrid saw 6,705, and Barcelona registered 3,395. The list then continued to show how there had been 1,293 in Sevilla, Zaragoza registered 1,286 unit sales, and then Torrevieja with 1,216 homes sold, just ahead of Marbella with a recorded 1,165 sales.
Nationally, home sales up 12.1% in the second quarter compared with the previous year and totalled 91,338 transactions, representing a new record in sales since the same period of 2010. Purchases and sales of resale homes accounted for 84.3% of the market share between April and June, when 77,042 homes exchanged, the remaining 15.7%, or 14,296 properties, being new builds. 
A factor also highlighted by the ministry is that neither sales in the second quarter of this year, or last, are influenced by tax credits.
Moreover, sales to foreign buyers increased once again, reaching a record high of 14,952 home purchases, with the Alicante province, home to Torrevieja, registering the most foreign investments in the country, with 3,993 homes purchased by foreigners between April and June, ahead of Málaga with 2,222 homes, Barcelona with 1,317, Tenerife saw 987 foreign purchases and Madrid with 933. In addition, foreigners not residing in Spain bought 1,202 houses, registering an increase of 13.7% compared to a year earlier.
In total, the acquisition of homes by foreigners, both resident and non-resident, captured 17.7% of the market share, with a total of 16,154 transactions.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45044/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Figures released this week by the Ministry of Development reveal that Valencia is in third place in terms of Spanish property sales in the second quarter of the year, second only to Madrid and Barcelona, with Torrevieja once again making the top list.
...

### QUARTER TWO PROPERTY SALES GROWTH

Figures released this week by the Ministry of Development reveal that Valencia is in third place in terms of property sales in the second quarter of the year, second only to Madrid and Barcelona, with Torrevieja once again making the top list.
In Valencia, there were 1,633 housing transactions in the second quarter of the year, whereas Madrid saw 6,705, and Barcelona registered 3,395. The list then continued to show how there had been 1,293 in Sevilla, Zaragoza registered 1,286 unit sales, and then Torrevieja with 1,216 homes sold, just ahead of Marbella with a recorded 1,165 sales.
Nationally, home sales up 12.1% in the second quarter compared with the previous year and totalled 91,338 transactions, representing a new record in sales since the same period of 2010. Purchases and sales of resale homes accounted for 84.3% of the market share between April and June, when 77,042 homes exchanged, the remaining 15.7%, or 14,296 properties, being new builds. 
A factor also highlighted by the ministry is that neither sales in the second quarter of this year, or last, are influenced by tax credits.
Moreover, sales to foreign buyers increased once again, reaching a record high of 14,952 home purchases, with the Alicante province, home to Torrevieja, registering the most foreign investments in the country, with 3,993 homes purchased by foreigners between April and June, ahead of Málaga with 2,222 homes, Barcelona with 1,317, Tenerife saw 987 foreign purchases and Madrid with 933. In addition, foreigners not residing in Spain bought 1,202 houses, registering an increase of 13.7% compared to a year earlier.
In total, the acquisition of homes by foreigners, both resident and non-resident, captured 17.7% of the market share, with a total of 16,154 transactions.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45044/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Figures released this week by the Ministry of Development reveal that Valencia is in third place in terms of property sales in the second quarter of the year, second only to Madrid and Barcelona, with Torrevieja once again making the top list.
In Vale...

### THE PRIVILEGE OF A POLITICAL PRISONER

Questions are being raised as to why some politicians who are convicted of criminal offences still manage to maintain a privileged position, even when incarcerated for their crimes.
As calls for the former President of Castellón, Carlos Fabra, to enter prison for his crimes are reinforced, a situation he is currently avoiding pending his plea for clemency on account of his political position, the situation faced by one politician who is imprisoned has been highlighted.
Having been found guilty of corruption by every stage of the judicial process, former mayor of Torrevieja, Pedro Ángel Hernández Mateo, finally entered prison a month and a half to go. But, whilst those of us who have not experience the reality of prison life may only have the televised images to relate to, the reality of what this prisoner has to endure is far from a life of hardship and deprivation, but is one of privilege and seemingly calm composure.
Confidential sources at the prison have stated that Hernández Mateo has spent his time in the prison treated as a hospital patient, partly said to be on account of his age, and the fact he is fitted with a pacemaker, isolated and protected from the other prisoners. 
The hospital wing of the Campos del Río prison in Murcia can accommodate between 30 and 40 patients, all considered to be of “low risk”, intended for a temporary stay in the event of minor illness, according to the sources, thus avoiding the transfer of a prisoner to a hospital in the event of a need for treatment. However, rather than spending his time locked in his cell, Hernández Mateo has apparently spent almost all of this six week period in the hospital wing, with no apparent likelihood of him being returned to a normal cell.
Other than his location in the perhaps more comfortable accommodation, similar routines apply to other prisoners, with an 8 am start, perhaps an attendance at a craft workshop, plus visits from home. Unlike other prisoners though, Hernández Mateo is allowed a daily walk through the prison corridors, unaccompanied by any officials, a stroll not normally permitted even with an accompaniment. There is also the opportunity for a day release, leading to a longer term freedom with a tag and curfew, although that element has yet to be claimed by Hernández Mateo.
Hernández Mateo may well soon have the added benefit of a release from prison, but only to attend court in connection with another case, after judicial sources reveal that the courts now believe that there is further evidence to be considered in the ongoing investigation into how Hernández Mateo purchased land in Almoradí, which he claimed was for use for walking his dogs, only to sell it a short time later at a profit of over 5 million euro. This case, like many other relating to corruption by local politicians, was first raised by the Los Verdes green party, who now also state that, amongst others, Hernández Mateo´s wife is also under investigation.
Other cases and questions continue to come to light involving the former may and now convicted criminal, but this latest question as to why one man can be afforded such privileges considering his conviction will no doubt raise further questions as to how some politicians have seemingly been able to get away with so much for so long.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45042/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Questions are being raised as to why some politicians who are convicted of criminal offences still manage to maintain a privileged position, even when incarcerated for their crimes.
As calls for the former President of Castellón, Carlos Fabra, ...

### VALENCIA TO FUND FOUR SCHOOL WORKS

The President of the region of Valencia, Alberto Fabra, has said that there will be funding for building work on four schools in the area in election year of 2015.
Specifically, Torrevieja, Rojales, San Fulgencio and Guardamar del Segura will benefit from the investment, although there was no mention of Orihuela.
In Torrevieja, the construction of a new canteen at the Colegio Inmaculada will be completed, as well as the Colegio Amanecer, which has been operating out of portacabins since 2005. Rojales will benefit from work at the Colegio Príncipe de España, which has seen cracks in the main walls appear for some years, attributed to the age of the building at around 50 years old. Portacabins at the Colegio Público Dama de Guardamar will be set for replacement with a real brick building, 
The mayor of Guardamar, Carmen Verdú of the PP, said in response that “we can only thank the efforts of the Government to include Guardamar amongst its priorities”, realising local demand in supporting the local PP government who has worked for three years since the last elections without achieving any such promises.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45041/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The President of the region of Valencia, Alberto Fabra, has said that there will be funding for building work on four schools in the area in election year of 2015.
Specifically, Torrevieja, Rojales, San Fulgencio and Guardamar del Segura will benefit ...

### MORE BIKES – LESS SPEED

Torrevieja played host to the third edition of a road safety conference this week, in which the attention was given to hopes for more cycles on the roads and less speed, 
Along with the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, the event was atended by the Ministry of the interior´s sub delegate Luis Aguilera, regional secretary Asunción Quinzá, and the director general of traffic, María Seguí Gómez,
Whilst detailing the need to adapt traffic policy to meet the needs of the modern road user, Luis Aguilera said that the General Traffic Regulations requires “deep reform”, whilst detailing how, in early 2015, is expected that the new 30 kilometre per hour speed limit on urban roads is likely to come into force, lowered to 20 kilometre per hour in the case of pedestrian areas, but will remain at 50 kilometres per hour maximum speed in the case of streets that have more than one lane in each direction.
In the new regulations, bicycles have a greater presence and their right to driving on the road is established, taking consideration of vehicles, to avoid frequent points of conflict between cyclists and pedestrians travelling along the pavement. This, together with the reduced speed limit, is the focus on promoting the use of bicycles as a sustainable mode of transport within the action plans of the DGT and the government to reduce CO2 emissions.
Torrevieja has already inaugurated a number of routes that mix cycles with the normal traffic flow. Although the “cycle streets” have caused confusion with a number of road users, the routes are indicated by special signs which feature a pictogram of a bicycle, but the most prominent change in use on these roads is that the bicycle has priority over other vehicles.
Around 400 people from different sectors of industry attended the conference held in the municipal theatre, all keen to meet with the traffic policy makers and learn the real implications of the policy change. There was also a detailed discussion on a number of grants available from the European Union which are available to subsidise a variety of road based projects. 
The deputy of the government of Valencia, Serafín Castellano, also attended the closing event of the conference, along with the DGT.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45040/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Torrevieja played host to the third edition of a road safety conference this week, in which the attention was given to hopes for more cycles on the roads and less speed, 
Along with the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, the event was atended ...

### TORREVIEJA THEATRE WORK PROPOSED

Plans have been approved for major improvement work to be carried out in the Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja, although the town hall are denying that the work has anything to do with the fact that the building has been operating illegally and without required building permits and authorisations since it opened eight years ago.
The construction of the theatre was budgeted as 6.4 million euro, although the final cost was actually 9.6 million, according to the information provided by the Los Verdes green party, and now included plans to change some of the characteristics which would fall more in line with the legal requirements for the building.
In August of the year we reported how the Ministry of the Interior and Justice may close down both Torrevieja´s municipal theatre, and the musical auditorium, “if it meets its obligation” on account of the buildings “lacking the mandatory licenses for opening and activities”. At that time, the Los Verdes stated that “eight years after its inauguration and opening to the public, it remains in a state of absolute illegality, in case of disaster, it will greatly exacerbate the negative consequences that follow”.
Concerns were raised after minimum safety requirements were apparently not met, including the evacuation and emergency elements. In early 2013, we also reported how a license application “was made towards the end of last year, but was refused in the middle of January, as the building failed to meet certain elements of safety and function that would allow performances to take place”.
There were issues with the capacity, fire extinguishers, fire exits and the registered capacity, amongst other elements, for which the Ministry of Interior reported unfavourable records considering that the building did not meet legislation for public entertainment.
The councillor for culture, Luis María Pizana of the PP, said this week that the project to start work, including adapting a storage area on the upper floor for use as a rehearsal room, as per the original plans, “has nothing to do with what it could be processed at the time of licensing”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45039/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Plans have been approved for major improvement work to be carried out in the Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja, although the town hall are denying that the work has anything to do with the fact that the building has been operating illegally and without r...

### POSTAL DEMONSTRATION AT PLAYA FLAMENCA

Nearly 100 people demonstrated in front of the Playa Flamenca Post Office on Saturday morning to protest against the withdrawal of home postal deliveries in five Orihuela Costa urbanizations.   
The Orihuela Costa is not unique in this situation, as it has been happening in various places across Spain, seen by many as in readiness for the privatisation of the service by the Spanish central government.
Political representative from the government team joined in the protest, with the acting mayor, Antonio Zapata of the PSOE, Martina Scheurer from the Los Verdes green party and Bob Houliston from the coastal orientated C.L.A.R.O. party standing side by side in support of the residents.
With inclement weather aplenty, every nationality seemed represented at the protest, many, according to a statement from C.L.A.R.O., who “turned up spontaneously, such is the strength of feeling against this arbitrary and unjustified measure”. The protest spread beyond the neighbours affected in the coastal zone, with many residents from Orihuela's surrounding villages also taking part. “They know that if the Post Office is allowed to get away with this violation of a basic right in the five urbanizations concerned, the measure will be applied to other Orihuela Costa urbanizations and eventually the surrounding villages of Orihuela”, the statement continued.
Acting Mayor of Orihuela, Antonio Zapata, said that he had come to show solidarity with the people affected by the measure: they pay taxes like anybody else and have the right to quality services. He recalled that, at the initiative of C.L.A.R.O. Councillor, Bob Houliston and Martina Scheurer, Councillor for the Coast, the Town Hall of Orihuela has taken legal action against the Post Office in an effort to get the measure reversed. It is however not expected that the courts will look favourably on the case, as preventative action has already been overruled in other locations in Spain, with other courts ruling in favour of the closure. 
“There is no justified reason for curtailing home deliveries in an integrated urban area like Orihuela Costa which is a city in itself with 35,000 registered residents, equal to the population of Orihuela city”, the C.L.A.R.O. statement continued, but recent plans to change the “general plan” of the municipality to formally recognised the Orihuela Costa as a single urban zone, a status it currently does not have, were blocked. That classification could have also made it easier to prevent the action continuing, as it is believed that whilst the post office currently see those homes affected as individual locations, the reallocation of the area could have forced them to change policy in favour of the residents who would then be living in the mini nucleus. This plan for classification was blocked from approval in the plenary session by the PP majority opposition, none of whom seemed present to offer their support to this campaign.
Martina Scheurer told The Leader, “Antonio Zapata confirmed that the town hall is supporting this demonstration and is on Court against Correo. I spoke with different citizens and agreed with the president of the La Regia neighbourhood association to arrange an appointment in situ to see where community letter boxes could be installed. This is a first step to find a solution meanwhile the matter is on Court”. Scheurer also pointed out that “the proposal of a new General Building Plan does consider Orihuela Costa as a ‘nucleo urbano consolidado' (Consolidated urban center) but unfortunately the PP used their majority in the Pleno of last month to object that this first proposal”.
The C.L.A.R.O. statement makes it clear that the “strong demonstration of opposition to the decision to curtail home delivery of mail in Campoamor, Cabo Roig, La Regia and La Zenia that this measure is considered  unacceptable”. Pointing out that the need for possibly thousands of residents to go weekly to the Playa Flamenca post office to collect their mail before it is returned to the central post office is causing considerable inconvenience. “For those who are not mobile it is a serious problem. For those who are frequently away from their homes, the situation is extremely worrying since the fate of their mail will be totally unknown. It is clear from the popular reaction shown at the demonstration that this discriminatory measure will not be accepted”.
 
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45038/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Nearly 100 people demonstrated in front of the Playa Flamenca Post Office on Saturday morning to protest against the withdrawal of home postal deliveries in five Orihuela Costa urbanizations.   
The Orihuela Costa is not unique in this situation, as i...

### ORIHUELA PSOE LOOK TO CHANGE THE FUTURE

The acting mayor of Orihuela, Antonio Zapata of the PSOE, has announced that it will not stand as a candidate in the primaries for the May elections.
In a statement, Zapata said, “I have to be consistent and I will not engage in a process with which I do not agree”, thus leaving the three remaining candidates to battle for the lead on an equal footing.
The PSOE members hoping to lead their party to victory are Carolina Gracia, who is the current spokesperson for the local group, along with Ana Mas and Paco Escudero.
Meanwhile, Carolina Gracia has taken her own lead already, launching a personal website in which she details the content in which she will fight the campaign, in the hope of becoming the next, and the first elected PSOE mayor of the municipality.
Anybody can visit the website, www.carolinagracia2015.com, in which she describes the elections as an “historic opportunity”, explaining how the socialists have become instrumental in change since the last elections, “We did it through the efforts, involvement and the work of all of us, which allowed us to get a solid citizen confidence through the ballot box.”
You can also read more about both the person and politician that has become one of the most visual in this recent term, as, being the youngest member of the council, Gracia sat on the table of elders, along with Bob Houliston the eldest, which denied the censure motion that could have returned the PP to power and overthrown the coalition government.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45037/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The acting mayor of Orihuela, Antonio Zapata of the PSOE, has announced that it will not stand as a candidate in the primaries for the May elections.
In a statement, Zapata said, “I have to be consistent and I will not engage in a process with w...

### RENFE BUYING FORTY NEW TRAINS

The Minister for Public Works, Ana Pastor, has announced that Spanish train operator RENFE are planning to purchase forty new trains between now and 2018, thirty of which will be high speed models.
According to a statement from the ministry, the aim of the investment is to “improve the mobility of citizens” allowing them to “move better, safely and in a shorter time”. 
RENFE is currently drafting public tender documents for the allocation of the orders, which were detailed during the InnoTrans international railway trade fair held in Berlin this week.
Track management company ADIF already announced plans for an additional 1,000 kilometres of high speed track during 2015, reaching areas such as Zamora, Burgos, León and Palencia, as well as Cádiz and Murcia.
During a speech at InnoTrans, Pastor noted that Spain already has the second largest network of high speed railway in the world behind China, with a network of over 3,000 kilometres, and “we are working to have a train of high performance of the century, reaching many more places in Spain in 2018”, she added.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45036/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Minister for Public Works, Ana Pastor, has announced that Spanish train operator RENFE are planning to purchase forty new trains between now and 2018, thirty of which will be high speed models.
According to a statement from the ministry, the aim o...

### TRAVEL BY THE ECO-TRAM

Passengers using the Alicante tram network have contributed to saving the equivalent CO2 emissions of nearly 60 million private cars.
A statement by operator FGV promotes the environmental advantages of using public transport, which also saves some 35.9 million litres of fuel, valued at almost 49 million euro, if those travellers were to use their cars, and an emission saving of 57,148 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.
Specifically, the service provided by Metrovalencia last year avoided 49.9 million journeys by private vehicles, meaning a 45,984 tonne saving of CO2 emission. Meanwhile, the service provided by the TRAM Metropolitano de Alicante avoided 6.1 million private vehicle movements in 2013, which in turn prevented the emission of 11,483 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45035/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Passengers using the Alicante tram network have contributed to saving the equivalent CO2 emissions of nearly 60 million private cars.
A statement by operator FGV promotes the environmental advantages of using public transport, which also saves some 35...

### ONE IN FOUR BOAT SKIPPERS FINED

During the course of the summer, the Guardia Civil has intensified spot checks on small pleasure boats around the Alicante province, and found almost a quarter of those checked committed legal infringements and were liable to a fine.
The checks have been conducted across the country, but as Alicante is one of the key locations for summer sailors, there were more checks in this province, along with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Cádiz and Málaga.
Across Alicante, some 4,427 vessels were inspected, of which 1,004 were found to be committing some form of infringement, mainly due to deficiencies or lack of insurance policy, certificate of seaworthiness and the qualification certification of the skipper.
Educational and awareness visits were also made to businesses engaged in sailing activities, mostly to offer advice on correct procedure and compliance.
The Guardia Civil, who conducted the checks with the provincial maritime service, said that the checks are designed to improve the safety of users of these vessels, and the bathers and people visiting the Spanish coast in the summer.
During the latest activity launched by the Guardia Civil and DGT against speeding motorists, the figure was 3.4% of drivers checked finding themselves reported for not complying with speed limits, so the near 25% rate of offences in the boating sector is highlighted as a significant cause for concern.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45034/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: During the course of the summer, the Guardia Civil has intensified spot checks on small pleasure boats around the Alicante province, and found almost a quarter of those checked committed legal infringements and were liable to a fine.
The checks have b...

### DCI BANKS AND ENDEAVOUR TO RETURN

ITV have commissioned a new six part series of detective drama DCI Banks, starring Stephen Tompkinson, Andrea Lowe and Caroline Catz, ITV confirmed today. The six hour-long episodes continue to be inspired by the books written by acclaimed novelist Peter Robinson. Well renowned actors Keith Barron and Polly Hemmingway also return as Banks' parents, Arthur and Ida. Filming will take place in Yorkshire later this month. The first story, What Will Survive, revolves around a young woman found buried alive and her connections to a man, his autistic son and a family that seem to have silenced the town.  We also see Banks' life turned upside down by tragic events in his own family.  
If that´s not enough police-themed drama, ITV have also announced another four stories from Endeavour. Following the success of the second series earlier this year, the third series will once again be written by Lewis creator and Inspector Morse writer, Russell Lewis. The new series which focuses on a young Morse, will be set in 1967, picking up from the dramatic second series finale that saw Endeavour placed in police custody, framed for a murder he didn't commit, and DI Fred Thursday's life hanging in the balance after being shot in the chest.
RED Production Company, the creators of the often very dark, but very successful drama series Happy Valley, as well as warm and cuddly family friendly Last Tango In Halifax, have announced a first class cast for a BBC One drama series set to broadcast in 2015. Ordinary Lies is written by bafta and Emmy award winner Danny Brocklehurst, who has previously worked on such classics as The Accused and Shameless, will feature the likes of Max Beesley, former Corrie star Michelle Keegan, comedian Jason Manford and Pirates of the Caribbean star Mackenzie Crook, along with Jo Joyner, Rebecca Callard and Sally Lindsay,  all starring in a thrilling and darkly humorous drama about how a simple lie can spiral out of control and change a life forever.
Actress Penelope Keith will travel through some of the most spectacular landscapes of Britain, reflecting on its rural life through the stories and experiences of the communities she meets, in a new three part series of hour long episodes for More 4, where she aims to discover whether Britain's much-cherished villages are thriving or struggling to survive under the pressures of the 21st century.
Channel 4 will take us behind the scenes in a new series following officers at Luton Police Station as they respond to 999 calls and arrest suspects, witnessing the relentless traffic through the police custody cells, round the clock. “24 Hours in Police Custody” will show the station works under the constant pressure dictated by time restrictions which mean that most prisoners can only be kept against their will for a maximum of 24 hours.
Star of Fifty Shades of Grey, hunky Jamie Dornan, returns to the TV screens alongside Gillian Anderson, as The Fall is back in October for a second series. The first helping of the drama saw sinister plot twists a plenty, during the hunt for a brutal killer. Series 2 also sees former Merlin star Colin Morgan in a lead role, playing DS Tom Anderson. The Fall returns to BBC Two soon.
Finally, the BBC have announced that Kay Mellor's In The Club will return for a second series next year, and on the subject of returns, albeit dragging a little nostalgia along for the ride, Alexander Armstrong is to provide the voice of Danger Mouse, whilst Kevin Eldon will be Penfold and Dave Lamb The Narrator, when the animated crime drama returns to TV next year.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45033/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ITV have commissioned a new six part series of detective drama DCI Banks, starring Stephen Tompkinson, Andrea Lowe and Caroline Catz, ITV confirmed today. The six hour-long episodes continue to be inspired by the books written by acclaimed novelist Pet...

### ELCHE BEATEN BY LATE NOLITO GOAL

Once again Elche were unlucky not to get anything out of this La Liga game played in front of 21,000 at the Estadio Martinez Valero last Friday evening,  as they were beaten by a 90th minute goal by RC Celta's Chilean striker Nolito.
The visitors arrived in the city high on confidence after their recent derby win but Elche really put them to the sword as, certainly during the 2nd period of the game, they controlled long periods, creating by far the better chances. Unfortunately, as was almost their downfall last season, Elche were unable to convert, a problem that continues to haunt manager Fran Escriba during this new campaign.
Although the first half was a fairly dour affair the game really sprung to life during the second period with both teams creating far more chances with Coro and then Jonathas, both failing to find the target for Elche when presented with good opportunities.
But it was an excuisite pass from Krohn-Dehli that gave Nolito the chance to finally break the deadlock and make it 0-1, scoring in his third match on the trot after goals against RC Deportivo de La Coruña and Club Atlético de Madrid.
Next Saturday Elche travel to Almeria.
Elche C.F .: Manu Herrera; Damian, Enzo Roco, Lombán, Edu Albacar, Rodrigues, Mosquera, José Ángel (Adrian, m. 77), Victor Rodriguez (Cristian Herrera, m. 85), Faiçal (Coro, m. 78) and Jonathas. 
Photo:Kevin RendallFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45023/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Once again Elche were unlucky not to get anything out of this La Liga game played in front of 21,000 at the Estadio Martinez Valero last Friday evening,  as they were beaten by a 90th minute goal by RC Celta's Chilean striker Nolito.
The visitors arri...

### FIAT LAUNCHES LATEST DUCATO IN SPAIN

Italian vehicle manufacturer Fiat has just released their latest commercial vehicle from their “Professional” range in Spain, the sixth generation of its Ducato model, offering a reduction in total operating costs and has new technologies and design.
The development of the vehicle was targeted towards improving efficiency and value, whilst focussing on increasing technology. To do this, the company claims to have improved the strength and durability of the van, as well as introducing innovative elements with what they are calling “a customer-oriented design”.
Described as resembling a Spartan Warrior helmet, the most striking visual element is the front end of the vehicle, where ergonomic led lighting wraps around the shape of the mean and forceful image.
Compared to the previous generation, the new Ducato has a range of engines that have fuel consumption and emissions 10% lower than before, with a combined benefit of a reduction in overall weight. The new Fiat Professional model will be offered with a total of three different engines, with four power options, delivering 115, 130, 150 or 180 hp, with a robotised gearbox.
Inside the vehicle, the most modern element here involves the introduction of the “UConnect” infotainment system with navigation and driving aids, which can not only monitor tyre pressure, it also keeps an eye on traffic signals, warns of lane departure, has a hill descent and cruise control, amongst others key elements.
If those two key elements alone don´t satisfy or tantalise you into choosing this particular van, then you have nothing to worry about as you can choose from a staggering 1,000 different body variants, or an awe inspiring 10,000 different options, including varying capacity of between 8 and 17 cubic metres and accommodation for up to 17 people.
As a commercial vehicle, the price is also somewhat competitive, especially given the different design capabilities to fit the need of the client, with a standard package price coming in at 17,633 euro for the basic model version with 115 hp engine, up to the top-end factory version at 26,064 euro.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45013/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Italian vehicle manufacturer Fiat has just released their latest commercial vehicle from their “Professional” range in Spain, the sixth generation of its Ducato model, offering a reduction in total operating costs and has new technologies a...

### TAKING FLIGHT IN BATTLE

Like a futuristic battleground, a fleet of armed and un-crewed aircraft, or “drones” as they are more commonly know, are set to take to the skies in an attempt to fight back against a form of terrorism that has been plaguing many. 
However, this particular war is not against terrorists, or even against uniformed armies from another country, but rather it is the next stage in Valencia´s battle against the mosquito.
The announcement was made by the councillor for public health, Lourdes Bernal, during the presentation for the European Mosquito Control conference will be taking place in Valencia in February. 
Bernal said that the use of this equipment is “pioneering” as they have “intelligent surveillance systems” on board, which enables safer control and monitoring of mosquitoes, as well as their destruction.
The use of drones is largely prohibited in Spain, with the exception of by the military, and exceptional applications such as been approved here, with Valencia having been authorised to use drones in the detection and location of standing water.
However, despite the authority having been granted, the aircraft can only be used on municipal land, flying no more than 500 metres from the operator and that pilot must be aviation trained and certified to fly.
The characteristics of the city, with its wide network of ditches and canals, golf courses, rice fields and the Natural Park of Albufera, make it an ideal home for mosquitoes, who tend to live in areas less easily accessible by ground crews. 
Traditionally, the council will treat known areas with chemicals that prevents water synthesize, as well as insecticide, focussing on removing the larvae. The council also deal with other “pests” with their annual use of 90,000 kilos of rat poison injected biscuits, and chemical treatment of some 3,000 palms. 
Although often considered a pest by humans, many scientists and ecologists warn of the dangers of eradicating small insects, due to the impact it has on others. The pesticides can enter the water systems and cause direct problems for humans, whereas killing the mosquitoes on mass takes away food for birds, many of whom then leave the area completely, others switch their attention to eating crops to survive. The lack of birds also plays a part in the potential risk to the delicate eco-systems, which can ultimately affect the entire planet, according to the scientific evidence.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45012/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Like a futuristic battleground, a fleet of armed and un-crewed aircraft, or “drones” as they are more commonly know, are set to take to the skies in an attempt to fight back against a form of terrorism that has been plaguing many. 
However...

### MINISTRY REVEALS SECRET SPY PLANS

The procurement section of the Spanish government revealed details of a contract last week, that was removed just 39 minutes after it was made public.
Considered a mistake and now shrouded in secrecy, the document detailed a 175,000 euro contract from the interior ministry, responsible for the domestic security services, for the purchase of forensic equipment from a company named as Onerecovery, which are allegedly used for tracing data and smartphone analysis, much in the same way that the American NSA got into hot water for spying on people.
The document detailed the purchase of “devices for mobile phone forensic analysis” for use by the police to “track information” including that which had been deleted.
The discovery of the global espionage ring run by the NSA has been one of the greatest global scandals in recent years; however, with the findings that the Spanish government may have endorsed similar practices, questions may well be raised here too.
However, it is also possible that the equipment could be used for legitimate legal investigations, such as examining data of missing or fatally injured people or in detailing communication in the event of a major case under investigation, or even in investigations relating to pornographic images and their distribution.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45011/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The procurement section of the Spanish government revealed details of a contract last week, that was removed just 39 minutes after it was made public.
Considered a mistake and now shrouded in secrecy, the document detailed a 175,000 euro contract from...

### LOW COST CALLS AND INTERNET WITH MÁSMÓVIL!

Whilst in Spain you shouldn't pay more for your calls and internet and with MÁSMÓVIL's “Pay as you go” rates you don't have to!
If you just need a voice plan, with MÁSMÓVIL's “Pay as you go” take 60 minutes for just 5€ per month (Vat included) and top up whenever you want.
Choose the prepaid voice bundle that fits you best and combine it with an internet bundle from only 5€, easy to renew via SMS or calling 2373.
For only 5€ more, you can make your plan international with cheap calls to many different destinations. Get up to 1,000 minutes of international calls plus 1.5 GB of data for only 39.93€ (Vat included) per month!
MÁSMÓVIL is all about transparency, without small print, fines or commitment clauses, so you may leave whenever you want! You can even ‘park' your SIM card for up to 9 months whilst you are away and can continue to keep the same Spanish number for when you return. These, together with a polite customer service team who speak no less than 6 languages (English, German, Spanish, Scandinavian, Russian and Finnish), make MÁSMÓVIL a firm favourite with expatriates.
Over 150,000 satisfied customers can't be wrong. Find out more about the terms and conditions for PAY AS YOU GO rates by phoning our toll-free number 1473 today, or visit www.masmovil.es to find your nearest MÁSMÓVIL distributor.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45009/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Whilst in Spain you shouldn't pay more for your calls and internet and with MÁSMÓVIL's “Pay as you go” rates you don't have to!
If you just need a voice plan, with MÁSMÓVIL's “Pay as you go” take 60 ...

### FITNESS DENIA U3A

Members of Denia U3A taking advantage of fitness classes at Centro de Fitness in Denia.
Classes designed for the members include Pilates, yoga and circuit training but other classes, the gym facilities and the pool are all on offer with special rates. Further details can be found on the Denia U3A website www.u3Adeniamemberlodge.org or contact fitness@u3adenia.org  
Sally Merrett
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45008/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Members of Denia U3A taking advantage of fitness classes at Centro de Fitness in Denia.
Classes designed for the members include Pilates, yoga and circuit training but other classes, the gym facilities and the pool are all on offer with special rates....

### BUYING OR RENTING?

The World recession has changed attitudes to many issues. For expats intending to start a new life in Spain, the option of buying a home before the recession, possibly with a cheap Spanish mortgage was always a tempting one. Good value properties were readily and cheaply available, and mortgages were never too much of a problem to obtain, particularly if you had the right contacts.
Of course, this was part of the problem, as Spain and other Mediterranean countries have since found out. As a result, many expat properties are often difficult to sell, many are in negative equity and mortgage foreclosures are a common occurrence, with many expats returning to their countries of origin, bitter and dejected. 
One of the questions that I am frequently asked by intending expats is “Should I buy or rent a home in Spain?” Many would-be expats have listened to horror stories from returning expats, or read in one of the Brit tabloids about the “horrors of buying a home in Spain” that advise not to buy.  
“Never buy, always rent” has become the current mantra for some people, and voiced particularly loudly by expats who still have a property to sell. However, this is not always the best advice for the intending expat, and I would caution against taking such advice too seriously. 
A high percentage of emails that I receive from expats relates to circumstances where things have gone badly wrong in the rental market. Short-term rentals now seem to be the order of the day and if you decide to rent, be prepared to move frequently. Many landlords are speculative and only want to rent out properties during the ‘off peak' season and like to move tenants on in time to make higher rentals during the main holiday period. Neither do landlords currently like tenants to feel too ‘comfortable'.
Many have been badly bitten during the financial crisis with unpaid rents and are cautiously against allowing long-term tenancies. Many expats do not speak the language fluently enough to check the conditions of their tenancy agreements, which should always be checked by a competent and reliable Spanish lawyer; however, select one who can advise you in your own language.
Of course, much depends upon personal circumstances, including whether or not you have the capital or mortgage capability to buy a home in Spain; if not, renting is the only available option. Maybe you are retired, have a home in the UK and intend to return in the future, in which case renting maybe the best idea. However, if you intend to make a commitment to your new country and are prepared to accept the advantages, as well as the challenges, then buying a home would always be my preferred option.
There is nothing quite like owning your own home, albeit with the help of a mortgage. However, this is on the basis that you do your homework thoroughly first.
If you intend to buy, my advice would be to live in rented accommodation in an area where you plan to buy for a year or two. This is to ensure that you actually like the location, as well as giving you plenty of time to look for available properties in an area that you intend to make your permanent home.
Look for bargains, bank forced sales, as well as talking to neighbours and friends. By all means, check out the local estate agents as a good source of information but in most cases, it is the locals who know about the best local deals.
Whatever the cynics say, it is still relatively easy to obtain a bank mortgage in Spain, particularly if you are working. Speak to several banks, lawyers, developers and people that you know. Remember, that it is still often a case of ‘who' you know and not ‘what' you know in Spain. When the time comes to buy, look for a reputable Spanish lawyer. Make sure it is someone well known and recommended to you by friends and neighbours.
If you do decide to buy a property, make sure it is for the right reasons. Before the financial crisis, I knew of many expats who would buy properties for a ‘song', often on unregistered land, hoping to make a large profit when it came to sell the property several months on.
Many such speculators were caught out, and this is why so many expats are currently bitterly against purchasing properties in Spain. Don't let their greed put you off. Remember that you are primarily buying a home and it shouldn't matter too much if its value rises or falls, particularly in the short term.
If you still have a property in the UK, lucky you, because it should provide you with some spare cash to get the new home that you are really looking for. However, don't keep your old home just in case you wish to return. If you are moving on a temporary flight of fancy, then it may be wise to keep it for a few months. However, if you are aiming for a permanent life in a new country, my best advice is to cut the umbilical chord, and move on. If you should return at a later date, so many things will have changed, that you probably won't like your old home and neighbours anyway!
It is always best to move on and never to look back. I have known many expats to fret so much about their old home, which is either left empty or let to strangers, that they are never able to let go and move on, and enjoy the real purpose of their new lives in the sun.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.

© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45007/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The World recession has changed attitudes to many issues. For expats intending to start a new life in Spain, the option of buying a home before the recession, possibly with a cheap Spanish mortgage was always a tempting one. Good value properties were ...

### DATA PUBLISHED FOR TORREVIEJA LIFEGUARDS

Torrevieja's Councillor for Beaches, Francisco Moreno, and Bibiano Vera, the President of the Local Red Cross, took time out on Monday to congratulate all those who have been working during the summer months, in whatever capacity, to monitor the public and provide lifesaving services to Torrevieja's beaches.
Moreno said that once again, their contribution has been first class as a result of which the summer has passed with only a limited number of incidents, despite the large number of occurrences they have had to deal with.
Data published by the Local Red Cross in respect of assistance provided: General assistance, 3,874; Assists in sea rescues, 230; Social assistance, 2,037; support interventions, 73. Fortunately, throughout the summer there has not been a single drowning on any of the Torrevieja beaches. 
Moreno said that the figures compare well with those published in 2013
Although there were some slight increases; General assists 2.20%; Sea rescues 6.98%; 2.26% Social assistance; support interventions 1.00%.
The Councillor said that items falling into the category of general assistance are those minor tasks such as sunburn relief, wounds, bites, jellyfish stings, minor bruises, allergies, etc., and almost all were resolved at the time. Assistance provided in the sea is that which was necessary to assist swimmers in difficulty while support interventions were those requiring ambulance assistance and transfer to a medical facility. 
Moreno also noted from the data provided by the Red Cross, that a total of 1,166 wristbands were distributed to children on the beaches of Torrevieja during the summer. Assistance was provided to 152 children that had gone astray. Of the 152 children only four were wearing a wristband, demonstrating that the wristbands are a very effective way for parents to ensure their children don't get lost.
The Councillor said that the performance of the lifeguards has been very good, which has been reflected in the results gathered from surveys amongst the public. He said that about 45% of users thought that the guards provided a GOOD service, and 39% rated it as VERY GOOD.
Finally, Moreno has stated that Torrevieja is considering extending the lifeguard service on the beaches during the summer 2015, and next year it could well begin before July.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45005/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Torrevieja's Councillor for Beaches, Francisco Moreno, and Bibiano Vera, the President of the Local Red Cross, took time out on Monday to congratulate all those who have been working during the summer months, in whatever capacity, to monitor the public...

### TOP SPANISH HORSEMAN CORTES HOSPITALIZED HOURS AFTER STARRING IN SHOW

ONE of Spain's leading horse breeders and showmen Juan Cortes is back at work in Dolores after spending the night in hospital - hours after performing in Torremendo.
"When we got home after the Horse and Flamenco Show in Torremendo he rushed off to the doctor - and they sent him to A&E," said Emma Tytherleigh. British born Emma, who directs and performs alongside Cortes in the Horse and Flamenco Show spectacular, said: "Juan's fine now." Diabetic Cortes is one of Spain's leading horsemen, and an International Dressage rider and breeder, based in Dolores.
Cortes was taking pain killers to ease pain ahead of the show: "Juan had a lot of fluid on his elbow and it got worse as the night went on, that lead to going to hospital," said Emma. Gypsy Cortes, a former rider of the Royal Andalusian School of Jerez, was kept in hospital under observation overnight.
Cortes who is a leading world figure in Classical Dressage, bred Spanish Dressage Gold Medalists Juan Matute and Carlos Torrel. Born and raised in Cordoba, Cortes, who owns a Stud Farm in Dolores, Alicante, specialises in breeding rare coloured Spanish horses.
Cortes is at the forefront of breeding the World's best most wanted Black pure bred Spanish horse bloodlines. Cortes, with four decades of professional Equestrian experience, who has competed at top level Dressage, Vaquera and Morfológico classes, specialisies in black, chestnut and Dun colours.
Cortes bred leading Black stallions, including Justiciero XI, Boquete, and Ingrato IX, and has supplied horses to top Equestrian centres in Camica Do Pont, America, and Philip Arias in France. Equestrian rider Emma, based in Dolores, who works alongside Cortes in horse shows, said: "True to form Juan was back to working horses Monday morning." 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45004/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ONE of Spain's leading horse breeders and showmen Juan Cortes is back at work in Dolores after spending the night in hospital - hours after performing in Torremendo.
"When we got home after the Horse and Flamenco Show in Torremendo he rushed off to the doctor - and they sent him to A&E," said Emma Tytherleigh. British born Emma, who directs and performs alongside Cortes in the Horse and Flamenco Show spectacular, said: "Juan's fine now." Diabetic Cortes is one of Spain's leading horsemen, and an International Dressage rider and breeder, based in Dolores.
Cortes was taking pain killers to ease pain ahead of the show: "Juan had a lot of fluid on his elbow and it got worse as the night went on, that lead to going to hospital," said Emma. Gypsy Cortes, a former rider of the Royal Andalusian School of Jerez, was kept in hospital under observation overnight.
Cortes who is a leading world figure in Classical Dressage, bred Spanish Dressage Gold Medalists Juan Matute and Carlos Torrel. Born and raised in Cordoba, Cortes, who owns a Stud Farm in Dolores, Alicante, specialises in breeding rare coloured Spanish horses.
Cortes is at the forefront of breeding the World's best most wanted Black pure bred Spanish horse bloodlines. Cortes, with four decades of professional Equestrian experience, who has competed at top level Dressage, Vaquera and Morfológico classes, specialisies in black, chestnut and Dun colours.
Cortes bred leading Black stallions, including Justiciero XI, Boquete, and Ingrato IX, and has supplied horses to top Equestrian centres in Camica Do Pont, America, and Philip Arias in France. Equestrian rider Emma, based in Dolores, who works alongside Cortes in horse shows, said: "True to form Juan was back to working horses Monday morning." 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45004/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ORIHUELA BISHOP MEETS EL PAPA

The bishop of the Diocese of Orihuela-Alicante, Jesus Murgui, has had the opportunity to share a few minutes with Pope Francis in Rome last week where he presented the pope with the book of pastoral planning for the Diocese for 2014-2015.
Monsignor Murgui has been in the Vatican City for the last few days where he has attended the International Meeting 'The pastoral project Evangelii Gaudium', an event organized by the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization.
The diocesan delegation was headed by the bishop himself, who made the journey with three priests and four laymen all from the Orihuela-Alicante Diocese.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44999/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The bishop of the Diocese of Orihuela-Alicante, Jesus Murgui, has had the opportunity to share a few minutes with Pope Francis in Rome last week where he presented the pope with the book of pastoral planning for the Diocese for 2014-2015.
Monsignor M...

### UNREGULATED RENTAL PROPERTIES

The campaign for 'Safe Holidays', launched by the Business Association of Tourist Apartments Costa Blanca (APTUR) in conjunction with the Valencia Tourism Agency, stopped off in Torrevieja last week to alert customers and rental property owners to the risks of rental accommodation that is not controlled or regulated.
Along with other members of the association the President and Secretary of APTUR, Sotillos Miguel and Beatriz Pérez-Hickman, handed out information leaflets to users and owners on la avenida Libertad in front of the Casino.
Amongst the recommendations, tourists were asked to ensure that property owners or management company's from whom they rent are registered with the Ministry of Tourism.
This will provide the holidaymaker with many safeguards including insurance for themselves or their family members in the event of injury or damage that occurs whilst they are in the property.
"It is important for customers to know that they will not encounter problems or unpleasant surprises when they get to their holiday destination," said the president, Miguel Sotillos, who also noted that “approximately 65% of rental apartments on the Costa Blanca are not regulated and therefore offer no protection to the clients.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44998/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The campaign for 'Safe Holidays', launched by the Business Association of Tourist Apartments Costa Blanca (APTUR) in conjunction with the Valencia Tourism Agency, stopped off in Torrevieja last week to alert customers and rental property owners to the risks of rental accommodation that is not controlled or regulated.
Along with other members of the association the President and Secretary of APTUR, Sotillos Miguel and Beatriz Pérez-Hickman, handed out information leaflets to users and owners on la avenida Libertad in front of the Casino.
Amongst the recommendations, tourists were asked to ensure that property owners or management company's from whom they rent are registered with the Ministry of Tourism.
This will provide the holidaymaker with many safeguards including insurance for themselves or their family members in the event of injury or damage that occurs whilst they are in the property.
"It is important for customers to know that they will not encounter problems or unpleasant surprises when they get to their holiday destination," said the president, Miguel Sotillos, who also noted that “approximately 65% of rental apartments on the Costa Blanca are not regulated and therefore offer no protection to the clients.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44998/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### RETURN OF ENGLISH CONVERSATION CLASSES

Rosario Martínez Chazarra, the Councillor for Youth has announced the resumption of the English conversation classes at the Center for Information and Youth (CIAJ).
The classes first got underway in 2012 and have proved so popular that hundreds of people have been able to improve their English language skills through the activity.
The current sessions will run through to June 2015 and will mainly consist of oral practice with a group of between 15 and 25 British volunteers.
As well as the improvement of language skills by both groups the meetings also help to promote social relationships as a means of coexistence and integration among the citizens of Torrevieja. 
The councilor announced that the groups are currently being held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, from 10:00 to 12:00 and on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 17:00 to 18:00 pm. The venue is the Center for Information and Youth (CIAJ).
Martínez said that the activity is completely free and open to people of all ages.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44997/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Rosario Martínez Chazarra, the Councillor for Youth has announced the resumption of the English conversation classes at the Center for Information and Youth (CIAJ).
The classes first got underway in 2012 and have proved so popular that hundreds...

### WORK GETS UNDERWAY ON LA AVENIDA DE LAS HABANERAS

According to Carmen Gómez Candel, Torrevieja's head of the Department of Parks and Gardens, work has begun work on improvements to the gardens and flower beds along La Avenida de las Habaneras.
A new plant irrigation system will be installed along a stretch of approximately 650 meters as well as the removal of aged plants, pruning of palm trees and flower beds, the replacement of artificial lawns, repainting of all road signs and repairs to pavements.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44996/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: According to Carmen Gómez Candel, Torrevieja's head of the Department of Parks and Gardens, work has begun work on improvements to the gardens and flower beds along La Avenida de las Habaneras.
A new plant irrigation system will be installed al...

### MAYOR WELCOMES SPIRITUAL LEADER OF SENEGAL

On Monday Torrevieja mayor Eduardo Dolon welcomed Mamen Mor Mbacke, the Spiritual Leader of Senegal, to the "Virgen del Carmen" Cultural Center, in front of representatives from the Senegalese community who are resident in Torrevieja.
The pair was accompanied by the councilors for Immigration and Citizenship, Rosario Martinez and Agustina Esteve, as well as the President of the Senegalese Cultural Association of Torrevieja, Abdourahmann Mbaye. 
Valencia is currently home to more than 4,500 Senegalese with over 400 resident in Torrevieja where Mr Mbacke highlighted their excellent reception saying how tolerant and supportive the people are toward the Senegalese who reside in the local area.
He said that he was happy to return to Torrevieja so that he could continue to help with the integration of his many countrymen with the local community while Eduardo Dolon thanked him for the enormous interest he continues to show in their welfare.
Mame Mor Mbacke is currently the spiritual leader of Senegal. His doctrine promotes "Muridism" based on hard work, cooperation, education and training, as key points toward the development of their followers, plus the positive coexistence between religions and people with different beliefs.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44995/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Monday Torrevieja mayor Eduardo Dolon welcomed Mamen Mor Mbacke, the Spiritual Leader of Senegal, to the "Virgen del Carmen" Cultural Center, in front of representatives from the Senegalese community who are resident in Torrevieja.
The pair was accompanied by the councilors for Immigration and Citizenship, Rosario Martinez and Agustina Esteve, as well as the President of the Senegalese Cultural Association of Torrevieja, Abdourahmann Mbaye. 
Valencia is currently home to more than 4,500 Senegalese with over 400 resident in Torrevieja where Mr Mbacke highlighted their excellent reception saying how tolerant and supportive the people are toward the Senegalese who reside in the local area.
He said that he was happy to return to Torrevieja so that he could continue to help with the integration of his many countrymen with the local community while Eduardo Dolon thanked him for the enormous interest he continues to show in their welfare.
Mame Mor Mbacke is currently the spiritual leader of Senegal. His doctrine promotes "Muridism" based on hard work, cooperation, education and training, as key points toward the development of their followers, plus the positive coexistence between religions and people with different beliefs.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44995/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### SOCIAL SECURITY LOSES 17,941 FOREIGNERS IN AUGUST

The number of foreign contributors to the Spanish Social Security system was down by 17,941 in August, a 1.1% reduction on the previous month, to 1,582,823. 
The figures were released last week by the Ministry of Employment.
With the drop in August, the number of foreigners paying into the Social Security has now dropped for the second consecutive month after losing 8,913 contributors in July.
Of all immigrants registered at the end of last month, regular employees numbered 1,339,292; those registered as utonomous 238,618; 4,632 are employed in the fishing industry, and 281 as coal miners.
Of all foreign affiliates in the eighth month of the year, 948,396 were from countries outside the EU and the remaining 634 427 people are from EU countries.
La Rioja, Navarra, Cantabria and the Canary Islands are the regions with the largest monthly improvement, with increases of 2.3%, 2.08%, 1.7% and 0.98% respectively, while Castilla-La Mancha (- 6.2%), Murcia (-6%) and Aragón (-3.1%) show the largest declines.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44994/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The number of foreign contributors to the Spanish Social Security system was down by 17,941 in August, a 1.1% reduction on the previous month, to 1,582,823. 
The figures were released last week by the Ministry of Employment.
With the drop in August, ...

### CUCARACHA GIRLS MAKE A SPLASH

Fundraising continues apace for the film The Cucaracha Club, our very own community project here on the Costa Blanca. Some of the female cast volunteered to be ice bucketed in a wet t shirt challenge on the beach front at Playa Flamenca last weekend.
Cheered on by family, friends and members of the public the brave girls took a drenching for the sake of The Cucaracha Club !  Around 500€ was raised. Another brave soul, Baz from AliandBrians Sports Bar at Playa Flamenca offerd 200€ if he could get wet !
Well it was rude to refuse, so on Sunday evening the cast duly obliged. After an evening of excellent entertainment with the lovely Chloe Leigh, including other donations a total of 276€ was raised. Thanks Baz ! and for his efforts he will have a walk on part in the film !
All the actors and crew, including British star Tom Watt (Lofty from Eastenders ) and Hollywood star Al Matthews ( from Alien and 64 other Hollywood movies) are giving their time free of charge.
Funds are needed to complete the post production stages of the film. One of the aims of the film is to boost tourism in the area and so help struggling businesses and individuals in these difficult times. Please donate or support The Cucaracha Club in any way you can, maybe offer your establishment as a film set ? Visit the website at www.siesta.productions to find out more.
You can also join in by supporting one of our fundraising events such as the Ladies Only night on October 13th, tickets only 8€ ! or come and see Woody and The Peckers on December 23rd. and we have a very special night planned for New Years Eve, see the web page for details or follow us on Facebook at The Cucaracha Club or on Siesta Productions. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44991/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Fundraising continues apace for the film The Cucaracha Club, our very own community project here on the Costa Blanca. Some of the female cast volunteered to be ice bucketed in a wet t shirt challenge on the beach front at Playa Flamenca last weekend.
...

### A WEEK NOT TO BE MISSED IN CARTAGENA

All of this week, the historic city of Cartagena is transformed to represent another time, another world, another and more sinister places, as the annual Romans against Carthaginians battle is recreated.
Cartagena has a history of three thousand years and, immediately as the summer comes to a close, the festival begins. To relive the history of the city, the Festival of Carthaginians and Romans evokes various official events from the Second Punic War: the causes of conflict between the Carthaginian and Roman powers, the beginning of the conflict and its outcome.
Cartagena is a unique city and one worth visiting any time of year, even with its modern military history, and an encyclopaedic past, it also offers a variety of shops, small and large, including El Corte Inglés, and a variety of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. 
If you haven´t visited yet, then this is perhaps the best time to do so, as this event is quite unique and offers an alternative to the Moors and Christians, Medieval markets and other such festivals offered in most places.
The events run for a whole week, but as we get towards the weekend, the action gets even more intense. A full guide is available from the tourist information offices, but here are some of our highlights that we think fall into the “not to be missed” category.
Thursday 25th September - 20:00, Carthaginian Navy landings. 22:00, Hannibal Marchs to Rome. Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Mayor, Puerta de Murcia, del Carmen, Plaza de España, Alameda de San Anton, Soldado Rosique, Puente Carthago Nova to the Festival Camp.
Friday 26th September - 11:00, Battle in the Port. 17:00, Landing of the Roman Army. 18:15, Battle to conquer Qart-Hadast, Cuesta del Batel. 20:00, Victory at the Port followed by Military March of victory after the surrender of the city, Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Mayor, Puerta de Murcia, del Carmen, Plaza de España, Alameda de San Anton, Soldado Rosique, Puente Carthago Nova to the Festival Camp.
Saturday 27th September - 13:30, Tribute to the fallen Romans, Monumento Funerario Torreciega. 19:00, Parade of Troops and Legions. Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Mayor, Puerta de Murcia, del Carmen, Plaza de España, Alameda de San Anton, Soldado Rosique, Puente Carthago Nova to the Festival Camp.
 Sunday 28th September - 18:00, Roman Circus at the Bullring. 21:00, Extinguish of the sacred fire. 21:30, Firework display at the Festival Camp.
You can also get more information from the dedicated website, which is www.cartaginesesyromanos.es, now, let battle commence.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44989/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: All of this week, the historic city of Cartagena is transformed to represent another time, another world, another and more sinister places, as the annual Romans against Carthaginians battle is recreated.
Cartagena has a history of three thousand years...

### RUGBY LA VILA NEWS V BARCELONA

Second league win for Rugby La Vila, past Saturday 20th september, in Barcelona, against strong Barcelona Ingeneers for 14 - 10
It was not an easy win, Barcelona players were superb. Many mistakes from La Vila players. Our kicker Juanma Quirante had the day and he conversted 3 from 3 penalty kicks. Duncan Tout, the only English player this season, score the only try for La Vila
Despite La Vila did not play very well. The win is important to keep top at the table. Now the coach Hernan Quirelly has time enough to prepare next sunday game at home versus Sotges from barcelona. Sunday 28th september at 12.00 
Attached photos new player Damian Jurado in action
New player debute. Juan Cobelo from Argentina
Next week, the first team will play at home, saunday 28th september at 12.00 against Sitges from barcelona. Dont miss out. Tickets as usual 5 euros, under 18 year free
Im afraid due to reeseding we have to change venue for game against touring side Weathley Hills, we will play them Sunday 5th October, at 12.30, Free entrance. Venue TBC
The second team will start to play saturday 18th October. Still time to join the club, train and play for second team. They play locally at Alicante level, not long  journeys, only local, Denia, Alicante, Elche, Torrevieja. New Players are welcome. Ficha will be 200 euros per season, inlcluded insurance and travel expenses
The Club also run womens rugby and U18, U16, U14, U12, U10 and U8 teams. Trainings already start. 
We also have a well equipated Gym. members have free use. Come and join Rugby La Vila
Anyone wishing to come along will find La Vila Rugby Club is situated at Carretera Pantano, Villajoyosa.  Just take the motorway AP-7 exit Nº 66 (Villajoyosa). 
At the first roundabout head for the mountain. It is about 1 km from Motorway exit nº 66. Or take the Villajoyosa by-pass, and take the middle exit, at the first roundabout, bare right towards the motorway entrance and at the second roundabout bare left towards the mountain. 
If you are interested to join La Vila contact Jason Craig on 659 674 768 or Ignacio Davila 608 068 208Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44987/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Second league win for Rugby La Vila, past Saturday 20th september, in Barcelona, against strong Barcelona Ingeneers for 14 - 10
It was not an easy win, Barcelona players were superb. Many mistakes from La Vila players. Our kicker Juanma Quirante had t...

### FOUR NEW INSPECTORS FOR TORREVIEJA POLICE

Last Saturday, at the headquarters of the Valencian Institute of Public Safety and Emergencies (IVASPE) the Minister of the Interior and Justice, Luis Santamaría, commissioned four new Inspectors into the Torrevieja Policia Local, Tomás Quesada Vilella, Juan Carlos García González, Óscar Cartón González and Noel Olcina Martínez who have all recently passed their promotion examinations.
Tomás Quesada Vilella, with 22 years of service, also received a diploma in recognition of his achieving the best academic record in the exam. 
In presenting the diplomas Torrevieja's Councillor for Police, Agustina Esteve, was accompanied by the Chief Quartermaster, Vicente Gutierrez. The pair congratulated the four police officers on their appointment as inspectors, urging them to continue to work diligently to improve the image of the city of Torrevieja. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44985/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Last Saturday, at the headquarters of the Valencian Institute of Public Safety and Emergencies (IVASPE) the Minister of the Interior and Justice, Luis Santamaría, commissioned four new Inspectors into the Torrevieja Policia Local, Tomás Q...

### RAJOY WELCOMES RESULT OF SCOTTISH REFERENDUM

Spain Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, announced the following assessment on the referendum held last Thursday in Scotland:
"I would like to congratulate the Scottish people on deciding - clearly and unequivocally - to remain part of the United Kingdom and, by extension, the European Union.
They have done so by a wide margin, peacefully and with meticulous respect for the law in their country.
We celebrate Scotland remaining part of the United Kingdom. We celebrate its ongoing contribution to the greatness, cohesion and development of the United Kingdom.
As citizens of Europe, we are also glad that the citizens of Scotland are staying with us; collaborating and participating as important partners in the great political project that is the European Union.
With their decision, the people of Scotland have avoided the serious economic, social, institutional and political consequences that would have stemmed from leaving the United Kingdom and Europe.
On Thursday, they chose between segregation and integration, between isolation and opening up, between stability and uncertainty, between security and certain risk. And they have chosen the most favourable option for all: for them, for the rest of the British people and for Europe as a whole.
I strongly believe in the integration of the European Union, I believe that this is the path which has led us to overcome the tragedies of our past and enables us to successfully tackle the challenges of the future. In order to succeed in that endeavour, we need everyone; and that is why we are very happy that Scotland has decided to stay with us".Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44984/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spain Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, announced the following assessment on the referendum held last Thursday in Scotland:
"I would like to congratulate the Scottish people on deciding - clearly and unequivocally - to remain part of the United Kingdom and, by extension, the European Union.
They have done so by a wide margin, peacefully and with meticulous respect for the law in their country.
We celebrate Scotland remaining part of the United Kingdom. We celebrate its ongoing contribution to the greatness, cohesion and development of the United Kingdom.
As citizens of Europe, we are also glad that the citizens of Scotland are staying with us; collaborating and participating as important partners in the great political project that is the European Union.
With their decision, the people of Scotland have avoided the serious economic, social, institutional and political consequences that would have stemmed from leaving the United Kingdom and Europe.
On Thursday, they chose between segregation and integration, between isolation and opening up, between stability and uncertainty, between security and certain risk. And they have chosen the most favourable option for all: for them, for the rest of the British people and for Europe as a whole.
I strongly believe in the integration of the European Union, I believe that this is the path which has led us to overcome the tragedies of our past and enables us to successfully tackle the challenges of the future. In order to succeed in that endeavour, we need everyone; and that is why we are very happy that Scotland has decided to stay with us".Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44984/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### RECORD 45.4 MILLION TOURISTS VISIT SPAIN

According to FRONTUR - The Inbound Tourism Survey, drafted by the General Sub-directorate of Tourism Information and Studies of the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism, this increase translates into three million more non-resident travellers visiting Spain than in the same period last year.
The top emitting markets in the period January-August were the United Kingdom, Germany and France, in particular. In relative terms, all autonomous regions posted year-on-year growth, with the Canary Islands (11.9%) and the Region of Madrid (8.8%) posting the highest figures.
For the first time in a single month, Spain was visited by 9,070,024 inbound tourists in August. This is a year-on-year increase of 8.8% and a new all-time record in the FRONTUR figures.
In August, the United Kingdom maintained its position as top emitting market for tourists visiting Spain, with 2,136,879 tourists; France was second, with 1,981,643 tourists; and Germany was third, with 1,290,777 tourists.  The United States (with an increase of 35.4%), Portugal (with an increase of 24.4%) and Italy (with an increase of 15.5%), were the emitting markets posting the highest growth rates.
Catalonia was the region visited by the highest number of tourists in August - 2,411,942, with an increase of 7.5%. This was followed by the Balearic Islands, with 2,193,677 tourists (up 6.2%) and Andalusia, with 1,186,226 tourists (up 5.6%). In August, the highest increases were posted by the Region of Madrid (19.1%) and the Canary Islands (12.4%).
Main emitting markets
Accounting for 23.6% of all inbound tourists in August, the United Kingdom maintained its position as top emitting market with 2,136,879 tourists, an increase of 5.8%. British tourists mostly travelled to the Balearic Islands and, to a lesser extent, the Canary Islands, Andalusia, Catalonia, the Region of Valencia and the Region of Madrid. The United Kingdom also holds the top spot in the figures on the period January-August, in which time 10,584,155 British tourists visited Spain - an increase of 5.6%.
Representing the second emitting market in the month, 1,981,643 French tourists visited Spain in August, accounting for 21.8% of the total, with an increase of 9.4%. French tourists mainly chose to visit Catalonia, but a significant number also visited the Region of Madrid, the Basque Country and Castile Leon. France accounted for 16.8% of all inbound tourists between January and August, with 7,633,543 tourists, with an increase of 10.4%.
Accounting for 14.2% of the total in August, 1,290,777 German tourists visited Spain - a significant increase of 11.8%. The Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands were the most popular destinations for German tourists. 7,112,667 German tourists visited Spain between January and August, an increase of 7.5% and accounting for 15.7% of the total in the period.
Italy was the next emitting market in August, with 7.2% of the total, 652,242 tourists and the third largest increase in the month (15.5%). Italy has consolidated the recovery that started 9 months ago. Italian tourists mostly travelled to Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. In the first eight months of 2014, 2,607,130 Italian tourists visited Spain - an increase of 13.7%, which is the second-highest increase in the period.
362,413 tourists visited Spain from the Nordic countries in August, accounting for 4% of the total and an increase of 1.5%. They travelled to almost all autonomous regions, although their numbers declined in the Canary Islands. 3,466,340 Nordic tourists visited Spain between January and August, an increase of 7.1% and accounting for 7.6% of the total.
With 334,549 tourists and an increase of 1.7% in August, tourists from the Netherlands accounted for 3.7% of the monthly total. Between January and August, 1,941,105 Dutch tourists visited Spain - an increase of 4.4% and accounting for 4.3% of the total.
It is worth noting the 35.4% growth posted by the United States in August (147,404 tourists) that accounted for 1.6% of the total and the 24.4% growth posted by Portugal (309,752) that accounted for 3.4% of the total.
Main destination autonomous regions
In August, Catalonia was the top destination autonomous region with 2,411,942 tourists, 26.6% of the total and an increase of 7.5%. The majority of tourists visiting Catalonia came from France and Italy. Between January and August, 11,693,055 tourists visited Catalonia - accounting for 25.8% of the total and an increase of 6.1%.
The Balearic Islands were visited by 2,193,677 inbound tourists in August, an increase of 6.2% and 24.2% of the total. The tourists visiting the Balearic Islands were mostly German, Italian and Belgian. Between January and August, 8,482,524 inbound tourists visited the Balearic Islands, an increase of 2.2% and 18.7% of the total.
Andalusia was the third most popular destination with 1,186,226 tourists, 13.1% of the total and an increase of 5.6%. The tourists visiting Andalusia were mostly British and French, although a large number were from Germany and Belgium. Between January and August, 5,979,922 tourists visited Andalusia - accounting for 13.2% of the total and an increase of 8.1%.
The Canary Islands were visited by 978,902 in August, accounting for 10.8% of the total and maintaining its position as fourth destination autonomous region. Its growth of 12.4% in the month was the second-highest. The top emitting markets were the United Kingdom and Germany. In the first eight months of the year, 7,517,556 inbound tourists visited the Canary Islands, accounting for 16.6% of the total and the highest rate of growth in the period, which stood at 11.9%.
919,142 tourists visited the Region of Valencia in August, accounting for 10.1% of the total and an increase of 8.1%.  The region's top emitting markets were Germany, Portugal, France, Russia and Belgium. Its top emitting market, the United Kingdom, posted a decline. 4,414,201 inbound tourists visited the Region of Valencia between January and August, an increase of 5.1% and 9.7% of the total.
However, the highest year-on-year growth in the month - representing19.1% - was posted by the Region of Madrid, which was the chosen destination for 352,179 tourists in August, accounting for 3.9% of the total. The region's main emitting markets were France with a significant increase and the more distant countries. 3,005,581 inbound tourists visited the region between January and August, up 8.8% and accounting for 6.6% of the total.
Form of travel, accommodation and type of holiday
Air travel was the chosen form of travel for 72.7% of the total, with 6,596,964 tourists in August and an increase of 8.3%.  2,232,838 inbound tourists entered Spain by road, 24.6% of the total. 2.6% of all inbound tourists arrived by other means.  Air travel was also the most popular form of travel in the first eight months of the year, with 36,006,938 inbound tourists arriving by air - representing79.3% of the total, with an increase of 6.7%. 8,538,214 inbound tourists arrived by road, representing 18.8% of the total, with an increase of 9.1%.
Hotel accommodation was chosen by 4,869,345 tourists in August, 53.7% of the total and an increase of 4%. 4,200,679 tourists stayed in non-hotel accommodation, 46.3% of the total, with an increase of 15%.
The number of inbound tourists travelling independently rose by 14.9% in August - to 6,850,355 - accounting for 75.5% of the total, while 2,219,669 tourists chose to travel on a package holiday, a decrease of 6.6%. Between January and August, 31,904,130 inbound tourists travelled independently, accounting for 70.3% of the total and an increase of 6.6%, while the 13,480,352 who travelled on a package holiday accounted for 29.7% of the total, with an increase of 9%.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44983/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to FRONTUR - The Inbound Tourism Survey, drafted by the General Sub-directorate of Tourism Information and Studies of the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism, this increase translates into three million more non-resident travellers visi...

### FILLING HEARTS WITH HOPE

Following the  disaster in the Philippines when Typhoon Haiyan struck last year, local singer and songwriter Shani Ormiston was so moved by the trauma and suffering of the Philippino people, broadcast globally by the media, that she felt that she had to do something tangible for those most in need. 
Shani, who lives in Torrevieja composed a song entitled "Fill a Heart With Hope" and with the collaboration of producer Manuel Ortega, produced a CD which was made available on CDBaby and iTunes to download for only 99 cents.  It was Shanis' wish that all monies from the sale of the CD would go directly to help the people of the Philippines.
Shani contacted the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club to ask that they handle all proceeds from the CD, in the knowledge that The Lions Club ensure that every single cent raised is  used to help those most in need at the point of delivery.
Last week Shani came back to the Lions Club and Lion President Iain Bennett was delighted to receive the sum of 330.00 euros which is now on its way to the Philippines.
This donation brings the total raised by the Torrevieja Costa Lions appeal for the Philippines to 12,120.00 US Dollars.
Should you wish to hear "Fill a Heart with Hope" it is still available to download from the internet.
To hear a selection of music by Shani, go to www.shaniormiston.com 
To get more information about the Lions Club go to www.torreviejacostalions.orgFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44980/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following the  disaster in the Philippines when Typhoon Haiyan struck last year, local singer and songwriter Shani Ormiston was so moved by the trauma and suffering of the Philippino people, broadcast globally by the media, that she felt that she had to do something tangible for those most in need. 
Shani, who lives in Torrevieja composed a song entitled "Fill a Heart With Hope" and with the collaboration of producer Manuel Ortega, produced a CD which was made available on CDBaby and iTunes to download for only 99 cents.  It was Shanis' wish that all monies from the sale of the CD would go directly to help the people of the Philippines.
Shani contacted the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club to ask that they handle all proceeds from the CD, in the knowledge that The Lions Club ensure that every single cent raised is  used to help those most in need at the point of delivery.
Last week Shani came back to the Lions Club and Lion President Iain Bennett was delighted to receive the sum of 330.00 euros which is now on its way to the Philippines.
This donation brings the total raised by the Torrevieja Costa Lions appeal for the Philippines to 12,120.00 US Dollars.
Should you wish to hear "Fill a Heart with Hope" it is still available to download from the internet.
To hear a selection of music by Shani, go to www.shaniormiston.com 
To get more information about the Lions Club go to www.torreviejacostalions.orgFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44980/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### THIS WEEK'S NEWS BITES

FIT NOT FAT
According to figures released last week one in 6 adults in Spain is obese, and more than 1 in 2 is overweight (including obese). The latest data show that the proportion of adults who are overweight has generally increased over recent years although at a slower pace than foreseen by previous projections.
ABORTION LAW SCRAPPED
The Spanish government is poised to abandon its plans to drastically limit access to abortion in the country. The PP introduced legislation in December that would make abortion illegal except in the case of rape or when there is a risk to the physical and mental health of the mother. But sources told the press last week that the law would never make it to parliament with several regional PP leaders speaking out against the deeply unpopular changes, and with polls showing between 70-80 per cent of the population opposed.
KIDS GAME
Barcelona Football Club have extended to 2016 a deal with Unicef under which the La Liga side pay $2 million a year to display the name of the United Nations Children's Fund on the back of their shirts.
TORREVIEJA U3A
On Monday, Sep 29th, we are holding a groups fair. You are welcome (members/non-members) to come along and see the range of over forty activities we might encourage you to take part in as well as some of the trips we organise. See what is on offer at the CMO building right opposite the back of the Carrefour superstore in town. Doors open at 10.30 and we look forward to seeing you.
LITTLE WEED
Manuel Gallud, Orihuela's councillor of the Environment has proposed the creation of a "Garden of Oriolanos" where parents will be encouraged to plant a palm tree for every newborn in Orihuela. The councillor said that many of the details are still to be worked out but he is hopeful that the scheme could be introduced next year.
LEADERS MEET
Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, met with the Mayor of Valencia, Rita Barberá, last week when the two leaders discussed the economic situation and the latest economic figures. The pair also took the opportunity to examine local politics and the situation of local councils.
GUARDAMAR TOURISM
Guardamar be present for the first time at the Feria Top Resa de París, the only professional major tourism event in France. It will share space with the Costa Blanca stand. In recent years French tourism has grown quickly in the municipality, making up 14% of all tourists who spend their holidays in the town.
SPAIN IN CHARGE
Spain will head up the European EUTM-Mali mission, for nine months starting in November. Command will be under a Brigadier. The Spanish contingent is currently made up of 114 military personnel with the EUTM mission as a whole totalling 577 military personnel from 27 countries. This new responsibility is due to Spain's commitment to stability in African countries affected by Jihadi terrorist threats which was acknowledged by NATO at the recent summit in Wales.
SPIRITUALIST CENTRE 
Spiritualist Centre, Benijofar, (formerly of Quesada) meet at Hamilton´s Bake House, 62 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178. Sunday, 11.30 a.m. and Tuesday 7.30 p.m. For more information contact Wendy on 965323028.Website www.spiritualistcentrebenijofar.com email phoenixchurch23@gmail.com Identification Fiscal G54713789
BOYS ON TOP
Spain's performance in mathematics, reading and science remains anchored just below the OECD average, despite a 35% increase in spending on education since 2003 and numerous reform efforts at national and regional levels. In 2012, Spanish boys scored 9 points higher in mathematics than girls, on average; whilst 9 years later, they scored 16 points higher than girls.
POLICE RAID
The Guardia Civil have mounted an operation to control criminal activities in one of the Redován slums, in the area known as Redován Corner, a group of houses located on the Callosa edge of the town. The Public Safety Unit from Torrevieja, along with agents from Jacarilla and Callosa de Segura are searching for stolen goods and drugs.
GOING DOWN
According to the figures published by the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE), the Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell by 0.5% year-on-year in August - in line with the preliminary data announced at the end of August.
AGE CONCERN 
The Age Concern Charity Shop in Los Montesinos will have been open for five years on Friday 24th October and to help us celebrate, the President of Age Concern, Maureen Payne, would like to invite all customers old and new to the Shop on that date for free drinks, nibbles and cake. We look forward to seeing you there.

PRISON FOR POLITICIAN
More than 40,000 people, in less than 6 days, signed a petition on the Change.org website urging the Minister of Justice, Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón, not to pardon to former president of Castellón and president of provincial PP, Carlos Fabra, sentenced to four years in prison for fraud of the treasury.
HERO DEATH
The funeral was held this week for another fire fighting helicopter pilot who died last weekend whilst tackling a blaze at the Almansa area of Albacete. An investigation has been launched into the crash but it appears the helicopter crashed whilst picking up water.
A MEATY ISSUE
Scientists in America have attributed a recent spate of meat eaters turning into vegetarians to an insect. They have discovered that the victims of a bite from the Amblyomma americanum, or lone star tick, results in the human becoming allergic to meat and dairy products. Thousands of people in the US have already been declared as affected, with similar occurrences are now being investigated in Spain, Australia, France, Germany, Sweden, Japan and Korea.
DON´T STOP THE MUSIC
A wedding DJ in India was beaten to death for refusing to play a song. Two groups had approached the DJ and made different requests, which were refused, resulting in tension and the DJ subsequently deciding to leave. He was found at his car having received multiple beatings with an iron bar.
A BUCKET OF HELP
An Indian journalist has come up with a more practical and useful version of the infamous water-wasting Ice Bucket Challenge, which aims to directly help those in need. Manju Kalanidhi's “Rice Bucket Challenge”, which encourages people to take a bucket of rice and give it to somebody in need of food, has already gone viral with thousands taking up the challenge.
HAPPY READERS
Fast food chain McDonald´s has replaced toys in happy meals with books in a trial in their restaurants in India, in an attempt to combat illiteracy. The trial is running until the end of this month, with a statement saying that they believe “this is a smart move that will aid the progression of education and encourage reading”. 
POPE DOPE
The Italian occupants of a vehicle registered to the Vatican were arrested last weekend at a toll booth near Chambéry (Savoie), in eastern France, after the vehicle they were in was found to be carrying 4 kilos of cocaine and 200 grams of cannabis. The Vatican has said that “no employee or member of the Vatican is directly involved in this matter”, but confirmed that the car belonged to their French delegation. French media say that the car belongs to the Argentine Cardinal Jorge Maria Mejia, 91, and that the private secretary lent the car for a few days to two men.

 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44971/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: FIT NOT FAT
According to figures released last week one in 6 adults in Spain is obese, and more than 1 in 2 is overweight (including obese). The latest data show that the proportion of adults who are overweight has generally increased over recent years although at a slower pace than foreseen by previous projections.
ABORTION LAW SCRAPPED
The Spanish government is poised to abandon its plans to drastically limit access to abortion in the country. The PP introduced legislation in December that would make abortion illegal except in the case of rape or when there is a risk to the physical and mental health of the mother. But sources told the press last week that the law would never make it to parliament with several regional PP leaders speaking out against the deeply unpopular changes, and with polls showing between 70-80 per cent of the population opposed.
KIDS GAME
Barcelona Football Club have extended to 2016 a deal with Unicef under which the La Liga side pay $2 million a year to display the name of the United Nations Children's Fund on the back of their shirts.
TORREVIEJA U3A
On Monday, Sep 29th, we are holding a groups fair. You are welcome (members/non-members) to come along and see the range of over forty activities we might encourage you to take part in as well as some of the trips we organise. See what is on offer at the CMO building right opposite the back of the Carrefour superstore in town. Doors open at 10.30 and we look forward to seeing you.
LITTLE WEED
Manuel Gallud, Orihuela's councillor of the Environment has proposed the creation of a "Garden of Oriolanos" where parents will be encouraged to plant a palm tree for every newborn in Orihuela. The councillor said that many of the details are still to be worked out but he is hopeful that the scheme could be introduced next year.
LEADERS MEET
Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, met with the Mayor of Valencia, Rita Barberá, last week when the two leaders discussed the economic situation and the latest economic figures. The pair also took the opportunity to examine local politics and the situation of local councils.
GUARDAMAR TOURISM
Guardamar be present for the first time at the Feria Top Resa de París, the only professional major tourism event in France. It will share space with the Costa Blanca stand. In recent years French tourism has grown quickly in the municipality, making up 14% of all tourists who spend their holidays in the town.
SPAIN IN CHARGE
Spain will head up the European EUTM-Mali mission, for nine months starting in November. Command will be under a Brigadier. The Spanish contingent is currently made up of 114 military personnel with the EUTM mission as a whole totalling 577 military personnel from 27 countries. This new responsibility is due to Spain's commitment to stability in African countries affected by Jihadi terrorist threats which was acknowledged by NATO at the recent summit in Wales.
SPIRITUALIST CENTRE 
Spiritualist Centre, Benijofar, (formerly of Quesada) meet at Hamilton´s Bake House, 62 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178. Sunday, 11.30 a.m. and Tuesday 7.30 p.m. For more information contact Wendy on 965323028.Website www.spiritualistcentrebenijofar.com email phoenixchurch23@gmail.com Identification Fiscal G54713789
BOYS ON TOP
Spain's performance in mathematics, reading and science remains anchored just below the OECD average, despite a 35% increase in spending on education since 2003 and numerous reform efforts at national and regional levels. In 2012, Spanish boys scored 9 points higher in mathematics than girls, on average; whilst 9 years later, they scored 16 points higher than girls.
POLICE RAID
The Guardia Civil have mounted an operation to control criminal activities in one of the Redován slums, in the area known as Redován Corner, a group of houses located on the Callosa edge of the town. The Public Safety Unit from Torrevieja, along with agents from Jacarilla and Callosa de Segura are searching for stolen goods and drugs.
GOING DOWN
According to the figures published by the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE), the Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell by 0.5% year-on-year in August - in line with the preliminary data announced at the end of August.
AGE CONCERN 
The Age Concern Charity Shop in Los Montesinos will have been open for five years on Friday 24th October and to help us celebrate, the President of Age Concern, Maureen Payne, would like to invite all customers old and new to the Shop on that date for free drinks, nibbles and cake. We look forward to seeing you there.

PRISON FOR POLITICIAN
More than 40,000 people, in less than 6 days, signed a petition on the Change.org website urging the Minister of Justice, Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón, not to pardon to former president of Castellón and president of provincial PP, Carlos Fabra, sentenced to four years in prison for fraud of the treasury.
HERO DEATH
The funeral was held this week for another fire fighting helicopter pilot who died last weekend whilst tackling a blaze at the Almansa area of Albacete. An investigation has been launched into the crash but it appears the helicopter crashed whilst picking up water.
A MEATY ISSUE
Scientists in America have attributed a recent spate of meat eaters turning into vegetarians to an insect. They have discovered that the victims of a bite from the Amblyomma americanum, or lone star tick, results in the human becoming allergic to meat and dairy products. Thousands of people in the US have already been declared as affected, with similar occurrences are now being investigated in Spain, Australia, France, Germany, Sweden, Japan and Korea.
DON´T STOP THE MUSIC
A wedding DJ in India was beaten to death for refusing to play a song. Two groups had approached the DJ and made different requests, which were refused, resulting in tension and the DJ subsequently deciding to leave. He was found at his car having received multiple beatings with an iron bar.
A BUCKET OF HELP
An Indian journalist has come up with a more practical and useful version of the infamous water-wasting Ice Bucket Challenge, which aims to directly help those in need. Manju Kalanidhi's “Rice Bucket Challenge”, which encourages people to take a bucket of rice and give it to somebody in need of food, has already gone viral with thousands taking up the challenge.
HAPPY READERS
Fast food chain McDonald´s has replaced toys in happy meals with books in a trial in their restaurants in India, in an attempt to combat illiteracy. The trial is running until the end of this month, with a statement saying that they believe “this is a smart move that will aid the progression of education and encourage reading”. 
POPE DOPE
The Italian occupants of a vehicle registered to the Vatican were arrested last weekend at a toll booth near Chambéry (Savoie), in eastern France, after the vehicle they were in was found to be carrying 4 kilos of cocaine and 200 grams of cannabis. The Vatican has said that “no employee or member of the Vatican is directly involved in this matter”, but confirmed that the car belonged to their French delegation. French media say that the car belongs to the Argentine Cardinal Jorge Maria Mejia, 91, and that the private secretary lent the car for a few days to two men.

 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44971/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### NEW TEN EURO NOTE CIRCULATES FROM TUESDAY

Tuesday sees the redesigned ten euro note come into circulation across the continent, described as being more colourful than its predecessor, featuring a more easily recognisable number 10 and contains extra security features on both sides to make life harder for counterfeiters to reproduce.
Announced in January by ECB board member Yves Mersch, he said, “It certainly resembles the 10 euro notes you have in your pockets, with its [images of] distinctive Romanesque architecture. However, perhaps it will have more of a visual impact, as the images are larger and more defined, the colours are stronger and the bridge has added depth”.
The five euro note was refreshed last year and, as perhaps the most widely used, “The 5 and 10 euro notes are not always treated kindly. By protecting them better, we can prolong their service life and reduce their environmental impact”, Mersch added.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44969/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Tuesday sees the redesigned ten euro note come into circulation across the continent, described as being more colourful than its predecessor, featuring a more easily recognisable number 10 and contains extra security features on both sides to make life...

### RESTRICTION OF U.K. PERSONAL TAX  ALLOWANCE

The U.K. Government have produced a Consultation Document relating to Income Tax Allowances which may become law in the Budget of 2015.  
I have examined the Consultation document (see first link below) relating to U.K. Ex Pat Pensioners with a number of proposals. I am not a Financial or Tax Advisor but this is how I understand it.
In Paragraph 6.6 it relates to Ex.Pats, being resident in another country and suggests that those who are in receipt of Government style pensions, including those retired from the Health Service, Fire Service, Police Service, Education, Central and Local Government, Prison Service and possibly the Military Service, would still retain their Personal Allowance. If such are resident in another country, i.e. Spain, they may be having their State Pension paid into Spain and dealt separately with under the Spanish Tax System.
However, if this is the intention, why add the Question 6.2.(below) at the end to 6.6? If a question is asked, a response is anticipated. My thoughts are that if there are insufficient responses received will the law come into operation at next years Budget with the exclusion of 6.6, meaning that the Allowance be taken away from those now receiving it?
QUESTION 6.2: Do you agree that retaining the UK Personal Allowance in respect of the income of non-residents which is by treaty subject exclusively to UK taxation would help mitigate unfair outcomes from a broader policy of restricting non-residents' entitlement to the UK Personal Allowance?
People are then given the opportunity to send in an e-petition in relation to this.
As this is to my mind quite ambiguous,could I suggest that all concerned complete the e-petition form and send it in as requested? Even if it does not effect you directly, friends or relatives, etc, could you also do the same so that the Government receive as large a number of replies as possible?
This will help those who have spent their lives working for the U.K. Government in one way or another and a good many of whom are living on dwindling pensions.
The link to the Government Web Site is:- 
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/restricting-non-residents-entitlement-to-the-uk-personal-allowance/restricting-non-residents-entitlement-to-the-uk-personal-allowance
The link to the Petition is:-
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/68507 
The link to send comments to the U.K. Treasury is:-
nonresidentspersonalallowanceconsultation@hmtreasury.gsi.gov.uk
 
 
Or write to:-  Specialist Personal Tax consultation 
HM Treasury 
1 Horse Guards Road 
London SW1A 2HQ
Chris PooleFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44968/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The U.K. Government have produced a Consultation Document relating to Income Tax Allowances which may become law in the Budget of 2015.  
I have examined the Consultation document (see first link below) relating to U.K. Ex Pat Pensioners with a number...

### GLOBAL AD SPENDING WILL INCREASE 5.8% IN 2014

The advertising industry is more alive than ever. This is demonstrated by the latest Consensus Ad Forecast 2014/15, published by Warc, whereby global ad spending would increase by 5.8% in 2014 and 5% in 2015, representing a slight improvement over the estimates made in January.
This Consensus is based on an average broad-based investment forecasts where advertising agencies, media agencies, analysts and Warc's own team participated, as well as other key individuals in the sector.
According to these forecasts, the main character this year is Brazil, and other countries known as BRICS, where growth in ad spending is expected: 12.8% for Brazil, 11.3% in India and 11.1 % in China.
Expectations for Russia, however, have been revised downwards by 1.7 points, to an estimated 9% growth in ad spending in 2014.
The BRICS acronym refers to the first letter of the five largest emerging countries: BRAZIL, RUSSIA, INDIA, China and SOUTH AFRICA. Together, these five countries occupy 25% of the land surface, gather 43% of the world's population, account for 25% of world production, accumulate 40% of foreign exchange reserves in the world and produce 20% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) overall, rising year after year.
The term BRICS was established in 2001 by an economist, Jim O'Neill, who defends the thesis that the economies that make up the BRICS will dominate the market in 2050.
The largest increases recorded after the BRICS were in the UK and United States, with growth rates of 6.4% and 5.5% respectively, followed by Germany, where investment will increase by 1.6%, and then followed by Spain with 1.5%.
By sector, annual growth is expected in all media except for magazines and newspapers, where ad spending fell by 3.5% and 4.1% respectively.
These data lead us to a great hope for economic recovery is concerned.
Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing clementeferrerrosello@gmail.com. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44966/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The advertising industry is more alive than ever. This is demonstrated by the latest Consensus Ad Forecast 2014/15, published by Warc, whereby global ad spending would increase by 5.8% in 2014 and 5% in 2015, representing a slight improvement over the ...

### MAJOR WORK TO START ON ORIHUELA COSTA

Tuesday this week sees the final stage of administrative procedure being completed, which will mean that the money obtained from the sale of plots of land on the Orihuela Costa is available to spend on the planned projects. Although the process has taken some time to complete, the relatively new administrator of finances at Orihuela is now satisfied that all required processes are complete. 
One of the major projects on the Orihuela Costa is the long awaited renewal of the green area at La Regia. The original plans, which have been approved twice in the past, will see a dog park, exercise area, mountain bike track, running path, plants and trees and more, as well as a purpose built multisport area to replace the antiquated concrete fixture there at the moment. However, there is a problem with the section of land at the N-332 end of the site, in that the plot is currently subject to a court case. The plot was part of the original plans from the 1970´s and would have been destined to be given to the town hall as a green area, but the failure to register ownership has led to the plot being sold by one private company to another and the now subsequent dispute of ownership. As a result, the town hall is powerless to take any action on that particular plot, and so the entire project has simply moved along the strip of green land, the entire project simply moving along. Similarly, the town hall is unable to demolish the existing sport ground, because of the dispute of ownership. It is hoped that they will be able to carry out some work in the interest of ensuring flood water flow however. 
As this project falls under a 200,000 euro amount, there is no need for the work to go to public tender, and the town hall will invite companies to bid for the work. Over a matter of weeks, the companies will be able to submit their bids, and so, it is possible that the work will finally commence before Christmas.
Other coastal projects which will be cleared for commencement from this week are the main road to San Miguel pathway work near the La Fuente commercial centre, the Eco-Park, and repairs to numerous roads and pathways around the coastal zone, some of which have never been touched for 30 years. 
The new civic centre where the reading point is housed is also set for an extension, as plans have been submitted to construct an “under build”, which will create a large and open hall type room, available to larger groups and associations and make that building more of a multi-functional site than it is already.
Although there have been previous calls for a theatre or exhibition centre on the coast, the councillor, Martina Scheurer, explains that it is not possible to purchase a building with this money, as it is simply not allowed. It would be possible to rent a property and invest in changing the rented building, but the councillor says that “we don´t feel it is appropriate to waste public money on simply renting somewhere, when we can invest in the future benefit of all residents and visitors”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44965/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Tuesday this week sees the final stage of administrative procedure being completed, which will mean that the money obtained from the sale of plots of land on the Orihuela Costa is available to spend on the planned projects. Although the process has tak...

### ORIHUELA GRANTS UNDER QUESTION

Former Mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente, has appeared before a press conference this week, partly to criticize the “lack of initiative by the government team”, and to state that the Partido Popular of Orihuela will submit two projects to the Alicante provincial council for funding, the first at Rabaloche, the second at La Zenia, in order to “meet the demands of citizens”.
In the apparent absence of the official spokesperson of the PP, Lorente said that the projects would be presented at the  next council plenary meeting this week, the Rabaloche project aimed at solving the water problems, the second improving traffic flow at La Zenia.
However, in a follow-up press conference, the councillor for infrastructure, Víctor Ruiz, has pointed out that neither of the two proposed projects are possible, as both areas are outside the direct control of the local town hall, the Rabaloche area being managed and maintained by the hydrographical department of the ministry, the La Zenia project affecting roads governed by the ministry of public works. 
In addition, whilst praising the plan for funding offered by the Alicante government, Ruiz also pointed out that even if these two projects were possible, the combined cost would be in excess of 100,000 euro, whereas the maximum allowed for any municipality is 50,000 euro, which must be destined to a single project.  
During the same conference, Lorente also detailed how the provincial government has given 4.4 million euro to Orihuela since 2012; all invested in infrastructure and towards social and neighbourhood groups. However, offering detailed accounts of that investment, Ruiz disputed the figures, detailing how, in 2012, Orihuela received 26,000 euro in subsidy, whereas local groups received 105,000 euro. In 2013, Orihuela received 19,000 euro and another 104,000 euro went to other groups, and in 2014 Alicante gave Orihuela 180,000 euro for parks and gardens, 240,000 for the town of Mancebería, 60,000 euro for rural roads and 50,000 euro as their latest grant.
In total, according to Ruiz, since 2012, Orihuela has received 786.000 euro from Alicante in subsidy and grants, to which the councillor asked the PP to “stop taking people for fools” with their “lies”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44964/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Former Mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente, has appeared before a press conference this week, partly to criticize the “lack of initiative by the government team”, and to state that the Partido Popular of Orihuela will submit two projec...

### NEW FOCUS RELEASED IN DECEMBER

Car manufacturer Ford has announced that the revamped version of its Focus model, which includes the European debut of the “SYNC 2” infotainment system 2, will be available to buy in Spain from December.
The president of Ford Europe, Middle East and Africa, Stephen Odell, said that Ford are not satisfied with being number 1, but rather they want to “improve” with the launch of the “amazing new version of the Focus”, which will feature a modern design, advanced technologies and fuel consumption”, which will also be “fun” to drive.
The revised model incorporates a new design in line with the One Ford strategy of the company and offers a five-door body and family version, with a renewed bonnet, skirt and trapezoidal grille.
The renovated new engine mounts in the Focus provide a 19% reduction in consumption, compared to the current model, and will be available with a 1 litre “EcoBoost 100 horsepower” engine, as well as a 1.5 litre “EcoBoost” 150 and 182 horsepower version. There will of course be a diesel alternative, with a 1.5 litre TDCi with 120 horsepower, as well as a 2 litre TDCi 115PS associated with Powershift box, and a 150 hp variant.
As for the driver improvements, the new Focus will offer a one-touch perpendicular parking system, as well cross traffic alerts and a brake assist system for in town driving. In addition, the car will feature an adaptive cruise control or the MyKey technology, aimed primarily at parents whose children drive their cars, this allows the owner to programme a key to either allow or restrict certain functions within the vehicle, such as limiting top speed and even audio volume.
As technological advances make us all more connected, the new Focus will also feature “SYNC 2”, a completely new version of their own in-car operating system that uses intuitive voice-control to make calls, change music and control the navigation all without having to divert attention away from the road. Now described as being more intelligent, the system can respond to more “human” like demands “I´m hungry”, which will prompt the vehicle to find places to eat nearby. 
Although driving the new Focus may make you feel like you have suddenly become Michael Knight from the TV series Knight Rider, there are probably limitations when it comes to a desire to fight crime and catch villains, although at least you will be able to park safely and make the streets a safer place from the temptations of the lesser experience drivers.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44963/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Car manufacturer Ford has announced that the revamped version of its Focus model, which includes the European debut of the “SYNC 2” infotainment system 2, will be available to buy in Spain from December.
The president of Ford Europe, Middl...

### RAFA BRACE WINS IT FOR TORRY

Villarreal CF C  1  CD Torrevieja 2
The corresponding fixture last season saw veteran midfielder Carrasco score a hat trick in a 4-3 victory for the visitors and on Sunday, at the magnificent ‘Sports City', CD Torrevieja were undoubtedly hoping for more of the same.
But neither club has got its campaign off to a particularly auspicious start with the young Villarreal side sitting in the relegation places with 4 pts and just one win from their opening 4 games, and as for the visitors, who went into the season with high hopes of promotion, a narrow win in the opening game against Saguntino has been their only success in their opening 5 matches. 
Much of this, of course, is due to the fact that, on too many occasions, they have been unable to keep all eleven players on the pitch so for Galiano, the challenges, Im afraid, still go far beyond entertaining football alone.
But in the opening 45 all the entertaining was done by Villarreal with Torry rarely getting themselves into the game, so much so that the home side could quite easily have been ‘out of sight' by the half time whistle.
Villarreal deservedly opened the scoring on the half hour mark when Torry failed to clear a corner. The ball fell kindly to Christian who shot low and hard from a tight angle. They should have extended their lead moments later after Alexis had handled in the box but an excellent save from Oscar diving low to his left denied Ferreres from the spot.
On 40 minutes we saw 2 Villarreal misses in quick succession, both from Albert. After beating the offside his long range effort was touched onto the bar by Oscar. The ball rebounded into play as Albert moved wide. As Oscar narrowed the angle his second attempt was struck agonizingly wide. 
Leaving the field at half time, as Galiano applauded Villarreal's ‘total football' he must surely have thought that the game was beyond Torrevieja but a half time shake up which saw Cristian and Steve replace Mati and Cesar, turned the game on its head.
The visitors immediately took the game to their hosts with Steve tormenting the Villarreal defence down the right flank.  As he brought the ball into the area on 8 minutes he was inexplicable punched by Ferreres, brought to the attention of referee,  Rafael Bueno Miralles, by an eagle eyed linesman. Ferreres got a red card, Torry a penalty and Rafa Gomez sent the keeper the wrong way to level the scores.
With numerical superiority Torry were now attacking the Villareal goal at will with chances falling to Steve, Carrasco, Borja and Vicente but non did enough to beat  Quique between the sticks and then, after their precision football had come to nought, the final munte saw Oscar try a ‘route one'  upfield punt. Carrasco gathered with a exquisite touch, squared the ball to Rafa who steered it calmly into the back of the net to secure, what at half time appeared to be a most unlikely win.
The ball was returned to centrefield and Snr Mirrales blew the final whistle.
What a game, and what a final result. We were still getting our breath back as we drove back down the AP7. 
More of the same next week, we hope, in the local derby against rivals Orihuela at the Vicente Garcia. Sunday evening ko at 6pm.  Come along and support your local team, CD Torrevieja. 
Torry lineup: Oscar, Vicente, Martin, Alexis, Jorge, Borja, Matías, Borja, Brani, Carrasco, Rafa Gómez y César. Subs: Marcos, Jordi, Steve, Ruben and CristianFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44962/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Villarreal CF C  1  CD Torrevieja 2
The corresponding fixture last season saw veteran midfielder Carrasco score a hat trick in a 4-3 victory for the visitors and on Sunday, at the magnificent ‘Sports City', CD Torrevieja were undoubtedly hoping ...

### MAJOR MILITARY EXERCISE IN ROJALES

Following last week´s water based military exercises, this week the action moves to land, as the Unidad Militar de Emergencias, or UME, the militarised emergency services, conduct an emergency drill across the Vega Baja in preparation for potential flooding.
The primary focus of the activities will be around the Rio Segura river, following its path from land and towards the outlet at Guardamar. 
In addition to the UME brigades, fire fighters, the national police, including their dog unit, the civil defence, helicopters, ambulances, and other specialists will all be conducting a variety of exercises in preparation for the potential worst flooding in years, following one of the driest summers and drought.
Between the 22nd and 24th of September, the teams will deal with a variety of scenarios, with 193 personnel and 40 different vehicles taking to their temporary base in the sports centre at Rojales, before being dispatched to deal with whatever the virtual mother nature throws at them, primarily in the areas of Rojales, Guardamar del Segura and Hondon de las Nieves, in order to improve their skills in containment, pumping, navigation and water rescue, diving practices, banks search, search and rescue, collapsed structures, helicopter rescue and more.
In addition, on the 25th of September, Orihuela will be conducting its own preparation exercise, focussing primarily on communication, in the hope that everybody will be prepared to deal with this natural and annually occurring phenomenon. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44961/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following last week´s water based military exercises, this week the action moves to land, as the Unidad Militar de Emergencias, or UME, the militarised emergency services, conduct an emergency drill across the Vega Baja in preparation for potenti...

### CLIFFS AND ROADS IN ORIHUELA COSTA NEWS

A specialist company that deals with rock and Cliff face retention has visited the Orihuela Costa this week, with a view to firming up the potentially dangerous, though natural Cliff face at Cala Capitan. A number of large rocks had fallen onto the pathway below recently, prompting the town hall to close action. The company involved, GroGroup, had carried out a survey some years ago and so will now be able to refresh their information and create a safe area through a series of secure points and wire netting, allowing for the natural erosion to continue, but without risk to those passing by below, or the surrounding properties.
 The urban planning department has received notice that their application to construct a new roundabout on the N-332, near to the Carrefour supermarket, has been rejected for the third time. It was hoped that by creating a new, alternative route from the main coastal road towards the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre would alleviate some of the traffic flow problems, but the only explanation given by the ministry is that they had already said no on 2 previous occasions, in February and July.
A demonstration is planned for Saturday the 27th of September, outside the post office on the Orihuela Costa. The aim is to raise awareness of the plight of a number of residents who no longer receive their post at their home and have to collect it from the post office. Seen by many as a precursor to privatisation of the national system, the court rejected a recent application to cease the planned denial of service, as there were similar cases already having been rejected in other areas. It is hoped that the protest will raise the issue that residents themselves are demanding the change. Meanwhile, the Councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer of the Los Verdes, is planning to arrange meetings with a number of affected neighbourhood associations to see if a solution can be found should the move continue, such as the creation of communal post boxes.
The reading point in the Orihuela Costa civic centre has reopened for the winter season, and is available on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 1pm until 5pm. However, the facility is in desperate need of volunteers, after some of those who had been helping out before the summer have been unable to return. More information can be obtained from the reading point, or from the international residents office at the town hall.
Now that the summer restrictions on repair and maintenance work have been lifted, the town hall will soon be able to commence the much needed repairs to the walkway at Aguamarina. With all permissions in place and the money already allocated, the start of the work is now immanent. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44960/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A specialist company that deals with rock and Cliff face retention has visited the Orihuela Costa this week, with a view to firming up the potentially dangerous, though natural Cliff face at Cala Capitan. A number of large rocks had fallen onto the pat...

### PSOE PROMISE TORREVIEJA DOG BEACH

Having initially launched the campaign last year, revisiting it in April of this year, the Torrevieja PSOE opposition councillor Dora Fernández now says that more than 2,000 residents of Torrevieja support the calls for a beach for dogs in the city.
Within the first two months of the campaign, the socialist group collected 1,364 signatures, which were then presented and registered at the PROP archive and records office in the city. 
Continuing with the collection of signatures, a couple of months later the figure reached 2,050 signatures, which were also presented at the PROP office, whilst the PSOE group filed a request with the mayor, Eduardo Dolón, that the government team discuss the matter in the May plenary meeting.
However, the councillor states that “Surprisingly, despite citizen mobilization, there has been no response from the Department of Health or by the Mayor”. According to the socialist, “Torrevieja, being a tourist town, which lives exclusively in this sector, the PP government team should consider that more and more people choose to travel with their pets, choosing those cities that offer more amenities and wellness for their animals”. 
“There are numerous, and growing, coastal municipalities that have decided to narrow a stretch of beach for enjoyment and bathing of pets, offering an innovative and friendly image with animals, this being an attraction for both domestic tourists and abroad”, Fernández continues, “since there are hotels in Torrevieja that allow pets, some with their own enclosures, the PP must realise the obvious requests from its neighbours and are demonstrating a new mistake in tourism”.
Fernández says that “giving no answer essentially reveals two things: the lack of tourist vision and lack of sensitivity of the Partido Popular of Torrevieja towards animals. The PSOE of Torrevieja, confident that the petition of more than 2,000 citizens will bring benefits to the city, promises that after the elections in May, “When the PSOE rule Torrevieja in 2015, we will enable a stretch of beach for dogs in the city”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44959/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Having initially launched the campaign last year, revisiting it in April of this year, the Torrevieja PSOE opposition councillor Dora Fernández now says that more than 2,000 residents of Torrevieja support the calls for a beach for dogs in the c...

### PACK HUNTERS TO FACE SOCIAL SECURITY BILL

Spain´s pack-hunting fraternity has been dealt a sharp blow this week, after the Ministry of Employment has issued a helpful guide book explaining why they will now be forced to contribute to the Social Security system, an expense they previously enjoyed the privilege of being exempt. 
The ministry explains in the leaflet that as their practice is often lucrative and of economic value, then there is a need for them to be treated like any other business operation, and so, those who earn a salary above the minimum wage on a yearly basis, currently 9,036 euro per year, must contribute to the system.
The seasonal or sporadic nature of their business has led to their previous exemption, whereas they would only be earning money for a short period of time, characteristics which, to date, “were not included in the Social Security system”, despite “meeting the conditions of economic regularity for profit” which requires anyone to register and contribute to the system.
Given the change in policy, the ministry has promised a process of “special monitoring” procedures for the hunting industry, in particular those who hunt with packs, in order to “establish a common criteria for application of the common law of Social Security in all provinces and autonomous regions”, in order to incorporate hunting activities for profit into the scheme.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44958/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spain´s pack-hunting fraternity has been dealt a sharp blow this week, after the Ministry of Employment has issued a helpful guide book explaining why they will now be forced to contribute to the Social Security system, an expense they previously...

### BUSES FITTED WITH LIFE SAVING KIT

Bus firm ALSA has become the first in Spain to install emergency defibrillators on buses, in order to provide better emergency assistance to passengers when away from city centres.
The initial phase of the scheme has seen buses and crews on the Madrid to Bilbao, Vitoria, San Sebastián, Granada, Soria and Logroño routes prioritized, with drivers and support staff trained in their use.
With growing fears of isolation following the huge reduction in emergency ambulances in Spain, the access to this lifesaving equipment in the event of an emergency could well mean the difference between life and death. Having the equipment on the bus not only means that assistance can be rendered at city centre bus stations, but also on the road between stops, and can be called upon in the event of an emergency outside the vehicle itself.
The units are the latest, state of the art defibrillators, which can be monitored and maintained remotely, offer continual “tele-assistance” and geolocation through Mondial Assistance, so they can be used with the maximum security and performance guaranteed.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44957/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Bus firm ALSA has become the first in Spain to install emergency defibrillators on buses, in order to provide better emergency assistance to passengers when away from city centres.
The initial phase of the scheme has seen buses and crews on the Madrid...

### BURIED TREASURE

WHEN it comes to being a 'Diamond Geezer' Villamartin based Metal detectorist Alan Thomas is just that - in his quest to find lost treasures!
"The biggest find to date was an 18ct gold ring encrusted with a six diamonds set - it was valued at £3,000," Alan told me. It's not often I do interviews in water - but I caught up with Alan - while trawling the sea at Mar Menor, in Lo Pagan, San Pedro del Pinatar, with his underwater metal detector.
"The £3,000 gold ring I found while detecting in Ibiza was traced back to its rightful owner - he identified it, via an inscription - and I received £500 reward," said Alan. Metal Detecting in Spain is not allowed - unless an import license for the detector has been issued.
And areas differ, as to what times detecting can take place. The use of metal detectors could involve considerations of the Law and Regulations, governing artistic or archaeological finds, involving National Heritage and treasure trove. And if anything is found you have to comply with the complex procedures in Spain. Any finds will not be allowed to leave Spain - until consent is given.
Anything that is found of National artistic Heritage, or over 100 years old, it is unlikely that you would be granted an export permit. Also The Royal Decree of November 1987, outlining nuclear energy and radio-activity, states rules and safeguards against radiation.
The Order in March 1975 set out the homologation rules for radio-active apparatus. And certain metal detectors may not comply with these rules. 
The Naval Authorities have also complained in the past following the use of metal detectors - which have been known to interfere with electronic communications.
Cornish man Alan found 'booty' in Lo Pagan - alas not of Spanish Heritage importance: "Look at that," he said, pointing to a 50 cents Spanish coin, along with a cache of metal bottle tops!  
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44955/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: WHEN it comes to being a 'Diamond Geezer' Villamartin based Metal detectorist Alan Thomas is just that - in his quest to find lost treasures!
"The biggest find to date was an 18ct gold ring encrusted with a six diamonds set - it was valued at £3,000," Alan told me. It's not often I do interviews in water - but I caught up with Alan - while trawling the sea at Mar Menor, in Lo Pagan, San Pedro del Pinatar, with his underwater metal detector.
"The £3,000 gold ring I found while detecting in Ibiza was traced back to its rightful owner - he identified it, via an inscription - and I received £500 reward," said Alan. Metal Detecting in Spain is not allowed - unless an import license for the detector has been issued.
And areas differ, as to what times detecting can take place. The use of metal detectors could involve considerations of the Law and Regulations, governing artistic or archaeological finds, involving National Heritage and treasure trove. And if anything is found you have to comply with the complex procedures in Spain. Any finds will not be allowed to leave Spain - until consent is given.
Anything that is found of National artistic Heritage, or over 100 years old, it is unlikely that you would be granted an export permit. Also The Royal Decree of November 1987, outlining nuclear energy and radio-activity, states rules and safeguards against radiation.
The Order in March 1975 set out the homologation rules for radio-active apparatus. And certain metal detectors may not comply with these rules. 
The Naval Authorities have also complained in the past following the use of metal detectors - which have been known to interfere with electronic communications.
Cornish man Alan found 'booty' in Lo Pagan - alas not of Spanish Heritage importance: "Look at that," he said, pointing to a 50 cents Spanish coin, along with a cache of metal bottle tops!  
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44955/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### THE PERFECT OCTOBER BREAK WITH COACHTRIPS

October is usually a time of ideal holiday weather in Spain.  A combination of long lies, sitting on the balcony of a quality hotel, sitting in the sun sipping a cold drink beside the pool, wandering down to the local seaside town, and days out to beautiful places at a leisurely pace, is just what the doctor ordered. So how about the following to do all of the above?.  
The journey  takes us through some of the most pleasant countryside to be found in Spain. Green fields, rugged valleys, pine clad mountains, villages towns and vibrant cities flash by. Amongst these Granada. Our knowledgeable courier keeping us well informed about what we are seeing and the history behind it. By late afternoon we arrive at a large comfortable 4* hotel which sits on a rock and overlooks the peaceful waters of the bay.
At reception the friendly hotel staff quickly book us in and send us off to large comfortable well equipped rooms. Every room with its own large balcony. For a whole week we will spend our time choosing to do whatever we want. With no beds to make, nor food to cook, or dishes to wash. Evening sees us enjoying a tasty buffet meal with wine and water included. Then off to the bar, the poolside or the balcony to ease away our evening.
During our week away we can decide to go down to the local towns of Almuñecar or La Herradura, both located in the same bay and both with excellent beaches. Or we can join the excursions provided as part of the deal. If we go for a day out, the hotel will on request provide us with a picnic lunch. Excursions include a visit to the charming little town of Nerja.
This town is so very typical of  the Andalucia region. Through a network of pretty white washed houses, we make our way down by the old local church and on to the famous “Balcon de Europe” which juts out into the sea. A pleasant bubble of noise drifts up from the street side cafes, as a combination of excited conversation and flamenco music fill  air.  Nerja has a magic which has to be experienced to be appreciated. On this day you can also, if you wish visit the fabulous caves of  Nerja.  
A huge cavern which can't fail to impress. The caves sits amongst beautifully kept gardens which offer a fantastic view of the local coastline.    Inside, this large spacious cavern almost has the feel of a natural cathedral which has been carved out by nature. On another day we can head down the coast to the famous holiday town of Torremolinos.
Here the mood is just as relaxing as Nerja. There are more people, more shops – both large and small, but again a large sandy beach and this time with a long elegantly designed promenade which stretches all the way down to the nearby resort of Benalmadena. Before we go to Torremolinos though, we will take a short drive up the coastal mountains to the rather pretty little town of Mijas. Perched on the mountainside and offering stunning views of the Costa del Sol, there are a surprising amount of things to see and do here. Street side cafes and a selection of all types of shops are topped by a 16 century castle, a monastery, and would you believe, nappy wearing donkey taxis.
Yes they actually keep the streets unsoiled by using a cleverly adapted donkey nappy. Street vendors fry and sell the local sweet meal, almonds coated in sugar, as horses and carriages carry excited tourists round the town. A really well balanced day out.  Another day sees us in the  foothills of Spain's highest mountain range. The Sierra Nevada. Literally meaning the Snowy mountains. As the name suggests, despite being only 50 Kilometres from the balmy heat of the Costa del Sol, these mountains are snow topped for almost all of the year. The drive up into this area known as the Alpujarras, is spectacular.
If you have ever read the books written by Chris Stewart, “Driving over Lemons, the Almond Blossom Appreciation Society, and Parrot in the Pepper Tree”, then this is the rather romantic and beautiful area he was writing about.  First making our way to the water producing town of Lanjeron. (You must have bought this famous water from the local supermarket at some time). This town also is famous for its spa baths and so also has a large number of Spa owning hotels.
The castle, which can still be seen, and the town itself town were the site of many a skirmish between the troops of the Christian conquerors and their often rebellious subjects, the Moors. Next stop is Pampaniera.  What an exquisite little gem this village is. Very small, but so pretty. Not one of the whitewashed houses seems to be without a blaze of floral colour. Mostly Geraniums, but in stunning quantities. Home spun carpets line the streets inviting visitors to snap up a superb product at a bargain price. Natural fountains constantly spill crystal clean spring waters from wall mounted taps.
Driving up through Europe's largest chestnut forest. On the way passing through tiny villages and hillside hermitages, we finally arrive at the highest village in Spain. Trevelez. This is a journey unparalleled for natural beauty, charm and uniqueness. Then in the evening it is back to the comfort of our lovely sea facing 4* hotel. To relax, mull over all we have seen and look forward to another fun day, this time  in Gibraltar. What a contrast this is. It is not often that British territory is described as sunny.
Gibraltar is usually the exception. A place of enduring history from the discovery of Cro-Magnon man, to the Moors spilling through Gibraltar from Africa to conquer almost all of the Iberian Peninsula, the conquering of the rock by British forces leading to Great Britain being granted ownership for all time, the numerous attempts by Spain to recover this lost territory, and of course all the intrigue in and around the rock during the 2nd world war. All this has created a sunny, British owned territory, with a quaintness which makes it more British than Britain, except perhaps for the Monkeys who are charged with maintaining  British control of the rock. But then I suppose that is rather quaint too!! 
With all travel and excursions included in the price this journey is being offered by David's Coachtrips SL 
Next dates 7 days 19-25th October for only 295€ including full board with wine and water.. At under 45€ per day we think this offer is brilliant value. Commentary throughout your excursion is provided by a well informed English speaking courier. To reserve your place call (0034) 966785910 or book online at www.coachtripsonline.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44954/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: October is usually a time of ideal holiday weather in Spain.  A combination of long lies, sitting on the balcony of a quality hotel, sitting in the sun sipping a cold drink beside the pool, wandering down to the local seaside town, and days out to bea...

### IN THE BUNKER WITH MICK THE GRIP. SEPT 2014

EUROPEAN CAPTAIN Paul McGinley was hoping most of his team could play in the Welsh Open at Celtic Manor this weekend as he himself set out the course to resemble Gleneagles.  “It would be good practice, but I appreciate some of the lads are tired, and rest is just as important,” he told reporters.  As long as they don't rest on their laurels next week; and we see more happy snaps like this.
THE 2014 VOLVO WORLD MATCHPLAY returns to England for the first time since 2007, but not at Wentworth, its original home.  The London Golf Club in Kent will host the October 15th championship on it's International Course, reputed to be one of the finest downland courses in Europe. 
The first Volvo World Matchplay was won by Arnold Palmer at Wentworth in 1964, and has recently been played in Spain and Bulgaria.  Defending Champion Graeme McDowell said: “It will be nice to have the Volvo back in England for this 50th anniversary.” 
THIS IS WHAT you could have won:  Desolation for Frenchman Romain Wattel at the European Masters in Switzerland. The BMW i8 sports car awarded for a hole in one on the 11th green had been snapped up the day before by a delighted Graeme Storm.  BMW mopped Wattel's tears and invited him to take his pick and drive for a year one of the cars on display in the tented village.                
At the Dutch KLM Open last week the prize for a hole in one on the 15th was a trip to outer space offered by XCOR Adventurous Expeditions.   Unfortunately the winner, Andy Sullivan, suffers from altitude sickness, so he wasn't exactly over the moon with his prize.  Like Wattel, he would have preferred the BMW.
 
THE NIKE VAPOR IRONS, comprising the Vapor Pro, Vapor Pro Combo and Vapor Speed, were launched in new york last month.  Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, who apparently had a ‘big input' in their creation, were there to help promote them.  
The irons feature “Modern Muscle Technology” (well they have to call it something) that moves the CG closer to the toe, positioning it in the centre of the face.  This apparently puts more weight behind the ball at impact to improve precision and stability.  “Designed by the world's two best players!” boasted a Nike spokesman,  “Yours for just under a thousand dollars, and suitable for golfers of all abilities.”  Yeah, right.  
AFTER THE RYDER CUP some of the European team will be heading to China for the ”Final Series” of the Race to Dubai. The BMW Masters on 30th October is the first of the four “Final Series” tournaments followed by the HSBC Champions in Shanghai.  The Turkish Airlines Open in Antalya is next, and finally the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah  on 20th November.  Rory McIlroy is leading the rankings comfortably, with Sergio Garcia and Jamie Donaldson trailing in his wake.  
After China, Turkey and Dubai McIlroy will be heading down under to defend his 2013 Australian Open title on 27th November, while Adam Scott will be doing his best to wrest it from him and win the Triple Crown.  Perhaps the globe trotting golfers can all go home for Christmas then, if they can remember where ‘home' is.
 “I'M HITTING THE BALL as well as ever, it just needs a bit more work.”   Phil Mickelson was still upbeat after his unspectacular PGA Tour season effectively came to an end at Cherry Hills; where he withdrew after a 6 over par 76 in the BMW Championship.  After recent comments from his rivals about his age and winding down Mickelson (45) says he wants to end the season with a win somewhere.  OK Phil, just not at Gleneagles.
Until next time, happy golfing.
Contact Mick for all your regripping and repairs. Tel” 638 859 475.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44946/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: EUROPEAN CAPTAIN Paul McGinley was hoping most of his team could play in the Welsh Open at Celtic Manor this weekend as he himself set out the course to resemble Gleneagles.  “It would be good practice, but I appreciate some of the lads are tired...

### X FACTOR STAR TO APPEAR AT TELFORD THEATRE

X-Factor runner-up, Marcus Collins, is set to take to the stage with his seven-piece band. He is enjoying his first UK theatre tour and will perform a collection of Motown classics as well as some new material from his second album.
Marcus achieved top 10 success with his first single "Seven Nation Army" which featured on his album "Marcus Collins". He spent much of 2013 touring the UK as Seaweed Stubbs in the popular musical, Hairspray.  He will appear at the theatre on 25 September 2014. The show is being brought to the theater by Premier Stage Productions and Paul Holman Associates.
Marcus Collins was born on 15 May 1988. He is an English singer who finished second to Little Mix in the eighth series of The X Factor in 2011. He was mentored by Take That frontman Gary Barlow, who has continued to work with Collins since. His debut album, the self-titled "Marcus Collins" which featured production by the London-based Metrophonic team of Whitney Houston and Cher fame, became his first top 10 UK album which has his single "Mercy". His debut single from the album was "Seven Nation Army", a cover of The White Stripes hit, which also became his first top 10 UK single.
The concert will begin at 19:30 and tickets are available for just £ 20,00.  More details are available on the website of Telford.Properties.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44945/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: X-Factor runner-up, Marcus Collins, is set to take to the stage with his seven-piece band. He is enjoying his first UK theatre tour and will perform a collection of Motown classics as well as some new material from his second album.
Marcus achieved top 10 success with his first single "Seven Nation Army" which featured on his album "Marcus Collins". He spent much of 2013 touring the UK as Seaweed Stubbs in the popular musical, Hairspray.  He will appear at the theatre on 25 September 2014. The show is being brought to the theater by Premier Stage Productions and Paul Holman Associates.
Marcus Collins was born on 15 May 1988. He is an English singer who finished second to Little Mix in the eighth series of The X Factor in 2011. He was mentored by Take That frontman Gary Barlow, who has continued to work with Collins since. His debut album, the self-titled "Marcus Collins" which featured production by the London-based Metrophonic team of Whitney Houston and Cher fame, became his first top 10 UK album which has his single "Mercy". His debut single from the album was "Seven Nation Army", a cover of The White Stripes hit, which also became his first top 10 UK single.
The concert will begin at 19:30 and tickets are available for just £ 20,00.  More details are available on the website of Telford.Properties.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44945/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### RAQUEL PEÑA LAUNCHES MAR MENOR  ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

Internationally known as a Flamenco extraordinaire, Raquel Peña, has spent another successful summer going from strength to strength with her flamenco dancing group.
However, this week, her personal attention was diverted towards something other than dance, a subject close to her heart, and those of countless other people affected by Alzheimer´s and Dementia.
Coinciding with the celebration of World Alzheimer's Day, which was held on the 21st September, Raquel was at the forefront of a press conference presenting a new association called AMMA on Friday, the Alzheimer´s Mar Menor Assiociation, or Asociación Mar Menor de Alzheimer in Spanish, which was formed as a result of people in the Mar Menor area not having any organization or association dedicated exclusively to Alzheimer´s and dementia patients and those who take care of them.
The group started off as some British people who have partners suffering from dementia began meeting every fortnight to talk to each other and help each other. “From these small beginnings, with the help of Raquel Peña, we approached the San Pedro Town Hall to see if they could give us anywhere for a Day Care Centre”, a statement read, and after a lot of hard work by the Committee, and the support of San Pedro Town Hall with collaboration of Citizen Participation and Social Services, what was once a dream has become reality, with a Day Care Centre, available for the use of both Spanish and English speaking patients, fulfilling a great need for something like this in the area.
Speaking exclusively to The Leader, Raquel explained how areas like Torrevieja already have successful and long established associations such as the AFA, but to the south, an official support network was virtually non-existent. Explaining her personal commitment to the project, Raquel described how “Having had my late husband sick with Alzheimer´s for 17 years, I know only too well what the family situation involves with this disease. I have helped Alzheimer organizations through my performances for many years and felt my time can also be useful being part of this association”. 
In Spain it is estimated that 7% of people over 65, some 500,000 people, and 50% of those over 85, a staggering 620,000, are candidates for some form of dementia, of which Alzheimer's is the most prevalent. Furthermore, scientists state that with the general aging of Western populations, many of these people conduct seemingly normal lives, including their day to day activities without any kind of problem or issue, but many are also unaware of the severity of their condition and partake in such potentially dangerous activities such as driving, resulting in the DGT traffic department launching a new campaign of awareness of the dangers of driving when suffering the conditions associated with dementia, including confusion, increased stress and forgetfulness and a general potential lack of special awareness. 
The campaign reports that 4.5 million people in Spain, nearly 10% of the population, are affected by dementia, taking into account the family structure. The latest Spanish publicity surrounds the key message of “solidarity”, a clear result of this new local association too, with the slogan “Make this gesture stick”, in which a post-it note is used to symbolise the national awareness campaign. It is estimated that the social cost of this disease in Spain is 35.9 million euro.
A great supporter of young talent, Raquel has trained her dancers to become the best in the area and this is reflected in their success at securing so many great jobs as resident performers at some of the areas hottest venues this year.
This all began with Raquel's passion to dance from a young age. When she was just nine years old she auditioned and secured a place at the Metropolitan Opera Ballet School. Her talent led her to win a full scholarship for her last two years there. At the same time, she studied Ethnic dance, it was here that she learned dances from around the world, especially Hindu and Flamenco.
This was the beginning of her passion for Flamenco and from there it continued. She started her professional career in the United States at the age of 16.
In 1971 Raquel founded her first dance company and since then has always been the director, choreographer and dancer of her own companies. Throughout her distinguished career, she has performed in many countries. In 1988 she made Spain her permanent home. She now dedicates her time as teacher, choreographer, consultant, lecturer and director. She still performs, and gives masterclasses and workshops (often combined with demonstrations) all over the world.
As a choreographer, she is much in demand and has set choreographies for many dance companies and is a specialist in Operas that have Spanish Dance in them. In addition, she has created more than fifty works for her own companies. She is very dedicated to young upcoming flamenco artists and is much in demand to prepare them in every aspect of a future as professional artists.
Raquel's dance school has seen much success this summer with her dancers being booked at twelve new venues last week. They are also in great demand at weddings and private gigs. Raquel said ‘we have just been so busy! We don't stop! This is how I do it, there is no time for me to get sick and no time for me to rest, we just keep going. It's great.' ‘I have such talented young dancers they really are. All this success has come from word of mouth'.
Some of Raquel's dancers can be seen at Rebate all year round, every Wednesday afternoon and evening, every Saturday evening and every Sunday afternoon. We watched on as dancers Luciana Ibanez, Paula Garcia and Daniel Asis provide a completely authentic Spanish experience with stunning costumers and an energetic and crisp performance. Always sure to get the crowds involved, their talent and enthusiasm shone throughout their entire performance. 
Her dancers can also be seen at the Orihuela Costa Resort on Friday evening, La Encarnacion Spa every Sunday and of course at the Rebate Restaurant on Wednesday and Sunday lunchtime, as well as Wednesday and Saturday evening.
And once again Raquel and her company are taking their performance to an international level as they jet off to the UK in December where they will be performing at the Gatwick Hilton hotel.
Locally Raquel dedicates much of her time to her primary motivation which is ‘Flamenco for All', a group that offers classes for adults and children of all ages. These are held at her Flamenco Arts Centre in Pilar de la Horadada on Av de la Ventas between the new Policia Local Building and the Colegio Publico Mediterraneo.
And after a lifetime in Flamenco Raquel says that she now finds teaching and choreography to be more rewarding and as the force behind this wonderful and fascinating art form here on the Costa Blanca and on the Mar Menor we all hope that she will continue for many years to come to showcase and to develop the next generation of talented young artists that I am sure will be grateful to benefit from her lifetime of experience.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44944/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Internationally known as a Flamenco extraordinaire, Raquel Peña, has spent another successful summer going from strength to strength with her flamenco dancing group.
However, this week, her personal attention was diverted towards something oth...

### ALWAYS WANTED TO PAINT AND DRAW?

A new evening art class at Restaurant Catorce might be just the answer.
Oil painting, acrylics, pastel or watercolour - you can come and try them all. And if you're a complete beginner you will be provided with free drawing equipment for the first few weeks to see if you enjoy it. Be prepared to get addicted, and for time to pass twice as fast when you become an artist.
It's relaxing, therapeutic, allows you to express yourself and is very precious 'me time'. And the classes are light-hearted and fun, so you'll make new friends too. Other daytime classes are held at PALS Club, La Siesta, and La Herradura Restaurant, Los Montesinos.
See www.sue-stokes.co.uk, email me on Suzanne@sue-stokes.co.uk, or call 680 961 025 for more information.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44940/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A new evening art class at Restaurant Catorce might be just the answer.
Oil painting, acrylics, pastel or watercolour - you can come and try them all. And if you're a complete beginner you will be provided with free drawing equipment for the first few...

### SABA SUMMER KNOCKOUT FINALS

The Finals of the SABA Summer Knockout Competition, incorporating the playoff of the Men's Four Wood Pairs Leagues, were held at San Luis Bowls Club from Friday 12th to Monday 15th September.
Over 180 games were played in the Knockout competition prior to the Semi Finals covering 6 different disciplines over a 3 month period. 
Friday Morning saw the playoff of the Men's Four Wood Pairs between Fred Willshire's team from Vistabella and Nigel Baigent's team from Quesada.
The end result was a win for Fred's team by 4 points to 2. Fred and Ian Kenyon beat Rob Pinfold and Colin Highland and Andy Leggatt and Arthur Brown won against David Johnson and Nigel Baigent, Quesada picked up their win courtesy of George Carnell and Dave Donovan in a close game with Martin Foulcer and Richard Lee so for the second year running Vistabella went away with the title.
Joining them for the presentation were Lynn Greenlands Ladies team from Greenlands who won the ladies league.  The Semi Finals of the Men's Singles and one of the Ladies Singles Semis were also taking place on Friday Morning. There was a strong Quesada presence in these games where Pete Bonsor proved too strong for San Luis Derek Cooper while Bill Pain overcame San Miguel's Drew Gerrard in the other semi. The Ladies Semi was an all Quesada Affair with Peta Rhodes proving just too strong for Lisa Bonsor. In the afternoon we saw the Semis of the Men's and Ladies Pairs, Peta and Lisa teamed up for this one to beat La Marina's Janet Parsons and Kathy Manning while Lynn Greenland and Lin Miller overcame Vistabella's Sandra Burrows and Jenny Bowman.
The Men's Pairs saw victories for Pete Bonsor and Bill Pain over Greenlands Brian Miller and Barry Collins and San Luis' Colin Jackson and Colin Lindgren over Vistabella's Tony French and Mike Regan.
Saturday morning was taken up with the Semi Finals of the Mixed Pairs and the remaining Ladies Singles Semi. This was a tussle between Gail Willshire from Vistabella and Sandra Jones from Mazarron which although Sandra led for much of the way Gail eventually came out on top. In the Mixed Pairs Pete and Lisa Bonsor proved just too strong for Vistabella's Mo and Martin Foulcer, while San Luis Shirley and John Withers had a real cliff hanger against Quesada's Deidre Leeming and Jason Prokopowycz going to an extra end to take their place in the Final.
The Mixed Trips completed the Semi's in the afternoon with two very competitive games Greenlands Lin and Brian Miller and Barry Collins defeated San Miguel's Noel Davis, Ros Stockell and Drew Gerrard while in the other match Monte Mar's Sue Kemp (standing in as substitute for Geraldine Fisher), Harry Dobson and Gordon Fisher beat Pete and Lisa Bonsor and Bill Pain winning the last six ends.
On Sunday we started the Finals with the Men's Pairs and Ladies Pairs and what fantastic games they were, both going to the last end before we knew who had taken the title. In the Ladies Pairs Lin Miller and Lynn Greenland were up against Peta Rhodes and Lisa Bonsor and found themselves 12 – 4 down after 10 ends but slowly fought back to level the game at 13 all after 15 ends but still went into the last end 1 shot down Lynn Greenland saved the day with her last two woods to pick up 2 and take the title 16 – 15.
The Men's Pairs followed a similar pattern but with just a slightly different outcome Colin Jackson and Colin Lindgren were 13 – 7 up after 14 ends against Bill Pain and Pete Bonsor only to be pegged back to 13 all after 17 ends and Bill and Pete were holding but with his second wood Colin Lindgren put the jack in the ditch with his toucher close by to take the game and the title 14 – 13. That finished the action for the day with the spectators nerves shattered.
Monday Morning gave us the finals of the Mixed Pairs and the Mixed Trips. In the Mixed Pairs, Pete and Lisa Bonsor took on Shirley and John Withers and won by 18 shots to 11 but the drama of the previous days finals was continued in the Mixed Trips, Harry Dobson and Gordon Fisher were now joined by Geraldine Fisher, who had played in all the earlier rounds, to take on Brian and Lin Miller and Barry Collins, the game was tight most of the way but Gordon and co. took a 16 – 10 lead after 13 ends only to be brought back to a one shot lead going into the last end and then dropping another 1 to force an extra end. Lin's team looked as though they might take it but Gordon stole it with his last wood 18 – 17 phew.
The afternoon brought us the finals of the Blue Ribbon events the Men's and Ladies Finals. In the Ladies Final Peta Rhodes was determined to retain the title she won last year and put on a faultless display which Gail Willshire was unable to do anything about giving the title to Peta for the second year running but her third time of winning.
The Men's game also saw last year's champion attempting to defend his title but on this occasion in the clash between Quesada's Bill Pain and Pete Bonsor, Bill Pain put in a very solid performance to prevent Pete repeating last year's win. 
Trophies on Monday were presented by Vickie Riley Indigo Car Hires representative in Spain who have sponsored SABA over the last few years and can be contacted for some very competitive car hire rates in the UK on 0044 113 289 9281 (don't forget to mention SABA), while thanks go to CBBA President John Albutt who presented the Men's and Ladies Pairs trophies.
Competition organisers Arthur & Barbara Brown would like to thank San Luis Bowls Club for the Use of their Facilities, Kath & Frank Reid for a very successful raffle, our markers, Joy and Brian Gardiner, Pam Lockett and Nigel Baigent plus our Umpires Ros Stockell and Bob Donnelly and last but not least everyone who took part from start to finish making the SABA Summer Knockout's such a successful competition.
PHOTO BY CARL EAGLEFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44938/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Finals of the SABA Summer Knockout Competition, incorporating the playoff of the Men's Four Wood Pairs Leagues, were held at San Luis Bowls Club from Friday 12th to Monday 15th September.
Over 180 games were played in the Knockout competition prio...

### EIBAR TURN OVER ELCHE

ELCHE CF ....0    SD EIBAR ....2
Two goals from Dani Garcia and Raul Albentosa earned Eibar a 2-0 victory at Elche in La Liga on Friday night.
In a dour affair the visitors got off to a flying start when Garcia's low shot crept in after just three minutes. Albentosa's header shortly before the interval doubled the lead as Eibar made it two wins from their opening four league games.
After a slow start Elche began to get into the game and Faycal Fajr saw his shot tipped around a post by Jon Irazusta.
The hosts came out fighting after the break and Fajr had a corner tipped over by Irazusta before Jonathas headed the resulting delivery wide at the near post.
Damian Suarez then forced another save from the busy Irazusta.
The Eibar goalkeeper was alert again two minutes from time to turn a Fajr shot from long range around a post as his side sealed the win.
Photos by KEVIN RENDALLFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44933/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ELCHE CF ....0    SD EIBAR ....2
Two goals from Dani Garcia and Raul Albentosa earned Eibar a 2-0 victory at Elche in La Liga on Friday night.
In a dour affair the visitors got off to a flying start when Garcia's low shot crept in after just three m...

### THE WATER BOYS AND THE ORANGE MAN

I clearly remember the daily deliveries of bread and milk to our home when I was growing up in rural Lincolnshire. However, over time, many of these much-valued services ceased on the grounds that they were no longer economic to operate.
Local shops and small supermarkets were supposed to take over this much valued local service, and the days of the milkman and bread man's daily deliveries now seem to be a thing of the past in many of the UK's towns and villages.
Although we do not receive daily milk deliveries in Gran Canaria, many homes still receive a range of other welcome local deliveries of essential products. At broadly the same time each week, the dogs in our road begin to create a commotion. It is a cacophony of angry barking, designed to let humans know that intruders are approaching.
The barking begins at the top of our road, and passes from dog to dog down the road until our dog, Bella, picks up the urgent signal, which cruelly disturbs her from her slumbers, forcing her to join in and pass on the message in her shrillest possible bark.
Why all the fuss? Of course, it is the water boys delivering supplies of mineral water to those homes that have ordered it.Although we have water delivered to our home in large bottles, it is often amusing to see a large pipe being dragged into buildings from a tanker in order to fill up a collection of not too clean looking reusable containers. Often the inhabitants are not at home, and the water boys have to return two or three times before they can complete their delivery and collect their money. It is a time consuming process, but as most people sensibly drink mineral water rather than tap water, it is an essential part of everyday life.
We also receive regular visits from local farmers offering their current range of produce; often it is freshly picked tomatoes, bananas or onions, and sometimes vegetables that we have never seen or tried before. Occasionally we will try these unusual offerings, but only after the farmer has told us how to prepare and cook them. It is usually possible to identify which farmer is visiting simply by the sound of their vehicle or horn; one farmer even plays a tin whistle to alert potential customers of his arrival.
The latest addition to our fruit and vegetable service is the Orange Man, as many locals call him. He parks his van just outside our village on most days of the week, always offering a cheery greeting to all who pass by. His small van contains a treasure trove of fresh fruit, which is a delight to the eye.
Plump, juicy oranges, boxes of ripe, sweet apricots, strawberries and cherries are all on offer from his and his neighbour's local smallholdings. The Orange Man readily offers samples of his produce for his customers to try before purchase, and I doubt many leave him empty handed. Inevitably, we buy far more fruit than we originally intended, but the prices are so reasonable that it is difficult to ignore.
Fresh bread and bottled gas are also delivered regularly in our village, as well as bottled water from a range of competing companies from Tenerife, and even from the Peninsular. However, the economics of such a journey, as well as the carbon footprint does raise many questions about the wisdom of such long distance deliveries.
Home delivery services in the UK now appear to have morphed into a weekly delivery service from an out-of-town supermarket, together with a steep delivery charge.
However, time and economics have yet to catch up with the islands, and we still enjoy regular, local delivery services, which are invaluable to the local community, and particularly for those working, the sick, elderly and disabled. Long may home deliveries continue.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.

© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44932/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: I clearly remember the daily deliveries of bread and milk to our home when I was growing up in rural Lincolnshire. However, over time, many of these much-valued services ceased on the grounds that they were no longer economic to operate.
Local shops a...

### ‘MIKE PROBERT TALKS GOLF - 22 SEPTEMBER 2014

Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.
Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.
‘David Leadbetter Golf Academy Opens at La Manga'
Monday 15th September 2014 was the official opening of the new La Manga Club Practice Center and David Leadbetter Golf Academy and was attended by a host of local golf dignitaries and representatives from the USPGA BUT the thrill on the day was that David Leadbetter himself conducted the official opening, the ‘driving off ‘ceremony and the passed on important tips to a number of ‘willing' golfers of all ages.
The facilities are second to non in Europe and as you would expect the academy includes all the latest state of the art equipment to analyse both the swing and putting techniques and a group of 8 people had paid €2500 for a weeks stay, play and practise including personal tuition from David Leadbetter himself.
I had the opportunity to speak with David Leadbetter who was remarkably approachable and signed a few golf hats for me for use on charity days and was quite open when interviewed about a number of golf related topics and for example when asked if he thought Nick Faldo had 6 ‘majors' in him when they started to work together stated “ I thought he had perhaps 3 majors in him but he was so focused and dedicated to the cause, to the point of being disliked by many, that it was no surprise when he won more majors”.
It was a pleasure to be at the opening event and being so close at hand to see the ‘master at work' and was one of the highlights of my golf career.
We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us.
Leader Green Gees
The deals attached in the table are some of the best currently available to you.
Deals of the week: €43 for a single green fee at Villaitana (Levante) and 2 green fees and buggy for only €108 at Las Colinas (before 8.40am).
For bookings and more information contact Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com or direct on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 quoting reference LEADER.
Hollow Tining Watch
The following courses are currently undertaking or recovering from hollow tining: Alicante, Alenda, Bonalba and La Manga West.
Competition Watch
La Manga are running a Ryder Cup Sunday stableford on 28th September 2014 with a shot gun start at 9am for only €70 on the South course including buffet, wine and beer and also an Oktoberfest better ball stableford event on 4th October 2014 for the same individual €70 price on the North course including a German themed buffet with drinks and book both via Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.
Quotation of the week
“I am sweating like a gypsy with a mortgage” – Eddie WallaceFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44931/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services.
Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Serv...

### VALENCIAN COMMUNITY BOWLS CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Valencian Community Bowls Championship got underway on Friday evening with the Opening ceremony, held at the Emerald Isle Bowls Club, in front of bowlers from the competing clubs, spectators and guests.
Almost 300 bowlers from the 20 or so Costa Blanca clubs will contest the 7 disciplines made up of Ladies and Gents singles and doubles as well as mixed pairs, trips and fours. 
Competition will take place over the next two weeks at The Emerald Isle, Greenlands and Vistabella Bowls Clubs with the semi finals and finals due to be held at Vistabella on Friday and Saturday 3rd and 4th October.
The Opening Ceremony was carried out in bright sunshine at The Emerald Isle where the competitors paraded onto the brand new green behind their club standards. Watching the event were guests, Cllr Martina Scheurer, Orihuela Sports representative, Jose Antonio Murcia, FEB Delegate Bob Donnelly and both the President and the manager of the Emerald Isle Bowls Club, Graham Roberts and Paul Moran.
Bob Roberts handed over the green to the Championship Committee after which we had the usual round of welcoming speeches, followed by the Spanish National Anthem. The gathering then retired to enjoy a buffet and drinks. 
This is the first time in 2 or 3 years that many of the disciplines will be contested with only the mixed triples and the mixed fours being defended from 2013. The triples champions from Finca Guila, Charlie Speedie, Tony James and Pat Vaughan will meet the Greenlands trip of Mike and Florence Edwards and Graham Bater next Saturday at Vistabella while defending champions from the mixed fours, husband and wife pairings from San Miguel, the Colliers and the Perrings, will hope to get their title defence off to a successful start at the Emerald Isle in eight days time against Greenlands Steve Cantley, Brian Pocock, Mike Veale and Jan Pocock.
But it was the Men's and Ladies Singles that got the tournament underway on Saturday and Sunday at all 3 venues. Colin Lindgren, San Luis, and Maggie Furness were the victors when last contested in 2011. Colin met John Raby of San Miguel while Maggie decided not to defend her title.
Led by Valencian Delegate Bob Donnelly the small committee of Fred Trigwell, Pam Lockett and June Jones have done a wonderful job in pulling the tournament together and the trio fully deserve the congratulations meted out on them in the Tournament Handbook by the FEB President, Don Oscar Gomez Morante.   
You can go along and watch the games, entry to which is absolutely free, with the action taking place every morning for the next ten days from 10am, at The Emerald Isle, Greenlands and Vistabella Bowls Clubs. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44930/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Valencian Community Bowls Championship got underway on Friday evening with the Opening ceremony, held at the Emerald Isle Bowls Club, in front of bowlers from the competing clubs, spectators and guests.
Almost 300 bowlers from the 20 or so Costa B...

### ILLEGAL HOUSES – LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL??

AUAN Press Release 17.09.2014
Susana Diaz, President of the Junta de Andalucía spoke about illegal houses today in the Andalusian Parliament during the debate on the state of Andalusian autonomy.
She said “Ladies and Gentlemen, we are going to respond to the situation that affects thousands of families and that cannot be ignored by the Administration.
You are aware that a significant number of buildings have been constructed, the majority some time ago, on non urbanizable land and that the proscription period allowed for the restoration of legality has now passed.  We cannot allow them to remain in a limbo of legal uncertainty, and for this reason my Government is going to propose to Parliament a change to article 185 of the Planning Law of Andalucía which will make it possible to regularize thousands and thousands of houses in Andalucía”.
Maura Hillen, President of the association which campaigns against planning abuses known as “AUAN” gave a cautious welcome to the news and said “it appears to be a positive step and we are given hope by what the President has said. We only hope that the proposed change is appropriate and that it becomes law as soon as possible” adding “finally there seems to be political as well as social consensus regarding illegal houses in Andalucía.
The facts are that there are at least 300,000 illegal houses in Andalucía. They cannot all be demolished and therefore solutions must be found. It is not acceptable to ignore these houses pretending that they do not exist because there are thousands of houses that may be affecting the environment that are currently not being recognised and regulated”.
According to Gerardo Vázquez, legal advisor to AUAN, “the change could be an important step. To coin a phrase this will not be end of the problem, nor the beginning of the end, but perhaps the end of the beginning. AUAN has campaigned for many years to bring about a change of this sort, even warning before what purported to be the regularization Decree was passed that it would not resolve the problem for the majority of houses because they were on illegal land divisions.  
We thank the politicians and officials who have embraced this assertion and promoted it.  As one of them said to me recently “politicians have to be useful” and I sincerely believe that this measure if applied correctly, will benefit, not only many families in Andalucía, but also legal security, foreign investment and society as a whole”.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44928/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: AUAN Press Release 17.09.2014
Susana Diaz, President of the Junta de Andalucía spoke about illegal houses today in the Andalusian Parliament during the debate on the state of Andalusian autonomy.
She said “Ladies and Gentlemen, we are go...

### PREPARING FOR RAIN

In anticipation of the expected annual rainy season, work and preparation has begun around the Torrevieja and Orihuela coastline, to try to alleviate the potential risk of flooding after one of the hottest summers in decades threatens the worst floods in years.
In Orihuela, a planning meeting was held that included representatives from the Cruz Roja, Provincial Fire Consortium, Local Police, water supply company Hidraqua, management of the Torrevieja and Orihuela hospitals, municipal engineers and technicians and the acting mayor, Antonio Zapata. 
One of the biggest concerns is now in some of the dry river beds, which had become inundated with an accumulation of rubbish for many years, but are now mostly clear, which will result in the potentially fastest flowing water evacuation for some time.
The town hall of Orihuela has also asked the Ministry of Development to provide water pumps in key locations, to ease the flow of water and offer better control of the evacuation.
In Torrevieja, where heavy rains seem to create chaos in Torrevieja on an annual basis, the water Company Agamed have begun work on once again digging a series of storm channels along the side of the Torrevieja-Crevillente CV-905 road. 
The work will take in the stretch of road adjacent to la Urbanización Torreta III, the entrance to the Parque Natural next to vía verde and la calle Golondrina, to the junction of the N-332 at la Urbanización Doña Inés.  
Much like the same statements made every year before the September rains, the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, said that the works will cover a total area of 35,000 square metres, all of which will be treated with herbicides in order to delay the onset of plant growth and enable water to flow more freely. This work is expected to be completed within 2 weeks.
Meanwhile, the management of emergencies in Orihuela have planned to organise an emergency drill on the 25th of September, to ensure that their emergency plans are in place and that everybody is prepared to deal, as best they can, with one of the wettest periods in the seasonal calendar.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44918/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In anticipation of the expected annual rainy season, work and preparation has begun around the Torrevieja and Orihuela coastline, to try to alleviate the potential risk of flooding after one of the hottest summers in decades threatens the worst floods ...

### MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DENY ORIHUELA POLLUTION

Following an alert of pollution on the Orihuela Costa last week, the sample of deposits collected by the environmental department has been tested, and has been proven to be non-toxic.
A statement based on the analysis of the sample stated that the four beaches affected by the arrival of an oil spill off the coast of Orihuela would reopen to bathers, and that “The Council has received the results of the analysis of water samples from the Enac Ensayos Lab Aqua and found no hydrocarbons, normal pH and normal oxygen content”, and so the green flags were hoisted once again on the beaches of Mil Palmeras, Barranco Rubio, Aguamarina and Campoamor.
The matter found on the beach was originally thought to have come from the ships partaking in the NATO training Mine Detection exercise ‘Spanish Minex' taking place off the Orihuela Costa, although a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence denied any part in the appearance of the discharge.
In a statement, the ministry said that “In response to press reports about the appearance of discharges to the beaches of Orihuela, the Navy denies that it came from any Spanish or allied nation´s vessels” taking part in the Spanish Minex-14 exercise. 
The ministry also pointed out that during the exercise, the Navy is simultaneously performing a clean-up operation on the seabed in the area, after two separate surveys were carried out by the Department of the Environment and Conservation, and did not detect any anomalies.
The statement continued to explain how “The Navy operates a comprehensive control system to prevent dumping at sea that could harm the environment and meets the rigorous International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, MARPOL. Moreover, all Navy ships are assigned the task of conducting surveillance and maritime security in national waters when they are not performing other specific operations, one of the functions of this is the monitoring control of waste disposal from ships transiting our waters”.
For the Orihuela Costa, the event at least led to the protocol for dealing with such a potential incident being implemented, all with the aim of ensuring the safety of beachgoers, and will at least have served as both a training and analysis exercise should a real emergency ever occur. Explaining the actions taken during the alert, the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, told The Leader that things “can always be improved”, but “on the whole it all went well”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44917/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following an alert of pollution on the Orihuela Costa last week, the sample of deposits collected by the environmental department has been tested, and has been proven to be non-toxic.
A statement based on the analysis of the sample stated that the fou...

### ORIHUELA COSTA BEACHES REOPEN ON FRIDAY

Following an alert of pollution on the Orihuela Costa this week, the sample of deposits collected by the environmental department has been tested, and has been proven to be non-toxic.
As a result, the red flags preventing bathing will be removed on Friday morning, and bathing can resume on the four beaches to the south of the municipality which had been closed.
The matter found on the beach was thought to have come from the ships partaking in a NATO training exercise off the Orihuela Costa, although the full investigation into the appearance is ongoing. 
For the Orihuela Costa, the event at least led to the protocol for dealing with such a potential incident being implemented, all with the aim of ensuring the safety of beachgoers, and will at least have served as both a training and analysis exercise should a real emergency ever occur.
The emergency coordination teams have already planned a meeting this week to discuss communication and preparation in the event of flooding caused by the September rainy season, so the results of this implementation of protocol will no doubt also be discussed then too, allowing any potential problems and issues to be resolved before a real event.
The councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, told The Leader that things “can always be improved”, but “on the whole it all went well”.
During the times when the beaches are covered by security and safety staff, it is always prudent to look out for the flag colour, and heed the instructions of those who serve in the interest of public safety. A red flag will always indicate that bathing is prohibited. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44916/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following an alert of pollution on the Orihuela Costa this week, the sample of deposits collected by the environmental department has been tested, and has been proven to be non-toxic.
As a result, the red flags preventing bathing will be removed on Fr...

### SEPRONA CLOSE FOUR ORIHUELA COSTA BEACHES

Four Orihuela Costa beaches were closed on Tuesday afternoon at Aguamarina, La Glea, Barranco Rubio and Mil Palmeras after substances thought to be part of a possible toxic spill were washed up on their shorelines. 
The beaches were closed while the toxicity of the spill, which arrived on the beaches during the early afternoon, was determined.
Initial thoughts were that the substance, which was immediately sent for analysis, might be oil, but this possibility was quickly discounted as initial reports from the Seprona agents suggested that it was a claylike substance. 
However, given the uncertainty and because it started raining on the sea, it was decided to raise the Red Flags on all of the beaches affected to prevent any possible contamination to bathers.
Councilor for the Coast and beaches, Martina Scheurer said that she was unable to add to the situation until such time as experts had looked at the samples. She said that the authorities had initially cordoned off the affected areas but subsequently the decision had been taken to close the beaches completely.
Residents and beachgoers immediately blamed the spill on the military Mine Detection Exercise being conducted by the Spanish Navy off the coast of the Vega Baja, many vessels of which were clearly visible from the empty beaches. This fact was confirmed by the City Council in a statement.
Bathers were first alerted to the claylike substance washed up on the sand as well as to the white impurities that were clearly visible in the water. They alerted the municipal authorities who immediately called agents from the Guardia Civil.
The councilor said that the warnings would not be removed from the beaches until such time as a full analysis of the substances had been made and found to be safe.
In a subsequent press release issued by the council later in the day they said that the discharge had been caused by one or more of the vessels of the Spanish Navy which was performing exercises just off the coastline of the Orihuela Costa. 
The closure of the beaches was taken as a precaution, and that Seprona had taken a sample of the waste to carry out analysis. It continued ‘Until the results are received the beaches remain red flagged and although they are open to users, the public is advised not to enter the sea again until the green flag is flying once again'. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44915/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Four Orihuela Costa beaches were closed on Tuesday afternoon at Aguamarina, La Glea, Barranco Rubio and Mil Palmeras after substances thought to be part of a possible toxic spill were washed up on their shorelines. 
The beaches were closed while the t...

### POLICE YARD BECOMES DUMPING GROUND

The PP councilor Jose Antonio Aniorte has called for the waste dumping ground at el Camino Viejo de Molins to be cleared up as a matter of urgency.
The dump is situated immediately outside the offices of the Policia Local and is not only a hazard to health but there is also an increasing danger of fire as members of the public  continue to deposit cuttings and debris from trees which dry out and increase the risk of fire day by day.
As well as the Policia Local Headquarters the site is also situated adjacent to a number of private houses.
Debris includes garden and plant trimmings, trees and branches, old signs and general rubbish and because of the state of the site the police are no longer able to use the area as a training location for their dogs.
Indeed the current weather situation requires the police HQ to open their patio doors during the heat of the day and as such the stench from the dump often creates additional hazards as it spreads throughout the entire building. 
 Aniorte called for immediate action to end this problem and avoid the police yard becoming a permanent.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44914/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The PP councilor Jose Antonio Aniorte has called for the waste dumping ground at el Camino Viejo de Molins to be cleared up as a matter of urgency.
The dump is situated immediately outside the offices of the Policia Local and is not only a hazard to ...

### PRIVATIZATION OF LIGHTING WILL SAVE € 200,000 A YEAR

The Mayor of Callosa de Segura, Javier Pérez (PP), has defended criticism by the socialist opposition, of the contract that he has signed to privatise the maintenance of public lighting in the town
The contract has been put in place for a period of 15 years at a cost of 7.5 million euros, half a million per year which will provide an overall saving of approximately 700,000 euros. This is because there will no longer be a need for the authority to purchase and maintain the equipment that is usually necessary to provide the maintenance support, lifting equipment and cranes.
In his first appearance in front of the press following the summer break the mayor also said that improvement works are about to get underway in calles Pedro Aragonés, Filarmónica, Luis Galiana and Plaza San Adrián, at a cost of 240.000 euros; maintenence of some rural roads costing 60.000 euros; renewal of sewerage in el Paseo de la Estación and la Rambla Baja, for 140.000 euros;  as well as energy efficiency measures in the sports centre costing 72.750 euros
On the expansion of the health center the mayor explained that just this week additional services will allow new specialties such as minor surgery. 
Finally, he said that the council has completed the redevelopment of the roads and streets of Callosilla and las calles Reyes Católicos and Felipe II, and the remodeling of the electrical system in the La Paz and San Roque colleges.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44913/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Mayor of Callosa de Segura, Javier Pérez (PP), has defended criticism by the socialist opposition, of the contract that he has signed to privatise the maintenance of public lighting in the town
The contract has been put in place for a perio...

### FOOTBALL COACH CHARGED WITH RAPE

Despite the failure of the victim to appear, the Prosecution has asked for a sentence of eight years in prison for a Women's Football Coach charged with raping a minor in Alicante.
Identified as Adonny AZ the coach is alleged to have assaulted his victim two years ago, after she had arrived for football training. The prosecution contends that the coach asked the young girl to accompany him into the park at Lo Morant where they stopped in a secluded area.
He then allegedly began fondling the girl, and declaring his feelings for her, until, he encouraged her to lie down on the grass.
Despite her attempts to escape, she was unable to do so as the coach grabbed her tightly by the wrists until he could penetrate her vaginally, breaking the hymen, and ejaculating inside. However the defense, represented by lawyers Vicente Orts Barrigón and Javier García Sánchez, sought his acquittal saying that the prosecution evidence submitted by the girl is based on contradictory statements.
Despite her ‘no show' in court, the prosecution maintains that following the alleged sexual assault, the defendant asked the girl not to tell anyone. He then subsequently sent her a number of messages expressing his desire that they meet and repeat what happened in the park.
The victim was only 16 years old at the time of the alleged rape. 
The prosecution also seeks compensation of 20,000 euros in moral damages as a result of the alleged assault during which, they claimed, she lost her virginity.
The defendant, now 25, denied the facts claiming that he had fallen out with the parents of the child which had probably led to the accusations. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44912/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Despite the failure of the victim to appear, the Prosecution has asked for a sentence of eight years in prison for a Women's Football Coach charged with raping a minor in Alicante.
Identified as Adonny AZ the coach is alleged to have assaulted his vic...

### RED FLAG FOR POLLUTION ON ORIHUELA COSTA

Following established protocols for dealing with potential risk, the red warning flag which advises against bathing in the sea has been raised on the Orihuela Costa beaches of Mil Palmeras, Barranco Rubio, Aguamarina and Campoamor.
The reason for the move is the appearance of apparent pollution on the beaches, which is believed to have been caused by the naval ships carrying out exercises off the coast of Orihuela.
The red flag measure has been taken as a precautionary measure whilst the environmental arm of the Guardia Civil, SEPRONA, carry out tests.
It is advised that during this time beach goers do not enter the water until the status of the flag has been changed back to green.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44911/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following established protocols for dealing with potential risk, the red warning flag which advises against bathing in the sea has been raised on the Orihuela Costa beaches of Mil Palmeras, Barranco Rubio, Aguamarina and Campoamor.
The reason for the ...

### REDOVAN HOSTS NATIONAL HEATS FOR RADIO CONTROLLED CARS

The regional Championship for Radio Controlled Cars was held in Redovan last weekend attracting competitors from all over Valencia, the Costa Blanca and Murcia areas.  
This is the first time they have been held in the town having been moved to the industrial area of San Carlos from their previous venue of Palmeral de Orihuela. The event was organized by the club president Antonio Baldó and winners will now progress to the national finals.
The sport is extremely popular in the district of Vega Baja, and the club has members in almost all locations. The meeting was attended by 66 enthusiasts whose hobby it is to build and pilot these radio cars competitively.  
According to the organizers this is an expensive sport which most people have to meet the cost of themselves.
There are a few, however, who excel in the necessary skills, who manage to get sponsorship from private companies and only they are usually able to afford the expense of competing in European competitions.
Two such individuals are the brothers Brian and Oscar Baldó, sons of the club President, who spent last week in Germany and now move on Italy where they will be holding workshops on the sport. The pair currently occupy 2nd and 4th rankings on the national circuit.
Such was the success of the championship that 
He region has been selected to organize the 2016 European Championships which Antonio Baldó says is ‘a great honour for people of redovan'. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44910/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The regional Championship for Radio Controlled Cars was held in Redovan last weekend attracting competitors from all over Valencia, the Costa Blanca and Murcia areas.  
This is the first time they have been held in the town having been moved to the in...

### FLAMENCO ON THE LAKE

HUNDREDS of euros were raised for the Elche Children's Home following the Charity Horse and Flamenco Show spectacular event at Casa la Pedrera, Torremendo. "Monies raised will go towards numerous things - including sports equipment, school bags, and running shoes. 
The Director will decide," Annette English told me.
Annette, a fundraiser volunteer at the Elche Childrens Home, introduced me to three boys from the home: Jessie, Gerard and Justin. "We have never been to anything like this before," said Jessie.  
"We are overwhelmed by it all," said Gerard. "There are 18 children in the Elche Childrens Home and we thank everybody for their support, especially Jenni and Derek Ray, owners of Casa La Pedrera," said Annette.
The final summer show took place at the Grand Design House overlooking Lake Pedrera watched by an audience of 150 that was enthralled by the Jay Markwick's Company of Dancers; Emma Tytherleigh and Juan Cortezare. Opening the show was the four female Flamenco dancers whose showcase was performed on a stage overlooking the picturesque setting of Lake Pedrera.
Jenni's daughter's Eden and Linzi performed on their horse Aero, who was back in the show ring for the first time in a year, after undergoing a growth operation. Courageous Emma Tytherleigh and her horse Romero thrilled the audience  with acrobatic displays and daring stunts  encapsulated with running through fire! Juan Cortezare was dressed in the traditional Spanish wear, highlighted when performing with a Garrocha, a pole used with the wild bulls, for bullfighting and herding cattle.
The long length of the pole saw Juan skilfully display an art form in itself. And pony Rocco was a show-stopper in what was his first outing entering the ring whilst 'relieving' himself. "He's a little nervous!," quipped Jennie Ray. "Thank you very much for supporting the Elche Childrens Home," said Jenni. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44908/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: HUNDREDS of euros were raised for the Elche Children's Home following the Charity Horse and Flamenco Show spectacular event at Casa la Pedrera, Torremendo. "Monies raised will go towards numerous things - including sports equipment, school bags, and running shoes. 
The Director will decide," Annette English told me.
Annette, a fundraiser volunteer at the Elche Childrens Home, introduced me to three boys from the home: Jessie, Gerard and Justin. "We have never been to anything like this before," said Jessie.  
"We are overwhelmed by it all," said Gerard. "There are 18 children in the Elche Childrens Home and we thank everybody for their support, especially Jenni and Derek Ray, owners of Casa La Pedrera," said Annette.
The final summer show took place at the Grand Design House overlooking Lake Pedrera watched by an audience of 150 that was enthralled by the Jay Markwick's Company of Dancers; Emma Tytherleigh and Juan Cortezare. Opening the show was the four female Flamenco dancers whose showcase was performed on a stage overlooking the picturesque setting of Lake Pedrera.
Jenni's daughter's Eden and Linzi performed on their horse Aero, who was back in the show ring for the first time in a year, after undergoing a growth operation. Courageous Emma Tytherleigh and her horse Romero thrilled the audience  with acrobatic displays and daring stunts  encapsulated with running through fire! Juan Cortezare was dressed in the traditional Spanish wear, highlighted when performing with a Garrocha, a pole used with the wild bulls, for bullfighting and herding cattle.
The long length of the pole saw Juan skilfully display an art form in itself. And pony Rocco was a show-stopper in what was his first outing entering the ring whilst 'relieving' himself. "He's a little nervous!," quipped Jennie Ray. "Thank you very much for supporting the Elche Childrens Home," said Jenni. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44908/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### STACEY MOWLE FUNDRAISING APPEAL

Inspired by the bravery of a young girl, Stacey Mowle, a Tottenham Hotspur supporter who – five years ago – was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma (a very virulent and aggressive form of cancer) members of Spurs Supporters Spain have started raising money to assist the appeal in her name to get her to the USA for the treatment she so badly needs.
The Stacey Mowle Appeal needs to raise around half a million pounds and is already backed by the likes of former Spurs player Graham Roberts who is the Fundraising Ambassador for the Appeal, as well as numerous well known celebrities such as TV star Linda Robson, comedian Joe Pasquale, Embarrassing Bodies Doctor Pixie McKenna and many others.
Events have been staged across many counties in southern England including sponsored walks, runs, cycle rides, golf days and even skydives and abseils, as well as comedy nights and a pro-celebrity football match and now they are being staged here in southern Spain.
The first fundraising event by Spurs Supporters Spain was a variation on the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge held at the end of August at Moores Bar and which raised 120 euros with eight club members accepting the challenge.
The next will cover the whole month of October and is again based on another cancer campaign – Go Sober for October – with club Secretary Graeme Clark agreeing to go through the entire month without drinking any alcohol.
Plans for November are already well advanced with a Legends Evening starring Graham Roberts and Stephen Sedgley to be staged jointly at Moores Bar and Marinasol restaurant in Cabo Roig on Saturday 15th November.
In addition, supporters of other football clubs have now come forward asking if they can take part in an event and have offered their assistance so the club is now organising a MowVember Challenge. This entails entrants not shaving for the whole of November and growing a beard or a moustache.
Supporters of Liverpool, Newcastle, West Ham and Stoke have already agreed so Spurs Supporters Spain need supporters of all other Premier League clubs and as many from other leagues, even other countries, to come forward to take part. Providing you are living on the southern Costa Blanca or surrounding areas you are eligible to take part.
For more information on any of these events – if you want to donate or would like to participate – check out the website www.spurssupportersspain.com or contact Graeme Clark on 966 764 403 (office hours 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday). Alternatively pop into Moores Bar on Cabo Roig and have a word with Martin.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44906/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Inspired by the bravery of a young girl, Stacey Mowle, a Tottenham Hotspur supporter who – five years ago – was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma (a very virulent and aggressive form of cancer) members of Spurs Supporters Spain have started rai...

### AGAMED WORK ON NEW STORM DRAINS

In anticipation of the expected heavy rains that seem to create chaos in Torrevieja on an annual basis the water Company Agamed have begun work on a series of storm channels along the side of the Torrevieja-Crevillente CV-905 road. 
The work will take in the stretch of road adjacent to la Urbanización Torreta III, the entrance to the Parque Natural next to vía verde and la calle Golondrina, to the junction of the N-332 at la Urbanización Doña Inés.  
The mayor said that the works will cover a total area of 35,000 sq mtrs, all of which will be treated with herbicides in order to delay the onset of plant growth and enable water to flow more freely.
The work is expected to be completed within 2 weeksFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44905/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In anticipation of the expected heavy rains that seem to create chaos in Torrevieja on an annual basis the water Company Agamed have begun work on a series of storm channels along the side of the Torrevieja-Crevillente CV-905 road. 
The work will tak...

### ORIHUELA MAYOR OFF UNTIL OCTOBER

The Mayor of Orihuela, Monserrate Guillén of the Los Verdes green party, is not likely to return to work until at least the end of October, if he agrees to adhere to the medical advice.
Having suffered a heart attack in July, Guillén undertook surgery to repair his heart and was expected to be off work for two months. His latest medical check up has recommended a longer period of rehabilitation, which would add another 4 weeks to his recovery period, resulting in his return in late October.
Whilst sources close to Guillén say that he is keen to return to work, he has also been taking some time out to enjoy some of the more scenic areas of the municipality during his rest and recuperation.
In his absence, the current acting mayor, Antonio Zapata of the PSOE, will continue to lead the government team.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44902/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Mayor of Orihuela, Monserrate Guillén of the Los Verdes green party, is not likely to return to work until at least the end of October, if he agrees to adhere to the medical advice.
Having suffered a heart attack in July, Guillén und...

### CYCLISTS DONATE WINNINGS TO BIKER COP WIDOW

Spanish cyclists in the tour of Spain are donating their prize winnings to the widow of a Guardia Civil biker who died after crashing his bike whilst escorting them through Asturias. 
Eusebio García Flores, aged 41 and stationed in Albacete, crashed at kilometre 22 of the AS-228 road, passing through Proaza. 
An investigation suggests “human error” as the motorbike was travelling at 80 kilometres per hour at the time of the crash, and the rider lost control after a spin. Critics have claimed that the investigation was not conclusive however, as now field examinations were carried out.
The funeral was held in the presence of his wife, three daughters and a small number of colleagues this week.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44900/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spanish cyclists in the tour of Spain are donating their prize winnings to the widow of a Guardia Civil biker who died after crashing his bike whilst escorting them through Asturias. 
Eusebio García Flores, aged 41 and stationed in Albacete, cr...

### NEW SOCIALIST LEADER ‘RESPECTFUL’ OF ANIMAL ABUSE

Whilst firmly sitting on the fence rather than responding to the calls for action, the recently appointed secretary general of the socialist PSOE political group, Pedro Sánchez, has stated that despite his group “respecting” the culture of bullfighting, he himself would not attend such an event.
The comment came in response to the build up to Tuesday´s Toro de la Vega, in Valladolid. With Medieval origins, the annual event results in waves of protests from animal rights groups, on account of the brutal treatment of the bulls.
This year, 45,000 people took to the streets of Madrid in protest of the event, whilst the PACMA animal rights group is petitioning the European Union to have the event banned. IN the first month, 70,000 people signed their official petition which has been presented to the President of Petitions last week.
According to Silvia Barquero, President of PACMA, “The vast majority of Spanish society rejects the implied animal abuse in this controversial conclusion, we as European citizens we represent, not part of our traditions, but we are deeply ashamed”. 
Organizers point out that Article 13 of the Lisbon Treaty recognizes animals as sentient beings and urges member of the European Union to implement policies that promote their welfare states.
The Toro de la Vega results in hundreds of people both on foot and on horseback, chasing bulls with spears with the intention of the brutal killing of the animals upon capture.
Pedro Sanchez this week said that “The Socialist Party has a clear position, respect the culture of bullfighting in Spain, but from a personal point of view, while respecting it, I will not see a bullfight”. 
In reference to the Toro de la Vega, whilst not offering any intention to try to encourage or even discuss a change in policy, he explained that personally, “I reject it, I don´t like it”, adding, “In the twenty-first century such festivals should not take place”.
PACMA have expressed their disappointment in the uncompromising attitude of a leader who promises change, but have also vowed to continue their fight to have such events outlawed. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44899/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Whilst firmly sitting on the fence rather than responding to the calls for action, the recently appointed secretary general of the socialist PSOE political group, Pedro Sánchez, has stated that despite his group “respecting” the cult...

### MORE IMMIGRANTS LAND IN TORREVIEJA

A small boat with eight immigrants on board, four of them children, was seized on Monday in waters to the south of Alicante. According to Red Cross sources it was towed into the port of  Torrevieja by the Civil Guard maritime service.
The eight are said to have come from Libya, Algeria and Tunisia.
It would appear that the immigrants were adrift for three days so rather all were in a reasonable state of health apart from two suffering from low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and three from skin rashes.
The vessel was first sighted around 11.30 hours about 55 miles southeast of Alicante and on arrival in Torrevieja it was met by seven members of the Red Cross, including a number of translator.
After initial health checks the group  were provided with food and dry clothes.
Since last August a total of 85 boat people have arrived in the region, including the 8 who arrived today.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44898/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A small boat with eight immigrants on board, four of them children, was seized on Monday in waters to the south of Alicante. According to Red Cross sources it was towed into the port of  Torrevieja by the Civil Guard maritime service.
The eight are sa...

### DRUG ARRESTS OUTSIDE TORREVIEJA SCHOOL

Five people were arrested last Monday for a suspected crime against public health after the Guardia Civil raided a house just opposite the school entrance.
Details of the operation are still being released although those arrested are said to be three Spanish women and 2 men of Pakistani origin. They are alleged to have been dealing in cocaine and heroin.
The Guardia were first warned of the possible existence of the gang just over a week ago since which time they have had a property adjacent to the school under surveillance.
There was said to be a high frequency of access to the house and on leaving the building those observed were said to be uneasy and nervous.
Following the arrests the detainees were made available to the Court of Instruction number Three in Torrevieja.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44897/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Five people were arrested last Monday for a suspected crime against public health after the Guardia Civil raided a house just opposite the school entrance.
Details of the operation are still being released although those arrested are said to be three ...

### TORRY FAIL TO CAPITALISE AS LEVANTE ‘HIT AND RUN

CD TORREVIEJA ......1  TORRE LEVANTE ......2  Torry welcomed unbeaten Torre Levante to Vicente Garcia Stadium last Sunday.  
Formed as recently as 1976, Torre Levante compete in tercera div for only the 2nd time in their history.  Last season, they narrowly avoided relegation finishing 16th, whereas this season, their young squad occupy 2nd place in the table, 10 places above their hosts. 
Unavailable for the match were suspended pair Jorge & Ekedi, as a result of last weeks sendings off at Ribarroja, giving Torry manager Galliana a selection headache he could well do without!
And the headaches continued as the visitors took a 12th minute lead very much against the run of play. As the defence switched off Jose met a delightful cross at the far post to easily beat Oscar between the sticks. 
But even by this stage the home side could easily have been a couple up. First a Rani header cleared off the line and then a clear Leavante handball that the referee choose to ignore. 
The penalty shout on 29 minutes was even more clear cut as Carrasco was upended by an extremely heavy challenge and then when Cristian missed a fine opportunity by shooting straight into the arms of the keeper with no other defender in sight we somehow knew that Torry weren't going to get anything out of this half. Half Time Torry 0 Levante 1.
But how things improved for the home side in the 2nd period when straight from kick off a weighted ball from Cristian played in substitute Cesar who buried his shot from 10 yds to draw the scores level.
Alexis went close moments later as Torry piled on the pressure but once again, against the run of play, a wicked deflection from a Ritchi half hit shot had Levante back in front on 70 mins. 
After this the game began to fall apart as the visitors appeared to take it in turns to spoil Torry's attempt to play football. Brani in particular came in for rough treatment as Levante picked up a succession of yellow cards for unnecessary fouls.
And their indiscipline spread to the bench as even their manager was dismissed for getting a littl too involved. Final Score Torry 1 Levante 2.
Next weekend a long journey up the AP 7 as Torry travel to Villareal.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44885/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: CD TORREVIEJA ......1  TORRE LEVANTE ......2  Torry welcomed unbeaten Torre Levante to Vicente Garcia Stadium last Sunday.  
Formed as recently as 1976, Torre Levante compete in tercera div for only the 2nd time in their history.  Last season, they na...

### IMPORTANT WIN FOR ELCHE

Rayo Vallecano 2 Elche 3
Elche hung on to claim all 3 points and their first win of the season despite late pressure from Rayo. 
Having gone 3-1 in front with goals from Albacar, Jonathas and Mosquera, Elche looked to be cruising to an easy win until Albacar handled inside the box in the final minute of the game, Bueno converted from the spot to pull the scoreline back to 3-2 to set up five tense final minutes. However the visitors weathered the storm  to secure the win.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44884/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Rayo Vallecano 2 Elche 3
Elche hung on to claim all 3 points and their first win of the season despite late pressure from Rayo. 
Having gone 3-1 in front with goals from Albacar, Jonathas and Mosquera, Elche looked to be cruising to an easy win unti...

### NEWS BITES COSTA BLANCA - 15 SEPTEMBER 2014

BIG BROTHER
Celebrity couple Shakira and Piqué are reported to be having a new brother for baby Milan, thought to be due in the early part of next year. The singer's mother was caught by the press as she was leaving the home Shakira shares with Barça FC forward Gerard Piqué, 27, and proudly told them the news.
DESIGNERS ON SHOW
Spanish Designers took over the catwalk at the New York Fashion Week and showed that the country's creations can hold their own among some of the world's top household names. Custo Dalmau was a pioneer for Spain on the Big Apple's fashion scene, presenting his exotic and provocative womenswear collection, Skin, which stopped on just the right side of decency.
SECURITY FORUM
The Minister for Defence, Pedro Morenés, took part in the 19th Spain-US Forum on Saturday together with the US Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, a delegation of Spanish and US parliamentarians led by Senator Tim Kaine, and representatives from businesses related to both the defence and other sectors.
TERRORISM PAYMENTS
Friday 19 September is the deadline for the submission of claims by victims of terrorism who are seeking payment of compensation from the Spanish Government. The process has been open for 12 months. Scales of payment are: 250,000 euros death, 500,000 euros for severe disability, EUR 180,000 for total incapacity, 100,000 euros for total disability
BELT UP
Figures released by the DGT last week say that 26% of those killed in traffic accidents involving passenger cars during the summer and 30% of the occupants of vans, were not using seat belts at the time of the accident, despite the issue of 127,900 fines to motorists during 2013. As such a spokesman said they will soon announce the details of a new campaign for monitoring the use of safety belts and child restraint systems.
ART WORKSHOP CANCELLED
The Municipal Institute of Culture at Joaquín Chapaprieta have announced that the fifth edition of the Ars Creatio Gala of Culture, which was scheduled on Friday September 19 at the Municipal Theatre, has been suspended for technical reasons. The cultural association will continue, however, with their usual activities, and preparation of their quarterly magazine.
TORREVIEJA TOURISM ON THE UP
The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, disclosed last week that during the first eight months of this year (January to August) the Express Passenger Transport Service between Torrevieja and Alicante Airport has been used by a total of 57,687 passengers, an increase of 15% compared the same period of 2013, in which the total number of users was 48,147. This demonstrating the rise of tourism in the Torrevieja area. 
HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY 
If any Ex Household Cavalrymen, i.e. Life Guards, Royal Horse Guards ,Or Blues & Royals living in Spain would like any information passing on from any of the Associations ring 865770096 or email grahamhaywood1943@gmail.com . 
TORREVIEJA UPyD ELECTIONS
The Torrevieja branch of UPyD held its membership elections last week for the composition of the Local Board. The current chairman, José Serna Lorente, topped the vote by 86% of all the votes cast. The party said that the election process took place without incident and "with total internal transparency '. After the ballot, José Serna vowed to fight "for genuine democratic regeneration throughout the region.”
PHOTOGRAPHY WALKS
If you love photography, you have an appointment on 12th, 13th and 14th September in Torrevieja, at the III Congress of Mobile Photo and Instagram (MOWO) where you'll find workshops, lectures, panel discussions, photowalks, etc. Further information on www.mowo.es
ROJALES SURPLUS 
The Rojales City Council has now approved its general account for the year 2013 where all groups were represented in the municipal vote (PSOE, PP and Pader). In the words of the Councillor for Finance, José Pedro Chazarra, financial situation in the municipality is 'very good' showing a surplus of 1.5 million euros. 
STREET TRADERS
Orihuela Council are organizing a course for street vendors. According to the Councillor of Commerce, Manuel Gallud, the course will consist of five three-hour sessions aimed at "enhancing their skills and their business knowledge."  They will be held on 15, 17, 19, 23 and 25 September from 18:00 to 21:00. All of the talks will take place in the premises of the Orihuela Chamber of Commerce.
NONE INCLUSIVE
The workers at the four star Hotel Acazaba Mar in Almería are striking after not being paid for several months. Customers arriving at the hotel, many of whom had paid for an all inclusive holiday, have found no waiters, no chefs with the tables having not been cleared and still holding the remains of the previous day's meal. One of the strikers said, since June they have been playing with us, they promise to pay tomorrow but it still hasn't happened.
PLACID DECEMBER
The Internationally acclaimed three-tenors Spanish singer, Plácido Domingo, will perform at the Grand Theatre in Elche in December. He will appear together with the Palau de les Arts Orchestra. The cultural event starts in October and carries on until January 2015, and was announced to the press by Pablo Ruz, the coordinator of culture from Elche Town Hall, 
BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT
King Felipe VI was in Malaga last week together with Queen Letizia. The pair were on their first official visit since he was named King. Whilst in the city the King and Queen paid a visit to the  Picasso Museum before attending an inaugural dinner at the Automobile Museum where they opened the 19th Spain-US forum. 
KEEPING DRY 
According to new rainfall data collected by the University of Alicante Climatology Laboratory the city of Alicante is the driest populated area in the world. The province has experienced serious drought conditions and in the last 12 months, has only seen 104.4 litres of rainfall per-square-metre – just 30% of the normal rate.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44882/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: BIG BROTHER
Celebrity couple Shakira and Piqué are reported to be having a new brother for baby Milan, thought to be due in the early part of next year. The singer's mother was caught by the press as she was leaving the home Shakira shares with Barça FC forward Gerard Piqué, 27, and proudly told them the news.
DESIGNERS ON SHOW
Spanish Designers took over the catwalk at the New York Fashion Week and showed that the country's creations can hold their own among some of the world's top household names. Custo Dalmau was a pioneer for Spain on the Big Apple's fashion scene, presenting his exotic and provocative womenswear collection, Skin, which stopped on just the right side of decency.
SECURITY FORUM
The Minister for Defence, Pedro Morenés, took part in the 19th Spain-US Forum on Saturday together with the US Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, a delegation of Spanish and US parliamentarians led by Senator Tim Kaine, and representatives from businesses related to both the defence and other sectors.
TERRORISM PAYMENTS
Friday 19 September is the deadline for the submission of claims by victims of terrorism who are seeking payment of compensation from the Spanish Government. The process has been open for 12 months. Scales of payment are: 250,000 euros death, 500,000 euros for severe disability, EUR 180,000 for total incapacity, 100,000 euros for total disability
BELT UP
Figures released by the DGT last week say that 26% of those killed in traffic accidents involving passenger cars during the summer and 30% of the occupants of vans, were not using seat belts at the time of the accident, despite the issue of 127,900 fines to motorists during 2013. As such a spokesman said they will soon announce the details of a new campaign for monitoring the use of safety belts and child restraint systems.
ART WORKSHOP CANCELLED
The Municipal Institute of Culture at Joaquín Chapaprieta have announced that the fifth edition of the Ars Creatio Gala of Culture, which was scheduled on Friday September 19 at the Municipal Theatre, has been suspended for technical reasons. The cultural association will continue, however, with their usual activities, and preparation of their quarterly magazine.
TORREVIEJA TOURISM ON THE UP
The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, disclosed last week that during the first eight months of this year (January to August) the Express Passenger Transport Service between Torrevieja and Alicante Airport has been used by a total of 57,687 passengers, an increase of 15% compared the same period of 2013, in which the total number of users was 48,147. This demonstrating the rise of tourism in the Torrevieja area. 
HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY 
If any Ex Household Cavalrymen, i.e. Life Guards, Royal Horse Guards ,Or Blues & Royals living in Spain would like any information passing on from any of the Associations ring 865770096 or email grahamhaywood1943@gmail.com . 
TORREVIEJA UPyD ELECTIONS
The Torrevieja branch of UPyD held its membership elections last week for the composition of the Local Board. The current chairman, José Serna Lorente, topped the vote by 86% of all the votes cast. The party said that the election process took place without incident and "with total internal transparency '. After the ballot, José Serna vowed to fight "for genuine democratic regeneration throughout the region.”
PHOTOGRAPHY WALKS
If you love photography, you have an appointment on 12th, 13th and 14th September in Torrevieja, at the III Congress of Mobile Photo and Instagram (MOWO) where you'll find workshops, lectures, panel discussions, photowalks, etc. Further information on www.mowo.es
ROJALES SURPLUS 
The Rojales City Council has now approved its general account for the year 2013 where all groups were represented in the municipal vote (PSOE, PP and Pader). In the words of the Councillor for Finance, José Pedro Chazarra, financial situation in the municipality is 'very good' showing a surplus of 1.5 million euros. 
STREET TRADERS
Orihuela Council are organizing a course for street vendors. According to the Councillor of Commerce, Manuel Gallud, the course will consist of five three-hour sessions aimed at "enhancing their skills and their business knowledge."  They will be held on 15, 17, 19, 23 and 25 September from 18:00 to 21:00. All of the talks will take place in the premises of the Orihuela Chamber of Commerce.
NONE INCLUSIVE
The workers at the four star Hotel Acazaba Mar in Almería are striking after not being paid for several months. Customers arriving at the hotel, many of whom had paid for an all inclusive holiday, have found no waiters, no chefs with the tables having not been cleared and still holding the remains of the previous day's meal. One of the strikers said, since June they have been playing with us, they promise to pay tomorrow but it still hasn't happened.
PLACID DECEMBER
The Internationally acclaimed three-tenors Spanish singer, Plácido Domingo, will perform at the Grand Theatre in Elche in December. He will appear together with the Palau de les Arts Orchestra. The cultural event starts in October and carries on until January 2015, and was announced to the press by Pablo Ruz, the coordinator of culture from Elche Town Hall, 
BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT
King Felipe VI was in Malaga last week together with Queen Letizia. The pair were on their first official visit since he was named King. Whilst in the city the King and Queen paid a visit to the  Picasso Museum before attending an inaugural dinner at the Automobile Museum where they opened the 19th Spain-US forum. 
KEEPING DRY 
According to new rainfall data collected by the University of Alicante Climatology Laboratory the city of Alicante is the driest populated area in the world. The province has experienced serious drought conditions and in the last 12 months, has only seen 104.4 litres of rainfall per-square-metre – just 30% of the normal rate.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44882/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### GUARDAMAR GRAVEDIGGER POSES WITH CORPSE

A Guardamar gravedigger has been suspended after he took a photograph of himself with a 23 year old decomposing corpse. Celestino Reyna was pictured with the body alongside the man's nephew while the dead man's neice took the photo.
He then decided to share the photo with friends and colleagues on Whatsapp. What he didn't expect was the image and the story to go viral. As a result the 55 year old gravedigger was suspended from his role and moved to another council position, while an investigation is carried out. 
The body was originally removed from the crypt so that his recently deceased wife could be added to the family tomb
The neice who took the photo said she didn't want to be disrespectful to her uncle but only wanted to show the effects of decomposition to her sister.
Local councillor Felipe Aldeguer defended Reyna, saying that  he did not act in "bad faith" and in all probability would keep his council job.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44881/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A Guardamar gravedigger has been suspended after he took a photograph of himself with a 23 year old decomposing corpse. Celestino Reyna was pictured with the body alongside the man's nephew while the dead man's neice took the photo.
He then decided to share the photo with friends and colleagues on Whatsapp. What he didn't expect was the image and the story to go viral. As a result the 55 year old gravedigger was suspended from his role and moved to another council position, while an investigation is carried out. 
The body was originally removed from the crypt so that his recently deceased wife could be added to the family tomb
The neice who took the photo said she didn't want to be disrespectful to her uncle but only wanted to show the effects of decomposition to her sister.
Local councillor Felipe Aldeguer defended Reyna, saying that  he did not act in "bad faith" and in all probability would keep his council job.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44881/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### LIONS CONTINUE TO ROAR IN TORREVIEJA

The Lion members of the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club took some time out from their monthly business meeting on Thursday to have a Club photo shoot with local photographer Kristoff.
The members assembled by the pool terrace at Hotel Cabo Cervera resplendant in the Club corporate colours. There was a brief moment when there was a rumour that they were being set up for an Ice Bucket Challenge, however thankfully the rumour was unfounded and the regions' much needed water was not needlessly wasted.
Who are the Lions and what do they do?
Lion Secretary Tom Antrobus concisely summed things up when he said "Lions are ordinary people who do extraordinary things". Lions are indeed ordinary people who come together under the banner of Lions Clubs International to help those most in need in the local community, and in the event of international catastrophe such as earthquake, disease or typhoon, provide aid , food, shelter and assistance at the point of delivery where it is most needed
The Lions are recognised both locally and Internationally as one of the worlds finest Service Organisations and their motto "We Serve" is so simple but also so effective.
You too can become a Lion. If you are a person who cares for those most in need and can offer a few hours of your time every month, you too can make a difference. If you would like to learn more about your local Lions Club there are a number of very simple ways that you can do it.
Firstly you could contact Club Membership Director Phil by e mail on philip.buckman@btinternet.com or phone 617 198 322 and speak directly with Phil. Visit the Club website at www.torreviejacostalions.org and for information on Lions Clubs International visit www.lionsclubs.org
Dont delay, you could become a member and "Roar with Pride" full in the knowledge that everything you do as a Club member will " Make a difference" to those most in need.
You may just be one of those ordinary people who together with the Lions can do extraordinary things!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44880/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Lion members of the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club took some time out from their monthly business meeting on Thursday to have a Club photo shoot with local photographer Kristoff.
The members assembled by the pool terrace at Hotel Cabo Cervera resplendant in the Club corporate colours. There was a brief moment when there was a rumour that they were being set up for an Ice Bucket Challenge, however thankfully the rumour was unfounded and the regions' much needed water was not needlessly wasted.
Who are the Lions and what do they do?
Lion Secretary Tom Antrobus concisely summed things up when he said "Lions are ordinary people who do extraordinary things". Lions are indeed ordinary people who come together under the banner of Lions Clubs International to help those most in need in the local community, and in the event of international catastrophe such as earthquake, disease or typhoon, provide aid , food, shelter and assistance at the point of delivery where it is most needed
The Lions are recognised both locally and Internationally as one of the worlds finest Service Organisations and their motto "We Serve" is so simple but also so effective.
You too can become a Lion. If you are a person who cares for those most in need and can offer a few hours of your time every month, you too can make a difference. If you would like to learn more about your local Lions Club there are a number of very simple ways that you can do it.
Firstly you could contact Club Membership Director Phil by e mail on philip.buckman@btinternet.com or phone 617 198 322 and speak directly with Phil. Visit the Club website at www.torreviejacostalions.org and for information on Lions Clubs International visit www.lionsclubs.org
Dont delay, you could become a member and "Roar with Pride" full in the knowledge that everything you do as a Club member will " Make a difference" to those most in need.
You may just be one of those ordinary people who together with the Lions can do extraordinary things!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44880/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### LOCAL POLICE MAKING ORIHUELA SAFER

The Policia Local celebrated the feast of their Patron Saint last week with a Mass at the Orihuela Cathedral. They also used the opportunity to honour many of their officers who have provided loyal and distinguished service to the city and the force over many years.
The local police were joined in their celebrations by representatives from the National Police and the Guardia Civil with which they regularly cooperate in pursuance of their security efforts. 
The Commander of the Orihuela force, Jose Maria Pomarez, opened the ceremony by congratulating the performance of his officers even during these times of economic stringency in which they are forced to carry out many of their duties with a minimum of resources.
He also acknowledged the efforts of councilors and municipal staff in ensuring that the necessary funding is available, even though not as much as would be wanted,  “which is  essential for us to do our job with a minimum of safety and security." 
The Chief of police staff stressed his delight at the addition of eighteen new officers who will be used to strengthen the service on the Orihuela Costa as part of a new Immediate Intervention Unit, which will act both in the town and in the surrounding districts, while other additional officers will support the various councils to ensure compliance with local ordinances.
The chief of the local police also thanked National and Guardia colleagues for their cooperation received each day "despite the limited human resources that they also are forced to endure." 
In the absence of Monserrate Guillen, who continues to recover from a heart attack, the stand in mayor, Antonio Zapata,  said that the new recruits will be devoted to improve services throughout the entire municipality. He praised the Policia Locale for the work that they do every day, and said that they must continue in their efforts to open paths to equality, with special attention to evils such as violence against women as well as crimes involving children and the elderly who are often the most vulnerable.
Together with the Councillor for Security, Manuel Gallud, the deputy Mayor and the Chief of police then presented diplomas and awards to those many officers who have served the city and the force with distinction. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44878/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Policia Local celebrated the feast of their Patron Saint last week with a Mass at the Orihuela Cathedral. They also used the opportunity to honour many of their officers who have provided loyal and distinguished service to the city and the force over many years.
The local police were joined in their celebrations by representatives from the National Police and the Guardia Civil with which they regularly cooperate in pursuance of their security efforts. 
The Commander of the Orihuela force, Jose Maria Pomarez, opened the ceremony by congratulating the performance of his officers even during these times of economic stringency in which they are forced to carry out many of their duties with a minimum of resources.
He also acknowledged the efforts of councilors and municipal staff in ensuring that the necessary funding is available, even though not as much as would be wanted,  “which is  essential for us to do our job with a minimum of safety and security." 
The Chief of police staff stressed his delight at the addition of eighteen new officers who will be used to strengthen the service on the Orihuela Costa as part of a new Immediate Intervention Unit, which will act both in the town and in the surrounding districts, while other additional officers will support the various councils to ensure compliance with local ordinances.
The chief of the local police also thanked National and Guardia colleagues for their cooperation received each day "despite the limited human resources that they also are forced to endure." 
In the absence of Monserrate Guillen, who continues to recover from a heart attack, the stand in mayor, Antonio Zapata,  said that the new recruits will be devoted to improve services throughout the entire municipality. He praised the Policia Locale for the work that they do every day, and said that they must continue in their efforts to open paths to equality, with special attention to evils such as violence against women as well as crimes involving children and the elderly who are often the most vulnerable.
Together with the Councillor for Security, Manuel Gallud, the deputy Mayor and the Chief of police then presented diplomas and awards to those many officers who have served the city and the force with distinction. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44878/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### STALL CLOSURES AT LA PLASA INDOOR MARKET

Half a dozen stallholders who only recently purchased their pitches on the Torrevieja La Plasa Indoor market have closed down their businesses after just 4 months of trading. 
Traders that have closed include a greengrocer who closed stopped trading two weeks ago,  a company specializing in the sale of Asturian products, a deli which had moved its premises from the center of Torrevieja to La Plasa, plus a business selling confectionary and artisan chocolates. The traders told colleagues that their decisions were based on the pronouncements by the market operator  that the site will close during the winter months for three evenings per week, despite what was contained in their contracts.
They were also concerned that a number of traders, particularly some fishmongers and greengrocers, have been closing their stalls during the afternoon, in breach of the current schedule that requires them to remain open and despite which the Department of Commerce has failed to take any action.
Only last week the market operators announced that they are putting out to auction 7 market stalls in La Plasa later this month. Almost certainly the decision of the six stallholders to close down their operations after only a short period in business will now devalue and bids that they might originally have expected.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44877/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Half a dozen stallholders who only recently purchased their pitches on the Torrevieja La Plasa Indoor market have closed down their businesses after just 4 months of trading. 
Traders that have closed include a greengrocer who closed stopped trading t...

### VALENCIA GOVERNMENT TO SUBSIDISE GUARDAMAR CASTILLO

As a result of the increase in vandalism suffered by Guardamar's ancient Castillo the Valencian regional Government has agreed to fund the cost of installing perimeter lighting at this important archaeological site which has been declared a monument of cultural interest and dates back to between the 9th and 10th centuries.
The cost of the work will be 60,000 euros and it will provide yet another step in the revival of this important part of the town's heritage. 
However as a preliminary step, the town's Brigadas de Emergencia (Emergency Brigade) has already begun the cleanup and clearing campaign in and around the site.
The intention of the government guardamarenco team is to make a roadmap for future actions that will culminate in the launch of the new Information Centre for La Rabita and Fonteta.
"Guardamar Castle is a symbol that requires continuous attention and maintenance, and for that reason we have the cooperation of many different groups and associations," said the Councillor for Heritage, Jesus Huertas. “The installation of the perimeter lights will act as a deterrent to vandals and make it so much easier for these groups such as the Emergency Brigade to monitor the castle's security.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44876/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As a result of the increase in vandalism suffered by Guardamar's ancient Castillo the Valencian regional Government has agreed to fund the cost of installing perimeter lighting at this important archaeological site which has been declared a monument of cultural interest and dates back to between the 9th and 10th centuries.
The cost of the work will be 60,000 euros and it will provide yet another step in the revival of this important part of the town's heritage. 
However as a preliminary step, the town's Brigadas de Emergencia (Emergency Brigade) has already begun the cleanup and clearing campaign in and around the site.
The intention of the government guardamarenco team is to make a roadmap for future actions that will culminate in the launch of the new Information Centre for La Rabita and Fonteta.
"Guardamar Castle is a symbol that requires continuous attention and maintenance, and for that reason we have the cooperation of many different groups and associations," said the Councillor for Heritage, Jesus Huertas. “The installation of the perimeter lights will act as a deterrent to vandals and make it so much easier for these groups such as the Emergency Brigade to monitor the castle's security.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44876/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### TORREVIEJA ACTORS REACH LOFTY HEIGHTS

This past week saw Actor Tom Watt, the former Eastenders star, author and TV Presenter and now member of the fast becoming famous Cucaracha Club, playing the head of a British spy organisation operating here on the Costablanca. Shooting took place around the Torrevieja area and particularly at the Royal Club Nautical Torrevieja as well as on board the Delfin submarine located in the harbour close to the town centre.
Tom expressed he is very impressed with the enthusiasm, dedication and organisation of the people involved and was even keen to stress how wonderful the background artists were. They took time out, unpaid, in the heat and were very patient during the shooting of the scenes in the Royal Club. The actors loved the place and cannot wait to see the completed footage.
Mr Watt like all the other actors and crew members in the project are giving their time for free, no one is making money out of this community project that has a long term desire to get local actors and personalities to show the area off to the watching world by fostering such productions. 
The team is pushing to raise the much needed cash to complete the post production stage, which comes after completion of the film and they are working hard to find new ways to persuade people both to get involved and donate a small amount to the cause. For as little as €10 you will get your name on the end credits as a thank you. The target is to get 1000 people to do so. This is simply to pay a professional editing team to make sure we can watch the story on the screen of your local cinema or TV set. The Ladies from the film are asking people to sponsor them in a Wet T Shirt  Ice Bucket Challenge, this is pushed by local singer Chloe Leigh, to help towards this. 
However if a business has the funds to donate the required amount to complete the post film production, please consider us.  Just imagine your business could be in the film also in the credits, with it being sent to all the film festivals around the world. For more information on funding and the Challenge and donations to both please see : www.siesta.productions Or Tel: 965 020 263.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44875/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This past week saw Actor Tom Watt, the former Eastenders star, author and TV Presenter and now member of the fast becoming famous Cucaracha Club, playing the head of a British spy organisation operating here on the Costablanca. Shooting took place arou...

### ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE COMES TO MOORES SPURS

The global sensation that is the Ice Bucket Challenge came to Moores Bar in Cabo Roig last week with no fewer than eight members of Spurs Supporters Spain getting dunked with freezing cold water and in the process raising money for their chosen charity.
Having completed her challenge (see picture) Shona Farnes donned her collecting hat and went round with a bucket - empty this time - and collected 120 euros for the Stacey Mowle Appeal.
Stacey is an 8 year old Spurs fan who - four years ago - was diagnosed with a very severe and aggressive form of cancer - Neuroblastoma.
There is no cure at the moment and the only viable treatment is in the USA but, at a cost of over half a million pounds sterling, this is currently impossible which is why the guys and girls at Moores Bar are putting all their efforts behind the appeal.
More events are planned - one of their members is considering entering the "Stay Sober for October" appeal but doesn´t think the local economy would survive a month of him not drinking - while in November a big Legends Evening is being staged at both Moores Bar and next door at Marinasol Restaurant.
Former Spurs stars Graham Roberts and Stephen Sedgley will be in attendance on Saturday 15th November for a gala dinner, with raffle and auction plus fun and laughter and it is hoped that a lot more money will be raised for such a good cause.
More details about the charity, the event and the supporters club can be found on their website - www.spurssupportersspain.com. Tickets are available from Moores Bar and Canal Print Rioja.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44874/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The global sensation that is the Ice Bucket Challenge came to Moores Bar in Cabo Roig last week with no fewer than eight members of Spurs Supporters Spain getting dunked with freezing cold water and in the process raising money for their chosen charity.
Having completed her challenge (see picture) Shona Farnes donned her collecting hat and went round with a bucket - empty this time - and collected 120 euros for the Stacey Mowle Appeal.
Stacey is an 8 year old Spurs fan who - four years ago - was diagnosed with a very severe and aggressive form of cancer - Neuroblastoma.
There is no cure at the moment and the only viable treatment is in the USA but, at a cost of over half a million pounds sterling, this is currently impossible which is why the guys and girls at Moores Bar are putting all their efforts behind the appeal.
More events are planned - one of their members is considering entering the "Stay Sober for October" appeal but doesn´t think the local economy would survive a month of him not drinking - while in November a big Legends Evening is being staged at both Moores Bar and next door at Marinasol Restaurant.
Former Spurs stars Graham Roberts and Stephen Sedgley will be in attendance on Saturday 15th November for a gala dinner, with raffle and auction plus fun and laughter and it is hoped that a lot more money will be raised for such a good cause.
More details about the charity, the event and the supporters club can be found on their website - www.spurssupportersspain.com. Tickets are available from Moores Bar and Canal Print Rioja.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44874/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### MAZDA UNVEILS THE ALL-NEW MX-5

Mazda revealed the all-new Mazda MX-5 this morning to an exclusive audience in Barcelona and simultaneously around the world at two similar events in Japan and the U.S. The MKIV model, which features a distinctive adaptation of the KODO – Soul of Motion design, received a very warm reception from around 250 media in attendance. It will go on sale in Europe in 2015.
 
The all-new MX-5 comes with SKYACTIV technology, including specially tuned SKYACTIV-G petrol engines and the first rear-wheel drive version of the SKYACTIV-Chassis. Weighing 100kg less than the outgoing model and with the lowest-ever centre of gravity, the new edition of Mazda's iconic roadster enhances the Jinba Ittai “rider-and-horse-as one” responsiveness and agility that has always made the MX-5 the essence of driving fun.
 
The weight reduction also puts the new Mazda MX-5 at a level comparable to the original model, which revived and revolutionised the market for affordable lightweight sports cars when launched back in 1989. More than 947,000 have been produced over the past 25 years, and the MX-5 holds the Guinness World Record as the all-time bestselling two-seater sports car.
 
“Mazda's current win streak is driven by our highly acclaimed new models, and the all-new MX-5 should only add fuel to the growth engine,” says Mazda Motor Europe President and CEO Jeff Guyton. “Built for the love of driving, this car underscores what Mazda is all about. It will certainly give our brand an added boost.”
 
Accordingly, “Long live the roadster” was the motto of the unveiling, which also marked the debut of Mazda Space, the company's brand-new European event hub in Barcelona. The event was streamed live to the MX-5 25th anniversary website and can be viewed at: www.mazda.com/stories/craftmanship/mx-5/mx-5_25th/thanksday. Guests were invited to share their thoughts about the facility and Mazda's new roadster on Twitter and Facebook at #mazdaspace, #longlivetheroadster and #MX5.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44873/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Mazda revealed the all-new Mazda MX-5 this morning to an exclusive audience in Barcelona and simultaneously around the world at two similar events in Japan and the U.S. The MKIV model, which features a distinctive adaptation of the KODO – Soul of...

### LOCAL SCHOOLS SUSPEND CLASSES

Just a week after reopening its doors following the summer holiday the IES Virgen del Remedio de Alicante sent its students home last Tuesday morning after many of them complained of sickness as the heat in the classrooms reached 30 degrees C. 
The move was in direct contravention to the guidelines issued by the department of Education. 
In a statement issued to the parents of all students the headmaster said that the school was unable to perform satisfactorily with temperatures as high "and with the forecast of the upcoming weather conditions showing little change he had informed the competent education authorities, that the school will be closed until Monday 15th September." 
A regional administrator had attended the school on the previous day at the request of the headmaster. He said that "all classes" without exception, had exceeded the temperature of 30 degrees from as early as 8.30 am. The law says that the maximum limit for students whilst undertaking their school activities should be 27 degrees so the headmaster said that he had no option other than to suspend the vocational training and high school classes. 
The teachers told parents that the students complained that they couldn't sit indoors and as such they were allowed to move to the playground where they spent their time drinking water. They said that they would much prefer that classes were canceled. 
Before the move to close the school many parents had already said that they were keeping their children at home. Indeed on the previous day at the IES de San Blas, the management decided that teachers could not continue teaching in temperatures that exceeded 27 degrees and they sent their students outdoors in search of shade. This situation led to students, tired of the heat, notifying the families many of who arrived at the center to take them away.
Another local school which carried out similar action was the Clara Campoamor de Elche where teachers had urged the Department of Education to provide an urgent solution to the problem and which, on Friday had received a visit from an Inspector with the Valencian Institute for Health and safety at Work (INVASSAT) who measured the temperatures in the classes .
Many other institutes said that they applauded the decision of the IES Virgen del Remedio and the Clara Campoamor de Elche.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44869/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Just a week after reopening its doors following the summer holiday the IES Virgen del Remedio de Alicante sent its students home last Tuesday morning after many of them complained of sickness as the heat in the classrooms reached 30 degrees C. 
The move was in direct contravention to the guidelines issued by the department of Education. 
In a statement issued to the parents of all students the headmaster said that the school was unable to perform satisfactorily with temperatures as high "and with the forecast of the upcoming weather conditions showing little change he had informed the competent education authorities, that the school will be closed until Monday 15th September." 
A regional administrator had attended the school on the previous day at the request of the headmaster. He said that "all classes" without exception, had exceeded the temperature of 30 degrees from as early as 8.30 am. The law says that the maximum limit for students whilst undertaking their school activities should be 27 degrees so the headmaster said that he had no option other than to suspend the vocational training and high school classes. 
The teachers told parents that the students complained that they couldn't sit indoors and as such they were allowed to move to the playground where they spent their time drinking water. They said that they would much prefer that classes were canceled. 
Before the move to close the school many parents had already said that they were keeping their children at home. Indeed on the previous day at the IES de San Blas, the management decided that teachers could not continue teaching in temperatures that exceeded 27 degrees and they sent their students outdoors in search of shade. This situation led to students, tired of the heat, notifying the families many of who arrived at the center to take them away.
Another local school which carried out similar action was the Clara Campoamor de Elche where teachers had urged the Department of Education to provide an urgent solution to the problem and which, on Friday had received a visit from an Inspector with the Valencian Institute for Health and safety at Work (INVASSAT) who measured the temperatures in the classes .
Many other institutes said that they applauded the decision of the IES Virgen del Remedio and the Clara Campoamor de Elche.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44869/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### GRAN ALACANT COUNCIL PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR HORSE RESCUE CENTRE

The Santa Pola (Gran Alacant)  council has strengthened its relationship with the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre after meeting with co-founder Sue Weeding and local business supporters Karen Webster of G.A. Homefinders with Barry and Sandra Lane from the Gran Alacant Advertiser on August 28.
The Councillor for Gran Alacant Loreto Cascales has pledged the councils support towards the Rojales centre in recognition of their important work to prevent animal cruelty and neglect in the Alicante province.
“They have given our information to the local police so now if there is a situation involving horses and donkeys in their area, we can be sure that we will be informed very quickly,” Sue said.
“We were also very impressed to learn that the council banned circuses with animals two years ago, as well as any type of bullfighting or running with the bulls. It's great to know the council is so forward-thinking and supportive when it comes to animal welfare issues.”
Sue thanked the Gran Alacant community for their tremendous support over the past few years, especially the volunteers who regularly muck out stables and the group donating their time to staff the new Gran Alacant charity shop, which opened in July.
“We've had massive support for the shop, which already has a huge following despite being open for only a few weeks,” Sue said. “The locals love it because it is the only charity shop in Gran Alacant.”
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre welcomes any donations and sponsorships to help support their important work. Large donated items such as furniture can be collected from your house and each shop also offers a delivery service for large items purchased from the charity shops. Please contact the charity shop hotline on 652 021 980 for more information about furniture pick-ups and volunteering.
Every single cent donated to EHCRC or spent in their eight charity shops across the Alicante province goes towards the feeding and care of the many horses, ponies and donkeys that live at the centre.
The EHCRC charity shops are located in La Zenia, Los Montesinos, La Siesta, Ciudad Quesada, Guardamar, La Marina, Pilar de Horadada and Gran Alacant.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION     DUE TO ESSENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WORK     OUR OPENING DAY`S ARE CHANGING 
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre will be open to the public every Sunday up until Sunday 2nd November then only on the first Sunday of every month between 1pm and 4pm.  
Entrance is free and refreshments and tasty food are available in the garden café. The first horse tour begins at 2pm, where you can get meet and pat the residents, hear their stories and see firsthand where your money is spent.
EHCRC is located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga 59. For more details and directions to the centre, please visit www.easyhorsecare.net.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44866/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Santa Pola (Gran Alacant)  council has strengthened its relationship with the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre after meeting with co-founder Sue Weeding and local business supporters Karen Webster of G.A. Homefinders with Barry and Sandra Lane from t...

### DEREK LODGE (22 OCTOBER 1935 – 11 SEPTEMBER 2014)

It is with great sadness we reveal that Derek Lodge, a member of the Orihuela Costa branch of the Royal British Legion, passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning.
His funeral will take place today, Monday afternoon, at the Tanatorio, opposite the Park of Nations, in Torrevieja at 3.00 pm.
His widow, Gladys, requests no black but mourners should wear either white or casual, no flowers but donations may be made to the Heart Foundation. Afterwards the wake will be at the Casa Ventura in San Luis.
Derek will be fondly remembered as a member of many clubs and associations in the Torrevieja area to which he moved with Gladys in 1998.
A keen bowler with Lemon Tree, Quesada and San Luis Bowls Clubs, he also served in many committee positions as well as Chairman of the South Alicante Bowls Alliance. 
Derek formerly lived in Chelmsford, Essex where his children still reside. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44865/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: It is with great sadness we reveal that Derek Lodge, a member of the Orihuela Costa branch of the Royal British Legion, passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning.
His funeral will take place today, Monday afternoon, at the Tanatorio, opposite...

### DAVID O’DONOVAN 19TH JUNE 1974 – 15TH SEPTEMBER 2004

Aka Dave O'Dee, and Jaffa
10 years on we fondly remember you Dave, seeing your smiling face, hearing your laughing voice.
Through your music your spirit lives on, touching so many friends, old and new.
We remember your true words,
“all too often we forget the important things in life, like smelling the roses”
and go on embracing life as you showed us how.
‘Shine On' Dave O'Dee 
a true spirit –remembered by his many loving friends and family in Ireland, Spain, The Netherlands and distant shores.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44864/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Aka Dave O'Dee, and Jaffa
10 years on we fondly remember you Dave, seeing your smiling face, hearing your laughing voice.
Through your music your spirit lives on, touching so many friends, old and new.
We remember your true words,
“all too of...

### JOIN THE WORLD'S BIGGEST COFFEE MORNING

Friday 26 September 2014 at La Campana Restaurante Guardamar del Segura
Make time for what matters in life by joining the World's Biggest Coffee Morning on Friday 26 September and help raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. 
There couldn't be an easier way to make a difference, simply gather together with family, friends or colleagues at La Campana Restaurante, Urbanización El Edén 03140 Guardamar del Segura, have a coffee and tuck into some tasty treats. 
The World's Biggest Coffee Morning smashed its fundraising target last year and raised millions, which helped fund the Macmillan therapists, nurses and support line workers who make sure people living with cancer have the best team in their corner, every step of the way. 
So this year Macmillan need more people than ever to make some time for what matters in life. We are asking you to join us at La Campana donate cakes or bakes for our coffee morning every donation will help Macmillan's ambition to provide support to everyone affected by cancer. 
At 24 years old, the World's Biggest Coffee Morning is not only Macmillan's flagship fundraiser but it's still the original and best charity coffee morning. Over the years, supporters have hosted many record breaking events from the heights of a jet engine to the depths of a tin mine. But however can join us in the knowledge that your cup of coffee and slice of cake really will make a huge difference. 
Make time for what really matters by joining our coffee morning, at 10.00 on Friday 26th September 2014 at Urbanización El Edén 03140 Guardamar del Segura
Telephone Mike  Twinn the organiser on 966 725 544 or 667 023 925
mike@the-twinns.co.uk (https://www.facebook.com/events/526394807396985/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming) or La Campana (Lesley) on 966 18 45 97Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44863/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Friday 26 September 2014 at La Campana Restaurante Guardamar del Segura
Make time for what matters in life by joining the World's Biggest Coffee Morning on Friday 26 September and help raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. 
There couldn't be an e...

### VOLVO FLEET PITCHES CAMP IN ALICANTE

With the earlier than expected arrival of Danish entrant Team Vestas Wind in the early hours of this morning, Monday, the entire seven yacht Volvo Ocean Race fleet is now alongside in Alicante. With less than a month to go before hostilities start, it's full steam ahead for the crews as they begin to prepare both their boats and themselves.
Saturday October the 11th is D-Day for the 2014/15 edition which, for the first time in more than a decade, features an all female crew, Team SCA. A week before the official departure, Alicante will stage its In-Port race, the final test of men, machines and countless hours of meticulous planning.
Taking the start alongside SCA and Vestas Wind will be Chinese entrant Dong Feng Race Team, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, (once again skippered by Brit Ian Walker), Team Brunel, Turkish/American venture Team Alvimedica and Team Spain for whom Iker Martinez and Xabier Fernández will be looking to give their home nation a first win in the race.  
To savour the sights and sounds of the Volvo Ocean Race, get yourselves down to the Volvo Race Village which opens its doors to the public with a gala event on Thursday evening October the 2nd. There, you can see the Volvo Ocean 65 yachts close up together with a host of attractions and free entertainment.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44861/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: With the earlier than expected arrival of Danish entrant Team Vestas Wind in the early hours of this morning, Monday, the entire seven yacht Volvo Ocean Race fleet is now alongside in Alicante. With less than a month to go before hostilities start, it'...

### TOASTMASTERS CLUB MEETING

On Saturday 6th September, Las Palmeras Club had its first meeting of the season, after the summer break. The elected team of club officers started a new year with renewed strength and willingness to push and promote the Club forward after an already successful last year.  
We have been recognised  by the headquarters at Toastmasters International, in the USA with a ribbon of Distinction.
 We followed a standard structure for the meeting. The first part was the Table Topics, led by Carolyn Harris, who proposed different topics to the impromptu speakers. The Poem of the Day (The Reckoning, by Robert W. Service) was read by Jim Finnegan.
The prepared speeches were given by Santiago Callaba (CC3), Georgia Varjas (AC) and David McLachlan (AC). All the activities were thoroughly evaluated by different members of the club, thus making an enjoyable learning experience.
 A very big THANK YOU goes to our guests in this meeting: Geraldine, Fernando, Mariano, Ronen, Javier and Israel, who were so brave to participate in the Table Topics session. 
The next meeting on 20 September will be a special one, since it will host our annual Humorous Speech Contest. This is the once-a-year opportunity to see the best speakers of the club competing with humorous speeches for a position to represent the club in the Area-level contest which happens two weeks later.  An event not to be missed.
For those Guests which are not familiar with the Toastmasters International experience, it should be highlighted that the access to the meetings is for free. The organization is non-profit, and depends only on the personal implication and proactivity of the members. There is a very VERY small fee which is needed to pay for the meeting place, paperwork, etc.
For further information check out our web site www.laspalmeras.toastmastersclubs.org or contact David McLachlan on 966700056.  Meetings take place on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays at the Restaurant Asturias, Punta Prima from 1015 to 1230 hrs.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44860/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Saturday 6th September, Las Palmeras Club had its first meeting of the season, after the summer break. The elected team of club officers started a new year with renewed strength and willingness to push and promote the Club forward after an already s...

### EXPLOSIVE DETECTION EXERCISE OFF ORIHUELA COSTA

Twenty ships from eight different countries are currently taking part in the training exercise 'Spanish Minex' off the coast between Alicante and Cartagena which will continue until 22 September.
The exercise has been organized by the Spanish navy to improve coordination in the detection and dismantling of mines and bombs in the sea.
Details of the deployment were provided last week at a press conference held by the Commander of the Medidas Contraminas de la Armada, Jaime Golmayo, who will be directing the exercise, together with the participation of NATO.
He explained that the methods for countermine warfare are very sophisticated, so regular collaboration between different navy's is essential. “These exercises will allow us all to practice common tactics in order to ensure freedom of navigation of maritime traffic in general and freedom of action of the naval forces in particular.”
There are lots of naval mines that are still a threat to marine traffic in many parts of the world.
Many of the mines are obsolete weapons which were invented over 100 years ago, but precisely because of this they are very cheap and easy to acquire or manufacture by terrorists or other groups, which makes them extremely dangerous.
 “Although most terrorist attacks are terrestrial, we must be prepared for less conventional threats, particularly maritime,” he said, also pointing out that 90 percent of the world's population lives within 200 kilometers of the coast, and that all international crisis and conflicts are supported by maritime operations.
In the first phase of the operation, which is currently underway, and is taking place on the coast between Cabo de Palos and Torrevieja, around 65 simulated mines have been launched. Captain Golmayo emphasized that they are all completely safe and harmless to the environment and marine life.
From 11 to 13 September the first training phase and the integration of the different navy's took place, with the tactical phase taking place between 14 to 19. During this phase of the exercise the vessels will search for, locate, classify, identify and simulate the neutralization of the mines.
One of the exercises that will be conducted will be the neutralization of drifting mines, which he said is far more complex than mines that are attached to fixed points.
All operations are carried out in a fictional scenario in which a crisis occurs in country ruled by a dictatorship.
On 21 and 22 September all the artifacts used in the area will be collected by the force which will also clean the seabed of the are used in the exercise.
In total there will be over 500 military taking part from Spain, Germany, France, Turkey, Greece, Belgium, Italy and the UK. Spain is providing five minesweepers, a submarine, three patrol boats, an auxiliary vessel, a helicopter and one airplane.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44859/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Twenty ships from eight different countries are currently taking part in the training exercise 'Spanish Minex' off the coast between Alicante and Cartagena which will continue until 22 September.
The exercise has been organized by the Spanish navy to ...

### N332 CLAIMS TWO MORE LIVES

Two people were killed and another two injured in a crash on the N332 at Santa Pola in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The two vehicles they were travelling in collided at kilometre 84 of the N-332 at 05:30 in the morning, according to the emergency coordination centre. The area cuts through the Santa Pola salt lakes between the salt factory and the Torre de Tamarit, adjacent to a lay-by situated on a bend.
The victims were transported to the General Hospital of Elche.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44852/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Two people were killed and another two injured in a crash on the N332 at Santa Pola in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The two vehicles they were travelling in collided at kilometre 84 of the N-332 at 05:30 in the morning, according to the emerge...

### MORE IMMIGRANTS LANDED IN TORREVIEJA

Three patera boats arrived in Torrevieja on Thursday morning containing the latest wave of 20 illegal immigrants, five of which are said to be minors (this will be subject to the relevant medical tests for verification) 
The chief operating officer of the Red Cross, Andrés Chessa, has revealed that the majority of people arrived in wet clothing and displayed signs of exhaustion, as a result of which one of the arrivals was rushed straight to hospital.
Sources from the Civil Guard said that one of the three boats was sighted at about 2:35am by the Immigration services and appeared stranded on the beach area offshore from Playa Flamenca, Punta Prima, close to Pilar de la Horadada and Torrevieja. Six occupants were picked up and arrested.
Later, at around 3:20 am, the Maritime Service of the Civil Guard intercepted two further boats with fourteen people on board about miles of the coast of Torrevieja, directly out from Cabo Roig. 
All of the immigrants were said to be young men, of North African origin. According to sources from the Civil Guard, fourteen of them have claimed to be Algerian. Meanwhile, sources have said that some of the immigrants may also have come from Tunisia and Morocco.
Health organisation volunteers have provided care for the refugees in addition to providing warm clothes, food, drink and toiletries. 
This is the sixth operation of its kind for the Red Cross in 2014 in the province of Alicante and the second during the month of September. 
Since last August 77 immigrants have now landed on the shores of Alicante, including those reported to have arrived on Thursday morning.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44834/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Three patera boats arrived in Torrevieja on Thursday morning containing the latest wave of 20 illegal immigrants, five of which are said to be minors (this will be subject to the relevant medical tests for verification) 
The chief operating officer of...

### HAND MADE CRAFTS OF YESTERYEAR

There were over 40 traders set up at the Orihuela Costa Craft Fair last weekend on Zenia Boulevard car park hosted by the Orihuela Costa council, and with them they brought plenty for everyone to see.
Visitors could see how ceramics were molded, puppets woven or jewelry hand made by experienced artisans. Indeed everything on show was made by the traders themselves. There were also demonstrations from street performers which kept everyone entertained.
The many crafts on display included engravings and watercolors, artistic ceramics, pottery, wooden toys, puppets and rag or wool dolls. There were ceramic castles and jewelry designed in both porcelain and in silver. 
The craft fair was organized by Councillor Martina Scheurer of the Department of European Residents and Playas de Orihuela, through the association of artisans Amata, founded in 1998. This was the first venture into La Zenia by Amata whose traders are all qualified and time served craftsman the main purpose is the creation of opportunities for the individual and talented craftsman to sell his or her products directly to an interested public, so they  can go on making beautiful and quality products and so that old crafts stay alive and  don't disappear into museums.  
Amata also tries to improve the standards in  the street markets and fairs where artesanía is sold, so that people looking for good quality hand made goods know that they can buy them in an (Amata) Craft Fair or Medieval Market.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44832/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: There were over 40 traders set up at the Orihuela Costa Craft Fair last weekend on Zenia Boulevard car park hosted by the Orihuela Costa council, and with them they brought plenty for everyone to see.
Visitors could see how ceramics were molded, puppe...

### CLARO CHALLENGE TO SUPPORT CARITAS

Members of Claro took part in an ‘ice bucket challenge' last weekend in support of the Orihuela Costa branch of Caritas which provides food for needy families in the area.
The picture shows Cllr Bob Houliston (right) just before he felt the benefit of the cold water. 
The challenge has enabled Claro to collect in excess of 500 kg of food from traders, businessmen and members of local associations which will be distributed by the charity throughout the Orihuela Costa. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44831/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Members of Claro took part in an ‘ice bucket challenge' last weekend in support of the Orihuela Costa branch of Caritas which provides food for needy families in the area.
The picture shows Cllr Bob Houliston (right) just before he felt the bene...

### SECURITY LOCKERS INSTALLED ON LA PLAYA DE GLEA

We have all experienced the problem, a lazy day on the beach but nowhere to store our valuables. How many of us have suffered over the years, if not from theft, but from the worry of having to keep an eye on our wallets, keys or simple possessions.
Well now, certainly at La Glea beach, that concern is no more because, after a successful trial on La Zenia, Chiringuitos del Sol have installed brand new security lockers in which to deposit your belongings at Campoamor.
The system has been installed by the operators, Chiringuitos del Sol, along with the support of the Orihuela council, one of the first in the world to ensure the safety and security of visiting tourists.
The lockers can be rented all day or for just five euro's and when you compare the charge to the cost and inconvenience of losing your valuables it's a small price to pay. One tourist told the Leader that on a beach as popular and as crowded as Campoamor a simple oversight could result in loss or theft so the 5 euro charge is well worth the peace of mind that the security locker provides.
The lockers are provided in customizable modules, five meters wide and a height of just over eight feet, with each module consisting of 108 boxes. They are solar powered and they also offer free wifi to their users when situated within a 400 metre radius. Renting a locker for eleven hours costs just five euro, so for a small fee visitors can rest easy
Chiringuitos del Sol has eleven beach bar establishments on Orihuela Costa's frontline beaches where they work extremely hard to ensure the enjoyment and tranquility of tourists, efforts that have rightly earned the company the "Q" mark for quality. They have also been awarded ISO 9000 and 14000 certifications.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44829/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: We have all experienced the problem, a lazy day on the beach but nowhere to store our valuables. How many of us have suffered over the years, if not from theft, but from the worry of having to keep an eye on our wallets, keys or simple possessions.
Well now, certainly at La Glea beach, that concern is no more because, after a successful trial on La Zenia, Chiringuitos del Sol have installed brand new security lockers in which to deposit your belongings at Campoamor.
The system has been installed by the operators, Chiringuitos del Sol, along with the support of the Orihuela council, one of the first in the world to ensure the safety and security of visiting tourists.
The lockers can be rented all day or for just five euro's and when you compare the charge to the cost and inconvenience of losing your valuables it's a small price to pay. One tourist told the Leader that on a beach as popular and as crowded as Campoamor a simple oversight could result in loss or theft so the 5 euro charge is well worth the peace of mind that the security locker provides.
The lockers are provided in customizable modules, five meters wide and a height of just over eight feet, with each module consisting of 108 boxes. They are solar powered and they also offer free wifi to their users when situated within a 400 metre radius. Renting a locker for eleven hours costs just five euro, so for a small fee visitors can rest easy
Chiringuitos del Sol has eleven beach bar establishments on Orihuela Costa's frontline beaches where they work extremely hard to ensure the enjoyment and tranquility of tourists, efforts that have rightly earned the company the "Q" mark for quality. They have also been awarded ISO 9000 and 14000 certifications.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44829/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### COSTAS TO RESOLVE CALA CAPITAN LANDSLIDES

Councillor for the Coast and Beaches, Martina Scheurer, said last week that the municipality now has permission from the Coastal Authority to make repairs along the coastal  footpaths where they have suffered mud and landslides particularly  adjacent to the beach at Cala Capitan, close to Cabo Roig, where the path has been closed for over a year.
As the coastal paths fall under the jurisdiction of the Costas and not the Orihuela Council they have had to wait for the authority and the funding before they can set out on any works.
But now, with a budget of 50,000 euros, Scheurer has said that she is able to authorise the start of repairs to the footpath at Cala Capitan that has long been a major inconvenience to residents and tourist who use the coastal path. She says that she now hopes that the repairs will be completed in time for the influx of visitors to the area in the next spring-summer campaign.
Despite repairs that are also needed elsewhere along the 10km of municipal coastline,  this is the only investment that is currently available. But the good news is that the council is expecting a group of experts from northern Spain to make a visit so that a detailed repair plan and budget can be introduced.
Another area where urgent action is required is La Caleta, where there are more landslides. The councilor said that in this case many of the owners of the houses on the cliff tops will be required to install rainwater collection systems, so that the water doesn't fall directly onto the rocks, as their contribution toward the costs of repairs
Two other stretches of coastline where work is needed are Aguamarina and Barranco Rubio where a hundred feet crack appeared along a stretch between Barranco Rubio and Mil Palmeras during the summer.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44828/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Councillor for the Coast and Beaches, Martina Scheurer, said last week that the municipality now has permission from the Coastal Authority to make repairs along the coastal  footpaths where they have suffered mud and landslides particularly  adjacent t...

### OVER A HUNDRED SCAMMED WITH ‘CLOCKED’ CARS

Following a story first reported in the Leader two months ago, Operation 'Masina', has resulted in the arrest of three people with charges made to a further twelve as agents from the Guardia Civil broke up a locally based organisation that allegedly marketed used vehicles with tampered odometers.
In the police operation speedometers were found to have been ‘clocked' on about 200 cars, some of which had seen their mileages reduced by 246,000 kilometres prior to their sale with forged documents. Of the 200 vehicles the Guardia estimated that 122 of the buyers since 2011 were retired expatriates. 
The case dates back to last January, when the Civil Guard first detected a possible fraud involving the purchase of one such a vehicle in Torrevieja.
After initial investigations it was found that vehicles were being delivered, along with their forged vehicle servicing booklets showing a false maintenance history, usually indicating that servicing had been carried out at much lower mileages and shorter intervals. A police spokesman said that the failure to meet the maintenance intervals recommended by the manufacturer would have meant that there was a "major risk" of vehicle failure which could have been extremely "dangerous2 to anyone in the vehicle at the time.
Searches were subsequently carried out in six locations, including two homes in Torrevieja and Quesada, and two industrial buildings in Almoradi which were fully equipped to repair and paint the vehicles, with their mechanics working "behind closed doors.”
During the searches numerous documents were also found which showed the actual mileages of the vehicles, as well as numerous Odometers that had been removed from their vehicles, on which were recorded substantially lower mileages. Officers impounded a total of 151 vehicles on which the odometers had been manipulated.
After the vehicles were first purchased by the group they were moved to the warehouses in Almoradi where the mileages were changed before many of them received a new coat of paint, changing the original color in order to “make them more appealing in an attempt to disguise their actual condition." The vehicles were then leased to rental companies or sold to individuals, many of them locally based on the Orihuela Costa or in Torrevieja.
After analyzing the information accumulated from seized reports the gang was found to have manipulated the odometers on 198 vehicles, ‘clocking' them back by an average of more than 140,000 kilometers, and in several cases well over 200,000.
Among those arrested are a Romanian father and son identified as IC and CC, 58 and 36 years of age respectively, and a man of Spanish nationality who served as a the manager on the used car lot premises. He was identified as CMGR aged 50. 
The operation is still ongoing and the used car lot at the centre of the investigation still remains closed and sealed off by the Guardia Civil.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44827/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following a story first reported in the Leader two months ago, Operation 'Masina', has resulted in the arrest of three people with charges made to a further twelve as agents from the Guardia Civil broke up a locally based organisation that allegedly marketed used vehicles with tampered odometers.
In the police operation speedometers were found to have been ‘clocked' on about 200 cars, some of which had seen their mileages reduced by 246,000 kilometres prior to their sale with forged documents. Of the 200 vehicles the Guardia estimated that 122 of the buyers since 2011 were retired expatriates. 
The case dates back to last January, when the Civil Guard first detected a possible fraud involving the purchase of one such a vehicle in Torrevieja.
After initial investigations it was found that vehicles were being delivered, along with their forged vehicle servicing booklets showing a false maintenance history, usually indicating that servicing had been carried out at much lower mileages and shorter intervals. A police spokesman said that the failure to meet the maintenance intervals recommended by the manufacturer would have meant that there was a "major risk" of vehicle failure which could have been extremely "dangerous2 to anyone in the vehicle at the time.
Searches were subsequently carried out in six locations, including two homes in Torrevieja and Quesada, and two industrial buildings in Almoradi which were fully equipped to repair and paint the vehicles, with their mechanics working "behind closed doors.”
During the searches numerous documents were also found which showed the actual mileages of the vehicles, as well as numerous Odometers that had been removed from their vehicles, on which were recorded substantially lower mileages. Officers impounded a total of 151 vehicles on which the odometers had been manipulated.
After the vehicles were first purchased by the group they were moved to the warehouses in Almoradi where the mileages were changed before many of them received a new coat of paint, changing the original color in order to “make them more appealing in an attempt to disguise their actual condition." The vehicles were then leased to rental companies or sold to individuals, many of them locally based on the Orihuela Costa or in Torrevieja.
After analyzing the information accumulated from seized reports the gang was found to have manipulated the odometers on 198 vehicles, ‘clocking' them back by an average of more than 140,000 kilometers, and in several cases well over 200,000.
Among those arrested are a Romanian father and son identified as IC and CC, 58 and 36 years of age respectively, and a man of Spanish nationality who served as a the manager on the used car lot premises. He was identified as CMGR aged 50. 
The operation is still ongoing and the used car lot at the centre of the investigation still remains closed and sealed off by the Guardia Civil.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44827/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### ALICANTE PENSIONER BEATEN TO DEATH

Joseph, known locally to his friends as Pepito, had been to dinner with his family on Sunday in Alicante. He was, 82 years of age, lived alone, but maintained frequent contact with his relatives. He saw them on a regular basis and was always punctual for any meeting.
So it was no surprise when, as a result of a missed lunch appointment, a nephew decided to call at his uncle's home, located in the city centre. He rang the bell, but nobody answered. Instead he found the old man lying dead on the hallway floor, just inside the door of his house. 
According to preliminary investigations, a spokesman said that he seems to have been the victim of a homicide. Signs of violence were evident suggesting that he had been beaten to death.
Homicide officers of the Alicante Judicial Police speculate that his death could have been as a result of a robbery as a motive, however, they also say that there was no forced access
The events took place during the day on either Friday or Saturday in a three-storey block at number 28 Calle Henrietta Ortega, close to the busy Avenida de Salamanca. The building houses three properties, all apparently owned by the family of Joseph.
Everything suggests that the now deceased opened the door to his murderer. The reasons why he did so are still under investigation. The participation of a third party in the events have been discarded. The court of Instruction 2 of Alicante has now opened proceedings and is waiting for police progress in the matter.
This is the sixth violent death in the province since 4 August on which day there was a housewife murdered in Orihuela by her husband, who allegedly beat her to death and fled. He was eventually captured by the police in Murcia.
That same week, an 18 year-old girl was arrested after ending the life of her newborn son that she had abandoned in a refuse container.
Another murder took place in Denia where on 20 August the body of a man was found abandoned in a holiday apartment.
Just a couple of days later, workers at the recycling plant in Elche found the body of a newborn baby in a backpack with the placenta still attached. This case is still under investigation.
In El Campello, on 25 August, a pensioner stabbed his wife to death before taking his own life with the same knife. The incident shocked the population. This crime was the last violent death seen in the province until last weekend's murder of Pepito in Alicante. 
This is the worst run of violent crimes that seen in the Alicante region in recent years, where previously the crime rate had been falling.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44826/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Joseph, known locally to his friends as Pepito, had been to dinner with his family on Sunday in Alicante. He was, 82 years of age, lived alone, but maintained frequent contact with his relatives. He saw them on a regular basis and was always punctual f...

### ALICANTE DOUBLES THE NUMBER OF CRUISE PASSENGERS

Cruise tourism continues to improve in Alicante, with only last week the port hosting two vessels on the same day, catering for a total of 2,300 passengers who visited the city for between four and seven hours. 
The director of operations of the of the cruise terminal in the Port of Alicante, Fracesco Balbi, announced recent figures last week showing the improved performance that has been achieved since ‘Costablanca Portuaria' took over the concession. 
In 2013, the port hosted 41,800 passengers who arrived on 29 vessels. This year, the number has risen to 32 cruise liners and 55,000 passengers, showing an increase of 24% in the number of passengers arriving in the city in a period of just one year. 
But the largest increase is expected to take place next year when the authority has scheduled 49 cruise vessels bring in over 90,000 tourists. This is double the number of cruise arrivals in the city within just two years. 
Balbi says that these figures are the result of the efforts that have been made in the last 12 months by the Port Authority, the City of Alicante and ‘Costablanca Portuaria' which have made a large number of improvements to the cruise capability of the city. 
The arrival hall, which was little more than a shell, has been refurbished and now includes a wifi network, air conditioning, services for the disabled, a tourist information office and free bus shuttles that connect the terminal to the city center. And next year even more improvements are planned including a chill out area and a café.
The improved facility and increased passenger numbers is also expected to have a major ‘spill over effect' on the tourist economy in the local area, a major benefit that will impact greatly on the city from an economic point of view. There will be more cruise passengers staying longer and spending more money.
Many of the passengers will embark and disembark at Alicante so this will benefit the transport systems, such as the airport, with flights arriving and departing from Alicante to and from the cities of origin of the cruisers. Many more will arrive and depart on the AVE rail network system.
Hotels will also benefit as it is customary for tourists to stay a day or two in the city of departure or arrival of their cruise. 
And not satisfied with what they have so far achieved the Port Authority and dealership are preparing to visit Barcelona where they will attend the ‘Seatrade Med' from 16 to 18 September, which is being held for the first time in Spain. 
This week a further two cruises will arrive in the port, one on Tuesday and another on Sunday, with 2,300 passengers in total. Throughout the month of September there will be eight cruise ships calling at Alicante, which will bring 11,067 tourists to the city. The biggest of them will arrive on September 17. This is the AIDAblue, which has the capacity to carry 2,500 passengers. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44825/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Cruise tourism continues to improve in Alicante, with only last week the port hosting two vessels on the same day, catering for a total of 2,300 passengers who visited the city for between four and seven hours. 
The director of operations of the of th...

### FABRA OPENS ACEQUIÓN COLLEGE

Just a year after it first opened its doors Acequión College hosted a visit by the president of the Generalita Valenciana, Alberto Fabra, last week who formally opened the building.
The head of the Consell was accompanied both by the Councillor for Education, Maria Jose Catala, and the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon.
 Fabra, who arrived at the school rather earlier than originally scheduled, held a meeting with the staff before touring center's facilities which he said he found to be in an excellent state l after three years spent  in prefabricated classrooms. Fabra spoke to the teachers about the problems they encounter daily, including high temperatures that they have to endure with the students and the early start of the school year.
Mayor Dolon thanked the president and recalled "the difficulties faced by the school as it progressed from a prefabricated structure to a brick build building, despite the doubts that it would ever be finished." The alderman said that it is now a center that everyone can be proud of and a building that fits the needs of the children, their parents and of course the teachers.
One of the highlights of the visit was the visit to the music classroom, where young students waved their handkerchiefs as they performed the habanera 'La bella Lola.'Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44824/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Just a year after it first opened its doors Acequión College hosted a visit by the president of the Generalita Valenciana, Alberto Fabra, last week who formally opened the building.
The head of the Consell was accompanied both by the Councillor for Education, Maria Jose Catala, and the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon.
 Fabra, who arrived at the school rather earlier than originally scheduled, held a meeting with the staff before touring center's facilities which he said he found to be in an excellent state l after three years spent  in prefabricated classrooms. Fabra spoke to the teachers about the problems they encounter daily, including high temperatures that they have to endure with the students and the early start of the school year.
Mayor Dolon thanked the president and recalled "the difficulties faced by the school as it progressed from a prefabricated structure to a brick build building, despite the doubts that it would ever be finished." The alderman said that it is now a center that everyone can be proud of and a building that fits the needs of the children, their parents and of course the teachers.
One of the highlights of the visit was the visit to the music classroom, where young students waved their handkerchiefs as they performed the habanera 'La bella Lola.'Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44824/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER COMING SOON

Community Fundraiser coming soon on Saturday 20th September from 2 pm at San Miguel community center in Blue Lagoon/El Galan, Calle Pico Lobo  
Ideally, a community center is exactly what it says in the name – the center of the community, a place where people in the area can come together for many different purposes.
A community center is an amazing concept where you can enjoy meeting a variation of people and make new friends, as well as learning about hidden passions and talents you may not have known you had.
At present the community center in El Galan is used only by three groups, Campoverde Theatre group, Tai chi, - a form of martial arts and a Parent and Toddler group.        
The idea of the fundraiser was thought of by the mums from the parent and toddler group, which holds bi-weekly sessions run by Jenny and Zoe. The sessions are held every Wednesday and Friday at 10 am until 12 noon.
"We are hoping by holding this fundraising fete we can bring the community together and raise funds at the same time, plus we want to let other people know the center exist, as not many people know it does! 
We want it to be an affordable fun afternoon for everyone!
The money raised on the day will be put towards, basic kitchen items, toddler group toys and art supplies, Storage units, and other items to make the center usable for all types of groups."
At the fete there are to be many craft stalls, Usborne children`s books, Belles Boutique Sandals, Ladies and Gent's clothing, Jewellery, a local painter displaying his works, Hair and beauty stations, a toy shop, Bric a brac stalls, Carnival games including splat the rat and panning for gold, Pantomime characters, courtesy of Campoverde theatre group, a raffle, White elephant stall, Bouncy castles, Tom bola, cake stall, BBQ and drinks. Sunshine FM are kindly hosting the event.                                                                                
Since this fete has been advertised other people have shown an interest in using the hall  – the starting of a weekly youth club, a beginners Boules club and Pilate's classes.
It is hoped that you will come along and join in the fun and help raise the funds needed to continue to provide a center that everyone in the community can benefit from, - it is sure to be a fun day out for all the family! 
If you would like to donate a raffle prize or donate items to the tombola, or for more information please contact Jenny on 616762901Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44819/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Community Fundraiser coming soon on Saturday 20th September from 2 pm at San Miguel community center in Blue Lagoon/El Galan, Calle Pico Lobo  
Ideally, a community center is exactly what it says in the name – the center of the community, a place where people in the area can come together for many different purposes.
A community center is an amazing concept where you can enjoy meeting a variation of people and make new friends, as well as learning about hidden passions and talents you may not have known you had.
At present the community center in El Galan is used only by three groups, Campoverde Theatre group, Tai chi, - a form of martial arts and a Parent and Toddler group.        
The idea of the fundraiser was thought of by the mums from the parent and toddler group, which holds bi-weekly sessions run by Jenny and Zoe. The sessions are held every Wednesday and Friday at 10 am until 12 noon.
"We are hoping by holding this fundraising fete we can bring the community together and raise funds at the same time, plus we want to let other people know the center exist, as not many people know it does! 
We want it to be an affordable fun afternoon for everyone!
The money raised on the day will be put towards, basic kitchen items, toddler group toys and art supplies, Storage units, and other items to make the center usable for all types of groups."
At the fete there are to be many craft stalls, Usborne children`s books, Belles Boutique Sandals, Ladies and Gent's clothing, Jewellery, a local painter displaying his works, Hair and beauty stations, a toy shop, Bric a brac stalls, Carnival games including splat the rat and panning for gold, Pantomime characters, courtesy of Campoverde theatre group, a raffle, White elephant stall, Bouncy castles, Tom bola, cake stall, BBQ and drinks. Sunshine FM are kindly hosting the event.                                                                                
Since this fete has been advertised other people have shown an interest in using the hall  – the starting of a weekly youth club, a beginners Boules club and Pilate's classes.
It is hoped that you will come along and join in the fun and help raise the funds needed to continue to provide a center that everyone in the community can benefit from, - it is sure to be a fun day out for all the family! 
If you would like to donate a raffle prize or donate items to the tombola, or for more information please contact Jenny on 616762901Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44819/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### GALIANA RAGE AS REF DISMISSES TORRY PAIR

RIBARROJA CF ........2  CD TORREVIEJA ......1  On Sunday evening, Torry made the long trip north to the city of Valencia, playing Ribarroja inside their not very imaginative 4,000 capacity Municipal de Ribarroja Stadium.  
This corresponding fixture last season ended with a narrow 1-0 victory to the hosts.  Ribarroja have started this Div 3 campaign with 2 draws and a defeat, whilst Torry remain unbeaten, boasting a victory and 2 draws. 
Team news and Rafa still injured but Steve Ekedi was back in the line-up following his spent suspension.  Unfortunately for Edeki however, despite opening the scoring for Torry in the 12th minute, it was a game that he would rather forget as, for the 2nd consecutive  occasion, he was dismissed for two yellow cards. Although he does deserve some sympathy at an absolutely awful refereeing decision he is experience to know that even the most innocuous of challenges are often punished and this was very much the case once again at Ribarroja.
Until the send off the visitors had completely dominated proceedings but once reduced to ten men the home side quickly got on top. Two goals in as many minutes, a 20 yd drive from Fran and a superb Raul header, saw them in front by 2-1 as the players left the field for the half time interval. 
Things didn't improve after the restart although Torry worked hard to get themselves back into the game, but then another moment of foolishness, on 64 minutes when Jorge kicked out at an opponent, and the visitors were reduced to nine.
But despite Torrevieja's inferior number you certainly couldn't knock the side, as their spirit and determination for the remainder of the game almost won them a point and, in truth, the nine men who played so magnificently, keeping the home side on the back foot for the whole of the final quarter, richly deserved the ovation of the fans as they left the field.
Next Sunday Torry are at home to Torre Levante kicking off at 6.30pmFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44811/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: RIBARROJA CF ........2  CD TORREVIEJA ......1  On Sunday evening, Torry made the long trip north to the city of Valencia, playing Ribarroja inside their not very imaginative 4,000 capacity Municipal de Ribarroja Stadium.  
This corresponding fixture l...

### NEWS BITES COSTA BLANCA - 8 SEPTEMBER 2014

QUICKER BY BUS
Despite the high demand RENFE has stopped the direct train service between Alicante and Sevilla. The service, which they introduced at the end of June was said to be ‘experimental' with an end date of August 31. However the company did say that if there was demand the service would continue. With the cessation of the route the only option when traveling to Andalucía will be for passengers to change trains in Madrid.
BODY IDENTIFIED
Police on the island of Majorca have said that a dead woman found floating dead in the sea 6 weeks ago was a French tourist and they have refused to rule out murder or suicide as possible causes of her death. Although they are aware of her identity they have not yet released her name. The woman was said to be between 20 and 30 years of age and unaccompanied during her time on the island.
ELECTRIC SHOCK
An 18 year old man was electrocuted in Mallorca at the weekend when he answered the call of nature at the base of a street light whilst leaning against the lamp post, suffering a fatal electric shock as a result. Ambulance staff and police reached the scene within minutes of the accident but despite every effort, they were unable to save the young man's life. He was said to have been be out partying and enjoying the annual summer fiestas in Bunyola. 
ROAD DEATHS
Good news for road users as the number of deaths recorded on Spain's roads during the holiday months of July and August fell by 4%.  There were a total of 223 fatalities during the period, 10 deaths less than the same period of 2013. However the data was said to be provisional and only applying to Spain's 'interurban' roads.
JOBLESS UP
Jobless figures went up again in August with the unemployment services registering 8,070 new jobless claims, to reach a total of 4,427,930 people who are out of work. August also saw 97,582 fewer contributors to the Social Security system, mostly explained by seasonal factors, in that many temporary education and health contracts came to an end last month.
PLAY THE GAME
Telefónica chairman César Alierta and Vodafone CEO Vittorio Colao said at the UIMP summer university course in Santander, that the European Union should treat Google, Apple and Facebook in the same way they treat telecom companies. “How can you have an entrepreneurial spirit in Europe if you have to deal with 27 sets of regulations?” said Vittorio Colao. “In the US you have 300 million consumers and just one set of rules. It's not fair that Facebook or Whatsapp, who have a billion users, don't have to follow the same rules we do.”
ARM RIPPED OFF
A 28 year old man lost his arm last week as he drove with it hanging out of the window. Emergency services said that he caught it on some iron bars along the side of the Ibiza town-San Antonio road when it was hanging out of his car window, and it ripped off from the elbow as he was unable to brake in time. A Guardia Civil medical helicopter found the arm on the side of the road and flew it to the Can Misses Hospital in the hope that it could be sewn back on.
 
SHOWING PROMISE
The Gibraltar Liberal government has celebrated 1,000 days in office. In that time the government has fulfilled over 300 of its 2011 manifesto promises. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said: “It has been a positive and constructive 1,000 days. The government has moved in a fast and responsible manner in order to give effect to what is promised.
CASA TOM COMMUNITY CHOIR  
From 8 September 2014, Casa Tom Community Choir meets every Monday at 2.00pm for 2.30pm.  It is a mixed choir and all levels are welcome.  No auditions, no solos.  Make new friends and have a good time.  Location:  Casa Tom, Avenida JACA 31, San Luis, Torrevieja.  Phone or email Terry for details.  Phone:  647-189-135.  Email:  casatomsanluis@gmail.com.
AGE CONCERN
It is with regret that, unfortunately, due to the shortage of Volunteers, Age Concern has had to close their Information Office at the Playa Flamenca Town Hall. Anyone wishing to contact Age Concern can still use the Playa Flamenca published telephone number of 697176154 or contact the Day Centre in La Siesta on 966786887, we are still there to help.
ROYAL SPLIT
There is increasing speculation that the marriage of the former King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia are about to announce their divorce. It is no secret that the pair have led virtually separate lives for many years and late last week the Italian newspaper La Repubblica claimed that an official statement has been released by the Royal Household, claiming that a Royal separation “is imminent”.
OPERATIONAL CORVERA?
Murcia's Regional Minister of Development, Manuel Campos, has said in an interview on Spanish Radio that "Corvera International Airport could open as early as April 2015". This is the same Minister who just last month said that the airport would be operational by March 2015. In the same interview, however, he was unable to say when AENA will be fully compensated for the 75 Million Euro they have invested in San Javier Airport, a payment which needs to be made before they will agree to close the older and much smaller airport.
CAUGHT RED HANDED
Local police arrested three men on Monday evening after surprising them while they were robbing a warehouse in La Matanza, Orihuela. The men, aged 16, 17 and 51 entered the building through a broken window. When arrested they were in possession of a large quantity of scrap metal, aluminium bars and copper wire.
BRAIN DRAIN
Eurostat, the official statistics agency of the European Union, has said there are an increasing number of University Graduates who are choosing to leave Spain and seek employment overseas. The reports says that he UK is the most popular destination for applicants (55%), followed by Italy (10%) and Germany (10%), with Teaching, Nursing and Law leading the brain-drain exodus.
COSTLY LIBRARIES
A controversial new library tax is set to be introduced in Spain with libraries ordered to pay €0.05 for every registered user that checks out books at least once a year, and a further €0.04 to authors when their books are borrowed. Each library has been told that it is responsible for reporting its own records to the tax office. A trial of a similar scheme was introduced by the EU in 2007, which collected just €127 across the whole of Spain.
BARE FACED GERMANS
According to Expedia's annual ‘Flip Flop report', Germans continue to dominate Spain's nudist resorts. The report says that, for the third consecutive year, when it comes to stripping off, Germans were the most likely to sunbathe fully nude. The report also says that nearly half of Spanish women have gone topless at the beach with some 4.1 out of 10 female Spaniards having no problem stripping off at least their bikini tops.
DEADLY SIESTA 
A man in the Valencian town of Benicarló has shot dead his neighbour during an argument over a dog and its barking. The victim, aged 64, was spending his summer holidays in the town but was killed when the neighbor said that he was unable to take an afternoon nap because of the noisy dog.
SLIP OF THE TONGUE
Carlos Olías de Lima, a stadium announcer working at the Basketball World Cup in Bilbao, has lost his job after making a sexist remark over the PA system. The announcement was made during a performance by a group of cheerleaders on Saturday when he was heard to say “One should be so lucky as to be able to spend a night with one of them...”  A few days later Olías de Lima, who has been the announcer for Bilbao Basketball club for the last 12 years, was fired for his remarks.
ROAD DEATHS
Good news for road users as the number of deaths recorded on Spain's roads during the holiday months of July and August fell by 4%.  There were a total of 223 fatalities during the period, 10 deaths less than the same period of 2013. However the data was said to be provisional and only applying to Spain's 'interurban' roads.
JOBLESS UP
Jobless figures went up again in August with the unemployment services registering 8,070 new jobless claims, to reach a total of 4,427,930 people who are out of work. August also saw 97,582 fewer contributors to the Social Security system, mostly explained by seasonal factors, in that many temporary education and health contracts came to an end last month.
PLAY THE GAME
Telefónica chairman César Alierta and Vodafone CEO Vittorio Colao said at the UIMP summer university course in Santander, that the European Union should treat Google, Apple and Facebook in the same way they treat telecom companies. “How can you have an entrepreneurial spirit in Europe if you have to deal with 27 sets of regulations?” said Vittorio Colao. “In the US you have 300 million consumers and just one set of rules. It's not fair that Facebook or Whatsapp, who have a billion users, don't have to follow the same rules we do.”
ARM RIPPED OFF
A 28 year old man lost his arm last week as he drove with it hanging out of the window. Emergency services said that he caught it on some iron bars along the side of the Ibiza town-San Antonio road when it was hanging out of his car window, and it ripped off from the elbow as he was unable to brake in time. A Guardia Civil medical helicopter found the arm on the side of the road and flew it to the Can Misses Hospital in the hope that it could be sewn back on.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44806/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: QUICKER BY BUS
Despite the high demand RENFE has stopped the direct train service between Alicante and Sevilla. The service, which they introduced at the end of June was said to be ‘experimental' with an end date of August 31. However the company did say that if there was demand the service would continue. With the cessation of the route the only option when traveling to Andalucía will be for passengers to change trains in Madrid.
BODY IDENTIFIED
Police on the island of Majorca have said that a dead woman found floating dead in the sea 6 weeks ago was a French tourist and they have refused to rule out murder or suicide as possible causes of her death. Although they are aware of her identity they have not yet released her name. The woman was said to be between 20 and 30 years of age and unaccompanied during her time on the island.
ELECTRIC SHOCK
An 18 year old man was electrocuted in Mallorca at the weekend when he answered the call of nature at the base of a street light whilst leaning against the lamp post, suffering a fatal electric shock as a result. Ambulance staff and police reached the scene within minutes of the accident but despite every effort, they were unable to save the young man's life. He was said to have been be out partying and enjoying the annual summer fiestas in Bunyola. 
ROAD DEATHS
Good news for road users as the number of deaths recorded on Spain's roads during the holiday months of July and August fell by 4%.  There were a total of 223 fatalities during the period, 10 deaths less than the same period of 2013. However the data was said to be provisional and only applying to Spain's 'interurban' roads.
JOBLESS UP
Jobless figures went up again in August with the unemployment services registering 8,070 new jobless claims, to reach a total of 4,427,930 people who are out of work. August also saw 97,582 fewer contributors to the Social Security system, mostly explained by seasonal factors, in that many temporary education and health contracts came to an end last month.
PLAY THE GAME
Telefónica chairman César Alierta and Vodafone CEO Vittorio Colao said at the UIMP summer university course in Santander, that the European Union should treat Google, Apple and Facebook in the same way they treat telecom companies. “How can you have an entrepreneurial spirit in Europe if you have to deal with 27 sets of regulations?” said Vittorio Colao. “In the US you have 300 million consumers and just one set of rules. It's not fair that Facebook or Whatsapp, who have a billion users, don't have to follow the same rules we do.”
ARM RIPPED OFF
A 28 year old man lost his arm last week as he drove with it hanging out of the window. Emergency services said that he caught it on some iron bars along the side of the Ibiza town-San Antonio road when it was hanging out of his car window, and it ripped off from the elbow as he was unable to brake in time. A Guardia Civil medical helicopter found the arm on the side of the road and flew it to the Can Misses Hospital in the hope that it could be sewn back on.
 
SHOWING PROMISE
The Gibraltar Liberal government has celebrated 1,000 days in office. In that time the government has fulfilled over 300 of its 2011 manifesto promises. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said: “It has been a positive and constructive 1,000 days. The government has moved in a fast and responsible manner in order to give effect to what is promised.
CASA TOM COMMUNITY CHOIR  
From 8 September 2014, Casa Tom Community Choir meets every Monday at 2.00pm for 2.30pm.  It is a mixed choir and all levels are welcome.  No auditions, no solos.  Make new friends and have a good time.  Location:  Casa Tom, Avenida JACA 31, San Luis, Torrevieja.  Phone or email Terry for details.  Phone:  647-189-135.  Email:  casatomsanluis@gmail.com.
AGE CONCERN
It is with regret that, unfortunately, due to the shortage of Volunteers, Age Concern has had to close their Information Office at the Playa Flamenca Town Hall. Anyone wishing to contact Age Concern can still use the Playa Flamenca published telephone number of 697176154 or contact the Day Centre in La Siesta on 966786887, we are still there to help.
ROYAL SPLIT
There is increasing speculation that the marriage of the former King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia are about to announce their divorce. It is no secret that the pair have led virtually separate lives for many years and late last week the Italian newspaper La Repubblica claimed that an official statement has been released by the Royal Household, claiming that a Royal separation “is imminent”.
OPERATIONAL CORVERA?
Murcia's Regional Minister of Development, Manuel Campos, has said in an interview on Spanish Radio that "Corvera International Airport could open as early as April 2015". This is the same Minister who just last month said that the airport would be operational by March 2015. In the same interview, however, he was unable to say when AENA will be fully compensated for the 75 Million Euro they have invested in San Javier Airport, a payment which needs to be made before they will agree to close the older and much smaller airport.
CAUGHT RED HANDED
Local police arrested three men on Monday evening after surprising them while they were robbing a warehouse in La Matanza, Orihuela. The men, aged 16, 17 and 51 entered the building through a broken window. When arrested they were in possession of a large quantity of scrap metal, aluminium bars and copper wire.
BRAIN DRAIN
Eurostat, the official statistics agency of the European Union, has said there are an increasing number of University Graduates who are choosing to leave Spain and seek employment overseas. The reports says that he UK is the most popular destination for applicants (55%), followed by Italy (10%) and Germany (10%), with Teaching, Nursing and Law leading the brain-drain exodus.
COSTLY LIBRARIES
A controversial new library tax is set to be introduced in Spain with libraries ordered to pay €0.05 for every registered user that checks out books at least once a year, and a further €0.04 to authors when their books are borrowed. Each library has been told that it is responsible for reporting its own records to the tax office. A trial of a similar scheme was introduced by the EU in 2007, which collected just €127 across the whole of Spain.
BARE FACED GERMANS
According to Expedia's annual ‘Flip Flop report', Germans continue to dominate Spain's nudist resorts. The report says that, for the third consecutive year, when it comes to stripping off, Germans were the most likely to sunbathe fully nude. The report also says that nearly half of Spanish women have gone topless at the beach with some 4.1 out of 10 female Spaniards having no problem stripping off at least their bikini tops.
DEADLY SIESTA 
A man in the Valencian town of Benicarló has shot dead his neighbour during an argument over a dog and its barking. The victim, aged 64, was spending his summer holidays in the town but was killed when the neighbor said that he was unable to take an afternoon nap because of the noisy dog.
SLIP OF THE TONGUE
Carlos Olías de Lima, a stadium announcer working at the Basketball World Cup in Bilbao, has lost his job after making a sexist remark over the PA system. The announcement was made during a performance by a group of cheerleaders on Saturday when he was heard to say “One should be so lucky as to be able to spend a night with one of them...”  A few days later Olías de Lima, who has been the announcer for Bilbao Basketball club for the last 12 years, was fired for his remarks.
ROAD DEATHS
Good news for road users as the number of deaths recorded on Spain's roads during the holiday months of July and August fell by 4%.  There were a total of 223 fatalities during the period, 10 deaths less than the same period of 2013. However the data was said to be provisional and only applying to Spain's 'interurban' roads.
JOBLESS UP
Jobless figures went up again in August with the unemployment services registering 8,070 new jobless claims, to reach a total of 4,427,930 people who are out of work. August also saw 97,582 fewer contributors to the Social Security system, mostly explained by seasonal factors, in that many temporary education and health contracts came to an end last month.
PLAY THE GAME
Telefónica chairman César Alierta and Vodafone CEO Vittorio Colao said at the UIMP summer university course in Santander, that the European Union should treat Google, Apple and Facebook in the same way they treat telecom companies. “How can you have an entrepreneurial spirit in Europe if you have to deal with 27 sets of regulations?” said Vittorio Colao. “In the US you have 300 million consumers and just one set of rules. It's not fair that Facebook or Whatsapp, who have a billion users, don't have to follow the same rules we do.”
ARM RIPPED OFF
A 28 year old man lost his arm last week as he drove with it hanging out of the window. Emergency services said that he caught it on some iron bars along the side of the Ibiza town-San Antonio road when it was hanging out of his car window, and it ripped off from the elbow as he was unable to brake in time. A Guardia Civil medical helicopter found the arm on the side of the road and flew it to the Can Misses Hospital in the hope that it could be sewn back on.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44806/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### TOURIST FIGURES UP AGAIN IN TORREVIEJA

While July and August water consumption increased in Torrevieja by 1.08% over those recorded last summer, hotel occupancy during July exceeded 80%, while in August the figure reached 85%.  
That figure increased to over 90% occupancy during the August Assumption weekend.
The statistics were released last week by Councillor for Tourism, Luis María Pizana.
The main international markets from which they arrived during this summer, as in previous years, were Britons (2,633), followed by Scandinavians (2,156), having seen a very significant increase, France (1,779) and Belgium (602). There were also tourists from Germany (567) and from Eastern Europe (537), as well as Italy (96) and Switzerland (101). 
In terms of tourists of Spanish origin the city of Madrid (3,051), followed by del País Vaco (990), Castilla-Leon (747) various locations in Valencia (531) and Castilla-La Mancha (434). 
Pizana said that there had also been a significant increase in sports and cultural tourism in the city.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44805/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: While July and August water consumption increased in Torrevieja by 1.08% over those recorded last summer, hotel occupancy during July exceeded 80%, while in August the figure reached 85%.  
That figure increased to over 90% occupancy during the August...

### THERE’S WIND UP MY BARRANCO

Living in the Canary Islands, I quickly learned that most people living in Northern European countries have little time for our occasional complaints about the weather.
After all, as an Ancient Greek once declared, we live in the “Fortunate Islands”; the weather is as near perfect as we can get in Europe, and survey after survey has proven that these islands are the healthiest places in the World to live.
Does this mean that we never complain about the weather? Sadly not; after all, due to our early conditioning as Brits, others, as well as myself still complain about the weather from time to time. It is part of who we are, and an important part of our collective national psyche. It may be complaints about the weather being too hot, which it often is in August, too windy in July and even too wet - albeit for about three days in February. 
We live quite close to what is often billed as “The Windiest Place on Earth”. That place is the village of Pozo Izquierdo, home of the World Windsurfing Championships, and the place to go to watch spectacular waves and to enjoy the surf. Well, it would have to be windy there, wouldn't it?
After all, little or no wind would make for a very sad or non-existent World Windsurfing Competition. However, the downside is that sometimes the winds in the area are so strong that they carry sand, soil, dust and goodness knows what else to towns and villages across a large part of the island. 
Occasionally, the wind is too strong to even take Bella, our dog, for more than just a very short walk on the open land outside our village, and I have often considered buying her some goggles in order to cope with the sand and dust, as it bites into our eyes as we walk.  It is often challenging to face and walk against these strong winds, and I have occasionally seen children and small adults swept off their feet, as well as the occasional vehicle overturned on our busy motorway.
This year has been exceptionally bad for strong winds, with sand and soil piled up against the sides of properties and the edges of roads after a particularly windy period. With the sand and dust, also comes a range of bacteria, which often results in breathing disorders and eye infections. Admittedly, it is only for a short period of the year, and is forgotten as quickly as it came.
Readers may well be asking why we chose to live in such a windy spot on the island, and living in windy areas is not for the faint hearted. However, recognising that there is no such thing as perfection in life, and after trying out several locations on the island over a few years, we came to the conclusion that we would much rather face the refreshing, albeit sometimes violent, winds on the east coast, rather than being cooked alive in the south of the island during July and August.
High temperatures may be great for a holiday, but I am still very happy to exchange excessive temperatures for cooling breezes. As far as weather is concerned, we are very fortunate and have little to complain about. However, as a Brit, it is important to retain our national identity and complain about the weather from time to time.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.

© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44804/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Living in the Canary Islands, I quickly learned that most people living in Northern European countries have little time for our occasional complaints about the weather.
After all, as an Ancient Greek once declared, we live in the “Fortunate Isla...

### BUILDING LICENCES TRIPLE IN TORREVIEJA

Torrevieja's Planning Department has processed 451 licenses for major works for the construction of new homes in the city during the first half of the year, representing an increase of 339% over the same period last year when just 133 granted.
Deputy Planning Officer, Francisco Moreno, said that the figures were "very positive"  and show "consolidation of the recovery in economic activity and in the generation of employment" that, in the first seven months of 2014 have created nearly 2,000 new jobs.
He said that during the first half of 2014, 80.82% of all new homes built in 2013 have been reached and if the figure continues to increase by the same proportion through to the end of the year over 1000 new properties will have been built in the town which is good news indeed for the city of Torrevieja.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44803/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Torrevieja's Planning Department has processed 451 licenses for major works for the construction of new homes in the city during the first half of the year, representing an increase of 339% over the same period last year when just 133 granted.
Deputy Planning Officer, Francisco Moreno, said that the figures were "very positive"  and show "consolidation of the recovery in economic activity and in the generation of employment" that, in the first seven months of 2014 have created nearly 2,000 new jobs.
He said that during the first half of 2014, 80.82% of all new homes built in 2013 have been reached and if the figure continues to increase by the same proportion through to the end of the year over 1000 new properties will have been built in the town which is good news indeed for the city of Torrevieja.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44803/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### RED PALM WEEVIL CONTINUES TO RAVAGE SEGURA

Despite the removal of over 300 palm trees by La Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura (CHS), the PSOE have warned the Orihuela Council of the continued infestation in dozens more of the Red Palm Weevil (Rhyhchophorus Ferrugineus), particularly in trees situated in the mountains of Orihuela, Cabeza de Hurchillo, Callosa de Segura and Redován
They say that situation is in danger of becoming out of control in the Vega Baja and now in the city of Orihuela, and in the last two weeks, there is increasing alarm at the presence of the beetle also known as "Barrenillo de los pinos" that specifically attacks pine trees, where they can leave up to 5000 boreholes in a single tree, even in times of drought.
The PSOE say that they have made especial representation to the Orihuela Council asking that they make immediate and urgent contact to the CHS who they would ask to expedite their infected palm and pine tree removal works which they say must be eradicated before the end of the summer as it will become even more rampant in the Autumn.
Originally from tropical Asia, the red palm weevil has spread to Africa and Europe, reaching the Mediterranean in the 1980s.
It was first recorded in Spain in 1994 where it usually infests palms younger than twenty years. 
The availability of effective insecticide treatments against the weevil is limited so destruction is largely thought to be the only successful eradication measure currently available.  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44801/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Despite the removal of over 300 palm trees by La Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura (CHS), the PSOE have warned the Orihuela Council of the continued infestation in dozens more of the Red Palm Weevil (Rhyhchophorus Ferrugineus), particularly in trees situated in the mountains of Orihuela, Cabeza de Hurchillo, Callosa de Segura and Redován
They say that situation is in danger of becoming out of control in the Vega Baja and now in the city of Orihuela, and in the last two weeks, there is increasing alarm at the presence of the beetle also known as "Barrenillo de los pinos" that specifically attacks pine trees, where they can leave up to 5000 boreholes in a single tree, even in times of drought.
The PSOE say that they have made especial representation to the Orihuela Council asking that they make immediate and urgent contact to the CHS who they would ask to expedite their infected palm and pine tree removal works which they say must be eradicated before the end of the summer as it will become even more rampant in the Autumn.
Originally from tropical Asia, the red palm weevil has spread to Africa and Europe, reaching the Mediterranean in the 1980s.
It was first recorded in Spain in 1994 where it usually infests palms younger than twenty years. 
The availability of effective insecticide treatments against the weevil is limited so destruction is largely thought to be the only successful eradication measure currently available.  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44801/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### VISITORS TO TORREVIEJA INFORMATION POINTS

Torrevieja's Councillor for Tourism, Luis María Pizana said that of all the Tourist Offices located in the town the main office, situated in the Paseo Vista Alegre has dealt with almost 60% of all the visitors to Torrevieja during the holiday months.
This would appear to be due mainly to its central location and its long opening hours, 9am to 8pm weekdays and 10am to 2pm Saturday's and holidays.
The temporary office at Playa del Cura, which opens daily from 10am to 2pm and again 5pm to 9pm, has handled 5,086 (30%) of the numbers and will remain open to the public until September 7. 
The La Mata Office, located in the Town Hal, which opens for half days, served a total of 1,683 visitors. 
No figures were available, he said, for the information desk located on the ground floor of the Town Hall of Torrevieja, which also offers administrative information.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44800/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Torrevieja's Councillor for Tourism, Luis María Pizana said that of all the Tourist Offices located in the town the main office, situated in the Paseo Vista Alegre has dealt with almost 60% of all the visitors to Torrevieja during the holiday mo...

### ORIHUELA COUNCIL OWED THOUSANDS IN PARKING CHARGES

The company that manages Orihuela city's 620 parking spaces has not paid a single euro to the council in 4 years, according CLR councilor Juan Ignacio López, who says this is yet another appalling example of the inefficient management operated by the municipality
Despite the business collecting charges of between 15,000 and 20,000 euros a month they have failed to pay many of their employees for four months the result of which the Councillor for Infrastructure, Victor Ruiz (PSOE), has initiated termination of their contract.
Esma Park SL have been charging a minimum of 15 cents for just 20 minutes parking in the city centre spaces. They have managed the public service for over four years without paying a single euro in contracted fees
López-Bas said that he discovered the situation only by chance when he was trying to find out the cost of repainting the controversial green stripes for the transfer of the Tuesday market in Manuel Gallud. He says that he was horrified when he realized the situation which amounts to many thousands of euros in lost revenue that it would now seem to have cost Orihuela taxpayers.
When the matter was put to the Councillor for Infrastructure, Victor Ruiz (PSOE), he confirmed that Esma Park SL has never made any payments to the municipality; and shortly after joining the government team in early 2014, he has been attempting to find a solution but with little or no result. 
Ruiz said that he asked for technical reports from the Treasury accountants who have asked on several occasions for some form of payment but with none forthcoming he has now started procedures to terminate of the contract that was signed for a six year period and is due to expires at the end of 2015.
According to Victor Ruiz, the debt currently exceeds 250,000 euros. He says that in four years of management the company has not complied with many of the improvements promised in the original contract documents, including their conducting an awareness campaign by printing and distributing 5,000 leaflets. The only thing that they have done is to annually repaint the streets blue, the color that reminds drivers that they must pay for parking or be fined.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44799/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The company that manages Orihuela city's 620 parking spaces has not paid a single euro to the council in 4 years, according CLR councilor Juan Ignacio López, who says this is yet another appalling example of the inefficient management operated b...

### ORIHUELA’S ANNIVERSARY CLOCK TO BE REFURBISHED

The Councillor for Infrastructure, Victor Ruiz, said last week that work is about to start on the refurbishment of Centennial clock which is situated in Orihuela's Centuria Romana Square. The contract will last approximately three weeks and will cost taxpayers 16,200 euros.
So for the first time in 20 years the chimes of the Anniversary clock will ring out as they did  at the start of the last century.
This clock was first purchased by the city council in 1900 for just 2,300 pesetas. It was originally situated in the town hall of the Plaza Nueva in 1901 where it stood until 1978 but in Romana Square it has now been deteriorating since 1999, a product of "the apathy and indifference of successive municipal officials, " said Ruiz. 
The councilor says that many of the original parts are broken and the much of the original machinery is now housed in a wooden box along with the clock hands which have been damaged by the sun and rain so it will function by using an automated time station without using many of the original parts.
Ruiz says that his department is committed to restoring the emblematic sites in the town, the first of which will be the clock. He says that the site has long been a site that has been targeted by delinquents which he now hopes to rectify and in so doing cleaning up the environment and eliminating much of the graffiti and vandalism in the city.
The clock is situated just in front of the Episcopal Palace at its junction with the River Segura. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44798/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Councillor for Infrastructure, Victor Ruiz, said last week that work is about to start on the refurbishment of Centennial clock which is situated in Orihuela's Centuria Romana Square. The contract will last approximately three weeks and will cost taxpayers 16,200 euros.
So for the first time in 20 years the chimes of the Anniversary clock will ring out as they did  at the start of the last century.
This clock was first purchased by the city council in 1900 for just 2,300 pesetas. It was originally situated in the town hall of the Plaza Nueva in 1901 where it stood until 1978 but in Romana Square it has now been deteriorating since 1999, a product of "the apathy and indifference of successive municipal officials, " said Ruiz. 
The councilor says that many of the original parts are broken and the much of the original machinery is now housed in a wooden box along with the clock hands which have been damaged by the sun and rain so it will function by using an automated time station without using many of the original parts.
Ruiz says that his department is committed to restoring the emblematic sites in the town, the first of which will be the clock. He says that the site has long been a site that has been targeted by delinquents which he now hopes to rectify and in so doing cleaning up the environment and eliminating much of the graffiti and vandalism in the city.
The clock is situated just in front of the Episcopal Palace at its junction with the River Segura. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44798/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### PUBLIC AUCTION FOR INDOOR MARKET PITCHES

The Councillor of Commerce, Agustina Esteve, said last week that the city of Torrevieja has just released for public auction a total of seven vacant pitches on the Indoor Municipal Market "La Plasa" for a concessionary period of seven years. 
Possible businesses that can be traded on these market stalls range from butchery, fishmonger, greengrocer, in all a total of 19 different activities.
They say that this new auction, which they expect to be well contested, is just one more way of energizing and revitalizing the Central Market area. 
The Councillor said that applications can now be made to the Department of Commerce, the closing deadline being 15 September where she says the economic circumstances of the family unit, and a company business plan will be assessed. 
More information is available on 965074385 or mobile 965710250 ext. 154, or by visiting www.portaldelcomerciante.com/torrevieja comercio@torrevieja.eu web.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44797/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Councillor of Commerce, Agustina Esteve, said last week that the city of Torrevieja has just released for public auction a total of seven vacant pitches on the Indoor Municipal Market "La Plasa" for a concessionary period of seven years. 
Possible businesses that can be traded on these market stalls range from butchery, fishmonger, greengrocer, in all a total of 19 different activities.
They say that this new auction, which they expect to be well contested, is just one more way of energizing and revitalizing the Central Market area. 
The Councillor said that applications can now be made to the Department of Commerce, the closing deadline being 15 September where she says the economic circumstances of the family unit, and a company business plan will be assessed. 
More information is available on 965074385 or mobile 965710250 ext. 154, or by visiting www.portaldelcomerciante.com/torrevieja comercio@torrevieja.eu web.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44797/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### JUDGE INVESTIGATES GUARDAMAR’S ILLEGAL MARKETS

Torrevieja Magistrate's Court Torrevieja, together with agents from the Guardia Civil are investigating the situation regarding three markets located in the municipality of Guardamar del Segura which allegedly lack the mandatory operating licenses despite the fact that they have been open for years.
Essentially the investigation centre's around planning and the environment, however, according to sources close to the investigation, the investigation is intended to determine whether there has been alleged collusion between businessmen operating the three markets,  Guardamar  politicians and civil servants at different levels as well as members of the Security Forces, both the Guardia Civil and the local police. 
According to sources close to the court, representatives of the three markets have already testified so the next defendants to be summoned will be members of the PP government of Guardamar. 
Carmen Verdú, the PP mayor of Guardamar has urged the company operating the three markets, Campo de Guardamar Markets, to provide her with an urgent study showing the historical data that they had to produce when the markets were first opened.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44796/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Torrevieja Magistrate's Court Torrevieja, together with agents from the Guardia Civil are investigating the situation regarding three markets located in the municipality of Guardamar del Segura which allegedly lack the mandatory operating licenses desp...

### INFLUX OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS INCREASES BY 500%

In just two months dozens of illegal immigrants have arrived on the Alicante coastline from the Mediterranean, rescued by the emergency services in boats that are totally unfit to be at sea, interceptions mostly following onshore surveillance by the immigration services.
There is now a great deal of concern that recent figures have shown an increase of those previously discovered of 500%.
As such the Alicante coastline is once again back in the spotlight, much of it as a result of the illegal, but very well organized, immigration mafia.
At the end of 2013 many people thought that such trafficking operations were seeing their demise with only one boat, carrying 8 people, having been picked up by the Alicante Immigration Services during the summer, but in the last couple of weeks alone a new wave of boats arrived in Torrevieja carrying 19 people, all in just a few short hours on one Saturday morning.
So the increase is 500% up on the figures recorded last year, and we are still only in August, with just 8 months of the year gone. Indeed the one boat that was escorted into Torrevieja last December was actually heading for Murcia but adverse weather conditions blew it off course into a part of the sea just south of Alicante.
However this year, in the months of July and August, there have been three interceptions off shore from Santa Pola, Torrevieja and the Orihuela Costa resulting in the capture of seven boats and the detention of 49 illegal immigrants.
In 2012, 63 people were detained having arrived on 5 boats. Last year there was a most welcome reduction in that figure by 87%, the deterrent effect said to be the External Surveillance System (Sive) deployed in 2009, but it seems that this radar device is simply not enough to stop the trafficking, although it does allow the Immigration Service to at least detect and track the boats prior to the passengers being illegally disembarked.
The Director of the University of Alicante's Immigration Observatory, Dr. Carlos Gomez, said yesterday that the reasons for this phenomenon and the changes in recent years are to be found mainly in its origin, in Algeria, where the mafia has now taken over the control of this illegal flow of immigration.
Gomez said that these clandestine networks cheat on their 'clients', who, in most cases are completely unaware that they will almost certainly be caught and repatriated. 
Dr Gomez says that the solution is to provide more information at source so that these people know the dangers they face and that despite the large sums of money that they almost certainly pay paid for their trips, they are destined to failure. This can be easily done by the greater involvement and cooperation of the authorities of Spain and Algeria.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44795/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In just two months dozens of illegal immigrants have arrived on the Alicante coastline from the Mediterranean, rescued by the emergency services in boats that are totally unfit to be at sea, interceptions mostly following onshore surveillance by the im...

### TOWN WALK TO FUND DAYA VIEJA LESS FORTUNATE RESIDENTS

For many centuries residents of Daya have dressed in traditional Huertano costume and walked through the town on 1 September playing music and generally enjoying themselves in an activity that mixes music, and gastronomy, in honor of the Virgin of Monserrate.
Last week the event took especial significance as, dressed in the costume of black and gray huertano blouses and pants, many residents of Daya Vieja paraded through the town collecting gifts and donations that will be put toward the cost of providing for those less fortunate residents.
The festive events, have become one of the most fun and anticipated activities and as more and more expatriates settle in the town, Councilor for festivities, Jose Angel Lorenzo, said "many international residents are now also joining in this traditional activity."
Many restaurant owners and residents donated animals including rabbits and chickens which will be sold to raise money, while those who were not in a position to provide livestock made financial contributions instead.
This activity meets each year to local residents of different ages and even nationalities because as indicated by the councilman Festival, Jose Angel Lorenzo, "some international residents do not hesitate to join this traditional activity."
Throughout the morning the group, who are accompanied by a flautist and a drum, walk through the entire town asking for the donations from the residents.
They are followed by a handcart pulled by a donkey which was also donated a few years, in which they pile their contributions.
Donations vary enormously and obviously, in these times of crisis, there are those who can afford hardly anything. But Lorenzo said that everybody makes an effort which demonstrates the unity of all the residents in the small town.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44791/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: For many centuries residents of Daya have dressed in traditional Huertano costume and walked through the town on 1 September playing music and generally enjoying themselves in an activity that mixes music, and gastronomy, in honor of the Virgin of Monserrate.
Last week the event took especial significance as, dressed in the costume of black and gray huertano blouses and pants, many residents of Daya Vieja paraded through the town collecting gifts and donations that will be put toward the cost of providing for those less fortunate residents.
The festive events, have become one of the most fun and anticipated activities and as more and more expatriates settle in the town, Councilor for festivities, Jose Angel Lorenzo, said "many international residents are now also joining in this traditional activity."
Many restaurant owners and residents donated animals including rabbits and chickens which will be sold to raise money, while those who were not in a position to provide livestock made financial contributions instead.
This activity meets each year to local residents of different ages and even nationalities because as indicated by the councilman Festival, Jose Angel Lorenzo, "some international residents do not hesitate to join this traditional activity."
Throughout the morning the group, who are accompanied by a flautist and a drum, walk through the entire town asking for the donations from the residents.
They are followed by a handcart pulled by a donkey which was also donated a few years, in which they pile their contributions.
Donations vary enormously and obviously, in these times of crisis, there are those who can afford hardly anything. But Lorenzo said that everybody makes an effort which demonstrates the unity of all the residents in the small town.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44791/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### LA MATA LOSES HALF OF ALL VINEYARDS.

The size of the vineyard in the Lagunas de la Mata Natural Park has declined dramatically in the last 50 years.
At that time there were approximately 100 acres, but now,  five decades later “we have less than half”, according to Simón Pérez García, longtime grower and former president of the La Mata Farmers and Winegrowers Association, a position now held by his son. "There is a danger that it might all eventually disappear, although I hope not, but there are fewer vines which we continue to slowly lose," says the winemaker. The causes: drought, the abundance of rabbits and birds, especially starlings, and in some areas the urban progress that we have seen during the last few decades. 
However, as another harvest is nearing completion, the growers have harvested more than 50,000 kilos of the Merseguera variety of grape. In addition to that we have also been collecting the Muscat variety of grape since mid July, and all of that is destined for human consumption. “We have so far  pulped about 25,000 liters grapes, a similar amount to that produced last year”, said Simon Perez. 
Besides the Merseguera and Moscatel varieties, which produce the traditional sweet wine of La Mata, the vineyard also produces varieties of grape that were once cultivated in far greater quantities but have now largely disappeared such as Esclafacherre, Parrell, Valensí, Forcallat and Plantamula
The vineyard is managed by the Association of La Mata Farmers in collaboration with the Valencian Institute of Agrarian Research (IVIA) who's purpose is to test new clones of traditional varieties of vines in an effort to improve production quality. The institute also  conserves and studies many minority varieties which are at risk of extinction; testing new techniques of soil management and pest control to improve production and reduce costs and the environmental impact in the Natural Park. 
Two weeks ago, the General Director of the Natural Environment of the Generalitat Valenciana, Salome Pradas, visited the Natural Park, where she highlighted its uniqueness to stand out from other parks with both its production of salt and its agricultural activity with the vines where cultivation is performed without the use of pesticides or fertilizers affecting the environment. 
Such is the popularity of La Mata wine that it is now also being marketed in the United States by local winemaker Rafael Navarro, to which he currently exports two varieties; one called “La Viña de Simón and the other “El Carro” or "The Chariot" which are now selling for upwards of 25 euro per bottle. 
And if you want to learn more about the production of wine in La Mata and Torrevieja salt lakes, then now is the time to take a traditional walking tour along a route, just less than 1.5km long, which stresses the enormous impact that La Mata vineyards have had on the Spanish wine industry. The route passes through the park's vineyards with information boards telling the history, varieties, culture and cultivation of wine in this area of outstanding natural beauty.  
It especially explains about the two main grape varieties that are grown – Moscatel and Meseguera, from which the well-known La Mata wine is largely made.  The walks start at the La Mata Information Centre, a detached, stone built, white building, which you can see just off the N332 at the traffic island in La Mata. 
Meanwhile, if it's the regional history that is more to your interest, there is an exhibition on the history of winemaking in the Alicante Region taking place at the Archeological Museum in Alicante through to 11 January 2015. The exhibition explores the history and evolution of Alicante wine through the ages, one of the products that best defines the Alicante territory. More information at www.marqalicante.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44790/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The size of the vineyard in the Lagunas de la Mata Natural Park has declined dramatically in the last 50 years.
At that time there were approximately 100 acres, but now,  five decades later “we have less than half”, according to Simón Pérez García, longtime grower and former president of the La Mata Farmers and Winegrowers Association, a position now held by his son. "There is a danger that it might all eventually disappear, although I hope not, but there are fewer vines which we continue to slowly lose," says the winemaker. The causes: drought, the abundance of rabbits and birds, especially starlings, and in some areas the urban progress that we have seen during the last few decades. 
However, as another harvest is nearing completion, the growers have harvested more than 50,000 kilos of the Merseguera variety of grape. In addition to that we have also been collecting the Muscat variety of grape since mid July, and all of that is destined for human consumption. “We have so far  pulped about 25,000 liters grapes, a similar amount to that produced last year”, said Simon Perez. 
Besides the Merseguera and Moscatel varieties, which produce the traditional sweet wine of La Mata, the vineyard also produces varieties of grape that were once cultivated in far greater quantities but have now largely disappeared such as Esclafacherre, Parrell, Valensí, Forcallat and Plantamula
The vineyard is managed by the Association of La Mata Farmers in collaboration with the Valencian Institute of Agrarian Research (IVIA) who's purpose is to test new clones of traditional varieties of vines in an effort to improve production quality. The institute also  conserves and studies many minority varieties which are at risk of extinction; testing new techniques of soil management and pest control to improve production and reduce costs and the environmental impact in the Natural Park. 
Two weeks ago, the General Director of the Natural Environment of the Generalitat Valenciana, Salome Pradas, visited the Natural Park, where she highlighted its uniqueness to stand out from other parks with both its production of salt and its agricultural activity with the vines where cultivation is performed without the use of pesticides or fertilizers affecting the environment. 
Such is the popularity of La Mata wine that it is now also being marketed in the United States by local winemaker Rafael Navarro, to which he currently exports two varieties; one called “La Viña de Simón and the other “El Carro” or "The Chariot" which are now selling for upwards of 25 euro per bottle. 
And if you want to learn more about the production of wine in La Mata and Torrevieja salt lakes, then now is the time to take a traditional walking tour along a route, just less than 1.5km long, which stresses the enormous impact that La Mata vineyards have had on the Spanish wine industry. The route passes through the park's vineyards with information boards telling the history, varieties, culture and cultivation of wine in this area of outstanding natural beauty.  
It especially explains about the two main grape varieties that are grown – Moscatel and Meseguera, from which the well-known La Mata wine is largely made.  The walks start at the La Mata Information Centre, a detached, stone built, white building, which you can see just off the N332 at the traffic island in La Mata. 
Meanwhile, if it's the regional history that is more to your interest, there is an exhibition on the history of winemaking in the Alicante Region taking place at the Archeological Museum in Alicante through to 11 January 2015. The exhibition explores the history and evolution of Alicante wine through the ages, one of the products that best defines the Alicante territory. More information at www.marqalicante.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44790/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### EL PILAR DE ESTRELLAS

Kike Gasu was the winner of El Pilar de Estrellas held over 3 nights last week in Pilar de la Horadada and in so doing picked up a cheque for 1000 euro from the mayor Fidel Ros. Callum Smith and Mary Lozano came in second and third, while in the junior category the winners were Antonio Tomás, the duo of Felipe y María, and Ángela Caravaca.
The second edition of the talent contest organized by the Municipality attracted almost fifty artists amongst which were dancers, singers and stand-up comedians travelling into the town from as far afield as Valencia, Madrid, Jaen and the neighboring region of Murcia.
The councillor of Tourism, Eva Martinez said "The City Council support initiatives like this talent show which offers artists and performers to demonstrate their abilities in front of a sellout audience.”
During the three evenings there were also culinary demonstrations entitled "A Pilar of skewers and cocktails" so that attendees could enjoy tastings from participating contributors situated next to the main marquee.
The professional jury consisted of Rocío Aceña, Spain's Urban Dance Champion; Miguel Guerrrero, director of the José Hódar Mass Choir; Carmen Martinez, director of the International Institute of Photography and Fashion; José Francisco Sánchez, from the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (LRSM), the director of the Torrrevieja Symphony Orchestra and Rafael Alvero, a music producer, responsible for numerous film scores. 
The mayor, José Fidel Ros, and the Councillor for Tourism, Eva Martinez, were responsible for presenting the checks to the winners: 
In the Youth category Torrevejense Antonio Tomás took the first prize of 600 €; the Pilareños duet of  Felipe and María came second receiving 300 € and Angela Caravaca from Murcia won the third prize, and a cheque for € 200. 
In the adult category, third place € 250 went to María Lozano; second place was won by singer Callum Smith, who received a cheque for € 500, while the first place and the prize of 1000 € was taken by Kike Gasu, who won over the judges with his performance of Beatbox.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44789/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Kike Gasu was the winner of El Pilar de Estrellas held over 3 nights last week in Pilar de la Horadada and in so doing picked up a cheque for 1000 euro from the mayor Fidel Ros. Callum Smith and Mary Lozano came in second and third, while in the junior category the winners were Antonio Tomás, the duo of Felipe y María, and Ángela Caravaca.
The second edition of the talent contest organized by the Municipality attracted almost fifty artists amongst which were dancers, singers and stand-up comedians travelling into the town from as far afield as Valencia, Madrid, Jaen and the neighboring region of Murcia.
The councillor of Tourism, Eva Martinez said "The City Council support initiatives like this talent show which offers artists and performers to demonstrate their abilities in front of a sellout audience.”
During the three evenings there were also culinary demonstrations entitled "A Pilar of skewers and cocktails" so that attendees could enjoy tastings from participating contributors situated next to the main marquee.
The professional jury consisted of Rocío Aceña, Spain's Urban Dance Champion; Miguel Guerrrero, director of the José Hódar Mass Choir; Carmen Martinez, director of the International Institute of Photography and Fashion; José Francisco Sánchez, from the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (LRSM), the director of the Torrrevieja Symphony Orchestra and Rafael Alvero, a music producer, responsible for numerous film scores. 
The mayor, José Fidel Ros, and the Councillor for Tourism, Eva Martinez, were responsible for presenting the checks to the winners: 
In the Youth category Torrevejense Antonio Tomás took the first prize of 600 €; the Pilareños duet of  Felipe and María came second receiving 300 € and Angela Caravaca from Murcia won the third prize, and a cheque for € 200. 
In the adult category, third place € 250 went to María Lozano; second place was won by singer Callum Smith, who received a cheque for € 500, while the first place and the prize of 1000 € was taken by Kike Gasu, who won over the judges with his performance of Beatbox.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44789/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### CAIXABANK PURCHASES BARCLAYS SPAIN

After nearly four months of negotiations, Caixabank, Spain's third-largest lender, has said that it will pay 800 million euro for the network of 271 branches of the British bank. Barclays Spain, saying that it wants to increase its presence in Madrid where Barclays has 103 offices.
Implementation of the agreement is scheduled for the end of this year and is subject to regulatory approval, and the final price could be adjusted based on the value of the Spanish operations' assets at the end of the year.
The group has a total network of 271 branches and a portfolio of 550,000 customers. The deal does not include Barclays' credit card operations in Spain, or its investment banking business.
The Barclays network will join the 5,695 Caixabank branches adding a further 2,400 employees to the present workforce of 31,574. Many analysts are now suggesting that the group will consolidate both staff and branches in coming the months, in line with other similar businesses, and the process could be now be accelerated by this acquisition. The bank predicts restructuring costs in the region of 300 million euros.
According to market sources, the Catalan Bank held intense negotiations with the British Group throughout the month of August culminating with the agreement which was announced last Sunday night. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44788/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: After nearly four months of negotiations, Caixabank, Spain's third-largest lender, has said that it will pay 800 million euro for the network of 271 branches of the British bank. Barclays Spain, saying that it wants to increase its presence in Madrid w...

### VISTABELLA BOWLS CLUB

Sponsored by Autos Direct San Miguel & TV Choice
After a number of weeks with little to report we finally had a flurry of activity with the Vistabella Open 3-2-1 Competition and to cap it all off Tony French, Les Barber and Mike Regan won the Greenlands Open Competition which followed ours on the 1st to 3rd September.
Mike and co never lost a single game beating Richard Cooper and Nina McKenzie of Mazarron in the Final. Richard and Nina had to borrow Beryl Regan for the final after Julie Cooper strained her back helping a fellow bowler on the green. Well done guys look forward to many more wins.
Vistabella BC 3-2-1 Open                                                                                               
The three day 3-2-1 open took place at Vistabella BC 29th to 31st of August, 23 teams competed against each other in a very hot humid atmosphere,  some excellent bowling took place in a very friendly and enjoyable way throughout the competition, the semi-finals took place with 
Carol Rudge's team from San Miguel playing Sue Jordan's team from La Siesta, with Carol's team coming out as winners, the other semi-final was between June Jones team from San Luis and 
Drew Gerrard's team from San Miguel with June's team winning this one
The Final was then played between June and Carol's teams with Junes team coming out on top,
Well done to June, Keith and Colin you played well throughout the tournament.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the teams who took part for making it a successful
Competition, Stuart for setting up the rinks each morning ready for start of play, Len Rudge the umpire for doing a great job especially for all the clearing up he did in the evenings,
And a very big thank you must go to our Sponsors, who without their help these tournaments would
Just not happen, our sponsors for this weekend were “Steve from CS Bowls sponsoring Group 1
“Restaurant Los Tilos Torrevieja sponsoring group 2” “Studio 3 Hair & Beauty Campoverde 
Sponsoring group 3” “The New Priory Bar Villamartin sponsoring group 4” 
And last but not least to Gail and her helpers, Pat & Beryl for a great raffle, there are still 7 unclaimed
Raffle prizes including a meal for two at Los Tilos restaurant, also the bottle of Brandy remains unclaimed, the number for this is 61?
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44787/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Sponsored by Autos Direct San Miguel & TV Choice
After a number of weeks with little to report we finally had a flurry of activity with the Vistabella Open 3-2-1 Competition and to cap it all off Tony French, Les Barber and Mike Regan won the Gr...

### “SHACKLED – THEY TRIED TO STOP ME TELLING THE STORY”

Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey, now semi-retired and living in Cabo Roig, was in The Sporting Life, CC Los Dolses, on Saturday afternoon where he carried out a signing of his book ‘Added Time: Surviving Cancer, Death Threats and the Premier League'.
He also chatted generally about his time as one of the most respected officials in the English game as well as conducting a question and answer session giving opinions on such colourful characters as his unlikely friendship with the man supposedly the arch enemy of referees, Chelsea Manager Jose Moreno who actually provides the forward in the book.
The book takes us inside the Premier League, into the lives of its players and managers, as never before explaining what is it really like to be a referee in modern English football, trying to control a bunch of unruly millionaires and their stressed-out leaders?
Then getting home to find out you have made a mistake and been identified in millions of households as public enemy number one? To be issued with death threats on social media by football 'fans' who say they hope your cancer returns? ADDED TIME takes you where no other book has gone - inside the dressing rooms on match days, into the intense tunnel and on-field conversations and confrontations between officials and the game's participants.
It chronicles the highs and lows, joy and pain, and reveals the human face of that man in the middle. Mark Halsey also lifts the lid on surviving the internal politics, personalities and intrigue of top-flight refereeing, on altercations with Sir Alex Ferguson and earfuls from Wayne Rooney. Running through Halsey's powerful and poignant story is his brave battle with throat cancer, through surgery and gruelling treatment, after which the popular Halsey returned to the top.
It granted him no immunity from the dangerous stresses that can beset the modern referee, however - stresses that included those death threats. What kept him going for 17 years at the top? His strength of character, and a loving family.
The book is available on Amazon as both paperback and Kindle. 
Mark was working during the World Cup as a pundit on television with Andy Gray and Richard Keys but now that he has moved fully to Spain he intends to take a back seat although he told the Leader that he will still return to England for regular media work.  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44784/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey, now semi-retired and living in Cabo Roig, was in The Sporting Life, CC Los Dolses, on Saturday afternoon where he carried out a signing of his book ‘Added Time: Surviving Cancer, Death Threats and the Pr...

### GREENLANDS BOWLS CLUB NEWS by Brian Hewett

Greenlands Open Trips. The Open Trips ran from  Monday 1st till Wed 3rd and proved to be an outstanding success due mainly to the organisational skill of Barry Collins and very skilful and competitive participants from a wide variety of clubs throughout the region.
Each of the matches was played over 10 ends
The upshot of all this very convivial but earnest bowling was the semi-finals on Wednesday morning with the following teams in contention: Vista Bella; Tony French, 'Lucky' Les Barber & Skip Mike Regan against Greenlands:  Jan Pocock, Brian Pocock & Skip Brian Miller. The result was a win for Vista Bella by 12 shots to 7.
The other Semi was San Luis: Trevor Vanner, Scott Malden & Skip David Blackie against Mazzaron: Julie Cooper, Nina McKenzie & Skip Richard Cooper. Julie Cooper had to be substituted on finals day by Beryl Regan (Bella Vista) due to an unfortunate injury sustained by Julie the evening before. The result was a win for the modified Mazzaron team by 9 shots to 8.     
Now you have all worked out who was in the Final which started promptly at Half past Two.
The Final proved to be worthy of the title and all the effort and skill displayed by all the contestants. The score is not important but the winners, by a handsome margin, was the Vista Bella team of;  TONY FRENCH, 'LUCKY' LES BARBER & SKIP MIKE REGAN. Prizes to all the Finalist and Semi Finalists were donated by our very generous Sponsors, 'John O'Brien representing 'Winning Express' and the Law firm, Pellicer & Heredia, and both Ignacio & Pedro were in attendance to make the presentations.
The success of our Open was of course a 'team' effort and Barry and our President, Steve Westall, would like to thank, in no particular order; Jean Cooper & Sue Johnson for Umpiring the matches: Jill Collins for the fantastic raffle and Hayley for keeping up with the constant demand for cold drinks and a variety of hot and cold snacks. Well done everyone.
The Saturday Roll-up.
There was a three way tie for first place this week namely David Thomson, Jim Oliver and Joan Oliver, the result was determied by a countback with the outcome  as already shown, fourth place was awarded to Michael Keating and the Wonderful Wooden Spoon this week was won by Kym Hunter.  Turnout was an average 16 but the forecast is looking brighter for the coming cooler weather.
Thursday Nite Friendly.
An away day for Greenlands in the penultimate match and the Crushers were in fine form on their home turf. However, they were gentle with us, only taking 12 of the 14 points on offer; 5 rinks and shot advantage, 116 to our creditable 98. Our aces were Sheila Hewett who was injured before the match started and was substituted by mutual agreement by a Quesada sub. Tanya Oliver as lead, Phil(the voice)Lockley and Skip Averil Toozer. Good for them all, since they contributed massively to our score of 98 shots. 
Greenlands Membership.
The new season is about to start but there is still time for those of you looking to change clubs or newly arrived in the area to join probably 'the friendliest club on the Costa'. Contact either Hayley on 966844399 or Allen Brown on 637344221   who would be delighted to give you all the details.  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44781/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Greenlands Open Trips. The Open Trips ran from  Monday 1st till Wed 3rd and proved to be an outstanding success due mainly to the organisational skill of Barry Collins and very skilful and competitive participants from a wide variety of clubs throughou...

### OFF YUGO AND SCORE BRANI

CD TORREVIEJA - 1   MURO CF - 1
Croatian whizz kid Brani struck a sublime first half volleyed goal, giving credence to his fast growing reputation of a young player with mega potential.  
Having made substitute appearances in the first 2 league matches, Torry manager Galiana elected to give him his first start, in a line up that included 3 changes from the trip to Utiel.   Also starting were full back Berna, making his debut, and Burguillos, replacing Cesar and the injured pair of Eddy and Rafa Gomez.  
Disaster struck from Muro's first attack after only 90 seconds.  A careless back pass was seized on by Lucas, who had time to shoot past a helpless Oscar, leaving the home side with it all to do.  It didn't take long for Vicente to strike a beauty from long range, then from the resultant corner Alexis hit his effort into the side netting.  
Cristian Sanchez appeared to be in the middle of a Muro sandwich inside their penalty area, but ref Hernandez was having none of it.  On 33 mins, Sergi struck a fierce free kick narrowly wide, before Cristian provided an inch perfect cross for Brani to convert with total perfection.  
Twas one way traffic during the last 10 mins of the 1st half, as Torry came close to increasing their lead on no less than 3 occasions.  Alexis saw his firm header well saved, then Brani should have doubled his goal tally, but squandered a great opportunity, prior to Vicente heading just over.
Oscar was called into action soon after resumption of play, diving low at his near post to catch a testing free kick, as the visitors showed their intentions.  
They also stepped up the physical side of their game, as Cristian S bore the brunt of many cynical fouls, which rightly earned the culprits 3 yellow cards.  Torry rode the storm, then on the hour mark a powerful Sergi header was plucked to safety.  Ref Hernandez, in true Spanish fashion, saw fit to book Carrasco, and subs Cesar and Martin (who was very lucky not to pick up a second), as the game lost it's way a bit.  
Front man Lucas fluffed a glorious opportunity, missing the target with Oscar out of position, then up the other end, Jorge twice sent headers wide of the mark.  With 2 mins of normal time remaining, Tasio let Torry off the hook, blasting an excellent chance sky high.  In stoppage time, Jordi put in a teasing cross, which eluded everyone before going out for a goal kick.
Torry have another home league match at Vicente Garcia Stadium, on Sun 14 Sep, against Torre Levante.  Please check club and Torry Army websites for ko time.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44777/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: CD TORREVIEJA - 1   MURO CF - 1
Croatian whizz kid Brani struck a sublime first half volleyed goal, giving credence to his fast growing reputation of a young player with mega potential.  
Having made substitute appearances in the first 2 league match...

### NO HOLIDAYS FOR ADVANCE MOVES

Whilst most people are heading for the beaches of Spain during the hot summer months for a well deserved vacation, spare a thought for the Advance Moves International removals crews that are at their busiest during the Summer Months. 
Advance Moves managing director Mat Ford-Dunn explained that it is always the summer months when removals crews are at their busiest as it fits in with their clients requirement to relocate between the UK and Spain during school holidays to minimise disruption.
‘It doesn't help that the removals crews find themselves working their hardest when temperatures are well into the mid 30's over the summer, but our crews are all very experienced and are used to working in this hot climate. We make a point of starting early in the morning and trying to finish as much work as possible early in the day before it really heats up.
All our staff have regular medicals and carry plenty of water to combat the heat and keep themselves hydrated and they all have a very positive attitude and enjoy their work so despite the heat they push on and get the job done.'
This year has been especially busy for Advance Moves with a dramatic increase in the number of removals undertaken that has required the purchase of 5 additional vehicles and a third warehouse in the UK to cope with demand. Mat puts the increased work levels down to a more buoyant housing market but also in the high levels of service that Advance Moves offers to its clients compared to other removers.
Advance Moves is one of a handful of Removal companies in Spain that are fully legal with a Spanish transport licence (tarjeta de transporte) and also members of the British Association of Removers (BAR).  Mat was also keen to point out that they Export wrap all items of furniture rather than just blanket wrapping which is a poor alternative offered by other less professional movers.
‘Overall we offer a higher level of service and protection than other removers at a price that is still competitive and that is why our clients keep coming back, you only have to look at our online survey results on our website (www.advancemoves.com) to see how highly our clients rate us and we just keep trying to improve' said Mat when asked why Advance moves was so busy this year.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44776/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Whilst most people are heading for the beaches of Spain during the hot summer months for a well deserved vacation, spare a thought for the Advance Moves International removals crews that are at their busiest during the Summer Months. 
Advance Moves ma...

### CHALLENGE CUP - VEGA BAJA PREMIER GOLF LEAGUE vs. QUESADA GOLF SUPER LEAGUE

EL PLANTIO GOLF RESORT – 29th AUGUST 2014-08-31
The inaugural annual tournament between the two golf league teams was played at El Plantio Golf Resort where 18 players represented their respective League.
The El Plantio course is always a challenging parkland style course and since its improvement the course, it was an ideal venue for the first of these planned future annual events to be played on a Home and Away basis.
The format was a modified Fourball Better Ball Matchplay with a point for each hole won and a half four a draw and a maximum of a 162 points up for grabs. For each pairing the maximum was 18 points
With the temperatures up into the 30's it was not going to be an easy day.
In the first four matches the VBPGL must have felt that it could be their day as they came in leading by 2.5 to 1.5 games (38.5 to 33.5 points)
But QGSL pulled it back in the next four matches to now lead by 4 points (70 to 74) and it really came down to the final pairings and if VBPGL were to win they needed a solid minimum of a 12 to 6 win but its went to the QGSL and with it the trophy.
FINAL SCORE:  VBPGL 76 points       QGSL 86 points
Congratulations Quesada Golf Super League 
Both teams stated how much they enjoyed the day and the major benefit they get to play with other golfers they would not normally come into contact with on the golf course, and this can only be good for both of these Leagues and local golf.
The VBPGL Captain Ron Nicholson presented Ian Faulkner Captain of the QGSL with the trophy and I am sure that their team shirts next year will sport a golf star. Ian thanked both teams for the good spirit in which the competition had been played and for Ivie Davies and Ron Nicholson for arranging the day and to all the staff at El Pantio Golf Resort for ensuring the course was in good condition and their support.
For more information on both leagues go to, www.vegabajapremiergolfleague.com and  www.quesadagolfleague..com Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44766/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: EL PLANTIO GOLF RESORT – 29th AUGUST 2014-08-31
The inaugural annual tournament between the two golf league teams was played at El Plantio Golf Resort where 18 players represented their respective League.
The El Plantio course is always a chall...

### TOP CHOIR SEEKS NEW MEMBERS

Melody Makers International, who for the last five years have been the most successful choir on the Costa, are seeking new members to swell their ranks for the new season starting 9th September.
The choir, under the direction of professional singer, conductor and vocal tutor, Nigel Hopkins, regularly sings to audiences of 1,000 in the fabulous Orihuela Costa Resort. They are accompanied by a professional band flown in specially from the UK.
Known also as the Friendly Choir because of the warm welcome given to new members, and the fun rehearsals which reap such excellent results, the group is embarking on it's next show, entitled 'Music of the Night' - and rehearsals start on 9th September at the Asturias Restaurante. These take place from 5.30pm - 7.30pm each Tuesday.
Any singers who would like to be involved in this experience should come along to a rehearsal, or telephone 966 775 976 for further details. Anyone with a voice who can sing in tune is welcome as full training is given by our leading voice coach and conductor.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44765/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Melody Makers International, who for the last five years have been the most successful choir on the Costa, are seeking new members to swell their ranks for the new season starting 9th September.
The choir, under the direction of professional singer, c...

### SPANISH CHAMPIONSHIP SUPERMOTO HEADS FOR ALBAIDA ALICANTE THIS WEEKEND

The third round of the Spanish supermoto championship takes place at the Albaida circuit, near Alcoy, Alicante this Sunday the 7th September as the best supermoto racers in Spain resume their battle for championship honours after the summer break.
Murcia's Anthony and Mat Ford-Dunn will be hoping to get the better of their rivals over the weekend on their ‘Advance Moves International Removals' sponsored Supermotoland.com race bikes. With qualifying on Saturday and then racing from 10.00 to 13.30 hrs on the Sunday 7th September at the spectacular Albaida circuit that hosts one of the biggest jumps on the supermoto championship calendar. 
Racing is sure to be tight and with Mat Leading the SM 35 Master championship and Anthony only 32 points behind the championship leader in the premier SM open championship, the brothers know they have it all to fight for.
The Supermotoland.com team will be on hand to welcome anyone wishing to come and watch a great days racing this Sunday and directions and maps to the circuit can be found at the teams website www.supermotoland.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44760/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The third round of the Spanish supermoto championship takes place at the Albaida circuit, near Alcoy, Alicante this Sunday the 7th September as the best supermoto racers in Spain resume their battle for championship honours after the summer break.
Mur...

### AGE CONCERN CLOSURE

It is with regret that, unfortunately, due to the shortage of Volunteers, Age Concern has had to close their Information Office at the Playa Flamenca Town Hall. 
Anyone wishing to contact Age Concern can still use the Playa Flamenca published telephone number of 697176154 or contact the Day Centre in La Siesta on 966786887, we are still there to help.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44757/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: It is with regret that, unfortunately, due to the shortage of Volunteers, Age Concern has had to close their Information Office at the Playa Flamenca Town Hall. 
Anyone wishing to contact Age Concern can still use the Playa Flamenca published telephon...

### CONSUMERS WARY OF BRANDS THAT ADVERTISE ON SOCIAL NETWORKS

Social networks arouse suspicion among marketing directors of companies and consumers. Both agree that trademarks abuse of dishonest practices. So concludes a recent study conducted in the UK by the association of marketing professionals Chartered Institute of Marketing.
51% of the 1,150 marketing managers polled by Chartered Institute of Marketing claim to have witnessed unethical practices by brands on social networks. 52% of marketing directors coincide in pointing out that such practices endanger the effectiveness of the 'Social Web'.
It is clear that brands are not entirely honest in social networks and their controversial practices seems to have affected many consumers. 44% of the 3,000 consumers surveyed by Chartered Institute of Marketing recognizes that they feel difficult to trust the brands appearing in social networks. And 47% of consumers admitted their tendency to reject brands that have manipulated the information.
What is more worrisome for consumers in the 'social media' are not the fraudulent practices of the brands but the overabundance of ads. 64% say they will stop using social networks if they end up flooding with advertising.
One of the techniques used by marketing managers of advertisers to attract consumers through social networks are the offers of free products. However, while two-thirds of marketers believe that this is an acceptable practice, only 48% of consumers viewed it as ethical.
Most obvious is the difference of opinion between consumers and marketing managers to judge another widespread technique in 'social media': to ask employees to share on social media content of the company for which they work. 70% of marketers say that this practice is lawful. The percentage decreases, however, to 28% for consumer (Source: Marketing Directo).
clementeferrer3@gmail.com. Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44756/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Social networks arouse suspicion among marketing directors of companies and consumers. Both agree that trademarks abuse of dishonest practices. So concludes a recent study conducted in the UK by the association of marketing professionals Chartered Inst...

### ONLINE MEDIA, NEW TARGET OF VENTURE CAPITALISTS

Though abundant pessimism about the future of journalism, the American media prove that newsrooms are filled with young talent, so that venture capitalists have decided to give a chance to publishers investing millions with them. The online media are the new target of venture capitalists.
BuzzFeed has gotten $ 46 million financing, Vox Media has raised about $ 80 million in venture capital and Business Insider has gotten around 30 million. This turnaround in the media not only reflects a renewed confidence in the publications, but also shows that online media are increasingly perceived as profitable companies in the world of new technologies.
However, even those venture capitalists that are increasing their participation in the media, are divided on whether this funding demonstrates a twist or just a moment of optimism in the market. Risk investors that are willing to support publishers seek a pattern for the most suitable companies.
Recent investments in publishing are not a sign of enthusiasm about the sector but rather a sign that the publishing world is in a less bad situation than it should be. "Things are not getting better, just being less bad".
What is clear is that the Internet offers many new opportunities. The audiences are fragmented, allowing advertisers to identify and deliver specialized content. A clear example of what is stated above is 'The Dodo', a website that was launched late last year with news relating to the animal world, which has been a success. Specializing in online media is a guarantee to avoid failure.
Moreover, the Internet ad spending will continue to grow in the coming years in the United States, reaching 25.6% more in 2015, according to an eMarketer study (Source: Marketing directo).
clementeferrer3@gmail.com. Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44753/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Though abundant pessimism about the future of journalism, the American media prove that newsrooms are filled with young talent, so that venture capitalists have decided to give a chance to publishers investing millions with them. The online media are the new target of venture capitalists.
BuzzFeed has gotten $ 46 million financing, Vox Media has raised about $ 80 million in venture capital and Business Insider has gotten around 30 million. This turnaround in the media not only reflects a renewed confidence in the publications, but also shows that online media are increasingly perceived as profitable companies in the world of new technologies.
However, even those venture capitalists that are increasing their participation in the media, are divided on whether this funding demonstrates a twist or just a moment of optimism in the market. Risk investors that are willing to support publishers seek a pattern for the most suitable companies.
Recent investments in publishing are not a sign of enthusiasm about the sector but rather a sign that the publishing world is in a less bad situation than it should be. "Things are not getting better, just being less bad".
What is clear is that the Internet offers many new opportunities. The audiences are fragmented, allowing advertisers to identify and deliver specialized content. A clear example of what is stated above is 'The Dodo', a website that was launched late last year with news relating to the animal world, which has been a success. Specializing in online media is a guarantee to avoid failure.
Moreover, the Internet ad spending will continue to grow in the coming years in the United States, reaching 25.6% more in 2015, according to an eMarketer study (Source: Marketing directo).
clementeferrer3@gmail.com. Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44753/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### LOMAS DE CABO ROIG READING POINT

The Reading Point, is opening again after the summer break, on Monday 8th September at hrs 13.00.
Our new opening-hours are, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between hrs 13.00 and 17.00
We are situated at Calle Los Cipres No. 21, Lomas de Cabo Roig. Which is the first turn to the right after Aldi, if you come up from N-332.
The shelves are full with books in different languages, English, German, Dutch, Spanish, Scandinavian and more. We have more than 10.000 books in store. Furthermore do we have quite a few childrens books in Spanish and English.
We are 8 volunteers, who look forward to see you, and between us we speak several different languages. Welcome!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44752/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Reading Point, is opening again after the summer break, on Monday 8th September at hrs 13.00.
Our new opening-hours are, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between hrs 13.00 and 17.00
We are situated at Calle Los Cipres No. 21, Lomas de Cabo Roig. W...

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 1 SEPTEMBER 2014

LAND AHOY
The Cartagena based yacht 'Carmen' skippered by Joseph Coello claimed victory on handicap  in the 50th edition of the Cruise from Torrevieja to Cabo Roig in which twenty boats took part last Tuesday morning. The Murcia boat ‘Malice' out of San Pedro was the first to cross the finish line taking one hour and twenty-seven minutes to complete the 10.5 nautical miles. 'Carmen' finished 2nd while in 3rd place was the Norwegian yacht 'Apex' sailed by Ole-jan Midttun.
COLOURFUL BIRTHDAY
'Petita', the most famous elephant in Terra Natura Benidorm, celebrated his 42nd birthday on Saturday with a colorful Hindu battle. The elephant sprang to fame when he was disowned by his herd as he was considered to be "ugly". According to Terra Natura, Saturday's party was the only 'Holi' festival in Valencia to commemorate the birthday of an elephant.
COURTEOUS BRITS
A recent survey by holiday site Tavelzoo shows that BRITISH tourists are thought of as the heaviest drinkers while on holiday. The Spanish are said to be the most likeable travellers, with the French ranked as the least popular. Almost half of Spanish respondents claimed UK travellers are the least generous when abroad, but the Germans think they are humorous, courteous and helpful.
DRUG CLEANUP 
The authorities in Ecuador seized 7.8 tons of liquid drugs, assumed to form the ingredients of cocaine, disguised as disinfectant and heading to Spain. The company responsible for the cargo declared 7,000 litres of the fake disinfectant, bound for Valencia.
NO FLYBE
Airline Flybe will not be extending its routes from Exeter to Spain and Portugal in the winter, with the last flights to Alicante, Faro, Malaga and Palma scheduled for the 30th of September, 2014.
LIPSTICK BEAUTY
Beauty Queen Patricia Yurena Rodríguez, crowned Miss Spain in both 2008 and 2013, has been praised for opening up about her sexuality, by posting an intimate picture of herself with her girlfriend, singer and DJ Vanesa Cortes, on Instagram. Now the only known openly gay beauty queen, both gay and women's groups have praised her actions.
IRISH TEENAGER HELD
An Irish teenager is in custody on an attempted murder charge after a street fight on the Costa del Sol. The 17-year-old was part of a group of Irish holidaymakers who got into a row over a girl during a night out in Puerto Banus. His brother allegedly punched a friend unconscious before the teenager kicked him in the head as he lay on the ground
BACK IN RING
MATTHEW MACKLIN, the Marbella based boxer, whose proposed fight against Argentine fighter, Jorge Sebastien Heiland in a WBC eliminator on August 30 was postponed after his trainer, Jamie Moore, was shot in Marbella, is set to return  to the ring on September 27, on the Felix Sturm - Paul Smith WBA middleweight ‘Super' title fight undercard in Kiel, Germany. His opponent is as yet unnamed.
COUNTRY PURSUITS
POLICE have uncovered a marihuana plantation in a private bullring in the Almogía area of Malaga! The ‘plaza de toros' is located within the grounds of a country estate in Los Pilones. It had effectively been converted into an enormous greenhouse housing hundreds of marihuana plants, with plastic sheeting covering the arena.
NO LOGO
A second protest has been organised against fashion designer Roberto Cavalli, who is using a sacred Islamic symbol in his products. The demonstration will take place on the 8th of September, with the hashtag #TakeOffJustLogo being used on social network sites to highlight the complaints of the members and supporters of the Islamic community.
STUPID IS
A 51 year old Belgian resident of the Girona town of Empuriabrava was seriously injured this week, when he stood under the path of a fire fighting plane, which dropped 1,500 litres of water onto him. Police believe that the man was attempting an extreme version of a stunt known as the “Ice Bucket Challenge”, which was being filmed by another person. The aircraft was dropping its load prior to landing, having been involved in fire fighting duties.
TURTLE RISK 
The body of a two-metre long turtle was found near the beach in Huelva this week, showing signs of decomposition. One of the largest breeds of turtles, the species faces an increased threat of extinction, a state which has been declared as “imminent”. Eating the daily equivalent of their own weight, overfishing poses a risk to their food supplies, as does the increasing threat of pollution from engine oil and vessel strikes. They are also prone to digesting waste products in the sea, such as plastic bags which they mistake for jellyfish, being caught in fishing nets and face an increase problem in finding safe places to lay their eggs.
GARDENS AT RISK
Residents of Alicante have complained to the city council about the neglect currently being experienced by the centre's parks and gardens. They say that the shrubs and trees in La Rambla haven't been pruned for 3 months while a lack of irrigation is putting the plants at risk in the green spaces of el jardín del Portal de Elche and la plaza de Gabriel Miró.
TUNNEL VISION
National Police Officers in Elche discovered a tunnel last week, 150 feet long, eight feet deep and two by two meters wide, running from a house in la calle Calderón de la Barca to the vicinity of the Banco Popular in an adjoining street. Although no arrests have yet been made they are currently scrutinizing tapes from the security cameras of a nearby bar where the alleged tunnellers regularly ate.
AGE CONCERN 
Age Concern re-opens today after the summer break and they are in need of more volunteers. for the day Centre in La Siesta and their shops in Los Montesinos and Torrevieja. Additionally, they need volunteers to join the Residential Home Visiting Team and to act as Be-Frienders to elderly and lonely people in the Playa Flamenca, Quesada and Torrevieja areas. Call 96 678 6887 for information.
NO NO
Both Spain and Belgium would block an independent Scotland's application to join the European Union, a former president of the EU's finance council has predicted. Ruairi Quinn, an Irish politician, said the secessionist movements in both countries meant it was "highly probable" their parliaments would vote against Scotland joining.
COSTA GOURMET 
Archaeologists have uncovered evidence that Homo sapiens in Spain ate snails around 30,000 years ago, 10,000 years before the French, whose escargot dish is now celebrated. Excavation at the Cova de la Barriada, Benidorm, say that the shells were found near human constructs believed to have been used for cooking, evidence that they were a part of human diet during the period.
GANG BANG
Police in Mallorca have dismantled a Bulgarian prostitution network operating on the island. A total of 12 people, eleven Bulgarians one Spaniard, were detained on the island of Mallorca in the Mediterranean, after an eight-month investigation. Bulgarian women gave their clients drugs in order to rob them, Spanish Terra Network's online news service reports.
BOARD NOW
The planning department of Torrevieja town hall has issued notice of around 120 illegal advertising billboards which it aims to demolish. Warnings were issued in both Torrevieja and Orihuela that these boards, most of which are on public land and lack authority and insurance, would be removed.
WORLD HERITAGE SITE
El castillo de Almirra, 50km inland from Benidorm, is to become the first site declared to be a World Heritage site of special historical significance by even though it is currently being rebuilt. The castle was the site where the crucial pact was made between Aragon and Castile which drew the boundaries between the two realms. It was also the location where, in 1244, an agreement between King James I and the then Prince Alfonso of Castile, gave birth to the former Kingdom of Valencia.
A POLITICAL LOT
After enjoying a two-month holiday, deputies sitting in Les Corts resume their parliamentary duties on 16 September, with the general policy debate, one of the most important events of the new session, almost two weeks after Valencia's schoolchildren returned to their duties. 
ABSENT WITHOUT LEAVE
The courts in Torrevieja are investigating ex-councillor José Manuel Pizana, who may face charges of forgery, in relation with a case which was shelved in which the Partido Popular held an election rally in an unauthorized building. The politician testified that he was not at the meeting where the arrangements for the rally were made, but the certified minutes state that he attended.
INCOME TWEETS
Twitter´s Spanish subsidiary is coming under fire for being the latest multinational company to shift taxable operations to Ireland, thus avoiding paying into Spain´s economy. Having earned around a million euro, the profit declared by Twitter in Spain is just over 26,000 euro. Globally, the company is expected to earn the equivalent of a billion euro this year.
PILOT OVER HERE
The pilot of a Spanish fire fighting plane, a 43 year old Chilean national, which dropped 1,500 litres of water onto a 51 year old Belgian national as part of a prank has been charged by the police with gross negligence injury. The main hypothesis is that the pilot and the victim had agreed to carry out the dangerous move, in order to film the event and post the video on YouTube as an extreme Ice Bucket Challenge.
NEW AECC CENTRE
The Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer , AECC, will open a new centre on the Orihuela Costa on the 5th of September, with the provincial president, Pablo Enríquez Valens, attending the opening. The centre will deal with both Spanish and foreign residents, and will work closely with the centre in Torrevieja, just a short distance away. 
GOOD CAR-MA
Car make General Motors has begun assembling their the Opel Mokka sub-compact SUV in their Spanish plant at Figueruelas this week, a model that had previously been manufactured exclusively in South Korea.
FADING AWAY
Although the summer temperatures in Spain may have exceeded many previous records, there is an apparent and unexpected benefit to some visitors to the country as cyclists taking part in the Vuelta a España, the tour of Spain competition, are said to be losing 10 pounds in weight each day, despite having to drink 12 bottles of water each day.
GENEROUS VISITORS
In the first 7 months of the year, foreign tourists spent 34.497 billion euro in Spain, a 7% increase over last year, with British tourists leading the way having handed over 6.812 billion euro, a rise of 7.1%. The average daily spend per tourist stood at 109 euro, increasing by 0.4% year-on-year, with the overall spend being 950 euro, around the same as last year.
FEELING DEFLATED
Deflation in Spain deepened more than expected in August, with consumer prices falling by 0.5%, compared to 0.3% in July. Analysts had anticipated a 0.2% drop in August, sparking fears over deflationary pressure in the euro zone's fourth largest economy.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44750/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: LAND AHOY
The Cartagena based yacht 'Carmen' skippered by Joseph Coello claimed victory on handicap  in the 50th edition of the Cruise from Torrevieja to Cabo Roig in which twenty boats took part last Tuesday morning. The Murcia boat ‘Malice' out of San Pedro was the first to cross the finish line taking one hour and twenty-seven minutes to complete the 10.5 nautical miles. 'Carmen' finished 2nd while in 3rd place was the Norwegian yacht 'Apex' sailed by Ole-jan Midttun.
COLOURFUL BIRTHDAY
'Petita', the most famous elephant in Terra Natura Benidorm, celebrated his 42nd birthday on Saturday with a colorful Hindu battle. The elephant sprang to fame when he was disowned by his herd as he was considered to be "ugly". According to Terra Natura, Saturday's party was the only 'Holi' festival in Valencia to commemorate the birthday of an elephant.
COURTEOUS BRITS
A recent survey by holiday site Tavelzoo shows that BRITISH tourists are thought of as the heaviest drinkers while on holiday. The Spanish are said to be the most likeable travellers, with the French ranked as the least popular. Almost half of Spanish respondents claimed UK travellers are the least generous when abroad, but the Germans think they are humorous, courteous and helpful.
DRUG CLEANUP 
The authorities in Ecuador seized 7.8 tons of liquid drugs, assumed to form the ingredients of cocaine, disguised as disinfectant and heading to Spain. The company responsible for the cargo declared 7,000 litres of the fake disinfectant, bound for Valencia.
NO FLYBE
Airline Flybe will not be extending its routes from Exeter to Spain and Portugal in the winter, with the last flights to Alicante, Faro, Malaga and Palma scheduled for the 30th of September, 2014.
LIPSTICK BEAUTY
Beauty Queen Patricia Yurena Rodríguez, crowned Miss Spain in both 2008 and 2013, has been praised for opening up about her sexuality, by posting an intimate picture of herself with her girlfriend, singer and DJ Vanesa Cortes, on Instagram. Now the only known openly gay beauty queen, both gay and women's groups have praised her actions.
IRISH TEENAGER HELD
An Irish teenager is in custody on an attempted murder charge after a street fight on the Costa del Sol. The 17-year-old was part of a group of Irish holidaymakers who got into a row over a girl during a night out in Puerto Banus. His brother allegedly punched a friend unconscious before the teenager kicked him in the head as he lay on the ground
BACK IN RING
MATTHEW MACKLIN, the Marbella based boxer, whose proposed fight against Argentine fighter, Jorge Sebastien Heiland in a WBC eliminator on August 30 was postponed after his trainer, Jamie Moore, was shot in Marbella, is set to return  to the ring on September 27, on the Felix Sturm - Paul Smith WBA middleweight ‘Super' title fight undercard in Kiel, Germany. His opponent is as yet unnamed.
COUNTRY PURSUITS
POLICE have uncovered a marihuana plantation in a private bullring in the Almogía area of Malaga! The ‘plaza de toros' is located within the grounds of a country estate in Los Pilones. It had effectively been converted into an enormous greenhouse housing hundreds of marihuana plants, with plastic sheeting covering the arena.
NO LOGO
A second protest has been organised against fashion designer Roberto Cavalli, who is using a sacred Islamic symbol in his products. The demonstration will take place on the 8th of September, with the hashtag #TakeOffJustLogo being used on social network sites to highlight the complaints of the members and supporters of the Islamic community.
STUPID IS
A 51 year old Belgian resident of the Girona town of Empuriabrava was seriously injured this week, when he stood under the path of a fire fighting plane, which dropped 1,500 litres of water onto him. Police believe that the man was attempting an extreme version of a stunt known as the “Ice Bucket Challenge”, which was being filmed by another person. The aircraft was dropping its load prior to landing, having been involved in fire fighting duties.
TURTLE RISK 
The body of a two-metre long turtle was found near the beach in Huelva this week, showing signs of decomposition. One of the largest breeds of turtles, the species faces an increased threat of extinction, a state which has been declared as “imminent”. Eating the daily equivalent of their own weight, overfishing poses a risk to their food supplies, as does the increasing threat of pollution from engine oil and vessel strikes. They are also prone to digesting waste products in the sea, such as plastic bags which they mistake for jellyfish, being caught in fishing nets and face an increase problem in finding safe places to lay their eggs.
GARDENS AT RISK
Residents of Alicante have complained to the city council about the neglect currently being experienced by the centre's parks and gardens. They say that the shrubs and trees in La Rambla haven't been pruned for 3 months while a lack of irrigation is putting the plants at risk in the green spaces of el jardín del Portal de Elche and la plaza de Gabriel Miró.
TUNNEL VISION
National Police Officers in Elche discovered a tunnel last week, 150 feet long, eight feet deep and two by two meters wide, running from a house in la calle Calderón de la Barca to the vicinity of the Banco Popular in an adjoining street. Although no arrests have yet been made they are currently scrutinizing tapes from the security cameras of a nearby bar where the alleged tunnellers regularly ate.
AGE CONCERN 
Age Concern re-opens today after the summer break and they are in need of more volunteers. for the day Centre in La Siesta and their shops in Los Montesinos and Torrevieja. Additionally, they need volunteers to join the Residential Home Visiting Team and to act as Be-Frienders to elderly and lonely people in the Playa Flamenca, Quesada and Torrevieja areas. Call 96 678 6887 for information.
NO NO
Both Spain and Belgium would block an independent Scotland's application to join the European Union, a former president of the EU's finance council has predicted. Ruairi Quinn, an Irish politician, said the secessionist movements in both countries meant it was "highly probable" their parliaments would vote against Scotland joining.
COSTA GOURMET 
Archaeologists have uncovered evidence that Homo sapiens in Spain ate snails around 30,000 years ago, 10,000 years before the French, whose escargot dish is now celebrated. Excavation at the Cova de la Barriada, Benidorm, say that the shells were found near human constructs believed to have been used for cooking, evidence that they were a part of human diet during the period.
GANG BANG
Police in Mallorca have dismantled a Bulgarian prostitution network operating on the island. A total of 12 people, eleven Bulgarians one Spaniard, were detained on the island of Mallorca in the Mediterranean, after an eight-month investigation. Bulgarian women gave their clients drugs in order to rob them, Spanish Terra Network's online news service reports.
BOARD NOW
The planning department of Torrevieja town hall has issued notice of around 120 illegal advertising billboards which it aims to demolish. Warnings were issued in both Torrevieja and Orihuela that these boards, most of which are on public land and lack authority and insurance, would be removed.
WORLD HERITAGE SITE
El castillo de Almirra, 50km inland from Benidorm, is to become the first site declared to be a World Heritage site of special historical significance by even though it is currently being rebuilt. The castle was the site where the crucial pact was made between Aragon and Castile which drew the boundaries between the two realms. It was also the location where, in 1244, an agreement between King James I and the then Prince Alfonso of Castile, gave birth to the former Kingdom of Valencia.
A POLITICAL LOT
After enjoying a two-month holiday, deputies sitting in Les Corts resume their parliamentary duties on 16 September, with the general policy debate, one of the most important events of the new session, almost two weeks after Valencia's schoolchildren returned to their duties. 
ABSENT WITHOUT LEAVE
The courts in Torrevieja are investigating ex-councillor José Manuel Pizana, who may face charges of forgery, in relation with a case which was shelved in which the Partido Popular held an election rally in an unauthorized building. The politician testified that he was not at the meeting where the arrangements for the rally were made, but the certified minutes state that he attended.
INCOME TWEETS
Twitter´s Spanish subsidiary is coming under fire for being the latest multinational company to shift taxable operations to Ireland, thus avoiding paying into Spain´s economy. Having earned around a million euro, the profit declared by Twitter in Spain is just over 26,000 euro. Globally, the company is expected to earn the equivalent of a billion euro this year.
PILOT OVER HERE
The pilot of a Spanish fire fighting plane, a 43 year old Chilean national, which dropped 1,500 litres of water onto a 51 year old Belgian national as part of a prank has been charged by the police with gross negligence injury. The main hypothesis is that the pilot and the victim had agreed to carry out the dangerous move, in order to film the event and post the video on YouTube as an extreme Ice Bucket Challenge.
NEW AECC CENTRE
The Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer , AECC, will open a new centre on the Orihuela Costa on the 5th of September, with the provincial president, Pablo Enríquez Valens, attending the opening. The centre will deal with both Spanish and foreign residents, and will work closely with the centre in Torrevieja, just a short distance away. 
GOOD CAR-MA
Car make General Motors has begun assembling their the Opel Mokka sub-compact SUV in their Spanish plant at Figueruelas this week, a model that had previously been manufactured exclusively in South Korea.
FADING AWAY
Although the summer temperatures in Spain may have exceeded many previous records, there is an apparent and unexpected benefit to some visitors to the country as cyclists taking part in the Vuelta a España, the tour of Spain competition, are said to be losing 10 pounds in weight each day, despite having to drink 12 bottles of water each day.
GENEROUS VISITORS
In the first 7 months of the year, foreign tourists spent 34.497 billion euro in Spain, a 7% increase over last year, with British tourists leading the way having handed over 6.812 billion euro, a rise of 7.1%. The average daily spend per tourist stood at 109 euro, increasing by 0.4% year-on-year, with the overall spend being 950 euro, around the same as last year.
FEELING DEFLATED
Deflation in Spain deepened more than expected in August, with consumer prices falling by 0.5%, compared to 0.3% in July. Analysts had anticipated a 0.2% drop in August, sparking fears over deflationary pressure in the euro zone's fourth largest economy.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44750/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### PROPERTY MORTGAGES INCREASE BY 19% IN JUNE

According to data released last week by the National Statistics Institute (INE), the number of mortgages on homes that were registered in the month of June has risen by 19% on the same month in 2013 which now means that home foreclosures are back into positive territory after two consecutive months of negative rates of 13.4% in April and 3.4% in May.
The average value of the mortgages on homes hit in the sixth month of the year was 98 582 euros, 1.3% more than the same month of 2013, while borrowed capital increased by 20.5% year on year, to 1689.4 million.
By region, those recording the largest number of mortgages on homes were Madrid (3,481), Andalucia (2900) and Catalonia (2,435) although there were declines in Aragon (-19.3%) and La Rioja (-5.8%). The rest recorded positive annual rates, with the largest rallies in Galicia (+ 92.5%), Extremadura (+ 66%) and Navarra (+ 64.9%).Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44749/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to data released last week by the National Statistics Institute (INE), the number of mortgages on homes that were registered in the month of June has risen by 19% on the same month in 2013 which now means that home foreclosures are back into ...

### CAMPOAMOR TENNIS - END OF SEASON TOURNAMENT

To mark the end of a busy summer of tennis at the Campoamor golf club, an American tournament was held, incorporating many of the summer tennis visitors.
After 3 hours of competitive and social tennis, the top 2 scoring men and women were paired randomly for the one set final.
Preliminary rounds results-                 
MEN                                             		WOMEN
1st= Cameron Scott     20pts            	1st Amanda Forrest   20pts
1st=  Eamonn Ward      20pts            2nd Linda Porter 18pts
3rd  Mark Preston        16pts            	3rd Sheila Scott  17pts
The one set final was one of the best seen at Campoamor, after a fine display of competitive tennis, Eamonn and Amanda beat Cameron and Linda on a tie-break.
Congratulations to the winners, who both picked up their second Campoamor medal. As usual the players enjoyed a drink together afterwards on the hotel terrace, which has one of the best views right down to La Manga.
Campoamor tennis runs all year, with 3 social doubles sessions an adult group coaching session, holiday junior sessions and individual coaching on a weekly basis.
If interested in joining in please call 635061439, e-mail sdurie@hotmail.co.uk, or see www.tennisandpadel.com. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44747/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: To mark the end of a busy summer of tennis at the Campoamor golf club, an American tournament was held, incorporating many of the summer tennis visitors.
After 3 hours of competitive and social tennis, the top 2 scoring men and women were paired rando...

### MAN KILLS WIFE BEFORE SLITTING OWN THROAT

A 90 year old man fatally stabbed his 86 year old wife on Monday in El Campello before committing suicide by slitting his own throat with the same kitchen knife that he had used to kill his wife. Both bodies were found in their 16th floor apartment by a daughter.
Although the circumstances surrounding the deaths is not yet known it is reported that the investigating officers are attributing the crime as an act of domestic violence. If this is confirmed the woman will become the 4th victim to have been killed in this way during 2014. 
The upsetting event occurred at about eleven thirty at night in la urbanización Pinada Luceros de El Campello. The couple, Hilario PA, 90 aged , and UC Esperanza, 87, are both Spanish nationals who originate from Zaragoza, however they are said to have been spending the summer in the town with their daughter.
Neighbours reported no unusual noise or disturbances during the evening although a police spokesman said the woman allegedly murdered by her husband had previously denounced him for mistreatment. The bodies were both removed to the Anatomical Forensic Institute for where they will undergo autopsies in the hope that medical examiners will be able to shed some light on the circumstances of the two deaths.
As more facts gradually came to light the deputy Minister of Alicante, Alberto Martinez, said that "at first one might think it was a suicide pact between them, but apparently, it was the husband who attacked the woman and then took his own life. "
The Minister of Health, Social Services and Equality, Ana Mato, appealed to the whole of society to report cases of such violence against women and stressed the importance of addressing any signs of abuse.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44745/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A 90 year old man fatally stabbed his 86 year old wife on Monday in El Campello before committing suicide by slitting his own throat with the same kitchen knife that he had used to kill his wife. Both bodies were found in their 16th floor apartment by a daughter.
Although the circumstances surrounding the deaths is not yet known it is reported that the investigating officers are attributing the crime as an act of domestic violence. If this is confirmed the woman will become the 4th victim to have been killed in this way during 2014. 
The upsetting event occurred at about eleven thirty at night in la urbanización Pinada Luceros de El Campello. The couple, Hilario PA, 90 aged , and UC Esperanza, 87, are both Spanish nationals who originate from Zaragoza, however they are said to have been spending the summer in the town with their daughter.
Neighbours reported no unusual noise or disturbances during the evening although a police spokesman said the woman allegedly murdered by her husband had previously denounced him for mistreatment. The bodies were both removed to the Anatomical Forensic Institute for where they will undergo autopsies in the hope that medical examiners will be able to shed some light on the circumstances of the two deaths.
As more facts gradually came to light the deputy Minister of Alicante, Alberto Martinez, said that "at first one might think it was a suicide pact between them, but apparently, it was the husband who attacked the woman and then took his own life. "
The Minister of Health, Social Services and Equality, Ana Mato, appealed to the whole of society to report cases of such violence against women and stressed the importance of addressing any signs of abuse.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44745/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### "ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE"

On Wednesday the 3rd of September, Councillor Jeff Wiszniewski and Samantha Hull, from the Office for the Urbanisations, San Fulgencio, will be doing the “Ice Bucket Challenge” at the mini fiesta organised by the Final Whistle and Aloha Bar on the Consum Square to raise funds for AECC Contra Cancer. Many thanks to those who nominated us!!! 
The fiesta is from 6pm to midnight with music from the Blues Brothers Tribute band and Richie Alexander.
Jeff and Sam will be doused early in the evening but BEWARE because they will be nominating 3 further people who must also do the challenge on the night. They in turn will nominate another 3 people who will be soaked at the end of the evening.
They ask people to support and sponsor the event and raise as much money as possible for the AECC who have helped and supported so many people and friends in the area. To do so, please go into the Final Whistle or Aloha Bar where you can make a donation from tomorrow or donate on the day.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44744/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Wednesday the 3rd of September, Councillor Jeff Wiszniewski and Samantha Hull, from the Office for the Urbanisations, San Fulgencio, will be doing the “Ice Bucket Challenge” at the mini fiesta organised by the Final Whistle and Aloha Bar...

### CUTTING OF LA MATA GRAPE CROP

Last Wednesday morning, the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, accompanied by the Valencian Minister of the Environment, Salome Pradas, the mayor of Guardamar, Carmen Verdú, Curator of the Natural Park of the Lagoons La Mata and Torrevieja, Concepción Torres, and representatives of the La Mata Farmers Association, visited to the Natural Park to raise awareness of the park and promote the La Mata vineyard
After visiting the Information Centre the party carried out a symbolic cutting of the 2014 crop, a variety of the white Merseguera grape. They subsequently held a wine tasting at the Natural Park's picnic area, where they were able to taste several wines bottled under the combined name of the La Mata vineyards. 
The Minister said how delighted she was after visiting the Park, highlighting its uniqueness and explaining how it differs from other similar parks particularly by farming vines. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44742/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Last Wednesday morning, the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, accompanied by the Valencian Minister of the Environment, Salome Pradas, the mayor of Guardamar, Carmen Verdú, Curator of the Natural Park of the Lagoons La Mata and Torrevieja, Con...

### FLAMINGO NUMBERS INCREASE IN LA MATA

The natural Wildlife Park of the Lagunas de La Mata-Torrevieja has so far welcomed over 1,000 flamingos this year breaking its own record for the nesting birds.
The figure was confirmed by the Department of the Environment, which said that the previous highest figure was recorded in 2008 when 750 of the birds spent the season nesting, a number that dropped considerably in the following years.
The same sources explained that "the excellent water conditions and the increased presence of the brine shrimp, a species of crustacean that flamingos are especially fond of,  in the lagoon of La Mata have led to this dramatic increase in the population, and if  conditions don't change too much in the lagoon, the flamingos could stay all year.
Another fact that confirms the increasing numbers in the park comes from the breeding census conducted by DoE staff last June.
This study has found "a dramatic increase" in the breeding population of Gaviota picofina (Larus genei). Although there was no census conducted last year the 2014 figure shows that 620 chicks have been produce.
The estimated population of this bird in Spain is around 1,000 pairs, so the Natural Park of La Mata-Torrevieja, has 60 percent of the population, "and continues to be a valuable haven for the conservation of this species," according the Department.
One of the birds said to be especially appreciated by ornithologists is the Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus), a small wader in the plover bird family, where 74 nesting pairs have been recorded. In many parts of the world, it had become difficult for this species to breed on beaches because of disturbance from the activities of humans or their animals so to see their numbers increasing locally is said to be of particular significance.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44741/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The natural Wildlife Park of the Lagunas de La Mata-Torrevieja has so far welcomed over 1,000 flamingos this year breaking its own record for the nesting birds.
The figure was confirmed by the Department of the Environment, which said that the previous highest figure was recorded in 2008 when 750 of the birds spent the season nesting, a number that dropped considerably in the following years.
The same sources explained that "the excellent water conditions and the increased presence of the brine shrimp, a species of crustacean that flamingos are especially fond of,  in the lagoon of La Mata have led to this dramatic increase in the population, and if  conditions don't change too much in the lagoon, the flamingos could stay all year.
Another fact that confirms the increasing numbers in the park comes from the breeding census conducted by DoE staff last June.
This study has found "a dramatic increase" in the breeding population of Gaviota picofina (Larus genei). Although there was no census conducted last year the 2014 figure shows that 620 chicks have been produce.
The estimated population of this bird in Spain is around 1,000 pairs, so the Natural Park of La Mata-Torrevieja, has 60 percent of the population, "and continues to be a valuable haven for the conservation of this species," according the Department.
One of the birds said to be especially appreciated by ornithologists is the Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus), a small wader in the plover bird family, where 74 nesting pairs have been recorded. In many parts of the world, it had become difficult for this species to breed on beaches because of disturbance from the activities of humans or their animals so to see their numbers increasing locally is said to be of particular significance.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44741/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### NEW GUIDE TO SPAIN IN ENGLISH

A new guide with legal information about holidaying, residing and working in Spain has now been published by the Diputacion Alicante.
Packed with a multitude of subjects, a lot of which is especially aimed at foreign citizens, there is information on everything you might need to know ranging from signing on the pardon through to information about taxes and pensions for those expatriates who might be working in Spain.
It has been written with the assistance of Embassies, Consulates and a number of non-profit and charitable organizations.
Subjects covered include: the rights of consumers, residency, setting up a business, taxes, property, NIE numbers, elections, social services and much more.
http://www.ciudadanosextranjeros.es/index.php?lang=enFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44739/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A new guide with legal information about holidaying, residing and working in Spain has now been published by the Diputacion Alicante.
Packed with a multitude of subjects, a lot of which is especially aimed at foreign citizens, there is information on ...

### AVERAGE ALICANTE PENSION IS 759 EUROS

If you have ever wondered about pensions in Spain, and how they compare to those that many of us are in receipt of from the UK, Ireland and elsewhere, then this article may answer some of your questions as figures for the month of August were released by the Ministry of Employment and Social Security just last week.
The number of pensions that are currently being claimed in Valencia stands at 939,613, representing an increase of 1.5% over the same month last year. Of those, retirement pensions equate to 566,404 claimants, widows pensions 240,491, disability pensions, 94,794 and  orphans 35,461. 
The average pension in the Region is 803.46 euros, compared with the Spanish average of 872.48, also representing on last year of 1.8%.
Within the Region of Valencia, by province, the retirement pension to the 513,669 Valencia claimants averages 837.74 euros; it is almost 80 euros less at just 759.01 to the 300,665 Alicante pensioners and 769.59 euros to the 125,288 claimants who reside in Castellon.
In terms of occupations the average pension to a former coal miner is 2,004 euros, and to merchant sailors 1,162.4 euros. To those retirees who were formerly self employed the pension is just 679.5 euros.
There are many regions and provinces of course where the pension is well above the national average, the average pension paid in Basque Country (1,078.7 euros), Madrid (1,032.5 euros), Asturias (1,030.5 euros) Navarra (994.1 euros), Aragon (911.7 stood euros), Cantabria (910.9 euros) and Catalonia (902.8 euros). Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44738/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: If you have ever wondered about pensions in Spain, and how they compare to those that many of us are in receipt of from the UK, Ireland and elsewhere, then this article may answer some of your questions as figures for the month of August were released...

### CARRASCO MISSED PENALTY PROVES COSTLY

CD UTIEL - 0    CD TORREVIEJA - 0
Following on from their superb opening day div 3 win over Saguntino, Torry head coach Galiana took all his 23 man squad up to the picturesque setting of Utiel, where nothing but a victory was on his agenda.  
He elected to field an unchanged starting XI, but chose to make a slight amendment to the bench.  In came free from suspension Burguillos, and recently signed Steve Ekedi, who impressed many with his 4 goals in 3 friendly appearances.  Torry lined up inside La Celadilla Stadium for the photo shoot, resplendent in their new blue and white shirts, awaiting play to start on a somewhat dodgy artificial pitch.  
Utiel's captain Fer headed off the line after 8 minutes, this from a Sergi effort that appeared to take a deflection. Cristian struck a fierce angled shot, which keeper Alfredo did well to save, as Torry kept up the early pressure.  In a half of few chances, Alexis cleared off the line from the home sides first serious attempt on goal after 37 mins, then on the stroke of half time, Cristian failed to trouble the keeper as his effort whizzed past the upright.
With the 2nd half slipping into mediocrity, Galliana brought on Stevie E after 57 mins.  Referee Calero had not given Torry's substitute permission to enter the fray, and ultra officiously cautioned him.
 Speaking to Steve post match, he informed me that the club delegado had instructed him go on, but whoever was to blame, this seemingly innocuous error of judgement would later prove to be damaging.  The game sprung to life, as home striker Toni flashed a header just wide of the far post, before a training ground movement involving Brani, Steve E and Carrasco, fed Rafa Gomez to blaze a shot over the Utiel crossbar.  
When Alexis was hauled down inside the penalty area on 79 mins, the ref didn't hesitate to award a spot kick.  Unfortunately, Carrasco's kick lacked strength and direction, leaving keeper Alfredo to easily punch away the danger.  Even then, Carrasco was given a second bite of the cherry, but his composure abandoned him, as he blazed his shot high into the sky.  
A 2nd yellow for Steve E for a late lunge, just about summed up the night, but deep into 4 added minutes of stoppage time, Rafa Gomez just failed to convert an Alexis clearance, with the goal at his mercy.  There were also bookings for Vicente, Brani, Cesar and Cristian, whilst Utiel also received 4 yellow cards.
On Weds 3 Sep, ko 8pm, Torry are back at Vicente Garcia Stadium, when they host Muro in another div 3 encounter.  
Then next weekend, they make another long journey up to Ribarroja.  Check Torry websites for details on dates/times.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44737/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: CD UTIEL - 0    CD TORREVIEJA - 0
Following on from their superb opening day div 3 win over Saguntino, Torry head coach Galiana took all his 23 man squad up to the picturesque setting of Utiel, where nothing but a victory was on his agenda.  
He elec...

### PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION FOR TORREVIEJA PENSIONERS

Torrevieja Councillor for the Third Age, Inmaculada Montesinos said that entry is now open for the 2nd Photographic Competition which is open to individuals aged 65 years or older who are and registered in Torrevieja. 
The subject of the photograph should be appropriate to the Third Age.
Photographs must be submitted in print, A4 size, and may be in black and white or color. The deadline for submission of photos is 2pm on Friday, September 26, at the offices of the Department of Senior Citizens, located in Calle Maldonado, No. 5.
Entries will be exhibited from 3 to 17 October at the Municipal Leisure Centre (CMO) inTorrevieja.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44734/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Torrevieja Councillor for the Third Age, Inmaculada Montesinos said that entry is now open for the 2nd Photographic Competition which is open to individuals aged 65 years or older who are and registered in Torrevieja. 
The subject of the photograph sh...

### NEW GENERATION FOR HORADADA

Local Campaigners ‘New Generations' selected their new Executive Committee last week appointing Rufino Lancharro as president.
Based in Pilar de la Horadada, the group attempts to find solutions to the problems faced by the townsfolk such as unemployment, health and education. They also investigate allegations of local corruption wherever it might be.
On his election Lancharro said that "during the past three years, the Popular Party has planted the seed of hope in our people, and if I have learned anything in a town like ours, where agriculture is synonymous with prosperity, is that with perseverance and work eventually get their just reward."
Also in attendance at the election was the mayor of the municipality, José Fidel Ros, who expressed his confidence in the ability of New Generations to bring about a major change to local society. He reminded the new president that there are two things that a good politician should bear in mind above all "he should be humble and work hard", “something which I trust I will also demonstrate,” said Lancharro.
Rufino Lancharro is 23 years of age and is studying Industrial Engineering. Hehas been a member of the party for five years.
José Ramón Alcaraz, who had been president of the NNGG for the past 7 years said that "I have always argued that politics is a cycle in which you have to continually make room,” adding "I am delighted to still be involved in politics as part of this new executive and the new president will have my 100% support. "Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44733/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Local Campaigners ‘New Generations' selected their new Executive Committee last week appointing Rufino Lancharro as president.
Based in Pilar de la Horadada, the group attempts to find solutions to the problems faced by the townsfolk such as unemployment, health and education. They also investigate allegations of local corruption wherever it might be.
On his election Lancharro said that "during the past three years, the Popular Party has planted the seed of hope in our people, and if I have learned anything in a town like ours, where agriculture is synonymous with prosperity, is that with perseverance and work eventually get their just reward."
Also in attendance at the election was the mayor of the municipality, José Fidel Ros, who expressed his confidence in the ability of New Generations to bring about a major change to local society. He reminded the new president that there are two things that a good politician should bear in mind above all "he should be humble and work hard", “something which I trust I will also demonstrate,” said Lancharro.
Rufino Lancharro is 23 years of age and is studying Industrial Engineering. Hehas been a member of the party for five years.
José Ramón Alcaraz, who had been president of the NNGG for the past 7 years said that "I have always argued that politics is a cycle in which you have to continually make room,” adding "I am delighted to still be involved in politics as part of this new executive and the new president will have my 100% support. "Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44733/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### ARE YOUR CHILD’S EYES PREPARED TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL?

During the first 12 years of our lives, as much as 80% of learning is accomplished through our vision. Yet, one out of every four children has an undetected vision problem that may inhibit their progress. 
Once children go to school, good eye-sight is crucial to keep up with their studies. Experts believe that many learning disabilities could be vision related as they may not be able to read the blackboard or text books. 
Specsavers Opticas suggest that a child should have their first eye examination at around three years old, as the earlier things are detected, the easier they are to rectify without delaying the child's development. This September they are advising all parents to incorporate a thorough eye test into their back to school routine so they can be prepared if their child does need glasses.
The process of taking an eye test for a child is simple. Firstly, the optometrist will ask the parent or guardian about any relevant family history and any problems their child may be experiencing. Then several child-friendly tests will be undertaken, using special charts and other materials to help children indicate what they can see and how clearly.
They will test the vision of each eye and will check whether they work properly together. They will also measure the child's focusing ability and the health of the child's eyes before discussing the results with the parents.
If a child does need glasses, there are some great ranges which tick all the boxes of fashion and durability. Kids that wear glasses can now be the envy of all their friends with fun frames in bright colours sporting their favourite character or toy. Popular ranges include Disney, Hello Kitty, Gruffalo, Star Wars™, Simpsons and LEGO and Specsavers have their own kids and teen ranges.
Until the end of November 2014 Specsavers Opticas are offering free eye tests for children and adults. Visit www.specsavers.es to find your nearest store.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44732/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: During the first 12 years of our lives, as much as 80% of learning is accomplished through our vision. Yet, one out of every four children has an undetected vision problem that may inhibit their progress. 
Once children go to school, good eye-sight is...

### TAX CHANGES FOR EXPATS

Recent reports suggest that the UK government may withdraw the tax-free personal allowance for expats or other overseas nationals who receive an income from the UK.
Chancellor George Osborne has indicated that all non-residents may soon have to pay tax on all their UK income – affecting all Britons who rent out their UK property, and even those drawing a Government pension abroad.
It is estimated that this could decrease an expat couple's income by up to £4,000, thanks to the Treasury's proposals to restrict the tax free-allowance to those with a “strong economic connection” to Britain.
Angelos Koutsoudes, Head of www.OverseasGuidesCompany.com, a free resource for Britons looking to move or buy property overseas, warns, “Sitting alongside the upcoming change of regulation which will enforce capital gains tax on the sale of all residential property owned by overseas nationals and/or UK expats, we would urge expats to review all their sources of UK income. 
 “It's important to seek professional advice as soon as possible when planning a move overseas, to find out how these plans could affect you. One option may well be to sell the UK property and move pensions into a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS). We deal with enquiries every day from concerned overseas property-buyers wanting to ensure their financial and tax affairs are in order.
It's rewarding to be able to put our readers' minds at rest by connecting them with recommended tax and financial advisors, who are authorised to advise on all financial planning and taxation matters.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44731/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Recent reports suggest that the UK government may withdraw the tax-free personal allowance for expats or other overseas nationals who receive an income from the UK.
Chancellor George Osborne has indicated that all non-residents may soon have to pay ta...

### BENIDORM CONTINUES TO DRAW BRITS

Benidorm has once again come out tops as the fastest growing destination among British holidaymakers wanting to get away for their summer break.
This is reflected in a study by the Spain Tourist Board of all major booking portals. In figures released last week they say that the number of UK tourists heading for Benidorm during the month of August increased by 164% whilst there was a general decline in those bound for other destinations. 
The figures were also echoed by the Benidorm City Council and in major UK tabloids such as the Daily Mail.
The report says that Spain, Portugal, Greece and Turkey remain as the main destinations for British holidaymakers although the tourist capital of the Costa Blanca continues to head the list as their most popular location.
And there are two other Spanish cities that figure on the list behind Benidorm. Also on the list of the top 20 favorite destinations for the English market are Valencia and Barcelona, ranking seventh and sixteenth positions respectively showing increases of 83% and 62%.
However, despite the upward trend shown in Benidorm during August the number of British tourists arriving on the Costa Blanca fell by 44%.  The same pattern was recorded in many other areas of the country such as the Costa Dorada and Costa Brava, which lost 55% and 32% of visitors from the United Kingdom, when compared to data compiled for 2013.
Of those families that are taking holidays overseas, they are spending less when they hit the attractions and clubs. The tightening of the purse strings which has brought reductions in supermarket spending in UK appears to continue once families board their flights for a summer break.
Spending by UK residents while on overseas visits has dipped 16per cent in the first six months of 2014 compared with the same period last year, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has announced.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44730/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Benidorm has once again come out tops as the fastest growing destination among British holidaymakers wanting to get away for their summer break.
This is reflected in a study by the Spain Tourist Board of all major booking portals. In figures released ...

### EIFFEL TOWER HOSTS GLOBAL FASHION PHENOMENON

Jessica Minh Anh to transform the symbol of the fashion capital into a catwalk
Global fashion sensation Jessica Minh Anh is set to amaze the world yet again with the first ever fashion phenomenon atop the world famous Eiffel Tower on 31 October 2014. With a vision that goes beyond imagination, the model and entrepreneur will transform the first floor of the famous architectural wonder into a 150 metre long outdoor catwalk. Covering the panoramic view of the fashion capital, the highly anticipated J Autumn Fashion Show will present the most innovative collections from five continents and mark Jessica's eighth history making catwalk around the world.
Visually pushing the envelope, Jessica Minh Anh has designed a multi-level catwalk, which will cover various angles of the symbolic tower and present Paris at its best. Over 150 haute couture and dynamic designs will be beautifully displayed and creatively captured using advanced filming techniques. Similar to Jessica's previous iconic catwalks on London's Tower Bridge, Grand Canyon Skywalk, and One World Trade Center, the high profile event will be a combination of art, culture, architecture, and fashion.
Jessica Minh Anh will reveal the list of participating designers from England, France, Italy, India, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Bahrain, Vietnam, South Africa, Japan, and the USA in September after the official pre-show photo shoot on the Eiffel Tower. The young director of J Model Management has previously worked with sought after designers such as British fashion leader Paul Costelloe, Japanese haute couture designer Yumi Katsura, Dutch celebrity designer Addy van den Krommnacker, and Taiwanese powerhouse Shiatzy Chen among many others.
J Autumn Fashion Show 2014 will welcome the most influential faces in various industries from ambassadors and members of government, to business and fashion leaders, as well as national and international press. The exclusive guests will enjoy the historic moment in style thanks to a uniquely designed VIP seating area.
Considering Jessica Minh Anh's excellent track record of globally acclaimed catwalks, it is no surprise that the Eiffel Tower's management has chosen her to host the first fashion phenomenon. “I am truly honoured to be entrusted with such a magnificent location.
The Eiffel Tower represents the magic of lights and inspires dreams. I cannot wait to turn those dreams into reality” said Jessica. This principle seems to be consistently reflected in Jessica Minh Anh's many international catwalks as she continues to achieve the impossible. Besides America's most iconic catwalk atop One World Trade Center and the world's highest fashion show on the Grand Canyon Skywalk, Jessica Minh Anh hosted fashion phenomena on London's Tower Bridge, PETRONAS Twin Towers' Skybridge, Singapore Gardens by the Bay's Skyway, Costa Atlantica's sundeck in Dubai and the Seine in Paris.
The official pre-show fashion spread and promotional video will be produced on 8 September 2014 on the Eiffel Tower.
For more information about the show, please visit www.jmodelmanagement.co.uk and www.facebook.com/jmodelmanagement. 
(Read online release: http://j-model-management.blogspot.fr)
(Watch previous catwalks: www.jmodelmanagement.co.uk)Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44726/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Jessica Minh Anh to transform the symbol of the fashion capital into a catwalk
Global fashion sensation Jessica Minh Anh is set to amaze the world yet again with the first ever fashion phenomenon atop the world famous Eiffel Tower on 31 October 2014. ...

### AECC CLOSE CHILDRENS CANCER CENTRE

A cancer care centre, specifically designed to treat children in the Valencia region, has closed down, with the closest centre now, the only one remaining, being in Madrid.
Since opening in the year 2000, the Ministry of education and culture donated the building to the Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer, AECC, for their free use for a period of 25 years. The centre had the capacity to accommodate children and families in six double rooms, with other auxiliary rooms, including a games room and study area, with a teacher provided by the department of education to provide continual education to children being treated in the centre. Children undergoing treatment could use the facilities, along with a companion, such as a parent, either staying over or just as a brief recuperation visit, all for free.
According to María José Mínguez from the AECC, the cost of maintain the centre, which had a coordinator and two support staff, was 100,000 euro per year. In 2013, the board itself acknowledged in their financial report that the “economic health” of the centre is “very good”, and that it represents 7% of their annual expenditure, less than their annual expense for smoking cessation, which is 8%, both considerably less than the 18% spent on marketing in 2013, although considerably more than the 3% spent on prevention campaigns. 
In a letter sent to the local representative, the President of the AECC in Valencia, Tomás Trenor Puig, a lawyer who holds the distinguished title of The Marquis del Turia, a Spanish noble title originally granted by Alfonso XIII in 1909, explains the “difficult decision”, by detailing how in the last five years the occupation of residence has been reduced by half. 
Part of the reduced requirement in the centre for children has been blamed on the Hospital la Fe, which is said to “prefer” other options that guarantee continual care for their patients, and in the case of an emergency arising, a transfer from the AECC centre to La Fe would take between 20 and 30 minutes, which has “led us to rethink the effort to keep up the residence”, the letter continues.
One other consideration believed to have been responsible for the decline in numbers is the opening of another new centre for children just 3 years ago. Closer to the La Fe hospital, Ronal McDonald House, which is sponsored by McDonald Foundation, offers 16 rooms, more than the AECC centre, but has the added benefit of not being exclusive to cancer patients, but for children with any condition requiring a few days accommodation near a hospital because they undergo treatments that do not require admission. 
However, many people are not taking the news with the acceptance that the Marquis may have hoped, with many complaining both verbally and in writing at the closure, with such strong comments including “even if the number of resident children has reduced by half, that is still 3 children who have received continual and uninterrupted attention” to their health needs.
With the representatives of the AECC in Valencia collecting and contributing just over 300,000 euro, many people are now questioning their financial contribution to the AECC, given that the funding has been withdrawn from the centre for children, it is hoped that the decision can be reversed, but hope can sometimes only lead to disappointment.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44722/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A cancer care centre, specifically designed to treat children in the Valencia region, has closed down, with the closest centre now, the only one remaining, being in Madrid.
Since opening in the year 2000, the Ministry of education and culture donated ...

### COUNCILLOR HITS BACK AT FILTHY STREETS CLAIM

The councillor for the coast of Orihuela, Martina Scheurer of the Los Verdes green party, has hit back this week over allegations made by Bob Houliston of the CLARO political group, that the streets of the Orihuela Costa are “filthier” than ever before.
The press release from CLARO stated that “There is widespread anger at the filthy state of Orihuela Costa. C.L.A.RO. has never heard such strong feelings expressed. The streets are dirty. Litter is everywhere. Garden rubbish accumulates and accumulates sometimes not being removed for weeks. The beaches are cleaned superficially, scratching the surface of the sand but not being cleaned in depth. To save paying overtime, they are not cleaned after their busy use on Saturdays and are consequently left in a filthy state for their even busier use on Sundays. Seaweed is s allowed to stay where it is deposited along the beaches and not collected and left to dry in proper piles until it can be removed. Shamefully some people have to scavenge for food from rubbish containers beside supermarkets. Since the streets are not cleaned, the remains of food are left to litter these streets thereby encouraging the appearance of rats.”
Whilst accepting that there is still a lot to be done to solve the problem of clean streets, Scheurer laments that this has always been a problem, “It was a problem before, when the PP were in charge, it was a problem when Mr Houliston was in charge, it was a problem when Mr Mancebo was in charge, it”, a testament which is clear from the countless reports and complaints on the website of the PP in Orihuela complaining about the same, and the numerous reports in the press.
“It was a problem last year when I was in charge”, continues Scheurer, “but I can honestly say that I think things have improved over last year”. Acknowledging that there are a few “black spots” around the area, Scheurer also points out that Houliston has not approached her or the town hal with the current list of issues he sent to the press, nor, according to the town hall records, have the residents themselves reported the problem before and requested cleaning.
Scheurer has also defended her position by hitting back at Houliston´s lack of action. “It is far too easy to complain when in opposition, but not so easy to take the action necessary to make the improvements. Mr Houliston knows the difficulties we have in changing staff numbers or rotas, transferring resources from the city to the coast etc, but all he did was leave the post without fighting for the coast, which he had promised to do. Nobody pushed him, he had the opportunity to make the changes he complains about, but he gave up and left”.
That said, the department has been able to call on resources from other areas, a time consuming and bureaucratic process, but a process which has seen the powerful water jet machine and its crew brought from the city to the coast, a move which was planned some time ago, which is now working its way around the coastal zone cleaning some of the most stubborn areas such as near commercial zones, and cleaning the bins and other elements of infrastructure.
Tipping has been reduced in a number of areas, and, although Scheurer agrees “there is still much to be done”, test areas where the town hall has focused on have resulted in owners of some private plots fencing off their land, as is a requirement, preventing tipping on these sites. Having proved a success in the test phase in Mil Palmeras, that process of requesting cooperation by land owners will now continue in some of the other most hard hit areas on the coast. In the land where signs and barriers are removed, action is being taken to replace those blockades and reduce tipping once again, as soon as the areas in question are cleared.
The team of workers provided under a scheme which offered unemployed residents the chance to work are continuing on the coast, clearing streets of weeds and rubbish, a service never provided before on this scale, and which can be seen by simply driving around the coastal zone where the men and women have been working tirelessly throughout the summer months.
Seaweed is collected on a regular basis, “of course if I go to the beach and see seaweed it may not be collected as often as I would like”, explains Scheurer, but the collection service has already picked up some 1,404 tons off the beaches, more than last year, which is piled up before removal to allow it to dry, partly to avoid the additional and historic cost of transporting sand and water with the seaweed, and partly to ensure that the sand returns to the beaches, as is a requirement of the beach authorities. That said, the service has already cost in excess of 70,000 euro for the processing alone, not including the staff, vehicles and fuel to transport it, which can only be done in Crevillente, due to the restrictions of Orihuela being tied to a so called “Plan Zonal”. A restriction that the town hall are trying to get out of, so as to avoid the reality that treating seaweed costs more than disposing of the green waste due to the monopoly of the company in Crevillente which charge an “abusive” rate.
With many residents and visitors apparently still complaining to CLARO about the state of the Orihuela Costa, there are numerous who have also agreed with Scheurer that the streets are a lot better this year. It is perhaps obvious that perfection is a long way away, but we can all do our bit by not throwing litter or rubbish in the street, putting waste and clippings out at the appropriate times, and, perhaps more importantly, contacting the town hall for advice as to when to put rubbish out, and reporting problems, so that everybody can contribute to a cleaner Orihuela Costa in the future.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44721/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The councillor for the coast of Orihuela, Martina Scheurer of the Los Verdes green party, has hit back this week over allegations made by Bob Houliston of the CLARO political group, that the streets of the Orihuela Costa are “filthier” than...

### COMPLAINTS OVER STRAY CAT DEATHS

A neighbourhood association who care for cats in the Alicante town of El Campello has reported the suspect poisoning of a colony of cats to the environmental arm of the Guardia Civil, SEPRONA.
The cats were all found dead on Sunday morning, with the exception of a lone survivor, surrounded by food which the association believe to have been poisoned. The surviving cat is being cared for at a local veterinary clinic.
The cats have been taking refuge in the area and, although a municipal ordinance prohibits the feeding of the cats, many neighbours had been feeding them, much to the frustration of others who wanted the cats gone.
The association has been proposing a sterilisation program for the cats, in order to prevent future breeding, but it would appear that somebody has taken the matter into their own hands.
Representative of the animal rights group Askampe, José Luis Seijas, expressed his regret at what has happened, saying that it is not the fault of the cats that they breed, supporting the calls from Antonio Ripoll, president of the local feline association, for the town hall to take measures to implement a safe and humane sterilisation campaign. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44718/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A neighbourhood association who care for cats in the Alicante town of El Campello has reported the suspect poisoning of a colony of cats to the environmental arm of the Guardia Civil, SEPRONA.
The cats were all found dead on Sunday morning, with the e...

### ‘Mike Probert talks Golf (Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services).

Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.
Hollow Tining of Greens – Why is it necessary?
We just entering that period of the year when the courses hollow tine the greens causing a disruption to golf and producing a poor putting surface for a few weeks but just why do they have to do this to us?
The surface of a green, colour, density and speed is a combination of the maintenance of the surface but also, about the maintenance of the root-zone. A healthy grass starts from healthy roots. Soil compaction can be a severe problem resulting in restricted root growth, lack of water infiltration into the soil, loss of resilience, weed invasion, disease problems and decline in turf quality.
Hollow Tining is used to prevent damage from an excessive soil compaction. It is also very important to provide the needed drainage, for water infiltration and aeration at the root-zone and is done during the warm season when temperatures favour rapid shoot growth and coverage of the turf openings.
The use of sand on greens is essential because it helps to digest the organic matter, enhancing the aeration of the root-zone, speed on greens and better recovery from pitch marks. In order to minimize the disruption to golfers, hollow tinning is usually carried out in 2 consecutive journeys so that the 18 greens are aerated in the same week.
The surface smoothness restoration process includes top dressing, drag matting and rolling and greens are normally puttable after 3 days with rolling putting surface within 10 days.
Some of the local courses such as La Finca, Las Ramblas, La Serena and Villamartin have waived the autumn hollow tining this year however when you next question the parentage of the green keepers you will understand why the work is necessary!
We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us.
Leader Green Fees
The deals shown in the table are some of the best currently available to you.
Deal of the week: 2 green fees and buggy at Alicante for only €79 (after 12pm) and the special hollow tining rate at Las Colinas for only €68 for 2 players and buggy until 04/09/14.
For bookings and more information contact Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com or direct on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 quoting reference LEADER.
Hollow Tining Watch
The following courses are currently undertaking or recovering from hollow tining:
Alhama, Aguilon, Campoamor, El Valle, El Plantio, Font del Llop, La Marquesa, La Manga North, La Torre, Las Colinas, Lorca, Lo Romero, Oliva Nova, Roda, Saurines, Villaitana (Levante), and Vistabella.
Competition Watch
The  LEADER in conjunction with the British Legion are holding a  tournament at Vistabella on Saturday 20th  September  2014 at a cost of only €37 each, including buggy with a €10 donation per green fee going directly to the poppy appeal and to enter call Mick the Grip on 638859475 or Vistabella on 966107846.
Quotation of the week
“Don't think it's RITE, know it's WRITE” – The perfectionistFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44717/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golf...

### BACK TO SCHOOL COST EXCEEDS 700 EURO

As Spanish children begin the joyful preparation to return to school this week, an association representing parents in Valencia has calculated that the cost of going back to school this year is 716 euro per child on average, 6.3% more than the 673 euro bill last year.
The Tyrius association conducts the report annually, looking at the overall cost of schooling, including books, uniforms and school supplies for the start of classes. As an average cost, the price does of course differ depending on areas, as it does depending on the educational level of the child. 
Secondary education is the most expensive, averaging out at 899 euro per child, whereas educating the youngest family members works out at an average of 421 euro, their report says. High school students will cost 848 euro on average, and primary pupils around 698 euro.
The report indicates that the average cost of uniforms is 287 euro for toddlers, 346 euro at Primary level and for Secondary school the cost is 416 euro.
The cost of textbooks works out at around 220 euro per child, although this cost can be significantly reduced if the books are second hand, and even better if a sibling can hand them down, but this cost is considerably less than those students who have to commit to attend the more technologically advanced centres, where the cost of acquiring a tablet computer works out at around 515 euro for the first year, including the necessary licences for the downloaded materials and books.
The association advise shopping around for products to get the best deals, visiting “book banks” for cheaper text books, and consulting with other parents and parental groups who may offer share and exchange options, thus reducing the considerable financial burden.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44715/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As Spanish children begin the joyful preparation to return to school this week, an association representing parents in Valencia has calculated that the cost of going back to school this year is 716 euro per child on average, 6.3% more than the 673 euro...

### HEALTH OUTREACH HELPS THOUSANDS

During their visits to shopping centres around both Torrevieja and the Orihuela Costa, nursing staff from the Torrevieja health department have given helpful advice to more than 12,000 people.
The travelling health awareness campaign offered information on a wide range of subjects, spanning from topics such as the prevention of melanoma, avoiding heat stroke, healthy eating and  natural childbirth.
Under the campaign banner “Un verano a tu salud”, the visitors were given fresh fruit, played games and received healthy tips in a productive and fun manner, which the department of health now hope to continue to provide all year round.  
Future tours will deal with specific groups and specific medical conditions, visiting schools and social groups, looking at subjects like osteoporosis and pelvic floor workshops, amongst others, all with the aim to encourage the age old mantra that “prevention is better than cure”.
More details can be obtained through their website, www.torrevieja-salud.com, and then clicking on “Agenda”, although the next tours are still being put together, so make sure you bookmark the website and keep checking back.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44713/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: During their visits to shopping centres around both Torrevieja and the Orihuela Costa, nursing staff from the Torrevieja health department have given helpful advice to more than 12,000 people.
The travelling health awareness campaign offered informati...

### DROWNINGS INCREASED THIS YEAR

A total of 34 people have drowned in the waters of the Valencia region so far this summer, 9 more than last year, according to the provisional data released by the 112 emergency coordination centre. 
Last year, 25 people drowned and another 21 were hospitalised with symptoms of drowning, in the period between the 1st of June and the 31st of August. This year, the figure is 34 deaths and 38 hospitalised. Of those treated by the emergency service, 55 were on the beach, some 78% of the total, and 16 were in swimming pools.
In the Alicante province, there have been 24 deaths and 21 people taken to hospital, considerably more than Valencia, where 6 people have died and 10 people hospitalised, and in Castellón where 4 people have been killed and 7 people taken to hospital.
The first incident of the season was on the 2nd of June on the beach at playa El Torreón in Benicàssim, Castellón, when a 17 year old was displaying symptoms of drowning and was taken to Castellón General Hospital, where he recovered.
Two days later, on the 4th of June, the first fatality of the season occurred when a man in his 60´s drowned on the playa del Cura beach of Torrevieja. The latest recorded death by drowning was in La Marina on Thursday, when a 68 year old resident of the Elche town lost his life.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44710/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A total of 34 people have drowned in the waters of the Valencia region so far this summer, 9 more than last year, according to the provisional data released by the 112 emergency coordination centre. 
Last year, 25 people drowned and another 21 were ho...

### MISSING STREET SIGNS TO BE REPLACED

A company named Api Movilidad S.L. has been awarded a 325,957 euro contract with Orihuela town hall this week, to maintain, replace and provide missing street name signs across the municipality.
The first zone assigned as a priority for the company will be the Orihuela Costa area, where a recent audit revealed that there are 642 missing street name signs and 704 house identifiers absent. Not only has this made it very difficult for residents and visitors to find their way around at times, it has led to confusion hen emergency services have had to attend incidents, and may well constitute towards an electoral low offence, as denounced many years ago by the CLARO political group in 2007, whilst the municipality was governed by the Partido Popular.
Now the contract has been awarded, once the town hall has set out the plans of priority with the company, the work should commence in around 90 days.
Meanwhile, the town hall has still not received a response from the Correos postal service regarding the suspension of some home deliveries on the coast from the 1st of September. The acting mayor, Antonio Zapata, had written to them to ask for the temporary suspension of the cut until the courts resolve if this would be legal or not, but they have failed to respond. The courts have acted quickly however and agreed that there is a case for a precautionary suspension of the cessation of deliveries, but the planned actions of the post office apparently seem to suggest that the service will be stopped, and would subsequently have to be dealt with through the courts.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44708/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A company named Api Movilidad S.L. has been awarded a 325,957 euro contract with Orihuela town hall this week, to maintain, replace and provide missing street name signs across the municipality.
The first zone assigned as a priority for the company wi...

### VALENCIA POLICE INCREASE ACTIVITIES BY A THIRD

In the first 7 months of the year, the Policía de la Generalitat Valenciana have increased their activities by 32.85% over last year, with a total of 201,188 cases recorded.
In provincial terms, there have been a total of 115,978 activities in Valencia, 53,643 in Alicante, and 31,567 Castellón, between January and the end of July.
As for the type of activities conducted, the majority was related to citizen services with a total of 88,829, an increase of 60.12% over last year. There were 22,004 cases relating to entertainment and facilities, an increase of 18.22%, the majority of those being related to venues not having the appropriate licences for live entertainment, as well as abuses of opening hours. In addition, there were 32,264 services in the area of security and protection, an increase of 21.93%, 16,894 environmental cases, up 37.72%, and 167 related to forest fires, an increase of 101.2%.
According to the head of civil protection, Manuel Roca, the increase in the number of officers and new police stations have “facilitated the rollout and increased performances with more than optimal results each year with more efficiency, effectiveness and professionalism, whilst explaining how the data “provide a benchmark for us to be aware of the hard work and dedication of the members of the Police of the Government to safeguard the security and ensure the peace and welfare of the citizens of Valencia”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44707/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In the first 7 months of the year, the Policía de la Generalitat Valenciana have increased their activities by 32.85% over last year, with a total of 201,188 cases recorded.
In provincial terms, there have been a total of 115,978 activities in ...

### RUSSIANS ARE THE BIGGEST INVESTORS

The average price of a house purchased last year in Spain by a foreign investor was 381,860 euro. However, Russian buyers, on average, paid 678,424 euro for their purchases, making them leaders in single purchase investors in the country.
In second place were buyers from Germany, spending an average of 338,716 euro, Belgians spent 346,728 euro, The British are in fourth place with an average investment of 190,633 euro, and the French are in fifth place with 171,644 euro.
The data has been released by the association of registrars, which also reveals that the province of Alicante is responsible for approximately 27% of all sales in Spain, with the Russian market also being the most important here. 
The information also concurs with data released by the portal Fotocasa, which also confirms that Alicante is od prime importance for the Russian and British markets.
Within the British buyer´s profile, the average investment of 190,633 euro is spent on an apartment, flat or small terraced house, with an average space of 138 square metres.
As for the Russians, they mostly favour upscale houses, large apartments, townhouses or detached properties, with an average of 462 square metres.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44706/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The average price of a house purchased last year in Spain by a foreign investor was 381,860 euro. However, Russian buyers, on average, paid 678,424 euro for their purchases, making them leaders in single purchase investors in the country.
In second pl...

### ELCHE CHILDRENS HOME TO BENEFIT FROM SPECTACULAR HORSE AND FLAMENCO SHOW

ELCHE Childrens Home are to benefit from a Charity Horse and Flamenco Show spectacular event at Casa la Pedrera, Torremendo on Saturday September 13. 
After a season of sell out summer shows the show finale will take place at the famed celebrity Grand Design House overlooking Lake Pedrera. "Jay Markwick's Company of Dancers, Emma Tytherleigh and Juan Cortez are performing in a Charity Benefit show, benefiting the Elche Children's Home, which is last show of the season," said Jenni Ray.
The show has been deemed a magical evening set in a sunset backdrop with amazing horses and wonderful Flamenco enthralling audiences with dance, drama, daring and fires. Jenni's daughter's Eden and Linzi performed in August at the Horse and Flamenco show performing fabulous vaulting tricks on their horse Aero, who had been out of action, returning to wow the audience once more!
Tickets: Adults euros 12, children euros 6, family ticket (2 adults, 2
children) euro 30.  Casa La Pedrera is in Torremendo on the CV-950, Alicante. "It is the last opportunity to see these talented artists performing together at Casa la Pedrera on Saturday September 13, at 6pm," said Jenni.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44703/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: ELCHE Childrens Home are to benefit from a Charity Horse and Flamenco Show spectacular event at Casa la Pedrera, Torremendo on Saturday September 13. 
After a season of sell out summer shows the show finale will take place at the famed celebrity Grand Design House overlooking Lake Pedrera. "Jay Markwick's Company of Dancers, Emma Tytherleigh and Juan Cortez are performing in a Charity Benefit show, benefiting the Elche Children's Home, which is last show of the season," said Jenni Ray.
The show has been deemed a magical evening set in a sunset backdrop with amazing horses and wonderful Flamenco enthralling audiences with dance, drama, daring and fires. Jenni's daughter's Eden and Linzi performed in August at the Horse and Flamenco show performing fabulous vaulting tricks on their horse Aero, who had been out of action, returning to wow the audience once more!
Tickets: Adults euros 12, children euros 6, family ticket (2 adults, 2
children) euro 30.  Casa La Pedrera is in Torremendo on the CV-950, Alicante. "It is the last opportunity to see these talented artists performing together at Casa la Pedrera on Saturday September 13, at 6pm," said Jenni.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44703/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WEEKEND OF GOLF

SATURDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 2014 @
VISTABELLA GOLF
The Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja branches of The Royal British Legion, in association with THE LEADER and Vistabella Golf, cordially invite you to participate in one of the fund raising games of golf being held at Vistabella Golf on Saturday 20th of September 2014. This event aims to raise money to go towards the 2014 Poppy Appeal.
There will be an individual stableford competition with a trophy for the winner.
The handicap to be used is to be the lowest that you possess, the slope will not be used and in the event of a tie for any event the winner will be decided on countback. If the scores are still tied then lowest handicap will be applied. Preferred lies on the fairway will be in force.
The cost of each day will be €37 excluding any insurance. This will include the golf, buggy and a donation to The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal 2014.
Places are limited.
The list will close on Saturday 13th September to give time for the collation of names, please indicate if you wish to play with a particular person(s), allocation of tees for each day and to enable everyone to be informed. There will be a shotgun start at 8-15 am and the course will open at 7-30 am to enable all the pre-game procedures to be sorted out.
You can sign up by contacting the numbers below:
Mick The Grip: 638 859 475.    Vistabella Golf Shop: 966 107 846Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44700/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: SATURDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 2014 @
VISTABELLA GOLF
The Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja branches of The Royal British Legion, in association with THE LEADER and Vistabella Golf, cordially invite you to participate in one of the fund raising games of golf be...

### PHOTOGRAPHY WALKS AT LAKE PEDRERA

El Toro Carvery, near Torremendo, is the base for a new project by retired photographer Carl Eagle, who built his house by the lakeside.  The huge lake, with its mountain backdrop, provides wonderful views for photography enthusiasts.
The Charity Fundraiser at El Toro on 6th September marks the launch of the Photography Walks, aimed at keen amateur photographers, and Carl will be on hand that day to deal with any enquiries.
The guided walks can be arranged for parties of 10-20 people and individuals can join a group on the first Wednesday of each month. The cost is 5 euros per person.
(Reservations for a carvery or other meal can be arranged when booking, if required.)
Details from Carl Eagle 620060611
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44696/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: El Toro Carvery, near Torremendo, is the base for a new project by retired photographer Carl Eagle, who built his house by the lakeside.  The huge lake, with its mountain backdrop, provides wonderful views for photography enthusiasts.
The Charity Fund...

### COASTAL BOUNDARY MOVE MAY MEAN LOSS OF LAND

The department of costas in Alicante have issued a public consultation notification, relating to the change in the coastal boundaries of the Orihuela Costa and nearby areas.
The councillor for the coast from Orihuela town hall, Martina Scheurer from the Los Verdes green party, says that the notice was issued on Friday the 22nd of August, giving the required 15 day period of consultation.
The document can be examined in the Ministerial offices in Alicante, to see exactly what impact the change in the coastal boundary might have, but the most likely outcome is that the boundary line move further inland, and may result in some coastal properties losing land.
“Unlikely to have an adverse impact on actual properties or buildings, there are a number of properties which currently have land which reaches all the way to the edge of a coastal footpath”, the councillor explains. “It is quite possible that the extension of the boundary line would move into the grounds of these properties, which may well result in owners having to surrender some of the land they believe is theirs”.
As it is a governmental issue from a national level, Orihuela town hall is powerless to act on the changes, and have they been issued with the plans themselves. However, they will be sending the municipal architect and a group of technicians to Alicante this week, so that they can examine the effects of the changes to the zone.
Before the end of the consultation period, members of the public are also able to examine the plans in the office in Alicante, and raise a formal protest should there be an impact on a property or grounds in which a home is currently located, but this must be done within the 15 day period.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44692/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The department of costas in Alicante have issued a public consultation notification, relating to the change in the coastal boundaries of the Orihuela Costa and nearby areas.
The councillor for the coast from Orihuela town hall, Martina Scheurer from t...

### LIKE A FISH TO WATER

If you are tired of the same old swimming methods that humans have evolved into using, there is now an alternative option for those wishing to take to the sea and feel more like the aquatic residents of the ocean, as Spain has become host to what the owners believe is Europe´s first Mermaid Academy.
The Acadèmia de Sirenes del Mediterrani is based in Tarragona and is the brainchild of Susana Seuma and Alejandro Rodriguez. The aim is to offer the experience of becoming a mermaid, and have your very own photo session, once you have mastered the appropriate skills required to swim like a fishy – human cross.
The practice of becoming a mermaid, or merman for that matter, is not taken lightly. Although there is a huge element of fun involved, the “basic concept is to do exercises and to practice a swimming skills in a fun and different way”, according to the owners.
If you have any doubt about the health benefits, according to Seuma, swimming whilst wearing a tail is a “good way to strengthen the lower back, buttocks, abdominal muscles, arms, pectoral muscles and breathing”.
Similar academies are already active and popular in the sunshine states of America, as well as the latest which opened recently in the Philippines, but given the rich history of the Mediterranean coastline, the location in the northeast coast of Spain is perhaps one of the most romantic places of them all, when man or woman, boy or girl, can become a mythical creature for the day, and take home the souvenir photograph to prove it.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44691/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: If you are tired of the same old swimming methods that humans have evolved into using, there is now an alternative option for those wishing to take to the sea and feel more like the aquatic residents of the ocean, as Spain has become host to what the o...

### BUSY WEEKEND AS TOURISTS RETURN

This weekend marks the long anticipated return operation on the roads of Spain, with 1,850,000 journeys anticipated on the roads of the Valencia region alone. This is some 19% of the 4.2 million vehicle movements in the country.
As many domestic tourists finish their summer holidays and head back to their inland homes, their will be an anticipated 850,000 movements in the province of Valencia, 700,000 in Alicante and the remaining 300,000 in Castellón.
Likely to be the busiest times, and therefore to be avoided, are between 16:00 and 21:00 on Friday, and between 08:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 21:00 on Sunday, although the entire weekend will be busy.
For coastal residents this operation is the least likely to cause too many delays however, as the concentrations will be heading to major cities inland, but the major hotspots will be the A-70 motorway, the N-332 around Altea, El Altet to Sata Pola and Torrevieja to the Orihuela Costa.
As always, to ensure the safest flow of traffic, the “full allocation” of human resources will be deployed, with the Guardia Civil traffic department out in force, some showing off their newly commissioned Jeep vehicles, supported by traffic management and maintenance staff all major road works will be suspended, as well as restrictions on the movements of heavy and dangerous goods.
The advice from the DGT is to try to avoid the busiest times, but if you do have to go out and become part of the traffic, allow extra time for your journey, take your time and comply with the law at all times.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44690/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This weekend marks the long anticipated return operation on the roads of Spain, with 1,850,000 journeys anticipated on the roads of the Valencia region alone. This is some 19% of the 4.2 million vehicle movements in the country.
As many domestic touri...

### ORIHUELA MAYOR RECOVERING WELL

Following on from his recent heart attack and subsequent surgery, the mayor of Orihuela, Monserrate Guillén, who has been recovering at home and away from the limelight, has started a gradual return to the public eye, first taking to Facebook to thank his supporters.
“After a month disappeared for an obvious reason”, his update read, “I would like to express my thanks” to everybody who has shown an interest and sent messages of support. Posting a picture of a fresh-faced and relaxed politician, he continued, “As you can see, I am fine. Recovery is going according to what has been planned and shortly, when the doctors and I consider it appropriate, I'll be back to work”. 
It is hoped that the mayor will return in a matter of weeks, ready to face the next wave of battles as he struggles to govern the municipality as the head of a team who are in the minority, faced with the perpetual “no” objections to any changes or improvements by the opposing PP and CLR collaboration, strangled and locked into a situation where no tabled motion will be approved, irrespective of the merits to benefit the people of the municipality.
Despite being in a “bubble” away from the stresses of Orihuela during his recovery, Guillén has still faced an attack via Facebook by a group supporting the electoral reform that would see the politician with the most votes automatically elected mayor. With the Los Verdes, Guillén received 10% of the votes in the last election and still became mayor, whereas the PP received 45%, according to the critics, which would automatically have led to, as Guillén explained, the automatically appointed mayor from the Partido Popular facing a string of corruption and criminal charges, as is the case with many of the opposition PP members, rather than the current situation with Guillén at the helm.
Concluding his status update, Guillén concluded by thanking, once again, “the support of the people who have helped me”, and whilst looking forward to his return, thanks “everybody for being there”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44689/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following on from his recent heart attack and subsequent surgery, the mayor of Orihuela, Monserrate Guillén, who has been recovering at home and away from the limelight, has started a gradual return to the public eye, first taking to Facebook to...

### ALICANTE DRIVERS ARE FIFTH MOST DANGEROUS

Drivers on the roads of the Valencia region are responsible for creating some of the most dangerous roads in the whole of Spain, with more drivers in the Alicante province seemingly unable to adhere to the rules of the roads, creating the fifth highest place in the country for serious traffic violations, resulting in arrest.
Officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department arrested 3,576 people Valencia for serious traffic safety offences in 2013, although the figure was 4.1% less than the previous year, according to the official data. Of the total in the region, 1,596 were the province of Valencia, while 1,484 were in Alicante, the remaining 496 in Castellon. The provincial figure puts Valencia in third place, behind Sevilla, were 2.217 drivers were charged, and second place Madrid South with 1,769, in fourth place is Pontevedra with 1,525, and then Alicante with 1,484. The majority of infractions were related to drugs and alcohol, followed by speeding and then license issues. 
Nationally, the arrest figure is 30,117 people, 9.3% less than the previous year, of which the majority once more, 18,169, were due to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In terms of safer roads, the biggest drop was recorded in La Rioja, with a 26.1% reduction, followed by Extremadura, with a 25.1% drop.
During the August clampdown on speed, a total of 40,447 drivers were caught speeding nationally, according to the DGT traffic department, in the campaign that ran between the 18th and 24th of August. The figure represents 5.1% of the 791,478 drivers who were checked.
Of those vehicles subject to a speed check, 440,416 were on conventional roads, representing around 60%, as this is where most fatal and serious speed related accidents occur. Of that number, 23,100 drivers, some 5.2%, were caught driving at speeds in excess of the permitted limit.
As for motorway speeders, of the 351,062 vehicles checked, a total of 17,327 drivers were caught speeding, some 4.9 %. However, 5 drivers were reported for serious driving offences, travelling at 80 kilometres per hour more than the permitted limit on the road. In addition to a hefty fine, those drivers also face the risk of prison.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44688/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Drivers on the roads of the Valencia region are responsible for creating some of the most dangerous roads in the whole of Spain, with more drivers in the Alicante province seemingly unable to adhere to the rules of the roads, creating the fifth highest...

### PEACHY PRICE

A union representing fruit farmers has described the amount offered by the European Union for compensation for sanctions against Russia as “ridiculous”.
The EU has agreed to grant 29.7 million euro for all European producers of peaches and nectarines for the withdrawal of both fruits from the Russian market, with an additional million more for promotion.
In a statement, the agricultural organization has explained that only those farmers who belong to an association can benefit from the priority price of 0.27 euro per kilo, which they claim does not even cover 75% of production cost, and that “barely half of the producers of peaches and nectarines are integrated in associations”. The compensation is to be back dated however, but only from the 11th of August, and many will only be able to earn 0.13 euro per kilo. 
The fears are similar for citrus and pomegranate growers, who may be facing difficult seasons due to the weather condition, and now the inability to sell what stock they have, facing what they consider to be compensations that could jeopardise future crops.
Of the 82,124 hectares of peach and nectarine crops planted in Spain during 2013, a total of 5,396 were in Valencia, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44687/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A union representing fruit farmers has described the amount offered by the European Union for compensation for sanctions against Russia as “ridiculous”.
The EU has agreed to grant 29.7 million euro for all European producers of peaches and...

### BATHER DIES IN TORREVIEJA

A man believed to be in his 70´s and on holiday in Torrevieja, died whilst bathing on a beach at Cala Ferrís, between Mar Azul and palmeral de Ferrís. 
The body of the man was spotted floating in the water by other beach goers, who alerted the emergency services.
As the beach in question is not covered by any lifeguard services, the Guardia Civil attended and two officers recovered the man´s body.
Resuscitation attempts were made, but there was nothing that could be done to save his life. The body was removed from the scene and a post mortem examination will be carried out to determine the cause of death.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44686/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A man believed to be in his 70´s and on holiday in Torrevieja, died whilst bathing on a beach at Cala Ferrís, between Mar Azul and palmeral de Ferrís. 
The body of the man was spotted floating in the water by other beach goers, who...

### ANGER AT FILTHY STATE OF ORIHUELA COSTA

There is widespread anger at the filthy state of Orihuela Costa.    C.L.A.RO. has never heard such strong feelings expressed.   The streets are dirty.   Litter is everywhere.   Garden rubbish accumulates and accumulates sometimes not being removed for weeks.   The beaches are cleaned superficially, scratching the surface of the sand but not being cleaned in depth.  To save paying overtime, they are not cleaned after their busy use on Saturdays and are consequently left in a filthy state for their even busier use on Sundays.   Seaweed is s allowed to stay where it is deposited along the beaches and not collected and left to dry in proper piles until it can be removed.   Shamefully some people have to scavenge for food from rubbish containers beside supermarkets.    Since the streets are not cleaned, the remains of food are left to litter these streets thereby encouraging the appearance of rats.
This shameful state of affairs has prevailed for weeks throughout the long, hot summer.    Residents with family and friends who visit for their summer holidays are disgusted and ashamed by the appearance of Orihuela Costa.   Tourists who rent accommodation for their holidays are equally disgusted and will find it difficult to choose to come again to Orihuela Costa.
And the blame lies squarely on the government.   Year after year, the influx of visitors adds up to 200,000 to the population of Orihuela Costa.   Entirely foreseeable and predictable.    But no attempt is made, like in other tourist resorts, to deploy extra resources, manpower and machines, to keep the streets clean and to maintain a positive tourism image.    Safely ensconced in the capital city 30 kilometres away, the government closes its eyes and pretends there will be no consequences for this neglect.   But there will be, sooner or later.    This is the first summer when owners of small businesses have complained to C.L.A.R.O. that their interests are being harmed by the shameful state of Orihuela Costa.     Sooner or later the mighty La Zenia Boulevard will feel the consequences.   They look after their commercial centre impeccably but the surrounding dirt and traffic congestion will eventually affect them too.    It would be a great shame for all, including the government of Orihuela and the income it gets from the coast in various forms especially the taxes paid by residents, if the solution to the problems of dirt, neglect and congestion are eventually solved by people not coming here in the summer or not buying property. 
 
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44685/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: There is widespread anger at the filthy state of Orihuela Costa.    C.L.A.RO. has never heard such strong feelings expressed.   The streets are dirty.   Litter is everywhere.   Garden rubbish accumulates and accumulates sometimes not being removed for ...

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 25 AUGUST 2014

JUST A HALF
According to official figures released by airport operator AENA, from the total of all foreign tourists visiting Spain, only 0.51% landed in Murcia, compared to 0.49% last year. Supporters wishing to keep San Javier airport open have criticised the presentation of the figures, which show that for every 100 visitors entering into Spain, only half a person lands at the current Murcia airport. Passenger numbers into San Javier also dropped in the last month.
HELPING THE HELPERS
The Telefurgo van rental company has announced that it will allocate 50 of its vehicles to charitable causes in the next few months, as part of their initiative to provide assistance to those in need. The campaign is operating in 19 Spanish cities already, where the company operates, including Alicante, with applications welcome before the 14th of September for the company to consider the requests. 
LAND AHOY
The Cartagena based yacht 'Carmen' skippered by Joseph Coello claimed victory on handicap  in the 50th edition of the Cruise from Torrevieja to Cabo Roig in which twenty boats took part last Tuesday morning. The Murcia boat ‘Malice' out of San Pedro was the first to cross the finish line taking one hour and twenty-seven minutes to complete the 10.5 nautical miles. 'Carmen' finished 2nd while in 3rd place was the Norwegian yacht 'Apex' sailed by Ole-jan Midttun.
COLOURFUL BIRTHDAY
'Petita', the most famous elephant in Terra Natura Benidorm, celebrated his 42nd birthday on Saturday with a colorful Hindu battle. The elephant sprang to fame when he was disowned by his herd as he was considered to be "ugly". According to Terra Natura, Saturday's party was the only 'Holi' festival in Valencia to commemorate the birthday of an elephant.
COURTEOUS BRITS
A recent survey by holiday site Tavelzoo shows that BRITISH tourists are thought of as the heaviest drinkers while on holiday. The Spanish are said to be the most likeable travellers, with the French ranked as the least popular. Almost half of Spanish respondents claimed UK travellers are the least generous when abroad, but the Germans think they are humorous, courteous and helpful.
MORE EMPTY PROPERTIES?
The Guardamar City Council unanimously approved a proposal to modify its General Urban Plan last Wednesday after a High Court judge called for the town planners to allow a new development to be built just 100 metres from the La Mata Nature Reserve. Seyva and Villamartin builders say they want to build more than 1,500 luxury homes in El Raso close to El Moncayo.
NO DOGS
The councilor for security in Torrevieja, Agustina Esteve, supported by the chief of the local police has vetoed the creation of a canine unit within the force, despite the officers providing their own dogs, and undergoing training at no expense.
UNHEALTHY QUEUE
Despite the health department cutting hospital beds in the summer as they say there is a reduced demand, the La Loma medical centre has seen severe delays, with patients at times having to wait around 4 hours to be seen. Torrevieja´s department of health say that the average waiting time is 47 minutes during August, which is also shorter than last year.
HOME AND AWAY
Spain should immediately halt summary returns of migrants to Morocco from its North African enclave, Melilla, Human Rights Watch said on Monday. Spain should also investigate evidence that Guardia Civil officers beat migrants at the border fence.  “Spain's right to secure its borders doesn't give it carte blanche to abuse migrants,” said Benjamin Ward, deputy director of the Europe and Central Asia Division at Human Rights Watch.
FILLING UP
Spanish oil engineering company Tecnicas Reunidas said it had won a $1.5 billion turnkey contract as part of the Refinery and Petrochemicals Integrated Development (Rapid) project in Malaysia. The 50-month contract, awarded by Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), is to engineer, supply and build part of a refinery and integrated petrochemical plant. 
PLENTY OF ROOM
In response to a question raised by the municipal Esquerra Unida group of Valencia, the local government revealed that for the 50,000 families evicted from their homes, just 16 have been given contracts to stay in the “social housing” provided by the government in 2013.
SLOW COPS
An investigation into a crash in March on the island of Gran Canaria has attributed the cause of the incident to be a vehicle travelling at an inappropriate speed. However, members of the Guardia Civil are outraged at the findings, as the vehicle involved was one of their patrols responding to an emergency call, with lights on and siren sounding. The driver has been sanctioned for the offence and faces disciplinary proceedings. 
OLIVE DRY
In the midst of the worst drought in history, Spain´s olive producers believe that this year´s harvest could be up to 40% smaller than last year. They also claim that the result will be higher prices for direct and indirect products, which have already increased by 30% since January across Europe.
ENERGY SPARKS
Spain has increased electricity supply from renewable and clean resources, with 55.3% of all electricity generated in July alone coming from zero emission sources, according to the national electricity network. Wind power generation soared by 28.7% year on year, responsible for 16.8% of all electricity consumed, hydroelectricity generated 10%, whereas solar power generated just 4.3% per cent, a figure similar to the 4% from solar thermal projects. Nuclear power was responsible for just 19%, showing a marked change in the way energy is generated.
RED TOMATOES
Figures released last week reveal the importance of relationships between Almería and Russia, with food exports from Spain now valued at 14.7 million euro, 42.5% more than 2012. The main produce sent to the Russians is tomatoes, worth a total of 6.7 million euro, whereas cucumbers, the second placed produce, are worth 3.6 million euro. Between January and May 2014, tomato exports to Russia increased once again, worth 66% of all output, valued at 5.4 million euro for the quarter.
FOND FAREWELL
Banco Sabadell is offering early retirement to members of staff aged 55 or over. This follows on from a similar agreement introduced in 2012 when approximately 600 employees accepted settlements which, in some cases, paid compensation of 245,000 euros, including 80% of net salary and Social Security contributions to the age of 63.
SANTA POLA DEATH
The Guardia Civil is investigating the death of a swimmer whose body was found early on Wednesday morning floating in waters off the coast of Santa Pola. The body, said to be of a Spanish man in his 50s, was found just after 8am, dressed only in a bathing suit, so the hypothesis is that he suffered a heart attack whilst swimming in the sea.
MUSEUM VISITORS
The Han Dynasty exhibition which has been open in the Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ) since last June has so far received a total of 17,664 visitors, of which 13,500 are from Alicante. There have also been a significant number of visitors to the Museum from France, Britain, Eastern Europe, the Netherlands, the Nordic countries, America, Italy and Germany.
TRACTOR DEATH
A 50 year old man died on Monday after suffering an accident on a tractor that he was driving in Algorfa. The incident occurred at around 5pm. On arriving at the scene the man was pronounced dead by the Emergency Medical Aid Service (SAMU). No further details have been released at this time.
EBOLA INFO
Spain´s Ministry of Health has placed information boards in the arrivals hall of major airports, advising of precautions to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus. Alicante-Elche airport has had them installed this week, although it is worth noting that there are no direct flights from Alicante to countries affected by the virus.
SNAKES ALIVE
The Terra Natura animal park in Benidorm has increased its collection of snakes with the addition of an Indian python (Python molurus bivittatus), which is almost two metres long and about 10 kilos of weight. The snake has passed a comprehensive review to check its health and behaviour before being fully integrated into the park.
DRY OUT
In the first six months of this year, the city of Alicante has been the driest since 1857, when an official weather record was established, according to the Laboratory of Climatology at the University of Alicante. The head of the department, Jorge Olcina, explained that the provincial capital has registered only 27 litres of rain in the first six months of 2014, and so “we have one of the driest years in the Iberian southeast in the last 150 years”.
COOLING SALES
Despite the hot, dry summer, sales of ice cream are registering “similar or slightly lower” numbers due to “disappointing” demand, according to the president of Spain´s national association of ice cream makers, José Luis Gisbert. The reason is partly due to more businesses opening offering a more diverse range of cooling treats, and people having less money to spend this summer.
FOR THE LOVE OF CATS
Residents and local groups of Guardamar del Segura have collected more than 3,000 signatures complaining about the town hall´s enforced ban on feeding stray cats in the municipality.
SKY HIGH
Over 2 million budget passengers have passed through Alicante Airport In the first seven months of the year making it the third busiest low cost airport in the country, behind only Barcelona and Malaga. According to data released by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism, budget airlines transported 18.3 million passengers in the first seven months of the year, representing an increase 10% over the same period last year,
POMEGRANATE PANIC 
Pomegranate producers across Elche have expressed their concerns that sanctions against trade with Russia will result in a 30% drop in their export sales. If the growers are unable to sell to Russia, directly or indirectly, they will be faced with an excess of 13,000 tons of fruit destined for export.
HAPPY CAMPERS
Some of the best campsites in Spain can be found in the south of Alicante, as proven by the annual awards decided by the Dutch travel association ANWB, and the German automobile club ADAC. The Marjal Costa Blanca Eco Camping Resort in Crevillente, which only opened recently, is on the list for “Best Camping 2014”, along with Marjal Guardamar Camping and Bungalows Resort, and Camping La Marina.
NO TIME TO WAIT
A medical emergency on the beach at playa de San Juan this week, was attended by lifeguards and an off-duty doctor who managed to stabilise a young girl who had fallen ill, whilst they had to wait 35 minutes for the arrival of an emergency ambulance. In addition to severe cuts in the number of ambulances on the street, there have been numerous cases this year alone of ambulances getting lost, which has been attributed to the centralisation of the 112 emergency coordination centre for cost saving reasons. 
CUTS COST LIVES
The family of a 36 year old architect in the town of Almendralejo in Extremadura, have filed a complaint with the police after the man died of internal bleeding, and they believe that the 112 emergency centre´s refusal to send a medically equipped ambulance was a contributing factor, as the presence of a doctor could have provided assistance in the last moments of his life. The family also says that they had to request the ambulance twice, as the first time the coordinator had just assumed the man to be drunk. Confirming the severity of the situation in a second call, a basic transfer vehicle was sent, but the friends of the man had to carry the victim to the ambulance, as it only came with a driver.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44684/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: JUST A HALF
According to official figures released by airport operator AENA, from the total of all foreign tourists visiting Spain, only 0.51% landed in Murcia, compared to 0.49% last year. Supporters wishing to keep San Javier airport open have criticised the presentation of the figures, which show that for every 100 visitors entering into Spain, only half a person lands at the current Murcia airport. Passenger numbers into San Javier also dropped in the last month.
HELPING THE HELPERS
The Telefurgo van rental company has announced that it will allocate 50 of its vehicles to charitable causes in the next few months, as part of their initiative to provide assistance to those in need. The campaign is operating in 19 Spanish cities already, where the company operates, including Alicante, with applications welcome before the 14th of September for the company to consider the requests. 
LAND AHOY
The Cartagena based yacht 'Carmen' skippered by Joseph Coello claimed victory on handicap  in the 50th edition of the Cruise from Torrevieja to Cabo Roig in which twenty boats took part last Tuesday morning. The Murcia boat ‘Malice' out of San Pedro was the first to cross the finish line taking one hour and twenty-seven minutes to complete the 10.5 nautical miles. 'Carmen' finished 2nd while in 3rd place was the Norwegian yacht 'Apex' sailed by Ole-jan Midttun.
COLOURFUL BIRTHDAY
'Petita', the most famous elephant in Terra Natura Benidorm, celebrated his 42nd birthday on Saturday with a colorful Hindu battle. The elephant sprang to fame when he was disowned by his herd as he was considered to be "ugly". According to Terra Natura, Saturday's party was the only 'Holi' festival in Valencia to commemorate the birthday of an elephant.
COURTEOUS BRITS
A recent survey by holiday site Tavelzoo shows that BRITISH tourists are thought of as the heaviest drinkers while on holiday. The Spanish are said to be the most likeable travellers, with the French ranked as the least popular. Almost half of Spanish respondents claimed UK travellers are the least generous when abroad, but the Germans think they are humorous, courteous and helpful.
MORE EMPTY PROPERTIES?
The Guardamar City Council unanimously approved a proposal to modify its General Urban Plan last Wednesday after a High Court judge called for the town planners to allow a new development to be built just 100 metres from the La Mata Nature Reserve. Seyva and Villamartin builders say they want to build more than 1,500 luxury homes in El Raso close to El Moncayo.
NO DOGS
The councilor for security in Torrevieja, Agustina Esteve, supported by the chief of the local police has vetoed the creation of a canine unit within the force, despite the officers providing their own dogs, and undergoing training at no expense.
UNHEALTHY QUEUE
Despite the health department cutting hospital beds in the summer as they say there is a reduced demand, the La Loma medical centre has seen severe delays, with patients at times having to wait around 4 hours to be seen. Torrevieja´s department of health say that the average waiting time is 47 minutes during August, which is also shorter than last year.
HOME AND AWAY
Spain should immediately halt summary returns of migrants to Morocco from its North African enclave, Melilla, Human Rights Watch said on Monday. Spain should also investigate evidence that Guardia Civil officers beat migrants at the border fence.  “Spain's right to secure its borders doesn't give it carte blanche to abuse migrants,” said Benjamin Ward, deputy director of the Europe and Central Asia Division at Human Rights Watch.
FILLING UP
Spanish oil engineering company Tecnicas Reunidas said it had won a $1.5 billion turnkey contract as part of the Refinery and Petrochemicals Integrated Development (Rapid) project in Malaysia. The 50-month contract, awarded by Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), is to engineer, supply and build part of a refinery and integrated petrochemical plant. 
PLENTY OF ROOM
In response to a question raised by the municipal Esquerra Unida group of Valencia, the local government revealed that for the 50,000 families evicted from their homes, just 16 have been given contracts to stay in the “social housing” provided by the government in 2013.
SLOW COPS
An investigation into a crash in March on the island of Gran Canaria has attributed the cause of the incident to be a vehicle travelling at an inappropriate speed. However, members of the Guardia Civil are outraged at the findings, as the vehicle involved was one of their patrols responding to an emergency call, with lights on and siren sounding. The driver has been sanctioned for the offence and faces disciplinary proceedings. 
OLIVE DRY
In the midst of the worst drought in history, Spain´s olive producers believe that this year´s harvest could be up to 40% smaller than last year. They also claim that the result will be higher prices for direct and indirect products, which have already increased by 30% since January across Europe.
ENERGY SPARKS
Spain has increased electricity supply from renewable and clean resources, with 55.3% of all electricity generated in July alone coming from zero emission sources, according to the national electricity network. Wind power generation soared by 28.7% year on year, responsible for 16.8% of all electricity consumed, hydroelectricity generated 10%, whereas solar power generated just 4.3% per cent, a figure similar to the 4% from solar thermal projects. Nuclear power was responsible for just 19%, showing a marked change in the way energy is generated.
RED TOMATOES
Figures released last week reveal the importance of relationships between Almería and Russia, with food exports from Spain now valued at 14.7 million euro, 42.5% more than 2012. The main produce sent to the Russians is tomatoes, worth a total of 6.7 million euro, whereas cucumbers, the second placed produce, are worth 3.6 million euro. Between January and May 2014, tomato exports to Russia increased once again, worth 66% of all output, valued at 5.4 million euro for the quarter.
FOND FAREWELL
Banco Sabadell is offering early retirement to members of staff aged 55 or over. This follows on from a similar agreement introduced in 2012 when approximately 600 employees accepted settlements which, in some cases, paid compensation of 245,000 euros, including 80% of net salary and Social Security contributions to the age of 63.
SANTA POLA DEATH
The Guardia Civil is investigating the death of a swimmer whose body was found early on Wednesday morning floating in waters off the coast of Santa Pola. The body, said to be of a Spanish man in his 50s, was found just after 8am, dressed only in a bathing suit, so the hypothesis is that he suffered a heart attack whilst swimming in the sea.
MUSEUM VISITORS
The Han Dynasty exhibition which has been open in the Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ) since last June has so far received a total of 17,664 visitors, of which 13,500 are from Alicante. There have also been a significant number of visitors to the Museum from France, Britain, Eastern Europe, the Netherlands, the Nordic countries, America, Italy and Germany.
TRACTOR DEATH
A 50 year old man died on Monday after suffering an accident on a tractor that he was driving in Algorfa. The incident occurred at around 5pm. On arriving at the scene the man was pronounced dead by the Emergency Medical Aid Service (SAMU). No further details have been released at this time.
EBOLA INFO
Spain´s Ministry of Health has placed information boards in the arrivals hall of major airports, advising of precautions to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus. Alicante-Elche airport has had them installed this week, although it is worth noting that there are no direct flights from Alicante to countries affected by the virus.
SNAKES ALIVE
The Terra Natura animal park in Benidorm has increased its collection of snakes with the addition of an Indian python (Python molurus bivittatus), which is almost two metres long and about 10 kilos of weight. The snake has passed a comprehensive review to check its health and behaviour before being fully integrated into the park.
DRY OUT
In the first six months of this year, the city of Alicante has been the driest since 1857, when an official weather record was established, according to the Laboratory of Climatology at the University of Alicante. The head of the department, Jorge Olcina, explained that the provincial capital has registered only 27 litres of rain in the first six months of 2014, and so “we have one of the driest years in the Iberian southeast in the last 150 years”.
COOLING SALES
Despite the hot, dry summer, sales of ice cream are registering “similar or slightly lower” numbers due to “disappointing” demand, according to the president of Spain´s national association of ice cream makers, José Luis Gisbert. The reason is partly due to more businesses opening offering a more diverse range of cooling treats, and people having less money to spend this summer.
FOR THE LOVE OF CATS
Residents and local groups of Guardamar del Segura have collected more than 3,000 signatures complaining about the town hall´s enforced ban on feeding stray cats in the municipality.
SKY HIGH
Over 2 million budget passengers have passed through Alicante Airport In the first seven months of the year making it the third busiest low cost airport in the country, behind only Barcelona and Malaga. According to data released by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism, budget airlines transported 18.3 million passengers in the first seven months of the year, representing an increase 10% over the same period last year,
POMEGRANATE PANIC 
Pomegranate producers across Elche have expressed their concerns that sanctions against trade with Russia will result in a 30% drop in their export sales. If the growers are unable to sell to Russia, directly or indirectly, they will be faced with an excess of 13,000 tons of fruit destined for export.
HAPPY CAMPERS
Some of the best campsites in Spain can be found in the south of Alicante, as proven by the annual awards decided by the Dutch travel association ANWB, and the German automobile club ADAC. The Marjal Costa Blanca Eco Camping Resort in Crevillente, which only opened recently, is on the list for “Best Camping 2014”, along with Marjal Guardamar Camping and Bungalows Resort, and Camping La Marina.
NO TIME TO WAIT
A medical emergency on the beach at playa de San Juan this week, was attended by lifeguards and an off-duty doctor who managed to stabilise a young girl who had fallen ill, whilst they had to wait 35 minutes for the arrival of an emergency ambulance. In addition to severe cuts in the number of ambulances on the street, there have been numerous cases this year alone of ambulances getting lost, which has been attributed to the centralisation of the 112 emergency coordination centre for cost saving reasons. 
CUTS COST LIVES
The family of a 36 year old architect in the town of Almendralejo in Extremadura, have filed a complaint with the police after the man died of internal bleeding, and they believe that the 112 emergency centre´s refusal to send a medically equipped ambulance was a contributing factor, as the presence of a doctor could have provided assistance in the last moments of his life. The family also says that they had to request the ambulance twice, as the first time the coordinator had just assumed the man to be drunk. Confirming the severity of the situation in a second call, a basic transfer vehicle was sent, but the friends of the man had to carry the victim to the ambulance, as it only came with a driver.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44684/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### A REMEMBRANCE OF BOMBING VICTIMS IN TORREVIEJA

The 25th of August marks a dark day in the history of Torrevieja, as in 1938, the city was bombed by Italian aircraft.
It was a time during the Spanish Civil war, when the planes dropped 60 bombs onto the city, ripping through 25 homes and causing serious damage to buildings in the town centre and the port area, leaving 19 people dead and 45 injured, 25 of whom were civilians and 20 military.
Although shrouded in secrecy throughout history, like much of the Franco era, these days the horrific incident is remembered annually by those who religiously attend to reflect on a past time and remember those involved. 
However, as in every year in modern times, one group that fails to recognise the atrocity and remember those who died is the authority which currently runs the city, the Partido Popular government led by Eduardo Dolón. 
For years, local relatives, residents and opposition political figures have called for a permanent monument to be erected to the fallen, and for as long, those requests have been ignored or declined.
A representative from the local republican group leading the memorial said that they still deeply regret that “the city of Torrevieja has not responded to their demand for the placement of at least one plate with the names of the victims of this tragic event”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44683/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The 25th of August marks a dark day in the history of Torrevieja, as in 1938, the city was bombed by Italian aircraft.
It was a time during the Spanish Civil war, when the planes dropped 60 bombs onto the city, ripping through 25 homes and causing ser...

### SEGUNDA NIGHTMARE CONTINUES FOR REAL MURCIA

There has been much speculation this week about the future of Real Murcia, which had administrative relegation placed on it to Second Division ‘B' for failing to meet debt and income obligations required by the statutes of La Liga.
But it finally looks as though the LFP have got their way as, after a complicated legal tussle, the league announced it would drop the club into Segunda B, Spanish football's third division. Although as we go to press Murcia have postponed their first league fixture against UD Logrones and are still saying that they have more legal avenues to pursue.
Murcia's crime is that it has some €35 million in debts, including €13 million it owes in back taxes to Hacienda which means that its ratio of debt to income is higher than the new league limit.
The announcement was made by the League president of Spain's professional football league, Javier Tebas, in Madrid on Friday while 300 Murcia fans gathered outside the league headquarters chanting “This league makes us sick.”
But the president wasn't moved. “Time has come to crack down on the league's economic delinquents,” he said.
Of course, Murcia fans don't feel the same way. After all, last season they almost made it into La Liga, Spain's top tier, finishing their Segunda A season proper in 4th place and just missing out on promotion to La Liga in the playoffs, and now they are to be thrown into the purgatory that is the Spanish third division. 
Inside the league nerve centre, w hile Murcia fans protested outside, Tebas talked tough about enforcing the new financial rules.
But while Tebas says quite categorically that this is the end of the saga, according to Club President Jesus Samper, nothing is further from reality, so hang on… this might get even more complicated yet… Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44679/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: There has been much speculation this week about the future of Real Murcia, which had administrative relegation placed on it to Second Division ‘B' for failing to meet debt and income obligations required by the statutes of La Liga.
But it finall...

### IN THE BUNKER WITH MICK THE GRIP. AUGUST 2014

EASTLAKE G.C.  ATLANTA.   The final 30 in the FedEx playoffs will battle it out here in the Tour Championship on September 11th.    After last week's Barclays Championship the next in line is the Deutsche Bank  for the top 100 (29th August) followed by the BMW Championship for the top 70 (4th September.)  
The prize: $10.000.000 plus.  Ian Poulter could treat himself to a private plane if he won, he has been moaning on Twitter how much his wife suffered flying first class recently without the childrens' nanny!  Life is hard.
RORY MCILROY'S awe inspiring drives are achieved with his Nike Covert 2.0 Tour driver.  Nike claim the greater distance is due to the “Fly Brace technology” stiffening the walls of the cavity back.  
This increased stability enables  more energy to be transferred to the front of the club, adding another couple of mph to his ball speed.  Also, a 460cc face size, slightly larger than on his previous drivers gives him better contact; even Rory McIlroy doesn't hit the centre every time at 120 mph.
THE LONG DRIVE COMPETITION was revived at this year's USPGA Championship, on the 590 yd, par five 10th.   It was won by Louis Oosthuizen with a 340 yd. drive.  In 1963 Jack Nicklaus won the contest with an incredible  341 yd drive using a persimmon driver with 11 degree loft and Titleist wound ball.  Apart from his winnings he received a special money clip, a replica of which he presented to Oosthuizen.  "I've kept mine in my pocket for 51 years,” Jack commented.  Must be time he bought a round.
Another player noted for hanging onto his wallet is Tiger Woods, unlike Phil Mickelson, who is apparently an ‘outrageously generous tipper.' Out of America's ten worst celebrity tippers Woods came in a comfortable first. 
A BOGEY FREE ROUND, in fact a bogey free tournament at the Dick's Sporting Goods Open carried Bernhard Langer to his 23rd Champions Tour victory.  
Langer beat Mark O'Meara and Woody Austin by one shot, finishing with a 16 under 66, his 5th Champions Tour victory this year.  
U.S. RYDER CUP CAPTAIN Tom Watson has announced that nine players have qualified automatically for the team: Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler, Jim Furyk, Jimmy Walker, Phil Mickelson, Matt Kuchar, Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed and Zach Johnson, with the three wild cards to be announced on September 2nd. 
In the other camp Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson, Victor Dubuisson, Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose, Martin Kaymer, Thomas Bjorn, Jamie Donaldson and Graeme McDowell would compose Paul McGinley's nine automatic picks as of this week.  
The final qualifying event, the Italian Open, finishes on August 31st.  McDowell could yet be out; Ian Poulter is praying for a wild card, I'm rooting for Jimenez.  Pity we can't have Langer.
STEPHANIE MEADOW (22) is Northern Ireland's female equivalent to Rory McIlroy. Stephanie, from County Antrim made a stunning professional debut in June by finishing joint 3rd in the U.S. Women's Open at Pinehurst, after Rory gave her some course tips.  Their success seems to be inspiring youngsters in Ireland; golf participation is on the rise.
UNFORTUNATELY, it's going in the other direction in America. Dick's Sporting Goods, largest retailer in the U.S. of TaylorMade and Callaway products, last month fired all the PGA professionals employed in the golf departments of it's 560 stores.  
Dick's installed a PGA pro at every store to combat the competition from online retailers, but the decline in golf participation in the U.S. and too many new products flooding the market meant they were overstocked.  Dick's suffered more than most after  buying all four models of the driver TaylorMade released last year plus the three new Callaway drivers produced in quick succession.  I can guess what the departing pros called the Head of Dick's as they left!
Until next time, Happy Golfing.
Contact Mick for all your regripping and repairs. Tel: 638 859 475.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44677/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: EASTLAKE G.C.  ATLANTA.   The final 30 in the FedEx playoffs will battle it out here in the Tour Championship on September 11th.    After last week's Barclays Championship the next in line is the Deutsche Bank  for the top 100 (29th August) followed by the BMW Championship for the top 70 (4th September.)  
The prize: $10.000.000 plus.  Ian Poulter could treat himself to a private plane if he won, he has been moaning on Twitter how much his wife suffered flying first class recently without the childrens' nanny!  Life is hard.
RORY MCILROY'S awe inspiring drives are achieved with his Nike Covert 2.0 Tour driver.  Nike claim the greater distance is due to the “Fly Brace technology” stiffening the walls of the cavity back.  
This increased stability enables  more energy to be transferred to the front of the club, adding another couple of mph to his ball speed.  Also, a 460cc face size, slightly larger than on his previous drivers gives him better contact; even Rory McIlroy doesn't hit the centre every time at 120 mph.
THE LONG DRIVE COMPETITION was revived at this year's USPGA Championship, on the 590 yd, par five 10th.   It was won by Louis Oosthuizen with a 340 yd. drive.  In 1963 Jack Nicklaus won the contest with an incredible  341 yd drive using a persimmon driver with 11 degree loft and Titleist wound ball.  Apart from his winnings he received a special money clip, a replica of which he presented to Oosthuizen.  "I've kept mine in my pocket for 51 years,” Jack commented.  Must be time he bought a round.
Another player noted for hanging onto his wallet is Tiger Woods, unlike Phil Mickelson, who is apparently an ‘outrageously generous tipper.' Out of America's ten worst celebrity tippers Woods came in a comfortable first. 
A BOGEY FREE ROUND, in fact a bogey free tournament at the Dick's Sporting Goods Open carried Bernhard Langer to his 23rd Champions Tour victory.  
Langer beat Mark O'Meara and Woody Austin by one shot, finishing with a 16 under 66, his 5th Champions Tour victory this year.  
U.S. RYDER CUP CAPTAIN Tom Watson has announced that nine players have qualified automatically for the team: Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler, Jim Furyk, Jimmy Walker, Phil Mickelson, Matt Kuchar, Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed and Zach Johnson, with the three wild cards to be announced on September 2nd. 
In the other camp Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson, Victor Dubuisson, Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose, Martin Kaymer, Thomas Bjorn, Jamie Donaldson and Graeme McDowell would compose Paul McGinley's nine automatic picks as of this week.  
The final qualifying event, the Italian Open, finishes on August 31st.  McDowell could yet be out; Ian Poulter is praying for a wild card, I'm rooting for Jimenez.  Pity we can't have Langer.
STEPHANIE MEADOW (22) is Northern Ireland's female equivalent to Rory McIlroy. Stephanie, from County Antrim made a stunning professional debut in June by finishing joint 3rd in the U.S. Women's Open at Pinehurst, after Rory gave her some course tips.  Their success seems to be inspiring youngsters in Ireland; golf participation is on the rise.
UNFORTUNATELY, it's going in the other direction in America. Dick's Sporting Goods, largest retailer in the U.S. of TaylorMade and Callaway products, last month fired all the PGA professionals employed in the golf departments of it's 560 stores.  
Dick's installed a PGA pro at every store to combat the competition from online retailers, but the decline in golf participation in the U.S. and too many new products flooding the market meant they were overstocked.  Dick's suffered more than most after  buying all four models of the driver TaylorMade released last year plus the three new Callaway drivers produced in quick succession.  I can guess what the departing pros called the Head of Dick's as they left!
Until next time, Happy Golfing.
Contact Mick for all your regripping and repairs. Tel: 638 859 475.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44677/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### NOISE CONTRIBUTES TO DIABETES DEATHS

A report featured by the Spanish traffic department, the DGT, reveals that scientific research conducted jointly by the Carlos III Institute of Health, the Higher Council for Scientific Research and the Autonomous University of Madrid, demonstrates a close relationship between noise and mortality from diabetes.
Researchers studied the noise levels caused by traffic in the city of Madrid between 2001 and 2009, and revealed that the key behind this relationship is a hormone called Cortisol, a glucocorticoid steroid hormone, produced by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex, which is released in response to stress and a low level of blood glucocorticoid. Its primary functions are to increase blood sugar through gluconeogenesis, suppress the immune system, and aid the metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrate.
Julio Díaz, lead scientist at the national school of health based in the Carlos III Institute, says that whilst the body is asleep in a noisy environment, it reacts by releasing Cortisol into the bloodstream, along with other compounds, resulting in a greater amount of this hormone in the blood, and the increased risk of diabetes.
The study not only concludes that noise is associated with diabetes, but also links it to mortality from the disease. “After a peak of noise, in two or three days we notice a peak in mortality from diabetes, especially in those over 65 years”, says Díaz, concluding that “if the noise levels during sleep were just 0.5 decibels lower, it would prevent about 350 deaths per year in the over 65 age group in the city of Madrid alone”.
Of course, although the study was conducted using traffic as part of the data collection, noise in general can be a contributing factor, such as that from bars, clubs, parties, concerts, sports fixtures and even snoring, which can all lead to a potential increase in mortality.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44667/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A report featured by the Spanish traffic department, the DGT, reveals that scientific research conducted jointly by the Carlos III Institute of Health, the Higher Council for Scientific Research and the Autonomous University of Madrid, demonstrates a c...

### URGENT CALLS FOR DESALINATION PLANT IMPLEMENTATION

The PSPV socialist group of Alicante has called on Spain´s central government to implementation the desalination plants in Torrevieja and Mutxamel, in order to alleviate the urgent problems that the province of Alicante faces during the current drought.
Provincial deputy secretary of the PSOE, Herick Campos, said this week that the “paralysis” of the program aimed at providing clean water in the area is unacceptable and the province is about to face a particularly bad time unless urgent action is taken, which could so easily have been avoided if the government of Mariano Rajoy had not caused the “delay in commissioning of the desalination plants”.
Campos stressed that the drought has not only had “consequences for rain-fed crops”, but it has also affected citrus, which has resulted in an increase in production costs, which can only be absorbed by higher prices to the consumer.
Campos also says that the immediate implementation of the plants would avoid depleting underground reserves, which are limited, or taking water away from other industries, and even restrictions on consumption.
Campos also pointed out that the previous socialist governments invested 2,119 million euro in the expansion of the Alicante II desalination plant and San Pedro del Pinatar, the transfer network at Jucar Vinalopó, improving water channels in Taibilla, and the modernization of irrigation systems.
Earlier this year, the Constitutional Court annulled an agreement set out in March 2007 that ordered the paralysation of construction to finish the desalination plant in Torrevieja. The plant was set to be a flagship project, becoming the largest such facility in the whole of Europe, and the second largest in the world, but was fraught with political debate, claims of over budgeting and waste and environmental concerns.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44666/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The PSPV socialist group of Alicante has called on Spain´s central government to implementation the desalination plants in Torrevieja and Mutxamel, in order to alleviate the urgent problems that the province of Alicante faces during the current d...

### GREENS DEMAND ANSWERS TO LACK OF ACTION

The Los Verdes green party of Torrevieja have denounced what they describe as the “passivity” of the ruling Partido Popular in taking action against returning a plot of land which had been fenced off and used as a private car park, which is in fact a public and green space.
In May of last year, Torrevieja City Council published a notice in the official bulletin stating that they have initiated the process of recovering municipal land, categorised as intended for public and green use, of the Sector 22 urbanisation “El Acequión”, located alongside the N-332 near the park of nations, which is currently paved and used as parking exclusively for the private use of residents of the urbanisation.
This move was made after 14 years of “turning a blind eye” to the fact that residents of the urbanisation had claimed the land for their own use. In 2012, the process began after land had been identified as being of public denomination, and so a series of actions began to reclaim the land, recovering it for us of all citizens. 
However, according to the greens, despite the efforts of municipal officials whose actions forced the eviction process to begin, the government team has remained “with folded arms”, to the point that the area has returned to being used solely as a private car park once again. 
The 8,000 square metre plot of land was part of a development by the company Edén del Mar, one of the companies alleged to have been involved in a case where the former PP Mayor Torrevieja, Pedro Hernández Mateo, is alleged to have benefited from the sale of land at Cañaica Larga, purchased for the equivalent of 180,000 euro, and sold for 5.4 million.
The greens are demanding an explanation of the “accumulation of irregularities” by the current Mayor, Eduardo Dolón, the Town Planning Department and the PP government on the whole, to clarify the reasons that this developer has been allowed such “privileges”, and no action has been taken on behalf of the residents of the city.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44665/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Los Verdes green party of Torrevieja have denounced what they describe as the “passivity” of the ruling Partido Popular in taking action against returning a plot of land which had been fenced off and used as a private car park, which is...

### ELECTROMAR TO RETURN IN 2015

With an anticipated audience of 15,000 people the first year of 2012, 20,000 people in 2013 and 10,000 people in 2014, the reality being 8,000 partygoers visiting this year, the organisers of the Electromar music festival in Torrevieja have already announced that they will return next year. 
Praised as being a tourist attraction, many residents are questioning the value that the attendees bring, spending little in the city as their drinks are consumed at the venue, the partygoers have no interest in visiting shops or restaurants, and there are no requirements for hotels as the party runs right through the night.
Let alone the noise and inconvenience the residents have to endure, roadblocks whilst the security services search for drugs and alcohol, the risk to public safety that drunk drivers create that the law enforcers try to prevent.
Quite why Torrevieja is the chosen location for an event that doesn´t meet the usual characteristics of the intended image of the event remains to be seen, when the reality is nothing more than streets flooded with litter and rubbish  and no immediate intention to clean up the day after, only showing Torrevieja in the poorest light.
However, there are no doubt some beneficiaries from the arrangement, as has been proven in previous years, but we shall have to wait for the accounts to be scrutinised this year to see exactly who does benefit from a party better suited to Ibiza or even Benidorm, rather than a town which prides itself on a history of classical musical performances.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44664/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: With an anticipated audience of 15,000 people the first year of 2012, 20,000 people in 2013 and 10,000 people in 2014, the reality being 8,000 partygoers visiting this year, the organisers of the Electromar music festival in Torrevieja have already ann...

### FIRE FIGHTER FIESTA THREAT

According to a press release from the Partido Popular of Orihuela, the municipality owes the fire consortium 64,000 euro.
For this reason, the fire service will only provide emergency cover in the municipality, only attending emergencies, and will not be present to cover events that would normally be of risk but preventable, such as firework displays. As the risk of fire can be prevented by not setting the fireworks off, the risk factor from this sort of event is easily avoided.
The first major event they are refusing to attend is the celebration of Orihuela´s own patron saint, the Virgen de Monserrate, to be held on the 31st of August. 
The acting mayor of Orihuela, Antonio Zapata, has declared that the outstanding payment will be made imminently, and that the receipt of a debtors letter is normal practice, whilst confirming that, “I wanted to make clear that the fiesta will not be left without the protection of fire fighters”, whilst criticising the PP for their “alarmist” attitude.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44662/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: According to a press release from the Partido Popular of Orihuela, the municipality owes the fire consortium 64,000 euro.
For this reason, the fire service will only provide emergency cover in the municipality, only attending emergencies, and will not...

### HABANERAS EXPENSES QUESTIONED

The opposition socialist group of Torrevieja have once again brought to question some of the factures authorised for payment by the councillor for finance, Joaquín Albaladejo, in reference to th annual musical event in the city, the Habaneras.
It has first been pointed out by Javier Manzanares, of the PSOE, that some of these invoices have been paid within 3 days of being presented, an event almost unprecedented within a town hall, and that some of the figures appear to be “inflated”.
One example questioned is a return airfare ticket from Bilboa, in the north of Spain, to Alicante, for the head of the San Sebastian choir. The facture is to the value of 655 euro, whereas Manzanares claims the budget allocated for the trip was just 241 euro. Although the date is clearly different, a quick search reveals flights now for no more than little over 400 euro. The renting of a piano cost 762 euro, when a quote for the same type of piano from the same company was 470 euro.
Although Manzanares says that these figures might be “small amounts”, they indicate the symptomatic lack of control and management of budgets and procurement in Torrevieja, which has been present for years, the principal question being why does everything cost the Torrevieja tax payer more for this sort of event. The return value of the million euro expense faced by this event is also brought to questions, as Manzanares says that these examples are just a couple of many and testify that the same event could be organised “for a lot less money”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44661/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The opposition socialist group of Torrevieja have once again brought to question some of the factures authorised for payment by the councillor for finance, Joaquín Albaladejo, in reference to th annual musical event in the city, the Habaneras.
...

### RESCUERS KILLED IN HELICOPTER CRASH

Three officers from the Guardia Civil were killed on Sunday morning, when their helicopter crashed in the Polinosa area of Maraña, north of León.
The officers were part of a mountain rescue team involved in the rescue of a group of people, when their helicopter touched the steep Cliffside of the mountain and plummeted to the ground.
The accident occurred at around 09:00, and a full emergency was declared to try to rescue those on board, whilst also attempting to rescue the original group of climbers.
The identities of those who were killed has not yet been released, but a full investigation is underway.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44660/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Three officers from the Guardia Civil were killed on Sunday morning, when their helicopter crashed in the Polinosa area of Maraña, north of León.
The officers were part of a mountain rescue team involved in the rescue of a group of peopl...

### LADY OF ELCHE HITS THE BIG SCREENS

'Operasiones espesiales' will premiere on September 19 at about 30 cinemas across Spain. An action packed movie the plot centres around the theft of The Lady of Elche 
The film was put together over almost four years. It was shot in over 80 locations including Elche, Alicante, Madrid, Jacarilla, Benitachell, Torrevieja and Santa Pola and it employed approximately 30 technicians, more than 800 extras and about a hundred actors including  Alex O'Dogherty, Enrique Villen, Carlos Santos, Emilio Gaviria and Cristina Cifuentes. There are also a lot of familiar faces from the small screen, as well as a cameo appearance of the famous director and actor Santiago Segura.
With a budget of around 100,000 euros, 80% of the costs have been funded via the crowd funding method, so to date, over 1,000 individuals and about 100 companies have invested in the project. Yesterday, the actor Enrique Villen said that "Spanish cinema is increasingly surreal and that the completion of Operasiones espesiales is one of the best examples of the success that can be had from such a small project.
The film was previewed last Wednesday in the Berlanga Madrid where it was attended by much of the main cast and its director, Paco Soto.
Operasiones espesiales will also be screened at the Torremolinos Film Festival on 31 October.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44659/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: 'Operasiones espesiales' will premiere on September 19 at about 30 cinemas across Spain. An action packed movie the plot centres around the theft of The Lady of Elche 
The film was put together over almost four years. It was shot in over 80 locations including Elche, Alicante, Madrid, Jacarilla, Benitachell, Torrevieja and Santa Pola and it employed approximately 30 technicians, more than 800 extras and about a hundred actors including  Alex O'Dogherty, Enrique Villen, Carlos Santos, Emilio Gaviria and Cristina Cifuentes. There are also a lot of familiar faces from the small screen, as well as a cameo appearance of the famous director and actor Santiago Segura.
With a budget of around 100,000 euros, 80% of the costs have been funded via the crowd funding method, so to date, over 1,000 individuals and about 100 companies have invested in the project. Yesterday, the actor Enrique Villen said that "Spanish cinema is increasingly surreal and that the completion of Operasiones espesiales is one of the best examples of the success that can be had from such a small project.
The film was previewed last Wednesday in the Berlanga Madrid where it was attended by much of the main cast and its director, Paco Soto.
Operasiones espesiales will also be screened at the Torremolinos Film Festival on 31 October.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44659/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### SELLOUT SUCCESS FOR THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

A really wonderful night attended by very nearly 200 people, that was the Royal British Legion BBQ, held by the Orihuela Costa Branch last Thursday evening at the Olympia Restaurant in Mil Palmeras.
Not only were the diners right royally feasted by our host Elena, but they also enjoyed an evening of first class entertainment provided by the 17 year old singing sensation Rebecca Holt, ably supported by the ever popular local showgroup TAABS (Torrevieja Association Of Amateur Balladeer Singers), all of whom gave their excellent services absolutely free of charge.
But in providing a solo performance of his own it was Les Goodacre who got the evening underway. Les is a recent addition to the TAABS lineup, but with a penchant for Elvis, was largely playing to an audience of that sort of era. It was felt that his talents were far too good to forgo, so his first class interpretations of a number of Elvis classics helped to set the mood for the remainder of the musical evening. 
Rebecca Holt was next up and with her relaxed style and presentation, and her simply wonderful voice, her opening set was bubbly and a great deal of fun. A mark of this young lady's performance was that she kept the audience spellbound, even whilst the bbq was being served....not an easy task when playing to the 200 ravenous diners. 
TAABS took over the stage under their new Musical Director Shirley Godfrey and they too wowed the bumper crowd with a sparkling performance of popular songs from the shows. As the audience began to sing along we heard half a dozen solo performances from the octet who just seem to get better with age. It was apparent that the group have been working quite hard with their harmonies as there was hardly a wavering note all night. Certainly one of the best harmonic performances that I have heard on the Costa Blanca for many a good year, and so apparent that they work extremely hard at everything they do. 
TAABS have now been performing on our shores for over 15 years and with 24 shows last year alone I can now see why they are in such great demand. And what a bonus; their performances are all provided absolutely free of charge, the result being that they have raised many thousands of euro's for Costa Blanca charities over the years. 
As the evening progressed I was particularly looking forward to Rebecca's second set featuring songs from ‘The War Years' and this is where her talents really shone through as she transported us all back with her wonderful husky tones. In Vera Lynn's 97th year Rebecca paid tribute to ‘The Forces Sweetheart'  by singing many of the songs most associated with her,  "We'll Meet Again", "The White Cliffs of Dover", "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" and "There'll Always Be an England" and many, many more. And with song sheets provided, had there been a roof to the open air venue, she surely would have brought it down.
This young lady is almost certainly on the verge of stardom so to see her entertaining locally as she continues to build on her experience really is a great joy for those of us who are able to see her perform. It seems incredible that one so young can be so completely immersed in the emotion of her songs.  She has the honesty, vulnerability and total commitment every time she sings - the hallmark of a true artist.    
And whilst the evening was all about having a jolly good time the monies that were raised through the raffle, in excess of 750 euro, really will be put to good use as they are added to the funds raised by the Orihuela Costa Branch toward their 2014 Poppy Appeal, all of which will be use to support ex servicemen and their families here in Spain. 
The Royal British Legion would like to pass on their grateful thanks to the following prize sponsors: 
DFS Furniture Store, San Javier, Eduardo's Restaurant, Villamartin, Goodfella's, Playa Flamenca, Yolo's, Cabo Roig, Vistabella Golf Club, The Lavender Room, Karen and Dave Mobile Hairdresser, Euronics, Blue Hills, The Leader Newspaper, Exite Radio, Quesada Fish and Chips, Curtain and Bedding Store, Los Dolses, Tagua Florist, Campoamor, Winning Express, Rocky's Restaurant, Spain Lawn Bowls, Costa Blanca Green Fees, CD Torrevieja. 
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44658/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A really wonderful night attended by very nearly 200 people, that was the Royal British Legion BBQ, held by the Orihuela Costa Branch last Thursday evening at the Olympia Restaurant in Mil Palmeras.
Not only were the diners right royally feasted by our host Elena, but they also enjoyed an evening of first class entertainment provided by the 17 year old singing sensation Rebecca Holt, ably supported by the ever popular local showgroup TAABS (Torrevieja Association Of Amateur Balladeer Singers), all of whom gave their excellent services absolutely free of charge.
But in providing a solo performance of his own it was Les Goodacre who got the evening underway. Les is a recent addition to the TAABS lineup, but with a penchant for Elvis, was largely playing to an audience of that sort of era. It was felt that his talents were far too good to forgo, so his first class interpretations of a number of Elvis classics helped to set the mood for the remainder of the musical evening. 
Rebecca Holt was next up and with her relaxed style and presentation, and her simply wonderful voice, her opening set was bubbly and a great deal of fun. A mark of this young lady's performance was that she kept the audience spellbound, even whilst the bbq was being served....not an easy task when playing to the 200 ravenous diners. 
TAABS took over the stage under their new Musical Director Shirley Godfrey and they too wowed the bumper crowd with a sparkling performance of popular songs from the shows. As the audience began to sing along we heard half a dozen solo performances from the octet who just seem to get better with age. It was apparent that the group have been working quite hard with their harmonies as there was hardly a wavering note all night. Certainly one of the best harmonic performances that I have heard on the Costa Blanca for many a good year, and so apparent that they work extremely hard at everything they do. 
TAABS have now been performing on our shores for over 15 years and with 24 shows last year alone I can now see why they are in such great demand. And what a bonus; their performances are all provided absolutely free of charge, the result being that they have raised many thousands of euro's for Costa Blanca charities over the years. 
As the evening progressed I was particularly looking forward to Rebecca's second set featuring songs from ‘The War Years' and this is where her talents really shone through as she transported us all back with her wonderful husky tones. In Vera Lynn's 97th year Rebecca paid tribute to ‘The Forces Sweetheart'  by singing many of the songs most associated with her,  "We'll Meet Again", "The White Cliffs of Dover", "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" and "There'll Always Be an England" and many, many more. And with song sheets provided, had there been a roof to the open air venue, she surely would have brought it down.
This young lady is almost certainly on the verge of stardom so to see her entertaining locally as she continues to build on her experience really is a great joy for those of us who are able to see her perform. It seems incredible that one so young can be so completely immersed in the emotion of her songs.  She has the honesty, vulnerability and total commitment every time she sings - the hallmark of a true artist.    
And whilst the evening was all about having a jolly good time the monies that were raised through the raffle, in excess of 750 euro, really will be put to good use as they are added to the funds raised by the Orihuela Costa Branch toward their 2014 Poppy Appeal, all of which will be use to support ex servicemen and their families here in Spain. 
The Royal British Legion would like to pass on their grateful thanks to the following prize sponsors: 
DFS Furniture Store, San Javier, Eduardo's Restaurant, Villamartin, Goodfella's, Playa Flamenca, Yolo's, Cabo Roig, Vistabella Golf Club, The Lavender Room, Karen and Dave Mobile Hairdresser, Euronics, Blue Hills, The Leader Newspaper, Exite Radio, Quesada Fish and Chips, Curtain and Bedding Store, Los Dolses, Tagua Florist, Campoamor, Winning Express, Rocky's Restaurant, Spain Lawn Bowls, Costa Blanca Green Fees, CD Torrevieja. 
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44658/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### The Weekend – 23 and 24 August – What to do

ALL WEEK
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
Exhibition – “Toda la galaxia en el castillo”. A collection of 20,000 items of interest to Star Wars fans, including toys, models and works of art. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Until 11 April).
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of historic documents regarding the request to hold a market in the town of san Agustín, dating back to 1756. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 August).
SANTA POLA
Book Fair. Plaza de la Glorieta, opposite the main facade of the Castle (Last week).
Exhibition “Tierra y Mar de Sal”, Museo de la Sal (Until 31 August).
SHOWS AND MUSICALS
The Lion King, Teatro Lope De Vega, Madrid (Until 2 November).
Otelo, Teatro Bellas Artes, Madrid (Until 14 September).
SATURDAY 23 AUGUST
European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism.
Markets
Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola.
MARBELLA
Kid Creole and the Coconuts, Hotel Puente Romano Tennis Club, Málaga.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Tribute to Elvis Presley, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
21:00 – Classical concert “Lucentum Ensemble”, Palacio de la Música.
22:30 – Concert by Bertín Osborne and Paco Arévalo, “2 Caras Duras en Crisis”, Eras de la Sal.
SUNDAY 24 AUGUST
Markets
Benidorm, Elche, La Nucia, Campoverde, La Marina, Zoco, Almoradí street market, Lemon Tree Road, Mil Palmeras.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Sing, play and dance, especially for children, Zenia Boulevard.
Underwater guided snorkelling tour (Every Wed and Sun).
TORREVIEJA
17:00 – Brainfood Soundsystem, La Mata.
20:30 – Microteatro, Palacio de la Música.
21:30 – “Michael La Leyenda”, Michael Jackson tribute show, Teatro Municipal.
FUTURE EVENTS
Buñol – La Tomatina tomato fight, 27 August (Sold out).
Torrevieja – MOWO – Mobile photography and Instagram event, September.

Excerpt: ALL WEEK ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – […]

### BLACK FLAG FOR WATER QUALITY

The environmental group, Ecologistas en Acción, have issued 30 “black flags” to beaches of the Valencia region, denoting areas where the minimum legal standards of water quality have not been reached. 
The good news is that the southernmost area of Valencia, the Orihuela Costa, has been spared the embarrassment of having been given the flags, indicating the water quality there to be of an acceptable standard, but the same sadly cannot be said as we move north through Torrevieja, Guardamar, Santa Pola, Elche and Benidorm, to name but a few, who all have beaches of substandard quality, some of which the group even recommend not bathing in the waters of.
The ecologists state that the report was based on the “limited evidence” mostly obtained through the Ministry of Environment, with the voluntary work of activists, and has focused on key impacts and threats on the coast of Castellón, Valencia and Alicante, looking mainly at organic pollution discharges.
In addition to organic pollution, the study analyzes a percentage that shows the operation of the treatment plants which deposit wastewater throughout the territory of the community.
Most worryingly, the report recommends not bathing in the waters of the beaches at Playa Arenals del sol in Elche, and Playa de Guardamar, Playa Roqueta and Playa Vivers in Guardamar. 
In the Alicante province, Black Flags have been issued for the beaches at Els Poblets-el Verger, Dénia, Jávea, Benitatxel (cumbers del sol-6), Moraira-Teuleda, Calpe, Altea (Toix-Mascarat), Altea, Benidorm, Villajoyosa, El Campello (La Merced), Alacantí Norte, Alicante (Monte Orgegia), Alicante (Rincón de León), Elx (Arenales), Santa Pola, Guardamar and Torrevieja.
Finally, they did offer one positive message, that of the “positive actions” which have been achieved on the island of Tabarca, therefore the beaches there have received a “green dot”, after volunteers from their group were involved in a cleanup operation.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44657/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The environmental group, Ecologistas en Acción, have issued 30 “black flags” to beaches of the Valencia region, denoting areas where the minimum legal standards of water quality have not been reached. 
The good news is that the sout...

### A BUMPER AUTUMN ON TV

Although summer may not be over yet, we are fast heading towards autumn, which means the television schedules are set to change once again, so we can snuggle down in front of the box as the nights start to get longer and the temperature starts to drop.
A new six-part BBC One drama, Our Zoo, will follow the inspiring real story of the Mottershead family who established Chester Zoo in the 1930s. With incredible single-mindedness, George Mottershead, played by Lee Ingleby, drove himself and his family to realise his ambition to transform a ramshackle house, on the outskirts of Chester, into a unique zoo that would change the way animals are kept for forever. The drama follows George's inspiring and challenging journey as he moves his wife, two young daughters and parents - along with a monkey and a parrot - into a draughty old stately home. With a derelict plot of land, mounting debts, no resources or manpower and a concerted campaign from the local villagers to halt George's plans entirely.
Our Girl returns to BBC One with a five-part series which follows on from the 2013 single drama which saw Lacey Turner playing the unstoppable Molly Dawes who, having been born and raised in East London with few prospects, went from nobody to a soldier in the Royal Army Medical Corps. Six months later from where we last saw her after completing her initial training, Molly is deployed to Afghanistan as a serving medic. As one of the last missions before the British Army withdraws from the country, Molly is thrilled but things only get worse when Molly discovers Smurf, a face from the past she'd rather forget, is a member of the platoon. As Molly feels the pressure to prove herself, a growing friendship with a local Afghan girl puts Molly in a precarious position with more than her reputation in jeopardy.
In the year 2000, the BBC started 7 Up 2000, a new cycle of the landmark 'Up' documentary series that charts the lives of ordinary people every seven years. Now, in 2014, we catch up with them again as they approach the milestone of their 21st birthdays.
BBC One are also looking at education, with Our School, a brand-new fly-on-the-wall documentary series, following the ups and downs of a group of young people as they make the important transition between primary and secondary school. Episode one introduces the new intake of 11 year-olds at Conyers School in Yarm and follows the pupils as they begin year seven - the most important year of their lives so far. By the way, Channel 4´s award winning “Educating” returns too, this time focusing on the East End of London.
The talent juggernaut, The X Factor, is back in action as the competition scours all corners of the UK in search of a singer worthy of landing a life changing record contract. The nation's most talked about entertainment show sees former ‘frenemies' reunited with the welcome return of music mogul Simon Cowell, and pop princess Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, or Cheryl Cole as we might otherwise remember her. They are joined by straight-talking Spice Girl, Mel B, and music manager and long standing judge Louis Walsh.
Chasing Shadows is a thrilling, new four-part ITV drama, set in a missing persons field unit that hunts serial killers who prey on the vulnerable. Reece Shearsmith plays Ds Sean Stone and his partner, Ruth Hattersley is played by Alex Kingston, whilst Noel Clarke takes on the role of Di Carl Prior.
ITV has commissioned a brand new series of the legendary TV classic Stars In Their Eyes. In what they describe as an “exciting new revival of the hit series”, the host will be Harry Hill, who will unleash his unique wit on this much loved British TV favourite.  As well as an abundance of dry ice and sizzling new sliding doors, the hugely popular TV format will feature all-new extraordinary transformations and exceptional musical imitations... They say!
“You´re Back in the Room” is a brand new game show for ITV, hosted by Phillip Schofield, a team of five strangers take on apparently simple challenges to win money but each of these contestants have been hypnotised. The contestants, each willingly open to hypnotic suggestion, will be hypnotised by International mentalist Keith Barry and seemingly straight forward tasks will get much harder as their hypnotic triggers cause them to inadvertently sabotage their chances of winning with hilarious consequences.
Retro music lovers will be pleased to hear that ITV will be having a Spandau Ballet special coming soon. Having first burst onto the music scene over 30 years ago, the New Romantics soon dominated the charts with anthems including, True, Gold and Through The Barricades selling over 25 million albums worldwide. Hosted by Christine Bleakley, the pin ups, who cemented the New Romantic scene within music history, will discuss their long spanning careers, which saw them emerge from the underground club scene in the early 80's to become teen idols with armies of fans
Surreal black-comedy Black Mirror, written by Charlie Brooker, returns to Channel 4 for a Christmas Special, described as the “Twilight Zone for the modern age”', the feature-length film will give us three interwoven stories of Yuletide techno-paranoia collide in the most chilling and mind-bending Black Mirror yet. Brooker said, “I always enjoy a good ghost story at Christmas, and I'm a sucker for the Amicus' compendium horror movies of the 70s. Our aim is to create the Black Mirror equivalent of that”.
Gogglebox also returns to Channel from September, with a 12-part series and on Fridays at 9pm. Now in its fourth series, we see the return of some old favourites, including the loveable Leon and June, Steph and Dom the posh couple who like a tipple, hairdressers Christopher and Stephen, and Brixton's own Sandy and Sandra, along with some new additions too. If you´re a fan of the show, maybe you know the names behind such phrases as, “He's quite nice looking, Richard Hammond, but he's too little for me”, “Did the Titanic actually happen?”, “The Queen is a Top Bird” or “[The Full Monty] is quite a simple routine, we could do that”, then you might want to ask Santa for the brand new Gogglebox board game which is set to be released to coincide with the launch of the series.
The doors of Liberty of London are flung open once more as Channel 4 returns to gain a closer look behind-the-scenes of one of London's oldest and iconic department stores in the run-up to the busy festive period. With unprecedented access, we catch up with the work of Liberty's cast of charismatic buyers and workers to find out what challenges and opportunities the past year has brought.
With lots more shows announced to keep us entertained, including the return of Homeland, a new drama focussing on coalition government, comedy, and even the return of Sunday Night at the London Palladium, there really is something for everyone this autumn. We will of course keep you updates in our comprehensive TV listings in The Leader newspaper, so that´s another good reason to pick up your favourite FREE weekly, if you ever needed on.
Now it's time to make sure you´ve got enough supplies to ensure you can settle down, switch off  your mobile, relax and snuggle down to some new, some traditional and some returning televisual entertainment.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44656/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Although summer may not be over yet, we are fast heading towards autumn, which means the television schedules are set to change once again, so we can snuggle down in front of the box as the nights start to get longer and the temperature starts to drop....

### Friday 22 August 2014 – Events List

ALL WEEK
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
Exhibition – “Toda la galaxia en el castillo”. A collection of 20,000 items of interest to Star Wars fans, including toys, models and works of art. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Until 11 April).
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of historic documents regarding the request to hold a market in the town of san Agustín, dating back to 1756. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 August).
SANTA POLA
Book Fair. Plaza de la Glorieta, opposite the main facade of the Castle (Last week).
Exhibition “Tierra y Mar de Sal”, Museo de la Sal (Until 31 August).
SHOWS AND MUSICALS
The Lion King, Teatro Lope De Vega, Madrid (Until 2 November).
Otelo, Teatro Bellas Artes, Madrid (Until 14 September).
FRIDAY 22 AUGUST
Markets
Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, TORREVIEJA.
ALICANTE
María Jesús and her accordion, Auditorio La Concha – La Explanada.
ALTEA
Discover Altea, guided walks through the picturesque town, every Friday in August.
CARTAGENA
Monty Python´s Best Sketches, Auditorio El Batel. Sala A Murcia, Cartagena.
IBIZA
Kylie Minogue, Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel Illes Balears.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Trouper’s Swing Band, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
20:00 – Musical “Godspell”, in English, Teatro Municipal.
22:00 – Music concert organised by Marilú Fischer, Virgen del Carmen.

Excerpt: ALL WEEK ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – […]

### PENSIONER DIES IN SAN MIGUEL POOL

A man, believed to be 93 years of age and of British nationality, died on Thursday in a private swimming pool at a house in the San Miguel de Salinas area, according to reports from the Guardia Civil.
The incident occurred between 10:00 and 11:00 in the morning, and an investigation has been launched to clarify the circumstances surrounding the death.
An autopsy will also be carried out to confirm the cause of death, and ascertain if the man drowned in the pool.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44655/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A man, believed to be 93 years of age and of British nationality, died on Thursday in a private swimming pool at a house in the San Miguel de Salinas area, according to reports from the Guardia Civil.
The incident occurred between 10:00 and 11:00 in t...

### A GOOD AFTERNOON GOOD NAP

Doctor Esteban de Vicente from the Chiron Torrevieja Hospital has been defending one of Spain´s oldest traditions, by explaining how the “siesta” can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 37% and also reduces the level of stress and physical tension.
In addition to the physical benefits, a short nap also increases the ability concentration by 34% and completely enhances alertness, vital in shift workers for improving their performance.
However, whereas the traditional siesta time may last for a few hours, the medic stressed that the nap time should not exceed thirty minutes, as this can start to reverse the benefits, thus having the opposite effect, a feeling of malaise and increased fatigue to levels previously felt.
“Sleeping longer or later than recommended is not a beneficial nap”, he explains, as it “affects the quality and duration of nocturnal sleep”, and can cause a symptom known as “sleep inertia”, resulting in “a dull feeling, accompanied by headaches and feeling no restorative sleep”. 
As for making the most of your siesta, the doctor stressed that the nap must be done at certain times of day, preferably immediately before or after eating. Noise should be avoided and the room set to a good temperature. The most beneficial system would be the habit of napping every day at the same time.
The Chiron Torrevieja Hospital has the latest technology for conducting neuropsychological tests, which are capable of diagnosing sleep disorders and brain bioelectrical activity.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44654/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Doctor Esteban de Vicente from the Chiron Torrevieja Hospital has been defending one of Spain´s oldest traditions, by explaining how the “siesta” can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 37% and also reduces the level of stres...

### ORIHUELA GETS NEW BEACH LOCKERS

Not only can the beaches of the Orihuela Costa boast some of the best quality service standards in the area, with quality accreditations aplenty, they are also home to some of the most innovative developments in the world.
Already this year the beach of Playa la Glea has taken delivery of what may have looked like a simple oversized white box, but when it opened, it revealed itself to be one of the most secure beach locker units there is. In fact, according to the company trialling the lockers, it is the only unit in the world in the configuration on the coast of Orihuela.
For the cost of just 5 euro per day, beachgoers can use a locker all day long, returning to it as many times as they like, storing their valuables in a secure and safe manner. Countless stories in the past have revealed how beaches can provide easy pickings for thieves, as many people simply leave their bags and valuables in the open as they go for a swim or a walk, distractions, relaxing or even a snooze can mean our defences are down and we are more vulnerable to crime.
Sometimes thieves simply pick up valuables off the beach and walk away, sometimes they bury them in the sand and return later, occasionally the theft of a set of car keys may lead thieves to take the vehicle and often find the address of the property, knowing it to be vacant, they can simply enter and take what they want.
Of course this is a very bleak picture, and we know that overall the crime rate is down in Orihuela, but the fact that these lockers provide the means of protecting ourselves from becoming a victim of opportunistic crime means that the criminals will have less availability and therefore everybody can be more secure.
The lockers have an integrated information screen with them, available in a variety of languages, including English, which will guide you through the process of acquiring your locker.
Telling the system that you want to hire a locker for the day, you simply pay your 5 euro, either by credit or debit card, or in cash with coins. The system then allocates you a locker and number and delivers a small plastic token with a secure barcode on. A simple scan of the barcode on the “magic eye” of the locker will start the process of releasing the locking mechanism, allowing you to securely leave your belongings out of temptations way. Once finished, lock the door and take your taken with you, maybe tied around your wrist with one of the provided bands, and enjoy they day at the beach.
As an added bonus, once you have your locker allocated, you also get a code for the high-speed WiFi network, with a 10 megabyte speed, which you can also use all day long. The chiringuito beach bars already provide free WiFi in their immediate proximity, but the benefit of this system is that you can use it pretty much anywhere on the beach.
The councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, was given a guided tour of the facility by Jef Van Hyfte, the man behind the initiative. Detailing how the unit is self powering, from solar energy, with a battery backup, it is also environmentally friendly. Scheurer explained how that fact alone could contribute to part of the next level of accreditations for the beaches in the area, as the town hall are shortly going to be looking at improving the environmental qualities in the area.
It is also reassuring to know that should the power fail, then the system is fail-safe and will remain locked until an engineer attends and provides more power. In fact, engineers carry out regular checks on the systems that operate the lockers, as well being able to monitor them from afar, and with a multilingual team on hand should a problem ever occur, you can be safe in the knowledge that your belongings are protected, as you enjoy the peace, quiet or fun in the sun of a day at the beach.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44653/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Not only can the beaches of the Orihuela Costa boast some of the best quality service standards in the area, with quality accreditations aplenty, they are also home to some of the most innovative developments in the world.
Already this year the beach ...

### A JOURNEY WITH A DIFFERENCE

Having just celebrated its fourth birthday, the Alicante tram network has become a star of the internet in a very unusual way.
As part of a challenge on a YouTube account named RandomLife, Cristian Galera took a ride on a tram in San Vicente del Raspeig, armed with a music player, which he promptly started playing, and as the tunes of the soundtrack to The Full Monty began, Cristian commenced his own tribute to the movie, by sensually stripping off for the passengers.
Having performed his routine, he thanked his captivated audience, telling them it was a stunt for a hidden camera video, before gathering his clothes and leaving, to the applause and adoration of his fellow passengers.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44652/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Having just celebrated its fourth birthday, the Alicante tram network has become a star of the internet in a very unusual way.
As part of a challenge on a YouTube account named RandomLife, Cristian Galera took a ride on a tram in San Vicente del Raspe...

### TORREVIEJA ASKED TO EXPLAIN HOMOPHOBIC PARADE

The young socialists of Torrevieja have demanded answers from Torrevieja town hall, as to why the participants of the summer parade through the city were allowed to shout homophobic and hateful chants as they moved through the streets.
The secretary General, Carlos Sánchez, has asked the local government team to explain what happened as having a parade formed mostly of children and their parents expressing such hateful attitudes is both contrary to the laws regarding hate crimes, and creates a poor image of the city of Torrevieja which is trying to make its way into being a more diverse place.
According to Sánchez, “the use of homophobic language to children instils an image of normalcy in the use of such taunts and attacks”.
The socialists are demanding that the Partido Popular councillor responsible for allowing the parade ensures that this can never happen again, especially during events paid for by the residents of the town, many of whom are homosexual and therefore funded the hateful behaviour.
Sánchez said in a statement that “our city has always been shown as an open and welcoming city”, although there was the obvious exception in 2010 when the former mayor, Pedro Hernández Mateo, now a convicted criminal, upset one of Spain´s most popular singers, Miguel Bosé, by using a description of the singer, which the IU group at the time described as “a disgusting act of homophobia”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44651/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The young socialists of Torrevieja have demanded answers from Torrevieja town hall, as to why the participants of the summer parade through the city were allowed to shout homophobic and hateful chants as they moved through the streets.
The secretary G...

### Thursday 21 August 2014 – Things to Do

ALL WEEK
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
Exhibition – “Toda la galaxia en el castillo”. A collection of 20,000 items of interest to Star Wars fans, including toys, models and works of art. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Until 11 April).
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of historic documents regarding the request to hold a market in the town of san Agustín, dating back to 1756. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 August).
SANTA POLA
Book Fair. Plaza de la Glorieta, opposite the main facade of the Castle (Last week).
Exhibition “Tierra y Mar de Sal”, Museo de la Sal (Until 31 August).
SHOWS AND MUSICALS
The Lion King, Teatro Lope De Vega, Madrid (Until 2 November).
Otelo, Teatro Bellas Artes, Madrid (Until 14 September).
THURSDAY 21 AUGUST
World Fashion Day.
Markets
Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales.
ALICANTE
Teatro playmobil, Fórum de la Fnac Bulevar.
MALLORCA
Kool and the Gang, Port Adriano Illes Balears, Calvia.
ORIHUELA
Rock and soul concert with saxophonist Alberto Morote and singer Laly García Camacho, Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner.
ORIHUELA COSTA
An evening of Spanish monologues, Zenia Boulevard.

Excerpt: ALL WEEK ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – […]

### NEW HOMES INCREASINGLY DESERTED AND ABANDONED

As thousands of abandoned homes lie empty and deserted across the Vega Baja region thieves are stripping them bare, returning to the sites time and time again, taking everything of value they can possibly carry and rarely, if ever, being challenged by security or police.
Properties that were being marketed only a few weeks ago for sums in excess of 100,000 euro now lie derelict.
Moisés Cruz, a member of the Anti Corruption Group, Plataforma Anticorrupción Defensa de la Huerta, a group that raises awareness about the effects of speculation and unrestricted construction in the Vega Baja says  “They are taking everything……aluminium, copper, doors, window frames, iron, tiles, air conditioners, even bricks. They leave behind nothing but abandoned plots, empty buildings, crumbling walls and roofs. Everything is susceptible to thieves.”
One such abandoned edifice is a former four star spa hotel, the Villa De Catral Hotel Spa, which shut down in 2010, now just a shell of its former extravagance. 
Members of the group have spent the last year creating a photographic archive, documenting hundreds of derelict building that were put up during the good times and now left in ruins following the property crash. Cruz says “They were frenzied years, and now everybody is paying the price. I have details showing entire blocks of homes, apartments, town houses, luxury villas. But what are they now. It makes me cry. We could be walking through the streets of Syria or Iraq, many are little more than bomb zones. And all the time we see more and more evictions, families being thrown out onto the streets for little or no reason. We live in a very unjust world.”
Cruz highlights one such development in Almoradi where some of the abandoned shells are now being squatted in by drug addicts and tramps. Another is in Callosa de Segura where the duplex properties were selling for between 100,000 and 200,000 euros. They now lie completely abandoned, just empty shells. 
There is another similar development nearby in Benferri  where the wind blows over the roofs of the deserted buildings. The list just goes on and on, and unfortunately it also continues to grow. And of course with the developers falling into bankruptcy the developments are increasingly owned by banks which seem to be of little concern. 
“In some cases, with just a minimal investment, many could be used as social housing for the homeless or for those who cannot currently afford their own home," said Cruz.
It would seem that those in authority, the planners, the bankers and the builders have only occasionally been blessed with common sense. One such example was in Almoradi (population 20,000) early this year when the council refused permission for 11,000 new homes to  accommodate more than 50,000 inhabitants.
Another such decision was taken by the High Court which quashed a San Miguel de Salinas (population 7,000) plan because of the lack of an adequate environmental assessment. Developers there were hoping to build up to 40,000 new homes which would increase the population of the town by about 100,000 people. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44650/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As thousands of abandoned homes lie empty and deserted across the Vega Baja region thieves are stripping them bare, returning to the sites time and time again, taking everything of value they can possibly carry and rarely, if ever, being challenged by security or police.
Properties that were being marketed only a few weeks ago for sums in excess of 100,000 euro now lie derelict.
Moisés Cruz, a member of the Anti Corruption Group, Plataforma Anticorrupción Defensa de la Huerta, a group that raises awareness about the effects of speculation and unrestricted construction in the Vega Baja says  “They are taking everything……aluminium, copper, doors, window frames, iron, tiles, air conditioners, even bricks. They leave behind nothing but abandoned plots, empty buildings, crumbling walls and roofs. Everything is susceptible to thieves.”
One such abandoned edifice is a former four star spa hotel, the Villa De Catral Hotel Spa, which shut down in 2010, now just a shell of its former extravagance. 
Members of the group have spent the last year creating a photographic archive, documenting hundreds of derelict building that were put up during the good times and now left in ruins following the property crash. Cruz says “They were frenzied years, and now everybody is paying the price. I have details showing entire blocks of homes, apartments, town houses, luxury villas. But what are they now. It makes me cry. We could be walking through the streets of Syria or Iraq, many are little more than bomb zones. And all the time we see more and more evictions, families being thrown out onto the streets for little or no reason. We live in a very unjust world.”
Cruz highlights one such development in Almoradi where some of the abandoned shells are now being squatted in by drug addicts and tramps. Another is in Callosa de Segura where the duplex properties were selling for between 100,000 and 200,000 euros. They now lie completely abandoned, just empty shells. 
There is another similar development nearby in Benferri  where the wind blows over the roofs of the deserted buildings. The list just goes on and on, and unfortunately it also continues to grow. And of course with the developers falling into bankruptcy the developments are increasingly owned by banks which seem to be of little concern. 
“In some cases, with just a minimal investment, many could be used as social housing for the homeless or for those who cannot currently afford their own home," said Cruz.
It would seem that those in authority, the planners, the bankers and the builders have only occasionally been blessed with common sense. One such example was in Almoradi (population 20,000) early this year when the council refused permission for 11,000 new homes to  accommodate more than 50,000 inhabitants.
Another such decision was taken by the High Court which quashed a San Miguel de Salinas (population 7,000) plan because of the lack of an adequate environmental assessment. Developers there were hoping to build up to 40,000 new homes which would increase the population of the town by about 100,000 people. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44650/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### TOO MANY FLAWS IN CALA MOSCA IMPACT STUDY

Ecologists in Action has announced details of the arguments they have presented against the Environmental Impact Study prepared by the Building company intending to urbanize Cala Mosca, the last undeveloped coastal area of the Orihuela Costa.
 The organization bases its opposition to the development of the project on a number of points including what it considers to be an erroneous assessment of the impacts of the project on protected species of fauna and flora, la cabeza de gato y la tudorella mauretánica.
It also says that the areas where these endangered species are dedicated to green and recreational areas would be "inconsistent with the conservation objective 'and the location of pedestrian paths and recreational areas.
The environmentalists conclude that there are too many flaws in the plan submitted by the developer and have therefore called for a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the plan so that the deficiencies can be properly identified.
Meanwhile, following on from the article published in last week's edition of The Leader ‘Support For Cala Mosca Revived', whilst applauding the actions of CLARO regarding their petition, one reader, Malcolm Drew, was critical of the lack of information held by staff in the Orihuela Costa Town Hall. He wrote “I was delighted to read that there is growing support for the protection of Cala Mosca.
However, two more signatures could have been added to the petition if somebody at the Orihuela Costa Town Hall had known anything about it when I called in there on the morning of the 11th August in accordance with C.L.A.RO's submission instructions as specified in local newspapers.
A woman at the right hand side reception desk looked mystified when she perused our completed petition form and also conferred with a colleague. She then directed me to the tourist Office where the woman there promptly directed me back to the reception desk! I gave up and left. This sort of thing has happened to me before at the town hall so it is probably a common occurrence. All the more reason for C.L.A.R.O. to have ensured this would not happen.”
Let's all hope that there were not too many other unsuccessful petitioners who suffered the same Bureaucratic outcome.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44649/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Ecologists in Action has announced details of the arguments they have presented against the Environmental Impact Study prepared by the Building company intending to urbanize Cala Mosca, the last undeveloped coastal area of the Orihuela Costa.
 The organization bases its opposition to the development of the project on a number of points including what it considers to be an erroneous assessment of the impacts of the project on protected species of fauna and flora, la cabeza de gato y la tudorella mauretánica.
It also says that the areas where these endangered species are dedicated to green and recreational areas would be "inconsistent with the conservation objective 'and the location of pedestrian paths and recreational areas.
The environmentalists conclude that there are too many flaws in the plan submitted by the developer and have therefore called for a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the plan so that the deficiencies can be properly identified.
Meanwhile, following on from the article published in last week's edition of The Leader ‘Support For Cala Mosca Revived', whilst applauding the actions of CLARO regarding their petition, one reader, Malcolm Drew, was critical of the lack of information held by staff in the Orihuela Costa Town Hall. He wrote “I was delighted to read that there is growing support for the protection of Cala Mosca.
However, two more signatures could have been added to the petition if somebody at the Orihuela Costa Town Hall had known anything about it when I called in there on the morning of the 11th August in accordance with C.L.A.RO's submission instructions as specified in local newspapers.
A woman at the right hand side reception desk looked mystified when she perused our completed petition form and also conferred with a colleague. She then directed me to the tourist Office where the woman there promptly directed me back to the reception desk! I gave up and left. This sort of thing has happened to me before at the town hall so it is probably a common occurrence. All the more reason for C.L.A.R.O. to have ensured this would not happen.”
Let's all hope that there were not too many other unsuccessful petitioners who suffered the same Bureaucratic outcome.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44649/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### PLANE-LESS AIRPORT CONTINUES TO MAKE HEADLINES

Castellon Airport, a pet project of the disgraced former head of the provincial government of Castellón, Carlos Fabra, who was sentenced to four years in jail in 2013 for tax evasion, continues to make headlines for all the wrong reasons, as a previously signed sponsorship contract with local third division football club CD Castellon leaves the Valencian Regional Government with no alternative but to honour the 660,000 euro agreement with the near bankrupt club.
The unused Castellón Airport (Aerocas) signed up with the football club at the start of the 2009-2010 season. The regional government owns 99 percent of Aerocas, which cost €170 million and was officially opened in 2011, but has yet to see a plane land or take off there.
Just one of many debt ridden Spanish football clubs, CD Castellon began bankruptcy proceedings last year. It currently owes its creditors 5.3 million euro. In a statement last week a spokesman said that the sponsorship money was of “substantial importance” in helping safeguard the club's immediate future. Meanwhile the Regional Government, which is in dire financial straits itself, is currently running a €3.5 billion deficit of its own.
All in all, sponsorship deals agreed by the empty airport with Villarreal football club and other sporting entities, including the Alex Debón motorcycle team, are reported to have been worth a total of €35 million.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44648/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Castellon Airport, a pet project of the disgraced former head of the provincial government of Castellón, Carlos Fabra, who was sentenced to four years in jail in 2013 for tax evasion, continues to make headlines for all the wrong reasons, as a p...

### MAYOR ASKS CORREOS TO RETAIN HOME DELIVERIES

The Orihuela Town Hall has referred the Post Office to a letter signed by the Acting Mayor, Antonio Zapata, which calls for a suspension to the removal of home delivery on the Orihuela Costa while the ongoing administrative appeal is resolved.
These legal actions were taken after the National Commission on Financial Markets and Competition (CNMC) published their decision to abolish the home delivery service of mail in La Regia, Campoamor, Cabo Roig, La Zenia, La Zenia II and surrounds, to those properties which do not use collective mailboxes.
The CNMC decision was adopted on the grounds that the population density was less than 25 inhabitants per hectare and the number of deliveries per household is less than five per week. However, the Orihuela Government reminded the Post Office last Monday that they have filed an administrative appeal on the grounds that Orihuela Costa is an established urban area, as is stated in the General Urban Plan, and the number of people living on the Orihuela Costa is much higher than the figures published by the state agency.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44647/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Orihuela Town Hall has referred the Post Office to a letter signed by the Acting Mayor, Antonio Zapata, which calls for a suspension to the removal of home delivery on the Orihuela Costa while the ongoing administrative appeal is resolved.
These ...

### REDISCOVERING ORIHUELA THROUGH ITS HISTORY

The capital of the Vega Baja region of the Alicante province, Orihuela is an ancient town with a long and distinguished history visitors to which are now able to rediscover the city's history through some of its main characters, the likes of the poet Miguel Hernández, Archbishop Fernando de Loazes or the Armengola heroin, all played by a group of six young actors.
These theatre tours take place every couple of weeks. They start at the school Santo Domingo and for very nearly two hours an average of 80 visitors are transported back in time, witnessing iconic events through the eyes of the actors as they really happened, stories both familiar and otherwise in which the audience discovers the real history of Orihuela City. 
The history of the college itself is explained by one of the city's most famous sons, the Orihuela born Archbishop Fernando de Loazes, the founder of the original college who was subsequently to become the Archbishop of Valencia, all through the actions of an actor.
At the Gate de la Olma, the troubadour Mariano provides another overview of the city before the group moves on to the Museo Casa de Miguel Hernández, the house where the poet lived and which contains many of his contemporary personal effects and photographs, where the poet himself, played by actor from La Nena Crea, welcomes them and even accompanies the party to a festival that takes place in la calle de Arriba.
The music and poetry enliven the whole tour with the theme "Orihuela city of light" in which there is plenty of opportunity for emotional and comedic moments. Each character that visitors meet carries a lantern with which to guide them to their next destination.
The Armengola, heroine of Orihuela and one of the most important figures in Orihuela, perhaps most well known from the Fiestas de la Reconquista, the folklore festival of the Moors and Christians, brings the tour to a close as she takes visitors to the gates of the City, repeating many of the experiences that they have discovered earlier.
Described as perhaps the most original way to discover Orihuela, and organized by the Department of Tourism, dates of forthcoming tours are 13 and 27 September, 11 and 25 October. The event is free and for all ages but participants do need a good level of Spanish. More information from the Tourist Office or www.orihuelaturistica.es. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44645/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The capital of the Vega Baja region of the Alicante province, Orihuela is an ancient town with a long and distinguished history visitors to which are now able to rediscover the city's history through some of its main characters, the likes of the poet Miguel Hernández, Archbishop Fernando de Loazes or the Armengola heroin, all played by a group of six young actors.
These theatre tours take place every couple of weeks. They start at the school Santo Domingo and for very nearly two hours an average of 80 visitors are transported back in time, witnessing iconic events through the eyes of the actors as they really happened, stories both familiar and otherwise in which the audience discovers the real history of Orihuela City. 
The history of the college itself is explained by one of the city's most famous sons, the Orihuela born Archbishop Fernando de Loazes, the founder of the original college who was subsequently to become the Archbishop of Valencia, all through the actions of an actor.
At the Gate de la Olma, the troubadour Mariano provides another overview of the city before the group moves on to the Museo Casa de Miguel Hernández, the house where the poet lived and which contains many of his contemporary personal effects and photographs, where the poet himself, played by actor from La Nena Crea, welcomes them and even accompanies the party to a festival that takes place in la calle de Arriba.
The music and poetry enliven the whole tour with the theme "Orihuela city of light" in which there is plenty of opportunity for emotional and comedic moments. Each character that visitors meet carries a lantern with which to guide them to their next destination.
The Armengola, heroine of Orihuela and one of the most important figures in Orihuela, perhaps most well known from the Fiestas de la Reconquista, the folklore festival of the Moors and Christians, brings the tour to a close as she takes visitors to the gates of the City, repeating many of the experiences that they have discovered earlier.
Described as perhaps the most original way to discover Orihuela, and organized by the Department of Tourism, dates of forthcoming tours are 13 and 27 September, 11 and 25 October. The event is free and for all ages but participants do need a good level of Spanish. More information from the Tourist Office or www.orihuelaturistica.es. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44645/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### RAJOY HIGHLIGHTS SPANISH SPORT SUCCESS

During the award last week of the Placa de Bronce for Sporting Merit to the Sanxenxo Royal Yachting Club, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said that "the successes of our sport stars help portray an image of respect and admiration for Spain around the whole world"; successes which "requires perseverance and sacrifice for many years to be able to overcome obstacles that lie in our paths”.
At the ceremony, which was also attended by the President of the Regional Government of Galicia and the State Secretary for Sport, the Prime Minister acknowledged that "sport is one of my greatest passions" and remarked that he could fully identify with the values behind it: effort, perseverance, tenacity and sacrifice.
Before handing over the award to the Club President, Pedro Campos, Rajoy highlighted the work of the sports federations, clubs and associations around the country, and saying that "it is the obligation of the public authorities to extend the sports ethic to many sectors of society".
Mr Rajoy also highlighted the list of triumphs of the Royal Yachting Club, founded in 1951, which includes four gold medals, one silver medal and two diplomas from the Olympic Games; 32 World Championships, 13 European Championships, 7 King of Spain Cups, 32 national titles and many other international trophies.
He also sought to congratulate the club on having provided Spain with a sizeable number of great sports stars, including various Olympic medallists.
Earlier in the week the Prime Minster had sent a congratulatory telegram to the club chairman of Real Madrid, Florentino Pérez, on his team's victory in the European Supercup. He also wrote to the President of the Spanish Athletics Federation, José María Odriozola, congratulating him on the medals won by Spanish athletes at the European Athletics Championships, shot putter Borja Vivas who took a silver and Murcia walker Miguel Ángel López who won gold in the 20km event.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44644/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: During the award last week of the Placa de Bronce for Sporting Merit to the Sanxenxo Royal Yachting Club, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said that "the successes of our sport stars help portray an image of respect and admiration for Spain around the whole world"; successes which "requires perseverance and sacrifice for many years to be able to overcome obstacles that lie in our paths”.
At the ceremony, which was also attended by the President of the Regional Government of Galicia and the State Secretary for Sport, the Prime Minister acknowledged that "sport is one of my greatest passions" and remarked that he could fully identify with the values behind it: effort, perseverance, tenacity and sacrifice.
Before handing over the award to the Club President, Pedro Campos, Rajoy highlighted the work of the sports federations, clubs and associations around the country, and saying that "it is the obligation of the public authorities to extend the sports ethic to many sectors of society".
Mr Rajoy also highlighted the list of triumphs of the Royal Yachting Club, founded in 1951, which includes four gold medals, one silver medal and two diplomas from the Olympic Games; 32 World Championships, 13 European Championships, 7 King of Spain Cups, 32 national titles and many other international trophies.
He also sought to congratulate the club on having provided Spain with a sizeable number of great sports stars, including various Olympic medallists.
Earlier in the week the Prime Minster had sent a congratulatory telegram to the club chairman of Real Madrid, Florentino Pérez, on his team's victory in the European Supercup. He also wrote to the President of the Spanish Athletics Federation, José María Odriozola, congratulating him on the medals won by Spanish athletes at the European Athletics Championships, shot putter Borja Vivas who took a silver and Murcia walker Miguel Ángel López who won gold in the 20km event.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44644/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### SWIMMERS PROTEST AT NEGLECT OF PLAYA BABILONIA

Over a hundred swimmers and residents protested last week at the Guardamar council's apathy and their continued neglect of Playa Babilonia
Many of the protesters own beach houses on the sea front of Babilonia. They say that their homes are in ruins because the Coastal Act now prevents them from carrying out any form of maintenance or improvement work.
Both children and adults carried a multitude of banners as well as beach buckets and spades with which they made as much noise as possible. The most popular slogan used, many of which were in Castilian, English and Valencian included "Save the beach!"
Protesters say that reports suggesting that the beach and dunes are suffering from erosion have not been subjected to any sort of environmental study and could well be false. They say that if such a problem does exist it is being aggravated by the jetty.
 Many of the properties  on the beach have been there since the 1920's they say. They were built legally, have all of the necessary requirements and in no way present a danger to residents or to users.
The decision to allow them to decay with no opportunity to have them repaired or maintained is purely political. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44643/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Over a hundred swimmers and residents protested last week at the Guardamar council's apathy and their continued neglect of Playa Babilonia
Many of the protesters own beach houses on the sea front of Babilonia. They say that their homes are in ruins because the Coastal Act now prevents them from carrying out any form of maintenance or improvement work.
Both children and adults carried a multitude of banners as well as beach buckets and spades with which they made as much noise as possible. The most popular slogan used, many of which were in Castilian, English and Valencian included "Save the beach!"
Protesters say that reports suggesting that the beach and dunes are suffering from erosion have not been subjected to any sort of environmental study and could well be false. They say that if such a problem does exist it is being aggravated by the jetty.
 Many of the properties  on the beach have been there since the 1920's they say. They were built legally, have all of the necessary requirements and in no way present a danger to residents or to users.
The decision to allow them to decay with no opportunity to have them repaired or maintained is purely political. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44643/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### TORREVIEJA REFUSE POLICIA L LOCAL LEGAL COSTS

The Governing Board of the City of Torrevieja dismissed on Thursday a petition signed by three members of the Policia Local requesting that the municipality meets the legal costs of a court case to be held on 6 October where they will be dealt with following a municipal complaint last April when, during a protest against their working conditions, they removed their shirts to reveal their bodies painted with slogans.
The agents said that as city officials, they are entitled to legal assistance and that the should meet the cost of their lawyers as there was no negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith in any of their actions.
The Board stated that the officers were in civilian clothes and not on duty at the time, they say that their alleged behavior was disorderly and hardly in keeping with the actions expected from the holders of such a respectable office.
More recently the officers and their grievances were in the news again, when they hired a ‘cherry picker' to lift local comedian Fernando Esteso to a Town Hall window, inside which the local plenary were meeting, whilst he was dressed as Jesus and crucified to a wooden cross. The act brought widespread condemnation from church leaders and city officials alike.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44642/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Governing Board of the City of Torrevieja dismissed on Thursday a petition signed by three members of the Policia Local requesting that the municipality meets the legal costs of a court case to be held on 6 October where they will be dealt with fol...

### Wednesday 20 August 2014 – What´s On

ALL WEEK
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
Exhibition – “Toda la galaxia en el castillo”. A collection of 20,000 items of interest to Star Wars fans, including toys, models and works of art. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Until 11 April).
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of historic documents regarding the request to hold a market in the town of san Agustín, dating back to 1756. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 August).
SANTA POLA
Book Fair. Plaza de la Glorieta, opposite the main facade of the Castle (Last week).
Exhibition “Tierra y Mar de Sal”, Museo de la Sal (Until 31 August).
SHOWS AND MUSICALS
The Lion King, Teatro Lope De Vega, Madrid (Until 2 November).
Otelo, Teatro Bellas Artes, Madrid (Until 14 September).
WEDNESDAY 20 AUGUST
World Mosquito Day. Indian Akshay Urja Day.
Markets
Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Choral concert by the Hermandad Virgen del Rocío de Torrevieja, Zenia Boulevard.
Underwater guided snorkelling tour (Every Wed and Sun in August).
TORREVIEJA
21:30 – Kool & The Gang, Eras de la Sal.
22:00 – Music from “Chenoa”, Teatro Municipal.

Excerpt: ALL WEEK ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – […]

### TORREVIEJA THEATRES MAY BE FORCED TO CLOSE

Councillor for the Los Verdes green party of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón, claims that the Ministry of the Interior and Justice may close down both Torrevieja´s municipal theatre, and the musical auditorium, “if it meets its obligation” on account of the buildings “lacking the mandatory licenses for opening and activities”.
In a statement, Dolón said that “eight years after its inauguration and opening to the public, it remains in a state of absolute illegality, in case of disaster, it will greatly exacerbate the negative consequences that follow”.
To Dolón, the government cannot claim that the records of the municipal theatre “is in process” after it has “been so long” since the opening and they “cannot keep looking the other way and pretend they are not aware that the theatre is being used”.
Dolón has also confirmed that the Los Verdes are preparing a new complaint addressed to the regional ministry which will include the programming of the theatre and events taking place, so as they can no longer claim to be in ignorance that the buildings are being used illegally for the events that take place, thus forcing them to “act accordingly”, and “impose the penalties provided by the current regulations”.
Dolón also stated how the last report formed by the Los Verdes detailed the “absolute irregularity” of the municipal theatre and requested that the City of Torrevieja “provide information on the situation in which is the record for obtaining a license to open” has been achieved. 
In his opinion, the administration “will be forced to act to take whatever legal steps are necessary to ensure the safety of visitors and users”. Continuing that it is “very difficult”  for the license was granted, because “the works do not have the finalised details from the completed projects by the architect”.
Moreover, the councillor states that the ruling government of the Partido Popular, with Eduardo Dolón as mayor, “has not resolved the numerous anomalies detected at the time of inspection by the Ministry of Interior and Justice”. Concerns relating to the “capacity of the theatre and the spacing between the rows of seats” are some of the issues still to be addressed, and will require “constructive solutions and other facilities, to ensure that the recalculated capacity meets the legally established occupation densities”. The greens also state that there are also pending requirements to satisfy current regulations relating to access to the theatre, plant height, general lighting and security, among others.
This news will no doubt come as yet another insult to the residents and businesses of Torrevieja, as the town hall are being accused of ignoring rules and laws that they are enforcing, such as the all-night long Electromar music event that caused disturbance right through the night for residents, and their actions to threaten and fine businesses for having live entertainment in venues without the appropriate licences, as it is clear from this allegation that they feel above the law themselves.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44628/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Councillor for the Los Verdes green party of Torrevieja, José Manuel Dolón, claims that the Ministry of the Interior and Justice may close down both Torrevieja´s municipal theatre, and the musical auditorium, “if it meets its ...

### Tuesday 19 August 2014 – Events Guide

ALL WEEK
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
Exhibition – “Toda la galaxia en el castillo”. A collection of 20,000 items of interest to Star Wars fans, including toys, models and works of art. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Until 11 April).
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of historic documents regarding the request to hold a market in the town of san Agustín, dating back to 1756. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 August).
SANTA POLA
Book Fair. Plaza de la Glorieta, opposite the main facade of the Castle (Last week).
Exhibition “Tierra y Mar de Sal”, Museo de la Sal (Until 31 August).
SHOWS AND MUSICALS
The Lion King, Teatro Lope De Vega, Madrid (Until 2 November).
Otelo, Teatro Bellas Artes, Madrid (Until 14 September).
TUESDAY 19 AUGUST
World Humanitarian Day.
Markets
Alicante, (Rastro), Aspe, Altea, Benijofar, ORIHUELA, San Fulgencio.
MARBELLA
Kool and the Gang, Auditorio De Marbella Málaga, Málaga.

ORIHUELA COSTA
Arabian Dance group, Arahiras, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
22:00 – Gran Ballet Cosaco de Rusia, Teatro Municipal.

Excerpt: ALL WEEK ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – […]

### PLANETARY SPECTACULAR ON MONDAY MORNING

Not only is it worth setting your alarm clock to make sure you pick up this week´s copy of The Leader, early risers on Monday will be able to experience an almost unique skyward experience, with the conjunction of Venus and Jupiter.
The morning of the 18th of August will see the two brightest planets in the sky, Jupiter, sitting slightly south of Venus, separated by just 17 arc minutes.
The vision will be just over half the diameter of the moon, according to astronomers, close to the star cluster M44, better known as the Praesepe or Beehive cluster. 
The conjunction should be visible for about 75 minutes before the sun rises, near the horizon. Astronomers say that using a telescope or binoculars will give the most impressive view, but care must be taken once the sun rises. A position away from artificial lighting will also be the best choice, as modern light pollution means a lot of nature´s night-time beauty is often hidden from our gaze.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44626/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Not only is it worth setting your alarm clock to make sure you pick up this week´s copy of The Leader, early risers on Monday will be able to experience an almost unique skyward experience, with the conjunction of Venus and Jupiter.
The morning ...

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 18 AUGUST 2014

FEELING HOT HOT HOT
The Valencia region endured the hottest day in the last two years on Sunday, with temperatures exceeding 41 degrees Celsius in some areas, according to the Spanish Meteorological Agency (Aemet). In Javea, with 41.5 degrees Celsius, it was the hottest since August 1, 2012, when temperatures reached 42 degrees, whereas in second place was Orihuela with 39 degrees, compared to August 12, 2012, when temperatures reached 40 degrees.
VISITORS ON HIGH
The Castillo de Santa Barbara in Alicante has had a record July, with 62,000 people visiting the historic attraction. The figure represents an increase of some 7,000 tourists compared to the same month of 2013, an increase of 12.72%. Use of the lift from the beachside to the top of the castle also increased, with 38,920 people paying a nominal fee to travel through the mountain heart, whereas in 2013, there were 29,900 users in the month of July. The current exhibition of Star Wars items, which you do have to pay to visit, has already attracted 28,000 people since it opened in April 11, with 8,000 of them in July alone. 
EASY TO SWALLOW
The Alicante provincial council has approved grants totalling 176,200 euro, which will go towards improving the quality of drinking water in 56 municipalities. The grants are predominantly aimed at municipalities with fewer than 10,000 residents who have direct control of their water supply and will be offered during 2015.
ENDING VIOLENCE
Alicante council has announced that the 12th annual conference on dealing with violence towards women will be held on the 19th and 20th of November. Those wishing to attend have until the 31st of October to register, with more information on their website, www.congresoviolenciamujer.com.
GREEN GRANTS
The towns of Almoradí, Bigastro, Callosa de Segura, Dolores, Pilar de la Horadada, Rafal and Redován will all benefite from a share of 502,804.24 euro in grants being offered by the Alicante provincial council, aimed at improving green areas and natural parks in the municipalities. A total of 114,638.20 euro will come to the Vega Baja area, with the rest of the grants going to 37 municipalities around the province. 
PALMED OFF
A 75 year old man was seriously injured Monday after the vehicle he was travelling in collided with two palm trees in Elche. The incident occurred at about 7pm on Monday, when he drove into the two trees on the CV-875, la carretera Vereda de Sendre. Following the impact the man was trapped inside the vehicle until released by through the back window.
ALL ASHORE
A further 4 boats carrying 30 immigrants have landed on the coast of Alicante in the last 7 days bringing the number of arrivals processed by the Red Cross since 2007 to 277. Three of the recent boats arrived in Torrevieja and Pilar de la Horadada, last Friday morning with 30 people on board, 8 of which were minors.
GREEN LIGHT
Hundreds of drivers trying to reach La Manga were trapped last weekend by faulty traffic lights on the inappropriately named ‘Vía Rápida' and on the Gran Via in La Manga itself. A spokesman explained that the problem was related to the computer system which reduced the time the traffic lights were green at cross roads. Traffic queues stretched back several kilometres with delays of many hours.
GOING DOWN
Police in Valencia have arrested an Irishman accused of throwing a suitcase full of cocaine, worth more than €3million, out of his eighth-floor hotel window. A receptionist alerted police after discovering the drugs scattered over an internal patio floor. Police are said to be working on the theory that the man confused noise from other guests with a rival gang trying to steal his drugs after suffering an attack of paranoia.
LOCK OUT
Plans from a Valencian businessman to open Spain's first bondage hotel have been delayed following objections from locals. The hotel,  inspired by the book Fifty Shades of Grey and due to include 20 S&M-themed rooms and a dungeon, was preparing to open last week in the village of Vilafranca but was prevented from doing so after its 2,500 inhabitants complained.
UK HIGH
According to a survey carried out by the Mail on Sunday British shoppers at Aldi pay nearly double what they would in European outlets of the store. A basket of common groceries, including grapes, milk, chicken and wine, cost £44.92 in London, while the same items cost £23.13 in Marbella, £23.38 in Berlin and £26.64 in Paris. The Mail said the difference in price is all the more surprising because there is no VAT on most foods in Britain, unlike other European countries.
JELLYFISH ALERT
Beaches at the Mar Menor resorts of Los Urrutias and Punta Brava were invaded by thousands of jellyfish at the weekend making bathing impossible for holidaymakers. Nets would normally stop the invasion offshore, but reports indicate the lead weights which hold them down have been stolen, allowing the jellyfish to reach the beach. Cleaning brigades worked on Saturday and Sunday, but minutes after they finished the jellyfish were back.
TIME OUT
Michael Gove's wife has accused Nick Clegg of failing in his Government duty by going on holiday at the same time as David Cameron and as such Sarah Vine risked reigniting tensions between the Deputy Prime Minister and her husband with her criticism. Although  the PM is now back in number 10 Mr Clegg remains  in Spain with his wife Miriam and children visiting her family.
OIL SLICK
Spain has approved €7.5bn oil exploration project off the Canaries. Repsol estimates that the project could supply more than 100,000 barrels of oil a day, or 10 per cent of Spain's energy consumption. At present, Spain has to import 99 per cent of the oil it uses, and has a foreign energy bill of €40bn a year.
SPAIN MOURNS
Several hundred mourners joined a funeral service on Wednesday for Father Miguel Pajares, the Spanish priest who died from Ebola after being infected in Liberia, and so becoming the first European victim of the worst-ever outbreak of the virus.
RECORD MIGRANTS
Spain is blaming Morocco for giving the "green light" to migrants who are attempting to cross into Europe, as record number of migrants continue to arrive on their shores. The influx was blamed on the "permissiveness" of Moroccan authorities. "There is a human traffic jam building up there and Morocco wants to relieve the pressure," sources told Spain's daily El Mundo newspaper. "Also they are nervous about Ebola
BUILDERS BEWARE
Spain´s Atresmedia Group, one of the leading providers of terrestrial TV and radio, has commissioned a Spanish version of home-repair reality show Cowboy Builders, in which two hosts highlight “shady” builders and try to find solutions to their problems. First aired in the UK in 2009 on Channel 5, the 10th season is due for transmission there next year.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT 
Part of the earnings from this year´s Tomatina tomato fight in Buñol will be given to the Sahell association, a group which works with the Indian charity organisation Lokpanchayat, to provide and maintain safe houses for women in India. A campaign has been launched to coincide with the annual fiesta, which aims to highlight the atrocities faced by numerous Indian women. Tickets for the event had been restricted to 20,000, in order to control the number of people who attend the food fight each year. Meanwhile, as the food is thrown around for fun, it might be worth remembering that hunger remains the No.1 cause of death in the world and there are 820 million chronically hungry people in the world, a third of whom live in India. In West Bengal alone, around 100 workers in a single tea plantation have died this year from starvation related deaths.
DIGGING DEEP
Archaeologists have discovered what they believe to be a 1,000 year old Islamic burial ground in the town of Alcázar de San Juan in Ciudad Real, which they hope will reveal more information about the Islamic history of the region.
TAKE A LETTER
The Spanish Correos has hired a Canadian business transformation expert, in a bid to improve Spain´s postal network. Todd Hooper has previously worked on a modernisation project for retail giant Carrefour, and will bring “extensive” knowledge of the retail arena, particularly in the field of improving customer experience, according to a statement by Correos.
GOOD TO TALK
Mobile phone operator Orange is reported to be looking to sell around 9,400 of its mobile phone masts in Spain, which experts think could provide 885 million euro in revenue. Orange has been suffering a loss of clients, with the second quarter of the year only bringing them 943 million euro, a drop of 4.7%.
CURTAIN CLOSING
Two out of five IMAX cinemas in Spain are to close almost immediately, after failing to make a profit since they opened. The Teatromax cinemas in Madrid and Barcelona will shut their doors permanently, leaving just three in the country at Palma de Mallorca, Valencia and Leganes. Changing domestic technology and an inability for the cinemas to keep up is said to be the reason for the closure. The first IMAX cinema launched in Seville in 1992, only to close its doors in 2005.
LOCKED UP
New, state-of-the-art beach lockers have started to appear on the Orihuela Costa, aimed at providing better security for beachgoers, who are able to lock their valuables away, rather than risk leaving them on the beach.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44625/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: FEELING HOT HOT HOT
The Valencia region endured the hottest day in the last two years on Sunday, with temperatures exceeding 41 degrees Celsius in some areas, according to the Spanish Meteorological Agency (Aemet). In Javea, with 41.5 degrees Celsius, it was the hottest since August 1, 2012, when temperatures reached 42 degrees, whereas in second place was Orihuela with 39 degrees, compared to August 12, 2012, when temperatures reached 40 degrees.
VISITORS ON HIGH
The Castillo de Santa Barbara in Alicante has had a record July, with 62,000 people visiting the historic attraction. The figure represents an increase of some 7,000 tourists compared to the same month of 2013, an increase of 12.72%. Use of the lift from the beachside to the top of the castle also increased, with 38,920 people paying a nominal fee to travel through the mountain heart, whereas in 2013, there were 29,900 users in the month of July. The current exhibition of Star Wars items, which you do have to pay to visit, has already attracted 28,000 people since it opened in April 11, with 8,000 of them in July alone. 
EASY TO SWALLOW
The Alicante provincial council has approved grants totalling 176,200 euro, which will go towards improving the quality of drinking water in 56 municipalities. The grants are predominantly aimed at municipalities with fewer than 10,000 residents who have direct control of their water supply and will be offered during 2015.
ENDING VIOLENCE
Alicante council has announced that the 12th annual conference on dealing with violence towards women will be held on the 19th and 20th of November. Those wishing to attend have until the 31st of October to register, with more information on their website, www.congresoviolenciamujer.com.
GREEN GRANTS
The towns of Almoradí, Bigastro, Callosa de Segura, Dolores, Pilar de la Horadada, Rafal and Redován will all benefite from a share of 502,804.24 euro in grants being offered by the Alicante provincial council, aimed at improving green areas and natural parks in the municipalities. A total of 114,638.20 euro will come to the Vega Baja area, with the rest of the grants going to 37 municipalities around the province. 
PALMED OFF
A 75 year old man was seriously injured Monday after the vehicle he was travelling in collided with two palm trees in Elche. The incident occurred at about 7pm on Monday, when he drove into the two trees on the CV-875, la carretera Vereda de Sendre. Following the impact the man was trapped inside the vehicle until released by through the back window.
ALL ASHORE
A further 4 boats carrying 30 immigrants have landed on the coast of Alicante in the last 7 days bringing the number of arrivals processed by the Red Cross since 2007 to 277. Three of the recent boats arrived in Torrevieja and Pilar de la Horadada, last Friday morning with 30 people on board, 8 of which were minors.
GREEN LIGHT
Hundreds of drivers trying to reach La Manga were trapped last weekend by faulty traffic lights on the inappropriately named ‘Vía Rápida' and on the Gran Via in La Manga itself. A spokesman explained that the problem was related to the computer system which reduced the time the traffic lights were green at cross roads. Traffic queues stretched back several kilometres with delays of many hours.
GOING DOWN
Police in Valencia have arrested an Irishman accused of throwing a suitcase full of cocaine, worth more than €3million, out of his eighth-floor hotel window. A receptionist alerted police after discovering the drugs scattered over an internal patio floor. Police are said to be working on the theory that the man confused noise from other guests with a rival gang trying to steal his drugs after suffering an attack of paranoia.
LOCK OUT
Plans from a Valencian businessman to open Spain's first bondage hotel have been delayed following objections from locals. The hotel,  inspired by the book Fifty Shades of Grey and due to include 20 S&M-themed rooms and a dungeon, was preparing to open last week in the village of Vilafranca but was prevented from doing so after its 2,500 inhabitants complained.
UK HIGH
According to a survey carried out by the Mail on Sunday British shoppers at Aldi pay nearly double what they would in European outlets of the store. A basket of common groceries, including grapes, milk, chicken and wine, cost £44.92 in London, while the same items cost £23.13 in Marbella, £23.38 in Berlin and £26.64 in Paris. The Mail said the difference in price is all the more surprising because there is no VAT on most foods in Britain, unlike other European countries.
JELLYFISH ALERT
Beaches at the Mar Menor resorts of Los Urrutias and Punta Brava were invaded by thousands of jellyfish at the weekend making bathing impossible for holidaymakers. Nets would normally stop the invasion offshore, but reports indicate the lead weights which hold them down have been stolen, allowing the jellyfish to reach the beach. Cleaning brigades worked on Saturday and Sunday, but minutes after they finished the jellyfish were back.
TIME OUT
Michael Gove's wife has accused Nick Clegg of failing in his Government duty by going on holiday at the same time as David Cameron and as such Sarah Vine risked reigniting tensions between the Deputy Prime Minister and her husband with her criticism. Although  the PM is now back in number 10 Mr Clegg remains  in Spain with his wife Miriam and children visiting her family.
OIL SLICK
Spain has approved €7.5bn oil exploration project off the Canaries. Repsol estimates that the project could supply more than 100,000 barrels of oil a day, or 10 per cent of Spain's energy consumption. At present, Spain has to import 99 per cent of the oil it uses, and has a foreign energy bill of €40bn a year.
SPAIN MOURNS
Several hundred mourners joined a funeral service on Wednesday for Father Miguel Pajares, the Spanish priest who died from Ebola after being infected in Liberia, and so becoming the first European victim of the worst-ever outbreak of the virus.
RECORD MIGRANTS
Spain is blaming Morocco for giving the "green light" to migrants who are attempting to cross into Europe, as record number of migrants continue to arrive on their shores. The influx was blamed on the "permissiveness" of Moroccan authorities. "There is a human traffic jam building up there and Morocco wants to relieve the pressure," sources told Spain's daily El Mundo newspaper. "Also they are nervous about Ebola
BUILDERS BEWARE
Spain´s Atresmedia Group, one of the leading providers of terrestrial TV and radio, has commissioned a Spanish version of home-repair reality show Cowboy Builders, in which two hosts highlight “shady” builders and try to find solutions to their problems. First aired in the UK in 2009 on Channel 5, the 10th season is due for transmission there next year.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT 
Part of the earnings from this year´s Tomatina tomato fight in Buñol will be given to the Sahell association, a group which works with the Indian charity organisation Lokpanchayat, to provide and maintain safe houses for women in India. A campaign has been launched to coincide with the annual fiesta, which aims to highlight the atrocities faced by numerous Indian women. Tickets for the event had been restricted to 20,000, in order to control the number of people who attend the food fight each year. Meanwhile, as the food is thrown around for fun, it might be worth remembering that hunger remains the No.1 cause of death in the world and there are 820 million chronically hungry people in the world, a third of whom live in India. In West Bengal alone, around 100 workers in a single tea plantation have died this year from starvation related deaths.
DIGGING DEEP
Archaeologists have discovered what they believe to be a 1,000 year old Islamic burial ground in the town of Alcázar de San Juan in Ciudad Real, which they hope will reveal more information about the Islamic history of the region.
TAKE A LETTER
The Spanish Correos has hired a Canadian business transformation expert, in a bid to improve Spain´s postal network. Todd Hooper has previously worked on a modernisation project for retail giant Carrefour, and will bring “extensive” knowledge of the retail arena, particularly in the field of improving customer experience, according to a statement by Correos.
GOOD TO TALK
Mobile phone operator Orange is reported to be looking to sell around 9,400 of its mobile phone masts in Spain, which experts think could provide 885 million euro in revenue. Orange has been suffering a loss of clients, with the second quarter of the year only bringing them 943 million euro, a drop of 4.7%.
CURTAIN CLOSING
Two out of five IMAX cinemas in Spain are to close almost immediately, after failing to make a profit since they opened. The Teatromax cinemas in Madrid and Barcelona will shut their doors permanently, leaving just three in the country at Palma de Mallorca, Valencia and Leganes. Changing domestic technology and an inability for the cinemas to keep up is said to be the reason for the closure. The first IMAX cinema launched in Seville in 1992, only to close its doors in 2005.
LOCKED UP
New, state-of-the-art beach lockers have started to appear on the Orihuela Costa, aimed at providing better security for beachgoers, who are able to lock their valuables away, rather than risk leaving them on the beach.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44625/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### SPEEDING DRIVERS HANDED OVER 182 MILLION EURO SO FAR

Information released by the Spanish government in response to a congressional question reveal that speeding drivers in Spain have handed over a total of 182,595,550.86 euro in fines so far this year.
I terms of provinces, Madrid has brought in the most revenue, more than 20 million euro, with Sevilla in second place contributing 10 million, whereas in third place is Valencia where drivers have handed over 9.8 million euro. 
In regional terms, Castilla y León leads the way with a total of 22,101,431 euro, Madrid is in second place with 20,517,316 euro, and Valencia once again makes it to third place with 20,164,577, combining the provinces of Valencia, Castellon and Alicante.
The data was collated between the 1st of January and the 14th of July, but as the traffic department embark on a new campaign to tackle speeding this week, it can only increase, unless drivers choose to drive within the restraints of the law on mass of course.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44624/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Information released by the Spanish government in response to a congressional question reveal that speeding drivers in Spain have handed over a total of 182,595,550.86 euro in fines so far this year.
I terms of provinces, Madrid has brought in the mos...

### Monday 18 August 2014 – Things to Do

ALL WEEK
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
Exhibition – “Toda la galaxia en el castillo”. A collection of 20,000 items of interest to Star Wars fans, including toys, models and works of art. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Until 11 April).
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of historic documents regarding the request to hold a market in the town of san Agustín, dating back to 1756. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 August).
SANTA POLA
Book Fair. Plaza de la Glorieta, opposite the main facade of the Castle (Last week).
Exhibition “Tierra y Mar de Sal”, Museo de la Sal (Until 31 August).
SHOWS AND MUSICALS
The Lion King, Teatro Lope De Vega, Madrid (Until 2 November).
Otelo, Teatro Bellas Artes, Madrid (Until 14 September).
Daily Events
MONDAY 18 AUGUST
Markets
Cox, Elche, Formentera, La Nucia, San Pedro del Pinatar, Santa Pola, Sax, Torremendo.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Tribute to Spanish band Fito & Fitipaldis, Zenia Boulevard.

Excerpt: ALL WEEK ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – […]

### ALICANTE PATIENT CLEARED IN EBOLA SCARE

The Nigerian man admitted to hospital in Alicante on Saturday does not have the Ebola virus.
The emergency protocol was put in place after the man presented himself at the General Hospital of Alicante, with him then being transferred to Hospital Sant Joan.
The ministry of health has today confirmed that the tests carried out on the man have proved negative, and the ministry has therefore confirmed that he does not have the Ebola virus.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44623/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Nigerian man admitted to hospital in Alicante on Saturday does not have the Ebola virus.
The emergency protocol was put in place after the man presented himself at the General Hospital of Alicante, with him then being transferred to Hospital Sant ...

### 35% OF LOCAL FOREST FIRES CAUSED BY ARSON

As Spain's Emergency Services battled to extinguish at least 10 separate forest fires burning across the country another two fire fighters were killed last week while tackling a wildfire in Torremanzanas, a small village inland from Alicante.
According to the Spanish Minister of Agriculture Spain is at exceptionally high risk of fires this summer after suffering its driest winter in 70 years so the news released last week that one in three of all fires is set deliberately is an especially bitter pill to swallow as casualties and deaths are expected to rise even further during the particularly dry months of July and August.
In the Alicante region alone, where the temperature reached 40 degrees Celsius in recent days, eight helicopters and six water dropping planes were called in to assist firefighters on the ground to douse the Torremanzanas blaze. 
The Spanish government said that over 132,300 hectares of land had been consumed by flames this year up to 5 August, with a total of 2,000 different fires, the worst devastation in more than a decade.
Human action is by far the most common cause of the fires with the Ministry of Agriculture confirming that 95 percent of all fires start as a direct result of human action, be it accidental, or deliberate. 
According to information provided by the dirección general de Prevención, Extinción de Incendios y Emergencias de la Conselleria de Governació i Justícia, the official explanation for the first major casualty of the summer in the local area, the Sierra Mariola, which began at dawn on Sunday, is that the fire originated by lightning. This natural cause is behind one in four such blazes that occur in Valencia every year, well below the national figure of 35%.
But of the remainder, fire investigators from the same agency says that one in three of all fires suffered in the Valencia region, 35%, is caused deliberately while a further  28% of accidents is caused by negligence. The reasons for a further 11% of fires remain unknown or fall under the heading of other causes. 
The month of July is traditionally the worst for forest fires in Valencia. Last year the region registered no less than 59 such incidents, followed by August and June with 42, and a further 35 in July, when an area of 720 hectares was destroyed.
Radiography used in the region to investigate the cause of fires shows that in the case of the province of Alicante, half of arsonists are traditionally active in two specific areas: the Marina Alta and Marina Baja, two areas which, interestingly, have both been excluded from the controversial forestry work plan launched only recently to encourage work among long-term unemployed by hiring 1,000 people to both create and clear forest fire breaks, clean gutters and improve the wooded environment in order to prevent forest fires
With no rain predicted in the region for the coming days, the Spanish State Metrological Agency (AEMET) warns that the risk of suffering fires continues to be high.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44621/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As Spain's Emergency Services battled to extinguish at least 10 separate forest fires burning across the country another two fire fighters were killed last week while tackling a wildfire in Torremanzanas, a small village inland from Alicante.
Accordin...

### LOS VERDES CALL FOR IMPROVED ROAD SAFETY IN LOS BALCONES

Despite promises that the Torrevieja council would look closely at road safety issues along the CV 95 in Los Balcones, according to Los Verdes, they have yet to publish any results of their investigation or to take any action. This might suggest that the nothing has yet been done.
As such the Green Party once more called for the mayor to take a close look at the main road which connects Torrevieja with San Miguel de Salinas.
Other than a few road calming measures, speed bumps, installed many years ago and worn to render them almost insignificant.
The CV95 road has become a real black spot in the area, accidents and near misses are witnessed on an almost daily basis with serious injuries cause to drivers and to pedestrians on a regular basis and the traffic worsens greatly in the summer." 
All the residents want is improved road safety. They see this as a basic right. "We don't believe the solution is to cross one's arms and wait to see if within two or three years traffic flow is lower," as has been suggested by the town hall, referring to the completion of the Orihuela-Costa motorway, which will direct traffic away from the CV95. "A dangerous road is always dangerous, regardless of traffic flow. We want to see the placements of additional and better crossings in accordance with the demands of local residents.”
Los Verdes say that a huge investment will be absolutely necessary and the work could prove to be quite difficult from a technical point of view, "so the reluctance and ineffectiveness of the municipal government has no justification." 
So once again the Green Party has repeated  its request to the mayor to implement road safety measures along this busy stretch of road as a matter of some urgency
However  a spokesman for Highways has said that any such request must be signed by the mayor before any road works can be carried out by  municipal officers
So let's hope we don't have to witness yet another fatal accident or casualty before these necessary changes are made.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44620/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Despite promises that the Torrevieja council would look closely at road safety issues along the CV 95 in Los Balcones, according to Los Verdes, they have yet to publish any results of their investigation or to take any action. This might suggest that the nothing has yet been done.
As such the Green Party once more called for the mayor to take a close look at the main road which connects Torrevieja with San Miguel de Salinas.
Other than a few road calming measures, speed bumps, installed many years ago and worn to render them almost insignificant.
The CV95 road has become a real black spot in the area, accidents and near misses are witnessed on an almost daily basis with serious injuries cause to drivers and to pedestrians on a regular basis and the traffic worsens greatly in the summer." 
All the residents want is improved road safety. They see this as a basic right. "We don't believe the solution is to cross one's arms and wait to see if within two or three years traffic flow is lower," as has been suggested by the town hall, referring to the completion of the Orihuela-Costa motorway, which will direct traffic away from the CV95. "A dangerous road is always dangerous, regardless of traffic flow. We want to see the placements of additional and better crossings in accordance with the demands of local residents.”
Los Verdes say that a huge investment will be absolutely necessary and the work could prove to be quite difficult from a technical point of view, "so the reluctance and ineffectiveness of the municipal government has no justification." 
So once again the Green Party has repeated  its request to the mayor to implement road safety measures along this busy stretch of road as a matter of some urgency
However  a spokesman for Highways has said that any such request must be signed by the mayor before any road works can be carried out by  municipal officers
So let's hope we don't have to witness yet another fatal accident or casualty before these necessary changes are made.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44620/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### GUARDAMAR CLEANS UP RIVER MOUTH

Over the last four weeks a group of volunteers has been cleaning the area between the New River and the Old River (La Gola), near to the mouth of the River Segura in Guardamar.
The group began their efforts on July 15 collecting all kinds of plastic containers that have been abandoned by visitors to the area, in total, recovering enough to fill 150 large plastic sacks.
Councillor Jesus Huertas said that the cleanup will continue during the coming days "with a view to further contributing to the local environment and by educating visitors about the conservation of this area close to the river. We will ask them to take away and dispose of their waste containers more sensibly. We also want to convey the same message about local environmental issues to the younger element of our society."
The workers will be strengthened this week with a patrol of environmental volunteers in the coming days, who will provide this natural area with a much better look
Huertas said that “such actions contribute toward a more sensitive environment around a town that advocates green areas and the protection of its natural resources." Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44619/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Over the last four weeks a group of volunteers has been cleaning the area between the New River and the Old River (La Gola), near to the mouth of the River Segura in Guardamar.
The group began their efforts on July 15 collecting all kinds of plastic containers that have been abandoned by visitors to the area, in total, recovering enough to fill 150 large plastic sacks.
Councillor Jesus Huertas said that the cleanup will continue during the coming days "with a view to further contributing to the local environment and by educating visitors about the conservation of this area close to the river. We will ask them to take away and dispose of their waste containers more sensibly. We also want to convey the same message about local environmental issues to the younger element of our society."
The workers will be strengthened this week with a patrol of environmental volunteers in the coming days, who will provide this natural area with a much better look
Huertas said that “such actions contribute toward a more sensitive environment around a town that advocates green areas and the protection of its natural resources." Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44619/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### SPAIN CRICKET ROBBED OF T20 EUROPEAN TOUR WIN

In 2013 the Spanish over 40's cricket team were invited to travel to Copenhagen and play in a T20 (20 over) tournament alongside teams from Denmark, Holland and Great Britain who were participating in their 42nd annual ‘Triangular Tournament'.
Spain were invited to play all three teams in 40 over matches and they had performed better than anyone could have imagined; narrowly missing out on the 20 over tournament (beaten just once by a young Swedish side) and were unbeaten in all of their 40 over games.
The committee responsible for the triangular tournament introduced a new ‘Four Nations Cup' to which they invited Spain to participate in annually playing against the teams from the Triangular tournament.
19th of July 2014, 15 members of the Spanish over 40s cricket team including two Umpires and a scorer prepared to travel to Rotterdam, the venue of the 43rd triangular tournament and the very first Four Nations Cup where they would play in a T20 and 45 over tournament against teams from Holland, SGS (Still going strong), Great Britain (The Forty Club) and Denmark (Dansk XL). The Spainish were keen to continue the good work they started a year ago in Copenhagen.
Their first challenge was to get to the venue which proved to be a task in itself! The 9 members traveling from Alicante had planned to reach the Nieuwerkerk Hotel in Rotterdam by 23.00, allowing them to meet up with members of the squad travelling from Ibiza and Lanzarote for some tactical discussions in the bar!!! However a 3 hour flight delay, Rotterdam airport closing at midnight, a diversion to Amsterdam airport followed by bus ride to Rotterdam made this impossible and a very tired team made it to their hotel a few hours before breakfast was to be served!!!!
Amazingly, 6 hours later all members of the Spanish team arrived at the magnificent ‘Sparta Ground', a sports complex with 2 beautiful cricket pitches surrounded by breathtaking beautiful scenery. The Mayor of Rotterdam gave the opening ceremony speech and then it was time to play cricket!
The Spanish team would like to thank sponsors ‘The Property Shop' in Ibiza and ‘Pensions People.com' in Lanzarote who joined up to provide two types cricket shirts for the lads to wear before, and after the matches.
 The first match was a pre tournament warm up against Dansk XL who wear a player short and as it was a friendly, Spain sportingly gave the Danes one of its players, only to find that he would pay a crucial part in this game.
Batting first in this 35 over match, it would seem that the bad luck that Spain started the tour with would continue when opening batsman Neil McKinstry had to retire hurt, a muscle injury that sadly left him unable to play any further part in the cricket on this tour. Spain made 145 mainly thanks to a fine knock of 52 from Geoff Evans.
The Danish team started well, but after losing several quick wickets they were struggling to keep up with the run rate. Then Spanish player Navdeem Choudury at no 8 went into bat for the Danes; who still needed 40 runs to win. Then the Spanish lad forgot who he was playing for and started to hit the ball, not only making a super quick 32 not out, but also winning the game for the Danes!
The next day it was to happen all over again, Spain vs Dansk XL, but this time it was for real. The Danish side now at full strength,  won the toss and elected to bat first. Spain showed their strenth in the field with experienced bowlers making scoring runs hard work. Graham Cooper (3-29) bowled well and Peter Crawford (48) kept the innings ticking for Dansk XL, who finished on 152 of their 45 overs. In fact if it were not for some sloppy Spanish fielding, it could have been a lot less!
Spain started badly losing David Williams early and then seeing in form G Evans having to retire with a wrist injury. However the boys from Lanzarote, David Smith (72) and Neil French (22) put the game in the bag for the Spanish team, though, just like the friendly, the game would go down to a nervy finish. Needing just 20 runs to win, as the rain started to fall so did the Spanish wickets, 6 fell for just 10 runs!! Thankfully the cool head of Vice Captain George Wambeek and Robin Parmenter ensured the Spanish team won the match.
The evening came to a close with all the teams sharing cricket banter, while tucking into a delicious BBQ at a rather damp Sparta ground.
Tuesday was T20 day, Spain had 2 games to play, the first against The Forty Club. Batting first Spain had good performances from David Williams (42) and Graham Cooper (30) finishing on 142 of their 20 over's. The Forty Club made light work in reaching the target, with outstanding batting from N Canham (53No) and D Humphreys (48).
Having lost the earlier game the Spanish side knew that the 2nd match of the day was a must win affair against Dansk XL if they were to stay in the competition.  
This time Spain fielded first, and restricted the Danish side to 87 of their 20 overs. Spain's openers D Williams (22) and D Smith (33) made the perfect start reaching 50 in quick time with the lads from Ibiza Martin Makepeace and Robin Parmenter bringing the well earned victory home. 
Wednesday 23rd, Spain were taking on SGS who had just narrowly been beaten in a very high scoring game against The Forty Club. To have any hope of winning the Four Nations Cup SGS knew this was a must win match.
On a very hot day the Spanish put SGS into bat and were made to sweat it out in the Sun as the Dutch Openers piled on the runs, M Muis (108). At 190 for 1 after 30 overs, it looked like the Dutch were going to pass 300 before the end of their innings but Spain's  fighting attitude paid off with a tremendous fight back, wickets started to fall the Dutch finished with a score of 253 of their 45 overs.
Spain went about their task fighting and were unfortunate to lose their Skipper Geoff Evans to a dodgy looking LBW decision just as he was settling in, however, D Williams (81) did not disappoint and took the fight to the Dutch, but Spain kept on losing wickets at key stages with G Serventer (4-45) bowling very well. Neil French (22) was hitting the ball well but when he was run out after some confusion with fellow batsman John Braithwaite, it was all out for 193.
Thursday the 25th July was a big day for the Spanish team. It was the final day of T20 and the team knew that they were second in the table behind their opponents today, SGS, the team that blew them away with the bat the day before. Reading the rules carefully the team knew that if they won today they would be on level points with the Dutch, however it is then decided by results against one another which would have the Spanish team crowned champions!
Fired up for this one the Spanish were to bat first and John Thornton (68No) and N Choudury (41) gave the Spanish a perfect start, SGS had little reply to the Spanish aggressive approach, and hoped their own batting strength would help reach the target of 155 set of their 20 overs.
SGS found runs hard to get as the Spanish bowlers grinded them down, Neil French being the pick of the bowlers. M Igelse (51No) did bat through the SGS innings but as they fell further behind the run rate you could see the Spanish team starting to celebrate a famous win, the beer would taste much better tonight! The Dutch team finished on 118, well short of the target set. The Spanish players were victorious, but no….. The Dutch organizers  had decided that there should be an outright winner, and to the annoyance and disappointment of the Spanish team, decided to have a bowl out. This is when the 11 players of each team take it in turn to bowl at stumps, the team that hits them the most…wins! After all 11 had been, it was just 1-1, so it went to sudden death, and this is when the Spanish hearts sank, SGS won, a bitter tasting victory it was too. 
The T20 cup was presented at a Gala dinner and the Spanish team showed their true spirit and professionalism by not allowing the earlier events of the day to get to them. It was refreshing to know that all the other teams including many of the Dutch players knew that the Spanish boys were the real winners of this particular trophy. The Flamenco boys put the disappointment behind them and did what they do best, mingled with the guests, sharing a drink and joke and making people laugh.  
Friday was the final day of the tournament, and you couldn't but help overhear how people were talking about the Spanish team being robbed of the T20 Crown!! Although disappointed, and tired after 5 days of completive cricket; the team had to stay focused for this last of their Four Nations 45 over match. The game was against the tournament favorites, The Forty Club. However Spain knew that if they could win today, and the math's worked out in their favor, they too could win the first Four Nation's Trophy. Made to bat first Spain struggled right from the start, in form batsman D Williams and Young Braithwaite were given out to very poor LBW decisions. But you can't take anything away from British team they bowled and fielded well and did not let Spain get into this game bowling them out for just 105.
The Forty Club knocked of this total in no time and added the first Four Nations Cup to the Triangular Trophy they had already won.
It was a great tour for the Spanish team, there will be a lot to learn from it before they go to the UK in 2015. They can be proud of their achievements, they played a very high standard of competitive cricket, but they played fair, with pride and respect for all players, officials and supporters. The team made many friends and once again gained praise and respect from the organizers, well done to our lads, the players, umpires and scorer.
Before traveling home the team had some player awards to give out, proudly sponsored by ‘SJ&A Printers' and ‘Bar Restaurant Ricos' both in Torrevieja.
Best Batsman – David Smith
Best Bowler – Graham Cooper
Best Performance – David Williams (81)
Players Player – John Braithwaite
Players: Goerge Wambeek. Geoff Evens. Dave Smith. David Williams. Graham Cooper. Neil French. John Braithwaite. Robin Parmenter. Martin Makepeace. Neil McKinstry. Bob Nix. Navdeem Choudury. 
Umpires and Scorer - Dave Riley, Adnan Khan and Harmit Phull
The Spanish team would like to thank Cricket Espana, The Property Shop in Ibiza, Pensions People.com the only company offering alternative pension solutions to Expats in Lanzarote, SJandA Digital Services, Bar Ricos both in Torrevieja and all their sponsors for their continued support. Anyone interested in cricket or sponsoring the Spanish over 40 team Tour 2015 when they hope to bring perhaps both of T20 or 45overs Four Nations Cups to Spain, please see the Cricket Espana website.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44618/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In 2013 the Spanish over 40's cricket team were invited to travel to Copenhagen and play in a T20 (20 over) tournament alongside teams from Denmark, Holland and Great Britain who were participating in their 42nd annual ‘Triangular Tournament'.
...

### CALA MOSCA SUPPORT REACTIVATED

When the announcement was made that environmental objections against the proposed revised plans to build on Cala Mosca on the Orihuela Costa was made, there was concern that after years of fighting for its status as the last green area of coastline in Orihuela, interest may have been waning. However, that was clearly not the case, as even more people have now joined the campaign and want to have their say about protecting the unique environment.
In a statement this week, the C.L.A.R.O. political group, who have been leading the fight for many years, stated that in a two week period they had received over 1,800 signatures.”This is a remarkable achievement considering that many of the activists who would normally help collect signatures were away on holiday”, read the statement, announcing that their formal objections had been handed in to the Orihuela town hall on the 12th of August, to be forwarded to the regional government of Valencia.
According to C.L.A.R.O., the Petition objections relate principally to the fact that the developer will not reduce the volume of building proposed, with plans to construct 1,500 new flats and houses, putting two endangered species which live at Cala Mosca at risk. “Instead of building houses where the two species are at present concentrated, the developer's plans propose, nonsensically, to locate in these areas, gardens, play areas and car parks which will mean the two species would be exposed to the maximum physical public presence and therefore danger”.
In addition, an environmental protection group has also now got behind the campaign, Ecologistes en Acció, claiming that the site is “the only ground of the town shoreline that is not urbanized and has great environmental and landscape values”.
In particular, the ecology group claim that “there is an erroneous assessment of the impacts of the development project on populations of threatened flora and fauna”, the plant known as Heliantemum caput-felis and the snail called mauretanica Tudorella, and have stated that “the population of Heliantemum is one of the best preserved and largest number of specimens, together with those in the micro reserve at La Glea.
They also confirm the findings of the C.L.A.R.O. group, stating that the plan to design parks and recreation areas around the location of the endangered species would be “insufficient or contradictory” in securing the preservation of the environmental elements.
The location of pedestrian paths, recreational areas or coastal lookouts has also been called into question, as, according to the environmentalists, they would be on land “that is home to these two protected species and will affect their habitats.
The ecologists have also identified another potentially crucial flaw in the plans, that of a pathway for use by livestock which crosses the site parallel to the coast, a road which is protected by historic laws and “legally cannot be integrated into the surface of the sector”, although the Environmental Impact Study presented by the plan “ignores the existence of the cattle route”.
 
The eco group therefore consider that the plans would fall foul of the law, based on the points raised, and therefore must be considered as unacceptable on the basis of environmental protection, and must be modified for compliance with the “legal regulations in force”, and building still blocked until “these deficiencies are overcome”.
It is still worth remembering that, as C.L.A.R.O. explain, in the face of these objections and similar objections which are believed to have been lodged with the Valencia authorities by the local government of Orihuela, there is good reason to hope that the developer will be obliged to amend his plans and reduce and relocate projected buildings in order to afford more environmental protection to Cala Mosca. The fact that the fate of Cala Mosca has been placed on the agenda of the European Parliament as a result of previous C.L.A.R.O. initiatives, means that the Valencian authorities will have to be very careful not to approve plans which could violate European environmental legislation.
Meanwhile, should the objections be ignored and the plans approved, it is still not the end of the story, as the next stage would look at elements of urban planning and location, all of which can still be objected to, if the project does ever get that far.      
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44614/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: When the announcement was made that environmental objections against the proposed revised plans to build on Cala Mosca on the Orihuela Costa was made, there was concern that after years of fighting for its status as the last green area of coastline in ...

### CAMPAIGN AGAINST SPEEDING THIS WEEK

As last weekend saw perhaps the busiest anticipated number of vehicle movements for the summer season, with approximately 2,790,000 journeys in the Valencia region alone, Alicante saw a total of 1,100,000 movements between Thursday and Sunday.
Despite having a busy enough weekend already, now, as the height of summer starts to ease, the Guardia Civil are embarking on their latest campaign for road safety throughout this week, with a main clampdown on speeding.
Between the 18th and the 24th of August, traffic cops will be out in force, with a primary focus on those who break the law on main roads, the location of the majority of fatal crashes where speed is a contributing factor. All Pegasus equipped helicopters are likely to be taking to the air, and mobile radar traps will be located in strategic locations around the country.
Inappropriate speed was present in 22% of fatal accidents. Speed is one of the main factors that results in accidents with the worst consequences. One in four deaths in road accidents is the result of speeding. Last year 1.2 million drivers were detected speeding circulating. The traffic department already has four Pegasus radars in service, which will also operate during every summer weekend, with a fifth due to be launched soon.
In 2013, 1,680 people died on the roads of Spain, 223 less than the previous year, a decrease of 12%. The rate of deaths per million inhabitants is 36 in Spain, well below the European average is 52. Almost 8 out of every 10 fatalities occur on conventional roads. Of those people who were killed in crashes, 171 were not wearing a seatbelt, and 4 of them were children not wearing any child restraint system. 
Although this weekend may have been considered one of the busiest, it also marked the start of the return operation, when domestic tourists go back to their inland homes. However, the main “Operacíon Retorno” takes place between the 29th and 31st of August.
The next major campaign by the Guardia Civil will focus on seat belts, and will be between the 8th and the 14th of September, also looking at child restraints and the correct use of these lifesaving pieces of equipment. That campaign also coincides with a Europe wide effort by TISPOL, the European Traffic Police Network, so the same rigorous checks can also be expected across the continent. 
In October, the Guardia Civil will focus on conventional roads, whilst TISPOL will focus on trucks and buses. In November, school buses will be the target of the Guardia Civil, whereas December will see all authorities focus on drug and alcohol in the run up to the Christmas and New Year holidat period. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44612/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As last weekend saw perhaps the busiest anticipated number of vehicle movements for the summer season, with approximately 2,790,000 journeys in the Valencia region alone, Alicante saw a total of 1,100,000 movements between Thursday and Sunday.
Despite...

### CONTRADICTIONS OVER CORRUPTION STATUS

When Alberto Fabra took over as the fifth President of the Generalitat Valenciana, one of his primary objections was to clean up politics in the region. Creating what he called has “Red Line”, one of the most important elements was his statement that no Partido Popular member who is charged in a corruption case will be allowed to stand to be elected.
However, in an interview this week, the vice president of the Generalitat, who is also the President of the province of Alicante, José Císcar, seems to not only be wavering on that claim, he even seems to have contradicted his superior, suggesting that members who have been charged can in fact stand.
In an interview about the mayor of Alicante, Sonia Castedo, charged in connection with one of the most famous cases in Spain´s history, the “Caso Brugal”, Císcar said that the “parameters established” by the President of the Generalitat, Alberto Fabra, “must be evaluated at the time of making the electoral  lists”. Which would make any claim that Fabra had made in the past is false, as there would only ever be a need to enforce it at the time of the elections.
Castedo herself had spoken out in support of gay marriage and abortion recently, contrary to her own group´s feelings, and it had been rumoured that she may be set to form a breakaway political party. Císcar said that the PP has “a multitude of people with different ways of thinking”, but he understands there is no intention to form a new party.
Since Mónica Lorente led the PP to their first major defeat in Orihuela at the last elections, Císcar was asked about the situation where nine members of the former PP government are faces charges in one case alone, Císcar stressed that this is a “priority”, but “No one has the slightest doubt that the PP will make the best decisions and the best candidate to win the next election in Orihuela”. Lorente is also facing charges under the “Caso Brugal”.
Enforcing his reasoning however, Císcar did point out that “we do not know what the situation will be” when the time comes to make the lists, and pre-empting that would be like “guessing the end of school-year exam results in March”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44611/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: When Alberto Fabra took over as the fifth President of the Generalitat Valenciana, one of his primary objections was to clean up politics in the region. Creating what he called has “Red Line”, one of the most important elements was his stat...

### DEMANDS FOR HIGH SPEED TRAIN LINK REVISIONS

The Unión Progreso y Democracia political group of Torrevieja, the UPyD, are insisting that the new direct bus link to the high speed train network is inadequate, and should revert to the original plan of Alicante. 
As the 5th largest city in Valencia, coordinator for the group, Jose Serna, believes that the needs of both the city of Torrevieja and neighbouring Orihuela Costa are not being met by the current service, which currently takes as long as the direct bus between Madrid and Torrevieja.
In the first week of operation, the service to Villena hardly attracted any passengers, most buses running empty, and yet searches on the Renfe website stated that the available services were full.
Manuel Fares, representative of the UPyD in Orihuela, adds, “once again the service is poorly communicated on the Orihuela Costa, an area of a large tourist population, habitual users of the airport and potentially the AVE, with large gaps in public transport”. 
Torrevieja and Orihuela UPyD claim that the citizens of Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa will not continue to be treated as second class citizens for not living in a provincial capital, and regret that all they seem to be offered is poor transport, expensive, unreliable, uncomfortable and insecure.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44610/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Unión Progreso y Democracia political group of Torrevieja, the UPyD, are insisting that the new direct bus link to the high speed train network is inadequate, and should revert to the original plan of Alicante. 
As the 5th largest city in V...

### SEGUNDA START DATE DELAYED AS JUDGE ORDERS REINSTATEMENT OF REAL MURCIA

Just ten days before the start of the Football League season in Spain a judge has ordered the reinstatement of Real Murcia into the Segunda A (Spanish 2nd division) throwing the National league (LFP)into chaos.
The club were relegated by the football authorities last week when they failed to reach agreement with the tax authorities about the repayment of a 12 million euro debt with Mirandes, who finished fourth from bottom of the Liga Adelante last season, being told that they would not now be relegated.
But on Wednesday Real Murcia appealed the decision which was overturned in the Commercial Court in Madrid thereby requiring the LFP to allow the club to be readmitted into the Liga Adelante. 
So with Mirandes being given the earlier reprieve, that now raises the prospect of having to play this season's Segunda A with 23 clubs in the division instead of the usual 22 and completely re-drawing the fixture calendar just 10 days before the new season is due to kick off. 
However, in a further twist, the LFP published a statement on Wednesday rejecting the orders of the court and insisting that Murcia would not play in Spain's second tier this season. 
"We repeat that under no circumstances can Real Murcia SAD be reinstated for the current season," reads the LFP communique, which they explains such an act would be "judicially impossible," and highlighting that the club has committed financial irregularities on more than one occasion and that the club currently owes 12 million euros (around 16 million US dollars) in unpaid taxes to the Spanish Treasury. 
The LFP adds that the case Murcia has taken to court is independent from that which the LFP used to relegate the club, all of which means the coming days will almost certainly see a crossfire of accusations and counter-accusations as the kick off date gets closer without the issue being definitively resolved.
However at the weekend Mundo Deportivo reported that the LFP have said in a statement that they now respect the decision of the court and have delayed the start of the League while the situation is resolved. They have decided to push back the  start date of the league and a meeting will be held today, Monday, to address the issue with the clubs, the LFP, the RFEF and the players' association, the AFE, involved.
Today will also see the LFP consider their response to the court, with LFP President Javier Tebas to hold a Press conference at the end of the series of meetings.
The LFP have also contacted all the teams in the League to inform them of their position and said in a statement they expect developments over the next 10 days.
Murcia finished fourth in the Segunda last season, but missed out in the playoffs before their relegation was announced for financial reasons.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44609/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Just ten days before the start of the Football League season in Spain a judge has ordered the reinstatement of Real Murcia into the Segunda A (Spanish 2nd division) throwing the National league (LFP)into chaos.
The club were relegated by the football authorities last week when they failed to reach agreement with the tax authorities about the repayment of a 12 million euro debt with Mirandes, who finished fourth from bottom of the Liga Adelante last season, being told that they would not now be relegated.
But on Wednesday Real Murcia appealed the decision which was overturned in the Commercial Court in Madrid thereby requiring the LFP to allow the club to be readmitted into the Liga Adelante. 
So with Mirandes being given the earlier reprieve, that now raises the prospect of having to play this season's Segunda A with 23 clubs in the division instead of the usual 22 and completely re-drawing the fixture calendar just 10 days before the new season is due to kick off. 
However, in a further twist, the LFP published a statement on Wednesday rejecting the orders of the court and insisting that Murcia would not play in Spain's second tier this season. 
"We repeat that under no circumstances can Real Murcia SAD be reinstated for the current season," reads the LFP communique, which they explains such an act would be "judicially impossible," and highlighting that the club has committed financial irregularities on more than one occasion and that the club currently owes 12 million euros (around 16 million US dollars) in unpaid taxes to the Spanish Treasury. 
The LFP adds that the case Murcia has taken to court is independent from that which the LFP used to relegate the club, all of which means the coming days will almost certainly see a crossfire of accusations and counter-accusations as the kick off date gets closer without the issue being definitively resolved.
However at the weekend Mundo Deportivo reported that the LFP have said in a statement that they now respect the decision of the court and have delayed the start of the League while the situation is resolved. They have decided to push back the  start date of the league and a meeting will be held today, Monday, to address the issue with the clubs, the LFP, the RFEF and the players' association, the AFE, involved.
Today will also see the LFP consider their response to the court, with LFP President Javier Tebas to hold a Press conference at the end of the series of meetings.
The LFP have also contacted all the teams in the League to inform them of their position and said in a statement they expect developments over the next 10 days.
Murcia finished fourth in the Segunda last season, but missed out in the playoffs before their relegation was announced for financial reasons.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44609/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ORIHUELA CRIME RATE DOWN

In the first half of 2014, crime figures in Orihuela have fell by 9.3%, above the average drop of both Alicante and Valencia.
The announcement was made by regional government delegate Serafín Castellano, during a visit to the Orihuela Costa. Castellano says that the figure is “very significant”, as now the official crime rate, which measures offences per thousand inhabitants, now stands at 42.2%. That figure ten years ago, in 2004, stood at 88%, whereas it was 47.7% in 2001. 
Castellano detailed how violent crime is down by 16.4%, robbery with violence and intimidation has dropped by 26.1%, robberies fell by 10.6%, theft of motor vehicles has dropped by 7.3%, whilst drug use has fallen by 7.1%.
In a speech, Castellano said, “I think we are on the right track with the decline of criminal offences, it encourages further work on the same line but we must not lower our guard”.
Castellano then praised the work of the Guardia Civil, National and Local Police, and thanked them for their efforts.
There is currently no further information available on the abandoned construction of a new emergency centre on the Orihuela Costa, which would house the police, ambulance and fire services.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44608/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In the first half of 2014, crime figures in Orihuela have fell by 9.3%, above the average drop of both Alicante and Valencia.
The announcement was made by regional government delegate Serafín Castellano, during a visit to the Orihuela Costa. Ca...

### COUNCIL FINALLY TO PULL DOWN ILLEGAL CABO ROIG BARRIER

The acting mayor of Orihuela, Antonio Zapata of the PSOE, who also holds the competencies for Town Planning, has announced this week that the final stage of recovering land in Cabo Roig has now been reached.
The waterfront stretch of land is located on the Bellavista 1 urbanisation, between Cabo Roig and Aguamarina, which was illegally fenced off by the residents of urbanisation decades ago, and has since been a battle for a number of residents and visitors trying to claim it back.
In May of last year, Zapata and his department announced that they had begun the official legal proceedings to regain the land, thus allowing the town hall to restore public access through the coastal walkway. The announcement was praised by many, after years of their complaints seemingly being ignored, but there had been no further apparent action since.
The councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, explained that the process undertook by the town hall was a legal route, which therefore had to proceed through the courts and the correct administrative procedure for allowing both sides of the case to be heard, in order to justify taking the land back.
Now, following that process, the final stage is complete, which allows the town hall to remove the architectural elements of the obstruction, the wall and the gates that have closed off the public land, to end the private claim of part of the promenade and the beach, which the residents have staked claim to as private land.
However, those who illegally took or lay claim to the land still have a short period to carry out the restorative work themselves, a period of around 2 weeks, and so it is not likely that the town hall will commence the demolition until after the summer period, but Zapata states that the action will be taken, as soon as it is appropriate, to allow the land to return to the purpose it was designated.
The Leader has been instrumental in this campaign since day one, raising the matter on behalf of residents with every council team who have been in power, from the time of the PP rule, through the coalition government and every councillor who held the position of responsibility for the coast.
In 2010, we covered the story in considerable detail, reporting on a complaint raised by Bob Houliston´s CLARO political group who criticized the “photo opportunities for Mayoress Monica Lorente”, without taking any action against these residents to regain the land.
As the PP lost power in the last municipal elections, it was in the manifesto of the group who became the tri-party coalition that replaced the Lorente government, with Bob Houliston being given the post of councillor for the coast, but still no action was apparently taken.
In early 2013 we also reported on the praise given to repairs of the beach under the management of Pedro Mancebo, who took over the role from Houliston, but still eluding the matter of the walkway, as we reported, “Questions still remain unanswered however regarding the section of the walkway at the northern end of the paseo illegally blocked off by the residents of the Urbanisation Bellavista 1 in Cabo Roig.”
When we last reported this in May of last year, we stated how this is the first time some positive action has been made, returning the land to public ownership and use, rather than permitting a handful of residents, who many consider to be selfish and considered above the law, to effectively steal land that doesn´t belong to them, depriving the rest of the community from access and egress to this part of the coast. Now, the campaign is set to come to an end, thus allowing the public to once again stroll along the Orihuela Costa and enjoy the beautiful views of the Mediterranean deprived them for so long.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44607/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The acting mayor of Orihuela, Antonio Zapata of the PSOE, who also holds the competencies for Town Planning, has announced this week that the final stage of recovering land in Cabo Roig has now been reached.
The waterfront stretch of land is located o...

### SUSPECTED EBOLA CASE IN ALICANTE

The Department of Health implemented a safety protocol on Saturday, after a suspect case of Ebola was found in a patient in Alicante General Hospital.
The man, of African origin, was transferred by police escort to the Hospital de Sant Joan d'Alacant, the medical centre established to deal with emergencies such as this.
The area where he will be treated is now closed off with medics attending in protective suits.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44606/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Department of Health implemented a safety protocol on Saturday, after a suspect case of Ebola was found in a patient in Alicante General Hospital.
The man, of African origin, was transferred by police escort to the Hospital de Sant Joan d'Alacant,...

### FIRE BREAKS OUT IN PROMINENT ORIHUELA HOTEL

It was almost impossible to travel through Orihuela City by car last Tuesday as firefighters struggled to deal with a fire which had broken out in the kitchens of the Hotel Meliá Tudemir just after the breakfast rush.
 Difficulty in attending and fighting the fire in the historic quarter was complicated by the narrow town centre streets but being aware only of an outbreak in a central hotel the Provincial Fire Consortium dispatched two fire tenders, a ladder truck and a control vehicle direct to the scene.
On arriving at the scene, however, firefighters found only a minor fire so all but one of the tenders was stood down. The fire caused only material damage in the 2nd floor kitchen which it failed to extend beyond, although a spokesman did say that some rooms on the third and fourth floors had suffered smoke damage.
Roads in the city centre were closed for about an hour while the fire was dealt with causing major disruption along Calle Ramon Sijé providing access to the Museum and also to the Tuesday market on the Paseo Calvo Sotelo.
A spokesman for the hotel suggested that initial investigations into the cause of the fire thought that it was quite probably a malfunctioning electrical appliance.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44605/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: It was almost impossible to travel through Orihuela City by car last Tuesday as firefighters struggled to deal with a fire which had broken out in the kitchens of the Hotel Meliá Tudemir just after the breakfast rush.
 Difficulty in attending a...

### The Weekend – 16 and 17 August 2014

ALL WEEK
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
Exhibition – “Toda la galaxia en el castillo”. A collection of 20,000 items of interest to Star Wars fans, including toys, models and works of art. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Until 11 April).
ELCHE
Elche fiesta week, a variety of musicians, DJS and bands performing around the city until weekend.
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
ORIHUELA
NEW – Exhibition of historic documents regarding the request to hold a market in the town of san Agustín, dating back to 1756. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 August).
SANTA POLA
Naturalia Exhibition of gems, minerals, fossils, insects and shells, Castillo Fortaleza, C/ Almirante Antequera (Final week).
Book Fair. Plaza de la Glorieta, opposite the main facade of the Castle (Until 24 August).
Exhibition “Tierra y Mar de Sal”, Museo de la Sal (Until 31 August).
TORREVIEJA
Festival of San Roque is celebrated all this week at the Barrio de San Roque. Includes a variety of events such as games for children, a gymkhana, bouncy castles, music and more.
SHOWS AND MUSICALS
The Lion King, Teatro Lope De Vega, Madrid (Until 2 November).
Otelo, Teatro Bellas Artes, Madrid (Until 14 September).
The Russian National Ballet perform Sleeping Beauty, Tívoli Theatre, Barcelona (all week).
SATURDAY 16 AUGUST
Markets
Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Tribute act to Spanish pop groups, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
20:00 – Mass and procession for the Festividad San Roque.
SUNDAY 17 AUGUST
International Smile and Wave to Tourists Day.
Markets
Benidorm, Elche, La Nucia, Campoverde, La Marina, Zoco, Almoradí street market, Lemon Tree Road, Mil Palmeras.
MARBELLA
Tom Jones, Auditorio De Marbella Málaga.
ORIHUELA COSTA
La Banda de Ary Tikky, especially for the younger people, Zenia Boulevard.
Underwater guided snorkelling tour (Every Wed and Sun in July and August).
TORREVIEJA
20:30 – Summer parade, departing from the Municipal Theatre, crossing Ramon Gallud to “Virgen del Carmen” cultural center. More than 500 people participate in this parade.
21:00 – Musical, “La Reina de la Sal. Leyenda Helada. El Origen de una Tradición”.
FUTURE EVENTS
Torrevieja – Kool & The Gang, 20 August.
Buñol – La Tomatina tomato fight, 27 August (Sold out).
Torrevieja – MOWO – Mobile photography and Instagram event, September.

Excerpt: ALL WEEK ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – […]

### EDUCATION ACCORDING TO SOCRATES

Previously, we discussed what the concept of education was for Roman philosopher Seneca was; education for him was fundamentally having an honest life. This time around, let us discuss the concept of a “good life” according to Greek philosopher Socrates, whose thoughts were well known four centuries before Seneca's. 
First of all, one must distinguish between a “life that is good”, which is the search for perfection and truth, and the “good life”, which searches commodity, pleasure and riches. 
Professor Polo would point out that Socrates opted for a life that is good, thus sacrificing the good life. He sacrificed well being up to the extreme of dying while defending truth without compromises. Socrates' choice for a life that is good is biographical, in other words, it incarnated within his own existence. The attractiveness of his character is huge, precisely because he is an authentic man that abides by his existential compromise with truth until the very end. 
From Socrates we learn about coherence: he taught about what he lived by, and preferred to die instead of relinquishing his convictions. A life that is good is based on virtue and law. For the Greeks, a happy life can only be achieved in the polis, where both individual and social virtues are developed. However, in the city, other than talking and coexisting, what is right is both searched for and realized. 
For Aristotle, security must be placed in nomos, in the agreement among free humans that search for a life that is good; which does not consist in richness. 
Humans have always had the temptation for idolatry: to become a god of material goods, to enjoy a life full of commodities. However, the accumulation of material goods does not seize the thirst for them, if not, it increases it. The more one has, the more one needs, and the more one wants to have. In today's society, advertising bases itself upon lust (the disordered appetite for life's sensible pleasures) in order to favor consumerism. 
A life that is good and a culture that is genuine aim to cultivate: intelligence (to learn to think); will power (to learn to want what is good); and affectivity (to learn to love others and develop good sentiments towards others). 
On the other hand, the good life and subculture consist of being guided by the instincts, wishes, appetites, and emotions that someone may have at a given instant. This is nothing but a predisposition to animal life (Translated by Gianna Sanchez Moretti).
Arturo Ramo
Independent Forum of Opinion
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44591/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Previously, we discussed what the concept of education was for Roman philosopher Seneca was; education for him was fundamentally having an honest life. This time around, let us discuss the concept of a “good life” according to Greek philoso...

### A LIGHT PUNISHMENT

It is doubtful that a single driver on the roads has never been dazzled by the headlights from an oncoming car, sometimes through a mechanical fault, but more often due to driver error, perhaps leaving the lights on full beam without paying enough attention to realise, but with the potential to cause accidents as a “blinded” driver´s eyes adjust, Chinese traffic cops have come up with a unique punishment.
Traffic police in the city of Shenzhen, southeast of the Guangdong Province, deal with drivers who risk other road users by means of a tortuous ordeal of having to sit in the road in front of their patrol car, whilst the officer shines their headlights into the eyes of the illuminated driver, for a period of five minutes.
The police say that the punishment serves to remind drivers of the risk of not adjusting their headlights, but it still doesn´t mean they won´t be fined. In addition to the educational enlightenment, drivers are still fined 300 Yuan, the equivalent of around 40 euro, for the privilege.
Having faced some criticism, the traffic police have responded saying that, “in general the vast majority of people approved the initiative”, as the result is more people have a better idea of the consequences of their actions. 
However, with headlight technology improving all the time, with new anti-dazzle headlights being fitted to some models in the higher end range, the physical cause of the torture may soon be a thing of the past, but for now, we all have a duty to be aware of our own actions whilst using the road network.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44589/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: It is doubtful that a single driver on the roads has never been dazzled by the headlights from an oncoming car, sometimes through a mechanical fault, but more often due to driver error, perhaps leaving the lights on full beam without paying enough atte...

### OFFICIALS VISIT ORIHUELA BEACH

Part of Orihuela Costa´s beaches were closed off on Monday of last week, when a large crack formed in the Cliffside above the beach at Barranco Rubio. 
As a twenty metre long and thirty metre deep piece of cliff face was considered unstable, the beach was closed off firstly to assess the damage, then to remove the problematic piece.
The local police provided a cordon around the area, with officers on duty constantly, as numerous bathers chose to ignore the signs blocking access, some walking along the closed beach, others simply moving into the sea to work, presumably believing the water provided a barrier from harm if the cliff were to collapse.
Delegate of the government of Valencia, Serafín Castellano, visited the area along with other regional representatives from Valencia, as well as provincial representative from Alicante, and the acting mayor of Orihuela, Antonio Zapata, along with the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer. Former mayor of the municipality, Mónica Lorente, and former councillor for the coast under her government, José Aniorte, also visited the area, all accompanied by numerous members of the Local Police and Guardia Civil, both ground forces and senior officers.
Although the provincial coastal department of Alicante has a budget to cover such emergency repairs as this, according to Castellano, the Valencian government has spent some 355,000 euro this year alone, mostly making areas like this safe, transferring sand, debris removal and demolition, none of which were apparently effective in this case.
Meanwhile, Orihuela´s coastal councillor, Martina Scheurer, seized the opportunity to speak with the provincial representative responsible for the coastline, highlighting some of the outstanding issues in Orihuela. The result of those talks is that a meeting will now take place after the summer, to enable the next formal process to seek rectification of the structural problems to be resolved. 
All the officials present praised the prompt response to the emergency, and the way the closure and cleanup operation was handled, keeping the inconvenience to beachgoers, at the busiest time of year, to a minimum.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44588/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Part of Orihuela Costa´s beaches were closed off on Monday of last week, when a large crack formed in the Cliffside above the beach at Barranco Rubio. 
As a twenty metre long and thirty metre deep piece of cliff face was considered unstable, the...

### SPAIN TAKES DELIVERY OF NEW SAR HELICOPTER

Spain has taken delivery of the first of a new breed of search and rescue helicopters, the EC255, which was delivered to the Airbus facility in Albacete.
Destined to be used by the state maritime rescue section, SASEMAR, the first helicopter will be based on the Galician coast, based in the La Coruña operations centre at Alvedro.
The helicopter replaces an iconic Sikorsky S-61N, which is nearing 40 years of age, and will come into service in January 2015.
Between now and the first missions, the flight and ground crew will be taking part in training exercises to familiarise themselves, both in terms of flying and manoeuvring the helicopter, including through adverse weather conditions, and how to ensure the fastest response time to emergencies once called upon. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44587/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spain has taken delivery of the first of a new breed of search and rescue helicopters, the EC255, which was delivered to the Airbus facility in Albacete.
Destined to be used by the state maritime rescue section, SASEMAR, the first helicopter will be b...

### CABLE SKI COMES TO TORREVIEJA

The waters of Torrevieja have another attraction for the more sporty visitors to the city, with the official opening this week of a “Cable Ski” facility near the harbour.
The facility allows for users to practice water skiing, pulled by a cable around a fixed structure, rather than a boat in the open water. Considered both more energy efficient and safer than a boat, the cable operated equipment has been growing in popularity for some times, with places like Benidorm already firmly fixed as a location to practice the sport.
The 170 metre long cable covers a ground surface of 300 square metres, in an area of 6,000 square metres. It plans to open every day of the year, although booking may be required during off-peak seasons. 
The Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, visited the facility this week, and explained how “this is a very new water sport facility, of high standard and quality, of which there are few in our country”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44586/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The waters of Torrevieja have another attraction for the more sporty visitors to the city, with the official opening this week of a “Cable Ski” facility near the harbour.
The facility allows for users to practice water skiing, pulled by a ...

### Friday 15 August 2014 – Holiday Events Guide

ALL WEEK
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
Exhibition – “Toda la galaxia en el castillo”. A collection of 20,000 items of interest to Star Wars fans, including toys, models and works of art. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Until 11 April).
ELCHE
Elche fiesta week, a variety of musicians, DJS and bands performing around the city until weekend.
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
ORIHUELA
NEW – Exhibition of historic documents regarding the request to hold a market in the town of san Agustín, dating back to 1756. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 August).
SANTA POLA
Naturalia Exhibition of gems, minerals, fossils, insects and shells, Castillo Fortaleza, C/ Almirante Antequera (Final week).
Book Fair. Plaza de la Glorieta, opposite the main facade of the Castle (Until 24 August).
Exhibition “Tierra y Mar de Sal”, Museo de la Sal (Until 31 August).
TORREVIEJA
Festival of San Roque is celebrated all this week at the Barrio de San Roque. Includes a variety of events such as games for children, a gymkhana, bouncy castles, music and more.
SHOWS AND MUSICALS
The Lion King, Teatro Lope De Vega, Madrid (Until 2 November).
Otelo, Teatro Bellas Artes, Madrid (Until 14 September).
The Russian National Ballet perform Sleeping Beauty, Tívoli Theatre, Barcelona (all week).
FRIDAY 15 AUGUST
El Día de la Asunción (Assumption of Mary – Spanish national holiday (Red Day).
Markets
Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, Torrevieja.
ALTEA
Discover Altea, guided walks through the picturesque town, every Friday in July and August.
ELCHE
Banda Sinfónica Elche performing in the municipal park.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Vampire firsta, with Fernandisco, Zenia Boulevard.
SANTA POLA
Free paddle surf course, with Team SCA, the women’s team in the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15
TORREVIEJA
18:00 – Benefit Concert, 6 hours of music, Parque la Sinforosa.
19:00 – “Electromar”, dance and electronic music festival, Parque Antonio Soria (all night until 8am).
20:30 – “Viva la Paloma” gala, Virgen del Carmen.
21:30 – Vivaldi classical music concert, Teatro Municipal.
SATURDAY 16 AUGUST
Markets
Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Tribute act to Spanish pop groups, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
20:00 – Mass and procession for the Festividad San Roque.

Excerpt: ALL WEEK ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – […]

### ANOTHER BUSY WEEKEND ON THE ROADS

The traffic department estimates that there will be approximately 2,790,000 vehicle movements on the roads of the Valencia region for this holiday weekend, between 15.00 on Thursday and until 24.00 on Sunday.
From that total, 1,100,000 will be on the roads of the Alicante province, 1,240,000 in Valencia and 450,000 in Castellón, with the busiest times expected to be on Thursday from 16.00 to 21.00, on Friday between 08:00 and 14:00, and on Sunday between 16:00 to 21:00.
The worst places in Alicante, and therefore recommended to avoid if possible, will be the A-70 motorway at the entrances and exits around Alicante, the N-332 at Altea, El Altet to Santa Pola, and Torrevieja through to the Orihuela Costa, with a primary focus on beach areas.
In order to improve traffic flow, the “full” human resources will be deployed, with the Guardia Civil traffic section supported by traffic managers, maintenance workers, helicopters and special restrictions on heavy goods and road works. The local police will also be drafted in to operate on traffic duty.
This weekend is often considered one of the busiest, which also marks the start of the return operation, when domestic tourists return back to their inland homes. However, the main “Operacíon Retorno” takes place between the 29th and 31st of August.
The DGT will also be carrying out a campaign against speeding motorists between the 18th and the 24th of August, with a primary focus on those who break the law on main roads, the location of the majority of fatal crashes where speed is a contributing factor.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44585/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The traffic department estimates that there will be approximately 2,790,000 vehicle movements on the roads of the Valencia region for this holiday weekend, between 15.00 on Thursday and until 24.00 on Sunday.
From that total, 1,100,000 will be on the ...

### Thursday 14 August 2014 – Things to Do

ALL WEEK
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
Exhibition – “Toda la galaxia en el castillo”. A collection of 20,000 items of interest to Star Wars fans, including toys, models and works of art. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Until 11 April).
ELCHE
Elche fiesta week, a variety of musicians, DJS and bands performing around the city until weekend.
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
ORIHUELA
NEW – Exhibition of historic documents regarding the request to hold a market in the town of san Agustín, dating back to 1756. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 August).

SANTA POLA
Naturalia Exhibition of gems, minerals, fossils, insects and shells, Castillo Fortaleza, C/ Almirante Antequera (Final week).
Book Fair. Plaza de la Glorieta, opposite the main facade of the Castle (Until 24 August).
Exhibition “Tierra y Mar de Sal”, Museo de la Sal (Until 31 August).
TORREVIEJA
Festival of San Roque is celebrated all this week at the Barrio de San Roque. Includes a variety of events such as games for children, a gymkhana, bouncy castles, music and more.
SHOWS AND MUSICALS
The Lion King, Teatro Lope De Vega, Madrid (Until 2 November).
Otelo, Teatro Bellas Artes, Madrid (Until 14 September).
The Russian National Ballet perform Sleeping Beauty, Tívoli Theatre, Barcelona (all week).
THURSDAY 14 AUGUST
Markets
Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales.
ORIHUELA COSTA
An evening of Spanish monologues, Zenia Boulevard.
SANTA POLA
Free paddle surf course, with Team SCA, the women’s team in the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15
TORREVIEJA
17:00 – “Brainfood Soundsystem”, musical event, Paseo Juan Aparicio.
21:30 – “Drilo Tour presents the Kids Band”, Eras de la Sal. CANCELLED.
FRIDAY 15 AUGUST
El Día de la Asunción (Assumption of Mary – Spanish national holiday (Red Day).
Markets
Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, Torrevieja.
ALTEA
Discover Altea, guided walks through the picturesque town, every Friday in July and August.
ELCHE
Banda Sinfónica Elche performing in the municipal park.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Vampire firsta, with Fernandisco, Zenia Boulevard.
SANTA POLA
Free paddle surf course, with Team SCA, the women’s team in the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15
TORREVIEJA
18:00 – Benefit Concert, 6 hours of music, Parque la Sinforosa.
19:00 – “Electromar”, dance and electronic music festival, Parque Antonio Soria (all night until 8am).
20:30 – “Viva la Paloma” gala, Virgen del Carmen.
21:30 – Vivaldi classical music concert, Teatro Municipal.

Excerpt: ALL WEEK ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – […]

### NEW SKATE PARK FOR SANTA POLA

Work is now underway on a new skate park being built adjacent to the Pabellón Els Xiprerets in Santa Pola. The total budget for the project is 509,575 euros, with a lead time of 19 weeks.
Lola Gadea, the councilor responsible for planning said that only a third of the amount is being paid by the City Council. The rest  will be provided by regional and national authorities.
The project, which falls within the Tourism Competitiveness Plan for Sport, will cover an area of 4.936,91 square meters on a much larger 16,000 square meter plot which if fully owned by the municipality. This means that there will be extra space for additional projects should anything suitable be considered in the future.
As an add on to the park three rooms will be constructed, all completely soundproofed, which will be managed by the Racó Jove and used as rehearsal rooms by a number of different town bands. There will also be an area for anyone who might want to practice break-dancing.
The skate park itself will have an area aimed at beginners and youngsters. There will also be a technical area with ramps and an intermediate circuit with obstacles at different heights, ramps, stairs, curbs and railings all erected at different heights. 
The company managing the project,Tecopsa, are specialists in this type of public works. The designer and the construction manager were responsible for the construction of many similar facilities in places like San Pedro del Pinatar, so their experience is well established.
The second part of the project will include the creation of a café as well at the soundproofed rehearsal rooms.
Gadea says that this type of sports facility will prove to be a great boost for tourism, "and that many skaters of all ages will come to the venue to practice the sport, from both within and outside the province.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44583/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Work is now underway on a new skate park being built adjacent to the Pabellón Els Xiprerets in Santa Pola. The total budget for the project is 509,575 euros, with a lead time of 19 weeks.
Lola Gadea, the councilor responsible for planning said that only a third of the amount is being paid by the City Council. The rest  will be provided by regional and national authorities.
The project, which falls within the Tourism Competitiveness Plan for Sport, will cover an area of 4.936,91 square meters on a much larger 16,000 square meter plot which if fully owned by the municipality. This means that there will be extra space for additional projects should anything suitable be considered in the future.
As an add on to the park three rooms will be constructed, all completely soundproofed, which will be managed by the Racó Jove and used as rehearsal rooms by a number of different town bands. There will also be an area for anyone who might want to practice break-dancing.
The skate park itself will have an area aimed at beginners and youngsters. There will also be a technical area with ramps and an intermediate circuit with obstacles at different heights, ramps, stairs, curbs and railings all erected at different heights. 
The company managing the project,Tecopsa, are specialists in this type of public works. The designer and the construction manager were responsible for the construction of many similar facilities in places like San Pedro del Pinatar, so their experience is well established.
The second part of the project will include the creation of a café as well at the soundproofed rehearsal rooms.
Gadea says that this type of sports facility will prove to be a great boost for tourism, "and that many skaters of all ages will come to the venue to practice the sport, from both within and outside the province.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44583/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### PILOT SCHEME OFFERS FREE WI-FI ON PLAYA DE LEVANTE

The project 'Telecable Wifree' will see the provision of a free wi-fi service to users of Levante beach. 
The installation will mark the completion of the first phase of a project, which is being implemented in collaboration with the Department of Beaches and the local company Telecable, and aims to eventually bring in the free network connection along all of the municipality's coastline.
Councillor Loreto Serrano, said that the proposed initiative will take some years, but after supplying free internet in the center of town, the council have had to slow down the process for legal reasons. 
Serrano continued, “However we resumed the program with the participation of Telecable, the company awarded the telecommunications contract, and they intend to start the pilot phase of the free wi-fi on  Levante Beach first before they move on to Gran Playa. "Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44582/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The project 'Telecable Wifree' will see the provision of a free wi-fi service to users of Levante beach. 
The installation will mark the completion of the first phase of a project, which is being implemented in collaboration with the Department of Beaches and the local company Telecable, and aims to eventually bring in the free network connection along all of the municipality's coastline.
Councillor Loreto Serrano, said that the proposed initiative will take some years, but after supplying free internet in the center of town, the council have had to slow down the process for legal reasons. 
Serrano continued, “However we resumed the program with the participation of Telecable, the company awarded the telecommunications contract, and they intend to start the pilot phase of the free wi-fi on  Levante Beach first before they move on to Gran Playa. "Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44582/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR ORIHUELA CF

The President of Orihuela CF, Antonio Felices, met with executives of the Valencian Football Federation last week to clarify the situation regarding the club and the coming season.  
Still with a debt of 60,000 euro, on which the Elche Courts are still deliberating, there had been some doubt that ‘The Yellows' could come up with an acceptable repayment plan but following the meeting, which the President described as ‘productive' the Federation have accepted his proposals  and confirmed the club's entry into Tercera for 2014/15 getting underway with a visit to Ontinyent on 24 August.
The Federation has also rescinded their earlier decision regarding new signings and following the payment to last season's players of all monies outstanding Coach Garcia Tébar will now be able to bring in new staff.
Felices also said that he has the support of all club directors and confirmed that the club will comply with all Federation Rules, and that they have now appointed a new manager whose preparations for the coming season are already well advanced.
Also off the field, players from the club last week presented Orihuela's new strip. Manufactured by the company Acerbis, who are also a major sponsor of del club scorpion, the home strip will remain unchanged, yellow shirts and blue shorts while the away strip will be celestial blue shirts and white shorts.
Following last week's appointment on a 2 year contract, the new manager Andrés García Tébar was officially unveiled at the Hotel Tudemir. Tébar said all the right things beginning by acknowledging that of all the leagues in the Tercera Category the Valencian division is by far the stronges,t but he nevertheless said that he expects to build a team that is challenging for the playoffs and promotion at the end of the season.
Tébar also pointed to the economic situation. He said that despite Orihuela being without significant investment, he was confident that he already had the right signings in mind. It was now just a question of trying to bring them to the club for the right money.
Meanwhile the club's home ground, Los Arcos, is currently undergoing a facelift. According to the councilor for sport, Luis Galiano, the playing surface is being completely reseeded with Bermuda grass. Other work includes the refurbishment and extension of the sprinkler and irrigation systems .
Although the league season will get underway on August 24, Orihuela are playing away at Villajoyosa. The second week is free so the first home game will take place at Los Arcos on 7 September against CD Acero by which time the ground will be in absolute pristine condition said the councillor.
The budget for the work is 16,600 euros.
The company in charge of the stadium work is a Spanish company, Royal Verd, which carried out ground maintenance at seven World Cup stadiums in Brazil. Engineer, Carlos Botella, said that he has also solved a serious drainage problem where a 10 inch layer of clay stopped the grass from taking root. He too says he is confident that the ground will be ready for the first league fixture in early September.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44581/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The President of Orihuela CF, Antonio Felices, met with executives of the Valencian Football Federation last week to clarify the situation regarding the club and the coming season.  
Still with a debt of 60,000 euro, on which the Elche Courts are stil...

### WHISTLING IN THE WIND

Taking a welcome break during a long walk in a magical wooded valley in the heart of the Garajonay Forest in the small Canary Island of La Gomera, I heard a sound that I had often longed to hear.
It was the sound of Silbo Gomera, the whistling language of this unique and beautiful island. This whistling language, the Gomeran whistle, is an ancient local language, which once seemed to be dying out, but is now enjoying something of a revival.
My attention was drawn to a tiny figure further down the valley. The figure was surrounded by what appeared to be goats. As the figure whistled, more goats joined the assembled group. Clearly, the whistling was designed to attract the goats before they moved on.
Suddenly, I heard a second whistling sound. This whistle was of a higher pitch, and sounded urgent; it was immediately answered by the first whistle. Sometimes it sounded bird like, with the response more urgent and determined. I sat and listened to what I realised was a fine example of genuine communication between locals, using the whistle language.
Later, I mentioned what I had heard to the barman in the wooden shack that served as a small bar for trekkers. The barman nodded, “Ah yes, that's Santiago with his goats. He lived in Tenerife for a few months to study, but hated the hectic life so much that he returned home to be with his goats. He was training to be a doctor. That's his mother calling him home for lunch, I expect.”
Until that moment, I had always thought that the whistle language was something that the locals had reintroduced to keep the tourists on the cruise ships and in restaurants entertained. However, as I spoke to more people on the island, it became clear that the language is very much alive and well, and still used as an effective form of communication.
Experts tell me that the whistle language modifies the Spanish language by replacing it with two whistled vowels and four consonants. The whistle is perfectly suited to the landscape of deep valleys and steep ravines, with the sound travelling up to two miles away. In an area where mobile phone signals are either non-existent, or at best unreliable, I can see its advantages.
Little is known about the origins of the language, other than when the first European settlers arrived in La Gomera during the 15th Century, the locals who were of North African origin, communicated by whistling. When the Spanish invaded, the locals adapted the whistling language to Spanish. It is therefore likely that the whistle originated from African settlers, where there is evidence of other whistled languages used.
Later, a taxi driver recalled the widespread use of the whistle language during troubled times in the 1940s, such as when the mountain caught fire, which it often did. The Guardia Civil would arrive and collect the locals to help put out the fire. Although the council and the mayors were paid to put out the fires, they did not pass on the money to the locals who helped, keeping the money for themselves.
In order to avoid the police, the locals would whistle to each other that the police were coming and that they should hide. Members of the Guardia Civil didn't understand whistling and so it was an ideal way of avoiding conscription.
Later, I heard from an old man who told me that learning to whistle wasn't a matter of pleasure or a hobby, but was a social and practical obligation. If you didn't know the language, you would have to walk to give a message, which was not practical in an area of mountains and ravines, and with few roads and no telephones.
In the 1950s, the use of the language began to decline due to economic problems that forced most of the whistlers to emigrate, often to South America or to the larger neighbouring islands.
Thanks to European Union funding, the road network was developed, and phones became popular, which made the whistling language almost obsolete.
In the 1990s, there was a major effort to revive the language, which was partly due to making it a compulsory subject in Gomeran primary schools. A few years ago, it used to be true that the language was mostly heard in schools, as well as in restaurants that provide whistling demonstrations for tourists. However, judging from my experiences in the wooded valley, as well as a few days later on a building site where I could hear the same piercing whistle being used by construction workers, I realised that this strange and mystical language has entered a period of serious revival.
For photos and more information about this special island, take a look at the ‘La Gomera' pages of The Canary Islander website.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie Mahoney
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44580/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Taking a welcome break during a long walk in a magical wooded valley in the heart of the Garajonay Forest in the small Canary Island of La Gomera, I heard a sound that I had often longed to hear.
It was the sound of Silbo Gomera, the whistling langua...

### HAVE YOU BEEN THE VICTIM OF A ROBBERY

Victim of a robbery? The Guardia Civil has a website where you can search for stolen goods that they have recovered during their raids.
Through the site you can enter search criteria relating to the items stolen which can be matched those recovered by the Guardia Civil in different robberies across the region. 
The images are organized by both the name of "police operation" and also by category such as: jewelry, watches, tools, etc. 
If you can prove ownership of any item shown on the Guardia site you can have it back in your possession in only a matter of days.
Oficina de Atención al Ciudadano de la Guardia Civil, (Citizens Advice Bureau Civil Guard):
Teléfono:   900 101 062
FAX:   900 102 062
Email:   sugerencias@guardiacivil.es
Website: http://www.guardiacivil.es/es/servicios/efectos_recuperados/index.htmlFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44579/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Victim of a robbery? The Guardia Civil has a website where you can search for stolen goods that they have recovered during their raids.
Through the site you can enter search criteria relating to the items stolen which can be matched those recovered by the Guardia Civil in different robberies across the region. 
The images are organized by both the name of "police operation" and also by category such as: jewelry, watches, tools, etc. 
If you can prove ownership of any item shown on the Guardia site you can have it back in your possession in only a matter of days.
Oficina de Atención al Ciudadano de la Guardia Civil, (Citizens Advice Bureau Civil Guard):
Teléfono:   900 101 062
FAX:   900 102 062
Email:   sugerencias@guardiacivil.es
Website: http://www.guardiacivil.es/es/servicios/efectos_recuperados/index.htmlFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44579/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### SAVE CALA MOSCA - SUPPORT FOR PETITION EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS

Thanks to the continuing wide public interest in saving Cala Mosca, the last green area on Orihuela Costa,  from excessive and unnecessary house building, in a two week period the Petition organised by C.L.A.R.O. to object to the developer's latest plans, received over 1,800 signatures.  
This is a remarkable achievement considering that many of the activists who would normally help collect signatures were away on holiday.   The Petition and a separate objection (alegación) by C.L.A.R.O. were handed in officially on 11 August at Playa Flamenco office of the Orihuela Town Hall and a final 50 signatures in Orihuela city on 12 August.    
They will be passed on to the Valencia regional government which must decide on the validity of the objections.   If they are accepted, the developer would be required to change his building plans.
The Petition objections relate principally to the fact that the developer will not reduce the volume of building proposed (1,500 new flats and houses) in order to preserve the environment and in particular to protect the two species, a flower and a snail, which are present on Cala Mosca and which require protection in order to avoid extinction.  
Instead of building houses where the two species are at present concentrated, the developer's plans propose, nonsensically, to locate in these areas, gardens, play areas and car parks which will mean the two species would be exposed to the maximum physical public presence and therefore danger.
In the face of these objections and similar objections which are believed to have been lodged with the Valencia authorities by the local government of Orihuela, there is good reason to hope that the developer will be obliged to amend his plans and reduce and relocate projected buildings in order to afford more environmental protection to Cala Mosca.  
The fact that the fate of Cala Mosca has been placed on the agenda of the European Parliament as a result of previous C.L.A.R.O.initiatives, means that the Valencian authorities will have to be very careful not to approve plans which could violate European environmental legislation.
With continuing vigilance, Orihuela Costa residents and visitors can hope that we will be successful in limiting the amount of house building which will be allowed on Cala Mosca and that we will be able to preserve permanently as much as possible of the last remaining open, natural green area with views to the sea which exists on Orihuela Costa's 16 kilometre coast.     Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44576/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Thanks to the continuing wide public interest in saving Cala Mosca, the last green area on Orihuela Costa,  from excessive and unnecessary house building, in a two week period the Petition organised by C.L.A.R.O. to object to the developer's latest pl...

### ELCHE CHILDREN’S HOME BENEFITS FROM HOG ROAST

The very first Hog Roast at QCC the place to be, was a huge success - Richie Alexander was as always a hit and especially with the ladies - it was one to get ready, two to get steady and three to go go go!  
The terrace was packed and once again QCC were famous for their fabulous food - working together with Dave and Jennie's Pig Roast QCC' chefs provided the potatoes and salads - the hog roast was great value and even included a glass of wine or a small beer!
Anita and Dave owners of QCC are consistent supporters of the local charity The Children's Home in Elche and they have events throughout the year to raise money for this charity.  
Anita and Dave are also joining many of the bars and restaurants in Spain to support The World Coffee Morning on Friday 26th September when they will be raising money for MacMillan Nurses.  If anyone could bake a cake for this event please email sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk and bake me a cake as fast as you can!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44574/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The very first Hog Roast at QCC the place to be, was a huge success - Richie Alexander was as always a hit and especially with the ladies - it was one to get ready, two to get steady and three to go go go!  
The terrace was packed and once again QCC ...

### WORK IS NOT CHILD'S PLAY. SPOT AWARD AT THE CANNES ADVERTISING FESTIVAL

In Guatemala there are over 966,000 children working in a precarious situation. In this situation the authorities have launched an advertising campaign against child labor under the slogan "Do not wash your hands. Work is not child's play. "
With this spot the Independent Sydney agency Colman Rasic Carrasco secured a Bronze Lion at the Cannes Advertising Festival in 2008 with a Bronze Lion under the title “Different Lives”, for the MTV Asia Exit Foundation.
By contrast, in Bolivia: Evo Morales will seek his third term after allowing children to work from ten years. Morales approves child labor that goes against the Rights of the Child, proclaimed by the United Nations. 
Moreover, the NGO Anesvad comes periodically launching a campaign to recover the slave girls procuring them training and decent work, under the slogan: "Sex trafficking is a destiny marked by misery for many girls in Southeast Asia". 
Also in Morocco over 600,000 children are exploited, with the complicity of the government. Ghizlane is a slave girl who gets up at 6am. She has to prepare food for the children of the house in which she bustles, dozing in the kitchen, with a "hyphae" on the pavement and a quilt. She can only lie at midnight. And she shall be deemed satisfied not being abused sexually. Ghizlane just turned 8 years. 
This slavery of children has been denounced by two American organizations: Human Rights Watch and Domestic Child, in separate reports made public. These creatures are merely payed with pottage and something to wear. 
According to the Pontifical Mission Societies, the figures for the slave children are creepy and complemented by other more terrible; 14 million of AIDS orphans; 600 million of poor children in the world; 130 million do not attend school; 180 million suffer from malnutrition; 250 million suffer labor exploitation, and one million children fall into the sex trade. 
"When ye do with violence the first tears spilling a child, you have already put in their spirit anger, sadness, jealousy, revenge and hypocrisy," wrote the Spanish author Azorin.
clementeferrer3@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44569/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In Guatemala there are over 966,000 children working in a precarious situation. In this situation the authorities have launched an advertising campaign against child labor under the slogan "Do not wash your hands. Work is not child's play. "
With this spot the Independent Sydney agency Colman Rasic Carrasco secured a Bronze Lion at the Cannes Advertising Festival in 2008 with a Bronze Lion under the title “Different Lives”, for the MTV Asia Exit Foundation.
By contrast, in Bolivia: Evo Morales will seek his third term after allowing children to work from ten years. Morales approves child labor that goes against the Rights of the Child, proclaimed by the United Nations. 
Moreover, the NGO Anesvad comes periodically launching a campaign to recover the slave girls procuring them training and decent work, under the slogan: "Sex trafficking is a destiny marked by misery for many girls in Southeast Asia". 
Also in Morocco over 600,000 children are exploited, with the complicity of the government. Ghizlane is a slave girl who gets up at 6am. She has to prepare food for the children of the house in which she bustles, dozing in the kitchen, with a "hyphae" on the pavement and a quilt. She can only lie at midnight. And she shall be deemed satisfied not being abused sexually. Ghizlane just turned 8 years. 
This slavery of children has been denounced by two American organizations: Human Rights Watch and Domestic Child, in separate reports made public. These creatures are merely payed with pottage and something to wear. 
According to the Pontifical Mission Societies, the figures for the slave children are creepy and complemented by other more terrible; 14 million of AIDS orphans; 600 million of poor children in the world; 130 million do not attend school; 180 million suffer from malnutrition; 250 million suffer labor exploitation, and one million children fall into the sex trade. 
"When ye do with violence the first tears spilling a child, you have already put in their spirit anger, sadness, jealousy, revenge and hypocrisy," wrote the Spanish author Azorin.
clementeferrer3@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44569/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### What´s On – Wednesday 13 August 2014

ALL WEEK
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
Exhibition – “Toda la galaxia en el castillo”. A collection of 20,000 items of interest to Star Wars fans, including toys, models and works of art. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Until 11 April).
ELCHE
Elche fiesta week, a variety of musicians, DJS and bands performing around the city until weekend.
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
ORIHUELA
NEW – Exhibition of historic documents regarding the request to hold a market in the town of san Agustín, dating back to 1756. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 August).
SANTA POLA
Naturalia Exhibition of gems, minerals, fossils, insects and shells, Castillo Fortaleza, C/ Almirante Antequera (Final week).
Book Fair. Plaza de la Glorieta, opposite the main facade of the Castle (Until 24 August).
Exhibition “Tierra y Mar de Sal”, Museo de la Sal (Until 31 August).
TORREVIEJA
Festival of San Roque is celebrated all this week at the Barrio de San Roque. Includes a variety of events such as games for children, a gymkhana, bouncy castles, music and more.
SHOWS AND MUSICALS
The Lion King, Teatro Lope De Vega, Madrid (Until 2 November).
Otelo, Teatro Bellas Artes, Madrid (Until 14 September).
The Russian National Ballet perform Sleeping Beauty, Tívoli Theatre, Barcelona (all week).
WEDNESDAY 13 AUGUST
International Lefthanders Day.
Markets
Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas.
ALICANTE
20:00 – El – Djazairia, cultural song and dance spectacular, Auditorio La Concha, on the main esplanade.
ELCHE
Nit de l’Albà, hundreds of fireworks set the night sky ablaze with light, colour and sound.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Latin Mariachi Show, Zenia Boulevard.
Underwater guided snorkelling tour (Every Wed and Sun in July and August).
TORREVIEJA
21:30 – Peter Pan, the musical, Teatro Municipal.
THURSDAY 14 AUGUST
Markets
Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales.
ORIHUELA COSTA
An evening of Spanish monologues, Zenia Boulevard.
SANTA POLA
Free paddle surf course, with Team SCA, the women’s team in the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15
TORREVIEJA
17:00 – “Brainfood Soundsystem”, musical event, Paseo Juan Aparicio.
21:30 – “Drilo Tour presents the Kids Band”, Eras de la Sal. CANCELLED.

Excerpt: ALL WEEK ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – […]

### UNION DENOUNCES MARITIME PATROL DELAY

An association representing more than 500 Guardia Civil officers across Alicante has denounced the delay in the Maritime Protection department took to attend the reported sightings of immigrants in small boats off the coast of Torrevieja and Orihuela.
The complaint was raised after two boats were spotted off the coast at around 2:00 in the morning on Saturday, but the Maritime Patrol vessel was in Altea monitoring a firework display out at sea. It subsequently took them 3 hours to move to the Torrevieja area and attend the incoming boats.
In less than a week, four boats with 30 immigrants on board have landed on the Alicante coastline, bringing the total number attended by the Cruz Roja to 277 since 2007.
There was an influx of people in 2007, but then the coastline around Torrevieja and Orihuela, as well as Pilar de la Horadada, was largely boat free until this recent wave.
The group are requesting the maritime patrols be used “correctly” and they do not feel that a firework display was an important use of the vessel which is designated to patrol the waters for the protection of everybody in them. They also prised the region of Murcia for creating a fixed patrol in the San Javier area, which they feel could be extended to the south of Alicante to ensure protection is maintained.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44568/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: An association representing more than 500 Guardia Civil officers across Alicante has denounced the delay in the Maritime Protection department took to attend the reported sightings of immigrants in small boats off the coast of Torrevieja and Orihuela.
...

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 4 AUGUST 201411

MAYORAL SUPPORT
The mayor of Alicante, Sonia Castedo, has spoken out in support of gay marriage and abortion during an interview with a Spanish magazine. When asked about gay marriage, the councillor responded, “Why not? I´m still waiting for someone to explain to me why not”, whereas regarding abortion, she said, “Each person is master of their own life and body. I do not command you, nor will I let you command me”.
DRUGGED OUT
Officers from the Guardia Civil in Torrevieja have arrested one of their own officers, accused of trafficking drugs. A search of the officer's home revealed a bag containing a small quantity of drugs.
A TASTE OF LEBANON 
Having opened its first of forty new stores in India this week, Lebanese food chain “Zizo” is also looking to expand into other countries, including Spain, the UK and America. According to the company, “Zizo is a fast casual restaurant that serves authentic Lebanese with a modern twist. It's a concept with a difference that will bring simple, delectable Lebanese food to the world, in an innovatively creative and healthier way”.
MORE MADRID FLIGHTS
Qatar Airways are to increase their operations from Madrid to Doha from November, adding another 3 extra flights per week, to bring a total of 10 weekly services. The route will be served by a Boeing 777 aircraft, offering an additional 252 Business Class and 1,758 Economy Class seats per week, for an overall increase of 2,010 seats. The additional flights will connect to Qatar Airways' 144 destinations throughout its global network. 
END OF THE LINE
The Spanish government has criticised the European Union for agreeing to terms that forces 30 European fishing boats to leave Mauritanian waters, in order to allow local fishing fleets exclusivity of tuna in the area. The European shellfish fleet has been allowed to remain in the area until December. The compromise was reached as Mauritania threatened to ban the entire European fishing fleet from its waters. 
PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE
Last Week the Alhama de Murcia Council formally approved the 'Plan Especial de Ordenación del Complejo Turístico Recreativo' submitted by Premursa, the promoter of the Paramount Murcia theme park. The agreement to the latest phase of construction will keep the project on track to allow the park to be opened to the public by the end of next year.
UNFAIR MOVISTAR 
Spain's FACUA consumer association has warned of Movistar unfair and unadvertised charges due to be applied to their voicemail service. From the 1st October  Movistar / Telefonica will automatically charge landline clients 6.05 cents each time they listen to a message. They say that Movistar are advising subscribers incorrectly, that the service can not be cancelled, and that the contract as whole must be cancelled. FACUA says that users have the right to cancel their contracts at any time without penalty when the Telecoms provider changes their terms and conditions.
THIS IS NOT IT
Workers at the Coca Cola plant in Alicante, one of four being closed down by the company, have rejected a new offer made regarding severance and redundancy, as they consider the proposal which came about following a court ruling to be “insufficient”. The next stage of negotiations will be held in September.
BANGED UP
The National Police have arrested a French citizen in Altea after he escaped from jail in 2000 whilst serving a 30 year prison sentence for drug trafficking. Police had apparently been tracking the man for some time. When he was arrested on Monday he was carrying false passport and driving license.
GRAND MASTER
Briton Harold Plaskett, who lives in Cartagena, has won the prestigious Castillo de Jumilla Chess Competition. This year saw 65 players enter the competition from Murcia, Valencia and Castilla La Mancha. Plaskett, who won all of his 7 games, was declared champion when he beat last year's runner up, Argentinean Grand Master, Alfredo Giaccio, who lives in Lorca.
KO FOR MOORE
A BRITISH boxing champion has been shot in Estepona in what is believed to be a drug or gang related crime. Jamie Moore – the former European light-middleweight champion – was rushed to Costa del Sol hospital after being shot twice in the early hours of Sunday morning, once in the knee and once in the groin.
NOT IN MY TOWN
PRINCESS Cristina Street in Moraleja del Vino is no more after the town chose to rename the thoroughfare to dissociate itself from the corrupt Infanta. And many more towns across the country are renaming their streets in the light of the massive scandal surrounding her and her husband Inaki Urdangarin's on alleged embezzlement charges.
FISHY BUSINESS
Police have arrested two members of staff at Madrid's Zoo Aquarium who managed to rip off their employers to the tune of €1 million by selling fake tickets to the popular attraction. The two men pulled off the scam by rigging the zoo's software system so that ticket sales they made didn't register in the system. They would then simply pocket the cash earnings.
ON THE LINE
The mountain rescue section of the Guardia Civil have assisted 343 people during the months of June and July, during 227 operations. Of those assisted, 172 were rescued unharmed, 153 had been injured, whereas 18 people had lost their lives. The figure represents a 19.38% increase on the previous year.
SPEAK ENGLISH?
The Alicante provincial council has allocated 59,000 euro to be shared between the municipalities in order to offer English language courses to young people between the ages of 18 and 35. Deputy for Equality, Youth and European Residents, Mercedes Alonso, said that this initiative aims to cover two aspects, firstly to offer young people a new tool to find a job, and to help municipalities to provide solutions and programs that would not be possible without the support of the provincial body.
BACK ON TOP
After the much publicized exodus of British retirees the results of a new study suggest that Spain has regained its appeal among Britons planning to retire overseas.  Of more than 2,000 Britons polled by MGM Advantage, a retirement income specialist, 13pc said they planned to retire in Spain.  France took second place with 9pc of votes, followed by the United States and Australia.
JUST A SLICE
Spanish chef Senen Gonzalez has entered the Guinness World Records, by cooking the largest tortilla in the world. Made with 840 kilos of eggs, 1,600 kilos of potatoes, 30 kilos of onions, 10 kilos of salt and 150 litres of olive oil, the resulting 5 metre wide tortilla was shared by more than 10,000 people in the Basque city of Vitoria-Gasteiz.
LIGHTER LOAD
The Spanish government has reduced its fleet of official cars by 600 vehicles in the last 2 years, now having just 303 official vehicles and 411 drivers, compared to 921 vehicles when they took to power.
JUMPING FOOL
A 20 year old French male has died after jumping from a hotel balcony in the holiday resort of Magaluf. More commonly known as “Balconing”, there is an increasing trend in death and injuries by young holidaymakers who jump from their hotel balcony towards the swimming pool. So far, 22 people this year have lost their lives doing so on the Balearic islands alone.
TV HIGHS
Spain´s Telefonica has said that it will “comfortably” reach its target of 1.5 million subscribers to its pay to view television service by the end of the year. In July, the company signed up 200,000 new users in a single month, already breaking the 1.4 million benchmark. The company has attributed the growth to their rollout of faster internet networks. The closest rival, Ono, which was bought by the Vodafone group, had 790,000 subscribers at the end of July. Telefonica is also intending to purchase Canal+, subject to approval by regulators, which would firmly fix them as the market leader in pay TV, with 3 million subscribers and 60% of the market share.
WE CAN
Relatively unheard of before the European elections, having only forming 4 months before winning their 8 parliamentary seats, the political group Podemos is now holding third place in Spain, according to the latest opinion polls published this week. The left wing party would take 15.3% of the overall votes, with 21.2% going to the socialist PSOE, and 30% for the conservative PP, according to the 2,471 people surveyed by the CIS official group.
BOOK HIM
The Torrevieja based parents group AMPAS is once again launching its text book exchange program, in preparation for the much anticipated, though very expensive, return to school. The group has offered the service for the last 3 years and can be done via the website, www.ampastorrevieja.com, where you can register your own details, for free, and partake in the exchange scheme which hopes to ease the ever increasing financial burden put on education each year. 
FIN END
Spain´s biggest chain of hotels, Melia Hotels International, has announced the removal of shark fins from the menu in all of its worldwide restaurants in 350 hotels spanning 40 countries. In a statement, the company said, “With the removal of shark fin as an ingredient, Melia contributes to the protection of the important role sharks have in maintaining balance in marine ecosystems”. The company, which is one of the largest hoteliers in the world, said the ban would also apply to all events held in its facilities.
NO BULL
Organisers of a fiesta at Callosa de Segura have accepted the complaints from citizens, politicians and animal rights groups and have cancelled their first cultural event, the “toro embolao”, in which the bull´s horns are set alight as it parades through the streets, which was planned to take place on the 9th of August. A traditional element in some areas of Spain, causing the abuse of an animal when it is “is not tied to the tradition of the municipality”, is considered unacceptable. 
NO ARMS FOR ISRAEL
Spain has become the second country after Britain to freeze arms exports to Israel after more than 1,800 Palestinians have died in a month. The government has announced that it will cease trading arms and military technology over the current offensive in the Gaza strip.
ARMS BARGAINS
The Spanish government´s decision to suspend the sale of weapons to Israel has been praised by many for their decisive action in attempting to ease the burden of the conflict, but the move is seen as nothing more than a publicity stunt by others, given that Spain acquired ten times more weapons from Israel than it sells to them. Contracts such as a 324 million euro deal in 2006 to supply Spanish troops in Afghanistan with anti-tank missiles, and a 6.2 million euro contract for Israel to provide mortars are just two of the contracts which make the 5 million euro contract suspension seem almost insignificant. 
HOT HELP
Despite the severe risk of fire in Spain, the government has offered two amphibious fire fighting aircraft to Sweden in response to a call for assistance to help fight a forest fire described as being the “worst in living memory”, which has already caused one fatality and caused over a thousand people to be evacuated from their homes. The fire, which covered around 150 square kilometres, was moving at a rate of 30 metres per minute at its height.
HERO COP
An off-duty National police officer, enjoying a day at the beach with his son, saved the life of a German woman in Málaga, when she was believed to have got into difficulty after entering the water to assist her nine year old son, who was also in difficulty. The yellow flag was flying and the sea described as “choppy”, but the officer jumped into the water and struggled to drag the unconscious woman to the jetty, where they were assisted out of the water and attended by the emergency services. All involved were said to be doing well after the incident.
SHIP SHAPE
Spanish ship makers Armon has delivered the second of three tuna ships to the Mexican Grupomar. The 78 metre Oaxaca is the same as the Gijon delivered in December, and the Manzanillo which is still under construction. President of the Asturian regional government, Javier Fernandez, and the Spanish Ambassador to Mexico, Luis Fernandez-Cid, attended the launch ceremony, with Fernandez-Cid describing bilateral relations as “magnificent”. The value of this contract alone is said to be in the region of 30 million euro per year.
PARTY DEATH
A 33 year old Italian tourist died whilst attending a private party at a house on the island of Ibiza at the weekend. Witnesses saw that the body was found in a plastic swimming pool at around 5:30 in the morning, and showed no signs of violence.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44567/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: MAYORAL SUPPORT
The mayor of Alicante, Sonia Castedo, has spoken out in support of gay marriage and abortion during an interview with a Spanish magazine. When asked about gay marriage, the councillor responded, “Why not? I´m still waiting ...

### YOUR VIRTUAL NEWSPAPER IS NOW AVAILABLE

The virtual version of this week´s Leader Newspaper is now available on our dedicated website, http://www.virtualleader.info/issue-532-11-august-2014
Packed with all the latest news and sports from across Spain, as well as features, classified listings, the TV guide, entertainment and more.
You can pick up the real thing from any of hundreds of outlets accros the Costa Blanca in the morning, but for now, here is the link to this week´s virtual version.
http://www.virtualleader.info/issue-532-11-august-2014Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44566/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The virtual version of this week´s Leader Newspaper is now available on our dedicated website, http://www.virtualleader.info/issue-532-11-august-2014
Packed with all the latest news and sports from across Spain, as well as features, classified ...

### GALIANA'S NEW BOYS STARTING TO GELL

CD TORREVIJA - 2   PINOSO CF - 0
Preferente side Pinoso provided the opposition last Saturday, as Torry embarked on their 4th pre season warm up match.  
Torry took the lead after 11 mins, when Rafa Gomez coolly converted a Mati cross from the right wing.  Adrian was fouled, in what looked just inside the box, but the ref awarded it outside, then from the resultant free kick, Rafa G has his effort well saved.  
The game turned a bit scrappy, resulting in bookings for 2 Pinoso players, plus Sergi for retaliation.  Trialist Steve Ekedi, side footed home a Rafa G left wing cross on 42 mins.  An experimental side, consisting mainly of youthful inexperience, never looked like conceding a goal in the 2nd half.  
With Vicente and Carrasco running the show, Pinoso chose to commit a series of nasty fouls, which earned them a further 2 cautions.  Vicente, Carrasco and Joaquin, all came close to scoring for Torry, whilst up the other end, Oscar came to his sides rescue, when he tipped a dipping goal bound effort over the bar.
Torry start div 3 season 14/15 on Sun 24 Aug, with a home fixture against SAGUNTINO, and finish also at home, to ALZIRA on 17 May.  The first away match is at UTIEL on 31 Aug.  Other games of note are against local rivals ORIHUELA, at home on 28 Sep, and away on 15 Feb. 
On Tues 12 Aug, ko 7.30 pm, div 2b side La Hoya Lorca visit Vicente Garcia Stadium, for another pre season friendly.  Admission is only 5 euros.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44562/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: CD TORREVIJA - 2   PINOSO CF - 0
Preferente side Pinoso provided the opposition last Saturday, as Torry embarked on their 4th pre season warm up match.  
Torry took the lead after 11 mins, when Rafa Gomez coolly converted a Mati cross from the right ...

### CALLS FOR TORREVIEJA MAYOR TO APOLOGISE

The Izquierda Unida group of Torrevieja believes that the only way modern politicians can distance themselves from corruption, is by taking a stand and moving away from the corrupt history that has marred the city in recent years.
Local spokesperson for the group, Víctor Ferrández, believes that the current PP government have made “fools of themselves” by “shamelessly” asking for the former mayor of the city, Pedro Hernández Mateo, to remain free from prison, despite being found guilty of corruption.
Now, Ferrández believes that the only way of rescuing the situation is for the current mayor, Eduardo Dolón, to publicly apologise for supporting his predecessors bid for freedom. In addition, Ferrández has called for the immediate withdrawal of all commemorative plaques across the city which bear the name of the corrupt politician to be removed, thus banishing his criminal activities to history, allowing the city to move into a cleaner future.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44561/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Izquierda Unida group of Torrevieja believes that the only way modern politicians can distance themselves from corruption, is by taking a stand and moving away from the corrupt history that has marred the city in recent years.
Local spokesperson f...

### ORIHUELA FIRE BRIGADE PLEA

As part of their campaign to have a permanent fire service located on the Orihuela Costa, the German speaking resident´s association has installed a petition collection box within the lobby of the town hall, and is asking for individuals to support their plea.
There is a simple questionnaire with the box, which anybody of any nationality can complete, adding your name and identity number, before the group will collect all of the signatories and present them to the Alicante authorities to show how much support there is for this much needed local service.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44560/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As part of their campaign to have a permanent fire service located on the Orihuela Costa, the German speaking resident´s association has installed a petition collection box within the lobby of the town hall, and is asking for individuals to suppo...

### ORIHUELA POPULATION RECOVERS

Despite the fact that a statistical clean up of population figures was carried out by the Institute of National Statistics earlier this year, Orihuela has now not only recovered the number of occupants lost, but has surpassed the figure before the adjustment was made.
The councillor for the Orihuela Costa, Martina Scheurer, who had been criticised by opposition groups for being solely responsible for the loss of 8,000 residents, told The Leader that the official number of residents in the coastal zone now stands at 35,599, more than before the clean up was carried out.
Of that figure, 18,177, more than half, are British citizens, although there are a total of 71 nationalities represented. Within the Spanish population, around 3,000 people were wiped off the census, but 4,504 new people have registered as being residents.
In July alone, 16 people officially left the Orihuela Costa, whereas 252 new people arrived, 96 from other municipalities, again dismissing a myth that a mass exodus is leaving the Orihuela Costa to live in neighbouring Torrevieja. In addition, 156 were new residents, never having been listed on a padrón in Spain before. Finally in July, congratulations must be given to the families of the 8 new residents who arrived on the coast through the most natural way, by birth.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44559/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Despite the fact that a statistical clean up of population figures was carried out by the Institute of National Statistics earlier this year, Orihuela has now not only recovered the number of occupants lost, but has surpassed the figure before the adju...

### THE DARK SIDE OF TOURISM

With two separate events in the planning, one a covert nightmare that has haunted residents for years, the other a dream of a local business group looking to take control and cash in on the growing phenomenon, not only have the residents of the Orihuela Costa had to endure an evening of noise and disturbance, not to mention an incredible amount of litter and rubbish, as thousands of revellers descended on Campoamor this week, they will also have to foot the bill for both the security and cleanup operation for what is nothing more than an illegal party which the authorities are powerless to prevent.
In 1999 a local nightclub, not wishing to miss out on the lucrative summer period, decided to hold an outdoor party. That party has since grown into an event which has become amplified since the dawn of social network sites, with tens of thousands of youngsters, both locally and from further afield, descending on the area to party into the night, with an accompaniment of alcohol and other substances.
Last year, the police themselves reported that 20,000 people had attended, despite their attempts to discourage the arrival of the hoards, many of whom even hire buses and coaches to bring them. This year was not dissimilar, but for an added complication of a local business creating a ticket only and enclosed party and turn the gathering into an official music festival.
Permission to hold the Campoamor Music Festival was originally sought for the 15th of August, which was provisionally accepted by the town hall, subject to a variety of safety standards being approved. However, the organiser then decided to change the date to the 6th of August, which happened to coincide with the first Wednesday of the month, which has become historically known as the day for the illegal “botellón”. Aware of this clash, the coastal department were already against the event taking place, but the activities department of the town hall was still originally prepared to consider it, subject to the same safety standards.
On the Friday before the event, and the Monday immediately before Wednesday the 6th, representatives from the town hall appeared before the press and the public to confirm that permission for the event had not been given, pleading with attendees to avoid the area, and they would do everything within their power to prevent the organised event from taking place.
The organisers still maintained on their website, Facebook and Twitter feeds that they did have permission, and that the event would take place, claiming to have already sold 6,000 tickets to people wanting to attend. However, on the day, the police arrived and closed off the grounds, forcing everybody involved in the preparation to leave, based on a decree issued by the town hall. 
The main issue raised by the town hall was that of safety, as the principle access to the site was through a small tunnel, just wide enough for a passenger car to drive through, but considered to be of extreme risk should a large number of people try to pass through it at one time. In 2010, 21 people lost their lives and more than 500 were injured at the “Love Parade” in Germany, where access to the site was also through a similar tunnel. In 2012 in Madrid, 4 people lost their lives when a minor incident at a party caused the mass of attendees to move, which resulted in a stampede and those victims being killed from crush injuries. Other access and egress points had been arranged by the organisers, but it was the tunnel route which led to the site of the “botellón”, and therefore the most likely path to be taken.
Whilst there is no doubt that wrist bands for the Campoamor Music Festival had been purchased, the exact confirmed number is unknown, although the organisers have said that they will provide refunds to those who did buy them, with purchasers advised to return to their point of sale.
The action of closing down that organised event still didn´t seem to deter the visitors to the beachside gathering, but once again the town hall tried to discourage attendance. They had already refused any kind of organised music, and had the support from the police and Guardia Civil to act in the event of illegal activities taking place, but other than that, the town hall remained powerless, as did the authorities, other than to make the whole experience for those attending as disappointing as possible, in the hope of discouragement in the future.
In order to ensure the safety of everybody either involved and living or staying in the surrounding area, a contingency plan was put in place with the police sealing off areas of the beaches and the pine forests, a fire engine was on standby throughout the night at the scene in case of burning, the Protección Civil and emergency services had a temporary portacabin base, an emergency field hospital was set up, complete with a doctor, lifeguards and activity managers were all at the scene, as well as the strong presence by the police, which at least meant that the night went without any major incident, injury or death, but at a price.
As the sun rose, so did the “zombies” walking the streets, trying to find their way home. An image of bodies sleeping in the street, surrounded by broken glass, litter and rubbish is not the impression any area would like to give as being the norm, but it was certainly the case on the Orihuela Costa on Thursday morning. Drink and possibly drug fuelled partygoers, wandering through the roads, passing in front of moving cars, oblivious to the danger, and yet still seemingly believing that they had had a good night, but not providing any financial contribution to the mass operation that had kept them safe. Sources close to the Guardia Civil report that numerous drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs had been caught at the Campoamor roundabout, as the safety net surrounded the area.
Similarly, the army of cleaners that descended on the area, more than any year previous, with waste disposal trucks, jet washers, mechanical diggers, trucks and vans, with teams of people all now working with one goal, to clean up the mess as quickly as possible. Even the team of 30 workers who have been carrying out maintenance and street cleaning on temporary contracts were involved, as it became on “all hands on deck” event to clean up the mess.
Of course, whilst almost the entire municipal cleaning team focussed on the Campoamor area, that also meant that other areas would suffer, as there was nobody left to carry out the day to day cleaning operation either. This aftermath operation also has a considerable cost, which the residents of Orihuela ultimately have to pay.
For the past 15 years this illegal event has taken place, with nobody yet able to prevent it from happening, nor make anybody accountable for the organisation and bill. Perhaps the creation of a “legal” gathering is the only solution, but that must be done with the safety considerations all being put into the action plan to prevent disasters such as occurred in Berlin and Madrid. This can only be done through collaboration however, as one emergency doctor who has dealt with similar incidents in the past said in reference to the Campoamor Music Festival, “I regret that a company does not yet have awareness of what can happen. We can only be thankful that this serves as an example of how not to manage a crisis”, as beyond the barriers of their enclosed space, the crisis management was very much in place, resulting in a safe and eventless night, albeit at a cost now, and quite possibly into the future.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44558/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: With two separate events in the planning, one a covert nightmare that has haunted residents for years, the other a dream of a local business group looking to take control and cash in on the growing phenomenon, not only have the residents of the Orihuel...

### FUNDRAISER FOR S.A.T.

A Right Rave with Jennie and Dave - Friday August the 15th is the launch of their "Dog House Dream" with a fabulous Hog Roast to kick START their BAR "The Doghouse" in La Marina!
Jennie and Dave took over the Doghouse Bar in La Marina just a few weeks ago and already they are getting a name for their fabby breakfasts plus Jennie is a bit of a Whizz in the kitchen and her coffee cake is truly legendary! Especially in Quesada! in Calle San Miguel!!
Jennie said: " We are absolutely delighted that we have sold over 70 tickets already for Friday 15th of August we have one friend coming as far as Mazzaron and several dropping by from Benidorm!  The wonderful Andy Jones will be here to entertain you and Dave and I feel he is the icing on the cake or should that be the crackling on the pig!"
The evening will be a little bit about fundraising and getting some funds for S.A.T. the animal rescue charity - some years ago - well perhaps more than she cares to remember (perhaps circa 2000) Jennie was given a jacket by Phill Collins - Phill had worn this jacket and had also had his signature embossed on the sleeve - Jennie now wants to auction this jacket to raise money for S.A.T.
She will take telephone bids prior to the 15th of August on 633 797 555 as well as bids on the actual night - there will be a reserve price on the jacket and if the bids do not reach the reserve Jennie will save the Jacket for "Just One More Night!"
Please send any bids for the jacket to 633 797 555 - or email your bid to dogandbone48@hotmail.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44557/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A Right Rave with Jennie and Dave - Friday August the 15th is the launch of their "Dog House Dream" with a fabulous Hog Roast to kick START their BAR "The Doghouse" in La Marina!
Jennie and Dave took over the Doghouse Bar in La Marina just a few weeks ago and already they are getting a name for their fabby breakfasts plus Jennie is a bit of a Whizz in the kitchen and her coffee cake is truly legendary! Especially in Quesada! in Calle San Miguel!!
Jennie said: " We are absolutely delighted that we have sold over 70 tickets already for Friday 15th of August we have one friend coming as far as Mazzaron and several dropping by from Benidorm!  The wonderful Andy Jones will be here to entertain you and Dave and I feel he is the icing on the cake or should that be the crackling on the pig!"
The evening will be a little bit about fundraising and getting some funds for S.A.T. the animal rescue charity - some years ago - well perhaps more than she cares to remember (perhaps circa 2000) Jennie was given a jacket by Phill Collins - Phill had worn this jacket and had also had his signature embossed on the sleeve - Jennie now wants to auction this jacket to raise money for S.A.T.
She will take telephone bids prior to the 15th of August on 633 797 555 as well as bids on the actual night - there will be a reserve price on the jacket and if the bids do not reach the reserve Jennie will save the Jacket for "Just One More Night!"
Please send any bids for the jacket to 633 797 555 - or email your bid to dogandbone48@hotmail.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44557/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### The Weekend – 9 and 10 August 2014

ALL WEEK
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
Exhibition – “Toda la galaxia en el castillo”. A collection of 20,000 items of interest to Star Wars fans, including toys, models and works of art. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Until 11 April).
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
ORIHUELA
NEW – Exhibition of historic documents regarding the request to hold a market in the town of san Agustín, dating back to 1756. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 August).
SANTA POLA
Naturalia Exhibition of gems, minerals, fossils, insects and shells, Castillo Fortaleza, C/ Almirante Antequera (Until 15 August).
Book Fair. Plaza de la Glorieta, opposite the main facade of the Castle (Until 24 August).
Exhibition “Tierra y Mar de Sal”, Museo de la Sal (Until 31 August).
SHOWS AND MUSICALS
The Lion King, Teatro Lope De Vega, Madrid (Until 2 November).
Otelo, Teatro Bellas Artes, Madrid (Until 14 September).
The Moscow State Ballet are performing a variety of different shows from Tuesday to Sunday at the Teatre Tívoli, Barcelona.
SATURDAY 9 AUGUST
International Day of the World’s Indigenous People.
Markets
Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola.
CARTAGENA
Queen Vision, “The Definitive Show”, Queen tribute band, Auditorio El Batel.
ELCHE
23:30 – Andy and Lucas (Spanish duet).
TORREVIEJA
20:30 – Musical, “La Virgen de la Paloma, Teatro Municipal.
23:00 – India Martínez – Camino de la Buena Suerte, Eras de la Sal.
SUNDAY 10 AUGUST
The Day of Cantabria, local holiday in Cantabria.
Markets
Benidorm, Elche, La Nucia, Campoverde, La Marina, Zoco, Almoradí street market, Lemon Tree Road, Mil Palmeras.
ALICANTE
19:00 – Sunhound Festival, IFA Exhibition Centre.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Underwater guided snorkelling tour (Every Wed and Sun in July and August).
TORREVIEJA
21:00 – “Gala de Asila”, Teatro Municipal.
FUTURE EVENTS
Torrevieja – Electromar, 15 August.
Torrevieja – Kool & The Gang, 20 August.
Buñol – La Tomatina tomato fight, 27 August (Sold out).
Torrevieja – MOWO – Mobile photography and Instagram event, September.

Excerpt: ALL WEEK ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – […]

### NEW APP FOR CONTACTING SPANISH POLICE

The Ministry of Interior has launched a mobile phone application that allows users direct contact with the police for reporting crimes, whether as a victim or a witness.
“Alertcops” has been undergoing testing in Málaga, and will spread through Alicante and Madrid, reaching the whole of Spain by 2015, having already been downloaded 17,000 times.
Capable of recording the geographic location of the mobile device, the app then sends the information to the police, thus speeding up the entire reporting process.
Interior Minister Jorge Fernandez Diaz explained that the aim of this new service is to “provide a fast and efficient service through a modern and easily accessible tool”, thus improving public safety. He also stressed the importance of this new application that, in his opinion, opens a “communication channel in accordance with the demands of today´s society, laying the foundation for a social safety net”.
The application is available for both the Android and iOS operating systems, and can be downloaded for free. Once downloaded, you only need to register and create a new user and providing your personal information to complete the registration process, confirming your details through a validation code in a text message.
Once downloaded, the user needs to register an account, keeping in mind that the application is not a toy and will alert the authorities if you report anything, but when you do, the status of your report can be monitored throughout the situation.
The application has elements to assist those people who suffer from hearing impairment and allows foreigners visiting or residing in Spain to use the app in English as well as Spanish, with French, German, Italian and Portuguese being added soon.
“Alertcops” is part of the SIMASC (System of Mobile Alerts for Citizen Security) technology platform, which aims to provide universal access to public services and security throughout society.
Of course the free application may add to the confusion in Torrevieja, who are getting a video conference link with the police installed on Monday instead of a fully staffed National Police station, as this application would be carried in everybody´s pocket, with no need to attend the static location in the city centre.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44540/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Ministry of Interior has launched a mobile phone application that allows users direct contact with the police for reporting crimes, whether as a victim or a witness.
“Alertcops” has been undergoing testing in Málaga, and will sp...

### TORREVIEJA LOOKIE LOOKIE MEN NO LONGER A PROBLEM

Torrevieja´s local police have now considerably scaled down their operation against the so called “lookie lookie men”, as they now consider the issue to be nothing more than a “residual problem”.
A senior police officer with the force, Vicente Gutiérrez, says that political pressure exerted during the last year to clear the streets of the vendors, who predominately sell counterweighted goods in the seafront area, has virtually disappeared.
This reduction in focus has allowed the patrols to be placed onto other duties, such as dealing with street parties, nightlife and traffic management. The town hall had invested money in creating specialist task forces to deal with the problem, equipped with their own specialist vehicles.
The problem had escalated into riots in previous years, resulting in many would be visitors to choose to avoid visiting the city centre. Legitimate business owners had also expressed concern as the illegal traders were taking business away from them, when they were selling legal, original items, in a city that has already suffered numerous business closures in recent years, partly due to the economic situation, and partly due to the creation of shopping centres around the area.
Many believed to be part of organised criminal groups, the vendors operate a network of lookouts whilst selling their illegal goods, although recent reports have indicated that they now simply ignore the police and carry on regardless, above the law and still blighting the streets of a city which aims to be of touristic interest and a town of beautiful sights.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44539/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Torrevieja´s local police have now considerably scaled down their operation against the so called “lookie lookie men”, as they now consider the issue to be nothing more than a “residual problem”.
A senior police officer w...

### BLOOD DONATIONS? NO THANK YOU

Following their recent plea for members of the international community to join in their blood donation drive, the town hall ofTorrevieja wish to clarify that the prohibition to donate blood to UK citizens still in force.
They also wish to extend their gratitude for the interest shown by the many Brits who have tried to give blood and say that they perfectly understand the disappointment in not being able to help.
In an article in 2012 we confirmed via the British Consulate that for fear of the effects of “Mad Cow” disease, there are considerable restrictions in force for Brits wanting to give blood overseas.
British Consul, Paul Rodwell, explained how for fear of Variant Creutzfeld-Jacob Disease, you are not eligible to donate blood if you spent time either visiting or living in the United Kingdom for a cumulative time of 3 months or more between January 1st, 1980, through to December 31st, 1996. You are also not allowed to donate blood if you have received a transfusion in any country of the UK, which includes England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Island, but also includes the Channel Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar and the Isle of Man, any time from the 1st January 1980, right up to present day.
Mr Rodwell confirmed these facts, stating, “What you refer to is correct, that anyone who lived in the UK between those dates cannot donate blood here in Spain. Confirmation of this can be found on the Spanish Red Cross blood donation website on their frequently asked question page”, which is www.donarsangre.org/puedo-donar-si/, although the restrictions have now changed and state that you cannot give blood “if you have been in the UK for a continuous period of one year between 1980 and 1996, or if you have received a transfusion in the country”.
However, dismissing one of the myths that this situation is only present in Spain, Mr Rodwell continued, “I understand that this is an international rule, not one invented by Spain. Our understanding is that these are American Red Cross eligibility rules and are respected
The statement from the American website of the International Red Cross is this...
In-Depth Discussion of Variant Creutzfeld-Jacob Disease and Blood Donation
In some parts of the world, cattle can get an infectious, fatal brain disease called Mad Cow Disease. In these same locations, humans have started to get a new disease called variant Creutzfeld-Jacob Disease (vCJD) which is also a fatal brain disease. Scientists believe that vCJD is Mad Cow Disease that has somehow transferred to humans, possibly through the food chain.
There is now evidence from a small number of case reports involving patients and laboratory animal studies that vCJD can be transmitted through transfusion. There is no test for vCJD in humans that could be used to screen blood donors and to protect the blood supply. This means that blood programs must take special precautions to keep vCJD out of the blood supply by avoiding collections from those who have been where this disease is found.
So, even blood supplies are running dangerously low in Spain, many of those who are prepared to donate are excluded internationally. The question of risk clearly outweighing the chance of survival, as the fact that “a small number of case reports” have found evidence of risk, it doesn´t offer practical help to the many people who have survived thanks directly to the generous donations of people who provide blood to the medical network each day.
When faced with a life or death situation, wouldn´t the majority of people take the chance that the survival rate is far likely to outweigh the risk, but the opportunity is taken away because of the decisions implemented and enforced around the world, led by the American branch of an organisation dedicated to saving life.
On the other hand, now you know the facts, you are now able to avoid the inconvenience of waiting around in queues to try to donate, perhaps identifying with the disappointment of prejudice that has dogged the gay community of the UK for years, only to find that your gift of life is not welcome, now simply because you might have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Meanwhile, “From the Town Hall of Torrevieja, we want to thank you for your concern”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44538/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Following their recent plea for members of the international community to join in their blood donation drive, the town hall ofTorrevieja wish to clarify that the prohibition to donate blood to UK citizens still in force.
They also wish to extend their...

### RUGBY LA VILA NEWS.

New season 2014 - 2015 for Rugby La Vila - Training for the senior team will start next week.  Every Tuesday, Thursday from 8.30 pm to 10.30 pm at Villajoyosa Rugby Club
 The first team will play again this year at Division Honor level B (spanish level 2). We hope to return to spanish Top-12. Tickets for the games will be only 5 euros
 The club also run a second team, not so strong as first team, to play at Alicante level, not long  journeys, only local, Denia, Alicante, Elche, Torrevieja. New Players are welcome
 The Club also run womens rugby and U18, U16, U14, U12, U10 and U8 teams. Trainings will start first week of September
 Anyone wishing to come along will find La Vila Rugby Club is situated at Carretera Pantano, Villajoyosa.  Just take the motorway AP-7 exit Nº 66 (Villajoyosa). At the first roundabout head for the mountain. It is about 1 km from Motorway exit nº 66. Or take the Villajoyosa by-pass, and take the middle exit, at the first roundabout, bare right towards the motorway entrance and at the second roundabout bare left towards the mountain. 
 If you are interested to join La Vila contact Jason Craig on 659 674 768 or Ignacio Davila 608 068 208Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44533/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: New season 2014 - 2015 for Rugby La Vila - Training for the senior team will start next week.  Every Tuesday, Thursday from 8.30 pm to 10.30 pm at Villajoyosa Rugby Club
 The first team will play again this year at Division Honor level B (spanish lev...

### CHARLIE’S LOAN SWITCHED TO ALCORCON

Following the administrative relegation of Real Murcia from Segunda A to Segunda B the season long loan of Elche's English defender Charlie I'Anson, agreed only last month, has been cancelled.
As the club already has it's reserve team playing at that level (Elche Illicitano) they feel that the player would get no benefit from the move to Murcia so in an effort to ensure that he is able to gain experience in Segunda A his loan has been diverted to the Madrid club AD Alcorcon.
I'Anson, who joined Elche from Grimsby Town, is seen as a future first team regular at the club, hence their eagerness to place him in senior football. Last season he played just two games in La Liga, against RCD Espanyol and Granada.
At Alcorcon he will join up with former Elche defender Hector Verdes and former manager José Bordalás.
Meanwhile the unanimous decision by the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional's to relegate Real Murcia came as no real surprise. Murcia were warned that the relegation was likely some weeks ago following the club's inability to come to an agreement with the National Treasury, over repayment of tax debts of approximately 12 million euro. A spokesman for the league says that the club are unable to show themselves financially solvent so are therefore unable to compete at that level.
In addition to relegation Real Murcia have also received a €180,303.63 fine due to their financial situation.
But Real Murcia's woes have gifted CD Mirandes reinstatement to Segunda A as the club that finished with the best points tally in the relegation zone at the end of the 2013/14 season.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44532/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Following the administrative relegation of Real Murcia from Segunda A to Segunda B the season long loan of Elche's English defender Charlie I'Anson, agreed only last month, has been cancelled.
As the club already has it's reserve team playing at that...

### JEWELRY NETWORK DISMANTLED BY GUARDIA

A network of jewelry thieves was broken up by the Guardia Civil on Tuesday with seven people arrested in ‘Operation Windmill.'
The ring operated throughout the country and following their detention four men and three women were charged with 17 offenses of the theft of jewelry with an estimated value of over one million euros.
In Valencia the local operation focused on the towns of Aspe, Alicante and Jávea.
The investigation began last January following a theft committed in a jewelry store located in a shopping center in the town of Colmenar Viejo.
The members of the network all had false identities and employed elements of disguise to avoid being recognized by security cameras. They were said to be highly mobile although their main activities were concentrated on the east coast, where they took advantage of the crowds of elderly tourists and holidaymakers.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44531/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A network of jewelry thieves was broken up by the Guardia Civil on Tuesday with seven people arrested in ‘Operation Windmill.'
The ring operated throughout the country and following their detention four men and three women were charged with 17 ...

### MILLION EURO INVESTMENT IN VEGA BAJA HOSPITAL

The Vega Baja hospital has announced a million euro investment into the expansion of their Emergency Department and with the specification now with contractors it is hoped that the bidding process will be complete and the contract awarded by late October.
The plan will see an extension of 269.4 square meters in emergency department, and 76.48 square meters in Rehabilitation. The total area to be remodeled will be 483.5 square meters.
The expansion is part of an improvement plan undertaken by the manager of the Orihuela Department of Health, Emilio Bascuñana.
Bascuñana said that the project will better equip the center and provide improved care for patients who come to the department.
Bascuñana first announced the project in June following the hospital visit of the Director General of Health Care in Valencia, Sofía Clar, who said that the plan to modernize the Emergency Department "is vital to the people of Orihuela if the hospital is to continue giving the appropriate care to patients," in that the bulk of the cases fall to the ER service, approximately 80%. 
The manager and said that there will also be improvements to the operating theatres, to the areas accommodating patients who are awaiting and undergoing surgery and to Intensive Care.
Sofía Clar said during her visit that "this type of investment in new and more modern equipment is absolutely necessary in that it is designed to assist and improve the work of health professionals in order to provide the best quality care." 
The hospital has also acquired fifty new beds although the intention is to renew all 320 throughout the entire hospital in the coming months. ‘Beds improve comfort and patient independence' said Bascuñana. ‘ Patients spend the vast majority of their time in these beds so a comfortable bed is an absolute necessity as part of their wellbeing and recovery.' 
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44530/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Vega Baja hospital has announced a million euro investment into the expansion of their Emergency Department and with the specification now with contractors it is hoped that the bidding process will be complete and the contract awarded by late October.
The plan will see an extension of 269.4 square meters in emergency department, and 76.48 square meters in Rehabilitation. The total area to be remodeled will be 483.5 square meters.
The expansion is part of an improvement plan undertaken by the manager of the Orihuela Department of Health, Emilio Bascuñana.
Bascuñana said that the project will better equip the center and provide improved care for patients who come to the department.
Bascuñana first announced the project in June following the hospital visit of the Director General of Health Care in Valencia, Sofía Clar, who said that the plan to modernize the Emergency Department "is vital to the people of Orihuela if the hospital is to continue giving the appropriate care to patients," in that the bulk of the cases fall to the ER service, approximately 80%. 
The manager and said that there will also be improvements to the operating theatres, to the areas accommodating patients who are awaiting and undergoing surgery and to Intensive Care.
Sofía Clar said during her visit that "this type of investment in new and more modern equipment is absolutely necessary in that it is designed to assist and improve the work of health professionals in order to provide the best quality care." 
The hospital has also acquired fifty new beds although the intention is to renew all 320 throughout the entire hospital in the coming months. ‘Beds improve comfort and patient independence' said Bascuñana. ‘ Patients spend the vast majority of their time in these beds so a comfortable bed is an absolute necessity as part of their wellbeing and recovery.' 
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44530/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### VANDALS DAMAGE GUARDAMAR HERITAGE

Guardamar's archaeological heritage has been hit on several occasions in recent months by vandalism, most recently the fence bordering the path of the castle which has been has been broken and thrown into a ditch.
It is thought that the damage was caused by a group of youngsters who were all drinking, also leaving behind them a trail of bottles.
This is not the first time that such damage has occurred but at this time, because of the summer holidays, it is not known when the cleaning and repair operation will be able to take place.
The local police say there are many other parts of town with some environmental and archaeological value that are need of repair. Damage has also been done to the concrete wall on the side of the old walled town, the path into the woods and the street furniture in la calle La Redonda. Also, they say, the canal next to the town wall is also full of plastic and glass bottles consumed by the youths in an area where the town attracts thousands of visitors and tourists.
Although the security forces report that they have strengthened their presence in the area with more controls it seems that they are unable to prevent further episodes of vandalism against property and public areas that seem to be going on continuously.
The Councillor for Public Safety, Felipe Aldeguer said that "the castle is a symbol that requires respect from citizens of all ages. No amount of vandalism is acceptable, all damage affects our heritage, and that is why the local police are obliged to take appropriate measures. "
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44529/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Guardamar's archaeological heritage has been hit on several occasions in recent months by vandalism, most recently the fence bordering the path of the castle which has been has been broken and thrown into a ditch.
It is thought that the damage was caused by a group of youngsters who were all drinking, also leaving behind them a trail of bottles.
This is not the first time that such damage has occurred but at this time, because of the summer holidays, it is not known when the cleaning and repair operation will be able to take place.
The local police say there are many other parts of town with some environmental and archaeological value that are need of repair. Damage has also been done to the concrete wall on the side of the old walled town, the path into the woods and the street furniture in la calle La Redonda. Also, they say, the canal next to the town wall is also full of plastic and glass bottles consumed by the youths in an area where the town attracts thousands of visitors and tourists.
Although the security forces report that they have strengthened their presence in the area with more controls it seems that they are unable to prevent further episodes of vandalism against property and public areas that seem to be going on continuously.
The Councillor for Public Safety, Felipe Aldeguer said that "the castle is a symbol that requires respect from citizens of all ages. No amount of vandalism is acceptable, all damage affects our heritage, and that is why the local police are obliged to take appropriate measures. "
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44529/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### THE ‘CAN’T DO’ BUREAUCRAT

I hate wasting time, and Spanish bureaucracy is one of the greediest when it comes to pointless time wasting activities. In my experience, the bureaucrats of all nations are two distinct species, the ones who ‘can do' and the ones who ‘can't do' – in other words, jobsworths.
This more depressing of the species is also part of the ‘my glass is half empty' rather than the more positive ‘my glass is half full' bureaucrat. 
Mobile phone networks are one of the few things that I dislike about life in Spain. By all accounts, this view is not restricted to Spain, but is a common criticism of phone companies in other countries too. During the years that I have lived in Spain, I have tried all the networks and each time have suffered poor quality service, high pricing, together with a ‘couldn't care less' attitude to customer service.
For expats, the fun and games often plummet to new lows when it comes to the termination of a mobile phone contract. Several years ago, it took me six months to terminate a contract that had already ended.
I promised that I would never again be caught by a mobile phone contract in Spain. As a result, I usually purchase an unlocked mobile phone in the UK and use it with a prepaid Spanish sim card. Several years ago, a good friend advised me to try a new company that offered fair pricing, good coverage and a no nonsense approach to its business.
I have been with them since the service began, albeit by obtaining a card from my friend living in the Peninsular, as the service was not, until recently, available in the Canary Islands.
A smart new 4G phone, together with 4G coverage in my area, means that I have been finally tempted away in favour of another company, since my current company is unlikely to offer a 4G service for some time. However, before I can access the delights of 4G, I have to have a contract, without a new phone, with the company as part of the deal. I decided to forget my earlier promise, and headed off to the nearest shop to sign up and collect the new sim card for my phone. 
Knowing how Spanish bureaucrats have an unhealthy greed for all paperwork, I took my residency document, national identity number, copy of my passport (notarised by the police and a notary), bank details, utility bills, together with details of my existing phone service to the mobile phone shop.
The unhelpful and miserable looking man at the counter, a ‘can't do bureaucrat' if ever there was one, took a cursory look at my documents, sniffed and muttered that I needed to get a copy of a paid utility bill from my bank before he could give me a sim card. I headed off to the bank, queued for the obligatory 90 minutes, and was eventually issued with what I was told was the correct document, which would satisfy any mobile phone company.
I headed back to the phone shop and cheerfully presented the document. Again, the ‘can't do bureaucrat' took a brief glance at the piece of paper, shook his head and said that it had to be officially stamped by the bank, which it was not. I drove back to the bank, where I adopted the Canarian technique of importantly moving to the front of the queue with a “Will you just?” question. No one appeared to mind too much, my document was stamped, signed and dated and I headed back to the shop.
The ‘can't do bureaucrat' examined my documents, smirked, shook his head and told me that I needed to bring my original passport to the shop. Now, I have been caught by this one many times before and since being robbed and relieved of my passport in Madrid many years ago, my passport is securely locked away and never sees the light of day until I leave the island. I use a notarised and police verified document, which is always accepted without question. However, this time was to be the exception.
With my patience now stretched to the limit, I returned to the shop with the original documents. The ‘can't do bureaucrat' examined all the documents once again, gave a brief nod, but then told me that he didn't have the very small nano sim cards in stock and that I would have to wait for a few days until they arrived from Barcelona and return to the shop to collect the card. I collected my documents, told the ‘can't do bureaucrat' to forget it, returned home and completed the entire transaction on line in a few minutes. The sim card arrived by courier two days later. 
This entire experience took the best part of a day and once again reminded me of the horrors of mobile phone contracts, as well as how easy it is to fall into a Spanish bureaucratic nightmare.  My best advice is to stick with a prepaid sim, or if you must have a contract and are computer and Spanish language savvy, do it yourself on line.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44528/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: I hate wasting time, and Spanish bureaucracy is one of the greediest when it comes to pointless time wasting activities. In my experience, the bureaucrats of all nations are two distinct species, the ones who ‘can do' and the ones who ‘can'...

### ELEVEN REFUGEES INTERCEPTED IN ALICANTE

A boat containing eleven refugees was intercepted at the port of Alicante on Wednesday morning. 
It was met by immigration officers together with 8 Red Cross volunteers, translators, ambulance and health staff, who checked and interviewed each of them as they were landed onshore.
The 11 people, all male, are said to be aged between 25 and 35, although one is thought to be only 17 years. Whilst their origin has not yet been confirmed, most have claimed to come from Algeria.
According to Andrés Chessa, Head of Operational Support, "the health of all of them is good, so there is no need for any of them to be moved to a medical facility." 
Following medical checks Red Cross volunteers provided each of the arrivals with new clothes and food and drink "to stabilize their glucose levels" said Chessa.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44527/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A boat containing eleven refugees was intercepted at the port of Alicante on Wednesday morning. 
It was met by immigration officers together with 8 Red Cross volunteers, translators, ambulance and health staff, who checked and interviewed each of them as they were landed onshore.
The 11 people, all male, are said to be aged between 25 and 35, although one is thought to be only 17 years. Whilst their origin has not yet been confirmed, most have claimed to come from Algeria.
According to Andrés Chessa, Head of Operational Support, "the health of all of them is good, so there is no need for any of them to be moved to a medical facility." 
Following medical checks Red Cross volunteers provided each of the arrivals with new clothes and food and drink "to stabilize their glucose levels" said Chessa.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44527/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### Events Diary – Friday 8 August 2014

ALL WEEK
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
Exhibition – “Toda la galaxia en el castillo”. A collection of 20,000 items of interest to Star Wars fans, including toys, models and works of art. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Until 11 April).
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
ORIHUELA
NEW – Exhibition of historic documents regarding the request to hold a market in the town of san Agustín, dating back to 1756. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 August).
SANTA POLA
Naturalia Exhibition of gems, minerals, fossils, insects and shells, Castillo Fortaleza, C/ Almirante Antequera (Until 15 August).
Book Fair. Plaza de la Glorieta, opposite the main facade of the Castle (Until 24 August).
Exhibition “Tierra y Mar de Sal”, Museo de la Sal (Until 31 August).
SHOWS AND MUSICALS
The Lion King, Teatro Lope De Vega, Madrid (Until 2 November).
Otelo, Teatro Bellas Artes, Madrid (Until 14 September).
The Moscow State Ballet are performing a variety of different shows from Tuesday to Sunday at the Teatre Tívoli, Barcelona.
FRIDAY 8 AUGUST
Markets
Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, TORREVIEJA.
ALTEA
Discover Altea, guided walks through the picturesque town, every Friday in July and August.
TORREVIEJA
17:00 – “Fishing Reggae Fest”, Eras de la Sal.
20:30 – Latino music and dance, Teatro Municipal.
SATURDAY 9 AUGUST
International Day of the World’s Indigenous People.
Markets
Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola.
CARTAGENA
Queen Vision, “The Definitive Show”, Queen tribute band, Auditorio El Batel.
ELCHE
23:30 – Andy and Lucas (Spanish duet).
TORREVIEJA
20:30 – Musical, “La Virgen de la Paloma, Teatro Municipal.
23:00 – India Martínez – Camino de la Buena Suerte, Eras de la Sal.
FUTURE EVENTS
Torrevieja – Electromar, 15 August.
Torrevieja – Kool & The Gang, 20 August.
Buñol – La Tomatina tomato fight, 27 August (Sold out).
Torrevieja – MOWO – Mobile photography and Instagram event, September.

Excerpt: ALL WEEK ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – […]

### Things to do – Thursday 7 August 2014

ALL WEEK
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
Exhibition – “Toda la galaxia en el castillo”. A collection of 20,000 items of interest to Star Wars fans, including toys, models and works of art. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Until 11 April).
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
ORIHUELA
NEW – Exhibition of historic documents regarding the request to hold a market in the town of san Agustín, dating back to 1756. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 August).
SANTA POLA
Naturalia Exhibition of gems, minerals, fossils, insects and shells, Castillo Fortaleza, C/ Almirante Antequera (Until 15 August).
Book Fair. Plaza de la Glorieta, opposite the main facade of the Castle (Until 24 August).
Exhibition “Tierra y Mar de Sal”, Museo de la Sal (Until 31 August).
SHOWS AND MUSICALS
The Lion King, Teatro Lope De Vega, Madrid (Until 2 November).
Otelo, Teatro Bellas Artes, Madrid (Until 14 September).
The Moscow State Ballet are performing a variety of different shows from Tuesday to Sunday at the Teatre Tívoli, Barcelona.
THURSDAY 7 AUGUST
Markets
Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales.
GIRONA
Bryan Adams, Jardí Botánic de Cap Roig.
TORREVIEJA
21:00 – Flamenca Night, Teatro Minicipal.
FRIDAY 8 AUGUST
Markets
Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, TORREVIEJA.
ALTEA
Discover Altea, guided walks through the picturesque town, every Friday in July and August.
TORREVIEJA
17:00 – “Fishing Reggae Fest”, Eras de la Sal.
20:30 – Latino music and dance, Teatro Municipal.
FUTURE EVENTS
15 August – National Holiday (Red Day).
Torrevieja – Electromar, 15 August.
Torrevieja – Kool & The Gang, 20 August.
Buñol – La Tomatina tomato fight, 27 August (Sold out).
Torrevieja – MOWO – Mobile photography and Instagram event, September.

Excerpt: ALL WEEK ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – […]

### A GOOD MONTH FOR THE POLICIA LOCAL

July has been a particularly good month for Torrevieja's Policia Local, that is according to a statement made last week in the town hall by Agustina Esteve, the Councillor for Police and Traffic, and Vicente Gutierrez, the Commander of the Policia Local.
The main challenge has been the security and management of a large influx of tourists and visitors to the city but in addition the police have organized successful Driver Education Courses for Schools and safety activities at the Children's Traffic Park. They have also clamped down on the illegal sale of counterfeit goods in the town forcing the traders to move elsewhere.  
Commander Gutierrez also said that a multitude of road markings have been repainted and there has been wholesale replacement of damaged road signs along the coast, from la playa de los Náufragos a la de La Mata. 
There has been the introduction of parking areas for disabled, improved access to certain developments and new speed bumps installed in Lago jardín and Molino Blanco. In total there were 190 improvement actions successfully carried out.
Traffic controls have been introduced in the town every evening from 9.30 to 11.30 pm where it is now regulated at the entrance to the port by two or three agents. This has resulted in a better flow of people to the fairground, to the tourist market and to the sea front.
July also saw the introduction of a police boat for monitoring beaches, a total of 374 actions having been taken, including assistance to rescue boats and pleasure boats as well as the monitoring and control of hobby fishermen. 
There have been 9 follow-ups to incidents of domestic violence, some of them in neighboring  villages and towns, and there have also been numerous actions regarding the control of bars, night clubs and terraces, to ensure compliance with regulated closing times.
All in all, the pair agreed, it has been a most satisfactory month for Torrevieja's Policia Local.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44522/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: July has been a particularly good month for Torrevieja's Policia Local, that is according to a statement made last week in the town hall by Agustina Esteve, the Councillor for Police and Traffic, and Vicente Gutierrez, the Commander of the Policia Loca...

### DAVID MAIQUES WINS TORREVIEJA’S GRAFFITI CONTEST

After a full day of activities at el Parque de la Estación the 1st Torrevieja Graffiti competition was won by Valencia's David Maiques Paredes. David picked up a prize of 1500 euros from the mayor Eduardo Dolon. His work ‘For You' was depicted on a Glass Bottle Container.
The second prize of 1000 euros, was awarded to Felipe Garcia Pagán from Cartagena with the work "Relicorsarios". Third, and a cheque for 500 euros, was awarded to José García Terol Santiago and Jorge Ortuño, both from Murcia. There were five further prizes, each of 100 euros, awarded by the judging panel as well as a special prize to the Best Local Artist which went to Juan de Dios Crespo with his work "My home in a bottle."
This first edition of the competition was organized with the aim of  promoting glass recycling containers in the area whilst at the same time, recognising graffiti as a medium of expression for young people with regard to their vision of society.
In total there were sixty-three entries into the competition, the final twenty of which were displayed in the park. 
All day el Parque de la Estación hosted a party where young people were entertained by Rap and Rock, which alternated with activities for the even younger such as face painting, balloon twisting and children's games. 
There were a number of recycling displays provided by "Ecovidrio" an association of nonprofit recycling glass containers throughout Spain.
Meanwhile Councillor Carmen Gómez said that twenty selected works of the finalists, will be subject displayed in several areas around the town.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44521/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: After a full day of activities at el Parque de la Estación the 1st Torrevieja Graffiti competition was won by Valencia's David Maiques Paredes. David picked up a prize of 1500 euros from the mayor Eduardo Dolon. His work ‘For You' was depicted on a Glass Bottle Container.
The second prize of 1000 euros, was awarded to Felipe Garcia Pagán from Cartagena with the work "Relicorsarios". Third, and a cheque for 500 euros, was awarded to José García Terol Santiago and Jorge Ortuño, both from Murcia. There were five further prizes, each of 100 euros, awarded by the judging panel as well as a special prize to the Best Local Artist which went to Juan de Dios Crespo with his work "My home in a bottle."
This first edition of the competition was organized with the aim of  promoting glass recycling containers in the area whilst at the same time, recognising graffiti as a medium of expression for young people with regard to their vision of society.
In total there were sixty-three entries into the competition, the final twenty of which were displayed in the park. 
All day el Parque de la Estación hosted a party where young people were entertained by Rap and Rock, which alternated with activities for the even younger such as face painting, balloon twisting and children's games. 
There were a number of recycling displays provided by "Ecovidrio" an association of nonprofit recycling glass containers throughout Spain.
Meanwhile Councillor Carmen Gómez said that twenty selected works of the finalists, will be subject displayed in several areas around the town.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44521/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### NEW RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT OPENS IN GUARDAMAR

Guardamar Health Centre has a new Radiology unit that started working from today, 4th August. The first patient was an 84 year old British woman from San Fulgencio. 
The Councillor for Health of the Generalitat Valenciana, Manuel Llombart has visited the centre to see the new installation, accompanied by the Mayoress of Guardamar, Carmen Verdú and the whole government team. 
Carmen Verdú stated that with this investment of 65,000€  "we will avoid the need of residents having to go out of the way to Torrevieja for standard x- rays, and the resulting benefit of lowering waiting times" 
The new service is going to benefit more than 60,000 residents, not just in Guardamar but also in Rojales, San Fulgencio, Benijófar and Formentera del Segura. It is estimated that the new radiology unit will do more than 5,000 scans a year
Last year, a total of 1,954 patients from the Guardamar health Centre had to go to Torrevieja, either the hospital or La Loma just to have single x rays or thorax (chest) scans.
The 65,000 Euros invested have gone into the equipment, the kitting out of the room and an Auxiliary qualified in Radiology.
The radiology department works daily from 09.30 to 1.30pm in the Guardamar Health CentreFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44520/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Guardamar Health Centre has a new Radiology unit that started working from today, 4th August. The first patient was an 84 year old British woman from San Fulgencio. 
The Councillor for Health of the Generalitat Valenciana, Manuel Llombart has visited the centre to see the new installation, accompanied by the Mayoress of Guardamar, Carmen Verdú and the whole government team. 
Carmen Verdú stated that with this investment of 65,000€  "we will avoid the need of residents having to go out of the way to Torrevieja for standard x- rays, and the resulting benefit of lowering waiting times" 
The new service is going to benefit more than 60,000 residents, not just in Guardamar but also in Rojales, San Fulgencio, Benijófar and Formentera del Segura. It is estimated that the new radiology unit will do more than 5,000 scans a year
Last year, a total of 1,954 patients from the Guardamar health Centre had to go to Torrevieja, either the hospital or La Loma just to have single x rays or thorax (chest) scans.
The 65,000 Euros invested have gone into the equipment, the kitting out of the room and an Auxiliary qualified in Radiology.
The radiology department works daily from 09.30 to 1.30pm in the Guardamar Health CentreFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44520/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### COUNCILLORS DEMONSTRATE AGAINST MALE VIOLENCE

Together with a number of passersby, the Orihuela Council was out demonstrating against domestic violence once again following the death of last week's latest victim, on this occasion a local woman, Yolanda. In 2014 this now brings the figure of women killed by male violence to 34. 
‘This time' a spokesman for the council said, ‘It's not a number but a woman that we all know, one of our own. A death that hits us even harder than many of the rest'. 
Yolanda has now become just one more statistic, 526 women killed since 2007, leaving behind forever their families, their children, their friends and their neighbors, through hands of a criminal who believed he was entitled to kill a woman. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44519/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Together with a number of passersby, the Orihuela Council was out demonstrating against domestic violence once again following the death of last week's latest victim, on this occasion a local woman, Yolanda. In 2014 this now brings the figure of women ...

### GET RID OF THESE PALM TREE HAZARDS

There have been a number of recent reports citing damage to people and property caused by fallen palm trees that have broken under the weight of their fronds or fruit and whilst we all accept how wonderful they are to look at when correctly pruned many would agree that they actually serve no purpose whatsoever, they provide no shade and they continually drop their seeds.
They can also be dangerous, dirty and ugly when left untended or only occasionally maintained and in many areas of the Orihuela Costa this is the situation that many of them are now in. 
Only a few short years ago the palms would be tended twice a year. They would be treated, pruned and sprayed as they presided majestically over our streets. They looked positively regal as they provided a royal Mediterranean welcome to visitors. But now they have been allowed to become overgrown, there are far too many for the local authorities to manage, they are causing damage to our pavements and to our roads and they create a variety of unnecessary hazards, many of which, for an elderly population, can be extremely difficult to manoevre.
In Aguamarina there is a fully mature palm tree situated every 3 metres.  Calle Agua, for example, is approximately 300 metres long, but it accommodates approximately 100 trees. This provides the street with almost one tree for every 3 meters of its length.
According to local experts, the recommended spacing interval for this type of tree is between 20 and 30ft. In C/Agua therefore, just one of hundreds of similar streets on the Orihuela Costa, there are 50 palm trees too many. If this were to be replicated across the coast the result would be a surplus of many thousands of trees.
These are all trees that cost many hundreds of thousands of taxpayers euros to be maintained, much of which could so easily be saved or put to other and better uses.
Until recently pruning was carried out twice a year. Now it is rarely more frequently than once, so for rather more than half of every annum the trees, and the streets and avenues that they line, look truly shambolic, so residents can actually get quite excited when they see the arborist, or ‘tree pruner', arrive for his annual visit. But when they leave, having completed only half the task, it leaves them rather concerned.
This was the case last week in Cabo Roig, Aguamarina, La Regia and surrounds, as a gang of twelve, brought in, no doubt at great expense, from Elche, armed with a multitude of equipment including two cherry pickers and two waste trucks spent little or no time in the area pruning just the fronds and branches that were carrying the date seeds.  
The remaining 2/3rds of the branches, dying and decayed as they still are, were left untouched when, for the sake of just a few seconds more, each of the palms could have been correctly pruned.   
Now I assume it will cost about the same, or quite probably rather more, to bring in the Elche gang once again, presumably before the end of the year, while these still dangerous, dirty and ugly trees, continue to damage the roads and pavement and their hazards continue to multiply. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44518/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: There have been a number of recent reports citing damage to people and property caused by fallen palm trees that have broken under the weight of their fronds or fruit and whilst we all accept how wonderful they are to look at when correctly pruned many...

### OUR LADY OF JOY CELEBRATED IN MIL PALMERAS

The month of August comes ladened with fiestas in Mil Palmeras. They started at the end of July with fireworks and a parade through the streets by the Musical Union of Horadada.
 Through the streets actually means surrounding la Plaza de Mil Palmeras on which most of the activities have been focussed.
Not only has there been singing and dancing but most recently the townsfolk were out in numbers celebrating a religious activity in honor of la Virgen de la Alegría (Our Lady of Joy). Last Sunday's festivities started on the beach, they passed through la Capilla de las Mil Palmeras, the local church, where, only a couple of hours earlier, the Royal British Legion had been commemorating the Centenary of the outbreak of World War 1. The colourful floral tributes then moved on to la Plaza de Mil Palmeras where hundreds of local residents were out in force to party the weekend away.
The Councillor for Fiestas, Asunción Sánchez, said that this year's turnout was spectacular. She thanked the Association of Residents of Mil Palmeras for getting especially involved in the organization and management of all activities.
This year there were two concerts in the plaza,  "Mecanlife" and "Ciudad Canalla", which were attended by more than a thousand people who all enjoyed good atmosphere and music. There were performances from the Manoli Fernandez School of Dance as well as the Marina Limarenko Flamenco and Friendship group, the band "Fifth Chord", and the election of Mister and Miss Mil Palmeras 2014, which involved the Municipal Theatre Workshop. 
For the children there was face painting, storytelling, a facial makeup workshop  and a demonstration of a Chinese Dragon Dance, all providing a comprehensive programme of activities that was enjoyed by residents and tourists alike.
 
 
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44516/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The month of August comes ladened with fiestas in Mil Palmeras. They started at the end of July with fireworks and a parade through the streets by the Musical Union of Horadada.
 Through the streets actually means surrounding la Plaza de Mil Palmeras on which most of the activities have been focussed.
Not only has there been singing and dancing but most recently the townsfolk were out in numbers celebrating a religious activity in honor of la Virgen de la Alegría (Our Lady of Joy). Last Sunday's festivities started on the beach, they passed through la Capilla de las Mil Palmeras, the local church, where, only a couple of hours earlier, the Royal British Legion had been commemorating the Centenary of the outbreak of World War 1. The colourful floral tributes then moved on to la Plaza de Mil Palmeras where hundreds of local residents were out in force to party the weekend away.
The Councillor for Fiestas, Asunción Sánchez, said that this year's turnout was spectacular. She thanked the Association of Residents of Mil Palmeras for getting especially involved in the organization and management of all activities.
This year there were two concerts in the plaza,  "Mecanlife" and "Ciudad Canalla", which were attended by more than a thousand people who all enjoyed good atmosphere and music. There were performances from the Manoli Fernandez School of Dance as well as the Marina Limarenko Flamenco and Friendship group, the band "Fifth Chord", and the election of Mister and Miss Mil Palmeras 2014, which involved the Municipal Theatre Workshop. 
For the children there was face painting, storytelling, a facial makeup workshop  and a demonstration of a Chinese Dragon Dance, all providing a comprehensive programme of activities that was enjoyed by residents and tourists alike.



Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44516/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### LA FUENTE PAYS ITS RESPECTS

Whilst on Monday evening the lights were dimmed across the UK as a sign of respect to those who gave their lives during the Great War it took two holidaymakers from Sheffield to bring the observance to the Costa Blanca.
David Pearson had been busy organizing a commemorative event in his home town at Mosborough Rugby Club but when a holiday opportunity arose he had to leave the final preparation with colleagues as he and his family took the opportunity to enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine. 
So with time on his hands here in Spain, and with nothing planned in the local area, it seemed only natural that he arrange a similar event at a local bar. James Dumbreck was delighted to offer La Sahara Bar in CC La Fuente as a venue. The Royal British Legion Recruiting Officer Jim Watt became involved and the event began to take shape, culminating with the commemorative act on Monday night as bar owners, restaurateurs and members of the public united with thousands of people across the UK to dim their lights, leading up to the moment at 11pm that Prime Minister Herbert Asquith declared Britain's involvement in the conflict that would go on to claim an estimated 16 million lives. 
The commemoration follows on from the words of the then-foreign secretary Sir Edward Grey, who said portentously after the declaration "The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime."
In the UK, the Houses of Parliament, Broadcasting House, home of the BBC in London, and St Paul's Cathedral, as well as hundreds of councils, iconic buildings, national organisations, including the Royal British Legion, took part in the ceremony. Blackpool illuminations, the Eden Project, the Imperial War Museums and Tower Bridge also went dark.
In the minutes leading up to the ‘dimming of the lights' at CC La Fuente, David was joined by Lisa Gascoigne, a schoolteacher, who has spent the last months introducing her students to this significant period in history at the Westfield Secondary School in Sheffield. 
The pair set the scene and recited letters and poems from the time. The event concluded with ‘The Last Post' which was rightly dignified, as many dozens of holidaymakers rose and stood silently to pay their respects, for each a personal gesture in remembrance of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us 100 years ago and who must never be forgotten.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44515/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Whilst on Monday evening the lights were dimmed across the UK as a sign of respect to those who gave their lives during the Great War it took two holidaymakers from Sheffield to bring the observance to the Costa Blanca.
David Pearson had been busy organizing a commemorative event in his home town at Mosborough Rugby Club but when a holiday opportunity arose he had to leave the final preparation with colleagues as he and his family took the opportunity to enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine. 
So with time on his hands here in Spain, and with nothing planned in the local area, it seemed only natural that he arrange a similar event at a local bar. James Dumbreck was delighted to offer La Sahara Bar in CC La Fuente as a venue. The Royal British Legion Recruiting Officer Jim Watt became involved and the event began to take shape, culminating with the commemorative act on Monday night as bar owners, restaurateurs and members of the public united with thousands of people across the UK to dim their lights, leading up to the moment at 11pm that Prime Minister Herbert Asquith declared Britain's involvement in the conflict that would go on to claim an estimated 16 million lives. 
The commemoration follows on from the words of the then-foreign secretary Sir Edward Grey, who said portentously after the declaration "The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime."
In the UK, the Houses of Parliament, Broadcasting House, home of the BBC in London, and St Paul's Cathedral, as well as hundreds of councils, iconic buildings, national organisations, including the Royal British Legion, took part in the ceremony. Blackpool illuminations, the Eden Project, the Imperial War Museums and Tower Bridge also went dark.
In the minutes leading up to the ‘dimming of the lights' at CC La Fuente, David was joined by Lisa Gascoigne, a schoolteacher, who has spent the last months introducing her students to this significant period in history at the Westfield Secondary School in Sheffield. 
The pair set the scene and recited letters and poems from the time. The event concluded with ‘The Last Post' which was rightly dignified, as many dozens of holidaymakers rose and stood silently to pay their respects, for each a personal gesture in remembrance of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us 100 years ago and who must never be forgotten.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44515/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### ORIHUELA APPOINT THE EXPERIENCED TÉBAR

After falling at the very final promotion hurdle last season, when they lost the home leg of their playoff final to Real Betis B, with debts of over 60,000 euro, Orihuela CF were thought unlikely to survive. 
Although that debt still exists and a repayment plan has still to be agreed by the courts the club has been included in the new season list of Tercera fixtures by the Valencia Football Federation although the oriolano club will soon reform under the banner of Deportivo Orihuela
But that has not stopped the club welcoming Albacete born Andrés García Tébar as their new manager. Among his long line of achievements with Hellín Deportivo, Locar CF, Ciudad de Murcia, Yeclano, Algeciras, UD Eivissa, Mérida UD, Águilas CF, Motril CF, AD Cerro Reyes, CE Hospitalet, UD Puertollano, UD Melilla and CD Tenerife, Tébar has won two promotions to the Third Division; two to Segunda B, four Playoff promotion places to Segunda B and two to Segunda A with Melilla. In 2010-11 he was third in the regular season and fell the playoff stage against Deportivo Alavés.
And the manager has wasted no time in reaching agreements with two formerplayers. Daniel Pérez Moreno (Tonino) and Enrique Espinosa Riquelme (Kike Espinosa) have both re signed for the coming campaign. 
Tonino came to Orihuela CF last season, from Cartagena while Kike Espinosa joined from  Villarobledo in Castile La_Mancha and finished the season as one of the leading scorers.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44514/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: After falling at the very final promotion hurdle last season, when they lost the home leg of their playoff final to Real Betis B, with debts of over 60,000 euro, Orihuela CF were thought unlikely to survive. 
Although that debt still exists and a rep...

### NO SUMMER BREAK FOR SUPERMOTOLAND TEAM

The Supermoto racing brothers from Murcia have had a busy time over the summer period.
Whilst most people are heading for the beaches of Spain for a well deserved vacation during the hottest months of the year the two brothers have been constantly hitting the race tracks of Spain to further prepare themselves for the second half of the season. 
With Mat holding a commanding lead in the SM Master 35 class and Anthony only 34 points off the leader in the SM Open class, both brothers know that a Spanish championship title is within grasp and they are determined to be in prime shape for the final championship races of the year that commence on Sunday 7th September at Albaida circuit near Alcoy, Alicante.
They were joined last week by Britain's Motogp racer, Scott Redding who put in three days training with the Supermotoland team at the Fortuna and Albaida circuits to further improve his Supermoto skills and physical condition before he jets out to America for the next Motogp race.
Training on a Supermoto bike in 40 degrees of heat whilst Battling with the two brothers is pretty much ideal preparation for racing in MotoGP's and Scott thoroughly enjoyed his experience as well as meeting the many fans that turned up to see him ride.
The testing and training continues over August and the Brothers are hoping that the effort they are putting in now, will pay off in the forth coming races on their Advance Moves International Removals Sponsored Race bikes and a championship title becomes a reality. More info can be found at www.supermotoland.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44513/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Supermoto racing brothers from Murcia have had a busy time over the summer period.
Whilst most people are heading for the beaches of Spain for a well deserved vacation during the hottest months of the year the two brothers have been constantly hit...

### BUS LINK TO THE HIGH SPEED TRAIN ANNOUNCED - AGAIN

Just a week after the Costa Blanca´s hoteliers resigned themselves to the fact that there would not be a connecting bus between Benidorm, Torrevieja and the high speed train network, train company Renfe and bus company Alsa have now resolved the issues with the service and promise that tickets will go on sale for the combined journey on Wednesday, with the service finally starting on Friday, the 8th of August.
With a raft of false promises and disappointment since the service was first announced earlier in the year, the link will now operate two daily services in each direction, and will run until the 8th of October-
“This new service enables guaranteed intermodal timetables, and combined prices for both a single and return ticket”, the latest press release reads.
According to Renfe, the service will stop at both the bus stations in both Benidorm and Torrevieja, and the beaches. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44511/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Just a week after the Costa Blanca´s hoteliers resigned themselves to the fact that there would not be a connecting bus between Benidorm, Torrevieja and the high speed train network, train company Renfe and bus company Alsa have now resolved the ...

### MAN ARRESTED AFTER ORIHUELA DEATH

Officers from the National Police arrested the alleged perpetrator of the murder of a 39 year old woman in her home in the Orihuela town of Capuchinos, after her partner went on the run after apparently admitting killing her to a family member.
The arrest took place on Tuesday in the lobby of an apartment block of the La Fama area of the city of Murcia, where the woman´s 37 year old partner originated from. The detainee did not resist arrest.
The deputy of the Government in Alicante, Alberto Martínez, confirmed that the couple lived and have a child together, and that the woman has a daughter from a previous marriage.
Now classified as a case of domestic abuse, this is the third death caused by violence between partners recorded in the region of Valencia so far this year, after incidents in El Campello and Santa Pola. In the whole of 2013, there were nine deaths, including three in the Alicante province, thus matching the figure so far to date.
The town hall of Orihuela organised an impromptu gathering outside the doors of the city hall on Tuesday to mark three minutes of silence in respect for the woman who was killed. Around a hundred people attended and shared their respects. The City Council declared three days of official mourning and sent a message of support and solidarity to the family of the victim, whilst also thanking the individuals, associations and groups who congregated on Tuesday.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44510/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police arrested the alleged perpetrator of the murder of a 39 year old woman in her home in the Orihuela town of Capuchinos, after her partner went on the run after apparently admitting killing her to a family member.
The ar...

### TWO, DOUBLE WINNERS IN MONTH OF TENNIS TOURNAMENTS AT CAMPOAMOR [golf club]

Four tennis tournaments have been contested in 4 weeks on the courts situated in the sports area of the Campoamor golf club.
Saturday 12th July- World doubles event. This event is run every month for 12 of the better players available on the Southern Costa Blanca. The event involves a number of matches played with random partners with ‘world ranking' points being awarded according to the standard of the tournament and the number of games won. Results can be seen on www.tennisandpadel.com.  
Results- 1st- Steve Durie 28pts
2nd = Jan McClaughlin   25pts
Andy McClaughlin 25pts.
The husband and wife team always finish very closely positioned and there is hardly any difference in their ranking scores.
Friday 18th July- Inaugural Womens doubles. This event was the first of its kind at Campoamor. A group of women players were visiting from the David Lloyd club in Swindon and the 5 of them were the impetus for arranging the 16 player tournament.
After the preliminary rounds of play, the top 4 scoring women participated in a one set final with the pairings drawn at random. A closely fought final saw a victory for the Irish pairing of Lillian Meagher and Sharon Ward beating Pam Uden and Gillian Pang by 6-4.
Friday 25th July- American tournament. This is a mixed doubles event with partners changing each round and the top two men and women, partners drawn at random, contesting a one set final. Results- Lillian Meagher and Peter Pang bt Sharon Ward and Par Sundberg 6-0. 
Saturday 2nd August- World Doubles. Results 1st- Steve Durie 31pts
2nd –Pam Uden 27 pts
The event was the last before Pam and Paul Uden leave to live in England. They have both been regular competitors in the world doubles events and it was appropriate that both players finished in the top three in this event.
Thank you to all those who participated and congratulations to all the winners, particularly, two times winners- Lillian Meagher and Steve Durie.
Campoamor offers tennis all year round. As well as tournaments, three social club play sessions take place each week and adult coaching groups, junior holiday coaching sessions and individual lessons with an L T A ‘pro' qualified tennis coach.
The next event, an American tournament, is set for Friday 15th August.
For more information. Tel 635061439. E-mail sdurie@hotmail.co.uk. Or see tennisandpadel.com.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44509/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Four tennis tournaments have been contested in 4 weeks on the courts situated in the sports area of the Campoamor golf club.
Saturday 12th July- World doubles event. This event is run every month for 12 of the better players available on the Southern ...

### TV AD SPENDING HAS SOARED 1.86%, TO 2013

Ymedia has published a report with all audience data, consumption, screen quotas, ranking of most popular programs and television commercials in Spain.
Ad spending in the different television channels continues above the figure recorded in 2013 with a 1.86% increase over the previous year. Recovery has begun.
The first place among the most active campaigns is for the internet portal for hotel searches Trivago which accumulates during June 2563.1 Grp 20's ". Jazztel gave the second position to the beer Estrella Damm, accumulating 1939.6 Grp 20's ". The insurer Línea Directa takes the third place from Lidl Supermarket, with 1,662 Grp's 20 "accumulated. Telecom companies appear prominently as the four main stay in the June ranking: Orange with 1,616.4 Grp 20's'' Jazztel with 1,490.3, Movistar with 1,383.1 and Vodafone with 1,250.1.
As for audiences, Tele 5 leads with a share of 15.8%. Antena 3 follows with 13.2%. Tele 5 and Cuatro are the brands which have increased their share of screen thanks to the World Cup in Brazil which began on June 12 with a match between Brazil and Croatia followed by 8.038 million viewers, scoring a 43 3% of audience share for Tele 5. 
The World Cup in Brazil has been the most watched event, especially the games played by the Spanish team monopolized large audiences.
Spain's first match in the World Cup was followed by 10.831 million viewers with an audience share of 68.6%. As the result was not as expected, the second game against Chile was followed by 12.648 million viewers and a 67.4% audience share was recorded. After the elimination of the Spanish selection, audiences fell in its third and final match which was only seen by 5,193,000 viewers and scored an audience share of 47.5%.
clementeferrer3@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44507/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Ymedia has published a report with all audience data, consumption, screen quotas, ranking of most popular programs and television commercials in Spain.
Ad spending in the different television channels continues above the figure recorded in 2013 with a 1.86% increase over the previous year. Recovery has begun.
The first place among the most active campaigns is for the internet portal for hotel searches Trivago which accumulates during June 2563.1 Grp 20's ". Jazztel gave the second position to the beer Estrella Damm, accumulating 1939.6 Grp 20's ". The insurer Línea Directa takes the third place from Lidl Supermarket, with 1,662 Grp's 20 "accumulated. Telecom companies appear prominently as the four main stay in the June ranking: Orange with 1,616.4 Grp 20's'' Jazztel with 1,490.3, Movistar with 1,383.1 and Vodafone with 1,250.1.
As for audiences, Tele 5 leads with a share of 15.8%. Antena 3 follows with 13.2%. Tele 5 and Cuatro are the brands which have increased their share of screen thanks to the World Cup in Brazil which began on June 12 with a match between Brazil and Croatia followed by 8.038 million viewers, scoring a 43 3% of audience share for Tele 5. 
The World Cup in Brazil has been the most watched event, especially the games played by the Spanish team monopolized large audiences.
Spain's first match in the World Cup was followed by 10.831 million viewers with an audience share of 68.6%. As the result was not as expected, the second game against Chile was followed by 12.648 million viewers and a 67.4% audience share was recorded. After the elimination of the Spanish selection, audiences fell in its third and final match which was only seen by 5,193,000 viewers and scored an audience share of 47.5%.
clementeferrer3@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44507/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### URGENT HELP TO IDENTIFY WOMAN IN MALLORCA

The Spanish Guardia Civil are appealing for the public to help identify the body of a woman found in July on the beach at playa de Aucanada in Alcudia, on the Spanish island of Mallorca.
The woman is so far unidentified and could be of any nationality. 
She is between 20 and 30 years of age, around 1.7 metres tall, with white skin, and dark, mahogany coloured, wavy hair. 
She was last seen alive in the vicinity of the shopping centre on calle Via Pollentia in the Alcudia area.
Tragically, her body was found floating in the waters off the beach. She was not carrying identification at the time.
If anybody has any information as to her identity, please contact your local police, wherever they may be, or via the Guardia Civil in Spain.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44506/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Spanish Guardia Civil are appealing for the public to help identify the body of a woman found in July on the beach at playa de Aucanada in Alcudia, on the Spanish island of Mallorca.
The woman is so far unidentified and could be of any nationality...

### ORIHUELA CONFIRMS HEAVY POLICE PRESENCE TO PREVENT CAMPOAMOR MUSIC FESTIVAL

The councillor for public safety in the municipality of Orihuela, Manuel Gallud, has appeared before the press to confirm that the proposed Campoamor Music Festival planned for Wednesday the 6th of August does not have the authority of the municipality to take place.
The reason for the decision not to authorise the event is that it “does not meet the minimum security requirements” for such a gathering.
As such, the councillor has said that the town hall will do everything in its power to prevent the event from taking place, so as to ensure the safety of the public. For that reason, they have called on the assistance of the Generalitat Valenciana, who have designated a “heavy security presence”, on account of the plan not meeting the minimum security requirements and “We cannot risk a reoccurrence of the unfortunate events that have occurred and experienced in other parts of the country”, Gallud said.
The Guardia Civil and local police will be active during the evening of the planned festival, and will take all necessary action that they see appropriate to ensure the event does not take place. “I appeal to the public and the event organizers to tell warn potential visitors that the festival is not authorised, does not meet the security conditions and, if the company does carry on, is violating the law”, Gallud said, confirming that the authorities will indeed “do everything in our power to prevent its conclusion”.
Last year, according to official sources, between 20,000 and 30,000 people participated in a “macro botellón”, which took place in the Campoamor are of the Orihuela Costa.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44505/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The councillor for public safety in the municipality of Orihuela, Manuel Gallud, has appeared before the press to confirm that the proposed Campoamor Music Festival planned for Wednesday the 6th of August does not have the authority of the municipality...

### ORIHUELA WOMAN FOUND DEAD IN HER HOME

A woman, said to be 39 years of age, has been found dead in her home in the Orihuela town of Capuchinos, having apparently suffered head injuries.
Security services report that the woman lived with her 37 year old male partner.
The discovery was made after the man´s sister reported having not been in contact with the woman, and she was looking after their child, as had been the case for a few days. Upon apparently making contact with the man, the sister was told, “I am doing what I have to do”.
Out of concern, the sister contacted the 112 emergency coordination centre. The local police attended and discovered the lifeless body of the woman at the home, with apparent blows to the head.
The National Police then attended and took over the investigation, their first action being the launching of established protocol to locate the male partner, who is native of the city Murcia.
The town hall of Orihuela has called for a gathering outside the city hall on Tuesday, welcoming all citizens, neighbourhood groups and association, where a three minutes silence will be held at 11:00 in the morning as a mark of respect and protest over the death.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44504/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A woman, said to be 39 years of age, has been found dead in her home in the Orihuela town of Capuchinos, having apparently suffered head injuries.
Security services report that the woman lived with her 37 year old male partner.
The discovery was made...

### CAR SALES SECTOR RECOVERING

Having registered 33,219 new car sales between January and July of this year, the province of Alicante has sold more than neighbouring Valencia and Castellón combined.
However, given the touristic interest in the Costa Blanca area in particular, it may come as no surprise to learn that nearly two thirds of the 33,219 sales in Alicante are to car rental companies, with a total of 19,062 units acquired.
The government funded PIVE scheme is also thought to have had a positive impact on sales, whereas a discount can be applied by trading in an older vehicle. The number of cars sold has also increased as a result, with 11,389 units sold across Alicante since the beginning of 2013, compared to 9,360 in the same period of last year, an increase of 22%. Valencia saw 19,939 units sold in the first seven months, and the figure in Castellón was 9,084.
The Director of Communications for the association of car manufacturers, Anfac, said that “private consumption in Spain is recovering” and there is a growing increase in consumer confidence”. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44503/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Having registered 33,219 new car sales between January and July of this year, the province of Alicante has sold more than neighbouring Valencia and Castellón combined.
However, given the touristic interest in the Costa Blanca area in particular...

### BURNING WASTE TIP - VISIT OF DEPUTY FROM VALENCIA PARLIAMENT

On 1 August, at the initiative of C.L.A.R.O. and VERTIVEGA, whose representatives had earlier visited the site, Juan Ponce, Compromis Party Deputy of the Valencia Parliament, visited the immense burning waste tip on the Pilar side of the Pilar-Orihuela Costa border.   He was accompanied by Vicente Perez Basante of Vertivega and C.L.A.R.O. Councillor, Bob Houliston.    Representatives of the Las Ramblas urbanisations in Orihuela Costa, most affected by the burning tip, were also present.  After the visit, a press conference was held outside the Pilar de la Horadada Town Hall.
Juan Ponce, Vicente Perez and Bob Houliston all stated that immediate action was necessary to stop the emission of toxic gases affecting those living near the tip, especially residents of Las Ramblas.    They urged the Environment Department of the Valencia government to investigate without delay the state of the now abandoned tip which is a clear danger to health and to the environment.   In the conditions of lack of supervision of the site and the hot, dry weather, they also considered that there was a serious danger of fire spreading to the surrounding area, including Sierra Escalona natural park.   Juan Ponce described the great variety of waste dumped at the site over the period of many years, including car tyres, furniture, domestic appliances, plastic and glass containers.   The strong smells of methane gas and columns of smoke emerging from the ground were signs of the decomposition of the contents of the waste tip and proof of the need for immediate action to put an end to the dangers to health and to the environment.   Those responsible for the situation should be held to account and be obliged to clear up the site. 
All those who visited the site and participated in the press conference agreed to follow up in their different areas of competence to ensure that action is taken urgently to deal with a dangerous and unacceptable situation.   The formal complaint of the Las Ramblas residents to Seprona, the environment arm of the Guardia Civil, and to the Environment Prosecutor, would also be followed up.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44502/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On 1 August, at the initiative of C.L.A.R.O. and VERTIVEGA, whose representatives had earlier visited the site, Juan Ponce, Compromis Party Deputy of the Valencia Parliament, visited the immense burning waste tip on the Pilar side of the Pilar-Orihuela...

### PIPES AND DRUMS JOIN IN CENTENARY  COMMEMORATION

Sunday, August 3rd 2014 at Mil Palmeras the Torrevieja Pipes & Drums have been honoured by the Royal British Legion to attend the Service given at the Chapel in Mil Palmeras on the occasion of the Centenary Commemoration of World War One.
There was the full Service presenting also the Standard Bearers of the different branches of the Royal British Legion as well as numerous guests.
Torrevieja Pipes & Drums would like to thank the Royal British Legion for inviting the band.
If you are interested booking the band for any venue or even become an active member of the band please contact Barry on +34 626 839 951 or via e-Mail : waddingtonjoan@gmail.com.
And YES, the band welcomes beginners.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44500/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Sunday, August 3rd 2014 at Mil Palmeras the Torrevieja Pipes & Drums have been honoured by the Royal British Legion to attend the Service given at the Chapel in Mil Palmeras on the occasion of the Centenary Commemoration of World War One.
There wa...

### THEME SONG RELEASED TO LOCAL FEATURE FILM

This Week has been a monumental week for Local Singer Chloe Leigh. Her Forth Coming Film Role in the soon to be shot locally "The Cucaracha Club" Coincides with the Release of her first record.
The Theme Tune to the film is also Called "The Cucaracha Club" The song is written by Peter Taylor and the backing group are the Fabulous Replays. A Video is about to be released and was shot in The Black 7 Club Los Montesinos just 2 weeks ago featuring many of the cast from the film.
The Movie its self will Star Al Matthews along side former East Ender Tom Watt who are both great Pals of writer, Torrevieja Actor & Presenter Billie Anthony'Gaddess.
Non of the actors are being paid for their work, this is a community project with a view to both showing off the Costablanca and highlighting local talent and abilities. To that end Siesta Productions are fundraising any way they can to make this project work.
Tom Watt said I am delighted to be involved and cant wait to see his old mates Al Matthews and Billie Anthony'Gaddess,
Tom and Billie go back many years from playing football against each other in some of the many famous matches involving The Walford Boys Club as it was called.
Should you wish to know more about forthcoming events, the website address is: www.siesta.productions  
you can ask questions and even donate via that address.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df-ajJnUrF0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rd57h-zkoYs
https://www.facebook.com/TheCucarachaClub/posts/496008737198753Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44499/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: This Week has been a monumental week for Local Singer Chloe Leigh. Her Forth Coming Film Role in the soon to be shot locally "The Cucaracha Club" Coincides with the Release of her first record.
The Theme Tune to the film is also Called "The Cucaracha Club" The song is written by Peter Taylor and the backing group are the Fabulous Replays. A Video is about to be released and was shot in The Black 7 Club Los Montesinos just 2 weeks ago featuring many of the cast from the film.
The Movie its self will Star Al Matthews along side former East Ender Tom Watt who are both great Pals of writer, Torrevieja Actor & Presenter Billie Anthony'Gaddess.
Non of the actors are being paid for their work, this is a community project with a view to both showing off the Costablanca and highlighting local talent and abilities. To that end Siesta Productions are fundraising any way they can to make this project work.
Tom Watt said I am delighted to be involved and cant wait to see his old mates Al Matthews and Billie Anthony'Gaddess,
Tom and Billie go back many years from playing football against each other in some of the many famous matches involving The Walford Boys Club as it was called.
Should you wish to know more about forthcoming events, the website address is: www.siesta.productions  
you can ask questions and even donate via that address.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df-ajJnUrF0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rd57h-zkoYs
https://www.facebook.com/TheCucarachaClub/posts/496008737198753Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44499/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### GRAVE FEARS FOR CIRCUS ANIMALS KEPT IN SWELTERING CONTAINER

A British family holidaying in Villa Joyosa near Alicante city have raised grave concerns about a group of circus animals kept inside a 12-metre container in sweltering conditions since Monday (July 28).
Anne Rowe and her family witnessed Circo Nevada staff herding the eight horses and ponies, two camels and a monkey into the container after the final show finished on Monday night.
She says the animals are only let out of the container to drink for five minutes each day and are not being properly fed.
“They get brought out for a couple minutes for a little drink and then are returned to this container for the next 24 hours,” Anne said. “They would all be better off dead than living this terrible existence.”
Sue and Rod Weeding from the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre Foundation in Rojales plus staff from Alicante's La Fundación Raúl Mérida, which deals with wild animals and circuses, are assisting with the case and the police are expected to visit the site this week.
“We're doing everything we can to get the authorities to intervene but it's quite difficult,” Sue said. “The problem with circuses is that they just move from place to place and once they've moved the animals, the whole process has to start again because they're in a different province.”
While some councils across Spain, including  Guardamar, have banned circuses with live animals, the practice is still legal in most areas.
“People need to be aware that this type of thing often happens with circus animals, they're just not cared for properly,” Sue said. “Really, in this day and age it's unbelievable that this still goes on. It's really important not to support these type of circuses with animals.”
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre has more than 80 horses, ponies and donkeys saved from abuse and neglect at its Rojales shelter, which is open every Sunday from 1pm-4pm. Entrance is free and guided tours begin at 2pm. Tasty food and refreshments are available in the garden café.
The EHCRC welcomes any donations and sponsorships to help support their important work. Donations of furniture, clothes and bric-a-brac to stock the centre's network of eight charity shops are also gratefully welcomed.
The charity shops are located in La Zenia, Los Montesinos, La Siesta, Ciudad Quesada, La Marina, Pilar de Horadada and the brand new Gran Alacant store.
Large donated items such as furniture can be collected from your house and each shop also offers a delivery service for large items purchased from the charity shops. EHCRC is also looking for volunteers to staff its shops for a few hours or days each week.  Please contact the charity shop hotline on 652 021 980 for more information about furniture pick-ups and volunteering.
EHCRC is located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga 59. For more details and directions to the centre, please visit www.easyhorsecare.net.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44497/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A British family holidaying in Villa Joyosa near Alicante city have raised grave concerns about a group of circus animals kept inside a 12-metre container in sweltering conditions since Monday (July 28).
Anne Rowe and her family witnessed Circo Nevada...

### HOUSEBREAKINGS IN ORIHUELA COSTA

On the Orihuela Costa and Entre Naranjas in the Neighbourhood Watch we have groups representing 133 residencias.
We record our own numbers of crimes committed which on our residencias are normally very low. However, during the summer months of 2013, May to October, we recorded a total of 70 houses that that been entered.
This number since the house building boom days before 2009 is abnormal and the vast majority were committed during the hours of 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. by thieves finding open or partially open windows and by using a rod with a net attached removed property from within. The numbers returned to a normal low after these months. 
So far this year we are again seeing this type of crime occurring in our area and no doubt in other areas on the Costa Blanca.
In an attempt to make residents and visitors aware could you please remind them of this activity and not to leave vulnerable windows open or partially open especially during the night. Also please do not leave articles in view from outside particularly hand bags and keys. By taking these simple precautions the thieves may be prevented from spoiling things especially if you are on holiday here.
Should anyone hear or see anything suspicious call the Police immediately. Even it it turns out to be a false alarm as in the eyes of the Police, it doesn´t matter providing that the call is not made with malicious intent. This can be done by ringing 112 where operators speak in Spanish, English, German or Scandinavian.
We want all visitors to enjoy their stay in our area. PLEASE HELP US TO HELP YOU.
Chris Poole,
Orihuela Costa Neighbourhood Watch.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44493/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On the Orihuela Costa and Entre Naranjas in the Neighbourhood Watch we have groups representing 133 residencias.
We record our own numbers of crimes committed which on our residencias are normally very low. However, during the summer months of 2013, M...

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 4 AUGUST 2014

PRISON FOR PRANKSTER
A French teenager who videoed himself driving his car from the passenger seat along a Spanish motorway has been given a prison sentence. Eric P was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years on condition that he doesn´t reoffend, and was banned from driving for 12 months. The lenient sentence was said to be on account of his immediate acceptance of wrongdoing and voluntarily surrendering to the police.
INFERNO INVESTIGATION
Official sources of the National Police of Alicante have confirmed that the most likely hypothesis being investigated into the death of an Icelandic tourist at Terra Mitica, is a broken seatbelt. However, they are also including the speed of the Inferno roller coaster at the time of him falling from his seat, as well as the weight of the rider as contributing factors.
75,000 ATTEND FESTIVAL
The mayor of Benidorm , Agustín Navarro, has described as "a great success" the sixth edition of the Low Music Festival which was held in the city, attracting over 75,000 young people over the 3 day festival weekend.
LOS MONTESINOS BODY
Police are investigating the discovery of the body of a 59 year old man found last week inside a house in San Juan. A spokesman said that everything seems to indicate that there are no unusual circumstances and the death was due to natural causes.
HABANERAS ROAD DEATH
A 63 year old woman was killed on Saturday evening after being hit by a passenger car on  la avenida de Rosa Mazón, in the area between the Habaneras Shopping Centre and Ozone. The incident occurred about half past eight when the woman was crossing the four-lane road. 
HIGH LIFE
Agents of the National Police have dismantled a marijuana farm located in a flat in the Murcian village of Torreaguera.  Three people have been arrested, two 29 year old Spaniards, bother residents of Murcia and a 26 year old Moroccan with the seizure of 72 cannabis sativa plants weighing 17.500 grams.
MESSI BUSINESS
A Spanish court will push ahead with the prosecution of Barcelona forward Lionel Messi for alleged tax evasion despite a recommendation from the public prosecutor that the charges be dismissed. Although they have denied any  wrongdoing, Argentina's Messi and his father were accused last year of defrauding the Spanish state of more than €4m (£3.1m) by filing false returns for the years 2006 to 2009. 
SAFETY FIRST
Of 3000 Irish people surveyed, a third say that they have been robbed while holidaying in Spain. More than one in every 10 (12pc) said they had been pick pocketed while only slightly less (10pc) said they had items stolen from their accommodation. Another one in 10 had their bank card stolen while the same number revealed they were targeted on public transport.  Only 3pc said they were mugged or had their passport or bags stolen. However nearly three out of four (72pc) reported they have never been targeted by thieves while on holidays.
FACEBOOK GROUP
A new Facebook Group ‘Keep Entertainment Live on The Costa Blanca' received over 800 members in the first 24 hours of its creation last week. The group was set up to highlight the problems being faced by many bar owners who are being prevented by the authorities from organizing live entertainment
LOVE ALL
The 19th City of Torrevieja Tennis Tournament will be held at the Torrevieja Tennis Club from 9 to 17 August. Over 300 players from throughout the region are expected to take part in the event, competing for prizes of up to 2000 euros.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44492/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: PRISON FOR PRANKSTER
A French teenager who videoed himself driving his car from the passenger seat along a Spanish motorway has been given a prison sentence. Eric P was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years on condition that he doesn´t reoffend, and was banned from driving for 12 months. The lenient sentence was said to be on account of his immediate acceptance of wrongdoing and voluntarily surrendering to the police.
INFERNO INVESTIGATION
Official sources of the National Police of Alicante have confirmed that the most likely hypothesis being investigated into the death of an Icelandic tourist at Terra Mitica, is a broken seatbelt. However, they are also including the speed of the Inferno roller coaster at the time of him falling from his seat, as well as the weight of the rider as contributing factors.
75,000 ATTEND FESTIVAL
The mayor of Benidorm , Agustín Navarro, has described as "a great success" the sixth edition of the Low Music Festival which was held in the city, attracting over 75,000 young people over the 3 day festival weekend.
LOS MONTESINOS BODY
Police are investigating the discovery of the body of a 59 year old man found last week inside a house in San Juan. A spokesman said that everything seems to indicate that there are no unusual circumstances and the death was due to natural causes.
HABANERAS ROAD DEATH
A 63 year old woman was killed on Saturday evening after being hit by a passenger car on  la avenida de Rosa Mazón, in the area between the Habaneras Shopping Centre and Ozone. The incident occurred about half past eight when the woman was crossing the four-lane road. 
HIGH LIFE
Agents of the National Police have dismantled a marijuana farm located in a flat in the Murcian village of Torreaguera.  Three people have been arrested, two 29 year old Spaniards, bother residents of Murcia and a 26 year old Moroccan with the seizure of 72 cannabis sativa plants weighing 17.500 grams.
MESSI BUSINESS
A Spanish court will push ahead with the prosecution of Barcelona forward Lionel Messi for alleged tax evasion despite a recommendation from the public prosecutor that the charges be dismissed. Although they have denied any  wrongdoing, Argentina's Messi and his father were accused last year of defrauding the Spanish state of more than €4m (£3.1m) by filing false returns for the years 2006 to 2009. 
SAFETY FIRST
Of 3000 Irish people surveyed, a third say that they have been robbed while holidaying in Spain. More than one in every 10 (12pc) said they had been pick pocketed while only slightly less (10pc) said they had items stolen from their accommodation. Another one in 10 had their bank card stolen while the same number revealed they were targeted on public transport.  Only 3pc said they were mugged or had their passport or bags stolen. However nearly three out of four (72pc) reported they have never been targeted by thieves while on holidays.
FACEBOOK GROUP
A new Facebook Group ‘Keep Entertainment Live on The Costa Blanca' received over 800 members in the first 24 hours of its creation last week. The group was set up to highlight the problems being faced by many bar owners who are being prevented by the authorities from organizing live entertainment
LOVE ALL
The 19th City of Torrevieja Tennis Tournament will be held at the Torrevieja Tennis Club from 9 to 17 August. Over 300 players from throughout the region are expected to take part in the event, competing for prizes of up to 2000 euros.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44492/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### SEARCH FOR NEW SIGNINGS CONTINUES

Last week saw Torry manager Galiani complete 2 more signings, with a promise of more to come.  A prolific scoring striker is high of the agenda, but they are hard to come by, and the search continues.  
Two left sided players, both from Mucian based clubs have been recruited, in time for the next batch of pre season friendlies.  Experienced full back, 33 year old Eddy, arrives from div 2b side La Hoya Lorca, who coincidently are pencilled in as friendly opponents in the near future.  Joining from Preferente side Pulpino, is 24 year old winger Sele.
Although some of the 20 groups in div 3 have already released season 14/15 fixtures, the Valencian region (Torry's group) should be available soon.   Season tickets are on sale from the Torry Army office, and at Vicente Garcia Stadium on Weds evenings.  At 125 euros for covered stand, and only 90 euros for general ground, they are excellent value.  
Torry's next friendly is at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, on Wednesday 6 August, ko 7.30 pm, against Preferente side Cox.  Although entry is free, those who attend are requested to purchase raffle tickets to help support club funds. Last week's postponed fixture against Cartagena, should be rearranged at a later date.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44490/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Last week saw Torry manager Galiani complete 2 more signings, with a promise of more to come.  A prolific scoring striker is high of the agenda, but they are hard to come by, and the search continues.  
Two left sided players, both from Mucian based c...

### COMING TOGETHER TO COMMEMORATE THE GREAT WAR

2014 marks 100 years since the start of the First World War and throughout the centenary (1914-2018) there will be a programme of commemorative events taking place throughout the world, to honour and remember the lives of those who served in and were affected by the war.
Here on the Costa Blanca the most significant event in that programme took place on Sunday when over 100 members of the Royal British Legion came together with family, friends and members of the general public, in a period of reflection, a short service, which was held in the Orihuela Costa Branch Church, the Capilla de las Mil Palmeras. 
The service was conducted by the Orihuela Costa Branch President and Chaplain, Pastor Keith Brown, who, following a short prayer, processed into the church the Standards from Mojacar, Benidorm, Albox, the RNA, Royal Marines and RAFA as well as the Union and Spanish flags and the Standard of the local Branch. Guests from the local community included the Orihuela Costa Councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer and the Chairman of District (North) Nigel Hails.
There followed a number of poignant readings, hymns and even a carol, together with words spoken by members, which had been written during the conflict by an Infantry Captain at Gheluvelt, a Sergeant in the Somerset Light Infantry and by Rifleman WalterYoung of the London Regiment Post Office Rifles. Amongst all these, with hardly a dry eye in the house, there was a moving rendition of  the Les Miserables anthem 'Bring him home' by local opera singer Paul Michael. 
Musical accompaniment to the hymns was provided by Phillip Mitchell, pianist with the Orihuela Costa Male Voice Choir.
The Last Post and Reveille were played by Inge Sunde, a former bugler to the Norwegian Royal Household, after which everyone moved into the Garden of Remembrance where Poppy Crosses and Wreaths were laid in memory of the 16 million soldiers and civilians of all nations who lost their lives during the deadliest conflict in human history. 
On a bright and sunny morning, the opportunity was also taken by many to remember their more recently departed family and friends in the garden and surrounds, which were presented in a spotless condition, testament to the hard work put in by Branch Vice Chairman Eddie Coleman and his team, which had spent the previous days cleaning and painting the whole area. 
The opportunity was also used to unveil the memorial plaques of 3 former branch members who have died since the branch was first formed six years ago in 2008, Ruby Middleton, Mick Asbury and most recently George Faulkner, donations from whose funeral paid for the printing and production of the booklet used during the Service 
The commemoration was then concluded with a ‘March Past' from the church to the Olympia Restaurant, which was led by the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums, who, as always, paraded with great dignity and pride as they regularly do at many similar events.
Whilst there are no living veterans from the First World War still with us, it's important that we commemorate the conflict because of the sheer scale of sacrifice which touched every city, town and village and had such a considerable impact on the development of Britain and the world today.
And if you feel that you too might want to remember the ultimate sacrifice made by those millions, it's by no means too late, because this evening, Monday 4 August, on the actual 100 year anniversary of the outbreak of the war, everyone is invited to take part in ‘LightsOut' by turning off their lights from 10pm to 11pm, leaving on a single light or candle for a shared moment of reflection. 
However if you wish to pay your respects with an organized group you might consider going along to La Sahara Bar in CC La Fuente on Monday evening, where the lights will be dimmed, candles lit and letters from the Great War will be read out. And to top it all there will be a free finger buffet for all who attend. 
The next big event for the Orihuela Costa branch will be the Summer BBQ taking place later this month on 21 August at the Olympia Restaurant, Mil Palmeras. Make sure you have a ticket as they are going very quickly (see page 17 for details). 
The Orihuela Costa Branch of The Royal British Legion meets every 3rd Thursday of the month with a gathering time of 7pm for a 7.30pm start. The venue is the Olympia Restaurant, Mil Palmeras, and everyone is welcome, member or not. More information on the branch website at www.orihuelacostarbl.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44488/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: 2014 marks 100 years since the start of the First World War and throughout the centenary (1914-2018) there will be a programme of commemorative events taking place throughout the world, to honour and remember the lives of those who served in and were ...

### HOSPITAL BED CUT RISK FOR SUMMER

As the Valencia region welcomed another two and a half million vehicle movements over the weekend, during the second major traffic operation of the summer, the 112 emergency coordination centre increased its ability to handle emergencies by 7.7%, in order to “meet as quickly and effectively as possibly, all calls that may occur, since a large number of journeys on our roads was expected due to the output operation and a greater presence of people on our beaches and mountains”, according to coordinator Irene Rodríguez.
However, the ability to deal with those incidents beyond the first response has once again been brought into question, as a syndicate of nursing unions reports that the region´s hospitals have lost 1,687 beds for the summer months, as part of a cost saving exercise.
In a statement, the unions explained that the bed closures occur “theoretically” at the lower workload time of year, the summer, but has also pointed out that in previous years some of the beds taken away have never returned, and the coastal zone in particular is busier during the summer than any other time of year.
The unions warn that saturation of tourists may mean that the reduction in beds and nursing staff may well lead to delays, backlog and even the possibility of emergency centres having to reopen to accommodate the sick.
With closures across the entire region, the province of Valencia has suffered the most cuts, losing 853 beds, whereas in Castellón the figure is 130. In the province of Alicante there are now 704 fewer beds, with the General Hospital of the city most affected, losing 202 beds, whereas Elche loses 64, Elda has lost 68, Torrevieja has lost 61, San Juan has 61 less and in Orihuela, the situation is much worse, with 150 beds being removed.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44487/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As the Valencia region welcomed another two and a half million vehicle movements over the weekend, during the second major traffic operation of the summer, the 112 emergency coordination centre increased its ability to handle emergencies by 7.7%, in or...

### PROVINCIAL GRANTS FOR LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS

The infrastructure committee of the provincial council of Alicante has awarded nearly 2 million euro in grants for equipment, works and improvements to 17 municipalities in the province.
Amongst the projects receiving funding are Guardamar del Segura, who will be given a grant of 38,841.30 euro install ornamental lighting in the outdoor environment of the castle. Elche will get 219,990.47 euro for improving several streets in the city centre, whereas Santa Pola will be given 186,036.99 euro to improve municipal parks and gardens. Bigastro will receive 47,991.34 euro to carry out repairs and improvements to the sports centre.
In addition, the total grant budget will be shared and go towards improvements in Parcent, Pedreguer, Cocentaina, Muro de Alcoy, Orxeta, Tibi, Alcalalí, Benimassot, Pinoso, Salinas, Benigembla, Polop and Benilloba.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44486/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The infrastructure committee of the provincial council of Alicante has awarded nearly 2 million euro in grants for equipment, works and improvements to 17 municipalities in the province.
Amongst the projects receiving funding are Guardamar del Segura,...

### DEMANDS FOR ANSWERS TO TORREVIEJA POLICE STATION ANNOUNCEMENT

Deputy of the Compromís-Equo group, Joan Baldoví, is demanding answers through parliament as to why Torrevieja will not get a National Police station, despite the plans and promises being made for years, and Torrevieja being allowed to fund the acquisition of land at the tax payer´s expense.
Baldoví says that, “we will raise a parliamentary question to the Ministry of Interior” to give explanations as to what has happened regarding the National Police station construction, explaining that “we must take into account that the municipality of Torrevieja ceded the land for the construction of this building in 2005 and there is a proposal to this effect, but the works are still not to start”.
Given the population and tourist number claims of Torrevieja, the city has insufficient security at the moment; an issue which Compromís believes should be addressed immediately. “Torrevieja is the only city of this size which does not have a National Police presence”, Baldoví concluded.
Although the installation of a touch screen video contact with the police has been praised as a technological innovation, the device itself will not be able to respond to the security or safety needs of the citizens any quicker than a telephone call. In fact, given that most people carry a mobile phone, an emergency response is far more likely to occur by telephone, rather than a static information booth.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44485/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Deputy of the Compromís-Equo group, Joan Baldoví, is demanding answers through parliament as to why Torrevieja will not get a National Police station, despite the plans and promises being made for years, and Torrevieja being allowed to fu...

### REAL MURCIA FACE ADMINISTRATIVE RELEGATION

The woes continue for Real Murcia as the Segunda outfit  has until Thursday to complete their registration for the coming season with the League Authorities.
The need to prove they have reached agreements with the National Treasury, over repayment of tax debts of approximately 12 million euro and thereby show themselves  financially solvent and able to compete.
A spokesman for the LFP (the Liga de Fútbol Profesional) says that the club are not expected to meet the deadline which will result in their administrative relegation to the Segunda B.
Around a thousand fans protested at the Tax Office on Friday, calling for there to be a repayment agreement established with their club.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44484/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The woes continue for Real Murcia as the Segunda outfit  has until Thursday to complete their registration for the coming season with the League Authorities.
The need to prove they have reached agreements with the National Treasury, over repayment of ...

### WATERSKIING ATTRACTION IN THE BAY OF TORREVIEJA

Torrevieja council have awarded a 3 year waterskiing franchise on the city waterfront to the company Cable Ski Torrevieja details of which are expected to be released within the next few days.
Cable Ski Torrevieja will operate a new nautical-sports centre that will offer experiences based around two activities, skiing and wakeboarding, but both at the end of a 175 mtr cable.
They will be located between the Marina Salinas breakwater and the barrage that protects the Torrevieja port.
The company says that the activity could be in place by as early as this weekend.
The company first requested permission to operate the activity, which they say will complement the existing nautical sports experience in the town, last April, at which time their submission was forwarded to the Capitanía Marítima in the Torrevieja Ayuntamiento.
The Department agreed to an initial concession of three years with the possibility of annual extensions up to a maximum of ten.
The facility will cover an area of approximately 5,000 m2 of water bordered by two towers which will be anchored on the sea bottom, both situated parallel to the Marina Salinas jetty. They will also provide a bar and a terrace.
Similar activities first emerged in the 90s since when they have been operating successfully in San Rafael (Madrid), Marbella and Benidorm, where they are said to complement the local tourism.
However there are some critics of the scheme who say that the introduction of such an activity will severely infringe upon local fishing, bathing and sailing facilities, and will hamper the operation of thousands of pleasure boats, anglers and bathers that operate in and around the port.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44482/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Torrevieja council have awarded a 3 year waterskiing franchise on the city waterfront to the company Cable Ski Torrevieja details of which are expected to be released within the next few days.
Cable Ski Torrevieja will operate a new nautical-sports ce...

### HABANERA ALIVE AND WELL AFTER VALENCIA OPERATION

Not many turtles are privileged by a visit from The Minister of Economy, Industry, Tourism and Employment while they are recovering from an operation but this ‘Loggerhead' was the exception as Máximo Buch took time out to pay his respects while on a visit to the Oceanographic City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia on Thursday.
The turtle had been operated on by the veterinary staff on the previous Monday after being rescued by a member of the public on la Cala de la Higuera in Torrevieja a few days earlier.
An examination by local biologist, Juan Antonio Pujol, found it to have a large wound on its face and at the back of the skull affecting a third of the head and nostrils
A spokesman at the centre said that surgery was successful on the fracture and wounds with the tissue returned to its natural position. ith proper care and the amazing healing capacity of these animals, the turtle is expected to make a full recover.
The turtle, weighing 25 kg and numbered 205, was recovered during in Torrevieja the 60th edition of the International Contest of Habanera and Polyphony. As such it was felt that "Habanera" was a suitable name
Since it was first established the Oceanographic department of the Valencia University have dealt with over 200 loggerhead turtles which have been recovered on the Valencia coast by Fishermen, Red Cross and Civil Guard, 90% of which have been treated for a variety of disorders and returned to the seas.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44480/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Not many turtles are privileged by a visit from The Minister of Economy, Industry, Tourism and Employment while they are recovering from an operation but this ‘Loggerhead' was the exception as Máximo Buch took time out to pay his respects while on a visit to the Oceanographic City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia on Thursday.
The turtle had been operated on by the veterinary staff on the previous Monday after being rescued by a member of the public on la Cala de la Higuera in Torrevieja a few days earlier.
An examination by local biologist, Juan Antonio Pujol, found it to have a large wound on its face and at the back of the skull affecting a third of the head and nostrils
A spokesman at the centre said that surgery was successful on the fracture and wounds with the tissue returned to its natural position. ith proper care and the amazing healing capacity of these animals, the turtle is expected to make a full recover.
The turtle, weighing 25 kg and numbered 205, was recovered during in Torrevieja the 60th edition of the International Contest of Habanera and Polyphony. As such it was felt that "Habanera" was a suitable name
Since it was first established the Oceanographic department of the Valencia University have dealt with over 200 loggerhead turtles which have been recovered on the Valencia coast by Fishermen, Red Cross and Civil Guard, 90% of which have been treated for a variety of disorders and returned to the seas.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44480/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### ‘Mike Probert talks Golf - 4 August 2014

(Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services). Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.
‘The True Cost of No entertainment on the Costa Blanca'
The golfing ‘tourist' will spend on average 3 times more than the beach tourist during their visit to Spain and all they are looking for is good weather, affordable golf, decent accommodation and night time entertainment. 
Unfortunately we now have a ‘virus' sweeping across the Costa Blanca in the form of the local police who are intent on stopping night time entertainment. The ‘Madridiots' swoop on us in the summer with their ‘yapping' dogs and late night rowdy family parties keeping everyone awake until the early hours BUT god forbid we should have an entertainer in a local bar with a microphone, laptop and two speakers the size of a small suitcase because they call the local police who because they are operating a work to rule to defy the politicians are all too willing to close the bars down and issue fines of up to €3000.
Most of the bars wish to operate within the rules ,which are almost non-existent and which can be interpreted differently by any policeman in a bad mood. These bars are trying to ‘eek' out a living in the summer months to see them through the quiet winter months.
Many of my golfing clients are now openly stating that they will not return to the Costa Blanca to play golf due to this unfair entertainment restriction on their well earned golfing holiday by the police and local authorities and will go to other golfing destination like Turkey and Morocco next year.
I am not politically motivated and not too strong on mathematics but here is a calculation which is easy to follow and understand:
No Music = No Clients = No Bars = No Taxes = No need for policeman
This ‘idiotic' approach to music and entertainment will not only stop at closed bars but will impact all areas of tourism when the Spanish economy is still on it's' knees and with 25% unemployment.
We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us.
Leader Green Fees
The deals shown in the attched table are some of the best currently available to you.
For bookings and more information contact Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com or direct on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 quoting reference LEADER.
Competition Watch
The  LEADER in conjunction with the British Legion are holding a  tournament at Vistabella over the weekend of 20th & 21st September  2014 at a cost of only €37 each, including buggy with a €10 donation per green fee going directly to the poppy appeal and to enter call Mick the Grip on 638859475 or Vistabella on 966107846.
Quotation of the week
“Stress is emotional condition caused when the brain overrules the bodies natural instincts to beat the crap out of someone annoying you” – Costa Blanca Bar Owners.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44477/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: (Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services). Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Se...

### The Weekend – 2 and 3 August 2014

ALL WEEK
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
Exhibition – “Toda la galaxia en el castillo”. A collection of 20,000 items of interest to Star Wars fans, including toys, models and works of art. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Until 11 April).
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
ORIHUELA
NEW – Exhibition of historic documents regarding the request to hold a market in the town of san Agustín, dating back to 1756. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 August).
SANTA POLA
Exhibition “Tierra y Mar de Sal”, Museo de la Sal (Until 31 August).
TORREVIEJA
The weekend sees the Fiesta de San Emigdio in the park of Nations, the patron saint of Torrevieja, who is also the patron saint of earthquakes, as legend says he appeared in Torrevieja after the devastating 1829 earthquake, which killed hundreds of people and destroyed thousands of homes.
SHOWS AND MUSICALS
The Lion King, Teatro Lope De Vega, Madrid (Until 2 November).
Sleeping Beauty, Auditorio El Batel. Sala A Murcia, Cartagena (Thursday).
Los Miserables, Gran Teatre Del Liceu, Barcelona (Until Sunday).
Otelo, Teatro Bellas Artes, Madrid (Until 14 September).
SATURDAY 2 AUGUST
Markets
Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola.
ALICANTE
Rock Festival, IFA Exhibition Centre.
TORREVIEJA
Fiesta de San Emigdio, park of Nations, with disco at 23:00.
22:00, Habaneras en La Mata.
SUNDAY 3 AUGUST
Markets
Benidorm, Elche, La Nucia, Campoverde, La Marina, Zoco, Almoradí street market, Lemon Tree Road, Mil Palmeras.
GIRONA
Pet Shop Boys, Jardí Botánic de Cap Roig.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Underwater guided snorkelling tour (Every Wed and Sun in July and August).
TORREVIEJA
Fiesta de San Emigdio, park of Nations, with mass and procession at 20:00.
21:00, “El Alcalde de Zalamea”, Spanish theatre, Teatro Municipal..
FUTURE EVENTS
Orihuela Costa – Ice rink and mini water park, near Playa Flamenca Mercadona.
Torrevieja – Electromar, 15 August.
Torrevieja – Kool & The Gang, 20 August.
Buñol – La Tomatina tomato fight, 27 August (Sold out).
Torrevieja – MOWO – Mobile photography and Instagram event, September.

Excerpt: ALL WEEK ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – […]

### OPPOSITION GROUPS SPEAK OUT OVER TORREVIEJA MAYOR INCARCERATION

The former mayor of Torrevieja, Pedro Hernández Mateo, entered the prison of his choice on Wednesday, one day before the time limit set on his freedom was reached.
Hernández Mateo entered the Centro Penitenciario Murcia II, located in Campos del Río, to begin his three year sentence which he was given in November of 2012. He must now serve at least 12 months before an appeal for parole can be considered, although it is likely that he will be freed 6 months after that, having served half of the sentence, depending on the outcome of other cases against him.
Having been found guilty at every level of the judicial appeals process, his last hope lay with the government granting clemency. That hope was dashed when it was refused, thus the courts ruled that he must enter prison before the 31st of July. The prison he chose to serve his time was opened in 2011 and has 1,000 cells. It is one of the closest prisons to Torrevieja, although it was first thought he may have chosen Villena, which is also nearby.
Meanwhile, the political opposition groups in Torrevieja believe that the imprisonment of the former mayor, who was at the head of the municipality for 23 years, reflects the facts that the population are tired of corruption in politics and that justice must be equal, as well as the urgent need for politicians to be clean and act in an exemplary manner.
José Hurtado, from the Los Verdes green party of Torrevieja, argued that “justice must be equal for all” and that “society demands righteousness”, whereas politicians must be “exemplary”. 
Head of the local PSOE socialist group, Ángel Sáez, said that, “the local PP, with its mayor Eduardo Dolón at the head, was mobilized to seek a pardon for Hernández Mateo and resorted even to associations, but only got 2,000 signatures”, which he believes shows that the majority of the population are “tired of corrupt behavior”.
Domingo Soler from the alternative APTCe group pointed out that he leads a new generation of politicians calling for a “regeneration” of the PP in Torrevieja, a fact which led to him being expelled and forming his own party. Years later, Soler now believes that he “was right” in his opinions for a need to start afresh with the politics of Torrevieja.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44467/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The former mayor of Torrevieja, Pedro Hernández Mateo, entered the prison of his choice on Wednesday, one day before the time limit set on his freedom was reached.
Hernández Mateo entered the Centro Penitenciario Murcia II, located in Ca...

### Friday 1 August 2014  Events Guide

ALL WEEK
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
Exhibition – “Toda la galaxia en el castillo”. A collection of 20,000 items of interest to Star Wars fans, including toys, models and works of art. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Until 11 April).
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
ORIHUELA
NEW – Exhibition of historic documents regarding the request to hold a market in the town of san Agustín, dating back to 1756. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 August).
SANTA POLA
Exhibition “Tierra y Mar de Sal”, Museo de la Sal (Until 31 August).
TORREVIEJA
The weekend sees the Fiesta de San Emigdio in the park of Nations, the patron saint of Torrevieja, who is also the patron saint of earthquakes, as legend says he appeared in Torrevieja after the devastating 1829 earthquake, which killed hundreds of people and destroyed thousands of homes.
SHOWS AND MUSICALS
The Lion King, Teatro Lope De Vega, Madrid (Until 2 November).
Sleeping Beauty, Auditorio El Batel. Sala A Murcia, Cartagena (Thursday).
Los Miserables, Gran Teatre Del Liceu, Barcelona (Until Sunday).
Otelo, Teatro Bellas Artes, Madrid (Until 14 September).
FRIDAY 1 AUGUST
International Beer Day.
Markets
Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, Torrevieja.
ALTEA
Discover Altea, guided walks through the picturesque town, every Friday in July and August.
ALICANTE
Rock Festival, IFA Exhibition Centre.
ASTURIAS
Pet Shop Boys, Plaza de la Universidad Laboral, Gijón.
ELCHE
Guitar festival, featuring famous guitarists Carlos Rosat and Eduardo Baranzano, Claustro de San José.
GIRONA
Placebo, Jardí Botánic de Cap Roig.
TORREVIEJA
Fiesta de San Emigdio, park of Nations, with disco at 23:00.
22:00, Habaneras en La Mata.

Excerpt: ALL WEEK ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – […]

### PILAR CELEBRATES TWENTY EIGHT YEARS OF FRUITFUL INDEPENDENCE

The sustained and relentless development that Pilar de la Horadada is currently experiencing is nothing more than a reflection of the enterprising nature of the people who live there, progress that is still being forged by a succession of historical events.
But the growth and improvements that are being achieved in the town are neither because of chance or as a quirk of fate, it is progress that is being forged primarily because of the fight for independence by this small corner of the Mediterranean, an area that was abandoned for decades as a minor district of Orihuela.
Almost 30 km from the Orihuela seat of government, Pilar de la Horadada was disregarded.  It was never considered as an area worthy of investment with the distant councilors paying little regard to its its economic and social needs. The locals paid disproportionate taxes and the improvements and maintenance to its infrastructures were kept to a minimum.
But after 5 decades of struggle, which first started in 1936, and which included riots, demonstrations, closures of the N332 and even the bricking up of the municipal office, the provincial and autonomous authorities finally approved a decree granting Pilar de la Horadada's segregation on 30 July 1986.
Every year since then, on the date that was immediately declared as a public holiday, the townsfolk celebrate their creation and their segregation, although at the ceremony held last week at la Casa de Cultura, the current mayor, Jose Fidel Ros, said that it felt like a very long time ago,
“But now we have our history, our geographical environment and our very own defined identity, which after 26 fruitful years, gets ever stronger as time goes by.”
During the event, the mayor paid tribute to the farmers of the town who he said were the cornerstone of the economy of the municipality, with the evolution of Pilar de la Horadada irretrievably linked to it's agricultural development.
Among the attendees, the Vice President of the Council of Alicante, D. César Asencio, welcomed and congratulate the first residents of the municipality, while the Councillor for Culture, Benjamín Fraile, took the opportunity to share with the audience the important work by his Department many different companies that had forged external collaborations with the townsfolk of Pilar de la Horadada.
During the event he made mention of a new publication issued by the Cultural Department entitled “Agricultura: un tesoro pilareño”. "Agriculture: A Pilareño treasure." The author, director of the Casa de Cultura, Maria Garcia, thanked all those people who shared their memories and photographs with her which had enabled the publication of this new book
The day was also used to inaugurate the sculpture “La Segregación Pilareña” (The Segregation of Pilar), a work acquired by the City in 2011 which was donated by sculptor Ribera Girona, who, for his contribution, was presented with a golden shield of Pilar de la Horadada by the mayor José Fidel Ros.
Mayor Fidel Ros said that the town will continue to grow by taking "courageous decisions in difficult times", and through the efforts of the government team all pilareños will soon be able to enjoy a reduction in some taxes such as IBI and capital gains.
He also pointed out the continued improvement in the education of our children, a new classroom block at the Institute, additional school transport, and additional study rooms while at the same time continuing to support local charities “because we are united with the people who are most in need.”
The event was also used to present various awards and prizes organized by the Department of Culture. One such presentation was to the winner of the III graffiti contest held on 13 July at la Rambla de la playa Los Jesuitas, in Torre de la Horadada. The first prize of 400 euros was awarded to Abel Hernandez and Rosa Arenas, while the € 100 second prize went to Fernando César.
Prizes were also awarded for the III outdoor painting competition, in collaboration with the Director of Caja Rural, Pedro Martínez Zapata. Of the 9 artists who participated, and whose works can be seen at the exhibition hall in the Casa de Cultura, the second prize of 300 € was made to Francisco Carpena Muñoz, while Alberto Márquez Ruiz won the first prize 600 € .
Finally the results of the jury's III Municipality of Pilar de la Horadada Sonnets Contest, in which 26 poets presented 36 sonnets, were announced. 
M ª Pilar Marqués Celma, entry entitled: "Torre del Conde" received the third prize, while "Pilar de la Horadada, Land of Light," by Silvia Lemus took second prize with Manuel Terrín Benavides: "Stamp from the Pico Alcores" won the first prize. All of the sonnets will be published in a book later in the year.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44462/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The sustained and relentless development that Pilar de la Horadada is currently experiencing is nothing more than a reflection of the enterprising nature of the people who live there, progress that is still being forged by a succession of historical events.
But the growth and improvements that are being achieved in the town are neither because of chance or as a quirk of fate, it is progress that is being forged primarily because of the fight for independence by this small corner of the Mediterranean, an area that was abandoned for decades as a minor district of Orihuela.
Almost 30 km from the Orihuela seat of government, Pilar de la Horadada was disregarded.  It was never considered as an area worthy of investment with the distant councilors paying little regard to its its economic and social needs. The locals paid disproportionate taxes and the improvements and maintenance to its infrastructures were kept to a minimum.
But after 5 decades of struggle, which first started in 1936, and which included riots, demonstrations, closures of the N332 and even the bricking up of the municipal office, the provincial and autonomous authorities finally approved a decree granting Pilar de la Horadada's segregation on 30 July 1986.
Every year since then, on the date that was immediately declared as a public holiday, the townsfolk celebrate their creation and their segregation, although at the ceremony held last week at la Casa de Cultura, the current mayor, Jose Fidel Ros, said that it felt like a very long time ago,
“But now we have our history, our geographical environment and our very own defined identity, which after 26 fruitful years, gets ever stronger as time goes by.”
During the event, the mayor paid tribute to the farmers of the town who he said were the cornerstone of the economy of the municipality, with the evolution of Pilar de la Horadada irretrievably linked to it's agricultural development.
Among the attendees, the Vice President of the Council of Alicante, D. César Asencio, welcomed and congratulate the first residents of the municipality, while the Councillor for Culture, Benjamín Fraile, took the opportunity to share with the audience the important work by his Department many different companies that had forged external collaborations with the townsfolk of Pilar de la Horadada.
During the event he made mention of a new publication issued by the Cultural Department entitled “Agricultura: un tesoro pilareño”. "Agriculture: A Pilareño treasure." The author, director of the Casa de Cultura, Maria Garcia, thanked all those people who shared their memories and photographs with her which had enabled the publication of this new book
The day was also used to inaugurate the sculpture “La Segregación Pilareña” (The Segregation of Pilar), a work acquired by the City in 2011 which was donated by sculptor Ribera Girona, who, for his contribution, was presented with a golden shield of Pilar de la Horadada by the mayor José Fidel Ros.
Mayor Fidel Ros said that the town will continue to grow by taking "courageous decisions in difficult times", and through the efforts of the government team all pilareños will soon be able to enjoy a reduction in some taxes such as IBI and capital gains.
He also pointed out the continued improvement in the education of our children, a new classroom block at the Institute, additional school transport, and additional study rooms while at the same time continuing to support local charities “because we are united with the people who are most in need.”
The event was also used to present various awards and prizes organized by the Department of Culture. One such presentation was to the winner of the III graffiti contest held on 13 July at la Rambla de la playa Los Jesuitas, in Torre de la Horadada. The first prize of 400 euros was awarded to Abel Hernandez and Rosa Arenas, while the € 100 second prize went to Fernando César.
Prizes were also awarded for the III outdoor painting competition, in collaboration with the Director of Caja Rural, Pedro Martínez Zapata. Of the 9 artists who participated, and whose works can be seen at the exhibition hall in the Casa de Cultura, the second prize of 300 € was made to Francisco Carpena Muñoz, while Alberto Márquez Ruiz won the first prize 600 € .
Finally the results of the jury's III Municipality of Pilar de la Horadada Sonnets Contest, in which 26 poets presented 36 sonnets, were announced. 
M ª Pilar Marqués Celma, entry entitled: "Torre del Conde" received the third prize, while "Pilar de la Horadada, Land of Light," by Silvia Lemus took second prize with Manuel Terrín Benavides: "Stamp from the Pico Alcores" won the first prize. All of the sonnets will be published in a book later in the year.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44462/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### ADVICE FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Doctors from the Torrevieja Hospital have offered advice on caring for children during the summer holidays because they say "babies and young children aoe very sensitive to heat, as an infant's skin burns more deeply and much quicker than an adult, who is not always attentive to their situation.”
They advise using sunscreens with physical filters which should be applied fairly frequently, although they do not recommend their use in children who are under 6 months. Neither do they recommend exposing such children to the summer sun who they say should be protected with long-sleeved shirts or hats.
For swimmers who are stung by a jellyfish the experts say "wash the area with salt water to rinse the tentacles off, do not use fresh water and do not rub the affected area.
Remove any remaining tentacles with a gloved hand, stick, shell or tweezers. If you use bare hands to pluck tentacles off, you'll most likely get stung on the fingers. That's also why it's so important to remove them. If you don't the victim will keep getting stung until all the nematocysts (fluid sacs) are used up."
For insect bites they recommend that you carefully remove the sting with tweezers and never squeeze or scratch the area because it can be pushed more deeply into the skin.
In order to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, throughout the year a number of healthcare professionals have recently toured many local  schools and centres where they have provide advice on preventive measures against various diseases and ailments.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44461/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Doctors from the Torrevieja Hospital have offered advice on caring for children during the summer holidays because they say "babies and young children aoe very sensitive to heat, as an infant's skin burns more deeply and much quicker than an adult, who is not always attentive to their situation.”
They advise using sunscreens with physical filters which should be applied fairly frequently, although they do not recommend their use in children who are under 6 months. Neither do they recommend exposing such children to the summer sun who they say should be protected with long-sleeved shirts or hats.
For swimmers who are stung by a jellyfish the experts say "wash the area with salt water to rinse the tentacles off, do not use fresh water and do not rub the affected area.
Remove any remaining tentacles with a gloved hand, stick, shell or tweezers. If you use bare hands to pluck tentacles off, you'll most likely get stung on the fingers. That's also why it's so important to remove them. If you don't the victim will keep getting stung until all the nematocysts (fluid sacs) are used up."
For insect bites they recommend that you carefully remove the sting with tweezers and never squeeze or scratch the area because it can be pushed more deeply into the skin.
In order to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, throughout the year a number of healthcare professionals have recently toured many local  schools and centres where they have provide advice on preventive measures against various diseases and ailments.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44461/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### POLICE DISMANTLE NIGERIAN LETTERS NETWORK

The National Police have arrested 84 people in Spain in an operation known as "Nigerian letters" and involving a scam worth at least 11,547,000 euros, although the volume of cash handled by those arrested during the period analysed totaled more than 20.6 million euros
Whilst the organization was mainly composed of Nigerian citizens (80%) most of their victims swindled were from the U.S., Canada and Germany.
So far there have been a total of 4,593 reported victims of the fraud although the Heritage Research Group says there is a possibility that a far greater number of people have been scammed but have failed to report the matter.
They say that the overall volume of funds processed through the scam, most of which has been sent back to Nigeria, exceeds 120 million euros.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44460/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The National Police have arrested 84 people in Spain in an operation known as "Nigerian letters" and involving a scam worth at least 11,547,000 euros, although the volume of cash handled by those arrested during the period analysed totaled more than 20.6 million euros
Whilst the organization was mainly composed of Nigerian citizens (80%) most of their victims swindled were from the U.S., Canada and Germany.
So far there have been a total of 4,593 reported victims of the fraud although the Heritage Research Group says there is a possibility that a far greater number of people have been scammed but have failed to report the matter.
They say that the overall volume of funds processed through the scam, most of which has been sent back to Nigeria, exceeds 120 million euros.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44460/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### CONSTRUCTION RECOVERY CONTINUES IN ALICANTE

Albeit rather a rather tentative start, there is no doubt that the recovery in the Costa Blanca construction industry is beginning to take off.  
This can be seen in virtually every statistical indicator including the improved social security figures recorded in the province in recent months.
In the first half of the year, there are 468 more employed persons (many of them self employed, in all subsectors of the construction). Alicante is now showing itself to be the most active province within the autonomous regime.
The Social Security Department say that they are experiencing increased contributions from Alicante construction workers, well above those shown in Valencia (130) and Castellón (2), where an increase of 468 contributors have been recorded in the first half of the year contrasted to the 568 contributors that were lost on the Costa Blanca during the first six months of 2013
The improvement was also confirmed last Wednesday by the Association of Professional Workers and Entrepreneurs of the Autonomous Region of Valencia (UATAE) who say that with 34,792 members their figures for Alicante show an increase of 601 personnel in construction.
What is also evident in the province is the number of seemingly derelict and abandoned building sites that are once again being worked on as scaffolding and safety netting is once again going up all along the coast.
According to information released by the Association of Surveyors (Coaata), the demand on employees from this professional group has now also returned to levels seen before the economic crisis.
With 809 sites showing activity with reforms, restoration and maintenance of homes and buildings of all kinds up to 31 May, the figure is almost back to the 2008 levels when 817 sites were being worked at.
The industry seems to be waking up in the province, as shown by the official records published by the Association of Surveyors. In the first quarter they have granted permission for 600 new homes, a figure that may rise to around 1500 by the end of the year. 
These are numbers still well short of the 55,000 homes that were built in the Costa Blanca in the boom of 2004 and 2005, but they represent a clear change of pace.
A similar pace was also recorded by the ratings agency Standard & Poors in a new report released on Tuesday which predicts that house prices in Spain will climb by at least 2 percent in 2016.  S&P believe that while properties in Spain have fallen by around 30 percent since the country's economic crisis hit in 2008, the recovery is coming. 
The positive outlook stems from "the faster than expected" recovery of the Spanish economy and a subsequent quicker "fall in unemployment" rates, the agency says.
"We have seen a change in trends in the Spanish property market in the last 12 months with the arrival of British and US property funds," said Madrid-based real estate expert Eduardo Molet.
"British funds in particular are taking advantage of the offers in the Spanish property market, and they are here to stay," he added, “with real estate near the coast and in the bigger cities rebounding much faster than elsewhere.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44459/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Albeit rather a rather tentative start, there is no doubt that the recovery in the Costa Blanca construction industry is beginning to take off.  
This can be seen in virtually every statistical indicator including the improved social security figures recorded in the province in recent months.
In the first half of the year, there are 468 more employed persons (many of them self employed, in all subsectors of the construction). Alicante is now showing itself to be the most active province within the autonomous regime.
The Social Security Department say that they are experiencing increased contributions from Alicante construction workers, well above those shown in Valencia (130) and Castellón (2), where an increase of 468 contributors have been recorded in the first half of the year contrasted to the 568 contributors that were lost on the Costa Blanca during the first six months of 2013
The improvement was also confirmed last Wednesday by the Association of Professional Workers and Entrepreneurs of the Autonomous Region of Valencia (UATAE) who say that with 34,792 members their figures for Alicante show an increase of 601 personnel in construction.
What is also evident in the province is the number of seemingly derelict and abandoned building sites that are once again being worked on as scaffolding and safety netting is once again going up all along the coast.
According to information released by the Association of Surveyors (Coaata), the demand on employees from this professional group has now also returned to levels seen before the economic crisis.
With 809 sites showing activity with reforms, restoration and maintenance of homes and buildings of all kinds up to 31 May, the figure is almost back to the 2008 levels when 817 sites were being worked at.
The industry seems to be waking up in the province, as shown by the official records published by the Association of Surveyors. In the first quarter they have granted permission for 600 new homes, a figure that may rise to around 1500 by the end of the year. 
These are numbers still well short of the 55,000 homes that were built in the Costa Blanca in the boom of 2004 and 2005, but they represent a clear change of pace.
A similar pace was also recorded by the ratings agency Standard & Poors in a new report released on Tuesday which predicts that house prices in Spain will climb by at least 2 percent in 2016.  S&P believe that while properties in Spain have fallen by around 30 percent since the country's economic crisis hit in 2008, the recovery is coming. 
The positive outlook stems from "the faster than expected" recovery of the Spanish economy and a subsequent quicker "fall in unemployment" rates, the agency says.
"We have seen a change in trends in the Spanish property market in the last 12 months with the arrival of British and US property funds," said Madrid-based real estate expert Eduardo Molet.
"British funds in particular are taking advantage of the offers in the Spanish property market, and they are here to stay," he added, “with real estate near the coast and in the bigger cities rebounding much faster than elsewhere.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44459/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### AENA AWARD OVER 800,000 € FOR INSULATION

At the 12th meeting of the Environmental Monitoring Commission, which took place on Tuesday, AENA has approved spending of more than 800,000 euros for sound insulation in those homes close to the Alicante-Elche airport.
This is part of a new procedure which has been put in place to assist with the development of an Acoustic Insulation Plan which was unveiled at the meeting.
A spokesman said that “To date, we have received 3,101 applications for acoustic insulation, of which 3,090 have already been approved for further investigation, while work at 1,999 homes and a school have been completed or are in progress.
 
he Environmental Monitoring Commission at the Airport is composed of representatives from AENA, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the Government, as well as the municipalities of Alicante and Elche.
AENA say that the work shows their determination to improve the sound quality inside neighboring homes that are included in the Soundproofing Plan for the airportFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44458/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: At the 12th meeting of the Environmental Monitoring Commission, which took place on Tuesday, AENA has approved spending of more than 800,000 euros for sound insulation in those homes close to the Alicante-Elche airport.
This is part of a new procedure...

### NEW LOOK ELCHE TAKE A BOW

In their first meaningful pre-season action ahead of the forthcoming campaign, Elche prevailed over divisional rivals Villarreal in a lengthy penalty shoot-out that lacked the tension and nail biting drama served up by, say, Holland and Argentina.
A goal apiece was the product of ninety minutes of actual football, but somebody had to be awarded the “Dama d'Elx” trophy for the fifty-fifth time and this time the home side did enough. Just.
Pre-season friendlies whichever way you spin them, or the opposition, are solely for the clubs themselves and a, generally, small number of die-hard fans. This evening was no different ! With new faces aplenty in all four corners of the pitch – and in goal – Elche manager Fran Escribá has a limited number of these fixtures in which to get it sorted.  Early signs, though - without the intensity La Liga provokes – are, in the main, encouraging.
For Elche, the 2014/15 La Liga season can be paraphrased with the acronym SWAT – special weapons and tactics. Last time out, the weapons really weren't that special; an Achilles heel of a strike force which plagued their La Liga return for months on end with a lack of goals.
Thankfully, elsewhere the Escribá tactics, particularly the way in which the back four performed, were mostly spot on. This season, their second back in the top flight, the former will need to do considerably better.
During the 2013/14 campaign players such as Boakye, Carles Gil, Christian Herrera Fidel and Manu del Moral all chipped in with goalscoring cameos. Now, with the exception of Herrera, they've all left or are going.
Much will depend on the scoring prowess of Brazilian newcomer Jonathas, (from Pescara), while midfield reinforcements with an eye for goal include Mario Pasalic, (Chelsea) and Fayçal Fajr (Rouen).
All three had a run out against Villarreal who opened the scoring in fortunate fashion when a Cherysev effort took a massive deflection which left Manu Herrera rooted to the spot. That was the highlight of a dire opening half watched by a reported 14,000 people, (it looked a lot less).
Having made expected changes during the break, Elche began brighter and were soon level, Pelegrin connected powerfully with a Damián cross to level things just four minutes after the restart. Garry Rodriguez caught the eye going forward and the introduction of centre-forward Jonathas soon had the Elche public applauding.
It's early days, of course, but Elche have the look of a more inventive side than hitherto.  Escribá, or his Sporting Director Victor Orta, (recently arrived from Zenit St. Petersburg), appear to have chosen well in the summer transfer market.
Time will tell but the initial signs look promising. Elche begin the new season with a trip to the Camp Nou which, early on, before they get into their stride, will probably be the best time to take on Barcelona. 
When the fixture list was published, most eyes were on the opening sequence of matches. They would have been put to better use checking out the final six or seven fixtures which, this time, have given Elche an altogether easier looking run-in.
That presumes, though, that Elche will once again be fending off the unwelcome advances of the Segunda División in another relegation scrap. On the other hand, perhaps the new look Elche will surprise a few people. Hope so !Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44456/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In their first meaningful pre-season action ahead of the forthcoming campaign, Elche prevailed over divisional rivals Villarreal in a lengthy penalty shoot-out that lacked the tension and nail biting drama served up by, say, Holland and Argentina.
A g...

### ORIHUELA COSTA NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH – CRIME WARNING.

Due to the effectiveness of Local Police Forces, we normally have a very low amount of crime reported in our area, 
However, during the summer holiday period when we have very large numbers of visitors, as happens throughout the east coast of Spain, others visit with the intent of lining their own pockets by robbing others and spoiling their time here.
This has recently been experienced on our beaches where people had their handbags snatched, the thieves making a quick escape in awaiting getaway cars.
We want our visitors to enjoy their time here, and they can by only bringing things to the beaches which they will need and leave handbags out of sight where they are staying. When in the water or in our beach bars never leave anything unattended and if travelling to the beach by car, never leave anything on view in the car. Also never leave keys passports or money in the car.
If you see anything suspicious please let the Police know immediately by calling 112 where you can speak in Spanish, English, German or Scandinavian. Providing the call is made in good faith the Police welcome all calls.
Should you need help the attendants in the beach bars are there to help you. They are able to speak in many languages.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44455/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Due to the effectiveness of Local Police Forces, we normally have a very low amount of crime reported in our area, 
However, during the summer holiday period when we have very large numbers of visitors, as happens throughout the east coast of Spain, o...

### Thursday 31 July 2014 – Things to Do

ALL WEEK
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
Exhibition – “Toda la galaxia en el castillo”. A collection of 20,000 items of interest to Star Wars fans, including toys, models and works of art. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Until 11 April).
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
ORIHUELA
NEW – Exhibition of historic documents regarding the request to hold a market in the town of san Agustín, dating back to 1756. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 August).
SANTA POLA
Exhibition “Tierra y Mar de Sal”, Museo de la Sal (Until 31 August).
TORREVIEJA
The weekend sees the Fiesta de San Emigdio in the park of Nations, the patron saint of Torrevieja, who is also the patron saint of earthquakes, as legend says he appeared in Torrevieja after the devastating 1829 earthquake, which killed hundreds of people and destroyed thousands of homes.
SHOWS AND MUSICALS
The Lion King, Teatro Lope De Vega, Madrid (Until 2 November).
Sleeping Beauty, Auditorio El Batel. Sala A Murcia, Cartagena (Thursday).
Los Miserables, Gran Teatre Del Liceu, Barcelona (Until Sunday).
Otelo, Teatro Bellas Artes, Madrid (Until 14 September).
THURSDAY 31 JULY
Markets
Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales.
ELCHE
Guitar festival, Claustro de San José.
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Last day).
MARBELLA
Pet Shop Boys, Auditorio de Marbella, Málaga.
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of historic documents detailing the accounts of fiesta de santas Justa y Rufina from the year 1644. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Last Day).
ORIHUELA COSTA
An evening of monologues with Raquel Sastre, Zenia Boulevard.
Festival Flamenco, 29-31 July. Today – 22:00, Singers Lola Montaya and Bvr Flamenco Big Band, plus singers and dancers La Yinka and Ana Balpardo, Paseo Marítimo, Playa Flamenca.
TORREVIEJA
Fiesta de San Emigdio, park of Nations, with disco at 23:00.

Excerpt: ALL WEEK ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – […]

### NEW SOCIALIST LEADER VOWS TO GET COUNTRY BACK ON TRACK

The new leader of the Socialist Party (PSOE) in Spain, Pedro Sanchez has promised that he will get the country back on its feet.
He made the statement in front of a packed house of over 3,000 party delegates, on the final day of the Extraordinary Congress held in Madrid last Sunday.
Until just a few months ago Sanchez, a 42 year old economist, was virtually unknown but in the recent leadership contest to replace Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, he polled 49 percent of the votes cast by 130,000 party members putting clear distance between himself and Basque lawmaker Eduardo Madina, who finished second with 36 percent. That primary result was also ratified on Saturday at the same extraordinary congress.
During his inaugural speech, Sanchez said he was "exasperated, angry, hurt" after six years of "unprecedented" economic crisis but that he would lead the party back to power and get the crisis-hit country "back on track".
He also vowed that he would scrap a labour law reform introduced by the ruling Popular Party that makes it cheaper and easier to fire workers.
A tall, married father of two nicknamed "El Guapo" or "The Handsome One", Sanchez has cast himself as a fresh face for the party and would appear to be a credible challenger to the conservative Popular Party (PP) which ousted the Socialists from power in a crushing November 2011 election defeat.
With General elections due next year Sanchez has to overcome criticism of how their last government handled an economic crisis sparked by the collapse of a property boom in 2008 that has left one in four out of work.
While Sanchez's election to the leadership of the party by a wide margin was a relief for the Socialists, who had feared a divisive, and potentially confrontational contest, political analysts said it was too soon to tell whether he can reverse the party's fortunes.
"Pedro's Sanchez's election is a breath of fresh air for the Socialists. But as of now it is nothing more than that," political analyst Carlos Elordi wrote in an opinion article published recently in a daily newspaper.
"Nothing guarantees that it will last. The Socialists' many problems can drown him within weeks," he said.
Sanchez has a master's degree in politics and economics from a Belgian university. He served as a top aide to the head of a UN high representative during the war in Kosovo. 
Last Monday Sanchez met with Mariano Rayoy, at the Moncloa Palace, where the country's leader   expressed the importance and his intention that the pair maintain fluid and on-going dialogue on the various issues of common interest.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44454/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The new leader of the Socialist Party (PSOE) in Spain, Pedro Sanchez has promised that he will get the country back on its feet.
He made the statement in front of a packed house of over 3,000 party delegates, on the final day of the Extraordinary Congress held in Madrid last Sunday.
Until just a few months ago Sanchez, a 42 year old economist, was virtually unknown but in the recent leadership contest to replace Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, he polled 49 percent of the votes cast by 130,000 party members putting clear distance between himself and Basque lawmaker Eduardo Madina, who finished second with 36 percent. That primary result was also ratified on Saturday at the same extraordinary congress.
During his inaugural speech, Sanchez said he was "exasperated, angry, hurt" after six years of "unprecedented" economic crisis but that he would lead the party back to power and get the crisis-hit country "back on track".
He also vowed that he would scrap a labour law reform introduced by the ruling Popular Party that makes it cheaper and easier to fire workers.
A tall, married father of two nicknamed "El Guapo" or "The Handsome One", Sanchez has cast himself as a fresh face for the party and would appear to be a credible challenger to the conservative Popular Party (PP) which ousted the Socialists from power in a crushing November 2011 election defeat.
With General elections due next year Sanchez has to overcome criticism of how their last government handled an economic crisis sparked by the collapse of a property boom in 2008 that has left one in four out of work.
While Sanchez's election to the leadership of the party by a wide margin was a relief for the Socialists, who had feared a divisive, and potentially confrontational contest, political analysts said it was too soon to tell whether he can reverse the party's fortunes.
"Pedro's Sanchez's election is a breath of fresh air for the Socialists. But as of now it is nothing more than that," political analyst Carlos Elordi wrote in an opinion article published recently in a daily newspaper.
"Nothing guarantees that it will last. The Socialists' many problems can drown him within weeks," he said.
Sanchez has a master's degree in politics and economics from a Belgian university. He served as a top aide to the head of a UN high representative during the war in Kosovo. 
Last Monday Sanchez met with Mariano Rayoy, at the Moncloa Palace, where the country's leader   expressed the importance and his intention that the pair maintain fluid and on-going dialogue on the various issues of common interest.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44454/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ARRESTS MADE IN SPEEDO CLOCKING SCAM

The National Police have arrested 27 people for ‘clocking', winding back the speedometers, at a number of car dealerships in Spain. The arrests are said to have taken place at garages in Madrid, Toledo, Ciudad Real, Jaen and Alicante
Three of those arrested were equipped with sophisticated diagnostic tools. They are said to have varied the number of miles  a vehicle was ‘clocked' by anything between 80,000 and 120,000 kilometres,, thereby doubling the value of the cars . 
So far 48 vehicles are found to have been handled in this way, for each of which they would  charge up to 900 euros, for high-end vehicles.
Investigations began following a complaint at the police station in Ponferrada where a local resident told authorities that he was concerned the mileage recorded on a vehicle recently purchased from a dealer in Toledo, was not genuine.
Following the investigation by officers, it was found that the genuine mileage on the vehicle in question was actually 207,000 kms, which had been adjusted to 87,000. 
During further investigations, agents learned that there were far more dealers involved, 12 in Madrid, 5 in Toledo, one in Ciudad Real, Jaen and one in Alicante. They also discovered that speedo tampering was being made for dealers who drove the vehicles in from outside the province. 
National Police agents identified the three people who were allegedly ‘clocking' the vehicles, on behalf of the owner of a fleet leasing company
The investigation was led by the Toledo Judicial Police.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44453/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The National Police have arrested 27 people for ‘clocking', winding back the speedometers, at a number of car dealerships in Spain. The arrests are said to have taken place at garages in Madrid, Toledo, Ciudad Real, Jaen and Alicante
Three of th...

### BROKEN PALM DAMAGES SCHOOL PROPERTY

Four palm trees have snapped and fallen over in recent days due to the weight of the weight of the fruit that they bear, the most recent last Thursday afternoon at the Colegio Público Fernando de Loaces causing breakage of the centre's aircon and heating ducting.
Although there were no injuries locals are saying that over a hundred trees have fallen over since late last year and many now present a very real danger to passers by.
Already there have been several incidents of palm trees that fall in streets abd around public buildings with one collapsing at the entrance of the Bernardo Ruiz sports centre destroying a number of fence posts.
The Department of Environmental asay they are working as fast as they can to remove palm trees and dates to prevent them falling, however the locals complain that this work is long . They say that it should have been carried out in May and now the palms may suffer damage and  attract the red weevil beetle plague.
If pruning had occurred when it should have there would not be so much weight and they would not fall down, "they said. Residents complain that there have always been such incidents with palm trees "but not as many as there are now" although the Environmental Department say that the current drought is partly to blame, especially those in many privately owned areas that are not irrigated.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44452/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Four palm trees have snapped and fallen over in recent days due to the weight of the weight of the fruit that they bear, the most recent last Thursday afternoon at the Colegio Público Fernando de Loaces causing breakage of the centre's aircon and heating ducting.
Although there were no injuries locals are saying that over a hundred trees have fallen over since late last year and many now present a very real danger to passers by.
Already there have been several incidents of palm trees that fall in streets abd around public buildings with one collapsing at the entrance of the Bernardo Ruiz sports centre destroying a number of fence posts.
The Department of Environmental asay they are working as fast as they can to remove palm trees and dates to prevent them falling, however the locals complain that this work is long . They say that it should have been carried out in May and now the palms may suffer damage and  attract the red weevil beetle plague.
If pruning had occurred when it should have there would not be so much weight and they would not fall down, "they said. Residents complain that there have always been such incidents with palm trees "but not as many as there are now" although the Environmental Department say that the current drought is partly to blame, especially those in many privately owned areas that are not irrigated.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44452/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### CLEAN UP AT LA MATA

Thirty young members of the PP spent their day cleaning up el Canal del Acequión at the weekend from the mouth of the canal along la Playa del Acequión, as far as the bridge at la Avenida Gregorio Marañón
In total they picked up over three thousand kilos of scrap and waste, items such as plastics, cans, clothing, glass, wood, metal, broken signs, office equipment, televisions and even household blinds.
Most of the items were simply dumped at the site, apparently by members of the public who have little, or no regard for the environment, although a small amount may well have ended up in the area as a result of being taken there by the rain or wind, "said one of the youngsters.
The Channel Acequión and its surroundings are part of the Natural Park of the Lagunas de La Mata and Torrevieja, so it is important that the area it kept clean, and as such all of the waste collected was removed. There were a number of concrete stones left behind however but only because they were beginning to accumulate some items of marine life , bryozoans, sea urchins, clams, cockles and other similar species.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44451/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Thirty young members of the PP spent their day cleaning up el Canal del Acequión at the weekend from the mouth of the canal along la Playa del Acequión, as far as the bridge at la Avenida Gregorio Marañón
In total they picked up over three thousand kilos of scrap and waste, items such as plastics, cans, clothing, glass, wood, metal, broken signs, office equipment, televisions and even household blinds.
Most of the items were simply dumped at the site, apparently by members of the public who have little, or no regard for the environment, although a small amount may well have ended up in the area as a result of being taken there by the rain or wind, "said one of the youngsters.
The Channel Acequión and its surroundings are part of the Natural Park of the Lagunas de La Mata and Torrevieja, so it is important that the area it kept clean, and as such all of the waste collected was removed. There were a number of concrete stones left behind however but only because they were beginning to accumulate some items of marine life , bryozoans, sea urchins, clams, cockles and other similar species.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44451/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### RECORD ATTENDANCE AT MILITARY MODEL EXPO

Over 14,000 people visited the Second Torrevieja Military Model Exhibition that was held last month at the Sala Vista Alegre, making it one of the most popular exhibitions held in the town in recent years
The Councillor for Culture, Luis María Pizana, expressed his satisfaction at the large attendance saying there was a total of 14,321 people who visited the exhibition organized by the Municipal Institute of Culture "Joaquin Chapaprieta" together with the Spanish Association of Military Modelling of Torrevieja.
Pizana said that in just two years of it's existence the exhibition has become one of the most popular amongst tourists and residents alike.
In this second edition he made mention of the special collaboration of the Military Corps of the Royal Guard, which provided a great many of the exhibits for the exhibition.
A total of 80 people worked hard to set the exhibition up, assembling  over 500 exhibits, amongst which were vehicles of the ground forces, military aircraft, Spanish navy ships, motorcycles from the National Police, a car similar to those used by the Royal Guard, Radio control tanks, 20 complete uniforms and a very interesting collection of model soldiers.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44450/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Over 14,000 people visited the Second Torrevieja Military Model Exhibition that was held last month at the Sala Vista Alegre, making it one of the most popular exhibitions held in the town in recent years
The Councillor for Culture, Luis María Pizana, expressed his satisfaction at the large attendance saying there was a total of 14,321 people who visited the exhibition organized by the Municipal Institute of Culture "Joaquin Chapaprieta" together with the Spanish Association of Military Modelling of Torrevieja.
Pizana said that in just two years of it's existence the exhibition has become one of the most popular amongst tourists and residents alike.
In this second edition he made mention of the special collaboration of the Military Corps of the Royal Guard, which provided a great many of the exhibits for the exhibition.
A total of 80 people worked hard to set the exhibition up, assembling  over 500 exhibits, amongst which were vehicles of the ground forces, military aircraft, Spanish navy ships, motorcycles from the National Police, a car similar to those used by the Royal Guard, Radio control tanks, 20 complete uniforms and a very interesting collection of model soldiers.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44450/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### FOX TARGETS ALICANTE’S ILLEGAL STREET VENDORS

La Unidad Fox is a Police Unit set up in Alicante to target illegal street vendors who deal in the sale of merchandising, be it sunglasses, bags, clothing or DVD's, that may have been faked. In the last 12 months they have seized and destroyed over 130,000 items.
A spokesman said that the eradication of unauthorized hawking, especially of those items that are known to be counterfeit, is one of the main tasks of this specialized police unit in Alicante.
In recent years the pressure to end these practices has become a priority, as evidenced by the 134 arrests and prosecutions made during the last year.
In addition to the Fox Unit a further 20,000 counterfeit products have been confiscated by officers from the Policia Local.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44449/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: La Unidad Fox is a Police Unit set up in Alicante to target illegal street vendors who deal in the sale of merchandising, be it sunglasses, bags, clothing or DVD's, that may have been faked. In the last 12 months they have seized and destroyed over 130...

### NO SUMMER HOLIDAY FOR HUNGER

Whatever the time of the year the crisis continues to hit those families most at risk and for those with children who rely for their main meal of the day that free lunchtime school dinner the long summer holidays are a time of particular hardship.
So it comes as no surprise that many welfare organizations and NGO's such as the Red Cross have decided to open their doors during this especial time of need.
Many of the municipalities of the Community say that they have had no alternative but to address this need with Valencia, Alicante, Elche, Benidorm and Sant Joan amongst those cities and towns that have chosen to open the doors of some school canteens so that those children at the very bottom of the social ladder can be given at least one meal a day.
In Alicante, just one example of how the Social Service and Educational authorities have come together, the staff at 14 school kitchens are working to ensure that  1200 children will get that one important meal. They are receiving assistance from la Asociación Pavirre together with the Department of Social Action, Caritas and other associations, in the Alicante district de Virgen del Remedio.
But in some of the Alicante schools the activities don't begin and end with the free lunch because with the assistance of 15 instructors and 27 volunteers the fun often takes place throughout the entire day as the children head to a small park, to do what they do best, play. This is how the long weeks of the summer months will work out for at least some of the luckier children 
We also have some morning activities which are monitored by volunteers who also dine with the children until they finish their lunch according to Miriam Chicote, one of the coordinators. “In the centre where I help out there are 184 children who are watched and attended to at all times.”
And many of them couldn't be more grateful as, smiling, they return home with their parents, knowing that the camp is not yet over and that tomorrow there will be more adventures……and another hot meal!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44448/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Whatever the time of the year the crisis continues to hit those families most at risk and for those with children who rely for their main meal of the day that free lunchtime school dinner the long summer holidays are a time of particular hardship.
So ...

### TURN ROUND IN LABOUR MARKET SAYS RAJOY

While speaking at the 2nd International Forum on Public Employment Policies, the PRIME Minister Mariano Rajoy said that the structural reforms and the "enormous effort" made by Spanish society as a whole have managed to achieve a cycle change in the labour market and the start of net job creation.
Based on the data from the Labour Force Survey (EPA) for the second quarter of 2014, Rajoy stressed that the Spanish economy has created 402,400 jobs in the last three months - the highest increase in employment in a single quarter since 2005.
"You can rest assured that I have been waiting a long time - since I took office as President of the Government,  - to be able to give you news such as this that am giving you here today", he said at the official opening of the Forum, which was held in Madrid on 24 and 25 July, and attended by high-ranking officials from almost 50 countries as well as national and international experts.
When considering the recent figures, added the President of the Government, the EPA data "confirm that this improvement in the Spanish labour market is not a temporary phenomenon but rather structural in nature, and that the efforts made by the Spanish people as a whole and the reforms by the Government of Spain are producing results". The relationship between economic activity and employment, he said, "is currently the best it has ever been in the history of Spain" given that "net employment has never been created with low levels of economic growth. We have stopped the rot", he said. 
The President of the Government underlined three major aspects of the growth in employment: the increase in permanent employment by 180,200, the highest in a second quarter of the year since 2007; the increase in private employment, with 393,500 more people in work than in the first quarter of the year; and the growth in full-time employment by 304,400.
As regards unemployment, this figure has fallen by 310,400 in the last three months, "an unprecedented reduction in the records kept by the Spanish National Statistics Institute", said Mariano Rajoy. When compared with the same period last year, the number of unemployed has fallen by 424,500. "We have managed to stop the rot: unemployment has gone from an increase of 12.5% when we approved the labour reform to a reduction of 7% in this second quarter of the year", he said.
Rajoy believes these "are positive figures" but "with an unemployment rate that is still over 24% of our labour force - over 50% among our young people, there is still a lot more to be done". He argued that this task falls on the public authorities, business leaders, workers and the social stakeholders, whom he encouraged to renew the collective bargaining agreement they approved two years ago and that "has been tremendously useful" in combating unemployment.
As regards the Government of Spain, he explained that it will continue working on the labour market reforms - especially in terms of the active employment policies - with such measures as the Annual Employment Plans and the Spanish Activation Strategy 2014-2016, the Employment and Self-Employment Portal - which is already offering 85,000 jobs - and a new regulatory framework for Vocational Training as a means to improve the employability of workers and the competitiveness of companies, which will be available "soon".
The Prime Minister believes that "one of the best ways to know a society is to ask oneself what opportunities it offers to its citizens, how it treats those in the worst situation and how it tries to include those who have been excluded". Offering job opportunities to those who seek work will continue to be the priority for the Government of Spain "because the impact of the crisis on unemployment has helped us see, more clearly than ever, that employment is the social policy par excellence, the veritable backbone, of our welfare system", he said.
In this regard, Rajoy highlighted the importance of combating youth unemployment, putting an end to duality in the labour market, fostering equality between men and women at work and offering "new incentives to those at risk of being excluded".
"A society cannot be truly more prosperous if it is not a fairer society, a country cannot progress if its citizens are not progressing, and this magnificent future project that is Spain will only succeed if it is one on which we all work together, pulling in the same direction", he concluded.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44447/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: While speaking at the 2nd International Forum on Public Employment Policies, the PRIME Minister Mariano Rajoy said that the structural reforms and the "enormous effort" made by Spanish society as a whole have managed to achieve a cycle change in the labour market and the start of net job creation.
Based on the data from the Labour Force Survey (EPA) for the second quarter of 2014, Rajoy stressed that the Spanish economy has created 402,400 jobs in the last three months - the highest increase in employment in a single quarter since 2005.
"You can rest assured that I have been waiting a long time - since I took office as President of the Government,  - to be able to give you news such as this that am giving you here today", he said at the official opening of the Forum, which was held in Madrid on 24 and 25 July, and attended by high-ranking officials from almost 50 countries as well as national and international experts.
When considering the recent figures, added the President of the Government, the EPA data "confirm that this improvement in the Spanish labour market is not a temporary phenomenon but rather structural in nature, and that the efforts made by the Spanish people as a whole and the reforms by the Government of Spain are producing results". The relationship between economic activity and employment, he said, "is currently the best it has ever been in the history of Spain" given that "net employment has never been created with low levels of economic growth. We have stopped the rot", he said. 
The President of the Government underlined three major aspects of the growth in employment: the increase in permanent employment by 180,200, the highest in a second quarter of the year since 2007; the increase in private employment, with 393,500 more people in work than in the first quarter of the year; and the growth in full-time employment by 304,400.
As regards unemployment, this figure has fallen by 310,400 in the last three months, "an unprecedented reduction in the records kept by the Spanish National Statistics Institute", said Mariano Rajoy. When compared with the same period last year, the number of unemployed has fallen by 424,500. "We have managed to stop the rot: unemployment has gone from an increase of 12.5% when we approved the labour reform to a reduction of 7% in this second quarter of the year", he said.
Rajoy believes these "are positive figures" but "with an unemployment rate that is still over 24% of our labour force - over 50% among our young people, there is still a lot more to be done". He argued that this task falls on the public authorities, business leaders, workers and the social stakeholders, whom he encouraged to renew the collective bargaining agreement they approved two years ago and that "has been tremendously useful" in combating unemployment.
As regards the Government of Spain, he explained that it will continue working on the labour market reforms - especially in terms of the active employment policies - with such measures as the Annual Employment Plans and the Spanish Activation Strategy 2014-2016, the Employment and Self-Employment Portal - which is already offering 85,000 jobs - and a new regulatory framework for Vocational Training as a means to improve the employability of workers and the competitiveness of companies, which will be available "soon".
The Prime Minister believes that "one of the best ways to know a society is to ask oneself what opportunities it offers to its citizens, how it treats those in the worst situation and how it tries to include those who have been excluded". Offering job opportunities to those who seek work will continue to be the priority for the Government of Spain "because the impact of the crisis on unemployment has helped us see, more clearly than ever, that employment is the social policy par excellence, the veritable backbone, of our welfare system", he said.
In this regard, Rajoy highlighted the importance of combating youth unemployment, putting an end to duality in the labour market, fostering equality between men and women at work and offering "new incentives to those at risk of being excluded".
"A society cannot be truly more prosperous if it is not a fairer society, a country cannot progress if its citizens are not progressing, and this magnificent future project that is Spain will only succeed if it is one on which we all work together, pulling in the same direction", he concluded.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44447/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### NUTS TO FLYING!

We all have those days when things seem to go wrong, without any reason at all. This was supposed to be a special day. It was the day when I was returning to the island of La Gomera, which is one of my favourite Canary Islands.
It was going to be a particularly special break because, not only was it a short holiday, but also my birthday. I was also going to spend some time in one of the World's most spectacular heritage sites, the Garajonay National Park, which I had wanted to visit for some time.
Even though La Gomera is only a short distance away from my home on the neighbouring island of Gran Canaria, it did mean two short flights, courtesy of our local friendly airline. I was dreading the first part of the journey, because the flight into Tenerife to change planes is never a very pleasant experience; turbulence reigns with a vengeance, and is never comfortable in a small propeller type plane. Indeed, Tenerife seems to create more turbulence than most destinations that I have experienced.
As it was only a very short flight, there was hardly time for the customary inflight service. However, the all smiling, bountiful hostess leapt forward and suddenly presented me with what I thought was a bag of peanuts and a glass of sparkling water, which I thought was very brave considering how many bottles of sparkling water I have seen squirted over passengers in the past; sparkling drinks and aircraft do not mix. I accepted gratefully, and began to tuck into the peanuts.
Those readers who know Spain well will know that the country's dentists are in league with the manufacturers of a particularly evil treat, that of ‘frutos secos', which they say is a kind of dried fruit, but in reality comprises mainly of glass, lead and granite, spiced up with a little volcanic ash. The innocent looking packets do usually contain a few peanuts, which eases one into a false sense of security, and is something that I normally avoid.
We had not eaten since having an early breakfast and so I popped what I thought was a peanut into my mouth. Sadly, this was just as we were about to enter ‘Tenerife airspace'. The place rocked and rolled, as it usually does when it hits heavy turbulence. The air hostess smiled benignly at some of her flight virgins, who looked extremely troubled as they were bumped and rocked around in the very small plane. We hit a particularly bad patch of turbulence just as I was enjoying what I thought was a peanut. It was not, and I felt something strange taking place in my mouth. As we bumped along, a little like one of the more significant rides at a theme park, a very large filling popped out of my mouth. My heart sank.
This was a particularly evil filling that I have had since my teenage years, so it has done rather well, but is not what I wanted on a Friday evening when staying on a small island in the Atlantic. As soon as we checked into the hotel, I made enquires about the whereabouts of a dental surgery.
Needless to say, they were closed until Monday, but the very helpful receptionist did manage to call her friend, Carmen, who happened to be the receptionist of the only dentist on the island who was not on holiday, and made an appointment for my treatment first thing on Monday morning.
The following few days were interesting. Those readers who have lost a filling will know how the tongue tends to be drawn and catch on the offending tooth as if it were a magnet, causing damage to both tongue and eventually soreness in the throat. Within a day I could not speak, but eventually hit upon the idea of sticking a piece of chewing gum into the offending cavity.
It helped, as did the copious glasses of whisky that my partner plied me with to ease my temper. Sadly, all the alcohol meant that I walked by mistake into a glass door of the hotel lobby and gave myself a black eye, which required a few stitches at the local hospital by a lovely young lady doctor. I hasten to add that I was not drunk, but merely tripped over an elderly, and none too pleased, chihuahua that was sunbathing by the front door.  All the attention and kindness that I received almost made it worth the experience, but that is a story for another time. 
Monday morning arrived.
I don't think I have ever been quite so excited to see a dentist as I was on this occasion. Realising that there was only one dentist available on this small and remote island, meant that I entered the surgery with some trepidation. I was concerned about how modern the equipment would be, and how it would compare with the space age surgery that I am used to at home.
I needn't have worried. A brisk and efficient lady dentist appeared clutching a very large metal syringe. It was painless, although I was a little hurt that she seemed to think my experience with my tooth, as well as the black eye was amusing. My new filling was quickly in place, and I gratefully handed over the fee and fled to the nearest bar to recover from the experience.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
 
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44446/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: We all have those days when things seem to go wrong, without any reason at all. This was supposed to be a special day. It was the day when I was returning to the island of La Gomera, which is one of my favourite Canary Islands.
It was going to be a pa...

### GOAL LESS DRAW AS CARTAGENA HOLD VALENCIA

Valencia Mestalla 0-0 FC Cartagena 
In their third pre season friendly, held last week at Pinatar Arena, FC Cartagena played out a goalless draw against La Liga's Valencia Mestalla in  front of an enthusiastic 500 spectators.
Chances fell to both sides in this even encounter in which Cartagena fielded a number of players who had not figured in the previous two matches against Betis and Rayo
Cartagena Coach, Julio Cesar Ribas, said he was very happy with his team's performance which he fully expects to earn promotion to Segunda A in the coming season.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44445/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Valencia Mestalla 0-0 FC Cartagena 
In their third pre season friendly, held last week at Pinatar Arena, FC Cartagena played out a goalless draw against La Liga's Valencia Mestalla in  front of an enthusiastic 500 spectators.
Chances fell to both sid...

### Wednesday 30 July 2014 – What to do

ALL WEEK
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
Exhibition – “Toda la galaxia en el castillo”. A collection of 20,000 items of interest to Star Wars fans, including toys, models and works of art. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Until 11 April).
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
ORIHUELA
NEW – Exhibition of historic documents regarding the request to hold a market in the town of san Agustín, dating back to 1756. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 August).
SANTA POLA
Exhibition “Tierra y Mar de Sal”, Museo de la Sal (Until 31 August).
TORREVIEJA
The weekend sees the Fiesta de San Emigdio in the park of Nations, the patron saint of Torrevieja, who is also the patron saint of earthquakes, as legend says he appeared in Torrevieja after the devastating 1829 earthquake, which killed hundreds of people and destroyed thousands of homes.
SHOWS AND MUSICALS
The Lion King, Teatro Lope De Vega, Madrid (Until 2 November).
Sleeping Beauty, Auditorio El Batel. Sala A Murcia, Cartagena (Thursday).
Los Miserables, Gran Teatre Del Liceu, Barcelona (Until Sunday).
Otelo, Teatro Bellas Artes, Madrid (Until 14 September).
WEDNESDAY 30 JULY
International Day of Friendship.
Markets
Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas.
ELCHE
Guitar festival, Claustro de San José.
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until Thursday).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of historic documents detailing the accounts of fiesta de santas Justa y Rufina from the year 1644. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until Thursday).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Zarzagán, Celtic Band, Zenia Boulevard.
Festival Flamenco, 29-31 July. Today – 22:00, Singers Rancapino and Anyuan Muñoz, plus dancer Cynthia Cano, Paseo Marítimo, Playa Flamenca.
Underwater guided snorkelling tour (Every Wed and Sun in July and August).
TORREVIEJA
21:30, “Torrevieja, Mi Ciudad”, the 3rd Gala event, Eras de la Sal.
21:30, Orbi Playa Big Band, La Mata.

Excerpt: ALL WEEK ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – […]

### LOCAL AUTHOR SEEKING PUBLISHER

Los Montesinos author Andrew Atkinson has penned a book – The Full ‘Monty' - written from experiences by him and his wife Helen in their three year search looking for a Casa in Spain.
Andrew is looking for a publisher or business to help him get the story into print: "Los Montesinos - The Full 'Monty' - tells of our 'eye-opening' visits to Montesinos when seeing workers sat drinking wine - some asleep - during our Casa build. "To that of needing permission to do almost anything to our property...even tiling the garden!," said Andrew.
Andrew and Helen searched for a property spanning Almoradi, Alicante , Benidorm, Benijofar, Cabo Roig, Cabo de Palos, Cartagena, Denia, Elche, Guardamar, Lo Pagan, Los Alcazares, La Mata, La Zenia. Murcia, Polop, San Miguel, Santiago de la Ribera, Torrevieja, Torremendo, Mojocar - leading to their arrival in Los Montesinos on the Costa Blanca south.
"It's been a great experience over the last decade and hopefully the book will give an insight to anyone contemplating living in Spain, either permanently, or as a non-resident," said Andrew.
Interested publishers and businesses can contact Andrew on 07702340744 or via email on: lancashiremedia@talktalk.net LOS MONTESINOS - The Full 'Monty' author Andrew Atkinson and wifeFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44442/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Los Montesinos author Andrew Atkinson has penned a book – The Full ‘Monty' - written from experiences by him and his wife Helen in their three year search looking for a Casa in Spain.
Andrew is looking for a publisher or business to help him get the story into print: "Los Montesinos - The Full 'Monty' - tells of our 'eye-opening' visits to Montesinos when seeing workers sat drinking wine - some asleep - during our Casa build. "To that of needing permission to do almost anything to our property...even tiling the garden!," said Andrew.
Andrew and Helen searched for a property spanning Almoradi, Alicante , Benidorm, Benijofar, Cabo Roig, Cabo de Palos, Cartagena, Denia, Elche, Guardamar, Lo Pagan, Los Alcazares, La Mata, La Zenia. Murcia, Polop, San Miguel, Santiago de la Ribera, Torrevieja, Torremendo, Mojocar - leading to their arrival in Los Montesinos on the Costa Blanca south.
"It's been a great experience over the last decade and hopefully the book will give an insight to anyone contemplating living in Spain, either permanently, or as a non-resident," said Andrew.
Interested publishers and businesses can contact Andrew on 07702340744 or via email on: lancashiremedia@talktalk.net LOS MONTESINOS - The Full 'Monty' author Andrew Atkinson and wifeFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44442/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### KEEP YOUR PASSPORT SAFE OR MISS OUT ON YOUR HOLIDAY, AIRPORT PASSENGERS WARNED

British holidaymakers arriving at Alicante airport this summer are being confronted with banners warning them to keep their passports safe, as part of a campaign to reduce further the number of British nationals who lose their passport or have it stolen whilst on holiday on the Costa Blanca.
Alicante airport has agreed with the British Consulate in Alicante to display banners in the arrivals area, warning tourists that losing their passports will cause frustration and inconvenience as they miss out on valuable holiday time whilst they visit the Consulate and pay for an emergency passport to get home.
Over two million British travellers, who make up 45% of all those who use the airport, will see the banners titled “Lose your passport, lose your holiday” as they head for passport control. They will again be reminded of the message when they get to the baggage reclaim area.
Posters encouraging Britons to look after their valuables, especially their passports, will also be displayed in all the main tourist information offices across the Valencia region.
Every year the Consulate in Alicante issues around 1000 emergency passports at a euro equivalent cost of 95 pounds each. It's a number that  British consul, Paul Rodwell, is keen to reduce.
Says Paul:, “We want to prevent British nationals from getting into trouble in the first place.  Everyone arriving in Alicante is being reminded to think about where they're going to keep their passport for the duration of their stay.  My advice: lock it away somewhere safe and, if you have to take it with you, keep it in a zipped bag or pocket to ensure a  hassle-free holiday.
“Partnership is key in preventing consular cases and I am very grateful to both the airport and tourist authorities for agreeing to display these banners and posters free of charge.”  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44440/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: British holidaymakers arriving at Alicante airport this summer are being confronted with banners warning them to keep their passports safe, as part of a campaign to reduce further the number of British nationals who lose their passport or have it stole...

### UNEXPECTED CHANGE AT THE TOP OF RAFA COSTA BLANCA

At the Branch General Meeting held on Tuesday 15th July, the Branch Chairman, Terry Joy, chaired his last meeting due to his unexpected need to return to the UK to live. At the conclusion of the meeting Terry handed over his 'Badge of Office' to his successor, David Barnes.
Throughout his 6 odd years as a member of the Branch, Terry was fully involved with branch activities and carried out several important roles.
He acted a Branch Standard and National Flag Bearer whenever required and took on the role of Vice Chairman and eventually Chairman in February 2012. During this time, despite suffering a stroke early in 2013, he was soon back and as enthusiastic as before and led the Branch in it's 10th Anniversary celebrations in March and he was already looking forward to the Battle of Britain Commemoration service due in September.
There is no doubt he will be sadly missed for his tact and diplomacy in leading the Branch during his time a Chairman and for his very dry sense of humour.  
To complete the Branch farewell to Terry and his wife Carol, a special 'Farewell Lunch' was held at the Rendezvous Restaurant on Friday 25th July. At the lunch Terry was presented with a specially engraved Tankard to remind him of his time spent with the Costa Blanca Branch of RAFA.'Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44438/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: At the Branch General Meeting held on Tuesday 15th July, the Branch Chairman, Terry Joy, chaired his last meeting due to his unexpected need to return to the UK to live. At the conclusion of the meeting Terry handed over his 'Badge of Office' to his su...

### INHERITANCE PLANNING SAVE MONEY – IN THE UK AND ABROAD

The British nation pays an extra and avoidable £530million in inheritance tax (IHT) each year according to recent analysis, which should be a warning to everyone - but in particular expats - to look closely at how their estate is set up. 
Richard Way, Editor at OverseasGuidesCompany.com said: “The staggering ‘over-payment' is on account of many UK residents not holding life assurance in trust, which makes it liable to IHT if it means the value of the deceased's estate exceeds the nil rate band. 
 “Brits on the verge of moving abroad and those already living somewhere sunny are urged to check exactly where they stand with inheritance. For example, under which jurisdiction, or jurisdictions, will inheritance law and tax be levied? Typically, you could be fined for not paying inheritance tax due within a set period after the date of death. Researching and protecting your estate now, by talking to professionals, will save time and heartache in the futureFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44437/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The British nation pays an extra and avoidable £530million in inheritance tax (IHT) each year according to recent analysis, which should be a warning to everyone - but in particular expats - to look closely at how their estate is set up. 
Richar...

### TROPHIES TO END THE SWIMMING SEASON

This weekend was a busy one and one that ends the 2013-2014 season. The final competition of the season the “XV Memorial Juan Fuster Zaragoza” took place on Saturday 26th July in the 25m pool at the International School Lopez de Vega, Benidorm.
Fifteen of the regions clubs participated in 50m freestyle and 100m individual medley events in age categories from Prebenjamin to Infantil (7 – 14yrs). 
Torrevieja swimmers enjoyed some good racing and two of the team members won 1st place. Paula Garcia won gold in her 50m freestyle event with a new best time of 31:17 and Piroska Rideg first in her 100m medley event with another best time of 1:14:91.
Other members of the team also had good swims improving on previous times. Lastly the girls 4 x 50m freestyle relay fought hard in their race just missing out on trophies with 4th place. 
Also this weekend Zoe Connolly travelled to Barcelona for the “XXXVI Infantil Spanish National Summer Championships”.
Zoe had worked hard to gain qualification times in the 100m and 200m Backstroke events. For Zoe the event was a fantastic experience but was masked with disappointment as she fell and sprained her ankle a hour before her first race so her swims did not produce best times but she still remains ranked in the the top 50 swimmers for her age across Spain. 
The Club now takes a break throughout August and comes back in September to the new swimming season 2014-2015. For more information regarding Torrevieja Swimming Club please contact Rosa – 665454126, President Felipe on 609418776 or Vicki 669637015 or by e-mail on info@clubnataciontorrevieja.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44436/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This weekend was a busy one and one that ends the 2013-2014 season. The final competition of the season the “XV Memorial Juan Fuster Zaragoza” took place on Saturday 26th July in the 25m pool at the International School Lopez de Vega, Beni...

### Things to do – Tuesday 29 July 2014

ALL WEEK
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
Exhibition – “Toda la galaxia en el castillo”. A collection of 20,000 items of interest to Star Wars fans, including toys, models and works of art. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Until 11 April).
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
ORIHUELA
NEW – Exhibition of historic documents regarding the request to hold a market in the town of san Agustín, dating back to 1756. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 August).
SANTA POLA
Exhibition “Tierra y Mar de Sal”, Museo de la Sal (Until 31 August).
TORREVIEJA
The weekend sees the Fiesta de San Emigdio in the park of Nations, the patron saint of Torrevieja, who is also the patron saint of earthquakes, as legend says he appeared in Torrevieja after the devastating 1829 earthquake, which killed hundreds of people and destroyed thousands of homes.
SHOWS AND MUSICALS
The Lion King, Teatro Lope De Vega, Madrid (Until 2 November).
Sleeping Beauty, Auditorio El Batel. Sala A Murcia, Cartagena (Thursday).
Los Miserables, Gran Teatre Del Liceu, Barcelona (Until Sunday).
Otelo, Teatro Bellas Artes, Madrid (Until 14 September).
TUESDAY 29 JULY
International Tiger Day.
Markets
Alicante, (Rastro), Aspe, Altea, Benijofar, ORIHUELA, San Fulgencio.
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until Thursday).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of historic documents detailing the accounts of fiesta de santas Justa y Rufina from the year 1644. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until Thursday).
ORIHUELA COSTA 
Festival Flamenco, 29-31 July.Today – 20:00, Singers Alicia Carrasco “Mujer Klórica” and Andrés Hernández, Zenia Boulevard.

Excerpt: ALL WEEK ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – […]

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 28 JULY 2014

SPECIAL PROTECTION
The Spanish government has increased its Marine Protected Areas 20-fold with the establishment of 39 new marine protected areas. The new sites are classed as ‘Special Protection Areas for Birds' (SPAs) under the European Birds Directive.
MONKEY BUSINESS
Benidorm´s Terra Natura animal park has welcomed a new attraction. Having spent the last couple of weeks settling in after their arrival from Zurich Zoo, the two male specimens of loris pygmy sloths (Nycticebus pygmaeus), a native species of Southeast Asia, are now a firm fixture in the facility.
DUCK GROWTH
The Jar White shelduck (Tadorna Tadorna) population of La Mata, a bird afforded “special protection” status, has tripled in numbers during this year´s breeding season, according to the latest census by the environment department. Some 400 birds have been responsible for 137 eggs, 39 more than last year. The duck and goose like cross is heavily dependent on irrigation ponds and the food they produce, feeding on small crabs and shrimps, insects such as mosquitoes, tiny fish and other invertebrates.
HOT BOX
A horsebox belonging to the Spanish national police caught fire in Seville this week, although there were no injuries as a result. Critics have persistently complained about the age and maintenance conditions for these vehicles, although the cause of the fire is under investigation.
POPPY BOX STOLEN
Last Saturday two women of gypsy appearance, one heavily pregnant and the other wearing loose clothes, both with lank, greasy hair, stole the poppy appeal charity box from Britmart Convenience store in Cabo Roig. Information to the Leader Newspaper please.
THE SELFIE QUEEN
Still maintaining their “break from tradition” attitude, the King and Queen of Spain visited the cinema last weekend, blending into the background like any normal couple. However, one rather excited cinema goer took the opportunity to ask Queen Letizia for a photo, with her majesty agreeing to pose for the “selfie” with her fans, commenting later about the importance of trying to fit in with the people of Spain. 
MISSING ART
According to Spain's Audit Commision the Prado Museum, one of the world's biggest art galleries, cannot find 885 of its works. The number used to be even higher, but between 2008 and December 2012 the museum located 41 of them. They claim that many of the works were destroyed long ago.
FACING UP
The Reus city council, in Northern Spain has approved new bylaws that will ban people from wearing a burqa, niqab or any other kind of full face veil in public places. The measure is the first to go so far in Spain, with other such local legislation only banning such clothing on municipal-owned premises.
OIL SPILL
A marine wildlife reserve in Gran Canaria, near to the beach of El Cabrón, has suffered an oil spill along a kilometer of its coastline. Although the origin of the slick is still unclear, authorities think that it probably came from a ship that cleaned out its bilge while passing through the area. This is an area known for its diverse marine wildlife and is popular with divers. 
EATING OUT
Although hotel occupancy across the Costa Blanca is once again looking favourable, with many hotels reporting that they are filled to capacity, one anomaly that the hoteliers didn´t anticipate is the fact that more of their guests are choosing to eat out. In fact, spending on dining in hotels is down by 33% compared to last year, despite the increase in patrons.
TAKE AWAY
Two people have been arrested with a further three facing charges in Leon and Cantabria, accused of the illegal theft and slaughter of at least 2,000 horses which were then sold as meat to the overseas market.
CHILD CARE RULES
The Spanish government approved new rules on how to deal with unaccompanied immigrant children arriving in the country, establishing a basis to deal with the near 3,000 who have already arrived, mainly from Morocco, Algeria and Romania, as well as those in the future. They will now only be repatriated if it is clear there is somebody in their home country to care for them, and in the event of risk of sexual exploitation, they will be dealt with through the social welfare network via the police.
NO EMERGENCIES PLEASE
Residents of the city of Elche are once again concerned about the availability of emergency ambulances, after medical staff denounced the fact that one of their paramedic SAMU units has been transferred to the coast for the summer season. The move means that there is only one functioning paramedic ambulance to cover the 300,000 residents of Elche.
MORE CRASH INJURIES
Four people, including a child and a pregnant woman, were injured in an accident on the N-332 near Santa Pola on Monday evening. Firefighters, who had to come from Elche, had to rescue the child, who was trapped in the vehicle. The car had rolled over and was embedded into a wall opposite the hotel Rocas Blancas. The injured were rushed to the General Hospital of Elche.
DATE IN SAN ANTON
Residents of San Anton have denounced the Orihuela council for negligence in their failure to prune the area's palm trees. They say that residents are continually being hit by clumps dates that are falling from the palms that in some cases are bearing up to 250 kg of the fruit.
NEW INSPECTORS
Four new Local Police Inspectors were appointed by the Mayor, Eduardo Dolon, in Torrevieja last week. On welcoming them into office Dolon said the new appointments would allow the force to better divide and supervise its resources in the city. He urged the new inspectors to work with greater dedication so that they could improve the image of the local police in Torrevieja.
WAITING ON
The Regional Secretary of Tourism and Commerce, Daniel Marco, visited Torrevieja last Tuesday when he met with the mayor, Eduardo Dolon. He was in the city to present diplomas to 97 students who have completed the training courses at CDT Torrevieja in restaurant management, catering and other service sector work. 
ALL TALK
The Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, met with the President of Murcia, Alberto Garre at the Moncloa Palace on Tuesday. The pair discussed issues related to the Region of Murcia and especially the effects of the drought on agriculture in the region. This was the first visit by Garre to Moncloa Palace since he replaced Ramón Luis Valcárcel in April, who stood down in order to join the European Parliament.
MRS ROBINSON
Spain has sent a message of congratulates to Irish politician Mary Robinson on her appointment to the post of United Nations Special Envoy for Climate Change, while also thanking her for her excellent work as Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa.
EXPORT OUTLOOK 
The Synthetic Index of Export Activity [ISAE] stands at +23.1 points for the second quarter of the year, the second highest value since 2007, surpassed only by the figure posted in the previous quarter, which was 1.6 points higher (+24.7 points).
DRUG BOOTY ARREST
Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a 46 year old British man who was stopped at a roadblock in the Granada town of Baza. The vehicle was travelling in the Murcia direction when the officers stopped the hire car at a routine patrol. Noticing the driver becoming agitated, they asked him to open the boot and found 257 transparent bags containing 64 kilos of marijuana, along with 3 mobile phones and cash. 
MORE PP PRISONERS
The former President of Castellón, Carlos Fabra, as well as the former President of the Balearics, Jaume Matas, have both had their clemency appeals rejected and must both now commence their prison sentences. Fabra will serve 4 years in prison, whereas Matas was sentenced to 9 months. Both are members of the Partido Popular political group. 
TOP COP ARRESTED
The Asociación Unificada de Guardias Civiles has reported that a senior officer from the Judicial Police of Torrevieja was arrested last Sunday, for the second time, for alleged domestic violence against his ex-partner, also an officer of the force. The organization said that the victim had called for assistance previously, later to withdraw her complaint as the case approached trial due to “fear”. The officer was stripped of his weapons and issued with an injunction prohibiting communication.
AN APOLOGY
As the first anniversary of the Santiago de Compostela train crash, which resulted in the death of 79 people, the driver has apologised and asked for forgiveness in an open letter to the victims sent to a newspaper. “I feel a great deal of pain and sorrow”, said Francisco Jose Garzon Amo, provisionally charged over the accident, “It distresses me to think of what words I can say to you, if they will be adequate, if what I say could bother you. All I can do is ask for forgiveness”. 
ACCESS ACTION DEMANDS
The mayor of Santa Pola, Miguel Zaragoza of the Partido Popular, has called for urgent action by the ministry of development to improve access and egress to the N-332 coastal road, after a spate of serious accidents over the last few weeks. The town hall has submitted a number of plans that they believe will ease the problem, including at Gran Alacant, and are advising drivers to try to avoid the most dangerous junctions, seeking alternative routes.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44434/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: SPECIAL PROTECTION
The Spanish government has increased its Marine Protected Areas 20-fold with the establishment of 39 new marine protected areas. The new sites are classed as ‘Special Protection Areas for Birds' (SPAs) under the European Birds...

### SAVE CALA MOSCA

Thanks to C.L.A.R.O.'s action in bringing the future of Cala Mosca before the European Parliament, there is now another opportunity for all those who hope to save this last green area on Orihuela Costa from the building of 1,500 new houses, to make their voice heard.    
A public consultation has started on the developer's proposals to safeguard the environment of Cala Mosca and in particular the two endangered species which are present and are protected by European Union environmental legislation.    After studying these proposals, C.L.A.R.O. considers that they do not adequately protect the environment of Cala Mosca.     There are 4 mains reasons for this opinion:
1. The aim of the environmental impact study appears to be to maintain the originally intended volume of construction.   As a consequence it  offers inadequate protection to the two protected species of flower and fauna present on Cala Mosca (Helienthemum caput-felis and Tudorella mauretanica)
2. The proposal to protect these species by locating them in areas designed for parks, gardens, playgrounds and car parks is nonsensical – these are areas where there would be maximum public access and presence and therefore maximum danger to the species.
3. The proposal to enclose the species would prevent their expansion throughout Cala Mosca which is their natural habitat.
4. The environmental impact study does not take account of the presence in Cala Mosca of a traditional trail for live animals (Cañada Real) which follows the line of the coast and which by law should be protected from building and building infrastructures.
C.L.A.R.O. is organising a Petition to make these objections known to the Valencian authorities.    It will not, however, be a C.L.A.R.O. petition.   It will not bear our logo and is a non-political action, strictly within the framework of a legitimate public consultation.   
We appeal to all those who value Cala Mosca as it is, to sign the Petition.    We have only two weeks until Friday, 8 August after which the objections (alegaciones) must be handed in to the Orihuela Town Hall.    Signature of the Petition is open to all those who wish to limit building on this site.   It is not necessary to be a resident of Orihuela Costa.   Many visitors and tourists value Cala Mosca and are eligible to sign, as are those living elsewhere in Orihuela or in the Vega Baja area.   A minimum of personal information is requested when signing the form but basically name and signature will suffice. 
All those interested in signing the Petition may do so at the Asturias Restaurant (downstairs near entry) from Monday – Friday this week and next between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. until 8 August.    Copies of the Petition form can also be obtained for those who wish to collect signatures on behalf of the cause and subsequently hand them over to us so they can be presented together at the beginning of the week 11 August.   Volunteers will also be collecting signatures at key points on Orihuela Costa during this period.    Copies of the form can also be downloaded from the new C.L.A.R.O. WEBPAGE www.claro-orihuelacosta.com.      When signed downloaded forms can be handed in directly to the Orihuela Town Hall or given to C.L.A.R.O. so they can be delivered together.
We urge as many people as possible to sign the Petition.    In previous Petitions to Save Cala Mosca we have collected 7,000 signatures and 1,000 have responded to a questionnaire regarding what are the key points of public interest in Cala Mosca.   If we are successful in this latest endeavour, the developer should be obliged to change the building plans and reduce construction on this environmentally sensitive and emblematic site.   
Time is limited and unfortunately many of those who would normally help in collecting signatures for the Petition are away on holiday.    Please make an effort and help us Save Cala Mosca from excessive and unnecessary construction.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44433/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Thanks to C.L.A.R.O.'s action in bringing the future of Cala Mosca before the European Parliament, there is now another opportunity for all those who hope to save this last green area on Orihuela Costa from the building of 1,500 new houses, to make the...

### What´s On Guide – Monday 28 July 2014

ALL WEEK
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
Exhibition – “Toda la galaxia en el castillo”. A collection of 20,000 items of interest to Star Wars fans, including toys, models and works of art. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Until 11 April).
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
ORIHUELA
NEW – Exhibition of historic documents regarding the request to hold a market in the town of san Agustín, dating back to 1756. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 August).
SANTA POLA
Exhibition “Tierra y Mar de Sal”, Museo de la Sal (Until 31 August).
TORREVIEJA
The weekend sees the Fiesta de San Emigdio in the park of Nations, the patron saint of Torrevieja, who is also the patron saint of earthquakes, as legend says he appeared in Torrevieja after the devastating 1829 earthquake, which killed hundreds of people and destroyed thousands of homes.
SHOWS AND MUSICALS
The Lion King, Teatro Lope De Vega, Madrid (Until 2 November).
Sleeping Beauty, Auditorio El Batel. Sala A Murcia, Cartagena (Thursday).
Los Miserables, Gran Teatre Del Liceu, Barcelona (Until Sunday).
Otelo, Teatro Bellas Artes, Madrid (Until 14 September).
MONDAY 28 JULY
World Hepatitis Day.Day of the Institutions, a local holiday in Cantabria.
Markets
Cox, Elche, Formentera, La Nucia, San Pedro del Pinatar, Santa Pola, Sax, Torremendo.
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition – 40th Aniversario Comparsa Mosquetera, Biblioteca Municipal (Last Day).
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until Thursday).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of historic documents detailing the accounts of fiesta de santas Justa y Rufina from the year 1644. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until Thursday).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Solidarity charity concert, Zenia Boulevard.

Excerpt: ALL WEEK ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – […]

### NICOLA KUHN WINS NATIONAL TITLE

Many congratulations to Torrevieja Tennis Club's Young German player Nicola Khun who was proclaimed National Champion last week in the Infantil (Under 14) category.
The 39th National Championship, the "Manuel Alonso Memorial "Challenge, sponsored by Coca-Cola, was held at the Sporting Club Casino A Coruna.
The victory now confirms Nicola as one of the best players in the world in his age Group.
In the final Kuhn beat another Torrevieja player, Carlos Sánchez Jover, who was forced to retire through injury.  Up to that point, however, Khun had dominated throughout and was leading the tie 6-2, 5-0. dominated the match in their favor 6-2 and 5-0.
In the semi final Kuhn beat Nicolás Alvarez Burgos Varona 6-1, 7-while Carlos Sánchez Jover defeated second seed Vedri Alejandro from Valencia, 6-3, 6-4. 
 
Nicola and Carlos who are currently training at the academy Equelite Juan Carlos Ferrero, will both be competing in the European Championships which will be held in Russia in AugustFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44426/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Many congratulations to Torrevieja Tennis Club's Young German player Nicola Khun who was proclaimed National Champion last week in the Infantil (Under 14) category.
The 39th National Championship, the "Manuel Alonso Memorial "Challenge, sponsored by Coca-Cola, was held at the Sporting Club Casino A Coruna.
The victory now confirms Nicola as one of the best players in the world in his age Group.
In the final Kuhn beat another Torrevieja player, Carlos Sánchez Jover, who was forced to retire through injury.  Up to that point, however, Khun had dominated throughout and was leading the tie 6-2, 5-0. dominated the match in their favor 6-2 and 5-0.
In the semi final Kuhn beat Nicolás Alvarez Burgos Varona 6-1, 7-while Carlos Sánchez Jover defeated second seed Vedri Alejandro from Valencia, 6-3, 6-4. 
 
Nicola and Carlos who are currently training at the academy Equelite Juan Carlos Ferrero, will both be competing in the European Championships which will be held in Russia in AugustFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44426/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ROCKETS’S GOLF SOCIETY ALICANTE GOLF –  STABLEFORD

Summer has come with a vengeance totally different from when we came earlier in the year when the car was warmer than outside, today it was a steady 32 degrees but a breeze helped to keep us cool, shame that some of the Swallows had flown back to cooler climes, as our number were a little depleted.
Alicante Golf  at San Juan Playa where the  Seve designed course is located, was in super condition particularly the fairways, which had mowing lines just like you see on TV, a credit to the greens staff. 
The greens did fool some of the players which kept the scores down except for one player, Ron Chambers, who matched the course complete with a brand new set of clubs, and his wife was still in the UK (No pressure then!). 
The scores were relatively low but who can complain with a very good course with lovely blue skies and sunshine. Hey Ho.
RESULTS
GOLD CATEGORY
1ST    RON SWIFT	      		31 pts 
2ND   IVIE DAVIES        		30 pts
3RD   LES YATES			29 pts
SILVER CATEGORY
1st  RON CHAMBERS		36 pts
2nd GEOFF WILD			32 pts
3rd MALCOM WOODS		26 pts
NEAREST PINS
Hole 3: ROD SMITH   Hole 6: GINGER TONY  Hole 8: LES YATES Hole 12:  MALCOLM WOODS Hole 17: GEOFF WILD 
LONGEST DRIVE:  ROD SMITH   BEST GUEST: GINGER TONY
The  second Semi-Final of the Singles was completed with Les Yates defeating Rocket Ron 3 and 2.  He will now go on to play Arfer  ( Popular One ) Williams in the Final. Put your ear plugs in Les!!
It was back down the A7/AP7 to Izzy's Bar for our favourite munchies, and  Carolines's Izzy Chips, all followed by “Rocket” Ron presenting the prizes, it  was a little delayed due to the feast of  the Izzy chips and sarnies. 
Many thanks as always to Tony, Jackie. 
Next game is the Tuesday 12th August at Vistabella, First tee 09.15
The last game in August has been brought forward to the 18th at Las Colinas, due to them hollow tinning the course. With an early Tee Time of 08:08.
 
The start sheet will be on the web site for you to put you names on.
 
For more information or if you wish to play with the arguably the friendliest Golf Society contact Ron Nicholson on 678849142 or email sanmigron@gmail.com Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44425/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Summer has come with a vengeance totally different from when we came earlier in the year when the car was warmer than outside, today it was a steady 32 degrees but a breeze helped to keep us cool, shame that some of the Swallows had flown back to coole...

### 18TH ANNUAL RUGBY SAN JUAN BEACH 7’S

This coming weekend, 2 August we have the 18th annual San Juan beach rugby 7's tournament with teams from all over the region and a lot further afield taking part. The tournament kicks off at 10.00 and lasts well into the early evening.
The teams include Alicante University, Salaos de Huesca, Elche, La Vila, Denia, Albacete, Barbarians Alua, Zaragoza's Law University, Trapos Viejos RFC, Alicante RFC.
This is followed by the first Murcia beach rugby tournament run by Murcia XV on 9 August.
Then the following weekend the 2nd San Javier beach rugby tournament, on 16 August.
So come along and have some fun in the sun and have a great day of rugby.
I am now at Zoco Market on Sundays third row up from the road at the back of the market, so come on down there for all of your rugby branded clothing and playing gear, and anything you want to know about rugby in the area.
The rugby training for the new season for most clubs is starting at the beginning of September.
So if you are interested, dig out those rugby boots and come along and see for yourself what it is like. New players are always welcome no matter what age or skill level you are.
If you would like more information about what is going on in the club, you can contact the club by phoning myself, Garry on 692 767 242, and for the juniors contact Oscar on 600 871 606 (Spanish)Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44423/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: This coming weekend, 2 August we have the 18th annual San Juan beach rugby 7's tournament with teams from all over the region and a lot further afield taking part. The tournament kicks off at 10.00 and lasts well into the early evening.
The teams inc...

### TORRY SHOW PROMISE IN OPENING FRIENDLIES

At long last, football returned to Vicente Garcia Stadium last Saturday, when Torry hosted div 2b side Elche Ilicitano.  Only 24 hours earlier, they had embarked on an opening warm up match, competing against Alcorcon at the very impressive Campoamor resort.  
Alcorcon hail from the suburbs of Madrid, compete in div 2a, and a couple of seasons ago knocked out the mighty Real Madrid from the Copa del Rey.  So it was no surprise when they showed their class, romping to a 5-0 victory, having been 4-0 up at half time.  
Torry's side consisted of many trialists, with keeper Oscar, and Jorge, the only recognised players in the starting line up.  For the 2nd half, Oscar was replaced by Marcos, whilst Alexis, Burguillos and Mati joined Jorge in the action.
But back to Saturday's match.  Torry's starting XI was predicable, with only Martin missing out through injury:  Oscar, Vicente, Adrian, Alexis, Jorge, Burguillos, Cristian, Borja, Carrasco, Rafa Gomez, Sergi.  Played in front of a goodly sized crowd, swelled by holiday makers, Torry started the brightest.
On 15 mins, Rafa Gomez shot across the face of goal, but Carrasco just failed to put the finishing point blank touch required to open the scoring.  Cristian Sanchez put in a great effort from the edge of the box, which went agonizingly the wrong side of the far post, as Torry continued to create chances.  Sergi became the first booking, when he broke up a promising Elche assault on goal, then on the stroke of half time, Rafa Gomez appeared to be upended inside the box, but the Alicante based ref was having none of it!!
The 2nd half belonged to Elche, especially their substitute Rubio.  He seemed certain to score on 51 mins, but a late flag for offside denied him the chance.  Carrasco appeared to head home against the run of play, but once again, an eagle eyed linesman's flag ruled the effort null and void.  Rubio was again in the thick of the action on 65 mins, but his well struck shot was well saved by sub keeper Marcos, low down at his near post.  
Elche started to get a bit over physical, especially on the superb Carrasco, and justly deserved 2 bookings in quick succession.  Cesar, another Elche sub, crossed to the far post, only for Rubio to see his goal bound effort deflected for a corner.  All in all, a 0-0 draw was a fair result, with both sides gaining many positives from the run out.  I was disappointed to see Elche adopt an over physical approach, culminating in 2 Torry players, including Jorge, limping off the pitch.
Next Saturday 2 August, ko 8pm, Torry are again at Vicente Garcia Stadium, when they entertain div 2b side FC Cartagena, in another pre season friendly.  VAMOS TORRY.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44419/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: At long last, football returned to Vicente Garcia Stadium last Saturday, when Torry hosted div 2b side Elche Ilicitano.  Only 24 hours earlier, they had embarked on an opening warm up match, competing against Alcorcon at the very impressive Campoamor r...

### TRAFFIC COPS TO GET STREAMLINED FINES PROCESS

The Directorate General of Traffic in Spain, the DGT, has submitted a contract to public tender to provide the equipment and software to assist the Guardia Civil traffic department to deal with fines, infractions and complaints faster at the roadside.
In particular, as part of the 8.6 million euro contract, the DGT want traffic cops to be able to process more fines and complaints at the site, whilst automatically checking any data needed in processing the claim, using a system called Proceso de Informatización de Denuncias, or Pride for short, in their processing of millions of complaints processed each year.
The procurement documents state that the award is for a period of 48 months, with a view to start on the 1st of September this year. The process is the next development in automation since the DGT started to process fines in this manner in 2004. The successful company will have to provide around 6,000 hand-held terminals, software and updates, and maintain or replace around 4,000 printers, as well as back-office and auxiliary devices and support.
With the new equipment being put in place, not only will traffic police be able to cope better and process fines more efficiently, they will soon be able to streamline the operation to pass their annual figure, with an average of 5,500 fines per day, 200 per hour on average, targeting those who make the roads a more dangerous place for all.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44417/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Directorate General of Traffic in Spain, the DGT, has submitted a contract to public tender to provide the equipment and software to assist the Guardia Civil traffic department to deal with fines, infractions and complaints faster at the roadside.
...

### TORREVIEJA TRANSPORT LINKS STILL NO CLEARER

The Secretary General of the Partido Popular in Valencia, Isabel Bonig, was asked questions relating to the transport network of Torrevieja during a visit to the city´s Habaneras musical event this week. 
However, the senior politician was unable to clearly answer the two questions asked regarding work on the N-332 and the missing high speed train bus link.
According to Bonig, any work on assessing the needs of the N-332 coast road as it passes Torrevieja are “delayed” awaiting the validation of an environmental impact study. For many years motorists have suffered huge delays and queues on the only section of the road that wasn´t widened during the recent expansion, a problem which still occurs today and which has seen many people chose to avoid Torrevieja during the busy season as a result. 
Similarly, recent calls to provide lane separation on the stretch which has seen a number of fatal crashes this year alone have not yet progressed, apparently awaiting the final improvements form the central government of Madrid.  
Meanwhile, the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, was in consultation on Friday regarding the plans to build a Brico Depot DIY store on land between the N-332 and salt lakes near to the cemetery. There is no question that constructing on the 32,000 square metre plot intended for the project would have an environmental impact as it borders the protected Salinas and wetlands, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, but the success of the store would obviously rely on traffic coming into the area, taking trade away from the likes of Zenia Boulevard, Crevillente, Elche, and Alicante areas where similar stores exist, thus amplifying the problem of the N-332 beyond the current gridlock. The local traders association of Torrevieja, APYMECO, have voiced their objections as the city traders have already lost out to business since the Habaneras centre was built, let alont the loss of trade to Orihuela with the construction of Zenia Boulevard. 
There had been plans in the past to ease the problems, with talk of a direct train link to Torrevieja being reinstated, that then changed to an extension of the Alicante tram network, which in turn then became an almost pipe-dream proposal for automatic buses that read road markings and don´t require drivers, all of which would improve the public transport network, but none of which have become anywhere near to reality.
The high speed train from Madrid to Alicante is a reality however, but the connections from Torrevieja and Benidorm are not. The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, announced that the direct bus would be available in time to promote during this year´s FITUR tourism event in Madrid during March, a somewhat premature announcement which never materialised.  
The official announcement did eventually come that the service was to start on the 15th of July, but that service simply failed to start. Announcements during the week remained vague, with such comments informing us that the link would start “soon”, or “by the weekend”, once again not coming to fruition.
Faced with the question as to when the service will actually start, Bonig answered the question by explain that there “are some last minute delays”, but the service will start “Within a very short time, the next few weeks”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44416/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Secretary General of the Partido Popular in Valencia, Isabel Bonig, was asked questions relating to the transport network of Torrevieja during a visit to the city´s Habaneras musical event this week. 
However, the senior politician was unabl...

### NO NATIONAL POLICE STATION FOR TORREVIEJA

The Secretary of State for Security, Francisco Martínez Vázquez, has stated that the promised building of a National Police station in Torrevieja is “not on the table”, despite both historic and continual promises by the local government team that it would happen.
The land for the proposed new facility has already been leased, as this has been a request from the every growing population of the city for over a decade. In fact, on that basis, the Partido Popular included the project in their election manifesto in 2005. The land has been paid for by the Torrevieja tax payers and donated to the Interior Ministry for the purpose of completing a project, a matter which now seems nothing more than another waste of public funds.
The Secretary of State gave his response to questions posed by the press whilst he was attending the official opening of the new foreigner´s registration centre in the town, replacing a smaller antiquated facility near the windmill. 
With the disappointing truth that Torrevieja may never see a national police station, especially with the official resident figures under question and the threat of losing 15,000 residents from the official figures, the mayor of the city, Eduardo Dólon, played down the comments, focussing rather on the positive news of the offices the dignitaries were attending.
However, it wasn´t all bad news, as the Secretary has said that Torrevieja will gain a “virtual” police presence, located in the Vista Alegre, similar to that which is currently operating in Málaga, where it has been on trial, making Torrevieja only the second place in Spain to receive this futuristic element of policing. The vandal-proof unit that offers videoconferencing, supporting audio, video, physical objects and paper, will be operational from August.
Francisco Martínez described the project as “innovative”, explaining how the facilities enable Spanish citizens, tourists and foreign residents to access a comprehensive and permanent system of immediate police assistance, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in a variety of most common used languages, and adapted for use by those with hearing and visual impairment, as well as those with physical disabilities.
Meanwhile, the new foreigner´s registration office is officially open, located on calle Arquitecto Larramendi, with 12 staff assigned to the unit. Non-EU foreigners still have to go to Alicante to be dealt with, but for the Europeans, this office is now an improvement on the previous facility in the town, which itself was of great importance as resident applicants had to attend the station in Elche before it was opened.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44415/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Secretary of State for Security, Francisco Martínez Vázquez, has stated that the promised building of a National Police station in Torrevieja is “not on the table”, despite both historic and continual promises by the local...

### URGENT PLEA FROM HAH

The hot weather is here, and so many of our volunteers are having a break either on holiday or at home with their families, but we are still taking more calls for help, which we have had to turn down.
We are currently looking after 20 clients, many of these bi-tri weekly and we are UNABLE TO TAKE ON NEW CLIENTS UNTIL WE GET MORE CARERS!!
Many charities are also under pressure and need volunteers.  We get so many calls from people wanting help, but hardly any from people offering to help.  A member of your family may need help, and may have to be turned down for lack of help…this is happening to others, but it could happen to you!
We are only asking for a couple of hours maybe once or twice a week, from either qualified carers, or caring people to help the carer. We visit clients in pairs, and help them THROUGH SHORT TERM DIFFICULT PERIODS.
Please think if you could help with a little  care of clients or shopping, respite,  company, driving, translating etc and contact Lesley on 968 134 978, or email helpathomespain@gmail.com.  Visit our website helpathome.eFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44407/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The hot weather is here, and so many of our volunteers are having a break either on holiday or at home with their families, but we are still taking more calls for help, which we have had to turn down.
We are currently looking after 20 clients, many of...

### FIRST CHARITY SHOP TO OPEN IN GRAN ALACANT TO SUPPORT RESCUED HORSES

The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre has opened its brand new Gran Alacant charity store next week, offering good quality second hand furniture, clothing and other items to residents of the urbanisation for the first time.
All money raised at the store, and the Rojales centre's network of six other shops across the Alicante province, will help cover the feeding and care costs of more than 80 horses, ponies and donkeys rescued from abuse and neglect.
Rescue centre founders Sue and Rod Weeding said they had long wanted to bring a charity store to the Gran Alacant community and finally found the perfect location last month, with help from Karen at Gran Alacant Homefinders.
The new store that is situated behind Dialprix supermarket and opposite the bowls club  opened  on July 28th. 
“The shops are the bloodline of the centre and really keep us going,” Sue said. “The locals have really rallied around us and we now have a fantastic group of volunteers staffing  the shop, although we are still looking for more help.”
 “We collect larger furniture donations and also offer a delivery service for furniture purchased in our stores using our new delivery van thanks to a kind donation by long-time supporter Kate Jansen. Before her donation earlier this year, Sue and Rod had only their horse trailer to rely on. 
“There were actually three or four times where Rod and I were collecting donated furniture when we received a call from the police about a horse in danger and had to unload all the furniture to go and rescue the horse,” Sue said. “It just wasn't a workable situation and we are very grateful for Kate's help.”
Please contact Sue on 652 021 980 for more information about volunteering or to make donations. The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre is grateful for any donations of good quality furniture, clothes and bric-a-brac to help stock their charity stores. 
The public is invited to meet the centre's many rescued animals each Sunday from 1pm-4pm. Entrance is free and guided tours begin at 2pm. Tasty food and refreshments are available in the garden café. There is often live music also.
Bar, restaurant and business owners are also welcome to stage charity events to support the centre. Please contact Sue on 652 021 980 or email info@easyhorsecare.net.
EHCRC is located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga 59. For more details and directions to the centre, please visit www.easyhorsecare.net.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44406/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre has opened its brand new Gran Alacant charity store next week, offering good quality second hand furniture, clothing and other items to residents of the urbanisation for the first time.
All money raised at the store, ...

### AN RBL SUMMER IN HONDON

We recently saw the occasion of a District summer BBQ, organised by the District Chairman, Nigel Hails.  It was held in Hondón de los Frailes and six local Branches attended as well and many friends and guests.  
140 people enjoyed a superb spread cooked and served by Tina of Aulsberry's Catering Service and a local Spanish DJ Antonio, entertained those present.   It was a great opportunity for Legion members to meet those from other Branches and swap ideas.  
Members of the Benidorm and District Branch were there to see Marilyn Rogers, Branch Membership Secretary being presented with the McCrea Shield.  The Branch had been awarded this Shield at the Annual Conference in Torquay in May for their increased recruiting of members – this being the second time in three years that they have been recognised in this way.
The event raised 400€ for the Poppy Appeal.  Nigel said “It was the first event of its kind and we plan to organise another occcasion in the future in another part of the District in order to involve other Branches”
Anyone wishing to find out more about Branches in their area, are asked to go to the website:  www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/spain-north or contact the District Secretary on secretary.rbl.dns@gmail.com   For any welfare enquiries, please ring 676 451 780 – between 9am -5 p.m. Monday to Friday.
The photo shows: l-r  Peggy Wyatt, District Vice Chairman, Marilyn Rogers, Benidorm and District Branch, Nigel Hails, District Chairman and Pamela Dawson Tasker, BEM, Chairman, Benidorm and District Branch.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44405/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: We recently saw the occasion of a District summer BBQ, organised by the District Chairman, Nigel Hails.  It was held in Hondón de los Frailes and six local Branches attended as well and many friends and guests.  
140 people enjoyed a superb spr...

### REAL CLUB DE GOLF CAMPOAMOR 23RD ANNIVERSARY COMPETITION

The Real Club de Golf Campoamor is going to celebrate its 23rd Aniversary with a golf tournament next 1, 2 and 3 of August.
This classic golf tournament is held in honour to HRH D. Juan de Borbón, Count of Barcelona.
Three shot gun play-off Friday and Saturday and on sunday will be final match, after the game there will be the prize giving ceremony and a cocktail party for all participants.
Inscriptions are open until 31st of july, the fee is 40 € and all participants will be rewarded with a green fee voucher for 2014. Also the winers of each category will have memberships to Real Club de Golf Campoamor.
All details for this golf tournament are in this link: http://www.lomasdecampoamor.es/en/noticias/ or directly at club golf reception at 96 532 13 66 Extensión 1.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44404/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Real Club de Golf Campoamor is going to celebrate its 23rd Aniversary with a golf tournament next 1, 2 and 3 of August.
This classic golf tournament is held in honour to HRH D. Juan de Borbón, Count of Barcelona.
Three shot gun play-off Fr...

### SAN MIGUEL’S MAYOR EVICTS TRADE UNION FROM ITS LOCAL OFFICE.

The Neighbours Association "San Miguel Archangel" qualifies the eviction of the C.C.O.O., Spain's largest Trade Union, from its official office in The Social Centre of San Miguel de Salinas last Friday 18th July as a despotic act.
The sudden eviction by the decree of Mayor Ángel Sáez Huertas was carried out without mediation or even the knowledge of the Municipal Council on the grounds that the 15 metre square office was required for the municipal library to meet Valencia Government requirements on the minimum space required to obtain important government grants. 
Previous notice had been given but was subject to appeal and mediation by the union who rightly requested that alterative accommodation be found. The administration, it is alleged, made no moves to mediate and without warning sent Policía Local officers, municipal workers and a locksmith to execute the immediate eviction. The Association considers this to be a gross and pointless excuse given by the Mayor in a town where there is plenty of alternative public office space, even in the same building. Furthermore, the Association supports the rights of  the C.C.O.O. Union in their court challenge for the reversal of the agreement it had with the town council to use the office and enjoy trade union assets for the benefit of union members.
The site currently occupied by the Social Centre, started as the House of the People's Republic. It was expropriated by the Franco regime and later delivered to the State Union of the Agrarian Chamber after the civil war ended. The Chamber of Agriculture subsequently returned the property to the City Council in 1990. At the formal Municipal Plenary council meeting on March 16, 1990 it was resolved to assign a local Social Centre office to the UGT and CCOO Unions in the newly opened Community Centre. The Mayor of the time, Don Manuel Lorente Sáez later said, “I am particularly proud of the textual-appointment letter of 1994 where I have announced the transfer of this local office to the unions and that I am somehow able to pay a historic debt to the workers of this country".
The Neighbours Association fears a return to the darkest periods in the history of Spain and condemns this rampant ‘warlordism' - in Spanish ‘caciquismo rampante' - that currently dominates the town.  Privileges and rights are granted depending on political sympathy and not merit, nor capacity, nor service provided to citizens. Local observers, the Association adds, ask whether there is any significance in the day of this sudden eviction. It is 78 years to the day when on July 18, 1936, the unions were expelled from the House of the People of San Miguel de Salinas during some of those darkest times. 
David A Hardy, Vice President, Asociación de Vecinos ‘San Miguel Arcángel' 
on behalf of the Board of Directors.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44401/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Neighbours Association "San Miguel Archangel" qualifies the eviction of the C.C.O.O., Spain's largest Trade Union, from its official office in The Social Centre of San Miguel de Salinas last Friday 18th July as a despotic act.
The sudden eviction by the decree of Mayor Ángel Sáez Huertas was carried out without mediation or even the knowledge of the Municipal Council on the grounds that the 15 metre square office was required for the municipal library to meet Valencia Government requirements on the minimum space required to obtain important government grants. 
Previous notice had been given but was subject to appeal and mediation by the union who rightly requested that alterative accommodation be found. The administration, it is alleged, made no moves to mediate and without warning sent Policía Local officers, municipal workers and a locksmith to execute the immediate eviction. The Association considers this to be a gross and pointless excuse given by the Mayor in a town where there is plenty of alternative public office space, even in the same building. Furthermore, the Association supports the rights of  the C.C.O.O. Union in their court challenge for the reversal of the agreement it had with the town council to use the office and enjoy trade union assets for the benefit of union members.
The site currently occupied by the Social Centre, started as the House of the People's Republic. It was expropriated by the Franco regime and later delivered to the State Union of the Agrarian Chamber after the civil war ended. The Chamber of Agriculture subsequently returned the property to the City Council in 1990. At the formal Municipal Plenary council meeting on March 16, 1990 it was resolved to assign a local Social Centre office to the UGT and CCOO Unions in the newly opened Community Centre. The Mayor of the time, Don Manuel Lorente Sáez later said, “I am particularly proud of the textual-appointment letter of 1994 where I have announced the transfer of this local office to the unions and that I am somehow able to pay a historic debt to the workers of this country".
The Neighbours Association fears a return to the darkest periods in the history of Spain and condemns this rampant ‘warlordism' - in Spanish ‘caciquismo rampante' - that currently dominates the town.  Privileges and rights are granted depending on political sympathy and not merit, nor capacity, nor service provided to citizens. Local observers, the Association adds, ask whether there is any significance in the day of this sudden eviction. It is 78 years to the day when on July 18, 1936, the unions were expelled from the House of the People of San Miguel de Salinas during some of those darkest times. 
David A Hardy, Vice President, Asociación de Vecinos ‘San Miguel Arcángel' 
on behalf of the Board of Directors.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44401/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### TWELVE SWIMMERS DIE IN THE LAST FOUR MONTHS

Calls for caution have once again been made to swimmers and bathers as the use of pools and beaches dramatically increases during the summer months. As tourists continue to flock into the area the authorities once again warn of the dangers, particularly to non or to weak swimmers, as well as to parents of young children, who might be especially at risk at this time.
In the province of Alicante alone twelve people have lost their lives by drowning in the sea, in reservoirs and in private pools during the period March to July, a figure that is likely to rise during the coming weeks. Indeed, according to data provided by Cicu and the Department of Health, there have been 53 deaths from drowning in the last two years.
The President of the State Association of Accident Victims, DIA, Canes Francisco, said recently that the figures are a "true outrage because most of the cases are avoidable, with the majority due to carelessness of the people involved."
But in reality, in the absence of accurate statistics on deaths by drowning, the figures may be even greater, said a spokesman from the Red Cross, who emphasized the need to account in detail for the number of deaths and the circumstances of each death, in order to identify the specific reasons so that measures can be taken to avoid such accidents in the future.
Some experts point to the possibility that the reduction in life guard hours and days of surveillance on the beaches may have influenced the number of deaths, although bathers own recklessness is undoubtedly the primary cause.
The list of tragedy's began on March 30 when a 50 year old man drowned on the Urbanova beach. Apparently, the victim went for an early morning swim from which he failed to return.  His family went down to search the beach. Realizing what had happened, they immediately alerted the emergency services, but, unfortunately, the man was dead when he was eventually pulled out of the sea.
A day later, a 3 year old boy died from drowning after falling into a pool in a private house in Javea. The accident occurred on the Cansalades urbanization, where the child and his mother were enjoying a short holiday. When she realized he was missing the mother found the child floating in the pool. Although she pulled him out, SAMU were unable to revive him.
On June 17, a man drowned on La Zenia beach. The incident occurred at about 17:30 pm when the man's body, a foreign retiree, was found floating in the sea. The sea claimed another  oriolano three days later. The death occurred on La Glea beach during the mid afternoon. Bathers tried to rescue the man, who decided to go swimming despite a heavy swell. The deceased, aged 44, was pulled onto the sand, but the emergency services could only pronounce him dead.
On June 23, a 60-year-old man from Cuenca died in Dénia during the early evening. He was walking along the edge of the sea on la Costa de la Calma.  It seems that he drowned after suffering a stroke.
El pantano de Beniarrés claimed the life of a man on June 29 when he fell into the sea whilst fishing. The accident occurred at about 15:30 pm when, for unknown reasons, the man fell into the water. A rescue helicopter was mobilized along with members of the Civil Guard and Fire Services but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
On 10 July a 16-year-old Romanian girl died in the pool of a private villa in the rural area of Llobella in Benissa. The emergency call was made at around 1400 hours, after family and friends found her body in the pool. SAMU tried to resuscitate the girl but she eventually died.
Sunday 13 July was an especially tragic day. In the morning, las lagunas de Rabasa became a deathtrap for a 18 year old boy who had been camping with friends from Alicante. Divers found his body after three hours of searching. It seems that the boy was trying to swim across a large lagoon when he died.
The day claimed it's second victim in Beniarrés, a 49 year old Norwegian national and then on that same day a British scuba diver died while diving in the vicinity of Tabarca. The deceased was a specialist and was able to dive to a depth of 80 meters.  The death occurred on a World War II wreck..
The final two deaths were reported last Thursday, when a swimmer aged 42 died in Albufereta and a 78 year old man drowned in la Playa Centro de La Villajoyosa.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44399/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Calls for caution have once again been made to swimmers and bathers as the use of pools and beaches dramatically increases during the summer months. As tourists continue to flock into the area the authorities once again warn of the dangers, particularly to non or to weak swimmers, as well as to parents of young children, who might be especially at risk at this time.
In the province of Alicante alone twelve people have lost their lives by drowning in the sea, in reservoirs and in private pools during the period March to July, a figure that is likely to rise during the coming weeks. Indeed, according to data provided by Cicu and the Department of Health, there have been 53 deaths from drowning in the last two years.
The President of the State Association of Accident Victims, DIA, Canes Francisco, said recently that the figures are a "true outrage because most of the cases are avoidable, with the majority due to carelessness of the people involved."
But in reality, in the absence of accurate statistics on deaths by drowning, the figures may be even greater, said a spokesman from the Red Cross, who emphasized the need to account in detail for the number of deaths and the circumstances of each death, in order to identify the specific reasons so that measures can be taken to avoid such accidents in the future.
Some experts point to the possibility that the reduction in life guard hours and days of surveillance on the beaches may have influenced the number of deaths, although bathers own recklessness is undoubtedly the primary cause.
The list of tragedy's began on March 30 when a 50 year old man drowned on the Urbanova beach. Apparently, the victim went for an early morning swim from which he failed to return.  His family went down to search the beach. Realizing what had happened, they immediately alerted the emergency services, but, unfortunately, the man was dead when he was eventually pulled out of the sea.
A day later, a 3 year old boy died from drowning after falling into a pool in a private house in Javea. The accident occurred on the Cansalades urbanization, where the child and his mother were enjoying a short holiday. When she realized he was missing the mother found the child floating in the pool. Although she pulled him out, SAMU were unable to revive him.
On June 17, a man drowned on La Zenia beach. The incident occurred at about 17:30 pm when the man's body, a foreign retiree, was found floating in the sea. The sea claimed another  oriolano three days later. The death occurred on La Glea beach during the mid afternoon. Bathers tried to rescue the man, who decided to go swimming despite a heavy swell. The deceased, aged 44, was pulled onto the sand, but the emergency services could only pronounce him dead.
On June 23, a 60-year-old man from Cuenca died in Dénia during the early evening. He was walking along the edge of the sea on la Costa de la Calma.  It seems that he drowned after suffering a stroke.
El pantano de Beniarrés claimed the life of a man on June 29 when he fell into the sea whilst fishing. The accident occurred at about 15:30 pm when, for unknown reasons, the man fell into the water. A rescue helicopter was mobilized along with members of the Civil Guard and Fire Services but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
On 10 July a 16-year-old Romanian girl died in the pool of a private villa in the rural area of Llobella in Benissa. The emergency call was made at around 1400 hours, after family and friends found her body in the pool. SAMU tried to resuscitate the girl but she eventually died.
Sunday 13 July was an especially tragic day. In the morning, las lagunas de Rabasa became a deathtrap for a 18 year old boy who had been camping with friends from Alicante. Divers found his body after three hours of searching. It seems that the boy was trying to swim across a large lagoon when he died.
The day claimed it's second victim in Beniarrés, a 49 year old Norwegian national and then on that same day a British scuba diver died while diving in the vicinity of Tabarca. The deceased was a specialist and was able to dive to a depth of 80 meters.  The death occurred on a World War II wreck..
The final two deaths were reported last Thursday, when a swimmer aged 42 died in Albufereta and a 78 year old man drowned in la Playa Centro de La Villajoyosa.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44399/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### EMPLOYERS AND UNIONS CALL OFF FOOTWEAR STRIKE

Unions and management reached agreement last week enabling them to call of the 3 day strike by footwear workers scheduled for the 24, 25 and 31 July. The collective agreement was ratified in Madrid.
Details of the settlement were given in a press release issued jointly by the Federation of Footwear Industries (FICE) and the Spanish Association of Footwear Components (AEC). The two parties said that their last meeting held with the two unions, UGT and CCOO, ended in harmony.
Both parties say that they have agreed to maintain the wage revision clause in the 2014/15 agreement with the commitment that further negotiations will take place at the beginning of 2016. They said that these must take into account the country's economic situation.
However, despite the agreement to call of the strike the two groups say that they are still a long way apart and that there are still substantial differences between what the employers are offering and what the two unions will accept.
As such both parties have agreed to submit their cases to the Arbitration service.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44398/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Unions and management reached agreement last week enabling them to call of the 3 day strike by footwear workers scheduled for the 24, 25 and 31 July. The collective agreement was ratified in Madrid.
Details of the settlement were given in a press rele...

### LA GOMERA - THE ENCHANTED ISLAND

As part of my on-going love affair with the Canary Islands for my writing, as well as continually updating ‘The Canary Islander website', I visit each of the islands regularly. It was recently the turn of La Gomera once again, and although I usually resist naming a favourite island, this must be somewhere at the very top of my list.
La Gomera is an enchanting island. As soon as most people step off the plane, they immediately sense that they are in a very different world from the one that they have left behind. This island is in the form of a volcano, with a World Heritage site, and the Garajonay Forest at its heart. It has towns and villages that fascinate with their beauty and simplicity, as well as beaches of dark sand and a coastline dominated by steep and unyielding cliffs.
It is a place where simplicity and peace dominate and there is a sudden rebalancing of harmony with everyday life. For some it may be a shock, and if they want regular transport and a reliable Internet connection, they would be advised to head off to the delights of nearby Tenerife instead!
The cliffs plunge dramatically into the sea, reminding the visitor that this island is the product of many volcanic eruptions, but thankfully not in the last two million years or so. Due to the harsh nature of the landscape, man has only been able to cultivate a small part of it, as seen by the many steep terraces on the mountainsides. As a consequence, over one third of the island's total surface area retains its natural and unspoilt beauty with Garajonay National Park and the El Cedro Forest being two outstanding examples of their kind.
Many visitors take to the hiking paths and royal roads (caminos reales) in order to get away from the small amount of everyday tourism. If you are fortunate, you can hear examples of the Whistling Language (Silbo), an ancient language that is still used to communicate across the steep ravines that is recognised as culturally significant by UNESCO, and which is the subject of another ‘Letter from the Atlantic'.
Wandering in and around the ancient forests quickly became a magical and enchanting experience. I saw insects, birds, plants, trees and shrubs that I have never seen before. It takes time to learn to look, listen, smell and absorb and blend into new surroundings.
It was amusing to see, what I refer to as, ‘heavy duty' walkers charging down the hiking paths, complete with walking poles, at great speed, determined to complete an impressive number of kilometres that they could brag about over dinner later that evening. Needless to say, most of the group were oblivious to the uniqueness of their surroundings. For me, it was important to allow my senses to slowly absorb my new surroundings and to take over from the usual and mundane for a few days, which became intoxicating and totally relaxing.
There is something unique about this island and as I sat waiting in a newly built, but deserted, airport waiting for my flight home, I wondered for how much longer this island would retain its natural and unique charms set amongst mysterious cliffs, black sand, crystal clear waters and ancient forests. Would this airport soon be alive with dozens of planes arriving from mainland Europe, discharging huge numbers of walking pole carrying passengers, divers and sun seekers? Fingers crossed that they do not stray further across the Atlantic than Tenerife. I will return again very soon.
For photos and more information about this special island, take a look at the ‘La Gomera' pages of The Canary Islander website.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.

© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44397/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As part of my on-going love affair with the Canary Islands for my writing, as well as continually updating ‘The Canary Islander website', I visit each of the islands regularly. It was recently the turn of La Gomera once again, and although I usua...

### SUPREME COURT REINSTATES 165 DOCTORS

The Supreme Court has overturned the decision made by the Valencian Department of Health insisting that health workers retire when they reach the age of 65. The ruling says that the Department was wrong in not allowing them to remain active beyond this age.
An estimated one thousand professionals have been affected by this regulation which was adopted without prior negotiation with the unions. Those most affected are doctors, as they often ask to extend their activity up to 70 years of age. 
The decision by the court means that approximately 165 physicians now have to be reinstated into their jobs and any salaries that have been lost as a result of their forcible retirements have to be repaid.
Rafael Cantó, President of the CSIF, said that the ruling actually affects about a thousand professionals in the Region of which there are 165 physicians who can return to their jobs, and are now able to continue practicing up to 70 years of age.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44396/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Supreme Court has overturned the decision made by the Valencian Department of Health insisting that health workers retire when they reach the age of 65. The ruling says that the Department was wrong in not allowing them to remain active beyond thi...

### COLUMBIAN FLEES ALMORADI TO AVOID JAIL

The pressure group ‘Stop Accidentes' said on Monday that a man who had been sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison for killing a baby in Almoradi, in 2007, following a traffic accident, has fled the country to avoid imprisonment.
The incident dates back to August 3, 2007, when the man, who was driving his motorcycle on the CV-914 through Almoradi, drove into the pushchair of a 15 month old girl. Although she survived the accident the child died two years later from causes that were attributed to the collision.
The judge said that the motorist was influenced by the intake of alcohol which had reduced his mental and physical faculties. He also lacked the mandatory liability insurance and his motorcycle was also being driven without a current ITV (MOT) certificate.
The judge also sentenced the girl pushing the child, thought to be a relative, to two years in prison for crossing the road without due care and attention.
The ‘Stop Accidentes' spokeswoman, Ana Novella told the press that  the motorcyclist has fled to Colombia about 2 weeks ago.
She said that her group is opposed to clemency for the two guilty parties and so they had informed the authorities as it was necessary for the issue of an International warrant to ensure his arrest.
Although the trial took place over a year ago the outcome of the appeal has only just been published, said Novella.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44395/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The pressure group ‘Stop Accidentes' said on Monday that a man who had been sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison for killing a baby in Almoradi, in 2007, following a traffic accident, has fled the country to avoid imprisonment.
The incide...

### LOAN BANK ACQUIRES THREE WHEELCHAIRS

The Municipality of Pilar de la Horadada, has recently acquired three new wheelchairs, 2 walkers and an adjustable bed, all of which will be added to the Loan Assistance Bank, a stock of equipment that is available in the town for those people who lack the funds to purchase their own.
The equipment was purchased following a donation of 1000 euros from the Department of Social Services.
The Bank has so far helped more than 40 families in the town and currently has further equipment including 15 adjustable beds, 10 wheelchairs and a number of walkers, much of which has been donated by local residents.
Only those individuals who are either in a temporary or permanent state of dependency and who lack the funds to purchase their own equipment are eligible to borrow items from the bank. In the first instance enquiries should be made to the Dept of Social Services.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44394/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Municipality of Pilar de la Horadada, has recently acquired three new wheelchairs, 2 walkers and an adjustable bed, all of which will be added to the Loan Assistance Bank, a stock of equipment that is available in the town for those people who lack...

### TORREVIEJA MAYOR ACCUSED OF PHONE FIDDLING

Whilst a number of Torrevieja council officials have recently appeared in court facing charges of using their publicly funded mobile phones for personal use, it appears the lesson from the case has not been learnt, as both the current mayor, Eduardo Dólon, and the financial councillor, Joaquín Albaladejo, are being accused of doing the same thing.
Domingo Soler of the Alternativa Popular political group of Torrevieja, APTCe, has said that the pair spent 431 euro of public money in just 3 days, whilst traveling in Europe. Whilst travelling in Germany and Russia, on official business to try to improve relations and encourage tourists to visit the Costa Blanca city, the pair made both telephone calls and had internet connections which were directly to make contact with their family. According to records presented by Soler, Albaladejo alone spent 118 euro on personal calls to his family from Russia, on bills that total over 400 euro.
In a press conference, Soler stated that the data has been presented to the lawyers who represent his political group, who are studying the implications with a view to report the findings to the anti-corruption prosecution for an alleged crime of embezzlement of public funds. The recent court cases have revolved around the fact that the use of a mobile phone provided and paid for by public money cannot be used for personal calls.
Eduardo Dolón says that although there may have been some personal calls made, the bulk of the expense was work related and accuses Soler of making the accusations based on ill feeling between the groups.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44375/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Whilst a number of Torrevieja council officials have recently appeared in court facing charges of using their publicly funded mobile phones for personal use, it appears the lesson from the case has not been learnt, as both the current mayor, Eduardo D&...

### ONE IN FIVE VOTERS ARE IMMIGRANTS

Following the European election, the data relating to the number of registered voters has been released this week, detailing how one in five in the province of Alicante is an immigrant living in Spain, according to a report by the Secretariado Diocesano de Migración.
Of the 1.9 million voters across the Alicante province, a total of 24.01% were born outside Spain, some 469,417 people, representing 27 European states and other international countries. In 1998, the immigrant voting population stood at 75,722, rising to 450,000 in 2008.
Behind Madrid and Barcelona, Alicante is the third highest province with a registered immigrant population, with the 24% far ahead of likes of Málaga with 17.9% and even Valencia with 11.1%.
By nationality in Alicante, the biggest portion of immigrants are from the UK, with 130,541 people representing 27.8% of the foreign voting population. In second place, with a near 100,000 difference, are residents from Morocco with 36,692 registered voters, equating to 7.8%. Third place is Germany with 35,916, or 7.6%, fourth is Romania with 34,037, 7.3%, and in fifth place is the Netherlands with 17,192 registered voters, some 4.1% of the total immigrant list.
Standing out in terms of location of immigrants is San Fulgencio, where 77.7% of the voting population are foreigners, with 9,862 of the 12,688 voters being none native. Rojales is not far behind with 76.3% of the registered voting population being immigrants, 16,551 of their 21,686 voters. Torrevieja meanwhile has a 53.2% foreign voting population, some 55,989, whereas Orihuela has 39,002, or 42.8%.
Across the spectrum of countries represented, those in a clear minority are from Andorra, with just 1 registered voters, but the figure is quadrupled to 4 from Saudi Arabia, as well as 9 from Togo, 14 from Liechtenstein, 28 from New Zealanders and 29 who have no idea where they are from, as they are classed as “stateless”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44374/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following the European election, the data relating to the number of registered voters has been released this week, detailing how one in five in the province of Alicante is an immigrant living in Spain, according to a report by the Secretariado Diocesan...

### LEROY MERLIN DIRECTLY HELPING THE NEEDY

The social welfare department of Alicante City Council has signed a collaboration agreement with DIY chain Leroy Merlin, which will directly help young people searching for a job and families who are in need.
The company will provide materials which will be used in workshops by unemployed people of the city looking to gain key skills and improve their chances of securing a job in the future. As part of the scheme, the company will also take on a number of those who qualify into roles within their stores.
Secondly, through the assistance of volunteers, the company will also provide tools and materials in order for repairs to be carried out on the homes of those unable to pay for work due to financial restraints caused by the financial hardships that austerity and mass unemployment has brought.
The councillor for social action, Antonio Ardid, and the director of the Leroy Merlin store in Parque Vistahermosa, José María Gil Quinzá, are responsible for making the agreement which will go some way to ease the burden of the needy whilst literally laying foundations for future employment.
The relationship is not new however, it has just been extended to cover these latest elements. The store has already been responsible for donating items to social centres in the area, particularly during Christmas time and fiestas, which they still intend to continue in the future.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44373/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The social welfare department of Alicante City Council has signed a collaboration agreement with DIY chain Leroy Merlin, which will directly help young people searching for a job and families who are in need.
The company will provide materials which w...

### SPAIN BREAKS TOURISM RECORD

In the first six months of this year, Spain has broken its record for the number of foreign tourists visiting the country, with 28 million visitors in the first half of the year, 7.3% more than in the same period of 2013, driven by the traditional markets of the UK, Germany and France.
According to figures released this week by the tourism ministry, in total during June, there were 6,582,941 international tourists, of which 1,743,513 visitors came from the UK, an increase of 3%, with a year to date figure of 6,535,251. German visitors have increased by 10.8% in June, with 1,133,931 tourists in the month, totalling 4,658,700 in the first semester. As for France, the third place in the table, showing a significant difference from the lead two in June, there were 814,113 French tourists last month, an increase of 7%, with a six month figure of 4,239,804, closing in on Germany.
Meanwhile, once again, the biggest drop in tourism in June was from the Russian market, with a decline of 13.9% compared to the previous year, with 221,895 visitors in June, a total of 561,234 in the first six months, registering an overall drop of 4.5%. Visitors from the United States also dropped by 1.9% in June to 171,544 tourists, a 7% overall drop during the six months. Tourists from Ireland also dropped by 5.2% in June, with 173,473 visitors, a six month decline of 1.3% to 581,938.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44372/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In the first six months of this year, Spain has broken its record for the number of foreign tourists visiting the country, with 28 million visitors in the first half of the year, 7.3% more than in the same period of 2013, driven by the traditional mark...

### The Weekend – 26 and 27 July 2014

ALL WEEK
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – NEW Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
Exhibition – “Toda la galaxia en el castillo”. A collection of 20,000 items of interest to Star Wars fans, including toys, models and works of art. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Until 11 April).
Jazz Festival – Various concerts throughout the week.
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Moors and Christians (Until Sunday).
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
Exhibition – 40th Aniversario Comparsa Mosquetera, Biblioteca Municipal (Until 28 July).
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
Exhibition of historic documents detailing the accounts of fiesta de santas Justa y Rufina from the year 1644. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 July).
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Watercolour Painting Exhibition, Casa de Cultura (Until Thursday).
SANTA POLA
Exhibition “Tierra y Mar de Sal”, Museo de la Sal (Until 31 August).
TORREVIEJA 
23:00 – 60º Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonía (Every day until Saturday). Concert at the Eras de la Sal.
Daily Events
SATURDAY 26 JULY
Markets
Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola.
BENIDORM
Low Cost Festival – Open-air music festival, Ciudad Deportiva (Until Sunday). Featuring Massive Attack and more today.
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Moors and Christians – 13:00 Church bells and rockets. 19:00 Band parade. 20:30 Entrance of the Moors and Christians with music and dancing into the night.
SUNDAY 27 JULY
Markets
Benidorm, Elche, La Nucia, Campoverde, La Marina, Zoco, Almoradí street market, Lemon Tree Road, Mil Palmeras.
BENIDORM
Low Cost Festival – Open-air music festival, Ciudad Deportiva (Until Sunday). Featuring Kaiser Cheifs and more today.
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Moors and Christians – 13:00 Church bells and rockets. 19:00 Band parade. 20:30 Entrance of the Christians and Moors with music and dancing into the night.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Underwater guided snorkelling tour (Every Wed and Sun in July and August).
TORREVIEJA 
21:00 – Orbi Playa Big Band, Jardin Doña Sinforosa.
FUTURE EVENTS
Orihuela Costa – Ice rink and mini water park, near Playa Flamenca Mercadona.
Orihuela Costa – Fisherman´s Market, end of July.
Orihuela Costa – Festival Flamenco, 29-31 July.
Torrevieja – Electromar, 15 August.
Torrevieja – Kool & The Gang, 20 August.
Buñol – La Tomatina tomato fight, 27 August (Sold out).
Torrevieja – MOWO – Mobile photography and Instagram event, September.

Excerpt: ALL WEEK ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – NEW Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition […]

### Friday 25 July 2015 – What´s On Guide

ALL WEEK
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – NEW Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
Exhibition – “Toda la galaxia en el castillo”. A collection of 20,000 items of interest to Star Wars fans, including toys, models and works of art. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Until 11 April).
Jazz Festival – Various concerts throughout the week.
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Moors and Christians (Until Sunday).
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
Exhibition – 40th Aniversario Comparsa Mosquetera, Biblioteca Municipal (Until 28 July).
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
Exhibition of historic documents detailing the accounts of fiesta de santas Justa y Rufina from the year 1644. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 July).
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Watercolour Painting Exhibition, Casa de Cultura (Until Thursday).
SANTA POLA
Exhibition “Tierra y Mar de Sal”, Museo de la Sal (Until 31 August).
TORREVIEJA 
23:00 – 60º Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonía (Every day until Saturday). Concert at the Eras de la Sal.
Daily Events
FRIDAY 25 JULY
Feast of Saint James the Apostle (Santiago Apóstol). 5 Months to Christmas Day.
Markets
Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, TORREVIEJA.
ALTEA
Discover Altea, guided walks through the picturesque town, every Friday in July and August.
BENIDORM
Low Cost Festival – Open-air music festival, Ciudad Deportiva (Until Sunday). Featuring The Hives and more today.
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Moors and Christians – 11:30 Parade in honour of Sant Jaume. 13:00 Fireworks. 21:00 Parade for San Juame and music and dancing into the night, with fireworks on the beach at 01:00.
MARBELLA
Ricky Martin, Auditorio De Marbella Málaga.
SATURDAY 26 JULY
Markets
Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola.
BENIDORM
Low Cost Festival – Open-air music festival, Ciudad Deportiva (Until Sunday). Featuring Massive Attack and more today.
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Moors and Christians – 13:00 Church bells and rockets. 19:00 Band parade. 20:30 Entrance of the Moors and Christians with music and dancing into the night.

Excerpt: ALL WEEK ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – NEW Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition […]

### THE RETURN OF THE HORSE AND CART

Although already a success in nearly 100 places across France and Belgium, the Alicante town of Monforte del Cid has become the first in Spain to introduce an environmentally friendly and cost saving means of collecting household waste, with the introduction of the horse and cart.
Fuelled by hay and maybe polo mints, the four-legged, one horsepower driving force of the trucks has already produced a significant saving to the town hall, reducing the bill of 400,000 euro by half, now costing just 200,000 euro.
A statement explained how keeping a diesel garbage truck in an expense of between 5,000 and 7,000 euro each per year, keeping a horse costs between 900 and 1,200 per year. The price of purchasing a truck is around 125,000 euro, with a maximum life expectancy of 10 years, whilst the cost of the horse and cart, or “hipomóvil” to give it the correct name, is less than 6,000 euro with a lifespan of more than 20 years.
An awareness campaign has also been launched advising citizens of the importance of separating waste into groups which can be recycled and organic matter, which also reduces the costs considerably when it comes to managing the collections.
Overall, the town hall say that this “pioneering” initiative is “an appropriate approach which can become a source of new opportunities to improve the quality of the environment, improve the service provided to the residents, save on management and generate new jobs in the town”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44371/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Although already a success in nearly 100 places across France and Belgium, the Alicante town of Monforte del Cid has become the first in Spain to introduce an environmentally friendly and cost saving means of collecting household waste, with the introd...

### A LIFE GUARD WITH A DIFFERENCE

Whereas Hollywood my portray a male lifeguard as a smooth-bodied, toned hunk, the beaches of San Pedro del Pinatar are being patrolled by the opposite this year, a rather hairy, though equally fit life saver, in the form of a Newfoundland dog, which is complimenting the beach rescue services for the first time.
Considered to be a pioneering initiative along the coast of Spain, life guard dogs are not unique; in fact a school in Italy was set up some years ago in order to train dogs for a role of coastal rescue. 
The dog is capable of pulling a weight of up to 1,500 kilos through the water, for a distance of up to 5 kilometres without needing to stop for a break. With a human companion capable of summoning assistance from the rest of the team, including boats, the beaches of the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean could well be some of the safest in the area.
The councillor responsible for the development, Pedro Luis Vera, explained that the initiative came about after witnessing a variety of drills and exercises involving dogs in the area, with the aim of increasing the prevention of incidents, whilst also improving the rescue possibilities.
The service is running through this summer season as a pilot for the future, with the 36 human and 1 dog rescuer working together until the end of the summer season on the 15th of September.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44370/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Whereas Hollywood my portray a male lifeguard as a smooth-bodied, toned hunk, the beaches of San Pedro del Pinatar are being patrolled by the opposite this year, a rather hairy, though equally fit life saver, in the form of a Newfoundland dog, which is...

### TURTLES RETURNING AFTER 200 YEARS

Alicante´s department of the environment has confirmed the presence of 129 Loggerhead Turtle eggs on the beaches of San Juan.
The eggs were noticed by beach technicians, who notified the ministry immediately, who in turn asked the University of Valencia for assistance. 
On account of the beach chosen by the mother turtles was popular with swimmers, and cleaned on a daily basis, the decision was made to move the eggs to a quieter location.
The eggs were split into two batches, 89 of them were taken to the Parque Natural de l'Albufera, the remaining 40 taken to the Oceanográfico de Valencia to be placed in incubators, with an expected birth in August.
The find is considered of “huge importance” by environmental scientists, as there have only been four previous breeding attempts recorded in the last 200 years, in 2006 in Vera and Puçol, and in Catalonia and Alicante in 2011. Scientists say that the turtles normally return to breed on the beaches where they were born, which indicates that this find could be the first steps in the endangered species recovering along the Mediterranean coastline.
Over population of the beaches by tourists, damage and injury caused by fishing boats, and a reduction n food caused by overfishing, have all contributed to the decline in turtle numbers in recent years, resulting in an international campaign of protection.
The Oceanográfico de Valencia has a special reception facility for sea turtles, where they can undergo medical treatment and rest in the event of injury, before being released back into the wild.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44369/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Alicante´s department of the environment has confirmed the presence of 129 Loggerhead Turtle eggs on the beaches of San Juan.
The eggs were noticed by beach technicians, who notified the ministry immediately, who in turn asked the University of ...

### PROMINENT ORIHUELA BUSINESSMAN GIVEN 35 YEARS IN PRISON

Orihuela businessman Angel Fenoll has been sentenced to thirty five and a half years in prison for crimes against the Treasury and necessary cooperation in a continuing crime of forgery by the courts of Orihuela.
Fenoll, who is also implicated in the infamous Brugal case, which is linked to a number of members of Orihuela´s Partido Popular, including former Mayor, Mónica Lorente. A witness testament in a court hearing in 2007 stated that Fenoll played a “decisive part” in the municipal campaign that led to Monica Lorente becoming mayor of Orihuela in 2007. 
After a delay in start of the case in March, Fenollwas tried along with 17 other defendants for allegedly falsifying 1,330 invoices on behalf of the companies Colsur Sl y Proambiente SL., with the sole intention of avoiding tax.
The judge convicted Fenoll of 11 offenses against the treasury, imposing an additional penalty of “up to four times the amount defrauded in each of the offenses referred to” as well as the loss of the possibility of obtaining grants or tax incentives or Social Security.
The prosecutor had asked for 36 years in prison for the businessman, who had acted “in order to hide the true result of the activity” of those two companies, “for the purpose of defrauding the Treasury” and evading payment of the VAT and corporate tax for the years 2002, 2003 and 2004, by using specific statements so wrongly deduct expenses and fees of VAT “using fictitious invoices that had been completely made up” in order to document “benefits or services” which had not been made.
The total prison sentence handed down was for a combined 177 years between the defendants, one of whom is a former PP councillor of Albatera, Francisco Javier Bru.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44368/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Orihuela businessman Angel Fenoll has been sentenced to thirty five and a half years in prison for crimes against the Treasury and necessary cooperation in a continuing crime of forgery by the courts of Orihuela.
Fenoll, who is also implicated in the ...

### KEY ORIHUELA BUSINESSMAN GIVEN 35 YEARS IN PRISON

Orihuela businessman Angel Fenoll has been sentenced to thirty five and a half years in prison for crimes against the Treasury and necessary cooperation in a continuing crime of forgery by the courts of Orihuela.
Fenoll, who is also implicated in the infamous Brugal case, which is linked to a number of members of Orihuela´s Partido Popular, including former Mayor, Mónica Lorente. A witness testament in a court hearing in 2007 stated that Fenoll played a “decisive part” in the municipal campaign that led to Monica Lorente becoming mayor of Orihuela in 2007. 
After a delay in start of the case in March, Fenollwas tried along with 17 other defendants for allegedly falsifying 1,330 invoices on behalf of the companies Colsur Sl y Proambiente SL., with the sole intention of avoiding tax.
The judge convicted Fenoll of 11 offenses against the treasury, imposing an additional penalty of “up to four times the amount defrauded in each of the offenses referred to” as well as the loss of the possibility of obtaining grants or tax incentives or Social Security.
The prosecutor had asked for 36 years in prison for the businessman, who had acted “in order to hide the true result of the activity” of those two companies, “for the purpose of defrauding the Treasury” and evading payment of the VAT and corporate tax for the years 2002, 2003 and 2004, by using specific statements so wrongly deduct expenses and fees of VAT “using fictitious invoices that had been completely made up” in order to document “benefits or services” which had not been made.
The total prison sentence handed down was for a combined 177 years between the defendants, one of whom is a former PP councillor of Albatera, Francisco Javier Bru.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44368/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Orihuela businessman Angel Fenoll has been sentenced to thirty five and a half years in prison for crimes against the Treasury and necessary cooperation in a continuing crime of forgery by the courts of Orihuela.
Fenoll, who is also implicated in the ...

### FORMER TORREVIEJA MAYOR TO ENTER PRISON NEXT WEEK

The former mayor of Torrevieja, Pedro Ángel Hernández Mateo, must enter prison on the 31st of July, to serve his prison sentence for crimes of forgery and breach of trust in the award in 2004 of the contract for the collection of municipal solid waste in the town.
Having duly appeared at the courts in Valencia on Wednesday, where he was allowed to choose the prison he would attend, the court has now issued the date from which his prison term will begin.
Despite previous fears over his health, upon entering the courts he himself dismissed those suggestions, answering reporters who asked about his well being with the term “perfectamente”. Upon leaving the courts he evaded questions from the press. 
The current mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, when asked about his opinion in the case considering he was one of the signatories who called for his clemency, he simply remarked that the matter is now “closed”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44367/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The former mayor of Torrevieja, Pedro Ángel Hernández Mateo, must enter prison on the 31st of July, to serve his prison sentence for crimes of forgery and breach of trust in the award in 2004 of the contract for the collection of municipa...

### EIGHT DEAD IN COX MOTORWAY CRASH

Tragedy on the AP7 near Cox on Tuesday afternoon when eight people died in a collision between a van and a car.

The accident took place just before 5pm at Callosa de Segura y Granja de Rocamora, close to the Mos del Bou Industrial Park at Cox, when a truck containing plastic pipes, and heading in the direction of Murcia, is believed to have crossed the central reservation and collided with a minibus, van travelling in the direction of Alicante, head on.
At this stage eight people are known to have died, two children aged 6 and 7, as well as three men and three women, said to be of Romanian nationality, originating from the Andalucian town of Vera 
Witnesses described the impact as ‘brutal' with the two vehicles crashing over the roadside barriers and down the embankment, coming to rest in a storm water drainage ditch. 
Even as the minibus was soaring through the air it burst into flames with the eight passengers still trapped inside.
The truck driver, who suffered serious multiple injuries, was found twenty yards from the crash site, although still has not been determined whether he moved from the scene of his own accord, in order to avoid the flames, or if he was thrown from his vehicle due to the impact of the collision.
Described as the most serious accident in the region the last eight years the scene was quickly attended by Bomberas, Traffic Police, a unit of SAMU and a BLS ambulance which moved. The truck driver to the Vega Baja Hospital in Orihuela.
Two lanes of the motorway in the direction of Alicante were closed as firefighters scrambled to extinguish the flames. A huge column of black smoke was visible over several kilometers.
As the flames were extinguished and they were able to close in on the vehicles the sights they witnessed were gruesome with many of the bodies said to be burnt beyond recognition.
Early inspection suggested two bodies were in the van but when the vehicle was moved, following the arrival of a heavy crane, at least three more bodies were found in the back.
 A first inspection check that allowed inside the minibus had at least two bodies. However, the rescue services awaited the arrival of a heavy crane to lift the vehicle and burned to better inspect its interior. When the remains of the van were deposited on the shoulder it was confirmed that inside there were at least three more bodies that were in the back, according to confirmed sources of the Civil Guard.
Eventually the scene gave up the remains of eight bodies, three men, three women and two children, 6 and 7 years of age. The Guardia Civil said that all those dead were of Romanian nationality and belonging to two families.
Firefighters and officer from the Civil Guard worked at the scene late into the night as the horrific task of removing the bodies lasted several hours. Meanwhile, the truck driver was admitted to the Vega Baja Hospital in Orihuela in a serious condition where drug and alcohol tests carried out were confirmed to be negative.
 
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44366/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Tragedy on the AP7 near Cox on Tuesday afternoon when eight people died in a collision between a van and a car.

The accident took place just before 5pm at Callosa de Segura y Granja de Rocamora, close to the Mos del Bou Industrial Park at Cox, when ...

### MORE ROAD CASUALTIES

Four people, including a child and a pregnant woman, were injured in an accident on the N-332 near Santa Pola on Monday evening. Firefighters, who had to come from Elche, had to rescue the child, who was trapped in the vehicle. The car had rolled over and was embedded into a wall opposite the hotel Rocas Blancas. The injured were rushed to the General Hospital of Elche.
Meanwhile, eight people, including two children, were killed in a crash between a truck and van on the A7 motorway at Albatera on Tuesday afternoon. The truck, heading in the Murcia direction, is believed to have crossed the central reservation and collided with a minibus, head on. The minibus washed shunted off the road where it burst into flames. Fire fighters found the burnt bodies of two of the victims in the front of the van, likely to have died instantly, later to find the rest in the back. The truck driver was taken to the Hospital de la Vega Baja in Orihuela with multiple injuries.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44365/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Four people, including a child and a pregnant woman, were injured in an accident on the N-332 near Santa Pola on Monday evening. Firefighters, who had to come from Elche, had to rescue the child, who was trapped in the vehicle. The car had rolled over ...

### Wednesday 23 July 2014 – Events Guide

ALL WEEK
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – NEW Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
Exhibition – “Toda la galaxia en el castillo”. A collection of 20,000 items of interest to Star Wars fans, including toys, models and works of art. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Until 11 April).
Jazz Festival – Various concerts throughout the week.
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Moors and Christians (Until Sunday).
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
Exhibition – 40th Aniversario Comparsa Mosquetera, Biblioteca Municipal (Until 28 July).
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
Exhibition of historic documents detailing the accounts of fiesta de santas Justa y Rufina from the year 1644. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 July).
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Watercolour Painting Exhibition, Casa de Cultura (Until Thursday).
SANTA POLA
Exhibition “Tierra y Mar de Sal”, Museo de la Sal (Until 31 August).
TORREVIEJA 
23:00 – 60º Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonía (Every day until Saturday). Concert at the Eras de la Sal.
Daily Events
WEDNESDAY 23 JULY
Markets
Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas.
BARCELONA
Katie Melua, Sant Jordi Club.
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Moors and Christians – 13:00 Church bells and rockets. 20:00 & 21:00 Major parade events and music and dancing into the night.
MARBELLA
The Beach Boys, Auditorio De Marbella Málaga.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Underwater guided snorkelling tour (Every Wed and Sun in July and August).
THURSDAY 24 JULY
Markets
Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales.
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Moors and Christians – 13:00 Church bells and rockets. 20:00 & 21:00 Major parade events and music and dancing into the night.
ORIHUELA
21:30 Jazz Concert with Singer Mª José García and Quique Simón on piano, Maria Moliner library.

Excerpt: ALL WEEK ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – NEW Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition […]

### BENIDORM EXPECT 75,000 TO ATTEND LOW FESTIVAL

As Benidorm completes its final preparations for this weekend's Low Festival in the Ciudad Deportiva Guillermo Amor, organisers say that they anticipate 75,000 people to attend the event over the three days of the coming weekend - 25, 26 and 27 July.
This year's lineup of bands is now complete with headliners including Massive Attack, Kaiser Chiefs, Editors, The Hives, Holy Ghost!, Vetusta Morla, Love of Lesbians, Sidonie, Iván Ferreiro, and the Galician Indie Rock band Triángulo de amor bizarre.
Now in its sixth edition, the fifth to be held in Benidorm, considered to be the tourist capital of the Costa Blanca, the Low Festival will have a total of seven stages and will feature more than thirty concerts each day. 
The erection of the main stage was completed on Monday but in the coming days the work force will continue to labour on the many other sites that will host one of the most prestigious musical events on the International festival circuit.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44364/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As Benidorm completes its final preparations for this weekend's Low Festival in the Ciudad Deportiva Guillermo Amor, organisers say that they anticipate 75,000 people to attend the event over the three days of the coming weekend - 25, 26 and 27 July.
...

### ROJALES MAYOR DROPS IN TO EASY HORSE CARE RESCUE CENTRE

Rojales Mayor Antonio Pérez García last week visited the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre in Rojales to commend founders Sue and Rod Weeding on their tireless work, after they were called out to save two old and abandoned horses in one week.
On June 30, a skeletal horse was found dumped in a paddock near San Javier, where some other horses were being kept. Sue and Rod named the severely malnourished and old mare Lola and brought her home to the rescue centre.
She has suffered acute muscle atrophy in her shoulder, which caused major deformity in her left front leg. “Our vet has never seen a case as far gone as this,” Sue said. “All we can do is give her the best quality of life possible using special supplements and remedial shoeing.”
Just six days later, Sue and Rod received another call from a woman worried about an old horse left tied to palm trees without food or water for three days. 
“This old horse was just worked into the ground until he couldn't walk and then they dumped him,” Sue said. “He has badly damaged tendons on his right front leg and must have been in incredible pain. He's probably only got a year left because eventually the leg will collapse but we will do whatever is possible for him.”
The police responded immediately to the case and are now looking to prosecute the owner. “We cannot emphasize enough that you have to call the police if you see an animal in danger or distress,” Sue said. “Here in Rojales, they have an officer dedicated to animal welfare and they will act. People have to contact the police because this is how we get convictions.”
Mayor Antonio, who toured the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre on July 11, congratulated Sue and Rod on their work in the animal welfare sector, saying without the centre many rescued horses and ponies would have to be put down because there was nowhere else to send them.
“It's great that people like Sue and Rod are doing this kind of work because without them, there would be very little for these animals,” he said. “Taking care of more than 80 horses is very hard work at very great expense. Without the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre, the lives of these animals would be much shorter and much worse.”
Sue and Rod are encouraging the British community and other foreign residents to register to vote before next year's May council elections. “We're very lucky to have such a forward-thinking council, which is actively working against animal abuse and neglect. With their support, we have made huge steps forward,” Sue said.
“Residents must get involved because we can't afford to lose people like this who care about animal welfare. This is the way that animal welfare will move forward in this part of Spain.”
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre is now preparing to open their eighth charity store at Gran Alicant and need volunteers to help staff the shop. A van driver is also desperately needed one day a week for furniture pick-ups and deliveries. Any donations of good quality furniture, clothes and bric-a-brac to help stock the store are also gratefully welcomed. Please contact the charity shop hotline on 652 021 980 for more information about furniture pick-ups and volunteering.
The public is invited to meet the many animals saved from abuse and neglect during Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre's Sunday open days from 1pm-4pm. Entrance is free and guided tours begin at 2pm. Tasty food and refreshments are available in the garden café.
EHCRC is located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo Garriga 59. For more details and directions to the centre, please visit www.easyhorsecare.net.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44363/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Rojales Mayor Antonio Pérez García last week visited the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre in Rojales to commend founders Sue and Rod Weeding on their tireless work, after they were called out to save two old and abandoned horses in one week....

### MAYORESS PRESIDES OVER THE RAISING OF BLUE FLAGS IN GUARDAMAR

Guardamar beaches now shine with four Blue Flags which are annually authorised by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in recognition of the good condition of and services offered on their beaches. 
The Council team has obtained the Blue Flag for Playa Centro, Playa de la Roqueta, Playa del Moncayo and Playa Puerto. 
The Mayoress of Guardamar, Carmen Verdú, led the flag raising ceremony along with her government team, representatives of the Local Police, Cruz Roja, Environment technicians and beach managers. All of these have made it possible for Guardamar to obtain it's excellent rating for the four beaches.
The Town Hall has improved beach services. Playa Centro has had improved access, and the Puerto beach has seen the installation of foot washers. Also this year, the Cruz Roja will be work half an hour a day more due to an agreement between the management and the Beaches Department. 
The councillor for Beaches, Javier Cremades has increased the shaded area of Roqueta beach so that more disabled people can easily access and rest there. 
The life guard posts and beach bars have been improved for better identification by bathers " to make them much more visible in accord with the Mediterranean image of our area" said Javier Cremades.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44362/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Guardamar beaches now shine with four Blue Flags which are annually authorised by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in recognition of the good condition of and services offered on their beaches. 
The Council team has obtained the Blue Flag for Playa Centro, Playa de la Roqueta, Playa del Moncayo and Playa Puerto. 
The Mayoress of Guardamar, Carmen Verdú, led the flag raising ceremony along with her government team, representatives of the Local Police, Cruz Roja, Environment technicians and beach managers. All of these have made it possible for Guardamar to obtain it's excellent rating for the four beaches.
The Town Hall has improved beach services. Playa Centro has had improved access, and the Puerto beach has seen the installation of foot washers. Also this year, the Cruz Roja will be work half an hour a day more due to an agreement between the management and the Beaches Department. 
The councillor for Beaches, Javier Cremades has increased the shaded area of Roqueta beach so that more disabled people can easily access and rest there. 
The life guard posts and beach bars have been improved for better identification by bathers " to make them much more visible in accord with the Mediterranean image of our area" said Javier Cremades.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44362/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO READY FOR OCTOBER

The new Scirocco, which made its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, 40 years after the original, is ready to order. Externally, the Scirocco's shape has been refined and modernised with new headlights and tail lights, as well as revised bumper styling.  
The revised front bumper features aerodynamic ‘blades' in the outer section, like those on the latest-generation Golf GTI, with integrated indicator lights, daytime running lights and fog lights.  On models with (optional) bi-xenon headlights, the daytime running lights are LEDs within the main headlights.
All Sciroccos now have led tail lights, while the bumper has been reshaped to appear lower and more purposeful. As on a Golf, the Volkswagen logo badge now has an additional purpose: functioning as the tailgate release handle. Under the bonnet are six new turbocharged direct-injection petrol and diesel engines, all of which meet EU6 emissions standards and return between 67.3 and 35.3 mpg.  All models in the range except the R now feature BlueMotion Technology modifications, meaning they come as standard with Stop/Start and also brake energy recuperation systems.
The petrol range consists of a 1.4-litre petrol with 125 PS (was 122), and a new 2.0-litre 180 PS unit which replaces the previous 1.4-litre 160 PS unit.  Despite an increase in capacity and power, it is more economical than the unit it replaces. The previous 2.0-litre TSI 210 PS has been replaced with a 220 PS unit that is also 19 per cent more fuel efficient.  The new Scirocco R uses a 2.0-litre unit producing 280 PS: 15 PS more than before.
Two diesel engines are both 2.0-litre units, with either 150 PS or 184 PS, and up to 68.9 mpg.  The 1.4-litre TSI comes only with a six-speed manual gearbox, while all other engines come with a standard six-speed manual gearbox with the option of a six-speed DSG gearbox.
Four trim levels are available: Scirocco, GT, R-Line and R. The entry level Scirocco comes with an RCD 510 touchscreen infotainment system with DAB digital radio with six-disc CD changer, SD card reader, MDI iPod and USB audio connectors and Bluetooth; air conditioning; automatic headlights and wipers; an auto-dimming rear view mirror; 17-inch ‘Long Beach' alloy wheels height-adjustable sports seats; and a multifunction leather-covered steering wheel (with paddleshifts on DSG models).
The top of the range Scirocco R comes with its own unique exterior styling kit; chrome-look door mirror caps; bi-xenon headlights with led daytime running lights; 19-inch ‘Cadiz' alloy wheels; R-specific sports seats; 10 mm lower sports suspension; DCC dynamic chassis control; and a colour multifunction trip computer. Order it now for October delivery.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44360/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The new Scirocco, which made its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, 40 years after the original, is ready to order. Externally, the Scirocco's shape has been refined and modernised with new headlights and tail lights, as well as revised bu...

### WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I CONTACT SAMARITANS?

What happens when you contact us varies slightly depending on whether you call, email, text, write or talk to us face-to-face. But our approach to supporting you stays the same, however, there is no script, and no two conversations are the same, but they usually have similar elements. 

A fully trained volunteer will always answer. If you phone us, we answer with something like ‘Samaritans, can I help you?' With text, email, letter and face-to-face visits, how we respond to you depends on what you say. 
Putting you at ease It takes a lot of courage to ask for help. It can be difficult to talk about what's troubling you. It's fine to take your time and start wherever you need to. Saying it out loud or writing it down for the first time can be the first step to confronting the issue.  
You talk, we listen We listen to you and help you talk through your concerns, worries and troubles. We'll focus on your thoughts and feelings rather than going into the details of what's happened. We may ask you some questions to help you explore how you feel. Sometimes people need to cry or show how angry they are at life, or go over their thoughts and feelings several times to make sense of them, and that's fine. 
It's not about us We won't talk about ourselves, even if you ask us to. We're there to give you time, space and support – you don't need to ask how we are, or give us time in return. We don't impose any personal attitudes or beliefs on you. We're not religious and we're completely independent. They allow you to sensitively discuss your options and explore your own feelings, helping you to find an inner strength that lets you find your own way forward rather than offering practical advice. You're best placed to solve your problems. Sometimes, you need support to rationalise your thinking and make clear judgements. 
A new way of talking. It can feel unfamiliar when we focus all our attention on listening to you. It's not quite like a normal conversation, but give it a try. The call is about you, after all. 
Helping you explore your options We won't give you advice or opinions. We'll help you talk through your problems and you may begin to see things more clearly. When you're ready, we can help you think about what you could do and what the options are. We'll support you to decide what's best for you. 
We won't tell you what you should do. We won't make decisions for you, and we won't tell you what we think about the decisions you choose to make. You are the expert on your own life. 
Information on other sources of help. We focus on exploring your feelings. Sometimes people also need advice on a specific kind of problem. If you want us to, while we're talking, we may be able to give you contact details for organisations that specialise in helping with a problem you may have. 
Suicidal feelings You don't need to be suicidal to contact us, but if you are feeling suicidal, sharing how you feel could help. We aim to explore suicidal feelings with everyone who contacts us. Most people who contact us are not suicidal. By asking the question, we're just giving you the space to talk about these feelings if you want to. 
Ending the conversation You can end the conversation when you're ready to. Sometimes phone conversations last about an hour, but some are much shorter. 
Same support from all volunteers Generally you will speak to a different volunteer each time you call, email or visit. Our priority is to make sure you get support from someone as quickly as possible, so however you contact us, whoever is available will respond to you.
Telephone anytime day or night 365days a year 902 88 35 35 or email pat@samaritansinspain.com Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44358/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: What happens when you contact us varies slightly depending on whether you call, email, text, write or talk to us face-to-face. But our approach to supporting you stays the same, however, there is no script, and no two conversations are the same, but t...

### FRUITS OF SOCIALISM

In view of the dramatic crisis that Spain is suffering, when one out of every five people live in unemployment, when we are in the sights of Europe, when we do not yet know how the current situation of hardship for many families will finish, the thinkers of this Government are devoted to invent tension situations that generate clashes among ordinary people.
Why after 75 years talk about the subject of the civil war to re-create hatreds between people? This topic has already been settled for many years but now this is about creating tension, by straying attention from more important issues, even if it involves bringing the Spaniards into conflict again.
Why make a law on religious freedom trying to distort roots and traditions of people who in their vast majority are and have always been catholic? It is false that there are so many Buddhists, Mormons, Adventists, etc. in Spain.
With another recent law, they emptied the content of the institution of marriage putting it on a level with the same-sex unions and facilitating the dissolution of it with the express divorce. No one thought that this is what actually generates more gender violence.
They have imposed the children and adolescents indoctrination in the official doctrine, through a subject that they called "Education for Citizenship" (in Catalonia is pure and hard pornography), but in reality is only a model to deform the youth.
On the other hand, they have eliminated religion classes and have undermined parent's authority in children's education, making that they can not be given them a slap to correct them. . . And there are parents who believe in it. It is ridiculous!
They have destroyed the legal protection of the most defenseless human beings, those who have not yet been born, allowing 16-years-old girls have an abortion without any obstacle and parental consent. This law is macabre.
This whole approach responds to a strategically designed plan and is put into practice after repeat many times the same ideas until catch on society little by little. In order to do this, they have used all kinds of false arguments and half-truths that the media don't stop hammering.
They have been proposed delete honorable things that still retains the society and in particular, everything that has relation with Christian doctrine and Law of God. Due to they are atheists, they want to impose by force atheism in others and to do this they have strong persuasive forces.
Isabel Costa
Independent Forum of OpinionFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44357/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In view of the dramatic crisis that Spain is suffering, when one out of every five people live in unemployment, when we are in the sights of Europe, when we do not yet know how the current situation of hardship for many families will finish, the thinkers of this Government are devoted to invent tension situations that generate clashes among ordinary people.
Why after 75 years talk about the subject of the civil war to re-create hatreds between people? This topic has already been settled for many years but now this is about creating tension, by straying attention from more important issues, even if it involves bringing the Spaniards into conflict again.
Why make a law on religious freedom trying to distort roots and traditions of people who in their vast majority are and have always been catholic? It is false that there are so many Buddhists, Mormons, Adventists, etc. in Spain.
With another recent law, they emptied the content of the institution of marriage putting it on a level with the same-sex unions and facilitating the dissolution of it with the express divorce. No one thought that this is what actually generates more gender violence.
They have imposed the children and adolescents indoctrination in the official doctrine, through a subject that they called "Education for Citizenship" (in Catalonia is pure and hard pornography), but in reality is only a model to deform the youth.
On the other hand, they have eliminated religion classes and have undermined parent's authority in children's education, making that they can not be given them a slap to correct them. . . And there are parents who believe in it. It is ridiculous!
They have destroyed the legal protection of the most defenseless human beings, those who have not yet been born, allowing 16-years-old girls have an abortion without any obstacle and parental consent. This law is macabre.
This whole approach responds to a strategically designed plan and is put into practice after repeat many times the same ideas until catch on society little by little. In order to do this, they have used all kinds of false arguments and half-truths that the media don't stop hammering.
They have been proposed delete honorable things that still retains the society and in particular, everything that has relation with Christian doctrine and Law of God. Due to they are atheists, they want to impose by force atheism in others and to do this they have strong persuasive forces.
Isabel Costa
Independent Forum of OpinionFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44357/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### Tuesday 22 July 2014 – Things to do

ALL WEEK
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – NEW Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
Exhibition – “Toda la galaxia en el castillo”. A collection of 20,000 items of interest to Star Wars fans, including toys, models and works of art. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Until 11 April).
Jazz Festival – Various concerts throughout the week.
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Moors and Christians (Until Sunday).
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
Exhibition – 40th Aniversario Comparsa Mosquetera, Biblioteca Municipal (Until 28 July).
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
Exhibition of historic documents detailing the accounts of fiesta de santas Justa y Rufina from the year 1644. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 July).
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Watercolour Painting Exhibition, Casa de Cultura (Until Thursday).
SANTA POLA
Exhibition “Tierra y Mar de Sal”, Museo de la Sal (Until 31 August).
TORREVIEJA 
23:00 – 60º Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonía (Every day until Saturday). Concert at the Eras de la Sal.
Daily Events
TUESDAY 22 JULY
Pi Approximation Day (22/7=3.14)
Markets
Alicante, (Rastro), Aspe, Altea, Benijofar, ORIHUELA, San Fulgencio.
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Moors and Christians – 21:00 Major parade “Las diez comparsas”. 00:00 Children´s games and foam party.
MADRID
Katie Melua, La Riviera.
WEDNESDAY 23 JULY
Markets
Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas.
BARCELONA
Katie Melua, Sant Jordi Club.
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Moors and Christians – 13:00 Church bells and rockets. 20:00 & 21:00 Major parade events and music and dancing into the night.
MARBELLA
The Beach Boys, Auditorio De Marbella Málaga.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Underwater guided snorkelling tour (Every Wed and Sun in July and August).

Excerpt: ALL WEEK ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – NEW Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition […]

### FORMER TORREVIEJA MAYOR TO ENTER PRISON ON WEDNESDAY

The Superior Court of Justice of the Valencian Community has issued notice that the former mayor of Torrevieja, Pedro Hernández Mateo, is to enter prison to service his criminal sentence at 12:00 on Wednesday the 23rd of July.
Hernández Mateo was sentenced to three years in prison on charges of forgery and breach of trust in connection with Torrevieja´s problematic, and now expired, waste disposal contract in 2004.
Hernández Mateo has been following a path of appeal for clemency since he was sentenced in November of 2012, despite every level of the judicial appeals process confirming his guilt. Supporters had claimed that he was too old to be sent to prison and a petition of support was organised to collect signatures to keep him free. However, a petition to ensure he served his sentence gathered more signatures as more people seemed to want to see justice being served.
His last ditch attempt at freedom was for the Spanish government, formed of the same political group with which he belongs, the Partido Popular, to approve he remained free, but they too have started to deny clemency for political figures found guilty by the courts, seeming to favour the opinion that politicians are not exempt from serving their sentence in the event of being found to have acted in a criminal manner whilst in office.
Hernández Mateo must appear to the secretary of the court in Valencia, where he will be incarcerated. The notice states that his failure to attend will result in an immediate arrest warrant being issued against him.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44356/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Superior Court of Justice of the Valencian Community has issued notice that the former mayor of Torrevieja, Pedro Hernández Mateo, is to enter prison to service his criminal sentence at 12:00 on Wednesday the 23rd of July.
Hernández ...

### What´s On – Monday 21 July 2014

ALL WEEK
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – NEW Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
Exhibition – “Toda la galaxia en el castillo”. A collection of 20,000 items of interest to Star Wars fans, including toys, models and works of art. Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Until 11 April).
Jazz Festival – Various concerts throughout the week.
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Moors and Christians (Until Sunday).
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
Exhibition – 40th Aniversario Comparsa Mosquetera, Biblioteca Municipal (Until 28 July).
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
Exhibition of historic documents detailing the accounts of fiesta de santas Justa y Rufina from the year 1644. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 July).
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Watercolour Painting Exhibition, Casa de Cultura (Until Thursday).
SANTA POLA
Exhibition “Tierra y Mar de Sal”, Museo de la Sal (Until 31 August).
TORREVIEJA 
23:00 – 60º Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonía (Every day until Saturday). Concert at the Eras de la Sal.
Daily Events
MONDAY 21 JULY
Markets
Cox, Elche, Formentera, La Nucia, San Pedro del Pinatar, Santa Pola, Sax, Torremendo.
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Moors and Christians – 20:30 Choral Concert. 22:30 Parade “NSM No somos monstruos”.
TUESDAY 22 JULY
Pi Approximation Day (22/7=3.14)
Markets
Alicante, (Rastro), Aspe, Altea, Benijofar, ORIHUELA, San Fulgencio.
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Moors and Christians – 21:00 Major parade “Las diez comparsas”. 00:00 Children´s games and foam party.
MADRID
Katie Melua, La Riviera.

Excerpt: ALL WEEK ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – NEW Exhibition – “Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck” displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813 (until January 11, 2015). Exhibition – Art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. Exhibition […]

### NEW TRAFFIC ISLAND FOR MIRADOR DE SAN MIGUEL

A new roundabout opened on Saturday providing long overdue access to the to the ADU-18 Urbanisation, "Mirador de San Miguel" on the CV-941 road between San Miguel de Salinas and Campoamor.
The traffic island was first planned almost 12 years ago, the absence of which didn't allow the residents to receive many municipal services.
The cost if the island is believed to be almost a quarter of a million euros which was  paid for by the urbanisation developer.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44354/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A new roundabout opened on Saturday providing long overdue access to the to the ADU-18 Urbanisation, "Mirador de San Miguel" on the CV-941 road between San Miguel de Salinas and Campoamor.
The traffic island was first planned almost 12 years ago, the absence of which didn't allow the residents to receive many municipal services.
The cost if the island is believed to be almost a quarter of a million euros which was  paid for by the urbanisation developer.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44354/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### COASTAL RESIDENTS DEMAND IMPROVED SERVICES

Almost 200 residents of Villamartin, La Zenia and surrounds, demonstrated at the entrance to La Zenia Boulevard shopping center next to the AP-7 motorway toll on Saturday, demanding both improved road safety in the area and the removal of the toll on the AP7 motorway.
The protest was led by Bob Houliston, Orihuela Councillor and Chairman of the local CLARO Group, and Félix Arenas who is the President of the La Zenia Business Association.
They claimed that the area, despite being a ‘cash cow' to the Orihuela Government, is completely forgotten by the mayor and his councilors when it comes to the quality of life for the Costa's 30,000 inhabitants.
They also showed their discontent with the toll located at La Zenia on the AP7 motorway between Alicante and Cartagena, demanding that it be abolished and with the perceived lack of safety, municipal services and cleanliness on many local roads.
One example, they say, is the road between San Miguel de Salinas, through Villamartin and into La Zenia, which is regularly used by heavy traffic. They claim that the road is nowhere near ‘fit for purpose' and that the weight and volume of traffic that it attracts poses significant dangers to local residents.
This discomfort was reflected in several of the banners held by the demonstrators which said "Enough of traffic. We do not want to die. "
The residents also asked the Ministry of Public Works and the City Council to reconsider its decision to close the street Alhambra Maestro Torralba and to prevent accidents in the N-332, because the estimate would "ruin" for small businesses and because they believe that this problem be solved with the removal of the AP7 toll.
Residents also demanded the withdrawal of the threat by Correo toremove the  delivery of mail to more than 5,000 homes in Orihuela Costa and the completion of the Emergency Center located on the Avda Villamartin.
They say that the Orihuela Costa is a major tourist attraction in this part of Spain, insisting that that the lack of both investment and municipal services currently provided to it from local and regional resources are an embarrassment and they must be remedied and improved as a matter of urgency.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44353/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Almost 200 residents of Villamartin, La Zenia and surrounds, demonstrated at the entrance to La Zenia Boulevard shopping center next to the AP-7 motorway toll on Saturday, demanding both improved road safety in the area and the removal of the toll on the AP7 motorway.
The protest was led by Bob Houliston, Orihuela Councillor and Chairman of the local CLARO Group, and Félix Arenas who is the President of the La Zenia Business Association.
They claimed that the area, despite being a ‘cash cow' to the Orihuela Government, is completely forgotten by the mayor and his councilors when it comes to the quality of life for the Costa's 30,000 inhabitants.
They also showed their discontent with the toll located at La Zenia on the AP7 motorway between Alicante and Cartagena, demanding that it be abolished and with the perceived lack of safety, municipal services and cleanliness on many local roads.
One example, they say, is the road between San Miguel de Salinas, through Villamartin and into La Zenia, which is regularly used by heavy traffic. They claim that the road is nowhere near ‘fit for purpose' and that the weight and volume of traffic that it attracts poses significant dangers to local residents.
This discomfort was reflected in several of the banners held by the demonstrators which said "Enough of traffic. We do not want to die. "
The residents also asked the Ministry of Public Works and the City Council to reconsider its decision to close the street Alhambra Maestro Torralba and to prevent accidents in the N-332, because the estimate would "ruin" for small businesses and because they believe that this problem be solved with the removal of the AP7 toll.
Residents also demanded the withdrawal of the threat by Correo toremove the  delivery of mail to more than 5,000 homes in Orihuela Costa and the completion of the Emergency Center located on the Avda Villamartin.
They say that the Orihuela Costa is a major tourist attraction in this part of Spain, insisting that that the lack of both investment and municipal services currently provided to it from local and regional resources are an embarrassment and they must be remedied and improved as a matter of urgency.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44353/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### SAN MIGUEL GENERAL PLAN APPEALED IN MADRID COURT

The Association Of Neighbours ‘San Miguel Arcangel' continues its legal challenge in The Supreme Appeal Court Madrid in opposition to San Miguel De Salinas' Partido Popular Town Hall Administration in the matter of The Plan General Of Urban Planning.
The Neighbours Association last week filed notice of opposition in the Supreme Court against the appeal by the Town Council Administration of San Miguel de Salinas. In a previous judgement at The High Court of Justice of the Valencia Community (TSJCV) it ruled that changes to the General Urban Plan submitted by the ruling PP Administration should be suspended and annulled for breach of European Parliament regulations regarding the requirements for a Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment. 
Following the judgement by the TSJCV, it is alleged that The PP Administration headed by Mayor Ángel Sáez Huertas launched a smear campaign against the Neighbour's Association, channelled mainly through local television, with the main objective of preventing the association from continuing its opposition before the Supreme Court. The mayor openly accused the association of adding to the economic crisis and local unemployment by opposing his plans ‘with their environmental reasoning'.
The General Plan assumes continued growth in a housing bubble. With a current population of 7000 residents the Plan General projects a growth of 40,128 new homes and 100,320 residents.  Other macro figures in this plan are the annual consumption of nearly 9 million cubic metres of drinking water and the generation of 7 million cubic metres of sewage and 46 tons of municipal waste.
This exponential growth and unbridled development pose a serious threat to the survival of the current population and the environmental surroundings of the town, especially for the Sierra de Escalona and Dehesa de Campoamor.
These are areas of valuable natural wilderness within the municipality which the Associations of both Neighbour's ‘San Miguel Arcángel' and Friends of the Sierra Escalona have long campaigned to be declared as a Natural Park within the Valencia Autonomous Community and therefore receive protection from future ingression and speculative development.
The Plan General sought by The Partido Popular continues to disregard both the issues of environmental impact and the need for such growth.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
David Hardy, Vice PresidentFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44340/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Association Of Neighbours ‘San Miguel Arcangel' continues its legal challenge in The Supreme Appeal Court Madrid in opposition to San Miguel De Salinas' Partido Popular Town Hall Administration in the matter of The Plan General Of Urban Plan...

### ALBION’S RESISTANCE BROKEN BY BETIS AT PINATAR ARENA

BRIGHTON &HA 1 REAL BETIS 3
Brighton & Hove Albion's tour of Spain ended in a 3-1 defeat as Real Betis produced a slick and ruthless display to come from behind in the Pinatar Arena.
Craig Mackail-Smith had given Sami Hyypia's men an early advantage but Betis fought back in impressive fashion to inflict a first defeat on Albion in pre-season.
After just 11 minutes Mackail-Smith calmly fired the Seagulls ahead with his third goal in pre-season.
Javier Matilla broke through for Betis and although his run was ended by Vitalijs Maksimenko the ball fell kindly for Ruben Castro to sweep home on the interval.
Dani Pacheco went close to a second for Betis within two minutes of the restart, deflecting his effort just wide but just two more minutes later Jorge Casado's diving header put Real ahead.
Albion had the post to thank while Walton was on full alert to save Sergio Rodriguez's rebound as Betis continued to look threatening.
Rodriguez was not to be denied though and on 76 minutes the Betis an capitalised on a defensive error, striking in off the post to give Walton no chance.
A Rohan Ince half volley almost brought the Seagulls back into the game but Dani Gimenez was equal to the midfielder's effort while Walton showed his qualities as he tipped over Bruno Gonzalez's late header.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44336/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: BRIGHTON &HA 1 REAL BETIS 3
Brighton & Hove Albion's tour of Spain ended in a 3-1 defeat as Real Betis produced a slick and ruthless display to come from behind in the Pinatar Arena.
Craig Mackail-Smith had given Sami Hyypia's men an early ad...

### ORIHUELA COSTA FOCUS ON ACCESSIBILITY AND SUMMER FUN

The councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, has explained this week how the town hall departments of the coast and tourism have collaborated with the company providing beach services, Chiringuitos del Sol, in providing approved and additional access for those beach visitors with mobility problems. Already, the beach at Cala del Bosque has had a shaded platform constructed, along with adapted toilets and a secure area for wheelchairs, showers and a new amphibian chair. The same elements are also being installed at the beaches of playa La Glea, Cala Capitán and Barranco Rubio, meaning that four of the Orihuela Costa´s beaches, those which are reachable by people with difficulties, will be fully adapted to their needs. 
In addition, the town hall has secured nearly 18,000 euro funding from the department of health towards beach facilities, which will be used to purchase roll-out pathways from the dedicated areas to the sea. In addition, the money will go towards the purchase of special crutch stations, one of which is located on the sand, the other in the water, so those who are able to walk, albeit with assistance, can use crutches to enter the water, then leave them in the special, floating station, before collecting them and returning to the beach when ready. Finally, there will be an additional amphibian chair purchased, which will mean that there will be a total of 5 available on the beaches. 
This reverses the trend of previous years where the contract stipulated that 11 chairs should be provided, although the reality was that only 3 ever were. Now, as the contract for life guards stipulates the provision of 3 chairs, based on the practicality of the operation, and now with this collaboration, the actual quota of chairs available is 5. Cones will also be placed in some areas of the beaches, as it has become a clear problem that able bodied people come to the beach and pitch themselves in the path from the mobility platforms to the beach, thus creating an extra barrier for those who may already have struggled.
The timeframe for objections to the revised plans for building on the Cala Mosca area of the Orihuela Costa is still open, but objections must be filed before the mandatory period of consultation. The full plans are available in the planning department of the Orihuela city town hall, where advice can also be obtained as to how to raise a complaint. The department still stress however that this current period of consultation is for objections to the environmental impact only, issues relating to planning will follow in the next stage of the process.
Plans by the town hall to repair and convert a municipal football field at La Cinuelica into one which could be used by local teams were put on hold due to budget restraints. However, a group of local clubs have got together and agreed to fund the project, which would allow for the local football teams of the Orihuela Costa to use the facilities, without having to pay, which is the case at the municipal sports centre, as that is operated by a private contractor on behalf of the town hall. With this associated agreement, the clubs of the Orihuela Costa would be similar to those in the city who have already been able to make use of municipal facilities without charge. The plans will see the construction of changing rooms and walls being built, with exploratory work already having begun, so as to ensure the fastest possible completion time, once the final project funding is agreed.
Talks are nearing conclusion with the landowner of the space on the Villamartin side of the new pedestrian footbridge over the motorway from La Zenia. It is hoped that the owner will shortly agree the route for a footpath through the land, which will enable the completion of the missing part of this project, a zebra crossing and walkway on the Villamartin side.
Two symbolic “camping gas” lanterns placed on the mountainside in Orihuela, depicting the fires burning during the Moors and Christians conflict, were apparently stolen, as town hall officials discovered as they returned to the site assuming that the lights had simply gone out, intending to relight them. The tradition of illuminating two fires during the biggest event of Orihuela´s fiesta calendar has occurred since the 15th century, with this being the first known recording of such a theft.
The snorkelling guided tours of the Orihuela Costa have proven extremely popular, with the town hall urging anybody interested in attending the Wednesday and Sunday events to book their place quickly, as it is likely that they will be filled to capacity during the operation in July and August. This can be done at the tourist information offices or at the town hall.
A new and unique element of fun will be open soon on the Orihuela Costa, with a summer ice rink and water park being constructed on the wasteland adjacent to the Playa Flamenca Mercadona, near the town hall. The water park will feature inflatable fixtures, with cooling sprays and water flows, whereas the ice rink will be formed of artificial ice, so as not to melt in the searing heat of summer. Due to have opened at the start of the summer season, there has been a delay whilst the organiser ensured that all paperwork, insurance and compliance documents were in order, so as to avoid any issues with the authorities. With the event organisers hoping to return every year, they too are keen to ensure that this first year goes without incident, so as to ensure a long term working relationship with the Orihuela Costa.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44335/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, has explained this week how the town hall departments of the coast and tourism have collaborated with the company providing beach services, Chiringuitos del Sol, in providing approved and additional acces...

### WEEKLY DIGEST - 21 JULY 2014

A LOAD OF BULL
The department of health of Navarra dealt with 530 injuries during this year´s San Fermin fiesta in Pamploma, slightly higher than the 518 of last year, but lower than the 657 of 2012.
LOCKED-UP HORNS
A total of 94 people were arrested during the bull running fiesta of San Fermin, including 6 for drug trafficking, 3 for robbery with intimidation, 2 for sexual offences, 2 for mistreating a family member and 20 under immigration laws. Some 2,200 officers from the National Police and Guardia Civil looked after public safety at the event.
COME DANCING
The first Orihuela Costa Festival of Flamenco will take place on 29 July in Zenia Boulevard Shopping Mall, and on the 30 and 31 July on the Playa Flamenca promenade. The festival will feature local artist Andrés Hernández, 'El Porras' as well as one of the country's leading flamenco dancers, Lola Montoya.
HEALTHY LIVING
Santa Pola say that with the arrival of holidaymakers they are expecting over 53,000 visitors to their Health centres during the months of July and August. As a result, according to Cllr for Health, Fran Martin, many of their centres, including Gran Alacant, will open both in the morning and the evening.
CAUGHT FLAT FOOTED
A lack of funds in the City of Alicante last year was so critical that the Security councillor, Juan Seva, ordered that the servicing intervals on all Policia Local be doubled from 5,000 to every 10,000 miles. The 'Union of Local Police and Fire Officers (SPPLB) has said that, as a result,  agents were using vehicles which in some cases are not fit for service and were being forced back onto the beat.
HANDS UP
Doctors at the Alicante University Hospital are trialling a robotic arm which will help those who have lost the ability to move the limb through brain signals. The tests are currently being carried out on five patients who have lost the use of their arm through strokes or mental trauma.
BEST FOOT FORWARD
Nearly hundred children took part in the the First Campus Futsal 'Ciudad de Torrevieja' last week which was attended by the national coach Juan Ignacio Martinez. He was welcomed to the event by the Councillor for Sport Luis María Pizana and the organiser Juanjo Fernandez.
THE GOING RATE
So as to ensure standard charges, taxi drivers in Rojales will no longer charge for journey's by a rate card but in future will use meters which are to be fitted into every registered vehicle. Passengers will be charged 2.78 euros at the start of their journey and 0.82 euros per kilometre thereafter.
ON THE TOWN
Demonstrating that he is not one for protocol Spain's new King Felipe V1 headed out for a meal and a drink with friends in downtown Madrid last week. Breaking with tradition he left the Queen at home as he joined five friends for dinner at a fashionable Asian restaurant in central Madrid's Chueca district.
NICO FRET
A study by the World Health Organisation shows that smoking has now been connected with memory disorders. As well as linking nicotine to dementia the study concluded that smoking could also be attributed to 14% of all Alzheimer's cases.
CROSSING THE LINE
More than 20 police officers were injured after an avalanche of people attempted to barge their way through the Moroccan border in Ceuta. Some 3,000 people attempted to cross the border, some throwing rocks and carrying sticks, as security staff tried to keep them at bay.
TRAGIC TRIP
Two Spanish women on holiday in America were knocked down by a coach as they crossed the road near the Hell´s Kitchen area of Manhattan. One woman suffered an injury to her foot whilst the second, whose condition was described as critical, suffered a leg injury. The police say that the bus had a green light as it turned at the junction.
MUSIC SPECTACULAR
Massive Attack and the Kaiser Chiefs have been added to the list of bands playing at the Low Festival in Benidorm this coming weekend, from 25-27 July. The seventh edition of Spain's 2nd largest music show will see more than a 100 indie artists playing live on 7 stages.
UP IN SMOKE
A photograph was published in last week's Daily Mail showing Queen Letizia of Spain selling cigarettes while she was a journalism student in Mexico. Shortly after her graduation she was employed by a popular brand to promote their product. The photo shows her posing in a branded uniform.
GASSED OFF
The city council of Madrid has approved new environmental restrictions on vehicle movements, allowing them to slow down traffic on roads and restrict parking for none-residents, should pollution levels reach a certain risk factor.
OILY BEACH
An oil slick has reached the south coastal beaches of Gran Canaria, affecting around a kilometre of beaches. A cleanup operation is underway whilst the cause of the slick is being investigated.
ANOTHER ONE CAUGHT
The National Police have arrested William Thomas Robert Paterson in Madrid, one of the most wanted fugitives from the UK being sought as part of Operation Captura. The 37 year old is wanted in connection with a Glasgow shooting incident, as well as other crimes including the illegal possession of weapons.
PREMIER FAKES
The Guardia Civil has dismantled a workshop in the town of San Servera on the island of Mallorca, which was dedicated to manufacturing fake merchandise branded as Premier League football goods. Officers seized over 3,000 items thought to be worth in the region of 13,000 euro.
AIRBAG RECALL
German car manufacturer BMW has issued a recall notice affecting 1.6 million of its series 3 model vehicles worldwide, due to a possible defect in the passenger airbag the vehicles in question were all manufactured between May 1999 and August 2006. The company has said it will notify car owners direct.
DRUNK DRIVER COP BOSS FINED
The chief of the local police in the western Madrid town of Villaviciosa de Odón failed a breathalyser test after driving his private vehicle off the road on his way home from a flag raising ceremony. No other vehicles were involved in the incident, which is being treated as an administrative offence as he was off duty at the time, and will therefore face a fine and loss of points whilst still keeping his job.
OUT FOR A BITE
Bathers on four beaches in Barcelona were surprised that the red flags were raised prohibiting swimming for a 24 hour period this week, whilst the Cruz Roja patrolled the seemingly calm waters to ensure compliance. However, the beaches were closed after the appearance of three sharks off the coastline, presumably looking to enjoy a bit of summer beach time themselves.  
 
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44334/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A LOAD OF BULL
The department of health of Navarra dealt with 530 injuries during this year´s San Fermin fiesta in Pamploma, slightly higher than the 518 of last year, but lower than the 657 of 2012.
LOCKED-UP HORNS
A total of 94 people were a...

### NEW PLAYERS ARRIVE AS FRIENDLY DATES ANNOUNCED

Manager Galliana has made the signing that all Torry fans have wanted to see.  Last season, a long haired central defender arrived from a Mexican club, filling the place of transferred Jorge.  Although he's been shorn of his locks, Alexis is a rock in defence, and now he will have the luxury of pairing up with the returning Jorge - what a combination!!  Another central defender from last season has decided to stay on at the club.  
Martin can also play in midfield, and certainly won over the Torry faithful with his no nonsense attitude.  Unfortunately both Micro and Dani Meseguer, who had previously indicated a willingness to stay, have now decided to ply their trade elsewhere.  But when one door shuts, another opens, which certainly is the case at new look Torry.  Midfielder Borja Cortes has signed terms from div 3 side Novelda, linking up with Sergi, who makes the short journey from Orihuela (who incidentally have major money problems, and are now know as Orihuela Deportivo).  A prolific goal scorer is on every manager's wish list, so Galiana must be hoping that new boy Carlitos fits the bill.  Joining from Xerez, the 23 year old notched up 12 of the best last season, and although it was at a lower level, he obviously has  a knack at finding the net.  
Also arriving are 4 youth players from Elche, of which 1 is a local lad, pushing the number of home grown talent up to 4.  Ruben is a 19 year old Torrevieja born defender, who teams up with 19 year old full back Bern, a player credited with international honours at youth level.  Joining them will be 20 year old midfielder Mario, and 19 year old goalkeeper Marcos.
With players now back in training, some pre season friendly dates have been released (all at Vicente Garcia Stadium):
Saturday 26 July  -  CD Torrevieja v Elche Ilicitano (div 2B) -  ko 8pm
Tuesday 12 August  -  CD Torrevieja v Lorca (div 2B) - ko 8pm
Wednesday 20 August  -  CD Torrevieja v Mar Menor (div 3) - ko 7.30 pm
Don't forget that season tickets are now on sale at the club on Weds evenings, and at the Torry Army office, at a knock down price of only 90 euros.  VAMOS TORRY.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44331/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Manager Galliana has made the signing that all Torry fans have wanted to see.  Last season, a long haired central defender arrived from a Mexican club, filling the place of transferred Jorge.  Although he's been shorn of his locks, Alexis is a rock in ...

### ONLY THREE PERCENT OF DRIVERS COULD PASS THE THEORY TEST

A report by the Confederación Nacional de Autoescuelas driving school association, based on information collated through the University of Madrid, reveal that only 3% of qualified drivers are able to pass the driving theory test, answering 28 out of 30 questions posed.
The survey also revealed that 76% of respondents correctly answered between 22 and 27 questions correctly, whereas 21% scored below 21 points.
As a result, the association are calling for urgent legislation to combat the problem, as more than 20% of drivers on the road need urgent education, which could be provided when minor motoring offences occur, thus correcting a problem which could have led to incorrectly identifying road markings or signs, or other issues that even novice drivers are required to know.
As the data was analysed further, it reveals that those who drive more are not always the most knowledgeable, with those who spend three or four hours per day driving being the least knowledgeable. Similarly, drivers aged over 65 and those who have had a license for ten years or more are also high on the theory failure list, followed by the uneducated, retired, housewives, company directors and those who rarely use the car. In addition, the failure rate is 37% amongst those who have lost all their license points.
Geographically, Castila-La Mancha, Galicia and the Balearic Islands yield the most knowledgeable drivers, with around 24 correct answers out of 30, whereas Murcia, Cantabria and La Rioja are the lowest at less than 23 correct, with the national average standing at is 23.3 right questions, bearing in mind the pass mark for the theory test is 28.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44330/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A report by the Confederación Nacional de Autoescuelas driving school association, based on information collated through the University of Madrid, reveal that only 3% of qualified drivers are able to pass the driving theory test, answering 28 ou...

### NEW LAWS TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC

The Spanish government has approved controversial reforms aimed at protecting the public, detailing more accurate roles and responsibilities for both the public, and security services, as well as the actions that both can expect in the event of confrontation or protest.
The new laws have been under consultation for the last seven months, with many opponents stating that they undermine the fundamental public right of citizens to protest, and make it easier to enforce an almost martial law situation, whereas supporters believe that it will reduce the conflicts and damage caused when protests have sped out of control in the past.
Detailing the reasons behind the reform, a report from the Interior Ministry explains that since the adoption of the 1978 Constitution, the first law that regulated the intervention of public authorities in the field of public safety was the Organic Law 1/1992 of the 21st of February of that year. Now, after 22 years of operation, with the cumulative police experience and new circumstances affecting public safety, including new threats and technological developments such as the internet and social networks, it was necessary to adopt a new law according to the demands of our time, especially to deal with anti-social behaviour and thus guarantee the safety and security of citizens.
The new act coincides in “perfect harmony” with the draft Penal Code which is pending in the Congress of Deputies, in which some sanctions will no longer be criminalised, and thus dealt with as administration offences.
More power will be given to the security services to create stoppages, controls and blockades in the event of a potential risk to public safety. The ability of the security services to use rubber bullets has been defined clearer in the law, albeit as a last resort. 
A third element goes to great detail in identifying and defining a number of offences, thus giving a legal certainty. The overruling message of the act is to “not punish anymore, but to punish better”.
The law divides offences into three groups, defined as very serious, serious and minor. There are only 4 very serious infringements, which are precisely those behaviours likely to cause serious damage to people and property. One such inclusion is the shining of lights, such as laser pointers, into the eyes of drivers or pilots, with serious concerns growing in the aviation industry of this increasing threat, which saw 634 cases in 2013, compared to just 120 cases in 2013.
There are 26 serious violations related to violence, vandalism and antisocial behaviour. In terms of public demonstrations, the law seeks to punish “only the violent, aggressive or coercive”, such as those who invade airport runways or commit arson on public roads. Moreover, the Act expressly protects the right to demonstrate and punishes those who encourage the development of a peaceful demonstration into becoming a disturbance.
There are 17 minor offenses listed, such as considering holding demonstrations without prior notice, as was the case recently in La Zenia when the Alicante authorities refused permission for a neighbourhood protest on account of the short notice given. 
As for the financial penalties involved in each of the three categories, very serious offenses are punishable by a fine of between 30,001 to 600,000 euro, serious infractions face a fine between 601 to 30,000 euro, whereas the less serious offenders will be looking to lose between 100 to 600 euro. There is a matrix for each category based on the seriousness of the offences committed, with consideration also given for the number of times an offender has appeared before the judiciary. There is also a consideration for the individual financial situation of those involved.
Finally, another matter is cleared up by the new laws, which makes it now a serious offence to impersonate a member of the security services. This also covers recent controversy when carnival and fiesta attendees faced a threat of action for dressing as members of the Guardia Civil, after a new law came into force earlier in the year regulating the use of uniforms. Although perhaps done in jest, the element of dressing up, even in a comedic guise, is included within this law, with those who dress up in fancy dress facing charges.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44329/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Spanish government has approved controversial reforms aimed at protecting the public, detailing more accurate roles and responsibilities for both the public, and security services, as well as the actions that both can expect in the event of confron...

### PEGASUS FOUR IS OUT TO CATCH SPEEDING DRIVERS

As traffic police in Spain embark on their latest week long crack down on drivers who have consumed alcohol or drugs, the DGT traffic department has announced that a fourth airborne radar detector has launched at the weekend, with the fifth due in a matter of weeks.
The launch coincided with an anticipated 3.5 million trips on the roads of Spain, as the summer season is well and truly underway. 
The Pegasus helicopters cover the main road networks of Galicia, Castilla y León, Asturias, Cantabria, Andalucía and the east coast, with the aim, according to the DGT, of “controlling the speed on the mainly conventional roads.
The equipment on board the helicopter works with pinpoint accuracy, and can not only video traffic violations as they happen, it can record the speed, registration details and even the identity of the vehicle occupants. 
Since the first Pegasus equipped helicopter too to the sky in March of 2013, 2,064 drivers have been reported during the 672 hours of flight, during which time 13,458 vehicles have been checked.
Although the accuracy of Pegasus was brought into question recently, it was only in terms of the margin of error calculations, but most vehicles caught speeding by the helicopter are recorded at more than 30 kilometres per hour above the permitted speed on the road in question. The worst drivers clocked during that time were a motorist travelling at 232 kilometres per hour on a 120limited stretch of motorway, and a driver clocked at 195 kilometres per hour on a conventional road with a limit of 90.
The Pegasus radars consist of two elements, a panoramic camera for tracking and a second for detailing such things as the number plate. The equipment is able to monitor speeds of up to 360 kilometres per hour.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44328/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As traffic police in Spain embark on their latest week long crack down on drivers who have consumed alcohol or drugs, the DGT traffic department has announced that a fourth airborne radar detector has launched at the weekend, with the fifth due in a ma...

### DHL OPENS THIRD ALICANTE CENTRE

The logistics company DHL Express has opened a distribution centre in Alicante, located in the Polígono Las Atalayas industrial estate.
With a 1.8 million euro investment, the facility covers a total of 10,000 square metres, with 4,700 dedicated to distribution and 700 metres to administration.
Equipped with the latest technology, the facility can deal with up to 3,000 parcels every hour, and has the capacity for 24 trucks simultaneously on both sides of the unit.
DHL Express has two other facilities in Alicante, one in the cargo area of the airport, dedicated to international services, and another in Alcoy, in which a total of more than 170 people work.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44327/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The logistics company DHL Express has opened a distribution centre in Alicante, located in the Polígono Las Atalayas industrial estate.
With a 1.8 million euro investment, the facility covers a total of 10,000 square metres, with 4,700 dedicate...

### FIRE CREWS INCREASED FOR SUMMER

The Provincial Fire Consortium of Alicante has increased the quota of fire fighters in each of the seven fire stations in the province, due to the increased risk of forest fires during the long and dry summer period.
An additional 14 new fire fighters will be spread across the area, 2 in each station, operating around the clock to boost the availability until the 15th of September. The service has already been on high alert since Easter, when the air support network was also increased.
Out of the total of 650 staff and 145 vehicles, there are a minimum of 100 fire fighters on duty at any one time, able to transfer to any area as needed across the near 6,000 square metre operative areas of the Marina Alta, Marina Baja, Montaña, L´Alacantí, Vinalopó, Bajo Vinalopó and Vega Baja.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44326/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Provincial Fire Consortium of Alicante has increased the quota of fire fighters in each of the seven fire stations in the province, due to the increased risk of forest fires during the long and dry summer period.
An additional 14 new fire fighters...

### ARE THESE SPAIN’S SEXIEST POLITICIANS

The Physical attractiveness of some politicians is not lost on the public, particularly when it comes to voting, however controversial that might be, so here are the 12 politicians, some frontline and some local, 5 men and 7 women, thought to be the most attractive. 
If nothing else the article will introduce you to the individuals who might be shaping yours and the country's future for many years to come.
MARIA DOLORES COSPEDAL. One of the most prominent members of the popular Party, SHE IS the President of Castile-La Mancha and Secretary-General of the People's Party. Known for her often controversial actions Cospedal is 48 years of age. It is said that she took part in the Miss Albacete beauty competition some years ago and won.
PEDRO SANCHEZ. The brand new leader of the PSOE, indeed the media have now started calling him 'Mr. PSOE' although during the leadership campaign one of the most debated aspects of his many qualities was his physique. He is said to have captivated the country's women, which could be a very big advantage for his party in the upcoming municipal elections.
CARME CHACÓN. The former minister of defense, 2008-11, during the Zapatero government She is a Bachelor of Law and she carried out her postgraduate studies at Osgoode Hall Law School (Toronto), the University of Kingston and Laval University in Quebec City. She worked as a lecturer of Constitutional Law at the University of Girona. Married with one child the Catalan started out as a youngster in the world of politics and at 43 years of age is still ranked as one of the sexiest.
BORJA SEMPER. Is president of the Basque PP in Guipúzcoa and the Popular Party spokesman in the Basque Parliament. It is said that he demonstrates enormous charisma and personality and at just 38 years of age, with a modish beard and a great deal of style, he is another politician with a strong female fanbase.
ARANTZA QUIROGA. She was President of the Basque Parliament between 2009 and 2012, an office commonly known in the Anglophone world by the name of "Speaker of the Parliament" even though she is not fluent in the Basque language, and together, she and Borja Semper form the Basque duo of the prettiest faces in politics. A Natural blonde with green eyes Quiroga is 40 years. She first entered politics as a local councillor for Irún when she was just 21 years of age.
ALBERTO GARZÓN.  Just 28 years of age Garzon is now a regular on television. His active participation in the Movement 15-M led to him becoming their spokesman in Congress. In January 2013 he was elected member of the Federal Executive Committee of the United Left, IU, taking responsibility for their Global Economic Policy Unit.  Garzón studied Economics at the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Málaga.
VILLA SANTI.  A historian and Catalan politician. Currently a member of the Catalan Parliament where he is the current Minister of Planning and Sustainability. A former teacher of modern history in the University of Girona. Particularly interested in issues related to historical memory and formerly the mayor in the town of Figueres. Said to convey a touch of elegance by his followers.
CAYETANA ALVAREZ.  The XIII Marchioness of Casa Fuerte is a Spanish journalist and a Deputy in the Spanish Parliament in Madrid. Her articles regularly appear in newspapers such as the Times and the FT. She is currently Vice President of the Joint Commission for the European Union and member of the Justice and Constitutional Commissions of the Partido Popular. She is said to dress very simply and at 39 years of age is regarded as one of the prettiest members of her party.
MÓNICA LORENTE. A career politician, active within her local party since 1989, she joined up at the age of 18 as part of their “new generation” of conservative thinkers. Now, at the age of 43, the former mayor of Orihuela, she has become more infamous in recent years with corruption allegations overshadowing her defeat in the elections in 2011.
EDUARDO DOLÓN. At just 38 years of age, Eduardo Dolón is another career politician, born and raised in Torrevieja, the town he now leads, he was previously the culture councilor under the former mayor, Pedro Hernández Mateo. With a diploma in Business Studies from the University of Alicante, he joined the PP at the age of 19.
MIREIA MOLLÀ. If such a thing existed, Mireia would be a firm contender to take the Miss Political Beauty Queen crown away from Mónica Lorente. Born in Elche in 1982, she has shot to political fame as Alicante´s deputy for the Compromís group since 2007. As a former accountant at the University Miguel Hernández, politics is in her blood, as she is the daughter of Pasqual Mollà i Martínez , leader of the Valencian EUPV group.
CAROLINA GRACIA. A seemingly quiet and unassuming politician, not much is publicly known about the current spokesperson for the Orihuela government team, other than having roots firmly fixed in the municipality she serves. Active in culture, festivities and youth services, as the youngest active member of the Orihuela government she was instrumental in blocking the recent censure motion tabled by the PP, as she formed part of the “table of elders” who refused the motion to take place.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44325/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Physical attractiveness of some politicians is not lost on the public, particularly when it comes to voting, however controversial that might be, so here are the 12 politicians, some frontline and some local, 5 men and 7 women, thought to be the most attractive. 
If nothing else the article will introduce you to the individuals who might be shaping yours and the country's future for many years to come.
MARIA DOLORES COSPEDAL. One of the most prominent members of the popular Party, SHE IS the President of Castile-La Mancha and Secretary-General of the People's Party. Known for her often controversial actions Cospedal is 48 years of age. It is said that she took part in the Miss Albacete beauty competition some years ago and won.
PEDRO SANCHEZ. The brand new leader of the PSOE, indeed the media have now started calling him 'Mr. PSOE' although during the leadership campaign one of the most debated aspects of his many qualities was his physique. He is said to have captivated the country's women, which could be a very big advantage for his party in the upcoming municipal elections.
CARME CHACÓN. The former minister of defense, 2008-11, during the Zapatero government She is a Bachelor of Law and she carried out her postgraduate studies at Osgoode Hall Law School (Toronto), the University of Kingston and Laval University in Quebec City. She worked as a lecturer of Constitutional Law at the University of Girona. Married with one child the Catalan started out as a youngster in the world of politics and at 43 years of age is still ranked as one of the sexiest.
BORJA SEMPER. Is president of the Basque PP in Guipúzcoa and the Popular Party spokesman in the Basque Parliament. It is said that he demonstrates enormous charisma and personality and at just 38 years of age, with a modish beard and a great deal of style, he is another politician with a strong female fanbase.
ARANTZA QUIROGA. She was President of the Basque Parliament between 2009 and 2012, an office commonly known in the Anglophone world by the name of "Speaker of the Parliament" even though she is not fluent in the Basque language, and together, she and Borja Semper form the Basque duo of the prettiest faces in politics. A Natural blonde with green eyes Quiroga is 40 years. She first entered politics as a local councillor for Irún when she was just 21 years of age.
ALBERTO GARZÓN.  Just 28 years of age Garzon is now a regular on television. His active participation in the Movement 15-M led to him becoming their spokesman in Congress. In January 2013 he was elected member of the Federal Executive Committee of the United Left, IU, taking responsibility for their Global Economic Policy Unit.  Garzón studied Economics at the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Málaga.
VILLA SANTI.  A historian and Catalan politician. Currently a member of the Catalan Parliament where he is the current Minister of Planning and Sustainability. A former teacher of modern history in the University of Girona. Particularly interested in issues related to historical memory and formerly the mayor in the town of Figueres. Said to convey a touch of elegance by his followers.
CAYETANA ALVAREZ.  The XIII Marchioness of Casa Fuerte is a Spanish journalist and a Deputy in the Spanish Parliament in Madrid. Her articles regularly appear in newspapers such as the Times and the FT. She is currently Vice President of the Joint Commission for the European Union and member of the Justice and Constitutional Commissions of the Partido Popular. She is said to dress very simply and at 39 years of age is regarded as one of the prettiest members of her party.
MÓNICA LORENTE. A career politician, active within her local party since 1989, she joined up at the age of 18 as part of their “new generation” of conservative thinkers. Now, at the age of 43, the former mayor of Orihuela, she has become more infamous in recent years with corruption allegations overshadowing her defeat in the elections in 2011.
EDUARDO DOLÓN. At just 38 years of age, Eduardo Dolón is another career politician, born and raised in Torrevieja, the town he now leads, he was previously the culture councilor under the former mayor, Pedro Hernández Mateo. With a diploma in Business Studies from the University of Alicante, he joined the PP at the age of 19.
MIREIA MOLLÀ. If such a thing existed, Mireia would be a firm contender to take the Miss Political Beauty Queen crown away from Mónica Lorente. Born in Elche in 1982, she has shot to political fame as Alicante´s deputy for the Compromís group since 2007. As a former accountant at the University Miguel Hernández, politics is in her blood, as she is the daughter of Pasqual Mollà i Martínez , leader of the Valencian EUPV group.
CAROLINA GRACIA. A seemingly quiet and unassuming politician, not much is publicly known about the current spokesperson for the Orihuela government team, other than having roots firmly fixed in the municipality she serves. Active in culture, festivities and youth services, as the youngest active member of the Orihuela government she was instrumental in blocking the recent censure motion tabled by the PP, as she formed part of the “table of elders” who refused the motion to take place.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44325/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ALICANTE MUSLIMS FURY OVER ABUSE OF ‘SACRED SYMBOL'

Sufi Muslim students have demanded the withdrawal of a logo for a Roberto Cavalli perfume that is said to be a copy of one of their sacred symbols.
And to make their point, thirty young Sufis demonstrated last week in Alicante insisting that the perfume logo is withdrawn and all stock and packaging bearing the logo is recalled, as they insist that the design 'degrades' one of their religion's holiest signs. 
The protest took place at the Office for Fair Trade in the Internal Market (OHIM), which is the organization responsible for safeguarding the rights of brands, models and company drawings within all European Union institutions and where the Cavalli logo is registered.
The Sufi Muslim symbol is in the shape of an "H" which is shaped and concave at ends. The Cavalli perfume logo keeps the same basic shape but is rotated by 90 degrees.
Those attending the demonstration displayed banners that that said "No to plagiarism of a sacred emblem by Roberto Cavalli" and” 1400 years-old symbol-versus two years. Withdraw the logo. "OHIM want justice".
Pictures of Georgia May, daughter of the Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, 70, and model Jerry Hall, 57, have prompted demonstrations by thousands of Sufi Muslims outside Harrods in London, as well as in Dusseldorf, Germany, and Los Angeles, since they were first released in the middle of last year.
The campaign promoting the designer fragrance, shows Miss Jagger with an ornate H-like symbol on her skin.
This is not the first time Roberto Cavalli has run into trouble over the use of religious symbols.
Ten years ago, they made a line of bikinis which depicted Hindu gods.
The swimwear was stocked by Harrods but was pulled off the shelves after a backlash from faith groups.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44324/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Sufi Muslim students have demanded the withdrawal of a logo for a Roberto Cavalli perfume that is said to be a copy of one of their sacred symbols.
And to make their point, thirty young Sufis demonstrated last week in Alicante insisting that the perfume logo is withdrawn and all stock and packaging bearing the logo is recalled, as they insist that the design 'degrades' one of their religion's holiest signs. 
The protest took place at the Office for Fair Trade in the Internal Market (OHIM), which is the organization responsible for safeguarding the rights of brands, models and company drawings within all European Union institutions and where the Cavalli logo is registered.
The Sufi Muslim symbol is in the shape of an "H" which is shaped and concave at ends. The Cavalli perfume logo keeps the same basic shape but is rotated by 90 degrees.
Those attending the demonstration displayed banners that that said "No to plagiarism of a sacred emblem by Roberto Cavalli" and” 1400 years-old symbol-versus two years. Withdraw the logo. "OHIM want justice".
Pictures of Georgia May, daughter of the Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, 70, and model Jerry Hall, 57, have prompted demonstrations by thousands of Sufi Muslims outside Harrods in London, as well as in Dusseldorf, Germany, and Los Angeles, since they were first released in the middle of last year.
The campaign promoting the designer fragrance, shows Miss Jagger with an ornate H-like symbol on her skin.
This is not the first time Roberto Cavalli has run into trouble over the use of religious symbols.
Ten years ago, they made a line of bikinis which depicted Hindu gods.
The swimwear was stocked by Harrods but was pulled off the shelves after a backlash from faith groups.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44324/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### PARDON REQUESTS TURNED DOWN BY PP

A number of applications for pardons from high profile politicians and celebrities were turned down last Friday by the PP Administration in Madrid.
Amongst those included was the suspended judge Baltasar Garzón, currently the head of Julian Assange's legal team, and bullfighter José Ortega Cano who is presently languishing in jail
The petitioners had all been convicted of a variety of offenses including bribery, corruption and dangerous driving leading to the death of another driver.
The most high profile of the applicants is the former high court judge Baltasar Garzón, who while presiding over the the Gürtel bribes-for-contracts case, ordered that wiretaps be taken of prison conversations between members of the ring and their lawyers. 
Even though such actions have been carried out in the past without any recourse to disciplinary action against the perpetrators the Supreme said that on this occasion the wiretaps were illegal. As a result Garzón was barred from the bench for 11 years.
Also turned down by the Cabinet was the appeal of the Former Marbella mayor Julián Muñoz, who was also convicted of corruption in a case involving money that was paid illegally by the city to lawyer and former president of Sevilla soccer club José María del Nido.
Muñoz, was convicted in the Blanqueo, Malaya and the Minutos cases, but has others pending, He applied for the pardon on the grounds that at 65 years of age he is in poor health but he remained in prison pending the outcome of the appeal. 
A further refusal was made to the 60 year old bullfighter José Ortega Cano from Cartagena. He has served 15 months of a two and a half year sentence for reckless homicide and reckless driving that caused the death of another driver.
The leader of the PP's youth group in Madrid, Miguel Ángel Carromero, also saw his appeal turned down. He is currently serving a four-year prison sentence handed to him in Cuba for the involuntary manslaughter of Cuban dissidents Oswaldo Payá and Harold Cepero in another car accident. Although he will remain in prison it will be on home release in Spain. 
The appeal was also rejected of the ex politician and former PP regional premier of the Balearic Islands, Jaume Matas. He was found guilty of influence peddling after he hired a journalist  
The cabinet also turned down a pardon request by the former PP regional premier of the Balearic Islands, Jaume Matas, who is also a former Spanish environment minister. He was given a nine month sentence after being found guilty of using public money to pay a journalist who wrote articles praising him. The verdict was part of a wider scandal that has also ensnared a member of the royal family, Cristina de Borbón, and her husband Iñaki UrdangarinFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44323/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A number of applications for pardons from high profile politicians and celebrities were turned down last Friday by the PP Administration in Madrid.
Amongst those included was the suspended judge Baltasar Garzón, currently the head of Julian As...

### THE PAPARAZZI EXPAT

A few days ago I received an email from what I had previously thought was a reputable media agency in New York, asking me if I knew of a good “paparazzi style” photographer on the island or, failing that, would I be prepared to “do the job”?
Apparently, there was a Very Important Person on the island, and the magazine wanted to obtain a collection of photos for their publications, as well as providing material for others who were interested.
Our islands regularly welcome a fair number of the famous, rich and powerful and well-heeled members of society. We are used to accommodating film stars, rappers, royals and politicians, corrupt or otherwise. We often see them out and about, in bars, restaurants or local shops. Indeed, I had a brief chat with one celebrity, who will remain nameless, over the cheese counter at Carrefour only last week.
It was good to see him looking so relaxed, and he appeared so much smaller, as well better presented, in real life than he does on the TV screen. I did not ask for an autograph, but merely suggested that he ask the assistant for a piece of the cheese to sample before purchase. He seemed grateful for my suggestion.
Most of the better hotels and restaurants on the islands appreciate the privacy and discretion that their more famous clients expect; sensibly recognising that it is essential for future recommendations and business. There are exceptions, of course, but it is rare. It is quite simple; those businesses that are not discrete simply lose business, and word gets around fast on an island.
Maybe we are being spoilsports for not joining in with the fun. After all, just a few photos with a long lens of a beautiful girl or a good looking guy sunbathing on one of our beautiful beaches would provide some titivation and entertainment on a wet, cold Sunday morning for readers in the UK or US. Surely there is no harm in a little of that? Actually there is, and many see the behaviour of those engaged in paparazzi style activities as akin to stalking, taking advantage and invading personal space. 
In many countries, anti-stalking laws are rightly in place to protect the lives of public figures and celebrities. As we have heard in the lengthy phone hacking trials in the UK, the courts agree that everyone is entitled to some degree of privacy in their lives, and the general public is beginning to recognise that there is a line, albeit a fine one, to be drawn between private and public lives. Our lives are not an open book for everyone to read, and some degree of privacy should be guaranteed.
Yes, I do know several excellent and more than capable photographers on the island, but I certainly would not suggest any for paparazzi work attempting to embarrass the rich, famous, powerful or just very fortunate on holiday. Those that I know would not want the job anyway. 
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie Mahoney
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44322/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A few days ago I received an email from what I had previously thought was a reputable media agency in New York, asking me if I knew of a good “paparazzi style” photographer on the island or, failing that, would I be prepared to “do t...

### GREENS UNITE IN DEMO AGAINST OIL EXPLORATION

The Orihuela and Torrevieja Green Party's joined forces last weekend as they made a stand, first at la Playa del Cura de Torrevieja and then at La Zenia beach on the Orihuela Costa, against oil exploration that the government has authorized the off the Canary Islands.
They say that they now fear that exploration could soon be approved in the Gulf of Valencia
This was the very last action carried out by Orihuela mayor Monserrate Guillen prior to suffering his heart attack on Sunday morning.
Also attending the demo was Torrevieja Councillor José Manuel Dolon who said that evedn the introduction of surveys off the regional coast would result in "a serious threat to coastal tourism which at this time of the year contributes up to 80% of the economy and so we ask the support of the citizens."
The ‘Greens' say that in the coming weeks they will be travelling up and down the Valencian coastline promoting sustainable energy, because the proposed surveys will only bring harm to our region.
Regional politician González Pons argued that the granting of surveys would be very harmful." He  also denounced "the silence of regional President Fabra who should be looking after the interests of his own people rather than following the government positions taken on the Balearic and Canary Islands."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44321/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Orihuela and Torrevieja Green Party's joined forces last weekend as they made a stand, first at la Playa del Cura de Torrevieja and then at La Zenia beach on the Orihuela Costa, against oil exploration that the government has authorized the off the Canary Islands.
They say that they now fear that exploration could soon be approved in the Gulf of Valencia
This was the very last action carried out by Orihuela mayor Monserrate Guillen prior to suffering his heart attack on Sunday morning.
Also attending the demo was Torrevieja Councillor José Manuel Dolon who said that evedn the introduction of surveys off the regional coast would result in "a serious threat to coastal tourism which at this time of the year contributes up to 80% of the economy and so we ask the support of the citizens."
The ‘Greens' say that in the coming weeks they will be travelling up and down the Valencian coastline promoting sustainable energy, because the proposed surveys will only bring harm to our region.
Regional politician González Pons argued that the granting of surveys would be very harmful." He  also denounced "the silence of regional President Fabra who should be looking after the interests of his own people rather than following the government positions taken on the Balearic and Canary Islands."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44321/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNEARTH GRAVES IN CALLOSA DE SEGURA

The latest excavations by the Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ) at the site of the Argaric 'Hillside Castle' in Callosa del Segura, has exposed three graves inside a family home.
They are of a child under two years old, buried inside an earthenware sontainer, an adult male and a child of about 6 or 7 years of age, next to which they also discovered two important ivory buttons. 
Burials inside houses was a common practice by this ancient civilization that lived in the south of the province of Alicante over 4000 years ago.
The discoveries were made last month during the work of the third excavation campaign authorized by the Provincial Council of Alicante and carried out by staff from the museum.
The residents of Algar were a Bronze Age settlement that occupied the southeastern area of the Iberian Peninsula between the years 2100 and 1500 BC. The site of 'Las Laderas del Castillo' (the Slopes Castle), was first explored in the early twentieth century by Jesuit Julio Furgús and later by the Catalan archaeologist Josep Colominas. 
The site is one of the most important Bronze Age settlements found on the Iberian Peninsula covering twenty hectares with over a thousand residents.
Meanwhile a Little further up the coast in Calpe, excavations carried out in Pobla d'Ifach has unearthed a document confirming the ‘right to fire' in their homes in the fourteenth century. The 'fogatge' was a hearth tax, one of the oldest taxes known, which was imposed on settlements by the landowners, in this case to 100 families, which implies that the settlement would have about 400 inhabitants.
The team of archaeologists from the Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ) have so far discovered 50 tombs in which the have made many new ‘finds'. including many bodies of children, their bones showing signs of premature disease which suggests they were suffering from poor nutrition. 
Archaeologists have speculated that the settlement came north, perhaps from Lleida, looking for a better life.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44319/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The latest excavations by the Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ) at the site of the Argaric 'Hillside Castle' in Callosa del Segura, has exposed three graves inside a family home.
They are of a child under two years old, buried inside an earthen...

### HISTORY OF A BRITISH SHIPWRECK

The Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ) is currently holding an exhibition, "Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck" displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813. And amongst the items exhibited is a 210 year old bottle of Fondillón wine which was produced in the province of Alicante.
The exhibition, which was opened last week by the President of the Council of Alicante, Luisa Pastor, will be open until January 11, 2015. In the main it is as a result of a joint effort by the Archaeology Museum-Centre d 'Submerged Archaeology of Catalonia and Girona - MARQ and the Regulatory Council of the Denomination of Wines of Alicante.
The exhibition provides a comprehensive view of the remains that were recovered from the British wreck displaying about a hundred everyday objects, including the 210 year old bottle of Alicante wine, which, when it was found in 2008 was completely intact and sealed. 
The President was accompanied by the Deputy Councillor of Culture, Juan Bautista Rosello, the president of the DOP, Antonio Miguel Navarro, and the President of the Banco Sabadell Foundation, which is sponsoring the exhibition.
Pastor said that "it is an exceptional exhibition as the 'Deltebre I' is from one of the few archaeological vessels that has suffered no looting, which has allowed us to see a fascinating episode in the history, with objects that are still in very good condition after 200 years. Moreover, there is still a great deal of underwater excavation that remains unfinished, there is still much to discover and as we speak there are teams that are still are working on the wreck."
The exhibition also includes a variety of weapons that were being used at that time, mortar bombs, grenades, gunpowder, personal weapons and ammunition of different calibres. There are also many navigational items that have been recovered from the wreck and from the living quarters of the officers, including a sextant, the Captain's seal, as well as a selection of clothing and footwear.
In June 1813, after an unsuccessful expedition to liberate the city of Tarragona from the domain of Napoleonic forces, eighteen ships of a convoy supervised by the Lt. General John Murray, were surprised by strong gales. Five of them ran aground in the Ebro delta on the Catalonia coast.
Almost 200 years later, Deltebre I was found by local fishermen, and has been the subject of an archaeological study since 2008 by the Centre for Underwater Archaeology of Catalonia (CASC-MAC). Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44318/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ) is currently holding an exhibition, "Deltebre I. History of a shipwreck" displaying artefacts rescued from a British navy ship which was sunk in the mouth of the Ebro in 1813. And amongst the items exhibited is a 210 year old bottle of Fondillón wine which was produced in the province of Alicante.
The exhibition, which was opened last week by the President of the Council of Alicante, Luisa Pastor, will be open until January 11, 2015. In the main it is as a result of a joint effort by the Archaeology Museum-Centre d 'Submerged Archaeology of Catalonia and Girona - MARQ and the Regulatory Council of the Denomination of Wines of Alicante.
The exhibition provides a comprehensive view of the remains that were recovered from the British wreck displaying about a hundred everyday objects, including the 210 year old bottle of Alicante wine, which, when it was found in 2008 was completely intact and sealed. 
The President was accompanied by the Deputy Councillor of Culture, Juan Bautista Rosello, the president of the DOP, Antonio Miguel Navarro, and the President of the Banco Sabadell Foundation, which is sponsoring the exhibition.
Pastor said that "it is an exceptional exhibition as the 'Deltebre I' is from one of the few archaeological vessels that has suffered no looting, which has allowed us to see a fascinating episode in the history, with objects that are still in very good condition after 200 years. Moreover, there is still a great deal of underwater excavation that remains unfinished, there is still much to discover and as we speak there are teams that are still are working on the wreck."
The exhibition also includes a variety of weapons that were being used at that time, mortar bombs, grenades, gunpowder, personal weapons and ammunition of different calibres. There are also many navigational items that have been recovered from the wreck and from the living quarters of the officers, including a sextant, the Captain's seal, as well as a selection of clothing and footwear.
In June 1813, after an unsuccessful expedition to liberate the city of Tarragona from the domain of Napoleonic forces, eighteen ships of a convoy supervised by the Lt. General John Murray, were surprised by strong gales. Five of them ran aground in the Ebro delta on the Catalonia coast.
Almost 200 years later, Deltebre I was found by local fishermen, and has been the subject of an archaeological study since 2008 by the Centre for Underwater Archaeology of Catalonia (CASC-MAC). Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44318/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### URBAN ART IN TORRE DE LA HORADADA

Urban Art filled la rambla de los Jesuitas in Torre de la Horadada on Sunday as dozens of artists gathered to contest the 3rd Graffiti Competition organised by the Department of Culture in Pilar de la Horadada.
Local artists shared the walls with competitors from Granada, Madrid and Albacete, as they all set about creating their fresco's based on the theme of  ‘marine issues'  the subject  chosen by this year's organisers.
And the names of the winners will be closely guarded, we are told, until 30 July when the Judging Panel will announce their winners at a ceremony in the Cultural centre, commemorating Horadada's segregation from Orihuela, where the 400 euro first prize will be presented.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44317/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Urban Art filled la rambla de los Jesuitas in Torre de la Horadada on Sunday as dozens of artists gathered to contest the 3rd Graffiti Competition organised by the Department of Culture in Pilar de la Horadada.
Local artists shared the walls with comp...

### BLACKPOOL LA MANGA TRIP ABORTED

Blackpool fans have been left rocked - after a pre-season trip to Spain was dramatically cancelled - with scheduled games at La Manga given the boot due to a shortage of PLAYERS! 
“The manager has taken the decision to cancel the pre-season tour - we will be able to be much more productive here, than in Spain,” said chairman Karl Oyston. Seasiders new manager Jose Riga cancelled pre-season friendlies against La Liga outfit Granada CF on July 26, and against FC Cartagena on July 28.
And instead of being at the La Manga Club Football Academy the Blackpool squad and fans - due to fly to La Manga for a nine-day pre-season camp - remain in Britain. Problems arose due to Blackpool having a mere eight senior contracted players - leading to Riga postponing the Spanish trip.
“We feel our time will be better served trying to get some player deals. It wasn't an easy decision," said Oyston. Supporters had booked flights and accommodation in the La Manga area to watch the pre-season games - and take in a few days' holiday.
There is discontent amongst fans and Oyston - with the club having a paltry eight senior players on their books - ahead of the 2014-15 season kicking-off next month. Oyston, set to compensate supporters who have booked flights to Spain, said: “I hope we can deal with this fairly."
Riga and Oyston have held talks over the club's transfer policy. And Oyston said: “We had a chat and are determined to resolve this situation." endsFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44316/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Blackpool fans have been left rocked - after a pre-season trip to Spain was dramatically cancelled - with scheduled games at La Manga given the boot due to a shortage of PLAYERS! 
“The manager has taken the decision to cancel the pre-season tour - we will be able to be much more productive here, than in Spain,” said chairman Karl Oyston. Seasiders new manager Jose Riga cancelled pre-season friendlies against La Liga outfit Granada CF on July 26, and against FC Cartagena on July 28.
And instead of being at the La Manga Club Football Academy the Blackpool squad and fans - due to fly to La Manga for a nine-day pre-season camp - remain in Britain. Problems arose due to Blackpool having a mere eight senior contracted players - leading to Riga postponing the Spanish trip.
“We feel our time will be better served trying to get some player deals. It wasn't an easy decision," said Oyston. Supporters had booked flights and accommodation in the La Manga area to watch the pre-season games - and take in a few days' holiday.
There is discontent amongst fans and Oyston - with the club having a paltry eight senior players on their books - ahead of the 2014-15 season kicking-off next month. Oyston, set to compensate supporters who have booked flights to Spain, said: “I hope we can deal with this fairly."
Riga and Oyston have held talks over the club's transfer policy. And Oyston said: “We had a chat and are determined to resolve this situation." endsFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44316/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### The Weekend – 19 and 20 July 2014

All this week
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. NEW – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
BARCELONA
Porgy And Bess, Gran Teatre Del Liceu (Until Saturday).
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
Exhibition – 40th Aniversario Comparsa Mosquetera, Biblioteca Municipal (Until 28 July).
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
Exhibition of historic documents detailing the accounts of fiesta de santas Justa y Rufina from the year 1644. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 July).
SATURDAY 19 JULY
Markets
Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola.
BENICASSIM 
FIB 2014, The Libertines, Lily Allen, Manic Street Preachers. Recinto De Conciertos Castellón/Castelló.
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Moors and Christians (Until 27 July).
ORIHUELA
Moors and Christians Fiesta (Bus available from the coast – Booking essential).
21:30 – Grand parade – “SOLEMNE DESFILE DE ENTRADA MORA”.
ORIHUELA COSTA
“Érase una Vez”, children´s stories from a magical forest, through mystical castles, meeting strange creatures and dangerous dragons – Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA 
17:00 – Brainfood Soundsystem, reggae event, Doña Sinforosa park.
21:30 – Gala concert for the AFA, Virgen del Carmen Centre.
23:00 – 60º Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonía (Until 26 July). Concert at the Eras de la Sal.
SUNDAY 20 JULY
Markets
Benidorm, Elche, La Nucia, Campoverde, La Marina, Zoco, Almoradí street market, Lemon Tree Road, Mil Palmeras.
BENICASSIM 
FIB 2014, Paolo Nutini, Charlatans. Recinto De Conciertos Castellón/Castelló.
CARTAGENA
Ray Davies, La Mar De Músicas.
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Moors and Christians (Until 27 July).
ORIHUELA
Moors and Christians.
ORIHUELA COSTA
La Pandilla de Drillo, popular children´s entertainment show – Zenia Boulevard.
Underwater guided snorkelling tour (Every Wed and Sun in July and August).
TORREVIEJA 
21:00 – Interchange concert with Torrevieja and Crevillente bands, La Mata.
23:00 – 60º Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonía (Until 26 July). Concert in the Eras de la Sal.
VALLADOLID
Katie Melua, Patio San Benito.
FUTURE EVENTS
Villajoyosa – Moors and Christians, 24 July.
Orihuela Costa – Fisherman´s Market, end of July.
Orihuela Costa – Festival Flamenco, 29-31 July.
Buñol – La Tomatina tomato fight, 27 August (Sold out).

Excerpt: All this week ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. NEW – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of […]

### Friday 18 July 2014 – What´s On Guide

All this week
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. NEW – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
BARCELONA
Porgy And Bess, Gran Teatre Del Liceu (Until Saturday).
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
Exhibition – 40th Aniversario Comparsa Mosquetera, Biblioteca Municipal (Until 28 July).
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
Exhibition of historic documents detailing the accounts of fiesta de santas Justa y Rufina from the year 1644. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 July).
FRIDAY 18 JULY
International Nelson Mandela Day (Mandela’s birthday).
Markets
Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, TORREVIEJA.
ALTEA
Discover Altea, guided walks through the picturesque town, every Friday in July and August.
BENICASSIM 
FIB 2014, Kasabian, Paul Weller. Recinto De Conciertos Castellón/Castelló.
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Moors and Christians (Until 27 July).
MADRID
Portishead, Palacio De Deportes Comunidad De Madrid.
ORIHUELA
Moors and Christians Fiesta (Bus available from the coast – Booking essential).
21:30 – Grand solemn parade – “SOLEMNE DESFILE DE ENTRADA CRISTIANA”.
ORIHUELA COSTA
The Liverpool Band, Beatles tribute – Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
21:00 – End of term dance spectacular, Teatro Municipal.

Excerpt: All this week ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. NEW – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of […]

### MAN DROWNS ON GUARDAMAR BEACH

A man died on Wednesday evening at the beach of “Els Vivers” in Guardamar del Segura. The beach is located on the harbour side of the segura river outlet.
Reports from the emergency services state that they received a notification of the incident at 19:21, when the man was pulled from the water but resuscitation attempts were without results.
The man was on the beach, accompanied by three relatives, who were treated by psychologists from teh Cruz Roja.
The beach in question was unsupervised at the time, although the adjacent beaches were flying a red flag prohibiting swimming.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44301/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A man died on Wednesday evening at the beach of “Els Vivers” in Guardamar del Segura. The beach is located on the harbour side of the segura river outlet.
Reports from the emergency services state that they received a notification of the i...

### Thursday 17 July 2014 – Things to do

All this week
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. NEW – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
BARCELONA
Porgy And Bess, Gran Teatre Del Liceu (Until Saturday).
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
Exhibition – 40th Aniversario Comparsa Mosquetera, Biblioteca Municipal (Until 28 July).
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
Exhibition of historic documents detailing the accounts of fiesta de santas Justa y Rufina from the year 1644. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 July).
THURSDAY 17 JULY
Local holiday across Orihuela. World Day for International Justice.
Markets
Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales.
BARCELONA
Nigel Kennedy, Teatro Principal.
Joss Stone, Sala Bikini.
BENICASSIM 
FIB 2014, Tinie Tempah, Ellie Goulding. Recinto De Conciertos Castellón/Castelló.
MADRID
James Arthur, La Riviera.
ORIHUELA
Moors and Christians Fiesta (Bus available from the coast – Booking essential). “DCCLXXII ANIVERSARIO DE LA RECONQUISTA”.
09:30 and 10:00 – Parade.
10:30 Solemn mass.
11:30 – Presentation.
20:30 – Battle and parades into the evening.
ORIHUELA COSTA
An evening of monologues (in Spanish), mariachis and PlayStation games – Zenia Boulevard.

Excerpt: All this week ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. NEW – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of […]

### TWO INJURIED IN GRAN ALACANT CRASH

Two people were injured on Tuesday morning when the vehicles they were driving collided at kilometre 93 of the N-332 coastal road, around one kilometre on the Alicante side of the Gran Alacant urbanisation.
The incident happened at around 10:30 in the morning resulting in one motorist, believed to be 33 years of age, being seriously injured, and a second, said to be 54 years of age, suffering less serious injuries, both being taken to the general hospital in Alicante.  
The incident caused the road to remain blocked for about two hours before the Cartagena bound lane was reopened, the Alicante direction being cleared shortly afterwards. The road in the location is a single lane carriageway in each direction with no central reservation.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44300/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Two people were injured on Tuesday morning when the vehicles they were driving collided at kilometre 93 of the N-332 coastal road, around one kilometre on the Alicante side of the Gran Alacant urbanisation.
The incident happened at around 10:30 in the...

### HIGH SPEED TRAIN BUS LINK DELAYED

The anticipated direct bus link from Benidorm and Torrevieja to the high speed train at Villena, due to start on Monday of this week, has been delayed due to problems agreeing elements of the service with the bus operator.
The mayor of Villena, Francisco Javier Esquembre, ensures that companies will sign the agreement “in the coming days”, although no fixed date has yet been confirmed for the start of the service.
There has also been no further information on the charter bus that train operator Renfe had promised, which was organised due to the mayor of Alicante, Sonia Castedo, refusing to allow the service from her city to the coastal towns, supporting suggestions by taxi drivers that the service would cause unnecessary congestion on the roads.
Once the required steps have been carried out and approved by all parties involved, the train company will begin to offer the combined tickets for sale, and will launch a promotional campaign supporting the new service, once it finally starts. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44299/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The anticipated direct bus link from Benidorm and Torrevieja to the high speed train at Villena, due to start on Monday of this week, has been delayed due to problems agreeing elements of the service with the bus operator.
The mayor of Villena, Franci...

### Wednesday 16 July 2014 – Daily Diary

All this week
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. NEW – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
BARCELONA
Porgy And Bess, Gran Teatre Del Liceu (Until Saturday).
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
Exhibition – 40th Aniversario Comparsa Mosquetera, Biblioteca Municipal (Until 28 July).
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
Exhibition of historic documents detailing the accounts of fiesta de santas Justa y Rufina from the year 1644. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 July).
WEDNESDAY 16 JULY
Local holiday in Torrevieja.
Markets
Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas.
BARCELONA
Nigel Kennedy, Teatro Principal.
ORIHUELA
Moors and Christians Fiesta.
11:30 – Presentation of fiestas de reconquista.
21:30 – Children´s parade.
23:30 – Concentration and presentation of the symbol of Orihuela, the Oriol, from the balcony of the town hall.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Peari (saxophonist), Mago Ferrán (Magician) and Queen tribute “Chess” – Zenia Boulevard.
Underwater guided snorkelling tour (Every Wed and Sun in July and August).
TORREVIEJA
Virgen del Carmen fiesta, patron saint of fishermen.
11:30 – “Cucaña”, pole climbing and walking, a traditional fisherman´s game.
19:30 – Mass, with choir, traditional procession and fireworks.

Excerpt: All this week ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. NEW – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of […]

### MAYWEATHER WILL STEP INTO THE RING IN SEPTEMBER

Floyd Mayweather will face Marcos Maidana again in his next fight with the rematch sure to capture the imagination of the boxing world.
 Image taken from: http://www.trbimg.com/img-5365db91/turbine/la-sp-boxing-mayweather-maidana-20140504
 Despite some perhaps wondering why Mayweather hasn’t gone after the likes of Manny Pacquiao or Amir Khan, there is little doubt that Maidana is a top class opponent who can trouble the champion.
 Opponents at a premium
 In truth, a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight doesn’t have the charm or mystery it once did, with the Filipino losing two of his last four fights, including one in devastating fashion to old foe Juan Manuel Marquez.
 Amir Khan may fight Mayweather soon, but unfortunately for the Briton the American’s next available date was during Ramadan, which Khan observes.
 With the amount of fasting that Khan would be undertaking during Ramadan, a professional fight and accompanying training camp was never an option so he must wait for his shot at the man they call “Money”.
 Image taken from: http://pakistanisforpeace.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/amir-khan-king-khan.jpg
 The Money Man
 Where once he was “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather – in a reference to the gangster and the fact that the Grand Rapids fighter rarely got hit – he has evolved into “Money” Mayweather.
 It’s a piece of showmanship that doesn’t sit well with a lot of people who perhaps struggle to make ends meet, but in the world of Las Vegas it’s a name that fits perfectly.
 With casino games, gambling and plenty of money on show in the casinos of Las Vegas Floyd Mayweather and his controversial nickname is lauded. For people with the right sized wallet it is of course no problem to have a bash in the casinos while the majority of us settle for a Take away and the online casino version.
 The bout with Maidana will again take place in the MGM Grand with many of Mayweather’s fans set to enjoy the delights of Sin City and the casinos before settling down to what should be a great fight.
 Great fight ahead
 The 37-year-old will be confident of disposing of Maidana for a second time in quick succession but the Argentinian will also be confident of posing even more problems for the American this time around.
 Maidana is an awkward type, a tough as nails fighter with a quick punching although rigid style of boxing.
 Mayweather was able to second guess Maidana a little in their first fight, such was the Argentine’s reluctance to shake things up a little and change his roads towards the punches.
 Walking in straight lines was the Argentine’s downfall in the end, with Mayweather able to use all his experience and slipperiness to weave in and out of danger while catching Maidana.
 It remains to be seen if this fight will be similar but one thing is for sure, the fans in Las Vegas are in for another treat.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44298/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Floyd Mayweather will face Marcos Maidana again in his next fight with the rematch sure to capture the imagination of the boxing world.
 Image taken from: http://www.trbimg.com/img-5365db91/turbine/la-sp-boxing-mayweather-maidana-20140504
 Despite some perhaps wondering why Mayweather hasn’t gone after the likes of Manny Pacquiao or Amir Khan, there is little doubt that Maidana is a top class opponent who can trouble the champion.
 Opponents at a premium
 In truth, a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight doesn’t have the charm or mystery it once did, with the Filipino losing two of his last four fights, including one in devastating fashion to old foe Juan Manuel Marquez.
 Amir Khan may fight Mayweather soon, but unfortunately for the Briton the American’s next available date was during Ramadan, which Khan observes.
 With the amount of fasting that Khan would be undertaking during Ramadan, a professional fight and accompanying training camp was never an option so he must wait for his shot at the man they call “Money”.
 Image taken from: http://pakistanisforpeace.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/amir-khan-king-khan.jpg
 The Money Man
 Where once he was “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather – in a reference to the gangster and the fact that the Grand Rapids fighter rarely got hit – he has evolved into “Money” Mayweather.
 It’s a piece of showmanship that doesn’t sit well with a lot of people who perhaps struggle to make ends meet, but in the world of Las Vegas it’s a name that fits perfectly.
 With casino games, gambling and plenty of money on show in the casinos of Las Vegas Floyd Mayweather and his controversial nickname is lauded. For people with the right sized wallet it is of course no problem to have a bash in the casinos while the majority of us settle for a Take away and the online casino version.
 The bout with Maidana will again take place in the MGM Grand with many of Mayweather’s fans set to enjoy the delights of Sin City and the casinos before settling down to what should be a great fight.
 Great fight ahead
 The 37-year-old will be confident of disposing of Maidana for a second time in quick succession but the Argentinian will also be confident of posing even more problems for the American this time around.
 Maidana is an awkward type, a tough as nails fighter with a quick punching although rigid style of boxing.
 Mayweather was able to second guess Maidana a little in their first fight, such was the Argentine’s reluctance to shake things up a little and change his roads towards the punches.
 Walking in straight lines was the Argentine’s downfall in the end, with Mayweather able to use all his experience and slipperiness to weave in and out of danger while catching Maidana.
 It remains to be seen if this fight will be similar but one thing is for sure, the fans in Las Vegas are in for another treat.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44298/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### BURNING WASTE TIP – ORIHUELA COSTA

Media representatives attended a presentation on 15 July by representatives of the urbanisations most affected and members of C.L.A.R.O. at the site of a burning waste tip close to Las Ramblas golf course. 
The burning waste tip is huge, up to 20 metres high and covering an area of some 150,000 square metres (the equivalent of dozens of football pitches).    It is situated on the Pilar side of the Pilar-Orihuela border close to the Sierra Escalona natural park.     It is almost certainly illegal but no longer actively used as a waste tip.   However, it is no longer fenced off since much of the original fencing has long since been removed.    It is believed to have been used as the dumping ground for rubbish collected from Orihuela Costa many years ago most likely at the time when there was no formal contract for this service.     The consequences of operating such a service without a contract and related payment irregularities are the subject of the latest court proceedings against Popular Party councillors launched in 2009 and which will require 9 PP former and present councillors to appear in court in Orihuela at the end of July.    
For many years this dump has been giving off strong offensive smells.   Because it is not properly ventilated, the contents have rotted and the resulting gases have ignited.    It is a serious health hazard to those living nearby and those who are on the paths of the winds which carry the probably toxic smoke considerable distances all over Orihuela Costa.    Asthma sufferers are badly affected and a worryingly high number of cases of cancer have occurred among those living near to the site.   It is obviously a serious environmental hazard because contaminated leakages will be penetrating the ground on which it stands and presumably the water table below.    It is close to fields of orange and lemon trees which could be affected by ground and air pollution.
Despite complaints to Orihuela and Pilar authorities in the past, nothing has been done to alleviate the concerns of those affected.    Alerted to their problems, C.L.A.R.O. Councillor Bob Houliston passed this information on to the Mayor of Orihuela last week.   The Mayor took immediate steps to establish a report by the local police.   The report fully backed up the reasons for concern, adding that the burning waste tip constituted a fire hazard due to the present drought, hot weather and winds.  On the basis of the police report, Orihuela Town Hall has filed a formal complaint with SEPRONA, the Guardia Civile's environmental police.    On 14 July, with the support of C.L.A.R.O., Mr. Bob Hammond, on behalf of the 10 urbanisations close to the site in Las Ramblas, presented their own formal complaint to SPRONA.  
Stressing the dangers posed by this no doubt illegal burning waste tip to human health and the environment, Mr. Hammond's complaint to SEPRONA seeks a full report on the dump, confirmation that it is illegal  and in that case action to render the dump safe and to remove the contents.   It also requests the Environment Protection Prosecutor to consider if an environmental crime has been committed.   No doubt the local Pilar de la Horadada Town Hall will be directly responsible for taking action to resolve the problem but all concerned in Orihuela Costa will need to follow the issue closely to ensure that prompt action is taken.  The role of the media to inform the public will be very important.   The health and environmental hazards are too serious to allow administrative or political inaction. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44297/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Media representatives attended a presentation on 15 July by representatives of the urbanisations most affected and members of C.L.A.R.O. at the site of a burning waste tip close to Las Ramblas golf course. 
The burning waste tip is huge, up to 20 metr...

### SPANISH SOCIALISTS ELECT NEW LEADER

Spain´s socialist PSOE group elected Pedro Sánchez as their new leader at the weekend, following the resignation of Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba, announced after a crushing European election defeat.
The 42 year old doctor of economics has a history of work in both international diplomatic and local political roles, Sánchez will now head the party towards the next national and municipal elections next year.
Despite his near Americanized glamorous look and warming presentation skills, Sánchez has ridden off the back of a “down to earth” image, sayin in a statement that, “I am a rank-and-file activist. A year and a half ago I was not a politician”, and emphasising how “My only equipment is my Peugeot 407, in which I have driven 40,000 kilometres in the past eight months, and my allies are the road and party activists”.
Promising to return the PSOE to its grass roots policies of a socialist and worker driven party, Sánchez is seen as a real threat to the current PP government, who have inflicted cuts to public services, reductions in the rights of workers, and forced the country into austerity in a battle to revive the country´s economy.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44296/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spain´s socialist PSOE group elected Pedro Sánchez as their new leader at the weekend, following the resignation of Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba, announced after a crushing European election defeat.
The 42 year old doctor of economics h...

### What´s On – Tuesday 15 July 2014

All this week
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. NEW – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
BARCELONA
Porgy And Bess, Gran Teatre Del Liceu (Until Saturday).
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
Exhibition – 40th Aniversario Comparsa Mosquetera, Biblioteca Municipal (Until 28 July).
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
Exhibition of historic documents detailing the accounts of fiesta de santas Justa y Rufina from the year 1644. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 July).
TUESDAY 15 JULY
Markets
Alicante, (Rastro), Aspe, Altea, Benijofar, ORIHUELA, San Fulgencio.
ORIHUELA
Moors and Christians Fiesta. 21:30 – Gran Retreta Festera, inauguration of cartels.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Raquel Peña dancers – Zenia Boulevard.
TENERIFE
Al Jarreau, Auditorio De Tenerife Adán Martín, Santa Cruz De Tenerife.
TORREVIEJA
“Recondando Madrid” gala, Palacio de la Música.

Excerpt: All this week ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. NEW – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of […]

### ORIHUELA MAYOR UNDERGOES EMERGENCY HEART SURGERY

The mayor of Orihuela, Monserrate Guillén of the Los Verdes green party, was hospitalised at the weekend, suffering a heart condition.
In a statement, fellow green councillor, Manuel Gallud, along with government spokesperson, Carolina Gracia, explained how Guillén had been taken ill on Saturday evening from his home, complaining of chest pains.
He was taken to the Chiron Hospital of Torrevieja, where he was monitored in the intensive care unit, later to be transferred on Sunday to the General Hospital of Alicante, where he underwent surgery to install two “stents” in the heart. 
He now remains in the intensive care unit at Alicante, although is condition is described as stables and “out of danger”. Gallud explained that under the circumstances, the physicians estimate that recovery could take between one and two months. He also said that “We want to thank the many people who offered signs of affection and concern for the health of the mayor”.
As a result of his current incapacitation from work, the first deputy mayor, Antonio Zapata of the PSOE, resumes the role as head of the municipality, whereas the responsibilities for urban and public safety matter will temporarily be taken on by Gallud.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44288/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The mayor of Orihuela, Monserrate Guillén of the Los Verdes green party, was hospitalised at the weekend, suffering a heart condition.
In a statement, fellow green councillor, Manuel Gallud, along with government spokesperson, Carolina Gracia, ...

### ISSUE 528 OF THE LEADER IS OUT NOW

This week´s virtual version of The Leader newspaper, issue number 528, is out now, on our dedicated website where you can also read previous issues.
This is the direct link: http://www.virtualleader.info/issue-528-14-july-2014
You will be able to pick up the real newspaper in the morning from one of hundreds of venues around the Costa Blanca, with new locations being added every week.
First for all the latest news, sports, features and more, make sure you are in the know with The Leader.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44287/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: This week´s virtual version of The Leader newspaper, issue number 528, is out now, on our dedicated website where you can also read previous issues.
This is the direct link: http://www.virtualleader.info/issue-528-14-july-2014
You will be able ...

### Things to do – Monday 14 July 2014

All this week
ALICANTE
MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. NEW – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of wine utensils visitors can see the origin of production in Alicante).
BARCELONA
Porgy And Bess, Gran Teatre Del Liceu (Until Saturday).
GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA
Exhibition of historic coins, Museo Arqueológico (Until Oct).
Exhibition – 40th Aniversario Comparsa Mosquetera, Biblioteca Municipal (Until 28 July).
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
Exhibition of historic documents detailing the accounts of fiesta de santas Justa y Rufina from the year 1644. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 July).
MONDAY 14 JULY
Bastille Day – French National Day.
Markets
Cox, Elche, Formentera, La Nucia, San Pedro del Pinatar, Santa Pola, Sax, Torremendo.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Mago Ferrán (Magician) and Tour de France on the big screen – Zenia Boulevard.

Excerpt: All this week ALICANTE MARQ Archaeological museum – Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD. NEW – Wines of Alicante through history (Through a hundred pieces, some with over twenty centuries old, – vases, jars, bottles, cups, and other publications related to the growing and production of […]

### GOVERNMENT SETS OUT PLANS TO BAN SALE OF DOGS AND CATS

The Spanish government is considering banning the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores under a law aimed at protecting the rights and welfare of the animals.
Work on the bill began late last year with the minister for Agriculture, Food and Environment, Miguel Arias Cañete, stating that his department are working towards protecting the animals.
The legislation would set out a series of restrictions and responsibilities to establish the basic rules on trade and dog and cat ownership, with regular inspections and controls for compliance, and establishing a system of offenses and penalties.
In this draft which is set to be presented shortly, the law will only relate to dogs and cats, with the exception of “animals owned by the Ministries of Defence and the Interior and its autonomous bodies or assigned to the Security Forces and local police”.
Specifically featured in the bill are laws to prevent the mistreatment and torture of animals, in fact any action that results in the unnecessary harm to dogs and cats, including abandoning them, fighting, amputation of the ears or tail and parts thereof, the use for public entertainment or advertising that may cause distress, pain or suffering, using the animals for bait and killing cats and dogs without the express and authorised veterinary euthanasia methods.
Fundamentally, the text also states that “the marketing of animals in pet stores is prohibited, as well as exhibition and display to the public for commercial purposes”, thus banning the sale of these animals from pet shops. In addition, attempting to sell, donate or give up for adoption a dog or cat without identification by microchip will be prohibited. Owners of dogs and cats as well as shelters for abandoned pets, are subject to obligations to ensure the welfare of animals, which must have an identification microchip.
The financial penalties for breaking the law range from 100 to 3,000 euro fines for minor offenses, between 3,001 and 30,000 euro for serious offenses, and between 30,001 and 200,000 euro for those classed as very serious offenses.
Within that “very serious” category includes killing a cat or dog if not for approved reasons of animal welfare, animal health, public health, environmental or public order, using animals for fighting, neglect resulting in death, mutilations and the sale of animals in pet stores.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44286/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Spanish government is considering banning the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores under a law aimed at protecting the rights and welfare of the animals.
Work on the bill began late last year with the minister for Agriculture, Food and Environment,...

### VALUING THE WORK OF POLICE DOGS

As the UK government has cut funding to police forces over the last 4 years by some 20%, some of the first hatchets have slashed away dog and mounted sections, with hundreds of dogs being retired since 2009, and at least 5 forces disbanding their mounted sections completely.
In Spain, the opposite is happening, with the value of police animals being celebrated, and more dogs and horses being used in the detection of crime and assisting the security services in their duties.
In 2013 in Spain, expert dogs, often referred to as “cadaver dogs”, were active in solving 15 major crimes with the Guardia Civil alone, yet in the first six months of this year, that figure has already reached 16 occurrences.
From their base with the Servicio Cinológico de la Guardia Civil in El Pardo, four of their specialist dogs have been showcased this week. Elton, Pipo, Dzana and Fatal are Belgian Shepherds, and are able to detect the odour of human remains for years after the person has died, even able to distinguish between human and animal remains.
Even if blood has been cleaned away using disinfectant or other chemical cleaners, these dogs can still detect the often sordid truth hiding underneath, as was the case in June, when a murder took place and was hidden by the perpetrator who meticulously cleaned the scene of the crime, as well as all clothing worn during the act, hiding all evidence of wrongdoing.  
But Elton and Pipo, who train daily with their human companions Juan Manuel Sánchez and Israel Herrero, found traces of blood, imperceptible to the eye and odourless, which incriminated the main suspect as the culprit. 
In April, the dogs took part in the search of a site where a dismembered and partially buried body was found near Las Rozas. Suspicions pointed to a relative of the victim, those suspicions confirmed when the dogs clearly identified a number of locations containing blood deposits, and even the murder weapon, an axe which had been cleaned of all traces, or so the murderer thought.
As part of their training, when one of these dogs finds a piece of evidence, they simply remain in place, without digging or even touching the site, so as not to damage or contaminate evidence, alerting their handler of their find.
Whereas the use of dogs as “expert witnesses” may seem an unusual practice, the value of their work is self evident in an ever increasing number of cases. Israel Herrero agrees that although “much progress has been made”, they must all “continue working to improve, so that increasingly more detail can be found and we can cope with any situation”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44281/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As the UK government has cut funding to police forces over the last 4 years by some 20%, some of the first hatchets have slashed away dog and mounted sections, with hundreds of dogs being retired since 2009, and at least 5 forces disbanding their mount...

### GUARDAMAR BANS ANIMAL CIRCUSES

A motion tabled by the Esquerra Unida de Guardamar has been approved unanimously, which now lists the town of Guardamar del Segura amongst the growing number of locations to ban circuses with animals.
The text of the motion was to confirm the town hall´s commitment to “ethical, social and environmental principles and with respect to not cause or permit the cruelty and suffering to animals”, stating that “the exhibition and display of animals in circuses and fairs in the city” is prohibited.
The group stated in the proposal that “animals should not be abused or be subject to acts involving their behavioural changes such as animals used in circuses. Despite being raised in captivity, they are still wild animals and as such their behaviour cannot be controlled and usually the only way to keep them more or less docile or submissive is through violent acts”.
The motion was passed unanimously, demonstrating the commitment of all political groups to this problem, in a municipality with a major environmental concern for legacy and everything related to environmental issues. 
The Los Verdes green party say that they submitted a similar motion in Orihuela some years ago, but the move was rejected by the Partido Popular majority.
With the adoption of this motion Guardamar will be included in the list of towns in Spain free of animal circuses and fairs, a list that now exceeds 170 locations nationwide.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44280/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A motion tabled by the Esquerra Unida de Guardamar has been approved unanimously, which now lists the town of Guardamar del Segura amongst the growing number of locations to ban circuses with animals.
The text of the motion was to confirm the town hal...

### ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTATION ON THE ORIHUELA COSTA

Residents of urbanisations surrounding the Rambla de las Estacas on the Orihuela Costa are invited to a public consultation in the town hall at 11:00 on Friday the 1st of August, to receive information on how the area is to be subject to restoration work that will see the zone classed as a Site of Community Importance, and what you can do to help. As such, workers will move into the area and clear away a number of items, including invasive plants, and replace them with native flora which will allow the area to grow in a more natural way, thus converting the site to an environmentally valuable area. The urbanisations affected are those situated in the Plan Parcial C2 Playa Flamenca zone. Once finished, it is hoped that everybody will do their bit to preserve the area, by not dumping rubbish and not planting invasive or alien plats. As well as the environmental benefits, the plan could also increase the value of properties in the area, which will now be bordering a protected and listed green zone on the Natura 2000 database.
Over 100 people attended the star gazing night at Playa Flamenca last weekend, with children and adults, of muntiple nationalities, joining the experts to look through the three telescopes provided at the night sky. The event was organised on behalf of the town hall by MUDIC, the Museo Didáctico e Interactivo de Ciencias de la Vega Baja del Segura, to give it the full name, an educational initiative who receive funding from the town hall towards pieces of equipment like the telescopes, but staffed entirely by volunteers with a passion for sharing their knowledge with the countless people who participate in such interactive science initiatives as the one held on the Orihuela Costa, which they also plan to repeat in the future.
Details of the upcoming Festival Flamenco have been released, the first of its kind on the Orihuela Costa, taking place on the 29th, 30th and 31st of July. On the Tuesday, Flamenco singers Alicia Carrasco “Mujer Klórica” and Andrés Hernández will perform at the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre at 8pm. The next two nights, the show will move to the open air, taking place at the Paseo Marítimo at 10 pm on both the Wednesday and Thursday. On Wednesday, singers Rancapino and Antuan Muñoz will be accompanied by dancer Cynthia Cano. On Thursday, singer Lola Montoya and Bvr Flamenco Big Band will be joined by singing and dancing duo La Yinka y Ana Balpardo. It is hoped that this free festival organised through the town hall will bring a taste of traditional Spanish entertainment to the visitors and residents, and may be continued in the future if successful.
The army of town hall workers employed through a scheme whereas unemployed residents of the municipality are given the opportunity to work and train during a temporary contractual period are still working their way through the Orihuela Costa. They are still currently involved in clearing the streets of weeds and other debris, before moving on to clear some of the apparently abandoned park and garden areas.
A progress report on the status of the project for revising the roads around the La Zenia roundabout has been verbally received by the town hall. The project was allegedly submitted to Valencia by the Alicante roads department about a month ago, and is now waiting for them to return it through that process. Once formally approved, this will allow for the redirection of traffic in the area of the back streets near the Consum supermarket, thus easing traffic flow more. However, the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, has pointed out that the threat of the closure of the two access roads is still suspended as per the agreement, and there is no current threat to the roads being closed, despite the concerns of a small number of protestors who took to the streets last week. The town hall has pointed out to Alicante that they are keen to progress as soon as possible, so much so the money required to pay for the work is ready and waiting to be spent. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44279/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Residents of urbanisations surrounding the Rambla de las Estacas on the Orihuela Costa are invited to a public consultation in the town hall at 11:00 on Friday the 1st of August, to receive information on how the area is to be subject to restoration wo...

### CALA MOSCA BUILDING PLANS RESUBMITTED

Following years of objection, battles, protests and discussion, the developer who purchased the land at Cala Mosca, Gomendio, has submitted revised plans which the company hopes will allow for building on an area known as the last unspoilt plot of land on the Orihuela Costa.
The councillor for planning in the municipality of Orihuela, Antonio Zapata of the PSOE, announced this week that the company has modified the project based on an environmental study which was conducted to assess the impact the development would have on the area.
In terms of the revised plans however, one surprising element of the proposals which now take the environmental impact study into consideration is the fact that the promoter has not reduced the number of dwellings they intend to build. 
As per the original proposal, these latest plans still provide for 1,500 homes on the land, so quite how the study has changed the development is unclear.
An endangered plant, the “jarilla cabeza de gato” whose scientific name is Helianthemum caput-felis, dwells especially in the uniquely environmentally rich area of Cala Mosca, along with a snail, Tudorella Mauritanica, both at risk of extinction and protected.
In 2013, a campaign by the coastal CLARO political group secured 1,000 signatures from residents hoping to protect the area, adding to the 7,000 strong signatures previously submitted in 2010 in a campaign that reached the European union, with Bob Houliston from CLARO, and the Mayor of the municipality, Monseratte Guillén, petitioning the newly appointed European parliament this year to ensure that they would continue to recognise the fight for this green area, which they duly did.
With the onus on protecting the environment for the creatures that reside within the area, there was also considerable concern from human residents who were worried that the only piece of open land that leads onto the Mediterranean coastline would be destroyed by the construction of the proposed housing estate.
On the other side of the coin of concern are a number of residents who offer no respect for the area at all. Despite the town hall frequently blocking off access to cars along the rugged cliff edge, the boulders put in place to prevent that access seem to mysteriously disappear, and cars still continue to drive on the open terrain that leads to a sheer drop, causing disturbances in the ground that frequently rain rocks and stones onto the beaches below.
Fences and gates have been removed or destroyed in the past, to enable pedestrian access too, despite warning signs of the danger, and with no concern for any damage being caused to the land in question.
Even this month, a local Spanish television station has taken up the plight of a number of complainants who visit the beaches at the bottom of the cliff side. However, these complaints that are not based around the almost impossible and extremely dangerous access points down to the beach, but because other visitors are allowing their dogs onto the sandy area and into the sea.
The Councillor for the coast responded by pointing out that the beaches of Cala Mosca are not officially recognised as beaches, and are therefore not part of any routine patrols by the police. However, the councillor has now asked the police to make frequent checks on the area and deal with any issues that they may see relating to safety, security or other potentially illegal activities as a result. Indeed, as they are not official beaches, they most certainly do not have any life guard services, which has been a complaint at the start of the summer as the contract for the official beaches was delayed, but in this area without any kind of protection, and where access and egress in the event of an accident would prove extremely difficult, the question of beach safety is clearly not the issue for those who chose to use the area.
Whichever way we look at the problem of Cala Mosca, there are those against the development, and those in favour. Indeed, one clear benefit to allowing the construction to continue would be the contractually required footbridge over the N-332 main road in the area. The construction will also avoid the council facing a legal claim from the builder who was sold the land 
The plans have now been formally presented to Valencia, who will study if or how they comply with the requirements of the environmental impact study completed, and if they seem to think they are in order, then the next stage to potentially allow for building to commence and the area would begin, although the next stage would then take into account other matters of consultation relevant to urban planning, such as traffic, aesthetics, infrastructure, waste and the like, before the final approval for home to be built on Cala Mosca is given.
The plans, although extremely detailed and large, are available in the offices of the Planning Department in the town hall of Orihuela, which can be consulted by anybody wishing to see exactly where these buildings are set to appear, although Zapata has stressed that during this first consultation period, only arguments related to the that environmental study can be presented, and it is in the next stage when objections based on other matters can be raised.
Bob Houliston from CLARO, said, “Having had a first look at the Cala Mosca environment impact study and proposed modifications to the development project, CLARO has not yet taken a formal decision but it almost certain that we will present and encourage objections before the 30 day period for such objections expires.”
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44278/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following years of objection, battles, protests and discussion, the developer who purchased the land at Cala Mosca, Gomendio, has submitted revised plans which the company hopes will allow for building on an area known as the last unspoilt plot of land...

### DRAINED FINANCES LEAD TO POOR VEHICLE CONDITIONS

According to data released by the DGT traffic department conducted by driving association the Observatorio Español de Conductores, the truth of what people get up to behind the wheel reveals some startling statistics.
According to the 3,000 drivers who took part in their annual survey, 11% admitted to failing to observe the speed limit on a regular basis, equating to 2.7 million drivers. In addition, over 1.8 million drives, or 7%, admit to using applications on their mobile phones whilst driving. However, on the whole, despite these results, Spanish drivers consider themselves to be largely “prudent” and “alert” to other drivers.
Although not directly involving habitual bad practice, what is also worrying is how financial restraints during the recent crisis has led to poor maintenance and repair of vehicles on the road. A staggering 70% of drivers say that they have cut back on spending on vehicle maintenance, repairs, using toll roads and insurance. Within the results of those surveyed, over 45% cut back on tolls, 40% stopped washing their cars, 36% avoided urgent repairs and 19% chose not to renew worn out tyres.
In addition, 40% of drivers questioned, around 11 million people, say that they frequently leave their car at home in order to save money, and around 6 million car owners want to upgrade to a newer model, as advised by the DGT on the grounds of safety, but they simply cannot afford to do so, despite government funded subsidies.
Of course, if the data is proven to be true, less cars on the road may not only be safer, it leads to less pollution and is better for the environment, which can also be said for the vast majority of drivers who now claim to drive in a more fuel efficient and ecologically minded manor.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44277/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to data released by the DGT traffic department conducted by driving association the Observatorio Español de Conductores, the truth of what people get up to behind the wheel reveals some startling statistics.
According to the 3,000 dri...

### CASTING ON THE ORIHUELA COSTA

Spanish filmmakers Victor Mondejar (Producer / screen writer), Pablo Riquelme and Stephen R.Scott (Directors) were on the Orihuela Costa on Friday, casting for their next film. 
They were looking to recruit an “English speaking” female, in her 60´s to play the role of the mother of one of the main characters in the film due to be shot in August.
As Spanish residents of Orihuela and Elche, Pablo explained that they wanted to shoot this film in English, “in order to get the maximum distribution possible”.
Meanwhile, Stephen, who met Pablo when the pair studied at Alicante´s Ciudad de la Luz studios, explained that they wanted to cast from the local community as they see the value that the British residents bring to the area, and having found the locations for the shoot nearby, Orihuela Costa seemed “the best place” to start the process for this “main role”.
Of the many people who turned up, they were so impressed by "two or three" of the ladies, they look set to get a call back for next week, with one of them perhaps starting on the path to being the next big thing on the silver screen.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44275/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Spanish filmmakers Victor Mondejar (Producer / screen writer), Pablo Riquelme and Stephen R.Scott (Directors) were on the Orihuela Costa on Friday, casting for their next film. 
They were looking to recruit an “English speaking” female, in her 60´s to play the role of the mother of one of the main characters in the film due to be shot in August.
As Spanish residents of Orihuela and Elche, Pablo explained that they wanted to shoot this film in English, “in order to get the maximum distribution possible”.
Meanwhile, Stephen, who met Pablo when the pair studied at Alicante´s Ciudad de la Luz studios, explained that they wanted to cast from the local community as they see the value that the British residents bring to the area, and having found the locations for the shoot nearby, Orihuela Costa seemed “the best place” to start the process for this “main role”.
Of the many people who turned up, they were so impressed by "two or three" of the ladies, they look set to get a call back for next week, with one of them perhaps starting on the path to being the next big thing on the silver screen.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44275/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### THE CHARTER TRIP

Readers who know Gran Canaria may have spotted what looks like the rusting hulk of a plane near the main road near Bahia Feliz.
No, it is not the latest acquisition by my least favourite airline, or one that failed to land at the right airport, but part of a film set. More about the plane later.
We tend to forget that popular tourism in the Canary Islands and Peninsular Spain, is a relatively modern phenomena. Certainly, influential and wealthy Europeans would visit Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, where its beautiful Las Canteras Beach was a popular destination for the few cruise ships that plied the Atlantic before the two World Wars and the Spanish Civil War. 
Despite the opening of Gran Canaria's Gando Airport in 1930, it was only in the 1950s that Gran Canaria would begin to receive significant numbers of tourists; not from the UK, but from Scandinavia. During Christmas 1957, the Swedish airline, Transair AB, organised a flight to Gran Canaria with all of its 54 seats occupied. This was an historic moment, since it was the first flight of the new charter market and the beginning of the mass tourism market that Gran Canaria enjoys today.
Gran Canaria has always been popular with the Scandinavian tourist industry, which continues to the present day. The island is also a very popular destination for German tourists, although its popularity has strengthened and waned over the years according to the German economy.
During the reunification of Germany and changes to taxation laws, many German residents could not afford to maintain their homes on the island, with many returning home, together with an accompanying reduction in tourists.  Surprisingly, Brits, in general, have always favoured Tenerife, but with its more discerning tourists heading to Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
Back to the rusting hulk of a plane, just off the main road near Bahia Feliz. Despite its age, the plane still looks impressive when seen at close hand. It has an interesting story, because it was featured in a Swedish film called Sällskapsresan in the 1980s. The film was later released in English as ‘The Charter Trip'.  Over the years, the film has achieved something of a cult status with over 2.5 million people watching the film, making it the biggest cinema success in Sweden to date. 
The film is about “a stuffy and nerdy Swede”, who has a fear of flying, who arrives in the fictional town of Nueva Estocolmo in Gran Canaria. The film involves smuggling money in a loaf of bread, an alcoholic duo, as well as some Swedish jokes that do not always translate well. You can find extracts of the film on YouTube; do watch it if you can.
The plane, as well as the film, is a worthy reminder of the early days of tourism on the island. Although tourism as we currently know it, had a shaky start, the popularity of all of the Canary Islands, and the prosperity that it has brought to the islands over the years could be said to have begun with that single charter plane flight and 54 passengers from Sweden.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.

© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44262/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Readers who know Gran Canaria may have spotted what looks like the rusting hulk of a plane near the main road near Bahia Feliz.
No, it is not the latest acquisition by my least favourite airline, or one that failed to land at the right airport, but pa...

### HEAD ON COLLISION KILLS 82 YEAR OLD DRIVER

An 82 year old man died in a traffic accident on Monday evening, in the town of Cullera, following a head on collision between two cars travelling along the N332. 
His 80 year old wife and a 41 year old man, believed to be the driver of the second car, were both seriously injured.
Three other passengers had to pulled from the wreckage of the second vehicle but are thought only to have superficial injuries.
They were all transferred to the Hospital de La Ribera, however, for observation and treatment.
Following the accident the N332 was closed for about 2 hours. At this stage, the reasons for the collision are not known.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44261/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: An 82 year old man died in a traffic accident on Monday evening, in the town of Cullera, following a head on collision between two cars travelling along the N332. 
His 80 year old wife and a 41 year old man, believed to be the driver of the second car...

### RED CROSS OFFERS FREE FITNESS WORKSHOPS TO OVER 55’S

For many years now the local Red Cross in Santa Pola has annually launched two workshops directed at residents who are over 55 years of age, one of an Aqua gym and the other of Yoga classes.
The workshops are absolutely free and are taught by volunteers during the months of July and August. They are part of the Red Cross Healthy Aging Project run throughout the year in the town.
The AcquaGym workshop first got underway three years ago and is one of the most popular, always in great demand with over 100 enrollments every year. It takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays in July on the Levante Beach in front of the Red Cross First Aid post, starting at 09.15 through to 10.30 am. The workshop will run through the month of July before ending on 31st
Additionally, during the summer months, a second workshop on Yoga will be held at the Beach during the months of July and August. It will take place every Tuesday, at 19.45 to 21.00 hours at the start of the Gran Playa beach.  The first Yoga workshop will be tomorrow, 15th July.
Registration for both classes is at the offices of the Red Cross, located at la Carretera de Elche s/n, in the morning. For further information please call the telephone 96 541 61 50. 
This attending are recommended to use sunscreen, and to wear a hat to protect them from the sun. It is also suggested that they hydrate themselves with water before, during and after the exercise. 
These activities are aimed at improving health and fitness of participants, in addition to both a rehabilitating and a socializing function. They will be of particular to all those who lead a sedentary lifestyle and partake only in activities with a low physical activity, but most of all, participants must want to exercise.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44260/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: For many years now the local Red Cross in Santa Pola has annually launched two workshops directed at residents who are over 55 years of age, one of an Aqua gym and the other of Yoga classes.
The workshops are absolutely free and are taught by voluntee...

### ORIHUELA MEDICS LAUNCH ONLINE RUNNING MAG

Two colleagues from Orihuela Hospital, have launched an online running and health website which offers wellbeing tips and advice to enthusiastic athletes.
Federico Gas Huertas, a pediatric nurse and pediatrician Martín Ferrando, say that they have created the website so that anyone who wants to run can find helpful advice and tips on all matters related to the sport without the need to face the same uncertainties that the pair both had in their early careers.
The site can be found at www.berunnermyfriend.com. It has a multitude of tips on how to train and what diet that keen runners should follow
The pair explained that the project began to take root on the social network site Twitter wher they accumulated more than 10,000 followers. “That's when we decided to take the step and move the project on by creating an online magazine" said Gas. “We want it to be a useful reference for all those who share our hobby, to answer their questions, advise and motivate anyone who chooses to follow the sport lifestyle."
Martin Ferrando said that "running is not only about putting on a pair of trainers, we explain how runners can plan their training, prevent any injuries, and much, much more." 
“The website is divided into several sections covering training information, news, motivation, music and health. The reasons why people start in the world of 'running' are usually to lose weight, relieve stress, and as a social experience or an act of self-improvement,” Ferrando said.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44259/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Two colleagues from Orihuela Hospital, have launched an online running and health website which offers wellbeing tips and advice to enthusiastic athletes.
Federico Gas Huertas, a pediatric nurse and pediatrician Martín Ferrando, say that they have created the website so that anyone who wants to run can find helpful advice and tips on all matters related to the sport without the need to face the same uncertainties that the pair both had in their early careers.
The site can be found at www.berunnermyfriend.com. It has a multitude of tips on how to train and what diet that keen runners should follow
The pair explained that the project began to take root on the social network site Twitter wher they accumulated more than 10,000 followers. “That's when we decided to take the step and move the project on by creating an online magazine" said Gas. “We want it to be a useful reference for all those who share our hobby, to answer their questions, advise and motivate anyone who chooses to follow the sport lifestyle."
Martin Ferrando said that "running is not only about putting on a pair of trainers, we explain how runners can plan their training, prevent any injuries, and much, much more." 
“The website is divided into several sections covering training information, news, motivation, music and health. The reasons why people start in the world of 'running' are usually to lose weight, relieve stress, and as a social experience or an act of self-improvement,” Ferrando said.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44259/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### SECOND DEMO BY MONTECID RESIDENTS

Following on from the report in The Leader 4 weeks ago we are delighted to report that some improvement works have recently been carried out in Montecid by the Monforte del Cid Council, although, according the Neighbourhood Association, by no means anywhere near enough.
Work completed includes re-painting all the white lines and crossings in the public roads, removing the burnt out MASA sales office, clearing of the weeds from the Council owned areas of the urbanisation, installing weight limit and traffic signs and the start of work on the entrance road to overcome the drainage problem! 
The residents of Montecid say they have to endure large numbers of unfinished houses, rubble, decay, neglect and a complete lack of services and they are only remembered during election periods or when the press publishes an article of protest from residents.
Well hopefully that might mean some more action because following 8 years of frustration the Neighbourhood Association  were on the streets again last Sunday when they held another demonstration in the Town Hall Square in Monforte Del Cid. Around 60 residents took part which they hope will further encourage the Council to fully complete, maintain and adopt Montecid.
Watch this space!
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44258/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following on from the report in The Leader 4 weeks ago we are delighted to report that some improvement works have recently been carried out in Montecid by the Monforte del Cid Council, although, according the Neighbourhood Association, by no means any...

### ESCRIBA COMMITS TO ELCHE UNTIL 2017

With his previous deal set to expire at the end of next season Elche manager Fran Escriba signed a new 2 year contract with the club on Friday which will keep him at the La Liga outfit until 2017.
Escriba arrived at Elche in 2012, and took them to promotion in his first season in charge. Last term, after battling the drop for much of the campaign, Elche finished 16th, just one point clear of the relegation zone.
The Spanish press are reporting that Everton are currently in talks with Elche's Colombia international midfielder Carlos Sanchez Elche's Colombia international midfielder Carlos Sanchez .
The Toffees appear to be leading the chase to bring in 28-year-old Sanchez, who was a key member of his country's march to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Brazil.
Football Espana is reporting that the Merseysiders have triggered a two million euros clause in Sanchez's contract with Elche.
Meanwhile Alicante side Hercules have completed the signing of Sergio Mantecón. The Madrid midfield player had formally committed himself to the club for the next two seasons. The official presentation to the media and fans of the former Elche captain took place last Thursday at the Rico Perez where he paraded with his new shirt.
Thus, Mantecón has confirmed his second spell at Hercules. The presence of both Dani Ram Barroso and Juan Carlos have been key to the player moving to Hercules as it is understood that he also had an offer from Second Division Club Ponferradina in Spain's far NorthwestFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44256/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: With his previous deal set to expire at the end of next season Elche manager Fran Escriba signed a new 2 year contract with the club on Friday which will keep him at the La Liga outfit until 2017.
Escriba arrived at Elche in 2012, and took them to pro...

### MANCEBO WARNS OF BUILDING COLLAPSE

Clr spokesman, Pedro Mancebo, warned the Orihuela Planning department last week of several homes in la Plaza de Santa Lucía in the hamlet of Barrio Nuevo, just to the east of the city, that are in imminent danger of collapse.
Although none of the properties are occupied they are still a danger to passers by and he urged the Planning Department to take steps to both protect the public and secure the buildings so as to avoid damage to both passers by and those who are reckless enough to attempt illegal entry to the site often looking for material to steal.
Mancebo said that the metal fence erected around the site a couple of years ago is not enough and are "he receives many complaints about the possible the danger to pedestrians."
He explained that four of the five houses that make up the site are municipal property, so he insisted on the need for the City Council to act to avoid unnecessary hazards or accidents.
The Orihuela Councillor said that a simple metal fence around the site is no solution.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44255/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Clr spokesman, Pedro Mancebo, warned the Orihuela Planning department last week of several homes in la Plaza de Santa Lucía in the hamlet of Barrio Nuevo, just to the east of the city, that are in imminent danger of collapse.
Although none of the properties are occupied they are still a danger to passers by and he urged the Planning Department to take steps to both protect the public and secure the buildings so as to avoid damage to both passers by and those who are reckless enough to attempt illegal entry to the site often looking for material to steal.
Mancebo said that the metal fence erected around the site a couple of years ago is not enough and are "he receives many complaints about the possible the danger to pedestrians."
He explained that four of the five houses that make up the site are municipal property, so he insisted on the need for the City Council to act to avoid unnecessary hazards or accidents.
The Orihuela Councillor said that a simple metal fence around the site is no solution.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44255/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### JETT RETURNS HOME AFTER GROUNDBREAKING OPERATION

Rod and Sue Weeding from the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre are pleased to report young rescued gelding Jett has returned home safe and sound from Barcelona, after undergoing groundbreaking surgery to repair his malformed back leg.
Jett was rescued severely malnourished from an orange grove with acute deformities in his left hind fetlock.
Sue believes Jett likely contracted a virus as a foal, which turned into septic arthritis and caused irregular bone growth.
“Most young horses would die from this if not instantly treated but amazingly, he survived,” she says. “Given that throughout his young life he was also severely malnourished, it is a miracle that he made it to two years of age. This is yet another example of the strength these animals have to survive.”
While special remedial shoes were made for Jett, x-rays later revealed his bone structure was so poor that only tendons were holding the leg together and there was a strong risk of collapse.
So four months ago, Jett was sent to Barcelona's specialist Equihealth Veterinarian Clinic for arthrodesis surgery, which meant breaking and rebuilding the damaged joint in Jett's leg then reshaping the bone and adding metal plates along the side and the front secured with screws.
“The operation was a complete success,” Sue says. “It's very groundbreaking, the kind of thing you'd normally only attempt on a really expensive horse. So it's quite incredible for this little guy, who was found in an orange grove completely deformed. That made us even more determined to do something and again against all the odds he has survived.”
Rod drove up to Barcelona on June 17 to collect Jett, who travelled the eight hours home very well. He is now turned out in a small paddock during the day while an assessment is made about the best paddock and companion for him.
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre relies heavily on its network of charity stores across the Alicante province to help cover the costs of state of the art surgery such as Jett's, plus the feeding and care of the other 82 horses, ponies and donkeys that live at the centre.
Sue and Rod are preparing to open their eighth charity store at Gran Alicant by the end of July and are looking for volunteers to help staff the shop. A van driver is also need one day a week for pick-ups and deliveries.
Any donations of good quality furniture, clothes and bric-a-brac to help stock the store are also gratefully welcomed. Please contact the charity shop hotline on 652 021 980 for more information about furniture pick-ups and volunteering.
The public is invited to meet the many animals saved from abuse and neglect during Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre's Sunday open days from 1pm-4pm. Entrance is free and guided tours begin at 2pm. Tasty food and refreshments are available in the garden café.
For Directions please visit www.easyhorsecare.net and click the about us tab then map and directions or call 652 021 980
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44254/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Rod and Sue Weeding from the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre are pleased to report young rescued gelding Jett has returned home safe and sound from Barcelona, after undergoing groundbreaking surgery to repair his malformed back leg.
Jett was rescued sev...

### GERMAN FUGITIVE ARRESTED IN SANTA POLA

Alicante National Police have arrested a 54 year old man in Santa Pola after receiving a European Extradition Order, issued by the German authorities, in relation to a 1.7 million euros fraud.
The hunt for the man was initiated by the Provincial Police after they learned of his presence in the Alicante area following which the unit specializing in locating fugitives began surveillance on a Santa Pola property.
The arrest then took place last week when his presence in the town was confirmed.
The suspect, through the Internet, managed to access a total of 52,737 bank accounts from which he received approximately 88,061 transfers, each of 19.95 euros, into his account, representing a total amount of 1,756,816.95 euros.
The fugitive, a Netherlands national, has now been handed over to the German authorities where he is believed to faces a sentence of 10 years in prison for the scam involving 15 offenses of computer fraud.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44243/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Alicante National Police have arrested a 54 year old man in Santa Pola after receiving a European Extradition Order, issued by the German authorities, in relation to a 1.7 million euros fraud.
The hunt for the man was initiated by the Provincial Polic...

### The Weekend – 12 and 13 July 2014

SATURDAY 12 JULY
Full Moon – 11:25 GMT.
Markets
Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola.
ALICANTE
Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum.
BARCELONA
Porgy And Bess, Gran Teatre Del Liceu (Until 19 July).
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
MADRID
Cody Simpson, Shokolive.
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
Exhibition of historic documents detailing the accounts of fiesta de santas Justa y Rufina from the year 1644. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 July).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Delvis Ramos y Chocolate Son and World Cup football – Zenia Boulevard.
PAMPLONA
Fiesta de San Fermin – Bull running and fighting fiesta (All week).
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
National Beach Football competition, Playa El Puerto (Sat and Sun).
ROJALES
Art, crafts & painting exhibition by Juan José Miralles, with live music from “El Seko Band”, Cuevas del Rodeo.
SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR
20:30 Full Moon 8km Race, Pinatar Arena Football Centre.

SUNDAY 13 JULY
Rock Worldwide Day – Commemorates the Live Aid concerts held on 13 July 1985.
Markets
Benidorm, Elche, La Nucia, Campoverde, La Marina, Zoco, Almoradí street market, Lemon Tree Road, Mil Palmeras.
ALICANTE
Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum.
BARCELONA
Porgy And Bess, Gran Teatre Del Liceu (Until 19 July).
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
Exhibition of historic documents detailing the accounts of fiesta de santas Justa y Rufina from the year 1644. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 July).
Moors and Christians event starts (All next week).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Tropa Lo Tropp (acoustic and street drum band) and World Cup football FINAL – Zenia Boulevard.
Underwater guided snorkelling tour (Every Wed and Sun in July and August).
PAMPLONA
Fiesta de San Fermin – Bull running and fighting fiesta (All week).
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
National Beach Football competition, Playa El Puerto (Sat and Sun).
Graffiti art competition, Rambla de los Jesuitas, Torre de la Horadada.
PORTUGAL
One Direction, Estadio Do Dragao Portugal, Oporto.
FUTURE EVENTS
Guardamar del Segura – Moors and Christians, 18 to 27 July.
Torrevieja – 60º Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonía, 19 to 26 July.
Villajoyosa – Moors and Christians, 24 July.
Orihuela Costa – Fisherman´s Market, end of July.
Buñol – La Tomatina tomato fight, 27 August (Sold out).
 

Excerpt: SATURDAY 12 JULY Full Moon – 11:25 GMT. Markets Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola. ALICANTE Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum. BARCELONA Porgy And Bess, Gran Teatre Del Liceu (Until 19 July). MADRID Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de […]

### CLOTHING THREAT TO SPORTING FUTURE

A vocal fighter in the battle against drugs in sports, so much so she became the head of Spain´s anti-doping agency, Ana Muñoz, the Director General of Sports, presided over another battle this week, one which could change the face of a sporting genre forever.
In a meeting on Thursday with Francisco Blázquez, the President of the Spanish Handball Federation, the question as to whether the sports kit worn by ladies participating in the beach based version of the sport was the hot topic of conversation, with the simple question, “is it sexist?”
The Spanish federation is obliges to take up the international standards for the clothing, which require the players to ensure that their lower abdomen is exposed, their tummy or midriff for want of a better phrase, whereas the bikini bottoms cannot be longer than 10 centimetres. In contrast, boys are allowed to wear shorts which are “loose and long”.
For those who don´t currently abide by the rules, there are sanctions enforceable, which is another element discussed during the conference, to try to remove such a threat to those girls who wish to cover up a little more.
The controversy was sparked by the Spanish Federation receiving a warning that after a tournament last weekend in Cantabria, the result was that 21 of the 22 women´s teams participating wore clothing of an older style which wasn´t skimpy enough, and therefore will not be allowed to play for clubs that do not enforce the rules.
In the Basque Country both the PSE-EE and the PNV, along with Emakunde, the Basque Institute for Women, expressed their rejection of the rules of the International Handball Federation.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44237/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A vocal fighter in the battle against drugs in sports, so much so she became the head of Spain´s anti-doping agency, Ana Muñoz, the Director General of Sports, presided over another battle this week, one which could change the face of a sp...

### BENIDORM COASTER DEATH FAMILY CRITICISE AMBULANCE DELAY

The 18 year old male killed in Benidorm´s Terra Mitica theme park has been confirmed as being a native of Iceland, who was on holiday with family members in Torrevieja.
The family issued a statement to the Icelandic press, explaining how, “Originally the family intended to stay in Spain for 28 days. We went to Terra Mítica on the seventh day … where the whole family had spent the day. The accident occurred in the roller coaster ‘Inferno' where Andri Freyr was seated at the back along with his friend and younger sister”.
The family praised the park´s staff for their quick response in attending the scene, along with a Norwegian doctor, who provided first aid. However, they are also critical of the delay before an ambulance arrived, “There was no ambulance at the park and we had to wait for it for 20-25 minutes. When the ambulance finally arrived our son died inside the vehicle, while it was still in the park, and therefore Andri Freyr was never taken to hospital”.
Spain has faced tremendous cut backs in public services in recent years, with healthcare, and ambulances in particular being cut back to a service that many warned would lead to unacceptable delays and, ultimately, the loss of lives.
The statement continued, “All the children who were with us have now been taken to their parents in Iceland to be given assistance because of the terrible events they sadly witnessed. Andri Freyr's father and stepmother remained in Torrevieja to take care of things and take Andri Freyr home”.
Terra Mitica theme park have asked for assistance from the German manufacturer of the ride, as it is believed to be “impossible” for the harness to open, due to a double hydraulic electronic lock and an additional support that secures it closed under the weight of a rider. 
The family have also asked for consideration in this tragic time, and to avoid speculation and rumour, until the investigation is concluded and the facts are known.
The family concluded in thanking everybody who has assisted them in the matter, including airline Wow Air and its staff.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44236/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The 18 year old male killed in Benidorm´s Terra Mitica theme park has been confirmed as being a native of Iceland, who was on holiday with family members in Torrevieja.
The family issued a statement to the Icelandic press, explaining how, &ldquo...

### DIRECT TRAIN LINK WITH TORREVIEJA AND BENIDORM

As the data released this week reveals that the AVE high speed train carried 12% more passengers in the first six months of the year compared to last year, the train operator RENFE has also announced “quiet coaches” on all services from the autumn.
A coach with dimmed lighting and a ban on noise from such devices as mobile phones and computers was introduced on some services this week, with the 42 passengers arriving on the first one between Madrid and Seville being seen as testament to the desire for peace and quiet on the train.
As well as a control on electronic noise, announcements are kept to a minimum, except in an emergency, and children under 14 years of age, and pets, are banned from travelling in the carriage. The president of Renfe, Julio Gómez-Pomar, explained that this service cannot be used by children under 14 because the quiet zone, available at no extra cost, is for those who want to rest, saying that “we cannot fill the silent car with pets or babies, because then it would be anything but quiet”.
During a presentation of the new service at Madrid-Atocha station, the Minister of Development, Ana Pastor, stated that the idea “comes in response to customer demand of the train, who claimed to choose a type of travel where the prime focus is on work or reading and the ability to relax and unwind”.
This news also comes immediately after the announcement that the Madrid to the Costa Blanca high speed service will now have the promised connecting bus to both Torrevieja and Benidorm.
This service commences on Monday the 15th of July and connects the coastal cities with the inland station at Villena, where onward travel by train can be made connecting with the bus.
It was initially thought that a bus link could be provided between Benidorm and Torrevieja and the closer station of Alicante, but protests from taxi drivers complaining that the buses would cause congestion meant that the local government there blocked the move, although they did agree a shuttle between the train and bus station.
The service, operated under the Alsa bus company name, will depart and arrive at the Eras de la Sal bus station in Torrevieja, with tickets available for the entire journey.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44235/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As the data released this week reveals that the AVE high speed train carried 12% more passengers in the first six months of the year compared to last year, the train operator RENFE has also announced “quiet coaches” on all services from the...

### Friday 11 July 2014 – What´s On Guide

FRIDAY 11 JULY
World Population Day.
Markets
Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, TORREVIEJA.
ALICANTE
Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum.
ALTEA
Discover Altea, guided walks through the picturesque town, every Friday in July and August.
BARCELONA
Porgy And Bess, Gran Teatre Del Liceu (Until 19 July).
Cody Simpson, Sala Bikini.
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
One Direction, Estadio Vicente Calderón.
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
Exhibition of historic documents detailing the accounts of fiesta de santas Justa y Rufina from the year 1644. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 July).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Circus spectacular CAPOEIRA ÁBOLIÇAO – Zenia Boulevard.
PAMPLONA
Fiesta de San Fermin – Bull running and fighting fiesta (All week).
TORREVIEJA
22:30 Habaneras en la Playa, Playa del Cura.

Excerpt: FRIDAY 11 JULY World Population Day. Markets Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, TORREVIEJA. ALICANTE Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum. ALTEA Discover Altea, guided walks through the picturesque town, every Friday in July and […]

### Thursday 10 July 2014 – Things to do

THURSDAY 10 JULY
Markets
Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales.
ALICANTE
Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum.
CARTAGENA
Romeo and Juliet, Flamenco Ballet, Auditorio el Batel.
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
One Direction, Estadio Vicente Calderón.
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
Exhibition of historic documents detailing the accounts of fiesta de santas Justa y Rufina from the year 1644. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 July).
ORIHUELA COSTA
The Stoned tribute band – Zenia Boulevard.
PAMPLONA
Fiesta de San Fermin – Bull running and fighting fiesta (All week).
TORREVIEJA
20:30 Concierto Extraordinario de Música Lírica, Palacio de la Música.

Excerpt: THURSDAY 10 JULY Markets Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales. ALICANTE Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum. CARTAGENA Romeo and Juliet, Flamenco Ballet, Auditorio el Batel. MADRID Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales […]

### APPEAL LAUNCHED TO FIND MISSING TORREVIEJA RESIDENT

The Guardia Civil has launched an appeal for help in trying to locate a 64 year old man who has been missing from his Torrevieja home for a month.
José Francisco Juárez López is described as being “tall”, with long white hair which he frequently wears as a ponytail. 
He is said to be well known amongst many citizens of the city, as he worked at a toy shop on calle Fotógrafo Darblade.
Relatives are becoming increasingly worried about his disappearance and ask if anybody knows where he might be, or if they see a man matching his description, to contact the police, Guardia Civil or Protección Civil immediately.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44232/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil has launched an appeal for help in trying to locate a 64 year old man who has been missing from his Torrevieja home for a month.
José Francisco Juárez López is described as being “tall”, with long whi...

### DOLPHIN RECOVERY OFF BALEARIC ISLANDS

A Salvamento Marítimo ship took part in the rescue and recovery of a dead dolphin and its companion after it had become trapped in fishing net off the Balearic island of El Toro at the weekend.
The live dolphin was clearly distressed by the situation and observed whilst divers freed the dead creature from the net. 
Once recovered, the body was taken to the forensic science department for analysis and autopsy, whilst the survivor was freed to the open waters, sadly alone after traumatic ordeal.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44231/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A Salvamento Marítimo ship took part in the rescue and recovery of a dead dolphin and its companion after it had become trapped in fishing net off the Balearic island of El Toro at the weekend.
The live dolphin was clearly distressed by the sit...

### Wednesday 9 July 2014 – Events Guide

WEDNESDAY 9 JULY
Markets
Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas.
ALICANTE
Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum.
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
Exhibition of historic documents detailing the accounts of fiesta de santas Justa y Rufina from the year 1644. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 July).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Toni Bright mind magician – Zenia Boulevard.
Underwater guided snorkelling tour (Every Wed and Sun in July and August).
PAMPLONA
Fiesta de San Fermin – Bull running and fighting fiesta (All week).

Excerpt: WEDNESDAY 9 JULY Markets Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas. ALICANTE Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum. MADRID Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de […]

### SMASHING BREAKFAST IN ELCHE

A seven metre tall palm tree crashed to the ground in Elche on Tuesday morning, smashing into the awning of a cafe bar in the Huerto de Don Julio area.
The incident occurred at around 10:00 in the morning, but nobody was injured in the incident as there were no customers in the cafe at the time.
The City Council confirmed that the municipal parks and gardens department “had no record” of that specific palm tree presenting a risk of falling, and have attributed the incident to “a failure” at the base of the trunk of the tree.
The tree was removed by the parks and gardens workers shortly after the incident, allowing normal life to resume in the area.
A similar incident occurred in the La Mata area of Torrevieja on Sunday, where a parked car was damaged and a lamp post was destroyed by a falling palm tree, although there were no injuries reported in this incident either, the road was blocked for some time whilst the fire service staff attended.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44230/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A seven metre tall palm tree crashed to the ground in Elche on Tuesday morning, smashing into the awning of a cafe bar in the Huerto de Don Julio area.
The incident occurred at around 10:00 in the morning, but nobody was injured in the incident as the...

### BENIDORM COASTER DEATH BOY CONFIRMED AS ICELANDIC

The 18 year old male killed in Benidorm´s Terra Mitica theme park has been confirmed as being a native of Iceland, who was on holiday with family members in Torrevieja.
The Icelandic Consul in Spain, Juan José Campus, said that “His brother went immediately to the scene of the fall. Sweinn even got up, but he was already dead inside.
At the time of the tragedy, he was next to one of his four younger brothers, the eldest, 20, who tried to lift him and he ran almost dying in his arms to their father and a friend. Sweinn´s mother was still in their home country at the time, with efforts being made to bring her to Spain, as well as repatriate the body once cleared by the judge.
Terra Mitica theme park have asked for assistance from the German manufacturer of the ride, as it is believed to be “impossible” for the harness to open, due to a double hydraulic electronic lock and an additional support that secures it closed under the weight of a rider. 
As the investigation is ongoing, all partners involved are avoiding speculation pending the results of their findings.
Meanwhile, the 4 year old child seriously injured in the Terra Natura animal park remains in hospital in an induced coma, with a “guarded prognosis”.
This incident occurred in the Temple of Tigers area after the child fell from an ornamental wooden statue of a Hindu Goddess, of 1.5 metres in height, which apparently toppled under the weight and struck the child who had fallen from it.
A representative from the park has stressed that it is prohibited to climb on these ornamental features.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44229/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The 18 year old male killed in Benidorm´s Terra Mitica theme park has been confirmed as being a native of Iceland, who was on holiday with family members in Torrevieja.
The Icelandic Consul in Spain, Juan José Campus, said that “His...

### SAN FERMIN BULL RUN IN MIL PALMERAS

More than 400 people took part last weekend in the Mil Palmeras Bull Run although on this occasion the event was carried our rather more humanely with inflatable bulls, rather than the real thing.
The whole town entered into the spirit with over 20 bars and restaurants offering a selection of drinks and tapas together with the local specialty, the tortilla skewer, while the bulls roamed around the square teasing locals and tourists alike.
The Nadia Marquez School of Flamenco opened the entertainment. They were followed by a number of local musicians including the School of Modern Dance which took to the stage to show off the routines they had been taught at the school located in Pilar de la Horadada.
The mayor, José Fidel Ros, made especial mention of their performance, which was led by Pilareño, Ivan Tirado, in his speech. 
The day's activities, which had been organized by Councillor , Asunción Sánchez,were closed with a tribute to Manolo García.
The Restaurante Los Celtas was awarded the prize of best tortilla following which the entertainment continued and the bulls roamed the streets until late into the night.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44228/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: More than 400 people took part last weekend in the Mil Palmeras Bull Run although on this occasion the event was carried our rather more humanely with inflatable bulls, rather than the real thing.
The whole town entered into the spirit with over 20 ba...

### FIESTAS DE MOROS Y CRISTIANOS CRAFT FAIR IN PORT OF XÀBIA

Every year round the middle of July the port of Jávea (or Xàbia as we now officially must call it) celebrates its Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos; traditionally these include a medieval market.  
This year the fair promises to be bigger and better than those of the last few years; more than 40 craft stalls will be set up in the streets behind the Masymas (Sertorio and Andrés Lambert) offering "Artesanía de Autor".  
For the first time the market is organised by Amata, the same craft association that also sets up the summer fair that runs every night on the sea front of the Port.
Amata only admits original craft work (no imported goods, nothing bought from the wholesalers) and thus provides visitors with a good opportunity to buy something different as a souvenir or present.  There will be more than 40 stalls displaying a goodly variety of hand made goods.  
Some of the work on sale is just pleasant to look at, but other work is handsome as well as useful, such as hand made pottery, leather belts and handbags, lamps, clothing, jewellery boxes and mirrors.  
Here is a chance to own something really exclusive without having to pay inflated gallery prices.
You can watch a number of craftsmen at work: Thomas painting T-shirts, Diego decorating boxes with filigree paper and Aitor showing his skills as wood carver.  
Often they can add to or change part of their design to suit the taste or need of a potential customer - a name, another colour or perhaps a slightly different size.  
To sustain the visitor there will be a medieval tavern and an Arab tea tent, as well as stalls with sausages, cheeses and preserved fruit prepared using traditional recipes, while the very young can have a go on the big wooden swing.
The market opens from Thursday 17 till Sunday 20 July, every evening from about 7 pm. till late.  Find out more about the market by calling 639 979 678 (English spoken) or take a look at Amata's web page www.amata.es (also in English).  
A complete programme of the fiestas de Moros y Cristianos can be found on http://www.javeaonline24.com/moors-christians-fiesta-2014-13-21-july-i1472.html.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44227/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Every year round the middle of July the port of Jávea (or Xàbia as we now officially must call it) celebrates its Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos; traditionally these include a medieval market.  
This year the fair promises to be bigger and better than those of the last few years; more than 40 craft stalls will be set up in the streets behind the Masymas (Sertorio and Andrés Lambert) offering "Artesanía de Autor".  
For the first time the market is organised by Amata, the same craft association that also sets up the summer fair that runs every night on the sea front of the Port.
Amata only admits original craft work (no imported goods, nothing bought from the wholesalers) and thus provides visitors with a good opportunity to buy something different as a souvenir or present.  There will be more than 40 stalls displaying a goodly variety of hand made goods.  
Some of the work on sale is just pleasant to look at, but other work is handsome as well as useful, such as hand made pottery, leather belts and handbags, lamps, clothing, jewellery boxes and mirrors.  
Here is a chance to own something really exclusive without having to pay inflated gallery prices.
You can watch a number of craftsmen at work: Thomas painting T-shirts, Diego decorating boxes with filigree paper and Aitor showing his skills as wood carver.  
Often they can add to or change part of their design to suit the taste or need of a potential customer - a name, another colour or perhaps a slightly different size.  
To sustain the visitor there will be a medieval tavern and an Arab tea tent, as well as stalls with sausages, cheeses and preserved fruit prepared using traditional recipes, while the very young can have a go on the big wooden swing.
The market opens from Thursday 17 till Sunday 20 July, every evening from about 7 pm. till late.  Find out more about the market by calling 639 979 678 (English spoken) or take a look at Amata's web page www.amata.es (also in English).  
A complete programme of the fiestas de Moros y Cristianos can be found on http://www.javeaonline24.com/moors-christians-fiesta-2014-13-21-july-i1472.html.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44227/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### POLICE ACTIVATE OPERATION 'SUMMER 2014' IN TOURISM HOT SPOTS

The Director-General of the Spanish National Police Force met in Granada this week with stakeholders from public and private institutions involved in the tourism industry and local authority representatives in order to discuss implementation of the Safe Tourism Plan as related to the Spanish National Police Force and to inform them that a special operation has been launched for the summer season.
Nearly 11,800 officers from Citizen Safety units of the Spanish National Police Force are taking part in the so-called Operation "Summer 2014" -  in tourism hot spots throughout Spain. This special deployment of officers will be active until 31 August in Andalusia, Asturias, the Canary Islands, Cantabria, Galicia, Madrid, Murcia and the Region of Valencia, and will be extended until 30 September in the Balearic Islands.
The goal is to increase safety in tourist destinations, offer a faster and more effective response to people visiting Spain and convey a greater sense of safety to both foreign and domestic tourists enjoying a holiday in Spain. This special deployment will increase the police presence in those cities most popular with tourists, at railway stations, sea ports and airports, and in those areas specified in the Safe Tourism Plan of the Spanish State Secretariat of Security.
60 million tourists for a safe destination
Spain is one of the safest tourist destinations in the world. More than 60 million inbound tourists visited Spain last year and 139 million tourist movements were recorded by Spanish citizens during the holiday periods. One of the strategic objectives for the Directorate-General of the Spanish National Police Force is to protect the tourism sector and remain in permanent contact with tourism, hotel & catering and trade representatives. One such meeting took place this week in order to hear the demands and requirements from this sector in terms of security and crime prevention.
Over 80% of the crimes reported by those tourists visiting Spain in the first four months, are thefts. Some of these crimes could have been avoided by following the safety guidelines included in the 250,000 leaflets distributed by the Directorate-General of the Spanish National Police Force in 10 languages. These leaflets are widely distributed during the summer season. Furthermore, some 5,000 posters will be distributed to hotels, tourist offices, catering establishments and tourist arrival points, displaying advice and useful telephone numbers in the event of becoming a victim of crime.
The Spanish National Police Force also operates a service whereby foreign tourists can report a crime by telephone. Via 902 102 112, officers from the Spanish National Police Force answer calls from foreign citizens and provide them with information, offer helpful assistance or take note of an official crime report. This comprehensive service is provided in English, French, German and Italian. The service received more than 13,000 calls in the first four months of 2014, of which 8,440 concluded in official crime reports.
The Spanish National Police Force is also present at seven Foreign Tourist Assistance Service Offices (Spanish acronym: SATE), alongside the respective local councils and other institutions. The Spanish National Police Force also helps tourists from the Foreign Tourist Assistance Service Offices in Malaga, Marbella, Benalmadena, Benidorm, Manacor, Gandia and Madrid. This quality service is highly valued by tourists and other institutions, such as the Foreign Tourist Assistance Service in Benidorm, which this year received recognition for the quality and excellence of its service from the British Embassy and the City Council.  The seven Foreign Tourist Assistance Services operated by officers from the Spanish National Police Force helped over 3,200 people between January and April 2014.
Advice for enjoying a safe summer
Over the course of the summer period, the Spanish National Police Force will be underlining a series of safety guidelines for enjoying a safe summer via its profiles on the social networks.
1. Watch over your valuables at typically summer venues and occasions (festivals, large-scale events, beaches, terraces, beach bars, etc.) to ensure they are not stolen by opportunists or pick-pockets. Install a tracking app on your smartphone in case it disappears.
2. Ensure that any concert, festival or event you attend complies with all compulsory safety measures. Avoid risks at any large-scale event and call 112 if you become aware of an emergency situation.
3. Only swim in authorised areas. Follow the rules and instructions given by lifeguards. Take care in the water... and don't be too trusting with your belongings!
4. When in swimming areas with small children, watch them very carefully and set strict rules on going near the water. Make sure to tell older children who know how to swim that they should not be over-confident and that they should always follow the rules and basic safety guidelines.
5. The consumption of alcohol on the street is prohibited (except in certain very specific situations) and may lead to significant fines. Excessive alcohol consumption can damage your health. For your own safety and the safety of others, never drive if you have been drinking alcohol. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a criminal offence.
6. Stay away from drugs. They are harmful to your health in the short term and can kill in the long term. If you see signs of drug trafficking, report it to us at antidroga@policia.es  with full anonymity and confidentiality.
7. We all like to take - and share via the social networks - pretty or impressive photographs. However, never jeopardise anyone's safety (neither photographer nor subject) or break the rules. Before sharing your photographs on the social networks, instant messaging services or email, ensure that they respect others and will not cause harm to anyone either at the time or in the future.
8. The purchase of items away from regulated establishments means you will be beyond the scope of health & hygiene controls with no consumer rights. You will also be putting yourself at risk of fraud and forgery. Take extreme care with all food, drink, medicine and cosmetic products and all products that could affect your health.
9. If you intend to enjoy risky sports and/or recreational activities, make sure to inform yourself of the rules to be followed, the safety and basic prevention measures to be applied, that the activity in question has been authorised and the steps to take in the event of an emergency. There is no excuse for the absence of helmets or other protection.
10. When attending an outdoor gathering, do not make a barbecue or build a fire in unauthorised camping areas and take extreme caution when doing so at home.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44225/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Director-General of the Spanish National Police Force met in Granada this week with stakeholders from public and private institutions involved in the tourism industry and local authority representatives in order to discuss implementation of the Safe Tourism Plan as related to the Spanish National Police Force and to inform them that a special operation has been launched for the summer season.
Nearly 11,800 officers from Citizen Safety units of the Spanish National Police Force are taking part in the so-called Operation "Summer 2014" -  in tourism hot spots throughout Spain. This special deployment of officers will be active until 31 August in Andalusia, Asturias, the Canary Islands, Cantabria, Galicia, Madrid, Murcia and the Region of Valencia, and will be extended until 30 September in the Balearic Islands.
The goal is to increase safety in tourist destinations, offer a faster and more effective response to people visiting Spain and convey a greater sense of safety to both foreign and domestic tourists enjoying a holiday in Spain. This special deployment will increase the police presence in those cities most popular with tourists, at railway stations, sea ports and airports, and in those areas specified in the Safe Tourism Plan of the Spanish State Secretariat of Security.
60 million tourists for a safe destination
Spain is one of the safest tourist destinations in the world. More than 60 million inbound tourists visited Spain last year and 139 million tourist movements were recorded by Spanish citizens during the holiday periods. One of the strategic objectives for the Directorate-General of the Spanish National Police Force is to protect the tourism sector and remain in permanent contact with tourism, hotel & catering and trade representatives. One such meeting took place this week in order to hear the demands and requirements from this sector in terms of security and crime prevention.
Over 80% of the crimes reported by those tourists visiting Spain in the first four months, are thefts. Some of these crimes could have been avoided by following the safety guidelines included in the 250,000 leaflets distributed by the Directorate-General of the Spanish National Police Force in 10 languages. These leaflets are widely distributed during the summer season. Furthermore, some 5,000 posters will be distributed to hotels, tourist offices, catering establishments and tourist arrival points, displaying advice and useful telephone numbers in the event of becoming a victim of crime.
The Spanish National Police Force also operates a service whereby foreign tourists can report a crime by telephone. Via 902 102 112, officers from the Spanish National Police Force answer calls from foreign citizens and provide them with information, offer helpful assistance or take note of an official crime report. This comprehensive service is provided in English, French, German and Italian. The service received more than 13,000 calls in the first four months of 2014, of which 8,440 concluded in official crime reports.
The Spanish National Police Force is also present at seven Foreign Tourist Assistance Service Offices (Spanish acronym: SATE), alongside the respective local councils and other institutions. The Spanish National Police Force also helps tourists from the Foreign Tourist Assistance Service Offices in Malaga, Marbella, Benalmadena, Benidorm, Manacor, Gandia and Madrid. This quality service is highly valued by tourists and other institutions, such as the Foreign Tourist Assistance Service in Benidorm, which this year received recognition for the quality and excellence of its service from the British Embassy and the City Council.  The seven Foreign Tourist Assistance Services operated by officers from the Spanish National Police Force helped over 3,200 people between January and April 2014.
Advice for enjoying a safe summer
Over the course of the summer period, the Spanish National Police Force will be underlining a series of safety guidelines for enjoying a safe summer via its profiles on the social networks.
1. Watch over your valuables at typically summer venues and occasions (festivals, large-scale events, beaches, terraces, beach bars, etc.) to ensure they are not stolen by opportunists or pick-pockets. Install a tracking app on your smartphone in case it disappears.
2. Ensure that any concert, festival or event you attend complies with all compulsory safety measures. Avoid risks at any large-scale event and call 112 if you become aware of an emergency situation.
3. Only swim in authorised areas. Follow the rules and instructions given by lifeguards. Take care in the water... and don't be too trusting with your belongings!
4. When in swimming areas with small children, watch them very carefully and set strict rules on going near the water. Make sure to tell older children who know how to swim that they should not be over-confident and that they should always follow the rules and basic safety guidelines.
5. The consumption of alcohol on the street is prohibited (except in certain very specific situations) and may lead to significant fines. Excessive alcohol consumption can damage your health. For your own safety and the safety of others, never drive if you have been drinking alcohol. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a criminal offence.
6. Stay away from drugs. They are harmful to your health in the short term and can kill in the long term. If you see signs of drug trafficking, report it to us at antidroga@policia.es  with full anonymity and confidentiality.
7. We all like to take - and share via the social networks - pretty or impressive photographs. However, never jeopardise anyone's safety (neither photographer nor subject) or break the rules. Before sharing your photographs on the social networks, instant messaging services or email, ensure that they respect others and will not cause harm to anyone either at the time or in the future.
8. The purchase of items away from regulated establishments means you will be beyond the scope of health & hygiene controls with no consumer rights. You will also be putting yourself at risk of fraud and forgery. Take extreme care with all food, drink, medicine and cosmetic products and all products that could affect your health.
9. If you intend to enjoy risky sports and/or recreational activities, make sure to inform yourself of the rules to be followed, the safety and basic prevention measures to be applied, that the activity in question has been authorised and the steps to take in the event of an emergency. There is no excuse for the absence of helmets or other protection.
10. When attending an outdoor gathering, do not make a barbecue or build a fire in unauthorised camping areas and take extreme caution when doing so at home.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44225/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### MOBILE VERSIONS OF SPAIN.INFO AND 'SPAIN IN APPS' PLATFORM LAUNCHED

The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism presented the mobile version of the official website for tourism in Spain and the 'Spain in Apps' platform (an app generator) that are aimed at offering a response to the needs of the digital tourist.
The goal is to maintain Spain's leading position in the tourism industry in the future, which means that Spanish tourism needs to be committed to innovation and new technologies.
These initiatives are a response to the new habits of travelers and the strong influence of new technologies on transforming the tourism industry. This phenomenon should be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat to the tourism sector.
In fact, this industry is one of those to have been most influenced by the emergence of mobile telephones (it is estimated that more than 6.8 billion now exist around the world), making them an essential tool when organising any holiday.
This is also creating a unique framework for the development of entrepreneurial activity in tourism and innovative companies.
Mobile version of Spain.info
The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism is responding to the importance of these new needs from the digital tourist through the creation and the presentation on Thursday of the mobile version of the official website for tourism in Spain, fully aware that a quarter of all visits to this website take place via a mobile device.
This new version improves user experience with more practical and simpler browsing, faster access to the information, short messages adapted to the available space and the geolocation of resources.
The mobile version is available in four languages (Spanish, English, French and German) with optimised content, images and tools for responding to the needs of travellers.
'Spain in Apps' platform
Furthermore, the Ministry of Industry has launched the 'Spain in Apps' technology platform for the development of tourism apps. This platform is closely linked to the Smart Tourism Destinations project, one of the measures forming part of the National Comprehensive Tourism Plan (PNIT) 2012-2015, the cornerstones of which are innovation, technology, sustainability and accessibility.
A set of apps linked to various tourist destinations, segments, products and services in Spain were presented. Destination guides, apps for beaches, apps for enjoying nature, for travelling with children, for booking and selling experiences, etc.
The various features include a number of accessibility tools - present in all the apps - worthy of mention, the option to incorporate user-generated content, the design of postcards and the ability to rate the various resources.
These apps will soon incorporate a planner, which will enable the creation of a travel book to help users select activities, points of interest and organise customised routes.
'Spain in Apps' has a two-fold objective. From a demand perspective, it provides tourists with up-to-date geolocated information about tourist destinations, products and services, the content of which is taken from Spain.info and other sources. From an offer perspective, the platform generates applications that enable data to be gathered anonymously making it possible to gain an understanding of tourist behaviour patterns in Spain.
By gathering this data, 'Spain in Apps' will enable destination managers to take decisions based on concrete information, thereby helping to raise efficiency in the management of tourism policies and help tourism businesses adapt their product or service to real tourist demands.
To that end, this initiative forms an essential part of the Open Data and Big Data project of the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism in the tourism sector, which will contribute to improving the competitiveness of Spain as a tourist destination.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44224/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism presented the mobile version of the official website for tourism in Spain and the 'Spain in Apps' platform (an app generator) that are aimed at offering a response to the needs of the digital tourist.
The g...

### TRAGEDY IN BENIDORM THEME PARKS

A child, believed to be of Russian nationality and around 4 years of age, has been seriously injured after apparently falling from a statue at Benidorm´s Terra Natura animal park on Monday.
It is believed that the child was climbing on the 1.5 metre high wooden statue, which was unable to carry the weight, subsequently falling and hitting the child.
The child was taken to Alicante hospital in a serious condition. The park said that the ornamental statue was in an area where climbing was not allowed. 
Meanwhile, an investigation has been launched in neighbouring Terra Mitica theme park, after an 18 year old was killed after apparently falling from a roller coaster ride.
The male was riding the Inferno roller coaster when he was apparently thrown from the ride. An emergency crew attended but could do nothing to save his life.
A full report on the incident is expected in the next few days before the courts decide how to proceed with the investigation into the tragic death.
In a statement, the management of Terra Mitica confirmed that the attraction has an official certification and was confirmed the “optimal functioning of the attraction with the highest level of security”. The certification, which was conducted by an external amusement park safety company, was conducted prior to the park opening for the summer season in April. 
The park also confirmed that safety staff at the park had checked the ride on the morning of the incident, as they do every morning, and confirmed its correct operation.
According to sources involved in the investigation, “the causes of the accident are unknown”, and Terra Mitica has announced that it will continue to investigate the reasons for “such unfortunate facts”, whilst pointing out that throughout its 14 years of operation there had never been an accident of this nature before. The park management offered their condolences to the family.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44223/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A child, believed to be of Russian nationality and around 4 years of age, has been seriously injured after apparently falling from a statue at Benidorm´s Terra Natura animal park on Monday.
It is believed that the child was climbing on the 1.5 m...

### TV AD SPENDING UP 6.4% IN MAY

The "Survey of Advertising Expenditure in Spain 2014" presented by Infoadex, puts the estimated real investment recorded in the advertising market last year in 10,461.3 million euros, representing a decrease of -3.7 % of the 10,858.8 million euros that were reached in 2012.
 So the market has returned to a contraction in advertising revenue in the media. However, that 3.7% is a clear slowdown in the decline in investment, compared with a fall of 9.9% in the previous year. Internet was in 2013 the only area with a positive 1.8% growing behavior.
In addition, investment in television advertising in May continued the recovery started in March, up 6.4% from the same period last year, according to the monthly report of the media agency Ymedia.
The most active advertising campaign has been released by the beer Mahou Cinco Estrellas, which has accumulated 2,091 GRPs (Gross rating points) or advertising pressure points, followed by the campaign of Jazztel phone company with 2,015 points.
Thus, the Lidl supermarket loses the top going to a third place with 1845.4 GRPs.
Telecinco chain is the leader of the month, with 15.2% of the total television audience, followed by Antena 3 with 13.8%. In contrast, TVE-1 lost 7/10 and remains at 10.4%.
The two most watched events of the month were Eurovision and the final of the Champions League. The European gala was followed by more than 5 million viewers and achieved a 35.9% share, while the final was watched by 12 million people and reached a 61.9% share.
The match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid becomes the most watched sporting event since the final of Euro 2012 between Spain and Italy.
clementeferrer3@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44222/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The "Survey of Advertising Expenditure in Spain 2014" presented by Infoadex, puts the estimated real investment recorded in the advertising market last year in 10,461.3 million euros, representing a decrease of -3.7 % of the 10,858.8 million euros that were reached in 2012.
 So the market has returned to a contraction in advertising revenue in the media. However, that 3.7% is a clear slowdown in the decline in investment, compared with a fall of 9.9% in the previous year. Internet was in 2013 the only area with a positive 1.8% growing behavior.
In addition, investment in television advertising in May continued the recovery started in March, up 6.4% from the same period last year, according to the monthly report of the media agency Ymedia.
The most active advertising campaign has been released by the beer Mahou Cinco Estrellas, which has accumulated 2,091 GRPs (Gross rating points) or advertising pressure points, followed by the campaign of Jazztel phone company with 2,015 points.
Thus, the Lidl supermarket loses the top going to a third place with 1845.4 GRPs.
Telecinco chain is the leader of the month, with 15.2% of the total television audience, followed by Antena 3 with 13.8%. In contrast, TVE-1 lost 7/10 and remains at 10.4%.
The two most watched events of the month were Eurovision and the final of the Champions League. The European gala was followed by more than 5 million viewers and achieved a 35.9% share, while the final was watched by 12 million people and reached a 61.9% share.
The match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid becomes the most watched sporting event since the final of Euro 2012 between Spain and Italy.
clementeferrer3@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44222/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### LOW BIRTH RATE AND CRISIS

I remember that in late 60s a Neo Malthusian theory came into fashion. According to this, if the population growth had continued the pace of recent years, it would have caused a phenomenon that in those years it was considered terrifying: before the year 2000 hundreds of millions of people would have died of hunger because of lack of resources.
These theories widely disseminated by leftist sectors became fashionable by proposing once again the catastrophic prophecies of P.R. Ehrlich. This argued that the world population growth rate was too high and we had to stop it, otherwise before the year 2000 tens of millions of people would die of hunger especially in Asia, China and India.
The reality is that they not only have not died of hunger, but they have begun to be richer than us holding up our economy.
In the 80s, the developed world blocked the population growth from 4.5 % to a progressive fall to 0% in Europe, the United States, Canada and Japan. A zero population growth does not mean having no children, but means having two children per couple, which is the replacement rate.
However, it causes the freezing of the population increase and produces a very important change: there are fewer young people entering in the productivity world and there are more people that come out of the world of work by old age.
This situation is causing on the one hand a lower productivity and on the other hand a detail of the development cycle: fixed costs increase and seriously threat the retirement pensions of people who can no longer produce. At the same time the possibility of eliminating that part of population by euthanasia is considered.
This increase in fixed costs also makes very difficult to reduce taxes because they inevitably increase these costs. In view of this situation debit growth strategies have been adopted, especially getting into debt families and creating a dramatic economic crisis.
As E. Gotti concludes in one of his writings: many years ago we thought that if we had not children, we would be richer, we would be better. However, the opposite has occurred: we have become poorer and we will be bad for a long time if we do not deflate this borrowing system and if we do not allow birth at least to conceived children.
Isabel Costa
Independent Forum of OpinionFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44221/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: I remember that in late 60s a Neo Malthusian theory came into fashion. According to this, if the population growth had continued the pace of recent years, it would have caused a phenomenon that in those years it was considered terrifying: before the ye...

### COURT DATES FOR ACCUSED ORIHUELA PP MEMBERS

The nine former councillors from the previous Partido Popular run council of Orihuela facing criminal charges for corruption will appear before the courts on the 28th, 29th and 30th of July.
The Superior Court of Justice of the Valencian Community issued notice for court number 3 of Orihuela to investigate the alleged crime of trespass, investigating the payment of numerous bills dating back to 2008.
Therefore, on the 28th of July, the current head of the party, Pepa Ferrando, will appear at 09:30. Ferrando is also facing other unrelated charges in connection with payments to a company named Pepa Ferrando S.L., for which she denies any involvement, as she states that she was not involved with the company thought to have been set up with her sister at the time the firm was awarded contracts by the town hall.
On the same day at 11:00, Antonio Lidón will appear, followed by Manuel Abadía at 12:.30.
On the 29th of July, it will be the turn of Antonio Rodríguez Murcia to answer questions at 09:30, followed by Ginés Sánchez at 11:00, and finally, former councillor for the coast José Antonio Aniorte at 12:30.
Then, on the 30th of July, the last three in this case will appear, Antonio José Ortiz at 9:30, José Manuel Cutillas at 11:00 and Antonio Rodríguez Barberá at 12:30.
This investigation stems from a complaint lodged by the socialist Antonio Moreno in 2009, which highlighted the existence of “several irregularities” committed in 2008 in the city of Orihuela and thus claimed that numerous invoices had been paid by the government, approved between the 2nd of June and the 13th of October, despite reports of irregularities.
After learning of the complaint, Pepa Ferrando said that the PP were “victims” in this case, and how it was “curious” that the complaint has come “five years later, less than a year before the municipal elections”.
Those involved deny any wrong doing and, according to Ferrando, will attend court, “with the same indignation of the same tranquillity” in order to prove their innocence.
The former mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente, appears in court on the 10th of July in another unrelated case.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44208/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The nine former councillors from the previous Partido Popular run council of Orihuela facing criminal charges for corruption will appear before the courts on the 28th, 29th and 30th of July.
The Superior Court of Justice of the Valencian Community iss...

### CATASTROPHE AVOIDED AT BARCELONA AIRPORT

A potential disaster involving two passenger jets was narrowly avoided on Saturday, as an Aerolineas Argentinas Airbus A340-300, flying from Barcelona to Buenos Aires, crossed the runway in the path of a Boeing 767-300, just about to land on arrival from Moscow Domodedovo.
Reports indicate that the Airbus had already crossed the live runway twice, under the instructions of the Air Traffic Controllers, heading towards its own departure point. Without slowing, the aircraft then crossed the runway for the third time.
The crew of the incoming Boeing spotted the Airbus on the runway and performed an immediate “go around”, thus ascending clear of a potential disaster on the ground. According to data, the aircraft was less than 20 seconds from touching down, around 40 seconds from a lateral impact.
The Boeing aircraft positioned for another approach and landed safely about 15 minutes later, whereas the Airbus departed for Argentina about 20 minutes after the occurrence.
Following the incident, it was reported that the runway in question is normally inactive, and it is common for aircraft to taxi across it without stopping. This is also said to have caused a number of similar incidents in the past.
Spanish airport operator Aena stated that the Boeing could have continued the landing without any danger, the separation was sufficient, and the Airbus would have cleared its path. On Monday, Aena stated that an investigation has now been opened into the incident.
A plane spotter recorded the incident on video and posted the film on You Tube.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44207/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A potential disaster involving two passenger jets was narrowly avoided on Saturday, as an Aerolineas Argentinas Airbus A340-300, flying from Barcelona to Buenos Aires, crossed the runway in the path of a Boeing 767-300, just about to land on arrival fr...

### Things to do – Tuesday 8 July 2014

TUESDAY 8 JULY
Markets
Alicante, (Rastro), Aspe, Altea, Benijofar, ORIHUELA, San Fulgencio.
ALICANTE
Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum.
BARCELONA
One Direction, Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
Exhibition of historic documents detailing the accounts of fiesta de santas Justa y Rufina from the year 1644. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 July).
ORIHUELA COSTA
The Jackson 4 tribute band and World Cup football – Zenia Boulevard.
PAMPLONA
Fiesta de San Fermin – Bull running and fighting fiesta (All week).

Excerpt: TUESDAY 8 JULY Markets Alicante, (Rastro), Aspe, Altea, Benijofar, ORIHUELA, San Fulgencio. ALICANTE Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum. BARCELONA One Direction, Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. MADRID Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de […]

### ORIHUELA PARTIDO POPULAR PRESENT LEGAL CHALLENGE

The Partido Popular group of Orihuela, along with their affiliates from the CLR political group, have submitted a formal challenge through the courts against the Council of Elders that prevented the censure motion overthrowing the government at the start of this year.
The clerk of the courts has now issued a formal request with the municipal government forms of the Los Verdes and PSOE, with an expected initial response within 8 days, followed by a further 20 days to submit proposed actions.
The censure motion was prevented on account that two of those who had signed the move, including Pedro Mancebo, had been expelled from their political groups prior to the plenary session, and therefore were not allowed such a vote. A court recently upheld a provisional claim that this was not the case.
The courts close for the month of August and so, in a press release issued on Monday, the PP fully expects the matter to be resolved promptly, or the situation may well have to be delayed until the return of the judiciary, heading ever closer to the next municipal elections in May. 
Bob Houliston, who is the chairperson of the council of elders, will be talking on Exite Radio on Tuesday morning, just after 10:00. Pedro Mancebo will also be giving more information when he talks on Exite Radio on Wednesday at the same time. Finally, we will hear from Martina Scheurer, an actual serving councillor from the Los Verdes, on Thursday. 
Exite Radio is available on 93.1fm on your radio, and you can listen via the internet at www.exiteradio.com.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44206/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Partido Popular group of Orihuela, along with their affiliates from the CLR political group, have submitted a formal challenge through the courts against the Council of Elders that prevented the censure motion overthrowing the government at the sta...

### What´s On – Monday 7 July 2014

MONDAY 7 JULY
Markets
Cox, Elche, Formentera, La Nucia, San Pedro del Pinatar, Santa Pola, Sax, Torremendo.
ALICANTE
Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum.
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
Exhibition of historic documents detailing the accounts of fiesta de santas Justa y Rufina from the year 1644. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 July).
ORIHUELA COSTA
San Zermines, the Zenia Boulevard´s own take on San Fermin – Zenia Boulevard.
PAMPLONA
Fiesta de San Fermin – Bull running and fighting fiesta (All week).
SAN JAVIER
Bobby McFerrin, Auditorio Parque Almansa.

Excerpt: MONDAY 7 JULY Markets Cox, Elche, Formentera, La Nucia, San Pedro del Pinatar, Santa Pola, Sax, Torremendo. ALICANTE Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum. MADRID Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until […]

### AUDITIONS FOR FEATURE FILM

Auditions will be held for both speaking parts and non Speaking Roles for the Forth Coming Feature Film based in the Torrevieja area and on the Costablanca, Staring Al Matthews and Tom Watt. Will be held at The Black 7 Club Los Montesinos.
Actors of all age and size will be wanted for the film. Auditions will start at 11:00 on Wednesday the 16th July 2014. For more information email siestaproductions2012@gmail.com. Send a CV and a head shot should you be looking for a Speaking Role. This is a community Project and no one will be paid, not even the Hollywood star, however it will be a bona fide Listing for your CV and IMDb Status.
The Film is based on former Spy's living in Torrevieja who get drafted back in to service. A Theme song has be produced and a video of the Theme Called "The Cucaracha Club" will be available very soon.
It is hoped that Product placement can be used to help fund the project, the main work that requires funds comes at the end when the product is moved in to Post production and the editing, sound and colour are all completed, normally this costs in excess of £250,000 however a Fellow company have offered help and will do this at a vastly reduced price to help Siesta make their first Costablanca Movie.
For further information on how you can get involved you can check the web site or even make a small donation to help fund this exciting and wonderful project intended to help put the area on the Film & TV production map : www.siesta.productionsFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44203/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Auditions will be held for both speaking parts and non Speaking Roles for the Forth Coming Feature Film based in the Torrevieja area and on the Costablanca, Staring Al Matthews and Tom Watt. Will be held at The Black 7 Club Los Montesinos.
Actors of all age and size will be wanted for the film. Auditions will start at 11:00 on Wednesday the 16th July 2014. For more information email siestaproductions2012@gmail.com. Send a CV and a head shot should you be looking for a Speaking Role. This is a community Project and no one will be paid, not even the Hollywood star, however it will be a bona fide Listing for your CV and IMDb Status.
The Film is based on former Spy's living in Torrevieja who get drafted back in to service. A Theme song has be produced and a video of the Theme Called "The Cucaracha Club" will be available very soon.
It is hoped that Product placement can be used to help fund the project, the main work that requires funds comes at the end when the product is moved in to Post production and the editing, sound and colour are all completed, normally this costs in excess of £250,000 however a Fellow company have offered help and will do this at a vastly reduced price to help Siesta make their first Costablanca Movie.
For further information on how you can get involved you can check the web site or even make a small donation to help fund this exciting and wonderful project intended to help put the area on the Film & TV production map : www.siesta.productionsFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44203/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### EUROPA POINT FC TO WORK WITH SUNBORN YACHT HOTEL

Europa Point FC is pleased to announce that Sunborn Yacht Hotel has agreed to be the shirt sponsor for the 2014/15 season.
The agreement will see the Sunborn logo adorned on the front of the shirt and shorts of the newly designed kit of which the shirts will be available for fans to purchase later this month.
Speaking at the official presentation, Europa Point FC Chairman John Gontier said “On behalf of Europa Point FC, I would like to thank Managing director Mr. Olivier Six and Sunborn for this unique opportunity to work with this iconic brand and we are looking forward to working with each other for the upcoming year.
We are very fortunate and honoured to have such a prestigious shirt sponsor in our inaugural season and very grateful to Sunborn who accepted our offer”. “We are two innovative societies Sunborn as iconic Yacht Hotels and Europa Point FC a differentiating grassroots club intended to daringly give chances and second chances to young players to alleviate the frustrating situation young players find themselves in after dedicating many years of their childhood to the game that they then have to drop out from.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44201/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Europa Point FC is pleased to announce that Sunborn Yacht Hotel has agreed to be the shirt sponsor for the 2014/15 season.
The agreement will see the Sunborn logo adorned on the front of the shirt and shorts of the newly designed kit of which the shi...

### TORREVIEJA’S BEREZINA POLINA WINS NATIONAL TITLE

Success for Torrevieja's Berezina Polina last week at the National Championships held in Granada where the gymnast won her age group Rhythmic Gymnastics title.
The 16 year old, who hails from Moscow, and who in a recent competition was voted ‘Miss Elegance',  took part in the 4 different disciplines, hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon from which she earned a total of one gold, two silver and two bronze medals.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44199/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Success for Torrevieja's Berezina Polina last week at the National Championships held in Granada where the gymnast won her age group Rhythmic Gymnastics title.
The 16 year old, who hails from Moscow, and who in a recent competition was voted ‘Mi...

### NEED FOR POLITICANS TO BRUSH UP LANGUAGE SKILLS

Even President Franco could speak English, albeit his speeches were usually read from scripts, but in this modern day era, when the language is increasingly used in political circles, a recent survey carried out amongst English teachers in Spain says that nine out of ten feel that current Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, wouldn't pass a high-school English test.
Indeed three out of four of those surveyed go rather further in saying that the PM, who recently turned down free English classes, wouldn't even pass a primary school English exam.
These are just some of the findings of Cambridge University Press's latest study on the status of the English language in Spain.
There was one famous example of course which was well publicized at the time of Margaret Thatcher's death last year, which cause the Spanish first minister to breathe an almighty sigh of relief. 
He was due to hold a press conference with British Prime Minister David Cameron in which his famously questionable command of the English language was sure to be put to the test.
But news of the former British leader's death meant that Cameron had to leave Spain rather quickly and Rajoy was spared the need to display his linguistic skills.
The most he could manage in his first encounter with Cameron was to stammer out a few words in Spanglish. A video of him telling the British Prime Minister "It's very difficult todo esto (all this)" has had thousands of views on YouTube.
But it wasn't only the proficiency of Rajoy that was called into question in the survey.
Of the 1000 teachers working here in Spain from schools, universities and private language academies that took part in the survey over 90% criticized their politicians for a lack of English language skills while 88% of them said that the country's politicians had worse English than any of their peers in the European Union. 94% said they had felt embarrassed when listening to Spanish politicians speaking English.
They said that it would take 15 years for Spain to bring these levels up to those of other European countries.  
Cambridge University Press spokesperson Julio Redondas told Spain's Efe news agency "We have a historical and cultural hang-up which is hard to shake. But many things can change over a generation," said Redondas who said "persistence" was key to learning a language. "
But he highlighted that almost all teachers (98 percent) said that Spaniards were more aware of the need to speak English than 10 years ago.
But while the teachers criticize many of their leaders poor foreign language skills, some are veritable inspirations.
The new King, Felipe VI, is fluent in English as well as speaking excellent Catalan, French and some Greek while his father, former King Juan Carlos, who abdicated just 2 weeks ago, can speak French, Portuguese, Italian and English. The former president of the Madrid region, Esperanza Aguirre, is proficient in English and fluent in French. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44198/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Even President Franco could speak English, albeit his speeches were usually read from scripts, but in this modern day era, when the language is increasingly used in political circles, a recent survey carried out amongst English teachers in Spain says that nine out of ten feel that current Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, wouldn't pass a high-school English test.
Indeed three out of four of those surveyed go rather further in saying that the PM, who recently turned down free English classes, wouldn't even pass a primary school English exam.
These are just some of the findings of Cambridge University Press's latest study on the status of the English language in Spain.
There was one famous example of course which was well publicized at the time of Margaret Thatcher's death last year, which cause the Spanish first minister to breathe an almighty sigh of relief. 
He was due to hold a press conference with British Prime Minister David Cameron in which his famously questionable command of the English language was sure to be put to the test.
But news of the former British leader's death meant that Cameron had to leave Spain rather quickly and Rajoy was spared the need to display his linguistic skills.
The most he could manage in his first encounter with Cameron was to stammer out a few words in Spanglish. A video of him telling the British Prime Minister "It's very difficult todo esto (all this)" has had thousands of views on YouTube.
But it wasn't only the proficiency of Rajoy that was called into question in the survey.
Of the 1000 teachers working here in Spain from schools, universities and private language academies that took part in the survey over 90% criticized their politicians for a lack of English language skills while 88% of them said that the country's politicians had worse English than any of their peers in the European Union. 94% said they had felt embarrassed when listening to Spanish politicians speaking English.
They said that it would take 15 years for Spain to bring these levels up to those of other European countries.  
Cambridge University Press spokesperson Julio Redondas told Spain's Efe news agency "We have a historical and cultural hang-up which is hard to shake. But many things can change over a generation," said Redondas who said "persistence" was key to learning a language. "
But he highlighted that almost all teachers (98 percent) said that Spaniards were more aware of the need to speak English than 10 years ago.
But while the teachers criticize many of their leaders poor foreign language skills, some are veritable inspirations.
The new King, Felipe VI, is fluent in English as well as speaking excellent Catalan, French and some Greek while his father, former King Juan Carlos, who abdicated just 2 weeks ago, can speak French, Portuguese, Italian and English. The former president of the Madrid region, Esperanza Aguirre, is proficient in English and fluent in French. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44198/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### THE LATEST IN POLITICAL SCANDALS

Early in the week saw three of those members of the Partido Popular accused in the Torrevieja mobile phone scandal give their side of the story in court. The first was former councillor Daniel Plaza, who is accused of using his public funded telephone to call sex workers, allegedly making more than 200 calls to sexual service providers between 2007 and 2012. José Manuel Pizana was accused of having had his mobile phone bill paid until October 2011 despite leaving office in the May of that year. Former advisor Graham Knight is alleged to have clocked up a large, 1,140 euro bill in “roaming” fees whilst using his mobile phone whilst abroad.
Later, two serving councillors and an advisor were in court. Javier Montoro is said to have accumulated a bill of 1,300 euro in calls to his girlfriend, but he almost instantly returned the money and apologised for his actions. Eduardo Gil Rebollo was said to have subscribed to a pay-per-view pornography channels. Advisor Juana López Carmona is said to have called at least 170 late night competition lines.
If found guilty in the courts, those involved face a fine, as well as being banned from holding public office for between 6 months and 3 years, although it is believed that any refunds will be taken into consideration as mitigation when passing sentence.
In Dolores, a similar situation has come to light this week, with the socialist mayor, Joaquín Hernández, accusing the PP councillors of the same thing, using their public funded mobile phones for private use.
On the 10th of July, former Mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente, will give her evidence in defence of accusations that she was involved in the infamous “caso Brugal”, one of the most prominent corruption cases in the history of Spain. Lorente is charged for the alleged crimes of corruption, insider trading, disclosure of secrets, prohibited activities to authorities and fraud, to which she has maintained her innocence throughout.
Despite hoping to “move on” once her evidence clears her, Lorente has said that she will not step in to take charge of the Orihuela PP, as this is the time for current head, Pepa Ferrando, to take the lead.
On Thursday, Ferrando, who is also facing corruption charges, gave a press conference in which she stated that there are now a total of nine Partido Popular councillors from the previous PP administration of Orihuela facing corruption charges. This information was believed to have been released prior to the information becoming public from the courts. José Antonio Aniorte, a former councillor for Orihuela Costa is now added to that list of the six previously known officials facing charges, along with Antonio Rodríguez Barberá and José Manuel Cutillas. Now joining Lorente and Ferrando, along with Manuel Abadía, Antonio Lidón, José Antonio Rodríguez and Ginés Sénchez.
Alberto Fabra, the Partido Popular ruling President of the Valencia region, has come under fire again this week. When he took over office he vowed to wipe out corruption, even stating that no member of his party facing charges could stand for election, yet the evidence suggests that he has not taken action against any senior member of his ranks, and has only taken action against those in junior roles. This came about after three more politicians in Mayoral roles were charged with different offences, but have not come under threat of Fabra´s so called “líneas rojas”.
The deputy for Compromís, Mireia Mollà, issued a statement from the opposition, saying that “the list of defendants in the ranks of the Vega Baja PP increases shamefully, while Alberto Fabra does not exert any pressure in this regard and protects them in public office”.
Mollà continued, “Despite the seriousness of the matter and instead of condemning this, Alberto Fabra and his team are dedicated to presenting Ferrando for mayor, an attitude that shows how false the red line is”. As such, Mollà demands the resignation of all Orihuela councillors accused of alleged corruption “to stop littering the name of the institutions they represent, rather than clinging to public office for personal gain”.
With the Partido Popular losing countless votes in the European election, the call to clean up politics has never been louder, but quite what the outcome of these latest revelations will be remains to be seen, as everybody is considered innocent until proven guilty. However, in the case of former PP mayor of Torrevieja, Pedro Hernández Mateo, even a guilty verdict has little consequence as he still remains free and seemingly above the law, a token for those who think they can “get away with it” being clear. 
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44186/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Early in the week saw three of those members of the Partido Popular accused in the Torrevieja mobile phone scandal give their side of the story in court. The first was former councillor Daniel Plaza, who is accused of using his public funded telephone ...

### THE STRIKING REALITY - THE RIGHTS OF WORKERS

A protest due to have been held on Friday in Torrevieja by waste disposal workers still in fear of their jobs, was cancelled in the week under the threat and fear of legal action and fines against those involved.
The contract for waste collection and street cleaning in Torrevieja came to an end recently, after being in place for the last 10 years. Controversial from the offset, the contract has led to criminal proceedings against the previous mayor of the city, Pedro Hernandez Mateo, sentenced to prison as a result, although still walking free to this day, pending a clemency appeal on account for the fact that he is a politician. 
In addition, there has been an increase in the budget and expenditure, concerns from technicians and financial experts, the worry of dirty streets during the summer that the contract is not in place, and, for some time, the threat of job losses as the city´s mayor, Eduardo Dolón, wanted to split the contract and award it to two different companies, at the same time as the opposition Los Verdes wanted to municipalise the service, thus protecting the workforce.
The local police in Torrevieja have also carried out numerous protects over their working conditions, and they too have been threatened with both disciplinary and legal action, which has possibly sent an additional wave of fear through those wanting to carry out a legitimate and peaceful protest in order to get answers as to their future employment.
The CCOO union representing the cleaners issued a note saying that the protest should not go ahead, as the workers have been threatened that they would be in breach of the rules and their actions could lead to fines.
Nationally, a similar situation has already occurred, with almost 300 workers already appearing in court for their participation in strike action, the UGT union are calling for increased backing for a campaign against what they describe as the “criminalisation” of strikes and industrial action.
With threats of fines and even prison, Cándido Méndez of the UGT says that at least 260 workers who have protested for their rights are now facing a cumulative 120 years in jail, all whilst those given criminal convictions, such as is the case in Torrevieja, remain free. 
With recent changes in labour laws making it easier for companies to get rid of staff, reduce wages or change their working conditions, some see Spain heading towards a time from which the country only recently became free, when the rights of the citizens were not a consideration. 
Ignacio Fernández Toxo, from the CCOO, said that the courts are “trying to make examples of a few, instil fear and discourage people from participating in mobilisations and strikes. We're talking about a fundamental right that's enshrined in the Spanish constitution”, concluding, “We thought we had clearly overcome this phase in Spain. But it seems like maybe not”.
Prior to the changes being implemented, there had been a considerable increase in the number of strikes held in Spain. According to the Izquierda Plural, there were 994 strikes in Spain in 2013, 11.67% more than the 878 that took place in 2012. However, the days not worked decreased by 14.85%, from 1.29 million in 2012 to 1,090,000 days last year. These strikes involved 1.63 million workers, representing a 16.57% increase from the 1.36 million in 2012, with overall participation rising from 23.76% in 2012 to 27.42% in 2013. 
The Izquierda Plural also point out that the government are keen to hide this information, which was mandatory, as they also want to censor the reality of conditions for the workers involved.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44185/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A protest due to have been held on Friday in Torrevieja by waste disposal workers still in fear of their jobs, was cancelled in the week under the threat and fear of legal action and fines against those involved.
The contract for waste collection and ...

### ORIHUELA BEACHES UNDER ASSESSMENT

The beaches of the Orihuela Costa have come under the microscope again this week, as the annual audit assessing the quality requirements got under way.
Last year the audits took place concurrently, but this year the different standard appraisers are arriving at different times, the first being the official assessors for the ISO certificates as well as the “Q” for quality.
Five of the beaches on the Orihuela Costa have the Q flag standard, they are Punta Prima, Estaca, Cala Capitán, La Glea and Mil Palmeras, whereas eleven beaches have the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certificates.
Martina Scheurer from the Los Verdes green party of Orihuela, the councillor of Orihuela Costa, told The Leader that she is “glad to communicate that until now there has been not even one non conformity issue and that the results are very good”. 
The certificate of "Q" for quality is issued by the ICTE (Instituto nacional de Calidad Turistica en España) and the requirements are very severe. Even though the Chiringuitos do not officially form part of it, the auditor paid particular attention to them as well and has confirmed that everything matches the official requirements.
The auditors will carry on with their work next week, whilst the inspections for the Blue Flags will take place in the second half of July.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44184/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The beaches of the Orihuela Costa have come under the microscope again this week, as the annual audit assessing the quality requirements got under way.
Last year the audits took place concurrently, but this year the different standard appraisers are arriving at different times, the first being the official assessors for the ISO certificates as well as the “Q” for quality.
Five of the beaches on the Orihuela Costa have the Q flag standard, they are Punta Prima, Estaca, Cala Capitán, La Glea and Mil Palmeras, whereas eleven beaches have the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certificates.
Martina Scheurer from the Los Verdes green party of Orihuela, the councillor of Orihuela Costa, told The Leader that she is “glad to communicate that until now there has been not even one non conformity issue and that the results are very good”. 
The certificate of "Q" for quality is issued by the ICTE (Instituto nacional de Calidad Turistica en España) and the requirements are very severe. Even though the Chiringuitos do not officially form part of it, the auditor paid particular attention to them as well and has confirmed that everything matches the official requirements.
The auditors will carry on with their work next week, whilst the inspections for the Blue Flags will take place in the second half of July.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44184/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### TALKING POLITICS ON EXITE RADIO

With the municipal elections getting closer by the day, now just 10 months away, the political situation in Orihuela is still one of bitter contrast. From numerous politicians facing criminal charges, others being ousted and even the mayor facing attempts to overthrow him, the current bipartite team are still working together for what they feel is the best for the municipality.
This week, Mark Nolan will once again be joined by three of the most influential characters from the field of local politics, discussing the recent changes, cases and future as we head rapidly towards that date when we get to choose the next representatives.
On Tuesday, Bob Houliston from the Orihuela Costa orientated CLARO group will be on air, then on Wednesday it is the turn of Pedro Mancebo from the central liberal CLR group will give his take on what´s been happening. On Thursday, it will be Martina Scheurer from the Los Verdes green party, the current councillor for the coast and representative of the Government, both answering questions as to the current situation, and updating us on what is going on during her regular weekly session.
To hear what they all have to say, make sure your radio is tuned to 93.1fm, or you can listen via the website at www.exiteradio.com, with all three being on air just after 10:00 in the morning, joining Mark Nolan who will have already been bringing you the latest news from around the area from 08:00.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44183/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: With the municipal elections getting closer by the day, now just 10 months away, the political situation in Orihuela is still one of bitter contrast. From numerous politicians facing criminal charges, others being ousted and even the mayor facing attem...

### POLICING THE SUMMER HOT SPOTS

As summer is now well and truly underway, this weekend saw 10,000 Guardia Civil officers on duty, supported by 600 based in traffic management centres and 13,000 road employees to carry out maintenance and traffic management roles, as the first main weekend event on the road network saw an estimated 3.9 million displacements, mostly heading from inland areas to the coastal towns and cities.
Once those domestic tourists arrive at the coast, along with those from further afield, they can rest assured that an additional 28,535 officers from both the National Police and Guardia Civil will be on hand to strengthen security in the main Spanish tourist areas from the 1st of July, as part of the government´s “Tourist Security” campaign launched by the Ministry of Interior to ensure the “tranquillity of the holiday”.
The data released by the Secretary of State for security, Francisco Martínez, and his tourism colleague, Isabel María Borrego, shows that, as in previous years, the reinforcement of 11,796 police officers and 16,739 Guardia Civil troops will be deployed in key areas such as Andalucía, Asturias, Canarias, Cantabria, Comunidad Valenciana, Galicia, Madrid, Murcia and the Baleares.
The officers will focus primarily on security on roads, stations, ports, airports, hotels, beaches, campsites and Entertainment celebrations, and will have a primary role o prevention of crime in order to ensure visitors enjoy a safe stay in Spain.
Local policing has also been stepped up on the beaches of the coastal zones, with many municipalities which have beach areas moving officers from the inland areas to cover the coast.
Regarding the movement of vehicles, although the 1st Summer Operation may well now be over, there are still many more to come. A similar situation occurs between the 1st and the 3rd and from the 14th to the 17th of August. Once the tourists have had their fun in the sun, the return operation will run from the 29th to the 31st of August.
As well as monitoring the flow of traffic, there will be two campaigns against driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as speed. These will take place between the 14th and 20th of July in the case of drink and drug driving, and from the 18th to the 24th of August in the case of speed.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44182/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As summer is now well and truly underway, this weekend saw 10,000 Guardia Civil officers on duty, supported by 600 based in traffic management centres and 13,000 road employees to carry out maintenance and traffic management roles, as the first main we...

### BATTLE CONTINUES TO SAVE ORIHUELA COSTA POSTAL SERVICE

The battle to save the home delivery postal service in five areas of Orihuela Costa threatened by decisions of the postal authorities in Madrid continues. Since C.L.A.R.O. alerted the public and the local government to the serious consequences of the decision to suspend home deliveries of post in Cabo Roig, Campoamor, La Regia and La Zenia I and II as of 1 September, unless multi-mail boxes are installed, various steps have been taken to reverse this decision.     
Orihuela Town Hall has not succeeded in persuading the postal authorities to change the decision.   C.L.A.R.O. therefore took the lead in coordinating a formal protest against the decision by representatives of neighbourhood and commercial associations of the five areas concerned to the Spanish Defensor del Pueblo or Ombudsman, whose role it is to protect citizens from arbitrary administrative action. This formal protest objects not only to the arbitrariness and discriminatory nature of the measure but it also underlines the failure, due to an error by Orihuela Town Hall officials, to respect the procedure whereby representative of affected populations should have been consulted.    The views of the representatives of the five areas are now clear – they are unanimously opposed to the measure.
In addition, C.L.A.R.O. Councillor Bob Houliston, formally requested the Mayor in the Plenary meeting of the Council on 25 June to take all necessary measures to change the decision, including, if necessary, legal action and a formal declaration of the Council Plenary to the effect that Orihuela Costa should be considered a continuous urban entity and not a collection of separate, individual urbanizations.   The importance of such a declaration is that in the Orihuela Master Plan of 1990, when Orihuela Costa barely existed, it was not defined as a single integrated entity. The postal authorities have used this out of date administrative definition to allege that the density of the population and frequency of postal deliveries to households in each of the five, according to them, unrelated areas do not meet the levels required to maintain home deliveries. However, taking Orihuela Costa as a continuous, integrated urban entity with over 30,000 residents, its own Town Hall office, schools, public transport and other services, its own postal code (03189) and a single post office for the whole area, the population density and delivery frequency requirements would be more than satisfied.
In a press conference in Orihuela Costa on Friday, 4 July, in which both Martina Scheurer and Bob Houliston participated, the Mayor of Orihuela stated categorically that the Town Hall of Orihuela  would appeal in the Administrative Court against the decision of the postal authorities and in the plenary meeting of the Council in July the government would present a motion, which they hope will be approved by all parties and councillors, stating that Orihuela Costa and its constituent urbanisations, form part of a single continuous urban entity. He said that this revised definition of Orihuela Costa is already included in the new draft Master Plan for Orihuela which is in the process of final approval.
C.L.A.R.O. is satisfied with these commitments and will follow with attention their implementation. We will urge the government, in its appeal to the administrative court, to request the immediate, temporary suspension of the measure, (medidas cautelares) before it comes into force on 1 September. With the steps taken or to be taken, however, there is no guarantee at all that they will lead to a reversal of the decision before 1 September. We will therefore urge the government to appeal to the postal authorities not to introduce the intended measure until the legal actions have been concluded.    
The consequences of the entry into force of the measure would be extremely serious not only for those concerned who, if they are not able to install multi-mail boxes which is probably, practically impossible in most cases, would have to collect mail directly from the Playa Flamenca post office where it would only be kept for two weeks before effectively disappearing. All other users of the Post Office would be affected by the longer queues and longer waiting times inevitably caused by the perhaps hundreds of people who would be obliged to go to the post office daily to collect their mail. In other words, the postal service for all residents and businesses in Orihuela Costa would deteriorate to the point that the right to this basic service, recognised in Spanish and European law, would be compromised.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44181/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The battle to save the home delivery postal service in five areas of Orihuela Costa threatened by decisions of the postal authorities in Madrid continues. Since C.L.A.R.O. alerted the public and the local government to the serious consequences of the d...

### AMBASSADOR HIGHLIGHTS BRITISH TOURIST CONTRIBUTION TO VALENCIA

After years of austerity, the financial situation in Spain and across Europe seems to be easing, with the job situation improving, more families seeing the light at the end of a very long and bleak tunnel, and the welcome mat brushed clean as investors, buyers and tourists start to return.
The contribution that the population of Britain has made in the past was clear in the boom years, creating unique holiday hotspots and thriving communities, which, although a large number of those people may well have returned, is now being boosted by a second wave of buyers eager to benefit from some of the lowest prices in property ever.
Not only that, after a period of stay-at-home holidays, tourists are once again coming to Spain in their droves, breaking records in both hotel occupancy and spending, which collectively adds to the income and revenue streams of the entire country.
This week, the British Ambassador, Simon Manley, reinforced the commercial ties between the UK and Spain, as he visited Valencia to underline the major economic contribution that British nationals make to the area. 
An estimated 1.6 billion euro was spent in Valencia last year by the 2.2 million British tourists who visited the region. In addition, more than 100,000 British nationals are registered as residents on the padrón in the Valencia autonomous community, making further valuable contributions to the regional economy.
In meetings with leaders of the Valencian government, including President Alberto Fabra, the Ambassador raised the provision of healthcare for tourists and the importance of all public hospitals accepting the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) including public hospitals that are privately managed, rather than trying to bill visitors' travel insurance. 
He highlighted the plight of those who continued to be affected by property problems in areas such as Lliber and Catral, and urged the Valencia President and regional councillor for property and environmental issues, Isabel Bonig, to work towards solutions as soon as possible. 
Mr Manley said “As this was my first visit to Valencia, I was keen to emphasise the huge value that the British tourist and resident population has for this area. The fact that British tourists contributed 1.6 billion Euros to the Valencia economy in 2013 alone illustrates this. I am also committed to working with the Valencian government on the issues that affect British nationals the most and to ensure that help is provided when they need it.”
The Ambassador urged that ties be strengthened with the British population to encourage integration. Given the language barrier faced by some in the British community, the Ambassador encouraged the Valencia president to include as much information as possible on official websites in English.
Mr Manley also met police chiefs and visited the 112 emergency coordination centre, which last year received 150,000 emergency calls in English, the majority of which were from the Alicante province. Residents facing an emergency should call 112. They can also get updates on risks such as forest fires by following the Twitter account @gva_112cv.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44180/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: After years of austerity, the financial situation in Spain and across Europe seems to be easing, with the job situation improving, more families seeing the light at the end of a very long and bleak tunnel, and the welcome mat brushed clean as investors...

### OVER 40 ARRESTED FOR POLICE ADVERTISING FRAUD

The National Police have arrested over forty people, the majority of them in Elche, for alleged fraud related to the sale of advertising in magazines and on websites linked to the Security Forces and the Emergency Services.
The operation, directed from Madrid, is still ongoing and as such, few details have been released by the authorities so as not to compromise their current investigations.
What is known is that individuals claiming to be selling advertising space in Police Journals or websites on behalf of the Policia National or the Guardia Civil have been targeting companies in the area, putting them under undue pressure to buy and charging exorbitant rates.  They imply that a refusal to purchase may have implications with regard to the future treatment of companies by the security and emergency authorities. As such, many organizations have felt pressurized into purchasing the advertising, which is rarely, if ever, is actually placed in magazines or publications.
This type of advertising scam can generate vast sums of revenue by deceptively approaching businesses through unsolicited sales calls to sponsor advertising space available in these publications on the pretence that their firm is officially raising money for the police, fire or ambulance service (depending on the chosen theme of their in-house publication). 
Examples of some publications that have been published include Ambulance wallplanners, Fire Service year calendars, crime prevention magazines and emergency services wallplanners.
These publications and sites are usually fronted and riddled throughout with images of emergency services officers carrying out their duties. This could be an image of a police officer assisting a member of the public on the high street or a fire fighter in action distinguishing a building that is on fire.
Sources close to the investigation have said that the arrests in Elche have been carried out by agents of the National Police who travelled down from Madrid. A number of other arrests have been made in cities throughout Spain.
Anyone who might have already taken out advertising in such circumstances and might have concerns regarding the authenticity of the claims made, should contact their local Guardia Civil Station.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44179/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The National Police have arrested over forty people, the majority of them in Elche, for alleged fraud related to the sale of advertising in magazines and on websites linked to the Security Forces and the Emergency Services.
The operation, directed fro...

### EIGHTEEN NEW OFFICERS TO REINFORCE SANTA POLA’S LOCAL POLICE

A total of 18 new officers (15 men and 3 women) were sworn in, or promised positions as an interim officer, in the Santa Pola Policia Local last week.
With the floating population of the town expected to rise beyond 150,000 residents during the summer months new agents are required to strengthen the force said the Councillor for Public Safety, Antonio Perez Huerta, at their inauguration on Monday.
The ceremony was attended by the Santa Pola Mayor, Miguel Zaragoza, as well as Local police Chief Jose Miguel Zaragoza, a number of other members of the city council and serving police officers.
Zaragoza welcomed the new officers and asked that, in the performance of their duties "they show the greatest respect for members of the public, as they are the face of the municipality and, often, the first point of contact". 
He said that "if as citizens, we worry about our neighbors, this concern is multiplied when you are acting as a member of the police force. There will be situations of stress and risk, so I ask your more experienced colleagues, many who have chosen to be here today, to provide you with their support.”
The Mayor also welcomed Local Police Officer Israel González Martínez back to the force. He began his professional career in 2005 as a trainee and earned his permanent position in 2008, since which has been continually training. During the period Gonzalez has won numerous awards and he is currently pursuing degrees in Law and Criminology at the University of Murcia. He is also a member of the IVASPE combat drugs team.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44178/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A total of 18 new officers (15 men and 3 women) were sworn in, or promised positions as an interim officer, in the Santa Pola Policia Local last week.
With the floating population of the town expected to rise beyond 150,000 residents during the summer months new agents are required to strengthen the force said the Councillor for Public Safety, Antonio Perez Huerta, at their inauguration on Monday.
The ceremony was attended by the Santa Pola Mayor, Miguel Zaragoza, as well as Local police Chief Jose Miguel Zaragoza, a number of other members of the city council and serving police officers.
Zaragoza welcomed the new officers and asked that, in the performance of their duties "they show the greatest respect for members of the public, as they are the face of the municipality and, often, the first point of contact". 
He said that "if as citizens, we worry about our neighbors, this concern is multiplied when you are acting as a member of the police force. There will be situations of stress and risk, so I ask your more experienced colleagues, many who have chosen to be here today, to provide you with their support.”
The Mayor also welcomed Local Police Officer Israel González Martínez back to the force. He began his professional career in 2005 as a trainee and earned his permanent position in 2008, since which has been continually training. During the period Gonzalez has won numerous awards and he is currently pursuing degrees in Law and Criminology at the University of Murcia. He is also a member of the IVASPE combat drugs team.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44178/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### THREE WHALES SIGHTED OFF DENIA

Participants in an Environmental program currently being run by volunteers and supervised by  the Marine Environment and Fisheries Agency (SAMIP), have had three sightings of fin whales  off the coast of Les Rotes, Denia.
The City Council said that the sightings occurred on Monday and "they are quite common to these shores, especially between May and September." 
Volunteers watched the mammals while they were sailing in an area off El Trampolí in waters of the marine reserve of Cap de Sant Antoni.
The first sighting was of two whales that were heading out to sea with a third whale moving closer to the coast. For about an hour, volunteers followed the whales aboard their vessel manned by staff from SAMIP.
The fin whale is the second longest animal in the world and second largest rorqual after the blue whale, growing to 27.3 metres (89.5 ft) long and weighing nearly 74 tonnes.
The American naturalist Roy Chapman Andrews called the fin whale "the greyhound of the sea.”
The initiative of the marine fisheries and environmental volunteering has attracted the interest of many people from all over Spain where in recent years there has been far more interest shown in coastal activities, species and birds.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44177/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Participants in an Environmental program currently being run by volunteers and supervised by  the Marine Environment and Fisheries Agency (SAMIP), have had three sightings of fin whales  off the coast of Les Rotes, Denia.
The City Council said that the sightings occurred on Monday and "they are quite common to these shores, especially between May and September." 
Volunteers watched the mammals while they were sailing in an area off El Trampolí in waters of the marine reserve of Cap de Sant Antoni.
The first sighting was of two whales that were heading out to sea with a third whale moving closer to the coast. For about an hour, volunteers followed the whales aboard their vessel manned by staff from SAMIP.
The fin whale is the second longest animal in the world and second largest rorqual after the blue whale, growing to 27.3 metres (89.5 ft) long and weighing nearly 74 tonnes.
The American naturalist Roy Chapman Andrews called the fin whale "the greyhound of the sea.”
The initiative of the marine fisheries and environmental volunteering has attracted the interest of many people from all over Spain where in recent years there has been far more interest shown in coastal activities, species and birds.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44177/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### MAN ELECTROCUTED ON RURAL FARM

A 30 year old man died on Friday when he was electrocuted on a rural farm on the outskirts of Pilar de la Horadada. Firefighters were called to the scene after his lifeless body fell onto the roof of a plastic greenhouse located next to a pylon on which he was working.
Sources at the Emergency Coordination Center (Cicu) said that they first received a call from the farm at approximately 3.15pm. At that time the circumstances were unclear but units from the Urgent Care Service, (SAMU), and the Bomberas, were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Paramedics attempted to resuscitate the worker at the scene but were only able to pronounce him dead. 
Early indications suggest that the deceased was working up the pylon and after suffering an electric shock, he fell onto the roof of the greenhouse below, from where his lifeless body was recovered by the firefighters.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44175/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A 30 year old man died on Friday when he was electrocuted on a rural farm on the outskirts of Pilar de la Horadada. Firefighters were called to the scene after his lifeless body fell onto the roof of a plastic greenhouse located next to a pylon on whic...

### PICKLED ONIONS AND RED SQUIRRELS

“Woman chokes to death on pickled onion”, screamed the headlines of the local newspaper. Another headline, further down the page, caught my eye - “Temperatures to hit 80 degrees - hotter than the Canary Islands”. Some things never change; I remembered the local newspaper as always being very good on headlines, but rather weaker on actual news.
Still, I did feel sorry for the pickled onion lady and her family, as well as reflecting on whether she would have survived if it had been a pickled egg.
I had just returned for a rare, but brief visit to my UK home town of Bournemouth for a book event. It's not that I don't like the UK; on the contrary I am still very fond of the country, it's just that I am much happier living in the Canary Islands. I hoped that I had brought enough warm clothing with me. I needn't have worried; the weather was perfect and allowed me to indulge in visits to places that I loved. 
My first visit was to Brownsea Island, in Poole Harbour, during the next glorious sunny day. I had fallen in love with this special place as a child, and continued to visit the island each year for many years during my days as a teacher, with parties of chattering school children. We were always intent upon seeing a red squirrel, but in those days, no self respecting red squirrel would dream of making itself known to 60 children under the age of eleven, clutching a worksheet and asking when they could stop for a drink or the toilet during our walk across the island. This time, as I sat in the tearoom indulging in a Dorset cream tea, I actually spotted two baby red squirrels playing together on the lawn in front of me. It was a sight that I had waited to see for many years.
As I sat watching the scene in front of me unfold, I began to reflect upon another island - the island that has been my home for the last ten years or so, Gran Canaria, one of the seven main Canary Islands. Even after a day or two, I had already begun to long for home as I was once again feeling that the UK had become a ‘foreign country' to me. The currency was unfamiliar, I was now driving on the ‘wrong side of the road', and the town seemed busier and more frenetic than I previously remembered. Some of my favourite shops had closed, there were new roads, and all the shop assistants seemed to be from another country. Traditional, grubby buses that had once ploughed infrequently through the town's streets had disappeared, replaced by smart, clean, colourful buses, with an unfamiliar name, which appeared every few minutes or so. 
All too soon my brief visit to the UK was concluded, and I bought a selection of the usual expat treats that we cannot get at home. Sadly, I was flying with my least favourite airline; I had little choice at the time of booking, but hoped that their customer service had improved since the previous occasion. Sadly, I was wrong, and I was once again trapped in a cylinder full of people who had already drunk far too much alcohol before they boarded. Vodka and coke were spilt on seats with generous abandon, with cabin crew intent upon pouring yet more liquor down the throats of their young passengers. At least the cabin crew did not indulge in a novel game of “Throw and Catch the Toilet Roll” which had so entertained the staff, as well as infuriating passengers, on the flight to Tenerife the previous week. 
I settled to listen to a selection of soothing songs on my phone; I was grateful that the ear pods cut out most of the shrieking cacophony of noise from the group sitting behind me. Foolishly, I bought a sandwich from the trolley, but the steward claimed that he had no change. I handed over a note and was promised that the change “would be brought to me shortly”. I never did receive the change, despite mentioning it towards the end of the flight. I did not really expect to receive it, since the same thing had happened to me on two previous flights with this airline. I began to ponder on how much staff salaries were boosted by this little scam. I did not complain; I was just grateful to be reaching home and getting out of this tube of insanity at the earliest opportunity.
Finally, we landed. The pilot played its usual trumpet salvo to announce that we had landed, as if it was some kind of celebration that he had actually managed to hit the tarmac in the right place. I escaped as soon as I could, vowing as usual, never to travel with this airline of nightmares ever again.
Overall, it had been a good visit, but once again confirmed to me that the UK was no longer home. I had no longings and no regrets, but was just so pleased to be at home once again on our island in the sun.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie Mahoney
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44174/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: “Woman chokes to death on pickled onion”, screamed the headlines of the local newspaper. Another headline, further down the page, caught my eye - “Temperatures to hit 80 degrees - hotter than the Canary Islands”. Some things nev...

### THE FRIENDLY BAR GOLF SOCIETY REPORT

On the last Thursday of June, 30 intrepid and enthusiastic golfers left the Friendly Bar for the our  once a month golf society day out. 
The golf course in question was Alicante playa de San Juan and all of the players agreed that the trip was worth the effort, I would go there just to view the wild life ,I was amazed to see how many variety of bird life on the lakes and surrounding area there were, next time take the camera.
The golf course itself was pleasing to play ,only fault were the greens which were quite slow , but for the rest of the course I can only say it was a pleasure to be in Spain ,with good company and on the golf course. Winner on the day with 33 points was Janet Bryan ,2nd Deklan Meila 29 points and 3rd John (Scouse) Bryan 29 ,(that's on count back ) ie family day out! Longest Drive Dave Simpson (guest) nearest the pin Bill Gladman , best guest player Simon Ashworth from Jersey who it was a pleasure to share a buggie with.
Just a  hint for next time trust the sat-nav or not as the case may be , also look out for stray golf balls Deklan. Next day out on the 31st of July is the Steve Adams Memorial trophy at  Font  del Llop golf club , Steve Adams who was the Brother of Dave (owner of the Friendly Bar )  sadly died at a young age of cancer. 
hope for a good turn out and mayby raise a few euros for charity. Jim you need to look at my Handicap again.
Mike KFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44159/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On the last Thursday of June, 30 intrepid and enthusiastic golfers left the Friendly Bar for the our  once a month golf society day out. 
The golf course in question was Alicante playa de San Juan and all of the players agreed that the trip was worth ...

### The Weekend – 5th and 6th July 2014

SATURDAY
International Day of Cooperatives.
Markets
Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola.
ALICANTE
Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum.
Theatre – GOYO JIMÉNEZ, “En verdad os digo”, Teatro Principal.
BARCELONA
Barcelona Harley Days – Motorbike festival (Until Sunday).
Brian Ferry, Auditorio CCIB – Forum.
David Bisbal, Palau Sant Jordi.
GRANADA 
BBC Symphony Orchestra, Música Palacio De Carlos V.
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
MANISES
Moors and Christians fiesta (All week).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
IX Fórum Internacional de la Música “Ciudad de Orihuela”.
Presentation for the 2014 Moors & Christians Fiesta.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Open air painting, Plaza de la Iglesia and Casa de Cultura.
SAN JAVIER 
George Benson, Música Auditorio Parque Almansa Murcia.
SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR 
XIX Festival de Flamenco de San Pedro del Pinatar. Homenaje a Camarón de la Isla. Parque De La Aduana.

SUNDAY
World Zoonoses Day.
Markets
Benidorm, Elche, La Nucia, Campoverde, La Marina, Zoco, Almoradí street market, Lemon Tree Road, Mil Palmeras.
ALICANTE
Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum.
BARCELONA
Barcelona Harley Days – Motorbike festival (Last Day).
Barcelona Metal Festival – Within Temptation, Paradise Lost and other heavy rock bands in concert.
BENISSA
Stamp collectors market.
GRANADA
Bobby McFerrin, Teatro Del Generalife.
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
MANISES
Moors and Christians fiesta (Last day).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
FUTURE EVENTS
Orihuela – Moors and Christians, 13 to 19 July.
Guardamar del Segura – Moors and Christians, 18 to 27 July.
Torrevieja – 60º Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonía, 19 to 26 July.
Villajoyosa – Moors and Christians, 24 July.
Orihuela Costa – Fisherman´s Market, end of July.

Excerpt: SATURDAY International Day of Cooperatives. Markets Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola. ALICANTE Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum. Theatre – GOYO JIMÉNEZ, “En verdad os digo”, Teatro Principal. BARCELONA Barcelona Harley Days – Motorbike festival (Until Sunday). Brian Ferry, Auditorio CCIB – […]

### TORREVIEJA LOSES SOCIAL AID MONEY

The Unión Progreso y Democracia political group of Torrevieja, the UPyD, has criticised the Partido Popular councillor for social welfare, Tomás Ballester, after it was revealed that the city has lost half od the social welfare grant from the Valencia government on account of incompetent mismanagement.
The UPyD claim that on account of the town hall not meeting certain requirements, the result is that 45,475 euro which should have come from the government to help those in need will no longer be provided.
The group argue that they think that if those responsible for social welfare had done their job properly, they would have known how this would damage the direct subsidies to the numerous cases of social insecurity that are suffering in Torrevieja. 
In a statement, the local coordinator for the UPyD, Jose Serna, explained that “it is inconceivable that Torrevieja has had more than 45,000 euro and has not managed to transfer this amount to be distributed among the many neighbours who are having a really bad time”. Questioning how the councillor devotes his time if not dedicated to helping those in need.
Serna added that “we do not want to think that these grants are targeted towards people related to municipal power, some who do not need, as has happened in the past to buy loyalty towards the PP in Torrevieja”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44157/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Unión Progreso y Democracia political group of Torrevieja, the UPyD, has criticised the Partido Popular councillor for social welfare, Tomás Ballester, after it was revealed that the city has lost half od the social welfare grant from...

### EUROPE RULE ALICANTE FILM STUDIOS ILLEGAL

The General Court of the European Union has stated 265 million euro in funding provided by the Generalitat Valenciana towards the construction of Alicante´s film studios, the Ciudad de la Luz, was granted illegally and therefore must now be recovered.
The ruling confirmed the previous decision of the European Commission, which ordered the repayment of subsidies in May 2012, also dismissing any claims made by the Valencia government.
The initial investigation came about after Pinewood Studios in London complained that the Alicante based studio infringed competition criteria. That investigation concluded that “no private investor would have agreed to invest” in the Ciudad de la Luz under the same terms as those set about by the Valencian Government and funded by public money, which therefore “greatly distorts competition between the major European film studios”.
In its application, the Commission alleged that Spain had misapplied the private investor criterion and exceeded the margin of appreciation. In addition, it was wrong in assessing the funding through state aid because they took into account performances in a tertiary resort area. The appeal denounced the lack of motivation of the decision, ordering the recovery of aid to film producers and lack of reason to hold that investment was not of a cultural purpose.
However, the Generalitat Valenciana own the facility which it subsidized, and so the only real outcome will be to sell the studios, hopefully recovering the money, although opposition political figures claim that the market value of the facility is far lower than the amount required.
Socialist deputy in the Valencia parliament, Eva Martínez, has subsequently asked the question, “Who is going to take political responsibility for this scandal? Who is going to resign?” Whilst other political oppositions echoed the sentiment, with the Deputy for Compromís, Mireia Mollà, commenting that the “Valencian PP has been the most disastrous manager known in the history of this country”, basing their comments on years of over investment and waste that almost crippled the region, led to huge debts, and a legacy of many lavish buildings, some of which stand dormant and empty to this day.
For his part, spokesperson for the government, Alberto Fabra, gave a surprise statement that the ruling was “somewhat expected”, rather than defending the Partido Popular team he leads, whilst insisting that the market value of the facilities can cover the amount due.
The studio facility where such hit films as Asterix, Prometheus, My Life in Ruins and The Impossible were shot, filed for bankruptcy in early 2012, with debts of hundreds of millions of euro. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44156/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The General Court of the European Union has stated 265 million euro in funding provided by the Generalitat Valenciana towards the construction of Alicante´s film studios, the Ciudad de la Luz, was granted illegally and therefore must now be recov...

### Friday 4th July 2014 – Things to Do

FRIDAY
Markets
Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, TORREVIEJA.
ALICANTE
Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum.
Theatre – GOYO JIMÉNEZ, “En verdad os digo”, Teatro Principal (Friday & Saturday).
ALTEA
Discover Altea, guided walks through the picturesque town, every Friday in July and August.
BARCELONA
Barcelona Harley Days – Motorbike festival (Until Sunday).
GIRONA
Sir Elton John, Jardí Botànic De Cap Roig, Girona, Calella De Palafrugell. (Placebo, Pet Shop Boys, James Blunt and Bryan Adams are amongst the stars appearing at this festival which runs through to the 15 August).
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
MANISES
Moors and Christians fiesta (All week).
ORIHUELA
Photographic exhibition, “Human Rights and Sexual Freedom”, Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Last day).
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
IX Fórum Internacional de la Música “Ciudad de Orihuela”.

Excerpt: FRIDAY Markets Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, TORREVIEJA. ALICANTE Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum. Theatre – GOYO JIMÉNEZ, “En verdad os digo”, Teatro Principal (Friday & Saturday). ALTEA Discover Altea, guided walks through […]

### SHOWING SIGNS OF TOURISM

The Regional Secretary for Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, Victoriano Sánchez-Barcáiztegui, presided over a press conference in Torrevieja this week, in which a new project was announced to provide new road signs across the Vega Baja which will lead drivers to touristic destinations, thus boosting tourism.
Already highlighted as key points of interest in Torrevieja, new signs will point towards such monuments as the Eras de la Sal, the largely redundant International Musical Auditorium, the Mirador de la Torre del Moro, the Plaza de la Estación where the local skate park is located, churches of the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, Nuestra Señora del Rosario and Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción, the Sociedad Cultural Casino de Torrevieja and the museums. 
In addition, the Green Route will also be highlighted, along with the sports city and tourist offices, the Paraje Natural Municipal del Molino del Agua, Parque Natural de las Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja, Calas de Torrevieja, Parque Aromático de Torreblanca, Parque de Las Naciones, Salinas de Torrevieja and both the nautical and sports ports of Torrevieja.
Finally, various commercial sites will also be included, at no cost to them, including a number of restaurants, tourist apartments, hotels and campsites.
Other areas, such as Orihuela, will consider their options during the course of the summer, before submitting their final list for approval in September.
Sánchez-Barcáiztegui also announced that the new signs will include the logo of the Tourist Board of the Costa Blanca, following the request made by the subsidiary of the Provincial Council, with the overall aim of “helping to promote the active presence of the Costa Blanca in the tourism market and promote domestic and foreign tourists to the province of Alicante”.
The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment started this project by sending a letter to all municipalities that were invited to indicate which attractions they wanted to indicate as tourist attractions on the new signs. 
After the original proposals and consultation, the final draft plan will be completed, with around 200 signs being approved that will be installed across the region later this year and into the early part of 2015.
Barcáiztegui Sanchez explained that the project, which has already been implemented in a number of areas across the region, is financed entirely by the regional government, and is part of a plan to provide “clear and compelling information” on the elements of each area of interest, thus strengthening domestic tourism. 
However, one of the most confusing parts of the campaign for many is that none of these signs will appear on the main road through the area, as the N-332 is operated by the national road authority, and, as such, the approval for signs lies with them, which they have already said would not be possible. These signs will be placed on the minor roads surrounding the attractions they point towards only.
Meanwhile, the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón thanked the secretary for choosing Torrevieja as the city from which to present the project, thanking all those who attended from the other areas for their presence in the meeting, and for their involvement “in this new tourism project that will be very positive for our region”. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44155/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Regional Secretary for Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, Victoriano Sánchez-Barcáiztegui, presided over a press conference in Torrevieja this week, in which a new project was announced to provide new road signs across the Vega...

### MAN DROWNS IN PILAR DE LA HORADADA

A man, believed to have been in his 70´s, is reported to have died this week on the Pilar de la Horadada beach of Playa de Las Villas.
The emergency services were alerted at around 11:00 on Tuesday morning, after the body was reported to have been spotted by other swimmers.
The Guardia Civil attended and carried out CPR, but the man had already died and remained on the beach until the coroner authorised the removal of the body.
An autopsy will attempt to determine the cause of this latest tragedy on the beach.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44154/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A man, believed to have been in his 70´s, is reported to have died this week on the Pilar de la Horadada beach of Playa de Las Villas.
The emergency services were alerted at around 11:00 on Tuesday morning, after the body was reported to have be...

### Thursday 3rd July 2014 – What´s On Guide

THURSDAY
Markets
Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales.
ALICANTE
Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum.
BARCELONA
Jamie Cullum, Poble Espanyol.
FUENGIROLA 
Chicago the musical, Castillo Sohail, Málaga.
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
Brian Ferry in concert, La Riviera.
David Bisbal, Palacio De Deportes Comunidad De Madrid.
MANISES
Moors and Christians fiesta (All week).
ORIHUELA
Photographic exhibition, “Human Rights and Sexual Freedom”, Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until Friday).
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
IX Fórum Internacional de la Música “Ciudad de Orihuela”.

Excerpt: THURSDAY Markets Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales. ALICANTE Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum. BARCELONA Jamie Cullum, Poble Espanyol. FUENGIROLA Chicago the musical, Castillo Sohail, Málaga. MADRID Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios […]

### BENEFIT FRAUD TEAM IN SPAIN IS RECOVERING A RECORD £5M OF TAXPAYERS’ MONEY

Top three cheats this year had claimed over £200,000
More than £5m of UK taxpayers' money lost to benefit fraud abroad is now being recovered by Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) investigators in Spain.
The dedicated team in Madrid has investigated more than 1,250 cases of benefit fraud by British residents over the last five years, and works closely with UK counterparts to bring fraudsters to justice.  
 ‘Abroad fraud' is now the fourth largest type of benefit fraud, up almost 90% in the last three years – and Spain is the top of the list, with 769 cases investigated last year alone. The free and confidential hotline to use in Spain to report suspected benefit cheats is 900 554 440.
The top three benefit fraudsters in Spain who have been convicted so far this year had claimed some £217,000 between them. All three have now received jail sentences and been ordered to repay the money they stole.
•	Janice Purdie, 62, from Hove, this month pleaded guilty to over £130,000 of benefit fraud and received a 12-month prison sentence. She failed to tell DWP that she owned a property in Spain and had numerous different bank accounts whilst she was fraudulently claiming Income Support, Pension Credit, Disability Living Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit over a nine-year period.
•	Jimmy Rickner, 72, from Exeter, was this month jailed for six months for fraudulently claiming almost £50,000 of disability benefits and Pension Credit over eight years, when in fact he was living with his partner in one of two properties he owned in Spain. 
•	Thomas Wadham, 73, of Aylesbury, falsely claimed £37,000 of Housing Benefit and Pension Credit between 2007 and 2010 while he was living in Spain. He was sentenced to six months in jail in January and ordered to pay back all the money.
The UK Government is taking more action to tackle abroad fraud by increasing the use of life certificates to stop fraudsters continuing to claim benefits when a claimant has died, and increasing data-sharing so foreign authorities tell the UK about overseas claimants. 
David Freud, Minister for Welfare Reform, said:
 “Benefit fraud is wrong both at home and abroad, and fraudsters need to know that our investigators will look into cases wherever they are and that their benefits will be stopped.
 “We are toughening the rules to crack down on benefit cheats and recovering more money than ever as part of the Government's long-term economic plan – clawing back a landmark £5m in Spain.
 “But we know there is more to do and we are returning fairness to the welfare system to make sure it delivers for people in need and the hardworking taxpayer who funds it.”
Richard West, Head of DWP Fraud and Error Service, said: 
"This is a significant achievement for our team in Spain and will hopefully serve as a warning to benefit cheats no matter where they are in the world.  
 “Fraudsters need to know that our investigators have the powers to track them down and that being overseas is no hiding place.  We are determined to crack down on people who play the system, so that benefits only go to those who really need this help.”
If you suspect a benefit cheat in Spain, call the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) hotline on 900 554 440. Your call is free and confidential.
All fraudsters face either an administrative penalty or criminal prosecution and all must pay back every penny they have obtained, so that taxpayers' money continues to help the people most in need.
Typical frauds committed abroad include claims by people leaving Great Britain after their claim starts, people failing to notify DWP before leaving the country or staying abroad for too long, and families who fail to report the death of someone living abroad permanently and continuing to receive benefits.  
Abroad fraud totalled £82m in 2013/14, including £48m of Pension Credit, £11m of Housing Benefit, £8m of Income Support and £15m of Employment and Support Allowance. The total was slightly below the £84m in 2012/13, after rising from £55m in 2011/12 and £44m in 2010/11.  
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44151/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Top three cheats this year had claimed over £200,000
More than £5m of UK taxpayers' money lost to benefit fraud abroad is now being recovered by Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) investigators in Spain.
The dedicated team in Madrid has investigated more than 1,250 cases of benefit fraud by British residents over the last five years, and works closely with UK counterparts to bring fraudsters to justice.  
 ‘Abroad fraud' is now the fourth largest type of benefit fraud, up almost 90% in the last three years – and Spain is the top of the list, with 769 cases investigated last year alone. The free and confidential hotline to use in Spain to report suspected benefit cheats is 900 554 440.
The top three benefit fraudsters in Spain who have been convicted so far this year had claimed some £217,000 between them. All three have now received jail sentences and been ordered to repay the money they stole.
•	Janice Purdie, 62, from Hove, this month pleaded guilty to over £130,000 of benefit fraud and received a 12-month prison sentence. She failed to tell DWP that she owned a property in Spain and had numerous different bank accounts whilst she was fraudulently claiming Income Support, Pension Credit, Disability Living Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit over a nine-year period.
•	Jimmy Rickner, 72, from Exeter, was this month jailed for six months for fraudulently claiming almost £50,000 of disability benefits and Pension Credit over eight years, when in fact he was living with his partner in one of two properties he owned in Spain. 
•	Thomas Wadham, 73, of Aylesbury, falsely claimed £37,000 of Housing Benefit and Pension Credit between 2007 and 2010 while he was living in Spain. He was sentenced to six months in jail in January and ordered to pay back all the money.
The UK Government is taking more action to tackle abroad fraud by increasing the use of life certificates to stop fraudsters continuing to claim benefits when a claimant has died, and increasing data-sharing so foreign authorities tell the UK about overseas claimants. 
David Freud, Minister for Welfare Reform, said:
 “Benefit fraud is wrong both at home and abroad, and fraudsters need to know that our investigators will look into cases wherever they are and that their benefits will be stopped.
 “We are toughening the rules to crack down on benefit cheats and recovering more money than ever as part of the Government's long-term economic plan – clawing back a landmark £5m in Spain.
 “But we know there is more to do and we are returning fairness to the welfare system to make sure it delivers for people in need and the hardworking taxpayer who funds it.”
Richard West, Head of DWP Fraud and Error Service, said: 
"This is a significant achievement for our team in Spain and will hopefully serve as a warning to benefit cheats no matter where they are in the world.  
 “Fraudsters need to know that our investigators have the powers to track them down and that being overseas is no hiding place.  We are determined to crack down on people who play the system, so that benefits only go to those who really need this help.”
If you suspect a benefit cheat in Spain, call the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) hotline on 900 554 440. Your call is free and confidential.
All fraudsters face either an administrative penalty or criminal prosecution and all must pay back every penny they have obtained, so that taxpayers' money continues to help the people most in need.
Typical frauds committed abroad include claims by people leaving Great Britain after their claim starts, people failing to notify DWP before leaving the country or staying abroad for too long, and families who fail to report the death of someone living abroad permanently and continuing to receive benefits.  
Abroad fraud totalled £82m in 2013/14, including £48m of Pension Credit, £11m of Housing Benefit, £8m of Income Support and £15m of Employment and Support Allowance. The total was slightly below the £84m in 2012/13, after rising from £55m in 2011/12 and £44m in 2010/11.  
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44151/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### SPECTRE OF DEMOLITION ORDERS RETURNS TO ALBOX

The spectre of demolition orders returns to Albox on the 9th of July as H.A.G and A.G.G. of Construcciones Alto Almanzora, C.D.B of Grupo Nazcar, and the works technical director, A.G.F., stand trial for alleged planning crimes relating to the construction of 7 houses, some never completed, on the ‘Las Palmeras' urbanization in the area of Llano de los Olleres in Albox.
The prosecution is seeking penalties of one year of imprisonment, disbarment from their profession for one year and six months, a fine and the demolition of the houses at a cost to the accused of 63,391.77 Euros.
The former planning councillor for Albox, J.L. W. (deceased) is also cited in the case with charges of allegedly failing to prosecute a planning crime and for authorising the provision of water and electricity to the properties.
Maura Hillen, president of the homeowners association, AUAN, said “The homeowners are fully aware that there is no guarantee of compensation if those accused are convicted. Some paid up to 140,000 euros in stage payments for homes that were never even completed whilst, of course, the owners of the completed houses paid even more. To add to the stress cases such as this one, which began in 2006, can languish in the court system for many years leaving homeowners trapped in limbo with the sword of Damocles hanging over their heads.”
 “We want the government to change the law to guarantee compensation to third party purchasers in good faith. The law should punish the guilty and protect the innocent.”
AUAN, 30th June 2014Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44149/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The spectre of demolition orders returns to Albox on the 9th of July as H.A.G and A.G.G. of Construcciones Alto Almanzora, C.D.B of Grupo Nazcar, and the works technical director, A.G.F., stand trial for alleged planning crimes relating to the construc...

### DID YOU KNOW THE INTERVIEW FOR THE HARDEST JOB IN THE WORLD?

We may have ever thought that our work is tiring, difficult and that it leaves us no time to do what we would like to accomplish. If so, it is very healthy to see this spot, which has broken records on the Internet: It has millions of views, and above all, millions of excited answers.
It is a job interview for a position that is advertised as "the most difficult in the world". What the candidate gradually discovers is that it is also "the hardest and sacrificed in the world." Every day of the year, more than 135 hours a week, without rest and without time, sometimes, to sit and eat. .
The video announces, from the beginning, that this is a simulation. To do this, a fictional work station, called "Director of Operations", was created and announced in the newspapers and on the Internet. Thousands of aspirants wanted to choose it. The interviews are real: they were performed with web cams, and were recorded by the advertising company. At the end, when the job was unveiled, the applicants were asked for permission to use their images.
As a result, we can see the reactions of the candidates. One by one, they change the expression as they know the terms of that fictional place: standing all day, constantly making efforts, and they are required to have knowledge of medicine, finance and culinary arts. The requirements sound so overly demanding that people even question whether that work is legal. Everyone agrees that such work can not exist, and describes it as "inhuman", especially when the interviewer tells them the last two conditions: they will not be paid any salary for it, and they should not expect any thanks.
Applicants for the post surprised wonder who would perform such work, to which the interviewer replied that millions of people are doing it every day: Moms!. (Source: Publicidad y cine con valores.)
clementeferrer3@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of MarketingFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44147/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: We may have ever thought that our work is tiring, difficult and that it leaves us no time to do what we would like to accomplish. If so, it is very healthy to see this spot, which has broken records on the Internet: It has millions of views, and above all, millions of excited answers.
It is a job interview for a position that is advertised as "the most difficult in the world". What the candidate gradually discovers is that it is also "the hardest and sacrificed in the world." Every day of the year, more than 135 hours a week, without rest and without time, sometimes, to sit and eat. .
The video announces, from the beginning, that this is a simulation. To do this, a fictional work station, called "Director of Operations", was created and announced in the newspapers and on the Internet. Thousands of aspirants wanted to choose it. The interviews are real: they were performed with web cams, and were recorded by the advertising company. At the end, when the job was unveiled, the applicants were asked for permission to use their images.
As a result, we can see the reactions of the candidates. One by one, they change the expression as they know the terms of that fictional place: standing all day, constantly making efforts, and they are required to have knowledge of medicine, finance and culinary arts. The requirements sound so overly demanding that people even question whether that work is legal. Everyone agrees that such work can not exist, and describes it as "inhuman", especially when the interviewer tells them the last two conditions: they will not be paid any salary for it, and they should not expect any thanks.
Applicants for the post surprised wonder who would perform such work, to which the interviewer replied that millions of people are doing it every day: Moms!. (Source: Publicidad y cine con valores.)
clementeferrer3@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of MarketingFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44147/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### SPAIN TO HOST GROUNDBREAKING TOURISM EVENT

Spain will play host to a conference in September, the first of its kind to take place in Europe, which will focus on one of the fastest growing sectors of the travel industry and how businesses can capitalise on obtaining their share of that growth.
In 2013, the halal tourism sector was valued at a staggering 140 billion dollars, representing some 13% of the entire global travel expense. In 2014, that figure is expected to grow to 192 billion dollars, so many are now seeing this niche market as an obvious choice when other sectors have seen reduced income capacity.
The aim of the conference taking place in Andalucía is to bring together the global travel industry to discuss what the leaders in the field of travel can do to further increase the growth, and subsequent wealth, from the Muslim community. 
Event organiser Tasneem Mahmood, has said that the conference further aims to bring those currently active in halal tourism together with those trying to break into this sector, looking at areas where tourism has already seen benefits, as well as spreading into those yet to be targeted.
With Russian tourism having been seen by many as the future of the industry in Spain, the recent figures have shown that visitors from Russia are declining, despite a wave of tours and focus trips given to travel agents from Russia.
Mahmood continued, “Every country and business needs to look at Halal tourism because it is growing so rapidly and the Muslim consumer is increasing spend on leisure holidays. It provides a great opportunity for every part of the travel sector”, concluding, “This is a groundbreaking event for halal tourism which is directly reacting to current market trends and addressing the needs of the industry. It is the first time such a global event is being staged looking at halal tourism in detail”.
The Halal Tourism Conference will take place between the 22ns and 23rd of September at the Granada Conference and Exhibition Centre, Andalucía, Spain. More details are available on their website, www.htc2014.com
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44145/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spain will play host to a conference in September, the first of its kind to take place in Europe, which will focus on one of the fastest growing sectors of the travel industry and how businesses can capitalise on obtaining their share of that growth.
...

### BUSY TRAFFIC FLOWS START THIS WEEKEND

This weekend sees the first official action plan launched by the DGT traffic department to manage the summer traffic flow on the roads of Spain.
July and August are the months of the year in which the largest number of displacements occur on the roads, in which 79 million long-haul journeys will be made by road, of which more than 38.1 million will occur during July and about 40.9 million in August, and so the traffic sections of police, safety, technical and monitoring all come together to try to ensure the best possible conditions for a safer journey for everyone.
The first special summer operation will start on Friday the 4th of July at 15:00, and run through to midnight on Sunday the 6th, when an anticipated 3.9 million displacements will occur, mostly heading from inland areas to the coastal towns and cities.
The transportation of dangerous and heavy goods will be severely restricted, and most major road works will be suspended. In addition, the Guardia Civil will have 10,000 officers on duty, supported by 600 based in traffic management centres and 13,000 road employees to carry out maintenance and traffic management roles.
From now on, the weekends will be especially busy on the roads, in addition to the other major operations which will be similar to this weekend.
As well as the 1st Summer Operation which sees the first batch of tourists moving to the coast, a similar situation occurs between the 1st and the 3rd and from the 14th to the 17th of August. Once the tourists have had their fun in the sun, the return operation will run from the 29th to the 31st of August.
As well as monitoring the flow of traffic, there will be two campaigns against driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as speed. These will take place between the 14th and 20th of July in the case of drink and drug driving, and from the 18th to the 24th of August in the case of speed.
As traffic indentifies during the hottest time of the year, so does the likelihood of being involved in a fatal accident, according to statistical data. Trying to avoid the busiest times, allowing extra time for your journey and having a zero rate of alcohol and drugs all minimise the risks, whilst also remembering to take regular breaks on long journeys and sticking to the rules of the road.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44144/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: This weekend sees the first official action plan launched by the DGT traffic department to manage the summer traffic flow on the roads of Spain.
July and August are the months of the year in which the largest number of displacements occur on the roads...

### Wednesday 2nd July 2014 – Events Guide

WEDNESDAY
World UFO Day.
Markets
Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas.
ALICANTE
Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum.
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
ORIHUELA
Photographic exhibition, “Human Rights and Sexual Freedom”, Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until Friday).
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).

Excerpt: WEDNESDAY World UFO Day. Markets Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas. ALICANTE Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum. MADRID Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional […]

### DECOMPOSED BODY FOUND IN GRAN ALACANT

On her return from a short break away a resident of Gran Alacant arrived home to find the body of her husband, who had been dead for some days and in an advanced state of decomposition.
According to Police sources the body of a man aged between 42 ond 46 years was found by his wife last week in a property in la calle Escandinavia, in Gran Alacant, where it could have been lying for four or five days.
The woman said that she had tried to contact her husband on a number of occasions whilst away from home but without success.
After a preliminary investigation by officers from the Guardia Civil the body was taken by forensic staff with the Brigada de Investigación Judicial del Instituto Armado.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44142/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On her return from a short break away a resident of Gran Alacant arrived home to find the body of her husband, who had been dead for some days and in an advanced state of decomposition.
According to Police sources the body of a man aged between 42 ond...

### MERCADONA RESPONDS TO FOOD CHARITY

Following an on-line petition brought against supermarket chain Mercadona by a charity dedicated to helping deliver food to the needy, the supermarket has responded to the campaign, in a positive manner.
The company firstly point out that they were not aware of the existence of the work carried out by the Asociación Menuda Vida de Perros, but went on to point out that they consider the contribution of the group to be “excellent”, and have pointed out that the company has a team “dedicated to manage the many requests we receive”, and where the company does get involved, “our collaboration is always free”.
The company then continued to clarify a few points, including the fact that “Mercadona has never charged for the delivery of donations. In fact, food is transported daily without cost to various soup kitchens in Spain”.
In 2014, Mercadona donated 1,500 tons of food to food banks and other entities, and have increased collaboration partnerships with food banks and suppliers, and continue to donate to many of the worthy causes they collaborate in, including donating almost “3 million diapers to the Red Cross”, and are actively involved in volunteer programs with their staff.
In May of this year, Mercadona delivered 7,000 litres of milk to the Food Bank of Alicante, along with 3,000 kilos of sugar, biscuits and cocoa powder, as part of the partnership that Mercadona has with the Food Bank of Alicante which will result in of 20,000 kilos of staple goods being handed over by the end of the year.
In addition, the company uses its own “Mercadona Card” to provide direct assistance to that in need, and this year alone have handed out 38,000 pre-credited payment cards via 90 entities they work with. In 2013, the charity Cáritas alone assisted in the distribution of 22,000 kilos of food. The a card with a preloaded balance is given to the family in need, so they can make their own purchases at any Mercadona store, choosing the products they need with no cost to them.
The company spoke to Inés García de Paco, president of the association, and in their statement they confirm that “As we discussed by telephone, Mercadona remain at your disposal for details on this or any similar initiative”.
The petition now has 40,000 signatures, rocketing from around 10,000 in just a few days.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44134/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Following an on-line petition brought against supermarket chain Mercadona by a charity dedicated to helping deliver food to the needy, the supermarket has responded to the campaign, in a positive manner.
The company firstly point out that they were no...

### Tuesday 1st July 2014 – Daily Events

TUESDAY
Canada Day.
Markets
Alicante, (Rastro), Aspe, Altea, Benijofar, ORIHUELA, San Fulgencio.
ALICANTE
Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum.
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
Tom Jones, Palacio De Deportes Comunidad De Madrid.
MANISES
Moors and Christians fiesta (All week).
ORIHUELA
Photographic exhibition, “Human Rights and Sexual Freedom”, Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until Friday).
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
IX Fórum Internacional de la Música “Ciudad de Orihuela”.

Excerpt: TUESDAY Canada Day. Markets Alicante, (Rastro), Aspe, Altea, Benijofar, ORIHUELA, San Fulgencio. ALICANTE Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum. MADRID Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July). Tom Jones, Palacio […]

### Monday 30th June 2014 – What´s On

MONDAY
Markets
Cox, Elche, Formentera, La Nucia, San Pedro del Pinatar, Santa Pola, Sax, Torremendo.
ALICANTE
Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum.
MADRID
Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July).
MANISES
Moors and Christians fiesta (All week).
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of historic documents “Bando del Intendente de Policía de la Provincia de Murcia”, Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Last day).
Photographic exhibition, “Human Rights and Sexual Freedom”, Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until Friday).
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Clown futbolero – Zenia Boulevard.

Excerpt: MONDAY Markets Cox, Elche, Formentera, La Nucia, San Pedro del Pinatar, Santa Pola, Sax, Torremendo. ALICANTE Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC – 220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum. MADRID Exhibition dedicated to officers killed by terrorism. Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Until 31 July). […]

### THE VIRTUAL NEWSPAPER IS OUT NOW

This week´s virtual version of The Leader newspaper is out now, on our dedicated website where you can also read previous issues.
This is the direct link: http://www.virtualleader.info/issue-526-30-june-2014
You will be able to pick up the real newspaper in the morning from one of hundreds of venues around the Costa Blanca, with new locations being added every week.
First for all the latest news, sports, features and more, make sure you are in the know with The Leader.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44133/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: This week´s virtual version of The Leader newspaper is out now, on our dedicated website where you can also read previous issues.
This is the direct link: http://www.virtualleader.info/issue-526-30-june-2014
You will be able to pick up the rea...

### FLYING THE FLAGS AND ORIHUELA NEWS

The mayor of Orihuela, Monserrate Guillén, along with the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, both from the Los Verdes green party of Orihuela, were present at Cala Capitán on Friday to raised the quality standard flags on the beaches of the Orihuela Costa. As be beaches now collectively have 7 Blue, 11 Qualitur and 5 “Q” for quality flags, the standards of the beaches of Orihuela are once more confirmed, although Scheurer said that it is there aim to do more and continue to improve the facilities, cleanliness and standards of the beaches, which will once again face an audit by the relevant administrative bodies. Orihuela has the highest concentration of Blue Flag beaches on the Mediterranean coast, as well as the highest number of “Q” for quality flags in Valencia. Cala Capitán has already undergone extensive work on the north side, where the footpath has now been created, along with stairs down to the beach, making a continual walkway for pedestrians wishing to visit the beach from that side, something not possible before. Scheurer also explained how the lifeguards will be present until the 1st of October now, and the town hall would like to extend the service further, should the budget allow.
The town hall balcony of Orihuela has once again been adorned with a rainbow flag, in order to show support for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities of the municipality, in celebration of World Gay Pride day. The government had already taken the steps in May as part of the worldwide celebrations against homophobia, but the 28th of June is a globally recognised date for the gay community in recognition of the revolt against persecution of the gay community during the Stonewall riots in New York. An exhibition entitled “Human rights and sexual freedom” opened at the María Moliner library as part of the event, which the councillor for equality, Emilio Zaplana, explained as important for “the government is to try to reflect on this issue” with ten real stories of people who were imprisoned, tortured and even killed because of their sexual orientation.
The Councillor for Tourism, Rosa Martínez, has announced that during the months of July and August there will be two tourist information points situated on the beaches of playas Flamenca and La Glea, to provide more information on the attractions in Orihuela in order to promote both the sun and sand elements of Orihuela, as well as the cultural activities of the city. With these two posts, the Orihuela Costa will now have a total of four tourist information offices, including the established centres in the town hall at Playa Flamenca and the Zenia Boulevard. In order to provide the service, the town hall are employing three people, two of whom will be full-time for six months, the third on a part-time basis in July and August and will all be proficient English speakers, as well as Spanish. The beach information points will open from 11:00 to 13:00 and from 17:00 to 19:00, whereas the town hall office will open from 09:00 to 14:00, and the Zenia Boulevard office from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 18:00 to 22:00.
An army of workers has been seen moving through the streets of the Orihuela Costa, part of a team of previously unemployed residents who were given the opportunity for work through a scheme managed by the councillor for employment, Manuel Gallud of the Los Verdes green party. They have already been clearing streets of weeds, which will then be treated to slow down further growth, before they move onto some of the parks and gardens which don´t fall under a current maintenance contract. Martina Scheurer, the councillor for the coast, explained that the teams will be working on the Orihuela Costa for the next 3 months, right through the summer period.
On Saturday the 5th of July, a telescope will be set up at Playa Flamenca, where a qualified guide will offer information and pointers to allow visitors to the coast to observe the night sky. The event will start at 10 in the evening, will be free of charge, and everybody is welcome to simply turn up, without booking, to enjoy the visual spectacle that nature offers on the night, weather permitting. On the 5th of July, the moon will be in its first quarter and around that time, comet UQ4 will be around, as well as Venus and Mars both being visible.
Orihuela´s recreational complex at Pinar de Bonanza will host a children's summer camp in July and August, with adventurous facilities and lots of educational fun promised by the councillor for the environment, Manuel Gallud from the Los Verdes green party, in conjunction with the council´s education department. In the wildlife-rich grounds, surrounded by pine trees, a zip-wire, archery and a host of other games will be practised, in a facility that has already welcomed 1,500 people since it opened earlier this year. The camp is aimed at children between 6 and 14 and will run from 08:30 in the morning until 14:00, with a possibility for the children to remain to eat and even stay until 19:00 at night. The school is also run with bilingual staff, who speak both Spanish and English.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44132/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The mayor of Orihuela, Monserrate Guillén, along with the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, both from the Los Verdes green party of Orihuela, were present at Cala Capitán on Friday to raised the quality standard flags on the bea...

### TORREVIEJA ASKING FOR STREET RENEWAL INVESTMENT FUNDS

Having faced criticism this week from the Los Verdes green party of Torrevieja over the lack of action on the promenade to the south of the city, the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, announced on Thursday that the town hall has asked the Provincial Council of Alicante for 420,000 euro in order to carry out repair work and investment in much needed infrastructure fixtures.
From the total budget, 240,000 euro is destined to Avenida Gregorio Marañón, which will include redeveloping 3,575 metres of route, including the renewal of pavements to improve the pedestrian access to the south of the city centre. The plans will also include green areas, rest zones and shaded areas to provide protection from the sun, whilst also ensuring accessibility is maintained for those with mobility problems.
There is 180,000 euro budgeted to renew the street lights in the Barrio del Acequión, where 267 antiquated and energy hungry lights will be replaced with energy efficient LED units, which consume 60% less than their older equivalents, saving an estimated 12,000 euro per year. There has been no mention of other areas where lights are constantly failing, but the lack of illumination in zones such as the residential area near Carrefour also saves money, given the amount of time the lights have remained failed at night.
Meanwhile, Friday´s plenary meeting was not without the usual protests, but this month saw a different take on how members of the local police are trying to get the mayor´s attention to the plight of their continual grievances over working time and shift patterns. In previous months, officers had appeared topless in protest, some facing disciplinary action. They have written to the mayor personally and asked for dialogue to be open, and now, they publicly crucified a police officer.
In fact, the police officer was a Torrevieja resident actor and comedian, Fernando Esteso, who had been dressed in a police uniform, attached to a crucifix and raised on a crane to the window of the plenary hall. The meeting was halted for 15 minutes for which Eduardo Dolón commented that the action was illegal and those involved would face the consequences, as measures against them would be taken.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44131/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Having faced criticism this week from the Los Verdes green party of Torrevieja over the lack of action on the promenade to the south of the city, the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, announced on Thursday that the town hall has asked the Prov...

### BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT

King Felipe VI of Spain makes his first official state visit on Monday, when he travels to the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis, along with Queen Letizia.
Former King, Juan Carlos, met with Pope Francis only a short time ago during the canonization of popes John Paul II and John XXIII. This visit is expected to show a continual bond between the Spanish royal family and the church.
Next week, the Royal couple will visit Portugal, following an invitation by President Aníbal Cavaco Silva, and the following week, the pair will visit Morocco for the first time as Monarchs.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44130/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: King Felipe VI of Spain makes his first official state visit on Monday, when he travels to the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis, along with Queen Letizia.
Former King, Juan Carlos, met with Pope Francis only a short time ago during the canonization o...

### GOT TO PICK A PEPPER OR TWO

The annual pepper picking season for the Murcia region has already begun a month earlier than normal, due to the extremely mild winter and spring.
With an abundance of crops, all said to be of high quality, it is hoped that the price will be cheaper to the consumer as a result. However, cheaper prices also mean less income for the farmers, and a risk to future crops if they don´t make the sale. 
To complicate matters further, the Murcia season, which normally begins in July, has now also overlapped that of Almería, resulting in considerably higher availability now than ever before.
According to Ángel García Izquierdo, from the Murcia based company Soltir, “The campaign overlaps with Almería, which still has substantial crops available, leading to oversupply, which, within an economically depressed market such as Spain's, resulted in sharp price drops at the beginning of the campaign, especially for Lamuyo peppers. 
The peppers are largely grown for the domestic market, as neighbouring European countries also have their own crops, which have also arrived early in a number of other countries.
On the other hand, bell peppers are easier to sell to the export markets according to García, but only around a quarter of their crops are of this variety, although increasing every year. “Bell peppers are easier to sell in the export markets, where we have a favourable competitive position over the Netherlands, as they have higher production costs and are also the ones setting the sale price of peppers in Europe. It is certainly a more profitable product for us. Additionally, we continue making progress year after year in terms of quality and safety and we are at a very similar level as Dutch peppers”. Currently, the bell pepper export market shows favourable returns in Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
The situation is not too bleak however, as last year, the company considered their campaign to have been “unbeatable”, whereas the forecast for this year is expected to be “acceptable”. From their 58,000 square metres of land in San Cayetano near to San Javier, they grow peppers and melons in the summer and broccoli and artichokes in the winter. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44129/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The annual pepper picking season for the Murcia region has already begun a month earlier than normal, due to the extremely mild winter and spring.
With an abundance of crops, all said to be of high quality, it is hoped that the price will be cheaper t...

### EUROPEAN RECORDS FOR STEWART

It is now confirmed that Down Syndrome swimmer Adam Stewart is the holder of 3 European records.
Down Syndrome European 800 metres freestyle ( short course ) Down Syndrome, European Open 1500 meters freestyle  ( long course) and  Down Syndrome Masters [25 to 34 years ] 1500 meters  ( long course ).He is the first Downs swimmer to hold this record of 1500 meters [ 25 to 34 ].
The 800 was won in Southampton 10/11 May at the European DSSF Championships and both 1500 meters  were gained in his home pool at the  IV Control Autonomico Masters competition Torrevieja on the 31st May/1st June
Adam says thank you to the Torrevieja Masters Club, Juanma for his excellent training programme, CDM for their personal trainers help and advice, the Spanish and ExPat  support and finally Pretty Neat and Stevie the Barber at the Flamenca C.C.
The delay was due to the records having to be verified by The Down Syndrome International Swimming Organisation.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44123/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: It is now confirmed that Down Syndrome swimmer Adam Stewart is the holder of 3 European records.
Down Syndrome European 800 metres freestyle ( short course ) Down Syndrome, European Open 1500 meters freestyle  ( long course) and  Down Syndrome Masters...

### BENIDORM RESIDENTS DONATE OVER 200KG OF FOOD TO CRUZ ROJA

Specsavers Opticas in Benidorm collected over 200kg of food for the Cruz Roja during their week-long food collection campaign and were delighted with the generosity of local residents.  
The food collected has been delivered to the Cruz Roja Benidorm's food bank and donated to needy families at risk of social exclusion. This food bank helps between 80-100 people per week and has been required to respond to demand more than doubling due to the crisis.  
The Head of the Food Collection Programme, Mara Martinez Olivan, explains why donations are so important, “There are so many people at risk of social exclusion and we are working on a very limited budget, therefore even small donations of food really make a difference.
200kg of food is a fantastic result over one week and will supplement our existing supplies to enable us to help so many people in need. Many thanks to Specsavers Benidorm for arranging the collection and all those people who donated.”
Cruz Roja in Benidorm is located on Glorieta del las Carrascos 3 and is open from Monday to Friday 09.00-13.00 and 17.00-19.00 and they can be reached on 96 586 42 09.
Specsavers in Benidorm is located in in Calle de Gambó 2, Benidorm. To find out more about Specsavers visit www.specsavers.es 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44122/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Specsavers Opticas in Benidorm collected over 200kg of food for the Cruz Roja during their week-long food collection campaign and were delighted with the generosity of local residents.  
The food collected has been delivered to the Cruz Roja Benidorm'...

### SMARTIES ARE BACK!

Spanish Life Properties sl The SMARTies Estate Agent Sponsor Charity Magic Show event at Quesada Country Club  FREE TICKETS - free drink - free crazy golf and free smarties!!  
Graeme Mykal will be performing for the young and young at heart!  Thursday July 17th at Quesada Country Club starting at 3.30p.m. this very special Magic Show is aimed at children but it is also for the young at heart - tickets on the door for this charity event are just €1 and only children pay!  
Every child gets a free squash and the first 25 children will get a balloon but what a balloon!  There will also be a raffle for a bumper bag of sweets a cuddly toy and beach toys.  All money raised will be for The Children's Home in Elche. 
YOU can get FREE TICKETS for the event by calling into Spanish Life Properties sl – located in Avda de las Naciones behind the petrol station at the Quesada Arches & opposite the Chop Shop.  Tickets will be limited so please hurry hurry hurry - each adult can claim one free ticket - all you have to do is pop into Spanish Life Properties sl the SMARTies Estate Agent - please have ready written on a postcard sized piece of paper the following details:
Your name
Your child's name and age
Your email address
And we will send you a numbered FREE TICKET for the Magic Show by email
Spanish Life Properties sl The SMARTies ESTATE AGENT will also be giving out tubes of smarties on the day of the show (while Quesada stocks last!)
FREE Crazy Golf is subject to availability and must be pre-booked with sueinthesun@hotmail.co.ukFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44120/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Spanish Life Properties sl The SMARTies Estate Agent Sponsor Charity Magic Show event at Quesada Country Club  FREE TICKETS - free drink - free crazy golf and free smarties!!  
Graeme Mykal will be performing for the young and young at heart!  Thursda...

### SAN MIGUEL ADMINISTRATION EVALUATED

San Miguel de Salinas conduct a survey to measure the performance of the Municipal Administration
With the forthcoming local elections on the horizon, May 2015, The Neighbours Association ‘San Miguel Arcángel' has conducted a survey amongst residents of the municipality to assess their individual perceptions of the performance of the town's administration.
The Project, undertaken during the month of May in Spanish, English and German, asked 13 questions covering the range of public services and asking for a good, acceptable or poor evaluation.
Most respondents measured the health service and rubbish waste collection to be good whilst at the other end of the scale municipal transparency, privatization of drinking water and neighbourhood participation in public affairs were overwhelming judged as poor by 9 out of 10 residents.
Other questions, including the town hall's performance in relation to the economy, creating jobs and assisting new businesses, planning and building licences, street cleanliness, maintenance and lighting, all found themselves in the middle ground.
Social issues like education, sport and cultural promotion, together with social care and assistance for the disadvantaged and disabled were generally perceived to be lacking.
Interestingly the survey provided marginally different returns from Spanish and foreign residents, a recurring fact due to the many foreign residents that reside in outlying urbanisations. There remains the feeling that the village and those urbanizations often receive different levels of service.
The basis for the survey by The Neighbours Association ‘San Miguel Arcángel' was not to criticise the current PP Administration. It was undertaken to give any would be politician or political party the residents' views on where services can be improved. Detailed statistics will be passed to all San Miguel's councillors and political parties.
David Hardy, on behalf of The Board of DirectorsFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44119/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: San Miguel de Salinas conduct a survey to measure the performance of the Municipal Administration
With the forthcoming local elections on the horizon, May 2015, The Neighbours Association ‘San Miguel Arcángel' has conducted a survey among...

### REACH OUT ANNOUNCE ASSISTED HOUSING FUND

Local humanitarian charity, Reach Out/Extiende La Mano, has launched an Assisted Housing Fund in response to a recent serious demand for emergency housing in the area.  
The charity's President, Karolina Leonard explained, "We have had a few desperate cases of late.  A young 19 year old homeless girl has discovered she is pregnant and is currently sleeping rough.  We also have a widower with three young children (the youngest is just two).
His wife passed away last year and he is in a real vicious circle. He cannot find work because he is caring for the children, he cannot care for the children because he cannot work - and very recently, he and his children were evicted and are now homeless.  Luckily, he was able to place the children temporarily (but seperately) with family."
Karolina continued, "The assisted housing fund is a seperate account which will allow us to help out with emergency accommodation in special cases.  It is quite possible that at some stage, these people might get assistance from social services, but the paperwork takes so long to go through that they could be on the streets for quite a while, waiting for a form to be stamped or an application to be approved."
If anyone can donate to the assisted housing fund, Reach Out would be very, very grateful for any amount small, medium or large.
Bankia Cabo Roig 2038 6012 4160 0081 1038, Extienda la Mano
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Reach Out (Registered Charity Number: CV-01050467-A) currently helps around 90 local homeless men and women and 35 families in poverty.  The homeless people are offered a breakfast and lunch at the charity's drop in centre from a charity kitchen.  The homeless people are also offered the opportunity to have a shower, have their clothes washed and dried and are given food and basic provisions.  Often, their own clothing is in bad condition or unsuitable for living and sleeping rough so Reach Out also provides good second hand clothing for the homeless.  Karolina said, “We try to restore some of the dignity they may have lost through becoming homeless.  Something as simple as a hot meal and a shower, a change of underwear and clean clothes can make such a difference to a person who has nothing and nobody to turn to.”
In winter, and on cold spring nights, this also includes vital supplies of warm clothing and blankets.  Some of those with drug or alcohol issues are offered help and in the past, some have even been placed in rehabilitation by the charity.
For the families, Reach Out carefully assesses each family group's needs and carries out a home visit to learn more about each family's situation.  Karolina explained, “We only have capacity to help around 35 families as we want to do more than simply give them a food hamper and say goodbye.  We try to help them get back on their feet again.
We help with school supplies for the children, with clothing, books, bags and pencils.  Each of our families has an allowance for our second hand shops so they can come and get clothing or shoes.  We also run a solidarity supermarket and our families come in two groups, once per week and can choose essential items with vouchers we issue to them.  
We give away in excess of €400 every week in food and other essentials alone. By giving them a choice, we can better meet their needs – some will need food for their children, others might need toilet paper – we allow them to choose for themselves and give them back some dignity.”
Reach Out is always grateful of donations of food, clean clothing and furniture.  The charity also needs donations of money and is keen to hear from any club, association, individual or business who would be willing to hold a fundraiser on the charity's behalf.  
For more information on the charity, see the website www.reachouttorrevieja.com, or call Karolina 688348189.  You can also find Reach Out on Facebook www.facebook.com/reachouttorreviejaFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44116/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Local humanitarian charity, Reach Out/Extiende La Mano, has launched an Assisted Housing Fund in response to a recent serious demand for emergency housing in the area.  
The charity's President, Karolina Leonard explained, "We have had a few desperate cases of late.  A young 19 year old homeless girl has discovered she is pregnant and is currently sleeping rough.  We also have a widower with three young children (the youngest is just two).
His wife passed away last year and he is in a real vicious circle. He cannot find work because he is caring for the children, he cannot care for the children because he cannot work - and very recently, he and his children were evicted and are now homeless.  Luckily, he was able to place the children temporarily (but seperately) with family."
Karolina continued, "The assisted housing fund is a seperate account which will allow us to help out with emergency accommodation in special cases.  It is quite possible that at some stage, these people might get assistance from social services, but the paperwork takes so long to go through that they could be on the streets for quite a while, waiting for a form to be stamped or an application to be approved."
If anyone can donate to the assisted housing fund, Reach Out would be very, very grateful for any amount small, medium or large.
Bankia Cabo Roig 2038 6012 4160 0081 1038, Extienda la Mano
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Reach Out (Registered Charity Number: CV-01050467-A) currently helps around 90 local homeless men and women and 35 families in poverty.  The homeless people are offered a breakfast and lunch at the charity's drop in centre from a charity kitchen.  The homeless people are also offered the opportunity to have a shower, have their clothes washed and dried and are given food and basic provisions.  Often, their own clothing is in bad condition or unsuitable for living and sleeping rough so Reach Out also provides good second hand clothing for the homeless.  Karolina said, “We try to restore some of the dignity they may have lost through becoming homeless.  Something as simple as a hot meal and a shower, a change of underwear and clean clothes can make such a difference to a person who has nothing and nobody to turn to.”
In winter, and on cold spring nights, this also includes vital supplies of warm clothing and blankets.  Some of those with drug or alcohol issues are offered help and in the past, some have even been placed in rehabilitation by the charity.
For the families, Reach Out carefully assesses each family group's needs and carries out a home visit to learn more about each family's situation.  Karolina explained, “We only have capacity to help around 35 families as we want to do more than simply give them a food hamper and say goodbye.  We try to help them get back on their feet again.
We help with school supplies for the children, with clothing, books, bags and pencils.  Each of our families has an allowance for our second hand shops so they can come and get clothing or shoes.  We also run a solidarity supermarket and our families come in two groups, once per week and can choose essential items with vouchers we issue to them.  
We give away in excess of €400 every week in food and other essentials alone. By giving them a choice, we can better meet their needs – some will need food for their children, others might need toilet paper – we allow them to choose for themselves and give them back some dignity.”
Reach Out is always grateful of donations of food, clean clothing and furniture.  The charity also needs donations of money and is keen to hear from any club, association, individual or business who would be willing to hold a fundraiser on the charity's behalf.  
For more information on the charity, see the website www.reachouttorrevieja.com, or call Karolina 688348189.  You can also find Reach Out on Facebook www.facebook.com/reachouttorreviejaFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44116/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### CARS OF THE 70’S NEARLY EXTINCT

According to WeLoveAnyCar.com, the largest group of drivers on British roads are people born in the 60s and 70s. Cars of their youth are almost extinct.
My Uncle once owned two Alegros at the same time but there are now fewer than 22 Bond Bugs, 161 Austin Allegros and just 3,482 Ford Cortinas, once the UK's most popular car, still registered to drive on British roads.
These figures don't include those cars where the car is ‘unregistered' or taken off the road via a SORN notice to the DVLA. In fact, there are thought to be more Allegros in classic car collections than actually licensed to drive on the roads.
2.6 million Cortinas were sold in the UK so just 0.1% of the Ford success story remains on the roads. There are 4,119 Ford Sierras, the Cortina replacement, still licensed of the 1.3 million sold in the UK. Specialist models such as the Ford Sierra Cosworth (RS and Sapphire) tend to be better preserved than the average Sierra with 956 still licensed – that's over 23% of all Sierra models remaining.
Even cars that were built much later can be rare. Whilst Renault changed the people carrying market when they built the Espace, they didn't achieve the same success with the Avantime. There are 23,049 Renault Espace models but only 273 Avantimes still registered for British roads. Another 70s creation, the Renault Fuego, has just 19 cars on the road.
Using Government statistics, the car review site has made it easy for anyone to look at  how many cars are exactly like the one they drive or one they used to drive.
A spokesman for WeLoveAnyCar.com said, “Our easy-to-use site allows anyone to look at how exclusive their cars are and in some cases drivers might be surprised to find they are one of a handful driving the model they own.” 
Even current car owners can be in a very exclusive group. There are only 6 owners of the Audi Q7 SE TFSI 333 QUATTRO A model on all the roads in the UK and just 9 owners of the Peugeot 308 SPORTIUM E-HDI S-A variant. Just make a nice cuppa and enjoy discovering how many of the cars from your youth still exist. Some of mine include only three Ford LTD's, 12 Fiat 850 Specials, 20 Vauxhall Viva 1256 Deluxe's, 445 Ford Escort Mexico's, 69 Mercedes Benz 200T and 242 Spitfire MK IV.
And if you want to know how many James Bond Aston Martin DB5's are left, to put you out of your misery, there are just 276 for budding 007's and 25 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am's, circa Smokey and the Bandit.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44113/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to WeLoveAnyCar.com, the largest group of drivers on British roads are people born in the 60s and 70s. Cars of their youth are almost extinct.
My Uncle once owned two Alegros at the same time but there are now fewer than 22 Bond Bugs, 161 Au...

### IN THE BUNKER WITH MICK THE GRIP. JUNE 2014

THE ROYAL LIVERPOOL GOLF CLUB (Hoylake) was laid out in 1869 on the racecourse of the Liverpool Hunt Club; it was both horse racing venue and golf course for the first few years. Close to the town of Hoylake, hence the name, the links course sits on a peninsula separated  from Liverpool by the Mersey Estuary and from N. Wales by the river Dee.	
In 1885 the first Amateur Championship was held at Hoylake, and the Walker Cup began life there in 1921 as an amateur contest between Gt. Britain and Ireland and the USA.
 In 1930 the then amateur Bobby Jones won his third Open at Hoylake, the second leg of his grand slam, and returned to new york for a ticker tape parade.  
In the 2006 Open the notorious Hoylake winds were conspicuously absent.  In a week of  heatwave weather on a terrifyingly fast course Tiger Woods kept his driver in his bag and navigated his way to a two shot victory with supreme skill.  Will he be back in July?
MATTHEW FITZPATRICK (19) has decided to turn professional.  The first amateur golfer since Bobby Jones in 1930 to simultaneously hold the low amateur honours at both the U.S. Open and Open Championship, and the only amateur to make the cut at Pinehurst, Fitzpatrick finished a one under 69 that left him 11 over for the tournament. Not a bad start to his career.
TO GO ROUND PINEHURST on the final day of the U.S. Open never less than four strokes ahead was a great achievement for Martin Kaymer.
To tie for second place, playing on level terms with the best golfers in the world, was an even greater achievement for Eric Compton.  After two heart transplants most of us would be happy to stagger to the sofa to watch the tournament on the box, let alone play in it.  Eric visits hospitals and encourages the disabled in his spare time, “Never write yourself off,” he advises.  
As an example of practising what you preach, it could hardly be bettered.
THE WEEKEND OF 4th JULY sees the return of The Celebrity Cup at the Celtic Manor Resort, South Wales.  Teams of six from England Scotland Ireland and Wales will once again compete for the coveted trophy.  
Bradley Walsh is the latest member of the England team, and Brendan O'Carroll of Mrs Brown's Boys joins The Irish team,  who apparently played hard and partied hard last year.  Comedian Rob Brydon returns to captain Wales, and Gavin Hastings the reigning champions, Scotland.   In 2013  thousands of fans enjoyed a weekend of golf themed entertainment, watched the celebrities in action, and visited the “Interactive Retail Village.” (Shops.)
THE ROYAL AND ANCIENT golf club of St. Andrews, founded 1754, has been a men only club since before Napoleon was born.  
That could all change in September when the members are asked to vote on whether to accept the ladies.  R & A chief Peter Dawson is urging them to vote in favour, saying society is changing and golf must keep up.  The indications are that the vote will be carried.  Open Venues Troon and Royal St. Georges still bar women members, will they be the next bastions to fall? 
WE'VE HAD SOME pretty windy conditions this year; on the course we're tempted to hit the ball harder into and across the wind.  
The pros always say it's better to hit it a touch easier, like a second serve, to keep an element of control and not too much spin on the ball.  So don't forget the old adage: “Swing with ease into the breeze!”
Having tried out several new drivers in and out of the wind I'm convinced the only way to increase my distance is to hit the ball and run backwards.
Until next time, happy golfing.
Contact Mick for your regripping and repairs.TEL: 638 859 475.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44110/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: THE ROYAL LIVERPOOL GOLF CLUB (Hoylake) was laid out in 1869 on the racecourse of the Liverpool Hunt Club; it was both horse racing venue and golf course for the first few years. Close to the town of Hoylake, hence the name, the links course sits on a ...

### MIKE PROBERT TALKS GOLF - 30 JUNE 2014

Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services - Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.
‘Hacienda Riquelme – an Update'
The región of Murcia is one of the most dry and arrid areas in Spain the months without rain have been very difficult for a number of their courses including Corvera,La Peraleja and neighbouring Hacienda Riquelme.
A few months ago the management team of Nike-IRM who operate the 6 x  former Polarisworld courses informed all the booking agents that Hacienda Riquelme was in poor condition and that extensive work was needed on the greens to remidy the situation.
I have been in further communication with the NIKE-IRM team who inform me that (quote):
“At the moment there are still three greens that still have some patchy areas but otherwise the golf course is in really good shape. The greens crew are working very hard and are gradually lowering the height of the mowers so the greens will soon be perfect. The lakes are full of water, the tee boxes are perfect and overall the golf course is very tidy”.
The management team have extended their summer deals up to the end of July 2014 and so if you had temporarily taken Hacienda Riquelme off your ‘play' list then now is the time to consider playing it again while the prices are at their lowest.
We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us.
LEADER GREEN FEES
The deals shown in the ATTACHED table are some of the best currently available to you.
For bookings and more information contact Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com or direct on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 quoting reference LEADER.
Quotation of the week
“The man that fell into the upholstery machine is now fully re-covered” – Simon Morton.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44108/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services - Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Serv...

### ALLEGED BRITISH DRUG TRAFFICKER CAPTURED  IN SPAIN

A suspected British drug trafficker has been arrested in Marbella. Christopher Mealey, 38, from London, was captured following a joint operation involving the Spanish National Police, National Crime Agnecy (NCA) and Metropolitan Police.
Armed officers swooped this week while he was walking along the Paseo Maritimo – a popular beachfront tourist hotspot.
Mealey was apprehended on a European Arrest Warrant and appeared at the Spanish National Court in Madrid yesterday (Wednesday 25 June). Extradition proceedings are now underway.
He is the 60th fugitive to be caught out of 76 publicised through Operation Captura – a multi-agency initiative between Crimestoppers, the NCA and the Spanish authorities.
Mealey is wanted by the Metropolitan Police in connection with an investigation into the importation of millions of pounds worth of cocaine. His father-in-law John Reed and six others have already received jail terms totalling over 130 years.
Hank Cole, Head of International Operations for the NCA, said: 
 “Mealey thought he could evade capture by fleeing to Spain and using false identity documents but we were able to track him down. It demonstrates the NCA and its partners have the capability to pursue fugitives relentlessly.”
Inspector Olga Lizana, from the Spanish National Police Fugitives Unit, said: 
 “Cooperation between Spain and the UK on fugitive operations has never been better. This arrest once again demonstrates that sooner or later any British fugitives hiding out in Spain will be caught.”
One of the 16 remaining fugitives on the Operation Captura list is Daniel Bowes (see picture), who is wanted in connection with the same investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Staff, from the Metropolitan Police, said: 
 “We continue to appeal for information on the whereabouts of Daniel Bowes in connection with our long running investigation.
"We urgently require the help of the public both in the UK and abroad to trace him and we will treat any information provide to the Metropolitan Police Service, the National Crime Agency or Crimestoppers in the strictest of confidence."
For people calling from Spain with information on Bowes, or any of the other Operation Captura fugitives, there is a Spanish freephone  number – 900  555 111 – which is answered in the UK by Crimestoppers' call agents. A translation service is also available for Spanish speakers. 
People can also pass on information anonymously via a UK number – 0800 555 111 – and online at www.crimestoppers-uk.orgFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44101/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A suspected British drug trafficker has been arrested in Marbella. Christopher Mealey, 38, from London, was captured following a joint operation involving the Spanish National Police, National Crime Agnecy (NCA) and Metropolitan Police.
Armed officers swooped this week while he was walking along the Paseo Maritimo – a popular beachfront tourist hotspot.
Mealey was apprehended on a European Arrest Warrant and appeared at the Spanish National Court in Madrid yesterday (Wednesday 25 June). Extradition proceedings are now underway.
He is the 60th fugitive to be caught out of 76 publicised through Operation Captura – a multi-agency initiative between Crimestoppers, the NCA and the Spanish authorities.
Mealey is wanted by the Metropolitan Police in connection with an investigation into the importation of millions of pounds worth of cocaine. His father-in-law John Reed and six others have already received jail terms totalling over 130 years.
Hank Cole, Head of International Operations for the NCA, said: 
 “Mealey thought he could evade capture by fleeing to Spain and using false identity documents but we were able to track him down. It demonstrates the NCA and its partners have the capability to pursue fugitives relentlessly.”
Inspector Olga Lizana, from the Spanish National Police Fugitives Unit, said: 
 “Cooperation between Spain and the UK on fugitive operations has never been better. This arrest once again demonstrates that sooner or later any British fugitives hiding out in Spain will be caught.”
One of the 16 remaining fugitives on the Operation Captura list is Daniel Bowes (see picture), who is wanted in connection with the same investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Staff, from the Metropolitan Police, said: 
 “We continue to appeal for information on the whereabouts of Daniel Bowes in connection with our long running investigation.
"We urgently require the help of the public both in the UK and abroad to trace him and we will treat any information provide to the Metropolitan Police Service, the National Crime Agency or Crimestoppers in the strictest of confidence."
For people calling from Spain with information on Bowes, or any of the other Operation Captura fugitives, there is a Spanish freephone  number – 900  555 111 – which is answered in the UK by Crimestoppers' call agents. A translation service is also available for Spanish speakers. 
People can also pass on information anonymously via a UK number – 0800 555 111 – and online at www.crimestoppers-uk.orgFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44101/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ELCHE SHOE WORKERS WALK OUT

Shop stewards representing Elche's  footwear industry agreed last Wednesday to call their members out on a second strike in mid-July.
 As talks broke down with employers, union leaders said there can be no agreement while bosses continue to breach the agreements signed in 2012, when wages were frozen,  which agreed to a pay increase of 0.6% in 2013 and a further 0.4 % rise this year.  Meanwhile, employers are refusing to accept union claims saying “there is a problem with their interpretation.”
Despite employers calling a further meeting for this coming Friday, José Antonio Macia representing the UGT, says that he is convinced that "this is nothing more than a delaying tactic so as to avoid a strike,” and “that it makes no sense to continue negotiations with employers when we regularly see them reporting increased profits, and that is why we are not willing to back down."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44100/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Shop stewards representing Elche's  footwear industry agreed last Wednesday to call their members out on a second strike in mid-July.
 As talks broke down with employers, union leaders said there can be no agreement while bosses continue to breach the agreements signed in 2012, when wages were frozen,  which agreed to a pay increase of 0.6% in 2013 and a further 0.4 % rise this year.  Meanwhile, employers are refusing to accept union claims saying “there is a problem with their interpretation.”
Despite employers calling a further meeting for this coming Friday, José Antonio Macia representing the UGT, says that he is convinced that "this is nothing more than a delaying tactic so as to avoid a strike,” and “that it makes no sense to continue negotiations with employers when we regularly see them reporting increased profits, and that is why we are not willing to back down."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44100/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### THE ROLLING STONES AND SPAIN

With 21 ‘sell out' concerts performed in the country in 38 years it is not difficult to see that The Rolling stones have a special appeal for the people of Spain but to understand the origins of that attraction you have to go back to the June 11, 1976 when The Plaza Monumental de Barcelona was the venue for the group as they became the very first International Band to visit the country following the death of Franco.
At the time there was no shortage of unrest with lots of tension as police in their riot gear quelled political demonstrations throughout the surrounding areas both during and after the landmark show.
Last Wednesday's concert , at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, where  despite the collapse of the on-line system, 80,000 tickets sold out within just 11 hours of going on sale, was a much more traditional affair. Despite the soaring demand, no longer is attendance at any concert by Jagger, Richards and company, a matter of life or death.
But because the Stones are the Stones, as the most long-lived rock band on the planet jumped up and down on the stage at the Bernabeu for possibly the very last time, 38 years and 14 days since their first performance in the country, for the generations of people that have enjoyed their songs live, families united by rock and countless memories, their Satanic Majesties, Mick Jagger (guitar and lead singer), Keith Richards (first guitar), Ron Wood (rhythm guitar) and Charlie Watts (drums), altogether add up to 285 years of age, though their energy onstage made them seem like a bunch of 20-year-olds riding the crest of the wave.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44099/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: With 21 ‘sell out' concerts performed in the country in 38 years it is not difficult to see that The Rolling stones have a special appeal for the people of Spain but to understand the origins of that attraction you have to go back to the June 11,...

### SEVEN ARRESTED FOR THEFT OF ORANGES

Officers of the Guardia Civil have arrested seven people for the theft of over 300,000 kilos of oranges just north of Alicante in Ribera Baixa and Valldigna.
A further 7 individuals were released pending further investigations.
Detainees and defendants were changed with the falsification of a large number of documents needed to carry out the sale of oranges, which included more than 300,000 kilos that had been obtained illegally.
The arresting Officers belong to a detachment of Guardia who focus on agriculture, preventing the theft and illegal trade of farm products and related commodities
Since late March, the officers have been investigating the falsification of documents which have regularly been found accompanying sales of farm products of illegal origin.  Between 9 and 16 June, they were able to determine the alleged involvement of 13 people, eleven men and two women, aged 18 to 56 years, of Algerian, Belorussian, Spanish and Ecuadorian nationality.
Among those arrested was the alleged perpetrator of a crime of forgery, who owns a Ribera Baixa company which buys and sells citrus products. He was charged with falsifying invoices, so that the amount of oranges billed was significantly increased above those delivered
The remaining defendants were engaged at different levels of the fraud most with the theft of oranges in different localities, their transportation and sale.
In Gandia, a similar fraud saw the arrest of three co-owners and an employee of a company who also purchase and sell agricultural products, in the region of Valldigna.
They have been charged with the crimes of forgery and receiving stolen goods, while another four arrested were said to be responsible for the alleged theft of Benairjó oranges.
The total of oranges siezed in the two crimes totals more than 300,000 kilos. Meanwhile the proceedings are now being dealt with by the Court of Instruction No. 4 in Sueca and the Court of Gandia while further Investigations are still ongoing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44098/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers of the Guardia Civil have arrested seven people for the theft of over 300,000 kilos of oranges just north of Alicante in Ribera Baixa and Valldigna.
A further 7 individuals were released pending further investigations.
Detainees and defendan...

### FAME AND FORTUNE NOT ENOUGH FOR MODEL TURNED NUN

While many of us dream of such lives, one young lady with fame and fortune very much in her grasp has recently thrown it all away for a rather more austere life in a nunnery.
Olalla Oliveros, a famous Spanish model and actress, revealed last week just why she hasn't been seen on the catwalk in recent years. 
After experiencing an 'internal earthquake' during a visit to a religious sanctuary in Portugal she has spent the last 4 years as a nun in the Order of Saint Michael.
Now aged 36, and still a regular face on Spanish television, Oliveros has appeared in many high-profile advertising campaigns on TV and in magazines and so it came as somewhat as a surprise to many of her fans when she revealed that she has abandoned her celebrity lifestyle and joined the Order of Saint Michael as a nun where she now goes by the name of Sister Olalla del Sí de María.
Sister Olalla has so far been reluctant to describe her exact motivations for the lifestyle change but told local daily El Diario Cordobes that the decisive moment occurred while she was visiting the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima in Portugal.
A photo on The Christian Post's Facebook page showed Oliveros (second from right) looking radically different from the poses she took in her modeling days, wearing a blue sackcloth uniform and veil but no makeup.
"The Lord is never wrong. He asked if I will follow him, and I could not refuse," she told the National Christian Register.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44097/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: While many of us dream of such lives, one young lady with fame and fortune very much in her grasp has recently thrown it all away for a rather more austere life in a nunnery.
Olalla Oliveros, a famous Spanish model and actress, revealed last week just why she hasn't been seen on the catwalk in recent years. 
After experiencing an 'internal earthquake' during a visit to a religious sanctuary in Portugal she has spent the last 4 years as a nun in the Order of Saint Michael.
Now aged 36, and still a regular face on Spanish television, Oliveros has appeared in many high-profile advertising campaigns on TV and in magazines and so it came as somewhat as a surprise to many of her fans when she revealed that she has abandoned her celebrity lifestyle and joined the Order of Saint Michael as a nun where she now goes by the name of Sister Olalla del Sí de María.
Sister Olalla has so far been reluctant to describe her exact motivations for the lifestyle change but told local daily El Diario Cordobes that the decisive moment occurred while she was visiting the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima in Portugal.
A photo on The Christian Post's Facebook page showed Oliveros (second from right) looking radically different from the poses she took in her modeling days, wearing a blue sackcloth uniform and veil but no makeup.
"The Lord is never wrong. He asked if I will follow him, and I could not refuse," she told the National Christian Register.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44097/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### NEW BAKERY FOR EVERY MERCADONA SUPERMARKET

Following an investment of 26 million euros Mercadona last week unveiled a new bakery section, each boasting state of the art facilities, in every one of its stores. 
The initiative is part of the company strategy to promote its new model which concentrates on the sale of fresh produce, with its new ovens, a revamped fish market, fruit and vegetable displays and modern butchery all situated close together.
The new bakery section now includes a wide assortment of breads, savory and sweet specialties, sweet pastries and cakes. The range has been adapted to the tastes and preferences of each locality and will feature far more local produce than has previously been the case.
The new measures have required additional training of 4,550 employees, 303 in the province of Alicante, an investment in their education of around one million euros while the investment in equipment and fittings, as well as changes to many stores, have cost the company an additional EUR 25 million.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44096/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Following an investment of 26 million euros Mercadona last week unveiled a new bakery section, each boasting state of the art facilities, in every one of its stores. 
The initiative is part of the company strategy to promote its new model which concen...

### GOSSIP MAG FACES ROYAL SANCTIONS

The Spanish gossip magazine Diez Minutos (or, Ten Minutes) has had its knuckles rapped following the publication of an “imaginary interview” with the country's new queen, Letizia and has now been told that it could face further disciplinary action.
The interview was published in the May 28 edition of the magazine when Letizia was still Princess of Asturias.  A complaint from the Murcia Association of Journalists, described the story, as a “discredit” to journalism that breached “the general principles of professional ethics.”
In its response, however, Diez Minutos said that its interview was simply what the writer considered an imagined chat would be like with her, and interview with the replies that she might be expected to give.
The magazine say that they used reliable sources and checked information, from which they recreated the conversation that could have taken place in the interview.
It is understood that no complaint has been received by The Commission for Arbitration, Complaints and Ethics in Journalism, from The Royal Household but they would nevertheless consider whether her privacy had been breached by the story. “Freedom of information must be compatible with truthfulness,” said the President of the Spanish Federation of Journalists' Associations, Manuel Núñez Encabo.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44095/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Spanish gossip magazine Diez Minutos (or, Ten Minutes) has had its knuckles rapped following the publication of an “imaginary interview” with the country's new queen, Letizia and has now been told that it could face further disciplinary...

### THE EXPAT TERRORIST

Expat life is always full of surprises in Spain and the Canary Islands; nothing is ever quite what it seems, and this week has been no exception. I received a letter from the bank that I have been with since we moved to Spain demanding information.
Parts of the letter were written in red ink as well as block capitals, which I assumed was meant to stress those parts that I should fret about most.
This letter was all part of a curt communication pointing out that under “Law 10/2010 of 28 April on the Prevention of Money Laundering and the Funding of Terrorism”, the bank had an obligation to check my identity and professional activity.
The letter then went on to say that if I did not comply with their demands, my account would be “restricted”, meaning that I could not use their Internet banking and other services. Fortunately, there is no capital punishment in Spain at the moment; otherwise I am sure that they would have threatened that as well.
The letter also demanded payslips, social security employment records (vida laboral), my annual VAT return for the last quarter, or proof of having paid the last social security self-employed contribution. I am not registered, nor do I pay VAT, my accountant deals with social security contributions and I have not seen a vida laboral for at least five years.
Now I am all for countering terrorism and money laundering, but I doubt many offenders would use my local branch. This delightful letter was from a bank that I have used and trusted since I first set foot in Spain as an expat, and the branch knows me well.
Clearly, this was another of the games that we have to play in Spain from time to time, which I am well used to. It can be endless fun, if viewed from the right angle, but it is no good arguing with the system or getting angry.  One merely has to appear humble and confused, smile a lot, claim insanity or not understanding the language. Above all, one has to swamp the system with paperwork, and lots of it.
I learned many years ago that Spanish bureaucracy loves nothing more than paper. One has only to wave a sheet of A4 across the eyes of a Spanish bureaucrat or bank official, and watch their facial expression glaze over, and turn into one of immense and immediate greed. These officials are well trained and can smell a document in your possession from a hundred paces. They snatch the document from you and, if you are fortunate, hurry off to the nearest photocopier to produce at least three copies, returning the original. If one is naive or unfortunate, they will grab the original and it is never seen again.
This is very dangerous and inconvenient, and I learned many years ago NEVER to produce an original document for any bank or government official. The second thing that all Spanish officials have is a love affair with the fax machine, and it is more than likely that any document that you surrender will end up in one. 
Back to the letter from my bank. I spent most of the day producing a box file of photocopies of all the documents that I thought would interest them. In view of their huge appetite for paperwork of any description, I have also learned never to volunteer anything, but to let it be requested, and certainly not to hand over a complete box file voluntarily. 
I placed all the documents in a carrier bag with my shopping.  When I arrived at the bank, I met a charming young bank clerk, who seemed anxious to attend to my every need and, in particular, get me to sign up for a loan that I didn't need.  I handed over the offending letter; he smiled and nodded knowingly, and asked for my residency document and passport.
He made a joke about the possibility of me being a terrorist, to which I smiled through gritted teeth. The young bank clerk then proceeded to photocopy my passport and residency certificate, which they have done many times before over the years. No other questions were asked and no other documents were requested. For once, I was in and out of the bank in five minutes. Now what was that all about?
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.

© Barrie Mahoney
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44094/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Expat life is always full of surprises in Spain and the Canary Islands; nothing is ever quite what it seems, and this week has been no exception. I received a letter from the bank that I have been with since we moved to Spain demanding information.
Pa...

### YOUNG FAMILY OR FRIENDS COMING TO VISIT THIS SUMMER?

Make sure they have adequate travel insurance if you don't want to risk hefty medical bills
Travelling abroad uninsured can cost thousands if a trip goes wrong. Yet according to new research issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), more than one in three (38%)[1] young Brits[2]  think it is unnecessary to take out insurance when they travel overseas, often leaving their families to pick up the pieces. 
The findings from research conducted by ABTA come as the British Embassy urges expats living in Spain to encourage their young visitors to be fully prepared for their visits to Spain and ensure they are properly covered. 
Costs arising from uninsured accidents abroad can be significant, and it is often parents who are presented with an unexpected and large bill with no hope of reclaiming the money. The cost of bailing out a loved one can run into thousands – but despite this, almost half of 16-24 year olds claim the reason they don't take out insurance is because they are willing to take the risk.
One in five young people think that a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) acts as a full insurance policy when abroad. In fact, an EHIC only provides access to state medical care in the European Economic Area. It's important to realise that it excludes any other costs such as getting an individual back to the UK, which can run into thousands.
One in seven (16%) of young people wrongly presume that all  their treatment costs will be covered by the UK Government if they have an accident or fall ill while abroad.  In reality it is the holidaymaker, their family or their hosts who will likely pick up the bill if a young person is not covered.
This can range from £500 to treat a sprained ankle at a private clinic in a popular holiday resort like Ibiza, to £12-16,000 for a scheduled flight, stretcher and medical escort from the Canary Islands3.  Serious injuries can also lead to medical bills of thousands of pounds a day which can rapidly escalate to very substantial sums if you are treated at a private hospital in Spain.
Consular Director for Spain, Will Middleton, says:
“Over the summer, British residents all over Spain open up their homes to young friends and family visiting from the UK. Accidents and emergencies do happen and it is often you, the host, who ends up having to cover the cost in the first instance if the victim doesn't have adequate insurance. 
“If you have friends or family coming to visit, especially youngsters, make sure that they take out adequate insurance before they arrive.  It is also important that they check that the policy covers them for everything they want to do while on holiday and that they have declared any medical conditions – or the insurance could be invalidated.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44092/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Make sure they have adequate travel insurance if you don't want to risk hefty medical bills
Travelling abroad uninsured can cost thousands if a trip goes wrong. Yet according to new research issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the ...

### DUTCH TURBO-ROUNDABOUT TO BE TRIALED IN ALICANTE

Roundabout that encourages drivers to select exit before entering - and stick to it
It sounds like something destined for the future, but the fact is that the turbo-roundabout or turboglorieta is already a reality in several Spanish cities.
Devised by the Dutch to improve the capacity of very congested roundabouts studies show that they improve the flow of traffic whilst, at the same time, reducing the number of accidents. 
Now the municipal group UPyD are proposing the construction of a trial roundabout in Alicante, starting at a location by the University of Alicante, where la avenida de la universidad, the A-70 and the A-77a converge.
The concept is simple but novel.
The lanes of traffic will have plastic separators, which will encourage traffic to stay in the appropriate lane, and encourage vehicles to slow down to do so. The layout also gives cyclists priority and means they are in the line of sight of drivers when vehicles exit the roundabout.
Although cars will be able to cross lanes, they will get a ‘bumping' sensation reminding them to reduce their speed. The result is that lane changes and side collisions between vehicles are avoided. 
The trial roundabout by the university is currently a major point of congestion, at certain times of the day suffering from major traffic jams. It is one of the most important junctions in the city. 
At any one time of the year the University of Alicante has 26,000 students enrolled in addition to 1,259 employees and 2,331 administrative staff and scholars. This volume of people makes the junction a high-traffic location. The junction is also a connection point for the city with many northern towns of the province, including San Vicente from where many people travel into Alicante for their work.
"The main benefit of these turbo-roundabouts is to prevent traffic jams forming and therefore provide a much safer flow of traffic," said UPyD spokesman, Fernando Llopis.
In an official statement presented to Parliament, the politician has asked the City Council to urge the Ministry of Public Works to make modifications and changes to improve the traffic flow at the University roundabout, with the turbo-roundabout as an interesting option study.
In Spain, there are already several cities that have this system of roundabouts in place. The first was installed in Grado (Asturias) in 2009 since which time they have also been implemented in Oviedo, Mallorca and Talavera.
They are a regular feature in the Netherlands, and have also been implemented in several other European countries, such as Germany and the UK where they are currently being trialed in Bedford.
And for me, well, anything that can make the management of roundabouts here in Spain safer for motorists and cyclists will be a most welcome benefit, as traffic islands seem to be a complete mystery to many Spanish drivers. 
Amazingly, despite being the only country in Europe to have such a regulation, the authorities at the DGT continue to accept that the inside lane of the roundabout serves no legal or practical purpose and where it is quite correct for a driver in the right hand lane to turn left, often with no indication, the result often being the screeching of quickly applied foot brakes from vehicles travelling in the left hand lane with the intention of carrying straight on. 
A reminder that whilst rules of the road are seldom enforced in Spain, they do exist and where, on a roundabout, the car in the right hand lane always has priority, even to the extent of completing a 360° turn, without need of any indication.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44091/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Roundabout that encourages drivers to select exit before entering - and stick to it
It sounds like something destined for the future, but the fact is that the turbo-roundabout or turboglorieta is already a reality in several Spanish cities.
Devised by the Dutch to improve the capacity of very congested roundabouts studies show that they improve the flow of traffic whilst, at the same time, reducing the number of accidents. 
Now the municipal group UPyD are proposing the construction of a trial roundabout in Alicante, starting at a location by the University of Alicante, where la avenida de la universidad, the A-70 and the A-77a converge.
The concept is simple but novel.
The lanes of traffic will have plastic separators, which will encourage traffic to stay in the appropriate lane, and encourage vehicles to slow down to do so. The layout also gives cyclists priority and means they are in the line of sight of drivers when vehicles exit the roundabout.
Although cars will be able to cross lanes, they will get a ‘bumping' sensation reminding them to reduce their speed. The result is that lane changes and side collisions between vehicles are avoided. 
The trial roundabout by the university is currently a major point of congestion, at certain times of the day suffering from major traffic jams. It is one of the most important junctions in the city. 
At any one time of the year the University of Alicante has 26,000 students enrolled in addition to 1,259 employees and 2,331 administrative staff and scholars. This volume of people makes the junction a high-traffic location. The junction is also a connection point for the city with many northern towns of the province, including San Vicente from where many people travel into Alicante for their work.
"The main benefit of these turbo-roundabouts is to prevent traffic jams forming and therefore provide a much safer flow of traffic," said UPyD spokesman, Fernando Llopis.
In an official statement presented to Parliament, the politician has asked the City Council to urge the Ministry of Public Works to make modifications and changes to improve the traffic flow at the University roundabout, with the turbo-roundabout as an interesting option study.
In Spain, there are already several cities that have this system of roundabouts in place. The first was installed in Grado (Asturias) in 2009 since which time they have also been implemented in Oviedo, Mallorca and Talavera.
They are a regular feature in the Netherlands, and have also been implemented in several other European countries, such as Germany and the UK where they are currently being trialed in Bedford.
And for me, well, anything that can make the management of roundabouts here in Spain safer for motorists and cyclists will be a most welcome benefit, as traffic islands seem to be a complete mystery to many Spanish drivers. 
Amazingly, despite being the only country in Europe to have such a regulation, the authorities at the DGT continue to accept that the inside lane of the roundabout serves no legal or practical purpose and where it is quite correct for a driver in the right hand lane to turn left, often with no indication, the result often being the screeching of quickly applied foot brakes from vehicles travelling in the left hand lane with the intention of carrying straight on. 
A reminder that whilst rules of the road are seldom enforced in Spain, they do exist and where, on a roundabout, the car in the right hand lane always has priority, even to the extent of completing a 360° turn, without need of any indication.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44091/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ENGINEERING STUDENTS VISIT DESALINATION PLANT

Engineering Students from Elche's Miguel Hernández of Elche University visited the facilities of the Torrevieja desalination plant last week.
Managed and designed by Acciona Agua, the students were led around the largest such Plant in Europe by the Professor of Mechanical and Energy Engineering UMH, Emilio Velasco.
They were accompanied by Operations manager, Ramon Fernandez, Plant manager, Roberto Lopez and Acuamed Project manager, David Soriano.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44090/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Engineering Students from Elche's Miguel Hernández of Elche University visited the facilities of the Torrevieja desalination plant last week.
Managed and designed by Acciona Agua, the students were led around the largest such Plant in Europe by...

### AGEING POPULATION AS BIRTH RATE DECLINES

The birth rate in the Valencia region in 2013 fell by 7.1% in the last year, with 3,393 births less than during 2012, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE) in their recent study on the natural movement of population and basic demographic indicators.
The rate of decline is slightly above the national average, which stands at 6.4%. Thus, while in 2013 there were a total of 44,181 births in 2012 the figure was 47,574. Two years earlier, in  2010, the number of newborns was 51,684.
The other significant figure to fall below the national average was that of deaths. Whilst births fell by 7.1%, deaths in Valencia also fell by 4.3%, a full percentage point below the national average of 3.3%. The death toll was recorded as 40,501, showing a natural population growth of 3,680 people. Thus, the Region now becomes the fifth fastest growing in the country, behind Madrid (22,977), Andalucia (15,666), Catalonia (11,010) and Murcia (6,007).
In 2013, throughout the whole of Spain, births dropped for the fifth consecutive year, with only 425,390 new births, 6.4% lower than the previous year and continuing the downward trend, which since 2008 now exceeds 18%, reflecting the progressively aging population.
According to the National Statistics Institute (INE), a broad view of the demographic future of the country shows a decline in the number of births, fewer children per woman, an increase in the average age at which women have their first child and the lowest number of women of childbearing age.
As such, recent data is not encouraging and shows that the natural growth of the population, ie, the difference between births and deaths in 2013, fell by 30.7% to 36,181 people, the lowest recorded figure since the year 2000.
Despite this data, the number of deaths fell by 3.3%, the infant mortality rate stood for the first time below 3 children per thousand (2.8) and life expectancy is the highest ever with 82.8 years (80 years for men and 85.6 for women).
According to the INE the decline in births is due to lower fertility, ie the decrease in the number of children per woman, which in 2013 stood at 1.26 (1.32 in 2012).
The demographic future is a gradual increase in the average age of the population so perhaps it is now time to stop criticizing the indicators and exploring the benefits of an aging population. 
Alternatively the only way to avoid it in the long term is to have far more children and die young. We have tried hard to escape from this way of life and, now that we have, we should be looking toward the benefits.
But it might be worth remembering that not all people aged 16 to 64 are working and pay income tax, indeed far from it, particularly here in Spain  However, an increasing number of older people are working, and many of the others do not require pensions or other welfare. Let's not  forget either that children are also dependants and in many cases cost the state system rather more. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44089/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The birth rate in the Valencia region in 2013 fell by 7.1% in the last year, with 3,393 births less than during 2012, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE) in their recent study on the natural movement of population and basic demographic...

### NEW MUM’S LOOK AWAY NOW

In Castrillo de Murcia (near Burgos), a village in Northern Spain, rather a strange annual celebration took place last weekend when, as part of the local Corpus Christi celebrations, known as El Salto del Colacho (the devil's jump) or simply El Colacho, men dressed as the Devil (known as the Colacho) jump over babies born during the previous twelve months of the year who lie on mattresses in the street.
The strange idea behind the 400 year celebration is that the babies, all born within the last 12 months, are cleansed of original sin. 
The Brotherhood of Santísimo Sacramento de Minerva organizes the week-long festivities which culminate on Sunday when the Colacho jumps over the babies on the mattresses placed on the procession route traversing the town. 
The origins of the tradition are unknown but it is said to cleanse the babies of original sin, ensure them safe passage through life and guard against illness and evil spirits. In recent years, Pope Benedict has asked Spanish priests to distance themselves from El Colacho, and to downplay the tradition's connection with Catholicism. The Church still teaches that it is baptism by water, not a giant leap by an airborne devil, which cleanses the soul of original sin.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44088/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In Castrillo de Murcia (near Burgos), a village in Northern Spain, rather a strange annual celebration took place last weekend when, as part of the local Corpus Christi celebrations, known as El Salto del Colacho (the devil's jump) or simply El Colacho...

### The Weekend – 28 and 29 June 2014 – Events Guide

SATURDAY
Markets
Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola.
ALICANTE
Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC  220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum (Until 30 June).
BENISSA
Moors and Christians event, with parades and concerts through the weekend, culminating on Monday.
BENICÀSSIM
Ride for Life – Motoristas solidarios (Until 29 June). Motorbike and Music festival, raising funds for the AECC cáncer charity.
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of historic documents “Bando del Intendente de Policía de la Provincia de Murcia”, Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 30 June).
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
18:00 – Peter Pan. Ballet-musical, Teatro Circo.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Animación especial Brasil 2014 – Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
Municipal School Painting exhibition in Virgen del Carmen CC (Until 27 June).
Fiesta del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (Until 29 June).
20:30 – Benefit Gala for Academia Darma, CC Virgen del Carmen.
21:00  Gala for AMFA, Versión Libre de el Principito.

SUNDAY
Markets
Benidorm, Elche, La Nucia, Campoverde, La Marina, Zoco, Almoradí street market, Lemon Tree Road, Mil Palmeras.
ALICANTE
Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC  220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum (Until 30 June).
BENISSA
Moors and Christians event, with parades and concerts through the weekend, culminating on Monday.
BENICÀSSIM
Ride for Life – Motoristas solidarios (Until 29 June). Motorbike and Music festival, raising funds for the AECC cáncer charity.
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of historic documents “Bando del Intendente de Policía de la Provincia de Murcia”, Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 30 June).
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
19:00 – Ana Belén Navarro school of dance spectacular, Teatro Circo.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Animación especial Brasil 2014  Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
Municipal School Painting exhibition in Virgen del Carmen CC (Until 27 June).
DESAYUN-ARTE – El Parque Molino Del Agua De La Mata. Breakfast in the streets . With anecdotes, fun, chat and more.
Fiesta del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (Until 29 June).
09:00  Fast painting course, Virgen del Carmen.
20:00  Solemn Eucharist and procession of the Inmaculado Corazón de María y del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús.
20:00  Dace gala for the Boxeo Taekung, Teatro Municipal.
20:30  Theatre, “Ninette y un Señor de Murcia.
 

Excerpt: SATURDAY Markets Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola. ALICANTE Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC  220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum (Until 30 June). BENISSA Moors and Christians event, with parades and concerts through the weekend, culminating on Monday. BENICÀSSIM Ride for Life – Motoristas solidarios (Until 29 June). Motorbike […]

### Friday 27 June 2014 – Events Guide

Markets
Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, TORREVIEJA.
ALICANTE
Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC  220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum (Until 30 June).
BENICÀSSIM
Ride for Life – Motoristas solidarios (Until 29 June). Motorbike and Music festival, raising funds for the AECC cáncer charity.
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of historic documents “Bando del Intendente de Policía de la Provincia de Murcia”, Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 30 June).
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
21:00 – Grease, The Musical, Teatro Circo.
Music in the Street. The 4th edition of this popular, outdoor event, starting at around 9pm and continuing into the night, with a variety of musical styles on offer, in the open air.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Playstation Games  Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
Municipal School Painting exhibition in Virgen del Carmen CC (Until 27 June).
Gastronomic Seasons in Torrevieja (Until 27 June). “Torrevieja and the Sea 2014″.
Fiesta del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (Until 29 June).
Friday Theatre, Palacio de la Música.

Excerpt: Markets Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, TORREVIEJA. ALICANTE Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC  220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum (Until 30 June). BENICÀSSIM Ride for Life – Motoristas solidarios (Until 29 June). Motorbike and Music festival, raising funds for the […]

### MERCADONA UNDER FIRE FROM CHARITY FOR THE NEEDY

Popular Spanish supermarket chain Mercadona, famed for looking after its staff and offering cheap, no-frills groceries to consumers, has come under fire from a charity which provides breakfasts to needy families and children over their delivery charge policy.
Inés García de Paco, president of the Asociación Menuda Vida de Perros, explains that the “No Breakfast” project is aimed at those families who are struggling to find food during these trying economic times, and so they send food parcels to those who qualify.
However, for every consignment they send, Mercadona charges them 7,21 euro, which, if the supermarket chain were to waiver, would mean that the association would be able to provide even more food for families.
“My association is small”, Inés explains, and with “very limited resources”, but “if Mercadona didn´t charge me money every time I send a car, a little more could help more families”.
A petition to put pressure on Mercadona has been set up on the change.org website, already with around 10,000 supporting signatories.
In March of this year, Mercadona announced that from their near 20 billion euro turnover, net profit registered in 2013 was 515 million euro, a 1% increase on 2012, equivalent to 2.9% of sales.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44072/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Popular Spanish supermarket chain Mercadona, famed for looking after its staff and offering cheap, no-frills groceries to consumers, has come under fire from a charity which provides breakfasts to needy families and children over their delivery charge ...

### AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL STRIKE CALLED OFF

After subjecting travellers to days of inconvenience, French air traffic controllers have now called of their industrial action.
Most of the flights affected by the strike were those originating and terminating in France, although there were knock-on effect cancellations and delays to other services.
The strike had been called in protest over plans for a single European sky, which the French unions feel would risk jobs in their country.
A number of delays still continue with passengers advised, as always, to check with their airline.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44071/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: After subjecting travellers to days of inconvenience, French air traffic controllers have now called of their industrial action.
Most of the flights affected by the strike were those originating and terminating in France, although there were knock-on ...

### COSTA RUMBLES AGAIN

From Torrevieja and the Orihuela Costa, and further afield, many people felt the rumble of a magnitude 2 earthquake on Thursday morning.
The epicentre was off the coast of Pilar de la Horadada, with no reports of damage or injury, just concerns over the latest quake to shake the earth in an area prone to earthquakes, some causing considerable devastation.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44070/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: From Torrevieja and the Orihuela Costa, and further afield, many people felt the rumble of a magnitude 2 earthquake on Thursday morning.
The epicentre was off the coast of Pilar de la Horadada, with no reports of damage or injury, just concerns over ...

### Thursday 26 June 2014 – Events Guide

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Markets
Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales.
ALICANTE
Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC  220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum (Until 30 June).
BARCELONA
Charles Aznavour, Gran Teatre Del Liceu Barcelona.
BENICÀSSIM
Ride for Life – Motoristas solidarios (Until 29 June). Motorbike and Music festival, raising funds for the AECC cáncer charity.
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of historic documents “Bando del Intendente de Policía de la Provincia de Murcia”, Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 30 June).
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Face painting  Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
Municipal School Painting exhibition in Virgen del Carmen CC (Until 27 June).
Gastronomic Seasons in Torrevieja (Until 27 June). “Torrevieja and the Sea 2014″.
Fiesta del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (Until 29 June).
Gala “El País de Nunca Jamás”, Teatro Municipal.

Excerpt: International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Markets Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales. ALICANTE Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC  220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum (Until 30 June). BARCELONA Charles Aznavour, Gran Teatre Del Liceu Barcelona. BENICÀSSIM Ride for Life – Motoristas solidarios […]

### DEMANDS FOR URGENT SPLIT OF THE N-332 AT TORREVIEJA

The UPyD political group in Torrevieja are demanding urgent action be carried on the N-332 main road as it passes Torrevieja, the only remaining bottleneck on a road that has undergone improvements for the last decade as the entire area grew.
Although calls have been made for some time to widen the road, the latest campaign is for a central reservation to be installed in order to separate traffic. Although it could be argued that a number of recent head on crashes could not have been avoided, what is sure is that the impact of the head-on collisions during two incidents would have been less serious, even resulting in the preservation of life, should crash barriers have been installed separating the flows of traffic.
Apart from being the only stretch of road that runs in one lane in each direction, at one of the busiest stretches of road, it is also one of the few areas where the traffic is not separated.
The coordinator for the UPyD, José Serna, is now asking the question, “Again the citizens suffer the consequences of electioneering and partisan interests of the PP-PSOE, what action is the Mayor, Eduardo Dolón (PP), taking to solve this problem that costs lives? Is there any real project or budget from the central or regional government? Is there a firm commitment and lead time?”
From the UPyD point of view, after so many years of enduring this situation, “the highest priority must be given to request the corresponding governing bodies split the ring-road of Torrevieja in coordination with the needs of local and regional existing and future traffic, we consider additional infrastructure such as bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, etc.., with utmost urgency”, thus correcting the shortfall that the roads and transport network of the 5th city of Valencia suffers.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44069/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The UPyD political group in Torrevieja are demanding urgent action be carried on the N-332 main road as it passes Torrevieja, the only remaining bottleneck on a road that has undergone improvements for the last decade as the entire area grew.
Although...

### POLICE EXHIBITION TO TERRORIST VICTIM COLLEAGUES

The Spanish National Police have opened an exhibition in Madrid dedicated to the memory and honour of the 186 officers killed in terrorist attacks throughout a bleak time in the country.
As part of the exhibition, a perpetual flame burns in memory of those who fell for their duty, accompanied by the names of all of those who lost their lives.
A projected image of each of those who were killed is on an accompanying display, with touch screens offering a brief biography of each and every one of them.
The exhibition also covers four key elements in the relationship between the police and terrorists, under the titles of “Truth”, “Justice”, “Memory” and “Dignity”. Not only is the attention given to those who paid the ultimate price, but also the devastating effect the losses has on those left behind, the family and friends of the victims.
A series of panels with both written and graphic information are distributed throughout the campus, along with cabinets where different items seized from terrorist gangs are displayed, including weapons, explosives and exposed documents. This information and material is supplemented with video images on television screens for each of the thematic areas of exposure.
The free and open exhibition is available to visit by members of the public until Friday the 31st of July, from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 18:00, at the Centro de Altos Estudios Policiales del Cuerpo Nacional de Policía, located in the Plaza de Carabanchel, Madrid.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44068/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Spanish National Police have opened an exhibition in Madrid dedicated to the memory and honour of the 186 officers killed in terrorist attacks throughout a bleak time in the country.
As part of the exhibition, a perpetual flame burns in memory of ...

### BEACH BONFIRE PARTY ENDS IN TRAGEDY

As thousands of people took to light fires on the beaches of the Valencia community to mark the traditional midsummer festival of the fiesta de la Noche de San Juan, the night did not pass without tragedy, with at least one death and another seriously injured by fire.
A man believed to have been in his 60´s drowned in the sea of Valencia, at around 9pm on Monday night. The emergency coordination centre were alerted to the facts and sent emergency teams to the beach at Las Arenas. The medics attended but could do nothing other than confirm the death of the man. An autopsy will determine the cause of death. In view of the fact that this event was held at night, it is doubtful that lifeguards would be present on any beach in Spain.
Another partygoer on the Cádiz beach at La Línea de la Concepción decided to ignore advice and logic, pouring petrol over his bonfire, which he then stood on top of. It is believed that a spark from a firework or sparkler ignited the fuel, resulting in the pile of wood bursting into flames, throwing the ban onto the sand, where he too was engulfed in fire. He suffered burns to 29% of his body and was taken to hospital in a serious condition.
However, tragedy and injury were considered by many to be not without benefits, as in Alicante alone, the weeklong event has been calculated to have been worth 45 million euro in additional income to the hotels, bars and restaurants who welcomed the visitors. The Alicante provincial tourism department estimates that the 1.3 million people who came specifically for the event is partly due to the two weekends involved this year, and the increase in train passengers brought to the area. A campaign is being considered to keep the main event to a weekend, irrespective of the day that the night of the 23rd falls on.
Prior to the event, there had been discussions and threats of strikes by the emergency services over the amount of work involved, and, quite coincidentally, the main event fell the night before the Spanish government was to launch its summer campaign action plan on how they intend to deal with the risk of forest fires through the summer.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44067/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As thousands of people took to light fires on the beaches of the Valencia community to mark the traditional midsummer festival of the fiesta de la Noche de San Juan, the night did not pass without tragedy, with at least one death and another seriously ...

### Wednesday 25 June 2014 – Events Guide

Six months to Christmas Day. Day of the Seafarer.
Markets
Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas.
ALICANTE
Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC  220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum (Until 30 June).
BENICÀSSIM
Ride for Life – Motoristas solidarios (Until 29 June). Motorbike and Music festival, raising funds for the AECC cáncer charity.
MADRID
The Rolling Stones, Estadio Santiago Bernabéu Madrid.
ORIHUELA
Exhibition of historic documents “Bando del Intendente de Policía de la Provincia de Murcia”, Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 30 June).
Exhibition of a collection of paintings, “Encuentros” – Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 27 July).
20:30 – Dance festival by the Academia Elena Ruso, Teatro Circo.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Cartoon drawing   Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
Municipal School Painting exhibition in Virgen del Carmen CC (Until 27 June).
Gastronomic Seasons in Torrevieja (Until 27 June). “Torrevieja and the Sea 2014″.
Fiesta del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (Until 29 June).

Excerpt: Six months to Christmas Day. Day of the Seafarer. Markets Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas. ALICANTE Exhibition of art and archaeology from the Chinese Han Dynasty, 206 BC  220 AD, MARQ Archaeological museum (Until 30 June). BENICÀSSIM Ride for Life – Motoristas solidarios (Until 29 […]

### MISSING PERSON - PLEASE HELP FIND LIZZIE

Friends and family of Jacqueline Elizabeth Reynolds, or Lizzie as she is known, are becoming increasingly concerned about her whereabouts, and have launched an urgent appeal for anybody who may have seen her or know about where she might be to get in touch. 
Jacqueline Elizabeth Reynolds was born in the 13/12/69, and is described as 5'5" in height, of medium build, has blue eyes, dyed blonde shoulder length hair and has tattoos on both upper arms.
The family are asking for any information as to where she might be, or in the very least for her to contact her family or friends so they know she is safe and well and not been held against her will.
Lizzie left the UK to visit a male friend she had made acquaintance with via another friend from her home town, who also used to live in the Altea area of Spain. She is a mummy of 6 daughters, aged between 3 to 24, and long term partner of Richard, with whom she has been together for 16 years. 
In a statement, they say we are all scared, deflated and so terribly frightened for her safety as she would never ever behave in such an irrational inconsiderate way causing distress to her family and friends, that's just not built into her fabric. She is so extremely kind considerate and compassionate this not returning home would just never happen if she was in control of her own actions she needs us to find her she needs our help she is most certainly in some sort of trouble. Here is something I put together about Lizzie and the events as they have happened.
The person she came to visit has told her he is in a wheel chair after an accident 5 years ago. This part of the information cannot be confirmed at the moment, but it is believed that he lives in Benidorm.
Lizzie left the UK for a believed 3 day visit to a friend in desperate need. She left on Wednesday 10/6/14 on the 10:10 flight from Bristol to Alicante, flight number EZY6071, and was due to return to the UK on Friday 13/6/14 on the 14:10 flight from Alicante to Bristol, flight number EZY6072.
Her partner Richard received a phone call the evening before she was due to come home, which was said to be a very happy positive phone call making her arrangements for her journey home where she was due to meet her friend at the airport in Bristol.
What was noticed about this call afterwards is that this call was not from her UK mobile number that she had taken with her but that it was from a Spanish mobile number.
Her disappearance has been reported to the UK police, and it is hoped that the Spanish authorities will soon get involved too. In the meantime, if you have any knowledge of her whereabouts, or have seen her in the Benidorm, Altea or general Costa Blanca area, please report the matter to the police immediately. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44066/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Friends and family of Jacqueline Elizabeth Reynolds, or Lizzie as she is known, are becoming increasingly concerned about her whereabouts, and have launched an urgent appeal for anybody who may have seen her or know about where she might be to get in touch. 
Jacqueline Elizabeth Reynolds was born in the 13/12/69, and is described as 5'5" in height, of medium build, has blue eyes, dyed blonde shoulder length hair and has tattoos on both upper arms.
The family are asking for any information as to where she might be, or in the very least for her to contact her family or friends so they know she is safe and well and not been held against her will.
Lizzie left the UK to visit a male friend she had made acquaintance with via another friend from her home town, who also used to live in the Altea area of Spain. She is a mummy of 6 daughters, aged between 3 to 24, and long term partner of Richard, with whom she has been together for 16 years. 
In a statement, they say we are all scared, deflated and so terribly frightened for her safety as she would never ever behave in such an irrational inconsiderate way causing distress to her family and friends, that's just not built into her fabric. She is so extremely kind considerate and compassionate this not returning home would just never happen if she was in control of her own actions she needs us to find her she needs our help she is most certainly in some sort of trouble. Here is something I put together about Lizzie and the events as they have happened.
The person she came to visit has told her he is in a wheel chair after an accident 5 years ago. This part of the information cannot be confirmed at the moment, but it is believed that he lives in Benidorm.
Lizzie left the UK for a believed 3 day visit to a friend in desperate need. She left on Wednesday 10/6/14 on the 10:10 flight from Bristol to Alicante, flight number EZY6071, and was due to return to the UK on Friday 13/6/14 on the 14:10 flight from Alicante to Bristol, flight number EZY6072.
Her partner Richard received a phone call the evening before she was due to come home, which was said to be a very happy positive phone call making her arrangements for her journey home where she was due to meet her friend at the airport in Bristol.
What was noticed about this call afterwards is that this call was not from her UK mobile number that she had taken with her but that it was from a Spanish mobile number.
Her disappearance has been reported to the UK police, and it is hoped that the Spanish authorities will soon get involved too. In the meantime, if you have any knowledge of her whereabouts, or have seen her in the Benidorm, Altea or general Costa Blanca area, please report the matter to the police immediately. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44066/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### CHEAPER MOBILE ROAMING CHARGES FROM JULY

A holiday abroad this summer can now mean savings can be made when phoning home, as the European Commission has announced that mobile phone roaming charges will be further capped from the 1st of July.
Even better, the legislation paves the way for the intended abolition of roaming charges in the future, as soon as 2016.
The standard rate for making a call will now be 19 cents per minute, a reduction of 21% of the 2013 rate of 24 cents. Receiving a call will cost 5 cents per minute, as opposed to 7 cents, and even the costs of texting and data services will be cut by 25% and 55% respectively.
To browse the internet whilst abroad, the new capped rate will be 20 cents per MB, down from 45 cents in 2013. The rules also allow for a “decoupled” service, which means that a user is no longer tied to a single operator for voice, text and data, and may choose other local networks.
The agreement to reduce, cap and eventually eliminate roaming charges was first approved in 2012 and is on target for the total elimination of roaming charges in 2016, as per the plans presented. Roaming charges were at their peak years ago when EU started to take action in 2007. The results are a 80-90% drop across roaming services in 2014 compared to 2007.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44065/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A holiday abroad this summer can now mean savings can be made when phoning home, as the European Commission has announced that mobile phone roaming charges will be further capped from the 1st of July.
Even better, the legislation paves the way for the...

### RAJOY EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO POLICE OFFICERS

Mariano Rajoy asserted, at the inauguration of the memorial to members of the Spanish Police Force who have died in terrorist attacks, that Spanish society "cannot and will not ever forget" those officers who have defended the security and liberty of us all. 
The President of the Government conveyed the recognition and gratitude of the government and the institutions and people of Spain to the Spanish Police Force. "Spanish society cannot and never will forget those who were on the side of peaceful co-existence, those who have defended and maintained our democracy and those who have laid down their lives to guarantee the security and liberty of us all".
 Rajoy described honouring the 186 national officers, together with the injured and their families, murdered by "terrorist fanaticism" in a permanent memorial as an "act of strict justice". He also pointed out that the title of the exhibition opened on Wednesday at the Memorial, 'Victory of freedom: the National Police Force against terrorism", summarises the role performed by this institution in "the fight against terror and defence of this essential twin pillar comprising liberty and security".
International benchmark 
The President of the Government highlighted that this work undertaken by the National Police Force "has led to results" and Spain has become a benchmark for all those countries that continue to suffer from terrorism. "This is another achievement you can all feel proud of, as you can also be proud of forming part of an institution with almost 200 years of service to your compatriots", he stated.
In this regard, Mariano Rajoy stressed the "fundamental importance" of these police officers for "underpinning" democracy and peaceful co-existence. "Never doubt Spanish society's pride in you because it is aware that you are the best defenders of justice, the law and the Constitution that we have all contributed to enacting, a Constitution that has given us the longest period of liberty, stability and cohesion in our history".
During the course of the inauguration of the Memorial, held at the Centre for Higher Police Studies, the names of all those who have fallen in terrorist attacks were read out. The President of the Government laid a laurel wreath at the monolith in tribute to them and lit the memorial flame.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44061/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Mariano Rajoy asserted, at the inauguration of the memorial to members of the Spanish Police Force who have died in terrorist attacks, that Spanish society "cannot and will not ever forget" those officers who have defended the security and liberty of us all. 
The President of the Government conveyed the recognition and gratitude of the government and the institutions and people of Spain to the Spanish Police Force. "Spanish society cannot and never will forget those who were on the side of peaceful co-existence, those who have defended and maintained our democracy and those who have laid down their lives to guarantee the security and liberty of us all".
 Rajoy described honouring the 186 national officers, together with the injured and their families, murdered by "terrorist fanaticism" in a permanent memorial as an "act of strict justice". He also pointed out that the title of the exhibition opened on Wednesday at the Memorial, 'Victory of freedom: the National Police Force against terrorism", summarises the role performed by this institution in "the fight against terror and defence of this essential twin pillar comprising liberty and security".
International benchmark 
The President of the Government highlighted that this work undertaken by the National Police Force "has led to results" and Spain has become a benchmark for all those countries that continue to suffer from terrorism. "This is another achievement you can all feel proud of, as you can also be proud of forming part of an institution with almost 200 years of service to your compatriots", he stated.
In this regard, Mariano Rajoy stressed the "fundamental importance" of these police officers for "underpinning" democracy and peaceful co-existence. "Never doubt Spanish society's pride in you because it is aware that you are the best defenders of justice, the law and the Constitution that we have all contributed to enacting, a Constitution that has given us the longest period of liberty, stability and cohesion in our history".
During the course of the inauguration of the Memorial, held at the Centre for Higher Police Studies, the names of all those who have fallen in terrorist attacks were read out. The President of the Government laid a laurel wreath at the monolith in tribute to them and lit the memorial flame.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44061/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### RAJOY HOLDS FIRST WORKING MEETING WITH H.M. KING FELIPE VI

The Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, has held a working meeting with the King at Zarzuela Palace, prior to the Council of Ministers' meeting at Moncloa Palace. 
Subsequently, Rajoy chaired the weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers at Moncloa Palace.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44059/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, has held a working meeting with the King at Zarzuela Palace, prior to the Council of Ministers' meeting at Moncloa Palace. 
Subsequently, Rajoy chaired the weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers at Monclo...

### GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES PERSONAL INCOME TAX REDUCTION OF 12.5%

The government has presented the tax reform which provides for a reduction in the tax brackets and rates of Personal Income Tax (Spanish acronym: IRPF) for all taxpayers and a reduction in the maximum rate of Corporate Income Tax to 25% by 2016. VAT will not be raised. 
The Council of Ministers analysed a report on the Draft Tax Reform Bill, with the aim of designing clearer and fairer taxes. The reform will result in a GDP increase of 0.55% in the period 2015-2016.
On Monday, the text will be published on the webpage of the Ministry of the Treasury and Public Administration Services, which will be submitted to the regional governments and to the different social stakeholders at which time a period of public consultation will be initiated. Following this process, the government will approve its submission to Parliament with a view to it entering into force in January 2015.
The Vice-President of the Government, Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría, highlighted that this is a structural reform which seeks to reduce taxes for all on a general basis: for workers, companies and families. "The reforms adopted over the last two and a half years have enabled us to tackle the path to recovery. Now is the time for consolidation".
Along the same lines, the Minister for the Treasury and the Public Administration Services, Cristóbal Montoro, pointed out that "the time has come to reduce taxation for everyone and the Spanish people will now be compensated for the efforts they have had to make".
The two ministers underlined that the reform not only seeks to compensate the sacrifices made by the people, but also to strengthen economic growth, stimulate savings and investment through a modern tax system that fosters job creation. "We will reduce tax on employment significantly and we will reduce the so-called 'fiscal gap', which is too wide in Spain", said Cristóbal Montoro.
The Minister for the Treasury pointed out that the reform seeks to foster entrepreneurialism and enhance the Spanish economy's ability to compete with the rest of the world. "We are committed to enhancing - through higher fiscal savings - the facilities for companies in Spain to become larger, more effective and more competitive".
Both Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría and Cristóbal Montoro highlighted that the underlying principle of this reform is the creation of a fairer tax system, with a particular focus on families and the disabled.
Average reduction of 12.5% in IRPF
The average Personal Income Tax reduction will be 12.5% for all taxpayers. 72% of taxpayers, with income lower than 24,000 euros, will have an average reduction of 23.5%.
The Vice-President of the Government announced that "in 2015, 20 million taxpayers will have higher disposable monthly income because this reduction will be seen from the very first month of withholdings in January 2015".
The Minister for the Treasury and the Public Administration Services added that "for those taxpayers with income of less than 18,000 euros per annum, the total reduction on their current situation may be as high as 31%".
Cristóbal Montoro confirmed that next year the number of IRPF brackets will be reduced from the current 7 to 5. The tax rate of the lowest bracket will stand at 20% next year, dropping to 19% in 2016. The tax rate of the highest bracket will stand at 47% in 2015, dropping to 45% in 2016. He also pointed out that those citizens that have total income from employment of less than 12,000 euros will not pay IRPF.
More social benefits
The minister announced that the so-called 'negative taxes' will be extended, which include aid directly paid out from the Treasury earmarked for certain groups, such as large families and families with dependent children and disabled members. A new feature indicated by the minister is that while aid for working mothers is maintained, new social protection vehicles are to be created.
In each case, 1,200 euros may be received per annum in advance at a rate of 100 euros per month. These 'negative taxes' are to be accumulative.
Corporate Income Tax
Cristóbal Montoro reported that the general tax rate for Corporate Income Tax will be reduced from its current 30% to 28% in 2015 and to 25% in 2016.
A business capitalisation reserve will be created, meaning that companies can earmark a tax-free provision to own resources of up to 10% of the profit made in the tax year. That will be used to promote business self-financing and reduce dependency on outside resources.
In the case of SMEs, a levelling-down reserve is created whereby a reduction of 10% in the tax base can be enjoyed, up to a limit of 1 million euros.
The Minister for the Treasury and the Public Administration Services also commented that the reduced tax rate for new entrepreneurs will be maintained at 15%. In order to combat fraud, a list of bad debtors will be published, a commitment made by this government at the start of the legislature.
No rise in VAT 
The Vice-President of the Government announced that the government will not raise VAT, except on certain healthcare products as required under European case law.
The minister explained that the government is not going to raise VAT because it already raised it at "an extremely critical moment for Spain" - in July 2012, and this tax hike was sufficiently extensive and has allowed us, under the new economic scenario, to collect more. "The VAT collection figures are actually positive and hence we will not be pushing for any further VAT hikes because we see them as wholly unnecessary and even counter-productive at this time".
PIVE 6 Plan 
The Council of Ministers approved the sixth round of the Efficient Vehicle Incentive Programme (PIVE-6), with a provision of 175 million euros. The aim is to replace cars and light commercial vehicles that are more than ten and seven years old respectively, by models with high-level energy efficiency, with lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
This plan seeks to replace 175,000 vehicles, resulting in a saving of some 60 million litres of fuel per year. So far the government has invested a sum of 715 million euros in the six rounds of the PIVE 
The Council of Ministers also approved the granting of an extraordinary loan of 95 million euros to boost R&D+i and to strengthen the calls for projects and human resources in this field.
Furthermore, it approved a Royal Decree-Law creating the Royal Guidon and Standard of His Majesty King Felipe VI. It also received a report on the Draft Constitutional Law authorising the ratification of amendments to the Statute of Rome from the International Criminal Court relating to war crimes and crimes of aggression.
Current affairs 
The Vice-President of the Government concluded the press briefing following the Council of Ministers by thanking the institutions and people of Spain for "the impeccable, orderly and balanced manner" in which the events of the proclamation of King Felipe VI were carried out, befitting a "mature and stable democracy" in which the provisions of the Constitution are adhered to.
As regards the future immunity from trial of King Juan Carlos and other members of the Royal Family, she pointed out that, given that it is necessary to do this through a constitutional law, it has been decided to introduce certain amendments in the constitutional law on the judiciary, to which end the government will continue "to talk with all parliamentary groups".
As regards the attitude of the President of the Regional Government of Catalonia, Artur Mas, during the proclamation of King Felipe VI and his subsequent statements, the Vice-President of the Government stressed that "the most institutional form of behaviour is to always comply with the law".
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44058/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The government has presented the tax reform which provides for a reduction in the tax brackets and rates of Personal Income Tax (Spanish acronym: IRPF) for all taxpayers and a reduction in the maximum rate of Corporate Income Tax to 25% by 2016. VAT will not be raised. 
The Council of Ministers analysed a report on the Draft Tax Reform Bill, with the aim of designing clearer and fairer taxes. The reform will result in a GDP increase of 0.55% in the period 2015-2016.
On Monday, the text will be published on the webpage of the Ministry of the Treasury and Public Administration Services, which will be submitted to the regional governments and to the different social stakeholders at which time a period of public consultation will be initiated. Following this process, the government will approve its submission to Parliament with a view to it entering into force in January 2015.
The Vice-President of the Government, Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría, highlighted that this is a structural reform which seeks to reduce taxes for all on a general basis: for workers, companies and families. "The reforms adopted over the last two and a half years have enabled us to tackle the path to recovery. Now is the time for consolidation".
Along the same lines, the Minister for the Treasury and the Public Administration Services, Cristóbal Montoro, pointed out that "the time has come to reduce taxation for everyone and the Spanish people will now be compensated for the efforts they have had to make".
The two ministers underlined that the reform not only seeks to compensate the sacrifices made by the people, but also to strengthen economic growth, stimulate savings and investment through a modern tax system that fosters job creation. "We will reduce tax on employment significantly and we will reduce the so-called 'fiscal gap', which is too wide in Spain", said Cristóbal Montoro.
The Minister for the Treasury pointed out that the reform seeks to foster entrepreneurialism and enhance the Spanish economy's ability to compete with the rest of the world. "We are committed to enhancing - through higher fiscal savings - the facilities for companies in Spain to become larger, more effective and more competitive".
Both Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría and Cristóbal Montoro highlighted that the underlying principle of this reform is the creation of a fairer tax system, with a particular focus on families and the disabled.
Average reduction of 12.5% in IRPF
The average Personal Income Tax reduction will be 12.5% for all taxpayers. 72% of taxpayers, with income lower than 24,000 euros, will have an average reduction of 23.5%.
The Vice-President of the Government announced that "in 2015, 20 million taxpayers will have higher disposable monthly income because this reduction will be seen from the very first month of withholdings in January 2015".
The Minister for the Treasury and the Public Administration Services added that "for those taxpayers with income of less than 18,000 euros per annum, the total reduction on their current situation may be as high as 31%".
Cristóbal Montoro confirmed that next year the number of IRPF brackets will be reduced from the current 7 to 5. The tax rate of the lowest bracket will stand at 20% next year, dropping to 19% in 2016. The tax rate of the highest bracket will stand at 47% in 2015, dropping to 45% in 2016. He also pointed out that those citizens that have total income from employment of less than 12,000 euros will not pay IRPF.
More social benefits
The minister announced that the so-called 'negative taxes' will be extended, which include aid directly paid out from the Treasury earmarked for certain groups, such as large families and families with dependent children and disabled members. A new feature indicated by the minister is that while aid for working mothers is maintained, new social protection vehicles are to be created.
In each case, 1,200 euros may be received per annum in advance at a rate of 100 euros per month. These 'negative taxes' are to be accumulative.
Corporate Income Tax
Cristóbal Montoro reported that the general tax rate for Corporate Income Tax will be reduced from its current 30% to 28% in 2015 and to 25% in 2016.
A business capitalisation reserve will be created, meaning that companies can earmark a tax-free provision to own resources of up to 10% of the profit made in the tax year. That will be used to promote business self-financing and reduce dependency on outside resources.
In the case of SMEs, a levelling-down reserve is created whereby a reduction of 10% in the tax base can be enjoyed, up to a limit of 1 million euros.
The Minister for the Treasury and the Public Administration Services also commented that the reduced tax rate for new entrepreneurs will be maintained at 15%. In order to combat fraud, a list of bad debtors will be published, a commitment made by this government at the start of the legislature.
No rise in VAT 
The Vice-President of the Government announced that the government will not raise VAT, except on certain healthcare products as required under European case law.
The minister explained that the government is not going to raise VAT because it already raised it at "an extremely critical moment for Spain" - in July 2012, and this tax hike was sufficiently extensive and has allowed us, under the new economic scenario, to collect more. "The VAT collection figures are actually positive and hence we will not be pushing for any further VAT hikes because we see them as wholly unnecessary and even counter-productive at this time".
PIVE 6 Plan 
The Council of Ministers approved the sixth round of the Efficient Vehicle Incentive Programme (PIVE-6), with a provision of 175 million euros. The aim is to replace cars and light commercial vehicles that are more than ten and seven years old respectively, by models with high-level energy efficiency, with lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
This plan seeks to replace 175,000 vehicles, resulting in a saving of some 60 million litres of fuel per year. So far the government has invested a sum of 715 million euros in the six rounds of the PIVE 
The Council of Ministers also approved the granting of an extraordinary loan of 95 million euros to boost R&D+i and to strengthen the calls for projects and human resources in this field.
Furthermore, it approved a Royal Decree-Law creating the Royal Guidon and Standard of His Majesty King Felipe VI. It also received a report on the Draft Constitutional Law authorising the ratification of amendments to the Statute of Rome from the International Criminal Court relating to war crimes and crimes of aggression.
Current affairs 
The Vice-President of the Government concluded the press briefing following the Council of Ministers by thanking the institutions and people of Spain for "the impeccable, orderly and balanced manner" in which the events of the proclamation of King Felipe VI were carried out, befitting a "mature and stable democracy" in which the provisions of the Constitution are adhered to.
As regards the future immunity from trial of King Juan Carlos and other members of the Royal Family, she pointed out that, given that it is necessary to do this through a constitutional law, it has been decided to introduce certain amendments in the constitutional law on the judiciary, to which end the government will continue "to talk with all parliamentary groups".
As regards the attitude of the President of the Regional Government of Catalonia, Artur Mas, during the proclamation of King Felipe VI and his subsequent statements, the Vice-President of the Government stressed that "the most institutional form of behaviour is to always comply with the law".
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44058/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### TAX CHANGES MAY LEAD TO MORE EXPENSIVE E-BOOKS IN SPAIN

As the Spanish government promise no more tax increases, apart from those they are obliged to apply, the tax office has said that the latest increase enforced by Brussels on medical equipment will not apply to certain products considered to be necessary by those with “physical disabilities”.
Therefore, glasses, prosthetic limbs, crutches and wheelchairs will remain at the current taxable rate of 10%. The same will also apply to emergency items such a first aid kits, bandages and gauze.
However, the increase to 21% will apply to equipment used in the manufacturing of medicine, equipment and medical instruments, which may well lead to an increase in their cost by means of indirect taxation.
The increase on all medical products was set as mandatory from the 1st of January this year, as the European Union considered Spain´s stance to be “too lax”. Despite opposing the move, the increase was reinforced by the European Court.
A second change to tax legislation announced on Monday refers to electronic communications and materials. Specifically, one of the fundamental changes is that users in Spain who download items such as e-books and apps will be taxed in Spain, and not where the headquarters of the company selling the product is located.
This rule was announced in the UK in May, when consumer groups warned of higher prices for downloaded products as a result of the UK government also closing the loophole which allowed companies such as Apple and Amazon to charge a global, lower rate of VAT.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44057/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As the Spanish government promise no more tax increases, apart from those they are obliged to apply, the tax office has said that the latest increase enforced by Brussels on medical equipment will not apply to certain products considered to be necessar...

### SPAIN BREAKS TOURISM RECORD FOR MAY

Between January and May of this year, Spain welcomed 8.2% more tourists than the same time the previous year, with 21.4 million people visiting the country, according to the information released by the tourism ministry.
May of this year also represented the best figure in history, an increase of 5.7% over last year, with 6.8 million tourists.
The British led the way in terms of numbers, with 4.9 million people choosing to holiday in Spain during the first five months of the year, an increase of 6.9%.
Meanwhile, showing a considerable growth was from the German market, with an increase of 8.1%, bringing 3.5 million tourists to Spain. France increased by 11.1% to 3.4 million, and the Nordic countries grew by 8.6% to 1.9 million. 
Seem by many as the boom market of the future, Russian tourism growth started to slow, with an increase rate of 2.8%, but visitors from Portugal and the US showed a decrease, with Portuguese visitors down 2% to 0.59 million people, and 9.1% fewer Americans came over, now standing at just 0.4 million.
The Canary Islands was the most popular destination with an increase of 13%, with more than 4.8 million tourists landing on the archipelago. Andalucía was next with a 10.8% increase to 2.8 million, although the Valencia region still fared well with an increase of 7.1% to 2 million people.
 The Balearic Islands were not so popular, perhaps losing out to the islands of the south, showing a decline of 2.5% during the first 5 months, a drop to 2.4 million visitors.
In terms of how those tourists arrived, by air is still the most popular choice, with 82.4% choosing to fly, an increase of 8.5%, although there was still a 6.3% increase of those arriving by road.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44056/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Between January and May of this year, Spain welcomed 8.2% more tourists than the same time the previous year, with 21.4 million people visiting the country, according to the information released by the tourism ministry.
May of this year also represent...

### SPAIN’S UNDERPRIVILEGED UP BY 16.2%.

According to figures released last week in a report by the Bancaja Foundation and the Valencian Institute of Economic Research (Ivie) the human poverty index in Spain increased by 1.7% during the 5 years of the economic crisis, from 2007 to 2012.
The analysis takes into consideration factors related to deprivation in health and education as well as income and social exclusion and concludes that the poverty rate in Spain has increased while, at the same time, the probability of not reaching 60 years of age has declined by 15% and 20% in each case. However, the numbers of long-term unemployed have increased very substantially.
Nationally the figures show that the poverty rate across the whole of Spain now stands at 16.2 per percent whilst the percentage in the Valencia region has grown to 25.1%, one in four inhabitants of the autonomy.
Specifically, the greatest variation of human poverty has occurred in Extremadura (which is up by 15.5%), Andalucia (11%) and Canarias (12.4). These three regions are also those that have underperformed economically when compared to the national average. At the opposite ends of the scale are Navarra, the Basque Country and Cantabria, with the lowest levels of poverty, all of which are now below the national average.
Villar drew particular attention to negative trends experienced by communities neighbouring the Mediterranean - from Catalonia to Andalusia, via Valencia and Murcia - despite the excellent performance that they have achieved in the tourism sector. He said that they have all invested heavily in public infrastructure and real estate, two sectors that have actually worsened their economic situations.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44053/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to figures released last week in a report by the Bancaja Foundation and the Valencian Institute of Economic Research (Ivie) the human poverty index in Spain increased by 1.7% during the 5 years of the economic crisis, from 2007 to 2012.
The ...

### GORILLAS AND RISK ASSESSMENTS

A recent and very sad story about an uninformed vet working at a zoo in Tenerife set me thinking about risk assessments and contingency planning this week. Apparently, the poor vet accidentally shot a colleague, who was dressed as a gorilla, with a tranquilliser gun during an emergency training exercise.
It was all part of contingency planning as to how staff should respond in an emergency situation involving these heavyweight animals. Protection of visitors, staff and the animals is, of course, very important for such establishments. Indeed, the very fact that the zoo had a training exercise in place at all impressed me.
I often think that the people of the Canary Islands have far more in common with Cuba or Venezuela than Peninsular Spain. Laid back attitudes to life, as well as the ‘sloppy' version of the Castellano language, are more reminiscent of Latin America than the rather crisper approach to life demonstrated in Madrid. Risk assessment and contingency planning for something that may never happen is usually seen as unnecessary at best, and foolish at worst.
I guess that this is one of the hardest things that I have had to come to terms with during my time living and working in Spain and the Canary Islands.
As a teacher, my life was always linked to ‘what if?' scenarios. Ensuring the safety of children in our care was, quite rightly, of paramount importance. Plans and polices for health and safety, child protection, fire and civil emergencies, were all painfully written, discussed, checked, approved and regularly reviewed. Contingency plans for staff absences, inclement weather, cycling safety, bus timetabling changes, quality of school meals (before the kitchens were closed), were often the stuff of staff and governors' meetings. As for preparing the curriculum and actually teaching the children, we usually managed to fit that in as well.
The current popular situation with employment contracts in Spain and the Canary Islands, usually means that after eleven months of work, the employee is ‘laid off' for a month and has to report to the unemployment office to claim benefit.
The job that the employer used to fulfil is left vacant for a month and either colleagues are expected to work harder to fill the gap, or the job is not done until the absent colleague returns to work one month later. Unlike working in the UK, covering for absent colleagues simply does not happen over here.
There is precious little in the way of risk assessments and contingency planning that takes place in the Canary Islands. Life is dealt with, or not dealt with, as it happens.
If the postman takes a holiday, our letters are not delivered for a few weeks. If the owner of the village cafe bar's wife has a baby, the cafe bar remains closed for a few weeks. Should bank counter staff be ill, there is no one at the counter who is able to assist customers until they have recovered.  After all, it does not lead to the end of the world, does it?
I have had to adjust my view of life to meet the situation that we are in now. However, I do applaud the good people operating the Tenerife zoo. In some ways, the freedom of not planning for ‘what if' scenarios is refreshing and liberating. However, I often wish that a little more contingency planning would take place, just in case the worst should happen. Meanwhile, I can report that the man in the gorilla suit is recovering well and still talking to his colleague.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.

© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44052/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A recent and very sad story about an uninformed vet working at a zoo in Tenerife set me thinking about risk assessments and contingency planning this week. Apparently, the poor vet accidentally shot a colleague, who was dressed as a gorilla, with a tra...

### EUROPA POINT FOOTBALL CLUB PROVIDE SECOND CHANCE

Football is a cruel game that can sometimes leave you on the scrapheap. From a talented youngster touted for greatness to ‘what could've been' is a tale told by many players.
For many it is a trip down to the unemployment office and a lifetime living with a shattered dream however over in Gibraltar of all places, there just maybe a chance of salvation.
Europa Point F.C intends to be the stepping stone for these young rejected players. John Gontier, the club's chairman is the League Football Education placement coordinator in Spain and it is his footballing philosophy which will give a second chance, development time and “adult matches” to under 18 English players released from English clubs.
His aim is simple, to blend English grit with the Spanish way of playing. Gontier is confident that his program will be the perfect place to develop future professionals and with Europa Point FC, provide a focal point that will win the hearts and passion of football fans worldwide. After all, who doesn't love an underdog betting on “giving a second chance” and “making dreams that cross borders come true”.
As well as the chance of redemption for these young released players, a mouth-watering prospect of European football in the form of UEFA Champions League and Europa League awaits the league and cup winners in Gibraltar as a result of the full UEFA membership granted to the British Overseas territory on the 24th of May.
For young players rejected by the English, Spanish and Gibraltarian system this truly is their chance to become the next stars.
More information about the club is available at: www.europapointfc.com or call John Gontier on 644 116 059 or email at: info@europapointfc.com  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44048/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Football is a cruel game that can sometimes leave you on the scrapheap. From a talented youngster touted for greatness to ‘what could've been' is a tale told by many players.
For many it is a trip down to the unemployment office and a lifetime l...

### EXPATS HAD THEIR SAY IN A BIG WAY!

Highlights revealed from 2013 study In the world's largest independent research programme
It's taken four months for its team to analyse more than 60,000 pages of consolidated results and insights into the lives of almost 8,000 expats around the globe. 
Comprising more than 150 questions across 3 surveys, ‘Migration & Lifestyle', ‘Retail & Finance' and ‘Travel & Health', The Expat Survey 2013 was launched on the 15th July last year and remained live for 6 months. Any nationality in any country was free to engage in the project; and providing they completed all three parts of the programme each expat was then entered into a prize draw to win £1,000 cash. 
Responses came from 128 countries, with most of the feedback being provided by ten nationalities – British, Americans, South Africans, Irish, Dutch, Australians, Canadians, Indians, Germans and New Zealanders. 
Project Director Emma Wood explains ‘we wanted to achieve several key things with our research programme. Firstly to learn about each expatriate's migratory journey and the reasons behind their decision to leave their country of origin. Secondly, to find out whether or not the grass is greener on the other side and thirdly to establish what is now relevant to them and the decisions they make in their day to day lives; from banks to brands, health to holidays, the technology they favour and the media they connect with.
Beyond this we wanted to secure meaningful and ongoing engagement with them, so that they can continue to share their views and opinions with us'.
‘We are delighted with the outcome of our inaugural study. Expats from all walks of life and locations have made an invaluable contribution and we are now able to understand what's important to them and what isn't, what they feel adds value to their lives or influences their decisions when making critical consumer choices. In a world where we are all constantly bombarded with information and advertising messages, relevancy is particularly significant to this group of individuals, due to the dynamics of their lifestyles'.   
Out of 56 contract, pay as you go and roaming SIM solutions put forward by those residing outside their country of origin, the top 3 coms providers based on vote volumes were Vodafone, Orange and T-Mobile. 
Wood adds ‘the project covered a diverse range of topics and gleaned in-depth insights. For example, whilst it's significant to know which coms companies expats mostly subscribe to, it was particularly relevant to learn that in many cases those companies don't have exclusively ownership of their customers' consumption. When expats are on the move many often adapt their telecoms and broadband solutions on a trip by trip basis, subject to the continent and territory they are going to; and with a good understanding of the infrastructure and options available to them. Many use several packages with different providers and numerous actually explained why'. 
Out of 167 travel website/apps nominated it wasn't an airline or tour operator that dominated the top 10, but price comparison platforms with Skyscanner in first position, Expedia in second and Booking.com in third; but interestingly it wasn't only price that ranked in their priorities when choosing to look up these providers.
Independently minded expats didn't hold back when sharing their opinions of online retailers. Many received significant praise, but in equal quantities there was criticism for certain elements of the online shopping experiences they had received.
When asked about their favourite brands the top 10 were Apple, Samsung, Chanel, Armani, Gucci, Nike, Sony, Zara, Ralph Lauren and Marks and Spencer. And whilst most of these are deemed to be luxury with considerable price tags, to those that voted they were regarded as good value for money. 
‘We are pleased to report that Eastern and Latin American cultures connected with us too; and in the 2014 research study due to launch in the middle of next month, we shall be focussing on developing response levels from Chinese, Brazilian and other emerging groups' said Wood.  
‘In tandem with the 2014 research programme we also intend to launch The Expat Survey Consumer Awards (TESCA) to further empower expatriate consumers, as they will be able to nominate and explain in up to 100 words why they favour certain media and companies that service them'.
‘If you reside outside your country of origin for more than 6 months in any 12 month period, on a temporary or permanent basis, we really want to hear from you. The Expat Survey is accessible via smart phone, iPad and most tech applications, so wherever you are in the world we hope that those that engaged with us last year will join us again this year; and that thousands more expats will join in too'.   
The Expat Survey 2013 prize draw was won by Mrs Audrey Harris, originally from Britain but now living in Fuerteventura, who invested her winnings in a new laptop and a trip to visit her family.  The 2014 research programme will again offer a cash prize for participation, as well as some other great treats to be announced in the coming weeks on their website at www.theexpatsurvey.com  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44047/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Highlights revealed from 2013 study In the world's largest independent research programme
It's taken four months for its team to analyse more than 60,000 pages of consolidated results and insights into the lives of almost 8,000 expats around the globe...

### ONE ‘L’ OF A SIGN

A common question that often emerges when driving in Spain relates to signs, both on the roadside, and on vehicles.
One such sign which is frequently seen is a green-backed L-plate, which is indicative of a novice driver, although now qualified, and is designed to advise other road users of that fact.
Officially known as the V-13, the L-plate must be displayed on the vehicle for a year after obtaining their permit to drive. There are one or two exceptions, but for the purpose of this article we are discussing why it would be displayed.
The laws regarding the V-13 state that the “L” plate must be displayed on the left rear side of the vehicle, in a conspicuous place, except on motorcycles, vehicles for disabled persons and tricycles, where there are allowances for the location, other than it must be on the rear of the vehicle.
Previously restricted to a slower speed than other drivers, a change in the law in 2011 meant that this no longer applied, and that vehicles displaying the sign can travel at the same speed as other road users, subject to obvious restrictions.
One element which is more restrictive for novice drivers is alcohol. We already know that the alcohol limit in Spain is considerably lower than the UK at 0.25 milligrams per litre, but for novice drivers, the limit is 0.15 milligrams of alcohol per litre of exhaled air. 
The other restriction relates to traffic violations, whereas a novice driver is given 8 points instead of 12 for fully experienced motorist, which are deducted should the driver be found guilty of offences relating to road traffic laws.
The overall aim of the sign is to serve as a warning to other drivers that the person in charge of this particular vehicle is a novice, and has still to build on the experiences that a future behind the wheel will bring. Caution, patience and understanding are all that is requested by those who have gained the knowledge, as well as allowing more distance and time for the driver to carry out the moves that may seem second nature to others.
Finally, in the event that a novice driver chooses not to display the mandatory sign, then the prospect of an 80 euro fine is waiting for you, should you get caught out.
  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44046/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A common question that often emerges when driving in Spain relates to signs, both on the roadside, and on vehicles.
One such sign which is frequently seen is a green-backed L-plate, which is indicative of a novice driver, although now qualified, and i...

### HOLIDAYMAKERS WARNED TO WATCH OUT FOR HIGHWAY ROBBERS IN SPAIN

The British Embassy in Spain is warning holidaymakers to watch out for ruthless gangs of modern-day highway robbers who are preying on people driving foreign-registered vehicles and hire cars. 
Police in the Catalonia region of Spain have dealt with 126 British victims of robbery on the AP7 motorway between the French border and the Valencia region over the past two years1. 
British Consulates across mainland Spain say they are receiving regular reports of roadside robbery occurring along the coast between Barcelona and Alicante, across Andalucia in the south, and in the Madrid region. Consular staff estimate that 1 in 20 of all emergency passports issued last year as a result of theft were following motorway robberies2. 
A new video produced by the Foreign Office - ‘Don't let thieves drive you to distraction' - shows real-life footage of some of the most common tactics. Highway robbers flag their victim down by indicating there is a problem with their vehicle, then one gets out to distract the occupants' attention, whilst an unseen accomplice robs passports, money and other valuables before the gang makes a fast getaway. 
In a second case, the robber tricks a victim into thinking they have a problem with their parked vehicle, whilst another opens the door and removes valuables. Other tricks include throwing something that creates a sudden noise, or puncturing a tyre at a roadside rest stop. 
Will Middleton, consular regional director for Spain, warns: 
 ‘Distraction is the most common technique used by highway robbers in Spain. They will try to worry you about the state of your vehicle, and then whilst they point out the supposed problem, an accomplice is robbing you. 
 ‘So be wary of anyone attempting to stop you when you are driving, or trying to point out a problem or offering assistance. They may not be the good Samaritan they appear to be.
‘If someone points out a supposed problem whilst you are on the road, keep going until you reach a service area. If you have to stop, make sure one person stays in the vehicle. Keep valuables out of sight and out of reach. If you do notice a problem with your vehicle, call your emergency breakdown service for help.
 ‘We are working with the Spanish police to alert British visitors to how these gangs work, so that holidaymakers can avoid becoming victims. Police statistics1 indicate that these robberies are largely non-violent.  
 ‘However falling victim to this kind of theft can be distressing and costly: a family of four who lose all their passports would unfortunately need to pay around four hundred pounds to get emergency passports to get home.' 
Case study 1
In April, Richard Hibbs from Llandudno in North Wales, and his brother-in-law who lives in Spain, had just driven through the toll booths on the AP7 motorway north of Barcelona when another car drove up very close to them and they heard a loud noise. It sounded the same as when Mr Hibbs had been in a minor collision once before. 
A youngster leant out of the window of the car and started shouting and gesticulating towards their vehicle, motioning them to stop. Alarmed, they pulled over and both got out. 
One of the occupants emerged from the other vehicle and held their attention by talking loudly in Spanish and pointing at their rear tyres. Then he suddenly broke off mid-sentence, ran back to his vehicle and dived in through the rear window as the car sped away. 
Whilst they were being distracted, another member of the gang had sneaked into the car and stolen a leather travel wallet containing two passports and other documents from the glove-box, and two coats from the back seat. The whole incident lasted less than two minutes. 
Mr Hibbs says: ‘Fortunately we didn't have any cash or cards in the wallet and there were no weapons involved, although we're still not sure how they made the noise. My insurance covered the cost of replacing the passports. 
 ‘I'd say to anyone travelling in a vehicle with UK plates to think at least twice before stopping on a Spanish motorway in similar circumstances, particularly at night, and don't keep all your valuables in the same place. If you do have to stop, don't all get out of the car.'
Case study 2
Mr and Mrs J from Lewes in Sussex were on the AP7 north of Barcelona when a car overtook their British-registered Transit van and a young girl leant out of the back window shouting and indicating that there was a problem with the bikes on the back of their van. 
Unsuspecting, they pulled over and the passenger in the other car took them round to the other side of their van. Mrs J realised something was wrong when the ‘good Samaritan' started pointing underneath the vehicle, but it was already too late. 
An accomplice had grabbed their passports and valuables, dived back into the moving car and the robbers made their getaway. Mr J warns: ‘It all happened so quickly… my advice is to avoid stopping on the motorway for whatever reason.'
Top tips to avoid highway robbers ruining your holiday: 
On the road
•	Be wary of people flagging you down
•	If you have a problem with your vehicle, call your emergency breakdown service
•	Keep valuables out of sight and out of reach
When you stop
•	Park your vehicle in sight
•	Take your valuables with you
•	Watch out for tamperingFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44044/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The British Embassy in Spain is warning holidaymakers to watch out for ruthless gangs of modern-day highway robbers who are preying on people driving foreign-registered vehicles and hire cars. 
Police in the Catalonia region of Spain have dealt with 1...

### THE TENTH MEDIEVAL MARKET IN LA NUCIA - 8, 9 AND 10 JULY

La Nucia, a really pleasant village just a few km from Benidorm and well-known for its big flea market on Sunday mornings, held its first Medieval Market in 2005 to celebrate its 300 years of existence, and enjoyed it so much that it decided to have a Market every year.  
This year it will be the tenth time and there will be a varied programme with troubadours, a juggler on stilts who also plays with fire, lies on a bed of really sharp nails and manages to get both feet tucked behind her head; a story teller, street theatre, medieval table games and a merry-go-round for the children.
That all takes place next to and in between some 70 craft stalls, carefully selected by Amata, the organizing craft association, so that nothing is imported, nothing is made in craft factories - in fact, everything is made by the people on the stall and there is a wide range of different products.  Something for everyone - if not for the visitor in person, then perhaps for a friend or relative.  
And quite a few stallholders will be at work - Vito, a czech blacksmith, on his anvil and showing pieces of medieval armour, Aurélie carding and spinning wool and even making felt, Tomás painting his T-shirts (the ultimate designer wear, each one is unique), Chema the bookbinder showing how books were bound in medieval times, Dave building his castles, and Tony with his sturdy and decorative leather bags.  
The inner man (and woman) has not been forgotten - there are taverns, an Arab tea tent and stalls with preserved food made using medieval recipes.
Two separate groups of musicians pass along the narrow streets, followed by various medieval characters - nobles, beggars and soldiers - while Ly walks on her stilts, juggling clubs as she goes and, at night, turning into a real faquir, tying herself into knots on a bed of nails.  Buffoon Bertoldo tells funny stories that even foreigner with no Spanish at their disposal can follow.     
There are medieval table games such as Nine Men's Morris, quoits, table skittles - meant for the young'uns but enjoyed just as much by their parents.  For the very young there is a merry-go-round and four donkeys in miniature medieval trappings.
La Nucia Medieval Market (about 10 km from Benidorm) gets going about 6 in the late afternoon and keeps going till midnight or so;  the stalls are set up in the narrow streets to the back of the Town Hall.  If you don't know the way, just follow the white-on-green arrows with "Mercado Medieval".  There is ample room to park your car nearby.
More information (in English) can be had by ringing 639 979 678 and you can look at Amata's web site on www.amata.es which includes photographs of other markets.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44040/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: La Nucia, a really pleasant village just a few km from Benidorm and well-known for its big flea market on Sunday mornings, held its first Medieval Market in 2005 to celebrate its 300 years of existence, and enjoyed it so much that it decided to have a Market every year.  
This year it will be the tenth time and there will be a varied programme with troubadours, a juggler on stilts who also plays with fire, lies on a bed of really sharp nails and manages to get both feet tucked behind her head; a story teller, street theatre, medieval table games and a merry-go-round for the children.
That all takes place next to and in between some 70 craft stalls, carefully selected by Amata, the organizing craft association, so that nothing is imported, nothing is made in craft factories - in fact, everything is made by the people on the stall and there is a wide range of different products.  Something for everyone - if not for the visitor in person, then perhaps for a friend or relative.  
And quite a few stallholders will be at work - Vito, a czech blacksmith, on his anvil and showing pieces of medieval armour, Aurélie carding and spinning wool and even making felt, Tomás painting his T-shirts (the ultimate designer wear, each one is unique), Chema the bookbinder showing how books were bound in medieval times, Dave building his castles, and Tony with his sturdy and decorative leather bags.  
The inner man (and woman) has not been forgotten - there are taverns, an Arab tea tent and stalls with preserved food made using medieval recipes.
Two separate groups of musicians pass along the narrow streets, followed by various medieval characters - nobles, beggars and soldiers - while Ly walks on her stilts, juggling clubs as she goes and, at night, turning into a real faquir, tying herself into knots on a bed of nails.  Buffoon Bertoldo tells funny stories that even foreigner with no Spanish at their disposal can follow.     
There are medieval table games such as Nine Men's Morris, quoits, table skittles - meant for the young'uns but enjoyed just as much by their parents.  For the very young there is a merry-go-round and four donkeys in miniature medieval trappings.
La Nucia Medieval Market (about 10 km from Benidorm) gets going about 6 in the late afternoon and keeps going till midnight or so;  the stalls are set up in the narrow streets to the back of the Town Hall.  If you don't know the way, just follow the white-on-green arrows with "Mercado Medieval".  There is ample room to park your car nearby.
More information (in English) can be had by ringing 639 979 678 and you can look at Amata's web site on www.amata.es which includes photographs of other markets.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44040/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### MORE STAFF AND INVESTMENT IN ORIHUELA

The life guard services on the Orihuela Costa began on Saturday, a week later tan was hoped, but with that week delay now being added to the end of the summer season. In addition, the company who were awarded the contract, as part of their additional offers, are to provide a further 10 days longer than contracted. Therefore, the lifeguards will now be present on the beaches until the end of September, during a time when many a concern had been raised in the past over the normal withdrawal of service. Furthermore, the company will also provide an additional 2 hours cover per day, beyond what the contract required, providing even more cover throughout the summer season. The company will also provide an additional amphibious chair and work closely with the beach services company to ensure accessibility on those beaches where it is possible, is maintained to the highest level.
The beaches of Orihuela will gain the support of an additional 10 local police officers for July and August, some of whom will fulfil their patrol duties on bicycles, as in previous years, allowing them easier access to some of the more difficult locations to drive, such as the beaches and promenades. 
As Orihuela moves into the digital age, with many of the traditional paper-based functions moving to computer, there has been a noticeable delay at the point of registration, as documents presented to the town hall need to be scanned. In order to try to alleviate the delay, the registry has been boosted with an additional member of staff, who will also be able to cover breaks and holidays in the future, a facility not previously available, thus improving the documentation process. At the same time, the modernisation department are investigating the possibility of hiring additional internet connections, to allow for faster upload and download speeds via an asymmetric line.
Around 40 labourers employed through a scheme developed by the department of employment, began work on the Orihuela Costa on Friday. These previously unemployed people of the municipality have been given the opportunity for work through the scheme, and were sent to the coast as a priority. Their first tasks involved clearing as many weeds from the streets as possible, which would then allow for chemical treatment to take place, and they would then move onto clearing and cleaning some of the parks and gardens which are not covered by the contract of work currently in place. Martina Scheurer, the councillor for the coast, previously praised her Los Verdes green party colleague in the employment department, Manuel Gallúd, for giving priority to the Orihuela Costa.
A new contract for extra workers to cover the waste disposal network has been approved, which means that the town hall is now able to employ people to cover breaks and holidays, thus ensuring no reduction in service, as well as deal with some of the delays in collections that one or two locations have suffered recently.
The principle German speaking residents association of the Orihuela Costa are reaching out to other community and neighbourhood associations, looking to them to join in a campaign they wish to launch to try to get a fully equipped fire service on the Orihuela Costa. At the moment, beyond the “first response” service provided by the Protección Civil, the closest fire stations are Torrevieja, Almoradí and Alicante, where the main equipment in centralised. At this time, they are only looking to gain support from recognised groups, which will enable them to coordinate a campaign for the maximum impact. Individuals who are keen to support the cause should encourage any groups they are members of to get involved. Initial information can be obtained from the International Residents Office of the Playa Flamenca town hall.
Residents of Cabo Roig are facing temporary disruption as work has commenced to repair the antiquated water drainage system in the area. Although most major work such as this is normally suspended until after the busy summer season, as this work relates to water drainage it can only be carried out during the “dry season”, when flooding and water flow is least likely to happen. Once complete, the work should prepare the area for the next rainy season in autumn, and hopefully ease the risk of flooding that many of the residents have had to cope with for decades as the area grew beyond the capabilities of the drainage system.
The Councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer, has spoken of how Orihuela Costa is continuing to grow. The announcement at the start of June of 167 new homes to be built, plus the announcement this week of another 22, all mean that the work will bring jobs to the area, as well as shows how Orihuela is one of the first locations to be growing out of the austere times suffered in recent years. Explaining how the work shows that “the economy is picking up again, and it is refreshing that “developers are once again willing to invest in the Orihuela Costa”, is testament to that growth. Meanwhile, as one or two residents have complained about the appearance of trucks carrying building supplies in the area, they are reminded that this is just temporary, as once the building is complete, the neighbourhoods will be growing with more people, services and residents, and more people hopefully signing onto the padrón, brining more money from the central government to the local services.
As Orihulea is now in possession of the three different accreditation flags for the beaches, the Blue Flag, “Q” and Qualitur, the annual flag raising ceremony will be held on Friday the 27th of June.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44037/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The life guard services on the Orihuela Costa began on Saturday, a week later tan was hoped, but with that week delay now being added to the end of the summer season. In addition, the company who were awarded the contract, as part of their additional o...

### A SUMMER OF DIRTY STREETS IN TORREVIEJA

As the ten year long contract for waste collection, and street cleaning in the city of Torrevieja expired last week, the town hall still seem no closer to resolving the matter in either the immediate or long term future, resulting in warnings over the likelihood of poor service and dirty streets throughout the summer this year.
The contract was first issued in 2004, when the annual fee was 9.7 million euro, but as recent reports have shown, it was later to be adjusted upwards to reach 15 million euro, and then a staggering 15,436,002 euro per year, which, when IVA and other adjustments are applied, resulted in a total cost of 16.3 million euro. In fact, this contract resulted in the former mayor, Pedro Ángel Hernández Mateo of the PP, being sentenced to three years in prison for committing falsehood and prevarication, although he is yet to serve his time.
Auditors, inspectors and even the staff had all raised concerns about the working practices and the contract terms, but despite the length of time the contract has been in place, the town hall have still failed to find an alternative, or even offer the service to tender.
Now, as the contract has expired, the UGT union, which represents the workers of the company Acciona, have issued a statement which paints a bleak view of what the residents can expect as the city becomes even busier through the summer months as it tries to attract tourism and investors from around both Spain and the rest of the world.
As previously reported, many of the vehicles used are long beyond their expected working life, with many suffering daily breakdowns. The facilities used by staff are far from adequate, with insufficient personal hygiene facilities and showers. Now, the union claims that staffing levels throughout the summer, rather than being increased as they are in other areas, are in fact being cut back to levels similar to that of 2005, with many workers now only on part-time contracts. The net result, warns the union, means less cleaning and dirtier streets.
The workers have been trying to gain reassurance from the mayor of the city, Eduardo Dolón, even resorting to protests in the streets, in fear of their own future employment. The unions are now calling for the mayor to honour his commitment not to separate the two contracts of street cleaning and waste collection, and, primarily, to set about resolving the contract and tender to ensure that the workers have some security in their jobs, and that the service to the citizens is maintained.
The union feels that given the expiry of the contract had been anticipated for many years, there has been sufficient time already to resolve these matters, and so, the specifications of new contracts must be completed “as soon as possible”.
Meanwhile, the Los Verdes green party, who have questioned a number of irregularities in the working hours and the contract, supports the municipalisation of the service, as has been the case in Orihuela, in order to provide a satisfactory solution to this contract, not destroying any job and improving the quality of service provided.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44036/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As the ten year long contract for waste collection, and street cleaning in the city of Torrevieja expired last week, the town hall still seem no closer to resolving the matter in either the immediate or long term future, resulting in warnings over the ...

### FIT FOR SUMMER!

On Thursday morning, hundreds of our more senior members of society from across Orihuela gathered at Playa Flamenca, to take part in an event to kick start the summer, under the title of Gerontogimnasia.
With teams representing the pedanías of the municipality, members from La Murada, Virgen del Camino, Rincón de Bonanza, La Aparecida, Molins, Camino Enmedio, El Arenal, Los Desemparados, Hurchillo, San Bartolome, and of course, the Orihuela Costa, all came together as one, as a group totalling some 330 people were welcomed by the Councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer, and the Councillor for Sports, Luis Galiano, both from the Los Verdes green party of Orihuela, to take part in this incredibly visual and heart-warming, and heart-exercising event.
As the music started, it was clear to see the effort the attendees had been making all year in order to mark the season, as each group had individually trained for a choreographed routine which would bring them together on the day, assembled and supervised by the instructors from the town hall, whose vibrant presentation had clearly rubbed off onto the attendees, as they all took part in their coloured and geographically branded tops, proud of who they were representing, with a real feeling of belonging and being part of the wider community of the municipality, with roots in each of their own individual home towns.
In fact, the municipality of Orihuela is spread over such a large area, events like this are sometimes the only opportunity for inland residents to visit the coast. With buses carrying them to Play Flamenca, from places some considerable distance away, through the winding country roads.
Their light group dance and exercise routines were not only a delight to the eye, they were also part of a wider plan to encourage healthier living and exercise, something we can all do with a little reminder of from time to time, perhaps. In fact, as a token gesture for their efforts, the visitors were all given a bag of oranges, one of the healthiest foodstuffs we have, and grown right here on our doorstep.
In fact, health, sports and the Orihuela Costa go somewhat hand in hand, with the Centro Deportivo Municipal Orihuela Costa being a first class health and fitness centre, which will this year be offering a Summer School for children through July and August, as well as their usual range of events for adults and children, such as tennis, pádel, football, swimming and aqua activities, and a range of fitness and multi-sports disciplines. 
The beaches themselves play host to a range of sporting activities too, from major events such as the recent triathlon, international cycle races, running and walking competitions, and we mustn´t forget such events as beach volleyball in the summer.
In fact, this year, the Orihuela Costa will also be offering yet another new and exciting activity in July and August, as the coastal councillor, Martina Scheurer, explained, “This year we are going to offer guided snorkel tours of the Orihuela Costa”.
This event is being funded by the Coastal Department of the town hall and will be free of charge to those wishing to participate. Each group will be a maximum of 20 people, who will be split into two groups of 10. Whilst one group is being told about the unique marine environment of the coastline, the other group will be diving to witness it first hand, accompanied by a professional and qualified guide.
One under water, the guide will use a range of signs to point out many of the features on the tour, some which are unique to the Orihuela Costa, offering a perhaps never before seen insight into the beauty beneath our feet that we may not even realise.
More details will be available very shortly, but with each tour lasting some 3 hours, it is expected to be very popular, so registration will be essential through the town hall.
For those not into the more energetic side, the Orihuela Costa will still have plenty on offer for you in the summer. Most of these details are still being confirmed, but we already know that a Fisherman´s Market has been arranged for the end of July. Much like the Medieval Market, the participants dress as fisherman or pirates, and the goods from the stalls take on a nautical theme. There will also be an arts and craft market in September, offering a wide range of hand-crafted goods.
The tourism department are in the final stages of planning a two day Flamenco event for the Orihuela Costa in July, which will not only see the coast transformed into an area of colour, music and dance, the department has also promised that it will involve some “very famous” performers from the Flamenco world, which themselves have an international following, thus once again highlighting the diversity that the Orihuela Costa has to offer, bringing tourism and wealth to the area, and providing a range of events for everyone to enjoy.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44034/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Thursday morning, hundreds of our more senior members of society from across Orihuela gathered at Playa Flamenca, to take part in an event to kick start the summer, under the title of Gerontogimnasia.
With teams representing the pedanías of ...

### HIGH SUMMER TEMPERATURES LEAD TO HEAVY RAIN WARNING

Meteorologists from the national weather centre are warning that as the effects of global warming are reaching the shores of Spain, resulting in an unusually dry spring, this autumn may be one of the worst on record.
Although many coming to the Costa Blanca may well appreciate the increase in sea temperatures, set to reach 25 degrees Celsius in the next few weeks, the increase in sea temperature could have devastating effects once the air temperature starts to drop after August, prompting warnings of heavy rains and even the dreaded “Gota Fría”.
Crops across the Valencia region have been devastated by the spring drought, with many growers simply abandoning their harvest. Now, it looks like the autumn will also prove devastating for the opposite reason, far too much rain.
Whilst infrastructure work is being carried out in places like the Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja, all that can be hoped for is that it is enough to carry those impending rain falls away from the properties, and the reality of how climate change is affecting us all may go some way to encourage us to try to change our own habits before it becomes too late.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44033/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Meteorologists from the national weather centre are warning that as the effects of global warming are reaching the shores of Spain, resulting in an unusually dry spring, this autumn may be one of the worst on record.
Although many coming to the Costa ...

### CARITAS HELPED THIRTEEN PERCENT MORE PEOPLE IN 2013

The charitable association Cáritas in the diocese of Orihuela-Alicante has served over 81,000 people in 2013, 13% more than in 2012, as detailed in their annual report issued this week.
Of the total number of people who were helped by the group, 34,609 were men and 46,702 were women. 
Jesús Murgui, the bishop of the diocese, emphasized the need to remain vigilant in the fight against poverty “because if society gets used to being in crisis, it runs the risk of becoming a chronic situation”.
The announcement was made to coincide with the annual day of the charity, in which the hopes are to raise awareness of the plight of those less fortunate, whilst reinforcing the idea of building “spaces of hope”, in order to “promote the integral development of the people, especially the poor and marginalized”, by encouraging a more caring and participatory society.
During the breakdown of investments from the 2013 report, details were given of the assistance provided in areas of support, employment, job placement, homelessness, women, immigrants and people with AIDS.
The report shows that social support has meant an investment of 4.2 million euro, 5.46% more than in 2012, plus, 2.6 million went to the assistance to people at risk of social exclusion, whilst 601,285 euro was distributed towards vulnerable groups such as women, youth, elderly and AIDS patients.
The remaining revenues were shared between employment and socio-labour integration, rural community and urban action, training, communication and awareness, international cooperation and management, technical management, field monitoring and evaluation.
As for the origin of the economic resources, 72.13% came from the private sector, around 3.1 million was obtained through collections and donations, and the remainder, some 1.1 million, came from public injections.
In presenting the report, the “great work” of the volunteers was also highlighted, with their members praised for their continual support and response “in an effective, close and decisive manner”, with details of their 1,689 people who collaborated with the group last year, of which 1,636 were volunteers, an increase of 18% on the previous year.
Those in need were not forgotten in the presentation, which served to highlight the needs of countless families who are still driven by the need for food and assistance to pay for the most basic of needs such as water and electricity, but, moreover, the group has seen a noted increase in grant applications for “school supplies” or dining assistance within “households where there are children”.
In addition, during 2013, a total of 1,530 homeless people were assisted by the group, who assisted where they could in providing “housing, food, clothing, medication, processing aids, attending courses and workshops, social monitoring, and psychological and career guidance”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44029/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The charitable association Cáritas in the diocese of Orihuela-Alicante has served over 81,000 people in 2013, 13% more than in 2012, as detailed in their annual report issued this week.
Of the total number of people who were helped by the group...

### ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO HELP BRITISH NATIONALS OVERSEAS WHO NEED NEW OR REPLACEMENT PASSPORTS

British nationals living overseas who are waiting for a new passport, or whose passport has recently expired or will expire soon, are being offered additional services to help with any concerns they may have about their ability to travel. 
If you live in Spain and need to renew an existing British passport, you can instead apply for it to be extended for 12 months. You will need to be in possession of a passport that expired less than six months ago or will expire within the next three months, and have at least three blank pages left in your passport.
There is no charge for this service.
If you have already made an application to have your passport renewed then you cannot get an extension to your current passport, even if you still have it with you. If you need to travel urgently, you can apply for an emergency travel document.
If you're the parent or guardian of a child living in Spain who needs to travel, you may be able to apply for an emergency travel document for your child instead of a new or renewed passport.
If you want to access any of these services, you should call 902 109 356 in Spain and make an appointment to visit your nearest British Consulate. Please do not arrive without an appointment – there is no “drop-in” service. You can also get more information here.
These additional services are designed to enable British nationals overseas to continue to be able to travel, and are in response to people's understandable concerns about the current pressure on Her Majesty's Passport Office in the United Kingdom, which is dealing with the highest demand for passports in 12 years. 
You can get all the latest information at www.gov.uk/get-an-emergency-passport-extension-or-child-travel-document.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44028/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: British nationals living overseas who are waiting for a new passport, or whose passport has recently expired or will expire soon, are being offered additional services to help with any concerns they may have about their ability to travel. 
If you live...

### STRONG WEEKEND FOR SUPERMOTOLAND

The Supermotoland race team were in Talavera La Real, Badajoz, over the weekend for the second round of the Spanish Supermoto championship with its two riders Anthony and Mat Ford-Dunn.
Going into the weekend, both brothers were holding 3rd position in their championship classes and they wasted no time at all in practice to get the best settings from their Advance Moves International Removals sponsored race bikes. When it came to qualifying,  Antho
ny put himself on the first row of the grid, in second position for the Premier SM open class, whilst older brother Mat managed to go one better in the SM35 Master class and found himself in a comfortable Pole position for the Race.
Anthony was first to race, and in the first of his three races he was in third position and fighting for the lead with Angel Grau and reigning Spanish Champion Francesco Cucharrera. The three were having a tremendous battle with no quarter given when a small mistake from Cucharrera saw him crash in the dirt section leaving Anthony nowhere to go but into Cucha's fallen bike and both riders were all of a sudden on the deck.
Anthony was first to remount and with his engine still running he was able to restart relatively quickly and set about chasing down the leader. Anthony's pace was incredible but he just didn't have enough time left in the race to catch and pass Angel Grau and ended up 2nd at the flag.
The second SM open race once again saw the same three riders in a desperate battle for the lead but this time it was Angel Grau's turn to make a small error that saw him slide off his bike as he accelerated onto the start finish straight. Anthony made the pass and set after Cucha who had opened a small gap. Despite closing the gap Anthony just wasn't quite able to make the pass and finished 2nd behind Cucha.
The last race of the day saw Cucha and Anthony locked in a race long battle for the lead and despite breaking the lap record Anthony was unable to pass the Reigning Spanish Champion and once again finished a very close second. The day's results put Anthony in second position on the podium, just missing out on the overall win by one point to Cucha.
The result had elevated his position in the Spanish championship to 2nd overall and the team now have until the 3rd round of the Spanish championship on 19th July in Villarcayo, Burgos to find a little more power from Anthony's bike to get him on terms with Cucha.
Older Brother Mat was in dominant form in both of the SM35 Master races and he turned his pole position into two race wins and as well as standing on the top step of the podium at the end of the days racing, he had also elevated himself from 3rd to 1st position in the championship and with a comfortable lead.
Competition is fierce in the Master class and once again Mat will be refining his race bike before both brothers race again in the Catalan championship on 22nd June at Alcarras, Catalunya. 
Race reports and videos can be seen at the teams website www.Supermotoland.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44021/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Supermotoland race team were in Talavera La Real, Badajoz, over the weekend for the second round of the Spanish Supermoto championship with its two riders Anthony and Mat Ford-Dunn.
Going into the weekend, both brothers were holding 3rd position i...

### UNEMPLOYED FARM LABOURERS TAKEN ON IN PILAR

Pilar de la Horadada have employed44 farm laborers for a 3 month period during the summer months. 
All are currently out of work and will be used by the town council to carry out general cleaning and housekeeping duties around the town.
In total 38 laborers, and six foremen have been engaged. They will be split into a number of working groups and will perform tasks such as cleaning gutters, clearing roads or maintenance of the green areas in and around the town. 
The engagement of the labourers has been possible thanks to a grant of 170,000 euros received from the State Employment Promotion (Sepe), a slight increase in funding which allows an for six more staff than in 2013.
These are all local residents who were welcomed at a ceremony attended by the mayor, Fidel Ros, the councilor for Employment, Asunción Sánchez and the councilor for Works and Services, Lancharro Francisco. 
Following the presentation they all took part in a short health and safety at work course prior to receiving their detailed instructions.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44017/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Pilar de la Horadada have employed44 farm laborers for a 3 month period during the summer months. 
All are currently out of work and will be used by the town council to carry out general cleaning and housekeeping duties around the town.
In total 38 l...

### IMPORTANT NOTICE - CONSULATE CLOSURE

Due to local public holidays, the British Consulate in Alicante will be closed to the public on Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th of June.
Any British national who needs assistance during this period can still contact us by phone on (+34) 965 21 60 22 or by email spain.consulate@fco.gov.uk
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43999/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Due to local public holidays, the British Consulate in Alicante will be closed to the public on Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th of June.
Any British national who needs assistance during this period can still contact us by phone on (+34) 965 21 60 22 or b...

### KING CONGRATULATED BY TORREVIEJA

On behalf of the people of the city, the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, has sent a telegram to the newly crowned King Felipe VI, congratulating him on his proclamation.
The message, addressed to both their majesties Don Felipe VI and Doña Leticia, speaks of the sincerest “respect, loyalty and consideration, on behalf of all torrevejenses”, on the special day last week.
The message also ensures support of a clear commitment to democratic stability and diversity in Spain.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43997/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On behalf of the people of the city, the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, has sent a telegram to the newly crowned King Felipe VI, congratulating him on his proclamation.
The message, addressed to both their majesties Don Felipe VI and Do&nt...

### DEAD TUNA ON THE BEACHES OF TORREVIEJA

Two large tuna have been washed up on the beaches of Torrevieja this week.
The first was found in the natural pools of Playa del Cura on Wednesday, the second between the beaches of Los Náufragos and La Veleta on Thursday.
According to the municipal biologist, Juan Antonio Pujo, it is believed that the fish may have been part of an illegal hoard on a boat which subsequently dumped the dead fish back into the sea to avoid a hefty fine.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43996/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Two large tuna have been washed up on the beaches of Torrevieja this week.
The first was found in the natural pools of Playa del Cura on Wednesday, the second between the beaches of Los Náufragos and La Veleta on Thursday.
According to the mun...

### FRENCH AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS CALL SIX DAY STRIKE

The two main unions representing French air traffic controllers, the SNCTA and the UNSA-ICNA, have called for their workers to strike from Tuesday the 24th, until Sunday the 29th of June, in protest against the “Single European Sky” initiative proposed by the European Commission.
The unions are concerned that the move will decrease air traffic control resources in France, and result in the privatization of some services, both of which will result in job losses and a reduction is pay and working conditions for their staff.
The strike action could paralyze air traffic across France, although many other flights can be diverted around the problem, there would also be considerable delays to most European services.
The French government is meeting with representatives to try to avoid the action. Meanwhile, many train services were also affected in the country this week as workers on the rail network extended a strike in opposition to reforms of their network.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43995/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The two main unions representing French air traffic controllers, the SNCTA and the UNSA-ICNA, have called for their workers to strike from Tuesday the 24th, until Sunday the 29th of June, in protest against the “Single European Sky” initiat...

### THE AIRPORT WITHOUT PILOTS OR AIRCRAFT

In April of this year, the Spanish air safety authority, along with the ministerial departments of the government, announced that pilotless aircraft, or “drones” as they have become known, will be banned from flying for commercial activities in the country´s air space.
This move would ban the use of remotely flown aircraft which are currently used for photography, irrigation, security and other purposes, although it would not rule out the use of military drones.
The exclusion of the flying devices from the skies of Spain may seem like nothing more than the means of controlling a potential hazard, but the subject raised the question as to what would therefore happen to the aerodrome built specifically for drones in the Huelva area of Andalucía.
Between the central and autonomous governments, 40 million euro was invested in the CEUS, or Centro de Ensayos y Experimentación de Aviones no Tripulados de Medio y Gran Tamaño, in El Aeronosillo. The site, on land belonging to the Moguer area, near the Doñana Natural Park, was already the subject of considerable controversy as the construction was protected by environmental laws, as it is the home breeding lynx, a species in extreme threat of extinction. 
Now, rather than banning drones at the facility outright, the government is proposing a series of controls to restrict the types of aircraft that can use the facility. However, according to Rosa Díez, the coordinator for the UPyD group, “there is currently no aerospace company in the market that intends to build a drone that can use CEUS”, and although the restrictions are eased for those aircraft over 650 kilos in weight, no such aircraft actually exists around the globe.
In fact, 90% of the drones on the list are unable to use the airfield under the current rules. There is only one, which belonging to Airbus, the Atalante model, that has already flown in Spain and therefore unlikely to need test facilities.
A second centre was also contructed in the Jaén town of Villacarrillo, known as the Centro de Vuelos Experimentales con Aviones no Tripulados, operated by ATLAS, the Air Traffic Laboratory for Advanced unmanned Systems. This was the first centre to open, with a 4.2 million euro budget.
The safety agency and government are now working on the document to regulate the use of drones, the results which will be published once complete, when the future of these multimillion euro, environmentally destroying facilities may be revealed.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43994/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In April of this year, the Spanish air safety authority, along with the ministerial departments of the government, announced that pilotless aircraft, or “drones” as they have become known, will be banned from flying for commercial activitie...

### GUARDAMAR LIFE GUARDS SUPPORTED BY QUAD-RIDING COPS

Life guard services on the beaches of Guardamar begin on Saturday the 21st of June, the same date as Orihuela, with the main beaches in the centre, as well as La Roqueta, and then from the 1st of July at Babilonia, and then from the 5th of July at the surrounding beaches of El Vivers, El Moncayo, El Camp and Les Ortigues.
The Cruz Roja will be providing the life guard services this year, having signed the contract to start this weekend. Last year there were 3,359 incidents that required the intervention of the life guards on the beaches. This year, the service will also be extended by half an hour each day.
In order to provide additional security on the beaches this year, Guardamar will also have the support of four local police officers with quads, which have the capability of travelling over the sandy dunes, and into the water, thus providing additional mobility in times of need. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43993/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Life guard services on the beaches of Guardamar begin on Saturday the 21st of June, the same date as Orihuela, with the main beaches in the centre, as well as La Roqueta, and then from the 1st of July at Babilonia, and then from the 5th of July at the ...

### TORREVIEJA CHEAPEST FOR RENTALS

The cheapest holiday rental properties in the Valencia region can be found in Torrevieja, according to the latest data published in the annual TecniTasa report.
On average, for an officially registered and rentable front-line property of 65 square meters in Torrevieja, the price stands at 240 euro per week. In contrast, in the Castellón area of Alcocebre, the equivalent rental would set you back 850 euro.
In terms of a bargain holiday rental however elsewhere in Spain, the most affordable destinations are in Galician beaches of A Coruña, where you can rent a 97 square metre apartment for 220 euro. After that, the next bargains can be found at the beachside properties of Asturias, Valencia, Lugo or Malgrat in Barcelona.
On the other hand, if you´re looking to splash out, a rental property in Playa del Sardinero, in Santander would cost you around 1,750 euro per week, slightly ahead of Hondarribia in Guipúzcua, where the price is 1.600 euro, or slightly cheaper at Sotogrande in Cádiz, where a weekly rental stands at 1.500 euro.
The price does vary if we look at the price per square metre however, with Sitges in Barcelona costing the most, as opposed to the cheapest at A Coruña, Murcia y Valencia.
It should be made clear that even the company themselves describes the supply of rentals in the Spanish coastal towns is very "heterogeneous", and therefore the prices of tourist accommodation vary depending on aspects such as the type and area, amongst other factors.
According to the report, the average Spanish family looking to spend a week on the coast would have to spend 28% of their monthly salary for a week long holiday.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43992/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The cheapest holiday rental properties in the Valencia region can be found in Torrevieja, according to the latest data published in the annual TecniTasa report.
On average, for an officially registered and rentable front-line property of 65 square meters in Torrevieja, the price stands at 240 euro per week. In contrast, in the Castellón area of Alcocebre, the equivalent rental would set you back 850 euro.
In terms of a bargain holiday rental however elsewhere in Spain, the most affordable destinations are in Galician beaches of A Coruña, where you can rent a 97 square metre apartment for 220 euro. After that, the next bargains can be found at the beachside properties of Asturias, Valencia, Lugo or Malgrat in Barcelona.
On the other hand, if you´re looking to splash out, a rental property in Playa del Sardinero, in Santander would cost you around 1,750 euro per week, slightly ahead of Hondarribia in Guipúzcua, where the price is 1.600 euro, or slightly cheaper at Sotogrande in Cádiz, where a weekly rental stands at 1.500 euro.
The price does vary if we look at the price per square metre however, with Sitges in Barcelona costing the most, as opposed to the cheapest at A Coruña, Murcia y Valencia.
It should be made clear that even the company themselves describes the supply of rentals in the Spanish coastal towns is very "heterogeneous", and therefore the prices of tourist accommodation vary depending on aspects such as the type and area, amongst other factors.
According to the report, the average Spanish family looking to spend a week on the coast would have to spend 28% of their monthly salary for a week long holiday.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43992/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### TWO AND A HALF THOUSAND CAUGHT IN DRINK AND DRUG CAMPAIGN

The DGT traffic department has revealed that during their last campaign for road safety, 2,500 drivers were found to have consumed alcohol or drugs and then drove.
During the campaign, which ran between the 2nd and the 8th of June, officers from the Guardia Civil conducted 1,059 tests for drivers suspected to have used drugs. Of these, 358 gave positive results, some 34% of the total. Of those, 3 drivers were brought to justice by presenting clear signs of driving under the influence of drugs. As usual, among the most consumed drugs were cannabis and cocaine.
With regard to alcohol, the results indicated an overall fall in the number of drivers who had consumed alcohol. However, the traffic police still conducted 207,829 tests, of which 2,078 were positive. Of those caught driving whilst drunk, 1,870 were found during the routine checks, 177 had committed another motoring offence, and 75 were involved in accidents. Of those caught, 1,750 were dealt with as an administrative procedure, whereas 328 were dealt with through the criminal courts, as were the 17 people who refused the breathalyser.
The next campaign will also focus on drink and drugs, and will operate between the 14th and 20th of July, which coincides with the European Traffic Police campaign focussing on trucks and buses. In August, the campaign will be focused on speeding, whereas in September seatbelts will be the main subject of the campaign, which will also be a Europe-wide initiative.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43991/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The DGT traffic department has revealed that during their last campaign for road safety, 2,500 drivers were found to have consumed alcohol or drugs and then drove.
During the campaign, which ran between the 2nd and the 8th of June, officers from the G...

### GREEN LIGHT FOR HIGH SPEED TRAIN PRIVATISATION

The Spanish Government has given the green light to the privatisation of the high speed train service between Madrid and the east coast, allowing for one more private operator to run on the line, thus providing competition for national train operator RENFE.
The initial contract period will run for seven years, after which time the routes will become “fully available” to other operators, on the routes between Madrid and Región de Murcia, Cuenca, Albacete, Alicante, Valencia and Castellón.
The initial privatisation process began in July of last year, with routes of high touristic or commercial value being the first to be considered. The objective is to “give the market greater choice of services and have more competitive prices due to increased competition”, according to the Minister of Public Works, Ana Pastor.
Pastor explained that a single “authorization certificate” is granted through a public bidding process, to ensure the competence of the operators that attend, and the winner may freely decide on which connections will establish services within the scope of that corridor.
The new operator can also set the frequency of their services and their prices freely. Pastor recalled that the Madrid to Valencia route recorded 6.5 million passengers per year, of which 1.78 were carried by train, 264,000 by air, 3.9 million in private cars and 580,000 by bus, which means that the rail market share is 27.4%.
The Ministry plans to commission the Murcia to Madrid high speed route in the middle of next year, following the success of the Madrid to Alicante line, which, since its opening on June 18 of last year, has witnessed a steady growth, reaching an average occupancy of 80%, according to data from RENFE.
The minister was convinced that the entry of a new operator will further encourage the use of rail transport and guarantee the capillary network offered by RENFE services throughout the country.
The new operator may rent the rolling stock from RENFE, whilst developing its own fleet of trains. According to the minister, the gradual liberalization allows adequate control by the Directors of the quality and safety of services, so that the process has all the guarantees.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43990/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Spanish Government has given the green light to the privatisation of the high speed train service between Madrid and the east coast, allowing for one more private operator to run on the line, thus providing competition for national train operator R...

### IMPROVING THE STANDARD OF POLICING

Local Police in Seville are set to see their aesthetic standards raised, as a new draft ruling on dress and deportment is set to be approved, replacing their current standards which were implemented in 1926.
In particular, under the plans, tattoos should not be visible, and the men will also not be allowed to wear bracelets or necklaces, nor with they be allowed long hair, and certainly not “pony tails”, nor will they be allowed to add a splash of colour, as the article states, they should have “natural hair” and explicitly prohibits “striking colourations”, as well as “hairstyles, makeup, accessories or anything else that could be considered bizarre or extravagant, or contrary to the image that should be conveyed to citizens”.
“The hair of the male staff will be cut in the classic tapered shape, shall not exceed in length the top of the collar or outerwear as appropriate, shall not cover the ears”, and the officers should avoid excessive adjustment. The men are also required to “shave properly”, although beards are allowed, they must be “short and trimmed” and in the case of the “moustache”, it must have “discrete dimensions”.
In the case of the female officers, they are allowed long hair, although theirs must be “collected in the form of ponytail or braid” and must not exceed shoulder length thereof. The hairstyle, under no circumstances, may prevent the face from being completely clear and visible.
In fact, facial visibility is also covered in the rule relating to sunglasses. They may be worn by both male and female officers, but not the American style mirrored ones, and in any case, the officers must remove their sunglasses from their face when talking to a member of the public, or as they put it, “caring for a citizen”.
Smoking, eating and chewing anything is also banned under the draft, except during authorised breaks, and officers must always maintain an “upright” posture, without leaning on walls or vehicles, “avoiding postures denoting negligence, indolence or neglect”.
When dealing with members of the public, the officers are expected to remain polite, respectful and “avoid using violence in language and manners”, whilst being “accessible and easily recognizable”.
The new regulations are designed to give special attention to the uniformity of the officers and the need to submit the physical aspect considered most appropriate for the performance of their functions for interacting with citizens.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43989/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Local Police in Seville are set to see their aesthetic standards raised, as a new draft ruling on dress and deportment is set to be approved, replacing their current standards which were implemented in 1926.
In particular, under the plans, tattoos sho...

### SPANISH AIRPORT OPERATOR TO BE PRIVATISED

The Minister for Public Works, Ana Pastor, has announced that the Spanish government aims to privatise the airport network company AENA, by offloading 49% of the company to the private sector.
In a statement, Mata stressed that AENA will continue to be a public entity, and will remain as a majority holding of 51%, saying that , “The government will maintain the majority stake in AENA and the state will remain the holder of the majority on the Board of Directors of AENA Airports.”
Of the 49% share on offer, 28% will be placed on the stock market, sold as an Oferta Pública de Venta, the remaining 21% to be tendered to a stable core of shareholders to be selected by public and concurrency competition.
Pastor noted that AENA Airports is the largest airport operator in the world in terms of passenger numbers, and is now profitable for the first time, reaching a net profit of 597 million euro. In 2013, the network carried 187.4 million passengers, marking a record of the history of Spanish civil aviation. 
The presence of private investors, according to the minister, will strengthen the management of the company, ensuring the future sustainability of the Spanish airport system, saying, “The increased efficiency of AENA will be a stimulus to the air transport sector in Spain and linked strategic sectors, such as tourism and trade, and encourage the international development of the company”.
Pastor also noted that AENA receives no money from the state budget and relies on the income earned by its trade policy and tariffs. It has also announced that it will increase airport charges next year and has advanced the adoption of a regulatory framework establishing a  five-year policy of monitoring the conditions and levels of service quality and the pricing framework.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43988/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Minister for Public Works, Ana Pastor, has announced that the Spanish government aims to privatise the airport network company AENA, by offloading 49% of the company to the private sector.
In a statement, Mata stressed that AENA will continue to b...

### TENDER REOPENS FOR 150 MILLION EURO MILITARY TRUCK CONTRACT

After its suspension in April, the Ministry of Defence has reopened the tender for the acquisition of 734 new medium and heavy road trucks, in a contract valued at more than 150 million euro.
With several companies already expressing an interest in bidding, this is thought to be one of the most eagerly anticipated contracts for the defence industry suppliers. Many believe that the current supplier Iveco, will be best placed to fulfil this contract.
According to the technical specification of the tender, the aim is to provide a range of vehicles between 2014 and 2019, able to carry a range of loads and weights.
Within the framework of the contract, the Army will receive 523 trucks, the Air Force will gain 29, and there are 36 for the Navy, plus 146 for the UME military emergency support. 
According to the statement of requirements, the maximum price of the average truck is 172,720 euro overall, with the most expensive version, a crane-backed vehicle, valued at 333,160 euro.
The tender process will close on the 31st of July, with the 25th set aside as the final date for requesting information.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43987/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: After its suspension in April, the Ministry of Defence has reopened the tender for the acquisition of 734 new medium and heavy road trucks, in a contract valued at more than 150 million euro.
With several companies already expressing an interest in bi...

### TORREVIEJA TO THE AIRPORT BUS GROWING IN INTEREST

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, has this week expressed his satisfaction that the Torrevieja to Alicante-Elche Airport bus link has grown by 25% in the first 5 months of the year.
Since the 1st of January this year, a total of 27,602 passengers have used the service, compared to 22,242 during the same period last year. The average daily use was now 180 passengers, compared to 147 people per day in the first 5 months of 2013.
As for each of the 5 months, in January there were 4,093 passengers, February saw 3,927, in March there were 5,015, April 6,873 and in May the bus carried 7,964 people, marking the busiest month so far. 
During the whole year of 2013, a total of 72,049 passengers were carried, representing an increase of 39.5% over 2012, when 51,660 people used the service.
The especially liveried coach runs 8 services each way per day, every day of the year. With the bus catering for almost 50 people each run, the capacity for the entire service day is 800 people, and so with the 180 per day using the service, there is still plenty of room available. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43986/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, has this week expressed his satisfaction that the Torrevieja to Alicante-Elche Airport bus link has grown by 25% in the first 5 months of the year.
Since the 1st of January this year, a total of 27,602 pa...

### MORE HOUSES COMING TO THE ORIHUELA COSTA

In addition to the 167 homes we reported to have been licensed for construction on the Orihuela Costa at the start of this month, the municipal spokesperson, Carolina Gracia, has this week announced another 22 homes approved for construction.
There will be two blocks which form one development of 20 properties, as well as two individual homes. As well as that, there have been six licenses granted for commercial use, two of which involve placing tables and chairs on the public highway.
There has also been a number of planning disputes resolved, with four disciplinary proceedings for an aggregate of 10,671.93 euro and 13 cases of restoration of urban law without a financial penalty. In addition, the government has approved another license for the demolition of a building used as a garage and in one of the surrounding villages, for the legalization and rehabilitation of a house.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43985/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In addition to the 167 homes we reported to have been licensed for construction on the Orihuela Costa at the start of this month, the municipal spokesperson, Carolina Gracia, has this week announced another 22 homes approved for construction.
There wi...

### Programa Oficial Fogueres de Sant Joan 2014

One of the biggest fiestas in this area, the Fogueras de Sant Joan is a must see event for everybody at some point. Courtesy of the Valencia tourist board, this is the schedule for the rest of the event.


Martes, 17 de junio
19’00 Horas
Novillos de Juan Ruíz Palomares para Juan Antonio Navas de Valencia, Genaro Alvarez de Alicante, Parrita Chico de Murcia, Gonzalo Herranz de Alicante, Vicente del Toro de Valencia y Raúl López de Alicante
Plaza de Toros de Alicante
00,00 Horas IV Sesión del VII Concurso de Mascletá Nocturnas “Pólvora a la  Nit”. Pirotecnia Martí (Burriana, Castellón) Avda. Historiador Vicente Ramos – Distrito: La Condomina  [Patrocina: AMSTEL]
Miércoles, 18 de junio
19’00 Horas
Novillos de Juan Ruíz Palomares para Fernández Torres de Murcia,
Cristian Ortuño de Alicante y Adrián Velasco de Alicante. Plaza de Toros de Alicante
00,00 Horas
V Sesión del VII Concurso de Mascletás Nocturnas “Pólvora a la  Nit”
Pirotecnia Alicantina de Focs i Artifici (Alicante)Plaza de los Luceros
 [Patrocina: AMSTEL]
Jueves, 19 de junio
13’00 Horas
Inauguración del Mercadito de Fogueres Avda. de Federico Soto
14,00 Horas
I Sesión del XXVII Concurso de Mascletás
Pirotecnia Turís S. L. (Turís, Valencia)  Plaza de los Luceros  [Patrocina: AMSTEL]
19’00 Horas
Novillada Mixta.
Cuatro novillos de Fuente Ymbro y dos erales de El Parralejo, para
Borja Álvarez y Raúl Bravo, que debuta con picadores, y el novillero
sin Picadores Jorge Rico  Plaza de Toros de Alicante
00,00 Horas
Plantà de Fogueres Infantils y “Ninots de Carrer”
Viernes, 20 de junio
09,00 Horas
Visita del Jurado de Fogueres Infantils
09,00 Horas
Visita del Jurado del XVIII certamen de “Ninots de Carrer”
14,00 Horas
II Sesión del XXVII Concurso de Mascletás
Pirotecnia Valenciana (Llanera de Ranes, Valencia)
Plaza de los Luceros
[Patrocina: AMSTEL]
19’00 Horas
Corrida de Toros
Toros de Alcurrucén para Juan José Padilla, Sebastián Castella e
Iván Fandiño
Plaza de Toros de Alicante
23,00 Horas
IV “Arribada del Foc – Pedro Valera”  Espectáculo de luz, sonido y pirotecnia.Fachada de “El Corte Inglés” de Alicante. C/Churruca
 [Patrocina: EL CORTE INGLÉS - ALICANTE]
00,00 Horas
Plantà de Fogueres, Barraques i Carrers Adornats Bacores i “Coca amb Tonyina”
Sábado, 21 de junio
08,00 Horas
“Despertá” en los distritos.
09,00 Horas
Visita del Jurado de Fogueres, Fogueres mes Innovadores,
Barraques i Carrers Adornats.
12,00 Horas
Homenaje a Gabriel Miró. Pl. de Gabriel Miró – Distrito Plaza de Gabriel Miró
13’00 Horas
Homenaje a José María Py
C/ José María Py  – Distrito José María Py
14,00 Horas
III Sesión del XXVII Concurso de Mascletás
Pirotecnia Alicantina de Focs i Artifici (Alicante)
Plaza de los Luceros
  [Patrocina: AMSTEL]
19,00 Horas
Ofrenda de Flores (I Sesión)
Itinerario:Avda. de Alfonso el Sabio, Rambla de Méndez Núñez, San  José, Plaza del Abad Penalva, Concatedral, Miguel Soler, San Nicolás,
Rafael Altamira y Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Cerrará el desfile la Bellesa del Foc Infantil d’Alacant i les seues
Dames d’Honor
(A la misma hora) Corrida de Toros
Toros de Zalduendo-El Pilar para Finito de Córdoba, Morante de la
Puebla y José María Manzanares
Plaza de Toros de Alicante
23’00 Horas
Verbenas en Barracas y Racós
Domingo, 22 de junio
08,00 Horas
“Despertá” en los distritos.
11,00 Horas
Desfile de Entrega de Premios
Itinerario: Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Rafael Altamira y Rambla,
hasta la tribuna del Portal de Elche.
13,00 Horas
Pasacalle Nanos i Gegants de la Ciudad de Alicante
Desde la Plaza del Ayuntamiento hasta la Plaza de los Luceros
14,00 Horas
IV Sesión del XXVII Concurso de Mascletás
Pirotecnia Martí (Burriana, Castellón)
Plaza de los Luceros
[Patrocina: AMSTEL]
19,00 Horas
Ofrenda de Flores (II Sesión)
Itinerario:Avda. de Alfonso el Sabio, Rambla de Méndez Núñez, San 
José, Plaza del Abad Penalva, Concatedral, Miguel Soler, San Nicolás,
Rafael Altamira y Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Cerrarán el desfile casas regionales y delegaciones festeras, la Bellesa   
del Foc d’Alacant i les seues Dames d’Honor
A la misma hora Corrida de Rejones
Toros de Fermín Bohorquez para Andy Cartagena, Diego Ventura y
Manuel Manzanares
Plaza de Toros de Alicante
23’00 Horas
Verbenas en Barracas y Racós
Lunes, 23 de junio
08,00 Horas
“Despertá” en los distritos.
13,00 Horas
Pasacalle Nanos i Gegants de la Ciudad de Alicante
Desde la Plaza del Ayuntamiento hasta la Plaza de los Luceros
14,00 Horas
V Sesión del XXVII Concurso de Mascletás
Pirotecnia Ferrández S. L. (Redován, Alicante)
Plaza de los Luceros
[Patrocina: AMSTEL]
20’30 Horas LIX Desfile Folklórico Internacional
Itinerario: Avda. de Alfonso el Sabio, Rambla de Méndez Núñez,
  C/Rafael Altamira y Plaza del Ayuntamiento
23’00 Horas Verbenas en Barracas y Racós
 
Martes, 24 de junio
08,00 Horas
“Despertá” en los distritos.
13,00 Horas
Pasacalle Nanos i Gegants de la Ciudad de Alicante
Desde la Plaza del Ayuntamiento hasta la Plaza de los Luceros
14,00 Horas
VI Sesión del XXVII Concurso de Mascletás
Pirotecnia Hermanos Ferrández (Beniel, Murcia)
Plaza de los Luceros
[Patrocina: AMSTEL]
19’00 Horas
Corrida de Toros
Toros de Las Ramblas para Enrique Ponce, El Fandi y Miguel Ángel
Perera
Plaza de Toros de Alicante
20,00 Horas
Misa Oficial de Hogueras
Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari
00,00 Horas
Monumental Palmera
Cumbre del Monte Benacantil
Fuegos Artificiales Hermanos Ferrández (Beniel, Murcia)
(A continuación) Cremá de la Foguera Oficial y Foguera Oficial Infantil
Pirotecnia Alicantina de Focs i Artifici (Alicante)
(Seguídamente) Cremá de Fogueres, Fogueres Infantils i Barraques
Miércoles, 25 de junio
00,00 Horas
I Sesión del LXIX Concurso Internacional de Fuegos Artificiales
Playa del Cocó
Pirotecnia Turís S. L. (Turís, Valencia)
(A continuación) Traca Luminosa por la misma pirotecnia.
Paseo de Gómiz
 
Jueves, 26 de junio
00,00 Horas
II Sesión del LXIX Concurso Internacional de Fuegos Artificiales
Playa del Cocó
Focs d’Artifici Europla S. L (Bélgida, Valencia)
(A continuación) Traca Luminosa por la misma pirotecnia.
Paseo de Gómiz
 
Viernes, 27 de junio
00,00 Horas
III Sesión del LXIX Concurso Internacional de Fuegos Artificiales
Playa del Cocó
Pirotecnia Martí (Burriana, Castellón)
(A continuación) Traca Luminosa por la misma pirotecnia.
Paseo de Gómiz
Sábado, 28 de junio
00,00 Horas
IV Sesión del LXIX Concurso Internacional de Fuegos Artificiales
Playa del Cocó
Pirotecnia Alicantina de Focs i Artifici (Alicante)
(A continuación) Traca Luminosa por la misma pirotecnia.
Paseo de Gómiz
Domingo, 29 de junio
00,00 Horas
V Sesión del LXIX Concurso Internacional de Fuegos Artificiales
 Playa del Cocó
Fuegos Artificiales Vulcano (Villarejo de Salvanes, Madrid)
(A continuación) Traca Luminosa por la misma pirotecnia.
Paseo de Gómiz


Casa de la Festa.
C/ Bailén, 20, 3º
965 23 07 22

Excerpt: One of the biggest fiestas in this area, the Fogueras de Sant Joan is a must see event for everybody at some point. Courtesy of the Valencia tourist board, this is the schedule for the rest of the event. Martes, 17 de junio 19’00 Horas Novillos de Juan Ruíz Palomares para Juan Antonio Navas de […]

### SPAIN ON ALERT IN PREPARATION FOR NEW KING

As a number of protests in support of a republican have been banned by the government during the proclamation of Filipe VI, some 7,000 police officers will be looking after the security during the proceedings.
Of the 7,000 officers assigned to the duty on the day, 4,300 are National Police, and 2,672 are Guardia Civil. 
According to the Interior Ministry, the reason for the “full and comprehensive” deployment is to “ensure the safety” of those involved. Meanwhile, the terrorist alert level has also been raised from level 2 to level 3.
Although the main events will be held on Thursday, the deployment began on Monday morning, led from the CEMAN Command Centre.
Of the officers deployed, which the ministry has described as “most complex”, 2,100 of them are highly trained riot police, 36 are explosives experts, there are 20 cavalry officers, 23 dog units and 32 who specialise in subterranean activities.
The Guardia Civil will also deploy a Subsurface Reconnaissance Unit, air support, a Cavalry Squadron, explosives and dog experts, as well as specialists in traffic and public safety.
The secret services are currently monitoring known anarchist groups, observing any signs of plans for disturbances or trouble, using specialist officers who have previously worked on Barcelona Olympics and the World Expo of 1992 in Seville.
Of the four levels relating to the plan for prevention and protection against terrorism, which was launched in Spain in March 2005, Level 3 involves the activation of the special intervention units and allows the state security forces to monitor places of a mass influx of people and the protection of critical infrastructure. Level 3 also provides the ability to restrict access to places such as airports or nuclear power plants, which can be viewed as potential threats to infrastructure.
However, the ministry also wish to make it clear that there is no known threat to the proceedings, the reason for the additional action is purely for preventative reasons, although they do feel that there is a risk of organised, though mostly peaceful, protests.
Meanwhile, as much of the country is celebrating the news of a new king, for the residents of the small Valencia village of Horno de Alcedo, there is even more reason to celebrate than most. A town with a population of around 1,300 people, 5 of those residents employed by a small plastics company have had to work almost flat out for just over a week, as they are manufacturing 120,000 flags which will line the streets as the new monarch travels through Madrid to take his role as the new head of state.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43984/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As a number of protests in support of a republican have been banned by the government during the proclamation of Filipe VI, some 7,000 police officers will be looking after the security during the proceedings.
Of the 7,000 officers assigned to the dut...

### CHEAP FARES TO MADRID FOR PROCLAMATION

Public transport company ALSA has launched a special offer campaign of cheap fares to Madrid, for those wishing to attend the proclamation event of Filipe VI on Thursday.
The ticket price of 12 or 19 euro, return, is available from a total of 27 Spanish cities served by its network, including Torrevieja, departing on either the 18th or 19th of June, returning on the 19th.
 The special Price is available for travel and return to Albacete, Alicante, Aranda de Duero, Barcelona, Benidorm, Bilbao, Burgos, Cartagena, A Coruña, Ferrol, Gijón, Granada, León, Logroño, Lugo, Murcia, Oviedo, Ponferrada, San Sebastián, Santander, Santiago de Compostela, Soria, Torrelavega, Torrevieja, Valladolid, Vitoria and Zaragoza.
Tickets can be booked via the website, www.alsa.es, by telephoning 902 42 22 42, or from their sales offices and bus stations.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43983/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Public transport company ALSA has launched a special offer campaign of cheap fares to Madrid, for those wishing to attend the proclamation event of Filipe VI on Thursday.
The ticket price of 12 or 19 euro, return, is available from a total of 27 Spani...

### FOURTEEN COUNCILLORS CULLED IN CENSUS CLEAN UP

As further details come to light regarding the cleaning of the census figures by the Institute of National Statistics, the aftermath of the drop of numbers is set to have serious repercussions on the amount of council representation in the Vega Baja area.
In total, there will be 14 council posts removed from the governments affected by the clean up, as tens of thousands of residents are wiped off the census, mostly foreign nationals who are believed to have either moved away, or, in some cases, died.
One of the most serious locations affected is Torrevieja, where losing 15,000 registered residents puts it way below the 100,000 threshold, resulting in a considerable drop in the amount of money the town hall receives from both residential taxes and from the governments. Now, as a result of the cull there, they are set to lose 2 councillor posts, dropping from 27 elected positions to 25.
Los Montesinos will lose 2 councillors, dropping from 13 to 11, and Jacarilla, also set to lose 2, will drop from 11 to 9. San Fulgencio will lose 4, going down from 17 to 13 councillors, and Rojales will also lose 4, dropping from 21 to 17.
In Orihuela, where the population has also dropped, the political situation is unchanged, and they will not lose any council seats as a result of their drop, where the cull will have the least serious impact.
Quite how these council posts will affect the elections in May will remain to be seen, and although the revenue income for these locations will be considerably reduced, the costs in employing these 14 councillors will be a saving, although not of equal terms.
Overall, the outcome of this audit has shown how crucial it is to be registered on the padrón, as the consequences are serious for every resident who may suffer as a result of years of imbalance. There will no doubt be numerous campaigns to try to encourage more people to register, but however the individual town halls choose to dress up their attempts, the important fact is the same, that registration on the padrón is vital.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43982/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As further details come to light regarding the cleaning of the census figures by the Institute of National Statistics, the aftermath of the drop of numbers is set to have serious repercussions on the amount of council representation in the Vega Baja ar...

### ACCURACY OF PEGASUS CALLED INTO QUESTION

Multayuda, a company set up to support motorists throughout Spain in defending the rights of drivers, believe that numerous fines issued by Spain´s airborne radar system, Pegasus, could be considered as dubious, after winning a case on behalf of a motorist caught speeding.
The company are self professed experts in Road Safety Law and the Law of Land Transport Management, and have over 20 years of service experience. They say that their goal is to give you the best possible defence for fines, throughout Spain, and say that they have helped over 500,000 drivers.
The recent case revolved around the margin of error that is allowed for speeding motorists, where they argued that the wrong regulations were being consulted by the helicopter based system, as this margin was only valid for equipment used in ground based capture.
According to the company, the regulations and margin being enforced by the DGT were from a 1992 technical draft, whereas they ought to be referring to a more recent version, which favours the driver. In some cases, the difference in the margin could mean a significant reduction in fines, and in the more severe cases, could mean the difference between being sent to prison or remaining free.
The case which the company fought was on behalf of a driver who was punished for the “serious” offense of driving at 153 kilometres per hour on a road in Seville where the limit was 120 kmph. The driver was issued with a 300 euro fine and suffered the loss of two points for driving at a speed in excess of 30 kilometres per hour above the limit.
However, taking the margin of error into account, the speed recorded could have been slightly below 150, thus taking it below the “serious” offense threshold, thus making it just a 100 euro fine and no loss of points.
Capable of snapping speeding vehicles up to a kilometre away, Pegasus began operating in March of 2013, and has completed over 500 flying hours, checked 9,960 vehicles and clocked 1,778 drivers exceeding the speed limit by more than 30 kilometres per hour above the allowed speed on the roads. As well as hefty fines, Pegasus has taken away a total of 1,360 points from drivers for speeding.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43978/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Multayuda, a company set up to support motorists throughout Spain in defending the rights of drivers, believe that numerous fines issued by Spain´s airborne radar system, Pegasus, could be considered as dubious, after winning a case on behalf of ...

### NO INCREASE IN NATIONAL POLICE IN TORREVIEJA

The new office for dealing with immigration and residential papers by the National Police has opened on calle Arquitecto Larramendi in Torrevieja, albeit not with the promised increase in staff.
The office is covered by one inspector, two police officers and two assistants, the exact same number as when the office was located near the windmill on the plaza del Molino.
It was in July of last year that the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, met with officials at the site in order to finalise plans for the new office, designed to provide “comprehensive care to both foreign and Spanish citizens”.
The new office promised around three times the amount of space over the old one, and at the time the announcement was made that this would also allow for staffing to be “doubled” at the centre, as well as being hailed as an important move for international residents in the area, who will no longer have to travel to Elche or Alicante for processing their NIE applications.
Despite the obvious cost in the move, quite why the staffing has not been increased is yet to be announced, but with the threat of Torrevieja about to potentially have 15,000 residents wiped from the census, the long promised building of a full and functioning National Police station in the city is looking like an ever increasingly distant broken promise.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43976/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The new office for dealing with immigration and residential papers by the National Police has opened on calle Arquitecto Larramendi in Torrevieja, albeit not with the promised increase in staff.
The office is covered by one inspector, two police offic...

### TORREVIEJA POLICE ASK FOR DIALOGUE TO BE OPENED

The syndicated unions of the Local Police in Torrevieja have announced that they have approached the Mayor, Eduardo Dolón, with a view to opening dialogue between the two sides and trying to resolve the long running disputes between the officers of the force and the town hall.
The group, who represent 80% of the workforce, want to make their complaints and claims clear, so as to avoid any further ambiguity in their attempts to resolve such matters as shift pattern changes which have left the city without police coverage at times, as well as holidays and legally required breaks between shifts.
A number of officers have staged protests during the monthly plenary meetings, as they try to encourage open dialogue, some of these protests have met with disciplinary action and threats of fines, thus aggravating the matter further.
The officers have also hit back at suggestions that they are operating a “work to rule” policy, saying that it is not the case, whereas they have been blamed for taking prompt action against illegally parked vehicles and urban infractions against bars and restaurants, which some see as a violation and abuse of their powers, whilst others, including the officers, see it as them simply upholding the law and fulfilling their duties as police officers.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43974/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The syndicated unions of the Local Police in Torrevieja have announced that they have approached the Mayor, Eduardo Dolón, with a view to opening dialogue between the two sides and trying to resolve the long running disputes between the officers...

### MAKE THE MOST OF USED SCHOOL BOOKS

After the very successful first edition in 2013 the bookexchange “Tus libros valen dinero” will start again from the 23rd of June. It will be possible once again to exchange used school books for the school year 2014/2015. Students from all over Spain used our services.
Last years experience learned that it is important to make an early start. The sooner your lists are known the more change there is to be served. 
By swapping books hundreds of students saved themselves a lot of money. Not only by buying the books they need second hand, but also by selling the ones of previews years. You can save up to € 250 by buying second hand schoolbooks instead of new ones.  Most books are still in good condition and can be used for another year.
And don't forget: school results do not depend if you use new or second hand books. It's the student that makes the difference. 
The shop is located in the main street of San Miguel de Salinas, Calle 19 de Abril, numero 40. (next to the Town Hall). For more information about opening hours and our conditions, please visit the website www.tuslibrosvalendinero.es or contact us directly: Maite 600048498 (Spanish, French), Debby 687906950 (Dutch, German, English, Spanish), email: info@tuslibrosvalendinero.es.
For more information: Debby 687906950 or email info@tuslibrosvalendinero.es
www.tuslibrosvalendinero.esFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43975/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: After the very successful first edition in 2013 the bookexchange “Tus libros valen dinero” will start again from the 23rd of June. It will be possible once again to exchange used school books for the school year 2014/2015. Students from al...

### CHIRINGUITOS DEL SOL ARE GO!

At the end of last week and into the weekend, an army of workers took to the beaches of Orihuela Costa, to start building the beach bars and relaxation areas that will be available throughout the summer.
After controversy, complaint, threats and discussions, the contract for providing beach based services on the Orihuela Costa was finally signed this week, with the company Chiringuitos del Sol being awarded the work.
In the early hours of Friday morning, immediately after the contract was signed, the workers started building the infrastructure. Their first priority was for safety, installing buoys along one the beach of Cabo Roig, where a tragedy occurred some years ago when a boat struck a young bather, with the new system already in place to keep boats away from the coastline, thus keeping the beach area safer.
There had been a delay in awarding the contract, as well as criticism over the inclusion of quality requirements to ensure that the company providing the service was of the highest possible standard. A number of companies had been excluded from the tender process as they didn´t meet the requirements set out in the tender. More recently, it was discovered that the company which did meet all of the requirements had an outstanding amount due to the town hall of around 880,000 euro, which the town hall had failed to ask for to cover previous contracts many years ago. It had been wrongly reported by some Spanish and English papers, fuelled by the political opposition, that this was a debt, and therefore excluded the company from bidding, but this was never the case on account of the money never having been claimed, a matter which caused the current government to delay the process further whilst the matter was clarified and corrected.
Once a request was made for the first instalment of that amount, it allowed the company in question to make the payment, which they duly did last week, handing over more than a half a million euro for services dating back to 2006. Neither the previous government of Monica Lorente, nor the previous Councillors for the coast, Bob Houliston and then Pedro Mancebo, apparently being aware that this money was ever due to be claimed. The amounts due for the more recent contracts will also be cleared, once the agreed timeframe for making those payments, which is now in place, has been made.
It is also true that there was a further delay caused by the administrative process, which the current Councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer of the Los Verdes green party in Orihuela described as “very disappointing”, whilst also accepting what many believe is the norm that in Spain, many things take longer than one might hope. 
The town hall has been operating on antiquated, paper based systems for decades, and it is hoped that these delays will also start to reduce as the new electronic system spreads through the town hall departments. In fact, an example of this was when Scheurer herself finalised the signing of the documents this week. Once everything was in place and set, up until two months ago, the councillor involved would have then had to drive to Orihuela city to sign the final phase of the contract, which would of course take some time, and assuming the town hall was open may well have added another day to the process. Whilst attending a presentation in the Orihuela Costa Civic Centre on Thursday, Scheurer received the documents electronically, and securely, and she was able to sign and return them within a matter of moments, electronically, proving how the process can be speeded up, once everybody is used to using the system.
Now that the contract has been awarded, the workers sprang into action, and as Thomas Herteux from Chiringuitos del Sol explained to The Leader, “Every single employee is committed to make sure that we all do the very best we can to fulfil the service over the next few years”. In fact, with their track record in providing the service already a testament to that, as well as the fact that the company prides itself on the quality standards it has achieved, the ISO 9001, ISO 14001, as well as the “Q” for quality award.
Although it is likely to take a few weeks for the beaches to be fully operational, Thomas also explains how things are now “more complicated because of the very late start”, but they are already planning lots of new features which will start to be installed once the initial equipment is in place.
One of the most exciting developments which will appear soon will be a new safe and locker system, a pioneering development from Belgium, which will be tested on La Zenia beach. Thomas explained how the security system works much like a cash machine, with valuables locked away in a secure manner, and as a bonus, the system can also give users free wi-fi access to users whilst on the beach.
In fact, wi-fi access is something else that will be developed in the future, with wi-fi zones planned on many of the beaches, which will also allow visitors to use a mobile application that the company is developing, hopefully set for release this summer, which will provide information such as the weather, sea temperature and conditions, and even the availability of sun loungers.
Many of the other proposals are subject to gaining permission from the beach authority, but there is no doubt that the popular beach volleyball competition will return, as well as the Latin and flamenco dance nights, incentives for keeping the beaches clean, a water play-park and even the possibility of massage tables with qualified professionals on hand. In addition, the company will have a mechanical digger available at all times, to ensure the beaches are kept in pristine condition, which will also be available should there be any issues such as the weather related problems as seen on the beaches in previous years.
As Thomas concluded, “We will try to do the best we can to bring loads of fun, the best food and drinks and the highest standards to Orihuela”, to which there is no doubt that with the contract finally awarded, the company running the service is of the highest standard available, and so, the services provided on the beaches of Orihuela will be the envy of many of the beaches of Spain, setting Orihuela aside as a premiere resort where quality and commitment are standard.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43972/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: At the end of last week and into the weekend, an army of workers took to the beaches of Orihuela Costa, to start building the beach bars and relaxation areas that will be available throughout the summer.
After controversy, complaint, threats and discu...

### DUATHLON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

The World Championships was held in Pontevedra, on 1 June and in the age group section local Club Tragmillas was represented by two competitors, Marina Martinez and Francisco Morales, both obtaining magnificent results.
Marina took bronze by finishing 3rd in the 20-24 year age group while Francisco finished 5th in the 60-64 age group. 
Last year when the Spanish National Championship event was held in Avilés the pair finished 1st and 2nd respectively.
Well done to them bothFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43967/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The World Championships was held in Pontevedra, on 1 June and in the age group section local Club Tragmillas was represented by two competitors, Marina Martinez and Francisco Morales, both obtaining magnificent results.
Marina took bronze by finishing...

### MORE DOORS, MORE FUN: MEET THE FIRST-EVER MINI 5-DOOR HATCH

The first-ever MINI Hatch with 5-doors arrives this autumn/New model combines distinctive character and refinement of 3-door with enhanced appeal of two extra doors. 
Additional space and practicality comes as standard – 278 litres of boot space, 72mm more rear legroom and third seat in rear; Introduction of new Cooper SD engine variant with 360Nm.
Just months after launching the new MINI Hatch, MINI has today expanded its model range with the addition of an entirely new body variant – the MINI 5-door Hatch. It's the first time in the history of the brand that the Hatch has been offered with two rear doors, and the new model promises to combine the hallmark driving fun, distinctive character and refinement of its 3-door sibling with enhanced practicality.
This brand new model features enhanced interior comfort and practicality thanks to the extended wheelbase. Like all MINI models, the new MINI 5-door Hatch has an unmistakable appearance. All MINI engines are balanced for fuel consumption and performance.
At the UK launch of the MINI 5-door Hatch, the new Cooper D offers combined fuel economy of 78.5 mpg while CO2 emissions start from 95 g/km. The Cooper S Hatch can dispatch the sprint to 62mph in just 6.8 secs.
The new MINI 5-door Hatch comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard featuring rev matching on downward shifts. A six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option on each engine.
The MINI 5-door Hatch features a high level of standard specification, including USB interface and Bluetooth, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, front fog lamps and onboard computer. Air-conditioning is available free of charge on all models.
These can be supplemented with a range of desirable options for comfort, convenience, additional functionality and customisation. They include two-zone automatic air-conditioning, heated front seats, panoramic glass roof, windscreen heating, rain sensors and automatic light control, a Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system and a sports leather steering wheel.
Other options include Park Distance Control, electrically heated and folding exterior mirrors, and both interior and exterior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle function.
The MINI 5-door Hatch's standard display and operating controls can be supplemented with a class leading 8.8 inch display, fitted in the central instrument, as well as the MINI Touch Controller. An optional led light ring for the central display provides visual feedback to the driver.
For example, when Park Distance Control is activated, the remaining distance to obstacles is shown by means of a ring of light, which is illuminated in green, yellow or red – supplementing the graphic display.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43952/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The first-ever MINI Hatch with 5-doors arrives this autumn/New model combines distinctive character and refinement of 3-door with enhanced appeal of two extra doors. 
Additional space and practicality comes as standard – 278 litres of boot space...

### PARTICK THISTLE TO VISIT ARENA PINATAR

Pinatar Arena will begin their summer training camps with the Scottish Premier League Football club Partick Thistle according to Fran de Paula, Director General of the complex, who met with club representatives last week .
Partick, who will visit the area between 6 – 13 July, are scheduled to play a minimum of two friendlies during their time at Pinatar arena and in so doing will become the very first Scopttish Club to use the facility.
It is hoped that the visit will introduce a large number of Scottish football supporters to Pinatar Arena.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43944/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Pinatar Arena will begin their summer training camps with the Scottish Premier League Football club Partick Thistle according to Fran de Paula, Director General of the complex, who met with club representatives last week .
Partick, who will visit the ...

### TOUR OPERATORS LEARN HOW TOURIST POLICE OFFICE AND CONSULATE CAN HELP BRITS IN TROUBLE

Tour operators have been finding out more about how the tourist police office in Benidorm (SATE) and the British Consulate can help British visitors in need, thanks to a meeting organised by the consular staff.
The SATE office (Servicio de Atención al Turista Extranjero) is a place where tourists can go to get English language help and support if they have fallen victim of crime. They can fill out police reports, make emergency calls to cancel their credit cards, get money transferred, and contact their insurance companies or the Consulate.
Representatives from Thompson, Jet2Holidays, Cosmos and Thomas Cook have committed to encouraging their guests to make use of the SATE service, which is designed to ensure visitors to Benidorm get the support they need.
British Vice Consul, Lloyd Milen, who organised the event, said: 
 “Tour operators are often the first point of call for a tourist who needs help, which is why it is so important they are up to date with the assistance on offer. 
 “The service at the SATE office is invaluable for anyone who has fallen victim to crime, and it is great that tour operators are now fully aware of this vital source of support in Benidorm.”
Mr Milen also said that it was important to prevent guests from becoming victims of crime in the first place, by encouraging them to keep their valuables locked away somewhere safe and carrying a photocopy of their passport instead. 
Tour representatives also had an early chance to sign up to the British Embassy in Spain's @britsvisitspain Twitter account and the ‘Brits Visiting Spain' Facebook page, both designed to help British nationals make the most of their holidays here.
The SATE office can be found in Benidorm at the Centro Municipal Torrejó, Plaza de Canalejas, 1.  It is open from Monday to Friday from 9-21h and at weekends from 10-14h.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43943/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Tour operators have been finding out more about how the tourist police office in Benidorm (SATE) and the British Consulate can help British visitors in need, thanks to a meeting organised by the consular staff.
The SATE office (Servicio de Atenci&oacu...

### MIKE PROBERT TALKS GOLF - 16 JUNE 2014

(Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services).
Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.
‘La Peraleja - Update' 
Seve Ballesteros designed the superb course at La Peraleja which was planned to be exclusive and in fact when first opened the green fee price was €90 (walking). Local golfers will be aware the in subsequent years they have has numerous problems with a number of fairways as a result of high salt  levels at the grass root killing the grass in large areas. To be fair to the owners of La Peraleja they have reflected the poor condition of the fairways with hugely reduced green fee prices at circa €30-35 including buggy (and still people complained). I held a meeting with them last week and can report that they now have a plan to re-deign and re-seed the fairways to eliminate the problem in the near future. The cost of this re-modelling work could be as high as €120K but will eliminate the problems once and for all. Clearly the green fee prices will increase to the normal levels in the area as the course returns to its former glory so my advice to you is to fill your boots while you still can at these crazy low prices.
I will provide you with an update as the work progresses.
We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us.
The deals shown in the attached table are some of the best currently available to you.
For bookings and more information contact Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com or direct on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 quoting reference LEADER.
Competition Watch
The Lions Charity Golf was held at Las Colinas on Saturday 14th June 2014 and a full report will appear in next week's edition.
Quotation of the week
“THe person that never made a mistake never made anything” – The voice of any unsung and verbally abused volunteer.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43942/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: (Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services).
Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Se...

### EXPATS AND TELEVISION

Nothing disturbs the mind of an otherwise dedicated expat, and particularly those of the retired variety, than being unable to watch their favourite TV programmes from their home country.
Admittedly, in countries such as Spain, France, Portugal and Italy, watching a good dose of national TV from time to time does help to improve language skills. Indeed, I know of several expats who claim that they have learned their new language entirely from watching television and listening to the radio in their adopted countries.
Sadly, I doubt that this could be true in the case of Spain, where reality TV, quizzes and game shows seem to dominate the daily diet.
The daily output is a little weird, although many of the news channels are usually worth watching. There is also much to be said from watching familiar Hollywood blockbusters with Spanish subtitles; it is a good way to become more familiar with the language and is much cheaper than buying Spanish lessons.
Over the years, I have noticed that even the most hardened and cynical critics of the BBC, such as those who detest paying the annual licence fee and would previously have supported an end to the national broadcaster, have now recognised that it has become a national institution. I have seen expats beg for British television and crave to be able to pay the licence fee after just a few weeks in Spain.
I have witnessed grown men cry when their beloved Sky box and enormous dish become obsolete overnight when the broadcaster transferred to another satellite. I have seen usually law abiding Brits happily hand over fistfuls of cash to known Mafia enterprises, simply for the privileged of having a baking tray looking ‘aerial' fitted to their roof, together with an assurance that they will receive Brit television for life, albeit illegally gathered from broadcasters in the UK.
It is certainly true, although many expats will be reluctant to admit it, that being able to watch familiar television programmes from their home country makes for a happier expat. Of course, purists will say that this is wrong; expats should suffer the delights of Spanish TV like everyone else, and be out eating paella and drinking Rioja every evening; they should be socialising with Spanish people, and spending their time getting to know the culture and language. Of course, they are right, philosophically and culturally speaking; however, this view ignores the fact that British television is of exceedingly high quality, keeps Brits in touch with their language and culture and, perhaps most importantly of all, helps to maintain links with the country of their birth. Above all they happen to enjoy it; indeed, it is best described as a soggy comfort blanket.
Over the last few weeks, one national UK newspaper has had a campaign that appears to attempt to undermine expat life in Spain, Portugal and France in favour of a new El Dorado in the making - that of Dubai. Personally, I cannot see Dot and Bert from Wigan dreaming of retiring in Dubai, and certainly not opening a bar there.
I suspect that vested interests are at work at the newspaper, and they are desperately trying to sell homes for a Sheik or two. The newspaper claims that 20 per cent of all British expats are leaving Spain “in droves” because of the recession, unemployment and a host of other reasons, although they forget to mention, of course, that 80 per cent of expats choose to stay and are rather content with their lives.
Actually, the paper has it completely wrong. The real reason behind the “exodus” from Spain to the UK is nothing more complicated than television transmission from the previous satellite has suddenly ended; it is now much more difficult to receive British television in Spain that it was a few months ago. There are currently huge swathes of expats foaming at the mouth that they can no longer receive Brit TV, and this is the real reason for their sudden change of heart and a move back to the UK. Sorry, but I must end now, Eastenders is about to start.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.

© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43938/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Nothing disturbs the mind of an otherwise dedicated expat, and particularly those of the retired variety, than being unable to watch their favourite TV programmes from their home country.
Admittedly, in countries such as Spain, France, Portugal and It...

### VALENCIA PHARMACISTS CONSIDER STRIKE ACTION

In a result that was totally unexpected the presidents of the College of Pharmacists of Alicante, Castellon and Valencia rejected the payment schedule for the settlement of their outstanding prescription debt proposed by the Generalitat councilors of Health and Finance last Monday. 
They say that pharmacists no longer have the financial capability to bear the advance costs of medicines for the month of June unless the ministry clear their outstanding debts much quicker than the proposed schedule of payments. As such the risk of industrial action once again is likely to threaten the closure of pharmacies and therefore put many lives in danger  across the region.
A representative for the pharmacists said following their meeting with the regional Government that the new payment schedule was ‘poor' and it does not enable them to meet their own financial obligations. 
The Generalitat meanwhile say that they are about to pay 41,32 million euro which equates to 42% of the outstanding invoice for the month of March. Minister for Health, Manuel Llombart , said that a ‘temporary problem' in the treasury has prevented them paying the March bill, which was due by the end of May, but he hoped now to now speed things up so that the April invoice would be settled at the end of June, the remaining March invoice by 15 July and the May invoice by the end of July. 
Following the publication of the payment schedule the Presidents of the College of Pharmacists convened on Monday to decide what actions they might undertake. The presidents of their three professional bodies then sent a statement signed by the Pharmacy Board Valenciano which made it clear that they do not accept these conditions.
They say that they are now to call a meeting of all pharmacists on Monday, June 16 to discuss the situation further.
Until then, due to the "serious situation" within the sector, the Assembly will send a burofax to Finance Minister Cristobal Montoro asking for intervention by the central government.  The fax will inform the government of the liquidity problems faced by pharmacies and the 'impact' that may arise as a result of their continued dispute.
Llombart insisted however, that the two bodies are not "too far" from reaching a solution which he felt sure would quickly be found.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43937/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In a result that was totally unexpected the presidents of the College of Pharmacists of Alicante, Castellon and Valencia rejected the payment schedule for the settlement of their outstanding prescription debt proposed by the Generalitat councilors of Health and Finance last Monday. 
They say that pharmacists no longer have the financial capability to bear the advance costs of medicines for the month of June unless the ministry clear their outstanding debts much quicker than the proposed schedule of payments. As such the risk of industrial action once again is likely to threaten the closure of pharmacies and therefore put many lives in danger  across the region.
A representative for the pharmacists said following their meeting with the regional Government that the new payment schedule was ‘poor' and it does not enable them to meet their own financial obligations. 
The Generalitat meanwhile say that they are about to pay 41,32 million euro which equates to 42% of the outstanding invoice for the month of March. Minister for Health, Manuel Llombart , said that a ‘temporary problem' in the treasury has prevented them paying the March bill, which was due by the end of May, but he hoped now to now speed things up so that the April invoice would be settled at the end of June, the remaining March invoice by 15 July and the May invoice by the end of July. 
Following the publication of the payment schedule the Presidents of the College of Pharmacists convened on Monday to decide what actions they might undertake. The presidents of their three professional bodies then sent a statement signed by the Pharmacy Board Valenciano which made it clear that they do not accept these conditions.
They say that they are now to call a meeting of all pharmacists on Monday, June 16 to discuss the situation further.
Until then, due to the "serious situation" within the sector, the Assembly will send a burofax to Finance Minister Cristobal Montoro asking for intervention by the central government.  The fax will inform the government of the liquidity problems faced by pharmacies and the 'impact' that may arise as a result of their continued dispute.
Llombart insisted however, that the two bodies are not "too far" from reaching a solution which he felt sure would quickly be found.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43937/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### PACHETA APPOINTED AS HERCULES COACH

Following their relegation from Segunda A, the newly appointed Sports Director of Hercules CF, Dani Barroso, has made his first appointment at the club, the engagement of Jose Rojo, Pacheta, as the new club coach for a term of one year. 
Pacheta joins Hercules from the Poland where he managed Korona Kielce, who finished 13th following his one season in the post. 
During a long playing career the new manager appeared for both Espanyol and Numancia before going into management with Numancia, Real Oviedo and Cartagena from where he was surprisingly dismissed by President Paco Gomez following their promotion. He moved to Poland and  Korona Kielce last year. 
Barroso said he chose Pacheta because of his knowledge of Segunda B and because he is well used to working in ‘pressure' situations, something that he will once again experience as he endeavours to get the former La Liga club back into Segunda A at the first time of asking.
The Sporting Director said that with the most important appointment now made the club can focus their efforts on preparing a team that is guaranteed to challenge for promotion to Segunda A, but that his staff will not be rushed. "I want to have better team on August 31, than I had on June 30, to after getting off to a good start in the new season we will need to consolidate our efforts and ensure that we gain promotion.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43936/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Following their relegation from Segunda A, the newly appointed Sports Director of Hercules CF, Dani Barroso, has made his first appointment at the club, the engagement of Jose Rojo, Pacheta, as the new club coach for a term of one year. 
Pacheta joins Hercules from the Poland where he managed Korona Kielce, who finished 13th following his one season in the post. 
During a long playing career the new manager appeared for both Espanyol and Numancia before going into management with Numancia, Real Oviedo and Cartagena from where he was surprisingly dismissed by President Paco Gomez following their promotion. He moved to Poland and  Korona Kielce last year. 
Barroso said he chose Pacheta because of his knowledge of Segunda B and because he is well used to working in ‘pressure' situations, something that he will once again experience as he endeavours to get the former La Liga club back into Segunda A at the first time of asking.
The Sporting Director said that with the most important appointment now made the club can focus their efforts on preparing a team that is guaranteed to challenge for promotion to Segunda A, but that his staff will not be rushed. "I want to have better team on August 31, than I had on June 30, to after getting off to a good start in the new season we will need to consolidate our efforts and ensure that we gain promotion.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43936/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### COUNCIL TO SPEND 18,000 EUROS ON GUARDAMAR CASTLE

The Ministry of Culture has awarded a grant of € 18,000 to undertake improvement and maintenance works in Guardamar Castle.
The project involves the consolidation of the outer wall, clearing up of the internal areas, restoration of the solid flooring and replacement of the front door to the grounds.
Councillor for Heritage, Jesus Huertas, said that this shows more evidence that the government team is continuing its policy of maintaining the region's important archaeological sites. “We want to provide the best image of our attractions going into this summer season is when there will be far more visitors to our town."
The Guardamar Castle is just one of the many local buildings declared to be of Cultural Interest, first erected in the late thirteenth century by Alfonso X the Wise and continuing to be a stronghold of the town until its destruction by earthquakes in 1829.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43935/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Ministry of Culture has awarded a grant of € 18,000 to undertake improvement and maintenance works in Guardamar Castle.
The project involves the consolidation of the outer wall, clearing up of the internal areas, restoration of the solid flooring and replacement of the front door to the grounds.
Councillor for Heritage, Jesus Huertas, said that this shows more evidence that the government team is continuing its policy of maintaining the region's important archaeological sites. “We want to provide the best image of our attractions going into this summer season is when there will be far more visitors to our town."
The Guardamar Castle is just one of the many local buildings declared to be of Cultural Interest, first erected in the late thirteenth century by Alfonso X the Wise and continuing to be a stronghold of the town until its destruction by earthquakes in 1829.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43935/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### NETWORK OF BEGGARS BLIGHT BENIDORM STREETS

The Local Police in Benidorm have asked the court to reopen proceedings against a network that is operating in the town and forcing people to beg on the streets. They allege an offense against the rights of citizens and human trafficking relating to an organised gang.
The councilor for Public Safety, José Marcet, said that the claim arose following a campaign by the local police and municipal social services where they had identified a number of different locations, and individuals, all of whom were begging. They seemed to be an organized group that was moved around the town in a van, six people that plied their trade in several different places on a regular basis.
In the course of the investigation, the local police identified the individuals and seized their collection of 580 euros. They initially appeared in court on 19 May. 
But a study of by the Social Welfare department on the beggars suggests that 42.22% of these are "probably victims or members of an organization" and all of them are of the same nationality, 26.32% with "disabilities".
Marcet stated that the people of Benidorm will not allow "organized groups to operate in the city, many of whom are seemingly being exploited." Hence, he has now raised the findings with the city Prosecutor.
In publishing the report, the councillor said that 27.78% of people who carry out begging in Benidorm are social outcasts and live on the public streets by necessity. Meanwhile results also identify 14.4% who beg  as a "profession."  These are people who "usually have a large enough income, to afford both housing  as well as pay for their food and hygiene needs."
Another 15.6% of the sample, which was conducted on 90 people who practice begging has not been listed due to a lack of information. 
Marcet said that, of all the beggars identified on Benidorm's streets, three have received assistance from consulates and associations in the city; two, have been granted an allowance; while one has been offered employment; another has received healthcare; three have also been provided with food and accommodation and one has been admitted to lower school.
According to the councillor, the data shows that the ordinance "is fulfilling the purpose for which it was created and continues to deliver aid and social services to the people who really need it."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43934/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Local Police in Benidorm have asked the court to reopen proceedings against a network that is operating in the town and forcing people to beg on the streets. They allege an offense against the rights of citizens and human trafficking relating to an organised gang.
The councilor for Public Safety, José Marcet, said that the claim arose following a campaign by the local police and municipal social services where they had identified a number of different locations, and individuals, all of whom were begging. They seemed to be an organized group that was moved around the town in a van, six people that plied their trade in several different places on a regular basis.
In the course of the investigation, the local police identified the individuals and seized their collection of 580 euros. They initially appeared in court on 19 May. 
But a study of by the Social Welfare department on the beggars suggests that 42.22% of these are "probably victims or members of an organization" and all of them are of the same nationality, 26.32% with "disabilities".
Marcet stated that the people of Benidorm will not allow "organized groups to operate in the city, many of whom are seemingly being exploited." Hence, he has now raised the findings with the city Prosecutor.
In publishing the report, the councillor said that 27.78% of people who carry out begging in Benidorm are social outcasts and live on the public streets by necessity. Meanwhile results also identify 14.4% who beg  as a "profession."  These are people who "usually have a large enough income, to afford both housing  as well as pay for their food and hygiene needs."
Another 15.6% of the sample, which was conducted on 90 people who practice begging has not been listed due to a lack of information. 
Marcet said that, of all the beggars identified on Benidorm's streets, three have received assistance from consulates and associations in the city; two, have been granted an allowance; while one has been offered employment; another has received healthcare; three have also been provided with food and accommodation and one has been admitted to lower school.
According to the councillor, the data shows that the ordinance "is fulfilling the purpose for which it was created and continues to deliver aid and social services to the people who really need it."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43934/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### OFFSHORE OIL EXPLORATION FOR ALICANTE

The mayor of Valencia, Rita Barbera, said that whilst she will oppose any the exploration for oil just off the Valencian coast she said that "there is no reason to refuse the activity providing it is carried out in the area between the Gulf of Valencia and the Balearic Islands.
Barbera gave her reply when she was asked about the presence of the boat Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior in the port of Valencia and their protest against the start of oil exploration in the Mediterranean.
The mayor said that during the Socialist government of Zapatero she met with a company which was seeking permission to prospect in four or five sites of the Mediterranean, one of them just "three or four miles from the Beach of El Saler”.
At that time permission was not granted because ministers felt that it would cause a serious deterioration in the stability of the seabed because one of the forms of extraction would involve ‘fracking'.
In the end the company withdrew it's application as they understood the effect that their drilling might cause on the much needed tourist industry, she said.
"But now” the mayor said, “more toward the Gulf of Valencia and the Balearic Islands - I think there is no reason to refuse the requests so that we might confirm one way or the other if there is another kind of wealth to be had locally. However if there was any threat to our shores, I would still oppose it now as I did then, "she added.
Meanwhile  in the Port of Valencia Greenpeace has launched their campaign against oil exploration in the Mediterranean. According to informed sources, the crew of the Greenpeace flagship has warned of the dangers posed by oil projects which are to be carried out in waters off the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Alboran Sea and the Gulf of Valencia.
Until 15 June, The Rainbow Warrior will call at the ports of Valencia, Ibiza and Mallorca to publicise the fact that oil "is not necessary to ensure the world's power supply and that a one hundred percent sustainable and renewable source is already available."
Greenpeace volunteers will also conduct an information campaign on the state of the oceans and their fish stocks, as well as measures to be taken to protect Marine life.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43933/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The mayor of Valencia, Rita Barbera, said that whilst she will oppose any the exploration for oil just off the Valencian coast she said that "there is no reason to refuse the activity providing it is carried out in the area between the Gulf of Valencia and the Balearic Islands.
Barbera gave her reply when she was asked about the presence of the boat Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior in the port of Valencia and their protest against the start of oil exploration in the Mediterranean.
The mayor said that during the Socialist government of Zapatero she met with a company which was seeking permission to prospect in four or five sites of the Mediterranean, one of them just "three or four miles from the Beach of El Saler”.
At that time permission was not granted because ministers felt that it would cause a serious deterioration in the stability of the seabed because one of the forms of extraction would involve ‘fracking'.
In the end the company withdrew it's application as they understood the effect that their drilling might cause on the much needed tourist industry, she said.
"But now” the mayor said, “more toward the Gulf of Valencia and the Balearic Islands - I think there is no reason to refuse the requests so that we might confirm one way or the other if there is another kind of wealth to be had locally. However if there was any threat to our shores, I would still oppose it now as I did then, "she added.
Meanwhile  in the Port of Valencia Greenpeace has launched their campaign against oil exploration in the Mediterranean. According to informed sources, the crew of the Greenpeace flagship has warned of the dangers posed by oil projects which are to be carried out in waters off the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Alboran Sea and the Gulf of Valencia.
Until 15 June, The Rainbow Warrior will call at the ports of Valencia, Ibiza and Mallorca to publicise the fact that oil "is not necessary to ensure the world's power supply and that a one hundred percent sustainable and renewable source is already available."
Greenpeace volunteers will also conduct an information campaign on the state of the oceans and their fish stocks, as well as measures to be taken to protect Marine life.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43933/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### GUARDIA OFFICER ARRESTED FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING

A drugs raid carried out by Alicante's Guardia Civil has led to the arrest of a police officer who was found to be a member of a group of traffickers based in the region. The raid, conducted by officers from the Judicial Police in San Juan, resulted in the detention of half a dozen suspects, including the Guardia agent, who was stationed at the Alicante-Elche airport.
Identified as GOM, and 41 years of age, the officer was arrested last Friday morning at his home, in San Vicente del Raspeig, while other members of the gang were arrested in El Campello. All of those involved have already been processed through the courts, and are currently being held on remand.
Investigations remain ongoing and sub judice and as such there is little information available, particularly in respect of the  details regarding the arrested officer and the extent of his involvement with the gang.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43932/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A drugs raid carried out by Alicante's Guardia Civil has led to the arrest of a police officer who was found to be a member of a group of traffickers based in the region. The raid, conducted by officers from the Judicial Police in San Juan, resulted in...

### BRITS TO BENEFIT FROM EUROPEAN RATE REDUCTION

The second half of 2014 is gearing up to be a bumper year for holiday home sales in European hot spots, thanks to a fall in the value of the euro and arrival of conditions for cheaper home loans in June, both of which make buying conditions for British buyers even friendlier. 
Richard Way, Editor at The Overseas Guides Company said: “The changes came about after the European Central Bank historically imposed a negative interest rate for banks keeping money on deposit, and at the same time reduced the central re-financing rate to 0.15 per cent from 0.25 per cent, which typically influence mortgage rates set by banks. 
 “This is the sixth ECB rate cut in the last two-and-a-half years and means the monthly payment of a tracker mortgage on a €300,000 loan by is around €240 a month less compared to in the autumn 2011. Meanwhile, Sterling has hovered around an 18-month high against the euro, adding further impetus to the buying power of Britons in depressed property markets, such as Spain and France.”
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43931/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The second half of 2014 is gearing up to be a bumper year for holiday home sales in European hot spots, thanks to a fall in the value of the euro and arrival of conditions for cheaper home loans in June, both of which make buying conditions for British...

### CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE – ORIHUELA COSTA  NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

Summer has arrived and the visitors will be here soon.
Please advise resident and visitors to be aware of the following ways to prevent being the victims of crime in our area.
Normally crime in our area is very low and probably less than in visitor´s home countries. However, visitors come here for the sun, sand and sea and tend to relax. This is a tourist area and in addition to visitor, thieves looking for easy pickings come as well but for a different reason. DON´T MAKE THEIR VISIT AND SPOIL YOURS.
AT THE AIRPORT.
Guard your luggage. Don´t put handbags and wallets on the luggage trolley and don´t enter into conversation with people you do not know. If you have hired a car look out for the “representative” asking you to leave everything in the car and return to the desk. On the way to your destination be aware of being followed. If you are flagged down by anyone in civilian clothes in a plain car showing you a badge do not stop. The Police in Spain do not stop you in plain cars except for the Guardia Civil Trafico who illuminate a stop sign and are in uniform.
 
AT YOUR DESTINATION.
When you relax on the patio or in the pool always shut and lock house windows.
At night close all vulnerable windows and never leave anything on show from outside.
 
VISITING THE BEACH.
If you drive there do not leave anything on show in the car and not keys or papers with your address thereon. Do not take anything to the beach which you do not need there. And never leave bags etc there whilst you are in the sea even if a stranger offers to keep an eye on them.
 
VISITING SHOPS AND MARKETS.
 Again only take with you what you will need.
Do not leave things in car whilst inside. Inside beware of distraction thefts – people being asked to reach high shelves or causing a commotion. On leaving beware of the person asking advice or directions whilst you are loading the car.
 
VISITING RESTUARANTS AND BARS
Again only take with you what you will need including handbags.
Never show wallets open with plenty of money. Thieves use bars to spot vulnerable people that they can attack on their way home.
 
We hope that all enjoy a wonderful holiday in our areas and come back again. By following this advice your holiday may not be spoilt. 
 
IF POLICE, AMBULANCE OR FIRE SERVICE ARE REQUIRED PHONE 112 
YOU CAN SPEAK IN SPANISH, ENGLISH, GERMAN OR SCANDINAVIAN.IF YOU HAVE A FOREIGN MOBILE YOUR CALL WILL AUTOMATICALLY TRANSFERED TO OUR CONTROL CENTRE. THE POLICE HERE ARE VERY EFFICIENT.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43930/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Summer has arrived and the visitors will be here soon.
Please advise resident and visitors to be aware of the following ways to prevent being the victims of crime in our area.
Normally crime in our area is very low and probably less than in visitor&a...

### YOUR WEEKLY GUIDE OF THINGS TO DO RETURNS NEXT WEEK

As the summer season officially starts, whilst answering the constant barrage of questions asking when it will return, it´s time for us to resurrect one of our most popular features in The Leader, with the Exite Radio What´s On Guide returning to these pages from next week.
Each week, we bring you our pick of the best in culture and entertainment, so you can plan your visit, however long you might be here.
There are already some great events planned for the summer, such as the Fisherman´s Market coming to the Orihuela Costa, with pirates a plenty, and bargains to boot, as the traders from their themed stall offer a wide range of gifts and goodies.
In Orihuela city there is already a wide range of events this week, from shows by the police band, to a presentation of a new book all about the natural history of the Dehesa de Campoamor, and in the next few weeks everything from Peter Pan to Grease is on offer, as well as a dance festival and music in the streets.
Music in the open air will also return to Torrevieja, as we have the Habaneras competition to look forward to, amongst many other things, the highlight of summer for many a visitor to the city.
Slightly further afield, the likes of Don´t Worry, Be Happy singer, Bobby McFerrin will be in Spain in July, appearing at San Javier, amongst other places. It will no doubt be impossible to avoid the excitement of the younger crowds, as One Direction are also touring through Spain in July, although Madrid and Barcelona are the choices to see the boys perform.
With theatre, dance, exhibitions and more, this summer is set to be one of the most diverse in terms of cultural activities than any year before.
Even though many places over the next few weeks will focus on football, there is still a wide range of other activities to temp everybody, young, old and young at heart, and we will do our very best to bring the pick of those events to you from next week.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43926/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As the summer season officially starts, whilst answering the constant barrage of questions asking when it will return, it´s time for us to resurrect one of our most popular features in The Leader, with the Exite Radio What´s On Guide return...

### LIFEGUARDS COVERING HIGHEST SEASON

Torrevieja has commenced life guard services on the beaches of the city this week, with the Cruz Roja operating the 450,000 euro service, covering the dates between June and September. For the peak season, there will be 75 life guards operating from 26 surveillance points, which will reduce to 44 people in the lower end of the season.
In Orihuela, the delay in offering the service to tender after the original contractor pulled out has also resulted in a delay in the award and commencement of the service I the municipality, but the final legal process is now continuing, with the service looking set to start just a week late, around the 21st of June, then continuing to cover Easter next year and summer of 2015, with a maximum value of 325,000 euro.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43925/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Torrevieja has commenced life guard services on the beaches of the city this week, with the Cruz Roja operating the 450,000 euro service, covering the dates between June and September. For the peak season, there will be 75 life guards operating from 26...

### COMPLAINTS OVER PROPOSED ENFORCEMENT OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Unions representing both pilots and air traffic controllers are collectively expressing concerns over safety after it was announced that a law was to be introduced which effectively banned communications between aircraft and control centres in Spanish. 
In line with international standards, The Spanish aviation agency, AESA, has already issued a formal request to airlines to implement English as the standard language for communication in civil aviation activities.
As a result, the unions are claiming that enforcing the rule can “reduce situational awareness of crews and Spanish pilots”, and, more seriously, could “reduce levels of safety”. The unions also claim that Spanish is recognised by the civil aviation authority, as has been the case since its creation in 1944.
The letter of protest from controllers and pilots has been sent to the Director General of Civil Aviation, Ángel Luis Arias, and the director of AESA, Isabel Maestre. 
Recent developments in the operation of Spanish air space has resulted in a number of control towers being operated by mostly native English controllers, including Alicante, when the operation was franchised to a private company as part of plans for creating a single European sky.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43924/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Unions representing both pilots and air traffic controllers are collectively expressing concerns over safety after it was announced that a law was to be introduced which effectively banned communications between aircraft and control centres in Spanish....

### AGE CONCERN GIVE GENEROUS DONATION TO THE ORIHUELA COSTA READING POINT

When different associations come together to help others, it is a testament to how good will and consideration is still very much alive, as many strive to help those in need.
Those considerations came to light this week, when members of Age Concern who operate on the Orihuela Costa presented the Reading Point at the Civic Centre with a huge number of audio books, and a piece of electronic equipment which will help the visually impaired to enjoy reading once again.
Numerous boxes of cassettes were delivered, all original and all in near perfect condition, that the volunteers of Age Concern had been collecting. They handed them to another group of volunteers, the ones who give up their time to provide all of the necessary facilities of the reading point for the coastal residents to enjoy.
Everything from classic literature to classic comedy, as well as some modern greats were in the collection, which are not only available for lenders who may have difficulty reading, audio books are also extremely popular amongst the many fans who simply put them on in the background whilst carrying out other functions, either around the home, at the beach, and even in some case, whilst at work.
In addition to the books, Age Concern also donated a “Smart View 3000”, an electronic assistant reading device which uses a video camera and lens to magnify items onto a screen. Whatever it is that needs to be amplified, this equipment can display it on the screen, allowing those who might struggle, even because of the eyes getting a little older, to read everything in crystal clear text.
Costing thousands of pounds to buy, the equipment was donated to Age Concern, who immediately thought that the best place to benefit would be the reading point, thus allowing more people to take advantage of a piece of equipment not available in many other similar places.
Attending the centre to oversee the delivery, the Councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer, no only praised the generous donation from both Age Concern and the people who gave the items in the first place, but also the work of the volunteers in the centre, pointing out how it is “run entirely by volunteers, with no town hall staff involved”, and thus is operated at the minimum cost to the municipality, for the maximum benefit to the residents.
Since opening its doors to the residents of Orihuela, the reading point has continued to steadily grow in interest and membership, now boasting 83 fully signed up users of the library facility. The centre still needs more volunteers however, in order to cope with the increasing demand, so if you have some time to spare and would like to assist in this multinational community based initiative, call into the town hall or the reading point and ask for information.
As the summer is about to take hold, much like most municipal buildings, the centre will be closing from the 20th of June until the 9th of September, but that will give you plenty of time to consider either helping out in the centre, or just becoming a member and benefitting from a huge range of books, both written and in audio format, an archive of magazine in digital form, language learning course, information leaflets and more, in a centre which has now become one so important to many of the residents on the Orihuela Costa.
Age Concern operate a weekly “drop-in” facility at the Orihuela Costa town hall, every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 until 13:30, to answer any questions you have about life in Spain, to help in any way they can, and to recruit more volunteers and donations, whilst tirelessly serving the senior generations of the Orihuela Costa.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43923/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: When different associations come together to help others, it is a testament to how good will and consideration is still very much alive, as many strive to help those in need.
Those considerations came to light this week, when members of Age Concern wh...

### GUARDAMAR PARKING METERS RETURN

Visitors to the coastal town of Guardamar del Segura may need a pocket full of change from this week, as paid parking restrictions return for the summer.
The pay and display machines are back in place in the town and are active between the 15th of June and the 15th of September. 
Although there are some exceptions, the basic timetable for operation is from 10:00 in the morning until 20:00 in the evening in the blue zone areas.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43921/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Visitors to the coastal town of Guardamar del Segura may need a pocket full of change from this week, as paid parking restrictions return for the summer.
The pay and display machines are back in place in the town and are active between the 15th of Jun...

### GRAN ALACANT BRIDGE FUNDING APPROVED

The town hall team of Santa Pola has finally secured investment to carry out maintenance work on the bridge over the N-332 which connects the urbanisation of Gran Alacant to the road network.
A budget of 532,436 euro allocation was unanimously approved by the government team, which will go towards the much needed work.
The work is likely to commence in September, after the summer rush, as the councillor for works, Loreto Serrano explained, “the work is expected in the autumn, once traffic has dropped”, as to do the work in summer would be of “maximum inconvenience” for road users.
It was in June of last year that the government unanimously agreed to conduct a study into the costs for the work, which will now not only become a reality by the end of the year, the budget is 60,000 euro less than the original estimate.
Serrano continued to explain that “The project will be built with funds from the City of Santa Pola, fulfilling the election commitment that the council had with the citizens”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43920/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The town hall team of Santa Pola has finally secured investment to carry out maintenance work on the bridge over the N-332 which connects the urbanisation of Gran Alacant to the road network.
A budget of 532,436 euro allocation was unanimously approve...

### NO BENIDORM BEACH BARS UNTIL 2015

Visitors to some of Benidorm´s most secluded beaches will have to wait until at least next year if they want to purchase refreshments from a beach bar, after the town hall withdrew from the tender process.
Believing there to be no need for the facilities on the main beaches in the town, due to the number of facilities already available, the plan was for the installation of bars and beach services on two of the surrounding cove beaches, the first at cala del Ti Ximo, and neighbouring cala l'Almadrava.
However, the town hall has now cancelled the process, on account of none of the bids submitted “covering expectations”, and because they were “not very attractive in terms of design and aesthetics”.
A representative from the town hall said that none of the tenders “offered anything unique”, and they were all “the same as what already exists in other towns, when what we wanted was to put even differentiation in value our beaches”. 
In addition to providing a bar facility, the contract also required for facilities such as sun beds and parasols, and was to be awarded for a period of 4 years. The town hall intends to try again for the next summer season, with more details of their specific requirements being added to the tender terms.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43919/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Visitors to some of Benidorm´s most secluded beaches will have to wait until at least next year if they want to purchase refreshments from a beach bar, after the town hall withdrew from the tender process.
Believing there to be no need for the f...

### POUNDLAND TO EXPAND INTO SPAIN

Poundland, Europe's largest single-price value general merchandise retailer by both sales and by number of stores, today announces plans to extend its operations into Spain in the next financial year.  The initial plan is to open up to 10 shops under the Dealz brand over a two year period and to use the experience and insight from the first phase of stores as a platform for further rollout.
Poundland first entered Europe in September 2011 opening two stores in the Republic of Ireland.  Trading under the Dealz brand, the estate has grown rapidly to a 31 store operation which was profitable in its first full year of operation, has already delivered a positive return on investment and has significant growth opportunities ahead.
Jim McCarthy, CEO of Poundland, said: “The success of Dealz in the Republic of Ireland was a clear demonstration that we have the capability to generate positive financial returns in new geographies quickly.  We have been very careful and thorough in our evaluation of further European expansion opportunities and we are confident that our offer and our model suits the Spanish market well.
 “We have a very detailed, low risk and low cost entry plan and the management strength and capacity, in the UK and in Spain, to execute it well.  I'm confident that Poundland's amazing value will quickly resonate with Spanish customers.”
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43918/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Poundland, Europe's largest single-price value general merchandise retailer by both sales and by number of stores, today announces plans to extend its operations into Spain in the next financial year.  The initial plan is to open up to 10 shops under t...

### ALICANTE TRAIN STATION GETS APPROVED BUS LINK

After months of discussion, disagreement and controversy, the train station at Alicante now has a direct bus link which will allow passengers arriving by train, including those on the high speed services, to link directly with connecting buses for the entire Costa Blanca area.
However, despite promises of a direct bus link to places like Torrevieja and Benidorm, a factor which caused major objections from taxi drivers on account of it causing extra congestion on the roads, the compromise service which has been put in place is a 15 minute shuttle which connects the train station with the bus station in Alicante, where forward connections can be made.
This is the solution which had been proposed by the mayor of the city, Sonia Castedo, aimed at satisfying the complaints from taxi drivers, whilst providing a service to the passengers. The move saves the passengers from walking the 1 kilometre distance between the two points, or walking to the regular service bus stops, some two hundred or so metres away from the station.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43917/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: After months of discussion, disagreement and controversy, the train station at Alicante now has a direct bus link which will allow passengers arriving by train, including those on the high speed services, to link directly with connecting buses for the ...

### ALICANTE HOTEL OCCUPANCY GROWTH

Hotels in Alicante look set to prove their own recovery at the end of the first six months of the year, after five years of struggles during trying financial times.
In May of this year, occupancy was at 70% on average, a welcome improvement to the majority of them standing vacant, especially during the week. The official figures show May occupancy stood at 71.39%, with the main domestic visitors coming from Madrid, followed by Valencia, Catalonia and Andalucía. As for international visitors, the UK, Norway, Sweden, France and the Netherlands were the top of the list.
A survey of those who visited the city reveals that the majority of them were on business, visiting conferences or meetings, which is also great news as the business traveller is seen as key to growth as much as the tourist. A major optical event was key to the influx of business visitors in the first half of the year.
The hoteliers also had even more good news this week, as it was revealed that the Alicante and Elche area will welcome 5,000 medical professionals in the spring of 2015, as the Convention Bureau of Alicante has confirmed that a major healthcare event will be taking place next year, with an exhibition of technological advances in medicine will be held in the area.
Things are looking positive for the future of the hospitality industry on the Costa Blanca, and with these off-season events brining more visitors than could be expected under normal seasonal quiet times, the boost to tourism and spending will no doubt inject even more life into the hotel industry. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43916/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Hotels in Alicante look set to prove their own recovery at the end of the first six months of the year, after five years of struggles during trying financial times.
In May of this year, occupancy was at 70% on average, a welcome improvement to the maj...

### AIRPORT FIGURES SHOW COSTA BLANCA IS IN FOR A BUSY SUMMER

The summer tourist season of 2014 looks set to become a record breaker, if flight figures released for May are anything to go by, with Alicante-Elche and Murcia San Javier airports both showing an increase in passenger numbers.
Alicante-Elche looks on target to break 10 million passengers by the end of the year, after May saw 974,449 passengers served, 4.8% more than in the same month of last year, and more than double the national increase which stood at 2%. Since the beginning of the year, the airport has seen 3.5 million passengers, an increase of 7%.
Of the May totals, 880,139 were foreigners, of which 452,261 were British and 73,109 were German. In addition, there were 57,449 Norwegians, 58,001 Dutch passengers and 45,329 from Belgium. Alicante-Elche airport handled 6,875 flights during May, 3.6% more than the same month last year.
Down at Murcia San Javier airport, they too saw a record number of passengers in May, with a total of 129,000 people being dealt with, an increase also above the national average, standing at 3.2% more than the same period of last year.
Perhaps not surprising, the busiest airport in Spain was Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport, serving the capital, which saw a 4.1% increase in May, the fourth consecutive month that passenger numbers have grown, with international passenger numbers increasing by 6.4%. Specifically, the airport in Madrid recorded 3,544,659 travellers in May, while 2,508,770 were international passengers and 44,293 were on charter flights, an increase of 10.9%.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43915/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The summer tourist season of 2014 looks set to become a record breaker, if flight figures released for May are anything to go by, with Alicante-Elche and Murcia San Javier airports both showing an increase in passenger numbers.
Alicante-Elche looks on...

### SLIGHT EARTHQUAKE ON ORIHUELA COSTA

A minor earthquake was felt first thing in the morning in Torrevieja and on the Orihuela Costa. The National Geographic Institute (ING) said that the quake occurred at 6.04 am with a magnitude of 1.3 with its epicenter south of the coastal area of La Veleta. 
The ING announced the tremor after receiving several calls of confirmation from the area. Normally earthquakes below magnitude 1.5 are not perceived by the population.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43913/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A minor earthquake was felt first thing in the morning in Torrevieja and on the Orihuela Costa. The National Geographic Institute (ING) said that the quake occurred at 6.04 am with a magnitude of 1.3 with its epicenter south of the coastal area of La V...

### MOVISTAR UNION CALLS STRIKE

A union representing the private company that operates Telefonica Movistar´s call centre, has called for its workers to strike on the 23rd of June.
Should the strike go ahead, the result would be about a 50% reduction in the capacity of the customer call centre, which would result in considerable difficulties in customers being able to get through to the centre.
The union explained that this strike has been called after the failure in negotiations to improve situations of “pressure” and “excessive control and lack of training” for the staff who operate in the centre.
The company are trying to force calls to be answered and dealt with quicker, in order, they say, to improve the level of service given to clients.
The union is also calling on support from both their own industry and others to down tools in support of industrial action on the day, as well as calling for protests outside the Telefonica Movistar building.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43911/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A union representing the private company that operates Telefonica Movistar´s call centre, has called for its workers to strike on the 23rd of June.
Should the strike go ahead, the result would be about a 50% reduction in the capacity of the cust...

### PILOT KILLED IN EUROFIGHTER CRASH

The pilot of a Eurofighter Typhoon was killed on Monday after crashing near to the airbase of Morón de la Frontera in Seville.
The pilot, was named as capitán Fernando Lluna and was confirmed to have died by the ministry of defence, who also said that the pilot was married and had a son.
The crash happened at around 2pm on Monday, shortly after takeoff from the airbase, on a routine exercise, before falling from the sky “sharply”, according to witnesses, crashing to the ground.
Since 1980, some 93 military personnel have died in aircraft incidents in Spain, the most serious being in 1984 when a C-130 Hercules crashed, the second most serious in 1980, when 11 soldiers were also killed when another Hercules crashed in Gran Canaria.
More recently, in March of this year four people were killed when a Super Puma helicopter crashed in the sea off Gran Canaria, the wreck only recently recovered. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43910/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The pilot of a Eurofighter Typhoon was killed on Monday after crashing near to the airbase of Morón de la Frontera in Seville.
The pilot, was named as capitán Fernando Lluna and was confirmed to have died by the ministry of defence, who ...

### STATEMENT MARTINA SCHEURER - CHIRINGUITOS

This is a statement issued by the Councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, regarding the controversy surrounding the award of the management contract for beach bars on the Orihuela Costa. 
 
 
Pedro Mancebo was dismissed by Mayor Monserrate Guillen after many internal problems and certainly NOT to be able to stop the tendering process for the Chiringuitos.
 
Having taken over the council area of Orihuela Costa in February 2013, I stopped the tender as I did not want to sign something of which I had no information.
 
The at the time existing contract with Chiringuitos del Sol S.L. had the administrative legal clause to be extended for one further year, which was done. If Mr. Mancebo was, as he states, at that time already aware of the “massive debt”, why was the contract extended the year before? Why did he not take any kind of action? Contracts which are made for example with the clause “4 years plus 1 plus 1” can be cancelled after the initial 4 years, or can also be cancelled during the period if the company does not fulfil the contract.
 
At that time I was absolutely NOT aware of the fact that the town hall should have claimed to Chiringuitos del Sol the amount of the fee issued by the Ministry of Coast. In fact the outstanding amount which is now claimed to them is due to the inactivity of the town hall since the beginning of the contract back in 2006. It is outstanding and only converts into a  DEBT when it is officially requested and when the legal period of voluntary payment has expired.
 
When we got information about the outstanding coastal fee, we asked the contract department to make an official request to Chiringuitos del Sol. As this did not happen, the “famous” letter signed by Monserrate Guillen and myself was send to Chiringuitos del Sol in October 2013. 
In fact they than answered making allegations to why in their opinion this amount would not correspond to them. This answer was in hand of the legal department, General Secretary and Contracts to investigate the legal part of it and make the appropriate answer.
Clearly nobody before claimed this coastal fee to Chiringuitos del Sol (neither Mr. Mancebo who was councillor of Orihuela Costa). 
 
Chiringuitos del Sol has a “Q” since 2012, and not only since July 2013 as Mr. Ray Kearney mentions. And it is not the only company having a Q. 
 It is a certificate issued by the ICTE = INSTITUTO DE CALIDAD TURISTICA EN ESPAÑA and in Spain there are more than 2000 companies operating in the touristic business which do have this certificate, the number is continuously increasing as the Spanish Government  is asking the town halls to take the “Q” in consideration to raise the standard of Spanish tourism. Unfortunately no company from other areas was apparently interested to bit in the tender and – also unfortunately – it does not seem that there is a lot of interest from companies of Orihuela / Orihuela Costa to obtain certain service certifications.
 
A part from the “Q” the tender conditions did also require the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. 
A fact that is never mentioned by those who were not allowed in the tender process or by Mr. Kearney or Mr. Mancebo.
ISO = INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF STANDARDIZATION, founded in 1987. In Spain 59.854 companies do have the ISO 9001 (service management) and  
267.457 companies in 158 Countries do have the ISO 14001 (environmental management service). Spain is on rank 3 of those 158 Countries.
None of the 3 other companies who did bit had any of the ISO certification. So even if the “Q” would not have been a part of the conditions, those 3 companies would not have been able to participate.
 
The new contract is for 4 years, and not for 7. It can be extended, but the local government which will be in place than, can also decide to make a new tender after the 4 years.
 
After opening the 3rd envelope with the economic offer in the contract meeting, legally the moment came to ask the company their declaration to be up to date with their taxes and social security payments, which they are. BUT knowing about the outstanding amount, we insisted than with the treasurer department to make the still outstanding proper request of payment to Chiringuitos del Sol. That was the reason why the tender procedure was stopped at that point.
 
This requirement was made and the legal schedule expired on the 5th of June. If no payment/bank bond etc. would have been handed in, that would have been THE date to declare the procedure as “deserted” because this outstanding amount could than be called a “debt”. 
 
Amount bided: We have NO knowledge about the other offers, by law they are not allowed to be opened, as the companies did not match the requirements to be admitted. The town hall published the tender with the amount of 350.000.-€ (it was 250.000.-€ in 2006) and Chiringuitos del Sol bided 363.000.-€ plus a high amount on additional improvements. The law does not give the possibility to the town hall to declare at that stage “we don't want this offer”.
There are legal procedures in how those tenders are handled and these procedures have been clearly maintained. This is also confirmed by the new Interventor (Auditor), who certainly does not form part of the “conspiracy” of which Mr. Ray Kearny is talking.
 
 
If anyone thinks that a conspiracy has taken place, such as Mr. Kearny says, he should do whatever he thinks is necessary. Everything has been done legally, and so confirmed by the head technician of the contract department, the general secretary as well as of the new Interventor (Auditor), who is known all over Spain for his strict acting against any kind of corruption.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43909/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This is a statement issued by the Councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, regarding the controversy surrounding the award of the management contract for beach bars on the Orihuela Costa. 
 
 
Pedro Mancebo was dismissed by Mayor Monserrate Guill...

### ORIHUELA COSTA POSTAL SERVICE UNDER THREAT

Hundreds of residents in Campoamor, La Regia, La Zenia and Cabo Roig are receiving  notifications in Spanish from the Post Office (Correos) informing them that from 1 September, since they do not receive their post in multi- mail boxes, they will no longer receive deliveries at  home and will  have to go to the post office in Playa Flamenca and collect their mail.    What is more, the mail will only be kept for 2 weeks after which it will be sent to a central depot and will be virtually unrecoverable.
This is a drastic curtailment of a basic service.   Orihuela Costa residents have lived through similar experiences when, before 2008, there were no official street names and house numbers and much mail, especially official mail using padron addresses, went undelivered – including thousands of applications to register to vote sent by post.  
After a Petition to the European Parliament by C.L.A.R.O., we did get properly named streets and numbered houses but during the changeover to new addresses there was  chaos and one year masses of Christmas mail and parcels were undelivered, uncollected and sent to Alicante from where they never returned.
It is true that the majority of people living in Orihuela Costa have their mail delivered via multi-mail boxes and they will not be affected, directly  – which does not mean that they are satisfied with the postal service.   However, there are thousands of individual houses in Campoamor, La Regia, La Zenia and Cabo Roig  - and potentially other areas.    
If in these four areas,  they do not organise the placing of multi-mail boxes before 1 September their mail will no longer be delivered to their homes.    Organizing multi-mail boxes between neighbours in these areas is practically impossible.      People living in individual properties are not organised in communities and do not have administrators.  
 More often than not, owners are not present at the same time.   How can they agree with their neighbours in such circumstances?   And how many houses will be considered necessary or sufficient to constitute an authorised multi-mail box and ensure postal deliveries?      Where could they be located?   In the street, where they could be vandalized?   Or on the private property of one person who would have to provide access for the postman as well as often unknown neighbours.   
Making sure that mail will be collected within the 2 week period it will be held in the Playa Flamenca post office will be a nightmare.   For those who are present, maybe hundreds of people daily, will have to trek from far away  to the post office in Playa Flamenca and queue to receive the attention of one of the two postal workers normally on duty and wait for their mail to be retrieved.  
Those going to the post office for other services will be affected and will also be subject to queues and delays.   For those who are not present 52 weeks of the year, bills, bank statements, official mail as well as private correspondence will go undelivered and uncollected.
The population of Oriheula Costa is multi-national and mobile and this measure will constitute a major discrimination in the provision of a basic service depending on whether or not a resident  has access to a multi-mail box.
And how did it come about?   Apparently with the compliance of the Orihuela Town Hall!   Someone has sent information on the density of the population of Orihuela Costa to the central authorities who are looking to reduce the costs of the postal service and apparently has stated  that Orihuela Costa is not a continuous urban entity.     On behalf of the Town Hall, it has been stated that Orihuela Costa is divided into urbanizations where there are many individual houses.  
These urbanizations do not meet the density requirements to justify home deliveries.   If instead, Orihuela Costa had been considered as a continuous urban entity (which, of course it is for levying taxes and supposedly providing municipal services,) with the inclusion of heavily populated areas such as Playa Flamenca and La Florida, the density of the population would certainly have met the requirements for continuing individual home deliveries.  
 Why were we not informed and allowed to make objections?   C.L.A.R.O. intends to find out.    The Town Hall has said that the information was displayed on the Town Hall notice board.   For how long and where?    In Orihuela city or Playa Flamenca?  And how many people visit the Town Hall and consult the notice board?     For a measure which potentially affects thousands of people there should have been a major public information effort which would have allowed time for objections.  
Once again, it seems, Orihuela Costa has been let down by its own Town Hall.   Thousands may pay the price of a greatly reduced or, in effect, the removal of a basic service.    C.L.A.R.O. intends to find out the facts and inform the public.     We will try by all means possible to get this unfair and discriminatory measure reversed.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43912/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Hundreds of residents in Campoamor, La Regia, La Zenia and Cabo Roig are receiving  notifications in Spanish from the Post Office (Correos) informing them that from 1 September, since they do not receive their post in multi- mail boxes, they will no lo...

### TORREVIEJA SET TO LOSE MAJOR REVENUE STREAM

Maintaining their commitment to total transparency, Orihuela´s councillor for Internal Affairs, Víctor Ruiz, announced the findings of the padrón cleanup operation carried out by the Institute of National Statistics this week, detailing how Orihuela has lost 8,000 residents as a result of the audit, mostly British nationals, resulting in both a significant decline in the population, and confirmation of the numbers of ex-pats who have left the area.
Torrevieja meanwhile did not provide the data for the findings of their audit, but it was revealed in a respected Spanish newspaper that they look set to lose some 15,000 residents from the 1st of January 2015 for the same reason, the equivalent of 14% of the population, dropping from 107,000 to 91,400 registered residents.
The audit has been ongoing on behalf of the central government across the whole country, and in August of last year, both these town hall received notification of the facts that an audit was to be carried out, in order to correct registrations for residents who may have moved away, died, or had simply not renewed their status. A campaign was then launched to encourage residents to both check and confirm their status, which was duly done by many residents.
As the process continued, initial concerns in Orihuela that they faced the prospect from initial estimates of losing between 17,000 to 18,000 residents, some 15% of their population, over 9,000 people confirmed their questionable status, some done following a visit from the police, to which the remaining figure of 8,000 to be removed was reached.
However, the figure in Torrevieja has far worse consequences that might seem apparent at first, because in losing their 15,000 residents, and therefore now having an official population of 91,400, it means that Torrevieja falls below the 100,000 threshold required to be classed as a “big city”, a situation which has not been present since before 2007, which may well have dire consequences for the management of the budgets and public services in the immediate future.
If this is the case, not only will Torrevieja now lose the funding of those 15,000 people from the budget allocated from the central government, the actual amount of money per head is lower for municipalities which fall below the 100,000 threshold, as is the case in Orihuela.
As many people still deny the numbers of immigrants who have left Spain, this latest data only adds confirmation to the facts. However, there are also a sizeable number of people who are still not registered on the padrón. In Orihuela, this figure is somewhere between an estimated 10,000 and 15,000 people. 
As the population gap between the two municipalities continues to close, with Orihuela getting set to match Torrevieja within a very short time, the data also proves to show how significant it is to not register on the padrón. Torrevieja may well face a budget nightmare, lack of funding and even more cuts in the future, with even the possibility of indirect and direct tax increases to plug the gap that this will make, by not being on the padrón, you are potentially directly responsible for a possible reduction in service. Meanwhile, for Orihuela, as the population grows there, it is not too far a leap to go over that 100,000 benchmark, thus increasing the revenue and the cost per capita that Torrevieja will now have to suffer.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43908/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Maintaining their commitment to total transparency, Orihuela´s councillor for Internal Affairs, Víctor Ruiz, announced the findings of the padrón cleanup operation carried out by the Institute of National Statistics this week, detai...

### MORE IMPROVEMENTS ON THE ORIHUELA COSTA

On Friday, the councillor for infrastructure in the municipality of Orihuela, Víctor Ruiz of the PSOE, was given a guided tour of the coastal area by the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer of the Los Verdes green party. The aim of the tour, which was organised by Scheurer, was to familiarise the Orihuela based councillor with the Orihuela Costa and some of the problems faced by the residents, so that the infrastructure department will have a better understanding of why more money is needed on the coast. The Los Verdes green councillor to The Leader, “It is important for him to see the real problems, not just look at pictures, so that he can get a real feel for the problems faced on the Orihuela Costa”.  Ruiz is relatively new to the government team, having only taken over the role within the council recently, following the departure of the socialist Antonia Moreno.
The councillor for works, Manuel Gallud of the Los Verdes, has received 336,000 euro funding from the public employment office, which will be used to hire 99 labourers to cover three major projects in the municipality, primarily looking after and improving the green and park areas. The first zone which will benefit from this work, once the recruitment process is complete, will be the Orihuela Costa. The councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, praised this decision, telling The Leader that “I am pleased that not only has my colleague from the Los Verdes promised to prioritise the improvements on the Orihuela Costa, it is refreshing to see that a decision can be made to give the coast priority for a change, something which has been very rare in the past”.
More work is being carried out improving the Orihuela Costa, with the long awaited footpath and pavement on the road which runs from the Los Dolces commercial centre now starting, and further aesthetic work to replace planters and flowers on the beachside wall at La Zenia. This latter project is also a unique improvement, as it will be the first to feature plants which have been grown entirely on the Orihuela Costa, in the relatively newly built greenhouse, which was constructed with the intention of allowing the garden maintenance workers to grow all of the plants needed for the coast, without having to go to the expense of purchasing them from outside suppliers, thus saving a considerable amount of money, whilst still improving the appearance.
The Orihuela Costa town hall, like most others around the country, has now switch to the summer operating timetable, which means that access to the public reduces, as the town hall now closes at 13:30. The staff inside still work beyond this time, but visitors must bear in mind the reduced hours if you need to be seen.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43907/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Friday, the councillor for infrastructure in the municipality of Orihuela, Víctor Ruiz of the PSOE, was given a guided tour of the coastal area by the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer of the Los Verdes green party. The aim of the to...

### LATEST ROAD RULES FAVOUR MOTOR HOMES AND CYCLISTS

As the latest changes to the road traffic laws came into force recently, the DGT traffic department has now begun a consultation period for the latest developments and changes to the rules of the roads.
Significantly, having allowed the provision to increase the speed on some motorways to 130 kilometres per hour, these latest changes would bring that long awaited change into force. However, the increase would only be on certain stretches of roads and during optimum weather conditions.
Another long campaigned change is included in this latest proposed reform, with even the PSOE proposing the change in 2010, the increase in permitted speed for motor homes. Under the proposal, campervans will no longer be restricted to 90 kilometres per hour, but will be permitted to travel at 120 kilometres per hour on motorways, and 90 kilometres per hour on secondary roads, where the current limit is 80. There are certain conditions over size and weight, but the rules would principally designate smaller motor homes as cars.
One type of vehicle that would be forced to slow down by the reform is buses which carry standees or do not have seat belts installed, with those vehicle will be restricted to a maximum of 80 kilometres per hour.
On conventional roads, the speed limit for cars, motorbikes and quads will be reduced from 100 kilometres to a maximum of 90 kilometres per hour when driving on a road with a width of at least 6.5 meters and from 90 to 70 km on narrower roads. Similarly, the limit on secondary unpaved roads cannot, under any circumstances, be more than 30 kilometres per hour.
As for the cities, the current generic limit of 50 kilometres per hour is maintained when the streets have more than one lane in each direction. If there is a single carriageway or one-way traffic with one lane in each direction, the limit drops to 30 kilometres per hour and on some urban roads the limit will be 20.
Furthermore, the preamble of the draft rules of the road explained that urban mobility has changed in recent years with “the loss of prominence of the motor vehicle and, on the contrary, the rise of other ways to get around” such as cycling. 
Therefore, “In urban areas, the motor vehicle begins to stop being the protagonist, giving way to a shared use of the road where pedestrians and cyclists begin to have special importance”. One rule which may well be of concern to those less observant road users includes a clause whereas on urban roads, cyclists may “overtake and pass other vehicles on the right or left, whichever is most convenient to security”.
However, there are also restrictions as to where cyclists must ride on the road, which may well limit the curse of multiple cyclists side by side preventing other road users to pass, as the rule clearly forces cyclists to move to the right on certain streets.
The draft laws also prohibit pedestrians from walking on bike paths, except to cross them, require drivers to slow down when cyclists are at roundabouts and bicycle users may carry trailers for children. 
Once the consultation period for these latest reforms are over, the final draft will be published in the State Gazette, before finally entering into law shortly afterwards.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43906/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As the latest changes to the road traffic laws came into force recently, the DGT traffic department has now begun a consultation period for the latest developments and changes to the rules of the roads.
Significantly, having allowed the provision to i...

### TORREVIEJA MOBILE PHONE SCANDAL REACHES COURT

In late 2012, we reported how Torrevieja council had been rocked by allegations of wrongdoing, which highlighted a number of council officials had been implicated in a case whereas their public funded mobile phones had been used for personal reasons, racking up extortionate bills for the tax payer.
Olympic gold medallist and the Councillor for Education and Sports Daniel Plaza, who was accused of using his town hall issued mobile phone to regularly call sex workers, resigned from office. A number of other politicians remained insistent that they had done nothing wrong, although other immediately paid back the money, and even ex-pat favourite Graham Knight, who headed up the foreigner´s office at the time, was accused of using his mobile phone from abroad, for personal reasons.
This week, the judge considering the case, Natalia Martínez, based on a report from the judicial police, has called for six of those involved to appear in court, facing criminal charges of embezzlement, contrary to article 433 of the Penal Code.
Two of those called to court are still serving in the council, Eduardo Gil Rebollo and Javier Montoro, along with advisor Juana López Carmona, who will attend to face charges on the 25th of June. Whereas former councillors Daniel Plaza and José Manuel Pizana, along with Graham Knight, will appear two days later, on the 27th.
The current councillor for projects and public works, amongst other things, Javier Montoro, accumulated a bill of 1,300 euro in calls to his girlfriend, but he almost instantly returned the money and apologised for his actions, but continued in office.
The second serving councillor, who was the councillor for Public Safety, Eduardo Gil Rebollo, was said to have subscribed to a pay-per-view pornography channels. He made on apology at the time.
Daniel Plaza, the former councillor for education and sport, was reported to have used the mobile phone in his care for making more than 200 calls to sexual service providers between 2007 and 2012. He denied responsibility, although did admit that it was possible his phone had made the calls, but reportedly retuned the money spent.
Former councillor for education, José Manuel Pizana, was listed in the case as having had his mobile phone bill paid until October 2011, despite leaving office in the May of that year.
Juana López Carmona, who worked in the festivities department, is said to have called at least 170 late night competition lines, and Graham Knight, a now retired representative advisor to foreign residents, was said to have clocked up a bill of 1,140 euro whilst “data roaming” with his municipal mobile phone in the UK during a single weekend in November 2009.
Coordinator for the Unión Progreso y Democracia group in Torrevieja, José Serna, has called for the immediate resignation or termination of the councilors and advisors involved in the “misappropriation of public funds through the misuse of mobile phones”, on account of their actions undermining the entire political process in the city, much as was the case of the former PP mayor, Pedro Hernández Mateo, convicted of trespass and forgery but still evading prison, calling both the actions of those directly involved, and their political group allies who have failed to take action, as “shameful”.
If found guilty in the courts, those involved face a fine, as well as being banned from holding public office for between 6 months and 3 years, although it is believed that any refunds will be taken into consideration as mitigation when passing sentence.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43905/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In late 2012, we reported how Torrevieja council had been rocked by allegations of wrongdoing, which highlighted a number of council officials had been implicated in a case whereas their public funded mobile phones had been used for personal reasons, r...

### CARD BANK FEES TO BE CAPPED

As the countdown to May´s national elections in Spain, the first of no doubt many people friendly reforms has been announced by the government, after years of penalising the tax payer with increased fees and charges across the entire public funded sector.
There are more announcements likely over the next few months, but this first one on Friday details how the government is to restrict banking fees on using credit and debit cards, currently averaging around 0.8%, the banks will be limited to charging a maximum of 0.2% in the case of debit cards and 0.3% for using a credit card.
Another campaign approved on Friday sees the creation of a new PIVE scheme for trucks. Private car owners have managed to obtain significant subsidy towards changing their old car to a new one, now this scheme will be extended to hauliers who will be able to share a 400 million euro grant from the European Investment Bank and will also be able to benefit from reduced toll charges for driving during off-peak hours on the motorway network. Normal drivers may also be able to save by driving off-peak.
Grants for focusing on energy efficiency in rehabilitating buildings, especially hospitals and hotels, will be able to come from a share of a 350 million euro bonus, which will also apply to renewing agricultural equipment, and there will be a focused drive on reducing paperwork in public administrations through a Bureaucratic Agility Plan.
There are lots more initiatives due to be announced, but add to all of these another 300 million euro towards grants to allow Spanish companies to access international markets, this is the first real announcement of a firm financial commitment that may well prove that the road to recovery is well and truly paved, making happy voters in early 2015.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43904/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As the countdown to May´s national elections in Spain, the first of no doubt many people friendly reforms has been announced by the government, after years of penalising the tax payer with increased fees and charges across the entire public funde...

### COASTAL COUNCILLOR DEFENDS AGAINST CORRUPTION ALLEGATION

As the final stage of documentary and contractual phases were completed this week, with both guarantees and a payment plan agreed to clear any outstanding funds, the award for the provision of beach bars on the Orihuela Costa has been completed, with the chiringuitos set to start appearing this week.
Meanwhile, the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer of the Los Verdes green party in Orihuela, has once again been forced to defend the process and clear up a lot of confusion and misdirection which has been spread on account of the delays in the award.
Although Scheurer accepts that the process took a lot longer than she herself might have hoped, and expressed her upset at that fact, the conclusion is now a positive one for the residents and visitors of the municipality, as the company who have received the award is Chiringuitos del Sol S.L., who have been successfully running the bars for some time, and have all the necessary quality standards in place to ensure the best possible service is delivered to the customers.
The quality standards has been one of the main criticisms of the contract process, but Scheurer points out, “A part from the ‘Q', the tender conditions did also require the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001”, which is an element many have chosen to ignore, especially given the fact that none of the other bidding companies had those standards. “So even if the ‘Q' would not have been a part of the conditions, those 3 companies would not have been able to participate”. In Spain 59.854 companies have the ISO 9001 and 267.457 companies in 158 Countries have the ISO 14001. Spain is on rank 3 of those 158 Countries.
Regarding the allegations that the company awarded the contract had a debt with the town hall, Scheurer points out that “At that time I was absolutely NOT aware of the fact that the town hall should have claimed to Chiringuitos del Sol the amount of the fee issued by the Ministry of Coast. In fact the outstanding amount which is now claimed to them is due to the inactivity of the town hall since the beginning of the contract back in 2006. It is outstanding and only converts into a DEBT when it is officially requested and when the legal period of voluntary payment has expired”, “Clearly nobody before claimed this coastal fee, including Mr. Mancebo who was councillor of Orihuela Costa”.
It was the current government who are the first to request this outstanding coastal fee, when the contract department were to make an official request to Chiringuitos del Sol, “As this did not happen, the “famous” letter signed by Monserrate Guillen and myself was send to Chiringuitos del Sol in October 2013”. 
The full statement is available on the website, www.theleader.info, but to conclude, Scheurer says, “If anyone thinks that a conspiracy has taken place... he should do whatever he thinks is necessary. Everything has been done legally, and so confirmed by the head technician of the contract department, the general secretary as well as of the new Interventor (Auditor), who is known all over Spain for his strict acting against any kind of corruption.”
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43903/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As the final stage of documentary and contractual phases were completed this week, with both guarantees and a payment plan agreed to clear any outstanding funds, the award for the provision of beach bars on the Orihuela Costa has been completed, with t...

### UNEMPLOYMENT FALLS AGAIN IN MAY

Official figures released this week reveal that across the Vega Baja in May, 839 people have found work, with the overall registered jobless figure now standing 34,927.
Torrevieja led the way, where unemployment figures have continued to decline for the fourth consecutive month, with a total of 345 unemployed people finding work, 231 of whom were in the 25 to 44 years of age group, but still leaving 9,581 people without work. The service sector, construction and agriculture are the three main areas where growth is recorded. This year, 922 people have found work so far in Torrevieja, an overall drop of 9%.
Orihuela was next with 94 people finding paid employment, declining for the eighth consecutive month, with a total of 7,027 now registered as unemployed. In fact, since September 1,009 people have found work, according to the councilor for employment, Manuel Gallud, a drop of 12.5%. Gallud also pointed out that this figure is also lower than the 7,205 people who were unemployed when this government team took over in 2011, a task which he has stressed was done after “inheriting more than 60 million euro of debt”, and “without raising a single tax rate” to the residents.
Other areas where jobseekers have fallen are Albatera, with 91 people finding work, 58 more residents of Almoradí are now employed, and there are 42 fewer unemployed workers in Pilar de la Horadada.
Although not by any great numbers, Benejúzar, Benferri, Granja de Rocamora and San Fulgencio all saw a rise in unemployment.
Overall, across the Vega Baja, the 22 to 44 years of age group saw the biggest drop, with 614 people finding work, followed by those over 45, with a total of 144, whereas just 81 young people, under the age of 25, secured employment.
There was a significant difference in the sexes however, with 569 and 270 women finding work.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43902/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Official figures released this week reveal that across the Vega Baja in May, 839 people have found work, with the overall registered jobless figure now standing 34,927.
Torrevieja led the way, where unemployment figures have continued to decline for t...

### PROSECUTOR ASKS FOR DEMOLITION OF 13 HOUSES IN PARTALOA

Here we go again. Another setback in the continuing saga of planning chaos that plagues various parts of Spain, including Andalucía, as recently covered by  the TV programme Comando Actualidad on national Spanish TV. This time it is not only the British who are affected but also Belgians who bought houses in the area of Piedra Amarilla, in the hamlet of Partaloa. The State Prosecutor is asking for the demolition of 13 houses in this area.
The Prosecution is not accusing these EU citizens of any wrongdoing.  A criminal case has been brought against the promoter and the company, Lakes Vega S.L., for planning crimes which carry a penalty of one year and six months in prison and a ban from the building trade. Legal sources indicate that it is unlikely that any actual prison time would be served.  The Prosecutor has also charged other individuals with planning corruption.
As obliged to do so by the Penal Code, the prosecutor is asking for demolition of the houses and states that the promoter should compensate the buyers. However, the normal chain of events in such cases is that the house is demolished first and the victims then start an uncertain struggle to obtain compensation from the promoter. The problem is that, as we have seen in Vera and in Cantoria, in practice the victims are left without a house and without compensation.
Maura Hillen, president of the homeowners association, AUAN, which campaigns on this issue, said “This nonsensical scenario is set out in article 319.3 of the Penal Code. We are asking for this article to be changed.  It does not make sense that the only people who are really punished for these types of crimes are the victims.  We petitioned Sr. Esteban Gonzalez Pons  and other senior figures of the Partido Popular on this issue when we met with them several weeks ago.
They promised to study our proposed change but we have heard nothing. We have made the same proposal to other political parties and, as reported in the press,  the PSOE have promised legislative changes to resolve all this legal and planning uncertainty.  But we are still waiting for any concrete results.  At the moment the only ones who seem likely to see results, in this case disastrous ones, are the victims, when the case goes to trial on 13th June.”
AUANs legal advisor, Gerardo Vazquez, said ‘ What we can see here is the next wave of victims, the Belgians. I have spoken to some of them, specifically a person who purchased one of these houses very recently and is shocked by this news. One of the problems is that the Land Registry is not updated to reflect the existence of these proceedings.
The homeowners that I have spoken to have escrituras with every appearance of legality, registered at the Land Registry, without any indication of criminal proceedings.  Here we obviously have a problem with the issue of legal certainty.”
Anyone who feels they may affected by these proceedings may contact AUAN on info@almanzora-au.org.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43897/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Here we go again. Another setback in the continuing saga of planning chaos that plagues various parts of Spain, including Andalucía, as recently covered by  the TV programme Comando Actualidad on national Spanish TV. This time it is not only the...

### ONCE MORE, A CRAFT FAIR ALL SUMMER LONG, IN JÁVEA PORT

Last year Amata held its first summer market in Jávea port.  And not just the usual collection of stands with aged and unkempt hippies offering genuine hand made bracelets made by poor peasants in India or Peru, but good quality original craftwork lovingly and carefully made by real craftsmen and women living and working in Spain.  Last year's market was sponsored by the local association of shopkeepers, who invited Amata once more - this year there will be more stands offering more choice.
The market starts on the 20th of June and continues till 14 September.  Stalls will open up at 7 pm and close at midnight so as to catch the last Pumpkin.   Last year there were at the most some 20 stalls (there wasn't room for more) whereas this year up to 30 stalls can spread out over two areas - the first being the area around the Red Cross hut (near the end of the Avenida Jaime I) and the second nearby on the Plaza Almirante Bastarreche, about 100 meters towards the harbour.
The fair is managed by Amata - the regional craft association - which firmly believes that craft work and applied art can only continue to exist in Spain if the stalls on the street markets sell nothing but good quality goods.  That's not easy these days, what with all the cheap hand made goods imported from Third World countries, which is why Amata organises markets whereby aficionados can buy original work directly from the person who made that particular piece.  
Amata is fussy about selecting people to take part, to ensure that such quality is maintained and to make sure that there is a decent variety of materials instead of two dozen stalls with bead jewelry and printed scarves.  So there are people with carved and turned wood, engraved glass, ceramics, paintings and sculptures, leather bags as well as designer T-shirts and original knitwear.  Above all, these people can often prepare an original to suit the exact taste of the individual visitor, since most of the stallholders bring along their tools and materials and work either beside the stall or elsewhere during the day.
Some of the stall holders live in the area, others come, often with their family, to spend a few weeks or even months by the sea.  Not everybody spends the whole summer on the fair, so that each week there will be different people with different goods.  Plus there will be street musicians, jugglers and puppeteers come to entertain the crowd two or three evenings each week and pass the hat to make a living.
If you fancy a stroll along the water front, have a drink or a meal and take the opportunity to look at some really interesting craft work, drop by - any evening between 7 and 12, every day of the week, along the Paseo Marítimo in Jávea Puerto.  If you want to know more about Amata, look at www.amata.es (good for your Spanish, but the web site is also in English) or ring Elvira on 639 979 678 - she speaks excellent EnglishFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43896/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Last year Amata held its first summer market in Jávea port.  And not just the usual collection of stands with aged and unkempt hippies offering genuine hand made bracelets made by poor peasants in India or Peru, but good quality original craftwo...

### SNAKES AND LADDERS OF SPANISH FOOTBALL

Hercules   1    Barcelona B   2
Real Murcia   1    Real Madrid Castilla   0
Barcelona's B team duly hammered in the nails of the coffin of Hercules' turbulent four year reign in Spain's Segunda A, with mainly poor performances and plainly now in big trouble with debts and acrimony flying everywhere. 
The Alicantinos now drop down to the regional leagues of Segunda B, and will need a massive injection of cash and support to sort out their off-field problems. On it the Barca B boys soon sorted their dejected opponents out with two goals in the first half from Munir on 17 minutes and Bagnack just before the interval.
Hercules responded with a consolation goal from Eldin nine minutes into the second half, but in the final analysis Spain's 11th largest city's team go down in bottom place, finishing three points adrift of Mirandes, Real Jaen and Real Madrid's B team, RM Castilla: all four go down to the regional leagues.
Ironically the result that put RM Castilla down was an all-important victory from one of Hercules' main local rivals Real Murcia, who put themselves firmly into the play-offs.
This comes only one season after Los Pimentoneros getting promoted back up from 2B, and it was only in 2007/8 Murcia were in La Liga. So to win the play-offs and get back to the highest echelon of Spanish football in World Cup year would be a great achievement.
The priceless only goal was scored early by Kike Garcia in the 14th minute, but with RM Castilla vainly fighting to stay in Segunda A many Murcian nails were bitten at the superb La Condomina stadium, but by the end it was home smiles all round.  
 The play-off semi-finals will see Murcia take on Córdoba and Sporting Gijon facing Las Palmas. 
Barcelona B came third but as a second team are ineligible to go up to La liga, no clubs are allowed to field two teams in the same league.
The play-offs will be to decide who will join Eibar and Deportivo to go up into the stratospheric La Liga, replacing Real Betis, Osasuna and Valladolid who are all relegated.
By the end of a hugely eventful season Elche managed to stay just above the relegation zone in 16th place in their first season back in La Liga after 26 years. Will Real Murcia join them?Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43894/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Hercules   1    Barcelona B   2
Real Murcia   1    Real Madrid Castilla   0
Barcelona's B team duly hammered in the nails of the coffin of Hercules' turbulent four year reign in Spain's Segunda A, with mainly poor performances and plainly now in big ...

### ALICANTE FLIGHT DRAMA

EMERGENCY chutes were put into motion for 139 panic-stricken passengers on a Jet2 flight from Alicante to Blackpool in a dramatic evacuation. 
“It was quite scary. The chutes came down but one of them would not open. In places there was nobody catching people at the bottom - people just slid off," said a shocked passenger. The drama occurred after Blackpool Airport air traffic control spotted smoke coming from the brakes upon landing.
The drama saw three fire crews from Lancashire Fire and Rescue service race to the incident after smoke emitted after landing on Friday June 6 on the LS740 flight from Alicante. The alarm was raised after smoke was seen coming from the plane's brakes - caused by a suspected hydraulic fluid leak.
The passengers initially remained on board the plane - in the wake of a dramatic landing - before being instructed to make an emergency exit down the chutes. Passengers exited down the chutes - some sustaining cuts - as they slid on to runway. The incident lead to the runway being closed for three hours. “Passengers had scratches on their arms and legs - banged heads - but it could have been a lot worse,” said another passenger.
After a fast, bumpy landing smoke was seen coming off a tyre that lead to evacuating the passengers - leading to panic. “It was a hydraulic fluid leak in the under carriage - when the aircraft landed it smoked," said Sue Kendrick, corporate affairs manager at Blackpool Airport. “It carried on smoking - to be on the safe side we evacuated," she said.
“Emergency orders worked absolutely perfectly. It's good to see in an emergency situation they all worked well," she said. “The captain was advised to evacuate flight LS740 from Alicante as a precautionary measure," said a Jet2 spokesperson. "Blackpool Airport air traffic control spotted smoke coming from the brakes on landing. All passengers evacuated safely. A full investigation is now underway,” said the Jet2 spokesperson.
And passenger Roasaleen Johnson, of Princeway, South Shore, Blackpool, described the drama: “The plane went down quite sharply. "It was quite a fast landing - a bit of excitement nobody was expecting. But  she criticised the evacuation being told to initially to remain seated - prior to exiting down the chutes: “I think they kept us on the plane a bit too long. "They could have got us off sooner" she said.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43892/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: EMERGENCY chutes were put into motion for 139 panic-stricken passengers on a Jet2 flight from Alicante to Blackpool in a dramatic evacuation. 
“It was quite scary. The chutes came down but one of them would not open. In places there was nobody catching people at the bottom - people just slid off," said a shocked passenger. The drama occurred after Blackpool Airport air traffic control spotted smoke coming from the brakes upon landing.
The drama saw three fire crews from Lancashire Fire and Rescue service race to the incident after smoke emitted after landing on Friday June 6 on the LS740 flight from Alicante. The alarm was raised after smoke was seen coming from the plane's brakes - caused by a suspected hydraulic fluid leak.
The passengers initially remained on board the plane - in the wake of a dramatic landing - before being instructed to make an emergency exit down the chutes. Passengers exited down the chutes - some sustaining cuts - as they slid on to runway. The incident lead to the runway being closed for three hours. “Passengers had scratches on their arms and legs - banged heads - but it could have been a lot worse,” said another passenger.
After a fast, bumpy landing smoke was seen coming off a tyre that lead to evacuating the passengers - leading to panic. “It was a hydraulic fluid leak in the under carriage - when the aircraft landed it smoked," said Sue Kendrick, corporate affairs manager at Blackpool Airport. “It carried on smoking - to be on the safe side we evacuated," she said.
“Emergency orders worked absolutely perfectly. It's good to see in an emergency situation they all worked well," she said. “The captain was advised to evacuate flight LS740 from Alicante as a precautionary measure," said a Jet2 spokesperson. "Blackpool Airport air traffic control spotted smoke coming from the brakes on landing. All passengers evacuated safely. A full investigation is now underway,” said the Jet2 spokesperson.
And passenger Roasaleen Johnson, of Princeway, South Shore, Blackpool, described the drama: “The plane went down quite sharply. "It was quite a fast landing - a bit of excitement nobody was expecting. But  she criticised the evacuation being told to initially to remain seated - prior to exiting down the chutes: “I think they kept us on the plane a bit too long. "They could have got us off sooner" she said.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43892/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### MONTECID RESIDENTS TAKE TO THE STREETS IN PROTEST

A mass demonstration was held in Urbanisation Montecid in Monforte del Cid, Alicante, on Saturday 31st May 2014, to protest about the appalling lack of service received in the past 8 years from the local council. 
The meeting was extremely well attended by over 100 residents, complete with banners, fireworks, whistles and loudspeakers and representatives from other political parties.  However the ruling PP Mayoress did not attend, nor did she send any representation.
The demonstration was after 8 years of frustration with Monforte Del Cid Council who have left Montecid unattended and forgotten. MASA have not built there for over 4 years and the residents of Montecid are left with unfinished houses, rubble, decay, neglect and complete lack of services.  They are only remembered when the press publishes an article of protest from residents or during election periods. 
The residents of Montecid (individual neighbours, presidents of the different Community of Owners, and the Montecid Neighbourhood Association) have already exhausted all avenues of communication with the council, and the Council still fails to comply with its legal obligations to the residents.  They all pay their IBI and for basuras as well as licences for swimming pools, terrace glazing, garden works etc, but maintenance services from Monforte Del Cid Council are barely visible. 
Currently they only have rubbish collection, waste disposal and street lighting. The street cleaning service barely exists, the Council owned areas are overgrown with weeds and debris causing fire and health risks, there is no maintenance of the sewers, no replacement of the damaged or burned rubbish bins, the maintenance of green areas is almost nil and with barely any lighting, the play area for children is inadequate and dangerous, including wood chips mixed with bark, and these are just some of the problems the residents have had to put up with.
In addition, the original entrance road into Montecid has been closed by the Town Hall and a new access road (built with money from MASA that was supposed to be used to rectify internal road and structural problems). It has been built but is not yet legal as the Fomento in Madrid will not authorise it due to being inadequately constructed as whenever there is heavy rain it floods.  
But the Mayoress has done nothing to rectify this and call back the workmen, she just uses it as yet another excuse not to reception Montecid. Also this new road has health and safety concerns due to the length of time it now takes to access the site from the A31 (police, ambulance, fire brigade etc) which has also forced everyone to extra mileage when leaving/entering the site. 
According to a press release issued by the City Council on July 30th 2013, printed in a Spanish newspaper, the Council would assume maintenance and conclude the pending works in Montecid, but as of today there is still no change.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43888/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A mass demonstration was held in Urbanisation Montecid in Monforte del Cid, Alicante, on Saturday 31st May 2014, to protest about the appalling lack of service received in the past 8 years from the local council. 
The meeting was extremely well attend...

### EXPATS AND EUROPE

I usually try to avoid political issues in ‘Twitters from the Atlantic', but a number of expats have shared with me their concerns about the recent European Elections.
Apathy, as well as dissatisfaction with much of Europe's political system and political classes, seems to be at the root of the problem. Even so, voting in the European Elections is the only opportunity that we, as expats, get to express our feelings yet, sadly, many expats that I know could not even be bothered to put down their gin and tonics for a few minutes and toddle off to their nearest polling station.
Like many expats, I watched the results of the UK local and European elections with dismay. Although those living in the UK know more about UKIP than I, and will be better placed to make more informed judgments, I am concerned about the implications of UKIP's success, as well as their growing influence upon the UK political landscape, for both current as well as ‘would be' expats intent on living in Europe.
Despite the views of its critics, the right to live and work in any country in the EU is a wonderful thing, which should not be given up lightly. There are currently over 300,000 retired expats living in Europe, and many of whom seem to be oblivious to what the UK's potential withdrawal from the EU could mean for them. Experts agree that pensions, health benefits and investments would all be under threat should the UK withdraw from the European Union.
It is quite clear that UK expats currently have very little representation in the UK. It also appears that there are only very few British politicians who are concerned about the welfare of UK nationals living and working overseas. However, we must remember that we can only live in the country of our choice at the whim of politicians, in agreement with the EU. Should the UKIP bandwagon advance yet further, it could force a referendum that leads to a UK exit from Europe, which could spell disaster for all British expats living in Europe.
 
We are often told that one of the reasons for the rise of UKIP is the disenchantment of voters with the number of immigrants, European and others, entering the UK. Surely, this argument could also refer to the people of Spain, Italy and France with regard to British expats? I am well aware of the cultural changes that a large number of Brits, for instance, bring to a Spanish village or small town. Is it not reasonable to assume that there could be resentment in much the same way towards us, and particularly if the UK is no longer part of the European family?
To spell it out more clearly, if the UK leaves Europe, it would mean that we would cease to be European citizens and we could no longer have the right to live and move freely in Europe. European laws would no longer protect us, and the right to ensure that British State pensions would be paid in full in Europe would cease. Other benefits would cease to be protected too, including reciprocal health care arrangements that are so important for the retired expat. We would be living in a foreign state, just as any other country outside the EU. In short, should a referendum take place, there is a strong possibility that our lives would change considerably, and not for the better.
The cynics will raise the issue of Switzerland and other countries that, although not part of the European Union, have negotiated agreements and exemptions in favour of their citizens living in other European countries. They argue that no doubt the same would apply to the UK, should an exit occur. It may be the case, but it may not. Personally, I prefer to have the reassurance of a system, as imperfect as it may be, that guarantees me the right to live elsewhere in Europe, and not be at the mercy of populist governments and political parties of the day.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.

© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43887/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: I usually try to avoid political issues in ‘Twitters from the Atlantic', but a number of expats have shared with me their concerns about the recent European Elections.
Apathy, as well as dissatisfaction with much of Europe's political system and...

### LA MANGA CLUB SIGNS PARTNERSHIP WITH POWERLIFTERS

La Manga Club continues in its efforts to position itself as one of the best sports complexes in Europe and is now turning to the sport of weightlifting.
The European EPF, European Powerlifting Federation, and IPF, International Powerlifting Federation, have both reached an agreement with La Manga Club to host their competitions and tournaments for the next 4 years.
Thanks to this agreement, the resort, and more specifically the Spa La Manga Club, where the training base is installed, will host the European Weightlifting Championship in 2015. It will also host other events such as clinics, workshops, training camps or concentrations team.
Jose Asenjo, Director General of La Manga Club says: "In La Manga Club there is room for all kinds of sports, from triathlons, golf, football and tennis to weightlifting, and thanks to such alliances, we can reach a much wider audience  ".
With this type of agreement, La Manga Club will continue to promote speciality sports in the Region of Murcia.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43886/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: La Manga Club continues in its efforts to position itself as one of the best sports complexes in Europe and is now turning to the sport of weightlifting.
The European EPF, European Powerlifting Federation, and IPF, International Powerlifting Federation, have both reached an agreement with La Manga Club to host their competitions and tournaments for the next 4 years.
Thanks to this agreement, the resort, and more specifically the Spa La Manga Club, where the training base is installed, will host the European Weightlifting Championship in 2015. It will also host other events such as clinics, workshops, training camps or concentrations team.
Jose Asenjo, Director General of La Manga Club says: "In La Manga Club there is room for all kinds of sports, from triathlons, golf, football and tennis to weightlifting, and thanks to such alliances, we can reach a much wider audience  ".
With this type of agreement, La Manga Club will continue to promote speciality sports in the Region of Murcia.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43886/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### MAS Y MAS SUPPORTING SAN MIGUEL FOOD BANK

On 30 and 31 May The Neighbours Association "San Miguel Archangel" participated in a campaign to collect food for the local Food Bank at The Supermarket Masymas.
Every branch of The Masymas Supermarket chain ran a similar collection for their local Food Bank. In San Miguel de Salinas the support from shoppers in their donations literally burst the food collection box at the end of the day on Saturday.
Over the two days of the campaign a total of 286.5 kilos of solid foods, 402 liters of milk and 39 euros in cash were collected. These numbers far exceed those achieved in the same establishment last November. 
This Association wish to thank all the customers of the shop, staff and volunteers for their generosity and solidarity in this important campaign.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43884/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On 30 and 31 May The Neighbours Association "San Miguel Archangel" participated in a campaign to collect food for the local Food Bank at The Supermarket Masymas.
Every branch of The Masymas Supermarket chain ran a similar collection for their local Food Bank. In San Miguel de Salinas the support from shoppers in their donations literally burst the food collection box at the end of the day on Saturday.
Over the two days of the campaign a total of 286.5 kilos of solid foods, 402 liters of milk and 39 euros in cash were collected. These numbers far exceed those achieved in the same establishment last November. 
This Association wish to thank all the customers of the shop, staff and volunteers for their generosity and solidarity in this important campaign.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43884/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### BRIT INJURED IN IBIZA BALCONY FALL

A British man, said to be in his 30´s, has been admitted to the Hospital de Can Misses in Ibiza, after apparently falling from the second floor of an apartment block in the town of Sant Antoni de Portmany.
According to police sources, the man suffered multiple contusions, and may have fallen accidentally as he sat on the railing of the balcony while his roommate was sleeping.
The incident took place around midnight in the Mar i Vent urbanisation on calle General Balanzat and after receiving notification of the incident the police and medics attended.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43878/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A British man, said to be in his 30´s, has been admitted to the Hospital de Can Misses in Ibiza, after apparently falling from the second floor of an apartment block in the town of Sant Antoni de Portmany.
According to police sources, the man su...

### NEW NATIONAL POLICE OFFICERS SWORN IN

The Secretary of State for Security, Francisco Martínez, presided over the swearing in ceremony of 213 new National Police officers on Friday.
During this event, which was held at the National Police Academy in Ávila, Martínez was accompanied by the Director General of Police, Ignacio Cosidó and other official delegates.
The 168 men and 45 women have all passed the selection procedures and related training courses, and will immediately be sent to a variety of destinations throughout Spain.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43877/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Secretary of State for Security, Francisco Martínez, presided over the swearing in ceremony of 213 new National Police officers on Friday.
During this event, which was held at the National Police Academy in Ávila, Martínez was...

### TAKE PRECAUTIONS IN THE SUN

As temperatures increased significantly in the middle of this week, we were reminded of the need to take proper precautions when out and about.
Every year the hottest coastal areas see many people suffer the effects of heat and sunstroke, some of which lead to tragedies such as these this week.
In Torrevieja on Wednesday, a man was seen to collapse in the street, falling into the sea, but rescuers could do nothing to save him. On the Orihuela Costa, near the Los Dolses school, a body lay in the street in similar circumstances.
With temperatures in the 30´s, the UV index was shown as 13 at the height of Wednesday, which is classed as “Extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure”. The Violet alert means that everybody needs to take precautions, which include avoiding going out at the hottest times of day, walking in shade where possible, wearing sunglasses and using SPF 30+ sunscreen, covering the body with a long-sleeve shirt and trousers, wearing a very broad hat and drinking plenty of water.
The area was also on high alert for forest fires, with the risk near the highest possible, with caution also being asked to deal with rubbish and smoking paraphernalia to try to prevent inadvertent ignition.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43876/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As temperatures increased significantly in the middle of this week, we were reminded of the need to take proper precautions when out and about.
Every year the hottest coastal areas see many people suffer the effects of heat and sunstroke, some of whic...

### LAW & ORDER: UK SHELVED

As the final episode of series 8 of Law & Order: UK is now scheduled for Wednesday 11 June (9pm on ITV), after being postponed from some time ago by the channel, ITV has announced that it will be the last to be transmitted for the foreseeable future.
The hugely popular series starring Bradley Walsh, Ben Bailey Smith, Peter Davison, Georgia Taylor and Dominic Rowan is to be rested by the channel.
 “There may well come a time when we re-visit Law & Order: UK,” said ITV's Director of Drama Commissioning Steve November.  “For the moment we'll be resting the series whilst we continue to refresh our drama slate,” he added. 
The move coincides with Bradley Walsh's decision to depart the successful crime drama to pursue other projects, both in drama and entertainment.
 “Ronnie Brooks is one of my best friends,” said Bradley.  “It's been an absolute pleasure to inhabit Ronnie's Mac for as long as I have.  Eight series is a wonderful achievement for everyone involved in the production. This has been one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make.  I hope one day to revisit him, but for now I'd like the opportunity to pursue other drama projects which ITV are developing,” he added.  
 “Don't forget you have one more chance to watch Ronnie in action on 11 June. I'd really love fans of the series, old and new, to watch the final episode to give the series a fitting and proper send off.”
Created by acclaimed US show runner Dick Wolf and based on the US franchise, Law & Order is one of the most successful American primetime television franchises and has become a firm favourite with the ITV audience since first broadcasting in 2009.
Law & Order: UK is produced by Kudos, a Shine Group company, Wolf Films and NBC Universal, with Executive Producers Jane Featherstone and Alison Jackson on behalf of Kudos and Dick Wolf for Wolf Films with Jane Dauncey producing series 8. 
 “It's been a privilege for Kudos to produce Law & Order: UK over the last eight series,” said Jane Featherstone. “It's success and huge audience appeal over all of these years is a testament to the cast, crew and production team who have worked tirelessly to bring such great drama to air,” said Jane.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43860/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As the final episode of series 8 of Law & Order: UK is now scheduled for Wednesday 11 June (9pm on ITV), after being postponed from some time ago by the channel, ITV has announced that it will be the last to be transmitted for the foreseeable futur...

### FRIDAY IS D-DAY - EXITE RADIO TAKES YOU BACK

This Friday morning on Exite Radio, we are going back in time. Way back in fact, to a time long before many of us were even born, myself included, because it´s D-Day.
Or, more to the point, Friday marks the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, when Operation Neptune saw allied troops take to the beaches in France in the largest seaborne invasion in history, which began the invasion of German-occupied western Europe, led to the restoration of the French Republic and contributed to an Allied victory in the Second World war.
All of this week preparations have been underway for a major ceremony to recognize the achievements of those involved, with veterans coming together to recognize the efforts of each and every one of themselves.
So, on Friday, we are going back to an era of war classics, songs that evoke memories and moments of heartache, pain, and indeed pleasure, whilst hearing from some of the people involved and revisiting one of the most pinnacle moments in a bleak history of the world, that became the roots of the free world we can all so easily take for granted today.
Vera Lynn, Gracie Fields, the Andrews Sisters are amongst some of the stars of the day that your ears will be treated to, as we turn back the sands of time for 3 hours from 8am (7 in the UK), and share a moment with those who were there, though some may want to forget, many more want to remember, and we try to keep history alive and share the experiences, knowledge and lessons learnt and hope that some of the younger generations can keep those memories alive.
The commemoration of this weekend also coincides with other events for both historians and futurists alike. As those lessons from the past may be learnt, war still ravishes today. That is why on Sunday Spain will be recognizing the men and women of the armed forces today and in the past, with a tribute to the “fallen”, as the Dia de las Fuerzas Armadas is celebrated, postponed because of the European Elections. The display on Sunday will also form a firm place in history, as the last of such events presided over by the current King of Spain, Juan Carlos, accompanied by his son, Filipe, who will take over as King in a matter of weeks. 
The proceedings will start with the hoisting of the flag in the Plaza de Colón in Madrid, followed by a tribute and address, and then the traditional parade of members of the armed forces through the streets of the city, but with these more austere times, some of the air displays have been toned down.
To top all of that off, Torrevieja will also be playing a very small part in recognizing military power, small in terms of scale rather than content, as the military model display returns to Torrevieja, being held at the Vista Alegre centre from Saturday the 7th until Friday the 20th of June. An extremely popular event enjoyed by all ages, this really is worth visiting, if only to admire the amount of detail that the models display, as well as the amount of time and dedication that their creators must have put in.
Exite Radio is available across the Torrevieja and Orihuela areas on 93.1fm on your radio, but you can also listen via the internet, on your smartphone, tablet or computer, by simply visiting the website, www.exiteradio.com. So, on Friday, dress appropriately for the time, remember your ration books, and enjoy 3 hours of pure nostalgia, with a sprinkling of history, from 8 in the morning, as we do our bit to honour those who took part in making history for our future.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43859/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: This Friday morning on Exite Radio, we are going back in time. Way back in fact, to a time long before many of us were even born, myself included, because it´s D-Day.
Or, more to the point, Friday marks the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings...

### FLYING HEROES PREPARED FOR A ‘HELLISH SUMMER’

Following a particularly mild spring, and fearing for a long and hot summer, the government has already taken pre-emptive steps to reduce the risk of forest fires, by banning agricultural burning earlier than normal and trying to raise awareness of the part we can each play in reducing the risk, but behind the scenes lies a team of dedicated professionals waiting to respond to incidents which are often caused by our neglect and sometimes even stupidity.
Over recent weeks the whole of Spain has seen numerous fires take hold on the dry land, even the Orihuela Costa has witnessed the fire fighting activities, and with land, livestock and livelihoods at risk, let alone people´s homes and belongings, and ultimately their lives, there has never been a more apt time to be cautious of our surroundings.
General advice in preventing outbreaks of fire revolves around us taking our rubbish away with us. Many a fire has been started by a discarded cigarette or match, sometimes thrown from a vehicle which is long gone by the time the fire takes hold.
General rubbish and litter can also be a risk, not just glass that can amplify the sun´s rays, but paper and plastic can also become extremely inflammable. Intentional fires can easily rage out of control, so campfires are often also banned, and the storage of flammable liquid should be strictly monitored. 
However, should you see a fire, the first thing to do is to summon support, which can be done via the 112 emergency call centre, where multilingual operators will be available upon request, so you don´t have to worry about speaking English. One thing to try to obtain first is the best location of the fire. This can be street names, GPS locations, highway markers, grid coordinates, and even from your mobile phone, bearing in mind that the operators are often based in a call centre far away from where you might be, so a description like “down the road passing the big tree and recycle bins” will probably not be enough in the first instance.
Once summoned, the emergency centre will dispatch fire fighters to deal with the situation, and ultimately may well have to call for support from many of the ground and air troops that are trained and ready to deal with these situations.
Looking after the province of Alicante, the air support comes from the airfield at Mutxamel, where fire fighter pilot trainer Carlos Bea is already warning of a “hellish summer”. For that reason, the contracted company INAER have already taken steps to train more pilots in the high risk activity, with the trained quota of pilots now reaching 101, more than ever before, after qualifying following their theoretical and practical training course this month.
With a variety of different sized aircraft at their disposal, the crew can fly to anywhere in Spain and deal with whatever incident they find, first by locating an adequate and accessible water supply, then flying into the “hell” zone to deliver their cargo and hope to fight back the spread.
For this summer, INAER will have a total of 76 aircraft, with a team of more than 300 professionals, including pilots and aircraft maintenance technicians, highly qualified for this type of operation in order to prevent and extinguish fires and near misses that occur in the regions where they operate.
The company runs a fleet of 71 helicopters, 10 of which are Kamov Ka-32 with a discharge capacity of water over 4,500 litres, plus another 17 Bell 412 helicopters, which are highly versatile and lightweight aircraft, along with their Airbus AS350 B3 Helicopters.
In order to try to prevent outbreaks, the company also operate a fleet of 4 surveillance helicopters, 2 of which are Airbus AS355-N, plus an Agusta A109, and an Airbus AS350 B3, equipped with technology for the coordination and transmission of images to coordination centres and ground crews.
In addition to the helicopters, INAER also operate a fleet of fixed wing aircraft, including two amphibious Air Tractor 802A with a water capacity of more than 3,100 litres, and 2 Partenavia P68, specially equipped for observation and the transmission of images of fires.
With a number of crashes in recent years only serving to highlight the risk these men and women put themselves under in the course of their duties, the two things we can all do is firstly to hope we never need their help, and secondly to ensure that we do our bit by taking all of our rubbish away, however big or small, and paying attention to the risks of discarding smoking paraphernalia. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43858/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following a particularly mild spring, and fearing for a long and hot summer, the government has already taken pre-emptive steps to reduce the risk of forest fires, by banning agricultural burning earlier than normal and trying to raise awareness of the...

### RAPIST-KILLER MUM FACES FINAL APPEAL

The Administrative Chamber of the Supreme Court will consider the appeal submitted by María del Carmen García, after she was refused a governmental pardon for killing the rapist of her daughter.
The rape occurred in 1998, when the daughter was just 13, with María del Carmen García having entered prison on the 8th of May, after she was found guilty of setting a man on fire, resulting in his death. After appeals since her conviction, a prison term of five years and six months was to be served for her crime.
Her legal team have been trying to prevent her incarceration on medical grounds, but have so far been unsuccessful. The latest appeal failed after it was decided that the reason for her taking the action she did does not diminish the fact that she carried out an attack which resulted in her victim´s death,  contrary to law.
Having failed in her appeal with the Council of Ministers, this court appeal was ongoing, with the court expected to rule on the findings of the case within days.
The legal team are still asking for the sentence to be suspended, arguing that imprisonment would be “plainly destabilizing” for the “mental and physical state” of María del Carmen García, because of her “serious mental illness” which , according to counsel, is “incurable”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43857/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Administrative Chamber of the Supreme Court will consider the appeal submitted by María del Carmen García, after she was refused a governmental pardon for killing the rapist of her daughter.
The rape occurred in 1998, when the daught...

### SPRUCED-UP ROUNDABOUT ON N-332 COMPLETED

The councillor for the coast of Orihuela, Martina Scheurer, has announced the completion of aesthetic work on one of the principle roundabouts on the main N-332 road, in the Campoamor area.
The work, which included the addition of plants and vegetation, coloured features, ornamental sand and artificial grass, cost a total of 18,000 euro.
With a small number of people criticising the expenditure on this feature when there are other elements of the coast in need of investment, Scheurer pointed out that this work was already assigned and budgeted since 2010, but there had been no attempts to have the work completed until now.
The money assigned to the project was “ring-fenced” and could not have been spent on anything else other than the completion of this contract.
There had been a further more recent delay because the work had been ignored previously, which meant that the relevant permission and authority of the national road authority had to begin again with a brand new application.
Other roundabouts in the municipality have also being undergoing outstanding work at the same time.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43856/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The councillor for the coast of Orihuela, Martina Scheurer, has announced the completion of aesthetic work on one of the principle roundabouts on the main N-332 road, in the Campoamor area.
The work, which included the addition of plants and vegetatio...

### ORIHUELA COSTA TO GET 167 NEW HOMES

The government spokesperson for Orihuela, Carolina Gracia, has announced the approval for the construction of 167 new build homes on the Orihuela Costa.
In total, seven construction licences have been issued to a number of different companies, who will build the homes over five different zones within the coastal zone. There will be four fases of construction in the PAU-3 area, consisting of 33, 35, 36 and 38 units, and a block of 21 homes in the Lomas de Campoamor. There will also be two new homes constructed in La Zenia and one in the E-2 El Barranco area.
In addition to these new buildings, the urbanism department has also studied 22 cases of infractions of planning law, of which 19 have resulted in a demolition order, the remainder being the subject of correction or penalty payments.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43855/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The government spokesperson for Orihuela, Carolina Gracia, has announced the approval for the construction of 167 new build homes on the Orihuela Costa.
In total, seven construction licences have been issued to a number of different companies, who wil...

### JUDGE REQUESTS DEEPER INVESTIGATION INTO ORIHUELA PP HEAD CASE

The judge investigating potential corruption in the case of the leader of the Partido Popular in Orihuela, Pepa Ferrando, has ordered proceedings against one of the private companies involved, who may have received work assigned by the politician when she was the councillor for culture in the municipality.
It is alleged that rather than putting contracts out to public tender, the work was split and shared amongst other companies, the award for work which would then fall within the financial limits of requiring to go to public tender, and could be assigned by a councillor freely.
Now, according to reports, the judge is calling for a financial and tax investigation into a company named “Pepa Ferrando Protocolo & Eventos SL”, a design and events management company of which the accused councillor is believed to be involved, along with her sister.
The court notes state that the judge has asked that the Economic Crime Unit and the Prosecutor of the National Police investigates the company in order to ascertain whether there was a possibility that they could have received orders for work from the council.
However, this is just an investigation, with no evidence at this time to suggest wrongdoing, as the company was formed in 2007, whereas the case in which Ferrando is being investigated was when she was the councillor for culture, between 2008 and 2011, and she is not thought to have had any active role within the company which bears her name during that period.
Along with Ferrando, the representative of nine companies are under investigation as part of the FITUR exhibition case, many of which seemed to share both a geographical location and, in some cases, board members or partners.
They are facing criminal charges of malfeasance, embezzlement, fraud and possible bribery. Ferrando has always denied the existence of anomalies and stressed that the case will simply serve to prove her innocence, as those who accused her did not understand the recruitment process and argued that she simply followed the recommendations of two of her advisers, who, according to Ferrando, made contact with the representatives of these companies to commission the work.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43854/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The judge investigating potential corruption in the case of the leader of the Partido Popular in Orihuela, Pepa Ferrando, has ordered proceedings against one of the private companies involved, who may have received work assigned by the politician when ...

### ORIHUELA LOST THOUSANDS FROM THE CENSUS REGISTER

Orihuela´s councillor for Internal Affairs, Víctor Ruiz, has announced the findings of the padrón cleanup operation carried out by the Institute of National Statistics.
Collectively, Orihuela has last 8,000 residents as a result of the audit, mostly British nationals, resulting in both a significant decline in the population, and confirmation of the numbers of ex-pats who have left the area.
In August of last year the town hall received notification of the facts that an audit was to be carried out, in order to correct registrations for residents who may have moved away, or had simply not renewed their status. A campaign was then launched to encourage residents to both check and confirm their status in Orihuela, which was duly done by many residents.
The process of confirmation continued through the rest of the year, including during the electoral registration period, with the findings of the report now confirming that the 8,000 people being taken off the population figure are as a result of that cleanup operation.
However, despite the obvious concerns that the figure presents, the initial estimate was that some 17,000 to 18,000 residents may have had to be removed, around 15% of the population. With over 9,000 people having confirmed their questionable status, the remaining figure of 8,000 to be removed was reached.
As the data reflects the ex-pat British population most, it is also believed that the biggest portion of those would be on the Orihuela Costa, a favoured location for foreign immigrants to reside. 
The figure could well cause a problem for the amount of revenue received from the government, it will also have a direct impact on the entire canvas that has made the Orihuela Costa what it is today, not only in terms of how businesses reach out to the international resident market, but also how the political framework will develop in the run up to the next elections in May, for which it now seems even more important than ever for the ex-pat resident to confirm an intention to vote, to ensure that the voice of the seemingly reducing population is heard and represented.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43853/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Orihuela´s councillor for Internal Affairs, Víctor Ruiz, has announced the findings of the padrón cleanup operation carried out by the Institute of National Statistics.
Collectively, Orihuela has last 8,000 residents as a result of...

### SELL-OUT CONCERT AT ASTURIAS

On Sunday night a packed audience was treated to a double-delight concert given by the Orihuela Costa Male Voice Choir and the talented youngsters of the Cantemos! Youth Choir.
Fully 20 minutes before the concert started potential patrons who had not purchased tickets beforehand were politely turned away as every seat was taken.
The Male Voice Choir started with a wide variety of music ranging from Wand'rin' Star, Some Enchanted Evening, and of course the appropriate Welsh hymn tunes for which male choirs are famous. Then along came Cantemos! Youth with an entire programme of Abba songs which delighted the enthusiastic audience - bringing them to their feet on several occasions.
The well-known soloists of Cantemos! - including three of the finest on the Costa, Janelle Gaskell, Elise MacGregor and Holly Neeson won great acclaim with Super Trouper and Lay All Your Love On Me. Joining them was a first-time soloist, Gemma Garcia Gamble, who sang Our Last Summer much to the great satisfaction of the thrilled audience.
The Male Voice Choir returned with several more show-stopping songs. At this point conductor and professional singer, Nigel Hopkins, led the choir singing Funiculi, Funicula in both Italian and English which drew the biggest applause of the evening.
The concert rounded off with both choirs concluding with Softly As I Leave You and the rousing Thank You For The Music bringing the audience to their feet for the last time.
Costa Blanca Samaritans benefitted by 333€ from a raffle during the evening, and both choirs raised enough money for them both to receive new uniforms for next season.
Patricia Sanderson.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43851/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Sunday night a packed audience was treated to a double-delight concert given by the Orihuela Costa Male Voice Choir and the talented youngsters of the Cantemos! Youth Choir.
Fully 20 minutes before the concert started potential patrons who had not ...

### LA VILA INTERNATIONAL SEVENS

A new edition of the La Vila International  Benidorm Sevens was held in Spain last weekend on the Villajoyosa Rugby Stadium. 
While the Saturday was marked by heavy rains (but the games started with British punctuality) on Sunday we saw participants contesting the latter stages.  The Final was between Ecosse (Scotland ) who won the Gold Cup after beating Kazakhstan 21-0 .
The maximum championship trophy went to the Highlands thanks to the explosion and tactical understanding of their players, but does not detract from the proposal shown by the other teams . The combined Kazakhstan, old friends by choosing La Vila as a center for preparing international tours, brought touches of progressive evolution as combined before his next tournament in Rome.
Israel shocked by his physical condition while Kidwelly ( Wales) emphasized the fluidity and connectivity of the ball. Denmark should be mentioned on their cohesion in the tactical approach and spectacular incursions speed of some of its leading figures.
Regarding the Spanish participation, Rugby Club La Vila participated with a background full of some of the new jonenses promises, standing up to big teams participating, which gives much more credit to the efforts made by the hosts. Juan Ignacio Vinaches , Juan Vicente Llorca , Leo Bouin , Pedro Santamaria , Axel Julián Suárez , Victor Izard and Renato Trandafir are some of those players that will have everyone talking in the future.
The Elche CRU was also true to his appointment with the International Seven, demonstrating their good work in the field and attesting to the great relationship between the club Elche and Villajoyosa.
An attractive Valencia team led by Facundo Ozu
 And Hernán Quirelli, Valencia Tecnidex coaches and Rugby Club La Vila respectively, yield a compact samples combined with great potential , defeating the Danes in their place in the semifinals of gold. Among their ranks are the players like Matias Vila Lamboglia , Lucas Poggi , Juan David Quintero, Juan Manuel Carrion and Guillem Quirante .
And so ends another edition of Seven International and Rugby Club La Vila as organizer is already immersed in the next championship, the National Seven Male and Female Clubs to be held on 21 and 22 June at the Villajoyosa Rugby Stadium.
This season there is still much to see on the rugby field of Pantano.
Photo credit:  Pedro MarcetFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43850/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A new edition of the La Vila International  Benidorm Sevens was held in Spain last weekend on the Villajoyosa Rugby Stadium. 
While the Saturday was marked by heavy rains (but the games started with British punctuality) on Sunday we saw participants c...

### AVOID LEAVING THE RENEWAL OF YOUR BRITISH PASSPORT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE

British nationals wanting to renew or obtain a British passport should avoid leaving their applications too late. 
You currently need to allow at least six weeks for a passport renewal and eight weeks for a first time application, according to Her Majesty's Passport Office.
It's also important to get your application right first time, to avoid the paperwork being returned and causing further delay.
The Passport Office took over the processing of all applications from British nationals across the globe in March. As part of the transition, the British Embassy in Madrid ceased to handle applications last year.
Overseas applications are now subject to further security checks, to align with the processes for domestic passport applications. These checks can take significantly longer than those made in the UK and a passport will not be issued until all checks have been satisfactorily completed.
Processing times have therefore increased for UK passport applications submitted from overseas. The Passport Office has acknowledged the frustration that customers may be experiencing and will continue to review its guidance on estimated processing times. It has recommended that customers do not book travel until they have received their passport.
UK passport applications must be made online and the webpage to start an overseas application can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports/y .
The six week minimum for the issue of a new passport starts when the application is received by the Passport Office.
So if you need a new British passport soon, don't leave it until the last minute. 
You can make your application up to nine months before the expiry of your current passport and the remaining validity time will be carried over to the new passport.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43849/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: British nationals wanting to renew or obtain a British passport should avoid leaving their applications too late. 
You currently need to allow at least six weeks for a passport renewal and eight weeks for a first time application, according to Her Maj...

### KING JUAN CARLOS OF SPAIN TO ABDICATE

The President of the Spanish Government, Mariano Rajoy, has announced that the King of Spain, Juan Carlos de Borbon, is to abdicate.
Prince Felipe will take over as the ruler of the country.
King Juan Carlos, who is 76, has ruled since 1975 and faced a recent wave of controversy from corruption cases in his family, criticism for shooting elephants and has been suffering ill health for some time.
In his early life, Juan Carlos was also involved in a case in which his brother was killed, apparently whilst the pair were playing with a gun, with Juan Carlos being thought responsible for the death.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43837/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The President of the Spanish Government, Mariano Rajoy, has announced that the King of Spain, Juan Carlos de Borbon, is to abdicate.
Prince Felipe will take over as the ruler of the country.
King Juan Carlos, who is 76, has ruled since 1975 and faced...

### ALCOHOL AND DRUG CHECKS THIS WEEK

The latest campaign by Spain´s traffic department runs from the 2nd to the 8th of June, this time focusing on alcohol and drugs.
There will be an increased presence of the Guardia Civil on the roads, carrying out random spot checks, as well as creating special drug and alcohol checkpoints.
According to statistics from the DGT, alcohol is present as a concurrent or triggering factor in a third of all fatal accidents. Their presence can multiply the risk of an accident by up to 15 times. It is worth noting too that although the only safe rate is 0.0%, the limit in Spain is also considerably lower than that of the UK, a factor commonly ignored by foreign drivers.
There has been a significant decrease in the percentage of positive tests between 2001 and 2013, down from 5% to 1.7% in that time, although the aim is to reach a figure of below 1% of drivers at the checkpoints.
Drug use on the other hand has seen an increase, although it is hoped that the new legislation will start to have a positive impact on reducing the use of drugs by drivers, with figures showing some 11% of drivers tested were on some kind of banned substance, with cannabis and cocaine the two substances most frequently found.
Regardless of the effect on drivers, alcohol and drugs also pose a risk to pedestrians, mainly in urban areas, which makes the participation of all municipalities in this Special Campaign of extraordinary importance.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43836/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The latest campaign by Spain´s traffic department runs from the 2nd to the 8th of June, this time focusing on alcohol and drugs.
There will be an increased presence of the Guardia Civil on the roads, carrying out random spot checks, as well as c...

### THE VIRTUAL NEWSPAPER IS NOW AVAILABLE

This week´s virtual copy of The Leader is available now on our dedicated website, virtualleader.info.
All of the latest news and sports, plus our regular features and contributors, a comprehensive TV guide, classifieds, health, beauty, motoring, education and more, all FREE and in hundreds of places across the Costa Blanca every Monday morning.
To view the virtual copy online, click this link to go direct to this week´s paper, http://www.virtualleader.info/issue-522-02-june-2014Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43835/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: This week´s virtual copy of The Leader is available now on our dedicated website, virtualleader.info.
All of the latest news and sports, plus our regular features and contributors, a comprehensive TV guide, classifieds, health, beauty, motoring...

### IT’S NOT QUITE OVER YET!

Mirandes 0 Hercules 1,
Las Palmas 0 Real Murcia 1
Local teams Hercules and Real Murcia are finishing the season fighting for their lives, but at opposite ends of the table: one to stay in league 2A and the other to be promoted out of it (upwards) into La Liga.
Although it still looks inevitable Hercules will drop down into Segunda B and the regional leagues, the Alicantinos put up a tremendous performance away at Mirandes of Leon and Castille to at least give them faint mathematical hope with one game to go. On 45 points Hercules are still three behind 2nd bottom Rael Jaen, Deportivo Alaves and Girona are on 48, and Real Madrid II on 49.
This has been a very close-fought competitive season in 2A: from Cordoba in sixth place on 60 points down to Mirandes in 16th just outside the drop zone on 50 points, only 10 points separate 10 teams where a win is everything, but very difficult to sustain. Just like Hercules a terrific 1 – 0 win away at Las Palmas gave Real Murcia an excellent chance of the play-offs.
The Murcians now lead the contenders by one point from Barcelona II who can't go up, Sporting Gijon on 60 points by two and Cordoba on 60 points by three. Also on 60 points are Recreativo Huelva and Las Palmas. It's all coming down to the last game of the season!
Next Saturday all the final matches will be played at 18.30: for Hercules there is a must-win against Barcelona II to even level it out, but the blue and whites have an infinitely worse goal difference then the others.
There is also a fascinating who-dares-lose-goes-down encounter between Rael Jaen and Deportivo Alaves. Girona are at home to already-promoted Deportivo La Coruna.
Up near the top Real Murcia can control their own destiny if they beat Real Madrid II (the Bernabeu's ‘B' team to consolidate their position in the play-offs, this a great attempt to get back in La Liga after several years out in the wilderness.
Gijon are home to mid table Tenerife and las Palmas entertain Ponferradina who are almost safe on 51 points. Similarly Cordoba in 7th are home to Mallorca, also just ahead of the drop zone.
The only other play-off candidate is Recreativo who play Sabadell two points below them.
Photo: wwwrealmurcia.esFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43834/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Mirandes 0 Hercules 1,
Las Palmas 0 Real Murcia 1
Local teams Hercules and Real Murcia are finishing the season fighting for their lives, but at opposite ends of the table: one to stay in league 2A and the other to be promoted out of it (upwards) int...

### VALENCIA HAS FEWER MEDICS THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE

As governmental cuts in the health service have finally started to reveal themselves in physical numeric form, data released this week by the Institute of National Statistics shows that the Valencia region is below the national average for the ratio of both doctors and nurses to inhabitants.
In total, Valencia has 23,086 Doctors, which equates to 466 doctors per hundred thousand residents, way below the 501 per thousand of the national average. The situation is similar for nurses, where the region´s 25,154 professionals equate to 508 nurses per hundred thousand residents, compared to 537 per hundred thousand as is the national average.
 In fact, Valencia rates sixth from the bottom of the list in terms of doctor to inhabitant ratio, with Madrid leading the way with 631 per hundred thousand, followed by Aragón with 616. However, at the bottom of the list is Andalucía, with 401 medics per hundred thousand citizens.
The statistics also reveal that the total number of registered medical practitioners increased by 1.7% in 2013, a fact that is confirmed in Valencia, where this number increased by 1.18% compared to 2012, increasing the number of licensed physicians in all Valencian provinces.
Despite the below average ratio for nurses, Valencia is fourth in the list in terms of ranking, with Navarra heading the list by some considerable lead, with 961 nurses per hundred thousand, and Murcia is at the bottom with 378 per hundred thousand, considerably below the national average of 537.
The field of psychiatry has seen the biggest growth in the last 2 years, with an increase of almost 74% in the number of practitioners since 2012, with 12,404 now practising. The national pharmaceutical association, physiotherapy, dentistry and optometry have all seen growth in the same period.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43833/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As governmental cuts in the health service have finally started to reveal themselves in physical numeric form, data released this week by the Institute of National Statistics shows that the Valencia region is below the national average for the ratio of...

### EDUCATION LOOKING TO INCREASE TABLET USE IN SCHOOLS

As the academic year is about to come to a close, the department of education is now considering replacing text books in schools, from fifth grade primary, with electronic tablet computers, for which the parents would have to foot the bill.
The proposal has been presented to the teachers unions this week that would allow for a pilot scheme started last year in a few schools to be rolled out across the education network.
As with any experimental program, the final approval would lie with the Department of Education, but would then lead to a selection committee being created, formed mostly of head and lead teacher trainers, as well as auditors and monitors to ensure that the process reaches an equal implementation system.
Although the parents would have to pay for the tablets, which must also meet minimum characteristics set down by the department, the cost is not too dissimilar to the annual fees paid by many parents for the next batch of textbooks as their children move through the system.
Spokesperson for the authority, María José Catalá, explains that the use of tablet computers is a form of “adapting the education system to the needs and demands arising from the use of new technologies”, and although it is still experimental, the department doesn´t rule out being able to provide support for families who may not be able to afford the tablets, in much the same way as help is sometimes awarded towards textbook costs.
Among the benefits for the use of electronic tablets are the fact that they are intuitive; naturally integrate the capabilities that young people develop by using similar devices that follow the same logic; early adaptation of technology integrated into our daily lives; improved digital skills decreasing the rejection of ICTs and improved language skills thanks to features such as voice recognition.
The devices also integrate utilities that can assist in the learning process, such as calculators, dictionaries and a calendar, and can also play music and video, thus enriching the multimedia learning capacity for the students, something which printed books cannot do.
Tablets also cut down considerably on the amount of weight that children have to carry. Recent studies have indicated that children in Spain may suffer long term damage by carrying too much in their early years, and that even the use of wheeled trolleys can have a detrimental effect on their growth, if not used correctly.
The consultation period for approval will last for two weeks. Should the scheme be approved for adoption, the department has vowed to offer training courses, not only for the students and teachers, but also for parents to be able to see how the devices work and the benefits of switching to a digital form of educational progress.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43832/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As the academic year is about to come to a close, the department of education is now considering replacing text books in schools, from fifth grade primary, with electronic tablet computers, for which the parents would have to foot the bill.
The propos...

### SPAIN IS A EUROPEAN LEADER IN DRUG USE

Along with Britain and France, Spain is the European leader in cocaine and cannabis use amongst young people, although the usage is declining, according to annual data published this week by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs.
The study warns, however, that the “positive signs” that the use of traditional drugs is declining, the data is counteracted by a threatened increase in “new threats posed by synthetic drugs, including stimulants and new psychoactive substances”, which have a growing presence in the European drug market.
An estimated 2.2 million young people, between the ages of 15 and 34 years, used cocaine last year, 1.7% of that age group. Collectively, cocaine use in Spain was more than double the EU average, with 3.6% usage. Usage in the UK stood at 3.3%, Ireland was 2.8% and Denmark 2.4%. At the other end of the scale, cocaine use was hardly noticeable in places such as Greece and Romania, with just 0.2%.
Cocaine shipments to Europe come “almost exclusively” from Bolivia, Colombia and Peru. “Cocaine trafficking to Europe appears to occur mainly through the countries of Western and Southern Europe, such as Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, France and Italy”, where 85% of the total 71 tons seized in 2012 were found, according to the report.
Cannabis is still the most popular illegal drug for all age groups with an estimated 14.6 million young Europeans consuming the drug last year, around 11.2% of the entire population. Spain ranks in fourth place in terms of use of this drug, with a rate of 17% of the population, with the Czech Republic leading the way with 18.5%, Denmark with 17.6% and France with 17.5%. Once again, at the opposite end is Romania with just 0.6% usage, along with Malta at 1.9% and Greece with 3.2%.
The report does note that cannabis use in Spain is the lowest in the last decade”, with Germany, France and the UK, all showing either stability in consumption or a decline in use. In Denmark, Finland and Sweden however, there is an upward trend in cannabis use.
Young Spaniards are also above the EU average in terms of ecstasy use, with 1.4% of the 15 to 34 age group using the drug, compared to 1% of the EU average. The use of amphetamines is also higher at 1.1% compared to the European average of 0.9%.
There is some positive news in the report too, as Spain is below the EU average of the number of drug-induced deaths, with 11.4 cases per million people, compared to 17.1 per million average in Europe. The highest rates were recorded in Estonia with 191 per million and Norway with 76 per million people, followed by Ireland with 70 per million inhabitants.
The new threat to Europeans is coming from a new breed of synthetic drugs, including Methamphetamine, historically low in Europe and mostly limited to the Czech Republic and Slovakia, seems now to be spreading through the rest of Europe, the report warned.
Smoked methamphetamine in crystalline form is also on the increase, with a risk of a possible spread among vulnerable populations disturbing from Southeast Europe, such as Greece, Cyprus and Turkey.
The report warns of an increasing the number, type and availability of new drugs in Europe shows no signs of abating. New psychoactive substances are often sold in the market as “legal highs” and occur to mimic the effects of other drugs. New drugs can be produced in clandestine laboratories in Europe.
More common, however, are substances obtained in powder form, especially from China and India, where the internet continues to play a key role. Last year alone, the Centre identified 650 websites that sold these substances to Europeans.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43831/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Along with Britain and France, Spain is the European leader in cocaine and cannabis use amongst young people, although the usage is declining, according to annual data published this week by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs.
The study warns, h...

### ORIHUELA HAS THE MOST Q QUALITY FLAGS IN VALENCIA

Following on from the successful acquisition of the Blue Flag awards, the Orihuela Costa has also received the coveted “Q” for quality flag for seven of the coast´s beaches.
The councillor for tourism, Rosa Martínez, collected the flags from a ceremony in Valencia this week, confirming the standard of the Orihuela Costa for another year.
With seven “Qualitur” flags flying on the beaches, the Orihuela Costa has more than any other municipality in the Valencia region, with Torrevieja, Benidorm, Valencia, Sagunto and Castellón all winning six. Across the Alicante province there will be 38 “Q” flags flying in the 11 municipalities. 
Whereas the Qualitur flags recognize clean water measure monitoring to ensure the safety of bathers, sanitation, recreation areas and recreational facilities, as well as the environmental protection measures, they can also be added to the confirmed standards of the Blue Flags, as well as the International certification of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, which have also been awarded to Orihuela.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Orihuela, Monserrate Guillén, along with the Councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, accompanied by Bob Houliston from the CLARO political group, all visited the work on renewing the paseo maritimo at Punta Prima on Thursday.
With a budget of 140,000 euro, the paving is being replaced along most of the walkway in the Orihuela Costa zone of the area, with new, anti-slip paving stones being installed, which are also sturdy enough to take the weight of the automatic street cleaning machines in order to maintain the appearance in the future.
Although there was a delay in starting the work, it is progressing well and should be completed in time for summer, and had been requested by the visiting auditors of the Blue Flag standards, so will also go towards ensuring the accreditation in the future. 
The delegation also visited the newly opened footbridge over the motorway at La Zenia, one of three new bridges now in place, this one being long requested by the many pedestrians and cyclist who travel along the Villamartin and La Zenia road, who previously had to travel along the narrow passage with the cars and truck moving along the road, with considerable risk to safety.
Although there are still elements to be completed, such as lowering the pavement to allow mobility access, as well as creating a pedestrian crossing, already the route provides for a much safer passage over this popular route.
This bridge, along with the one near the yet to be finished school, had a budget of 809,000 euro, and were funded by local developer Marcos y Bañuls SL, who is also funding the improvements to the paseo maritimo. In response to the question about funding, Guillén pointed out that the government team “would have liked to have a municipal budget for such works”, but constraints do not allow for that to happen.
Meanwhile, Scheurer said that both her and the government team were insistent that the money from the coastal developments was spent on the Orihuela Costa, such is the case at Punta Prima.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43830/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following on from the successful acquisition of the Blue Flag awards, the Orihuela Costa has also received the coveted “Q” for quality flag for seven of the coast´s beaches.
The councillor for tourism, Rosa Martínez, collected...

### PROTECTING YOUR EYES FROM THE SUN

In May, Mike Stone from Specsavers Opticas in Calpe gave an informative presentation about UV and the effects of the sun on our eyes for the members of the University of the 3rd Age Vall de Pop in Murla.  
This interesting talk gave information to help the members to be able to effectively protect their eyes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) light radiation. They also tested the attendees' sunglasses with their UV meter and found that some of them were not giving adequate protection.
Mike explains why it is important to think about your eyes in Spain's strong sun – “UV blocking eye protection is crucial to prevent long-term harm and the development of the following ocular diseases:
•	Cataracts
•	Macular degeneration
•	Eyelid skin cancer
•	Pinguecula - small, yellowish, slightly raised lesions that form on the surface of the white part of the eye and cause irritation.
•	Pterygium - scar tissue that can grow over the surface of the eye and impair the vision.
•	Photokeratitis— an inflammation of the cornea due to UV exposure, comparable to sunburn of the very sensitive skin of the eye lids and tissues of the cornea.
You may not know that eyes are most at risk when the light hits at an angle, typically between 08.00-10.00 and 14.00-16.00. My advice would be to use photochromic lenses, polarized lenses, sunglasses and tinted lenses which block 100% of ultraviolet A and B radiation at all times of the year and day to fully protect your eyes.”
Specsavers Opticas in Calpe and Javea offer a free service to test the UV protection that your sunglasses offer so you can make sure you are protected. They are also raising money for the AmbulanciaParaJavea campaign which is fundraising to buy a specially adapted bus to help the elderly and disabled access medical care and get out of their homes. 
To find out how you can get involved in the campaign email ambulanciaparajavea@live.com, for more information about Specsavers visit www.specsavers.es.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43822/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In May, Mike Stone from Specsavers Opticas in Calpe gave an informative presentation about UV and the effects of the sun on our eyes for the members of the University of the 3rd Age Vall de Pop in Murla.  
This interesting talk gave information to hel...

### THIRD PEGASUS RADAR HELICOPTER LAUNCHED

The third Pegasus equipped helicopter of Spain´s traffic department, the DGT, has taken to the skies this week, looking for speeding motorists.
With twelve helicopters in their arsenal against speed, the primary cause of death on major roads, this third to be equipped with the airborne radar speed detector will primarily be focusing on the areas of Galicia, Castilla y León, Asturias and Cantabria in the northwest of the country, although can easily cover other roads as necessary.
Like its predecessors, this third Pegasus can capture the speed of vehicles, besides other offenses detected from the air, thanks to a mechanism and software included in the surveillance camera incorporated into the traffic helicopters. 
Groundbreaking at the time, the Pegasus radar began operating in March of 2013, and has completed over 500 flying hours, checked 9,960 vehicles and clocked 1,778 drivers exceeding the speed limit by more than 30 kilometres per hour above the allowed speed on the roads.
As well as hefty fines, Pegasus has taken away a total of 1,360 points from drivers for speeding, and during the 15 months of operation managed to catch one driver travelling at 232 kilometres per hour on a road where the limit was 120.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43818/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The third Pegasus equipped helicopter of Spain´s traffic department, the DGT, has taken to the skies this week, looking for speeding motorists.
With twelve helicopters in their arsenal against speed, the primary cause of death on major roads, th...

### HOW THE EUROPEAN VOTE AFFECTS ORIHUELA

As the dust starts to settle on the outcome of the European elections, opinion is still divided between those who cannot see a problem, and those who are analysing the statistics and presenting them for their own favour. In view of the copious amounts of data available, Bob Houliston from the local C.L.A.R.O. political group has investigated what he thinks the results actually meant at the street level of the Orihuela Costa.
Last Sunday's European Parliament elections in Spain were interesting from many different points of view.
Nationally, the Popular Party (PP) was the party which obtained most votes but for the first time since maybe 40 years, the two major parties together, the PP and the Socialist Party (PSOE) failed to get a combined 50% share of the vote. The emergence of new and smaller parties challenged the monopoly which the two big parties have enjoyed for so long, leading many to predict the end of the two party system in Spain.
Closer to home, in Valencia, the two major parties obtained more than 50% of the vote between them but new and smaller parties played such an important part that, projected into next year's regional elections, neither of the two major parties would be able to govern without an alliance. The Popular Party won the highest number of votes but the difference between PP and PSOE narrowed to 7.5% compared to 15% in the 2009 European Parliament elections.
In Orihuela, the Popular Party won an apparently impressive 45% of the vote but, in the European Parliament elections in 2009, when the turnout was admittedly 10% higher, their share of the vote was 66%. Compared to 2009, the PP in Orihuela lost over 7,000 votes, equal to a loss of 21%. The Socialist Party vote share in Orihuela on Sunday was 4% less than in 2009. The two major parties which took 94% of the vote in 2009 obtained 68% of the total vote this time. The influence of new and smaller parties reaffirmed their presence in Orihuela where for over 20 years the Popular Party dominated. This loss of the traditional PP monopoly of power in Orihuela already ended in the 2011 municipal elections when, thanks to the impact of C.L.A.R.O in combination with CLR, the PP failed to achieve an absolute majority and a Socialist-Green Party coalition  has governed since. The European Parliament elections last Sunday suggest that the days of the absolute majority of the PP and their monopoly of power in Orihuela are indeed over.   
The story in Orihuela Costa was distinct. If the turnout for Sunday's European Parliament elections was a respectable 45% nationally and in Orihuela, in the three voting centres of Orihuela Costa it was only 22%. This turnout level is very low. The number of eligible voters both Spanish (who are automatically registered to vote) and EU non-Spanish was 6,657, some 20% of the estimated 30,000 padron registered adult population. Expressed more dramatically, the total votes cast 1,353, represent only 4.5% of the POTENTIAL voting strength - Orihuela Costa is punching way below its weight! The problem is that EU, mainly British and Irish residents, do not make the effort to register to vote, which only requires a visit to the Playa Flamenca office of the Town Hall. The numbers on the voters list may be a little higher for the all important municipal elections next year but, unless a special effort is made, not high enough to give Orihuela Costa a decisive say in the next Orihuela Town Council.     
The message that it is necessary to register to vote and vote in order to have a say in the way we are governed, has so far unfortunately failed to get home.
Unlike in the country as a whole and in Valencia, the two major parties (PP and PSOE) were almost neck and neck in the vote in Orihuela Costa. Compared to Orihuela, where they achieved double the PSOE vote, in Orihuela Costa, the PP only obtained 22 more votes than the PSOE. New and smaller parties obtained over 500 votes, nearly 40% of the total. One reason for the poor performance of the PP in Orihuela Costa may well be that Orihuela Costa voters were critical of the Popular Party for the recent, abrupt dumping of C.L.A.R.O. in December in favour of a pact with Pedro Mancebo's CLR and the PP were punished accordingly.
A technical factor which affected the vote in Orihuela Costa was the appearance of a new voting station in the new nursery school in Lomas de Cabo Roig. This is the first time that voting took place in this centre and many people do not know it or how to find it. Furthermore, the geographic scope of this centre was strange.    People living within a few hundred metres of the Playa Flamenca office of the Town Hall, their traditional voting place, were directed to vote in the nursery school in Lomas de Cabo Roig, miles away. Some attention needs to be given to the location and geographic scope of the voting stations in future elections, beginning with the local elections in May, 2015.   
But by far the greatest need, if they want to have a say in the way they are governed, is for the adult, EU mainly British and Irish resident population of Orihuela Costa, to register to vote. NO VOTE, NO VOICE.
To hear more about this topic, make sure you are listening to Exite Radio on Monday morning, as Bob Houliston will be joining Mark Nolan at around 10:00, to discuss this and much more from the political world of both Europe and Orihuela. You can tune your radio to 93.1fm on the Costa Blanca, or listen online at www.exiteradio.com.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43814/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As the dust starts to settle on the outcome of the European elections, opinion is still divided between those who cannot see a problem, and those who are analysing the statistics and presenting them for their own favour. In view of the copious amounts ...

### MONARCH LAUNCH ERGONOMIC AIRCRAFT SEATS

Monarch airlnes have decided to dispense of reclining seats on their aircraft, with the arrival of newly designed non-reclining ergonomic aircraft seats. Using modern design principles and light-weight materials, the airline has been able to increase legroom within a seat pitch and reduce fuel emissions.
 
Reflecting the needs of an increasing number of its customers, the airline's new seat design also includes an innovative tablet holder for the technology savvy holidaymaker, an aviation first. The seats benefitted from customer feedback which is enabling Monarch to provide a more comfortable travel experience. The new, non-reclining thinner design is similar to that used in the automotive industry.
 
Tim Williamson, Director of Customer Experience and Marketing comments: “Our new ergonomic seats have been designed with our customers' needs in the forefront of our minds. The new non-reclining design gives our customers far more “living space” than traditional seats, without the fear of the person in front impinging on their personal space.”
 
 “We noted from customer feedback that seat storage is particularly important. The new seats offer more flexibility than traditional ‘pockets,' using the concept of the bungee cord the storage area can now comfortably fit water bottles, jackets and even kids' toys. The innovative tablet holder also enables our customers to create their own personal in-flight entertainment system.”
 
The weight saving in the new design achieves significant savings on fuel and emissions. For instance, when compared with a set of Monarch's existing seats, a set of new seats on a flight to Egypt saves 255kg fuel, which is equivalent to 816kg of carbon dioxide saved on a single flight.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43807/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Monarch airlnes have decided to dispense of reclining seats on their aircraft, with the arrival of newly designed non-reclining ergonomic aircraft seats. Using modern design principles and light-weight materials, the airline has been able to increase l...

### LOCAL CLUBS DOMINATE  SPANISH NATIONALS

Played over a 2 week period, the 2014 Spanish national tournament lived up to it's reputation for top quality bowling, suitably promoting the sport of green bowls within the country.  
It was exactly 20 years ago when Almeria hosted the very first tournament, whereas this year, it was the turn of Costa Blanca South to host players from 16 clubs, including Tenerife and Almeria. 
Early rounds up to the quarter final stage were played at San Miguel, San Luis and Quesada, with the latter club hosting the semis and finals.  Because of a drastically reduced number of entrants (301), all rinks and triples matches were played on a round robin basis up to the semis. 
The finals featured bowlers from 6 different clubs, throwing up a few surprises along the way! 
Both mens and ladies rinks final included teams from San Miguel, but neither quite managed a winners medal.  Against a Quesada team of Ronnie Cairns, Jason Prokopowycz, Derek Sale & Fred Roberts, a foursome line up of Noel Verity, Don Whitney, Sam Russell & Chris Collier had to settle for 2nd best. 
A Greenlands outfit including Jan Pocock, Sue Johnson & Sheila Stead, were crossing every digit available, as skip Lin Miller delivered the games final wood, earning them a 1 shot victory over shell shocked Pat McEwan, Carol Rudge, Anne Eagle & Mary Dyer. 
Tenerife mens trios of Bill Rogerson, Robert and Graham Cathcart performed admirably, but fell just short against an experienced Quesada mens trips team of John Muldoon, Bill Pain & Pete Bonsor.  Greenlands were victors over Quesada in the equivalent ladies discipline. 
This time, champions S Johnson and L Miller were accompanied by Marilyn Fryatt, as they played well to beat Mel Highland, Peta Rhodes & Lisa Bonsor.  Peta and Lisa gained revenge in the ladies pairs, beating Greenlands Jan and Lin by 1 shot.  An all Quesada mens pairs final, saw P Bonsor & B Pain beat R Cairns & F Roberts. 
Finally, an epic mens single final, resulted in P Bonsor beating Mal Hughes of San Luis, whilst Horadada's Ann Allen took the ladies single crown, when she beat P Rhodes.  Both Pete and Ann will now go on to represent Spain in next years champion of champions final. 
The final results were as follows:
Men's Singles Pete Bonsor – Quesada 
Finalist  Mal Hughes – San Luis
Ladies Singles Ann Allen – Horadada
Finalist  Peta Rhodes - Quesada 
Ladies Pairs Peta Rhodes and Lisa Bonsor – Quesada 
Finalists  Lyn Greenland and Sheila Stead – Greenlands
Men's Pairs Pete Bonsor and Bill Pain – Quesada
Finalists  Fred Roberts and Ronnie Cairns –Quesada
Ladies Triples Sue Johnson, Marilyn Fryatt and Lyn Miller – Greenlands
Finalists  Mel Highland, Peta Rhodes and Lisa Bonsor – Quesada
Men's Triples John Muldoon, Bill Pain and Pete Bonsor – Quesada
Finalists  Bill Rogerson, Robert Cathcart and Graham Cathcart – Tenerife
Ladies Fours Jan Pocock, Sue Johnson, Marilyn Fryatt and Lyn Miller – Greenlands
Finalists  Pat McEwan, Carol Rudge, Anne Eagle and Mary Dyer – San Miguel
Men's Fours Ronnie Cairns, Jason Prokopowycz, Derek Sale and Fred Roberts – Quesada
Finalists  Noel Verity, Don Whitney, Sam Russell and Chris Collier – San Miguel
The Leader Trophy for Player of the Tournament was awarded to Lyn Miller of Greenlands.
The nationals committee of chairman John Muldoon, and members Bob Donnelly, Deirdre Leeming, plus Veronica & D Sale, have expressed thanks to the following tournament sponsors:  Spanish Life Properties SL, CS Bowls, Ibex Insurance, Dales Sports and Winning Express. 
They also thanked The Leader Newspaper for producing the excellent event brochure, and for sponsoring the tournaments most valuable player trophy, which was deservedly won by Lin Miller of Greenlands Bowls Club. 
Photos Carl EagleFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43806/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Played over a 2 week period, the 2014 Spanish national tournament lived up to it's reputation for top quality bowling, suitably promoting the sport of green bowls within the country.  
It was exactly 20 years ago when Almeria hosted the very first tou...

### £1.5M ALICANTE DESTINED CRUISELINER REMAINS IN UK - SIX YEARS AFTER BEING TORCHED

A £1.5million cruiseliner destined for Spanish waters remains in Britain - SIX years after being torched by an arsonist. This week I visited the scene of where the cruiseliner Ocean Quest remains - in the shallow muddy waters on the edge of Preston Marina in Lancashire.
It was back in November 2007 when the Ocean Quest was scheduled for its maiden voyage to Alicante - where it was going to be moored and used as a Charter boat. However, The Ocean Quest - a 73ft vessel - was sank in June 2008 at Preston Marina - as reported in The Leader - where it has remained ever since.
The Ocean Quest was a piece of Preston history when unveiled in 2007 as the first boat to be built in Preston in 50 years. It was to be used by its consortium owners - for cruises in the Mediterranean - after four-and-a-half years' work to complete the cruiseliner.
Lancashire businessman Graham Alston and his brother Peter, who lives in Spain, were main owners of The Ocean Quest. I was told by Chris Miller, Preston Dock Managing Director that the Ocean Quest was sold on ebay for a paltry sum - believed to be £15,000. 
Despite works being undertaken in recent years it still remains near to the entrance of Preston Marina, near to the mouth of the River Ribble, sitting in muddy waters at low tide. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43798/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A £1.5million cruiseliner destined for Spanish waters remains in Britain - SIX years after being torched by an arsonist. This week I visited the scene of where the cruiseliner Ocean Quest remains - in the shallow muddy waters on the edge of Prest...

### DIPLOMAS AWARDED FOR TOURIST QUALITY

Over 40 diplomas were awarded last Tuesday by the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, to employees of municipal and other local companies, who had attended the recent Training Course in Tourist Quality (SCTE).
A number of other local dignitaries at the ceremony including the director of the Chamber of Commerce, Carlos Mazon, the Provincial Deputy of Tourism , Joaquín Albaladejo and the Councillor for Tourism, Luis María Pizana.
The certificates were presented by the mayor on the terrace of the Municipal Tourism Office, Paseo Vista Alegre and it was attended by the 45 recipients who had qualified in a number of different economic sectors of the tourist industry : hospitality (7) tourist accommodation (5) , marinas (3) , adventure tourism (1) trade (14) , tourism real estate (2) and other services (8) including the departments of museums , tourist office , public safety and beaches. 
The object of the training course was to familiarize council staff with the importance of establishing a quality system achieving the same standards of Practice amongst each of the sectors represented.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43796/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Over 40 diplomas were awarded last Tuesday by the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, to employees of municipal and other local companies, who had attended the recent Training Course in Tourist Quality (SCTE).
A number of other local dignitaries at th...

### A GOOD DEED FOR THE DAY

After a short lived affair as a cub scout, where I learned to leap out of trees badly, build shelters that collapsed and was never able to light fires by rubbing stones (or was it sticks?) together, as well an assortment of valuable life saving skills.
I also learned to be kind and helpful to retired and elderly people; to my young mind, apparently, they liked nothing more than being helped across the road, whether or not they wanted to go. However, I did disappointingly notice that retired folk tended to be a bit mean during those exciting ‘Bob a Job' weeks', which thankfully were banned some years ago, being considered as gross exploitation of seven-year-olds.
After all, a ‘bob', which is now five pence in modern money, wasn't really an attractive rate of pay for helping to paint a living room or dig an allotment. All those distant, and mostly fond, memories came flooding back to me this week after an unfortunate incident at the rubbish bins.
I was taking our dog, Bella, for her morning walk, when I thought I would walk via the village rubbish bins with a bag of rubbish. Unlike better organised municipalities on the island, which have smart stainless steel hoppers leading to cavernous bins set well below street level, our municipality, which tends to have only an interest in the more prosperous tourist areas, provides smelly open-topped hoppers where all manner of vermin congregate, as well as a unhealthy gang of people searching through the rubbish trying to find something that they can sell. Times are hard for some people, and I can understand why they do this, but it often leads to arguments and fights, as to who found something of value first. It is a place where Bella and I do not linger for long.
I strode over to the bin and threw in my bag of rubbish. It was then that I noticed a small, elderly lady trying to throw a small carrier bag of rubbish into the hopper, which was far too high for her to reach. She was clearly arthritic, and her weak throw meant that her carrier bag fell well short of its target. I picked up her bag and threw it in for her. The elderly lady smiled gratefully and mumbled a ‘Gracias' and then added something else, which I could not fully understand. I then noticed a second carrier bag in her other hand. I smiled and grabbed the bag from her hand, although I noticed that she did seem to be holding it rather tightly. This time, the old lady looked at me, shook her head and mumbled something in bad Spanish, which I took to be “I can manage”.
My cub scout training certainly would not let me take no for an answer when there was an elderly person in need, and so I replied with a smile, adding “De nada” (which loosely translated means “it is nothing”), tossed the second carrier bag into the bin and went on my way, feeling satisfied that I had done my bit to help an elderly person in distress. Akela would be pleased with me.
Bella was anxious to continue with her walk and dragged me across the road aiming for the place where she usually likes to run and search for lizards.
As I walked passed the hoppers, I noticed the old lady still standing by the bins, pointing and shouting at where I had thrown her carrier bag. I paused as I noticed that someone had climbed into the hopper, retrieved the elderly lady's second carrier bag and was passing it to her.
The dreadful truth slowly dawned on me. I had not only retrieved and thrown the lady's first carrier bag of rubbish into the hopper, but I had also grabbed her second carrier bag, which probably contained groceries, into the hopper too. 
I felt both guilt and acute embarrassment as I walked quickly away from the scene, but pleased that the elderly lady was now reunited with her groceries, whilst no doubt complaining about the thoughtless Brit who had thrown her shopping into the bin.
I blame it all on the cub scouts. Although I meant well, next time I will curb my enthusiasm to be helpful to elderly people who seem to be in need. 
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.

© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43795/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: After a short lived affair as a cub scout, where I learned to leap out of trees badly, build shelters that collapsed and was never able to light fires by rubbing stones (or was it sticks?) together, as well an assortment of valuable life saving skills....

### WEAPON DISTRIBUTION NETWORK DISBANDED

Following an investigation that led to the search of a number of properties across Paterna, Torrente, Valencia, Pedralba and Alicante, officers from the National Police have arrested 15 people believed to be part of a criminal gang dedicated to trafficking of weapons.
The investigation began in March when investigators became aware of a person in the Valencia town of Paterna, who was engaged in the sale of weapons in exchange for drugs. After carrying out preliminary investigations, the officers found that the suspect was part of a group dedicated to selling weapons on the illicit market. They also found that they removed the identification numbers of the weapons to prevent their origin being discovered, should the weapons have been intercepted.
As the investigation and surveillance continued, officers discovered the identity of the principal members of the network, suppliers, distributors and retailers, and located their homes. With this information, the officers raided the addresses, and seized eight guns, two revolvers, a submachine gun, a pistol flare gun, three shotguns, two BB rifles, a fake grenade and a total of 3,927 cartridges of various calibres, in addition to three precision scales, pieces of gold, cash and a small amount of cocaine.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43793/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following an investigation that led to the search of a number of properties across Paterna, Torrente, Valencia, Pedralba and Alicante, officers from the National Police have arrested 15 people believed to be part of a criminal gang dedicated to traffic...

### CHANGES TO BIRTH AND DEATH REGISTRATIONS OVERSEAS

British nationals living in Spain should note that from Monday 9th June, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) is changing the way that it registers the births and deaths of British citizens overseas. 
The process will gradually be withdrawn from British Consulates in Spain during the rest of 2014. Thereafter this option for British expatriates will be carried out by a central registration unit in the UK. 
Consular birth registration is an optional service and is only available to those born overseas who have an automatic entitlement to British Nationality at birth. 
There is no legal requirement for a consular birth registration, and a local birth certificate with a certified translation if necessary should be sufficient for all purposes in the UK including applying for a passport. 
Similarly there is no requirement for a consular death certificate – a local certificate should be sufficient for winding up the affairs and obtaining probate in the UK.
The processing time for registrations will remain the same but applicants will need to allow extra time for documents to be sent to and from the UK. 
British nationals can find information here on how to apply for a consular birth or death registration.
Centralisation of birth and death registration into a single-purpose unit in the UK will allow the FCO to provide a common online application procedure with a credit card payment facility, which will be more efficient and convenient for customers. 
Centralisation will also enable FCO consular staff to better focus on their primary function of assisting British nationals in distress.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43794/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: British nationals living in Spain should note that from Monday 9th June, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) is changing the way that it registers the births and deaths of British citizens overseas. 
The process will gradually be withdrawn fro...

### REMEMBERING A BRITISH HERO OF THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR

On the 28th of March, 1939, the British coal ship Stanbrook, with her 24 crew, took part in the last evacuation of refugees from the port of Alicante to Oran, a major city on the north-western Mediterranean coast of Algeria.
In March of 1939, Alicante harbour was blocked off by Franco´s troops, with air support for the blockade provided by German Nazis, thus preventing ships from entering and leaving the area and carrying out any kind of rescue operation.
With some 15,000 refugees trapped in the harbour, to be taken by soldiers of the División Littorio, an Italian unit strengthened by Franco´s troops, to concentration camps in Los Almendros, later to be taken to a similar prison in Albatera.
Anchored off the coast of Alicante, the Stanbrook was waiting to load oranges and saffron. The ship's Welsh captain, Archibald Dickson, could see the thousands of helpless refugees in the port, and thus defied the orders of the ship´s owners, who were ceding to Britain´s policy of non-intervention, and moved to take as many on board his ship as he could carry.
The Stanbrook set sail on the evening of March the 28th, with 2,638 people on board, dramatically dodging projectiles and artillery fire as the military cruiser Canarias blocked the port and the route of egress. 
The ship avoided the projectiles, whilst continually splashed by the water dispersed by the artillery that had somehow missed its target, through which Captain Dickson continued, without fear, and once reaching the open sea heading south, changing the original route to avoid the looming aircraft, with a ship that weighed far more than she could carry, sailing below the waterline, plucking the lucky escapees away from a nightmare that was still gripping Spain, albeit, they were not to know, the event took place just 4 days before the end of the Spanish Civil war.
This week, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the dramatic and bold escape bid, a ship set sail on Thursday, with relatives, historians and even some of the original passengers on board, arriving in Oran on Friday, recreating the 20 journey made on that fateful night.
Whilst much of Spain is still divided between those who want to remember and those who want to forget one of the most horrific times in the country´s history, with many of the relevant documents and data destroyed, groups such as the one which organised this event, Operación Stanbrook, are keen to try to keep the memory alive.
Matías Alonso, spokesperson for the group, explains how Archibald Dickson, “risked his life” by allowing more than 2,638 people to board the Stanbrook, a ship that only had a capacity for her 24 crew. As for this journey, according Alonso, it is “not to enjoy, it is to remember”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43786/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: On the 28th of March, 1939, the British coal ship Stanbrook, with her 24 crew, took part in the last evacuation of refugees from the port of Alicante to Oran, a major city on the north-western Mediterranean coast of Algeria.
In March of 1939, Alicante...

### ARRESTS FOR INTRODUCING HORSEMEAT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested 5 people as suspects involved in a major scam of introducing horsemeat into the food chain with falsified documents declaring it as fit for human consumption.
Operation “Cavell” resulted in the search of farms, private farms, slaughterhouses and veterinary clinics in the provinces of Valencia, Asturias, La Coruña, Toledo, Avila, Madrid, Valladolid, Zaragoza and Jaen.
The organization deposited horses in different slaughterhouses in Spain, falsifying or altering their identification and disease control documents, in order for their meat to become destined for human consumption.
The operation is coordinated by the Judicial Police of Catalonia, supported by other law inforcement agencies, including SEPRONA, the environmental arm of the Guardia Civil, and the French Gendarmerie, as some of the detainees are related to another operation in France in December of last year for similar crimes.
Those arrested have been placed in the custody of the courts at Santa Coloma de Farners, Girona, whilst the investigators say that the case is still open and further arrests are not ruled out.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43785/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested 5 people as suspects involved in a major scam of introducing horsemeat into the food chain with falsified documents declaring it as fit for human consumption.
Operation “Cavell” resulted in the...

### BRIT AMONGST ARRESTED EUROPEAN FUGITIVES

Officers from the National Police have caught and arrested two European fugitives, one wanted by the authorities in the UK, the other in Belgium, the first arrested in Benidorm, the second in Torrevieja.
Investigators had learnt about the presence of the two men, both in their 40´s, and the existence of extradition and surrender notices.
As a result, specialist officers from Alicante established a presence in both towns, in order to locate the two individuals. After just a few days, the location of both men was ascertained.
The British national arrested in Benidorm was wanted in connection with at least ten crimes, nine of which were burglary, the other for theft. There were also outstanding reports of potential cases of violence towards women and attempted murder.
The second detainee, of Belgian origin, was arrested in the town of Torrevieja. He was part of a criminal organization involved in drug trafficking, acting as a mediator to South America.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43784/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have caught and arrested two European fugitives, one wanted by the authorities in the UK, the other in Belgium, the first arrested in Benidorm, the second in Torrevieja.
Investigators had learnt about the presence of ...

### SOMETHING LURKING IN THE TOILET

An emergency alert was raised in the La Coruña town of Narón this week, after a woman in her 30´s got more than she bargained for when she got caught short.
Having sat on the toilet in an apartment in the town, she presumably hadn´t realized that the facility was already occupied, as she got bit on her buttocks by a snake than had been hiding in the toilet.
The victim, Iris Castroverde, was admitted to the emergency hospital, where she explained how she had sat on the toilet and then suddenly heard a “loud noise” coming from the water system, which she thought was a neighbor banging the pipes, before then hearing a splash of water, followed by a “terrible stinging” sensation.
As she jumped up from the toilet, Iris then explained how she looked into the bowl and “saw a snake slipping away and disappearing down the pipe”. Just catching the departing visitor, Iris says it was yellow and green and had to thickness of a glass tube. Iris then flushed the chain and quickly poured in two liters of bleach, before placing the lid down,
Iris then says how she could feel her buttocks “going to sleep” and so called the 112 emergency number, prompting medics to attend and take her to the emergency room, where doctors discovered the marks of four incisors in her buttocks, near the perinea area, with dimensions of about four inches. Iris was unable to move her leg at this time and so the hospital staff applied the protocol for snake attacks, which includes the administration of tetanus and rabies, as well as some antidotes against poison.
The sewage and water system of the apartment block was inspected, with considerable concern as there is a nursery school in the same block, but our lone attacker was nowhere to be seen, evading capture to live another day, albeit quite possibly with a new bleached hairdo.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43783/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: An emergency alert was raised in the La Coruña town of Narón this week, after a woman in her 30´s got more than she bargained for when she got caught short.
Having sat on the toilet in an apartment in the town, she presumably hadn&...

### AIRLINES HITTING BACK WITH TICKET PRICE WAR

Recognising the increasing threat of the high speed train between Madrid and Alicante, Spanish airline Iberia Express has launched a pocket friendly fair on the route, at just 39 euro each way in the peak season between June and September.
With 3 daily departures, the price is for a walk-on passenger without check-in luggage, but is the equivalent price of an economy class train journey. Other low cost carriers also announced a deal this week, offering round trip tickets for under 70 euro, whereas other airlines are currently charging between 90 and 170 euro each way for the service, though likely to react in a similar way soon.
That said, as the train tickets for the new service were released this week, early bookers were able to take advantage of an even bigger saving, with certain tickets on a number of days, and with certain restrictive condition, being offered up for grabs at just 19,99 euro each way.
The Spanish airport authority, AENA, had already warned of the severe impact the train service would have on airlines, with a loss of 300,000 passengers between June and December last year, the announcement of faster and more trains would only serve to amplify those losses unless flying became competitive once again.
Experts are commenting that the growth in both rail and air passenger numbers is one of the most positive signs of economic recovery displayed, as this is not just comments from politicians eager to convince us that the future is getting brighter, but is the result of direct action by consumers.
Either way, with an ever increasing opportunity for travel and a price war already starting, it can only prove better news for those consumers who now have the biggest and fastest choice between the two key areas than ever before.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43782/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Recognising the increasing threat of the high speed train between Madrid and Alicante, Spanish airline Iberia Express has launched a pocket friendly fair on the route, at just 39 euro each way in the peak season between June and September.
With 3 dail...

### FASTER TRAINS HAVE LAUNCH DATE

The 15th of June has been set as a day in which history will be made for the Spanish rail network, as the first passenger trains between Alicante and Madrid will travel at speeds of 300 kilometres per hour.
Following extensive testing of the line´s safety equipment, train operator RENFE has now released passenger tickets for the new, faster service, and increased the number of trains each day.
There will now by 22 trains per day, 11 in each direction, which will provide an additional 500,000 seats per year, an increase of 24% over the current service, what's more, there will be no price increase to passengers, and the launch has been timed to coincide with one of the busiest in the Alicante area, when the celebrations of San Juan take place.
The number of regular seats available on a daily basis will average at 7,100, compared to the current 5,736m with the journey time seeing 15 minutes shaved off, resulting in the shortest journey time taking just 2 hours and 5 minutes. Of the 22 daily services, 18 will be served by the AVE and the remaining 4 by the ALVIA trains.
Since its launch on the 18th of June, 2013, the demand for seats has grown steadily, reaching an average occupancy of 80%. The AVE between Madrid and Alicante, with stops in Villena, Albacete and Cuenca, has reached over 6,000 passengers on certain key days, resulting in an increase in service and capacity to deal with the demand.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43781/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The 15th of June has been set as a day in which history will be made for the Spanish rail network, as the first passenger trains between Alicante and Madrid will travel at speeds of 300 kilometres per hour.
Following extensive testing of the line&acut...

### ALICANTE CONFIRMS MORE CRUISES IN 2015

Following the successful launch of their Easter campaign, the company which manages the port of Alicante, Costablanca Portuaria, has announced confirmation of an increase in ships and passengers for the 2015 season.
There will now be at least 47 cruise liners visiting Alicante next year, adding 10,243 potential visitors to the 75,281 already confirmed. With the 85,524 passengers that the harbour will welcome, the figure is 36,803 more than this year and 43,663 more than 2013.
With some of the leaders in the cruise industry now trusting Alicante, the city will see ships from the likes of Pullmantur, P&O, Holland America, AIDA, Majestic International, MSC Cruceros y Celebrity) se han unido Thomson, Saga, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Delphin Seereisen, Phoenix Serein and Sea Cloud Cruises all docked at the harbour.
Of the 47 ships to visit, 10 of them are large scale vessels, with a capacity of more than 3,000 passengers, including the Ventura, with her 3,300 passengers on board, and Britannia, with her 4,372 passenger capacity, a ship due to enter into service in 2015.
Britannia was built at the Fincantieri yard in Monfalcone, Italy and ceremonially launched on the 14th of February, 2014. On board, Britannia has 13 bars as well as 13 restaurants and cafés, and 1,837 cabins, of which 27 are single. With her 15 passenger decks and crew of 1,350, the 3,647 passengers will be looked after by Captain Paul Brown, with her Maiden voyage planned to take place between 14 - 28 March 2015, taking in Spain, Italy and France.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43780/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following the successful launch of their Easter campaign, the company which manages the port of Alicante, Costablanca Portuaria, has announced confirmation of an increase in ships and passengers for the 2015 season.
There will now be at least 47 cruis...

### ANOTHER GAS SCAM GANG ARRESTED

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested 26 people as suspected members of a gang involved in fraudulently carrying out inspections and work on gas installations in people´s homes.
Of those arrested, 17 were on the Balearic Islands, 3 were in the Alicante province and the remainder in Madrid and Málaga.
The group would target homes and offer a mandatory inspection of gas installations, sometimes initially by telephone, before carrying out inspection work and often inventing problems so as to force the victims to pay a considerable amount of money for unnecessary work. 
This particular group would lull their victims into a false sense of security by quoting low prices initially, such as 50 euro, then inflating the cost of the work, often to as much as 1,200 euro.
Moreover, in some of the homes they also committed a variety of acts of theft, taking valuables and possessions from their victim's homes.
So far there is evidence of the existence of between 4,000 and 5,000 people who were cheated by the group, who are usually elderly and foreign-born, living in Spain, especially German, English and Dutch residents in the Balearic Islands.
During the investigation, the officers seized extensive documentation, money and supplies that links the group members to the activities, with a potential value of around 4 million euro. The officers searched 8 homes and seized 25 luxury cars, mostly belonging to a rental company in Alicante, 2 motorcycles and other items of interest.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43778/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested 26 people as suspected members of a gang involved in fraudulently carrying out inspections and work on gas installations in people´s homes.
Of those arrested, 17 were on the Balearic Islands, 3 were ...

### VIDEO GAME TRAGEDY IN ELCHE

The National Police in Elche has opened an investigation to ascertain the circumstances in which a 16 year old boy died at the weekend.
The initial hypothesis suggests that the boy lost his life as a result of suffocation or a fracture to his neck, after an argument over a video game.
A small group of young people, all aged around 15 or 16, had gathered on Saturday to play video games before watching the Madrid football match. At around 23:00, the emergency services were called to a home at the Campo de Elche, reporting the incident, to which a paramedic ambulance was dispatched.
A second ambulance also attended, along with the police, but the medics could do nothing other than confirm the death of the boy. The ambulance crew then dealt with a number of people at the scene, suffering from anxiety attacks, whilst members of the forensic teams started to collate the evidence from the scene to assist in the investigation.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43777/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The National Police in Elche has opened an investigation to ascertain the circumstances in which a 16 year old boy died at the weekend.
The initial hypothesis suggests that the boy lost his life as a result of suffocation or a fracture to his neck, af...

### SOCIALIST LEADER TO STEP DOWN IN JULY

Following the results of the European Elections in Spain, which the ruling PP saw an incredible drop in support, the main opposition, the socialist PSOE, ought to have gathered up their losses, but also suffered a considerable reduction, resulting in the head of the PSOE, Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba, deciding to step down.
The PSOE Federal Executive Committee agreed at its meeting this morning to convene an extraordinary congress for the 19th and 20th of July in order to elect a new head of the party to try to turn round opinion before the next elections in May.
Appearing at a press conference today, Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba, the current Secretary General, described the outcome of the elections as both “unmitigated evil” and “very worrying”.
He continued, “When you get these results, it is the responsibility of the party leadership and particularly the Secretary General”, whilst answering questions as to why he has not immediately stepped down as his “responsibility ends when the new general secretary is appointed”, which he described as the “responsible thing to do”.
Spain will see both National and local elections next year. Based on the votes of the European elections, without a drastic change in direction and policy implementation, the smaller groups will continue to thrive at the expense of the two main parties who have dominated politics throughout.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43776/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Following the results of the European Elections in Spain, which the ruling PP saw an incredible drop in support, the main opposition, the socialist PSOE, ought to have gathered up their losses, but also suffered a considerable reduction, resulting in t...

### EUROPEAN VOTES REVEAL SERIOUS THREAT

The PP has won the European elections in Spain, whilst also increasing their lead over second place rivals the PSOE. However, both those groups have suffered significant losses, with the smaller, independent parties gaining even more.
The PP will hold 16 seats, compared to the 24 they had in the 2009 elections, whereas the PSOE hold 14, compared to their 23 in 2009. The remaining seats of the 54 places will be held by the independent parties.
Locally, both the PP and the PSOE suffered huge losses, with the PP in Orihuela receiving 8,554 votes, compared to the 15,789 of 2009, but still holding 45.1% of the vote, a significant drop from their 65.6% share in 2009. The PSOE dropped to 4,355 votes from their 6,668 in 2009, now with a 22.9% share, compared to their 27.7% in 2009. The biggest gainers here were the UPyD and the EUPV groups.
Similar in Torrevieja, the PP dropped from 9,267 votes in 2009 to 5,910 votes this year, holding 45.7% of the share, compared to 53.7% in 2009, whereas the PSOE dropped from 6,421 in 2009 to 3,946 in 2014, maintaining 22.9% of the share, compared to their 37.2% in2009. Once again the UPyD were seen as the most favourable of the smaller opposition groups.
Quite how these figures will be considered as significant to the politicians remains to be seen, with many people now showing their unhappiness with the performance of both the larger parties, the next Spanish national and local elections are becoming increasingly closer, so if the politicians don´t make a significant change quickly, the future could well be a very different one following years of austerity, corruption, mistrust and suffering.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43768/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The PP has won the European elections in Spain, whilst also increasing their lead over second place rivals the PSOE. However, both those groups have suffered significant losses, with the smaller, independent parties gaining even more.
The PP will hold...

### TORREVIEJA HAS PIPED GAS

The councillor for works and services in the city of Torrevieja, Javier Montoro, has announced that piped natural gas has been delivered to the first customers in the city this week.
Gas Natural Cegas has been laying the foundations for the network for some time, and have now switched on the supply in the Los Balcones area of the city. The active area also includes the Torrevieja hospital, which also allows them to replace their original liquefied gas supply to a healthier, cleaner and more cost effective fuel.
The collaboration between the company and Torrevieja town hall was affirmed in a symbolic switch on in February, when the Mayor, Eduardo Dolón, turned the key at the site on calle Mar Jónico in the area of Barrio de San Roque.
In a press conference at the time, it was explained how seven million euro had been invested in the 45 kilometre distribution network, with the aim of connecting 96,800 homes and businesses in the next two years, providing cheaper, cleaner and more efficient energy to the residents of the municipality.
Once established, the network will also cover Orihuela, Redován, Benejúzar, Algorfa, Benijófar, Los Montesinos and Torrevieja, with anticipated savings of up to 40% on a household energy bill.
Natural gas is considered as the most competitive and environmentally friendly fuel available at the moment, which also helps to provide a more efficient energy supply to homes. 
The work has now extended to calles Rafal and La Paz in Torrevieja by a company established more than 160 years ago in Valencia, with some 644,500 supply points and a distribution network of over 7,800 kilometres so far. 
The company supplies natural gas to 195 municipalities of Valencia and continues to invest heavily to extend their natural gas supply to new areas as well as strengthening their distribution network and transportation links.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43766/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The councillor for works and services in the city of Torrevieja, Javier Montoro, has announced that piped natural gas has been delivered to the first customers in the city this week.
Gas Natural Cegas has been laying the foundations for the network fo...

### SPRING CLEANING ORIHUELA

The Councillor for the Environment in Orihuela, Manuel Gallud, has launched a citizen driven campaign this week to raise awareness of the importance we all have in keeping our local surroundings clean and tidy.
As part of the initiative, the councillor is looking for volunteers to help the Protección Civil and the Pasico a Pasico organisation who will embark on a major cleanup operation on the 31st of May.
For this campaign, three distinct locations are being targeted, the Caseta del Guarda in the Pinar de Bonanza area, the chapel of Pilar de Montepinar and the area around the Cruz de la Muela.
Everybody involved will be given protective work equipment whilst involved in the campaign, and a luncheon will be provided to the volunteers by way of thinking them for their efforts.
Although volunteers can just turn up at any of the three points on the day, which will start at 08:00, the councillor has asked that you register in advance, partly for logistical reasons, but also to make sure there is enough equipment and lunch to go round. This can be done via their Facebook page, “Medio Ambiente”, or by emailing medioambiente@orihuela.es.
According to the councillor during the presentation, the aim of the activity is to “educate the public about the importance of keeping the area clean”, and is developed through the voluntary activities.
Meanwhile, that education may come in the form of a bitter pill for one person caught dumping waste this week, as both the town hall and local police have praised one resident, Cath, who managed to snap a photograph of somebody dumping a large amount of waste on the Orihuela Costa from a Land Rover vehicle. The information was communicated to the town hall´s international coordinator, Heike Schug, who immediately started to take action, despite the matter being raised out of normal office hours, passing the information to all the relevant groups involved.
As such, the local police are now investigating the incident, with a clear image of the dumping taking place, and the number plate of the vehicle, with the owner of that particular van now facing a fine of around 700 euro upwards.
Although it is not known if that waste was commercial or not, the fact that it was such a large amount and it was clearly transported to the dumping site and deposited on the Orihuela Costa is seen as totally unacceptable, not only by the residents, but also the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, who also praised the actions of those involved in trying to keep the streets clean.
It is also worth remembering that the town hall of Orihuela are subscribed to a service known as Linea Verde, which offers both an Android and iOS application for smartphones which enables prompt reporting of incidents, including pictures and location, which can also provide for a prompt response.
The town hall do not want to return to a situation like last year, when a number of residents were also fined by the police, but the fact is that they provide a service, which many residents still don´t pay for, and all they are asking for is cooperation in trying to keep the waste to a minimum on the streets by communicating with the town hall.
However, the police are already aware of a few incidents so far, including the one this week, and they have a duty to enforce the laws and byelaws, so if dumping does continue, then fines should be expected, and the responsibility for those who do care enough to keep the area clean, such as Cath, will be praised for their actions as was the case this week.
The town hall has already started to make plans for controlling the collection service once again, publishing guidelines and advice on how to deal with domestic garden cuttings, with the simple solution that you should contact the town hall in advance in order to ask when and where to put your clippings on the streets, in order to minimise the time it is there, as they will then tell you the best time and arrange collection.
However, commercially generated garden waste is not acceptable, as in clippings and cuttings which have been created by people who are working as gardeners, getting paid to provide a service, and yet expecting the residents of the municipality to pay for disposing of the waste that their activities have created.
All the information on times and schedules can be found on their website, www.orihuela.es, by telephoning the Orihuela Costa town hall on 96 676 00 00 ext 29, emailing them on costa@orihuela.es, or visiting the town hall itself, where the staff will be more than happy to help. The same details can be used for other large items of waste such as furniture and domestic appliances.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43765/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Councillor for the Environment in Orihuela, Manuel Gallud, has launched a citizen driven campaign this week to raise awareness of the importance we all have in keeping our local surroundings clean and tidy.
As part of the initiative, the councillo...

### YOUNG STARS OF THE FUTURE IN FEATURE FILM

Verity Jo Hall and Austin "Jeff" Robert O'Rourke, are Local School Kids who have been selected to play important Roles in the Forthcoming Feature Film to be shot here on the Costablanca.
They will Star along side Hollywood Actor Al Matthews and Top British Actor Tom Watt as well as a host of well known faces from the Costablanca, in a Spy Thriller based in Torrevieja and up and down the coast.
Verity and Austin are members of both The ADHOC Players and The Footwork Dance Group. The young up and coming stars where Selected By Billie Anthony'Gaddess who seems to have a reputation of finding talent time and time again, is delighted with this find, saying these two young people have the ability to go all the way, I just know it.
Meantime the pair are rehearsing for a Radio Play on stage called "The Numbers Game" to be on stage in the next 6 weeks. Even more exciting they will attend with the rest of the cast at a special one of performance of the new song for the feature film to be recorded and released very soon.
This will be sung by the Wonderful Chloe Leigh and The Fabulous Replays in The Black 7 Club Los Montesinos this coming Tuesday night tickets are just €6, starts at 20:00 Hrs with a full nights entertainment and a Buffet to go with that very special debut of the song "The Cucaracha Club" written by Peter Taylor specifically for the Film. for Further Information www.siestafilmproductions.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43764/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Verity Jo Hall and Austin "Jeff" Robert O'Rourke, are Local School Kids who have been selected to play important Roles in the Forthcoming Feature Film to be shot here on the Costablanca.
They will Star along side Hollywood Actor Al Matthews and Top British Actor Tom Watt as well as a host of well known faces from the Costablanca, in a Spy Thriller based in Torrevieja and up and down the coast.
Verity and Austin are members of both The ADHOC Players and The Footwork Dance Group. The young up and coming stars where Selected By Billie Anthony'Gaddess who seems to have a reputation of finding talent time and time again, is delighted with this find, saying these two young people have the ability to go all the way, I just know it.
Meantime the pair are rehearsing for a Radio Play on stage called "The Numbers Game" to be on stage in the next 6 weeks. Even more exciting they will attend with the rest of the cast at a special one of performance of the new song for the feature film to be recorded and released very soon.
This will be sung by the Wonderful Chloe Leigh and The Fabulous Replays in The Black 7 Club Los Montesinos this coming Tuesday night tickets are just €6, starts at 20:00 Hrs with a full nights entertainment and a Buffet to go with that very special debut of the song "The Cucaracha Club" written by Peter Taylor specifically for the Film. for Further Information www.siestafilmproductions.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43764/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### BEACHES, FOOTBRIDGES AND PIRATES ON THE ORIHUELA COSTA

The tender for providing life guard services on the Orihuela Costa has been published via the official regional bulletin, and closes on the 5th of June. There are already at least two different companies who have shown interest in bidding for the contract, but the information will not be available until the tender period closes.
The contract negotiations for providing beach bars in Orihuela is still ongoing, with both sides continuing dialogue to ensure compliance with all terms, including debt repayment, which is in the hands of the contracts department of the town hall.
The two new remaining pedestrian bridges on the Orihuela Costa, the first near the yet to be completed school, the second on the Villamartin road, are set to be officially inaugurated on Thursday the 29th of May at 12:00. The Mayor of the municipality, Monseratte Guillén, will preside over the official ceremony which will be attended by some of the other councillors involved, at the site of the Villamartin road bridge, near the Zenia Boulevard. The infrastructure department are now looking at how the pathway will continue at the Villamartin end, which was not part of the original plan for the bridge construction, with a view to provide both a crossing and safe walkway to the next street in the route.
The ASOKA animal protection group, who manage the municipal animal welfare centre, are once again urging people to not feed human food remains, or wet cat food to the colonies of stray cats living on the coast. They are asking those who wish to feed the animals to continue by only giving them dry cat food, so as to reduce the leftovers which attract other animals such as rats and insects. The town hall meanwhile are urging everybody to also take their rubbish home, after numerous people have been seen discarding tins and cat food packets onto the waste ground, rather than putting it into the dustbins. AS well as causing an eyesore in the area, some of this waste also blows into the sea and has been known to kill marine wildlife who try to eat the waste products.
The councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, has announced that the Orihuela Costa will play host to a traditional Mariners Market at the end of July. This time, the event will take place near to Playa La Glea in Campoamor, and will be held from the 30th of July until the 3rd of August. Much like the Medieval Markets, the Mariners Market offers a wide range of gifts and goodies, many of which are handmade, and is a welcome addition to the cultural calendar whenever it visits a town or city. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43763/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The tender for providing life guard services on the Orihuela Costa has been published via the official regional bulletin, and closes on the 5th of June. There are already at least two different companies who have shown interest in bidding for the contr...

### PARTY GRANTS UP FOR GRABS

Despite the news last week that 49,694 homes were repossessed from defaulting borrowers in 2013, a 10% rise from a year earlier, whilst many of the so called “social housing” units still stand empty and barren, and this week´s news that 1,275,700 Spanish job seekers has not worked in the last three years, a figure which equates to 1 in 5 of the six million total unemployed, the people of the Alicante province will at least have something to look forward to with the announcement of a 600,000 budget to spend on fiestas.
The Diputación de Alicante has set aside 607,557 euro in aid for trade fairs and commercial events, of which 132 municipalities in the province, nine more than last year will benefit. Overall, the budget has increased by 25% above last year´s party contribution.
The deputy responsible for public works and development, Alejandro Morant, has explained that this year the Dipucatión has been removed the population limit in order to qualify and apply for aid, as last year it was only municipalities with fewer than 35,000 inhabitants who could apply. He stressed that “the great interest in this competition between the municipalities of the province and its contribution to the revitalization of the local business sector promoting the cultural, artistic and gastronomic 1landscape of the municipalities”.
The grants are designed to assist municipalities in addressing issues such as the cost of renting “stands” or “marquees”, as well as providing technical assistance, publicity and promotion of the show, renting lighting or sound.
The 25% increase may well be seen as favourable initially, but with municipalities of larger sizes now able to apply, the total budget will have to spread further, which could well now see the smaller municipalities suffer as the money is diverted towards the bigger areas.
However, the maximum eligible amount is 5,000 euro and is determined by the population of the municipality, and smaller municipalities are able to cover the entire costs of their fiesta using the grant, the larger municipalities are likely to only be allowed to use it as a token contribution. 
The Vega Baja is set to benefit from a 111,515 share of the total, which can be divided between the 27 towns of towns of Albatera, Algorfa, Almoradí, Benejúzar, Benferri, Benijófar, Bigastro, Callosa de Segura, Catral, Cox, Daya Nueva, Daya Vieja, Dolores, Formentera del Segura, Granja de Rocamora, Guardamar del Segura, Jacarilla, Los Montesinos, Orihuela, Pilar de la Horadada, Rafal, Redován, Rojales, San Isidro, San Miguel de Salinas, San Fulgencio and Torrevieja.
In addition, the Provincial Council will subsidize 15,000 to trade fairs and other events in Crevillent, Elche and Santa Pola.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43762/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Despite the news last week that 49,694 homes were repossessed from defaulting borrowers in 2013, a 10% rise from a year earlier, whilst many of the so called “social housing” units still stand empty and barren, and this week´s news th...

### MORE JUDGES FOR REGIONAL COURTS

A total of 31 new judges will be added to the judicial system of the Valencia region from Monday, after swearing the oath to serve with the Superior Court of Valencia.
The locations where the judges will serve have all been selected as a matter of priority, “according to the most urgent needs”, and will serve the courts for a period of “at least” a year. Of these, 14 will be sent to cover the judicial offices in the province of Alicante, 3 in Castellón, and 14 in Valencia.
In addition to the provincial capital of Alicante, the judges will be covering cases in Orihuela, Torrevieja, Elche and Villajoyosa. It has been stressed that these judges are not replacements, but are provided to assist in the ever increasing backlog of cases and tremendous delays that the court system suffers.
The twenty women and eleven men were sworn in during a ceremony attended by King Juan Carlos. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43760/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A total of 31 new judges will be added to the judicial system of the Valencia region from Monday, after swearing the oath to serve with the Superior Court of Valencia.
The locations where the judges will serve have all been selected as a matter of pri...

### TASERS INTRODUCED IN CATALAN POLICE FORCE

Catalan police are now equipped with a new, none-lethal weapon in their equipment kit, as Tasers have been introduced in addition to their normal firearms.
The police have undergone an extensive training scheme on how to use the weapon, including having it used on themselves so they can be fully aware of the effects of using it.
The introduction has not been without controversy however, when the use in detaining one prisoner resulted in a variety of injuries, but many other argue that any injury is far better than the police having to use lethal force.
A Taser is an electroshock weapon sold by Taser International. It uses electrical current to disrupt voluntary control of muscles causing “neuromuscular incapacitation”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43759/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Catalan police are now equipped with a new, none-lethal weapon in their equipment kit, as Tasers have been introduced in addition to their normal firearms.
The police have undergone an extensive training scheme on how to use the weapon, including havi...

### CORVERA CABLE THIEVES CAUGHT

Officers from the Guardia Civil in the Region of Murcia have arrested two people for their alleged involvement in stealing cables from the unopened and unfinished regional airport at Corvera.
The two detainees, of Spanish nationality, have been the subject of an investigation after it was discovered earlier this year that cable was going missing from lighting and beacons near the access roads at the airport facility. In total, some 16,000 metres of cable has gone missing, with a value of 100,000 euro.
The investigation led officers to a scrap and waste company in the Campo de Cartagena, where the officers were then able to identify the two suspects in the case following the finding of cables that matched the style taken from the airport.
The two suspects, residents of Fuente Alamo, were then apprehended on suspicion of being responsible for the theft.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43757/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil in the Region of Murcia have arrested two people for their alleged involvement in stealing cables from the unopened and unfinished regional airport at Corvera.
The two detainees, of Spanish nationality, have been the su...

### MAZDA MX-5 TAKES CONVERTIBLE AWARD

The World's best-selling two-seater sports car is still acclaimed by fans and media 25 years after its launch. More than 113,158 units of MX-5 have been sold in the UK since 1990 alone and on May 15th the Mazda MX-5, was presented with the prestigious ‘Convertible Award' at the 2014 honestjohn.co.uk awards, in London.
The awards are allocated to those vehicles that attract the greatest numbers of page-views on the honestjohn.co.uk website. The hugely-popular Mazda MX-5, which won ‘Most Popular Roadster' in the honestjohn.co.uk awards last year, has continued to prove its lasting appeal to visitors on the site over the past year – as well as its ability to deliver sports car performance, without the price tag.
“The Mazda MX-5 has long been regarded as the most enjoyable and engaging open-top car, building up a huge following over the years,” explains Dan Harrison, Editor of honestjohn.co.uk. “So it's perhaps no surprise to see it coming out as the most popular convertible on honestjohn.co.uk. Its combination of buzzy performance and superb handling, combined with an affordable price tag has clearly found favour among our users.”
Last month the Mazda North American Operations debuted the MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition during a press conference at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). A global announcement, this limited-edition automobile will be sold as a 2015 model. The anniversary edition was built not only as a tribute to the unassuming diminutive roadster that sparked a large automotive impact but also to celebrate every owner and car enthusiast it's won over throughout its 25-year history.
"The original concept behind the MX-5 was so simple: to offer the pure joy of a lightweight sports car that moves precisely as the driver intends," said Takashi Yamanouchi, chairman of the board, Mazda Motor Corporation.  "While responding to increasing safety and environmental requirements, in the 25 years since its launch we have had to continually reinvent the MX-5 – far beyond a simple evolution – in order to stay true to that original ideal.  The history of the MX-5 is one of changing everything in order to stay the same, a history of innovating in order to preserve." Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43752/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The World's best-selling two-seater sports car is still acclaimed by fans and media 25 years after its launch. More than 113,158 units of MX-5 have been sold in the UK since 1990 alone and on May 15th the Mazda MX-5, was presented with the prestigious ‘Convertible Award' at the 2014 honestjohn.co.uk awards, in London.
The awards are allocated to those vehicles that attract the greatest numbers of page-views on the honestjohn.co.uk website. The hugely-popular Mazda MX-5, which won ‘Most Popular Roadster' in the honestjohn.co.uk awards last year, has continued to prove its lasting appeal to visitors on the site over the past year – as well as its ability to deliver sports car performance, without the price tag.
“The Mazda MX-5 has long been regarded as the most enjoyable and engaging open-top car, building up a huge following over the years,” explains Dan Harrison, Editor of honestjohn.co.uk. “So it's perhaps no surprise to see it coming out as the most popular convertible on honestjohn.co.uk. Its combination of buzzy performance and superb handling, combined with an affordable price tag has clearly found favour among our users.”
Last month the Mazda North American Operations debuted the MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition during a press conference at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). A global announcement, this limited-edition automobile will be sold as a 2015 model. The anniversary edition was built not only as a tribute to the unassuming diminutive roadster that sparked a large automotive impact but also to celebrate every owner and car enthusiast it's won over throughout its 25-year history.
"The original concept behind the MX-5 was so simple: to offer the pure joy of a lightweight sports car that moves precisely as the driver intends," said Takashi Yamanouchi, chairman of the board, Mazda Motor Corporation.  "While responding to increasing safety and environmental requirements, in the 25 years since its launch we have had to continually reinvent the MX-5 – far beyond a simple evolution – in order to stay true to that original ideal.  The history of the MX-5 is one of changing everything in order to stay the same, a history of innovating in order to preserve." Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43752/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ‘Mike Probert talks Golf - (Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services).

Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.
‘Relaxation'
Performing well under pressure is a “coping skill” which champions apply naturally and golfers without these skills are only there, to make up the numbers. Fear will always be a part of golf, and anger is sometimes a problem, just as excitement can be, but golfers can find comfort in the knowledge that there is a very easy way to reduce the effect of these feelings and this knowledge will then enable them to play well instead of failing under the pressure of competition.
Relaxation is the key and it is available to everyone who is prepared to practice it correctly, the golfer can then ask for the pleasant control, which the “peace” of relaxation provides.
The requirement for relaxation can start even before we play, particularly when trying to get to sleep the night before an important event, at these times, possible success or failure can pass through the mind, preventing the sleep needed to provide energy for the following day.
We must understand how to place all of the muscles of our body in a “state of peace”, because only then can we dictate peace of mind. It may appear obvious that the relaxed feelings needed to sleep are not required at the time we play a shot, all shots need muscular effort, but the controlled muscular effort, which a good understanding of relaxation can provide and with TEMPO, which is a freedom of controlled movement needed to combat golf stress.
This inner calm is often needed when we have an awkward chip or putt, these times our mind can race along, and the endless ‘thinking' before we attempt the shot extends the worry and stress to a state of impending failure. If we know how to relax, then this situation is less likely to occur and we will play the shot with the “short time control” which offers success.
To deal with the build up of stress on the course we have to find ways to overcome the inevitable waiting time. To reduce the worry which waiting can offer, we have to distract our thoughts away from golf until it is our turn to play, like tidying your bag or yourself. Just do something other than worry about the next shot, and then you will be more successful when it is your time to play, you really could “smell the flowers”.
If you behave sensibly on a golf course and keep your smile going you will then be able to keep calm when there is the need.  If, on the other hand, you lose your temper and get up tight then you must expect less than satisfactory results. The answer should always be enjoyment.
We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us.
The deals shown in the table are some of the best currently available to you.
See attached image for current list of Discounted Green Fees. Deal of the week: Villaitana (Levante) only €43 (public price €75)
For bookings and more information contact Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com or direct on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 quoting reference LEADER.
Hollow Tining Watch
El Valle – 26th-28th May
La Serena – 26th28th May
Lo Romero – 27th-29th May
Alhama Signature – 29th-31st May
Quotation of the week 
 
“If you fail to prepare you prepare to fail” – Dale CarnegieFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43748/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golf...

### ELCHE LOSE THE BATTLE BUT WIN THE WAR

Seville   3    Elche   1
Unlike several sweating competitors, Elche's survival for another year in La Liga fortunately didn't rest on the result of this match. The hard work and necessary results had been done previously with several late, key achievements, which meant the Franjiverdes had just enough points (40) to look down on those lesser mortals, and dream of next year… still in the big league of Spain, current European and Global champions in World Cup year.
The Elche team was half-full of untried players and reserves, and all subs were used. Iberra put the home side into the lead on the quarter hour, and it stayed like that into the second half until Jairo made it 2 – 0 on the hour.
Iberra got his second 11 minutes later to leave the Illicitanos nowhere, but Boakye scored in injury time to make the final score more respectable.  Mighty Seville had won the Europa Cup on Wednesday and finished fifth in La Liga, so Elche's defeat was predictable. The magic 40 points safety margin had been achieved with the season-saving goalless draw at home to mighty Barcelona the previous week.
In the end the final positions were, in reverse order, Real Betis (25 points), Valladolid (36 points) and Osasuna (39 points), all three went down to league 2A - the one Elche spent 26 years trying to get out of. But last weekend Granada (41 points), and Almeria (40 points) could have gone down if their final results had gone wrong. Elche finished in 16th place, only Granada above them of the fellow strugglers. If the Barcelona result was key, the 1 – 0 win away at Malaga the previous week was priceless, those three points virtually guaranteeing La Liga football next year.
For much of the season there was little cause for alarm: Elche were never in the top half of the table,  usually hovering just below half-way. But as the pressure rose with time running out the bottom teams started winning, and the Franjiverdes went through a depressing run of goalless draws, with penalties missed as the deadly spot-kick ace Albacar was out injured for several months.
From being relatively comfortable Elche began to slide slowly but surely downwards, fingernails bitten as the worst scenario, relegated straight back down again to misery and local ridicule began to look a possibility.
The perennial problem, again seen all through this tumultuous season has been scoring goals. Elche have managed a miserable 30 in 38 games, the lowest in the league - even rock-bottom Betis managed 36.
With that statistic alone it's a wonder Elche managed to stay up, but one of the club's strengths traditionally has been their defence and here was the key to the Franjiverdes' survival. 50 goals conceded was infinitely superior to all fellow-strugglers, and you have to go up to 11th-placed Malaga, and ironically their great ex-Elche goalkeeper Willy Caballero  to better the Illicitanos' defence that conceded 46 - one of which was newbie Rodriguez's bullet in that priceless 1 – 0 win.
Do the midfield not do enough? Ruben Perez, Javi Marquez, Carlos ‘The Rock' Sanchez and more are reasonable players, but don't score goals themselves or supply enough chances for the struggling strikers. Boakye is the best bet upfront, local boy Christian Herrera tries hard, and last year's leading scorer Coro has been very disappointing.
The close season will be very interesting to see who stays,  who goes and who comes to the Martinez Valero - but right now everyone is smiling in the City of Palms – Elche stayed up!  
Mucho, mucho Elche!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43743/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Seville   3    Elche   1
Unlike several sweating competitors, Elche's survival for another year in La Liga fortunately didn't rest on the result of this match. The hard work and necessary results had been done previously with several late, key achieve...

### CHAPLAINCY OF ST PETER & SAINT PAUL SERVICE OF CONFIRMATION

A grey and grizzly La Siesta early morning did not dull or dampen the spirits of those who attended the La Siesta Church Centre on Sun 18 May 14 when four members of the Chaplaincy of St Peter and St Paul were ‘Confirmed' in what was a joyous and delightful Ceremony.  The sun duly shone towards the end of the Service!
The confirmands were Colin Anderson (La Siesta), Thomas Gladwell (Los Balcones), Sandra Harbut (Lago Jardin) and Michael Walker (La Marina (San Fulgencio)).  Supporting members of each of their congregationspresented the candidates for Confirmation.
The Officiating Celebrant at the Confirmation Service was Honorary Assistant Bishop - The Right Reverend Michael Colclough who was assisted by the Chaplain Revd Christopher Scargill and many other members of the Chaplaincy's Ministry Team.
The La Siesta Church centre congregation was swelled to near capacity by Chaplaincy members.
All the Candidates were graduates of the Chaplaincy's ALPHA Course held during the Autumn months of 2013 with some additional tutorial instruction from the Chaplain and in preparation for the actual Service.
After the ceremony refreshments were provided by Chaplaincy members where Bishop Michael took the opportunity to informally meet the confirmands and their supporters and many other members of the Chaplaincy's Church Centre congregations.
An occasion not to be forgotten by many
See below Bishop Michael with the four confirmands, joined by the Chaplain, other members of the Chaplaincy Ministry Team and the two Chaplaincy Wardens
LA SIESTA CHURCH CENTRE - SUNDAY 18 MAY 2014
More information on the workings of the Chaplaincy - the location of the various Church Centres - and other planned activities and events can be found on their web-site:
http://c-of-e-torrevieja.com/
and also follow them on their Facebook pages too:
https://www.facebook.com/ChaplaincyOfStPeterAndStPaul?ref=hl
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43742/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A grey and grizzly La Siesta early morning did not dull or dampen the spirits of those who attended the La Siesta Church Centre on Sun 18 May 14 when four members of the Chaplaincy of St Peter and St Paul were ‘Confirmed' in what was a joyous and...

### HINDUS ASK FOR BULLFIGHTING BAN IN SPAIN

Hindus want a complete ban on the practice of bullfighting (corrida) in Spain after matadors were gored by bulls at the opening event of Madrid's bullfighting season on 20th May 20.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed  said that Spain should follow the example of its regions Catalonia and Canary Islands and ban the age-old tradition of bullfighting altogether; which he described as barbaric, inhumane, horrendous, cruel and unacceptable.
Spain could easily find other ways to entertain its citizens and visitors, Zed added.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, also urged other countries of the world to outlaw bullfighting practice. European Union should impose a Europe-wide ban on all blood-sports. People, whose jobs were thus affected, should be rehabilitated in other jobs with related training.
Rajan Zed stressed that non-violence was a greatest virtue. We had long been out of the caves. Let us get rid of these outdated traditions. World would be a better place without these blood-sports.
Bullfighting was just plain cruelty and unnecessary tormenting and abuse of the animals and not an art form, Zed pointed out. Bullfighting ban took effect in Catalonia from January one, 2012, while it has already been banned in Canary Islands since 1991. Spain holds an estimated about 2,000 bullfights annually and has granted it a cultural heritage status.
Besides Spain, bullfighting is also practiced in France, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, Colombia, and Venezuela. A typical bullfight usually is of 20 minutes in which a bull is stabbed several times before the final blow with a sword pushed between its shoulder blades. Said to dating back over 4,000 years, Nobel Prize winner author Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) mentioned bullfighting tradition in his work “Death in the Afternoon”.
According to Utrecht (The Netherlands) based CAS International: It is estimated that worldwide more than 250,000 bulls, cows and calves are abused and slain during bullfights and similar events every year.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43741/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Hindus want a complete ban on the practice of bullfighting (corrida) in Spain after matadors were gored by bulls at the opening event of Madrid's bullfighting season on 20th May 20.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed  said that Spain should follow the example...

### GREEN FLAG AWARD FOR SCANDINAVIAN ACADEMY

In a ceremony on 15 May, attended by staff, parents and children, the Scandinavian Academy   of Orihuela Costa celebrated the granting to the Academy of the environment certification, the “Green Flag”.
The Nordic Council has promoted eco-schools as an instrument for achieving a sustainable environment in the Scandinavian and Baltic countries.   The award of the Green Flag recognises the environment achievements of the recipient schools.  
To obtain the award, schools must demonstrate during a two year period activities in the field of energy saving, recycling and improvement of the open air environment.   The Orihuela Costa Scandinavian Academy has conscientiously followed this programme.    Some months ago it inaugurated a rooftop garden constructed from entirely recycled material.    Children help remove litter from the local area.
The enthusiasm for which school and children have pursued the objective of obtaining the Green Flag award was very present at the celebration on 15 May.   Local C.L.A.R.O. Councillor, Bob Houliston has supported the Academy in obtaining the award and making known to the local Orihuela and Orihuela Costa community their success.  
A representative of the Parents Association of Orihuela Costa municipal schools attended the ceremony and will try and arrange meetings and activities between the children of municipal schools and the Scandinavian Academy in order to promote integration on the coast.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43740/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In a ceremony on 15 May, attended by staff, parents and children, the Scandinavian Academy   of Orihuela Costa celebrated the granting to the Academy of the environment certification, the “Green Flag”.
The Nordic Council has promoted eco-s...

### STATISTICS AND SUNSHINE

I rarely trust statistics, and particularly those in articles in the press that begin with “According to the latest statistics…”. I know far too much about how ‘flexible' statistics can be, and how they can be twisted and manipulated to match the political arguments and headline grabbing deceptions of the day. 
Recent headlines in the UK press screaming “One in five British Expats in Spain returning home” and “End to the Mediterranean Dream for British Expats”, and “Has the Sun Set on the Expat Dream in Spain?” caught my attention recently. They were an amusing read, but I felt that they required rather more clarification.
Distrustful as I am of UK statistics, I am equally cynical about Spanish data. In the case of Brits returning home, the statistics came directly from Spanish Town Halls, which are not exactly renowned as being at the pinnacle of statistical efficiency. This data comes, of course, from British expats taking the trouble to register with the authorities and entering their names on the register; many do not, and particularly those who have holiday or rental homes, and intend to live in Spain for less than six months each year.
Back to the headline grabbing horrors, “One in five British expats in Spain returning home”. What the article doesn't mention, of course, is that four out of every five expats still choose to live in Spain, and are very happy about it. This is merely a different interpretation of exactly the same set of statistics, but it doesn't make such a good headline, does it?
It is true, of course, that the recession and reduction in job opportunities have led to serious financial difficulties for many expats who have decided to return to their countries of origin. However, suggestions that sun seeking retired expats now prefer to give up on the traditional retirement hotspots of Spain, France and Portugal in order to live in Dubai, the Caribbean, Thailand or even Switzerland are simply ridiculous.
Since I moved to Spain, there has always been movement of those who longed for a new life in the sun, only to find that it was not for them. Many were unwilling or unable to learn the language, appreciate the culture, missed British TV, or continually complained about an exchange rate that was lower than expected.
These expats quickly returned to their home countries, realising that life as an expat was not for them. Others faced the hardships of death of a partner, family problems, serious illness or breakdown in relationships, making a return to the UK inevitable.
Statistics aside, my own contacts in the removals business in the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and the Canary Islands confirm that there is by no means a one-way exodus to the UK. Retired expats, seeing the property bargains to be had in Spain, France and Portugal are heading out to pick up a dream property at a good price.
Prices in favourite retirement destinations, such as the Balearics and the Canary Islands, remain buoyant, because of considerable interest from Scandinavian, German, Russian and even Chinese buyers.
I also know of many expats who have returned to the UK, mainly for financial or health reasons. In many cases, the returned expats have not settled well in their home country, and their one aim is to return to Spain at the earliest possible opportunity, and when their personal circumstances improve.
So, for those who have deserted a gentler and more relaxed life in the sun to return to the cold, damp UK, I raise a glass and wish you well. However, the use of flawed statistics by the press do not tell the true story, which is that most of us are very content with our lives in the sun!
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43739/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: I rarely trust statistics, and particularly those in articles in the press that begin with “According to the latest statistics…”. I know far too much about how ‘flexible' statistics can be, and how they can be twisted and manip...

### YET ANOTHER FAMILIAR BANKING NAME BITES THE DUST

First Lloyds announced it was pulling out of the Spanish banking market and that it had sold its branches to Sabadell CAM, which upset a huge number of its clients. Now its Barclays turn, Barclays announced last week that it was pulling out of Spain, Portugal Italy and France. 
Barclays have said that these branches will be moved to a non-core business entity; this will become part of their planned “bad bank" which will eventually sell or close all of the £115bn of non-core operations.
"Bad banks" have been used by a number of institutions since the global financial crisis as a way of ring-fencing risky loans and assets.
The carve-up will give greater prominence to Barclays' retail operations in the UK, its Barclaycard credit card arm and its African business.
"This is a bold simplification of Barclays," said chief executive Antony Jenkins.
"We will be a focused international bank, operating only in areas where we have capability, scale and competitive advantage."
So for all of you who Bank with Barclays you now know what the bank thinks of its loyal expatriate banking customers, they are placing you in a bad bank, severing their responsibilities to you.
My advice to you is if you use Barclays for your day to day banking and are happy leave your account as it is and see if Barclays manage to sell, if they don´t manage to sell and decide to close their branches they will give you notice so you can find an alternative then. 
If you have cash lump sums sitting with them or investments (that don´t carry hefty redemption penalties) now is the time to consider moving them.
It's not just Barclays; in February this year Norwich and Peterborough Building Society announced it would close its Gibraltar branch at the end of this year.
In January this year HSBC Bank International (HBIB) completely closed down its Isle of Man and Guernsey centres for international clients who are based overseas.
The list seems to go on and on, the sad truth is as stated in a previous article I wrote in the RTN in February 2014 is:
“The main reason for this is that Banks just don´t want or need YOUR money. According to the British press banks and building societies have built up a £130billion war chest of dirt-cheap cash. These intuitions have been stockpiling money and paying little or no interest on it as a result for the foreseeable future they don´t need to pay struggling savers any extra interest or work to keep existing clients.”
If you have been or will be affected by the above, there is no time like now to act, if you are unsure as to what is available and what option is best for you just contact me by email christina.brady@blacktowerfm.com or call me on 658 892 330 , or contact Dave Diggle (Costa Blanca South) on 615607278, or email dave.diggle@blacktowerfm.com  and we will be more than happy to run through the options with you. Our advice is free so why not take advantage of this.
The above information was correct at the time of preparation and does not constitute investment advice and you should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity.
Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV. Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licenced in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) Licence No: 00805B and registered with the DGS in Spain.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43738/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: First Lloyds announced it was pulling out of the Spanish banking market and that it had sold its branches to Sabadell CAM, which upset a huge number of its clients. Now its Barclays turn, Barclays announced last week that it was pulling out of Spain, Portugal Italy and France. 
Barclays have said that these branches will be moved to a non-core business entity; this will become part of their planned “bad bank" which will eventually sell or close all of the £115bn of non-core operations.
"Bad banks" have been used by a number of institutions since the global financial crisis as a way of ring-fencing risky loans and assets.
The carve-up will give greater prominence to Barclays' retail operations in the UK, its Barclaycard credit card arm and its African business.
"This is a bold simplification of Barclays," said chief executive Antony Jenkins.
"We will be a focused international bank, operating only in areas where we have capability, scale and competitive advantage."
So for all of you who Bank with Barclays you now know what the bank thinks of its loyal expatriate banking customers, they are placing you in a bad bank, severing their responsibilities to you.
My advice to you is if you use Barclays for your day to day banking and are happy leave your account as it is and see if Barclays manage to sell, if they don´t manage to sell and decide to close their branches they will give you notice so you can find an alternative then. 
If you have cash lump sums sitting with them or investments (that don´t carry hefty redemption penalties) now is the time to consider moving them.
It's not just Barclays; in February this year Norwich and Peterborough Building Society announced it would close its Gibraltar branch at the end of this year.
In January this year HSBC Bank International (HBIB) completely closed down its Isle of Man and Guernsey centres for international clients who are based overseas.
The list seems to go on and on, the sad truth is as stated in a previous article I wrote in the RTN in February 2014 is:
“The main reason for this is that Banks just don´t want or need YOUR money. According to the British press banks and building societies have built up a £130billion war chest of dirt-cheap cash. These intuitions have been stockpiling money and paying little or no interest on it as a result for the foreseeable future they don´t need to pay struggling savers any extra interest or work to keep existing clients.”
If you have been or will be affected by the above, there is no time like now to act, if you are unsure as to what is available and what option is best for you just contact me by email christina.brady@blacktowerfm.com or call me on 658 892 330 , or contact Dave Diggle (Costa Blanca South) on 615607278, or email dave.diggle@blacktowerfm.com  and we will be more than happy to run through the options with you. Our advice is free so why not take advantage of this.
The above information was correct at the time of preparation and does not constitute investment advice and you should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity.
Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV. Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licenced in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) Licence No: 00805B and registered with the DGS in Spain.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43738/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### INTERNATIONAL 4 NATIONS BOWLS TOURNAMENT

Athena Beach Hotel, Cyprus - 21st to 25th April 2014.........I was fortunate to be selected as Player /Manager for the second 4 Nations Bowls Tournament hosted by Bowls Cyprus, the venue this year was the fabulous Athena Beach Hotel, truly a great bowling venue although some of the greens now need some remedial work on the bases to maintain the hotel's high standing in world bowls.
Having just missed out on winning last year we were all determined to go one better this time round and with our team of :
Men : Jackie Breslin, Pete Bonsor, Steve Cantley, Steve Pearson  and Graham Cathcart.
Ladies : Sheri Fletcher, Lisa Bonsor, Yvonne Brydon, Debbie Colqhoun and Jan Dando.
We were all fairly confident as we left Alicante airport.
There were 3 different disciplines Ladies Team, Men's Team and Overall Team.
After day 1 overall we were sitting 2rd, 2pts behind Israel, however our ladies continued their great team performances they had shown over the last year and were already 5 points clear, winning both pairs and both triples games.
Our ladies continued to show their class, winning 2 pairs games and all 3 triples games on day 2, our men were still not performing to expectation only picking up 5 out of 12 points available but hopes were high that we would finish strongly.
The ladies had lost only 1 of the 10 games played and were running away with their team discipline after the pairs and triple events.
Moving on to the singles and rinks on day 3 with Jan playing singles and Sheri
skipping the rink of Debbie, Lisa and Yvonne the ladies had no intention of letting their form slip and won all 4 games. The form of our men did not improve only picking up 1 win in the rinks skipped by Pete with Jackie playing singles.
Overall going into the last day we were sitting joint top with Israel with a 20 shots advantage, our ladies to their credit had already won their discipline, so all to play for.
The final day could not have been better with us playing Israel for the overall team gold, Israel like our ladies had won the men's event with a day to spare.
So, with everything to play for I decided to make a change to the format of the men's team with Pete playing singles and me moving over to skip the rinks, this seemed to work with Pete winning and the rinks close at 9 all after 9 ends but failed to win another end, so could our ladies continue their winning ways? 
Because of our superior shot difference 1 more win would do us, but our ladies were having none of it winning both games handsomely.
This  crowned an excellent tournament with the Ladies winning Gold and Gold overall for the team, medals and cups were presented at the Gala dinner.
A big thank you goes to Bowls Cyprus for their organization and hopefully we can return next year to defend the title.
Just to finish I would like to thank John Muldoon, our National Director and all the other supporters who travelled.
Jackie Breslin, Team manager Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43732/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Athena Beach Hotel, Cyprus - 21st to 25th April 2014.........I was fortunate to be selected as Player /Manager for the second 4 Nations Bowls Tournament hosted by Bowls Cyprus, the venue this year was the fabulous Athena Beach Hotel, truly a great bowl...

### ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO SPENDING INCREASING

Consumers in Spain spend more than 7 billion euro on tobacco products and more than 3 billion euro on alcohol each year, according to a new study by the EAE Business School.
Despite the country-wide smoking ban in certain areas, Spain is still in the top 5 countries of smokers, along with Greece, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Japan, with cigarette consumption actually increasing, as each smoker now uses 2,462 cigarettes (or equivalent) per year, an average of 6.75 packs or 123 cigarettes per day, a 4.46% increase on last year.
Extremadura, Madrid and Aragon are the areas where the biggest tobacco spenders are located, whereas the Canary Islands, Navarra and Catalonia yield the lowest expenditure.
In terms of alcohol, the report shows that the average cost last year was 684 euro per person, an increase of 1.30%, pitching the country around the middle in comparison terms with other countries.
Geographically, the Basque, Catalan and Balearic zones spend the most on alcohol, whereas those who spend less are located in Extremadura, The Canaries and Cantabria.
The average consumer profile of alcohol consumer in Spain is the man, 65 years or older and a graduate with a second and third stages, while the average profile of smoker in Spain is that of a woman, aged between 45 and 64, and with secondary education.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43727/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Consumers in Spain spend more than 7 billion euro on tobacco products and more than 3 billion euro on alcohol each year, according to a new study by the EAE Business School.
Despite the country-wide smoking ban in certain areas, Spain is still in the ...

### The Weekend – 24 and 25 May 2014

listen to ‘The Weekend – 24 and 25 May 2014’ on Audioboo

SATURDAY 24 MAY, 2014
Markets
Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola.
ALICANTE
The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (Last weekend – Final week was cancelled). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro.
Antiques Fair – Feria de Antigüedades “Gran Desembalaje”, IFA Exhibition Centre (All weekend).
ORIHUELA
Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).
Exhibition of the minutes of the meeting of the members of the Anti-Fascist Popular Front, Municipal Council Liaison Committees CNT and UGT Socialist and Communist parties. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 May).
Exhibition of cartoon drawings, “NO HAY COLOR”, Film stars in black and white. De Kike Payá “Kikelin”. Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja (LAST DAY).
The Valencia Celiac association, ACECOVA, will began its celebrations in preparation for National Celiac Day on the 24th of May in Orihuela, at the Ociopia Commercial Centre in Orihuela, with information and demonstrations right through the day. Next week, similar events are being held in Alicante, at the La Nau cultural centre, and at Benicassim, at the Hotel Orange. 27th of May is National Celiac Day.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Real Madrid – Atlético football on the big screen plus Rolling Stones tribute – Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
Municipal School Painting exhibition in Virgen del Carmen CC (13 to 25 May).
Concert Coral Nueva Generacion in Virgen del Carmen CC. 2 euros
Springtime Concert of tenor Derek Francis in Palace of Music at 20:00 5 euros.
Remembering Niño Bravo at 22:00 in Teatro Municpal 10 euros.
 
 
SUNDAY 25 MAY, 2014
7 Months to Xmas Day!
International Missing Children’s Day, Towel Day, Geek Pride Day.
Markets
Benidorm, Elche, La Nucia, Campoverde, La Marina, Zoco, Almoradí street market, Lemon Tree Road, Mil Palmeras.
ALICANTE
The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (FINAL DAY). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro.
Antiques Fair – Feria de Antigüedades “Gran Desembalaje”, IFA Exhibition Centre (Last day).
ORIHUELA
Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Ivo Stankov gymnastics and dance – Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
Municipal School Painting exhibition in Virgen del Carmen CC (LAST DAY).
19:00 Concert Coral Bella Antonio in Palace of Music 3 euros.
Extraordinary Mother Day Concert in Teatro Municipal at 20:00 by Union Musical Torrevejenses 5 euros.

Excerpt: listen to ‘The Weekend – 24 and 25 May 2014’ on Audioboo SATURDAY 24 MAY, 2014 Markets Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola. ALICANTE The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (Last weekend – Final week was cancelled). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro. Antiques Fair – Feria de Antigüedades “Gran Desembalaje”, IFA Exhibition Centre (All […]

### PEDRO MANCEBO ON RADIO

With so much still going on in the political world of Orihuela, from threats to overthrow the government to criticism of the current management team, one influential politician has been active for some time on the coast and will be updating us on Exite Radio on Monday morning.
With a positive result from the courts recently, the next plenary meeting in Orihuela, which is held on Wednesday, may see Mancebo´s powers as a fully recognised opposition councillor, after months of being ignored by the mayor after his controversial and legally discussed expulsion from the political group he claimed to represent.
To find out what this means for now and the future, make sure your radio is tuned to 93.1fm, or you can listen on the website via www.exiteradio.com, and join Mark Nolan chatting to Pedro Mancebo just after 10:00 on Monday.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43726/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: With so much still going on in the political world of Orihuela, from threats to overthrow the government to criticism of the current management team, one influential politician has been active for some time on the coast and will be updating us on Exite...

### ARRESTED FOR INSTALLING SPY APP ON MOBILE PHONE

The Guardia Civil in Burgos have arrested a 23 year old male, identified with the initials D.H.P., charged with a crime of discovery and disclosure of secrets and against privacy, after installing an application on his partner´s mobile phone in order to keep a track of calls, text messages and the location.
The arrest took place after the owner of the mobile phone became concerned over fast battery drainage on her phone. The matter was reported to the authorities who investigated the device and believed charges are appropriate. 
It is believed that the man installed the application whilst pretending to carry out another task on the handset, thus installing the “app”. The installation allowed the accused to monitor the activities of the phone, without the user realising.
A number of similar applications are available for mobile phones, some marketed as being just for fun, others for apparently legitimate reasons such as monitoring the whereabouts of children or family members, with their permission and knowledge.
Upon identifying and locating the man, he immediately admitted the facts, and was presented to the courts in Burgos.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43725/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil in Burgos have arrested a 23 year old male, identified with the initials D.H.P., charged with a crime of discovery and disclosure of secrets and against privacy, after installing an application on his partner´s mobile phone in o...

### Friday 23 May 2014 – Events in Spain

listen to ‘The Friday Guide’ on Audioboo

FRIDAY 23 MAY, 2014
World Turtle Day.
Markets
Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, TORREVIEJA.
ALICANTE
The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until May 25 – Final week was cancelled). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro.
Antiques Fair – Feria de Antigüedades “Gran Desembalaje”, IFA Exhibition Centre (All weekend).
ORIHUELA
Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).
Exhibition of the minutes of the meeting of the members of the Anti-Fascist Popular Front, Municipal Council Liaison Committees CNT and UGT Socialist and Communist parties. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 May).
Exhibition of cartoon drawings, “NO HAY COLOR”, Film stars in black and white. De Kike Payá “Kikelin”. Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja (Until 24 May).
Teatro. Julio César, Teatro Circo Plaza Poeta Sansano s/n, Orihuela.
ORIHUELA COSTA
ColdPlay on the big screen plus face painting – Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
Municipal School Painting exhibition in Virgen del Carmen CC (13 to 25 May).

Excerpt: listen to ‘The Friday Guide’ on Audioboo FRIDAY 23 MAY, 2014 World Turtle Day. Markets Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, TORREVIEJA. ALICANTE The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until May 25 – Final week was cancelled). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro. Antiques Fair – Feria […]

### GANG BROKEN UP FOR 3RD TIME IN 5 YEARS

For the third time in five years the Guardia Civil have again broken up a Torrevieja gang involved in drug trafficking throughout the region.  Known as the "Clan de Los Tote" seven men and two women, all of Spanish nationality, have been arrested and were due to appear in a local court during the coming days.
The arrests took place in the early hours of Tuesday morning and were carried out under heavy security. On the following day the agents responsible for the operation were then able to obtain judicial authorization to enter a number of properties on la calle Clemente Gosálvez in the town centre district of Calvario where they were able to confiscate an undetermined amount of heroin and cocaine, as well as drug related equipment and money.
The operation remains open and is expected to result in further arrests and searches. The Court of Instruction No. 2 has been put on standby to deal with the arrests while the police action continues. 
According to sources, the Civil Guard, who were assisted by several local ploce units, had been aware of the continuous movement of drug dealers in the building in recent months. Agents continually monitored the area building up their knowledge of the visitors identities. 
The main detainee, a 43 year old identified as MRFF, is said to be well known to the Security Forces in Torrevieja. Last Tuesday's arrest is the fourth time in the last five years that he has been detained. The alleged leader of the clan, all previous detentions have been for the offense of being a member of a criminal organization as well as crimes against public health, the obstruction of justice and possession of weapons.
He was currently remanded on bail awaiting three judicial proceedings and trial.
In August 2010, 16 people were arrested from this same organization together with the seizure of five kilos of cocaine and then again, in September 2012 the police dealt a further blow to the gang with the arrest of a further ten members.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43724/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: For the third time in five years the Guardia Civil have again broken up a Torrevieja gang involved in drug trafficking throughout the region.  Known as the "Clan de Los Tote" seven men and two women, all of Spanish nationality, have been arrested and were due to appear in a local court during the coming days.
The arrests took place in the early hours of Tuesday morning and were carried out under heavy security. On the following day the agents responsible for the operation were then able to obtain judicial authorization to enter a number of properties on la calle Clemente Gosálvez in the town centre district of Calvario where they were able to confiscate an undetermined amount of heroin and cocaine, as well as drug related equipment and money.
The operation remains open and is expected to result in further arrests and searches. The Court of Instruction No. 2 has been put on standby to deal with the arrests while the police action continues. 
According to sources, the Civil Guard, who were assisted by several local ploce units, had been aware of the continuous movement of drug dealers in the building in recent months. Agents continually monitored the area building up their knowledge of the visitors identities. 
The main detainee, a 43 year old identified as MRFF, is said to be well known to the Security Forces in Torrevieja. Last Tuesday's arrest is the fourth time in the last five years that he has been detained. The alleged leader of the clan, all previous detentions have been for the offense of being a member of a criminal organization as well as crimes against public health, the obstruction of justice and possession of weapons.
He was currently remanded on bail awaiting three judicial proceedings and trial.
In August 2010, 16 people were arrested from this same organization together with the seizure of five kilos of cocaine and then again, in September 2012 the police dealt a further blow to the gang with the arrest of a further ten members.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43724/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### NEED HELP CHOOSING WHO TO VOTE FOR?

Voting in the European Elections starts on Thursday. If you are still undecided of where your vote should go, or just want to see exactly what is going on in Europe, there is a great tool on the official website, which Mark Nolan mentioned on Exite Radió on Monday whilst talking with local politician, Bob Houliston.
Basically, you are asked your opinion on a series of questions, and you give your own, honest answer. Then, at the end, it tells you, in order, which political groups your opinions are most in line with. It also tells you the least, so you can then research the group which thinks the way you do and then choose to vote for them and have a better representation in Europe.
The election to choose the 751 members of the European parliament who will represent the people of the member states for the next five years takes place between the 22nd and the 25th of May, the actual day of voting is dictated by the laws of each member state, the results from all 28 states of Europe will be announced on the evening of Sunday the 25th.
The survey only takes a few minutes to complete, and can give you a better overview of the elections and parties based on your own feelings than any of the literature you may have seen or read. The link to the site is www.myvote2014.eu
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43719/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Voting in the European Elections starts on Thursday. If you are still undecided of where your vote should go, or just want to see exactly what is going on in Europe, there is a great tool on the official website, which Mark Nolan mentioned on Exite Rad...

### Things to do – Thursday 22 May 2014

listen to ‘What´s On – Thursday 22 May 2014’ on Audioboo

THURSDAY 22 MAY, 2014
International Day for Biological Diversity. World Goth Day.
Markets
Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales.
ALICANTE
The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until May 25 – Final week was cancelled). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro.
BARCELONA
MIHEALTH, Health Management & Clinical Innovation Forum (Last day).
DENIM by PREMIERE VISION – SPRING EDITION, fashion and clothing event (Last day).
ORIHUELA
Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).
Exhibition of the minutes of the meeting of the members of the Anti-Fascist Popular Front, Municipal Council Liaison Committees CNT and UGT Socialist and Communist parties. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 May).
Exhibition of cartoon drawings, “NO HAY COLOR”, Film stars in black and white. De Kike Payá “Kikelin”. Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja (Until 24 May).
Spanish Classical guitar concert, Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Fifa Football on the big screen plus Peari the saxophonist – Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
Municipal School Painting exhibition in Virgen del Carmen CC (13 to 25 May).

Excerpt: listen to ‘What´s On – Thursday 22 May 2014’ on Audioboo THURSDAY 22 MAY, 2014 International Day for Biological Diversity. World Goth Day. Markets Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales. ALICANTE The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until May 25 – Final week was cancelled). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro. […]

### TORREVIEJA BASED LITHUANIAN DRUG GANG ARRESTED

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested 17 people suspected of being members of a Lithuanian gang who smuggled drugs into Spain hidden in false bottoms of seemingly legitimate cargo.
Operation “Ajedrea” began in August of 2013, when the Guardia Civil received information about a group of Lithuanian nationals, who were believed to be resident in Torrevieja, engaged in international narcotics trafficking and money laundering.
During the investigation it was confirmed that the main leaders of the network were a Lithuanian couple, a man and a woman, and were residents of Torrevieja, from where they ran the operation.
The female of the couple was apparently involved in controlling the import and distribution, whereas the male would manage the sales and onward delivery.
The operation and investigation was carried out across Alicante, Murcia, San Javier, San Pedro de Pinatar, El Mirador, Los Sáez, Ciudad Real and Albacete, resulting in 17 people being arrested, 19 vehicles, guns, ammunition and other artifacts related to the case being seized during the seven house searches, one in Solana in Ciudad Real, two in Los Alcázares, one in Orihuela, and three in Torrevieja.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43718/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested 17 people suspected of being members of a Lithuanian gang who smuggled drugs into Spain hidden in false bottoms of seemingly legitimate cargo.
Operation “Ajedrea” began in August of 2013, when ...

### LEMON TRUCK CRASH BLOCKS MOTORWAY

The A7 motorway became blocked to traffic on Wednesday morning, when a truck loaded with lemons overturned and spilt its load.
The incident happened at kilometre 545 of the motorway, near to Orihuela, at 11:49, when the truck crossed the carriageway for reasons which are being investigated.
Having shed its load, the road became closed and the emergency services diverted traffic via the N-340, whilst fire fighters freed the driver who had become trapped by his leg.
The driver was taken to the hospital in Orihuela suffering a fractures limb, whilst efforts continued to remove the truck and its citrus load from the road.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43717/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The A7 motorway became blocked to traffic on Wednesday morning, when a truck loaded with lemons overturned and spilt its load.
The incident happened at kilometre 545 of the motorway, near to Orihuela, at 11:49, when the truck crossed the carriageway f...

### STUDENT ART

Last Sunday saw the sixth annual "Artantics" Student Art Exhibition held at the Algorfa Bar & Restaurant.  There was a tremendous turnout of Students, guests and the general public.  
Once again the quality and variety of the work on display was applauded by everyone.  As a result of the raffle and bric-a-brac contributions the group were pleased to be able to present 225€ to the local dog charity, S.A.T.  Graham Strachan, the Groups' Tutor can be seen presenting the money to Dave Moore, the President of S.A.T.
The vast majority of the exhibition will remain on display until the end of the Month, please come along to view if you weren't able to get there on the day. Graham holds classes Mon, Weds and Sats, contact him for details on 966187742 / 620670514 or email artantics@hotmail.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43714/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Last Sunday saw the sixth annual "Artantics" Student Art Exhibition held at the Algorfa Bar & Restaurant.  There was a tremendous turnout of Students, guests and the general public.  
Once again the quality and variety of the work on display was applauded by everyone.  As a result of the raffle and bric-a-brac contributions the group were pleased to be able to present 225€ to the local dog charity, S.A.T.  Graham Strachan, the Groups' Tutor can be seen presenting the money to Dave Moore, the President of S.A.T.
The vast majority of the exhibition will remain on display until the end of the Month, please come along to view if you weren't able to get there on the day. Graham holds classes Mon, Weds and Sats, contact him for details on 966187742 / 620670514 or email artantics@hotmail.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43714/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### “SAVE YOURSELF WORRY AND MONEY!”

New video “Using your EHIC in Spain” aims to help visitors to Spain and their expatriate hosts
Video available to use on news and community websites
Visiting Spain without proper healthcare cover could cost you time, worry and even ruin your holiday if you end up with big medical bills. 
That's the message to holidaymakers and expatriates who have friends and families visiting them this summer. The British Embassy's Healthcare Team regularly has to help Britons in hospital without the correct cover. 
In 2013, over 2,000 British holidaymakers found themselves in a public hospital in Spain and having to apply for a temporary replacement for their European Health Insurance Card (or EHIC), adding stress and frustration to urgent medical treatment. 
If you are coming to Spain for a holiday or temporary stay, a valid EHIC will save you time and expense. Now “Using your EHIC in Spain”, a short video from the Embassy's Healthcare Team, will help you understand where and how to use it. 
The video also stresses the importance of travel insurance. The Healthcare Team assists many more Brits who end up in private hospitals without travel insurance and facing medical bills of thousands of pounds. Private care is not covered by an EHIC, nor reimbursed by the National Health Service. 
One holidaymaker describes how travelling without an EHIC added distress to illness: “Last year I ended up in the local public hospital in Marbella with no EHIC. While I was being treated, I had to arrange for cover to be faxed over from the UK. In the end it took days because my name was misspelled by admissions and they did not link the replacement cover to me. It was awful having all that added stress, plus doing it all in Spanish, when I felt so poorly.” 
But an EHIC only covers state healthcare, not private medical costs. Another traveller explains how he was caught out with no travel insurance: “When I started feeling dizzy, the hotel called for an ambulance. I was taken to a nearby hospital where I was kept in overnight. When I went to check out there was a €1,923 bill waiting for me. I had been treated in a private hospital without knowing it. Having no private insurance cover, I had to pay. That was pretty much the end of my holiday.” 
Jane Ellison, Public Health Minister said:
 “If you live in the UK, you are entitled to a free European Health Insurance card which gives you access to healthcare when travelling in Europe. If you fall ill and aren't properly covered, you may have to pay. 
 “This video gives important information about why you need a valid EHIC and travel insurance when visiting other European countries, and how to use the EHIC card should you need it.”
You can find the video here, or on YouTube by searching “Using your EHIC in Spain”.  You can also find the video and get more information on EHICs at www.healthcareinspain.eu , or on the NHS Choices website under Healthcare in Spain .Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43710/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: New video “Using your EHIC in Spain” aims to help visitors to Spain and their expatriate hosts
Video available to use on news and community websites
Visiting Spain without proper healthcare cover could cost you time, worry and even ruin y...

### ADAM AND LUCY RETURN TO SPAIN CHAMPIONS!!

Last weekend the  Down Syndrome Swimming Federation held the European Championships at the Quays Swimming and Diving Complex Southampton on the 10/11th May.
Over 150 Down Syndrome athletes took part from 8 different countries including  Spain .Only 4 of the 12 Spanish swimmers could attend the Championships, they were Nacho from Elda, Loli from Murcia and Adam and Lucy from Orihuela Costa. The competition produced 1 World record and 7 European records with 78 swimmers making qualifying times for the World Championships in November in Mexico.
Brother and sister Adam and Lucy Stewart had a very successful weekend with 9 medals and a placed ribbon between them. Adam picked up 4 gold 2 silver and 1 bronze as well as now  holding the new European record for the 800 meters freestyle with a time of 13:04:88. Adam claimed  personal bests in all his 7 races.
Lucy developed a gastric virus the night before the competition but was determined to swim and in doing so won 2 gold medals and a placed ribbon again with personal bests.
Monday afternoon saw them back in the pool training for the “1st Masters Murcia Open Competition” on Saturday 24 May folloowed by Adam and Lucy with the Masters Team in the Valencian Summer Regional Autonomico Competition held in the 50m home pool, Torrevieja on the 31st May  and 1st June.
Adam and Lucy would like to thank Juanma ( the best coach in the world) for his hard work, Club Natacion Torrevieja Masters Team for their encouragement and Paula and Yuli for the gym workouts.
Our thanks also go to Pretty Neat and Stevie the barber for their long term support.
For more information regarding Torrevieja Swimming Club please contact Rosa – 665454126, President Felipe on 609418776 or Vicki 669637015 or by e-mail on info@clubnataciontorrevieja.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43708/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Last weekend the  Down Syndrome Swimming Federation held the European Championships at the Quays Swimming and Diving Complex Southampton on the 10/11th May.
Over 150 Down Syndrome athletes took part from 8 different countries including  Spain .Only 4 ...

### JUST ONE MORE STEP FOR LA VILA

The Rugby Club La Vila participated in Saturday afternoon in the 2nd round of the Sevens Championship held in Cullera, getting a new perfect record and keeping the lead ahead for the final of next week.
On this occasion, the jonenses faced the Catholic University of Valencia, University of Alicante and Valencia in a development Tecnidex matches that followed a very similar to what happened in the former headquarters pattern , taking a step inside the structure game that has implemented the Alicante box. The CAU remains second in the standings as one of the favorites for the title . Edu Sorribes joins the ranks valencianistas, but on the other hand, Migue Mallol will miss the final through injury.
Viler list called for this day presented some news. Guillem returned and the brothers Javier Carrion, the latter freshly arrived from his involvement with the Spanish in the Sevens World Series in London and Juan Manuel Quirante, known for his roles number 10 in the first team . The other players who completed the group are Alberto Jimenez Marina Baixa , Matías Lamboglia Ivan Agudo, Juan David Quintero, Lucas Poggi , Fernando López, Pablo Gonzalez, Juan Bautista Valero and Hernan Quirelli .
Just one step away from the end of next Saturday, May 24 at the Sports Quatre Carreres Valencia Viler awaits a decisive week of workouts to try to lift the title last year were about to get.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43707/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Rugby Club La Vila participated in Saturday afternoon in the 2nd round of the Sevens Championship held in Cullera, getting a new perfect record and keeping the lead ahead for the final of next week.
On this occasion, the jonenses faced the Catholi...

### ACCLAIMED AUTHOR CHATS TO AMMA

Last Friday, author Rosemary Westwell, gave a talk to AMMA, a newly formed organization that supports carers of sufferers of dementia in San Javier. Rosemary   read excerpts from her book ‘John, Dementia and Me', a novel based on her experiences with her husband as he succumbed to dementia.
The next meeting of AMMA will be on 30th May at Lui's Lounge, San Javier Camp Site at 11.30 and the group will also be at Lo Pagan on Saturday 31st sharing a stall with Raquel Peña where they will have leaflets in English and Spanish about the organisation. For more information, contact lainnes@hotmail.co.uk
‘John, Dementia and Me' is available from Bargain Books, Calle Ramon Gallud Torrevieja, Spain Tel:0034 966708652 email: Torredada@hotmail.com and online at www.northstaffordshirepress.com.  
Rosemary will also be entertaining the British Legion on Tuesday 20th May 730 pm at the Restaurant Monte Alto, Hondon de l
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43699/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Last Friday, author Rosemary Westwell, gave a talk to AMMA, a newly formed organization that supports carers of sufferers of dementia in San Javier. Rosemary   read excerpts from her book ‘John, Dementia and Me', a novel based on her experiences ...

### LIFE GUARD COMPETITION IN TORREVIEJA THIS WEEKEND

This weekend, La Mata and Torrevieja may well be considered the safest place to be on the coast of Spain, as the beaches and municipal swimming pool plays host the Spanish national life-guard competition.
Taking place on the 24th and 25th of May, the event will see over 100 athletes take part, all looking to be crowned the champion of life-savers. 
It may well be difficult for some of the heroes of the beach to reach the accreditation of one of the competitors though, as Concepción Escatllar Fernández de Misa is one of the athletes taking part, having already won 50 international medals, including merit from the Spanish Olympic Committee.
The event has been organized by the sports department of Torrevieja town hall, in association with both the national and regional groups representing life guards, the Federación Española de Salvamento y Socorrismo (FESS) and the Federación de Salvamento y Socorrismo de la Comunidad Valenciana (FVSS).
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43698/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This weekend, La Mata and Torrevieja may well be considered the safest place to be on the coast of Spain, as the beaches and municipal swimming pool plays host the Spanish national life-guard competition.
Taking place on the 24th and 25th of May, the ...

### BRITISH PASSENGER AIRLIFTED OFF FERRY

The Spanish coast guard carried out a helicopter extraction of a British passenger from on board the ferry “Pont –Aven” bound for Santander on Monday, after a call to a medical emergency.
Helimer 218 was dispatched from the base at Santander to an area about 95 nautical miles to the northwest of Cabo Mayor.
The ship had called for assistance after the passenger had fractured four fingers on his left hand, apparently after a fall. 
The call was made to the French rescue coordination centre, who in turn contacted the Spanish Salvamento Marítimo, who carried out the successful operation.
The injured passenger was taken to the hospital de Valdecilla.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43697/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Spanish coast guard carried out a helicopter extraction of a British passenger from on board the ferry “Pont –Aven” bound for Santander on Monday, after a call to a medical emergency.
Helimer 218 was dispatched from the base at S...

### DRUNK DRIVER IN MIXED BLESSING CRASH

A 24 year old male, identified with having the initials D.G.A., has been arrested for colliding with a number of parked vehicles whilst he was driving drunk.
However, lucky not to have killed himself and other road users, luck dealt a wakeup call as the four vehicles he collided with belonged to the Guardia Civil and were parked outside the barracks in Benemérita in the town of Guadalajara in the autonomous community of Castile–La Mancha.
The incident occurred in the small hours of the morning, at around 4 a.m. on Sunday morning and the driver gave a positive alcohol test of 1.14 milligrams of alcohol per litre of breath.
In addition, two Guardia Civil traffic officers suffered minor injuries when their patrol vehicle was in collision with a truck on Sunday on the A-5, at kilometre 210, in the Arnoya de Ourense area. The two officers suffered minor injuries and were taken to the Hospital del Carmen. The truck driver, meanwhile, was unhurt. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43696/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A 24 year old male, identified with having the initials D.G.A., has been arrested for colliding with a number of parked vehicles whilst he was driving drunk.
However, lucky not to have killed himself and other road users, luck dealt a wakeup call as t...

### GUARDIA CIVIL OFFICERS AMONGST ACCUSED WEAPON GANG

Eight people appeared in court in Madrid on Tuesday, accused of belonging to a group engaged in illegally obtaining and distributing firearms. Three of them are serving members of the Guardia Civil.
According to the prosecutor, the three members of the Guardia Civil were employed in the armoury of the Guardia Civil and were therefore able to obtain the weapons to pass on to the other group members.
During the course of the investigation, numerous weapons were seized, including sub-machine guns, shotguns, rifles and pistols, as well as silencers, knives, gas sprays and other items, plus an undisclosed amount of cash.
Depending on their degree of participation in the group, those accused face penalties, at the request of the prosecution, from between three to eight years in prison.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43695/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Eight people appeared in court in Madrid on Tuesday, accused of belonging to a group engaged in illegally obtaining and distributing firearms. Three of them are serving members of the Guardia Civil.
According to the prosecutor, the three members of th...

### What´s On – Wednesday 21 May 2014

listen to ‘Things to do on Wednesday 21 May 2014’ on Audioboo

WEDNESDAY 21 May, 2014
Markets
Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas.
ALICANTE
The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until May 25 – Final week was cancelled). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro.
BARCELONA
MIHEALTH, Health Management & Clinical Innovation Forum (Two days).
DENIM by PREMIERE VISION – SPRING EDITION, fashion and clothing event (Two days).
ORIHUELA
Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).
Exhibition of the minutes of the meeting of the members of the Anti-Fascist Popular Front, Municipal Council Liaison Committees CNT and UGT Socialist and Communist parties. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 May).
Exhibition of cartoon drawings, “NO HAY COLOR”, Film stars in black and white. De Kike Payá “Kikelin”. Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja (Until 24 May).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Playstation Games  – Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
Municipal School Painting exhibition in Virgen del Carmen CC (13 to 25 May).
Cider Day in the Asturian Centre (Had to be booked in advance at the Town Hall).

Excerpt: listen to ‘Things to do on Wednesday 21 May 2014’ on Audioboo WEDNESDAY 21 May, 2014 Markets Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas. ALICANTE The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until May 25 – Final week was cancelled). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro. BARCELONA MIHEALTH, […]

### Events in Spain – Tuesday 20 May 2014

TUESDAY 20 May, 2014
Markets
Alicante, (Rastro), Aspe, Altea, Benijofar, ORIHUELA, San Fulgencio.
ALICANTE
The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until May 25 – Final week was cancelled). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro.
ORIHUELA
Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).
Exhibition of the minutes of the meeting of the members of the Anti-Fascist Popular Front, Municipal Council Liaison Committees CNT and UGT Socialist and Communist parties. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 May).
Exhibition of cartoon drawings, “NO HAY COLOR”, Film stars in black and white. De Kike Payá “Kikelin”. Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja (Until 24 May).
ORIHUELA COSTA
ColdPlay on the big screen, plus Mariachi Show – Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
Municipal School Painting exhibition in Virgen del Carmen CC (13 to 25 May).

Excerpt: TUESDAY 20 May, 2014 Markets Alicante, (Rastro), Aspe, Altea, Benijofar, ORIHUELA, San Fulgencio. ALICANTE The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until May 25 – Final week was cancelled). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro. ORIHUELA Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June). […]

### BODY FOUND ON TORREVIEJA BEACH

The Guardia Civil is investigating the cause of the death of a middle-aged man whose body was found by a bather on the playa del Acequión beach in Torrevieja.
A bather discovered the body at around 12:30 on Monday and alerted the emergency services.
Initial inspections of the man revealed that there were no apparent signs of violence, although the man was wearing normal clothes, rather than swimwear.
An autopsy will be carried out to determine the cause of death whilst the investigation is being carried out.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43691/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil is investigating the cause of the death of a middle-aged man whose body was found by a bather on the playa del Acequión beach in Torrevieja.
A bather discovered the body at around 12:30 on Monday and alerted the emergency serv...

### LOCAL HEROES AWARDS OF SAN FULGENCIO

Announcing the first Local Heroes Awards of San Fulgencio organised by the Office for the Urbanisations, San Fulgencio Townhall and sponsored by Toldos Guardamar. 
Who is your unsung hero? Who do you think deserves to be recognised for their courage, fundraising, campaigning, hard work or bravery?
We are asking you to vote in the following categories ... Child of Courage or Achievement, Fundraiser of the Year, Sports Achievement Award, Parent / Guardian of the Year, Bravery Award, Student of the Year, Emergency Services Award, Teacher of the year, Good Neighbour Award, Special Recognition Award.
Each category is individually sponsored by local businesses. You can vote online by emailing localheroessanful@hotmail.com or by filling in a voting slip available at Townhall offices, Tourist Information, Hillside, Barclays Properties, The Woodstock, Los Amigos, Toldos Guardamar, La Marina Vehicle Services, The Bell, Our Plaice or through Bay Radio.
Every nomination will be considered and a panel of judges will decide the winners. The awards will be presented at the Cardinal Belluga Theatre on Saturday the 14th of June.
Tickets for the show are 5€ and available at the Office for the Urbansations, Calle Madrid, Urb Marina, San Fulgencio. There will be entertainment on the night from the amazing Shani Ormiston.
All proceeds from the event will go to the AECC Torrevieja.
For more information, please call us on 966 443 002 or look at our Facebook page … Concejalia de Urbanizaciones
So please start voting now.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43687/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Announcing the first Local Heroes Awards of San Fulgencio organised by the Office for the Urbanisations, San Fulgencio Townhall and sponsored by Toldos Guardamar. 
Who is your unsung hero? Who do you think deserves to be recognised for their courage, ...

### TORREVIEJA MAY FAIR

Hola,
I don't know whether there is someone I should write to but felt a warning to other visitors, obviously for next year now, would be useful.
We have lived in Spain for 10 years and have been to the May Fair before but today we stopped for a drink at one of the "tents".  We ordered a Rose wine and a pint (cerveza grande) .. when we asked for the bill it was 9 euros !!!!
I questioned this in my best Spanish (The wine was 2 euros and the large beer 7 euros !!!!)  and was also told by the waiter (in Spanish, no problem) that he was only a worker and that that was the price for a large beer.  He would not give me the name of his boss or the telephone number of his bar/restaurant. 
I would point out that most of the other "bars" were selling cañas at 1.50 whereas at this bar they were 2.00 euros ... even so three cañas would only have been 6 euros ... The "large beer" which I was told was extra large was in fact served in a plastic glass stamped .75 ml !!
The name on the tent was CASETA TUS AMIGOS.  It was the end "bar" in the centre, facing the stage.
Have you any ideas of what I can do.
Toni Burgess
19 May 2014Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43682/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Hola,
I don't know whether there is someone I should write to but felt a warning to other visitors, obviously for next year now, would be useful.
We have lived in Spain for 10 years and have been to the May Fair before but today we stopped for a drink at one of the "tents".  We ordered a Rose wine and a pint (cerveza grande) .. when we asked for the bill it was 9 euros !!!!
I questioned this in my best Spanish (The wine was 2 euros and the large beer 7 euros !!!!)  and was also told by the waiter (in Spanish, no problem) that he was only a worker and that that was the price for a large beer.  He would not give me the name of his boss or the telephone number of his bar/restaurant. 
I would point out that most of the other "bars" were selling cañas at 1.50 whereas at this bar they were 2.00 euros ... even so three cañas would only have been 6 euros ... The "large beer" which I was told was extra large was in fact served in a plastic glass stamped .75 ml !!
The name on the tent was CASETA TUS AMIGOS.  It was the end "bar" in the centre, facing the stage.
Have you any ideas of what I can do.
Toni Burgess
19 May 2014Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43682/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### DESPITE DEFEAT, IT'S BEEN A VERY GOOD YEAR

Sevilla 3 – 1 Elche ......Elche finished the season by slumping to defeat against a very professional Sevilla side who showed no signs of a hangover following their mid-week European triumph. 
In truth, the Elche season was over a week ago after having secured their place in La Liga and tonight was simply an opportunity for Sevilla to pose with their pot and thank the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán fans.
Elche began the 2013/14 campaign by shipping three goals and did the very same thing this evening, albeit with an altogether better performance than that which they put in against Rayo Vallecano last August.
There were changes aplenty for both sides, but that didn't diminish the quality of the game with the home side taking just sixteen minutes to get on the score-sheet.
Iborra was presented with a simple chance he made no mistake with following a corner Elche failed to adequately deal with.
Conceding so soon was tough on the visitors who had started brightly and just about shaded the opening exchanges, the thing is, though, by now they should be experienced in this league and much more alert in their own box.
No such problems for them in midfield where their approach play was admirable; up front, though, has been their Achilles heel all season and the lack of end product is the reason why they've flirted with an immediate return to the Segunda División.
Second string Sevilla goalkeeper Javi Varas was only really called into action fleetingly, and even then, routine saves were all that was necessary as an entertaining first half drew to a close with just the one goal.
One characteristic of Elche this season has been their determination to keep plugging away, that they did to good effect at the start of the second half of this game too but with them there is also an element of vulnerability to the counter. With an hour gone, Sevilla doubled their lead when Jairo was on hand to convert a Diogo centre.
At two-nil Sevilla were in cruise control and Elche it was who had to chase the game, something they haven't really been that good at, especially away from home. Iborra added his second goal of the match and all three points for Sevilla mid-way through the half to leave Elche with a mountain to climb.
Fran Escribá responded by throwing on reinforcements; yanking Javi Flores who had done well in one of his limited first team chances and replacing him with Richmond Boakye.
Three goals to the good, Sevilla were never going to falter and by now the stadium was in party mode with everyone inside the ground assured of a final day win. The last goal they were to witness, though, came from a blue shirted Elche player and Boakye, who else ? was the man to do the honours by connecting well with a Garry Rodrigues pass.
So a fifth place finish and a handsome trophy for Sevilla who, at one point, were under pressure after a dreadful start to the season. How things change. Elche have done as well as anyone expected and finished sixteenth, one place above Almeria.
Villarreal were the other promoted side to retain their Primera División status for 2014/15. That wasn't the case for Real Betis, Real Valladolid and Osasuna, all of whom were unable to avoid the drop.
Referee: Hernández Hernández
Sevilla: Varas, Diogo, Coke, Fazio (82),  Moreno (86), Cotán, Iborra,, Reyes (73), Jairo, Trochowski and Carlos Fernandez
Goals:  Iborra (16, 72), Jairo (60).
Substitues: Rakitic (73) Puerto (83), Moisés (87).
Yellow Cards: Cotán and Iborra
Elche: Herrera, Damián, Lombán, Pelegrín, Albacar,  Mantecón; Rivera, Fidel (83), Javi Flores (73), J.Márquez (65) and  Cristian Herrera.
Goals:: Boakye (92)
Subs: Garry Rodrigues (65), Boakye (73), Samuel (83).
Photo: www.elchecf.esFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43679/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Sevilla 3 – 1 Elche ......Elche finished the season by slumping to defeat against a very professional Sevilla side who showed no signs of a hangover following their mid-week European triumph. 
In truth, the Elche season was over a week ago after...

### Things to do – Monday 19 May 2014

MONDAY 19 May, 2014
Markets
Cox, Elche, Formentera, La Nucia, San Pedro del Pinatar, Santa Pola, Sax, Torremendo.
ALICANTE
The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until May 25 – Final week was cancelled). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro.
ORIHUELA
Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).
Exhibition of the minutes of the meeting of the members of the Anti-Fascist Popular Front, Municipal Council Liaison Committees CNT and UGT Socialist and Communist parties. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 May).
Exhibition of cartoon drawings, “NO HAY COLOR”, Film stars in black and white. De Kike Payá “Kikelin”. Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja (Until 24 May).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Plan Z – ZUMBA – Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
Municipal School Painting exhibition in Virgen del Carmen CC (13 to 25 May).

Excerpt: MONDAY 19 May, 2014 Markets Cox, Elche, Formentera, La Nucia, San Pedro del Pinatar, Santa Pola, Sax, Torremendo. ALICANTE The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until May 25 – Final week was cancelled). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro. ORIHUELA Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan […]

### TIME TO DECIDE - EUROPEAN ELECTION WEEK

This week sees another landmark in Europe´s history, as the continent embarks on the next phase of election to choose the 751 members of the European parliament who will represent the people of the member states for the next five years.
Taking place between the 22nd and the 25th of May, the actual day of voting is dictated by the laws of each member state. It is widely known that the UK generally goes to the polling booths on a Thursday, whereas the standard in Spain is Sunday, for example, which is why the elections are held over a period of days. The results from all 28 states of Europe will be announced on the evening of Sunday the 25th.
The number of elected parliament members has been reduced to 751, after increasing to 766 when Croatia joined the EU in 2013. According to the official data, the MEPs represent over 500 million citizens in 28 member states, whereas the seats are allocated on the basis of “degressive proportionality”, meaning countries with larger populations have more seats than smaller ones but the latter have more seats than strict proportionality would imply.
As a local party who blatantly profess a sole interest in the Orihuela Costa, the local C.L.A.R.O. political group will not be standing in the European elections, but the group, under the lead of Bob Houliston, has been instrumental in assisting many confused ex-pat voters through the process and procedures of voting, as well as emphasizing the importance.
In a statement, Bob Houliston shows how the European Parliament has been of huge importance to the people served at a local level, explaining how on two occasions recently the European Parliament has supported Petitions presented by C.L.A.R.O. First in 2007, in a campaign to get proper street names and house numbers on the Orihuela Costa, then again in another major campaign, that which is still being fought with the backing of Europe, the campaign to “Save Cala Mosca”.
With the wave of publicity which has seen the run up to these elections, it might be easy to believe that there are only perhaps one or two political groups standing for election in Spain, but this opinion could not be further from the truth. Spain will hold a total of 54 seats in the European Parliament, the UK having 73 incidentally, and of the political groups standing, in the Valencia region there are a total of 41 different groups looking to represent the country.
It is no small task to be eligible to represent a country in Europe though, so all of these groups are equally as valid in their intentions. PACMA, a group dedicated to animal rights and animal welfare are standing for election this year, and as they explained, they entered the European forum with over 40,000 signatures supporting their representation, more than double the minimum required by the Electoral Act. 
The Pirate Confederation is a similar group who say that they stand for openness, transparency, citizen participation and staunch defense of fundamental rights. The first time they have stood for Europe, their achievement even seemed to surprise them.
The inclusion of a group supporting feminism might seem unusual in an election being held in 2014, but with the dominance of men in politics, and the concerns over subjects like abortion laws and equality, it is perhaps more necessary than ever that the rights of women are represented, as it is the rights of all citizens of the continent.
There is no doubt that the PP and PSOE are the political muscle, not only in national terms, but also in the build up to these elections, but, much like the UK, they too are facing an ever increasing threat from the outside. The two biggest risks that the political “big-boys” face at the moment are the Izquierda Unida (IU) and the Unión Progreso y Democracia (UPyD). Although polls are often only an indication of the outcome, recent opinions have seem a relatively similar distance between the PP and PSOE at the top, bordering at just over and just under 30% respectively, but as relatively new groups, the IU seem to be hovering at around 10%, and the UPyD at around 7%. Bearing in mind the number of groups competing, this is a significant development, considering that all other parties combined are only making up around 15% of the general opinion.
Apart from the obvious moral warmth that the MEP´s will gain from representing their electorate, there is no doubt that they will also gain personally for their newly elected roles. For those about to be flung into the limelight representing Spain, the budget set for their salary is 8,020.53 euro per month. For comparison, the President of the Government of Spain, Mariano Rajoy, receives a basic pre-tax salary of 6,515.42 euro, the Ministers receive 5,748.49. Taking into account our MEP´s pay tax, their salary does come down to just 6,250.37 euro per month, but doesn´t include the additional allowance for travel and food when attending the meetings in Strasbourg and Brussels, which is set at a maximum of 304 euro per day. They are at risk of losing that allowance if they fail to attend a required number of meeting though. According to the European Parliament, the salary of MEP´s is set at 38.5% of the basic salary of a judge of the Court of Justice of the European Communities.
There is also money to be made at a local level too. As part of the electoral process, town halls have to provide and monitor polling stations and auditors under the Electoral Act. This was done in Orihuela during an extraordinary plenary meeting in April, attended by political representatives of the government and opposition. As they can all claim their daily expenses for attending that meeting, at 200 euro per person, the ten minute meeting where computers did the selection process is a nice little earner for those at a local level too, Orihuela here used as an example of what would have occurred across the country.
Now, as those who registered have their voting cards at the ready, indicating the address of the polling station and hours you are requested to attend, you must remember to take your official identity documents with you and them be prepared to do your bit to choose who may represent you in Europe.
If you want more information about all political groups and the process of voting, the official website is available in a variety of languages, at www.elections2014.eu. For more local based information, Bob Houliston will be joining Mark Nolan on Exite Radio on Monday morning in the final days before the elections. You can listen to that chat just after 10:00 on 93.1 fm, or via the website, www.exiteradio.com.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43677/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: This week sees another landmark in Europe´s history, as the continent embarks on the next phase of election to choose the 751 members of the European parliament who will represent the people of the member states for the next five years.
Taking p...

### LACK OF RAIN COULD LEAD TO SWEET DISASTER

Though many reports have bragged over the particularly dry spring, whilst basking on the beaches and enjoying the extended sunshine, warnings have been issued this week that the price of one of the provinces most sought after sweet treats, the famous Turrón, may rocket if it doesn´t rain in the next few weeks, as almond crops are at serious risk of being wiped out by the dry weather.
Last year, the price of almonds increased by 10%, due to poor crops in that season, but that cost was mostly absorbed by the distributors. With this added risk of a “disastrous” season, many businesses working in the field are concerned that the price of good crops will have to increase as their will be fewer almonds to go round and the price has to reflect at least a basic income to the providers.
Meanwhile, the largest association representing grain growers has issued a similar worrying report, stating that across the Valencia region, some 28,000 hectares of grain has been destroyed by the dry weather. The financial value for the farmers is in the region of 17 million euro losses, to which they are intending to apply for government aid, although the maximum possible to claim is 15,000 euro per farm.
It is anticipated that the price of almond crops will increase by an extra 6% on top of the 10% increase of last year, which will have to be added down to the consumer, the alternative being sourcing cheaper almonds from outside the area once rich with plantations of the much enjoyed ingredient.
However, that estimate is based on the hope that it does rain within the next three weeks, but if the effects of climate change continue, who knows what the future might hold for a global sweet industry with roots in the province of Alicante, let alone those farmers who work the land to provide some of the most basic ingredients that contribute to our everyday shopping basket.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43676/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Though many reports have bragged over the particularly dry spring, whilst basking on the beaches and enjoying the extended sunshine, warnings have been issued this week that the price of one of the provinces most sought after sweet treats, the famous T...

### TRIATHLON RETURNED TO THE ORIHUELA COSTA

This weekend saw the second Orihuela Triathlon on the coastal area, with around 240 participants from across Spain taking to swimming, running and cycling their way through the Orihuela Costa.
The action started at 10:30 on Sunday, at the Dehesa de Campoamor, with Playa la Glea featuring in the water based events. Councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer, as well as the Councillor for Sports, Luis Galiano, explained how the athletes swam 750 metres through the sea, supported by two boats, followed by a 20 kilometre bike ride, finishing off with a gruelling 5 kilometre run.
Having been traditionally hosted in the Torremendo area, Scheurer explained how last year was the first time that the event came to the Orihuela Costa, and due to the phenomenal success of that race, it returned once more, helping to promote the Orihuela Costa and the beaches to the large number of participants in the race.
The town hall are providing a wide range of fixtures and facilities for the event, most of which were purchased new last year, and therefore at no cost to this year´s event.
Triathlon events are firmly fixed in the sporting schedule of Valencia, in fact only last weekend, local Orihuela team Tragamillas competed in the Copa del Rey, with both male and female teams doing well in the overall standings, only to now participate in this weekend´s activities too. The team will also be participating in the Carrera Popular Solidaria “Por la Vida”, which takes place on the Orihuela Costa on the 1st of June, starting at 10:00 in the morning, preceding an event to raise money for charity, which the triathlon team have pledged to also donate any remaining funds they have to the cause.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43675/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This weekend saw the second Orihuela Triathlon on the coastal area, with around 240 participants from across Spain taking to swimming, running and cycling their way through the Orihuela Costa.
The action started at 10:30 on Sunday, at the Dehesa de Ca...

### SAN PEDRO GETS FIRST FREE WIFI BEACH

The mayor of San Pedro del Pinatar, Visitación Martínez, signed an agreement this week with a local internet provider, for the company to offer free WIFI access in key areas of the town, including the plaza de la Constitución, Espacio de Ocio, Tiempo Libre y Artes Emergentes and Playa de Villananitos.
Under the agreement, which will operate for the next two years, the company will install the WIFI zones within a period of three months and the City will facilitate the implementation of technical development and deployment of the service.
Whilst explaining how the chosen areas are some of the busiest in the town, Martínez also pointed out that by installing the equipment on the Playa de Villananitos means that San Pedro can boast of having the first and only beach in the region of Murcia offering free internet access.
The beach is one of the most popular too, praised for its quality and cleanliness, also the fact that the peaceful tranquillity may soon be disturbed by the constant beeps of social network site and internet alerts does not take away from the fact that the technology will allow those who wish to be connected to do so free of charge.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43674/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The mayor of San Pedro del Pinatar, Visitación Martínez, signed an agreement this week with a local internet provider, for the company to offer free WIFI access in key areas of the town, including the plaza de la Constitución, Espa...

### THE WORRYING STATE OF TORREVIEJA STREETS

The Los Verdes political group of Torrevieja have issued a statement criticising the number of court cases filed against the municipality, which they say highlights the poor state of the municipality under the management of the government team, the result being the tax payer having to fund substantial compensation for falls and other accidents suffered by individuals in streets, avenues, parks and public gardens. 
Most accidents seem to result in the elderly or those with other mobility limitations suffering, and for that reason the group believe that the number of cases filed is only the tip of the iceberg of the amount of damage and injury suffered, due to the complex complaints and claim process. Once the option of court is considered, the group believes that many more people are scared off from filing a complaint to compensate them for damage, both personally and financially, as a result of the deficiencies in the maintenance sector.
As legal aid is often difficult to obtain, and faced with the risk of losing an expensive case, it is no wonder that many people would be discouraged from taking action, but the group also feel that the number who do, and are successful, is indicative of the greater problem.
The Los Verdes say that they have been “denouncing the situation for years and these accidents often have serious consequences for those affected, which in some cases represents a significant impairment to their health and irreparable injury, disability and even death”. 
Considering the streets of Torrevieja are a worrying “trap” for many who use them, the Los Verdes are once again demanding action to rectify faults and bring the city up to a higher standard than current, where the infrastructure is seen as a particularly week part of a city that has seen mass business closures and vacant premises on every street, which has changed the image of a once thriving seaside town to one of dilapidation and degeneration.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43673/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Los Verdes political group of Torrevieja have issued a statement criticising the number of court cases filed against the municipality, which they say highlights the poor state of the municipality under the management of the government team, the res...

### TORREVIEJA MAYOR FINALLY ACCEPTS OPPOSITION CALLS FOR PUBLIC TOILETS

The Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, has announced in a radio interview this week that the town hall will install public toilets in key areas of the city´s promenade. The councillor has said that the administration is in the process of compiling a tender document for the provision of the facility, which should be available shortly.
This is seen as good news all round, not only for the people who visit the beaches who have asked for toilets for some time, as the few which are provided are sparsely situated, but also for the many bus passengers and staff who have also complained that there were no toilets installed at the newly renovated bus station near the Eras de la Sal.
Moreover, the move is also seen as a positive one by the opposition PSOE group, but their praise is perhaps due to the fact that is was them who had already requested and proposed the installation of public toilets in April of 2013, although at that time the town hall ignored the request.
The summer of 2014 may mean that Torrevieja has better facilities than ever before, even if it has taken over a year for the Mayor to accept that the proposal from an opposition group may well have been a favourable one, and although no more or less valid today, it is the fact that the facilities will eventually have been provided that is perhaps more important.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43672/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, has announced in a radio interview this week that the town hall will install public toilets in key areas of the city´s promenade. The councillor has said that the administration is in the process of ...

### COSTAS STILL NUMBER ONE FOR OVERSEAS HOMEBUYERS

The desire amongst British people to own an overseas home, in particular along the Spanish Costas, has surged in 2014, according to statistics from the Overseas Guides Company, who saw a 20 per cent year-on-year hike in enquires about foreign property ownership in the first three months of the year.  
The Overseas Guides Company, a free resource for overseas property-buyers, attracted 11,590 on-line enquiries, in the form of downloads of its free Buying Guides, during the first quarter (Q1) of 2014, compared to 9,685 in Q1 2013. Encouragingly, the first three months of 2014 were also busier than Q3 2013, historically the busiest period of any year, when 10,518 downloads were recorded. 
 “What was especially notable was Spain being more popular than France, typically the most dominant country for enquiries” said Angelos Koutsoudes, Head of The Overseas Guides Company. “This would indicate a return of confidence in the Spanish market amongst British buyers. The pound's ongoing strength since the start of 2014 and the UK's booming housing market and buoyant economy will have contributed to such a bullish first quarter. The unprecedented amount of rain and flooding we suffered in January will also have spurred people on to invest in a bolt-hole somewhere sunny.
 “We see no signs of this slowing down, especially with the pound at a 16-month high against the euro – £1 was worth just €1.14 for a period back in August, but after steadily climbing it's hovering around €1.22.” 
Breaking the figures down further, January recorded the highest level of enquiries during Q1, namely 5,196 compared to 3,310 in February and 3,084 in March. Meanwhile, Spain and Ireland stood out as countries that attracted more enquiries in Q1 2014 than any quarter during 2013, although the generic enquiries with no specified country saw the largest year-on-year jump.
The Overseas Guides Company now has a database of more than 77,000 people interested in buying overseas property and/or moving abroad.
See below for an overview of The Overseas Guides Company enquiries during 2013 and Q1 2014.
By Richard Way, Editor, The Overseas Guides Company
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43668/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The desire amongst British people to own an overseas home, in particular along the Spanish Costas, has surged in 2014, according to statistics from the Overseas Guides Company, who saw a 20 per cent year-on-year hike in enquires about foreign property ...

### BARCELONA IS A MUST FOR CITY VISITORS

If there is one place capable of conjuring up an equally strong image in everybody´s mind, irrespective of one´s own interests, it is the name “Barcelona” that perhaps provides the most diverse mix. Say the word and you might think football, music by Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé, the Olympics, the iconic buildings, the protests, whatever picture your mind paints, the name epitomises a place that really does have something for everyone.
As the second largest city in Spain, with a population of 1.6 million, the vast expanse of Barcelona covers a considerable space of land in Catalonia, but with most of the main attractions concentrated in one area, plus extensive and frequent public transport networks, it is very easy to get around and explore both the main places of interest, and those a little off the beaten track. 
There is no question that one of the biggest and most popular attractions in the city of Barcelona is the Sagrada Família, a tall and imposing Roman Catholic church, designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. Although unfinished, the building is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You have to pay to go inside, but as a “place to see before you die”, it is certainly worth the cost, but to cut down on waiting in the huge queues, booking online is an option, where a quick printout of a boarding-pass style bar code eases you straight through the automatic barriers. 
Second on our list of attractions is the Park Güell, where tickets can once again be booked on-line, a vast inner city garden area with a range of architectural features and buildings, including the home of Antoni Gaudí himself, who designed and built the park between the years 1900 and 1914.
Back into the city and one of the most famous streets in the whole of Spain is La Rambla, an almost perfectly straight stretch of 1.2 kilometres of road and central walkway that leads from the Plaça de Catalunya in the centre, to the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell. Although the street does have a reputation for pick-pockets and minor crime, a huge increase in law enforcement presence, and more vigilant tourists, avoiding the “friendly” hugs and distractions, has had an impact on reducing the number of instances.
Just off La Rambla is La Boqueria, or the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, to give it its full name. Odd that a market could become a tourist attraction, the flood of colour and smells that tease the senses are perhaps one of the reasons this place has become so popular, as the local shopper mix with the tourists all eager to buy something from the stalls.
Our final attraction is also just off La Rambla, and also perhaps unusual to be an attraction, as all it is in its most basic form is a pub. Hidden alongside the museum of wax is the El Bosc de les Fades, and it is the very moment you walk through the doors that the enchantment of the forest welcomes you. With historic artefacts on display, a waterfall cascading through the tree-lined rooms, you are instantly transported to another world, albeit if only for the time it takes to order and consume your drinks.
With the people of Catalonia knowing the value of tourism, it is no wonder that in the main they go out of their way to cater to the every need of their visitors. With a friendly and welcoming approach, and many of them speaking English, Barcelona should be top of the list of places to visit, even if we have only just scratched the surface of the wonder of a city for all.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43666/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: If there is one place capable of conjuring up an equally strong image in everybody´s mind, irrespective of one´s own interests, it is the name “Barcelona” that perhaps provides the most diverse mix. Say the word and you might th...

### HIGHER SPEED TRAINS TO MADRID

Railway infrastructure company, ADIF, have embarked on the final stage of completing the necessary documentation to allow high speed trains between Alicante and Albacete to travel at up to 300 kilometres per hour.
It is expected that the approval will be reached in a “very short time”, which will reduce the journey time between Madrid and Alicante to just 2 hours and 5 minutes, shaving an extra 15 minutes of the current journey time.
ADIF has confirmed that they are currently continuing testing the trains on a “commercial simulation”, to ensure that all relevant emergency braking and control systems are in place and working, before increasing the actual line speed.
Although relatively safe in comparison to other countries, the rail network of Spain has been dealt a number of worrying blows in recent years, firstly by the devastating crash in Santiago de Compostela, for which senior management are now facing the possibility of criminal charges, to more recent reports of financial corruption in awarding contracts.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43665/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Railway infrastructure company, ADIF, have embarked on the final stage of completing the necessary documentation to allow high speed trains between Alicante and Albacete to travel at up to 300 kilometres per hour.
It is expected that the approval will...

### BONUS FOR TORREVIEJA TOWN HALL WORKERS

In an extraordinary meeting this week, the town hall of Torrevieja approved the reinstatement of 25% of the December 2012 bonus expected by staff who work for the town hall.
The bonus was suspended at the time due to financial restraints implemented by the central government of Mariano Rajoy, in order to tackle the deficit.
Many officials had advised against the move, including the financial controller of the municipal accounts, saying that it would contravene the rules which are still in place, but if paid, it may go some way to appease the 600 municipal workers who will benefit, many of whom have continued to protest against the town hall, objecting to a variety of labour issues.
It is not yet clear how the struggling tax payers of the municipality will fund this banned bonus.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43664/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In an extraordinary meeting this week, the town hall of Torrevieja approved the reinstatement of 25% of the December 2012 bonus expected by staff who work for the town hall.
The bonus was suspended at the time due to financial restraints implemented b...

### HISTORIC CANONS RECOVERED FROM SCRAP YARD

The Guardia Civil of Murcia have delivered two canons to the Municipal Archaeological Museum of Cartagena, one from the late eighteenth and the other from the early nineteenth century, as well as three pieces of Roman times, which were recovered from a junkyard and warehouse.
This project, conducted in collaboration with the Heritage Service of the Region of Murcia, has resulted in one person facing criminal charges for the alleged crime of misappropriation, after an investigation was launched following information provided by various concerned citizens who thought the artefacts were of historic value.
The investigation led officers to a waste disposal firm, where they discovered the items and various others which were being sold, without relevant documentation to confirm ownership.
The assistance of historians was then used to ascertain the age of these pieces, thus finally concluding that the person who had them had no right to offer them for sale.
The guns and the artefacts were deposited in the Municipal Archaeological Museum of Cartagena to keep them safe and prevent spoilage while ownership is determined.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43663/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil of Murcia have delivered two canons to the Municipal Archaeological Museum of Cartagena, one from the late eighteenth and the other from the early nineteenth century, as well as three pieces of Roman times, which were recovered from a...

### CRASH AND WIN IN CATALUNYA SUPERMOTO CHAMPIONSHIP

The Supermotoland.com race team were in Catalunya over the weekend with both their riders competing for honours in the Catalan Supermoto championship. It was the first time that the racing brothers from Murcia had been to the Menarguens circuit near to Lleida and so they had a limited amount of time to learn the circuit before their qualifying sessions. 
Despite the lack of circuit knowledge and a crash each in practice, both brothers managed to qualify on the front row of the grid for each of their races. With Mat Ford–Dunn qualifying in 4th position in the SM4 class and younger brother Anthony qualifying a superb 4th in the premier SM 1 class.
Anthony was the first to race and the battle between the first 5 riders was very intense with close racing throughout the field. Anthony was in fourth position on the last lap and whilst making a pass on the brakes at the end of the straight he fell, damaging his bike and dislocating his shoulder. The damage to the bike meant he was unable to remount despite his shoulder clicking back into place as he picked himself up. Anthony was unable to compete in the remaining race due to his injury and therefore lost his lead in the championship from his two race wins in the previous round of the Catalan championship in Mora de Ebre.
Mat Faired better in both of his races in the SM 4 class with a double victory that extends his championship lead and gives him four wins, from four races. It could have been a different story though as  a puncture in his front tyre in the first race meant he had a desperate last couple of laps to keep ahead of the pack as his front tyre slowly deflated.
The brothers now have a few weeks of testing and training ahead before they line up on the grid in Badajoz for the 2nd round of the Spanish championships on the 8th June. With both brothers holding 3rd position in the SM open and SM 35 Master classes you can bet that they will both be looking for a bit more speed over the coming weeks to hopefully elevate them to the top step of the podium.
The latest video of the first round of the Spanish championship and race reports can be found on the teams website. www.supermotoland.com
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43661/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Supermotoland.com race team were in Catalunya over the weekend with both their riders competing for honours in the Catalan Supermoto championship. It was the first time that the racing brothers from Murcia had been to the Menarguens circuit near to...

### THE ENGLISHMAN, THE IRISHMAN AND THE SCOTSMAN

‘Twitters from the Atlantic' - by Barrie Mahoney


Barrie Mahoney was a head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands to launch and edit a new English language newspaper. He enjoys life in the sun as a columnist and author, and continues to write a series of popular novels, books for expats, as well as designing mobile apps and websites to promote the Canary Islands.
 
The Englishman, the Irishman and the Scotsman
 
The experiences that come with being an expat mean that, very quickly, we are put in a position when we learn more about ourselves. Characteristics that we learn to associate with those from other nations are usually quickly dispelled and, hopefully, we begin to learn more about people of other faiths, cultures and those who speak a different language.
 
It is very easy to fall into the trap of national stereotypes, such as Germans being efficient and hardworking, the Spanish having a mañana attitude to life, the Italians being lazy and too fond of pasta, never to trust a Dutch businessman, and the French who are great lovers, dress nicely, but are just so unreliable. Some elements of national characteristics may relate to some people, but it is wrong to typecast a whole nation with the same attributes. Yet, as we are currently witnessing with some of the jingoistic debates about immigration in the UK, and the current popularity of right wing political parties, such prejudices are alive and well.
 
As with so many expats moving to Spain, we initially looked for British people for support to help us with building, electrical, plumbing and legal work. However, we quickly learned that in many cases it was our own countrymen that were the most likely to rip off newcomers. My work as a newspaper reporter brought me in close contact with many Brits who had been conned by fellow Brits, and I learned very quickly that there was no love lost between fellow expats when it came to earning a fast euro. Of course, this is a wide generalisation, because there were also many who would go out of their way to help fellow expats. However, most expats learn quickly that it is not the nationality of your neighbours that is important; it is how they treat you.
 
Our first experience was with an English electrician who arrived at our new home to install lighting. He arrived, endlessly chewing gum, with no ladder or even a screwdriver, which we had to borrow from neighbours before he could start the job. Our Scottish plumber was no better, although he did arrive with a spanner to fix a leaking tap. He broke the pipe and our new kitchen was flooded.
 
Most would think that we had learned the errors of our ways, but we were naive and simply put the incidents down to bad luck. However, it was our dealings with an Irishman called Connor (a clue is in the name) that were possibly the most worrying. 
 
Connor, an Irishman, came highly recommended from neighbours to start work on our small swimming pool. He was a charming man, full of amusing stories, and displayed a knowledge of swimming pools that, to the unenlightened, was impressive. He had an annoying catch phrase of “No Stress, no Mess”, which he kept repeating at the end of most of his sentences. Connor assured us that our new pool would be built to the highest quality standards, and planning permissions would be obtained and completed in four weeks. We duly handed over a significant sum of money as a deposit to pay for materials, and waited for the work to start.
 
Three months later we were still waiting for Connor to arrive. Sadly, his phone had by then been disconnected, he was not living at the address given and no one had seen him in recent weeks. Our neighbours were full of apologies, and we finally gave up all hope of ever having a swimming pool.
 
A further three months later, a slimmer Connor arrived on our doorstep. He was full of apologies, and as charming as ever.  It seemed that it had all been a case of mistaken identity relating to an issue with a ride on a lawn mower that had landed him into serious trouble with the police. Mistaken identity or not, Connor had enjoyed a six month stay in accommodation at His Majesty's Pleasure, and appeared duly chastened by the experience. 
 
Readers who have spent an evening in a bar with an Irishman telling stories over a glass or two of Guinness will recognise that after a period, one's brain closes down into a form of gentle submission. Connor assured us that our money was safe and that our pool would be started the following day and completed within one month.
 
True to his word, Connor arrived the following day with two men and started digging. Four weeks later, our new pool was completed, which we were pleased with. We paid the remaining money due to Connor and, apart from worrying about whether planning permission had ever been actually granted, we continued to enjoy the pool until it developed a major leak, which is a story for another time.
 
The moral of this story is that we now have more open minds about nationalities that can get the job done. We quickly learned not to rely on British electricians, plumbers and builders, but to use those who can do the job at a reasonable price, regardless of nationality. Nowadays, we use a German plumber, a Canarian electrician, a Spanish builder and a Moroccan decorator. Our dentist is Argentinean and our favourite bar is owned and run by Romanians. Sadly, there are no Welshmen in this story.
 
 
 
 
 
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
 
© Barrie Mahoney
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43658/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ‘Twitters from the Atlantic' - by Barrie Mahoney


Barrie Mahoney was a head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands to launch and edit a new English language newspaper. He en...

### GUARDAMAR MONITORING RUBBISH IN REAL TIME

Thanks to the new technology that makes information more readily available in our hands, the network that brings electronic data to our mobile phones and tablets is also being developed with a practical use, such as an ingenious system implemented in Guardamar.
The town hall of Guardamar are now able to monitor all 600 of their municipal waste bins, in real time, to check if they have been emptied, or if there are any other issues that need resolving.
Not unlike the Linea Verde application being used in Orihuela and other municipalities where the onus is on the public to report faults, the difference with this system, according to councilor Javier Cremades, is that this system “allows inspectors to collect data relating to incidents that occur on the street in real time and send it to the central information system that is located in the municipal offices”.
Both systems have the added bonus for the municipality in speeding up problem resolution, which in turn is handed down to the residents by means of a speedier and more cost effective process by using modern technology.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43656/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Thanks to the new technology that makes information more readily available in our hands, the network that brings electronic data to our mobile phones and tablets is also being developed with a practical use, such as an ingenious system implemented in G...

### AGRICULTURAL BURNING BANNED FROM THIS WEEK

The Ministry of the Interior has announced a stricter and extended period for the restrictions on agricultural burning, in order to better protect against the risk of forest fires. 
Agricultural fires will now be banned from the 15th of May until the 30th of September, rather than beginning in July as the law dictates. 
During this period the burning of crops or agricultural or forestry residues, reeds and bushes, forestry and other fire related activities which are normal to running of farms and farmlands, and will have a 500 metre perimeter restricted area around the zones.
Statistically, around 80% of all forest fires each year in Valencia are as a direct result of humans, either deliberately or through negligence. By restricting the risk of these activities, it is hoped that it will also reduce the risk of potentially devastating and deadly fires taking hold.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43655/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Ministry of the Interior has announced a stricter and extended period for the restrictions on agricultural burning, in order to better protect against the risk of forest fires. 
Agricultural fires will now be banned from the 15th of May until the ...

### STILL NO CONFIRMATION OF ORIHUELA COSTA CHIRINGUITOS

The process of securing a contractor to provide beach bar son the Orihuela Costa is still ongoing, although not without possible further complications.
Despite the town hall believing that they have resolved all of the outstanding issues, ensuring that the contract is correct, awarded to a suitably audited company and with the provision of receiving the outstanding debts, the company set to take on the work is yet to reply to the formal proposals.
As the procedure is time based, this could well lead to a summer without beach bars on the Orihuela Costa, which could also prove welcoming to those businesses near to the beaches which saw an improvement in trade over the Easter period.
The fact that Orihuela has been awarded more Blue Flags than might have been expected could well prove testament to the quality and standards being implemented, but the fear that a lack of chiringuitos might cause problems for future years have been dismissed, with the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, confirming that having bars on the beach is not a requirement of the Blue Flag or quality awards.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43654/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The process of securing a contractor to provide beach bar son the Orihuela Costa is still ongoing, although not without possible further complications.
Despite the town hall believing that they have resolved all of the outstanding issues, ensuring tha...

### ORIHUELA COSTA LIFE GUARDS UP FOR TENDER

The contract to operate the life saving beach services on the Orihuela Costa is set to be put to public tender, with a value of 325,000 euro. 
The requirement to find a replacement company came about after the original contract holder, Ambuibérica SYA, requested that they be released from the contract as the company was facing financial difficulties and undergoing a restructuring process.
The company was originally awarded the contract under the management of a previous coastal councillor, Pedro Mancebo.
An agreement was reached for the company to provide the services during the Easter period of this year, which was done in line with the contractual requirements, including two life guards on duty during the period of operation, despite allegations to the contrary made by Mancebo and his political groups, but confirmed by the routine checks of the town hall technicians. The company was unable to continue beyond that season.
Mancebo had previously criticised the lack of floating access chair for disabled beach goers to use, as some beaches did not have these last summer, despite the contractual requirement. The councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, admitted that this may well have been the case, but only because it was an erroneous clause in the original contract, as not all of the beaches are accessible to people with mobility problems. That element has now been corrected from the original tender document and the new company must continue to provide these facilities, but only on the beaches which are actually accessible to those who might wish to use them. 
Now, the contract is set to go to tender to cover the remaining duration of the period of the original term, which will take in the summer of 2014, as well as Easter and summer of 2015.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43653/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The contract to operate the life saving beach services on the Orihuela Costa is set to be put to public tender, with a value of 325,000 euro. 
The requirement to find a replacement company came about after the original contract holder, Ambuibér...

### The Weekend – 17 and 18 May 2014

listen to ‘The Weekend – May Fair and Triathlon’ on Audioboo

SATURDAY 17 MAY, 2014
International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. World AIDS Vaccine Day. Galicia Literature Day, local holiday in Galicia.
Markets
Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola.
ALICANTE
The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until 25 May after final week was cancelled). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro.
BARCELONA
Ficomic, comic book event for 3 days, until the 18th.
ORIHUELA
Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).
Exhibition of the minutes of the meeting of the members of the Anti-Fascist Popular Front, Municipal Council Liaison Committees CNT and UGT Socialist and Communist parties. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 May).
Exhibition of cartoon drawings, “NO HAY COLOR”, Film stars in black and white. De Kike Payá “Kikelin”. Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja (Until 24 May).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Tribute to Alejandro Sanz – Sevillana Spectacular – Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
10th to the 18th Painting exhibition of Luis Miguel Gutierrez in Casino.
18:00 – 19:30, Verbena en honor a San Isidro, Jardín de Doña Sinforosa & Jardín de las Naciones.
May Fair
12.00h. The mass “ Misa Rociera “at the Inmaculada Concepción church, with the participation of the choir of la Casa de Andalucía
“Rafael Alberti” and the choir Casa de Andalucía de Elche.
Street Parade with horses from the church square to the Fair at the harbour, where you can admire  the beauty of these horses until 16.00 h.
Semifinal of the 2nd Sevillanas dance contest, organized by Nueva Fraternidad with the collaboration of all the stands.
21.30h. Performance of the School of Dance Mª Del Ángel.
22.30h. Great Final of the 4th Contest of Copla “Ciudad de Torrevieja”
00.00h Performance of “Explosión” show  by the Flamenco Company JM.
SUNDAY 18 MAY, 2014
International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. International Museum Day.
Markets
Benidorm, Elche, La Nucia, Campoverde, La Marina, Zoco, Almoradí street market, Lemon Tree Road, Mil Palmeras.
ALICANTE
The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until 25 May). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro.
BARCELONA
Ficomic, comic book event for 3 days, (Last day).
ORIHUELA
Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).
ORIHUELA COSTA
10:30 – The 2nd Triathlon on the Orihuela Costa, with running, swimming and cycling.
10:30 – 16:00 – Citizen and association day event at Playa Flamenca. This is the second time the event has been held, where numerous associations and groups come together to explain what the do and offer help and advice. Everybody is welcome to come along, get involved or just see what help is available.
Mago Ferrán – Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
10th to the 18th Painting exhibition of Luis Miguel Gutierrez in Casino.
Humor: David Guapo at Teatro Municipal.
May Fair
11.00h. Parade with horses at the harbour until 16:00h.
12.00h. Show with horses in the bullring located at the harbour.
20.00h. Final of the 2nd Sevillanas dance contest, organized by Nueva Fraternidad with the collaboration of all the stands.
21.30h. Performance of the Dance Academy Sancho & Martínez
23.00h. Performance of the Rociero choir of Torrevieja
-          “Alba Rociera” choir
-          Choir Casa de Andalucía “Rafael Alberti”
-          “Brisa del Sur” choir
-          “Hermandad Virgen del Rocío” Rociero Choir
23.30h. Fair closing  with the performance of the four participating choirs.
 

Excerpt: listen to ‘The Weekend – May Fair and Triathlon’ on Audioboo SATURDAY 17 MAY, 2014 International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. World AIDS Vaccine Day. Galicia Literature Day, local holiday in Galicia. Markets Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola. ALICANTE The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until 25 May […]

### SUSPECTED BRITISH PAEDOPHILE ARRESTED

Officers from the Spanish National Police have arrested a 71 year old British fugitive in the Valencia town of L'Olleria, wanted in connection with sexual offences against children alleged to have taken place between 1976 and 1980.
The man is the subject of a European arrest warrant issued in the UK, in which the man is wanted for questioning in relation to offences which state that he sexually abused his two stepchildren, aged 8 and 11 at the time, as well as being accused of inflicting violence onto the children to ensure their silence.
The report states that the man took advantage of the children at night, when their mother was working, with the two children claiming that the abuse of the two continued for a period of 4 years.
Upon learning of the presence of the man in the area, officers from the Guardia Civil and Judicial Police determined the place of residence of the man and then arrested him in his home to face the judicial system.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43641/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the Spanish National Police have arrested a 71 year old British fugitive in the Valencia town of L'Olleria, wanted in connection with sexual offences against children alleged to have taken place between 1976 and 1980.
The man is the subj...

### What´s On – Friday 16 May 2014

listen to ‘The Friday Guide – 16/05/14’ on Audioboo

FRIDAY 16 MAY, 2014
Markets
Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, TORREVIEJA.
ALICANTE
The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until June 1). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro.
BARCELONA
Ficomic, comic book event for 3 days, until the 18th.
ORIHUELA
Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).
Exhibition of the minutes of the meeting of the members of the Anti-Fascist Popular Front, Municipal Council Liaison Committees CNT and UGT Socialist and Communist parties. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 May).
Exhibition of cartoon drawings, “NO HAY COLOR”, Film stars in black and white. De Kike Payá “Kikelin”. Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja (Until 24 May).
Ara Malikian in concert. Reaching out to Children through Music with presentations organized through the schools, followed by a major orchestral concert at the Teatro Circo.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Concert by FILIU – Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
10th to the 18th Painting exhibition of Luis Miguel Gutierrez in Casino.
May Fair
Semifinal of the 2nd Sevillanas dance contest, organized by Nueva Fraternidad with the collaboration of all the stands.
21.30h. Show by pupils at the Municipal School of Dance directed by Nuria Girona.
23.00h Manuel de Segura, Ana del Río y María García will perform in homage to Lolita Sevilla.
TORREVIEJA MAY FAIR 2014
FRIDAY 16th. MAY
Semifinal of the 2nd. Sevillanas Dance Contest, in aid of the NGO Nueva
Fraternidad
21.30h. Dance Show by pupils of the Municipal Dance School directed by Nuria
23.00h. Manuel de Segura, Ana del Río y María García will perform in homage to
Lolita Sevilla
 
SATURDAY 17th. MAY
12.00h. The mass “Misa Rociera “at the Inmaculada Concepción Church, by the
Choir of Casa de Andalucía “Rafael Alberti”
Horse Parade from the Church square to the Fair at the harbour, until 16.00h.
Semifinal of the 2nd. Sevillanas Dance Contest
21.00h. Sevillanas Dance Show by “Embrujo”
21.30h. Flamenco Dance Show by the Dance School Mª del Angel
22:30h. Final of the 4th. Copla Singing Contest “Ciudad de Torrevieja”
24:00h. Performance of “Explosión”, Flamenco Show by the Company JM
 
SUNDAY 18th. MAY
11.00h. Horse Parade at the harbour until 16:00h.
12.00h. Equestrian Show at the harbour. Free entrance
19.00h. Final of the 2nd Sevillanas Dance Contest, in aid of the NGO Nueva
Fraternidad
21.00h. Dance by the Dance School “Sancho & Martínez”.
22.00 h. Music by the following Chorus from Torrevieja: Coro “Alba Rociera”, Coro
Rociero de la Casa de Andalucía “Rafael Alberti”, Coro “Brisa del Sur” de la
Asociación Cultural Andaluza y Coro Rociero de la “Hermandad Virgen del Rocío”.
23.30 h. Fair Closing
24.00 h. Final song (Salve Rociera)

Excerpt: listen to ‘The Friday Guide – 16/05/14’ on Audioboo FRIDAY 16 MAY, 2014 Markets Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, TORREVIEJA. ALICANTE The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until June 1). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro. BARCELONA Ficomic, comic book event for 3 days, until the […]

### THE BUZZY LIFE OF THE LOCAL POLICE

A union representing local police officers across Valencia has denounced what they believe is an unacceptable situation which is leading to countless officers being unduly and unfairly attacked whilst on duty.
The union states that numerous officers have raised the matter as being of grave concern, as the bright yellow markings of their uniforms appears to attract more than their fair share of mosquitoes.
In order to deal with the problem, the union is calling for the head of security to replace the uniforms with a plain dark blue version, as has been done in some other areas, in order to reduce their attractiveness to the female admirers of the insect world, craving their blood.
The union also claim that the change in uniform will also improve the quality of services provided to the community, and avoid the police being confused with other municipal workers, such as cleaners. This is also one of the reasons that the union believe a number of complaints have been received from members of the public who have claimed that the police have failed to come to their aid, the fact that the members of the public have mistaken these cleaners for police officers.
A further improvement would be that the cost of the uniforms would be cheaper, saving the public purse some money along the way, although so far the government has stated that there are no additional funds to replace the uniform, as the 750,000 euro budget needed to replace then current supply, for a uniform that includes the high visibility elements which also serve as a safety device to those wearing them, is not available.
A number of officers held a recent protest over budget cuts, as many of their vehicles are more than 30 years old, as are some of their weapons, and so they took to the streets in protest with many of them wearing nothing but their underwear and lingerie. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43638/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A union representing local police officers across Valencia has denounced what they believe is an unacceptable situation which is leading to countless officers being unduly and unfairly attacked whilst on duty.
The union states that numerous officers h...

### COMPLETE LIST OF 2014 BLUE FLAG BEACHES IN ALICANTE

Having gained more blue flags this year than last, Spain is leading the way in quality beaches.
Here is a list of those beaches which have achieved the status for the 2014 summer season in the Alicante province.
Alicante Beaches
Denia - Les Bovetes, Les Marines and Molins. 
 Xabia - La Grava, L´Arenal  and La Granadella.
Teulada - El Portet, L´Ampolla and Les Platgetes.
Benissa - Cala Fustera.
Benitatxel - Playa Benitatxel.
Calp - La Fossa, Cantal Roig and Arenal Bol.
Altea - La Roda and Cap Blanc.
L'Alfàs del Pi - Racó de L'Albir. 
Benidorm – Llevant, Mal Pas and Ponent.
Finestrat - La Cala.
La Vila Joiosa – Varadero, Ciutat (Centre), Paradís, Bon Nou and La Caleta. 
El Campello - Carrer de la Mar and Mutxavista.
Alicante - Sant Joan, La Albufereta, Postiguet and Saladar.
Elx - El Altet, Arenales del Sol-Sur, La Marina, Carabassí and Les Pesqueres-El Rebollo. 
Santa Pola - Calas del Este, Varador, Llevant and Tamarit.
Guardamar del Segura - La Roqueta, Centre and El Moncaio.
Torrevieja - El Cura, Los Náufragos, Cala Piteras, Los Locos and La Mata (Sur).
Orihuela - Punta Prima, Playa Flamenca, La Zenia -Cala Cerrada, Cala Capitán, Cabo Roig, Aguamarina and Barranco Rubio.
Pilar de la Horadada - Mil Palmeras, Jesuitas, Puerto and Playa Conde.
Alicante Marinas
R. C. N. Denia.
C.N. Jávea.
C. N. “Les Bassetes” – Benissa.
R.C.N. Calpe.
C.N. Altea.
C.N. Vilajoiosa.
C.N. El Campello.
Marina Deportiva de Alicante.
C.N. Santa Pola.
R.C.N. Torrevieja.
Marina Internacional Torrevieja.
Marina Cabo Roig – Orihuela.
C. N. Dehesa de Campoamor – Orihuela.
Marina de las Dunas – Guardamar del Segura.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43636/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Having gained more blue flags this year than last, Spain is leading the way in quality beaches.
Here is a list of those beaches which have achieved the status for the 2014 summer season in the Alicante province.
Alicante Beaches
Denia - Les Bovetes,...

### MURCIA TAXIS THREATEN LEGAL ACTION OVER ALICANTE-ELCHE RESTRICTIONS

As the governing team responsible for managing Alicante-Elche Airport try to appease their own taxi drivers by clamping down on both illegal pirate drivers and legal taxi drivers from outside their area, they may now face a legal battle through the courts for violating rules on free competition.
A control system was set up at Alicante-Elche Airport, with two specific functions, firstly to catch out and take action against private car owners who take money doing “airport runs” and therefore constitute the definition of a “pirate taxi”, for which they have no liability insurance and take away from the livelihoods of those who pay a substantial amount to be legally registered. The second element was to restrict legal and licensed taxis from outside the Elche area to a maximum number of trips per month, which was set at up to 6, thus reducing the number of times a taxi from a different municipalities licensing jurisdiction can operate.
It is the latter part of the campaign which may now lead to a legal battle, as the Chamber of Commerce in Murcia has taken up the battle on behalf of that region´s taxi drivers, as they claim that the new rule violates the laws of free competition, and have therefore submitted an objection to the Directorate General Transport and Logistics of the Government, for which they claim has “no legal coverage”, and conflicts with the established national laws which only expressly requires prior booking of the service, without setting any limit or quota on the number journeys made.
The Chamber of Commerce of Murcia has therefore announced their absolute rejection of the controls implemented by the Mayor of Elche, Mercedes Alonso, and has announced that they “will not hesitate to resort to the administrative jurisdiction in the event that the contested decision is confirmed”.
A previous case in which Elche attempted to enforce rules on taxis from outside their area faced a Superior Court ruling in Valencia in 2003, during which the courts ruled in favour of the Chamber of Commerce, as their insistence in drivers having additional documentation violated the rules referred to in this case, that of the nationally recognised requirement to simply have booked the service in advance.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43639/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As the governing team responsible for managing Alicante-Elche Airport try to appease their own taxi drivers by clamping down on both illegal pirate drivers and legal taxi drivers from outside their area, they may now face a legal battle through the cou...

### SPAIN HAS THIRTY FOUR MORE BLUE FLAGS THAN LAST YEAR

In a press conference on Wednesday, it was revealed that Spain will be flying the Blue Flag of quality on a total of 573 beaches and 108 marinas this year, an increase of 34 over last year.
Of those new flags gained, 23 of them relate to beaches, the remaining 11 to marinas. The overall result meaning that one in five beaches of the coast of Spain are of the highest quality to be awarded the prestigious distinction.
The largest increase has been seen in the Balearic Islands, where an additional 25 beaches have now received the award, making their total 85, and the region of Murcia received an additional 7 flags, making 33 beaches, after losing some of their quality standards last year.
As Spain now has 573 beaches with a Blue Flag, the country ranks way ahead of the nearest rivals for quality, with Greece having 407, Turkey has 197, France has 379 and Portugal has 298.
As for marinas, Spain now ranks number one for the first time, with 108 marinas flying the flag, compared to 103 in Germany, 101 in the Netherlands, 90 in France and 62 in Italy.
In overall figures, Spain´s 681 is way ahead of the second placed France with 469, Turkey has 419, Greece has 417 and Italy has 333.
The five beaches in Torrevieja which have achieved the Blue Flag standard for this year are El Cura, Los Náufragos, Cala Piteras, Los Locos and La Mata (Sur), plus the two marinas at R.C.N. Torrevieja and Marina Internacional.
As for Orihuela, their seven Blue Flag beaches are at Punta Prima, Playa Flamenca, La Zenia -Cala Cerrada, Cala Capitán, Cabo Roig, Aguamarina and Barranco Rubio, plus two more at the Marina Cabo Roig and C. N. Dehesa de Campoamor.
The Secretary of State for Tourism, Isabel Borrego, says that the results show how Spain is confirmed as a holiday destination that puts the country on the “road to excellence”. Continuing that the “economic, social and environmental sustainability is essential to make this more productive, competitive and profitable”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43635/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In a press conference on Wednesday, it was revealed that Spain will be flying the Blue Flag of quality on a total of 573 beaches and 108 marinas this year, an increase of 34 over last year.
Of those new flags gained, 23 of them relate to beaches, the ...

### Things to Do – Thursday 15 May 2014

listen to ‘The What´s On in Spain Guide – Thursday 15 May 2014’ on Audioboo

THURSDAY 15 MAY, 2014
International Day of Families. Feast Day of St Isidore, local holiday in Madrid.
Markets
Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales.
ALICANTE
The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until June 1). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro.
BARCELONA
European Lab Automation conference for medical professionals (Last day).
Ficomic, comic book event for 3 days, until the 18th. The 32 International Barcelona Comic Fair will take place in Halls 1 and 2 of Fira Barcelona Montjuïc. Access will be by Avenida Reina Maria Cristina. The venue of the event will feature approximately 32,000 m2. The most important artists of the comic world will attend the event which has become a meeting place and business sector in world reference. Undoubtedly, one of the most important events in its sector, both nationally and internationally and a great platform to establish trade agreements and the latest trends and developments in the field of the hand of the leading experts. Ficomic.com and Ficomic on Facebook.
ORIHUELA
Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).
Exhibition of the minutes of the meeting of the members of the Anti-Fascist Popular Front, Municipal Council Liaison Committees CNT and UGT Socialist and Communist parties. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 May).
Exhibition of cartoon drawings, “NO HAY COLOR”, Film stars in black and white. De Kike Payá “Kikelin”. Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja (Until 24 May).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Arabian dancing from GRUPO ARAHIRAS – Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
10th to the 18th Painting exhibition of Luis Miguel Gutierrez in Casino.
21:00 – 22:30, Gala de San Isidro, Centro Cultural Virgen del Carmen.
May Fair
The Association of the May Fair  and the Town Hall of Torrevieja invite you to visit  the Fair during the whole day , there you can enjoy dancing sevillanas or eating in the stands.
Semifinal of the 2nd Sevillanas dance contest, organized by Nueva Fraternidad with the collaboration of all the stands.
22.30h. Flamenco show by the Dance Academy  Lola Morales
TORREVIEJA MAY FAIR 2014
THURSDAY 15th. MAY
Semifinal of the 2nd. Sevillanas Dance Contest, in aid of the NGO Nueva
Fraternidad
21.30h. Flamenco Dancing Show by Academy Lola Morales
22:30h. Music and dance by “Los Duendes” “Ritmo y Compás por sevillanas y
rumbas”
 
FRIDAY 16th. MAY
Semifinal of the 2nd. Sevillanas Dance Contest, in aid of the NGO Nueva
Fraternidad
21.30h. Dance Show by pupils of the Municipal Dance School directed by Nuria
23.00h. Manuel de Segura, Ana del Río y María García will perform in homage to
Lolita Sevilla
 
SATURDAY 17th. MAY
12.00h. The mass “Misa Rociera “at the Inmaculada Concepción Church, by the
Choir of Casa de Andalucía “Rafael Alberti”
Horse Parade from the Church square to the Fair at the harbour, until 16.00h.
Semifinal of the 2nd. Sevillanas Dance Contest
21.00h. Sevillanas Dance Show by “Embrujo”
21.30h. Flamenco Dance Show by the Dance School Mª del Angel
22:30h. Final of the 4th. Copla Singing Contest “Ciudad de Torrevieja”
24:00h. Performance of “Explosión”, Flamenco Show by the Company JM
 
SUNDAY 18th. MAY
11.00h. Horse Parade at the harbour until 16:00h.
12.00h. Equestrian Show at the harbour. Free entrance
19.00h. Final of the 2nd Sevillanas Dance Contest, in aid of the NGO Nueva
Fraternidad
21.00h. Dance by the Dance School “Sancho & Martínez”.
22.00 h. Music by the following Chorus from Torrevieja: Coro “Alba Rociera”, Coro
Rociero de la Casa de Andalucía “Rafael Alberti”, Coro “Brisa del Sur” de la
Asociación Cultural Andaluza y Coro Rociero de la “Hermandad Virgen del Rocío”.
23.30 h. Fair Closing
24.00 h. Final song (Salve Rociera)
 

Excerpt: listen to ‘The What´s On in Spain Guide – Thursday 15 May 2014’ on Audioboo THURSDAY 15 MAY, 2014 International Day of Families. Feast Day of St Isidore, local holiday in Madrid. Markets Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales. ALICANTE The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until June 1). Tickets 40 […]

### MULTIPLE VEHICLE FIRE AT LA ZENIA CONSUM

Fire fighters were called to attend a vehicle fire in the Consum car park at La Zenia on Tuesday, when a report was received at around noon of a Mercedes SUV burning under the veranda opposite the future, but un-built, emergency coordination centre.
The fire had clearly taken hold at the front of the vehicle, with flames spreading to the cars parked on either side.
The fire fighters extinguished the blaze and report that there were no injuries during the incident. 
An investigation has been launched to ascertain if the fire was accidental or malicious, so no other details have been released at this time.
Thanks to Jo Slade for the eye witness pictures.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43634/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Fire fighters were called to attend a vehicle fire in the Consum car park at La Zenia on Tuesday, when a report was received at around noon of a Mercedes SUV burning under the veranda opposite the future, but un-built, emergency coordination centre.
T...

### What´s On Guide – Wednesday 14 May 2014

listen to ‘Wednesday´s Things to Do in Spain’ on Audioboo

WEDNESDAY 14 May, 2014
Markets
Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas.
ALICANTE
The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until June 1). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro.
BARCELONA
European Lab Automation conference for medical professionals (2 days).
ORIHUELA
Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).
Exhibition of the minutes of the meeting of the members of the Anti-Fascist Popular Front, Municipal Council Liaison Committees CNT and UGT Socialist and Communist parties. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 May).
Exhibition of cartoon drawings, “NO HAY COLOR”, Film stars in black and white. De Kike Payá “Kikelin”. Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja (Until 24 May).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Cartoon drawing  – Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
10th to the 18th Painting exhibition of Luis Miguel Gutierrez in Casino.
May Fair
21.00h. Inauguration and lighting of the Fair. Participation of the Union Musical Torrevejense directed by Jaime Belda Cantavella and the choir and Orchestra Salinas de Torrevieja “Mtro. Ricardo Lafuente” directed by Aurelio Martinez. Afterwards  there will be Fireworks.
21.30h. Performance of the Dance Academy Paya’s.
The FULL Torrevieja May Fair Guide…
TORREVIEJA MAY FAIR 2014
 
WEDNESDAY 14th. MAY
21.00h. Inauguration and lighting of the Fair. Music by Union Musical Torrevejense
directed by Jaime Belda Cantavella and the choir and Orchestra Salinas de
Torrevieja “Maestro Ricardo Lafuente” directed by Aurelio Martínez.
Fireworks
21.30h. Dance Show by Paya’s Dance Academy

THURSDAY 15th. MAY
Semifinal of the 2nd. Sevillanas Dance Contest, in aid of the NGO Nueva
Fraternidad
21.30h. Flamenco Dancing Show by Academy Lola Morales
22:30h. Music and dance by “Los Duendes” “Ritmo y Compás por sevillanas y
rumbas”

FRIDAY 16th. MAY
Semifinal of the 2nd. Sevillanas Dance Contest, in aid of the NGO Nueva
Fraternidad
21.30h. Dance Show by pupils of the Municipal Dance School directed by Nuria
Girona.
23.00h. Manuel de Segura, Ana del Río y María García will perform in homage to
Lolita Sevilla

SATURDAY 17th. MAY
12.00h. The mass “Misa Rociera “at the Inmaculada Concepción Church, by the
Choir of Casa de Andalucía “Rafael Alberti”
Horse Parade from the Church square to the Fair at the harbour, until 16.00h.
Semifinal of the 2nd. Sevillanas Dance Contest
21.00h. Sevillanas Dance Show by “Embrujo”
21.30h. Flamenco Dance Show by the Dance School Mª del Angel
22:30h. Final of the 4th. Copla Singing Contest “Ciudad de Torrevieja”
24:00h. Performance of “Explosión”, Flamenco Show by the Company JM

SUNDAY 18th. MAY
11.00h. Horse Parade at the harbour until 16:00h.
12.00h. Equestrian Show at the harbour. Free entrance
19.00h. Final of the 2nd Sevillanas Dance Contest, in aid of the NGO Nueva
Fraternidad
21.00h. Dance by the Dance School “Sancho & Martínez”.
22.00 h. Music by the following Chorus from Torrevieja: Coro “Alba Rociera”, Coro
Rociero de la Casa de Andalucía “Rafael Alberti”, Coro “Brisa del Sur” de la
Asociación Cultural Andaluza y Coro Rociero de la “Hermandad Virgen del Rocío”.
23.30 h. Fair Closing
24.00 h. Final song (Salve Rociera)

Excerpt: listen to ‘Wednesday´s Things to Do in Spain’ on Audioboo WEDNESDAY 14 May, 2014 Markets Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas. ALICANTE The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until June 1). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro. BARCELONA European Lab Automation conference for medical professionals (2 […]

### HATE-TWEETERS TO BE INVESTIGATED FOLLOWING POLITICIAN ASSASSINATION

The Interior Minister Jorge Fernández Díaz, has given the police and Guardia Civil orders to investigate, and bring to justice, the people behind “dozens” of “offensive” messages posted on social network sites following the assassination of leading PP politician Isabel Carrasco, that could constitute “incitement to advocacy of hatred and crime”.
We reported this week how cyber law enforcers arrested numerous people in a similar crackdown on messages that could be considered as supporting terrorism, now the order to punish those who have commented on this latest incident will no doubt send a wave of concern over the rights to free speech and expression.
Following the death of Carrasco, numerous comments were seen filtering through social network sites, especially Twitter, celebrating the murder of the politician. Many of the comments were anonymous, although most of those are traceable, but even opposition politicians themselves were seen to post comments which could be considered derogatory, such as one PSOE councilor who simply posted a like from a quote, “He who sows the wind…”, prompting calls for action from the head of the socialist group.
The minister has pointed out that that of the 28 European countries, Spain is the only one where not a single party promotes hatred and xenophobia, whilst reminding everybody that this is a time to “reflect”, as thinking outside of politics and democracy only results in anarchy and chaos.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43631/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Interior Minister Jorge Fernández Díaz, has given the police and Guardia Civil orders to investigate, and bring to justice, the people behind “dozens” of “offensive” messages posted on social network sites foll...

### FOUR MONTHS IN JAIL FOR SON’S TRUANCY

The Alicante Provincial Court has sentenced parents to four months in prison for the truancy of their son, after he failed to attend class for almost two years during the school years 2007-08 when he was just 13 years of age.
The child regularly played truant during the 2006-2007 academic year, attending for only five days during 2007-2008. He was subsequently admitted to Alicante's Juvenile Reception Center on June 6, 2008.
A third defendant in the proceedings, was the boy's football coach with whom he lived for almost a year and who, it was said, also neglected to send him to school, whilst he was in his care. He too was sentenced to the same term as the parents.
The judge said he said he was issuing a custodial sentence to both parents and the guardian for a crime of failing to fullfil their parental obligations together with the breach of their statutory duties of care to the child.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43630/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Alicante Provincial Court has sentenced parents to four months in prison for the truancy of their son, after he failed to attend class for almost two years during the school years 2007-08 when he was just 13 years of age.
The child regularly playe...

### HYDROCHLORIC ACID LEAK CLOSES AP7

A leak from a tanker carrying 8,000 ltrs of hydrochloric acid forced the closure of the AP 7 in Benicarlo on Monday after it had been parked up in a service station.
The incident occurred just after 6.30 pm when the tanker pulled into the service area to refuel. The road was immediately closed by officers from the Provincial Fire Service and the Civil Guard Traffico.
Three fire crews were called to the incident, one of which was a Chemical Risk Unit, which proceeded to seal the leak.
Subsequently, the tanker company sent a replacement vehicle into which the remaining acid was transferred. Firefighters contained the acid that had spilled onto the road ensuring that it did not spread into adjacent drains. 
The area was thoroughly cleaned and the 50 or so litres of spilled acid neutralized. The service area and adjacent roads were re opened at approximately 10.15 pm.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43629/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A leak from a tanker carrying 8,000 ltrs of hydrochloric acid forced the closure of the AP 7 in Benicarlo on Monday after it had been parked up in a service station.
The incident occurred just after 6.30 pm when the tanker pulled into the service area...

### PP POLITICIAN SHOT DEAD IN LEON

Leading Partido Popular member of León, Isabel Carrasco, has been shot dead in public on her way to the party offices from her home on Monday.
Born in 1955, the former delegate of the PP board, ex-councillor for finance of the regional government and the provincial President of the PP was a leading female figure in politics.
Not without controversy in her career, Carrasco appeared in court for allegedly rigging contracts in the province of León, as well as being named in a number of corruption cases, as well as being accused of taking numerous salaries for a variety of political roles at the same time, earning her the nickname of the “woman of thirteen salaries”.
Supporters have spoken of a “strong and indomitable character”, and spoken of warmly by those around her.
Witnesses report that the politician was shot three times as she walked along a footbridge. Initial indications from the scene claim that a former female employee of the council, who was recently sacked, and her daughter, have both been arrested in connection with the incident.
The city of León is the capital of the province of the same name and is located in the northwest of Spain. With a registered population of 131,680, it is the largest municipality in the province, accounting for more than one quarter of the province's population.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43626/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Leading Partido Popular member of León, Isabel Carrasco, has been shot dead in public on her way to the party offices from her home on Monday.
Born in 1955, the former delegate of the PP board, ex-councillor for finance of the regional governme...

### What´s On – Tuesday 13 May 2014

listen to ‘Things to do on Tuesday’ on Audioboo

TUESDAY 13 May, 2014
Markets
Alicante, (Rastro), Aspe, Altea, Benijofar, ORIHUELA, San Fulgencio.
ALICANTE
The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until June 1). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro.
ORIHUELA
Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).
Exhibition of the minutes of the meeting of the members of the Anti-Fascist Popular Front, Municipal Council Liaison Committees CNT and UGT Socialist and Communist parties. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 May).
Exhibition of cartoon drawings, “NO HAY COLOR”, Film stars in black and white. De Kike Payá “Kikelin”. Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja (Until 24 May).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Playstation Games – Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
10th to the 18th Painting exhibition of Luis Miguel Gutierrez in Casino.
Torrevieja´s May Fair starts tomorrow, 9pm for the inauguration.

Excerpt: listen to ‘Things to do on Tuesday’ on Audioboo TUESDAY 13 May, 2014 Markets Alicante, (Rastro), Aspe, Altea, Benijofar, ORIHUELA, San Fulgencio. ALICANTE The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until June 1). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro. ORIHUELA Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de […]

### LIONS CLUB PRESIDENT INSTALLS NEW HONORARY MEMBER

Janette Bennett, President of the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club was delighted to install The Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon Sanchez, as an Honorary member of the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club at the May business meeting of the Club, held in Hotel Cabo Cervera on Thursday 8th May.
In what has been an extremely busy schedule for Janette with various fund raising events being planned and promoted and an even busier schedule for the Mayor, his colleagues and staff with the European Elections now officialy in full swing, both took some time out to induct Eduardo, presenting the Mayor with a certificate of Honorary membership and Lions lapel pin which Janette indicated he should wear with pride.
Janette thanked Eduardo for all the continuing support that the Club has had from Ayuntamiento Torrevieja for the past nine years and particularly made mention of Graham Knight, Rosario Martinez and Jean Paul Mulero who have all helped smooth the path for the Lions when negotiating the vagaries of Spanish administration and bureaucracy.
Eduardo responded by thanking Janette and the Club for all the excellent work undertaken tirelessly by them and intimated that he was indeed honoured to receive Honorary membership of such an excellent International Organisation
The Torrevieja Costa Lions Club is part of the Lions Clubs International (LCI) recognised globally as one of the finest Non Government Organisation(NGO) in the World.
The Club has a commitment to support LCI in many circumstances such as natural disasters, disease eradication like malaria, measles, and river blindness in third world countries, plus provision of aids to vision in countries where no such provision is available, however the main focus of your local Club is to help those most in need in the local community, the City of Torrevieja and surrounding villages.
Anyone who would like to become a member of the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club can take the first step by contacting Membership Director Philip by e mail on philip.buckman@btinternet.com 
To find out more about the Torrevieja Costa Lions visit the Club website on www.torreviejacostalions.org
The Club is sponsored locally by many businesses who recognise The Lions as being very hard working in the Community, however no sponsorship can be enough to help the Lions continue with their excellent work, so any individuals or businesses who would like some information on sponsorship packages should in the first instance contact Sponsorship Director Jaimy by e mail on sparkles@hotmail.es
Next April the Lions Celebrate their 10th Charter Night and would be delighted to have new members to swell "The Pride" and new sponsors  on board to celebrate continuing success.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43622/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Janette Bennett, President of the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club was delighted to install The Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon Sanchez, as an Honorary member of the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club at the May business meeting of the Club, held in Hotel Cabo Cervera on Thursday 8th May.
In what has been an extremely busy schedule for Janette with various fund raising events being planned and promoted and an even busier schedule for the Mayor, his colleagues and staff with the European Elections now officialy in full swing, both took some time out to induct Eduardo, presenting the Mayor with a certificate of Honorary membership and Lions lapel pin which Janette indicated he should wear with pride.
Janette thanked Eduardo for all the continuing support that the Club has had from Ayuntamiento Torrevieja for the past nine years and particularly made mention of Graham Knight, Rosario Martinez and Jean Paul Mulero who have all helped smooth the path for the Lions when negotiating the vagaries of Spanish administration and bureaucracy.
Eduardo responded by thanking Janette and the Club for all the excellent work undertaken tirelessly by them and intimated that he was indeed honoured to receive Honorary membership of such an excellent International Organisation
The Torrevieja Costa Lions Club is part of the Lions Clubs International (LCI) recognised globally as one of the finest Non Government Organisation(NGO) in the World.
The Club has a commitment to support LCI in many circumstances such as natural disasters, disease eradication like malaria, measles, and river blindness in third world countries, plus provision of aids to vision in countries where no such provision is available, however the main focus of your local Club is to help those most in need in the local community, the City of Torrevieja and surrounding villages.
Anyone who would like to become a member of the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club can take the first step by contacting Membership Director Philip by e mail on philip.buckman@btinternet.com 
To find out more about the Torrevieja Costa Lions visit the Club website on www.torreviejacostalions.org
The Club is sponsored locally by many businesses who recognise The Lions as being very hard working in the Community, however no sponsorship can be enough to help the Lions continue with their excellent work, so any individuals or businesses who would like some information on sponsorship packages should in the first instance contact Sponsorship Director Jaimy by e mail on sparkles@hotmail.es
Next April the Lions Celebrate their 10th Charter Night and would be delighted to have new members to swell "The Pride" and new sponsors  on board to celebrate continuing success.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43622/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### What´s On – Monday 12 May 2014

listen to ‘What's On – Monday 12 May 2014’ on Audioboo

MONDAY 12 May, 2014
International Nurses Day.
Markets
Cox, Elche, Formentera, La Nucia, San Pedro del Pinatar, Santa Pola, Sax, Torremendo.
ALICANTE
The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until June 1). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro.
ORIHUELA
Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).
Exhibition of the minutes of the meeting of the members of the Anti-Fascist Popular Front, Municipal Council Liaison Committees CNT and UGT Socialist and Communist parties. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 May).
Exhibition of cartoon drawings, “NO HAY COLOR”, Film stars in black and white. De Kike Payá “Kikelin”. Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja (Until 24 May).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Plan Z – ZUMBA – Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
10th to the 18th Painting exhibition of Luis Miguel Gutierrez in Casino.
 

Excerpt: listen to ‘What's On – Monday 12 May 2014’ on Audioboo MONDAY 12 May, 2014 International Nurses Day. Markets Cox, Elche, Formentera, La Nucia, San Pedro del Pinatar, Santa Pola, Sax, Torremendo. ALICANTE The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until June 1). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro. ORIHUELA Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish […]

### ELCHE SAFE AS HOUSES

Elche CF 0 - 0 FC Barcelona
What were we all worried about ? With a game to go, away next Sunday to Sevilla, Elche secured their Primera División future with another unspectacular, yet still solid, performance to shut out the mighty Barcelona. Roared on by 34,000 odd spectators, none of whom had a clue what was occurring elsewhere in other games, 
Elche did what they had to do to secure another priceless point, quite possibly their most valuable of the entire campaign. At the final whistle, no-one seemed quite sure that a point would be enough, an uncertainty that would last just moments.
In recent weeks, Richmond Boakye and Cristian Herera have shared the lone striker duties, tonight, though, manager Fran Escribá started without either in a set up that spoke of a determination not to lose. For their part, Barcelona made do without midfield kingpin Xavi Hernández who had to settle for a place on the bench, otherwise the two starting XI's were pretty much as expected.
Looking a little out of sorts, Barcelona controlled the opening exchanges without ever really putting the home side under any particular pressure. As is their wont, they had the lions share of possession, which Elche seemed happy to concede, but weren't really able to fashion that many clear cut chances.
Andrés Iniesta went close with almost a quarter of a hour on the clock when his fizzing shot from the edge of the box was helped onto the bar and over by the excellent Manu Herrera. From the resulting corner, the same player scuffed another shot horribly.
With the close control of Messi an ever present threat, Elche had to concentrate and it was in defence, as so often already this season, that most of their hard work was done. Up front, the pace and quick feet of loan signing Garry Rodrigues looked to be Elche's best route to stand-in Barcelona keeper José Manuel Pinto.
The Dutch born Cape Verde international needs to find the target more often though, (when he does, the results are spectacular, just ask Willy Caballero).
Goal-less at the break and so far so good for Elche.
Barcelona began the second period as they had for large parts of the first, keeping hold of the ball and shifting it around, seemingly at will. 
Messi was denied early in the half by the knees of Manu Herrera as the Argentine magician tried, unsuccessfully, to create half a yard of space. By now, in the middle third of the half, Elche were increasingly under the Barcelona cosh and only outstanding defending kept the scores level. 
As the visitors pressed on, dominating possession in dangerous areas, Elche fashioned, and then squandered, a decent opportunity of their own. Coro and Carles Gil combined well on the hour only to see the latter spurn the chance.
His body language was plain to see and the player himself knew he could and should have done considerably better. Apparently content to soak up pressure in their own half, Elche were playing a dangerous game and would end up grateful for the Catalan profligacy in front of goal.
Barca looked the more determined of the two to try and win the thing but in their anxiety to open the scoring they were leaving gaps at the back as they committed men forward. Fran Escribá rang the changes, sending on Boakye for the final twenty minutes and the Ghanaian had a hand in one of the best chances of the match.
Beating two Barcelona players just inside his own half, he strode powerfully forward and released Rodrigues down the left with a superb weighted ball. With his first touch, the 23 year old skimmed Pinto's crossbar with a rasping drive off his left foot.
With time running out and with the visitors showing an increasing urgency, there was one final scare for the home side. Hitherto, full back Damián Suárez had played a disciplined game and, unusually for him, had barely ventured forward all match. It was his foul on Tello, though, that put his side under pressure for the final time.
Such is the quality of Barcelona, a winning goal late on would have been no surprise. Instead, Xavi's free-kick floated over to the back stick with nobody in a Barcelona shirt attacking the ball.
Full time Elche 0 – 0 Barcelona
When the fixture lists were published way back in August last year, the sharp intake of breath was audible. Barcelona – expected to be going for the title again - were the last side Elche fans, fully expecting to be in some kind of relegation dogfight, wanted for the final home match of what was expected to be a long and difficult campaign. 
Instead, Barca proved altogether less durable than previous vintages and Elche more obdurate than expected. Something had to give and, in the end, in this match nothing did.
Having survived, and survived well, Elche can now subconsciously relax next weekend in their dead rubber at Sevilla's Ramn Snchez Pizjun Stadium. Atltico Madrid now have to travel to Barcelona's intimidating Camp Nou where, if they can avoid defeat, they'll be crowned La Liga champions. Barca, for sure, will have other ideas. Beating Atlti is a tall order, but this season probably has time for one last twist. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43618/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Elche CF 0 - 0 FC Barcelona
What were we all worried about ? With a game to go, away next Sunday to Sevilla, Elche secured their Primera División future with another unspectacular, yet still solid, performance to shut out the mighty Barcelona. ...

### THE LATEST VIRTUAL PAPER IS OUT NOW

Issue 519 of The Leader is out now, at least in virtual form, on our dedicated website, www.virtualleader.info.
Packed with all the latest news and sports, you can pick up the real thing in the morning from hundreds of places, but for now, you can catch up on all the latest news from Spain, in English, by clicking this link http://www.virtualleader.info/issue-519-12-may-2014.
Crime figures are dominating the headlines, plus the fantastic European Day celebrations in Torrevieja, not to mention news on the two remaining footbridges on the Orihuela Costa, plus lots more, and sport, we have more sports news than anybody else, and all of that is before we get to the features on motoring, health and beauty, TV too, in fact, there is something for everybody, so go and take a look now, before picking up your own copy on Monday.
http://www.virtualleader.info/issue-519-12-may-2014Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43617/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Issue 519 of The Leader is out now, at least in virtual form, on our dedicated website, www.virtualleader.info.
Packed with all the latest news and sports, you can pick up the real thing in the morning from hundreds of places, but for now, you can ca...

### IT'S SPRING SO HOW CAN WE MAKE YOUR INVESTMENTS BLOOM?

Shopping for new investments tends to be a much more appealing activity than carrying out a thorough overhaul of your old ones. 
Many ex-pats have investments that they have not reviewed for years and with the right advice could be yielding much better returns utilising tax saving vehicles to enhance the benefits.  Professional advice is so important these days.
It's all too tempting to skip straight to investing, people are enticed by dreams of the potential riches on offer instead of taking a proper step-by-step approach to reviewing their investments. One of the most common traps people fall in to is listening to friends who think they are in the know.
People's attention gets gripped by the latest thing, whether Russia is 'cheap' and a good buy right now instead of focusing on their overall holdings and what they are trying to achieve with them.
This could lead to a portfolio that is just a random selection of yesterday's investment ideas rather than a portfolio that works towards a goal and that suits your risk approach. After this stern warning, some good news.
You should carry out a full health check on your investments once a year, doing it more often can actually be bad for you. You can overdo it, and risk falling into another trap, which is being tempted into constantly making small changes and racking up extra costs.
So what is the best way to review your portfolio? Start the process by thinking about why you began investing and whether your goals and timetable remain the same. Many people invest for more than one reason at time. But over time, one or more aspects of your personal circumstances might have changed, like your job situation or receiving an inheritance.
Most people have money languishing in UK banks earning not enough to keep up with inflation, receiving interest that is taxed at source when they could be earning around the 5% mark in a tax efficient way. So what should you do?
In the current uncertain economic climate I would urge you to speak to a professional financial adviser today and arrange a review of your circumstances.  Don't delay, get in touch today. Look after your wealth and your wealth will look after you.
If you need independent, impartial advice on your financial future please contact me by email dave.diggle@blacktowerfm.com or call me on 615 607 278 to arrange a free consultation.
The above information was correct at the time of preparation and does not constitute investment advice and you should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity.
Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV. 
Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licensed in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) License No: 00805B and registered with the DGS in Spain.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43615/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Shopping for new investments tends to be a much more appealing activity than carrying out a thorough overhaul of your old ones. 
Many ex-pats have investments that they have not reviewed for years and with the right advice could be yielding much bette...

### ALCALA DEL JUCAR - A SURPRISE ON EVERY CORNER

A day out to the lovely inland village of Alcala del Jucar certainly brings with it some surprises.
The fascinating drive up takes us past no fewer than 6 different castles. Add to that the castle which towers over the village of Alcala del Jucar and you will see seven different castles in one day.
Between the castles the landscape is constantly changing.
Fields of vines give way to fields of almond, olive and orange trees. An interesting variety of villages, small towns dot our route. Our first stop is Almansa. It was here in 1707 that the final battle of the Spanish war of succession was fought.
On one side were the troops of Austria, Britain, Prussia and the Nederlands. On the other side stood the troops of France, Spain and Bavaria. A battle which resulted in the French speaking Charles II ascending to the Spanish throne. Although Almansa castle became a prize of war that day, the castle itself dates back to Moorish times.
After a visit to Almansa we set off through fields, pine forests and  mountain ranges before finally dropping in to the beautiful gorge where sits the delightful cave village of Alcala del Jucar. 
Whitewashed fronts of cave houses sweep down the mountain side. The Medieval castle perches above the houses on a white limestone rock. Below this the deep green waters of the river Jucar sweep through the valley.
Your first sight of this fabulous village is quite breath taking. Time in the village is followed by three course lunch with wine in a restaurant which offers us a panoramic view of the gorge and surrounding countryside. Later for those who want to, a guided walk down through the village which will include a cave visit is offered.
For those who are less energetic, there is the option of spending more time in the centre of the village. Either way, this beautiful, peaceful location offers a really memorable day out at the affordable price (including lunch) of only 27 EURO and will be available from Davids Coachtrips SL every Sunday
.
Enquiries and reservations can be made by phone on (0034) 966785910 or online at www.coachtripsonline.com
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43613/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A day out to the lovely inland village of Alcala del Jucar certainly brings with it some surprises.
The fascinating drive up takes us past no fewer than 6 different castles. Add to that the castle which towers over the village of Alcala del Jucar and ...

### THE RUSSIANS ARE STILL COMING TO TORREVIEJA

The latest data published by the census department reveals two very striking statistics for the city of Torrevieja, firstly, despite the reduction in British and German residents, the population in May has reached its highest figure ever, and secondly, that the now fastest growing community are the Russians, boasting one of the largest number of permanent residents in the country.
The resident registered population of Torrevieja now stands at 108,060, breaking the 108,000 figure for the first time in history, with an additional 660 residents joining the census since the start of the year. Of that number, just 46% are Spanish, a total of 50,721, the majority 54% being immigrants.
There are now 12,747 British residents, still holding the highest proportion, but with the 3,906 German residents, the collective figure has reduced by 700. Now in second place are the Russian residents, with a total of 5,035, the first time the 5,000 barrier has been reached, but with many Russians choosing not to register as residents, the real figure is known to be much higher. Whereas the British and German communities have dropped, the Russian registered population has increased by 110 residents in just 5 months, since the start of the year.
Other groups boasting high figures are 3,239 residents from Sweden, 3,077 from Morocco, 2,971 from Bulgaria, 2,762 from Romania, 2,402 from Norway, 2,230 from Ukraine, 1,651 from Belgium, and a total of 1,343 from Finland, collectively combining as part of the total of 116 nationalities represented by the diverse and culturally enriched immigrant population of the city.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43607/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The latest data published by the census department reveals two very striking statistics for the city of Torrevieja, firstly, despite the reduction in British and German residents, the population in May has reached its highest figure ever, and secondly,...

### SMALL PLANE CRASH AT PILAR DE LA HORADADA

A light aircraft crashed in the Cañada de Praes area of Pilar de la Horadada on Saturday, but the two occupants were able to free themselves from the wreckage without suffering serious injury.
The aircraft was travelling from Vinarós to Murcia when it is said that it started to lose altitude. The pilot noticed a large plot of land, which had been levelled only a few days ago, and decided to make an emergency landing.
Having managed to avoid high voltage electric cables, the aircraft landed successfully, but then flipped over onto its roof.
The two people on board suffered minor cuts and bruises and the scene was attended by both the local police and Guardia Civil, but fire fighters were not required due to the relative success of the landing.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43606/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A light aircraft crashed in the Cañada de Praes area of Pilar de la Horadada on Saturday, but the two occupants were able to free themselves from the wreckage without suffering serious injury.
The aircraft was travelling from Vinarós to ...

### CHAMPIONIES CHAMPIONIES OLE OLE  OLE!

That was the cry following the final game of the Vega Baja Premier Golf League played at El Valle on 2 May 2014 as Las Ramblas Golf Society secured the Premier League Championship for the first time in its history. 
The photograph shows the team accepting the trophy from the League Secretary Ivie Davies having won three of the four matches and taking the bonus points to win the match by 12 points to 3 against Paddy's Point Golf Society. This gave the team the title by 3 pts from runners up La Manga (North).
The winning pairs on the day at the testing El Valle Course which was in excellent condition were Tom Hardie and Bryan Neal, Terry Field and Barbara Hitchins and remaining unbeaten throughout the whole season husband and wife team John and Carole Wheeler.
Congratulations to all those at the Club who contributed to this magnificent achievement in particular Club Captain Mick Brentnall who will no doubt be reminding previous Captains of his leadership skills for many years to come.
 
On Monday it was back to Las Ramblas where we played a Waltzer with one score counting on the first hole, two on the second and three on the third and so on throughout the round. This turned out to be a very close affair with two teams having to be separated on count back both scoring 81 pts.
The winners were Lindsay Forbes, Bryan Neal, Roger Tunstall and 'Albert'. The unlucky runners up were Terry Field, Dave Pulling, Ron Phipps and Olga Douglas.
 
Wednesday saw us playing our usual Stableford competition in perfect conditions and there were some good scores particularly in Category One with one player beating par and two others on level par. The results for the day were as follows:
 
Cat 1.  1st Bryan Neal 37 pts  2nd Olga Douglas 36 pts (c/b)  3rd Phil Herrington 36 pts
 
Cat 2.  1st Rod Doel 35 pts  2nd Carole Wheeler 33 pts (c/b)  3rd Mike Chapman 33 pts
 
There were six 2's in the 2's Club scored by Mike Frankish, Phil Herrington, Bryan Neal, Olga Douglas, John Wheeler and guest Terry Cullin.
 
On Friday there were four more games played in the Singles Knockout Match play competition and the winners going through to the next round are Olga Douglas, John Wheeler, Tom Hardie and Mike Chapman.
The remaining members played a Medalford and the winner with a score of 19 was Joe (Fred) Rothery with Joyce McClusky in second with 21. In third place winning the guest prize was Tracy Granzel with a score of 23.
 
Mike Chapman
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43605/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: That was the cry following the final game of the Vega Baja Premier Golf League played at El Valle on 2 May 2014 as Las Ramblas Golf Society secured the Premier League Championship for the first time in its history. 
The photograph shows the team accep...

### SOCIAL MEDIA USERS ARRESTED IN SPAIN

Despite the fact that the honour is usually reserved for human recipients, policemen who have been wounded or killed in the pursuit of their duties, Jorge Fernandez Diaz, the Spanish Interior Minister, last week took it upon himself to award the country's top policing medal, the gold medal of police merit, to an icon of the Virgin Mary, in Malaga. 
The outcome is that the Spanish Press have now dubbed the ministry ‘The Monastery of the Interior' and if you would care to call up the website www.change.org you will find a petition requesting a similar award for Spiderman.
But this is not the only eccentric news item to appear in the Spanish media in recent days. We also had the headline surrounding the proposed Citizens' Security Law, which prescribes fines of up to 600,000 euros for unauthorised street protests - and up to 1,000 euros for anyone losing their identity document more than three times in five years.
But despite her decoration, it would seem that the Virgin Mary has done a less than stellar job of policing Twitter in recent weeks - following the necessity of the anti-terror intervention by the Guardia Civil, a social media sweep that has incidentally been christened "Operation Spider".
It would seem that the police have detained 21 social media users for allegedly "glorifying terrorism" on Twitter and Facebook. Fifteen of them were arrested in northern Spain, the regions of Navarre and the Basque Country, two of whom were minors.
Among the alleged glorifications of terrorism, apparently, was a tweeted map of the Basque Country, adorned with the Basque word for independence, a crime for which, if convicted, the tweeters and Facebookers will face up to two years in prison.
One of the Facebook posts complained that, two years ago, in the austerity stricken country, when banks prompted a surge in suicides, as they oversaw the eviction of over 500 families a day from their properties, the government took little or no action against the bankers, rather they protected and defended them.
So when did drawing attention to state hypocrisy become a crime?
This will mean that the two years of incarceration potentially facing tweeters is a full two years more than the amount of prison time faced by, for example, those torture-happy policemen who still openly wander the nation's streets thanks to a post-Franco amnesty law, which took away any hopes of justice for the many victims of Francoist crimes.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43604/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Despite the fact that the honour is usually reserved for human recipients, policemen who have been wounded or killed in the pursuit of their duties, Jorge Fernandez Diaz, the Spanish Interior Minister, last week took it upon himself to award the country's top policing medal, the gold medal of police merit, to an icon of the Virgin Mary, in Malaga. 
The outcome is that the Spanish Press have now dubbed the ministry ‘The Monastery of the Interior' and if you would care to call up the website www.change.org you will find a petition requesting a similar award for Spiderman.
But this is not the only eccentric news item to appear in the Spanish media in recent days. We also had the headline surrounding the proposed Citizens' Security Law, which prescribes fines of up to 600,000 euros for unauthorised street protests - and up to 1,000 euros for anyone losing their identity document more than three times in five years.
But despite her decoration, it would seem that the Virgin Mary has done a less than stellar job of policing Twitter in recent weeks - following the necessity of the anti-terror intervention by the Guardia Civil, a social media sweep that has incidentally been christened "Operation Spider".
It would seem that the police have detained 21 social media users for allegedly "glorifying terrorism" on Twitter and Facebook. Fifteen of them were arrested in northern Spain, the regions of Navarre and the Basque Country, two of whom were minors.
Among the alleged glorifications of terrorism, apparently, was a tweeted map of the Basque Country, adorned with the Basque word for independence, a crime for which, if convicted, the tweeters and Facebookers will face up to two years in prison.
One of the Facebook posts complained that, two years ago, in the austerity stricken country, when banks prompted a surge in suicides, as they oversaw the eviction of over 500 families a day from their properties, the government took little or no action against the bankers, rather they protected and defended them.
So when did drawing attention to state hypocrisy become a crime?
This will mean that the two years of incarceration potentially facing tweeters is a full two years more than the amount of prison time faced by, for example, those torture-happy policemen who still openly wander the nation's streets thanks to a post-Franco amnesty law, which took away any hopes of justice for the many victims of Francoist crimes.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43604/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### THE CAR THAT SAVED AN INDUSTRY

Dubbed as the car that saved Seat, and having sold over 5 million units since it first rolled out of the rundown Barcelona factory in 1984, the Seat Ibiza had a lot to celebrate on its 30th birthday last week.
Rather more than simply a best-selling model: it was the car that actually saved the company following the withdrawal from Seat of the Italian car manufacturer Fiat in 1984.
Now, over its three decades of existence it has become the brand's top-selling model. 
The car was originally a pieced together model, with Italian design and a German body and a 44 horsepower engine, which cost 825,000 pesetas – close to €5,000, around €15,600 today. The basic model is currently on sale for €8,900.
The plant itself really was an antiquated construction. It employed over 33,000 workers, all at risk of injury as its cars were dragged around the building on chains. Indeed any modern day, self respecting, health and safety officer would have a fit at some of the practices carried out in the factory on a day to day basis.
The building had sticky floors, it was freezing cold in the winter and boiling hot in the summer as the concept of work-related hazards was not in the managers' dictionary back then.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen was considering the purchase of a Spanish car brand.
Vicenç Aguilera, former director of Seat's Technical Center and currently president of the Automotion Cluster of Catalonia, joined Seat in 1982.
 “The Ibiza had been on the drawing board for a year, and it was a way to keep Volkswagen interested in us,” he recalls. The German company finally bought Seat on December 30, 1985.
The Ibiza was a patchwork car. Its design was Italian, its body German, and its engine was put together in such a way by Porsche's engineers that it would adapt to Seat's existing technology at the Barcelona plant.
The icing on the cake was the name someone came up with for the car: Ibiza, the Mediterranean island that conjured up visions of the sea, parties and youthful abandon. And, as an added bonus, the car also came with an unknown luxury at the time: air conditioning.
From the outset the car did very well, and in just a short while it had managed to pull Seat back from the brink as the company began seeing a future for itself once again.
“The Ibiza represented survival, it was a vital contribution,” said Aguilera.
A brand new factory was built in Martorell, in 1993, the new home for the second, and subsequent, generation Ibiza's.
The car also got immediate international exposure. Of the five million units sold over the last three decades, 3.5 million were shifted outside Spain in Italy, France, Germany, Britain, Portugal, Israel and Mexico. Exports in 2013 represented 85 percent of all Ibiza sales.
These days, the Martorell plants (10,000 employees, or 15,000 including Seat Components) are clean like an industrial kitchen, there is background music, and the car parts spend just three hours on the production line before they are complete. Both men and women work here now, as opposed to the early days, when female employees could only do cable work or sew the upholstery.
The Ibiza joins a select club of cars that can boast about having made it to 30, and which also includes the Volkswagen Golf, the Opel Corsa and the Ford Fiesta.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43603/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Dubbed as the car that saved Seat, and having sold over 5 million units since it first rolled out of the rundown Barcelona factory in 1984, the Seat Ibiza had a lot to celebrate on its 30th birthday last week.
Rather more than simply a best-selling mo...

### TWO MILLION EURO IN UNPAID TAXES FOR IKER CASILLAS

According to 'La Vanguardia' newspaper last week, the Real Madrid and Spanish National goalkeeper Iker Casillas has had to pay around two million euros to the Hacienda in unpaid taxes after being accused by the authorities of tax avoidance.
The amount paid by the keeper responds to differences in how he was applying the rules regarding certain parts of his income, the newspaper said, adding that sources close to the players representatives say that "both he personally and his company, Ikerka, have always been absolutely aware of their fiscal accounts and tax obligations and have constantly worked with Hacienda to ensure their declarations are accurate and submitted on time.
There have simply been some minor differences in the interpretation of the rules which have now been resolved.
A spokesman for the Hacienda did say, however that there would appear to have been no intention of evading the tax obligations
At least seven La Liga players are currently being inspected for alleged non compliance in their tax obligations, the most high profile of which, Lionel Messi, the former ‘World Footballer of the Year' recently made a payment of €5 million to cover monies owed during the period of investigation.
The Spanish Court is still waiting to pass its verdict regarding their conclusions in that particular case.
Other players caught up in the Hacienda investigations are said to include Xabi Alonso and David Villa.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43602/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to 'La Vanguardia' newspaper last week, the Real Madrid and Spanish National goalkeeper Iker Casillas has had to pay around two million euros to the Hacienda in unpaid taxes after being accused by the authorities of tax avoidance.
The amount paid by the keeper responds to differences in how he was applying the rules regarding certain parts of his income, the newspaper said, adding that sources close to the players representatives say that "both he personally and his company, Ikerka, have always been absolutely aware of their fiscal accounts and tax obligations and have constantly worked with Hacienda to ensure their declarations are accurate and submitted on time.
There have simply been some minor differences in the interpretation of the rules which have now been resolved.
A spokesman for the Hacienda did say, however that there would appear to have been no intention of evading the tax obligations
At least seven La Liga players are currently being inspected for alleged non compliance in their tax obligations, the most high profile of which, Lionel Messi, the former ‘World Footballer of the Year' recently made a payment of €5 million to cover monies owed during the period of investigation.
The Spanish Court is still waiting to pass its verdict regarding their conclusions in that particular case.
Other players caught up in the Hacienda investigations are said to include Xabi Alonso and David Villa.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43602/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### TWO BEACHSIDE PROPERTIES DEMOLISHED IN GUARDAMAR

Two beachside properties were demolished last week but on this occasion both with the agreement of the owners.
The buildings on la Playa de Babilonia were in a state of ruin, both abandoned and impossible to refurbish so the Provincial Directorate of Coasts came to an agreement with the owners to proceed with the controlled demolition.
And so the gentle sound of the waves lapping up onto the beach and the squawking of seagulls was suddenly cut short on Monday to make way for a noisy bulldozer that had both properties torn down in a fraction of the time that they had taken to erect some 50 years earlier.
A coastal official said that both seafront houses were likely to fall down at any time and as such they were a constant danger to members of the public.
They could not be rebuilt because of both current legislation and the fact that they were so close to the sea so the only course of action was their demolition.
Those residents who still live in the adjacent properties and who struggle to keep their homes in a habitable condition watched with awe as the demolition took place.
The City of Guardamar del Segura say they have spent years trying to find a solution to this problem which, at times resembles the city of Venice, as the Mediterranean waters lap up to the front doors of the properties.
The City Council congratulated the Provincial Directorate of Coasts on their action because the poor state of these homes are "one of the images that damages Guardamar beach”.
They believe that their demolition benefits the tourist image of the town.
"Tourism is the economic engine of our city and to have a beach on which people can enjoy the sand and the sea without the danger of dilapidated buildings is paramount to this activity,” said Jesus Huertas said yesterday, Councillor for Works.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43601/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Two beachside properties were demolished last week but on this occasion both with the agreement of the owners.
The buildings on la Playa de Babilonia were in a state of ruin, both abandoned and impossible to refurbish so the Provincial Directorate of Coasts came to an agreement with the owners to proceed with the controlled demolition.
And so the gentle sound of the waves lapping up onto the beach and the squawking of seagulls was suddenly cut short on Monday to make way for a noisy bulldozer that had both properties torn down in a fraction of the time that they had taken to erect some 50 years earlier.
A coastal official said that both seafront houses were likely to fall down at any time and as such they were a constant danger to members of the public.
They could not be rebuilt because of both current legislation and the fact that they were so close to the sea so the only course of action was their demolition.
Those residents who still live in the adjacent properties and who struggle to keep their homes in a habitable condition watched with awe as the demolition took place.
The City of Guardamar del Segura say they have spent years trying to find a solution to this problem which, at times resembles the city of Venice, as the Mediterranean waters lap up to the front doors of the properties.
The City Council congratulated the Provincial Directorate of Coasts on their action because the poor state of these homes are "one of the images that damages Guardamar beach”.
They believe that their demolition benefits the tourist image of the town.
"Tourism is the economic engine of our city and to have a beach on which people can enjoy the sand and the sea without the danger of dilapidated buildings is paramount to this activity,” said Jesus Huertas said yesterday, Councillor for Works.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43601/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### EXPATS AND DOGS

As an expat and a dog lover, the way that dogs and other animals are treated in Spain often distresses me. 
As far as dogs are concerned, with the help from expats from other countries, much has been learned about animal welfare, and although the number of dogs abandoned each year remains at appalling high levels, in my experience, cases of cruelty are now being listened to and usually acted upon, although there remain some distressing exceptions.
A few days ago, I received an email from Pat, an Irish expat living in Spain's Costa del Sol. Pat and her partner, Paul, had been walking their small terrier, Susie, on some waste land earlier in the day.
This was something that the couple did once or twice each day, because although they lived in a villa, it was small and lacked enough space for a lively terrier to chase around in. Susie, a friendly, but not the most reliable of dogs, was chasing her ball at the end of a long extending lead, when a large German Shepherd dog appeared and began to attack the small dog.
Paul ran after Susie, and quickly picked up the small dog, who was bleeding around her neck and front legs and was clearly in some pain. The German Shepherd then began to viciously attack Paul, who was still holding Susie, and knocked him to the ground.
Pat was frantic and was calling for help as she tried to beat the dog off Paul and Susie with her large handbag.
Eventually, the owner of the German Shepherd appeared, called the dog, but it ignored her. Other dog walkers appeared and rushed to help the struggling couple. Eventually the German Shepherd was pulled off Paul by its German owner, leaving Paul badly injured with severe lacerations to his arm, legs and face.
The incident was reported to the police, the owner tracked down and the German Shepherd was destroyed. George spent two days in hospital, not only recovering from severe bites, but also a reoccurrence of his heart condition.
Susie remained in the veterinary hospital receiving treatment for severe lacerations, with some doubt as to whether one of her legs will function properly again. Meanwhile, the expat German owner of the dog faces prosecution, as well as a large claim for damages.
This incident reminds me of several attacks by dogs that I too have witnessed. Many expats live in small apartments or small properties, wish to have a dog and often purchase one that grows to a far bigger size than originally intended, or the ‘macho' thing creeps in whereby they just have to have a big dog, regardless of the fact that they have no outdoor space, and are too lazy to exercise it regularly.
Many dogs, of all sizes, lack regular walks and exercise and, as a result, have an abundance of pent up energy and frustration that causes the kind of trouble experienced by Pat and Paul. As Pat said, it was not the fault of the dog, but the fault of the owners.
The message from this distressing story is clear, unless you wish to be faced with a large claim for damages and injury, or the distress of having your dog destroyed, don't get a large one if you live in an apartment, or any dog, come to that.
If you must have a dog, make sure that you can look after it, ensure that it is exercised regularly and don't leave it on its own in an apartment barking all day. If you cannot do this, get stick insects.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43600/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As an expat and a dog lover, the way that dogs and other animals are treated in Spain often distresses me. 
As far as dogs are concerned, with the help from expats from other countries, much has been learned about animal welfare, and although the numb...

### LADY OF ELCHE TO RETURN HOME

La Dama de Elche (The Lady of Elche), found in La Alcudia in 1897, is one of the most famous sculptures in the world. Currently it is kept on display in the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid but Mercedes Alonso, the Elche mayor, has said that, as was the case in 2006, he wants to see it back on display in the city before too much longer.
"I believe that the sculpture should be spending rather more time in the city than she does," he said at a breakfast briefing organized by New Economy Forum last week, recalling that when the bust was moved to Elche from Madrid eight years ago, and displayed in el Palacio de Altamira it was warmly received and cared for by it's new custodian and it was never put at any risk.
Alonso said that the City has raised the issue on several occasions with the minister of culture, José Ignacio Wert, and says that he feels that the Government of Spain will be sensitive to his request.
"We are currently working on the situation together and while it is a process that has certain formalities, I am optimistic that we will soon come to an arrangement regarding dates for the display of the Lady of Elche in our city," the mayor added, noting that being able to visit to sculpture in it's home will contribute enormously to the ability of the city to attract tourism.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43599/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: La Dama de Elche (The Lady of Elche), found in La Alcudia in 1897, is one of the most famous sculptures in the world. Currently it is kept on display in the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid but Mercedes Alonso, the Elche mayor, has said that, as was the case in 2006, he wants to see it back on display in the city before too much longer.
"I believe that the sculpture should be spending rather more time in the city than she does," he said at a breakfast briefing organized by New Economy Forum last week, recalling that when the bust was moved to Elche from Madrid eight years ago, and displayed in el Palacio de Altamira it was warmly received and cared for by it's new custodian and it was never put at any risk.
Alonso said that the City has raised the issue on several occasions with the minister of culture, José Ignacio Wert, and says that he feels that the Government of Spain will be sensitive to his request.
"We are currently working on the situation together and while it is a process that has certain formalities, I am optimistic that we will soon come to an arrangement regarding dates for the display of the Lady of Elche in our city," the mayor added, noting that being able to visit to sculpture in it's home will contribute enormously to the ability of the city to attract tourism.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43599/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### DEMEANING TO WOMEN BUT WHAT ABOUT THE BULLS?

The decision of the bullfighting club Tendido 7 y l'Hermitage in hiring a topless woman to publicise the upcoming Sant Vicent Ferrer by walking topless through the streets of Zeneta Xilxes for just over half an hour has sparked controversy in the region. 
The organisers of the Sant Vicent Ferrer de la Vall d'Uixó say that they are extremely unhappy with the President of the club, David Pitarch, saying that "what happened is demeaning to women as a prestigious festival such as Sant Vicent Ferrer.
They said that the commission had nothing to do with the hiring of the woman and they had no record of it, so the matter was not of their doing. They also apologized for the President's actions.
A spokesman of the Penya l'Hermitage justified the decision by saying that the young was hired for a bit of fun and to provide a little publicity to the upcoming fair. It was little more than a joke, and they certainly did not expect their actions to have the national impact that it has.
The PSOE PSPV in La Vall D'Uixó criticized the incident, saying that hiring a topless woman as poster "is attacking the dignity of women." The Socialists also stressed in a statement that they must "be strong in rejecting and preventing any attack on the dignity of persons.
The have also demanded that the mayor and councilors of all parties issue an official statement of rejection. Unfortunately in many areas of Spain bullfighting continues to be recognized, not as the cruel spectacle that it is, but as a cultural heritage, as the Spanish Senate continues to allow the use of public funds to sustain the industry, despite substantial opposition from the vast majority of the Spanish public.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43598/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The decision of the bullfighting club Tendido 7 y l'Hermitage in hiring a topless woman to publicise the upcoming Sant Vicent Ferrer by walking topless through the streets of Zeneta Xilxes for just over half an hour has sparked controversy in the region. 
The organisers of the Sant Vicent Ferrer de la Vall d'Uixó say that they are extremely unhappy with the President of the club, David Pitarch, saying that "what happened is demeaning to women as a prestigious festival such as Sant Vicent Ferrer.
They said that the commission had nothing to do with the hiring of the woman and they had no record of it, so the matter was not of their doing. They also apologized for the President's actions.
A spokesman of the Penya l'Hermitage justified the decision by saying that the young was hired for a bit of fun and to provide a little publicity to the upcoming fair. It was little more than a joke, and they certainly did not expect their actions to have the national impact that it has.
The PSOE PSPV in La Vall D'Uixó criticized the incident, saying that hiring a topless woman as poster "is attacking the dignity of women." The Socialists also stressed in a statement that they must "be strong in rejecting and preventing any attack on the dignity of persons.
The have also demanded that the mayor and councilors of all parties issue an official statement of rejection. Unfortunately in many areas of Spain bullfighting continues to be recognized, not as the cruel spectacle that it is, but as a cultural heritage, as the Spanish Senate continues to allow the use of public funds to sustain the industry, despite substantial opposition from the vast majority of the Spanish public.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43598/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### WASTE COOKING OIL CONTAINERS PLACED IN TORREVIEJA

A total of 20 waste household cooking oil containers were placed across Torrevieja last Friday in different parts of the municipality of Torrevieja, a number that will be increased to 40 during the months of July and August
The Councillor for Urban Sanitation, Carmen Gómez Candel, announced details and the locations of the new containers at a press conference held in the town hall, together the President of the Foundation SEGOLEO.
Initially, 20 containers have been positioned around Torrevieja, increasing to 40 for the months of July and August.
The Councillor said that there were many benefits to be had from the recycling of the waste cooking oils including a reduction in the cost of purging water and the maintenance of sewerage pipes.
There would also be a reduction in odours and unhealthy organisms around the town bearing in mind the fact that a single litre of oil pollutes 1000 litres of water.
A recycling team will attend the Torrevieja Friday market later this week and the La Mata market on the following Wednesday to hand out leaflets and explain to residents the benefits in using the containers to dispose of their waste oils.
They will also distribute the plastic bottles in which the oils must be placed before their disposal.
The first 20 containers will be located in:
-Avda. de la Asunción en Urb. Los Balcones (junto Dialprix)
-C/ Dorada en Urb. Rocío del Mar
-Los Altos (frente zona comercial)
-C/ Churruca con Juan de Austria en Mar Azul
-C/ Desiderio Rodríguez con Mar Menor en barrio de San Roque (frente Dialprix)
-Miguel de Unamuno con Valle Inclán en Urb. Torreta-Florida (frente Mercadona)
-C/ Guridi con Matisse en Urb. El Chaparral
-Plaza de Tolosa en Urb. San Luis
-C/ Luis Cánovas en Sector 25 (junto Mercadona)
-Avda. Alfredo Nobel (frente Urb. El Palmeral)
-Avda. de La Mancha con C/ Alonso Quijano
-C/ Perseo con C/ Zorrilla (frente centro comercial)
-Avda. de Bélgica en La MataFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43590/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A total of 20 waste household cooking oil containers were placed across Torrevieja last Friday in different parts of the municipality of Torrevieja, a number that will be increased to 40 during the months of July and August
The Councillor for Urban Sa...

### YOU MAY NOT WANT TO KNOW WHAT MIGHT BE LURKING IN THE CORNER

A number of residents of the Montequinto area of the Seville town of Dos Hermanas are becoming increasingly concerned over warnings of a non-native spider, with a “very poisonous” bite, that can cause necrosis of the skin and adipose tissue.
 Local environmentalist, Pilar Muñoz, explained that the spider is originally from the U.S., although it has been adapted to the environment and “is self endemic”, and whereas the spider is not considered dangerous in its native land, there has been “several” cases reported in Spain of bites having caused “more serious” conditions, including skin necrosis. It is believed that because the skin type of the people in Spain is different to that of the U.S., the reaction to the spider bite is also very different.
Many of those bitten by the spider, which is said to lurk in the dark shadows such as corners and dark crevasses, have had to undergo surgical procedures such as skin grafts.
In case you get close enough to want to inspect one of the potential spiders, it is said to be brown in colour, with a stain that resembles a violin on its head. They have three eyes above this spot and a fat abdomen, but if you are that close you might not want to insult its body image and maybe describe it a “big boned”. The legs are of equal length and quite hairy. 
The spider suffers from photophobia, an aversion to light, which is why it prefers the darker places, and those with poor ventilation, such as garages, store rooms, furniture that doesn´t move too often, door frames and tables. It is also where the name of “recluse spider” comes from. They are also known to nest in the ventilation vents in bathrooms.
According to Muñoz, because “several reports” have been recorded with the University of Sevilla, the existence of the spider can be considered as verified as “almost an epidemic”, which will require the intervention of the government to resolve.
One final piece of reassurance given by the environmentalist is that the spider is unlikely to be present in the gardens or grounds, assuring everybody that the likelihood is that they are “in our homes”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43574/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A number of residents of the Montequinto area of the Seville town of Dos Hermanas are becoming increasingly concerned over warnings of a non-native spider, with a “very poisonous” bite, that can cause necrosis of the skin and adipose tissue...

### The Weekend – 10 and 11 May 2014

listen to ‘The Weekend – 10 and 11 May 2014’ on Audioboo

SATURDAY 10 MAY, 2014
Markets
Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until June 1). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro.
For the first time, the musical Les Miserables reaches Alicante, where it will be performed on an outstanding scene, the Teatro Principal. Les Miserables will run until June 1.
Les Miserables is a timeless tale, whose values have withstood the test of time. The themes covered in Victor Hugo’s novels are still relevant and often close to us: the struggle for freedom, courage and a people’s revolution are some of the central themes in the work.
Set in 19th century revolutionary France, it tells the story of Jean Valjean, pursued for decades by the implacable policeman Javert for having broken his parole. When Valjean decided to take care of Cosette, the daughter of Fantine, both their lives would never be the same again.
BARCELONA
6 – 11 May is Barcelona Bridal Week.
Babies and Moms event, both days.
ORIHUELA
Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).
Cycle tour, the 12th Cinturón al Sur de Alicante Vuelta Ciclista – Orihuela to Barrbaroja 97 km.
Exhibition of the minutes of the meeting of the members of the Anti-Fascist Popular Front, Municipal Council Liaison Committees CNT and UGT Socialist and Communist parties. Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 31 May).
Exhibition of cartoon drawings, “NO HAY COLOR”, Film stars in black and white. De Kike Payá “Kikelin”. Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja (Until 24 May).
ORIHUELA COSTA
April Fair – Sevillana Spectacular – Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
1st to 11th May – Exposition of Municipal Photographic School work in Virgen del Carmen CC.
20:00 European Day Concert – Palace of Music – Cantabile Choir.
22:00 The Diary of Adam and Eve by Mark Twain, Spanish Theatre Municipal, 18euros or 14 euros.
10th to the 18th Painting exhibition of Luis Miguel Gutierrez in Casino.
SUNDAY 11 MAY, 2014
Markets
Benidorm, Elche, La Nucia, Campoverde, La Marina, Zoco, Almoradí street market, Lemon Tree Road, Mil Palmeras.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Last Day).
BARCELONA
6 – 11 May is Barcelona Bridal Week.
ORIHUELA
Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).
Cycle tour, the 12th Cinturón al Sur de Alicante Vuelta Ciclista – Orihuela to Orihuela 79 km.
ORIHUELA COSTA
April Fair – Sevillana Spectacular – Zenia Boulevard.
Decabike – “We Cycle Together”, celebrating cycling.
TORREVIEJA
1st to 11th May – Exposition of Municipal Photographic School work in Virgen del Carmen CC (Last Day).
10th to the 18th Painting exhibition of Luis Miguel Gutierrez in Casino.
Theatre Municipal – 19:00 ‘La Rosa y el Viento’ benefit of Semana Santa fiestas
NEXT WEEK
14 – 18 May is Torrevieja May Fair daily in the Fairground port area.
 

Excerpt: listen to ‘The Weekend – 10 and 11 May 2014’ on Audioboo SATURDAY 10 MAY, 2014 Markets Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola. ALICANTE Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May). The musical Les Miserables, Teatro Principal (until June 1). Tickets 40 euro to 99 euro. For the first […]

### HUNDREDS CELEBRATE EUROPEAN DAY IN TORREVIEJA

Proving testament to what the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, described as a “living example of tolerance, peace, integration, unity and harmony among citizens of each of the 27 member states of the European Union and the rest of the world”, hundreds of international residents who represent their own countries, gathered in their adopted home town centre, to celebrate the day which marks the birth of modern day Europe, the 2014 European Day celebration.
The proceedings began at 10:30 in the Plaza De La Constitución, with Scottish Pipers providing a musical introduction to the event. The mayor then took over the formal announcements, accompanied by the councillor for foreign residents, Rosario Martínez, the head of the International Residents Office, Jean Paul Molero and former head Graham Knight, who in turn were joined by four representatives of the next generation of European residents, children of Swedish, German, Italian and English origin, who each read a poem in their own native tongue.
Dolón himself made a multilingual welcome to the gathering crowds, speaking in both Spanish and English, thanking everybody for taking part, whilst also highlighting the unique and cosmopolitan city that Torrevieja has become.
The European flag was then raised in the main square, with the musical accompaniment of Beethoven´s Ode to Joy, remaining flying high for the rest of the day.
As the formalities were done, it was time for the more joyous celebrations to take over, with singing and dancing, and even an appearance my Michael Jackson, albeit in tribute form by the Grupo Factor Danza.
Whilst the party continued, a number of none-profit groups had been invited to take advantage of the situation, by offering information and advice on living in Spain, providing details of such important elements such as hospitals and healthcare.
In fact, now firmly fixed as the most important event in terms of recognising Europe across the continent, the 9th of May is now also equally as important to the city of Torrevieja, perhaps because of the uniqueness of the international population, which the day serves to both represent and honour, whilst celebrating being part of the continent of Europe.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43573/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Proving testament to what the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, described as a “living example of tolerance, peace, integration, unity and harmony among citizens of each of the 27 member states of the European Union and the rest of the w...

### NEW TRAFFIC LAWS COME INTO FORCE ON FRIDAY

The official state bulletin relating to the new road traffic act was published on Tuesday the 8th of April, 2014, which means that the new act comes into force one month and one day from the publication, Friday the 9th of May, 2014.
There are numerous changes to the laws, including the mandatory wearing of crash helmets for cyclist under 16, children are not allowed to travel in the front seats of vehicles, although there are one or two exceptions, and a vehicle can be immobilised if children are not properly restrained.
Radar speed detectors are prohibited, with the exception of those that relay the information on static cameras, as published on the website of the DGT traffic department.
Traffic police will no longer have to stop a vehicle caught breaking the law and can issue a sanction remotely, although the time in which the fine can be appealed or paid at a reduced rate has been increased.
A new level of laws to protect against drivers under the influence of drugs has been included, although the fine for drink driving will remain the same, at 500 euro, unless caught twice within a year.
We did an extensive overview of most of the laws when we featured it in The Leader previously, but as a reminder, here are some of the highlights from the legislation.
Foreign residents are now obliged to register vehicles in Spain. Until now, foreign residents must only meet tax obligations set out in the Excise Act, but it was not mandatory to register the vehicle in Spain, which in practice made it difficult for law enforcement.
Children are prohibited from riding in the front seats of cars. Until now, those under 12 years of age were allowed to sit in the front seat, if they do so with the proper child restraint system. Now, the translation of the law dictates that children less than 1.35 metres tall are not allowed to travel in the front, although there are certain restrictive exceptions, such as vehicles without rear seats. The fine for not complying is 200 euro, and this rule also applies to taxis, but the responsibility is given to the parent or guardian, not the taxi driver. Officers also now have the right to immobilise a vehicle which is not fitted with appropriate restraints.
 The fine for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol will remain at 500 euro, in the case of driver exceeding 0.5 milligrams per litre of exhaled air and 0.3 milligrams for novice drivers and professionals, such as taxi drivers. The penalty is however doubled should a driver have been previously found driving under the influence of alcohol in the previous year, as well as for drivers with double the permitted rate.
In order to enforce the government´s aim of “zero tolerance” of drug use, a new law to tackle drug use whilst driving, replacing the current legislation that was covered by administrative sanctions, with saliva tests now acceptable, and fines of 1,000 euro. Prescription drugs are allowed, subject to the conditions of their own instructions of use.
Pedestrians are also now subject to drug and alcohol testing, in the event of any offence having been committed, replacing the current legislation that only requires a test in the event of a pedestrian being involved in an accident.
Child cyclists, under 16 years of age, are obliged to wear a crash helmet when riding in towns. This was one of the most controversial sticking points in the legislation, after the government wanted to force all riders in town to wear helmets, finally backing down to force protection to children only. Those responsible for the child will face a 200 euro fine if caught out. The restrictions on minimum speed limits for cyclists on some roads will be lifted, as so far it has been impossible for cycles to travel at the required minimum 50% of the maximum. Other rules aimed at protecting cyclist are also included, such as ensuring 1.5 metres of lateral spacing when passing a bike, allowing cycles to occupy part or all of adjacent or opposite lanes, and ensuring that vehicles involved in overtaking moves must not jeopardise or hinder the progress of cyclist moving in the opposite direction.
The speed on motorways remains at 120 kilometres per hour maximum, although the law does now allow for the increase of permitted speeds, and fines, should certain areas of highway be seen as acceptable to be increased to 130 kilometres per hour. The speed on some roads may well decrease though, as a new section has been included to fine drivers on some roads who are speeding at the lower end of the spectrum.
The new law expressly prohibits the use of radar speed detectors and imposes a penalty of 200 euro, plus the loss of 3 points, as well as a the continual 6,000 euro fine and the decrease of six points in the case of using inhibitors. However, it is legal to use devices which provide information on the location of safety cameras, which are freely published by the DGT on their website, but drivers must avoid using them whilst driving to avoid distractions.
A traffic law enforcement officer may now issue a fine without the need to stop the vehicle. Until now, certain surveillance activities have proved difficult when it came to the required identity of drivers, but this element will be removed by the filing process of the vehicle.
Drivers will become responsible in the event of hitting or killing a large animal on the roads. Until now, the driver was only responsible if it were proven that a law had been broken which led to an incident, now the responsibility is on the driver, unless negligence can be proven in the event of a lack of speedy repairs to fencing, for example.
Should a driver be issued with a sanction, the length of time in which a 50% discount will be applied has been increased from 15 to 20 calendar days, allowing a slightly longer period in which to submit claims.
A new law also now allows authorities to restrict access or traffic routes to vehicles for environmental reasons. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment will be allowed to make the necessary moves, which can also include such problems as reducing pollution.
Tow-trucks involved in emergency roadside assistance will now be treated as emergency vehicles, and be allowed priority to move through traffic. They may also now stand or park on city streets during the time necessary to remove vehicles, provided they do not create a new hazard or obstacle to traffic.
The restrictions on cancer patients have also been eased in the legislation, as medical and pharmacological advances mean that the possibility is increased in the cases where cancer patients can drive themselves.
Although these new and changed rules will apply from Friday, we must also remind everybody that they are just a guide to how they might affect the day to day driving operations in Spain. The full act is available via Government sources, but, as always, for full legal advice, consult a qualified and certified lawyer.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43572/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The official state bulletin relating to the new road traffic act was published on Tuesday the 8th of April, 2014, which means that the new act comes into force one month and one day from the publication, Friday the 9th of May, 2014.
There are numerous...

### What´s On – Friday 9 May 2014

listen to ‘Friday Things to Do’ on Audioboo

FRIDAY 9 MAY, 2014
EUROPEAN DAY.
Markets
Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, TORREVIEJA.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
BARCELONA
6 – 11 May is Barcelona Bridal Week.
ORIHUELA
Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Free talk on “Healthy Aging”, in English at the Civic Centre.
CYCLE RACE – 16:30, taking in the Orihuela Costa and San Miguel area, for a race that covers 82 kilometres. Starting at TM Grupo Inmobiliario on calle Paquito el Chocolatero, the riders will race along calle Robert Wagner towards San Miguel, La Marquesa, Los Montesinos, along the CV-905 Torrevieja road to Benijofar via the Quesada roundabout, through Montebello, Vistabella and Bigastro, then heading through Hurchillo and passing Torremendo lake, back through San Miguel and finishing at the Abbey Tavern at around 18:40.
Exhibition of Sevillanas Dancers – Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
European Day Plaza de la Constitucion 11:00 gratis.
1st to 11th May – Exposition of Municipal Photographic School work in Virgen del Carmen CC.
 

Excerpt: listen to ‘Friday Things to Do’ on Audioboo FRIDAY 9 MAY, 2014 EUROPEAN DAY. Markets Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, TORREVIEJA. ALICANTE Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May). BARCELONA 6 – 11 May is Barcelona Bridal Week. ORIHUELA Exposición […]

### POLICE OFFICER DIES AFTER INJURY SUSTAINED IN 2012 ARREST

An officer of the Spanish National Police, José Manuel Pardo Souto, died on Wednesday as a result of injuries suffered in the line of duty in 2012.
On the 23rd of October, 2012, José Manuel Pardo Souto was involved in the detention of a habitual prisoner, when, during a struggle, he struck his head, receiving a significant blow to the front of his head outside the police station in Lugo, rendering him unconscious.
Since then, the officer has remained in a coma, sadly losing his life on Wednesday of this week. At the time of his death, he was 40 years of age, married and had two children.
A memorial service was held at the social centre of his home town, As Nogais, after it was also announced he is to be awarded a posthumous Silver Medal of merit for service by the Directorate General of Police in recognition of his outstanding performance.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43571/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: An officer of the Spanish National Police, José Manuel Pardo Souto, died on Wednesday as a result of injuries suffered in the line of duty in 2012.
On the 23rd of October, 2012, José Manuel Pardo Souto was involved in the detention of a ...

### RAPIST-KILLER MOTHER ENTERS PRISON

A woman who set fire to a man who raped her daughter, killing him in the process, has entered prison after a lengthy battle and appeal to remain free for what many consider was justice for the crime committed by the man.
María del Carmen García entered the Foncalent prison on Thursday, as the judge in her case feels it only right and just that the sentence be served in this case, as the circumstances which led to the killing do not prevent the execution of the five and a half year sentence.
In 1998, María del Carmen García, of Benejuzar, was sentenced to nine years in prison for setting fire to man who had raped her then 13 year old daughter, having first doused him in petrol. The man died several days after the incident from the severity of his burns.
The women spent a year in prison, during which time the Supreme Court reduced the sentence to five years on appeal, thereby reducing the penalty by two degrees. Having served 12 months in prison Carmen García was released on parole while an appeal based on her mental disorder was considered but her lawyer said that she could be readmitted at any time. 
On Thursday, speaking to the media before entering prison, Carmen García said she was “fine” as her ordeal is now “over”, after having to attend Orihuela every week for the last eight years. Her daughter, Verónica who accompanied her mother, also said that they are now “calmer”, as this is what “God wants”.
The family´s lawyer, Joaquín Galant, has insisted that he will continue to demand freedom under supervision for the convicted killer, reiterating that she is “mentally ill”, whilst also concluding that he believes that things are going to be “fine”, as she will receive “good medical care”.
The courts in Alicante decided not to grant the stay of execution of the sentence of imprisonment of five years and six months imposed on María del Carmen García, as she has been convicted in the case and the fact that her condition is “neither an incurable disease” and one that will not be “aggravated by prison, or be treated whilst incarcerated”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43570/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A woman who set fire to a man who raped her daughter, killing him in the process, has entered prison after a lengthy battle and appeal to remain free for what many consider was justice for the crime committed by the man.
María del Carmen Garc&i...

### ORIHUELA IS THE PLACE TO BE FOR CYCLISTS THIS WEEKEND

This weekend, 130 cyclists, 17 Guardia Civil motorbike outriders, 14 support riders and a Guardia Civil control car will be racing through the streets of the Orihuela municipality, as the 12th edition of the cycle race “Cinturón al Sur de Alicante” is held from Friday the 9th through to Sunday the 11th of May, 2014.
The afternoon of Friday will be dominated by registration and gathering of the teams in an area set aside on calle Almohabenos, at the junction of calle Nazaries, just off calle Escorpiones, near to the municipal sports centre, before the riders gather at Villamartin for the start of the race.
On Friday evening, the race starts at 16:30, taking in the Orihuela Costa and San Miguel area, for a race that covers 82 kilometres. Starting at TM Grupo Inmobiliario on calle Paquito el Chocolatero, the riders will race along calle Robert Wagner towards San Miguel, La Marquesa, Los Montesinos, along the CV-905 Torrevieja road to Benijofar via the Quesada roundabout, through Montebello, Vistabella and Bigastro, then heading through Hurchillo and passing Torremendo lake, back through San Miguel and finishing at the Abbey Tavern at around 18:40.
Stage 2 on Saturday sees the race take to the mountainous area of the municipality, from Orihuela to Barbarroja, with a 97 kilometre stretch. Staring at 10:30 in Orihuela, the riders will head south, through Hurchillo and then east towards Bigastro, through Vistabella and towards Los Montisinos, before heading north towards Algorfa, Benejúzar, Callosa, Redován, Albatera, through Hondón and finishing at Barbarroja at around 12:45.
Finally, on Sunday, the final stage sees the focus in on Orihuela and Torremendo once again, with 79 kilometres of road covering the farm and fruitful areas of the inland region. Starting at 10:30, the riders will leave Orihuela and head south through Hurchillo and along Torremendo lake, through Torremendo itself and on to San Miguel, doing a circuit around the town, at around 11:40, before returning along the same route through Torremendo back to Orihuela, with an anticipated finish time of 12:30.
The entire route can be viewed on the website of the organisation who have been responsible for this event in the last 12 years, which is at www.ccoriolano.com, along with details of both the history of the event and the current patronage. 
This is a unique vent that highlights some of the benefits of the terrain of Orihuela, designed to take in as much of the area as possible, highlighting the diversity of the municipality. There will be an element of disruption to traffic through the weekend, so it might be best to avoid the area if you don´t want to get caught out, but the Guardia Civil riders are highly trained to deal with this sort of event, and always manage to keep disruption to a minimum through mostly rolling-roadblocks, although there will be some streets blocked to traffic completely.
In its 12th year, this event is now firmly fixed on the sporting calendar, and one which is enjoyed by many, and this year coincides with another national event focussing on cycling on Sunday, the Decabike annual event is arranged by sports chain Decathlon, with all stores across the country collaborating in showing the benefits of cycling, both in terms of health and environmental reasons. 
Although not quite of the gruelling state of the professional race, the 6.5 kilometre route on the Orihuela Costa will cover calles Pintor Ribera, Pavo Real, Arcoiris and Salvador Dalí, with a fun feel that this year will also include other forms of self propelled movement, such as skates or skateboards.
Other side events are also planned, such as Zumba, multi-sports, cycle proficiency and education and more, to make this a fun and healthy based day, aimed at the entire family.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43568/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This weekend, 130 cyclists, 17 Guardia Civil motorbike outriders, 14 support riders and a Guardia Civil control car will be racing through the streets of the Orihuela municipality, as the 12th edition of the cycle race “Cinturón al Sur de ...

### Things to do – Thursday 8 May 2014

listen to ‘Thursday Things To Do’ on Audioboo

THURSDAY 8 MAY, 2014
Markets
Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
BARCELONA
6 – 11 May is Barcelona Bridal Week.
ORIHUELA
Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Sevillanas Dance Classes – Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
1st to 11th May – Exposition of Municipal Photographic School work in Virgen del Carmen CC.

Excerpt: listen to ‘Thursday Things To Do’ on Audioboo THURSDAY 8 MAY, 2014 Markets Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales. ALICANTE Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May). BARCELONA 6 – 11 May is Barcelona Bridal Week. ORIHUELA Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) […]

### Les Miserables, the musical, reaches Alicante

Les Miserables, the most acclaimed musical in history, will reach the Teatro Principal in Alicante on May 10. Les Miserables tells a gripping story of broken dreams, unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption that has enchanted millions of spectators. A story written by Victor Hugo over a century ago, whose values have withstood the test of time. Come to Alicante and enjoy Les Miserables, an ode to poetry and freedom.


For the first time, the musical Les Miserables reaches Alicante, where it will be performed on an outstanding scene, the Teatro Principal. Les Miserables will run until June 1.
Les Miserables is a timeless tale, whose values have withstood the test of time. The themes covered in Victor Hugo’s novels are still relevant and often close to us: the struggle for freedom, courage and a people’s revolution are some of the central themes in the work.
Set in 19th century revolutionary France, it tells the story of Jean Valjean, pursued for decades by the implacable policeman Javert for having broken his parole. When Valjean decided to take care of Cosette, the daughter of Fantine, both their lives would never be the same again.
Don’t take our word for it, come and enjoy one of the best musicals of all time.
http://www.losmiserables.es/

Excerpt: Les Miserables, the most acclaimed musical in history, will reach the Teatro Principal in Alicante on May 10. Les Miserables tells a gripping story of broken dreams, unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption that has enchanted millions of spectators. A story written by Victor Hugo over a century ago, whose values have withstood the test […]

### AIRPORT FEES FREEZE IN 2015

The Minister for Public Works, Ana Pastor, has announced that the Spanish airport authority, AENA, will freeze rates in 2015, rather than imposing the anticipated 4.5% increase in fees.
The announcement will be good news for airlines, as they will no longer have to pay more for using the airports of the country, a saving which should therefore be reflected in flight prices for passengers.
In 2014, the rise in airport charges was 0.9% compared to the 2.5% that legislation allowed, in order to offset the 18 billion euro investment over a decade.
Meanwhile, April saw an increase in passenger traffic, with more than 16.2 passenger movements in total, an increase of 9.2% over the same period of 2012. 
The main airports of the country all saw an increase, with the newly named Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport seeing a 7.6% increase, Barcelona-El Prat grew by 10.8% and Alicante-Elche airport seeing a 9.6% increase, amongst others.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43567/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Minister for Public Works, Ana Pastor, has announced that the Spanish airport authority, AENA, will freeze rates in 2015, rather than imposing the anticipated 4.5% increase in fees.
The announcement will be good news for airlines, as they will no ...

### TELECOM ACT GIVES OPERATORS FREEDOM TO PLACE TRANSMITTERS

There was an element of excitement in the announcement that the new General Telecommunications Act was approved by the Spanish government, especially the element which would guarantee 10 Meg broadband to all by 2017, but questions are now being asked about elements of implementation of the network that would allow this to happen.
The act was approved by all political groups, after a total of 179 amendments were put in place, but the biggest concern now being raised are in line with previous worries over the damage caused by harmful radiation emitted from transmitters and telecoms networks.
As reported in November of last year, the Los Verdes green party of Orihuela announced plans to create an ordinance to regulate the installation of mobile phone masts, with the intention of removing all unlicensed antennas and transmitter sites, with a lot of detail provided by the Councillor for the Environment on the dangers associated with these masts. Similarly, in April of this year, we reported how the Planning Department of Torrevieja town hall had ordered Telefónica to remove an antenna located on a green area of the urbanization El Chaparral-La Siesta, because it didn´t have the appropriate licences in place for its location.
Now, as part of the newly approved act, telecommunication companies are free to install these mobile phone masts anywhere they choose, and on any roof top deemed necessary, without either the residents or the council having a say or objection.
Critics are now saying that the new law has been “tailor-made” to facilitate the implementation of the more modern 4G mobile networks in all urban areas, but that will also aggravate and increase the health risks associated with these powerful transmitters.
The modern world sees most people attached to their mobile phones, perhaps not prepared to either give them up or suffer the consequences of a reduction in network coverage, but those who have filed cases based on damage to health may see another side to this aggressive act.
The only requirement within the act is that the operators must ask permission from the Industry Ministry before placing their equipment on the residential or commercial building of their choice, but the justification of being of commercial benefit is all that is likely to be needed over the damage to health, or the aesthetics of an area where those who object will now be powerless to act.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43566/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: There was an element of excitement in the announcement that the new General Telecommunications Act was approved by the Spanish government, especially the element which would guarantee 10 Meg broadband to all by 2017, but questions are now being asked a...

### CRIME RATES DOWN IN SPAIN

Crimes and Misdemeanours affecting victims aged over 64 increased last year by 7.1% compared to the data of 2012, with burglaries and robberies seeing a staggering 29.2% recorded increase, thefts were up 10% as were reported scams, up by 9.9%, however records of street robberies should an equally dramatic shift, but this time decreasing by 21.1%, according to figures released by the Ministry of the Interior.
The details were released as part of a Safer Society initiative launched last year, the first time such a campaign has focused on the over 64 age group, who represent 17.7% of the population of the country. As a result, the police embarked on a nationwide campaign visiting the elderly members of society, with presentations at over 2,200 day-care centres, as well as visits to individuals to offer crime prevention advice. The initiative also looked specifically at crime in schools, where a 3.7% decrease was recorded overall.
The data collected serves to allow better policing in crime prevention and detection, as investigators become more aware of trends in crime, and are subsequently able to deal with more issues in advance. Figures released this week reveal the crime statistics for the first quarter of this year now indicate an overall drop of 4.1% compared to the same period of 2013, with the records being collated to include national figures, but also broken down into Autonomous Communities and provinces. In addition, for the first time, data from the provincial capitals and cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants (according to the official census of the National Statistics Institute to the date of January 1, 2013) are given.
In a press conference detailing the date, Interior Minister, Jorge Fernández Díaz, explained how “crime statistics are becoming more complete, more accessible and more transparent”, which results in the law enforcers being able to work towards “an increasingly safer country”, with the transparency of the data being of legitimate interest” of citizens in relation to knowledge of public information.
With the inclusion of the many different police forces from around the country, including the likes of the Basque and Catalan police, the Ertzaintza, Mossos d'Esquadra, the Guardia Civil, National Police and others, the data presented shows an image more in line with reality of incidences of crime in Spain. 
In the first quarter of 2014, have has been a total of 515,315 crimes and misdemeanours recorded in Spain, which represents a decrease of 4.1% over the same period of 2013, when the figure was 537,223. These figures result in a crime rate of 45.6 offenses per 1,000 people. This rate has been reduced by 0.5 points compared to the rate of December 2013 as a result of declining known criminal offenses.
Although the number of homicides has increased compared with the same period last year, increasing from 79 to 86, the worst place being Andalucía where 20 homicides were recorded, an incredible increase of 42.9%, violent crime in general has suffered a significant decline of 14.1%, as has robberies with intimidation, which fell by 16.7%, and theft of motor vehicles which dropped 14.4%.
For the Valencia region, there were 60,192 crimes and offenses recorded, a drop of 7.6%, although homicide increased by 20%, with 12 victims compared to 10 of the previous year´s period. Violent crime saw a 19% drop with 2,337 cases, robbery with violence and intimidation fell by 24% with 1,850 cases, whereas theft of motor vehicles dropped by 21%, with 1,100 records. In fact, across Valencia, with the exception of homicide, all crime categories were decreased.
In Orihuela, there was an 8.9% drop in Crimes and Offences, with 862 records in the first quarter of this year, there were no homicides recorded, and violence dropped by 27.3%, with 24 recorded incidents, robbery with intimidation dropped by 36% to 16 and theft of motor vehicles dropped by 28.6%. All criminal categories in Orihuela showed a reduction in the first quarter, with the exception of the zero figure recorded for homicide.
The situation is not quite as positive for Torrevieja, although there are some elements of decrease. Crimes and offenses increased by 4.8% to 1,542, there were 2 homicides, which resulted in a recorded 200% increase over the same period of last year. Violent crime saw a decrease of 22.7% to 51 cases, robbery with violence and intimidation dropped by 26.5% to 36, but robberies using force increased by a concerning 18.4% to 334, similar to robberies with force from homes which increased by a worrying 21.6% to 225. Overall theft increased by 9,4% to 501, but all other categories showed a decline, including thefts of motor vehicles, down 19.2% to just 21 cases.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43565/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Crimes and Misdemeanours affecting victims aged over 64 increased last year by 7.1% compared to the data of 2012, with burglaries and robberies seeing a staggering 29.2% recorded increase, thefts were up 10% as were reported scams, up by 9.9%, however ...

### RECORDED CRIME DROPPED NATIONALLY

Crimes and Misdemeanours affecting victims aged over 64 increased last year by 7.1% compared to the data of 2012, with burglaries and robberies seeing a staggering 29.2% recorded increase, thefts were up 10% as were reported scams, up by 9.9%, however records of street robberies should an equally dramatic shift, but this time decreasing by 21.1%, according to figures released by the Ministry of the Interior.
The details were released as part of a Safer Society initiative launched last year, the first time such a campaign has focused on the over 64 age group, who represent 17.7% of the population of the country. As a result, the police embarked on a nationwide campaign visiting the elderly members of society, with presentations at over 2,200 day-care centres, as well as visits to individuals to offer crime prevention advice. The initiative also looked specifically at crime in schools, where a 3.7% decrease was recorded overall.
The data collected serves to allow better policing in crime prevention and detection, as investigators become more aware of trends in crime, and are subsequently able to deal with more issues in advance. Figures released this week reveal the crime statistics for the first quarter of this year now indicate an overall drop of 4.1% compared to the same period of 2013, with the records being collated to include national figures, but also broken down into Autonomous Communities and provinces. In addition, for the first time, data from the provincial capitals and cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants (according to the official census of the National Statistics Institute to the date of January 1, 2013) are given.
In a press conference detailing the date, Interior Minister, Jorge Fernández Díaz, explained how “crime statistics are becoming more complete, more accessible and more transparent”, which results in the law enforcers being able to work towards “an increasingly safer country”, with the transparency of the data being of legitimate interest” of citizens in relation to knowledge of public information.
With the inclusion of the many different police forces from around the country, including the likes of the Basque and Catalan police, the Ertzaintza, Mossos d'Esquadra, the Guardia Civil, National Police and others, the data presented shows an image more in line with reality of incidences of crime in Spain. 
In the first quarter of 2014, have has been a total of 515,315 crimes and misdemeanours recorded in Spain, which represents a decrease of 4.1% over the same period of 2013, when the figure was 537,223. These figures result in a crime rate of 45.6 offenses per 1,000 people. This rate has been reduced by 0.5 points compared to the rate of December 2013 as a result of declining known criminal offenses.
Although the number of homicides has increased compared with the same period last year, increasing from 79 to 86, the worst place being Andalucía where 20 homicides were recorded, an incredible increase of 42.9%, violent crime in general has suffered a significant decline of 14.1%, as has robberies with intimidation, which fell by 16.7%, and theft of motor vehicles which dropped 14.4%.
For the Valencia region, there were 60,192 crimes and offenses recorded, a drop of 7.6%, although homicide increased by 20%, with 12 victims compared to 10 of the previous year´s period. Violent crime saw a 19% drop with 2,337 cases, robbery with violence and intimidation fell by 24% with 1,850 cases, whereas theft of motor vehicles dropped by 21%, with 1,100 records. In fact, across Valencia, with the exception of homicide, all crime categories were decreased.
In Orihuela, there was an 8.9% drop in Crimes and Offences, with 862 records in the first quarter of this year, there were no homicides recorded, and violence dropped by 27.3%, with 24 recorded incidents, robbery with intimidation dropped by 36% to 16 and theft of motor vehicles dropped by 28.6%. All criminal categories in Orihuela showed a reduction in the first quarter, with the exception of the zero figure recorded for homicide.
The situation is not quite as positive for Torrevieja, although there are some elements of decrease. Crimes and offenses increased by 4.8% to 1,542, there were 2 homicides, which resulted in a recorded 200% increase over the same period of last year. Violent crime saw a decrease of 22.7% to 51 cases, robbery with violence and intimidation dropped by 26.5% to 36, but robberies using force increased by a concerning 18.4% to 334, similar to robberies with force from homes which increased by a worrying 21.6% to 225. Overall theft increased by 9,4% to 501, but all other categories showed a decline, including thefts of motor vehicles, down 19.2% to just 21 cases.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43565/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Crimes and Misdemeanours affecting victims aged over 64 increased last year by 7.1% compared to the data of 2012, with burglaries and robberies seeing a staggering 29.2% recorded increase, thefts were up 10% as were reported scams, up by 9.9%, however ...

### CONSULATE ADVICE - REDUCING PETTY THEFT

Watch out for your belongings!  British Consulate, police and tourism partners work together to reduce petty theft which represented 80% of crimes reported in Alicante province in 2013
With the busy tourist season already upon us, the police and consular staff met with tourism partners in Benidorm yesterday to encourage them to help keep tourists safe. The National Police prevention team gave the representatives from hotels, campsites and apartments in Benidorm some simple tips to pass on to their guests:
•	Beware of “triles” -  groups who trick tourists with fake street games
•	Mobile phone theft is on the up – don't leave your phone on the table or take it to the beach and look after your passport.
•	Take advantage of the “Operación Verano” – in July and August anyone can get a free certified copy of their passport from the police so they can leave the original at the hotel
•	People approaching tourists to ask them to sign petitions or for money are sometimes looking for opportunities to steal from them so be wary
The Consulate welcomed this proactive advice to avoid petty crime and also talked about the importance of working together to support tourists when something does go wrong, which can have a huge impact on how the victim of crime recovers from the experience. 
Mr. Rodwell encouraged the hotel staff to inform guests of the National police's “SATE” office in Benidorm, where victims of crime will be supported and assisted in English to make a police report and make any emergency calls they need to. The office is located in the Centro Municipal Torrejó, Plaza Canalejas and is open from 9am-9pm Monday to Friday and 9am-2pm at the weekend.
The Consul also showed the hotel staff their prevention posters and a short video  titled “Enjoy your holiday” on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9h3_VOPZfo), which the hotels, apartments and campsites were keen to use.
Following the event, Mr Rodwell said: “The Consulate is committed to supporting vulnerable British nationals in Benidorm by working closely with the Spanish national police and tourism partners.  This event was a great opportunity to gain a greater understanding of each others' role so that we can help British nationals more effectively.”
The event was opened by the head of tourism for the Valencian region, Sebastian Fernandez Miralles, the deputy Mayoress of Benidorm, Gema Amor, and the head of the National Police in Benidorm, Juan Carlos Hernandez.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43560/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Watch out for your belongings!  British Consulate, police and tourism partners work together to reduce petty theft which represented 80% of crimes reported in Alicante province in 2013
With the busy tourist season already upon us, the police and consu...

### What´s On – Wednesday 7 May 2014

listen to ‘Things to do in Spain – 7 May 2014’ on Audioboo

WEDNESDAY 7 May, 2014
Markets
Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
BARCELONA
6 – 11 May is Barcelona Bridal Week.
ORIHUELA
Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Sevillanas Dancing Exhibition  – Zenia Boulevard.
FUTURE EVENTS TO PUT IN YOUR DIARY
14 – 18 May is Torrevieja May Fair daily in the Fairground port area.
 

Excerpt: listen to ‘Things to do in Spain – 7 May 2014’ on Audioboo WEDNESDAY 7 May, 2014 Markets Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas. ALICANTE Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May). BARCELONA 6 – 11 May is Barcelona Bridal […]

### MAY FAIR 2014 TORREVIEJA

WEDNESDAY 14th until SUNDAY 18th MAY, TORREVIEJA´S MAY FAIR - Org: Asociacion de Amigos de la Feria de Mayo y Concejalia de Fiestas, at the RECINTO FERIAL, near the harbour.
 
DAILY PROGRAM
 
WEDNESDAY 14th  MAY
21.00h. Inauguration and lighting of the Fair. Participation of the Union Musical Torrevejense directed by Jaime Belda Cantavella and the choir and Orchestra Salinas de Torrevieja “Mtro. Ricardo Lafuente” directed by Aurelio Martinez. Afterwards  there will be Fireworks.
21.30h. Performance of the Dance Academy Paya’s.
 
THURSDAY 15TH MAY
The Association of the May Fair  and the Town Hall of Torrevieja invite you to visit  the Fair during the whole day , there you can enjoy dancing sevillanas or eating in the stands.
Semifinal of the 2nd Sevillanas dance contest, organized by Nueva Fraternidad with the collaboration of all the stands.
22.30h. Flamenco show by the Dance Academy  Lola Morales
 
FRIDAY 16th MAY
Semifinal of the 2nd Sevillanas dance contest, organized by Nueva Fraternidad with the collaboration of all the stands.
21.30h. Show by pupils at the Municipal School of Dance directed by Nuria
23.00h Manuel de Segura, Ana del Río y María García will perform in homage to Lolita Sevilla
 
SATURDAY 17th MAY
12.00h. The mass “ Misa Rociera “at the Inmaculada Concepción church, with the participation of the choir of la Casa de Andalucía
“Rafael Alberti” and the choir Casa de Andalucía de Elche.
Street Parade with horses from the church square to the Fair at the harbour, where you can admire  the beauty of these horses until 16.00 h.
Semifinal of the 2nd Sevillanas dance contest, organized by Nueva Fraternidad with the collaboration of all the stands.
21.30h. Performance of the School of Dance Mª Del Ángel.
22.30h. Great Final of the 4th Contest of Copla “Ciudad de Torrevieja”
00.00h Performance of “Explosión” show  by the Flamenco Company JM
 
SUNDAY 18th MAY
11.00h. Parade with horses at the harbour until 16:00h.
12.00h. Show with horses in the bullring located at the harbour.
20.00h. Final of the 2nd Sevillanas dance contest, organized by Nueva Fraternidad with the collaboration of all the stands.
21.30h. Performance of the Dance Academy Sancho & Martínez
23.00h. Performance of the Rociero choir of Torrevieja
-          “Alba Rociera” choir
-          Choir Casa de Andalucía “Rafael Alberti”
-          “Brisa del Sur” choir
-          “Hermandad Virgen del Rocío” Rociero Choir
23.30h. Fair closing  with the performance of the four participating choirs.

Excerpt: WEDNESDAY 14th until SUNDAY 18th MAY, TORREVIEJA´S MAY FAIR - Org: Asociacion de Amigos de la Feria de Mayo y Concejalia de Fiestas, at the RECINTO FERIAL, near the harbour.   DAILY PROGRAM   WEDNESDAY 14th  MAY 21.00h. Inauguration and lighting of the Fair. Participation of the Union Musical Torrevejense directed by Jaime Belda Cantavella and the choir and Orchestra […]

### ROCKY’S TO ROCK FOR REACH OUT

Rocky's Arena in Playa Flamenca is set to rock with a family fun day in aid of Reach Out Torrevieja, a humanitarian charity which helps the homeless and those in need.  
The fun takes place on Saturday May 10th when a whole host of local entertainers are giving their time for free in aid of the charity.  Day manager of Rocky's Arena, Ria Cramb, said, “We have held a fundraiser every year for the last three years to celebrate Reach Out. This year, we are celebrating Reach Out's third anniversary and it is such a pleasure to be able to help such a worthwhile charity.”
Some of the area's top local entertainers are set to perform on the day – Sunshine FM's Dan Davy takes to the stage at 2pm to begin the fun day.  Dan is followed by Sunflower Valley, the hugely popular award winning duo, at 3pm.  Then at 4pm, it's time for the high octane antics of Suzy G and her band of dancers.  At 5pm, Michael Dean rounds off proceedings with some favourite tunes through the years.  
With the sun set to shine on the day, it will be a perfect day out for families with bouncy castles, face painters and the wonderful magic of Graeme Mykal.
The Reach Out team will also be on hand to receive donations.  President of the charity, Karolina Leonard said, “We are so grateful to Rocky's Arena for their continual fundraising for us.  Everyone is looking forward to the family fun day and are geared up to have some fun!  We are asking members of the public to bring donations on the day if they can.  The items we need most are basic personal hygiene products, cleaning items and non perishable food.  We have had a lot of donations recently of rice and pasta, so we are very grateful that we don't need so much of this type of food but all other foodstuffs, we are desperate for to help feed our homeless people and families.”
BALD AMBITION
Never one to shy away from her dedication to the charity, Reach Out's President Karolina had a surprise announcement to coincide with the family fun day at Rocky's.  She told us, “If we receive pledges of €2000, I am going to have my head shaved on the day.  Obviously, it's a big step and my husband isn't too happy, but if I can raise much needed funds for the charity, I will gladly lose my locks!”
By 5.30pm, if sponsorship has reached the target, Karolina will go under the blade in front of all those gathered on the day.
So don't forget to put Saturday May 10th in your diary.  A great opportunity to soak up some sun with friends and family with plenty to entertain the children.  Not only that,  but it is all for a great cause.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43555/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Rocky's Arena in Playa Flamenca is set to rock with a family fun day in aid of Reach Out Torrevieja, a humanitarian charity which helps the homeless and those in need.  
The fun takes place on Saturday May 10th when a whole host of local entertainers ...

### '101 INTERESTING FACTS ON BRITAIN'S TRUE LIFE CRIMES'  By Mike Gray

Are you interested in True life crime? Would you like to find out more about some of the most highly publicised crimes ever committed in Great Britain? Are you curious about the UK's most notorious murderers, bank robbers, kidnappers, fraudsters and career criminals? If so, you won't want to be without 101 Interesting Facts on Britain's True Life Crimes?
What event marked the start of the ‘Supergrass' era in the UK? Who were the Bridgewater Four and what crime were they convicted of? Can you name Britain's supposed wealthiest criminal, also known as ‘Goldfinger'? Who was the ‘Black Widow' and how did she come by her nickname? How long did the Knightsbridge 'Spaghetti House' siege last? The answers can all be found inside Mike Gray's fascinating new true crime book.
Discover the truth about more than 100 actual events that grabbed the headlines and shocked the UK including details of serial killers, gangsters, thieves, crimes of passion, those who were caught or got away and the falsely accused. It is all inside this compelling book, a must-have read for all true crime fans.
True crime Author Mike Gray's previous books were 'The Great Train Robbery Quiz Book' & '101 Interesting Facts on The Great Train Robbery And Ronnie Biggs' both published by Apex publishing, please contact publisher Chris Cowlin (contact@apexpublishing.co.uk) or Author Mike Gray (Mikegray1957@hotmail.co.uk) should you require further interview/PR information. 
Publishing on 30th May, 2014
Available from www.Amazon.co.uk or www.Apexpublishing.co.uk 
ISBN (E-Book): 978-1-910295-34-2 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43548/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Are you interested in True life crime? Would you like to find out more about some of the most highly publicised crimes ever committed in Great Britain? Are you curious about the UK's most notorious murderers, bank robbers, kidnappers, fraudsters and ca...

### LA VILA WINNERS OF INTERNATIONAL SEVENS TOURNAMENT MAY 3th

Last Saturday the International Sevens Tournament was held May 3 in Villajoyosa Rugby Stadium where played the English team West Hartlepool and Esher, the Madrid club Getafe RC Akra Barbara and Alicante, University of Alicante and CR participated La Vila.
The jonenses got a perfect record in the regular season by beating Esher by 59-0 , at West Hartlepool by 17-5 and 38-5 University of Alicante.
Thus, they qualified for the semifinals of the Gold Cup where they beat the Akra Barbara by 34-0 . The final of the tournament had as protagonists the hosts and the English team West Hartlepool on a tight 19-14 result in favor of the vileros .
The first contact with the seven mode this season was positively settled for La Vila has no time to relax because next Saturday, May 10th will be the 1st round of the Championship Seven of Valencia again in Rugby Stadium Villajoyosa.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43545/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Last Saturday the International Sevens Tournament was held May 3 in Villajoyosa Rugby Stadium where played the English team West Hartlepool and Esher, the Madrid club Getafe RC Akra Barbara and Alicante, University of Alicante and CR participated La Vi...

### ‘Mike Probert talks Golf -  (Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services).

Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.
‘The Correct Attitude for Playing Golf' 
Everyone who has played golf will understand that the mood we are ‘in' reflects in the way we play, there are days when we would be happier doing something else and this reflects in our score. There are times at golf when we become disappointed and depressed due to our inability to achieve our desired aims, resulting in the worst fault in golf, anger. Anger is the work of the personal ‘bully' which many people take with them to the golf course, being too critical of their own performance, attempting to play above their own level of ability and from the ‘incorrect' belief that winning is the only reason for playing.
Failure does involve anger but starts with fear and this is introduced into golf in various ways, fear of losing, fear of winning and the fear created when faced with bunkers or water. Anger, fear and depression have an effect not only on our personal performance but also in the way we view others and blame them for our failures but it is essential that ‘we' accept responsibility when things go wrong and take action to correct the situation.
Poor shots are played by ‘all' golfers, so when it happens to you, don't be surprised and become angry, look upon it as a part of golf and forget it, ‘You know the consequences if you don't'. A correct playing attitude requires that you are kind to yourself and accept responsibility and that you are patient and tolerant of other players, you owe it to yourself to try and enjoy the day out, before, during and afterwards. Maybe we should ask ourselves the question, what is golf all about anyway?
The answer should always be enjoyment.
We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us.
LEADER GREEN FEE DEALS
The deals shown in the attached table are some of the best currently available to you.
Deal of the month: Villaitana (Levante) only €43 (public price €75)
For bookings and more information contact Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com or direct on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 quoting reference LEADER.
Hollow Tining Watch
 La Manga West – 5th to 9th May 
Alicante – 12th & 13th May
La Marquesa – 12th to 18th May
Roda – 12th to 15th May
Alenda – 14th to 16th May
Bonalba – 19th & 20th May
Mar Menor – 19th to 21st May
Quotation of the week 
“Ride the torpedo to the end of the tube” – Ian Botham Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43544/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golf...

### THE EARTH MOVED AT LA MATA

The National Geographic Institute has reported a minor earthquake in the Torrevieja area on Monday, registering 1.4 on the Richter Scale.
The rumble occurred at 15:39 with its epicentre at La Mata, although being such a small scale tremor it was hardly noticed, although a few people have reported hearing a rumble noise and a slight movement of the earth under their feet.
No damage to property or persons has been reported so far in an area prone to seismic activity.
Meanwhile, a 3.6 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Vigo on the Northwest coast of the country, as well as a 2.4 magnitude quake in the centre of the peninsular near Estremera, but no damage was reported there either.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43531/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The National Geographic Institute has reported a minor earthquake in the Torrevieja area on Monday, registering 1.4 on the Richter Scale.
The rumble occurred at 15:39 with its epicentre at La Mata, although being such a small scale tremor it was hardl...

### ORIHUELA PP COMPLAIN CULTURE WORKERS HAVE NOT BEEN PAID

The Partido Popular of Orihuela have publicly denounced the situation in which the bipartite government team are said to be responsible for a situation in which 23 municipal workers for the Orihuela Cultural department have not been paid.
The PP claim that this is the second time this has happened and hold the councillor for culture, Rosa Martínez, responsible, claiming that the councillor is hiding behind the city´s General Controller, blaming that department for the fact that the workers have not received their salaries .
In a statement, the P say that “The bipartite once again displays a lack of humility by charging others with their faults, since the responsibility for everything that happens regarding workers for the council is uniquely theirs”. They continue to state that this is a case of serious misconduct that they themselves caused and has left the workers without their average 1,000 euro livelihood of these 23 people.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43530/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Partido Popular of Orihuela have publicly denounced the situation in which the bipartite government team are said to be responsible for a situation in which 23 municipal workers for the Orihuela Cultural department have not been paid.
The PP claim...

### BENIDORM RALLY DRIVER RENEWS IMED HOSPITAL SPONSORSHIP

Benidorm racing driver, Miguel Fuster, fresh from León, where he performed a test with the new Ford Fiesta with R5 which will face this season 2014, has renewed the sponsorship agreement with IMED Hospitals. 
Once again, IMED Hospitals, the leading healthcare company with a strong presence in Valencia, where it has centres in Benidorm, Elche, Teulada, will accompany Fuster in the championship and become the healthcare provider for the season. 
The four-time rally champion of Spain was said to be especially pleased with the importance of collaboration with a company such as IMED Hospitals, and the support they have provided to so many people.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43529/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Benidorm racing driver, Miguel Fuster, fresh from León, where he performed a test with the new Ford Fiesta with R5 which will face this season 2014, has renewed the sponsorship agreement with IMED Hospitals. 
Once again, IMED Hospitals, the lea...

### What´s On – Tuesday 6 May 2014

listen to ‘Tuesday – What´s On – 6 May 2014’ on Audioboo

TUESDAY 6 May, 2014
International No Diet Day.
Markets
Alicante, (Rastro), Aspe, Altea, Benijofar, ORIHUELA, San Fulgencio.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
BARCELONA
6 – 11 May is Barcelona Bridal Week.
ORIHUELA
Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Sevillanas Dance Classes – Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
1st to 11th May – Exposition of Municipal Photographic School work in Virgen del Carmen CC.
 
FUTURE EVENTS TO PUT IN YOUR DIARY
14 – 17 May is Torrevieja May Fair daily in the Fairground port area.

Excerpt: listen to ‘Tuesday – What´s On – 6 May 2014’ on Audioboo TUESDAY 6 May, 2014 International No Diet Day. Markets Alicante, (Rastro), Aspe, Altea, Benijofar, ORIHUELA, San Fulgencio. ALICANTE Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May). BARCELONA 6 – 11 May is Barcelona Bridal Week. ORIHUELA Exposición “Hospital […]

### N-332 ROAD CLAIMS ANOTHER LIFE IN GRAN ALACANT CRASH

A woman has been killed and five other people injured, three of whom were women and the other two men, in a traffic crash on the N-332 road near Gran Alacant in Santa Pola.
According to the emergency coordination centre, the incident occurred at 17:15, resulting in the emergency services responding instantly. Three of the people involved were released from their vehicles by the emergency crews.
Although no information on the deceased woman has been issued, one of the injured women is said to be 52 years of age and is in a critical condition, she was transferred to the Hospital General de Elche. Another woman, also described as being in a critical condition, was taken to the General Hospital of Alicante.
A 57 year old man suffered chest trauma and was taken to General Hospital de Elche in a serious condition, whereas the remaining two, a woman of 34 years of age and a man of 39, were taken to the Hospital Vinalopó in Elche to be treated for less serious injuries.
A total of fifteen fire fighters attended the scene, with five fire trucks, dispatched from both Alicante and San Vicente, along with two SAMU paramedic and one basic life support ambulances, with the road being closed to traffic whilst they carried out their tasks.
Meanwhile, the DGT traffic department have said that a total of ten people died on the roads during the special traffic operation of the May holiday, a provisional figure from between 15:00 on Wednesday and 20:00 on Sunday.
There were a total of ten accidents reported and a further eleven people injured. Saturday was statistically the worse day with four fatalities and ten people injured.
Heavy traffic was still being reported will into the evening as many of the coastal visitors returned inland after the holiday period.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43528/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A woman has been killed and five other people injured, three of whom were women and the other two men, in a traffic crash on the N-332 road near Gran Alacant in Santa Pola.
According to the emergency coordination centre, the incident occurred at 17:15...

### NOW AVAILABLE - THE LEADER ISSUE 518

Issue 518 of The Leader is now available in virtual form from our website, www.virtualleader.info.
Cram packed with all the latest news and sports, plus features, TV listings and more, the real paper is out in the morning and available from hundreds of outlests across the entire area.
For now though, if you can´t wait, here´s the direct link to this week´s issue http://www.virtualleader.info/issue-518-05-may-2014Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43527/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Issue 518 of The Leader is now available in virtual form from our website, www.virtualleader.info.
Cram packed with all the latest news and sports, plus features, TV listings and more, the real paper is out in the morning and available from hundreds ...

### Things to do – Monday 5 May 2014

listen to ‘What´s On – Monday 5 May 2014’ on Audioboo

MONDAY 5 May, 2014
International Midwives’ Day.
Markets
Cox, Elche, Formentera, La Nucia, San Pedro del Pinatar, Santa Pola, Sax, Torremendo.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA
Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).
ORIHUELA COSTA
R. SOCIEDAD – GRANADA football on the big screen plus ZUMBA – Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
1st to 11th May – Exposition of Municipal Photographic School work in Virgen del Carmen CC.
 
FUTURE EVENTS TO PUT IN YOUR DIARY
14 – 17 May is Torrevieja May Fair daily in the Fairground port area.

Excerpt: listen to ‘What´s On – Monday 5 May 2014’ on Audioboo MONDAY 5 May, 2014 International Midwives’ Day. Markets Cox, Elche, Formentera, La Nucia, San Pedro del Pinatar, Santa Pola, Sax, Torremendo. ALICANTE Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May). ORIHUELA Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) […]

### ELCHE’S TEN MEN HANG ON FOR MOMENTOUS WIN

Prior to the start of this season, not since the fall of the Berlin Wall had Elche hosted a La Liga Football match, but on Saturday evening at La Rosaleda, on loan Garry Rodrigues' long range strike secured the win that should secure their top tier status again next season.  
Rodrigues struck after just 11 minutes to secure three much-needed points for Fran Escriba's side in their attempt to beat relegation in their first season back in the top flight, but were made to fight all the way as Alberto Botia's late red card saw them play out the final minutes with 10 men.
The home side got off to a strong start and could have taken the lead with Darder's long-range effort but Elche came back with a chance of their own moments later.
On-loan winger Rodrigues then handed Elche the lead with his first goal of the season as he fired home from the right channel to put Elche in front. Roque Santa Cruz came close to netting an equaliser midway through the first half but his curled effort from just outside the 18-yard box was tipped around the post by Manu Herrera.
The visiting goalkeeper was also quick to keep out Vitorino Antunes' fantastic effort minutes later as Malaga piled on the pressure going to the interval. Elche striker Richmond Boakye was replaced five minutes after the break due to injury and Malaga lost both Nacho Camacho and Jesus Gamez within eight minutes of each other after they too sustained knocks.
In a dull second period home goalkeeper, and former Elche favourite, Willy Caballero, did well to keep out Javi Marquez's powerful header as the visitors looked to add a second and then Sergi Darder was unfortunate not to equalise with 10 minutes left as his brilliant long-range curled effort was caught by the ever-ready Herrara.
As the pressure mounted on the visitors Elche's reserve keeper Toño was dismissed from the bench with 22 minutes remaining and then as Illicitano's clung on to their fragile lead Botia was shown red for a professional foul on 84 minutes.
But despite the constant barrage from the home side Elche held on for all three points that will likely secure their La Liga status.
Photo www.elchecf.esFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43526/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Prior to the start of this season, not since the fall of the Berlin Wall had Elche hosted a La Liga Football match, but on Saturday evening at La Rosaleda, on loan Garry Rodrigues' long range strike secured the win that should secure their top tier sta...

### The Weekend - 3 and 4 May 2014 - Things to Do

listen to ‘The Weekend Guide - 3 & 4 May 2014’ on Audioboo

SATURDAY 3 MAY, 2014

World Press Freedom Day.

Markets

Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola.

ALICANTE

Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).

MURCIA

Festival SOS, major dance and pop music fiesta.

ORIHUELA

Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).

21:00 - Concierto. Los Tres Tenores, Con la colaboración especial del Coro de Voces Blancas de Santo Domingo. Arias de zarzuela, ópera y grandes éxitos. Duración aprox. 75 min. Teatro Circo Plaza Poeta Sansano s/n, Orihuela. Entrada: 10 € patio y principal | 8 € anfiteatro.

TORREVIEJA

1st to 11th May - Exposition of Municipal Photographic School work in Virgen del Carmen CC.

IV Copla Competition 21:00h gratis con invite (check ticket office)



 

SUNDAY 4 MAY, 2014

Spanish Mother´s Day. Star Wars Day. International Firefighters' Day.

Markets

Benidorm, Elche, La Nucia, Campoverde, La Marina, Zoco, Almoradí street market, Lemon Tree Road, Mil Palmeras.

ALICANTE

Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).

ORIHUELA

Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).

TORREVIEJA

1st to 11th May - Exposition of Municipal Photographic School work in Virgen del Carmen CC.

12:00h – Teatro Municipal – Recital of poetic music for Dia del Libro ‘Eres Tu’ dedicated to mothers.

17:00h and 19:30h Musical ‘’Fama a Clase’ CC Virgen del Carmen CC .

20:00h Mariachi Festival Teatro Municipal – 7 Euros

FUTURE EVENTS TO PUT IN YOUR DIARY

6 – 11 May is Barcelona Bridal Week.

14 – 17 May is Torrevieja May Fair daily in the Fairground port area.

9  – European Day

### ORIHUELA FINALLY APPROVE HELP FOR MORTGAGE PAYMENT SUFFERERS

In a considerably shorter monthly meeting than normal, lasting just three hours, the Orihuela council has shown that they are capable of working together for the good of society, by unanimously approving a motion to protect and support those affected by the financial crisis, in particular in support of the Plataforma de Afectados por la Hipoteca.
All councillors approved the vote, including the ruling government, the opposition and councillors unassigned, in a motion tabled by the Partido Popular. Many consider it an unusual move that the PP should have brought such a notion as it is considered that it is their national political group that have caused the problems for many of those facing eviction. The second surprise was that a similar motion had already been tabled some months ago by the councillor for social welfare, Emilio Zaplana, with was rejected by the majority vote of the Partido Popular.
Some members of the PAH group voiced their objections to the fact it was the PP who had tabled the plan, considering the fact that they had refused to help in the past, with the overall opinion being that the PP are now using the situation as a “weapon” in the battle with the bipartite government.
Never the less, irrespective of the political ball throwing, this is a positive move for the people of Orihuela, which will ensure the right to housing, rather than eviction, and see the creation of a municipal fund for social housing for those affected by evictions, as well as online social support to offset the payment of basic supplies such as water, electricity or gas.
Orihuela has numerous blocks of properties which were built by the Partido Popular government of Valencia, which still remain vacant to this day, despite the number of people who have faced eviction as a result of the financial crisis.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43508/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In a considerably shorter monthly meeting than normal, lasting just three hours, the Orihuela council has shown that they are capable of working together for the good of society, by unanimously approving a motion to protect and support those affected b...

### ORIHUELA TO TACKLE NOISE POLLUTION

The government team of Orihuela has set a new ordinance in the municipality, which aims to “improve the quality of life for residents”, according to the councillor who presented the plan this week, Antonio Zapata.
However, the ordinance will still require processing and approval from the information commission before it can be adopted in full, it has been met with positive action in the areas it has been tested, although not without criticism, as some people complained over signs appearing in children´s playing parks prohibiting ball games in the last week, which were done as a direct result of complaints from residents over noise.
The University Miguel Hernández has been instrumental in the campaign, and the town hall has advanced the creation of an acoustic map of the city, which will then take into account elements such as land classification and the technical building specifications, combining the requirements of both legislation and classification to set the minimum values for each area.
The new ordinance will determine the technical characteristics of sound limiters and monitors, as well as clearly stating a system of penalties, depending on the severity of violations, although there will also be a warning period for remedial action before sanctions are imposed.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43507/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The government team of Orihuela has set a new ordinance in the municipality, which aims to “improve the quality of life for residents”, according to the councillor who presented the plan this week, Antonio Zapata.
However, the ordinance wi...

### SOME TORREVIEJA COPS UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR DRIVING ABILITY

Torrevieja´s abundance of police cars may be spending even more time parked outside the station in the future, after it was revealed that around a dozen of the city´s officers have been reported to the traffic department as being of questionable ability to drive for medical grounds.
The traffic department has responded to some of the claims by putting a two month test period in place for some of the officers, to ascertain if they are fit to drive or not. Failure to attend the tests would immediately result in the loss of the driving permit.
However, some believe that the reasons for the report are not out of concern for the officers themselves, but another attempt to discredit the management of the police by the town hall, as part of the ongoing dispute between the police and the ruling Partido Popular government team.
Working hours and conditions have been put under additional strain recently, following such instances as overtime not being paid to all officers, some apparently being paid in favour of others, the changes in staff working hours and covering of holidays, including for those who waivered overtime payment in exchange for days off. 
In total, the active police force of Torrevieja has seen a drop of up to 20% in capacity as a result, with many shifts being left uncovered or cut short. More than half of the 170 officers on the force have signed a letter asking for the mayor, Eduardo Dolón, to act in resolving the work disputes that have been going on for over two years now, and have been the subject of protests in the town hall and the streets of the city, including a topless display this month, for which some of the officers may face disciplinary proceedings.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43506/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Torrevieja´s abundance of police cars may be spending even more time parked outside the station in the future, after it was revealed that around a dozen of the city´s officers have been reported to the traffic department as being of questio...

### IT CAN BE TOUGH BEING A HERO

When a Valencia motorist stopped to help the victims of a road traffic accident, he never expected that his day could get any worse, as the rug was pulled from under him in a case that would seem unreal, resulting in his demotion from hero to zero in one foul swoop.
As Torrevieja town hall launched a recent investigation as to why some of their local police officers were enforcing the law with some vigour, none of them could yet come close to the officer who arrived at the scene of the accident in Avila, which took place in June of last year, but is still the subject of a long, and so far failed appeal.
Having stabilised the injured parties from the crash, the next stage was to wait for an ambulance to arrive. With little more to do during the wait, the police officer set about issuing a parking ticket to a badly parked vehicle in the vicinity of the crash. However, that vehicle belonged to our hero in this story, who had witnessed the crash and immediately stopped to offer assistance.
Of course a simple explanation of the reason for parking in the location might be all that was needed, but not for our police officer in question, who simply continued to write and issue the ticket to our law breaking hero.
The driver was somewhat surprised, still trying to explain the circumstances behind his vehicle location, but still falling on the deaf ears of the law enforcing officer. 
Finally, out of frustration, the driver took the ticket, but didn´t accept it, ripping it in to tiny pieces in front of the officer and throwing it to the floor.
The officer duly responded, by issuing a further ticket, a 150 euro fine for a municipal ordinance that prohibits the “emptying, pouring and depositing all kinds of waste materials both on the road and sidewalks”, in other words, a fine for littering.
In the appeals process, the claim has been declined by the auditors at the town hall, as, “irrespective of the circumstances”, because the “applicant acknowledges throwing the papers on the street in the appeal letter, committing the offense at the time”.
There was also a question about language, not of the foul mouthed type one might expect, but because the warnings were said to have been given in the Valencian language, rather than Castilian, despite the claimant being Spanish, a matter which is also dismissed as acceptable, unless specifically requested at the time.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43505/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: When a Valencia motorist stopped to help the victims of a road traffic accident, he never expected that his day could get any worse, as the rug was pulled from under him in a case that would seem unreal, resulting in his demotion from hero to zero in o...

### LORENTE ALLEGES ORIHUELA EDUCATION CONTRACT IRREGULARITIES

Former mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente, has accused the education department of the town hall of promoting the company who would run last year´s summer school, before awarding the contract for work to them.
Lorente has been facing criticism herself for a case that could result in a criminal conviction for allegedly awarding work to a company before it was put to public tender, so it is not surprising that any evidence of wrong doing would be highlighted.
Lorente also claims that the company involved is run by the daughter of one of the town hall operatives, and not only was the announcement made prior to the contract being signed, the town hall had already started to recruit children into the scheme.
If true, the allegations would prove extremely serious for the councillor for education, Rosa Martínez, but in answering to the allegations in defence of the actions, Martínez simply responded that Lorente does not “know the facts”. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43504/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Former mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente, has accused the education department of the town hall of promoting the company who would run last year´s summer school, before awarding the contract for work to them.
Lorente has been facing criti...

### OVER 300,000 PILGRIMS WALK TO SANTA FAZ MONASTERY

Over 300,000 believers set out from the San Nicolas Cathedral in Alicante at about 8am this Thursday morning, May day, to walk the 7.5kms to the Santa Faz monastery (which translates as the monastery of the holy face) on the Santa Faz pilgrimage with many of the pilgrims having queued all night to be at the front of the march.
This year there was a far greater reason than usual to attend as the event was celebrating it's 525th anniversary and together with the sunny weather and the National Holiday officials said that the numbers were increased by as much as 50%.
One of the most famous pilgrimages in the country the Santa Faz pilgrimage tends to be much more popular than it's Santiago de Compostelo counterpart where travelers have to walk 100km in order to receive the coveted certificate of accomplishment, so at just 7.5 kms, the Alicante event is much easier on the legs.
It is also a very communal affair as everyone sets off together with plenty of food and wine which is enjoyed by participants along the way. The route always includes the traditional stop -the paraeta- for a breakfast of anise rolls with mistela wine.
This year over 1,800 kilos of donuts and 1,500 liters of mistela was paid for by the city of Alicante
The president of the Generalitat, Alberto Fabra, whao also attended the walk, said after participating, that the act is a sign of "unity and strength and there is nothing that can stop the will of an entire people" .
Other local officials attending the event included the acting mayor Andrés Llorens, as the mayor, Sonia Castedo, is currently on maternity leave, the PP vice presidente in Alicante, José Císcar and  councilors Isabel Bonig, Maximum Buch and Asunción Sánchez Zaplana.
The socialist delegation was led by its general secretary, Xim Puig, who said that the day serves to "emphasise that the value in a city is in its people not the extent or the value of its buildings” and that “despite the difficult economic situation the people of the city are still able to pull together.”
On reaching the Santa Faz monastery pilgrims were met by Cardinal Monteiro de Castro, apostolic exnuncio of the Holy See in Spain, who presided at a Mass with the Bishop of Alicante, Jesus Murgui, and Bishop Emeritus, Rafael Palmero.
The significance of the Monastery is that it contains a relic, according to tradition a veil with which Veronica wiped the bleeding face of Jesus.
The relic has been devoutly venerated by the people of Alicante Province from the time that the first pilgrimage was made to the Monastery in 1489.
After the religious celebrations in which the pilgrims beg for mercy from the relic, the tradition is for visitors to spend time wandering around the many different stands selling all kinds of objects (the most typical purchase is an earthenware bell) and then to have a picnic.
There were a number of injuries however, mostly of a minor nature, blisters and ankle sprains, about 40 people requiring the attention of first aid attendants and one person who rather bizarrely was found to be suffering from alcohol poisoning. Must have been the wine!
Along the way, there were just two protests, the foremost being a group of RTVV workers who had hung a banner from one of the overpasses on Avda Denia and were shouting " Fabra resign" as the President walked below.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43503/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Over 300,000 believers set out from the San Nicolas Cathedral in Alicante at about 8am this Thursday morning, May day, to walk the 7.5kms to the Santa Faz monastery (which translates as the monastery of the holy face) on the Santa Faz pilgrimage with many of the pilgrims having queued all night to be at the front of the march.
This year there was a far greater reason than usual to attend as the event was celebrating it's 525th anniversary and together with the sunny weather and the National Holiday officials said that the numbers were increased by as much as 50%.
One of the most famous pilgrimages in the country the Santa Faz pilgrimage tends to be much more popular than it's Santiago de Compostelo counterpart where travelers have to walk 100km in order to receive the coveted certificate of accomplishment, so at just 7.5 kms, the Alicante event is much easier on the legs.
It is also a very communal affair as everyone sets off together with plenty of food and wine which is enjoyed by participants along the way. The route always includes the traditional stop -the paraeta- for a breakfast of anise rolls with mistela wine.
This year over 1,800 kilos of donuts and 1,500 liters of mistela was paid for by the city of Alicante
The president of the Generalitat, Alberto Fabra, whao also attended the walk, said after participating, that the act is a sign of "unity and strength and there is nothing that can stop the will of an entire people" .
Other local officials attending the event included the acting mayor Andrés Llorens, as the mayor, Sonia Castedo, is currently on maternity leave, the PP vice presidente in Alicante, José Císcar and  councilors Isabel Bonig, Maximum Buch and Asunción Sánchez Zaplana.
The socialist delegation was led by its general secretary, Xim Puig, who said that the day serves to "emphasise that the value in a city is in its people not the extent or the value of its buildings” and that “despite the difficult economic situation the people of the city are still able to pull together.”
On reaching the Santa Faz monastery pilgrims were met by Cardinal Monteiro de Castro, apostolic exnuncio of the Holy See in Spain, who presided at a Mass with the Bishop of Alicante, Jesus Murgui, and Bishop Emeritus, Rafael Palmero.
The significance of the Monastery is that it contains a relic, according to tradition a veil with which Veronica wiped the bleeding face of Jesus.
The relic has been devoutly venerated by the people of Alicante Province from the time that the first pilgrimage was made to the Monastery in 1489.
After the religious celebrations in which the pilgrims beg for mercy from the relic, the tradition is for visitors to spend time wandering around the many different stands selling all kinds of objects (the most typical purchase is an earthenware bell) and then to have a picnic.
There were a number of injuries however, mostly of a minor nature, blisters and ankle sprains, about 40 people requiring the attention of first aid attendants and one person who rather bizarrely was found to be suffering from alcohol poisoning. Must have been the wine!
Along the way, there were just two protests, the foremost being a group of RTVV workers who had hung a banner from one of the overpasses on Avda Denia and were shouting " Fabra resign" as the President walked below.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43503/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### Friday 2 May 2014 - Events

listen to ‘Friday´s Events - 2nd May 2014’ on Audioboo

FRIDAY 2 MAY, 2014

Day of Madrid.

Markets

Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, TORREVIEJA.

ALICANTE

Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).

ORIHUELA

Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).

Gala Benefit Concert for ADIS, Teatro Circo.

TORREVIEJA

1st to 11th May - Exposition of Municipal Photographic School work in Virgen del Carmen CC.

VI Anniversary Assoc. Cabo Verdiana de Torrevieja 16:00h in Virgen del Carmen CC

Elche Symphony Orchestra 21:00h Auditorium Torrevieja 15/10/8/6 Euros

IV Copla Competition – Teatro Municipal 21:00h gratis con invite (check ticket office)

FUTURE EVENTS TO PUT IN YOUR DIARY

4 May – Spanish Mother´s Day.

6 – 11 May is Barcelona Bridal Week.

14 – 17 May is Torrevieja May Fair daily in the Fairground port area.

### MINISTER BELIEVES CORVERA WILL OPEN THIS YEAR

Following on from last week´s news that Castellón airport is set to open before Christmas, the Murcia Minister of Development, Public Works and Planning, Manuel Campos, has stated that the new Murcia Regional Airport at Corvera would also be open between the months of September to December, once the relevant financial credits have been confirmed.
In a radio interview this week, Campos stated that the date of September the 14th had been “shuffled” around, because that was the date proposed by the concessionaire in one of the letters addressed to the then president Ramón Luis Valcárcel. However, Campos also stated that this will depend crucially on the decision of the European Commission on the shareholder loan, and recognizes that “the most realistic” date for opening is “between September and December 2014”, which he considers is “very possible”.
In view of the plans to finance the operation, the decision for the remaining 182 million euro to complete and open the airport lies with Brussels, and the European Commission, as the matter “may affect European legislation on competition”.
Theoretically, according to Campos, “the airport is built and tomorrow we could start to work”, upon completion of the relevant authorisations, although there are still elements that need completing and the final inspections were already postponed until at least after the European elections.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43502/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Following on from last week´s news that Castellón airport is set to open before Christmas, the Murcia Minister of Development, Public Works and Planning, Manuel Campos, has stated that the new Murcia Regional Airport at Corvera would also ...

### GREEN APP IMPROVED RESPONSE TO HUNDREDS OF FAULT REPORTS

Having become instrumental in the launch of a new way of communicating problems and complaints to the town hall of Orihuela, the Línea Verde mobile reporting application has already resulted in 306 submissions of issues to the environmental department since its September launch.
The department launched their involvement in the new mobile phone app which will allow anybody with a smartphone to report issues such as garden waste or broken streets lights, with a few clicks of a mobile phone generating an automated report, complete with pictures and location information, which will allow a faster response to problem areas. In Orihuela, the highest number of recorded faults has been referred to the categories of street furniture, signs and traffic lights, and waste disposal. 
Other town halls are also using the facility and extending the reach even further, with many of the local police forces also using the information. In Pilar de la Horadada for example, the local police there are keen to promote the facility, recently asking for anybody who may spot an abandoned vehicle parked in the streets to use the application to advise them.
In Orihuela, one of the biggest problems facing the clean up teams is lack of location information when a matter is reported to them. All too often, the town hall are sent photographs of issues, but with no explanation or explanation, and often without any useful information to assist the town hall teams in finding and then solving the problem.
Users of Apple and Android devices can search for Linea Verde in their App Store, but the reporting process is also available through a website for those who don´t have smartphones, which can be visited at www.lineaverdeorihuela.com. Through the site, complaints are forwarded to the relevant department and an acknowledgement will normally be received within 24 hours.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43501/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Having become instrumental in the launch of a new way of communicating problems and complaints to the town hall of Orihuela, the Línea Verde mobile reporting application has already resulted in 306 submissions of issues to the environmental depa...

### ALICANTE MAINTAINS BLOCK FOR BENIDORM AND TORREVIEJA SHUTTLE

In Alicante´s plenary meeting this week, the Partido Popular majority has once again blocked the proposal for a shuttle bus between the railway station in the city and the coastal towns of Torrevieja and Benidorm.
In the meeting on Wednesday chaired by Andrés Llorens, on account of mayor Sonia Castedo being off work for maternity leave, the councillor for transport, Juan Seva, reiterated the opposition to the bus link on the grounds of refusing to allow those from outside the city to dictate what they decide, whilst also commenting that “almost 80% of users of the high speed trains” go to Alicante and its region, and only “20% goes to other municipalities”.
A survey of train passengers revealed that 79% of travellers are city and metropolitan based, whereas 21% goes to the rest of the province. Of those who travel outside the city confines, around 55% in the summer and 37% in the winter go south of the province. In terms of the most popular locations, 18% of the lesser group go to Benidorm and 12% go to Torrevieja.
Three different taxi association representatives were also present in the meeting, and expressed their concern that the buses might cause gridlock in the city.
An alternative proposal which may be discussed would be a connecting shuttle bus which runs from the train station to the bus station in Alicante, thus providing the necessary link to the network already operating. Meanwhile, RENFE are still advertising the operation of a connecting bus link from other towns such as Santa Pola.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43500/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In Alicante´s plenary meeting this week, the Partido Popular majority has once again blocked the proposal for a shuttle bus between the railway station in the city and the coastal towns of Torrevieja and Benidorm.
In the meeting on Wednesday cha...

### LAUNDRY TIPS FOR HOT EXPATS

Sorry about the title, but after several weeks writing about Wills, Death and Cockroaches for expats, I thought it was time to move on to something a little more cheerful, and that this would catch your attention. 
Let us consider a subject that I know is very dear to the hearts of many expats, and that is the subject of washing clothes.
Long gone are the days when most expats would pop along to their local stream and give their clothes a good scrub in its cooling running water. Believe it or not, the question of washing is one of the subjects that I receive many questions about.
True, it is a little behind the usual questions about ‘the land grab', legal and motoring problems, but washing is a popular subject nevertheless. It seems that sometimes we are never happy. We spend much of our lives in the misery of living in the wind and rain in our home country, move to Spain and still complain about the weather, but this time about what it does to the laundry.
The problem is that although clothes dry very rapidly in the heat of the Spanish and Canarian sun, they dry a little too quickly for comfort and end up feeling like sandpaper.
We can add as much fabric conditioner as we wish, but it makes little difference. Just imagine the horrors of enjoying your time swimming, sunbathing and relaxing in the heat of the sun on one of our fabulous beaches, only to take a delicious shower at the end of it all and dry yourself off with a towel that feels at best like a sheet of limp cardboard or, at worst, a nasty Brillo pad! Not nice is it?
Now, thanks to many of the delightful expats who write to me, I think we have the answer. It does not come cheap, but it is the answer nevertheless, and it comes in the form of a tumble drier.
I can already hear some readers snorting in disgust at the very thought of living in a hot climate and using a tumble drier to dry the washing, but I can assure them that after thorough testing, the idea does work. First of all, washing enthusiasts can still dry their clothes and towels in the heat of the sun, in the usual way.
This is economically and environmentally essential; after all we don't want to increase expats' carbon footprint more than we have already. However, for the final ten to fifteen minutes of drying, just pop the towels into the tumble drier to finish off. They will come out of the machine warm, dry and, most importantly, soft and fluffy; just like the towels that mother gave you at home.
Incidentally, whilst on the subject of fabric conditioners, it is best not to use them at all. I had not realised, until a correspondent wrote to me recently, that most fabric conditioners are made from the products of the slaughterhouse, with animal fats being one of the main ingredients. In addition, although fabric conditioners may make your clothes feel soft and fresh, the chemicals used are also toxic.
Health problems can range from headaches, light headedness and fatigue to serious damage to organs and the central nervous system, as well as cancer. I had always thought that the ‘fresh clean' smell of ‘Spring Blossom' fabric conditioner was for my sensory benefit.
Apparently not, as it is there mainly to disguise the foul smelling chemicals used. I am told that, as an alternative, a quarter cup of white vinegar or baking soda can be used in the final wash instead. To end on a more cheerful note, that ‘heady feel' after a good night out may have nothing at all to do with too much alcohol, but might be the result of contact with just too much fabric conditioner.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). 
Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie Mahoney
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43498/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Sorry about the title, but after several weeks writing about Wills, Death and Cockroaches for expats, I thought it was time to move on to something a little more cheerful, and that this would catch your attention. 
Let us consider a subject that I kno...

### POW TO FACE FORMER WORLD CHAMPION IN GRAN CANARIA

Former WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Gabriel Campillo (22,6,1, 9ko's) moves up to Cruiserweight when he returns to action against  Torrevieja's Ricky Pow (11,2,1) in a non title fight in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria on 9 May in an event promoted by MaravillaBox.
Madrid's Campillo is currently sparring in Chicago with former opponent Andrzez Fonfara while Pow, who has recently split from long time manager and coach Alberto Gonzalez, has followed his good friend Kiko Martinez, and current IBF Super Bantamweight World Champion, to his new training camp in Elche.
Meanwhile Pow has taken the Campillo fight instead of an opportunity of fighting for the IBO Latino light-heavyweight title on Keith Mayo's big summer triple title show at the Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon next month.
That fight has been put on hold until the outcome of his bout with former WBA world champion Campillo is known.
Mayo said: “Ricky is still up for fighting on my show in June, but we just have to see how this fight goes.”
 “It would be a huge scalp for Ricky if he can beat Campillo and I'm hoping that I can get over to Gran Canaria to see it.
Campillo, who won his title in 4 years ago with a majority decision over Beibut Shumenov, will be looking to use this fight to get his career back on track after he suffered a ninth round knock out by Andrzej Fonfara, who will now face Adonis Stevenson next month for the WBC crown, in Chicago back in August.
Campillo was originally due to fight Ibrahim Lopez who pulled out of the fight following his surprise defeat against Morocco's Mustafa Chadlioui.
In the main event Ceferino Rodriguez (15,0) defends the EU Welterweight title against Ismael El Massoudi (39,7) who held the WBA Interim Title for almost a year.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43497/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Former WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Gabriel Campillo (22,6,1, 9ko's) moves up to Cruiserweight when he returns to action against  Torrevieja's Ricky Pow (11,2,1) in a non title fight in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria on 9 May in an event promoted by Maravi...

### SPAIN GUARANTEES 10 MBPS WITHIN THREE YEARS

The new General Telecommunications Act has finally been approved by the Spanish Governement. The long-awaited update to the 2003 Act was approved by all main parties,the  PP, PSOE, CiU and PNV, who all voted in favour of the proposed amendments, 179 in total.
The new law will simplify the procedures for operators to invest in fibre optic and 4G networks by scrapping licenses and tax charges, introducing market unity and ensuring future access to networks in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner
The amendment also contain  measures that will reduce the digital divide and increase broadband access with a commitment to guarantee a minimum broadband connection speed of 10Mbps across the whole of Spain by 2017.
In addition, the government will collaborate with Spain's autonomous communities to extend 30 Mbps coverage to public institutions such as universities, schools and libraries by 2016.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43496/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The new General Telecommunications Act has finally been approved by the Spanish Governement. The long-awaited update to the 2003 Act was approved by all main parties,the  PP, PSOE, CiU and PNV, who all voted in favour of the proposed amendments, 179 in...

### FAMILY GROUP DRUG ARRESTS AT SAX VILLA

Agents of the National Police in Elda (Alicante) have broken up a family clan that was allegedly involved in drug trafficking - cocaine, marijuana and hashish - from a lab in a luxury villa in the Alicante town of Sax.
Raids on the property resulted in the arrest of nine people, four men and five women, last Tuesday morning.
Prior investigations carried out by the police discovered the unit, led by the head of the family, containing a cocaine laboratory in the villa for manufacturing, cutting and the distribution of narcotics.
The operational phase of the investigation began in March, following the arrest of a prostitute who was engaged in the distribution and sale of cocaine in several brothels in the Alicante province.
Subsequently, several police surveillance exercises were carried out to identify the members of the gang, resulting in the arrest of three women and five men in Alicante, Elda and Sax. Following those initial arrests, 167 grams of cocaine, 137 grams of marijuana and 62 grams of hashish, a 9mm pistol  and 28,655 euros in cash were seized along with jewelry gold, three luxury cars, and a motorcycle.
Police also found and dismantled a cocaine lab.
Police said those arrested are considered mid-level traffickers, each with clearly defined tasks. The group used heavy security and extremely high powered cars to ensure that they were not monitored or intercepted by the policeFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43495/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Agents of the National Police in Elda (Alicante) have broken up a family clan that was allegedly involved in drug trafficking - cocaine, marijuana and hashish - from a lab in a luxury villa in the Alicante town of Sax.
Raids on the property resulted i...

### SPAIN RISE TO CHALLENGE AGAINST WORLDS BEST

Spain has just experienced an awesome weekend, playing the Scotland 2014 Commonwealth Games Bowls Team at Quesada Bowls Club. 
This historic event was the 1st ever Test match between Spain & Scotland. The first seeds were sown for this Test Match, in 2012 at the World Bowls Championships in Adelaide Australia and continued from the European Championships.
Dialogue started toward the end of 2013 between David Gourlay, Head Coach for Bowls Scotland and ceded 4th in the World, with Pat Metcalfe, previous National Coach and Admin officer for the Spanish National Team.
Quesada Bowls Club agreed to host the Test Match and soon the wheels were put in motion culminating in an amazing weekend of phenomenal Bowls.
The Spanish Team included a few of the squad that were in Cyprus playing in an International 4 Nations Tournament, which was back to back with the Test Match. They had to stay at Gatwick all night, on the way back from Paphos, until the first flight back to Spain. Everybody that travelled back hadn't slept for 24hours.
Team Spain Ladies: Jan Dando, Sheri Fletcher, Lynn Greenland, Mary Cockell, Debbie Colquhoun, Peta Rhodes and Lisa Bonsor.
Team Spain Men: Bill Pain, Graham Cathcart, Steve Pearson, Brian Robertson, Jackie Breslin, Steve Cantley and Pete Bonsor.
Team Scotland Ladies: Margaret Letham, in her 5th Commonwealth Games, Caroline Brown, World number 1 Singles Champion, Claire Johnson, Lorraine Malloy and Lauren Baillie making her debut in the Team.
Team Scotland Men: Alex Marshall MBE, has 19 World Titles. Paul Foster MBE Number 1 in the World and current Indoor and outdoor World Champion. Darren Burnett, World Indoor Champion, David Peacock and Neil Spiers.
On the first day Spain drew 1 game. Sheri Fletcher's Triple with Peta Rhodes and Mary Cockell finished 14 all against Scotland's Claire Johnson, Lauren Baillie and, going for her 5th Commonwealth games, Margaret Letham.
Jan Dando narrowly lost her Singles 19-21 to Caroline Brown World Singles Champion 2014. A great game to watch.
On the second day, Bill Pain & Pete Bonsor managed a win by 1 shot against Paul Foster MBE and Alex Marshall MBE 19-18. On the 8th end Bill and Pete were 2 – 14 down. They dug deep and won the next 7 ends 18 - 14.
They managed to win 1 more shot over the last 3 ends and Scotland manage 4 shots finishing, Spain 19 Scotland 18.
In the Ladies Singles Lynn Greenland beat Caroline Brown 21 - 20. A brilliant game of Bowls drawing at 20 - 20 on 22 ends. Lynn was holding 3 shots on the last end and Caroline fired with her last bowl took out 1 shot and touched the Jack, but Lynn's bowls were in such a position that she still held 2 shots to finish the game.
The whole weekend saw some phenomenal bowling.
Thanks to the spectators who thoroughly enjoyed the spectacular games being played before them.
Spain have been invited to Scotland for a return match and Scotland would like to come back to Spain again. This is a great compliment to the Spanish Team for giving Scotland such a great work out.
There are many thanks to be given to President Mike Lamberton & Quesada Bowls Club committee for their very hard work in co-ordinating all the travel arrangements and making sure that everything ran smoothly. Thanks also go to the Umpires, Markers and board scorers who gave up their time to be involved.
The whole weekend finished with a Gala dinner, organised by Jackie Breslin, at Quesada Bowls Club with music and dancing.
A very fitting end to an amazing 2 days.
By Pat Metcalfe
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43494/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spain has just experienced an awesome weekend, playing the Scotland 2014 Commonwealth Games Bowls Team at Quesada Bowls Club. 
This historic event was the 1st ever Test match between Spain & Scotland. The first seeds were sown for this Test Match,...

### JUDGE REINSTATES EXPELLED ORIHUELA COUNCILLORS

In this week´s plenary meeting at Orihuela town hall, the Mayor of the municipality, Monseratte Guillén, once again refused to allow two councillors to table motions on behalf of the CLR-CLARO group, on account of them having been expelled from that coalition.
However, coincidental to the timing of the plenary meeting, the judge provisionally suspended the expulsion of Pedro Mancebo and Juan Ignacio López-Bas, this theoretically returning them to their previous positions within the political group they have maintained representation of.
The significance of returning them to the group is that it would pave the way once more for the tabling of a censure motion, which could, in turn, overthrow the mayor and return the Partido Popular to power for the remainder of this administrative term.
In the notes from the court, the judge appears to support the argument that the two councillors have maintained, the claim that the requirements of their expulsion were not met. As the last attempted censure motion was prevented on account of them having been expelled, the suspension may now open the door for the motion to be tabled once again.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43492/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In this week´s plenary meeting at Orihuela town hall, the Mayor of the municipality, Monseratte Guillén, once again refused to allow two councillors to table motions on behalf of the CLR-CLARO group, on account of them having been expelled...

### TIME TO GET HAPPY SHOPPING

The commercial department of Torrevieja town hall has a campaign running to show people being happy shopping.
Although time is running out, with the deadline being the 5th of May, it is your chance for fame, fortune and stardom, by submitting your own 30 second clip of being happy whilst shopping in Torrevieja, to the tune of “Happy” by Pharrell Williams.
Not quite a success as the viral explosion of “Gangnam Style” by the Korean entertainer Psy, “Happy” has become a global hit by many people creating their own versions of the accompanying video, with even Oprah Winfrey getting involved in the success story.
In order to take part, you must record a video, of no more than 30 seconds, with one or more people dancing in a happy mood, using a location of the city of Torrevieja as a background, in order promote the location as either a tourist or shopping destination. You should also be carrying a yellow bag in the video, which can be obtained from the department of commerce at Calle Maldonado nº 1, opposite the town hall.
When you collect your bag, you will also be able to ask for one of the many ways to submit your video, and you can visit their Facebook page, facebook.com/concejalia.comercio.torrevieja for more details.
The ten lucky winners who are most voted for will win the chance to have their video appear on You Tube, as well as a voucher for dinner for everyone in your video, up to a maximum of ten people. 
Remember though, you have to look “Happy”, unlike many of the people in the pictures on their Facebook page, and, as the aim is about shopping and tourism, just to avoid any doubt, the Zenia Boulevard is not in Torrevieja, so you probably shouldn´t consider that as a location for your You Tube stardom bid. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43491/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The commercial department of Torrevieja town hall has a campaign running to show people being happy shopping.
Although time is running out, with the deadline being the 5th of May, it is your chance for fame, fortune and stardom, by submitting your own...

### Thursday 1 May 2014 - Things to do

listen to ‘Thursday´s What´s On Guide - 1st May 2014’ on Audioboo

THURSDAY 1 MAY, 2014

LABOUR DAY (National Holiday). May Day.

Markets

Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales.

ALICANTE

Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).

ORIHUELA

Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).

TORREVIEJA

1st to 11th May - Exposition of Municipal Photographic School work in Virgen del Carmen CC.

19:00 - “Sleeping Beauty” ballet - Teatro Municipal 30euros or 25 Euros.

FUTURE EVENTS TO PUT IN YOUR DIARY

4 May – Spanish Mother´s Day.

6 – 11 May is Barcelona Bridal Week.

14 – 17 May is Torrevieja May Fair daily in the Fairground port area.

### ALICANTE POLICE TEAM TO ENSURE SAFETY OF TOURISTS

It would seem that at long last the authorities in Alicante have finally realised that they need to pay rather more attention to the requirements of tourists while they are visiting the city. 
Nothing provides a worse image than a tourist who has been the victim of a crime or one who has suffered maltreatment, whatever the reason, as he returns and spreads word of the nature of his dissatisfaction back home or on travel review websites that have become so popular in recent years.
As such, agents of the policia locale have this week been transferred in to a new team of Tourist Police who began their duties last Monday. 
The Department of Public Safety have created the force because they want to provide tourists with the best image of the city so during the tourism season there will now be ten officers per shift working the streets of Alicante and dealing specifically with assistance to visiting holidaymakers.
The officers will be responsible for overseeing their safety and for enforcing the city ordinances in the areas of the greatest influx of tourism in the city
Councillor Juan Seva said that the officers “will provide a safer environment for tourists during their stay in Alicante, through actions of prevention, protection and guidance. They will also be responsible for collaboration with government and businesses linked to tourism in the city.”
As well as ensuring the care and conservation of historic sites, monuments and the environment, officers will also pay special attention to any activities that may adversely affect tourism, such as dumping rubbish out of hours, begging, prostitution, alcohol or drug abuse on public streets.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43490/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: It would seem that at long last the authorities in Alicante have finally realised that they need to pay rather more attention to the requirements of tourists while they are visiting the city. 
Nothing provides a worse image than a tourist who has been...

### ARE FOREIGN SECOND HOMEOWNERS THE KEY TO SPAIN’S RECOVERY?

High unemployment and a sluggish economy are stifling Spain's appeal to Brits looking somewhere sunny to live and work, but its bargain property prices are attracting holiday homeowners and investors, that is according to a string of statistics published in April.
Richard Way, Editor at The Overseas Guides Company, publishers of the Spain Buying Guide said: “The Bank of Spain reported that investment by foreigners in Spain's housing market in 2013 was the highest for nine years, at €6.45 billion (US$8.95 billion), up 16 per cent on the previous year. At the same time, a leading overseas mortgage broker confirmed in April a sizeable shift in interest for Spain in the last six months, with the country accounting for more than half of enquiries being received – the first time that a single country has accounted for such a large percentage of the broker's enquiries. 
 “Similarly, at The Overseas Guides Company, we have witnessed more interest for property in Spain than in France during the first quarter of 2014 - historically it has been the reverse. And yesterday (April 28th), Spain's Association of Land Registrars released a statement saying that foreigners' share of all Spanish property transactions rose to 11.15 per cent in 2013, compared to just 4.45 per cent in 2009. The Balearic Islands, home to Mallorca, attract the largest portion of foreign buyers (30.7 per cent), followed by the Valencian Community (24.8 per cent), home to the Costa Blanca and the Canary Islands (24.6 per cent).
 “Recent statistics showing a fall in the number of British people registered at town halls in 2013 would suggest more people are returning to the UK than relocating to Spain. However, they don't reflect people purchasing second homes there or Brits that split their time between the two countries, while remaining a resident of the UK.”
Richard Way, Editor, The Overseas Guides CompanyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43488/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: High unemployment and a sluggish economy are stifling Spain's appeal to Brits looking somewhere sunny to live and work, but its bargain property prices are attracting holiday homeowners and investors, that is according to a string of statistics publish...

### Wednesday 30 April 2014 - What´s On Guide

listen to ‘Things to do - 30 April 2014’ on Audioboo


WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL, 2014

International Jazz Day.

Markets

Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas.

ALICANTE

Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).

BARCELONA

DJ Peter Hook, Club Catwalk.

ORIHUELA

“Libro de actas capitulares del Consell 1353-1357” - Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (LAST DAY).

Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).

ORIHUELA COSTA

Cartoon drawing  – Zenia Boulevard.

FUTURE EVENTS TO PUT IN YOUR DIARY

4 May – Spanish Mother´s Day.

6 – 11 May is Barcelona Bridal Week.

14 – 17 May is Torrevieja May Fair daily in the Fairground port area.

### ANOTHER BUSY WEEKEND ON THE ROADS FROM WEDNESDAY

As Spain prepares to join many other nations in celebrating the day of the worker on Thursday, the national holiday on a Thursday, which also coincides with the Día de Madrid celebrations on Friday, mean an extended weekend break for many and a particularly busy time on the roads.
To make matters even more complex, the province of Cádiz is also a particularly popular destination this weekend, as the Jerez Motorcycle Grand Prix is being held between the 2nd and the 4th of May.
From 15:00 on Wednesday the 30th of April, until 24:00 on Sunday the 4th of May, the DGT traffic department will be operating under special traffic management conditions, in order to regulate the flow of traffic and ensure as little disruption as possible.
However, with an anticipated 5.5 million long distance journeys on the roads of the country, mostly as tourists head to the coast, it will be no easy task to keep the traffic moving and road users safe. Some 2,835,000 of the vehicle movements will be concentrated in the Valencia region.
Because this holiday is a relatively short one, compared to that of Easter or summer, the traffic flow in both directions is expected to be amplified throughout the entire period, rather than a concentration of movements towards the coast at the beginning and back inland at the end. However, some areas which will be of particular interest are roads within Castilla-La Mancha, Valencia, Murcia and Andalusia.
On Thursday, the 1st of May, an amplification of shorter trips will be expected, including areas of touristic interest, such as mountainous resorts, cities, leisure areas and, of course, the beach, all returning to their location of holiday in the afternoon. 
On Friday the 2nd of May, this same traffic complication will mix with a large portion of normal road users, as the day is a normal day for most, apart from those choosing to take the “bridging” day to extend the weekend holiday. Then, as the afternoon and evening progresses, the usual weekend traffic will also join those already on holiday, and those still working.
Saturday the 3rd of May is expected to be relatively quiet in the morning, apart from the usual localised flow, but urban roads are expected to be very busy in the afternoon.
Finally, on Sunday, the majority of those who have enjoyed the coastal areas are expected to return home, with a major concentration expected into the afternoon and evening, as many choose to make the most of their time away and leave as late as possible.
In order to cope with the flow of traffic, most major road works have been cancelled, the movement of heavy and dangerous goods will face restrictions, and the traffic police and management teams will be out in force.
By using cones and time rehearsed plans, the DGT is capable of creating an additional 400 kilometres of roadway for the most congested parts of the country, and alternative routes will be provided by the use of signs and live traffic planning on their website and mobile applications.
As for the staff behind ensuring the weekend goes with as little impact as possible, there will be 600 technical staff on hand to monitor and control the road network, as well as 10,000 Guardia Civil traffic officers, plus 13,000 road workers on hand keeping the roads clear.
The Guardia Civil will be actively trying to enforce the law during the period, in order to try to keep everybody safe, with an increase in the number of alcohol and speed checks, as well as a focus on seatbelts and the use of child restraints.
In order to reduce the problems for your own journey, the DGT recommend planning your journey in advance, paying as much attention to avoiding the busiest times as listed where possible. Whilst driving, keep calm, take regular breaks and always adhere to the law. Finally, the DGT also advise responsible and prudent driving on the road, “because we can all do our part”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43483/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As Spain prepares to join many other nations in celebrating the day of the worker on Thursday, the national holiday on a Thursday, which also coincides with the Día de Madrid celebrations on Friday, mean an extended weekend break for many and a ...

### LIDL LAUNCH MAJOR RECRUITMENT DRIVE

German supermarket chain Lidl has announced an extensive investment program for their Spanish network, with the injection of 180 million euro investment this year.
As a result, they plan to open an additional 20 supermarkets, whilst modernizing 50 of their existing outlets.
The good news is that this has resulted in a nationwide recruitment campaign, with the creation of 400 new jobs across the country, which will bring their total workforce to around 10,000 in their 525 stores and 8 logistic centres.
Describing the key to their success as simplicity, the company´s aim is to offer customers everyday items with the best value. 
There are no formal qualifications required to apply for the posts, and experience is also not necessary, as the company offers an extensive training program. Working in sales alone results in a 12 month period of training. More information can be obtained via their website, www.lidl.es, where they are currently advertising for roles in sales, logistics, administration and finance, buying, advertising, expansion and property, human resources and more.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43477/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: German supermarket chain Lidl has announced an extensive investment program for their Spanish network, with the injection of 180 million euro investment this year.
As a result, they plan to open an additional 20 supermarkets, whilst modernizing 50 of ...

### FIRE DAMAGES THREE HOUSES IN EL MUDAMIENTO

A fire forced the evacuation of three houses on Sunday in the hamlet of El Mudamiento close to Almoradi.
The source was reported as being the back yard of one of the properties in which a large amount of firewood was piled.  
Fortunately, according to firefighters attending the scene, despite the smoke and initial ferocity of the flames, there were no injuries and everyone was safely evacuated.
The fire originated in the yard of one of the properties located in the hamlet of El Oriolana Mudamiento in a complex of three houses which were all inhabited by members of one family.  
It  started at about 1pm, although the initial cause is unknown, but it then spread very quickly through stacks of accumulated firewood which was to be used as fuel both in the house and on the outdoor  barbecue. Although the owner first tried to douse the flames himself, he was overcome by the fire and was forced to call the emergency services for help.
The column of smoke could be seen for miles around and quickly attracted a large number of onlookers , however  the security forces cordoned off the perimeter of the house to avoid incidents.
The bomberos were able to bring the fire under control in just under an hourFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43476/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A fire forced the evacuation of three houses on Sunday in the hamlet of El Mudamiento close to Almoradi.
The source was reported as being the back yard of one of the properties in which a large amount of firewood was piled.  
Fortunately, according t...

### SIKH COMMUNITY BRINGS COLOUR TO TORREVIEJA STREETS

The Sikh community brought colour to the streets of Torrevieja at the weekend as they joined to celebrate the community fiesta ' Nagar Kirtan ' with a party and parade attracting hundreds of participants from provinces all over the region.  
The festival is a Sikh custom involving the processional singing of holy hymns throughout a community bringing  the message of God to the doorstep of the community. It is very common for Nagar Kirtans to take place wherever Sikhs live. They take place all over the globe.
The festival once again demonstrated the multi ethnicity of the city, described by city officials as the best antidote to promote healthy living among the melting pot that it constitutes.
The Indian community who follow the Sikh religion celebrate ' Nagar Kirtan ' every year with a colorful parade which tours the town inviting residents to better understand their traditions and their customs.
Sunday's initiative was organised by the Sikh community of Torrevieja in collaboration with the City and the Association of Immigrants.
It began at the Sikh temple of Torrevieja , located in the industrial estate Casagrande , where several hundred people attended the launch. The parade then moved through the streets of the town to the Paseo Vista Alegre. During the tour, the organizers offered food and drink to spectators and to anyone who wanted to find out more about the procession and the ceremony.
The parade featured a float decorated with colorful garlands carrying the ' Guru Granth Sahib ', the sacred scripture of the Sikh religion. Participants walked barefoot all the way and all had their heads covered.
They were preceded by a group of men and women carrying brooms to clean used to  floor as they also threw flower petals. All sang hymns during the festive parade. The representative of the temple in Torrevieja, Taranpreeet Singh , said the community is keen to integrate with other religious and social groups in Torrevieja as yhey continue to make their religion better understood.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43475/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Sikh community brought colour to the streets of Torrevieja at the weekend as they joined to celebrate the community fiesta ' Nagar Kirtan ' with a party and parade attracting hundreds of participants from provinces all over the region.  
The festi...

### TWO DOZEN INJURED IN ALICANTE BOUNCY CASTLE ACCIDENT

Alicante officials say that the forensic evidence will determine whether or not there was anyone to blame following the accident recorded in the city on Sunday in which 23 people were injured , mostly of a minor nature,  when five bouncy castles full of children were caught by the wind and lifted over a hundred metres at a street  event organized by Foguera La Ceràmica .
“As such we must all wait for the results of the investigation before we can consider the necessary action ," insisted Juan Seva following questions put to him from the media at the press conference following the Local Government Board. He said "we must be very cautious because we need to make sure that the action we take is correct." If there was a fault and anyone is to blame we will ensure that the appropriate action is taken.”
Meanwhile the Municipal spokeswoman Marta Garcia -Romeu confirmed that all the necessary licenses had been issued to hold the event while the mayor said that all of the protocols were followed by the organizers before the authorities were issued.
The mayor also confirmed that all of the emergency procedures worked perfectly." "The National Police were quickly on the scene and all bodies of ICU physicians and SAMU were also involved . From this point of view we are satisfied with the response," said the mayor , who also said that he was pleased that the accident was not more serious, " and that the injuries were not serious.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43474/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Alicante officials say that the forensic evidence will determine whether or not there was anyone to blame following the accident recorded in the city on Sunday in which 23 people were injured , mostly of a minor nature,  when five bouncy castles full of children were caught by the wind and lifted over a hundred metres at a street  event organized by Foguera La Ceràmica .
“As such we must all wait for the results of the investigation before we can consider the necessary action ," insisted Juan Seva following questions put to him from the media at the press conference following the Local Government Board. He said "we must be very cautious because we need to make sure that the action we take is correct." If there was a fault and anyone is to blame we will ensure that the appropriate action is taken.”
Meanwhile the Municipal spokeswoman Marta Garcia -Romeu confirmed that all the necessary licenses had been issued to hold the event while the mayor said that all of the protocols were followed by the organizers before the authorities were issued.
The mayor also confirmed that all of the emergency procedures worked perfectly." "The National Police were quickly on the scene and all bodies of ICU physicians and SAMU were also involved . From this point of view we are satisfied with the response," said the mayor , who also said that he was pleased that the accident was not more serious, " and that the injuries were not serious.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43474/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### Tuesday 29 April 2014 - Events Guide

listen to ‘Things to do - Tuesday 29 April 2014’ on Audioboo

TUESDAY 29 APRIL, 2014

Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare. International Dance Day.

Markets

Alicante, (Rastro), Aspe, Altea, Benijofar, ORIHUELA, San Fulgencio.

ALICANTE

Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).

ORIHUELA

“Libro de actas capitulares del Consell 1353-1357” - Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 30 Apr). This is the oldest book of records preserved in the Municipal Archives.

Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).

ORIHUELA COSTA

Latino Mariachi Show – Zenia Boulevard.

TORREVIEJA

11:00 Cartagena Symphony Orchestra, Teatro Municipal.

19.30h- Concierto Coral ofrecido por el coro sueco “CAT MUSIK”. Org: Concejalia de Extranjeria. PALACIO DE LA MUSICA  Free entrance with invitation.

FUTURE EVENTS TO PUT IN YOUR DIARY

4 May – Spanish Mother´s Day.

6 – 11 May is Barcelona Bridal Week.

14 – 17 May is Torrevieja May Fair daily in the Fairground port area.

### JUSTICE SWINGING FOR FORMER MAYORS

The Ministry of Justice has issued a report contrary to a pardon requested by the former mayor of Torrevieja, Pedro Hernández Mateo, found guilty and convicted in November, 2012, for trespass and forgery in a 100 million euro contract awarded in 2004 to handle the municipal waste collection. He was disqualified from office for 7 years and sentenced to prison for 3.
This is the latest blow for Hernández Mateo, who has tried every possible option to remain free, despite every level of the judicial and appeals process finding him guilty, judges and the Supreme Court all supporting his incarceration, plus a protest by member of the public who want to see a convicted criminal serve the sentence handed down.
However, the final decision still lies in the hands of the central government of Mariano Rajoy, run by his own political party, the Partido Popular, but there is still some hope for justice to be served as in a recent answer to a parliamentary question, the government said that it has rejected a total of 49 clemency petitions during 2013 for crimes of corruption by individuals against the Public Administration reiterating the need for sentences to be carried out if justice is to be achieved.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Court has admitted an appeal by former Orihuela Mayor, Mónica Lorente, thus cancelling the trial set for the 29th of May, in which Lorente was to be charged in connection with the case of the Plaza del Escorratel.
In a case brought to the courts following complaints by both the Los Verdes and PSOE, it was alleged that Lorente had awarded the contract for work on the square to a company before it had been put to public tender.
In a statement, Lorente said that this is “a good day, because with this news, which is very good news, from both personal and political points of view”, and she remains confident that time will prove her “right”.
Lorente continued, “understand the significance of these issues when you are a public office”, stating that “I have been featured in media for the opening of a trial against alleged negligence, today I want everyone to know this positive news, both personally and politically, as we take a step to clear any doubt “.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43473/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Ministry of Justice has issued a report contrary to a pardon requested by the former mayor of Torrevieja, Pedro Hernández Mateo, found guilty and convicted in November, 2012, for trespass and forgery in a 100 million euro contract awarded in...

### ORIHUELA COSTA - HISTORY IN THE MAKING !

For the first time ever, residents of Orihuela Costa were invited to one of the most important festivals in the Spanish calendar, the Caballero Cubierto ceremony in Orihuela city.
It happened Saturday 19th April, attended by many hundreds of people and watched by thousands, followed in the Spanish press and regional television.
The only Orihuela Costa organisation represented was troubled Help and Home Costa Blanca charity.
Attending was the charity´s founder, Norah Bond and current President Eileen Mayes.  
They not only were invited to be among the 600 specially-invited guests within the college, but were VIP guests at a champagne reception.
Mrs Mayes said: "It was a magnificent occasion, and it was an honour for us to be present.  I would like to thank the city council for inviting us and also for extending the hand of friendship to ex-pats who are helping to improve conditions for everyone on the Costa, Spanish and non-Spanish alike."
"It is particularly pleasing for our charity because we have had a conflict within Help at Home Costa Blanca with a previous President refusing to accept a vote of no confidence in her and continuing to claim she is the rightful President. 
Eileen Mayes continued by saying “It seems that in the eyes of council officials we are the properly elected representatives of the charity."  
"This dispute continues to damage our ability to help the many people who are in need of a little help at home along the coastal towns and villages.   We are busier than ever and will continue to help those in need of our services provided by volunteers.”
After the reception and speeches within the college, there was a special procession through the old city to the Town Hall.  Norah and Eileen´s husbands were allowed to join in and march alongside.
There were several members representing CLARO, the Independent political party fighting for improvements and more facilities for the Coast including Councillor Bob Houliston President of CLARO who said: "The proclamation of the Caballero Cubierto in the ceremony in the courtyard of Santo Domingo College in  Orihuela is one of the key events in the Easter week calendar. 
Bob went on to say, "Traditionally, all sectors of Orihuela society take part - political, civil, military, business and cultural.   The Caballero Cubierto is selected annually, this time an eminent academic lead the Easter procession and represent the population of Orihuela as someone who takes his hat off to no one.
"This ceremony, together with the religious celebrations, have made Orihuela widely known in Spain for the traditions and pageantry of Easter week.  
"This year is the first time residents of Orihuela Costa were invited to take part in the Caballero Cubierto ceremony, a recognition of the importance of Orihuela Costa and it´s varied population in the municipality.  
Those invited were chosen for their contributions to the business and social life of the coast, those that are making a difference, making history “Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43465/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: For the first time ever, residents of Orihuela Costa were invited to one of the most important festivals in the Spanish calendar, the Caballero Cubierto ceremony in Orihuela city.
It happened Saturday 19th April, attended by many hundreds of people and watched by thousands, followed in the Spanish press and regional television.
The only Orihuela Costa organisation represented was troubled Help and Home Costa Blanca charity.
Attending was the charity´s founder, Norah Bond and current President Eileen Mayes.  
They not only were invited to be among the 600 specially-invited guests within the college, but were VIP guests at a champagne reception.
Mrs Mayes said: "It was a magnificent occasion, and it was an honour for us to be present.  I would like to thank the city council for inviting us and also for extending the hand of friendship to ex-pats who are helping to improve conditions for everyone on the Costa, Spanish and non-Spanish alike."
"It is particularly pleasing for our charity because we have had a conflict within Help at Home Costa Blanca with a previous President refusing to accept a vote of no confidence in her and continuing to claim she is the rightful President. 
Eileen Mayes continued by saying “It seems that in the eyes of council officials we are the properly elected representatives of the charity."  
"This dispute continues to damage our ability to help the many people who are in need of a little help at home along the coastal towns and villages.   We are busier than ever and will continue to help those in need of our services provided by volunteers.”
After the reception and speeches within the college, there was a special procession through the old city to the Town Hall.  Norah and Eileen´s husbands were allowed to join in and march alongside.
There were several members representing CLARO, the Independent political party fighting for improvements and more facilities for the Coast including Councillor Bob Houliston President of CLARO who said: "The proclamation of the Caballero Cubierto in the ceremony in the courtyard of Santo Domingo College in  Orihuela is one of the key events in the Easter week calendar. 
Bob went on to say, "Traditionally, all sectors of Orihuela society take part - political, civil, military, business and cultural.   The Caballero Cubierto is selected annually, this time an eminent academic lead the Easter procession and represent the population of Orihuela as someone who takes his hat off to no one.
"This ceremony, together with the religious celebrations, have made Orihuela widely known in Spain for the traditions and pageantry of Easter week.  
"This year is the first time residents of Orihuela Costa were invited to take part in the Caballero Cubierto ceremony, a recognition of the importance of Orihuela Costa and it´s varied population in the municipality.  
Those invited were chosen for their contributions to the business and social life of the coast, those that are making a difference, making history “Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43465/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### III FERIA DE SEVILLANAS PILAR DE LA HORADADA

The Flamenco For All Cultural Association Invites You To Their “Caseta”(Tent) For The Following Special Activities During This Fair.
• April 30th…..9:30pm Flamenco Show By The Flamenco For All Dancers.
• May 1st…… 2:00pm Paella & Salad Lunch For Members And Nonmembers, Call:  630 431 689 For Reservations. 9:30pm Big Show Of The Sevillanas Choir “Hermandad De La Virgen Del Rocio”
• May 2nd......Sevillanas Dancing From 8:00pm Than Show By The Flamenco For All Dancers On The Main Stage At 10:00pm To Be Followed By Fiesta & Show By The Young Stars Of The Future In Our Tent.
• May 3rd ……2:00pm Grilled Meat & Salad Lunch For Members And Nonmembers With Flamenco Show. Call: 630 689 431 For Reservations.  As Of 9:30pm Sevillanas Dancing And Guest Artists From The Raquel Peña Flamenco Dance Company.
• May 4th …..Paella & Salad Lunch 2:00pm Show “Flamenco For All Dancers  And In The Evening Sevillanas Dancing.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43463/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Flamenco For All Cultural Association Invites You To Their “Caseta”(Tent) For The Following Special Activities During This Fair.
• April 30th…..9:30pm Flamenco Show By The Flamenco For All Dancers.
• May 1st…&h...

### CASTELLON AIRPORT SET TO OPEN BY CHRISTMAS

Long considered a moth-balled testament to lavish waste by the regional government of Valencia, the new provincial airport of Castellón may well now open before Christmas of this year, after standing vacant for three years.
In a surprise announcement this week, the president of Valencia, Alberto Fabra, met with delegates from a Canadian group, led by the president of SNC-Lavalin Aeropuertos, Youssef Sabeh, in preparation for signing over the running of the Aeropuerto de Castelló for a period of 20 years.
Both sides initiated the document signing process with a view to conclusion as soon as practical, probably as early as next month, but in any event with a view for the airport being open to traffic by November of this year at the latest.
The specifications of the tender state a fixed period of five months from the signing of the contract until the opening of the airport, three months for certifying SNC-Lavalin as the management company and two and a half months until the start of operations. The company will also have 45 days to recruit and train staff from the signing of the contract. Therefore, if the plans continue at the pace they have begun, once signed in May, the airport would be operational by November.
In order for the Canadian group to qualify as the contract holder, they must have a minimum registered capital of 2.5 million euro and at the time of the agreement, and must spend at least 1 million. In total, their anticipated investment in the airport is worth 3 million euro.
The president of the Generalitat, Alberto Fabra, said that once the contract is signed, the company will present a number of “specific projects” for the airport and will then talk about the possible start dates for flights.
Much like a similar project in the region of Murcia, the airport in Castellon has been the subject of criticism over the last few years, even this week the regional parliamentary representative of the Esquerra Unida group, Marina Albiol, demanded answers as to why the regional government spent 26 million euro of public money in sports sponsorship for the airport, when the airport has been closed since its completion in 2011.
During its history, a number of considerations had been put to the government, including one possibility of using the airport as a car racing track, or converting it into a shopping complex, but it does now look that at least one airport will finally realize its intention of becoming a hub for the airways.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43460/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Long considered a moth-balled testament to lavish waste by the regional government of Valencia, the new provincial airport of Castellón may well now open before Christmas of this year, after standing vacant for three years.
In a surprise announ...

### THE LEADER NEWSPAPER IS OUT NOW

This week´s virtual version of The Leader is out right now, available on our dedicated website, www.virtualleader.info.
The real thing is available from Monday morning in hundreds of outlets across the Costa Blanca, cram packed full of all the latest news and sports, special features and more, so make sure you pick up your own copy first thing.
For now though, you can go direct to this week´s issue bu clicking this link http://www.virtualleader.info/issue-517-28-april-2014Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43459/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: This week´s virtual version of The Leader is out right now, available on our dedicated website, www.virtualleader.info.
The real thing is available from Monday morning in hundreds of outlets across the Costa Blanca, cram packed full of all the l...

### Monday 28 April 2014 - Things to do

listen to ‘Monday´s What´s On Guide’ on Audioboo

MONDAY 28 APRIL, 2014

World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

Markets

Cox, Elche, Formentera, La Nucia, San Pedro del Pinatar, Santa Pola, Sax, Torremendo.

ALICANTE

Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).

ORIHUELA

“Libro de actas capitulares del Consell 1353-1357” - Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 30 Apr). This is the oldest book of records preserved in the Municipal Archives.

Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).

ORIHUELA COSTA

Celta – Valladolid football on the big screen plus Lunes de baile, Monday Dance Show – Zenia Boulevard.

TORREVIEJA

11.00h-14.30h and 17.30h-22.30h- 17th EDITION OF THE BOOK FAIR, PASEO VISTAALEGRE (Last day).

SAN VICENTE FERRER PROCESSION at 08:30 h. “Solemne Procesión-Traslado del Santísimo” with the brass band “Unión Musical Torrevejense”. ITINERARY: From the Inmaculada Concepción Church along Caballero de Rodas, Clemente Gosálvez, Canónigo Torres, Azorín, and Caballero de Rodas street to the Inmaculada Concepción Church.

16:00 – Street Dance Marathon, Paseo Vista Alegre.

FUTURE EVENTS TO PUT IN YOUR DIARY

4 May – Spanish Mother´s Day.

6 – 11 May is Barcelona Bridal Week.

14 – 17 May is Torrevieja May Fair daily in the Fairground port area.

### SAN LUIS BOWLS CLUB  – 25.04.14.

The Champion of Champions finals were played out on Saturday 19th at Vistabella and for those who were not able to be there you  missed a great day's bowling. 
During the rounds and semi-finals there were close games and the finals had some equally close matches and excellent play. All were played in a very good, though competitive, spirit with spectators applauding good shots on both sides, not just for their team members.
San Luis BC was represented in the Men´s singles & the Men's pairs and I'm pleased to say we took both trophies: Colin Jackson won the battle against Tony McKenna (Javea Green) to become Men's Singles champion and Allen Bowen & Keith Jones won through aginst Derek Gunning & Gerry Gough (Country Bowls) to become Men's Pairs champions.
Wednesday 23rd VCLeague: Blues away v Quesada Panthers had a tough day for 4pts-8. Winners, pairs: June & Keith Jones 19-21, trips Colin Jackson, Giuseppe Gallelli & Mal Hughes 24-16.
Whites  at home v Quesada Tigers, won 8-4 winners: men's singles: Scott Malden 21-20, p
airs: Margaret Rogers & Peter Cox 16-13, trips: Cas Blay, Dave Blackie & Arthur France 21-11.
Frday 25th SABA: Spitfire League, Wellingtons were at home to San Miguel Christians winning 10-4 (shots 121-90). Well done to: Pam Lockett, June & Keith Jones 21-11. Kath Reid, Bob White & Mike Lockett 19-11. Colin Jackson, Roy Cordell & Colin Lindgren 31-9. Jean Parkes, Vic Slater & Paul Parkes 20-18.
Hurricane League, Hercules away at Greenlands, were defeated by the Gladiators 2-12. Survivors; Audrey Ford, Bob Foulds & Sue Ross 19-15. Harrier League, Mosquitoes at home v Vistabella Greeners had a tough time, managing 4 points-10. Winners Frank Gibbons, Judy Carroll & Robin Harker 29-10. Dave Tilley, Ian Young & Cas Blay 24-11.
Chicken drive, Wednesday 23rd  winner Bob White.
Spanish National Championships- play begins Sunday 11th May, San Luis will be hosting matches until May 21st, please check the calendar to see when the green is available.
For any information about San Luis Club please contact June Jones (Capt) 966188920 or Pam Lockett (Sec) 965327645.
Sheila Cammack.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43454/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Champion of Champions finals were played out on Saturday 19th at Vistabella and for those who were not able to be there you  missed a great day's bowling. 
During the rounds and semi-finals there were close games and the finals had some equally cl...

### ELCHE DRAW POINTS TOWARDS SAFETY

Elche   1    Levante   1
A win would have virtually secured staying in La Liga for Elche next season. But this year's biggest problem is the Franjiverdes scoring goals, having the dubious distinction of being the league's lowest scorers: a pathetic 28 in 35 games.
Even bottom club Betis have scored 29. Fortunately the defence has acquitted itself reasonably well, only conceding a competitive 47, lower than most around them to keep the Illicitanos just above the relegation zone. Mid-table Levante, with nothing really to play for represented Elche's best chance of vital home points in the tough final run in.
In the City of Palms on a sunny Friday evening a wildly-enthusiastic 28,405 fans, almost all locals turned out to urge their green and white men on. Everyone was given special  flags and programs on entry and one supporters group had made a huge home-made banner adorning half the Prefencia stand denoting the club's unity. So - all Elche had to do was win, and everyone could go home happy - but this is football…
Still no Lomban and Albacar in defence meant Peligrin and this time Cisma standing in after Sapuranu's red card last week. No Ruben Perez in midfield, left out in favour of Carlos Sanchez and Javi Marquez. For a change striker Boakye started, hero of the late winner two weeks ago in injury time against rivals Getafe, supported upfront by the lively newcomer Rodriguez. For Levante two old Elche favourites started, ‘Zoomi' Xumetra and popular goalscorer Angel.
Elche started well with Peligrin heading over unmarked from a Suarez free kick. It wasn't all one-way, Herrera pushed a long shot past his post as the visitors had their moments, but half-time came goalless with Elche firmly in control.
Only four minutes into the second half and somehow Javi Marquez missed an open goal. Boakye then appeared to be tripped in the box, but the ref said no, as both sides sustained bookings. On the hour at last… the desired, long-awaited and very welcome home goal came. From the wide left Rodriguez found Boakye in the area with his back to goal, but well marked.
The Ghananian striker who has notched several important goals this season, swivelled, dummied and cracked in his shot to wild celebrations and warm applause all round the ectstatic Martinez Valero. The happy carnival atmosphere went on for a full 12 minutes with the fully-expectant prospect that the Franjiverdes would go on and score more…
Following a needlessly-conceded corner, to almost total shocked silence a chapter of accidents in the Elche defence saw Angel cruelly scoring against his old club at the second attempt, everyone in green and white standing still. Rodriguez then had three chances, all gloriously wasted with shots nearer to the corner flag then the goal: he was then substituted for Fidel, then Boakye by Christian Herrera, and finally Rivera for Javi Marquez. Despite the anxious crowd urging their heroes on the score finally stayed at 1 – 1, Elche really throwing two points away with careless defending. 
Below Elche both Getafe and Almeria pulled off great wins, although bitter rivals Granada above them lost. If Betis are down, which two teams go with them? Elche are 15th with 36 points. From Granada in 14th with 37 points down to Valladolid (two games in hand) in 19th with 32 points only five points separate the six teams.
With three games left Elche are away to mid-table Malaga next week, then home to mighty-but-troubled Barcelona with the final match away to high-flying Sevilla. Oooh… 
Mucho Elche!
PHOTOS KEVIN RENDALLFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43445/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Elche   1    Levante   1
A win would have virtually secured staying in La Liga for Elche next season. But this year's biggest problem is the Franjiverdes scoring goals, having the dubious distinction of being the league's lowest scorers: a pathetic 28...

### A PRETTY ROUNDABOUT AND A HEADACHE FOR TORREVIEJA

The parks and gardens department of Torrevieja town hall has completed work on a roundabout in the city, in order to improve the image of one of the main routes into the centre.
The roundabout, located on the streets of Calle Gotzone Mora and Calle César Mateo Cid, has been improved with the installation of coloured elements, rock features and a wall which looks similar in style to the Gaudi inspired architecture in other places of the city, with wavy lines to instil a feeling of bright, happy emotions.
Meanwhile, in other roundabout news, the promoter JOST, who were ordered to demolish an illegally built roundabout on the Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas, in the vicinity of the Las Lagunas College, has failed to comply with the demolition notice issued by the town hall on the 14th of March. 
As the time to respond by action has now expired, the town hall will start to fine the company and may subsequently demolish the roundabout themselves, forwarding the final bill to the company who built the roundabout and has been the subject of a legal battle since 2012.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43444/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The parks and gardens department of Torrevieja town hall has completed work on a roundabout in the city, in order to improve the image of one of the main routes into the centre.
The roundabout, located on the streets of Calle Gotzone Mora and Calle C&...

### OVER THREE MILLION VEHICLES FAILED ITV IN 2013

Data released by the DGT traffic department states that a total of 18% of vehicles put to the mandatory vehicle inspection test in 2013 failed their first inspection, therefore a total of 3,200,000 vehicles were not considered to meet the minimum safety requirements.
The figure is 2.8% higher than that of 2012, and the data reveals that there has been a general increase in the number of major and minor defects in the vehicles.
In absolute numbers, the number of serious defects was almost six million, 3.3% higher than in 2012. The most serious defects were found in the lighting and signals, with 23.8%, followed by axles, wheels, tires and suspension with 22.2%, and brakes with 16.3% failures. 
In terms of minor defects, these were found to be a lot higher than 2012, with a total of 13,455,758 minor faults recorded, an 8.7% increase over the figures from 2012.
The ITV stations around the country inspected nearly 18 million vehicles in the last year, 5.5% more than in 2012, which the DGT has put down to a progressive increase in the age of the private fleet of vehicle. Of course with such high unemployment levels in Spain, as well as increased cost of living, higher taxes and generally crippling austerity measures, renewing the car is not the top priority for  many a struggling family.
However, there is a concern over the safety of road users and vehicles, with a spokesperson for the DGT saying that, “There is still a significant number of vehicles on the road, around two million in fact, with an expired ITV”, whilst also pointing out that older vehicles are more prone to major faults and subsequent failure, and so many owners choose to ignore the mandatory inspection or repairs, thus breaking the law. The reality being that there are many who simply could not afford the repairs, but the test is designed in the interest of safety of all road users.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43443/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Data released by the DGT traffic department states that a total of 18% of vehicles put to the mandatory vehicle inspection test in 2013 failed their first inspection, therefore a total of 3,200,000 vehicles were not considered to meet the minimum safet...

### TORREVIEJA CRASH LEAVES BIKER IN SERIOUS CONDITION

A motorbike rider, believed to be 20 years of age, was seriously injured in the early hours of Sunday morning in a crash with a car on the CV-905 in the San Luis area of Torrevieja.
The incident occurred at 03:20 at kilometre 7 of the road, in the vicinity of the Mercadona supermarket, near a site where a fatal motorbike crash occurred a few years ago.
An emergency paramedic ambulance attended the scene and treated the multiple injuries suffered by the rider, before carrying out a transfer to Torrevieja hospital in a serious condition.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43437/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A motorbike rider, believed to be 20 years of age, was seriously injured in the early hours of Sunday morning in a crash with a car on the CV-905 in the San Luis area of Torrevieja.
The incident occurred at 03:20 at kilometre 7 of the road, in the vic...

### SPANISH NATIONAL BOWLS SQUAD STRIKE GOLD.

Following on from their huge success in the European National Championships, the Spanish Bowls Squad headed added off to Cyprus on the 18 April to take part in the Cyprus 4 Nations Championships. The tournament itself started on 21 and finished on 24th.
Alongside Spain, were strong teams from Israel, Jersey and of course Cyprus.
The gents team were peter Bonsor, Jackie Breslin (player manager), Steve Pearson, Steve Cantley and Graham Cathcart.
The ladies team were Sheri Fletcher, Jan Dando, Lisa Bonsor, Debbie Colquhoun Yvonne Briden.
After 4 days of stiff competition the team finished triumphant by 4 points from the Israeli team, earning the Spanish team the tournament team trophy and of course a medal for each of the team.
As usual though the ladies were not happy just to settle with one medal. Oh no, they had also to win the ladies team competition, dropping only two points during the whole tournament.
John Muldoon, national Director, who also travelled with the Squad was delighted with the result. "This is the first ever Gold medal Spain has ever won in a team event. I am absolutely delighted. It is great to see the hard work the back room staff and the players have put in the past 4 years  Coming to fruition.
We continue to go from strength to strength and are now a team to be reckoned with in the international bowls scene."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43431/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Following on from their huge success in the European National Championships, the Spanish Bowls Squad headed added off to Cyprus on the 18 April to take part in the Cyprus 4 Nations Championships. The tournament itself started on 21 and finished on 24th.
Alongside Spain, were strong teams from Israel, Jersey and of course Cyprus.
The gents team were peter Bonsor, Jackie Breslin (player manager), Steve Pearson, Steve Cantley and Graham Cathcart.
The ladies team were Sheri Fletcher, Jan Dando, Lisa Bonsor, Debbie Colquhoun Yvonne Briden.
After 4 days of stiff competition the team finished triumphant by 4 points from the Israeli team, earning the Spanish team the tournament team trophy and of course a medal for each of the team.
As usual though the ladies were not happy just to settle with one medal. Oh no, they had also to win the ladies team competition, dropping only two points during the whole tournament.
John Muldoon, national Director, who also travelled with the Squad was delighted with the result. "This is the first ever Gold medal Spain has ever won in a team event. I am absolutely delighted. It is great to see the hard work the back room staff and the players have put in the past 4 years  Coming to fruition.
We continue to go from strength to strength and are now a team to be reckoned with in the international bowls scene."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43431/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### BE CAREFUL OF WHAT WE WISH FOR

The whole concept of ‘Brits in Europe' is a controversial area that I know many expats living in Spain get very heated about. Indeed, it is one subject that is a hot topic of conversation in many Brit bars and gatherings. 
However, it is also fair to say that many expats really don't care at all about the issue, and have no interest in voting in the forthcoming European Elections.
I care passionately about the whole idea of being a European. For many years, I have regarded myself firstly as a European, secondly, as British and thirdly as an Englishman.
For me, it is one of the best things that has happened, both politically and culturally, during my lifetime. From the moment that Britain joined Europe it meant that any European could live and work in any other European country as equals; well, that's the theory, although we all know that there can be variations in this interpretation.
I fervently hope that Britain stays within the European family if there is ever a referendum on the issue.  Personally, I would hate Britain to be on the outside and looking in with no influence about what is happening in Europe, but feeling the impact of any decisions made.
Many of our European friends, the Germans, French and Spanish in particular, are bewildered by Britain's lukewarm attitudes to Europe.
It is true that Spanish attitudes towards Europe are changing from one of blind acceptance and trust to a healthier one that is beginning to question and challenge some of the more obscure rules that appear from Brussels from time to time.
Even so, the bond is strong and it would be unusual to visit any official building, building development or project without seeing three flags flying: the Canarian and Spanish flags flying alongside that of the European Union. Compare that with the UK where seeing the EU flag flying anywhere is unusual.
Britain has always been an awkward partner, made worse by the years of recession. As history teaches us, during periods of economic downturn, there is a tendency to look for scapegoats; be it the treatment of Jews, gays and travellers in Germany during the Second World War, to negative attitudes expressed by some in the UK towards Poles, Bulgarians and Lithuanians in current times. 
It is a human reaction to group together and to blame someone or something else, even if it defies logic. It is also worth noting that many observers, and particularly those from the US, see Britain as currently being in a highly beneficial and unique position within Europe; remaining outside the Eurozone and retaining its own currency.
I often despair of expat bar room discussions from those who vehemently demonstrate their hatred of all things European and even their host country, which in the main has welcomed them so warmly. It is not that long ago when some of our friends needed a work permit to work in Spain, so that they were unable to purchase property or to start their own businesses until Britain became a member of the EU.
One can only imagine what would happen if Britain did eventually pull out of Europe. The signs are already that the barriers to free movement would once again reappear and that Britain would be isolated from its European counterparts in many ways.
The British Government's political yet popular decisions to restrict immigration, and use of the health service and benefits to migrants from European countries are already beginning to show as retaliatory moves against British expats in some countries.
I often hear from British expats in several European countries who tell me of their problems with health, unemployment, pensions and social benefits that were unknown a short time ago. Health services for expats, in particular, have been severely curtailed in some countries, including Spain, in recent months.
The global recession, as well as a less welcoming policy towards expats, has led to less flexibility and generosity towards expats than have been experienced in the past.
Politicians need to be fully aware that actions taken in Britain are reflected in other member states, and it is British expats who suffer the often-unintended consequences.  As expats, let us be careful of what we wish, and vote, for.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43430/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The whole concept of ‘Brits in Europe' is a controversial area that I know many expats living in Spain get very heated about. Indeed, it is one subject that is a hot topic of conversation in many Brit bars and gatherings. 
However, it is also fa...

### LA SIESTA BOWLS REPORT

SABA Hurricane and Harrier Division - The Wasps played their second Match away to La marina and hopes were high of a repeat of their first game last week when they picked up all the points.
Not so this week but they did manage to come  away with a creditable win 9-5 winning three rinks, drawing one and taking the shots 95-109. Not too bad a result considering an away venue and played in very strong windy conditions.
Our winners were, Carol Broomfield, Dave Eccles, Brian Fraser 21-9, Dave Davies, Pat and Vic Moore 19-10, Anne and Robert Heath, Dave Livesey 21-8, and our drawn rink Joy Gardiner, Doug Smith and Sue Jordan 19-19.
The Hornets played a strong Horadada Hawks side and what a difference two shots can make! We lost two rinks by one shot each and the overall shots by 2... With two winning rinks, Sheila and Roy Millward, Malcolm Drew 23-12, and Penny Porter, Les Rawson, John Taylor 24-17, the result was 4-10 to Horadada but could so easily could have been a 10-4 victory. Well played Hornets anyway.
Saturday Hamper winners 19th April, Dave Livesey, John Ball and Dave Eccles.
Chicken and Egg Winners 23rd April. Chicken, Gordon Bartley, Wine, Lily Cuthbert, Eggs Rod Land,
Should you wish to take up a new sport, make new friends, with a little gentle exercise, you will be made very welcome.
We have bowls and shoes for hire and tuition can be arranged. New members are always welcome. Ring Jim or Lyn on690 190 523 and they will help or call in at La Siesta Bowls Club at Calle Rossini La Siesta Urbanisation.
If any members know of any business or sponsors they think would, help with sponsoring these reports, please contact any committee member or ask them to call THE LEADER directly. Thank you.
By Norman AdcroftFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43422/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: SABA Hurricane and Harrier Division - The Wasps played their second Match away to La marina and hopes were high of a repeat of their first game last week when they picked up all the points.
Not so this week but they did manage to come  away with a cre...

### HUNDREDS VISIT “LAGUNAS DE LO MONTE"

Hundreds of people have so far visited the “Lagunas de Lo Monte," the Lo Monte Natural Park in Pilar de la Horadada since it first opened in mid February. In addition to the public visits there have been a number or organised birdwatching trips for virtually all of the Pilar de la Horadada schoolchildren. 
The park, a protected artificial wetland, covers an area of 10.3 hectares between Pilar de la Horadada and Dehesa de Campoamor. The lake, which has a surface area of 80,000m2 was constructed in 1989 and is now a protected area for birds. So far 36 different species of birds have been observed in the park including the Malvasia Cabeciblanca duck which is in danger of becoming extinct.
It is located just north of the town on the site of the Cueva Fuerte and very close to the Dehesa de Campoamor on the CV941 Mil Palmeras to San Miguel road.
"For many people the park has been a new experience," said the Councillor for the Environment , Ivan Romero.  “The Lagunas de Monte " is a municipal nature reserve which can now be enjoyed by local people who no longer have to make long journeys to enjoy such facilities.
There are two large lakes around which there are five observation areas allowing onlookers to enjoy the of significant wildlife within the natural space. 
The Department of Environment say that they are very pleased with the results and they have already received congratulations from many groups .
They say that they are only too happy to provide guided visits to organised groups such as ornithological associations, clubs and societies, disabled associations or associations of housewives.
Those interested in enjoying the upcoming tours organized by the Department can book their free place at the Tourist Information or the Environment Department in Pilar . The guided walks are scheduled for the first Thursday and Sunday of each month. The next will be on Thursday 8th and Sunday, May 11th at 9:00. Those attending will be shown around in small groups of 12-15 people.
Last week, children from four schools in Pilar de la Horadada visited the site a day where guides provided a short introduction to ornithology course. They were then taken on a tour of the natural area where they were provided with the use of powerful ground-based telescopes and binoculars in the various observation posts by the departmental staff who also helped to identify many of the species of birds that were present in the lakes as well as explaining their behaviour and characteristics.
The park is quickly establishing itself as a tourist and educational attraction for the residents of Pilar de la Horadada and all nature lovers who want to discover and learn about the different animals and birds that live and nest in the area.
To get to the park take the CV941 Mil Palmeras to San Miguel and enter the park at the sign E.D.A.R. (Estación Depuradora de Aguas Residuales de Pilar de la Horadada). There are a number of further references available to the park including an 8 page guide, in Spanish, at www.eurotourguide.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43418/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Hundreds of people have so far visited the “Lagunas de Lo Monte," the Lo Monte Natural Park in Pilar de la Horadada since it first opened in mid February. In addition to the public visits there have been a number or organised birdwatching trips for virtually all of the Pilar de la Horadada schoolchildren. 
The park, a protected artificial wetland, covers an area of 10.3 hectares between Pilar de la Horadada and Dehesa de Campoamor. The lake, which has a surface area of 80,000m2 was constructed in 1989 and is now a protected area for birds. So far 36 different species of birds have been observed in the park including the Malvasia Cabeciblanca duck which is in danger of becoming extinct.
It is located just north of the town on the site of the Cueva Fuerte and very close to the Dehesa de Campoamor on the CV941 Mil Palmeras to San Miguel road.
"For many people the park has been a new experience," said the Councillor for the Environment , Ivan Romero.  “The Lagunas de Monte " is a municipal nature reserve which can now be enjoyed by local people who no longer have to make long journeys to enjoy such facilities.
There are two large lakes around which there are five observation areas allowing onlookers to enjoy the of significant wildlife within the natural space. 
The Department of Environment say that they are very pleased with the results and they have already received congratulations from many groups .
They say that they are only too happy to provide guided visits to organised groups such as ornithological associations, clubs and societies, disabled associations or associations of housewives.
Those interested in enjoying the upcoming tours organized by the Department can book their free place at the Tourist Information or the Environment Department in Pilar . The guided walks are scheduled for the first Thursday and Sunday of each month. The next will be on Thursday 8th and Sunday, May 11th at 9:00. Those attending will be shown around in small groups of 12-15 people.
Last week, children from four schools in Pilar de la Horadada visited the site a day where guides provided a short introduction to ornithology course. They were then taken on a tour of the natural area where they were provided with the use of powerful ground-based telescopes and binoculars in the various observation posts by the departmental staff who also helped to identify many of the species of birds that were present in the lakes as well as explaining their behaviour and characteristics.
The park is quickly establishing itself as a tourist and educational attraction for the residents of Pilar de la Horadada and all nature lovers who want to discover and learn about the different animals and birds that live and nest in the area.
To get to the park take the CV941 Mil Palmeras to San Miguel and enter the park at the sign E.D.A.R. (Estación Depuradora de Aguas Residuales de Pilar de la Horadada). There are a number of further references available to the park including an 8 page guide, in Spanish, at www.eurotourguide.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43418/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### TOPLESS PROTEST IN TORREVIEJA TOWN HALL

It may seem like a long time ago since a monthly plenum meeting in Torrevieja occured without protest, but with so many gripes against the management of the municipality, it requires a novelty to be noticed in a sea of complaint.
In the April meeting, a group of local police officers managed to get their message across with a new way of being featured, by removing their shirts and displaying signs of indignation on their torsos. 
For a considerable length of time now, the police in Torrevieja have been trying to find a reslotion to their working hours and conditions, but have yet to be met by the ruling PP team to even discuss their issues in full.
And so, these officers took their protest to the next level, although once again being evicted from the public gallery in order for the meeting to continue.
It´s not only the police who have continued their protest however, the waste disposal teams congregated once again, still continuing their calls to discuss the threats to their future, and once again claiming that the governing team are failing to even discuss their problems either. Some of the waste disposal workers also joined in with the topless protest.
The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, has threatened disciplinary action against those involved, but at least if proceedings are initiated, it might actually be the start of some kind of dialogue between the two sides.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43417/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: It may seem like a long time ago since a monthly plenum meeting in Torrevieja occured without protest, but with so many gripes against the management of the municipality, it requires a novelty to be noticed in a sea of complaint.
In the April meeting,...

### MISSING SAR HELICOPTER RECOVERED FROM THE SEA BED

An underwater robot submarine, “Rémora II”, located the wreck of a Search and Rescue helicopter that crashed into the sea in the waters of the Canary Islands in March, killing all 4 crew members, who were still on board.
The aircraft, from 802 Squadron based at the Gando airbase, has been located 2,632 metres below the surface, about 30 nautical miles southwest of Fuerteventura, during a search of the area around the last known location of the Super Puma helicopter. 
Military were sent to the scene to assess the location and status of the aircraft, to ascertain how, and if it was possible, to recover both the helicopter and the bodies of Captain Daniel Pena, Lieutenants Carmen Ortega and Sebastián Ruiz, and Sergeant Carlos Caramanzana.
Described as a “complex and difficult task”, the Spanish ministry of defence contracted an American specialist recovery and recovery company, Phoenix International, at an initial cost of 3.2 million euro, although this was later revised to 5 million, who set about recovering the helicopter and crew.
Despite initially looking like the aircraft would be recovered intact, the six-hour operation proved more difficult than anticipated when the nose and tail broke away from the fuselage during the lift. As the main chunk of fuselage was brought to the surface, it then became clear that only two of the bodies remained inside, although it was impossible at the site to determine who they were.
The two bodies recovered were transferred by another Super Puma helicopter to the naval base for examination, meanwhile, the robot submarine was sent back into the water to try to locate the two now missing crew, but was unsuccessful. A number of other body parts were later recovered from the sea, with forensic tests set to be carried out to ascertain if they belong to those remaining crew members.
In the early hours of Friday morning, the aircraft was brought by ship to the Las Palmas naval base on the island of Gran Canaria. 
Despite a military spokesperson confirming that the search for the other two aircrew will be continuing, the search was called off on Friday evening, as it was now considered “unlikely” to find the remaining bodies of those two missing aircrew who dedicated theirs to saving others.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43416/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: An underwater robot submarine, “Rémora II”, located the wreck of a Search and Rescue helicopter that crashed into the sea in the waters of the Canary Islands in March, killing all 4 crew members, who were still on board.
The aircraf...

### INTERNATIONAL COSTELEROS OF TORREVIEJA

Members of the Orihuela Costa RBL  who are also members of the International Costeleros of Torrevieja.  They carry the Paso (Neustra Padre Jesus En La Oracion Del Huerto De Los Olivos).
In the Picture are: Jessie Blackband (Nazareno), Tony Blackband, Jim Watt, Frank Deans,Ted Marsh (Costaleros) Absent - Keith Brown Corfradia Chaplain, Philip Coleman and Joe the cat man (Costaleros).
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43413/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Members of the Orihuela Costa RBL  who are also members of the International Costeleros of Torrevieja.  They carry the Paso (Neustra Padre Jesus En La Oracion Del Huerto De Los Olivos).
In the Picture are: Jessie Blackband (Nazareno), Tony Blackband, ...

### STATIONS OF THE CROSS IN ROJALES

The traditional Chaplaincy and the Mothers' Union Branch Service of the Chaplaincy Of St Peter & St Paul was again celebrated this year.
A large crowd gathered at 'El Calvario', the crosses at Rojales, and this year the Service was led by the Chaplain Revd Christopher Scargill – assisted by a number of the Chaplaincy's church centre congregation members.
This year we were happy to note that the group was larger than ever before – over 55 in number.
The celebration was followed by lunch at a local restaurant with 35 sitting down for what was a very enjoyable meal in good company
More information on the workings of the Chaplaincy - the location of the various Church Centres and other planned activities and events can be found on their web-site:
http://c-of-e-torrevieja.com/ and on Facebook 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43412/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The traditional Chaplaincy and the Mothers' Union Branch Service of the Chaplaincy Of St Peter & St Paul was again celebrated this year.
A large crowd gathered at 'El Calvario', the crosses at Rojales, and this year the Service was led by the Chap...

### TREASURE HUNT AT BAR SOFIA EL RASO RAISES 120 EURO

With Ibex Bags and Treasure Hunt Instructions in hand they were off on the 500 meter trail to find some "Treasure" and as well as the usual points collecting, this time with a maximum possible score of 250 points - there were also some extra items - a paintbrush meant 4 art lessons with Suzanne Stokes, a plate with a knife and fork won a meal for two at Chillies the new Indian Restaurant in El Raso, a Red T Shirt gave two VIP tickets to The Fashion Show at The Complete Woman which is part of The Summer Fayre coming up at Quesada Country Club on Thursday May 22nd starting at 11.00a.m, for finding a lovely blue butterfly in cardboard the prize was a butterfly necklace, for finding a "Cinderella" single shoe the prize was a shoe money box and for finding a fabulous long black curly wig the prize was a cut and blow dry by local Hairdressers Pinks in Benijofar.  
The last item for everyone to collect was a windscreen sun protector once again kindly sponsored by Ibex.  Mike Thornton from Essential Life Services helped to lay the trail and was on hand to help with registration and to give out water at the old finca and Jeanette Simpson also from Essential Life Services was on raffle duty.  Kristoff came to take official photographs and Kas the Clairvoyant was also there for spiritual readings.  The entrance money and the raffle raised €120 for The Children's Home in Elche.  The winners of the actual treasure hunt with the maximum of 250 points were Louise, Sophie and Leonie, who win the prize of a meal at Bar Sofia.  Pictured here in the middle is Sophie who has been looking after the giant teddy who was kindly donated by Wendy Dellar and Teddy was won by Chris who had already said if they won Sophie could have him.  
There are fun events at Bar Sofia all through May call Dee on 672 929 585 or call into Bar Sofia on El Raso for details.  To win  a Complete Makeover for yourself and a Cut and Blow dry for a friend with Bliss Hair and Beauty in Quesada just send an email to sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk   Mike Thornton will again be helping out at The Complete Woman and will also be our Compare for the morning and for the Fabulous Fashion Show - for details of the FREE TO ENTER DRAW to win a complete makeover and front seat VIP tickets for the fashion show with Champagne Cocktails and a new summer top for you and a friend to enter please email sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk    Tickets for this event are just €1 and this gives you FREE TEA & A TASTE OF CAKE   €1 off a man's haircut and €1 off any Glamour Glamour top or trousers costing €10 or more!! A reserved seat at the Fashion Show and FREE MINI GOLF - pre booking for both the Fashion Show and Mini Golf is advised!
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43411/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: With Ibex Bags and Treasure Hunt Instructions in hand they were off on the 500 meter trail to find some "Treasure" and as well as the usual points collecting, this time with a maximum possible score of 250 points - there were also some extra items - a paintbrush meant 4 art lessons with Suzanne Stokes, a plate with a knife and fork won a meal for two at Chillies the new Indian Restaurant in El Raso, a Red T Shirt gave two VIP tickets to The Fashion Show at The Complete Woman which is part of The Summer Fayre coming up at Quesada Country Club on Thursday May 22nd starting at 11.00a.m, for finding a lovely blue butterfly in cardboard the prize was a butterfly necklace, for finding a "Cinderella" single shoe the prize was a shoe money box and for finding a fabulous long black curly wig the prize was a cut and blow dry by local Hairdressers Pinks in Benijofar.  
The last item for everyone to collect was a windscreen sun protector once again kindly sponsored by Ibex.  Mike Thornton from Essential Life Services helped to lay the trail and was on hand to help with registration and to give out water at the old finca and Jeanette Simpson also from Essential Life Services was on raffle duty.  Kristoff came to take official photographs and Kas the Clairvoyant was also there for spiritual readings.  The entrance money and the raffle raised €120 for The Children's Home in Elche.  The winners of the actual treasure hunt with the maximum of 250 points were Louise, Sophie and Leonie, who win the prize of a meal at Bar Sofia.  Pictured here in the middle is Sophie who has been looking after the giant teddy who was kindly donated by Wendy Dellar and Teddy was won by Chris who had already said if they won Sophie could have him.  
There are fun events at Bar Sofia all through May call Dee on 672 929 585 or call into Bar Sofia on El Raso for details.  To win  a Complete Makeover for yourself and a Cut and Blow dry for a friend with Bliss Hair and Beauty in Quesada just send an email to sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk   Mike Thornton will again be helping out at The Complete Woman and will also be our Compare for the morning and for the Fabulous Fashion Show - for details of the FREE TO ENTER DRAW to win a complete makeover and front seat VIP tickets for the fashion show with Champagne Cocktails and a new summer top for you and a friend to enter please email sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk    Tickets for this event are just €1 and this gives you FREE TEA & A TASTE OF CAKE   €1 off a man's haircut and €1 off any Glamour Glamour top or trousers costing €10 or more!! A reserved seat at the Fashion Show and FREE MINI GOLF - pre booking for both the Fashion Show and Mini Golf is advised!
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43411/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### RESURGE IN REAL ESTATE THREATENED

According to the Baltic News Network, without wealthy buyers from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Latvia's real estate market would have collapsed a long time ago.
The CIS is made up of nine formerly Soviet states.  They occupy the largest and wealthiest block of global nations.  
The fear running through the Baltic States is that EU sanctions and U.S. provocations could damage incoming CIS investment.  The impact would ripple across Europe.  Spain would not be unaffected.
http://bnn-news.com/jurmalas-real-estate-market-collapse-buyers-cis-countries-112693#comment-52700Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43404/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to the Baltic News Network, without wealthy buyers from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Latvia's real estate market would have collapsed a long time ago.
The CIS is made up of nine formerly Soviet states.  They occupy the large...

### The Weekend - 26 and 27 April 2014

listen to ‘The Weekend Guide’ on Audioboo

SATURDAY 26 APRIL, 2014

World Intellectual Property Day.

Markets

Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola.

ALICANTE

Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).

Antique Motor Show – IFA Alicante (Until 27 April).

ORIHUELA

“Libro de actas capitulares del Consell 1353-1357” - Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 30 Apr). This is the oldest book of records preserved in the Municipal Archives.

Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).

Dance Week Event and exhibition, Teatro Circo.

ORIHUELA COSTA

R.Madrid – Osasuna Football on the big screen and To Plagio – Zenia Boulevard.

TORREVIEJA

11.00h-14.30h and 17.30h-22.30h- 17th EDITION OF THE BOOK FAIR, PASEO VISTAALEGRE (Until April 28th).

21.00h-28º ENCUENTRO CORAL INTERNACIONAL “CIUDAD DE TORREVIEJA”, Org: Coral Torrevejense Francisco Vallejos, TEATRO MUNICIPAL   Price: 2€.



 

 

SUNDAY 27 APRIL, 2014

Markets

Benidorm, Elche, La Nucia, Campoverde, La Marina, Zoco, Almoradí street market, Lemon Tree Road, Mil Palmeras.

ALICANTE

Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).

Antique Motor Show – IFA Alicante (Last Day).

ORIHUELA

“Libro de actas capitulares del Consell 1353-1357” - Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 30 Apr). This is the oldest book of records preserved in the Municipal Archives.

Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).

Dance Week Event and exhibition, Teatro Circo.

ORIHUELA COSTA

Football on the big screen, Villareal – Barcelona, Valencia - At.Madrid and Liverpool – Chelsea plus Mentalist Toni Bright – Zenia Boulevard.

TORREVIEJA

11.00h-14.30h and 17.30h-22.30h- 17th EDITION OF THE BOOK FAIR, PASEO VISTAALEGRE (Until April 28th).

12.00h- CONCIERTO SOLIDARIO: ORQUESTA DE JOVENES ARS AETHERIA, Art:-Orquesta Sinfónica y María O’hara – Org: AFA, TEATRO MUNICIPAL  Precio: 8€ (Fila 1 a 11)-6€ (Fila 12 a 24). A concert performed by the Ars Aetheria Youth Orchestra (the youth section of the Torrevieja Symphonic Orchestra), conducted by Adolfo Arronis.  The total proceeds from the concert will go to the AFA, the Alzheimer Association of Torrevieja.  The ticket price is 6 or 8 euros, and tickets can be obtained either through Instanticket or at the theatre box office. The program includes Romanian dances by Bartok, Schubert’s AveMaría, the Carmen Habanera by Bizet…and a second part consisting of sound tracks from well-known films. The concert is organized by AFA, the Ars Aetheria Musical Association, and the Joaquín Chapaprieta Municipal Cultural Institute ofTorrevieja.

FUTURE EVENTS TO PUT IN YOUR DIARY

4 May – Spanish Mother´s Day.

6 – 11 May is Barcelona Bridal Week.

14 – 17 May is Torrevieja May Fair daily in the Fairground port area.

### JUDGE POSTPONES ORIHUELA GOVERNMENT THREAT HEARING

The political opposition of Orihuela has been dealt another blow this week, as the judge in Elche hearing the case relating to the blocking of a censure motion that would have led to a change in government has postponed the hearing until the 14th of May.
This is the second time that this particular hearing has been postponed, firstly in February, due to a lack of information, and again on Thursday of this week after two hours of deliberation.
The likelihood of confusion had already been anticipated, due to the complexity of the case being presented, and the fact that two lawyers were to represent the defendants in the case, one appointed by the Mayor, the other by the committee of the town hall, chaired by the PP who would therefore be acting on both sides of the legal scales. The mayoral appointed lawyer, José Luis Martínez Morales, refused to give up the right to defend his clients in the case, despite the appointment of Carlos Bernabé by the PP and CLR association. 
The Partido Popular group have accused the government team of “torpedoing” the judicial process, considering it unfair that the defenders in this case should have six lawyers to defend the eleven councillors of the Los Verdes, PSOE and two unassigned, namely Bob Houliston and Asuncion Mayoral, much preferring the option for them to choose the council for both sides in this case, the PP deciding on the lawyer to defend against the case they are instrumental in bringing to court.
The hearing in this case is postponed until the 14th of May, the day before the current head of the Partido Popular of Orihuela, Pepa Ferrando, is herself in court on corruption charges.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43399/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The political opposition of Orihuela has been dealt another blow this week, as the judge in Elche hearing the case relating to the blocking of a censure motion that would have led to a change in government has postponed the hearing until the 14th of Ma...

### DEATH ANNOUNCED OF FORMER ORIHUELA MAYOR

The death was announced this week of former Mayor of Orihuela, Antonio Lozano Espinosa, at the age of 77.
The socialist politician led the municipality between November of 1982 and May of 1983, taking over from the first elected mayor, Francisco García Ortuño during a particularly volatile time for Orihuela.
The city held a day of mourning in respect for the loss of the mayor, with flags flying at half mast.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43398/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The death was announced this week of former Mayor of Orihuela, Antonio Lozano Espinosa, at the age of 77.
The socialist politician led the municipality between November of 1982 and May of 1983, taking over from the first elected mayor, Francisco Garc&...

### THE MYSTERY OF THE STOLEN VANS

The Guardia Civil and Local Police in the Valencia town of Pedralba are baffled by a repeating occurrence of a spate of vehicle thefts in the area.
Although vehicle thefts are a common occurrence, the mystery surrounding this case is that in the last two months around a dozen vehicles have been stolen, all very similar in style and look, and all have been abandoned in the same location on the road between the towns of Chests and Pedralba.
Although terrorists group ETA have been known to target similar looking vans for their campaigns, it is not thought that this situation is related to terrorist activities, but is in connection with a gang of copper and cable thieves, as police have recovered some items of that description in vehicles located after their theft.
The police have also come close to catching those involved, but they have so far managed to escape on foot, through the fields in the vicinity of where the vehicles are left. On Monday of this week a routine patrol observed a van that matched the description of those being stolen driving along the infamous road. The patrol attempted to stop the van, but the occupants, who appeared to be Spanish, fled up an embankment and through orange groves on foot. The officers were able to recover a “large amount” of iron and copper of “unknown origin”. This is now the second close call for the thieves, following a similar near capture just last month.
As part of the investigation, the police are now visiting scrap metal dealers to try to find if anybody has tried to sell material matching the type recovered, and if anybody matches the descriptions of those seen fleeing. In the meantime, officers are no doubt on alert for the next appearance of the mystery machine in white, in the hope of catching those involved red-handed, and finally stopping the thieves from getting away with it any longer.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43397/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil and Local Police in the Valencia town of Pedralba are baffled by a repeating occurrence of a spate of vehicle thefts in the area.
Although vehicle thefts are a common occurrence, the mystery surrounding this case is that in the last ...

### Friday 25 April 2014 - Whats On

FRIDAY 25 APRIL, 2014

World Malaria Day.

Markets

Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, TORREVIEJA.

ALICANTE

Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).

ORIHUELA

“Libro de actas capitulares del Consell 1353-1357” - Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 30 Apr). This is the oldest book of records preserved in the Municipal Archives.

Exposición “Hospital Sueco-Noruego de Alcoy” (Norwegian-Swedish Hospital Alcoy) by Antoni Miró, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (until 1st June).

ORIHUELA COSTA

Elche v Levante Football on the big screen and Playstation Games – Zenia Boulevard.

TORREVIEJA

11.00h-14.30h and 17.30h-22.30h- 17th EDITION OF THE BOOK FAIR, PASEO VISTAALEGRE (Until April 28th).

21.00h-28º ENCUENTRO CORAL INTERNACIONAL “CIUDAD DE TORREVIEJA”, Org: Coral Torrevejense Francisco Vallejos, TEATRO MUNICIPAL   Price: 2€.

FUTURE EVENTS TO PUT IN YOUR DIARY

4 May – Spanish Mother´s Day.

6 – 11 May is Barcelona Bridal Week.

14 – 17 May is Torrevieja May Fair daily in the Fairground port area.

### FIRE FIGHTERS BATTLE BLUE LAGOON BLAZE

Fire fighters battled a potentially dangerous forest fire in the Blue Lagoon and El Mirador area of the Torrevieja and Orihuela coastline on Wednesday evening.
At around 18:00, 3 fire engines, a helicopter, specialist forest fire fighters and a water plane were all helping to control the situation.
The Valencia region has been on alert for the risk of forest fires for a couple of weeks, with the hot dry weather and winds increasing the risks.
A number of serious fires have already devastated parts of Spain this year, with the authorities pleading for extra vigilance by everybody to try to minimise the risk.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43396/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Fire fighters battled a potentially dangerous forest fire in the Blue Lagoon and El Mirador area of the Torrevieja and Orihuela coastline on Wednesday evening.
At around 18:00, 3 fire engines, a helicopter, specialist forest fire fighters and a water ...

### GLOBAL WARMING MAY WIPE OUT BENIDORM

Greenpeace has issued a dramatic statement on Tuesday that a number of popular coastal town in Spain could disappear this century, if we fail to prevent the melting of the Arctic and curb climate change.
Amongst those places at risk of being completely wiped out, according to Greenpeace, are Marbella in Málaga, Benidorm in Alicante, la playa de La Concha in San Sebastián and La Manga del Mar Menor in Murcia.
The report, which coincides with the celebration of “Earth Day”, focuses on how the ignorance and neglect of an area under extreme threat, the Arctic, can impact on the rest of the world, in this case, Spain.
Spokesperson for Greenpeace, Pilar Marcos, explained that just a one centimetre rise in sea levels equals one meter of beach and, according to estimates based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates, if no action is taken, the Mediterranean at the end of this century could have risen by about a half metre, which in turn means a regression of the coastline of 500 meters in land.
Despite mentioning some of the most popular places known internationally on the coastline, the same would apply to places like Torrevieja and the Orihuela Costa, as well as cities including Alicante.
Therefore, Greenpeace are calling on the Government of Mariano Rajoy to join in the campaign of saving the Arctic, and position Spain, “In favour of creating a sanctuary in the high Arctic where oil exploration and fishing is banned”.
Mario Rodríguez, the executive director of Greenpeace, explained that “Little time remains to make decisions”, as the Arctic is melting twice as fast as the rest of the planet and in the last four years has lost polar ice equivalent to three times the size of Spain.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43395/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Greenpeace has issued a dramatic statement on Tuesday that a number of popular coastal town in Spain could disappear this century, if we fail to prevent the melting of the Arctic and curb climate change.
Amongst those places at risk of being completel...

### EASTER ROAD DEATH TOLL STANDS AT THIRTY FIVE

The DGT traffic department has revealed that during the special traffic monitoring campaign of Easter this year, the age group between 45 and 54 years of age, in cars and on secondary roads, bore the largest proportion of fatalities.
However, in a statement, the DGT do say that they “cannot generalize because every victim counts, and is a different person”; the statistics for this year reveal a total of 35 people losing their lives on the roads.
In total, the 35 people died and another 149 were injured in the 28 fatal accidents during the Easter period, 86% of which occurred on traditional, secondary roads. Four of those killed were not wearing a seatbelt.
Despite initial estimates of the quietest period for some time, there were 12.9 million trips on the roads, an increase of one million over last year.
Although the data is a tragic realization of the dangers on the roads, with an increase in the number of deaths last year, the data is below average on a five year comparison, the average being 48 deaths, and continues a 15 year downward trend. In 2003, a year where Easter was celebrated at the same time of year as 2014, the death toll was an incredible 129 people. 
Amongst the 35 people who lost their lives, were a child of 5 years of age, 6 motorcyclists, 2 cyclists, 2 pedestrians 5 truck or van drivers and 18 car passengers. 
The majority of accidents occurred during the day, between 2 in the afternoon and 8 in the evening. Saturday the 12th and Sundays the 13th and 20th were the days with the most fatalities recorded in a single day.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43394/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The DGT traffic department has revealed that during the special traffic monitoring campaign of Easter this year, the age group between 45 and 54 years of age, in cars and on secondary roads, bore the largest proportion of fatalities.
However, in a sta...

### GRAN ALACANT CHOCOLATE DRUG FACTORY SHUT DOWN

Officers from the National Police have arrested nine people, and shut down a drugs factory in the Gran Alacant area of Santa Pola, after an investigation revealed the gang to be involved in trafficking of cocaine, marijuana, speed and Barcelona Football Club sweets laced with marijuana and hallucinogenic mushrooms.
The investigation began in August 2013, when officers found that a group of people in the town of Elda were engaged in drug trafficking. Hase one of the operation resulted in the arrest of two people in January 2014, in the Alicante town of Campello, when a transaction was witnessed involving cocaine. One of the two arrested were charged with distributing the drug in Jijona and Campello.
From that first arrest, investigators discovered how the members of the criminal group carried out the distribution of the drug, with a network of different people living in different municipalities being used for subsequent redistribution and retail of cocaine, marijuana and speed.
Another group of individuals then managed and monitored the financial side of the business, distributing the money through a variety of bank accounts in both Spain and Colombia.
As the investigation drew to a close this week, seven people were arrested, five men and two women, in the towns of Alcudia de Crespins, Jijona, Elche, El Altet, Alicante and Onil, in conncetion with distribution of drugs.
One of those arrested was a master chocolatier, who used the knowledge of his training to manufacture chocolates laced with marijuana and hallucinogenic mushrooms, in the shape of the crest of Barcelona Football Club. These were manufactured in a purpose built factory in a premises in Gran Alacant.
A total of seven houses were searched in Gran Alacant, El Altet, Alicante, Jijona, Elche and Castilla, with 21,135 euro in cash being seized, along with 960 grams of speed, 500 grams of cocaine, 300 grams of chocolates made with marijuana and hallucinogenic mushrooms, two vehicles, four computers and 22 mobile phones.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43393/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested nine people, and shut down a drugs factory in the Gran Alacant area of Santa Pola, after an investigation revealed the gang to be involved in trafficking of cocaine, marijuana, speed and Barcelona Footbal...

### MORE ORIHUELA PLANNING VIOLATION NOTICES ISSUED

The planning department of Orihuela town hall has announced a further nine notices being issued for infringements of urban planning laws, four of which are demolition notices, the remaining are financial penalties totalling 11,644.54 euro.
Of the nine cases in this latest batch of clampdowns, seven of them are on the Orihuela Costa, the remaining two in the surrounding villages.
According to the head of the planning department, Antonio Zapata of the PSOE, there are still some six hundred cases pending, all of which will be resolved in due course.
Zapata also explained that his department are mostly dealing with two different types of urban offenses, one of which corresponds to “minor works”, which seem to mostly take place in the coastal area, believed to be largely due to the “ignorance” of laws by property owners, which collectively make the largest chunk of disciplinary proceedings. These could be simply due to lack of planning permission, or sometimes where owners may believe they have sought appropriate permission, but without going through the town hall.
The second batch of infringements, for which there are a lesser number, are violations of the Urban Law Valenciana, with homes and structures built on undeveloped or incorrectly classified land, this is more common in the surrounding villages, although not exclusively.
Some of these infringements can be legalised with the appropriate application of licensing, others may take longer to resolve, as they may fall outside the immediate jurisdiction of the town hall.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43392/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The planning department of Orihuela town hall has announced a further nine notices being issued for infringements of urban planning laws, four of which are demolition notices, the remaining are financial penalties totalling 11,644.54 euro.
Of the nine...

### EIGHTY SEVEN THOUSAND BRITS HAVE LEFT SPAIN

Data released this week relating to the end of year census, reveals that the registered population of Spain decreased by 404,619 people in 2013, now standing at 46.7 million people, a loss of almost 3 million people in 10 years.
Of the immigrant population, the Institute of National Statistics reveal that, with the exception of the Chinese, all foreign national groups are decreasing, the biggest fall being within the British population, with 87,000 registered Brits having left last year.
Of the registered 546,000 registered foreign residents, the Chinese population has increased by over 3,500 inhabitants, whereas there has been a reduction in Romanians, the second largest group, of 74,000 people. The Romanian population decline is seen as of somewhat more significance than the British drop however, as a lot of the British population had second homes in Spain, whereas the decline in the Romanian population is believed to be due to the “lack of occupational expectations”.
The Valencia region has been hardest hit by the decline, with 118,000 foreigners having left, some 29% of the entire national total, and combining with the regions of Andalucía and Madrid, the three are collectively responsible for 52% of the entire loss.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43391/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Data released this week relating to the end of year census, reveals that the registered population of Spain decreased by 404,619 people in 2013, now standing at 46.7 million people, a loss of almost 3 million people in 10 years.
Of the immigrant popul...

### MADRID ZOO WELCOMES TWO NEW GIRAFFES

Madrid Zoo has welcomed two new additions to its family in a matter of days, with the birth of two baby giraffes born five days apart.
The mother, Mica, gave birth at the weekend to the second baby, with the first mum, Tatú, and first baby present to witness the birth of the Rothschild giraffe, similar in spacing to births by the two mums in 2012.
In just one hour of birth, Mica was able to encourage the newborn into her new world, a female of about 60 kilos in weight.
In 2012, both Tatú and Mica gave each other support during the labour and birthing process, prompting the zoo staff to repeat their companionship during this birth.
During this first month, the infant are only fed breast milk and begin a gradual introduction of vegetables and leaves. 
This new birth extends the Madrid giraffe family to six members, and is part of the European Breeding Programme and Conservation of the species (EEP). A number of zoos have received bad publicity recently for needlessly killing animals in their care, including the zoo at Copenhagen which killed a giraffe and fed it to the lions, later to kill four lions to make way for a new male, and Longleat Safari Park in the UK which killed a family of six lions, due to an increase in pregnancies.
The Rothschild giraffe is one of six extant subspecies of this large land mammal native Africa. During these early days, the public can visit the pups inside their maternity ward, where they will remain with their mothers resting and preparing to join the rest of the group. Their first visit outdoors is expected to be in the first week in May.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43390/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Madrid Zoo has welcomed two new additions to its family in a matter of days, with the birth of two baby giraffes born five days apart.
The mother, Mica, gave birth at the weekend to the second baby, with the first mum, Tatú, and first baby pres...

### PLASTIC BAG USE CUT BY HALF

Shoppers in Spain have reduced plastic carrier bag use by almost 50% in five years, according to data released by the environment ministry on Monday.
The data reveals that the number of single-use, non-biodegradable bags used per year has decreased from 315 units in 2007 to 170 units in 2012. 
The information was released following questions by the socialist opposition as to how the country is progressing towards the Europe-wide total ban and an 80% reduction by the year 2019.
However, despite the significant decrease, the use of these bags is still indicating an average of one every two days, prompting calls for faster and more direct action, as well as awareness initiatives such as a “bag-free” day.
The government has stressed that a waste prevention program was signed in 2013, to enable management of the bags in the design phase, production and distribution, as well as tackling the problem through “awareness and reuse campaigns as well as voluntary agreements” with both consumers and suppliers.
The main concerns over these plastic bags are that they are made of polyethylene, which is a petroleum product, and it takes around 1,000 years for a polyethylene bag to break down, but they don't biodegrade, they photodegrade, breaking down into smaller toxic bits which contaminate soil and waterways.  They then enter the food chain when animals accidently ingest them. 
The amount of petroleum used to make a single 1 plastic bag would drive a car about 11 meters.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43389/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Shoppers in Spain have reduced plastic carrier bag use by almost 50% in five years, according to data released by the environment ministry on Monday.
The data reveals that the number of single-use, non-biodegradable bags used per year has decreased fr...

### SCHUMACHER DENOUNCED FOR SPANISH CAR ACCIDENT

Racing driver Michael Schumacher has been denounced for a traffic violation in Spain, after a rental car he was driving in November is alleged to have failed to give way to a motorcycle, resulting in the collision of the two vehicles and injuries to the rider.
The accident is said to have occurred on the A-5062 main road in the Seville town of Bormujos at around 18:50 on the 17th of November, 2013, when the German driver, who was on a private visit to Spain, drove his hired Audi A-4 into the path of the motorcycle having failed to give way.
When colliding with Schumacher's car, the rider, Francisco M.A., fell off his bike and suffered a broken wrist which was operated on by doctors. The rider is also claiming damages for clothing, a watch, and other items.
The incident occurred just a few days before the accident when he was skiing which rendered him seriously injured. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43388/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Racing driver Michael Schumacher has been denounced for a traffic violation in Spain, after a rental car he was driving in November is alleged to have failed to give way to a motorcycle, resulting in the collision of the two vehicles and injuries to th...

### MAN KILLED IN A-7 MOTORWAY CRASH

One person was killed and two others injured in a traffic accident on the A-7 motorway near Crevillente on Monday, according to the emergency coordination centre.
The incident occurred at 14:20 at kilometre 513 of the A-7, in the Elche area, when a vehicle is said to have left the road, causing the death of a man.
In addition, another man and a woman suffered minor injuries in the crash. Both a SAMU paramedic unit and a Basic Life Support ambulance were sent to the scene and the survivors were transferred to the Hospital of Vinalopó.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43387/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: One person was killed and two others injured in a traffic accident on the A-7 motorway near Crevillente on Monday, according to the emergency coordination centre.
The incident occurred at 14:20 at kilometre 513 of the A-7, in the Elche area, when a ve...

### BUSY EASTER MEANS A BUMPER SUMMER

Despite early indications suggesting that the Easter break may have been one of the quietest in some time, the reality of how busy the first main holiday break has been looks set to pave the way for an even better summer.
Prior to the start of the weekend, the DGT traffic department had already warned of an anticipated 12 million vehicle movements as residents living inland headed towards coastal towns for the holidays. Across the Valencia region, taking in the Costa Blanca and such hot spots as Benidorm, Torrevieja and Orihuela, the figure was estimated at 1,535,000, half a million of which were in the Alicante province. The figure was quoted as being the quietest since 2005, although anybody who got stuck in the countless traffic jams on the bottle neck of the N-332 in Torrevieja will testify, the reality seemed busier than ever.
Tourists coming from the UK were also expected to be particularly positive in terms of numbers, with an estimated 1.6 million Brits heading out of the UK to Spain, the most popular choice, as well as Turkey, Tunisia and Florida, according to the ABTA association. 
Budget airline Easyjet announced that on Friday they were expecting their busiest day in the history of the company, since they were founded in 1995, flying more than 200,000 passengers on 1,400 flights.
Alicante-Elche airport had 2,343 flight movements scheduled for the weekend, which implies an increase of 28.2% compared to Easter last year, with the busiest day being Saturday, with around 250 scheduled flights offering nearly 44,000 seats.
In an interview this week, Oliver Dörschuck, co-manager at Europe's leading travel group TUI, which includes popular tourist brands such as First Choice and Thomson, says that “Spain is by far the most important tourist destination for TUI and its clients. We are registering an outstanding demand for all the major Spanish destinations for next summer. This means that Spain will repeat its success as tourist destination in 2014, especially Mallorca, which is TUI's first big destination. Spain is and will continue to be a key destination for us.”
It wasn´t just the plane and roads bringing people to the Costa Blanca though, during the course of the next 3 weeks, more than 8,000 cruise passengers will set foot on land at Alicante, aboard 5 ships that will be docking on the 23rd and 24th of April, and the 1st, 2nd and 8th of May, with passengers travelling with Pulmantur, Thomson and Holland America Line.
On Good Friday, 2,610 passengers already arrived at the port, on board the Holland America Line cruise ship, MS Nieuw Amsterdam. With her 11 passenger decks and 285 metre length, she was launched in 2009 and entered service in 2013, Nieuw Amsterdam is the company's 81st ship and the second largest Holland America ship to date. 
Francesco Balbi, director of operations at the Terminal de Cruceros de Alicante, explained how the port is already geared up to handle such large numbers, with an information point, including health and first aid services, equipment and staff for dealing with passengers of reduced mobility, loading and unloading facilities and links with tourist and travel information and excursion companies to provide every possible facility that a modern cruise passenger my need.
The port itself is also set to undergo extensive work during the next ten years, which would allow up to 70 ships per year to dock, increasing the potential number of passengers to 250,000 per year.
As for the ever increasingly popular train link, this too was boosted, with 50,000 seats being made available, some 5,000 more than the normal schedule, with many would-be passengers still fininding it difficult to find an available ticket and even some political groups calling for an emergency increase in the service to cope with the oversubscribed demand.
Collectively, as both domestic and international tourists descended on Spain, the figures for hotel occupancy also suddenly showed signs of significant growth. 
The Alicante hotel association reported an 80% occupancy figure for the Easter weekend, an 8% increase over last year, provincially. Alicante city has been more popular with international tourists than the Spanish throughout the year, with the exception being the Easter weekend, with the financial crisis being blamed for a drop in customers outside this key time.
The Benidorm hotel association HOSBEC were anticipating between 95% and 100% occupancy, with president Antoni Mayor explaining how they were increasingly close to hanging the “Completo” signs on the doors. The British, Belgian and Dutch markets have been particularly good for Benidorm, as well as a fair share of domestic visitors.
Torrevieja was looking set to be placed in between those two places, with the Hotel Doña Monse showing a 90% occupancy rate, though most of their guests were Spanish, seemingly not quite managing to reach out to the international tourist sector yet.
Translating the visitor numbers into financial figures is the most important element in the sector of course, and so time can only tell how successful the weekend has actually been. We do know however that in January, the Spanish tourist sector recorded a 2.1 billion euro surplus, an increase of 10.5% compared to the same month in 2013, whereas in February, the value was 6.1 billion euro, a similar increase of 9.1% over 2013.
The World Travel and Tourism Council has forecast a growth of 2% in the Spanish tourism sector in 2014, whilst the longer term forecast for the second half of the year has been put at over 17 million tourists, again maintaining a 9.6% growth over 2013.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43385/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Despite early indications suggesting that the Easter break may have been one of the quietest in some time, the reality of how busy the first main holiday break has been looks set to pave the way for an even better summer.
Prior to the start of the wee...

### ONE IN FOUR SCHOOLS HAD STRUCTURAL DEFECTS

In December, 2012, the roof collapsed in the Luis Vives school in Valencia, prompting the regional government to adopt a reactionary process of checking all schools for structural damage. Now, the results of the Plan de Revisión de Infraestructuras Educativas reveal that one in four schools is at risk of structural deficiency and damage.
A total of 396 schools older than 40 years have been inspected across the region, 202 of which were in the Valencia province, 119 in Alicante and the remaining 75 in Castellon. An additional 300 schools which are not yet 40 years old were checked, with inspectors looking for the most commonly occurring deficiencies.
Of those schools inspected, 170 of them require action to “ensure stability and security”, especially concerning deficiencies in the electrical installations.
The education department has set about carrying out the most urgent repairs, and in fact have worked on 120 of the most urgent faults since stage 3 of the plan went into operation in January. So far, according to data released by the ministry of education this week, 39 high priority repairs have now been completed.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43384/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In December, 2012, the roof collapsed in the Luis Vives school in Valencia, prompting the regional government to adopt a reactionary process of checking all schools for structural damage. Now, the results of the Plan de Revisión de Infraestructu...

### BEACH WATER QUALITY IS MOSTLY EXCELLENT

According to data released by the Valencia government, the region has some of the best quality beaches in Spain, with 90% of all beaches having “excellent” water quality, with a further 5.5% being classed as “good”.
As part of the monitoring plan for beaches, Programa de Control de la Calidad de las Zonas de Baño de la Comunitat Valenciana, 197 beaches across the region were checked, from 226 points of reference. 
According to the data, 95.5% of those beaches registered as being of particularly high standard in preparation for the 2014 season, representing “the best results obtained so far”.
In the Alicante province, 94 beaches were tested, with 93 of them being classed as either “excellent” or “good”, thus totalling 98.9%. As for the province of Castellón, its 46 tested beaches have excellent quality water, but Valencia seemed to let the side down a little, with just 49 of its 57 beaches rating highly, or just 85.9%., although that is one more beach than last year.
The aim of the scheme is to verify the quality of bathing water and develop appropriate management of the beaches as a whole to prevent any circumstance that might affect bathing areas. Monitoring involves the analysis of natural and artificial channels that reach the sea in bathing areas or nearby.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43383/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: According to data released by the Valencia government, the region has some of the best quality beaches in Spain, with 90% of all beaches having “excellent” water quality, with a further 5.5% being classed as “good”.
As part of ...

### WORST YEAR ON RECORD FOR CITRUS FRUIT

Spanish citrus growers are facing the worst year on record, as the final stages of their latest crop are coming to a close, with many of them abandoning their crops as uneconomical to harvest.
In the Valencia region, famed for quality oranges and lemons, as well as being the country´s largest clemantine production area, many crops are lacking in size and colour, resulting in research having to be carried out to try to ascertain the reasons for the poor performance. The Institute of Agricultural Research has already started looking into methods and treatments to find the cause of the problem, as well as finding ways of preventing dryness and poor calcium assimilation.
Overall, however, the main factor affecting the crops is one that may seem outside the hands of those researching the problem, unseasonal weather conditions. The mild weather through the last year alone has caused problems with both consumption and demand, resulting in a saturated market where there is too much fruit than the buyer demands, especially during February and March, and prices having to adapt accordingly.
Cheaper imports are also having a toll of sales figures, with Spanish clementines shipping for export at around 15 to 20 euro per box, those from Morocco are selling for between 12 and 13 euro. A similar situation affects oranges, with plentiful supply from Egypt pushing process down.
The demand for cheaper prices in stores has also led to some of the biggest buyers of fruit also switching to cheaper imports, as can be seen in the number of products on supermarket shelves with origins outside of Spain.
Despite some growers abandoning crops, and the belief that the acreage of land for citrus fruits will continue to reduce, there are some growers who are abandoning citrus altogether, diversifying into other fruits, with the kaki being one that is growing in favour with consumers, and a market yet to be depleted by the foreign importers.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43382/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Spanish citrus growers are facing the worst year on record, as the final stages of their latest crop are coming to a close, with many of them abandoning their crops as uneconomical to harvest.
In the Valencia region, famed for quality oranges and lemo...

### TRAPPED DOGS RESCUED BY FIRE CREW

As emergency crews across Spain have been kept busy during this busy holiday period, one crew from Valencia performed a miracle rescue this week, at a finca in the town of Ontinyent.
The crew were called to rescue two dogs that had fallen into a twelve metre deep pit at the Casa de Chots finca, late in the evening.
In a two and a half hour operation that finished just before midnight the crew tirelessly tried to keep the terrified dogs calm, before using ropes to extract them.
One of the dogs was rescued using a bucket method on the rope pulley, but the second dog was too big for this procedure, and so one of the fire fighters was lowered down into the hole, and lifted him out by hand, as he and the dog were winched up together.
The dogs were both in good health, no doubt relieved that their ordeal was over, and were left in the care of volunteers at an animal rescue centre, who were also present in the rescue, until a permanent home can be found.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43381/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As emergency crews across Spain have been kept busy during this busy holiday period, one crew from Valencia performed a miracle rescue this week, at a finca in the town of Ontinyent.
The crew were called to rescue two dogs that had fallen into a twelv...

### ONLY ONE PERCENT OF CLASSROOMS WILL BE PORTACABINS

The Department of Education in the Valencia regional government has issued a statement explaining how more than 3,000 students across the region are no longer being taught in prefabricated, portable classrooms, and are now educated in purpose built school buildings.
The announcement was made after a commitment given by the government to eliminate 75% of this type of “portacabin” school by the end of the current administration. 
The spokesperson for the department, María José Català, explained that during 2013, 329 temporary classrooms were eliminated, thanks to the construction of five new schools, including the CEIP Acequión en Torrevieja, and before the end of the term, another 14 schools will be completed, including the long awaited school on the Orihuela Costa, thus eliminating a further 300 temporary classes, with the overall aim, by the end of this legislative period, being just 1.2% of classrooms operating from portacabins.
The total investment in educational infrastructure for 2014 is 47 million euro, from which more than 28 million will be allocated for the building of 14 new schools and 9 million for completion of those which are underway.
The Government of Valencia has built 27 new schools across the three provinces of the region since the beginning of their administrative term, which involves an investment of over 100 million euro. A total of 11 new schools are in Alicante, the same number in Valencia and 5 in Castellón. From those schools, there have been 103 infant classrooms completed, which must include the infant school on the Orihuela Costa which has so far not been necessary, 175 primary classrooms and 46 secondary school classrooms, plus 14 for higher education and an additional 3 for vocational training.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43380/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Department of Education in the Valencia regional government has issued a statement explaining how more than 3,000 students across the region are no longer being taught in prefabricated, portable classrooms, and are now educated in purpose built sch...

### ENVIRONMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER

The environmental protection arm of the Guardia Civil, SEPRONA, or El Servicio de Protección de la Naturaleza, arrested 431 people and charged another 1,528 during 2013, according to data released by the group. In addition to the arrests, officers also dealt with 102,629 environmental complaints, of which 1,991 constituted criminal offences, the remaining 100,628 covered by administrative legislation.
Of the 1,959 people who were arrested or charged, 174 of them were for offences against pets, 188 were in connection with forest fires and 72 were in relation to the quality of food. However, the largest proportion of complaints were in connection with the protection of wildlife, with 49,461 of the complaints relating to both domestic and wild animals, as well as inadequate waste management, resulting in 20,102 administrative reports.
The number of actions have increased considerably, but the Guardia Civil are putting that largely down to there being more awareness of SEPRONA, and their activities, as well as an increase in citizen participation in reporting potential offences, with postcards, emails and calls adding another 1,000 investigations to the quota.
The use of illegal poison and methods were particularly high on the list of actions, with 151 animals having been killed, some by poisoned bait, with 6 people being arrested and charged for this type of activity. The animals most affected were the red kite (Milvus Milvus) and the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus), with 30 and 13 copies respectively found dead by eating these illegal products.
In relation to domestic animals, 3,256 actions relating to the abuse and neglect of pets were carried out, resulting in 234 criminal offenses that led to the arrest of 40 people and the imputation of other 134.
Following the previously reported depletion of bird numbers in Torrevieja, the Compromis political group have asked SEPRONA to investigate if any criminal or administrative sanctions can be brought against those responsible for purposely flooding the salt lakes, one of many activities being carried out in the area which is already having a disastrous impact on the natural environment.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43379/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The environmental protection arm of the Guardia Civil, SEPRONA, or El Servicio de Protección de la Naturaleza, arrested 431 people and charged another 1,528 during 2013, according to data released by the group. In addition to the arrests, office...

### TORREVIEJA TO PAY HALF A MILLION EURO IN OVERTIME

Despite previously praising themselves on the savings made through staffing costs, in the next plenary session of Torrevieja town hall, it is expected that the council will approve a half a million euro payment, which has so far not been budgeted for, to enable them to pay 535,000 euro in overtime to town hall staff.
However, one of the more shocking revelations that have come from the plans to approve the payment, is that more than half of the bill, 266,772.17 euro, is to be shared between just 35 of their staff of 600. One single person alone, who is responsible for municipal contracts, is set to receive 17,881 euro in overtime, along with 7,000 euro for a secretary.
When it is considered that the current minimum wage in Spain stands at just under 10,000 euro per year, this overtime bill alone could have easily paid for an additional 26 workers to carry out the tasks covered by those individuals now set to receive such incredible boosts to their pay packet from the municipal funds.
That said, the agreement to make the payment may well smooth relationships with the local police a little, as the largest collective group who will be receiving their overtime is them, with 12 officers set to receive payments ranging from between 5,041 euro and 12,300 euro, including the chief of police, Manuel Antonio López Vera, his son, who is also a serving officer, three members of the GRO task force, and other officers.
The payment schedule is currently in the hands of a financial committee for review and approval before being presented to the town hall, with the ruling PP expected to approve the payment. It should also be noted that there are also a small group of town hall workers who have taken the decision to save the public funds from this additional financial burden, by waiving their overtime payment in exchange for time off in lieu.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43378/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Despite previously praising themselves on the savings made through staffing costs, in the next plenary session of Torrevieja town hall, it is expected that the council will approve a half a million euro payment, which has so far not been budgeted for, ...

### THE LATEST FROM AROUND ORIHUELA

The Councillor for the coast of Orihuela, Martina Scheurer, has explained that the application and award of the contract for the beach bars has been delayed, but, despite them not being able to operate on the beaches during Easter, she is confident that the administrative issues will be resolved within a matter of weeks. Meanwhile, a number of local business owners are expressing their delight at the lack of bars during the first of the busy seasons, as their trade has increased as a result.
Despite the lack of beach bars on the Orihuela costa, the town hall has installed toilets on the beaches, and the life guard services were in place for the Easter period, although the contract for the life guards will be terminated and put to tender once again, after the request to withdraw from the commitments of the contract were made by the company, who have provided the service for the last 2 years, on account of them facing bankruptcy proceedings.
A meeting will be held on the 24th of April between the Orihuela town hall and representatives of local surfers. The meeting has come about following a protest on the beach, in which a number of surfers challenged the fact that they were being prevented from practising their sports, due to a new sign that was installed on the beach. The councillor of the coast pointed out that this has always been the case and the regulation is not new, in fact the town hall, for the first time, made a concession to allow surfing during certain times of year, when the beaches are quieter, even going against the advice of the police, but the surfers are seemingly now making further demands which cannot be met without being of detriment to the safety and quality standards of the beaches. The new sign, paid for by the tax payer, has since disappeared.
Despite a minor delay of around 2 months, the two further pedestrian footbridges being installed on the Orihuela Costa are set to open in the middle of May. Providing a safer passage to pedestrians over the motorway at La Zenia and also near the new school, residents have been calling for the bridges for many years, and will shortly become a reality.
Footpath work on the paseo at Cala Capitán has been completed in time for Easter, marking a huge improvement to an area which has appeared run-down for many years. The footpath along the sea front has also finally been completed, as there was a significant gap between the original walkway and the beach access. The remaining features will be added shortly, as the handrails, lights and other street fixtures are due to be delivered not long after the Easter break. Bike parking will also be installed, to encourage the use of a more eco-friendly form of transport.
The Easter celebrations have been seen as a success by the Orihuela town hall, with the tourism department arranging guided tours of a number of areas of historic interest, in order to “supplement” the traditional Easter attractions of the parades, which guides in English having been made available to those wishing to learn more about the culture rich area. Similarly, the bus service laid on by the town hall from the coast to the Good Friday parade was once again a success, as residents and visitors from the coast took a trip to one of the most dramatic events of the Easter calendar.
May will be dominated by sporting events on the Orihuela Costa, with the annual Decabike event taking place on the 11th of May, whereas sporting chain Decathlon encourage everybody to get involved in an event dedicated to the two-wheel mode of transport, the bicycle. However, this year, roller skates and other self-propelled forms of wheeled transport will be included, and the police are planning to attend with their children´s training equipment to provide cycling proficiency and road safety information to children who attend. The following weekend, on the 18th, the beaches of Playa la Glea will be taken over for the second annual triathlon event. This will attract athletes from across the country for an event that will not only reaffirm the Orihuela Costa as a sporting location of international standard, it will showcase the area to those taking part, visiting and just watching the event.
The stage show Hécuba, scheduled to take place on the 25th of April in Orihuela´s Teatro Circo, has been cancelled after the star of the show, Concha Velasco, has fallen ill and has been operated on for peritonitis. Concha Velasco, full name Concepción Velasco Varona, is a Spanish film actress, theatre actress, singer, and TV presenter, born in Valladolid on November the 29th, 1939.
The councillor for social welfare in Orihuela, Emilio Zaplana, has announced the initial provision of 12,000 euro, which will be shared amongst people in need of help in paying their water supply bill. Aimed specifically at those on low income, the elderly and those caring for the disabled, the application process for the 220 euro grant is open until the 5th of June.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43377/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Councillor for the coast of Orihuela, Martina Scheurer, has explained that the application and award of the contract for the beach bars has been delayed, but, despite them not being able to operate on the beaches during Easter, she is confident tha...

### SPANISH HORSE TO FEATURE IN 2000 GUINEAS

'Racing in England is equivalent to playing football in the Champions League'! - Spanish based trainer Enrique Leon 
Noozhoh Canarias will be the first Spanish-trained horse to run in a British Classic when he takes the field in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 4.
And Madrid based trainer Enrique Leon said racing in England is equivalent to playing football in the Champions League! “Coming to England is like playing in the Champions League - it's a dream of everybody in Spain,” said Leon, who has a string of 22 horses at Madrid racecourse.
"Noozhoh Canarias has got beautiful balance and I believe he can adapt very well to Newmarket," said Leon. After victory in late March at the Madrid La Zarzuela Premio Torre Arias track Noozhoh Canarias has been backed from 33-1 to 16-1 in Newmarket's Qipco 2,000 Guineas.
The Rowley Mile will be a big test for Noozhoh Canarias - with Aidan O'Brien's 4-1 shot Australia and John Gosden's Kingman at 11-10 favourite, leading fancies in the 2014 2000 Guineas betting. But Leon is unfazed: "We've got nothing to lose - and a lot to win - so we're going to take the chance," said Leon. Noozhoh Canarias jockey is Christophe Soumillon and Leon, 33, formerly employed at James Fanshawe's Newmarket yard, said: "He's a very simple horse to train and is very professional. “I believe this year is going to be a very strong Guineas - but we want to try. It's very tough, but he's got a big heart, he is a big fighter."
Betting: Kingman 11-10, Australia, 7-2, Toormore 7-1, Kingston Hill 10-1, War Command 12-1, Noozhoh Canarias 16-1, Outstrip 16-1,   
True Story	16-1, Ertijaal 20-1, Geoffrey Chaucer 20-1, Night Of 
Thunder	20-1, 25-1 bar.   
   
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43376/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: 'Racing in England is equivalent to playing football in the Champions League'! - Spanish based trainer Enrique Leon 
Noozhoh Canarias will be the first Spanish-trained horse to run in a British Classic when he takes the field in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 4.
And Madrid based trainer Enrique Leon said racing in England is equivalent to playing football in the Champions League! “Coming to England is like playing in the Champions League - it's a dream of everybody in Spain,” said Leon, who has a string of 22 horses at Madrid racecourse.
"Noozhoh Canarias has got beautiful balance and I believe he can adapt very well to Newmarket," said Leon. After victory in late March at the Madrid La Zarzuela Premio Torre Arias track Noozhoh Canarias has been backed from 33-1 to 16-1 in Newmarket's Qipco 2,000 Guineas.
The Rowley Mile will be a big test for Noozhoh Canarias - with Aidan O'Brien's 4-1 shot Australia and John Gosden's Kingman at 11-10 favourite, leading fancies in the 2014 2000 Guineas betting. But Leon is unfazed: "We've got nothing to lose - and a lot to win - so we're going to take the chance," said Leon. Noozhoh Canarias jockey is Christophe Soumillon and Leon, 33, formerly employed at James Fanshawe's Newmarket yard, said: "He's a very simple horse to train and is very professional. “I believe this year is going to be a very strong Guineas - but we want to try. It's very tough, but he's got a big heart, he is a big fighter."
Betting: Kingman 11-10, Australia, 7-2, Toormore 7-1, Kingston Hill 10-1, War Command 12-1, Noozhoh Canarias 16-1, Outstrip 16-1,   
True Story	16-1, Ertijaal 20-1, Geoffrey Chaucer 20-1, Night Of 
Thunder	20-1, 25-1 bar.   
   
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43376/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ENGLISH SCHOOL BOY MAKES IT TO THE VALENCIAN WATERPOLO TEAM

More than 40 young waterpolo players aged 12-14 years from 6 clubs in the Valencian region have been battling it out to get a place in the Valencian team since November, having trials to get down to the last 14 players.  
The team was finalized in February and English school boy Sammy Lear was amongst them. He started off swimming in Elche club natacion in 2011, then in 2012 went on to play waterpolo for his current Club Waterpolo Elche.
The 14 year old has achieved so much in the last 18 months, playing waterpolo, travelling most weekends to competitions al over the Valencian region and bringing his team to their current position on top of the league for Infantils followed by Turia in second.
Last weekend in Madrid, the Campeonato de Espana Infantils (effectively the Spanish National Championships) started on Thursday 10th April where they played Galicia in their first match and won 15-11. On Friday the match against Cataluña ended with a disappointing 17-1 defeat but on Saturday morning they beat Pais Vasco 8-2. In the afternoon they narrowly beat Ceunta 8-7 putting them through to the semi finals.
Against Madrid, who took the silver medal last year, they won 9-7 giving them a place in the final on Sunday afternoon against the current champions of Spain, Cataluña.
The game started well and with Sammy playing in defence he managed to stop them scoring too many goals - as had happened in the first match - but the match ended with the final score Cataluña 12 Valencia 4.
Comunidad Valencia had never before won a medal of any sort in this competition so history was made with them earning second spot in the competition.  Sammy and his team mates also had the pleasure of meeting Rafael Aguilar Morillo - the coach of the Men's National Spanish team - who was impressed by the standard of all players.
Next to look forward to is BCN Barcelona 2014 in July with his current Club Waterpolo Elche, hoping to be in the top five clubs. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43372/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: More than 40 young waterpolo players aged 12-14 years from 6 clubs in the Valencian region have been battling it out to get a place in the Valencian team since November, having trials to get down to the last 14 players.  
The team was finalized in Feb...

### SUPERMOTO KICKS OFF IN ALICANTE

The first round of the Spanish supermoto championship takes place at the Chicharra Karting circuit in Villena, Alicante on Sunday 27th April. With both of the Ford-Dunn brothers from Murcia competing in the open and Master championship classes the action is sure to be fast and exciting.
The Chicharra race circuit features a variety of both high and low speed corners before the riders fire themselves off one of the faster curves into the off road section with high speed jumps and turns before rejoining the circuit to complete the lap. The racing is always close in the tight and technical circuit.
Mat and Anthony Ford-Dunn have been busy already this season with both brothers taking a double win each, in their respective classes at the first round of the Catalan championship held back in March.  But their next biggest challenge comes over the Easter weekend when the brothers travel to France for the first round of the world championships where they take on the world's best supermoto racers.
The learning curve will be steep but what better way to prepare for the following weekends Spanish championship round at Villena.
As usual the Supermotoland race team with their sponsors Advance Moves International Removals and Stratton Motorsports, will be in the race paddock to welcome anyone wishing to attend the Villena race meeting, with racing starting at 10.00 hrs on the Sunday 27th April and the circuit is easy to locate on the CV-81 road from Villena to Yecla. More information and directions can be found at www.chicharrakarts.es and www.supermotoland.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43367/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The first round of the Spanish supermoto championship takes place at the Chicharra Karting circuit in Villena, Alicante on Sunday 27th April. With both of the Ford-Dunn brothers from Murcia competing in the open and Master championship classes the acti...

### ELCHE LOSE TO THE LIGA LEADERS

Atletico Madrid 2 Elche 0

Who needed the points more? At the mighty Vicente Calderon stadium on Friday night arguably Atletico did to stay top of La Liga from Real Madrid and Barcelona, but lowly Elche gave the Rojiblancos a fright and nearly earned a hugely welcome point, both goals coming late in the game. 

Solid, dependable Peligrin, star of last year was still deputisng in the centre of defence for Lomban, but this time the Romanian Sapuranu had a rare start at left back where captain Albacar is still unfit. Ever-present all season Ruben Perez on loan from Atletico was ineligible to play, deputised in midfield by another one of last season's heroes Rivera.

Alongside him in midfield was Carlos Sanchez, Javi Marquez and Carles Gil, with Coro supporting Christian Herrera up front. For Atletico David Villa and Deigo Costa started, a striking combination which has taken Athletico to the top of both the Spanish League and Europe. Manager Diego Simeone is taking on ex-Real manager Jose Mourinho and Chelsea on Tuesday in the Champions League semi-finals.

Only five minutes had gone when Elche goalkeeper Herrera hurtled off his line to pluck the ball off Costa's foot following a superb through ball, but steadily Elche settled and came back with a Sanchez long shot that was pushed around the post.

From the resultant corner the tall Courtois in the Athetico goal saved Peligrin's firm header at the second attempt. Just before half-time a cross from the Atletico right grazed Costa's forehead, coming down for Sosa to put it just wide, the score 0 – 0 at half time.

Only five minutes into the second half and from a long cross into the Elche box Sapuranu was adjudged to have hauled down Costa and was booked. Villa stepped up to take the penalty, but Herrera was on his toes to push away the striker's soft low shot. It was beginning to look like this might not be Atletico's day as the expectant home crowd roared on their heroes. Elche bookings began when Coro was booked for a foot-up challenge, and as Rivera tripped Costa and was rightly yellow-carded everyone got excited and tempers flared, Peligrin then following in the book. As usual Elche coach Fran Escriba began to ring the changes, firstly Fidel on for the ineffective Herrera up front, then Boakye for Javi Marquez and finally Aaron replacing Carles Gil.

With 20 minutes left and the worried crowd urging the Rojiblancos on, an innocent-looking long corner found the head of defender Miranda.

His long, looping header eluded everyone into the far corner of Herrera's net, 1 - 0. Elche were not finished though as Carlos Sanchez, now playing well at last drove the Franjiverdes forward in search of the equaliser. Two minutes from time it was all over as Sapuranu chased Costa into the area and nudged him, the Romanian booked for his second foul, and rightly sent off - not for the first time this season.

This time Diego scored the penalty himself, the final result 2 – 0 an unfair reflection of the match, which left Elche fifth from bottom.

Rivals Osasuna and Getafe both drew, Osasuna now level with Elche. Getafe are three points behind, with Valladolid equal, but who are away to Real Madrid on Wednesday. Below third-bottom Getafe are Almeria two points behind with Real Betis bottom on 22 points.

The Franjiverdes's home game next Friday against mid-table Levante will be vitally important - after 26 years away it would be cruel for Elche to be relegated in their first season back.

Mucho Elche!

Photo: www.elchecf.es

Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43364/

Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in Spain
Costa Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Atletico Madrid   2    Elche   0
Who needed the points more? At the mighty Vicente Calderon stadium on Friday night arguably Atletico did to stay top of La Liga from Real Madrid and Barcelona, but lowly Elche gave the Rojiblancos a fright and nearly e...

### MISSING SAR HELICOPTER FOUND ON THE SEA BED

An underwater robot submarine, “Rémora II”, has located the wreck of a Search and Rescue helicopter that crashed into the sea in the waters of the Canary Islands in March, killing all 4 crew members, who are still on board.
The aircraft, from 802 Squadron based at the Gando airbase, has been located 2,632 metres below the surface, about 30 nautical miles southwest of Fuerteventura, during a search of the area around the last known location of the Super Puma helicopter. 
Military specialists are now to assess the location and status of the aircraft, to ascertain how, and if it is possible, to recover both the helicopter and the bodies of Captain Daniel Pena, Lieutenants Carmen Ortega and Sebastián Ruiz, and Sergeant Carlos Caramanzana.
The families of those lost in the tragedy have been informed of the find, as well as the reality that recovery will be a “complex and difficult task”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43363/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: An underwater robot submarine, “Rémora II”, has located the wreck of a Search and Rescue helicopter that crashed into the sea in the waters of the Canary Islands in March, killing all 4 crew members, who are still on board.
The airc...

### RECORD TEMPERATURES RECORDED IN VALENCIA

Temperatures in the city of Valencia peaked at 33 degrees centigrade on Saturday, the highest temperature on record for April since 1980, according to the national meteorological office, AEMET.
Other top temperatures were recorded in Orihuela, at 30 degrees, the coastal towns of Oliva and Jávea reached 29 degrees, and in Alicante and Castellón the temperatures peaked at 26 degrees, the same temperature anticipated for Torrevieja.
Temperatures are expected to dip on Sunday throughout the region, although coastal zones are still expected to be hot.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43354/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Temperatures in the city of Valencia peaked at 33 degrees centigrade on Saturday, the highest temperature on record for April since 1980, according to the national meteorological office, AEMET.
Other top temperatures were recorded in Orihuela, at 30 d...

### ORIHUELA SUMMER SCHOOL OPEN FOR REGISTRATION

The Orihuela Costa municipal sports centre has launched this year´s summer school program, aimed at highlighting some of the events that will be available throughout the summer to those visitors and residents who may be currently enjoying the Easter break.
The 2014 Summer School will begin in the last week of June and end in the first of September, with entrants able to take part for the entire duration of the program, or just for a single day, as well as subscriptions for weekly, fortnightly and monthly attendance.
Targeting the 4 to 14 years of age group, the sessions will be open from 08:30 until 16:30, and are aimed at easing the strain on those parents who may have to work during the summer holidays, whilst offering educational, informative and fun sessions for the children.
Professional tuition will be included in all of the sporting activities on offer, as well as the opportunity to take part in a wide range of events such as basketball , handball , volleyball, soccer, swimming  and tennis, as well as an equally divers range of practical workshops tackling such subjects as clay, keychain, magnet and metal crafts, nature, environmental and recycling workshops, all accompanied by a review which can also be used to help boost the school reports.
A wide range of fun events are also included, not only the standard sporting activities, offering the opportunity for the children to take part in some of the more unusual events and pastimes too, such as archery, for example.
As all of the monitors who will be supervising the activities are in possession of the diploma of their training and coordinated by graduates in Physical Education, the safety and quality of the school is exceptional, and recruitment is now open.
For more information, you can visit the CDM on the Orihuela Costa, visit their website, www.cdmorihuelacosta.com, or on their Facebook page,  cdmorihuelacosta, or by telephoning 965 503 915.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43346/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Orihuela Costa municipal sports centre has launched this year´s summer school program, aimed at highlighting some of the events that will be available throughout the summer to those visitors and residents who may be currently enjoying the Eas...

### CONFUSION OVER TORREVIEJA CYCLE STREETS

When Torrevieja council launched their new cycle lanes network to run through the city, it would appear that the actual plans as to how this would work in some places were omitted from the presentation, as has been clear this week with many residents questioning the appearance of unusual looking street signs in the city centre.
Since 2011, the town hall had been promoting their intention to create a dedicated network of paths for bikes, which would run from the sports city through the streets in the centre, the first time this dedication to green transport had been made, but the 100,000 euro project has done no such thing in many of the places considered most dangerous by cyclists.
The signs which have appeared on some of the streets indicate both a 30 kilometre per hour limit, and a pictogram of a cycle. It would appear that on certain roads where the bike passage was planned, it would have been impossible to create separate lanes, as this would have required the removal of parking places for cars. So, the solution on these roads is the creation of “Cycle Streets”, where bikes and cars same the same space and travel along the same route. Or, a normal road, as most of us would consider it.
The cyclists who have commented have expressed their concerns already, as this does not in any way offer any kind of additional protection, or incentive, as the bikes still have to cross countless dangerous intersections, and my mixing with the traffic in the busy centre of the city, as well as pedestrians, is the opposite of what was supposed to occur. As for the speed limit, as the streets are frequently congested with cars anyway, the natural flow of traffic is often slower than that anyway, and is therefore also seen as nothing more than a feeble attempt to try to mask the fact that the glory of the intended dedicated routes was once more premature.
The “Cycle Street” concept is not a new one, in fact there are already routes present in places such as Alicante, but the concerns now are after the way in which the route was presented and the promises perceived by those who were looking forward to a safer transit, as this project does not seem to offer any of the protection promised during that wave of publicity that followed the presentation by the government team.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43344/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: When Torrevieja council launched their new cycle lanes network to run through the city, it would appear that the actual plans as to how this would work in some places were omitted from the presentation, as has been clear this week with many residents q...

### CAMPAIGN TO GET DOG BEACH IN TORREVIEJA

Becoming an ever increasing phenomenon in Spain, the concept of dog-friendly beaches may soon become a reality in Torrevieja, with the PSOE councillor, Dora Fernández, leading a campaign to try to have a beach on the coast of the city dedicated for use by dogs and their human companions.
A petition was started a short while ago, canvassing opinion on whether this would be a welcome addition to the beaches of Torrevieja, already collecting around 1,400 signatures in support.
According to Fernández, “more and more municipalities are encouraged and enabling a piece of beach that dog owners can attend with their pets. They are cities that are committed to the new demands of citizens who want more modern and tolerant beaches for themselves and their pets, integrating them into harmonious city life”.
The socialist group believes that as Torrevieja is both a city of rich touristic value, where over half of the population are foreign, it is those immigrants who are often most committed to their pets, and is convinced that the move would be welcomed.
Coastal towns around Spain including Mijas, Fuengirola, el Campello, Gandía, Tarragona and Tenerife all have beaches for dogs already, and Orihuela have also started looking into the possibility on their shoreline, to further enhance the facilities already plans for the animal loving population.
The socialists are now pushing for the project to become a reality as early as this summer, but also say that they will continue to encourage registration on the petition, and will continue to fight for what they see as the next important development in opening up the beaches to everyone.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43343/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Becoming an ever increasing phenomenon in Spain, the concept of dog-friendly beaches may soon become a reality in Torrevieja, with the PSOE councillor, Dora Fernández, leading a campaign to try to have a beach on the coast of the city dedicated ...

### The Weekend - 19 and 20 April 2014 - Things to do

listen to ‘The Weekend Guide’ on Audioboo

SATURDAY 19th APRIL, 2014
Markets

Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola.

ALICANTE

Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).

MADRID

Katie Melua, Hotel Auditorium Madrid.

ORIHUELA

“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).

“Libro de actas capitulares del Consell 1353-1357” - Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 30 Apr). This is the oldest book of records preserved in the Municipal Archives.

11:00 – Guided tour of the Palm Tree Gardens and the Horno de Bustamante. Departing from the tourist office along a popular and natural environment, cost 3€.

11:30 – Cultural Walk through the city´s historical quarter, departing from the tourist office, cost 3€.

17,00 h.: PASACALLES por las bandas de música y de cornetas y tambores participantes en la Procesión del Santo Entierro de Cristo.

17,00 h.: RECEPCIÓN del Caballero Cubierto en la Universidad Histórica de Santo Domingo.

19,00 h.: PROCESIÓN del Santo Entierro de Cristo, organizada por el Excelentísimo Ayuntamiento de la Ciudad.  Procession of the Holy Buriel of Christ.

23,00 h.: SOLEMNE VIGILIA PASCUAL Y BENDICIÓN PAPAL, Santa Iglesia Catedral, Real, Insigne y Majestuosa Iglesia Parroquial de Santiago; Iglesia Parroquial de San Vicente Ferrer, Iglesia Parroquial de San Antón.

23,00 h.: EUCARISTÍA DE LA HERMANDAD DE LA RESURRECCIÓN (VIGILIA PASCUAL). Iglesia Parroquial de las Santas Justa y Rufina.

ORIHUELA COSTA

Shopping Night (One day of bargains and shopping madness) – Zenia Boulevard.

TORREVIEJA

11.00h-14.30h and 17.30h-22.30h- 17th EDITION OF THE BOOK FAIR, PASEO VISTAALEGRE (Until April 28th).

19:30 – “Hip-Hop Torrevieja”, Virgen del Carmen.

21:00, a classical concert will be given at the Palacio de la Música in Torrevieja, performed by the Classical Trio Triumf, top level soloists coming from Russia and Georgia and playing music by Beethoven, Corelli and Haydn. Tickets will be available before the concert at the Palacio de la Música box office at a price of 8 euros.

HOLY SATURDAY April 19th

POPULAR GREAT DRUM ROLL AT 22:30 H. From the Centro Cultural Virgen del Carmen

ITINERARY: Calle del Mar, Gumersindo, Apolo, Pedro Lorca, Joaquín Chapaprieta, Vicente Blasco Ibáñez y Zoa, hasta la plaza de Oriente. Allí se efctuará una parada al finalizar la Solemne Vigilia Pascual y seguirá por las calles Torrevejenses Ausentes, Rambla Juan Mateo, Antonio Machado, Campoamor, Patricio Pérez, Plaza Miguel Hernández, Canónigo Torres y Concepción, hasta la Plaza de la Constitución.

 
SUNDAY 20th APRIL, 2014
Markets

Benidorm, Elche, La Nucia, Campoverde, La Marina, Zoco, Almoradí street market, Lemon Tree Road, Mil Palmeras.

ALICANTE

Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).

ORIHUELA

“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).

“Libro de actas capitulares del Consell 1353-1357” - Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 30 Apr). This is the oldest book of records preserved in the Municipal Archives.

00,30 h.: PROCESIÓN de la Hermandad de la Resurrección.  Procession of the Brotherhood of the Resurrection.

11:00 – Walking tour of the Mirador de San Miguel lookout, departing the tourist office, cost 3€.

12,00 h.: TAMBORADA de júbilo por la resurrección de Jesucristo, desde la Iglesia de las Santas Justa y Rufina a la Santa Iglesia Catedral. Organiza la Hermandad de la Resurrección.

12,45 h.: TRASLADO de la imagen de la Santísima Virgen Dolorosa, desde la Iglesia Parroquial de las Santas Justa y Rufina al Monasterio de San Juan de la Penitencia.

ORIHUELA COSTA

Queen Tribute – Zenia Boulevard.

TORREVIEJA

11.00h-14.30h and 17.30h-22.30h- 17th EDITION OF THE BOOK FAIR, PASEO VISTAALEGRE (Until April 28th).

20:00 Dance show, “Flamenco de Vino y Rosas”, Teatro Municipal.

EASTER SUNDAY April 20th

PROCESIÓN DEL ENCUENTRO AT 08:00 H. from Inmaculada Concepción Church with the following floats: “SAN JUAN EVANGELISTA”, “LA INMACULADA CONCEPCIÓN” and  “EL SANTÍSIMO SACRAMENTO BAJO PALIO”.

ITINERARY: From the Inmaculada Concepción Church the floats “SAN JUAN EVANGELISTA” and “LA INMACULADA CONCEPCIÓN” will be carried along Caballero de Rodas, Azorín, Fotógrafos Darbladeto Concepción street crossroad.

ITINERARY: From the Inmaculada Concepción Church the float “SANTÍSIMO SACRAMENTO BAJO PALIO” will be carried  along Caballero de Rodas, Clemente Gosálvez and Fotógrafos Darbladeto Concepción street crossroad, where the floats will meet. This is known as “EL ENCUENTRO”.

After “El ENCUENTRO” all the floats will be carried back to the Inmaculada Concepción Church from the Concepción pedestrian street along Ramón Gallud, Bazán, Caballero de Rodas, Plaza de la Constitución.

### YOU ARE SO LUCKY! A REALITY CHECK

I was recently asked to speak at a meeting for expats. It was one of those question and answer forums, which provided the opportunity for established expats to bare their souls about things that they both liked and disliked in their new lives, as well as providing an opportunity for newly arrived expats to learn something from the experiences of others.
I was struck by a comment from one lady who made the point that she both hated, as well as felt guilty, whenever her friends and family in the UK, made the comment that, “You are just so lucky…” Judging from the nods and murmurs of approval from others around her, she had made a point that many others also recognised. I certainly do, and it is a comment that also irritates me. In my experience, we create our own good fortune in life, and I can think of very few expats who have not worked hard to create a new life for themselves in another country.
The thoughts of moving to another country in the sunshine, when peering out of the window to endless rain and fog and surrounded by floods, is understandably appealing. However, many ‘would be' expats forget the downsides of not being in a country that speaks the same language, the significant differences in customs and traditions, as well as dealing with legal and financial systems that may seem unnecessarily complicated to the newly arrived expat. Many expats that I know are involved for years in fighting legal and property disputes with their neighbours, town halls or property developers. Of course, many problems stem from not understanding the language and culture, as well as the legal traditions of their new country, and being swept along by the idea of starting a new life in the sun. 
When I worked as a reporter in the Costa Blanca, my colleagues and I often commented in despair that when Brits left the UK, many left their brains at home. So many expats seemed to get themselves into dangerous legal and financial situations that they would not have considered in their home country. Maybe it is the effects of the heady combination of too much sunshine, as well as gin and tonics that are at the root of the problem. However, back to the meeting…
Homesickness and missing family and friends, British food and British television were all some of the predictable responses to questions asked about what expats miss most. Interestingly, those expats who seemed to have settled best of all in their adopted country were those that had made an effort to learn the language, those who worked or were involved in local community or charity work, as well as those who had a sensitivity and interest in the local culture and traditions. 
It was very easy to spot less successful expats who began most sentences with “When we lived in Preston, we used to…” or “Why don't the Spanish do it in the same way we used to in the UK?” Indeed, the first rule of being a successful expat is, as tempting as it might be, to forget comparisons with your home country. Accept things as they are and try to work with them, rather than to fight against them. 
Are we lucky? One thing became very clear from this meeting of expats; nothing is handed over on a plate; it is not luck, but courage that makes the difference. In short, you need guts to be a successful expat.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43341/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: I was recently asked to speak at a meeting for expats. It was one of those question and answer forums, which provided the opportunity for established expats to bare their souls about things that they both liked and disliked in their new lives, as well ...

### UNCOVER A CLASSIC CAR DISCOVERY WITH SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS

A collection of over 80 stunning barn finds, restoration projects as well as fully restored classic cars are set to go under the hammer at Silverstone Auctions' first Restoration Show Sale on April 12th. The auction is bringing together an eclectic range of cars spanning six decades and features some truly unique cars.
Headlining the sale is an extremely rare 1939 Lagonda V12 Hooper two-door saloon, estimated at between £75,000 and £100,000. A highly original and matching numbers example it was built for the wife of the owner of Hooper Bodies Ltd and formed part of the famous Henry Ellard classic car collection that was sold at auction in 1984.
Other highlights include a pair of Aston Martin DBS barn finds; a very rare 1969 right hand drive manual Vantage model and an early Series I V8. Both are estimated at between £20,000 and £25,000 and having been in storage for the past ten years the time has now come for new owners to restore these cars to their former glory.
From the world of TV comes Arthur Daley's famous Daimler that was driven around the streets of London in the hit ITV series Minder, estimated at between £10,500 and £15,000. Also going under the hammer is a 1969 Morris milk float, offered with No Reserve, which had a starring role in iconic soap opera EastEnders.
Those who prefer a classic in finer condition could take ownership of stunning fully restored 1986 BMW M3, a very rare 1985 Lamborghini Jalpa or a 1997 Renault Sport Spider, ready to drive away just in time for summer. Looking forward to the new auction, Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions, said: “We're incredibly excited to host the brand new auction at the inaugural Restoration Show. The team have brought together some truly fascinating cars and interest is set to be high.”
 The sale begins at 1.00pm on Saturday 12th April with viewing of lots available on the morning of the sale. Nick added: “All classic car enthusiasts dream of discovering the ‘car in the barn' and so this is a wonderful opportunity to purchase some of the best available on the market.” For more information on the sale please visit http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/the-nec-restoration-show-sale.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43333/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A collection of over 80 stunning barn finds, restoration projects as well as fully restored classic cars are set to go under the hammer at Silverstone Auctions' first Restoration Show Sale on April 12th. The auction is bringing together an eclectic ran...

### ALCALÁ DEL JÚCAR CELEBRATES ITS 650TH BIRTHDAY PARTY WITH A MEDIEVAL MARKET

Alcalá del Jucar was given official recognition as an independent village on 18 April 1364.  Now, 650 years later, the village holds a Medieval Market on 17 to 20 April, with medieval minstrels, a juggler walking on stilts, a wooden merry-go-round, all sorts of medieval games and above all, stalls with the real craft work still to be found in this typical Amata market.  The village itself - a jewel in an otherwise drab landscape - is also well worth a visit
Anybody who has driven along the autovia from Alicante to Madrid will have desperately wished for one of Google's self drive cars so that one can watch a video instead of having to concentrate on the desolate landscape.  The road makes its way through a vast and empty space with here and there a single tree.  And yet, hidden in a deep gorge carved by the Júcar river, lies a picturesque village in a landscape decorated with small waterfalls, large and decorative rocks, hillsides covered with forest.  The village is a maze of small stone stairs with an imposing castle crowning what is one of Spain's better-known tourist attractions with a good selection of restaurants, hotels and more humble lodgings
This Easter the village celebrates its 650th birthday;  it is 650 years ago that Alcalá de Júcar gained its independence and became a village in its own right.  So the good burghers decided to celebrate by making diverse excursions to that time, such as a Carnival procession with medieval floats on which participants stood dressed in medieval clothes, and now a Medieval Market with medieval stalls on the banks of the river Júcar.  Here the visitor can walk round and appraise the wares of various craftsmen and women, many of whom will be working at their stall.  A chance to buy a souvenir that doesn't come from some Third World country or a small factory near Madrid.
Some of the work on sale is just pleasant to look at, but other work is handsome as well as useful such as hand made pottery, leather belts and handbags, lamps, clothing, jewellery boxes and mirrors.  Here is a chance to own something really exclusive without having to pay inflated gallery prices.
The Market is not just a collection of craft stalls; Solredo, a trio of slightly crazy musicians, walk around playing medieval music and Lydia walks on stilts, lies on a bed of nails and ties herself in knots, and plays with fire.  For the children there is a small merry-go-round and medieval table games (very popular even in these days of computer consoles).
Alcalá de Júcar itself is a lovely village with a Roman bridge, three large caves and its own impressive castle; visitors can also enjoy numerous activities such as horse riding, rafting, fishing, climbing and various guided walking tours.  One of Spain's many "caminos de Santiago" (the pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostella) passes through the village and for people who don't want to follow a guide nor walk the odd 1,000 kms there are a number of sign-posted local walks.
The Market opens on Thursday afternoon at 6 pm; on Friday and Saturday opening times are 11 to 2 in the morning and 5 till late in the afternoon and evening and on Sunday only in the morning from 11 to 2.  To get to Alcalá del Júcar follow the main autovia from Alicante to Madrid and turn off just past Almansa; Alcalá del Júcar lies half way between Almansa and Requena.  More information on the market to be found on the Amata web page (www.amata.es, also in English) or you can ring Elvira (who speaks English) on 639 979 678.  Or you can ring the tourist office on 967 473 090.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43332/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Alcalá del Jucar was given official recognition as an independent village on 18 April 1364.  Now, 650 years later, the village holds a Medieval Market on 17 to 20 April, with medieval minstrels, a juggler walking on stilts, a wooden merry-go-round, all sorts of medieval games and above all, stalls with the real craft work still to be found in this typical Amata market.  The village itself - a jewel in an otherwise drab landscape - is also well worth a visit
Anybody who has driven along the autovia from Alicante to Madrid will have desperately wished for one of Google's self drive cars so that one can watch a video instead of having to concentrate on the desolate landscape.  The road makes its way through a vast and empty space with here and there a single tree.  And yet, hidden in a deep gorge carved by the Júcar river, lies a picturesque village in a landscape decorated with small waterfalls, large and decorative rocks, hillsides covered with forest.  The village is a maze of small stone stairs with an imposing castle crowning what is one of Spain's better-known tourist attractions with a good selection of restaurants, hotels and more humble lodgings
This Easter the village celebrates its 650th birthday;  it is 650 years ago that Alcalá de Júcar gained its independence and became a village in its own right.  So the good burghers decided to celebrate by making diverse excursions to that time, such as a Carnival procession with medieval floats on which participants stood dressed in medieval clothes, and now a Medieval Market with medieval stalls on the banks of the river Júcar.  Here the visitor can walk round and appraise the wares of various craftsmen and women, many of whom will be working at their stall.  A chance to buy a souvenir that doesn't come from some Third World country or a small factory near Madrid.
Some of the work on sale is just pleasant to look at, but other work is handsome as well as useful such as hand made pottery, leather belts and handbags, lamps, clothing, jewellery boxes and mirrors.  Here is a chance to own something really exclusive without having to pay inflated gallery prices.
The Market is not just a collection of craft stalls; Solredo, a trio of slightly crazy musicians, walk around playing medieval music and Lydia walks on stilts, lies on a bed of nails and ties herself in knots, and plays with fire.  For the children there is a small merry-go-round and medieval table games (very popular even in these days of computer consoles).
Alcalá de Júcar itself is a lovely village with a Roman bridge, three large caves and its own impressive castle; visitors can also enjoy numerous activities such as horse riding, rafting, fishing, climbing and various guided walking tours.  One of Spain's many "caminos de Santiago" (the pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostella) passes through the village and for people who don't want to follow a guide nor walk the odd 1,000 kms there are a number of sign-posted local walks.
The Market opens on Thursday afternoon at 6 pm; on Friday and Saturday opening times are 11 to 2 in the morning and 5 till late in the afternoon and evening and on Sunday only in the morning from 11 to 2.  To get to Alcalá del Júcar follow the main autovia from Alicante to Madrid and turn off just past Almansa; Alcalá del Júcar lies half way between Almansa and Requena.  More information on the market to be found on the Amata web page (www.amata.es, also in English) or you can ring Elvira (who speaks English) on 639 979 678.  Or you can ring the tourist office on 967 473 090.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43332/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### Good Friday 18 April 2014 - What´s On

listen to ‘Good Friday Events’ on Audioboo

FRIDAY 18th APRIL, 2014
Good Friday. International Day on Monuments and Sites/World Heritage Day.
Markets

Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, TORREVIEJA.

ALICANTE

Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).

ORIHUELA

“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).

“Libro de actas capitulares del Consell 1353-1357” - Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 30 Apr). This is the oldest book of records preserved in the Municipal Archives.

Special bus to the Holy Friday procession from Playa Flamenca (Orihuela Costa) and Entrenaranjos to Orihuela town, to enjoy a stress free visit and take live a memorable experience with your family and friends. Reserve your Ticket, available for a return trip at 5,30 € per person. Please request program booklet. Start: 18.00 h.  Return: 24.00 h.

02,00 h.: PROCESIÓN de Hermandad Penitencial del Santísimo Cristo de la Buena Muerte. Procession of the Penitential Brotherhood of Silence.

11:00 – Art and Passion Walking Tour. A guided tour of attractions related to Easter and of International Tourist Interest. Departs from the Tourist Office, cost 3€.

11:00 and 12:00 – Relics and Passion Walking Tour. Departing from the Convent of the Franciscan Friers, visiting the chapel of Relics of the Passion, cost 3€.

11:30 – Guided tour of the Murals of San Isidro, departing from the Tourist Office, through the open air museum dedicated to the Orihuela born poet, Migual Hernandez, through the historic neighbourhood of San Isidro.

12,30 h.: TRASLADO de las imágenes de la Stma. Virgen Dolorosa y de El Salvador Resucitado, desde el Monasterio de San Juan de la Penitencia (Hnas. Clarisas) y de la Santa Iglesia Catedral,  hasta la Iglesia Parroquial de las Santas Justa y Rufina.

16,00 h.: CELEBRACIÓN DE LA PASIÓN Y MUERTE DEL SEÑOR. Iglesia Parroquial de San Antón.

17,00 h.: CELEBRACIÓN DE LA PASIÓN Y MUERTE DEL SEÑOR. Santa Iglesia Catedral, Iglesia Parroquial de las Santas Justa y Rufina  e Iglesia Parroquial de San Vicente Ferrer.

18,00 h.: CELEBRACIÓN DE LA PASIÓN Y MUERTE DEL SEÑOR. Iglesia de Santa Ana (PP. Franciscanos).

18,30 h.: PROCESIÓN GENERAL de la Pasión, organizada por la Junta Mayor de Cofradías, Hermandades y Mayordomías de Semana Santa. General Procession of the Passion.

ORIHUELA COSTA

Circus Extravaganza – Zenia Boulevard.

TORREVIEJA

11.00h-14.30h and 17.30h-22.30h- 17th EDITION OF THE BOOK FAIR, PASEO VISTAALEGRE (Until April 28th).

GOOD FRIDAY April 18th

HOLY BURIAL PROCESSION AT 20:00 H. fromthe Inmaculada Concepción Church with the following floats: “CONVOCATORIA Y MUJER SAMARITANA”, “NTRO. PADRE JESÚS EN LA ÚLTIMA Y SAGRADA CENA”, “NTRO. PADRE JESÚS DE LA ORACIÓN DEL HUERTO DE LOS OLIVOS”, “STMO. CRISTO DE LA FLAGELACIÓN; STMA. VIRGEN DE LA ESTRELLA, REINA DE LOS ANGELES; Y SAN JUDAS TADEO”, “SAN PEDRO ARREPENTIDO”, “NTRO. PADRE JESÚS CAUTIVO (NAZARENO)”, “NTRO. PADRE JESÚS DE LA CAÍDA”, “SANTA MUJER VERÓNICA”, “NTRO. PADRE JESÚS TRIUNFANTE Y NTRA. SEÑORA DE LA ESPERANZA Y DE LA PAZ”. “CRISTO CRUCIFICADO, NTRO. PADRE JESÚS DE LA SALUD Y MARÍA SANTÍSIMA DEL SILENCIO”, “NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA PIEDAD”, “SANTO SEPULCRO (YACENTE)”, “SAN JUAN EVANGELISTA” Y “NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LOS DOLORES”.

ITINERARY: Plaza de la Constitución, Caballero de Rodas, Patricio Pérez, Ramón Gallud, Zoa, Ulpiano, Moriones, Caballero de Rodas, Plaza de la Constitución.

### NUMBER PLATE CHECKS TAKING PLACE

The Guardia Civil traffic department has launched a mini campaign to check number plates on vehicles, paying particular attention to ensuring that the details of the registration are clearly visible in the event of being snapped by a traffic law enforcement device.
The move is thought to be in preparation for the new traffic laws which come into force in May, whereas not only will radar detectors be banned, but officers will no longer have to stop a vehicle in order to issue a fine.
By ensuring that the number plate details are correct, this will ensure that anybody breaking the law can be brought to justice quicker.
Although some of the techniques are nothing but urban myths, the officers will also be checking for any signs that a driver may have tried to camouflage a number plate, by suing such things as spray or stickers. One such range of stickers, which are coming from Russia, are hardly visible to the naked eye as the number plate looks normal, but renders the letters and numbers invisible to traffic cameras. Other stickers on the market are designed to increase the reflective flash of a camera, thus theoretically whitewashing the photograph and making the number plate unreadable.
When the new legislation comes into force on the 9th of May, there will be a 200 euro fine for using a radar detector, as well as the loss of points, with the exception of those devices that warn of fixed cameras, the information which is already published by the DGT.
The Guardia Civil have also said that they will continue to monitor social network sites for warnings of their presence, moving to a new location should drivers become aware that they are there.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43316/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil traffic department has launched a mini campaign to check number plates on vehicles, paying particular attention to ensuring that the details of the registration are clearly visible in the event of being snapped by a traffic law enforc...

### Thursday 17 April 2014 - Things to do

listen to ‘Maundy Thursday What´s On’ on Audioboo

THURSDAY 17th APRIL, 2014
Maundy Thursday (Not officially recognised in Valencia). World Hemophilia Day.
Markets

Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales.

ALICANTE

Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).

ORIHUELA

“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).

“Libro de actas capitulares del Consell 1353-1357” - Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 30 Apr). This is the oldest book of records preserved in the Municipal Archives.

11:00 – Art and Passion Walking Tour. A guided tour of attractions related to Easter and of International Tourist Interest. Departs from the Tourist Office, cost 3€.

11:00 and 12:00 – Relics and Passion Walking Tour. Departing from the Convent of the Franciscan Friers, visiting the chapel of Relics of the Passion, cost 3€.

16,30 h.: CELEBRACIÓN SOLEMNE DE LA MISA EN LA CENA DEL SEÑOR. Iglesia Parroquial de San Antón.

18,00 h.: CELEBRACIÓN SOLEMNE DE LA MISA DE LA CENA DEL SEÑOR. Santa Iglesia Catedral y Real, Insigne y Majestuosa Iglesia de Santiago.

19,30 h.: CELEBRACIÓN SOLEMNE DE LA MISA EN LA CENA DEL SEÑOR. Iglesia Parroquial de San Vicente Ferrer y Parroquia de las Santas Justa y Rufina.

20,30 h.: INTERPRETACIÓN DEL CANTO DE LA PASIÓN por los Cantores de la Primitiva Pasión “Federico Rogel”. Santuario de Ntra. Sra. de Monserrate.

23,00 h.: PROCESIÓN de Hermandad del Silencio. A su término, VÍA CRUCIS PENITENCIAL desde la Plaza de Caturla hasta el Seminario de San Miguel. Procession of the Brotherhood of Silence.

ORIHUELA COSTA

ABBA Elite, plus home furnishing event – Zenia Boulevard.

TORREVIEJA

11.00h-14.30h and 17.30h-22.30h- 17th EDITION OF THE BOOK FAIR, PASEO VISTAALEGRE (Until April 28th).

MAUNDY THURSDAY April 17th

SILENCE PROCESSION AT 23:00 H. with the floats: “CONVOCATORIA Y MUJER SAMARITANA” and “CRISTO CRUCIFICADO, NTRO. PADRE JESÚS DE LA SALUD Y MARÍA SANTÍSIMA DEL SILENCIO”.

ITINERARY: Plaza de la Constitución, Caballero de Rodas, Patricio Pérez, Campoamor, Turco, Gabriel Miró, Orihuela, Caballero de Rodas, Plaza de la Constitución.

### SPAIN UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES STILL PAINT BLEAK PICTURE

Although the announcements by the Spanish government are insistent on pointing out how the country is well on its way out of recession, the picture is still a bleak on when it comes to unemployment figures quoted by the European Union.
According to the latest data released by Eurosat, Spanish regions occupy seven of the top ten places in terms of unemployment figures. In fact, the top five places are all Spanish.
The worst region in Europe for unemployment, as the close of statistical data for 2013, is Andalusia with a 36.3% unemployment rate, followed by Ceuta with 35.6%, Melilla with 34.4%, the Canary Islands with 34.1%, and Extremadura with 33.7%. In sixth place is Greece with West Macedonia having 31.8%, then back to Spain for number seven with Castilla-La Mancha standing at 30.1% unemployed, back to Greece for Central Macedonia in eighth place with 30.0%, Murcia in Spain is ninth with 34.4%, and in tenth place is the French region of Reunión, with a 28.9% unemployment rate.
What is perhaps more distressing is that every region of Spain has a higher unemployment rate than the EU average, which came in at 10.8% for 2013, with a further 6 regions being added to those already listed that have double that European average.
The figure becomes even more disturbing when broken down into age groups. The problem of unemployment in young people is of grave concern to many, but with little practical help seemingly being given. 
The European average unemployment rate for the 15 to 24 years of age group comes out at 23.4%, already considerably higher than the general figure, but when the statistics for places like Ceuta, which came top of the list, reveal a staggering 72.7%, it is perhaps no wonder that such indignation is felt amongst the many young people struggling to find work. The other struggling regions are also particularly high on the list for youth unemployment, with 66.1% without work in Andalusia, 61.7% in Extremadura and 61.6% unemployed in Castilla-La Mancha.
As for the country as a whole, Greece holds the highest registered numbers of active workers who are unemployed, with a figure standing at 27.5% of the working population, but Spain still holds second place with a close 26.03% unemployment rate.
As for the opposite side of the spectrum, the Czech Republic, Austria and Germany are currently boasting some of the lowest unemployment rates in the EU.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43315/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Although the announcements by the Spanish government are insistent on pointing out how the country is well on its way out of recession, the picture is still a bleak on when it comes to unemployment figures quoted by the European Union.
According to th...

### LIFELESS BODY OF A WOMAN FOUND IN TORREVIEJA FIRE

Fire fighters from the Provincial Fire Consortium of Alicante found the lifeless body of a woman whilst extinguishing a blaze in an apartment in Torrevieja on Wednesday.
Two fire crews attended the incident on the second floor of an apartment block at 104, calle Pedro Lorca, having received the emergency call at 12:14.
During the course of extinguishing the flames, the fire fighters discovered the woman´s lifeless body. An investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43314/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Fire fighters from the Provincial Fire Consortium of Alicante found the lifeless body of a woman whilst extinguishing a blaze in an apartment in Torrevieja on Wednesday.
Two fire crews attended the incident on the second floor of an apartment block at...

### PEGASUS TWO TAKES TO THE AIR FOR EASTER

As many people across Spain are celebrating the Easter holiday, the DGT traffic department will have their own celebrations, as they have just launched a second Pegasus equipped helicopter which will be accompanying the ground based traffic police to monitor for speeding motorists.
The DGT now has two of their eighteen helicopters fitted with the airborne radar speed detectors, operative from a distance as far as 1,000 feet in the air, or 300 metres, able to pinpoint speeding vehicles up to a kilometre away, travelling at speeds of up to 360 kilometres per hour.
Two cameras are mounted on the helicopter, one for tracking the vehicle, the other for monitoring the speed and other details, including recording the number plate.
This second Pegasus will be used for monitoring vehicles mostly on conventional roads, considered the most dangerous and the location of the majority of accidents. In the next few weeks, the DGT will also be taking delivery of another 4 sets of equipment, making a total of six aircraft based at the traffic management centres on both the mainland and the Balearics.
In the first year of operation of the first Pegasus equipped helicopter performed 428 hours of monitoring flights, in which 8,500 vehicles were checked and 1,441 drivers caught speeding. On average, most of those caught were travelling at 30 kilometres or more above the permitted speed on the road they were caught. Some 59% of those caught were on roads where the limit was 90 or 100 kilometres per hour, whereas 38% of those caught were speeding on roads where the limit was 120 kilometres per hour.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43313/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As many people across Spain are celebrating the Easter holiday, the DGT traffic department will have their own celebrations, as they have just launched a second Pegasus equipped helicopter which will be accompanying the ground based traffic police to m...

### THIRTY THOUSAND DRIVERS CAUGHT SPEEDING

During the week-long clamp down on speeding on Spain´s roads, the traffic police checked nearly a million vehicles, half of which were on conventional roads, and reported a staggering 30,000 drivers for breaking the speed limit.
The campaign ran between the 31st of March and the 6th of April, during which time officers from the Guardia Civil checked the speed of a total of 921,375 vehicles, of which 30,486, or 3.4%, were reported for not complying with speed limits.
The campaign formed the monthly clampdown by the traffic department focussing on a particular element of safety, with speeding causing nearly 500 deaths a year, and 70% of all injuries occurring on conventional roads.
During the campaign, five drivers were reported for committing a crime against road safety when driving at a higher speed of eighty kilometres per hour above the permitted limit on this road. One driver was clocked at 237 kilometres per hour and under the influence of alcohol. These drivers could face prison for up to 6 months, or community service, as well as a hefty fine and a ban.
The next campaign by the traffic department and the Guardia Civil will run from the 19th to the 25th of May, and will focus on motorbikes and scooters, followed by a clampdown on alcohol and drugs in June, which will also coincide with a campaign by the European wide traffic police.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43312/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: During the week-long clamp down on speeding on Spain´s roads, the traffic police checked nearly a million vehicles, half of which were on conventional roads, and reported a staggering 30,000 drivers for breaking the speed limit.
The campaign ran...

### CHILD CYCLIST KILLED IN LO PAGAN

A child, believed to be just 14 years of age, died on Tuesday after being hit while a riding a bike in the Lo Pagán area of San Pedro del Pinatar.
According to the emergency coordination centre, the incident occurred at around 16:00, when the vehicle and bike collided. 
The child was being cared for at the scene by medics, who then commenced a transfer to the Virgen de la Arrixaca hospital in Murcia, although the child was pronounced dead on arrival at the intensive care unit.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43311/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A child, believed to be just 14 years of age, died on Tuesday after being hit while a riding a bike in the Lo Pagán area of San Pedro del Pinatar.
According to the emergency coordination centre, the incident occurred at around 16:00, when the v...

### What´s On - Wednesday 16 April 2014

listen to ‘Wednesday´s What´s On Guide’ on Audioboo

WEDNESDAY 16th APRIL, 2014
Foursquare Day. April being the 4th month and the 16th being equal to four squared. World Entrepreneurship Day.
Markets

Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas.

ALICANTE

Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).

ORIHUELA

“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).

“Libro de actas capitulares del Consell 1353-1357” - Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 30 Apr). This is the oldest book of records preserved in the Municipal Archives.

07,00 h.: TRADICIONAL TOQUE DE GEMELAS DE LA MAYORDOMÍA DE NTRO. PADRE JESÚS por las calles y plazas de la Ciudad.

18,30 h.: PROCESIÓN de la Orden Franciscana Seglar y Muy Ilustre Mayordomía de Nuestro Padre Jesús.  Procession of the Secular Franciscan Order and Illustrious Stewardship of Our Father Jesus.

22,30 h.: PROCESIÓN de la Cofradía de la Sagrada Institución de la Eucaristía “Santa Cena” y Ntra. Sra. de los Ángeles y de la Real Archicofradía y Mayordomía del Pilar y Real Cofradía de “El Lavatorio”. Procession of the Brotherhood of the Sacred INstitution of the “Last Supper” Eucharist Nuesta Señora de los Angeles (Our Lady of Angels), the Royal Arch-Brotherhood and Stewardship of the Pilar, and the Royal Brotherhood of “Jesus Washing the Feet”.

ORIHUELA COSTA

Circus SHow, plus home furnishing event – Zenia Boulevard.

TORREVIEJA

11.00h-14.30h and 17.30h-22.30h- 17th EDITION OF THE BOOK FAIR, PASEO VISTAALEGRE (Until April 28th).

HOLY WEDNESDAY April 16th

PROCESSION AT 22:00 H. fromthe Inmaculada Concepción Church with the float: "NTRO. PADRE JESÚS TRIUNFANTE Y NTRA. SRA. DE LA ESPERANZA Y DE LA PAZ".

ITINERARY: Plaza de la Constitución, Caballero de Rodas and María Parodi streetto Ramón Galludcrossroad.

At the same time and from the Sagrado Corazón Church with the following floats: “CONVOCATORIA Y MUJER SAMARITANA” Y “NUESTRO PADRE JESÚS DE LA CAÍDA” accompanied by the traditional “Mantillas Españolas” (members of the Santa Mujer Véronica float).

ITINERARY: Plaza de Oriente, Zoa and Ramón Gallud street to Maria Parodi crossroad, where the floats from both Churches will meet. This religious meeting is called “Encuentro en la vía Dolorosa”.

After the religious meeting the procession will go along the following streets: Ramón Gallud, Patricio Pérez, Campoamor, Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, Azorín, Caballero de Rodas, Plaza de la Constitución.

### EASTER TRAFFIC FLOW STEPS UP ON WEDNESDAY

Phase 2 of the special road operation connected with the Easter holidays is set to begin at lunchtime on Wednesday, when more inland based drivers are set to head towards the coastal zone for the Easter break.
Phase 2 is often considered one of the most important by the traffic department, as an increased flow of traffic mixes with those who have already arrived on the coast.
As with other stages of road traffic management, major road works are suspended, the transport of dangerous goods is banned, and the traffic police are out in force to try to ease the flow.
On Wednesday and Thursday, the main flow of traffic will be heading towards tourist areas of the coast, second home locations, areas of touristic interest and for winter sports locations such as mountains, as well as areas popular with the traditional religious acts of Easter.
The roads in these areas will be particularly busy during the entire holiday period, with stage3 being “the return”, when those visitors to the coast return home to inland areas, which is expected to see a large movement on Sunday the 20th and Monday the 21st of April.  
The advice offered by the traffic department is to avoid the busiest times, allow extra time for any journey, and to ensure compliance with the rules and laws.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43310/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Phase 2 of the special road operation connected with the Easter holidays is set to begin at lunchtime on Wednesday, when more inland based drivers are set to head towards the coastal zone for the Easter break.
Phase 2 is often considered one of the mo...

### ITV PRICE CUT IN VALENCIA

The government of Valencia has approved a decrease in the cost of the Inspección Técnica de Vehículos, or ITV, slashing 17.1% off the cost of a standard vehicle inspection, and 18.3% off that for a diesel passenger car.
As a result, the cost of the mandatory certification equivalent to the UK M.O.T. has dropped by 2.48 euro for most vehicles, by 2.75 euro for diesels, with reductions also for noise and emission tests.
In addition to the reduction, the government has also standardised costs for the likes of quads, ATVs and camper vehicles, which were not specifically dealt with previously.
The Valencia region has contracted seven companies to complete the ITV test, who have been operating since 1997. In the past, many motorists have taken their vehicles to other regions for a cheaper test, meaning that Valencia had been missing out. This price change brings the region closer to the price of its neighbours.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43309/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The government of Valencia has approved a decrease in the cost of the Inspección Técnica de Vehículos, or ITV, slashing 17.1% off the cost of a standard vehicle inspection, and 18.3% off that for a diesel passenger car.
As a resul...

### ALICANTE REMAINS TOP FOR FOREIGN PROPERTY BUYERS

Foreign investors in Valencia bought 16,619 Spanish properties last year, representing an increase of 17% over 2012, with a value of 1.7 billion euro, an 11% increase on the previous year.
The data released by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment also confirms that the Alicante province is the biggest area of interest to foreign buyers, with 13,786 properties sold, with the resale properties fairing particularly well. In financial terms however, Alicante accounts for 87% of the total value of purchases made.
In terms of where those buyers come from, Russia is leading the way, having tripled the number of sales since 2009. Buyers from the UK are now in second place, with those from Algeria also showing a particular growth.
In 2008 the majority of property purchases made by foreigners were from the United Kingdom, with 40% of all sales, whereas in 2013, this percentage has dropped to 13%. The areas which have increased are the Russian market, up by 13%, the collection of Nordic countries with a 19% increase, Algeria up 9% and buyers from Belgium up 8%.
The positive trend has been seen since 2008, where sales rose 25.4% in the first quarter. In the last three months of 2013, that figure rose to 31.4%. Sales to non-residents have seen a bigger increase, with 14.3% in the first quarter of 2008, compared to 36.6% in the last of 2013.
In total, during the last quarter of 2013, 33.6% of all homes sold to foreigners in Spain were in the Valencia region, with the second most important location, Andalusia, being responsible for 19.9%. The next key locations in terms of percentage of national sales were Cataluña with 15.5%, the Canarias with 11.3% and the Balearics with 6.5%.
The Ministerial Department plans to hold a meeting in Madrid next month, with businessmen, property agents and estate agencies, among others, in order to introduce initiatives and developments to reactivate the productive activity and employment increase, intent on increasing the use of housing for foreigners.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43308/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Foreign investors in Valencia bought 16,619 Spanish properties last year, representing an increase of 17% over 2012, with a value of 1.7 billion euro, an 11% increase on the previous year.
The data released by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Planning ...

### POLICE BREAK UP CAR HIRE SCAM GANG

Officers from the National Police have prevented a “large-scale” scam in which a group intended to target car hire companies in Spain, arresting 24 members of an organization criminal group. The officers believe that the gang were involved in activities relating to hiring a “significant number” of vehicles in Spain, falsifying the documents, and then exporting the vehicles to other countries.
The investigation began in late January 2014 when a car rental company contacted the police to report their suspicions after two people, both French nationals, arranged the rental of several vehicles. The investigators then found that the individuals were involved in a mass rental operation from an office in Madrid, as well as having a warehouse in the suburb of San Fernando de Henares.
As the police then monitored their activities, they found that they had visited numerous car hire companies with a view to hiring several vehicles at a time. As part of the scam, the hirers would be driven to the company premises in a luxury car, with chauffeur, believed to be part of their elaborate staging of gaining the confidence of the companies involved. The gang would also hold meetings in high class restaurants, and had created a website to give the impression of legitimate business practices.
As the surveillance and monitoring continued, the officers stopped two flat-bed trucks, loaded with cars, which were on their way to France. The 16 vehicles being carried on the trucks all corresponded with vehicles rented by the group, and had been stored in the warehouse. The two truck drivers were arrested in the vicinity of Pamplona, and the vehicle seized.
At the same time as the trucks were being intercepted, another team of officers raided the business premises in Madrid, arresting a number of other members of the gang. Finally, through collaboration with the French police, five other vehicles were recovered in the French towns of Charleville and Cambrai.
Those arrested are charged with crimes of fraud, misappropriation, forgery and being members of a criminal group. During a search of the premises, officers found a variety of documentation relating to the export of vehicles, fake driving licences and other materials, whilst also identifying the gang leader as being a French national, wanted on a European Arrest warrant for fraud and for absconding from prison.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43307/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have prevented a “large-scale” scam in which a group intended to target car hire companies in Spain, arresting 24 members of an organization criminal group. The officers believe that the gang were involved ...

### SUICIDAL MAN REQUESTS DONOR CARD FIRST

A man committed suicide on Monday at the Hospital La Fe de Valencia, minutes after requesting an organ donor card.
The man entered the transplant coordination centre at the hospital in order to donate blood, and requested the forms to become an organ donor, advising staff at the hospital of his intention to kill himself. 
Staff at the hospital tried to reassure him and negotiate with the man, but he ended up shooting himself in the toilets at the hospital.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43306/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A man committed suicide on Monday at the Hospital La Fe de Valencia, minutes after requesting an organ donor card.
The man entered the transplant coordination centre at the hospital in order to donate blood, and requested the forms to become an organ ...

### ANOTHER FATAL CRASH ON THE N-332 AT TORREVIEJA

Three people have been killed in a car crash on the N-332 main road near Torrevieja on Monday evening.
An investigation has been launched by the Guardia Civil to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the accident, which occurred at around 18:00, in which a van and a car collided and as a result the three people, believed to be a woman aged 32,and two men aged 37 and 52, lost their lives.
Two emergency SAMU paramedic units and two basic life support vehicles were sent to the scene, but the medical staff could only confirm that they had died.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43305/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Three people have been killed in a car crash on the N-332 main road near Torrevieja on Monday evening.
An investigation has been launched by the Guardia Civil to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the accident, which occurred at around 18:00, in ...

### Things to do - Tuesday 15th April, 2014

listen to ‘Tuesday´s Events’ on Audioboo

TUESDAY 15th APRIL, 2014
Day of Silence.  Day of Dialogue.
Markets

Alicante, (Rastro), Aspe, Altea, Benijofar, ORIHUELA, San Fulgencio.

ALICANTE

Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).

ORIHUELA

“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).

“Libro de actas capitulares del Consell 1353-1357” - Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 30 Apr). This is the oldest book of records preserved in the Municipal Archives.

18,00 h.: DÍA DE PERDÓN.  Celebración Penitencial en la Santa Iglesia Catedral.

22,00 h.: PROCESIÓN de la Cofradía del Perdón y la Cofradía “Ecce-Homo”. Procession of the Brotherhood of the Pardon and the Ecce Homo Brotherhood.

ORIHUELA COSTA

Ivo Stantov, gymnastic show plus home furnishing event – Zenia Boulevard.

TORREVIEJA

11.00h-14.30h and 17.30h-22.30h- 17th EDITION OF THE BOOK FAIR, PASEO VISTAALEGRE (Until April 28th).

HOLY TUESDAY April 15th

PROCESSION AT 22:00 H. from the Inmaculada Concepción Church with the following floats: “CONVOCATORIA Y MUJER SAMARITANA”, “CRISTO CRUCIFICADO, NTRO. PADRE JESÚS DE LA SALUD Y MARÍA SANTÍSIMA DEL SILENCIO”, “NUESTRO PADRE JESÚS DE LA CAÍDA”, “SANTA MUJER VERÓNICA”, “SAN JUAN EVANGELISTA” Y “NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LOS DOLORES”.

ITINERARY: From Inmaculada Concepción Church a long Caballero de Rodas, Patricio Pérez, Ramón Gallud, Concepción, Paseo Vista Alegre, María Parodi, Caballero de Rodas, Plaza Constitución.

### NO PLANS TO INCREASE ALCOHOL AGE

The Spanish government´s drug tsar, Francisco Babín, has this week said that there are no plans to raise the current legal age limit for alcohol consumption, despite the increased concern of alcohol abuse in younger people, and medical evidence that the young brain does not stop maturing until the age of 20, and so, alcohol consumption before this age is even more harmful than those who are older.
The reason for the decision is that the government don´t feel that raising the age would solve the problem, as most young people who responded to a survey in 2012 to 2013, revealed that despite the current age limit of 18, most young people actually start to consume alcohol at around 13.
According to Babín, a School Survey on Drug Use in Secondary School Students, known as ESTUDES, reflected the actual age of alcohol consumption is at 13.9 years, or 4 years earlier than legally allowed, and therefore cannot see how raising the permitted age would make a difference when the rules are already being ignored.
Therefore, the government delegate has opposed the bill prepared by the health department under the head of Minister Ana Mato, suggesting the increase in the permitted age, as it is “no use to fix ages given the evidence, which I do not deny, if the current rules are not met”.
Instead, the Government's objective is to “harmonize” the legal drinking age in Spain and “increase the risk perception” of alcohol consumption amongst young people, similar to that of other banned substances such as drugs, with the aim for education people to a “zero” rate of consumption, although, in reality, many Spanish schools also suffer problems with illegal drug use at the moment.
The announcement was made during a talk given by the DIANOVA group, which aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drinking and drugs in young people. The initiative, present in eleven countries, runs until the end of the school year, in June.
The campaign sees posters and information leaflets distributed throughout the school network, along with four informative films, each featuring a different element of abuse, such as one person addicted to cocaine, another to alcohol, a young boy smoking cannabis and a woman taking anxiolytics.
“Our intention is to show the reality but also give a message of hope to consumers conveying the idea that you can get out of these addictions. Moreover, our aim is to also perform preventive work to avoid treatment costs”, according to the spokesperson for DIANOVA, Santos M. Cavero.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43304/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Spanish government´s drug tsar, Francisco Babín, has this week said that there are no plans to raise the current legal age limit for alcohol consumption, despite the increased concern of alcohol abuse in younger people, and medical evi...

### EVERY SUPERHERO NEEDS A SUPERPARTNER

As World Parkinson's Day was commemorated on the 11th of April, new data reveals that about 150,000 people in Spain are affected by the condition, with around 10,000 new cases each year, making it the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer´s.
María Jesús Delgado, the president of the Spanish Parkinson´s Federation, explained how the condition not only directly affects those who suffer from the disease, but also their families, with both social and medicinal elements having to be taken into consideration. “Parkinson´s is a great unknown and is associated with increased tremor, that is the general image in society”, Delgado explains, “but it is neither one nor the other”. 
“To break the myths and prejudices of the disease, we provide training and information”, says Delgado, who reports that the tremor is one of the symptoms, but not always, as there are also others, such as depression.
Perhaps another fact which is unknown is that one in five patients are under 50 years of age, with early-onset diagnosis only occurring after the age of 35.
The campaign this year to mark the day was accompanied by the slogan “Every superhero needs a superpartner”, recognising the solidarity needed to combat the condition, as, “The Super Hero is sick, and the idea we all have a superpartner, management, public and private companies, families, caregivers, associations is key”, Delgado explains.
Research is one of the great centres of hope for sufferers of Parkinson´s, as “although the cause of the disease is unknown, there are several lines of research which are encouraging, including vaccines, new treatments, etc. In fact, I think we will soon discover its origin”, she continued.
Parkinson's occurs when nerve cells in the brain stop producing a substance called dopamine, but the reason that happens is unknown. Treatments allow patients to live with this disease for up to 40 years with a good quality of life for the first 15, before the effects of the medication start to take its toll; and are used in conjunction with essential rehabilitation therapy including physical therapy, speech therapy, music therapy and psychological support.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43303/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As World Parkinson's Day was commemorated on the 11th of April, new data reveals that about 150,000 people in Spain are affected by the condition, with around 10,000 new cases each year, making it the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease aft...

### PREPARED FOR AN INFLUX OF TOURISTS AND OTHER ORIHUELA NEWS

The president of the local group of the Partido Popular in Orihuela, Pepa Ferrando, has been given the 15th of May as the date in which she must appear in court facing charges of corruption in relation to the FITUR tourism event. Persistently protesting her innocence in any wrong doing, Ferrando said that the complaint filed against he is “categorically false and politicized”, when faced with the allegations that a number of contracts were split to enable then to be allocated to companies without being put to public tender.
Facing criticism from the opposition groups over calls from the Valencian government to submit details about Cala Mosca before the consultation period ends, the councillor for town planning, Antonio Zapata, has confirmed that the plans for presenting the data are continuing on schedule and will in fact be submitted well within the anticipated deadline, with an exhibition of the findings of the environmental impact report being put on exhibition within a matter of weeks. Meanwhile, Pedro Mancebo of the CLR political group has called for a “euro by euro” account of the expenses involved in the trip to Brussels where a government delegation firmly secured the interest of the European Union into their next term of office.
The Councillor for Tourism, Rosa Martínez, launched the latest collection of guided tourist routes this week, to coincide with the influx of tourists during the Easter period. The aim of the tours is to “complement the processions with other activities”, and are seen to be of International tourist interest. Taking visitors to see a variety of cultural highlights, including some of the iconic religious buildings in the city, as well as historic elements such as the murals of San Isidro, a guide book explaining the variety of routs is available from both the town hall and the tourist information offices. 
The town hall have once again arranged a special bus to the Easter Friday procession in Orihuela, leaving from Playa Flamenca on the Orihuela Costa at 18:00, picking up at Entrenaranjos, and dropping passengers in the centre of the city, in order to enjoy a stress free visit and take live a memorable experience with your family and friends. The bus will then return at midnight, although reservations are a must, which can be done at the town hall, tourist information offices or by emailing residentes@orihuela.es. The cost of the journey is just 5.30€ per person and a guide book is also available, detailing all of the events, in English, right through the Easter period.
The benefits of property in the Alicante and Murcia provinces will be highlighted in the Orihuela Costa this week, when the “Costa Live 2014” exhibition comes to the Zenia Boulevard from the 15th to the 17th of April. Around a dozen estate agents and promoters will be showcasing their portfolios at the event, after it was revealed that 29% of all foreign property purchases in Spain are in this area. Aimed at targeting potential buyers from the British and Russian markets, the timing of the event is during the Easter holidays, when many people are expected to visit the shopping centre, tapping into a share of the 60.6 million international tourists who visited Spain in 2013, making the country the third most popular tourist destination in the world, after the U.S. and France.
Last week, the Scandinavian Academy of Orihuela Costa inaugurated an ecological greenhouse on the premises of the school. The Scandinavian Academy has more than 50 pupils from Scandinavian countries and specialises in teaching in Swedish, Finnish and Spanish. It has strong environmental interests and this development is seen as a way of involving the students in environmental matters. The greenhouse was constructed by pupils and staff with recyclable material and has seen vegetables and flowers already growing. The Academy has also launched the procedure for obtaining the important Swedish Green Flag award which will be a prestigious symbol of the Academy's environmental commitments.
Orihuela town hall has this week seen a favourable judgment by the courts worth 247,109 euro, after a resolution was agreed on a municipal plot awarded to a company last summer, to a company that has not filed and verified the required documentation, thus forfeiting their provisional bond. The town hall has also announce the resolution of six cases of urban infraction, three of which have resulted in the demolition of unlicensed works and two with penalties for urban infringements of 600 and 909 euro. However, it´s not all good news, as the government has been forced to pay 3,312 euro of interest after late payment in a separate case.
The department of health in Orihuela has announced a collaboration agreement with a women´s and family welfare group, Afemed, to provide a 70-hour vocational training course in geriatric nursing, which is being offered to 15 unemployed women in the municipality, to offer them the skills to hopefully find work in this much needed field.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43302/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The president of the local group of the Partido Popular in Orihuela, Pepa Ferrando, has been given the 15th of May as the date in which she must appear in court facing charges of corruption in relation to the FITUR tourism event. Persistently protestin...

### NEW INFORMATIVE ROAD SIGNS BEING INTRODUCED IN SPAIN

In addition to the changes in laws for driving in Spain, the Ministry of Public Works has announced new road signs that will be appearing throughout the network, promising more information to drivers relating to everything from directions, fuel stations, curves and transport links.
However, some of these signs may not appear anytime soon, as many of the new signs will only be put in place when the current signs are considered in need of repair or replacement, with the exception being those that are considered to be safety critical, such as warning of sharp curves or other road features, as indicated in the publication of the official state notice this week.
Another safety element being introduced on more Spanish roads is distance separation chevrons, already widely used in countries such as France and Portugal, as well as in places in the UK, which have already been painted on the A-42 road in Getafe, Madrid. Designed to reduce rear-end collisions by indicating the minimum distance required between vehicles, with the number of chevrons depending on the speed of the vehicles. As well as main roads, these features will also start to appear in various tunnels on the road network, with 85 kilometres of road being covered in 24 Spanish provinces.
Some roundabouts will also see new information signs displayed, using pictograms to indicate the direction of exit from the roundabout, although quite whether this will lead to a simpler process for drivers will remain to be seen, given the current different practices adopted by native Spanish drivers and those who come from international destinations, both of whom are trained differently, often leading to utter confusion during one of the most crucial times of leaving a main road at an intersection.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43301/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In addition to the changes in laws for driving in Spain, the Ministry of Public Works has announced new road signs that will be appearing throughout the network, promising more information to drivers relating to everything from directions, fuel station...

### VUELING AGREE DEAL WITH TELEFONICA FOR ONBOARD WIFI

Spanish airline Vueling, part of the International Airlines Group with British Airways and Iberia, has signed an agreement with telecoms provider Telefónica, to implement a high-speed wifi service on a number of their aircraft.
Under the agreement, four Vueling Airbus A320 aircraft will offer the service this year, making the airline the first in Europe to offer high speed wifi, and thus laying the foundation of a model of on board connectivity. 
Before this agreement, this type of data access was not possible in such short distances in Europe such as Madrid and Barcelona, for example, and the airline believe that it opens up a “world of possibilities for passengers”, enabling flyers to check and answer emails, update their social network status and stay connected to news and events in real time, among many other possibilities.
Telefónica will be responsible for integrating the technology for high speed LiveTV with AIR ACCESS through its Eutelsat KA-SAT satellite, in order to provide a complete solution to access Internet in the air.
The technical specifications state that the Ka-band satellite systems are unique for being able to offer a user experience similar to that of a 20 Mbps ADSL line at home, and through the technology of a new generation of Ka-band satellites, also called High Throughput Satellites (HTS), it will allow passengers to use their electronic devices during the flight as if on land.
Telefónica in turn has selected the Eutelsat satellite network and mobile service as provider, while LiveTV will provide all the equipment on board the aircraft. LiveTV is also in charge of the process for obtaining the necessary certifications from the European Aviation Safety Agency for the use of this technology in the Vueling Airbus A320´s.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43300/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spanish airline Vueling, part of the International Airlines Group with British Airways and Iberia, has signed an agreement with telecoms provider Telefónica, to implement a high-speed wifi service on a number of their aircraft.
Under the agreem...

### ISSUE 515 OF THE LEADER IS OUT NOW

Available on our dedicated website, issue 515 of The Leader is out now, in virtual form.
Packed with the latest news and sports from across the area, plus our regular features, there is sure to be plenty to keep you occupied.
The real newspaper is out across the Costa Blanca on Monday morning, but for now, you can read the on-line version by clicking this link...
http://www.virtualleader.info/issue-515-14-april-2014
By the way, because of the Easter holidays, the next edition of The Leader will be out on Tuesday next week, the 22nd of April.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43299/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Available on our dedicated website, issue 515 of The Leader is out now, in virtual form.
Packed with the latest news and sports from across the area, plus our regular features, there is sure to be plenty to keep you occupied.
The real newspaper is ou...

### PENALTY MISS COSTS ELCHE DEARLY!

Valencia   2    Elche   1 
Earlier in the season Elche were played off their own park by neighbours Valencia, but somehow won 2 – 1. This result was revenge, big time as the Franjiverdes still need the points to stay up, but so do Valencia to finish in La Liga high enough to qualify for Europe.  
Due to two key injuries in defence there was still no place for centre back David Lomban, the evergreen Peligrin still ably substituting, as did Cisma again for left back and dead ball specialist Albacar. Christian was again preferred upfront rather than last week's hero Boakye, supported by Coro, and Fidel was recalled on the wide left.
Honours were even in the first half as Piatti put Valencia ahead on twenty minutes, only for a rare goal from one of Elche's heroes last year, Coro to equalise, 1 – 1 at the break. Parejo put Valencia back into the lead with a right-foot shot after a solo run, but Elche were definitely not down-hearted and took the game to their high-flying neighbours. Piatti turned villain by tripping Christian in the box, penalty awarded.
Hmm… normally Elche call on Cool Hand Luke free kick specialist Albacar, who never misses but as he's injured right back Damian Suarez is deputising and did score for Elche two weeks ago.
The Argentinian's low shot inside the post looked good, but goalkeeper Gurita broke Elche hearts by pushing it round the post. Plenty more bookings arrived for both sides as Elche predictably rang the changes, Boakye coming on for the once-again ineffective Fidel, but this time no 93rd minute winner like the Getafe match last week.
Fellow worriers in the lower depths of the La Liga table Granada pulled off an unbelievable win over Barcelona  to move two points above Elche, but the two sides immediately below them, Osasuna and Valladolid played each other.
A goalless draw suited Elche perfectly, a one and three point gap keeping the Franjiverdes just clear of trouble. One point below Valladolid in the bottom three relegation spots are Getafe with 31, Almeria on 30 and Real Betis bottom with 22.
Next week spirited Elche travel to the Spanish capital to take on mighty Athletico Madrid, who although in the Champions League semi-finals to play Chelsea, will want to keep up their claim to win La Liga.
Mucho Elche!
Photo: www.valenciacf.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43296/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Valencia   2    Elche   1 
Earlier in the season Elche were played off their own park by neighbours Valencia, but somehow won 2 – 1. This result was revenge, big time as the Franjiverdes still need the points to stay up, but so do Valencia to fi...

### THE CASE OF THE EXPLODING SHOES

Expats often write to tell me of the many and varied experiences that they face when beginning a new life in the sun. 
Often it is about their frustrations and misunderstandings with town halls, lawyers, as well as a lack of a decent Internet connection that prompts readers to write to me. However, a message from a reader living in the Costa Blanca a few weeks ago did intrigue me.
It was a message from an established expat; a lady called Joan.  One day, Joan decided to tidy the section of their wardrobe that belonged to her husband, Colin. He was a bit of a hoarder and had kept a pair of smart, expensive leather shoes that he had bought for work in the UK some ten years earlier.
He thought that they might come in useful for weddings and funerals, but had never worn them since the couple left the UK. As he was out playing golf, Joan thought it was an ideal opportunity to lose them, and gain a little more space for herself.
As Joan picked up one of the shoes, the shoe exploded and spread a cloud of fine dust over her, the wardrobe and the bedroom. Needless to say, Joan was shocked; the same thing happened when she picked up the second shoe. It appears that the entire heel and sole of both shoes had completely disintegrated with age and the heat.
Joan's email reminded me of a warning that I gave a few weeks ago about the deterioration of rubber in car tyres, and was the reason why tyres should be changed every six years, regardless of the amount of tread remaining.
The sun and heat causes rubber related products to deteriorate very quickly, and in the case of tyres, become very dangerous. I replied briefly to Joan, and gave the issue no more thought until this week.
A few days ago, I discovered a pair of trainers that I had bought some time ago in a sale. They were a highly reputable, and usually expensive, brand, which had been for sale at a price that I could not resist.  I remember immediately regretting buying them when I got home, as there were a little too tight for me, and so they had remained in a wardrobe in the vague hope that they may fit when the weather became cooler.
As we had a cool spell, I decided that now was the time, and I put the trainers on to take Bella, our dog, for a walk. I managed to walk just a hundred metres from our home, when there was strange squelching sound, and I found myself sinking gently to the ground. Bella fled down the path with both horror and embarrassment.
Yes, you guessed; one of my trainers had exploded, leaving a cloud of fine white granules spread all over the road. It was a weird and unsettling experience, and as I turned to return home before anyone witnessed my predicament, the second trainer burst, leaving another cloud of dust and the bottom of the shoe on the road.
It was as I was hopping home that a neighbour caught me. Don't these meetings always happen at a bad time? After initial greetings, he commented that I look troubled, and was everything OK? Had I hurt myself, he asked kindly, as he had noticed that I had developed a rather serious limp.
I thanked him, and did my best to muster up as much dignity as possible as I struggled down the road to our gate, with only the top of the trainers covering my feet.
If you are reading this, Joan, I empathise, and urge all expat readers living in the sun to check the contents of their wardrobes, and to carefully check the age and condition of their shoes.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43281/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Expats often write to tell me of the many and varied experiences that they face when beginning a new life in the sun. 
Often it is about their frustrations and misunderstandings with town halls, lawyers, as well as a lack of a decent Internet connecti...

### AIRPORT BOOST FROM DIRECTOR GENERAL OF CIVIL AVIATION

As Ryanair adds another route to its Murcia - San Javier catalogue, twice weekly flights to and from the Dutch city of Eindhoven, we seem to be none the wiser about the long term future of the Costa's favourite small airport. 
However a meeting which took place at the airport last week, presided over by the Director General of Civil Aviation of the Ministry of Development, Angel Luis Arias, may at last provide some concrete evidence that the Aviation Authorities in Spain, after millions of wasted euros on the deserted Corvera project, are finally coming to their senses.
Arias was in San Javier to chair the Murcia Airport Coordination Committee, the main purpose of which is to drive Airport air traffic to the region.
During the gathering, members, including representatives of the Ministry of Public Works, AENA, the Regional and local councils, scrutinized a study of the current status of the airfield which Arias said would serve as a starting point for the development of new measures to encourage air traffic into the airport and boost airport activity
A number of Airport coordination Committees were established at the meeting, the aim of which is to determine future measures that will ensure fiscal stability and promote the competitiveness of San Javier-Murcia within the airport sector.
They will establish and then promote the actions necessary to strengthen air connectivity through the establishment and promotion of new airlines , on both international and domestic routes.
Airport Director Paul Melgar said that these changes are intended to strengthen the management organization at the airport and enable it to “meet and overcome" the many challenges that it will face in repairing the damage done to it's operations in recent years.
Meanwhile as San Javier – Murcia seems to be making the right sorts of move to re-establish it's position within the sector, troubles continue to beleaguer the operation at Corvera, the latest of which is the threat of the Association of Expropriated Landowners to take their fight for compensation, following the sale of their land, to Brussels. 
Luis Hernández, Secretary of the board of the Association said that the group, which includes about 150 local landowners and farmers, has requested a meeting with the European Ombudsman.
He explained that, despite meeting with local and Regional Politicians, the Corvera airport developer has so far failed to meet the prices that were agreed when the land was first procured. “Promises have not been fulfilled” he said.
The situation began over six years ago. According to Hernandez, the price for land was set by the developer at a rate well below that provided by the Community, but nevertheless, there was a 90% agreement.
He recalled that the dealership offered his group of expropriated landowners about 3 euros per square metre, compared with 11-15 euros for those owners who were compensated by the Government.
Given this difference, many of those affected decided to take their case to court, but after six years they are still awaiting a decision. "Some families are managing badly because the farms that were expropriated were their livelihood," he said. 
"The courts are so very slow and we continue to wonder just how much we are going to get when the matter is finally resolved, but more importantly, who is going to pay if the airport fails to open.
With this concern, all the affected landowners gathered at the Civic Center in Murcia Valladolises last week to decide the approach they will now make to the European Ombudsman in Brussels.
Earlier, the Regional Assembly, had said that the price of any compensation for the expropriated land must be the same "as that paid for similar land elsewhere."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43280/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As Ryanair adds another route to its Murcia - San Javier catalogue, twice weekly flights to and from the Dutch city of Eindhoven, we seem to be none the wiser about the long term future of the Costa's favourite small airport. 
However a meeting which took place at the airport last week, presided over by the Director General of Civil Aviation of the Ministry of Development, Angel Luis Arias, may at last provide some concrete evidence that the Aviation Authorities in Spain, after millions of wasted euros on the deserted Corvera project, are finally coming to their senses.
Arias was in San Javier to chair the Murcia Airport Coordination Committee, the main purpose of which is to drive Airport air traffic to the region.
During the gathering, members, including representatives of the Ministry of Public Works, AENA, the Regional and local councils, scrutinized a study of the current status of the airfield which Arias said would serve as a starting point for the development of new measures to encourage air traffic into the airport and boost airport activity
A number of Airport coordination Committees were established at the meeting, the aim of which is to determine future measures that will ensure fiscal stability and promote the competitiveness of San Javier-Murcia within the airport sector.
They will establish and then promote the actions necessary to strengthen air connectivity through the establishment and promotion of new airlines , on both international and domestic routes.
Airport Director Paul Melgar said that these changes are intended to strengthen the management organization at the airport and enable it to “meet and overcome" the many challenges that it will face in repairing the damage done to it's operations in recent years.
Meanwhile as San Javier – Murcia seems to be making the right sorts of move to re-establish it's position within the sector, troubles continue to beleaguer the operation at Corvera, the latest of which is the threat of the Association of Expropriated Landowners to take their fight for compensation, following the sale of their land, to Brussels. 
Luis Hernández, Secretary of the board of the Association said that the group, which includes about 150 local landowners and farmers, has requested a meeting with the European Ombudsman.
He explained that, despite meeting with local and Regional Politicians, the Corvera airport developer has so far failed to meet the prices that were agreed when the land was first procured. “Promises have not been fulfilled” he said.
The situation began over six years ago. According to Hernandez, the price for land was set by the developer at a rate well below that provided by the Community, but nevertheless, there was a 90% agreement.
He recalled that the dealership offered his group of expropriated landowners about 3 euros per square metre, compared with 11-15 euros for those owners who were compensated by the Government.
Given this difference, many of those affected decided to take their case to court, but after six years they are still awaiting a decision. "Some families are managing badly because the farms that were expropriated were their livelihood," he said. 
"The courts are so very slow and we continue to wonder just how much we are going to get when the matter is finally resolved, but more importantly, who is going to pay if the airport fails to open.
With this concern, all the affected landowners gathered at the Civic Center in Murcia Valladolises last week to decide the approach they will now make to the European Ombudsman in Brussels.
Earlier, the Regional Assembly, had said that the price of any compensation for the expropriated land must be the same "as that paid for similar land elsewhere."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43280/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### What´s On - Monday 14th April 2014

listen to ‘Monday´s What´s On Guide’ on Audioboo


MONDAY 14th APRIL, 2014
Markets

Cox, Elche, Formentera, La Nucia, San Pedro del Pinatar, Santa Pola, Sax, Torremendo.

ALICANTE

Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).

ORIHUELA

“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).

“Libro de actas capitulares del Consell 1353-1357” - Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner (Until 30 Apr). This is the oldest book of records preserved in the Municipal Archives. It contains all complete because, like many others, was bound much later dates, sometimes not follow a chronological order, so in this particular are only minutes from 1353 to March year from April to December 1354 and from June 1356 to May 1357. Their condition is very uneven because while some leaves have been preserved very well, others are almost illegible or has reached us only part of them. The minutes of these years, among many other issues, this is the help that the then town of Orihuela contributed to his master, the Infante Don Fernando, on the occasion of his marriage to the Infanta Dona Maria, daughter of the King of Portugal, Fernando donation requested to settle in Orihuela, the entry of infants into it and the preparations for war between Pedro IV of Aragon and Pedro I of Castile that lasted between 1356 and 1369. The records are written in Valencian. Writing is Gothic Aragonese and also appears a series of notes with lyrics seventeenth century could be Mosen Pedro Bellot, who used to writing their Annals of Orihuela. This book was restored in 2004 by the Valencian Institute of Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Property.

22,00 h.: PROCESIÓN de la Cofradía de La Samaritana y la Pontifice, Real e Ilustre Hermandad de Nuestro Padre Jesús en el paso de “El Prendimiento”. Procession of the Brotherhood of La Samaritina ND THE Pontifice, and the Royal and the Illustrious Brotherhood of Our Father Jesus in the float known as Prendimiento.

ORIHUELA COSTA

Raquel Peña Dancers – Zenia Boulevard.

TORREVIEJA

11.00h-14.30h and 17.30h-22.30h- 17th EDITION OF THE BOOK FAIR, PASEO VISTAALEGRE (Until April 28th).

PROCESSION AT 22:00 H. from the Inmaculada Concepción Church with the following floats: “CONVOCATORIA Y MUJER SAMARITANA”, “ NUESTRO PADRE JESÚS EN LA ÚLTIMA Y SAGRADA CENA”, “NUESTRO PADRE JESÚS EN LA ORACIÓN DEL HUERTO DE LOS OLIVOS”, “SANTÍSIMO CRISTO DE LA FLAGELACIÓN, SANTÍSIMA VIRGEN DE LA ESTRELLA, REINA DE LOS ANGELES; Y SAN JUDAS TADEO”, “SAN PEDRO ARREPENTIDO” and “NUESTRO PADRE JESÚS CAUTIVO (EL NAZARENO)”.

ITINERARY: From the Inmaculada Concepción Church, along Caballero de Rodas, Patricio Pérez, Ramón Gallud, María Parodi, San Pascual, Azorín, Caballero de Rodas, Plaza Constitución.

### The Weekend - 12 and 13 April, 2014 - Things to Do

listen to ‘The Weekend What´s On Guide’ on Audioboo

SATURDAY 12th APRIL, 2014
International Day of Human Space Flight.
Markets
Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
Spring Festival Elche, IFA Auditorium.  48 DJs and musicians, offering 120 hours of none stop house and electronic music.
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
TORREVIEJA
Model Boat Exhibition & Radio Controlled Boat Display, Sala de los Aljibes in the Parque de las Naciones (10:00-14:00 & 17:00-20:00). (Until 13 April).
11.00h-14.30h and 17.30h-22.30h- 17th EDITION OF THE BOOK FAIR, PASEO VISTAALEGRE (Until April 28th)
21.00h-MAMMA MIA. EL MUSICAL´Org. & Art.: Asociación Finflonflin, TEATRO MUNICIPAL Precio: 5€
 

SUNDAY 13th APRIL, 2014
Palm Sunday.
Markets
Benidorm, Elche, La Nucia, Campoverde, La Marina, Zoco, Almoradí street market, Lemon Tree Road, Mil Palmeras.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
ROJALES
Manifestation against the mistreatment of animals, 18:30 to 19:30.
TORREVIEJA
Model Boat Exhibition & Radio Controlled Boat Display, Sala de los Aljibes in the Parque de las Naciones (10:00-14:00 & 17:00-20:00). (LAST DAY).
11.00h-14.30h and 17.30h-22.30h- 17th EDITION OF THE BOOK FAIR, PASEO VISTAALEGRE (Until April 28th)
 
PROCESIONES SEMANA SANTA / EASTER PROCESSIONS ( WEEK END PROGRAM)
SUNDAY April 13th - Morning
PALMS BLESSING PROCESSION at 10:30 h. from the Inmaculada Concepción Church to the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Church with the floats: “NUESTRO PADRE JESÚS TRIUNFANTE” Y “SAN JUAN EVANGELISTA”.
ITINERARY: Caballero de Rodas, Zoa street to the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Church.
Domingo de Ramos Tarde, 13 de Abril de  2014
A LAS 20:30 h.: SOLEMNE PROCESIÓN DE LAS MANTILLAS
PROCESSION AT 20:30 H. PROCESIÓN DE LAS MANTILLAS from the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Church with the floats: “CONVOCATORIA Y MUJER SAMARITANA”, accompanied by the cofradía de pescadores drums band and “NUESTRO PADRE JESÚS TRIUNFANTE Y NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA ESPERANZA Y DE LA PAZ”, accompanied by the brass band “Los Salerosos”.
ITINERARY: Plaza de Oriente, Ramón y Cajal, Avda. de la Libertad, Paseo Vista Alegre, Concepción, Ramón Gallud, Clemente Gosálvez, Caballero de Rodas, Plaza de la Constitución.

### EUROPEAN ELECTIONS WILL SHARE 56,000 FOREIGN VOTES IN ALICANTE

International residents registered to vote in Spain for the upcoming European elections total 336,586 people, according to the data released by the Institute of National Statistics.
In total, more than 36.5 million people over 18 are registered on the electoral roll in Spain, of which 34.49 million are Spaniards living in Spain and 1.72 million are Spaniards living abroad, to which the 336,586 Europeans residing in Spain must be added.
Of the foreign voters living in Spain, the British lead the way, with a total of 82,000 people having registered. In second place are residents from Romania, with 76,000 voters. Next are Italians, although some way behind, with 36,760 voters, there are 35,529 Germans, 26,903 French, 16,771 from Portugal and 13,099 from Bulgaria. The numbers then start to diminish considerably, with some other notable figures being 3,564 Irish voters, but just 36 from Malta and 23 from Cyprus.
The data also reveals that Alicante is the province with the largest number and proportion of foreign voters, with more than 56,000 people having registered, some 4.35% of the total provincial census. In the build up to the electoral registration process, the Diputación de Alicante had been involved in a series of tours, guides and interactive websites to try to encourage and assist foreign voters in Spain.
However, in the 2013 census, Torrevieja alone recorded 58,418 foreign residents, and Orihuela had 39,239, collectively having nearly 100,000 foreigners living in these two places alone, almost a fifth of the 506,062 registered foreign residents of the Alicante province. Just 56,000 of that half a million have expressed an intention to exercise a right to vote in Spain, bearing in mind that a number of those international residents will not be of European origin.
Behind Alicante, in relative terms are Málaga , Castellón, Almería and the Balearic Islands, although Madrid is the second province with the highest number of foreigners registered on the electoral roll, with more than 44,700, followed by Málaga with 31,237, and Barcelona, with just under 30,000.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43259/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: International residents registered to vote in Spain for the upcoming European elections total 336,586 people, according to the data released by the Institute of National Statistics.
In total, more than 36.5 million people over 18 are registered on the...

### EASTER TRAFFIC FLOW STARTS ON FRIDAY

As the Spanish traffic department prepares for the first major road operation of Easter this weekend, the anticipated movement figure nationally has been anticipated at 12 million vehicles, although this figure is the lowest forecast since 2005.
Across the Valencia region, taking in the Costa Blanca and such hot spots as Benidorm, Torrevieja and Orihuela, the DGT anticipate approximately 1,535,000 vehicle movements on roads between 15:00 on Friday and 24:00 on Sunday.
Provincially, 770,000 vehicle movements are expected across Valencia, 500,000 in Alicante and the remaining 265,000 in Castellón.
The A-7 motorway is expected to be particularly busy, as well as the main N-332 coastal road. The usual high traffic problems in Alicante will be the A-70 motorway at the entrances and exits of the Alicante and on the N-332 at Altea, El Altet, Santa Pola and Torrevieja.
In order to ease the flow of traffic, most major road works will be suspended, the transport of dangerous goods will be prohibited and the traffic police will be out in force. The DGT will be utilising the “full” human resources available, with the Guardia Civil, Traffic Management Centre, Helicopter Patrols, and maintenance workers prioritising prompt repairs in the event of incidents. Mobile radar speed detectors will be increased this weekend, with 250 different teams operating.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43258/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As the Spanish traffic department prepares for the first major road operation of Easter this weekend, the anticipated movement figure nationally has been anticipated at 12 million vehicles, although this figure is the lowest forecast since 2005.
Acros...

### CYBERCAFES TO BE FORCED TO COLLECT USER IDENTIFICATIONS

Under new public security laws working their way through the Spanish parliament, anybody wishing to use a public internet terminal, such as in a bar, shop or cybercafé, would have to provide identification papers, and the business record the details for submission to the authorities.
The new Orgánica de Protección de la Seguridad Ciudadana, is set to modify the laws introduced by the socialist government in 1992, based on the significant changes that telecommunications and internet services have undergone in the last 22 years.
In the original draft, approved in November of last year by the cabinet, is now heading towards its final stages of becoming law.
Although legislation was already in place for controlling identity to those who access the internet, cybercafés and the likes were not included in the legislation before this reform. Now, companies who fail to adequately document the details of those who use their services, could face fines of between 1,001 euro and 30,000 euro, as it would be classed as a serious administrative offence.
Under the new law, the owners of these businesses will be required to photocopy or scan the ID of a client or an equivalent document and store that information so it can be accessed at any time by the competent administrative authorities, such as the Ministry of Interior, Government delegations or the security services.
The users of the internet services are not mentioned directly by the law, with the responsibility clearly given to the business owners, but it will also be a consideration that shops can prohibit access to their internet connections to those customers who have not shown their ID.
However, on element that has been dropped by the latest draft involved the requirement for any user of public wifi networks to also provide identifying data. In the original draft, this was also set to become mandatory, but has been removed on the recommendation of the Ministry of industry, Trade and Tourism.
Data protection issues have now been raised as to what businesses do with the information collated, with the next stage of the legislation being the discussion and review of elements brought into question, although the requirement to provide the data is believed to be one part which the government are not prepared to negotiate on.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43257/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Under new public security laws working their way through the Spanish parliament, anybody wishing to use a public internet terminal, such as in a bar, shop or cybercafé, would have to provide identification papers, and the business record the det...

### TORREVIEJA GREENS CALL FOR DESTRUCTION OF WILDLIFE

Normally actively involved in the protection of the environment, and vocal in their campaign thereof, the Los Verdes green party of Torrevieja has called upon the town hall to take action to destroy an element seen as crucial by other environmentalists.
The Los Verdes have approached the Mayor of Torrevieja asking that the protocol for eradicating mosquitoes in the area be implemented sooner than planned, as they are “haunting the people living on developments located in the vicinity of the lagoons”.
As mosquitoes provide a food for many different birds, this is seen as a surprise move for an environmentally concerned group, especially given the reported sharp decline in the number of bird families seen nesting in the salt lakes this year.
The greens see the “discomfort caused by the presence of these annoying insects” as a more important factor than the role they play in the ecosystem, where properties have been built on land where the insects would normally be allowed to develop naturally.
The greens are insisting on the need to “undertake a preventive policy in eradicating insects”, before the problem occurs, calling once more for a monitoring procedure for the elimination of insects and rodents, which they want to be active for the whole year.
The hopes of the group now seemingly switching their focus on protecting the comfort of tourists and residents over the environmental matters is to prevent “unpleasant vacation periods caused by mosquito bites, with consequential discomfort, inconvenience, pharmacy visits and assistance with medical emergencies, etc”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43256/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Normally actively involved in the protection of the environment, and vocal in their campaign thereof, the Los Verdes green party of Torrevieja has called upon the town hall to take action to destroy an element seen as crucial by other environmentalists...

### GRAVE CONCERNS RAISED OVER TORREVIEJA AND LA MATA BIRD NUMBERS

As the potentially devastating impact of environmental abuses start to unfold, with meteorologists warning how the climate of the Mediterranean coast could be transformed in a matter of decades, and concerns over the environmental damage caused by increased building grows, the reality of change is seemingly occurring faster than might even have been hoped.
This week alone, the water levels of the Laguna de La Mata, within the Natural Park of La Mata and Torrevieja, have risen significantly. Not a fact noted by scientists or local governments, but a fact noted in the real changes that have occurred as observed by a group of bird watchers who regularly monitor the activities in the reserve.
The group have noted that two natural islands have disappeared, swallowed up by the increased water levels, which has resulted in a reduction in land and, as such, two types of birds who would be breeding in the area, the Satin and Black Tern, being nowhere to be found. These birds typically nest no more than two metres from the shore and so, with the disappearance of the islands, the available shoreline has also significantly reduced.
Other bird species such as the avocets, picofinas gulls and especially Kentish have also seen their breeding populations declining sharply in recent years and are of a great concern due to the work that those birds do for the remaining ecosystem.
In February of this year, the Izquierda Unida group of Torrevieja demanded that the ruling PP government provide an immediate solution to the lack of staff in the Natural Park of Torrevieja and La Mata, and criticised the mayor, Eduardo Dolón, for not defending the environmental heritage of the village. Víctor Ferrández, local coordinator of Izquierda Unida, says that as the chairman of the Governing Board of the Natural Park of Las Lagunas de Torrevieja and La Mata, Dolón is “obligated” to defend the environmental areas against the actions of the ministry, after the company contracted to look after the area, VAERSA, filed for redundancy of its workers, resulting in a quarter of its workforce being made redundant. This resulted in the dismissal of three of the four technicians who operated in the area of the Salinas, a guide, a biologist and an expert in environmental sciences.
The regional authority commented that the water increase was only temporary, due to the opening of the water flow channels into the lakes, and claim that his has “not affected the two artificial islands”, despite the fact they are clearly not visible, and that the flow is “good for the park”, but offering no obvious explanation as to the impact that it has had on the reduction in bird numbers already. The water is expected to recede within the next few days.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43255/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As the potentially devastating impact of environmental abuses start to unfold, with meteorologists warning how the climate of the Mediterranean coast could be transformed in a matter of decades, and concerns over the environmental damage caused by incr...

### NEW FASTER MOTORBIKES FOR THE GUARDIA CIVIL

A new breed of Guardia Civil motorbikes are set to hit the streets, with the traditional BMW 1200 RT being replaced by a more powerful Yamaha FJR 1300.
The FJR 1300 has a 1,298 cc inline-four liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, electronic fuel injection engine, offering 141.5 hp. The bike under normal conditions has a top speed of around 240 kilometres per hour, although is considered fuel efficient under normal road speed conditions.
The BMW R1200RT was first introduced in 2005 to replace the R1150RT model and features a 1,170 cc flat-twin engine with a six-speed gearbox, with just 109 hp and a top speed of around 200 kilometres per hour.
The new bike has been gradually introduced in a few choice areas of the country, in order to test the vehicle under normal operational conditions, and will continue to roll out throughout the country shortly. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43254/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A new breed of Guardia Civil motorbikes are set to hit the streets, with the traditional BMW 1200 RT being replaced by a more powerful Yamaha FJR 1300.
The FJR 1300 has a 1,298 cc inline-four liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, electronic f...

### TORREVIEJA POLICE DEFEND THEIR LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES

The announcement by Torrevieja town hall that they intend to hold an internal investigation as to why the local police have started fining businesses for urban infractions, as well as drivers for illegal parking, was not only met with surprise, but the local police themselves are questioning the integrity of the councillors, given the fact that the town hall is not paying similar attention to documents and information which has gone missing in previous cases.
As the police started a more focussed campaign reporting bars and restaurants for invading public spaces such as roads and pavements, many complained over the fact that the fines had been issued. The town hall responded by launching an internal investigation, resulting in many more people asking why the police are being questioned for enforcing the law now, when the question ought to be why it has taken them so long to deal with illegal activities. 
Now, as three officers are summoned before the courts to testify in a case where documents relating to a number of fines have gone missing, officers are asking why the councillor now responsible for the police, Agustina Esteve, is questioning officers responsible for compliance, but not investigating how these other fines have been issued, and are asking the police to simply turn a blind eye.
As previously reported, this case, brought by the officers in November of 2013, refers to an incident from 2011, when three officers were surprised by a passenger car which failed to observe a stop signal. The officers stopped the vehicle and were faced with an “uncooperative” driver, finally issuing a fine, but later discovering that whilst in contact with the Suma office in Torrevieja, they had no record of its existence.
A representative for the officers who have brought the case to court described the situation as “regrettable” that they have to take such action through the courts to investigate such cases of potential corruption, but also point out that they have a job to do in enforcing compliance with the law and those laws do not allow them to be selective as to which they enforce or not.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43253/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The announcement by Torrevieja town hall that they intend to hold an internal investigation as to why the local police have started fining businesses for urban infractions, as well as drivers for illegal parking, was not only met with surprise, but the...

### TORREVIEJA ORDER THE REMOVAL OF ILLEGAL TRANSMITTER

The Planning Department of Torrevieja town hall has ordered Telefónica to remove an antenna which is located on a green area of the urbanization El Chaparral-La Siesta, which does not have the appropriate licences in place for its location.
This is seen as the first major development in a campaign to clamp down on illegally placed transmitters, and is located in the same compound as two others, in an area close to a medical centre, park land and urban development.
Classed as an urban infraction, those responsible for the placing of such structures are liable to a fine if no action is taken, and could see the structure dismantled by the town hall.
The file in this case was opened in April 2013, and may well pave the way to other actions both in Torrevieja and Orihuela, both of whom have expressed an intention to deal with the illegally placing of telecommunication and radio equipment.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43252/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Planning Department of Torrevieja town hall has ordered Telefónica to remove an antenna which is located on a green area of the urbanization El Chaparral-La Siesta, which does not have the appropriate licences in place for its location.
Thi...

### CARREFOUR STAFF WIN SUNDAY WORKING BATTLE

French owned supermarket chain Carrefour has been dealt a legal blow this week, one which recognises and supports the rights of workers and their conditions.
Following the liberalisation of shopping hours in Madrid in June 2012, the chain made the decision to open on Sundays and holidays, but apparently failed to negotiate a change in terms and conditions of the workers who would be expected to give up their time off in order to cover the extension in opening hours.
The Labour Chamber of the High Court of Justice of Madrid considered in judgement that that the company had increased the number of Sundays and holidays on which the staff had to work. In fact, according to the unions representing the staff, this changed the number of days from 22 to 63, which were originally classed as holidays, resulting in “a significant change in the working conditions of those affected”, which exceeded the “forecasts of the agreement”, and was therefore not adequately negotiated, according to the ruling.
Carrefour was not authorized by law to enforce such a unilateral “momentous change to family life” of its workers “as it required them to work more Sundays a year” than was part of the original conditions prior to the 2012 change in opening times.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43251/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: French owned supermarket chain Carrefour has been dealt a legal blow this week, one which recognises and supports the rights of workers and their conditions.
Following the liberalisation of shopping hours in Madrid in June 2012, the chain made the dec...

### Things to do on Friday 11th April, 2014

listen to ‘Things to do on Friday 11 April, 2014’ on Audioboo

FRIDAY 11th APRIL, 2014
Markets
Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, torrevieja.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
“Pasión por la Música” – Classical concert, La Aparecida.
TORREVIEJA
Model Boat Exhibition, Sala de los Aljibes in the Parque de las Naciones (10:00-14:00 & 17:00-20:00). (Until 13 April).
 

### Thursday´s Event Guide - 10th April 2013

listen to ‘What´s On Thursday’ on Audioboo
THURSDAY 10th APRIL, 2014
Markets
Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
TORREVIEJA
Model Boat Exhibition, Sala de los Aljibes in the Parque de las Naciones (10:00-14:00 & 17:00-20:00). (Until 13 April).
 

### COAST RUMBLES WITH MINOR EARTHQUAKE

Torrevieja and the Orihuela Costa rumbled on Tuesday evening, at around 20:41, as a 1.7 magnitude earthquake hit just off the coast.
In recent months, experts have been warning of a possible increase in earthquakes, with concerns growing of a possible repeat of the devastating 1829 earthquake that killed hundreds of people.
However, as there is no definitive way of detecting or speculating such an occurrence in advance, there are no specific warnings of danger.
An earthquake evacuation and rescue drill was carried out last year in Torrevieja, with a major exercise also carried out for a number of days last week near Valencia.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43250/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Torrevieja and the Orihuela Costa rumbled on Tuesday evening, at around 20:41, as a 1.7 magnitude earthquake hit just off the coast.
In recent months, experts have been warning of a possible increase in earthquakes, with concerns growing of a possible...

### Wednesday 9th April, 2014 - Things to do

listen to ‘What´s on Wednesday’ on Audioboo

WEDNESDAY 9th APRIL, 2014
Markets
Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
TORREVIEJA
Model Boat Exhibition, Sala de los Aljibes in the Parque de las Naciones (10:00-14:00 & 17:00-20:00). (Until 13 April).

### NEW TRAFFIC LAWS COME INTO FORCE IN MAY

The official state bulletin relating to the new road traffic act has been published on Tuesday the 8th of April, 2014.
The new act therefore comes into force one month and one day from the publication, and as such, the laws become applicable on the 9th of May, 2014.
There are numerous changes to the laws, including the mandatory wearing of crash helmets for cyclist under 16, children are not allowed to travel in the front seats of vehicles, although there are one or two exceptions, and a vehicle can be immobilised if children are not properly restrained.
Radar speed detectors are prohibited, with the exception of those that relay the information on static cameras, as published on the website of the DGT traffic department.
Traffic police will no longer have to stop a vehicle caught breaking the law and can issue a sanction remotely, although the time in which the fine can be appealed or paid at a reduced rate has been increased.
A new level of laws to protect against drivers under the influence of drugs has been included, although the fine for drink driving will remain the same, at 500 euro, unless caught twice within a year.
For more details, you can read our previous article, and the advice is to consult a qualified solicitor if you have any questions relating to the matters which will become law in May.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43249/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The official state bulletin relating to the new road traffic act has been published on Tuesday the 8th of April, 2014.
The new act therefore comes into force one month and one day from the publication, and as such, the laws become applicable on the 9t...

### DECOMPOSED BODY FOUND ON LA VILA BEACH

A body was found on La Vila beach, centro, on Monday afternoon adjacent to the old part of the town. It was found to be in an advanced state of decomposition, having been in the water for some time.
Despite this the Guardia Civil are hoping that they will be able to identify the body within the next day or two. They are thought to believe that it could be that of an 80 year old woman  who was listed as missing in Benidorm.
The body was found in the same location as a paterna boat which was washed up onto the shore three weeks ago containing two men of north African descent.  They were caught on the beach as they attempted to enter the country illegally and immediately arrested. 
This is the second dead body that has been washed up on the southern costa blanca in recent days. The first was wrapped and taped up in a plastic back just over a week ago and found in La Zenia. It was subsequently identified as 25 year old Francis Brennan from Liverpool who had been living in Javea whilst on the run from the British authoritiesFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43248/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A body was found on La Vila beach, centro, on Monday afternoon adjacent to the old part of the town. It was found to be in an advanced state of decomposition, having been in the water for some time.
Despite this the Guardia Civil are hoping that they ...

### What´s On - Tuesday 8th April, 2014

Not a lot happening in #torrevieja or #orihuela at the moment, as we are heading towards the big #easter celebrations, but here are a couple of things to do on Tuesday 8th April, 2014.

listen to ‘Tuesday´s What´s On Guide’ on Audioboo

TUESDAY 8th APRIL, 2014

Markets
Alicante, (Rastro), Aspe, Altea, Benijofar, ORIHUELA, San Fulgencio.

ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).

ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).

TORREVIEJA
Model Boat Exhibition, Sala de los Aljibes in the Parque de las Naciones (10:00-14:00 & 17:00-20:00). (Until 13 April).

### ORIHUELA POLICE ARREST RESTRAINING ORDER VIOLATOR

As part of their commitment to offer support for the victims of gender violence, the local police of Orihuela arrested a Lithuanian man this week, who had breached a restraining order.
The officers from the group dedicated to protecting victims had been carrying out monitoring of a victim, and became aware of the man in the Orihuela Costa area, with a restraining order in force in which he had to remain at least 500 metres distance from his victim.
The dedicated team of officers from Orihuela provide 24 hour care, including an emergency contact line and personal support to victims, and this latest case is seen as a testament to their dedication in enforcing the laws relating to protecting victims.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43246/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As part of their commitment to offer support for the victims of gender violence, the local police of Orihuela arrested a Lithuanian man this week, who had breached a restraining order.
The officers from the group dedicated to protecting victims had be...

### TWO BRITISH WOMEN KILLED IN SEA OFF TENERIFE

Two British women were killed on Sunday in the sea at the south of the island of Tenerife.
The 112 emergency coordination centre report receiving a call saying that five people, three adults and two children, were in distress in the sea.
An emergency rescue helicopter was immediately dispatched, along with ground support, 
Local swimmers assisted in the rescue, but the emergency crews were unable to resuscitate the two women, who tragically died at the scene.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43245/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Two British women were killed on Sunday in the sea at the south of the island of Tenerife.
The 112 emergency coordination centre report receiving a call saying that five people, three adults and two children, were in distress in the sea.
An emergency...

### What´s On: Monday 7th April, 2014

listen to ‘Monday´s Pick of Events’ on Audioboo

MONDAY 7th APRIL, 2014
World Health Day. Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Rwanda Genocide.
Markets
Cox, Elche, Formentera, La Nucia, San Pedro del Pinatar, Santa Pola, Sax, Torremendo.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).

### ISSUE 514 OF THE LEADER IS ON LINE NOW

The latest virtual version of The Leader newspaper is available right now on our dedicated website, http://www.virtualleader.info/issue-514-07-april-2014
Packed with all the latest news and sports from around the area, plus much, much more. Make sure you pick up the real thing on Monday morning, from one of hundreds of outlets around the entire Torrevieja and Orihuela areas, and even way beyond, but for now, here is the direct link...
http://www.virtualleader.info/issue-514-07-april-2014Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43244/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The latest virtual version of The Leader newspaper is available right now on our dedicated website, http://www.virtualleader.info/issue-514-07-april-2014
Packed with all the latest news and sports from around the area, plus much, much more. Make sure ...

### PRICELESS LAST GASP WINNER FOR ELCHE!

ELCHE   1    GETAFE   0
Just when you think you've seen it all, along comes a game like this to remind you you haven't. Goal-starved Elche and their long-suffering supporters have suffered the last two home matches without a single goal, to give hope to the dream of staying up in the rarefied atmosphere of La Liga in their first season back after 26 years.
A glorious warm Sunday evening encouraged 31,101 noisy green and white supporters to almost fill the mighty Martinez Valero stadium, includong a couple of hundred blue-clad Getafe fans high up in the visitors stand. With Getafe a point behind and both teams just above the relegation zone this was more a daren't-lose game rather than a must-win.
Club captain and talisman Edu Albacar was still out injured so Cisma ably deputised, with Carlos ‘The Rock' Sanchez preferred in midfield to Javi Marquez, otherwise Elche at full strength. New boy Rodriguez almost got Elche off to a dream start as he cut in from the left but his low cross rolled harmlessly across the Getafe goal with no-one to put it in.
Back came the visitors to hit the post with a soft shot on 10 minutes, but it was the Franjiverdes who were enjoying the most of the first half, Sanchez driving just wide and having a dubious penalty denied as Coro went down theatrically in the box just before half time.
In the second half Elche kept up the pressure, and with the crowd became increasingly impatient Elche coach Fran Escriba predictably rang the changes using all three substitutes, the one mattering most being the Ghanian striker Boakye for local hero Herrera.
With the crowd roaring Elche on, the game went into added time with three minutes shown. After a hold-up for a Getafe injury, and everyone settling for yet another Elche home goalless draw the ball was crossed high from the right into the Getafe area where the away team had always looked so secure.
But there was Boakye, all alone who effortlessly guided his header safely into the net to be mobbed by his team-mates, and send everyone connected with the City of Palms home in ectstacy.
It's not over yet: next weekend Elche travel to neighbours Valencia, and have some difficult games (Athletico, Barcelona…) in the run in to the end of this amazing season.
But just for now: priceless…Mucho Elche!    
Photos by Kevin RendallFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43243/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ELCHE   1    GETAFE   0
Just when you think you've seen it all, along comes a game like this to remind you you haven't. Goal-starved Elche and their long-suffering supporters have suffered the last two home matches without a single goal, to give hope ...

### EMILIANO STILL NUMBER ONE

Emiliano Casal retained his Spanish Lightweight belt in style on Friday night with a fifth round TKO. It was a clear and resounding victory to mark a return of Boxing to Torrevieja after an absence of over seven years. Emiliano dominated the fight in an evening of seven contests held in the ‘Cecilio Gallego Pavillion'.
Torrevejense boxer Emiliano Casal was defending his title against disputed title contender Andoni Alonso, who confidently replaced original contender King Daluz for the National Championship at ‘Lightweight'. From the opening bell, Casal took command of the centre of the ring to effectively launch his strong left jab at his opponent, who he easily outreached by several inches. 
Growing in confidence, in the second round, a dominant Casal began putting his combinations together causing Alonso to hit the floor and take his first eight count from Majorcan referee Oliver Palomo.
The supremacy of Casal, who had returned to Torrevieja to appear in his adopted homeland after seven years absence, increased in the third with the right eye of Alonso becoming inflamed, needing major attention from his corner at the end of the round. In the fourth, the difference was becoming increasing noticeable, as the noise in the pavilion rose to edge Casal on towards victory, with Casal dropping Alonso for the second time after a powerful right cross
With Alonso beginning to tire and the champion looking ever more dominant, Casal continued his harassment on his opponent's eye, with Alonso again losing his balance and now being unable to see, hitting the floor for the third time. At 1:10 of the fifth round, the referee declared a TKO against Alonso giving Casal his second defence of his title.
Among those attending was the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon , accompanied by councillors Luis María Pizana, Agustina Esteve and former Olympic speed walking champion Daniel Plaza.
Along with five three round Amateur fights, there was another professional bout at heavyweight between local boxer Magomed Azuev ‘Moja', who won with a second round TKO against Slovakian opponent Gabriel Jazsai. After throwing a punch at Moja, Jazsai pulled up in pain, after damaging his hand and had to retire. Moja took his win gracefully and apologised to everyone that the fight was cut short.
The very International mix of fans from all factions of the local community also enjoyed five amateur bouts of three rounds each with fighters from Norway, Ireland, Britain, Murcia, Elche, Alicante and Torrevieja all competing. Emiliano thanked everyone for the support he had received, from his own boxing team, sponsors, the Town Hall and especially all the supporters who enjoyed the return of top class boxing to Torrevieja.
Meanwhile the management of local light heavyweight Ricky Pow have also been busy with confirmation that he will fight the Spanish Champion Gabriel Campillo on 9 May in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria.
The fight will be the main supporting bout on a card that features the European Welterweight title contest between Ceferino Rodriguez against Frenchman Ismael El Massoudi. A win for Pow will once again get his title aspirations back on track and put him firmly back in the European mix.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43227/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Emiliano Casal retained his Spanish Lightweight belt in style on Friday night with a fifth round TKO. It was a clear and resounding victory to mark a return of Boxing to Torrevieja after an absence of over seven years. Emiliano dominated the fight in a...

### EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT MAINTAINS SUPPORT FOR CALA MOSCA

Whilst political disagreements and legal arguments continue in Orihuela, the battle to protect what´s left of the natural landscape of the coastline continues, with the case for protecting Cala Mosca being heard once again before the European Parliament.
Long fighting representative of the coastal zone, Bob Houliston of the C.L.A.R.O. political group, was accompanied by the Mayor of Orihuela, Monseratte Guillén of the Los Verdes, who became a popular ambassador for environmental matters when he launched a previous campaign to save natural land in Torremendo, appeared in front of the European Parliament Committee on Petitions on Tuesday, requesting that an environmental impact statement be prepared on behalf of the proposed construction work at Cala Mosca, where the natural land had been disposed of by the previous Partido Popular government, in order to build houses in the area where a number of endangered species of plants and animals live.
In a statement released by C.L.A.R.O. following the meeting in Brussels, Bob Houliston explained that the Petitions Committee of the European Parliament decided at a meeting on 1 April, to maintain support for the Petition submitted by C.L.A.R.O. in 2010 to save Cala Mosca, the last remaining green area on Orihuela Costa, from the destructive effects of the planned construction of over 1,500 new houses.
This was the last meeting of the Petitions Committee before the European Parliament elections next month, after which a new committee will be formed. It was very important that the outgoing committee should declare that Cala Mosca remain on the agenda of the new committee. To achieve this end, not only did Bob Houliston, President of C.L.A.R.O., attend the meeting in person but so too did the Mayor of Orihuela, Montserrate Guillen and Carolina Gracia (Socialist Party) member of the government. Bob Houliston told the Committee that their presence together showed the broad, bipartisan support for preserving Cala Mosca as a natural area which would be of great environmental value and would be appreciated by residents and tourists alike.
At the meeting, the Mayor of Orihuela described his government's policy of ensuring the protection of Cala Mosca not only as a green space but also to safeguard  two endangered species, a flower and a snail, which are found on Cala Mosca and which are protected under European Union environmental legislation. The representative of the European Commission said at the meeting that the Spanish authorities had been obliged to recognise that European environment legislation applied in the case of Cala Mosca and the Spanish authorities could not maintain that the building project approved was covered by a planning law which dated before Spain became a member of the European Union. As a result, the planned building project would require an Environmental Impact Declaration and the two endangered species would have to be protected. Bob Houliston said that thanks to the European Commission a public consultation over the project had taken place last April and over 1,000 citizens had expressed their concern to safeguard Cala Mosca. However, the all important Environmental Impact Declaration had not yet been produced.
Several parliamentarians spoke in the debate. All supported the aim of the Petition signed by 7,000 citizens. Thanks to their interventions and the presence of the delegation from Orihuela, the President of the Petitions Committee concluded that she would ensure that Cala Mosca should be on the agenda of the new Petitions Committee. The future of Cala Mosca required continued vigilance.
Albeit no more protected now than it has been through the efforts of those involved, this is a huge step in the future protection of Cala Mosca, the only remaining natural area on a coastline which has become a beacon of construction over natural protection, a matter which has not only seen a lack of environmental protection being awarded to the endemic flora and fauna, but a situation which also affects many of those properties who suffer natural incursions such as flooding, after the neglect of the environmental impact was seldom considered over that of commercial gain. 
Not only that, is shows once more how the political groups can come together for a single positive goal, as a campaigner to protect the area, Bob Houliston has faced many a personal battle over recent years, but by him firstly allowing the Mayor to speak in a session he had arranged, and then the inclusion of the socialists offering their support, it shows the bipartite government team of the Los Verdes and PSOE are able to work together, and that the singular voice of a smaller, though dedicated group such as C.L.A.R.O., can also have a huge impact on supporting the areas which they are elected to represent.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43214/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Whilst political disagreements and legal arguments continue in Orihuela, the battle to protect what´s left of the natural landscape of the coastline continues, with the case for protecting Cala Mosca being heard once again before the European Par...

### POLICE OFFICER KILLED IN EMERGENCY CALL SMASH

An officer of the Spanish National Police has been killed whilst attending an emergency call in A Coruña.
Andrés Ramón Boado Paz, aged 54, was driving a marked police Nissan vehicle, accompanied by his partner Alfredo Roel Gabaldón, called to attend a fight that had broken out, where the presence of knives had been warned, during an illegal street party, a botellón, in the university campus.
The incident occurred at 02:05, when the police car, with lights flashing and siren sounding, collided with a Citroën C4 at a junction. The impact of the crash overturned the police vehicle onto its roof. The C4 meanwhile then collided with another vehicle, which had stopped.
Alfredo Roel Gabaldón was thrown from the vehicle and lay in the road, whereas Andrés Ramón Boado Paz remained trapped inside, and died instantly as a result of the crash.
The initial analysis at the scene was that the C4 had jumped the red lights and the driver was thought to be drunk. However, both of these claims were dismissed by the judge investigating the case, who states that there is no evidence to suggest either fact to be true. The driver of the car stated that when he arrived at the junction, the lights were on red, and so he stopped his car. He observed the patrol car approaching and it was the police vehicle that struck his car, which was stopped at the time of impact.
Alfredo Roel Gabaldón remains in a serious condition in the ICU of the Hospital A Coruña. Andrés Ramón Boado Paz  was buried on Friday in the Présaras  cemetery in Vilasantar.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43213/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: An officer of the Spanish National Police has been killed whilst attending an emergency call in A Coruña.
Andrés Ramón Boado Paz, aged 54, was driving a marked police Nissan vehicle, accompanied by his partner Alfredo Roel Gabald&...

### The Weekend Guide - 5th and 6th of April 2014

SATURDAY 5th APRIL, 2014
Markets
Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
Salón del Manga de Alicante, Edición nº: 5ª, IFA exhibition centre, (Until 6 April).
BARCELONA
TURISME - International Tourism Show in Catalonia (04 Apr 2014 - 06 Apr 2014).
Franz Ferdinand, Sant Jordi Club Barcelona.
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
“Origina 2014”, exhibition arranged by the school of art, La Lonja exhibition hall, (Until 6 Apr).
20:00 - Classical Music Concert, chamber formation is composed of a Classic Wind Quartet (oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon) and piano, Auditorio de la Lonja.
ORIHUELA COSTA
“Pasión por la Música” – Classical concert, Ecclesiastical Centre.
TORREVIEJA
Model Boat Exhibition & Radio Controlled Boat Display, Sala de los Aljibes in the Parque de las Naciones (10:00-14:00 & 17:00-20:00). (Until 13 April).
21:30 – Arabic Dance Spectacular, Virgen del Carmen.

SUNDAY 6th APRIL, 2014
Markets
Benidorm, Elche, La Nucia, Campoverde, La Marina, Zoco, Almoradí street market, Lemon Tree Road, Mil Palmeras.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
Salón del Manga de Alicante, Edición nº: 5ª, IFA exhibition centre, (LAST DAY).
BARCELONA
TURISME - International Tourism Show in Catalonia (LAST DAY).
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
“Origina 2014”, exhibition arranged by the school of art, La Lonja exhibition hall, (LAST DAY).
“Pasión por la Música” – Classical concert, La Matanza.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Flower Market, Plaza de la Iglesia.
TORREVIEJA
Model Boat Exhibition & Radio Controlled Boat Display, Sala de los Aljibes in the Parque de las Naciones (10:00-14:00 & 17:00-20:00). (Until 13 April).
13:00 – Fashion show for AECC, Teatro Municipal.
20:00 – Benefit concert in aid of AFE CANCER and ACCEDE, Teatro Municipal.

### BODY ON BEACH IDENTIFIED AS MISSING LIVERPOOL MAN

The bagged and bound body washed up on an Orihuela beach has been confirmed as missing Liverpool man, Francis Brennan, who was involved in a fake arrest when his vehicle was stopped by a gang pretending to be police officers, in January.
The body was discovered on the 29th of March, washed up on Cala Bosque at La Zenia, wrapped in an industrial sack which was sealed in plastic, with initial reports suggesting that it had met a violent end having suffered blows to the shoulders, back and the head, thought quite probably the cause of death.
Brennan, aged 25, fled to Spain having been found guilty and awaiting sentence over a wounding charge at a Swedish House Mafia music concert in Milton Keynes, in July of last year. He is believed to have travelled to the Costa Blanca before Christmas, with his girlfriend, Sophie, ignoring the advice of his parents to stay in the UK for the court proceedings. It is understood Brennan knew people in Javea having previously been on a stag do there. 
At the time of his abduction, Brennan is believed to have been driving away from a gym with a friend when his car was stopped. Three men wearing baseball caps, described as “similar to those worn by the Guardia Civil”, then forced Brennan out of the car and took him away. 
Merseyside Police launched an appeal for information shortly after the disappearance on January th 24th. DS Carr from Merseyside police said that “A number of people posing as police officers from the Guardia Civil handcuffed and took him away”. They also suspected the Anfield man's own involvement in crime may have been behind his disappearance.
Merseyside Police have said that the Spanish authorities are leading the investigation into his apparent murder and that support was being offered to the Brennan family.
Brennan had previously been convicted of affray at the age of 19, involved with gang trouble outside the home of Jim Barrett, described as a “loved granddad”, who died of a heart attack.
His parents had said that he had “tried to turn a corner” upon his release from a young offender´s institute, but losing his job as the age of 21 had forced him to reoffend.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43212/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The bagged and bound body washed up on an Orihuela beach has been confirmed as missing Liverpool man, Francis Brennan, who was involved in a fake arrest when his vehicle was stopped by a gang pretending to be police officers, in January.
The body was ...

### Friday 4th April 2014 - What´s On

FRIDAY 4th APRIL, 2014
International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. "The United Nations has a proud record of helping millions of people in mine-affected countries. On this International Day, let us resolve to mobilize the resources, partners and resolve we need to further advance our vision of a planet free from mines."  Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Message for the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, 4 April 2014.
Markets
Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, torrevieja.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
BARCELONA
TURISME - International Tourism Show in Catalonia (04 Apr 2014 - 06 Apr 2014).
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
“Origina 2014”, exhibition arranged by the school of art, La Lonja exhibition hall, (Until 6 Apr).
TORREVIEJA
Model Boat Exhibition, Sala de los Aljibes in the Parque de las Naciones (10:00-14:00 & 17:00-20:00). (Until 13 April).
 

### THE LAST GIN AND TONIC

So what do you want done with your body when you have finally drunk your last gin and tonic? Yes, I know that this is not the cheeriest subject to read, but it has to be said and the issue has to be faced. This is an area that few expats consider, and recent personal experiences have alerted me to some of the dangers of ignoring the issue.
I have to admit that this is not an area that I have given too much thought too either. Burial and cremation sound rather old hat, burial at sea rather more romantic, but I am not a good sailor. Then there is embalming; I rather fancied being pickled in a very large vat of fine malt, but one of my friends thought it would be a waste of good malt. 
For expats, the choices are rather limited. The obvious choice is, of course, cremation. It is quickly done and dusted, if you forgive the pun, and then your loved ones can scatter your ashes in a favourite place, or, after quite a lot of bureaucracy and additional expense, you can be popped into a special container, flown home in style, preferably not by a certain low cost Irish airline, and scattered lovingly somewhere in the country from where you tried so desperately hard to escape.
There is burial of course, but in many countries, this is not burial in a green and pleasant churchyard, which appeals to many, flooding aside. In many countries, ‘burial' means merely being popped into a kind of filing cabinet for the length of time that has been paid for. So what happens after expiry of the 25 or 50 years that the inheritors of your estate have begrudgingly paid for?  Yes, you guessed it, out you come! I leave the rest to your imagination.
Then there is the option of leaving your body to medical science. This could be either for transplanting various bits and pieces to people who really need it, which would be very useful. Alternatively, your body could go for medical science and be used by student medics to examine various body parts and tissues. Now, I am not that altruistic, and personally I find this all rather distasteful. However, I know that many, and particularly those who have been in the medical profession, find this idea appealing. Should this be the case, I urge intending donors to carefully check out all the facts before registration and to read the small print about the medical institution's right to refuse your body when the time comes. Sometimes, it may be that, in cases such as cancer, they do not wish to have the body, or simply that they have too many. 
One forgotten impact of the financial crisis is that there are often more donations of bodies for medical research than are needed in some countries. Quite simply, donors sometimes donate their bodies to escape high funeral costs, as the receiving institution usually pays for the final disposal of the body. In turn, this has meant that there is often a surplus of bodies and an intended well-meaning donation is refused when the time comes. This can cause enormous unexpected financial problems and distress for the families of the departed. 
Funeral costs are very high in many countries, and it is wise to take out a funeral plan to pay for these costs. Premiums are usually very reasonable, and the earlier such a policy is started the cheaper the premiums will be. When the time comes, the existence of a funeral plan can take away much of the stress of arranging and paying for a funeral. In Spain and the Canary Islands, for instance, funerals usually take place within two or three days of death, which can make the release of funds to pay for it very difficult. A funeral plan helps to ease many of the problems that expats often face. 
Meanwhile, get on with your life in the sun, but recognise that each day, as well as each gin and tonic, is a bonus. I promise that I will write something a little cheerier next time.
 
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.

© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43211/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: So what do you want done with your body when you have finally drunk your last gin and tonic? Yes, I know that this is not the cheeriest subject to read, but it has to be said and the issue has to be faced. This is an area that few expats consider, and ...

### ALMOST 70,000 PATIENTS ABUSE HOSPITAL A&E SERVICE

A recent study shows that in the province of Alicante almost 70,000 patients are calling on the services of Hospital A&E Departments every year without due cause and as such the President of the Medical College (OMC), Juan José Rodríguez Sendín, is proposing to charge those patients who consciously misuse the facility.
However, despite recognising that there is abuse, the suggestion is opposed by Health Authorities. They say that it would be far better to educate the patient rather than impose sanctions.  Health Professionals recognize the problem and accept there is a need for it to be addressed but they advocate the implementation of appropriate campaigns and the enhancement of resources at local health centres.
Last year, almost 70,000 Alicantos attended hospital A&E Departments without needing it, all attending for non urgent cases. This put an additional load on the service which, during 2013 handled a total of 76,180 emergency cases, an increase of 7,800 than in the previous year. 
Once in the A&E Department patients are classified according to the degree of emergency by el sistema de triaje Manchester, the Manchester triage system. This is a program consisting of five levels with each corresponding to a colour. Those who require immediate attention are assigned to the Red level. The Orange level indicates that the case is very urgent while those patients allocated to the colour yellow could be expected to wait for up to an hour. The other two groupings are both non-urgent cases into which 68,908 cases were categorised last year, an increase of more than 6,300 on 2012.
The president of the Alicante College of Physicians, José Pastor, has also distanced himself from the proposal to sanction non urgent cases, but confirmed that there is a clear requirement of the need to educate "frequent attenders".
The president of the College of Nursing in the Region (CECOVA), José Antonio Ávila, also shares the same opinion advocating the need for educational campaigns, and the allocation of additional resources at primary care level.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43210/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A recent study shows that in the province of Alicante almost 70,000 patients are calling on the services of Hospital A&E Departments every year without due cause and as such the President of the Medical College (OMC), Juan José Rodríguez Sendín, is proposing to charge those patients who consciously misuse the facility.
However, despite recognising that there is abuse, the suggestion is opposed by Health Authorities. They say that it would be far better to educate the patient rather than impose sanctions.  Health Professionals recognize the problem and accept there is a need for it to be addressed but they advocate the implementation of appropriate campaigns and the enhancement of resources at local health centres.
Last year, almost 70,000 Alicantos attended hospital A&E Departments without needing it, all attending for non urgent cases. This put an additional load on the service which, during 2013 handled a total of 76,180 emergency cases, an increase of 7,800 than in the previous year. 
Once in the A&E Department patients are classified according to the degree of emergency by el sistema de triaje Manchester, the Manchester triage system. This is a program consisting of five levels with each corresponding to a colour. Those who require immediate attention are assigned to the Red level. The Orange level indicates that the case is very urgent while those patients allocated to the colour yellow could be expected to wait for up to an hour. The other two groupings are both non-urgent cases into which 68,908 cases were categorised last year, an increase of more than 6,300 on 2012.
The president of the Alicante College of Physicians, José Pastor, has also distanced himself from the proposal to sanction non urgent cases, but confirmed that there is a clear requirement of the need to educate "frequent attenders".
The president of the College of Nursing in the Region (CECOVA), José Antonio Ávila, also shares the same opinion advocating the need for educational campaigns, and the allocation of additional resources at primary care level.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43210/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ALTEA TO INTRODUCE BEACH FOR DOGS

Photos of dogs playing in the sand and enjoying the Mediterranean waters are rare indeed, certainly during the summer months when the legislation regarding their situation on the beach is strictly enforced, but all that may soon be changing, certainly in the Costa Blanca resort of Altea where, following a petition consisting of 150 signatures, and a further 161 gathered online, the introduction of a ‘dogs only beach' is being pursued by local resident Monika Klostermann.
The area that she is proposing for the enjoyment of dogs is adjacent to the chiringuito Arrecife de la playa de la Olla
Monika argues that it is an area of rocks which are filled with algae, adding that it is a part of the coastline that few swimmers use even in summer. "Every day there are many local residents who walked their dogs in the area and like everyone else we should all be entitled to enjoy nature," she says.
So on Monday last week Monika took the step of meeting with the councillor for Beaches Jaime Sellés. 
Following the meeting which she called ‘productive' Monika said that the mayor has stated that he will look favourably on the proposal which he called "coherent and workable." 
Sellés himself said that he will now evaluate the request and see if he can reach an agreement  with other local residents which, if they agree, will enable him to submit the proposal to the full council for their consent
But regarding one of the most controversial of subjects, animal waste and droppings, Monika is emphatic: "Many days there are two policemen in the area and that should continue. They must continue to monitor the pet owners and if they fail to clean up their droppings they must be prosecuted.
"I know that not everyone will be happy with the proposal," explains Monika. And I fully understand that we live in a town where tourism is extremely important so therefore in summer, and if necessary, we could limit the time allowing dogs to use the beach in the morning up to 10 o'clock and perhaps from 8 o clock in the evening.
This proposal is in addition to a number of others which were submitted in the past year in La Vila, Benidorm, El Campello and Gandia. These last two were launched last summer. The La Vila submission collected more than 500 signatures on a web based petition while the Benidorm appeal  currently exceeds 1,400 signatures.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43209/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Photos of dogs playing in the sand and enjoying the Mediterranean waters are rare indeed, certainly during the summer months when the legislation regarding their situation on the beach is strictly enforced, but all that may soon be changing, certainly in the Costa Blanca resort of Altea where, following a petition consisting of 150 signatures, and a further 161 gathered online, the introduction of a ‘dogs only beach' is being pursued by local resident Monika Klostermann.
The area that she is proposing for the enjoyment of dogs is adjacent to the chiringuito Arrecife de la playa de la Olla
Monika argues that it is an area of rocks which are filled with algae, adding that it is a part of the coastline that few swimmers use even in summer. "Every day there are many local residents who walked their dogs in the area and like everyone else we should all be entitled to enjoy nature," she says.
So on Monday last week Monika took the step of meeting with the councillor for Beaches Jaime Sellés. 
Following the meeting which she called ‘productive' Monika said that the mayor has stated that he will look favourably on the proposal which he called "coherent and workable." 
Sellés himself said that he will now evaluate the request and see if he can reach an agreement  with other local residents which, if they agree, will enable him to submit the proposal to the full council for their consent
But regarding one of the most controversial of subjects, animal waste and droppings, Monika is emphatic: "Many days there are two policemen in the area and that should continue. They must continue to monitor the pet owners and if they fail to clean up their droppings they must be prosecuted.
"I know that not everyone will be happy with the proposal," explains Monika. And I fully understand that we live in a town where tourism is extremely important so therefore in summer, and if necessary, we could limit the time allowing dogs to use the beach in the morning up to 10 o'clock and perhaps from 8 o clock in the evening.
This proposal is in addition to a number of others which were submitted in the past year in La Vila, Benidorm, El Campello and Gandia. These last two were launched last summer. The La Vila submission collected more than 500 signatures on a web based petition while the Benidorm appeal  currently exceeds 1,400 signatures.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43209/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### BIGASTRO MAYOR VETOES SEVEN COUNCIL VOTES

Orihuela is not the only town in the Vega Baja which is governed by a minority council. Thne same situation also applies in Bigastro where the mayoress, Charo Bañuls (PP), continues to use her veto at council votes to block motions submitted by the majority opposition made up of the PSOE and Los Verdes.
The most recent occasion was last week's plenary where she used her vote on seven different occasions, which the Socialist group have denounced as a violation of the citizens rights in the small town.
In her defence the mayor says that that she is only repaying the PSOE who have systematically excluded PP motions in an attempt to prevent opposition rule. 
Unfortunately while the politicians play their silly games, with little thought for the suffering public, the situation could be allowed to continue until the next series of local elections due for May 2015.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43208/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Orihuela is not the only town in the Vega Baja which is governed by a minority council. Thne same situation also applies in Bigastro where the mayoress, Charo Bañuls (PP), continues to use her veto at council votes to block motions submitted by ...

### DAVID COSTA CRITICISES COUNCILLORS SALARY INCREASE

Councillor David Costa (PP) accused the government team last week of increasing their salaries on "a discretionary basis, without any criteria" at an additional cost to the city budget of 34,500 euros.
He says there is no logic or reason to it and in these austere times there is no justification whatsoever in the action as the salaries they are already receiving are more than adequate.
He also criticised the need of the council to hire an additional employee at a cost of 6,800 euros purely to assist with tourism and to operate the Council's Social Network site and wondered why the Municipal Communications Budget of 91,000 was not enough.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43207/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Councillor David Costa (PP) accused the government team last week of increasing their salaries on "a discretionary basis, without any criteria" at an additional cost to the city budget of 34,500 euros.
He says there is no logic or reason to it and in these austere times there is no justification whatsoever in the action as the salaries they are already receiving are more than adequate.
He also criticised the need of the council to hire an additional employee at a cost of 6,800 euros purely to assist with tourism and to operate the Council's Social Network site and wondered why the Municipal Communications Budget of 91,000 was not enough.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43207/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### NEW CREMATORIUM TO BE BUILT ADJACENT TO TORREVIEJA CEMETERY

Last week's Torrevieja Plenary session began with a minute's silence in remembrance of the recent death of President Adolfo Suárez, the first President of the Spanish democracy following the rule of General Franco.
However, as has become the norm over recent months, the minute didn't pass in complete silence as it was broken by the noise and disruption happening outside the Municipal building with the Police and Refuse Collection demonstrations.
One of the main issues on the agenda generating greater interest than usual was the acceptance of the General Plan number 102, the extension of the municipal cemetery. 
The Town Planning Councillor, Francisco Moreno, said that the land will not be reclassified and any building work must take into account the possible future need for the expansion of the National Highway 332
He said that it is planned to build a crematorium on the edge of the present cemetery and that additional adjoining land will be donated to the city by it's owner to ensure the cemetery's future extension.
Greens spokesman, José Manuel Dolon, said that there was undoubtedly a need  for the extension of the funeral facility and he said that he was also satisfied with the adequacy of its location, but the PP then said that the council "must talk with residents living within 200 meters of the cemetery and obtain their agreement. " Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43206/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Last week's Torrevieja Plenary session began with a minute's silence in remembrance of the recent death of President Adolfo Suárez, the first President of the Spanish democracy following the rule of General Franco.
However, as has become the norm over recent months, the minute didn't pass in complete silence as it was broken by the noise and disruption happening outside the Municipal building with the Police and Refuse Collection demonstrations.
One of the main issues on the agenda generating greater interest than usual was the acceptance of the General Plan number 102, the extension of the municipal cemetery. 
The Town Planning Councillor, Francisco Moreno, said that the land will not be reclassified and any building work must take into account the possible future need for the expansion of the National Highway 332
He said that it is planned to build a crematorium on the edge of the present cemetery and that additional adjoining land will be donated to the city by it's owner to ensure the cemetery's future extension.
Greens spokesman, José Manuel Dolon, said that there was undoubtedly a need  for the extension of the funeral facility and he said that he was also satisfied with the adequacy of its location, but the PP then said that the council "must talk with residents living within 200 meters of the cemetery and obtain their agreement. " Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43206/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### GERMANY TO SEND UNEMPLOYED SPANIARDS HOME

There are currently 10,000 Spaniards claiming benefits in Germany, and with the country about to follow in the footsteps of near neighbours Switzerland and Belgium, in announcing new legislation that will limit the numbers of EU migrants, they will almost certainly face expulsion.
Last year, according to recent reports in El Mundo newspaper, Belgium expelled 291 Spaniards who were claiming unemployment benefits. After Bulgarians and Romanians, this would make them the third largest group of EU Migrants sent home. In total the group numbered over 2750 people all of whom were labeled as an “excessive burden on the country's social security system”.
Germany has been looking at the procedure, and the legislation surrounding it, in some detail and for some time, and it would now seem that similar rules are to be implemented by the country with Europe's strongest economy, where the Chancellor Angela Merkel has already announced that EU job migrants who haven't signed a job contract after six months in the country will also be given their marching orders.
This will mean that over 10,000 Spaniards in receipt of unemployment benefit in Germany, a number that has risen by almost 50% in the last three years, now face being stripped of their ability to operate freely within the country.
At the end of 2013, 59,241 Spanish nationals in Germany had a job while 6,592 didn't and of the number who were working there was approximately 7,027 who were not paying contributions.
Currently, the situation for those EU Nationals in Belgium who are claiming long term unemployment benefit is that, rather than being sent back to their countries of origin, they are stripped of all benefits including education and health and neither are they allowed to sign a rental agreement.
EU law allows the implementation of such procedures because it already states that citizens from one member country can't live in another for more than 3 months unless they are studying, are in employment or have sufficient funds and means so as to ensure that they are not a burden to that country.
Rather belatedly the UK would also seem to be looking at similar legislation beginning with people who are found to be begging or sleeping rough who are threatened with deportation.
The UK Prime Minister said that immigration would be curbed at 75,000 annually and that EU Migrants must be able to prove that they earn a minimum wage of 150 pounds a week or a job ‘with prospects' if they are to be able to claim social subsidies.
In 2013 there were over 50,000 Spanish workers registered with Britain's Social Security system, an annual rise of over 36 percent and more than from any other country except Poland. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43205/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: There are currently 10,000 Spaniards claiming benefits in Germany, and with the country about to follow in the footsteps of near neighbours Switzerland and Belgium, in announcing new legislation that will limit the numbers of EU migrants, they will alm...

### LA ZENIA FOOTBRIDGE NEARS COMPLETION

The footbridge and cycle path over the AP7 motorway linking La Zenia to Los Dolses is ever closer to completion following the placement of the two metal spans on Tuesday and Wednesday nights last week. 
By necessity the spans were installed on separate nights which meant the closure of the motorway for a little over an hour on two consecutive occasions. 
Whilst a small construction team continues with the installation of the bridge the remainder of the crew will turn their attention to the pathway itself, in preparation for the final covering of tarmac which is expected to be laid in about 3 weeks time.  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43204/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The footbridge and cycle path over the AP7 motorway linking La Zenia to Los Dolses is ever closer to completion following the placement of the two metal spans on Tuesday and Wednesday nights last week. 
By necessity the spans were installed on separat...

### MARCH - WARMEST AND DRIEST MONTH SINCE 2008

March was the warmest and driest month in the province of Valencia since 2008, with an average temperature of 11.3 degrees, 0.7C above the average, and an average rainfall of 22 liters per square meter, 41% below the normal climatological rainfall of 37.6 liters.
The Meteorological Agency also said last week that on many parts of the Alicante coastline, particularly on the Southern Costa Blanca, the amount of accumulated rain during the month has been less than five litres per square meter.
In terms of the March temperatures there has been a spike of cold weather, but several "abnormally warm" days between the 15th and 22nd, noting especially the 17th, when the temperature exceeded 27 degrees in several locations, peaking in Carcaixent Xativa at 28.6 degrees.
However there were two periods in which significant amounts of rainfall were recorded, but in a very small area. On the 12th/13th of the month some observatories exceeded 50 liters of accumulated  rainfall in a 36 hour period with the maximum recorded in Antella at 80 litres.
On Sunday 30th  there was rainfall with a torrential intensity to the south of La Safor Hills, just inland of Gandia,  exceeded 100 litres and then showers of high to very strong intensity a little further south of the region, with an aggregate of 41 litres in less than three hours.
On balance though, with respect to the first quarter of 2014, the rains have been absent from most of the territory, and with there being so little the first consequence has been a lack of soil moisture, with less than 10% moisture on the maximum capacity estimated-over 2500 square kilometers of the province Alicante, almost half of the provincial area. This of course could have an effect on the current harvest of crops.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43203/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: March was the warmest and driest month in the province of Valencia since 2008, with an average temperature of 11.3 degrees, 0.7C above the average, and an average rainfall of 22 liters per square meter, 41% below the normal climatological rainfall of 37.6 liters.
The Meteorological Agency also said last week that on many parts of the Alicante coastline, particularly on the Southern Costa Blanca, the amount of accumulated rain during the month has been less than five litres per square meter.
In terms of the March temperatures there has been a spike of cold weather, but several "abnormally warm" days between the 15th and 22nd, noting especially the 17th, when the temperature exceeded 27 degrees in several locations, peaking in Carcaixent Xativa at 28.6 degrees.
However there were two periods in which significant amounts of rainfall were recorded, but in a very small area. On the 12th/13th of the month some observatories exceeded 50 liters of accumulated  rainfall in a 36 hour period with the maximum recorded in Antella at 80 litres.
On Sunday 30th  there was rainfall with a torrential intensity to the south of La Safor Hills, just inland of Gandia,  exceeded 100 litres and then showers of high to very strong intensity a little further south of the region, with an aggregate of 41 litres in less than three hours.
On balance though, with respect to the first quarter of 2014, the rains have been absent from most of the territory, and with there being so little the first consequence has been a lack of soil moisture, with less than 10% moisture on the maximum capacity estimated-over 2500 square kilometers of the province Alicante, almost half of the provincial area. This of course could have an effect on the current harvest of crops.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43203/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### EXTENDED CHURCH OPENING HOURS TO CATER FOR ORIHUELA TOURISTS

An additional 6,000 euros was allocated last week to cover the cost of extending the opening hours at a number of churches to cater for visiting tourists in Orihuela, the Santas Justa and Rufina, the Iglesia Santiago and the church of the Virgen of Monserrate.
Opening hours which will in future meet the needs of the Department of Tourism will be from 10.30 to 13.30 and from 17.00 to 19.00hrs during the winter months set while during the summer period the morning timings will remain the same but the hours will be extended in the evenings until 20.00 hours. As a result of the additional income the two churches will not charge any supplementary fees for municipal activities but the City Council will be required to provide at least two days notice in advance when they require to hold an event.
The agreement, which was passed by the Governing Board last week includes a number of points made by the diocese, including an arrangement to host cultural events and guided tours organized by the town for which they may not charge any entry to those attending.
In coming to the understanding with the council the Diocese reserves the right to deny the use of these buildings at its discretion should the use be contrary to the principles of the Catholic Church or detract from the sacredness of the site. Although this has never happened so far they would include activities such as concerts.
 The Councillor for Culture and Tourism, Rosa Martínez, said that the City has no problem in accepting this clause together with a number of other points made by the diocese and that the agreement has now been signed  to the satisfaction of both parties.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43202/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: An additional 6,000 euros was allocated last week to cover the cost of extending the opening hours at a number of churches to cater for visiting tourists in Orihuela, the Santas Justa and Rufina, the Iglesia Santiago and the church of the Virgen of Mon...

### ZENIA BOULEVARD AGREES TO PERMANENT TOURIST INFORMATION POINT

The Councillor for Tourism, Rosa Martinez, together with the manager of La Zenia Boulevard Shopping Mall, Almudena Soubrier, have signed a collaboration agreement to continue the tourist information point in the mall on a permanent basis.
The Councillor said that it would better serve the 70,000 people of the region who attend annually seeking tourist and cultural information.
The service was first introduced into the centre last July since when it has provided information relating to the coast and beaches, as well as the heritage and culture of the region to thousands of people, both residents and visitors to the area. Martinez sad that it has quickly become a vital and strategic point "to publicize both our local activities and the city of Orihuela as a tourist destination." 
The two parties, the Council and the Boulevard, are currently co editing a cultural and tourist brochure in which the centre is heavily featured alongside many other local activities and venues as well as forthcoming gastronomic events.
Meanwhile, Soubrier has justified the agreement stating that "there was a significant demand for tourist information, especially from foreign customers' requiring information at the tourist office. In addition, she remarked that there will be 20,000 copies of the jointly produced tourist brochure which will be distributed free.
Currently there are two assistants provided in the Tourist Information Point and although they were initially hired on a 12 month contract it now looks as though they will both be extended.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43200/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Councillor for Tourism, Rosa Martinez, together with the manager of La Zenia Boulevard Shopping Mall, Almudena Soubrier, have signed a collaboration agreement to continue the tourist information point in the mall on a permanent basis.
The Councillor said that it would better serve the 70,000 people of the region who attend annually seeking tourist and cultural information.
The service was first introduced into the centre last July since when it has provided information relating to the coast and beaches, as well as the heritage and culture of the region to thousands of people, both residents and visitors to the area. Martinez sad that it has quickly become a vital and strategic point "to publicize both our local activities and the city of Orihuela as a tourist destination." 
The two parties, the Council and the Boulevard, are currently co editing a cultural and tourist brochure in which the centre is heavily featured alongside many other local activities and venues as well as forthcoming gastronomic events.
Meanwhile, Soubrier has justified the agreement stating that "there was a significant demand for tourist information, especially from foreign customers' requiring information at the tourist office. In addition, she remarked that there will be 20,000 copies of the jointly produced tourist brochure which will be distributed free.
Currently there are two assistants provided in the Tourist Information Point and although they were initially hired on a 12 month contract it now looks as though they will both be extended.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43200/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### ELCHE TO INSTAL AUDIO FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED

The municipal department responsible for Social Action, in collaboration with the ONCE Foundation, has launched the Pasblue Project, has launched a scheme aimed at improving the safety and independence of people with visual disabilities at the city's traffic lights and pedestrian crossings
Councillor Antonio Luis Martínez-Pujalte said last week that the initiative is based on an audio installation, a device which is now available at seven pedestrian crossings which are activated by a remote control or via a Bluetooth 'smartphone'. 
The device works through an audible warning which can only be activated by a user with a visual disability, thus, in addition to assisting his passage, it avoid unnecessary sounds
The acoustic information transmitted through the system is based on discrete frequency tones and duration that allow the user to approach and move to the starting area with the assistance of ringtones. A number of different tones will indicate when they can begin to cross.
The device is installed in la Plaça de Baix, Puente Ortices with Corredora, Maestro Albéniz and Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza, Reina Victoria with Jorge Juan, Vicente Blasco Ibáñez with Jorge Juan, en la Avenida de Alicante and Plaza de Benidorm and finally at la Plaza de Barcelona.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43199/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The municipal department responsible for Social Action, in collaboration with the ONCE Foundation, has launched the Pasblue Project, has launched a scheme aimed at improving the safety and independence of people with visual disabilities at the city's t...

### COUNCILLOR CALLS FOR CITIZENS TO COMPLAIN ABOUT POLICE

The Torrevieja Councillor for Police, Agustina Esteve, has appealed to members of the public to complain if they consider that local police officers are found to be over zealous in the performance of their duties.
She says that there have been a number of incidents of late leading to conflict between the police hosteliers and restaurateurs, many of  whom feel that some officers are abusing their powers as a result of dissatisfaction with their current terms and conditions, resulting in many of them ‘working to rule'. 
There is a small group of agents which is strictly applying sanctions and penalties without attempting any form of arbitration, following the "imposition" of 2014 working hours by the mayor, Eduardo Dolon, which they deem to be unfair.
The police have introduced a campaign with which they strictly monitor all city ordinances many of which have intensified with the passage of time. The government team say that they simply cannot act to ensure that fines were in line with the legislation, so the councillor has taken the step of asking the public to make their complaints as she is determined to launch an internal investigation. 
It seems that the initiative of some police agents has also affected many of the ruling PP councilors, who have been fined for parking illegally. Some of the parking tickets have actually contained written messages from the policemen carrying out the sanction such as "by order of the mayor."
According to Esteve the situation is generating "an enormous amount of unrest among citizens, service companies, hosteliers and restaurateurs, as a result of the actions of a few overzealous agents who are failing to use any form of common-sense to resolve conflicts or situations.”
She says that anyone who feels as though they have been treated unfairly by the police should ‘submit' a relevant complaint, to her at the City Council or through the municipal website.
The councillor has said that neither she nor the city council will bend to the wishes of a small number of police who will not discuss matters around the negotiating table, despite the wishes of the vast majority of officers who want to resolve the current dispute peacefully.
She said that “The Police must remember they are deployed to serve the citizens of Torrevieja, and not, as it is now the situation, that citizens are being used as pawns as part of their attempts  to press for better economic and labour conditions than those currently enjoyed by other municipal workers.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43198/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Torrevieja Councillor for Police, Agustina Esteve, has appealed to members of the public to complain if they consider that local police officers are found to be over zealous in the performance of their duties.
She says that there have been a number of incidents of late leading to conflict between the police hosteliers and restaurateurs, many of  whom feel that some officers are abusing their powers as a result of dissatisfaction with their current terms and conditions, resulting in many of them ‘working to rule'. 
There is a small group of agents which is strictly applying sanctions and penalties without attempting any form of arbitration, following the "imposition" of 2014 working hours by the mayor, Eduardo Dolon, which they deem to be unfair.
The police have introduced a campaign with which they strictly monitor all city ordinances many of which have intensified with the passage of time. The government team say that they simply cannot act to ensure that fines were in line with the legislation, so the councillor has taken the step of asking the public to make their complaints as she is determined to launch an internal investigation. 
It seems that the initiative of some police agents has also affected many of the ruling PP councilors, who have been fined for parking illegally. Some of the parking tickets have actually contained written messages from the policemen carrying out the sanction such as "by order of the mayor."
According to Esteve the situation is generating "an enormous amount of unrest among citizens, service companies, hosteliers and restaurateurs, as a result of the actions of a few overzealous agents who are failing to use any form of common-sense to resolve conflicts or situations.”
She says that anyone who feels as though they have been treated unfairly by the police should ‘submit' a relevant complaint, to her at the City Council or through the municipal website.
The councillor has said that neither she nor the city council will bend to the wishes of a small number of police who will not discuss matters around the negotiating table, despite the wishes of the vast majority of officers who want to resolve the current dispute peacefully.
She said that “The Police must remember they are deployed to serve the citizens of Torrevieja, and not, as it is now the situation, that citizens are being used as pawns as part of their attempts  to press for better economic and labour conditions than those currently enjoyed by other municipal workers.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43198/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### Thursday 3rd April 2014 - Things to Do

THURSDAY 3rd APRIL, 2014
Markets
Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
“Origina 2014”, exhibition arranged by the school of art, La Lonja exhibition hall, (Until 6 Apr).
TORREVIEJA
Model Boat Exhibition, Sala de los Aljibes in the Parque de las Naciones (10:00-14:00 & 17:00-20:00). (Until 13 April).

### FLOOD OF INFORMED BUYERS RETURNING TO SPANISH MARKET

Record numbers of people hoping to purchase a property in Spain visited the Spain Buying Guide stand at the “A Place in the Sun Live!” exhibition held in London at the weekend, confirming the market is firmly back on track and potential buyers thankfully are doing their homework. 
Richard Way, Editor at The Overseas Guides Company said: “Our stand received more enquiries at the London event than at any other show we have exhibited at, and those people we spoke to seemed genuinely serious about buying their dream Spanish home.”
 “There were no surprises about favoured destinations – most of our enquiries focused on the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Murcia, and we were able to put scores of people in touch with one or more of our trusted partners in Spain, including our recommended legal firm. 
 “Having a joint stand with Smart Currency Exchange also meant we could explain how people could save money when sending funds to and from Spain, and how to minimise their exposure to exchange rates. Thanks to A Place in the Sun Live, we were able to give a small group of people a firm first foothold on the Spanish property ladder – and we look forward to seeing the results.”
By Richard Way, Editor, The Overseas Guides Company
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43197/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Record numbers of people hoping to purchase a property in Spain visited the Spain Buying Guide stand at the “A Place in the Sun Live!” exhibition held in London at the weekend, confirming the market is firmly back on track and potential buy...

### GUILLEN CALLS ON EUROPE TO INTERVENE IN CALA MOSCA ROW

Orihuela mayor, Monserrate Guillen, appeared alongside Councillor Bob Houliston, in front of the European Parliament Committee on Petitions on Tuesday to whom he requested that an environmental impact statement be prepared on behalf of the proposed construction work at Cala Mosca
He said that the statement should insist that any work carried out on the site respects the area as a habitat of endemic species of flora and fauna which must not be threatened in any way.
Guillen referred in his testimony to the species 'jarilla' or 'cat head' and 'tudorella mauretanica', that have been protected both at European and at National level.
He also asked that the many other "interesting" species of wildlife and fauna be provided with equal protection with the protection of the coastal strip between Punta Prima and Rambla de Cala Mosca and that it be declared a  'microreserve flora'. 
Guillen asked the commission to continue the proceedings with the environmental impact statement that is now required by urban developer who plans to build about 2,000 homes in this area as "the planned development projects” have not presented any statements regarding the impact the development will have on the local environment.
The Los Verdes MEP, Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Ale, also requested that the Commission asks the Government to send a letter in which they explain that the research process of the European Parliament will continue. The request was accepted by all groups represented in the committee.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43195/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Orihuela mayor, Monserrate Guillen, appeared alongside Councillor Bob Houliston, in front of the European Parliament Committee on Petitions on Tuesday to whom he requested that an environmental impact statement be prepared on behalf of the proposed construction work at Cala Mosca
He said that the statement should insist that any work carried out on the site respects the area as a habitat of endemic species of flora and fauna which must not be threatened in any way.
Guillen referred in his testimony to the species 'jarilla' or 'cat head' and 'tudorella mauretanica', that have been protected both at European and at National level.
He also asked that the many other "interesting" species of wildlife and fauna be provided with equal protection with the protection of the coastal strip between Punta Prima and Rambla de Cala Mosca and that it be declared a  'microreserve flora'. 
Guillen asked the commission to continue the proceedings with the environmental impact statement that is now required by urban developer who plans to build about 2,000 homes in this area as "the planned development projects” have not presented any statements regarding the impact the development will have on the local environment.
The Los Verdes MEP, Iñaki Irazabalbeitia Ale, also requested that the Commission asks the Government to send a letter in which they explain that the research process of the European Parliament will continue. The request was accepted by all groups represented in the committee.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43195/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### WOMAN FALLS FROM BALCONY IN TORREVIEJA

The Guardia Civil is investigating the case of a 65 year old woman who was rushed into Torrevieja Hospital after falling from the balcony of a block of flats on the Avenida de las Habaneras on Tuesday.
Fortunately the drop was cushioned slightly when she landed on the bonnet of a car which was parked below.
A unit from SAMU attended the incident along with officers from the Policia Local and the Guardia Civil.  She was accompanied to the hospital by her daughter.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43192/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil is investigating the case of a 65 year old woman who was rushed into Torrevieja Hospital after falling from the balcony of a block of flats on the Avenida de las Habaneras on Tuesday.
Fortunately the drop was cushioned slightly when ...

### Wednesday 2nd April 2014 - What´s On

WEDNESDAY 2nd APRIL, 2014
World Autism Awareness Day. International Children's Book Day.
Markets
Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
“Origina 2014”, exhibition arranged by the school of art, La Lonja exhibition hall, (Until 6 Apr).
TORREVIEJA
Model Boat Exhibition, Sala de los Aljibes in the Parque de las Naciones (10:00-14:00 & 17:00-20:00). (Until 13 April).
 

### NEW CONTAINERS FOR FLUORESCENT LIGHTS

Orihuela Town Hall has recently put out four new containers for the collection of fluorescent light bulbs, tubes, lamps and LEDs.
Such lights are known to contain small amounts of mercury and must be properly disposed of so as not to present a danger to anyone with whom they might subsequently be handled. In their recycling their materials can also be re used.
The containers have been installed at the entrance to both the Orihuela and the Orihuela Costa Town halls and at the Alameda del Mar Civic Center. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43184/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Orihuela Town Hall has recently put out four new containers for the collection of fluorescent light bulbs, tubes, lamps and LEDs.
Such lights are known to contain small amounts of mercury and must be properly disposed of so as not to present a danger ...

### TORRY BOWLERS MAKE HISTORY, ADVANCE TO TOP DIVISION

Leganés, Madrid, 30/3/13. - True to their original multinational ethos, Euro Bowling Torrevieja, the Ozone-based tenpin club of Spanish and international residents, sail to a comfortable win of the national Primera División at Madrid's Isla Azul Lanes, thereby achieving promotion to División de Honor, Spanish bowling´s “Premier League”. Having won Second Division last year, EBT thus proclaim themselves back-to-back champions.
The victorious squad consisted of eight bowlers representing five nationalities: Belgian, English, Finnish, Norwegian, and Spanish.  Having created a five-point lead over Madrid's Capital before the final seven-match round robin, EBT managed to widen the gap to thirteen points.  The runners-up also advance, but since Capital already have a team in the top division, the honour goes to Joventut Al-Vici from Barcelona who managed to keep 300 Oviedo and Madrid's New Project at bay by nine points. 
Team Captain Kjell “The Viking” Monsen was EBT's top scorer, averaging 198.29 over 14 games.  Former Spanish international bowler Lorenzo Quereda fell only one pin behind to average 198.21.  In the season's overall list, Kjell and Lorenzo claimed second and third place, respectively.  The third man over the team average was the team's only lefthander Shane “Rambo” Winfield with a steady 189.00.  Belgian “rooky” Robert Califice and “Team Grandpa” Antonio Berenguer fulfilled the expectations placed on them by finishing at 183.58 and 180.25, respectively.
The rest of the squad, Finnish virtuosos Markku Määttä and Olli Leppänen, and EBT's “workhorse” Juanjo Carral, didn't have their day but made sure enough frames were filled to guarantee the promotion.  Also contributing to the team's success in earlier rounds were Manuel Priego, Antonio Bermúdez, Pedro Martínez, Eero Lento, Jukka Koskinen, and Jarmo Peltonen.
In the Female Top Division's last fixture at Paterna, EBT's ladies, struggling with physical problems, were never in a position to threaten the top teams and finished penultimate, in sixth position, with 82 points.  Championship was finally clinched by three points by Torrejón (152), to the disappointment of Capital (148), Ilicitano of Elche finishing in third place (140).
The individual trophy was raised by Elche's French Lady Laurence Gaillard, who bowled through the three rounds at an impressive 196 pace.  As for EBT bowlers, Pirjo “Phoenix” Koski (recently bounced back after an injury), posted the team's high average, 171.17, while Mirja Hakonen was the season's top scorer with 171.33.  Other EBT female team members included Marion Haynes, Betty Hill, María Pérez, and Anne-Marie Jansson.
 
Guillermo 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43183/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Leganés, Madrid, 30/3/13. - True to their original multinational ethos, Euro Bowling Torrevieja, the Ozone-based tenpin club of Spanish and international residents, sail to a comfortable win of the national Primera División at Madrid's Is...

### TASTY LENT IN PILAR DE LA HORADADA

Pilar de la Horadada will host a series of gastronomic sessions, called Sabores de Cuaresma (Flavours of Lent), which display the rich traditions of local cuisine, until April 20. If you want to have something delicious for Lent, Pilar de la Horadada is the place for you.
The town invites you to enjoy the season of Lent with the unique flavour of the products of a land rich with vegetables, legumes, fish and seafood.
These sessions are a must-attend date for lovers of fine cuisine and those who want to taste freshly picked products from the local fields. The preparations to experience Easter in all its splendour and respect towards traditions are at the basis of these gastronomic sessions that have become a local icon. The season of vigil and fasting during this time of the year does not prevent you from enjoying the treasures of Mediterranean cooking through traditional dishes with a touch of freshness and innovation.
Bodegón La Peña, Callemayor, Camping Lo Monte, Casa Araez, El Calar, Peña Cultural Real Madrid, Mesón Río Seco, Plaza (Pueblo Latino), San Marino and  Torremar are the ten restaurants that participate in the fourth edition of the Lent Gastronomic Sessions. Among the dishes on offer there are cod and other fish dishes, artichokes and French toast. The price, which includes bread, a drink and dessert, is the same in all restaurants: 20 euros.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43181/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Pilar de la Horadada will host a series of gastronomic sessions, called Sabores de Cuaresma (Flavours of Lent), which display the rich traditions of local cuisine, until April 20. If you want to have something delicious for Lent, Pilar de la Horadada i...

### DRUNK DRIVER CLOCKED ON AP7 AT 237 KM/H

Traffico couldn't believe their radar when they clocked a driver speeding past them last weekend at 237 km/h, very nearly double the legal speed limit of 120 km/h in the direction of Los Montesinos tolls on the  Alicante-Cartagena motorway. 
They were even further amazed when they eventually apprehended him at the toll, carried out a breath test and checked his documents, to find that he was very nearly three times over the legal alcohol limit and that he was driving without a license, as it had earlier been removed by a court order.
The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon on the Alicante-Cartagena motorway. A radar control gun operated by Traffico agents of the Civil Guard spotted a vehicle that passed them at 237 km/h on a stretch of motorway where the limit was 120. 
Shortly after passing the Guardia radar the vehicle was stopped at the toll booth on the AP-7 in Los Montesinos where the officers arrested the driver, a man in his mid 40's, for speeding.
A breath test was carried out to which the driver tested positive. The rate he gave was 0.70 milligrams per liter of breath, almost three times the legal limit of 0.25.
Following the necessary procedures and checks the driver was released by the Guardia Civil although his vehicle, an Audi A-6, was removed to a Traffico compound.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43180/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Traffico couldn't believe their radar when they clocked a driver speeding past them last weekend at 237 km/h, very nearly double the legal speed limit of 120 km/h in the direction of Los Montesinos tolls on the  Alicante-Cartagena motorway. 
They were...

### AUTOPSY STILL TO BE COMPLETED ON LA ZENIA BODY

The Guardia Civil says that it is still waiting for the autopsy to be carried out on the body found last Saturday lunchtime washed up and bagged on La Zenia Beach. They say that initial investigations have provided them with little information and at this time they are no closer to providing an identification to the victim.
The body was found wrapped in an industrial sack which was sealed in plastic and although the autopsy has not yet been carried out the first forensic examination shows that it had met a violent end having suffered blows to the back and the head, back and shoulders, thought quite probably the cause of death.
The victim had been several days at sea and the possible identification by fingerprinting has not yet produced any results.
The perpetrators took time to perfectly bind the corpse. It was wrapped in blankets and plastic and black tape which had carried out with some care. The entire head was covered with a black material.
The Civil Guard is now going through its database of missing persons trying to identify a profile that matches that of the man found. The victim is said to be a man, approximately 6 feet tall, short brown hair and powerfully built. 
The court of Instruction No. 3 of Orihuela has assumed the investigation into the case.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43179/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Guardia Civil says that it is still waiting for the autopsy to be carried out on the body found last Saturday lunchtime washed up and bagged on La Zenia Beach. They say that initial investigations have provided them with little information and at t...

### CALA MOSCA TAKES CENTRE STAGE IN BRUSSELS

Cala Mosca today is again the subject of a hearing before the European Petitions Committee, following a request made earlier this year by the ALE-Los Verdes MEP Iñaki Irazabalbeitia after her visit to the area as she continues offer her protection for the last remaining undeveloped stretch of coastline on the Orihuela Costa. 
She is accompanied by Bob Houliston, the President of CLARO, a long time supporter of the cause and the Orihuela mayor, Monserrate Guillen, also a member of Los Verdes party.
The environmentalists will be able to defend the need for continued protection of the coastline where they will highlight the existence and survival of endangered species such as 'tudorella mauretanica', a type of snail, as well as a number of other plants known as jarilla or cabeza de gato, for which the local council has also applied for a further support grant through the European Life program.
Although the Cala Mosca development plan continues to be processed, the intention is that the Petitions Committee prepare a report, albeit non-binding, which will provide for greater measures to protect the area. 
In 2007 CLARO had the urban development stopped because the Environmental Impact Statement, that was mandatory under the law at that time, had not completed with over 7000 signatures gathered from local residents in support of the campaign
The outcome of today's petition will not be known for some weeks during which time the developers will continue to await a decision whilst their legal team develop their case for compensation.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43178/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Cala Mosca today is again the subject of a hearing before the European Petitions Committee, following a request made earlier this year by the ALE-Los Verdes MEP Iñaki Irazabalbeitia after her visit to the area as she continues offer her protecti...

### Things to do: Tuesday 1st April 2014

TUESDAY 1st APRIL, 2014
April Fools Day.
Markets
Alicante, (Rastro), Aspe, Altea, Benijofar, ORIHUELA, San Fulgencio.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
“Origina 2014”, exhibition arranged by the school of art, La Lonja exhibition hall, (Until 6 Apr).
TORREVIEJA
Model Boat Exhibition, Sala de los Aljibes in the Parque de las Naciones (10:00-14:00 & 17:00-20:00). (Until 13 April).
 

### AMBASSADOR GETS COOKING WITH MICHELIN STAR CHEF DAVID MUÑOZ

What can the British Ambassador to Spain and the Mohican-wearing, Spanish it-chef of the moment have in common? 
 
Not much, it might appear, but Simon Manley (46) and David Muñoz (33) share several passions. Running, food and the United Kingdom are three of them, and the pair has just been filmed cooking the classic British dish of roast beef with Yorkshire pudding – with a distinctive, modern Spanish twist.
 
In a new video on YouTube, David explains why he will soon be opening his first international restaurant in Britain.  “I love it,” says David. “I lived in London for six years, and learnt almost everything there. London's huge gastronomic diversity can be found nowhere else.”
 
Simon Manley adds, “David's decision to expand into the UK shows what a great place London is to start a new business or expand an existing one. What's more, he'll add even further to the incredible quality and variety of food which visitors to London can enjoy.”
 
David recently received his third Michelin star, making him the youngest Spaniard to win the top Michelin ranking and the only holder of three stars in Madrid.  His new restaurant, StreetXo London, will open this summer in Mayfair, bringing with it the culinary style that has made a table at his tiny DiverXO restaurant among the most desirable - and near unobtainable - in Spain. 
 
The video shows the two in Union Jack aprons producing a dish of roast beef with Yorkshire pudding in the Ambassador's official Residence – with the addition of horseradish, papaya and a herb that grows beside Spanish rivers.
 
One of the top Foreign Office priorities for its Ambassadors – such as Simon Manley in the British Embassy in Madrid - is to explain the benefits of investing in Britain, which is recognised as the easiest country in Europe in which to start a new business. 
 
David Muñoz will shortly be joining internationally renowned chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Heston Blumenthal, Jamie Oliver, Marco Pierre White and Raymond Blanc – to name but five based in Britain – to continue the ‘gastro revolution' that is fast changing foreigners' perceptions of British food. 
 
Meanwhile the ‘Britain is GREAT' campaign, which has a special emphasis on food, is also helping more British suppliers to sell their products into overseas markets.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43177/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: What can the British Ambassador to Spain and the Mohican-wearing, Spanish it-chef of the moment have in common? 
 
Not much, it might appear, but Simon Manley (46) and David Muñoz (33) share several passions. Running, food and the United King...

### GUARDIA CIVIL RELEASE LIST OF MOST WANTED CRIMINALS

In a press conference on Monday morning, the Guardia Civil have released a lit of their top 10 most wanted criminals.
The list is being disseminated internationally, with the hope of seeking the cooperation of both the police and citizens of other countries, in order to locate and apprehend the 9 men and 1 woman, wanted in connection with such serious crimes as homicide, murder, membership of criminal groups and drug trafficking
During the same press conference, the Guardia Civil detailed how they have been involved in assisting international law enforcement agencies during 2013, with 189 arrests, of which 24 were international arrest warrants issued by Spain.
The youngest detainee was 20 years of age, whereas the oldest was 76, with the average age range of fugitives being between 20 and 49 years of age. Of those arrested, 178 were male, the remaining 11 were female.
Regarding the nationality of those arrested the Guardia Civil state that the biggest group of arrestees were from Romania, where 44 originate, there were 14 from Morocco, 14 from Poland, 12 from Germany and 7 from the United Kingdom. The remaining were from a range of some 40 different countries, including Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Yugoslavia, Poland, Lithuania, Slovakia, Moldova, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Uruguay, Pakistan, India, Turkey, Senegal and the  United States.
The highest number of fugitives were located in Madrid, where 21 were detained, followed by the Balearic Islands with 20 arrests, and Alicante seeing 16 people locked up, followed by Málaga, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Valencia, Almería and Castellón.
Apart from the capital, the bulk of those arrested settled in the islands as well as the provinces of the Mediterranean coast, where large colonies of foreigners reside, the main reason the locations are chosen by the fugitives of justice to attempt to hide, according to the authorities.
Of the total arrested, 37 of them were linked to crimes of drug trafficking, 14 were wanted for crimes of fraud, 42 for property crimes, 14 perpetrators of homicide or injury, 8 related to sexual assault, 7 for money laundering and 74 for other criminal activities, including abduction, forgery, threats and misappropriation.
If any of these fugitives are spotted, please contact either the Guardia Civil or local police immediately, and help the authorities bring this latest batch of wanted criminals to justice.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43176/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In a press conference on Monday morning, the Guardia Civil have released a lit of their top 10 most wanted criminals.
The list is being disseminated internationally, with the hope of seeking the cooperation of both the police and citizens of other cou...

### WANTED BRITISH PAEDOPHILE ARRESTED IN MALLORCA

Officers from the National Police have arrested a fugitive wanted by the British authorities for the crime of sexual assault.
The arrest took place in a cafe in the centre of Palma de Mallorca on the 27th of March, when the officers detained the 45 year old man. He also presented false documents to the officers at the time.
The arrest was in connection with an investigation of crimes between 2001 and 2002, involving a child under 5 years of age, that were reported in 2011. The arrestee is believed to by on the U.K. Sex Offenders register and was in hiding on the Spanish island.
The operation was carried out by officers from the International Crime Group and the Judicial Police in coordination with the British police.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43175/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested a fugitive wanted by the British authorities for the crime of sexual assault.
The arrest took place in a cafe in the centre of Palma de Mallorca on the 27th of March, when the officers detained the 45 ye...

### HAH (Mar Menor) SPRING BALL A GREAT SUCCESS

Over 160 people turned out in all their finery, to enjoy the HAH Dinner and Dance at the Principe de Asturias in Santiago de la Ribera on Saturday 22nd March. 
A five course meal was enjoyed along with wine etc., and the general consensus of opinion was ‘terrific night and great value for money' After the meal, the fantastic Mr Soul, Richie Alexander entertained, and soon had most people up on the dance floor.  
Celia Ryan, who organised the event for HAH said “the atmosphere was brilliant, the ladies looked so glamorous in their finery, and the men didn't look too bad either! This is a new Spanish venue for HAH, and we were so impressed with everything, that we will be holding another ball here later in the year. 
In the interval, we ran with our ever popular tombola, and at the end of the evening, 963€ was raised for HAH”  She thanked everyone for coming, all the volunteers who helped and the restaurant. 
A great cheer went up when she announced that there would be another ball, in November.   There was a round of applause for Celia for the hard work she had put into organising the ball, very well done Celia.
An events list will follow shortly, and tickets will be on sale soon for Rocking in Roda on June 8th and The Orbi Playa Big band at the end of July.  Both these events are always sell out, so watch this space for further details.
If you would like to find out more about HAH visit www.helpathome.es.  To become a volunteer helping at these events, or with our clients in their homes, please email helpathomespain@gmail.com or Tel: 968 134 978  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43174/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Over 160 people turned out in all their finery, to enjoy the HAH Dinner and Dance at the Principe de Asturias in Santiago de la Ribera on Saturday 22nd March. 
A five course meal was enjoyed along with wine etc., and the general consensus of opinion w...

### COSTA LIONS AND SHANI UNITE TO FILL A HEART WITH HOPE

The devastation in the Philippines caused by Typhoon Haiyan last November has dropped out of the headlines, but the massive relief effort is expected to carry on for years. 
Typhooon Haiyan, has left large parts of the country devastated with untold dead and millions without access to food, water, shelter and other basic necessities.
But out of sight doesn't mean out of mind for lots of people. The Torrevieja Costa Lions Clubs are continuing to help rebuild the Philippines.
Local singer and songwriter Shani Ormiston has written a song especially about the disaster experienced by these poor people that need solidarity, with the collaboration of the producer Manuel Ortega.
This project is being supported by Torrevieja Costa Lions Club, who have already raised 8.000 euros for the worldwide campaign of LCI. There are many Lions Clubs in the Philippines lending aid and support and the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club intend to continue their support while still supporting many local projects.
This new single "Fill A Heart With Hope" by Shani, is available to download on CDBaby and iTunes for only 99 cents and all the money raised will go towards the needs of the Philippines.
Another option is to participate by making a donation for a coded card that will let you download the song into your computer and mobile devices.
This card can be obtained at any of Shani's concerts or from the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club. For more info you can visit www.torreviejacostalions.org and www.shaniormiston.com.
The Philippines disaster may be out of sight but not out of mind, and you can still help to "Fill A Heart With Hope" from only 99 cents.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43171/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The devastation in the Philippines caused by Typhoon Haiyan last November has dropped out of the headlines, but the massive relief effort is expected to carry on for years. 
Typhooon Haiyan, has left large parts of the country devastated with untold dead and millions without access to food, water, shelter and other basic necessities.
But out of sight doesn't mean out of mind for lots of people. The Torrevieja Costa Lions Clubs are continuing to help rebuild the Philippines.
Local singer and songwriter Shani Ormiston has written a song especially about the disaster experienced by these poor people that need solidarity, with the collaboration of the producer Manuel Ortega.
This project is being supported by Torrevieja Costa Lions Club, who have already raised 8.000 euros for the worldwide campaign of LCI. There are many Lions Clubs in the Philippines lending aid and support and the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club intend to continue their support while still supporting many local projects.
This new single "Fill A Heart With Hope" by Shani, is available to download on CDBaby and iTunes for only 99 cents and all the money raised will go towards the needs of the Philippines.
Another option is to participate by making a donation for a coded card that will let you download the song into your computer and mobile devices.
This card can be obtained at any of Shani's concerts or from the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club. For more info you can visit www.torreviejacostalions.org and www.shaniormiston.com.
The Philippines disaster may be out of sight but not out of mind, and you can still help to "Fill A Heart With Hope" from only 99 cents.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43171/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### BUSY WEEK FOR THE POLICE IN ORIHUELA

The children of Orihuela have been getting firsthand experience of the police, with activities aimed at encouraging their safety, as well as introducing them to some of valuable work of these custodians of society. A cycle training park was set up on the Orihuela Costa, enabling officers to assist in cycle proficiency training, as well as crucial road safety advice when out and about. In addition, as part of an initiative to bring the emergency services to a more accessible level, the children have been able to excitedly examine and investigate a variety of police vehicles, whilst also undergoing talks on safety and advice. In the picture, one such visit, along with the Protección Civil, took place at the local school of Rabaloche.
A forest fire, thought to have been caused by the explosion of an electrical transformer, destroyed around a hectare of shrub land in Orihuela, near to a road tunnel on the N-340 road, as fire fighters battled increasingly strong winds as they tried to bring the blaze under control. The local police, fire service and the provincial fire fighters were all involved in the blaze, with helicopters dropping water onto the scene, in an attempt to prevent the further spread of the flames. The Guardia Civil has opened an investigation to try to find the exact cause of the incident. Meanwhile, an emergency protocol was put in place across the entire area, restricting times that domestic and industrial fires can take place.
Final confirmed figures reveal that 105 people took part in the guided walk of the Orihuela Costa last week, during which they were given a wealth of knowledge about the flora, water quality and its attractions such as Cabo Roig, the beaches and dunes, along the 9 kilometre route, which passed through 8 beaches.  The walk lasted for three hours, with a short break in Cabo Roig, and was attended by residents of Orihuela as well as visitors from Cartagena, Murcia, Callosa, Torrevieja and other municipalities in the region, all of a variety of nationalities.
A visit and presentation will take place on Thursday of this week, recognising the work of the municipal teams that have been carrying out repairs to the Pinada de Campoamor. In an initiative launched by the councillor for Employment, Manuel Gallud, some 85 previously unemployed workers of the municipality have been given a six month temporary contract of employment, during which time they also learn new skills, both of a practical nature, and in the classroom, to assist them in finding permanent work in the future. At Campoamor, a small group has been clearing the forest areas and making picnic tables on site, which will be of benefit to the entire area, both in aesthetic and practical terms. The team will be applauded for their work by the councillor, accompanied by the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer.
The government team of Orihuela has approved 51 grants to be awarded by the Department of Social Welfare, with a total value of 10,356.57 euro, which will go to help families of the municipality who are struggling through the financial crisis. An additional 12,000 euro was also approved towards water bills during 2014.
The National Police have arrested three people in a vehicle when loaded over a hundred kilos of copper stolen in a company of Orihuela. At the time of arrest, the police were attacked by the perpetrators, who then attempted to escape, but were apprehended, having assaulting law enforcement officers to their charge sheet, along with the theft. The vehicle was stopped by a routine patrol on the road from Hurcillo, after officers had noticed signs of a break-in at a business premises and following the rport of theft that was on file. The 60 bars of copper found in the vehicle are estimated to be worth in the region of 2,500 euro, the three detainees, a Spaniard and two Romanians, including a minor, are believed to be known to the police for similar crimes.
Around twenty police officers from Orihuela have joined colleagues from around the area, including dog handlers, Guardia Civil officers and others, on a training course which dealt with various aspects of front-line policing, such as entering premises, crowd control, drug detection and reactive shooting. The course is part of an on-going training program, which the Mayor of Orihuela, Monserrate Guillén who also holds the competency of management of public safety, described as “important for any professional, but much more in the case of those who have to ensure the lives of others”. Guillén thanked the coordinators of the course and noted that such personal development plans are not only “good for the agents themselves, but important to the rest of society”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43165/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The children of Orihuela have been getting firsthand experience of the police, with activities aimed at encouraging their safety, as well as introducing them to some of valuable work of these custodians of society. A cycle training park was set up on t...

### What´s On: MONDAY 31st MARCH, 2014

listen to ‘Monday´s What´s On Guide’ on Audioboo

MONDAY 31st MARCH, 2014
Markets
Cox, Elche, Formentera, La Nucia, San Pedro del Pinatar, Santa Pola, Sax, Torremendo.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
“Origina 2014”, exhibition arranged by the school of art, La Lonja exhibition hall, (Until 6 Apr).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Lunes de baile, dance spectacular, Zenia Boulevard.

### THE VIRTUAL LEADER IS NOW AVAILABLE

Issue 513 of The Leader is now available on our dedicated website, www.virtualleader.info, cram packed with the latest news and sport.
There are special features a plenty, motoring, health, lifestyle and a comprehensive TV guide and a whole lot more. 
Click here to go direct to this week´s issue, then pick up the real thing in the morning. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43164/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Issue 513 of The Leader is now available on our dedicated website, www.virtualleader.info, cram packed with the latest news and sport.
There are special features a plenty, motoring, health, lifestyle and a comprehensive TV guide and a whole lot more. ...

### CULLERA RALLY TO LEAVE TORRY SHELLSHOCKED

FC TORREVIEJA 3 CULLERA CF 3
Cullera, six points and six places above Torrevieja in Tercera, are just one of the teams that the Saltmen need to overhaul if they are even to come close to retaining their slim hopes and stay in the mix until the end of the season.
So on Sunday afternoon at the Vicente Garcia, an initiative introduced by the Board of Directors as they hoped to attract additional support, free entry for all unemployed, one last thoughtful endeavor to boost the home gate for this final attempt by the club to claw their way back into the play off places.
And those who took advantage of the offer, said to be in the region of 50 people, were rewarded both with an immaculate playing surface, the best seen at the stadium for some little while, and a Torry team that at least attempted to provide it with some justice.
By far the quickest out of the blocks the home side piled on the pressure from the start although the first real opportunity fell to Cullera when Cesar put his shot just wide of the post. The balance was restored with the next attack though. This time a peach of a shot from Carrasco looked to be dipping in but sailed agonizingly over the top of the bar.
Cullera goalkeeper Parades produced a couple of fine saves as the home side bore down on the visitors goal but in an instant, the hero had turned to zero when, with Obele through on goal, he brought the Cameroon striker down on the edge of his box to earn an instant red card from the referee. 
Debatable though the position of the offence, Snr Gutiérrez immediately pointed to the spot and despite the gamesmanship involving the replacement of Parades by Burguera, the spot kick from Alberto was a beauty, giving the reserve keeper no chance.
Down to ten men the visitors found themselves two goals down just 6 minutes later after they conceded their 2nd penalty of the game. On this occasion there was no doubt whatsoever, a clear cut handball that earned Adrian Gomis a yellow card. 
Rather surprisingly Alberto ceded the task to Obele who copied his mentor by placing his effort in the identical place and while Burguera got his fingers to the ball there was too much power to prevent Torry's second goal.
A short spurt of bookings followed, after which Obele really should have added to the scoreline when he made a complete hash of a free header just 2 yards out. But going into the interval the two goal advantage was nothing more than Torry deserved.
The home side extended their lead through Pastor on 84 minutes and when substitute Ruben Primo pulled one back for the visitors, his first goal of the season, with a bullet of a shot with 4 minutes remaining we thought it was nothing more than a consolation, but instead it sparked a recovery the like of which is rarely seen.
Ruben Primo got his second of the season, and of the game, through a sea of legs a minute later and then in added time defender Castells hit an unstoppable drive from the edge of the box to level the scores at 3-3.
Torry really didn't know what had hit them and as Cullera celebrated as though they had just won the cup Ruben Primo's 92nd-minute effort had completed a remarkable comeback from 3-0 down.
Next Sunday FC Torrevieja travel to runaway league leaders Eldense who will be looking to make up for their surprising defeat at home to Novelda at the weekend.  
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43163/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: FC TORREVIEJA 3 CULLERA CF 3
Cullera, six points and six places above Torrevieja in Tercera, are just one of the teams that the Saltmen need to overhaul if they are even to come close to retaining their slim hopes and stay in the mix until the end of ...

### LOCAL BOXER MAKES HISTORY

On the 4thof April 2014 in the Pabellon Cecilio Gallego (The Blue Pavilion in the sports centre) in Torrevieja, there will be a night of boxing which will include 8 amateur international bouts with boxers from the United Kingdom, Spain and Norway. 
These will include a heavyweight bout, and will feature as the main bout of the evening, the Torrevieja fighter, Emiliano Casal, who has a professional record of 18 victories and two defeats.
This will be an exciting and unique experience for Torrevieja as Emiliano, the current Spanish National Champion, has not boxed in his home town since 2007. Since that time, Emiliano has won the Transcontinental title at Super Lightweight in 2009 with a victory over Sento Martinez. Emiliano also went on to become the Hispanic Champion at Welterweight with a 2nd round stoppage over Venezuelan boxer, Jose de Jesus Lopez.
In 2012, Emiliano Casal went on to win the Spanish title at lightweight with a TKO in the 2nd round against Felix Soria from the Balearic Islands. The 28 year old Soria announced his retirement from professional boxing after that fight.
In 2013, in front of 3,000 partisan fans in Gijon (Asturias), Casal defeated local fighter Alejandro Rodriguez Pereira with a 7th round knockout to claim a second Spanish National title.
Emiliano is the first Professional boxer from Torrevieja to claim a National title and now, this coming FRIDAY 4th APRIL, he hopes to continue re-writing history when he takes on Juan Carlos Lopez, known as “King Daluz”.
The Canary Island boxer comes into this fight unbeaten in his 10 professional bouts. He is an ex-member of the Spanish Olympic squad and held the Spanish title at Junior level.
Tickets for the evening are on sale at the SPORTIN gymnasium (Crevillente Road) and from PIZZERIA EL GATO in La Zenia. Prices are 10 euro if bought before the evening of the event or 15 euro on the door. Ringside tickets are also on sale at 25 euro, whilst VIP tickets, at 50 euro each, will also include a catering service on the night.
Anybody with a ticket to this event will also be able to attend the post fight party at the local night club, LOVE. It is important to show your ticket to gain entry to the post fight event.
We would strongly advice to purchase your tickets in advance as the Pavilion has a limited capacity and expectation is running high in and around Torrevieja to witness this historic evening of boxing.
You can receive additional information either by telephone (663 170 781) or via email at casalemiliano@hotmail.com.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43160/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: On the 4thof April 2014 in the Pabellon Cecilio Gallego (The Blue Pavilion in the sports centre) in Torrevieja, there will be a night of boxing which will include 8 amateur international bouts with boxers from the United Kingdom, Spain and Norway. 
Th...

### NINETEEN YEAR OLD KNOCKED DOWN IN ROJALES

A person has been injured after being hit by a vehicle on the CV-905 road in Rojales.
A call for assistance was received at 03:10 in Sunday morning, with an emergency ambulance being dispatched to the scene.
The medical crew found a 19 year old victim who had suffered a head injury, and therefore transferred him to the Torrevieja hospital.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43159/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A person has been injured after being hit by a vehicle on the CV-905 road in Rojales.
A call for assistance was received at 03:10 in Sunday morning, with an emergency ambulance being dispatched to the scene.
The medical crew found a 19 year old victi...

### TORREVIEJA MAKES HISTORY IN BRUSSELS

The Havana was heard at the Headquarters of the European Parliament in Brussels last week, the very first time ever, on the occasion of the celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the International Contest of Habanera and Polyphony of Torrevieja
The ceremony took place in front of a large number of Spanish MEPs, Pilar del Castillo, who was a former Spanish Minister of Education, Culture and the Director of the Cervantes Institute in Brussels, María González Encinar
The event went along similar lines to that held at the headquarters of the Instituto Cervantes in Madrid a week earlier where the guests heard a short concert “In times of Havana”, sung, under the direction of conductor and composer, Aurelio Martínez López, by representatives from a number of Torrevieja's choirs. 
Oriolana MEP Eva Ortiz, who has been one of the main promoters of this major event, served as host to the salt delegation led by Mayor Eduardo Dolon and Councillor for Culture and deputy Director of Habaneras, Luis María Pizana.
The director of the Cervantes Institute in Brussels, Maria Gonzalez Encinar said at the end of the performance that he had the "very great satisfaction of attendingthe event and that it was now the time to promote the competition worldwide. " 
At the conclusion of the performance the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, presented a number of Literary works and musical scores relating to the history of the competition.
He then met several students studying Spanish who showed interest in learning more about the Havana after being impressed by the quality of the production.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43158/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Havana was heard at the Headquarters of the European Parliament in Brussels last week, the very first time ever, on the occasion of the celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the International Contest of Habanera and Polyphony of Torrevieja
The ceremony took place in front of a large number of Spanish MEPs, Pilar del Castillo, who was a former Spanish Minister of Education, Culture and the Director of the Cervantes Institute in Brussels, María González Encinar
The event went along similar lines to that held at the headquarters of the Instituto Cervantes in Madrid a week earlier where the guests heard a short concert “In times of Havana”, sung, under the direction of conductor and composer, Aurelio Martínez López, by representatives from a number of Torrevieja's choirs. 
Oriolana MEP Eva Ortiz, who has been one of the main promoters of this major event, served as host to the salt delegation led by Mayor Eduardo Dolon and Councillor for Culture and deputy Director of Habaneras, Luis María Pizana.
The director of the Cervantes Institute in Brussels, Maria Gonzalez Encinar said at the end of the performance that he had the "very great satisfaction of attendingthe event and that it was now the time to promote the competition worldwide. " 
At the conclusion of the performance the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, presented a number of Literary works and musical scores relating to the history of the competition.
He then met several students studying Spanish who showed interest in learning more about the Havana after being impressed by the quality of the production.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43158/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### THE ABANDONED EXPAT

‘Twitters from the Atlantic' - by Barrie Mahoney


Barrie Mahoney was a head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands to launch and edit a new English language newspaper. He enjoys life in the sun as a columnist and author, and continues to write a series of popular novels, books for expats, as well as designing mobile apps and websites to promote the Canary Islands.
 
The Abandoned Expat
 
When planning a new life abroad, many expats forget to seriously consider the implications of disability, advancing age, serious illness and death of a partner later in their lives. These are all issues that readers often tell me about and many realise too late that their new life in the sun has turned into a living nightmare. 
 
One of the issues is due to cultural differences; for example, in most Mediterranean countries, it is the cultural norm for the old and sick to be cared for by their own family members, unlike in the UK and Scandinavia, where many of the elderly spend the latter stages of their lives in sheltered accommodation or in residential care.  As a result, there are few residential homes available for expats in countries such as Spain and Portugal, and sudden illness and changes in other circumstances may mean that it is too late to return to the UK for the necessary care.
 
End of life care is also another area to consider, since many countries are unable to offer the comprehensive range of services and support that are available in the UK. For instance, in the Canary Islands, there are no hospices or Macmillan nurses to care for the dying.
 
I recall one recent and very sad case, where one British family abandoned their elderly mother in a local hospital, because they claimed that they could no longer cope with her. The old lady was living in a retirement home in the UK before her son took her to Spain in a bid to save the remaining part of the family estate from the cost of residential care. After a few months in Spain, the old lady was abandoned at a local hospital. On arrival at hospital she was found to be dehydrated, malnourished, yet fully aware of what was going on, as she had no serious health problems. The elderly woman was discharged from the hospital five days later and an ambulance returned her to her son's home. The son wanted nothing more to do with her and sent her back to the hospital.
 
The hospital returned the old lady to her son's home a second time, but this time accompanied by the police, who handed the son a denuncia (a police report), but the son still refused to accept any responsibility for her. The son was then summoned to court, for which he failed to appear and subsequently he left the area with his family, but without his mother and could not be traced. The old lady, although mentally sound, had a stomach condition and could not live alone as she required a strict diet and regular, supervised medication.
 
It was left to the courts to decide what to do with the old lady, with the option of either placing her in one of the few care homes in Spain, at the expense of the State, or returning her to the UK where she would be with people who could speak the same language. 
 
Although hard to believe, I understand that hospitals report that this situation is becoming quite common and worsens during holiday periods. We often hear of heart-breaking stories of dogs being abandoned during the summer holidays, but abandoning an elderly person overseas takes cruelty to an entirely new level.
 
 
 
 
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
 
© Barrie Mahoney
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43151/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ‘Twitters from the Atlantic' - by Barrie Mahoney


Barrie Mahoney was a head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands to launch and edit a new English language newspaper. He en...

### MEDITERRANEAN FACING INCREASED TREND OF EXTREME WEATHER

In a weekend when we force our own change in climate upon ourselves, as Daylight Saving Time begins, putting the clocks forward one hour, we also celebrated another phenomenon around the globe, as the planet went dark for an hour in recognition of how the planet and our climate is changing around us, and the risks posed if we continue to ignore this growing problem.
At 20:30 local time on Saturday, the lights were switched off on numerous iconic buildings around the globe. The Sydney Opera House in Australia, where it all began in 2007, the Empire State building in New York, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham palace in the UK, the City of Arts and Science in Valencia and the palace in Madrid, all dimming their lights for an hour, with more than 7,000 cities in 157 countries taking part, along with millions of individuals.
The idea of this event is the now annual occurrence of Earth Hour, “a worldwide grassroots movement uniting people to protect the planet, and is organised by WWF”, with the aim of “encouraging an interconnected global community to share the opportunities and challenges of creating a sustainable world”.
In Orihuela, the town hall had announced their intention to join in the concept of Earth Hour, by switching off the lights on municipal buildings for Earth Hour, with the Los Verdes of Torrevieja urging the government team there to take part. The Zenia Boulevard also joined in, switching off their lights, all joining in on a local level with a global concept that matters to us all.
The ideas of climate change and global warming are dismissed by many, some with a passion, but it is obvious that it is starting to affect us all. Overuse of industrial insecticides in food production is believed to be responsible for the death of bees around the planet, a matter of grave concern as bees are the number one pollinator of plants, and without the bees, many everyday food items that we take for granted would simply disappear from our shelves. A Whole Foods Market in Rhode Island, carried out a dramatic reconstruction of what their produce section would look like in a world without bees. Of the 453 products on offer, 237 were removed, including apples, avocados, carrots, mangoes, lemons, aubergine, and many others.
Butterflies are the second most important pollinator of plants, although more so for the non-food variety, they are still of vital importance, and yet many local authorities encourage the mass destruction of caterpillars, thus reducing the number of butterflies. Hay fever sufferers will be all too aware of the increase in wayward pollen in the air, and the subsequent allergic reactions suffered as a result of the destruction of nature's own controlling factors.
In a province of China, birds became a thing of fantasy, as hundreds of thousands died, and the remainder simply left the area, a situation which followed a mass termination of ant colonies, thus depleting their food supply. Much the same as mosquitoes, a nuisance though they might be, they serve a valuable purpose in the food chain, and the overactive control methods of the human race are set to have a devastating effect on the bird population.
Deforestation is a word normally associated with the Amazon rain forests, but it is equally a problem on our own doorstep, with the North West of Spain and into Portugal being particularly problematic, as Global Forest Watch, an interactive and real time monitoring tool proves.
All of this destruction also aids the spread of non-native plants and creatures, such as the problem of the Asian Wasp, known to destroy other colonies of hives, as they fight the native bees, often splitting them in two with a brutal stab. Ornamental plants bought in garden centres which spread into the natural fauna, wiping out native species, as has been seen all along the coast line of Torrevieja and Orihuela, overfishing in the Mediterranean, resulting in an increase in jellyfish on the beaches.
Because we may chose to ignore the awareness campaigns such as Earth Hour as being nothing more than a whim, but when the effects of our actions start to be seen on a local level, that is when we ought to be more aware of what the experts in all of these cases are telling us.
“360 days of sunshine” may well have been an over exaggerated boast of a keen estate agent looking to secure a property deal during the height of the boom, but anybody who lives or frequently visits the area can no doubt see how the climate has changed over recent years. We still get the spring and autumn rainfalls, and we still get hot summers and cold winters, but the effects of global warming is set to be accelerated in this area, according to meteorological experts.
The University of Alicante is forefront in warning of how climate change might have a direct effect on this area, in particular in the loss of tourism and the money the sector brings, in view of the fact that “the Mediterranean basin is facing an increasing trend of extreme weather and a loss of comfort climate”.
According to Professor of Geography at Alicante, Jorge Olcina, “Tourism is a vulnerable activity that should be adapted”. Olcina is concerned that areas rich in tourism by attracting visitors to the sun and beaches and to snow and city destinations, are “particularly vulnerable to the consequences of the evolution of the weather”, which can lead to a “dramatic change” which will occur within decades, rather than centuries. 
“Spain is a particularly vulnerable country”, he states, and aside from the diversity of the seasonal destinations for both summer and winter holidays, there is an increase to groups at risk of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, as well as the climate-sensitive, and the aging population being at more risk to the natural trends already established in Spain.
Despite the bleak outlook, the future is not yet completely doomed, as there are already numerous global models which are already reversing the trend. According to Olcina, in Australia, for example, the government has been “actively involved in the issue and is developing plans and measures to mitigate the effects of the change”. In Europe, businesses are adapting their activities to reduce emissions, through initiatives such as “Hotel Energy Solutions”, where the hotel sector is actively looking to reduce their carbon footprint, the sun drenched Canary Islands leading the way in this field.
An added factor that Olcina has pointed out is the over exploitation of touristic areas for the last two decades in Spain, largely with a complete ignorance of sustainability, and in areas which are of natural risk, with results in over urbanisation and building being an increase in the risk of flooding or droughts, maritime storms or landslides, all of which have seen increases in recent years and even recent months. In fact, according to Oclina, the winter of 2014 has been the windiest in 25 years, largely due to the Atlantic storms which have battered the country.
The situation is of “global economic and social importance”, Olcina concludes, but despite there being little political advantage in creating sustainable plans which may be contrary to the economic gains of business and developers, it is crucial for measure to be put in place, especially as climate modelling still has uncertainties in its physical component, such as the behaviour of rainfall.

 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43150/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In a weekend when we force our own change in climate upon ourselves, as Daylight Saving Time begins, putting the clocks forward one hour, we also celebrated another phenomenon around the globe, as the planet went dark for an hour in recognition of ho...

### HISTORIC LOCAL AREA MAPS NOW ON LINE

Anybody with an interest in local history will be excited by the latest development released on the website of the Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura, as maps and aerial photographs of most of the Torrevieja and Orihuela area have been released, spanning the last 50 years.
Residents will also be able to look at the historic documents and see what their home is now built on, as well as how the surrounding area has evolved through the growth of the last half century.
At a variety of resolutions, the maps are all now available on an interface similar to Google Earth, but with the added interest of local aerial shots from their archives.
In order to view the maps, you need to visit their website, which is at www.chsegura.es/chsic/, and then scroll around to find the location of interest. Once you have found where you want to look at, hover with your mouse over the globe at the top left of the screen. As you are hovering, you should see a menu appear below the globe. Once this is in view, you then need to click on the option named “Mapas base”. This in turn brings up another menu where you can then click on the appropriate one through history, and see the location change before your eyes.
Keep in mind that the site may take a while to load on a slower connection, as the maps are very large and detailed, and not all areas are covered by every map, so you might not see anything at first, but keep trying different maps and it is quite likely you will find something of interest and maybe just the plot of land or a farm where you are now sitting connected to the modern world looking back.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43149/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Anybody with an interest in local history will be excited by the latest development released on the website of the Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura, as maps and aerial photographs of most of the Torrevieja and Orihuela area have been...

### NO TRAINS OR TOILETS FOR TORREVIEJA

According to data presented in Brussels this week, Torrevieja City Council estimates that there are over 20,000 potential users for a bus shuttle service between the city and the AVE high speed train network at Villena. The figure is as a result of a study by the government, aimed at proving the profitability of the service. However, despite a previous announcement of its pending launch, even announcing tickets going on sale in time for the FITUR tourism festival, the Mayor of the city, Eduardo Dolón, has now admitted that there is still no final agreement as to when the service might operate, and so there is no specific date for launch. In a more recent statement, the train operator, RENFE, also denied any plans for the service had been made. For their part, Dolón argues that his government will continue to work to try to get it started “as soon as possible”.
Meanwhile, the Los Verdes green party of Torrevieja have criticised renovation plans for the bus station at the Eras de la Sal, as they say that the project does not include toilet facilities. To date, passengers frequently use near-by bars and restaurants, as do a number of drivers prior to their next route of work, which the group feel although is inconvenient so far, it could easily be resolved in the plans to carry out the development. The situation has been a matter of complaint for a number of years, with the Ombudsman even being presented with the complaint. The situation would become unbearable should the train link bus ever become a reality, but the residents and bus drivers state that their complaints have gone unanswered all this time. Meanwhile, the Costa Azul bus company has requested permission for them to place a portaloo at the bus station, so at least their drivers can relieve themselves before embarking on a journey in discomfort, and with potentially dangerous feelings.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43148/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: According to data presented in Brussels this week, Torrevieja City Council estimates that there are over 20,000 potential users for a bus shuttle service between the city and the AVE high speed train network at Villena. The figure is as a result of a s...

### TORREVIEJA BEACHES GET READY FOR EASTER

The Councillor for the Environment and Beaches, Francisco Moreno has said that municipal maintenance crews responsible for the Torrevieja beaches are finalizing the maintenance work in preparation for the influx of visitors anticipated over the Easter holiday period.
 
He said that several tasks have been carried out during the past few weeks including the overhaul of the pumping stations which provide the water supply for the footbaths. They have been thoroughly cleaned, had their filters replaced as well as a general review of all electronically controlled equipment. Those footbaths deemed to be in need of replacement have all been changed.
 
Fencing and railings have also been repaired and repainted along the beaches of El Cura and Los Locos.
 
On La Mata beach his staff are repairing the pedestrian path by replacing the broken wood paneling. Once renewed the supporting base will be replaced with new wood.
 
As Easter will be celebrated in late April the Councillor said that he expects to see a major influx of tourists into the area therefore the city of Torrevieja is determined to have the beaches and surroundings areas ready and in pristine condition.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43145/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Councillor for the Environment and Beaches, Francisco Moreno has said that municipal maintenance crews responsible for the Torrevieja beaches are finalizing the maintenance work in preparation for the influx of visitors anticipated over the Easter ...

### LIFE GUARDS OR BEACH BARS, THE CHOICE IS YOURS

With Easter fast approaching, the rush to prepare the beaches of the southern Costa Blanca is proceeding well, but the provision of services in both Torrevieja and Orihuela is not going quite as smoothly as might be hoped.
In Torrevieja, there will not be any life guards on the beaches for the second consecutive year, due to a reduction in the budget allocated to provide this life saving service, with the allocated 700,000 euro of previous years being reduced to 500,000, thus giving focus on the summer months only.
In Orihuela, the beaches there will have life guards for Easter, but do to the private company contracted to the municipality facing bankruptcy, they have resigned from the contract, once their Easter commitment has been fulfilled. Although this means that there is currently no provision for the summer, the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, explains that it will mean that the contract can be rewritten before being put to tender, eliminating some of the erroneous and problematic clauses currently in force.
The contract for the chiringuito beach bars has already been put to public tender in Torrevieja, a process which also had to be amended, due to corrections being made to the terms of the provision, but this appears to be progressing now, meaning despite the bathers of Torrevieja not having anybody on hand to save their life, should they get into difficulty, they will at least be able to enjoy a drink and a snack.
The story is also reversed in Orihuela at the moment, with the tender process there becoming almost paralysed, due to complaints raised about the contract requiring the bidders to be accredited with quality standards. The arguments surround allegations that whilst attempting to fulfil the criteria of the standards required for the beaches to remain of the highest quality possible, this restricts the number of companies who can bid, and is potentially tantamount to creating unfair competition.
With Easter falling so late this year, and the end of April to early March period being notoriously bad in terms of rainfall, there is of course the chance that nobody will consider going to the beach whilst they are taking a break in either Torrevieja or Orihuela, waiting until the hot summer months.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43144/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: With Easter fast approaching, the rush to prepare the beaches of the southern Costa Blanca is proceeding well, but the provision of services in both Torrevieja and Orihuela is not going quite as smoothly as might be hoped.
In Torrevieja, there will no...

### ORIHUELA PP WANT TO ARRANGE BOTH SIDES OF THE LAW

During this week´s plenary meeting of the Orihuela council, a motion was proposed by the Partido Popular, supported by the CLr, that would give the responsibility for appointing legal representation to the town hall given to a sub-committee of council members.
The committees are generally formed by representatives of all political groups, chaired by elected members, in principal, as they are numerically the majority members in the town hall, the chairmanship would inevitably be given to members of the PP, or at least their supporters, such as Pedro Mancebo of CLr, responsible for the final decisions that the committee discuss.
Therefore, should the situation be permitted, the Partido Popular would decide on the lawyers to represent in any court cases that the town hall faces, which therefore includes court cases in which the PP or CLr have raised against them.
The end result being that, for example, in the case where the courts are to investigate the legality of the blocking of the censure motion that could have overthrown the government and returned the PP to power, both the prosecution and defence teams would be appointed by the same side, the PP, with the ruling government having no say in their own legal representation.
Currently, the mayor of Orihuela, Monserrate Guillén, has appointed legal representation for the case he is defending, but the situation will inevitably lead to yet another legal challenge for Orihuela, as playing a game on both sides would inevitably lead to a win, albeit at the obvious cost to a just and fair hearing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43143/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: During this week´s plenary meeting of the Orihuela council, a motion was proposed by the Partido Popular, supported by the CLr, that would give the responsibility for appointing legal representation to the town hall given to a sub-committee of co...

### BAGGED BODY WASHED UP ON ORIHUELA BEACH

An investigation has been opened after a body, wrapped in plastic and taped up, was washed up on the beach at Cala Bosque, in La Zenia on Saturday.
The gruesome discovery was made by a passerby who alerted the police, with officers arriving shortly after receiving the alert, accompanied by medics.
The Guardia Civil and Judicial Police also attended the scene.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43142/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: An investigation has been opened after a body, wrapped in plastic and taped up, was washed up on the beach at Cala Bosque, in La Zenia on Saturday.
The gruesome discovery was made by a passerby who alerted the police, with officers arriving shortly af...

### MULTI-MILLION EARNING MAYORAL LAND SOLD FOR A FIFTH OF THE PRICE

One of the pending court cases against the former Mayor of Torrevieja, Pedro Hernández Mateo, revolves around the fact that in the year 2000, he seized farm land in the Almoradí area, which he paid 180,000 euro for. His claim was that he intended to use the plot for exercising his dogs, amongst other personal activities. 
The allegations of wrong doing came about after Pedro Hernández sold the land just 2 year later, at a price of 5.4 million euro, the accusations being that he profiteered from insider knowledge and the ability to adjust the classification of the land to allow residential building, thus increasing the value.
Now, the company who purchased the land from the Mayor, Edén del Mar, has themselves sold the plot, although they have only managed to sell the 20 hectares of land for around a fifth of what they paid for it, taking just 1.1 million euro.
There is no doubt that the value of both land and property has dropped considerably since the housing boom that saw areas like Torrevieja flourish, but the differences in this particular case are seen as a significant development, considering the legal proceedings which surround the possibility of a once highly respected figurehead of politics, who has already been found guilty in one criminal case, yet still walks free pending an appeal, may well add to the burden of the evidence presented when this matter is dealt with by the courts.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43141/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: One of the pending court cases against the former Mayor of Torrevieja, Pedro Hernández Mateo, revolves around the fact that in the year 2000, he seized farm land in the Almoradí area, which he paid 180,000 euro for. His claim was that he ...

### ORIHUELA FORCED TO PAY 66,000 EURO PARKING DEBT

Orihuela town hall is facing yet another historic debt, this time to clear a payment plan agreed for the period between 2006 and 2009, when a previous administration agreed to pay for parking spaces in a public car park for judges and prosecutors at the city´s courts.
The town hall had agreed a monthly payment plan for the spaces in the car park operated by the company, Doalco, but stopped paying the monthly installments. Now, a judge who considered the claim by the company seeking payment has ruled that the town hall must pay the outstanding 65,925 euro bill, from the public funds. 
 At the time of the agreement, Orihuela was run by the Partido Popular government, with José Manuel Medina as the mayor. The agreement was made on account of the car park at the plaza de Santa Lucía having insufficient spaces.
The matter had been investigated by the anti-corruption prosecutor following a petition filed by opposition members who considered that this payment was improper by the council and not within its powers. As the matter was under investigation, the town hall stopped making the payments, but as the case was later shelved by the prosecutor, the town hall became liable for the outstanding debt.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43140/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Orihuela town hall is facing yet another historic debt, this time to clear a payment plan agreed for the period between 2006 and 2009, when a previous administration agreed to pay for parking spaces in a public car park for judges and prosecutors at th...

### NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH ROUNDUP

Telephone messages from Windows.
Earlier this year telephone calls were received purporting to be coming from Windows advising that the computer of the person called was putting out messages that were affecting a large number of other computers. It was requested that the person receiving these calls be talked through putting a programme on their computer to remedy the fault. Persons had agreed and an extortionate amount of money was demanded for this service. This was a scam and computers had to be taken to a computer shop to have the computers repaired.
The calls originated from Liverpool and Cairo in Egypt and could be made from all over the world and with today´s technology appear to have come from a telephone number anywhere else in the world. The British Police in the Liverpool area were aware of this but could only advise people to ignore this scam.
I have recently received again one of these calls. It was made by a man with an Asian accent who said that he was calling from Windows and was in America. My phone showed  “Number Privado”.
BEWARE. THEY ARE STILL ABOUT
Do not give these any information ...just put the phone down
Little computer tip in case you did not know The difference between http and https...  the little thing that means a lot.
The main difference between http:/// and https://. . . . It's all about security - HTTP stands for Hyper Text Transport Protocol.
The S (big surprise) stands for "Secure".  If you visit a website or webpage, and look at the address in the web browser, it will likely begin with the following: http://. This means that the website is talking to your browser using the regular 'unsecure' language. In other words, it is possible for someone to "eavesdrop" on your computer's conversation with the website. If you fill out a form on the website, someone might see the information you send to that site.
This is why you never ever enter your credit card number in a http website!
But if the web address begins with https:// that basically means your computer is talking to the website in a secure code that no one can eavesdrop on.  You understand why this is so important, right?
If a website ever asks you to enter your credit card information, you should automatically look to see if the web address begins with https://. ; If it doesn't, there's no way you should ever enter sensitive information like a credit card number, PIN, Social Security #, etc.
please   read -   Very interesting.
Bogus Gas  Men
 
The ‘bogus' Repsol/Cepsa gas men are still operating. They have been operating in the Villa Martin areas of the Orihuela Costa over the last few days. The genuine Repsol/Cepsa gas men usually only visit houses by appointment.
Beware – they may knock on your door next.
For our newcomers, these men are from a firm fully licensed legally in Valencia, and as in British law commit no criminal offence.
The responsibility for the maintenance of gas appliances rests completely with the user who is responsible for asking for a service every 5 years. He normally will not be approached by any Company. All you need to do is to contact your local Butano or Cepsa supplier and ask for a service. On completion of the work you will be given an Insurance Certificate which is included in the price and covers damage caused by faulty workmanship and materials. The cost of this Service is usually about 60 euros.
The Valencian agents have been known to charge a much higher price and have been known to charge 255 Euros for the standard service which I understand now includes an Insurance Certificate.
Always ask for an estimate before agreeing to the work being done, and in Spain, no-one may enter your property without your permission.
Remember, if you have not had your gas connections and appliances serviced every 5 years and damage is caused to your or other persons property, you are not covered by insurance and are responsible for the cost of repairing damage caused.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43131/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Telephone messages from Windows.
Earlier this year telephone calls were received purporting to be coming from Windows advising that the computer of the person called was putting out messages that were affecting a large number of other computers. It was requested that the person receiving these calls be talked through putting a programme on their computer to remedy the fault. Persons had agreed and an extortionate amount of money was demanded for this service. This was a scam and computers had to be taken to a computer shop to have the computers repaired.
The calls originated from Liverpool and Cairo in Egypt and could be made from all over the world and with today´s technology appear to have come from a telephone number anywhere else in the world. The British Police in the Liverpool area were aware of this but could only advise people to ignore this scam.
I have recently received again one of these calls. It was made by a man with an Asian accent who said that he was calling from Windows and was in America. My phone showed  “Number Privado”.
BEWARE. THEY ARE STILL ABOUT
Do not give these any information ...just put the phone down
Little computer tip in case you did not know The difference between http and https...  the little thing that means a lot.
The main difference between http:/// and https://. . . . It's all about security - HTTP stands for Hyper Text Transport Protocol.
The S (big surprise) stands for "Secure".  If you visit a website or webpage, and look at the address in the web browser, it will likely begin with the following: http://. This means that the website is talking to your browser using the regular 'unsecure' language. In other words, it is possible for someone to "eavesdrop" on your computer's conversation with the website. If you fill out a form on the website, someone might see the information you send to that site.
This is why you never ever enter your credit card number in a http website!
But if the web address begins with https:// that basically means your computer is talking to the website in a secure code that no one can eavesdrop on.  You understand why this is so important, right?
If a website ever asks you to enter your credit card information, you should automatically look to see if the web address begins with https://. ; If it doesn't, there's no way you should ever enter sensitive information like a credit card number, PIN, Social Security #, etc.
please   read -   Very interesting.
Bogus Gas  Men
 
The ‘bogus' Repsol/Cepsa gas men are still operating. They have been operating in the Villa Martin areas of the Orihuela Costa over the last few days. The genuine Repsol/Cepsa gas men usually only visit houses by appointment.
Beware – they may knock on your door next.
For our newcomers, these men are from a firm fully licensed legally in Valencia, and as in British law commit no criminal offence.
The responsibility for the maintenance of gas appliances rests completely with the user who is responsible for asking for a service every 5 years. He normally will not be approached by any Company. All you need to do is to contact your local Butano or Cepsa supplier and ask for a service. On completion of the work you will be given an Insurance Certificate which is included in the price and covers damage caused by faulty workmanship and materials. The cost of this Service is usually about 60 euros.
The Valencian agents have been known to charge a much higher price and have been known to charge 255 Euros for the standard service which I understand now includes an Insurance Certificate.
Always ask for an estimate before agreeing to the work being done, and in Spain, no-one may enter your property without your permission.
Remember, if you have not had your gas connections and appliances serviced every 5 years and damage is caused to your or other persons property, you are not covered by insurance and are responsible for the cost of repairing damage caused.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43131/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### Murales de San Isidro

La tercera edición se los Murales de San Isidro, actividad organizada por la Concejalía de Cultura con motivo de la efeméride de la muerte del poeta Miguel Hernández. El acto de inauguración comenzará a las 16 horas del viernes 28 de marzo en el popular barrio oriolano y correrá a cargo de los escolares del colegio Jesús María San Isidro. Los niños realizarán una dramatización de un poema del escritor oriolano, además de cantar y recitar los poemas del autor, según ha explicado el director del colegio, Antonio Carlos Molina. La concejala de Cultura, Rosa Martínez, ha comparecido con las diferentes personas que están implicadas en la organización de esta actividad. De este modo, Ana Lizón, una de las responsables de la plataforma de vecinos del barrio de San Isidro ha explicado que este colectivo se encarga de coordinar la acción de la Concejalía de Cultura con los vecinos. La plataforma ha realizado los trámites para que los vecinos dejen pintar sus fachadas y ha organizado una parrillada para el sábado y unas paellas para el domingo.
 
Por su parte, José Luis Mateo, voluntario cultural, ha señalado que 20 voluntarios culturales trabajarán este fin de semana en los Murales de San Isidro. Su misión será dotar de material a los pintores, así como velar por el correcto funcionamiento de Mercadearte que, como la Música en la Calle, se trasladará este domingo al barrio de San Isidro. La concejala de Cultura ha agradecido a todos su trabajo y su esfuerzo, ya que sin ellos sería más complicado organizar una actividad tan importante como esta, con la que se conmemora la muerte del poeta oriolano.

Excerpt: La tercera edición se los Murales de San Isidro, actividad organizada por la Concejalía de Cultura con motivo de la efeméride de la muerte del poeta Miguel Hernández. El acto de inauguración comenzará a las 16 horas del viernes 28 de marzo en el popular barrio oriolano y correrá a cargo de los escolares del […]

### Creación de una bolsa de informador cultural y turístico

Tras su publicación ayer en el Boletín Oficial de la Provincia, desde hoy está abierto durante 15 días el plazo de presentación de solicitudes para presentarse a la formación de una bolsa de trabajo de informador cultural y turístico que cubra las necesidades temporales a través de un contrato temporal a tiempo parcial con la empresa pública municipal Orihuela Cultural, SL.
Los requisitos para poder presentar la solicitud incluyen estar en posesión del título de Bachiller Superior o equivalente y del certificado B1 de inglés y las funciones a desarrollar incluyen la atención al público, residentes y turistas en los puntos de información turístico-cultural, proporcionar información de interés turístico-cultural y sobre los servicios municipales.
Las normas de selección, las bases y la instancia que debe presentarse están publicadas en la página web municipal. La inscripción deberá hacerse en el Registro General del Ayuntamiento de Orihuela de 9:00 a 14:00 horas, donde también podrá recogerse el modelo de instancia.

Excerpt: Tras su publicación ayer en el Boletín Oficial de la Provincia, desde hoy está abierto durante 15 días el plazo de presentación de solicitudes para presentarse a la formación de una bolsa de trabajo de informador cultural y turístico que cubra las necesidades temporales a través de un contrato temporal a tiempo parcial con la […]

### Bienestar Social invierte 85.000 euros en arreglar el Cris

El Concejal de Bienestar Social, Emilio Zaplana, ha anunciado que el área que dirige invertirá 85.000 euros en arreglar las instalaciones de que dispone en el Palmeral el Centro de Rehabilitación e Integración Social de Enfermos Mentales, el
Cris.
Según ha explicado Zaplana, el suelo de este módulo prefabricado está soportado sobre vigas y ha cedido. Aunque según un informe técnico no hay peligro de hundimiento, también recomienda actuar para prevenir problemas mayores.
Este problema, además, ha generado otros, porque el edificio se ha descompensado y han aparecido goteras que con esta intervención también se solucionarán.
El edil ha recalcado que no es necesario suspender la actividad del centro porque la reparación se podrá hacer por tramos y seguir funcionando, aunque si fuera necesario se podrán utilizar otras instalaciones como las de Ildo, justo enfrente del Cris.
Zaplana ha significado finalmente que a pesar de que se ha tramitado la licitación como un procedimiento negociado sin publicidad al que se ha invitado a tres empresas, también se ha publicado el pliego el 25 de marzo en la página web municipal, con lo que cualquier otra empresa podrá presentar su oferta a la baja hasta el 1 de abril .

Excerpt: El Concejal de Bienestar Social, Emilio Zaplana, ha anunciado que el área que dirige invertirá 85.000 euros en arreglar las instalaciones de que dispone en el Palmeral el Centro de Rehabilitación e Integración Social de Enfermos Mentales, el Cris. Según ha explicado Zaplana, el suelo de este módulo prefabricado está soportado sobre vigas y ha […]

### Parque Regional de Cabo Cope y Puntas de Calnegre

El CDM Orihuela Costa prepara para los días 26 y 27 de abril una salida de fin de
semana para disfrutar del senderismo por una de las zonas más bonitas de la Costa
Mediterránea Española, “El Parque Regional de Cabo Cope y Puntas de Calnegre”.
Éste se encuentre situado en el sur de la Región de Murcia, en la porción occidental de
la costa murciana. Bañada por las aguas del Mar Mediterráneo, se extiende a lo largo de
más de 17 km, con una superficie de 1.032,21 hectáreas sobre término municipal de
Águilas y Lorca.
Durante la ruta se visitarán playas y calas vírgenes: Playa de los Percheles, Punta de
Calnegre, Cala de Calnegre, Cala del Baño de las Mujeres, Cala Ciscar, Cala Blanca y
muchas más.
La ruta se desarrollará en dos jornadas.
Día 26 de abril de 2014: Salida desde Orihuela Costa (CDM Orihuela Costa) a las 8:00
h. Llegada a Bolnuevo (Mazarrón) 9:30 h. Ruta de 11 kilómetros hasta llegar a Puntas
de Calnegre, pequeña población a la orilla del mar, que aun no ha sido explotada por el
turismo de masas y lugar donde se encuentra ubicado el albergue.
La dificultad de esta ruta es baja.
Día 27 de abril de 2014: Salida desde Puntas de Calnegre a las 9:00 h. Ruta de 15
kilómetros hasta llegar a la Torre de Cabo Cope donde nos recogerá el autobús para
desplazarnos de nuevo a Puntas de Calnegre para disfrutar de una buena comida.
Finalizada la misma se volverá a Orihuela Costa.
La dificultad de esta ruta es media-baja.
En los siguientes enlaces podrán ver la ruta y el albergue:
http://es.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=1493074
http://www.alberguesdelorca.com/puntasdecalnegre.html
Precio por persona:
- 75 € alojamiento en habitación de 4 camas (2 literas) y baño compartido.
- 85€ en habitación doble con baño.
Incluye: Autobús, cena del día 26, desayuno y comida del día 27, alojamiento, guías,
seguro y vehículo de apoyo (solo se caminará con una pequeña mochila).
Nota importante: Para que se realice la salida el número mínimo de participantes
deberá de ser de 35 personas.
Aquellas personas interesadas deberán de realizar la preinscripción antes del 11 de abril.

Excerpt: El CDM Orihuela Costa prepara para los días 26 y 27 de abril una salida de fin de semana para disfrutar del senderismo por una de las zonas más bonitas de la Costa Mediterránea Española, “El Parque Regional de Cabo Cope y Puntas de Calnegre”. Éste se encuentre situado en el sur de la Región […]

### UPyD denuncia que el gobierno del PP

Unión, Progreso y Democracia en Torrevieja ha denunciado la negligente gestión que el  gobierno local del PP, liderado por el alcalde Eduardo Dolón, hace con el dinero de los contribuyentes de la localidad. La formación magenta señala que la nefasta gestión de las expropiaciones en Torrevieja están costando a los contribuyentes torrevejenses muchos millones de euros. UPyD ha manifestado su preocupación por la enorme deuda contraída por el gobierno local del PP que esta ahogando las arcas municipales, puesto que la demora en el ingreso de las ayudas públicas junto a los altos costes de mantenimiento del ayuntamiento puede desembocar en  una quiebra. Igualmente y en el mismo texto el partido magenta ha señalado que el ayuntamiento ha incrementado sus ingresos únicamente a través de impuestos directos a los ciudadanos, por ello formación para la regeneración democrática exhorta al gobierno del alcalde Eduardo Dolón a presentar un plan económico viable para la localidad donde no sean los contribuyentes quienes hayan de pagar la mala praxis del gobierno del PP.
 
José Serna, coordinador local en Torrevieja, ha afirmado que “las sentencias contra el ayuntamiento surgidas de las expropiaciones mal gestionadas han disparado la deuda municipal a niveles astronómicos, pero habiendo responsables directos somos todos los contribuyentes quienes hemos de pagar la chapuza del gobierno local del PP”. Para Serna “lo más grave no es que hayan endeudado a todos los torrevejenses durante décadas, lo más grave es que la solución que dan para resolver la situación sea pedir más crédito, ósea seguir endeudando a los torrevejenses, la solución ofrecida por Joaquin Albadalejo es irrisoria”. Según el coordinador local “estas situaciones se dan por no tener unos presupuestos aprobados, por improvisar la gestión del dinero de los contribuyentes, esto solo es una prueba más de la mala gestión del alcalde Eduardo Dolón”
 
UPyD desde sus comienzos ha denunciado la falta de transparencia en las cuentas de las Administraciones Públicas, por ello solicita la publicidad obligatoria de los presupuestos, la ejecución presupuestaria así como conocer de forma clara y accesible la información de los salarios de todos los trabajadores y gestores públicos. Igualmente la formación para la regeneración democrática estima necesario desarrollar una ley de responsabilidad civil y penal para los responsables públicos.

Excerpt: Unión, Progreso y Democracia en Torrevieja ha denunciado la negligente gestión que el  gobierno local del PP, liderado por el alcalde Eduardo Dolón, hace con el dinero de los contribuyentes de la localidad. La formación magenta señala que la nefasta gestión de las expropiaciones en Torrevieja están costando a los contribuyentes torrevejenses muchos millones de […]

### MADRID GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS BLOCKING OF ORIHUELA CENSURE MOTION

In a surprise twist to proceedings regarding the political situation in Orihuela, when facing questions in congress from Alicante deputy, Herick Campos, the central government of Spain are supporting the decision of the council of Elders, composed of Bob Houliston and Carolina Gracia, in their move that blocked the censure motion tabled by the Partido Popular with the members of CLr.
The decision by the central government reflects the move by the council of elders, on account of Pedro Mancebo and Juan Ignacio López-Bas being ineligible to vote in the motion, as they had been expelled from the coalition with which they contested the elections in 2011, the CLR-CLARO group.
Speaking to The Leader, Bob Houliston, who faces a legal challenge through the courts in relation to the case, said, “It is obviously good news for me and my fellow Plenary co-President that our action on 3 January not to proceed with the vote on the motion of censure was in no way illegal. The statement to this effect, coming from the government in Madrid carries weight. It is not a surprise in the sense that we knew that we had to act legally and correctly. On the other hand, it does not sit well with the CLR party  who accused us of acting out of a spirit of vengeance and retaliation or the Popular Party who said that what we did was the equivalent of a coup d'etat. Despite the Madrid government's statement, the courts in Elche and Orihuela will continue to consider the appeals against our action.”
Although the court cases are still pending, this will no doubt be considered a positive position for the government currently composed of the PSOE and Los Verdes, who still continue to try to run the municipality in what they consider to be an open, transparent and fair manner, despite the majority in opposition attempting to prevent many of the proposals aimed at improving the municipality.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43122/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In a surprise twist to proceedings regarding the political situation in Orihuela, when facing questions in congress from Alicante deputy, Herick Campos, the central government of Spain are supporting the decision of the council of Elders, composed of B...

### LOS ALTOS GAINS MAIN ROAD ACCESS

Torrevieja´s councillor Agustina Esteve, accompanied by the Chief of Police, Vicente Gutiérrez, and other dignitaries, visited the Los Altos urbanisation this week, in order to assess road improvement plans which have been carried out. 
One of the principal changes has been converting the streets La Munia and la Penedés into two-way roads, thus making it easier for the residents of the urbanisation to access the N-332 main road, which had been a problem since the closure of a number of access routes when the N-332 was widened. 
Traffic calming measures and crossings have also been put in place, in order to improve safety for pedestrians.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43121/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Torrevieja´s councillor Agustina Esteve, accompanied by the Chief of Police, Vicente Gutiérrez, and other dignitaries, visited the Los Altos urbanisation this week, in order to assess road improvement plans which have been carried out. 
O...

### PROTESTS AT THE PLENARY MEETING

Becoming an almost daily stage of protests, the plaza outside the town hall of Torrevieja saw a group of local police officers and waste disposal and street cleaning workers on Friday, wanting to make their displeasure known to the attendees of the monthly town hall plenary meeting.
Around 100 people came together, carrying signs of protest, before entering the town hall to take their place in the public gallery. However, given the number of people wanting to take an interest in the proceedings this month, there was a delay before the mayor, Eduardo Dolón, entered the session, as everybody had to be seated first. One group of protestors agreed to leave the session before it began in order to ease the pressure on the government team.
Both the police and waste workers have pending cases of complaint about working conditions and contracts with the town hall, both of which the unions say are not being resolved.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43120/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Becoming an almost daily stage of protests, the plaza outside the town hall of Torrevieja saw a group of local police officers and waste disposal and street cleaning workers on Friday, wanting to make their displeasure known to the attendees of the mon...

### CONFUSION IN THE CANARIES OVER POSSIBLE CRASHED PLANE

Spanish emergency services were thrown into a full scale alert on Thursday, when a passenger jet crashed into the sea of the coast of Gran Canaria, and was seen floating along the horizon in a scene reminiscent of the famous water landing on the Hudson River.
However, although looking at the pictures it was easy to see why, the incident was not as dramatic as the teams of rescuers sprung into action to deal with, as it was nothing more than a floating crane being towed along the water.
The emergency coordination centre received numerous calls relating to the sighting, immediately adopting their rehearsed protocol to deal with such incidents. Whereas the emergency crews can only be applauded for their prompt action, it later transpired that the situation was exaggerated, as the initiating call reporting the aircraft ditching in the sea came from the airport itself.
The desperate plea that launched the response came from the airport controllers, reporting a “Boeing 737 in the water off the coast of Jinámar and is floating repeat is floating, it has not sunk. Please mobilize all available means”.
The 112 emergency centre relays the call, “Gran Canaria Airport, a Boeing, please confirm”.
And the perhaps dreaded response from the airport, “Affirmative Boeing 737 floating. Not sunk. Mobilize all available means, please....."
The conversation ends with emergency coordinator relaying the chilling response, “I confirm Airport: all resources are going to the area”.
For its part, the airport authority, AENA, confirms that the airport acted according to the safety protocol, and that the airport fulfilled its actions by doing “what had to be done”, explaining that in the reporting of any potential impact, speed is vital, as is the immediate activation of the emergency response teams, along with search and rescue.
In fact, in the event of a similar situation, there is probably nobody who would rather have rescuers sent to help in a mistaken situation like this, then be on board a crashed plane and be left alone, should the opposite occur, and the controllers think that a crashed aircraft looked like a crane.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43119/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spanish emergency services were thrown into a full scale alert on Thursday, when a passenger jet crashed into the sea of the coast of Gran Canaria, and was seen floating along the horizon in a scene reminiscent of the famous water landing on the Hudson River.
However, although looking at the pictures it was easy to see why, the incident was not as dramatic as the teams of rescuers sprung into action to deal with, as it was nothing more than a floating crane being towed along the water.
The emergency coordination centre received numerous calls relating to the sighting, immediately adopting their rehearsed protocol to deal with such incidents. Whereas the emergency crews can only be applauded for their prompt action, it later transpired that the situation was exaggerated, as the initiating call reporting the aircraft ditching in the sea came from the airport itself.
The desperate plea that launched the response came from the airport controllers, reporting a “Boeing 737 in the water off the coast of Jinámar and is floating repeat is floating, it has not sunk. Please mobilize all available means”.
The 112 emergency centre relays the call, “Gran Canaria Airport, a Boeing, please confirm”.
And the perhaps dreaded response from the airport, “Affirmative Boeing 737 floating. Not sunk. Mobilize all available means, please....."
The conversation ends with emergency coordinator relaying the chilling response, “I confirm Airport: all resources are going to the area”.
For its part, the airport authority, AENA, confirms that the airport acted according to the safety protocol, and that the airport fulfilled its actions by doing “what had to be done”, explaining that in the reporting of any potential impact, speed is vital, as is the immediate activation of the emergency response teams, along with search and rescue.
In fact, in the event of a similar situation, there is probably nobody who would rather have rescuers sent to help in a mistaken situation like this, then be on board a crashed plane and be left alone, should the opposite occur, and the controllers think that a crashed aircraft looked like a crane.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43119/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### MYSTERIOUS DEATH IN TORREVIEJA INVESTIGATED

The courts in Torrevieja are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman whose body was found in an apartment at Los Locos. 
The initial examination of the woman revealed that there had been no indication of violence, and that early indications suggest either suicide or a violent fall. 
An autopsy will be carried out to confirm the cause of the tragic death.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43118/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The courts in Torrevieja are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman whose body was found in an apartment at Los Locos. 
The initial examination of the woman revealed that there had been no indication of violence, and that ear...

### TORREVIEJA CLAMPING DOWN ON STREET INCURSIONS

Throughout the last two summers, Orihuela local police have been criticised, with groups being set up to “Stop police destroying our livelihoods”, and many a complaint that entertainers are being fined and bars shut down, for not complying with the laws relating to entertainment and music. The action however was applauded by many others, tired of the abuse that the noise would create.
In Torrevieja, a recent crackdown on the same problem, music and entertainment in bars, has largely gone unchallenged, with many of those who complained about the action in Orihuela even praising the action in Torrevieja.
Now, the police in Torrevieja have taken their compliance a step further, and have started issuing fines to bars and restaurants who not only flout the entertainment laws, but also to those violating the bylaws relating to the use of public spaces. 
The rule prohibits the installation of any windshield, canopy or fixed structure on the road without authorization, irrespective of whether or not the property tax on the extension reflects the work.
The officers involved in this latest clamp down on abuses of regulations has seen at least twenty such bars have reports filed against them in a single weekend, although the tariff of fines is not yet clear as the document which relates to the level of financial penalty is due to be updated.
Many are now praising this latest method of legalising business activities in compliance with the law, although some are also now questioning how the situation has managed to evolve, without any kind of compliance monitoring, for at least the last 11 years.
If challenged, the officers involved point out that they are working in line with the rules and laws governing the constructions, and urge those being fined to consult with the town hall to see what elements, if any, can be legalised, as the overall aim is to improve the image of the city and ensure that laws are adhered to on the grounds of public safety, as much as the aesthetics.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43117/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Throughout the last two summers, Orihuela local police have been criticised, with groups being set up to “Stop police destroying our livelihoods”, and many a complaint that entertainers are being fined and bars shut down, for not complying ...

### TORREVIEJA DOCTOR ARRESTED FOR CREDIT CARD FRAUD

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a female doctor who works at Torrevieja and Elda hospitals, who voluntarily surrendered, in connection to offences relating to charging goods and services onto the credit cards of colleagues.
According to the report in the case, the investigation began in December when several people reported fraudulent charges to their cards. The investigators were able to discover a relationship between the people who had complained, as they were all employees, doctors and nurses, of two hospitals in the towns of Elda and Torrevieja.
The investigation then pointed to a single individual, who is suspected of being involved in 45 cases relating to purchases totalling 5,000 euro, plus an additional 25 attempts at charging which were denied by the card issuer.
The doctor was arrested for allegedly using her employment status to access the locker rooms of health workers and obtain details of up to a dozen bank cards on which the charges were subsequently performed.
In addition, officers discovered banking information of other workers in the hospitals, but these do not yet appear to have been used for any illegal activity.
The doctor is charged with various crimes, including on suspicion of continuing crimes of fraud, and has already been made available to the courts of Torrevieja, where prosecution will take place.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43116/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a female doctor who works at Torrevieja and Elda hospitals, who voluntarily surrendered, in connection to offences relating to charging goods and services onto the credit cards of colleagues.
According to ...

### ORIHUELA STREET SIGN PROBLEM FINALLY TO BE TACKLED

According to data released this week, there are more than 16,500 street signs missing throughout Orihuela, of which 1,709 are street names and 14,703 are house numbers. 
According to the councillor who made the statement, Víctor Ruiz, this not only makes it difficult for emergency services, post office workers and friends to find locations, it also potentially constitutes an “electoral offence”, as many international residents are at risk of not receiving their notifications for voting in elections.
In August of last year, we reported how “Information from the census of street names conducted prior to the summer has now been compiled, resulting in the town hall of Orihuela being able to prepare a tender document for replacing and maintaining street signs in the municipality, with immediate attention given to streets with no name, with signs made from durable and theft-proof materials, wherever possible”.
The councillor reported how the first audit of street names and signs was conducted in May, 1996, and since then, there has been no major update completed. In 2007, the CLARO group filed a complaint against the town hall, for the alleged offence relating to problems in residents receiving notification of voting, resulting in the National Statistics Institute insisting that the town hall, at the time run by PP party member David Costa, correct the deficiencies, but “nobody did anything about it”.
As a result of this conclusion, the town hall has now prepared a tender contract, with a 495,902 euro budget, for the maintenance, updating and renewal of street names, for a period of 4 years, including areas which will contain signs in Braille to assist the visually impaired. 
Once assigned, the coastal zone and certain surrounding villages, such as Torremendo, where most International residents live, will be given priority before the rest of the municipality is tackled.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43115/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: According to data released this week, there are more than 16,500 street signs missing throughout Orihuela, of which 1,709 are street names and 14,703 are house numbers. 
According to the councillor who made the statement, Víctor Ruiz, this not ...

### WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT LIFE IN SPAIN?

Via their “Brits Living in Spain” Facebook page, the British Embassy in Madrid is conducting a survey on how the information they provide is of use to immigrants who now live in Spain, in order to assess how they can improve their use of social networks in the future.
The quick and anonymous survey, available direct at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Integrometer, asks 18 simple questions on how you feel about life in Spain, and how you integrate into Spanish life and culture.
The final question asks for an adjective that describes your life in Spain, and based on more than 1,200 respondents so far, it would appear that the general consensus is that life in Spain is happy, content, relaxed, sunny, interesting, fantastic, wonderful, peaceful and perfect, but they are just the most used terms.
If you have an opinion, although it is intended to be light hearted, you can both visit their Facebook page, by searching for “Brits Living in Spain”, or click direct to the survey and express your own opinion on life in Spain.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43114/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Via their “Brits Living in Spain” Facebook page, the British Embassy in Madrid is conducting a survey on how the information they provide is of use to immigrants who now live in Spain, in order to assess how they can improve their use of so...

### APPLE IS THE PREFERRED CHOICE FOR SPANISH MEN

According to a survey by the “world's leading married dating service for discreet encounters” website, AshleyMadison.com, when it comes to choosing a mobile phone, Spanish men prefer Apple, whereas the women prefer Samsung. 
The survey was conducted through their global network of sites, in which 75,000 users from 26 countries were asked about their technological preferences, revealing that Spain is in a unique position, as the usual choice of phone is generally the opposite, with women preferring Apple and men opting for Samsung.
Of the respondents from Spain, 24% of women chose the South Korean brand Samsung, and only 17% opted for apple. For the men, the figure was 22% preferring Apple, and 18% choosing Samsung. LG, Nokia and BlackBerry were the next preferred options, coming in relatively close in both men and women.
Perhaps inevitable for a dating site, the survey also asked about the activities that phone owners get up to, with 40% of Spanish respondents saying that they have “hot conversations” with a partner several times a day, whereas 36% do so once per day. 
Whilst at work, 24% of Spanish men are also happy to take a break from the routine in order to chat with their lovers, although the average from all countries was 43%, seemingly indicating the Spanish man´s preference to work over play. As for Spanish women, 32% would take a break from work for a conversation with a lover, a figure consistent with the results obtained in other countries.
As phones become more useful tools for doing far more than just talking, 80% of the men say that they have taken photographs or videos with their lover on their mobile, a figure which plummets to just 10% when asked about photographing the wife, the same number who also took “selfies”. The statistics for women was equally dramatically spaced, with 72% taking photos or video with a lover, just 7% with the husband, but 25% take pictures of themselves.
In connection with the findings, American sexologist Eric Anderson said, “This study shows that technology has helped us explore and enjoy our sexuality issues that until recently were taboo. From sexting practice to scheduling an appointment, mobiles are a new way to get sexual satisfaction”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43113/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to a survey by the “world's leading married dating service for discreet encounters” website, AshleyMadison.com, when it comes to choosing a mobile phone, Spanish men prefer Apple, whereas the women prefer Samsung. 
The survey was...

### The Weekend Guide - 29 and 30 March 2014

listen to ‘The Weekend Guide’ on Audioboo


SATURDAY 29th MARCH, 2014
20:30 – EARTH HOUR.
Markets
Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
Firauto – Car, motorbike and industrial vehicle show, IFA exhibition centre, (Until 30 Mar).
Sobre Dos Ruedas, motorbike and cycle expo, IFA exhibition centre (Until 30 Mar).
BARCELONA
Europe, Sant Jordi Club.
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
“Origina 2014”, exhibition arranged by the school of art, La Lonja exhibition hall, (Until 6 Apr).
III Edición Murales De San Isidro, a focus on the wall paintings and the unique link between Miguel Hernandez and Orihuela, (Until 30 Mar).
“Pasión por la Música” – Classical concert, Torremendo (coming to the Orihuela Costa on 5th April).
ORIHUELA COSTA
20:30 – Earth Hour switch off, plus Beatles tribute, Nowhere Band, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
19:30 - Concierto Coral Internacional “Crescendo”(Torrevieja) Y “Lyngby Kammerkor”(Dinamarca),  Palacio De La Musica.
21:00 - Lyric Concert Gala In Commemoration Of The 60th Anniversary Of The Habaneras Competition, Auditorio International De Torrevieja.
21:30 – Teatro Invasion – Municipal Theatre.

SUNDAY 30th MARCH, 2014
Daylight Savings Time – Clocks go forward.
Markets
Benidorm, Elche, La Nucia, Campoverde, La Marina, Zoco, Almoradí street market, Lemon Tree Road, Mil Palmeras.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
Firauto – Car, motorbike and industrial vehicle show, IFA exhibition centre, (Last day).
Sobre Dos Ruedas, motorbike and cycle expo, IFA exhibition centre (Last day).
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
“Origina 2014”, exhibition arranged by the school of art, La Lonja exhibition hall, (Until 6 Apr).
III Edición Murales De San Isidro, a focus on the wall paintings and the unique link between Miguel Hernandez and Orihuela, (Until 30 Mar).
“Pasión por la Música” – Classical concert, San Bartolome (coming to the Orihuela Costa on 5th April).
Art Market, San Isidro.
ORIHUELA COSTA
ABBA Elite, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
12:00 - OUTDOOR CONCERT, Sociedad Musical “Ciudad de Torrevieja” Los Salerosos, JARDIN DE DOÑA SINFOROSA.
19:00 – Theatre “Las Que Tienen Que Alternar”, Virgen del Carmen.
 

### KNOX-KNOX, WHO’S DRUNK?

Coronation Street actress Barbara Knox, 80, who plays Rita Tanner in the soap, was arrested this week on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, after reportedly driving to Knutsford police station in order to complain to officers who had previously arrested her daughter, Maxine Ashcroft, 56, also for driving under the influence of alcohol.
A Cheshire Police spokesperson said, “An 80-year-old woman from Knutsford arrived at Knutsford police station and was also arrested on suspicion of drink-driving. She was bailed pending further inquiries”, meanwhile a Coronation Street spokesperson said the arrest was a “personal matter”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43112/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Coronation Street actress Barbara Knox, 80, who plays Rita Tanner in the soap, was arrested this week on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, after reportedly driving to Knutsford police station in order to complain to officers who had ...

### What´s On - Friday 28th March, 2014

FRIDAY 28th MARCH, 2014
Markets
Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, TORREVIEJA.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
Firauto – Car, motorbike and industrial vehicle show, IFA exhibition centre, (Until 30 Mar).
Sobre Dos Ruedas, motorbike and cycle expo, IFA exhibition centre (Until 30 Mar).
BILBAO
Europe, Sala Santana.
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
“Origina 2014”, exhibition arranged by the school of art, La Lonja exhibition hall, (Until 6 Apr).
Proclamation of Semana Santa, 2014, Teatro Circo.
III Edición Murales De San Isidro, a focus on the wall paintings and the unique link between Miguel Hernandez and Orihuela, (Until 30 Mar).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Magician, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
Youth employment expo, International musical auditorium.
20:00 - El Maravilloso Mundo De La Opereta/ In The Wonderful World Of Operetta, Teatro Municipal.
21:00 - Grandes Solistas De La Lirica Internacional, Music and songs by choirs, Palacio De La Musica.

### TORREVIEJA WELCOMES MILESTONE BIRTH

This week, María Bermúdez and Ramón Fernández, welcomed a new addition to their family, as baby Ramón was born in Torrevieja hospital. An everyday occurrence perhaps, but the one thing that sets this birth aside from all of the others, is that Ramón is the 10,000th baby to be born in the hospital since it opened in June, 2010.
The parents of this historic baby were both proud of their own achievements, and the achievements of the staff at the hospital who had looked after them during this precious time.
Equipped with all the latest technology, the Hospital of Torrevieja has a number of individual units for births, with a centralised control unit checking the monitors in each of the six birthing rooms, designed to provide the maximum privacy and security to the patient and those involved in the birth.
The hospital also offers a number of additional elements during the birthing process, such as a choice of music and lighting, offering the best in phototherapy to ease the relaxation during what can be an all too stressful time. Shortly, the unit will also be adding aromatherapy options too, enforcing the ability to experience the most unique and individually tailored birth as required by “mum”.
The hospital operate around the clock, 365 days of the year, and the professionals who operate in the hospital are becoming increasingly renowned for striving to offer the most comprehensive care package available.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43111/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This week, María Bermúdez and Ramón Fernández, welcomed a new addition to their family, as baby Ramón was born in Torrevieja hospital. An everyday occurrence perhaps, but the one thing that sets this birth aside from ...

### SUPER COMMERCIAL CENTRE PLANS SHELVED

Quite possibly another victim of the continual growth of Orihuela, with the Zenia Boulevard commercial centre becoming increasingly important for shoppers and leisure seekers, combined with administrative and political feet dragging, a proposed development set to transform Algorfa has been shelved.
Intended to invigorate the area directly off the motorway network, near the site of the cement factory and Sunday market, the 2007 project was set to see the one of the largest commercial centres in the country being built, with Eroski supermarket as the figurehead and some 563,000 square meters of area and accompanying it, the creation of 2,000 jobs, but it was announced this week that the Partido Popular government team has given approval for the return of the million euro deposit to the developer, Orishas Trust. 
It is believed that part of the problem has been the failure of the administrative process to convert the required land in the general plan of the area, and the fact that since the original project was dated as 2007, the plan is “completely out of date”, in the opinion of the developer, as even Eroski themselves have been struggling through recent years, closing down many of its stores.
The plan had been supported by the majority of council members, and was seen with excitement by the locals of Torrevieja, Los Montesinos and the surroundings, as a much needed and ideal place for a super commercial centre, but it is believed that the developer has now tired of waiting for the approval to start the work. The local government team has said that not only does it intend to return the money to the developer; they will not seek any further explanations as to why the company has decided to pull out of the project.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43110/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Quite possibly another victim of the continual growth of Orihuela, with the Zenia Boulevard commercial centre becoming increasingly important for shoppers and leisure seekers, combined with administrative and political feet dragging, a proposed develop...

### ‘WE ARE MORE THAN SUN AND SAND’ – EDUARDO DOLON

Eduardo Dolón, mayor of Torrevieja, appeared in an interview for a National Spanish newspaper this week, examining the situation in the town and its fundamental role in the economy of the province.
Eduardo Dolón is brimming with youth and excitement when speaking about his beloved Torrevieja, and its future as one of the most delightful places in the Province of Alicante. It is clear that, in spite of the economic situation, his renewed government team is working hard day after day for the people. The citizens of Torrevieja know that Eduardo Dolón isn't in politics for self-enrichment, but for putting forward new and exciting ideas.
-What is the actual political situation in Torrevieja?
-I believe that the situation in Torrevieja is stable, as the last election results show. We came through very strongly in the voting, and because of that tremendous support, our responsibilities are even greater. The citizens who have voted for us have made it very clear. Unfortunately, the opposition parties attack us without mentioning the many problems we face. Angel Saez (PSOE) and Domingo Soler (APTCE) already believe that they are both Lord Mayors, but conveniently ignoring the problems we face. The Partido Popular in Torrevieja are very strong and united, even more so with its renewed team in the Town Hall. We are here working day after day for the citizens of Torrevieja.
-After 20 years as Lord Mayor, is the shadow of Pedro Hernandez Mateo still covering the Town Hall?
-No, in spite of what many people think the ex-Lord Mayor doesn't continue to rule in our Town Hall. To him we owe the transformation of Torrevieja into a city in only a few years. We are free in our work and are not influenced by him, or by anyone else.
-What is your profile on taking office as a politician?
-I understand politics more as public service, not as a tool for personal gain. I am in favour of holding political dialogue, negotiating, and reaching common agreement. I have always tried to include everyone, and that will never change. In my position as Mayor, I shall try in every way possible to listen to the citizens all the time. I move forward through my dream. The day that I no longer have that dream I shall resign my position without doubt. I am clear that one is in politics temporally. But the time that one is governing must be exemplary. Already our citizens are tired of bad politicians.
-What are your objectives from now until the end of your period of legislature?
-I would be happy to finish my 4 years as Lord Mayor by carrying out such basic things as the creation of jobs, generation of investments, and defending the social conditions of the people. In order to achieve these ends we must exploit the tourist potential of Torrevieja and carry out other important projects to improve the comforts of the city.
-Which projects do you mean?
-We are fighting to bring a train connection to Torrevieja. We don't understand how we used to have a train here and now we don't have one. For that aim, we are working in order to establish a viable plan with the Ministry of Public works, because Torrevieja has an obligation to be connected by rail with the rest of the world. From every angle, we are studying the possibility of introducing a shuttle service of buses to connect with train (AVE) at Villena. We believe that we are doing the necessary spadework, and our relationship with Central Government is very cordial.
-What attractions does Torrevieja have?
-Torrevieja is a very distinctive city, constantly growing. We are much more than sun and sand. We are now pursuing a very different strategy with regard to tourism. The important thing is not that tourists come, but that they return. We have possibilities like tourism Sport, culture and gastronomy, Tourism health or the Torrevieja Nautical Experience, related to aquatic activities. This last pack was the most acclaimed in the last edition of FITUR (Tourism fair), in which moreover we presented the video “Torrevieja, a paradise at your fingertips”
-How is the census of inhabitants of Torrevieja?
-Actually, we are near to 108.000 inhabitants. Curiously, we can already say that there are more people here that were born in UK than were born in Torrevieja. In the census there are people from every country, but apart, the largest numbers are from UK, Russia, Germany, and France and from the Scandinavian Countries like Sweden or Norway.
-What signifies the TV Program “UN, DOS, TRES” for the image of the city?
-It used to benefit our city greatly, but nowadays there is nothing remaining from the program. There remains the salt and the Habaneras which are known throughout the world. Precisely, this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Habaneras and Polyphonies contest, and this will be celebrated with a concert at the European Parliament in Brussels.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43109/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Eduardo Dolón, mayor of Torrevieja, appeared in an interview for a National Spanish newspaper this week, examining the situation in the town and its fundamental role in the economy of the province.
Eduardo Dolón is brimming with youth an...

### La Junta de Gobierno Local ha aprobado 51 ayudas familiares

La Junta de Gobierno Local ha aprobado 51 ayudas familiares por un total de 10.356 euros

 
La portavoz del gobierno, Carolina Gracia, ha dado cuenta de los asuntos tratados en la reunión de la Junta de Gobierno Local (JGL). Entre ellos está la aprobación de la concesión por la Concejalía de Bienestar Social de 51 ayudas individualizadas por un importe total de 10.356,57 euros. También se ha aprobado la previsión del gasto en ayudas para el pago de recibos de agua a lo largo de 2014, que asciende a 12.000 euros más.
Además, hoy se ha iniciado el expediente para que el local de 821,70 metros cuadrados y otros 635 de aparcamiento del antiguo cine Casablanca pueda ser arrendado por el Ayuntamiento para acoger el archivo municipal con la intención de rescindir otros alquileres y reducir su coste.
En Turismo, se ha aprobado el presupuesto para la realización de los trabajos que permita la solicitud de ayudas a la Agencia Valenciana de Turismo y otros organismos a dos empresas de Orihuela por un importe de 11.119,90 y 10.137 euros.
Según ha relatado Gracia, la JGL también ha tomado cuenta de tres sentencias que obligan a pagar al Ayuntamiento 847,13, 5.427,80 y 65.925 euros. Esta última corresponde es favorable a la empresa que explota el aparcamiento de Entrepuentes y se refiere a la cesión de plazas de aparcamiento para los juzgados y el Mercado Medieval entre 2006 y 2009.
Además, la JGL ha aprobado 15 certificaciones de facturas de contratos municipales con diferentes empresas por un importe de 229.403,61 euros y otras 15 relaciones de facturas de diversas concejalías por 19.867,64 más.
En ayudas, se ha aprobado una de la Concejalía de Participación Ciudadana por un importe de 6.000 euros para la Ermita de San Isidro.
Y se han visto siete expedientes de restablecimiento de la legalidad urbanística. Dos de ellos han acabado con sendas sanciones de 4.098,66 y 1.940,62 euros.

Excerpt: La Junta de Gobierno Local ha aprobado 51 ayudas familiares por un total de 10.356 euros   La portavoz del gobierno, Carolina Gracia, ha dado cuenta de los asuntos tratados en la reunión de la Junta de Gobierno Local (JGL). Entre ellos está la aprobación de la concesión por la Concejalía de Bienestar Social de […]

### La biblioteca María Molinar prepara la celebración de su primer aniversario

La concejala de Cultura asegura que 35.207 personas han visitado la biblioteca desde su inauguración el pasado año

 
La concejala de Cultura, Rosa Martínez, ha avanzado que la Concejalía de Cultura ha organizado doce actividades para celebrar, durante el mes de abril, el primer aniversario de la biblioteca municipal María Moliner. La edil ha señalado que la biblioteca ha recibido la visita de 35.207 personas después de que fuese inaugurado el 23 de abril del pasado año, entre ellas, usuarios de las salas de estudio, asistentes a conferencias, exposiciones y cursos organizados en el aula polivalente, 781 alumnos de 9 centros escolares y otras personas que hayan participado en alguna de las 100 actividades organizadas por la Concejalía de Cultura. Además, 51 investigadores han utilizado la sala de investigadores abierta el pasado 17 de febrero. Estos usuarios han consultado 127 documentos y, además, se han realizado diez consultas externas. “Queremos dar a conocer a la ciudadanía el archivo histórico de la ciudad”, ha dicho Martínez, quien ha recordado que se expondrá un documento del archivo cada mes. Así, el primer documento expuesto será el Libro de actas capitulares 1353-1357, el libro más antiguo de los que hay en el archivo municipal. “También se ha preparado una actividad didáctica para los escolares del municipio que consistirá en trabajar sobre cartulario de la ciudad”, ha dicho la concejala, quien ha detallado que los niños identificarán los monumentos de Orihuela en ese plano. Asimismo, ha anunciado que se ha designado a la técnico superior de Patrimonio Cultural como directora de la biblioteca.
En otro orden de cosas, Martínez ha presentado la actividad que se desarrollará el jueves referente a la presentación del libro “El regalo del hada blanca”, de Emilia Serna. Serna, licenciada en lingüística por una universidad canadiense, escritora y poeta, ha escrito este libro, del que ella misma dice que es “un regalo a Miguel Hernández por su cumpleaños”. La autora escribió este libro durante al año en el que se celebró el Centenario del nacimiento del poeta y cada capítulo está inspirado en un poema del autor de “Perito en lunas”. Serna también mantendrá encuentros con alumnos de los colegios Villar Palasí y Andrés Manjón.

Excerpt: La concejala de Cultura asegura que 35.207 personas han visitado la biblioteca desde su inauguración el pasado año   La concejala de Cultura, Rosa Martínez, ha avanzado que la Concejalía de Cultura ha organizado doce actividades para celebrar, durante el mes de abril, el primer aniversario de la biblioteca municipal María Moliner. La edil ha […]

### MYSTERIOUS BODY FOUND IN ELEVATOR

A resident of the Jávea Park urbanisation of the town with the same name, made a gruesome discovery on Monday morning when he found the body of a man, wearing only his underpants, in the lift of the residential building.
The position of the body was resting lay on the floor, his legs up against the wall, in a position described as “impossible”, apparently with blood in his mouth, but showing no immediate signs of violence. The residents who made the discovery rushed down the stairs and alerted the concierge, who in turn contacted the Guardia Civil.
The man was later identified as being of 49 years of age and a resident of Javéa, who died following a cardiac arrest, according to the autopsy. The blood in his mouth collecting after he apparently bit his tongue during the seizure.
The investigation now leads officers to check the attendees and staff of a nightclub next door to the residential building, with the main hypothesis being that witnesses of his death became scared and tried to hide the body.
Officers found the man´s clothing, shoes and wallet on the street outside. The area, which is very popular with British residents and visitors, is said to take on a different characteristic between day and night, with cafe culture being replaced with one of hostess driven nightlife, which has previously raised concerns over prostitution.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43108/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A resident of the Jávea Park urbanisation of the town with the same name, made a gruesome discovery on Monday morning when he found the body of a man, wearing only his underpants, in the lift of the residential building.
The position of the bod...

### DECATHLON LAUNCHING RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN

The French owned sporting goods company, Decathlon, has launched a recruitment campaign across Spain, in which they are currently looking for around 200 workers to fill positions across the country, whilst also offering the opportunity for those looking to work to register an interest in places where vacancies don´t currently exist.
Established in France in 1976, the company, which has stores across the globe, currently employs over 12,500 people in more than 90 stores in Spain, including at the Zenia Boulevard, San Javier, Murcia, Alicante, Elche and Cartagena.
Seen as one of the most attractive companies to work for by most of the staff, an internal promotion scheme means that opportunities within the company are great, with all store managers and even the CEO once having worked on the shop floor before achieving their promotions.
The company will shortly be launching their 2014 Decabike campaign, a day dedicated to the benefits of cycling. Held across the country, the aim is to raise awareness of both the health and environmental benefits of getting on your bike.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43107/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The French owned sporting goods company, Decathlon, has launched a recruitment campaign across Spain, in which they are currently looking for around 200 workers to fill positions across the country, whilst also offering the opportunity for those lookin...

### Sale a licitación la señalización de las calles

El Concejal de Infraestructuras, Víctor Ruiz, ha dado cuenta de la licitación del contrato de conservación, mantenimiento de la rotulación y numeración de las vías públicas, así como la reposición de placas y números para calles, que se hizo por última vez hace 18 años, en 1996.
Ruiz ha relatado que, según el departamento municipal de Estadística, faltan 1.709 placas con el nombre de las calles en todo el municipio, 642 en la costa y 1.067 en las pedanías, y 14.703 números de viviendas por colocar, 704 en la costa, 531 en el casco urbanos y 13.528 en las partidas rurales.
Esta situación, según el edil, “genera muchos problemas cotidianos que sufre la ciudadanía, especialmente los residentes extranjeros y de las pedanías”, y puede dar lugar a la comisión de un delito electoral, por cuanto el Instituto Nacional de Estadística no puede notificar a quienes no consigue localizar en su residencia para que expresen su voluntad de participar o no en los comicios europeos y municipales.
Esta situación se arrastra desde hace tiempo. De hecho, Ruiz ha recordado que en el anterior periodo administrativo, el área de Estadística ya advirtió de que faltaban 1.042 placas de calles y 14.388 números de viviendas, pero entonces no se hizo nada.
La adjudicación de este contrato de cuatro años se formalizará de aquí un mes y recoge un gasto total de 495.903,44 euros. Los tres primeros se invertirán 125.925, 124.357 y 125.620 euros, respectivamente, en la costa y las pedanías y el cuarto 120.000 en el casco urbanos para dejar todo el término municipal debidamente señalizado.
El pliego recoge condiciones como que la empresa adjudicataria tendrá un plazo máximo de 90 días para instalar o reponer la señalización desde que le sea notificada su necesidad y también establece un régimen sancionador.

Excerpt: El Concejal de Infraestructuras, Víctor Ruiz, ha dado cuenta de la licitación del contrato de conservación, mantenimiento de la rotulación y numeración de las vías públicas, así como la reposición de placas y números para calles, que se hizo por última vez hace 18 años, en 1996. Ruiz ha relatado que, según el departamento municipal […]

### Thursday 27 March, 2014 - Things to do

listen to ‘Things to do on Thursday’ on Audioboo

THURSDAY 27th MARCH, 2014
World Theatre Day.
Markets
Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
Futurmoda – Fashion, leather and footwear expo, IFA exhibition Centre (Last day).
BARCELONA
Passenger Terminal expo, International Conference and Exhibition for Passenger Terminal Design, Technology, Security, Operations and Management, (Last day).
MADRID
Europe, La Riviera.
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
“Origina 2014”, exhibition arranged by the school of art, La Lonja exhibition hall, (Until 6 Apr).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Peari, saxophonist, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
Youth employment expo, International musical auditorium.
21:30 – World Theatre Gala – Teatro Municipal.
 

### Festival ‘metroncho’ saca el humor a las calles de Orihuela

La Concejala de Juventud, Carolina Gracia, ha presentado la II edición del festival ‘metroncho’, que se desarrollará durante los viernes y sábado de tres fines de semana del mes de abril en el casco urbanos de Orihuela y en tres pedanías. Son “actuaciones de monólogos que el año pasado tuvieron mucho éxito”, según la edil, que se llevan a la calle con la intención de “beneficiar a la hostería y la restauración” de las zonas donde se desarrollarán las actuaciones, ya que todas ellas serán a las 22:00 horas.
Este año se han cambiado los lugares donde tendrán lugar los monólogos, individuales o en grupo, respecto a los elegidos el año pasado. Así, el viernes 4 de abril actuarán en la Plaza de Antonio Izquierdo de Correntías Medias Kalderas+Ismael Galán y el día siguiente en la Plaza Alfonso XIII será el turno de Diego Arjona+Miguel Miguel.
El fin de semana posterior actuarán el viernes 11 en la Plaza de la Iglesia del Raiguero de Bonanza Luis Larrodera+Ismael Beiro y el sábado en la Calle Luis Barcala del casco urbano Regomello.
Finalmente, tras la Semana Santa, el 25 de abril actuará en la Avenida del Carmen de Arneva Toni Rodríguez y el festival concluirá el sábado 26 en la Calle Aragón con la representación de Los Gandules.
Son más actuaciones que en la primera edición, aunque más concentradas. Enrique Lidón, responsable de la empresa Globalplay, que produce el evento, ha destacado “la presencia de artistas que combinan magia, música y humor”.

Excerpt: La Concejala de Juventud, Carolina Gracia, ha presentado la II edición del festival ‘metroncho’, que se desarrollará durante los viernes y sábado de tres fines de semana del mes de abril en el casco urbanos de Orihuela y en tres pedanías. Son “actuaciones de monólogos que el año pasado tuvieron mucho éxito”, según la edil, […]

### RUTA COSTA – ORIHUELA

105 personas han realizado este domingo la ruta guiada por la Costa de Orihuela, durante la que han recibido por parte de los guías las pertinentes explicaciones sobre la flora, la calidad de las aguas y sus lugares de interés, como Cabo Roig, la playa fósil o las dunas. Los participantes han hecho los 9 kilómetros del recorrido, que pasa por 8 playas.
La ruta ha durado tres horas, con un pequeño descanso en Cabo Roig, y ha podido ser realizada tanto por residente en el casco urbano o la costa de Orihuela como por gente de Cartagena, Murcia, Callosa, Torrevieja y otros municipios de la comarca. También se han inscrito un nutrido grupo de personas de otras nacionalidades.

Excerpt: 105 personas han realizado este domingo la ruta guiada por la Costa de Orihuela, durante la que han recibido por parte de los guías las pertinentes explicaciones sobre la flora, la calidad de las aguas y sus lugares de interés, como Cabo Roig, la playa fósil o las dunas. Los participantes han hecho los 9 […]

### TORREVIEJA HACE HISTORIA EN LA SEDE DEL PARLAMENTO EUROPEO

Por primera vez en la historia las habaneras se escuchan en Bruselas, con motivo de la presentación del 60 Aniversario del Certamen Internacional de habaneras y Polifonías de Torrevieja.
Al acto asistieron también una gran cantidad de eurodiputados españoles, así como Pilar del Castillo, ex ministra de  Educación, Cultura y Deporte de España, de 2000 a 2004, y la directora del Instituto Cervantes en Bruselas, María González Encinar.
La eurodiputada Eva Ortiz aseguró que hoy, Torrevieja y sus habaneras, se convierten en la capital de la cultura europea con la celebración de este histórico concierto.

Excerpt: Por primera vez en la historia las habaneras se escuchan en Bruselas, con motivo de la presentación del 60 Aniversario del Certamen Internacional de habaneras y Polifonías de Torrevieja. Al acto asistieron también una gran cantidad de eurodiputados españoles, así como Pilar del Castillo, ex ministra de  Educación, Cultura y Deporte de España, de 2000 […]

### PROFIT FROM RIOTS

As protests developed into riots on the streets of Madrid again this month, criticism has been levied towards mainstream media outlets for their largely underplayed coverage, but that same story could be said in a number of hotspots around the world.
One such place of recent escalations in street violence has been Venezuela, for example, where the Plaza de Altamira de Chacao has seen daily demonstrations since February, against the government of Nicolás Maduro, which has resulted in 29 deaths and hundreds injured since the violence began.
However, one thing that is perhaps not realised is the part that Spain is playing in controlling those riots, and others besides, to which amplification in the event of their own failings may prove to be potentially financially devastating. 
A recent picture of a stun grenade clearly branded with the details of a Spanish firm surprised many, but this year so far, Spain is exporting 450,000 euro worth of riot equipment to Venezuela, including non-lethal gas grenades, aerosol control sprays and other riot equipment, according to the Spanish government´s own information.
In fact, from January to June of this year, the materials sent from Spain to Venezuela is 2.68 million euro, around half of the entire income of 5.1 million that will be obtained from other exports including to Tunisia, valued at 2.01 million, as well as to Nicaragua, Algeria and Egypt.
However, many more of the contracts are without manufacturing, as many of the deals are for licenses to manufacture the products locally, so Spain benefits from the manufacturing of the items to control riots, without actually having to construct and ship the items.
Other equipment on offer from Spain, under the “Other Defence Equipment” category includes firearms, sights, image enhancement devices, stun grenades, electronic stun guns and equipment for vehicles, including water cannons and gas dispensers.
In 2011, the then government of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero made sales of this equipment to Venezuela worth 145,823 euro, largely for tear gas equipment, but that figure fell considerably short of the 2010 deal, when Venezuela paid 1.62 million for additional equipment for their police vehicles, with additional licensing bringing the figure up to 5.1 million.
The sale of these arms and equipment is strictly controlled, and must only be done where there is a need for crowd control and suppression, but looking at one country alone is indicative of the value of riots and public disorder, albeit at the expense of the repairs needed when the situation becomes out of control on one's own territory, although those activities too can become a showcase for available equipment.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43106/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As protests developed into riots on the streets of Madrid again this month, criticism has been levied towards mainstream media outlets for their largely underplayed coverage, but that same story could be said in a number of hotspots around the world.
...

### CONTROL CONFIRMED FOR ALICANTE-ELCHE AIRPORT

The councillor for transport in the municipality of Elche, Justino Delgado, has confirmed that a barrier will be placed over the access road into Alicante-Elche airport, to help prevent unlicensed, pirate taxis and those from outside the area, from accessing the location.
The barrier system will automatically collect number plate information of all vehicles entering, collecting the data into a system that will monitor the frequency of visits and take appropriate action. Licensed taxis from outside the area will face restrictions as to the number of times they visit, as well as taking legal action against unlicensed taxis, or private vehicles which frequent the area more than would be considered normal.
Currently, the taxi drivers and authorities are aware of around 40 taxis from outside Elche who make around 6 trips per day. In addition, they are also aware of 80 private vehicles known to be frequently picking up or dropping off different passengers on a regular basis. The officially licensed taxis of Elche can only ever manage up to 4 trips per day, which is seen as a gross injustice considering the time, training and expense they have to go through to secure their legal and insured operation.
As the barrier system monitors access, it will automatically keep a tally of vehicle movements, and will automatically shut down and block access to offending vehicles known to have been too frequent a visitor.
In addition to the barrier system, Delgado has stated that the local police will intensify checks, both at the airport and the surrounding area, and have been given the task of monitoring pirate and outsider vehicles “as a priority”. 
The barrier will be installed at the airport in the coming months.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43105/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The councillor for transport in the municipality of Elche, Justino Delgado, has confirmed that a barrier will be placed over the access road into Alicante-Elche airport, to help prevent unlicensed, pirate taxis and those from outside the area, from acc...

### ELCHE GO CLOSE WITH BILBAO

Elche 0 Athletico Bilbao 0
A creditable 0-0 draw for Elche on Tuesday night as they entertained 4th placed Athletico Bilbao at the Martinez Valero, one more point toward their target for survival.
The home side looked dangerous early on when Garry Rodrigues saw his effort blocked just three minutes into the match, while Coro forced a save with a long-range strike.
The visitors' first chance fell to Ander, who tried to curl the ball in from a tight angle, but was denied by Manuel Yague.
Oscar de Marcos and Iker Muaniain both had further opportunities for Bilbao, but neither side was able to take the lead before the half-time whistle.
After a quiet spell with few real chances for either side, Domingo Cisma went close with a header for Elche inside the final 10 minutes, but Gorka Iraizoz in the away goal made the save.
The home side did not give up, as Sergio Pelegrin had one final attempt in stoppage time, but shot from corner went just wide.
Photos: KEVIN RENDALL Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43104/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Elche 0 Athletico Bilbao 0
A creditable 0-0 draw for Elche on Tuesday night as they entertained 4th placed Athletico Bilbao at the Martinez Valero, one more point toward their target for survival.
The home side looked dangerous early on when Garry Ro...

### Daily Event Guide - Wednesday 26 March, 2014

WEDNESDAY 26th MARCH, 2014
Purple Day is an event designed to raise awareness of epilepsy. Beginning in 2008, people are encouraged to wear a purple-coloured item of clothing on March 26. Purple and lavender are often associated with epilepsy, as for example in the wearing of a lavender ribbon.
Bangladesh Independence Day.
Markets
Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
Futurmoda – Fashion, leather and footwear expo, IFA exhibition Centre (Until 27 Mar).
BARCELONA
Passenger Terminal expo, International Conference and Exhibition for Passenger Terminal Design, Technology, Security, Operations and Management, (Until 27 Mar).
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
“Origina 2014”, exhibition arranged by the school of art, La Lonja exhibition hall, (Until 6 Apr).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Latin Mariachi Show, Zenia Boulevard.
 

### ORIHUELA IS BEST FOR BRITISH

According to the latest data released by the Institute of National Statistics, Orihuela is the leading location of British expats to reside, followed by Mijas and then Torrevieja.
The statistics reveal that Orihuela now has 18,834 British residents, leading the way in the whole of the country. In second place is Mijas, in Málaga, with 15,645 Brits, and in third place is Torrevieja, with 13,172 British residents. Perhaps a surprise given the proximity to Torrevieja and Orihuela, in fourth place in the national chart is Rojales, with 9,083, followed by Javea with 8,858 Brits.
The British wave of immigrants then spreads through Murcia, Tenerife and Málaga, before the chart brings us back to San Fulgencio, sitting in ninth place, with 6,364 British residents registered.
The statistics are all based on the figures of registered residents of course, and with many people choosing to try to avoid becoming permanent, the real figure is expected to be much higher, but considering the relatively short life of the Orihuela Costa, the importance of the foreign market has proven to be obvious. Although property prices were much higher in the 80´s, the balance of prices has eased considerably with the spread of developments throughout the coastal zone. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43103/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: According to the latest data released by the Institute of National Statistics, Orihuela is the leading location of British expats to reside, followed by Mijas and then Torrevieja.
The statistics reveal that Orihuela now has 18,834 British residents, l...

### ORIHUELA STREET CLOSURES FOR PROTEST MARCH

On Wednesday the 26th of March, various streets in the city of Orihuela will be closed to traffic, in order for a protest march against the LOMCE education reform to take place.
The main route will be between the Glorieta Gabriel Miró, and San Antón, which will see closures between 11:00 and 14:00, although diversions will be in place, this is the heart of the city centre and disruption to traffic flow is expected.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43102/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Wednesday the 26th of March, various streets in the city of Orihuela will be closed to traffic, in order for a protest march against the LOMCE education reform to take place.
The main route will be between the Glorieta Gabriel Miró, and San ...

### CALLS TO NAME TORREVIEJA ROAD AFTER FIRST DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENT

The APTCe political group of Torrevieja has filed a motion requesting that the town hall name part of the main Crevillente road in the city, which leaves the centre and passes the Habaneras Shopping centre, police station and heads towards Quesada, after Presidente Adolfo Suárez González, the first president of the post-Franco era of Spain, who died this week.
APTCe believes that “history proves that Adolfo Suarez is one of the main axes of the transition to democracy”, and therefore “deserves to have a street with his name on the main artery in and out of Torrevieja”.
In addition to the obvious major change in a dictator led country, Suárez also faced a motion of censure, a question of confidence and important issues like terrorism, inflation and unemployment.
Madrid Barajas airport will also be renamed after the former President, “to honour his memory, expressions of recognition and respect for the historical role of the first President of our democracy”, a statement read, recognising his work culminating in “one of the biggest achievements of Spain as a country: the 1978 Spanish Constitution”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43101/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The APTCe political group of Torrevieja has filed a motion requesting that the town hall name part of the main Crevillente road in the city, which leaves the centre and passes the Habaneras Shopping centre, police station and heads towards Quesada, aft...

### RETURN TO PASSENGER USE FOR OLD TERMINAL BUILDING RULED OUT

Spanish airport authority Aena has completely ruled out the reopening of the old terminal at Alicante-Elche airport for passenger or freight traffic, but has stated an interest in studying commercial projects “that are firm and viable”.
According to Aena, since the new terminal building can adequately address both current and future estimates of air traffic, there is no economic viability in reusing the old terminal building, as this would duplicate operational, maintenance and staffing costs.
Proposals to convert the building into a shopping centre came to light early last year, now with this announcement, if could pave the way for conversion into a retail or leisure hub.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43100/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Spanish airport authority Aena has completely ruled out the reopening of the old terminal at Alicante-Elche airport for passenger or freight traffic, but has stated an interest in studying commercial projects “that are firm and viable”.
Ac...

### RETURN TO PASSENGER USE FOR OLD TERMINAL BUILDING RULES OUT

Spanish airport authority Aena has completely ruled out the reopening of the old terminal at Alicante-Elche airport for passenger or freight traffic, but has stated an interest in studying commercial projects “that are firm and viable”.
According to Aena, since the new terminal building can adequately address both current and future estimates of air traffic, there is no economic viability in reusing the old terminal building, as this would duplicate operational, maintenance and staffing costs.
Proposals to convert the building into a shopping centre came to light early last year, now with this announcement, if could pave the way for conversion into a retail or leisure hub.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43100/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Spanish airport authority Aena has completely ruled out the reopening of the old terminal at Alicante-Elche airport for passenger or freight traffic, but has stated an interest in studying commercial projects “that are firm and viable”.
Ac...

### What´s On Guide - Tuesday 25th March 2014

listen to ‘Things to do on Tuesday’ on Audioboo

TUESDAY 25th MARCH, 2014
International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, recognized by the UN.
International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members, recognized by the UN.
Markets
Alicante, (Rastro), Aspe, Altea, Benijofar, ORIHUELA, San Fulgencio.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
BARCELONA
Passenger Terminal expo, International Conference and Exhibition for Passenger Terminal Design, Technology, Security, Operations and Management, (Until 27 Mar).
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
“Origina 2014”, exhibition arranged by the school of art, La Lonja exhibition hall, (Until 6 Apr).
Tourism conference, "Vivir a Miguel Hernández: Orihuela y el turismo cultural", María Moliner Library.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Playstation games, Zenia Boulevard.
 

### "LUCKY" MONSE

Friday's civil case in Orihuela was for precautionary measures to be taken in regards to the non validity of the alleged expulsion of Juan Ignacio Lopez Bas and Pedro Mancebo from the director's board of the CLR-CLARO coalition by Bob Houliston. 
It was widely expected that the civil court would rule that Pedro and Juan were not expelled from the CLR-CLARO coalition because valid procedures were not followed.
Bob's story gave the impression that Juan and Pedro had been expelled, making them non-ascribed councillors and stopping them from voting the Mocion of Censura on the 3rd January. The civil court ruling  would have shown that Bob Houliston acted illegally.
However the civil court case was postponed today because the public prosecutor "did not turn up". The new date for the civil case is the 11th April. The date for the contentious-administrative court case was postponed last month until 24th April because the court clerk "forgot" to request a file from the town hall. It's amazing how "lucky" our left wing minority government is.
You know the saying.... If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck and walks like a duck.....then it most
Raymond KearneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43090/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Friday's civil case in Orihuela was for precautionary measures to be taken in regards to the non validity of the alleged expulsion of Juan Ignacio Lopez Bas and Pedro Mancebo from the director's board of the CLR-CLARO coalition by Bob Houliston. 
It was widely expected that the civil court would rule that Pedro and Juan were not expelled from the CLR-CLARO coalition because valid procedures were not followed.
Bob's story gave the impression that Juan and Pedro had been expelled, making them non-ascribed councillors and stopping them from voting the Mocion of Censura on the 3rd January. The civil court ruling  would have shown that Bob Houliston acted illegally.
However the civil court case was postponed today because the public prosecutor "did not turn up". The new date for the civil case is the 11th April. The date for the contentious-administrative court case was postponed last month until 24th April because the court clerk "forgot" to request a file from the town hall. It's amazing how "lucky" our left wing minority government is.
You know the saying.... If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck and walks like a duck.....then it most
Raymond KearneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43090/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### THE VIRTUAL LEADER IS OUT NOW

This week´s virtual copy of The Leader is out now, cram packed with all the latest news and sport, including the front page story all about the new traffic laws in Spain.
You can visit our dedicated website for this week´s, and previous copies of The Leader, by clicking this link http://www.virtualleader.info/issue-512-24-march-2014.
Remember to pick up the real thing on Monday morning, from hundreds of venues across the area, but for now, enjoy this version.
http://www.virtualleader.info/issue-512-24-march-2014Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43086/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: This week´s virtual copy of The Leader is out now, cram packed with all the latest news and sport, including the front page story all about the new traffic laws in Spain.
You can visit our dedicated website for this week´s, and previous c...

### What to do on Monday 24th March 2014

MONDAY 24th MARCH, 2014
World Tuberculosis Day.
International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims, recognized by the UN.
Markets
Cox, Elche, Formentera, La Nucia, San Pedro del Pinatar, Santa Pola, Sax, Torremendo.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
BARCELONA
Beyonce (Sold out).
Guitar festival continues.
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Lunes de baile, dance spectacular, Zenia Boulevard.

listen to ‘What´s On: Monday 24th March, 2014’ on Audioboo

 

### NEW TRAFFIC LAWS APPROVED

On Thursday the 20th of March, 2014, the Spanish government approved the amendments to the road traffic laws, with a number of major changes to the rules of the road in Spain. The laws will come into force one month and one day after its publication in the Official State Gazette, although a few elements are still open to discussion for approval in June.
Here are some of the highlights from the legislation, which will shortly come into force.
Foreign residents are now obliged to register vehicles in Spain. Until now, foreign residents must only meet tax obligations set out in the Excise Act, but it was not mandatory to register the vehicle in Spain, which in practice made it difficult for law enforcement.
Children are prohibited from riding in the front seats of cars. Until now, those under 12 years of age were allowed to sit in the front seat, if they do so with the proper child restraint system. Now, the translation of the law dictates that children less than 1.35 metres tall are not allowed to travel in the front, although there are certain restrictive exceptions, such as vehicles without rear seats. The fine for not complying is 200 euro, and this rule also applies to taxis, but the responsibility is given to the parent or guardian, not the taxi driver. Officers also now have the right to immobilise a vehicle which is not fitted with appropriate restraints.
 The fine for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol will remain at 500 euro, in the case of driver exceeding 0.5 milligrams per litre of exhaled air and 0.3 milligrams for novice drivers and professionals, such as taxi drivers. The penalty is however doubled should a driver have been previously found driving under the influence of alcohol in the previous year, as well as for drivers with double the permitted rate.
In order to enforce the government´s aim of “zero tolerance” of drug use, a new law to tackle drug use whilst driving, replacing the current legislation that was covered by administrative sanctions, with saliva tests now acceptable, and fines of 1,000 euro. Prescription drugs are allowed, subject to the conditions of their own instructions of use.
Pedestrians are also now subject to drug and alcohol testing, in the event of any offence having been committed, replacing the current legislation that only requires a test in the event of a pedestrian being involved in an accident.
Child cyclists, under 16 years of age, are obliged to wear a crash helmet when riding in towns. This was one of the most controversial sticking points in the legislation, after the government wanted to force all riders in town to wear helmets, finally backing down to force protection to children only. Those responsible for the child will face a 200 euro fine if caught out. The restrictions on minimum speed limits for cyclists on some roads will be lifted, as so far it has been impossible for cycles to travel at the required minimum 50% of the maximum. Other rules aimed at protecting cyclist are also included, such as ensuring 1.5 metres of lateral spacing when passing a bike, allowing cycles to occupy part or all of adjacent or opposite lanes, and ensuring that vehicles involved in overtaking moves must not jeopardise or hinder the progress of cyclist moving in the opposite direction.
The speed on motorways remains at 120 kilometres per hour maximum, although the law does now allow for the increase of permitted speeds, and fines, should certain areas of highway be seen as acceptable to be increased to 130 kilometres per hour. The speed on some roads may well decrease though, as a new section has been included to fine drivers on some roads who are speeding at the lower end of the spectrum.
The new law expressly prohibits the use of radar speed detectors and imposes a penalty of 200 euro, plus the loss of 3 points, as well as a the continual 6,000 euro fine and the decrease of six points in the case of using inhibitors. However, it is legal to use devices which provide information on the location of safety cameras, which are freely published by the DGT on their website, but drivers must avoid using them whilst driving to avoid distractions.
A traffic law enforcement officer may now issue a fine without the need to stop the vehicle. Until now, certain surveillance activities have proved difficult when it came to the required identity of drivers, but this element will be removed by the filing process of the vehicle.
Drivers will become responsible in the event of hitting or killing a large animal on the roads. Until now, the driver was only responsible if it were proven that a law had been broken which led to an incident, now the responsibility is on the driver, unless negligence can be proven in the event of a lack of speedy repairs to fencing, for example.
Should a driver be issued with a sanction, the length of time in which a 50% discount will be applied has been increased from 15 to 20 calendar days, allowing a slightly longer period in which to submit claims.
A new law also now allows authorities to restrict access or traffic routes to vehicles for environmental reasons. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment will be allowed to make the necessary moves, which can also include such problems as reducing pollution.
Tow-trucks involved in emergency roadside assistance will now be treated as emergency vehicles, and be allowed priority to move through traffic. They may also now stand or park on city streets during the time necessary to remove vehicles, provided they do not create a new hazard or obstacle to traffic.
The restrictions on cancer patients have also been eased in the legislation, as medical and pharmacological advances mean that the possibility is increased in the cases where cancer patients can drive themselves.
Although these new and changed rules will come into force shortly, this is just a guide to how they might affect the day to day driving operations in Spain. For full legal advice, always consult a qualified and certified lawyer.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43080/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: On Thursday the 20th of March, 2014, the Spanish government approved the amendments to the road traffic laws, with a number of major changes to the rules of the road in Spain. The laws will come into force one month and one day after its publication in...

### GOVERNMENT TO INVEST MILLIONS IN INSIGNIA CHANGE

The Spanish government is set revise the uniforms of the National Police force, updating the identifying rank insignia worn on the epaulettes of officers.
The draft proposals created by technicians working on the project sees the uniform distinctions taking on similar characteristics of the Spanish military, with the Royal Crown, laurels and stripes replacing rectangles, leaves and crests that are currently worn.
According to the text in the draft, the main objective of the reform is to “unify in a single text the provisions in force concerning uniformity and that the police can get to know the different types of uniforms, modalities and its use”, and to end alleged confusion within the police regarding their own uniforms and currencies.
The National Police is currently composed of more than 68,000 agents and the cost is anticipated at being just 44 euro per officer; however the total for the project then comes to 2,992,000 euro, although there could be some savings when the job is put to public tender.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43079/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Spanish government is set revise the uniforms of the National Police force, updating the identifying rank insignia worn on the epaulettes of officers.
The draft proposals created by technicians working on the project sees the uniform distinctions ...

### ALMOST A QUARTER OF SPANISH HOME SALES ARE TO FOREIGNERS

Some 21.4% of all residential property purchased in Spain in 2013 was by foreign buyers, according to statistics released this week by the council of Notaries. In total, 55,187 homes were purchased last year by foreigners, representing a 9.8% increase on the figure from 2012.
The Valencia region has seen the biggest increase in the number of foreign buyers, with 16.9&, followed by the Canary Islands with 15.7%, Andalucía with 15,6 %, Murcia at 15,2 % and Cataluña with 7,7 %.
In contrast, purchases fell in Galicia by 32.5%, Castilla y León by 28.9%, Navarra by 23.4%, Aragón by 20.1%, The Basque Country by 14.1% and Madrid by 9.1%.
The British are also continuing their decline however, responsible for just 14.9%, a considerable drop from the 34.3% in 2007, but still a sizeable portion of the market. This overall figure is also despite a huge increase in British purchases in November of 12%, compared to 2012.
The French market is still growing in importance, with 10.9% of the purchases made by foreigners, followed by Russians with 8.2%, Germans with 7.8% and buyers from Belgium responsible for 6.9%. Denmark, Sweden and America are still looking positive, and expected to yield bigger increases in shares over the next period.
But the most sizeable increase has been in purchases by non-resident buyers, in particular from Columbia with a 311.1% increase, followed by Argentina with a 97.8% climb. China and Ecuador were also favourable to this sector, increasing by 76.9% and 60% respectively.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43078/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Some 21.4% of all residential property purchased in Spain in 2013 was by foreign buyers, according to statistics released this week by the council of Notaries. In total, 55,187 homes were purchased last year by foreigners, representing a 9.8% increase ...

### MORE INVESTMENT AND PROTECTION ON THE ORIHUELA COSTA THIS WEEK

As part of the agreement with local promotion company Marcos y Bañuls, responsible for much of the development around La Zenia, the company would pay certain amounts of money for improving the surrounding area. This week, the local government board has announced that a figure of 140,363.57 euro of investment has been approved within this contract, which will be invested on improvements on the Orihuela Costa. Specifically, the money will be spent on improving the paseo maritime in the Punta Prima area, renewing the 2,300 square metres of paving, and building a structure to offer shade at the mirador which overlooks the beach. At the same time, the town hall will be looking at trying to improve the car park in the same location. So as to minimise disruption, the work will be conducted in stages along the promenade. 
The head of the local CLARO political group, Bob Houliston, is heading to Brussels once again, this time accompanied by the Mayor of the municipality, Monseratte Guillén, having been granted an audience with the EU to explain and seek further support for the continual defence of the environmentally rich area of the Orihuela Costa known as Cala Mosca. The “last green area” on the Orihuela Costa, as it is described by Houliston, is home to a number of endangered species and must be protected from the development where houses would be built and thus destroy the area. It is hoped that plans to build on the site could be blocked completely, thus protecting the area for future generations. 
A contract to remove some 50 palm trees infested with the Red Palm Weevil has now been arranged, after delays in which the Valencia based initiative failed to remove them due to lack of funding from the Generalitat. Many of these trees were also in locations which blocked the passage of pedestrians on footpaths, in particular along calle Panticosa, and these trees will be removed and the paving area replaced to allow easier access. The contract, arranged through the environmental department of the town hall, will cost 7,700 euro.
The tourism department of Orihuela is planning to install an information booth at Playa Flamenca for the summer months, in order to provide an outlet for information to the many visitors to the coast and promote the varied and diverse activities offered by the municipality. 
The company contracted to provide water to the municipality are installing a state of the art queuing system in the town hall, which will allow them to closely monitor every aspect of why people visit their office, in order to improve the quality of service in the future.
Cleaning and renewal work has been carried out at the Pinada de Campoamor over the past few weeks, with a brigade of local unemployed workers being recruited into a temporary training and apprenticeship scheme, whereas they receive practical training for work based skills, as well as two days per week in the classroom. The workers, who have been employed by the employment department of the town hall, have been given six months of work on the scheme, where they have been carrying out extensive cleaning and clearing work, as well as constructing furniture, such as picnic benches, which are installed at the location. 
A number of residents of La Zenia have raised concerns regarding the condition of climbing frames on the beach. The foundations of the structures have become exposed, and one concerned resident spoke to The Leader to say, “The concrete is fully exposed and it´s only a matter of time before a child falls off and hits its head, and would be killed”. The councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, has pointed out that annual renovation and painting is being carried out on the structures, and once finished, the sandy covering will be replaced over the foundations, in preparation for the holiday season.
The guided walking tour of the Orihuela Costa proved a success on Sunday, with buses arranged from the city to the coast to allow interior residents the opportunity to visit the unique and environmentally rich coastal zone, and partake in a guided 9 kilometre walk in the last of this series of events arranged by the tourism department. Given the huge success and popularity of the guided tours, which have taken visitors to cultural, historic and industrial heritage sites, it is expected that a new series will be launched soon. Some 500 people have taken part in the series of walks, resulting in some people having to join a waiting list for future events. In addition to these special events, another 3,000 people, in 75 groups, have joined in the daily guided walks arranged through the city of Orihuela.
Orihuela has rocked this week, to the sound of music created from everyday items. Around 1,400 local students were set to attend a unique event, as well as a performance day opened to the public, when 25 students from Murcia created their unique sound from trash cans, basketballs, weights, chains, satellite dishes, typewriters, tubes, brushes, bottles, computer monitors and even their own bodies, as members of the Percusive group.
A musical quintet has been touring the surrounding villages of Orihuela, arranged by the cultural department, and as part of that schedule the group will be performing on the Orihuela Costa on the 5th of April, at the ecclesiastical centre. In addition, the sports department has now confirmed that the triathlon will return to the Orihuela Costa, taking part on the beaches and roads of the coast on the 18th of April.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43077/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As part of the agreement with local promotion company Marcos y Bañuls, responsible for much of the development around La Zenia, the company would pay certain amounts of money for improving the surrounding area. This week, the local government bo...

### TORREVIEJA PIPES AND DRUMS

Once again the Torrevieja Pipes & Drums were asked to travel inland to appear in a typical Spanish Town.   
The International Languages and Friendship Group of Novelda organized a St. Patrick's Day celebration on Sunday 16th March and asked the band to start off the event.  The sun shone brightly and the band entertained a mixture of English, Scottish, Irish and Spanish people in the gardens of The Casino, situated in the centre of Novelda. 
Besides the popular Scottish tunes the band played a medley of Irish Tunes specially put together by their pipe major Alex Hunter.  Mark, the dancer, was again on hand to thrill the spectators with his nimble footwork.
The aim of the Friendship Group is to promote integration with the Spanish community by organizing social evenings, cultural activities and outings
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43068/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Once again the Torrevieja Pipes & Drums were asked to travel inland to appear in a typical Spanish Town.   
The International Languages and Friendship Group of Novelda organized a St. Patrick's Day celebration on Sunday 16th March and asked the ba...

### BARCELONA TO FEATURE IN SIMPSONS

Barcelona Football Club is about to appear in an episode of the Simpsons in which Bart himself will also feature wearing one of their shirts.
 Due for broadcast in the USA this coming Sunday several of the players  are shown, including Lionel Messi, Xavi, Neymar and Iniesta.
In the episode Homer becomes a referee and following rapid promotion through the ranks he travels to officiate in the Brazil World Cup where his integrity is tested by football gangsters offering bribes
This is not the programme's first relationship with football as Chelsea FC, including Fernando Torres, John Terry and Frank Lampard, already have their own Simpsons caricatures while Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo featured in a previous episode.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43066/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Barcelona Football Club is about to appear in an episode of the Simpsons in which Bart himself will also feature wearing one of their shirts.
 Due for broadcast in the USA this coming Sunday several of the players  are shown, including Lionel Messi, X...

### WHERE THERE'S A WILL…

‘Twitters from the Atlantic' - by Barrie Mahoney


Barrie Mahoney was a head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands to launch and edit a new English language newspaper. He enjoys life in the sun as a columnist and author, and continues to write a series of popular novels, books for expats, as well as designing mobile apps and websites to promote the Canary Islands.
 
Where there's a Will…
 
Several of our friends have died this year. It comes to us all eventually; death, that is. As the old adage goes, ‘the two certainties in life are death and taxation', and the death of family and close friends certainly concentrates the mind.  Without being too morbid about the issue, I guess the only way to deal with it, as it is a certainty, is that we had better ensure that we make a good job of it, and not create too much of a burden for others after our passing.
 
A few days ago, I received an email from a recently retired British couple, who had moved to Spain and needed a will to cover their new property. They asked if they could simply update their UK wills, or whether they need to have new ones prepared especially for their new assets in Spain?
 
There seems to be considerable uncertainty amongst many expats, who think that as they have a will in the UK, there is no need to have one in Spain. I still even meet expats who boast over their gin and tonics that they have no written wills at all, and that Spanish inheritance laws will deal nicely with the issue when the time comes. Maybe this is the case, but only after considerable expense and distress for those that they leave behind.
 
This often-held view about inheritance laws may be partly true if the transfer of the estate is a simple one; for example, from husband to wife. However, it is not without considerable expense and delays for heirs if there is no Spanish will and executors have to rely on a UK will. The reason is that Spanish inheritance laws are very different from those in the UK, and that there is no guarantee that assets will be distributed in the way that the deceased had intended.
 
The message is clear; it is important that expats with property or other assets in the country make a Spanish will. Having a Spanish will does not mean that your UK will is forgotten. However, your UK will would be concerned only with those assets that you still own in the UK, whilst your Spanish will would deal with your Spanish property and assets. Needless to say, it is very important that you continue to update both wills should circumstances change, such as separation, divorce or death of a partner.
 
It is important to remember that if an update to your UK will is required, your Spanish will is not revoked in the process. The best way to overcome this issue is to ensure that the first clause of your UK will has words to the effect of “I revoke all my earlier UK Wills, but not my Spanish Will”, or words to that effect.
 
In many of the expat destinations in Spain there are a number of people who will offer to prepare your Spanish will for you. Be careful with this one; my best advice is to have it prepared by a suitably qualified Spanish lawyer, and registered at the Central Wills Registry in Madrid.
 
You can find our more about Wills and Death in Spain on the ‘Expat Survival' section of The Canary Islander website (www.thecanaryislander.com).
 
 
 
 
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
 
© Barrie Mahoney
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43062/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ‘Twitters from the Atlantic' - by Barrie Mahoney


Barrie Mahoney was a head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands to launch and edit a new English language newspaper. He en...

### OLD SCORES SETTLED DON’T HELP ELCHE

GRANADA   1    ELCHE   0
In keeping with past tradition there was very little between the two sides in this crucial game near the bottom of La Liga. 
At least this time Granada did actually win the game, two years ago in the second division play off finals, after two drawn games Granada were promoted only on away goals.
Elche made up for it by deservedly achieving promotion as champions last year but there is little love lost between both clubs.
Elche's side contained several changes from last week's goalless draw, the most significant being the Romanian Sapunaru having a rare start at left back, due to the continued absence of injured captain and dead-ball specialist Albacar. Both sides had chances in the first half, but it remained goalless.
On the hour El Arabi burst over the halfway line leaving Sanchez for dead, and slipped the ball inside to Brahami  who took the ball on before sliding it into the corner past the despairing Herrera. Sapunaru was sent off for a second yellow shortly after, and despite all three substitutes`used Elche could not get anything from the game.
24 goals in 29 games is poor, but the Franjiverdes are still three priceless points clear of Valladolid who drew 1 – 1 with fellow-strugglers Rayo Vallecano - a good result for Elche. The Franjiverdes sit three crucial points about Valladolid who head the bottom three teams in the relegation zone, where everyone is fighting to stay up with nine games to go.
On Tuesday night at the heavily unfashionable hour of 10pm the Franjiverdes entertain 4th placed Athletic Bilbao, well behind the leading three but seven points above neighbours Real Sociedad in fifth, so hopefully points aren't crucial to the Basque side. At home Athletic are strong but have lost six away. On paper Elche's chances aren't good - but on grass – who knows?
Mucho Elche!
Photo: www.elchecf.esFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43055/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: GRANADA   1    ELCHE   0
In keeping with past tradition there was very little between the two sides in this crucial game near the bottom of La Liga. 
At least this time Granada did actually win the game, two years ago in the second division play off ...

### ORIHUELA GOVERNMENT LEGAL CHALLENGE POSTPONED

In an unexpected twist in proceedings on Friday morning, the court case in Orihuela in which Pedro Mancebo and Juan Ignacio López-Bas protested against the legality of their expulsion from the CLR-CLARO group was postponed, due to an administrative oversight.
The case was brought to court after the blocking of a censure motion which could have seen the overthrowing of the current government of Orihuela, returning the PP to power, along with the members of CLR, but the motion was prevented as the two councillors had been expelled from the group and were therefore unable to participate. 
Should the case have been won by Mancebo and López-Bas, it could have paved the way forward for the motion to continue, but the failure to indicate the details of the prosecutor on the court documents meant that the hearing had to be postponed, and will now be held on the 11th of April.
This case is running in conjunction with a second complaint contesting the legalities of the blocking of the motion was legal which will be heard in the courts in Elche, with a preview hearing for that case scheduled for the 24th of April.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43038/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In an unexpected twist in proceedings on Friday morning, the court case in Orihuela in which Pedro Mancebo and Juan Ignacio López-Bas protested against the legality of their expulsion from the CLR-CLARO group was postponed, due to an administrat...

### The Weekend Guide - 22 and 23 March, 2014

SATURDAY 22nd MARCH, 2014
World Water Day, recognized by the UN.
World Mime Day.
Markets
Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
“Pasión por la Música” – Classical concert, Iglesia del Raiguero de Bonanza (coming to the Orihuela Costa on 5th April).
“Percuseve - Conciertos escolares”, PERCUSEVE is a group of high school students from Murcia that turn everyday objects and their own bodies into musical instruments. Teatro Circo (Last day).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Toni Bright, magic of the mind, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
19:00 - Concierto Coral Nuevo Amanecer, Palacio De La Musica.
21:30 - Baile “Flamenco De Vino Y Rosas”. Ballet Español De Murcia. Compañía Carmen Y Matilde Rubio, Teatro Municipal.


listen to ‘The Weekend - Things to do’ on Audioboo

SUNDAY 23rd MARCH, 2014
Youm-e-Pakistan (Pakistan Day).
World Meteorological Day, recognized by the UN and WHO.
Markets
Benidorm, Elche, La Nucia, Campoverde, La Marina, Zoco, Almoradí street market, Lemon Tree Road, Mil Palmeras.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
“Pasión por la Música” – Classical concert, Iglesia de Molins (coming to the Orihuela Costa on 5th April).
Family puppet show, “El cuento de la lechera”, Auditorio de la Lonja.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Just Brass, Zenia Boulevard.
Guided walking tour of the coastal promenade.
TORREVIEJA
19:30 - I Ciclo De Jazz En Invierno, Palacio De La Musica.
Monday 24th March – Beyonce in Barcelona.
Next SUNDAY – 30th March – Daylight Savings Time – Clocks go forward.

### LATEST SEATBELT CAMPAIGN SUCCESS

According to the Spanish roads authority, the DGT, during their latest campaign on the use of seatbelts, which was in place between the 10th and 16th of this month, 428,593 vehicles were checked and 5,372 vehicle occupants were reported to offences relating to the use of seatbelts.
The good news is that the awareness campaigns appear to be working, as 99% of all vehicle occupants now use seatbelts.
However, the bad news is that during the campaign, a total of 318 children under 12 were identified as travelling in vehicles without using any type of restraint, 83 in the front seats and the rest, 235, were in the back. 
The statistics relating to children are said to be of particular concern to the Directorate General of Traffic, since one of the objectives of the government´s road safety strategy is to ensure that no child loses their life by not sitting in the appropriate seat for their weight and size. The latest amendments to the road traffic act are aimed at this goal, prohibiting children from travelling in the front.
In addition to the 318 children who were travelling without any restraint, 5,054 adults were identified, 3,269 drivers and 1,785 passengers, of which 1,058 were in the front seats and 727 in the rear.
The aim of the campaign has been the message that the use of seat belts and child restraints is mandatory for all occupants of a vehicle, for any trip, short or long, as well as the importance of wearing the seatbelt and the protection they afford.
Keeping the vehicle occupants secure, the seatbelt is a “basic and fundamental” feature for road safety and its use has saved “thousands of lives”.
April´s campaign will focus once again on Speed, starting on the 31st of March, whereas in May, motorbikes will be the main subject for both awareness and compliance by the Guardia Civil and police.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43037/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to the Spanish roads authority, the DGT, during their latest campaign on the use of seatbelts, which was in place between the 10th and 16th of this month, 428,593 vehicles were checked and 5,372 vehicle occupants were reported to offences rel...

### TORREVIEJA ADVISED TO ADOPT NEW TAX MEASURES TO PAY FOR LAND GRAB DEBT

The financial controller of accounts for the city of Torrevieja has asked the government team to adopt new tax measures and savings within the 2014 budget, as despite recent claims by the councillor for finance, Joaquín Albaladejo, regarding the reduction in debts that his team has achieved, according to the advisor, the government has “failed to fulfil” the requirements.
The situation has evolved in relation to the increase in debts caused by cases of “land grab”, or expropriations performed by the Torrevieja town hall, for which the accounting official has said that the real figure of the amount of debt is 23.3 million euro. In 2012, the amount of debt was 19 million, but failure to effectively deal with the issue then has meant an increase of 3.6 million in 2013, and continues to increase due to interest accruing. The net result for the 2014 budget, according to the advisor, is that the city would need to borrow 19 million euro in order to pay suppliers.
The reports of the financial advisor are seen as being contrary to the statement made by Albaladejo, who claimed a positive adjustment of 8.1 million euro, and saying that the 2014 budget will be achieved without tax increases or a reduction in service. Albaladejo did admit that 16 million euro existed in the 2014 accounts for expropriation cases, albeit under a title of “urban costs”, and that the municipality would probably have to apply for credit to address this.
In the report, the financial advisor has offered a number of positive points however, including an increase in revenue from direct taxes, with the 3.2 million euro collected above the 57 million anticipated is seen as favourable, largely due to improvements in the property market, and a reduction in staff costs from 32 million euro to just 24 million.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43036/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The financial controller of accounts for the city of Torrevieja has asked the government team to adopt new tax measures and savings within the 2014 budget, as despite recent claims by the councillor for finance, Joaquín Albaladejo, regarding the...

### CASE AGAINST TORREVIEJA MAYOR DROPPED

The case relating to electoral offences against the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and other council members, including Joaquín Albaladejo, has been shelved by the courts in Torrevieja.
The facts relate to allegations made by the PSOE and Los Verdes of Torrevieja, dating back to May, 2011, during the campaign for municipal and autonomous elections, when the Partido Popular made their final campaign rally in the Municipal Theatre, although the building was not authorized for use for this purpose by the Electoral Board.
The judge says there is no evidence to infer that the members of the local government who authorized the gathering knew “or should have known” about the guidelines for the use of the building.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43035/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The case relating to electoral offences against the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and other council members, including Joaquín Albaladejo, has been shelved by the courts in Torrevieja.
The facts relate to allegations made by the PS...

### MADRID POLICE TO BE MULTILINGUAL

The Mayor of Madrid, Ana Botella, has announced that 203 new posts within the Municipal Police will be created, with a more restrictive selection process than usual, as these officers will have to display multilingual skills in order to communicate better with foreigners.
Botella made the announcement during a visit to a police dog section this week, explaining how the police have been unable to promote recruitment since the start of the crisis, but this drive is being seen as of vital importance in appealing to the tourism sector.
Botella also said that negotiations with union leaders had already taken place, ensuring that the plans can progress without problems. Botella also announced how a percentage of roles will be reserved for those leaving the armed forces.
As part of the next selection process, language proficiency will be a test element, with a particular focus on English, French, German, Italian and Chinese, although any knowledge of other languages is seen as “fundamental” in today´s world. 
The Municipal Police in Madrid has 6,331 members and is proud of having a ratio of one officer per 500 people, and although “working for excellence in safety is a priority”, according to the Mayor, it is “fundamental for attracting tourism and investment and a priority for an economically dynamic capital”.
In 2013, more than 15,000 people were brought to justice by the Police, who also dealt with over 45,000 complaints relating to alcohol in public, more than 5% of the population of the city has been subjected to a breathalyzer test and crime overall continues to decline.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43034/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Mayor of Madrid, Ana Botella, has announced that 203 new posts within the Municipal Police will be created, with a more restrictive selection process than usual, as these officers will have to display multilingual skills in order to communicate bet...

### ICONIC MADRID BUILDING SOLD TO CHINESE BUSINESSMAN

One of Spain´s tallest buildings, the iconic Edificio España in Madrid, has been sold to a Chinese businessman, Wang Jianli. 
The building was designed by architect Julián Otamendi and his brother, engineer Joaquín Otamendi, in the Neo-baroque style and constructed between 1948 and 1953. It was the tallest building in Spain until losing the title to the Torre de Madrid in 1957, also designed by Otamendi.
With its 25 floors and standing at a height of 117 metres, the building is now the 8th tallest in the Spanish capital. Once home to the Crowne Plaza hotel, shopping centre and apartments until 2006, the building was to undergo extensive renovation work, with plans for a larger hotel and luxury apartments, but the building has stood empty for some time after the renovation work was paralysed in 2010.
According to the President of the Comunidad de Madrid, Ignacio González, the building has been sold to the Chinese businessman, who is looking to expand into Europe, including Spain and the UK, with plans to convert the building into the luxurious hotel and shopping mall that it was destined to become.
González also said that the work will inevitably lead to the “recovery of a flagship area of Madrid”, and greeted the sale with enthusiasm, ensuring that all efforts would be made to ensure the sale and development goes through without issue.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43033/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: One of Spain´s tallest buildings, the iconic Edificio España in Madrid, has been sold to a Chinese businessman, Wang Jianli. 
The building was designed by architect Julián Otamendi and his brother, engineer Joaquín Otamendi,...

### Friday 21st March, 2014 - Event Diary

FRIDAY 21st MARCH, 2014
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
World Down Syndrome Day.
World Poetry Day.
International Day of Nowruz, recognized by the UN. Nowrūz (Persian: نوروز‎, IPA: [nouˈɾuːz], meaning "[The] New Day") is the name of the Iranian New Year in the Solar Hijri calendar.[16][17] Nowruz is also referred to as the Persian New Year. Nowruz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in the Persian calendar.
World Puppetry Day, recognized by UNIMA.
International Day of Forests, recognized by the UN.
Markets
Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, TORREVIEJA.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
“Pasión por la Música” – Classical concert, Iglesia de Hurchillo (coming to the Orihuela Costa on 5th April).
“Percuseve - Conciertos escolares”, PERCUSEVE is a group of high school students from Murcia that turn everyday objects and their own bodies into musical instruments. Teatro Circo (Last day).
“Mujeres y formas de mirar el mundo”, (Women and ways of seeing the world), talk and presentation, Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner.
ORIHUELA COSTA
CLOWNS, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
20:00 - Ii Festival Internacional De Musica En Invierno “Pasion Por El Tango”, Palacio De La Musica.

listen to ‘What´s On for Friday 21st March, 2014’ on Audioboo

Monday 24th March – Beyonce in Barcelona.
Next SUNDAY – 30th March – Daylight Savings Time – Clocks go forward.

### What to do on Thursday 20th March, 2014 - First day of Spring

THURSDAY 20th MARCH, 2014
March Equinox – The first day of Spring.
International Day of the Francophonie.
International Day of Happiness, recognized by the UN.
World Sparrow Day.
Markets
Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
“Percuseve - Conciertos escolares”, PERCUSEVE is a group of high school students from Murcia that turn everyday objects and their own bodies into musical instruments. Teatro Circo (Today and tomorrow).
Poetry Workshop for 4 to 10 year olds, Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner.
Children´s poetry prize giving, “Ciudad de Orihuela”, Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Playstation games, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
MICROTEATRO, mini theatre stage play, Palacio de la Música.

listen to ‘Thursday´s What´s On Guide’ on Audioboo

Monday 24th March – Beyonce in Barcelona.
Next SUNDAY – 30th March – Daylight Savings Time – Clocks go forward.

### MARIJUANA FARM CLOSED IN BENITACHELL

A 55 year old Dutch man was arrested in Benitachell last weekend after agents from the Guardia Civil discovered 355 marijuana plants in his home. The police said that the plants were in various stages of growth. 
The detainee is charged with crimes against public health and electricity fraud of electricity and in addition to the seizure of the 355 marijuana plants agents also discovered five kilos of the drug which was ready to be sold .
The police say that they received a call from a member of the public about the possible existence of a marijuana plantation in the village. As such they carried out surveillance on a number of possible locations, which were rewarded last Saturday March 15 when a man carrying 146 marijuana plants on his moped, was stopped. 
In the subsequent search of his home, just a few meters from the place of arrest , the Guardia discovered a plantation with all kinds of irrigation systems to support the growth of the drug. There were also chemicals for its cultivation and a drying area for the plants and their subsequent storage.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43032/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A 55 year old Dutch man was arrested in Benitachell last weekend after agents from the Guardia Civil discovered 355 marijuana plants in his home. The police said that the plants were in various stages of growth. 
The detainee is charged with crimes ag...

### BULLFIGHTER GORED IN VALENCIA

The first serious injury to a bullfighter occurred at the opening of the Feria de Fallas on Tuesday at the Plaza de Valencia when 43  bullfighter Enrique Ponce was injured by a bull from the Victoriano del Rio in Madrid.
Ponce suffered a severe goring which broke his collarbone and several ribs. He was carried out of the arena by his assistant bullfighter Mariano de la Viña.
Ponce, a product of the Escuela Taurina de Valencia, and one of  the most famous bullfighters in the country, has performed for  over 10 years. He is the first torero in history to fight more than 2000 corridas. He passed the mark in Ronda on September 4, 2010.
Fernando Carbonell, the attendant surgeon at the Valencia bullring said that Ponce had been quite fortunate that the wound was quite clean and that it hadn't pierced an artery. It is thought that following yesterday's operation at the Valencia Infirmary, where he was in theatre for almost 4 hours, he will now be transferred to the Valencia Health Clinic where he will continue his recovery.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43031/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The first serious injury to a bullfighter occurred at the opening of the Feria de Fallas on Tuesday at the Plaza de Valencia when 43  bullfighter Enrique Ponce was injured by a bull from the Victoriano del Rio in Madrid.
Ponce suffered a severe goring...

### FIVE ARRESTED IN MURCIA DRUG RAIDS

Agents from the National Police have arrested 42 people as part of an operation to dismantle a major criminal networks engaged in retail and trafficking of "shabu" in Spain.
Five of the arrests were made in Murcia when agents raided a total of 24 apartments and 2 storage units. The additional arrests took place in Madrid (32) and Barcelona (5) where the operation was carried out in two phases: in December 2013 the arrest of local distributors and then in recent days arrests predominantly of mules travelling through Barcelona airport. 
This has been one of the largest busts of this type of drug in Spain.
 "Shabu" is a pure methamphetamine, known in Asia as the “drug of the poor.” It crosses the blood–brain barrier and acts primarily upon the central nervous system where it affects brain function, resulting in alterations in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, and behavior.
Whilst making the arrests Guradia Officers seized 15,000 euros in cash, several handguns, scales, pipes used to inhale the drug, supply bags for pods, torches, roles of silver and other equipment and tools useful to anyone using the substance.
The operation began in July last year with the identification of a number of people from the Philippines who were involved in the distribution and retail of this substance within the Centro of Madrid Chamberí district. In nine months, the investigations then led to the break up of the organization with the arrest of many operating at the lower level in direct sales, and also the complete break up of the organization and the arrests of many of its leaders.
One of the organizations, which focused its activity on the introduction of the drug in Spain, was composed of citizens of African origin, used a front company for the import and export of vehicles used to divert attention. With this cover detainees avoided as they regularly moved  between Spain, Italy and Africa giving the appearance of legality to their activities and the income earned. 
The detainees, all of Spanish, Filipino and African (Mali, Senegal and Togo) nationality, are charged with crimes against public health, of belonging to a criminal organization and an the alleged crime of illegal possession of weapons. 
The investigation was carried out by agents of the Central Police Station, the Judicial Police Provincial Brigade, belonging to the Police Headquarters in Madrid, in collaboration with the Provincial Brigade of the Judicial Police Provincial Brigade in Barcelona and the Police Judicial in Murcia.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43030/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Agents from the National Police have arrested 42 people as part of an operation to dismantle a major criminal networks engaged in retail and trafficking of "shabu" in Spain.
Five of the arrests were made in Murcia when agents raided a total of 24 apartments and 2 storage units. The additional arrests took place in Madrid (32) and Barcelona (5) where the operation was carried out in two phases: in December 2013 the arrest of local distributors and then in recent days arrests predominantly of mules travelling through Barcelona airport. 
This has been one of the largest busts of this type of drug in Spain.
 "Shabu" is a pure methamphetamine, known in Asia as the “drug of the poor.” It crosses the blood–brain barrier and acts primarily upon the central nervous system where it affects brain function, resulting in alterations in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, and behavior.
Whilst making the arrests Guradia Officers seized 15,000 euros in cash, several handguns, scales, pipes used to inhale the drug, supply bags for pods, torches, roles of silver and other equipment and tools useful to anyone using the substance.
The operation began in July last year with the identification of a number of people from the Philippines who were involved in the distribution and retail of this substance within the Centro of Madrid Chamberí district. In nine months, the investigations then led to the break up of the organization with the arrest of many operating at the lower level in direct sales, and also the complete break up of the organization and the arrests of many of its leaders.
One of the organizations, which focused its activity on the introduction of the drug in Spain, was composed of citizens of African origin, used a front company for the import and export of vehicles used to divert attention. With this cover detainees avoided as they regularly moved  between Spain, Italy and Africa giving the appearance of legality to their activities and the income earned. 
The detainees, all of Spanish, Filipino and African (Mali, Senegal and Togo) nationality, are charged with crimes against public health, of belonging to a criminal organization and an the alleged crime of illegal possession of weapons. 
The investigation was carried out by agents of the Central Police Station, the Judicial Police Provincial Brigade, belonging to the Police Headquarters in Madrid, in collaboration with the Provincial Brigade of the Judicial Police Provincial Brigade in Barcelona and the Police Judicial in Murcia.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43030/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### What´s On - Holiday Wednesday 19th March, 2014

WEDNESDAY 19th MARCH, 2014
San José. Spanish Father´s Day. Regional holiday in many places across Spain.
Markets
Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
“Pasión por la Música” – Classical concert, Iglesia de La Murada (coming to the Orihuela Costa on 5th April).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Father´s day event plus Peari the saxophonist, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
12:00 - Concierto Extraordinario De Invierno “Musica Para Una Semana De Pasion”, Teatro Municipal.

listen to ‘What´s On Wednesday’ on Audioboo

Monday 24th March – Beyonce in Barcelona.
Next SUNDAY – 30th March – Daylight Savings Time – Clocks go forward.

### EXTREME LENGTHS TO PASS A DRIVING THEORY TEST

Officers from the Guardia Civil in Navarra have arrested three men, all aged between 24 and 48 and of Chinese nationality, accused of trying to fraudulently pass the driving theory test.
The officers discovered that whilst one of the men was sitting the examination in the provincial traffic centre, the images on the screen were being fed to another person outside by a hidden video camera link. The recipient would then research the questions and provide the answers to the person sitting the test through an audio link to an earpiece.
The officers were alerted when they became suspicious of a person sitting the test. Upon proceeding to identify the person, they performed a search and found a number of miscellaneous electronics and wiring stuck to his abdomen. The examining officer also spotted a mini headset stayed in the right ear and a micro camera that was disguised as a button. 
Officers then located another man who was in a vehicle located outside the building of the Provincial Traffic Department. The officers asked him to open the boot of the car where they found a third person who had a computer and other broadcast media.
The detainees were made available to the competent judicial authority, accused of the crime of fraud against the government.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43029/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil in Navarra have arrested three men, all aged between 24 and 48 and of Chinese nationality, accused of trying to fraudulently pass the driving theory test.
The officers discovered that whilst one of the men was sitting t...

### ARRESTS IN ELECTRIC BIKE SCAM CASE

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested 2 people for dealing in counterfeit electric vehicles, with fraudulently acquired profits possibly being in the region of one million euro. 
According to the notes from the investigation, some 300 vehicles had been imported into Spain and then altered to enable them to be passed off as originals from the Chinese manufacturer.
The investigation began following a complaint from an official distributor in Spain of the originally branded electric vehicles and accessories.
During a raid in a workshop in Alicante, officers discovered what they described as rudimentary tools for painting fake logos, as well as special devices for masking the original manufacturer of the inferior items.
The company is believed to have been trading for over a year in the area, dealing in electric bikes and motorbikes, selling them under the trademarked brand of the Chinese company.
The two people arrested are said to be residents of Alicante, identified by the initials JMB and MMM, who are suspected of being involved in crimes of fraud, forgery and against intellectual property.
The Guardia Civil have not ruled out more arrests and charges, as they have also identified a network of at least 23 other individuals involved in the sale and distribution of the electric bikes and motorbikes, plus their accessories, having already identified 298 vehicles in the scam.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43028/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested 2 people for dealing in counterfeit electric vehicles, with fraudulently acquired profits possibly being in the region of one million euro. 
According to the notes from the investigation, some 300 vehicles...

### MEDIEVAL COMBAT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Urgent Call to All British Expats - Your Country Needs You
Between May 1st and May 4th 2014 Great Britain is sending a team to the IMCF Full Contact Medieval Combat World Championships at Castillo Belmonte in Belmonte, Cuenca, a beautifully city to the east of Madrid
Great Britain is proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the new adrenaline fueled sport of Full Contact Medieval Combat.
The sport began to take shape 15 years ago in Eastern Europe, where medieval re-enactors looked to find a way to truly re-live medieval combat. It is a revival of the medieval tournament fighting that was used to train and hone the skills of knights in the Middle Ages.
The teams fight in teams of 5vs5 and 16vs16, where object, as it was in medieval times, is to knock the opposing team to the floor.
The fighters wear fully authentic armour, (up to 30 kgs) and wield authentic weapons (rounded edges.). Certain shapes of weapon are also prohibited for the sake of safety. There are Marshals and rules, similar to most martial arts for the sake of safety.
An opponent is out of the fight and considered “dead” once they have three points of contact with the ground. Once down they remain in place until the end of the bout. The bout/round is finished when all the opposing team have been floored or one team has a 3 or more fighters left, and the opposing team has only 1.
The sport has been holding a world championships in some form or other for the last 5 years and Great Britain entered for the first time in May 2013. Great Britain1 came 8th being knocked out in the Quarter finals by World Champions Russia.
This Quarter final place won them the cup for “Best Debuting Nation”. Great Britain has been fighting at international tournaments since 2012. To the end of 2013 they had expanded their experience, adding two 3rd places, a 2nd and a 1st place from four international tournaments.
They began 2014 with a powerhouse tournament win in the world cup warm up tournament “The Rise Of The Knights II” held in Bernau, Germany. TeamGB1 won all 7 of the bouts 2-0. TeamGB2 “The Mongolian Massive” came 5th.
The World Championships are being held over 4 days in the iconic and beautifully restored Spanish castle of Castillo Belmonte, the location for the filming of El Cid. 400+ knights from at least 16 countries from Europe, USA, Japan, Argentina and New Zealand will be competing to become world champions.
The castle will be transformed into a vision of the medieval tournament with a range of displays, musicians, traditional medieval markets and encampments as a back drop to the competition.
Great Britain has a real chance of bettering last year's Quarter Final place in the 5vs5 and the sport has now grown enough here for us to enter a team in the 16vs16 category for the first time.
Here's a link to the BBC3 documentary “Knight Club” that followed the team to their first world championships in 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01p410n
If you can make it for all or any of the 4 days the cheers and support of a “home” crowd will really give the team a boost! If you do come up make sure you seek out the team, say hello and get some pics with the lads.
Book tickets here http://oberonsaas.com/castillodebelmonte
Some Footage of the Fighters
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z92TAiH35Dk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrgJV_4Xgn4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=754mqzILFrwFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43027/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Urgent Call to All British Expats - Your Country Needs You
Between May 1st and May 4th 2014 Great Britain is sending a team to the IMCF Full Contact Medieval Combat World Championships at Castillo Belmonte in Belmonte, Cuenca, a beautifully city to th...

### FABRA SUSPENDS VISIT TO RUSSIAN TOURISM FAIR

The president of the Valencian Government, Alberto Fabra, has expressed concern over the tension in Russia which he cites as the reason for the cancelation of this week's official visit to the Russian Tourism Fair.
 In an interview with RNE, Radio Nacional de España, he said that the situation in the Crimea seemed to be deteriorating by the day and the cancellation of his visit was especially disappointing as the encouragement of Russians visiting this part of Spain was especially necessary for the continued improvement in the Valencian economy, the Russian market being the one to have shown the largest increase in recent years.
He did say that despite the cancellation of his visit the region will still be represented at the fair.
He said that it is important that the West unites in its condemnation of the current measures being taken by Putin and that in his view that lack of support must be reflected in the non-presence of people from the West at the fair.
However despite the boycott Fabra expressed his confidence in the Russian market saying : "Russian tourists know what we have to offer in Spain and, especially, in the Valencian Region and I am sure that if they have a choice they will still come here. " Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43024/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The president of the Valencian Government, Alberto Fabra, has expressed concern over the tension in Russia which he cites as the reason for the cancelation of this week's official visit to the Russian Tourism Fair.
 In an interview with RNE, Radio Nacional de España, he said that the situation in the Crimea seemed to be deteriorating by the day and the cancellation of his visit was especially disappointing as the encouragement of Russians visiting this part of Spain was especially necessary for the continued improvement in the Valencian economy, the Russian market being the one to have shown the largest increase in recent years.
He did say that despite the cancellation of his visit the region will still be represented at the fair.
He said that it is important that the West unites in its condemnation of the current measures being taken by Putin and that in his view that lack of support must be reflected in the non-presence of people from the West at the fair.
However despite the boycott Fabra expressed his confidence in the Russian market saying : "Russian tourists know what we have to offer in Spain and, especially, in the Valencian Region and I am sure that if they have a choice they will still come here. " Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43024/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### NEW PLAYGROUND FOR PARK OF NATIONS

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, was accompanied by he Councillor for Parks and Gardens, Carmen Gómez Candel, and the president of the Rotary Club Torrevieja , Gema Cruz as they together opened the new Children's Playground, located inside the garden of the Nations. 
The funding for the park was donated by the Rotary Club Torrevieja, through numerous collections made at a variety of events and community development projects costing in the region of 9,000 euros. This has been a venture that the Rotary Club also shared with APANEE, the Association of Parents of Students with Special Education Needs.
This is the first playground in Torrevieja, providing a safe and accessible environment which has also been adapted to allow children with and without disabilities to play together.
The park, which was blessed by Father Manuel Martínez Rocamora, was built by the Brigada Verde (Green brigade) of the Department of Parks and Gardens.
The mayor thanked the Rotary Club Torrevieja for their help with this joint initiative which has enabled the installation of this playground.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43023/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, was accompanied by he Councillor for Parks and Gardens, Carmen Gómez Candel, and the president of the Rotary Club Torrevieja , Gema Cruz as they together opened the new Children's Playground, located insid...

### VIVACE CLASSICAL CHOIR TO SING HANDEL’S MESSIAH

As we approach Easter, what better way to turn our thoughts to the Easter story than to attend a performance of Handel's wonderful oratorio “The Messiah”. The oratorio, composed by George Frideric Handel in London in 1741, was first performed in Dublin on 13 April 1742.
After an initially modest public reception, "Messiah" has become one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in Western music.
Vivace will be joined by visiting soloists Mary Coffield, soprano, Rodney Porter, tenor and Arthur Berwick, bass. Mary, Rodney and Arthur are all well-known and respected singers in the North and North-East of England. They have extensive experience and a continuing desire to perform challenging music. What better than Handel's "Messiah", one of their favourite oratorios? This will constitute the third visit to our area of Spain to perform as soloists with Vivace. In earlier concerts each has given impressive performances: Mary and Rodney in Handel's "Messiah" in 2011, Mary and Arthur in Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana" in 2012, and most recently Rodney and Arthur in Mendelssohn's "Elijah" in 2013. All three will now come together for the first time, and will be joined by Vivace's Katy Pargeter as alto soloist for this performance.
The concert will be performed as charity events in three different venues, the first being the Casa de Cultura in San Miguel de Salinas, on Thursday 3rd April at 7.30pm. Entrance is free, and there will be a retiring collection split between two excellent causes: Firstly, the Finca la Castellana, a local animal charity, now caring for animals that have been abandoned in great numbers since the crisis, and secondly, to support the continuation of the local appeal to help the needy in the town. 
The second concert is a Memorial concert, to be held in La Siesta Church, on Friday 4th April at 7.30pm. Tickets are €6, and proceeds will be donated to Arco Iris's Children's Home in Mozambique. This was the favourite charity of Fiona Cooke, a well known and dedicated church member, and valued friend of Vivace, who died suddenly last year, and in whose memory the concert is being given. 
The final concert will be presented in the magnificent church of the Colegio de Santo Domingo in Orihuela. Tickets are €5 and proceeds will be donated to Manos Unidos. If there are enough requests, a coach will be run for this final concert from Quesada to Orihuela, calling to pick up passengers in San Miguel en route at a cost of €5.
For tickets for the La Siesta performance telephone - 659 616 356
For information and tickets for the other performances telephone - 96 572 0919 or - 620 618 069Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43022/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As we approach Easter, what better way to turn our thoughts to the Easter story than to attend a performance of Handel's wonderful oratorio “The Messiah”. The oratorio, composed by George Frideric Handel in London in 1741, was first performed in Dublin on 13 April 1742.
After an initially modest public reception, "Messiah" has become one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in Western music.
Vivace will be joined by visiting soloists Mary Coffield, soprano, Rodney Porter, tenor and Arthur Berwick, bass. Mary, Rodney and Arthur are all well-known and respected singers in the North and North-East of England. They have extensive experience and a continuing desire to perform challenging music. What better than Handel's "Messiah", one of their favourite oratorios? This will constitute the third visit to our area of Spain to perform as soloists with Vivace. In earlier concerts each has given impressive performances: Mary and Rodney in Handel's "Messiah" in 2011, Mary and Arthur in Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana" in 2012, and most recently Rodney and Arthur in Mendelssohn's "Elijah" in 2013. All three will now come together for the first time, and will be joined by Vivace's Katy Pargeter as alto soloist for this performance.
The concert will be performed as charity events in three different venues, the first being the Casa de Cultura in San Miguel de Salinas, on Thursday 3rd April at 7.30pm. Entrance is free, and there will be a retiring collection split between two excellent causes: Firstly, the Finca la Castellana, a local animal charity, now caring for animals that have been abandoned in great numbers since the crisis, and secondly, to support the continuation of the local appeal to help the needy in the town. 
The second concert is a Memorial concert, to be held in La Siesta Church, on Friday 4th April at 7.30pm. Tickets are €6, and proceeds will be donated to Arco Iris's Children's Home in Mozambique. This was the favourite charity of Fiona Cooke, a well known and dedicated church member, and valued friend of Vivace, who died suddenly last year, and in whose memory the concert is being given. 
The final concert will be presented in the magnificent church of the Colegio de Santo Domingo in Orihuela. Tickets are €5 and proceeds will be donated to Manos Unidos. If there are enough requests, a coach will be run for this final concert from Quesada to Orihuela, calling to pick up passengers in San Miguel en route at a cost of €5.
For tickets for the La Siesta performance telephone - 659 616 356
For information and tickets for the other performances telephone - 96 572 0919 or - 620 618 069Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43022/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### AID GRANTS FOR SCHOOL TRANSPORT

Rosario Martínez Chazarra, the Councillor for Education, last Monday presented 253 Torrevieja families with Assistance for School Transport for the remainder of the 2012/13 School Year.
Specifically 117 grants were for students in public schools in the city, while the remainder, for the second consecutive year, was for students of Colegio la Purísima de Torrevieja.
The total amount of aid delivered amounted to 46,424 euros.
Those benefitting for the grants are entitled because of special family circumstances (single parents, disabilities, unemployed or total family income below IPREM, the Public Indicator of Multiple Effect Income, an index used in Spain as a reference to the granting of aid, grants or subsidies. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43021/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Rosario Martínez Chazarra, the Councillor for Education, last Monday presented 253 Torrevieja families with Assistance for School Transport for the remainder of the 2012/13 School Year.
Specifically 117 grants were for students in public school...

### MAJOR ASSAULT BY IMMIGRANTS ON SPANISH ENCLAVE

Hundreds of immigrants gained entry into Melilla today (Tuesday) in a massive assault on the new fence that separates the autonomous Spanish city from Morocco
Observers say that around 500 immigrants from sub-Saharan origin made a massive assault on the fence taking advantage of the dense fog in the area, catching border guards and the Spanish authorities by surprise. 
According to police sources, they are still waiting for the official data as people continue to be processed at Government Offices. This would prove to be the largest assault ever recorded on the North African enclave.
The visibility at the time the assault, about 8 o clock this morning, was minimal, people could barely see a few feet from the perimeter.  This quite obviously played into the immigrants hands who then used the element of surprise to gain entry.
It is the largest illegal entry ever recorded, even exceeding  those recorded in 2005.
After jumping the fence, immigrants were directed towards the Temporary Centre for Immigrants (CETI), which, before today's arrivals, was already home to about 1,400 people, three times its capacity. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43018/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Hundreds of immigrants gained entry into Melilla today (Tuesday) in a massive assault on the new fence that separates the autonomous Spanish city from Morocco
Observers say that around 500 immigrants from sub-Saharan origin made a massive assault on t...

### KYLIE RETURNING TO SPAIN ON NEXT TOUR

The Princess of pop, Kylie Minogue, has announced a return to Spain as part of her up and coming tour to promote her new album, “Kiss Me Once”.
Kylie will appear at the Palacio de los Deportes in Madrid on the 13th of October, then at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona on the 14th.
The much anticipated album is the first one released under the guidance of her new management company and is set to be a huge hit worldwide.
Meanwhile, as well as Spain, the tour will be taking in places including the United Kingdom, France, Hungary, Germany, Austria, Poland, Belgium, Ireland, Latvia and Slovakia.





On Monday the 24th of March, Beyonce will be performing in Spain, with tickets having sold out almost straight away. It is likely that tickets to see Kylie will also be quick sellers.

Excerpt: The Princess of pop, Kylie Minogue, has announced a return to Spain as part of her up and coming tour to promote her new album, “Kiss Me Once”.
Kylie will appear at the Palacio de los Deportes in Madrid on the 13th of October, then at the ...

### Tuesday 18th March, 2014, Events Guide

TUESDAY 18th MARCH, 2014
Markets
Alicante, (Rastro), Aspe, Altea, Benijofar, ORIHUELA, San Fulgencio.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
21:00 - ADIS ROCK, film presentation, Auditorio de la Lonja.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Cartoon portrait drawing, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
20:30 - Concierto Extraordinario “Dia Del Padre” (Father’s Day), Palacio De La Musica.

listen to ‘Tuesday´s What´s On Guide’ on Audioboo


Monday 24th March – Beyonce in Barcelona.
Next SUNDAY – 30th March – Daylight Savings Time – Clocks go forward.
 

### FORMER ORIHUELA MAYOR RESIGNS TEMPORARILY FROM KEY POSITION

The former mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente, has announced on Monday that she is to “temporarily” resign her position on the Ciclo Hídrico, pending her May hearing in which she faces corruption charges.
Lorente is facing charges of forging public documents after the award for work on the Plaza El Escorratel was given to a company before the public tender process was complete.
The Ciclo Hídrico is an official Alicante based group concerned with analyzing provincial water resources, providing technical advice to local authorities and recommends annual improvements and maintenance of the water infrastructure.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43012/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The former mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente, has announced on Monday that she is to “temporarily” resign her position on the Ciclo Hídrico, pending her May hearing in which she faces corruption charges.
Lorente is facing cha...

### COASTAL RESIDENTS GET DIRECT LINK TO HIGH SPEED TRAIN

The high speed train network between Alicante and Madrid, has begun an expansion into some of the coastal towns, with the launch of combined bus and train tickets to travel from various locations now available on the website, www.renfe.com.
Passengers wishing to travel from the towns of El Altet, Arenales del Sol and Santa Pola can now book their combined tickets for the bus link to the high speed AVE network, which looks likely to prove even popular than the service is already, with the train already damaging flight passenger numbers as more and more people choose to travel by land.
The service is also available at other destinations throughout the country, including Castilla y León, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia, and a similar service has already been running from Dénia and Jávea to connect with the service in Valencia.
In January of this year, the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, announced that a combined ticket would soon be available from Torrevieja to the high speed train network, which he had hoped would be launched “within a few days”, which he had hoped would coincide with the Madrid International Tourism Fair (Fitur). According to a spokesperson at RENFE, during the launch of the Santa Pola service, “nothing is yet sure” about the Torrevieja link.
Similarly, a connection from Benidorm was hoped to be launched at the same time, with Renfe saying that there is a strong case for this, but only informal discussions have taken place.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43011/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The high speed train network between Alicante and Madrid, has begun an expansion into some of the coastal towns, with the launch of combined bus and train tickets to travel from various locations now available on the website, www.renfe.com.
Passengers...

### POLICE EXTINGUISH BOGUS GAS RING

Officers from the National Police have broken up a criminal gang, thought to be responsible for conning around 2,000 people out of money, as part of a network of people operating as gas inspectors.
A group of 12 people have been arrested across the country, believed to have set up some 60 companies that would cheat the victims, mostly the elderly, disabled or foreigners, using threatening tactics to ensure that their victims paid the extortionate prices charged.
During the two year investigation, the officers found that those involved in the scam enjoyed a high standard of living, and owned numerous luxury properties in Spain, whilst also accruing a debt to the social security of around 4,000,000 euro.
The operators of the companies hired workers, sometimes with criminal records, and arranged for those workers to visit the homes of their victims, generally tricking the owners into believing that they were there to conduct mandatory checks on appliances.
It was not uncommon for the scammers to phone ahead to warn the homeowners of the pending visit by the bogus inspectors, and once inside the homes the workers simulated and performed maintenance checks and reported unnecessary work requirements, resulting in payments ranging from 50 to 390 euro, whilst also managing to steal valuables from the homes.
The inspectors were not authorised to conduct the checks by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism, and thus presented a further risk to the homeowners who believed that they had carried out necessary work.
The twelve people were arrested in Fuenlabrada, Navalcarnero, Fresno del Torote, Barcelona, Yeles, Málaga, Fuengirola, Granada and Elche, after 15 homes were raided by the police, where 14 computers, 12 hard drives, 14 mobile phones, six pen drives, a tablet computer, 10 vehicles and a thousand euro in cash were all seized.
According to police, the estimated total value of the scam is impossible to quantify, as a large number of victims would not have come forward to report the fact that they were involved, partly due to the seemingly genuine nature of the fraudsters, and partly due to the embarrassment of being conned in such a way.
The Police advice for consumers is that there is a requirement for gas installations to be checked, but this would always be done by the company with whom you are contracted, or fitted the installation originally. All installers and inspectors carry authorised identity documents issued by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism, but if there is any doubt as to whether or not a gas worker is genuine, check with the company with whom you are contracted, by telephoning the number you have on your document, never the number provided by the installer, and if doubt still remains, contact the police.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43010/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have broken up a criminal gang, thought to be responsible for conning around 2,000 people out of money, as part of a network of people operating as gas inspectors.
A group of 12 people have been arrested across the co...

### ISSUE 511 OF THE LEADER AVAILABLE ON LINE

Issue 511 of The Leader newspaper is now available on our dedicated website for virtual newspapers. You can see this week´s issue by clicking this link, http://www.virtualleader.info/issue-511-17-march-2014 as well as previous issues too. 
Cram packed full of all the latest news and sports, plus special features on subjects like motoring, health and beauty and more, plus out comprehensive TV listings and the classified section, and all the latest events from across the area.
Pick up your real copy every Monday morning, but for now, here is the link to the virtual newspaper... 
http://www.virtualleader.info/issue-511-17-march-2014Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43007/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Issue 511 of The Leader newspaper is now available on our dedicated website for virtual newspapers. You can see this week´s issue by clicking this link, http://www.virtualleader.info/issue-511-17-march-2014 as well as previous issues too. 
Cram ...

### GUILLEM COMES OFF BENCH TO SECURE TORRY POINTS

FC TORREVIEJA 2 PINOSO CF 1
Languishing in midtable, FC Torrevieja are still hopeful that they can close in on the Tercera playoff places despite trailing the top 4 by eight points and with 10 matches still to play any sort of decent run could see them significantly close the gap.
But just 7 pts from relegation neither was there any room for complacency  as, on Sunday, Torry entertained 2nd bottom Pinoso who had won only one of their last 5 games.  That said, the form of the home team going into the fixture was equally as bad, looking back to the beginning of February for their most recent victory of the campaign.
The news on the availability front was also less than encouraging with Valdeolivas , Rafa , Pastor, Rafa Gomez and Carrion all out through injury while Alberto was not available to his manager, Anselmo Serrano, through suspension. There was some positive news however with Dani Lucas and Obele, although not being one hundred percent fit, they had both recovered sufficiently to make themselves available for selection.
And indeed both made the lineup as Torry completely dominated the opening stages of this game. On the front foot from the start Carrasco brought out a save from Raul with a low drive on just 5 minutes. Micro had an opportunity moments later before Kike looped a header over with barely ten minutes gone.
The opening goal came from the head of Carrasco on 13 minutes. A right wing cross from Vicente saw the diminutive frontman guide his effort just inside the near post to put the home side into a deserved lead.
Pinoso had their first opportunity midway through the half, indeed two came in quick succession with Carlos having to show his worth to keep Jairo at bay.
Thereafter there were more chances as the home side once again got back on top and but for the agility of Kiko Raul the half time margin would have been much greater.
The 2nd period was rather slow to get going, fully 15 mins before we saw a chance on goal. Again that fell to the head of Carrasco but this time his effort shaved the outside of the post.  On 61 mibnutes Kike gave way to Guillem who, with his first touch of the ball, rifled in a shot from the edge of the Pinoso box.  Welcome to first team football young man.
It was a goal that Torry fully deserved but as is too often the case they then spent a period ‘resting’, during which Jairo pulled one back for the visitors. But despite this setback they looked unlikey to concede again and really should have extended their lead through Guillem toward the end of the game.
The points were thoroughly deserved, the only disappointment being that the margin of victory was not a great deal wider.
Next Sunday Torry travel to Novelda for a game that kicks off at 5pm. Transport leaves the Torry Army office in San Luis at 3.30. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43006/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: FC TORREVIEJA 2 PINOSO CF 1
Languishing in midtable, FC Torrevieja are still hopeful that they can close in on the Tercera playoff places despite trailing the top 4 by eight points and with 10 matches still to play any sort of decent run could see them significantly close the gap.
But just 7 pts from relegation neither was there any room for complacency  as, on Sunday, Torry entertained 2nd bottom Pinoso who had won only one of their last 5 games.  That said, the form of the home team going into the fixture was equally as bad, looking back to the beginning of February for their most recent victory of the campaign.
The news on the availability front was also less than encouraging with Valdeolivas , Rafa , Pastor, Rafa Gomez and Carrion all out through injury while Alberto was not available to his manager, Anselmo Serrano, through suspension. There was some positive news however with Dani Lucas and Obele, although not being one hundred percent fit, they had both recovered sufficiently to make themselves available for selection.
And indeed both made the lineup as Torry completely dominated the opening stages of this game. On the front foot from the start Carrasco brought out a save from Raul with a low drive on just 5 minutes. Micro had an opportunity moments later before Kike looped a header over with barely ten minutes gone.
The opening goal came from the head of Carrasco on 13 minutes. A right wing cross from Vicente saw the diminutive frontman guide his effort just inside the near post to put the home side into a deserved lead.
Pinoso had their first opportunity midway through the half, indeed two came in quick succession with Carlos having to show his worth to keep Jairo at bay.
Thereafter there were more chances as the home side once again got back on top and but for the agility of Kiko Raul the half time margin would have been much greater.
The 2nd period was rather slow to get going, fully 15 mins before we saw a chance on goal. Again that fell to the head of Carrasco but this time his effort shaved the outside of the post.  On 61 mibnutes Kike gave way to Guillem who, with his first touch of the ball, rifled in a shot from the edge of the Pinoso box.  Welcome to first team football young man.
It was a goal that Torry fully deserved but as is too often the case they then spent a period ‘resting’, during which Jairo pulled one back for the visitors. But despite this setback they looked unlikey to concede again and really should have extended their lead through Guillem toward the end of the game.
The points were thoroughly deserved, the only disappointment being that the margin of victory was not a great deal wider.
Next Sunday Torry travel to Novelda for a game that kicks off at 5pm. Transport leaves the Torry Army office in San Luis at 3.30. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43006/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### Monday´s What´s On Guide, 17th March, 2014

MONDAY 17th MARCH, 2014
St Patrick´s Day.
Markets
Cox, Elche, Formentera, La Nucia, San Pedro del Pinatar, Santa Pola, Sax, Torremendo.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
ORIHUELA COSTA
St Patrick´s Day Parade through Cabo Roig, the biggest and most popular parade in the area.
Lunes de baile, dance spectacular, Zenia Boulevard.
Monday 24th March – Beyonce in Barcelona.
Next SUNDAY – 30th March – Daylight Savings Time – Clocks go forward.

listen to ‘Things to do in Spain on Monday 17th March.’ on Audioboo

### IT WAS JUST ONE OF THOSE DAYS

It was just one of those days. You will all know what I mean when I say this, as we all have them from time to time. It was one of those days when something that might have been relatively straightforward in the UK, could potentially turn into an expensive expat nightmare.
Most expats will empathise with those situations where one feels particularly vulnerable, mostly due to language and cultural differences. Indeed, it was the kind of day when I began to wish that I had turned right instead of left…
One second I was driving down a one-way village street, and the next, there was a loud thud and unhealthy sounding scrape, as a car reversed into my car. Of course, it is important to recognise the priorities of life, first of all; thankfully no one was hurt, but I was a little taken aback when I saw the woman driver in the offending car shaking her fist at me.
I got out of the car, and I could see that the only thing that the woman had hurt was her pride. I was also a little taken aback when I saw her briefly brush her hair and check her lips and mascara, before she got out of the car. Hmm, maybe she thought I would ask her out on a date afterwards.
Once the problem that she had caused had sunk in, the woman eventually got out of her car and poured a babble of a language that I did not understand over me. It was a language I did not recognise as English, French, German or Spanish, but as an expat I have always found mime to be an incredibly useful addition to any language.
I took a look at her car, where I could see minor damage to the front wing. My car seemed to have got the worst of the incident, as not only was the rear wing damaged, but the two doors also had suffered nasty scrapes and dents to the paintwork.
She was not a young woman, but stylish to a fault. From her gestures I could work out that she wanted my insurance details. No problem, but she appeared reluctant to give me hers in return. I had learned a long time ago that this was never the time to apportion blame or to expect an apology.
However, I did insist upon receiving all her details in return, although I was a little alarmed that she could not find her own insurance details. It was at this point that I began to wonder if she actually had any insurance.
By now a large crowd had gathered around our two cars. With unemployment being so high in the village, there was no shortage of spectators, together with offers of help and advice; after all, Canarians are very friendly and gregarious people.
I began to wonder if this situation could get difficult but, to my surprise, several members of the gathered crowd were urging the flustered woman to give me her details, although she could not find the insurance document in the car.
Eventually, I could see that there was no point in pressing her further, took her name and address, car registration company, as well as the name of the insurance company that she thought she was insured with. I also took several photos of the damage with my phone, and went on my way.
A quick telephone call to my own insurance company later made me grateful for selecting a Spanish company that had an English-speaking department to assist me.
Although now relatively confident in speaking Spanish, I always urge expats that in matters, medical, legal and financial, and unless one is totally confident in the language, it is wise to involve a professional translator; it was for this reason that I had selected a company that could communicate with me in perfect English.
Within minutes, all the details had been confirmed, I was directed to a local car body repairer and reassured that whatever the situation with the other driver's insurance, that I would be fully covered at no cost to myself. I could not have wished for better service.
One week later and I have now collected my vehicle from the body repair shop, and it looks almost as good as new. The strange thing was that two weeks earlier, someone else had crashed into the wing on the other side of my car.
Maybe someone just wanted me to have a matching pair?Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43005/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: It was just one of those days. You will all know what I mean when I say this, as we all have them from time to time. It was one of those days when something that might have been relatively straightforward in the UK, could potentially turn into an expen...

### 4 MILLION EUROS FROM ORIHUELA COSTA LAND SALES - Pt 3

Can you imagine the difference a capital investment of 4 million Euros could give to Orihuela Costa? An investment of this magnitude could see at least two quality services provided for the area. 
If Orihuela Costa could gain two facilities that could be used by different parts of the community they would substantially improve the quality of life for many people.
Before the provision of the sports centre people had to travel to Pilar or Torrevieja for any type of sporting activity. As long as there wasn't a centre councillors could claim that one was not needed. As soon as the sports centre opened Orihuela Costa had its own football team that competes very effectively with teams from other areas, children had somewhere to develop their sporting talents and the whole area gained facilities that are very well used throughout the week.
At long last the youth had at least one place to go and they had the facility to exercise, something that is denied them during their school day as they are educated in the sub standard school buildings without adequate sports accommodation.
The provision of a Casa de Cultura would benefit many parts of the community.
One only has to look at the number and variety of groups that use these centres in other towns. There are many groups for music, dancing, singing and acting that regularly use these buildings in towns like Los Montesinos, San Miguel or Torrevieja. The number of after school youth activities that regularly take place is staggering, with young people taking up a wide range of cultural activities that are very central to Spanish life.
Virtually every tiny village has a musical society and members of these societies play an essential role in all village fiestas and provide the necessary marching bands. A Casa de Cultura offers young people a range of out of school activities that help develop the individual and give people hobbies and interests that last throughout life.
This facility would also be used by other sectors of the community who engage in theatre, dance or choral groups that are often forced to perform outside of Orihuela Costa due to the total lack of facilities on the coast. This building would benefit all sections of the community.
Another much needed resource, especially considering the age distribution of the population is a fully equipped and properly resourced centre for older people. In all other towns and centres of populations these centres are pivotal to the life of retired people. If one stands outside the centre for older people in Los Montesinos you can see a continual stream of coming and goings throughout the day.
All types of interest and groups take place in them with classes for every type of interest plus there are services for people who need extra support due to age and growing infirmities. Normally older people can access a range of services and resources that help to improve their daily lives.
4 million Euros could make a difference and start to provide services that would benefit a cross section of the community. The money was raised from selling land earmarked for the residents of Orihuela Costa and consequently it should all be spent on Orihuela Costa. Now at last there is some money for investment and the place that investment is most needed is Orihuela Costa.
Don't let the councillors spend money from Orihuela Costa on anywhere other than Orihuela Costa. We have a right to expect services equal to other towns and villages.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43004/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Can you imagine the difference a capital investment of 4 million Euros could give to Orihuela Costa? An investment of this magnitude could see at least two quality services provided for the area. 
If Orihuela Costa could gain two facilities that could...

### ELCHE POINT TOWARDS SALVATION

Yes, Elche moved another step nearer safety to stay in Spain's top echelon next season, but it could have been all three points - whether it should have been is another matter. 
Betis are bottom, but have enjoyed a mini-revival of late with a draw and a win to give them some hope of survival. The Franjiverdes were sixteenth before Sunday, but with last week's defeat at Espanyol and others around them winning Elche are only just above the danger area.
On a bright, sunny Sunday lunchtime an excellent crowd of 29,125 turned out in the City of Palms, including a couple of hundred lively Andalucians who had made the long journey from Sevills, Spain's 4th largest city.
For once everyone was swathed in green and white as these are also Betis' colours. The home team were nearly at full strength with the exception of injured left-back and captain Albacar. No place either for Carlos ‘The Rock' Sanchez in midfield as Ruben Perez, Javi Marquez, Coro and Carles Gil were preferred, with the twin strike force of Manu del Moral and Christian Herrera up front.
The main part of the match revolved around midfield where neither side could claim superiority over the other, but in the main the visitors gave as good as they got. On the quarter-hour Perez let go a rasper which warned the Betis goalkeeper Adan's hands, and in reply the winger Cedric was causing problems for Elche.
The Franjiverdes had the ball in the net after half-an-hour but it was rightly ruled offside. First Javi Marquez, then Botia were booked as Elche frustrations began to show, but it stayed goalless at half time: Elche shaded it, but not convincingly.
The second half continued where it had left off, but the visitors began to lose their composure and soon passed Elche's two bookings. On the hour Manu del Moral limped off injured to be replaced by Elche's new boy Rodriguez – and instantly things started to happen for Elche as the new young striker immediately blazed the ball over the bar.
The following minute Coro went clear through, but delayed and fumbled until it was too late. 
With 20 minutes left on came Boakye for the disappointing Christian, but straightaway Betis had their best chance as Manu Herrera pulled off a great save from a Castro shot that looked as though it was going in.
Coro and Rodriguez both had chances as the minutes ticked away, and as a last throw of the dice Fidel came on for Carles Gil, and going into injury time Elche pressure was intense. From a corner the ball fell to the luckless Coro, still in wretched form who went down theatrically in the box.
Although nearly everyone at the mighty Martinez Valero was impressed it was a penalty, the referee was not, and finally booked the protesting Coro as everyone realised that was the end of the match - and it remained a goalless draw.
The point actually suited Elche much more than Betis as the Franjiverdes moved up to 13th place with 30 points, one clear of Malaga and Osasuna. That means four precious points divide Elche from third-bottom Valladolid, so the goalless draw wasn't too bad after all.
Next Saturday Elche travel to old enemies Granada, one point and one place above them. Two seasons ago Granada beat Elche only on away goals in the finals of the second division play-offs in a very bad-tempered affair: what an Elche win that would be…
Mucho Elche!     

PHOTOS KEVIN RENDALL
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43003/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Yes, Elche moved another step nearer safety to stay in Spain's top echelon next season, but it could have been all three points - whether it should have been is another matter. 
Betis are bottom, but have enjoyed a mini-revival of late with a draw and...

### REMOVAL OF MOTORWAY TOLL MAY SOON BE A REALITY

Information released by government sources over the weekend suggest that on Monday, the Ministry of Development will announce that the tolls on the AP-7 motorway will be removed, albeit not for another five years.
However, the current discussions relate to the province of Castellón, where high accident rates affect the N-340 road there, but this argument is the same for the N-332 on the Orihuela Costa. Therefore, if the move is approved for one stretch of the highway, it must also expand to others.
A meeting has been scheduled for Monday with the delegate of the Castellón government, David Barelles, with those affected by the road, with the announcement expected that the concession for operating the motorway will “not be renewed” when it expires on the 31st of December, 2019.
However, one obvious downside on the Orihuela Costa, should the tolls be lifted, will be an increase in traffic on the road that links the N-332 to the motorway, in the direction of Villamartin, where recent calls to tackle an already increased flow on that road have been made by local residents.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43002/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Information released by government sources over the weekend suggest that on Monday, the Ministry of Development will announce that the tolls on the AP-7 motorway will be removed, albeit not for another five years.
However, the current discussions rela...

### OVERSEAS PASSPORT APPLICATION FEES SLASHED

In February of this year, we reported how changes to procedures for British residents living overseas to renew their passports must now be made via the GOV.UK website, by submitting the application online at www.gov.uk/overseas-passports, aimed at reducing the “possibility of making errors that can delay applications”.
But, at the time, many people noted the extortionate cost in doing so, considering that the applications would be processed in the same place as those in the UK, with oversees residents paying way over the odds for the privilege.
According to the U.K. Government´s website, within the U.K., a standard adult first passport or renewal costs £72.50, or £81.25 if you use the Post Office's Passport Check & Send service. Whereas for oversees residents, who would be sending their application to the same office in the U.K., a standard adult first passport or renewal cost £128.00, or £147.86 including courier fee.
The acceptance of an extra fee for the approved and registered courier service seemed fair and above board, but quite why the process faced an additional £55 excess was largely unexplained, with many applicants considering that it would work out far cheaper for them to fly back to the U.K. and complete the process manually.
However, it appears that the U.K. Government has done a u-turn on the process, but for a change, one which will actually benefit those involved, as the Immigration and Security Minister, James Brokenshire, issued a statement via their website, claiming how the fee will be reduced, as “Her Majesty's Passport Office is committed to delivering better value for money for our customers”.
The statement read, “In keeping with this commitment, I am pleased to announce that from 7 April the passport fee for customers applying for a UK passport overseas will be reduced by £45 for adults and £28.50 for children. The new fees are as follows: Adult 32 page passport £83.00 Child 32 page passport £53.00 Jumbo 48 page passport £91.00 (Child and Adult).
“This reduction comes as a result of efficiency savings made over the last 3 years by bringing back the processing and issuing of overseas passports to the UK, whilst maintaining the highest levels of security and customer service.”
Although oversees applicants will still have to follow the on-line process, the £45 reduction is far more welcoming, albeit still not in line with U.K. based applications, the additional £10 is far more acceptable for the creation of the personalised pack that must be printed, signed and sent with photographs and any additional documentation that may be required to the Passport Office in the UK.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43001/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In February of this year, we reported how changes to procedures for British residents living overseas to renew their passports must now be made via the GOV.UK website, by submitting the application online at www.gov.uk/overseas-passports, aimed at redu...

### DETAILS EMERGE IN ORIHUELA PP HEAD CORRUPTION CASE

Following last week´s news that the current head of the Partido Popular in Orihuela, Pepa Ferrando, is to be charged with corruption, with offences relating to alleged irregularities in the procurement of promotional material for the FITUR international tourism festival between 2008 and 2011, during her period as the councillor for tourism during the last administration of Orihuela, further details have been revealed this week as to a number of invoices and services being questioned.
The complaint against Ferrando was filed some ten months ago, with members of both the PSOE and Los Verdes reporting their findings to the courts. This week, Carolina Gracia of the PSOE, criticised the bill for 6,960 euro to Benabarra Audio Video SL for hiring a 50 inch TV with DVD and sound for a single week, complaining that the money could have been used to buy 8 television sets which could have subsequently been used in public buildings, especially as the TV provided was “the same that anyone can have in their living room”, according to Gracia.
Similarly, the 8.262,99 paid to Altea company Marestand SL, who delivered, placed and assembled a bonsai tree for one exhibition seems somewhat extravagant, especially as this amount is the equivalent of about 10 months wages for a worker earning the minimum wage in Spain. 
As for the promotional stand, questions have been asked as to why the company Exporigging SL were paid 11,892.37 euro for the installation f a temporary ceiling, with mirrored fittings and other features, but the same thing in another year cost 17,715.60 euro. 
There is a similar discrepancy in the cost of lighting, although details of the actual provision are not readily available, the amount of lighting was the same provided for both the event that cost 11,990 euro, and one that faced a bill for 15,897.43 euro.
Within the procurement procedure of the town hall, should the cost of a service be 18,000 euro or more, then the provision must be put to public tender. Anything of 17,999 euro and less does not require such an open bidding process, and the councillors are free to award the contract without consultation. 
The reason for the case being raised against Ferrando is that collectively, putting the invoices together, the cost of providing the relevant equipment to present the municipality in FITUR comes to just under 60,000 euro, which would clearly have required the tender process to be fulfilled, but by splitting the provisions into individual elements, the procurement process has been bypassed, without any auditable process which would have highlighted the anomalies that have arisen, and saved the tax payer´s money.
Ferrando is refusing calls for her resignation as she protests here innocence, and has asked the judge for a speedy trial, in which she is convinced that her innocence will be confirmed. Ferrando is the sixth member of the current Partido Popular team in Orihuela to be facing charges.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/43000/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following last week´s news that the current head of the Partido Popular in Orihuela, Pepa Ferrando, is to be charged with corruption, with offences relating to alleged irregularities in the procurement of promotional material for the FITUR intern...

### THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET FOR A HEALTHIER LIFE

The Hospital Infanta Elena, in the Spanish town of Valdemoro, south of Madrid, has launched a groundbreaking initiative that they hope will result in healthier members of the population, thus reducing the need for healthcare and the services of the hospital.
The aim is to convince the members of the community to ditch unhealthy, fast-food, by offering classes on how to prepare and cook wholesome natural ingredients, thus converting the population back to the traditional Mediterranean diet.
The “school for food” is running through to April, targeting all ages and genders, from pregnancy, through birth, adolescence and through adulthood into the mature years, with a prominence on milk, fruit and vegetables in the early years, combining exercise during adult life, all with the aim of a prolonged ad healthier lifestyle, avoiding some of the more common conditions affecting people today, such as diabetes and atherosclerosis.
As part of the campaign, workshops show how to prepare the food and weekly menu plans are provided, designed to ensure a correct balance of nutrition, including vegetable only days, three pieces of fruit per day, and encouraging health.
Solutions to the fast pace of life are also included in the workshops, with freezing food offered as a good solution to the lack of time, provided it is performed correctly, these sessions including tips on fast freezing certain items, as well as avoiding freezing things like potatoes, which oxidize and lose its properties in this process.
Social reasons such as lack of time and the cult of fast food have made the dietary habits of the Spanish population worse in recent years, according to Doctor González-Valcárcel who leads the project; this deterioration in the diet has created “an excessive intake of protein and fat in addition to carbohydrates”, the consequences are becoming apparent around us in the increased prevalence of childhood obesity and cholesterol and diabetes among adults.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42999/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Hospital Infanta Elena, in the Spanish town of Valdemoro, south of Madrid, has launched a groundbreaking initiative that they hope will result in healthier members of the population, thus reducing the need for healthcare and the services of the hos...

### ALICANTE LEADING IN PROPERTY SALES TO FOREIGNERS

The Alicante province is once again leading the way in property sales to foreign investors, with figures released by the Ministry of Development revealing that 3,442 sales were confirmed to foreign buyers during 2013. 
In the last 3 months of the year, transactions by foreign residents in Spain experienced an annual growth for the tenth consecutive quarter, 0.1% from the fourth quarter of 2012, with 13,629 sales. To that figure, we must also add purchases made by non-resident foreign buyers, the total coming to 14,787, or 15.8% of the total.
The figure is also indicative of how the province is of particular value to the property market, given that the region of Valencia on a whole has dropped by more than 10%, and with a national total of 300,349 sales in the year, representing a decrease of 17.4%, it becomes clear that the principle area of growth in the sector is around the Alicante and southern Costa Blanca, as well as the importance of the foreign market.
In fact, not only is Alicante leading the way, it is out in front by some considerable margin, given that Alicante was almost double the next province in terms of sales to foreigners, Málaga, where 1,922 were sold, followed by Barcelona with 1,086, the Balearic Islands with 1,020 and Tenerife with 822.
For its part, Madrid saw a total of 40,201 sales in 2013, representing an 11.2% decrease from 2012, although the city of Madrid saw an increase of 6.8%. In the last quarter of 2013, Madrid saw the highest number of sales in Spain with a total of 8,451, followed by Barcelona with 2,946, Valencia with 1,444, Seville had 1,307, and then next on the national sales table was Torrevieja, with 1,063 sales.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42998/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Alicante province is once again leading the way in property sales to foreign investors, with figures released by the Ministry of Development revealing that 3,442 sales were confirmed to foreign buyers during 2013. 
In the last 3 months of the year...

### LOTS HAPPENING AROUND ORIHUELA THIS WEEK

In the early hours of Friday morning, officers from Orihuela´s local police were alerted to an individual acting suspiciously in the Zenia II urbanisations. Upon arriving at the location, the officers discovered a 32 year old British male, acting “very nervously”, and with “bleeding wounds to his hands”. The officers also noticed that a number of parked vehicles close by had been damaged, and proceeded to arrest the man on suspicion of being responsible for that damage. He was delivered to the Guardia Civil of Torre de la Horadada who are investigating the incident.
Given that the government team of Orihuela are paralysed by the fact they are in a minority, and that the opposition Partido Popular have said that they will actively object to any new proposals in an attempt to govern from opposition, the municipality is still unable to pass a new budget. However, as a natural clearance of money left over from the previous year becomes available, the government will shortly be able to continue with a number of plans which had to be put on hold at the end of last year. For the Orihuela Costa, there are seven “sleeping” projects which can now restart their development, including the accessibility work around the N-332 underpass.
Continuing with the developments to improve access around the La Zenia roundabout of the N-332, the Councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, has met with senior officials from the Consum supermarket chain to see what part they are prepared to play in easing the congestion. Scheurer has proposed to the store that if they were to donate part of their unused car park to the project, this would enable a full size roundabout to be constructed at the access road to the future emergency coordination centre, which would allow for better access to the commercial zone and reduce unnecessary traffic movements. Having realised a 33% drop in takings at the store since the Zenia Boulevard opened, and their subsequent closure of their own car park, the store bosses have said that they are keen to assist in finding any solution that benefits the area and are happy to agree to future meetings to discuss these proposals. The town hall is also meeting with the regional traffic department in Valencia, to ensure that the plans and agreements made with the provincial office in Alicante are suitable and will be able to continue unhindered.
Having been involved in the opening of the new footbridge at La Regia this week, a delegation from the town hall, including the mayor, Monserate Guillén, visited the site of the new roundabout, and confirmed that the project is continuing well. Guillén also confirmed that as money is now becoming available, plans to install a radar speed trap on the road from the N-332 can now also proceed.
The Councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, has been forced to defend both herself and the government team against accusations made by former coastal councillor, Pedro Mancebo. In a Spanish newspaper, Mancebo has criticised the payment for a contractor involved in maintenance work, claiming that the company has been paid in advance for work, a matter strenuously denied by the town hall, who have documents and accounts available if Mancebo would care to check, which shows that the many of the payments in question are historic ones that were due during his time in office, but were never cleared for payment despite approval by the municipal technicians that the work had been completed satisfactorily. A lot of payments are still outstanding, according to Scheurer, but any suggested wrongdoing on the part of the government team in terms of advanced payment is nothing short of a lie.
The bus service provided to Orihuela´s Medieval Market from the coast this year was the most successful ever, according to accounts now available from the operation. In total, the running of two return bus services on the three days, taking in Entre Naranjos, cost the town hall just 70 euro, as passenger numbers were the highest ever, thus reducing the amount the town hall is required to pay to subsidise the service.
The councillor for the coast is awaiting a reply from the company contracted to install information signs at the municipal playgrounds and parks, as this work has never been carried out, despite being arranged a number of years ago. As the contract price is literally just below the 18,000 euro threshold which would have required it to go to public tender, the lack of action by the company is of considerable concern, especially as these signs are a legal requirement. 
A musical quintet is touring around various locations of the municipality, and will reach the Orihuela Costa on the 5th of April. Performing at the ecclesiastical centre, the event will provide a welcome distraction through the medium of classical music. The councillor for the coast is also looking at bringing a medieval market and a fisherman´s market back to the coast this year, as well as the possibility of an eco-market, but the venue is likely to be the municipal car park near to the Zenia Boulevard, in order to maximise the number of people who will visit the event, and be a more central location, with parking, for those outside the usual areas who have benefited in the past from these events.
The town hall has been involved in the promotion of an offer whereas the residents of the municipality of Orihuela were invited to go and watch Elche football club on Sunday. As part of the conditions to obtain the tickets, those who applied were also given a bonus card with which they would urn points when they shop in participating stores in Elche. The promotion has been criticised by the CLR group, with Pedro Mancebo complaining that it encourages commerce in another municipality. Those interested in the game saw it as nothing more than an opportunity to benefit from saving at least 35 euro per ticket for a fun, family day out.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42997/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In the early hours of Friday morning, officers from Orihuela´s local police were alerted to an individual acting suspiciously in the Zenia II urbanisations. Upon arriving at the location, the officers discovered a 32 year old British male, acting...

### LA MARINA BALDRICKS (LAMBS) AT ALTORREAL 12TH MARCH

Stableford Pairs Competition for MABS Trophy
 
An overcast morning greeted us for a 1000 tee off at Altorreal.  Today was a pairs competition for the inaugural MABS trophy.  This trophy was donated to the society on behalf of MABS by the local representative Bob Clayton who is also a member of the LAMBS.  Prior to the competition getting under way Bob a society member and also the area representative for MABS presented the trophy on their behalf to our Captain Andy Giles, this was done behind the 18th green with all society members present in brand new lambs shirts.
The course itself was in fair condition, having the best deals in the area does mean the course is well used, but all in all the greens ran true and the fairways were OK.  The format was to have a low and high handicapper teamed up whenever possible.  The handicaps were added together then halved this then being the team handicap; consequently there were no more than 3 strokes between team handicaps.  It was played in a Texas scramble style with a minimum of 6 and maximum of 12 tee shots per player.  The format seemed to work very well and there was no great wailing and gnashing of teeth from anyone.
The winners of the trophy with an excellent score of 50 points off 27 were, believe it or not Bob Clayton and Andy Giles.
Runners up, again with a great score of 48 points off 26 were Dave Cooper and Steve Chapman.
3rd with 45 points off 24, were Geoff Tempest and new member John Spencer.
It was also good to see one of the high handicappers win the longest drive prize, well done Roger Nickolds.
On completion of the golf it was, as usual back to the Final Whistle for the presentations and an excellent buffet, thanks to Mel and Stella.  Bob Clayton also thanked the society for their continued support of MABS and presented badges to today's winners.
 
All today's prize-winners:
MABS Trophy - Bob Clayton & Andy Giles
Runners up - Dave Cooper & Steve Chapman
3rd - Geoff Tempest & John Spencer
 
Nearest the pins - 5th Hole Geoff Tempest, 10th Hole John Morgan, 17th Hole Geoff Marlow
Longest Drive	- 12th Hole Roger Nickolds
 
Any enquiries relating to the LAMBS contact Steve–chappysj@hotmail.com/ 634352903
 
Pictured is the trophy presentation by Bob on the left, to Andy
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42996/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Stableford Pairs Competition for MABS Trophy
 
An overcast morning greeted us for a 1000 tee off at Altorreal.  Today was a pairs competition for the inaugural MABS trophy.  This trophy was donated to the society on behalf of MABS by the local repres...

### “LO IMPORTANTE ERES TU “  “THE MOST IMPORTANT IS YOU”

Samantha Biddles Councillor for European Residents has been named in the Partido Populars Regional committee for the forthcoming European Elections, Samantha was one of the 3 representatives who were asked to speak during the grand act which took place last Sunday 9th March. 
The event had the participation of the national deputy secretary of Studies and Programs Esteban González Pons, President of the Partido Popular in Valencia Alberto Fabra, and the president of the Popular Party in the province of Alicante, José Císcar.
During her speech, Samantha stated that more information is urgently required for European Residents living here in the Valencian area. She stressed that she will be organising meetings and talks within the whole region and the importance that residents take an interest in what is happening in their area. 
Ever vote counts for this year's European elections, we all live here and we all benefit from European funds, it is fundamental that the residents get involved and take an interest in how the European funds are spent, most importantly the Partido Popular listen to the ex-patriots and hear their concerns on a one to one basis. European funds provide necessities which we all require such as Hospitals, healthcare, public transport employment and infrastructures etc etc.
Campaign coordinator, José Juan Zaplana, stated we have campaign committee members with specific responsibilities. The act in Alicante showed that the campaign teams for the provincial PP are prepared and will improve the situation of citizens we will deal with their problems and find appropriate solutions, because as the motto of the Partido Popular says in the Province of Alicante, the most important thing is you. "
The great act of the Partido Popular held the 9th March in Alicante became a trending topic in the social network twitter the hashtag @pepeciscar and #lomasimportantetu. The great act of the Partido Popular was to present their campaign committees in Alicante.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42978/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Samantha Biddles Councillor for European Residents has been named in the Partido Populars Regional committee for the forthcoming European Elections, Samantha was one of the 3 representatives who were asked to speak during the grand act which took place last Sunday 9th March. 
The event had the participation of the national deputy secretary of Studies and Programs Esteban González Pons, President of the Partido Popular in Valencia Alberto Fabra, and the president of the Popular Party in the province of Alicante, José Císcar.
During her speech, Samantha stated that more information is urgently required for European Residents living here in the Valencian area. She stressed that she will be organising meetings and talks within the whole region and the importance that residents take an interest in what is happening in their area. 
Ever vote counts for this year's European elections, we all live here and we all benefit from European funds, it is fundamental that the residents get involved and take an interest in how the European funds are spent, most importantly the Partido Popular listen to the ex-patriots and hear their concerns on a one to one basis. European funds provide necessities which we all require such as Hospitals, healthcare, public transport employment and infrastructures etc etc.
Campaign coordinator, José Juan Zaplana, stated we have campaign committee members with specific responsibilities. The act in Alicante showed that the campaign teams for the provincial PP are prepared and will improve the situation of citizens we will deal with their problems and find appropriate solutions, because as the motto of the Partido Popular says in the Province of Alicante, the most important thing is you. "
The great act of the Partido Popular held the 9th March in Alicante became a trending topic in the social network twitter the hashtag @pepeciscar and #lomasimportantetu. The great act of the Partido Popular was to present their campaign committees in Alicante.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42978/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### FORMER ORIHUELA MAYOR GIVEN COURT DATE

Former Mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente, has been given a date in which she will appear in court in relation to the case where work on the Plaza del Escorratel was awarded to a company before the tender process had been completed.
Having lost an appeal in which the Partido Popular councillor tried to avoid going to trial, the court have now given the 29th of May as a date when Lorente will face accusations of forgery of public documents by a public authority or official and gross negligence in this case, where she faces a 4,000 euro fine and disqualification from office for 9 months. A second former government member, Antonio Rodríguez Murcia, will also be facing charges.
The work on maintaining the plaza at El Escorratel in July 2008 is said to have begun without the project having been approved by the municipal council, subsequently seeing the 34,380 euro contract awarded to a company prior to the legally required tender process being fulfilled.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42957/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Former Mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente, has been given a date in which she will appear in court in relation to the case where work on the Plaza del Escorratel was awarded to a company before the tender process had been completed.
Having lost ...

### Weekend events, 15th and 16th March, 2014

SATURDAY 15th MARCH, 2014
World Consumer Rights Day. World Contact Day (worldwide day to try and make contact with ET life).
Markets
Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
Sweet Festival, creative sugarcraft (Until 16 Mar).
BARCELONA
ENSENYAMENT, Education exhibition (Until 16 Mar).
FUTURA, The Masters and Postgraduate Courses Exhibition (Last day).
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
Rock Solidario, Rotary Club, Teatro Circo.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Tribute to 80´s Spanish pop band Mecano, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
Xii Jornadas Mediterraneas Del Bonsai, Virgen Del Carmen.
17:00 – Astrology Event, La Mata.
22:00 – Gala Quinto Aniversario Gavana Estilistas, Teatro Municipal.



listen to ‘Things to do this weekend’ on Audioboo

SUNDAY 16th MARCH, 2014
Markets
Benidorm, Elche, La Nucia, Campoverde, La Marina, Zoco, Almoradí street market, Lemon Tree Road, Mil Palmeras.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
Sweet Festival, creative sugarcraft (Last day).
BARCELONA
ENSENYAMENT, Education exhibition (Last day).
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
ORIHUELA COSTA
St Partick´s event and face painting, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
Xii Jornadas Mediterraneas Del Bonsai, Virgen Del Carmen.
18.00 - Vii Encuentro De Coros Rocieros Memorial Ricardo Lafuente  (Commemoration Day Of Andalucía), Teatro Municipal.
 

### LA REGIA FOOTBRIDGE OPENED BY LOCAL

The mayor of Orihuela, Monserrate Guillén, Councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer , along with councillors Rosa Martínez and Antonio Zapata from the PSOE, Luis Galiano from the Los Verdes and Bob Houliston from CLARO, officially opened the pedestrian footbridge over the N-332 main road at La Regia on Monday.
Both Scheurer in her opening speech, and Guillén, reminded the gathered crowds how the bridge had been asked for by residents since 2009, largely due to the large amount of pedestrians who visit the health centre, commercial and residential zones, but the previous requests had been rejected by the ruling Partido Popular government at the time, despite the possibility of funding from the central government.
Therefore, the decision was eventually made to pay for the bridge in the 2012 municipal budget, with the current government team collectively approving the plans originally requested by the PSOE, approved by the Los Verdes. 
With the gathered politicians showing a united front and proving what the coalition can achieve together, Guillén pointed out that the government are still working on development plans to provide bridges in other areas of the municipality, including Playa Flamenca and Punta Prima, to add to the other two bridges shortly to be opened in the coastal zone.
In a surprise move on the day, one local resident was rocketed into the limelight, with Guillén taking the decision to hand over the role of opening the bridge to Julio González, president of the La Regia neighbourhood association, who had been campaigning on behalf of the residents since 2009. Clearly overwhelmed by the task, but beaming with pride as the waiting crowds chanted his name, cheered and applauded, Julio took the scissors and cut the ribbon, officially marking the moment when his efforts had come to reality.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42956/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The mayor of Orihuela, Monserrate Guillén, Councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer , along with councillors Rosa Martínez and Antonio Zapata from the PSOE, Luis Galiano from the Los Verdes and Bob Houliston from CLARO, officially opene...

### CAR SALE SCAMMER ARRESTED IN ROJALES

Officers from the National Police have arrested a 30 year old man in Rojales, who is already known to the police for a series of crimes, allegedly for fraudulently selling cars online and conning innocent victims out of a total of 3,000 euro.
According to police, the man would advertise the vehicles for sale, and upon receiving a genuine enquiry would request a nominal deposit of between 200 and 400 euro to secure the car.
One victim who had been conned in this way reported the facts to the police in Orihuela, who investigated what had happened and discovered at least seven victims of the scam. These victims were mostly foreigners and lived in various parts of Spain.
The officers tracked down the man in Rojales and performed the arrest, with the investigation still open, the officers not ruling out finding more victims.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42955/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested a 30 year old man in Rojales, who is already known to the police for a series of crimes, allegedly for fraudulently selling cars online and conning innocent victims out of a total of 3,000 euro.
Accordin...

### AGREEMENT SIGNED WITH INSTITUTO CERVANTES

An agreement was signed last week between the city of Torrevieja and the Instituto Cervantes in Madrid on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the International Habaneras Competition which is due to be held in Torrevieja in July.
 
The occasion was attended by the mayor Eduardo Dolon, together with the Secretary General of the Instituto Cervantes, Rafael Rodriguez Salamanca Plaza, who said that this agreement is recognition by the Instituto Cervantes of the important and historic cultural and musical Habanera competition held in Torrevieja while the mayor remarked that the recognition by the centre in the signing was the very best acknowledgement that the competition could possibly have earned,  and it was particularly fitting that it came in the year in which it celebrates its 60th anniversary.
 
The signing of this historic agreement was initialed in the iconic "Caja de las Letras" in the Cervantes Institute in Madrid.
 
Plaza said that the Torrevieja habanera  is an important means of spreading Spanish culture and traditions abroad. He said that it is a great honour for the the Instituto Cervantes to work with this important, well known and especially prestigious contest which he has had the opportunity of attending in person, and that will allow us to work together in our centers around the world, on five continents with almost 80 locations.
 
The mayor responded by thanking the Cervantes Institute for their collaboration and involvement in spreading and disseminating the Habanera all over the world, the most important aspect of Torrevieja's cultural and musical identity.  He said that the agreement is the very best recognition of the event which this year celebrates its 60th anniversary in which it intends to spread the message of peace worldwide through song.
 
After signing the agreement there was a minute's silence in memory of the victims of the 11 March terrorist attack on its tenth anniversary.
 
There then followed a spectacular performance from a group of soloists Torrevejenses representing all choirs in the locality. They were led by Aurelio Martinez.
 
The Instituto Cervantes is a public institution established by Spain in 1991 for the promotion and teaching of Spanish language and other official languages and for the dissemination of Spanish and Latin American culture. It is represented in 86 cities in 43 countries on five continents.  The headquarters is based in Madrid.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42954/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: An agreement was signed last week between the city of Torrevieja and the Instituto Cervantes in Madrid on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the International Habaneras Competition which is due to be held in Torrevieja in July.
 
The occasion was attended by the mayor Eduardo Dolon, together with the Secretary General of the Instituto Cervantes, Rafael Rodriguez Salamanca Plaza, who said that this agreement is recognition by the Instituto Cervantes of the important and historic cultural and musical Habanera competition held in Torrevieja while the mayor remarked that the recognition by the centre in the signing was the very best acknowledgement that the competition could possibly have earned,  and it was particularly fitting that it came in the year in which it celebrates its 60th anniversary.
 
The signing of this historic agreement was initialed in the iconic "Caja de las Letras" in the Cervantes Institute in Madrid.
 
Plaza said that the Torrevieja habanera  is an important means of spreading Spanish culture and traditions abroad. He said that it is a great honour for the the Instituto Cervantes to work with this important, well known and especially prestigious contest which he has had the opportunity of attending in person, and that will allow us to work together in our centers around the world, on five continents with almost 80 locations.
 
The mayor responded by thanking the Cervantes Institute for their collaboration and involvement in spreading and disseminating the Habanera all over the world, the most important aspect of Torrevieja's cultural and musical identity.  He said that the agreement is the very best recognition of the event which this year celebrates its 60th anniversary in which it intends to spread the message of peace worldwide through song.
 
After signing the agreement there was a minute's silence in memory of the victims of the 11 March terrorist attack on its tenth anniversary.
 
There then followed a spectacular performance from a group of soloists Torrevejenses representing all choirs in the locality. They were led by Aurelio Martinez.
 
The Instituto Cervantes is a public institution established by Spain in 1991 for the promotion and teaching of Spanish language and other official languages and for the dissemination of Spanish and Latin American culture. It is represented in 86 cities in 43 countries on five continents.  The headquarters is based in Madrid.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42954/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### KING REMEMBERS MADRID BOMB VICTIMS

The King and Queen of Spain attended a solemn mass on Tuesday, marking the tenth anniversary of the Madrid bombings which killed 191 people and injured over 2000 attacks on trains in Atocha, El Pozo and Santa Eugenia on 11 March 2004.
Many of the victims of the attack and their families were also present at the service which was held in the Cathedral Santa María la Real de la Almudena in Madrid. 
They were joined by their Majesties, HRH the Princess of Asturias and HRH Infanta Elena, Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, and prominent individuals representing the State institutions, the government and many levels of the political, social and economic world in Spain 
After being greeted by the Cardinal Archbishop of Madrid Archbishop Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, Their Majesties and Their Royal Highnesses were introduced to the President of the Association of Victims of Terrorism Angeles Pedraza, President of the Association of Victims Support 11-M , Angeles Dominguez, President of the Association of Terrorism Affected 11M, Pilar Manjon, and the President of the Victims of the Terrorism Foundation, Mary Blanco Mar.
A ceremony was also held at Madrid's Retiro Park, where 191 white balloons were released into the air and white flowers placed in trees, in memory of a day that has become known in Spain as 11M.
A note at Atocha station, where all four trains were heading, read simply: "You will always be in our memory; we will not forget you."
Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy tweeted a similar message: "My solidarity is with the families and my thoughts with the victims of the worst attack in our country. Spain is with you."
Locally there was also an Act of Remembrance carried out in Pilar de la Horadada where in La plaza 'Víctimas del terrorismo' where the mayor, Fidel Ros, laid a wreath on behalf the Town Council after which there followed a minute's silebce.
The seven suspected ringleaders in the attacks blew themselves up two weeks later, after police moved in on a flat in which they were hiding.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42952/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The King and Queen of Spain attended a solemn mass on Tuesday, marking the tenth anniversary of the Madrid bombings which killed 191 people and injured over 2000 attacks on trains in Atocha, El Pozo and Santa Eugenia on 11 March 2004.
Many of the victims of the attack and their families were also present at the service which was held in the Cathedral Santa María la Real de la Almudena in Madrid. 
They were joined by their Majesties, HRH the Princess of Asturias and HRH Infanta Elena, Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, and prominent individuals representing the State institutions, the government and many levels of the political, social and economic world in Spain 
After being greeted by the Cardinal Archbishop of Madrid Archbishop Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, Their Majesties and Their Royal Highnesses were introduced to the President of the Association of Victims of Terrorism Angeles Pedraza, President of the Association of Victims Support 11-M , Angeles Dominguez, President of the Association of Terrorism Affected 11M, Pilar Manjon, and the President of the Victims of the Terrorism Foundation, Mary Blanco Mar.
A ceremony was also held at Madrid's Retiro Park, where 191 white balloons were released into the air and white flowers placed in trees, in memory of a day that has become known in Spain as 11M.
A note at Atocha station, where all four trains were heading, read simply: "You will always be in our memory; we will not forget you."
Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy tweeted a similar message: "My solidarity is with the families and my thoughts with the victims of the worst attack in our country. Spain is with you."
Locally there was also an Act of Remembrance carried out in Pilar de la Horadada where in La plaza 'Víctimas del terrorismo' where the mayor, Fidel Ros, laid a wreath on behalf the Town Council after which there followed a minute's silebce.
The seven suspected ringleaders in the attacks blew themselves up two weeks later, after police moved in on a flat in which they were hiding.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42952/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### SURPRISE GUILTY PLEA IN SPANISH PROPERTY SCAM

A 55 year old woman from County Tyrone, who appeared along with her brother and sister this week, has pleaded guilty in Belfast Crown Court of a property scam relating to the purchase of holiday homes in Spain, including in the Cabo Roig, La Zenia and Playa Flamenca area, with a fraud value of over a quarter of a million pound.
The case dates back to charges in 2008, when Bernadette McGeary appeared before Dungannon Magistrate's Court faced charges of obtaining money by deception and involvement in acquiring criminal property relating to the case. The investigation revealed that between April and December of 2006, McGeary was involved in offering properties for sale, and charging half of the money up front, but the investors and individuals would never see the sale to completion.
During her appearance, McGeary was charged with three counts of obtaining a money transfer by deception, and with two counts of entering an arrangement to acquire criminal property. McGeary strenuously denied the charges and was released on bail, reappearing to be referred to Crown Court.
This week, McGeary appeared at Belfast Crown Court, facing a trial on 27 charges relating to the investigation. As the jury were sworn in on Wednesday, the seven women and five men were told to expect the trial to last for up to six weeks. 
Seeking justice for a scam that had cost many of the victims a considerable amount of money, an estimated 20 of them appeared in the public gallery, with the judge making an unusual move as to ask some of them to identify themselves to the jury. The judge also told the members of the jury that they should not discuss the case with anybody, including friends and family, and, “You should also not research this case on the internet”, reminding the jurors that “it is a criminal offence for a juror to research a case on the internet”.
However, as the trial began on Thursday, proceedings took a dramatic twist, when the prosecution told the judge that nine new offences were to be added to the charges. 
Prosecuting counsel, Frank O'Donoghue QC, told the judge, “In the view of the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) the nine new counts are acceptable and reflect the criminal responsibility of Bernadette McGeary”, continuing, “I would ask that she be re-arraigned on these new counts”.
Therefore, on Friday, McGeary pleaded guilty to those nine new offences, eight charges of theft and one of obtaining financial advantage by deception, with a total value of 270,000 pounds. McGeary answered “guilty” to all nine counts levied against her, to which Mr O'Donoghue said that the “guilty pleas to the new charges were acceptable to the PPS”. The prosecution therefore agreed that the previous 27 charges be “left on the books and not be proceeded with”.
Her brother and sister, Stephen Peter McGeary and Catherine Mooney, both from Dungannon, were acquitted of any involvement in the case, after the judge instructed the jury to find them not guilty. They had faced a total of 11 related charges.
The counsel for defence, Gregg Berry QC, asked for a pre-sentence report to be prepared along with a medical report, and that McGeary be released on continuing bail. 
McGeary was released from court under the terms of her continued bail, and will return on the 11th of April for sentencing. However, despite freeing her, the judge warned McGeary , “do not take that as an indication of how the court will deal with you”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42949/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A 55 year old woman from County Tyrone, who appeared along with her brother and sister this week, has pleaded guilty in Belfast Crown Court of a property scam relating to the purchase of holiday homes in Spain, including in the Cabo Roig, La Zenia and ...

### ADOPT-A-FRIEND EVENT IN TORREVIEJA ON SATURDAY

On Saturday the 15th of March, Torrevieja will be taken over by an event aimed at encouraging the adoption of pets from local shelters, under the banner “Adopt a Friend”, beginning at 12:00.
First, a solidarity march will work its way from the Plaza de la Constitución to the Paseo Vista Alegre, where, an hour later, a parade and presentation of some of the pets looking for a new forever home will take place.
There will be other sideshows during the event, including face-painting for children and an information table, whilst the groups involved are also asking for donations of collars, leads, food, cleaning products and other accessories, to enable them to continue to provide care whilst looking to re-home the mostly abandoned animals.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42948/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Saturday the 15th of March, Torrevieja will be taken over by an event aimed at encouraging the adoption of pets from local shelters, under the banner “Adopt a Friend”, beginning at 12:00.
First, a solidarity march will work its way from...

### LUCKY LOCALS SCOOP SIXTY GRAND

Local holders of their portion of Spanish National Lottery ticket number 32,245 are 60,000 euro better off this week, after a ticket sold in Torrevieja, and another in Elche, shared the second prize, along with winners in the Cádiz to of San Roque (Cádiz), La Codosera in Badajoz, Arenys de Mar in Barcelona, Santa Maria de Guia in Las Palmas, A Pobra of Brollon in Lugo, Segovia, and Portugalete Bilbao.
Although nobody would complain about any quick injection of cash, first prize gave 300,000 euro, for ticket number 93,914, which also went to Cádiz, to the town of Chipiona, along with Tomares in Sevilla, with tickets purchased for the grand prize in Benidorm, Montornés del Vallés in Barcelona and San Cristobal de la Laguna at Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42947/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Local holders of their portion of Spanish National Lottery ticket number 32,245 are 60,000 euro better off this week, after a ticket sold in Torrevieja, and another in Elche, shared the second prize, along with winners in the Cádiz to of San Roq...

### ALICANTE AIRPORT TAXI DRIVERS CALL OFF STRIKE

Taxi drivers from Elche who operate from Alicante-Elche airport have called off their strike on Thursday, which they had planned to run until Monday, after meetings held on Thursday morning. 
A number of initiatives were agreed, including restricting taxi drivers not based in Elche to the number of journeys they can make in a month, and plans for a barrier system to be implemented to crack down on unlicensed pirate taxis.
A follow up meeting has been arranged for the 24th of March, in which the plans will seek final approval, with the municipal council affirming their support to do everything possible to show their support for the drivers.
As reported by Kevin Reardon on Wednesday, the strike had been called after 14 months of talks regarding pirate taxi's operating from Alicante-Elche Airport still not having been resolved and in the light of a lack of progress in discussions with the Department of Transportation and Elche City Council the Association of Auto-Taxi's Elche announced a strike to begin on Thursday.
A spokesman for the Association said there have been 10 meetings between his union and representatives from the Department of Transportation, the City of Elche and airport management and as yet no decisions have been reached despite promises from the authorities that the matter was being treated seriously.
There is still not a regular police presence checking the taxi's at the airport, and neither are there are control measures being applied through the car park barriers. Implementation of both of these measures was promised over a year ago. 
As such the Association of Auto-Taxi Elche decided to close the Radio Taxi service and at  the Airport, due to the "lack of support from the local administration."
"We feel cheated, the City does not support us despite being professionals who have always been willing to work with them, we have been waiting a long time. We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience that our action will cause to users but the authorities leave us with no way out," they said in a statement released on Wednesday.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42946/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Taxi drivers from Elche who operate from Alicante-Elche airport have called off their strike on Thursday, which they had planned to run until Monday, after meetings held on Thursday morning. 
A number of initiatives were agreed, including restricting taxi drivers not based in Elche to the number of journeys they can make in a month, and plans for a barrier system to be implemented to crack down on unlicensed pirate taxis.
A follow up meeting has been arranged for the 24th of March, in which the plans will seek final approval, with the municipal council affirming their support to do everything possible to show their support for the drivers.
As reported by Kevin Reardon on Wednesday, the strike had been called after 14 months of talks regarding pirate taxi's operating from Alicante-Elche Airport still not having been resolved and in the light of a lack of progress in discussions with the Department of Transportation and Elche City Council the Association of Auto-Taxi's Elche announced a strike to begin on Thursday.
A spokesman for the Association said there have been 10 meetings between his union and representatives from the Department of Transportation, the City of Elche and airport management and as yet no decisions have been reached despite promises from the authorities that the matter was being treated seriously.
There is still not a regular police presence checking the taxi's at the airport, and neither are there are control measures being applied through the car park barriers. Implementation of both of these measures was promised over a year ago. 
As such the Association of Auto-Taxi Elche decided to close the Radio Taxi service and at  the Airport, due to the "lack of support from the local administration."
"We feel cheated, the City does not support us despite being professionals who have always been willing to work with them, we have been waiting a long time. We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience that our action will cause to users but the authorities leave us with no way out," they said in a statement released on Wednesday.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42946/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### What to do: Friday 14th March, 2014

FRIDAY 14th FEBRUARY, 2014
Pi Day (an annual celebration commemorating the mathematical constant π. Pi Day is observed on March 14, since 3, 1, and 4 are the three most significant digits of π in the decimal form).
International Day of Action for Rivers.
Markets
Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, TORREVIEJA.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
Sweet Festival, creative sugarcraft (Until 16 Mar).
BARCELONA
ENSENYAMENT, Education exhibition (Until 16 Mar).
FUTURA, The Masters and Postgraduate Courses Exhibition (Until 15 Mar).
ORIHUELA
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
“Katherine Hepburn, Actress and Icon”, talk and presentation, Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner.
JANDRO.TV, comic monologue, Teatro Circo.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Baloon art, Zenia Boulevard.

listen to ‘Friday´s what´s on guide’ on Audioboo
 

### PIONEERING HEART SURGERY AT VINALOPO HOSPITAL

Cardiac surgeons at Elche´s Hospital del Vinalopó have successfully performed the first aortic valve repair in a patient of 48 years of age, affected an aneurysm (dilation) of the ascending aorta and severe aortic insufficiency, a procedure performed to repair a malfunction of the valve which only allows unidirectional flow of blood from the ventricle to the aorta.
During the procedure, the surgical team were assisted by Dr. Emmanuel Lansac, a surgeon of international renown in the field of valve repair, from the L'Mutualiste Montsouris Institute in Paris.
With the realization of this technique the Vinalopó Hospital has launched an Aortic Valve Repair Program, in order to become a reference for cardiology services in the province of Alicante and offer the best solution to a particular group of patients with problems on the aortic valve.
Dr. Eduardo Tébar, Head of the Cardiac Surgery Unit at the Hospital Vinalopó stresses “it is important to offer our patients an alternative to the usual techniques, in order to offer a better quality of life and lower long-term complications”.
The success lies in the multidisciplinary approach by a team of specialists including surgeons, cardiologists, anaesthesiologists and nurses. After the surgery, around 25 leading cardiologists from across Alicante attended a presentation in the meeting hall of the hospital, with Dr. Emmanuel Lansac offering attendees a conference under the title: Aortic Valve-Sparing Surgery with the aim of opening a forum for meeting and publicising the benefits of this technique in the treatment of a specific group of patients with pathology the aortic root.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42945/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Cardiac surgeons at Elche´s Hospital del Vinalopó have successfully performed the first aortic valve repair in a patient of 48 years of age, affected an aneurysm (dilation) of the ascending aorta and severe aortic insufficiency, a procedur...

### TORREVIEJA TO SELL EXPROPRIATED LAND PLOTS

Following the announcement this week that the finance department of Torrevieja town hall has reduced its debt by 8 million euro, and the subsequent discovery that they could have made a lot more, if not for the 16 million euro paid out in “land-grab” cases, the town hall has now revealed a new initiative to make extra funds, by selling some of the land it had expropriated.
Expropriation of land, or “land-grab” as it became commonly known during the times when many cases across the Valencia region where being highlighted by both the press and the courts, allows authorities such as councils to take land from individuals or businesses for development purposes, subject to justified reasons, and convert the land within the Plan General for an alternative purpose.
Many of these cases in the local area have seen the courts favour the previous owner of plots of land, with both Torrevieja and Orihuela during the previous administration of the PP having to pay substantial damages to those who had land taken, after the courts deemed they were inadequately financially compensated in the first place.
The Councillor of Finance in Torrevieja, Joaquín Albaladejo of the ruling Partido Popular government, confirmed that the municipality intends to carry out the sales, as the change in the housing market has meant a change in the needs of the municipality. The councillor also pointed out that some of the plots had already generated interest in the past, in particular the areas around the Ozone leisure centre, the Habaneras shopping centre and the Torreta urbanisations.
Some of the plots in question are currently designated as “green areas”, or parklands, whereas others have the designation of being of use that can change according to the needs of the development intending to be built. Many of the plots in question have been considered to be in municipal hands since 1987.
Torrevieja had faced claims totalling 100 million euro for expropriation, but that figure was reduced to 30 million in total, but even that could have been considerably lower if not for the fact that the courts agreed the payment of interest accrued over the years the land has been in dispute.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42944/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following the announcement this week that the finance department of Torrevieja town hall has reduced its debt by 8 million euro, and the subsequent discovery that they could have made a lot more, if not for the 16 million euro paid out in “land-g...

### Events Diary: Thursday 13th March, 2014

THURSDAY 13th MARCH, 2014
Markets
Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
BARCELONA
European Wind Energy Association Annual Event (Last day).
ENSENYAMENT, Education exhibition (Until 16 Mar).
E-SHOW, International expo and conference on e-commerce (Last day).
ORIHUELA
Photographic exhibition, “Orihuela en su Semana Santa”, La Lonja exhibition hall (Until 13 Mar).
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
Book presentation, “Tiempo de transición” by Patricio Peñalver Ortega, Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner.
Presentation, “Semana Santa 2014”, Auditorio de la Lonja.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Mime artists, Zenia Boulevard.
 
listen to ‘Thursday´s what´s on guide’ on Audioboo

### FREE TICKETS TO WATCH ELCHE CF PLAY FOOTBALL

Residents of Orihuela and the Orihuela Costa are invited to attend a football match this weekend, with Elche CF offering you free admission to their game against Real Betis Balompié.
The match starts at 12:00 on Sunday the 16th of March, at the Martínez Valero stadium. With this match against two of the main players in Spanish football, it´s no wonder the clubs own website has a starting ticket price of 35 euro, but you can enter for free, thanks to their collaboration with the Orihuela town hall.
In order to get your tickets, you must be a registered resident however, and there is a simple form to fill in with your details, available at the town hall, and put your form into the box available there. Once submitted, all you then have to do is collect your tickets at 11:00 on the Sunday morning, an hour before the game starts, and then you can be part of this monumental battle of sporting wills.
Your entry must have been received before Friday of this week though, so you will need to hurry, but with the weather forecast for a bright and sunny day, this could be the free day out for you and your family, surrounded by an atmosphere of drama and excitement, as only one team becomes victorious.
For more information, call into the town hall, where the international office team will be happy to help. The tickets are subject to terms and conditions and limited availability.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42943/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Residents of Orihuela and the Orihuela Costa are invited to attend a football match this weekend, with Elche CF offering you free admission to their game against Real Betis Balompié.
The match starts at 12:00 on Sunday the 16th of March, at the Martínez Valero stadium. With this match against two of the main players in Spanish football, it´s no wonder the clubs own website has a starting ticket price of 35 euro, but you can enter for free, thanks to their collaboration with the Orihuela town hall.
In order to get your tickets, you must be a registered resident however, and there is a simple form to fill in with your details, available at the town hall, and put your form into the box available there. Once submitted, all you then have to do is collect your tickets at 11:00 on the Sunday morning, an hour before the game starts, and then you can be part of this monumental battle of sporting wills.
Your entry must have been received before Friday of this week though, so you will need to hurry, but with the weather forecast for a bright and sunny day, this could be the free day out for you and your family, surrounded by an atmosphere of drama and excitement, as only one team becomes victorious.
For more information, call into the town hall, where the international office team will be happy to help. The tickets are subject to terms and conditions and limited availability.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42943/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### ALICANTE AIRPORT TAXI DRIVERS TO STRIKE FROM THURSDAY

After 14 months of talks the situation regarding pirate taxi's operating from Alicante-Elche Airport is still to be resolved and in the light of a lack of progress in discussions with the Department of Transportation and Elche City Council the Association of Auto-Taxi's Elche have announced a strike that will begin on Thursday until 17 March. 
A spokesman for the Association said there have been 10 meetings between his union and representatives from the Department of Transportation, the City of Elche and airport management and as yet no decisions have been reached despite promises from the authorities that the matter was being treated seriously.
There is still not a regular police presence checking the taxi's at the airport, and neither are there are control measures being applied through the car park barriers. Implementation of both of these measures was promised over a year ago.
As such the Association of Auto-Taxi Elche has decided to close the Radio Taxi service and at Altet Airport from Thursday 13 - 17 March due to the "lack of support from the local administration." "We feel cheated, the City does not support us despite being professionals who have always been willing to work with them, we have been waiting a long time.
We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience that our action will cause to users but the authorities leave us with no way out, "they said in a statement released on Wednesday.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42942/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: After 14 months of talks the situation regarding pirate taxi's operating from Alicante-Elche Airport is still to be resolved and in the light of a lack of progress in discussions with the Department of Transportation and Elche City Council the Association of Auto-Taxi's Elche have announced a strike that will begin on Thursday until 17 March. 
A spokesman for the Association said there have been 10 meetings between his union and representatives from the Department of Transportation, the City of Elche and airport management and as yet no decisions have been reached despite promises from the authorities that the matter was being treated seriously.
There is still not a regular police presence checking the taxi's at the airport, and neither are there are control measures being applied through the car park barriers. Implementation of both of these measures was promised over a year ago.
As such the Association of Auto-Taxi Elche has decided to close the Radio Taxi service and at Altet Airport from Thursday 13 - 17 March due to the "lack of support from the local administration." "We feel cheated, the City does not support us despite being professionals who have always been willing to work with them, we have been waiting a long time.
We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience that our action will cause to users but the authorities leave us with no way out, "they said in a statement released on Wednesday.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42942/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### MURCIA’S RUTH LORENZO EUROVISION BOUND

The Danish Public Broadcaster were in the capitol last week to shoot a clip featuring Spain's Eurovision representative Ruth Lorenzo for airing at the finals of the contest to be held in Copenhagen on 10 May. The filming took place in front of the Royal Astronomical Observatory in Madrid.
The film crew has spent the last 6 months travelling throughout Europe to record short presentations featuring each of the Eurovision participants which  will be used to introduce them to the audience prior to their performance in the finals. In each of the clips the performer has to interpret the flag of their country in an original and fun way. 
The Murcia born singer said that she cannot reveal details of the Madrid filming but she was delighted to play an active part in this venture that, day by day, brings her closer to what will be a very special night.
Lorenzo has just finished recording the video of her song. She said "They have been very demanding days because we have been recording the video. Filming was hard because there has been a lot of water involved and at one stage I thought I might be losing my voice."
She now hopes to spend a short time relaxing with her family before she embarks once again on a series of television programmes and promotions.
Ms Lorenzo, who was an X Factor finalist in 2008 as a member of ‘Team Dannii Minogue' released the song "Dancing in the Rain" last month as one of the Spanish pre-selection entries for the 2014 contest. It quickly became number one on iTunes Spain.  She then went on to win the national final called ‘Mira quién va a Eurovisión' where she initially tied with Spanish singer Brequette. In a nail biting end Lorenzo then prevailed as the televoting winner ensuring that she will be the Spanish representative in Copenhagen at the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest with her song Dancing In The Rain.
The song, international pop song, with vocals in both Castilian and English, is co-written by Ruth Lorenzo along with British musicians Jim Irvin and Julian Emery.
Readers may also remember Ruth Lorenzo following her appearance in Alicante last year when she appeared on the gala concert alongside local artistes celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the Royal British Legion.
Spain has won the contest twice, first in 1968 with the song "La, la, la" sung by Massiel and again one year later, when Salomé's "Vivo cantando" was involved in a four way tie with, amongst others, Lulu's "Boom Bang-a-Bang".Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42940/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Danish Public Broadcaster were in the capitol last week to shoot a clip featuring Spain's Eurovision representative Ruth Lorenzo for airing at the finals of the contest to be held in Copenhagen on 10 May. The filming took place in front of the Royal Astronomical Observatory in Madrid.
The film crew has spent the last 6 months travelling throughout Europe to record short presentations featuring each of the Eurovision participants which  will be used to introduce them to the audience prior to their performance in the finals. In each of the clips the performer has to interpret the flag of their country in an original and fun way. 
The Murcia born singer said that she cannot reveal details of the Madrid filming but she was delighted to play an active part in this venture that, day by day, brings her closer to what will be a very special night.
Lorenzo has just finished recording the video of her song. She said "They have been very demanding days because we have been recording the video. Filming was hard because there has been a lot of water involved and at one stage I thought I might be losing my voice."
She now hopes to spend a short time relaxing with her family before she embarks once again on a series of television programmes and promotions.
Ms Lorenzo, who was an X Factor finalist in 2008 as a member of ‘Team Dannii Minogue' released the song "Dancing in the Rain" last month as one of the Spanish pre-selection entries for the 2014 contest. It quickly became number one on iTunes Spain.  She then went on to win the national final called ‘Mira quién va a Eurovisión' where she initially tied with Spanish singer Brequette. In a nail biting end Lorenzo then prevailed as the televoting winner ensuring that she will be the Spanish representative in Copenhagen at the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest with her song Dancing In The Rain.
The song, international pop song, with vocals in both Castilian and English, is co-written by Ruth Lorenzo along with British musicians Jim Irvin and Julian Emery.
Readers may also remember Ruth Lorenzo following her appearance in Alicante last year when she appeared on the gala concert alongside local artistes celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the Royal British Legion.
Spain has won the contest twice, first in 1968 with the song "La, la, la" sung by Massiel and again one year later, when Salomé's "Vivo cantando" was involved in a four way tie with, amongst others, Lulu's "Boom Bang-a-Bang".Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42940/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### FORMER ELCHE MAYOR AQUITTED OF ABUSE

The former mayor and current councillor of Elche, Alejandro Soler, was found not guilty on Monday, of threats and abuse against his ex wife.
The acquittal was handed down by the Court of Criminal Elche 1, according to a judgment, which had been referred by the High Court of Justice of the Valencian Community (TSJCV).
The judge argued that the allegations "were neither creditable nor proved" and did not consider the alleged victim's statement as sufficient proof of such actions being carried out.
The former mayor was charged with four crimes of violence against his ex wife, two of threats and another two of ill-treatment. The prosecution asked for a sentence of 38 months in prison, while his lawyer asked for an acquittal.
Soler denied all the allegations at his the trial which was held on February 20 and explained that the complaints made for sexist violence were all due to his former wife's attempts at gaining her "revenge" for economic disagreements.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42939/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The former mayor and current councillor of Elche, Alejandro Soler, was found not guilty on Monday, of threats and abuse against his ex wife.
The acquittal was handed down by the Court of Criminal Elche 1, according to a judgment, which had been referred by the High Court of Justice of the Valencian Community (TSJCV).
The judge argued that the allegations "were neither creditable nor proved" and did not consider the alleged victim's statement as sufficient proof of such actions being carried out.
The former mayor was charged with four crimes of violence against his ex wife, two of threats and another two of ill-treatment. The prosecution asked for a sentence of 38 months in prison, while his lawyer asked for an acquittal.
Soler denied all the allegations at his the trial which was held on February 20 and explained that the complaints made for sexist violence were all due to his former wife's attempts at gaining her "revenge" for economic disagreements.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42939/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### VOICE FINALIST IRAILA DIES OF CANCER

Eleven year old Iraila passed away in Valencia on Tuesday following her four year struggle with cancer and her death has touched the hearts of millions of people across Spain.
This young lady was no ordinary 11 year old, something she demonstrated when appearing as a contestant on the Spanish version of The Voice (Kids) TV talent show. 
Iraila provided one of the most emotional moments of the series when she was chosen to continue to the next stage. The youngster broke down in tears when all three of the show's celebrity coaches – Spanish singers Malú, David Bisbal and Rosario Flores – turned round to pick her for their teams.
She decided to go with pop star, 31 year old Malú, who offered her condolences on Twitter on hearing of Iraila's passing.
The competition was filmed last July when she was still healthy Telecinco had been due to broadcast her appearance in the show's second-round “battle phase” on Thursday. At this stage the decision on whether to show the recording has still not been taken as producers Mediaset España and Boomerang TV are traveling to Valencia to speak to the young girl's parents about their wishes.
Coach David Bisbal also expressed his sadness. “I am very moved and speechless over the death of Iraila,” the pop star wrote on Twitter. “Courage and strength to her family.”
Meanwhile Iralia's Facebook page has been inundated by people offering their condolences.
For the period of her illness Iraila was receiving support from the Association Aspanion to which the parents have asked that, rather than sending floral tributes, financial donations be made to help those who are still suffering.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42938/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Eleven year old Iraila passed away in Valencia on Tuesday following her four year struggle with cancer and her death has touched the hearts of millions of people across Spain.
This young lady was no ordinary 11 year old, something she demonstrated whe...

### LOCKED OUT OF SCHOOL IN TORREVIEJA

Children attending the Ciudad de Oviedo school on Tuesday morning found they had been locked out by an anonymous act of sabotage.
Facing closure in the next academic year, with the children having to be relocated, the school has been the scene of a number of protests over recent months. On Tuesday, three padlocks had been placed locking the gates to the grounds, and the locks of those padlocks sealed with silicone to prevent removal.
Nobody has yet claimed responsibility for the act, which is being seen as another form of protest to highlight the plight of the school attendees, but access was achieved at around 10:15 on the same morning, after the Local Police intervened to remove the locks.
The councillor for education in Torrevieja, Rosario Martinez Chazarra, claims that the town hall has done everything it can to prevent the closure, but as the nearby, recently refurbished school, and others around the city have 800 places on offer, they see no need to build this particular school, despite its community driven focus that tenders for an 80% immigrant subscription.
Not only will these local children have to be schooled away from their homes, they will no also be doing so under the threat of subsidy for school buses being withdrawn, thus increasing the educational costs for many who are already struggling in some of the less affluent areas of the city.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42937/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Children attending the Ciudad de Oviedo school on Tuesday morning found they had been locked out by an anonymous act of sabotage.
Facing closure in the next academic year, with the children having to be relocated, the school has been the scene of a nu...

### TORREVIEJA PAID 16 MILLION EURO IN LAND GRAB CASES

Although Torrevieja town hall has reduced their debt by 8 million euro, the reduction could have been considerably more, if it weren´t for the 16 million euro needed to pay in cases of “land grab”.
In order to comply with court rulings over land expropriated in the Plan General, the council has been forced to hand over around 16.2 million euro in tax payer´s money for various plots of land that were acquired for conversion and use for building.
Despite that huge payment for land, the Councillor for Finance, Joaquín Albaladejo, is pleased with the outcome of the budgets and the fact that the government team will not have to raise direct taxes again this next year, although still not ruling out having to take loans to pay for certain elements within the 2014 budgets.
With questions still remaining over the financial burden of the waste collection service, 2014 is looking somewhat brighter for the residents of the city, with Albaladejo confirming that the salaries of those who work for the town hall are safe for this year.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42936/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Although Torrevieja town hall has reduced their debt by 8 million euro, the reduction could have been considerably more, if it weren´t for the 16 million euro needed to pay in cases of “land grab”.
In order to comply with court rulin...

### UNION DENOUNCES REMOVAL OF SUPPORT FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS DURING FIESTAS

A union representing local police officers involved in a team dedicated to protecting the victims of domestic violence, have denounced the local government of Córdoba for removing them from their protection duties during holidays such as Easter.
The Central Sindical Independiente y de Funcionarios, or CSIF, state that under new working conditions being implemented, the officers on the team cannot be held responsible “for the security and integrity of the victims” during Easter, summer and other holiday periods, when they are removed from their dedicated roles to fulfil other duties, still expected to fill their roles, but “in a secondary level without direct attention”.
Despite increasing campaigns for raising security and awareness of the victims of domestic violence, and the alarming sudden increase in reported cases in the run up to International Women´s Day, the union believe that this move will be of “enormous damage” to those people who need help for suffering or have suffered physical or verbal attacks by their partners or former partners.
An attempt to remove officers from the sensitive team was implemented in February of last year, despite being dismissed as “nonsense” at the time, later to be revoked, just a few months after it had started, on account of the need for a dedicated unit such as this.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42935/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A union representing local police officers involved in a team dedicated to protecting the victims of domestic violence, have denounced the local government of Córdoba for removing them from their protection duties during holidays such as Easter....

### Things to do: Wednesday 12th March, 2014

WEDNESDAY 12th MARCH, 2014
Markets
Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
BARCELONA
European Wind Energy Association Annual Event (Until 13 Mar).
ENSENYAMENT, Education exhibition (Until 16 Mar).
E-SHOW, International expo and conference on e-commerce (Until 13 Mar).
ORIHUELA
Photographic exhibition, “Orihuela en su Semana Santa”, La Lonja exhibition hall (Until 13 Mar).
“Miguel Hernández. 50 x 50”. Orihuela, 22 years later, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios, (Until 22 Apr).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Playstation games, Zenia Boulevard.
listen to ‘Wednesday 12th March, 2014, What´s On’ on Audioboo

 

### TORREVIEJA REDUCE ANNUAL DEBT BY 8 MILLION EUROS

The Councillor of Finance, Joaquin Albaladejo, stressed that the debt of the consistory of Torrevieja has been reduced by more than 14 percentage points, from 86.44% at December 31st, 2012, to 71.88% at December 31st 2013.
The city of Torrevieja is therefor on budget stability, with a positive net saving in the Sanitation Plan, ordered by the central government.
Joaquín Albaladejo has emphasized that the management and work of all the councilors of the government team of Torrevieja (PP) resulted in a reduction of current expenses of 14.55% compared with 2012.
After this improvement of the economic situation in the City of Torrevieja to December 31, 2013, there will be no need for the government team to raise taxes. It will also  ensure payment of salaries for all employees of the City.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42934/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Councillor of Finance, Joaquin Albaladejo, stressed that the debt of the consistory of Torrevieja has been reduced by more than 14 percentage points, from 86.44% at December 31st, 2012, to 71.88% at December 31st 2013.
The city of Torrevieja is th...

### ENGLISH CRICKET'S NEXT GENERATION HONE SKILLS AT LA MANGA CLUB   DETAILS

La Manga Club is playing its part in helping nurture the future stars of English cricket after hosting the Tom Maynard Trust Academy as part of a warm weather pre-season tour.
Spain's flagship resort hosted a 40-over match where 11 of the country's elite and emerging cricketers from eight professional county teams faced a select Spanish XI as part of their pre-season preparations.  
The academy was set up in Tom's name following his tragic death in 2012 and is coached by his father – ex-Glamorgan and England star Matthew Maynard. It supports young cricketers making their way in the game through the provision of financial support and education to help guide players through a career in sport.
After electing to bat first, the Tom Maynard Trust XI posted a total of 227 for 9 including 57 from Warwickshire's Jon Webb. There were strong bowling performances from Spain's Ravi Panchal (3 for 41) and Farhat Mahmood (3 for 19).
The Select XI had high hopes of reaching their target but the pace of England's elite youth players proved too much and the Spanish side could only manage 177 all out in reply.
Andy House, the event organiser from Sport Europe, said: “Credit has to be given to the Spanish side. To get within 50 runs of such strong opponents shows the significant progress Spanish cricket has made.
“We received some excellent feedback from the trust academy. They were grateful to face opposition of such a high standard to ensure that a good work out was had at the end of a week of intense training in Almeria.”
The Tom Maynard Trust Academy is the latest team to take advantage of the first-class facilities that make La Manga Club the premier sports and leisure destination in Europe.
County and international teams regularly use the award-winning venue as a warm-weather training base, and the addition of the two regulation club turf pitches and four full-length nets has helped to cement the resort's standing as the ‘home of cricket in Spain'.
Boasting an average 300 days' sun a year, the Mediterranean climate makes it possible to train outdoors in the sunshine all-year round and La Manga Club also stages a series of popular Cricket España junior cricket academies during school holidays.
La Manga Club's outstanding sports facilities are just part of the overall attraction of Europe's number one sport and leisure resort. Three 18-hole championship golf courses, a 28-court tennis centre and a 2,000sqm spa complex are just some of the facilities on offer in addition to more than 20 restaurants and bars and a five-star hotel.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42933/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: La Manga Club is playing its part in helping nurture the future stars of English cricket after hosting the Tom Maynard Trust Academy as part of a warm weather pre-season tour.
Spain's flagship resort hosted a 40-over match where 11 of the country's el...

### TORREVIEJA GREENS CONCERNED OVER ORIHUELA CORRUPTION

Council members from Torrevieja´s Los Verdes green party are asking to see contracts relating to the government´s expenditure for Torrevieja´s involvement in the FITUR tourism event.
The request has come about following the head of the PP in Orihuela, Pepa Ferrando, being charged with criminal offences relating to the award of work, with allegations that the official public tender process was bypassed, by splitting contracts into amounts that fell within the amount where work can be allocated without going through the procedure, but always awarded to the same companies.
The Los Verdes in Torrevieja are suspicious that the same activity could have taken place in contracts awarded by the town hall there, and therefore wish to confirm whether there has been any wrongdoing by the PP in Torrevieja, as is the case in Orihuela, when Ferrando was the councillor for tourism, during the previous government administration.
According to the Los Verdes in a statement, the proceedings opened by the Alicante Provincial Prosecutor make it abundantly clear that recruitment of these services by the municipality of Orihuela could have committed a number of criminal offenses due to alleged rigging of procurement procedures, for the sole purpose of infringing and violating the principles governing the Contracts of Public Administrations.
Ferrando meanwhile has issued a statement protesting her innocence, claiming to have written to the judge to request a speedy hearing, at which time she is in no doubt that her innocence will be proven. Ferrando has also refused to step down as Mayoral candidate and head of the party, on account of her claims of innocence.
Ferrando took over as the head of the PP after Mónica Lorente was forced to step aside, given the rules of the regional PP that anybody charged in connection with corruption cases would not be allowed to lead or stand for election. A number of other PP members are currently facing corruption charges and have not yet asked for speedy trials.
The Los Verdes in Torrevieja hope that by the government team agreeing to disclose the documents to them, they will be able to confirm whether or not Torrevieja´s involvement may be subject to similar scrutiny. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42931/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Council members from Torrevieja´s Los Verdes green party are asking to see contracts relating to the government´s expenditure for Torrevieja´s involvement in the FITUR tourism event.
The request has come about following the head of t...

### Daily Events: Tuesday 11th March, 2014

TUESDAY 11th MARCH, 2014
World Day of Muslim Culture, Peace, Dialogue and Film.
Markets
Alicante, (Rastro), Aspe, Altea, Benijofar, ORIHUELA, San Fulgencio.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
BARCELONA
European Wind Energy Association Annual Event (Until 13 Mar).
ORIHUELA
Photographic exhibition, “Orihuela en su Semana Santa”, La Lonja exhibition hall (Until 13 Mar).
Tourism conference, “Improving tourism”, María Moliner Library.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Latino Mariachi Show, Zenia Boulevard.

listen to ‘What´s On - Tuesday 11 March 2014’ on Audioboo
 

### Inauguration of N-332 Footbridge at La Regia

The inauguration of the first of 3 footbridges being built on the Orihuela Costa in Spain.
This one, opened today, is at La Regia, over the N-332 main road.
For more details, including information on the history of this bridge, and the others, visit the website, http://www.theleader.info

### VUELING APPROVE USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES ON BOARD

Spanish airline Vueling has approved the use of electronic devices during take-off and landing, stating in a press release that “from March 10th, the use of electronic devices on board of our flights is allowed in all flight phases”.
However, those who fear noisy texts and loud conversations need not worry just yet, as the devices will have to be in “airplane mode”, thus unable to transmit or receive data. You will be able to play your favourite off-line game, read a book, catch up on a bit of work, or your downloaded TV show or film, in fact any of the facilities that these intelligent devices offer, just without the connection element.
Bearing in mind the restriction on transmission, the company now advise that you are able to use a wide range of devices, including mobile phones / smartphones, electronic tablets, electronic and personal noise cancelling headphones, MP3 / MP4 and music digital players, handheld portable electronic games, laptops and notebooks, E-readers, bluetooth devices, personal photo and video cameras (not professional), and handheld DVD/CD players.
The company also states that “Transport of medical electronic devices needed to maintain physiological functions of passengers, is allowed only if those devices do not transmit or have a transmitter mode”.
The company had previously announced that Wi-Fi will be available on board in the not too distant future, albeit at a cost, but this is all good news for the electronic generation, who will no longer have to surrender their personal devices in favour of looking out the window or simply watching fellow passengers, as your fingertip world will be with you on board.
There are still some restrictions relating to safety procedures, but these are all available on their website, www.vueling.com, and some of the information forms part of the typical satefy briefing before flight.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42930/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spanish airline Vueling has approved the use of electronic devices during take-off and landing, stating in a press release that “from March 10th, the use of electronic devices on board of our flights is allowed in all flight phases”.
Howev...

### LA REGIA FOOTBRIDGE IS OPEN TO PEDESTRIANS

The mayor of Orihuela, Monserrate Guillén, Councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer , along with councillors Rosa Martínez and Antonio Zapata from the PSOE, Luis Galiano from the Los Verdes and Bob Houliston from CLARO, officially opened the pedestrian footbridge over the N-332 main road at La Regia on Monday.
Both Scheurer in her opening speech, and Guillén, reminded the gathered crowds how the bridge had been asked for by residents since 2009, largely due to the large amount of pedestrians who visit the health centre, commercial and residential zones, but the previous requests had been rejected by the ruling Partido Popular government at the time, despite the possibility of funding from the central government.
Therefore, the decision was eventually made to pay for the bridge in the 2012 municipal budget, with the current government team collectively approving the plans originally requested by the PSOE, approved by the Los Verdes.
For his part, Guillén pointed out that the government are still working on development plans to provide bridges in other areas of the municipality, including Playa Flamenca and Punta Prima, to add to the other two bridges shortly to be opened in the coastal zone.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42929/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The mayor of Orihuela, Monserrate Guillén, Councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer , along with councillors Rosa Martínez and Antonio Zapata from the PSOE, Luis Galiano from the Los Verdes and Bob Houliston from CLARO, officially opene...

### TV ADVERT MADE FOR LOCAL FILM COMPANY

On the 8th March, Siesta Productions shot a commercial at The Bog Road Pub in Cabo Riog with Viva TV and local actors, including Caoimhe O'Shea, Charlotte Howarth, Yvonne Haughton, Zak Lloyd Rush, Mike Oates, Clive Gray, Richard Williams Pearce, Austin Robert O'Rourke, Verity Jo Spencer Hall, Hefina Oates, Bev McEwan and Billie Anthony Gaddess. 
Joining the team on set will be a Hollywood star and a top British actor. This will be broadcast on TV and across the Internet to advertise how both the public and local businesses large and small can get involved with the making of the film. Siesta Productions are determined to put this area on the map as regards Film and TV making are concerned and have a number of other projects in the pipeline.
For as little as 10 Euro you, as a member of the public, will be helping to put Torrevieja and the Costa Blanca on the film makers map and have your name in the credits of a movie shown around the world in cinema's and on TV.
Alternatively you can product place your business or product in the movie at very low cost, and why wouldn't you want global advertising. It is understood that the action will take place between Benidorm, Torrevieja and Cartagena on land sea and in the air to make the spy comedy thriller penned by a local writer.
For product placement, crowd-funding donations, or simply to contact Siesta Productions, visit the web site at www.siestafilmproductions.com or email info@siestafilmproductions.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42928/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On the 8th March, Siesta Productions shot a commercial at The Bog Road Pub in Cabo Riog with Viva TV and local actors, including Caoimhe O'Shea, Charlotte Howarth, Yvonne Haughton, Zak Lloyd Rush, Mike Oates, Clive Gray, Richard Williams Pearce, Austin...

### OSCAR DE ALFONSO HAS BEEN RE-ELECTED AS GRAND MASTER OF THE GRAND LODGE OF SPAIN.

On Saturday 8th March 592 Past Master Masons in Spain exercised their right to vote in the elections, in which the candidate Oscar de Alfonso obtained 92% of the votes.
With this result, Spanish Masonry will continue the stage of renovation and openness commenced in 2010.
"The Grand Lodge of Spain has lived these last four years in an atmosphere of transparency, peace and stability. This situation has allowed for intense work in such areas as Masonic training, the publication of books and texts, the modernization of administrative and communications and promotion of Freemasonry in our social environment.
It is now time to take a step forward and embrace the society in which we live without complex in order that we may publicize the values we defend", explained the Grand Master.
The Grand Lodge of Spain is the most extended masonic institution in the country, to which nine out of ten Spanish masons belong.
In addition to representing the whole practice of Spanish Freemasonry, it is also the depositary of its historic legacy, by integrating with the Spanish Grand Orient founded in 1889, and is the only Spanish body with Masonic ties of friendship and gratitude with 174 large regular Grand Lodges from around the world.
In our Province ballot boxes were manned and  placed in Valencia, Javea and Ciudad Quesada.
A very high turnout was made by the Past Masters of the Valencian Province who voted in overwhelming favour of our newly re-elected Grand Master Oscar de Alfonso.
Spanish Freemason of the Year Award is presented to a Valencian Freemason
At the annual Grand Lodge of Spain´s National Freemasons Assembly held on Saturday 8th March in Madrid, a Valencian Freemason was honoured with the very special award of  “Spanish Freemason of the Year”. Here we can see the newly re-elected Grand Master of Spain (on the left) awarding the certificate to Barrie Roy Mansell, the Provincial Grand Master of Valencia.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42925/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: On Saturday 8th March 592 Past Master Masons in Spain exercised their right to vote in the elections, in which the candidate Oscar de Alfonso obtained 92% of the votes.
With this result, Spanish Masonry will continue the stage of renovation and openness commenced in 2010.
"The Grand Lodge of Spain has lived these last four years in an atmosphere of transparency, peace and stability. This situation has allowed for intense work in such areas as Masonic training, the publication of books and texts, the modernization of administrative and communications and promotion of Freemasonry in our social environment.
It is now time to take a step forward and embrace the society in which we live without complex in order that we may publicize the values we defend", explained the Grand Master.
The Grand Lodge of Spain is the most extended masonic institution in the country, to which nine out of ten Spanish masons belong.
In addition to representing the whole practice of Spanish Freemasonry, it is also the depositary of its historic legacy, by integrating with the Spanish Grand Orient founded in 1889, and is the only Spanish body with Masonic ties of friendship and gratitude with 174 large regular Grand Lodges from around the world.
In our Province ballot boxes were manned and  placed in Valencia, Javea and Ciudad Quesada.
A very high turnout was made by the Past Masters of the Valencian Province who voted in overwhelming favour of our newly re-elected Grand Master Oscar de Alfonso.
Spanish Freemason of the Year Award is presented to a Valencian Freemason
At the annual Grand Lodge of Spain´s National Freemasons Assembly held on Saturday 8th March in Madrid, a Valencian Freemason was honoured with the very special award of  “Spanish Freemason of the Year”. Here we can see the newly re-elected Grand Master of Spain (on the left) awarding the certificate to Barrie Roy Mansell, the Provincial Grand Master of Valencia.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42925/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### SPAIN WELCOMED OVER 7.66 MILLION CRUISE TOURISTS IN 2013

Spanish ports received more than 7.66 million cruise passengers during 2013, which indicates an increase of 1.3% compared to the year before, and 3,846 boats of this type stopped in Spain, 3.3% more when compared to 2012, according to the State Ports, which cited 1.255 million euros as the amount of business generated by this industry.
Of the more than 60 million tourists that visited Spain, close to 5 million were cruise ship passengers, which means that around 8% of international tourism that came to our country did so through a port. Total employment - direct, indirect, and inferred - generated by the cruise ship industry rose to 26,389 people last year.
During 2013, Spanish ports registered around 19 million euros as the rate of the fare applied to the passengers of cruises during the last year.
In total, 100,284 more cruise passengers than before were counted, keeping in mind that during 2012, a drop of 5.38% in the number of cruise passengers that came to national territory was recorded, with 4.69% less ships.
Close to the 2011 ship record
Considering everything, during the last year, Spanish ports came near the record achieved in 2011 in cruise ship ports of call, which was 3,900 ships of this type. In the last decade, this sector has grown 275%, surpassing 2.7 million visitors to the current 7.6 million.
According to these facts, the ports of the Mediterranean are the preferred destination of cruise passengers, since 68% of passengers, 5.2 million people, came in at one of its ports. In this area, Barcelona and the Balearic Islands deserve special attention, which monopolized 79% of cruise ship tourism from the Mediterranean and 54% of the total for Spain.
It is also worth mentioning that the figures obtained by the port of Valencia (473,000 cruise passengers) were 1.48% less; Malaga (397,000 cruise passengers), with 39% less, and Cartagena (135,000 cruise passengers), 60% more in the last year.
In the peninsular Atlantic and Cantabrian areas, 2013 closed with 825,000 cruise passengers, with standout increases in Bahia de Cadiz (+12%), with more than 375,000 travelers; Vigo with 171,000 travelers (-28%), and A Coruña, with 157,000 passengers, 11.3% more.
In their own way, Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife maintained their supplies throughout practically the whole year, consolidating the Canary archipelago as the third most active market in all of Spain, with a total of 1.6 million passengers.
Barcelona and Balearic Islands on the top
According to the most recent facts at the European levels, Barcelona continues to be the European leader and the fourth world port regarding boarding and unloading, and together with the Balearic Islands, when all the islands are totaled, take fifth place in Europe and 16th in the world.
For 2014, State Ports confirmed the arrival of the biggest cruise ship in the world, the 'Allure of the Seas,' from Royal Caribbean, with a 6,000 passenger capacity, in at least three Spanish ports: Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and Malaga.
The estimates done by various institutions cite the average spending per cruise passenger at between 50 and 75 euros each day when talking about cruises that dock, and between 200 and 300 euros/day if the cruise uses the port as a base.
 “Blue Carpet” Campaign
With this inventory, Spanish ports will turn to the Miami Sea-trade Festival of 2014, which will be held March 10th-13th, its 30th celebration. It's the most important forum of the sector at the worldwide level, where more than 800 companies from all over the world gather.
It's important to remember that the American market is the most potent in this sector and it makes up more than half of cruise passengers in the whole world.
The Spanish pavilion at the festival, under the slogan 'Blue Carpet', will display their offers during the most important competition in the world for the cruise industry, where the Port Authorities and Ports of the Generalitat will meet in their close to 600 sq. m; in addition to around 70 companies from the port community, businesses, city halls, and trustees, etc.
State Ports launched a campaign in 2013 named 'Blue Carpet' based on the concept that ports are the gateway to our country.
Among the companies that will promote their services and products in the Spanish pavilion are Trasmediterranea, the tourism operator BC Agency, Berge, Bodegas Enate, Freixenet, Mahou-San Miguel, who will present the Spanish brand as a destination that allows tourists access to cultural, gastronomic, scenic, and recreational offerings from Heliocare, IFC, and Natura Bisse (cosmetic), as well as Borges, Chocolates Valor, Licor 43, and Porto-Muiños, which will provide their products for the restaurant for 'Ports of Spain.'
Source: tourism-review.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42923/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spanish ports received more than 7.66 million cruise passengers during 2013, which indicates an increase of 1.3% compared to the year before, and 3,846 boats of this type stopped in Spain, 3.3% more when compared to 2012, according to the State Ports, ...

### U3A DENIA

'Come and meet the new committee at our monthly meeting on Thursday 20  March, at the Casa de Cultura, Denia. 10:30 for 11:00am.  
Our speaker for the month is Catherine Belsey,  a local chiropractor.
What are your interests?  We are looking to start some new activity groups and would welcome participation from new as well as existing members.  Our weekly timetable already includes Bridge, Ballroom Dancing, Chess, Canasta, Petanque, Play reading, Racquetball and Rummikubs to name but a few.  Check out our website and join online at u3adenia.org. 
Existing members are  reminded to make sure they have renewed their membership before the end of  March. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42919/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: 'Come and meet the new committee at our monthly meeting on Thursday 20  March, at the Casa de Cultura, Denia. 10:30 for 11:00am.  
Our speaker for the month is Catherine Belsey,  a local chiropractor.
What are your interests?  We are looking to start...

### SCOTTISH TOURIST DIES IN SPAIN

A Scots tourist has died after falling from a hotel balcony while on holiday with friends in Spain.
Popular women's football coach Morgan Lynn, 25, who grew up in Hawick and played for Borders Ladies, was on holiday with two friends when she plunged from her fifth hotel room in Benidorm.
Local police and the Foreign Office said the tragic incident happened at 3am after the Royal Bank of Scotland worker had been out the previous night with her friends for a few drinks before returning to the Hotel Gala Placidia.
Ms Lynn had been residing in Edinburgh and was a coach with Hibs Ladies.
A Foreign office spokesman said:"We are providing consular assistance to the family at this sad time."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42914/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A Scots tourist has died after falling from a hotel balcony while on holiday with friends in Spain.
Popular women's football coach Morgan Lynn, 25, who grew up in Hawick and played for Borders Ladies, was on holiday with two friends when she plunged from her fifth hotel room in Benidorm.
Local police and the Foreign Office said the tragic incident happened at 3am after the Royal Bank of Scotland worker had been out the previous night with her friends for a few drinks before returning to the Hotel Gala Placidia.
Ms Lynn had been residing in Edinburgh and was a coach with Hibs Ladies.
A Foreign office spokesman said:"We are providing consular assistance to the family at this sad time."Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42914/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### What´s On: Monday 10th March, 2014

MONDAY 10th MARCH, 2014
Markets
Cox, Elche, Formentera, La Nucia, San Pedro del Pinatar, Santa Pola, Sax, Torremendo.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
BARCELONA
European Wind Energy Association Annual Event (Until 13 Mar).
ORIHUELA COSTA
12:00 – Official opening of the new footbridge at La Regia.
Lunes de baile, dance spectacular, Zenia Boulevard.

listen to ‘What´s On: Monday 10th March, 2014’ on Audioboo

### BENIDORM CAR THIEF TAKES CAR WITH CHILD INSIDE

Officers from the local police in Benidorm have arrested a 35 year old male, believed to be of Serbian nationality, after he stole a car from outside a car dealership, in which a child under 7 years of age was left sleeping.
The incident occurred on Saturday morning when the owners of the Citroen C5 had left the car, with the keys in the ignition, and the child asleep, in order for them to look at another car in the showroom on avenida Comunidad Valenciana
It is believed that the thief was not aware of the child being inside the vehicle, and just saw an opportunity to steal the vehicle on account of the keys being left inside. The car sped away from the scene, causing the wheels to spin and skid, which alerted the owners that it was being stolen, as it fled in the direction of Altea.
A local police patrol who were in the area also heard the skis, which alerted them to a situation taking place, and managed to intercept the vehicle just 200 metres from where it was taken from.
The man remains in custody pending confirmation of his identity, as the police have identified two different records of whom he claims to be, one with a recorded criminal past.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42913/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the local police in Benidorm have arrested a 35 year old male, believed to be of Serbian nationality, after he stole a car from outside a car dealership, in which a child under 7 years of age was left sleeping.
The incident occurred on S...

### THE LEADER IS OUT NOW IN VIRTUAL FORM

This week´s copy of The Leader newspaper is out now, in virtual form at least. You can visit our dedicated website to read it, by clicking the link http://www.virtualleader.info/issue-510-10-march-2014
The real, paper version will be out in the morning, in hundreds of venues across the Costa Blanca, so make sure you pick up your copy to be first for all the latest news.
This week, there are a lot of good news stories, increases in flights for summer, more people finding work, especially in Orihuela, and all the latest sports too, as well as politics and a healthy helping of corruption and crime.
Not forgetting our comprehensive TV listings, the classifieds section, quiz page and special features, so make sure you pick up your own copy in the morning, but for now, why not check out the virtual version here.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42911/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: This week´s copy of The Leader newspaper is out now, in virtual form at least. You can visit our dedicated website to read it, by clicking the link http://www.virtualleader.info/issue-510-10-march-2014
The real, paper version will be out in the ...

### ELCHE WELL BEATEN IN BARCELONA

Espanyol   3    Elche   1 Whereas the major half of Spain's second city was in mourning as mighty Barcelona inexplicably lost on Saturday to lowly Valladolid, their little brothers Espanyol comfortably put Elche away in the sunshine on Sunday.
 A 2 – 0 half-time lead was increased to three on the hour, with Elche grabbing a late consolation goal in the closing minutes. No captain and left back Albacar again for Elche, last week his return prompted a hugely-welcome 1 – 0 win over Celta Vigo.
Cisma deputised ably once more, otherwise the Franjiverdes were at full strength with the same team that finished against Celta, Coro returning to face his old club. But the worst start for the visitors came as early as the second minute when David Lopez opened the scoring to home delight after only two minutes . It was all over as a contest on twenty minutes when Collotto made it two, Elche vainly chasing the game from then on. When Pizzi made it three on the hour it was abundantly clear there was going to be no other result, despite Elche coach Escriba using all his options bringing on Fidel for Manu del Moral, Boakye for Christian Herrera and central defender Peligrin for the injured Botia.
In a farcical final few minutes a corner by Damian Suarez was returned by Fidel only for Fuentes to put through his own goal, to make the score a bit more repectable for the Franjiverdes.  With wins by mid-table rivals Granada, third-bottom Valladolid and bottom-place Real Betis Elche should continue to be worried, with other key results not yet in. Next week at the Martinez Valero Elche entertain bottom-placed Betis, who are enjoying something of a revival lately after looking certainties for relegation earlier this season.
Their home form is OK, but away Betis haven't won a game, conceding a massive 35 in 13 games. Shot- shy Elche, 24 goals in 27 games did win in at the Seville club 1 – 0 in October, so now the Franjiverdes have a great opportunity to take three more vitally important points in the quest to stay up in La Liga. What an achievement that would be in their first season back in the hierarchy of Spanish football - in World Cup year where Spain are the reigning champions.
Can Elche stay up with eleven games to go? Mucho Elche!
Photo: www.elchecf.es
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42909/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Espanyol   3    Elche   1 Whereas the major half of Spain's second city was in mourning as mighty Barcelona inexplicably lost on Saturday to lowly Valladolid, their little brothers Espanyol comfortably put Elche away in the sunshine on Sunday.
 A 2 &n...

### READY FOR A GREAT SUMMER TAKE-OFF FOR ALICANTE-ELCHE AIRPORT

The 2014 summer seasons looks set to offer a welcome relief to the tourism sector in Spain, with an anticipated increase in international visitors to the country, with the Costa Blanca looking to be in a particularly favourable position.
The director of airport operator AENA, Santiago Martínez-Cava, has announced that Alicante-Elche airport is already anticipating 10 million passengers by the end of the year. In this summer alone, which starts on the 30th of March, there are 8.3 million seats available to passengers, representing an increase of 2.8%.
Europe is still the most popular destination of all aircraft movements, with around 40,000 of the anticipated 47,132 aircraft movements now scheduled at Alicante-Elche covering the continent, an increase of 0.8% compared to the summer of 2013, a total increase of 3% of all flights compared to last year, with some 80% of all passengers travelling from outside Spain, with an anticipated total of 7.2 million people travelling within Europe. 
The United Kingdom remains the top destination with 45% of total passenger traffic, although the number of seats for this summer has collectively dropped by 2.1%, the route from London Gatwick to Alicante-Elche has increased by 6%.
Russia is the fastest growing destination, with a 68.4% increase in the supply of seats and a 70.3% increase in flights, with almost daily flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg, proving the delicateness and obvious concerns of the stability of the political situation in the country. The next biggest increase is Switzerland, with an increase of 24.8% of seats and 19% more flights, then Belgium with 14.9% more seats and 16.4% more flights.
Flights to Algeria have also seen significant growth, with 29.5% more flights and a 43% increase in seats offered by Vueling on the route to Oran. In total, the annual movement with the North African country is 150,000 passengers, an increase from the 20,000 passengers just a few years ago, almost all linked to trade and business, and Algerians currently seen as being amongst the leaders in terms of foreign investment and the purchase of second homes.
Germany is set to increase with 7.2% more seats and 6.2% more flights, with Norwegian Airlines covering new routes to Cologne, Hamburg and Munich, competing directly with Air Berlin. 
In total, this year sees an additional 15 routes added to the Alicante-Elche schedule, with two brand new destinations never before served from Alicante. Those new routes are to Santander in the north of Spain, where many domestic tourists live until they spend the summer at their costal homes, and Rome in Italy, both destinations being offered to airlines with a huge discount to operators to encourage the growth of the routes.
Domestic flights are also offering a positive forecast in the summer, with Ryanair reopening the route to Santiago de Compostela, closed in October 2013, and Vueling´s Santander route, collectively looking at carrying some 8,000 passengers. In addition, strengthened routes to Bilbao, as well as the Canary and Balearic Islands, are all offering a positive outlook.
But, despite the growth forecast, there is one casualty in terms of passenger numbers, that is the flights covering the route between Alicante-Elche and the capital of Madrid, a route which did carry some 800,000 passengers, now barely appealing to 250,000 users per year, the vast majority of which are for interconnecting flights, a significant decline which has been put firmly on the conscience of the operator of the new high speed train link from the capital, seemingly offering a cheaper, and more direct service to the passengers who are now opting to take the train over the plane.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42908/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The 2014 summer seasons looks set to offer a welcome relief to the tourism sector in Spain, with an anticipated increase in international visitors to the country, with the Costa Blanca looking to be in a particularly favourable position.
The director ...

### TORREVIEJA LOCAL POLICE GET TWO NEW VANS

Torrevieja local police have taken delivery of two new vans this week, the last two vehicles outstanding from the 734,368 euro lease for 17 vehicles to replace the existing fleet. Most of these cars can be observed on a regular basis parked outside the police station, never used.
These new vehicles are specifically for use by the Grupo de Refuerzo Operativo (GRO) teams, have a 2 litre diesel engine, with 9 seats, GPS tracking devices and law enforcement tools.
The delivery comes in the same week that the Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, announced that the town hall has been granted permission to use one of the buildings in the harbour area which will be converted into an operational centre for the police.
The building is just across the road from the former tourist information office situated at Plaza Capdepont in Torrevieja, which was converted into a police station in August, specifically for use by the GRO operational task force, which was therefore subject to work to convert the building for use at an annual saving of 22,000 euro per year in rent, with the only cost being the refurbishment of that office for its 6 month life, and the cost to refurbish the new centre.
In July of last year, the mayor also announced that the police administrative unit for foreigners currently based at the Parque del Molino de Torrevieja, will move to the new site on calle Arquitecto Larramendi, which has around three times the space of the previous office.
Many of the operational police officers themselves have been complaining about lack of payment for overtime, particularly when working as part of the GRO teams, poor management, time and roster issues and other human resource matters, which have been highlighted through questions raised by the Los Verdes group in the plenary meeting. Officers have themselves staged a number of demonstrations over their working conditions.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42907/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Torrevieja local police have taken delivery of two new vans this week, the last two vehicles outstanding from the 734,368 euro lease for 17 vehicles to replace the existing fleet. Most of these cars can be observed on a regular basis parked outside the...

### BRIDGES NEAR COMPLETION IN ORIHUELA NEWS

The new footbridge over the N-332 road at La Regia will be officially opened on Monday at noon by the Mayor of the municipality, Monseratte Guillén, bridging the gap for many a resident who have suffered for years waiting for the promise of a safe passage to be realised. IN addition, the footbridge over the AP-7 motorway near to the new school has been put in place this week, with each half being dropped into position on two consecutive nights, set to open in a matter of weeks, and the third bridge over the motorway near to the Zenia Boulevard has also made considerable progress, collectively all on target to open, on schedule, by the end of the month.
Planning work on improving the access in the La Zenia area which aims to reduce traffic on the N-332 roundabout is continuing to progress. The engineers have now created the next stage of plans, which will be informally presented to the ministry this week, including the miniroundabout at the access road to the pending emergency centre, then formally proposed, on the condition that they are suitable. Similarly, the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, has now arranged for a meeting with the senior management of the Consum supermarket chain, which will take place on Tuesday, to see if they are willing to assist in easing the problem. The provision of additional parking in the area has also begun, with new glass recycling bins replacing those located in the car park where the taxi rank is located, thus freeing up some parking spaces, and the cabin will be removed shortly to provide more.
The ministry responsible for the N-332 road has also now granted permission for aesthetic work to be carried out on two of the main roundabouts on the southern entrance to the Orihuela Costa, which have become shoddy looking over recent years. According to the councillor for the coast, the ministry had previously authorised the work to take place, but it had never been auctioned by the town hall. Therefore, the permission process had to start again to enable the current team to carry out the work.
Permission has also been granted by the coastal department for the town hall to carry out work to repave the Paseo Maritimo at Punta Prima. This work had also been delayed after the current councillor had to reapply for permission, but it will now go ahead, although in stages so as to minimise the disturbance during the work, which will not be finished until after Easter, due to the enormity of the project. This work is being funded by a developer who gave a commitment to provide additional funding as part of their deal to build a commercial centre. Similarly, at the end of this week, the coastal councillor, Martina Scheurer, advised The Leader that, “We also have received the missing authorisation of the Ministry of Costas to allow us to build the piece of the Paseo Maritimo which is missing in Cala Capitán on the left side.” 
Town hall staff are currently in the process of trying to repair and replace elements of street furniture and fixtures, including items such as the new ping-pong tables and benches. Where broken benches are found, they are being replaced or repaired, and where there are areas with too many benches, consideration is being given to relocate them to more suitable sites. Similarly, the councillor for the coast is interested to hear from any residents who would like to suggest a location for a new bench, by contacting the International Residents office in the town hall, on residentes@orihuela.es,  and the town hall will consider those suggestions.
A new feature is being installed at the municipal workshop located on Calle Arco Iris on the Orihuela Costa, which will enable the town hall workers to grow their own plants and flowers, which can subsequently be used for improving the image of the coast, at a minimum cost to the public purse. Plants and flowers will be grown from seeds at the facility, and then planted around the area as workers go about their usual maintenance tasks.
The councillor for the coast, and other representatives from the town hall, joined with their colleagues from across the Costa Blanca at an official ceremony held in Benidorm on Friday, in which the municipality collected their “Q” for quality flags, the first awards to be collected prior to the 2014 summer season.
The tenders for operating the chiringuito beach bars on the Orihuela Costa have now been accepted, after administrators checked the validity of those who entered. The next formal meeting where the tenders are opened will take place this week. The two previous objections filed with the town hall have been rejected, as the quality standard clause is not as restrictive as believed, as it does allow for operators to have quality standards “similar to” those mentioned. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42906/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The new footbridge over the N-332 road at La Regia will be officially opened on Monday at noon by the Mayor of the municipality, Monseratte Guillén, bridging the gap for many a resident who have suffered for years waiting for the promise of a sa...

### TORREVIEJA TO EXTEND GARBAGE CONTRACT

Despite being expected for the last ten years, Torrevieja town hall has been unable to commence the tender process for a new contractor to carry out waste collection in the city, and has therefore taken the option to extend the existing contract for up to another 12 months.
As previously reported in recent weeks, the plan to readdress the waste disposal needs of a city that has grown in ten years wasn´t without disagreement, including threats of industrial action, but as the contract was believed to have been originally awarded incorrectly, as proven by the conviction of the former mayor of the city, Pedro Hernández Mateo, given 3 years in prison for his part in rigging the contract, it will now continue as before.
There have been numerous technical and legal reports by city officials warning of serious breaches of the terms of the contract, and numerous calls for it to be terminated prematurely, none of which have been heeded by either the former mayor, or the current head of the city, Eduardo Dolón.
Even now, ten years after the award, when financial experts state that the contract cannot be maintained within budget, and that the equipment failures and performance issues will mean a poorer service in the future, there still has not been enough time to tender the contract for a replacement that could have meant an improvement in service, and a potential saving to the tax payer.
This latest chapter in the story of a bleak history of the city has angered many, and resulted in accusations of incompetence of the government team, as well as their ability to manage the procurement process.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42905/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Despite being expected for the last ten years, Torrevieja town hall has been unable to commence the tender process for a new contractor to carry out waste collection in the city, and has therefore taken the option to extend the existing contract for up...

### ORIHUELA LEADS THE WAY IN UNEMPLOYMENT REDUCTION

The number of registered unemployed people in Spain fell in February, with a total of 1,949 people now finding work, compared to January, representing the first fall in February since 2007with a total of unemployed people now standing at 4,812,486. 
In addition to the drop in unemployment figures, the Social Security contributors increased by 61,557 people in February, with a total of 16,212,304 registered contributors.
In a statement this week, the Minister of Employment and Social Security, Fátima Báñez, said that the labour market has already turned and is confident that increased membership in the Social Security system will continue, after increasing for the first time in a February since the crisis began. 
Meanwhile the PSOE spokesperson, Soraya Rodríguez, said that although the PSOE welcomes the fall in unemployment, there is “no cause for triumphalism”, because it is not a significant decrease.
However, what is perhaps significant in the area known as the Vega Baja, a zone which is showing an increase in growth and unemployment that is far greater than the rest of Spain, it would seem. Considering that across the country, 1,949 unemployed people found work, almost a quarter of them are in this area, with the number of registered unemployed people dropping by 406 people during February.
According to figures provided by the SERVEF employment agency, 293 men and 113 women secured work in February, more than double the 202 people combined in February 2013. The area where the biggest drop in unemployment has been seen is Orihuela, where 73 people have found work, Almoradí is in second place with a drop of 63, Catral in third with 42 fewer unemployed workers, and then Torrevieja where 37 people have secured themselves a job, around half as many as Orihuela.
However, it´s not all good news, as there are still a total of 37,564 people registered as unemployed, with Torrevieja leading the way with 10,596, and unemployment has increased in a small number of places, such as Cox, where an increase in 20 unemployed people has been registered, Pilar de la Horadada has increased unemployment by 4, and San Isidro and Daya Vieja both increasing by 2 workers losing their jobs.
In terms of the total number of unemployed people in each area, Torrevieja has 10.596, Orihuela 7.405, Almoradi 2.820, Callosa De Segura 2.146, Pilar De La Horadada 1.601, Guardamar Del Segura 1.258, Redovan 1.183, Albatera 1.135, Bigastro 996, Catral 975, Dolores 889, Rojales 850, Benejuzar 671, Cox 639, San Fulgencio 570, Rafal 557, San Miguel De Salinas 537, Los Montesinos 485, Formentera Del Segura 405, Benijofar 262, Algorfa 248, San Isidro 247, Ranja De Rocamora 231, Jacarilla 213, Benferri 207, Daya Nueva 196 and Daya Vieja 42. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42904/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The number of registered unemployed people in Spain fell in February, with a total of 1,949 people now finding work, compared to January, representing the first fall in February since 2007with a total of unemployed people now standing at 4,812,486. 
I...

### MERCADONA INCREASE PROFITS AGAIN

Spanish supermarket chain Mercadona has made 515 million euro profit in 2013, marking a new record in the current times of financial crisis, making 7 million euro more than 2012. 
The company presented their annual results this week, showing how they had taken nearly 20 billion at the tills, an increase of 4% on last year.
The president of the company, Juan Roig, had to backtrack on forecasts that the company would make 15% less in 2013, despite their 508 million euro profit in 2012.
Roig, the fourth richest man in Spain, also pointed out how the company infrastructure has remained stable, with 74,000 workers who had received 257 million euro in target related bonuses, representing 25% of gross profit.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42903/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spanish supermarket chain Mercadona has made 515 million euro profit in 2013, marking a new record in the current times of financial crisis, making 7 million euro more than 2012. 
The company presented their annual results this week, showing how they ...

### BIGASTRO TO BENEFIT FROM WATER IMPROVEMENT WORKS

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and the Environment, is offering seven and a half million euro for the tender of work to improve the supply of drinking water through Beniel and the municipality of Orihuela, with 80% of the funding coming from European grants.
The project involves the construction of a new network of pipes, tanks and machinery in the town of Beniel, where residents have faced years of poor supply due to the antiquated infrastructure in place.
As a result of the work, the supply of water will be significantly improved in the towns of Bigastro, and the pedanias in the south west of the city of Orihuela, including Hurchillo, Arneva and Desamparados.
A new “buffer” reservoir will serve those towns, constructed from reinforced concrete and have a capacity of 5,100 cubic meters, to be located in the El Mojón area of the Sierra del Cristo, to the south of Beniel, in the municipality of Orihuela.
The delivery network will include 14 kilometres of new pipelines, 11.5 kilometres of which will be around Bigastro, and 3 kilometres in the Beniel area, connected by branch pipelines to the existing network.
The works, which is overseen through the Canales del Taibilla operation, will have a lead time to completion of within 12 months. Canales del Taibilla provides drinking water to 79 municipalities in the regions of Albacete, Alicante and Murcia, serving 2.4 million inhabitants normally, increasing to 3 million people in the summer.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42902/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and the Environment, is offering seven and a half million euro for the tender of work to improve the supply of drinking water through Beniel and the municipality of Orihuela, with 80% of the funding coming from Europea...

### ORIHUELA TO JOIN EARTH HOUR

Orihuela Council has joined with the WWF´s global initiative, aimed at raising environmental awareness, involving millions of people in thousands of cities around the world, in recognition of the concerns against climate change. 
Earth Hour is celebrated on the 29th of March, at 20:30 local time, wherever you are in the world, when the lights will be switched off in support of the planet.
The campaign has been growing in support since it began in Sydney, Australia in 2007, with a number of global initiatives benefiting directly.
In Uganda, half a million trees have been planted in the world's first Earth Hour Forest in a fight against the 6000 hectares of deforestation. In Russia, a long-awaited law to protect the country's seas from oil pollution was finally passed after 120,000 Russians brought their voices to the government. In Argentina, hectares of sea are being protected, raising the level of protection of Argentina's seas from 1% to more than 4%.
In Orihuela, the symbolic darkness with fall over the Palacio Marqués de Arneva, the church tower at the Iglesia de Santa Justa, the Seminario de Orihuela, and of course, the town hall itself.
Everybody around the globe is encouraged to join in, at 20:30 wherever you are, as darkness spreads around the night sky, also enabling us to view the beauty of the stars above, with the guidance from the WWF that “Within each one of us is the power to achieve greatness. No action is too big or too small. Join the mission to protect our planet. Use your power.”
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42901/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Orihuela Council has joined with the WWF´s global initiative, aimed at raising environmental awareness, involving millions of people in thousands of cities around the world, in recognition of the concerns against climate change. 
Earth Hour is c...

### UNIONS CONDEMN POLICE SHIFT CHANGES AS A DISASTER

The two Unions that represent Torrevieja's Policia Local have both said that the recent shift changes implemented by local commanders to cover dates between 3 and 9 March have been little short of disastrous. 
They say that some shifts were duplicated while other areas of the city received no police coverage at all. Indeed according to the CCOO and Sipol, 20 officers were not assigned at all and now the unions are calling for the commanders responsible to be disciplined.
The changes cover the local force which numbers 170 officers. The unions also say that the Councillor responsible is quite clearly responsible for a lack of leadership and poor management of the force.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42894/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The two Unions that represent Torrevieja's Policia Local have both said that the recent shift changes implemented by local commanders to cover dates between 3 and 9 March have been little short of disastrous. 
They say that some shifts were duplicated...

### JORDAN GRAND PRIX COLLECTION FOR SALE

The BBC F1 show host and former Jordan Grand Prix Team owner Eddie Jordan OBE has requested that the collection of historically important cars and memorabilia should be sold with all the proceeds going to CLIC Sargent and the Amber Foundation.
Eddie Jordan commented, “These two F1 cars were kept because of their history, the good memories and what they meant to the team. But it's time to let them go and the money will be used to good effect helping young people and their families cope with cancer (CLIC Sargent) and getting young adults back on the straight and narrow (Amber Foundation).”
The collection includes the first Jordan Grand Prix car ever built, chassis number 01. Designed by Gary Anderson, 191 is a highly significant car as it was driven by Michael Schumacher. It comes complete with Michael's original helmet, signed and given to Eddie Jordan personally by the now seven times World Champion to express his gratitude for his first Grand Prix racing opportunity!
The second car in the collection is the first Grand Prix winning Jordan chassis 198. This car was driven to victory by Damon Hill ahead of team mate Ralf Schumacher in the 1998 Belgium Grand Prix and comes complete with the Constructor's World Championship trophy won on that historic day, as well as Damon's race suit and his helmet.
There are also a further collection of twelve significant Driver and Constructors World Championship trophies, eight Jordan team drivers' helmets and a selection of other memorabilia in the collection. Each individual item is complete with a certificate of authenticity, signed personally by Eddie Jordan himself.
Everything will formally be presented to the new owner by Eddie Jordan at Silverstone where the Jordan Grand Prix story began and this sale represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a unique part of F1 history.
The collection is not going to auction but being sold privately through Cars International who have the benefit of a full F1 engineering team with the expertise to provide service and maintenance to these vehicles should the new owner wish to use them for demonstrations or racing.
Interested parties should contact: David Williamson on 077 78 097 377:  email: david.williamson@carsinternational.com  
or Cars International on:  +44 (0) 1488 71029.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42892/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The BBC F1 show host and former Jordan Grand Prix Team owner Eddie Jordan OBE has requested that the collection of historically important cars and memorabilia should be sold with all the proceeds going to CLIC Sargent and the Amber Foundation.
Eddie J...

### ‘MIKE PROBERT TALKS GOLF - 10 MARCH 2012

Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.
Which is the best maintained golf course on the Costa Blanca?
Having lived in Spain for 10 years I feel qualified to comment on the condition of the courses here on the Costa Blanca, I get fed up with people trying to compare our courses with those on the Costa Del Sol (many of which are vastly over priced) or those in places like Turkey (which excellent but cost a small fortune to reach by aeroplane).
I totally agree with many ex-pat golfers that the cost of membership here is too expensive when compared to available disposable pension income and UK prices. The overall green fees prices compare more than favourably with other Costa areas even though the high season prices in March, April, October and November make us ex-pats ‘wince' somewhat. This then leads us on to the condition of courses here on the Costa Blanca.
Most courses in this area are sown with Bermuda grass on fairways and rough which goes ‘dormant' during the winter months giving a yellow/brown un-kempt type of look BUT this is natural and as soon as average night time temperatures increase a few degrees they turn green over night. Also unlike the UK which has a ready supply of surplus ‘natural' rain water the courses here have to purchase vast volumes of water to keep the courses looking good all year around BUT this is at a typical cost of circa €250K per annum.
So we have taken all the above into consideration and I guess we all have a view of what makes a course to be in good condition and also which is the best course in the area. With excellent courses like Las Colinas, La Finca, Lo Romero and Font del Llop we have much to be happy about BUT which is the best course based on playing conditions over a year?
For your information VISTABELLA has been catalogued by the local press as the best maintained local course with the best greens over the whole year. Now I am sure that you will all have your opinion on this subject but just for once it is nice to be talking about local courses in a positive light.
We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us.
The deals shown in the attached table are some of the best currently available to you.
For bookings and more information contact Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com or direct on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 quoting reference LEADER.
Hollow Tining Watch
Alicante – 10th-11th March
La Galiana – 3rd-7th March
Quotation of the week 
 
“There is no such thing as a bad golf course, just golfers having a bad day and looking for an excuse” – Peter Allis.  
(Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services).Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42889/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golf...

### THE PRESENTATION OF SAARTJE VERTELT BY MARTHA WEVER

On the 22nd of February Martha Wever, a Dutch writer, presented her book ‘ Saartje Vertelt'  in the Clubhouse at the Golf Restaurant Campoamor.
There was a delegation from the town hall. Martina Scheurer, the councillor of for the Coast and Heike Schug, the coordinator for foreign residents, both attended.
Martina Scheurer said that the book told a story about the Orihuela Costa in a very special and original way as the cat Saartje tells her story about how she experienced the cardrive from Holland to Spain as she also mailed the stories weekly to a young 9 year old girl , named Puk.
This book will be translated into English and Spanish by November this year.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42884/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On the 22nd of February Martha Wever, a Dutch writer, presented her book ‘ Saartje Vertelt'  in the Clubhouse at the Golf Restaurant Campoamor.
There was a delegation from the town hall. Martina Scheurer, the councillor of for the Coast and Heik...

### IT’S A BRIT THING

All nationalities have their own funny little ways of doing things, and the British are no exception to the rule. Indeed, I sometimes think that, as a nation, we tend to go out of our way to be awkward and to do things rather differently from the rest of Continental Europe. This is not deliberate of course, it just happens that way. Let me give you a few examples.
As an expat, I will never get used to continental electricity plugs, sockets and light fittings. They look positively dangerous to me. I am used to those good, solid three pin plugs with a green earth wire for good measure.
That green wire is just so reassuring. Used throughout the UK and Ireland, they look and feel much safer that the flimsy two pin efforts that are used in Europe. Mind you, even they are sublime design creations when compared to the flimsy prongs to be found on electric plugs in the US and Canada. Where did they get that idea from?
As for light fittings, just don't get me started on that one. I managed to electrocute myself a few weeks ago whilst changing a light bulb in our bathroom. I have never previously switched off electricity at the mains before just changing a light bulb, but apparently I should have done. Silly me, I thought that when the light switch was ‘off' no electricity was coming through the circuit.
Apparently this is not the case over here, and I am fortunate that I was only standing on a low pair of steps at the time, and did not have my hands in water.  Anyway, it did give the electrician a few laughs when he checked out our circuitry. Not only is our system in perfect condition, but I was then lectured about how I should always switch off at the mains first… I felt like a five-year-old.
Those readers who have visited Spain and the Canary Islands will also know that kettles are never provided in hotel bedrooms. This is, of course, to ensure that visitors only purchase drinks from the hotel bar.
However, for those of you who go self-catering on holiday, have you noticed that only very rarely is a kettle provided?  Usually, it is one of those rather silly saucepans with two handles. Whoever heard of boiling water for a cup of tea in a two-handled saucepan? Most sensible travellers that I know always carry a portable kettle in their suitcase, just in case.
Bread makers and slow cookers? Well, until recently you could forget trying to get those two wonderful appliances in Spain and the Canary Islands. I know of many expats who have brought their bread makers with them from the UK, and were unable to replace them when they finally died.
As for slow cookers, well I was told by one lady in a department store that as Canarians never did anything slowly there would be no market for them. I am still trying to work that one out.
Did I mention two-handled saucepans? Yes, I resolutely refuse to call them pans, but will stick to the term that I have grown up with - saucepans. As a Brit, I really do detest those two handled things, particularly as most do not have insulated handles and so even the most dedicated of chefs needs asbestos hands to handle them.
I recently had to search most of the Canary Islands to find a decent set of saucepans with one handle, but in the end I had to order a set from Amazon. Thank goodness for Jamie Oliver!
I rather like the single-handled variety of saucepan, because I can hold the saucepan with one hand and stir or read with the other. I am no chef, but it seems logical enough to me.
I suspect that the two-handled variety to be a cunning invention of the French to throw the Brits off guard. Of course, the chefs over here tell me that the two-handled varieties of pan are perfect for putting in the oven. Come off it, who in real life actually puts a saucepan in the oven anyway? Mind you, it's not all bad; I really do like our magnificent Spanish paella pan.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42882/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: All nationalities have their own funny little ways of doing things, and the British are no exception to the rule. Indeed, I sometimes think that, as a nation, we tend to go out of our way to be awkward and to do things rather differently from the rest ...

### VISTABELLA BOWLS CLUB TAKE DIVISION ‘A’ TITLE

Champions Southern League ‘A' Division 
& SABA Discovery Division
A great week for Vistabella Bowls Club, with important wins for our teams, on Monday in the SABA leagues and Friday in the Southern league.
On Monday the Albatrosses clinched the title of Champions of the SABA Discovery Division while on Friday the Lanzadores were confirmed as Champions of the Southern League ‘A' division with a 15 point cushion with only one game to play.
On Monday the Albatrosses travelled to Greenlands to take on their Sycamores and with wins on 3 rinks and a shot total of 110 to 94 in our favour we sealed the title of Champions of the Discovery Division with two games left to play.
Our winners were Gail Willshire, Mac Maclean and Fred Willshire, Neil Burrows, Les Barber and Ian Kenyon and Tony French, Barbara Brown and Arthur Brown. The Eagles were also in good form on Monday and enjoyed their visit to Emerald Isle to face the Neptunes winning by 10 points to 4 and 105 shots to 90.
Mo Foulcer, Richard Hind and Sue Mynott, Lesley Prockter, Ken Savage and Brian Prockter, Rosemarie Savage, Peter Cadwell and Diane Hudson and Jeff Austin, Jeff Neve and Pat Rafferty provided our wins.
Wednesday and Thursday were not quite so productive as our Winter League team lost by 4 points to 8 on Wednesday to a strong Quesada team well done to our two winning rinks Gail Willshire, Jeff Austin, Andy Leggatt and Fred Willshire and Di Harwood, Barbara Brown, Jim Harwood and Arthur Brown.
On Thursday our Fed Fours team lost to Emerald Isle despite winning one and drawing one of the three rinks but lost out by two shots at 50 to 52 to lose by 3 points to 5. Our winning rink was Neil Burrows, Barbara and Arthur Brown and Maggie Furness while Sheila Cox, Andy Leggatt. Les Barber and Mike Regan managed a draw.
Friday was the highlight of the week with the Lanzadores making the difficult trip to Country Bowls where a win by 8 points 6 and 118 shots to 88 was enough to ensure that no one else could catch them with only 1 game left to play. Great wins came from Gail Willshire, Les Barber and Fred Willshire, Martin Foulcer, Barbara Brown and Richard Lee and Sheila and Mike Cox and Mac Maclean.
The Conquistadores were also on the winning side against La Siesta Silvers wins from Di Harwood, Jeff Neve and Jim Harwood, Carol Austin, Allan Sinclair and Pat Rafferty, June Hitchcock, Audrey Sinclair and George Gandy and Lesley Prockter, Ken Savage and Brian Prockter were enough to produce a 10 points to 4 win by 118 shots to 100.
A great performance from everyone the club is proud of you.
Sponsored by Autos Direct San Miguel & TV ChoiceFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42880/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Champions Southern League ‘A' Division 
& SABA Discovery Division
A great week for Vistabella Bowls Club, with important wins for our teams, on Monday in the SABA leagues and Friday in the Southern league.
On Monday the Albatrosses clinche...

### CULTURAL VISIT TO JUMILLA

Following on from the very successful trips to Guadalest and the Ricote Valley, Conexia ( the multicultural language  swap classes, which is a non profit making organisation) has organised a cultural trip to Jumillia on Sunday 16th March. 
There will be a visit to the town, of Jumillia, the Castle, the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museums.  There will also be a visit to Parish Church of Jumillia.
There will also be a guided tour of a Winery, and lunch is included at the Winery.
At the end of the day they will visit Gardens of King Don Pedro 1 and a visit to the emblematic Teatreo Vico.
The price for this visit is 23 euros for members and 28 euros for Members. All are welcome and early booking is advisable as places are limited.
Conexia promotes multicultural understanding amongst all its members, and there are Conversation Swap classes in Spanish/English, Spanish/German, Spanish/French and Spanish/Italian. 
They are held in San Javier, Roda, Torre de la Horadada, El Algar, Lo Pagan, Fuente Alamo, Santiago de la Ribera, Casas Blancas, and Los Narejos.  Leading the Groups are Native speakers, who are there to help.
To book this visit on 16th March and for directions, or more information please contact:
conexiaeoisjinfo@gmail.com or conexiaeoisj.blogspot.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42877/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following on from the very successful trips to Guadalest and the Ricote Valley, Conexia ( the multicultural language  swap classes, which is a non profit making organisation) has organised a cultural trip to Jumillia on Sunday 16th March. 
There will ...

### ORIHUELA POLICE ARRESTS

Officers from the local police of Orihuela detained a Russian man on the Orihuela Costa on Friday, who was suspected of being involved in an altercation in a café bar, during which furniture was broken and threats were issued.
On Saturday, officers made two arrests relating to alcohol offences, one of whom had struck at least eight vehicles whilst driving under the influence of alcohol, two of which were moving and the rest parked on calles Navarra and Tajo.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42875/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the local police of Orihuela detained a Russian man on the Orihuela Costa on Friday, who was suspected of being involved in an altercation in a café bar, during which furniture was broken and threats were issued.
On Saturday, offi...

### ORIHUELA PP HEAD FERRANDO TO BE CHARGED IN CORRUPTION CASE

The current head of the Partido Popular in Orihuela, Pepa Ferrando, is to be charged with offences relating to alleged irregularities in the procurement of promotional material for the FITUR international tourism festival between 2008 and 2011, during her period as the councillor for tourism during the last administration of Orihuela.
Although widely considered as nothing more than a front for Mónica Lorente, who faces corruption charges herself, Ferrando took over the role in Orihuela after Lorente had to stand aside to enable a member of the group who wasn´t facing corruption charges to lead the PP into the failed censure motion to overthrow the government, after the regional PP´s vow to clamp down on corruption within the party.
Ferrando is the latest addition to the growing list of PP members of Orihuela facing corruption charges, and even this week, the mayor, Monseratte Guillen, called for action from the regional president, as even before this case has now come to light, five members of the Orihuela PP group are “accused and convicted of very serious crimes”.
In line with the regional PP´s own rules, Ferrando would no longer be eligible as a candidate for mayor.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42874/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The current head of the Partido Popular in Orihuela, Pepa Ferrando, is to be charged with offences relating to alleged irregularities in the procurement of promotional material for the FITUR international tourism festival between 2008 and 2011, during ...

### FENOLL CASE STARTS AFTER DEFENDANT NO-SHOW DELAY

The trial against one of the most famous businessmen in Orihuela, Ángel Fenoll, along with 17 other people including a former Albatera PP councillor Francisco Javier Bru, for offenses against the Treasury and forgery of commercial documents began on Thursday after a two day suspension due to the failure of one of the defendants to attend court.
On Tuesday, at the request of the Prosecutor, Pablo Romero, the judge ordered the immediate search and arrest of Manuel López Poveda, in order to guarantee his appearance at the trial postponed until Thursday.
The Prosecutor is demanding 36 years imprisonment for the main defendant, Ángel Fenoll, for 11 offenses against the Treasury and a continuing offense of falsification of a commercial document, in a case relating to tax evasion worth in the region of 4 million euro.
According to the letter from the prosecutor, false invoices were filed “in order to hide the true result of the activity” of the two companies, Colsur and Proambiente, and “defraud the Treasury” by avoiding paying corporate tax and for the years 2002, 2003 and 2004.
Fenoll was sentenced to prison in 2007, with 300,000 euro bail, as part of the now infamous “Brugal” case, which is linked to a number of members of Orihuela´s Partido Popular, including former Mayor, Mónica Lorente. A witness testament in a court hearing in 2007 stated that Fenoll played a “decisive part” in the municipal campaign that led to Monica Lorente becoming mayor of Orihuela in 2007.
During the previous administration of the PP government in 2011, spokesperson for the liberal CLR group, Pedro Mancebo, was also vocal in criticising the relationship between the town hall and Fenoll, asking “What power does this entrepreneur have in our City?”, whilst accusing the then government team, with whom he has now sided in opposition, of yielding to pressures from Fenoll to pay off 5 million euro in debts, questioning why a  payment plan was agreed with Fenoll, “when other entrepreneurs have to wait years” in order to collect their debts, whilst Fenoll is free to meet with the Mayor, and seemingly had “free entry into the City to negotiate”.
The court adjourned the hearing on Thursday, resuming on Monday, after Fenoll´S lawyer, José Celestino, asked for a large amount of evidence to be dismissed, on account of administration anomalies. The defence also state that the large proportion of companies cited in the case did not have sufficient time to prepare their accounts, and so that evidence should also be inadmissible. The judge will decide on the appropriate course of action upon resumption of the trial.
According to the considerations of the prosecution, the false invoices were “entirely made up by the other defendants” with them documenting the provision of services or delivery of goods “for the Colsur and Proambiente entities that had not been made”, and that Fenoll “facilitated” the issuing of the documents in order to avoid payment.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42873/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The trial against one of the most famous businessmen in Orihuela, Ángel Fenoll, along with 17 other people including a former Albatera PP councillor Francisco Javier Bru, for offenses against the Treasury and forgery of commercial documents bega...

### TORREVIEJA EYESORE FINALLY CLEARED FOR DEVELOPMENT

The Los Verdes green party of Torrevieja has praised the town hall for cleaning an area in the heart of a residential zone, although they do point out that the action has only just been auctioned after 12 years of complaints from the residents.
The site at the Lago Jardin I urbanisation has been an eyesore for over a decade, and has now been cleared by the municipal brigades, after two weeks of activities, but the residents may still not be too happy as the clearing is to make the plot suitable for building on, rather than conversion to a space of aesthetic quality.
The neighbours themselves had attempted to prune back trees, remove weeds and overgrowing plants, as well as having to face persistent clouds of dusts blown into their homes from the plot, but all of that will soon be a thing of the past, as the land is earmarked for the building of 200 social houses, having donated the land to the Generalitat Valenciana.
The plot of land was the subject of a media tour conducted a short time ago by the Los Verdes, at the time when other areas of neglect were being highlighted, such as the Casa y Torre de Los Balcones.
Although the need for social housing is important, and the site may now be clear and clean, it will only be a matter of time before the neighbours have to put up with further disruption as construction begins on the 200 anticipated homes, despite other social housing in the area remaining vacant.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42872/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Los Verdes green party of Torrevieja has praised the town hall for cleaning an area in the heart of a residential zone, although they do point out that the action has only just been auctioned after 12 years of complaints from the residents.
The si...

### ORIHUELA MAYOR CALLS FOR ACTION BY PP PRESIDENT

The mayor of Orihuela, Monserrate Guillén, has this week urged the president of the Generalitat, Alberto Fabra of the Partido Popular, to intervene and takes action against the five members of the Orihuela PP group who are “accused and convicted of very serious crimes”.
The call came after rumblings throughout the PP group indicate that a number of members of their own party are both disappointed and concerned about the lack of action from a president who had both vowed to clean up his party, and had previously said that no member of his group who had been accused of corruption could represent the party in the future.
The latest discrepancies arose after Fabra called on the councillor for tourism, Milagrosa Martínez, to resign from her seat in Valencia as she was facing a trial in connection with the infamous Gürtel case, one of the biggest corruption investigations in Spain´s history. Fabra had also said that he would not force the move and would not take any action on the continuity of her role in her local position in Novelda. Martínez faces 11 years in prison when she attends the trial later this month.
In a statement, Fabra confirmed that there are guidelines for those facing corruption charges and that he is dealing with it at regional level, but locally, “it must be the local group to take that decision”.
The president of the PP in Valencia, Alfonso Rus, argued in favour of Fabra´s lack of action, stating that he believes that a politician should not be forced to leave office “whilst not guilty”. 
In an impromptu address to the media, Guillén pointed out that amongst the group who have been trying to remove him and his team from governing, “there are five accused and convicted of very serious crimes”, urging Fabra to “take the decision”, especially given the fact that it is almost half of the PP trying to take over in Orihuela who are in the position, but criticising Fabra´s stance, “how is he going to take action in the city of Orihuela?”
When asked about the progress of the censure motion, Guillén affirmed that this is “in the courts”, but also pointed out how his team are doing a good job at managing the municipality, and that “corruption has been banished, honesty is what prevails”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42871/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The mayor of Orihuela, Monserrate Guillén, has this week urged the president of the Generalitat, Alberto Fabra of the Partido Popular, to intervene and takes action against the five members of the Orihuela PP group who are “accused and con...

### Weekend Guide 8th and 9th of March 2014

SATURDAY 8th MARCH, 2014
International Women's Day.
Markets
Alcoi, Alicante, Almoradi, Elche, Santa Pola.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA
Ballet Flamenco "De Carmen", Teatro Circo.
ORIHUELA COSTA
International Women´s Day event, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
Carnival exhibition, including children´s paintings, Virgen del Carmen (Until 9th Mar).
17:00 – Gift Bingo, La Mata.
20:00 – “Alérgio al Trabajo” y “Apaga y Vámonos”, Theatre, Palacio de la Música.
21:00 – Dance show, Virgen del Carmen.
22:00 – Sergio Dalma in concert, “Cadore 33”, Auditorio Internacional.


listen to ‘The weekend What´s On Guide’ on Audioboo

SUNDAY 9th MARCH, 2014
Markets
Benidorm, Elche, La Nucia, Campoverde, La Marina, Zoco, Almoradí street market, Lemon Tree Road, Mil Palmeras.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Magic show by Ferrán, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
Carnival exhibition, including children´s paintings, Virgen del Carmen (Last day).
12:00 – Gala benefit concert for ADIEM, Teatro Municipal.
17:00 – “Premios Concurso de Carnival”, Virgen del Carmen.
19:00 – “Concierto Coro Nueva Generación”, choral concert, Palacio de la Música.
 

### HIGH DRAMA ON THE STREETS OF BENIDORM

As one particular fictional hotel is seen on the televisions of millions of viewers who enjoy a good laugh, nobody was laughing in Benidorm on Thursday when the streets of the town resembled a scene from a Hollywood blockbuster film, when a dramatic car chase left countless vehicles damaged and numerous people injured.
During a routine checkpoint set up by the National Police, the officers stopped a vehicle as part of their checks, only to find that the male driver decided to immediately race away from the scene, firstly driving straight towards to motorcycle riding officers, who had to jump off their bike before being mowed down, then continuing to attempt to escape along the N332 main road.
During the attempted escape, the high-powered car hit numerous vehicles, risking the lives of countless people, as the police gave chase in an attempt to stop the carnage. 
After travelling along the road, the escaping vehicle crashed, head on, into another car, and was brought to a stop on the roadside. The driver ran from the scene, continuing to try to evade capture, but without success, as the officers caught up with him and arrested the fugitive.
A medical examination was carried out on the driver, who had suffered injuries in the crash, albeit minor, and several of the officers involved also had to be treated for the injuries they had received in the pursuit.
The driver was arrested and will be charged with assaulting the police and a crime against road safety, with other charges being considered. The license plate of the vehicle was found to be false and so a subsequent investigation has begun.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42852/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As one particular fictional hotel is seen on the televisions of millions of viewers who enjoy a good laugh, nobody was laughing in Benidorm on Thursday when the streets of the town resembled a scene from a Hollywood blockbuster film, when a dramatic ca...

### What to do on Friday 7th March 2014

FRIDAY 7th FEBRUARY, 2014
Markets
Crevillente, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, L’ Alfas del Pi, Monstesinos, Pilar de la Horadada, TORREVIEJA.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
MADRID
Scorpions, Palacio De Vistalegre.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Face painting, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
Carnival exhibition, including children´s paintings, Virgen del Carmen (Until 9th Mar).
18:30 - “La Fuente de las Mujeres” film, Virgen del Carmen.
20:30 – “Utopia”, Torrevieja photography group, Palacio de la Música.
21:00 – Intercambio Conservatorio de Torrevieja y Elche, Teatro Municipal.

listen to ‘What´s On, Friday 7th March, 2014’ on Audioboo

### CLOSURE CONFIRMED OF TORREVIEJA SCHOOL

Parents of children attending Torrevieja´s Ciudad de Oviedo infant and primary schools received notification this week of the news they had both been dreading and fighting against.
The Department of Education has notified the parents that they must start to look for alternative schools for their children for the academic year of 2014 to 2015, as their school will be dismantled.
Protests had taken place in early January, when the parents also criticised the lack of information from the town hall. The school had been operating largely out of “temporary” portacabin units, but was set to close as part of previously reported promises to reduce the number of these types of classes, by creating larger groups.
The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón had said that the closure of the school was as a result of the reduction of students, which, in his view, made it impossible to keep open. He also accused the school board has not showing concern over this matter, stating that he had called a meeting with the Municipal School Board in late December in order for them to submit arguments against this decision, but “no one came”. Dolón had also criticized other political groups of using the school for political gain.
However, following the protests, Dolón, convened an urgent meeting in which it was agreed unanimously by all political parties represented in the City Council to fight to keep the school open.
Now, as the enrolment period opens for the next year, some 266 children will have to relocate to other schools, the most likely being the newly renovated school at Acequión, where 9 classrooms are currently not being used.
As part of the education department´s commitment to reduce temporary buildings, the class sizes are being increased, accommodating more children into each group, which many feel are both detrimental to the quality of learning, but also put the jobs of teachers at risk.
Dolón had met with the protesters in a recent gathering outside the town hall, appealing for calm, telling the protestors that he was still waiting for an answer from the education ministry regarding the future of the school.
Coordinator of the Izquierda Unida, Marga Sanz, described the closure as “barbaric” and “without justification”, pointing out that this will leave an entire community without a school, whilst pointing out that 80% of those who currently attend this centre are immigrants, and they will become increasingly at risk of “dropping out” of education, as their needs are less likely to be met in larger groups, and in schools far away from their homes.
The parents have already expressed their “total rejection” of the closure and have announced further protests, including a manifestation at the Valencia government buildings. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42851/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Parents of children attending Torrevieja´s Ciudad de Oviedo infant and primary schools received notification this week of the news they had both been dreading and fighting against.
The Department of Education has notified the parents that they m...

### FRUIT MACHINE BANDITS ARRESTED

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested four people, three of them men and the fourth a woman, all suspected of being involved in at least 9 offences relating to robbery with force.
Operation “Mazao” was concluded with the arrests for crimes believed to have been committed in the towns of Dolores, Daya Vieja, Rojales and Formentera del Segura.
In several of the robberies, which were in a variety of establishments, the group would target slot machines, using enough force to smash them open and obtain between 500 and 1,500 euro each time.
Once identified as suspects in the case, the investigators searched a home and found various effects related to robberies in such establishments, as well as 15 lottery tickets, two mobile phones and a laptop computer.
The detainees have been made available to the Courts in Orihuela.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42849/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested four people, three of them men and the fourth a woman, all suspected of being involved in at least 9 offences relating to robbery with force.
Operation “Mazao” was concluded with the arrests fo...

### Thursday 6th March 2014 Events

THURSDAY 6th MARCH, 2014
Markets
Albatera, Alicante, Aspe, Campoamor near Cabo Roig medical centre, Rojales.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Caricaturista, cartoon drawing, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
Carnival exhibition, including children´s paintings, Virgen del Carmen (Until 9th Mar).
Microteatro, Palacio de la Música.

listen to ‘The What´s On Guide for Thursday’ on Audioboo

### What´s on guide: Wednesday 5th March 2014

WEDNESDAY 5th MARCH, 2014
Ash Wednesday.
Markets
Albatera, Alcoi, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Guardamar del Segura, La Mata, San Miguel de Salinas.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Playstation games, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
Carnival exhibition, including children´s paintings, Virgen del Carmen (Until 9th Mar).

listen to ‘Wednesday´s What´s On Guide’ on Audioboo

### FENOLL CASE SUSPENDED AFTER DEFENDANT NO-SHOW

The trial scheduled to start on Tuesday in Orihuela against businessman Ángel Fenoll and 17 others people for offenses against the Treasury and forgery of commercial documents has been suspended due to the failure of one of the defendants to attend court.
At the request of the Prosecutor, Pablo Romero, the judge has ordered the immediate search and arrest of Manuel López Poveda, in order to guarantee his appearance at the trial which is now postponed until Thursday.
According to the evidence in the case by the prosecution, López Poveda issued a total of 79 bills between 2003 and 2004, valued at more than 2.6 million euro.
López Poveda´s lawyer stated that he has tried to contact his client, but without success, although a burofax which was sent has been confirmed as having been received.
The Prosecutor is demanding 36 years imprisonment for the main defendant, Ángel Fenoll, for 11 offenses against the Treasury and a continuing offense of falsification of a commercial document, in a case relating to tax evasion worth in the region of 4 million euro.
According to the letter from the prosecutor, false invoices were filed “in order to hide the true result of the activity” of the two companies, Colsur and Proambiente, and “defraud the Treasury” by avoiding paying corporate tax and for the years 2002, 2003 and 2004.
According to the considerations of the prosecution, the false invoices were “entirely made up by the other defendants” with them documenting the provision of services or delivery of goods “for the Colsur and Proambiente entities that had not been made”, and that Fenoll “facilitated” the issuing of the documents in order to avoid payment.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42846/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The trial scheduled to start on Tuesday in Orihuela against businessman Ángel Fenoll and 17 others people for offenses against the Treasury and forgery of commercial documents has been suspended due to the failure of one of the defendants to att...

### INVESTIGATION CALL INTO DEATH OF LION IN MADRID

The Animanaturalis animal welfare group has denounced the Circo Americano in Madrid, following the death of a lion used in performances.
This same circus and was sanctioned in 2012, for activities carried out between November 2011 and February 2012, violating the ordinance against noise pollution and operating without a license, the latter considered a very serious offense. In 2013, Madrid City Council issued two further sanctions, one for excess noise and for using vehicles without municipal authorization.
The circus operator has been mentioned in various complaints relating to animal welfare over recent years, and this latest incident is being used to highlight the abuse and mistreatment of animals in circuses. 
Aïda Gascón, the Director of AnimaNaturalis in Spain, says that, “Lions, and most animals used in circuses, suffer from low temperatures, together with health problems characteristic of a life in captivity, such as atrophied muscles, the stress of an itinerant life or malnutrition, which often leads to death, sometimes at a very young age”.
Gascón continued to explain how shows at circuses not only infringe on the right to life and freedom of the animals, but also risk the welfare of the people.
Therefore, the groups has filed a formal complaint with Seprona, the animal and natural welfare branch of the Guardia Civil, to conduct inspections and investigate whether the animal was properly staffed at all times and received the appropriate care needed, and to take into account all offenses committed by Circo Americano.
Animanaturalis is part of the Infocircos coalition of animal rights protectors which includes ANDA, Born Free Foundation y FAADA.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42845/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Animanaturalis animal welfare group has denounced the Circo Americano in Madrid, following the death of a lion used in performances.
This same circus and was sanctioned in 2012, for activities carried out between November 2011 and February 2012, v...

### TRIAL BEGINS ON TUESDAY FOR ORIHUELA BUSINESSMAN FENOLL

Tuesday sees perhaps one of the most famous businessmen in Orihuela, Ángel Fenoll, stand trial in court number 3 of Orihuela, along with 17 other people, accused of falsifying accounts between 2002 and 2004, with the sole aim of avoiding tax.
This particular trial relates to the companies Colsur and Proambiente, and follows another recent case in which Fenoll was acquitted, on account of the case having “expired”. The case came to light when it was discovered that the tax due never reached the authorities.
Fenoll was sentenced to prison in 2007, with 300,000 euro bail, as part of the now infamous “Brugal” case, which is linked to a number of members of Orihuela´s Partido Popular, including former Mayor, Mónica Lorente. Although information as to the reasons for his incarceration were shrouded by a gagging order, the case connecting them relates to the award of a waste disposal contract in 2008. 
During a court hearing in 2007, a police officer testified before Court number 3 in Orihuela stating that Fenoll played a “decisive part” in the municipal campaign that led to Monica Lorente becoming mayor of Orihuela in 2007.
During the previous administration of the PP government in 2011, spokesperson for the liberal CLR group, Pedro Mancebo, was also vocal in criticising the relationship between the town hall and Fenoll, asking “What power does this entrepreneur have in our City?”, whilst accusing the then government team, with whom he has now sided in opposition, of yielding to pressures from Fenoll to pay off 5 million euro in debts, questioning why a  payment plan was agreed with Fenoll, “when other entrepreneurs have to wait years” in order to collect their debts, whilst Fenoll is free to meet with the Mayor, and seemingly had “free entry into the City to negotiate”.
The figure in question in the case being heard this week is said to be in the region of 4 million euro, although all defendants deny any wrongdoing. It is also expected that the defendants will ask for the trial to be further postponed.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42839/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Tuesday sees perhaps one of the most famous businessmen in Orihuela, Ángel Fenoll, stand trial in court number 3 of Orihuela, along with 17 other people, accused of falsifying accounts between 2002 and 2004, with the sole aim of avoiding tax.
T...

### ORIHUELA GRID REPLACEMENT SCHEME

The Councillor for Infrastructure in Orihuela, Victor Ruiz, has announced that the company which manages the drinking water supply in the municipality, Hidraqua, are investing around 100,000 euro in order to replace about 100 old grids which are known to be generating bad smells in different streets of the city.
This investment comes from the renewal fund of a million euro that the company must contribute each year to improve the water infrastructure network. 
Specifically, this renewal work will be carried out on the Avenida de la Constitución, calles Hospital, Francisco Díez, San Pascual, Luis Rojas, Antonio Piniés, Alfonso XIII and the Ronda de Santo Domingo.
The replacement of these rainwater collection grids has already begun and is expected to be completed before Easter.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42838/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Councillor for Infrastructure in Orihuela, Victor Ruiz, has announced that the company which manages the drinking water supply in the municipality, Hidraqua, are investing around 100,000 euro in order to replace about 100 old grids which are known ...

### Things to do: Tuesday 4th March 2014

TUESDAY 4th MARCH, 2014
Shrove Tuesday. Pancake Day.
Markets
Alicante, (Rastro), Aspe, Altea, Benijofar, ORIHUELA, San Fulgencio.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Peari, saxophonist, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
The Marriage of Figaro, Teatro Municipal.


listen to ‘What's On Tuesday 4 March, 2014’ on Audioboo

### FIVE PERCENT FEWER CRIMES IN 2013

The Director General of Police in Spain, Ignacio Cosidó, has reported to the Senate Committee to detail crime and policing statistics for 2013.
Over the past year, reported crimes and misdemeanours dealt with by the National Police have declined by almost 5%, whereas police efficiency has increased by 2%, with Spain now classed as being amongst the safest countries in Europe. 
However, major offences have shown even more of a drop last year, with homicides and murders falling by almost 15%, crimes against sexual freedom fell by 8% in 2012 and another 1% last year, and robberies with violence or intimidation fell 12%.
There has however been an increase in one sector of criminal activity, with burglaries rising by 5%, but through new initiatives to combat this sort of crime, January 2014 has already seen a reverse in the trend, according to Cosidó.
Cosidó also explained how the “fight against terrorism is a permanent priority” for the National Police, who are continuing to battle to achieve the complete disappearance of terrorist activities, explaining how “The National Police has developed 29 activities last year that allowed for the arrest of 455 people”, all in connection with terrorism, both domestic and international.
During 2013, there were 719 investigations relating to organised criminal groups involved in trafficking, money laundering, fraud and similar activities, resulting in 386 gangs being broken up. A total of 4,121 people were arrested for their links to organized crime. Officers confiscated 157 real guns, 98 blank firing or compressed air weapons, 188 knives, almost 10,000 rounds, 662 cars, 55 trucks and 68 trailers or boats, and almost 20 million euro in various denominations and currencies.
Cosidó also spoke of the fight against trafficking of drugs, both nationally and internationally, and that during 2013 officers have seized 12,546 kilos of cocaine, almost 18% more than in 2012, 124 kilos of heroin, 115,652 kilos of hashish, 2,239 kilos of marijuana, more than 8,200 kilos of cannabis plants, 100,075 units of Ecstasy and 1,212 doses of LSD.
There were 2,773 activities relating to human trafficking operations in 2013, including illegal immigration or counterfeit documents, resulting in 6,565 people being detained, 7.7% more than in 2012. In the fight against trafficking and sexual exploitation, there was a 23.8% increase, with 970 arrests, thanks to new initiatives in place in that field during the last year.
There has also been a marked increase in promotional campaigns run through schools, with officers from the National Police presenting nearly 13,000 lectures and informational activities for students, parents and teachers in over 5,800 schools. The talks covered subjects such as Internet threats, bullying, drug abuse, violence or gangs and are aimed at prevention and awareness and were accompanied by the dissemination of more than 126,000 leaflets and 2,400 posters.
Similar awareness and reassurance actions have taken place at senior centres around the country, with some 691 informal talks being presented, whereas there has also been 3,526 meetings with public and private institutions involved in tourism, aimed at tackling this sector of vulnerable visitors. 
Cosidó closed his speech by detailing how the commitment to modern policing strategies lies with three basic pillars: intelligence, technological innovation and international cooperation. By expanding their activities trough social networks and modernisation of control rooms, it is hoped that the police are able to deal with incidents and enquiries far faster than ever before, whilst being able to tackle potential problems before they occur.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42837/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Director General of Police in Spain, Ignacio Cosidó, has reported to the Senate Committee to detail crime and policing statistics for 2013.
Over the past year, reported crimes and misdemeanours dealt with by the National Police have decline...

### MULTIMILLION EURO FRAUDSTERS ARRESTED IN TORREVIEJA AND BENIDORM

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested 5 people believed to have been acting as a criminal gang who committed over 2,000 crimes at petrol stations and stores across Spain, valued at more than 2 million euro.
The arrests occurred in Torrevieja and Benidorm, and five homes have been raided, including one on the Orihuela Costa, with investigators seizing laptops, tablet computers, mobile phones, 6,000 euro in cash, as well as different artefacts relating to gambling, as it is believed that the group, who were experienced poker players, laundered money through on-line gambling networks.
The majority of the group's criminal activities revolved around pre-paid fuel cards, in conjunction with the fraudulent use of credit or debit cards. The investigation, nicknamed “Voluto”, began in October 2012, after the owner of a chain of filling stations around the Granada town of Guadix noted discrepancies in the use of cards, reporting his findings to the authorities.
Initial investigations made officers believe that the network existed, whereas the criminals would contact local filling stations by telephone, posing as engineers for the point-of-sale terminals, fraudulently acquiring information from the operators. 
The gang would later visit the premises, posing as maintenance workers, where they would be able to act on the information to access the accounts and initiate the process of transferring funds, completing the transaction later through online gambling sites operating in Spain and Gibraltar.
Once the group had been identified and located, investigators proceeded to the four men, of Spanish nationality, and a woman from Peru, as alleged perpetrators of fraud, forgery, counterfeiting marital status, money laundering and conspiracy.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42836/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested 5 people believed to have been acting as a criminal gang who committed over 2,000 crimes at petrol stations and stores across Spain, valued at more than 2 million euro.
The arrests occurred in Torrevieja a...

### NEAR TRAGEDY AT CARNIVAL PARADE

The weekend´s carnival parade in Mérida, the capital of the autonomous community of Extremadura, was delayed in its departure after the balcony of a property collapsed, falling onto spectators waiting in the street for the passage of the parade.
The 112 emergency coordination centre reported that four people were injured in the incident and were taken to the Hospital of Mérida, where they were said to be in “good condition”.
The parade continued as normal, albeit slightly later than advertised.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42835/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The weekend´s carnival parade in Mérida, the capital of the autonomous community of Extremadura, was delayed in its departure after the balcony of a property collapsed, falling onto spectators waiting in the street for the passage of the p...

### CHILDREN UNDER 4 NEED TICKET TO TRAVEL

From Monday the 3rd of March, children under four years of age must be in possession of a ticket in order to travel on mid and long distance trains in Spain.
The ticket for travel will be free, as long as the child does not occupy a seat, and will be issued with an association to the main traveller, sharing the ticket number and with an allocated place.
The move is one of the measures to improve rail safety being implemented by the Minister of Development, Ana Pastor, announced after the Santiago de Compostela train crash in July, 2013.
The child must present the ticket, along with the accompanying traveller, at control points, and will become mandatory from September.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42834/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: From Monday the 3rd of March, children under four years of age must be in possession of a ticket in order to travel on mid and long distance trains in Spain.
The ticket for travel will be free, as long as the child does not occupy a seat, and will be ...

### NINE PEOPLE KILLED ON SPANISH ROADS THIS WEEKEND

Nine people have been killed in six fatal accidents on Spanish roads during the course of this weekend, between 15:00 on Friday and 20:00 on Sunday, according to the DGT traffic department.
Saturday was the worst day of the weekend when y, when six people were killed in three fatal accidents, which also left four people injured. The most serious occurred in Nules in Castellón, where three people were killed and many others injured in a multiple collision involving three trucks and a van on the N-340.
On Sunday, two people were killed in two separate fatal accidents, including a crash on the A-7 motorway in the province of Alicante, when one person was killed after the car he was driving left the road at kilometre 427, between the towns of Xativa and Alcoy.
Friday saw just one fatality, which occurred in the town of Loja, in the province of Granada, although the Guardia Civil were kept busy in the evening when 25 vehicles and their occupants had to be rescued after becoming trapped in snow.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42833/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Nine people have been killed in six fatal accidents on Spanish roads during the course of this weekend, between 15:00 on Friday and 20:00 on Sunday, according to the DGT traffic department.
Saturday was the worst day of the weekend when y, when six pe...

### LOCAL HEALTH NEWS SEES COMPLAINTS AND COMMITMENTS

Representative of the Compromís group in Orihuela, Mireia Mollà, is demanding that the minister for health, Manuel Llombart, takes urgent action regarding building the outstanding health centre of Rabaloche. Mollà says that the neighbours of the area have been waiting “too long” and faced nothing but “false promises” from the PP government, after the original building was closed in 2003, and was budgeted for in 2011, but removed the next year, which shows “This lack of political will by the Valencian Government translates into more than 25,000 people having to be treated in barracks”, and that there “cannot be any more excuses for the implementation of this health center”, and to say that the PP government will “perhaps begins to build it within a year and a half is an insult to the citizens”.
Residents of the Pilar neighbourhood of Pinar de Campoverde will be able to take advantage of having a primary care doctor based in their health centre from this week, after the council made various changes in order to ensure that the department of health in Torrevieja were able to provide the required staff. The mayor, José Fidel Ros, visited the office along with the medical director of Primary Care Department, Hipólito Caro, in order to study the infrastructure and optimise the space to meet the needs of a population that has increased in this area. Hipólito Caro said that “this action is part of the commitment of Torrevieja Salud with the town of Pilar de la Horadada and the Consistory to meet the care needs of the population”. The new doctor will take care of about 500 health cards and will result in the medical facilities opening for two days a week.
The Asociación de Vecinos de San Miguel de Salinas are once again calling for the department of health to reinstate one of the Doctors removed from their health centre as a cost saving exercise. The group are demanding that the government satisfy the requirements of providing health care to the community.
The Spanish National transplant organisation, the ONT, have this week broken the record for the number of organ transplants performed in a single day. From a total of 16 donors, 2 of whom were living, Spanish doctors transplanted 26 kidneys, 10 livers, 5 hearts, 3 lungs and a pancreas, in operations performed in 22 hospitals from 11 autonomous regions. The 45 transplant record beats the 36 previously recorded.
Torrevieja Hospital has received yet another award for excellence, having been announced the winner for the best clinical professional session presented during 2013. A number of doctors from the hospital were present in accepting the award which honoured a paper entitled “Viewpoints," a case of multidisciplinary approach that addresses myasthenia gravis”, which was aimed at strengthening and energizing the “concept of quality care, research and teaching”, through customization in assisting patients. 
Accompanied by banners calling for the “right to live with dignity” for pensioners and retirees, a large group of people concentrated in Torrevieja´s Plaza de la Constitución on Thursday to protest against the “attacks” by Spain´s central government against the rights to pensions and retirement through the labour reforms, particularly complaining over the loss of purchasing power and pharmacist repayment. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42832/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Representative of the Compromís group in Orihuela, Mireia Mollà, is demanding that the minister for health, Manuel Llombart, takes urgent action regarding building the outstanding health centre of Rabaloche. Mollà says that the neighbours of the area have been waiting “too long” and faced nothing but “false promises” from the PP government, after the original building was closed in 2003, and was budgeted for in 2011, but removed the next year, which shows “This lack of political will by the Valencian Government translates into more than 25,000 people having to be treated in barracks”, and that there “cannot be any more excuses for the implementation of this health center”, and to say that the PP government will “perhaps begins to build it within a year and a half is an insult to the citizens”.
Residents of the Pilar neighbourhood of Pinar de Campoverde will be able to take advantage of having a primary care doctor based in their health centre from this week, after the council made various changes in order to ensure that the department of health in Torrevieja were able to provide the required staff. The mayor, José Fidel Ros, visited the office along with the medical director of Primary Care Department, Hipólito Caro, in order to study the infrastructure and optimise the space to meet the needs of a population that has increased in this area. Hipólito Caro said that “this action is part of the commitment of Torrevieja Salud with the town of Pilar de la Horadada and the Consistory to meet the care needs of the population”. The new doctor will take care of about 500 health cards and will result in the medical facilities opening for two days a week.
The Asociación de Vecinos de San Miguel de Salinas are once again calling for the department of health to reinstate one of the Doctors removed from their health centre as a cost saving exercise. The group are demanding that the government satisfy the requirements of providing health care to the community.
The Spanish National transplant organisation, the ONT, have this week broken the record for the number of organ transplants performed in a single day. From a total of 16 donors, 2 of whom were living, Spanish doctors transplanted 26 kidneys, 10 livers, 5 hearts, 3 lungs and a pancreas, in operations performed in 22 hospitals from 11 autonomous regions. The 45 transplant record beats the 36 previously recorded.
Torrevieja Hospital has received yet another award for excellence, having been announced the winner for the best clinical professional session presented during 2013. A number of doctors from the hospital were present in accepting the award which honoured a paper entitled “Viewpoints," a case of multidisciplinary approach that addresses myasthenia gravis”, which was aimed at strengthening and energizing the “concept of quality care, research and teaching”, through customization in assisting patients. 
Accompanied by banners calling for the “right to live with dignity” for pensioners and retirees, a large group of people concentrated in Torrevieja´s Plaza de la Constitución on Thursday to protest against the “attacks” by Spain´s central government against the rights to pensions and retirement through the labour reforms, particularly complaining over the loss of purchasing power and pharmacist repayment. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42832/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### CRISTIANO RONALDO MAKES ORIHUELA NEWS THIS WEEK

The councillor for markets, Manuel Gallud of the Los Verdes, has announced that the Thursday market on the Orihuela Costa will now remain in its current location, after an agreement was reached with the traders to keep the area clean. Concern over the protected micro reserve forced the council to take action to move the market away from the Cliffside, after copious amounts of rubbish were frequently discarded over the edge, requiring specialist and expensive cleaning teams to clear up in order to protect the endangered green area. For its part, the town hall will also provide additional rubbish bins, and the police are prepared to fine inconsiderate traders who risk the future of the market in its current, popular location.
The CV-95 road tunnel which runs into Orihuela city from Bigastro has reopened this week, according to the railway infrastructure company, ADIF. The road will remain open until early June, when it will once again be closed to traffic to allow the railway expansion work to continue. The underpass closed earlier in the year after being reopened to traffic at Christmas, having been largely blocked to traffic for over a year.
The Partido Popular presented a delayed motion which Pedro Mancebo had tried to table previously, relating to suggestions of easing the traffic flow on the N-332 roundabout at La Zenia. The motion was passed and approved by both the opposition and the ruling government team, despite containing elements which the Ministry has already declined, and despite the plans already approved during meetings with the town hall starting. Mancebo had been prevented from tabling the motion on behalf of the CLR-CLARO group, as membership and the existence of that coalition is a matter being considered by the courts. The Mayor, Monseratte Guillén, had offered Mancebo the opportunity to table the motion as an unassigned councillor, but this offer was declined.
The government team tabled a motion which would offer social housing to those in need, and at the expense of the banks, but this motion was not carried. The plan was to increase the property tax, colloquially known as SUMA, on properties which banks held as vacant, but this could be saved if the banks offered up their stagnant portfolio as social housing, allowing some of the many families evicted by the crisis to be homed. The notion was not passed as the opposition PP majority voted against such a move.
After the end of the consultation period to provide services at the chiringuito beach bars on the Orihuela Costa, a total of three companies have submitted their bids to operate the service. Each bid will now be examined in its own right, before the contract is awarded to the company providing the most value, in line with the quality standards of the contract. Two complaints were received relating to the nature in which the contract was offered, as some companies believe that the requirements for recognized quality standards restricted the number of companies who could compete.
A small number of pending contracts for improving areas of the Orihuela Costa have been subject to a delay, including the underpass of the N-332 near the town hall, after administrative errors have slowed the process down. Despite the work and funds being allocated, it would appear that a technician had simply assigned the wrong category to the projects, but this has caused a delay in order to protect the integrity of the tender and award process, rather than risk providing the work to a company where anomalies may be present.
The Councillor for Tourism, Rosa Martínez of the PSOE, presided over the first photographic awards ceremony this week, in which local snappers were invited to enter their pictures under the banner of “Orihuela – History of the Mediterranean”, which had been organized by the tourism department as part of their latest drive to focus on the cultural heritage of the municipality. The winners of the competition will see their work displayed in brochures, flyers and posters, promoting Orihuela, with 67 images finally entering into the competition, with first prize going to Miguel Rabasco Martínez, and another 4 people being recognized as top photographers. Martínez thanked everybody who took part; expressing pride that so many people were prepared to work so hard in helping promote Orihuela.
The Cruz Roja of Orihuela has announced that they are giving away a football shirt signed by soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, as a prize draw to encourage the donation of food for the needy. Ronaldo wore the shirt during the match Real Madrid and Juventus match in November of last year, and has also been signed by a number of other key players. To be in with a chance of winning this priceless piece of football memorabilia, you need to get donating milk, oil or sugar to the Cruz Roja on calle San Agustín, Nº22, in Orihuela between Monday the 3rd of March and Monday the 28th of April. Everybody who donates can put their name on a ticket that goes into a ballot box with the draw being made on the 29th of April, televised by Canal Vega Televisión.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42831/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The councillor for markets, Manuel Gallud of the Los Verdes, has announced that the Thursday market on the Orihuela Costa will now remain in its current location, after an agreement was reached with the traders to keep the area clean. Concern over the ...

### CHRISTIANO RONALDO MAKES ORIHUELA NEWS THIS WEEK

The councillor for markets, Manuel Gallud of the Los Verdes, has announced that the Thursday market on the Orihuela Costa will now remain in its current location, after an agreement was reached with the traders to keep the area clean. Concern over the protected micro reserve forced the council to take action to move the market away from the Cliffside, after copious amounts of rubbish were frequently discarded over the edge, requiring specialist and expensive cleaning teams to clear up in order to protect the endangered green area. For its part, the town hall will also provide additional rubbish bins, and the police are prepared to fine inconsiderate traders who risk the future of the market in its current, popular location.
The CV-95 road tunnel which runs into Orihuela city from Bigastro has reopened this week, according to the railway infrastructure company, ADIF. The road will remain open until early June, when it will once again be closed to traffic to allow the railway expansion work to continue. The underpass closed earlier in the year after being reopened to traffic at Christmas, having been largely blocked to traffic for over a year.
The Partido Popular presented a delayed motion which Pedro Mancebo had tried to table previously, relating to suggestions of easing the traffic flow on the N-332 roundabout at La Zenia. The motion was passed and approved by both the opposition and the ruling government team, despite containing elements which the Ministry has already declined, and despite the plans already approved during meetings with the town hall starting. Mancebo had been prevented from tabling the motion on behalf of the CLR-CLARO group, as membership and the existence of that coalition is a matter being considered by the courts. The Mayor, Monseratte Guillén, had offered Mancebo the opportunity to table the motion as an unassigned councillor, but this offer was declined.
The government team tabled a motion which would offer social housing to those in need, and at the expense of the banks, but this motion was not carried. The plan was to increase the property tax, colloquially known as SUMA, on properties which banks held as vacant, but this could be saved if the banks offered up their stagnant portfolio as social housing, allowing some of the many families evicted by the crisis to be homed. The notion was not passed as the opposition PP majority voted against such a move.
After the end of the consultation period to provide services at the chiringuito beach bars on the Orihuela Costa, a total of three companies have submitted their bids to operate the service. Each bid will now be examined in its own right, before the contract is awarded to the company providing the most value, in line with the quality standards of the contract. Two complaints were received relating to the nature in which the contract was offered, as some companies believe that the requirements for recognized quality standards restricted the number of companies who could compete.
A small number of pending contracts for improving areas of the Orihuela Costa have been subject to a delay, including the underpass of the N-332 near the town hall, after administrative errors have slowed the process down. Despite the work and funds being allocated, it would appear that a technician had simply assigned the wrong category to the projects, but this has caused a delay in order to protect the integrity of the tender and award process, rather than risk providing the work to a company where anomalies may be present.
The Councillor for Tourism, Rosa Martínez of the PSOE, presided over the first photographic awards ceremony this week, in which local snappers were invited to enter their pictures under the banner of “Orihuela – History of the Mediterranean”, which had been organized by the tourism department as part of their latest drive to focus on the cultural heritage of the municipality. The winners of the competition will see their work displayed in brochures, flyers and posters, promoting Orihuela, with 67 images finally entering into the competition, with first prize going to Miguel Rabasco Martínez, and another 4 people being recognized as top photographers. Martínez thanked everybody who took part; expressing pride that so many people were prepared to work so hard in helping promote Orihuela.
The Cruz Roja of Orihuela has announced that they are giving away a football shirt signed by soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, as a prize draw to encourage the donation of food for the needy. Ronaldo wore the shirt during the match Real Madrid and Juventus match in November of last year, and has also been signed by a number of other key players. To be in with a chance of winning this priceless piece of football memorabilia, you need to get donating milk, oil or sugar to the Cruz Roja on calle San Agustín, Nº22, in Orihuela between Monday the 3rd of March and Monday the 28th of April. Everybody who donates can put their name on a ticket that goes into a ballot box with the draw being made on the 29th of April, televised by Canal Vega Televisión.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42831/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The councillor for markets, Manuel Gallud of the Los Verdes, has announced that the Thursday market on the Orihuela Costa will now remain in its current location, after an agreement was reached with the traders to keep the area clean. Concern over the ...

### What´s On: Monday 3 March 2014

MONDAY 3rd MARCH, 2014
Markets
Cox, Elche, Formentera, La Nucia, San Pedro del Pinatar, Santa Pola, Sax, Torremendo.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Lunes de baile, dance spectacular, Zenia Boulevard.

listen to ‘Things to do: Monday 3 March, 2014’ on Audioboo

### VIRTUAL ISSUE 509 OF THE LEADER IS AVAILABLE NOW

The latest version of The Leader newspaper is available now in virtual form from our dedicated website, www.virtualleader.info.
Cram packed with the latest news and sports, health, beauty, food, features, TV listings and more, out every week in hundreds of venues across the entire area.
Remember to pick up the real thing in the morning, but for now, here is the directt link to this week´s virtual copy.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42829/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The latest version of The Leader newspaper is available now in virtual form from our dedicated website, www.virtualleader.info.
Cram packed with the latest news and sports, health, beauty, food, features, TV listings and more, out every week in hundre...

### THREE PRICELESS POINTS EDGE ELCHE TOWARDS SAFETY!

Elche   1    Celta Vigo   0
Phew! After 320 goalless minutes of frustration Elche's Carles Gil came off the bench to score a priceless goal five minutes from the end, pulling off a home win that was looking more and more unlikely as this close match progressed. Elche kicked of with a strong-looking side, Manu Herrera back in goal behind the Franjiverdes' best defence, full backs Suarez and Albacar either side of Botia and Lomban.
 Across the middle were Coro, Ruben Perez, Javi Marquez and Fidel, with the big two-pronged strike force of Christian and Manu Moral up front. Considering the unfriendly 10 pm kick off a goodly crowd of 19,907 watched the windswept match, including about 50 lonely souls who had made the long journey south from Vigo.
The first half belonged to Elche, everyone happy that full back, dead-ball specialist and captain Edu Albacar is returned from injury  -a priceless penalty was missed in his absence two weeks previously. From his three free kicks early in dangerous positions, two went nowhere but the third thundered off the bar as the Franjiverdes went for it. At the other end a couple of nervous moments saw a low Celta cross missed by everyone ending up in the side netting, plus two minutes later a dangerous free kick whistling just wide with Elche hearts-in-mouths. Just on half time Albacar showed ineffective Fidel how crosses should be delivered, hit hard straight over at head height with Christian's diving header going just wide – what a pity, as it stayed goalless at half-time.
In the second half the match turned towards the visitors as Elche went off the boil: for Celta Vigo Krohn was everywhere, and from being innocent in the first half when two Celta players were booked,the home side soon caught up and passed the visitors total as Ruben Perez, Javi Marquez and Botia were booked. On the hour a huge cheer went up as the frustrating Fidel went off to be replaced by previously ever-present Carles Gil. Elche still looked shaky and a tremendous free-kick from Rafinha was saved at the second attempt as Herrerea showed how capable he is for Elche in times of crisis. Celta were going for the win and it looked like they would get it as the crowd showed their frustration. We all began to hopefully anticipate yet another point salvaged by a draw (Elche have drawn eight this season).
With just six worrying minutes left Carles Gil burst over the half-way line and slipped the ball to Coro, who returned it inside with interest. The on-loan player from Valencia sped on towards goal, cut inside his marker and to glorious home ecstasy pushed the ball into the corner with the crowd going wild – what a long time we had waited for a home goal in open play, with only 23 scored in 26 games all told. The final minutes slowly ticked away, plus three more agonising ones for stoppages during which both Saurez and Herrera were booked for time-wasting, as Elche clung on for those three priceless points. Cue huge relief and celebration all round, there have been a number of disappointing ends to matches this season at the mighty Martinez Valero.     
The win gives Elche 29 fabulous points and 12th place: close opposition results also worked well, so well that the Franjiverdes are now six points clear of third-from-bottom Valladollid, that being the relegation benchmark. Next week Elche are away to unpredictable Espanyol, four points above the men in green - but with their defence playing well, and with an important win, who knows…
 
Mucho Elche!
Photos Kevin RendallFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42825/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Elche   1    Celta Vigo   0
Phew! After 320 goalless minutes of frustration Elche's Carles Gil came off the bench to score a priceless goal five minutes from the end, pulling off a home win that was looking more and more unlikely as this close match p...

### SOROS AND PAULSON INVEST 92 MILLION EURO IN SPANISH PROPERTY INVESTMENT VEHICLE

The Financial Times reported on Saturday that George Soros and John Paulson have both taken a 92 million euro ($127 million) stake in a brand new Spanish property investment vehicle called Hispania.  Hispania was originally created by Spanish-based private investment firm Azora.
Last week Azora announced that it has plans to list on the stock exchange. It will launch a share offering in order to raise 500 million euros from qualified investors and will operate as a real estate investment trust, or REIT - listed vehicles that typically invest in income-producing assets, such as rental properties.
Azora, George Soros and John Paulson were not immediately available to comment, according to the Financial Times.  REITs are growing more popular in Spain, where they are known as SOCIMIs. Foreign investors are taking a keener interest in Spanish property in the hope of cashing in on the country's economic recovery. Real estate prices dropped by around 30% since their highs six years ago when the Spanish property bubble burst and left many owners with negative equity.



On Friday, Spanish family-owned real estate company, Grupo Lar, announced that it would list on the stock exchange in a 400 million euro deal where it will price each share at 10 euro.  George Soros has recently stepped up his investments in Spain and in European real estate.  Last month he made an investment in the European property unit of U.S. real estate investment fund Kennedy-Wilson Holdings Inc, which plans to make acquisitions in Britain, Ireland and Spain.  He also made headlines in January when he bought a significant number of shares in the Spanish building company, FCC.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42824/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Financial Times reported on Saturday that George Soros and John Paulson have both taken a 92 million euro ($127 million) stake in a brand new Spanish property investment vehicle called Hispania.  Hispania was originally created by Spanish-based pri...

### TORREVIEJA BEACH BAR TENDER OPEN

Councillor for the Environment in Torrevieja, Francisco Moreno, has announced the publication in the Official Gazette of the Province the details of the tender process for running the chiringuito beach bars in the city.
From the moment of publication there is now 15 days for companies to submit their bids, thus closing on the 18th of March, with a view to commencing in time for Easter, and then summer.
The councillor has pointed out that the 4 year contract, with possible extension, is for the operation of all 13 of Torrevieja´s beach bars, not as individual units, which had been a criticism of neighbouring Orihuela.
Several conditions are attached to the terms of the contract, all aimed at improving the quality of service offered to beachgoers, and have included an annex, with “guidance guidelines that grantees must meet, seeking a homogenization of the image of kiosks”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42823/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Councillor for the Environment in Torrevieja, Francisco Moreno, has announced the publication in the Official Gazette of the Province the details of the tender process for running the chiringuito beach bars in the city.
From the moment of publication ...

### WASTE DISPOSAL COSTS INCREASED BY SIXTY PERCENT IN TORREVIEJA

The contract for collecting household waste, street and beach cleaning will cost Torrevieja city council 16.3 million euro per year, an increase of 60% since the contract was first awarded 10 years ago.
According to José Manuel Dolón of the Los Verdes political group, this not only represents more than 10% of the total budget for the city management, it is “a monumental scam and fraud”, considering that there had been three separate occasions in which the contract could and should have been terminated during the recent years, not only for deficiencies in the level of service provided, but also in view of the fact that the former mayor of the city, Pedro Hernández Mateo, was convicted of a prison sentence for falsifying documents during the awarding of the contract.
When the contract was first issued in 2004, the annual fee was 9.7 million euro, later to be adjusted upwards to reach 15 million euro. Officials have set the annual figure now at 15,436,002 euro, to which IVA has to be applied, and with other adjustments puts the rate at 16.3 million euro.
However, according to José Manuel Dolón, the figure should also include calculations on account of the performance criteria and lack of service, the absence of the legal plant, transfer facilities and workshops, and the extra costs of cleaning after extraordinary events, as well as regular activities such as the May Fair.
According to a statement by the Los Verdes, having analysed the contract from the perspective of 2014, taking into account any potential extension, “it is clear that it has been a tremendous success for all those who plotted the fixing of this contract, ignoring reports from municipal officers and violating the constitutional right to equal opportunities of the rest of the companies who participated in good faith”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42822/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The contract for collecting household waste, street and beach cleaning will cost Torrevieja city council 16.3 million euro per year, an increase of 60% since the contract was first awarded 10 years ago.
According to José Manuel Dolón of ...

### BANKNOTE CIRCULATION DROPPED 12 PERCENT IN JANUARY

According to a review from the Bank of Spain issued this week, the total amount of cash put into circulation in January was 57,403,000 euro, of which 53.691 million is in notes, and the remaining 3.712 million in coins, collectively down by 12.2% from a year earlier, although only dropping by 5.6% compared to December 2013.
The number of 500 euro banknotes put into circulation in Spain during January fell by 13%, to just 80 million units, although they remain at levels similar to 2005. Compared to December 2013, the 500 denomination bills have dropped by 1.2%, from 81 million to 80 million notes, the lowest since May 2005. The number of notes in circulation had shown a steady growth, peaking in 2007, before the crisis, when 114 million units were in circulation, 29.8% more than that in the first month of 2014.
As for the 200 euro note, that remained stable with 13 million units circulating, whereas the 100 euro note started the year with 40% more in circulation over January 2013, but 12.5% less than in December. 
In the more common denominations, 50 euro notes increased by 8.7% in January, with 830 million units being handed around, along with 23.350 million in 20´s and 8.581 million euro in 10´s.
However, despite the trend in the euro, it would appear that many Spaniards are still clinging to a little piece of history, with the Bank of Spain also reporting that at the end of January there were still 868 million euro worth of peseta bank notes remaining outstanding, although a million less than in November, plus an additional 806 million euro worth of coins, the same as the previous month.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42821/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to a review from the Bank of Spain issued this week, the total amount of cash put into circulation in January was 57,403,000 euro, of which 53.691 million is in notes, and the remaining 3.712 million in coins, collectively down by 12.2% from ...

### TAX CHANGES TO MAKE WORKERS OVER 3 EURO BETTER OFF

The week may have seen one of the most future-positive announcements of the national government in recent times, with tax incentives and initiatives to encourage employment, but how the proposals will actually matter is one that seems somewhat diminished in the real world.
The announcement of a reduced contribution to social security for permanent contracts is one of the biggest drives to encourage employment ever made by the government, as testified by the president, Mariano Rajoy, but the reality is that a company will still have to be able to afford to employ those workers, pay their salaries and stump up the contribution, the reality being a saving of nearly a couple of hundred euro per month, but at the expense of the cost of those new jobs, bearing in mind the minimum wage in Spain stands at 752.85 euro per month, 9,034.20 per year, or 27,102.60 in total for the three year qualifying period of the scheme, a scheme. Given the calculations Rajoy himself made, based on the minimum wage, a company would save less than 600 euro in contributions for their 9,000 euro per annum commitment.
Similarly, the raising of the threshold for income tax was said to benefit 12 million workers once implemented in the election year of 2015, a proposal which was also to be tabled by the PSOE, but it was the threshold which was changed, increased from 11,121.20 euro to 12,000 euro. Across the Valencia region, the finance ministry state that some 44,822 workers would benefit from the adjustment, at the 1.9 million euro cost to the public purse, but the reality in the pockets of those workers who now qualify is a tax saving of just 42 euro, or 3.50 euro per month.
Of course any tax saving is of benefit to the workers who are struggling and is a positive move in the sense that before the last elections the Partido Popular vowed that they would not increase tax, only to make that their first priority once given the power of office, but the reality of how the changes will improve the quality of life for the millions unemployed and those who have found themselves homeless, starving and, in some cases, unable to face the future at all, remains to be a question that can only be answered once the changes are implemented and accepted. Similarly, the reasons given for increasing tax in the first place was to plug the void of debt, so careful consideration on how this move will put a burden on the finances of the country will no doubt be closely monitored by those with the power to choose.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42820/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The week may have seen one of the most future-positive announcements of the national government in recent times, with tax incentives and initiatives to encourage employment, but how the proposals will actually matter is one that seems somewhat diminish...

### EASY HORSE CARE CENTRE (EHCRC) ON STANDBY FOR MASS RESCUE

The EHCRC in Rojales are currently working closely with other animal welfare agencies to rescue twenty horses from what has been described as “a living hell” in Callosa de Segura.
The National Association for the Defence of Animals (ANDA) were alerted by British M.E.P. Arlene McArthy who herself has contacted the Animal Welfare Intergroup of the European Parliament.
Already El Refugio del Burrito, a major donkey rescue organisation based in Malaga has rescued nine donkeys from the premises. Two were in such a bad state they were euthanized on the spot and one other died two days later after arriving at the Malaga centre.
A spokesperson for El Refugio del Burrito stated that “This is undoubtedly the largest rescue that we have been involved in since we started our rescue operations in Spain. We are working very closely with our partners Rod and Sue Weeding, Co - Founders of the EHCRC to get these horses out of this wretched place.”
The premises at the centre of the controversy is owned by a dealer who buys and sells horses, donkeys and mules. They are kept in the most appalling condition, tied and locked up 24 hours a day with limited access to food and water, literally starving.
El Refugio del Burrito have already placed a criminal complaint against the owner of the place because of his continuing offences to existing Animal Welfare laws in Valencia, that is, continuous mistreatment and neglect of animals in his care.
Despite all of this evidence, unbelievably, a court in Orihuela had deemed to find no signs of crime and the judge ordered the case to be filed.
The dealer in question is alleged to be in violation of Law 4/1994 of July 8th of the Generalitat Valenciana on the Protection of Pets. He has also been repeatedly denounced for abuse and illegal transportation of animals. Reports from the Guardia Civil Seprona and the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of the Generalitat Valenciana have called for the closure of the business and the immobilisation of the animals within.
In the latest move regarding this case El Refugio del Burrito have contacted the EHCRC and advised them that their specialist lawyer, who is an expert in these matters, has drawn up the necessary paperwork which is currently going through the courts now and they are hoping for a positive outcome.
Sue Weeding, Co – Founder of the EHCRC adds,”We are currently monitoring the ongoing developments in this deplorable case and are in daily contact with our partners at Refugio del Burrito. As soon as we are advised that it is legally permissible to move in and rescue these horses we will, with help from the relevant authorities and our contacts who will be providing extra horse boxes and assistance. We will get these animals out and bring them here to the EHCRC where they will be examined by Dorothea, our vet, to assess their condition and provide the necessary treatment required to improve their state of health.
This whole saga makes us so sad. It shows a lack of awareness on animal welfare still exists in some sectors of Spanish society. There is still much work to be done in this regard, nevertheless we must continue to work and create awareness and educate people, especially the younger generation that this behaviour is unacceptable in a modern society. Obviously these extra horses are going to place a huge strain on our resources both financially and space availability but we cannot just sit back and do nothing.”
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre would welcome any donations or horse sponsorship to assist in the upkeep of the 63 equines in their care and the extra animals when they arrive.  
If you are a bar owner or business that would like to hold a charity event to support the centre please get in touch with Sue Weeding on 652 021 980 or email David East on pr@easyhorsecare.net The EHCRC will ensure that your event receives the maximum publicity in the press and on radio plus coverage on their Face book and website pages prior to, and after the event.
Every single cent donated or spent in any one of the five charity shops operated by the EHCRC goes towards the upkeep and care of the horses, donkeys and ponies.
If you have any furniture, white goods, clothes or metal for recycling to donate they will come and collect it from your home. Any large items such as furniture purchased in the shops can be delivered also.  Please contact the charity shop hotline on 636 062 000.
You can see where your money is spent by visiting the centre every Sunday between 1pm and 4pm where refreshments are available in the garden café. The first informative horse tour where you can get close to and meet the equine resident's starts at 2pm.
For more details on how to donate and for directions to the centre just outside Rojales Town Centre visit their website at www.easyhorsecare.net
 
 
 
 
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42819/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The EHCRC in Rojales are currently working closely with other animal welfare agencies to rescue twenty horses from what has been described as “a living hell” in Callosa de Segura.
The National Association for the Defence of Animals (ANDA) ...

### AIR ACADEMY OPENS ITS DOORS TO ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

Over sixty members and friends of the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion spent last Thursday morning as guests of the director, Colonel Emilio Gracia Cirugeda, on the occasion of their visit to the Academia General del Aire (AGA), and the Centro Universitario de la Defensa in San Javier.
The visit was hosted by Cabo (Senior Airwoman) Rosa Iglesias Rodriguez who got the proceedings underway by showing a film, in English, explaining the history of the station together with its current facilities and resources.
There followed a casual stroll though the base, alongside the military runway and the control tower, to the Engineering Squadron, where the visitors were left to explore in their own time.  Aircraft available to pour, or lust over in some cases, included the Casa C-101EB Aviojet, Beechcraft T-34 Mentor, Hispano HA-200 Saeta and the CASA T-35C Tamiz (ECH-51) and a couple of out of service Cessna 172's.
The San Javier Airbase was initially established in 1926 when it first accommodated the School of Naval Aviation, so from the very beginning, the barracks has been linked to the training and education of young pilots.
It was in those early days that Naval Aerospace built most of the hangars and buildings in the base, little of which has changed over the years.
After the Civil War, San Javier became part of the newly created Air Force. In this new era, the primary mission was once again the teaching of flight. This saw the establishment of the la Escuela Premilitar, the Air Training School, responsible for the training of pilots complement, with the first class of 400 students taking up their places in 1940. It became the General Air Academy by Royal decree three years later, since which time over 6,000 students have successfully passed through it's gates achieving over 800,000 flying hours.
The first woman student entered the academy in 1988 with the arrival of María Eva Lequerica de Jaén. Since then the proportion of female students has grown steadily, and today exceeds 10%.
However in modern times the Academy is rather more than a school for pilot and flight training. Created by Royal Decree 1723/2008 UCD is an institution of higher education for future officers. It is also a learning centre for the Cartagena University where students are taught Industrial Engineering at the University Centre for Defence (UCD) in the Academy grounds. 
This new model of Military Education, which accommodates in the region of a hundred students, opened its doors in 2009. Successful candidates now pass out from the campus with a Bachelors Degree in Industrial Engineering.
In recent years competition for entry into the academy has been especially keen with only 78 out of 2,500 candidates accepted for the air academy in 2012. 
The first three years of a student's academic service consists of basic studies and introductory flight training. The fourth year is then devoted to the specialisation chosen with a fifth year, if necessary, for further concentration on that specialisation.
In addition to Pilot and Engineering training the Academy is also responsible for providing general military training for the Quartermaster Corps of Engineers and the Air Force, technical training for entry to the Quartermaster Corps of the Air Force and general military training of Common Corps of the Armed Forces, when the Directorate General of Education and the Ministry of Defence Recruitment determine such needs. 
There is also a Language School, a Tactics and Weapons Systems Wing, Air Traffic Control and a Navigational Wings where those students who don't quite achieve the standards required for phase 2 of pilot training are given the option of alternative training and Air Force careers.
The General Air Academy is also the training center for pilots of the Spanish Air Force Acrobatic team, the Patrulla Águila (Eagle Patrol). Formed in 1985 the display team consists of 12 Spanish-built CASA C-101 Aviojet training jets, seven of which actually fly in airshows.
They can regularly be seen flying over the skies of the Mar Menor in close formation as they practise their intricate manoeuvres. The pilots are all present or former instructors from the Air Force Academy. They have currently amassed over 25,000 flying hours and participated in more than three hundred civilian and military airshows and festivals. They are supported by a large team of technicians, mechanics and engineers.
With the turn of the century the AGA is now the only official pilot training academy of the Air Force, to be fully able to meet the challenges posed by technological developments and changes in the global strategic landscape and with its 1500 staff and students, we must also remember just how important it is to the local economy. 
Following the visit to the Academy members of the RBL retired to the excellent Los Caracoles Restaurant in Pilar de la Horadada where they wined and dined into the late afternoon. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42808/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Over sixty members and friends of the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion spent last Thursday morning as guests of the director, Colonel Emilio Gracia Cirugeda, on the occasion of their visit to the Academia General del Aire (AGA), and th...

### IF YOU COULD HAVE ONLY ONE CAR…

Porsche Cayman awarded 'Best Coupé' in the inaugural 2014 UK Car of the Year Awards, an independent set of accolades designed to highlight the best new cars on the market specifically for UK customers. Described by 27 professional motoring journalist judges as one of the best drivers' cars in its class, the Cayman was crowned the winner following a series of votes.
The new Cayman is the third generation of the benchmark mid-engined sports coupé'. Its dynamic blend of driver appeal, peerless handling and high quality has seen it win many plaudits as well as a number of awards. “It's one of the best drivers' cars out there at any price," said journalist and juror Richard Bremner. “It's glamorous, easy to live with and impressive value for money."
Two characterful flat-six ‘boxer' engines are offered in the Cayman, with displacements of 2.7-litres and 3.4-litres respectively, both offering an enticing blend of power and efficiency. The styling of the Cayman adds further distinction. An extended wheelbase with short overhangs and the option of up to 20-inch diameter wheels help accentuate the striking visuals of, as expressed by juror Tom Ford, “the finest small coupé of 2014.”
The Cayman is priced at £39,694, which offers a flat-six engine that combines 0-62 mph in 5.6 seconds with 36.7 mpg combined (with PDK transmission). The Cayman S costs from £48,783, with a 3.4-litre engine producing 325 hp for 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds, while offering the potential delivery of 35.3 mpg combined.
Freelance journalist and jury member Anthony Ffrench-Constant perhaps summed up the Cayman's universal appeal best when he said: “The correct answer to the pub bore's ‘If you could have only one car…' question.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42801/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Porsche Cayman awarded 'Best Coupé' in the inaugural 2014 UK Car of the Year Awards, an independent set of accolades designed to highlight the best new cars on the market specifically for UK customers. Described by 27 professional motoring journalist judges as one of the best drivers' cars in its class, the Cayman was crowned the winner following a series of votes.
The new Cayman is the third generation of the benchmark mid-engined sports coupé'. Its dynamic blend of driver appeal, peerless handling and high quality has seen it win many plaudits as well as a number of awards. “It's one of the best drivers' cars out there at any price," said journalist and juror Richard Bremner. “It's glamorous, easy to live with and impressive value for money."
Two characterful flat-six ‘boxer' engines are offered in the Cayman, with displacements of 2.7-litres and 3.4-litres respectively, both offering an enticing blend of power and efficiency. The styling of the Cayman adds further distinction. An extended wheelbase with short overhangs and the option of up to 20-inch diameter wheels help accentuate the striking visuals of, as expressed by juror Tom Ford, “the finest small coupé of 2014.”
The Cayman is priced at £39,694, which offers a flat-six engine that combines 0-62 mph in 5.6 seconds with 36.7 mpg combined (with PDK transmission). The Cayman S costs from £48,783, with a 3.4-litre engine producing 325 hp for 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds, while offering the potential delivery of 35.3 mpg combined.
Freelance journalist and jury member Anthony Ffrench-Constant perhaps summed up the Cayman's universal appeal best when he said: “The correct answer to the pub bore's ‘If you could have only one car…' question.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42801/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ESCAPE TO LA PALMA

La Palma? No, I don't mean La Palma de Majorca or Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, but a little known island paradise, which is one of the seven islands (or maybe it is 8, depending upon your definition of an island, and political persuasions) that together make up the Canarian archipelago. 
The island is the fifth largest of all the Canary Islands and many would say it is the most beautiful of all the islands. I happily subscribe to its affectionate title of  'La Isla Bonita' (The Beautiful Island). The island is 68 miles (126 km) from Tenerife, but don't worry, because it is nothing like its larger, brash neighbour, and there are few tourists to bother about either, other than those walking, star gazing and enjoying a natural, unspoiled environment.
I am very fond of all the Canary Islands; each one is unique and has its own charms, as well as offering a unique perspective on life.  However, if like me, you enjoy lush green grass, forests, woodlands, flowers, blue sky and unpolluted air, and a climate that is best described as an 'eternal spring', then this island is for you. It is a picturesque place that is beautifully maintained, and the streets are clean with no graffiti or dog excreta to be seen.
Despite the current financial climate and troubling unemployment situation in the Canary Islands, this island still gives the impression of being rather prosperous. Unlike some of its neighbours, properties appear well cared for, gardens are trimmed and buildings well painted and maintained. Cruise ships come and go, depositing hoards of gannet-like tourists each morning ready to gobble up the local delicacies on offer.
However, by mid afternoon travel weary passengers return to their floating palaces ready to set sail for another day and a brief stop at yet another destination. Most seem to be unaware of where they are as they trudge reluctantly behind the tour guide, taking endless photographs that no one will ever see. After their departure, an air of calm settles over the island as the locals resume a steadier pace of life.
A regular and reliable bus service operates throughout the island, and although the timings are best described as 'Canarian', the bus does eventually turn up. Pretty little shelters mark the bus stops that are painted bright yellow with an orange tiled roof; complete with bus timetable and a terracotta pot for cigarette stubs. Passengers should be tolerant that the driver may need to stop the bus briefly in the forest in order to empty his bladder. After all it is a long journey with many twists and turns to negotiate. Just sit in the bus patiently and watch the lizards sunbathing at the side of the road, whilst waiting for a much-relieved driver to reappear.
Most buildings on the island, including the bus shelters, sport roofs of the tiled and pitched variety, which I much prefer to the flat roofed creations on some of the other islands. Pitched roofs mean rain, heavy rain from time to time, but at least it is warm and keeps the island looking fresh and green. Island life is an outdoor one; it is not a shopper's paradise. However, well-stocked Spar grocery stores adorn each village, and there is even an Ikea store to quell any longings for flat pack furniture. The island is well served with accident and emergency centres, together with a well equipped hospital and ambulance service.
Visitors may be accosted by one of the island's 'White Witches'; at least I think they are of the 'White' variety. One appeared at our side whilst we were having a quiet drink in a local bar, and I was struck by the accuracy of her diagnosis and predictions, or was that the gin talking? The bar itself was also a strange phenomena, because as it had many open windows, locals had quickly come to the conclusion that they could avoid the no smoking laws by sitting inside to smoke a cigarette by draping their arm through an open window, and popping their heads outside to take the occasional puff. Legal or not, no one seemed to mind, least of all the police officer chatting to the waitress behind the bar.
Living on a small island of this size certainly has its charms, as well as challenges. This small community is at the mercy of ferries and planes, and travel, despite hefty subsidies, is not cheap. Despite its many attractions, life without many modern conveniences can be hard, particularly for the island's young people trying to achieve a good education and a worthwhile job, as well as for the elderly and infirm. However, experiencing this unique and green paradise, which offers complete silence under a clear night sky, with no light or air pollution, certainly takes some beating.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42800/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: La Palma? No, I don't mean La Palma de Majorca or Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, but a little known island paradise, which is one of the seven islands (or maybe it is 8, depending upon your definition of an island, and political persuasions) that together...

### PROSECUTION SEEKS 38 MONTHS FOR FORMER ELCHE MAYOR

The Prosecutor has asked for a sentence of 38 months in prison for the former mayor of Elche, Alejandro Soler, following his appearance in court last week charged with two offenses of abuse and threats to his ex-wife. 
His trial, which lasted for over 3 hours, was held at the Criminal Court No. 1 in Elche 
The defense had asked for his acquittal maintaining his innocence and claiming that he is the victim of false allegations. 
Soler was accompanied to the trial by several former socialist councillors, including spokesman Antonio Rodes, whose evidence was rejected by the judge.
The former Elche mayor and current councillor, PSPV-PSOE, has denied physically assaulting his ex-wife and has stated that the allegations were nothing more than her attempts at revenge. 
Two weeks ago, on 9 February, Soler's ex-wife, Manuela Gonzálvez, reported  her former husband for assault, stating that she had been pushed to the ground causing various injuries to her elbow and her spine, following an argument over maintenance payments. 
Soler argued in court that there was no aggressionFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42799/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Prosecutor has asked for a sentence of 38 months in prison for the former mayor of Elche, Alejandro Soler, following his appearance in court last week charged with two offenses of abuse and threats to his ex-wife. 
His trial, which lasted for over...

### POLICIA LOCAL RECOVER 300KG OF COPPER

Police from Pilar de la Horadada recovered several coils of copper wire early last Friday morning weighing 300 kg. They were found in the boot of an abandoned car in the village of Lo Romero having been stolen the previous night.
Police were initially alerted to the presence of a suspicious vehicle on a road adjacent to the golf course. When they attempted to challenge the driver the vehicle sped off.  Despite losing the vehicle as they gave chase they found it a few minutes later abandoned in a side street.
When they opened the boot they discovered the copper wire which is thought to have been stolen overnight from local street lighting. 
In recent months police patrols from Pilar de la Horadada are thought to have prevented a number of thefts in the rural and agricultural areas surrounding the town, many of which are especially vulnerable. 
The councilor responsible for security, Lancharro Francisco, said that police patrols are particularly important and in recent months they have resulted in the detention of at least two individuals for similar crimes.
He said that thefts of copper are usually carried out at night, so during periods of darkness there is additional monitoring in these zones. “We are particularly sensitive to this type of crime because damage to electrical distribution boxes and streetlights creates a great deal of inconvenience and can be extremely lengthy and expensive to rectify.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42798/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Police from Pilar de la Horadada recovered several coils of copper wire early last Friday morning weighing 300 kg. They were found in the boot of an abandoned car in the village of Lo Romero having been stolen the previous night.
Police were initially...

### LOOKING FORWARD TO RICE WEEK IN TORREVIEJA

Luis María Pizana, Torrevieja councilor for Tourism and Hospitality, was joined by José Antonio Lozano, President of the Asociación de Empresas de Hostelería de Torrevieja and Region, in the Tourism Centre (CDT) Auditorium last Tuesday when the pair launched the second edition of  “Arroces de Torrevieja”, Rice week, to be held between the dates of 3 and 9 March.
 
They were joined by members of the public as well as representatives and chefs from many of the 27 participating restaurants, 2 more than last year. 
 
Following success in 2013 Lozano said that the use of rice would once again be demonstrated in its many forms. There would be rice dishes with rabbit and snails, rice with octopus, rice with lobster and of course many more. The restaurants would each prepare their own special menu where rice would feature as the main dish. Cost of the meals would vary between 20 and 28 euros and each would include a starter, main course, desert and a drink at a very affordable price.
 
The councillor stressed the importance of holding this type of event in the city of Torrevieja which he was sure would, once again, be a great success, and to continue expanding the annual calendar of culinary events to promote the excellent hospitality sector of the city.
 
All information about the participating restaurants and the menus they offer, are available on the website www.torreviejagastronomica.com .Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42797/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Luis María Pizana, Torrevieja councilor for Tourism and Hospitality, was joined by José Antonio Lozano, President of the Asociación de Empresas de Hostelería de Torrevieja and Region, in the Tourism Centre (CDT) Auditorium l...

### MIKE PROBERT TALKS GOLF

Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.
Golf Insurance – The saga continues
Over the last month I have reported on the new rule issued to golf courses by the Spanish Golf Federation (RFEG) to enforce the purchase of a daily licence which includes insurance for non RFEG members which in summary means NO PAY, NO PLAY. This week our golf society visited the beautiful course at La Manga West and after arriving at the course and paying for the necessary licence fees for our non RFEG members we entered the course with high expectations. 
This is a compact golf course with greens and tees in close proximity and unfortunately on only the 3rd hole one of our guests was struck by an errant tee shot resulting in a finger injury that looked like a break or dislocation but thankfully resulted in bad bruising only. The player was forced off the course to seek treatment and that was where all the shenanigans began.
The staff at La Manga couldn't be more helpful but discussions with the RFEG insurance company were tortuous taking nearly one hour. In conclusion after spending this time on the telephone with various departments of the insurance company it appears that in the event of an injury requiring hospital treatment there are only four hospitals here on the Costa's to which you can go under their policy, namely Cartagena (2),Alicante and Alcoy. Therefore for example if you were injured on one of the five courses in Torrevieja and required hospital treatment you would have to go to either Alicante or Cartagena despite us having three hospitals in the area. 
On this occasion the player concerned and at the point of losing the will to live accepted a green fee refund and drove to Torrevieja hospital for treatment against his SIP card and thankfully no serious damage had been done. What concerns me is if this had been something more serious, such as a head trauma because the first reaction would be to take an ambulance to the nearest hospital only to later find you are not covered by the RFEG insurance.
Unfortunately I only have the question and not the answer to this problem other than purchasing a private insurance on top of paying the RFEG daily licence but that would very much be the case of belt and braces or should that be bandage and sling!
We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us.
The deals shown in the attached table are some of the best currently available to you.
For bookings and more information contact Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com or direct on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 quoting reference LEADER.
Hollow Tining Watch
Alicante – 10th-11th March
La Galiana – 3rd-7th March
Quotation of the week 
“A bad day on the golf course is better than a good day at work” – The glass is half full type of golfer.   
 (Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services).Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42796/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golf...

### SPANISH-BRITISH COOPERATION IN FIGHT AGAINST ORGANIZED CRIME

Secretary of State for Security, Francisco Martínez Vázquez, and the Secretary of State for the fight against Human Trafficking and Organized Crime, Karen Bradley, met in Madrid to agree on how the two countries could cooperate more closely in the recovery of assets derived from crime.
The visit to Spain was the first trip of the British Secretary of State abroad, highlighting the importance of bilateral relations in policing. This cooperation between the two countries is shown in the exemplary success of  'Operation Captura', a campaign launched in 2006 and carried out jointly by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the British charity Crimestoppers campaign.
As a result of this campaign, 58 of the 76 criminals wanted by the British authorities in Spain have been arrested and brought to justice in the UK. The success of this agreement has led both countries to seek new avenues of cooperation in areas such as asset recovery.
As is well known, criminals hide their assets in third countries to hinder their recovery by the  agencies charged with enforcing the law. It is believed that in Spain there are more active British criminals than any other EU Member State.
The two countries have agreed to work together more closely to execute confiscation orders against British criminals once they are taken to court and have been convicted.
Similarly, the two governments have agreed to provide the necessary support to help the recovery of criminal assets located in their territories. As such, British prosecutors in Spain will shortly appoint a new asset recovery specialist, while, for it's part, Spain has sent a liaison magistrate to the UK.
The Secretaries of State have said that the excellent cooperation between the two countries has, in the past five years, seen the arrests of  three quarters of Britons most wanted criminals in Spain. And they have sent a clear message: "There are no hiding places for runaway criminals."
Both countries are committed to reinforcing the fight against serious and organized crime and its harmful effects. The meeting of experts from both countries took place in Madrid on 25 and 26 February and focused on cases of practical cooperation to ensure that the crime is not profitable.
Spain and the UK will extend their cooperation in working together within the European Union to promote the exchange of information on criminal records of sex offenders across borders and to combat sexual exploitation of children, including through the use of the European Information System Criminal (ECRIS).
Spain will also endeavor to pioneer new advances in this field internationally for the next presidency of the G-6.
During her stay in Spain, the British Secretary of State, Karen Bradley also held meetings with the director general of the Civil Guard, Arsenio Fernandez de Mesa, and the director general of police, Ignacio Cosidó.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42795/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Secretary of State for Security, Francisco Martínez Vázquez, and the Secretary of State for the fight against Human Trafficking and Organized Crime, Karen Bradley, met in Madrid to agree on how the two countries could cooperate more closely in the recovery of assets derived from crime.
The visit to Spain was the first trip of the British Secretary of State abroad, highlighting the importance of bilateral relations in policing. This cooperation between the two countries is shown in the exemplary success of  'Operation Captura', a campaign launched in 2006 and carried out jointly by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the British charity Crimestoppers campaign.
As a result of this campaign, 58 of the 76 criminals wanted by the British authorities in Spain have been arrested and brought to justice in the UK. The success of this agreement has led both countries to seek new avenues of cooperation in areas such as asset recovery.
As is well known, criminals hide their assets in third countries to hinder their recovery by the  agencies charged with enforcing the law. It is believed that in Spain there are more active British criminals than any other EU Member State.
The two countries have agreed to work together more closely to execute confiscation orders against British criminals once they are taken to court and have been convicted.
Similarly, the two governments have agreed to provide the necessary support to help the recovery of criminal assets located in their territories. As such, British prosecutors in Spain will shortly appoint a new asset recovery specialist, while, for it's part, Spain has sent a liaison magistrate to the UK.
The Secretaries of State have said that the excellent cooperation between the two countries has, in the past five years, seen the arrests of  three quarters of Britons most wanted criminals in Spain. And they have sent a clear message: "There are no hiding places for runaway criminals."
Both countries are committed to reinforcing the fight against serious and organized crime and its harmful effects. The meeting of experts from both countries took place in Madrid on 25 and 26 February and focused on cases of practical cooperation to ensure that the crime is not profitable.
Spain and the UK will extend their cooperation in working together within the European Union to promote the exchange of information on criminal records of sex offenders across borders and to combat sexual exploitation of children, including through the use of the European Information System Criminal (ECRIS).
Spain will also endeavor to pioneer new advances in this field internationally for the next presidency of the G-6.
During her stay in Spain, the British Secretary of State, Karen Bradley also held meetings with the director general of the Civil Guard, Arsenio Fernandez de Mesa, and the director general of police, Ignacio Cosidó.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42795/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### What´s on this weekend: 1st March, 2014

SATURDAY 1st MARCH, 2014
Day of the Balearic Islands. Saint David's Day. World Civil Defence Day.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
JESAL - EXTETIC – Hair and beauty show, IFA Exhibition Centre (Until 3rd Mar).
BARCELONA
Fall Out Boy + The Pretty Reckless, Sant Jordi Club.
ORIHUELA
Sculpture exhibition, “De vuelta al estudio”, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (Until 2nd March).
Theatre, “El diccionario”, Teatro Circo.
TORREVIEJA
20:00 – Gala benefit concert, “Cofradía de la Convocatoria”, Virgen del Carmen.
21:00 – Night carnaval.
Ceramic exhibition, Virgen del Carmen (Until 2nd Mar).

SUNDAY 2nd MARCH, 2014
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
JESAL - EXTETIC – Hair and beauty show, IFA Exhibition Centre (Until 3rd Mar).
CARTAGENA
Tchaikosky – Prokotiev, Auditorio El Batel. Sala A.
ORIHUELA
Sculpture exhibition, “De vuelta al estudio”, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (Last day).
Guided walking tour of the Murals of San Isidro.
ROJALES
Solidarity and equality march, proceeds for AECC.
TORREVIEJA
Ceramic exhibition, Virgen del Carmen (Last day).
19:00 – “Coral Bella Torrevieja”, choral concert, Palacio de la Música.
20:00 – 60th Anniversary concert, “Certamen Internacional de Habaneras”, Teatro Municipal.
 

### MOTORWAY ROBBERS ARRESTED

The National Police has broken up a gang of violent robbers who would prey on innocent victims along the AP-7 motorway.
Some 16 people have been arrested in the operation, mostly of Romanian nationality, with one Spaniard amongst the group, charged with at least 18 crimes, including one where a woman from Morocco suffered a miscarriage after being struck by one of the robbers at the Santomera service station in Murcia.
“Operación Filipinos” began in September and has been conducted in four stages of investigation, resulting in the identity of two operational headquarters of the gang, in both Alicante and Guardamar.
The Specialist Violent Crime Unit from Madrid and the Organised Crime Group of the Judicial Police of Alicante conducted the so-called 'Operation Filipinos', developed in four phases, ending with the capture of 16 suspects, all Romanians, except for a Spanish citizen.
The robberies were conducted over a wide area, including Elche, Altea, Torrevieja, Alicante, Calpe, Guardamar del Segura and Callosa de Segura, in the province of Alicante, as well as Murcia and Totana, in the neighbouring region, mostly along the AP-7 motorway network, and an additional two robberies believed to have taken place in Portugal.
The officers in charge of the case have recovered various items of jewellery including rings, earrings and watches, as well as cash in euros, U.S. dollars and other foreign currencies. Officers have also seized 300 grams of marijuana, electronic equipment, phones, video and photography cameras, tools and receipts amounting to 12,000 euro, with pawn jewellery documents worth over 20,000 euro.
Those involved are 14 men and two women, aged between 24 and 65 years of age, some of whom are known to the police, and have collectively clocked up some 65 previous arrests.
The detainees are charged with crimes of burglary, robbery and participation in a criminal organization, and causing reckless abortion. The investigation remains open, as officers have not ruled out their involvement in other crimes, nor have they ruled out the involvement of others.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42769/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The National Police has broken up a gang of violent robbers who would prey on innocent victims along the AP-7 motorway.
Some 16 people have been arrested in the operation, mostly of Romanian nationality, with one Spaniard amongst the group, charged wi...

### RECKLESS DRIVER IDENTIFIED THROUGH PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

The young male wanted by the police for seemingly driving his car whilst sat in the passenger seat has surrendered himself to the police in Barcelona.
In an unusual move the police asked for assistance in identifying the man who was seen in a video pretending to be asleep, waking up and realising the driver was missing, only to show himself in the video as controlling the car himself.
Believing the driver to have been acting recklessly, the police asked for assistance through social networks, posting the video themselves. 
Following the campaign, the police received around 40 messages identifying the same person, and so they went to the home of the man now believed to have been responsible for the video, but he was not at home when they called.
According to police sources, the man subsequently presented himself at Barcelona's La Verneda police station, accompanied by a lawyer, and identified himself as being the driver in the video.
The man has been identified as being a 21 year old, born in 1992 in Tarragona, with French nationality and currently living in Catalonia where he is a student. His lawyer issued a brief statement saying that his client was “sorry for what he had done”.
The police also then took to their Twitter account thanking everybody for assisting in identifying the man and stating that he had presented himself.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42768/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The young male wanted by the police for seemingly driving his car whilst sat in the passenger seat has surrendered himself to the police in Barcelona.
In an unusual move the police asked for assistance in identifying the man who was seen in a video pr...

### What´s On: Friday 28 February, 2014

FRIDAY 28th FEBRUARY, 2014
Day of Andalucía.
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
MADRID
Fall Out Boy + The Pretty Reckless, Palacio De Vistalegre.
ORIHUELA
Sculpture exhibition, “De vuelta al estudio”, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (Until 2nd March).
Children's Book event, "The adventure is reading", La Lonja exhibition hall (Last day).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Clowns, Zenia Boulevard.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Exhibition, “Una historia hecha imagen - 1954-2014 Venerable Cofradía Ntro. Padre Jesús Nazareno y Mujer Verónica de la Santa Faz”, Casa de Cultura (Last day).
TORREVIEJA
Ceramic exhibition, Virgen del Carmen (Until 2nd Mar).
10:00 – School Concert, Palacio de la Música.
21:00 – Música de Cámara, piano and violin concert, Palacio de la Música.
 

### SERIAL BOMB HOAXER DETAINED

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a woman in Barcelona accused of making over a thousand fake bomb threats on behalf of Al Qaeda.
This is the third time that the woman has been detained by the security services, accused of making telephone threats to places such as Barcelona El Prat airport, transport terminals and even the city of Granada, where an evacuation was carried out.
It is believed that the woman had 64 individual telephone lines activated from which to make her calls and used countless fake identities.
The woman, who is of Spanish nationality and a resident of El Prat de Llobregat in Barcelona, is accused of having been involved in 1,083 crimes against security, from which there have been over 100 victims and at least four official complaints, with other cases relating to internet libel files against third parties, falsely reporting or committing offences and breach of injunctions
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42767/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a woman in Barcelona accused of making over a thousand fake bomb threats on behalf of Al Qaeda.
This is the third time that the woman has been detained by the security services, accused of making telephone...

### Things to do: Thursday 27 February, 2014

THURSDAY 27th FEBRUARY, 2014
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ELCHE
Carmina Burana, Gran Teatro Elche.
GUARDAMAR
Release (superb young girl duo) - Los Rosales, Guardamar.
ORIHUELA
Sculpture exhibition, “De vuelta al estudio”, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (Until 2nd March).
Children's Book event, "The adventure is reading", La Lonja exhibition hall (Until 28th Feb).
Book presentation, “El elefante que quería ser hormiga”, María Moliner library.
Exhibition - "Emerging Designers" - Javi "The Virus", Auditorio de la Lonja.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Peari (saxophonist), Zenia Boulevard.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Exhibition, “Una historia hecha imagen - 1954-2014 Venerable Cofradía Ntro. Padre Jesús Nazareno y Mujer Verónica de la Santa Faz”, Casa de Cultura (Until 28th Feb).
TORREVIEJA
Ceramic exhibition, Virgen del Carmen (Until 2nd Mar).

listen to ‘What´s on Thursday 27 February, 2014’ on Audioboo

 

### POLICE APPEAL FOR HELP TO TRACE RECKLESS DRIVER

The National Police has launched an appeal through social media to find a young man who videoed himself whilst driving a car in what is considered a reckless manner,
The video had been uploaded by a user named Antonio Velázquez, but was deleted after 15,000 hits, including viewers who also thought his actions were dangerous, and the police.
In the video, the man pretends to be asleep in the passenger seat of a car, and wakes to find the driver missing whilst the car is still moving. As the car overtakes a truck on the motorway, it becomes clear that the person in the video is steering the car from the passenger seat.
If anybody does recognise the person in the film, they are asked to contact the police who would like to speak to the driver.
 
Link to video: http://youtu.be/0SBGb9dxnY4Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42766/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The National Police has launched an appeal through social media to find a young man who videoed himself whilst driving a car in what is considered a reckless manner,
The video had been uploaded by a user named Antonio Velázquez, but was deleted...

### ALICANTE RECEIVED 70 MILLION FOR POWER IMPROVEMENTS

According to data released this week by the Ministry of Economy, Industry, Tourism and Employment, the province of Alicante received a total of 70 million euro to improve the electricity and gas networks in the province during 2013.
According to spokesperson Antonio Cejalvo, in collaboration with the gas and electric utility companies, “we are driving investments needed to provide the province of Alicante with a network able to meet the demand of the province with total guarantees”.
According to a statement from the regional government, Cejalvo explained that “we aim at improving the quality and reliability of the service, strengthening the capacity of electricity grids and gas in the province”.
The supply of gas to homes is forefront in the plans for power distribution. In 2013, places such as Benidorm, Algorfa, Guardamar del Segura, Rojales, Pilar de la Horadada, Los Montesinos, San Miguel de Salinas, Torrevieja and the Orihuela Costa have all seen work carried out.
This pipeline will allow access to natural gas for 180,000 residents, 90% of the Marina Alta area, and an important number of establishments in the tertiary sector, with a potential energy demand of 480,000 megawatt hours per year.
In total, the province received a total of 30.2 million euro to extend the pipeline networks and facilitate access to natural gas in towns in the province.
In addition to the gas work, the province also received 39.65 million euro to strengthen and improve the electricity network, “The goal is to act both in the vicinity of the metropolitan areas of major cities, to accommodate new consumers, as in rural areas, and expanding and improving existing power networks”, according to Cejalvo.
There has already been a significant improvement seen in recent years in the continuity of supply. In 2010 the recorded interruption time stood at 1.32 hours, whereas in 2013 the time had reduced by 7.6%, with just 1.22 hours of recorded interruption on average.
Improvements to electricity substations have been carried out at Novelda, Crevillente and Torrellano, as well as the expansion of the network at Rojales amongst others.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42765/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: According to data released this week by the Ministry of Economy, Industry, Tourism and Employment, the province of Alicante received a total of 70 million euro to improve the electricity and gas networks in the province during 2013.
According to spoke...

### ANOTHER MOST WANTED CRIMINAL ARRESTED IN SPAIN

The National Police have arrested one of the UK´s most wanted criminals, David Paul Mather, a 57 year old originally from Manchester, who has been on the run since 2010.
As part of “Operation Captura”, officers swooped on Mather´s car in the area of La Línea de la Concepción, Cádiz, where he was found to be carrying false documents.
In May, 2010, officers from the United Kingdom Borders Agency (UKBA) discovered 32 individual packages of heroin, each weighing around a kilo, hidden in the modified space of the rear bumper of a vehicle at the Humber Sea Terminal located at Killingholme, England. Mather was a regular user of the sea terminal and was linked to two other people in the case. 
“Operation Captura” was launched in 2006 as a Crimestoppers campaign to identify offenders who have fled British justice and could be in Spain. Since then, the 76 fugitives have been located and 58 have been arrested. The current campaign is operating under the hash tag “#Unlucky13”, in which the thirteen most wanted criminals are given high profile, Mather being the second on that list to be detained.
The police have stressed that the cooperation of citizens is “fundamental” and any information provided to Crimestoppers can help locate criminals. From Spain calls are free to the number 900 555 111 to report sightings o suspicions, and can be anonymous. In addition, the Spanish National Police are also available to all citizens with any information by phoning 091 or emailing fugitivos@policia.es. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42764/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The National Police have arrested one of the UK´s most wanted criminals, David Paul Mather, a 57 year old originally from Manchester, who has been on the run since 2010.
As part of “Operation Captura”, officers swooped on Mather&acut...

### EUROPEAN POLITICAL CORRUPTION REVEALS WORRYING PERCEPTION

The release of the Eu Anti-Corruption Report from The Commission To The Council And The European Parliament suggests that the perception of political corruption is far worse a problem than the reality, with Spain seemed as one of the most politically corrupt countries in Europe.
Of the people who responded to the survey, the European average shows that three quarters of those who answered, some 76 %, think that corruption is widespread in their own country. However, in Spain, the figure was an astounding 95%, the same response as Lithuania and the Czech Republic, but even Spain is below Italy with 97% and Greece, leading the way with 99%.
Just over a quarter of Europeans, some 26%, believe that they are affected by the corruption, a drop from 29% in 2011 however. Leading the charts in this category is Greece once again, but this time sharing the top spot with Spain, where 63% say they are directly affected by political corruption. Cyprus and Romania are next in the charts, with 57% in each, followed by Croatia with 55%. On the opposite end of that scale is Denmark, where only 3% of respondents feel affected, followed by France and Germany with 6%.
Some 8% of all Europeans say they have experienced or witnessed a case of corruption in the past 12 months, with Lithuania, Slovakia and Poland the perceived most likely countries to see this, registering 25%, 21% and 16% respectively. 
Despite there is an obvious difference in perceived corruption against reality, including those who have actually been affected or witnessed such matters, experts warn that a long road is ahead for politicians to restore confidence in their actions. 
Court cases where corrupt politicians flout the judicial system, calls for resignations that are all too frequently ignored, an ever increase in allegations and convictions all damage the reputation of politicians, but the vast majority of the cases making both the courts and the news today are historic ones, it is in the future where the actions of current politicians may or may not be seen as different.
In Spain there are over 1,300 public officials who have or are facing charges of corruption, let alone those currently under investigation but not yet charged.
Perhaps it´s because the people of Spain have more important things to worry about that some of those public servants believe they are above the law. The number one problem for the Spanish population, according to the latest CIS Barometer from November 2013, is unemployment, topping the charts with 77%. Although it does come in second place, corruption only concerns 31.8% of the population, followed by politicians in general, and political parties with 29.7%. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42763/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The release of the Eu Anti-Corruption Report from The Commission To The Council And The European Parliament suggests that the perception of political corruption is far worse a problem than the reality, with Spain seemed as one of the most politically c...

### ERASMUS CONFERENCE IN TORREVIEJA

A presentation is being held at the CIAJ youth information centre in Torrevieja on Wednesday, detailing the new Erasmus+ program of European education initiatives.
The Valencia Institute of Youth, in collaboration with the Spanish National Agency, will make the presentation as announced by the councillor for young people, Rosario Martínez Chazarra.
Erasmus+ is the new EU program for education, training and sport for young people that came into effect on the 1st of January, 2014, and runs until the 31st of December, 2020.
With a total budget of 14.7 billion euro, a 40% increase compared to previous spending levels, the new program contains most of the activities from the previous initiative, including exchange schemes, voluntary services and training courses, with the objective of the conference being to raise awareness of the characteristics and opportunities of the new program and to promote the participation of youths and social organizations, as well as local authorities in the Erasmus+ program.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42762/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A presentation is being held at the CIAJ youth information centre in Torrevieja on Wednesday, detailing the new Erasmus+ program of European education initiatives.
The Valencia Institute of Youth, in collaboration with the Spanish National Agency, wil...

### What´s On: Wednesday 26 February, 2014

WEDNESDAY 26th FEBRUARY, 2014
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA
Sculpture exhibition, “De vuelta al estudio”, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (Until 2nd March).
Children's Book event, "The adventure is reading", La Lonja exhibition hall (Until 28th Feb).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Playstation games, Zenia Boulevard.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Exhibition, “Una historia hecha imagen - 1954-2014 Venerable Cofradía Ntro. Padre Jesús Nazareno y Mujer Verónica de la Santa Faz”, Casa de Cultura (Until 28th Feb).
TORREVIEJA
Ceramic exhibition, Virgen del Carmen (Until 2nd Mar).

listen to ‘What´s On: Wednesday 26 February, 2014’ on Audioboo
 

### EARTHQUAKE OFF SANTA POLA COAST

A minor 3.2 magnitude earthquake was recorded with a epicentre off the coast of Santa Pola on Tuesday afternoon, causing a slight rumble to properties on the land mass.
The earthquake occured at 16:13 local time.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42761/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A minor 3.2 magnitude earthquake was recorded with a epicentre off the coast of Santa Pola on Tuesday afternoon, causing a slight rumble to properties on the land mass.
The earthquake occured at 16:13 local time.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/...

### NO INCOME TAX FOR LOWER EARNERS

The President of the Government, Mariano Rajoy, has further announced that taxpayers who earn less than 12,000 euro a year will not pay income tax from 2015, election year, and that some 12 million workers will benefit from a tax rebate that the government sent to Parliament in June.
During the first day of the State of the Nation debate, in which he also announced reduced Social Security contributions for new permanent contracts, Rajoy said the new income tax will ease the burden on middle and low income workers, with 12 million people becoming exempt from the liability of income tax.
Rajoy also announced a “significant” increase in minimum personal care allowance for children and disabled dependents of the family unity.
“After mitigating many of the requirements that we set, it is now possible for tax reform to reconcile fiscal consolidation with a thorough review of the tax system”, Rajoy said, after stating that the new tax model will consolidate growth and improve competitiveness, will foster job creation and social measures including support for families and people with fewer resources.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42760/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The President of the Government, Mariano Rajoy, has further announced that taxpayers who earn less than 12,000 euro a year will not pay income tax from 2015, election year, and that some 12 million workers will benefit from a tax rebate that the govern...

### SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS SLASHED FOR NEW CONTRACTS

The President of the Government, Mariano Rajoy, has announced a new “flat rate” of social security contributions of 100 euro per month for new permanent contracts.
In the first speech in the State of the Union debate, Rajoy says that the “downgrade” will allow any company that hires new workers to take up the discounted rate for a period of 2 years, which he hopes will spark an interest in more permanent contracts being offered.
However, the company is liable to pay the full amount, including back dated dues, should the contract be terminated within a three year period, “This is the impetus for the creation of our largest employment drive in history”, stressed Rajoy, insisting that this is the first time such a move has been implemented.
Rajoy then pointed out that for a gross annual salary of 20,000 euro, which would involve the payment of 5,700 euro in social security contributions, the lowering of the rate would be around 75% to 1,200 euro per year.
The scheme is also set to be implemented on a pro-rata basis for part-time contracts, subject to them fulfilling the criteria of contractual length.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42759/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The President of the Government, Mariano Rajoy, has announced a new “flat rate” of social security contributions of 100 euro per month for new permanent contracts.
In the first speech in the State of the Union debate, Rajoy says that the &...

### FOREIGN SPANISH LEARNERS RECEIVE DIPLOMAS

On Tuesday, attendees of Torrevieja´s Spanish language course for foreigners received their diplomas, after undergoing a course of 40 hours tuition, thanks to collaboration between the town hall and the Asociación de Voluntarios con Iniciativa Social en Torrevieja, ATIS.
Those who received the award come from a variety of international backgrounds, including some of the growing communities of Ukrainian, Russian, Romanian and Algerian residents. 
These courses are taught by ATIS, with the collaboration of the departments of Immigration and are operating on a rolling three month cycle.
ATIS is an NGO that promotes volunteerism, and the vast majority of people who operate for the association do so as volunteers, collectively helping other groups such as Caritas, the Cruz Roja and Asila, amongst others.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42757/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Tuesday, attendees of Torrevieja´s Spanish language course for foreigners received their diplomas, after undergoing a course of 40 hours tuition, thanks to collaboration between the town hall and the Asociación de Voluntarios con Inicia...

### LA APARECIDA RESIDENTS SHOW SUPPORT FOR INJURED BOY

Over 300 people, all residents of Orihuela village La Aparecida attended a gathering on Sunday where they demonstrated their support for the family of 15 year old Aitor, a young boy from the community, who is currently in a critical condition in the Elche General Hospital. 
Aitor was rushed into hospital two weeks ago after he fell through a skylight while playing on the unfinished building site of the proposed civic center. He remains in an induced coma and is suffering from a fracture of the skull. 
The gathering, said to be a humble but emotional event, was arranged on Sunday by the Neighborhood Association of Our Lady of Bethlehem as a way of showing their support. A spokesman said "in this town we are a very close community, we celebrate all the good things and we share all the bad times together." 
They said that they did not want to blame anybody for what was a tragic accident for what happened, but "once for all" they are now asking the Orihuela council to complete the works at the civic center which began more than six years ago.
The boy's parents, José Antonio Martínez and Pilar Aracil, have run the popular Bar Casa Rincón de Pepe in the town and are very popular among the local residents. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42756/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Over 300 people, all residents of Orihuela village La Aparecida attended a gathering on Sunday where they demonstrated their support for the family of 15 year old Aitor, a young boy from the community, who is currently in a critical condition in the Elche General Hospital. 
Aitor was rushed into hospital two weeks ago after he fell through a skylight while playing on the unfinished building site of the proposed civic center. He remains in an induced coma and is suffering from a fracture of the skull. 
The gathering, said to be a humble but emotional event, was arranged on Sunday by the Neighborhood Association of Our Lady of Bethlehem as a way of showing their support. A spokesman said "in this town we are a very close community, we celebrate all the good things and we share all the bad times together." 
They said that they did not want to blame anybody for what was a tragic accident for what happened, but "once for all" they are now asking the Orihuela council to complete the works at the civic center which began more than six years ago.
The boy's parents, José Antonio Martínez and Pilar Aracil, have run the popular Bar Casa Rincón de Pepe in the town and are very popular among the local residents. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42756/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### TREE MAINTENANCE WORKS COMPLETED IN AGUAMARINA

Council staff have completed maintenance work to the bases of over a hundred palm trees along the Cabo Roig Strip earlier this week. 
The project involved the removal of broken pavements around the base of the trees caused by the growth of their roots over the last 20 years. All the trees were shaved at their base  and the paving stones replaced with a composition of a rubber materiel. 
The cost of the works was put at 34,000 euros. 
Following the success of the project it is expected that similar works will continue in a number of the adjoining streets.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42755/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Council staff have completed maintenance work to the bases of over a hundred palm trees along the Cabo Roig Strip earlier this week. 
The project involved the removal of broken pavements around the base of the trees caused by the growth of their roots...

### MAYOR OPENS NEW SCHOOL LIBRARY

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, together with the Councillor for Education and Youth, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, the Councillor for Culture, Luis María Pizana, and the center director, Ricardo Recuero, opened the new school library on Monday at the Colegio Público “Ciudad del Mar”.
The children's author Roberto Aliaga and the narrator Mario Caballero both attended the ceremony and both spoke about the importance of reading to the over 200 children. 
A number of activities and events are planned throughout the coming week to celebrate the opening of the library. It is hoped they will prove popular with the students in promoting reading as a great form of entertainment.
The mayor of Torrevieja highlighted the enormous effort and amount of work carried out by the director and teachers at the school to establish this new library. He urged the students to make regular visits and to enjoy the pleasure of reading. 
He concluded the ceremony by presenting several books to the library amongst which was a copy of Don Quixote, as well as several publications produced by the Municipal Institute of Culture "Joaquin Chapaprieta"Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42754/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, together with the Councillor for Education and Youth, Rosario Martínez Chazarra, the Councillor for Culture, Luis María Pizana, and the center director, Ricardo Recuero, opened the new school library on Monday at the Colegio Público “Ciudad del Mar”.
The children's author Roberto Aliaga and the narrator Mario Caballero both attended the ceremony and both spoke about the importance of reading to the over 200 children. 
A number of activities and events are planned throughout the coming week to celebrate the opening of the library. It is hoped they will prove popular with the students in promoting reading as a great form of entertainment.
The mayor of Torrevieja highlighted the enormous effort and amount of work carried out by the director and teachers at the school to establish this new library. He urged the students to make regular visits and to enjoy the pleasure of reading. 
He concluded the ceremony by presenting several books to the library amongst which was a copy of Don Quixote, as well as several publications produced by the Municipal Institute of Culture "Joaquin Chapaprieta"Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42754/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### TORREVIEJA CREMATORIUM FACES GRAVE COMPLAINTS

Torrevieja courts are investigating a series of alleged irregularities that may have taken place at the crematorium in the city, currently run by the company Grupo ASV, the fifth largest mortuary in the Valencia region.
It is alleged that freezers in the facility have been used to store more bodies than the capacity permits, stacking the deceased on top of each other, garages and corridors at the establishment are being used for storing some bodies due to lack of space, and documents carried by drivers are not always in line with the legal requirements.
The courts are looking into whether bodies have been stored in this way, in areas lacking in equipment and facilities required, such as those required to maintain the correct temperature, ventilation, and even furniture.
Depending on the findings of the court, the company could be facing charges of malpractice relating to matters of public health, failing the conservation of bodies and the resulting accelerated decomposition, and violations of working conditions of employees.
Working practices are also being investigated, as a number of reports suggest that staff have suffered harassment and bullying, with some drivers allegedly “coerced” and “threatened with dismissal” if they question the lack of documents carried.
Torrevieja Council has received a copy of the allegations from the Department of Health, meanwhile the manager at the facility is consistent in maintaining that allegations are “false” and that images provided to the courts are “forced”. The company themselves has launched an internal investigation to determine the source of the complaints.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42753/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Torrevieja courts are investigating a series of alleged irregularities that may have taken place at the crematorium in the city, currently run by the company Grupo ASV, the fifth largest mortuary in the Valencia region.
It is alleged that freezers in ...

### IPAD TO SAVE ON IBERIA FUEL BILL

Having just agreed a 14% minimum pay cut, pilots flying for Spanish airline Iberia have just received one unexpected bonus, as they will no longer have to carry round copious amounts of paper in the form of flight manuals. 
Iberia has just approved the use of iPads in the cockpits of some of their aircraft, meaning that pilots will now be able to use an “electronic flight bag”, which means that all of their manuals, documents and instructions can be carried on their tablet computers.
However, it´s not just the heavy burden on the staff that will be reduced by the move, as the airline estimate that by replacing paper with iPads will reduce the weight of each flight by around 60 kilos, the average weight of an adult woman. Therefore, the weight of the aircraft load is reduced, as is the fuel consumption, resulting in an estimated financial saving of around 150,000 euro per year on short and medium distance flights.
There are obvious operational benefits too, as pilots will be able to look up data faster than flicking through the manuals, resulting in a quicker and more efficient response in the cockpit.
At this time, Iberia has only provided one of its Airbus A321 aircraft with the technology that allows two iPads to be used in the cockpit, one for the Captain and one for the co-pilot, but it is expected that the system will be rolled out gradually to the entire fleet, in the fullness of time.
So far, more than 100 pilots have received the formal training on how to use all the features offered by the iPad, which will also increase as authority to use the equipment receives recognition.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42752/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Having just agreed a 14% minimum pay cut, pilots flying for Spanish airline Iberia have just received one unexpected bonus, as they will no longer have to carry round copious amounts of paper in the form of flight manuals. 
Iberia has just approved th...

### WARNING OVER COSMETIC CONTACT LENSES

The president of the Spanish college of opticians, Juan Carlos Martínez Moral of the Consejo General de Colegios de Ópticos-Optometristas, has warned this week that the improper use of cosmetic contact lenses can cause corneal damage and eye infections.
The warning has been issued in preparation for the upcoming carnival celebrations across Spain, when many people choose to wear dramatic lenses to enhance their costumes. Martínez Moral also warns that these products are often sold in “unauthorized establishments” where there is “no control or guarantee of security”.
Therefore, the medical professional has urged caution as cosmetic lenses must meet “the same requirements and parameters that corrective lenses adhere to, and so must be tailored by a professional optometrist in a recognised health facility for optics”
“Only an optometrist can assess whether a patient is suitable for the use of contact lenses and correctly determine if the patient can wear them without causing eye problems”, said Martínez Moral.
Signs and symptoms of concern can be the sensation of dryness and grittiness in the eyes, redness, irritation and even pain when removing the lens.
The risks associated with this misuse may be conjunctivitis, corneal inflammation, allergic reactions, corneal abrasion resulting from poor adaptation and loss of vision.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42751/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The president of the Spanish college of opticians, Juan Carlos Martínez Moral of the Consejo General de Colegios de Ópticos-Optometristas, has warned this week that the improper use of cosmetic contact lenses can cause corneal damage and ...

### What´s On: Tuesday 25 February, 2014

TUESDAY 25th FEBRUARY, 2014
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
ORIHUELA
Sculpture exhibition, “De vuelta al estudio”, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (Until 2nd March).
Children's Book event, "The adventure is reading", La Lonja exhibition hall (Until 28th Feb).
Conference, “Gender and Citizenship”, Auditorio de la Lonja.
Tourism conference, “The religious heritage of Orihuela. Proposals for comprehensive tourism”, Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Mariachis, Zenia Boulevard.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Exhibition, “Una historia hecha imagen - 1954-2014 Venerable Cofradía Ntro. Padre Jesús Nazareno y Mujer Verónica de la Santa Faz”, Casa de Cultura (Until 28th Feb).
TORREVIEJA
Ceramic exhibition, Virgen del Carmen (Until 2nd Mar).

listen to ‘What´s On: Tuesday 25th February, 2014’ on Audioboo
 

### NATIONAL MEDALS GALORE FOR “TORREVIEJA MASTERS” THIS WEEKEND!

This weekend brought 131 swimming clubs and 1045 “masters swimmers” throughout Spain together to compete in the “XX Spanish Winter Masters Open National Championships” held from 20th to 23 February in the Municipal pool, Son Hugo in Palma, Majorca. 
One of the most competitive events of the masters calendar, tensions were high and the noise levels to match!! Club Natacion Torrevieja were pleased to have 4 of their masters compete in 18 individual events and one mixed relay. The team won 14 medals from their 18 individual events and a 6th pace in the +200 yrs 4 x 50 freestyle relay event. 
 
The first day of events got off to a flying start with Beth Altabas and Vicki Connolly winning gold medals in their age groups in the 800m Freestyle event. Vicki knocking a further 9 seconds off her previous best time in Barcelona last year (11:48: 30).
Friday the girls were joined by Paul Matthews who flew into his 3 races of the day with a gold in the 50m Butterfly and 100m Backstroke and silver in his 100m Freestyle event. Not to be beaten the girls matched his results with gold in the 100m backstroke and 100m Freestyle events for Beth and a bronze medal for Vicki in her 100m Freestyle event. New personal bests were set in most races!!
 
Saturday the 4th member of the team arrived and Rafael Alonso had two good swims in his 400m and 200m freestyle events. Vicki continued in her winning ways with two more medals in the 400m and 200m freestyle events winning silver medals in both events and new personal bests to match.
Beth continued with the medals in her 400m Freestyle winning gold and Paul in his 200m Freestyle winning bronze. Last of the day was the 4 x 50m Freestyle relay – tired from previous races the team put out a strong swim and won 6th place, out of 12 teams in the + 200 yrs age category. 
 
Sunday, the last morning  of racing more medals were won. Beth won gold in  her 100m individual medley and Paul 4th place. Rafael knocked 6 seconds off his 50m backstroke time and Vicki with a new personal best won bronze in the 50m Freestyle event. The team now focus upon the Summer Spanish Masters Open National Event to be held at the end of June in Jerez. 
 
For more information regarding Torrevieja Swimming Club please contact Rosa – 665454126, President Felipe on 609418776 or Vicki 669637015 or by e-mail on info@clubnataciontorrevieja.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42745/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This weekend brought 131 swimming clubs and 1045 “masters swimmers” throughout Spain together to compete in the “XX Spanish Winter Masters Open National Championships” held from 20th to 23 February in the Municipal pool, Son Hu...

### WHAT IS NUEVAS GENERACIONES?

New Generations is the youth section of Partido Popular. We are the link between the proposals, ideas and concerns of young people with politicians.
Who are the members of Nuevas Generaciones?
Any person between 16 and 29 years can join Nuevas Generaciones . Automatically you become also a member of Partido Popular.
How much does it cost?
Being part of Nuevas Generaciones has no cost, it's free .
What do the members of Nuevas Generaciones?
We usually meet twice a month to discuss ideas and transfer them to party managers. Moreover, we assist the meetings held at the party headquarters. We help the members of Partido Popular in what they need as well.
In every group of Nuevas Generaciones there is a section of foreign residents, economics, social policy, employment, culture, sports, tourism. Depending of your skills and hobbies, you will be able to help in one place or another.
Sometimes we will join acts in other parts of the province, where we will go to a lecture of a mayor, a former politician, etc.. There we will meet with other members of Nuevas Generaciones and we can share ideas and, of course, have a good time together.
Why should I join New Generations ?
At the moment the young people of Rojales and Ciudad Quesada have many unsolved problems, since a long time ago... In Ciudad Quesada, for example, it is difficult to take a bus if you want to go to Rojales or Torrevieja ; or move from Doña Pepa to “la Plaza Blanca” (White Square) during the weekend ,I f you do not have a car......... All these situations are not going to be solved without our efforts.
The more we are the easier it would be to have our voice heard and took into account
I think that could be ok but …. Don't you think that it could be a little “boring”?
Of course not! We are young, and the main issue is to have fun.
In the future we will eventually organize dinners, going to bowling, clubs, karts ..... you decide ! : D
Furthermore we will donate blood at the Hospital, we will help Elderly people at Retirement homes, organize food donations…
Can I tell a friend to join with me?
Sure! The more the better!!!!!! :P
Where I can get more info?
You can send an email to this address, or if you prefer, call this number Alex,670 91 61 30 (English and Spanish)
e- mail: rojalesnngg@gmail.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42744/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: New Generations is the youth section of Partido Popular. We are the link between the proposals, ideas and concerns of young people with politicians.
Who are the members of Nuevas Generaciones?
Any person between 16 and 29 years can join Nuevas Genera...

### IAIN DUNCAN SMITH VISITS BENEFIT FRAUD TEAM IN SPAIN

Iain Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, has visited the Benefit Fraud investigation team in Spain to thank them for their hard work and to show his continued support in bringing overseas benefit fraudsters to justice.
 
In a meeting at the British Embassy in Madrid, investigators explained what they are doing to tackle benefit fraud such as data sharing with the Spanish authorities, which allows them to trace suspects living in Spain. The team has investigated over 1,200 cases to date and has recovered almost £5million of UK taxpayers' money.
 
Iain Duncan Smith said:
 
“It is important that fraudulent claimants realise that even if they are living in Spain, it doesn't mean they won't be caught. Benefit fraud is a crime and we are committed to putting a stop to it whether you live in Spain, the UK or anywhere else in the world. Our investigators are here in Spain to make sure that no fraudster goes undetected.
 
“I would urge British residents who suspect someone of committing benefit fraud to call the hotline in Spain on 900 554 440. You can help us to ensure that UK taxpayers' money is going to those that need it most.”
 
More allegations of benefit fraud are received in Spain than in any other foreign country. Fraudulent claims for Pension Credit and Income Support are the most frequently investigated. 
 
A man who left Britain to set up a catering firm in Spain is one of the latest cases to come to court.  Nigel Hadley, 61, of Pembroke Dock, west Wales, has been ordered to sell his Spanish property to pay back more than £25,000 in falsely claimed benefits. 
 
Hadley moved to Marbella after his marriage broke down in 2000 and bought a fisherman's cottage two years later. He returned to Britain in 2011 and then claimed employment support allowance from the benefit agency, as well as housing benefit and council tax benefit. In all three cases he failed to inform the authorities that he had a property in Spain, despite being asked verbally and on claim forms.
 
He was caught after the Department for Work and Pensions sent him a "habitual residency" claim form which specifically asked whether he had any other property.  After he once more failed to reveal his foreign property, investigators discovered his Spanish home.  
 
Hadley has been sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to pay back £25,960 of claimed benefits through the sale of his £90,000 property, his only asset. He was told to repay all the money within six months or face a jail term.
 
If you suspect someone of committing benefit fraud you can call Benefit Fraud Hotline in Spain on 900 554 440. Lines are open 8am-4pm, Monday to Friday, and all calls are free and confidential.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42741/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Iain Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, has visited the Benefit Fraud investigation team in Spain to thank them for their hard work and to show his continued support in bringing overseas benefit fraudsters to justice. 
In a meeting at the British Embassy in Madrid, investigators explained what they are doing to tackle benefit fraud such as data sharing with the Spanish authorities, which allows them to trace suspects living in Spain. The team has investigated over 1,200 cases to date and has recovered almost £5million of UK taxpayers' money.
Iain Duncan Smith said:
“It is important that fraudulent claimants realise that even if they are living in Spain, it doesn't mean they won't be caught. Benefit fraud is a crime and we are committed to putting a stop to it whether you live in Spain, the UK or anywhere else in the world. Our investigators are here in Spain to make sure that no fraudster goes undetected.
“I would urge British residents who suspect someone of committing benefit fraud to call the hotline in Spain on 900 554 440. You can help us to ensure that UK taxpayers' money is going to those that need it most.”
More allegations of benefit fraud are received in Spain than in any other foreign country. Fraudulent claims for Pension Credit and Income Support are the most frequently investigated. 
A man who left Britain to set up a catering firm in Spain is one of the latest cases to come to court.  Nigel Hadley, 61, of Pembroke Dock, west Wales, has been ordered to sell his Spanish property to pay back more than £25,000 in falsely claimed benefits. 
Hadley moved to Marbella after his marriage broke down in 2000 and bought a fisherman's cottage two years later. He returned to Britain in 2011 and then claimed employment support allowance from the benefit agency, as well as housing benefit and council tax benefit. In all three cases he failed to inform the authorities that he had a property in Spain, despite being asked verbally and on claim forms.
He was caught after the Department for Work and Pensions sent him a "habitual residency" claim form which specifically asked whether he had any other property.  After he once more failed to reveal his foreign property, investigators discovered his Spanish home.  
Hadley has been sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to pay back £25,960 of claimed benefits through the sale of his £90,000 property, his only asset. He was told to repay all the money within six months or face a jail term.
If you suspect someone of committing benefit fraud you can call Benefit Fraud Hotline in Spain on 900 554 440. Lines are open 8am-4pm, Monday to Friday, and all calls are free and confidential.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42741/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### Things to do: Monday 24 February, 2014

MONDAY 24th FEBRUARY, 2014
ALICANTE
Historical exhibition, “Orihuela, arqueología y museo”, MARQ provincial archaeological museum (Until 11 May).
BARCELONA
Mobile World Conference (Until Thursday).
ORIHUELA
Sculpture exhibition, “De vuelta al estudio”, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (Until 2nd March).
Children's Book event, "The adventure is reading", La Lonja exhibition hall (Until 28th Feb).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Caricatorres, cartoon drawing, Zenia Boulevard.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Exhibition, “Una historia hecha imagen - 1954-2014 Venerable Cofradía Ntro. Padre Jesús Nazareno y Mujer Verónica de la Santa Faz”, Casa de Cultura (Until 28th Feb).
TORREVIEJA
Ceramic exhibition, Virgen del Carmen (Until 2nd Mar).

listen to ‘What´s On Guide for Monday 24 February, 2014’ on Audioboo

### YOUR VIRTUAL NEWSPAPER IS OUT NOW

The latest virtual version of The Leader newspaper is out now at our dedicated website. 
Cram packed with all of this week´s news covering Torrevieja, Orihuela, and the entire Costa Blanca, as well as national stories, features, health and beauty, motoring, food, lifestyle, tv listings, classifieds and a whole lot more.
Click this link to go direct to this week´s issue, which also has a special feature on property in the area, as Spanish property sales have taken such a positive swing in recent months.
Remember though, there´s nothing like the real thing, so make sure you pick up the actual paper on Monday morning, available in hundreds of venues across the entire area.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42740/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The latest virtual version of The Leader newspaper is out now at our dedicated website. 
Cram packed with all of this week´s news covering Torrevieja, Orihuela, and the entire Costa Blanca, as well as national stories, features, health and beaut...

### ANSELMO SATISFIED WITH POINT

PATERNA CF   0 FC TORREVIEJA   0
Having beaten Paterna by 2-0 when they met at the Vicente Garcia earlier in the season Torrevieja went into this Sunday lunchtime fixture in buoyant mood at the Estadio Gerardo Salvador, despite the superior position and points tally of their opponents. 
However with Rafa and Gomez injured, Dani Meseguer out through suspension and keeper Carlos Moreno falling sick on the journey to the game, getting any sort of a result was always going to be an uphill task.
Neither Obele nor Rafa were deemed to be fully match fit so they were both consigned to the bench and this really was a Torrevieja team made up of the bare bones.
We might have thought that Paterna would compound the Torry misery by throwing everything at their visitors in the opening stages but the game actually got off to a very quiet start. It was not until the 10th minute that either side created any sort of opportunity when, from a Paterna corner, Carlos rose above the Torry defence to head over from close range.
With the remainder of the half then largely occupying the midfield play became somewhat frenetic and scrappy. A number of niggly challenges saw 5 players in the book by half time, Vicente and Micro for Torry, but as the players trotted into the break Carrion in the visitors goal had not had a save to make.  Unfortunately the same case could be made at the other end for keeper Xenxo.
In contrast the 2nd period started brightly for Torry with a half chance falling to Carrasco in the opening seconds.  Unfortunately he wanted too much time and Josefi cleared the danger. The visitors were having a good period with a further opportunity falling to Dani Lucas who hit a fierce low drive just past the upright on 55 minutes.
Both Fran and Tello then went close for the home side with Valdeolivas clearing off the line but as play then broke upfield a glancing header from Alexis could have won the points for the visitors as it went agonisingly just the wrong side of the post.
The second period was certainly the more entertaining of the two and the draw, probably a fair reflection on how the game went.
Next Sunday Torry entertain Villarreal at the Vicente Garcia in a lunchtime kick off.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42739/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: PATERNA CF   0 FC TORREVIEJA   0
Having beaten Paterna by 2-0 when they met at the Vicente Garcia earlier in the season Torrevieja went into this Sunday lunchtime fixture in buoyant mood at the Estadio Gerardo Salvador, despite the superior position a...

### FLU EPIDEMIC SHOWS POSITIVE DECLINE

Data released on Friday confirms that for the third consecutive week, recorded between the 10th and the 16th of February, there has been a decrease in the number of reported cases of influenza.
The current figure is 101.45 cases per hundred thousand inhabitants, with a mixture of A(H1N1)pdm09 at 59% of all cases, and A(H3) with 41%.
There has been an increase in cases in the north of Spain, where weather conditions have also been poor, with Asturias, north of Aragon and the east of Catalonia seeing more cases.
So far 1,844 people have been confirmed as hospitalized with a severe case of influenza in all communities and there have been 189 deaths. Of those who have died, 82% were over 44 and 48% were over 64, whereas 94% suffered from a chronic disease and 65% had not been vaccinated.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42738/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Data released on Friday confirms that for the third consecutive week, recorded between the 10th and the 16th of February, there has been a decrease in the number of reported cases of influenza.
The current figure is 101.45 cases per hundred thousand i...

### SCHOOLS, ROADS AND COASTAL EVENTS LEAD ORIHUELA NEWS

The pace of work is steadily increasing on the site of the future secondary school on the Orihuela Costa, with a range of trucks, vans, diggers and work crews all appearing on a daily basis. Recent accusations that the building permit issued by the Orihuela council had been revoked were dismissed, as the validity of the license was confirmed by the planning department. Given that the main structural work had already been completed, it is still believed that the school may well be on schedule for completion before the next academic year.
The tender process for the award of running the beach-based Chirunguito bars expired this week, with the municipal council now tasked with awarding the contract to the most valuable bidder. The process this year was not without controversy however, as a local businessman filed a complaint challenging the process, believing it does not allow for free competition and was “tailored” to meet the needs of the current concessionaire. The councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, told The Leader that the process is fully legal and has met with approval of all the technicians and engineers involved, with the complaint surrounding the fact that the contract requirements are all based on having the correct quality and customer care accreditations to qualify the level of service required on the beach bars.
Plans are now being made for events to take place on the beaches of Orihuela throughout the summer. These plans have to be made earlier than before after the coastal department require a longer period of notice for applications to consider and approve such events. The Triathlon event is set to return in the middle of May after the success of the first time it took place on the beach last year. Various sports initiatives are in the pipeline arranged through the department of sports and the municipal sports centre, which may well include that annual and very popular beach volleyball competition, but one of the most exciting events which the town hall are hoping to bring to the coast this year is a scaled down version of the annual Moors and Christians parades which take place across Spain.
The weekly Thursday market on the Orihuela Costa will shortly move to its new home, albeit only a short distance away from its current location. Engineers will be on the site this week, mapping out the new plots for the stalls, which will move across the roundabout near the health centre to a road which is wider than its current home, thus giving more space to the facility, but the new location will also improve the environmental condition of the coast. With the current location on the edge of the cliff top, it is inevitable that some waste and rubbish falls over the edge and down the side, as well as the fact that many people simply throw rubbish from the top, but as this is one of the environmentally protected micro reserves of the Orihuela Costa, the importance of keeping the area clean is vital. Given the access problems form the top, specialist cleaners with harnesses and climbing training have to be employed to clean that area, so it is hoped that the new site will prove less burdensome to the protected green area.
The footbridge over the N-332 at La Regia was successfully installed last week, and the site is on schedule to be officially handed back to the town hall on the 7th of March. The bridge will then be formally opened a few days later, after a long awaited legacy first unanimously approved under the rule of the Partido Popular government, has finally been realised.
The temporary roundabout at the access and egress to the unfinished emergency coordination centre, which is designed to improve traffic flow at the N332 La Zenia roundabout, will soon be completed, with engineers visiting to re-asses the site this week. Meanwhile, the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, has arranged a meeting with the senior management of the Consum supermarket chain, to discuss what role they might be able to play in improving the situation further. The plan to change the road which surrounds the Consum carpark and making the access on the road near the taxi rank one way will start soon. 
Similarly, the engineers will be assessing the two proposed locations of new bus stops on the N332 at La Zenia, one which will be placed near the white church on the Torrevieja bound carriageway, the other, in the Cartagena direction, near to the taxi rank. At the same time, the town hall are looking to try and dedicate some of the ground adjacent to the Cartagena stop which could become additional free parking places to increase the volume of parking in the area.
The on-line survey of bus users has now come to a close, with the town hall shortly receiving the data collected, allowing them to see what suggestions have been made to improve public transport around the coastal area. This costly facility is oversubscribed for the two summer months, but then hardly used to its full capacity for the rest of the year. Another service which is provided and paid for by municipal funds is the direct bus that runs from the coast and Entre Narajos to Orihuela city, a service which barely carries any passengers, and might be put to better use, depending on the findings of the survey. The survey was initiated to see what changes to the service might encourage more users to travel on the bus network. In conjunction with the public survey, the bus operator has also been examining the timetables, in order to see if any improvements can be made to reduce the “lag” that occurs as the day continues. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42737/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The pace of work is steadily increasing on the site of the future secondary school on the Orihuela Costa, with a range of trucks, vans, diggers and work crews all appearing on a daily basis. Recent accusations that the building permit issued by the Ori...

### DEMANDS TO PROTECT TORREVIEJA SALINAS

The Izquierda Unida group of Torrevieja is demanding that the ruling PP government provide an immediate solution to the lack of staff in the Natural Park of Torrevieja and La Mata, and have criticised the mayor, Eduardo Dolón, for not defending the environmental heritage of the village.
Meanwhile, Víctor Ferrández, local coordinator of Izquierda Unida, says that as the chairman of the Governing Board of the Natural Park of Las Lagunas de Torrevieja and La Mata, Dolón is “obligated” to defend the environmental areas against the actions of the ministry, and the “scarce assets” that decades of over spending and neglect by the Partido Popular has resulted in.
The previous operator, VAERSA, filed for redundancy of its workers in 2012, intent on the redundancy of some 400 workers, later to settle for 300, mostly technicians working on the management of the protected natural spaces of the community. 
However, through a series of failed talks and negotiations, involving the current Valencia councillor for infrastructure, planning and the environment, Isabel Bonig, the Supreme Court annulled the redundancy move, but the public company refused to comply with the judgment and appealed for the cessation of proceedings currently pending ratification, as this would force the company to pay the salaries of workers from the date of dismissal until today, in addition to reinstating the dismissed workers. 
In Torrevieja, these cuts have resulted in the dismissal of three of the four technicians who operated in the area of the Salinas, one of whom was a guide, another a biologist and the third an expert in environmental sciences, which has led to the closure of the visitor centre on various days, and leads to a lack of environmental monitoring and attention to the visitors of the Natural Park, as well as the consequential increase in the risk of fire and damage the park. 
In a statement, the Izquierda Unida point out that the natural park is protected by Europe as a Site of Community Importance, as well as the certification of Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA). In addition, the area has an international declaration of being a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. 
Therefore, the Torrevieja group of the Izquierda Unida, in collaboration with Luís Torró Gil, deputy of the EUPV in Valencia, will present a series of questions in Parliament to demand an immediate solution to the lack of staff in the Natural Park. 
Luís Torró Gil said that “the EUPV have insisted through numerous parliamentary initiatives in the defence of the park and will continue to do so, We will present a battery of questions to Councillor Bonig to explain what types of specific measures will be taken in Torrevieja to resolve the apparent lack of technical staff”. 
Ferrández concluded by saying that “the Izquierda Unida will continue with actions and mobilizations to defend our environmental emblem”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42734/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Izquierda Unida group of Torrevieja is demanding that the ruling PP government provide an immediate solution to the lack of staff in the Natural Park of Torrevieja and La Mata, and have criticised the mayor, Eduardo Dolón, for not defending ...

### TORREVIEJA LOOK SET TO EXTEND CEMETERY

The ruling political group of Torrevieja, the Partido Popular, intend to table a motion in the next plenary meeting that will see a mass of land near to the municipal cemetery have its classification changed in the Plan General, which will subsequently allow for the extension of the cemetery, originally built in 1898.
The council intend to reclassify the land to enable the extension of land for burial plots, as well as road access and parking, and say that the move should not be the subject on an environmental impact study, as the change in use is not significantly different to the land currently vacant, albeit within a short distance from the protected areas of the Torrevieja lagunas, it is also close to the industrialised areas of the salt mining facility and electrical substation.
The extension will, according to the town hall, allow for burials to be continued “for the next 20 years”, with a capacity for another 1,300 bodies until the year 2025. Around 600 Torrevieja residents die every year, but as the majority of the population is foreign, a lot of those bodies are repatriated to their own home towns.
The 867,480 euro investment reported in August 2011 was set to “ensure space for burials for the next 20 years”, according to the Councillor for Infrastructure, Project and Contracting, Javier Montoro, which should have already secured the future plots until 2031.
The extensive refurbishment program was not without further controversy, as even the new gate meant the removal of one that was protected and listed, without anybody seemingly realising it was of historic significance. Further criticism has been levied on the town hall recently after it was revealed that the cost of using the municipal facility had been increased by the town hall, with opposition groups complaining about the persistent increase of indirect taxes to residents of the town.
Should the plans be approved this time, the good news is that there will be plenty of space for those dying to get into the newly extended cemetery of Torrevieja.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42733/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The ruling political group of Torrevieja, the Partido Popular, intend to table a motion in the next plenary meeting that will see a mass of land near to the municipal cemetery have its classification changed in the Plan General, which will subsequently...

### BALE WARNING HITS ELCHE IN MADRID!

Real Madrid   3    Elche   0
Well, anything can and does happen in football, however there was no revenge on Saturday in Spain's capital for the daylight robbery of all three points back in November in Elche, when Real were mightily lucky to narrowly win 2 – 1 with an unjust Christian Ronaldo penalty in injury time, coming straight after Elche had equalised in the 90th minute. 
 But now in February mighty Real Madrid, with all their wealth, world-wide fame and stratospherically-paid superstars are locked in a tremendous three-way fight for the La Liga title, and all things considered the lads in green from the City of Palms didn't do badly at all. Two goals came in the last twenty minutes to seal the Franjiverdes fate, the second being a ‘real' Gareth Bale classic, his 10th of the season.
The big Welshman is settling down at the Bernabeu and looks to have a great future ahead: incidentally the great Christian Ronaldo was missing as he served his last game from suspension after being sent off recently against Athletico.
For Elche Manuel Herrera retained his place in goal following last week's injury toTono, and at right back Cisma appeared for Damian Suarez. Albacar returned to captain the side at left back, and in midfield Javi Marquez replaced Carlos Sanchez. Upfront Christian was reduced to the bench with the return from injury of Carles Gil, leaving Manu Moral as the lone striker.
The only clear chance in the first 30 minutes fell to French striker Karim Benzema, who forced goalkeeper Herrera into a good save. Real then scored on the half hour by Irramendi with a low shot from the edge of the penalty area following  a corner, 1 – 0 at the interval.
In the second half Elche's strong midfield of Rivera, Carles Gil, Ruben Perez and Javi Marquezl were acquitting themselves well, and from one Carles Gil supplied pass Manu's shot was deflected just wide. At 1 – 0 you always have a chance, but in the seventy-first minute a trademark 30 yard Gareth Bale thunderbolt crashed in off the Elche bar to give goalkeeper Manu Herrera no chance (Bale's transfer value at €85m is about ten times the value of the whole Franjiverde  team).
New Real midfielder Isco soon grabbed the third at the near post to seal it: OK, perhaps Herrera could have done better, but for me he is deservedly back as he was an ever-present in last year's promotion-winning side. Elche coach Fran Escriba quickly made three substitutions in ten minutes around the goals, but nothing changed.
For the Franjiverdes to restrict Madrid to only three goals in their own back yard was a reasonable effort, Elche had 42% of the play v 58% for Real.  The win makes 15 in 16 games for Real Madrid as Barcelona disastrously crashed out 3 – 1 to fifth-placed Real Sociedad: Los Blancos go clear top with Athletico playing Osasuna on Sunday.  
Next Saturday evening at the unsociably-ridiculous hour of 10pm Elche entertain Celta Vigo. The visitors are two places and four important points ahead of the hosts, which means a great game to win for the lately-improving Franjiverdes.
In their first season back in the big time after 26 years, thirteenth place with 26 points is as good as it gets in one of the world's most competitive leagues. Four places below Elche in the bottom three are Valladolid with 22 points, then Rayo Vallecano on 20 and propping up the league are Real Betis with 14. Thirteen games to go…
Mucho Elche! 
Image courtesy of www.realmadrid.comFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42730/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Real Madrid   3    Elche   0
Well, anything can and does happen in football, however there was no revenge on Saturday in Spain's capital for the daylight robbery of all three points back in November in Elche, when Real were mightily lucky to narrowly ...

### COCA COLA SPONSORSHIP REJECTED DUE TO FACTORY CLOSE

The Government of the Principality of Asturias, run by socialist Javier Fernández Fernández of the PSOE, announced that they have forced the rejection of sponsorship for sports events by Coca Cola, on the grounds that the multinational company plans to close their factory in Asturias.
The governing board has turned down 18,000 euro in sponsorship, spokesperson for the sporting events, José Ramón Tuero, saying that “The best sponsorship that Coca-Cola can do for Asturias is to not close the factory”.
Tuero noted that Coca Cola has already been advised of the decision, whilst thanking them for the support they had given them over the years, saying, “We are grateful, but at this time we have to side with the workers for an unjust decision of the company”.
Coca Cola plan to close four plants in Asturias, Palma, Madrid and Alicante, with 750 of the 4,200 workers losing their jobs and another 500 being relocated.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42729/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Government of the Principality of Asturias, run by socialist Javier Fernández Fernández of the PSOE, announced that they have forced the rejection of sponsorship for sports events by Coca Cola, on the grounds that the multinational co...

### PARAMOUNT PARK TO FEATURE STAR TREK PROJECT

Reports published last week on their official website suggest that Star Trek could be beaming into Spain by the end of next year. We're not talking about a convention. And, no, the next film won't be shooting there. Rather, Star Trek will be represented in force at Paramount Park Murcia, to be located at Alhama de Murcia on the Mediterranean coast about 270 miles southeast of Madrid. The wide-ranging project will incorporate condos and office buildings, hotels, malls, a casino, a convention center, gardens, nightlife and dining areas, an exhibition hall/auditorium and… a theme park divided into several sections.
Plaza Futura will be designed to appeal to Star Trek fans. 3D renderings depict a large futuristic square that will include a Starfleet Spain recruiting center, a 3D simulator ride (which allows guests/recruits to experience adventures in outer space), and a Warp Speed Coaster that will reach exciting heights and speeds and include an underground portion (a wormhole, naturally) and several loops.
See www.startrek.com for regular updates on the project. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42728/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Reports published last week on their official website suggest that Star Trek could be beaming into Spain by the end of next year. We're not talking about a convention. And, no, the next film won't be shooting there. Rather, Star Trek will be represente...

### TORREVIEJA MAKE € 40,000 SAVING ON WATER BILL

Torrevieja has saved 40,834 euros in the last year on its expenditure on potable water which, for over 15 years, has been supplied free of charge to a dozen public agencies and state establishments in the town, none of which have been the responsibility of the town hall. 
Up until the first quarter of 2013, the Ayuntamiento has always met the expenditure involved in the consumption of more than 45,800 cubic meters of water per year to state institutions and associations residing in the Torrevieja. Among them has been the Civil Guard barracks and the town's five Secondary Schools. Water has also been provided free of charge to the Red Cross, the eco-park, the Centre for Rehabilitation and Social Integration (CRIS)  and La Inmaculada nursing home
The measure has also seen the removal of the free supply to at least one individual who received it following an agreement with the City for providing the use of private land.
In all cases, the City Council has now turned off the tap to the free consumption of water after having been assured that the supply would continue without any difficulties. In the Civil Guard barracks, one of the largest in the country and home to dozens of families, the responsibility for payment has now been passed to the organization itself.
 
 
 
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42726/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Torrevieja has saved 40,834 euros in the last year on its expenditure on potable water which, for over 15 years, has been supplied free of charge to a dozen public agencies and state establishments in the town, none of which have been the responsibilit...

### BIGASTRO TO RECOVER NIGHT EMERGENCY HEALTH SERVICE

Having been closed down for over a year, the town of Bigastro will once again have emergency health cover at night, when the service resumes on the 1st of March.
Antonio Ángel Hurtado, the head of the health council and mayor of Almoradí, made the announcement this week, that despite the closure due to cuts to health budgets by the national government since taking office, “the stability of public finances” now means that the service can resume.
Hurtado wanted to make it clear that the decision is not as a result of the countless public protests, nor is it as a result of opposition political groups campaigning for the needs of healthcare in the area, and the decision is not “to get medals”, but “we have had many meetings to get restore service”. 
Hurtado strongly criticized the PSOE led demonstrations demanding that the service be resumed, especially the criticism already levied towards the PP mayor of the town for not supporting public health needs. In fact, the PP mayor of the town, Charo Bañuls, has now come forward saying that he never agreed with the closure and has repeatedly asked for its reopening. 
Stability in public finances is seemingly creating a more stable situation for Spain, likely to be ever more apparent as the country creeps closer to the next elections.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42725/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Having been closed down for over a year, the town of Bigastro will once again have emergency health cover at night, when the service resumes on the 1st of March.
Antonio Ángel Hurtado, the head of the health council and mayor of Almoradí...

### POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS CROCODILES SEIZED

The environmental and animal welfare group of the Guardia Civil, SEPRONA, have seized two crocodiles and three snakes from a travelling circus in the Extremaruda town of Fresnedoso de Ibor.
The crocodiles were Crocodylus niloticus, more commonly known as Nile Crocodiles, whereas two of the snakes were Python molurus bivittatus, or Albino Pythons, the third being a Python reticulates, or reticulated python.
The circus did not have the necessary documentation to have the animals in Spain, nor could they prove the origin of the specimens. 
Under the laws relating to such animals, they have now been handed to the care of the Customs and Excise department in the province of Cáceres.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42724/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The environmental and animal welfare group of the Guardia Civil, SEPRONA, have seized two crocodiles and three snakes from a travelling circus in the Extremaruda town of Fresnedoso de Ibor.
The crocodiles were Crocodylus niloticus, more commonly known...

### TORREVIEJA MAYOR MEETS WITH WASTE WORKERS

Workers involved in street cleaning and waste disposal in Torrevieja attended a meeting this week, in which the mayor of the city, Eduardo Dolón, attempted to reassure them that their jobs are safe, irrespective of the recent plans to split the service.
The ten year long contract for managing waste is about to come to an end, with one possible consideration being the extension of the service, which financial experts have warned is not viable and cannot operate within budget, as the town hall has seemingly not had sufficient time to arrange for a new tender process for an alternative supplier.
Although many of the workers said that they appreciated the efforts of Dolón, they were still calling for assurances that their jobs would be safe, after initial plans would have seen the loss of some 50 jobs, around a quarter of the workforce. The workers therefore have reiterated their insistent not to split the service, and have not ruled out the possibility of calling a strike if their demands are not met.
Picture courtesy of objetivotorrevieja.wordpress.com
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42723/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Workers involved in street cleaning and waste disposal in Torrevieja attended a meeting this week, in which the mayor of the city, Eduardo Dolón, attempted to reassure them that their jobs are safe, irrespective of the recent plans to split the ...

### PROTESTERS SAY NEW WASTE PLANT SHOULD BE BUILT ON THE COAST

Organisers claimed that almost 3000 people attended the rally on Sunday to protest against the construction of a new landfill site in Albatera, situated adjacent to a populated area in an area of natural beauty. A police spokesman, however, suggested that the figure was closer to 1300. 
The protest was organised on the first anniversary of the founding of the group ‘Albatera – No to landfill'.  Spokesman Manuel Antonio Marín said that the group wanted to celebrate the anniversary of its founding with a new protest to re-emphasise public objections to the building of the Plan Zonal Area Waste XVII (Vega Baja).  He said that the Waste Consortium UTE Cespa-Ortiz had committed many breaches of the contract within the time of construction of the facility, that the project is outdated and it does not meet European environmental regulations.
The platform states that the contractor must indemnify the municipalities in the region because, due to their inefficiency, municipalities have been forced to transport their waste to other locations (Xixona, Elche, Elche, Murcia, Alicante and Villena)  which has resulted in an increase in taxes for their citizens.
The aim of the group is to participate in the creation of a new zoning plan for the disposal of waste in the area but they want to avoid any commitment to incineration plants which they say have become fashionable but are difficult to maintain.
One idea is that each of the municipalities involved makes its own separate collection of waste which it separates with the use of a labour pool made up of the unemployed. Any items found to be recyclable can then be sold off to recycling companies.
Marin believes that in this way the region can reduce rubbish by up to 80% and avoid building big holes to deposit the trash, but he admits that for this to succeed there is a need to raise awareness amongst the public.
However, in the case of a waste plant becoming necessary, the platform consider that it should be built on the coast, because that is the area from where most waste is generated. In this way there would be enormous savings on transportation as the need to take the waste inland would become unnecessary.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42722/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Organisers claimed that almost 3000 people attended the rally on Sunday to protest against the construction of a new landfill site in Albatera, situated adjacent to a populated area in an area of natural beauty. A police spokesman, however, suggested t...

### SAN PEDRO MAN ARRESTED ON PROSTITUTION CHARGES

A 50 year old man has been arrested in San Pedro del Pinatar on charges of corruption and prostitution after being in contact with almost 500 teenagers through internet, whilst posing as a 17 year old boy, and offering sex. 
According to Guardia Civil sources, FFS, a Spanish national, is charged with five instances of criminal threat, nine of the corruption of minors and four of prostitution.
The arrest, which was part of the Guardia Operation Mayo, took place at the home of the suspect, where a computer and several hard drives were seized, all containing pedophile material.
The investigation dates back to October 2013, when the Civil Guard received a complaint from a child who reported that he had been threatened by a man of about 40 years of age unless he had sex. This adult had contacted him through a popular social network whilst posing as a 17 year old.
Further enquiries showed that the suspect had created a number of different profiles on the social network site, through which he had contacted about 500 children. The Guardia were able to locate a total of eleven victims, all male and aged between 13 and 17, in the provinces of Alicante, Murcia, Malaga, Toledo, Madrid, Salamanca and Huelva.
The suspect allegedly made contact with the minors by chatting on the social network, gaining their confidence and trust over several months.
Once their confidence was won, he would then obtain sexually based photographs and videos of the children continually threatening to publish online if they did not agree to provide further images.
According to the Civil Guard, the detainee is awaiting an appearance before the Court of Instruction No. 2 in Torrevieja.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42719/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A 50 year old man has been arrested in San Pedro del Pinatar on charges of corruption and prostitution after being in contact with almost 500 teenagers through internet, whilst posing as a 17 year old boy, and offering sex. 
According to Guardia Civil...

### MOST WANTED ARRESTS IN VALENCIA

Two criminals featuring on the ‘most wanted' list were arrested in Valencia last week. The first, said to be extremely dangerous, was wanted by the authorities in Ireland for murder, while the second, a 37 year old Estonian, was detained when police intervened in a streetside heated discussion which was threatening to turn violent.
The Estonian was one of two men ordered by police to produce their id. Checks showed that he was the subject of an international arrest warrant and accused of several offences of child sex abuse. 
That arrest coincided with that of a paedophile, Badri Khvedelidze, 34, from Georgia, who had also escaped the course of justice. He was detained in the Ruzafa neighbourhoodof Valencia, and is believed to have committed a murder in 2005 in the Republic of Ireland since when he has been sought by authorities in the country
In the last 12 months the Policia National in Valencia have arrested 317 fugitives all wanted for serious crimes such as murder, paedophilia, rape, fraud and drug-trafficking. Of those, 270 were foreigners – mainly British, Romanian, Italian and French.
The Costa Blanca has long been one of the key destinations for criminals fleeing their countries of origin, due to the large expatriate communities where they could go largely unnoticed.
Crimestoppers' and the Home Office's ‘Operation Capture' campaign, where members of the public living in Spain are asked to help the police find British fugitives, has proven highly successful with almost every criminal named and photographed on their regular issue of publicity posters now in the hands of the UK justice system or behind bars.
Recently, National Police in Spain called for society to help them find 10 of the most-wanted criminals thought to be hiding out in the country, five of whom were foreign and one – a female of Colombian nationality.
They include British national Kevin Thomas Parle, a Spanish national of Moroccan origin Omar Tebar Tomas, and German citizen Dietmar Linke, all of whom are said to be very dangerous.
Two have committed a murder and a third let a bomb off. All of them are said to be in Spain and quite likely in the Alicante area. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42718/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Two criminals featuring on the ‘most wanted' list were arrested in Valencia last week. The first, said to be extremely dangerous, was wanted by the authorities in Ireland for murder, while the second, a 37 year old Estonian, was detained when pol...

### IN THE BUNKER WITH MICK THE GRIP

IN 1937 BING CROSBY was one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, and a 2 handicap golfer. To amuse his friends and to support the golf professionals he decided to hold his own pro am golf tournament in San Diego, putting up the $10,000 prize himself, and providing a Clambake afterwards. The first “Crosby Clambake” was won by Sam Snead. The weather was so atrocious that pro golfers still call intermittent squalls and gales ‘Crosby Weather, ' but it was such a success it became an annual event.
The war put the Clambake on hold, but In 1947 Bing revived and expanded it to four rounds played on three courses on the Monterey Peninsula, near San Francisco. His Hollywood golfing buddies all came to his eve of tournament party, with guests like Dean Martin and Bob Hope doing a turn. After that the ‘Clambake' was shown on TV across America. Naturally, having a bunch of extroverts in front of the cameras meant the golf almost became secondary to the antics. When Johnny Weissmuller lost his ball in a tree he swung from the branches giving a Tarzan yell. Bing's pro am had become one of the golf events of the year, and it raised millions for charity.
Bing died on a golf course in Spain in 1977, and in 1986 the AT&T Corporation took over sponsorship, but his house still overlooks the 13th hole, and to the pro golfing fraternity Pebble Beach will always be ‘The Clambake.'
JIMMY WALKER, who won this month's Championship at Pebble Beach, credits his recent success to renowned coach Butch Harmon. Walker, 35, has jumped out of the pack and achieved three wins in his past eight starts. He told reporters: “The older you get, the harder it is to make changes, but I decided to go to Butch with a blank slate and listen to his advice, and it's been good.”
LEE WESTWOOD has split with his coach Sean Foley after seven months. Foley, who coaches Tiger Woods, Justin Rose and Hunter Mahan, and has probably got enough on his hands anyway, said: “Lee is a great guy and I really wish him well.” Westwood said: “Sean's coaching didn't fit in with what I wanted to do.” Perhaps he should have a chat with Jimmy Walker.
WHEN THE ORIGINAL Callaway Big Bertha appeared in 1991 everyone wanted one, including me. I couldn't afford it. This month the reborn Big Bertha and it's big sister the Big Bertha Alpha, was launched. The Big Bertha now features a sliding weight, which can be used to fine tune shots, and an adjustable hosel to alter loft and lie to favour a draw or a fade. Of the two drivers the Big Bertha is aimed at the higher handicap players, the ultra adjustable Alpha at the lower. I still can't afford it. ($400.)
KEVIN STADLER'S WIN at the Phoenix Open (his first PGA Tour title) earned him a spot in the Masters, a tournament his dad Craig won in 1982. The Stadlers will be the first father and son to play in the same Masters. Proud Stadler Senior commented: “I said, ‘When Kevin gets in, that'll be my final Masters,' and this will be it.”
BUBBA WATSON'S incredible bunker shot into the hole at Riviera reminded me of a good tip: Don't hit the ball, hit the sand behind the ball. The closer you hit to the ball, the more the ball will spin, so even on the greenside bunker shot, you want to hit the sand first. Remembering this tip I equalled Bubba's 39 holes with no bogeys. Then I woke up.
Until next time: Happy Golfing.
Contact Mick for all your regripping and repairs. Tel. 638 859 475.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42715/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: IN 1937 BING CROSBY was one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, and a 2 handicap golfer. To amuse his friends and to support the golf professionals he decided to hold his own pro am golf tournament in San Diego, putting up the $10,000 prize himself, and...

### WHO AM I TO JUDGE?

‘Twitters from the Atlantic' - by Barrie Mahoney


Barrie Mahoney was a head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands to launch and edit a new English language newspaper. He enjoys life in the sun as a columnist and author, and continues to write a series of popular novels, books for expats, as well as designing mobile apps and websites to promote the Canary Islands.
 
“Who am I to judge?”
 
These five words are perhaps the five most powerful and significant words spoken by Pope Francis since he became leader of the Catholic Church. Although I am not a Catholic, I do not automatically respect the leader of any Church or organisation, unless they have earned it through not only their words but, most importantly, their actions. However, these words spoken whilst addressing the issue of gay men and women in the Church did make me sit up and listen.
 
Judging others is perhaps one of the easiest and most destructive things that expats indulge in. Many expats write to tell me of their damaging experiences with other expats when arriving in their new country. They arrive full of anticipation and hope for a new life in their chosen country, only to be met by cynicism and suspicion from the ‘established' experts living in their communities.  Many expats tell me of the ‘expat pecking order' that has quickly established itself in the expat ghettos of the Costas. Instead of a warm welcome, many expats tell me that they witness a degree of hostility upon their arrival. A seemingly innocent welcome drink with the neighbours is often followed by a barrage of questions designed to draw out the personal circumstances, fortunes and health of the aspiring expat.
 
Of course, psychologists will tell us that this destructive inquisitiveness is a way that expats defend their existing, and often hard won, territories, image and position in the community. As with any animal grouping, these expats fiercely defend their rights against a possible intruder should they feel threatened in any way. All communities quickly develop spokesmen and leaders within their community. Often this is a good thing, but only if fulfilled with humility and tolerance.
 
I recall one self-appointed spokesman for a newly built block of apartments that we were living in when we first moved to Spain. Each block of apartments should have a ‘Community', which is a legal entity designed to govern and oversee the maintenance, cleanliness of the shared areas, as well as the rights of owners of the apartments. In our case, this did not happen, and a forthright and outspoken German lady stepped in to fulfil this role. During some of those dreadful days when the lift was not working, the electricity and water was disconnected and repairs were needed, this community spirited lady took on the fight with builders, the Town Hall, water and electricity companies. She bullied, argued and cajoled to do what was right for all of the residents living in the apartment. In the end, she won and we were all exceedingly grateful to her.
 
I contrast this to another case that I have recently heard of, whereby a long term British expat woman, married to a Spanish man, maliciously gossiped about her neighbours, whom she did not like, and claimed that they were responsible for a number of local burglaries. She had no evidence, but the seed of doubt that she planted into the minds of some expats created a situation whereby she skilfully began to turn the entire street against one particular family, whom she did not approve of, and had a personal vendetta against. Quite simply, neighbours believed what she said simply because she had lived in Spain for many years and could speak the language fluently. She felt that this distinction gave her the right to be appointed as sole judge and jury. More astute neighbours began to ask questions, but the damage had already been done, because the seed of doubt had been sown.
 
All communities can become potentially destructive and the expat community is no different to any other. Lack of understanding of language and culture, as well as undeserved respect for those that have been in the country longer may make the newly arrived expat complacent as to what is right and what is wrong. It is important that all expats retain an open mind, determine what is right and wrong for themselves, and not be easily influenced by established expats who see themselves as top of the ‘pecking order'. 
 
‘Who am I to judge?' asked the Pope. For once, I agree wholeheartedly with him.
 
 
 
 
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his book, ‘Letters from the Atlantic' (ISBN: 9780992767136). Available as paperback, as well as on Kindle, iBooks and Google Play Books.  
iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
 
© Barrie Mahoney
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42711/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ‘Twitters from the Atlantic' - by Barrie Mahoney


Barrie Mahoney was a head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands to launch and edit a new English language newspaper. He en...

### TORREVIEJA SALT TO AID US EAST COAST

It is not only the UK and Ireland that are being affected by severe weather conditions at the moment. Just days ago the third snowstorm in a week was pushing the East Coast of the United States to the brink with a total of 28 inches of snow falling on Central Park in the first 10 days of the month, making it New York's second snowiest February on record behind only February 2010.
The relentless snowfall has led to critical shortages of rock salt to melt the snow in Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey but all that is about to be eased with the departure from Torrevieja last Wednesday of the vessel "Sakura Kobe" loaded with 28,000 tons of rock salt.
This is understood to be the first occasion for very nearly 20 years that a ship ladened with salt has left these waters bound for the USA. At 180 meters in length and 28 in width, the "Sakura Kobe" arrived from Alicante. When it departed from the Pier de la Sal last week, bound for the port of Baltimore, 300 miles south of New York, it was eased out of Torrevieja waters by the harbor pilot boat and a tug.
According to the consignee Álvaro Rodríguez she is one of the largest vessel to use the port of Torrevieja in the last five years.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42709/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: It is not only the UK and Ireland that are being affected by severe weather conditions at the moment. Just days ago the third snowstorm in a week was pushing the East Coast of the United States to the brink with a total of 28 inches of snow falling on Central Park in the first 10 days of the month, making it New York's second snowiest February on record behind only February 2010.
The relentless snowfall has led to critical shortages of rock salt to melt the snow in Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey but all that is about to be eased with the departure from Torrevieja last Wednesday of the vessel "Sakura Kobe" loaded with 28,000 tons of rock salt.
This is understood to be the first occasion for very nearly 20 years that a ship ladened with salt has left these waters bound for the USA. At 180 meters in length and 28 in width, the "Sakura Kobe" arrived from Alicante. When it departed from the Pier de la Sal last week, bound for the port of Baltimore, 300 miles south of New York, it was eased out of Torrevieja waters by the harbor pilot boat and a tug.
According to the consignee Álvaro Rodríguez she is one of the largest vessel to use the port of Torrevieja in the last five years.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42709/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### HONDON VALLEY RBL STRIDE OUT IN NOVELDA

It was on one of those February days, when starting out in the morning one is unsure whether to put a jumper on or not, a decision to be made as we were attending the RBL Hondon Valley branch walk around Novelda. As it turned out it was a lovely day and we did not know what to do with our coats. In the picture are three of the fifteen members who took part, they are taking a rest on a one hundred and fifteen year old settle in the ‘Casa Museo.'
Tony with his wife Margaret who is sitting next to him, moved to Hondon Valley nine years ago and are strong supporters of the branch, and from time to time they have been known to perform comedy acts at a professional level, entertaining the members and visitors at branch meetings.  Tony tells me they lived in Somerset for about thirty years and has performed at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil, with vivid memories, especially when he played the magistrate in ‘Lock up your Daughters,' although he adds comedy is his real thing. The lady sitting to the right is Jean, the Treasurer for RBL District North Spain who is responsible for collating the financial information from the eighteen branches for London H.Q. A superb day with a gentle walk seeing the treasures of the old town – it was well organised by Wendy, with a delicious Spanish meal included at a local Restaurant all for 8.00€ a head. 
The branch social gathering in March is on the fifth and is a quality lunch in an Aspe restaurant. April is fun time with a coach trip to Oliva for an afternoon meal and Flamenco dancing at the famous Viva Espana. There are still some seats left and all are welcome, there is no need to be a member. For further information of activities please telephone the number below. The monthly meeting of Hondon Valley RBL took place at Monte Alto, Restaurant in Nieves. Another nice friendly regular get together held on the third Tuesday of the month, and of course Yola and Patricia were there with the book stall. As I mentioned last month they have an availability of four thousand books – no they do not bring them all – they have divided them into eight individual sections and at each meeting they bring one segment, which means over an eight week period, there is a fresh selection of novels to choose from. The formal part of the evening started at seven thirty sharp it was good news this month as there were no terrible casualties to our forces. After which the monthly reports from the Secretary and Treasurer. Followed by a short break to refresh glasses, and then Tony, one of the stalwarts of the branch, started the evening in grand style introducing his new game of Play Your Cards Right, not quite up to Bruce's standard but a good laugh, a little bit of light tension and enjoyed by all, with the winners receiving prizes. This was followed by a brain-buster quiz of Flags of the World which was won by team Richard (de st Croix), Patricia and Steve (Rooke). To round off the evening twenty questions with cryptic clues to guess television shows. Next month after the evenings formal part a quick fire auction for the Poppy Appeal with lots of free entries. Come and join us and partake in the fun - all for a very good course. 
For further information telephone: 650896923
Email: secretary.hondonvalley3577@gmail.com
www.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/hondon-valley
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42696/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: It was on one of those February days, when starting out in the morning one is unsure whether to put a jumper on or not, a decision to be made as we were attending the RBL Hondon Valley branch walk around Novelda. As it turned out it was a lovely day an...

### LOCAL BUSINESSMAN CHALLENGES TENDER PROCESS FOR CHIRUNGUITOS

Local businessman Raúl Fernández has filed a document in Orihuela challenging the tender process for the operation of the Chirunguito bars along the Orihuela Costa and requesting that it be suspended as the current procedure does not allow for free competition. He says that the system is "tailored" to meet the needs of the current concessionaire.
Fernandez, with over 25 years in the catering and leisure sector, says that one of the specific requirements of those companies wishing to tender is that they must be in possession of ISO quality certificates which have been issued by the competent authority. They must also hold the distinctive 'Q' for quality tourism award which the City Council says is necessary if it is to maintain the excellence of its beaches and the services they provide.
He says that it is impossible for any company wishing to operate the beach bars to obtain such certification until such time as they are in that industry so the requirements of the tender do not allow free competition to the companies that are interested in acquiring such services.
Fernandez also criticized the process for awarding the bars as a whole lot, saying that it went totally against the rules of free competition and was little more than a coastal monopoly. He suggested that each of the bar franchises be awarded as individual units. 
The current deadline for submission of tenders was due to expire last Thursday morning. Martina Scheurer, the councilor responsible for the tender process, told the Leader that she expected there to be more than a single application but although she had certainly considered breaking the tender up into individual chirunguitos she felt that the standards and the management of the franchise would be much easier to maintain and control if they were allocated as a single entity. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42695/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Local businessman Raúl Fernández has filed a document in Orihuela challenging the tender process for the operation of the Chirunguito bars along the Orihuela Costa and requesting that it be suspended as the current procedure does not allow for free competition. He says that the system is "tailored" to meet the needs of the current concessionaire.
Fernandez, with over 25 years in the catering and leisure sector, says that one of the specific requirements of those companies wishing to tender is that they must be in possession of ISO quality certificates which have been issued by the competent authority. They must also hold the distinctive 'Q' for quality tourism award which the City Council says is necessary if it is to maintain the excellence of its beaches and the services they provide.
He says that it is impossible for any company wishing to operate the beach bars to obtain such certification until such time as they are in that industry so the requirements of the tender do not allow free competition to the companies that are interested in acquiring such services.
Fernandez also criticized the process for awarding the bars as a whole lot, saying that it went totally against the rules of free competition and was little more than a coastal monopoly. He suggested that each of the bar franchises be awarded as individual units. 
The current deadline for submission of tenders was due to expire last Thursday morning. Martina Scheurer, the councilor responsible for the tender process, told the Leader that she expected there to be more than a single application but although she had certainly considered breaking the tender up into individual chirunguitos she felt that the standards and the management of the franchise would be much easier to maintain and control if they were allocated as a single entity. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42695/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### LOCAL COUNCILLOR TO SUES VALENCIA PRESIDENT

Orihuela Councillor Carolina Gracia attended the Valencia District Court number 19 last week where she accused Alberto Fabra, President of the Generalitat of Valencia, of slander for remarks he made following the decision of the Orihuela Council of Elders not to accept a notion of censure late last year from the local Partido Popular group.
Fabra said that in overturning the motion that the Council, formed of Carolina Gracia and Bob Houliston, had committed an act of “dishonesty and obstruction." Ms Gracia is insisting that Fabra withdraw his words otherwise she says that she will pursue her legal action.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42692/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Orihuela Councillor Carolina Gracia attended the Valencia District Court number 19 last week where she accused Alberto Fabra, President of the Generalitat of Valencia, of slander for remarks he made following the decision of the Orihuela Council of Elders not to accept a notion of censure late last year from the local Partido Popular group.
Fabra said that in overturning the motion that the Council, formed of Carolina Gracia and Bob Houliston, had committed an act of “dishonesty and obstruction." Ms Gracia is insisting that Fabra withdraw his words otherwise she says that she will pursue her legal action.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42692/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### FAMILY DEVASTATED BY HOUSE FIRE

Six people from the same family, including three children, have died this morning in a house fire at their home in Tordómar, Burgos, and another five have been injured as a result.
Initial investigations suggest that the fire was started as a result of a spark from a fireplace igniting a sofa at around 02:30 on Saturday morning.
One person managed to escape the house and raise the alarm, but the rest of the family were trapped inside.
The deceased are a 59 year old woman, her two daughters aged 36 and 35, and three children aged between 4 and 6. The surviving occupants are two adults aged 34 and 37, and three children, including a child of just a few months of age, who suffered smoke inhalation. The owner of the house was also treated for anxiety upon hearing the news.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42691/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Six people from the same family, including three children, have died this morning in a house fire at their home in Tordómar, Burgos, and another five have been injured as a result.
Initial investigations suggest that the fire was started as a r...

### LORENTE LOSES APPEAL IN CORRUPTION CASE

The former mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente, has lost a pre-trial appeal which she hoped would have avoided criminal charges for alleged irregularities in the award of a contract relating to building work at a plaza in the town of El Escorratel.
The provincial court has rejected a plea to suspend the case, and so the trial against both Lorente, along with Antonio Rodríguez Murcia formally from the infrastructure department, will now be able to proceed.
This particular case, which is not the only one being considered by the courts, was first brought to light following a complaint by the Los Verdes party in 2010. Lorente and Murcia are facing criminal proceedings for an alleged crime of forgery of public documents by a public authority or official and gross negligence. The work on maintaining the plaza at El Escorratel in July 2008 is said to have begun without the project having been approved by the municipal council, subsequently seeing the 34,380 euro contract awarded to a company prior to the legally required tender process being fulfilled.
The prosecution believe that documents may have also been altered to make the award appear legitimate, and so the anti-corruption prosecutor is requesting fines of 4,500 euro, as well as the suspension of public office for ten months. 
Although no longer fronting the Partido Popular in Orihuela, Lorente is still a prominent political position and is still part of the newly formed PP and CLR coalition who are attempting to overthrow the government of Orihuela and return to power.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42690/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The former mayor of Orihuela, Mónica Lorente, has lost a pre-trial appeal which she hoped would have avoided criminal charges for alleged irregularities in the award of a contract relating to building work at a plaza in the town of El Escorratel...

### BOY FALLS THROUGH SKYLIGHT ON COUNCIL BUILDING SITE

A young boy remains critically ill and in a coma after falling 15 feet whilst playing on a government building site in the Orihuela village of La Aparecida.
The 15 year old is suffering from multiple head injuries and flooded lungs after stumbling through the skylight just before midnight last Saturday night. 
What began as a game has shocked the residents in the oriolana hamlet after the young boy climbed over the fence enclosing the unfinished building site of the proposed civic center. While playing inside the building with two other boys, he fell through a skylight at a height of five meters. The child was rushed to the San Bartolome Hospital and then quickly transferred to the General Hospital of Elche where he remains in an induced coma and in critical condition.
The perimeter fence had recently been repaired following recent damage which had been caused by strong gusts of wind.  It would seem that, along with his friends, the youth had climbed over the 2 meter fence to gain entry and according to sources, following the accident he remained conscious for up to half an hour before the arrival of the emergency services. 
He was taken to the San Bartolome Hospital but was immediately referred to General Hospital of Elche where he was put into an induced coma. Doctors say they will wait for 72 hours whilst they monitor his progress.
As a child from a well known local family the accident has shocked the whole community. His parents, José Antonio Martínez and Pilar Aracil, have run the popular Bar Casa Rincón de Pepe where residents play pool and buy their lottery tickets. The business was closed yesterday while the mother and father remain at their son's bedside.
The family remains in a state of shock. They say they are particularly critical of the council stating that the incident occurred on a building site that should have been completed many years ago. The government team has offered its support to the family who they visited last Monday.
Just 3 months ago a motion was passed at the December Orihuela plenary approving funds to  the finalise the work at the unfinished centre and put the work out to public tender, using a portion of the money obtained by selling coastal land. 
At the time the PP group wanted to oppose the proposal, despite the plans being their idea in the first place, saying that they had their own way of funding the project.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42689/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A young boy remains critically ill and in a coma after falling 15 feet whilst playing on a government building site in the Orihuela village of La Aparecida.
The 15 year old is suffering from multiple head injuries and flooded lungs after stumbling thr...

### Weekend What´s On: 22 and 23 February 2014

SATURDAY 22nd FEBRUARY, 2014
World Thinking Day.
ALICANTE
Camping and Caravan show, IFA Exhibition Centre (Until 23rd Feb).
Gastro Alicante, food show, IFA Exhibition Centre (Until 24th Feb).
ORIHUELA
Sculpture exhibition, “De vuelta al estudio”, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (Until 2nd March).
Children's Book event, "The adventure is reading", La Lonja exhibition hall (Until 28th Feb).
Fangoria in concert, Teatro Circo.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Carnival, Zenia Boulevard.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Exhibition, “Una historia hecha imagen - 1954-2014 Venerable Cofradía Ntro. Padre Jesús Nazareno y Mujer Verónica de la Santa Faz”, Casa de Cultura (Until 28th Feb).
TORREVIEJA
20:00 – “West Side Story”, the musical, Teatro Municipal.
Ceramic exhibition, Virgen del Carmen (Until 2nd Mar).
VALENCIA
International Pilates Convention, Complex Esportiu-Cultural Petxina (Until 23rd Feb).

listen to ‘What´s On: Saturday 22 February, 2014’ on Audioboo

 
SUNDAY 23rd FEBRUARY, 2014
ALICANTE
Camping and Caravan show, IFA Exhibition Centre (Last day).
Gastro Alicante, food show, IFA Exhibition Centre (Until 24th Feb).
ORIHUELA
Sculpture exhibition, “De vuelta al estudio”, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (Until 2nd March).
Children's Book event, "The adventure is reading", La Lonja exhibition hall (Until 28th Feb).
Family clown show, Auditorio de la Lonja.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Carnival, Zenia Boulevard.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Exhibition, “Una historia hecha imagen - 1954-2014 Venerable Cofradía Ntro. Padre Jesús Nazareno y Mujer Verónica de la Santa Faz”, Casa de Cultura (Until 28th Feb).
TORREVIEJA
Ceramic exhibition, Virgen del Carmen (Until 2nd Mar).
VALENCIA
International Pilates Convention, Complex Esportiu-Cultural Petxina (Last day).
 

### ORIHUELA COSTA DOG AGILITY PARK NOW OPEN

Last Friday saw the official inauguration of the first dog agility park to be constructed on the Orihuela Costa, with the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, officially opening the centre at noon.
Located on the south end of calle Pluton, near to calle Arco Iris on the La Florida urbanisation, the park is equipped with a sandy floor covering, hurdles, balance boards, rocks and poles, to tantalise the imagination of dogs of all sizes.
Nearby is a newly refurbished children´s play park too, both surrounded by trees and plants, which the councillor hopes will become a central point for families, along with their doggy members, to meet and enjoy this community based initiative.
Local professional dog behaviour expert and trainer Angela Holt was on hand during the opening on Friday, giving a demonstration of how the facilities can be used, and happily answering questions on dog training.
Although this is the first facility on the Orihuela Costa, it is hopefully not the last, with a much larger facility integrated in the future plans for the development of the park at La Regia amongst them.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42676/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Last Friday saw the official inauguration of the first dog agility park to be constructed on the Orihuela Costa, with the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, officially opening the centre at noon.
Located on the south end of calle Pluton, near...

### What´s On: FRIDAY 21st FEBRUARY, 2014

FRIDAY 21st FEBRUARY, 2014
International Mother Language Day.
ALICANTE
Camping and Caravan show, IFA Exhibition Centre (Until 23rd Feb).
ORIHUELA
Sculpture exhibition, “De vuelta al estudio”, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (Until 2nd March).
Children's Book event, "The adventure is reading", La Lonja exhibition hall (Until 28th Feb).
Roundtable discussion on new abortion laws, Auditorio de la Lonja.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Balloon art show & Football (Espanyol - Granada) on TV, Zenia Boulevard.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Exhibition, “Una historia hecha imagen - 1954-2014 Venerable Cofradía Ntro. Padre Jesús Nazareno y Mujer Verónica de la Santa Faz”, Casa de Cultura (Until 28th Feb).
TORREVIEJA
20:00 – Gala “Entre Volantes y Amistad”, Teatro Municipal.
20:00 – Gran Concierto de Lírica, Virgen del Carmen.
21:30 – “Microteatro”, Palacio de la Música.
Ceramic exhibition, Virgen del Carmen (Until 2nd Mar).
VALENCIA
International Pilates Convention, Complex Esportiu-Cultural Petxina (Until 23rd Feb).

listen to ‘Things to do on Friday 21st February, 2014’ on Audioboo

 

### INCREASED WARNINGS OF INTERNET SECURITY THREATS

The technological investigation department of the Guardia Civil are warning of yet another scam which is entrapping many Facebook users, offering gift cards for the multinational fashion stores Zara and H&M.
The posts which are distributed virally by users usually acting in good faith, offer the chance to win or obtain such prized awards as 500 euro to spend in the store, if you are lucky enough to win, but the Guardia Civil warn that these promotions are fraudulent and have no relation to the companies.
Even one of the stores, Zara, has issued a statement in response to a question raised regarding one such promotion, distancing the chain from the scam, saying, “I can confirm that this profile and this event are not linked to the official account of Zara. We are working to alert network managers about this situation”.
Experts say that one factor which is common in such scams is that the Facebook page or account has only recently been created and is fragmented from the official accounts.
In terms of the risks, the aim of these campaigns is to collect user data from those who share or click the links, one of the most recent discovered fake promotion resulting in 4,500 people becoming subscribed to a premium rate telephone service, with many finding their mobile telephone compromised and messages being sent which cost the user money every time they receive or send a message.
Aside from the premium rate subscriptions, even the less aggressive campaigns can seek out information which would not normally be shared with potential fraudsters, but the perceived protection of the internet leaves users vulnerable to disclosing this information.
In the UK, Asda, Tesco and others have all been seen in offers of this type, along with opportunities to obtain iPhones and iPads, just because their packaging is damaged.
Even seemingly innocent games can be a risk to protecting your data. Remembering the days when a banks may ask for the answer to a question that only you would know, such as “what is your mother´s maiden name?”, or “Where were you born?”, becomes wide open to abuse when a seemingly innocent post says, “Create your spy name by simply writing your mother´s maiden name and the place where you were born”, the answer “Banks Shropshire” immediately revealing the answers to those two protected questions for the whole world to see. 
Either way, the advice is always the same. If it seems too good to be true, then it possibly is.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42675/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The technological investigation department of the Guardia Civil are warning of yet another scam which is entrapping many Facebook users, offering gift cards for the multinational fashion stores Zara and H&M.
The posts which are distributed virally...

### What´s On: THURSDAY 20th FEBRUARY, 2014

THURSDAY 20th FEBRUARY, 2014
World Day of Social Justice.
BARCELONA
Backstreet Boys Sant Jordi Club Barcelona.
Barcelona Guitar Festival starts, Barts, Barcelona (Until 22nd May).


ORIHUELA
Sculpture exhibition, “De vuelta al estudio”, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (Until 2nd March).
Children's Book event, "The adventure is reading", La Lonja exhibition hall (Until 28th Feb).
Book presentation, “Iris y Dédalo. Buscadores de dragones”, María Moliner library.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Tuna de Medicina de Murcia (folk guitar group), Zenia Boulevard.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Exhibition, “Una historia hecha imagen - 1954-2014 Venerable Cofradía Ntro. Padre Jesús Nazareno y Mujer Verónica de la Santa Faz”, Casa de Cultura (Until 28th Feb).
TORREVIEJA
20:00 – Gala concert by UCAM, Auditorio Internacional de Torrevieja.
Ceramic exhibition, Virgen del Carmen (Until 2nd Mar).
 
listen to ‘What´s On: Thursday 20th February, 2014’ on Audioboo

### ORIHUELA COSTA DOG AGILITY PARK OPENS ON FRIDAY

Friday will see the official inauguration of the first dog agility park to be constructed on the Orihuela Costa, with the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, officially opening the centre at noon.
Located on the south end of calle Pluton, near to calle Arco Iris on the La Florida urbanisation, the park is equipped with a sandy floor covering, hurdles, balance boards, rocks and poles, to tantalise the imagination of dogs of all sizes.
Nearby is a newly refurbished children´s play park too, both surrounded by trees and plants, which the councillor hopes will become a central point for families, along with their doggy members, to meet and enjoy this community based initiative.
Local professional dog behaviour expert and trainer Angela Holt will also be on hand during the opening on Friday, giving a demonstration of how the facilities can be used, and happy to answer questions on dog training.
Everybody is welcome to the event, both humans and canines, although cats may have to find an alternative source of fun on this day, as the focus, for now, is on dogs.
Although this is the first facility on the Orihuela Costa, it is hopefully not the last, so come along on Friday the 21st of February at 12:00, and join in with welcoming this very special additional feature to the area.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42673/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Friday will see the official inauguration of the first dog agility park to be constructed on the Orihuela Costa, with the councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, officially opening the centre at noon.
Located on the south end of calle Pluton, near...

### VALENCIA HOUSE SALES REMAINS ENCOURAGING

In 2013 Valencia recorded a total of 47,649 house sales, the third highest figure in Spain behind Andalucía (66,841) and Catalonia (47,771). Of the sales carried through 22,250 were for new properties while the figure for resales was slightly higher, a total of 25,399 homes.
These figures were slightly down on the previous year in which a total of 329,146 homes were sold, 0.48% less according to a statement released last week by the Madrid based Association of Property Registrars.
By provinces, Alicante recorded the highest number of home sales in the Region, with 24,754, followed by Valencia (16,774) and Castellón (6.121).
The average amount of a mortgage in Spain during 2013 (100.841 euros) fell by 4.34% to its lowest figure since 2004.
In Valencia, mortgage loans contracted in the last quarter of 2013 stood at an average of 75.068 euros, a figure significantly lower than the national average, which experienced a slight increase (104,487 euros).
In 2013 Valencia also recorded the fifth lowest monthly mortgage repayment in Spain, just 445.13 euros (26.51% of the average household income).
The average mortgage term in Spain was 22.5 years, whilst in the Valencia Province it was fixed at 20.5 years.
One other variable highlighted by the Association of Registrars was the average interest rate for a house purchase in Valencia, which in 2013 was 4.14%, slightly higher than the Spanish average (4.02 %).
The actual price of housing in Spain, calculated from the House Price Index for repeated sales of the same property, and based on the Case & Shiller methodology, was down 1.25% in 2013.
However the Association also states that between October and December, prices began to show signs of recovery, experiencing an increase of 2.16% from the previous quarter. 
This is the second consecutive quarterly increase, but they say that we will need to wait for the results in the coming quarters to see if the turnaround is confirmed.
The say that the demand for housing continues to show signs of recovery as does the purchase of homes by foreigners in 2013 which represented 11.15% of all registered purchases in Spain, rising to 12.85% in the fourth quarter of the year.
The British retained the top position with 15.10%, followed by French (9.84%), Russians (8.58%), Belgians (7.26%), Germans (7.01%), Swedish (5 , 63%), Norwegians (5.27%) and Italians (3.65%).Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42672/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In 2013 Valencia recorded a total of 47,649 house sales, the third highest figure in Spain behind Andalucía (66,841) and Catalonia (47,771). Of the sales carried through 22,250 were for new properties while the figure for resales was slightly hi...

### DRAFT LAW AIMS TO CONTROL E-CIGARETTE ADVERTISING

The Spanish government is looking to approve draft legislation that will strictly control the advertising of so called “e-cigarettes”, as well as enforcing information displays on the risks to health from the electronic replacement of the traditional smoke.
Under new consumer protection guidelines, television advertising before the 8pm watershed will be banned, although there are concessions for daytime as this move is aimed at protecting children, classed in this case as those under 18, from seeing the adverts.
Similarly, strict controls as to where adverts for the electronic cigarettes can be placed will be included, as will the distribution of publicity through cinema adverts. In particular, the controls aim to restrict where under 18 year olds may see the publicity.
The packaging of the products must also point out the dangers to adults, and must clearly state that they contain nicotine and are highly addictive. The law aims to clearly define that no claims of health benefits can be included in advertising, unless and until a competent public authority declares them to be of benefit to health.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42669/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Spanish government is looking to approve draft legislation that will strictly control the advertising of so called “e-cigarettes”, as well as enforcing information displays on the risks to health from the electronic replacement of the t...

### MONTESINOS NIGHT POLICE TO RETURN IN MARCH

Following the recent report that Local Police had been withdrawn from night duty in Los Montesinos, the Mayor of the town, José Manuel Butrón, issued a statement confirming that the service will be reinstated in early March.
The Mayor said that the reason for the shortfall in officers was because two of them had been seconded to Rojales, where they were operating an “incorporated” service between both town halls, and that the officers are unable to patrol alone, and therefore an agreement was reached with the head of the local police and the unions to temporarily withdraw the service.
The councillor also confirmed that he is aware of the matter being a “timely issue”, and one that will be resolved soon.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42666/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following the recent report that Local Police had been withdrawn from night duty in Los Montesinos, the Mayor of the town, José Manuel Butrón, issued a statement confirming that the service will be reinstated in early March.
The Mayor sa...

### What´s On: WEDNESDAY 19th FEBRUARY, 2014

WEDNESDAY 19th FEBRUARY, 2014
MADRID
Backstreet Boys, Palacio Vistalegre Madrid.


ORIHUELA
Sculpture exhibition, “De vuelta al estudio”, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (Until 2nd March).
Children's Book event, "The adventure is reading", La Lonja exhibition hall (Until 28th Feb).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Cartoon drawing, Zenia Boulevard.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Exhibition, “Una historia hecha imagen - 1954-2014 Venerable Cofradía Ntro. Padre Jesús Nazareno y Mujer Verónica de la Santa Faz”, Casa de Cultura (Until 28th Feb).
Official inauguration of the Paraje Natural Municipal y Lagunas de Lo Monte.
TORREVIEJA
Ceramic exhibition, Virgen del Carmen (Until 2nd Mar).

### ORIHUELA MOTORBIKE THEFT GANG ARRESTED

Officers from the National Police have dismantled another vehicle crime group based in Orihuela, this time focussed on stealing motorcycles.
Four people have been arrested in Orihuela, three Algerians and a Spaniard, all aged between 28 and 29, whose criminal activity was focused on the removal, handling and sale motorcycles, facing charges of theft, vehicle theft, fraud, forgery and being members of a criminal group.
The investigation began following numerous complaints filed in the towns of Elche and Orihuela where victims denounced the theft of their motorcycles. Following police inquiries the group were identified, located and arrested, with six motorcycles so far recovered.
Most of the motorcycles were identified for theft from large areas and communal garages, taken and stored in private facilities, sometimes dismantled and reconstructed with different parts and some then offered for sale through the internet.
Officers have not ruled out further arrests and the investigation by the Judicial Police station in Orihuela is ongoing.
On the 10th of February, we reported how officers from the National Police had dismantled a group of car thieves, all between 28 and 30 years of age and of Spanish nationality, believed to be responsible for a network dedicated to stealing cars, dismantling them and selling the parts.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42664/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have dismantled another vehicle crime group based in Orihuela, this time focussed on stealing motorcycles.
Four people have been arrested in Orihuela, three Algerians and a Spaniard, all aged between 28 and 29, whose ...

### POLICE OFFICERS TO FACE ACTION OVER ANIMAL ABUSE

Two police officers who were involved in an incident of abuse against animals may face criminal charges after an animal welfare group has called for action following the posting of a video that shows the pigs being sprayed with gas by one of the officers as a joke. 
The video clearly shows a uniformed officer spraying a substance into the face of one of the pigs, the animal becoming disorientated, seemingly as a result of inhaling the substance or its contact with the animal, becoming distressed and therefore a clear case of animal abuse.
The incident is said to have occurred some years ago but has been brought to light by the recent distribution of the video through the internet. The two officers are still in service, although not in the municipality where the abuse took place, one serving the island of Ibiza, the other in Mallorca.
The PACMA animal rights group has vowed to take the case to court, but they are waiting to initiate action as another animal protection association is already pursuing action.
The two officers could face a criminal case for an alleged crime of animal abuse, and the opening of a file by the conselleria d'Administraccions Públiques of the Balearic Government.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42663/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Two police officers who were involved in an incident of abuse against animals may face criminal charges after an animal welfare group has called for action following the posting of a video that shows the pigs being sprayed with gas by one of the office...

### UK AND SPAIN WORKING TOGETHER TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SERVICES

British minister for reform Francis Maude visited Spain last week to discuss issues around public sector reform, and look at ways that Spain can learn from Britain's experience of delivering an ambitious efficiency agenda. 
Over the last year, a number of visits between Spanish and British officials have looked to strengthen relations between the two countries on this shared agenda, including a visit by Deputy Secretary of the Spanish Prime Minister's Office, Jaime Prez Renovales, to learn about the British Government's efforts to both modernise and increase efficiency in the UK's public administration.
On 10 February, it was HMG's turn to visit Madrid, with Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude attending  an international conference on public administration reform hosted by the Spanish Deputy Prime Minister, Soraya Saenz de Santamara, to present Spain's 'non-stop' programme to representatives from a number of European governments.  
Building on the well-established relationship between the Spanish Government and the Cabinet Office, Francis Maude showcased the UK's initiatives to reform the public administration, comparing the UK experience with his counterparts. Driven by the key principles of efficiency and innovation, the Minister explained the UK's determination to make public services better while saving hard working taxpayers' money and reducing the deficit. 
The Minister's no-nonsense approach has had tangible results. Last year the UK Government saved taxpayers 10 billion, with 500 million alone saved by stopping projects not aligned to IT spending controls. Reviewing, renegotiating and opening up public contracts to small businesses has also had a huge impact: 'one great example of the potential from small businesses was when we retendered a hosting contract. The incumbent big supplier bid 4 million; a UK-based small business offered to do it for 60,000. We saved taxpayers 98.5%' the Minister explained.  
Digitalising public services is also a key part of the UK's long term economic plan. The Government has committed to make 25 services fully digital, from registering to vote to applying for a visa, in a bid to 'make life better for citizens and businesses and change the way people think about how government works.' And the resulting savings are indisputable. The cost of digital transactions is 20 times lower than over the phone, 30 times lower than by post and 50 times lower than face-to-face. Digitalising public services could save citizens, the Exchequer and businesses 1.2 billion over the course of this parliament, rising to an estimated 1.7 billion each year after 2015.
The Minister is committed to being 'unashamedly militant' about enforcing efficiency and innovation across the board to help Britain succeed in the global race. 'The work goes on. Not just to deliver digital-by-default, but more broadly, because making government more efficient and delivering simpler, clearer, faster services is a task that should never end.'Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42662/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: British minister for reform Francis Maude visited Spain last week to discuss issues around public sector reform, and look at ways that Spain can learn from Britain's experience of delivering an ambitious efficiency agenda. 
Over the last year, a numbe...

### NO NIGHT POLICE FOR MONTESINOS

A coalition union representing police officers in Los Montesinos has criticised the town council for the suspension of local police patrols at night.
A notice at the police office has stated that there will be no service between 10pm and 6am, which councillor Alfonso Paredes says is due to the secondment of two members of staff to other municipalities.
In the event of any of the 5,000 residents suffering an emergency at night, a recorded voice on the telephone answering service advised callers to contact the Guardia Civil, or leave a message.
It is also believed that a ban on overtime payments has resulted in the shortfall in covering those working elsewhere, with the union calling now for the Mayor to pay overtime and not allow excuses of an economic nature dictate law enforcement and civil protection, “because, with what it costs for hiring the people defending José Manuel Butrón”, who is facing an investigation for alleged crimes relating to planning, the town hall “could pay the required overtime”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42661/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A coalition union representing police officers in Los Montesinos has criticised the town council for the suspension of local police patrols at night.
A notice at the police office has stated that there will be no service between 10pm and 6am, which co...

### What´s On: TUESDAY 18th FEBRUARY, 2014

TUESDAY 18th FEBRUARY, 2014
listen to ‘What´s On: TUESDAY 18th FEBRUARY, 2014’ on Audioboo

ORIHUELA
Sculpture exhibition, “De vuelta al estudio”, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (Until 2nd March).
Children's Book event, "The adventure is reading", La Lonja exhibition hall (Until 28th Feb).
Tourism conference, “A tasty tour: fresh heritage Orihuela”, Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Mago Ferrán (magician), Zenia Boulevard.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Exhibition, “Una historia hecha imagen - 1954-2014 Venerable Cofradía Ntro. Padre Jesús Nazareno y Mujer Verónica de la Santa Faz”, Casa de Cultura (Until 28th Feb).
TORREVIEJA
Ceramic exhibition, Virgen del Carmen (Until 2nd Mar).

### PROJECT “MOBILITY FOR MARTIN”

Some months ago Martin, a well known resident of La Siesta, who is also a disabled widower, was seen trying to make his way to the medical centre in La Siesta by means of an electric wheel chair, not meant for road use at all, and should he hit any obstacle or rough patch in the road, would have been catapulted out on to the road.
It was  a terrible accident waiting to happen. When Martin was asked why he was using the chair, he said his mobility scooter was beyond repair and he had no other means to get to the doctor or to the shop for food, or just to leave the house at all.
He was very down in the dumps as without the ability to get out, living alone after his wife had passed away one year ago, he saw no one and had no conversation and was also becoming very anxious that with his disability, which means he cannot walk or stand without support, he felt extremely vulnerable.
It was obvious that Martin, who had always been a cheerful chappy, loved talking to people whilst having a cup of tea or a glass of beer, was becoming more and more depressed. Something just had to be done.
So by spreading the word to like minded friends ( Janette, Jennie & Paul Mutter, Dorothy Gates, Judy Ferris each donating 50 € and groups such as The Rascals, Barclays Bank Pensioners Club, The Full Monty-Los Montesinos Football Club, all donated 100€ and the Buffalows loaned 100€ ) an almost new scooter has been purchased for Martin. His lovely neighbour and friend Pauline also donated funds to purchase a cover for the new scooter.
So many people said they were pleased to be helping someone directly, who needed help, and they could feel good to be part of this project in helping Martin to get his life back on track.  Martin himself would never have asked for this help, he could not believe there was so much kindness around, and what wonderful people are living here in Spain.
Success!!  So look out for Martin joining his old friends in Washington Square and down at the Chicken Shack, he is mobile again!! He is smiling again!! Thank you everyone!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42657/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Some months ago Martin, a well known resident of La Siesta, who is also a disabled widower, was seen trying to make his way to the medical centre in La Siesta by means of an electric wheel chair, not meant for road use at all, and should he hit any obs...

### LOCAL JOURNALIST PAYS HIS RESPECTS

ANDREW Atkinson pays tribute to Preston North End and England football legend SIR TOM FINNEY who died on February 14, aged 91.  
SIR Tom Finney was a legend in World football. And it was a privilege to know him personally. I had Sir Tom's home telephone number. Indeed whenever I contacted Sir Tom he always obliged with my requests.
Sir Tom wrote the Foreword in the book I wrote: 'David Beckham-In at The Deep End', the story about Beckham's loan spell at Preston in 1995. And I recall former England national manager Sir Bobby Robson personally, unexpectedly, phoning me to talk about Finney. After trials at The Lilywhites Finney was signed in 1946 - but he completed a seven years' plumber apprenticeship - and became known as 'The Preston Plumber'.
After serving as a desert rat under Montgomery he went on to play for England, earning 76 caps. Called up to the Royal Armoured Corps in 1942, Finney fought in Montgomery's Eighth Army in Egypt and later in Italy in the final offensive to capture Argenta in April 1945 as a Stuart tank driver in 9th Lancers. Local leave in North Africa allowed him to play in army teams against local opposition - and on one occasion he played against the future actor Omar Sharif.
Finney's final game for Preston was in 1960, after 433 games and 187 goals. In 1988 Finney was Knighted. England and Manchester United legend Bobby Charlton - who was player and manager at Preston in the seventies -  said Finney's contributions to football were "immeasurable". And the late Stanley Matthews compared Finney to Diego Maradona, Pelé, George Best and Alfredo Di Stéfano. Bill Shankly, who played with Finney at Preston, said Finney was the best footballer ever.
Gary Lineker said: “Sir Tom Finney has left us. One of the greatest players this country has ever seen, and a true gentleman.” Preston North End said: “Sir Tom was the greatest player to ever play for Preston North End and one of the all time greats for England.
"The thoughts of everyone at the Club, and those connected with it, are with his family at this time." The 'Splash' Finney statue outside Deepdale has been made a shrine, with fans placing flowers and shirts in his memory. Against Orient last weekend all the Preston players wore 'Finney' on their shirts.
And Preston City Council are in talks with Finney's family to have a Civic Funeral. Finney's wife Elsie died from Alzheimer's disease in 2004. They had two children, Brian, 66, and Barbara, 50. Rest In Peace, Sir Tom. You will be missed by all of us.   
   
The images show........Sports journalist and author Andrew Atkinson, who has a home in Los Montesinos, pays his respects along with thousands of fans at the Sir Tom Finney 'Splash' statue outside Deepdale.   
...........The Sir Tom Finney 'Splash' statue at Preston North End's Deepdale stadium where thousands of fans have paid their respects with scarves, flags, shirts, photos, flowers and messages of condolence following his death of February 14, aged 91.   Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42654/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ANDREW Atkinson pays tribute to Preston North End and England football legend SIR TOM FINNEY who died on February 14, aged 91.  
SIR Tom Finney was a legend in World football. And it was a privilege to know him personally. I had Sir Tom's home telephone number. Indeed whenever I contacted Sir Tom he always obliged with my requests.
Sir Tom wrote the Foreword in the book I wrote: 'David Beckham-In at The Deep End', the story about Beckham's loan spell at Preston in 1995. And I recall former England national manager Sir Bobby Robson personally, unexpectedly, phoning me to talk about Finney. After trials at The Lilywhites Finney was signed in 1946 - but he completed a seven years' plumber apprenticeship - and became known as 'The Preston Plumber'.
After serving as a desert rat under Montgomery he went on to play for England, earning 76 caps. Called up to the Royal Armoured Corps in 1942, Finney fought in Montgomery's Eighth Army in Egypt and later in Italy in the final offensive to capture Argenta in April 1945 as a Stuart tank driver in 9th Lancers. Local leave in North Africa allowed him to play in army teams against local opposition - and on one occasion he played against the future actor Omar Sharif.
Finney's final game for Preston was in 1960, after 433 games and 187 goals. In 1988 Finney was Knighted. England and Manchester United legend Bobby Charlton - who was player and manager at Preston in the seventies -  said Finney's contributions to football were "immeasurable". And the late Stanley Matthews compared Finney to Diego Maradona, Pelé, George Best and Alfredo Di Stéfano. Bill Shankly, who played with Finney at Preston, said Finney was the best footballer ever.
Gary Lineker said: “Sir Tom Finney has left us. One of the greatest players this country has ever seen, and a true gentleman.” Preston North End said: “Sir Tom was the greatest player to ever play for Preston North End and one of the all time greats for England.
"The thoughts of everyone at the Club, and those connected with it, are with his family at this time." The 'Splash' Finney statue outside Deepdale has been made a shrine, with fans placing flowers and shirts in his memory. Against Orient last weekend all the Preston players wore 'Finney' on their shirts.
And Preston City Council are in talks with Finney's family to have a Civic Funeral. Finney's wife Elsie died from Alzheimer's disease in 2004. They had two children, Brian, 66, and Barbara, 50. Rest In Peace, Sir Tom. You will be missed by all of us.   The images show........Sports journalist and author Andrew Atkinson, who has a home in Los Montesinos, pays his respects along with thousands of fans at the Sir Tom Finney 'Splash' statue outside Deepdale.   
...........The Sir Tom Finney 'Splash' statue at Preston North End's Deepdale stadium where thousands of fans have paid their respects with scarves, flags, shirts, photos, flowers and messages of condolence following his death of February 14, aged 91.   Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42654/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### What´s On:  MONDAY 17th FEBRUARY, 2014

MONDAY 17th FEBRUARY, 2014
LA MARINA
Caballeros, The Sports Complex.
ORIHUELA
Sculpture exhibition, “De vuelta al estudio”, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (Until 2nd March).
Children's Book event, "The adventure is reading", La Lonja exhibition hall (Until 28th Feb).
ORIHUELA COSTA
PlayStation games, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
Ceramic exhibition, Virgen del Carmen (Until 2nd Mar).


listen to ‘What´s On:  MONDAY 17th FEBRUARY, 2014’ on Audioboo

### YOUR LATEST VIRTUAL LEADER IS OUT NOW

Issue 507 of The Leader is available now in virtual form from our dedicated webste, www.virtualleader.info.
Cram packed with all te latest news and sport from across the area, with information from Pilar de la Horadada, Orihuela and the coast, Torrevieja, Guardamar, Los Montesinos and more, as well as our regular features on motoring, health and beauty, and much, much more. Not forgetting our regular columists, TV listings, classidieds and display ads, it´s a wonder how we manage to squeeze it all in.
Pick up the real thing in the morning from hundreds of venues across the Costa Blanca, but for now, here is the direct link to this week´s virtual newspaper.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42646/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Issue 507 of The Leader is available now in virtual form from our dedicated webste, www.virtualleader.info.
Cram packed with all te latest news and sport from across the area, with information from Pilar de la Horadada, Orihuela and the coast, Torrev...

### THE CIVIC CENTRE AND TOURISM LEAD ORIHUELA NEWS

The town hall are still keen to point out that the newly opened civic centre on the Orihuela Costa may is available to community groups looking for premises to hold regular meetings, and welcome formal applications from associations who may be interested. Meanwhile, the reading point has taken delivery of 6 boxes of brand new books in Spanish, purchased by the department of culture, in order to extend their service further. Notice boards have been installed and the council are looking at providing other official facilities such as gym glasses in the purpose built mirrored room, which they hope will be made available soon, even being offered free of charge to the over 65 year age group.
The footbridge over the N-332 at La Regia is still on target for opening in a matter of weeks, with all plans continuing to close the N-332 on Monday night to allow the main structure to be lowered into place over the road. Similarly, work on the other bridges is still continuing without incident and in time for opening shortly too.
A meeting has been held this week between the councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer, the councillor and technicians from urban planning, along with their equivalents from the town hall of San Miguel, in the hope of starting a process of re-categorising properties that currently fall on the boundary line between the municipalities. Initially, the teams are looking at some 68 properties in one area, with the plan to split the area into a more logical group of properties, with each town hall obtaining an equal number of homes, whilst at the same time taking steps to try to legalise properties which have been built on land not classed as being for the purpose of residential homes.
The expiry date for submitting bids to operate the beach bars during the summer is set at the 20th of February, after which the tenders will be considered and the contract to run the beach bars and other activities during the holiday season will be awarded to the successful applicant wh provides the best value and quality service plan.
The Councillor for Tourism, Rosa Martínez, has announced the investment of 18,699 euro which will be spent on promoting Orihuela on 10 billboards in five municipalities in the provinces of Alicante and Murcia. The new posters will appear in key locations to promote the benefits of the municipality and will shortly be erected in Benidorm, Alicante, Gran Alacant, Elche, Murcia and Cartagena. Describing the reason for the adverts, Martínez said, “This is to give visibility to Orihuela”, before explaining that the contract will run for a period of six months, in “strategic locations”, in order to promote the “Orihuela brand” and the “History of the Mediterranean”.
The councillor for tourism, Rosa Martínez, has announced that a professional theatre group from Elche has been contracted, for the sum of 7,899 euro, to provide scripted and performed guided tours around Orihuela between April and September. Six performers will cover some twelve dramatised routes, dressed in period costume and acting in the roles which bring the guides to life, complete with props, music and sound system provided. With tickets going on sale for 10 euro, each group has a capacity for 50 people, from which the majority of the costs should be recuperated.
The Orihuela Costa municipal sports centre, the CDM, has announced details of a “Spring School” that will be available to youngsters during the Easter holidays. Specifically available between the 22nd and 28th of April, between 9 am and 2pm, the facility will provide expert tuition in activities such as soccer, swimming, tennis and more, with bi-lingual instructors speaking both Spanish and English, allowing parents to carry on with their normal working or everyday activities whilst the children are entertained in a fun and healthy way at the CDM. 
The government of Orihuela has announced the provision of 15,461.55 euro which is being divided into grants to assist 68 local families who are suffering financial hardship. Government spokesperson, Carolina Gracia, made the announcement in the city hall, where she explained how they have also transferred 225,000 euro to the cultural department of the municipality, of which 65,000 euro is spent on programming and the rest to pay the salaries of employees. In addition, 85,317.88 euro was paid for the lease of vehicles used in municipal waste collection, 278,530.10 euro to Iberdrola in electricity bills, as well as other minor payments and grants to a variety of projects.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42645/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The town hall are still keen to point out that the newly opened civic centre on the Orihuela Costa may is available to community groups looking for premises to hold regular meetings, and welcome formal applications from associations who may be interest...

### ICONIC HORADADA LANDMARK TO BE DEMOLISHED

Following at least two rescue bids, and after an investment of over 4 million euros on the project, the Ayuntamiento in Pilar de la Horadada have finally announced that they are to demolish ‘the Dove', the new Cultural Centre and Auditorium, the ugly shell of which has been lying unfinished on the outskirts of the town for very nearly ten years.
In 2001 ‘La Paloma Pilareños', was a dream of the Socialist mayor Ignacio Ramos. He called it the star project of his term, and as he laid the first stone he declared that the building would quickly become a landmark in the area and that it would be a magnificent replacement for the current centre which was built when the town first separated from Orihuela in 1986. However despite a time frame that promised completion a few weeks before the municipal elections of May 2003, the project has been anything but the success he suggested it would be.
Irregularities and increased expenditure have surrounded the project leading to a decision to stop the work in 2006. By that time the anticipated cost of the development had risen to 8.9 million euros. 
Two years later, in September 2008, the Popular Party complained to the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office. The PP accused the former mayor of hiding behind technical reports to justify his mismanagement of the project which together with ongoing security problems and an accumulation of errors has paralyzed construction for many years.
As a result the former mayor was called to testify before the Court of Instruction No. 1 in Orihuela where he was asked to explain the alleged irregularities which had become a "black hole" for the council, one that was said to be hemorrhaging council funds.  
Since the cessation of work eight years ago, and despite the site being fenced off, vandals have caused a great deal of additional damage to both the project and to the equipment located on the plot, as a result of which the need to provide additional security has also added to the spiraling cost.
The spectacular project, which for many years has dominated the pilareño skyline, was launched in 2001 having already achieved number of architectural awards, but it became evident all too quickly that the construction company, a consortium consisting of Intersa and Urdemasa, were going to exceed the 4 million euro budget. The Ayuntamiento were unable to meet the additional cost as a result of which the socialist council decided to stop the work in 2006.
In the intervening years the construction has developed serious structural faults and according to technical reports, there is a possibility that it could fall down at any time so, at the time of writing, cranes and machinery were being moved onto the site in order to begin the demolition process. It is now expected that within a few days the whole project will be just an expensive and painful memory for the town. 
However not the whole building will be demolished, just the head and neck of the dove, as it is hoped to save the base building which will be used as new municipal offices for the departments of Culture and Youth.
According to the current mayor, José Fidel Ros, ‘The Dove' has been just one more example of waste and mismanagement by the previous council, the demolition of which will see the removal of the very last symbol of many years of painful PSOE administration of the town and another step which will help to revive the economy of its businesses and residents.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42631/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following at least two rescue bids, and after an investment of over 4 million euros on the project, the Ayuntamiento in Pilar de la Horadada have finally announced that they are to demolish ‘the Dove', the new Cultural Centre and Auditorium, the ugly shell of which has been lying unfinished on the outskirts of the town for very nearly ten years.
In 2001 ‘La Paloma Pilareños', was a dream of the Socialist mayor Ignacio Ramos. He called it the star project of his term, and as he laid the first stone he declared that the building would quickly become a landmark in the area and that it would be a magnificent replacement for the current centre which was built when the town first separated from Orihuela in 1986. However despite a time frame that promised completion a few weeks before the municipal elections of May 2003, the project has been anything but the success he suggested it would be.
Irregularities and increased expenditure have surrounded the project leading to a decision to stop the work in 2006. By that time the anticipated cost of the development had risen to 8.9 million euros. 
Two years later, in September 2008, the Popular Party complained to the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office. The PP accused the former mayor of hiding behind technical reports to justify his mismanagement of the project which together with ongoing security problems and an accumulation of errors has paralyzed construction for many years.
As a result the former mayor was called to testify before the Court of Instruction No. 1 in Orihuela where he was asked to explain the alleged irregularities which had become a "black hole" for the council, one that was said to be hemorrhaging council funds.  
Since the cessation of work eight years ago, and despite the site being fenced off, vandals have caused a great deal of additional damage to both the project and to the equipment located on the plot, as a result of which the need to provide additional security has also added to the spiraling cost.
The spectacular project, which for many years has dominated the pilareño skyline, was launched in 2001 having already achieved number of architectural awards, but it became evident all too quickly that the construction company, a consortium consisting of Intersa and Urdemasa, were going to exceed the 4 million euro budget. The Ayuntamiento were unable to meet the additional cost as a result of which the socialist council decided to stop the work in 2006.
In the intervening years the construction has developed serious structural faults and according to technical reports, there is a possibility that it could fall down at any time so, at the time of writing, cranes and machinery were being moved onto the site in order to begin the demolition process. It is now expected that within a few days the whole project will be just an expensive and painful memory for the town. 
However not the whole building will be demolished, just the head and neck of the dove, as it is hoped to save the base building which will be used as new municipal offices for the departments of Culture and Youth.
According to the current mayor, José Fidel Ros, ‘The Dove' has been just one more example of waste and mismanagement by the previous council, the demolition of which will see the removal of the very last symbol of many years of painful PSOE administration of the town and another step which will help to revive the economy of its businesses and residents.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42631/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### What´s on: SUNDAY 16th FEBRUARY, 2014

SUNDAY 16th FEBRUARY, 2014
ALICANTE
Camping and Caravan show, IFA Exhibition Centre (Last day).
ORIHUELA
Sculpture exhibition, “De vuelta al estudio”, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (Until 2nd March).
Children's Book event, "The adventure is reading", La Lonja exhibition hall (Until 28th Feb).
Family show, "Viaje a la luna", Teatro Circo.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Tribute to the King of Pop, The Jackson Four & Football on TV, Zenia Boulevard.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Exhibition, “Una historia hecha imagen - 1954-2014 Venerable Cofradía Ntro. Padre Jesús Nazareno y Mujer Verónica de la Santa Faz”, Casa de Cultura (Until 28th Feb).
TORREVIEJA
20:00 – Murgas Carnaval, Teatro Municipal.
 

### PENALTY MISS COSTS ELCHE

Elche   0    Osasuna   0
Another two points were thrown away by Elche on Friday evening in front of a good-sized crowd of 21,722. 
The odd 22 Osasuna supporters high in the away stand won't have made the long trek home  too happy, but a point fairly shared was really all that was deserved by both teams, equal on 26 points and almost exactly the same in goal statistics.
Elche looked good on paper at 4-4-2, although left back Albacar was on the bench, and regular midfielder Carles Gil out injured, his place taken by the Columbian international Carlos ‘The Rock' Sanchez. Now that Manu has returned from 3 months out injured he and young rising Franjiverde star Christian provided a big, mobile, two-pronged attack: game on!
The visitors announced their intentions with an early header well saved from close in by Elche's Tono, but steadily Ruben Perez was guiding his team to create chances, putting  a long drive over himself and Coro blazing wide following Elche pressure from a free kick and a corner.
Another unmarked Osasuna header from a corner was again well saved by Tono, while at the other end Carlos Sanchez's header went well over the bar: 0 – 0 at half time with everything to play for.
The tempo was stepped up in the second half, and as the temperature rose bookings abounded from both sides. On the hour as Elche's Manu cut into the penalty area he was scythed down, and everyone was mildly surprised as the referee led everyone to the penalty spot.
Hmm…just one  minor problem: Elche's Dead-Eye Dick, never-miss penalty-taker Albacar was on the bench, obviously still not quite match-fit. Manu, Christian and Coro went into a quick huddle to discuss who was going to take it - and Coro picked up the ball.
From being Elche's leading scorer and hero in that last, fabulous season when the Franjiverdes were at last promoted back to La Liga after 24 years, these days Coro is in wretched form, a shadow of the player he was last year.
True, he did score the opening goal in last weeks 2 – 2 draw away at Valladolid, but… As we all held our breath the penalty sailed high over the bar, and with it went Elche's only one, perfect chance to win the match. Both sides then huffed and puffed with no really good opportunities, no Valentine's Day massacre here by the finish
With 15 minutes later Elche's goalkeeper Tono pulled up injured, and he was replaced by last year's hero Manu Herrera: he never lets the Franjiverdes down, but these days is somewhat bizarrely left on the bench. The only other strange, but pleasing incident happened five minutes from the end as Osasuna made their final substitution.
Who should come on but Nino, one of Elche's favourite sons from way back, who is gratifyingly still playing after several moves since he was a popular Martinez Valero regular, always scoring 15 – 20 goals per season. The applause was warm and genuine: nice touch…
Before the other teams around them play at the weekend, Elche are 12th on 26 points, crucially five golden points over third from bottom Valladolid (who Elche led 2 – 0 before ending 2 – 2 last week, grrr…).
It's not enough to feel comfortable with 15 matches to go, especially coupled with the fact that the Franjiverdes go into the lion's den next Saturday at the Bernabeu against mighty Real Madrid - who cruelly took all three points in Elche back in November.
Revenge? Who knows, anything can, and does happen in football…
Mucho Elche!  
Photos_ KEVIN RENDALLFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42625/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Elche   0    Osasuna   0
Another two points were thrown away by Elche on Friday evening in front of a good-sized crowd of 21,722. 
The odd 22 Osasuna supporters high in the away stand won't have made the long trek home  too happy, but a point fairly ...

### TORREVIEJA MAY FACE SUMMER OF WASTE PROBLEMS

Whereas in Orihuela the household waste disposal service in now a cost-saving municipalised function, a factor that the Partido Popular and CLR are keen to change to privatise once again, in neighbouring Torrevieja, where the service is privatised, the residents there may be facing turmoil, strikes or over inflated costs, due to issues with the management of the privatised contract.
With recent threats of strike action to protect some 50 workers who may lose their jobs, around a quarter of the workforce, a report published this week shows how the immediate future of the service is not sustainable under the current budget allocation.
Waste collection and disposal in Torrevieja has had a long and dark history, with the former mayor, Pedro Ángel Hernández Mateo of the PP, sentenced to three years in prison for committing falsehood and prevarication in awarding the contract, valued at 97.8 million euro, in 2004, which was for a 10 year period, thus set to end in June of this year.
The report warns that, “It would be desirable not to extend the existing contract”, according to the engineer who oversees such matters, but if it has to, then it is done “for the minimum time necessary”, as, according to the report, the service “is obsolete”.
The councillor in charge of procurement, Carmen Gómez, had already anticipated the end of the contract in December, believing that there would be insufficient time to award a new contractor, thus requiring the existing service to continue for up to 2 years.
The report states that the details of the existing contract are not compatible with modern times, as the situation has changed radically, stating how “The city's population has grown 20% since then”, adding that “the upward revision of the contract in 2009 has not been able to overcome such a steep increase, and the machinery has reached the end of its useful life”, with the trucks that carry 60,000 tons annually now costing more to repair than to replace.
The report also details how the contract award was originally for 9 million euro per year, and with updates and modifications now exceeds 15 million, which the engineer explains that the “economic situation and economic restructuring plan in which the city is immersed does not allow the upward adjustments of a contract in force”, which is what would be required to continue “with the current way of working”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42624/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Whereas in Orihuela the household waste disposal service in now a cost-saving municipalised function, a factor that the Partido Popular and CLR are keen to change to privatise once again, in neighbouring Torrevieja, where the service is privatised, the...

### RUSSIANS TO DEVELOP TORREVIEJA COMMERCIAL AREA

A Russian Real Estate Developer has submitted a proposal to establish a Commercial-Recreation and Sports area at Torrevieja's Punta El Salaret
The area under consideration is the plot of land between la Avenida de Alfredo Nobel and the sea, south of the coves located next to Luz Mar and la playa de Los Locos occupying la punta del Salaret, Cala Cornuda and la Cala de los Trabajos. According to the draft plan presented by the developer the area occupies approximately 15,000 sq mtrs however the Councillor for Town Planning, Francisco Moreno, says he is not aware of any such submission.
The design has been drawn up by local architect Carlos Pascual Noguerol who says that the area is one of low and medium rock landscapes value free of and construction which could quickly become one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Torrevieja. It would be an exclusive coastal establishment which would allow visitors the opportunity to get away from the crowded tourist beaches of la Cala de la Higuera and La Zorra
The project would see the development of a commercial area in la avenida de Alfredo Nobel y a la playa de Los Locos. There would be paddle courts, a bowling alley and mini golf while the cliff pool area would feature a 'tropical', outdoor spa, cafe, restaurant, gazebo and a 'chillout zone'.
 
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42623/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A Russian Real Estate Developer has submitted a proposal to establish a Commercial-Recreation and Sports area at Torrevieja's Punta El Salaret
The area under consideration is the plot of land between la Avenida de Alfredo Nobel and the sea, south of t...

### BRONSON COMES HOME

Bronson, one of the most popular horses at The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre (EHCRC) in Rojales is back home after a life saving operation.
Bronson was suddenly taken very ill three weeks ago and rushed to the Centro Policlinico Veterinario Raspeig (Alicante Horse Hospital) by Rod Weeding co founder of the EHCRC in a desperate bid to save his life.
Sue Weeding, Rod's wife explains the drama that unfolded that morning.
“Rod and I were up most of the night with Bronson in his paddock. We thought he had severe colic, all of the symptoms were there. It is vitally important that a horse with suspected colic is kept on its feet and walked around continuously. It became obvious to us both that Bronson was not improving and we called in Dorothea our fantastic vet who, as always was with us within minutes. Bronson was becoming uncontrollable with pain spasms but with disregard for her own safety, Dorothea administered the appropriate treatment to calm him down and allow our team to get him into the horsebox.
Salvador the vet and his team at the Alicante Horse Hospital were waiting when Rod arrived with Bronson and an emergency operation was performed  immediately.
The cause of Bronson's discomfort soon became apparent. A large enterolite almost 15 centimetres long was extracted from his small colon.
An enterolite is caused when a horse eats something like a piece of plastic or a foreign body which then gets stuck in the intestine.. Bronson must have digested this long before he was rescued back in October 2010. It can take many years for this foreign body to become coated by the digestive system in a hard calcium like substance which builds up over time. This particular enterolite had moved to the end of Bronson's colon causing a complete blockage.
Rod and I and all the team and volunteers at the EHCRC are indebted to Salvador and his skilled team of surgeons at the Alicante Horse Hospital for saving Bronson's life and, because we are a fully registered Spanish charity they discounted the final bill as a gesture of their support for what we do. Special thanks also to Kate Jensen, a truly dear friend and supporter for her generous offer of 3000 euros towards the cost of Bronson's operation and post operation treatment.
Bronson has now had his stitches removed by Dorothea this week and will remain in his stable to recuperate further before being let out into his paddock with his companions Harry Trotter, Sophia and Katy-Rose.”
 
Bronson was named after Charles Bronson of Street Fighter movie fame because of his fight for survival and will to live after  being found at the side of the main road in Almoradi. He is a pure Spanish horse around 15 years old and was discovered lying alongside the road with massive head wounds caused by being attacked with a large metal object losing a large amount of blood. He had escaped his assailant and lost his balance, collapsing terrified while trying to drink some water from the ground.
Rod, Sue and five helpers arrived and struggled to get Bronson up as he was staggering and in great pain and obviously traumatised. Back at the stables and after much examination and care it was discovered that this beautiful horse had appalling injuries to his skull, brain, left eye and inner ear, some of which he has never fully recovered. 
But, living up to his name Bronson fought back and with a tremendous will to live recovered from his ordeal. It is this determination and drive which has undoubtedly helped him survive yet another trauma in his short life.
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre is open every Sunday afternoon between 1pm and 4pm where you can enjoy hot food, tea and snacks in the garden café. Their popular horse tours start at 2pm where you can meet all of the resident equines and hear their stories. If you would like to help and volunteer at the open days please contact the centre on the number below.
The EHCRC has five charity shops and is a fully registered Spanish charity. Their shops are located in Ciudad Quesada, Los Montesinos, La Siesta and for massive furniture bargains, Guardamar and La Zenia. They will come and collect any items free of charge that you wish to donate including furniture, electrical items, clothes and scrap metal for recycling.
Please cal 636 062 000 for more information.
For directions to the centre in Rojales and to make donations or sponsor a horse go to www.easyhorsecare.net.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42622/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Bronson, one of the most popular horses at The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre (EHCRC) in Rojales is back home after a life saving operation.
Bronson was suddenly taken very ill three weeks ago and rushed to the Centro Policlinico Veterinario Raspeig (A...

### EXPATS AND TYRE SAFETY

‘Twitters from the Atlantic' - by Barrie Mahoney


Barrie Mahoney was a head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands to launch and edit a new English language newspaper. He enjoys life in the sun as a columnist and author, and continues to write a series of popular novels, books for expats, as well as designing mobile apps and websites to promote the Canary Islands.
 
Expats and Tyre Safety
 
Recently witnessing a nasty accident on the motorway in Gran Canaria, where fortunately all the passengers survived unscathed, made me ask some questions about the cause. Apparently, one tyre had exploded, which was due to the age of the tyre and failure of the rubber.
 
For me, this was an unknown phenomenon. Although I am careful about regularly checking the depth of tyre tread from time to time, and changing a tyre when necessary, I frankly had no idea that tyres ‘age' and that rubber deteriorates. Judging from conversations with other expats, most did not know this either.
 
We have a second vehicle, which is not heavily used and, since we live on an island, has very low mileage, because there are few long distances that can be travelled. The vehicle is parked on the road outside our home, and I have to admit that, for much of the day, it is parked in the full glare of the sun. The tyres all look as good as new, but I took the car to the tyre depot for a check - just in case. 
 
Jorge, the mechanic, looked horrified when he pointed out that the tyres were made in 2005, as a coding that represents the date is clearly inscribed on the tyres. With, not undisguised delight, Jorge went on to point out some deterioration of the rubber, as well as unevenness on the walls of the tyres. He made that inward sucking of breath that people make when they are about to impart bad news. I prepared myself. They were not exactly bulges, Jorge explained, but they were heading that way. Jorge then went on to show me a tyre that had exploded, and inferred that the same would happen to me unless I bought a new set of tyres. The exploded tyre was not a pleasant sight, but it did help me to understand the problem.
 
Apparently, the performance of tyres deteriorates with age, because they contain anti-oxidising chemicals to slow the rate of ageing, but they need to be in use to be effective. My low mileage vehicle was deteriorating on the roadside, and because of the intensity of the sun and heat, the ageing process was accelerated, making the tyres unroadworthy. Low mileage, older cars tend to be at most risk from premature ageing, explained Jorge, continuing with a sharp intake of breath and shaking his head.
 
Of course, the age of a tyre and when it should be replaced depends upon many factors, but Jorge reckons that 6 years is about the age limit in a hot country. Living on an island, we also have a particular problem in that tyres rarely reach the end of their life based upon the depth of tread alone. Distances tend to be short and expats, retired or otherwise, do not travel very far in a year.
 
Jorge pointed out that the date that tyres are made is clearly inscribed on the wall of the tyre, in the form of four numbers. These numbers indicate the year and week number that it was made; for example 2612 will be week 26 of 2012. This information can also be used to ensure that you are buying tyres with the longest shelf life possible.
 
Jorge had successfully made his point and I reluctantly agreed to buy four new tyres. I handed over my credit card, but I am now pleased that I did so since tyres are the only contact that there is between the driver and the perils of the motorway. I think it was a good investment.
 
 
 
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his latest book, ‘Escape to the Sun' (ISBN: 9780957544444). Available as paperback, Kindle and iBooks. iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
 
© Barrie Mahoney
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42621/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ‘Twitters from the Atlantic' - by Barrie Mahoney


Barrie Mahoney was a head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands to launch and edit a new English language newspaper. He en...

### ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS CAST DOUBT ON ALICANTE IKEA

Environmental plans which look set to be approved to protect wetlands of Rabasa in Alicante may have serious repercussions for the proposed site of the long awaited branch of furniture giant Ikea.
Plans working their way through the Department of Infrastructure show that the development would occupy an area of 2,216.178 square meters. Of these, 287,000 will go to Ikea, with other areas divided into zones such as for commercial, technological and urban use, along with the required road and utility infrastructure to enable the site to function.
However, the protected green area required a 500 metre protective perimeter, which would fall across the proposed plans for the superstore. 
The obvious benefits of protecting the environment are now being discussed against those that the store would bring to the region, with an anticipated 4,400 direct jobs, and additional 4,400 indirect jobs and 2,000 temporary positions, and the 367.2 million euro budget allocated to the project.
The environmental protest has been officially filed, which could have the backing of the European Union, but not without objection from both the council and the commercial entities.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42620/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Environmental plans which look set to be approved to protect wetlands of Rabasa in Alicante may have serious repercussions for the proposed site of the long awaited branch of furniture giant Ikea.
Plans working their way through the Department of Infr...

### TORREVIEJA TO PAY COMPENSATION FOR FALL

A court in Elche has condemned Torrevieja council to pay 3,000 euro, plus interest for late payment, after a 61 year old woman suffered injuries when she tripped over a wooden plank on the walkway of La Mata, in August 2005.
This is the second such compensation case in a matter of weeks for Torrevieja, after they were recently forced to pay 7,000 euro compensation for failing to repair a fallen stop sign at a junction in the city.
This latest case says that the woman, who was 61 at the time, tripped over the wooden plank, which was “raised and uneven”, causing bruising to her right shoulder, knee and other body areas. The woman had to be taken to hospital by ambulance and spent a year in treatment. 
The resolution makes clear that the ultimate responsibility for injuries lies with the city council, not the coastal department, as the walkway presented “a difficult and unpredictable unevenness to detect at first sight by any passerby”. The city claimed that the boards that made up the walkway, had been installed by the coastal department, but the court declared that “maintenance and good condition of the walkway was for the City administration, regardless of who had built them”.
The council had faced numerous complaints from opposition groups over the lack of maintenance in recent years, but most of the wooden walkway itself was removed by the coastal department on account of the condition it was left.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42616/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A court in Elche has condemned Torrevieja council to pay 3,000 euro, plus interest for late payment, after a 61 year old woman suffered injuries when she tripped over a wooden plank on the walkway of La Mata, in August 2005.
This is the second such co...

### IBERIA PILOTS AGREE TO WAGE CUT

Spanish airline Iberia, now part of the International Airlines Group along with British Airways and Vueling, has said this week that it had reached a deal with the SEPLA pilots union to reduce their salaries by at least 14%.
As part of IAG´s plan to compensate for its accumulated 850 million euro losses between 2008 and 2012, largely attributed to high fuel costs, a sharp economic downturn in Spain and high operating costs, the agreement will see the 1,400 pilots have their salaries reduced by 14% immediately, with the option of another 4% drop depending on the airline's profitability.
Iberia's executive chairman, Luis Gallego, said in a statement, “This groundbreaking deal reduces the cost structure and provides the foundation for the airline to grow profitably. A strong and profitable Iberia can protect jobs in the long term”.
The International Airlines Group, or IAG, is now one of the world's largest airline groups and is a British-Spanish multinational airline holding company with headquarters in London, United Kingdom and with its registered office in Madrid, Spain, with 435 aircraft flying to 230 destinations and carrying 67 million passengers each year. It is the third largest group in Europe and the sixth largest in the world, based on revenue. 
The announcement had an almost immediate impact in shares with the group, seeing a 1% rise during the first day of trading.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42615/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spanish airline Iberia, now part of the International Airlines Group along with British Airways and Vueling, has said this week that it had reached a deal with the SEPLA pilots union to reduce their salaries by at least 14%.
As part of IAG´s pla...

### ‘COMMERCIAL REASONS’ ATTRIBUTED TO SANTIAGO TRAIN CRASH

The judge investigating the tragic train crash in Santiago de Campostela on the 24th of July last year, Luis Aláez, has issued a report which harshly criticizes the actions of those responsible for train safety within track operating company ADIF, and accuses the senior management of “increasing the risk to the lives of thousands of people”, for changing the track safety system on the line where the crash took place, for “commercial reasons”.
The judge also notes that the decision may have saved “a few minutes of travel between Ourense and Santiago”, that saving was done with “a significant increase in risk to the lives of hundreds or thousands of people using the line every day”.
In a 14-page document, the judge notes that it is those people responsible within ADIF who took the “momentous decision” to modify the original project of the Ourense-Santiago line and remove the option of a safer train management and braking system need to be accountable. The actions of those responsible for ADIF, “has as an element bounding the safety of rail users” and the transformation of this line without the addition of “security measures” is likely to constitute a crime.
In the report, the judge asks about the differences in the line before and after the change of security system, and suggests that, although the area where the accident occurred has the ASFA system, Anuncio de Señales y Frenado Automático or Automatic Braking and Announcement of Signals in English, the section appears to be worthy of a better feature, as planned, which was deemed necessary under the European wide train management system.
Reporting that the decision not to improve the system was made by those with commercial interests and not those from the technical departments involved, Aláez suggests that those who have the “technical training”, especially in the substantial differences between the two safety systems, “must logically presume ability to understand who takes charge of safety of rail traffic”.
The judge also cites a senior train driver as a witness in the case, a driver who in 2011 sent a report noting the dangers of the line where the crash occurred. The judge has also called the two people who received that report, the three people summonsed to appear in court on the 7th of March.
The judge has also given train operator RENFE 10 days in which they must submit copies of all documents which led to the disconnection of one of the train safety systems on the 23rd of June, 2012, in addition to contract and insurance documents.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42614/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The judge investigating the tragic train crash in Santiago de Campostela on the 24th of July last year, Luis Aláez, has issued a report which harshly criticizes the actions of those responsible for train safety within track operating company ADI...

### What´s on: SATURDAY 15th FEBRUARY, 2014

SATURDAY 15th FEBRUARY, 2014
ALICANTE
Camping and Caravan show, IFA Exhibition Centre (Until 16th Feb).
BARCELONA
Kaiser Chiefs, Salas Razzmatazz.
LOS UTURIOUS
Rebecca Holt, El Carmoli.
ORIHUELA
Sculpture exhibition, “De vuelta al estudio”, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (Until 2nd March).
Children's Book event, "The adventure is reading", La Lonja exhibition hall (Until 28th Feb).
Concert by the OCO, “Nacionalismo romántico ruso-francés”, Auditorio de la Lonja.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Latino Mariachi Show, Valentine’s Day event & Football on TV, Zenia Boulevard.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Exhibition, “Una historia hecha imagen - 1954-2014 Venerable Cofradía Ntro. Padre Jesús Nazareno y Mujer Verónica de la Santa Faz”, Casa de Cultura (Until 28th Feb).
TORREVIEJA
19:00 – Concurso de Jóvenes Intérpretes, Palacio de la Música.
20:00 – Murgas Carnaval, Teatro Municipal.
 

### EARLY MORNING FATALITY ON THE N-332

A pedestrian, described as a 50 year old man, died in the early hours of Friday morning after being hit by a car on the N-332 main road as it passes the town of Guardamar del Segura.
According to the Information and Emergency Coordination Centre, the incident occurred at around 1 in the morning, and the circumstances in which the incident occurred, as well as the identity of the victim, are still being investigated.
An emergency SAMU ambulance attended the scene but could do nothing to save the life of the man.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42599/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A pedestrian, described as a 50 year old man, died in the early hours of Friday morning after being hit by a car on the N-332 main road as it passes the town of Guardamar del Segura.
According to the Information and Emergency Coordination Centre, the ...

### LA ZENIA ROUNDABOUT UPDATE

A follow up meeting between the Orihuela town hall and roads department in Alicante took place this week, discussing the proposed closure of the access roads from the N332 roundabout at La Zenia. 
The suggestions to open two roads previously blocked off were rejected, as the type of road the new N332 is would require access lanes which run alongside the road, rather than traditional T-junctions. 
However, plans to install additional signs offering alternative routes to the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre were approved, including new route pointers from Punta Prima, the town hall and at the Cartagena end. 
Similarly, the ministry agreed that the decision to make those roads one-way falls under the jurisdiction of the town hall, the ministry only having the power to declare the roads open or closed.
The ministry stated that they are happy to leave the situation as it is at the moment, not closing the roads in question, whilst the new mini roundabout at the junction for the future emergency coordination centre is built, which is progressing at the moment, then allow for traffic numbers and flow to be monitored under the newly proposed layout presented by the town hall.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42598/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A follow up meeting between the Orihuela town hall and roads department in Alicante took place this week, discussing the proposed closure of the access roads from the N332 roundabout at La Zenia. 
The suggestions to open two roads previously blocked o...

### What´s on: FRIDAY 14th FEBRUARY, 2014

FRIDAY 14th FEBRUARY, 2014
Valentine's Day.
ALICANTE
Camping and Caravan show, IFA Exhibition Centre (Until 16th Feb).
MADRID
Kaiser Chiefs, Sala Arena, Madrid.
ORIHUELA
Sculpture exhibition, “De vuelta al estudio”, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (Until 2nd March).
Children's Book event, "The adventure is reading", La Lonja exhibition hall (Until 28th Feb).
Theatre, “La lengua en pedazos”, Teatro Circo.
22:30 – Open-air concert by "El Viaje De Eliot", Glorieta Gabriel Miro.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Mariachis, Valentine’s Day event & Football on TV, Zenia Boulevard.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
El CuoreLoto, commercial and shopping promotion, win 1,000 euro (Last day).
Exhibition, “Una historia hecha imagen - 1954-2014 Venerable Cofradía Ntro. Padre Jesús Nazareno y Mujer Verónica de la Santa Faz”, Casa de Cultura (Until 28th Feb).
TORREVIEJA
20:00 – “Canciones Románticas para Violín y Piano”, Palacio de la Música.
 

### MONTESINOS CHURCH DECLARED NATIONAL CULTURAL INTEREST

The Ministry of Culture has declared the Torre de la Ermita de La Marquesa de Los Montesinos as being of “Cultural Interest”, following a request made by the local council last year.
The building has been undergoing restoration during the last year, in order to preserve the site with a recorded history dating back to the eighteenth century, already securing the badge of “Site of Local Interest”, now firmly being recognised as a monument to the past with this new declaration, Bien de Interés Cultural.
The tower now joins other sites of cultural interest nearby, including the cisterns of Lo Vigo and La Marquesa, and the hydrographical water mill of Lo Reig, as well as the windmill of Molino de Los Corteses.
The tower itself contains the chapel bell, which was only discovered during restoration work last year, after the turret had been used as a watchtower for centuries, exercising defensive functions of shelter and protection of the inhabitants of the area.
The architectural ensemble of La Marquesa has always aroused the neighbouring interest and admiration, since it was one of the first population enclaves of what is now known as Los Montesinos.
Once the restoration project is completed, anticipated around the middle of this year, the Chapel will be officially opened by the Bishop of the Diócesis Orihuela-Alicante, Jesús Murgui.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42597/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Ministry of Culture has declared the Torre de la Ermita de La Marquesa de Los Montesinos as being of “Cultural Interest”, following a request made by the local council last year.
The building has been undergoing restoration during the ...

### SCHOOLGIRLS KNOCKED DOWN IN ORIHUELA

Three schoolgirls aged 11 and 12 were knocked down by a car on their way to school in Orihuela on Wednesday, resulting in one of the girls being hospitalised in a serious condition.
The girls were on their way to the Miguel Hernández school on Avenida Teodomiro, popularly known as Los Andenes, when they crossed the road at a zebra crossing.
The driver of the car failed to stop and ran into the girls, two of them suffering minor injuries as a result of the impact against the vehicle and falling to the ground, while the third suffered trauma and serious injury, resulting in her urgent transfer to the Hospital of Alicante, in a serious condition.
The driver was breathalysed at the scene, the results proving negative, but it is believed that the driver told the police he had been careless.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42596/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Three schoolgirls aged 11 and 12 were knocked down by a car on their way to school in Orihuela on Wednesday, resulting in one of the girls being hospitalised in a serious condition.
The girls were on their way to the Miguel Hernández school on ...

### COASTAL BURGLARS ARRESTED

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested two men, aged 22 and 27 and residents of Torre Pacheco, accused of being involved in at least 33 crimes of burglary.
The investigation began last November, when officers detected several break-ins of holiday homes in San Pedro del Pinatar, events which at the time caused considerable concern to residents.
The investigation found that the two suspects operated from their base in Torre Pacheco, where they planned the robberies. They would then detail all elements of each action, including escape routes and monitoring access, to plan the most effective raid without detection.
Entrance to the properties was mostly achieved by brute force, using tools with which to break in, where they would then seize money and goods which were sold on.
Having now arrested the two individuals, investigators have attributed 15 cases of burglary in San Pedro del Pinatar to the pair, and another 18 in Pilar de la Horadada. 
The two men were presented to the courts in San Javier where they were remanded in custody.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42595/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested two men, aged 22 and 27 and residents of Torre Pacheco, accused of being involved in at least 33 crimes of burglary.
The investigation began last November, when officers detected several break-ins of holid...

### CARNIVAL CANCELLED FOR COPS AND ROBBERS

As carnival season is about to hot up in Spain, the Interior Ministry has been criticised for being a “party pooper”, on the grounds that they have issued a notice that limits the wearing of the Guardia Civil uniform, or representations thereof, to those engaged as officers in service, unless for “reasons of professional, social or cultural interest”.
The translation of the official gazette prohibits members of the public from wearing such clothing as may be considered to be the uniform of the corps, saying “The uniform of the members of the corps of the Guardia Civil, or any of its singular garments, will be for the sole and only use of individual staff members and those retired, in situations and conditions herein regulated”, continuing, “it is forbidden for the public to use them in other circumstances, as well as by non-forces personal, except following an express request, for reasons of professional, social or cultural interest, which is authorized”.
Depictions of the Guardia Civil, as well as other law enforcers, are common place during fiesta time, often with politically satirical scenes, or simple “cops and robbers” characters. Whereas many carnival groups have dismissed the notion as nothing more than a joke, the ministry insist that “it is essential to safeguard the legal security of citizens, ensuring that all those who wear a uniform of the Guardia Civil are members of Institute, and to inform citizens of uniformity of the Guardia Civil”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42594/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As carnival season is about to hot up in Spain, the Interior Ministry has been criticised for being a “party pooper”, on the grounds that they have issued a notice that limits the wearing of the Guardia Civil uniform, or representations the...

### What´s on: THURSDAY 13th FEBRUARY, 2014

THURSDAY 13th FEBRUARY, 2014
World Radio Day.
BARCELONA
Beady Eye (Featuring Liam Gallagher), Sala Razzmatazz 1.
GUARDAMAR
“X-Pose Factor”, showcase of new and upcoming talents, Los Rosales restaurant, fraturing Dave E Moss and Maxine Goodie.
Music Spectacular Night, El Alto La Dolores Restaurant.
ORIHUELA
Sculpture exhibition, “De vuelta al estudio”, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (Until 2nd March).
Children's Book event, "The adventure is reading", La Lonja exhibition hall (Until 28th Feb).
Lecture - “Gender and Citizenship”, Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja.
Book presentation, “Las aventuras del Capitán Mondongo”, María Moliner library.
ORIHUELA COSTA
PlayStation games & Football on TV, Zenia Boulevard.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
El CuoreLoto, commercial and shopping promotion, win 1,000 euro (Until 14th Feb).
Exhibition, “Una historia hecha imagen - 1954-2014 Venerable Cofradía Ntro. Padre Jesús Nazareno y Mujer Verónica de la Santa Faz”, Casa de Cultura (Until 28th Feb).
TORREVIEJA
16:00 & 20:00 – “Edith Piaf – Her Music and Life”, Virgen del Carmen.
 

### SPOOKY SOCCER SPECTATOR IN TORREVIEJA

A group of children playing football made a rather unusual discovery after their ball had gone astray; stumbling across a small blue bag, with the words “Tanatorio de Vitoria” printed on it, lay on the ground in the vicinity of the El Acequión School where they played.
However, the discovery would take an even more unusual twist as when they opened the bag they discovered an urn inscribed with the name “Julián”, and a date of 2005.
The police were called and also examined the bag, which did indeed contain an urn full of ashes, presumably belonging to a person named on the urn, who is no longer with us in body.
Although how the remains came to be placed on the ground in that area is currently a mystery, an investigation has been launched, at least to try and identify who may be missing what is left of their now departed loved one.
Picture courtesy of objetivotorrevieja.wordpress.com.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42593/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A group of children playing football made a rather unusual discovery after their ball had gone astray; stumbling across a small blue bag, with the words “Tanatorio de Vitoria” printed on it, lay on the ground in the vicinity of the El Acequ...

### FREEMASON ON A HIGH

A freemason´s quest to summit the highest mountain in the Americas raises over 5000€ for the Spanish homeless
Thomas Ronning a local Fremason recently scaled and reached the summit of the Mt. Aconcagua (White Sentinel) in Argentina scaling the "Polish Traverse" which took in total 20 days.
In doing so has raised over 5000€ for the Festival 2014 Valencian Provincial Feemasonry Charity in aid of purchasing an Ambulances and a soon to be presented "Mobile day Center for the Homeless" for the Cruz Roja in Alicante.
The Moble Day center is the first of its kind in Spain and will attend to the poor and destitute on a routine basis at dedicated points within our community.
The group photo on the summit shows Thomas at the back in red jacket and yellow helmet. Thomas is on the left with the Norwegian flag
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42591/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A freemason´s quest to summit the highest mountain in the Americas raises over 5000€ for the Spanish homeless
Thomas Ronning a local Fremason recently scaled and reached the summit of the Mt. Aconcagua (White Sentinel) in Argentina scaling the "Polish Traverse" which took in total 20 days.
In doing so has raised over 5000€ for the Festival 2014 Valencian Provincial Feemasonry Charity in aid of purchasing an Ambulances and a soon to be presented "Mobile day Center for the Homeless" for the Cruz Roja in Alicante.
The Moble Day center is the first of its kind in Spain and will attend to the poor and destitute on a routine basis at dedicated points within our community.
The group photo on the summit shows Thomas at the back in red jacket and yellow helmet. Thomas is on the left with the Norwegian flagFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42591/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### WOMENS RUGBY  SQUADS CHOOSE VILLAJOYOSA

The National women's Rugby Sevens squad from Kazakhstan has chosen the sports complex at  Villajoyosa Rugby Club for their preseason preparation, and have been so delighted with what they found that they have now prolonged their stay by three weeks. 
They also played a training match with Germany who are using the same facility.
Losebi Tsiskarashvili trained the group, preparing them for their upcoming international tournaments, combining morning sessions on the beach, with fitness exercises and techniques and in the afternoon plays in the field of La Vila.
Services to the development of professional rugby, the optimal weather conditions in the area and its varied gastronomy are still the main attractions for these visiting teams. During this week, the Kazakhstan men's team arrives to join their team-mates.
Also training at La Vila, following on from the visit of the Russia XV, are the German Women Seven Rugby Team who are preparing for their next European competitions. Bianka Hausler, manager, says the team loves the warm climate of the area and the optimum conditions of Stadium of Rugby La Vila which allows him to work collectively and individually with the players.
The German group are staying at the Hotel Eurotennis along the coast in Vilera and follow the orders of the coach Susanne Wiedemann during the concentration.
Her upcoming aim is that the team qualifies for the Amsterdam International Sevens in May and the Grand Prix Series of FIRA AER. And although it is ambitious goal, they still dream for a place in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42588/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The National women's Rugby Sevens squad from Kazakhstan has chosen the sports complex at  Villajoyosa Rugby Club for their preseason preparation, and have been so delighted with what they found that they have now prolonged their stay by three weeks. 
...

### PALMA PENSIONER DIES TRAPPED IN PAPER BIN

A 68 year old man has died in Palma de Mallorca, after becoming trapped in a paper recycling waste bin.
Initial investigations suggest that the man had been throwing items into the large depository, when his head became trapped in the opening.
Unable to break free, it would appear that the manner in which his head became trapped, where he remained for more than an hour, resulted in the tragic fatality.
The incident occurred late at night and the man´s body has been recovered and sent for a post mortem examination, with initial reports suggesting choking as the cause of death.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42586/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A 68 year old man has died in Palma de Mallorca, after becoming trapped in a paper recycling waste bin.
Initial investigations suggest that the man had been throwing items into the large depository, when his head became trapped in the opening.
Unable...

### MOUNTAIN RESCUE EXTRACTED OVER 3000 PEOPLE IN 2013

Details released this week show that the mountain rescue branch of the Guardia Civil performed 892 procedures in 2013, resulting in the successful rescue of 2,618 people unharmed, plus another 475 who had been injured. Tragically, they also recovered the bodies of 94 people who had lost their lives.
Surprisingly, it is the seemingly least risky activity that saw the most incidents, with trips and falls whilst hiking being number 1. Hikers with a lack of technical experience, and who overestimate their chances, are said to be the greatest risk.
Foreigners account for over 14% of those involved in rescues, but Spanish city dwellers are also significant. Of those rescued by the corps, 12.98% reside in Madrid, the second most popular group, with third place taken by Barcelona residents, representing 7.85%.
The highest number of accidents occurred in the region of Aragon with 39.01%, followed by Andalusia with 12.78% and the Balearic Islands with 11.55%.
These accidents occur mainly by walkers overestimating their ability to cope with the activity and not planning properly, and, in many cases, a lack of physical and technical preparation for the activity, especially not paying attention to the weather predictions of the Spanish met office, advising not to partake in such activities.
The mountain rescue operation consists of 26 operational units across Spain, with their headquarters in Jaca, Huesca.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42585/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Details released this week show that the mountain rescue branch of the Guardia Civil performed 892 procedures in 2013, resulting in the successful rescue of 2,618 people unharmed, plus another 475 who had been injured. Tragically, they also recovered t...

### What´s on: WEDNESDAY 12th FEBRUARY, 2014

WEDNESDAY 12th FEBRUARY, 2014
Darwin Day.
MADRID
Beady Eye (Featuring Liam Gallagher), La Riviera.
ORIHUELA
Sculpture exhibition, “De vuelta al estudio”, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (Until 2nd March).
Children's Book event, "The adventure is reading", La Lonja exhibition hall (Until 28th Feb).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Cartoon drawing & Football on TV, saxophonist, Zenia Boulevard.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
El CuoreLoto, commercial and shopping promotion, win 1,000 euro (Until 14th Feb).
Exhibition, “Una historia hecha imagen - 1954-2014 Venerable Cofradía Ntro. Padre Jesús Nazareno y Mujer Verónica de la Santa Faz”, Casa de Cultura (Until 28th Feb).

### BRITON DIES OF ASPHIXIATION IN ALMORADI FIRE

Following the death of a 73 year old Briton in an Almoradi house fire on Monday afternoon forensic officers of the Guardia Civil have now said that all signs point to a tragic accident.
They say that the evidence suggests that the victim was unable to vacate the premises at number 5 C/ Daya Nueva because the doors to the property were locked. 
The emergency services received a call at approximately 16.56 hours on Monday afternoon. Firefighters were quickly on the scene and had to force the door to gain access. 
Equipped with oxygen equipment, the firefighters entered the room which was engulfed with thick smoke. A spokesman said they discovered a stove covered with a blanket, and thought to be the cause of the fire. 
On the floor was the lifeless victim who had died of asphyxiation. All indications show that he was overcome by the fumes before he could summon help. 
Firefighters had made the scene safe by six o'clock.
The body was taken to the Forensic Anatomical Institute in Alicante where it underwent a postmortem.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42584/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following the death of a 73 year old Briton in an Almoradi house fire on Monday afternoon forensic officers of the Guardia Civil have now said that all signs point to a tragic accident.
They say that the evidence suggests that the victim was unable to...

### A COPPER'S LOT IS NOT AN EQUAL ONE

A workers union representing members of the Guardia Civil is calling for action to bridge the obvious lack of integration of women in the workplace, this week highlighting how body armour is significantly deficient for female officers.
For over a quarter of a century, women have been accepted into the Guardia Civil, and yet, according to the union, there are a number of gender specific issues which are simply forgotten or ignored.
Frequently prepared to put their own lives on the line to save others, the acquisition of Personal Protective Equipment is something which grows with both the needs of the force, and the threat or risk put on to them.
The first solution to the body armour problem was to assume that all women could were the most gender neutral model of the vest, simply a standard vest in size small.
However, as times changed, the fact that women are individually as different in places as men, the Guardia Civil took action in 2012 and purchased a number of units specifically designed, manufactrured and built for the female form, purchasing 126 armoured vests.
However, those vests were to be kept in “operational reserve”, and have never seen the light of day, with even the procurement and provision under questions.
The union are therefore calling for urgent action to solve this dilemma, as even if those 126 vests were put into service, there would still be a considerable shortfall of the 5,000 femals officers in service across Spain.
“We keep working for equal opportunities in our workplace”, is the banner under which the union are asking for the immediate prioritizing of this problem to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of female officers, in addition to solving the obvious discomfort that an ill-fitting male design may bring.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42583/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A workers union representing members of the Guardia Civil is calling for action to bridge the obvious lack of integration of women in the workplace, this week highlighting how body armour is significantly deficient for female officers.
For over a quar...

### ORIHUELA LEADING THE WAY TO TRANSPARENCY

Relatively new to the limelight of Orihuela politics, the Councillor responsible for contracts in the municipality, Víctor Ruíz of the PSOE, has launched a new system that aims to make Orihuela town hall activities more transparent, as “We have nothing to hide, nothing to fear”.
This week, information relating to all contracts awarded by the town hall, ranging in value of between 3,000 and 18,000 euro, will be available for reading, checking and inspecting via the council website, www.orihuela.es.
Proud of the aims to shake the shackles of corruption that have marred Orihuela for many years, Ruíz expressed his pride in what he himself described as “measures that place Orihuela Town Hall as one of the most transparent of the Valencian Community”.
Visitors to the website can click on “Perfil del contratante”, under the “Ciudadano” button, and find a link to a tab which displays all the successful tenders, the date and the exact amount of these contracts, “a new exercise in transparency and honesty in management”, said Ruíz.
The councillor also pointed out that since the current government has been in charge of municipal management, they have taken steps in this manner which is “an unprecedented event”, in which they now publish the economic information to encourage exposure of how they are spending public money.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42581/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Relatively new to the limelight of Orihuela politics, the Councillor responsible for contracts in the municipality, Víctor Ruíz of the PSOE, has launched a new system that aims to make Orihuela town hall activities more transparent, as &l...

### VIOLENT ROBBERY GANG ARRESTED

Thanks to the combined efforts by officers from the Guardia Civil and National Police, a gang of criminals thought to be responsible for at least 26 robberies have been brought to justice.
A total of twelve people have been arrested, spread through areas such as Orihuela, Elche, Catral, Cox, La Aljorra and Granja de Rocamora, all believed to have been involved in the crimes across the Alicante province and into northern Murcia.
A total of six homes were searched during the arrests, in which the officers found and seized numerous weapons and tools used in the robberies, 250,000 euro in cash, jewellery, mobile phones and other items.
The investigation began in 2013, when the Guardia Civil investigators noted similarities in robberies which had taken place across Alicante, the Vega Baja and Crevillente, as well as in Murcia. As the investigation continued, the officers initially identified ten individuals thought to be involved.
The method in which the robberies were conducted saw the gang act in the early hours of the morning, often in a previously stolen vehicle, and intimidated workers at the sites of the robberies before fleeing.
In total, the gang has been attributed to 26 robberies, and have been charged with additional crimes of injury, falsification of public documents, false arrest, illegal possession of weapons and belonging to a criminal organization. 
The investigation was conducted by agents of the Judicial Police of the Guardia Civil in Alicante and the Provincial Brigade of the Judicial Police and the Commissioner of the National Police of Orihuela.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42580/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Thanks to the combined efforts by officers from the Guardia Civil and National Police, a gang of criminals thought to be responsible for at least 26 robberies have been brought to justice.
A total of twelve people have been arrested, spread through ar...

### TEAM MALAGA V THE SPANISH SQUAD

Indalo Bowls Club, Mojacar, February 1/2, 2014
Twelve men & twelve ladies representing the Malaga Provincial made the trek to Indalo Bowls Club to play a match against the Spanish National Squad, under the auspices of the Spanish & Andalucian Bowling Federations. 
The result was not only an exhibition of excellent bowling and warm friendship between the two teams, but an impressive win for the Spanish Squad after last years defeat to Team Malaga. The Malaga Ladies Team extremely well, (losing by only 7 shots overall), with an Outstanding performance from Barbara Land, who won 3 out of 4 of her matches.
After two days of spectacular competition, the event was topped off with a very convivial gala dinner at the Hotel Tropical Oasis, Mojacar, where the visitors had been accommodated. Speech by speech confirmed the success of the event and the need to keep this event ongoing.
Spanish Squad manager, John Muldoon, credited Captains Lyn Greenland & Nick Cole and Head Coach, Derek Sale for their efforts. Team Malaga's Manager, John Carr, gave a special thanks to Captains, Margaret Kain & Brian Todd and Competition Secretary, Amber Dineen. (It was agreed between the 2 Team managers that Malaga would host 2015's event.)
Well done the two teams, the many spectators and members of the Indalo Bowls club who worked so hard to make the occasion such a great success.
Report by Team Malaga Competition Secretary, Amber DineenFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42579/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Indalo Bowls Club, Mojacar, February 1/2, 2014
Twelve men & twelve ladies representing the Malaga Provincial made the trek to Indalo Bowls Club to play a match against the Spanish National Squad, under the auspices of the Spanish & Andalucian ...

### NEED TO RENEW YOUR BRITISH PASSPORT? GO ONLINE

Passport applications for Britons resident overseas must now be made via the GOV.UK website
All British residents living in Spain must now make their passport applications online at www.gov.uk/overseas-passports.
The new passport process, which is part of a worldwide changeover, helps to reduce the possibility of making errors that can delay applications.
Applicants will find that the new process, which includes online payment, generates a personalised pack that must be printed, signed and sent with photographs and any additional documentation that may be required to the Passport Office in the UK - and no longer to a British Consulate or Embassy.
Once an application has been submitted, applicants will receive instructions on how to track its progress via the website.
It is important to apply in good time as a new passport will take at least four weeks from the time the completed application pack is received by the Passport Office in the UK, or six weeks if replacing a lost or stolen passport.
 “Don't leave it until the last minute to apply for your passport,” advises Will Middleton, Consular Regional Director for Spain. “You can apply up to nine months in advance and any unexpired time will be added to your new passport.”
Applicants who cannot access the online system or who experience any difficulties should contact the Passport Advice Line on +44 300 222 0000.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42578/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Passport applications for Britons resident overseas must now be made via the GOV.UK website
All British residents living in Spain must now make their passport applications online at www.gov.uk/overseas-passports.
The new passport process, which is pa...

### BRITISH PENSIONER DIES IN DAYA NUEVA FIRE

The Civil Guard has opened an investigation into the death of an elderly British man after they were called to a house fire in Almoradi on Monday afternoon.
According to Guardia Civil sources the deceased is thought to be a 73 year old British citizen who's death was due to a violent action which occurred prior to the fire.
The body was found by firefighters moments after entering the house located at number 5 de la avenida de Daya Nueva, in Almoradi.
They say that the body was found slumped on a settee located in the living room which is thought to be the source of the fire.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42576/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Civil Guard has opened an investigation into the death of an elderly British man after they were called to a house fire in Almoradi on Monday afternoon.
According to Guardia Civil sources the deceased is thought to be a 73 year old British citizen...

### POLICE CHECKS ON TRUCKS AND VANS ALL THIS WEEK

Monday of this week saw the Guardia Civil embark on the Spanish traffic department's latest road safety initiative, in which they are targeting trucks, vans and other commercial vehicles to ensure compliance with road safety laws and regulations.
In a statement from the DGT, it is said that although 67% of the road traffic in Spain is comprised of passenger cars, freight transport plays a major role as far as road safety is concerned, since it represents the second largest type of vehicles on the roads, some 15%, and saw involvement in 14% of injury related accidents that occurred in 2012, resulting in 11,000 victims.
According to those records, 463 people died and there were 11,231 accidents involving victims, in which at least a van or truck was involved in the accident. Distraction is one of the main causes of accidents in trucks and vans. Of the 11,231 recorded accidents with victims, distraction was present in 4,642 of them. Along with distraction, inappropriate speed is another contributing factor in accidents involving trucks and vans, with more than 1,000 accidents with casualties in 2012 involving a truck or van recorded inappropriate speed at the time of the accident. Not only that, 41 of the 147 truck occupants who lost their lives in that year were not wearing a seatbelt.
For all this week, officers from the Guardia Civil traffic department, along with their colleagues from the local police forces, will focus on such elements as driving hours, weight, technical defects, load security, driver and vehicle documentation, the use of seatbelts and the use of drugs and alcohol.
The campaign coincides with an International Traffic Police initiative, in which TISPOL will operate similar checks across 25 European countries, coordinated as a lot of these vehicles operate across the continent.
The next campaign, in March, will target seatbelts and child restraints, in April the focus will be on Speed and in May motorcyclists will be targeted, prior to a major push on drugs and alcohol checks in June and July.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42575/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Monday of this week saw the Guardia Civil embark on the Spanish traffic department's latest road safety initiative, in which they are targeting trucks, vans and other commercial vehicles to ensure compliance with road safety laws and regulations.
In a...

### SPANISH FIREWORKS AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES

As millions of pairs of eyes watched the athletes and performers in the opening ceremony of the Sochi Olympics, the gazes of one group of Spaniards were firmly fixed to the sky, as a company from Valencia was given the privilege of providing the fireworks for both the opening and closing ceremonies.
There is perhaps no surprise that a Spanish company might be involved in firework display, given the number of fiestas celebrated around the country all year round. In a statement by Olocau based firm Ricasa, the company said that this is the first time they have provided a pyrotechnic performance in Russia, with the fireworks manufactured in their facility to the North West of Valencia, before being sent over to the Russian city.
The entire roof of the stadium and the outside had been “impregnated with various effects”, which was their most expensive show in history, with a budget of 50 million.
The whole event of course serving as a showcase for what the company can provide to smaller budgets, showing how their firm manufacture fireworks “with care” and a personal touch.
The head of pyrotechnics, Ricardo Caballer, expressed his “pride” that his company had been chosen to “make pyrotechnic materials for an event of this magnitude”, with the audience able to see one of the most impressive and memorable ceremonies of the Olympic Games, with all that now remains to consider are the closing ceremony and the Paralympics.
Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the trials that took place in early January, where they could see for the first time the different effects achieved in Valencia for the Olympics.
It is also the first time that Ricasa has worked on providing fireworks for the Olympic Winter Games, although he previously worked on the Sydney games in the year 100, as well as other major sporting events.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42574/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As millions of pairs of eyes watched the athletes and performers in the opening ceremony of the Sochi Olympics, the gazes of one group of Spaniards were firmly fixed to the sky, as a company from Valencia was given the privilege of providing the firewo...

### THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

Miguel Arias Cañete has appeared at the Commission for the Study of Climate Change in the House of Representatives, to report on the agreements and commitments made at the Climate Conference held in Warsaw last November.
The Minister also has used his appearance to take stock of the measures and actions that his Department has launched in the past two years to reduce emissions and comply with international commitments on climate change policy.
During the hearing, Arias Cañete has assured that the Government welcomes the results achieved at the meeting of the United Nations Framework Convention (COP 19), "as it has been able to establish a clear and specific process on the steps that will need to Face to adopt a new international climate change agreement in 2015 "
In connection with this meeting Arias Cañete said that "significant achievements" which summarized around four main themes were reached:
Have strengthened some key technical aspects, such as tracking and monitoring of emissions of greenhouse gases. 
They have laid the foundation of the process of negotiating a new global climate agreement to be adopted in 2015 in Paris. 
In Warsaw a couple has established international mechanism to address loss and damage associated with climate change 
It gives a step forward in reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation sector. 
For the minister, these advances have been articulated in a series of over thirty decisions that consolidate the agenda in recent years and allow negotiations to shape the coming years with a view to negotiating a new international climate agreement to be adopted in 2015, in Paris.
The minister has detailed, after complex negotiations, we agreed that all countries must be ready before Paris to present our contributions to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases that will be entered in the agreement in 2015. "To succeed, "Spain believes that the European Union should continue to lead international negotiations", he stressed.
From the forthcoming Leaders Summit to be held in September 2014, in Peru, the Minister considers that "the objective of the EU is to go with the homework done and put on the table as a target of reducing emissions to to be enrolled in the new agreement. "
MEETINGS IN WARSAW SUMMIT 
Moreover, the minister reported that, in parallel with the negotiating process, the Spanish delegation participated in Warsaw in a series of meetings to strengthen coordination and cooperation with other countries.
Thus, Arias Cañete has referred to the signing of three new Memoranda of Understanding with El Salvador, Argentina and Panama, which are added to those signed last year in Doha Summit with a number of Latin American countries. With these agreements cooperative activities in the framework of the fight against climate change are expanded.
Also, Arias Cañete highlighted his meeting with the Minister of Environment of Peru, "in order to express our readiness to provide all the technical support you need in 2014 to celebrate the upcoming climate change summit in Lima.
At the same time, have strengthened ties with other regions, mainly in North Africa, due to the significant potential offered for Spanish companies. So, Arias Cañete mentioned his meeting with the Minister of Environment of Morocco. In the European context, "I held bilateral meetings with the ministers of Portugal and the UK with whom we have a close common position, and a constant and fluid relationship on climate change."
Finally, the minister mentioned a ministerial meeting of the Latin American Network of Climate Change Offices (RIOCC), which also involved the Spanish deputies present in Warsaw, "which introduced the possibility that countries that are part of this network tuviesen a more active role in the process of international climate change negotiations. "
In parallel, the Spanish delegation held daily meetings with the regional governments, parliamentarians, Spanish companies and NGO representatives at the Summit in order to keep them informed in a timely manner of the progress made in the negotiations.
PERFORMANCES IN SPAIN 
Moreover, Arias Cañete explained to the members of the Commission of the actions that have been launched in Spain in the last two years, during which "have actively worked to implement a national policy on climate change leading solutions and answers to this problem in our country. "
As explained by the Minister, the Government has given a total shift in national policy on climate change to center in driving internal projects to help reduce emissions in Spain and also will create jobs.
Arias Cañete criticized that, although the socialist government had spent 770 million euros on the purchase of CO2 allowances abroad, Spain was unable to comply with the Kyoto Protocol. However, "we have worked to ensure that Spain meets the Kyoto Protocol," he assured.
The minister was convinced that we are in the time of national climate policies, for what have launched several complementary lines of action to reduce emissions in the diffuse sectors: Climate Projects, Plans PIMA ( Air and SOL), the Carbon Footprint Project and Fuzzy Roadmap and work under the National Adaptation Plan.
Regarding the Climate Project, Arias Cañete has detailed these are initiatives to mitigate emissions in the "diffuse sources" that also favor the development of low carbon economic activity in Spain.
Meanwhile, Plans to Promote Environment (PIMA Air & SOL), for the renewal of commercial vehicles, and for the renovation of hotel infrastructures, "are evidence of the important role of the private sector in the fight against climate change, and how it can boost economic activity while protecting the environment, "he said.
Meanwhile, the project links the carbon footprint calculation and reducing the carbon footprint of companies with promoting domestic sinks. In this regard, the Minister has announced that it is to be published Royal Decree that regulates, "which will be essential for companies to calculate and reduce their energy consumption and, therefore, increase competitiveness."
In addition, Arias Cañete has stated that the goal of the Roadmap 2020 is planning additional measures, the degree of implementation and its cost to achieve the desired goal, ie "reach 2020 meeting our target of a 10% our diffuse emissions compared to 2005. " 
The Minister also referred to the work carried out under the National Adaptation Plan. Arias Cañete recalled that in late 2013 the third work program "fully consistent with the European Adaptation Strategy" was approved. Among these works, Arias Cañete stressed the Web Platform AdapteCCa and disclosure of the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Finally, Arias Cañete mentioned the work of his Department in the last year in the development of legislation related to combating climate change. In Europe, the Ministry has participated in the negotiation process of the regulations set reduction targets in new light vehicles in 2020 on the amendment of Regulation on certain fluorinated greenhouse gases and in the ILUC directives and quality fuel.
And nationally, has introduced climate change two laws passed in 2013: the Environmental Assessment Act and the Law on Protection and Sustainable Use of the coast and to amend the Coastal Act.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42573/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Miguel Arias Cañete has appeared at the Commission for the Study of Climate Change in the House of Representatives, to report on the agreements and commitments made at the Climate Conference held in Warsaw last November.
The Minister also has used his appearance to take stock of the measures and actions that his Department has launched in the past two years to reduce emissions and comply with international commitments on climate change policy.
During the hearing, Arias Cañete has assured that the Government welcomes the results achieved at the meeting of the United Nations Framework Convention (COP 19), "as it has been able to establish a clear and specific process on the steps that will need to Face to adopt a new international climate change agreement in 2015 "
In connection with this meeting Arias Cañete said that "significant achievements" which summarized around four main themes were reached:
Have strengthened some key technical aspects, such as tracking and monitoring of emissions of greenhouse gases. 
They have laid the foundation of the process of negotiating a new global climate agreement to be adopted in 2015 in Paris. 
In Warsaw a couple has established international mechanism to address loss and damage associated with climate change 
It gives a step forward in reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation sector. 
For the minister, these advances have been articulated in a series of over thirty decisions that consolidate the agenda in recent years and allow negotiations to shape the coming years with a view to negotiating a new international climate agreement to be adopted in 2015, in Paris.
The minister has detailed, after complex negotiations, we agreed that all countries must be ready before Paris to present our contributions to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases that will be entered in the agreement in 2015. "To succeed, "Spain believes that the European Union should continue to lead international negotiations", he stressed.
From the forthcoming Leaders Summit to be held in September 2014, in Peru, the Minister considers that "the objective of the EU is to go with the homework done and put on the table as a target of reducing emissions to to be enrolled in the new agreement. "
MEETINGS IN WARSAW SUMMIT 
Moreover, the minister reported that, in parallel with the negotiating process, the Spanish delegation participated in Warsaw in a series of meetings to strengthen coordination and cooperation with other countries.
Thus, Arias Cañete has referred to the signing of three new Memoranda of Understanding with El Salvador, Argentina and Panama, which are added to those signed last year in Doha Summit with a number of Latin American countries. With these agreements cooperative activities in the framework of the fight against climate change are expanded.
Also, Arias Cañete highlighted his meeting with the Minister of Environment of Peru, "in order to express our readiness to provide all the technical support you need in 2014 to celebrate the upcoming climate change summit in Lima.
At the same time, have strengthened ties with other regions, mainly in North Africa, due to the significant potential offered for Spanish companies. So, Arias Cañete mentioned his meeting with the Minister of Environment of Morocco. In the European context, "I held bilateral meetings with the ministers of Portugal and the UK with whom we have a close common position, and a constant and fluid relationship on climate change."
Finally, the minister mentioned a ministerial meeting of the Latin American Network of Climate Change Offices (RIOCC), which also involved the Spanish deputies present in Warsaw, "which introduced the possibility that countries that are part of this network tuviesen a more active role in the process of international climate change negotiations. "
In parallel, the Spanish delegation held daily meetings with the regional governments, parliamentarians, Spanish companies and NGO representatives at the Summit in order to keep them informed in a timely manner of the progress made in the negotiations.
PERFORMANCES IN SPAIN 
Moreover, Arias Cañete explained to the members of the Commission of the actions that have been launched in Spain in the last two years, during which "have actively worked to implement a national policy on climate change leading solutions and answers to this problem in our country. "
As explained by the Minister, the Government has given a total shift in national policy on climate change to center in driving internal projects to help reduce emissions in Spain and also will create jobs.
Arias Cañete criticized that, although the socialist government had spent 770 million euros on the purchase of CO2 allowances abroad, Spain was unable to comply with the Kyoto Protocol. However, "we have worked to ensure that Spain meets the Kyoto Protocol," he assured.
The minister was convinced that we are in the time of national climate policies, for what have launched several complementary lines of action to reduce emissions in the diffuse sectors: Climate Projects, Plans PIMA ( Air and SOL), the Carbon Footprint Project and Fuzzy Roadmap and work under the National Adaptation Plan.
Regarding the Climate Project, Arias Cañete has detailed these are initiatives to mitigate emissions in the "diffuse sources" that also favor the development of low carbon economic activity in Spain.
Meanwhile, Plans to Promote Environment (PIMA Air & SOL), for the renewal of commercial vehicles, and for the renovation of hotel infrastructures, "are evidence of the important role of the private sector in the fight against climate change, and how it can boost economic activity while protecting the environment, "he said.
Meanwhile, the project links the carbon footprint calculation and reducing the carbon footprint of companies with promoting domestic sinks. In this regard, the Minister has announced that it is to be published Royal Decree that regulates, "which will be essential for companies to calculate and reduce their energy consumption and, therefore, increase competitiveness."
In addition, Arias Cañete has stated that the goal of the Roadmap 2020 is planning additional measures, the degree of implementation and its cost to achieve the desired goal, ie "reach 2020 meeting our target of a 10% our diffuse emissions compared to 2005. " 
The Minister also referred to the work carried out under the National Adaptation Plan. Arias Cañete recalled that in late 2013 the third work program "fully consistent with the European Adaptation Strategy" was approved. Among these works, Arias Cañete stressed the Web Platform AdapteCCa and disclosure of the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Finally, Arias Cañete mentioned the work of his Department in the last year in the development of legislation related to combating climate change. In Europe, the Ministry has participated in the negotiation process of the regulations set reduction targets in new light vehicles in 2020 on the amendment of Regulation on certain fluorinated greenhouse gases and in the ILUC directives and quality fuel.
And nationally, has introduced climate change two laws passed in 2013: the Environmental Assessment Act and the Law on Protection and Sustainable Use of the coast and to amend the Coastal Act.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42573/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### CAR THIEF BREAKER GANG ARRESTED

Officers from the National Police have dismantled a group of car thieves, all between 28 and 30 years of age and of Spanish nationality, believed to be responsible for a network dedicated to stealing cars, dismantling them and selling the parts.
The operation was launched after a complaint was filed with the police in Orihuela relating to the theft of a motor vehicle. Upon investigating that theft officers located a workshop unit on an industrial estate where cars were being dismantled.
Further investigations revealed that the criminal group would generally operate on order, and each of the members had a perfectly defined role within the organization. Once the buyer placed an order, they would locate a target vehicle, enter the vehicle and take it to their place of work before taking the vehicle to pieces.
The five members of the group, who at the time were carrying three thousand euro in cash, were arrested in Elche. In the workshop, officers seized power riveters, radial saws and other tools, electronic inhibitors, the car which was reported stolen, one other car, a motorcycles and parts taken from a number of vehicles which have been stripped of any identifying factors.
The operation was conducted by the Judicial Police from their station in Orihuela.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42570/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have dismantled a group of car thieves, all between 28 and 30 years of age and of Spanish nationality, believed to be responsible for a network dedicated to stealing cars, dismantling them and selling the parts.
The o...

### EXPATS NOW ABLE TO BUY LOCALLY GROWN BRITISH PRODUCE FROM THE COMFORT OF THEIR HOMES

British expats living around the world now have the option to support the UK economy from afar, and have British produce delivered to their doorsteps.
In the last few years online supermarkets have begun offering expats a home delivery service for their favourite foods from the UK, but up until the last year this has generally been restricted to ambient products such as Bisto Gravy and Marmite.
However, supermarkets such as BritishCornerShop.co.uk (BCS) have now started to export fresh produce to selected European countries.
Jo Parker, procurement manager at BCS says: “Initially our service was simply to help Brits abroad enjoy things like, a cup of Tetley Tea in the morning, or a bowl of Heinz Tomato Soup for lunch, but we now also offer a range of chilled products, giving our customers the opportunity to support not only local producers but also the British economy.
So far 8 European countries can order in British fruit, vegetables, meats and cheeses from brands such as John Thorner's, Bernard Matthews and Covent Garden, as well as local producers like Somerset Camembert. “ 
In light of the recent struggles of British farmers and local producers, highlighted today by Environment Secretary Owen Paterson, there is no better time for services like this to exist.
Whether expats are buying from supermarkets such as British Corner Shop because they miss a proper British bacon sandwich, or whether they do so to support the economy, both help British made products get the support they deserve.
Jo added: “Smaller local producers of products such as British cheese are among the hardest hit, as they struggle to compete against the larger supermarkets. So it's a real pleasure for us to be able to work with them and give our customers the chance to buy from and support businesses like this. 
We'll continue to add to our fresh range of products and are always open to suggestions from customers should they wish to purchase particular items.” Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42568/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: British expats living around the world now have the option to support the UK economy from afar, and have British produce delivered to their doorsteps.
In the last few years online supermarkets have begun offering expats a home delivery service for ...

### POLICE ARREST ELCHE SHOE THIEVES

Officers from the Local Police in Elche arrested three people on Sunday, all said to be of Colombian nationality, accused of stealing 5,000 pairs of shoes.
The arrests took place at around3:30 in the morning at a warehouse near Camino de Castilla, where they had deposited the shoes ready packed in boxes.
The warehouse had been rented the day before and at the time of the arrest those involved were unloading the boxes from two vans. Upon seeing the police, the suspects fled, but were later caught by the officers.
The two vans full of boxed shoes were seized, along with the large number of boxes that have already been unloaded. The officers also found a variety of tools believed to have been used for committing acts of theft.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42565/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the Local Police in Elche arrested three people on Sunday, all said to be of Colombian nationality, accused of stealing 5,000 pairs of shoes.
The arrests took place at around3:30 in the morning at a warehouse near Camino de Castilla, whe...

### COUNTDOWN TO THE MOST UNCONVENTIONAL SKY HIGH CATWALK

J SPRING FASHION SHOW ON GARDENS BY THE BAY'S SKYWAY .... The countdown to the highly anticipated J Spring Fashion Show on the world's latest architectural wonder, Gardens by the Bay's SKYWAY, on 5 March 2014 in Singapore has officially started.
 The 128 metre long aerial walkway between two high tech Supertree structures is about to be turned into the most unconventional catwalk yet. There is no surprise this sky high production is created by model and entrepreneur Jessica Minh Anh, who hosted the world's highest fashion show on the Grand Canyon Skywalk at 4,000 feet above the Colorado River just a few months ago.
J Spring Fashion Show 2014 is set to further redefine modern fashion show standards against the usual catwalks inside hotels, halls, gardens, and tents.
The highly anticipated J Spring Fashion Show will feature an exquisite combination of Haute Couture and Prêt-à-Porter collections from various countries. “You will see a brand new take on modern beauty, with clean cut silhouettes, a mesmerizing fusion of layers and colours, and special detailing” said Jessica Minh Anh. The young director of J Model Management has previously worked with designers such as  British fashion leader Paul Costelloe, Japanese power house Yumi Katsura, Dutch celebrity designer Addy van den Krommnacker, and Taiwanese sensation Shiatzy Chen among many others.
Lebanese celebrity designer Ziad Nakad will return to Jessica's phenomenal catwalk to premier his latest Haute Couture collection. The master of shapes, texture and colours is expected to dazzle the finale with an almost unattainable balance between elegance and boldness in his every design.
Besides the glamorous dresses, Jessica Minh Anh is bringing a menswear collection to her phenomenal catwalk for the very first time with the participation of British designer Mark Marengo. The London-born and Paris-raised talent is known for his signature sharp-cut tailoring and original designs. “The collection I am preparing for J Spring Fashion Show 2014 adds a contemporary twist to classic style. It's elegant, chic and, fundamentally, wearable” said Mark Marengo.
To compliment Jessica's extraordinary vision, Singapore's No 1 Action Salon is designing exclusive architectural hairpieces while Japanese cosmetics brand Shu Uemura promises a flawless makeup look to perfection for the runway.
The models will be walking in front of exclusive guests, which include country ambassadors, ministers, international designers, company directors and the national and international press. The guests will enjoy a complete VIP experience starting with a red carpet entrance and SoloStep photo booth. Guests will then be seated at the Supertree Grove to enjoy a panoramic view of the entire catwalk on the OCBC Skyway before indulging themselves in artistically designed and freshly made cakes by The Patissier at the networking session.
At the same time, the press conference will be held at Gardens by the Bay's spectacular Waterview Room with an expansive view of Marina Bay waterfront.
To ensure seamless installation, Jessica Minh Anh has joined forces with Singapore's major production company Electronics & Engineering for a high tech sound system, and logistics company Nanyang Inc who will create a highly secure backstage area on the OCBC Skyway as well as the special seating arrangement for guests. Other local partners of the show include SGBanner and InsiderTV Asia besides many others.
The exquisite showcase in the morning will be extended till the evening with the J Spring After Party in the Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel. VIPs will have a chance to see the most unique pieces from the catwalk up close via a mini fashion exhibition.
Jessica Minh Anh's previous shows have wowed guests with a beautifully made cake dress to a spectacular dove presentation, one can only expect some pleasant surprises at J Spring Fashion Show on Gardens by the Bay's OCBC Skyway. For the latest updates, visit www.jmodelmanagement.co.uk and www.facebook.com/jmodelmanagement.
 THE VIDEO: http://youtu.be/CLGDnSzqx9wFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42563/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: J SPRING FASHION SHOW ON GARDENS BY THE BAY'S SKYWAY .... The countdown to the highly anticipated J Spring Fashion Show on the world's latest architectural wonder, Gardens by the Bay's SKYWAY, on 5 March 2014 in Singapore has officially started.
 The ...

### BRITISH BENEFIT CHEATS PUSH SPAIN TO TOP OF LIST FOR ‘ABROAD FRAUD’

Spain has topped the list of countries for benefit fraud abroad committed against UK taxpayers, new figures reveal. More than 750 cases were investigated in Spain last year by the Department for Work and Pensions.
Abroad fraud cost taxpayers an estimated £84m in 2012/13 - up 90% in the last two years. It is now the third largest type of benefit cheating and includes fraudulent claims for Pension Credit (£52m), Housing Benefit (£19m) and Income Support (£12m). 
Minister for Welfare Reform, Lord Freud, said:
"Benefits are there to help those who need it and the vast majority play by the rules and would not once dream of cheating. But there is a minority who really try to take the biscuit. 
"We have safeguards in place to bring these types of cases to our attention and we will make sure benefits are stopped when there is evidence of a fraud being committed."
If you suspect a benefit cheat in Spain, then you can call the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) hotline on 900 554 440. It's free and confidential, and you could help to put a stop to taxpayers' money going to the wrong people.  
New data shows where DWP investigators looked into 7,296 cases of suspected abroad fraud during 2013.
The top 5 nations involved were: 
.           Spain - 769 cases
.           Pakistan - 628 cases
.           Turkey - 298 cases 
.           India - 282 cases
.           USA - 246 cases 
Figures also reveal that DWP has investigated benefit entitlement for claimants living in countries as far apart as the Holy See, Somalia, China, and Iraq. 
Abroad fraud includes claims by people leaving Great Britain after their claim starts, those failing to notify DWP before leaving the country or staying abroad for too long, and families who fail to report the death of someone living abroad permanently and receiving benefits.  
The Government is increasing the use of data sharing with foreign countries including Spain in order to combat fraud. Details of claimants who have died whilst in Spain and elsewhere abroad are sent to the UK, helping the DWP to stop families or friends who are fraudulently continuing to claim pensions or benefits.
Richard West, Head of DWP's counter-fraud teams said:
"Cases range from people hiding foreign assets and homes to those moving abroad, either temporarily or permanently, at the taxpayers' expense. 
"Benefit cheats need to know that even if they are out of the country, our teams will still investigate and where necessary bring them back to the UK to face justice."
Cases referred to DWP are investigated and where an administrative penalty or criminal prosecution is appropriate, action is taken. In all cases DWP will seek to recover all the money overpaid.
Abroad Fraud has risen to £84m in 2012/13 from £55m in 2011/12 and £44m in 2010/11. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42557/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spain has topped the list of countries for benefit fraud abroad committed against UK taxpayers, new figures reveal. More than 750 cases were investigated in Spain last year by the Department for Work and Pensions.
Abroad fraud cost taxpayers an estimated £84m in 2012/13 - up 90% in the last two years. It is now the third largest type of benefit cheating and includes fraudulent claims for Pension Credit (£52m), Housing Benefit (£19m) and Income Support (£12m). 
Minister for Welfare Reform, Lord Freud, said:
"Benefits are there to help those who need it and the vast majority play by the rules and would not once dream of cheating. But there is a minority who really try to take the biscuit. 
"We have safeguards in place to bring these types of cases to our attention and we will make sure benefits are stopped when there is evidence of a fraud being committed."
If you suspect a benefit cheat in Spain, then you can call the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) hotline on 900 554 440. It's free and confidential, and you could help to put a stop to taxpayers' money going to the wrong people.  
New data shows where DWP investigators looked into 7,296 cases of suspected abroad fraud during 2013.
The top 5 nations involved were: 
.           Spain - 769 cases
.           Pakistan - 628 cases
.           Turkey - 298 cases 
.           India - 282 cases
.           USA - 246 cases 
Figures also reveal that DWP has investigated benefit entitlement for claimants living in countries as far apart as the Holy See, Somalia, China, and Iraq. 
Abroad fraud includes claims by people leaving Great Britain after their claim starts, those failing to notify DWP before leaving the country or staying abroad for too long, and families who fail to report the death of someone living abroad permanently and receiving benefits.  
The Government is increasing the use of data sharing with foreign countries including Spain in order to combat fraud. Details of claimants who have died whilst in Spain and elsewhere abroad are sent to the UK, helping the DWP to stop families or friends who are fraudulently continuing to claim pensions or benefits.
Richard West, Head of DWP's counter-fraud teams said:
"Cases range from people hiding foreign assets and homes to those moving abroad, either temporarily or permanently, at the taxpayers' expense. 
"Benefit cheats need to know that even if they are out of the country, our teams will still investigate and where necessary bring them back to the UK to face justice."
Cases referred to DWP are investigated and where an administrative penalty or criminal prosecution is appropriate, action is taken. In all cases DWP will seek to recover all the money overpaid.
Abroad Fraud has risen to £84m in 2012/13 from £55m in 2011/12 and £44m in 2010/11. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42557/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### VIRTUAL ISSUE 506 OF THE LEADER IS OUT NOW

The latest copy of The Leader is now available in virtual form on our dedicated website, www.virtualleader.info.
All of the stories from this week, plus our advertisers, the puzzle page, a comprehensive TV guide, classifieds and more, so check it out now, before picking up your real copy at hundreds of outlets across the costa blanca tomorrow.
You can also browse through the site and read previous copies, in case there´s something you might have missed.
Click here to go straight to this week´s copy.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42551/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The latest copy of The Leader is now available in virtual form on our dedicated website, www.virtualleader.info.
All of the stories from this week, plus our advertisers, the puzzle page, a comprehensive TV guide, classifieds and more, so check it out ...

### DRAWING IN THE RAIN!

Valladollid   2    Elche   2
The rain in Spain poured mainly on the already-saturated pitch at the Jose Zorilla stadium as two teams well down La Liga fought it out for a honourable draw in the saturated end, but what a battle: both sides had their moments, but Elche will curse most after leading 0 – 2 with 25 minutes to go.
Both Elche full backs were out, Suarez suspended and Albacar still injured with the Romanian Sapuranu and Cisma deputising. Also out for Elche were centre back Lomban and striker Boakye, Peligrin and Manu ably standing in.
After only 15 minutes Carles Gil limped off to be replaced by Fidel, but Elche were playing well, and went ahead on the half hour. A long throw by Sapuranu was flicked on by Javi Marquez to Christian who slid the ball to Coro. Last years leading scorer slotted it home to the delight of the several hundred drenched Elche supporters who had made the long trip north.
It stayed 0 – 1 at the break, but after only five minutes into the second half Valladollid had a goal disallowed for offside, the home side increasing the pressure with Elche's goalkeeper Tono pulling off several excellent saves.
On 65 minutes, and it has to be said against the run of play the Franjiverdes went two up. Fidel won a corner, Botia headed it back for Manu to score: the home sides heads went down and Elche could have scored two more which would have put the result well beyond Valladollid's reach.
But substitute Osorio came on to inspire his team in the awful conditions and pulled one back with 20 long minutes left. Ten minutes later he did it again to home delirium, and Elche had to withstand tremendous pressure to hold out for a richly-deserved draw.
The point was helpful to both sides, but better for Elche keeping them four points clear of third-from-bottom Valladollid. Elche are now in a respectable 12th position in one of the world's most competitive leagues with 15 games left.
On Friday this week at 9pm the Franjiverdes are unromantically at home in yet another six-pointer, this time against Osasuna who are also on 25 points. Another 1 – 0 Almeria-type result will do, and help Elche stay in top-flight football next season - after taking 26 years to get back there.
Mucho Elche!  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42550/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Valladollid   2    Elche   2
The rain in Spain poured mainly on the already-saturated pitch at the Jose Zorilla stadium as two teams well down La Liga fought it out for a honourable draw in the saturated end, but what a battle: both sides had their mo...

### DATE FOR NEW BRIDGE AND COASTAL CLEANUP IN COSTA NEWS

The bus service from the Orihuela Costa to the Medieval Market was seen as a huge success once again, with over 200 passengers registering to use the service over the three day event. The town hall still maintain a regular bus service every Tuesday, also calling at Entre Naranjos, which can be used for any normal purpose, such as a visit to the health centres, shopping, or embarking on one of the guided tours of the city, with a knowledgeable guide always available to coincide with the service. More information can be obtained from the town hall.
The Councillor for the Coast in Orihuela, Martina Scheurer, has announced that the N332 road near La Regia will be completely closed to traffic on the night of Monday the 17th of February, to enable the new footbridge to be moved into place over the road. The route will re-open in the early hours of Tuesday the 18th, with the bridge still scheduled for opening to pedestrians in early March. Meanwhile, the central structure of the new footbridge near the new school has been put in place and work is continuing on a footbridge near to the Zenia Boulevard, all on schedule for their anticipated completion next month.
A government delegate attended the latest meeting with the roads department on Friday, discussing the threatened closure of two access roads from the N-332 roundabout at La Zenia. The town hall proposed leaving the roads open as they are, rather than submitting to the change of one-way access, whilst other options are tested, including the creation of the mini roundabout at the access road to the new emergency coordination centre.
The councillor for the coast has been in contact with a local company who were awarded a contract for the installation of information signs in park areas on the coastal zone. The 19,000 euro contract was awarded in December of 2008, but was never fulfilled, despite the money having been allocated and sitting in the budget for every year since. It is not known why the work has never been started, let alone completed, despite being awarded some 6 years ago. Should the company not be able to fulfil the terms of the tender at this time, it will be awarded to another company to ensure that the legally required signs are installed.
Work on a green area and park on calle Plutón is near completion, with ping-pong table and other features for adults, a dedicated and secure play area for children, and the first ever dog agility park to be installed in any park area of the municipality of Orihuela. A formal announcement regarding the opening will be made shortly, but it is hoped that the park area will become a focal meeting point for entire families within the community, but it is also hoped that the efforts will be appreciated and the park will not become damaged or unclean and be respected as a new and improved feature of the residential zone.
Plans are being made to celebrate this year's Day of the Tree, with an initiative that will see the local schools of the Orihuela Costa getting involved in planting sustainable trees on green areas near to the schools, with children given the opportunity to adopt one of the plants, which they will then water and tend for, under supervision, whilst learning the benefits of the environmental impact of trees, as well as being given tasks that empower responsibility whilst learning. As the children grow throughout their younger years and into adulthood, so will the trees, providing an educational legacy for future generations.
A tender has been awarded for the creation of a network of electronic administration in the town hall, a process which will be implemented as a priority, whereas all administrative functions of the town hall will not only be streamlined and become more efficient, they will save a considerable amount of expense in saving paper and workload. Documents submitted through the town hall will be automatically scanned and distributed electronically, rather than the current and somewhat antiquated process of creating multiple photocopies and sending the files through the traditional methods. The process will ultimately lead to the extension of the network to allow residents of the municipality to monitor the process of cases such as urban and planning applications and other licenses, amongst other features.
Meanwhile, the town hall are looking at other potential options for streamlining the administrative paper trail of the town hall process, including a better method for sending out official documentation to residents and businesses, which are currently sent by registered post without knowledge of the applicant being present at the property, 80% of which are returned to the town hall undelivered, but still incurring expense.
The environment department has announced a municipal-wide plan to clear industrial and builder´s waste which has been dumped in various barrancos. Permission had to be sought from the hydrographical department before the work could begin, but it is seen as an essential requirement to clear the areas prior to the normal rainy spring downpours, as this type of rubbish impedes the flow of water along the channels and can have catastrophic effects for areas at risk of flooding.
Officers from the National Police have been meeting with their Local colleagues and town hall officials this week, in preparation for planning activities during the summer season. Safety, security and peace and quiet were all on the agenda, with an action team discussing ways to ensure that the busiest time of year on the coastal zone passes with little or no preventable problems. Noise, parties, botellones and the beach were just some of the topics in the discussion.
Work on replacing or repairing paving stones in various areas of the coastal zine is nearing completion, with any trees that have had to be move due to their growth being relocated to better areas, whilst the footpaths are also becoming more stable and passable as a result.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42544/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The bus service from the Orihuela Costa to the Medieval Market was seen as a huge success once again, with over 200 passengers registering to use the service over the three day event. The town hall still maintain a regular bus service every Tuesday, al...

### THE WEEKLY NEWS FROM ORIHUELA

The bus service from the Orihuela Costa to the Medieval Market was seen as a huge success once again, with over 200 passengers registering to use the service over the three day event. The town hall still maintain a regular bus service every Tuesday, also calling at Entre Naranjos, which can be used for any normal purpose, such as a visit to the health centres, shopping, or embarking on one of the guided tours of the city, with a knowledgeable guide always available to coincide with the service. More information can be obtained from the town hall.
The Councillor for the Coast in Orihuela, Martina Scheurer, has announced that the N332 road near La Regia will be completely closed to traffic on the night of Monday the 17th of February, to enable the new footbridge to be moved into place over the road. The route will re-open in the early hours of Tuesday the 18th, with the bridge still scheduled for opening to pedestrians in early March. Meanwhile, the central structure of the new footbridge near the new school has been put in place and work is continuing on a footbridge near to the Zenia Boulevard, all on schedule for their anticipated completion next month.
A government delegate attended the latest meeting with the roads department on Friday, discussing the threatened closure of two access roads from the N-332 roundabout at La Zenia. The town hall proposed leaving the roads open as they are, rather than submitting to the change of one-way access, whilst other options are tested, including the creation of the mini roundabout at the access road to the new emergency coordination centre.
The councillor for the coast has been in contact with a local company who were awarded a contract for the installation of information signs in park areas on the coastal zone. The 19,000 euro contract was awarded in December of 2008, but was never fulfilled, despite the money having been allocated and sitting in the budget for every year since. It is not known why the work has never been started, let alone completed, despite being awarded some 6 years ago. Should the company not be able to fulfil the terms of the tender at this time, it will be awarded to another company to ensure that the legally required signs are installed.
Work on a green area and park on calle Plutón is near completion, with ping-pong table and other features for adults, a dedicated and secure play area for children, and the first ever dog agility park to be installed in any park area of the municipality of Orihuela. A formal announcement regarding the opening will be made shortly, but it is hoped that the park area will become a focal meeting point for entire families within the community, but it is also hoped that the efforts will be appreciated and the park will not become damaged or unclean and be respected as a new and improved feature of the residential zone.
Plans are being made to celebrate this year's Day of the Tree, with an initiative that will see the local schools of the Orihuela Costa getting involved in planting sustainable trees on green areas near to the schools, with children given the opportunity to adopt one of the plants, which they will then water and tend for, under supervision, whilst learning the benefits of the environmental impact of trees, as well as being given tasks that empower responsibility whilst learning. As the children grow throughout their younger years and into adulthood, so will the trees, providing an educational legacy for future generations.
A tender has been awarded for the creation of a network of electronic administration in the town hall, a process which will be implemented as a priority, whereas all administrative functions of the town hall will not only be streamlined and become more efficient, they will save a considerable amount of expense in saving paper and workload. Documents submitted through the town hall will be automatically scanned and distributed electronically, rather than the current and somewhat antiquated process of creating multiple photocopies and sending the files through the traditional methods. The process will ultimately lead to the extension of the network to allow residents of the municipality to monitor the process of cases such as urban and planning applications and other licenses, amongst other features.
Meanwhile, the town hall are looking at other potential options for streamlining the administrative paper trail of the town hall process, including a better method for sending out official documentation to residents and businesses, which are currently sent by registered post without knowledge of the applicant being present at the property, 80% of which are returned to the town hall undelivered, but still incurring expense.
The environment department has announced a municipal-wide plan to clear industrial and builder´s waste which has been dumped in various barrancos. Permission had to be sought from the hydrographical department before the work could begin, but it is seen as an essential requirement to clear the areas prior to the normal rainy spring downpours, as this type of rubbish impedes the flow of water along the channels and can have catastrophic effects for areas at risk of flooding.
Officers from the National Police have been meeting with their Local colleagues and town hall officials this week, in preparation for planning activities during the summer season. Safety, security and peace and quiet were all on the agenda, with an action team discussing ways to ensure that the busiest time of year on the coastal zone passes with little or no preventable problems. Noise, parties, botellones and the beach were just some of the topics in the discussion.
Work on replacing or repairing paving stones in various areas of the coastal zine is nearing completion, with any trees that have had to be move due to their growth being relocated to better areas, whilst the footpaths are also becoming more stable and passable as a result.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42544/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The bus service from the Orihuela Costa to the Medieval Market was seen as a huge success once again, with over 200 passengers registering to use the service over the three day event. The town hall still maintain a regular bus service every Tuesday, al...

### AIRPORT TAXI DRIVERS PRESSING FOR ACTION AGAINST PIRATES

Licensed taxi drivers who operate from Alicante-Elche airport are once again putting pressure on the authorities to deal with both pirate and none-municipal taxis who operate without permission or legal protection from the airport, thus affecting the livelihood of those legally licensed to carry passengers.
In a meeting this week, association members representing taxi drivers have pointed out that following disturbances and promises last year, nothing has yet been done to tackle the problem.
They claim that on a daily basis they witness between 60 and 80 private vehicles collecting or dropping passengers off at the airport, in exchange for money, although many may be carrying out the task simply as a “favour” rather than a business operation, the taxi drivers still point out that the practice is not only illegal but renders the vehicle occupants without insurance should anything go wrong.
Add to that the problem of taxis from areas outside the Elche municipality collecting and dropping off without their required documentation, the drivers state that the situation is fast spiralling out of control.
Plans were approved last year for the creation of a barrier access system to the airport for dropping off and collecting, but the estimated implementation date of two months has long since passed, with the department of infrastructure saying in an interview that, “we are working on it” and that it will happen “soon”, although the department were unable to specify dates. 
The delay in implementing the system has been put in the hands of the Ministry of Development, as it requires their permission to operate, on the grounds that they system will collect and record data of all vehicles passing through the control point to the pick-up and drop-off zones, resulting in compliance with data protection legislation being required.
Similarly, the reduction in police patrols has been cited as a cause for concern. One taxi driver said that, “there are many pirates, but nobody does anything”.
Although promises seem to have been forgotten, the official line is simply that it is taking longer than hoped t implement, but once it has been put in place, the authorities are sure that they will be doing everything in their power to protect the livelihoods of the official taxi drivers who have to pay a considerable fee in order to satisfy the terms of the provision of a license to operate as an official taxi.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42543/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Licensed taxi drivers who operate from Alicante-Elche airport are once again putting pressure on the authorities to deal with both pirate and none-municipal taxis who operate without permission or legal protection from the airport, thus affecting the l...

### FORMER ORIHUELA MAYOR ACQUITTED IN CORRUPTION CASE

Through the twists and turns of the frontline political situation in Orihuela, few may have expected a dramatic twist occurring behind the scenes, a situation that not only changes the past, but could significantly influence the future.
Former Mayor of Orihuela, José Manuel Medina of the Partido Popular, was disqualified from office in 2013 for seven years, following a conviction for breach of trust following a case in 2003 revolving around the sale of land on the coastal zone, valued at around 2 million euro. 
However, this week, the court of appeal overturned that ruling, thus quashing the conviction and freeing Medina from both the shackles of being tainted as corrupt, and from not holding any political position. Although this was one of fifteen cases filed against Medina, he has also seen another one of those cases dropped, in addition to his acquittal. 
Given the current political situation, whereas the PP are in opposition and facing the rule of a minority government, they have tried on a number of occasions to overthrow the government through a censure motion, as widely reported in The Leader, but they have faced criticism for doing so and many even suggesting that the local PP group of Orihuela are acting outside the remit of both their national and regional groups, as a number of those serving politicians are themselves facing corruption charges.
José Manuel Medina who took over the rule of Orihuela in 1995, was himself involved in a censure motion, and has now spoken publically about the most recent attempts by his colleagues to oust Monseratte Guillén from his role of mayor, suggesting another level in which the local group of the PP seem to be acting in a renegade manner, stating that had they have asked for his advice, he would have suggested approaching the matter completely differently.
In an interview, Mendina expressed his regret at the way his colleagues had handled the situation, saying that “had they consulted me, they would have fared much better”, continuing to point out that “The situation of PP is very sorrowful at all levels and more locally.”
Reviewing his experience with such cases, Medina said, “I entered a motion in 86 with Luis Fernando Cartagena as a candidate of office”, lamenting how his knowledge could have proven invaluable to the PP in recent events.
This all begs the question as to whether Medina would return to politics, a question which he has not ruled out. Now clear of any wrongdoing, and largely silently shying away from involvement in what some consider to be petty squabbles, the experience of a man who has the accolade of being the longest serving mayor in the history of Orihuela could significantly change the situation before the next elections, whereas the alternative of the PP fighting towards a campaign based on four years of failing battles, with a recent history to the perception that they neglected certain areas of the municipality, such as the coast, and add to that the pending criminal charges of those members still under investigation, teaching an old dogs new tricks may not be a consideration if that old dog becomes the new broom that sweeps clean the politics of a damaged locality.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42541/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Through the twists and turns of the frontline political situation in Orihuela, few may have expected a dramatic twist occurring behind the scenes, a situation that not only changes the past, but could significantly influence the future.
Former Mayor o...

### MAYOR CONTINUES HIS DEFENCE OF CALA MOSCA

There are two ‘green mayors' in local Spanish politics, in the town of Villena to the north of Alicante, led by Javier Esquembre Menor, and in the city of Orihuela, where, if the censure motion recently filed by the PP is upheld, incumbent, 56 year old former music teacher Monserrate Guillen, could soon be removed from office. Both are ardent ecologists and both say they are totally are committed to environmental sustainability.
Whilst many would say that Gullen pays little more than ‘lip service' to the Orihuela Costa, one coastal petition that he does pursue with some passion is the ongoing battle to protect the very last mile of pristine coastline at Cala Mosca.
Guillen and his coalition government, with PSPV-PSOE, continue to put forward environmental arguments that will slow down or even halt the development plan at Cala Mosca, a project approved by the previous PP government, which will see the construction of 1,700 homes.  
Of the 12 PP councilors in the capital of La Vega Baja, where such crimes are said to be almost endemic, 5 are currently facing accusations or charges of corruption, so the defense of that last mile of unspoiled beach has now become symbolic, especially when, of the 40,000 properties currently standing on the Orihuela Costa there are said to be up to 10,000 that have no certificate of occupancy.  Former councilor Antonia Morena said it was hardly surprising as for many years there was little thought given to planning, from private pools to public roads, everything was so haphazard.
The development project was approved by an absolute majority amongst the PP in 2007. The mayor at the time was Monica Lorente, who is now in opposition, and is currently awaiting corruption proceedings in two cases with the ongoing possibility of a third. 
Cala Mosca waters are within a maritime protection zone which accommodates one particular genus of flowering plants Posidonia, seagrass, found only in the seas of the Mediterranean. On land there are two other uncommon species, the snail Tudorella mauretanica which suffers from a threat of extinction and the plant, la jarilla de cabeza de gato, a bright yellow flower that is found only in some parts of the Peninsula, the Baleares, Sardinia and the Maghreb region of North Africa.
During a recent visit to the area by an MEP from the European Union, the City Council and the Ministry of Environment were told that that an environmental impact report needs to be carried out on Cala Mosca, and where endangered species are found, however insignificant they may seem, the Spanish authorities who must enforce the environmental community law which outlines the development of enforcement structures and best practices.
"But there are many other interests to weigh," Guillen lamented. “The impact on the local environment would be disastrous and no amount of money or of power should override that.”
However the words of the mayor contrast with those of lawyer Juan Enrique Serrano, who represents the Madrid based company, Grupo Inmobiliario Gomendio in Cala Mosca. "I understand that there is no conflict”, says Serrano, “we identified 5,000 plants and protected species and we have agreed to create a micro-reserve.”  He draws on the examples in Marbella, Mijas, Fuengirola, Benicàssim and Torremolinos where there are buildings on at least 90% of the first 500 meters of coastline.
Indeed the company, who refer to themselves as  ‘Creators Of Unique Environments' is already advertising the sale of the Cala Mosca properties on their website. One of three developments, the 2 bed apartments ‘El Bosque' costing between 105,000 and 140,000 euro, are said to be available during the last quarter of 2014. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42538/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: There are two ‘green mayors' in local Spanish politics, in the town of Villena to the north of Alicante, led by Javier Esquembre Menor, and in the city of Orihuela, where, if the censure motion recently filed by the PP is upheld, incumbent, 56 year old former music teacher Monserrate Guillen, could soon be removed from office. Both are ardent ecologists and both say they are totally are committed to environmental sustainability.
Whilst many would say that Gullen pays little more than ‘lip service' to the Orihuela Costa, one coastal petition that he does pursue with some passion is the ongoing battle to protect the very last mile of pristine coastline at Cala Mosca.
Guillen and his coalition government, with PSPV-PSOE, continue to put forward environmental arguments that will slow down or even halt the development plan at Cala Mosca, a project approved by the previous PP government, which will see the construction of 1,700 homes.  
Of the 12 PP councilors in the capital of La Vega Baja, where such crimes are said to be almost endemic, 5 are currently facing accusations or charges of corruption, so the defense of that last mile of unspoiled beach has now become symbolic, especially when, of the 40,000 properties currently standing on the Orihuela Costa there are said to be up to 10,000 that have no certificate of occupancy.  Former councilor Antonia Morena said it was hardly surprising as for many years there was little thought given to planning, from private pools to public roads, everything was so haphazard.
The development project was approved by an absolute majority amongst the PP in 2007. The mayor at the time was Monica Lorente, who is now in opposition, and is currently awaiting corruption proceedings in two cases with the ongoing possibility of a third. 
Cala Mosca waters are within a maritime protection zone which accommodates one particular genus of flowering plants Posidonia, seagrass, found only in the seas of the Mediterranean. On land there are two other uncommon species, the snail Tudorella mauretanica which suffers from a threat of extinction and the plant, la jarilla de cabeza de gato, a bright yellow flower that is found only in some parts of the Peninsula, the Baleares, Sardinia and the Maghreb region of North Africa.
During a recent visit to the area by an MEP from the European Union, the City Council and the Ministry of Environment were told that that an environmental impact report needs to be carried out on Cala Mosca, and where endangered species are found, however insignificant they may seem, the Spanish authorities who must enforce the environmental community law which outlines the development of enforcement structures and best practices.
"But there are many other interests to weigh," Guillen lamented. “The impact on the local environment would be disastrous and no amount of money or of power should override that.”
However the words of the mayor contrast with those of lawyer Juan Enrique Serrano, who represents the Madrid based company, Grupo Inmobiliario Gomendio in Cala Mosca. "I understand that there is no conflict”, says Serrano, “we identified 5,000 plants and protected species and we have agreed to create a micro-reserve.”  He draws on the examples in Marbella, Mijas, Fuengirola, Benicàssim and Torremolinos where there are buildings on at least 90% of the first 500 meters of coastline.
Indeed the company, who refer to themselves as  ‘Creators Of Unique Environments' is already advertising the sale of the Cala Mosca properties on their website. One of three developments, the 2 bed apartments ‘El Bosque' costing between 105,000 and 140,000 euro, are said to be available during the last quarter of 2014. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42538/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### TWO BRITS ON MOST WANTED CRIMINALS LIST

Police in Spain are stepping up an awareness campaign asking for members of the public to be on the lookout for ten of their most wanted criminals.
Five of the ten fugitives are Spanish, the rest are of foreign nationality, including two British citizens.
The two British fugitives are 33 year old Kevin Thomas Parle, wanted in connection with intentional homicide, and is believed to be in the Alicante area He is described as having a scar on the left side of the head and blue eyes.
The second Britain being hunted is 36 year old Christopher Guest, wanted by British police for the crime of murder. Guest has a scar on his forehead, cropped hair and is of thin build.
Collectively, the people on the list are wanted in connection with crimes of murder, drug trafficking and robbery. 
If anybody spots these people, or knows anything about their whereabouts, please contact the police immediately, either by contacting your local police office, or telephoning the national number, 091, and you can also email fugitivos@policia.es.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42540/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Police in Spain are stepping up an awareness campaign asking for members of the public to be on the lookout for ten of their most wanted criminals.
Five of the ten fugitives are Spanish, the rest are of foreign nationality, including two British citiz...

### LIONS HELPING THE NEEDY

Lion President  Janette Bennett of Torrevieja Costa Lions Club was delighted to make a presentation  to Antonio Perez Garcia, Mayor of Rojales at Ayuntamiento Rojales on Friday 7th February on behalf of the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club.
The Lions pledged to donate 500.00 euros to help feed the homeless and most needy in Rojales. Following a meeting with Julio Dominguez at the town hall, it was decided that the most needed item required was milk, so the Lions agreed to purchase 500.00 euros worth of milk. Thanks go to the management at Mercadona in Rojales who kindly delivered the milk directly to the town hall. In total the Lions donated 828 litres of milk, divided equally to provide full cream milk and semi skimmed milk.
Ayuntamiento Rojales provide support for over 100 families in the municipality, and whilst some excellent donations were received over the Christmas period, the need is on going all year round and everyone associated with the Town hall is very grateful for any support that is forthcoming.  The Lions are now considering holding a fund raising event in Rojales later in the year.
This donation to Rojales is the fourth donation by the Lions to those most in need in towns and villages in the area . In recent weeks the Lions have also donated 500.00 euros worth of food to Vecinos San Miguel Archangel, Alimentos Solidarios Torrevieja, and Reach Out Torrevieja. In addition The Lions purchased a chest freezer for Reach Out in Torrevieja which has greatly helped Reach Out in their drop in centre in Torrevieja.
On 22nd February the Lions are promoting a performance of West Side Story by the Footlights Youth Theatre Group in Teatro Municipal Torrevieja with all profits going to Reach Out. 
Lion President  Janette is pleased to announce that tickets for the show sold out over three weeks in advance of the performance.
For more information on the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club go to www.torreviejacostalions.org 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42532/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Lion President  Janette Bennett of Torrevieja Costa Lions Club was delighted to make a presentation  to Antonio Perez Garcia, Mayor of Rojales at Ayuntamiento Rojales on Friday 7th February on behalf of the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club.
The Lions pledg...

### EXPATS IN SPACE

‘Twitters from the Atlantic' - by Barrie Mahoney

Barrie Mahoney was a head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands to launch and edit a new English language newspaper. He enjoys life in the sun as a columnist and author, and continues to write a series of popular novels, books for expats, as well as designing mobile apps and websites to promote the Canary Islands.
Expats in Space
Well, its that time of the year again, and after all the goodwill has evaporated, the tinsel packed away for another year, the new diet started and you have considered suicide after receiving your credit card statement, you may be planning a holiday to get over it all. How about a holiday in the sun? I can recommend an ideal place, and that is the island of Gran Canaria.
No, just for once, I am not talking about a leisurely sunshine break on one of our wonderful beaches, enjoying incredible nightlife and mountain scenery that is little short of spectacular. Instead, how about being shot up one hundred kilometres into space for a rather lovely view of the Earth, or the blue planet as the travel brochures will soon be calling it?
As surprising as it might be, Gran Canaria, has been selected as the place to shoot three satellites into space over the next few years, together with an orbiting spaceship for passengers, and offering supersonic commercial flights between continents that will reach five times the speed of sound. The new Spaceport is to be built at the existing and newly refurbished airport in Gran Canaria, which folk often forget is the third largest in Spain. 
The small spaceship, known as SOAR, will indeed be cosy, offering accommodation for six passengers and two pilots, but I was sad to see that there will be no air flight attendants on board. How I will miss those safety demonstrations, in flight meals and sales of duty free, but I guess they will discover another way to get passengers to part with more cash. How about optional high quality oxygen for sale?  After recent experiences with my fridge, cooker and dishwasher, of which country and make will remain anonymous, I was delighted to discover that it is the Swiss who will be designing and building the spacecraft. After all, even after a few hundred years, they still make such reliable watches, and I am sure that their time keeping and reliability will be impeccable.
This major new project will provide a tremendous boost to the economy of the island, with 60 million euros being invested in the project, together with the creation of new highly skilled jobs. However, given the island's desperate attempts to block the major oil-drilling project off the eastern Canary Islands, which is supposed to create all manner of environmental disasters, and its preferences for ‘green' energy and environmentally friendly policies, I fail to see how this is compatible with a major carbon producing activity such as launching spacecraft. No doubt the politicians will have an answer for me shortly.
I was also initially pleased and later dismayed to learn that the island has been selected because of its closeness to West Africa and Europe, as well as providing easy access to the Atlantic Ocean. Well, I cannot argue with the logic of that one, but the statement goes on to say that it is ideal for the launch of satellites, because there are no major centres of population below. Hmm, well, as myself and many other expats happen to live quite close to the airport, I am not quite so sure that they have selected the right location.
Of course, Richard Branson has already taken the first leap into space tourism. Not being content with offering banking and mobile phone services, he has created Virgin Galactic, which is due to launch from New Mexico in the US next year. There is already a waiting list of 500 people willing to pay around 150,000 euros for a flight, but Gran Canaria is just so more convenient for us Europeans.
There we have it, Gran Canaria is clearly the only place to travel to for a vacation, whether it be on the beach or in space. All in all, I am rather excited about the whole idea and will be busily trying to find the odd 3000 euros, which will be the price of a ticket, tucked in the back of the sofa. It sounds like a great idea for a future holiday, but just as long as there are no tour reps on board trying to flog overpriced excursions, or time-share touts trying to sell me a holiday home on the Moon, even with imported white sand, I will be happy. 
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his latest book, ‘Escape to the Sun' (ISBN: 9780957544444). Available as paperback, Kindle and iBooks. iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie Mahoney
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42527/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: ‘Twitters from the Atlantic' - by Barrie Mahoney

Barrie Mahoney was a head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands to launch and edit a new English language newspaper. He enjo...

### What’s on: Saturday 8th February, 2014

SATURDAY 8TH FEBRUARY, 2014
BARCELONA
James Arthur (X-Factor winner), Sala Bikini Barcelona.
LOS MONTESINOS
20:30 – “Pequeño teatro grande”, theatre by the University of Alicante, Auditorio de la Escuela de Música y Cultura.
MADRID
Paul Van Dyk (superstar DJ), La Riviera Madrid.
ORIHUELA
Sculpture exhibition, “De vuelta al estudio”, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (Until 2nd March).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Kar P Diem (rock and tribute band), Zenia Boulevard.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
El CuoreLoto, commercial and shopping promotion, win 1,000 euro (Until 14th Feb).
Exhibition, “Una historia hecha imagen - 1954-2014 Venerable Cofradía Ntro. Padre Jesús Nazareno y Mujer Verónica de la Santa Faz”, Casa de Cultura (Until 28th Feb).
TORREVIEJA
19:00 – Concierto Coral Nuevo Amanecer, Palacio de la Música.
21:00 – Carnaval Drag Queens, Teatro Municipal.
 

### What’s on: Friday 7th February, 2014

FRIDAY 7TH FEBRUARY, 2014
LOS MONTESINOS
Sports health and habits presentation, Salón de Plenos del Ayuntamiento.
MADRID
James Arthur (X-Factor winner), Joy Eslava Madrid.
ORIHUELA
Photography exhibition - “ADIS ROCK 2013”, Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja (Until 7th Feb).
Sculpture exhibition, “De vuelta al estudio”, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (Until 2nd March).
Monologue, “¡Martínez, que no eres bueno!”, by Dani Martínez, Teatro Circo.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
El CuoreLoto, commercial and shopping promotion, win 1,000 euro (Until 14th Feb).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Face Painting, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
Exhibition of paintings by Rafael Maestro, Vista Alegre.
19:00 – Coro de la Asociación de Madrileños en Torrevieja, Palacio de la Música.

listen to ‘What´s On - Friday 7th February, 2014.’ on Audioboo

### ORIHUELA N-332 TO CLOSE FOR BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION

The Councillor for the Coast in Orihuela, Martina Scheurer, has announced that the N332 road near La Regia will be completely closed to traffic on the night of Monday the 17th of February, to enable the new footbridge to be moved into place over the road. 
The route will re-open in the early hours of Tuesday the 18th, with the bridge still scheduled for opening to pedestrians in early March. 
Meanwhile, the central structure of the new footbridge near the new school has been put in place and work is continuing on a footbridge near to the Zenia Boulevard, all on schedule for their anticipated completion next month. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42507/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Councillor for the Coast in Orihuela, Martina Scheurer, has announced that the N332 road near La Regia will be completely closed to traffic on the night of Monday the 17th of February, to enable the new footbridge to be moved into place over the ro...

### POLICE AWARE OF POT-PLANT PROBLEM

Police in Spain have joined with European colleagues in their awareness of a phenomenon that has been spreading through France and Germany, where countless thefts of hydrangea plants have been stolen from cemeteries and public parks.
According to reports, the thefts are as a result of a growing trend weaving through the internet that suggests the plants can be used as a hallucinogenic replacement for marijuana.
However, experts are warning of considerable danger in doing so, with Kurt Hostettmann, honorary professor of pharmacology at the Universities of Lausanne and Geneva, saying that a high dose can prove fatal at worst but are also likely to result in side effects such as gastrointestinal problems, rapid heartbeat, dizziness and sickness.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42506/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Police in Spain have joined with European colleagues in their awareness of a phenomenon that has been spreading through France and Germany, where countless thefts of hydrangea plants have been stolen from cemeteries and public parks.
According to repo...

### TENERIFE COURT OVERRULES CENSURE MOTION

A court of administrative litigation at Santa Cruz de Tenerife has overturned a censure motion that had been approved in the town of Tacoronte, on account of the PSOE councillors being considered as “turncoats”.
In a case that bears some similarities to the ongoing situation in Orihuela, the courts have returned the ousted mayor, Álvaro Dávila of the Nationalist Coalición Canaria political group, to his post as head of the council.
Unlike the situation in Orihuela, the motion was approved in October of last year, but the fact that a number of councillors had been “expelled” from the political group has led to the permanent reinstatement of the Mayor.
Dávila said that he “welcomes the decision”, and will continue to govern in a minority government.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42505/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A court of administrative litigation at Santa Cruz de Tenerife has overturned a censure motion that had been approved in the town of Tacoronte, on account of the PSOE councillors being considered as “turncoats”.
In a case that bears some s...

### ALICANTE TO GET SIX MONTHS OF HELICOPTER FIRE SUPPORT

The provincial administration of Alicante has invited bidders to submit to be awarded the contract to provide air support for the province to cover fire detection and fighting duties during the summer.
This year, the period of cover has been extended to six month, rather than the four months of 2012, to begin on the 15th of April.
The contract, valued at a maximum of 773,850 euro, has seen an increase of over a quarter of a million, due to the extension of the service which will operate through to October.
The bidding process is open until the 10th of March for providing this vital role in supporting the province covering rescue and support in fighting fires.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42504/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The provincial administration of Alicante has invited bidders to submit to be awarded the contract to provide air support for the province to cover fire detection and fighting duties during the summer.
This year, the period of cover has been extended ...

### COURT SUSPENDS ORIHUELA HEARING

The courts in Elche have suspended the preliminary hearing scheduled for Thursday the 6th of February, where the complaint filed by the PP and CLR regarding the blocking of a censure motion in the Orihuela town hall was to be heard.
The courts have not given their reason for the suspension after summoning those involved to testify in relation to the case whereas the Council of Elders in Orihuela blocked a motion that would have overthrown the current government and brought the PP back into power, with their new collaborators, the CLR.
The reason for the blocking of the motion was given that the officially recognised association of CLR/CLARO no longer had any members as they had all be ejected for their roles within the combined group.
The PP and CLR argue that their fundamental rights had been infringed and that the council of Elders, chaired by Bob Houliston of CLARO and Carolina Gracia from the PSOE, had violated the constitution.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42503/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The courts in Elche have suspended the preliminary hearing scheduled for Thursday the 6th of February, where the complaint filed by the PP and CLR regarding the blocking of a censure motion in the Orihuela town hall was to be heard.
The courts have no...

### RESCUE SHIP CREW SAVED FROM SINKING

Spanish rescue helicopter “Pesca 2” has been involved in an unusual extraction of crew from a stricken ship this week, as the vessel declared at risk of sinking was itself a rescue ship.
“Pesca 2”, which is operated by the Xunta de Galicia, winched 5 crew members from the deck of the “Esnaad 715”, which carries the UAE flag and was en route from Abu Dhabi from Rotterdam carrying an unknown cargo.
At around 17:00 on Tuesday, the call for assistance was made by the crew of Esnaad 715, alerting the Maritime Rescue service that the ship was taking on water and was at risk of sinking, located around 50 miles to the northwest of La Coruña. 
On the day of the incident the seas around the Atlantic coast were subject to storms and waves of up to 10 metres high. The crew were airlifted from their ship and transferred to other rescue vessels before being transported for treatment in hospital.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42502/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spanish rescue helicopter “Pesca 2” has been involved in an unusual extraction of crew from a stricken ship this week, as the vessel declared at risk of sinking was itself a rescue ship.
“Pesca 2”, which is operated by the Xunt...

### CHEERS TO A PRICE HIKE FOR POLITICIANS

As reported last year, a considerable amount of controversy was followed by the inevitable backlash when it was revealed that it is members of the house who would determine the price of food and drinks for sale in the cafe bars of Congress in Madrid. Now, the company awarded the contract, Eurest, has decided to take action themselves and almost double the price of spirits at the bar.
It was in May, 2013, when we reported “As part of the terms of providing the service of a café and bar in Congress, the members get to set their own prices”, on account of them having to “work odd hours depending on the demand of the house”. The end result was that the “customers” decided the price of 85 cents for a coffee or a full breakfast for just 1.05. Then there was the famed tipple of a Gin and Tonic, where the price was set at 3.45 euro, all in, with the more luxurious spirits, such as seven year old Havana Rum, a snip at just 5.65€.
It was no surprise to the more intelligent of society that this decision would be frowned upon as more and more families were struggling to find work, pay their bills and even eat. In June, we followed up the story after the equivalent of the Speaker of the House, Jesús Posada, admitted that the controversy had resulted in a “change of mind”, and, although it not entirely a success, the board unanimously agreed the proposal put by Posada for alcoholic drinks to be excluded from the subsidised price list, and so the new contractor was free to set any price they choose for these drinks, whilst light refreshments and food will still be dictated by the maximum price agreed.
And so, it has this week been revealed, that as the country woke on the 1st of January to increased fuel bills, higher prescription charges, and the general tightening of family budgets too, the members of the Congress also met with an increase of their own, as the company used the agreed rights to change the prices and put the cost of spirits up to 6 euro, almost doubling the price, in order to “bring the cost in line with the market”.
Though many would say that the price of such drinks in a prime location in the capital would be much higher, at least we can rest a little easier in the knowledge that our politicians may now get a taste of what the real world feels like when taxes prices continue to increase without us being able to do anything about it.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42501/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: As reported last year, a considerable amount of controversy was followed by the inevitable backlash when it was revealed that it is members of the house who would determine the price of food and drinks for sale in the cafe bars of Congress in Madrid. N...

### A GIFT OF FITNESS FOR YOUR PARTNER THIS VALENTINE'S

The CDM on the Orihuela Costa has launched their own initiative to celebrate the holiday of love, with a special deal available to all users between the 4th and the 21st of February, “Give Health and Wellness for Valentine´s”, with an exclusive special rate of 49.90€ for 2 months.
With the tempting offer of “What better demonstration of love than to give away health”, the benefits of the offer include a range of classes such as aqua aerobics, pilates, aerobics, aquazumba, zumba and body workout, as well as the biggest fad of the year, indoor cycling.
The deal also included unlimited access to the indoor pool and further discounts on services and rental such as nutritionist information, tennis and pádel.
Acceptance is subject to certain conditions, but more information and subscription can be obtained from the centre. 
So, if you want to offer the opportunity for your partner to get fit, there has never been a better opportunity, as you save at the same time.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42500/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The CDM on the Orihuela Costa has launched their own initiative to celebrate the holiday of love, with a special deal available to all users between the 4th and the 21st of February, “Give Health and Wellness for Valentine´s”, with an...

### What’s on: Thursday 6th February, 2014

THURSDAY 6TH FEBRUARY, 2014
International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation.
GUARDAMAR
“X-Pose Factor”, showcase of new and upcoming talents, Los Rosales restaurant.
ORIHUELA
Photography exhibition - “ADIS ROCK 2013”, Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja (Until 7th Feb).
Sculpture exhibition, “De vuelta al estudio”, Sala Museo San Juan de Dios (Until 2nd March).
ORIHUELA COSTA
PlayStation games, Zenia Boulevard.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
El CuoreLoto, commercial and shopping promotion, win 1,000 euro (Until 14th Feb).
TORREVIEJA
21:30 – Microteatro y Azul Teatro Cía, Palacio de la Musica.
 

listen to ‘What’s on: Thursday 6th February, 2014’ on Audioboo

### SPANISH SHIP SPLIT IN TWO BY STORMS

The crew of Spanish freighter “Luno” were plucked to safety by a rescue helicopter outside the French port of Bayonne today, after breaking in two washed up onto the rocky harbour wall, following an alert that the vessel had suffered a total power failure whilst trying to enter the harbour during fierce weather conditions.
The Atlantic coast has been rocked since last night by heavy storms of wind and rain, with gusts in places exceeding 150 kilometres per hour, accompanied by waves of up to ten meters.
The hundred-metre long “Luna”, operated by Naviera Murueta, raised the alarm around midday on Wednesday, reporting the power failure and that she was carrying 130 cubic meters of fuel. Despite attempts to enter the port, the ship was swept away by strong waves from the south dock and broke in two.
The rescue operation saw the eleven members of the ship´s crew, along with the Harbour Master, were all airlifted by a French military helicopter, luckily only suffering minor injuries. 
Experts from both the French Nay and salvage teams are attending the location with a view to plan the recovery of both the fuel still on board and the two portions of the ship, one stranded on the beach and the other stranded on the rocks of the jetty port.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42499/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The crew of Spanish freighter “Luno” were plucked to safety by a rescue helicopter outside the French port of Bayonne today, after breaking in two washed up onto the rocky harbour wall, following an alert that the vessel had suffered a tota...

### VALENCIA, ALICANTE AND CARTHAGENA DEVASTATED BY FLOODS NEARLY A CENTURY AGO

In Alicante two small lads, both homeless orphans, were carried away by the torrent, and, locked in each others arms, were rapidly borne towards the sea. They managed to clutch hold of a palm tree on the sea front and were rescued, after holding on for several hours, by a rope which was thrown to them. It is feared that the number of victims in Alicante is considerable. 
ANDREW ATKINSON reports.   
DEVASTATION in Spain nearly a century ago was unearthed this week while researching Archives from 1919. I came across the headline news 'Houses demolished: Terrible Flood Devastation in Spain' on Friday October 3 1919 in the Lancashire Daily Post. The report, filed by Reuters from Madrid October 2 reads: The news received here regarding the floods is practically confined to the towns of Valencia, Alicante and Carthagena.
The almost total interuption of communities making it impossible as yet to ascertain the effects of the disaster in the country districts of the provinces affected. At St Blaise, nr Valencia, a hut occupied by five persons was caught by the torrent and carried away. Three dead bodies were subsequently recovered at a considerable distance away.
The Archbishop of Valencia, while on a Pastoral tour of the Province, was isolated by the floods and remained a prisoner for two days. At Alicante the glass roofs of the markets and of the interior courtyards of houses gave way under the weight of the enormous hailstones which in some cases are piled up to a height of four to five feet inside the buildings. A number of smalldwellings have been demolished.
The breaking of bridges and railways in various places has rendered all traffic impossible. In one suburb of Alicante a hut containing six persons was carried away by the current. Five of the occupants were found drowned a mile and a half away. In Alicante itself two small lads, both homeless orphans, were carried away by the torrent, and, locked in each others arms, were rapidly borne towards the sea.
They managed to clutch hold of a palm tree on the sea front and were rescued, after holding on for several hours, by a rope which was thrown to them. It is feared that the number of victims in Alicante is considerable. At Carthagena 18 dead bodies have been recovered up to the present. A school collapsed in the commune of Pacheo, a lady teacher being crushed to death.
Streets are impassable. There is almost total lack of drinking water in Carthagena, owing to the bursting of the pipes and the destruction of the wells. A torpedo boat is carrying the mail service with the nearest port. Supplies of grain and flour are being sent immediately from various centrres - Reuters.   
The headline in 1919 of the terrible flood devastation in Spain   Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42494/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In Alicante two small lads, both homeless orphans, were carried away by the torrent, and, locked in each others arms, were rapidly borne towards the sea. They managed to clutch hold of a palm tree on the sea front and were rescued, after holding on for...

### BRITISH RESIDENTS GET NEW OPTION FOR OBTAINING HEALTHCARE IN VALENCIA

British residents without access to state healthcare in Spain now have the opportunity to join the new Spanish health insurance scheme.
The Valencia Government has just introduced the Convenio Especial, a scheme that is part of wide-ranging reforms to the health system announced last year.
 Martyn Standing, from the healthcare team at the British Consulate in Alicante, said:
 “This is great news. It means almost everyone who currently lacks the right to state healthcare can now get themselves covered.  
 “We would urge people who are in need of health cover to sign-up. Waiting until you're ill before you sort out access to a doctor can easily result in an unwelcome bill.”
 The Convenio Especial is another option for people to obtain access to state healthcare if they currently lack the right to other forms of cover. 
 Details of the scheme:
•             To be eligible you must have been living in Spain for at least one year prior to applying – this is normally proven through being registered on the padrón
•             You cannot join if you already have the right to healthcare through other means - e.g. as a state pensioner
•             All applications must be made in writing to the Regional Health Authority – people cannot apply through their health centre
•             It costs €60 a month for working-age people; children must also be paid for in their own right as they are not included as dependants
•             People with pre-existing conditions can join – this insurance scheme gives full access to the state healthcare system
•             Pharmacy costs are additional – customers must pay 100% of the cost of any prescriptions. However medications given whilst someone is in hospital are free
•             The scheme does not currently provide the right to a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
More information can be found on the Valencian Government website here: www.gva.es/es/inicio/procedimientos?id_proc=17044&id_page=&id_site, 
General information on healthcare in Spain, including the rights and entitlements of EHIC holders can be found here: http://www.healthcareinspain.eu/faq.php
Independent healthcare advice for British nationals in Spain can be found here: www.gov.uk/healthcare-in-spain.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42493/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: British residents without access to state healthcare in Spain now have the opportunity to join the new Spanish health insurance scheme.
The Valencia Government has just introduced the Convenio Especial, a scheme that is part of wide-ranging reforms to...

### YOUR HOME IS ILLEGAL FROM HERE TO ETERNITY IF YOU ARE ON THE WRONG TYPE OF PLOT ACCORDING TO THE JUNTA

AUAN PRESS RELEASE, 3rd February 2014
In the latest twist to the illegal homes saga, the homeowners association, AUAN, reveals that some of its members in El Fas, Cantoria are facing allegations from the regional government that their homes are still illegal because they were constructed on the wrong type of plot.
Even though the homeowners, British pensioners, have been living in their homes for nearly 10 years they have had their services disconnected whilst the proceedings rumble on.
An irregular plot, known as a parcelacion urbanistica is alleged to occur when a piece of rustic land is divided in order to construct houses.  According to AUAN such land divisions are commonplace in the Valley of Almanzora, with around 30 similar examples of these land divisions in Albox alone affecting some 278 properties.
The AUAN members, with the help of the association and its lawyer Gerardo Vazquez, have presented legal objections to the town hall of Cantoria arguing that the proceedings should be archived and that basic services such as electricity and water, disconnected via an injunction as a result of this case, should be restored to these properties.
As Maura Hillen, president of the association explains ‘The Junta alleges that this type of land division is never proscribed from prosecution.  But, if murder can be proscribed after a period of time, why not illegal land divisions for goodness sake? Anyway what exactly is the point of pursuing this case? Does this mean that the government is going to enforce this legislation whenever they feel like it from here to eternity against thousands if not hundreds of thousands of plots where there is an irregular land division? Are they going to challenge everyone or are they just going to challenge a few? If so, why just a few?” 
Mrs Hillen concluded ‘Homeowners cannot afford to less this pass unchallenged. We do not agree with the regional government's legal position on irregular land divisions and we believe that we have clear legal arguments to support our view. Our association is supporting this particular case because the outcome affects so many others in similar circumstances.' Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42488/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: AUAN PRESS RELEASE, 3rd February 2014
In the latest twist to the illegal homes saga, the homeowners association, AUAN, reveals that some of its members in El Fas, Cantoria are facing allegations from the regional government that their homes are still ...

### CALPE BOWLS CLUB ( SPONSORED BY EUROPA NETWORK S.L. )

Match report for issues w/e Friday 7 February 2014
All the hard games seem to come at the same time these days and last week was no exception. At Finca Guila we faced the Swifts who are, currently,  second in the  League and finished runners-up in the League tables last season. Any points there have to be hard-earned so to come away with four  and only lose by 12 shots (58 – 70) was a very satisfying result.
Alan Steed, Barry Stephens and Gerry Heath lost 10 – 24
Ray Collom, Alison Edwards and Larry Blake lost 13 – 16
Geoff Hutchinson, Ernie Ritchie and Glenda Rowe won 16 – 15
Kate Sayers, Ray Heath and Tony Sayers won 19 – 15
Alan Edwards, Barry Rowe and Heather Blake (friendly) lost 14 – 16 
Alan, Barry and Gerry went behind 1 – 8 after six ends but a nice run put them 9 – 8 up after nine. However, that run was short-lived as the Swifts took  eight of the nine second-half ends, mainly through some excellent bowling from Paul Mayne and Eddie Mortimer. Our side bowled well but, on the day, they were out-gunned.
Ray, Alison and Larry also got a slow start and were 4 – 11 down at the half-way stage. They got the better of a very good Swifts side in the second half but just couldn't close that early gap. It didn't help when Ray's excellent wood was too good and moved the jack to the Swifts wood when we were holding four or five – games are decided on such small margins.
Geoff, with Ernie and Glenda,  continued their run of good form with another very close win. After dropping four on the first end they bounced back to lead 14 – 7 after eleven ends. It was the Swifts turn then and they put the pressure on to level the game on the seventeenth. It went right to the last wood before Geoff drew the winning shot for a well- deserved victory.
Kate, Ray and Tony had to fight all the way and only got their noses in front when they won the eleventh end to lead 13 – 12. Having got the lead they were in no mood to surrender it and took five of the last seven ends to keep the Swifts in their place. In all they won eight of the last ten ends for an excellent result.
In the “friendly” match Alan, Barry and Heather played well against a very good Swifts side but just couldn't get their noses in front. They trailed by six shots after twelve ends and fought back to be only one down coming into the last end. Alas –that went the wrong way and we lost by two – a good performance though!
Calpe Bowls Club is always interested in attracting new members ( novices or experienced) Any readers in the Calpe area – if you fancy playing bowls, either socially or competitively, or both – come along to one of our Club roll-ups on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays (9.30 am for 10.00 am start )We would be delighted to see you.
See you all next week ! Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42487/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Match report for issues w/e Friday 7 February 2014
All the hard games seem to come at the same time these days and last week was no exception. At Finca Guila we faced the Swifts who are, currently,  second in the  League and finished runners-up in the...

### BRITISH BENEFIT CHEATS PUSH SPAIN TO TOP OF LIST FOR ABROAD FRAUD

Spain has topped the list of countries for benefit fraud abroad committed against UK taxpayers, new figures reveal. More than 750 cases were investigated in Spain last year by the Department for Work and Pensions.
Abroad fraud cost taxpayers an estimated £84m in 2012/13 - up 90% in the last two years. It is now the third largest type of benefit cheating and includes fraudulent claims for Pension Credit (£52m), Housing Benefit (£19m) and Income Support (£12m). 
Minister for Welfare Reform, Lord Freud, said:
"Benefits are there to help those who need it and the vast majority play by the rules and would not once dream of cheating. But there is a minority who really try to take the biscuit. 
"We have safeguards in place to bring these types of cases to our attention and we will make sure benefits are stopped when there is evidence of a fraud being committed."
If you suspect a benefit cheat in Spain, then you can call the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) hotline on 900 554 440. It's free and confidential, and you could help to put a stop to taxpayers' money going to the wrong people.  
New data shows where DWP investigators looked into 7,296 cases of suspected abroad fraud during 2013.
The top 5 nations involved were: 
.           Spain - 769 cases
.           Pakistan - 628 cases
.           Turkey - 298 cases 
.           India - 282 cases
.           USA - 246 cases 
Figures also reveal that DWP has investigated benefit entitlement for claimants living in countries as far apart as the Holy See, Somalia, China, and Iraq. 
Abroad fraud includes claims by people leaving Great Britain after their claim starts, those failing to notify DWP before leaving the country or staying abroad for too long, and families who fail to report the death of someone living abroad permanently and receiving benefits.  
The Government is increasing the use of data sharing with foreign countries including Spain in order to combat fraud. Details of claimants who have died whilst in Spain and elsewhere abroad are sent to the UK, helping the DWP to stop families or friends who are fraudulently continuing to claim pensions or benefits.
Richard West, Head of DWP's counter-fraud teams said:
"Cases range from people hiding foreign assets and homes to those moving abroad, either temporarily or permanently, at the taxpayers' expense. 
"Benefit cheats need to know that even if they are out of the country, our teams will still investigate and where necessary bring them back to the UK to face justice."
Cases referred to DWP are investigated and where an administrative penalty or criminal prosecution is appropriate, action is taken. In all cases DWP will seek to recover all the money overpaid.
Abroad Fraud has risen to £84m in 2012/13 from £55m in 2011/12 and £44m in 2010/11.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42484/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spain has topped the list of countries for benefit fraud abroad committed against UK taxpayers, new figures reveal. More than 750 cases were investigated in Spain last year by the Department for Work and Pensions.
Abroad fraud cost taxpayers an estimated £84m in 2012/13 - up 90% in the last two years. It is now the third largest type of benefit cheating and includes fraudulent claims for Pension Credit (£52m), Housing Benefit (£19m) and Income Support (£12m). 
Minister for Welfare Reform, Lord Freud, said:
"Benefits are there to help those who need it and the vast majority play by the rules and would not once dream of cheating. But there is a minority who really try to take the biscuit. 
"We have safeguards in place to bring these types of cases to our attention and we will make sure benefits are stopped when there is evidence of a fraud being committed."
If you suspect a benefit cheat in Spain, then you can call the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) hotline on 900 554 440. It's free and confidential, and you could help to put a stop to taxpayers' money going to the wrong people.  
New data shows where DWP investigators looked into 7,296 cases of suspected abroad fraud during 2013.
The top 5 nations involved were: 
.           Spain - 769 cases
.           Pakistan - 628 cases
.           Turkey - 298 cases 
.           India - 282 cases
.           USA - 246 cases 
Figures also reveal that DWP has investigated benefit entitlement for claimants living in countries as far apart as the Holy See, Somalia, China, and Iraq. 
Abroad fraud includes claims by people leaving Great Britain after their claim starts, those failing to notify DWP before leaving the country or staying abroad for too long, and families who fail to report the death of someone living abroad permanently and receiving benefits.  
The Government is increasing the use of data sharing with foreign countries including Spain in order to combat fraud. Details of claimants who have died whilst in Spain and elsewhere abroad are sent to the UK, helping the DWP to stop families or friends who are fraudulently continuing to claim pensions or benefits.
Richard West, Head of DWP's counter-fraud teams said:
"Cases range from people hiding foreign assets and homes to those moving abroad, either temporarily or permanently, at the taxpayers' expense. 
"Benefit cheats need to know that even if they are out of the country, our teams will still investigate and where necessary bring them back to the UK to face justice."
Cases referred to DWP are investigated and where an administrative penalty or criminal prosecution is appropriate, action is taken. In all cases DWP will seek to recover all the money overpaid.
Abroad Fraud has risen to £84m in 2012/13 from £55m in 2011/12 and £44m in 2010/11.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42484/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### MORE RADAR SPEED DETECTORS FOR TRAFFIC POLICE

The Directorate General of Traffic in Spain, the DGT, has purchased an additional 16 new speed detecting radar devices from the Spanish company Saima Seguridad, for a total of 1.1 million euro.
The purchase was published in the official state bulletin on Monday and, according to the award documentation, is for the purchase of the devices that can be used in both fixed and, more importantly, mobile operations.
The Director General of traffic, María Seguí, has previously announced the intention to focus on more mobile speed traps, as “fixed speed cameras are old”, whereas the “evolution is towards mobile radar”, which can be used on “the back roads on which many more accidents occur”.
Each radar unit costs 72,016 euro and is of the style known as láser barrera. Typically, the device has two main elements; one part emits two parallel laser beams across the road, from the unit, which are spaced at 40 centimetres apart. A vehicle passing the unit first breaks the first beam and then the second, that allows the unit to calculate the speed as the beams are at a fixed distance. As a double check, the unit also calculates when the two beams are recovered; working out the time between both beams being restored once again. The unit and calculation can calculate within a 1% margin of error.
Once satisfied that the vehicle has travelled beyond the permitted speed for the road, the second element then takes over and takes two photographs the offending vehicle from behind, which can take place at night, given the built in flash. The photographs can either be taken manually or automatically by the system. This type of unit typically only takes the picture from the rear of the vehicle, as the offending car must have activated the sensors in order to qualify for a sanction.
There are currently around 850 fixed speed cameras on the roads of Spain, of which 550 are under the control of the DGT, after Catalonia and the Basque Country took over the jurisdiction of traffic management, taking control of their 240 and 60 respective cameras. In addition to that, the Guardia Civil traffic department also have around 250 mobile radar detectors, not forgetting their airborne contingent known as Pegasus.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42482/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Directorate General of Traffic in Spain, the DGT, has purchased an additional 16 new speed detecting radar devices from the Spanish company Saima Seguridad, for a total of 1.1 million euro.
The purchase was published in the official state bulletin...

### TRAFFIC CAMPAIGN TO TARGET THE OVER 65 AGE GROUP

The Directorate General of Traffic in Spain, the DGT, has announced that their next awareness campaign for road safety will focus on the over 65 years of age group.
In 2012, a total of 27% of all road deaths were over the age of 65, to which the Director General of traffic, María Seguí, said, “It seems clear that we must work specifically on this issue”, as well as in conjunction with other campaigns.
Despite the proportion of fatalities in the over 65 group, they are also the only sector which is increasing in road deaths, whilst all others are showing a decline. In 2001, a total of 16% of all road fatalities were in the group, which shows how the figure has increased significantly over the last decade or so.
Every year on the roads of Spain, around 500 people over the age of 65 will lose their life; a figure which is almost four times higher that of the rest of the population.
The biggest single situation in which these fatalities occur is when emerging from a junction and turning left, thus crossing both directions of traffic, although the small size of some of the road signs has also been named as a contributing factor, as well as lighting and general poor visibility. Crossings are also particularly dangerous it would seem, as is the general visibility and observation of vulnerable road users.
A handbook is being produced which aims to advise town halls and others responsible for town planning of the need for an improved technical approach for road junction markings, as well as implementing various new and improved road marking initiatives, especially in areas most likely used by the older generation, such as crossings near health centres and hospitals, after a recent survey revealed that 13% of older people do not feel safe on the traditional black and white zebra crossings.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42481/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Directorate General of Traffic in Spain, the DGT, has announced that their next awareness campaign for road safety will focus on the over 65 years of age group.
In 2012, a total of 27% of all road deaths were over the age of 65, to which the Direc...

### What’s on: Wednesday 5th February, 2014

WEDNESDAY 5TH FEBRUARY, 2014
BOCAIRENT
Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians) festivities in honour of its patron saint, Sant Blai (Last day).
ORIHUELA
Photography exhibition - “ADIS ROCK 2013”, Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja (Until 7th Feb).
Orihuela COSTA
Peari, saxophonist, Zenia Boulevard.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
El CuoreLoto, commercial and shopping promotion, win 1,000 euro (Until 14th Feb).
SAX
Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians) (Last day).
 

listen to ‘What’s on: Wednesday 5th February, 2014’ on Audioboo

### What’s on: Tuesday 4th February, 2014

TUESDAY 4TH FEBRUARY, 2014
World Cancer Day 2014.
BOCAIRENT
Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians) festivities in honour of its patron saint, Sant Blai (Until 5th Feb).
ORIHUELA
Photography exhibition - “ADIS ROCK 2013”, Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja (Until 7th Feb).
Tourism conference, “El Palmeral y la Sierra, otros atractivos turístico de Orihuela”, Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner.
ORIHUELA COSTA
World Cancer Day event, Zenia Boulevard.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
El CuoreLoto, commercial and shopping promotion, win 1,000 euro (Until 14th Feb).
SAX
Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians) (Until 5th Feb).

 

listen to ‘What’s on: Tuesday 4th February, 2014’ on Audioboo

### CAT KILLER ARRESTED

Officers from the Guardia Civil in Ciudad Real have arrested a person for an alleged offence against the protection of domestic animals, having investigating the deaths of two cats found to have been intentionally poisoned in the Las Islas area of the town of El Robledo.
The officers, from the animal protection branch of the Guardia Civil, SEPRONA, started the investigation after a neighbour had complained to the corps regarding the death of the two cats.
Having inspected the bodies of the two felines, the investigation led officers to a neighbour, a 38 year old with the initials M.Q.S., whom the cat owner had suspected already.
The suspect surrendered a bag containing poison, as officers found two plates containing contaminated tuna, which analysis revealed had been laced by a strong, poisonous substance.
The arrestee, along with the evidence, was presented before the courts in Ciudad Real.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42480/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil in Ciudad Real have arrested a person for an alleged offence against the protection of domestic animals, having investigating the deaths of two cats found to have been intentionally poisoned in the Las Islas area of the ...

### FRUIT THIEVES FOUND IN PILAR INSPECTIONS

Police officers from the Valencia region joined forces with the local police of Pilar de la Horadada this weekend, carrying out the inspection and preventative seizure of 210 kilos of mandarins.
A number of checks were carried out in various locations around the area, including roads and farms, in order to strengthen the protection of rural properties and commercial activities.
The seizures of fruits were made after vehicles were stopped and searched at roadside checkpoints and during stop and search activities, revealing the mandarins hidden and covered in one of those vehicles.
The owner of the vehicle was unable to provide sufficient documentary evidence of ownership of the good, resulting in their seizure and they were subsequently taken to the police office on Pilar where a time limit has been imposed for providing sufficient documentation, at which time, should that not be done, the fruit is likely to be delivered to local charities due to its perishable nature.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42479/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Police officers from the Valencia region joined forces with the local police of Pilar de la Horadada this weekend, carrying out the inspection and preventative seizure of 210 kilos of mandarins.
A number of checks were carried out in various locations...

### GUARDIA CIVIL INTERCEPT 600 IRREGULAR PETS

The animal protection squad of the Guardia Civil, SEPRONA, have intervened in 595 cases involving domestic animals introduced into Spanish households in irregular circumstances.
As part of operation “Argos”, officers from SEPRONA inspected 21,340 animals which were in 2,208 individual actions in establishments engaged in the sale of animals. The end result has seen 16 people charged with offences for the sale of animals, transfer of animals in unsuitable vehicles, falsifying passports, certificates and veterinary examinations, and the officers have filed 1,309 complaints of criminal and administrative offenses.
The investigation began when officers were made aware of animals being transported with irregular documentation, mostly from Eastern Europe, being brought into both Spain and Portugal. Whilst transported in unsuitable vehicles, often without adequate sanitation, they were sold for the lowest prices and had documents falsified which would incorrectly report their pedigree credentials.
The investigators then set about creating a plan of action to routinely examine both the transport methods and establishments suspected of being involved, and in December they began implementing their plan.
In a statement, the Guardia Civil point out that the organised crime networks operating in this field exploit consumer vulnerabilities and ignorance of procedures and requirements to acquire pets. The objective of the Guardia Civil Guard was to ensure that the citizen who wants to take on the responsibility of welcoming a pet into their home are not the subject of fraud, and that the animals meet the expectations that have been promised, including breed, credibility and country of origin. They also sought to ensure the welfare of the animals and that the documents correlated to the animal in question, especially relating to their health and wellbeing.
During the course of the investigation, the officers found that Slovakia was a key point of origin, whereas many of the animals would simply pass through Spain on their journeys to new homes in other countries such as Germany and Italy, so the operation in preventing theft has also protected consumers in other countries.
The reports from the Guardia Civil do not mention what has subsequently happened to the animals, mostly puppies, involved in this case.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42478/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The animal protection squad of the Guardia Civil, SEPRONA, have intervened in 595 cases involving domestic animals introduced into Spanish households in irregular circumstances.
As part of operation “Argos”, officers from SEPRONA inspected...

### THOUSANDS FELL SICK AT WORK IN 2013

According to the Valencia Ministry of Health, under a scheme known as SISVEL, or Sanitaria y Vigilancia Epidemiológica Laboral de la Conselleria de Sanidad, more than 3,000 workers fell sick whilst performing their jobs during 2013, a 130% increase over 2012.
According to the Minister for Health, Manuel Llombart, the SISVAL system is “unique in Spain”, and aims to improve knowledge of health problems related to work and the risk exposure of the working population, and secondly, the early detection of potential occupational diseases treated in the healthcare system.
According to the data, in 2013, there were a total of 3,032 suspected cases reported to SISVEL, representing an average of 252 submissions per month and an increase of over 130% from the 1,318 reported in 2012.
Musculoskeletal diseases are still the highest number of reported problems derived from working life, with carpal tunnel syndrome being responsible for 40% of all cases, a total of 668, with elbow tendinitis, or Tennis Elbow as we might more commonly know it, second in the list with 408 cases reported, 24.5% of the total. The next most common ailments are sheath syndrome and tendonitis bursitis.
Respiratory diseases such as asbestosis, asthma and extrinsic allergic alveolitis account for about 3% of all cases referred, a total of 48 accounts, whilst there were 20 cases of dermatitis, so 1.2%. 
The figures are said to be “provisional” by the minister, as many are still undergoing investigation, with the figures expected to rise. However, Llombart says that the data is a testament to the value of the scheme, as it “shows that SISVEL is an effective system for the detection of occupational diseases and will contribute to improve the prevention of occupational injury and reduce healthcare costs that these diseases pose to the Valencian public health system”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42477/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: According to the Valencia Ministry of Health, under a scheme known as SISVEL, or Sanitaria y Vigilancia Epidemiológica Laboral de la Conselleria de Sanidad, more than 3,000 workers fell sick whilst performing their jobs during 2013, a 130% incre...

### ELITE TORREVIEJA COPS RETURNING TO NORMAL DUTIES IN LABOUR DISPUTE

Six of the twenty local police officers involved in Torrevieja´s elite Grupo de Refuerzo Operativo, the task force who were left to deal with such problems as the plagues of “lookie lookie” men, have left the squad and returned to normal duties as they have not been adequately rewarded for their additional services, a spokesperson for the union representing the officers says that they have not been compensated for the extra time worked.
Formed in May 2012 with the support of the town´s mayor, Eduardo Dolón, the team have been in the headlines both for their attempts to deal with the tasks assigned to them, and for an apparent lack of support from the courts for dealing with those they arrest, and facing additional risks of riots and attacks in the city centre.
Most officers who joined the unit gave a commitment to provide maximum time of availability around the clock, as required, but budget constraints prevented overtime from being paid, and so they were compensated with the offer of days off in lieu. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42476/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Six of the twenty local police officers involved in Torrevieja´s elite Grupo de Refuerzo Operativo, the task force who were left to deal with such problems as the plagues of “lookie lookie” men, have left the squad and returned to nor...

### RUSSIAN ARMS SALES GROW AS LACK OF CONFLICT SEES WESTERN DECLINE

Global arms sales and military services by major production companies, known as the SIPRI Top 100, amounted to 395 billion dollars in million in 2012, according to new data released this week by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Overall, the data indicates a 4.2% decrease in real terms compared to the sales of the Top 100 companies in 2011, when the figure had also dropped by 6.6%.. However, in real terms, there has been a 29% increase in weapons sales since the year 2003, largely due to a rapid increase in Russia.
Whilst weapons sales by companies in the United States, Canada and most of West Europe continued to fall, sales by Russian companies showed a dramatic 28% increase in real terms.
Sales figures are not available from China, but the percentage of companies outside North America and Western Europe has also grown since 2005 to 13.5%, the highest point in the history of the Top 100.
Of the 6 Russian companies in the Top 100, four of them saw increases in excess of 20%, one company, Almaz Antei, showing a 41% rise in sales, now standing in 14th place in the Top 100, previously at twenty second, the highest position taken by a Russian company since data became available in 2002.
“The Russian arms industry is gradually re-emerging from the ruins of the Soviet industry”, said Dr Sam Perlo-Freeman, Director of SIPRI's Military Expenditure and Arms Production Programme. “Nonetheless, the industry is still plagued by outdated equipment, inefficient organization and widespread corruption, which will continue to limit Russia's ability to compete technologically with the West.”
Sales by the 42 arms companies based in the United States accounted for 58% of total sales of the Top 100 weapons companies, whereas the 30 companies based in Western Europe are accountable for 28%. Collectively, the American and European involvement is accountable for 87% of total arms sales.
A reduction in conflict and general austerity is attributed to the decline in sales in the west. In particular, the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq at the end of 2011 had a significant impact on a substantial number of companies. The biggest single drop in sales was shown by the KBR company, which provided logistical support to U.S. forces in Iraq, which suffered a 60% decline in sales. 
American companies are still holding the top two positions in the charts, with Lockheed Martin and Boeing at numbers one and two respectively. The UK based BAE Systems comes in a third place, just ahead of Americans Raytheon and General Dynamics, although those two have swapped places since the 2011 charts.
The trans-European EADS consortium holds seventh place, whereas the top listing for a Spanish company, CASA, is joint twenty second, although they do also have activities under EADS.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42475/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Global arms sales and military services by major production companies, known as the SIPRI Top 100, amounted to 395 billion dollars in million in 2012, according to new data released this week by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Ov...

### ISSUE 505 OF THE LEADER IS AVAILABLE NOW

Available in hunfreds of venues across the Costa Blanca, issue 505 of The Leader is out now.
With a feature on Orihuela´s Medieval Market, including some great pictures, the latest local and national news, plus page after page of sports, there´s bound to be something to suit everyone.
Health, beaurty, motoring, money, are all covered in the features, plus our conprehensive TV guide, classifieds and more.
Not only that, you can also read the virtual version on our dedicated website. Click here to go direct to this week´s issue.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42474/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Available in hunfreds of venues across the Costa Blanca, issue 505 of The Leader is out now.
With a feature on Orihuela´s Medieval Market, including some great pictures, the latest local and national news, plus page after page of sports, there&a...

### FEBRUARYS RACING

With February the last month before the 2014 Cheltenham Festival, it is the last chance for several horses, owners and jockeys to get in their final runs before the big event. Due to the attraction of Cheltenham, many owners also choose to rest their horses and save them for the festival, and due to this February can be quite limited in its big events.
However, there are still a number of races for punters to look forward to across February, taking place at some of Britain's biggest racecourses. With most of these big races being trial races for events at Cheltenham, the eventual winners will have festival glory in their sites, and with Coral horse racing odds will be available and up to date in the lead up to Cheltenham.
The main event of February, the Betfair Hurdle, will take place on February 8th at Newbury. In 2014's event, Irving and Irish Saint share favouritism with Coral at 7/1. A host of horses follow these two in the betting, with some top class national hunt racers including Rolling Star, Cheltenian, Quick Jack, and Gilgamboa all available at 10/1. The Betfair Hurdle should prove to be an extremely exciting race and punters will hope for clues heading into Cheltenham.
The Ascot Chase
The Ascot Chase usually proves to be an exciting race, with many entrants going on to race at the Cheltenham Festival. The race is seen as a trial for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the biggest race of the entire festival, although due to its distance of 2 miles 5 ½ furlongs, can also see a number of entrants go on to the Ryanair Chase. In 2012, Riverside Theatre won both the Betfair Hurdle and then the Ryanair Chase at the 2012 Cheltenham Festival. In the 2014 Ascot Chase, Monbeg Dude currently shades favouritism.
Other February Races
Throughout February there are other exciting races which will give us clues going into the Cheltenham Festival. These races include several Grade 1 & 2 races, and will see top class competitors enter. On 1st February the Scilly Isles Novices' Chase takes place, with Oscar Whisky a heavy favourite.
Another top class race takes place on 22nd February, with the Kempton Park Chase. Some high class entrants include On His Own, Triolo Dalene, Bury Parade, and Captain Chris in a field that is sure to entertain. Punters may be forgiven for having their sights set a month down the line a Cheltenham, but there is some top class racing to come yet. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42473/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: With February the last month before the 2014 Cheltenham Festival, it is the last chance for several horses, owners and jockeys to get in their final runs before the big event. Due to the attraction of Cheltenham, many owners also choose to rest their h...

### CRISTIAN STARS ON SUNDAY

Elche CF 1 – 0 UD Almeria
Of the three possible results; delight, disappointment or despair, from their high noon showdown with likely relegation rivals Almeria,Elche eventually scrambled over the line to make it the former. 
Cristian Herrera, who else ?, did the damage with almost an hour gone to ensure Elche, in spite of their opponents rather fetching away kit, ended up in the pink.
An impeccably observed minutes silence for the late Luis Aragonés preceded hostilities and, truth be told, that was probably the high point of an altogether nondescript first forty five minutes during which neither side produced much of note. Elche, as befits the home side, poked and prodded and went close(ish) with efforts by Carles Gil and Manu del Moral before David Lombán sent a powerful header just over the bar.
From ten or so minutes before the interval, you kind of knew both sides had half an eye on the inevitable half-time dressing room rollocking and so it proved. Goal-less at the break.
The only goal of a not that good a game came thirteen minutes after the resumption when, following good work close in by Javi Márquez, Elche's young man of the moment, former Ilicitano Herrera, was on hand to convert from outside the box via a huge deflection off the prone Márquez. The goal seemed to settle Elche, but first they had to collectively look sharp to thwart an Almeria side who went in search of an immediate response.
Football is, indeed, a funny old game and for Elche it was ever thus. Missing today was the passing, movement and creativity from their last outing, a heavy defeat away to Real Sociedad from which they had the lions share of both chances and possession. No such luxury today, even though they were easily the better side in a poor game.
A fractious final five minutes, during which the on pitch temperature rose considerably, ended on a sour note for the home side when tempestuous Uruguayan full-back Damián Suárez, previously yellow carded for a stupid and unnecessary hand ball saw yellow again and then red for a clumsy foul on Barbosa who didn't help matters by going to ground theatrically.
Elche held on, though, and to the immense relief of most of the nearly twenty five thousand present, picked up a priceless three points.  Full time Elche 1 – 0 Almeria
Elche XI: Toño; Damián, Botía (75′), Lombán, Albácar; Márquez, Rubén Pérez; Carles Gil, Coro, Manu Del Moral (68′), Cristian Herrera.
Goals: Cristian Herrera (57′)
Subs: Fidel (68′), Pelegrín (75′), Carlos Sánchez (83′)
Yellow Cards: Márquez (48′), Albácar (71′), Rubén Pérez (77′), Damián (84′, 89′ +red)
Almería XI: Esteban; Rafita, Trujillo, Torsiglieri, Mané; Verza, Tébar (63′), Azeez; Suso (63′), Zongo, Aleix Vidal (76′).  
Subs: Soriano (63′), Barbosa (63′), Óscar Díaz (76′)
Yellow Cards: Suso (23′), Azeez (39′), Torsiglieri (81′)Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42469/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Elche CF 1 – 0 UD Almeria
Of the three possible results; delight, disappointment or despair, from their high noon showdown with likely relegation rivals Almeria,Elche eventually scrambled over the line to make it the former. 
Cristian Herrera, ...

### ROBINSON CRUSOE AT CASA DE CULTURA SAN MIGUEL THIS WEEKEND

Campoverde Theatre Group are proud to present their interpretation of that classic pantomime favourite, The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe. A fun filled, action pantomime that is full of memorable characters, laughter, song and dance that is being performed in San Miguel de Salinas on Friday 7th, Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th of February. A great way to spice up a dreary February evening, come along to the Casa de Cultura in San Miguel and enjoy a good old traditional pantomime that has something for all the family.
Come and meet our hero Robinson Crusoe, his mom who is the ship's cook, his lovely girl friend, and the crew of the Mary Rose. Enjoy their voyage as they try and find the Spice Islands. See how they are faced with disaster at the hands of the evil Black Patch and the horrible Slickers. Follow their progress as they make their way to the cannibal invested island, see how Robinson encounters Friday and find out how the crew outwit the locals who are determined to feast on their flesh. 
There are still a few tickets left, but hurry and reserve your seat.  Just a few days to go to the performance dates of The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe and tickets are now selling fast. So hurry along to and secure your seat to avoid disappointment. The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe is sure to lift your spirits and give you a great evening out. Tickets are available from Colin on 96 677 4127, Bargain Books in San Miguel or Adele Kippin in Pinar de Campoverde on 96 676 2114. 
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42465/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Campoverde Theatre Group are proud to present their interpretation of that classic pantomime favourite, The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe. A fun filled, action pantomime that is full of memorable characters, laughter, song and dance that is being perfo...

### ROJALES NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH MEETING

The next meeting of the Rojales Neighbourhood Watch Group will be held on Monday 3rd March 2014 at 11am in the Municipal Centre in Ciudad Quesada.
The meeting is open to all residents living in the 03170 postal area and we look forward to welcoming you. Please tell your neighbours and come and  join us.
For further information about Neighbourhood Watch in Rojales please see our website www.rojalesnw.info or contact:: David East (LeadCoordinator) david.east82@gmail.com  or Helen Tudor (Secretary) helentudor22@gmail.com.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42459/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The next meeting of the Rojales Neighbourhood Watch Group will be held on Monday 3rd March 2014 at 11am in the Municipal Centre in Ciudad Quesada.
The meeting is open to all residents living in the 03170 postal area and we look forward to welcoming yo...

### A TRIP BACK IN TIME IN ORIHUELA

It promised to be bigger and better and it didn´t disappoint, the 2014 Medieval Market on the streets of Orihuela was the most successful ever, with hundreds of thousands of visitors, tourists and residents alike, taking a trip back in time through the historic city streets.
In a dramatic and theatrical style, the opening procession meandered the streets, led by knights on horseback, followed by their standard bearers, their servants and belly dancers, as well as jugglers, musicians and street performers, before the councillor for festivities, Carolina Gracia, delivered her speech, welcoming, “all who are willing and able to hear, see and understand”, and taking them on a verbal journey through the imagined history of the event, addressing “Young men and women of spirit and body, Nobles, Clergy and people”, explaining how the Medieval Market of Orihuela is representative of the “fairs and markets held from today until the dawn of the day of San Blas, when the main streets and squares of Orihuela, land of Moors, Christians, Jews and many others, in peace and harmony want to be”.
Prior to the opening address, the onlookers were treated to a variety of staged shows, with the horses dancing and traditional music playing, before the street theatre actors transformed the cobbles and tarmac into a stage for their presentation. With audience participation and joy on the faces of those watching clear, the municipal mayor, Monserate Guillén, officially declared the event open.
With a total of 151 different shows and performances running throughout the weekend, including parades, dance, theatre, exhibitions and musical performances, there was hardly any time for the cast of the show to rest, tirelessly working to maintain the reputation of the event as one of the biggest and best in Europe. 
Although the official figures for this year are still being counted, there is no doubt, given the growth in popularity and awareness of the event, as well as the preferable weather over last year, the 200,000 visitors of 2013 will have been exceeded. Money well spent considering the budget of 42,000 euro, as it sets Orihuela aside with yet another reason to visit, whether for this event or one of the many others around the cultural calendar.
There is no doubt either of the professionalism of the company awarded the contract, La Asociación Cultural Destellos, a theatrical company founded in 1986 that works with the PirámideArt of Alicante and with the support of an international street theatre group, the Festival Internacional de Teatro en la Calle, or FITEC, as, despite being the only bidder, it is clear that every single person involved will do anything and everything possible to ensure the success of the event.
As Gracia´s speech concluded, it genuinely was “time to laugh, to love, to eat, drink and frolic , it's time for the joy of everyone forgetting the quarrels and disputes , which often give little pleasure”, and those disputes and quarrels were a record of history, as everybody came together as one, enjoying the fruits of the Orihuela Medieval Market, 2014.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42452/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: It promised to be bigger and better and it didn´t disappoint, the 2014 Medieval Market on the streets of Orihuela was the most successful ever, with hundreds of thousands of visitors, tourists and residents alike, taking a trip back in time throu...

### DRAMA AT THE PLENARY AND SURFERS ON THE BEACH LEAD ORIHUELA NEWS

This week´s plenary meeting in Orihuela met with an initial 30 minute delay, after the Mayor of the municipality, Monserate Guillén, refused to allow Pedro Mancebo to raise a number of points relating to the N332 roundabout closure. According to Guillén, Mancebo did not have the right to raise the issues in the manner he attempted, as he is not part of an assigned municipal group, following his ejection recently, and the questions over the legality of the censure motion, for which a preliminary statement is expected on the 6th of February. A member of the public was also escorted from the hall by the police, after apparently refusing to remain quiet as a protest, despite the requests of the Mayor.
Two main points of national interest were presented by the governing board at the meeting, one for supporting evictees who have lost their home, the other relating to the change in the laws governing abortion. Both of these notions were objected to by the PP and Pedro Mancebo, who later tabled their own version of the same motion. One of the most significant oppositions was a demand to include a clause which “supports” the actions of the central government, whilst creating a committee which would be chaired by a local PP member. A group of protesters who had gathered outside the town hall to raise awareness of those suffering repossession and eviction were said to be “bemused” by what had happened, with a representative of the group saying that “we are just being used as a political football”. 
The councillor for social welfare, Emilio Zaplana, has announced that a long halted development of social housing for the elderly will become available in a matter weeks. The properties, which are located near to the Villamartin golf course, have been standing vacant for many years, but the final stages of an agreement between the commercial promoter and the town hall over shares in revenue looks set to be made, resulting in the homes becoming available to move into, and a new community of senior citizens, becoming a reality. However, the administration of the building is not quite as simple as might be hoped, after numerous documents seem to be missing and there are discrepancies over agreements made during the previous government´s term in office.
Surfers look set to take to the waves of La Zenia beach, after the councillor for the Orihuela Costa, Martina Scheurer, announced plans to change the municipal regulation which ban water sports, so as to allow surfing during certain times of day, during the off-peak season. Although many surfers have used the beaches of Orihuela for some years, the practice is currently illegal, a situation highlighted recently when a group of surfers rescued and saved a man who was drowning in the sea. This matter was seen to strengthen the case for leniency, and the subsequent, soon to be implemented change.
The mayor of Orihuela, Monserate Guillén, and the Councillor for Education, Rosa Martínez, hosted a meeting at the town hall which was attended by some 60 students and teachers who are involved on a Europe wide educational initiative on climate change, known as the Comenius Project. Grants are available from the EU in a program which aims to “bring learning alive for pupils and staff alike”. Locally, the IES Thader is involved in the project, with Orihuela students joining 34 of their international colleagues from 11 different countries, including Belgium, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Romania, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Estonia and France. After the meeting, the group were taken on a guided tour of the city, delivered in English, as well as visiting numerous sites of local interest, including the Orihuela Costa on Sunday. Students involved in the scheme from Orihuela are already involved in planned trips to Slovakia in September, Italy in March and the Czech Republic in April, amongst other initiatives.
In a special meeting this week, the governing board of Orihuela approved 26 grants of 1,125 euro each, which will be awarded to various companies for hiring local workers through a Joint Employment Plan. The funding will provide work for 26 unemployed people and a third of the budget is financed by the municipality, another third by the Province of Alicante and the rest by the Generalitat Valenciana. 
The councillor for Social Welfare, Emilio Zaplana, revealed this week that the not for profit company Ildo had been working for the town hall without a contract, and therefore billed the municipality for various jobs completed without the funds being set aside in the budget. The situation has now been resolved by the currunt government team, according to Zaplana, who states that the municipality still owes 727,009.31 euro of unpaid bills from the previous legislature, because of the lack of budget provision, in addition to a debt of 327,000 euro for work done between January and May 2011, after they had not been advised that the work had already been contracted to another company in 2010, which was for a four-year contract at a rate of 836,847.98 euro per year, including IVA. Zaplana states that the debts owed to the company, made the position of the company “unsustainable”. Zaplana also states that an agreement has now been reached to clear this historic debt, so that the company which specialises in ensuring work for disabled people could see resolution of the past and hope for the future.
The Councillor for Commerce has presented a new initiative in which some thirty Orihuela traders have already got involved, which will enable them to sell their products via the internet, under the banner, “Descubre Orihuela”. With both Android and Apple apps, free to download, the information on store location and opening hours is available to browsers, along with details of the products on offer, which can then be purchased by credit card or PayPal and collected or delivered to your home.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42451/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This week´s plenary meeting in Orihuela met with an initial 30 minute delay, after the Mayor of the municipality, Monserate Guillén, refused to allow Pedro Mancebo to raise a number of points relating to the N332 roundabout closure. Accord...

### COSTA CONCORDIA CLAIMS ANOTHER LIFE

Doomed cruise ship Costa Concordia has claimed another life this weekend, as a Spanish diver died whilst working on the salvage operation.
Israel Moreno Franco, a 42 year old working for the Cádiz based Underwater Contractors Spain, apparently suffered a leg injury whilst working on attaching floatation devices to the hull of the ship.
Franco´s dive partner brought his to the surface alive, where he was treated for severe bleeding, only to die a short time later as a result of blood loss.
The victim was taken by air ambulance to Orbetello hospital, and an investigation has now been launched into the latest tragic chapter in this historic shipping incident.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42450/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Doomed cruise ship Costa Concordia has claimed another life this weekend, as a Spanish diver died whilst working on the salvage operation.
Israel Moreno Franco, a 42 year old working for the Cádiz based Underwater Contractors Spain, apparently ...

### DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £1,000

The current Expat Survey research programme closes on 31st January 
It's not too late to get involved in the largest international research study of those living outside their country of origin. Wherever you have relocated to in the world and whatever you are doing now, if you haven't already joined in, The Expat Survey still really wants to hear from you before the 2013 programme finally closes at the end of this month. 
There are three surveys in the programme – ‘Migration & Lifestyle', ‘Retail & Finance' and ‘Travel & Health'. All live links can be found on the homepage at www.theexpatsurvey.com and when you complete all three parts you will automatically be entered into its free prize draw to win £1,000, which you can opt to donate to charity if you wish.
Your opinion really matters to the research team. Each questionnaire has been designed to not only gauge your views on popular lifestyle and consumer topics, but also invites you to tell them about your experiences on life abroad.    
Led by the ex-head of research from BBC World, the specialist research team is independent and has received responses from more than 100 countries so far. 
“We have been thrilled with the response from expatriates from all walks of life around the globe who have shared their stories with us. It has been a truly engaging experience for the team and has provided us with unique insight enabling us to establish a very in-depth understanding of those residing in a foreign country” said Emma Wood, Project Director.
“In a world of rapid globalisation where physical and virtual boundaries no longer exist due to growing freedom of movement and technology, it is essential to interpret and comprehend these dynamics. What motivates relocation in different parts of the world? What challenges do expatriates face? What do they expect from those that service them? How do they communicate and what do they respond to? Our aim has been to really zoom in and examine all of these elements.”
Emerging highlights show a broad spectrum of online shopping behaviour. 69% of expats have purchased multiple travel tickets via the internet in the last 6 months, versus just 12% on groceries and essentials; as they opt to shop locally to engage in their adopted communities and eat native produce when not on the move. 
Analysis of spending habits has revealed some fast growing online trends when it comes to expatriates making purchases from .com stores outside their country of residence. 55% bought books, CDs and DVDs online in the second half of last year. 78% spent up to £100 on shoes, with 66% treating themselves to clothes up to £100 every month. 
Almost 70% of respondents have made it clear that delivery charges are an important consideration when shopping online, with 42% making arrangements with friends and family to take goods out to them on their next visit. 
Amazingly and despite the growing volume and nature of currency exchange specialists 72% still transfer their money via their bank. 
“On behalf of the team I would like to convey our gratitude to the many thousands that have joined in so far. What the programme has really demonstrated to us is that it isn't just about percentages and statistics, but about getting to the heart of what, when and particularly why”, said Emma Wood. 
The Expat Survey does not share any personal information with third parties and has no links with Governments. To participate in the programme please visit www.theexpatsurvey.comas soon as possible. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42448/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The current Expat Survey research programme closes on 31st January 
It's not too late to get involved in the largest international research study of those living outside their country of origin. Wherever you have relocated to in the world and whatever...

### TRIALISTS UNDER SPOTLIGHT

The Spanish National Squad officers, under the management of John Muldoon, Director of Bowls, held a trial for aspiring squad members at Vista Bella Bowls Club. 
Derek Toozer National Coach, Jackie Breslin and Mick Johnson Player Coaches, and Pat Metcalfe, the Administrator, assessed the potential of the trialists, who were Julie Cooper of Mazarron, Jason Prokopowycz, Derek Sale and Lisa Bonsor of Quesada, Hazel Brown of El Cid, Christine Manson of Benitachel, Darren Johnson of San Luis, Karen Maria Kirk and Carole Donnellan of Country Bowls and Drew Gerrard of San Miguel.
Recent selections have been made for the team to play in the Dutch Open in May. They are Lynne Greenland, Julie Cooper, Brian Robertson Snr and Steve Pearson. The squad to represent Spain in the Four Nations Competition in Cyprus in April will be Jan Dando, Sheri Fletcher, Yvonne Briden, Debbie Colquhoun, Lisa and Peter Bonsor, Steve Pearson, Steve Cantley, Jackie Breslin and Graham Cathcart.
Scotland's Commonwealth Games squad will be playing at Quesada on the 26th and 27th of April against a team yet to be selected.
By Carl Eagle Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42447/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Spanish National Squad officers, under the management of John Muldoon, Director of Bowls, held a trial for aspiring squad members at Vista Bella Bowls Club. 
Derek Toozer National Coach, Jackie Breslin and Mick Johnson Player Coaches, and Pat Metc...

### WHY LOCAL ELECTIONS ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU

Many Europeans who have made their homes in Spain feel strongly about their rights to vote in national and local elections of their home countries. Petitions have been made to Europe to extend the rights of British citizens for their right to vote in UK elections to be indefinite, irrespective of the time people have been living outside the United Kingdom.
Whilst many people who emigrate to other countries still have strong ties to the UK, especially in respect to taxation and pensions, many political decisions made in Westminster have virtually no consequence to the daily lives of people who have made their homes in Spain.
In contrast to the emotions shown about the rights to vote in UK elections many expats living in Spain are totally apathetic about their rights to vote in Spanish local elections. Figures produced by Diputacion de Alicante  show that out of the vast British population living in the province only about 10% have actually ensured that their names are entered on the electoral list, how many of these actually vote is unknown. 
Many expats are under the misapprehension that Spanish local politics are more or less similar to British local politics. In fact nothing could be further from the truth. All elections in Spain are based on proportional representation, not on elected representatives serving the needs of people living in a particular ward or constituency.
Each of the political parties have lists of names, ranked by their political party, this ranking is not made on the popularity to the voters of a particular individual. Names are placed on the lists depending on the ranking the political party gives to the person; this is often determined by the person's activities within the political party, not their behaviour with constituents. Thus lists of prospective candidates can be composed of people living in one area whilst other huge areas are effectively disenfranchised. This has traditionally been the case on Orihuela Costa. 
Traditionally the development, direction and fate of Orihuela Costa has been decided by politicians who have no real knowledge of the area. Planning decisions are made by councillors with no connection to the coast and go totally unchallenged by people who will be directly affected by these decisions. Orihuela councillors appreciate the crucial financial contributions made by coastal residents, the taxes and building licences contribute disproportionally to the coffers of Orihuela.
However when it comes to spending the revenue Orihuela Costa always loses out. Council provided services on the coast are poorer than those provided in small towns of less than 10,000 people, one only needs to compare the town of Montesinos to Orihuela Costa! This is directly attributable to the fact that Orihuela Costa residents are apathetic to local politics, they fail to get involved, they fail to register to vote and they fail to make their dissatisfaction known through the ballot box.
To ensure that Orihuela Costa receives the services normal in Spain it is important that the large numbers of people from the European Union ensure that they are registered to vote. Check your voting status at the Orihuela Town Hall. Discrimination of the Orihuela Costa will continue as long as expats continue their political apathy. Your community needs your vote.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42446/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Many Europeans who have made their homes in Spain feel strongly about their rights to vote in national and local elections of their home countries. Petitions have been made to Europe to extend the rights of British citizens for their right to vote in U...

### FOREIGN AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE SEEKS VIEWS ON SERVICE PROVIDED BY BRITISH CONSULATES

Do you have experience of seeking help from a British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission when travelling overseas? 
Did you get the support you were looking for? The Foreign Affairs Select Committee of the House of Commons would like to hear from you in a two-week web forum on the UK Parliament website.
You might have received British Consular help under a number of different circumstances; for example: 
•	loss of a passport 
•	the need for medical treatment or evacuation 
•	coping with the death of a relative 
•	arrest or imprisonment 
•	hostage taking, child abduction  
•	general evacuation of UK nationals in a national crisis
Online comments from the general public will contribute towards a Parliamentary Inquiry into the Consular Services offered by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office to UK nationals overseas. 
•	The web forum is online from 28 January to 11 February 2013-14
Inquiry focus
This Inquiry aims to evaluate how the FCO fulfils its consular duties. The Committee does not, as a rule, pursue individual cases, but it wants to hear about your experiences as it assesses the FCO's overall performance. Under the Coalition Government, consular services have been made one of only three overarching priorities for the FCO. Following an internal review prompted by its handling of the Libya crisis in early 2011, the FCO has overhauled its consular crisis response mechanisms, including through the launch of an expanded consular crisis centre in London in October 2012. In 2012, the FCO dealt with over 1 million general consular enquiries and over 100,000 consular cases, including over 20,000 cases requiring consular assistance. In April 2013, the FCO launched a new overall three-year consular strategy, ‘Consular Excellence', with the aim of providing ‘the best consular service in the world' by 2016. 
Chairman's comments
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Sir Richard Ottaway MP, says, “We want to hear from as many people as possible who have had to seek help from a British Embassy, Consulate, or High Commission when travelling. Whether you had a good or bad experience, we'd like you to tell us about it.” Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42445/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Do you have experience of seeking help from a British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission when travelling overseas? 
Did you get the support you were looking for? The Foreign Affairs Select Committee of the House of Commons would like to hear from y...

### What’s on: Sunday 2nd February, 2014

Sunday 2nd February, 2014
World Wetlands Day.
ORIHUELA
Large Medieval Market on the historic streets of the city (Last day).
Guided walking tour of El Horno de Bustamante.
Photography exhibition - “ADIS ROCK 2013”, Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja (Until 7th Feb).
Magic show by Lumaky, in aid of ADIS, Teatro Circo.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Pasacalles Kebanna, dance spectacular, Zenia Boulevard.
SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR
10:00 – Guided tour through the salinas for World Wetlands Day.
TORREVIEJA
18:00 – Coro Sol y Sal, Palacio de la Música.
20:00 – Tchaikovsky y Prokofiev concert, performed by the U.C.A.M. Symphony Orchestra, Auditorio Internacional de Torrevieja.
 

Orihuela Medieval Market

DOMINGO 2 FEBRERO (Zona Árabe)

11:30 h.  “Música Medieval”, Pza. Salvador.

13:30 h. “Danza Clásica Oriental”, Pza. Del Carmen.

12:00 h. “Folklore Al – Andalus y el Magueb”, Pza. Santiago.

12:30 h. Pasacalles“Laranda”, Pza. Del Carmenr.

12:30h. “Exhibición de Cetrería Árabe”, en Pza. Santiago.

13:00 h. “La Tierra de Jauja”,  Pza. Del Carmen.

13:00h. “Danzas Zíngaras”, Pza. Del Carmen.

13:00 h “Danzas Bereberes”. Pza. Santiago.

13:30 h. “Fantasía Medieval”, Pza. Salvador.

14:00 h. “Danzas Árabes”, Pza. Del Carmen.

17:00 h.  “Pasacalles de Animación”, Pza. Del Salvador.

17:00 h. “Danzas Árabes”, Pza. Del Carmen.

17:30 h. “Música Medieval”, Pza. Del Carmen.

18:00 h. “Las Aceitunas”, Pza. Del Carmen.

18:00 h. “Exhibición de Cetrería”, Pza. Santiago.

18:30 h. “Danzas Zíngaras”, Pza. Del Carmen.

18:30 h. “Folklore Egipcio” Pza. Santiago.

19:00 h. “Cuentos del Magreb”, Pza. Del Salvador.

19:30 h. “Danzas del Vientre y de los Velos”, Pza. Santiago.

20:00 h.  “La Gala”, Pza. Del Carmen.

20:30 h. “Folklore Árabe” Pza. Santiago.

DOMINGO2 FEBRERO (Zona Cristiana)

11:00 h. “Fantasía Medieval” , Pza. Sª Lucía.

11:30 h. “Exhibición de Cetrería Cristiana”, Plaza Sª. Lucía.

12:00 h. “Pasacalles de Animación”, Pza. Santa Lucía.

12:30 h. Teatro “Un Arcoiris de Cuentos”, Pza. Marqués de Rafal.

12:30 h. “Fantasía Medieval”, Pza. Del Salvador.

13:00 h. “Torneo Medieval”, Rincón Hernandiano.

13:00 h. “Circuento”, malabares Infantiles Rincón Hernandiano.

13:00 h. Pasacalles “Música Medieval”, Pza. Sª Lucía .

13:30 h. “Malabares Medievales”, Pza. Marqués de Rafal.

13:30 h. “Te Nombro Caballero”. Pza. Del Salvador.

13:30 h. “Anécdotas de Alfonso X el Sabio”, Pza. Salvador.

14:00 h.  “Música Medieval”, Pza. Sª Lucía .

14:30 h. “Fantasía Medieval”, Pza. Del Salvador.

14:30 h. “Montalvo Vs Montilla”, Pza. Marqués de Rafal.

17:00 h. “Exhibición de Cetrería Cristiana”, Plaza Sª. Lucía.

17:30 h. “Malabares Medievales”, Pza. Marqués de Rafal.

18:00 h. “Torneo Medieval”, Rincón Hernandiano.

18:00 h.  “Música Medieval”, Pza. Sª Lucía .

18:30 h.  “Montalvo Vs Montilla”, Pza. Marqués de Rafal.

18:30 h. “Circuento”, Pza. Del Salvador.

18:30 h. “Fantasía Medieval”, Pza. Sª Lucía.

19:00 h.  “Música Medieval”, Pza. Sª Lucía.

19:30h.  “El Baúl Viajero”, Pza. Del Carmen.

19:30 h. “Malabares Medievales”, Pza. Marqués de Rafal.

19:30 h.  “Música Medieval”, Pza. Sª Lucía.

20:00 h.  “Música Medieval”, Pza. Sª Lucía.

20:00 h. “La Endemoniada”, Pza. Sª Lucía.

20:30 h.  “Música Medieval”, Pza. Del Salvador.

21:00 h. “Aquelarre”, Pza. Marqués de Rafal.

### ‘MIKE PROBERT TALKS GOLF

Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golfing events and topics and in conjunction with us at THE LEADER will provide discounted golf prices to all of our readers and run our golf competitions.
Do you know your golf rules? - Continued
Last week we highlighted a rules query in respect of relief from sprinklers on the aprons of greens and in general the ruling is as follows:
“Under the rules of golf issued by the Royal and ancient RULE 24/2 covers this exact circumstance and in general if sprinkler head is positioned with two clubs length of the putting surface and if a players ball is situated within two club lengths of the said sprinkler head and if this sprinkler head impedes the players stance or shot, then the player is entitled to take relief within one club length but not nearer the hole”
Now you never know just who reads our regular golf column but I received a nice e-mail from John Marshall who is a golf referee in Sweden and he asked for me to notify you of a key addendum to the above rule namely
“The above MUST also be covered by a local rule and if no local rule then no relief”
Most courses work closely in line with the R&A rules but all players should check the local rules board to ensure the application of the above rule in respect of relief from sprinklers.
We at THE LEADER are committed to providing to our golfing readers affordable golf without the need to join a club or apply for a card but simply contact the number below to have instant access to discounted golf prices, many of which are exclusive to us.
Leader Discounted Green Fees
The deals shown in the attached table are some of the best currently available to you.
For bookings and more information contact Mike at info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com or direct on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 quoting reference LEADER.
Golfing Weather Watch
The week starts with temperatures nudging 20 degrees in brilliant sunshine but gradually the temperatures fall through the week to mid-low teen degrees with more cloud and the hint of some rain Wednesday.
Quotation of the week 
“Red sky at night shepherds delight, red sky in the morning shepherds warning” – Amateur Torrevieja weather forecaster     
(Sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services).Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42437/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Here on the Costa's golf is one of the biggest leisure time activities for both tourists and resident alike and with this in mind we have secured the services of Mike Probert of Costa Blanca Green Fee Services to provide a weekly round up of local golf...

### THE UNHEALTHY EXPAT

I have just returned from a wonderful two weeks in the UK. As usual, it was good to meet up with family and friends once again, as well as doing a little shopping in some of our favourite stores to buy a few of those special treats that most expats crave for. However, I also managed to pick up an unpleasant virus that meant I had to spend two days in bed in a hotel bedroom. It was all so frustrating. 
I know exactly how it happened. The young man sitting in the seat in front of us on the crowded train from Gatwick Airport into London was coughing and spluttering. It was when he received a phone call from his mum and he informed her that he was on his way to the hospital that alarm bells rang. Yes, I know exactly where this particular bug came from.
As soon as I arrived home I made an appointment to see my doctor. We have a wonderful, yet small, health centre in our village. It is nearly always possible to make an appointment to see a doctor the following day, and appointments are efficiently made on the Internet. After examination I was diagnosed with a chest infection, given antibiotics, and plugged into a nebuliser that helped my breathing.
It is rare that I am ill, and I am not aware of any underlying health conditions. However, my doctor made the point that a rapid drop in temperature may have contributed to the problem. After all, it had been 36 degrees on the day that I had left Gran Canaria and ten degrees when we arrived in London. I had always assumed that wearing thermals, wrapping up well and wearing gloves and a hat would be all that is needed to deal with the colder climate, but apparently it is not.
A small-scale investigation of friends who have previously lived in Southern Spain, Portugal, France and the Canary Islands revealed that many now suffer from respiratory conditions, which began after their return to the UK, even though they were perfectly healthy when they lived in a warmer climate. One couple revealed to me that their UK doctor had warned them that the body takes a long time to adjust from a warm climate to a much cooler one, and that with some people the adjustment may never take place, particularly in older people. A cheery thought.
This is an area that I have not considered before, and I suspect very few expats have either. Maybe this is something that intending expats should consider when dreaming of a life in warmer climates upon retirement? If it is their intention to return to the UK at a later time, the adjustment may be difficult and cause additional health problems. I also suspect that little research has been carried out in this area. Maybe it is an ideal subject for a PhD thesis for a medical student?
Meanwhile, I am relieved to be home again and as soon as I get these pills and potions out of the way, I can resume my life in the sun.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his latest book, ‘Escape to the Sun' (ISBN: 9780957544444). Available as paperback, Kindle and iBooks. iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.
© Barrie Mahoney Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42434/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: I have just returned from a wonderful two weeks in the UK. As usual, it was good to meet up with family and friends once again, as well as doing a little shopping in some of our favourite stores to buy a few of those special treats that most expats cra...

### WBC ORDER RICKY POW REMATCH

Following the defeat of local light heavyweight Ricky Pow in controversial circumstances last October when he fought for the Latino crown, the WBC has ordered a rematch between the boxer and his conqueror, Emmanuel Feuzeu, after the referee, Francisco Alloza Rosa , was deemed to have stopped the fight prematurely. 
Sources close to the WBC suggest that match supervisor Leopoldo Bonias was not altogether satisfied with the outcome after Pow was counted out by Alloza Rosa at the end of the 9th having, according to the judges cards, won 7 of the previous 8 rounds.  
Feuzeu caught Pow with about 20 seconds of the round remaining and while the 27 year old Brit covered up on the ropes, the referee stepped in and called the contest to a halt. It would seem that in his report to the WBC Bonias said that, with the bell imminent, Pow should have been given the opportunity to see the flurry out and then recover during the interval between rounds.
However there is some doubt as to whether the fight will take place as Feuzeu is thought to have retired following the contest. If this is the case Pow will be installed as the number one challenger however with an opponent being provided by the WBC. The fight is expected to take place during the early summer.
 In the meantime however Pow will be back in action in Dolores where he tops the bill scheduled to take place on 21 February. The card will be made up of a couple of pro fights, 2 or 3 neo pro contests and another 3 or 4 amateur bouts so for between 10 and 15 euro on the door you will certainly get your moneysworth.
Subject to success in Dolores Pow will then headline in Swindon on 14 March on the KM Promotions card which is being held at the Oasis Leisure Centre. Promoter Keith Mayor is known to have long been an admirer of Pow so he is delighted to have the opportunity to feature him on the Swindon bill. 
The photo shows Ricky Pow in the Exite Radio studios where he was chatting to Kevin Reardon. Hear the full interview on Exite Radio, 89.2 and 93.1 FM or www.exiteradio.com,  on Tuesday at about 11.30 am.  Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42433/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Following the defeat of local light heavyweight Ricky Pow in controversial circumstances last October when he fought for the Latino crown, the WBC has ordered a rematch between the boxer and his conqueror, Emmanuel Feuzeu, after the referee, Francisco ...

### CARREFOUR VOW TO CREATE THOUSANDS MORE JOBS IN SPAIN

French owned supermarket chain Carrefour has announced that it plans to create an additional 5,800 jobs this year in Spain.
Director of Human Resources, Arturo Molinero, announced that the recruitment drive will be across the entire Carrefour range of shops, including both Express and Hypermarket stores.
This is the latest development in the chain´s commitment to providing employment and training to the Spanish workforce. In October last year, Carrefour signed an educational agreement with the University of Córdoba, in which they would offer work placements to graduates. That initiative alone saw 1,600 people hired in senior roles in the company.
They are also offering internships for college students, the latest figures from that scheme showing how 85% were given full time contracts.
Carrefour group operates over 10,000 stores in 34 countries, 4,066 of those stores were in Europe, excluding their homeland of France.
In Spain, at the end of 2013, the global retail giant reported improved fourth-quarter sales in France and Spain, two of the countries hardest hit by European's economic slowdown, with 1.2% sales growth in the fourth quarter, the first time it has moved into positive territory in many years.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42428/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: French owned supermarket chain Carrefour has announced that it plans to create an additional 5,800 jobs this year in Spain.
Director of Human Resources, Arturo Molinero, announced that the recruitment drive will be across the entire Carrefour range of...

### PIGEON MYSTERY DEATH INVESTIGATION OPENED

Scientific analysis carried out on various pigeon corpses found dead on Murcia´s streets reveal that they have been poisoned by an agricultural pesticide.
Around 150 dead birds were found in various locations across the city on Wednesday of this week, with specimens found on plaza Santo Domingo, la Glorieta and Puente de Manterola being put to the test.
Councillor for health, María del Carmen Pelegrín, explained that having carried out the tests, the scientists conclude the cause of death of have been a pesticide, namely methomyl, which has been in use since was introduced in 1966, later to come under strict control, because of its high toxicity to humans
Now the cause of death has been established, the Local Police of Murcia have opened an investigation to try to ascertain responsibility for the event, as well as checking on any further risk. 
Pelegrín continued to explain how a number of residents had reported birds dead on their balconies, all of which have been collected, before stressing that although there is a risk because of the poisoning, there is no danger to public health.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42427/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Scientific analysis carried out on various pigeon corpses found dead on Murcia´s streets reveal that they have been poisoned by an agricultural pesticide.
Around 150 dead birds were found in various locations across the city on Wednesday of this...

### COUNCILLOR ASKED FOR ANSWERS OVER USE OF POLICE VEHICLE

A Partido Popular councillor from Córdoba, Carmen Sousa, has been criticised by a member of an opposition political group, Francisco Tejada of the UI, after crashing an unmarked local police car which Sousa had been driving on her way home.
The councillor, who holds the post of responsibility for the police and security, has been using the police vehicle for her personal use since taking office, which she keeps at her home at night, on account of being a “councillor 24 hours a day”, according to her statement.
Sousa also states that her use of the vehicle has never been hidden, and that the first thing she did when taking the car was to inform the unions who represent the police.
Sousa also states that by driving the car herself, she has made savings to the municipality by no longer requiring a chauffeur, a serving police officer who has been returned to normal duties, a situation which happened 18 months ago.
However, according to the complaint by the UI spokesman, having learnt of the use of the car after the accident “is likely that the councillor is not only using the vehicle for their professional and political use, but also activities for private reasons”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42426/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A Partido Popular councillor from Córdoba, Carmen Sousa, has been criticised by a member of an opposition political group, Francisco Tejada of the UI, after crashing an unmarked local police car which Sousa had been driving on her way home.
The...

### TRAFFIC OFFICERS ASKED NOT TO USE MOBILES

The directorate of the Guardia Civil has issued an internal notice stating that the DGT traffic department insist that serving officers must not use their mobile phone whilst driving, as it “gives a bad image”.
Numerous pictures have appeared on internet sites of police officers using their mobiles whilst driving, a legally permitted function for them, as long as it is in line with their duties.
However, given that they now actively enforce the law that carries a 200 euro fine and the loss of three penalty points, it is considered that they must now “lead by example”.
The internal memo, dated January the 23rd, that was sent to the 8,700 patrol officers, prohibits “the use of private mobile phone and its applications in service, unless timely, exceptional or in emergency situations”.
Although not currently enforceable under law, it is seen as an interim compromise whereas if the officers comply and the image of the corps improves, then there would be no further action needed. The DGT have not ruled out presenting a notion in the future to apply the rule as law.
A spokesperson for the Guardia Civil said that, “Mobile phone use is widespread in our society and you cannot prohibit officers from carrying them at work, all that can be asked is that the exercise logic and reasonable use of it”.
Referring to the perceived negative image that the public has, a DGT spokesperson said that that images caught on camera are “isolated cases, and are not general practice. They have, therefore, chosen to “issue this kind of notice before any abusive behaviour degenerates into a disciplinary sanction”.
In addition to the use of mobile phones when driving and on duty, the memo also prevents officers from using their personal mobiles for official business and communication. Applications such as WhatsApp have been shown to be of significant benefit to law enforcement and public safety, even attributing numerous life saving operations to the app, but “these communications must be made through official technical means to ensure their effectiveness and confidentiality”, it states.
One of the principle unions representing the Guardia Civil say that they “do not understand” the reason for the memo, considering that they are “another tool in our work, especially in the XXI century”, which have proven vital “especially in small units, with more limited means, as many officers use their mobile phone to check the weather, for example, key to road safety”.
A second union group however said that it is “just a general warning not to abuse the system”, and that they understand that the mobile can be an element of distraction but also remember that many agents use them for their duties.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42425/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The directorate of the Guardia Civil has issued an internal notice stating that the DGT traffic department insist that serving officers must not use their mobile phone whilst driving, as it “gives a bad image”.
Numerous pictures have appea...

### What’s on: Saturday 1st February, 2014

Saturday 1st February, 2014
ORIHUELA
Large Medieval Market on the historic streets of the city (Until 1st Feb).
Photography exhibition - “ADIS ROCK 2013”, Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja (Until 7th Feb).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Ballet Kebanna, cine infantil, Zenia Boulevard.
TORREVIEJA
22:00 – Spanish superstar, Rosa López in concert, Teatro Municipal.


Orihuela Medieval Market

SÁBADO 1 FEBRERO (Zona Árabe)

11:30 h. “Danza Clásica Oriental”, Pza. Del Carmen.

11:30 h. Pasacalles “Música Medieval”, Pza. Sª Lucía .

12:00 h. “Pasacalles de Animación”, Pza. Sª Lucía.

12:00h. “Folklore Al – Andalus y el Magueb”, Pza. Santiago l.

12:30 h. “Pregón Orihuela Medieval”, Pza. Del Carmen.

12:30h. “Exhibición de Cetrería Árabe”, en Pza. Santiago.

12:30 h. “Laranda”,  Pl Santiago.

13:00 h.  Pasacalles “Música Medieval”, Pza. Salvador.

13:00 h. “Danzas Zíngaras”, Pza. Del Carmen.

13:00 h. “Danzas Bereberes”, Pza. Santiago.

13:30 h. “Totus Nou” y “El Verdugo”, Pza. Salvador.

14:00 h. “Danzas Árabes”, Pza. Del Carmen.

17:00 h. “Danzas Árabes”, Pza. Del Carmen.

17:30 h. “Fantasía Medieval”, Pza. Del Salvador.

18:00 h. “Exhibición de Cetrería”, Pza. Santiago.

18:00 h. “El Baúl Viajero”, Pza. Del Carmen.

18:30 h. “Danzas Zíngaras”, Pza. Del Carmen.

18:30 h. “Folklore Egipcio” Pza. Santiago.

19:00 h. “Música Medieval”, Pza. Del Salvador .

19:30 h. “Fantasía Medieval”, Pza. Del Salvador .

20:00 h.  “La Gala”, Pza. Del Carmen.

20:30 h. “Folklore Árabe”, Pza. Santiago.

SÁBADO 1 FEBRERO (Zona Cristiana)

11:00 h. Pasacalles “Música Medieval” , Pza. Sª Lucía .

11:30 h. “Exhibición de Cetrería Cristiana”, Plaza Sª. Lucía.

12:00 h. “Pasacalles de Animación”, Pza. Santa Lucía.

12:30 h. Teatro “Un Arcoiris de Cuentos”, Pza. Marqués de Rafal.

12:30h. Pasacalles “Música Medieval”, Pza. Sª Lucía.

13:00 h. “Torneo Medieval”, Rincón Hernandiano.

13:00 h. “Circuento”, malabares Infantiles Rincón Hernandiano.

13:00 h. “Los Recaudadores” Pza. Sª Lucía .

13:30 h. “Malabares Medievales”, Pza. Marqués de Rafal.

13:30 h. Pasacalles “Música Medieval”, Pza. Sª Lucía.

13:30 h. “Anécdotas de Alfonso X el Sabio”, Pza. Salvador.

14:00 h.  “Música Medieval”, Pza. Sª Lucía .

14:30 h. Pasacalles “Música Medieval”, Pza. Salvador.

14:30 h. “Montalvo Vs Montilla”, Pza. Marqués de Rafal.

17:00 h. “Pasacalles de Animación”, Pza. Salvador.

17:00 h. “Exhibición de Cetrería Cristiana”, Plaza Sª. Lucía.

17:30 h. “Malabares Medievales”, Pza. Marqués de Rafal.

18:00 h. “Firma del Tratado”, Pza. Del Salvador .

18:00 h. “Torneo Medieval”, Rincón Hernandiano.

18:00 h. “Música Medieval” , Pza. Sª Lucía h.

18:00 h.  “Montalvo Vs Montilla”, Pza. Marqués de Rafal.

18:30 h.  “Circuento”, malabares Infantiles , Pza. Del Salvador.

18:30 h. “Fantasía Medieval”, Pza. Sª Lucía.

19:00 h. “Malabares Medievales”, Pza. Marqués de Rafal.

19:00 h. “Los Sastrecillos del Rey” y “La Familia Hontoria”, Pza. Del Salvador .19:30 h. “Danzas del Vientre y de los Velos”, Pza. Santiago.

20:00 h. “El Secreto Mejor Guardado”, Pza. Marqués de Rafal.

20:30 h. Teatro Municipal Orihuela, Obra: “Halewyn” Autor: M.Ghelderode,

21:00 h. “Concierto Celta”, Pza. Marqués de Rafal.

21:30 h. Teatro Municipal Orihuela, Obra: “Halewyn” Autor: M.Ghelderode, C/Doctor Sarget -Caja Rural Central.7

22:00 h. “La Noche de la Bestia”, Pza. Marqués de Rafal.

### What’s on: Friday 31st January, 2014

Friday 31st January, 2014
MADRID
Michael Bublé, Palacio De Deportes Comunidad De Madrid.
ORIHUELA
Large Medieval Market on the historic streets of the city (Until 1st Feb).
Exhibition - “Lápiz, papel y bombas”, (Pencil, paper and bombs), Civil war drawings, Sala San Juan de Dios (Until 31st Jan).
Photography exhibition - “ADIS ROCK 2013”, Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja (Until 7th Feb).
Children´s book conference, Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner - Sala multiusos.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Clowns, Zenia Boulevard.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Photographic exhibition, Casa de Cultura (Until 31st Jan).
TORREVIEJA
20:00 – Book presentation, “Ramón Llull. Vida Coeténea”, Santos Ochoa.
21:00 – Carnival Queen presentation, Teatro Municipal.
 

Orihuela Medieval Market

VIERNES 31 ENERO (Zona Árabe)

11:00 h. Folklore de “Al-Andalus” y el “Magueb”,  Pza. Santiago

12:00 h. Pregón de Inauguración, Puerta Ayuntamiento.

12:30 h. Pasacalles “Laranda”,  Pza. Santiago.

12:30 h. “Un Arcoiris de Cuentos” teatro infantil en Plaza del Carmen.

12:30 h. Exhibición de Cetrería Árabe, Plaza Santiago.

13:00 h.  “Danzas Bereberes”,  Plaza Santiago.

14:00 h.  “La Mesta “ y “Pícaros y Truanes”, Plaza Santiago.

14:00 h.  Pasacalles “Música Medieval”, Santo Domingo.

17:00 h. “Pasacalles de Animación”, Plaza Santiago.

17:00 h. “Malabares Medievales”, Pza. Del Carmen.

17:30 h.  Pasacalles “Música Medieval”, Pza. Sta. Lucía.

18:00 h. Exhibición de Cetrería Árabe, Plaza Santiago.

18:00 h. Teatro “Montalvo Vs. Montilla”, Pza. Santiago.

18:00 h. Teatro “El Baúl Viajero”, Pza. Del Carmen.

18:30 h. “Folklore Egipcio”, Pza. Santiago.

19:00 h. Pasacalles “Música Medieval”, Pza. Sª Lucía.

19:00 h. “Tersites el Persa”, Pza. Santiago.

19:30 h. “Danzas del Vientre y de los Velos”, Pza. Santiago.

20:00 h. Circo “La Gala”, Pza. Del Carmen.

20:30 h. “Folklore Árabe”, Pza. Santiago.

VIERNES 31 ENERO (Zona Cristiana)

11:00 h. Gran Pasacalles Inaugural, Santo Domingo.

11:30 h. Exhibición de Cetrería Cristiana, Pza. Sª Lucía

12:30 h. Pasacalles “Música Medieval” , Pza. Sª Lucía .

12:30 h. Malabares Medievales, Pza. Marqués de Rafal.

12:30 h. “Circuento”, malabares Infantiles Rincón Hernandiano.

13:00 h.  “Los Amantes”, de Pza. Sª Lucía .

13:00 h. Pasacalles “Música Medieval”, Pza. Sª Lucía hacia Santo Domingo.

13:00 h. “Torneo Medieval”, Rincón Hernandiano.

13:30 h. “Fantasía Medieval”,  Pza. Sª Lucía .

13:30 h.   “Anécdotas de Alfonso X el Sabio”, Pza. Sª Lucía.

14:00 h.  Pasacalles “Música Medieval”, Santo Domingo.

14:30 h. Teatro “Montalvo Vs. Montilla”, Pza. Marqués de Rafal.

14:30 h. “Fantasía Medieval”, Pza. Sª Lucía .

17:00 h. “Pasacalles de Animación”, Pza. Santiago.

17:00 h. “Exhibición de Cetrería Cristiana”, Plaza Sª. Lucía.

17:30 h. “Las Lavanderas” y  “Los Panaderos”, Pza. Marqués de Rafal.

18:00 h. “Torneo Medieval”, Rincón Hernandiano.

18:00 h. Pasacalles “Música Medieval” , Pza. Sª Lucía.

18:00 h. Teatro “El Convidado”, Pza. Marqués de Rafal.

18:30 h. “Circuento”, Rincón Hernandiano.

18:30 h.  Pasacalles “Música Medieval”, Pza. Salvador .

19:00 h. Pasacalles “Música Medieval”, Pza. Sª Lucía.

19:00 h. “Malabares Medievales”, Pza. Marqués de Rafal.

19:30 h. Pasacalles “Música Medieval”, Pza. Salvador.

20:00 h. Teatro “Cuentos de Amor y Locura”, Pza. Marqués de Rafal.

20:00 h. “Música Medieval”, Pza. Sª Lucía.

20:30 h. Teatro Municipal Orihuela, Obra: “Halewyn” Autor: M.Ghelderode, C/Doctor Sarget -Caja Rural Central.

20:30 h.  Pasacalles “Música Medieval” Pza. Del Salvador .

21:00 h. “El Mito de Cupito y Psique”, Pza. Marqués de Rafal.

21:30 h. Teatro Municipal Orihuela, Obra: “Halewyn” Autor: M.Ghelderode, C/Doctor Sarget -Caja Rural Central.

 

### AT THE CROSSROADS

The coming days will be decisive for the future of the ATM industry in Europe.
Today,Thursday 30th, the Transport Committee of the European Parliament will hold a meeting with the seemingly laudable aim of unifying and clarifying the regulatory framework of the Single European Sky. To get this, the old regulatory  framework of the Single European Sky, and those related to the provision of Air Navigation Services will be replaced by a new legislative package, well known as SES 2 + .
Behind of this "good intentions", the new SES 2 + regulatory package is, in fact, the detonator of the fragmentation and privatization of the majority of Air Navigation Services. If SES 2+ goes ahead, only the Air Traffic Services will be appointed by the Member States (as a concession to the member states to avoid fears regarding  the national airspace safeguard)  while the rest of the services will be subject to unbundling and privatization in such a level, that will be put them completely out from the aeronautical environment.
One of the most serious consequences of this process, accepted by the European Commission, is the loss of over 10,000 jobs across Europe, along with a likely decline in the working conditions of these employees. This fragmentation and multiplication of air navigation services providers will also mean the deprofesionalisation of these essential services in Air Navigation, which will result in loss of quality in the provision of those services, as well as a deterioration of Aviation Safety itself.
Another "battlefront" on these days is regarding to the proposals of the Commission about the performance targets to be achieve by Air Navigation Service Providers during the reference period 2015/2019 (RP2). This are organized in four key areas: Safety, Capacity, Environment and Cost - Efficiency. These objectives are generally described as clearly unrealistic, even bordering the hallucination.
It will put also the Air Navigation Service Providers in serious economic difficulties, because their incomes will decrease by nearly 25 % over current. As you can imagine, like in the previous case, the impact on the quality and safety of Air Navigation Services will be devastating if this requirements goes ahead.
Both initiatives threaten to create the "perfect storm” in the skies of Europe, a storm of unpredictable end, and the first effects will be noticed soon!
Which is the reason of this?  Of course, it has a clear relationship to costs reductions. Using the unfairly comparison with the United States  FAA, despite the obvious differences, the European Commission is trying to find a way to reduce more and more the Air Navigation Services costs ... at all cost!.  
Where is the cost reduction to the Airspace users if an extra charge must be paid to support the extension of the activities of the National Supervisory Authorities?
In other words, multiplication of Air Navigation Services Providers will be allowed in order to save money, but this will lead in more expenses (and more resources) to the NSAs, because they will need money to supervise all of them  ... where is the sense on this? 
Regarding ATM professionals, this fragmentation will probably lead to the extinction of several groups of professional like ATSEPs in Europe. ATSEPs have a deep knowledge of, not only his professional matters, but also in Aeronautical environment, which is needed to work in safety related tasks. ANSPs need dedicated professionals, not unskilled and unstable workers!
Of course, this must have a response from the Social part.
Today, the ATC EUC, the European Air Traffic Controllers Unions Coordination is celebrating an Action Day. Total and partial strikes and other acts of protest will continue until day 30.
Also tomorrow, January 30, the ETF (European Transport Federation) has also another day of protest, which includes all personnel of the ATM sector (ATSEPs, AIM managers and ATCOs among others). The protests planned by the ETF, which consist of temporary stoppages, press conferences and press releases spread throughout all Europe. Protest will also be located in Brussels, in front of the European Parliament.
All workers in the European ATM Sector supported the creation of the Single European Sky, and the social part has been actively involved both on the legislative development and the also in the concept and research projects at SESAR JU. However, today we cannot accept this attack on the labor conditions of workers in the ATM industry and the future of the respective ANSP's in which are they serving.
The FSAI supports both initiatives, which are aimed doubtless to the same aim:
To stop the SES2 + initiative, who has a dogmatic approach to liberalization of air navigation services, ignoring the public service nature of the ATM Industry.  Stop a process that harms workers, both in the quality and quantity of their jobs. Stop a process, which seriously jeopardizes the economic stability of the Air Navigation Service Providers, affecting among others the tourism industry our country.
Stop a process that puts the goals of “cost efficiency" before than Safety, and stop a process in which the human factor should be one of the pillars on which the SES must be supported.
Therefore, the FSAI calls all its members and the rest of AENA workers to express their protest against the European Commission.
All actions will be coordinated both within the IFATSEA Eurogroup, and through direct contacts with trade unions, professional associations and other ATM industry professionals in Europe and in Spain.
FSAI FEDERAL COMMITTEE - SPAIN 
 
To follow live TRAN Committee session on the 30th:
 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/ep-live/es/committees/video?event=20140130-0900-COMMITTEE-TRANFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42424/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The coming days will be decisive for the future of the ATM industry in Europe.
Today,Thursday 30th, the Transport Committee of the European Parliament will hold a meeting with the seemingly laudable aim of unifying and clarifying the regulatory framework of the Single European Sky. To get this, the old regulatory  framework of the Single European Sky, and those related to the provision of Air Navigation Services will be replaced by a new legislative package, well known as SES 2 + .
Behind of this "good intentions", the new SES 2 + regulatory package is, in fact, the detonator of the fragmentation and privatization of the majority of Air Navigation Services. If SES 2+ goes ahead, only the Air Traffic Services will be appointed by the Member States (as a concession to the member states to avoid fears regarding  the national airspace safeguard)  while the rest of the services will be subject to unbundling and privatization in such a level, that will be put them completely out from the aeronautical environment.
One of the most serious consequences of this process, accepted by the European Commission, is the loss of over 10,000 jobs across Europe, along with a likely decline in the working conditions of these employees. This fragmentation and multiplication of air navigation services providers will also mean the deprofesionalisation of these essential services in Air Navigation, which will result in loss of quality in the provision of those services, as well as a deterioration of Aviation Safety itself.
Another "battlefront" on these days is regarding to the proposals of the Commission about the performance targets to be achieve by Air Navigation Service Providers during the reference period 2015/2019 (RP2). This are organized in four key areas: Safety, Capacity, Environment and Cost - Efficiency. These objectives are generally described as clearly unrealistic, even bordering the hallucination.
It will put also the Air Navigation Service Providers in serious economic difficulties, because their incomes will decrease by nearly 25 % over current. As you can imagine, like in the previous case, the impact on the quality and safety of Air Navigation Services will be devastating if this requirements goes ahead.
Both initiatives threaten to create the "perfect storm” in the skies of Europe, a storm of unpredictable end, and the first effects will be noticed soon!
Which is the reason of this?  Of course, it has a clear relationship to costs reductions. Using the unfairly comparison with the United States  FAA, despite the obvious differences, the European Commission is trying to find a way to reduce more and more the Air Navigation Services costs ... at all cost!.  
Where is the cost reduction to the Airspace users if an extra charge must be paid to support the extension of the activities of the National Supervisory Authorities?
In other words, multiplication of Air Navigation Services Providers will be allowed in order to save money, but this will lead in more expenses (and more resources) to the NSAs, because they will need money to supervise all of them  ... where is the sense on this? 
Regarding ATM professionals, this fragmentation will probably lead to the extinction of several groups of professional like ATSEPs in Europe. ATSEPs have a deep knowledge of, not only his professional matters, but also in Aeronautical environment, which is needed to work in safety related tasks. ANSPs need dedicated professionals, not unskilled and unstable workers!
Of course, this must have a response from the Social part.
Today, the ATC EUC, the European Air Traffic Controllers Unions Coordination is celebrating an Action Day. Total and partial strikes and other acts of protest will continue until day 30.
Also tomorrow, January 30, the ETF (European Transport Federation) has also another day of protest, which includes all personnel of the ATM sector (ATSEPs, AIM managers and ATCOs among others). The protests planned by the ETF, which consist of temporary stoppages, press conferences and press releases spread throughout all Europe. Protest will also be located in Brussels, in front of the European Parliament.
All workers in the European ATM Sector supported the creation of the Single European Sky, and the social part has been actively involved both on the legislative development and the also in the concept and research projects at SESAR JU. However, today we cannot accept this attack on the labor conditions of workers in the ATM industry and the future of the respective ANSP's in which are they serving.
The FSAI supports both initiatives, which are aimed doubtless to the same aim:
To stop the SES2 + initiative, who has a dogmatic approach to liberalization of air navigation services, ignoring the public service nature of the ATM Industry.  Stop a process that harms workers, both in the quality and quantity of their jobs. Stop a process, which seriously jeopardizes the economic stability of the Air Navigation Service Providers, affecting among others the tourism industry our country.
Stop a process that puts the goals of “cost efficiency" before than Safety, and stop a process in which the human factor should be one of the pillars on which the SES must be supported.
Therefore, the FSAI calls all its members and the rest of AENA workers to express their protest against the European Commission.
All actions will be coordinated both within the IFATSEA Eurogroup, and through direct contacts with trade unions, professional associations and other ATM industry professionals in Europe and in Spain.
FSAI FEDERAL COMMITTEE - SPAIN 
To follow live TRAN Committee session on the 30th:http://www.europarl.europa.eu/ep-live/es/committees/video?event=20140130-0900-COMMITTEE-TRANFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42424/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### What’s on: Thursday 30th January, 2014

Thursday 30th January, 2014
BARCELONA
Michael Bublé, Palau Sant Jordi.
ORIHUELA
Exhibition - “Lápiz, papel y bombas”, (Pencil, paper and bombs), Civil war drawings, Sala San Juan de Dios (Until 31st Jan).
Photography exhibition - “ADIS ROCK 2013”, Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja (Until 7th Feb).
Workshop on none violence in schools, Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner - Sala infantile.
Documentary Screening: The Master of the Republic, Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner - Sala multiusos.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Peari, saxophonist, Zenia Boulevard.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Photographic exhibition, Casa de Cultura (Until 31st Jan).

### MID SEASON BREAK PROVES POPULAR AT OLIVA NOVA

In the first quarter of 2014 Oliva Nova Beach & Golf Resort will host more than 45 sports teams, all of whom have chosen the resort facilities for their winter training camp during a  break in their national leagues. 
Amongst the sports and countries being hosted there will be football and cycling teams from Germany , UK, Switzerland and China, including football clubs Biel- Bienne, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Shanghai Shensua, Juventus Zurich, KKA Gent, FC Groningen, FC Henan Jianye and the Quickstep Omega Pharma and Cofidis cycling teams who are using the facility for the third consecutive year.
Oliva Nova Beach & Golf Resort, is now firmly established as an Elite, International training facility boasting an excellent Mediterranean climate that complements it's beach setting which can be easily accessed from the hotel. In addition the resort offers four grass football pitches with an 800 capacity stand, an indoor gym with professional fitness equipment and large expansive outdoor areas which are ideal for running and stretching as well as workouts and resistance exercises.
The gymnasium is fitted with state of the art equipment, a Technogym to perform cardiovascular exercise with bicycles, treadmills, etc. and then toning equipment for more specific toning of muscle. There is also a Galileo Fitness platform, a device designed by the European Space Agency (ESA), originally designed for the treatment of osteoporosis and having the same applications for sport. In short, Oliva Nova offers a professional fitness training centre which offers first class facilities to elite athletes regardless of the sport that they follow.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42423/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: In the first quarter of 2014 Oliva Nova Beach & Golf Resort will host more than 45 sports teams, all of whom have chosen the resort facilities for their winter training camp during a  break in their national leagues. 
Amongst the sports and countr...

### RAJOY PLEDGES TO MAINTAIN UNITED SPAIN

During a televised interview last week Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said that efforts were begun a long time ago in Catalonia to resolve the real problems of growth and unemployment, and to strengthen the ties that unite the country within the Spanish Constitution and the law.
In response to questions from the News Editor-in-Chief of the Antena 3 Group, Gloria Lomana, he said that the Spanish State is ready for any scenario. "What I can tell you now is that the law will be followed" and that "a referendum aimed at questioning the sovereignty of the Spanish people will not take place", he said. "What I can assure you of right now", "is that, as long as I am President of the Government of Spain - and I believe I can guarantee this for the future as well, no region of Spain will become independent".
The President of the Government, who described the photograph taken in Durango by the former ETA prisoners as "abhorrent", said he tried to ensure that the meeting did not take place and has requested a legal report to discover whether former prisoners from the terrorist gang can be prevented from standing in municipal elections.
Positive figures in the Spanish economy 
As regards the economic situation in Spain, he stressed that positive data is already starting to emerge. He specifically mentioned "a rate of inflation at 0.3% in December that we have almost never seen before" and the improving risk premium. "Until recently, we were paying for Spanish debt at 7.3% but now that figure has dropped to 3.6%", he said. According to the President of the Government, that represents a saving of some 8.9 billion euros - "money that can obviously be used now to help people in other areas".
Mariano Rajoy believes that "the economic growth data we have seen recently point to a hopeful future", including the unemployment data because, "although not good enough, a trend is now apparent that suggests we can be optimistic as we look ahead to 2014 and subsequently 2015". 
Much work still remains to be done "but, today, at the half-way point in this legislature, I am in a position to tell the people of Spain that the worst is behind us. I am aware of the problems, the difficulties and the sacrifices, but they will soon be able to see that those efforts will produce positive results".
"2012 in Spain was a year in which we had to focus on overcoming the chaos and dreadful economic situation the country was in, with a financial crisis and a public debt crisis of considerable proportions. 2013 was the year in which we created sound foundations for our economy. 2014 is the start of economic growth and job creation, and 2015 will be the year of economic growth consolidation, further job creation and tax decreases", summarised the President of the Government.
Upcoming reforms 
Mariano Rajoy announced that the most important reforms in 2014 will be the tax reform and the reform of the regional financing system. As regards the former, he said it is currently being analysed by a group of experts "who will present their conclusions to us over the course of February. I would like this draft bill to be submitted to Parliament by March or April", said Mariano Rajoy.
As regards the labour reform, he maintained that these steps have produced results and that the evidence can be seen reflected in the fact that, during a situation of negative economic growth in 2013, unemployment actually fell slightly, which "is a clear sign that the labour reform is a good reform", he said. Furthermore, he added that the reform has been held in very high regard by an independent body - the OECD.
Other issues 
As regards the reform of the so-called Abortion Act, the President of the Government said he is willing to talk and reach the broadest consensus within the limits set by the Constitutional Court.
As regards the lack of understanding with the opposition on matters of State, Mariano Rajoy explained that there are indeed issues on which they logically disagree but that there are others, which Mariano Rajoy believes to be very important - such as attempts to de-construct national sovereignty, the policy on Europe and the renewal of institutions - on which agreement does exist.
Regarding the cases of corruption, he regrets that such cases have arisen and said that the Transparency Act approved by the Government of Spain, the Statute of Public Office and the Criminal Code reform are all aimed at preventing such events from being repeated.
As regards the recent events in Gamonal and the actions by the Mayor of Burgos to cancel the construction works, the President of the Government said that the conduct by the people during this episode of crisis has been "exemplary" and said he respects the decision taken by the mayor to change course.
Mariano Rajoy defended the courage of the ministers who form his government because they have had to take some difficult decisions and have done so bravely, which is why he will always support them, he added.
Finally, when asked about the court summons issued for the Infanta Cristina, the President of the Government said he would like, as the King of Spain himself said, that we are all seen as equal in the eyes of the law, and that includes "the presumption of innocence to which the Infanta Cristina is also entitled", he insisted.  In his opinion, she should not have to renounce her dynastic rights.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42418/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: During a televised interview last week Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said that efforts were begun a long time ago in Catalonia to resolve the real problems of growth and unemployment, and to strengthen the ties that unite the country within the Spanish Constitution and the law.
In response to questions from the News Editor-in-Chief of the Antena 3 Group, Gloria Lomana, he said that the Spanish State is ready for any scenario. "What I can tell you now is that the law will be followed" and that "a referendum aimed at questioning the sovereignty of the Spanish people will not take place", he said. "What I can assure you of right now", "is that, as long as I am President of the Government of Spain - and I believe I can guarantee this for the future as well, no region of Spain will become independent".
The President of the Government, who described the photograph taken in Durango by the former ETA prisoners as "abhorrent", said he tried to ensure that the meeting did not take place and has requested a legal report to discover whether former prisoners from the terrorist gang can be prevented from standing in municipal elections.
Positive figures in the Spanish economy 
As regards the economic situation in Spain, he stressed that positive data is already starting to emerge. He specifically mentioned "a rate of inflation at 0.3% in December that we have almost never seen before" and the improving risk premium. "Until recently, we were paying for Spanish debt at 7.3% but now that figure has dropped to 3.6%", he said. According to the President of the Government, that represents a saving of some 8.9 billion euros - "money that can obviously be used now to help people in other areas".
Mariano Rajoy believes that "the economic growth data we have seen recently point to a hopeful future", including the unemployment data because, "although not good enough, a trend is now apparent that suggests we can be optimistic as we look ahead to 2014 and subsequently 2015". 
Much work still remains to be done "but, today, at the half-way point in this legislature, I am in a position to tell the people of Spain that the worst is behind us. I am aware of the problems, the difficulties and the sacrifices, but they will soon be able to see that those efforts will produce positive results".
"2012 in Spain was a year in which we had to focus on overcoming the chaos and dreadful economic situation the country was in, with a financial crisis and a public debt crisis of considerable proportions. 2013 was the year in which we created sound foundations for our economy. 2014 is the start of economic growth and job creation, and 2015 will be the year of economic growth consolidation, further job creation and tax decreases", summarised the President of the Government.
Upcoming reforms 
Mariano Rajoy announced that the most important reforms in 2014 will be the tax reform and the reform of the regional financing system. As regards the former, he said it is currently being analysed by a group of experts "who will present their conclusions to us over the course of February. I would like this draft bill to be submitted to Parliament by March or April", said Mariano Rajoy.
As regards the labour reform, he maintained that these steps have produced results and that the evidence can be seen reflected in the fact that, during a situation of negative economic growth in 2013, unemployment actually fell slightly, which "is a clear sign that the labour reform is a good reform", he said. Furthermore, he added that the reform has been held in very high regard by an independent body - the OECD.
Other issues 
As regards the reform of the so-called Abortion Act, the President of the Government said he is willing to talk and reach the broadest consensus within the limits set by the Constitutional Court.
As regards the lack of understanding with the opposition on matters of State, Mariano Rajoy explained that there are indeed issues on which they logically disagree but that there are others, which Mariano Rajoy believes to be very important - such as attempts to de-construct national sovereignty, the policy on Europe and the renewal of institutions - on which agreement does exist.
Regarding the cases of corruption, he regrets that such cases have arisen and said that the Transparency Act approved by the Government of Spain, the Statute of Public Office and the Criminal Code reform are all aimed at preventing such events from being repeated.
As regards the recent events in Gamonal and the actions by the Mayor of Burgos to cancel the construction works, the President of the Government said that the conduct by the people during this episode of crisis has been "exemplary" and said he respects the decision taken by the mayor to change course.
Mariano Rajoy defended the courage of the ministers who form his government because they have had to take some difficult decisions and have done so bravely, which is why he will always support them, he added.
Finally, when asked about the court summons issued for the Infanta Cristina, the President of the Government said he would like, as the King of Spain himself said, that we are all seen as equal in the eyes of the law, and that includes "the presumption of innocence to which the Infanta Cristina is also entitled", he insisted.  In his opinion, she should not have to renounce her dynastic rights.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42418/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### NEW ABANDONED PATROL CAR FOR CREVILLENT POLICE

The Local Police in Crevillent have been presented with a new patrol car this week, which has been adapted for their use after it was discovered abandoned on one of their roads.
Councillor for the Police and Traffic, Manuel Moya of the ruling Partido Popular, explained during a presentation of the vehicle how it has cost 6,369.46 euro to repair and adapt the vehicle, and emphasised the importance of town halls managing municipal resources with integrity and effectiveness, whilst taking into account the needs of municipal services, especially the local police, during these financially restrictive times.
The SEAT Ibiza is a car, which has number plates indicating May 2006 as its first registration date, required some repairs such as replacing tires and the battery, as well as the installation of emergency lights and siren, flashlights, cones, and other police equipment, as well as the documentary legalization and ITV.
Town halls are allowed to commandeer abandoned vehicles in this way, but only for the purpose of use by law enforcement agencies in their patrols, surveillance and traffic control, as an alternative mechanism to the destruction and decontamination of the vehicle.
A similar situation was brought to light in Orihuela in May of last year, when the previous owner of a Range Rover car spotted his vehicle in Police livery, after that car had been impounded in 2009. Whereas in November of last year, we also reported how Torrevieja town hall had spent nearly three quarters of a million euro on 17 new police vehicles, most of which can still be frequently seen parked idle in the grounds of the police station.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42417/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Local Police in Crevillent have been presented with a new patrol car this week, which has been adapted for their use after it was discovered abandoned on one of their roads.
Councillor for the Police and Traffic, Manuel Moya of the ruling Partido ...

### SOCIALISTS RAISE ORIHUELA MOTION QUESTIONS IN CONGRESS

A senior socialist politician, national deputy Herick Campos, has raised a series of questions in Congress demanding answers from the Government of Mariano Rajoy, asking for explanations of the decisions from the regional delegation over their actions relating to the political situation in Orihuela.
Campos explained that “the attitude of the government delegate in Valencia, Paula Sánchez de León, is totally partisan in ensuring that actions favour of the PP councillors and against the discretion of the Council of Elders”, and has therefore recorded several questions to find out “why they have not acted in the same way in other municipalities”, and even recalling that “in some cases the delegation had not acted when the Council of Elders made choices that violated the legislation, which has been shown by subsequent court decisions”.
Given these facts, the Socialists want to know “if the Government Delegation has a different criteria when to act”, depending on the political group involved, and described it as a “genuine outrage” that the government delegate is considering “filing a legal challenge against the decision of the Council of Elders for not allowing the discussion of the motion of censure”, asking if “the Government Delegation supports the partisan manner of the PP in Orihuela, when it was obvious that the Council of Elders acted in compliance with the law”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42415/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A senior socialist politician, national deputy Herick Campos, has raised a series of questions in Congress demanding answers from the Government of Mariano Rajoy, asking for explanations of the decisions from the regional delegation over their actions ...

### MORTGAGE VALUES REVEAL STARTLING REALITY

Details released by financial comparison company Kelisto.es, revel this week that more than 580,000 people in Spain now have mortgages at a value greater than the property they used the loan to purchase.
In other words, one in ten of all mortgage holders are now in a situation that should the worst case scenario happen to them, losing their home would not be the end of the financial burden, as they would still owe a debt to the bank.
However, the company also envisage the situation as getting worse rather than easing and estimate that in 2015, the number of mortgage holders in this situation will reach more than 710,000.
This is the first time such a study has been conducted into the Spanish home financing market, which reflects an exponential growth during the last five years of those affected. In 2009, the so called “bubble only” mortgages accounted for 0.3% of all those outstanding, yet four years later, that figure has increased to 9.5% of the total at the end of 2013, resulting in the estimate of 11.3% of the total in 2015.
According to Estefanía González , responsible for personal finances at Kelisto, “The number of people affected has not stopped growing”, explaining that “The most significant increase occurred in 2011, when the number of “bubble” mortgages grew a spectacular 847% over the previous year.
In terms of money, the estimated figure involved in this crisis has been put at 13 billion euro by the end of 2013, with the estimated average difference in the value of the mortgage against the value of the property being in the region of 22,216 euro, based on an average mortgage of just over 100,000 euro. 
The average price of housing in Spain has fallen by 38.5% from 245,313 euro in 2007 to 150,787 euro in 2013, largely causing this situation to develop. Beyond the direct responsibility of the homeowners who may have borrowed in good faith, the value of the properties has simply dropped beyond any reasonable assumption.
The value of the mortgages is not around 114%, although in some cases it is as much as 140% of the appraised value, a figure also expected to increase over the next two years.
“We estimate that housing will fall by 17%, which will increase undoubtedly the number of “bubble” mortgages, especially those mortgages that were issued several years ago and now are on the border”, according to González.
The problem is spread across the whole of the country, but some areas are more affected than others. Catalonia and Madrid are the regions most affected by the impact this type of mortgage. In these regions, the price of housing has fallen by 47.2% in Catalonia, and 43.4% in Madrid. Of the total 581,441 homes that were worth less than their loans in 2013, 42.6% were concentrated in these two communities.
Third on the list of most affected regions in Valencia, where 11.6% of the total number of properties which are now worth less than the mortgage are located, a total of 67,181 homes, slightly ahead of Andalucía with 66,418, but considerably ahead of the next in place, Castilla y León, with 26,668.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42414/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Details released by financial comparison company Kelisto.es, revel this week that more than 580,000 people in Spain now have mortgages at a value greater than the property they used the loan to purchase.
In other words, one in ten of all mortgage hold...

### What’s on: Wednesday 29th January, 2014

Wednesday 29th January, 2014
ORIHUELA
Exhibition - “Lápiz, papel y bombas”, (Pencil, paper and bombs), Civil war drawings, Sala San Juan de Dios (Until 31st Jan).
Photography exhibition - “ADIS ROCK 2013”, Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja (Until 7th Feb).
Creative Writing course.
ORIHUELA COSTA
Playstation games, Zenia Boulevard.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Photographic exhibition, Casa de Cultura (Until 31st Jan).
SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR
10:00 - “Cognitive stimulation and Memory” workshop, Edificio de Igualdad y Servicios Sociales.

### NATIONAL POLICE ASK FOR ASSISTANCE IN MANHUNT

The National Police are asking for assistance in locating a 53 year old man wanted in connection with a shooting incident in Plasencia, a market city in the province of Cáceres, Extremadura, Western Spain.
Rafael Robles García is described as 53 years of age, 170 centimetres tall, thick set, with a greying, long goatee beard, although he may now be clean shaven. He normally wears glasses, but not always.
He was last seen wearing a camouflage duffle coat and hat described as being of a “Scottish” type of cloth, so likely to be tartan. 
It is believed that the man shot a young woman and her baby last Wednesday in a garage in the town of Plasencia, after the man had threatened the victim with the weapon, resulting in a disagreement, with the woman managing to flee with the child when the man wasn´t looking. Realising she was escaping, it is believed that the man then shot at the woman.
Rafael Robles García has already faced the judicial system for the intentional killing of another victim in 2001 and is now wanted for arrest in connection with a crime of attempted murder, illegal detention and threats. 
Rafael Robles García is believed to be carrying weapons and if seen, the police should be contacted immediately, either by contacting any local law enforcement officer, or by emailing the Plasencia police direct on plasencia.gpj@policia.es or by telephoning them on 927 42 62 54 or 927 41 00 46.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42412/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The National Police are asking for assistance in locating a 53 year old man wanted in connection with a shooting incident in Plasencia, a market city in the province of Cáceres, Extremadura, Western Spain.
Rafael Robles García is describ...

### INBOUND TOURISTS TOP 60 MILLION IN 2013

In his recent speech to members of the tourism industry, Mariano Rajoy highlighted the fact that performance by the sector "has once again become a source of satisfaction and good news this year. That was the case throughout the crisis and has been for decades".
 According to the President of the Government, these results are due to the extensive nature and high quality of the tourism offer in Spain but also to the efforts made by the competent authorities and the business leaders and employees in the sector, who he congratulated on their hard work.
The efforts made by everyone in the sector mean that the tourism data from 2013 are "the best figures in the history of Spain". Mariano Rajoy explained that the 60 million inbound tourist barrier has been broken for the first time after growth of 5.6% on the previous year was recorded in 2013 and the previous record set in 2007 of 58.7 million inbound tourists was shattered.
Spain has thus returned to "third place in the world according to this indicator, after moving above China" to a position behind France with 83 million inbound tourists and the United States with 67 million.
The President of the Government underlined another important indicator: spending by inbound tourists also posted a new all-time record with a figure of 55.9 billion euros between January and November 2013 - almost 9 points higher than the figure posted in 2012. According to Mariano Rajoy, "we can clearly see that a new record is being set and that last year was also a record in terms of spending per tourist".
Leaving the crisis behind
The President of the Government acknowledged that "this crisis has caused unquestionable damage" - as highlighted by the unemployment figures - but that "Spain is now leaving the crisis behind and heading towards recovery".
In his opinion, the reformist programme implemented at the start of this legislature has led to a change in the global perception of Spain and "the world is now betting on Spain because Spain today is a winning bet".
Evidence of that, he said, can be found in the fact that the Government of Spain is forecasting growth of 0.7% this year - a forecast that is "rather conservative when compared with other forecasts being made on the performance of our economy".
However, the President of the Government said that "confidence in our future is not synonymous with satisfaction and by no means a reflection of decreasing efforts" because the reforms will continue. In fact, he said the government will present "a comprehensive fiscal reform aimed at improving the fight against fraud, stimulating business activity and alleviating the fiscal burden on households" within the next few months.
He highlighted the strong influence by the tourism sector on this turnaround, a "true flagship of our economy". Mariano Rajoy believes that tourism has a "trickle-down effect" on other parts of the economy and "is one of the sectors posting the best performance data during years of real hardship, with positive results even at times when it was thought impossible".
Tourism: Spain's face to the world
The President of the Government said that this positive performance by the sector in recent years has brought about a golden era for Spanish tourism, with positive figures posted by all autonomous regions and a successful combination of opening up to new markets and a strengthening of results from existing markets. The reactivation of domestic tourism can be added to this scenario.
The President of the Government believes "the right atmosphere must be created for tourism activity to flourish, a stable framework for investment, one capable of guaranteeing the rules of the game and enhancing entrepreneurship and attracting young people into this sector".
Mariano Rajoy encouraged business leaders and employees in the tourism sector to keep working together with the public authorities on maintaining this positive trend and stressed that "the 'Spain' tourism brand is undoubtedly a powerful aspect of our country brand as it represents our face to the entire world". Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42411/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: In his recent speech to members of the tourism industry, Mariano Rajoy highlighted the fact that performance by the sector "has once again become a source of satisfaction and good news this year. That was the case throughout the crisis and has been for decades".
 According to the President of the Government, these results are due to the extensive nature and high quality of the tourism offer in Spain but also to the efforts made by the competent authorities and the business leaders and employees in the sector, who he congratulated on their hard work.
The efforts made by everyone in the sector mean that the tourism data from 2013 are "the best figures in the history of Spain". Mariano Rajoy explained that the 60 million inbound tourist barrier has been broken for the first time after growth of 5.6% on the previous year was recorded in 2013 and the previous record set in 2007 of 58.7 million inbound tourists was shattered.
Spain has thus returned to "third place in the world according to this indicator, after moving above China" to a position behind France with 83 million inbound tourists and the United States with 67 million.
The President of the Government underlined another important indicator: spending by inbound tourists also posted a new all-time record with a figure of 55.9 billion euros between January and November 2013 - almost 9 points higher than the figure posted in 2012. According to Mariano Rajoy, "we can clearly see that a new record is being set and that last year was also a record in terms of spending per tourist".
Leaving the crisis behind
The President of the Government acknowledged that "this crisis has caused unquestionable damage" - as highlighted by the unemployment figures - but that "Spain is now leaving the crisis behind and heading towards recovery".
In his opinion, the reformist programme implemented at the start of this legislature has led to a change in the global perception of Spain and "the world is now betting on Spain because Spain today is a winning bet".
Evidence of that, he said, can be found in the fact that the Government of Spain is forecasting growth of 0.7% this year - a forecast that is "rather conservative when compared with other forecasts being made on the performance of our economy".
However, the President of the Government said that "confidence in our future is not synonymous with satisfaction and by no means a reflection of decreasing efforts" because the reforms will continue. In fact, he said the government will present "a comprehensive fiscal reform aimed at improving the fight against fraud, stimulating business activity and alleviating the fiscal burden on households" within the next few months.
He highlighted the strong influence by the tourism sector on this turnaround, a "true flagship of our economy". Mariano Rajoy believes that tourism has a "trickle-down effect" on other parts of the economy and "is one of the sectors posting the best performance data during years of real hardship, with positive results even at times when it was thought impossible".
Tourism: Spain's face to the world
The President of the Government said that this positive performance by the sector in recent years has brought about a golden era for Spanish tourism, with positive figures posted by all autonomous regions and a successful combination of opening up to new markets and a strengthening of results from existing markets. The reactivation of domestic tourism can be added to this scenario.
The President of the Government believes "the right atmosphere must be created for tourism activity to flourish, a stable framework for investment, one capable of guaranteeing the rules of the game and enhancing entrepreneurship and attracting young people into this sector".
Mariano Rajoy encouraged business leaders and employees in the tourism sector to keep working together with the public authorities on maintaining this positive trend and stressed that "the 'Spain' tourism brand is undoubtedly a powerful aspect of our country brand as it represents our face to the entire world". Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42411/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### ‘LA REGIA' FOOTBRIDGE NEARS COMPLETION

La Regia residents can't but fail to have noticed the work that has been going on for the last 4 weeks on the construction of the new footbridge at km 50 on the N332, particularly as it nears completion.
At a cost of 231,900 euro the bridge has been a long time demand of residents residing on the inland side of the road at the southern end of ‘Cabo Roig strip' who complain of isolation. 
There have been regular protests at the long, but necessary, journeys needing to be made on foot in order to take advantage of the basic facilities available on the coastal side of the road, especially from the sick or injured, many of them in advancing years, when needing to use the services at the local medical centre.
For many the installation of the new footbridge will cut their journey distance by about a mile. 
The project is being managed by Councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer who has long promised the new footbridge. In November she outlined the timetable for its installation which is pretty much on schedule. With the arrival on Monday of the final pieces of the overhead bridge the installation could be completed by the end of this week.
The main superstructure itself was erected in a single section, so as to avoid the lengthy process of assembly on the La Regia site. 
Over the last three months engineers have built and installed the pillars that will hold and support the bridge in place. When all the elements are in place for the final assembly a large crane will be brought in to handle themost complicated aspect of the operation, something that is likely to be performed overnight so as to avoid major disruption and traffic jams.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42410/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: La Regia residents can't but fail to have noticed the work that has been going on for the last 4 weeks on the construction of the new footbridge at km 50 on the N332, particularly as it nears completion.
At a cost of 231,900 euro the bridge has been a...

### SPECSAVERS COLLECTS 4,500 PAIRS OF GLASSES FOR CHARITY

Mike Stone from Specsavers Opticas presenting the glasses collected by their Javea and Calpe stores to Beverley Stewart, Bob Sydney and Hugh Stewart from Calpe and Benissa Lions Club.
On 10th October Specsavers Opticas launched a campaign to collect 3,000 pairs of unwanted glasses in just three months to be given to the Lions Club International and distributed to those in need. This campaign strove to give the gift of sight to some of the world's poorest people and the response has been fantastic. 4,436 pairs of glasses have been donated over the three month campaign across all eight stores, well over the target!
José Ángel Moral-Tajadura, Specsavers Opticas' Business Development Manager commented “We would like to say a huge thank you to all the generous people, the media and local organizations who have helped support the campaign and donated their unwanted glasses. Every pair will make a huge difference to someone's life.”
The glasses donated during the campaign will be sent to the Lions Club's recycling plant in Alicante where they are first separated into single vision, bifocals, varifocals and sunglasses. They are then graded according to prescription strength, cleaned and boxed for distribution. 
Lions Club representatives are located across many developing countries including Africa and India. They test the eyes of locals and send requests for the required prescription glasses onto the fulfilment plant. Lions Club International collects around 70,000 pairs of glasses to be re-dispensed every year, with each one being donated and hand selected for specific people in need.
Janette Bennett, president of the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club commented: ‘There is always a shortage of glasses in developing countries as they have no medical support, so Specsavers' donations are absolutely vital to people with poor vision. It's amazing that they have been able to collect over 4,000 pairs in just 3 months, it will help so many people to lead a fuller life and we are really grateful to the company and the community for donating their glasses to this great cause.'
Specsavers Opticas will continue to have a strong relationship with the Lions Club and glasses can be donated at any of their eight stores on the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Mallorca. To find your nearest store visit www.specsavers.es Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42407/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Mike Stone from Specsavers Opticas presenting the glasses collected by their Javea and Calpe stores to Beverley Stewart, Bob Sydney and Hugh Stewart from Calpe and Benissa Lions Club.
On 10th October Specsavers Opticas launched a campaign to collect 3...

### FIRE TRAINING IN SAN PEDRO

More than twenty volunteers from the protección civil attended a fire prevention training course in San Pedro del Pinatar this weekend.
Members from the Municipal Emergency Services ran the theoretical and practical course, which included, amongst other things, how to identify the different types of fire extinguishers and how to handle hose pipes, as well as fixed fire detection systems and fire fighting.
The attendees were also given instruction on how to identify potential hazards and identifying preventative measures in such cases.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42391/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: More than twenty volunteers from the protección civil attended a fire prevention training course in San Pedro del Pinatar this weekend.
Members from the Municipal Emergency Services ran the theoretical and practical course, which included, amon...

### FEAR GROWS OVER ASIAN INVADERS SET TO DESTROY NATIVES

Bee keepers across Spain are battening down the hatches in preparation of an impending invasion.
A plague of “devouring bees” is set to wreak havoc in Spain in the next few months, as the Asian Wasp, to call it by its common name, is expected to land in the northern, western and central areas of the peninsular. 
The Asian Wasp is known to destroy other colonies of hives, as they fight and stab the native bees, often splitting them in two with a brutal stab.
Paulino Marcos, representative of a bee keeping association in the Portugal bordering region of Extremadura, says that bee keepers are preparing for the attack, by sharing information and knowledge of how to create traps, as well as sourcing professional protectors for the native bees.
“There is a great fear in Extremadura of the arrival of this animal”, says Marcos, “which is why we have to fight, as partners do in other communities, by placing traps that attract wasps into various products, such as white wine or syrup”.
The Asian predatory wasp, or Vespa velutina, feeds on insects like ants, butterflies, aphids, or bees, and is easily recognized by its thorax and abdomen, which highlights the black in relation to yellow.
Believed to have probably originating in India, and spread across Asia native to places like China, Europe in spring and summer fits in well to its desire for a milder climate.
At the end of 2012, scientists reported seeing the first specimens of this animal in the peninsular from northern France, and in 2013 spreading throughout the Basque Country, Navarre and Burgos, among others.
According to distribution maps prepared by experts, this wasp, which is not harmful to humans and does not attack other than in defence, could colonize the peninsula in the coming years as they are progressively travelling  further during each seasonal progression.
Environmentalists are increasingly concerned over the impact that mass deaths of insects such as bees, butterflies and mosquitoes, all of which play a crucial part in the ecosystem, can have on the future of the planet.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42387/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Bee keepers across Spain are battening down the hatches in preparation of an impending invasion.
A plague of “devouring bees” is set to wreak havoc in Spain in the next few months, as the Asian Wasp, to call it by its common name, is expec...

### What’s on: Tuesday 28th January, 2014

Tuesday 28th January, 2014
ORIHUELA
Lecture, Museums in Orihuela and the International Declaration on Cultural Tourism and Sustainable Museums, Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Moliner.
Exhibition - “Lápiz, papel y bombas”, (Pencil, paper and bombs), Civil war drawings, Sala San Juan de Dios (Until 31st Jan).
Photography exhibition - “ADIS ROCK 2013”, Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja (Until 7th Feb).
ORIHUELA COSTA
Magic show, Zenia Boulevard.
PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Photographic exhibition, Casa de Cultura (Until 31st Jan).

### CANCER DEATH RATES DROP BY 13 PERCENT IN SPAIN

The mortality rate of cancer sufferers has reduced by 13% since 1990 in Spain, considered a positive result, but considerably less than the 20% reduction in countries like France and Germany.
Partly attributed to generally living longer, and better screening techniques being available, there has been an increase in the number of cancer cases reported in Spain, with the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology this week stating that there were 215,534 cases diagnosed in 2012, of which two thirds are corresponded to patients over 65. 
Dr. Pilar Garrido presented the data, saying that many more people now overcome cancer and live a normal life. 
Overall, across both sexes, the most common cancers in are colorectal with 15%, prostate with 12.9%, lung with 12.4%, breast with 11.7% and bladder with 6.4% of all cancers diagnosed.
By gender, prostate, lung and colorectal cancer are the most prevalent in men, whilst the most common cancer in women is of the breast, followed by colorectal and corpus uteri.
In terms of death rates overall, lung cancer leads the way with 20.6%, which also causes a higher mortality rate in men of 27.4% and 9.4% of women. Breast cancer is the biggest killer of women, responsible for 15.5% of deaths. Colorectal cancer is responsible for 14.3% of deaths overall, 13.7% of men and 15.2% of women. Prostate cancer is attributed to the death of 8.6% of male cancer sufferers.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42386/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The mortality rate of cancer sufferers has reduced by 13% since 1990 in Spain, considered a positive result, but considerably less than the 20% reduction in countries like France and Germany.
Partly attributed to generally living longer, and better sc...

### TANKER CRASH CAUSES DIESEL SPILLAGE

A tanker truck carrying 3,200 litres of diesel fuel overturned in an accident on Monday, on the A-7 motorway at Alginet, south of Valencia, resulting in around 300 litres spilling from the vehicle.
The Valencia Fire Consortium and Centre for Information and Coordination of Emergencies report that the incident happened at around 10:30 on Monday, when the truck, travelling in the Alicante direction, left the road and overturned on an embankment, clear of the road.
The 31 year old driver suffered multiple injuries and was taken to hospital. 
The emergency services worked to contain the fuel leak, whilst awaiting the arrival of another tanker in order to transfer the remaining fuel.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42385/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A tanker truck carrying 3,200 litres of diesel fuel overturned in an accident on Monday, on the A-7 motorway at Alginet, south of Valencia, resulting in around 300 litres spilling from the vehicle.
The Valencia Fire Consortium and Centre for Informati...

### BIKER KILLED ON N-332

A 39 year old motorcyclist died on Monday following a head-on crash with a passenger car on the N-332 near Pilar de la Horadada.
According to reports from the Guardia the Civil and the Emergency Information Centre, the accident occurred at around 09:30 at kilometre 41.3. 
A SAMU ambulance attended but could only confirm the death of the Spanish rider. The driver of the car was not physically injured.
An investigation is now being carried out.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42384/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A 39 year old motorcyclist died on Monday following a head-on crash with a passenger car on the N-332 near Pilar de la Horadada.
According to reports from the Guardia the Civil and the Emergency Information Centre, the accident occurred at around 09:3...

### SEX TRAFFICKING GANG DISMANTLED

A human trafficking gang responsible for transporting young Nigerian women into prostitution in Europe has been dismantled, following a joint investigation involving Home Office Immigration Enforcement, Border Force and the Spanish National Police. 
The network used London's Heathrow Airport as a transit hub to move the women, some of whom were under 18, to mainland Europe for the purposes of sexual exploitation.
The British end of the investigation began in 2011 when Border Force officers at Heathrow intercepted a number of females in transit from Nigeria to mainland Europe. Immigration Enforcement staff based in Madrid liaised with the Spanish authorities providing intelligence linking some of the victims to a suspected group of traffickers operating in Spain.
They identified 48 potential victims of the trafficking network. The Spanish leg of the investigation culminated in the arrests of seven alleged traffickers in the cities of Madrid and Lleida in September 2013.
Two female victims were also rescued. Because of legal restrictions in Spain details of the arrests there can only now be made public, but last year two men were convicted in the UK as a result of the investigation. In March 2013, following an investigation also involving Sussex Police, Odosa Usiobaifo from Enfield was jailed for 14 years for his role in the trafficking of 14 and 15-year-old Nigerian girls whom he put on flights to Spain from London.
The following October David Osawaru, from Benin City, Nigeria, was jailed for nine years. He had been detained by Border Force at Heathrow in May 2012 as he chaperoned two Nigerian women in transit from Lagos to Prague.
Clinton Nield, assistant director of Home Office Immigration Enforcement's Risk and Liaison Overseas Network (RALON), said: “Thanks to our close co-operation with the Spanish National Police and other law enforcement agencies in the UK and Europe we have successfully stopped a criminal network who actively targeted and manipulated vulnerable young women.
“These women were given false promises and forced to travel to Europe where they were forced into prostitution. “Trafficking is an abhorrent crime and I hope this case sends a clear message to those involved overseas that international borders will not stop us from tracking you down and bringing you to justice.”
James Brokenshire, Security Minister, said: “Modern slavery is a global problem and I welcome the news that thanks to the co-operation between the British and Spanish authorities this trafficking network has been stopped. “We are working closely with international law enforcement agencies to deter individuals falling prey to criminal gangs and disrupt slavery routes coming to the UK.
“In addition to strengthening our response overseas, we are introducing a Modern Slavery Bill later this year which will send the strongest possible message to criminals, if you are involved in this appalling crime you will be arrested, you will be prosecuted and you will be locked up.”Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42383/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: A human trafficking gang responsible for transporting young Nigerian women into prostitution in Europe has been dismantled, following a joint investigation involving Home Office Immigration Enforcement, Border Force and the Spanish National Police. 
T...

### What's on: Monday 27th January, 2014

Monday 27th January, 2014

International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust.

ORIHUELA
Exhibition - “Lápiz, papel y bombas”, (Pencil, paper and bombs), Civil war drawings, Sala San Juan de Dios (Until 31st Jan).
Photography exhibition - “ADIS ROCK 2013”, Sala de exposiciones de la Lonja (Until 7th Feb).

ORIHUELA COSTA
Cartoon drawing, Zenia Boulevard.

PILAR DE LA HORADADA
Photographic exhibition, Casa de Cultura (Until 31st Jan).

### VIRTUAL ISSUE 505 OF THE LEADER IS OUT NOW

The latest copy of The Leader is now available in virtual form on our dedicated website, www.virtualleader.info.
All of the stories from this week, including the Medival Market, and a cut out guide to what´´s on, the latest on the air traffic controllers strike, tons of sports, plus our advertisers, the puzzle page, a comprehensive TV guide, classifieds and more, so check it out now, before picking up your real copy at hundreds of outlets across the costa blanca tomorrow.
You can also browse through the site and read previous copies, in case there´s something you might have missed.
Click here to go straight to this week´s copy.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42382/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The latest copy of The Leader is now available in virtual form on our dedicated website, www.virtualleader.info.
All of the stories from this week, including the Medival Market, and a cut out guide to what´´s on, the latest on the air traf...

### OVER THIRTEEN THOUSAND RESCUED AT SEA IN 2013

Throughout Spain, the official emergency service responsible for managing rescues at sea, the Sociedad de Salvamento y Seguridad Marítima, who operate on behalf of the Ministerio de Fomento, coordinated the rescue, support or search for 13,090 people during 2013, an equivalent of 36 per day, as well as an additional 5,121 other maritime based activities, or 14 per day on average.
These figures represent an increase of 1% in terms of the number of activities, and a staggering 10% increase of people involved compared to data from 2012.
Perhaps no surprise that the number one activity of the year was relating to saving lives at sea, with 4,067 such rescues. In addition, there were 679 safety checks at sea and 375 activities which related to the protection of the marine environment.
In terms of the total number of vessels involved, in 2013 that figure reached 3,789 compared to 3,449 in 2012. Of these, over 50%, some 1,927 were recreational craft, of the remaining, 667 were fishing boats and 452 were merchant vessels. The remaining 743 cases were related to other types of ships and floating structures.
The rescue teams manage safety in a vast area of Spain, with the sea surface covering three times the size of the national land mass, looking after some 1,500,000 square kilometres of sea surface, compared to the 505,992 square kilometres of land mass. 
The coastline alone, including the mainland and the Balearic and Canary Islands, is a huge distance of 7,880 kilometres. When you consider that the straight line distance from Madrid to New York is 5,783 kilometres, to which a direct flight on a commercial jet would take 8 hours, and Madrid to Mumbai 7,549 kilometres a flight which would take around 12 hours, it shows the immense distance and area covered.
The overall operation is conducted as a public company, which has a team of more than 1,500 workers, on 24-hour alert, to respond to all emergencies that may arise at sea. They have 73 marine units, of different types, from salvage vessels to patrol boats, equipped to address all types of emergencies that may arise in the marine environment. In addition, they have 11 helicopters equipped to carry out rescue work of human life and air reconnaissance, as well as 3 airplanes equipped to search specifically for shipwrecks and the detection of spills in the marine environment.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42381/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Throughout Spain, the official emergency service responsible for managing rescues at sea, the Sociedad de Salvamento y Seguridad Marítima, who operate on behalf of the Ministerio de Fomento, coordinated the rescue, support or search for 13,090 p...

### SPANISH POLICE INVESTIGATE USE OF GOOGLE GLASS

The Directorate General of Police in Spain is exploring the potential operational use of Google Glass for police patrols.
In addition to being used by both regular and scientific investigating officers, the advanced eyewear would assist in recognition, recording and collating evidence in visual inspections, viewing live cameras and security monitors, video capture and facial recognition, as well as information about the location of other police units and support services.
The glasses could also integrate with facial recognition systems, data verification and exchange with other patrols, access to police databases and management systems, vehicle checks, police records, and other supporting documentary evidence and procedural rules and protocols, among others.
Although it might seem like a futuristic development from a science fiction novel, the technology is available today. Whereas some are worried about the security and privacy implications of glasses that can record your every move, the use for law enforcement, safety and protection is something the Spanish authorities are keen to explore.
At a presentation, the Director of the police, Ignacio Cosidó, said that he has been interested in research and operational advantages that bring the incorporation of Google Glass under the Strategic Plan of the Police Corps, intended to transform real smart security elements as part of a plane named “Policía 3.0”.
The project aims are for a model of safety management and quality-oriented optimization in the allocation of human, material and financial resources, according to a statement, calling for the efficient management of materials and progressive adaptation to the demands of renewable infrastructure, adaptation and modernization to meet the needs of modern policing.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42380/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Directorate General of Police in Spain is exploring the potential operational use of Google Glass for police patrols.
In addition to being used by both regular and scientific investigating officers, the advanced eyewear would assist in recognition...

### MAN ARRESTED FOR RAMMING GUARDIA CIVIL BARRACKS

A 55 year old male was arrested this weekend after seemingly intentionally driving his car into the front of the Guardia Civil barracks at Aspe.
The incident occurred at around 2 in the morning, after the person had been reportedly involved in an altercation at the town´s health centre. The man is then believed to have driven to the barracks in his car, crashing against the door post, allegedly on purpose. 
A “heated” discussion several Guardia Civil officers then followed, resulting in the man being arrested.
The man suffered minor injuries in the accident, and therefore was taken to the Hospital in Elche, where he was treated whilst under arrest. 
The Guardia Civil confirmed that an altercation had taken place and a person was arrested, unable to comment further, other than to confirm that no officers were injured during the incident.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42379/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A 55 year old male was arrested this weekend after seemingly intentionally driving his car into the front of the Guardia Civil barracks at Aspe.
The incident occurred at around 2 in the morning, after the person had been reportedly involved in an alte...

### KILLER OF MARTA DEL CASTILLO TO FACE TRUTH TEST

The National Police have asked the Court in Seville for permission to transfer the murderer of Marta del Castillo, Miguel Carcaño, to hospital from prison, in order for him to undergo a medically induced “truth test”.
On January the 24th, 2009, 17 year old Marta del Castillo failed to return home to Tartessos in Seville, after spending the afternoon with some friends, one of whom was Carcaño, her former boyfriend, who was 19 at the time, with whom she had recently separated.
The following day, her concerned parents reported the disappearance, as her mobile phone was also “turned off or out of coverage” and they were getting increasingly worried. The National Police instigated an investigation, with the last person known to have seen her stating that she had left the group at 21:30 on the night in question, and was believed to be heading straight home.
It was in February that Carcaño was arrested for her murder, admitting that he had killed her with an ashtray, and then he threw her body into the fast flowing Guadalquivir River. He accompanied investigators to the scene and pointed to the location where he said he had disposed of her, although there was no evidence of any substance and no sign of Marta. 
Over the past 5 years, Carcaño´s version of events has changed numerous times, in both interviews and whilst in court, and her body has still never been found.
The Police insist that they remain committed to finding whatever remains of the girl and are convinced that by submitting Carcaño to the test it would enable them to find her, put her at peace and finally find justice for the tragedy.
The test has recently been used on a man who murdered his wife, which was being investigated by the Judicial Police of Zaragoza, who were also unable to find a body.
The neurological test, called P 300, consists of the use of electroencephalography apparatus, which is housed in the neurophysiology service at the Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet in Zaragoza.
Subjects who are examined by P 300 wear a device on their head, which reads impulses from the brain and displays them on a screen, which are interpreted by the brain as memories, only visible to those who understand the images.
The neurophysiologic program has already been used successfully in the United States, Japan and other countries in Europe and is considered more effective than traditional lie detectors.
In the request made to the courts, the statement from the National Police argues that this test does not involve the violation of any personal rights of Carcaño, but seeks to ensure that the subject is submitted to reveal memories about the issues that are presented in this case, in particular the place where he left the body of Marta del Castillo.
Carcaño, who has been in prison since 2009, was sentenced in February 2013 by the Supreme Court to 21 years and three months in prison for the murder of the young girl, and is incarcerated in the Herrera de la Mancha prison in Ciudad Real.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42378/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The National Police have asked the Court in Seville for permission to transfer the murderer of Marta del Castillo, Miguel Carcaño, to hospital from prison, in order for him to undergo a medically induced “truth test”.
On January the...

### SUNLIFE SOLAR SOLUTIONS HAVE THE ANSWER FOR YOU

Sunlife Solar Solutions opened there new offices at Punta Prima in November last year, specialising in Photovoltaic Solar Panels, Solar Water Heating and Pool Heating Systems.
With a combined experience of over 20  years in the UK and Spanish Solar Sector, and, an up to date knowledge of Spanish Legislation and the Registration Process, you can be totally assured of unbiased information and a 100% Legal Installation.
Our team consists of Trained Energy Surveyors, Legal Registered Installers, Accredited Technical Surveyors and Solar Registered Electrical Engineers, so from your initial contact with Sunlife Solar Solutions to the completion of your Solar Install you will be in very capable hands.
Sales Director, Scott Thornton says “Renewable Energy, in the form of Solar is not necessarily beneficial for every household. We send an Energy Surveyor to your property, conduct a full site survey, find out exactly what amount of energy you are using and will be able to tell you there and then whether it is a solid investment for you personally “.
“We will design a bespoke system for your individual needs and will always be able to inform you of the return time of your investment. ALL our “ to the grid “ systems are checked and signed off by a Solar Registered Electrical Engineer, who then creates a detailed Bulletin for your certified installation and completes  the paperwork for the compulsory  Registration and Legalising with the Ministry of Industry and Iberdrola. “
Sunlife also supply and install a range of Solar Hot Water Systems, specifically designed for your personal requirements, and once fitted correctly, can give you year round hot water.
Pool Heating Systems are becoming more common place now in order to lengthen your swimming season. Again, designed just for you and your personal needs.
Whether you are wanting to save money on the forever rising electricity costs, doing your bit for the environment, or just a bit of both, Sunlife Solar Solutions will have the Solution for you.
With a National Supplier and a huge network of Registered Installers, giving a 25 years Performance Warranty and 12 years Product Guarantee on the latest Photovoltaic Solar Panels, you can have total peace of mind in your investment.
Sunlife Solar also offer a Repair and Registration Service for previously installed systems, to comply with new legislation.
To find out if Solar is for you, contact the team at Sunlife Solar Solutions and start saving €€€€€€´s NOW!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42360/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Sunlife Solar Solutions opened there new offices at Punta Prima in November last year, specialising in Photovoltaic Solar Panels, Solar Water Heating and Pool Heating Systems.
With a combined experience of over 20  years in the UK and Spanish Solar Se...

### COLOUR MIRRORS BY PENNY WING

Colour Mirrors is a powerful colour soul therapy which combines colour psychology and sacred geometry using dual-coloured oils and spritzer essences which allow people to heal and empower themselves. This wonderful energy healing system is now available for the first time in Spain!  
Colour has a vibration and so do we, therefore, colour interacts with our energy helping to bring it into balance. Colour penetrates everything. It brings to light that which lies in the sub conscious and unconscious.
When used as a therapy, colour can go the root of any problems we may have and release us from past negative patterns. Colour helps to analyse and indentify what the pattern is that we are stuck with, bringing it to our conscious mind for transformation and helps us to re-programme a new
experience.
What does Colour Mirrors do?
The radiant colours in the oils and spritzers reveal your unique colour blueprint assisting you in the healing and transformation of your mind, body and spirit.
Colour Mirrors is an extraordinary colour system that can help you move through your fears and blocks to open and embrace who you really are.  
How can you benefit from Colour Mirrors?
The system can help you in many ways including:
Accelerating your healing
Relationship issues
Releasing blocks and resistances on all levels  
Identifying and exploring issues/challenges that are preventing you from expressing your true potential    
Discovering your life's purpose
Bringing you into alignment with your soul essence
Supporting you on your spiritual journey
What are Colour Mirrors bottles?
The bottles are energy – they are not a product such as you would buy on a shop shelf. They “connect” with us and teach us what lies hidden and what keeps us in patterns of fear, lack, judgement and self-destruct.
Developed by Melissie Jolley in South Africa the oils and essences are created in a sacred ceremony involving angelic, Ascended Master, crystal and sound energy. They contain vegetable based colour, native African plants, purified water, avocado oil, flower essences, and essential oils.
Ways in which the bottles can be used
Dual-coloured oils
In the bath 
Held in mediation 
Placed next to the bed, or on a nearby table 
Placed on the body (for ideally at least 20 minutes) 
In massage
Spritzers  
Sprayed around the aura, in a room, or over a bed 
Held in meditation 
Added to the bath 
Carried in a handbag for emergencies 
Can be included in therapies such as Reiki, Reflexology, and EFT
Spiritual Readings
Bottles and spritzers are used for a variety of spiritual readings. Colour readings are useful for current issues in your life, Soul readings (using your date of birth) can help identify your life purpose, Ascension Star readings help give you an insight into what is going on in your mind, body and spirit.
Chakra readings show where you may be holding energy blocks in your body and how you can release them. If you have any relationship issues a chakra reading can help to highlight the steps you may need to take to clear them.
Chakra Balancing
In a chakra balancing session you choose which bottles need to be placed on various areas of your body, therefore, releasing any blocks that may be stored there.  Every chakra balancing session is unique and may consist of practices such as visualisations, affirmations and so on.  The bottles will give an insight into what needs to be done.
We are drawn to connect with colour when we are finally ready to listen and make powerful changes in our lives......  
Penny is a qualified Diana Cooper Angel & Spiritual Master Teacher, Usui /Angelic Reiki Master Teacher, spiritual counsellor and Colour Mirrors practitioner.  If you would like more information on her work please contact her on tel: 680 25 6266 or email via her website: www.pennywing.com 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42357/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Colour Mirrors is a powerful colour soul therapy which combines colour psychology and sacred geometry using dual-coloured oils and spritzer essences which allow people to heal and empower themselves. This wonderful energy healing system is now availabl...

### VOTING IN SPAIN IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

The Spanish deadline for registering an intention to vote in the European Parliamentary elections is Thursday 30th January.  If you are a British resident in Spain you can have your say, provided you take action by the deadline. 
The Spanish government has provided the following information (translated by the British Embassy) that residents may find useful:
  
“Applications to express an intention to vote may be carried out in several ways:
- In the case of citizens who received a communiqué from the Electoral Registry Office (Oficina del Censo Electoral) in November 2013, the only requirement is to fill in and sign the formal statement included in the communiqué and then send it to the relevant Regional Delegation of the Electoral Registry Office.
In the event the Electoral Registry Office should also have the person's Foreigner Identification Card Number (NIE), then that person may also go online to express the intention to vote, through the link https://sede.ine.gob.es
- In the case of EU nationals living in Spain but not registered with the local town hall, it is necessary for them to register with their local town hall (padrón municipal) and fill in the relevant form expressing their intention to vote in Spain
“Further information is available at local town halls and regional delegations of the Electoral Registry Office. Enquiries can also be made by calling  901 101 900 or via the website www.ine.es.
“Residents who have previously expressed their wish to vote in Spain for the European Parliament elections are already included in the electoral roll. Therefore, they do not need to make any further arrangements or paperwork.”
According to Spanish government figures, more than 2.1 million citizens from other EU countries are entitled to vote in Spain. As of last November, 322,000 nationals of other EU countries - 15% of that total - had registered on the Spanish electoral roll.
You can find more information on ‘Elections Abroad' on the EU website at: http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/residence/elections-abroad/ep-elections/index_en.htm
Alternatively, if you have been registered to vote in the UK within the last 15 years, you are eligible to vote in the UK as long as you are on the electoral register there. 
British expatriates can print off a registration form at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk and post it to the UK local authority where they were last registered to vote, in time for it to be received by Wednesday 7 May. 
When registering as a voter for the European Parliament elections, you will also have to declare that you will only vote once.
In a European Parliament election, you can only vote in oneFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42353/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The Spanish deadline for registering an intention to vote in the European Parliamentary elections is Thursday 30th January.  If you are a British resident in Spain you can have your say, provided you take action by the deadline. 
The Spanish governmen...

### INTERNATIONAL BORDER FOLLOWING SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE.

Common UK citizenship and the unrestricted movement of people and goods between Scotland and other parts of the UK have been crucial in enabling the integration of communities and businesses, the government's latest Scotland analysis paper concludes. 
The Home Office paper, ‘Scotland analysis: Borders and citizenship', is the tenth in the UK government's analysis series. It examines the challenges an independent Scotland could face in taking control of its borders, and sets out the difficult choices about citizenship that a yes vote would mean for people in Scotland. 
Minister for Immigration Mark Harper said:
“The principles addressed in this paper are fundamental to how we define ourselves: our nationality, the border that protects us and the passport we use to travel the world.
“There are no easy answers to the question of what could happen if Scotland goes it alone. There would be a new international border and – however close our cooperation – that could mean more bureaucracy and extra controls for people travelling to visit family, go on holiday or do business.
“It would also be an unprecedented experiment with nationality and identity that would reverse centuries of common UK citizenship. It would affect not just millions of people today but also generations to come.”
The paper stresses that management of the UK's external border is complex, expensive and relies on a fully integrated system across the UK. Currently, all activity to manage, control and secure the UK's border, and every penny spent, benefits each UK citizen wherever they live or work.
However, should Scotland vote for independence, the current boundary between Scotland and the rest of the UK would become an international border between two separate countries.
The analysis also considers the implications of independence for citizenship. If Scotland became an independent state, its new government would decide who would be able to become, or be required to become, a Scottish citizen. This decision would have profound implications affecting not only those who vote in the referendum but also their children and grandchildren.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42348/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Common UK citizenship and the unrestricted movement of people and goods between Scotland and other parts of the UK have been crucial in enabling the integration of communities and businesses, the government's latest Scotland analysis paper concludes. 
...

### GOT A QUESTION ABOUT LIFE IN SPAIN?

Follow “Brits living in Spain” on Facebook, says British Embassy 
Unsure how to report a crime to the Spanish Policía Nacional in English? What are your healthcare rights? Know how to renew your passport or get one in an emergency? 
The answers to these and many other important issues can be found on the Brits living in Spain Facebook page.
Since its launch in November, more than 3000** people have already “liked” Brits living in Spain on Facebook – and the number is growing fast. The secret to Brits living in Spain's popularity is that it offers both factual information and a lively forum for sharing experiences and reliable information about life in Spain.
“Brilliant… keep up the good work.” 
“Great page…excellent idea and comments for ex-pats here in Spain.” 
“It's an interesting way to get in touch with other Brits in Spain – and the passport and legal info is good.” 
These are just a few of the comments posted by followers and contributors to the page.  
Will Middleton, Consular Director for Spain, says, “We are really pleased with the response so far and with how British residents are sharing the information they find useful with others.”
“If you are not yet following us and want to benefit from independent advice and others' experiences, then please do search for Brits living in Spain on Facebook and “like” our page.”  
Brits living in Spain is run and moderated by the British Consular network. It is a sister channel to the British Embassy's UKinSpain Facebook channel, which focuses on institutional and political information. 
Residents who are Twitter fans and want to keep up with the latest news from the Consular network can also follow @BritsliveSpain, and read news and comments from the British Ambassador on @SimonManleyFCO.
How to follow Brits living in Spain:  Go to www.facebook.com/BritslivinginSpain and “like” us. If you don't already have an account you will be prompted to create one. If you are already on Facebook, then search for the “Brits living in Spain” page and once on it, click on “like”.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42347/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Follow “Brits living in Spain” on Facebook, says British Embassy 
Unsure how to report a crime to the Spanish Policía Nacional in English? What are your healthcare rights? Know how to renew your passport or get one in an emergency? ...

### THE SUPER COCKROACH

I have a great respect for cockroaches. I am not saying that I would want one as a pet, but I do respect them, as well as for their ability to survive in the most unlikely of conditions and treatment by humans.  I certainly agree with the view that if, or when, the World is decimated by nuclear disaster, cockroaches will live on.
I remember writing a series of articles about cockroaches for a newspaper several years ago. It covered all facets of these fascinating creatures, including how tasty they can be if fried. Sadly, I received a few letters of complaint, as well as quite a few from interested chefs, so I will not go into too much detail here for fear of upsetting the delicate expat stomach once again.
My eye was drawn to a recent article about a species of cockroach that has recently invaded New York. Apparently these invaders are a species previously unseen in the US, which can withstand the harsh winter cold, as well as freezing conditions. This new and rather entertaining species, commonly known as Periplanetea Japonica (a name that sounds rather nice and floral) is quite common in Asia, but unseen in the US until recently. It is assumed that a few stowaways may have arrived in the US as illegal immigrants by stowing away in a few pot plants. Ingenious little things, aren't they?
Sadly, the home species of cockroach in the US are less than happy, because the invaders will compete for their food, as well as space. Fortunately, experts predict that this will mean that the illegal immigrants will spend so much time in competing it will mean that they will have less energy to reproduce. Hmm, maybe these experts should think again. I am no expert, but I can think of many examples of other species, including the human race, whereby the breeding instinct becomes even stronger during difficult conditions, such as in the UK during particularly cold weather or in war torn areas of the world. The inclination to breed and to replace itself is an instinct that US biologists seem to have forgotten. 
In any case, and on a more practical note, the biologists are quite sure that the new species will not breed with the local population and create some kind of ‘super species' because ‘their genitalia fit together like a lock and key' within the same species. The experts are so confident about this one that they explain it as being rather like fitting a Yale key into a Chubb lock, but I won't go into detail. In any case, I am not convinced that they are right on this one either.
I remember that a few years ago when I was taking my dog, Bella, for a short walk, the entire road was covered with an army of many thousands of cockroaches. I have never seen so many gathered together in one place, and it was just like an invasion. I am told that they appear from their hiding places at times of crisis, such as during periods of intense heat or flood.
 It was a particularly hot day and I guess they had all popped out for a spot of sun bathing. However, it was not such a good idea, because the sound of crunching that could be heard as vehicles swept by and skidded over them was not pleasant, although a few minutes later they had all disappeared. Bella, who is not the bravest dog on the island, was terrified, and so we headed home rather more quickly than usual. Yes, I really do think that cockroaches will one day rule the world.
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie's websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his latest book, ‘Escape to the Sun' (ISBN: 9780957544444). Available as paperback, Kindle and iBooks. iPhone/iPad and Android Apps: ExpatInfo, CanaryIsle and CanaryGay now available.

© Barrie MahoneyFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42344/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: I have a great respect for cockroaches. I am not saying that I would want one as a pet, but I do respect them, as well as for their ability to survive in the most unlikely of conditions and treatment by humans.  I certainly agree with the view that if,...

### INVESTMENTS, ROADS AND URBAN CLEANING IN ORIHUELA NEWS

As part of their contractual obligations to the municipality of Orihuela, water utility company Aguagest provide funding to the town hall for infrastructure improvements, investment or repair. This year, the coastal zone will receive some 54% of the million euro grant, which will go towards projects such as almost 60,000 euro for drainage work to protect the electricity power transformer at Cabo Roig, over 350,000 euro for channelling work to prevent flooding in the Calle California area and over 110,000 euro towards similar work in the Pau 27 zone. Funding will also go towards flood defence and protection in the Los Filipinas at Villamartin areas.
Friday saw the public consultation meeting at the town hall regarding the proposed closure of access roads from the N-332 roundabout. The councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, explained to those attending what steps the town hall team had agreed with the Ministry for roads, including the proposals to apply for the removal of tolls on the motorway, the installation of a mini roundabout at the crossroads access point of the pending emergency coordination centre, and the compromise to make the access roads one-way, rather than a complete closure, all of which were greeted with positivity by the ministerial planning department. Scheurer also detailed the agreements made for the local police to monitor traffic flow and provide detailed reports in time for their next meeting, which will be in a matter of weeks.
The courts in Elche announced this week that the judge looking into the case surrounding the blocking of a censure motion by the Table of Elders plans to issue an interim report on the case on the 6th of February. Although this will not be the final ruling in the case, it is believed that the judge will formally state whether or not a case is answerable or not. Sources at the courts have indicated that this move is an unprecedented one, and would not normally be necessary in the event of the case proceeding through the legal process, and could indicate a faster conclusion to the ruling.
The Mayor of Orihuela, Monserrate Guillén, announced this week that the operation for urban cleaning and waste management ended 2013 with 5,624 euro left in their accounts. Therefore, Guillén explained, has been below the budgeted amount of 8.8 million euro. However, Guillén also pointed out that the savings to the tax payer have been “considerable”, due to the municipalisation of the service, whereas keeping the contract under the direct control of the town hall has resulted in a 21% saving on paying IVA, plus 6% industrial benefit or 12% overhead s. Therefore, the total amount the residents have been saved by the town hall is between 30% and 40% compared to the contract being run by a private company, which is seen as one of the main priorities of the Partido Popular, along with their CLR colleagues.
The Urban department has received and responded to a total of 135 incidents relating to urban cleaning, excluding those received through the on-line Linea Verde network, which are all either resolved or being resolved. During the financial presentation on savings in urban waste, Guillén said, “I am pleased and proud of the work of the Urban Sanitation employees that have also made an effort to sign the collective agreement”, referring to discussions and agreements made with and supported by the workers for their employment terms.
The department of pedanías, the small villages scattered through the municipality of Orihuela, has started work repairing various roads in the Virgen del Camino area, which have seen considerable neglect for some time. The work was awarded to a company named Elena Constantin, to the value of 20,291 euro. The work was seen as necessary due to the inaccessibility of some of the pavements in the area, largely due to roots from ficus plants damaging the pathways, but a lack of adequate lighting also made the area particularly difficult. Therefore, the plan was adopted to remove 13 ficus and relocate them, remove the terrazzo pavement and replace it with a more sustainable feature, the movement of telegraph poles and the installation of street lighting.
The municipal government coalition of the Los Verdes and PSOE have announced the proposal of a formal motion to the plenary meeting this week, which will be put to the vote, to formally record that the government of Orihuela aims to do everything possible to assist in protection home owners at risk of eviction and foreclosure due to the loss of work or the overall financial situation. The motion will propose two aims, including urging the central government to “develop the third paragraph of the revised text of the Law Regulating Local Tax to define the concept of unoccupied dwelling”, preventing tax increases and other financial burdens on properties which have become vacant, and to urge assurances and legal protection to those who have found themselves unemployed and affected by the financial crisis.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42343/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As part of their contractual obligations to the municipality of Orihuela, water utility company Aguagest provide funding to the town hall for infrastructure improvements, investment or repair. This year, the coastal zone will receive some 54% of the mi...

### THE MEDIEVAL MARKET RETURNS TO ORIHUELA

This weekend sees the eagerly awaited return to one of the most popular and biggest events to take to the streets of Orihuela, the Medieval Market, 2014, which opens on Friday.
The 42,000 euro contract was awarded to the company, La Asociación Cultural Destellos, the only bidder to stage the event, a theatrical company founded in 1986 that works with the PirámideArt of Alicante and with the support of an international street theatre group, the Festival Internacional de Teatro en la Calle, or FITEC. 
Not knowing how many companies would bid, it is natural for those looking to receive the award to propose improvements and added value to their service provision, one such development to this year´s event is lighting for both the streets and the iconic Orihuela buildings.
Launching the event this week, the councillor for festivities, Carolina Gracia of the PSOE, along with representatives of historic groups in the municipality, detailed how the event this year will see a total of 151 entertainment activities on the streets.
Whilst presenting the poster, advertising and television campaign for this year´s event, Gracia explained how this festival is important for the profile of Orihuela, attracting both residents and holidaying tourists alike, and allows the monuments of the city to be seen for the value they hold.
Gracia went on to detail how the events will be spread over the 3 days of the festival, with 49 on Friday, 52 on Saturday and 50 on Sunday, which will include parades , dance, theatre , exhibitions and musical performances. 
The site of both the market and parade will be almost identical to last year, although it is hoed without the addition of the high winds that caused a number of problems to both stall holders and visitors, but the main starting point will be different and be on Plaza de Santiago, to the entrance to the city of Santo Domingo Church.
Antonio Manuel García Alcocer, President of the Asociación de Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos, further emphasised the role of the market as “one of the most important held in Spain”, as it is in a “unique environment”, of the cultural on history rich streets.
A bus service is being provided once again from the coast to Orihuela, to enable coastal residents to visit the Medieval Market without the hassle of driving or parking.
This year, the bus service running on the three days of the festival, will allow for longer time at the event to soak up the atmosphere.
The buses will run on Friday the 31st of January and Saturday the 1st and 2nd of February, departing from Playa Flamenca at 09:00, returning at 14:00, then again at 16:00, returning at 21:00.
The buses will also pick up and drop off at Entre Naranjos, as required, allowing those inland residents to also enjoy the festivities.
The price of the bus is just 5.30€ return from the Orihuela Costa, and just 3.30€ from Entre Naranjos, payable to the driver upon boarding.
However, in order to ensure that enough seats are available, booking is essential. This can be done by simply calling the Tourist Office at Playa Flamenca on 96 676 00 00 Ext. 32/24, or by popping in to the office, and you can also email orihuelaplaya@touristinfo.net. The Zenia Boulevard Tourist Office team are also able to take booking for the first time this year, so you can even pop in during your normal shopping trip.
The event is expected to be a huge success once again this year, and as it is one of the biggest Medieval Markets in Europe, it is one event to tantalise and tease everybody of all ages, and one event not to be missed.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42342/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: This weekend sees the eagerly awaited return to one of the most popular and biggest events to take to the streets of Orihuela, the Medieval Market, 2014, which opens on Friday.
The 42,000 euro contract was awarded to the company, La Asociación ...

### AIR TRAVEL STRIKE DISRUPTION THIS WEEK

The airways of the world may face disruption this week, after industrial action was called by the European representatives of 28 unions and over 14,000 controllers, ATCEUC. Air traffic controllers are protesting against plans from the European Commission to cut costs which they say will reduce safety in the skies.
As a result, industrial action was planned across Europe for the 29th of January, and the European Transport Federation (EFT) also called for a strike on the 30th of January.
Italy, Portugal, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria and Cyprus issued notice of their involvement, with action ranging from 15 minutes to days on end, but all of these plans are subject to change, and cancellation, as the dates creep nearer, the advice as always being to check with your airline. 
In France, Air Traffic Controllers called for a 5-day strike from the 27th to the 31st, later to cancel this action but participate in the action on the 30th of January. They also have a meeting to discuss this on Tuesday the 28th. 
In Germany, Lufthansa asked a Munich court to stop their air traffic controllers joining the strike, saying it was “political” and “illegal”. The industrial action here has been cancelled, but with no reason given by the unions.
One place not affected by the industrial action is the UK, where NATS chief executive, Richard Deakin, said, “NATS controllers will be working as usual in spite of the threat of industrial action in Europe. If the strikes go ahead we will work closely, as ever, with Eurocontrol and other European air navigation services to help keep people moving whenever possible.”
The obvious question might be why the UK are not taking part, and indeed why Spain is also not seen as an active participant. The answer to this question might become clearer when we see how controlling air traffic has changed in both countries, and how the UK is perhaps seen as the first testing ground for the future of air traffic control.
The National Air Traffic Control Services, or NATS, proudly boast how they are “Transforming the traffic management to optimise airport and airspace efficiency across the globe”, which is precisely what the European model aims to achieve. 
Originally set up in 1962, as the National Air Traffic Control Services, bringing together responsibility for the UK's existing military and civil Air Traffic Control services, the group has seen huge developments since their inception. 
The Public-Private Partnership for NATS was proposed in June 1998, becoming a reality of the Transport Act 2000, when the Government chose the Airline Group as the preferred partner in March 2001 and the transaction was completed in July 2001 with the sale of 46% to the AG and the devise of 5% to staff. Although the Government retained the balance, the company was finally free of Treasury control.
Therefore, NATS is currently 49% owned by the British Government, 42% by an airline consortium formed by British Airways, Lufthansa, EasyJet, Monarch Airlines, Thomas Cook Airlines, Thomson Airways and Virgin Atlantic, as well as a 4% ownership by Heathrow Airport Holdings and the remaining 5% by NATS employees.
As a service provider, NATS now operate in over 30 countries around the world, from America to Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, not forgetting Europe. Here is Spain, with their roots in the UK operation spreading globally; it might be a surprise to learn that NATS now have control of 10 airport towers in Spain, including Valencia and Alicante.
Through a joint venture with the Spanish company Ferrovial, ferroNATS made history on Monday of this week, when the 07:05 Ryanair flight took off from Alicante-Elche airport bound for Manchester, the first flight to do so under the guiding wings of a British controller in the Spanish airport tower.
Privatisation of Spain´s air traffic was devised in 2011 by the then Minister of Development, José Blanco, resulting at the time in the greatest collapse of Spanish airspace in history, during one of the busiest holiday seasons. The privatisation of Alicante-Elche control started early last year, in order to ensure that the controllers were fully trained before this coming summer season. 
The new model of Alicante-Elche sees 12 controllers operating in the tower, compared to the 20 before privatisation, with only 4 of the original Spanish staff remaining. The majority of NATS brought-in controllers are from the UK, mostly with military training, some brining experience from busy locations such as Gatwick and Heathrow.
When the anticipated savings for Alicante-Elche alone are seen as some 2 million euro per year, a similar for Valencia, with most of the savings being attributed to wages, the financial benefits are obvious.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42341/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The airways of the world may face disruption this week, after industrial action was called by the European representatives of 28 unions and over 14,000 controllers, ATCEUC. Air traffic controllers are protesting against plans from the European Commissi...

### GOLF RETAINS TITLE AS EUROPEAN FAVOURITE

According to data collated and released this week, the Volkswagen Golf is once again the best selling passenger car in Europe, selling 470,229 vehicles, 8.9% more than in 2012.
Industry experts attribute the growth to a new series of variants to the popular range, including the arrival of more compact versions.
In second place, the Ford Fiesta lags somewhat behind the Golf, with 293,663 units sold, 38% less than the Golf, with unit sales dropping by 4.1% compared to 2012. 
Third place sees the Renault Clio closely chasing the Fiesta, increasing sales by 17.6%, with 287,111 new vehicles on the road.
Next in the chart is significant to Spain, as both the Volkswagen Polo, with 266,994 units sold, a drop of 7.2%, and the Opel Corsa, selling 239,814 units, down 9.5%, both manufactured in the vehicle plant in Zaragoza.
In terms of overall increase, that award has to go to the Peugeot 208, despite ranking in sixth place with 239,102 units; this figure is a staggering 49.3% more than in 2012.
Despite the drop in sales for the two Spanish vehicles in the top 5, vehicle manufacturing sector in Spain closed the year with a total of 2,163,338 vehicles being built, an increase of 9.3% over the previous year. Exports to the U.S., Algeria and Turkey have seen increases in 2013, with 1,879,974 manufactured units exported, 87% of the total, representing an increase of 8.72% over 2012.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42340/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: According to data collated and released this week, the Volkswagen Golf is once again the best selling passenger car in Europe, selling 470,229 vehicles, 8.9% more than in 2012.
Industry experts attribute the growth to a new series of variants to the p...

### SPANISH HEADLINES FOR THE WEEK

Spain will increase sea surface protection from 1% to 8%, affording “some kind” of protection to the marine environment, to comply with international commitments established by the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, which aims to protect 10% of marine waters by the year 2020.
Protective tarpaulin type covers have been placed over the roof of the iconic cathedral in Santiago de Compostela this week, in order to prevent further damage caused by heavy rains in the region. Persistent rains in the Galician capital over recent days have left visitors with an unusual spectacle of the monument being covered up, which is desperate to raise funds for maintenance of the landmark temple.
Almost six months to the day of the tragic train crash in Santiago de Compostela, which claimed the lives of dozens of victims, the Coroner is studying new documents submitted by train operator Renfe, which were requested following the ongoing investigation which still blames driver error.
The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Miguel Arias Cañete, chaired a Sectoral Conference on Agriculture this week, with the aim of seeking agreement with the Autonomous Communities for the implementation of the a new Common Agricultural Policy for the Spanish countryside.
Thirty companies joined an agreement to show their commitment to promoting equality this week, agreeing to increase participation of women in leadership positions through a collaboration agreement signed with the Minister of Health, Social Services and Equality, Ana Mato.
Various members of international churches met in Madrid this week, attending a conference to discuss what joint efforts could be made to combat trafficking for sexual or labour exploitation and domestic servitude.
The progress of aging and how personalized genomics might prevent or reduce the effects of the natural deterioration of the body, were discussed this week in a press conference presented by Dr. Ramon Cacabelos, the president of the Spanish Society of Genomic Medicine, in Madrid.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42339/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spain will increase sea surface protection from 1% to 8%, affording “some kind” of protection to the marine environment, to comply with international commitments established by the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, which aims to protec...

### UNEMPLOYMENT DROPS FOR FIRST TIME IN 6 YEARS

Unemployment fell by 69,000 people in 2013 compared to 2012, a reduction of 1.1%, seeing the first annual decline since 2007. Official figures now show the total number of registered unemployed people in Spain to be 5,896,300, the lowest level since the third quarter of 2012. 
Despite the positive annual figures, the unemployment rate climbed at the end of 2013 to 26.03%, an increase on quarter 2, but almost identical to the 26.02% of the final quarter of 2012, according to data from the Labour Force Survey made public by the National Statistics Institute. 
However, the annual decline shows a significant change in stability and breaks the trend of the last six years, with an increase in 2007 of 117,000 people, 1,280,300 in 2008, 1,118,600 in 2009, 370,100 in 2010, 577,000 in 2011 and nearly 700,000 people in 2012.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42338/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Unemployment fell by 69,000 people in 2013 compared to 2012, a reduction of 1.1%, seeing the first annual decline since 2007. Official figures now show the total number of registered unemployed people in Spain to be 5,896,300, the lowest level since th...

### TORREVIEJA TO SAVE A MILLION IN TAX

The councillor for financial matters in Torrevieja, Joaquín Albaladejo, has announced this week that the city has hired an external legal consultant for 14,000 euro, to enable them to appeal the decision by the tax office.
The tax administration wanted to charge the municipality one million euro in IVA for the transfer of land to the Government in order to construct the International Auditorium and Conservatory, the 30 million euro concert hall that stands largely empty and unused throughout the year. 
Albaladejo said the situation was due to the “complexity of the tax rules” on the Increase in land value.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42337/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The councillor for financial matters in Torrevieja, Joaquín Albaladejo, has announced this week that the city has hired an external legal consultant for 14,000 euro, to enable them to appeal the decision by the tax office.
The tax administratio...

### TORREVIEJA PROMOTED TO THE SICK

The Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, along with the councillor for tourism, Luis María Pizana, were accompanied by the director of the Chiron hospital, Rafael Giménez, to promote the benefits of the quality tourism and hospital care available in Torrevieja, at the FITUR tourism event in Madrid. 
With the slogan, “Turismo saludable en Torrevieja, aumenta tu bienestar y calidad de vida”, extolling the virtues of how a holiday in Torrevieja can increase your well-being and quality of life, the presentation spoke of personal health checks, rehabilitation programs, treatments and operations, among other proposals. 
The focus on health and hospitals, rather than traditional tourism interests, is said to be an innovative product that allows Torrevieja to develop a different, complementary option to the offer of sun and beach tourism in our town”, according to Dolón.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42336/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, along with the councillor for tourism, Luis María Pizana, were accompanied by the director of the Chiron hospital, Rafael Giménez, to promote the benefits of the quality tourism and hospital ...

### TORREVIEJA SCHOOL CLOSURE OPPOSED

All political parties in Torrevieja now appear to behind a campaign to prevent the closure of another school in the area. A protest march was arranged this week from the Colegio Público Ciudad de Oviedo to the Town hall, with the support of the Izquierda Unida group, after their education representative, Vicente Henarejos, explained that the closure of the school would involve the “undoubted loss of jobs that are no longer required”, mostly by amalgamating students into larger class sized groups at other schools. 
The school had been operating largely out of “temporary” portacabin units, but was set to close as part of previously reported promises to reduce the number of these types of classes, by creating larger groups. Following the protest decision, the Mayor, Eduardo Dolón, convened an urgent meeting in which it was agreed unanimously by all political parties represented in the City Council to support the allegations and fight to keep the school open. 
Dolón had said earlier this week that the closure of the school was as a result of the reduction of students, which, in his view, makes it impossible to keep. He also accused the school board has not showing concern over this matter, stating that he had called a meeting with the Municipal School Board in late December in order for them to submit arguments against this decision, but “no one came”. 
Dolón has also criticized other political groups of using the school for political gain.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42335/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: All political parties in Torrevieja now appear to behind a campaign to prevent the closure of another school in the area. A protest march was arranged this week from the Colegio Público Ciudad de Oviedo to the Town hall, with the support of the ...

### PROVINCIAL PARTIDO POPULAR PRESIDENT VISITS TORREVIEJA

The provincial president of the Partido Popular, José Císcar, accompanied by the local president and mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, attended a meeting in Torrevieja this week, with Dolón introducing Císcar to the local supporters of the PP for the first time since taking office in 2012. During the meeting, Císcar thanked the members for their support, saying that “these meetings with members and supporters of the PP are very important to carefully pass on the policies that are pursuing both the central government and the Generalitat Valenciana for the economic recovery that will finally reach the family and economies of all citizens, which is ultimately the interest of Partido Popular government”. The PP in Torrevieja has almost 3,000 members, having increased by nearly 1,000 in the past two years, and are considered one of the most important local groups in the province of Alicante, according to Dolón.
Whilst attending lunch at Torrevieja´s Centro de Turismo de Torrevieja, Císcar predicted that reforms to the application for building permission would be imminent, and that construction companies in the region will soon be able to have a legal tool that simplifies and clarifies the processing of development projects. Císcar explained that the new text brings together five different laws relating to construction, with the aim of “selling the signs of economic recovery”.
Another subject discussed was the proposed direct bus from Torrevieja to the High Speed train network, which could be a reality by summer 2014, once the decision had been made as to which station to ferry passengers to. Torrevieja´s Mayor, Eduardo Dolón, had previously said that the launch could happen in a matter of days, but Císcar wanted to show how the future development would benefit both the construction and hospitality sectors, mentioning an unconfirmed budget of 300,000 euro towards the project. It had been hoped that the combined bus and train tickets could be launched at the FITUR tourism event, but this announcement also seemed a little premature.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42334/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The provincial president of the Partido Popular, José Císcar, accompanied by the local president and mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, attended a meeting in Torrevieja this week, with Dolón introducing Císcar to the...

### COCA-COLA TO CLOSE ALICANTE PLANT

The Iberian partners of drinks manufacturer Coca-Cola presented a redundancy package to unions this week, the result being the closure of their plants in Asturias, Palma, Madrid and Alicante. 
As a direct result, some 750 workers would lose their jobs and another 500 would be relocated to one of seven of its remaining plants in Spain. 
In a statement, Coca-Cola Iberian Partners, which currently employs 4,200 workers, said that the reason for the move is to “eliminate redundancies and inefficiencies and unify the activities and procedures performed in the group”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42333/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Iberian partners of drinks manufacturer Coca-Cola presented a redundancy package to unions this week, the result being the closure of their plants in Asturias, Palma, Madrid and Alicante. 
As a direct result, some 750 workers would lose their jobs...

### VIOLENT BURGLARY GANG ARRESTED

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested five people, two women and three men, all of Romanian nationality and aged between 21 and 36 years of age, on suspicion of having committed nearly 50 robberies, intimidation and thefts in the provinces of Alicante, Murcia, León, La Coruña, Sevilla and Castellón.
An investigation was launched in summer of last year, which has resulted in the arrest of the suspects, after officers identified similar characteristics in numerous reports. 
After several months of intensive research, the officers were able to identify and locate the alleged perpetrators in the Mil Viviendas area of Alicante.
As the officers raided the home in Alicante, the occupants were seen to throw a bag from a window, which was found to contain various items of jewellery. Once recovered, of the 40 or so items in the bag, the investigators identified pieces listed as stolen from properties in various locations, including Torrevieja and Orihuela.
In addition, the officers seized three vehicles, mobile phones and electronic equipment, allegedly all stolen, as well as documentation relating to the official and legal owners.
The detainees were all presented to the courts in Torrevieja.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42323/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested five people, two women and three men, all of Romanian nationality and aged between 21 and 36 years of age, on suspicion of having committed nearly 50 robberies, intimidation and thefts in the provinces of A...

### CURRENT DETAILS OF AIR TRAVEL STRIKE DISRUPTION

The airways of the world may face disruption next week, after industrial action was called by the European representatives of 28 unions and over 14,000 controllers, ATCEUC. Air traffic controllers are protesting against plans from the European Commission to cut costs which they say will reduce safety in the skies.
In a statement, ATCEUC stated that in October, they were “given assurances that the European Commission (EC) was finally willing to discuss our views on the performance scheme, regarding the lack of real safety targets and the unrealistic cost efficiency targets”. Continuing, “Although ATCEUC has repeatedly shown its commitment to a real discussion, the EC has continuously disregarded our opinion. This forces ATCEUC, once again, to stand firm by resuming ATCEUC Action Day!”
As a result, industrial action was planned across Europe for the 29th of January, although the anticipated extent of disruption is varying from country to country, with some intending to participate for just 15 minutes, others for days on end. Second to that action, the European Transport Federation (EFT) also called for a strike on the 30th of January.
In France, Air Traffic Controllers called for a 5-day strike from the 27th to the 31st, later to cancel this action but participate in the action on the 30th of January. They also have a meeting to discuss this on Tuesday the 28th. 
In Italy, Controllers have currently agreed to strike between 12:00 and 16:00 on the 29th, and from 14:00 to 14:15 on the 30th of January.
In Germany, Lufthansa asked a Munich court to stop their air traffic controllers joining the strike, saying it was “political” and “illegal”. The industrial action here has been cancelled, but with no reason given by the unions.
The Portuguese union called for a strike on the 29th of January between 07:00 and 09:00, and from 14:00 to 16:00. 
In Slovakia, the union has announced participation to the strike on 30th of January for 2 hours between 08:00 and 10:00, whereas in the Czech Republic, they currently plan to join in the strike between 06:00 and 18:00 on the 30th, “Working strictly according to the paper”.
Hungary, Austria and Cyprus have also issued notice of their involvement, but all of these plans are subject to change, and cancellation, as the dates creep nearer. 
All times quoted are in UTC, which is also known as GMT, and need altering depending on your own location. As always in situations like this, the advice is to check with your airline before you travel. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42322/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The airways of the world may face disruption next week, after industrial action was called by the European representatives of 28 unions and over 14,000 controllers, ATCEUC. Air traffic controllers are protesting against plans from the European Commissi...

### GAY TOURISM SHOWS DOUBLE THE GROWTH

Spain may be celebrating record tourists in 2013, with 60.66 million visitors representing an increase of 5.6% over 2012, surpassing the previous record of 2007 of 58.6 million, but there is one sector of tourism that continues to grow at an even higher rate than expected.
For years, the clever tour operators and businesses have focussed on the value of the so called “pink pound”, attempting to attract the seemingly more affluent gay an lesbian sectors of society, whose perceived general lack of children often means more disposable income, one top choice for the gay traveller is seeing an incredible growth.
The popular Gran Canaria resort of Maspalomas has shown a 10.3% increase in gay tourism in 2013, compared to 3.8% of none-gay visitors, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council and the World Tourism Organization. According to these sources, the gay community is now responsible for 10% of the volume of international tourists and just over 15% of global spending.
It is therefore no wonder that this week´s annual FITUR tourism event in Madrid has had an area dedicated to gay travel, as well as one for business and also for the environmentally friendly, where spokesperson Juan Pedro Tudela explained the benefits of those without children who can travel to further destination and at a less seasonally restrictive timetable.
The city of Tel Aviv in Israel, Cape Town in South Africa or theme cruises are some of the trends that the gay community are showing interest in at Fitur, with Tudela explaining that Tel Aviv is the fastest growing destination “something that seemed unthinkable a few years ago”, especially for those looking to attend its gay pride party, and by preparing well in advance, you are sure that attendees are eligible for offers and discounts.
Cruising is also a safe bet for both gay and lesbian travellers, but it is the classic destinations that remain the favourite, such as Ibiza and Sitges, as well as the beaches of the Canary Islands, especially Maspalomas, and the city of Madrid.
In May of this year, Madrid will host the Annual Convention of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) that was first developed in Spain, an event that will make “the value” of gay tourism, with plans to discuss the “flow of tourism for the next 10 or 15 years”, according to Tudela.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42321/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Spain may be celebrating record tourists in 2013, with 60.66 million visitors representing an increase of 5.6% over 2012, surpassing the previous record of 2007 of 58.6 million, but there is one sector of tourism that continues to grow at an even highe...

### TOLL ROAD TRAFFIC DECLINES TO 1996 LEVELS

Traffic using Spain´s toll motorway network has dropped by 33.6% in the last seven years, after a record of 23,909 average daily vehicles used the network in 2006.
In 2013, the average number of vehicles using the toll roads amounted to just 15,864 per day, a drop of 4.89% compared to 2012, a figure similar to that of 1996, according to the Ministry of Development. However, that decline has decreased over the year previous, as in 2012 the drop was 10.1% over that of 2011.
A bleaker picture could be calculated when considering the length of the network, as the significance is greater when the distance available is included, as in 2006 there were just 1,733 kilometres of payable roads, compared to the 2,568 kilometres today.
One interesting fact, albeit daunting for those involved, is the fact that the largest drop in traffic and revenue has occurred on the roads which are operated by companies which are either bankrupt or facing bankruptcy.
The R-2 Madrid-Guadalajara ring road suffered the most significant drop, losing 22.5% of traffic, with an average daily use of just 4,588 vehicles. The R-3 Madrid-Arganda ring road also saw a 9.3% drop to 9,346 users, the R-5 Madrid-Navalcarnero lost 12.5%, seeing 7,034 vehicles, and R-4 Madrid-Ocaña dropped 15.3% to 4,652 movements.
As for the regional routes, the Ocaña-La Roda route fell by 9.8% to 2,802 cars a day, the Cartagena-Vera road lost 3& to reach 2,737 daily users, whereas the route through the Alicante area saw a drop of 733%, to 5,293 movements.
The road linking Madrid to Barajas airport lost 2.5% of users last year, but remains the busiest of the entire payable network, with almost 17,834 vehicles per day. As for the quietest, that honour goes to the Madrid-Toledo route with just 1,215 movements per day.
In order to try to alleviate the burden of the toll network operators, the Spanish government is working on a development plan that would see them bailing them out in exchange for 80% ownership of the companies. The remaining 20% allocated to concessionaires currently operating the routes, mostly affiliated with or fully owned by major construction companies.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42320/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Traffic using Spain´s toll motorway network has dropped by 33.6% in the last seven years, after a record of 23,909 average daily vehicles used the network in 2006.
In 2013, the average number of vehicles using the toll roads amounted to just 15,...

### IS LONDON HEADING FOR A PROPERTY BUBBLE?

Is London in a swelling property bubble that is about to erupt or are these concerns exaggerated? If any part of the UK is suspect to a property bubble then London has to be the number one focus. House prices in London have been rising rapidly with some of the city's most desirable areas achieving a growth of 12.5% last year. It has also become familiar to see ‘overpriced' properties appearing on the market, but sellers still achieve close offers, which are still accepted.
What exactly is a property bubble?
A property bubble is a term used in property circles to describe a price rise in a certain area due to a shortage in demand. This then in turn prompts investors to take advantage of an opening in the market by attempting to make a quick profit with temporary buying and selling; a tactic that increases demand even more. However, demand eventually declines, increasing the availability of properties on the market.  A rapid drop in prices occurs and then the bubble bursts. 
What's the answer?
Some say the answer lies with tightening tax rules. The government recently considered the possibility of tightening the rules concerning foreign ownership. The London market has been fueled by foreign investors wanting refuge for their money, and this is frequently mentioned as the initial cause for the housing bubble. However, some say foreign buyers are an easy target for blame and won't solve the problem.
Demand is also an important factor to consider. With an already uncertain economy, the city has received additional pressure from those seeking brighter prospects from all over the world. This reinstates the fact that London has become more and more desirable from both home and abroad; however it also burdens the already bustling city in regards to rent and property prices. Couple this with London's existing reputation for housing some of the worlds wealthiest and you already have a major issue on hand. 
 
Others say renting is the answer. With properties in the city valuing up to £500,000 and commanding £2,000 PRM, if a potential buyer with a 100k deposit took out a two year fixed term £400,000 mortgage at approximately 2.39%, they would pay less than £1,800 monthly. Realistically, not many people have access to such a generous budget, reinstating why renting seems to be smartest choice and one that specialist letting firm Rentify make much more straightforward.
What's next for London's property bubble?
Property prices in the city are expected to continue to climb. The shortage of accessible housing, stronger economy and increasing amounts of foreign investors means that demand is still going to continue to outweigh supply advancing.
What's the future for the property market?
Mortgage approvals rose considerably last November with a rise of over 70,000. Increases like this tend to occur because of labour market improvements, and improved buyer confidence. However, low housing ability is still a major problem and properties cannot be built fast enough to keep up with demand so until this requirement can be fulfilled by more new build homes, the mounting threat of  London's property bubble will continue. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42319/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Is London in a swelling property bubble that is about to erupt or are these concerns exaggerated? If any part of the UK is suspect to a property bubble then London has to be the number one focus. House prices in London have been rising rapidly with som...

### BUSES EVERY DAY TO THE ORIHUELA MEDIEVAL MARKET

A bus service is being provided once again from the coast to Orihuela, to enable coastal residents to visit the Medieval Market without the hassle of driving or parking.
This year, a bus service will run on the entire three days of the festival, and will allow for longer time at the event to soak up the atmosphere in the historic streets of the city.
The buses will run on Friday the 31st of January and Saturday the 1st and 2nd of February, departing from Playa Flamenca at 09:00, returning at 14:00, then again at 16:00, returning at 21:00.
The buses will also pick up and drop off at Entre Naranjos, as required, allowing those inland residents to also enjoy the festivities.
The price of the bus is just 5.30€ return from the Orihuela Costa, and just 3.30€ from Entre Naranjos, payable to the driver upon boarding.
However, in order to ensure that enough seats are available, booking is essential. This can be done by simply calling the Tourist Office at Playa Flamenca on 96 676 00 00 Ext. 32/24, or by popping in to the office, and you can also email orihuelaplaya@touristinfo.net. The Zenia Boulevard Tourist Office team are also able to take booking for the first time this year, so you can even pop in during your normal shopping trip.
The event is expected to be a huge success once again this year, and as it is one of the biggest Medieval Markets in Europe, it is one event to tantalise and tease everybody of all ages, and one event not to be missed.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42318/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A bus service is being provided once again from the coast to Orihuela, to enable coastal residents to visit the Medieval Market without the hassle of driving or parking.
This year, a bus service will run on the entire three days of the festival, and w...

### EUROPE WARNS OF INCREASED POVERTY

The European Commission has issued a warning this week about the increasing the number of workers at risk of poverty registered in the EU in 2013, due to the expansion of temporary contracts and wage decreases.
This is one of the main conclusions of the third annual report on the social and employment situation in the European Union for 2013, released by the EU executive.
According to data, a quarter of the European population is now at risk of poverty or social exclusion, and between population groups affected, the largest increase has occurred among the unemployed, according to a statement.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42317/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The European Commission has issued a warning this week about the increasing the number of workers at risk of poverty registered in the EU in 2013, due to the expansion of temporary contracts and wage decreases.
This is one of the main conclusions of t...

### HIGH-SPEED TRAIN MAINTAINERS CALL STRIKE

Workers at the Nertus Mantenimiento Ferroviario y Servicios SA train maintenance depot in Santa Catalina, Madrid, began an indefinite strike this week, that could affect maintenance, and subsequent service levels of the high speed train network.
The strike was called due to the implementation of a new work schedule, without correct consultation, as well as the “lack of bargaining in finding ways to balance work and family life”, according to the UGT union.
The staff are also raising concerns over the “lack of recognition of professional categories”, which concerns them that they see “job insecurity”, despite working for a “modern and competitive company”.
However, minimum service levels are being maintained, with a 50% level of operation in the first days of the industrial action, despite the unions applauding the support and “the high participation that keeps alive the spirits of a close-knit squad”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42316/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Workers at the Nertus Mantenimiento Ferroviario y Servicios SA train maintenance depot in Santa Catalina, Madrid, began an indefinite strike this week, that could affect maintenance, and subsequent service levels of the high speed train network.
The s...

### POLICEMEN RECEIVE  45,000 EUROS IN DAMAGES

A judge in Elche's Administrative Court No.1 Elche condemned Alejandro Morer, Torrevieja's Chief of Police, for bullying three of his officers on Monday, ordering the city to pay 45,000 plus interest as compensation for their suffering. 
The applicants had claimed 60,000 euros in a lawsuit that was filed in 2006 and has taken 7 years to be concluded.
The policemen were said to have been picked on and regularly harassed by Morer, their productivity bonuses withheld, their holidays unreasonably refused, while they were assigned to menial tasks.
The judge said that he was making the awards because the three officers, all members of the Comisiones Obreras, the Police Union, had suffered professional moral damage and their rights had been continually ignored.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42314/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A judge in Elche's Administrative Court No.1 Elche condemned Alejandro Morer, Torrevieja's Chief of Police, for bullying three of his officers on Monday, ordering the city to pay 45,000 plus interest as compensation for their suffering. 
The applicant...

### COFFIN FOUND IN ROJALES RUBBISH TIP

The Anti-Corruption Platform ‘Defensa de la Huerta' have asked the police to carry out an investigation following the discovery of a coffin amongst the debris in a refuse tip situated on the edge of the grounds at Rojales cemetery.
Regulations require that under cemetery rules coffins should be disposed of in incinerators designed specifically for the purpose and that the find illustrates serious irregularities in regard to public health. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42312/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Anti-Corruption Platform ‘Defensa de la Huerta' have asked the police to carry out an investigation following the discovery of a coffin amongst the debris in a refuse tip situated on the edge of the grounds at Rojales cemetery.
Regulations r...

### POPE PRAISES THE FUNDAMENTAL VALUE OF THE NATURAL FAMILY IN SOCIETY

The TV networks have broadcast live the " Family Day " in London , Nazareth, Barcelona and Madrid. Pope Francis in his message to the families present in Madrid , Barcelona , London and Nazareth Pope said the family is an inviolable right.
The family is the solution. He was also concerned about the elderly and children living as " exiles within their homes."
Moreover, when the state is mixed in family issues , some feel trepidation and suspicion , because they feel the home as the great sanctuary of personal privacy . But there are places with a long tradition of family support , such as France , where state intervention favors that the country is at the forefront of European birth rate, according to a report from the French Institute of Public Opinion.
With the growing number of divorces, and the resulting mark on the lives of children and society in general , French politicians are forced to promote marital stability. France 's main parties agree on goals but differ on solutions. According to the French Statistical Institute , lone parents with a high percentage of single mothers, are already 19% , and its poverty rate rises to 46.2 %.
To make marriages more durable, the most important is the appreciation of the family institution, the implementation of new tax benefits for wedded, and the promotion of a policy of support for stable conjugal unions.
A new survey, conducted by Ifop for the newspaper La Croix, says that 77% of respondents, aged 25 and 34, "wants to build a single family in his life, staying with the same person."
In summary, one can see a clear agreement about the advantage that the stability of marriages implies for society. The question is how to improve the various aids for the family to be stable over time, overcoming the obstacles of living together.
clementeferrer3@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42310/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The TV networks have broadcast live the " Family Day " in London , Nazareth, Barcelona and Madrid. Pope Francis in his message to the families present in Madrid , Barcelona , London and Nazareth Pope said the family is an inviolable right.
The family is the solution. He was also concerned about the elderly and children living as " exiles within their homes."
Moreover, when the state is mixed in family issues , some feel trepidation and suspicion , because they feel the home as the great sanctuary of personal privacy . But there are places with a long tradition of family support , such as France , where state intervention favors that the country is at the forefront of European birth rate, according to a report from the French Institute of Public Opinion.
With the growing number of divorces, and the resulting mark on the lives of children and society in general , French politicians are forced to promote marital stability. France 's main parties agree on goals but differ on solutions. According to the French Statistical Institute , lone parents with a high percentage of single mothers, are already 19% , and its poverty rate rises to 46.2 %.
To make marriages more durable, the most important is the appreciation of the family institution, the implementation of new tax benefits for wedded, and the promotion of a policy of support for stable conjugal unions.
A new survey, conducted by Ifop for the newspaper La Croix, says that 77% of respondents, aged 25 and 34, "wants to build a single family in his life, staying with the same person."
In summary, one can see a clear agreement about the advantage that the stability of marriages implies for society. The question is how to improve the various aids for the family to be stable over time, overcoming the obstacles of living together.
clementeferrer3@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42310/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### COPA DEL SOL ATTRACTS TOP TEAMS TO PINATAR ARENA

Pinatar Arena will once again host the Copa del Sol 2014, a total of 8 games in this most prestigious winter tournament. Current holders are the Ukrainian side Shakhtar who defeated Poland's  Widzew Lodz in the final. 
This year there will be 10 teams taking part from from 7 different countries. From Norway, champions Stromsgodset are joined by Rosenborg , Molde and Haugesund.  Vestsjaelland have entered from Denmark, Astra from Romania, the Swedish side AIk , Costuleni  from Moldovia,  Jurmala from Latvia and Sport Benfica Luanda of Angola.
 Former competition winners over the five years that the tournament has been running include CSKA Moscow and Shakhtar in 2010, Karpaty in 2011, Spartak Moscow in 2012 and in 2013 Shakhtar .
Pinatar Arena will host all of the games to which entry is absolutely free:
January 28 16:00 : FC Vestsjælland - FC Jurmala
28 January 19.00 : Sport Luanda e Benfica - Haugesund
31 January 13.00 : FC Jurmala - Haugesund
31 January 16.00 : Molde - FC Vestsjælland
31 January 19.00 : Strømsgodset - Sport Luanda e Benfica
February 3 13.00 : Strømsgodset - FC Jurmala
February 3 16.00 : Molde - Sport Luanda e Benfica
February 3 19.00 : FC Vestsjælland - HaugesundFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42309/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Pinatar Arena will once again host the Copa del Sol 2014, a total of 8 games in this most prestigious winter tournament. Current holders are the Ukrainian side Shakhtar who defeated Poland's  Widzew Lodz in the final. 
This year there will be 10 teams...

### ZURGENA: THE TOWN HALL MEETS WITH THOSE AFFECTED BY ALEGAL HOUSES

AUAN calls for transparency and information for homeowners.......Translation of joint press release published 16th January 2014.
Residents affected by planning problems are at the table. On one side, representatives of the Town Hall of Zurgena headed by the Mayor, Luis Diaz. On the other side members of the association AUAN led by the president of the group, Maura Hillen.
The meeting took place after information emerged before Christmas about the annulment of building licences in Zurgena.
Support
In the meeting the Mayor, Luis Diaz, informed the association of his ‘wish to count on the support of those affected' whilst trying to come up with solutions for the planning problems in Zurgena given that ‘it effects everyone'. ‘Our collaboration with associations, those affected and with the British community in general is important in finding solutions to this problem', explained the Mayor.
Desire to collaborate
For their part AUAN ‘welcomed the attitude' of the Town Council of Zurgena. ‘It was a constructive meeting' said their president, Maura Hillen, adding that ‘we hope that this means the start of a collaboration in areas of mutual interest, given that the Junta de Andalucía only seems to be interested in knocking down houses occupied by owners who bought them in good faith, something which neither we nor the Mayor of Zurgena thinks is right'.
During the meeting, AUAN emphasised the need to ensure that those affected by ongoing proceedings ‘get to know about those proceedings so that they can defend their interests'. Regarding this request, the Mayor indicated that ‘he understood this need' and he promised to ‘do everything legally possible to promote dialogue and transparency'.
Both parties hoped that this meeting ‘will be the first in a series of future meetings'. Regarding planning issues in general in Zurgena, the chief representative of the AUAN indicated that some feel ‘that the Junta de Andalucía has Zurgena in its sights in an excessive way compared with other municipalities.
The courts will decide if this is the case.  Meanwhile, Zurgena cannot be allowed to remain in a state of suspended animation, solutions must be found'.  Zurgena town council advised recently that it is ‘working' on the approval of their PGOU and on the ‘recognition' of its history neighbourhoods.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42307/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: AUAN calls for transparency and information for homeowners.......Translation of joint press release published 16th January 2014.
Residents affected by planning problems are at the table. On one side, representatives of the Town Hall of Zurgena headed ...

### ETERNAL SPAIN: CRISIS AND CORRUPTION.

By Dr Trish Watson (Amazon Kindle eBook)
Interested in knowing what's behind the present crisis in Spain?  What is the Gurtel scandal all about and which political party is involved? Who are in the mass graves scattered around Spain and why? Who are the stolen children and when did these crimes start and who was responsible for them?  The following book will help solve some of these riddles; read on:

If you are at all interest in knowing the background to the present political and economic crisis in Spain and to understand why the transition to democracy went wrong and Spain got into a terrible political mess, this book will help you understand this complicated and passionate country with all its quirks and eccentricities.
The author sets out to explain the links between the Franco dictatorship and the present political situation by examining past horrors and how they are reflected in present scandals.
A prime example of this is the fact that the uniformed Fascist Falange, after the Civil War (1936-39) had caused hundreds of thousands of Republicans to flee the country into France, made forays into France in order to rob children from the defeated Republicans and bring them back to Spain to be given in adoption to the right-wing Catholic Nationalists.
The present day  investigations into the trafficking and robbery of babies, involving the Church and the medical profession and arguably dating from this time and are discussed in the chapter involving the close links between the Catholic church and a scandal in which thousands of adopted children have been robbed of their identity and are now seeking their real parents.
The political scandals involving both major parties, but overwhelmingly concerning the governing Partido Popular in Valencia and the Socialists in Andalucía, largely concern financial scams at all levels of government and a detailed account of the trials, not only of politicians accused of embezzlement, but of the human rights judge who tried to arrest Pinochet in London and ended up being suspended from his own post.
Judge Garzón was in fact the judge who was initially responsible for bringing to trial the corruption case known as Gurtel, involving the Partido Popular  and  tens of millions of euros stashed in Swiss bank accounts. He was also trying to bring to trial the old-guard Francoists on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity, when he was finally forced out of his post and took refuge in the Geneva Court of Human Rights, as a visiting judge.
Unfortunately, for him, Judge Garzon had an appetite for chasing corrupt politicians and had already put a few Socialist politicians in jail for their part in the dirty war against ETA, leaving himself without political support of any description. Of course, this  ‘derring do' cost him dear as he was suspended for eleven years or, in effect, until retirement and, as we can see in the book, this is no country for independent judges! .
The Law of Historical Memory, passed by the Socialists to right some of the wrongs caused by the civil war and dictatorship, managed to disinter a huge controversy, as well as digging up the tens of thousands of secret unmarked graves scattered around the country. The reason why people were afraid or forbidden to access the remains of their loved ones until over sixty years had passed makes interesting reading.
The book also examines the trial, now being organised in Argentina, of a former torturer of the Franco regime and one of his Ministers, who are being summoned under the universal jurisdiction agreement, whereby crimes against humanity have no Statute of Limitations, i.e. no legal ‘sell by' date and can be tried outside Spain. The Argentinean trial is given relatively little coverage in the Spanish media.
The reason why former treasurer of the PP has Swiss bank accounts worth in excess of 40 million Euros, not counting those in Panama, Canada and Africa and is presently in prison awaiting trial, is discussed. The close confidant of two PP prime ministers, Luis Bárcenas, led a playboy lifestyle, with houses in a prestigious area of Madrid and a fashionable ski resort, before becoming embroiled in the Gurtel affair.
The party now deny that the money is theirs, but Bárcenas petition to unfreeze one of his accounts has been denied by the ruling judge, so he claims he has no means of subsistence for his family. Not many people are crying tears for him, however, as the PP falls in the opinion polls and other smaller parties are rising.
The emerging political alliances are also commented upon and the treatment of European nationals in the public sector job market and the author has some incisive and amusing comments to make on certain Spanish employment practices and the treatment of foreigners in Spain, generally.
It is, overall, well worth reading for those choosing to live in this country as it gives an authentic and valuable insight into a country so many British people live in often with little knowledge of its dramatic and fascinating past. This book is a real eye-opener.
Dr Trish Watson
The author was a senior lecturer in Spanish Studies at the School of Languages and European Studies, Wolverhampton University,  England and also  head of Modern Languages at the Institute for Applied Language Studies, University of Edinburgh. 
She has lived in Spain, working at a number of Universities in Madrid, for 22 years, and is presently dividing her time between Australia and the UK. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42303/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: By Dr Trish Watson (Amazon Kindle eBook)
Interested in knowing what's behind the present crisis in Spain?  What is the Gurtel scandal all about and which political party is involved? Who are in the mass graves scattered around Spain and why? Who are t...

### THE NORTH FACE ‘TRANSGRANCANARIA’ TRAINING CAMP

Sebastien Chaigneau and Zigor Iturrieta train more than 40 runners in The North Face ‘Transgrancanaria' Training Camp
Chaigneau, winner of the two previous editions of The North Face Transgrancanaria, shared his experience as elite runner. Iturreta, on the other hand, encouraged the runners of the Canary Islands to take the race calmly
This Training Camp, organised by Arista, was aimed to train trail runners for the next edition of The North Face® Transgrancanaria, which will start on the 1st of March
After four successful previous editions, The North Face® Transgrancanaria 2014 is back. Last weekend, around 50 local runners who will take part in the run during the 1st and 2nd of March attended the The North Face® Transgrancanaria Training Camp which included the visit of top world-wide professionals on trail running.
The runners from the Canary Islands took benefit from their presence in the sport facilities of El Garañón and had the opportunity to listen to their pieces of advice.
The attendees of this campus had the chance to get first-hand knowledge from the French runner Sebastien Chaigneau, elite trail runner and winner of the two previous editions of Transgrancanaria, and from the Basque Zigor Iturrieta, winner of 2011 edition.
The campus also included talks by several experts on topics related with sport and specific trail-running-oriented training.

Chaigneau, front-runner of the next edition of Transgracanaria for the second time, highlighted the importance of taking part of this kind of runs “because is difficult study the route in only 2 or 3 days before the race. I think that is better to go before to inspect the conditions of the roads and think about your strategies for the race”.
On the other hand, the Basque runner Zigor Iturreta shared with the participants the most impressive trail runs he has taken part in and he encouraged the runners from the Canary Islands to travel outside the archipelago and outside Spain in order to experience other runs. 
He encouraged riders to take the race calmly "the most important and what most people fail is that they have to go from low to high, the progression is very important.”
Fernando González, Sports Director of The North Face® Transgrancanaria: “The fact that the runners have the chance to listen to this pieces of advice from elite runners and experts some weeks before the run will indeed improve the level”. He in particular underlined: “This opportunity will help them both in the physical training and to become familiar with the route in order to know how to face the different stretches”.
This Training Camp was held from the 17 to the 19th of January in the sport facilities of El Garañón with the aim of sharing both practical and theoretical knowledge on how to face such an intensive and tough run like the The North Face® Transgrancanaria.
This year, the run includes five races each of them with different difficulty level: Promo (17.4 kilometers), Starter (30), Marathon (44), Advance (82) and Transgrancanaria itself (125).
Also this year top level professionals attended the Training Camp in order to guide and advise those interested in improving their skills and in acquiring new techniques to be applied in trail runs.
Furthermore, thanks to the talks given and know-how sharing by professionals, the attendees, who showed big interest and took active participation, had the chance to widen their knowledge on training, hydration, health and nutrition. As well, 32 runners tested the new The North Face®  footwear in a 10 kilometers training.
Throughout the two days the Campus lasted, the participants had the opportunity not only to attend talks but also to put into practice the knowledge acquired during the trainings. This event allowed them to train hand in hand with trail running stars, such as Sebastien and Iturrieta, and to get to know some of the new stretches of The North Face®  Transgrancanaria.
The gained knowledge is of high value for the participants, specially for those which will take part in The North Face® Transgrancanaria during the 1st and 2nd of March. Thanks to the help and know-how of experts like Sebastien and Zigor the runners will be trained to avoid physical injuries caused by the effort during trainings and trail run competitions.
The North Face® Transgracanaria Training Camp is sponsored by The North Face and organised by Arista. The event also counts on the collaboration of VIVAC Aventura, company that will give the participants the chance of being lodged in one of the cottages of the campsite.
The official site of the run includes all the information regarding to The North Face® Transgrancanaria: www.transgrancanaria.netFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42298/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: Sebastien Chaigneau and Zigor Iturrieta train more than 40 runners in The North Face ‘Transgrancanaria' Training Camp
Chaigneau, winner of the two previous editions of The North Face Transgrancanaria, shared his experience as elite runner. Iturreta, on the other hand, encouraged the runners of the Canary Islands to take the race calmly
This Training Camp, organised by Arista, was aimed to train trail runners for the next edition of The North Face® Transgrancanaria, which will start on the 1st of March
After four successful previous editions, The North Face® Transgrancanaria 2014 is back. Last weekend, around 50 local runners who will take part in the run during the 1st and 2nd of March attended the The North Face® Transgrancanaria Training Camp which included the visit of top world-wide professionals on trail running.
The runners from the Canary Islands took benefit from their presence in the sport facilities of El Garañón and had the opportunity to listen to their pieces of advice.
The attendees of this campus had the chance to get first-hand knowledge from the French runner Sebastien Chaigneau, elite trail runner and winner of the two previous editions of Transgrancanaria, and from the Basque Zigor Iturrieta, winner of 2011 edition.
The campus also included talks by several experts on topics related with sport and specific trail-running-oriented training.

Chaigneau, front-runner of the next edition of Transgracanaria for the second time, highlighted the importance of taking part of this kind of runs “because is difficult study the route in only 2 or 3 days before the race. I think that is better to go before to inspect the conditions of the roads and think about your strategies for the race”.
On the other hand, the Basque runner Zigor Iturreta shared with the participants the most impressive trail runs he has taken part in and he encouraged the runners from the Canary Islands to travel outside the archipelago and outside Spain in order to experience other runs. 
He encouraged riders to take the race calmly "the most important and what most people fail is that they have to go from low to high, the progression is very important.”
Fernando González, Sports Director of The North Face® Transgrancanaria: “The fact that the runners have the chance to listen to this pieces of advice from elite runners and experts some weeks before the run will indeed improve the level”. He in particular underlined: “This opportunity will help them both in the physical training and to become familiar with the route in order to know how to face the different stretches”.
This Training Camp was held from the 17 to the 19th of January in the sport facilities of El Garañón with the aim of sharing both practical and theoretical knowledge on how to face such an intensive and tough run like the The North Face® Transgrancanaria.
This year, the run includes five races each of them with different difficulty level: Promo (17.4 kilometers), Starter (30), Marathon (44), Advance (82) and Transgrancanaria itself (125).
Also this year top level professionals attended the Training Camp in order to guide and advise those interested in improving their skills and in acquiring new techniques to be applied in trail runs.
Furthermore, thanks to the talks given and know-how sharing by professionals, the attendees, who showed big interest and took active participation, had the chance to widen their knowledge on training, hydration, health and nutrition. As well, 32 runners tested the new The North Face®  footwear in a 10 kilometers training.
Throughout the two days the Campus lasted, the participants had the opportunity not only to attend talks but also to put into practice the knowledge acquired during the trainings. This event allowed them to train hand in hand with trail running stars, such as Sebastien and Iturrieta, and to get to know some of the new stretches of The North Face®  Transgrancanaria.
The gained knowledge is of high value for the participants, specially for those which will take part in The North Face® Transgrancanaria during the 1st and 2nd of March. Thanks to the help and know-how of experts like Sebastien and Zigor the runners will be trained to avoid physical injuries caused by the effort during trainings and trail run competitions.
The North Face® Transgracanaria Training Camp is sponsored by The North Face and organised by Arista. The event also counts on the collaboration of VIVAC Aventura, company that will give the participants the chance of being lodged in one of the cottages of the campsite.
The official site of the run includes all the information regarding to The North Face® Transgrancanaria: www.transgrancanaria.netFiled under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42298/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

### VIRTUAL ISSUE 503 OF THE LEADER IS AVAILABLE NOW

The latest copy of The Leader is now available in virtual form on our dedicated website, www.virtualleader.info.
All of the stories from this week, including the full story following the meeting to discuss the N-332 roundabout closures at La Zenia, local and national news and sport, plus our advertisers, the puzzle page, a comprehensive TV guide, classifieds and more, so check it out now, before picking up your real copy at hundreds of outlets across the costa blanca tomorrow.
You can also browse through the site and read previous copies, in case there´s something you might have missed.
Click here to go straight to this week´s copy.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42296/Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in SpainCosta Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |

Excerpt: The latest copy of The Leader is now available in virtual form on our dedicated website, www.virtualleader.info.
All of the stories from this week, including the full story following the meeting to discuss the N-332 roundabout closures at La Zenia, lo...

### ROADS, RUBBISH AND WEEDS IN ORIHUELA NEWS

The Councillor for Tourism in Orihuela, Rosa Martínez, represented the municipality at a conference held at the headquarters of the Valencia Tourism Agency this week, promoting commerce, business associations and governmental collaboration. The aim of the conference was to promote growth in tourism, with the goal of increasing international visitors by 4.6% in 2014, and domestic tourism by 1.2%. There is some 32 million euro being invested for the general operating of the 2014 to 2015 campaign, with 4 million towards the regionally specific initiatives. Plus, 12 million for promotion, 5 million for communication, as well as 1.2 million to improve beaches and 2.4 million to help tourist towns standardise signage, and other informative infrastructure needs.
The festivities department has announced two events taking place in Orihuela over the next few weeks. On the 26th of January there will be a Moors and Christians parade through the city streets, as the “half year” is marked between the major fiesta celebrated in July. In addition, the Medieval Market returns to Orihuela next weekend, held on the 1st and 2nd of February this year, with buses provided from the coast. This event, which is without doubt one of the biggest in Europe, takes place in the historic streets of Orihuela, where visitors are truly absorbed into the feeling of travelling through time.
The provincial president of the Partido Popular, José Císcar, has announced that the local president of the Orihuela PP, Pepa Ferrando, is part of his group's team who will be fighting for support in the upcoming European elections. Ferrando took over the local group after Mónica Lorente was forced to stand aside having been named in the famous Brugal corruption case. Ferrando herself has been denounced by the PSOE for irregularities relating to invoices for the FITUR tourism event, and may face charges in the future.
The main road leading from the La Zenia roundabout to the coast has opened this week, after extensive work implemented by the coastal councillor. Although Scheurer says that some of the aesthetic work is not complete, as the town hall is still awaiting a number of items of street furniture, the main work is now finished and so the road has been reopened pending these outstanding elements. The next stage, according to Scheurer, will be to look at some of the surrounding streets, including the coastal road, and see what improvements could be made to those, some of which have never seen any improvements since first constructed. 
Figures released this week by the town hall have revealed incredible savings in the costs of waste collection and disposal, reporting that in 2013, whilst under the direct management of the town hall, the cost of collection alone has saved 239,998.74 euro compared to the previous year. As part of this, although marginally at just over 60 additional tonnes, revenue generated by recycling has increased in 2013, but the department of the environment has pointed out that the more waste that is separated into the correct and relevant disposal containers, the more money the town hall can make, and, subsequently, the less public money has to be spent on one of the most costly elements of the town hall operation.
A number of areas on the coast are still missing paving stones on pedestrian areas, where they have become damaged or broken. A problem in that the type of slab was discontinued as the town hall has now find an alternative supplier who will be manufacturing matching paving stones, as well as a number of spares, which will all soon be delivered and enable the town hall teams to carry out these outstanding repairs.
Numerous coastal residents have noticed town hall teams carrying out extensive work to clear overgrown weeds and plants on the roads of the area. One such road is Calle Arco Iris, which has been thoroughly cleared of overgrowing weeds in the central reservation, and chemically treated to slow down future growth of these plants. Previously, there were no staff within the town hall teams qualified to handle the chemicals needed for this treatment, but the matter has been resolved by finding a private contractor who can fulfil the requirements of the Health and Safety requirements within an allocated budget.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42294/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Councillor for Tourism in Orihuela, Rosa Martínez, represented the municipality at a conference held at the headquarters of the Valencia Tourism Agency this week, promoting commerce, business associations and governmental collaboration. The ...

### ALICANTE TRAIN TUNNEL FIRE TESTS NEW CONTROL SYSTEM

A major fire was set to sweep through the Serra Grossa rail tunnel in Alicante this weekend, but fortunately it was intentional and part of a test of a new emergency management system, and was closely monitored by fire fighters and the city's Department of Safety.
The new system has been developed as part of a project named “Firetunnel”, and has already undergone rigorous testing in controlled conditions in the manufacturer´s facilities, but the real test comes when putting the system to work in a real life situation.
According to Teresa Real, researcher at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, “Our project will improve the efficiency of emergency plans making staff's work easier and helping to reduce the number of victims as evacuations will be more effective”.
The system is designed to facilitate evacuation of passengers and staff in case of a railway fire. Consisting of four closely interconnected subsystems, including detection, anti-propagation, ventilation and information, the system monitors the entire tunnel and can plot the likely spread of fire and smoke, taking appropriate action such as unfolding flameproof fabric on either side of the fire to prevent it from spreading, and creating controlled ventilation routes at the same time.
Then, once the control system is established, the safest exit routes are indicated through a series of flashing lights, indicating the fastest and safest exit from the tunnel on foot.
The tunnel in which the system was tested is not operational at the moment, forming part of the Tram extension to cover Benidorm, now not expected to be opened until 2016, due to budget constraints.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42289/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A major fire was set to sweep through the Serra Grossa rail tunnel in Alicante this weekend, but fortunately it was intentional and part of a test of a new emergency management system, and was closely monitored by fire fighters and the city's Departmen...

### CLEVER COUNTERFEITER ARRESTED BY NATIONAL POLICE

Officers from the National Police have arrested a 48 year old Spanish citizen in Murcia, on suspicion of a crime of counterfeiting, seizing fake notes to the value of 6.390 euro. 
The suspect is believed to have manufactured counterfeited 20 and 50 euro notes in his home in Elche, which he would then spend in retail outlets in stores in the Region of Murcia. 
The investigations began after a number of notes were detected in various commercial establishments in Murcia. After analyzing the counterfeits, they were found to have a common origin and investigations were initiated to identify and arrest the perpetrator or perpetrators thereof. 
Having investigated the matter further, the officers had suspicions of a modus operandi, and set about a surveillance operation which resulted in them being able to locate and arrest a man moments after making a fraudulent transaction in a shop in a commercial centre of Murcia.
A search was then conducted of the man´s home in Elche, where officers found 97 notes of 50 euro denomination, as well as 77 notes of 20 euro face value, all suspected of being fake. The officers also found 2 printers, a guillotine, paper scraps, silver holographic patches, equipment to give the copies a rough appearance, a magnifying glass, computer equipment, a microscope and a plastic model gun.
The officers were also somewhat impressed by the quality and perfection achieved in the manufacturing process, taking into account the traditional method used for processing.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42269/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the National Police have arrested a 48 year old Spanish citizen in Murcia, on suspicion of a crime of counterfeiting, seizing fake notes to the value of 6.390 euro. 
The suspect is believed to have manufactured counterfeited 20 and 50 eu...

### ORIHUELA TO APPLY FOR CALA MOSCA PLANT PROTECTION GRANT

The Department of Environment in Orihuela has commissioned a study from the University of Murcia to apply for two grants, one from the European Union and one from the Biodiversity Foundation, in order to afford protection of the endangered “jarilla cabeza de gato” plant, which inhabits the Orihuela Costa.
Environmental Councillor, Manual Gallud, announced the intention this week, detailing how the species, whose scientific name is Helianthemum caput-felis, dwells especially in the uniquely environmentally rich area of Cala Mosca. 
Therefore, the environment department has allocated 9,000 euro with which to order the study, which could lead to the award of a grant of between 500,000 and one million euro for a preservation project from the European Union. 
This aid will help the study, dissemination and protection of this species, which also populates other territories such as the Balearic Islands, Morocco and Sardinia, in addition to areas north of the province of Alicante. Thus, the City will manage the protection of this species in these areas during the development of the project, which will last between two and five years.
The study by the University of Murcia will also allow for the application of a grant from the Biodiversity Foundation for the same purpose, which would run in parallel to the European program.
Gallud also detailed some of the protective measures already put in place at Cala Mosca, such as the banning of cars, but a number of people have still broken through the barriers in the past, and so a poster campaign will also be created in order to raise awareness of the environmental values of protecting the area.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42268/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Department of Environment in Orihuela has commissioned a study from the University of Murcia to apply for two grants, one from the European Union and one from the Biodiversity Foundation, in order to afford protection of the endangered “jaril...

### NAVAL HEAD VISITS PILAR

One of the most senior figures in Spain´s military, the sub-delegate of defence based in Alicante and naval Captain, José Antonio Martínez Losada, met with José Fidel Ros, the Mayor of Pilar de la Horadada, this week, along with other members of the government team.
The aim of the meeting was to open channels of communication between the official institutions, with the aim of creating dialogue and collaboration in the future.  Captain Martínez Losada explained how he is keen to develop his role whereas he regularly offers informative talks for young people, in which they can examine opportunities in joining the navy, an initiative that supplements similar campaigns that the town hall offers for young people interested in developing future skills such as business and commerce training and educational development which takes place in spring.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42267/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: One of the most senior figures in Spain´s military, the sub-delegate of defence based in Alicante and naval Captain, José Antonio Martínez Losada, met with José Fidel Ros, the Mayor of Pilar de la Horadada, this week, along w...

### SIX ILLEGAL HOUSES FOR DEMOLITION IN TABARCA

Despite a judge ordering the eviction and demolition of six illegal houses on the island of Tabarca, representatives of the courts are still unable to gain access. 
Sources told the media that technicians were in the area for over 13 hours but couldn't gain admission either because of the absence of the occupants or the refusal of occupants to allow entry.
The properties are located at the junction of la cala Birros and according to the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment they were illegally built in an area within the boundaries of one of Tabarca's protected areas.
Thus the Ministry has once again upheld the implementation of a 2003 judgment of the Superior Court, first endorsed in January 2009,  overturning  planning permission which was originally granted  to the former mayor of Santa Pola, Pascual Orts (PP), for the construction of the six houses between the streets of Bergantín, Torreón and Proyecto.
Demolition technicians have now drawn up a statement outlining the reception they received at the Tabarca properties which has now been passed to the court of Alicante, which has now been requested to accelerate the eviction and demolition process.
In announcing his decision the judge said that the Governemnt would be liable to pay each of the owners compensation for the loss of their property which Snr Orts is understood to have put at two million euro.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42265/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Despite a judge ordering the eviction and demolition of six illegal houses on the island of Tabarca, representatives of the courts are still unable to gain access. 
Sources told the media that technicians were in the area for over 13 hours but couldn'...

### PUSHPA PUSHES THE BOAT OUT

After the huge success of two recent events in December Pushpa Khimji owner of The Spice Hut in Quesada has combined the two events and will be holding a charity event on Friday January 31st.  There will be "An Indian Experience" and a Very Special "Eat As Much As You Like" Vegetarian Buffet!   
 
Pushpa is joining a small but growing band of local companies who have joined forces to support the Children's Home in Elche.  There will be an invitation to enter a free competition to win a prize of a menu for one and to receive a copy of the new monthly newsletter with all sorts of events and special offers!  
 
Annette and Dave English official fundraisers for the charity will be invited to hold a raffle to raise money for The Children's Home in Elche and Annette will tell the guests just what the money raised for the children goes towards paying for.  
 
As part of the Indian Experience Pushpa will give a short talk on the medicinal properties of some spices, she will be launching Spices for Sale and 10% of any spice sales will be donated to the charity and after the extraordinary buffet, Pushpa will invite some ladies to experience wearing a sari!   This event starts at 1.00p.m. and there will be a demonstration of how to make pakoras which the guests will then be able to try.  
 
Wine will be at the special price of €1.50 a glass and free Indian style nibbles will be complimentary.  The full buffet will give guests a chance to try some of the dishes they know about but also some authentic dishes that they have probably not tried before.  There will be salads and dips, papadums and pickles, pakoras, vegetable curry, dal, bombay potato and rice and plain naans - all this for just €7.90!
 
Pushpa will also be supporting "The Smarties Project" created by Spanish Life Properties and launched at Quesada Country Club and each guest will be given a tube of smarties with simple instructions - take smarties home - eat the smarties and then please fill the tube with 20 cent coins - bring full tubes to QCC or The Spice Hut and watch the Smartie Barometer Grow!
 
Booking for this event is advisable and you can book by email: puspakhimji@hotmail.com or by calling 966 731 063.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42259/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: After the huge success of two recent events in December Pushpa Khimji owner of The Spice Hut in Quesada has combined the two events and will be holding a charity event on Friday January 31st.  There will be "An Indian Experience" and a Very Special "Eat As Much As You Like" Vegetarian Buffet!   
 
Pushpa is joining a small but growing band of local companies who have joined forces to support the Children's Home in Elche.  There will be an invitation to enter a free competition to win a prize of a menu for one and to receive a copy of the new monthly newsletter with all sorts of events and special offers!  
 
Annette and Dave English official fundraisers for the charity will be invited to hold a raffle to raise money for The Children's Home in Elche and Annette will tell the guests just what the money raised for the children goes towards paying for.  
 
As part of the Indian Experience Pushpa will give a short talk on the medicinal properties of some spices, she will be launching Spices for Sale and 10% of any spice sales will be donated to the charity and after the extraordinary buffet, Pushpa will invite some ladies to experience wearing a sari!   This event starts at 1.00p.m. and there will be a demonstration of how to make pakoras which the guests will then be able to try.  
 
Wine will be at the special price of €1.50 a glass and free Indian style nibbles will be complimentary.  The full buffet will give guests a chance to try some of the dishes they know about but also some authentic dishes that they have probably not tried before.  There will be salads and dips, papadums and pickles, pakoras, vegetable curry, dal, bombay potato and rice and plain naans - all this for just €7.90!
 
Pushpa will also be supporting "The Smarties Project" created by Spanish Life Properties and launched at Quesada Country Club and each guest will be given a tube of smarties with simple instructions - take smarties home - eat the smarties and then please fill the tube with 20 cent coins - bring full tubes to QCC or The Spice Hut and watch the Smartie Barometer Grow!
 
Booking for this event is advisable and you can book by email: puspakhimji@hotmail.com or by calling 966 731 063.
 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42259/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### LIFE DRAWING DEMONSTRATION AND DROP-IN SESSION AT ROJALES ARTISTS CAVES

Whilst being the exhibiting artist in the Sala Mengolero (art gallery) of the Cuevas del Rodeo (artists' caves in Rojales), Martin Robinson has been running free weekly painting demonstrations/workshops there.
The final workshop he is offering will be life drawing on Monday 27th from 12 noon to 2 pm when he will be painting Italian model Alex B in oils whilst offering anyone else the opportunity to have a go free - although there will be a box for donations towards the model's fee.
Although the nude is not the subject generally chosen by those starting to paint, Martin has found, like so many other artists before him, that it is essential in developing the skill creating confidence for the artist.     (It is often said, "If you can draw life, you can draw anything!")
He hopes by running an open life drawing drop-in session to demystify the subject and produce interest in those who wish to develop their artistic skills.
The photos attached show Alex B sitting for artists and a picture of model Victoria painted in oils by Martin during one of his previous drop-in sessions at the caves.
Directions to the Cuevas del Rodeo can be found on-line at: www.CostaArt.Net/caves.html
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42257/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Whilst being the exhibiting artist in the Sala Mengolero (art gallery) of the Cuevas del Rodeo (artists' caves in Rojales), Martin Robinson has been running free weekly painting demonstrations/workshops there.
The final workshop he is offering will be life drawing on Monday 27th from 12 noon to 2 pm when he will be painting Italian model Alex B in oils whilst offering anyone else the opportunity to have a go free - although there will be a box for donations towards the model's fee.
Although the nude is not the subject generally chosen by those starting to paint, Martin has found, like so many other artists before him, that it is essential in developing the skill creating confidence for the artist.     (It is often said, "If you can draw life, you can draw anything!")
He hopes by running an open life drawing drop-in session to demystify the subject and produce interest in those who wish to develop their artistic skills.
The photos attached show Alex B sitting for artists and a picture of model Victoria painted in oils by Martin during one of his previous drop-in sessions at the caves.
Directions to the Cuevas del Rodeo can be found on-line at: www.CostaArt.Net/caves.html
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42257/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### STUDIO32 – SWEET CHARITY

“Following the success of their widely acclaimed first show, the pantomime Aladdin, Studio Thirty Two will be performing the musical ‘Sweet Charity' in June. 
Set in a dance hall in New York, "Sweet Charity" is the bittersweet and often humorous story of Charity Hope Valentine, a hostess who falls in love too easily.
The story centres on Charity's love relationship with a neurotic man, Oscar, whom she meets when they get trapped in an elevator.
The show is filled with energetic songs and dances, including "Big Spender" (made famous by Shirley Bassey) and "Rhythm of Life" (made famous by Sammy Davis Jnr)."
Auditions and rehearsals for ‘Sweet Charity' will begin in February. For anyone considering ‘treading the boards' and having fun, come and see us at our open day at Casa Ventura in San Luis on 29th January at 3.30pm where you will be able to find out more about our next show.
Visit our website: www.studiothirtytwo.org, or email: studiothirtytwo2013@gmail.com, or telephone 966 318 019 for further details.”
The next Art & Crafts Market at Rojales Caves will be held on Sunday 2nd February from 11 am
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42249/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: “Following the success of their widely acclaimed first show, the pantomime Aladdin, Studio Thirty Two will be performing the musical ‘Sweet Charity' in June. 
Set in a dance hall in New York, "Sweet Charity" is the bittersweet and often humorous story of Charity Hope Valentine, a hostess who falls in love too easily.
The story centres on Charity's love relationship with a neurotic man, Oscar, whom she meets when they get trapped in an elevator.
The show is filled with energetic songs and dances, including "Big Spender" (made famous by Shirley Bassey) and "Rhythm of Life" (made famous by Sammy Davis Jnr)."
Auditions and rehearsals for ‘Sweet Charity' will begin in February. For anyone considering ‘treading the boards' and having fun, come and see us at our open day at Casa Ventura in San Luis on 29th January at 3.30pm where you will be able to find out more about our next show.
Visit our website: www.studiothirtytwo.org, or email: studiothirtytwo2013@gmail.com, or telephone 966 318 019 for further details.”
The next Art & Crafts Market at Rojales Caves will be held on Sunday 2nd February from 11 am
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42249/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### POST- ABORTION SYNDROME

The Abortion Act prohibits the advertising campaigns of abortion clinics. But what is to be deleted is the abortion, like slavery was abolished . Voluntary termination of pregnancy ( abortion ) has serious consequences for the woman.
When an innocent is killed through abortion , the first victim is the unborn baby. The second victim is tormented mother . Millions of young people have sunk into fraud abortion , and almost all are grieving what is known as " post-abortion syndrome ." This is recognized even more significant abortionist institution of the universe , the International Planned Parenthood Federation , by asserting that " the incidence of post- abortion trauma, surgical abortions for young , can reach up to 91 % of cases”.
Young women who abort begin to suffer the "post- abortion " symptoms , ie anxiety , despair , delusions , insomnia , drunkenness , drug addiction, hopelessness , psychosis and suicide.
The Government of Finland have revealed seven times more suicides among youth who had abortions , according to the latest report on a sample of more than 9,000 women . A shocking and pathetic study. People think nothing happens to girls who have abortions because it is legal , however they are affected by mental illness , 64%  enter psychiatric sanatorium after abortion , according to research from the University of Baltimore , USA , and " 59% suffer severe and permanent psychiatric disorders," according to the Royal Academy of Obstetrics of the UK.
Another serious consequences of abortion, reported in recent years, is breast carcinoma. Along with the great increase of cancers of the reproductive system of women, breast cancer has increased dramatically in the past 20 years, in all countries where abortion has spread.
Dr. Nathanson, who was an advocate of abortion in the United States, including the one that ended the life of his own son, and was converted to the faith in the Catholic Church, testified: "Humanity today regrets yesterday's slavery, and soon will be ashamed of the crime of abortion. "
clementeferrer3@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42238/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Abortion Act prohibits the advertising campaigns of abortion clinics. But what is to be deleted is the abortion, like slavery was abolished . Voluntary termination of pregnancy ( abortion ) has serious consequences for the woman.
When an innocent is killed through abortion , the first victim is the unborn baby. The second victim is tormented mother . Millions of young people have sunk into fraud abortion , and almost all are grieving what is known as " post-abortion syndrome ." This is recognized even more significant abortionist institution of the universe , the International Planned Parenthood Federation , by asserting that " the incidence of post- abortion trauma, surgical abortions for young , can reach up to 91 % of cases”.
Young women who abort begin to suffer the "post- abortion " symptoms , ie anxiety , despair , delusions , insomnia , drunkenness , drug addiction, hopelessness , psychosis and suicide.
The Government of Finland have revealed seven times more suicides among youth who had abortions , according to the latest report on a sample of more than 9,000 women . A shocking and pathetic study. People think nothing happens to girls who have abortions because it is legal , however they are affected by mental illness , 64%  enter psychiatric sanatorium after abortion , according to research from the University of Baltimore , USA , and " 59% suffer severe and permanent psychiatric disorders," according to the Royal Academy of Obstetrics of the UK.
Another serious consequences of abortion, reported in recent years, is breast carcinoma. Along with the great increase of cancers of the reproductive system of women, breast cancer has increased dramatically in the past 20 years, in all countries where abortion has spread.
Dr. Nathanson, who was an advocate of abortion in the United States, including the one that ended the life of his own son, and was converted to the faith in the Catholic Church, testified: "Humanity today regrets yesterday's slavery, and soon will be ashamed of the crime of abortion. "
clementeferrer3@gmail.com Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of advertising and public relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42238/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### DEADLINE FOR APPLYING FOR THE RIGHT TO VOTE

Campaign Coordinator, European Representative Eva Ortiz, and Provincial General Secretary, José Juan Zaplana, held a conference with local councillors and elected representatives of six different nationalities from the European Union.
 
On the 11th January 2013 PP councillors and representatives from various localities from within the Province of Alicante all originating from relevant countries and nationalities from the European Union were invited to a meeting with José Juan Zaplana the General secretary of the Partido Popular in the province of Alicante, César Sánchez the General Campaign coordinator, also attending the meeting was General Coordinator Eva Ortiz from European parliament.
 
Specifically, the meeting brought together German, British, Italian, Dutch, Belgian and French Mayors, councillors and representatives from the Political PP Party from within the Province of Alicante.  They addressed the concerns on behalf of the European residents. The Partido Popular shall include those concerns in their roadmap to Europe.
 
Over all, the conclusions of the conference were focused on locating the key and planning the main strategic points for the forthcoming campaign, which will start in the coming months.
 
It was expressed to the three provincial officials that European residents have chosen the Province of Alicante as the ideal place to develop their life projects and, in return, it is essential to involve them in decisions that affect them in their daily lives. The European representatives also expressed that the coordinators should work closely to the residents and take into account their concerns so they can forward them on to the people who can solve them.
 
The commitment from the Partido Popular is to adapt the messages from the meeting into reality for the European residents and to develop and sustain a continued working relationship basis to understand and resolve the actual requests…
 
Special emphasise was made that to be able to vote in the European elections, European residents must apply by 31st January in their local Town Hall.
 
The general coordinator of the Campaign, César Sánchez, said that “this is not an isolated event. We will continue. We want the European residents to really feel that the Partido Popular is close to them and their problems. We are the solution, not part of the problem. " Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42237/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Campaign Coordinator, European Representative Eva Ortiz, and Provincial General Secretary, José Juan Zaplana, held a conference with local councillors and elected representatives of six different nationalities from the European Union.
 
On the 11th January 2013 PP councillors and representatives from various localities from within the Province of Alicante all originating from relevant countries and nationalities from the European Union were invited to a meeting with José Juan Zaplana the General secretary of the Partido Popular in the province of Alicante, César Sánchez the General Campaign coordinator, also attending the meeting was General Coordinator Eva Ortiz from European parliament.
 
Specifically, the meeting brought together German, British, Italian, Dutch, Belgian and French Mayors, councillors and representatives from the Political PP Party from within the Province of Alicante.  They addressed the concerns on behalf of the European residents. The Partido Popular shall include those concerns in their roadmap to Europe.
 
Over all, the conclusions of the conference were focused on locating the key and planning the main strategic points for the forthcoming campaign, which will start in the coming months.
 
It was expressed to the three provincial officials that European residents have chosen the Province of Alicante as the ideal place to develop their life projects and, in return, it is essential to involve them in decisions that affect them in their daily lives. The European representatives also expressed that the coordinators should work closely to the residents and take into account their concerns so they can forward them on to the people who can solve them.
 
The commitment from the Partido Popular is to adapt the messages from the meeting into reality for the European residents and to develop and sustain a continued working relationship basis to understand and resolve the actual requests…
 
Special emphasise was made that to be able to vote in the European elections, European residents must apply by 31st January in their local Town Hall.
 
The general coordinator of the Campaign, César Sánchez, said that “this is not an isolated event. We will continue. We want the European residents to really feel that the Partido Popular is close to them and their problems. We are the solution, not part of the problem. " Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42237/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### GUARDIA CIVIL COMPLAIN OF MARITIME DEFICIENCIES

Despite being set to take delivery of a new fleet of motor launch boats in the near future, the maritime division of the Guardia Civil across Valencia are unable to effectively staff their current flotilla, according to the Asociación Unificada de Guardias Civiles.
The AUGC have reported “serious problems” and deficiencies which, in their view, undermine the service and jeopardises the integrity of the crews. They claim that not only are most of the craft based in Valencia and Alicante “shabby”, these “deficiencies” are “aggravated” by the “lack of staffing in the entire institution, by not replacing vacancies” caused by early retirement.
In particular, in the maritime service based at Alicante, this shortage makes it impossible for two daily patrol boats to be launched, as would be the requirement, leaving most of the coastline unprotected, a similar, although lesser situation occurs off the coast of Valencia and Castellon. 
The AUGC is advocating a 24-hour shift pattern that would cover the entire boundary, give more rest to the craft and economically would be cheaper for fuel, as a lot of the coastline deficiencies are currently being patrolled from the land. Their proposals would also vary routine schedule and not always relieve the crews on the same port. 
They also complain of the quality standard of some of the craft, which would hopefully be resolved when they take delivery of the new vessels, but they call for an urgent address of problems caused by lack of awareness and training of their ground based colleagues, many of whom assume the boats to be “similar to a car”, in that they can go anywhere at any time. The AUGC has already filed reports complaining of being put under pressure to set sail in stormy seas, which they claimed shows a lack of knowledge and experience of some of their superiors, which can “endanger the integrity of the components of the boats”, and put the officers who operate the craft “at serious risk”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42235/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Despite being set to take delivery of a new fleet of motor launch boats in the near future, the maritime division of the Guardia Civil across Valencia are unable to effectively staff their current flotilla, according to the Asociación Unificada ...

### MANCEBO THREATENED FOR SLANDER

The Councillor for Markets in Orihuela, Manuel Gallud from the Los Verdes, has been consulting with his legal team with a view to take action for slander against the CLR spokesman Pedro Mancebo.
According to Gallud, Mancebo claims that the decision to move the market in Orihuela was entirely based on Gallud wanted to satisfy and increase the business interests of his friends. 
Gallud has insisted that Mancebo publically withdraws the statement, or face the consequences through the courts. Gallud said, “With good faith, I give (Mancebo) the opportunity to rectify the claims in public”, before taking the matter further.
The moving of the markets in the city of Orihuela has been an ongoing issue, with the PP and Clr wanting to keep the locations as they are, whereas the government team wanted to move the market, and had the overall support of the majority of market traders.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42234/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Councillor for Markets in Orihuela, Manuel Gallud from the Los Verdes, has been consulting with his legal team with a view to take action for slander against the CLR spokesman Pedro Mancebo.
According to Gallud, Mancebo claims that the decision to...

### FATAL CRASH ON N332 AT TORREVIEJA

Two people are believed to have been killed when a car and a bus collided head on in a notorious black spot of the N-332 single lane road near Torrevieja, opposite the desalination plant.
At around 14:30 on Wednesday, a bus with a driver and tour guide was travelling in the Cartagena direction, when it collided with a passenger car head on, in which were the 40 year old female driver and her two year old daughter.
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, whereas the girl was taken to hospital, losing her battle for life some 2 hours later.
The road was closed to traffic and an investigation has been launched into the incident.
Photographs kindly provided by objetivotorrevieja.wordpress.com. More pictures available here.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42232/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Two people are believed to have been killed when a car and a bus collided head on in a notorious black spot of the N-332 single lane road near Torrevieja, opposite the desalination plant.
At around 14:30 on Wednesday, a bus with a driver and tour guid...

### AIRPORT BABY DEATH CAUSED BY PARENTAL NEGLECT

The death of a 5 month old baby on the luggage carousel at Alicante airport in September was “totally random” and “not attributable to the installation”, but the fault of those responsible for the child.
The accident took place on the morning of September the 19th at Alicante airport, when a couple who had arrived from the U.S. with their two children, one five months old and the other of an undetermined age, apparently left the baby on the luggage carousel, which subsequently started and resulted in the tragic loss of life.
The statement has been made in response to a parliamentary question raised by Ricardo Sixto of the Izquierda Plural, who asked what measures had been taken to ensure that “accidents like this are not repeated”.
The executive committee responded by saying that, “The accident was entirely unfortunate and not attributable to the installation, designed for the passage of luggage and not for the movement of people and that according to the information available, it was due to neglect of those who were in charge of the child”.
The statement also states that all baggage collection facilities in Spain, “comply with all current regulations”, and that “maintenance is done properly”, and elements “complying with UNE-EN 619 safety in conveyor systems”.
The Government also discard the suggestion to have the carousels fitted with additional safety equipment that could activate if small weights are detected.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42231/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The death of a 5 month old baby on the luggage carousel at Alicante airport in September was “totally random” and “not attributable to the installation”, but the fault of those responsible for the child.
The accident took place...

### PRISON FOR TORREVIEJA NOTARY MURDERERS

Of the sixteen people standing trial, three motorbike riding murders must spend between 6 and 26 years in prison, following a verdict which confirms their guilt in the murder of a Notary in Torrevieja in 2009.
In October, 2009, Juan José Martinez Tomás, a popular Notary who operated from his offices in Torrevieja, was fatally shot in the abdomen following a struggle with two men who had entered his premises intending to commit armed robbery.
The 16 defendants were tried on charges of conspiracy, robbery with violence and attempted use of weapons, robbery and use of a weapon, attempted murder, manslaughter, concealment, falsification of official documents, breach of conviction and illegal possession of weapons.
Juan Miguel Roig Beckingham was sentenced to 26 years in prison for murder, Alexey Smirnov was given a sentence of six years and nine months as an accomplice to murder, and Bernardo Ríos was sentenced to 6 years and 9 months in prison. 
These three men must compensate the family of the victim, in the case of the first two with compensation to which they have been convicted of jointly and severally amounting to 200,000 euro and the case of an accomplice, compensation of 30,000 euro.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42229/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Of the sixteen people standing trial, three motorbike riding murders must spend between 6 and 26 years in prison, following a verdict which confirms their guilt in the murder of a Notary in Torrevieja in 2009.
In October, 2009, Juan José Martin...

### BRITISH DRIVER ARRESTED AFTER BIKE HIT AND RUN DEATH

A motorist, said to be a British citizen of 83 years of age, has been arrested by the Guardia Civil accused of having knocked down a cyclist in Los Alcázares and then fleeing the scene.
The victim, said to be a 54 year old male of North African origin, was riding along the road that connects Los Alcázares with Torre Pacheco, when, according to sources from the local police, he crossed the road from side to side and was hit by a vehicle. 
The road is described as being one designed for agricultural traffic, on an industrial estate, very narrow in places, with no “hard shoulder”. Although roundabouts had been placed on the road in various places during recent years, the road is still lacking in normal safety features.
The force of the blow was such that, according to witnesses, the cyclist was thrown into the air, landing several metres from the impact point. 
Another motorist who observed the events was said to have pursued the driver immediately after the incident. An emergency ambulance attended the scene but could do nothing other than confirm the death of the cyclist.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42227/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A motorist, said to be a British citizen of 83 years of age, has been arrested by the Guardia Civil accused of having knocked down a cyclist in Los Alcázares and then fleeing the scene.
The victim, said to be a 54 year old male of North African...

### ORIHUELA COSTA DRUG RUNNER ARREST

Officers from Orihuela local police have arrested two men for alleged marijuana possession in their home on the Orihuela Costa. 
The two men, both brothers and with a history of drug related offences, were stopped by a routine checkpoint as they drove around the area. Noticing the police presence, the officers noted that the vehicle the two men were in had stopped abruptly, at which point one of the men exited the vehicle and ran from the scene carrying a bag.
The officers approached the vehicle and noticed a strong odour emanating from the car, which they believed to marijuana, and began to pursue the other man on foot.
The officers chased the man and stopped him near to a house which they had received previous reports of suspicious activity, possibly relating to drugs.
Upon inspecting the bag that the man was carrying the officers found 31 branches of a plant believed to be marijuana, weighing a kilo and a half. 
Whilst still outside the house the officers noticed that an air conditioning unit was operating, and also exhausting a strong smell of marijuana, and they could then see bright lights inside the premises.
The officers called for assistance from the Guardia Civil who entered the house with them. They found further evidence inside the premises and confiscated 680 euro in cash, in addition to the drugs.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42221/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from Orihuela local police have arrested two men for alleged marijuana possession in their home on the Orihuela Costa. 
The two men, both brothers and with a history of drug related offences, were stopped by a routine checkpoint as they drove...

### 31 JANUARY DEADLINE FOR EUROPEAN ELECTIONS

César Sánchez: "We have the PP Councillors and Officials of the Province to gather the concerns of
European residents and we will be included them in the roadmap towards Europe "
  
Partido Popular would like to emphasize that the 31st January is the deadline for applying for the right to vote in the forthcoming European Elections this May.
Campaign Coordinator, European Representative Eva Ortiz, and Provincial General Secretary, José Juan Zaplana, held a conference with local councillors and elected representatives of six different nationalities from the European Union.
On the 11th January 2013 PP councillors and representatives from various localities from within the Province of Alicante all originating from relevant countries and nationalities from the European Union were invited to a meeting with José Juan Zaplana the General secretary of the Partido Popular in the province of Alicante, César Sánchez the General Campaign coordinator, also attending the meeting was General Coordinator Eva Ortiz from European parliament.
 
Specifically, the meeting brought together German, British, Italian, Dutch, Belgian and French Mayors, councillors and representatives from the Political PP Party from within the Province of Alicante.  They addressed the concerns on behalf of the European residents. The Partido Popular shall include those concerns in their roadmap to Europe.
Over all, the conclusions of the conference were focused on locating the key and planning the main strategic points for the forthcoming campaign, which will start in the coming months.
It was expressed to the three provincial officials that European residents have chosen the Province of Alicante as the ideal place to develop their life projects and, in return, it is essential to involve them in decisions that affect them in their daily lives. The European representatives also expressed that the coordinators should work closely to the residents and take into account their concerns so they can forward them on to the people who can solve them.
The commitment from the Partido Popular is to adapt the messages from the meeting into reality for the European residents and to develop and sustain a continued working relationship basis to understand and resolve the actual requests…
Special emphasise was made that to be able to vote in the European elections, European residents must apply by 31st January in their local Town Hall.
The general coordinator of the Campaign, César Sánchez, said that “this is not an isolated event. We will continue. We want the European residents to really feel that the Partido Popular is close to them and their problems. We are the solution, not part of the problem. "Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42220/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: César Sánchez: "We have the PP Councillors and Officials of the Province to gather the concerns of
European residents and we will be included them in the roadmap towards Europe "  
Partido Popular would like to emphasize that the 31st January is the deadline for applying for the right to vote in the forthcoming European Elections this May.
Campaign Coordinator, European Representative Eva Ortiz, and Provincial General Secretary, José Juan Zaplana, held a conference with local councillors and elected representatives of six different nationalities from the European Union.
On the 11th January 2013 PP councillors and representatives from various localities from within the Province of Alicante all originating from relevant countries and nationalities from the European Union were invited to a meeting with José Juan Zaplana the General secretary of the Partido Popular in the province of Alicante, César Sánchez the General Campaign coordinator, also attending the meeting was General Coordinator Eva Ortiz from European parliament.
Specifically, the meeting brought together German, British, Italian, Dutch, Belgian and French Mayors, councillors and representatives from the Political PP Party from within the Province of Alicante.  They addressed the concerns on behalf of the European residents. The Partido Popular shall include those concerns in their roadmap to Europe.
Over all, the conclusions of the conference were focused on locating the key and planning the main strategic points for the forthcoming campaign, which will start in the coming months.
It was expressed to the three provincial officials that European residents have chosen the Province of Alicante as the ideal place to develop their life projects and, in return, it is essential to involve them in decisions that affect them in their daily lives. The European representatives also expressed that the coordinators should work closely to the residents and take into account their concerns so they can forward them on to the people who can solve them.
The commitment from the Partido Popular is to adapt the messages from the meeting into reality for the European residents and to develop and sustain a continued working relationship basis to understand and resolve the actual requests…
Special emphasise was made that to be able to vote in the European elections, European residents must apply by 31st January in their local Town Hall.
The general coordinator of the Campaign, César Sánchez, said that “this is not an isolated event. We will continue. We want the European residents to really feel that the Partido Popular is close to them and their problems. We are the solution, not part of the problem. "Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42220/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### PHOTOGENICS PHOTOGRAPHY COURSES

Photogenics have announced their first courses for 2014.
The next ‘Know your Camera – the Basics' two day course will be held at La Herradura Restaurant, Los Montesinos 4th & 5th February.
The course covers the basic principles of photography, including use of aperture and shutter speed settings, as well as good composition, to create special photos of scenes and family and friends.
Numbers are always limited so that we can spend a lot of one-to-one time helping people to understand how to get the best out of their particular camera.
‘Get the most out of your compact camera'.
Did you get a new compact camera for Christmas? Or, have you owned one for a while and still don't know how to use all it's capabilities?
Tuesday 28th January we will be holding a one-day course especially for people with compact cameras. Whilst they have less flexibility than a larger camera, knowledge of how to make creative use of the various modes and other facilities these cameras offer, can result in much more pleasing results.
The course will also be held at La Herradura Restaurant from 10.30am to 4.30pm. The cost is only €45, including a light lunch (drinks extra)
Enhancing your photographs Course
Our popular photo enhancement course using Adobe Lightroom on your computer will be held at La Herradura 21ST  and 22nd January.
Lightroom is a powerful, but efficient, program for making the most of your photos. Software is provided – you just need a laptop to bring along.
We have been running photographic courses for over three years.
More details of these courses can be seen on our website www.photogenics-cb.net, or you can email us at info@photogenics-cb.net.
You can enrol or contact us for more information via email or the website. Alternatively call David on  649613517.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42209/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Photogenics have announced their first courses for 2014.
The next ‘Know your Camera – the Basics' two day course will be held at La Herradura Restaurant, Los Montesinos 4th & 5th February.
The course covers the basic principles of pho...

### CAMPOVERDE ROAD CLOSURE UPDATE

Whilst work is continuing to improve the sewerage, electricity, water and surface network in the Pinar de Campoverde urbanization, Avenida del Pino will be closed to traffic from January the 17th, between calle Álamo and calle Albaricoquero.
It is anticipated that the roads will remain closed until the 13th of February, 2014. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42207/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Whilst work is continuing to improve the sewerage, electricity, water and surface network in the Pinar de Campoverde urbanization, Avenida del Pino will be closed to traffic from January the 17th, between calle Álamo and calle Albaricoquero.
It...

### SCAMMERS ARRESTED IN TORREVIEJA

The National Police have arrested three people accused of defrauding more than 300,000 euro from farmers and suppliers in the Vega Baja area, through a company allegedly involved in the export of oranges, for which products and equipment were acquired without making the required payments.
The investigation started following a complaint from a provider who claimed to have delivered boxes for transporting citrus fruit to the company, with a value in excess of 120,000 euro, but without receiving any payment.
The investigation revealed that the company, located in San Miguel de Salinas, was being run by a male, of Italian origin, who had accumulated multiple debts, whilst enjoying a somewhat lavish lifestyle.
As investigators delved deeper into the company and individual, they found that another company had been set up, with similar characteristics to the one under investigation, which seemed to have been involved in a scam whereas machinery and vehicles were acquired, without payment, and immediately sent to Italy to hinder their recovery.
The value of the scams identified is over 300,000 euro, although the police have recovered two fork lift trucks, which they assume to have been heading for Italy, as well as documents supporting their claims.
The research was carried out by the Economic Crime Group of the Provincial Commissariat of Alicante, with arrests taking place in both Alicante and Torrevieja. Of the three arrested, two are Italian and the third is Spanish, and all of them accused of fraud, forgery and misappropriation. Two of them were released after giving evidence and the third was dealt with by the courts.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42197/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The National Police have arrested three people accused of defrauding more than 300,000 euro from farmers and suppliers in the Vega Baja area, through a company allegedly involved in the export of oranges, for which products and equipment were acquired ...

### NEW YEAR – SAME EDUCATION CUTS AND PROMISES

The government of Valencia announced this week that it will eliminate 75% of portacabin schools in the region “before the end of the current term”.
A statement says that during the current academic year, 329 temporary classrooms will be removed with the construction of five new schools and, before the end of the administrative term they will complete 14 other colleges and institutes that will eliminate another 300 more.
The statement also says that in total there are 24,756 public classrooms in public schools in the region, of which only 1.2% will be housed in temporary units, “according to the commitment of the Council under the Plan to eliminate portable classrooms”.
Although nobody would complain about a commitment to eliminate portacabin classrooms, not least the people of Orihuela, some of whom have spent their entire school lives being taught in inferior buildings, but the reduction in these units is seemingly not simply based on replacing purpose built and new facilities with the old.
For the third consecutive year the PP run Valencia Government plans to completely eliminate up to nine classrooms across Orihuela for the 2014 academic year. The councillor for education in municipality of Orihuela, Rosa Martínez of the PSOE, made the announcement around Christmas time saying that Andrés Manjón school will lose a primary and nursery class, La Aparecida will lose two primary classes, whereas the schools of Antonio Sequeros, Villar Palasí, colegio de Desamparados, La Campaneta and San Bartolomé will lose one each.
This figure must also be added to the thirteen classes already removed in the 2011 academic year, plus the six in this, which collectively has been described as an “attack” against public education by Martínez, which has also seen 36 teachers suffer the loss of employment.
It is also believed that the reduction in class numbers will have serious repercussions on those wishing to send their children to schools in the municipality, with Martínez predicting that some parents will be forced to look towards private schools in the future.
Although the move is beyond the control of the local government team, a meeting has been set up by the Municipal School Board, to make urgent plans to try to prevent this extra reduction, which they will then attempt to convince the regional body to reduce the persistent hatchet on public education in Orihuela.
As for the announcement that five new schools will open this year, the government say that it will mean some 3,000 students leaving prefabricated classrooms and moving to brick building, “so that by the end of the year we will have eliminated 35% of the existing facilities”, whilst pointing out that CEIP Benadresa in Castellón, San Francisco de Borja in Gandía, IES nº 3 in Denia, CEIP Acequión in Torrevieja and CEIP nº 10 de Torrent “have already been completed”.
Whilst stating that in July 2011, the region had 929 temporary classrooms and in the last two years, “thanks to the construction of these facilities, 329 have been removed”, not forgetting that we must also add in the 28 classes in Orihuela alone have been simply eliminated all together, plus others in different areas of the region, the government are still committed to the removal 300 other prefabricated classrooms “through the construction of 14 new schools throughout the country before the end of the legislature”, four of which are in the Alicante province, 3 in Castellón and the rest in Valencia.
But, whilst the balance of promoting the closure of portacabins is weighed up against the removal of classes altogether, the central government are also tightening the belts of school age parents again this year, with the announcement of a huge reduction in subsidy towards textbooks and teaching materials.
The Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport has published in the Official State Gazette the figure for of 18.5 million euro to be distributed between the regions in order to finance textbooks and teaching materials in primary and secondary education. Last year, the figure was 30.7 million euro, meaning a reduction of 40%.
The distribution of credit is the result of the agreement of the Council of Ministers made in November, establishing distribution criteria approved by the Education Conference, which has been published and subsequently come into force this week.
However, in a statement issued on behalf of the department run by José Ignacio Wert, also responsible for the education reform act LOMCE, which came into force last week, the program aims at establishing cooperation mechanisms between the government and the autonomous communities in order to “work with families” in funding the purchase of books and school supplies for students enrolled in the compulsory levels of education in public schools.
The criterion for distribution amongst the regions is the result of the product of two variables: the rate of poverty risk for each autonomous community in 2011, published by the National Institute of Statistics, and the number of students enrolled in compulsory education in that community.
Valencia is quite near the top of the list of budget allocations and will receive 1.7 million euro, just marginally behind Madrid who will get 1.8 million. Neighbouring Murcia will get just 832,947 euro share, a considerable way behind the Andalucía where 5.5 million euro will be given.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42187/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The government of Valencia announced this week that it will eliminate 75% of portacabin schools in the region “before the end of the current term”.
A statement says that during the current academic year, 329 temporary classrooms will be re...

### ORIHUELA POLITICS REMAINS VOLATILE

As the dust begins to settle on yet another political explosion in Orihuela, the bipartite government team still maintain their commitment to carry on regardless, and have returned to work after the festive break with both the drive and determination to pursue their aims of governing, but now with the added bonuses of a refreshed, reshuffled team and the apparent obvious support of allies and some adversaries alike.
For the second time in this administration, the Partido Popular of Orihuela failed in raising a censure motion that could have resulted in a vote of no confidence and the overthrowing of the bipartite government team of Orihuela.
The PP and Clr groups, with Pedro Mancebo and Juan Ignacio López-Bas, accused of “selling out” by a number of their original supporters, collaborated to form a new allegiance, but seemingly without the PP even mentioning this move to their originally aligned supporter, Bob Houliston of CLARO. Believing this to be far from in the best interests of Orihuela, Houliston stepped up and, after taking legal advice, blocked the motion.
The city clerk, who is a public Notary, provided analysis as to whether the blocking was legal, given that Mancebo and López-Bas had recently been ejected from their own party group. On 6 of the 7 points raised, the Notary confirmed that is was the case, but offered an element of doubt to one point, the method of communication in which the expulsion meeting was called, which was done by email.
As Houliston publicly blocked the censure motion, sitting as President of the council of elders, along with the youngest member of government, Carolina Gracia and the city clerk, the leader of the PP in Orihuela, Pepa Ferrando, who was destined to take the chair as Mayor, said that Houliston had made a “grave and criminal error” and will face the courts. In a statement, the PP in Orihuela described the move as an “absolute coup for democracy”, with Ferrando saying that “We were threatened that this could happen”, whilst emphasising the there has been no “validity” given to the report from the City Clerk, that “Mr Houliston, chairman of the board of elders, has forgotten to read”, and that, in her view, this was “absolutely illegal” and constitutes “crimes of corruption, bribery and two or three more crimes”.
But the question still remains as to why public opinion seems to be favouring the minority government over one run by those who would collectively have the majority of votes. Combining the PP and Clr results from the last elections would give them over 20,000 votes, but as the 2013 statistics show that there are a total of 91,260, it is clear to see that the actual majority of over 70,000 do not share the passion to put the PP back into power.
The latest “barometer” of public opinion conducted at the end of 2013 indicates that there is a growing concern within the national population of Spain, a concern that has shot up 5.8 points in December alone, now becoming the second biggest concern according to the Centre for Sociological Research. That growing problem is one of corruption in politics. Now standing way ahead of economic concerns, health and education, political corruption is seen to be damaging to the country. 
The obvious question is whether it is for that reason that the situation in Orihuela remains such a hot topic. We know that in neighbouring Torrevieja, the former PP mayor Pedro Hernández Mateo still walks free, despite being sentenced to prison for fraud, claiming his right to clemency because of his political position.
The secretary-general of the Regional PSOE in Valencia, Ximo Puig, described it as “insane” to consider that that the president of the Generalitat, Alberto Fabra, and the President of the Government, Mariano Rajoy, would endorse a censure motion that included “five charged and one convicted” of criminal offences within the Partido Popular group.
In fact, Puig is proposing the repeal of the clemency a law, which actually dates back to 1870, arguing that the law is now grossly out of date and is being misused in these modern times. The PSOE believes that this rule must be reformed to explicitly exclude the possibility of a pardon on a conviction of corruption. A proposal that was not met with welcoming arms, perhaps because the Valencia region alone has more than 250 politicians and civil servants facing crimes whilst in public office.
Puig argues that impunity “is poison to democracy and the rule of law”, and that “we must avoid situations where the corrupt do not pay”. The feeling that “breaking the law comes free generates social alarm”, with governments becoming “a kind of second court to those who have already been judged”.
Indeed, judges across Spain joined in and voiced their opposition to the clemency law, as they say that suspending the entry into prison with firm political convictions as a special offense is wrong, and that, “Given the special consideration of this type of crime, we advocate the elimination of the possibility provided for in Article 4.4 of the Criminal Code to suspend the enforcement of penalties for clemency requests”.
The social alarm is quite clear in Orihuela too, as not only was the voice of the public heard on the ground, boos and jeers as Mancebo and López-Bas left the plenary hall, cheers and adoration as the Mayor Monserrate Guillén left, social network sites were also buzzing with praise for the blocking of the motion, and critical of the corruption from the Partido Popular in particular.
As the “hashtags” became attached to messages on twitter, a keyword which connects messages with similar interests, the “#CorruPPtos” and “#limpiezademocratica” tags being clearly aimed at the PP. Messages from the Spanish population echoed what happened on the ground, with comments such as, “Confidence motion fails the CorruPPtos of Orihuela. The lust for power of PP and CLR lie down. Pepa Bye! #limpiezademocratica”, and “CorruPPtos no thanks! ;) #Mociondecensura #Orihuela” and even more directed comments aimed at raising awareness of past corruptions, “Of the 12 councillors in Orihuela PPopular , 5 are in PROCESS of Corruption or CONVICTED , is this it is the people who run our €?”.
The positive mood seemingly supporting the clean government team in power, “Orihuela has a minority government but honest and courageous. It will continue for the rights to the city”, whilst another pointing out that “The shame of Orihuela is that the City is ALWAYS in court”. 
Although remaining mostly quiet during the campaign to have him and his team removed, the Mayor, Monserrate Guillén, who had previously affirmed his anti-corrupt morals, saying, “I arrived with an empty suitcase and I will leave with an empty suitcase”, immediately after the meeting said, “I have not beaten anybody, who is the winner is the people of Orihuela”.
Although some may say that the social networks were flooded as part of an orchestrated campaign against the motion, there was of course nothing stopping the PP and their supporters voicing their opposition, nor was there anything stopping a public display of support at the town hall, neither of which happened in reality. Unlike the supporters for the blocking of the motion, with tweets such as “Big Bob! Has not disappointed us!”, and a simple “Happy new year : Lol:: Lol:: Lol:” amongst the first mentions, with others commenting on the perceived mood of the town hall, “Orihuela is fuming today!”.
In fact, within the Twittersphere, the Orihuela PP have 805 followers, with some key players such as Monica Lorente having 925 followers, Pepa Ferrando has 217 followers, Victor bernabeu has 61, and even senior PP members such as  Serafín Castellano with 3,329 followers and Alberto Fabra with 13,968 followers. The PSOE in Orihuela on the other hand has 1,010 followers, Antonia Moreno with 257, Antonio D. Zapata has 253 and regionally Ximo Puig has 6,926. As for the Los Verdes in Orihuela, they have seemingly not yet grasped the importance or need to branch out using such methods, with their 126 followers, Monserrate Guillén with 291 and Martina Scheurer publicly declaring that she is not on Twitter. There is no apparent presence of either Clr or CLARO on Twitter, the point being that if this was an orchestrated campaign, it was rather poorly done, but the main players could have played a bigger part in raising awareness, should that have been the case, rather than what most believe that it really was the voice of the people speaking.
The fact that praise was levied towards the Mayor himself, with tweets reading, “Congratulations # Orihuela and Oriholanos for keeping Monserrate”, and “I'm happy for Guillen”, there was seemingly less praise towards the PP and Clr move, the closest tweet that could be seen was simply, “to us that no one wins”.
As for the immediate future of Orihuela as a whole, it will be up to the courts to decide if blocking the motion was legally correct or not, but as the deputy of the relatively new Compromís group, Mireia Mollà, expressed her “satisfaction”, she also stated that, “the failure of this censure motion shows the importance of the precedent set at Tavernes de la Valldigna, where the Council of Elders stopped a motion against Compromís Mayor Jordi Juan, because, as has happened in Orihuela, the PP also intended to make a motion with the support of a turncoat councillor, which the law does not allow, as a recent ruling reaffirmed”.  A second similar case was also presented to the courts recently which saw an ousted Mayor return to power, as the courts deemed the motion there should never have gone ahead.
Allegations have also been made that suggest Houliston will be returning as councillor for the coast. However, despite Mancebo´s having already issued press releases that indicated he was back in power, even before the motion had been heard and subsequently rejected, no such plan is in place for Houliston. This does not rule out a return to government of course, but at this stage, there have not been any talks, discussion or decisions made which would see Houliston back.
That said, following the departure of Antonia Moreno from the government, a reshuffle has taken place of the competencies and roles left behind, which has resulted in Councillor for Festivities and Youth, Carolina Gracia, assuming the role of spokesperson for the local government and the Municipal Socialist Group. Antonio Zapata will be the first deputy mayor and retain Planning, Projects and Institutional Relations. Rosa Martínez will have Culture added to her current responsibilities of Tourism and Education, as well as holding the role of second deputy mayor. Once newcomer Victor Ruiz takes the role replacing Moreno, he will be given the departments of Human Resources, Internal Affairs and Employment, Communications and Infrastructure. 
According to Gracia, this distribution of responsibilities of government “is the most responsive to the needs of citizens”. All other roles, responsibilities and positions will remain unchanged at this time, which includes the Councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, who remains in place, as she has done throughout this latest chapter in an ever changing political mine field that mixes corruption, turncoats, legal challenges and ignorance of the people, whilst the government team still try and go about the business of running the municipality, albeit with the obvious complications of most major financial decisions being so far paralysed as the PP with their alliances blocked any move by holding the majority, a position they may soon find is slipping away from their grip.
Key players in the political framework will continue to have their say live on radio, make sure you tune in to 89.2fm on the Orihuela Costa, 93.1fm on the Costa Blanca, or listen online at www.exiteradio.com.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42186/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: As the dust begins to settle on yet another political explosion in Orihuela, the bipartite government team still maintain their commitment to carry on regardless, and have returned to work after the festive break with both the drive and determination t...

### GREEN LIGHT FOR TORREVIEJA AND BENIDORM HIGH SPEED TRAIN LINK

A direct bus link from both Torrevieja and Benidorm to the High Speed Train network has been approved by the Ministry of Infrastructure.
The initial plans show that the bus would run from both tourist rich towns to the newly built station at Villena, which has direct links to the coastal motorway network, but this is subject to approval by all parties involved, and may yet end up being Alicante.
A meeting will be held this week in Madrid, which will be attended by representatives from the towns, including Torrevieja Mayor, Eduardo Dolón, and train operator RENFE.
This is the first time such a service will be launched in the area, with passengers able to buy a complete ticket for their journey to include the road section to Torrevieja or Benidorm.
Final plans for the new shuttle could be formally submitted within a few days, coinciding with the Madrid International Tourism Fair (Fitur), where it is hoped that the combined ticket and service will be promoted to visitors attending the event.
It can only be hoped that the service becomes more popular than the direct airport bus, which became a costly exercise during the test phase with hardly any take-up by passengers.
Meanwhile, in Torrevieja, public transport is once again causing discord, as residents have been going to renew their “Citizen Card”, which they purchase to use instead of the free bus travel that had previously been provided, only to find that the cost of the card has increased, without any notification from the town hall. 
The Los Verdes of Torrevieja have described the near 30% increase in the card as an example of the “Disinterest and mismanagement of the PP, in the city of Torrevieja, which economically punishes the residents of the municipality, significantly increasing the high tax burden to which they are forced as a result of many years of political corruption, extravagance and waste.”
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42181/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A direct bus link from both Torrevieja and Benidorm to the High Speed Train network has been approved by the Ministry of Infrastructure.
The initial plans show that the bus would run from both tourist rich towns to the newly built station at Villena, ...

### FROM THE HORSES MOUTH - PANDORA’S BOX

Sue Weeding, co founder of the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre in Rojales began writing her informative articles “From the Horses Mouth” here twelve months ago.
The story's she has told about life at the centre have covered many subjects, not only about the equines in her and husband Rod's care, but also her own personal battle this year with Lyme disease, a particularly debilitating condition that can have far reaching consequences if not correctly treated.
We thought that after twelve months of contributions to this page we should get an update from Sue regarding the progress and achievements the couple have made since starting the EHCRC five years ago.
Sue and Rod Weeding moved to Rojales thirteen years ago after selling their successful horse livery business in the U.K. Sue in her own right was a successful furniture manufacture and retailer in Suffolk and Norfolk.
They thought they had left behind the seven days a week long hours lifestyle that they had back home. The only connection with horses here was the well stocked tack shop that Sue opened on their premises to service the local horse community.
All this changed dramatically however when one day in 2008 Sue and Rod were made aware of a young horse hidden away in a dark filthy stable at a livery yard they were delivering to. The owner had abandoned him because he was, in his opinion, too wild to do anything with and he was due to be slaughtered that week.
Sue explains” We took this young horse called Luceiro home with us and vowed that he would never suffer again or want for anything. He had an appalling injury to his left eye which had to be removed immediately because it was so bad.
It was at that moment, although of course I never realised it at the time, that I had opened Pandora's Box.
Word soon got round that we had rescued this beautiful horse and we were then being told by my tack shop customers of horses they were aware of left to die of starvation, being horrendously abused and mistreated in various locations in the vicinity.
We now have sixty four horses, ponies and donkeys in our care.
The emotional highs and lows we have experienced have been astonishing. They may range from the excitement and anticipation when we are called out to a rescue not knowing what we are going to find and who we are going to be dealing with, to the sadness and despair when we lose one of our equines through no fault of our own, usually as a result of the long term effects of their previous mistreatment.
A major positive to have resulted in our operation is the knowledge that both Rod and I have gleaned regarding injuries and illness to equines that would not normally be seen. Our fantastic vet Dorothea has also been able to acquire experience and hands on treatment way beyond what she would normally come across in her day to day business, because of the appalling injuries and condition that some of our rescued equines have.
Rod and I are often asked would it not be easier and kinder to have these more severe cases put to sleep. As long as there is hope and a chance of a pain free recovery for these horses, and after consulting Dorothea our vet and Gasper Castelijns, the world renowned horse surgeon from Barcelona, we will never give up on them.”
Sue continues,” Another major positive since we began is that we are no longer working alone when it comes to helping horses in distress. The increased cooperation that we are receiving from the police, both Guardia Civil Seprona division and the Local Police across the Vega Baja and beyond has been phenomenal. We like to think that our continuous campaigning for better treatment of equines has resulted in these agencies refusing to turn a blind eye to equine abuse. They now have someone they can trust to turn to when they investigate such cases.
Because of our website and Facebook presence we are communicating with like minded rescue centres all over the world, exchanging case history', treatments and much more. What is shocking though is how widespread the abuse of equines is and the slaughter of these fine creatures is a worldwide phenomenon which necessitates organisations like ours to exist in the first place.
When I say organisations I mean primarily charities.
We at the EHCRC are a fully compliant registered charity. We have seven fantastic charity shops in the area run by ninety amazing volunteers without whom we could not function. The cost of the day to day running of the centre is huge with each equine costing up to 200 euros a month each to look after and feed. Our charity shops are our lifeblood and a vital source of funds and we are so grateful to the general public also who choose to spend their money with us.
We are proud also that as a charity people can come to our popular Sunday afternoon open days and see where the funds are spent.
We are a tangible outfit, very hands on, and we are working very hard with the local authorities here in Rojales and Torrevieja to encourage children, both able and disabled, to visit us on school trips and experience being close to, and around our horses, donkeys and ponies. We are not just a rescue centre anymore, we are an educational centre and we will develop this aspect of our operation much further in the coming months and years. My popular book “Faith – Diary of an Heroic Horse was translated into Spanish for me by Tatiana, Councillor for Education at Rojales Town Hall. Rosario Martinez, Councillor for Education in Torreviejs is now working with us to get Spanish children from the town up here to the centre as part of their education. We will be working closely with ASPE college for disabled children also.
 
Our centre and charity shops also give many people a purpose in life, a social life, employment, self esteem and great satisfaction in a job well done.
We have the most fantastic help from our volunteers, not only in the shops but here at the centre doing amazing jobs. Mucking out the fields and stables, washing the food buckets, repairing fences, helping out at our open days cooking, making cakes, serving tea, doing our horse tours where we show people round the premises to meet every single on of our equines. We have of course British volunteers but also Norwegian, Spanish, Polish, Moroccan and German to mention a few who are all working to the same result, caring for the residents. 
Why do they do it? It is a fun place to be involved with, positive, vibrant, caring and most of the time serene and peaceful.
We buy all our Alfalfa from the local farmers to feed our horses. We give them all the manure we collect to spread on their crops and offer advice if they have any problems of the equine kind.
We have a fantastic Pony Club every Sunday afternoon run by Karen, who speaks Spanish and she teaches children how to look after and treat equines. It is very pleasing to see Spanish parents bringing their children to the club and getting involved with us, another positive.
Sue concludes. “  As you can see  we are on a rollercoaster ride that we can't stop. Would we have done things differently if we had known what we now know? Probably. 
Do we have any regrets? Not at all, after all is said and done, we can't put the lid back on the box now can we!!
 
Everyone at The Easy Horse Care Centre wishes all their supporters and friends and volunteers a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
 
The EHCRC has charity shops in Rojales, Ciudad Quesada, Los Montesinos, Guardamar, San Luis, La Zenia and a new 300 square metre unit in Torrevieja.
 
If you need more information about any of these outlets or have items, including furniture to donate please call Sue on 636 062 000
 
If you want to visit the centre to see the equines and enjoy refreshments and hot and cold food at the centre on Sunday afternoons or buy equipment from the Tack Shop call Sue on 652 021 980 or visit the website on www.easyhorsecare.net. We are also on Facebook – Easy Horse Care.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42177/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Sue Weeding, co founder of the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre in Rojales began writing her informative articles “From the Horses Mouth” here twelve months ago.
The story's she has told about life at the centre have covered many subjects, no...

### TORREVIEJA COSTA LIONS CLUB

Come and join our club members on one of our "Business meeting nights" and see what we are doing this year to raise money for charities, in our local area and further afield. We are growing in numbers every month so if you feel like helping us then we can be found on the second Thursday in every month at the Cabo Cervera Hotel in La Mata near Torrevieja, Meetings now start at 19.00 hours. 
If you like what you see and hear, then you will be invited to join us at our next social night event later in the month, where ever and whatever it may be you can be sure of a good night.
Contact me on  davedanie@gmail.com  or via our web site on membership@torreviejacostalions.org
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42165/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Come and join our club members on one of our "Business meeting nights" and see what we are doing this year to raise money for charities, in our local area and further afield. We are growing in numbers every month so if you feel like helping us then we can be found on the second Thursday in every month at the Cabo Cervera Hotel in La Mata near Torrevieja, Meetings now start at 19.00 hours. 
If you like what you see and hear, then you will be invited to join us at our next social night event later in the month, where ever and whatever it may be you can be sure of a good night.
Contact me on  davedanie@gmail.com  or via our web site on membership@torreviejacostalions.org
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42165/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### FROM KINGS TO COASTAL WALKWAYS AND MORE IN ORIHEULA NEWS

The mayor of Orihuela, Monseratte Guillén, along with his team, continues to insist that the regional government in Valencia honour and finish plans which were already begun, including the new school which is likely to be finished by the end of this year, and the emergency coordination centre, amongst others.
Work has also restarted on a number of projects approved before the New Year. Most noticeably are the three new footbridges to allow pedestrians safe access over main roads. The La Regia bridge has the supports on one side of the road completed, the other side will be finished shortly. The access problems on one side of the bridge over the motorway near the Zenia Boulevard have been resolved, with permission now granted by the land owner for the bridge to be constructed on the other side, but leading the way is the footbridge in the vicinity of the unfinished school, which has this week taken delivery of the bridge parts, these are now being assembled with all three projects still on target for the March completion date.
The 3 Kings Parade on the Orihuela Costa was considered a success once again. Not least for the fact it cost only half the budget of last year´s parade, and included the addition of a third float for the kings. Although many could argue that the 10,000 euro of public money could have been used in other ways, it shows how an event can still take place whilst acknowledging austerity measures at the same time. Not without a minor panic at the start when one of the floats wouldn´t start, the event soon got underway as the parade made its way through the eager and excited crowds to the end point of Zenia Boulevard, where hundreds more were awaiting the arrival of the Kings whilst local singer Rebecca Holt entertained them. The Councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, offered her thanks and praise to everybody who got involved and came to see the parade.
Administrative steps have been made relating to the closed beach footpath at Cabo Roig, where there is a considered risk of debris falling from the cliff top above. It has been deemed that the owner of the property above is liable for creating a retaining wall to prevent further damage and that owner, as well as a few of the neighbours who are also considered to be the cause of the issue, are being contacted with instructions of remedial action that must be taken. In the event that this action is not carried out, the town hall is able to do the work and could end up charging the owners for the repairs carried out.
The environmental department has created a database of palm trees throughout Orihuela and the coast, detailing the condition of every tree that exists. The reason is that they can no go about maintaining those that are damaged and removing any which may have become or are at risk of infection from the dreaded Red Palm Weevil.
The Councillor for Heritage, Antonio Zapata, has announced plans to hire a company dedicated to ensuring energy efficiency compliance in municipal buildings, accordance with regulations and with the aid of European funding, which he hopes will result in savings of between 200,000 and 300,000 euro per year on electricity bills. The bill for street lighting along costs the municipality 4.5 million euro, so any savings across the energy provision sector will make a difference to the overall costs to the public purse.
The main access road into and out of Orihuela city at the Bigastro end has been closed to traffic once again. The route with runs under the railway line was closed as part of the high speed train works, but reopened in December. The route has now been closed once more, to enable more work to be carried out, angering business owners who say that they have suffered considerable damage to trade whilst the roadway was closed. Motorists are advised that diversions are in place and signposted.
The department of sports has announced that the fourteenth City of Orihuela half marathon, organized in association with the Tragamillas Athletics Club, will take place on the 9th of February, starting at 10:30 from the Avenida de España. The race is open to both Spanish and foreign runners, subject to conditions, with veterans, senior and junior categories for both male and female entrants. More information can be obtained from the website, www.tragamillas.org, where registration can also be carried out.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42163/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The mayor of Orihuela, Monseratte Guillén, along with his team, continues to insist that the regional government in Valencia honour and finish plans which were already begun, including the new school which is likely to be finished by the end of ...

### COSTA BLANCA SEES ANNUAL POPULATION GROWTH

Despite the city centre resembling a “ghost own” of businesses that have shut down one after the other, and continual stories of ex-pats “returning home”, the residential population of Torrevieja continues to grow, especially with foreign residents, according to the latest figures released by the municipal register office.
In the last year, the total registered population of Torrevieja, according to data from the National Statistics Institute, has increased once more, now having a total of 105,205 people on the census records. Of this figure, around 53% are citizens of a foreign origin.
This latest data makes Torrevieja, once more, the third most important city in the Alicante province, behind Elche and Alicante itself, and the fifth most important across the Valencia region.
Elche is still in third place across the region, but the population there has dropped from 230,587 last year to 230,224 in this. 
Orihuela also continued to grow, now having a registered population of 91,260, compared to 90.087 of last year, with slightly more men than women, 45,752 compared to 45,508.
Algorfa goes from 4,755 to 5,004, Almoradí from 19,601 to 19,788, Benijófar sees a sizeable drop from 4,207 to 3,514, Bigastro increases slightly from 6,719 to 6,730, Day Nueva sees a slight drop from 1,996 to 1,956, whereas Day Vieja increases slightly from 758 to 770. 
We also see a slight drop in Dolores going from 7,362 to 7,314, Guardamar also drops from 17,138 to 16,957, Rojales falls from 22,006 to 21,686, San Fulgencio climbs from 12,529 to 12,688, San Miguel drops from 7,602 to 7,012, Santo Pola increases from 33,965 to 34,134, Pilar de la Horadada goes from 23,403 slightly up to 23,670 and Montesinos drops from 5,203 to 5,043.
The Valencia region overall has increased in population size by an additional 228,786 inhabitants, increasing to 5,113,815 registered residents. As for the provinces, Alicante now has 1,945,642 inhabitants, an increase of 120,378, Valencia has 2,566,477, up by 79,994, and Castellón has 601,699, also having grown by 28,417 as of the latest data released.
Once again though, one of the most significant characteristics that makes Torrevieja stand out is the number of immigrants who live within the boundaries, proportionately more than any other place in the area, and with the Brits still dominating first place. Once in second place were the Germans but for the second year running they hold the third place position, as the continually increasing Russian residents hold second place.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42162/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Despite the city centre resembling a “ghost own” of businesses that have shut down one after the other, and continual stories of ex-pats “returning home”, the residential population of Torrevieja continues to grow, especially wi...

### COURT ANNULS DESALINATION PLANT CESSATION ORDER

The Constitutional Court has annulled an agreement set out in March 2007 that ordered the paralysation of construction to finish the desalination plant in Torrevieja. A conflict of jurisdiction raised by the central government against Valencia stopped the works.
The plant was set to be a flagship project, becoming the largest such facility in the whole of Europe, and the second largest in the world, but was fraught with political debate, claims of over budgeting and waste and environmental concerns. 
Among other arguments, the Valencian Consell said at the time that the state administration was not competent to build the plant as it was situated on the natural and protected land of the lagunas of Torrevieja, and on the path of a natural flowing waterline.
However, according to the legal basis of the decision, the Consell has no jurisdiction but the state ensured the potential benefits of desalination to "generate the resources needed to complete the demands of irrigation areas”.
Once the court clarified that the competence of the plant does lie with central government, showing that in the pre-construction phase there were different processes which took place, including the mandatory environmental impact reports which were issued and the guaranteed involvement of the authorities concerned.
If the community does not agree with the assessment of environmental impact made by the state administration, as in this case, the court has indicated that the path of the autonomous government is an administrative appeal.
As reported in the Official State Gazette, the high court resolves the conflict of jurisdiction raised at the time by the central government against the Generalitat Valenciana following this cessation, in a decision of 21 March 2007.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42161/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Constitutional Court has annulled an agreement set out in March 2007 that ordered the paralysation of construction to finish the desalination plant in Torrevieja. A conflict of jurisdiction raised by the central government against Valencia stopped the works.
The plant was set to be a flagship project, becoming the largest such facility in the whole of Europe, and the second largest in the world, but was fraught with political debate, claims of over budgeting and waste and environmental concerns. 
Among other arguments, the Valencian Consell said at the time that the state administration was not competent to build the plant as it was situated on the natural and protected land of the lagunas of Torrevieja, and on the path of a natural flowing waterline.
However, according to the legal basis of the decision, the Consell has no jurisdiction but the state ensured the potential benefits of desalination to "generate the resources needed to complete the demands of irrigation areas”.
Once the court clarified that the competence of the plant does lie with central government, showing that in the pre-construction phase there were different processes which took place, including the mandatory environmental impact reports which were issued and the guaranteed involvement of the authorities concerned.
If the community does not agree with the assessment of environmental impact made by the state administration, as in this case, the court has indicated that the path of the autonomous government is an administrative appeal.
As reported in the Official State Gazette, the high court resolves the conflict of jurisdiction raised at the time by the central government against the Generalitat Valenciana following this cessation, in a decision of 21 March 2007.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42161/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### MINISTRY TO CLOSE N-332 LA ZENIA ROUNDABOUT MINOR ACCESS ROADS

A consultation period has begun whereas upon completion the road traffic department of the central government will permanently close Access and egress of two popular routes off the roundabout on the N-332 at La Zenia.
The consultation document is available for viewing in the Playa Flemenca town hall, on the public notice board, indicating that the action is to take place as the site has seen a total of 44 accidents during a two year period, 11 of which have resulted in accident victims, with 16 people being treated for minor injuries.
At a location where The Leader newspaper offices were previously located, we can hold testament to the fact that the roundabout is an accident black spot, but closing these roads will not necessarily reduced the problems where the accidents occur.
On the one side of the roundabout, the road which runs past Fresco and Compured computers to the taxi rank is affected, and on the other side, the sloped road which runs alongside the car park access to a residential building and to the beach underpass, a favourite location of the Guardia Civil spot checks. Both of these roads will be close completely both leading onto and off the roundabout.
As the move is currently in a period of consultation, it is open for opposition from residents and business owners. If you would like to consult and offer your opinions for consideration, this can be done by writing to the ministerial department, in Spanish, and offering your reasons for objection. 
For its part, although they have no direct power, the Orihuela local council are proposing not closing the roads completely, but rather making them one direction to allow access off the roundabout, as well as providing a change to traffic flow on the road behind Consum and the construction of a mini roundabout at the crossroads at the far end of Consum where countless drivers persistently ignore the road signs and insist on carrying out illegal moves such as turning left towards the Villamartin direction.
The consultation period is only a short length of time however, and will close on the 19th of January. Your opposition must be received before that time, or it will be considered invalid. 
As always, staff within the International residents office will be able to point you in the direction of the document and, although the town hall is powerless and unable to get directly involved, they will assist you in any way they can, as is the case with any other issues relating to such matters.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42160/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A consultation period has begun whereas upon completion the road traffic department of the central government will permanently close Access and egress of two popular routes off the roundabout on the N-332 at La Zenia.
The consultation document is avai...

### COSTA BLANCA TOURISM GROWING THANKS TO BENIDORM

Largely thanks to the influx of tourists visiting the popular holiday hotspot Benidorm, the Costa Blanca recorded and average of 75.2% occupancy for 2013, 3 points above the same average figure of 2012.
Provisional figures released by the hoteliers association Hosbec show that even if Benidorm is excluded from the figures, the average still grew by 2.5% over 2012 figures, with an average of 56.1% occupancy.
As the year came to an end, the second half of December has resulted in the best average occupancy of the last six years with an average 60.8%, 5.4 points higher than last year. 
In terms of the choice of hotels, the favourite choice is within the 3-star rated hotels, where 43% chose to stay, with around a third, 33.1%, choosing to stay in 4-star accommodation and 25.8% choosing 2-star.
The biggest share of holidaymakers comes from the domestic market, with 60.4% of those who stayed in hotels being Spanish, whereas the UK dominated second place with 21.3%.
Other key areas of interest last year were L'Alfas del Pi, where the average occupancy was 39.5%, and in Calpe, where 31.4% was recorded. Meanwhile, in the area to the south of Alicante maintained an average of 25.5%.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42157/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Largely thanks to the influx of tourists visiting the popular holiday hotspot Benidorm, the Costa Blanca recorded and average of 75.2% occupancy for 2013, 3 points above the same average figure of 2012.
Provisional figures released by the hoteliers as...

### TORREVIEJA CELEBRATES ANNUAL POPULATION GROWTH

Despite the city centre resembling a “ghost own” of businesses that have shut down one after the other, and continual stories of ex-pats “returning home”, the residential population of Torrevieja continues to grow, especially with foreign residents, according to the latest figures released by the municipal register office.
In the last year, the total registered population of Torrevieja has increased by another 483 residents, now having a total of 107,492 people on the census records. Of this figure, 57,115 people, or 53.1% are citizens of a foreign origin.
This latest data makes Torrevieja, once more, the third most important city in the Alicante province, behind Elche and Alicante itself, and the fifth most important across the Valencia region.
It was in the year 2007 that Torrevieja first surpassed the 100,000 residents mark and although the growth spurt has reduced, the city has still maintained growth since that landmark date. However, despite that growth, many still say that the infrastructure and public services have been slow to adapt to the increase, in particular the apparent deficiencies in public transport services and gaps in services that some other cities with fewer people have adapted as the administration and services grew at the same population.
Once again though, one of the most significant characteristics that makes Torrevieja stand out is the number of immigrants who live within the boundaries, proportionately more than any other place in the area, and with the Brits still dominating first place.
Of the 53.1% of the population, a total of 57,115 people, the Brits take up a 12,759 slice of the population. Once in second place were the Germans but for the second year running they hold the third place position with 3,906, as the continually increasing Russian residents hold second place with 4,474 people registered.
Still representing just about every nationality from around the globe, the remaining immigrant population are made up of residents from Sweden (3,206), Morocco (3,040), Bulgaria (2,922), Romania (2,671), Norway (2,397), Ukraine (2,212), Belgium (1,628), Finland (1,338), Italy (1,190), Colombia (1,068), Ireland (991), China (939), Algeria (894), India (854), Lithuania (743), Ecuador (693) , Poland (691), France (660), Netherlands (656), Argentina (541), Brazil (445) and the remaining from another of 115 countries.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42156/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Despite the city centre resembling a “ghost own” of businesses that have shut down one after the other, and continual stories of ex-pats “returning home”, the residential population of Torrevieja continues to grow, especially wi...

### TOURISTS CLAIM ASSAULT BY SECURITY GUARDS IN TORREVIEJA

A French couple on holiday in Torrevieja have filed a complaint with the Guardia Civil over an alleged assault by two security guards in a commercial centre.
The alleged incident happened when a security alarm sounded as the couple and their two children were leaving the store, after they had paid for the goods they were taking, and they were taken into a room in the centre.
One of the children videoed the scene in which it appears that a security guard with the name “CASESA” on his back is seen to be punching a female detainee around her torso several times. The woman appears to be resisting detention.
The incident will no doubt ignite the discussions once more as the national government aim to give private security guards more powers of detention and search, taking the sole responsibility away from the police.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42154/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A French couple on holiday in Torrevieja have filed a complaint with the Guardia Civil over an alleged assault by two security guards in a commercial centre.
The alleged incident happened when a security alarm sounded as the couple and their two child...

### ORIHUELA ROAD BRIDGE CLOSING AGAIN

The access road which runs under the railway line at the Bigastro end of Orihuela will be closed again on Wednesday, after the school run, to enable work to continue on improving the area in preparation for the arrival of the high speed train.
It is not yet clear for how long the closure will be in place, but diversions are in operation with signs controlling the flow of traffic into and out of the city.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42147/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The access road which runs under the railway line at the Bigastro end of Orihuela will be closed again on Wednesday, after the school run, to enable work to continue on improving the area in preparation for the arrival of the high speed train.
It is n...

### A PLACE IN THE SUN VISITS TORREVIEJA AND ORIHUELA

Still a top destination for both holiday makers and investors, the Torrevieja and Orihuela coastlines feature in the latest series of Channel 4´s A Place in the Sun.
On Thursday the 9th of January, Sara Damergi helps John and Julia Baxter search for a retirement home in the Orihuela Costa area of Spain. The couple are desperate to escape the cold British winters, and have a budget of £100,000 to spend on the right property.
Then, on Friday the 17th, school cook Sue Bruce looks to invest in the Spanish property market and is convinced the time is right to buy her dream holiday pad in Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca. Sara shows the potential buyer and her sister Sandra a selection of options on the market for £45,000 or less.
Sue is quite right that there has not been a better time to buy property in Spain, with prices now starting to creep up once again, the existing range of permanent and holiday homes are at prices quite similar to the pre-boom years, but these bargains will not be around forever.
The Leader has a huge portfolio of Spanish property to suit all budgets, have a look for yourself, whether you live here already and are looking to move, or if you too want to join John and Julia in escaping the cold British winters, there will be something to suit any size or budget.
For more details, have a browse through the website and then contact the dedicated and professional team at The Leader who will guide you through every step of the way to finding your own Place in the Sun.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42145/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Still a top destination for both holiday makers and investors, the Torrevieja and Orihuela coastlines feature in the latest series of Channel 4´s A Place in the Sun.
On Thursday the 9th of January, Sara Damergi helps John and Julia Baxter search...

### ORIHUELA GOVERNMENT RESHUFFLES

Following the departure of Antonia Moreno from the government of Orihuela, a reshuffle has taken place of the competencies and roles left behind.
The Councillor for Festivities and Youth, Carolina Gracia, assumes the role of spokesperson for the local government and the Municipal Socialist Group.
Antonio Zapata will be the first deputy mayor and retain Planning, Projects and Institutional Relations. 
Rosa Martínez will have Culture added to her current responsibilities of Tourism and Education, as well as holding the role of second deputy mayor. 
Once newcomer Victor Ruiz takes the role replacing Moreno, he will be given the departments of Human Resources, Internal Affairs and Employment, Communications and Infrastructure. 
According to Gracia, this distribution of responsibilities of government “is the most responsive to the needs of citizens”.
All other roles, responsibilities and positions will remain unchanged at this time.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42143/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following the departure of Antonia Moreno from the government of Orihuela, a reshuffle has taken place of the competencies and roles left behind.
The Councillor for Festivities and Youth, Carolina Gracia, assumes the role of spokesperson for the local...

### GASPAR CRASHES INTO FIRE STATION

With extra safety measures in place this year, the parades of the Three Kings across Spain were largely without incident, after the tragedy in Málaga of last year.
However, the scariest moment occurred in Alicante when the driver of a car transporting Gaspar, a black Cadillac convertible, realised that the brakes on the vehicle had failed.
The car was travelling along calle San Vicente, near to the bull ring, when the driver became aware of the problem and took evasive action to try to reduce the risk of serious injury.
The quick thinking driver diverted the vehicle into a controlled crash, which saw the car smashing into the doors of a fire station.
Both the car and door suffered significant damage but there were no injuries in the crash, with both the driver and Agustin Palau, who played the part of Gaspar, continuing the parade, without further incident.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42142/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: With extra safety measures in place this year, the parades of the Three Kings across Spain were largely without incident, after the tragedy in Málaga of last year.
However, the scariest moment occurred in Alicante when the driver of a car trans...

### SERIOUS SPEEDING STATISTICS FAIL TO SLOW DOWN

Although 2013 saw a decline in road deaths, one fatality on the roads is too many, and so action is still being taken to try to reduce this figure.
Whilst cars seemingly get more and more powerful, the “need for speed” seemingly increases as more and more drivers choose to ignore the literal warning signs, but more and more find themselves facing the long arm of the law.
The Spanish traffic department, the DGT, has already announced more investment in speed detecting equipment, based on the huge success that the Pegasus airborne speed traps have achieved, but even in these times of financial crises, with equipment so advanced it can pinpoint our infractions from far out of sight, 57,897 drivers in the Valencia region alone lost points from their licences in 2013.
However, it is worth realising that we are talking about offences that have resulted in the loss of points only in this data, those classed as “serious” speeding offences. These are offences when the speed has been exceeded by more than 30 kilometres per hour on road in question, such as travelling at 120 kmph on a road where the limit is 90.
Offences considered less serious are likely to be considerably higher, but what is also significant is that the number of drivers caught who were classed as being “serious” offenders has hardly dropped from the previous year. In fact, there were just 500 fewer cases in 2013 than the year before. 
Mario Arnaldo, president of Automovilistas Europeos Asociados, says that this figure only represents approximately 20% of all speeding tickets, the most common illegal action taken by drivers, with such violations facing a fine of 300 euro. Completed data will not be available for some significant time but, according to Arnaldo, for 2010, the last year for which comprehensive data is available, the total figure exceeded 300,000. Thus, Arnaldo argues, the fines and sanctions “have no preventive effect”, and that many drivers consider the fines to be nothing more than a toll which is assumed once you are on the road.
The fact remains that last year, 57,897 drivers in the region lost points for these offences on interurban roads equated to some 5,000 offenders per month, nearly 160 drivers every single day. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42139/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Although 2013 saw a decline in road deaths, one fatality on the roads is too many, and so action is still being taken to try to reduce this figure.
Whilst cars seemingly get more and more powerful, the “need for speed” seemingly increases ...

### GOAT THIEF ARRESTED

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a 49 year old Spanish man, accused of stealing 47 sheep, two goats and three sacks of feed worth 4,500 euro from livestock farms in the Alicante area.
Operation “Norit” began a few months ago when investigators became aware of a number of thefts from rural locations, including an attempted theft of cattle in the Alicante town of Benissa, although the thief fled after being spotted.
After an intensive investigation and surveillance operation, the officers now believe that the suspect in their custody could be responsible for different thefts committed in towns including Altea, l 'Alfas del Pi, Villajoyosa, and Benissa between March and December 2013.
This person allegedly accessed the farms by breaking the locks and removed up to 10 animals at a time, as this was all that could fit into his vehicle. The animals were all selected based on the similarity in looks to his existing flocks, thus allowing him to “camouflage the stolen animals” amongst his own on his property.
The thief would then sell the animals on and had several ways to attract potential buyers, mainly from the Muslim community and amongst his friends. The first sale took place when the thief accompanied the stolen animals to a market in the town of Calpe, where they were sold directly to other farmers. 
He also gained friendships with other farmers and managed to sell a variety of stolen animals directly to them.
The detainee, who has made available to the Court of Instruction No. 1 of Denia, is accused four counts of burglary, a crime of attempted burglary, two counts of theft and crimes against public health.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42125/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested a 49 year old Spanish man, accused of stealing 47 sheep, two goats and three sacks of feed worth 4,500 euro from livestock farms in the Alicante area.
Operation “Norit” began a few months ago w...

### A TASTE OF THEIR OWN MEDICINE

The motion of censure which would have brought about the departure of the present government and the arrival of a Popular Party – Centro Liberal Renovador (CLR) government was NOT put to the vote at the special plenary meeting of the Council on 3 January.   It was  blocked by the co-presidency, comprising the most senior and most junior councillors, who considered that the two CLR councillors, Pedro Mancebo and Juan Ignacio Lopez Bas, whose votes were necessary to provide a majority for the motion, were not authorised to sign  because of their  expulsion by the Coalition CLR-CLARO on 26 December.    Like the two councillors, Bob Houliston and Asuncion Mayoral ,  expelled from the CLR-CLARO group by Pedro Mancebo in 2011 and 2012 respectively, the two councillors expelled from the Coalition on 26 December no longer belong to the political formation they were elected on and as such they cannot vote in a motion of censure to bring down the government.   A taste of their own medicine!
The co-presidents of the council meeting on 3 January justified their decision to block the vote on the motion on strictly legal grounds.    They were supported in this decision by the opinion of a Professor in Administrative Law and the majority of elements in the report of the Secretary General who recognised that his opinion was not binding and that the final decision was the responsibility of the co-presidency.   In his report, the Secretary General gave the benefit of the doubt to the two CLR councillors in relation to the validity of their signatures of the motion, arguing that the proceedings of the main CLR-CLARO Coalition committee of which they are members but whose meetings they did not to attend, were communicated by e-mail.   Although proof had been provided of the-mails in question having been sent and that they had not been returned, he could not prove that they had been received.    Although claiming that they had not received the e-mails and were not notified of the delays allowed for appealing the decision, nonetheless within an hour of the formal submission of the notice of expulsion to the Town Hall, the two CLR councillors  produced and formally submitted to the Town Hall a 20 something page report disputing the expulsions.
The Popular Party and CLR have already stated that they will  take the two  co-presidents of the meeting on  3 January to court and it is almost certain that a judge will be the person who finally decides if the decision to block the motion of censure was legal or not.
C.L.A.R.O. President Bob Houliston has stated that although the decision to block the motion of censure was correct and legal (and these will be the grounds on which a judge will finally decide) it was also politically in the interests of Orihuela and Orihuela Costa.   The agreement between the Popular Party and CLR on 19 December constituted a unilateral and cynical ditching of the agreement signed between the Popular Party and C.L.A.R.O. in summer 2012 which C.L.A.R.O. had loyally respected.    The now defunct PP-C.L.A.R.O. agreement contained some important policies of interest to Orihuela Costa such as investments in a proper civic centre and social services for the elderly, de-centralisation of services from Orihuela to the Playa Flamenca office of the Town Hall and respect for the territorial unity of Orihuela Costa.    None of these important issues have been retained in the PP-CLR agreement.   It is a bad agreement for Orihuela Costa.    Another major difference between the two agreement is that PP-CLR have committed themselves to privatize the street cleaning and rubbish removal service, a contract worth probably €100 million  to the lucky winner.    C.L.A.R.O., in its agreement with the Popular Party, had insisted on this service remaining public and non-profit managed by the Town Hall since it has historically been at the root of the most serious corruption issues involving Orihuela and PP councillors.    PP-CLR have opted to open this Pandora's box of interests which have so much damaged political reputations in Orihuela in the past.
There may be other reasons which explain the haste of PP and CLR to reach their agreement of 19 December and the disproportionate concessions given by the PP to the junior partner CLR in the agreement.    It is generally rumoured in Orihuela that Pepa Ferranda, the PP-CLR candidate for the job of Mayor in the event of a PP-CLR government, will soon face charges of manipulation of contracts or corruption during her time in the government of Monica Lorente between 2007-2011.    According to this rumour, to avoid crossing the red lines of the Popular Party, which claims that it will not present candidates for public office who face charges of corruption (imputados), the policy which was applied in the case of Monica Lorente, it was urgent to bring down the present government and install a PP-CLR government under Pepa Ferranda before any such charges are adopted.     We shall see.
The political situation in Orihuela is destined to remain volatile for some time yet.    C.L.A.R.O. denies that the decision of Bob Houliston in the plenary meeting of 3 January was motivated by his intention to accept an offer to join the present government.    There is no such offer and no such intention.   No matter how difficult the circumstances, however, C.L.A.R.O. will continue to play an active role in the politics of Orihuela always trying to defend and promote the interests of Orihuela Costa.   
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42123/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The motion of censure which would have brought about the departure of the present government and the arrival of a Popular Party – Centro Liberal Renovador (CLR) government was NOT put to the vote at the special plenary meeting of the Council on 3...

### ORIHUELA GOVERNMENT OVERTHROW FAILS AGAIN

For the second time in this administration, the Partido Popular of Orihuela have failed in raising a censure motion that could have resulted in a vote of no confidence and the overthrowing of the bipartite government team of Orihuela.
Through the agreed collaboration of the PP and Clr groups, with Pedro Mancebo and Juan Ignacio López-Bas, accused of “selling out” by a number of their original supporters, the required minimum 13 votes were available which meant that an extraordinary meeting was called for Friday in which it was expected that the vote would be carried.
However, as soon as the intention was mentioned this caused a rift with the PP´s first collaborator, Bob Houliston of CLARO, who vowed to fight the notion “for the good of Orihuela”. That statement resulted in the public made statement that both Mancebo and López Bas had been expelled from their political group and were therefore unassigned, in exactly the same way that Mancebo had ousted Houliston, and unable to vote in the motion.
On Thursday of this week, documentary evidence had to be presented to the city clerk to prove that their expulsion was within the requirements of the law, and for the Notary to consider if the motion was valid. Virgilio Estremera subsequently stated that although he believed the motion to have the correct and required credentials to continue, he would leave it to the Council of Elders to decide during the plenary meeting on Friday.
As the meeting began on Friday at noon, the President of the Council of Elders in Orihuela, who happens to be Bob Houiston, announced that the council had unanimously agreed to block the motion, thus preventing the meeting from continuing.
The leader of the PP in Orihuela, Pepa Ferrando, who was destined to take the chair as Mayor, has said that Houliston has made a grave and criminal error and will face the courts. In a statement, the PP in Orihuela described the move as an “absolute coup for democracy”, with Ferrando saying that “We were threatened that this could happen”, whilst emphasising the there has been no “validity” given to the report from the City Clerk, that “Mr Houliston, chairman of the board of elders, has forgotten to read”, and that, in her view, this was “absolutely illegal” and constitutes “crimes of corruption, bribery and two or three more crimes”.
Although remaining mostly quiet, still continuing in their roles, the Mayor of the bi-partite government, Monserrate Guillén, when asked how he felt about winning, said, “I have not beaten anybody, who is the winner is the people of Orihuela”.
Silence did not echo through social network sites however, with both Twitter and Facebook immediately going wild at the news. Although tweeting in Spanish, the translations show clear support for the blocking of the motion, with tweets such as “Big Bob! Has not disappointed us!”, and a simple “Happy new year : Lol:: Lol:: Lol:” amongst the first mentions, with others commenting on the perceived mood of the town hall, “Orihuela is fuming today!”, and mentioning how “Mancebo and Lopez Bas booed at the entrance”.
In fact, it was clear to see that many Orihuela residents congregated in the entrance of the town hall, and that they did indeed boo Mancebo and López Bas, while at the same time cheering the mayor, hugging him and chanting praise as he entered the building, perhaps echoing the fact that although the PP say that with the Clr association they now have 20,000 voters who support them, the majority, in the municipality the size of Orihuela it also means that 75,000 do not. 
Some became braver in their tweets, mentioning the history of corruption from certain members of the PP, with messages like, “Confidence motion fails the CorruPPtos of Orihuela. The lust for power of PP and CLR lie down. Pepa Bye! # limpiezademocratica”, and “CorruPPtos no thanks! ;) Mociondecensura # Orihuela”, seeing further support in a positive mode as, “Orihuela has a minority government but honest and courageous. It will continue for the rights to the city”, whilst another pointing out that “The shame of Orihuela is that the City is ALWAYS in court”, and even more directed comments aimed at raising awareness of past corruptions, “Of the 12 councillors in Orihuela PPopular , 5 are in PROCESS of Corruption or CONVICTED , is this it is the people who run our €?”.
Praise was also levied towards the Mayor himself, with tweets reading, “Congratulations # Orihuela and Oriholanos for keeping Monserrate”, and “I'm happy for Guillen”.
There was seemingly less praise towards the PP and Clr move, as during the time of monitoring the hashtag specific social feeds, there was not a single message that expressed displeasure in the result, the closest tweet that could be seen was simply, “to us that no one wins”.
As the media frenzy continued at the Orihuela town hall, the deputy of the relatively new Compromís group, Mireia Mollà, expressed “satisfaction” at the paralyzing of the censure motion, stating that, “the failure of this censure motion shows the importance of the precedent set at Tavernes de la Valldigna, where the Council of Elders stopped a motion against Compromís Mayor Jordi Juan, because, as has happened in Orihuela, the PP also intended to make a motion with the support of a turncoat councillor, which the law does not allow, as a recent ruling reaffirmed”.
Meanwhile, Asunción Mayoral, the former party colleague of Mancebo and López Bas, who has now joined forces with Houliston to fight the motion, said that the Mayor has offered her a role in the opposition team, should the motion succeed, but she had declined the offer, at the time, as she wants to have an active role in government.
Bob Houliston said that today was not the day to talk about his future as an Orihuela Councillor, or whether he is in or out of the government team.
The President of the Generalitat and the PP in Valencia, Alberto Fabra, said that his party will denounce the members of the Council of Elders “prevarication and obstruction”, for going “against” the city clerk's report that said it was “valid”. The mayor argues that it is “indisputable” that Mancebo and López Bas were expelled from CLR-Claro.
It is believed that the PP and Clr will present their case to the courts, and the judiciary will have to make the final decision as to the legality of the move, which may take some time. It is also likely that a number of people will face investigations into their actions. However, the current government team will now be able to continue with the work which they have already set out to achieve.
All next week, three of the key players in this move will be on Exite Radio talking to Mark Nolan and giving their full and frank opinions as to what happened, with Pedro Mancebo on Tuesday, Bob Houliston on Wednesday and Martina Scheurer on Thursday. 
To hear what they have to say live, make sure your radio is tuned in to 89.2fm on the Orihuela Costa, 93.1fm on the Costa Blanca, or you can listen online at www.exiteradio.com.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42121/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: For the second time in this administration, the Partido Popular of Orihuela have failed in raising a censure motion that could have resulted in a vote of no confidence and the overthrowing of the bipartite government team of Orihuela.
Through the agre...

### CENSURE MOTION BLOCKED IN ORIHUELA

The President of the Council of Elders in Orihuela, Bob Houiston, has blocked the presentation of a vote of no confidence against the government team and subsequently closed the extraordinary plenary meeting held in the town hall.
The leader of the PP in Orihuela, Pepa Ferrando, who was destined to take the chair as Mayor, has said that Houliston has made a grave and criminal error and will face the courts.
Meanwhile, the government team will now continue with the process of running the municipality whilst the final decision is likely to lie in the hands of the courts.
All next week, three of the key players in this move will be on Exite Radio talking to Mark Nolan, with Pedro Mancebo on Tuesday, Bob Houliston on Wednesday and Martina Scheurer on Thursday.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42118/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The President of the Council of Elders in Orihuela, Bob Houiston, has blocked the presentation of a vote of no confidence against the government team and subsequently closed the extraordinary plenary meeting held in the town hall.
The leader of the PP...

### ORIHUELA CENSURE MOTION CREEPS CLOSER TO REALITY

The municipal secretary of Orihuela, Virgilio Estremera, believes that there has been “continued compliance” of the requirements for the presentation of the censure motion in Orihuela, scheduled to take place at noon on Friday.
In a report issued today, the Notary believes that effective documentary evidence has not been provided to prove the legal ousting of Pedro Mancebo and Juan Ignacio López Bas from the CLR-Claro coalition; they may therefore vote the motion of no confidence in Orihuela.
However, it´s not fully over yet for the PSOE and Los Vedres coalition government, the final decision has been left in the hands of the Council of Elders, with the responsibility of the final decision being put on the shoulders of the Chairman, who is Bob Houliston.
Houliston has a very difficult decision to make, one which could land him personally in a lot of legal trouble, or one that could lead to the ultimate decision on the future of Orihuela´s government being left for the courts to decide. Houliston may of course also back down and allow the motion to continue.
There is also the possibility that the vote will not go in favour of the PP and Clr led motion, but that is far from likely that is not a consideration.
Although becoming increasing likely that the once arch enemies of Pedro Mancebo and Mónica Lorente may once again sit side by side in government, we still have to wait for the definitive decision, but even then, should the motion become a reality, the decisions made by government will still require discussions and votes, and so, when the first debates take place, those important decisions that affect the residents of Orihuela may still be held in stalemate, as the potential opposition to the PP will theoretically be greater, and so there is no saying that the paralysis of government will not continue.
Some of the key players in this move will be on Exite Radio next week talking to Mark Nolan to explain what has happened. You can hear what Pedor Mancebo has to say on Tuesday, Bob Houliston on Wednesday and Martina Scheurer on Thursday. If you have any questions, email studio@exiteradio.com and then make sure your radio is tuned in to 89.2fm on the Orihuela Costa or 93.1fm elsewhere, and you can also listen via the website, www.exiteradio.com.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42105/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The municipal secretary of Orihuela, Virgilio Estremera, believes that there has been “continued compliance” of the requirements for the presentation of the censure motion in Orihuela, scheduled to take place at noon on Friday.
In a report...

### NEW YEARS DAY AT LA ZENIA

New Year's Day at La Zenia Beach, Orihuela Costa. The beaches were very busy complete with many swimmers and sunbathers. 
However with the sea temperature reaching only 16C (60F) most bathers might have been better equipped had they been wearing wet suits. But the bravado of beating the sea on New Years Day is really what it's all about.
For me....well there's always next year!Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42104/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: New Year's Day at La Zenia Beach, Orihuela Costa. The beaches were very busy complete with many swimmers and sunbathers. 
However with the sea temperature reaching only 16C (60F) most bathers might have been better equipped had they been wearing wet s...

### ALMORADI DRUG GANG ARRESTED

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested two men, both of Spanish nationality aged 55 and 44, after dismantling a drugs sale point in the town of Almoradí.
The arrests came as part of an operation named “La Paz”, aimed at cracking down on the sale of drugs.
This investigation began in March last year when investigators became aware that a number of individuals were involved in selling drugs, especially cocaine, in the town of Almoradí, as well as other locations across the Vega Baja district.
After nine months investigating the case, the two main suspects were identified and arrested for crimes against public health.
A search was subsequently conducted in the home of one of the detainees, in which a total of 21 grams of cocaine, and some ready for sale, were found, along with tolls and items used in the preparation of the drug, including scales.
Those arrested in the operation have been made available to the courts of Orihuela.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42103/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested two men, both of Spanish nationality aged 55 and 44, after dismantling a drugs sale point in the town of Almoradí.
The arrests came as part of an operation named “La Paz”, aimed at crack...

### NEW GUARDIA CIVIL BOATS FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN

The sub aquatic and water patrol unit of the Guardia Civil, GEAS, is looking to purchase six new speedboats to assist in their control of illegal immigration in the Mediterranean coastal zone.
The six high powered “Zodiac” type vessels, each capable of carrying up to 18 people, will be based at strategic points along the coastline, namely Ceuta, Algeciras, Málaga, Almería, Cartagena and Alicante.
According to the contract documents for the tender, these six boats complement their existing flotilla and offer “greater autonomy in deployment”, allowing for “quick and effective action against immigration”.
These smaller boats are easily to handle than the larger ships of their fleet, allowing patrols to approach smaller boats and even canoes that are detected off the coast of Spain, as well as taking the passengers on board their vessels to deal with them appropriately.
The tender document requires that the boats must have an overall length of 8.70 meters and by 3.05 meters wide, with each boat capable of carrying up to 18 people. The boats must also have four engines with a displacement of 4,169 cubic centimetres, with interested companies having until the 11th of February to submit their bid, with each boat not costing more than 97.944 euro, with the maximum value of the tender award put at 636.636 euro.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42100/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The sub aquatic and water patrol unit of the Guardia Civil, GEAS, is looking to purchase six new speedboats to assist in their control of illegal immigration in the Mediterranean coastal zone.
The six high powered “Zodiac” type vessels, ea...

### BUSY NEW YEAR FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES

The 112 emergency coordination centre managed 1,248 incidents across the region on New Year´s Eve, between 20:00 on the 31st of December and 08:00 on New Year´s Day, considerably higher than last year, when 974 incidents were managed, an increase of 28% across the three provinces. 
Of total incidents this year, 485 were from the province of Alicante, 118 were in Castellon 118 and 606 in the province of Valencia, with the remaining 39 incidents occurring in an undetermined location.
However, the good news is that the night passed without any major incident, but the majority of calls were “health” related, with 694 cases, or 55.61% of the total, followed by public safety incidents, where 301 cases accounted for 24.12% of all incidents, 49 were relating to fire and 16 were traffic management.
The Valencia police had a higher presence than normal across the entire province this year, with a total of 96 officially licensed extended events in bars, restaurants or public institutions, 42 in Valencia, 23 across Alicante and 31 in Castellón, with a total of 23 cases being opened by the police against venues who failed to comply with the laws or their licenses, another drop from the 30 recorded cases last year. 
Most of these cases were relating to infringements of opening hour rules, not providing adequate admission controls and failing to check for identification.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42099/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The 112 emergency coordination centre managed 1,248 incidents across the region on New Year´s Eve, between 20:00 on the 31st of December and 08:00 on New Year´s Day, considerably higher than last year, when 974 incidents were managed, an in...

### ALICANTE PLAZA EVACUATED AFTER EXPLODING AMBULANCE RISK

Part of the centre of Alicante was brought to a standstill this week as emergency services enacted the evacuation of the area near to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, as there was a risk of a gas explosion from an ambulance that had been involved in a traffic collision.
Upon attending the scene of the collision, the police and ambulance crew noted a strong smell of gad, so the Local Police cordoned off the area to allow fire fighters to work. This resulted in such attractions as the city ice rink, cafes and shops all being cleared of people.
The ambulance, a basic life support vehicle, is powered by a hybrid engine and the collision caused damage to the fuel system, where a combination of diesel and LPG are used to power the vehicle. The fire fighters carried out a temporary repair which allowed the ambulance to be taken away by a recovery vehicle about an hour after the initial incident, when it was taken back to the base, escorted by the fire service, in case of further risk.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42098/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Part of the centre of Alicante was brought to a standstill this week as emergency services enacted the evacuation of the area near to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, as there was a risk of a gas explosion from an ambulance that had been involved in a traff...

### FIRST THREE PROVINCIAL BIRTHS OF 2014 ARE GIRLS

The first baby of 2014 born in the region of Valencia is a girl who arrived at 01:26 at Torrevieja hospital.
According to informed sources in the Ministry of Health, the newborn baby weighed in at 3.3 kilos, has a Spanish mother and will be named Mara. This marks the first birth recorded in both the region of Valencia and the province of Alicante.
Just moments later, at 1:30, the first birth in the province of Valencia occurred, in which a Spanish woman gave birth to a girl in the Hospital La Fe a girl, who also weighed 3.3 kilos and is called Sara.
The province of Castellón was considerably further behind, having to wait until 09:11 for their first birth, also a girl, weighing in at 3.6 kilos, given the name Marta.
In 2013, until November, there had been a total of 30,271 births recorded throughout the Region, of which 14,084 were in the province of Valencia, 12,387 in Alicante and 3,820 were in the Castellón province
This data reflects a decrease of 6.06% in the number of births in public hospitals since 2012, when 32,223 children born, of which 15,146 were in the province of Valencia, 13,080 in Alicante and 3,997 in Castellón.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42097/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The first baby of 2014 born in the region of Valencia is a girl who arrived at 01:26 at Torrevieja hospital.
According to informed sources in the Ministry of Health, the newborn baby weighed in at 3.3 kilos, has a Spanish mother and will be named Mara...

### FEASABILITY STUDY TO RECONNECT TORREVIEJA RAIL SERVICES

The Ministry of development has contracted the company la Mercantil TRN Ingeniería y Planificación de Infraestructuras SA to carry out a feasibility study into restoring main line rail services (Valencia-Alicante, Tren de la Costa) into Torrevieja.  The study will take a year to complete at a cost of 689.193 euros
A number of different routes are being considered although that currently gaining most favour would appear to be the old railway line connecting Torrevieja with Albatera which is currently being used as a footpath and bike lane, and is now in the hands of ADIF
The study will also consider current transport demands, as well as recommending the number of services required, frequencies and travel times.
The Torrevieja mayor, Eduardo Dolon said that the study showed "the close collaboration with the Government of Spain, in the first-major-review that will benefit the entire region of the Vega Baja." 
Torrevieja had its own rail link for over a century. The branch between the city and Albatera was in use from 1884 to the late 80s before it was excluded from the route of the AVE.
Access to the resort town is now mainly by road with the Altet Airport is over 50 kilometers distant. 
Los Verdes collected more than 12,000 signatures in favor of the reinstatement of a rail line that it said would greatly benefit a large percentage of the population that does not have the use of private vehicles.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42095/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Ministry of development has contracted the company la Mercantil TRN Ingeniería y Planificación de Infraestructuras SA to carry out a feasibility study into restoring main line rail services (Valencia-Alicante, Tren de la Costa) into Torrevieja.  The study will take a year to complete at a cost of 689.193 euros
A number of different routes are being considered although that currently gaining most favour would appear to be the old railway line connecting Torrevieja with Albatera which is currently being used as a footpath and bike lane, and is now in the hands of ADIF
The study will also consider current transport demands, as well as recommending the number of services required, frequencies and travel times.
The Torrevieja mayor, Eduardo Dolon said that the study showed "the close collaboration with the Government of Spain, in the first-major-review that will benefit the entire region of the Vega Baja." 
Torrevieja had its own rail link for over a century. The branch between the city and Albatera was in use from 1884 to the late 80s before it was excluded from the route of the AVE.
Access to the resort town is now mainly by road with the Altet Airport is over 50 kilometers distant. 
Los Verdes collected more than 12,000 signatures in favor of the reinstatement of a rail line that it said would greatly benefit a large percentage of the population that does not have the use of private vehicles.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42095/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### ALICANTE SUFFERS MINOR EARTHQUAKE

An earthquake measuring a magnitude of 2.8 was felt today (Tuesday 31 December) between Alicante and Albacete. According to the National Geographic Institute the quake occurred at 4:29 am, causing only superficial damage.
The epicenter was the town of Albacete Caudete, just north of Alicante, where residents say they heard a noise but saw very little damage.
A spokesman from the Policia Locale confirmed the time of the earthquake but said that as it was so early in the morning many residents slept through it. He explained that he was up and getting ready to go to work at which time he felt a loud noise, which lasted only a few seconds. It was over almost as quickly as it had begun.
Police said that they recorded a number of calls from anxious residents, some of which, because of the loud noises, thought that their properties were being robbed. When they were told that they had witnessed a minor earthquake they seemed relieved that any impending threat had gone. Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42092/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: An earthquake measuring a magnitude of 2.8 was felt today (Tuesday 31 December) between Alicante and Albacete. According to the National Geographic Institute the quake occurred at 4:29 am, causing only superficial damage.
The epicenter was the town of...

### NATIONAL SOCIALIST INSIST RAJOY COMMENTS ON ORIHUELA MOTION

The Secretary of Cities and Municipal Policy for the national socialist PSOE group, Gaspar Zarrías, has demanded a response from the president of the government, Mariano Rajoy, as to whether or not he, as the president and leader of the national PP group, supports the censure motion which has been presented in Orihuela.
The question has been put to Rajoy based on his promise of a transparent and clean political party, and given that a number of the PP politicians in Orihuela are facing criminal charges, the approval by the party leader would contradict his national policy.
Zarrías said that “with four people charged and two defectors”, it seems inconsistent with Rajoy´s “fight against corruption and in favour of transparency and democratic regeneration of the PP”.
Zarrías continued to accuse the Orihuela PP of not acting “for the general interest of the citizens of Orihuela, but for the particular interest of some people”, and it is possible that the motion goes against the current government, formed by the PSOE and Los Verdes, with a group formed of “defendants and defectors, immoral and not without hidden agendas”. 
The senior socialist believes that Rajoy should explain and say why the PP has not publicly disapproved the move and what measures are to be taken, both at an organic and institutional level, against those who have participated in it, including the Secretary-General himself of the Valencia regional PP, Serafín Castellano, who was a “key player” in the staging and signing of the agreement, whilst mentoring the “accused councillors of his party”. 
Zarrías insists that Rajoy disallows this motion, “which in any case cannot continue”, on the grounds that it has been signed by “two non-affiliated members and defectors, Pedro Mancebo Juan Ignacio López Bas, who were recently expelled from CLR-CLARO coalition”, and subsequently would “lack votes”. 
Meanwhile, in Orihuela, the city clerk, Virgilio Estremera, has asked Bob Houliston to provide the documentary evidence relating to the expulsion, which he requires before 9am on Thursday, when a decision as to the legality of the motion should be announced shortly after, prior to the planned formal presentation at noon on Friday.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42090/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Secretary of Cities and Municipal Policy for the national socialist PSOE group, Gaspar Zarrías, has demanded a response from the president of the government, Mariano Rajoy, as to whether or not he, as the president and leader of the national...

### AGE CONCERN RESIDENTIAL HOME VISITING TEAM

On Friday the 13th December The Residential Home Visiting Team together with the Rascals accompanied by Just Brass entertained the residents in the Jardin de Clara Residential Home with carol singing. 
Gifts supplied by the Rascals were handed out by Father Christmas. There were plenty of smiles, a few tears and an enjoyable afternoon was had by all.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42084/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Friday the 13th December The Residential Home Visiting Team together with the Rascals accompanied by Just Brass entertained the residents in the Jardin de Clara Residential Home with carol singing. 
Gifts supplied by the Rascals were handed out by ...

### RIGHT TO REST IMPORTANCE IN NEW YEAR PARTY APPLICATIONS

The Ministry of Interior and Justice of the Valencia region has filed 79 applications across the Alicante province for the holding of special New Year´s Eve parties, although this figure may well change as last minute applications are considered.
The Director General of Security and Civil Protection for the province, Sonia Vega, said that as part of the schedule for entertainment, venues may apply to extended their opening hours by 90 minutes during the night of New Year´s Eve, although compliance has to be in line with the legal requirements of the venues and their licences, in order to ensures a proper balance between the right to rest and to that of leisure and entertainment. 
A statement says that the regulation is “a priority to ensure the safety and welfare of the users of public facilities and strict enforcement of existing legislation is intended to ensure all premises comply with the rules, because at no time should citizens be put at risk”.
The information also reminds venue owners that it became mandatory on the 1st of January, 2011, that all nightclubs, dance halls, discos, pubs and karaoke venues with a capacity for more than 200 people must have that capacity certified and must exercise admission control. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42075/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Ministry of Interior and Justice of the Valencia region has filed 79 applications across the Alicante province for the holding of special New Year´s Eve parties, although this figure may well change as last minute applications are considered....

### SPARE A THOUGHT TO THOSE ALONE

Each year, as winter takes hold, one thing we sometimes forget as the celebrations and parties see joy and happiness, is that not everybody has the opportunity to share in that happiness, with more and more people spending the seasonal time alone.
According to figures from the 2011 census which were released recently, across the Alicante province there are a staggering 71,714 people over the age of 65 who live alone. This figure has increased by an almost incomprehensible 42% in the last 10 years. The data also reveals that the Alicante area, the home to many a retiring ex-pat, is considerably higher than the national growth, which stands at 20%. 
Not only that, it is also clear that the biggest majority of those living alone are female, with 50,382 women living alone, compared to 21,332 men.
It may also be surprising to hear that across the Alicante province, 24% of all households are made up of a person living alone, and 4 out of every 10 are over the age of 65.
There is another surprise when comparing the national statistics, as the number 1 place where the oldest people in the whole of Spain live is Rojales, where the average age is 52.38 years.
So it is perhaps no surprise that throughout the winter, news stories often dominate tragic situations where lonely individuals have died alone at home, sometimes laying unnoticed and unmissed for weeks at a time.
Statistically, the police in Torrevieja have reported that they respond to 2 incidents every month where an elderly person has died alone at home.
So through the season of good will, as the cold winter starts to grasp hold, we can all spare a thought for those who may be alone, for one day it may be us and a simple smile of acknowledgement, or a knock to the door to say hello, may all be what´s needed to hold a hand out to our neighbours so they know that somebody is there.
If you are at home alone, there is a whole world outside your door. Perhaps not a world you feel brave enough to face, but one that is there to offer you assistance. There are countless support groups, charities, social networks and more, where you can find a step back into the world. The Samaritans and Age Concern are just two of the long established groups who have helped countless people over the years. You don´t have to be alone, unless that is your choice. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42074/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Each year, as winter takes hold, one thing we sometimes forget as the celebrations and parties see joy and happiness, is that not everybody has the opportunity to share in that happiness, with more and more people spending the seasonal time alone.
Acc...

### RUSSIANS COME IN FROM THE COLD

Such is the Costa's Russian influx the Murcia town of Garrucha has been re-christened Garussia. In Torrevieja Oblast Russians welcome New Year at the city's vibrant Flamenco Restaurant. 
The annual Asociacion Union Eslava event lived up to its name. With about forty partygoers wining, dining and dancing there appeared at times to be more Ukrainians than Russians with a sprinkling of Kazakhstan residents too.
Organiser Marina Saranina says there are so many Russians arriving she expects numbers attending to treble each year. A growing Eurasian Customs Union could boost Costa economies.
The Russian led equivalent to the EU is six times bigger than the European Union and almost the size of the British Empire at its zenith. Soaked in mineral wealth Kazakhstan capital Astana is more stunning than Dubai.
Ukraine is second only to Western Russia in size.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42071/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Such is the Costa's Russian influx the Murcia town of Garrucha has been re-christened Garussia. In Torrevieja Oblast Russians welcome New Year at the city's vibrant Flamenco Restaurant. 
The annual Asociacion Union Eslava event lived up to its name. W...

### REGIONAL SOCIALISTS URGE COMMON SENSE IN ORIHUELA

During Friday´s plenary meeting of the Orihuela government, it was noted that a letter had been presented to the administration which would mean that the censure motion to overthrow the government was invalid. This move was done to simply record the facts are continuing, and that no final decision was made and that we may have to wait until the extraordinary meeting next Friday to find out if the bipartite government will be replaced by a PP and Clr coalition.
Meanwhile, the secretary-general of the Regional PSOE in Valencia, Ximo Puig, said today that the censure motion signed by the PP and Clr “unworkable”, whilst also describing it as “insane” to consider that that the president of the Generalitat, Alberto Fabra, and the President of the Government, Mariano Rajoy, would endorse a censure motion that included “five charged and one convicted” of criminal offences within the Partido Popular group.
Puig also expressed the need to “serve the interest of Orihuela” against a possible new PP government, whilst pointing out that although there has been a history of corruption in Orihuela politics, the current corporation has “shown that there may be an honest government”, concluding that he hoped ”common sense” will prevail in proving the motion unsuccessful.
In other news from the same meeting, the Three Kings Parade of Orihuela city was a hot topic of contention, with a vote led by the PP and Clr resulting in the parade through the city streets returning to the original route, a motion opposed by the government who wanted to reroute the parade on the grounds of safety, following the tragic death of a child in Málaga last year, a rerouting that came with the full backing of the police and emergency services.
The outgoing deputy mayor, Antonia Moreno of the PSOE, was formally thanked for her efforts whilst in office, accompanied by a round of applause, after formally resigning from politics last month. She now makes way for the next member of the PSOE list to join the government, Víctor Ruíz, who will move into a less senior role, as Antonio Zapata took the seat alongside the mayor, where his resigned colleague has now departed. 
The Clr team filed a motion asking that both the weekly Orihuela market on Tuesday and Saturday remain stationed in its current location, against plans by the councillor for markets, Manuel Gallud, who wants to move the stalls to a new location, as Clr argue that the move would damage to both the traders and the city traffic. Gallud remained commited to the planned relocation, stating that only this week the traders from one of the markets voted 107 in favour of the move, with just 17 voting against and two abstaining, dismissing the argument that it would be damaging. 
There was also a dramatic interruption by a member of the anti-eviction group Plataforma de Afectados por la Hipoteca en Orihuela, José Andrés Berná, vocally complaining over the lack of commitment shown by the government to discuss a move to help those suffering evictions during the current financially trying times. For the second time, the group had urged a discussion on social rents, and for the second time, it failed to make the agenda.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42061/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: During Friday´s plenary meeting of the Orihuela government, it was noted that a letter had been presented to the administration which would mean that the censure motion to overthrow the government was invalid. This move was done to simply record ...

### ORIHUELA SCHOOLS TO LOSE NINE MORE CLASSES

For the third consecutive year the PP run Valencia Government plans to eliminate up to nine classrooms across Orihuela for the 2014 academic year, it was announced this week.
The councillor for education in municipality of Orihuela, Rosa Martínez of the PSOE, made the announcement in a press conference, announcing that Andrés Manjón school will lose a primary and nursery class, La Aparecida will lose two primary classes, whereas the schools of Antonio Sequeros, Villar Palasí, colegio de Desamparados, La Campaneta and San Bartolomé will lose one each.
This figure must also be added to the thirteen classes already removed in the 2011 academic year, plus the six in this, which collectively has been described as an “attack” against public education by Martínez, which has also seen 36 teachers suffer the loss of employment.
It is also believed that the reduction in class numbers will have serious repercussions on those wishing to send their children to schools in the municipality, with Martínez predicting that some parents will be forced to look towards private schools in the future.
Although the move is beyond the control of the local government team, a meeting has been set up by the Municipal School Board, to make urgent plans to try to prevent this extra reduction, which they will then attempt to convince the regional body to reduce the persistent hatchet on public education in Orihuela.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42057/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: For the third consecutive year the PP run Valencia Government plans to eliminate up to nine classrooms across Orihuela for the 2014 academic year, it was announced this week.
The councillor for education in municipality of Orihuela, Rosa Martín...

### ORIHUELA INVESTED 60000 EURO IN ACCESSIBILITY

The department of infrastructure in Orihuela, under the lead of Antonia Moreno, invested 60,000 euro in methods to improve accessibility for those with restricted mobility during 2013.
The now departed councillor made a last visit to one of the improved areas, along with the president of Orihuela Sin Barreras, Carmen Díaz, in order to check on the latest in a long list of improvements under the “Mobility Plan”, aimed at improving communication between the urban spaces of the city, with the ultimate goal that everywhere becomes accessible, “with the encouragement and support of the association Orihuela Sin Barreras in mutual cooperation”, Moreno said.
The commitment of the town hall will continue into 2014, according to Moreno, with improvements around the cathedral next on the list. 
Meanwhile Carmen Díaz, was pleased with the latest development, whereas access was improved near to the railway lines, “because it was a problem for people living on the other side of the bridge”, especially with the increase in traffic caused by road diversions during the high speed train work, praising the town hall for also solving “the problems of access to school”, concluding that with this latest step, it result in the fact that they have “ended the year very happy”.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42055/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The department of infrastructure in Orihuela, under the lead of Antonia Moreno, invested 60,000 euro in methods to improve accessibility for those with restricted mobility during 2013.
The now departed councillor made a last visit to one of the improv...

### HALF-BURIED HUMAN REMAINS FOUND ON TORREVIEJA CLIFF TOP

Officers from the Guardia Civil, assigned to the Judicial Police, are investigating the discovery of human remains found partially buried near a cliff face in Torrevieja.
The gruesome discovery was made on Christmas Eve when a neighbour walking in the area alerted the authorities of the presence of “half-buried” skeletal remains a few metres from the cliff edge, at Cala de los Trabajos, just to the north of Playa de Los Locos.
After arriving at the scene and confirming the discovery to be human, the Guardia Civil, with the local police, proceeded to cordon off a large area of land, before forensic experts joined them to carry out a detailed search.
 Although the cove rich area has seen countless lives lost over the years, through either accident or suicide, the investigators are convinced that these remains were placed their intentionally, and the person has been dead for some time, although no further details have been released as the courts have issues a “gagging” order on the case, pending the results of the investigation.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42052/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil, assigned to the Judicial Police, are investigating the discovery of human remains found partially buried near a cliff face in Torrevieja.
The gruesome discovery was made on Christmas Eve when a neighbour walking in the...

### MORE EVENTS FOR A SEASONAL TORREVIEJA

Asociacion De Inmigracion Asila in Torrevieja has organized daily activities throughout the holiday season, all of which are taking place at the Ozone Leisure Center, near to the Habaneras Shooping Mall, starting at 5pm.
All of these activities are suitable for the whole family, but especially those with children and are free and open to all. 
In order to participate in the LITTLE CHEF's events, inscription is required, but that can be done at the ASILA office, completing a simple registration form, at Caballero de Rodas 70, bajo. You can also pop along to the office if you have any questions or want more information.
Here are some of the events still to come.
DECEMBER 2013
26 Thursday - Dance with your favorites characters.
27 Friday - Stories for kids. Spanish and English versions. (ASILA)
28 Saturday - The OZ wizard
29 Sunday - The clown Edi's show
30 Monday - Dance and games for children
JANUARY 2014 
2 Thursday - Little chefs: Learn to cook  - English and Spanish- (ASILA)
3 Friday - Write your letter for the three wise men. Russian, English, French, Aleman… (ASILA)
4 Saturday - Dancing and games with the three wise men.
In addition to those events by ASILA, there is still a lot more to look forward to in Torrevieja, including these events.
Thursday 2nd January 2013 and Friday 3rd January 2013 - 17.00H-20.00H The Marquee Of The Pageboys Of The 3 Kings In Plaza De La Constitucion.
Saturday 4th January 2013 - 18.00h-20.30h - Torrevieja Open In Christmas By Concejalia De Comercio Y Hosteleria In Commercial Town Centre. Featuring a performance by JUST BRASS BAND  in Calle Joaquin Chapaprieta near the junction with Calle Pedro Lorca and the Mercado de Abastos.
 Sunday 5th January 2013 - 17.30h-Twelfth Night Procession “Three Kings” In the harbour. The event is known as Cabalgata De Reyes, a float parade held on 5 January, the eve of Epiphany, in most Spanish towns and cities. It celebrates the coming of the Three Kings with their gifts for the infant Jesus. In the course of the cabalgatas, the Three Kings throw sweets into the crowd.  
Monday 6th January 2013 - 19.00h - New Year And Three Kings Concert In The New International Auditorium Of Torrevieja By Orquesta Sinfonica De Torrevieja Organized By Ars Aetheria. Prices: 15€ (sector B and E), 10€ (sector F), 8€ (sector D) and 6€ (sector C).
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42051/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Asociacion De Inmigracion Asila in Torrevieja has organized daily activities throughout the holiday season, all of which are taking place at the Ozone Leisure Center, near to the Habaneras Shooping Mall, starting at 5pm.
All of these activities are su...

### PROVINCIAL PP HEAD SPEAKS OUT ABOUT ORIHUELA

Although clearly supporting his local party colleagues, the head of the Partido Popular in Alicante province, José Císcar, has not exactly lavished a huge amount of support on the move for the Orihuela pp group to take over the municipal government, effectively saying that, in his opinion, it is the best of a bad option.
In a statement to the press, Císcar reiterated that the situation in Orihuela as “ungovernable” and causes “paralysis” of the municipality, which he considers to be of “serious” harm to the citizens of the municipality, although the paralysis of the financial agreements is mostly caused by the majority group, the PP, refusing to accept any of the proposals made by the governing team in protest of them still remaining in office, going on to say that the government run by the bipartite team of the PSOE and Los Verdes “does not exist”, and is “completely broken”.
With the problems already faced by the Mónica Lorente led party in Orihuela, with the regional president making a statement that nobody charged in a corruption case can lead or stand, of the five PP councillors charged in connection with corruption cases and one in connection with an assault, Císcar said that they “have or may have councillors who are charged, that's true and it is not what we would like”, but continuing “many times when you have to make decisions to balance the different alternatives”, stressing that right now the problem is that Orihuela is in a situation of having a government that is “completely paralyzed”.
Explaining his perception of the government during this administration, Císcar said that the tripartite demonstrated that it didn´t work, now, “it is a bipartite who have found themselves in a situation of complete minority, who cannot fully approve anything”, which he explains has caused “a situation of paralysis which significantly affects the citizens”
Referring to the censure motion, Císcar said that “it is that the responsibility of the council of Orihuela to try to get the city from the paralysis that it is suffering”, whilst also declaring that the internal issues of councillors who may or may not be assigned, or from other party groups, are not the issue, “that is something that does not depend on us, on which we cannot influence or decide”.
He stressed that “our responsibility extends to attempt a change of government through a motion of censure”, with the sole intention of “changing the state of paralysis” in Orihuela.
In conclusion, Císcar said that “the ideal situation does not exist in this case. We have to choose the least burdensome situation”, although how that will reflect on the party rules as they face the next elections of 2015 remains to be seen, as those facing criminal charges would not be eligible to stand for election under the current rules.
A decision on the legal validity of the censure motion is expected before the end of this week, which will either see a valid move to replace the government in January, or will allow the current government to continue, at least for now.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42048/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Although clearly supporting his local party colleagues, the head of the Partido Popular in Alicante province, José Císcar, has not exactly lavished a huge amount of support on the move for the Orihuela pp group to take over the municipal ...

### RUTHLESS BURGLARY GANG ARRESTED

Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested 2 people suspected of at least eleven offenses of burglary from homes in the towns of Pilar de la Horadada, the Orihuela Costa and Cartagena in addition to the crimes of theft of a vehicle, forgery and fraud by using a credit card.
The officers stopped a van in a commercial area of Punta Prima, believed to have been used during their criminal activities. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the officers found items believed to be stolen and subsequently arrested one of the suspects.
The second person was arrested at the home he shared with the previous arrestee in Pilar de la Horadada, where officers found further evidence of their crimes and more items believed to be stolen, including electrical appliances such as washing machines, dryers and ovens, jewellery and clothing.
At the time of arrest, both men presented documentation also believed to have been forged, hampering their full identification.
The detainees, both of Romanian origin and men of 29 and 38 years of age, were identified by the initials S.A.S. and F.C., and are charged with the alleged commission of the crimes of burglary in indoor housing, theft and use of motor vehicle, forgery and fraud.
The investigation began in November after investigators noted an increase in the number of reported burglaries in residential areas of the town of Pilar de la Horadada.
During the investigation, the two men became highlighted to officers, who suspected them as being involved in more than a dozen burglaries, not only in their local area but as far as Los Urrutia, Los Barreros, Santa Ana and los Nietos in Cartagena.
The method in which the team worked would see them first parking their van in the vicinity of the target property, and then waiting for the inhabitants leave their home.
They then forced access to the property and, once inside, took as much as they could carry, which included jewellery, clothing, shotguns and electrical appliances, all of significant volume, which didn´t impede them in any way.
A credit card stolen from a home in Pilar de la Horadada was used to withdraw money from cash machines and make various purchases, all to the value of 800 euro and all within just 2 hours.
In Cartagena, a similar catchment resulted in the pair running out of room in their van, subsequently steeling the owners vehicle to assist them, later to be found abandoned, missing the stereo. That stereo later found installed in the van used by the suspects.
The most significant theft discovered by the officers occurred in Orihuela, when the pair robbed a home of two people who had bought and wrapped presents to give to their grandchildren at Christmas, only to find that their kind hearted gesture had been destroyed by the heartless thieves, until those gifts were recovered by the Guardia Civil and returned to them, making their Christmas dreams come back to life.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42046/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Officers from the Guardia Civil have arrested 2 people suspected of at least eleven offenses of burglary from homes in the towns of Pilar de la Horadada, the Orihuela Costa and Cartagena in addition to the crimes of theft of a vehicle, forgery and frau...

### TALL TALE BURGLAR ARRESTED

Local police officers in the town of Catarroja, to the south of Valencia, arrested a man, of Romanian origin, suspected of a crime of burglary. 
The offender was seen leaving the car park of a private property. Upon seeing the police patrol, the man is said to have fled the scene, leaving officers suspicious. The officers checked the vehicle parked in the car park near to where the suspect had been and found the keys still in the ignition. They also found a bicycle in the boot of the vehicle, later to be identified as having been stolen from one of the garages.
The officers began a search for their prime suspect, only to find he had evaded capture. That was until one of the officers looked underneath another nearby parked car, where he found a man lay down, explaining the reason for being in the position was because, “I have lost my dog, which has escaped”.
The officers didn´t believe that story and subsequently arrested him for the crime of burglary, which, upon his arrest, turns out to be his 31st time of being found arrested for similar offences.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42042/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Local police officers in the town of Catarroja, to the south of Valencia, arrested a man, of Romanian origin, suspected of a crime of burglary. 
The offender was seen leaving the car park of a private property. Upon seeing the police patrol, the man i...

### INAUGURATION OF THE NEW ORIHUELA TOURIST OFFICE

A new Tourist Office was opened on Monday 23rd December in Orihuela City my the mayor , Monserrate Guillen, and the Councillor for Tourism, Rosa Martinez . 
They were accompanied by the Valencia  Deputy for Provincial Tourism, Joaquín Albaladejo.
The Office is located in Plaza de la Soledad and according to Martinez, given the suitability of the location and it's visibility, it will become the meeting point and the beginning of all city tourist routes
The office houses information about all the tourist attractions, both in the municipality and the surrounding areas, and boasts that it will be able to meet the demands of every tourist. The office will also offer fixed schedule guided tours at 11:30 and 17:00 hours each day. It also has a new one souvenir shop. 
A picture painted by Eva Hernandez Miguel Ruiz is prominently displayed in the office with the title “Orihuela, your people and mine."
The building also features a work area and a meeting room because, as the mayor said, it is an active center and must be prepared to meet whatever demand arises.
Rosa Martinez said that much work has been carried out in the Department to improve the region's tourism which has been ‘asleep and dormant for decades'. 
The first steps were to improve the road to the coast which had not been maintained since 1995, make a catalogue of the beaches , the most recognized in Spain per kilometer of coastline, and promote the city of Orihuela on external social networks and at airports and train stations.
For the first time the cultural and theatrical services are being offered in Spanish and English,Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42039/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A new Tourist Office was opened on Monday 23rd December in Orihuela City my the mayor , Monserrate Guillen, and the Councillor for Tourism, Rosa Martinez . 
They were accompanied by the Valencia  Deputy for Provincial Tourism, Joaquín Albaladejo.
The Office is located in Plaza de la Soledad and according to Martinez, given the suitability of the location and it's visibility, it will become the meeting point and the beginning of all city tourist routes
The office houses information about all the tourist attractions, both in the municipality and the surrounding areas, and boasts that it will be able to meet the demands of every tourist. The office will also offer fixed schedule guided tours at 11:30 and 17:00 hours each day. It also has a new one souvenir shop. 
A picture painted by Eva Hernandez Miguel Ruiz is prominently displayed in the office with the title “Orihuela, your people and mine."
The building also features a work area and a meeting room because, as the mayor said, it is an active center and must be prepared to meet whatever demand arises.
Rosa Martinez said that much work has been carried out in the Department to improve the region's tourism which has been ‘asleep and dormant for decades'. 
The first steps were to improve the road to the coast which had not been maintained since 1995, make a catalogue of the beaches , the most recognized in Spain per kilometer of coastline, and promote the city of Orihuela on external social networks and at airports and train stations.
For the first time the cultural and theatrical services are being offered in Spanish and English,Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42039/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### CATHY IS ALL TABBED OUT

Following the business end of the meeting TAABS were once again on hand to bring Christmas cheer to the December gathering of the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion at their most recent meeting held at the Olympia Restaurant in Mil Palmeras.  
Their performance of carols and Christmas songs has now become one of the highlights in the organization's social calendar but this year their concert had special significance.
It was the very last occasion  they sang under the direction of Cathy Carson. Following the ordination of her husband Keith she has decided to spend rather more of her time at his side, providing him with the additional support that his new role will undoubtedly need.
Earlier in the evening Cathy had accepted a certificate of appreciation from the Chairman Keith Carter, thanking both her and the group for the entertainment and support they had provided and wishing her well in her retirement.
She will be replaced as Musical Director by Shirley Godfrey who, for all future bookings, can be reached on 677 313 073.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42019/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Following the business end of the meeting TAABS were once again on hand to bring Christmas cheer to the December gathering of the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion at their most recent meeting held at the Olympia Restaurant in Mil Palme...

### UNITED TO RULE

After 2 years battling in opposition, trying everything possible to return, from moves to discredit and plans to block salaries, the Partido Popular are set to return to govern following a pact with yet another arch enemy, the CLR.
Now, brushing aside their differences, Pedro Mancebo and Juan Ignacio Lopez Bas of the CLR, have joined with the Partido Popular to make the necessary 13 names to sign a censure motion to overthrow the bipartite government team of the PSOE and Los Verdes, and return the PP to power.
It was in the local elections of 2011 that the PP lost their control of Orihuela, a position they had held since 1987, with one opinion being that their neglect if the coastal zone had swung the vote away from their majority.
The Partido Popular was ejected from rule after thirteen councillors from a PSOE, CLR-CLARO and Los Verdes coalition combined to form the government team. However, it was not long into their tenure that Bob Houliston from CLARO resigned from government, saying that his reasons were because of the “systematic refusal of an element in the government to cooperate and coordinate their activities which concern the coast with me”, referring to Pedro Mancebo, who had been given more control of the coastal zone than Houliston thought appropriate. Asuncion Mayoral from CLR was later to be expelled from her political group too, both of these factors becoming a key point now. Most recently, Antonia Moreno, the head of the PSOE, also resigned from her role as deputy mayor.
In January, 2013, Pedro Mancebo was also expelled from the government by the Mayor, which prompted the resignation of his colleague, Juan Ignacio Lopez Bas. In the summer of 2013, the PP, along with Bob Houliston, attempted the signing of a censure motion, but this move failed on account of confusion and controversy of who should lead, and disagreement within the ranks of the Orihuela PP as to the lack of approval up their chain of command.
Much has already been documented about the regional party not wanting Mónica Lorente to return as the local head, as anybody facing legal investigations into corruption cases are exempt from holding the top posts, a situation also frequently commented on by Perdo Mancebo during his time in opposition. As a result, the group have nominated Josefina (Pepa) Ferrando García as the Mayor, with the intention for her to take the seat as the eighth such holder of the title of Mayor since Orihuela began a democratic concern in 1979.
As the document has now been signed, and supported by the regional party head, approved by the Regional Secretary, Serafín Castellano, an extraordinary plenary meeting has been called for the 3rd of January, at which point, the motion will be formally tabled and the responsibility of government handed back to the PP, with their new coalition of CLR, resulting in the PSOE and Los Verdes being removed to the role of opposition. 
During the signing of the document, Castellano said that the motion is “future orientated” for the “growth, progress and stability for the city of Orihuela”, confirming that “an act of democratic justice” has been achieved, as the PP, along with CLR, now hold over 20,000 votes, giving them an overall majority to rule the municipality of near 100,000.
However, of the people who have signed the motion, which was formally handed in at the town hall on Friday, one person missing is the PP´s former ally of the coast, Bob Houliston. His CLARO party had an agreement with the PP, which would apply for the term of this administrative period, but Houliston and Mancebo had long since fallen out of their own pact after the 2011 elections, it was unlikely that the pair would ever be able to reconcile, with the PP now seemingly choosing a different alignment of previous opposers.
Bob Houliston told The Leader, “C.L.A.R.O. learned from the press on Thursday, 19 December that the Popular Party and Pedro Mancebo's CLR party had joined together to sign a motion of censure”, continuing, “This decision by the PP constituted a unilateral breaking of the PP-CLARO government agreement of July, 2012.   In C.L.A.R.O's opinion it was a complete deception and a cynical act motivated by the desire of the Popular Party to enter into government at no matter what price.”
In view of this move, and the “negative and destructive role played by the CLR Party of Pedro Mancebo in relation to C.L.A.R.O.”, explaining that his party “considers that it would be a disservice to Orihuela and to Orihuela Costa if they were to become partners in a government with the Popular Party”.     
Therefore, C.L.A.R.O's Executive Committee have agreed that the party should join Asuncion Mayoral, also expelled from the CLR-CLARO council group by Pedro Mancebo, to seek to “invalidate the motion of censure by expelling Pedro Mancebo and his CLR colleague from the CLR-CLARO Coalition, the political formation on the basis of which the two parties contested the municipal election of 2011”.
Following a meeting held on Saturday, this expulsion took place, for which Mancebo and Lopez Bas have three days in which to appeal this decision which, “if it is confirmed could invalidate their participation in the planned PP-CLR motion of censure just as Pedro Mancebo had previously limited the rights of Bob Houliston and Asuncion Mayoral to vote in a motion of censure against the government”.
Meanwhile, in the midst of this legal battle, the current mayor of the municipality, Monserrate Guillén, has vowed that he and his team will continue to work “until the very last day”, for the interests of the people of the municipality, even confirming that the regular plenary meeting due to be held on the 27th of this month, will continue with “absolute normality”. Guillén is also adamant that he has held his post with a clear conscience, and, whenever his time as mayor does come to an end, whether it be a matter of weeks, or sometime in the future, “I came with an empty suitcase and I´ll go with it equally empty”, having gained little personally whilst serving the municipality, other than the belief that he has worked for the citizens of one of the most politically fragmented areas of Spain.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42015/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: After 2 years battling in opposition, trying everything possible to return, from moves to discredit and plans to block salaries, the Partido Popular are set to return to govern following a pact with yet another arch enemy, the CLR.
Now, brushing aside...

### ORIHUELA BAND TO PERFORM ON THE COAST

The Councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, has announced that the famed band of the Unión Lirica Orcelitana Orihuela will perform a free concert on the Orihuela Costa.
The band will play on the Playa Flamenca promenade on Sunday 29th of December, 2013, at 12:30, with everybody welcome to come along and enjoy this unique presentation
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42014/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Councillor for the coast, Martina Scheurer, has announced that the famed band of the Unión Lirica Orcelitana Orihuela will perform a free concert on the Orihuela Costa.
The band will play on the Playa Flamenca promenade on Sunday 29th of De...

### CHRISTMAS STORY COMPETITION WINNER ANNOUNCED

Councillor for Education in Orihuela, Rosa Martínez, presented the award for the VI Christmas Story Competition to Lucia Padilla Carrillo, from the Colegio Público Miguel Hernández, for her winning story, “Mi Navidad con un regalo especial”.
The prize included a printed version of her work, illustrated by Nuria Ortuño Hernández, as well as the accolade of being the person who switched on the Christmas lights throughout the city.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42013/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Councillor for Education in Orihuela, Rosa Martínez, presented the award for the VI Christmas Story Competition to Lucia Padilla Carrillo, from the Colegio Público Miguel Hernández, for her winning story, “Mi Navidad con un r...

### CHRISTMAS COMES TO ORIHUELA

Instead of swans-a-swimming, the Christmas celebrations of Orihuela this year feature seven council departments all working together, as Youth, Culture, Costa, Sports, Trade, Tourism and Festivities launch a campaign to “energize and give animation and festive spirit to the streets of Orihuela”.
Councillors Rosa Martínez and Manuel Gallud made a presentation, detailing some 34 different activities have been laid on, the first which was on Sunday, right through until early January. With everything from clowns and storytelling, musical theatre to rollerblading, all aimed primarily at keeping the younger members of the municipality entertained.
However, the adults will not miss out either, with such delightful attractions as a creativity fair on the 4th of January, and similar gift opportunities each weekend near the cathedral.
Full details are available from the tourist offices and the town hall, as Orihuela becomes festive for the season of Christmas.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42012/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Instead of swans-a-swimming, the Christmas celebrations of Orihuela this year feature seven council departments all working together, as Youth, Culture, Costa, Sports, Trade, Tourism and Festivities launch a campaign to “energize and give animati...

### SANTIAGO DE LA RIBERA FROM THE AIR

The municipal museum of San Javier is currently hosting a photographic exhibition showing the development of the area since 1929. The exhibition, entitled “Santiago de  la Ribera: Naval Base to the General Air Academy, 1929-1980” includes a selection of images taken from the air along with others from the city archives, “the family album of San Javier” and contributions from D. Miguel Ferrer and D. Antonio Barnuevo.
 
The exhibition was opened by the mayor of San Javier, Juan Martínez, who was accompanied by Academy Commanding officer, Colonel AGA, Emilio Gracia and numerous guests. It has been organised to mark the 125th Anniversary of Santiago de la Ribera and through 176 snapshots, the evolution of the local population as well as the military base, the infrastructure, landscapes and social development can readily be seen.
 
Many of the photographs have been provided from the archives of the General Air Academy and are dated as early as 1929. They are part of a set of photos that provide great historical value and that, in recent years, have been digitized through the Municipal Archives of the Department of Heritage in San Javier.
 
The exhibition is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 09:30 to 13:30 hrs and from 16:00 to 18:30 hrs. On Sunday the opening hours are 10:30 h to 13:30 hrs.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42011/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The municipal museum of San Javier is currently hosting a photographic exhibition showing the development of the area since 1929. The exhibition, entitled “Santiago de  la Ribera: Naval Base to the General Air Academy, 1929-1980” includes a...

### ORIHUELA SCHOOLS CAROL COMPETITION

The CEIP Manuel de Torres de Almoradí in the junior category and IES Gabriel Miró de Orihuela in the youth section have won the XIX Carol Contest held at the el Teatro Circo in Orihuela and organized by IES Las Espeñetas in conjunction with the Department of Education .
Second and third in the Junior category were the Nuestra Señora del Carmen de Orihuela, and el Colegio Público San Pedro Apóstol, de Granja de Rocamora.
In the youth category runners up were IES San Pascual de Dolores while the IES Rafal finished in third.
In total, more than 300 students comprising eight choirs were represented. Each had to sing the once compulsory piece of 'Oh Blanca Navidad' followed by two further carols of their own choice.
Prizes were presented to the schools by The Councillor for Education, Rosa Martinez.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42008/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The CEIP Manuel de Torres de Almoradí in the junior category and IES Gabriel Miró de Orihuela in the youth section have won the XIX Carol Contest held at the el Teatro Circo in Orihuela and organized by IES Las Espeñetas in conjunc...

### COSTA BLANCA BOWLS ASSOCIATION

The annual President versus Vice-President's match was staged at Vistabella Bowls Club this year.After a fine morning's bowling, John Albutt's team won and he joined his Vice-President, Sue Cooper and the players for lunch. 
Among those invited were June Jones and Russell Marks, newly-returned from their fine performance representing Spain in the World Singles Champion-of Champions in New Zealand.
 
Our picture shows, l to r, Sue Cooper, Russell Marks, John Albutt and June Jones.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42007/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The annual President versus Vice-President's match was staged at Vistabella Bowls Club this year.After a fine morning's bowling, John Albutt's team won and he joined his Vice-President, Sue Cooper and the players for lunch. 
Among those invited were J...

### CHRISTMAS CLEANUP CAMPAIGN

The Department for Urbanism has launched a special cleaning service to mark the Christmas holiday period. The announcement was made on Wednesday by the mayor of, Monserrate Guillen, who said that the additions service would also include street steam cleaning to remove ingrained dirt and odours . This service will begin in the city centre and then move out into the remainder of the central areas.  
Guillen also appealed for the cooperation of citizens in keeping the city clean and maintaining the beauty of Orihuela . He said that citizens should respect the refuse collection service schedules and only put out their refuse prior to the arrival of the cleaning services. They should not simply deposit their garbage in plastic bags by the side of the refuse bins as these are often disturbed with the result that the rubbish is then strewn across the streets which only gives the impression of a city in which nobody cares.
In addition, the department will be putting municipal posters on lampposts and walls warning residents that it is illegal to drop litter, to paste posters or to deface public spaces.  Anyone defying these instructions is liable to face prosecution.
Similarly, he has appealed to pet owners to pick up the droppings after their dogs. Once again he reminded everyone of the ordinance on the owners of animals that soil in the street. Indeed in many areas there are litter bins where pet owners can deposit their animal waste.
He then reminded those residents who still use open fires, fireplaces or braziers that they need to ensure that the coals are fully extinguished prior to being placed in any waste bin as ten containers have already been destroyed by burning so far this year.
“All these measures are extremely important because they help us to have a more pleasant city," he said.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42006/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Department for Urbanism has launched a special cleaning service to mark the Christmas holiday period. The announcement was made on Wednesday by the mayor of, Monserrate Guillen, who said that the additions service would also include street steam cleaning to remove ingrained dirt and odours . This service will begin in the city centre and then move out into the remainder of the central areas.  
Guillen also appealed for the cooperation of citizens in keeping the city clean and maintaining the beauty of Orihuela . He said that citizens should respect the refuse collection service schedules and only put out their refuse prior to the arrival of the cleaning services. They should not simply deposit their garbage in plastic bags by the side of the refuse bins as these are often disturbed with the result that the rubbish is then strewn across the streets which only gives the impression of a city in which nobody cares.
In addition, the department will be putting municipal posters on lampposts and walls warning residents that it is illegal to drop litter, to paste posters or to deface public spaces.  Anyone defying these instructions is liable to face prosecution.
Similarly, he has appealed to pet owners to pick up the droppings after their dogs. Once again he reminded everyone of the ordinance on the owners of animals that soil in the street. Indeed in many areas there are litter bins where pet owners can deposit their animal waste.
He then reminded those residents who still use open fires, fireplaces or braziers that they need to ensure that the coals are fully extinguished prior to being placed in any waste bin as ten containers have already been destroyed by burning so far this year.
“All these measures are extremely important because they help us to have a more pleasant city," he said.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42006/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### THE FOOTWORK DANCE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR!

On Sunday December 16, 2013 Footwork dance performed there Christmas show Dancing in the Musicals, and according to the general public both matinee and evening performances were astounding.
 Not only was the choreography fantastic by  Principal Erica Dorrill, but the costumes and students gave them the professional edge they work so hard all year round to achieve.
 Annie, Thriller Live, and Phantom of the Opera were just a few of the main highlights of the evening, and it has been said that their finale Les Miserables was ´West End standard.´ 
 Footwork was raising money for The Under Privileged of Los Montesinos, but due to a mugging that took place just outside of the theatre some of the money was taken. Footwork will still make a donation as promised. 
In spite of that event Footwork continued on into the evening performance making sure the audience got just what they deserved a fantastic show. If you were unlucky enough to have missed this spectacular event then be sure to look out for their shows in future.
Footwork Dance are the ones to watch.
 If you would like to be a part of their terrific team then classes resume on Tuesday January the 7th 2014.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42004/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: On Sunday December 16, 2013 Footwork dance performed there Christmas show Dancing in the Musicals, and according to the general public both matinee and evening performances were astounding.
 Not only was the choreography fantastic by  Principal Erica ...

### LANGUAGE COURSE IN PILAR

Pilar's Councillor for Integration, Violeta Martínez, attended the final day of a language course last Wednesday where she presented certificates of achievement to 36 foreign students who had all successfully completed a course in ‘Spanish for Foreigners' organised by the Town Hall.
The students, all from different nationalities , said they were very pleased with the outcome of the course, all of whom joined in with the celebrations by learning a little of the Spanish culture as they each tasted  a sample of traditional Christmas sweets in the classroom.
Martínez  said that in the next few weeks the Town Hall will be most likely to launch a new edition of the course as there are still many residents eager to learn the language and improve their knowledge of Spanish culture so that they might better integrate into their new way of life.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42003/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Pilar's Councillor for Integration, Violeta Martínez, attended the final day of a language course last Wednesday where she presented certificates of achievement to 36 foreign students who had all successfully completed a course in ‘Spanish...

### RE SEEDING UNDERWAY AT LOS ARCOS

To coincide with the Christmas break re seeding and general grounds maintenance work got underway at Los Arcos last week, the home of Orihuela CF who currently play in the Tercera Division, the 4th level of the Spanish Football League.  
Earlier in the week both the Councillor for Infrastructure and Sports, Antonia Moreno and Luis Galiano, called into the city centre facility to see how work was progressing. Moreno said that the process will use approximately 500 kilos of three different types of seeds. 
The contract for the work was awarded to the Cade company Cade from Murcia , whose bid was far cheaper than the others as they have their own specialised machinery and equipment and do not have to bring it in on hire.
Galiano also revealed that a draft agreement is currently being prepared which will see the City Council sponsor Orihuela Club de Fubol  with a 60,000 euros grant, the same as last year, despite relegation from Segunda Division B. They will also receive a further 35,000 euros which will pay for the maintenance of the stadium. 
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/42001/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: To coincide with the Christmas break re seeding and general grounds maintenance work got underway at Los Arcos last week, the home of Orihuela CF who currently play in the Tercera Division, the 4th level of the Spanish Football League.  
Earlier in th...

### VILLAR PALASI SCHOOL COLLECT A TON OF FOOD

Students from the  Villar Palasí public school have collected a ton of non-perishable food to be distributed to needy families by the Red Cross in a campaign organized by the children called 'El baúl navideño' (The Christmas trunk).
The school has 380 students , of which 28% are from immigrant families. The center's director, Manuel Otero , explained that this campaign is part of the program of Christmas events which was held last Tuesday at the Teatro Circo. 
In the same event there were demonstrations of costume, scenery, theatre  (many with the participation of the teachers themselves ) and choreography in which students performed themselves.
The program also included a nativity scene, a Christmas tree and Christmas card competition which also involved their parents. The PTA also organized a Christmas drawing competition which were displayed by the tree.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/41998/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Students from the  Villar Palasí public school have collected a ton of non-perishable food to be distributed to needy families by the Red Cross in a campaign organized by the children called 'El baúl navideño' (The Christmas trunk)...

### NEW BEACHFRONT WALKWAY FOR TORREVIEJA SOUTH

The mayor of Torrevieja invited tender son Thursday for a new 2 km pedestrain walkway linking the Paseo Marítimo with La Playa De Los Náufragos A Cala Ferris, a total area of 12,000 sq mtrs
The operating budget for the Project will total 1,578,876 euros. He is currently waiting for approval by the  Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment ( MAGRAMA ) and with a a completion period of 8 months he anticipates that work will commence by mid next year 2014
In making the announcement the mayor was accompanied by the Councillor for Works Services, Javier Montoro.
Snr Dolon said that  the Project is particularly important in that it will provide continuation of the pedestrian walkway from the maritime port to La Cala Ferris. 
Because of the terrain the walkway is bound to be extremely diverse. It will include an aggregated trail, wooden sleepers and walkways ands well as the introduction of street furniture, litter bins, benches and lighting.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/41993/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The mayor of Torrevieja invited tender son Thursday for a new 2 km pedestrain walkway linking the Paseo Marítimo with La Playa De Los Náufragos A Cala Ferris, a total area of 12,000 sq mtrs
The operating budget for the Project will total...

### TWO KILLED IN DRAMATIC CRASH

A crash between a car and a van on the AP7 motorway near Gandia on Saturday resulted in the van being shunted into a riverbed with two people being killed instantly at the scene.
Fire fighters attended and reported that the van had fallen 20 metres, and that they had recovered two bodies, one male and one female, as well as a passenger who was alive and being treated for their injuries.
Rescuers and divers scoured the area in case there were more passengers who could have fallen from the vehicles. This was ruled out sometime after the search had begun. 
Emergency services are advising caution whilst driving, especially as roads will be much busier during the holiday period, in addition to the anticipated adverse and unusual weather conditions.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/41976/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: A crash between a car and a van on the AP7 motorway near Gandia on Saturday resulted in the van being shunted into a riverbed with two people being killed instantly at the scene.
Fire fighters attended and reported that the van had fallen 20 metres, a...

### MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN ORIHUELA COLLISION

One man, understood to be the driver, was seriously injured yesterday (Monday) when the car that he was travelling in was involved in a collision with a lorry in the centre of Orihuela city.
The accident occurred at about 6.15 pm at km 648 of the N340. Following the collision the car was trapped under the guardrail running alongside the road with the driver trapped inside. Firefighters had to cut the driver out of the car before he could be moved by the emergency ambulance services to the Vega Baja Hospital.
The N340 was closed for a little over an hour causing major disruption in the town.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/41972/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: One man, understood to be the driver, was seriously injured yesterday (Monday) when the car that he was travelling in was involved in a collision with a lorry in the centre of Orihuela city.
The accident occurred at about 6.15 pm at km 648 of the N340...

### OVER 170 ATTEND ALAMEDA DEL MAR CHRISTMAS PARTY

The Alameda del Mar Civic Center held its Christmas party last week attended by over 170 people. The day consisted of a number of handicraft groups including sewing, painting and the decoration of handbags.
 
 There was also a choral recital, a dance class and a poetry reading in Dutch which was written and presented by one of the centre users. There was also a ‘tango' dance show which was performed by the group ‘Fusion'. 
 
All of the activities were well received by the guests who agreed that the day had been well organized and much enjoyed.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/41970/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: The Alameda del Mar Civic Center held its Christmas party last week attended by over 170 people. The day consisted of a number of handicraft groups including sewing, painting and the decoration of handbags.
 
 There was also a choral recital, a danc...

### DETAILS OF COSTA CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES RELEASED

Councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer, released the details last week of the route to be taken by the forthcoming Orihuela Costa Three Kings Parade on Sunday 5 January. 
Accompanied by a representative from La Zenia Boulevard, Almudena Soubrier, Ms Scheurer said that the procession would depart la calle Nicolás de Bussy, from behind the school, at 5pm and parade to La Zenia Boulevard where the reception of the Magi will take place in the central mall.
The councilor said that the event continues to grow year on year with the coming parade planned to be bigger and better than ever before. Soubrier said that she was intending that the main float will be sponsored and that having hosted the Magi in the mall last year she could say in advance that the coming event will be well martialled and safe. 
Ms Scheurer said there will be at least three floats and each will be accompanied by a multitude of animals and dancers. She also confirmed that the two stores Al Campo and Leroy Merlin will participate in the parade. 
In addition to the Three Kings parade there will be a Christmas Market which will be held on the public car park directly outside the boulevard from 20 to 23 December and then on 29 December a concert is planned for the esplanade in front of Playa Flamenca.Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/41966/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Councillor for the Coast, Martina Scheurer, released the details last week of the route to be taken by the forthcoming Orihuela Costa Three Kings Parade on Sunday 5 January. 
Accompanied by a representative from La Zenia Boulevard, Almudena Soubrier, ...

### ALICANTE BUS SERVICES TO SUFFER STRIKES

Workers on the urban and intercity bus services from Alicante start a nine day strike from Tuesday, after postponing their action from the 12th of December in order for them to vote of confidence in the company La Alcoyana and the town hall Department of Infrastructure.
Both sides met on Monday in a bid to negotiate the reduction in the number of proposed redundancies, but union members say that the company do not see any need to reduce this, or offer further explanations.
The strikes will take place on Tuesday and Friday this week, as well as Monday, Tuesday which is Christmas Eve, Thursday and Friday of next week. 
The minimum services required to operate will be 40% during peak times and 30% at others.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/41965/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Workers on the urban and intercity bus services from Alicante start a nine day strike from Tuesday, after postponing their action from the 12th of December in order for them to vote of confidence in the company La Alcoyana and the town hall Department ...

### CUTTING EDGE EYE TECHNOLOGY TESTED IN TORREVIEJA

Continuing to lead the way in medical technology, the ophthalmology department of the Torrevieja Hospital is working on another innovative scheme, one which enables the diagnosis and management of patients with ocular disease glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness in Spain. 
Although some may find the concept squeamish, others might think it the next stage in becoming like the bionic man or woman, as the medical experts have embedded a microchip into a contact lens which is able to detect small changes in the diameter of the cornea. 
As part of the clinical trial, patients have to wear these lenses, which are easily placed in a small home storage device which records fluctuations in eye pressure 24 hours a day, even when sleeping. 
Dr. José Isidro Belda, head of the department, explains that “this is a pioneering measurement system that allows professionals to control the pressure of a patient when they are at home, at work or playing sports, which facilitates specialists to assess the effectiveness of certain drugs and the time of day used, morning, afternoon or evening, as well as the most appropriate dose in each case”. 
The cutting-edge clinical system, called Sensimed Triggerfish, also allows the lens to adapt to the size of the patient´s cornea, which allows them to continue to perform their daily activities as normal during the monitoring period. The telemetry microchip and an antenna-integrated into the contact lens, transmits the information captured by the sensor wirelessly, and after 24 hours, the user returns to the office with the device where specialists create graph with fluctuation of intraocular pressure in a day. 
It is estimated that over one million people over 40 years of age suffer from this eye disease, and nearly 50% do not know they have it, because it produces no symptoms until at its very advanced stage. At first, the painless condition usually affects the peripheral vision, of which we are not conscious, and only perceive the change in central vision when the glaucoma is advanced.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/41945/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Continuing to lead the way in medical technology, the ophthalmology department of the Torrevieja Hospital is working on another innovative scheme, one which enables the diagnosis and management of patients with ocular disease glaucoma, a leading cause ...

### JIVE IS NOT DEAD!

Every Sunday and Thursday night the area of Jalon and Moraira rebound to the sounds of Modern Jive and the many would be dancers having fun. 
So what is Modern Jive/Slow Modern Jive/Mo Jive/Le Roc/Ceroc?
 It's a combination of many dance forms and is derived from Swing, Lindy Hop, Rock and Roll, Salsa and many others. The main innovation is the simplification of the footwork, by removing syncopation such as chasse. The word modern distinguishes it from ballroom Jive. 
It's a real buzz to be able to get up on the dance floor and wow your friends with this stylish dance form. Not to mention the fantastic health advantages from all that exercise. It's more fun than the gym and much more social. A few lessons and you will never need to sit on the sidelines and watch others having fun.
Martin and Carol, who have been teaching for 7 years, always stress that partners are not necessary as they encourage the better dancers to mix with the total beginners and they never allow anyone to feel left out.
It's great to see the difference that the group, who meet at the Tortuga bar in Jalon every Thursday evening at 8pm, have made in a few lessons. They have now become a close knit family and held their first Christmas celebration last Friday night in the Tortuga bar. They were joined by the class who meet, come rain or shine, at the Café del Mar in Moraira every Sunday night at 8pm.
This coming year Carol and Martin are planning some special fun events and will be calling all dancers, young and old and would be dancer, together to enjoy the revival of Jive in the Moraira and Jalon area.
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/41939/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Every Sunday and Thursday night the area of Jalon and Moraira rebound to the sounds of Modern Jive and the many would be dancers having fun. 
So what is Modern Jive/Slow Modern Jive/Mo Jive/Le Roc/Ceroc?
 It's a combination of many dance forms and is...

### STAGESTRUCK PLAYS TO FULL HOUSES

Stagestruck presented their annual panto in the Cardenal Beluga theatre San Fulgencio on the 29th, 30th November and 1st December to three very enthusiastic audiences.
 
This year it was Jack and the Beanstalk with an ‘all talking all singing beanstalk' the like of which has never before been seen. The magnificent stage set built by Gary Rearden and script written, directed and choreographed by talented local resident Stella Rearden. It tells the story of the Trott family's descent into rent arrears and poverty.
 
The Dame Titiana Trott, and what a dame with bits in places most don't even have places, under pressure from the local fuzz, reminiscent of the Keystone cops, decides to sell Matilda the cow. Many a cow have I milked but what this one would give I know not.
 
The decision to sell the cow lands Jack in trouble when he is swindled into accepting a bag of worthless beans. Jack, dame and Simple Simon, funky or what, set off in hot pursuit of Matilda. They know they are on the right track when they see ‘cowpoo' that tastes very like nutella. Hmm, lovely!!
 
Along the way they meet grotesque tree spirits, what were those things, and all singing all dancing Fairy liquide. The giant Blunderbore and his henchman Rancid are rendered helpless with the help of a magic sword. Matilda is saved and normality restored
 
Jack's luck changes when he tells a young girl you really are gorgeous and pulls a Princess.  Must try that line sometime. They fall in love, marry and live happily ever after.
 
The show was performed by a cast of 26 and backstage crew of 8 of which every single one thoroughly deserves praise. Songs poignant and popular were superb and the choreography eye catching.
 
Special mention must be made of the decision to perform a matinee on Sunday to encourage theatre going by the kids. Would it work, well work it did. Countless of the little blighters kept up an incessant barrage nearly taking over the show at one point. Wonderful.
 
The 3 nights raised a total of 2,700 euros and the Stagestruck company wish to extend the warmest gratitude to our following for their generosity. Currently over 15,000 euros in 2 years. Every cent raised goes to charity as their shows are all funded by their murder mystery evenings. Come and see one sometime.
 
The company look forward to entertaining you all again in the near future and in the mean time wish you all a merry Christmas and happy new year.
 
Information on all matters regarding Stagestruck can be had on 965 07 6700
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/41938/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Stagestruck presented their annual panto in the Cardenal Beluga theatre San Fulgencio on the 29th, 30th November and 1st December to three very enthusiastic audiences.
 
This year it was Jack and the Beanstalk with an ‘all talking all singing b...

### GASP MAKE PRESENTATION

GASP(Gran Alacant & Santa Pola Theatre group) recently made a presentation of 500 euros to Cruz Roja Santa Pola, following their recent show - 3 short plays at the Life Resort, Gran Alacant. Cruz Roja do good work in the area and have recently bought a new ambulance, assisted by voluntary donations.
Present were members of GASP, a representative of Cruz Roja and Gran Alacant councillor, Loreto Serrano. You can contact GASP at gasptheatre@hotmail.co.uk, or see our web site gasp-theatre.org.
Photo courtesy of Gran Alacant Advertiser.  
 Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/41937/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: GASP(Gran Alacant & Santa Pola Theatre group) recently made a presentation of 500 euros to Cruz Roja Santa Pola, following their recent show - 3 short plays at the Life Resort, Gran Alacant. Cruz Roja do good work in the area and have recently boug...

### FREEWHEELERS CHRISTMAS OUTING

Meeting at the Champions bar in Benimar for the start of their Christmas lunch the Freewheelers were greeted with the option of a hot mince pie and a glass of gluh wine (or tea or coffee) for just €1 plus a free slice of Marzipan Stollent, a German specialty at Christmas to get the celebrations started.  
After meeting and greeting friends old a new and being introduced to some first-timers the group motored sedately down to La Marina and el Castello for a three course lunch with drinks included and as usual the wine flowed freely.  
Unfortunately some left before the entertainment started which was provided by the vocals Juan who sang and played songs from classic artists and musicals of yesteryear.   Some danced, some sang along with him and who can forget the duet with a well known pie man of "New York! New York!"  Including the dance steps.  Priceless.   All too soon, with the sun disappearing below the treetops it was time to head home and reminisce on another Freewheelers day out.   See lots more at www.torreviejaInformation.com/freewheelers   Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/41936/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

Excerpt: Meeting at the Champions bar in Benimar for the start of their Christmas lunch the Freewheelers were greeted with the option of a hot mince pie and a glass of gluh wine (or tea or coffee) for just €1 plus a free slice of Marzipan Stollent, a German specialty at Christmas to get the celebrations started.  
After meeting and greeting friends old a new and being introduced to some first-timers the group motored sedately down to La Marina and el Castello for a three course lunch with drinks included and as usual the wine flowed freely.  
Unfortunately some left before the entertainment started which was provided by the vocals Juan who sang and played songs from classic artists and musicals of yesteryear.   Some danced, some sang along with him and who can forget the duet with a well known pie man of "New York! New York!"  Including the dance steps.  Priceless.   All too soon, with the sun disappearing below the treetops it was time to head home and reminisce on another Freewheelers day out.   See lots more at www.torreviejaInformation.com/freewheelers   Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/41936/Home Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | Home Insurance in Spain | Spanish Property | Costa Blanca Spanish Property | Spain Property | Euromillions | Euromillions Lottery Results

### Fireworks

http://youtu.be/YaZMctD4d_U

The Hogueras de San Juan is a huge fiesta in parts of Spain. Bonfires, fireworks and lots more besides, including throwing your bad experiences into the fire, jumping over them into the sea and you become free from your guilt or ill.
For pictures and more information, have a look at www.spanishvida.com, but this video is of the fireworks on the night of the 23rd June.

### Fire in Torrevieja

http://youtu.be/KtRbZc8HVCo

www.thisistorrevieja.com
The neighbourhoods of Jardin Del Mar and El Limonar were awoken in the early hours of Thursday morning, to the sound of explosions and glass smashing under the heat of a fire at the Centrocan pet superstore.
It is not yet known what caused the fire to break out which has completely gutted the building, leaving nothing more than a burnt out shell. It is hoped that the animals that are housed on the premises may have survived as the flames were concentrated on the upper floor of the building.
The Centrocan van was seen driving away from the property to a place of safety, which has given more hope that the animals may have been rescued. One witness said "I can't imagine what it will be like for someone who has left there pet overnight with the vet, only to return tomorrow to find the worst"
Smoke could be seen from miles around as the Bomberos tried to extinguish the flames. Explosions and gaseous flames hindered the progress, resulting in over an hour of fire fighting to get the flames under control. Firefighters were seen to be exhausted by their attempts, whilst both the Local Police and the Guardia Civil worked closely together to keep the gathering crowds at a safe distance.

### Torrevieja Marina

http://youtu.be/WxIUm2tQAN4

A quick look at the marina in Torrevieja, Spain.


## Pages

### Sign In

Username or Email Address
                                
                            

                            
                                Password
                                
                                
                                    
                                        
                                        
                                    
                                
                            
                            

                                                                    
                                        
                                        
                                            Remember Me                                        
                                    
                                
                                 Recover Password                            

                            
                                Log In
                                                            
                        

                        
                                                    

                                                    
                                Don't have an account?                                Sign Up
                            
                        
                        
                        
                            
                                
                                    Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.
                                    E-mail
                                    
                                    
                                        
                                        Get New Password
                                        
                                    
                                
                            
                        
                                    
            

                        
                
                    
                                                
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            Username *
                            
                        
                        
                            Email *
                            
                        
                                                    
                                Password*
                                
                            
                                                                                                                        
                        
                                                    
                                
                                I agree to the Privacy & Policy *
                            
                                                                            
                                
                                I agree with all                                    terms & conditions *
                            
                        
                                                
                                                        
                                                        
                            Sign Up
                        
                        
                            Already have an account? Please login Here

### Home

This is Torrevieja



The latest Torrevieja news, Torrevieja events, things to do, and help and advice from the "City of Salt" on the southern Costa Blanca in Spain.




About Torrevieja












<!–- /stk-start:posts/template –->!#title!#!#date!#!#excerpt!#!#readmoreText!#<!–- /stk-end:post/template –->



Click here to read more Torrevieja News



Popular this week





Places to Visit in Torrevieja





    
        
            
                
                                    

                
                    
                        

    
        
            
            


            What are you looking for?
    
    

    
            


    

                    Category
        
        
            Select CategoryBeachesChurchesCommercial CentresCultural CentresFun ParksMedical CentresMonumentsMuseumsOfficial FacilitiesOther Places of InterestParks and GardensSupermarketsTransport Connections        

    
    
         
    

    
        

                            Location
            
            
                Select LocationOutside TorreviejaTorrevieja            
        
        
             
        
    

    
        
        
            
                    

                
                                
                    
                        

    
        

            
                

                    
                    31 Items Found                

            
            
                
                    

    
            
                        Filter        
        
        
                                                
    
        
                                                
    
        
                                                
    


    Sort By

    

        
                            A to Z (title)
                                Z to A (title)
                                Latest listings
                                Oldest listings
                                Popular listings
                                Random listings
                        

    

                

            
        
    

                    

                
                
                                            
                            
    
        
            Filters
            
                            
        
        
        
                            

    
                    
                Pricing                 
            
                
            

            
                
                                            Min
                                        €
                    
                
                
                                            Max
                                        €
                    
                

            
            
                
                    
                        €
                    
                    
                        €€
                    
                    
                        €€€
                    
                    
                        €€€€
                    
                

            
            
        
    
    
         
    


                            

            Radius Search
        
        
            
            Miles
        
        
        
            
            
            
            
        
    


                            
    

                    
                
                Tag                
                 
            
                
            
                
                    
                        
                        Animal
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Animals
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Aromatic Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Auditorium
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Beach
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Beaches
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Boat
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Boats
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Centro Cultural Virgen Del Carmen
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Church
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Churches
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concert
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concert Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concerts
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Convert Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Cultural Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Culture
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Exhibitions
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Garden
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Harbour
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Health
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Healthcare
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Hospital
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        International Healthcare
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Mata
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Mata Natural Park Visitor´s Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Siesta
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Molina del Agua
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Monument
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Municipal Theatre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Museum
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Music
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Musicians
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Natural Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Nature
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Outdoor Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Palacio de la Musica
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Park Parque
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque Aromatico de Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque del Molina del Agua
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pet
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pets
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Plaza
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pump Track
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pump Truck
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quiron
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quironsalud
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quirónsalud Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shelter
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shop
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shopping
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shopping Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Sports City
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Square
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Statue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Swimming
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Teatro
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Teatro Municipal
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Theatre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja International Auditorium
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja Pump Track
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Tower
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Virgen del Carmen
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Water Mill
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Water Park
                    

                                
            Show More
        
    
    
         
    


                        
                Clear All
            
        

         

    
                        
                                        
                        

    

        
        
            

                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        

                    Featured    
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Quirónsalud Torrevieja, the best hospital for international patients

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        

                    Featured    
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
La Siesta Park and Pump Track

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        

                    Featured    
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Torrevieja Pump Track

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Playa de los Locos

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
            
            

            1
2
3
…
8

            
            
                    
                
            
        
    





Find Place to Go in Torrevieja






    

        
        
            

                                    Search here
                
                                    Find the best match of your interest
                
            

        
        

            

                
                

                


    
        


    
    

        
                            
                    


            What are you looking for?
    
    

    
            

                
                            
                    
    

                    Category
        
        
            Select CategoryBeachesChurchesCommercial CentresCultural CentresFun ParksMedical CentresMonumentsMuseumsOfficial FacilitiesOther Places of InterestParks and GardensSupermarketsTransport Connections        

    
    
         
    
                
                            
                    
    
        

                            Location
            
            
                Select LocationOutside TorreviejaTorrevieja            
        
        
             
        
    

                    
                        
        
        
            

                
                Search Listing
            
        
    
    
    


    
        
            
                                                    
                More Filters            
        

    
    
        
            

                                                    
                Search Listing
            
        

    




    

        
        Search Listing
    

            

            
        
    


    


    
        More Filters
        
        
    
    
                        
                    

    
                    
                Pricing                 
            
                
            

            
                
                                            Min
                                        €
                    
                
                
                                            Max
                                        €
                    
                

            
            
                
                    
                        €
                    
                    
                        €€
                    
                    
                        €€€
                    
                    
                        €€€€
                    
                

            
            
        
    
    
         
    

                
                            
                    

            Radius Search
        
        
            
            Miles
        
        
        
            
            
            
            
        
    

                
                            
                    
    

                    
                
                Tag                
                 
            
                
            
                
                    
                        
                        Animal
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Animals
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Aromatic Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Auditorium
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Beach
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Beaches
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Boat
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Boats
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Centro Cultural Virgen Del Carmen
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Church
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Churches
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concert
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concert Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concerts
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Convert Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Cultural Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Culture
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Exhibitions
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Garden
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Harbour
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Health
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Healthcare
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Hospital
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        International Healthcare
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Mata
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Mata Natural Park Visitor´s Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Siesta
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Molina del Agua
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Monument
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Municipal Theatre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Museum
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Music
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Musicians
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Natural Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Nature
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Outdoor Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Palacio de la Musica
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Park Parque
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque Aromatico de Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque del Molina del Agua
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pet
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pets
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Plaza
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pump Track
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pump Truck
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quiron
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quironsalud
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quirónsalud Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shelter
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shop
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shopping
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shopping Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Sports City
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Square
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Statue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Swimming
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Teatro
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Teatro Municipal
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Theatre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja International Auditorium
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja Pump Track
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Tower
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Virgen del Carmen
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Water Mill
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Water Park
                    

                                
            Show More
        
    
    
         
    

                
                
    
        


            Apply Filters
    
            Reset Filters

### Affiliate Disclosure

thisistorrevieja.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn commission fees by advertising and linking to the following web sites. 

www.amazon.es

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

### My Bookings

CONTENTS

### Tags

CONTENTS

### Categories

CONTENTS

### Locations

CONTENTS

### Events Guide

CONTENTS

Excerpt: CONTENTS

### Follow us on Facebook

[custom-facebook-feed feed=2]



[custom-facebook-feed feed=1]

### Torrevieja Latest

Music                    
        
            Orfeón de Torrevieja to Celebrate 18 Years with Gala Concert        
        
                5th July 2025            
            
    
                
                    
            Health                    
        
            Continued Heat Advisory in Effect for Torrevieja        
        
                5th July 2025            
            
    
                
                    
            News                    
        
            La Mata Prepares for 28th Annual Futsal Tournament        
        
                5th July 2025            
            
    
                
                    
            Events                    
        
            Magic and Comedy Festival Opens in San Miguel de Salinas        
        
                5th July 2025            
            
        
                                More Torrevieja News            
                
		


1
		
    
                		        		        		        
				        Events				                            
	                                        
        
            Summer Sounds Set to Spark Life Along the Costa Blanca        
        
    
    
                		        		        		        
				        News				                            
	                                        
        
            Torrevieja Parks and Gardens Launch Social Media Channels        
        
    
    
                		        		        		        
				        Driving				                            
	                                        
        
            Regulated Parking Scheme Updated on Calle Ramón Gallud        
        
    
				
        
                                Things to do in Torrevieja            
                
    
			            Music                    
                    
                    
	                            
        
            Orfeón de Torrevieja to Celebrate 18 Years with Gala Concert        
        
            The Orfeón de Torrevieja will celebrate its 18th anniversary with a gala...                    
    
    
			            Events                    
                    
                    
	                            
        
            Magic and Comedy Festival Opens in San Miguel de Salinas        
        
            San Miguel de Salinas has launched its first-ever Magic and Comedy series,...                    
    
    
			            Events                    
                    
                    
	                            
        
            Summer Sounds Set to Spark Life Along the Costa Blanca        
        
            The Costa Blanca is gearing up for a season of music, with festivals of...                    
    
    
			            News                    
                    
                    
	                            
        
            Zenia Boulevard Unveils Over 50 Free Summer Activities for July and August        
        
            Zenia Boulevard, the largest shopping centre in Alicante province, is...                    
    
    
			            Events                    
                    
                    
	                            
        
            Torrevieja in Summer: Your Guide to July and August Fiestas and Celebrations        
        
            I. Introduction: Embrace the Summer Spirit in Torrevieja I. Introduction –...                    
    
        
                                Popular Places to Visit            
                
        
                                How to...            
                
    
	                            
        
            Obtaining a Padrón Certificate now Automated in Torrevieja        
        
    
    
	                            
        
            How to get a Digital Signature in Torrevieja        
        
    
    
	                            
        
            How to obtain a disabled parking permit in Torrevieja        
        
    
		


1
		
        
                                Media            
                
    
                
                    
            News                    
        
            Detailed Drone Flight over Jose Carreras Road in Torrevieja        
        
            
    
                    
                    
	                            
        
            The Snow Queen in Torrevieja        
        
    
    
                    
                    
	                            
        
            Torrevieja Carnival 2024 – Full Schedule        
        
    
    
                    
                    
	                            
        
            Lagoons Village Torrevieja – July 2024        
        
    
    
                    
                    
	                            
        
            Rehabilitation of the old “La Química” in Las Salinas de Torrevieja        
        
    
        Nothing found!
        It looks like nothing was found here!
        
                                Latest            
                
    
			            Music                    
                    
                    
	                            
        
            Orfeón de Torrevieja to Celebrate 18 Years with Gala Concert        
        
		                                    By
			                                
			            Mark Nolan                    
                5th July 2025            
            The Orfeón de Torrevieja will celebrate its 18th anniversary with a gala...                    
    
    
			            Health                    
                    
                    
	                            
        
            Continued Heat Advisory in Effect for Torrevieja        
        
		                                    By
			                                
			            Mark Nolan                    
                5th July 2025            
            Torrevieja remains under a yellow-level weather alert today as high...                    
    
    
			            News                    
                    
                    
	                            
        
            La Mata Prepares for 28th Annual Futsal Tournament        
        
		                                    By
			                                
			            Mark Nolan                    
                5th July 2025            
            La Mata is gearing up for one of its most anticipated summer sporting...                    
    
    
			            Events                    
                    
                    
	                            
        
            Magic and Comedy Festival Opens in San Miguel de Salinas        
        
		                                    By
			                                
			            Mark Nolan                    
                5th July 2025            
            San Miguel de Salinas has launched its first-ever Magic and Comedy series,...                    
    
    
			            Events                    
                    
                    
	                            
        
            Summer Sounds Set to Spark Life Along the Costa Blanca        
        
		                                    By
			                                
			            Mark Nolan                    
                5th July 2025            
            The Costa Blanca is gearing up for a season of music, with festivals of...                    
    
        
                                News            
                
    
                    
	                                    
        
            How to obtain a disabled parking permit in Torrevieja        
        
    
    
                    
	                                    
        
            How to get a Digital Signature in Torrevieja        
        
    
    
                    
	                                    
        
            Obtaining a Padrón Certificate now Automated in Torrevieja        
        
    
                 
        
                
                                    
                
                
        
        
                                Follow            
                
		                Follow
                
		                Watch
                
        
                                Categories            
                
                        
                
                
	                Torrevieja News                
            
                    517 Posts
                        
                
                
	                Regional News                
            
                    1610 Posts
                        
                
                
	                Spanish News                
            
                    1154 Posts
                        
                
                
	                How To Guides                
            
                    3 Posts

### Contact Us

Go backYour message has been sent


					
						
						
						
							
								
									
									
								
							
						
					
				



Name(required)

 
			
				
					
						
						
						
					
					Warning
				
				
			 
	


Email(required)

 
			
				
					
						
						
						
					
					Warning
				
				
			 
	


Website

 
			
				
					
						
						
						
					
					Warning
				
				
			 
	


Message

 
			
				
					
						
						
						
					
					Warning
				
				
			
	
	
Warning.
				
				
				
					
				
						Submit		
		
		
	
Δ

### Places to Go

Beaches                                    
                                                                            
                                            6 listings                                        
                                                                    
                            
                        
                                            
                            
                                
                                                                            
                                                                                    
                                                                        
                                        Churches                                    
                                                                            
                                            2 listings                                        
                                                                    
                            
                        
                                            
                            
                                
                                                                            
                                                                                    
                                                                        
                                        Commercial Centres                                    
                                                                            
                                            1 listing                                        
                                                                    
                            
                        
                                            
                            
                                
                                                                            
                                                                                    
                                                                        
                                        Cultural Centres                                    
                                                                            
                                            5 listings                                        
                                                                    
                            
                        
                                            
                            
                                
                                                                            
                                                                                    
                                                                        
                                        Fun Parks                                    
                                                                            
                                            3 listings                                        
                                                                    
                            
                        
                                            
                            
                                
                                                                            
                                                                                    
                                                                        
                                        Medical Centres                                    
                                                                            
                                            1 listing                                        
                                                                    
                            
                        
                                            
                            
                                
                                                                            
                                                                                    
                                                                        
                                        Monuments                                    
                                                                            
                                            4 listings                                        
                                                                    
                            
                        
                                            
                            
                                
                                                                            
                                                                                    
                                                                        
                                        Museums                                    
                                                                            
                                            1 listing                                        
                                                                    
                            
                        
                                            
                            
                                
                                                                            
                                                                                    
                                                                        
                                        Official Facilities                                    
                                                                            
                                            2 listings                                        
                                                                    
                            
                        
                                            
                            
                                
                                                                            
                                                                                    
                                                                        
                                        Other Places of Interest                                    
                                                                            
                                            1 listing                                        
                                                                    
                            
                        
                                            
                            
                                
                                                                            
                                                                                    
                                                                        
                                        Parks and Gardens                                    
                                                                            
                                            5 listings

### Login

Username or Email Address
                                
                            

                            
                                Password
                                
                                
                                    
                                        
                                        
                                    
                                
                            
                            

                                                                    
                                        
                                        
                                            Remember Me                                        
                                    
                                
                                 Recover Password                            

                            
                                Log In
                                                            
                        

                        
                                                    

                                                    
                                Don't have an account?                                Sign Up
                            
                        
                        
                        
                            
                                
                                    Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.
                                    E-mail
                                    
                                    
                                        
                                        Get New Password
                                        
                                    
                                
                            
                        
                                    
            

                        
                
                    
                                                
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            Username *
                            
                        
                        
                            Email *
                            
                        
                                                    
                                Password*
                                
                            
                                                                                                                        
                        
                                                    
                                
                                I agree to the Privacy & Policy *
                            
                                                                            
                                
                                I agree with all                                    terms & conditions *
                            
                        
                                                
                                                        
                                                        
                            Sign Up
                        
                        
                            Already have an account? Please login Here

### Registration

Username or Email Address
                                
                            

                            
                                Password
                                
                                
                                    
                                        
                                        
                                    
                                
                            
                            

                                                                    
                                        
                                        
                                            Remember Me                                        
                                    
                                
                                 Recover Password                            

                            
                                Log In
                                                            
                        

                        
                                                    

                                                    
                                Don't have an account?                                Sign Up
                            
                        
                        
                        
                            
                                
                                    Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.
                                    E-mail
                                    
                                    
                                        
                                        Get New Password
                                        
                                    
                                
                            
                        
                                    
            

                        
                
                    
                                                
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            Username *
                            
                        
                        
                            Email *
                            
                        
                                                    
                                Password*
                                
                            
                                                                                                                        
                        
                                                    
                                
                                I agree to the Privacy & Policy *
                            
                                                                            
                                
                                I agree with all                                    terms & conditions *
                            
                        
                                                
                                                        
                                                        
                            Sign Up
                        
                        
                            Already have an account? Please login Here

### Dashboard

You need to be logged in to view the content of this page. You can login Here. Don't have an account? Sign Up

### Author Profile

Nothing to show!

### Single Tag

What are you looking for?
    
    

    
            


    

                    Category
        
        
            Select CategoryBeachesChurchesCommercial CentresCultural CentresFun ParksMedical CentresMonumentsMuseumsOfficial FacilitiesOther Places of InterestParks and GardensSupermarketsTransport Connections        

    
    
         
    

    
        

                            Location
            
            
                Select LocationOutside TorreviejaTorrevieja            
        
        
             
        
    

    
        
        
            
                    

                
                                
                    
                        

    
        

            
                

                    
                    31 Items Found                

            
            
                
                    

    
            
                        Filter        
        
        
                                                
    
        
                                                
    
        
                                                
    


    Sort By

    

        
                            A to Z (title)
                                Z to A (title)
                                Latest listings
                                Oldest listings
                                Popular listings
                                Random listings
                        

    

                

            
        
    

                    

                
                
                                            
                            
    
        
            Filters
            
                            
        
        
        
                            

    
                    
                Pricing                 
            
                
            

            
                
                                            Min
                                        €
                    
                
                
                                            Max
                                        €
                    
                

            
            
                
                    
                        €
                    
                    
                        €€
                    
                    
                        €€€
                    
                    
                        €€€€
                    
                

            
            
        
    
    
         
    


                            

            Radius Search
        
        
            
            Miles
        
        
        
            
            
            
            
        
    


                            
    

                    
                
                Tag                
                 
            
                
            
                
                    
                        
                        Animal
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Animals
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Aromatic Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Auditorium
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Beach
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Beaches
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Boat
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Boats
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Centro Cultural Virgen Del Carmen
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Church
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Churches
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concert
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concert Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concerts
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Convert Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Cultural Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Culture
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Exhibitions
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Garden
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Harbour
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Health
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Healthcare
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Hospital
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        International Healthcare
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Mata
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Mata Natural Park Visitor´s Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Siesta
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Molina del Agua
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Monument
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Municipal Theatre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Museum
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Music
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Musicians
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Natural Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Nature
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Outdoor Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Palacio de la Musica
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Park Parque
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque Aromatico de Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque del Molina del Agua
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pet
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pets
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Plaza
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pump Track
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pump Truck
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quiron
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quironsalud
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quirónsalud Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shelter
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shop
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shopping
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shopping Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Sports City
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Square
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Statue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Swimming
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Teatro
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Teatro Municipal
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Theatre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja International Auditorium
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja Pump Track
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Tower
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Virgen del Carmen
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Water Mill
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Water Park
                    

                                
            Show More
        
    
    
         
    


                        
                Clear All
            
        

         

    
                        
                                        
                        

    

        
        
            

                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        

                    Featured    
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Torrevieja Pump Track

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        

                    Featured    
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
La Siesta Park and Pump Track

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        

                    Featured    
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Quirónsalud Torrevieja, the best hospital for international patients

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Torrevieja Municipal Swimming Pool

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
La Mata Natural Park Visitor´s Centre

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Parque del Molina del Agua – Water Mill Park

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
            
            

            1
2
3
…
6

### Single Location

What are you looking for?
    
    

    
            


    

                    Category
        
        
            Select CategoryBeachesChurchesCommercial CentresCultural CentresFun ParksMedical CentresMonumentsMuseumsOfficial FacilitiesOther Places of InterestParks and GardensSupermarketsTransport Connections        

    
    
         
    

    
        

                            Location
            
            
                Select LocationOutside TorreviejaTorrevieja            
        
        
             
        
    

    
        
        
            
                    

                
                                
                    
                        

    
        

            
                

                    
                    31 Items Found                

            
            
                
                    

    
            
                        Filter        
        
        
                                                
    
        
                                                
    
        
                                                
    


    Sort By

    

        
                            A to Z (title)
                                Z to A (title)
                                Latest listings
                                Oldest listings
                                Popular listings
                                Random listings
                        

    

                

            
        
    

                    

                
                
                                            
                            
    
        
            Filters
            
                            
        
        
        
                            

    
                    
                Pricing                 
            
                
            

            
                
                                            Min
                                        €
                    
                
                
                                            Max
                                        €
                    
                

            
            
                
                    
                        €
                    
                    
                        €€
                    
                    
                        €€€
                    
                    
                        €€€€
                    
                

            
            
        
    
    
         
    


                            

            Radius Search
        
        
            
            Miles
        
        
        
            
            
            
            
        
    


                            
    

                    
                
                Tag                
                 
            
                
            
                
                    
                        
                        Animal
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Animals
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Aromatic Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Auditorium
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Beach
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Beaches
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Boat
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Boats
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Centro Cultural Virgen Del Carmen
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Church
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Churches
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concert
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concert Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concerts
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Convert Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Cultural Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Culture
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Exhibitions
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Garden
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Harbour
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Health
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Healthcare
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Hospital
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        International Healthcare
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Mata
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Mata Natural Park Visitor´s Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Siesta
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Molina del Agua
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Monument
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Municipal Theatre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Museum
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Music
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Musicians
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Natural Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Nature
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Outdoor Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Palacio de la Musica
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Park Parque
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque Aromatico de Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque del Molina del Agua
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pet
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pets
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Plaza
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pump Track
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pump Truck
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quiron
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quironsalud
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quirónsalud Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shelter
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shop
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shopping
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shopping Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Sports City
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Square
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Statue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Swimming
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Teatro
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Teatro Municipal
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Theatre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja International Auditorium
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja Pump Track
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Tower
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Virgen del Carmen
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Water Mill
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Water Park
                    

                                
            Show More
        
    
    
         
    


                        
                Clear All
            
        

         

    
                        
                                        
                        

    

        
        
            

                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        

                    Featured    
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Torrevieja Pump Track

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        

                    Featured    
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
La Siesta Park and Pump Track

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        

                    Featured    
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Quirónsalud Torrevieja, the best hospital for international patients

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Torrevieja Municipal Swimming Pool

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
La Mata Natural Park Visitor´s Centre

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Parque del Molina del Agua – Water Mill Park

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
            
            

            1
2
3
…
6

### Places

What are you looking for?
    
    

    
            


    

                    Category
        
        
            Select CategoryBeachesChurchesCommercial CentresCultural CentresFun ParksMedical CentresMonumentsMuseumsOfficial FacilitiesOther Places of InterestParks and GardensSupermarketsTransport Connections        

    
    
         
    

    
        

                            Location
            
            
                Select LocationOutside TorreviejaTorrevieja            
        
        
             
        
    

    
        
        
            
                    

                
                                
                    
                        

    
        

            
                

                    
                    31 Items Found                

            
            
                
                    

    
            
                        Filter        
        
        
                                                
    
        
                                                
    
        
                                                
    


    Sort By

    

        
                            A to Z (title)
                                Z to A (title)
                                Latest listings
                                Oldest listings
                                Popular listings
                                Random listings
                        

    

                

            
        
    

                    

                
                
                                            
                            
    
        
            Filters
            
                            
        
        
        
                            

    
                    
                Pricing                 
            
                
            

            
                
                                            Min
                                        €
                    
                
                
                                            Max
                                        €
                    
                

            
            
                
                    
                        €
                    
                    
                        €€
                    
                    
                        €€€
                    
                    
                        €€€€
                    
                

            
            
        
    
    
         
    


                            

            Radius Search
        
        
            
            Miles
        
        
        
            
            
            
            
        
    


                            
    

                    
                
                Tag                
                 
            
                
            
                
                    
                        
                        Animal
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Animals
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Aromatic Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Auditorium
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Beach
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Beaches
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Boat
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Boats
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Centro Cultural Virgen Del Carmen
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Church
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Churches
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concert
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concert Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concerts
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Convert Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Cultural Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Culture
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Exhibitions
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Garden
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Harbour
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Health
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Healthcare
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Hospital
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        International Healthcare
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Mata
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Mata Natural Park Visitor´s Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Siesta
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Molina del Agua
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Monument
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Municipal Theatre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Museum
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Music
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Musicians
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Natural Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Nature
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Outdoor Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Palacio de la Musica
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Park Parque
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque Aromatico de Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque del Molina del Agua
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pet
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pets
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Plaza
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pump Track
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pump Truck
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quiron
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quironsalud
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quirónsalud Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shelter
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shop
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shopping
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shopping Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Sports City
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Square
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Statue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Swimming
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Teatro
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Teatro Municipal
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Theatre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja International Auditorium
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja Pump Track
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Tower
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Virgen del Carmen
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Water Mill
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Water Park
                    

                                
            Show More
        
    
    
         
    


                        
                Clear All
            
        

         

    
                        
                                        
                        

    

        
        
            

                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        

                    Featured    
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Torrevieja Pump Track

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        

                    Featured    
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
La Siesta Park and Pump Track

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        

                    Featured    
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Quirónsalud Torrevieja, the best hospital for international patients

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Torrevieja Municipal Swimming Pool

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
La Mata Natural Park Visitor´s Centre

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Parque del Molina del Agua – Water Mill Park

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
            
            

            1
2
3
…
6

### All Listings

What are you looking for?
    
    

    
            


    

                    Category
        
        
            Select CategoryBeachesChurchesCommercial CentresCultural CentresFun ParksMedical CentresMonumentsMuseumsOfficial FacilitiesOther Places of InterestParks and GardensSupermarketsTransport Connections        

    
    
         
    

    
        

                            Location
            
            
                Select LocationOutside TorreviejaTorrevieja            
        
        
             
        
    

    
        
        
            
                    

                
                                
                    
                        

    
        

            
                

                    
                    31 Items Found                

            
            
                
                    

    
            
                        Filter        
        
        
                                                
    
        
                                                
    
        
                                                
    


    Sort By

    

        
                            A to Z (title)
                                Z to A (title)
                                Latest listings
                                Oldest listings
                                Popular listings
                                Random listings
                        

    

                

            
        
    

                    

                
                
                                            
                            
    
        
            Filters
            
                            
        
        
        
                            

    
                    
                Pricing                 
            
                
            

            
                
                                            Min
                                        €
                    
                
                
                                            Max
                                        €
                    
                

            
            
                
                    
                        €
                    
                    
                        €€
                    
                    
                        €€€
                    
                    
                        €€€€
                    
                

            
            
        
    
    
         
    


                            

            Radius Search
        
        
            
            Miles
        
        
        
            
            
            
            
        
    


                            
    

                    
                
                Tag                
                 
            
                
            
                
                    
                        
                        Animal
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Animals
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Aromatic Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Auditorium
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Beach
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Beaches
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Boat
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Boats
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Centro Cultural Virgen Del Carmen
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Church
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Churches
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concert
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concert Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concerts
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Convert Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Cultural Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Culture
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Exhibitions
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Garden
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Harbour
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Health
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Healthcare
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Hospital
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        International Healthcare
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Mata
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Mata Natural Park Visitor´s Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Siesta
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Molina del Agua
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Monument
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Municipal Theatre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Museum
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Music
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Musicians
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Natural Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Nature
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Outdoor Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Palacio de la Musica
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Park Parque
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque Aromatico de Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque del Molina del Agua
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pet
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pets
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Plaza
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pump Track
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pump Truck
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quiron
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quironsalud
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quirónsalud Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shelter
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shop
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shopping
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shopping Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Sports City
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Square
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Statue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Swimming
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Teatro
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Teatro Municipal
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Theatre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja International Auditorium
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja Pump Track
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Tower
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Virgen del Carmen
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Water Mill
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Water Park
                    

                                
            Show More
        
    
    
         
    


                        
                Clear All
            
        

         

    
                        
                                        
                        

    

        
        
            

                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        

                    Featured    
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Torrevieja Pump Track

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        

                    Featured    
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
La Siesta Park and Pump Track

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        

                    Featured    
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Quirónsalud Torrevieja, the best hospital for international patients

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Torrevieja Municipal Swimming Pool

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
La Mata Natural Park Visitor´s Centre

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Parque del Molina del Agua – Water Mill Park

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
            
            

            1
2
3
…
6

### Search Result

What are you looking for?
    
    

    
            


    

                    Category
        
        
            Select CategoryBeachesChurchesCommercial CentresCultural CentresFun ParksMedical CentresMonumentsMuseumsOfficial FacilitiesOther Places of InterestParks and GardensSupermarketsTransport Connections        

    
    
         
    

    
        

                            Location
            
            
                Select LocationOutside TorreviejaTorrevieja            
        
        
             
        
    

    
        
        
            
                    

                
                                
                    
                        

    
        

            
                

                    
                    31 Items Found                

            
            
                
                    

    
            
                        Filter        
        
        
                                                
    
        
                                                
    
        
                                                
    


    Sort By

    

        
                            A to Z (title)
                                Z to A (title)
                                Latest listings
                                Oldest listings
                                Popular listings
                                Random listings
                        

    

                

            
        
    

                    

                
                
                                            
                            
    
        
            Filters
            
                            
        
        
        
                            

    
                    
                Pricing                 
            
                
            

            
                
                                            Min
                                        €
                    
                
                
                                            Max
                                        €
                    
                

            
            
                
                    
                        €
                    
                    
                        €€
                    
                    
                        €€€
                    
                    
                        €€€€
                    
                

            
            
        
    
    
         
    


                            

            Radius Search
        
        
            
            Miles
        
        
        
            
            
            
            
        
    


                            
    

                    
                
                Tag                
                 
            
                
            
                
                    
                        
                        Animal
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Animals
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Aromatic Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Auditorium
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Beach
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Beaches
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Boat
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Boats
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Centro Cultural Virgen Del Carmen
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Church
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Churches
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concert
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concert Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concerts
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Convert Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Cultural Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Culture
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Exhibitions
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Garden
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Harbour
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Health
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Healthcare
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Hospital
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        International Healthcare
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Mata
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Mata Natural Park Visitor´s Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Siesta
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Molina del Agua
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Monument
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Municipal Theatre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Museum
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Music
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Musicians
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Natural Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Nature
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Outdoor Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Palacio de la Musica
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Park Parque
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque Aromatico de Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque del Molina del Agua
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pet
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pets
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Plaza
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pump Track
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pump Truck
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quiron
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quironsalud
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quirónsalud Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shelter
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shop
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shopping
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shopping Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Sports City
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Square
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Statue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Swimming
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Teatro
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Teatro Municipal
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Theatre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja International Auditorium
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja Pump Track
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Tower
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Virgen del Carmen
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Water Mill
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Water Park
                    

                                
            Show More
        
    
    
         
    


                        
                Clear All
            
        

         

    
                        
                                        
                        

    

        
        
            

                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        

                    Featured    
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Torrevieja Pump Track

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        

                    Featured    
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
La Siesta Park and Pump Track

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        

                    Featured    
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Quirónsalud Torrevieja, the best hospital for international patients

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Torrevieja Municipal Swimming Pool

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
La Mata Natural Park Visitor´s Centre

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Parque del Molina del Agua – Water Mill Park

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
            
            

            1
2
3
…
6

### Find Places to Go

Search here
                
                                    Find the best match of your interest
                
            

        
        

            

                
                

                


    
        


    
    

        
                            
                    


            What are you looking for?
    
    

    
            

                
                            
                    
    

                    Category
        
        
            Select CategoryBeachesChurchesCommercial CentresCultural CentresFun ParksMedical CentresMonumentsMuseumsOfficial FacilitiesOther Places of InterestParks and GardensSupermarketsTransport Connections        

    
    
         
    
                
                            
                    
    
        

                            Location
            
            
                Select LocationOutside TorreviejaTorrevieja            
        
        
             
        
    

                    
                        
        
        
            

                
                Search Listing
            
        
    
    
    


    
        
            
                                                    
                More Filters            
        

    
    
        
            

                                                    
                Search Listing
            
        

    




    

        
        Search Listing
    

            

            
        
    


    


    
        More Filters
        
        
    
    
                        
                    

    
                    
                Pricing                 
            
                
            

            
                
                                            Min
                                        €
                    
                
                
                                            Max
                                        €
                    
                

            
            
                
                    
                        €
                    
                    
                        €€
                    
                    
                        €€€
                    
                    
                        €€€€
                    
                

            
            
        
    
    
         
    

                
                            
                    

            Radius Search
        
        
            
            Miles
        
        
        
            
            
            
            
        
    

                
                            
                    
    

                    
                
                Tag                
                 
            
                
            
                
                    
                        
                        Animal
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Animals
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Aromatic Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Auditorium
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Beach
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Beaches
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Boat
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Boats
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Centro Cultural Virgen Del Carmen
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Church
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Churches
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concert
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concert Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concerts
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Convert Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Cultural Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Culture
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Exhibitions
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Garden
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Harbour
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Health
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Healthcare
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Hospital
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        International Healthcare
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Mata
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Mata Natural Park Visitor´s Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Siesta
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Molina del Agua
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Monument
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Municipal Theatre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Museum
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Music
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Musicians
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Natural Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Nature
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Outdoor Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Palacio de la Musica
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Park Parque
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque Aromatico de Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque del Molina del Agua
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pet
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pets
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Plaza
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pump Track
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pump Truck
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quiron
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quironsalud
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quirónsalud Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shelter
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shop
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shopping
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shopping Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Sports City
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Square
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Statue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Swimming
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Teatro
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Teatro Municipal
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Theatre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja International Auditorium
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja Pump Track
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Tower
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Virgen del Carmen
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Water Mill
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Water Park
                    

                                
            Show More
        
    
    
         
    

                
                
    
        


            Apply Filters
    
            Reset Filters
    
    


            

        

        
        
    





    
        
            
                
                                    

                
                    
                        

    
        
            
            


            What are you looking for?
    
    

    
            


    

                    Category
        
        
            Select CategoryBeachesChurchesCommercial CentresCultural CentresFun ParksMedical CentresMonumentsMuseumsOfficial FacilitiesOther Places of InterestParks and GardensSupermarketsTransport Connections        

    
    
         
    

    
        

                            Location
            
            
                Select LocationOutside TorreviejaTorrevieja            
        
        
             
        
    

    
        
        
            
                    

                
                                
                    
                        

    
        

            
                

                    
                    31 Items Found                

            
            
                
                    

    
            
                        Filter        
        
        
                                                
    
        
                                                
    
        
                                                
    


    Sort By

    

        
                            A to Z (title)
                                Z to A (title)
                                Latest listings
                                Oldest listings
                                Popular listings
                                Random listings
                        

    

                

            
        
    

                    

                
                
                                            
                            
    
        
            Filters
            
                            
        
        
        
                            

    
                    
                Pricing                 
            
                
            

            
                
                                            Min
                                        €
                    
                
                
                                            Max
                                        €
                    
                

            
            
                
                    
                        €
                    
                    
                        €€
                    
                    
                        €€€
                    
                    
                        €€€€
                    
                

            
            
        
    
    
         
    


                            

            Radius Search
        
        
            
            Miles
        
        
        
            
            
            
            
        
    


                            
    

                    
                
                Tag                
                 
            
                
            
                
                    
                        
                        Animal
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Animals
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Aromatic Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Auditorium
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Beach
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Beaches
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Boat
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Boats
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Centro Cultural Virgen Del Carmen
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Church
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Churches
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concert
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concert Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Concerts
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Convert Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Cultural Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Culture
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Exhibitions
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Garden
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Harbour
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Health
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Healthcare
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Hospital
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        International Healthcare
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Mata
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Mata Natural Park Visitor´s Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        La Siesta
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Molina del Agua
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Monument
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Municipal Theatre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Museum
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Music
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Musicians
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Natural Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Nature
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Outdoor Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Palacio de la Musica
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Park
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Park Parque
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque Aromatico de Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Parque del Molina del Agua
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pet
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pets
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Plaza
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pump Track
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Pump Truck
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quiron
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quironsalud
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Quirónsalud Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shelter
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shop
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shopping
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Shopping Centre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Sports City
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Square
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Statue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Swimming
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Teatro
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Teatro Municipal
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Theatre
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja International Auditorium
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja Pump Track
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Torrevieja Swimming Pool
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Tower
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Venue
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Virgen del Carmen
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Water Mill
                    

                    
                    
                        
                        Water Park
                    

                                
            Show More
        
    
    
         
    


                        
                Clear All
            
        

         

    
                        
                                        
                        

    

        
        
            

                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        

                    Featured    
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Torrevieja Pump Track

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        

                    Featured    
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
La Siesta Park and Pump Track

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        

                    Featured    
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Quirónsalud Torrevieja, the best hospital for international patients

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Torrevieja Municipal Swimming Pool

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
La Mata Natural Park Visitor´s Centre

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
                        
                


    

        
					
					
						
						
					

					
				
        

                    Popular    
        
        
        

    

    
        

            
            
                
Parque del Molina del Agua – Water Mill Park

            

            
            
                            

            
            
                    

        
            
            
        
    

            
            
            

            1
2
3
…
6

### About Us

ABOUT US            
                
        
                                Know Why We Are Best            
                
		Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum available, but the majority have suffered alteration in some form, by injected humour, or randomised words which don't look even slightly believable. If you are going to use a passage of Lorem Ipsum, you need to be sure there isn't anything embarrassing hidden in the middle of text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.		
																														
        
                                Know Why We Are Best            
                
		It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using 'Content here, content here', making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for 'lorem ipsum' will uncover many web sites still in their infancy. Various versions have evolved over the years, sometimes by accident, sometimes on purpose (injected humour and the like).Lorem ipsum dolor sit ametConsectetur adipiscing elitSuspendisse lacinia finibus ipsumVitae tempus. Nam vestibulum		
        
                                Our Teams Comes With The Experience & Knowledge            
                
		Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum available, but the majority have suffered alteration in some form, by injected humour, or randomised words which don't look even slightly believable. If you are going to use a passage of Lorem Ipsum, you need to be sure there isn't anything embarrassing hidden in the middle of text. All the Lorem Ipsum generators on the Internet tend to repeat predefined chunks as necessary, making this the first true generator on the Internet. It uses a dictionary of over 200 Latin words, combined with a handful of model sentence structures, to generate Lorem Ipsum which looks reasonable. 		
        
                                A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth.            
                
        
                                John Doe            
                
		I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents. I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment; and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now.Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old. Richard McClintock, a Latin professor at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, looked up one of the more obscure Latin words, consectetur, from a Lorem Ipsum passage, and going through the cites of the word in classical literature, discovered the undoubtable source. Lorem Ipsum comes from sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum" (The Extremes of Good and Evil) by Cicero, written in 45 BC. This book is a treatise on the theory of ethics, very popular during the Renaissance. The first line of Lorem Ipsum, "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet..", comes from a line in section 1.10.32. 

### Contact

Send Us A Message            
                
		Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.		
        
                                Get In Touch            
                
			Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.		
					
								
				
						Lets Talk					
				
									
						+49 241 241					
								
				
						General Support					
				
									
						demo@rivaxstudio.com					
								
				
						Address					
				
									
						Dieter Wellhausen, D-11179 Berlin					
                
                
                
                
        
                                Contact Form 7 Integration            
                
			Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.		
    
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
            Submit Form 
    
			Get Every Newsletter
		
			Get notified of the best deals on our WordPress themes.

### Cart

[woocommerce_cart]

### My account

[woocommerce_my_account]

### Checkout

[woocommerce_checkout]

### Shop



### Sample Page

This is an example page. It's different from a blog post because it will stay in one place and will show up in your site navigation (in most themes). Most people start with an About page that introduces them to potential site visitors. It might say something like this:



Hi there! I'm a bike messenger by day, aspiring actor by night, and this is my website. I live in Los Angeles, have a great dog named Jack, and I like piña coladas. (And gettin' caught in the rain.)



...or something like this:



The XYZ Doohickey Company was founded in 1971, and has been providing quality doohickeys to the public ever since. Located in Gotham City, XYZ employs over 2,000 people and does all kinds of awesome things for the Gotham community.



As a new WordPress user, you should go to your dashboard to delete this page and create new pages for your content. Have fun!

### Terms & conditions

[cmplz-terms-conditions type="terms-conditions"]

### Tag List

 
Alphabetical Tag Index
[tag_groups_alphabetical_index exclude_letters="0123456789" hide_empty=0 smallest=16 largest=16]



Tag List
[tag_groups_tag_list prepend="#" hide_empty=0 smallest=16 largest=16]

 

Created by Chatty Mango's Tag Groups plugin

### Bombing of Torrevieja

On 25 August 1938, there was a major bombing of Torrevieja, when Italian fascist aviation “Savoia”, at the command of the revolted Francoist army, attacked Torrevieja, in a bombing raid that caused 19 deaths and dozens of injuries, the vast majority of them civilians.

Each year on 25 August, at the Hombre del Mar monument in Torrevieja, a gathering takes place to mark the anniversary of the Fascist bombardment.

During the concentration, the participants throw a carnation into the sea for each of the victims, while reading their names.

In addition, as every year, a bouquet of flowers will be placed at the entrance of the port, as it is the point of the municipality that registered the highest number of civilian fatalities.

The event is designed to “pay homage to all the victims of the fascist bombing and continue to demand the placement of a permanent monolith in their memory; but that we also hope it will serve to vindicate memory, justice and reparation for all the victims murdered and retaliated against by fascism during the Civil War and the decades of Franco’s dictatorship that followed.

The groups continue to affirm that «the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) was provoked by the Francoist army after the failed coup against the legitimate democratic government of the Second Spanish Republic; a Francoist army that had the military support from the first day of both Italian fascism and German Nazism, which allowed the rebels to have the most advanced military weapons and bomb entire towns that had no military interest, for the mere fact of killing civilians, causing pain and suffering and thus undermining public moral.

### Torrevieja Earthquake

There is often a lot of seismic activity in Torrevieja and the surrounding area, and minor earthquakes in the area are quite common, usually measuring between about 2 or 3 on the Richter scale, enough to make buildings and windows shake, and small cause small items to move, but at 06:15 on Saturday 21 March 1829, the town suffered a catastrophic tremor, which measured 6.6, and although the most affected town was Almoradí, it is more commonly called the Torrevieja earthquake, because Torrevieja was the largest are to suffer damage from its effects.



The period between 1820 and 1830 was the period of greatest seismic activity in the south of the province of Alicante, affecting the Bajo Segura seismotectonic lines, which have three faults: Benejúzar - Benijófar, Guardamar del Segura and Torrevieja. In general, the coast of Alicante is sunken about 10 metres below the Torrevieja fault.

During the 1829 Torrevieja earthquake, practically all of the houses, most of which were constructed with wooden beams, collapsed with the occupants still inside. The watchtower from which Torrevieja gets its name, situated at the Eras de la Sal, also collapsed.

Almoradí was the most affected city, and as a result of the damage to the buildings in Guardamar del Segura, the whole town was redesigned.

In total, some 2,965 houses were destroyed, and another 2,396 houses were affected by this earthquake, which tragically also resulted in 386 people losing their lives, and another 375 suffering injuries.

In the hope of protecting the are from further damage, many people look to San Emigdio for support, the patron saint of earthquakes, and pray to the memory of all the victims. Torrevieja has a street dedicated to the saint, calle San Emigdio.

### Holidays in Torrevieja

Throughout the year, Spain celebrates national, regional and local holidays. National holidays are called Red Days, and are effectively the same as Bank Holidays in the UK. There are also regional holidays, which in the case of Torrevieja are those celebrated in Communidad Valenciana, and finally, most towns also celebrate local holidays. So, let's look at the holidays in Torrevieja.

The standard calendar for holidays in Torrevieja is:

1 January, New Year’s Day / Año Nuevo

6 January, Epiphany / Epifanía del Señor

19 March, San Jose, also Spanish father’s day

Holy Thursday, regional holiday in Valencia

Good Friday

Easter Monday, celebrated in the Valencia region

25 April, San Vicente Ferrer, local holiday in Torrevieja

24 June, San Juan, when bonfire are held

15 August, Assumption of the Virgin Mary / Asunción de Virgen María

9 October, Day of the Valencia region / Día de la Comunidad Valenciana

12 October, National Holiday of Spain / Fiesta Nacional de España

1 November, Feast of All Saints / Fiesta de Todos los Santos

6 December, Spanish Constitution Day / día de la Constitución

8 December, Immaculate Conception Day / día de la Inmaculada Concepción

25 December, Christmas day

26 December, holiday in Torrevieja for the second day of Christmas

Although there are exceptions these days for some shops, and the service and hospitality sectors, most other businesses will be closed during these holidays. It is always worth checking before you set off on a visit.

The dates sometimes change if the day falls on a weekend, and of course because Easter moves, those dates are not fixed. You can check the official calendar of working days on the Social Security website, by clicking this link, https://www.seg-social.es/wps/portal/wss/internet/CalendarioLaboral/

 

 

 

### Instagram



### Medical Help in Torrevieja

Medical Help in Torrevieja
Emergencies
For emergency telephone numbers in Spain, see this page (click here).
Torrevieja Medical Centres
Torrevieja hospital telephone number 965 695 500 (since June 2022). This is the main public hospital in Torrevieja and has an accident and emergency department open 24 hours a day, as well as having wards treating most medical conditions.

The website for Torrevieja hospital is https://torrevieja.san.gva.es/es/inicio. You can also click here for a map of Torrevieja hospital.

Torrevieja Hospital.

Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja is a private hospital, although they have a specialist department that deals with road traffic incidents as well as their normal private healthcare functions. The Quironsalud Torrevieja hospital telephone number is 900 301 013.

The website for Quironsalud Torrevieja is https://www.quironsalud.es/torrevieja/en. You can click here to see the map of Quironsalud Torrevieja hospital.

Quironsalud Torrevieja Hospital.

La Loma medical centre telephone number 965 29 03 40. This is an emergency medical centre and can be visited 24 hours a day for medical emergencies, operating just like a satellite accident and emergency department. It is quite common for waiting times to be a lot shorter at La Loma than the emergency room at Torrevieja Hospital, which can often be saturated. The map for La Loma medical centre is here.

Emergency Medical Centres Around Torrevieja.
Medical Centres in Torrevieja
The telephone number for Acequion medical centre is 965 29 03 15.

The San Luis clinic telephone number is 965 29 02 70.

The La Mata health centre telephone number is 965 29 03 00.

Centro Médico Parque de las Naciones can be telephoned on 966 11 67 17.

 

 

### Getting Around Torrevieja

Getting Around Torrevieja
Buses in Torrevieja
Torrevieja bus station is currently located in the centre of the town (there are plans for it to move but nothing is happening yet).

You can get a bus from Torrevieja to Alicante-Elche airport, as well as other locations such as Pilar de la Horadada, Los Montesinos, Guardamar, and also the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre.

Bus services around Torrevieja are run by Costa Azul. On their website, much of which is in English, you can find all of the routes they cover from Torrevieja, including Alicante airport, and can buy tickets. Their website is https://costazul.net/en/

Torrevieja Bus Station.

If you only speak English, you might struggle, but the telephone number for Torrevieja bus station is 96 670 10 68. Click here for a map of Torrevieja bus station.
Taxis in Torrevieja
If you need a taxi in Torrevieja, Radio Taxi Torrevieja telephone number is 96 571 22 77.Radio Taxi Torrevieja also have a website which is https://www.radiotaxitorrevieja.com/en/.

A taxi in Torrevieja.
Torrevieja Train Station
Torrevieja train station is no longer in service. It was part of the Albatera-Torrevieja branch belonging to the Murcia-Alicante line but closed down in January, 1970. Most of the main building still exists though, and a token piece of track, and is now used as a small exhibition centre and municipal park, a lot of which is taken up by a skatepark.

Torrevieja Train Station.

Although there is not a train station in Torrevieja anymore. You can get a train to some of the neighbouring cities and towns. The train operator Renfe telephone number is 902 24 02 02. The Renfe website is https://www.renfe.com/es/en.

Just as a note, Torrevieja is actually still served by a train service of sorts, as for part of the year, a little road-based tourist train operates.
Flying to Torrevieja
Of course Torrevieja doesn't have an airport. The town is mostly served by Alicante-Elche airport (ALC) to the north, and the Murcia Regional Airport (RMU), commonly referred to as Corvera, to the south.

AENA, the airport operator of Alicante-Elche airport and Murcia regional airport can be telephoned on 913 21 10 00. The website for AENA is https://www.aena.es/en/passengers/passengers.html.

Alicante-Elche Airport.

### Shopping in Torrevieja

Shopping in Torrevieja
Shop Local
In the centre of Torrevieja there are lots of smaller shops offering everything from fashion to footwear, electrical goods to books. There are also shops littered around the outskirts of the town, but not as many as in the centre.

A typical street in Torrevieja.

Many of the shops form part of the local business association for retailers, APYMECO, who operate a website directory of their members, to help you find what you are looking for. You can visit their website at https://www.apymeco.info/
Shopping Centres in Torrevieja
Torrevieja has one major shopping centre, which is located not too far from the centre, the Habaneras Commercial Centre.

Habaneras Shopping Centre Torrevieja.

The Habaneras Shopping Centre opened in 2005 and currently welcomes more than 4 million visitors from the five continents who enjoy its shops and restaurants.

The construction is described as a centre of Mediterranean architecture, open to the outdoors, where you can take a leisurely walk and enjoy the good weather on any of its terraces and relaxation areas.

Habaneras has more than 60 shops and restaurants distributed over three floors of commercial space. It also has 850 parking spaces.

Habaneras shopping centre Torrevieja telephone number 96 571 23 00. There website is https://habaneras.es/.

Just outside Torrevieja, heading south, in neighbouring Orihuela, is the largest shopping centre in the Alicante province. Zenia Boulevard shopping centre telephone number 96 676 15 30. The website for Zenia Boulevard shopping centre is https://zeniaboulevard.es/en.

The square in the centre of Zenia Boulevard.

Further south, in San Javier in the Murcia region, is Dos Mares shopping centre. Dos Mares commercial centre telephone number 968 54 70 00. Their website is https://www.dosmaresshopping.com/en.

Dos Mares shopping centre.

Going north from Torrevieja, another popular shopping centre is the Plaza Mar 2 in Alicante. The telephone for Plaza Mar 2 shopping centre is 965 26 8657. Their website is https://www.plazamar2.com/.

There are also large stores in Elche, about a 30 minute drive away, including another shopping centre, Centre Comercial L'Aljub, and the very famous El Corte Ingles department store.

El Corte Ingles Elche.
Groceries
If you are looking to buy groceries in Torrevieja, there are lots of options available. There are a number of smaller supermarkets and shops in the centre, as we mentioned, but if you are looking to get the "big shop", one option is Carrefour, the French supermarket chain.

In Torrevieja there is a large Carrefour supermarket, which is actually located next to the Habaneras shopping centre, and also has some smaller shops inside the centre, such as an optician, sweet shop, key cutting service, clothes, and mobile phone accessory store, as well as a lottery outlet, and others.

Carrefour Torrevieja is also pet friendly, and of course sells lots of products for pets.

The Carrefour chain has their own website, but the local Carrefour in Torrevieja also has a website dedicated to themselves, which is https://www.cc-carrefour-torrevieja.com/

A note of caution though, the store can sometimes be very busy and although they have a queueing system which leads everyone to the next available checkout, they also have self-service tills, but only 4 of them, and of those, only 2 can be used for cash payments, so checkout queues are common. You also need to watch some of the prices, as although many items are cheaper in the store, there are some that are often over-inflated, especially when they are part of offers.

Carrefour Torrevieja.

There are other large grocery stores available too, although Carrefour is the biggest. Comsum, Mercadona, Lidl and Aldi all have stores in Torrevieja, as do some of the smaller chains such as Hiperber and Mas y Mas.

Lidl Torrevieja.

Finally, on the subject of groceries, if you are crazing for the taste of home, Overseas British Supermarkets also have a store in Torrevieja, which stocks a lot of British favourites, including frozen products from Iceland, and a fairly decent vegetarian range too. Compared to the UK the prices can be a little high, but we have to forgive them a little as they do import the products into Spain which is costly, and has increased since Brexit.

Overseas British Supermarket Torrevieja.
Markets in Torrevieja
Of course, supermarkets in Torrevieja are not the only place we can get our groceries from, there is always the market.

There are two markets in Torrevieja each week. The biggest of the two in on Friday, on a site not too far away from Carrefour and Habaneras, near the Sports City. You can pretty much get anything you want from the market traders at the Friday market in Torrevieja, although it can get a little busy.

Torrevieja Friday Market.

On a Wednesday, the streets of La Mata play host to another market, and although it is smaller than the Friday market, you can still pretty much pick up anything you want, including of course those fresh fruit and vegetables.

The La Mata market is on Wednesday.

There is also another market which is worth visiting, although you can´t get fresh produce at this one, but it is commonly known as the "Hippy market". It is open every day and is located near the port and the fun fair in Torrevieja. Although it has undergone a major transformation from the roots of the market many years ago, there is still a wide range of products for sale.

Torrevieja Hippy Market.

There are of course other markets around the area on different days.

### About Torrevieja

About Torrevieja
Torrevieja is a seaside town, located on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, on the east of the peninsula, and is a municipality in the province of Alicante, and the region of Valencia, also within the Vega Baja del Segura area.

The seafront in part of Torrevieja.
Torrevieja Population
As of the last data recorded, which is January 2021, the population of Torrevieja is 82,842, of which 40,721 are men and 42,121, the majority, are women. There are 4,743 registered residents in Torrevieja who are originally from the United Kingdom, these too can be broken down into 2,251 men and 2,492 women.

The overall population of Torrevieja has declined considerably over recent years, loosing “big city” status as a result, and the population from the UK has also seen a decline, dropping from over 12,000 in less than a decade. There has been an increase in the population numbers as Ukrainian refugees have settled in the town, making them the second largest foreign population group behind the British, although their stay is expected to be relatively short-term, until they can return to their country once it is safe.
Torrevieja History
The origin of the name of Torrevieja dates back to the time of la Reconquista (the Reconquest), the period of the history of the Iberian Peninsula of approximately 780 years between the Umayyad conquest of Hispania in 711 and the fall of the Nasrid kingdom of Granada in 1492 before the expanding Christian kingdoms.

The name, Torrevieja, comes from the descriptive adjectives composed of "torre" y "vigía", alluding to the existence of observation towers against attacks from the Mediterranean coast. Torrevieja had two such towers, located specifically in the area of ​​Cape Cervera, where the most important were the "Torrelamata" which gives its name to a district of Torrevieja and still stands today, and the "old-tower" that was found close to Cala Cornuda and from which the origin of the name of the city is derived. That tower was destroyed by a major earthquake in the town in 1829.

The existing tower at La Mata, Torrevieja.

In the earliest days of the town, Torrevieja was nothing more than a set of watchtowers and houses where the workers of the salt mines lived. It was in 1803 when Carlos IV decided to transfer the administration of the Salinas Reales next to the "Old Tower", located in the Eras de la Sal, an old salt pier, much of which still stands and is being revived to create an historic tourist attraction, and that is how the name of the municipality was born, from the old Torre Vigía, or Vieja.
Salt from Torrevieja
Salt is of huge importance to Torrevieja. The Salinas de Torrevieja date back to before the 13th century King Alfonso XIII giving Torrevieja city status in 1931.

One of the two salinas, or salt lakes, in Torrevieja.

In the mid-19th century, the extraction of salt was directed mainly through Swedish and Dutch ships. The national market for this product was mainly Galician and, to a lesser extent, Valencian. The importance of the foreign market for this product has been maintained during the 20th century: a quarter of the salt produced is consumed in Spain and the rest is exported, its salt mines being the most important in Europe.

The sun sets behind the piles of salt ready for export in Torrevieja.

Today, you can not only see the piles of salt ready for export by the factory, but you can also take a tour of the facility onboard a tourist train, although it doesn’t operate all year round.
Torrevieja Geography
Torrevieja occupies an area of ​​71 square kilometres, in which you will find the urban centre, and the two salt lakes, or lagoons. There are also a variety of beaches along the 20 kilometres of coastline, including La Mata, Los Locos, El Cura, El Acequión, and Los Náufragos.

The urban centre of Torrevieja.

The weather in Torrevieja can be humid at times, although mostly sunny, with a semi-arid Mediterranean climate, rainfall of around 260 mm per year, and an average temperature of 18 ºC.

The municipal area of ​​Torrevieja borders with Guardamar del Segura to the north, with Orihuela to the south, and with Los Montesinos, Rojales and San Miguel de Salinas inland.

Paseo Vistalegre in Torrevieja.
Sailing in Torrevieja
There are two ports in Torrevieja, both of which offer full facilities to sailors, but also a range of cafes, bars and restaurants for those looking to speak a pleasant couple of hours in the company of boats. There is also the salt loading facility, but this is not open to the public. The port areas are undergoing major redevelopment work in 2022.

One of the two harbours in Torrevieja.

 

### Important Telephone Numbers in Torrevieja

Important Telephone Numbers in Torrevieja
Torrevieja Town Hall

Torrevieja Town Hall telephone number 96 571 02 50. The website for Torrevieja Town Hall is https://torrevieja.es/en. You can find Torrevieja Town Hall by clicking for the map.

Torrevieja Local Police

The Torrevieja Local Police telephone number is 96 692 75 58. Click here for a map of Torrevieja Local Police station.

 

 

 

 

### Emergency Telephone Numbers in Spain

Emergency Telephone Numbers in Spain
We hope that you never have an emergency, but just in case, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the emergency telephone numbers in Spain, as some of them are unique. You could also add them to your phone contacts now, so that you have them at hand in case the worst should happen.
Emergency services - 112
The 112 emergency number is a European standard and the operators speak a variety of languages, including English. Call 112 for the police, fire service, ambulance, or other emergency, remembering to be prepared to give your exact location to the call handler.

The 112 emergency number is the only number you need to remember, as the emergency call centre will help you whatever emergency you have, and can speak to you in English (and other languages). There are other specific numbers for the emergency services if you do speak Spanish.
National police - 091
091 is the emergency number for the National Police in Spain. However, if you don’t speak Spanish, it is better to use the 112 emergency number.
Guardia Civil – 062
062 is the emergency telephone number for the Guardia Civil. However, if you don’t speak Spanish, you are better off calling the 112 emergency services number.
Anti-terrorism
The number 800 009 662 is an exclusive and free telephone number for the fight against terrorism. If you don’t speak Spanish, you should call the emergency number 112.
Fire service – 080 or 085
080 or 085 are the short numbers for the fire service, but if you don’t speak Spanish you should use the 112 emergency number.
Medical emergencies – 061
The 061 telephone number is specific to medical emergencies. If you don’t speak Spanish, you should dial 112 instead.
Gender violence – 016
The gender violence helpline, 016, is available to provide help to victims of domestic violence. The calls can be handled in any of 53 languages, including English. You can also WhatsApp to 600 000 016.
Suicide prevention – 024
The suicide prevention telephone number is 024 and calls can be translated into a number of languages, including English.
Alertcops
There is also a mobile phone application called Alertcops, available on Android and Apple devices, and in English. Once set up and tested, this app will stay mostly dormant on your phone, but if you need to alert the emergency services to an incident you can use the app to submit immediate information such as pictures and your location.

### Cookie Policy (EU)

[cmplz-document type="cookie-statement" region="eu"]

For information on how Google uses your information, you can click here.

### Team

hello world. Test page.
		
			My heading		
			
						know More

### Blog



### Torrevieja Events Calendar

Torrevieja Events Calendar
This calendar gives you an overview of events in Torrevieja. To view the details, look for a link in the entry, or click the events button on the menu at the top of any page.
Agenda

Monthly Calendar

### Torrevieja News



### Torrevieja Weather

What's the current weather in Torrevieja? 
We have various sources for you to check below, including our own weather stations in Torrevieja.




meteoblue
 


meteoblue
 

### Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for www.thisistorrevieja.com
If you require any more information or have any questions about our privacy policy, please feel free to contact us by email at info@thisistorrevieja.com.
At www.thisistorrevieja.com, the privacy of our visitors is of extreme importance to us. This privacy policy document outlines the types of personal information is received and collected by www.thisistorrevieja.com and how it is used.
Log Files
Like many other Web sites, www.thisistorrevieja.com makes use of log files. The information inside the log files includes internet protocol ( IP ) addresses, type of browser, Internet Service Provider ( ISP ), date/time stamp, referring/exit pages, and number of clicks to analyze trends, administer the site, track user’s movement around the site, and gather demographic information. IP addresses, and other such information are not linked to any information that is personally identifiable.
Cookies and Web Beacons
www.thisistorrevieja.com does use cookies to store information about visitors preferences, record user-specific information on which pages the user access or visit, customize Web page content based on visitors browser type or other information that the visitor sends via their browser.
DoubleClick DART Cookie
.:: Google, as a third party vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on www.thisistorrevieja.com.
.:: Google's use of the DART cookie enables it to serve ads to users based on their visit to www.thisistorrevieja.com and other sites on the Internet.
.:: Users may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google ad and content network privacy policy at the following URL - http://www.google.com/privacy_ads.html
Some of our advertising partners may use cookies and web beacons on our site. Our advertising partners include ....
Google Adsense
Amazon
These third-party ad servers or ad networks use technology to the advertisements and links that appear on www.thisistorrevieja.com send directly to your browsers. They automatically receive your IP address when this occurs. Other technologies ( such as cookies, JavaScript, or Web Beacons ) may also be used by the third-party ad networks to measure the effectiveness of their advertisements and / or to personalize the advertising content that you see.
www.thisistorrevieja.com has no access to or control over these cookies that are used by third-party advertisers.
You should consult the respective privacy policies of these third-party ad servers for more detailed information on their practices as well as for instructions about how to opt-out of certain practices. www.thisistorrevieja.com's privacy policy does not apply to, and we cannot control the activities of, such other advertisers or web sites.
If you wish to disable cookies, you may do so through your individual browser options. More detailed information about cookie management with specific web browsers can be found at the browsers' respective websites.


To manage the cookies and similar technologies used (tracking pixels, web beacons, etc.) and related consents, we use the consent tool "Real Cookie Banner". Details on how "Real Cookie Banner" works can be found at https://devowl.io/rcb/data-processing/.



The legal basis for the processing of personal data in this context are Art. 6 (1) lit. c GDPR and Art. 6 (1) lit. f GDPR. Our legitimate interest is the management of the cookies and similar technologies used and the related consents.



The provision of personal data is neither contractually required nor necessary for the conclusion of a contract. You are not obliged to provide the personal data. If you do not provide the personal data, we will not be able to manage your consents.


## Locations

### Real Club Nautico de Torrevieja

The Real Club Nautico de Torrevieja is a restaurant attached to the sailing club, where watersports take place throughout their varied calendar, and they also hold frequent exhibitions in their halls.

### Parque Antonio Soria

The Parque Antonio Soria is an open-air events space in Torrevieja, where the Friday market is located, and plays host to a variety of events from outdoor concerts to food-based gatherings.

### Auditorio Conservatorio Internacional de Música

The Auditorio Conservatorio Internacional de Música, or International Auditurium of Torrevieja, is a showcase music venue on the outskirts of the town, with multiple performance rooms and plays host to small conferences as well as musical events.

You can read more about the Auditorio Conservatorio Internacional de Música here.

### Palacio de la Musica

The Palacio de la Musica in Torrevieja, or music palace, is an auditorium where the audience sits on two floors, aimed specifically for musical concerts, mostly with a classical leaning, although it does also hold small conferences.

You can read more about the Palacio de la Musica in Torrevieja here.

### Centro Cultural Virgen Del Carmen

The Centro Cultural Virgen Del Carmen in Torrevieja is a multi-use exhibition and events centre with showrooms and an auditorium, as well as studdy and classrooms.

You can read more about the Centro Cultural Virgen Del Carmen here.

### Torrevieja Market

The weekly Torrevieja market is held on a Friday.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is held every Wednesday in Torrevieja.

### Teatro Municipal de Torrevieja

The Teatro Municipal de Torrevieja, or Torrevieja Municipal Theatre, hosts theatre, music, comedy and stage shows and is located in the centre of the town.

You can read more about Torrevieja Municipal Theatre here.


## Events

### Torrevieja Pride 2023 - Main Event

Saturday, July 8 from 5:00 p.m. Great Torrevieja Pride Festival 2023. Paseo Vista Alegre.

Full details here: https://thisistorrevieja.com/2023/06/27/torrevieja-pride-schedule-of-events/

### Torrevieja Pride 2023 - La Mata

Thursday, July 6 from 5:00 p.m. La Mata Pride Celebration Party 2023. C/San Antonio (La Mata).

### Torrevieja Pride 2023 - Laguna Rosa Awards

Saturday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m. Laguna Rosa Awards Gala. Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre.

### Torrevieja Pride 2023 - Opening Event

Wednesday, June 28 at 11:00 a.m. Citizen and institutional celebration of the International LGTBI Pride Day. Plaza de la Constitution.

Full details here: https://thisistorrevieja.com/2023/06/27/torrevieja-pride-schedule-of-events/

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### Shops are Open on Sunday

Most shops are open on Sunday across the Valencia region from 18 June 2023 until the end of the year.

This includes the shops in the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

### ABBA Candlelight Concert

Fever, the world's leading live entertainment discovery platform, brings Candlelight concerts to Torrevieja with a series of special presentations, starting with an ABBA Tribute concert. This expansion to the region comes hand in hand with the success of the experience, having delighted audiences in more than 100 cities worldwide, including cities such as Madrid, Alicante, Barcelona, ​​Paris, London or New York.

The first concerts will see the Sala de Cámara del Auditorio Internacional illuminated by thousands of candles, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in a tailored program on July 15, inviting an audience that may never have considered a classical music concert before to connect with the most iconic pieces of great composers and listen to the best hits of well-known artists in a different way.

Candlelight concerts are a series of original music concerts created by Fever with the aim of democratising access to culture by allowing people from all over the world to enjoy live music, performed by local musicians in emblematic spaces, illuminated by thousands of candles.

Candlelight was initially conceived as a classical music series with concerts featuring works by the greatest composers such as Vivaldi, Mozart and Chopin. Now, the list of programs is ever-growing and includes a wide variety of themes and genres, such as tributes to contemporary artists including Queen, ABBA, Coldplay and Ed Sheeran, as well as programs dedicated to K-Pop, soundtracks movies and many more. This multi-sensory experience has also evolved to feature different elements such as ballet dancers or aerial artists, as well as other genres: jazz, soul, opera, flamenco and more.

### I Ciudad de Torrevieja School Triathlon

Sunday, June 18, the I Ciudad de Torrevieja School Triathlon will be held.

The Department of Sports of the Torrevieja City Council together with the Triathlon Club organise the first Torrevieja School Triathlon.

It is a federated TRIATHLON event (Swimming - Cycling - Running) where we anticipate a large participation of a multitude of triathletes from the entire province of Alicante.

Registration is open on the Federation website of Triathlon of the Valencian Community: https://www.triatlocv.org/evento/

### Iconic Car Show in Torrevieja on Saturday

One of the most iconic “family” cars ever produced, and one of the most recognisable, the Citroen 2CV, will be on display in a special event in Torrevieja on Saturday.

The club 2cv del Mediterráneo has organised the national Citroen 2cv vehicle meeting for this weekend, this being the fifth time the event has taken place, following a break due to Covid.

The event will take place on Saturday 3 June 2023, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., on the Paseo Vista Alegre in Torrevieja.

There will be 65 classic cars on display, coming from various parts of the national territory, for all those who want to come to see them and take the opportunity to take photos, or just marvel at a car that will never be replaced or repeated.

They are vehicles belonging to multiple fan clubs of this emblematic car, most of them between 35 and 50 years old and some of them will travel more than 700 km to reach Torrevieja, leaving from Zamora, Badajoz, Barcelona, ​​Tarragona, Donostia, and Málaga, to enjoy our town and its points of interest.

More details on the Valencia tourism website.

### 'Acción' - Art Exhibition

Art exhibition of the works of artists at the Municipal School of Painting.

Full details can be found by clicking this link.

### Free Paella at Habaneras

We hope you are hungry because on May 27 there is FREE PAELLA for 800 people at the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

Come and spend the most complete Saturday in Planta Terraza:

- Concert from 12 noon.

- Bars of our restaurants and picnic areas.

- Offers on mojitos, soft drinks, beers, tinto de verano, sangria and appetizers

- And, of course... free paella! You only need to present your Habaneras APP .

Do not forget you can park in our Free Parking!

It's going to be a Saturday for everyone!

### Art Exhibition “Loco de Colores”

The 'Loco de colores' exhibition of paintings and small sculptures made from bronze, iron and ceramic, by the artist Catlin Schlosser Bautista, is open until Friday 30 June 2023, from Monday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. in the exhibition hall of the Real Club Náutico de Torrevieja.

One of the most outstanding elements of Schlosser's creations, born in Hungary and later living in Sweden for many years and now living in Torrevieja, are the humanoids, figures that show an image of the mixture between technology and man. These creations invite us to reflect on the relationship between technology and human beings, an increasingly relevant issue in society.

But the artist's work, which is usually inspired by different themes and techniques, also delves into human emotions. In this exhibition you can find paintings based on spring and summer, two seasons that tend to evoke feelings of joy, vitality and growth.

In addition to her paintings, the Hungarian also practices other branches of the visual arts. The artist creates sculptures in metal, wood, plastic, and ceramic, makes jewellery, and explores various techniques and materials to shape her creativity.

This versatility is reflected in the extensive list of countries where Schlosser has exhibited works, including Cyprus, Canada, Sweden, Romania, Finland, the United States, the Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, France, Ukraine, and Switzerland.

Admission is free.

### UNIENDO CULTURAS - Uniting Cultures

UNIENDO CULTURAS is a special dance and entertainment event organised by the Andalusian Cultural Association of Torrevieja.

### Reggaetón Beach Festival

The Reggaetón Beach Festival, considered one of the most important urban music events in Europe, has added Torrevieja to the venue list, and will take place at the Parque Antonio Soria on 5 and 6 August, 2023.

### Anniversary of the Bombing of Torrevieja

On 25 August 1938, there was a major bombing of Torrevieja, when Italian fascist aviation “Savoia”, at the command of the revolted Francoist army, attacked Torrevieja, in a bombing raid that caused 19 deaths and dozens of injuries, the vast majority of them civilians.

You can read more about the bombing of Torrevieja here.

### Anniversary of the Bombing of Torrevieja

On 25 August 1938, there was a major bombing of Torrevieja, when Italian fascist aviation “Savoia”, at the command of the revolted Francoist army, attacked Torrevieja, in a bombing raid that caused 19 deaths and dozens of injuries, the vast majority of them civilians.

You can read more about the bombing of Torrevieja here.

### Anniversary of the Bombing of Torrevieja

On 25 August 1938, there was a major bombing of Torrevieja, when Italian fascist aviation “Savoia”, at the command of the revolted Francoist army, attacked Torrevieja, in a bombing raid that caused 19 deaths and dozens of injuries, the vast majority of them civilians.

You can read more about the bombing of Torrevieja here.

### Anniversary of the Bombing of Torrevieja

On 25 August 1938, there was a major bombing of Torrevieja, when Italian fascist aviation “Savoia”, at the command of the revolted Francoist army, attacked Torrevieja, in a bombing raid that caused 19 deaths and dozens of injuries, the vast majority of them civilians.

You can read more about the bombing of Torrevieja here.

### Anniversary of the Bombing of Torrevieja

On 25 August 1938, there was a major bombing of Torrevieja, when Italian fascist aviation “Savoia”, at the command of the revolted Francoist army, attacked Torrevieja, in a bombing raid that caused 19 deaths and dozens of injuries, the vast majority of them civilians.

You can read more about the bombing of Torrevieja here.

### Anniversary of the Bombing of Torrevieja

On 25 August 1938, there was a major bombing of Torrevieja, when Italian fascist aviation “Savoia”, at the command of the revolted Francoist army, attacked Torrevieja, in a bombing raid that caused 19 deaths and dozens of injuries, the vast majority of them civilians.

You can read more about the bombing of Torrevieja here.

### Anniversary of the Bombing of Torrevieja

On 25 August 1938, there was a major bombing of Torrevieja, when Italian fascist aviation “Savoia”, at the command of the revolted Francoist army, attacked Torrevieja, in a bombing raid that caused 19 deaths and dozens of injuries, the vast majority of them civilians.

You can read more about the bombing of Torrevieja here.

### Anniversary of the Bombing of Torrevieja

On 25 August 1938, there was a major bombing of Torrevieja, when Italian fascist aviation “Savoia”, at the command of the revolted Francoist army, attacked Torrevieja, in a bombing raid that caused 19 deaths and dozens of injuries, the vast majority of them civilians.

You can read more about the bombing of Torrevieja here.

### Anniversary of the Bombing of Torrevieja

On 25 August 1938, there was a major bombing of Torrevieja, when Italian fascist aviation “Savoia”, at the command of the revolted Francoist army, attacked Torrevieja, in a bombing raid that caused 19 deaths and dozens of injuries, the vast majority of them civilians.

You can read more about the bombing of Torrevieja here.

### Anniversary of the Torrevieja Earthquake

On 21 March 1829, much of Torrevieja and the surrounding area was destroyed by a massive earthquake.

You can read more about the Torrevieja earthquake here.

### Anniversary of the Torrevieja Earthquake

On 21 March 1829, much of Torrevieja and the surrounding area was destroyed by a massive earthquake.

You can read more about the Torrevieja earthquake here.

### Anniversary of the Torrevieja Earthquake

On 21 March 1829, much of Torrevieja and the surrounding area was destroyed by a massive earthquake.

You can read more about the Torrevieja earthquake here.

### Anniversary of the Torrevieja Earthquake

On 21 March 1829, much of Torrevieja and the surrounding area was destroyed by a massive earthquake.

You can read more about the Torrevieja earthquake here.

### Anniversary of the Torrevieja Earthquake

On 21 March 1829, much of Torrevieja and the surrounding area was destroyed by a massive earthquake.

You can read more about the Torrevieja earthquake here.

### Anniversary of the Torrevieja Earthquake

On 21 March 1829, much of Torrevieja and the surrounding area was destroyed by a massive earthquake.

You can read more about the Torrevieja earthquake here.

### Anniversary of the Torrevieja Earthquake

On 21 March 1829, much of Torrevieja and the surrounding area was destroyed by a massive earthquake.

You can read more about the Torrevieja earthquake here.

### Anniversary of the Torrevieja Earthquake

On 21 March 1829, much of Torrevieja and the surrounding area was destroyed by a massive earthquake.

You can read more about the Torrevieja earthquake here.

### Brilla Torrevieja 2023

Brilla Torrevieja will take place from July 30 to August 20 with performances by confirmed artists such as Melendi, India Martínez and Loquillo, as well as the Black Eyed Peas.

### Black Eyed Peas in Torrevieja

The Black Eyed Peas will be performing in Torrevieja as part of the Brilla Torrevieja evet in summer, 2023.

### Gran Circo China

The Gran Circo China is a much anticipated show coming to Torrevieja, with stunts and performers going to wow the audience with their skills.

### Tadeo Jones the Musical

The only official musical by Tadeo Jones in Spain The most important animated character in the history of Spanish cinema, Tadeo Jones, comes to life on stage in Torrevieja in July, 2023.

### La Corte de Faraon en Zarzuela

La Corte de Faraon, or The Court of Pharaoh, is a zarzuela called “biblical operetta” or even auto sacramental in one act and five scenes. It premiered in Madrid.

Zarzuela is a Spanish lyric-dramatic genre that alternates between spoken and sung scenes, the latter incorporating operatic and popular songs, as well as dance.

### El Brujo, el Alma de Valle Inclan

El Brujo, el Alma de Valle Inclan, or The Witch, the Soul of Valle Inclan, is a journey through the work of the Spanish playwright by Rafael Álvarez El Brujo · Valle Inclán is mysterious and extravagant, romantic and aesthetic.

### Sherlock, the Musical

Sherlock, the Musical, is a family based stage event, with lots of songs, humour, and of course a puzzle to be solved, and will be in Torrevieja in June.

### Estrella Morente in Concert

Estrella Morente is a Spanish flamenco singer. She was born on 14 August 1980 in Las Gabias, Granada in southern Spain. She is the daughter of flamenco singer Enrique Morente and dancer Aurora Carbonell. She has performed with her father since age seven and recorded her first album in 2001, Mi Cante Y Un Poema.

### Ángel Martín Monologue

Ángel Martín is an influencial Spanish writer and broadcaster and will be performing his latest monologue in Torrevieja in June, 2023, as part of his current tour.

### El Mago Yunke

Yunke is an innovator of magic, inventor of illusions, and creator of magical devices. He has taken his magic to the five continents and will be in Torrevieja in June, 2023.

### Ainhoa ​​Arteta in Concert

Ainhoa Arteta Ibarrolaburu, better known as Ainhoa Arteta, is a Spanish soprano, and will be appearing in concert in Torrevieja in May.

### AMIX Cup International Body Building Competition

On 28 May, the International Auditorium in Torrevieja will be filled with men and women showing of their sculptured and toned bodies, in the AMIX Cup competition.

 

Registration and weigh-in will take place at the auditorium on 27 May, before the athletes take to the stage on the 28th for the main competition, with both men and women competing, and special categories for wheelchair participants.

 

The culmination will of course be the awards ceremony at the end of the competition.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### La Mata Market

The La Mata market is a street market on a Wednesday each week in the centre of La Mata, just outside Torrevieja.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.

### Pantomima Full

The Spanish comedy, Pantomina Full, will be on stage in Torrevieja in May.

Tickets available here.


## Listings

### Torrevieja Pump Track

Torrevieja Pump Track is located in La Siesta Park, part of the 44,000 m2 space made up of recreation and rest areas, sports court areas and pétanque courts, and featuring this, the largest paved pump track area in the world.

The Pump Track is for skateboards, scooters, and BMX bicycles, which, according to the town hall, the younger people have been demanding, so no doubt a welcome addition to the skate park in the railway station grounds. The new pump track has three well-differentiated areas, Advanced Pump Track, Medium Level Pump Track and Children's Pump Track, which are colour coordinated.

### La Siesta Park and Pump Track

The La Siesta Park in Torrevieja has many different facilities for different sports modalities, and there's seating around the entire area. There are not many trees and green areas however, and hardly any shade so summer is going to be difficult.

The park is built on a 44,000 m2 space made up of recreation and rest areas, sports court areas and pétanque courts, and the largest paved pump track area in the world.

As well as the sports facilities, there is space for enjoying walks for people and families, with picnic areas for recreation and rest. However, as mentioned, there is very little in the way of shade or covered areas, there are some, but not many, and even in this early spring day of March the sun was blistering, and so it will not be a particularly pleasurable experience during the hot summer season.

La Siesta Park also has an agility area for large dogs and another for small dogs, a large central area that divides the park with two circular squares, skating circuits, children's games, bio-healthy areas, mini auditorium, skating rink, hockey rink, soccer, pétanque courts, calisthenics area, bike path, as well as three paddle tennis courts, so this park will become the first in Torrevieja that will have courts to enjoy this fashionable sport, which normally takes place in the Sports City facility.

### Torrevieja Municipal Swimming Pool

The Torrevieja Municipal Swimming Pool is located in the Sports City, and features a climate-controlled indoor swimming pool, and an outdoor pool that is open during the summer months.

It is not expensive to use these facilities, and discounts are available for block-bookings, and for those classed as special groups, such as pensioners.

There are strict rules when swimming in public swimming pools which must be abided by, such as the wearing of swim caps, inflatibles prohibited, and more, which you can check on arrival at the facilites.

TORREVIEJA SWIMMING POOL SCHEDULES SUMMER 2023

TORREVIEJA OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL

FROM 19 JUNE TO 2 JULY 2023

Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

FROM 3 JULY TO 31 AUGUST 2023

Monday to Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

(Closed from Monday to Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for swimming courses)

TORREVIEJA INDOOR SWIMMING POOL

FROM 19 JUNE TO 31 JULY 2023

Monday from 9:15 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Tuesday to Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

### Quirónsalud Torrevieja, the best hospital for international patients

Quirónsalud Torrevieja and its Health Premium Card offer a personal health advisor, personalised check-ups, home care and many more advantages

The Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja is an international health centre of excellence in the province of Alicante. Its team of professionals is highly qualified and has a wide variety of medical specialties (more than 50). This makes it a multidisciplinary reference hospital with great prestige, perfect for international healthcare.

In its more than 20 years of experience, they have managed to position themselves as the private hospital with the most cutting-edge technology in the entire Valencian Community. Their location in the city of Torrevieja makes them pioneers in health tourism and the preferred health centre for those looking to locate their new residence on the Costa Blanca. The hospital has more than 100 professionals of national and international prestige.

Why are they referents in health among international patients?

 

International Admission

The health centre has its own international admissions department. It carries out all the necessary procedures for authorisation  with international insurance companies, with which it has agreements, in a clear, direct and fast way. In this way the patient does not have to worry, since this department will carry out all the procedures and speed up the process.

The process begins when the patient comes for a test or a consultation. International admission contacts the insurance company to process the authorisation. If hospital admission or a surgical operation is required, this department will report daily to the company and the medical department about the patient's progress.

In addition, as a novelty, the Quirónsalud group has developed a new service, the G24, which consists of international patient care by telephone, free of charge 24 hours a day.

Translator assistance

The Quirónsalud Torrevieja hospital has its own team of translators and interpreters. The languages spoken are: English, German, French, Dutch, Flemish, Norwegian, Swedish and Russian among others.

They are responsible for guaranteeing the well-being provided by the perfect communication of the patient with the health personnel, providing this service free of charge every day of the year.

Multilingual medical team

60% of Quirónsalud Torrevieja patients are international. That's why the hospital staff speaks at least Spanish and English. In addition, many workers are also fluent in languages such as German, Italian and Russian.

The specialists are Spanish with great prestige, but highly qualified international experts also work.

International hospitalisation floor

This plant was created to fulfil a specific mission where to guarantee maximum comfort, well-being and convenience to the patient who enters. In this way, routine processes in a hospital such as lunch or dinner are adapted to the patient's customs, and are served following a European schedule.

New service: Health Premium Card

As a novelty, a new service has been launched in the hospital of Torrevieja.  Health Premium Card offers you a personal health coach.

It also offers you a personalised plan to achieve your health goals, which includes a check-up to know the initial status of the patient, as well as a Premium Lounge within the hospital where you can carry out all the health procedures and easy access to medical appointments.

### La Mata Natural Park Visitor´s Centre

The La Mata Natural Park Visitor´s Centre, correctly called the Centro de Interpretación Parque Natural La Mata, is located just off the N-332 coastal road in La Mata, Torrevieja.

There is a large car park, although this sometimes gets busy on market days (Wednesday), and in the summer months. A bust stop is also located nearby.

The visitor’s centre itself is located in the old Forest House, Casa Forestal, in the district of La Mata (Torrevieja).

There are footpaths through the natural park area, with lookout towers offering views across the main lake, the blue lake, which sits alongside vineyards, although these are fenced off for protection. There are also picnic tables along the route.

The centre organises frequent events, including those which focus on the natural flora and fauna, and experts offer advice of what can be seen, where and when.

Of course, being a natural park, visitors should respect the surroundings.

The precise location on the N-332 Alicante – Cartagena road is at km 64.5, where a roundabout takes you to a curved road which leads into the car park.

### Parque del Molina del Agua – Water Mill Park

The natural area of "Parque del Molino del Agua" in Torrevieja is made up of a dune ecosystem that gives the area great importance, since it extends from the Salinas de Santa Pola to Cabo Cervera.

This natural space acts as a coastal corridor connecting two important wetlands, declared a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA), the Salinas de Santa Pola Natural Park and the Lagunas de La Mata-Torrevieja Natural Park.

The Parque del Molino del Agua, which gives its name to this area, together with the promenade, are the two most anthropized spaces. In this place we have benches, tables and other equipment for public use.

The park is named after the water mill functions that the area used to perform, with more than 500 metres of underground aquifer galleries explain the location of the old well that existed there.

The most outstanding characteristic of this dune ecosystem are the different strips that exist from the seashore to the most inland part, being able to classify them into:

Embryonic dunes, close to the coast, where the grass ( Agropyron junceum ) appears together with the sea bell ( Calystegia soldanella ).

Mobile dunes, characterised by the continuous movement of the sand, in which we find species such as the marram ( Ammophila arenaria ), the beach spurge ( Euphorbia paralias ), the sea lily ( Pancratium maritimum) .

Interdune troughs, where the wind arrives more attenuated. Here appears the vegetal community of semi-fixed dunes which, like the previous one, is characterised by the influence of marine salinity. In this area we find the sea ruby ​​( Crucianella maritima) and the immortelle (Helichrysum stoechas ).

Fixed or stabilised dunes, occupied by Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis ) and stone pine ( Pinus pinea) plantations, which due to the poor substrate and the lashing of the wind, adopt squat shapes with the trunks lying in the direction of the prevailing winds.

The high temperatures on the surface of the sand, the high dryness and scarce vegetation cover mean that the presence of fauna is quite limited. As a consequence, the best represented group is that of invertebrates, and within this the Coleoptera deserves special attention, with very common families in the dunes such as cicindélidos, tenebriónidos and beetles. Much of the striping of vegetation is also followed by these insects.

Regarding the herpetofauna, the Iberian skink ( Chalcides bedriagai ) stands out.

With regard to birdlife, despite not being an environment characterised by abundance of birds, it is possible to locate typically steppe species such as stone curlews (Burhinus oedicnemus), larks (Galerida cristata) and totovías ( Lullula arborea ).

There is ample parking on the street surrounding the park area, where you can leave the car and stroll through the park, passing the fountain that leads to a flowing channel through the park area, surrounded by picnic and seating areas, before the green area opens up to the sand dunes leading to the beach.

### Parque Aromatico de Torrevieja – Aromatic Park

Breathe, feel, walk and rest in the pleasant Parque Aromatico de Torrevieja. A place to test your senses.

Discovering Torrevieja is always done through the senses, whether through the taste of salt, the vision of the coastline, or, in the case of the aromatic park, smell, because your senses will be in for a treat at the Parque Aromatico del barranco de Torreblanca.

Just by taking a pleasant walk through the Parque Aromatico de Torrevieja you will be able to enjoy a charming aroma of plants. In its entire surface, around 70,000 square metres, the park is full of aromatic plants and shrubs such as thyme, lavender, rosemary, orange blossom and basil, many of which are dressing shelters where you can sit in the shade and ponder life around you. A tour through your senses that will make you forget about time and just feel the fragrance they give off.

This park is the work of the Catalan architect Carmen Pinós and it is an avant-garde environmental and landscape regeneration project.

In Torrevieja you can escape from the city just by entering this park. A place that allows you to take pleasant walks and rest thanks to what nature has to offer here. So, relax and take a deep breath, you have just discovered a new corner of Torrevieja with a lot of charm.

### Centro Cultural Virgen Del Carmen

The Virgen Del Carmen cultural centre, Centro Cultural Virgen Del Carmen, is located in Torrevieja, slightly outside what is considered the cultural centre, but still within walking distance from other venues, and is close to the Plaza de Oriente, and it does have a car park underneath.

Within an avant-garde space, designed by the architects Dorthe M. Gammerlgaard and Víctor Rodríguez Pertusa, we will find a multitude of cultural activities from different local groups taking place daily, including exhibitions, courses and workshops, conferences, plays, and concerts.

The centre has both an exhibition hall and an auditorium with a capacity for 320 people, in addition, this centre is the permanent headquarters of postgraduate courses and masters of the Miguel Hernández University.
Next Event

	
	
	
		
		
		
		
	
	
		Torrevieja Market
		
		
			
				
				30th January 2026    
			
			
				
				08:00 - 12:00
			
			
			
			
				
				Torrevieja Market
			
			
			
			
			
				
					
					Markets
			
	
			
			
			
		
		
			Torrevieja hosts a large outdoor market in an area located near to the Carrefour supermarket and Habaneras Shopping Centre, next to the Sports City.
		
		
			More Info

### Torrevieja Municipal Theatre

The Torrevieja Municipal Theatre, Teatro Municipal de Torrevieja, is a cultural centre built on the site of a previously listed building, a cinema, which was demolished to make way for this venue.

Not without further controversy, the theatre was closed down amid safety concerns, due to numerous violations in terms of building, fire, and other safety regulations, although all aspects were rectified, and the building is now certified as compliant, and safe.

The Torrevieja Municipal Theatre was the work of architects Alejandro Zaera Polo and Antonio Marqueríe Tamayo, and began life in December 2003.

Occupying an area of ​​1,100 square metres in the Plaza de Miguel Hernández, which was also remodelled at the same time, the overall cost was 7 million euro, of which 3 were provided by the regional government, Generalitat Valenciana.

The complex has a main room, with a 400 square metre stage, and a capacity for 650 spectators, a 400 square metre rehearsal room that is completely open-plan, a press room, 2 multipurpose rooms, a VIP room, 8 individual dressing rooms, 4 collective dressing rooms, 2 vocal rooms, an orchestra pit, warehouses and 2 office floors with 7 individual offices, 2 archives, a meeting room and a customer service area.
Next Event

	
	Oh dear. We have nothing listed. Please try again soon.	


 

### Palacio de la Musica

The Palacio de la Musica in Torrevieja is located in the centre of the town, and is a small auditorium where the primary focus, as you might guess from the name of the venue, is music.

The venue was inaugurated in 1999, the work of architects Alberto Velázquez and José Domínguez Rozas, and is set on three floors, the main floor being the auditorium, a basement below, featuring a small café, and an upper floor, the balcony.

The building itself is designed with a mixture of wood and metal, to echo the sections of an orchestra, whereas the stairs resemble the keys of a piano, supported by a curved handrail to represent the waves of musical writing.
Next Event

	
	Oh dear. We have nothing listed. Please try again soon.

### Torrevieja International Auditorium

The Torrevieja International Auditorium, or Auditorio Internacional De Música De Torrevieja, to give it the full name, was designed by the architect José María Tomás, and opened on 25 March 2011, and stands within around 95,000 square metres of landscaped gardens, next to the Hospital Quironsalud Torrevieja.

The Torrevieja International Auditorium features many different rooms, concert and exhibition spaces, the main auditorium being the symphony hall for 1450 spectators, with a stage that occupies nearly 400 square metres.

There is also a 400 square metre rehearsal room, 8 dressing rooms, and, across the two floors, 7 individual offices, and a boardroom and a Customer Services area.

There is also a “Teaching Conservatory”, which can accommodate 240 students, with separate, functional rooms, including some dedicated to individual instruments.

The Torrevieja International Auditorium is also the home of the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra, Orquesta Sinfónica de Torrevieja, who offer performances throughout the year.

Although the auditorium is nowhere near used as much as it could be, there are a variety of concerts, exhibitions, and shows at various times within the cultural calendar.
Next Event

	
	Oh dear. We have nothing listed. Please try again soon.

### Aquopolis Torrevieja

Aquopolis Torrevieja is a large and popular water park in Torrevieja, located near the Habaneras shopping centre, and open, normally, from June to August.

As well as a variety of pools and slides, some more daring than others, there is ample space to just relax in the sun, or have a bite to eat in one of the restaurants littered through the grounds.

There is ample parking, and tickets can be purchased online via their website, including the option of an all-inclusive wristband.

### Municipal Animal Shelter

The Municipal Animal Shelter, or Albergue Municipal de Animales, is located outside the centre of the town, not far from the Park of Nations, near to the Habaneras Shopping Centre.

The Torrevieja animal protection department is in charge of collaborating, disseminating and managing the care of animals in the town, and to that end runs the municipal shelter where lost or abandoned pets can obtain temporary shelter until a forever home is found.

If you are able to adopt an animal companion, please get in touch with them, as there are many animals looking for a home on a regular basis.

### Playa de los Locos

Playa de los Locos, or the “crazy” beach, is one of the most popular in Torrevieja and is located between Punta del Salaret and Cala del Palangre.

Most of its surface is made up of sand, although it also has some 200 metres of coastal rock, where stairs have been provided to facilitate access and exit to the sea in this section.

In addition to the different restaurants that exist along Av. Dr. Mariano Ruiz Cánovas, the beach also has a beach bar, an area with hammocks and umbrellas, children's games, and aquatic recreation.

The beach has facilities for those with reduced mobility, including an amphibious chair, but this service is only provided between July and August, and only when the green flag is flying.

### Paseo Juan Aparicio Bathing Areas

The Juan Aparicio promenade, Paseo Juan Aparicio, was remodelled by the architect Carmen Pinós between 1996 and 1999, carrying out a treatment of the maritime edge to protect the coast from the waves through the construction of breakwaters that, in addition, make up shallow bathing areas with platforms for sunbathing.

The traditional rocky sections of this area of ​​Torrevieja (popularly known as "Las Rocas") are preserved and integrated into the promenade, where stairs have been installed to facilitate access to and exit from the sea.

It is a widely used bathing area due to its geographical location in the heart of the city, which combines large terraces and restaurants and shops, with the large area for public use that constitutes the promenade itself and the different bathing areas.

### Parroquia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús

The Parroquia del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, or Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in Torrevieja, is inspired by the old Hermitage existing in this same square, but is a considerable step up in terms of grandeur and modernism compared to the previous building that housed the congregation of the parish.

The main entrance is at the foot of the church, although there are two entrances to the main space on the sides. It consists of a single nave, with a width of 16 metres and a maximum height of 19 metres, with several side chapels and service rooms on both sides of the central space. The main area of ​​the temple, the altar, is located at the bottom of the nave, with a large window above it.

This church on the outside is quite striking, but on the inside it is humble and very beautiful.

One of the pictures in the gallery shows the former church, and another the near complete construction of this incarnation from 2009.

### Aquapark Flamingo

Aquapark Flamingo is a water park in Torrevieja, situated in Urb. La Siesta, Torrevieja, 2 mins from Carrefour and the Habaneras shopping centre.

Aquapark Flamingo is seasonal, and normally opens from the end of May to September, and is perfect for visitors of all ages, including children.

The park has all kinds of water attractions with different pools, a wide variety of slides and a solarium area with a quieter pool.

In addition, it also has multiple services such as free parking, cafeterias, refreshment and ice cream stalls, free hammock areas, sunbeds, changing rooms, showers, lockers, etc.

It is one of the best rated water parks in Spain on Tripadvisor. One of the main reasons is its cheap entry.

### Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepción

The church of the Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepción in Torrevieja is the oldest in the town.

The history of the church of the Immaculate Conception is marked by the development and history of Torrevieja.

The church building we see today, neoclassical, is from 1880 and stands on a site where there were previous temples, of which nothing is preserved.

The growth of the old village of Torre Vigía, from where Torrevieja gets its name, forced the bishopric to build a temple, since the fishermen who lived in the town had to go to a private farm to hear mass.

This is how, in 1789, a church was built, facing the sea, in the current Plaza de la Constitución. Years later, the earthquake of 1829 that destroyed almost the entire municipality, also took its toll on the temple. Its reconstruction began in 1844, finishing in its entirety in 1880, and the towers in 1907.

These two towers, with bell towers, frame the brick body of the parish. On the main façade, which is accessed by a small staircase, the statue of a Christ rises above the access door framed in an arch, with openings on both sides. The spacious white interior is covered with barrel vaults. On the main altar is the image of the Immaculate Conception, patron saint of Torrevieja.

### Playa del Cura

Playa del Cura, or priest’s beach, is one of the most popular in Torrevieja due to its special location in the heart of the town centre.

It’s not a huge beach though, so given the popularity, it can be very busy at peak times.

It is located by punta Margallo, and with the existing bathing areas along the nearby Juan Aparicio promenade.

Because of the location, Playa del Cura hosts a variety of activities throughout the summer, including the "Habaneras en la playa" concert, a particularly noteworthy prelude to the International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest.

It has hammocks and umbrellas, recreational water sports, and restaurant services are provided by the different establishments on the seafront.

This beach also has a specific bathing area for people with reduced mobility, with bathing assistance, in such a way that entry, stay and exit to the sea is facilitated, including elements such as amphibious chairs. This service is only provided during the months of July and August and when the green flag is waving.

### Parque de la Torre del Moro

The Parque de la Torre del Moro is located to the north of Torrevieja, almost at La Mata, and the main feature of this small park is the tower from which it gets its name.

The Torre del Moro, or Moors Tower, is a coastal watchtower built on a hill above Cabo Cervera in Torrevieja.

It is sometimes mistakenly attributed to where Torrevieja, literally translated to Old Tower, gets its name from, but this is not correct. The tower which Torrevieja is named after was located at the Eras de la Sal, and was destroyed in the 1829 earthquake, although some of the stones were used in the main church reconstruction after the disaster.

This small park offers great views across the Mediterranean Sea, and has a number of small features, such as play and exercise facilities.

### Plaza de la Constitución

In the heart of the town centre in Torrevieja is Plaza de la Constitución, a paved square which is also the location of the town hall, and one of the two main churches in Torrevieja.

Dressed in palm trees and bougainvillea, the square also hosts major events within the open space, such as the nativity scene at Christmas, and numerous protests by those wishing to raise their concerns publicly, whether political or sociological, and events that bring the entire international community of Torrevieja together.

The square itself was born when there were no more than a few houses grouped on the periphery of an Old Tower. It was one of the many areas destroyed by the 1829 Torrevieja earthquake.

### Cala de cabo Cervera

Cala de cabo Cervera is a small cove located on the cape of the same name that has a sandy area and an area for swimming in the coastal rocks, for which stairs are installed that facilitate access and exit to the sea. In its vicinity there are different restaurants, and its coastal promenade connects with the nearby La Mata beach.

The cove is adjacent to the "Cabo Cervera" micro-reserve, designated by the Generalitat Valenciana in order to protect a highly interesting plant species such as the cat-headed jarilla (Helianthemum caput-felis).

The rocky bottoms of the cove are also attractive for surface diving (snorkelling).

This cove has an area for people with mobility problems. The assisted bathing service will be operational in July and August and only when the green flag is waving.

### Habaneras Shopping Centre

Habaneras Shopping Centre in Torrevieja opened in March 2005 and, since then, it has become an integral part of the society of Torrevieja and the Vega Baja.

Every year it welcomes more than 4 million visitors from the five continents, who enjoy its shops, restaurants and the magnificent climate that is enjoyed in this city.

Habaneras shopping centre is designed with Mediterranean architecture in mind, open air, where you can walk quietly and enjoy the pleasant temperatures of the Spanish southeast. The shopping centre has terraces and relaxation areas where you can get food, an ice cream, a coffee or simply relax in a quiet environment, in the sun, feeling the sea breeze.

The Habaneras Shopping Centre offers more than 60 shops and restaurants of prestigious brands, which are distributed among the three floors of available commercial area ​​24,100 m2. In addition, it has 850 parking spaces available to visitors which, together with its common areas and the free services, make it the benchmark Shopping Centre in Torrevieja.

### Eras de la Sal

To this day, Torrevieja has a huge salt producing industry, but in days gone by, transporting that salt further afield was not quite as easy as it is today, although boats still play a big part in the operation, and that is where the Eras de la Sal played its part in history, as a dedicated salt loading infrastructure.

Today, what was formally an industrial element of the town, plays a cultural role, as a dedicated concert area has been created within the complex.

The very entrance to Eras de la Sal houses a monument to salt workers, who tirelessly played a part in the development of Torrevieja, through the complex made up of docks and wharves that, during the late 18th century, were configured as the system for collecting, shipping and loading salt from the local salt mine.

Its construction began in the year 1777, in the most suitable place for the shipment of the salt extracted in what was then Albufera.

Although it did become redundant, in 1997 the restoration began, emphasising the reconstruction of the existing wooden structure, the loading trestle and the hopper for pouring salt onto the barges.

As a concert venue, the location plays a part in the International Habaneras and Polyphony Contest, declared of International Tourist Interest.

 

### Monument to the Cultures of the Mediterranean

The Monument to the Cultures of the Mediterranean, or Monumento a las Culturas del Mediterráneo, is more popularly known as the “columns”, or “Las Columnas”, and hidden away at the north end of Torrevieja.

The monument is specifically located in Punta Carral, between Cala del Palangre and Playa del Cura, an area which was rundown for many years, but has been revived into a bustling area.

The monument actually pays homage to the different cultures that inhabit the Mediterranean. It consists of several columns of different styles covered with ceramics with motifs alluding to these civilizations.

They were built at the end of the 20th century, but aside from that, little is actually known about their creator or origin.

### Playa Naufragos

Playa Naufragos, or the “shipwreck” beach, is located to the south of Torrevieja.

This Blue Flag beach is quite wide, wider than is usual in Torrevieja, and also boasts a considerable length.

There are beach facilities, including water-based fun for the little ones in the season, and is accessible for those with reduced mobility.

One of the novel elements of this beach in Torrevieja is the palm trees that litter the surroundings.

There are a number of bars and restaurants bordering the beach at Playa Naufragos in Torrevieja.

 

### Playa de La Mata South

The beach at La Mata, or Torrelamata, is approximately 2,365 metres long, making it the largest beach in the municipality of Torrevieja. In order to make things easier for everyone, the beach has been divided into two segments, north and south, or playa de La Mata norte and playa de La Mata sur.

The southern beach of La Mata (sur) is about 1,930 metres long and stretches from Av. de los Europeos to Av. del Agua. It is one of the most popular and frequented beaches in Torrevieja due to its location and extension.

The central part borders the "Molino del Agua" Municipal Natural Park, a protected space that houses an interesting dune ecosystem where important fauna and flora conservation projects are carried out.

The beach itself has two stretches of promenades with a wide range of restaurants, complete with beach bars. It also has hammock and lounger rental, aquatic recreation, children's games and beach sports areas.

Due to being a sector highly exposed to the prevailing winds and currents forming at certain points, adapted bathing services are not provided on the southern part of the beach (sur), so those with mobility issues must use the services in the nearby Cabo Cervera or the designated area on the beach of La Mata north beach.

### Mujer del Marinero

The Mujer del Marinero monument in Torrevieja is dedicated to the wives of sailors who take to the sea on a regular basis, some of whom never return.

The statue aims to represent the pain that can be felt by these women, the anxiety as their husbands, fathers, or sons set sail, in potentially deadly situations, to work at sea, yet all she can do, is wave them off with hope in her heart.

Once they have left, all the women can do is wait, with their eyes fixed on the horizon, to see the silhouette of the ships in which their loved ones left.

This monument is situated about halfway along the wooden walkway of the harbour wall in Torrevieja.

### The Hombre del Mar

With the remodelling of Paseo Juan Aparicio in Torrevieja some years ago, the Hombre del Mar monument, a tribute to the sailors from Torrevieja that represents the link between the people of the town and the sea, was moved a few metres to its current location.

The statue, which stands on a uniquely designed plinth, was the work of the Catalan sculptor Josep Ricart y Maimon.

The Hombre del Mar statue was inaugurated on May 10, 1975.

### Tribute to Torrevieja Musicians

On the Paseo Vistalegre, there is a statue group that pays tribute to Torrevieja musicians, Escultura Homenaje a los Musicos Torrevejenses.

It is a bronze sculpture of a group of musicians, led by their conductor, in honour of the music band that played in the bandstand that used to be on the promenade.

Torrevieja has a rich history in music, and holds an annual competition that brings bands from across the globe to compete in the International Habaneras.

### Torrevieja Floating Museum

The Torrevieja Floating Museum, Museo Flotante, features a number of retired boats that you are welcome to explore at certain times, and a range of related exhibits on the port area.

Located in the main harbour in Torrevieja, one of the highlights of the floating museum as to be the S-61 Delfin submarine.

The decommissioned submarine that was used by the Spanish Navy between 1973 and 2003 and is now converted into a museum where you can to tour its interior and learn all the details that make up this Daphne class sub.

Torrevieja has always had a great seafaring tradition and a very good relationship with the Navy, which is why on December 1, 1974, it handed over the combat flag to the S-61 Delfín submarine. Thus, when the submarine left service, it also delivered its last flag in Torrevieja so that it could be used in a cultural space.

Inside the museum you can visit various areas such as the living quarters and control room, experiences, albeit briefly, life inside this floating tube. Of course, being a submarine, there is limited space, so if you don’t like being crammed in, or have feelings of claustrophobia, this is not the place for you. There is also a minimum height for visitors.

The submarine is not open all year, so you will need to check with the Tourist Information Office, and it can be closed on short notice for safety reasons, such as during rain, but when it is open, it is definitely an experience.

Next door to the S-61 submarine is the Albatros III Patrol Boat, which belonged to the Customs Surveillance Service until 2006, when it joing the Floating Museum in Torrevieja in March of that year.

Again, this boat offers an insight into life on the Mediterranean Sea, but this time from the aspect of those out to protect the shoreline from the likes of smugglers.

Finally, the Pailebote Pascual Flores often sits in the floating museum in Torrevieja, but this ship is frequently absent as it tours the country promoting Torrevieja.

Pascual Flores is a reconstruction of the original boat used by Torrevieja sailors to trade salt.


## Calendars

### Duty Chemists in Torrevieja

[title]

[when]


[link newwindow="yes"]See more details[/link]

### Spanish Calendar

[title]

[when]

[description]
[link newwindow="yes"]See more details[/link]

### Holidays in Spain

[title]

[when]

### Events in Spain

[title]

[when]

[description]
[link newwindow="yes"]See more details[/link]

### Torrevieja Today

[title]

[when]

### Torrevieja Events Monthly

[title]

[when]

[description]
[link newwindow="yes"]See more details[/link]

### Torrevieja Events Calendar

[title]

[when]

[description]


## Subscribe Buttons

### Mark Nolan's Podcast